People worldwide embrace Dragon Year Spring Festival celebration Xinhua) 09:05, February 14, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese dragon, also known as the "loong," is prominent in Chinese mythology as a legendary and auspicious creature. Unlike their European counterparts, Chinese dragons don't exhale fire. Instead, they are often linked with water, symbolizing traits associated with business prosperity, abundant harvests and good health. As the totem of the Chinese nation, the dragon is deemed strong, fearless and benevolent, said Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese. This year's Chinese Spring Festival coincides with the Year of the Dragon, adding extra excitement to global celebrations. It also allows people to satisfy their curiosity about Chinese culture and get acquainted with China's customs and history. VIBRANT WORLDWIDE CELEBRATIONS People worldwide are embracing vibrant celebrations in this year's Spring Festival -- from the bustling streets in Zurich, Switzerland, to the colorful events in Harare, Zimbabwe, the air is filled with excitement. This photo taken on Feb. 2, 2024 shows the image of a dragon projected on clouds in Davos, Switzerland. This was the projection work by Swiss light artist Gerry Hofstetter. (Photo by Mike Kessler/Xinhua) Michael Hitz, a Swiss national, joined his Chinese neighbor at a Spring Festival event in Zurich, Switzerland, where he enjoyed Chinese delicacies. "Authentic Chinese food is indispensable for Lunar New Year events like today," he said. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, people from different communities gather in a Year of Dragon celebration event organized by the Chinese Traditional Culture Association of Zurich. Participants enjoyed a cultural feast of traditional Chinese art, including children's chorus, guzheng (a Chinese plucked string instrument), dance and martial arts, before indulging in over 20 varieties of Chinese delicacies. Lu Jinlian, president of the Chinese Traditional Culture Association of Zurich, told Xinhua that approximately 230 guests shared the hybrid celebration event. In Zimbabwe, vibrant local dances and drum performances were presented at the China-Zimbabwe Friendship High School in Harare, the country's capital, days before the Spring Festival to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. At the scene, local students attending the event enjoyed the opportunity to learn Chinese martial arts, and they were also awed by a Chinese martial arts performance by a visiting troupe from the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Training Center. "Today, I joined the Chinese Kung Fu group. The martial art is difficult, but it's amazing," said Brenda Moyo, a student from the school. Zimbabwean students learn Chinese martial arts from a member of a visiting troupe from the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Training Center during a cultural exchange event in Harare, Zimbabwe, Jan. 31, 2024. (Photo by Tafara Mugwara/Xinhua) A troupe from central China's Henan Province staged a colorful show during the Chinese New Year celebrations at Furi Lebu Railway Station, west of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Feb. 3. A Chinese language student at Addis Ababa University, Temesgen Yitayew, said he was delighted to see the acrobatics performance. "As you can see, I am carrying the national flags of China and Ethiopia to portray that there are growing cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries," Yitayew said. Abdi Zenebe, chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company, told Xinhua that the show has brought a festive vibe to the railway station and surrounding community. RICH CULTURAL ATMOSPHERE The China Cultural Center in Myanmar's commercial hub, Yangon, adorned with vibrant red cultural decorations, bustled with visitors enjoying the Dragon Year Spring Festival. Phoo Pwint Khine, 32, said: "This is my first time attending such a New Year celebration event at the cultural center. I'm experiencing their traditional culture and admiring their calligraphy and paper-cutting works." The Spring Festival event, organized by the Embassy of China in Myanmar at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, was adorned with red lanterns, couplets and various styles of Chinese calligraphy. Visitors learn paper cutting during the opening of the Happy Chinese New Year event at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, Myanmar, Feb. 4, 2024. (Photo by Myo Kyaw Soe/Xinhua) In Slovakia, people attended a concert celebrating the traditional Chinese New Year held at Bratislava, the country's capital. Chinese musicians presented a performance featuring traditional Chinese music and the traditional Slovak folk song "Na Kralovej holi." "Events like this should be held more often to support cultural exchange. It was interesting to hear that many songs featured traditional Chinese instruments, but the melodies reminded me of Western music," said Jana Benicka, Slovak director of the Confucius Institute at Comenius University. "Today's concert will also take 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," said Marek Estok, the country's state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. In Ethiopia, the cultural vibes from central China's Henan Province resonated in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa as a captivating troupe infused the essence of the Spring Festival into their performance. Their repertoire included acrobatics, martial arts, face-changing, and a delightful mix of Chinese and traditional Ethiopian dances, creating an enchanting atmosphere at the Ethiopian National Theater. Kebede Kassa, an employee in the Addis Ababa City Administration, told Xinhua that he enjoyed the cultural show very much, noting that the Chinese cultural shows have been his favorite since childhood. "I am so happy that the Chinese cultural troupe has come to Ethiopia. This event was unique in that it displayed a mix of Chinese and Ethiopian (African) cultures," said Kassa. SHARED JOY To celebrate the New Year, the Chinese community in Nigeria held a carnival celebration in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. For Adeshina Adegboye, a Nigerian mechanical engineer, the festive atmosphere in his city was "electrifying." "As you can see, this celebration clearly shows the shared joy of the Chinese and their Nigerian friends," said Adegboye, a first-time attendee of the annual temple fair, a traditional cultural event featuring various kinds of Chinese folk art. People watch the traditional Chinese lion dance to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at the Champs Elysee avenue in Paris, France, Feb. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Gao Jing) Martins Ifeanyi, a Nigerian businessman, told Xinhua that the celebration was about welcoming a new year and connecting communities, adding that the event was a clear celebration of shared experiences. "This celebration is more than just traditions," enthused Amina Yusuf, a Nigerian woman who attended the event with her two daughters. "This looks more like a mixtape of cultures coming together. It is interesting to know that the Chinese believe that the Year of the Dragon will bring positive vibes. And we are thrilled to share that with them." To immerse oneself in the vibrant festivities of dragon and lion dances, enchanting fish lantern displays, and captivating Hanfu performances, one must not overlook the dazzling performances of the Chinese community on the iconic Champs-Elysees in Paris. A temporary "pedestrian zone" stretching about 300 meters from the Fouquet's restaurant to near the Arc de Triomphe allowed some 50,000 people to enjoy the performances, according to statistics from the Chinese Tourism Office in Paris. "Magnificent event, the first time I've seen an event like this personally, it's grandiose," Jean-Baptiste, who visited the zone, told Xinhua. "There's no better place to do it; it feels good to see colorful events like this from another culture." Foreign leaders and heads of international organizations have sent their festive blessings to the Chinese people, voicing their expectations for stronger bilateral relations and win-win cooperation with China. The United Nations officially included the Spring Festival as a floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings starting in 2024. The arrival of this year's Spring Festival has garnered blessings from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "I'm pleased to send my warmest greetings as we usher in the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon symbolizes energy, wisdom, protection, and good luck," Guterres said. "We need these qualities to rise to today's global challenges," said Guterres. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Chinese Spring Festival celebrated in Ireland Xinhua) 11:32, February 14, 2024 DUBLIN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Spring Festival celebrations kicked off in Dublin, capital of Ireland, on Sunday, drawing more than 70,000 residents to appreciate Chinese music and opera performances, taste sugar painting snacks and get to know Chinese culture. In Dublin's city center, festive red lanterns were hung over the pedestrian zones of Drury Street and Capel Street. Invited by Dublin City Council, artists from Chengdu, capital of southwest China's Sichuan Province, staged fabulous performances at Meeting House Square, providing an audio-visual feast for the Irish audience. Diabolo show, Sichuan Opera and face-changing performances brought the atmosphere to the climax, arousing cheers and applause. A series of cultural activities were hosted on Drury Street on Sunday, featuring lion and dragon dances, cultural heritage displays and snack stalls. A special booth was set up by the Chinese Embassy in Ireland to display various gifts and books showcasing Chinese culture and tourism. On Thursday, a performance will be staged at the EPIC (The Irish Emigration Museum) in Dublin, featuring Peking opera, martial arts, as well as traditional music and dance. The event is hosted by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism with support from the Chinese Embassy in Ireland. At the museum, visitors will have the chance to get a closer look at the Chinese intangible cultural heritage items, namely Kesi (silk weaving), Nisu (clay sculpture), Juanren (silk figurines) and Fengche (pinwheels). Chinese New Year celebrations will also be held in other parts of Ireland, including its second-largest city Cork and County Kildare in the coming days. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Pink Shark's new breakfast menu offers eats like bagels and danishes. Courtesy Pink Shark Downtown bar Pink Shark is waking up a little earlier than usual to serve customers breakfast daily. Early birds can head to the bar starting at 8 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends to fuel up with juices, smoothies and bagels. Fruit- and vegetable-powered drinks like "It's Always Sunny in SA" and "Don't Kale My Vibe" can be boosted with chia seeds or a collagen shot. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Customers can also get a different kind of pick-me-up with a long list of alcoholic drinks, featuring a classic Bloody Mary and cafecito with mezcal and coffee liqueur. Drinks can be enjoyed alongside creative bagel flavors such as the "Cowabunga," which is topped with cream cheese, pepperoni and spicy garnishes. Remote workers and students are welcome to enjoy breakfast offerings with access to free Wi-Fi. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks during a press conference in Berlin. Abbas has called on Hamas to swiftly conclude a hostage agreement with the Israeli government in order to protect the Palestinian people and prevent an Israeli attack on the city of Rafah, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. Wolfgang Kumm/dpa Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on Hamas to swiftly conclude a hostage agreement with the Israeli government in order to protect the Palestinian people and prevent an Israeli attack on the city of Rafah, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. An attack on Rafah would lead to thousands of victims, suffering and displacement, said Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority which controls Palestinian areas of the West Bank. His comments come as the Israeli government prepares a ground offensive in the city of Rafah. Israel's aim is to eliminate the last fighting units of Hamas, an Islamist Palestinian militant group. However, any offensive in Rafah, located in the very south of the Gaza Strip on the Egyptian border, is considered highly problematic given the intense crowding there. Home to some 300,000 people before the war, now 1.3 million have crowded to the city, at times on the instructions of the Israeli military, to flee attacks in the rest of the Strip. Leaders including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the US government and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock have all urged Israel against military action in the city. LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) Advocates of the new gun laws say they are a step in the right direction. Today, they went to the capitol to make sure their voices were heard. At the same time, others are calling the laws a knee-jerk reaction not the solution. Im a Spartan Alum. Ive had classes at Berkey, said Denzel McCampbell, Managing Director of Progress Michigan So, Its personal for myself and a lot of people on staff. After years of work, new Michigan gun laws are being enforced today. That includes things like universal background checks, safe storage laws, and the red flag laws. McCampbell says its important for the root causes of gun violence to be addressed too. Making sure that folks in the community are connected, whether that is access to health care, making sure that folks mental health is taken care of, or also education programs so that folks have what they need in their communities to reduce harm, McCampbell said. Thats the action that we want to see taken. Tonya Medlock with Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation says one of the root causes of gun violence is trauma, which is often ignored. Even though we have things going on in our neighborhoods its still on a level thats getting out of control, Medlock said. Other community advocates, like Michael Lynn Jr., say the new laws are knee-jerk solutions. We have not seen stats that gun laws have changed any violent crime whatsoever, Lynn said. He says we need to invest in more mental health resources. So, then you in turn see things like the Michigan State shooting, Lynn said. This was a man that was mentally ill. We have to stop criminals from shooting people, not stop law-abiding citizens from leaving their guns under their seats. On the other hand, McCampbell says hes proud of the work he and his group accomplished. This action is needed, McCampbell said. And well get to a place where everyone feels safe. If youd like to read more about those new gun laws that go into effect today, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News. Trump uses every procedural legal tool at his disposal, legitimately or otherwise, to delay any litigation that would result in holding him accountable, said Donald Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. Advocates are warning of potential danger if the U.S. Supreme Court grants former President Donald Trump immunity from a federal criminal case against him for his alleged involvement in trying to overturn the 2020 election. Trump requested that the high court halt his election interference trial set for next month on the basis that he is immune from criminal prosecution. Markus Batchelor, national political director at People For the American Way, told theGrio that this is another classic attempt by former President Trump to subvert the law. Trump, he said, understands that the only way for him to evade accountability is to delay the trial and hope that he gets re-elected to the White House. Donald Sherman, senior vice president for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), told theGrio that the former president believes he is above the law and that the law should not apply to him because he was president. Trump uses every procedural legal tool at his disposal, legitimately or otherwise, to delay any litigation that would result in holding him accountable, said Sherman. On Monday, Trumps legal team asked the justices to pause a lower courts ruling, arguing that the 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner is immune from prosecution for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 presidential election while in office. In August 2023, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Trump on felony charges after he allegedly tried to alter the outcome of the 2020 presidential election and prevent the peaceful transfer of power to then-President-elect Joe Biden by inciting a riot on Jan. 6, 2021. The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. is seen in June when, in a groundbreaking decision, the court overturned the use of affirmative action in the college admissions process. (Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) Charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstructing an official proceeding, and conspiracy. A trial date for the case was set for March 4, 2024, which will likely be delayed given this most recent petition to the U.S. Supreme Court. Following Trumps indictment, his legal team filed several motions to dismiss the case, citing that he was immune from criminal prosecution. However, the district court denied those requests. In December 2023, a district court ruled that Trump could face criminal charges for official acts committed during his time in the Oval Office even if the president was acquitted of the alleged conduct during an impeachment proceeding. Shortly after that verdict was reached, Trumps legal team appealed. Earlier this month, the United States Court of Appeals issued a decision that was in line with the district courts verdict. An excerpt from the opinion read that there is no functional justification for immunizing former Presidents from federal prosecution. Trumps legal team then petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene, citing that the lower courts erred in their decisions. An excerpt from the brief reads that the district courts ruling is a stunning breach of precedent and historical norms. The petition continued, In 234 years of American history, no President was ever prosecuted for his official acts. Trumps legal team also said that if he is not granted immunity, it will threaten every future president who would be subjected to years of post-office trauma at the hands of his or her political opponents. Batchelor of People For the American Way, a progressive advocacy group, said the arguments presented by Trumps legal team are beginning to fall apart. The popular opinion, both legal and otherwise, is that the president of the United States is accountable for the law, just like every other citizen of the United States, he said. Jonathan Miller, chief program officer at Public Rights Project, told theGrio that the arguments presented by Trumps legal team are not valid and dangerous. Miller added that Trumps arguments are wildly inconsistent with the constitution and the rule of law and, if accepted, would be incredibly problematic for our country. HOUSTON, TEXAS NOVEMBER 02: Republican presidential candidate former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during a campaign rally at Trendsetter Engineering Inc. on November 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas. Former President Trumps visit to Houston marks his second stop in Texas since earlier this year. The visit comes as his sons Don Jr. and Eric testified at his civil fraud in New York trial today. Trump may be forced to sell off his properties after a judge ruled that he committed fraud for years while building his real estate empire. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images) Sherman of CREW told theGrio that the decision handed down by the circuit court was strong. He said it would be shocking if the Supreme Court took on the case or ruled in Trumps favor. Batchelor said that it is imperative that Trump be held responsible for allegedly interfering with the 2020 presidential election to protect the integrity and security of democracy. If Trump has his way and avoids trial, he said, We should expect events like Jan. 6, 2021, and the saga that spilled out after the 2020 presidential election to just be a dress rehearsal for the days we have ahead of us. Trumps petition to the Supreme Court comes just days after the justices heard hours-long oral arguments in the Donald Trump v. Norma Anderson case to decide whether the former president should remain on Colorados presidential primary ballot. The states Supreme Court ruled that Trump could be barred from the ballot for violating Section 3 of the 14th Amendment, which prohibits someone who took an oath to uphold the Constitution from holding office if they engage in an insurrection or rebellion. Many expect that the majority-conservative court, of which Trump appointed three conservative justices Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett, and Neil Gorsuch will rule in his favor. Batchelor said Trump will continue to leverage the justices he appointed and try to leverage the system to delay accountability. However, he hopes in the case related to whether he is immune from criminal indictment, the justices will agree with the decision of the lower courts. Never miss a beat: Get our daily stories straight to your inbox with theGrios newsletter. The post Advocates warn of danger as Trump seeks immunity from Supreme Court in election fraud case appeared first on TheGrio. In September 2022, when Steve Wright signed off from his final afternoon show on Radio 2, he did it with good humour and characteristic charm. Last show, he said as it opened. Bit of pressure. Got to make it a good one, everybody. It was hard to imagine that Wright, who has died at the age of 69, was really feeling the pressure. After all, he had spent 40 years on daytime national radio, redefining the medium on BBC Radio 1 before moving to Radio 2 for another 23 years as the nations constant and beloved companion, a wild, joyful friend you only had to switch on your radio to summon. At the time, there was a rumbling ageism controversy around Wrights departure from the station and Radio 2 boss Helen Thomass decision to replace him so that they could do something different in the afternoons. At least Wrights many millions of loyal fans could console themselves with the fact that he would still be heard on his Sunday Love Songs show and via podcasts. Now, we must face the simple, shocking fact that we will never again tune in to hear Wrights warm, familiar tones speaking to us across the ether. He is an irreplaceable loss. Born in Greenwich, south London in 1954, Wright got his first taste of broadcasting from a stock cupboard at Eastwood High School for Boys, near Southend-on-Sea in Essex. He would DJ over the schools speaker system, but when he left with just three O-Levels to his name he initially found work in marine insurance. After a few years, finding himself bored out of his mind, he left to pursue a new life as a local journalist. His first job at the BBC was as a returns clerk in the Gramophone Library before he left in the early 1970s to start his broadcasting career with pirate station Radio Atlantis and then Radio 210 in Reading. It was at another pirate station, Radio Luxembourg, that Wright got his big break, presenting a nightly show that brought him back to the attention of the BBC. In 1980, he was hired to present the coveted Saturday night slot on Radio 1. After just six months in Luxembourg, Wright whooped with glee when he got the call. Steve Wright with George Michael of Wham! (PA Wire) Having proved his chops on Saturday night, Wright moved to daytime radio in 1981 and launched the show that would come to define him: Steve Wright in the Afternoon. The show revolutionised British radio of the era by introducing the zoo format from the United States, featuring a posse of recognisable co-presenters, a raft of regular features and formats and, most importantly, the sharp-witted repartee needed to hold the whole thing together. For a time, the mild-mannered Wright was considered as provocative as any American shock jock. Even fellow provocateurs like Morrissey and Johnny Marr of The Smiths were astounded by what they heard. They wrote their 1986 hit Panic! (which features the memorable refrain Hang the DJ) after hearing Wright follow a news report about the Chernobyl nuclear disaster with Wham!s Im Your Man. It was no coincidence that Wright sought to push things forward. He was the sort of radio devotee who would travel the world purely to listen to how local DJs were experimenting with the form. A friend recalled once bumping into him at Heathrow on his way to New York. Wrightie was literally going to sit in a hotel room for a few days to listen to local stations, they told The Mirror. He is obsessed by the medium, which is why hes stayed at the top for so long. BBC radio DJs (fromleft) Simon Bates, Gary Davies and Steve Wright (Getty Images) That dedication and single-mindedness helped Wright win a stack of awards throughout the Nineties, including Best DJ of the Year and TRIC Personality of the Year. In April 1996, he moved to Radio 2 to present two shows for the network: Steve Wrights Saturday Show in the morning and Steve Wrights Sunday Love Songs. In 1999 he relaunched his afternoon show, where he would remain for 23 years until that final show in 2022. Steve Wright In The Afternoon was once again essential listening, regularly drawing audiences of eight million to hear big-name celebrity interviews and recurring features such as Factoids, The Big Quiz and Non-Stop Oldies. In the wake of Wrights death, tributes have poured in from his longtime BBC Radio colleagues Ken Bruce, Tony Blackburn and also those who arrived on air in his wake having been inspired by listening to him: Sara Cox, Scott Mills, Jo Whiley and Zoe Ball. At the same time, a vast swathe of remembrances have been posted to social media from those who were just listening in. Its touching to think of such disparate personalities as Richard Branson, Matt Lucas and Professor Alice Roberts all being tickled by the same factoid, or shouting out answers to The Big Quiz. Back in 2022, at the end of his final Steve Wright in the Afternoon, the DJ signed off by playing Queens Radio Gaga fun, slightly anarchic and openly and repeatedly proclaiming its love for radio, it was a perfect choice for Wrights final song. My only friend through teenage nights, sang Freddie Mercury. And everything I had to know / I heard it on my radio. Thats the gospel of Steve Wright right there. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The Michigan Attorney Generals Office says a new witness has come forward in the death of 16-year-old Eric McGinnis in May 1991 in Berrien County. A spokesperson for the attorney generals office said the department is reviewing the information while it determines whether to reopen the investigation into McGinnis death. The death of Eric McGinnis: Questions then, questions now The body of McGinnis was pulled from the St. Joseph River in the city of St. Joseph in May 1991. The death of the Black teenager was initially ruled an accidental drowning. Decades later, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a report that ruled the death a homicide and identified the suspect as Curtis Pitts. An undated courtesy photo of Curtis Pitts. AGs report: Benton Harbor teen chased, knocked into river in 1991 Pitts, who was white, died by suicide in 2003 12 years after McGinnis death. McGinnis family believes the death was racially motivated and that the police at the time didnt do their job. Mom of Eric McGinnis homicide suspect: He cant defend himself Pitts mom said St. Joseph police interviewed her son shortly after the death. Her son, 19 at the time, denied any involvement. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A line of campers along Jefferson Boulevard in Marina del Rey in 2023. Los Angeles County's Pathway Home program targets RV encampments, cleaning up the RVs and moving residents into interim or permanent housing. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) Just over a year ago, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, following Mayor Karen Bass' lead, declared a local emergency on homelessness in an effort to inject a sense of urgency into addressing the needs of the almost 76,000 unhoused people spread across America's largest county. On Tuesday, the supervisors heard from Cheri Todoroff, executive director of the L.A. County Homeless Initiative, who said the emergency order declared in January 2023 "absolutely is working." Last year, 23,664 people in L.A. County were placed in permanent housing, such as apartments, an 18% increase over 2022, according to data from the Homeless Initiative. An additional 37,505 people were moved to interim housing, which includes hotels, motels and some shelters, a 15% increase over 2022, according to the county. Todoroff said this is likely an undercount because not all 2023 data has been compiled. Additionally, some of those counted as moving into interim housing in 2023 could be counted twice if they also moved into permanent housing the same year. Read more: Bass, one year in: Progress on homelessness but still a steep climb The totals include about 1,800 people housed by 38 Inside Safe operations, the mayor's program, which received help from county agencies. County officials did not disclose the number of people who exited interim or permanent housing during Tuesday's presentation. Last year's annual point-in-time count showed there were an estimated 75,518 people living in interim housing or a tent, car, van, RV or makeshift shelter in L.A. County, up from 69,144 the previous year. The biggest increases were seen in East and West L.A., and the South Bay's Harbor region. Todoroff was clear in the biggest challenge ahead. "The driving force of homelessness is a lack of affordable housing," said Todoroff, who has worked for the county for 35 years. "In Los Angeles County, we're currently experiencing a massive housing deficit of over 500,000 affordable homes." The county has a reputation for being slow to hire, and the emergency powers granted department heads authority to cut through red tape in hiring, Todoroff said. In 2023, the amount of time it took the county to hire someone was cut by 77%, down to about two months, according to county data. In the last two months of 2023, more than three people were hired each day, the county said. The county Department of Mental Health reduced its hiring time from about 304 days to 53 days, the county said. This included hiring for its homeless outreach teams that visit unhoused people with serious mental illnesses. The agency had previously struggled to fill those positions but in 2023 was able to double the number of teams from nine to 18. Read more: To address homelessness crisis, L.A. County needs mental health workers, fast More than 1,000 shelter beds were added for people with mental health and substance use disorders or in need of more intensive care management. The county also spent money on homelessness prevention, providing legal services to 22,000 households. The biggest sticking point for the supervisors Tuesday was how to make the county's Pathway Home encampment cleanup program successful. In October, the supervisors lamented how the program had been set up only in August, taking almost a year from the time the supervisors asked for the program to get rolling. Read more: Supervisors demand urgency in L.A. County's efforts to address homelessness, RVs Since August, the county has carried out 10 Pathway Home encampment cleanups. A total of 443 people were moved from encampments to interim housing, such as motels, and 56 went into permanent housing. Workers removed 206 "unsafe" RVs from encampment communities. "These are successful you get the hotel rooms, you do a lot of outreach and then on that day you have the van there, and you tell everybody, 'It is moving day we are taking you, we are taking your belongings, as many as we can, and we are moving the entire village encampment neighborhood community into a motel or hotel,'" Supervisor Janice Hahn said. "But we've only managed to do 10." Hahn asked what it would take for the county to execute a weekly Pathway Home encampment cleanup. Todoroff said because the board recently approved Measure H and state money through the next fiscal year for the program, she anticipates being able to carry out a Pathway Home operation once every week and a half. "So that scale is happening," Todoroff said. That would mean an estimated 38 Pathway Home encampment operations this year, serving 1,800 people and removing at least 300 RV encampments from roadways. Other supervisors reiterated the importance of those cleanups. "We can't wait for you to get to East Los Angeles," Supervisor Hilda L. Solis said. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Methane is very hard to track around the world, but a new satellite project could help address the issue. Methane emissions, be it from industrial cattle farming or fossil fuel extraction , are responsible for roughly 30 percent of the Earths climate change issues. But despite the massive amounts of methane emissions released into the atmosphere every year, its often difficult to track the pollutantapart from being invisible to the human eye and satellites multispectral near-infrared wavelength sensors, methane is also hard to assess due to spectral noise in the atmosphere. To help tackle this immediate crisis, Google and the Environmental Defense Fund are teaming up for a new project with lofty goals. Announced in a new blog post earlier today, MethaneSAT in a new, AI-enhanced satellite project to better track and quantify the dangerous emissions, with an aim to offer the info to researchers around the world. EDFs aerial data, available in Earth Engine, shows both high-emitting point sources as yellow dots, and diffuse area sources as a purple and yellow heat map. MethaneSAT will collect this data with the same technology, at a global scale and with more frequency. Credit: Google MethaneSAT is highly sophisticated; it has a unique ability to monitor both high-emitting methane sources and small sources spread over a wide area, Yael Maguire, Googles VP and General Manager of Geo Developer & Sustainability, said in a February 14 statement. [Related: How AI could help scientists spot ultra-emission methane plumes fasterfrom space .] To handle such a massive endeavor, the EDF developed new algorithmic software with researchers at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory andHarvard Universitys School of Engineering and Applied Science and its Center for Astrophysics. Their new supercomputer-powered AI system can calculate methane emissions in specific locations, and subsequently track those pollutants as they spread in the atmosphere. MethaneSAT is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in early March. Once deployed at an altitude of over 350 miles, the satellite will circle the Earth 15 times per day at roughly 1,660 mph. Aside from emission detection duties, Google and EDF intend to harness their AI programs to compile a worldwide map of oil and gas infrastructure systems to hone in what aspects rank as the worst offenders. According to Google, this will function much like how its AI programs interpret satellite imagery for Google Maps. Instead of road names, street signs, and sidewalk markers, however, MethaneSAT will help tag points like oil storage containers. The top satellite image shows a map of dots, which are correctly identified as oil well pads. Using our satellite and aerial imagery, we applied AI to detect infrastructure components. Well pads are shown in yellow, oil pump jacks are shown in red, and storage tanks are shown in blue. Credit: Google Once we have this complete infrastructure map, we can overlay the MethaneSAT data that shows where methane is coming from, Maguire said on Wednesday. When the two maps are lined up, we can see how emissions correspond to specific infrastructure and obtain a far better understanding of the types of sources that generally contribute most to methane leaks. Datasets like these could prove valuable to watchdogs and experts attempting to rein in oil and gas emission locations that may become more prone to leaks. All this much-needed information is intended to become available later this year through the official MethaneSAT website, as well as Google Earth Engine , the companys open-source global environmental monitoring platform. In the very near future, the new emissions data will be able to combine alongside datasets concerning factors like waterways, land cover, and regional borders to better assess where we are as a global community, and what needs to be done in order to stave off climate changes worst outcomes. Kendall County Sheriff Al Auxier talks with attendees during an event in Boerne on March 6, 2023. William Luther/Staff Kendall County officials are at odds over how to divvy up $300,000 in state money aimed at raising the pay of sheriffs deputies. Texas Senate Bill 22, passed in June, sets aside grant funding for rural Texas counties to increase deputies pay. The funding applies to counties with fewer than 300,000 residents. With an estimated population of 49,000, Kendall County is in line for $300,000 from the state program, which can be used for compensating employees and for purchasing equipment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Rather than divide the grant money equally among all his deputies, Kendall County Sheriff Al Auxier wants larger payouts for those who have been with the department longer. That would mean some newer employees wouldnt get a pay bump. During a presentation Monday to the Kendall County Commissioners Court, Auxier said his departments entry-level pay is competitive with neighboring counties. Kendall County sheriffs deputies and patrol officers have starting pay of $62,256 and a top pay of $74,402. For comparison, Gillespie County starts deputies and patrol officers out at $63,423 a year and caps pay at $89,615, according to Auxiers data. The Kerr County Sheriffs Office starts out at $63,635 a year and caps at a $109,555, the highest ceiling of Kendall Countys neighboring counties. The Boerne Police Department, which serves the seat of Kendall County, starts out at $61,796 and caps at $97,344. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Auxier said his office struggles to keep officers once they reach the high end of the pay scale, describing the situation as a revolving door. Sixteen deputies and detention officers left in the past four years to pursue higher-paying jobs, he said. The county spent hundreds of thousands in training and equipping officers who left for neighboring departments like Kerr and Gillespie counties, which have higher pay ceilings. We currently have vacant patrol positions, and we are forecasting two new positions for the next budget, Auxier said. And as we sit here, I have deputies considering looking for work in other places. Kendall County Judge Shane Stolarczyk took issue with Auxiers plans for distributing the money, saying that since the letter of the law designates the grant money for boots on the ground deputies, every eligible employee of the department should receive an equal raise. A little something is better than nothing, Stolarczyk said. I just think that from our eyes, all of them getting something has a better chance of keeping them around than giving significant discretionary awards of money. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stolarczyk and other members of the commissioners court raised concerns about whether the county would have to foot the bill if the grant money goes away. Auxier and members of the court agreed the money left after distributing the grant to employees should be spent on equipment. Im not for 33% of the people getting 83% of the grant, Precinct 3 Commissioner Richard Chapman said. It would appear to me that maybe we need to apply some of this money down below where we have the highest attrition rate. If you want Kendall County to remain at the bottom (and) everything stays the same, then were going to continue this revolving door that we continuously have, Auxir said. Im not asking to be the highest paid. Im just asking to be competitive. Determining how the grant funds are distributed is ultimately the responsibility of the commissioners court. A motion to distribute the grant funds as requested by the sheriff did not receive a second from the court, tabling the matter for now. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Stolarczyk said the Auxier would have to go back to the drawing board and consider the comments made by the court. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) Its been two decades since Sergiy Mysyk moved to the U.S. He feels the sting of the thousands of lives lost since Russia invaded his homeland. Mysyk says the $95 million Senate aid package approved Tuesday gives him hope. This passing today provided a glimmer of hope to the Ukrainians, to soldiers on the battlefield that provide a glimmer of hope to the western countries that are standing with the U.S., he said. 1 killed, several injured after vehicle crashes into emergency room in Texas For him and his loved ones, its been a matter of life and death. If it wasnt for U.S. support and the support we have received, I dont know if many of my family members personally would be alive today, he said. Sergiy Mysyk runs Ukrainian Congress Committee of America. Mysyk runs an organization, Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, providing aid in his homeland. He says American cash is a line of defense for Ukraine. If we dont want American boots on the ground in the known potential, where they could come after this if this battle is lost for Ukraine, we have to care and give Ukrainians the ways and the means to defend themselves and defend the rest of the world, Mysyk said. N.C. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis voted for the supplemental package. He says its the job of the U.S. to step up and lead. Sen. Thom Tillis speaks in support of the Ukraine aid package. I believe that it is a solid, balanced policy, and I hope when it goes over to the house they will take it up and pass, he said. Its a matter of global. Its better national security, and homeland security, and essential for stability. Mysyk says the best way for people to get involved is to push elected officials to support the people of Ukraine. He says it will be a loss of freedom and democracy if Ukraine loses the war. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. DENVER, Colo. A full-year continuing resolution for fiscal 2024 would have absolutely devastating effects on the Air Force and Space Forces ability to make progress on key programs, the Air Forces head of acquisition said Tuesday. We have this wonderful vision, lots of great programs that we have teed up, Andrew Hunter told reporters at the Air and Space Forces Associations Air Warfare Symposium here. [We] still need that FY24 budget to make it real. The Pentagon is now operating under its third continuing resolution of fiscal 2024 as Congress continues to draft defense spending legislation. The latest stopgap deal, passed in January, funds the government through March 8. Like a traditional CR, the measure pauses funding at the prior years levels fiscal 2023, in this case and prevents the Pentagon from starting new programs and increasing procurement quantities for existing efforts. While the department is accustomed to operating under a continuing resolution for at least a portion of each fiscal year, the 2023 Fiscal Responsibility Act adds a twist. The law stipulates that all federal agencies would face a 1% cut from fiscal 2023 funding levels if the government was still operating under a CR on Jan. 1, 2024 which it was. However, the language includes a four-month grace period, so while that initial deadline has passed, Congress has until April 30 to approve FY24 appropriations and avoid slashing the executive branchs spending. While lawmakers tend to reach an annual appropriations agreement by March or April each year, Air Force officials signaled a growing concern that Congress could miss the late April deadline. During this weeks conference, the Department of the Air Force distributed a fact sheet outlining the impact a 1% cut would have on its two services, the Air Force and Space Force. The measure would reduce the services buying power by nearly $13 billion and put $2.8 billion in space modernization projects on hold. It would also limit production increases for key programs like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Small Diameter Bomb and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, and delay seven Space Force launches, according to the department. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in keynote speech Monday that the congressional funding standoff has caused significant delays to his vision for modernizing the service. When he took on the role in 2021, he revealed seven operational imperatives meant to inform Air Force and Space Force budget priorities. Initiatives driven by those priorities, 19 of which were included in services FY24 budget request, have yet to be fully funded. It would be very disappointing to me to have been in office for an entire administration and have never received any of the needed resources to be competitive resources that we identified in the first six months I was in office, he said. Key among those efforts, Kendall said, is the Air Forces Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which will field fleets of drones powered by autonomous software and designed to fly alongside crewed fighters. The service hopes to narrow its pool of potential CCA providers from five companies to two or three in fiscal 2024, but that timeline depends on when funding is available. Were moving ahead with a sense of urgency on CCAs, Kendall told reporters Tuesday. As a preamble, everything depends upon FY24 being appropriated. For the Space Force, which requested $30 billion in FY24, the automatic cuts have an outsized impact. The $2.8 billion in stalled modernization projects represents nearly 10% of the services total budget. The Space Forces budget has nearly doubled since it was created in 2019, and Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman told reporters Feb. 13 that funding delays are having an acute effect on the service as it continues to grow. Our ability to do all the missions that are required is being severely impacted by not being able to get the resources that weve asked for, he said. Last December, after Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and the state Legislature refused to submit a Congressional redistricting plan that complied with a three-judge federal courts order, its judges wrote that they were not aware of any other case in which a state Legislature faced with a federal court order declaring that its electoral plan unlawfully dilutes minority votes and requiring a plan that provides an additional opportunity district responded with a plan that the state concedes does not provide that district. Steve Suitts is an adjunct lecturer at Emory University. Those of us old enough to have lived in Alabama in the 1960s and 1970s well remember other such cases. In flaunting contempt for the federal courts enforcement of the nations voting laws, Alabama Republican leaders are rehearsing the playbook of the states most famous Democratic demagogue, former Governor George C. Wallace, who perfected an arrogant defiance of the courts that brought him huge political rewards from a majority of the states white voters. Still remembered for his stand in the schoolhouse door at the University of Alabama, Wallaces opposition to voting rights was equally fierce, unprincipled, and politically advantageous. Wallace built his successful 1962 campaign for governor as a fighting state judge who refused to allow the US Civil Rights Commission to access voter registration records in Barbour County. When challenged for disobeying a federal court order, Wallace said he was conducting his own investigation that was more important than the Civil Rights Commission hearing, and, besides, he had decided only state law could govern voting. Once in the governors chair, Wallace continued to defy the courts, accusing Justice Department lawyers of using claims of discrimination as an a coverup to advantage Black voters over white voters. In Selma in 1965, Wallaces state troopers clubbed and tear-gassed Black voting rights activists, but long before the tragedy on the Edmund Pettus Bridge the governors lawyers and the Alabama Sovereignty Commission used a toolbox of tricks including defiance of judges orders to block the federal courts mandates to let Blacks register and have an opportunity to elect the candidates of their choice. Indeed, in late 1965, the Wallace-dominated Alabama Legislature defied a federal court by passing a redistricting plan in which no state house or state senate district had a majority of African Americans of voting age and only one district had a Black majority of total population notwithstanding that a dozen Alabama counties had more than 50 percent black population. Later, the federal court ordered its own plan, just as it did last year for Alabamas congressional seats. On the day Wallace gave his infamous inaugural segregation forever speech, newly elected Alabama Attorney General Richmond Flowers, a segregationist, delivered his own message: The people of this state must discern and distinguish between a fighting chance and a chance to fight . . . [For] to defy the same federal arm that speaks for America to Castro, Khrushchev, and Mao Tse-tung . . . can bring nothing but disgrace to our state, military law upon our people, and political demagoguery to the leaders responsible. Wallace never forgot nor forgave Flowers. Three generations later, on the night Attorney General Steve Marshall won reelection in 2022, news reporters quoted him telling Alabamians, I stand ready, and I relish the fight, without any apparent need to identify who he would be fighting or if he had a fighting chance to win. And so, old ways continue today. How long will Alabamas white voters continue to reward white officials whose leading role is to scorn the federal courts that protect Black voting rights? After so many years, is there really no possibility that a majority of white voters across the state will routinely elect someone who isnt always hankering for a fight? Will there be no reckoning with the past, no genuine widespread understanding that sharing the governance of the state fairly across racial and ethnic lines can be a mutual benefit and really is what democracy ought to be in Alabama? Born in Winston County, Steve Suitts is an adjunct lecturer at Emory University and the author of A War of Sections: How Deep South Political Suppression Shaped Voting Rights in America (2024). This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: When will Alabama politics be more than a chance to fight? The two-bedroom cottage in Simpson, Bucks, is close to Bletchley Park, where the codebreakers cracked the Enigma codes - KENNEDY NEWS/INIGO/RIGHTMOVE Claims that a cottage for sale was home to Alan Turing, the mathematician and code-breaker, during the Second World War have been withdrawn after local amateur historians disputed the legitimacy of the propertys blue plaque. Inigo, a London-based estate agent, listed a two-bedroom property in Simpson, Bucks, for sale with the claim that it reputedly served as home for the war hero. The claims were supported by a blue plaque on the buildings front wall that states Dr Turing and his fellow codebreakers Harry Hinsley and John Tiltman lived there from 1939 to 1946. Alan Turing is celebrated for his codebreaking work at Bletchley Park in the Second World War - HISTORY/UNIVERSAL IMAGES/GETTY The listing said that the cottage was as historically significant as they come and that it had recently been awarded a blue plaque for historic interest. However, Inigo withdrew the advertisement after history enthusiasts told the estate agent that the plaques information wasnt legitimate. Inigo has since removed the image of the disputed plaque and any mention of Dr Turing from the listing. A spokesman for Bletchley Park, where the codebreakers cracked the Enigma codes and which is a 10-minute walk away from the property, said he did not know whether Dr Turing lived at the address. Inigo said: When we put the listing live we had a few members of the public tell us it wasnt legitimate and we removed the photo because of that. Were not totally sure on the history of the building and whether theres absolutely evidence that he lived in the house. Bletchley Park Trust said it did not commission the blue plaque honoring the codebreakers - KENNEDY NEWS/INIGO/RIGHTMOVE A Simpson community Facebook group spotted the original listing for the property, which is priced at 425,000, and it sparked debate among locals. One said: Alan Turing didnt live here! He lived in Shenley. Dont think there is much evidence for this supposed blue plaque. Another replied: I believe this was reviewed and verified by Bletchley Park, but I wasnt involved in the process. The user responded: From recent inquiries made to Bletchley Park, this is not the case. Hinsley did live here, but not the other two mentioned. If you look at the listing for Turing on their online resources, you will see that they have no mention of him living here either. Bletchley Park, which is now a tourist attraction, confirmed that it did not commission or verify the plaque. A Bletchley Park spokesman said: I can confirm that this plaque was not commissioned by Bletchley Park Trust and hasnt been reviewed or verified by us. Bletchley Park was home to the British codebreaking operation during the Second World War - JOHN LAWRENCE/BLETCHLEY PARK MUSEUM The sale listing was updated in October but it caught peoples attention on Feb 11 when speculative buyers expressed their love for the property and its quintessentially English decor. The home, which is filled with paintings, was reduced in price from 465,000 to 425,000 in November. Blue plaques are a permanent sign that establishes a link between a location and a renowned individual or noteworthy building. The official scheme is confined to Greater London and is administered by English Heritage, but local authorities across the country have replicated similar versions. The Telegraph contacted Milton Keynes council, where the property is located, but did not receive a response. Alan Turing was a mathematician and computer scientist who played a crucial role during the Second World War in cracking coded messages from the Axis powers as part of a unit based in Bletchley Park. An official blue plaque was installed in 1998 to commemorate his birth at Warrington Lodge in Maida Vale, London. 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. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) Alaska Airlines is ramping up their growth at Portland International Airport by adding 20 daily departures to their roster, the airline announced Monday. Starting over the summer, routes with increased service will include Las Vegas, Ontario, Calif., Reno, Sacramento, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Fresno, Medford, Ore., and Phoenix. Alaska Airlines says theyve increased their capacity by 25% to improve connectivity and provide additional travel options. Nearly half of Portland drivers have expired plates Weve been the largest carrier in Portland for more than 20 years. We dont take that for granted. Its important for us to provide our guests with a variety of convenient flight options at PDX along with the addition of new routes. We know travelers have a choice and we want them to fly with us, said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines. Starting Oct. 1, the airline is adding a second daily roundtrip for their winter-spring seasonal flight between Portland and Redmond/Bend. The airline also extended their nonstop seasonal flying from Portland to Billings, Kansas City, and Minneapolis through the end of 2024 after service was set to end in late summer. Oregon files motion to implement Measure 114 amid legal battle By summer, Alaska Airlines will have over 100 average daily departures from Portland, the airline said. Were thrilled about the added flights out of PDX. As our largest carrier, more Alaska flights means even more options for travelers, whether theyre flying cross-country or within the state. And the increase in service means more visitors for our concession and ground travel partners the local businesses that are the heart of our region and bring so much excitement to our airport, said Dan Pippenger, chief aviation officer at the Port of Portland. Alaska Airlines is also putting the final touches on their new Flagship Lounge at PDX, which is scheduled to open between 2025-2026, with over 10,000 square feet of space to double their current lounge seating. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Breaking the Law With official government inquiries into so-called "unidentified anomalous phenomena" (UAPs), the concept of extraterrestrial contact has never seemed closer but alas, there are still major logistical hurdles for any aliens looking to swing by. In interviews with Popular Mechanics about the nitty gritty of alien probes, space experts from schools in New York and California laid out a core tension in the search for intelligent life. On the one hand, life on Earth has been detectable from afar for a very long time. On the other, there are all kinds of pesky physics realities that would make it extraordinarily difficult to actually send a probe here. "Earth has had biosignatures for 3 billion years," University of Rochester astrophysics professor Adam Frank told the outlet. "If there are [such things] as space-faring civilizations, it is not beyond possibility that somewhere in those 3 billion or 4 billion years that somebody came through, or somebody sent probes." But, he warned, unless ETs discover improbable new laws of physics that help them travel faster than the speed of light, master the kind of "warp-drive" tech seen in sci-fi films, or have managed to access wormholes, the sheer distance would be an unbelievable obstacle. "Anything going faster than light is science fiction right now because the laws of physics say that you cant do that," Frank told the magazine. "Speed of light is as fast as youre gonna go." Diamond Rain And Scott McCormack, an assistant professor of engineering and material science at the University of California, Davis said that even if alien civilizations did manage to figure out how to travel faster than light speed, they'd still have to deal with all that space junk that would pummel their crafts en route. Per the reasoning of the UC Davis scientist, whose specialty is in materials that can withstand extreme conditions like those in space, ETs would need spaceships as hard as or harder than diamonds, and far more durable. "To resist these impacts, you want to have a material thats going to have both high hardness [to resist being deformed] and high fracture toughness," McCormack said. "What material could that be? I dont think we have an answer yet." But with all that time, like Frank said, you'd think that if anyone was out there, there's a decent chance they would have both spotted our lonely planet and sent something to go check it out. So, the consensus seems to be, it's worth it to keep looking. More on UFOs: The Pentagon's Ex-UFO Chief is Blaming the Government for Conspiracy Theories A swatting hoax targeting Lowell High School is reigniting criticism about the schools new cell phone policy. Officers descended on Lowell High Wednesday just before noon after a call about a gun on school grounds. Police said that officers quickly determined that the threat did not appear to be credible but conducted a sweep of the entire school out an abundance of caution. The shelter-in-place mode lasted for nearly two hours. Students did not have access to their phones when the lockdown took effect because of the schools new policy. New cell phone policy at Lowell High School prompts pushback from students The new rule, which the district began enforcing at the end of last month, requires students to place their phones in lockboxes at the beginning of each class. In those types of situations, you want to let your parents know that youre okay, said sophomore Deborah Kisekka. I feel like having my phone on me would be appropriate. I want to commend our students and staff for their cooperation with our shelter-in-place procedures and for the continued support of our families and community in helping us to promote a safe learning environment, Head of School Michael Fiato said in a letter to families. Please know that the safety of students and staff is our top priority and we will continue to take precautionary measures and appropriate action to ensure school safety. Parents took to social media, criticizing the lack of communication by the schools administration. Lowell school officials said parents will receive follow-up information as it becomes available. We know it is stressful, but we did not want to send out any false information, a district spokesperson wrote back to an upset parent on social media. Police told Boston 25 News that multiple officers as well as Lowell Police School Resource Officers responded to the reported incident. The preliminary investigation indicates that the report of an incident involving firearms at Lowell High School is unfounded, said Lowell Deputy Superintendent Mark LeBlanc. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By moving an interior wall during construction, the couple carved out enough space for a dedicated dining area with a magnificent view. Robin Jerstad The open kitchen was done in the same cream and white colors as the kitchen in their previous home in the Dominion. Robin Jerstad By moving an interior wall during construction, space was added for a fireplace and TV. Robin Jerstad Norma Reyes said she appreciates the fact that her open kitchen not only overlooks the main living area of the apartment, but the 12th-floor windows give her a expansive view of downtown San Antonio and beyond. Richard A. Marini/Staff The owner's bedroom is in the same calming colors as in their previous home in the Dominion. Robin Jerstad The cozy owner's sleeping chamber is brightened with two pieces from the couple's art collection. Richard A. Marini/Staff The owners bedroom is a calming space with cream colored walls and cozy bedding with splashes of color. Robin Jerstad Although noticeably smaller than it would have been if they hadnt moved the walls to add living area space, the walk-in closet nonetheless takes advantage of every available inch of space. Richard A. Marini/Staff One of several structural changes they made during construction was to install a small makeup vanity with a seat in a spot niche that had been earmarked for a tub. Robin Jerstad Floating cabinets and more art give the owner's suite bathroom a light, modern feel. Richard A. Marini/Staff The apartment has three bedrooms, one of which has been converted to serve as Fernando Reyes home office, Robin Jerstad To make up for the storage space they lost when they shrunk the owner's suite walk-in, they converted the shower in the bedroom that now serves as Fernandos office into an additional closet. The space is still plumbed for water if a future owner wants to convert it back. Richard A. Marini/Staff Even the guest room has an expansive view and art by contemporary Impressionist Rod McGehee. Robin Jerstad The apartment reflects the couple's deep involvement with Fiesta San Antonio, including Fernando Reye's reign as Rey Feo in 2008. Robin Jerstad Over the years, the Reyes family has been very involved with Fiesta San Antonio. Richard A. Marini/Staff Norma and Fernando Reyes spend a lot of time downtown, attending fundraisers, enjoying the restaurants and taking advantage of the citys many cultural offerings. But living out in the Dominion made doing all that a hassle. Fernando works south of town, and so hed have to drive out there to pick me up because we didnt want to have two cars downtown, Norma Reyes said. We needed something different. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 2020, they decided to sell what, for 25 years, had been their dream house." It was a beautiful home, but the kids were gone and it was just the two of us, she said. Taxes just kept going up and up, and it just seemed the right time to move. The 12th floor Thompson Arts residence of Fernando and Norma Reyes. Robin Jerstad They looked at several high-rises in and around downtown, eventually settling on the Arts Residences in the Thompson San Antonio, which at the time was still under construction. Apartment life on the 12th floor suits them well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This is such an ideal location, said Fernando, who is the founder of Reyes Automotive Group, a Toyota supplier. The Tobin is right on the other side of the river. And we love traveling, so all we have to do is lock the door and go." Since the Fiesta parade routes have changed, they also have a bird's-eye view of the excitement. Well invite people who are in the parade to come up and have a drink before they get on their float, said Fernando, who served as Rey Feo in 2008. They've gotten used to the city noises and say their floor is surprisingly quiet, suspecting that many of the condos on their floor are owned either by corporations or people who live in San Antonio only part time. And they enjoy hosting their four grandchildren for overnight stays. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They love coming over because its like being on vacation and staying in a hotel, Norma said. They like having 24-hour service, so thats kind of a treat for them, too. 5 COOL THINGS: Rich Marini spotlights what's new in home design and decor in San Antonio Their condo, which they bought in November 2020, has three bedrooms (one serves as Fernandos home office) and 3 baths, although one is not in use (more on that in a minute). Equivalent apartments today sell for $1.4 million to $1.8 million. Because the building was already under construction when they bought their unit, the couple were limited in what changes they could make to the floor plan. One thing they did do at the suggestion of their interior designer, Ernesto Bustamante of Domain Design by Ernesto Bustamante involved moving an interior wall to enlarge the living room space while shrinking the walk-in closet in the owners suite. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The reconfigured living area not only gave them room to install a gas fireplace with a TV above it, it also opened up the view out the large, curved bank of windows along the far wall. When the weather cooperates, that view reaches all the way to the distant Hill Country. Those windows are what sold us on this apartment, said Fernando. We realized that if we were going to live here, we really wanted to showcase that view. For those times when views are not top of mind at night when they want privacy or during the day while watching TV they installed motorized shades that slowly drop down over the nine separate window panels. The kitchen peninsula is topped with a cream-colored granite slab shot through with subtle streaks of light and dark gray. Robin Jerstad In the open kitchen, the cream-colored cabinets were chosen to match the creamy-white granite atop the peninsula that's shot through with streaks of light and dark gray. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The kitchen is very reminiscent of my kitchen in the Dominion, said Norma, who is retired from the family business. Our old house had a kind of timeless look, and this isnt a big change from that. The cream color continues in the owners bedroom, a calming space where the cozy bedding brings splashes of color. Flanking the bed are a pair of cat lamps that hint of ancient Egypt. She brought them with her when the couple moved to San Antonio after living in Laredo for many years. Its the way I mix my old stuff with the new, she said. Never forget the old. At the far end of the bedroom is a niche that could have been used as a seating area but instead accommodates Norma Reye's work desk that has its own expansive view of downtown. Robin Jerstad At the far end of the bedroom, a niche that could have served as a small seating area instead contains Normas work desk, complete with its own million-dollar view of downtown. And the bathroom repeats the same quartz countertop as in the kitchen, this atop a modern floating cabinet. Nearby is another change they made during the construction phase: They installed a makeup vanity with a seat in a space that was earmarked for a tub. We already have the stand-up shower, so we didnt need the tub, she said. She also made peace with losing closet space when the interior wall was moved to enlarge the living area. In our old house I had a whole room for my clothes and then I had a dressing room, too, she said. I had to get rid of a lot of clothing to make this smaller closet work, but I still wear the same stuff over and over again." If at first you don't succeed: On their second attempt, House Republicans have successfully impeached Alejandro Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, in a 214 to 213 vote. Mayorkas has made history as the first sitting cabinet member to be impeached since 1876. It's unlikely this will progress in the Senate, as members are likely to dismiss the charges. "Since this Secretary refuses to do the job that the Senate confirmed him to do, the House must act," said Speaker Mike Johnson (RLa.). Republicans have charged Mayorkas with "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" as he deals with the influx of migrants at the southern border. "History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games," said President Joe Biden in a statement last night, calling the impeachment a "political stunt." "House Republicans will be remembered by history for trampling on the Constitution for political gain rather than working to solve the serious challenges at our border," said a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. Many constitutional law experts have claimed that House Republicans "presented no evidence that Mr. Mayorkas's conduct rose to the level of high crimes and misdemeanors," which remains the "standard for impeachment laid out in the Constitution," per The New York Times. The three Republicans who broke with their party and refused to vote in favor of impeachmentColorado's Ken Buck, Wisconsin's Mike Gallagher, and California's Tom McClintockexpressed concerns along those lines. Santos out, Suozzi in: Though I generally try to ignore Long Island as much as humanly possible, it does seem that a congressional district was flipped there last night. Democrat Tom Suozzi won in the special election that was held after Republican drag queen and former Rep. George Santos' seat was vacated following a fraud scandal. New York Democrats underperformed in the 2022 midterms, so this win is actually of some significance. Suozzi's opponent, Mazi Pilip, tried to make New York City's migrant influx the headline issue of the race, but it didn't work: the Democrat was perceived as fairly moderate by voters, not a radical or someone who bears any responsibility for New York City governance. Scenes from New York: The oldest gunmaker in America, Remington, is closing its upstate New York factory and moving operations to Georgia, which the company says is friendlier to gun rights. "When Remington leaves, it's not going to be like a facility leaving, it's going to be like part of your family has moved off," Ilion resident Jim Conover, who started at Remington in 1964, told the Associated Press. QUICK HITS "I daresay that Carlson did, indeed, have a nice time when he visited Moscow," writes National Review's Charles C.W. Cooke in a searing takedown of Tucker Carlson's Moscow fawning. "As a rich foreign tourist who was being carefully minded by the Russian government, he was undoubtedly exposed to the Moscow that its champions wanted him to see. And that city, I'll wager, is pretty swell." "C.D.C. Considers Ending 5-Day Isolation Period for Covid," reads a New York Times headline from today, as if anyone was still doing a five-day isolation period. Truly: A thing that is lightly hilarious is weird redpill/trads inventing statistics and then running around yelling about the statistics they invented. The average American woman has had 4 sexual partners. The vast majority of women do not do any of this. Go outside. pic.twitter.com/znTUMbYqcA Jane Coaston (@janecoaston) February 13, 2024 I always appreciate whenever Paul Ehrlich circulates on Twitter, mostly because it provides an opportunity to talk about how wrong his predictions were: Note that Paul Ehrlich didn't show remorse for what he spread. "My language would be even more apocalyptic" if he were writing today, he said in 2015. After all, letting families have as many children as they want is like letting them "throw as much of their garbage into their pic.twitter.com/XETvXd2LbL Liz Wolfe (@LizWolfeReason) February 14, 2024 A Georgia judge will decide whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be taken off her Donald Trump election interference case, given the revelation that Willis had a romantic relationship with the special prosecutor on the case. Good thread: When some people look back fondly on the "Cold War Consensus," what they miss is that said "consensus" is a fairly brief artifact of its time, one shaped by a narrow media and ideological environment that was aggressively policed.https://t.co/QQwNGPvM8R Brandan P. Buck (@brandan_buck) February 13, 2024 The post Another Damn Impeachment appeared first on Reason.com. Sen. Ron Wyden speaks during a press conference following a luncheon with Senate Democrats in the U.S. Capitol Building on May 2, 2023, in Washington, D.C. Sen. Ron Wyden speaks during a press conference following a luncheon with Senate Democrats in the U.S. Capitol Building on May 2, 2023, in Washington, D.C. A national anti-abortion group used cell phone location data to target visitors of Planned Parenthood clinics in 48 states with abortion misinformation, according to an investigation from Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). The Veritas Society, a nonprofit created by the Wisconsin Right to Life, used a data broker system called Near Intelligence to target people whose cell phone location data showed they had visited any of the 600 Planned Parenthood reproductive health clinics across the country. Wyden detailed his offices findings Tuesday in a letter to the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, urging the FTC to better protect location data. Wydens office found that Veritas Society hired an advertising agency to use Near Intelligences website to draw a line around each Planned Parenthood clinic and clinic parking lots. Anyone with a cell phone who stepped into those targeted areas were served social media ads with anti-abortion messaging or abortion misinformation. The senator began investigating Near Intelligence in May 2023 after The Wall Street Journal revealed Veritas Society was peddling abortion misinformation using cell phone data. The Veritas Society ad campaign ran from late 2019 through the summer of 2022, after the Supreme Court repealed federal abortion protections, according to Wydens investigation. The Veritas Society reported that in 2020, in Wisconsin alone, the organization served over 14 million advertisements to people who visited abortion clinics as well as ads to those devices across the womens social pages, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat, according to a web page that has since been removed. The Wisconsin Right to Life and Near Intelligence did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Data privacy has become increasingly important since Roe v. Wade fell in June 2022, and over a dozen states criminalized abortion care. Cell phones effectively track everywhere a person goes, and data brokers like Near Intelligence are legally allowed to buy and sell this information. Tech giants like Google pledged to delete the location data of users visits to abortion clinics after Roe fell, but the company did not keep their promise. Location data can be weaponized against abortion providers or people seeking care by anti-choice lawmakers and groups like Veritas Society. Several abortion-rights states passed legislation to safeguard location data after the Supreme Court repealed federal abortion protections, anticipating that data privacy would be the next point of attack for the anti-abortion movement. Veritas Society touts itself as leading the way in pro-life digital marketing technology, according to its website, which adds: Imagine: Reaching pregnant women when the danger to their unborn children is greatest when Mom is in the midst of making a life-or-death decision. Took the first pill at the clinic? It may not be too late to save your pregnancy, one social media ad read from Veritas Society, according to The Wall Street Journal investigation. If someone clicked into the ad, they were directed to a website that gave them two options: I want to undo the abortion pill or I am thinking about the abortion pill. Reversal of a medication abortion is not scientifically possible, though the rhetoric is often used by anti-choice organizations. The Wall Street Journal uncovered how the anti-abortion group was targeting visitors of reproductive health clinics; Wydens office built off of the publications investigation by revealing how widespread Veritas Societys ad reach was. If a data broker could track Americans cell phones to help extremists target misinformation to people at hundreds of Planned Parenthood locations across the United States, a right-wing prosecutor could use that same information to put women in jail, Wyden said in a Tuesday press release. Federal watchdogs should hold the data broker accountable for abusing Americans private information, Wyden added. And Congress needs to step up as soon as possible to ensure extremist politicians cant buy this kind of sensitive data without a warrant. Near Intelligence is currently being investigated by the SEC and filed for bankruptcy at the end of last year. Wyden is urging the FTC to block any sale of the data collected from users who visited Planned Parenthood clinics when Near Intelligence sells off its assets. Read Wydens letter to the FTC and SEC in full here. Related... Yazmin Juarez Coyoy, front left, leaves the federal courthouse in San Antonio on Feb. 6. A San Antonio jury decided Tuesday that Juarez failed to prove her toddler got sick at an area immigration facility in 2018 and, as a result, died six weeks after their release the main allegation of her federal lawsuit against Tennessee-based CoreCivic, the operator of the complex in Dilley. Guillermo Contreras/Staff A San Antonio jury decided Tuesday that a Guatemalan immigrant failed to prove her toddler got sick at an area immigration facility in 2018 and, as a result, died six weeks after their release the main allegation of the mothers federal lawsuit against the operator of the complex. By an 8-1 verdict, jurors found Memphis, Tenn.-based CoreCivic was not negligent while housing Mariee Camyl Newberry Juarez and her mother, Yazmin Juarez Coyoy, in the South Texas Family Residential Center in March 2018. After they were released on March 25, Mariee spent six weeks in hospitals in New Jersey and Philadelphia, and died May 10, 2018, from complications from two viruses. She was 21 months old. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Juarez, now in her mid-20s, cried as U.S. District Judge Fred Biery read the verdict. She was consoled by her lead lawyer, Stanton Jones. CoreCivic defended its Dilley complex in a written statement. We care about every person entrusted to us, especially vulnerable populations for which our partners rightfully have very high standards that we work hard to meet each day, the company said in a statement. Our hearts continue to go out to this family for the tragic loss of their child. The jury, whose nine members were all Hispanic, deliberated a day and a half after closing arguments on Friday. The trial ran all of last week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The jurors appeared to be at an impasse Tuesday morning when they sent a note asking the judge to allow them to review a trial exhibit. Biery agreed and added in his note that both sides in the case agreed to accept an 8-1 verdict. Jurors reached a decision about an hour and a half later. Juarez sued CoreCivic in 2019, claiming Mariee was healthy when the pair arrived at the facility but contracted two viruses while they were held in crowded conditions in a housing unit. Initially, the suit sought up to $40 million in damages, but Juarezs lawyers did not specify to the jury how much they were seeking in damages. Lawyers for Juarez argued in court last week that a boy in the same housing unit was sick and that Mariee may have contracted the viruses from him. They also argued that CoreCivic should have had isolation protocols in place to separate the sick from the healthy. They failed to provide safe conditions appropriate for small children detained at the South Texas Family Residential Center, Jones said in his closing argument on Friday. They had a duty to provide safe living conditions for children in their care and, as you have heard all week, they did not do that. 'WATCHING MY DAUGHTER DIE': Migrant says daughter caught fatal viruses in a Texas detention facility Advertisement Article continues below this ad But attorneys for CoreCivic said it was impossible to prove that the child was infected at the facility and countered that Mariee was either already sick before leaving Guatemala or infected along the way. The mother and daughter slept for four nights on the floor of a makeshift structure near McAllen with about 50 other mothers and children operated by Border Patrol before Juarez and Mariee were moved to the Dilley facility. They didnt even come close to proving liability in this case, Daniel Struck, one of CoreCivics lawyers, said in his closing argument. They have to prove that defendants breached the standard of care by having beds too close together in an unsanitary environment, and that Mariee caught these two viruses from a boy there. We all know they didnt prove that. During the weeklong trial, a vice president for CoreCivic and a former warden said those held at the complex had access to multiple onsite health clinics administered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The clinics were open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for appointments and medical emergencies. The facility is about 70 miles southwest of San Antonio and can hold up to 2,400 people. CoreCivic opened it in 2014 under a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold women and children migrants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Juarez also sued ICE in 2020 in federal court in New Jersey, alleging negligent medical care at the Dilley facility. The government agency, not CoreCivic, handles medical care at the Dilley complex. Activists and community members calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas War disrupted the Raleigh City Council meeting Tuesday night, forcing it to adjourn early. The Raleigh City Council met with nearly 140 people signed up to speak with most calling for a cease-fire resolution and to show their support for Palestine. It was the first meeting since Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin said the Raleigh City Council would not vote on a ceasefire resolution. On Tuesday, about 45 minutes into the meeting and after a few dozen speakers, attendees began chanting and singing. Yall, we cant keep the meeting going if you guys chant, said Mayor Pro Tem Jonathan Melton, who was chairing the meeting in Baldwins absence. Melton then called for the meeting to be paused while people continued to chant and sing, including Cease-fire now, Stop killing babies and Stop the genocide. After about 20 minutes, the crowd had left the chambers, and Melton adjourned the meeting. City council members and staff also had left the room, which Melton said is what were instructed to do with theres an issue of safety or I guess, lack of decorum. It was determined that we would not be able to, I guess, regain composure of the room, he said in an interview after the meeting. And so with the city attorney I adjourned the meeting. I really wanted this evening to create a space for everyone felt like they were heard, whether we agree or disagree on any particular issue, and so I obviously hate that the meeting had to be adjourned, Melton told The News & Observer. But I do hope that everybody who was there felt like they were heard and that everyone got home safely. Response to mayors statement Since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel and took 240 hostages, the ongoing Israel-Hamas War in Gaza has reverberated around the world. Locally, hundreds of activists and community members have repeatedly attended public meetings to ask leaders to issue a resolution calling for a cease-fire. On Feb. 6, Baldwin said Raleigh would not do so, saying the community is divided on the issue. Others have asked the city to remain out of international affairs or to support Israel. Instead, she read a statement of peace. Yes, our community is conflicted. But our values are evident, Baldwin said then. We call for the protection of all civilians and humanitarian relief. We call for the safe return of all hostages. We, like many others in our country, call on world leaders to work toward an end to this conflict and a peaceful long-term solution. We call for peace at home and abroad. On Tuesday, community members read from a statement, signed by over 40 groups, in response to Baldwin. With this statement, Mayor Baldwin and her supporters in the City Council reveal that they do not care about the thousands of Palestinian and non-Palestinian constituents who have shared their grief and pain over the past several months, and who have clearly demanded that their City Council stand in opposition to the ongoing indiscriminate slaughter of Palestinians, said Angie Elhuni. While meetings in Raleigh have been forced to recess, this is the first time the issue has forced a meeting to end early. Council members Jane Harrison and Megan Patton addressed the crowd before the start of public comments. Harrison said she intends to join groups on Wednesday in delivering a petition calling for a cease-fire to office of U.S. Rep. Deborah Ross of Wake County. Patton thanked people for holding elected leaders accountable, including herself. She reiterated that she believes a cease-fire resolution is the right course of action. When it became clear that there was not consensus on our council, I thought an answer was better than our continued radio silence, she said. A Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom is yet to be found, in particular, because of the requirements being exceptionally high, his predecessor Vadym Prystaiko said in an interview with Liga.net on Feb. 13. The position of ambassador to the UK was offered to people of a fairly high level, he said, adding that many successful people in Kyiv, on the contrary, are not willing to go to work in other countries. It is obvious that this person has to be loyal, because it is a unique position where the president makes the decision [about the appointment] himself, the diplomat said. No votes procedures or something are to be held, no qualification requirements. Who should be an ambassador? I can tell you as a three-time ambassador, as a former Minister and Ministry chief of staff, like that person in charge of the Ministry activities, I can tell you that ambassadors are diplomatic service Generals. Read also: Zelenskyy sacks Ukraines envoy to UK Many refuse because the predecessor was removed from office, and therefore they will both be compared, Prystaiko added. A new ambassador must be better than his predecessor, so that others understood what the dismissal was for. The ambassadors are considered to be an artificial product that needs to be cultivated, Prystaiko said. It may take 20 years to reach the required level, according to him. The resignation of the Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov was followed by the information that he could head the Ukrainian embassy in the UK, but this did not happen. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi, among other things, was offered the position of Ambassador to the UK when they were discussing his dismissal with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but he refused to be transferred to a civilian position during the war, Censor.Net Editor-in-Chief Yuriy Butusov reported. Read also: Zelenskyy sternly reacts to Wallace's remarks on Ukraines lack of gratitude Zelenskyy sacked Prystaiko from the position of Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK on July 21, 2023. The reason for the diplomats dismissal is still unknown, but the most attention was paid to the fact that Prystaiko criticized the president. He called Zelenskyys statement regarding gratitude for Ukraines support to British Defense Minister Ben Wallace unhealthy sarcasm. How else can we show our gratitude? Zelenskyy said in response to the defence ministers comments. We can wake up in the morning and thank the minister. Let him write to me and tell me how to thank him. Read also: Defense Minister Reznikov rumored to be tapped for new role interview with MP Kostenko Prystaiko was appointed the ambassador of Ukraine to Great Britain in July 2020. He had served as the Foreign Affairs Minister in Oleksiy Honcharuk government prior to that. He was appointed deputy head of the Presidential Administration in May 2019, after Zelenskyys victory in the presidential elections, and he was transferred to the position of the Presidents Office deputy head after the administration had been reorganized on June 25. He also served as Head of the Mission of Ukraine to NATO. 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 Adrian Garduno, 24, was shot and killed in a Taco Bell drive-thru Monday in Surprise after pointing a gun at surrounding people. The altercation took place around 1:30 p.m. at a Taco Bell on Prasada Parkway and Waddell Road, where officers arrived to find Garduno already shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene. "Mr. Garduno exited his vehicle, displayed a firearm, approached the other vehicle, and pointed his firearm at the occupants," police said. "It was at this time that an adult male in the other vehicle presented his own firearm, shooting and striking Mr. Garduno multiple times." Investigators learned that Garduno approached the other vehicle after a verbal altercation started between the two men in the drive-thru. According to police, the man who shot Garduno cooperated with police and was later released. "This investigation will be forwarded to the Maricopa County Attorneys Office for review and or charging," police said. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona man shot, killed after dispute at Taco Bell drive-thru LITTLE ROCK, Ark. The Republican Party of Arkansas is mourning the loss of a key figure who died over the weekend, following years of service at the national and state level. Attorney General Tim Griffins office announced Sunday the death of Chief Deputy Attorney General Bob Brooks Jr. He was 61 when he died. If you gave me a billion dollars, I could not replace Bob Brooks, Griffin said in an interview Tuesday. Gus Wingfield, fixture in Arkansas politics and public service, dead at 97 According to his obituary, Brooks was chief of staff for former Arkansas U.S. Rep. Jay Dickey before becoming appointed by former Gov. Mike Huckabee to be the director of the Arkansas Ethics Commission. The obituary states that he then worked for the Republican National Committee, helping to oversee the 2000 Florida recount on behalf of the Bush-Cheney campaign. He would then serve as chief of staff to Jim McCrery, a former U.S. congressman and ranking member of the House Committee on Ways and Means Brooks returned to Arkansas in 2020 to be closer to his family before Griffin would appoint him as chief deputy attorney general in January of 2023, his obituary says. Im trying to just focus on how grateful I am to have had that year with him, Griffin said. Former Gov. Asa Hutchinson also weighed in on the death, speaking on his friendship with Brooks. He knew how to fight in the courtroom, but he was also somebody that could be a dear friend, he said. Thats what well miss. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. The Bexar County Medical Examiner identified Jewel Mikayla Garcia, 20, and Josiah Roshon Moton, 20, as the two people found dead on the South Side. mbbirdy/Getty Images Two people found dead by San Antonio police inside a South Side apartment on Friday have been identified. The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office identified Jewel Mikayla Garcia, 20, and Josiah Roshon Moton, 20, as the two people found dead inside a unit in the Palo Alto Apartment Homes near Texas 16. Police Chief William McManus said the incident started around 2 p.m. when Garcia called 911 and said, Ive been shot. The 911 call takers could hear her talking with Moton, and then gunshots ensued. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What we have is a murder-suicide, McManus said on Friday, adding that Garcia was killed and then Moton turned the gun on himself. Police searched the home following the incident and found two children, 1 and 2 years old, hiding in a bedroom with the door locked. They were found unharmed. ASHEVILLE - An Asheville pizzeria heads to the Queen City; a local dog park and bar plans expansion; a Montford restaurant rolls out kegs of its craft beer with brewery debut. Another slice of Pie.zaa In 2020, Pie.zaa, a South Slope pizza joint, opened in Asheville with its larger-than-life New York-style 14-inch-long slices and 28-inch whole pies. On Feb. 16, Pie.zaa will open a second location at 1440 South Tryon St., suite 103 in Charlotte. Pie.zaa's Sweet Caroline pizza, which features fresh mozzerella, marinara. ricotta, pesto, fresh basil, and a honey drizzle. Pie.zaa, popular for its late-night service, will be open 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Monday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Sunday. For more about Pie.zaas Asheville and Charlotte pizzerias, visit piezaapizza.com and follow @pie_zaa. Dog bar expansion Wagbar, a private dog park that entertains canines and humans, will soon have a new location in North Carolina. In 2019, Wagbar was introduced at 320 Merrimon Ave. in Weaverville with a 25,000-square-foot outdoor open space for dogs to run off-leash and a bar for owners to purchase food and beverages in a social setting. Humans may enter for free without dogs, too. Wagbar owner and creator Kendal Kulp stands behind the bar, made from a shipping container, with his operations manager, and father, Kajur, at the hybrid dog park and bar in Weaverville on Oct. 7, 2020. The company confirmed that the first franchise has been secured to open in Cary. "It's really become a destination," Wagbars co-founder Kajur Kulp told the Citizen Times. "We have members from 48 states who've joined Wagbar who've been traveling or have second homes." Wagbar welcomes others interested in franchising to inquire at wagbar.com/franchising. More details to come about Wagbars new location. Nine Miles new brewery A local Caribbean fusion restaurant is going the extra mile to offer a well-rounded food and beverage menu. Nine Mile has released four craft beers to mark the launch of its new brewery at its Montford location at 233 Montford Ave. Nine Mile restaurant has introduced Nine Mile Brewing with four new beers on tap: Shale Pile Stout, Isabella Golden Ale, Montford IPA and Jose Llamas Mexican Lager The brews are available at the restaurants three locations, including at 751 Haywood Road in West Asheville, 33 Town Square Blvd. in South Asheville, and in Montford. On Feb. 28, Nine Mile invites the public to the Montford brewery and restaurant to celebrate the launch. Beginning at 4 p.m., the first 100 guests will receive a limited-edition Nine Mile Brewing pint glass. The four inaugural brews are the Shale Pile Stout, Isabella Golden Ale, Montford IPA and Jose Llamas Mexican Lager. Shale Pile Stout (5.5% ABV) is a smooth and roasty stout with chocolate and molasses aromas and flavors. Nine Mile Brewing's Shale Pile Stout has essences of chocolate and molasses. Isabella Golden Ale (4.8% ABV) is brewed with Galazy and Citra hops and offers a floral and citrusy finish. Honey malt gives it its golden hue. Montford IPA (7.1% ABV) was crafted to provide a balance of bitterness and tropical flavors from El Dorado, Strata and Azaca hops. Jose Llamas Mexican Lager (4.7% ABV) is a light, crisp lager made with flaked maize, a touch of caramel and noble Saaz hops. Ask the server for recommended dish pairing for each brew. Nine Miles head brewer Evan Boose, who has been with the restaurant since 2018, is also preparing to release a Czech-style Pilsner and Nine Mile seltzers. The beers are $7/pint. One Love 32 oz. mini growlers are for sale for $20 with $10 refills. Customers may also order the Isabella Golden Ale at local restaurants Strada and Creekside Taphouse. For more, visit ninemileasheville.com and follow on social media @ninemileasheville. Stories you may have missed: Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times. This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Nine Mile's new brewery, Pie.zaa's new location, Wagbar expansion Seen in the celebrity-packed box next to Taylor Swift at the Superbowl, was stylist and designer Ashley Avignon, who grew up in Arizona. Swift's longtime friend was spotted cheering for the singer's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs throughout the big game from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's suite. Avignon was joined by "Karma" collaborator Ice Spice, actress Blake Lively, as well as Swift's and Kelce's other friends and family members at the event. Swift and Avignone were also seen celebrating and playing a drinking game that was won by the Eras Tour star. Here's everything you should know about Taylor Swift's close friend of several years. Ice Spice, left, Ashley Avignone ,Taylor Swift, center, and Blake Lively watch during Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. How did Taylor Swift meet Ashley Avignone? How do they know each other? According to People Magazine, Taylor Swift and Ashley Avignone met through their mutual friend Emma Stone, who also grew up in Arizona. Avignone and Stone have been friends since they were teenagers and their friendship has endured throughout the years, the magazine reported. Swift, Stone and Avignone were seen together to the premiere of "Easy A" in 2010. Swift and Avignone also accompanied Stone to the 2011 Vanity Fair Oscars party. Where is Ashley Avignone from? Where did she grow up? Avignone was born in Los Angeles and grew up in Arizona, according to Us Weekly magazine. Avignone later returned to the West Coast to study fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. She has primarily lived in New York City since 2013, according to the magazine. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Who was with Taylor Swift in the box? What to know about Ashley Avignone [Source] AsiaSF, a bar and restaurant that also serves as a beacon for transgender inclusivity in San Francisco, is closing its doors permanently next month. Breaking the news: The San Francisco Asian fusion restaurant broke the news in a Facebook post on Feb. 7, announcing that it will be closing on March 31, adding, After nearly 26 years of unforgettable memories, we have made the difficult decision to retire from the business. AsiaSF thanked its patrons for their unwavering support throughout the years, adding that the restaurant would not have become the legendary institution it is today without their patronage and enthusiasm. Trending on NextShark: Young Chinese women are resorting to AI boyfriends for better communication What happened: Larry Hashbarger, the 72-year-old co-owner of AsiaSF, told the San Francisco Chronicle that it has been difficult to maintain the restaurant after it reopened in January 2021 after closing down during the COVID-19 pandemic. I'm still a little numb right now because it's tough to step away from something you've been a part of for so long, Hashbarger told SFGate. It's heartwarming to know that we've touched so many people in such a significant way. I will miss every element of it. About the restaurant: First opened in 1998, AsiaSF is a bar and restaurant known for hosting cabaret shows, like the World-Famous Transgender Ladies Of AsiaSF. Hashbarger noted that the restaurant was inspired by friend's gender transition in Thailand. Trending on NextShark: Fewer Japanese women are giving obligatory chocolates to male colleagues on Valentine's Since then, AsiaSF has become a safe space for and educating ground about the transgender community. Last year, Mayor London Breed gave the restaurant a plaque and proclaimed April 17 AsiaSF Day for the establishments role in supporting the LGTBQ+ community during its 25 years of business. Trending on NextShark: Woman laid off from LinkedIn lands job at Google after sending this video Trending on NextShark: Missing 4-year-old boy found after 2 women go on search following Amber alert Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) The Angelo State University Cheer Team announced Wednesday they will be hosting two different cheer clinics in March to help inspire young cheerleaders and give high schoolers and ASU students a taste of what the team is all about. According to a press release from ASU, both clinics will take place in the Ben Kelly Center for Human Performance at 2050 S. Johnson St. on March 16. ASU clay target team shoots for stars at regional contest The first clinic will be held on Saturday, March 16 for kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Check-in for the clinic will start at 8:30 a.m. with the clinic lasting from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Participants will get the chance to tumble, jump and stunt along with learning some gameday chants. There will also be photo opportunities with the cheer team and mascot and other fun activities. Registration for this clinic is available online and will last through February 28. The Youth Cheer Clinic will be $30 per person. The second clinic ASU will host is a College Prep Clinic on March 16. High school and ASU students will work on college-level group stunts, pyramids and baskets. Participants will also learn the ASU Fight Song, and gameday expectations while getting the chance to tumble. This clinic will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with check-in happening at 12:30 p.m. The College Prep Clinic will cost $30 per person. Registration will be ongoing through March 15. For more details on upcoming ASU Cheer Clinics, visit the ASU website. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Thomas Olson, left, of Grand Blanc Township confers with his attorney Michael Manley, Wednesday, March 22, 2023, during the second day of the preliminary hearing in Clinton County District Court. Olson and Robert Rodway of St. Johns have been charged in the November 2018 killing of hunter Chong Yang in Bath Township's Rose Lake State Game Area. ST. JOHNS Jurors on Tuesday heard vastly different theories about the killing of a Lansing hunter on public land in Bath Township more than five years ago as the murder trial for a Grand Blanc Township man got underway in a St. Johns courtroom. Thomas Olson, 35, didn't intend to kill Chong Mua Yang, 66, when he fired a shotgun, "probably" into the air, striking the Hmong-American man in the back of the head on the evening of Nov. 16, 2018 at Rose Lake State Game Area, Assistant State Attorney General Richard Cunningham said in his opening statement. Cunningham suggested Olson was trying to scare Yang so he could make fun of the situation on social media. By firing the weapon, Olson knowingly created a high risk of death or great bodily harm, the attorney said. "It was all a big joke," Cunningham said. "He likes to make jokes about minorities.... He just wanted sport here, to be able to post on his social media how he scared the devil out of him." Chong Yang But defense attorney Michael Manley said the evidence will show Olson, who was hunting in the area that day, was "nowhere near" Yang when the older man was shot. The actual killer was another man who police eliminated as a suspect, even though there was physical evidence linking the man to the crime scene, Manley said in his opening statement. Moreover, the man was known to be biased against people of Yang's ethnicity and had a motive for shooting the hunter, the attorney said. "He was not killed by accident; he was murdered," Manley said, referring to Yang. "The evidence is going to show he was murdered," either as a hate crime or as the result of an argument over where the two men were going to hunt, Manley said. Olson and his hunting partner on the day Yang was killed, Robert Rodway, of St. Johns, were charged with first-degree, felony murder in late 2022, more than four years after the killing. The charges were brought by Attorney General Dana Nessel's Office after the Clinton County Prosecutor's Office denied a warrant request. The attorney general's office dismissed the charges against Rodway last fall, citing unresolved evidentiary issues, after Rodway's attorney filed an emergency bond motion based on newly discovered evidence. A month later, Olson was released on a $500,000 personal bond after a judge adjourned his trial for several months. The evidence against Olson includes potentially incriminating text messages shared between Rodway and him referring to Yang's death. One makes a reference to "a couple of cold-blooded killers revisiting the crime scene," and another said, "I mean we killed that guy, you don't see us crying about it." Cunningham noted. There were others referring to hunting people and killing minorities, he said. Olson also didn't tell police he was in the woods that day before they retrieved cell phone data indicating he was in the area where Yang was killed, Cunningham noted. Olson had a history of making jokes about minorities, the attorney said. Manley said the messages were attempts at dark humor and were in poor taste. "There are screen shots of messages that were jokes that were despicable, inexcusable," Manley said. "(They were) not acceptable, but that's not evidence of a murder." The defense attorney repeatedly attacked the police investigation and said police and prosecutors did not turn over all the evidence they had collected until well after a judge had ordered Olson and Rodway to stand trial. Manley said the evidence will show Olson "was nowhere near where the body is at any time" and could not have fired the round that killed Yang. He suggested prosecutors should "do the right thing" and dismiss the charges before the trial resumes on Wednesday. Olson was charged with first-degree, felony murder, based on a theory Yang was killed during a larceny, with second-degree murder as an alternate count. Yang's gun, backpack and traditional Hmong hunting knife were not found with his body and have not been recovered. The trial before 29th Circuit Court Judge Shannon Schlegel is scheduled to resume Wednesday and is expected to take about two weeks. Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Trial begins in murder of Lansing hunter Chong Yang at Rose Lake Game Area Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated his push for more aid to Ukraine in virtual remarks Wednesday, following his release from the hospital a day earlier. In opening remarks to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group a group of about 50 member nations that coordinate military support for Ukraine Austin affirmed that the U.S. will stand foursquare with the embattled country as it approaches two years of war with Russia. Austin, 70, delivered the remarks from his home as he recovers from a bladder issue that forced him into Walter Reed Medical Centers critical care unit Sunday. The top Defense chief spent two nights at the Bethesda, Md., hospital, which required him to transfer his duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks while he underwent treatment. During his stay at Walter Reed, Austin underwent nonsurgical procedures under general anesthesia, and doctors said he was recovering well, the Pentagon stated. He was released Tuesday afternoon and resumed his full duties upon being discharged, the Pentagon added. The White House, Congress, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Hicks were all notified Sunday, when he was first admitted to the hospital. The hospitalization forced Austin to cancel his trip to Brussels, Belgium, where he was expected to meet with the Ukraine defense group in person to work on military aid for Ukraine. He began his Wednesday remarks apologizing for his absence. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in early December, and doctors noted Monday the current bladder issue is not expected to alter his anticipated full recovery. Im in good condition, and my cancer prognosis remains excellent, he said Wednesday. And America will continue to support Ukraines principled fight against [Russian President Vladimir] Putins imperial aggression. The Kremlin is sinking deeper into its self-inflicted isolation, but this coalition of some 50 countries worldwide is here to roll up our sleeves and get to work, he added later. Austin said he expects the meeting to focus on Ukraines near-term requirements, which includes its urgent need for more artillery ammunition and air-defense missiles. Increasing division among lawmakers has left Ukraine aid in limbo for nearly a year. Congress has not passed a bill with funding for the Eastern European country since the end of 2022, when a Democratic majority passed its fourth package for Ukraine. The Pentagon first sounded the alarm it had run out of funds and ammunition for Ukraine in December and has repeatedly called on Congress to pass legislation to provide further aid to the embattled nation. The Senate passed a $95.3 billion emergency defense spending legislation early Tuesday morning, which would provide $60 billion in aid to Ukraine. The remaining funds would go to Israel for its war against Hamas, U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific and provide humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza. The bills fate remains uncertain, however, as it heads to the lower chamber, where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated he would not put it up for a vote as it lacks the border security measures demanded by House GOP members months earlier. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. AUSTIN (KXAN) This week, the Austin City Council will discuss a resolution that would secure grant funding for six additional positions on the Austin Police Departments (APD) victim services team. These staff members provide the following services, among others: Crisis intervention Counseling Service referrals General information/guidance Advocacy It is so very difficult for somebody who has just come out of crisis or who has just been harmed to be able to navigate the waters of what to do next, said Heather Bellino with the Texas Advocacy Project, which provides legal resources to abuse survivors. Think about it, when an arrest has been made, they get a defense attorney. what about the victim? The measure is part of the Austin Police Department Crisis Intervention Project. The projects objectives, according to the City Council agenda, include: Helping survivors through the criminal justice system Advocating for victims with the Texas Attorney Generals Office Providing crisis intervention Helping clients with basic needs as they get on track to healing Bellino also noted that securing more of these staff positions can help retain a victim services workforce, which in turn helps victims and survivors across the board. Its a lot of crisis, theres a lot of pain and vicarious trauma. But the people truly being traumatized are those that are victimized, she said. Council is set to vote on this Thursday. According to the council agenda, the City Managers Office has recommended council move in favor of the measure. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. A New Hampshire police chief recently told me about a violent incident in which two of his officers were brutally assaulted and hospitalized for injuries sustained in the line of duty. Hours after the perpetrator was arrested for his vicious crimes, he was let go even before the injured police officers got out of the hospital. Unfortunately, this was not an isolated incident. Criminals are walking free because of New Hampshires broken bail laws. Misguided bail reforms in our state have created a revolving door of criminals returning to our streets, leaving our communities less safe and the jobs of law enforcement officers more difficult and dangerous. Kelly Ayotte As a former murder prosecutor and state attorney general, I put away some of New Hampshires most violent offenders. When I am governor, Ill make sure criminals are where they belong off our streets and behind bars. Ill stand shoulder to shoulder with New Hampshire law enforcement officers to make sure they have the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods safe. Our law enforcement officers risk their lives every time they step out of their homes and go to work. Theyre asked to do more and more every day. Yet our brave men and women in blue are underpaid and treated as the enemy by the radical left. Its no wonder that recruitment and retention of police officers is becoming increasingly difficult across the state. Every officer and first responder that I speak with always focuses on the difficulties of hiring and keeping officers. Shockingly, New Hampshire is still down 68 state troopers. Police departments across the state face even greater recruitment challenges. New Hampshire has the best law enforcement in the country. To keep these dedicated professionals, and recruit others like them, we must give them the robust support they deserve. As governor, I will be the strongest advocate possible for our law enforcement community and our first responders. It is essential that we deliver the benefits that they have earned. We will fix the broken retirement system that has made recruitment more difficult and has driven dedicated police officers to leave for other states. I will fight any attempt to remove qualified immunity and will kill any radical attempts from the left to defund the police. Officers need the resources, assurance, and backing to keep our communities safe. As governor, theyll have my full support. Stopping the flow of dangerous illegal drugs from Massachusetts will be at the top of my list. Recently, police officers in Somersworth were exposed to fentanyl while making an arrest. This is a dangerous problem that is happening far too often putting police officers lives in danger. As the drug crisis grows and more illegal drugs pour into our state, law enforcement is our first line of defense in this battle. As governor, I will work with law enforcement to ensure they have the resources and tools necessary to destroy the pipeline of illicit drugs flowing into New Hampshire. Well strengthen penalties for heroin and fentanyl dealers and make sure that drug dealers crossing the border from Massachusetts know that if they come to New Hampshire to sell their deadly poison, they will face the toughest prison sentences in the country. As attorney general, I proudly stood with New Hampshires law enforcement officers. I have seen what officers endure daily with constant exposure to trauma, stress, and danger. Their jobs have only become more difficult as they are often the first to respond to mental health incidents and fentanyl overdoses. We must not only stand behind our officers while they are on duty, but we must provide resources for wellness initiatives to ensure that they have the programs needed to provide any needed assistance or counseling. Im proud to have always had the backs of New Hampshire law enforcement officers and I always will. I understand the very real dangers that officers face every day and the evil that they confront on our streets. I will be a law enforcement governor one who fights every day to ensure that those who put their lives on the line to keep our cities and towns safe have the resources and support they need to keep criminals off our streets. Kelly Ayotte, of Nashua, previously served as New Hampshires top murder prosecutor, state attorney general, and U.S. Senator. She is a Republican candidate for governor. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Ayotte: Standing strong with New Hampshire law enforcement Its a week of back-to-back nights of The Bachelor on ABC, and a Charlotte therapist and model is still looking for love on the hit reality dating show. Picking up from Monday nights episode, which ended before a rose ceremony, we finally got to see what happened with 31-year-old Madina Alam, who was caught up in some drama again this week. This week, Madina and 14 other women traveled overseas to Malta with tennis pro Joey Graziadei. Madina and the other women taking part in a group date in Malta with Joey. But after Monday nights medieval group date and a chance to get closer with the bachelor, Tuesdays episode revealed what happened after Madina found herself once again entangled in the Sydney-Maria feud (which we detailed in our Ep. 3 recap). In Mondays episode, Lea confronted Madina at the cocktail party about how she handled the drama between the two women, especially after Sydney was sent home. Lea didnt think Madina acted sad enough about Sydneys departure. While Madina and Lea agreed to disagree, the drama wasnt over. So how did tonights episode end? Keep an eye on our story as we recap what happened and who went home without a rose. SPOILERS AHEAD. More drama in Malta Though the drama only involved Maria, Sydney and Madina and now Lea all of the women in the group felt the tension at the cocktail party. Even then, we saw Madina comforting a very upset Maria, who was crying about being called out again for allegedly causing problems in the group. Despite all the conflict during the cocktail party, Madina did get a rose from Joey during the rose ceremony at the beginning of the episode. Charlottes Madina Alam and Joey Graziadei during the cocktail party on The Bachelor. Who got eliminated in Round 1? Out of the 13 women left, heres who was eliminated in the first of two rose ceremonies Tuesday night: Edwina Allison But thats not all. From there, Joey and the remaining women left Malta and headed to Spain. Strolling through the south of Spain Unfortunately, Madina missed out on a 1-on-1 date again in Andalusia, but she and some of the other women got to express their feelings literally in an artistic group date in which they had to create a painting with a deeper meaning about their journeys so far. Of course, all of the women got really creative with their artwork, even if Joey had a hard time guessing the meaning behind some of them. This is something, Madina giggled as she presented her piece. All in good fun, Joey agreed, saying about her painting: Im really trying to not talk about that cause I have no idea what that is. Did Madina get a rose? We didnt see much more of Madina in the night portion of the group date or even during the cocktail party. In the end, she was one of the women who did not get a rose during the second rose ceremony. Im sad. I wanted to go on but, like, I am truly happy for him and the girls here, Madina said. Obviously I wish the cards were different for me. I would love to be loved. Thats why Im hereIm proud of myself for coming here and opening my heart to Joey but there was so much drama. I dont feel like we got to know each other. Who else got eliminated during the second rose ceremony? In addition to Madina, Autumn was also sent home, leaving nine women to vie for the heart of the Bachelor. How to watch The Bachelor Because tonight marks the end of Madinas journey on the reality show, it also ends our weekly recaps from Charlotte. But you can watch The Bachelor every Monday at 8 p.m. on ABC and on Hulu the day following their premieres. Makayla Soliz, a junior in the Sam Houston High School construction program, helps to blitz-build 20 beds for the San Antonio chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer organization that provides twin beds and bedding for children. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News It was just a few months ago that Makayla Soliz, temporarily uprooted after a move, didnt have her own bed. So on Tuesday, Soliz was really happy, she said, to be one of about 20 construction students at Sam Houston High School who were sanding, sawing and assembling pine planks into finished bed frames during a daylong blitz-build. They produced 20 beds to be given to children in poverty who are displaced, living with relatives and having to sleep on a couch, air mattress or even the floor. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I know that I really wanted a bed. Now that I get to build beds for kids that were like me at one point, it makes me happy. I feel good to know theyll have a bed and that theyll be grateful, said Soliz, a 17-year-old junior hoping to study architecture and construction in college. Damien Lopez and Payton Greensweight, both part of the Sam Houston High School construction program, help build 20 beds for the San Antonio chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer organization that provides twin beds and bedding for children. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News Naeem Lewis, a sophomore in the Sam Houston High School construction program, helps build beds for the San Antonio chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer organization that provides twin beds and bedding for children. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News Students at Sam Houston and Lanier high schools plan to produce a total of 40 beds during Career and Technical Education Month in partnership with the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer organization that provides twin beds to children ages 3-17. The groups slogan is No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town! Advertisement Article continues below this ad The San Antonio Independent School District also is asking the community to drop off pillows and sets of twin-size bedding, including comforters and sheets, at the two schools and the districts central office lobby at 514 W. Quincy St. The beds, each with a mattress, will be given to families on the East and West sides who live in the Sam Houston and Lanier feeder areas and qualify through the nonprofit. Applicants must have an accessible house or apartment with adequate space for a bed. Both schools have a student population that is 95% economically disadvantaged or higher, above the SAISD average of 88%. Ximena Villareal a sophomore in the Sam Houston High School construction program, sands a board for the blitz-build. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News Fred Losoya, CTE coordinator with the district, said the first-year project is a perfect match for the construction programs in the schools, which are in two of San Antonios low-income areas. For students, it instills the value of service. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They take ownership that they built that bed for a needy student. It may be somebody they have in their own home or their neighborhood, Losoya said. Diana Godines, engineering and robotics teacher and CTE department chair at Sam Houston, said volunteer projects are part of the schools work-based learning. Sometimes its the food bank, but sometimes its things like this, where we can build and give back, she said. Damien Lopez and Payton Greensweight, both part of the Sam Houston High School construction program, handle board for the blitz-build. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News Advertisement Article continues below this ad Construction students at Sam Houston High School blitz-build 20 beds for the San Antonio chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a volunteer organization that provides twin beds and bedding for children. Jessica Phelps/San Antonio Express News Payton Greensweight, a Sam Houston senior planning to attend St. Philips College and pursue a construction career, doesnt personally know any students without beds. But he felt good about helping kids sleep. You dont need to know them to help em out, said Greensweight, 18. It makes me feel happy that were helping out the community. Soliz, who now has a big bed to sleep in after her familys recent move, was especially mindful of young children who are homeless or displaced. I just think about the little kids, sad, upset, wishing they had a bed, maybe even praying, she said. Theyre probably really tired at times, maybe even sore from sleeping on the floor. Foreign travellers visiting the Indonesian island of Bali will now face a tourist tax of $10 (7.70) per person before they can enter the popular backpacking destination. The 150,000 rupiah levy, effective from today (14 February), has been introduced in a bid to preserve the islands cultural integrity and crack down on a rise in unruly behaviour from visitors. Tourists entering from abroad will have to pay the one-time fee electronically prior to or during their visit to Bali. Domestic Indonesian travellers will be exempted from the tax. Island governor I Wayan Koster said that the tax will be used for the environment, culture and building better quality infrastructure to improve the safety and comfort of those who make the journey to Indonesias most famous island. Over four million foreign tourists flocked to Bali in 2023, according to Balis Central Bureau of Statistics, with Australian visitors the most common arrivals. The Love Bali initiative by the Bali Provincial Government states that the new financial support will help the move towards sustainable green tourism on the island. Efforts and innovations will continue to be made for the maintenance, culture and the natural environment in Bali. There will also continue to be an improvement in the quality of services, they added. The new levy coincides with Indonesias national elections on Wednesday, 14 February. Foreign Office advice urges British travellers to be more vigilant in the weeks before and after the vote, when entering Indonesian holiday destinations. Bali isnt the first holiday giant to tackle the effects of overtourism using entry fees. From spring this year, Italian hotspot Venice will charge daytrippers 5 (4.26) to enter the historic canalside centre using a ticketing system to limit the numbers pouring in. Plans will initially be implemented as a 30-day trial and there will be exemptions for commuters, students and tourists who stay in the city overnight. (Bloomberg) -- Baltic nations warned their officials to weigh their travel plans after the Russian government added Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and other high-ranking officials in the region to a criminal database. Most Read from Bloomberg Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania reacted to a decision by the Russian Interior Ministry to place Kallas and others on its wanted list as part of charges against individuals involved in the Baltic nations decisions to dismantle Soviet-era monuments. Russia calls the act desecration. We have to take this seriously and to consider before traveling as well, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis told reporters Tuesday. The top diplomat and his two Baltic counterparts summoned their Russian ambassadors to protest. Kallas, the first European leader to be placed on the Russian Interior Ministry list, dismissed the decision on Tuesday, calling it a familiar scare tactic that would have no effect. But on Wednesday, Estonias top prosecutor, Andres Parmas, said that the prime minister would have to factor in the risk that some countries might be ready to hand her over to Russia. The Russian ministrys list carries little international standing with such bodies as Interpol. Still, the Latvian government said travelers should consider travel outside the EU and NATO and assess the legal relationship with certain countries with Russia. The three Baltic states all members of the European Union as well as NATO have stepped up the removal of Soviet monuments in the last two years in response to Moscows invasion of Ukraine. Russia has lashed out at what its called the Baltic nations attempt to foment hostility, including with significant Russian minorities in Estonia and Latvia. Latvias government oversaw the toppling of an 80-meter (262 foot) Soviet monument in the capital Riga in August 2022, triggering a reaction from Moscow. Flight From Kyrgyzstan Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a Telegram post that the list is just the beginning. Since Russias invasion of its neighbor two years ago, the Baltic states, which were absorbed into the Soviet Union before reclaiming their independence after 1990, have been vocal in warning about the Kremlins aggression and calling for sanctions against Russia and aid to Ukraine. Estonias intelligence agency warned that Russia could double its land and air forces near its border in the coming years, according to a report it released this week. The nations chief spy, Kaupo Rosin, was dismissive about the Russian move, saying that if anything it proved that the Baltic states muscular tactics were having an effect. Russia can put wanted notices of people in all kinds of databases, but I dont see how it will really change our life, Rosin said in an interview in Tallinn on Tuesday. The Russian governments list includes a broader group of ministers and members of parliament, all of whom can be impacted. Vjacelsavs Dombrovskis, a former member of the Latvian parliament who voted for tearing down the Riga monument, said he was forced to flee Kyrgyzstan with the help of Latvian diplomats in September. Local police had sought his detention and extradition to Russia based on a request from Moscow, the ex-lawmaker said. Kallas invoked her family history in referencing the decision. My grandmother and mother were once deported to Siberia, and it was the KGB who issued the fabricated arrest warrants, she said in a statement. --With assistance from Gina Turner. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. In a pivotal scene in the movie "Trinity's Triumph," a monsignor tells a group of seminarians about the loneliness of leading a celibate life. One student is skeptical: He won't be tempted, he says, because he won't allow himself to fall in love. His mentor calmly corrects him. What the would-be priest should be asking, the monsignor tells him, is what he will do when he does fall in love? Over the course of the movie, the words become a prophecy. The film itself is a labor of love for the Rev. Stephen Fichter, the pastor at St. Elizabeth of Hungary in Wyckoff. He wrote "Trinity's Triumph" and brought it to the screen over 25 long years, culminating in last April's debut at Ridgewood's annual film festival. Where to stream 'Trinity's Triumph' This month, "Trinity's Triumph" is getting a new round of attention. It will become available for Amazon Prime Video subscribers to watch for free on Feb. 22 and for non-subscribers for purchase on-demand. Filmed partially in North Jersey, with many extras from St. Elizabeth's, the 95-minute coming-of-age tale is currently available for free on Roku and Tubi and to rent or buy on a variety of platforms. A scene from "Trinity's Triumph," the movie written by Wykoff priest Father Stephen Fichter and filmed in North Jersey. The movie is now available on streaming services. "Trinity's Triumph" chronicles the journey of three young seminarians from diverse backgrounds, who maintain a close friendship as they struggle to figure out their roles in life. Fortunately, the men have a wise teacher: Monsignor Heck (played by Joe Morton, the veteran actor, director and musician), who guides them along their rocky journey. Fichter, 56, who also serves as vicar of education for the Catholic Archdiocese of Newark, first envisioned the film a quarter-century ago while studying for the priesthood in Rome. He wanted to demystify the clergy, creating "a story anyone can identify with," he told The Record. "The reaction to the movie has been more than I could ever have expected," he said in an interview this month. "I have received so many emails and messages telling me how much the movie has opened people's eyes to ideas about the priesthood." Fichter co-wrote the film with Kathe Carson and New Jersey native Michael Wickham, who also directed. Demystifying the priesthood "For the most part, priests are part of the everyday landscape, but generally not very well known as individuals," said Fichter, who has served at St. Elizabeth's since 2017. "The point is that priests have their struggles just like everyone else." Hollywood rarely makes films that portray priests in a sympathetic light, and most of the movies out there don't reflect the modern priesthood. Fichter hopes his movie allows people to see his fellow clergy as full human beings. "The guys I teach in seminary are wonderful, funny guys," he said. "They are giving up the prospect of family. They are scared at times." "I wanted to make a movie about the priesthood that would be attractive to the modern generation," he added. Father Stephen Ficther The film doesn't shy away from tough topics, like the challenge of leading a celibate life, clergy sexual abuse and drug addiction. The priest abuse scandals were erupting into the public consciousness in 2004 as Fichter was writing the screenplay. He decided to make them part of the storyline. "I wanted to show everyone that the [innocent] priests were also outraged by the abuse," he said. More: Catholic burial after suicide? Sheriff Berdnik's funeral shows how church has evolved Although the movie isn't autobiographical, it reflects themes in Fichter's own life. The preaching style of Father Joe, one of the protagonists, is based on his own. "We even had him wear my favorite vestment when he is celebrating Mass," the priest said. Some of the characters agonize over leaving the priesthood. That's true in real life as well, Fichter said. "The calling ends up not being for everyone. I entered the seminary with 40 guys, and not all of us are priests today," he said. Although the film focuses on the priesthood, the messages it shares are applicable to everyone, regardless of age, gender or religious affiliation, Fichter said. "This is about each person finding their own truth," he said. Could there be a sequel? If the opportunity ever came up, he said, he would jump at the chance to do a sequel. "Kathe and I wrote so many versions of this script that there is more than enough material to create a film that picks our main characters up a little further down the road in their careers," Fichter said. Joe Morton plays a monsignor in "Trinity's Triumph," the film written by the Rev. Stephen Fichter of Wyckoff. The movie will soon be available on Prime Video and other streaming services. The movie has generated buzz among his parishioners. Many were extras for the production, which includes scenes shot in 2019 at Immaculate Conception in Mahwah, as well as the campus of Caldwell University and St. Cecilia's Church in Englewood. Jim Townley, a parishioner at Fichter's church for over 40 years, said he was amazed by the movie and its cast. "Everyone in the parish was asking how we could see it, and many were extras in it. My wife and I went to opening night in Ridgewood, which was very exciting," he said. "A lot of us have watched it, and nobody has said they didn't like it. People like that he didn't avoid the difficult topics." Fichter has said the characters in "Trinity's Triumph" are "all based on people he knew," Townley said. "We are all trying to figure out, `Is that so-and-so?'" Deena Yellin covers religion for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to her work covering how the spiritual intersects with our daily lives, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.Email: yellin@northjersey.com; X/Twitter: @deenayellin . This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Where to stream Trinity's Triumph, NJ priest's coming-of-age movie The red carpet is rolled out in front of the Berlinale Palast ahead of the Berlinale Film Festival, in Berlin, Germany, Tuesday Feb. 13 2024. The International Film Festival takes place from February 15 to 25. (Jens Kalaene/dpa via AP) BERLIN (AP) The 74th Berlin International Film Festival opens Thursday with the world premiere of Small Things Like These starring man of the moment Cillian Murphy. Murphy, a front runner at next month's Oscars for his turn in Oppenheimer, plays a coal merchant in 1980s Ireland who uncovers shocking secrets kept by the convent in his town. Based on an Irish novel, the drama reunites Murphy with Peaky Blinders director Tim Mielants and co-stars Eileen Walsh, Michelle Fairley and Emily Watson. The film explores Irelands Magdalene laundries, Catholic-run institutions from the 18th to the late 20th century intended to reform those deemed fallen women. Politics is never far from the agenda at the Berlinale, but its the ongoing war in Gaza that is likely to spark debate and demonstrations. Festival directors Mariette Rissenbeek and Carlo Chatrian, who will step down after this year, expressed their aim for open dialogue surrounding the war. When they introduced this years program, they said they were concerned to see that antisemitism, anti-Muslim resentment and hate speech are spreading in Germany and around the world. Plenty of films and documentaries this year support this desire for dialogue, including the documentary No Other Land. Its about Israeli settler violence in the West Bank and the unlikely friendship that develops between a Palestinian activist and an Israeli journalist, directed by a Palestinian-Israeli collective. The Berlinale has also partnered with social activists to create the Tiny Space project, with a small, intimate cabin set up for several days near the red carpet where festival attendees can discuss and debate the crisis in the Middle East. But these efforts havent stopped some, including Ghanaian director Ayo Tsalithaba and Indian American artist Suneil Sanzgiri, from withdrawing their films from the festival in protest of Germanys support for Israel. Meanwhile the festival, which has long championed Iranian directors, has made a plea to Tehran to allow directing duo Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha to attend this year. They are due to present their new movie My Favourite Cake but face a travel ban by Iranian authorities. The Berlinale said in a statement that they have had their passports revoked and face a court trial in relation to their work as artists and filmmakers. The film, which will compete for the top prize, the Golden Bear, tells the story of a woman who decides to live out her desires in a country where womens rights are heavily restricted. The duos previous film, Ballad of a White Cow, premiered in competition in Berlin in 2021. Politics are at play again when it comes to the festival guest list. Last week, organizers uninvited representatives of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, or AfD, to the opening gala. Five AfD politicians had been expected because members of all parties in Berlins state legislature are invited to events that are supported with public money. In recent weeks, Germany has seen large protests against the far right following a report that extremists met to discuss deporting millions of immigrants, including some with German citizenship, and that some members of AfD were present. The festival said in a statement that the AfD and many of its members and representatives hold views that are deeply contrary to the fundamental values of democracy. The leader of AfDs Berlin branch, Kristin Brinker, accused the festival of bowing to pressure from cultural policy activists. She argued that artists stand up for freedom, for diversity and for plurality but that festival organizers were doing the opposite. Kenyan-Mexican actor Lupita Nyongo will serve as the Berlinales first black jury president at this years festival. The Oscar winner will be joined on the jury by actor-directors Brady Corbet and Jasmine Trinca and directors Ann Hui, Christian Petzold and Albert Serra alongside Ukrainian writer Oksana Zabuzhko. Last years jury head Kristen Stewart will return to Berlin with '80s thriller Love Lies Bleeding, a tale of bodybuilding, crime and revenge. Other eclectic titles starring big names include Adam Sandler as a lonely astronaut in Spaceman, based on a Czech novel; Stephen Fry and Lena Dunham as father and daughter in Treasure on a road trip through post-communist Poland; and Marvels Sebastian Stan is unrecognizable in psycho thriller A Different Man as an actor who is transformed by facial reconstruction surgery. Martin Scorsese will receive an honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at a ceremony on Feb. 20. Isabelle Huppert will return to Berlin to collect her unclaimed lifetime achievement from 2022, when the French acting icon could not attend. She returns this year with the movie A Travelers Needs from South Korean filmmaker Hong Sang-soo. The festival runs through Feb. 25. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources recognized a Bethesda man for catching a 17.44-pound rainbow trout, beating a decades-long-standing record. Jean-Philippe Lartigue caught the fish on Feb. 10 in Antietam Creek, which runs through Devils Backbone County Park in Washington County. He hooked the massive rainbow trout with a 12-foot crappie-style rod, spinning reel, eight-pound test monofilament line, a small split-shot weight and a No. 8 hook baited with a natural worm bait, according to a press release from the Department of Natural Resources. Lartigue worked as a fisheries biologist consulting with governments in Africa before retiring and settling in Maryland, where hes now an avid angler. Originally from Morocco, he learned the European style of fishing natural baits with long rods for trout from his father. Snow and wind on eve of Valentines Day throws shoppers for a loop The long rod helps control the drive and presentation of baits in swift stream currents. I knew the fish was a very large trout, but I did not see how big it was at the beginning of the fight, Lartigue said in the press release. I finally saw the fish, and it made two very long runs to the opposite side of the creek and was hard to move. I also had to keep the fish away from some bridge abutments, which could have cut the line easily After a very long 30-minute fight, I was able to tire out the fish and grabbed it by the jaw with my fingers since I did not have a landing net large enough. He slid the fish onto the rocky bank, cutting his finger from the fishs teeth. We are extremely impressed by the weight of the fish, which bests the old record by over 3 pounds, a record that many of us in the department thought would never be broken, said Recreational Fisheries Outreach Coordinator Erik Zlokovitz. The fish measured 32 inches long and shattered the previous record of 14.2 pounds caught by Dave Schroyer on Oct. 21, 1987. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Police officers stand outside Lakeood Church during an active shooter event at the church Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Despite a history of arrests and misdemeanor convictions, Texas state law likely allowed alleged Lakewood Church shooter Genesse Moreno to purchase guns, experts said. Moreno, 36, allegedly fired an AR-style rifle and was also carrying a .22-caliber rifle when she walked into Joel Osteens megachurch on Sunday afternoon and began shooting, according to police. Two off-duty officers working security shot and killed Moreno. Her 7-year-old son and a 57-year-old man were wounded in the exchange. LAKEWOOD LATEST: Child injured in Lakewood Church shooting not enrolled in school, had medical complications Advertisement Article continues below this ad Police on Monday said they believed Moreno bought the AR-style rifle, made by Anderson Manufacturing, in December. It was unclear when she purchased the other gun, manufactured by Blue Line Solutions, a Washington-based company. Based on the information thats been made public about Moreno, she was likely legally able to buy a gun in Texas, said Lindsay Nichols, the policy director for the Giffords Law Center. Gun laws are looser in Texas than they are in other parts of the country, Nichols said. For federal law there are certain standards, and many states follow those federal standards, Nichols said. Those standards are essentially, if a person has been convicted of a felony or convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor theyre prohibited. Other states have laws that may have allowed Morenos family, neighbors or local police to stop her from buying a gun, at least temporarily, Nichols said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The details about her purchase came as more details emerged about Morenos criminal past and raised fresh questions about how she was able to buy a gun. LAKEWOOD RECAP: What to know about the Lakewood Church shooting Her former mother-in-law in a Facebook post said Moreno was taking medication to treat schizophrenia. Neighbors at her home in Conroe told NBC News they had made complaints to police about harassing and threatening behavior, including one incident where she threatened a woman with a handgun. Police Chief Troy Finner speaks to the media in the aftermath of the shooting at Lakewood Church during a news conference at police headquarters on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 in Houston. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Moreno also had a history of arrests in Harris and Fort Bend counties dating back to 2005. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The arrests include convictions for: Failure to stop and give information in case involving more than $200 in damages, a Class B misdemeanor, in 2005 Assault causing bodily injury, a Class A misdemeanor, in 2009 Forgery to defraud or harm, a Class A misdemeanor, in 2010 Theft of property valued between $50 and $500, a Class B misdemeanor, in 2010 Evading arrest or detention, a Class A misdemeanor, in 2010 Unlawful carrying of a weapon, a Class A misdemeanor, in 2022 Moreno was accused of unlawfully carrying a gun after being stopped by Katy police in a 2022 pullover that also uncovered drug paraphernalia, according to Fort Bend County court records. Moreno was ordered to forfeit a handgun and a rifle as part of her conviction in the 2022 gun charge. She was sentenced to spend two days in jail, for which she got credit for time served. She was not ordered to any kind of probation, according to court records. While Texas law prohibits people who have been convicted of a felony from owning a gun for a period of time after they are released from prison, there are only limited instances mostly connected to domestic violence in which people convicted of misdemeanors are prohibited from legally buying and owning guns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Federal law requires licensed firearm dealers to conduct background checks on gun buyers. Documents obtained by the Chronicle show the FBI did conduct a background check on Moreno in February 2023, though it was unclear whether she bought a gun at that time. Its also unclear if Morenos mental health issues were recorded in a way that requires them to have been shown on a federal background check. A 2009 law requires the Texas Department of Public Safety to collect information about people who have been found by a court or other entity to be a danger to themselves or others and to forward that information to the FBI for use in the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. The information is collected if a person is ordered to inpatient mental health services, is acquitted by reason of insanity or other similar circumstances But while the Houston Police Department said Moreno was once placed into emergency detention in 2016, related to an apparent mental health issue, that likely didnt rise to the level of required reporting, Nichols said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Based on that information, in all likelihood she was released before it reached the formal stage where it was a formal commitment to a mental institution, Nichols said. In other states, family members or other people who were concerned about Morenos behavior might have been able to stop her from buying guns by using an extreme risk or red flag law, which can place a temporary hold on gun purchases by an individual. Twenty-one states have red flag laws, including Michigan, where the law went into effect last month. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott briefly signaled support of red flag laws following the 2018 mass shooting at Santa Fe High School but later dropped his support for the idea. Texas Democrats again proposed a tougher law after the mass shooting in Uvalde, to no avail. During a press conference Monday, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner appeared to reference Texas lack of laws that could address situations like Morenos. While saying he wasnt against Second Amendment rights, he was concerned about people with mental illness and criminal records having guns. (FOX40.COM) A wine bar in midtown Sacramento announced it will be closing its doors. Good News Wine, located at 1050 20th Street, will close its doors on Saturday, according to a post on the wine bars Instagram account. We are sad to announce that we will be closing up shop, the business post reads. We feel the love so hard from all of you and we hoped we could make it, but the truth is the math just isnt working. The wine bar offered wines by the glass and bottle along with wine flights, and beers. The business also sold food such as salads, baguette sandwiches, and meat and cheese plates to pair with wine. Before closing, the wine bar said it will host its final For the Love of Hot Dogs event on Wednesday and Thursday. New Costco location in Natomas has an opening date According to the business, it will also host a pizza party on Wednesday and Thursday and Saturday will be the last day for bagels and blow outs. The wine bar is also selling all of it merchandise for 40% off in store and online. Until its closure, the business will operate under normal business hours. The wine bars hours from Sunday, Monday and Wednesday is 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Thursday and Friday, hours of operation is 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and the business will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday. We are beyond grateful for all of you, Good News Wines post reads. Thank you to our team, every guest who has visited us and our partners we are so proud to have been part of creating such a welcoming wine community together. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. The Biden administration is expanding its efforts to help underserved communities get access to sewage infrastructure. The administration said Tuesday it would expand a pilot initiative to 150 additional communities, up from 11 at its start, to help them get access to federal wastewater funds. About 2 million people in the U.S. dont have adequate wastewater and drinking water infrastructure, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A 2017 report from the United Nations on extreme poverty in the U.S. documented issues including various houses in rural areas that were surrounded by cesspools of sewage that flowed out of broken or non-existent septic systems in Alabama. Radhika Fox, the EPAs top water official, said the expanded program would be geared toward low-income and rural communities. It provides them with technical assistance so that they can better assess their needs, create plans and apply for funding, she said. With focused attention, with the funding that the President has so successfully championedwe really can make a difference for those over two million people again are still living without the basics, Fox told reporters. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Joe Biden lashed out at Robert Hur last week over one particular line in the special counsel's report on his handling of classified documents: that Biden "did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died." How in the hell dare he raise that? Biden told reporters in an impromptu White House press conference. Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself, it wasnt any of their damn business. But Hur never asked that question, according to two people familiar with Hurs five-hour interview with the president over two days last October. It was the president, not Hur or his team, who first introduced Beau Bidens death, they said. Biden raised his sons death after being asked about his workflow at a Virginia rental home from 2016 to 2018, the sources said, when a ghost writer was helping him write a memoir about losing Beau to brain cancer in 2015. Investigators had a 2017 recording showing that Biden had told the ghost writer he had found classified stuff in that home, the report says. Biden began trying to recall that period by discussing what else was happening in his life, and it was at that point in the interview that he appeared confused about when Beau died, the sources said. Biden got the date May 30 correct, but not the year. Hur's 345-page report absolved Biden of criminal wrongdoing while pointing to evidence that he took home and kept highly classified material. Even though Biden was found to have disclosed classified information to the ghost writer on three occasions, prosecutors concluded that they could not prove that the president knew it was classified information at the time. Fiery criticism of the report from Biden supporters, though, has focused on Hurs characterizations of the presidents memory. They say the report was filled with gratuitous details about Bidens memory issues, including that the president misremembered the year Beau died. They have also seized on Bidens statement that the special counsel asked him about the date of Beaus death. Why in the hell are you asking that question? former Attorney General Eric Holder, a Democrat, said Monday on MSNBC, suggesting that Hur was "a rube, perhaps," who had "shaded" what he put in the report. What does that have to do with the retention of classified documents? First lady Jill Biden questioned in a fundraising letter whether Hur was using our sons death to score political points. Sources familiar with Biden's view of the interview say Hur induced the president to bring up his son by asking a series of personal questions related to Beau. They included questions about Biden's memoir, Promise Me, Dad, in which he writes about his sons battle with cancer and death in 2015. Hur also asked about Bidens work for the Biden Cancer Initiative, founded in Beaus memory. These sources did not dispute that it was Biden, not Hur, who first mentioned a date for Beaus death. But they said Biden felt betrayed by the comments in Hur's report about his memory and mental state. During the interview, Hur asked him to recall events years in the past as best he could, and Biden agreed to speak freely and expansively, rather than in the clipped and careful manner of a typical witness. Exactly what Biden said about his sons death and other issues may ultimately become public. The two-day interview was audio-recorded and transcribed, and congressional committees are expected to push for its release. The Justice Department, the special counsels office and the White House declined to comment for this article. Two people who know Hur well said that he had set out to write a balanced and thorough narrative that would explain why, despite significant evidence, he had concluded that no criminal charges would be warranted for Biden. Over the course of a yearlong investigation, Hur's team examined 7 million documents and spoke with 147 witnesses, according to his report. Associates of Hur say that Biden's claim that the special counsel quizzed the president, unprompted, about his sons death from cancer is an effort to take the focus off the special counsel's findings regarding how Biden handled classified documents and his struggle to recall certain facts. The line of questioning about the memoir was directly relevant to the central issue of the investigation, the people familiar with the interview said. Hurs team had learned that Biden was recorded in 2017 telling the ghost writer that he found all the classified stuff downstairs, at the Virginia rental home where the two were working on the book. In the interview, Biden told Hur that he didnt remember saying in 2017 that he had found classified documents in the home. Hurs investigation determined that the documents Biden mentioned in 2017 were never turned over to the FBI and, in fact, were likely the same ones found in Bidens Delaware garage in 2022. Bidens struggle to recall the period when he worked with the ghost writer were among several exchanges during the two-day interview where he appeared to forget important facts, according to the report. Hur's report also states that Bidens memory appeared to be significantly limited in the 30 hours of recorded interviews he conducted with the ghost writer in 2017. Hur stated that those memory lapses were one reason he concluded that it would be difficult to convince a jury to convict Biden of intentionally mishandling classified information. But Hur has come under criticism for his descriptions of what he viewed as Bidens diminished facilities. Holder said on X that there were too many "gratuitous remarks" in Hur's report that were "flatly inconsistent with long standing DOJ traditions. Attorney General Merrick Garland has also been criticized by Democrats for releasing the full, unredacted version of the report. Special counsel rules require them to write confidential reports to the attorney general detailing and explaining their decisions on whether to file criminal charges in a case. In an effort at transparency, Garland has pledged to make all special counsel reports public, consistent with the Justice Department track record of releasing most special counsel reports since the office came into being in 1999. William Barr, who was attorney general in the Trump administration, was harshly criticized for initially releasing his own two-page summary of special counsel Robert Mueller's Trump-Russia report in 2018. Several weeks later, Barr released the full document. People familiar with the matter say Garland first saw Hur's report Feb. 5, three days before its release. Had the attorney general ordered any changes, he would have had to disclose those to Congress, as required by the special counsel regulations. In a letter to Congress when he released the report, Garland said that he took no action to block any investigative steps by Hur, because nothing the special counsel did was so inappropriate or unwarranted under established Departmental practices that it should not be pursued. Asked whether Garland has confidence in Bidens fitness for office, a DOJ spokeswoman replied, Of course. It was Garland who selected Hur, a longtime Republican and former federal prosecutor, as Biden special counsel. After graduating from Harvard University and Stanford Law School, Hur held multiple positions in the Justice Department, including serving as counsel to Christopher Wray, now the director of the FBI, when Wray was in charge of the departments criminal division. During the Trump administration, Hur was a top adviser to then-Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who was overseeing Muellers Trump-Russia investigation. Rosenstein said Hur is neither an ardent Trump supporter nor a partisan activist Rob plays it straight, Rosenstein said in an interview. I think he wrote in that report what he believed to be the relevant facts in play as to whether or not to bring criminal charges. From 2018 to 2021, Hur served as the U.S. attorney for Maryland, and won plaudits from the state's Democratic senators, Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen, who praised his excellent service and said he "faithfully followed the facts and the law. According to federal campaign filings, Hur has donated to at least three Republican political campaigns, including $500 to former U.S. Attorney Christina Nolan, a Republican, in January 2022, when she was in the GOP Senate primary in Vermont, which she later lost. Public records show Hur also donated $200 to Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan in 2017 and $201 to GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona during his presidential campaign in 2008. All three of those politicians are by todays standards moderate Republicans, and none were ardent Trump supporters. NBC News legal contributor Chuck Rosenberg says its fair to question some of the language Hur used about Biden's memory in his report, but not his decision to explore and explain Bidens memory issues. If Hur was going to tell the attorney general that he declined to prosecute President Biden, then I believe he was also obligated to explain his rationale, Rosenberg wrote for the website Lawfare. "Would Biden come across as forgetful? As sympathetic? As willful? As dissembling? As honest? These are crucial determinations prosecutors make all the time about witnesses and defendants," he added. "Indeed, I cannot imagine writing a report to the attorney general and not including these assessments. People who know Hur say he did not anticipate how his descriptions of the presidents memory would resonate across the political landscape. They say he believed that when his report was released, he would likely come under immediate attack from Republicans who would accuse him of going soft on Biden. Instead, one line in Hur's 345-page report will likely live on in American presidential and political history: the special counsel's assessment that Biden would come across to jurors as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com President Joe Biden issued a swift condemnation of House Republicans impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday, accusing them of playing petty political games. History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant, Biden said of Mayorkas, noting that hes a Cuban immigrant who came to the United States with his family as political refugees who has spent more than two decades serving America with integrity in a decorated career in law enforcement and public service. Republicans managed to narrowly impeach Mayorkas Tuesday in a 214-213 vote, with three GOP lawmakers defecting. He is the first cabinet secretary Congress has voted to impeach in nearly 150 years. The vote came one week after House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) flubbed the math on a previous attempt to impeach Mayorkas, whos tasked with carrying out current immigration laws. Republicans have not proven that Mayorkas committed any crimes, let alone the high level ones required to meet the threshold of an impeachable offense. Nevertheless, House leadership has put a target on him, accusing him of willful refusal to follow immigration laws and a mishandling of the surge in migration along the U.S.-Mexico border. Instead of staging political stunts like this, Republicans with genuine concerns about the border should want Congress to deliver more border resources and stronger border security, Biden said in his statement. The GOPs attack on Mayorkas comes in spite of the Senate introducing bipartisan legislation last month that delivered on Republicans request for reduced border crossings and a scaled back asylum system. GOP support for the legislation fell off when former President Donald Trump intervened in the negotiations. Sources told HuffPost that Trump wants them to kill it because he doesnt want Biden to have a victory ahead of the 2024 election theyre both competing in. Giving up on real solutions right when they are needed most in order to play politics is not what the American people expect from their leaders, Biden lamented. The articles of impeachment dont stand a chance in the Senate, where even some Republicans have spoken out against the House GOPs maneuver. Related... 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. The Blackprint ICT In Wichita, Kansas, Has Become A Hub To Uplift Black-Owned Businesses | Photo: Getty Images A new shop in Wichita, Kansas, has embarked on a transformative mission to uplift Black-owned businesses. According to KSNW, The Blackprint ICT has become a beacon of support for Black entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. It fosters economic empowerment and community engagement by providing a platform for these Black-owned businesses to showcase their products and services. Taha Hayes, The Blackprints owner, shared how she wanted to bring something new to the city and decided to open a shop where other Black business owners could feel at home. Its a hub to uplift Black-owned brands both nationally and locally, Hayes told KSNW. Im just excited to bring something new and vibrant to Wichita, not only for the brands represented but for the community to support. While Black-owned businesses are thriving in other communities, Hayes desired the same for Wichita and took action to effect change. I thought, why we dont have it? Why isnt there one? So, I got to a point of why I dont just create that space, Hayes explained. So far, Black woman-owned businesses have set up shop in The Blackprint to display their brands. Naquela Pack, the owner of the Planted Tea Shop, launched her business through a social media post. What tea shops do you go to, and are there any Black-owned tea shops that people were tagging me why arent you opening one? Pack said. After shedding light on limited Black-owned tea shops, Park eventually became an entrepreneur after a commenter suggested she launch a tea brand. Ive got face steams, bath teas, and a lot of remedies, Pack said as she joined other Black business owners at The Blackprint. In 2020, there were approximately 140,918 businesses in the United States predominantly owned by individuals of Black or African American descent, marking a 14% increase from the 124,004 reported in 2017, according to recent information from the Census Bureaus Annual Business Survey, as reported by Pew Research. These Black-woman business owners are determined to positively change the Wichita community, including Yodora Hollins, founder of Ydoras Own, a hand-crafted skincare brand. KSNW reported Hollins initially created products for herself before sharing them with others. Hopefully, little Black girls look at me and say, I can do that one day,' she said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he had a phone call with Paul Whelan, a former American Marine who is wrongly detained in Russia, according to the U.S. government. Blinked said he spoke to Whelan on Monday. Yesterday, as it happens, I spoke on the phone with Paul Whelan, Blinken said during his remarks at the Hostage Diplomacy as an International Security Threat event at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. The secretary of State did not give any additional details about the call with Whelan, who was arrested in Moscow in December 2018 on spying allegations. Our intensive efforts to bring Paul home continue every single day. And they will, until he and Evan Gershkovich and every other American wrongfully detained is back with their loved ones, Blinken said while referencing Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter who was arrested last year for espionage-related allegations. The U.S. and his employer said he was wrongfully detained. Whelan, an American who worked as a security guard when he was arrested, was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2020. Blinken also highlighted the Biden administrations push to rescue and bring home the remaining hostages in Gaza. He added the Biden administration is working on a hostage release proposal with the nations in the Middle East. In January, President Biden met with Whelans sister, Elizabeth Whelan, to discuss the Administrations continued efforts to secure Pauls release from Russia. In an interview with WTOP last year, Whelan said he is extremely concerned he could be left behind in Russia, since in his view, the Kremlin has keyed in on one-for-one exchanges that could bring Gershkovich back and leave him behind. The Hill has reached out to the State Department for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ads from the Family Empowerment Coalition PAC are targeting at least a dozen Republican state House members who voted to strip the voucher proposal from a $7 billion education funding bill in November. Houston Chronicle The ad opens with a dramatic message: Steve Allison failed our teachers and kids. It says the San Antonio Republican stopped a bill in the Texas House last year that would have raised teacher pay, ended STAAR testing and poured more than $200 million into public schools in his district. You deserve better, the narrator concludes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad What the ad, from the Family Empowerment Coalition PAC, fails to mention is that Allison supported all of those measures. Gov. Greg Abbott refused to sign a package that included them into law unless it included private school vouchers, which Allison opposed. The PAC is using similarly misleading online ads to target at least a dozen Republican state House members who voted to strip the voucher proposal from a $7 billion education funding bill in November. The PAC is one of several groups that have worked in conjunction with Abbott ahead of the March primaries to unseat GOP lawmakers who rejected the governors push last year to give parents taxpayer dollars to send their kids to private schools. Twenty-one House Republicans joined with every Democrat in the chamber to strike vouchers from the bill. The GOP author then withdrew the entire package, citing Abbotts threat to veto any education funding that did not come with vouchers. Allison, a former Alamo Heights ISD board president who has long pushed for Texas to bolster school funding, said the ads claims are a flat-out falsehood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There was absolutely no reason in the world why the rest of that bill couldnt have gone forward and I think we would have passed it, Allison said, adding that he supported the rest of the $7 billion measure. If anything, he argued, it did not go far enough to boost education funding. Leo Linbeck, a leader and co-founder of the Family Empowerment Coalition PAC, has contended that anti-voucher extremists were responsible for the bills demise, arguing that they received major concessions and were only asked to approve a limited voucher program that would have served 1% of kids, all poor. (W)hen you strip out a major part of a compromise bill, it dies, Linbeck wrote on X last month. Linbeck did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. The ads are just one example of how Abbott and the cadre of pro-voucher political groups have made only sparing reference to vouchers, instead focusing on teacher pay raises, border security and abortion in their political ads. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Family Empowerment Coalition has been among the most active players in the state House primaries, spending some $762,000 through late January to attack anti-voucher Republicans and support their primary challengers. Other founding members include Doug Deason, a prominent Dallas GOP donor, and former state Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., a Democrat who supported vouchers in the Legislature. Beyond attacks on school funding, they have also accused GOP members of being weak on the border and promoted their challengers as stronger advocates for border security a topic that carries far more weight among GOP primary voters than vouchers, according to a recent statewide poll. State Rep. Ernest Bailes, a Shepherd Republican who opposes school vouchers, is another of the groups targets. His main rival is Janis Holt, a school board trustee and owner of an air purification company who also challenged Bailes in 2022. More than three-quarters of Holts campaign funding has come from the Family Empowerment Coalition PAC and Abbott, who endorsed her in January. Governor Abbott needs an ally to fight with him for a secure border, one of the Family Empowerment Coalition PACs ads reads. Thats why he has endorsed Janis Holt for HD 18. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The PAC ran another ad accusing Allison of bragging that he helped close the border, even though he didnt. Thats why Gov. Abbott didnt endorse him. But the ad leaves out that every Republican in the Texas House, including Allison and Bailes, supported a far-reaching new law that empowers state officials to essentially deport people who are suspected of crossing the border illegally. They also backed a contentious bill that establishes stiffer penalties for human smuggling and approved more than $6.5 billion for border security over the next two years, including $1.5 billion to continue building a wall along Texas southern border. Allison called the border-focused ads outrageous, pointing to his votes for the slate of GOP immigration bills. Id like to see them point to one border bill that I didnt vote for, or show anything that Ive ever done except being 100% behind border security, Allison said. Ive been down there three times. I have voted for every appropriation I was on (the House) Appropriations (Committee) and voted for every request the governor has made. Abbott is running a digital ad promoting Allisons main challenger, attorney and former Bexar County district attorney GOP nominee Marc LaHood, as an ally in his fight to stop the flow of illegal immigrants, crime and drugs into Texas. The governor has run the same version of the ad for several other candidates running to unseat anti-voucher Republicans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Feb. 13 said he spoke by phone with Paul Whelan, a former U.S. Marine and businessman imprisoned in Russia. Whelan was detained in Moscow in December 2018 and later sentenced to 16 years in prison on espionage charges, which both he and the U.S. government deny. The Marine veteran maintains he was visiting Russia to attend a friend's wedding. Speaking at a forum about hostage diplomacy, Blinken said he spoke with Whelan on Feb. 12 but provided no further details about the call. The secretary of state reaffirmed that Washington works every day to bring back home both Whelan and Evan Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter also detained in Russia on espionage charges. "Our intensive efforts to bring Paul home continue every single day. And they will until he and Evan Gershkovich and every other American wrongfully detained is back with their loved ones," Blinken said. Gershkovich has been reporting on Russia at the Journal's Moscow bureau since 2017. He was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service in late March 2023 while on a reporting trip in the city of Yekaterinburg. The Wall Street Journal reporter was covering the attitude of Russians to the war against Ukraine and the recruitment of residents in Russia's state-backed private mercenary Wagner Group. Moscow has previously rejected deals to swap Whelan and Gershkovich with Washington. WNBA star Brittney Griner and another Marine veteran, Trevor Reed, were exchanged for Russian prisoners in the U.S. in 2022. Read also: Brittney Griner calls for more effort to free Americans detained overseas Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Bans on asylum seekers working in the UK should be extended to make the country less attractive to illegal migrants, the former immigration minister said. Speaking during a trip to southern Texas, Robert Jenrick warned Britain must learn a lesson from the chaos engulfing Americas 1,950-mile border with Mexico, where almost 2.5 million illegal crossings occurred last year alone. He said the Government needed to rethink rules that allowed asylum seekers to work in shortage occupation areas from 12 months after arriving in the UK. The Telegraph revealed last month that 16,000 asylum seekers had been given the right to work in sectors including care, construction and agriculture. I dont think thats right and we need to change that, Mr Jenrick said, calling for the wait period to be expanded significantly. Whether thats two years or three years, theres a judgment to be made there. But I would like to see it significantly increased, he added. The global asylum system has become a backdoor to the labour market for economic migrants who are in search of better prospects, but not in fear of their life. The former immigration minister surveys border defences in the US - US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION The Governments Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) is expected to argue the opposite next week when it sets out its plan for a new system to replace the shortage occupation list, which is being scrapped. The MAC has argued for asylum seekers to be allowed to work after six months. US cities hit hardest by arrivals from the countrys southern border, including New Yorks Democratic mayor, have taken a similar view, arguing that limiting working rights puts a significant financial strain on the state and pushes asylum seekers into the black market. Mr Jenrick conceded there were trade-offs to be made, but said: If you believe as I do that the vast majority of those people coming are economic migrants, then making it more difficult for those people to work legally in the economy is actually very important. He noted that arrivals to the UK were in a different position to the US, because all of those crossing the Channel in small boats are already in safe and prosperous countries. Asylum system in US and UK has become a backdoor to the labour market for economic migrants, says Robert Jenrick, right - US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION Making it harder for those arriving in small boats to work in the UK, Mr Jenrick argued: I think it will reduce the attraction of the UK. The former immigration minister said he was taken aback by the scale of the challenge facing the US while being given a tour of the Texas border and some of the nearby processing facilities for new arrivals. The ongoing crisis has become a major political liability for Joe Biden and the Democrats in the upcoming US general election in November. Since Mr Biden entered the White House, at least three million illegal immigrants are estimated to have been admitted into the US, more than the population of Chicago. The Texas governor, Greg Abbott, has spearheaded efforts by Republican-led border states to test the Biden administrations authority over immigration control, by declaring an invasion of its border and invoking the right to self defence. Robert Jenrick visited Eagle Pass, the site of a standoff between Greg Abbott and the Biden administration - US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION During his border tour, Mr Jenrick visited the border town of Eagle Pass, the site of a fierce standoff between Mr Abbott and the Biden administration. The Texas governor has deployed his states national guard and restricted federal border patrol agents access while his forces have secured the border with razor wire and other infrastructure, including 1,000ft-long chains of buoys to prevent migrants crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico. Mr Jenrick said Mr Abbotts approach had shown results, with the state seeing fewer migrants crossing in recent weeks. At the weekend, the former immigration minister urged France to deploy Texas-style buoy blockades in the shallow waters off the north French coast to prevent people smugglers launching small boats. What Ive seen today in Texas just reinforces my belief that you have to take the most robust approach possible, Mr Jenrick said. The border crisis in America is a portent of what is to come in the UK if we dont get a grip on the illegal migration crisis. He laid down the gauntlet for Rishi Sunak, saying the proposals should not just form part of the Conservatives offer at the next election but were proposals that the Government could act on immediately. 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. Dueling hearings in former President Trumps criminal cases Thursday are set to create a blockbuster, split-screen moment in his quest to fight a cascade of legal battles. In New York, a judge will weigh Trumps bid to toss his hush money case, the indictment that made the former real estate mogul the first former or current president in history to ever be criminally charged. Meanwhile, in Georgia, lawyers for Trump and some of his co-defendants will attempt to seek the disqualification of the top prosecutors overseeing their election interference case after the duos alleged romantic relationship was exposed in court filings. The simultaneous hearings in two of his four indictments mark the latest display of Trumps legal woes colliding. With the possibility that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) could testify herself in Georgia, Trump was reportedly mulling attending the hearing, which would have been the first time the former president appeared in the Atlanta courthouse for that case. But Tuesday, Trumps lead Georgia attorney indicated he would not travel to Georgia and instead go to the proceeding in New York, though Trump is known to change his plans at the last minute. Trump has had a front-row seat at several of his court proceedings in recent months, even if he was not required to show up. His next stop will be at Manhattan Criminal Court on Thursday for the hush money case, which legal observers have viewed as the least serious batch of charges he faces. Many observers had also believed the hush money trial would take a backseat to allow Trumps federal criminal cases one involving federal election subversion charges and the other over his handling of classified documents to first move ahead. More Top Stories from The Hill But with the timeline in those cases slipping, the hush money trial is now positioned to potentially jump out in front and move ahead as scheduled March 25. Determining that trials date is one of the most significant decisions expected to be made by Judge Juan Merchan on Thursday. The proceeding itself is not expected to be livestreamed, but Trump may be able to speak to cameras outside the courtroom. When Trump attended his recent civil fraud trial, which took place down the street in the same court system, cameras were outside the courtroom, enabling Trump to regularly give impromptu remarks. In Fulton County, however, cameras will be inside the courtroom, turned toward lawyers for Trump and his co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case as they attempt to prove to Judge Scott McAfee that Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wades personal relationship should merit their disqualification from the case. Trump co-defendant Michael Roman first surfaced the romantic allegations last month, asserting Willis hired her romantic partner to the case and has since benefited financially from his employment. The 2020 Trump campaign operative alleges Willis and Wade began their relationship before Wades hiring, which the district attorneys office strongly refutes. Defense attorneys star witness is Terrence Bradley, Wades former law partner who they say can testify to the prosecutors relationship over the years. If McAfee allows it, Willis, Wade, a slew of prosecutors with the district attorneys office and even Williss father could also end up taking the stand. Though the salacious topic of the hearing has drawn much attention, court watchers have warned that defense attorneys have a high bar to meet in proving their claims and that Thursdays hearing, beholden to the rules of evidence, might not make the expected splash. I think folks will be more bored with Thursdays hearing in Fulton County than they think, in part, because theres going to be a lot and I mean a lot of evidentiary fights, Anthony Michael Kreis, a Georgia State University assistant law professor who has closely followed Trumps Georgia case, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Whats hearsay? What calls for speculation? Whats relevant? Whats privileged? Kreis continued. A lot of fits and starts. McAfee, the judge in Fulton County, vowed to keep the hearing focused and suggested he would not hesitate to stop the defense counsel from seeking harassment or undue embarrassment for the prosecutors. Thursdays events only add to a particularly chaotic week for Trumps cases, with the former presidents legal team having asked the Supreme Court on Monday to keep his federal election subversion trial on pause as he appeals an immunity defense. The same day, Trump was attending a proceeding in yet a different case, showing up to a sealed hearing in his classified documents matter. And amid all of this, Trump is also awaiting a decision in his New York civil fraud case that could come down at any moment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Dementia sneaks in like a slow bandit. It begins its raid quietly. Most people arent diagnosed until the disease has already advanced to later stages. This has been one of the major conundrums of dementia diseases, conditions that are defined by loss of memory, language and other thinking abilities. However, a new study may have just taken a major step toward a blood test that can predict the risk of dementia up to 15 years before diagnosis. In the study, published in the journal Nature Aging on Feb. 12, researchers were able to pinpoint a biomarker, or a common imprint in the blood, for people at-risk for dementia. The scientists examined blood samples from 52,645 people in the United Kingdom, 1,417 of whom developed dementia over a 14-year period. With this data, they noticed people who developed the condition had increased levels of four specific blood proteins: GFAP, NEFL, GDF15 and LTBP2. In the end, this common distinction was used to predict the incidence of dementia with about 90% accuracy, using data from more than 10 years before participants were officially diagnosed. This new study adds to the growing body of evidence that measuring levels of certain proteins in the blood of healthy people could accurately predict dementia before symptoms develop, Sheona Scales, director of research at Alzheimers Research UK, said in a post from UK Science Media Centre. According to the World Health Organization, more than 55 million people worldwide currently live with dementia, which researchers call one of the most costly, fatal and burdensome diseases of this era. The average health care costs for people in the U.S. with dementia is $287,038 in their last 5 years of life, according to the National Institutes of Health. Those costs are significantly higher than the costs for those who died of heart disease, cancer and other causes. According to Alzheimers Disease International, only 20% to 50% of people with the disease receive a formal diagnosis, and thats just in high-income countries. Not to mention, current diagnostic tests lumbar punctures and PET scans are extremely expensive and invasive. Blood tests are far more accessible for the general population. Although dementia and Alzheimers cannot be cured, it may be possible to prevent or delay its development in some people if risk factors, such as smoking and high blood pressure, are avoided, according to researchers. And search for early detection measures have long been underway. Finding better, more accessible ways to diagnose dementia is crucial, said Scales. The Feb. 12 study likely paves the way for exactly that, as the authors acknowledge its findings need to be replicated in other populations. Is cannabis use feeding anxiety disorders? Young men especially at risk, study says PCOS, a painful condition for millions of women, linked to memory loss, study finds Long COVID activists crash Senate hearing. Heres what theyre demanding A man found covered in blood at a Florida apartment was the victim of a samurai sword attack, according to investigators. The wounds included cuts to the face, torso and hand, but the victim survived, Daytona Beach police said in an arrest affidavit. A suspect has been identified and he remains at large as of Wednesday, Feb. 14, police said. The attack happened around 8:45 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, in the victims Daytona Beach apartment. Daytona Beach is about 55 miles northeast of Orlando. Officers located a male bleeding, laying in the threshold of the door, police wrote in the affidavit. The male was conscious and alert and moderately bleeding from his left side of his face and left shoulder. ... (He) stated that he had been stabbed with a sword. He was taken to a hospital and his status has not been released. The victim told investigators the attacker is an acquaintance, and the two men argued when the 25-year-old suspect demanded the victim give him his Xbox, an affidavit states. When the victim refused, the suspect grabbed a samurai sword that was in the apartment and struck (the victim) two times across the left side of (his) face and left upper shoulder. The suspect then fled, leaving the sword on the ground near the entrance of the apartment, officials said. A neighbor called 911 after finding the victim screaming (and) covered in blood, officials said. The suspect is experiencing homelessness, adding to the challenge of locating him, officials said. He is wanted on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Mom accused of theft tries framing her child, Florida cops say. Thats not true mom Crash sends biker flying through the air and into a pedestrian, Florida troopers say Man jailed after leaving boat in road outside sheriffs substation, Florida cops say Itll be seven years this week since the iconic Fischers Restaurant on Main Street closed its doors for the last time. This article, which originally published in the Belleville News-Democrat on Feb. 15, 2017, recounts that final day and all the emotions that built over more than 80 years of meals, dances, weddings, class reunions, and other events. What are your memories of Fischers Restaurant? Fischers Restaurant, a longtime staple of West Main Street, welcomed a busy crowd Wednesday afternoon as it prepared to close its doors. Diners, owners and employees alike expressed their thoughts on the restaurants closing, which was announced in early January. The restaurant at 2100 W. Main St. has been family owned for more than 80 years. Kenny Fischer, the longtime Belleville restaurateur and civic leader who died Jan. 18, 2016, at age 84, owned and operated the restaurant for many years. His daughters, Annette Allan and Kathy Bingheim, eventually took over ownership and began operating the establishment with the help of general manager Corea Buck. On Wednesday, the women lamented the closing of a lifes labor. Im feeling kind of numb, Allan said. Weve been busier than we ever have before (since announcing the closing), but now its finally sinking in. By 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, customers had filled the restaurants dining room and bar. The kitchen was busy filling the final orders of loyal customers. This file photo show the marquee at Fischers restaurant in Belleville scrolls We are here to stay. I love Fischers; we hate to see them go, said Marcia Sanson, a longtime patron, who ordered a Reuben on the last day of service. We used to come here when we were in high school and sit in a corner booth. The 83-year-old reminisced about ordering french fries at the restaurant when it was still known as The Dutch Girl. Memories of the old restaurant were exchanged while customers enjoyed Fischers fried chicken, a favorite among locals. WHAT ARE YOUR MEMORIES? Heres what metro-east residents said shortly before Fischers closed for good Chuck Kezirian ordered the famous staple one last time Wednesday before saying goodbye to the restaurant. Im sad that Belleville history is going away, Kezirian said. Hopefully someone takes it over. Sisters Allan and Bingheim started working at the restaurant as coat and hat-check girls on the weekends. They eventually worked their way up to being waitresses and finally into ownership and management. Elaine Jagla, a Fischers employee for the past seven years, takes plates of food to patrons in the dining room. We spent all our lives here, Bingheim said. At first (closing day) seemed so far away, but now its finally here. Theres still plenty of work to do at the 30,000-square-foot restaurant and banquet center. Some of the business 60 employees have agreed to stay on to help clean and get ready for the auction on March 2, Bingheim said. At least one employee knows what shes going to do after the restaurant closes. Carmen Duco has been a bartender at the restaurant for 30 years. Before that, she spent 10 years as a waitress and two years as a coat check girl, starting when she was 15 years old. When asked what shes going to do after her longtime employer closes, she said, Rest. Take some time off and rest. Fischers oldest grandchild, Bryan Bingheim, stood in the kitchen Wednesday afternoon and said he is planning to take some time off as well. John Lengerman, executive director of the Belleville Chamber of Commerce, greets Senior Airman Emily Mormino of the 932nd A.E.S. at Scott Air Force Base at the 61st annual Belle-Scott Dinner at Fischers in Belleville in 2011. I mean, its sad, but I see it as an opportunity for my family to grow, he said. This place is a big undertaking; its hard and it can be hard on a family. Sue Ketterer, a Fischers waitress for 24 years, said her experience working for the Fischers has been nothing but great. There are a lot of emotions today, she said. A lot of these customers are like family to me. Ive met a lot of wonderful people I will keep in touch with them. Ketterer said she plans on retiring and spending more time with her family including her two young children. But, she added, theres a possibility of her returning to work if someone buys the building and opens a new restaurant. I love serving thats why Ive done it so long, Ketterer said. The Fischers have been so good to me. They would help anyone out; thats why Ive stayed around so long. Ronald Reagan campaigns for president at Fischers Restaurant in Belleville. DeMestri photographed six presidents during his 66-year career. Fischers kitchen supervisor, Wyvette Jones, said shes worked for the family for 26 years. With tears in her eyes, she hugged Ketterer and talked about how much the restaurant means to her. Im emotional right now; Ive been here all my life, Jones said. Now I have to start all over. Jones said she plans to take about a month off before getting back to work the Cahokia resident already has a few interviews lined up. The people here, they are my family; we are just one big happy family. We dont hold grudges against each other. Kenny Fischer longtime Belleville restaurateur. Workers with Hanks Excavating & Landscaping Inc. started the demolition of Fischers Restaurant at 2100 W. Main St. in Belleville on Monday. The iconic restaurant and banquet hall closed Feb. 15, 2017, after more than 80 years. STEVENS POINT - Drivers and pedestrians at Fourth Avenue and Division Street might continue to have their movement controlled by a traffic signal rather than a roundabout following a 4-2 vote Monday by the Board of Public Works. Mayor Mike Wiza made a motion to maintain traffic signals at the busy intersection and it was seconded by District 11 Alderperson Shaun Morrow. Wiza explained his concerns regarding large pedestrian volume due to its proximity to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, the movement of emergency vehicles and differing and evolving opinions on intersection design before making the motion. In my opinion, it creates more of a hazard when neither party, the pedestrians or the drivers, know which one is supposed to go, Wiza said. AECOM, the engineering firm the city is contracting with for the controversial Business 51 project, is working toward its 30% design proposal which will need to be approved by the Common Council. Scott Beduhn, the city's public works director, estimated the 30% design could be complete by late March or early April. In 2021, the city proposed spending about $48.5 million on rebuilding Business 51, which would include property acquisitions, adding bike lanes, a roundabout and reducing travel lanes from two in each direction to one while adding a middle left-turn lane in some portions of the road. An October 2022 estimate put that price tag at $50-$60 million. The Stevens Point Common Council in September 2021 approved preliminary design plans for the project from AECOM for the north, central and south segments. Since then AECOM has been meeting with property owners, business owners and city leaders to discuss topics ranging from pedestrian safety, property valuation, traffic volumes and the publics desire for the road to remain four lanes. The Board of Public Works includes seven members: the mayor, a member of the public and five alderpersons. Nine alderpersons out of 11 total spoke about the intersection during Monday's meeting. While this committee approved the signalized intersection with the mayor and citizen members vote, seven alderpersons ultimately spoke favorably about a roundabout at the intersection. I think the fact that people are going slower, theres less chance for collisions, District 3 Alderperson Ginger Keymer said. I dont think (roundabouts) are as exotic or unusual as they have been in the past, and I think being able to cross one lane at a time is very different than having to cross, now, four lanes of traffic. AECOMs report on the intersection includes historic information on accidents at the intersection, analysis of vehicle and pedestrian traffic models and patterns, pros and cons of roundabouts, examples of roundabouts in similar areas including De Pere and River Falls as well as Carmel, Indiana. The reports conclusion states that despite high pedestrian traffic, a roundabout would operate acceptably with lower levels of delay and shorter queue lengths than the signalized alternative. It also included other communities recommendations for public education and outreach while carrying out roundabout projects. The decision will now move to the Stevens Point Common Council, which will likely meet on Feb. 19. More local news: Street reconstruction project on Stevens Point's north side adds roundabout and extends sidewalk More local news: CREATE and Farmshed receive $50,000 grant to create community hub inside former Stevens Point convent Erik Pfantz covers local government and education in central Wisconsin for USA-TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin and values his background as a rural Wisconsinite. Reach him at epfantz@gannett.com or connect with him on X (formerly Twitter) @ErikPfantz. This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Stevens Point: Board votes to keep traffic signals over roundabout The body of a California woman who went missing while hiking Mount Baldy has been found. Lifei Huang, 22, set out on a hike on the afternoon of 4 February, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department. Loved ones reported the El Monte woman missing after not being able to contact her for several hours. Search and rescue teams looked for Huang for the next two days, but due to extreme snowstorms and the risk of avalanches, had to pause search efforts until conditions were safer. On Saturday, a citizen flying a drone reported possibly sighting the missing woman. Search teams were not immediately able to hike to the location due to weather conditions, and aviation crews couldnt conduct an aerial search amid strong winds. Team members stayed the night near the location to preserve the scene, the sheriffs department said. The next morning, air rescue teams were able to hoist medics down to the area, where they found the body of Huang, which was then airlifted off of the mountain. We would like to thank all our personnel and volunteers that aided in the search, as well as the citizen that alerted U.S. Forestry, the sheriffs department said. Before Huangs body was found, her cousin, Ally Zhang, told ABC 7 that her loved ones were hoping shed be found safe. "We are doing everything for her," Ms Zhang said. "We never blamed her for doing this. We dont think that she wanted this to happen. Were 100 per cent sure she still is alive." Mount Baldy in Southern California (Getty Images/iStockphoto) In a statement, El Monte officials extended their condolences to Huangs family and thanked the search and rescue teams. Our hearts go out to the Huang family during this difficult time as the El Monte community comes together to grieve the loss of Lifei, they said. We want to express our sincere thanks to the U.S. Department of Forestry and the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department for their unwavering dedication in the rescue efforts. The sheriffs department is urging the public to stay away and refrain from mountain activities during this inclement weather. The weather has effectively buried the mountain in snow and it is highly likely hikers will get into trouble, they said. Resources are stretched to their limits and hikers who get lost may have to wait long periods of time before help is available. Mount Baldy rises more than 10,000 feet east of Los Angeles and is a popular spot for hikers. British actor Julian Sands, 65, was reported missing while hiking there in January 2023, and his remains were eventually discovered in June. A Mariemont High School student is accused of planning an attack on the school to kill students. Body camera footage released by the Fairfax Police Department shows a conversation between officers and a teen accused of making a hit list and planning to attack his high school. The 14-year-old Mariemont High School freshman is charged with conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, a rare charge for those who make school threats. He was arrested at Mariemont High School on the same day the encounter with officers took place. Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers released texts between the teen and an adult in Colorado that discuss killing students and gassing the school at a press conference Feb. 8 and said evidence shows the attack was imminent. Police said the teen admitted to making the plan in an interview that took place with the teen's father present. Powers wants to try the teen as an adult, which would put life in prison on the table as a possible penalty. In another rare move, Hamilton County's Public Defenders Office issued a statement saying the teen was on the autism spectrum and had other "mental health challenges," and that trying him as an adult would be "against everyone's interest" and not help public safety. Despite the multiple statements and a press conference, there are still more questions that have not been answered, including: What is happening to the man in Colorado? Why was the student communicating with the Colorado man? What made prosecutors believe that the threat would be carried out? How will the teen's diagnosis be considered? What's in the body camera footage? Two police officers met with the father of the teen on his front step just before 8 a.m. on Feb. 7. The father said he had heard rumors about a threat to the school the previous day. He told the officers his son had been complaining about another student who was bullying him and others, and that his advice was: "Stay away from that kid." The officers said an anonymous report was made saying the teen was going to "get some gun and go shoot up the school." The father said his son often does not know how to interpret conversations with other students. "He misses social cues in conversation," the man said. "Irony files over his head." The teen walked out with his backpack and the police offered him the same advice as his father, to stay away from the other student causing problems and to talk to the school officials if he has any issues. The teen recounted a conversation with another student in the library. "He said he had an OnlyFans," the teen said. "He said something about doing a school shooting with some dude in Chicago." The teen's father told his son that this is how quickly rumors are shared there was a conversation in a library and 12 hours later the police were at their door. The officers said that the officials at the school were going to talk to the teen and sent him and his father on their way to school. During the conversation, the father admitted that he had a gun in the house and asked if he should remove it from the home until things settled down. One of the officers said that sounded like a good idea. The father asked the officers if they would hold it for him and they agreed. More evidence The Enquirer asked the Hamilton County Prosecutor's Office about the severity of the charge the teen is facing. It is common for those who make school threats to be charged with inducing panic or aggravated menacing. Hamilton County Juvenile Court officials reported that their records show this is the only time the charge has been used since at least the beginning of 2020. The prosecutor's office issued the following statement: We are working with law enforcement as the investigation in this matter continues. While limited evidence has been released to the public for the purpose of conveying the seriousness of the situation, it does not represent the full extent of evidence we anticipate presenting to the court in this case. To preserve the integrity of the investigation and forthcoming litigation, we do not have any further comment we can offer at this time. Investigation into Colorado man is ongoing Media outlets have reported that the FBI investigated the man in Colorado who was communicating with the teen, but no charges have come at the federal level. However, Mariemont Police Chief Rick Hines said the investigation into that man is still occurring at the local level. If it is determined the man has committed a crime, he could be charged at the county level either in Hamilton County or another county where he was communicating with the teen. The public defender's office said the teen was a victim of this man's "predatory behavior." What's next The teen remains detained at the Hamilton County Youth Center pending his next hearing Feb. 21 in juvenile court. In order to transfer the case to adult court, prosecutors need to file motions for a bindover hearing. If a juvenile is charged with certain serious offenses, such as murder, and if the juvenile is 16, bindover can be mandatory. In this case, the juvenile court judge will decide if the teen should be sent to adult court. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Mariemont school threat: What we know now Several bathrooms on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner stopped working on a transatlantic flight. The pilots appeared to consider turning back after an hour but continued on before U-turning later. The KLM jet seems to have been repaired as it flew to Houston and back on Tuesday. Several bathrooms on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner stopped working on a transatlantic flight, forcing the pilots to turn around, a KLM spokesperson told Business Insider. Eight of the nine bathrooms stopped working on the jet carrying more than 200 passengers from Amsterdam to Los Angeles on Monday, Airlive.net reported. Soon after takeoff, flight attendants realized that just one bathroom on the plane was working, per the outlet. Data from Flightradar24 suggests the pilots first considered heading back to Amsterdam about an hour into the flight. The plane did a circle north of the UK before the pilots decided to continue. But two hours later, the jet did a U-turn over Greenland and returned to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport meaning passengers had a 6 -hour flight to nowhere. KLM said in a statement shared with BI: "KL601 to Los Angeles returned to Amsterdam on Monday because it was discovered during the flight that the toilets were no longer functioning properly. This malfunction occurred after departure." "Because the problem affected multiple toilets, it was decided to return to Schiphol," it added. The airline then replaced the 787 with another one, KLM said. It departed from Amsterdam nine hours later than originally scheduled. The plane with the faulty restrooms appears to have been fixed overnight, as it flew to Houston and back on Tuesday, per Flightradar24. Planes diverting due to faulty toilets isn't unheard of. Last April, 300 Austrian Airlines passengers had to rebook their flights after five of the eight toilets wouldn't flush properly. And in 2018, a Norwegian flight, which ironically had 85 plumbers on board, had to return to the airport due to malfunctioning toilets. Read the original article on Business Insider When Gov. Greg Abbott, flanked by about a dozen of his fellow GOP state chief executives and backed by armed National Guard soldiers near the banks of the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass on a recent Sunday afternoon, it was more than just another example of the Texas Republican chastising the Democratic president over immigration policy. Instead, it was further evidence that Texas' relationship with the federal government often strained and frayed during their 179 years together might be at its lowest point since the dawn of the Civil War. And Abbott's rhetoric in Eagle Pass on Feb. 4, along with the imagery assembled for the bank of news cameras, invoked a pugnaciousness worthy of a military commander preparing his troops for battle. "We are here to send a loud and clear message that we are banding together to fight to ensure that we will be able to maintain our constitutional guarantee that states will be able to defend against any type of imminent danger or invasion," Abbott declared. Gov. Greg Abbott, along with several fellow Republican governors, speaks at a Feb. 4 news conference in Eagle Pass about border policies. Abbott's push for more state control over international border policies has helped put Texas' relationship with the federal government at what might be at its lowest point since the dawn of the Civil War. Former Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes, whose political career began more than 60 years ago and whose political involvement has endured since, said he has seen plenty of Texas-federal dustups over the decades but when asked if the one presently playing out is more destructive than the others, he said, "I believe it is." Immigration and border policy lay at the heart of the conflict between Abbott and Biden. But the acrimony is not limited to their partisan differences or to the back-and-forth sniping since Biden ousted then-President Donald Trump from the White House three years ago. Texas and the Biden administration are locked in myriad legal battles over the federal government's historic primacy over immigration laws and over whether the state can usurp immigration enforcement authority if it deems the federal effort to be inadequate. Barnes, now 85, entered politics just as the U.S. civil rights movement was gaining momentum. In an interview with the American-Statesman, he said the issue of school integration and efforts to expand voting rights often put Austin and Washington at cross purposes because Jim Crow laws rules states in the former Confederacy enacted to mandate racial segregation were alive and well in the Texas of the 1950s and early 1960s. "I think a difference is the battle over civil rights had been going on since before the Civil War, and at the conclusion of the Civil War, and in the aftermath of the Civil War," Barnes said. "But this (the escalating tensions over border policy) is something that's been going on not (for) 100 years, but only the last six or eight years. This has happened rather quickly." Another conflict rooted in 'states rights' Bill Minutaglio, the author of several books on different periods of Texas history, said one thread ties together nearly all the conflicts pitting the state against the feds. "Texas has a long, complicated controversial history arguing for states' rights. Period. Full stop. End of story," said Minutaglio, a retired University of Texas journalism professor. "Obviously, it goes all the way back to (Texas) being a republic, its own nation. And then being absorbed into the United States, and then willfully joining the secession and arguing that states' rights and primacy and all that during the Civil War." President Joe Biden shakes hands with Gov. Greg Abbott when the president visited El Paso last year to assess border enforcement operations. The notion is not unique to Texas, Minutaglio said. All the states that left the union at the outset of the Civil War embraced the theme, and they continued doing so through Reconstruction, the period after the war. Resistance to federal civil rights laws of the mid-1960s has extended that embrace, he said. But, Minutaglio added, "the Texas mythology (as) a place that can never be tamed and never be conquered and can't be corralled in" elevates the state's role whenever states and the federal government are at odds. "We play into that more than any other state." More: Senate kills sweeping border, foreign aid deal even as lawmakers eye Israel, Ukraine funding Texas, White House ratchet up the rhetoric The present acrimony between Abbott and the federal government is by no means one-sided. As recently as last month, Biden White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre accused Abbott of engaging in "extreme political stunts" in the name of border security. As part of the $11 billion Operation Lone Star, Abbott's border security initiative, Texas has continued building unconnected sections of border wall, laid a buoy barrier along a part of the Rio Grande and installed razor wire on the river's Texas shore. More: Abbott vows to keep border security fight after Supreme Court rules feds' can cut razor wire "Ive said this over and over again. We have said this: It demonizes and dehumanizes people," Jean-Pierre said at a news briefing Jan. 16. "But it also makes the job of the Border Patrol harder and also more dangerous. Thats what were seeing." In July, she called Abbott's border actions "atrocious, barbaric, and downright wrong." Abbott has countered by accusing President Joe Biden of violating his oath of office. "The federal government has broken the compact between the United States and the States," the governor said in a Jan. 24 one-page denunciation of the administration's border policies, which was quickly endorsed by 25 other Republican governors. Immigration politics mixes with courtroom drama Amid the verbal parrying are legal cases that are fraught with acrimony, and ones that could upend the centuries-old principle that the states must bow to the federal government on immigration and border security. The Biden administration last month won at least a short-term victory when the U.S. Supreme Court said federal border agents could cut through the miles of razor wire the state has coiled along the Rio Grande. More: Texas Democrats in Congress say SB 4 is unconstitutional. Here's what they're doing about it But the larger case of whether the law Texas enacted last year to allow state law enforcement authorities to arrest people suspected of entering the country without legal authorization has not yet been adjudicated. The law, known as Senate Bill 4 and set to take effect next month, carries a penalty of six months in jail or court-ordered deportation from the United States. Should Biden federalize the Texas National Guard? The U.S. Justice Department, which filed the lawsuit seeking to have SB 4 struck down, is arguing that the high court's ruling in 2012 nullifying a similar law enacted in Arizona has settled the question of federal supremacy when it comes to immigration and the border. If the Supreme Court sides with Texas, it could mean that other states can enact their own laws similar to SB 4. A Texas National Guard soldier guards Shelby Park in Eagle Pass earlier this month. Some Democrats have suggested that President Joe Biden should federalize the Texas National Guard. Meanwhile, several prominent Texas Democrats are calling on the Biden administration to take more aggressive actions to rein in Abbott and other state Republican leaders on the immigration issue. U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio and Greg Casar of Austin, along with 2022 Democratic gubernatorial nominee Beto O'Rourke, have said Biden should assert federal control of the National Guard troops Abbott has ordered to the border as part of Operation Lone Star. President Dwight Eisenhower in 1957 federalized the Arkansas National Guard when that state refused to comply with court-ordered school integration. President John F. Kennedy six years later took similar action, federalizing the Alabama Guard when Gov. George Wallace tried to block the integration of that state's flagship public university. Abbott has said such a move by Biden involving the Texas National Guard would be "boneheaded" and would not deter him from pursuing his border policies. Border battles run deep in Texas history Historian and author Donald Frazier, who runs the Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville, said the border tug-of-war between Texas and the federal government can be traced back to the state's admission into the Union in 1845 and its reasoning for seceding about 15 years later. "The border has always been a consistent point of conflict between state authority and federal authority," said Frazier, who pointed to the February 1861 Declaration of Causes that Texas used to justify leaving the Union. The 163-year-old document's language, although more flowery, invokes some of the same themes heard in the modern dispute over border security. The federal government, the declaration says in part, "has for years almost entirely failed to protect the lives and property of the people of Texas ... against the murderous forays of banditti from the neighboring territory of Mexico." "(While) our State government has expended large amounts for such purpose, the Federal Government has refused reimbursement therefore, thus rendering our condition more insecure and harassing than it was during the existence of the Republic of Texas." Along with the sometimes-incendiary language, Texas and Washington have a history of court battles over the border. In 1994, when Democrats were in power both in Austin and in the White House, then-Texas Attorney General Dan Morales filed a lawsuit against the federal government seeking $5 billion as payback for services provided to undocumented immigrants in Texas. Gov. Ann Richards, a close President Bill Clinton ally, backed up the attorney general in his challenge to the president their fellow Democrat. "This wrangle has been going on for years and years and years and years," Richards said at the time. "There's nothing new. The only thing new is states have made a commitment they're going to fight back." While the presiding judge expressed sympathy with Texas' argument, the lawsuit failed in the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Saber-rattling and scoring political points Brandon Rottinghaus, an author and University of Houston political science professor, said taking on Washington over immigration and other issues that are important to voters has had little downside in Texas, regardless of who is in power at any given time. "Texas governors have long been able to engage in saber-rattling and have successfully scored political points against the federal government," Rottinghaus said, adding that Abbott has set that acrimony bar at an all-time high. "The kind of escalation has gone beyond just rhetoric," he said. "And that's scary because the U.S. federal system only works if you've got a respect for the balance of powers. And the state has tried to push that as far as it can go." Protesters gather outside Shelby Park in Eagle Pass after the Feb. 4 news conference held there by Gov. Greg Abbott and several other GOP state governors. Abbott, at the Eagle Pass event with the other GOP governors, rejected assertions that his actions at the border might endanger the nation's stability. "It's a false narrative, and it's really nothing more than a narrative," Abbott said. Barnes, the former lieutenant governor, said that as sour as the state-federal relationship presently is, the political wind often shifts with the mood of voters. "I hope it's a blip in the road," said Barnes, a Democrat who served as the state's second-in-command from 1969 to 1973, and as speaker of the Texas House before then. "I think this being a presidential election year, and because everything is more heated, both parties are throwing gasoline on the fire. I hope that next year, a nonelection year, things will settle down." Minutaglio, the author whose books include the first pre-presidential biography of George W. Bush and a deep-dive into Texas' troubled history of race relations, said recovery from the current Austin-Washington hostility will likely not come easily. "It is more pointed, it's more strident, it's more evident, it's more visceral today than ever before," he said. "It just is." This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: How US-Mexico border crisis divides Texas and the federal government Police have arrested a Brockton man who was being sought in connection with a stabbing in Bostons South End earlier this month. Jerome Brown, 43, was arrested at about 7:10 p.m. Tuesday, police said. He is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Officers responded to the area of 1950 Washington S. for a report of an assault with a knife, police said. The victim had been stabbed 12 days prior, and saw the suspect in the area. Officers were sent a wanted flier with the suspects identification from the stabbing that occurred at 10:36 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the area of 1917 Washington St. Brown is expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The campaign for Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y) is threatening a defamation lawsuit against his opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, over an accusation Bowman took money from Hamas. David Mitrani, a lawyer representing the Bowman campaign, sent a letter to the Latimer campaign Tuesday demanding the candidate retract the accusation that Bowman received money from the terrorist group. This statement that the Congressmans campaign has taken money from Hamas is false, Mitrani wrote in the letter obtained by The Hill. Mr. Latimer and the campaign are now on notice that this statement is false. We demand that Mr. Latimer retract his statement, as it is false. Contributions by foreign nationals are prohibited in United States political campaigns under the Federal Election Campaign Act, Mitrani continued. In making the statement that Jamaal Bowman for Congress has taken money from a foreign organization or from foreign individuals, Mr. Latimer has accused the campaign of violating the Federal Election Campaign Act. The letter, which cites reporting from the Black Westchester, states Latimer made the accusation Saturday, when a woman questioned him about accepting donations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which also endorsed Latimer in January. The conversation reportedly took place at the 12th Annual Black History Month Celebration at New Rochelle High School, according to Black Westchester. The woman told Latimer that the committee is supporting problematic right-wing conspiracy theorist-type Republicans and pitting two marginalized groups against one another Blacks and Jews, the City & State reported. AIPAC was Latimer biggest donor in the last quarter of 2023. The group gave him $600,000, according to campaign finance reports. After the woman said Latimer is taking money from the devil for the backing he was getting from AIPAC, Latimer fired back, pinning Bowman to Hamas. Bowman is taking money from the devil too, he taking money from Hamas, Latimer said, according to the letter. City & State reported that when the woman asked for evidence, Latimer later emailed her an article from the Washington Free Beacon detailing a fundraiser in Los Angeles for Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Bowman. The event was hosted by activists critical of Israel, but the article does not suggest that Hamas donated to Bowmans reelection campaign. Latimers campaign said Tuesday that the letter is a baseless attack from the scandal-plagued Jamaal Bowman. On the specific issue for which Mr. Bowman is threatening to run to the courts, it is clear that he has accepted support from those who both cheered on and tried to justify Hamas unspeakable acts of terrorism, which Mr. Bowman does not deny, the campaign said. Bowman, who represents parts of Westchester and the Bronx, is running for reelection and fending off a Democratic primary challenge from Latimer. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The parents of Brian Laundrie, the man who killed Gabby Petito, described the day their son called them to say his fiance was gone as the day everything hit the fan, according to newly released depositions. Brian Laundries father, Christopher Laundrie, said his son was frantic as they spoke about what happened on the couples cross-country van trip during the summer of 2021 and had asked his parents to help find him an attorney. When asked what he thought his son meant when he said Gabbys gone, the father said he didnt know. Those conversations happened on 29 August 2021. Petitos remains would be found in Bridger-Teton National Forest in Wyoming weeks later. Her family had reported her missing before officials found her body. The younger Laundrie was found deceased in a nature reserve after he went home to Florida on 1 September 2021 driving Petitos van. A local medical examiners office later determined he had died by suicide. Officials found writings near his body claiming responsibility for Petitos death. Upon his return to Florida, the mans father said his son seemed like a kid who came home in trouble. Petitos parents, Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt, are suing the mans father and mother, Roberta Laundrie, claiming they knew that their son had intentionally killed their daughter and withheld that information from them. Previously, a Florida judge awarded the womans parents $3m in a wrongful death suit against her partners estate. At the advice of their attorney, the couple said they decided not to return calls from the womans family as the investigation into her whereabouts was ongoing. In this image taken from police body camera video provided by the Moab Police Department, Gabrielle Gabby Petito talks to a police officer after police pulled over the van she was travelling in with her boyfriend, Brian Laundrie, near the entrance to Arches National Park on Aug. 12, 2021. (MPD) I dont know what the right thing to do I dont know how to respond to any of this, Mr Laundries father said. I dont know how anybody would handle it. When asked why he didnt feel the need to contact Petitos parents, he said, I should have done it maybe, but I didnt, and then thats that. In this image taken from police body camera video provided by the Moab Police Department, Brian Laundrie talks to a police officer after police pulled over the van he was travelling in (MPD) Ms Laundrie said she thought her son and his fiance were very sweet together. They enjoyed each other and I thought it was a nice, good relationship, she added. On the day she found out something was wrong with her son, she said he had called her for a catch-up. At the end of that conversation, she said he became very upset. She then asked her husband to call him. He didnt sound like himself, she said. I knew something was wrong. Ms Laundrie continued to say that her husband told her Petito was gone. Still, she said she took it to mean that maybe the couple had gotten into a fight and Petito would be pressing charges against her son. Shed also considered that maybe hed hit her, but wasnt sure about whether shed considered that the woman had been murdered. When her son called her to tell her he was on his way to Florida, she said she didnt ask about the womans whereabouts and thought her parents would come get her. Still, she and her husband paid their attorney a $25,000 retainer around the day he arrived home. Ms Laundrie said she believed they decided to hire representation because her son must have done something or something must have happened that he could be in trouble for. Petitos parents tried to contact Mr and Ms Laundrie through text, call and Facebook Messenger but never responded at the advice of their attorney. Her husband said he described their son as grieving when he left their family home on 13 September 2021, but said she didnt agree with that characterisation. Joseph Petito, Gabbys father, said he questioned why the parents of his daughters boyfriend were not helping to bring her home. They supposedly love Gabby, but all they did was show that they didnt give two sh*ts about her. Petito and her fiance started their camping trip in the summer of 2021 and she had been documenting it as an aspiring influencer. Her last post on Instagram was dated on 25 August 2021. At one point, she was living with her fiances family. Chinese FM spokesperson's remarks on Israeli large-scale airstrikes in Gaza's Rafah Xinhua) 11:57, February 14, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China called on Israel to stop military operations as soon as possible and prevent a more devastating humanitarian disaster in Gaza's Rafah, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday. The spokesperson made the remarks when asked to comment on Israeli large-scale airstrikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, which caused heavy casualties, and the Israeli military's plan to launch ground offensive against Rafah. The spokesperson said that China is closely watching the developments in Rafah. "We oppose and condemn acts against civilians and international law. We call on Israel to stop military operations as soon as possible, do everything possible to avoid casualties among innocent civilians and prevent a more devastating humanitarian disaster in Rafah," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) In response to Trump's remarks on NATO defense spending, President Biden, echoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, labels them "dangerous" and "Un-American," according to The Associated Press. Biden's Response The former President's words seemingly planted seeds of fear for United States Partners. To re-cap the former President stated that he would allow Russia to "Do whatever the hell it wants" to allied NATO territories that fail to devote 2% of their gross domestic product to defense. Biden shared multiple quotes calling such comments regarding the defense pact "dangerous and shocking" adding the following "The whole world heard it and the worst thing is he means it". Also before calling the former president's words "Un-American" he stated that "When America gives its word it means something. He doesn't understand that the sacred commitment that we've given works for us as well" Biden is referring the NATO's Article 5 mutual defense clause that states that an armed attack against one or more of its members shall be considered an attack against all of its members. However, Trump has had a record of describing NATO allies as leeches on the United States military and has questioned the value of the military alliance that has lasted decades back in 2018. The report also cites Stoltenberg's previous statement on Sunday which is as follows "Any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk." The defense minister in Poland also echoed a similar statement "No election campaign is an excuse for playing with the security of the alliance." However, a Trump senior advisor, Jason Miller also shared some thoughts in response to President Biden's statements "President Trump got our allies to increase their NATO spending by demanding they pay up, but Joe Biden went back to letting them take advantage of the American taxpayer. When you don't pay your defense spending you can't be surprised that you get more war" Trump is currently looking to secure the Republican nomination although his eligibility remains in the air as one of his trials is now in the hands of the Supreme Court. Normally full of energy when he steps onto Larry Farrish Jr.s school bus, a first grader named Levi wasnt his normal self Friday, Feb. 9. His classmates at Engelhard Elementary School were dressed in their PJs for the Louisville schools pajama day, but a tearful Levi told his bus driver he did not have any to wear. It hurt me so bad, Farrish said, according to a Feb. 13 news release from Jefferson County Public Schools. That just wasnt my Levi, and I wanted him to have a good day. No child should have to miss out on something as small as pajama day. Farrish, who has been a bus driver for seven years, knew he needed to step in to help Levi. So when he finished his morning routes, Farrish went to a Family Dollar store to buy pajamas for the first grader, the school district said. He returned to the school, where he asked a staff member to call Levi to the front office. I saw Levi coming down the hall, and he had a face just as happy as could be, Farrish said, according to the news release. It really turned the whole Friday around, for him and for me. Pictures shared by the school district show Levi in his sports-themed All-Star pajamas. It was another way for Farrish to connect with the students he drives, something he said he loves doing. Hes also known for telling jokes to the kids and perfecting handshakes with them. He said it felt good knowing he made an impact of Levis life. And according to Levi, he did just that. I can tell Mr. Larry is nice and his heart is filled with joy, Levi said. Im usually really happy, but not on pajama dayWhen he got me the pajamas, I did a happy cry. Heroic driver gets kids off school bus just before it catches fire, NC district says Pregnant bus driver saves kids before bus goes up in flames, Wisconsin reports say A teen set free without bail after being charged with taking part in a caught-on-video Times Square melee between a group of migrants and NYPD cops has been arrested again this time for shoplifting at a Queens Macys, police said Wednesday. Darwin Andres Gomez Izquiel, 19, was allegedly caught shoplifting with two other men inside the department store at the Queens Center Mall at about 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, cops said. When a store loss-prevention officer stopped the trio, one of them punched the security staffer in the face, according to police. Izquiel acted as the lookout, according to cops. Izquiel ran off but was nabbed a short distance away after cops released a wanted poster and charged with robbery and petty larceny. On Jan. 27, Izquiel was arrested for allegedly brawling with an NYPD lieutenant and cop during the caught-on-video confrontation outside a migrant shelter in Times Square on W. 42nd St. near Seventh Ave. The attack has intensified the debate about migrants in the city and country. Izquiel, who lives at a migrant shelter on 42nd St., was one of four men arrested that night and charged with second-degree assault. But Manhattan prosecutors declined to ask for bail at his arraignment, and he was set free. Prosecutors at the time said they needed more time to determine each defendants role in the attack. Last Thursday, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg announced that Izquiel and six others had been indicted on assault charges for the fight. He is expected to be arraigned on that indictment during his next court date on Friday. Police on Tuesday and Wednesday tracked down and arrested two of the seven migrants who were indicted last week. The five others were already arrested before being indicted. Both new arrestees were awaiting arraignment on felony charges in Manhattan Supreme Court Wednesday. As Bragg announced the indictments he released police body-worn camera footage that seemed to contradict the NYPD contention that the small group of suspects were blocking pedestrian traffic when cops first approached him. The video shows most of the group immediately complying, singing in unison as they walk away. But one suspect, Yohenry Brito, 24, lags behind and ignores the officers while looking at his phone, then gets confrontational with a cop who tries to nudge him along. As Brito walks away, he stops to retrieve a baby stroller on the sidewalk. Body-cam footage shows him pushing the stroller and starting to walk away from the cops again before quipping in Spanish that one of the officers looked like the fictional TV character Ugly Betty. NYPD Lt. Ben Kurian then grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and throws him up against a wall before the fight began. In the footage captured by the lieutenants bodycam, Brito repeatedly asks what is happening in Spanish. The situation quickly escalates as Brito tries to escape Kurians grasp, with both tumbling to the ground in seconds. Officer Zunxu Tian then intervenes and several of those with Brito descend on the two cops and repeatedly grab and kick them as they grapple with Brito on the ground, various pieces of footage show. The cops were treated for bumps and bruises. Izquiels arraignment for the Queens robbery was pending in Queens Criminal Court Wednesday, officials said. Watch the full video interview with Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the bottom of this article VANCOUVER, Wash. (KOIN) Just one day before the I-5 Bridge turns 107, US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg toured the structure along with Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and other elected leaders. The bridge is at a high risk of collapse in an earthquake and both governors urged the federal government to give them more than $2 billion to help replace it. Past requests were turned down, but with both states committing $1 billion each for a new bridge, it may convince Buttigieg to have the Department of Transportation write a check. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the I-5 Bridge in Vancouver, February 13, 2024 (KOIN) I know this came heartbreakingly close to happening a decade ago. And it didnt because some of those pieces fell apart, he said. This time its going to succeed. Recently the feds kicked in $600 million for preliminary work on a new bridge. OLCC forecasts $132 million slip in alcohol revenue, cancels plans for new headquarters Kotek believes this is going to happen. The $600 million were celebrating with the secretarys visit is a key piece of getting the bridge built. This is different from before. The way Oregon and Washington are working together, the way Vancouver and Portland are working together, the way our transit districts are working together we have a viable financial plan with the help of the federal government to build the bridge that we need for the community. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek at the I-5 Bridge in Vancouver, February 13, 2024 (KOIN) Oregon and Washington will likely find out if theyre in the money in the next few months. If so, there is hope construction could begin late next year. Aircraft safety Buttigieg understands airplane safety is a top concern after the door plug of an Alaska Airlines jet blew out at 16,000 feet minutes after taking off from Portland in January. Buttigieg, in Vancouver Tuesday to tour the I-5 bridge, told KOIN 6 News flying is the safest way to travel in the United States. The last fatal commercial plane crash was 15 years ago. Im pretty sure that in a couple hours Im going to be sitting in an exit row in a Boeing aircraft, he said. So I have a personal stake in this and the whole country has a stake in this, which is to make sure that everytime someone steps on an aircraft they know theyre going to be kept safe. Proposal for 2 offshore Wind Energy Areas in Oregon finalized The NTSB found the door plug that blew out was missing anchor bolts that had likely been removed during assembly and not re-installed. Alaska and United airlines found loose bolts on other 737 Max-9 planes while they were grounded for inspection. US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg at the I-5 Bridge in Vancouver, February 13, 2024 (KOIN) The administrators have been clear this cannot be back to business as usual at Boeing, Buttigieg said. The manufacturer is responsible for complying with every specification the FAA puts out covering half-a-million parts in those planes. And whats being reviewed right now is not just Boeings practices and their suppliers practices, but also the structure for how we do this oversight. But federal regulators are looking at what needs to change when it comes to oversight of airplane makers including whether there needs to be more independent inspectors. Congress could change the law but we cant just do that without thinking it through, Buttigieg said. Thats why the administrator has correctly said everything should be on the table in terms of the division of labor between the regulator that is setting the standards and the manufacturer responsible for meeting those standards. Full interview with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is below KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert! ARE CALIFORNIANS GETTING THEIR BANG FOR THEIR BUCK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT? Despite receiving billions of dollars in funding including more than $25 billion in 2022 California police are solving few crimes. Thats the finding of a new report from the Center on Juvenile & Criminal Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to researching and advocating for criminal justice reform. The report, which can be read here, shows that the statewide overall clearance rate crimes resulting in an arrest being made was 13.2% in 2022. The clearance rate for property crimes was even lower, at 7.2%, while violent crimes were cleared by law enforcement 41% of the time, according to the report. An interactive map accompanying the report shows that in Sacramento County, the clearance rate was even more dismal just 10% overall, with 32% for violent crimes and a mere 5% for property crimes. The report author, Mike Males, said in a press conference Tuesday that he launched his study in order to counter the raft of misinformation out there about crime in California. While crime has spiked in recent years, according to the Public Policy Institute of California, it remains at a historic low. Males added that he hoped his report demonstrates that despite the passage of criminal justice reforms like Proposition 47, California is not defunding the police or soft on crime. Many of the things youre seeing in the national media and sometimes local, theyre myths, he said. A pair of California lawmakers also spoke at Tuesdays press conference Assemblywoman Mia Bonta, D-Oakland, whose husband Rob Bonta is California Attorney General, and Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, D-Los Angeles. Mia Bonta said that California cannot incarcerate its way out of its current problems. Weve tried that model for years and it didnt work, she said. Bryan said that Californians are seeing several realities happening at the same time a rash of petty thefts and property crimes but also crime overall being down. As for police, Bryan said theyre not preventing crime, theyre not solving crime. But did this report tell the whole story? Brian Marvel of the Peace Officers Research Association of California (PORAC), a pro-law enforcement organization, said in an email statement to The Bee that at first glance, the report seems to be missing some important context when it comes to crime clearance rates. He said that it misses that the number of sworn police officers in the state is well below 1990s levels, and that Californian attitudes toward police have soured in recent years. Marvel said that all those issues have a massive impact on polices ability to deter or solve crimes. The report seems to employ a bit of willful tunnel vision, ignoring key factors that impact crime clearance rates to tell the story they want to tell, he said. Marvel added that it takes a bit of cognitive dissonance to stand up and cry foul over crime clearance rates when (Mia Bontas) own constituency Oakland cant keep enough officers on the streets to keep their people safe. He referenced the fact that Newsom had to deploy 120 California Highway Patrol officers to the region to assist with policing. Is she calling for increased funding for Oakland police to get enough full-time sworn officers on the streets to make up for the citys neglectful policies? If law enforcement budgets are up as the report alleges, and they have all the resources they need, why does Oakland only have 700 officers? Marvel said. CALMATTERS HOSTS THE LATEST FRONT IN THE CULTURE WARS CalMatters shined a spotlight on the California culture wars Tuesday, when the news outlet hosted a panel discussion titled Book Bans and Pronoun Wars: Whats in Store for School Boards in 2024. CalMatters education reporter Carolyn Jones moderated the discussion, which featured UC Berkeley Professor Bruce Fuller and two state lawmakers Assemblymen Corey Jackson, D-Moreno, and Bill Essayli, R-Corona. Both Jackson and Essayli have been on the front lines of the culture wars, each authoring a bill last year that touched on some aspect of it. For Jackson, it was AB 1078, a bill to ban school districts from banning books and educational materials that are inclusive of LGBTQ or racial minorities. For Essayli, it was AB 1314, a bill that would force school districts to out transgender and gender-nonconforming K-12 students to their parents. Jacksons bill was successful, and was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, himself no stranger to the culture wars. Essaylis bill never even got a hearing, as Assembly Education Committee Chair Al Muratsuchi, D-Torrance, deemed the bill not just bad policy, but one that would potentially provide a forum for increasingly hateful rhetoric targeting LGBTQ youth. Essayli said that Democratic claims that his bill would harm LGBTQ youth were false, and that ruling party is going against the will of the voters. I disagree that parents are a threat to their children, he said, later adding that no one is going to love their kid more than their parent. The Republican lawmaker also disputed that his bill would forcibly out a student, calling it a false narrative that is designed to scaremonger. He said it only would apply if a student volunteered their gender identity to a teacher or other school staff member. Were talking about life-altering, huge decisions here, he added. Jackson, who is part of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, said he was tired of people gaysplaining to LGBTQ people about their lived experience. He said that Essaylis argument didnt tell the whole story. There is a reason why one of the largest homeless populations are LGBTQ young people, and that is because they have been kicked out of their homes by their parents, because they came out to them, he said. Jackson said that there is clear harm that is done to people, including abuse and neglect, because some parents believe they must punish their child for being LGBTQ. Yes, you actually are putting young people in danger, and that danger, yes, can come from their own household, he said. Jackson added that the entire narrative that schools are looking to turn children into members of the LGBTQ community is false that it is a political ploy to try and drum up conservative votes. You can watch the full discussion here. UNION BATTLE REDUX Via Lindsey Holden... Labor groups and a Southern California state senator are renewing their efforts to win unemployment pay for striking workers after Newsom vetoed their bill last year. Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Burbank, on Tuesday announced plans to introduce SB 1116, which would allow union members on strike for at least two weeks to collect unemployment insurance. The California Labor Federation is again backing the legislation. Newsom in October opted not to sign Portantinos 2023 bill, which the senator pushed during a summer of labor union strikes, including simultaneous work stoppages from the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild. The governor cited issues with Californias unemployment insurance financing structure. He said expanding eligibility may increase unemployment insurance debt and employer taxes. Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, head of the Labor Federation, in October called Newsoms veto out of step with American values. On Tuesday, she said unemployment insurance is an earned benefit for workers. There is no reason to punish workers forced to go on strike by excluding them from this protection, Gonzalez Fletcher said in a statement. QUOTE OF THE DAY Heres the hard truth. Nearly 80% of the homeless population our officers encounter suffer mental illness or addiction. Over 40% are victims of domestic abuse or sexual assault. Its unconscionable. And California needs to act. Prop 1 does just that. Prop 1 creates new facilities to treat mental illness. Funds thousands of new mental health professionals. And builds housing to get people off the streets. Its a moral imperative. - Sacramento County Sheriff (and former Assemblyman) Jim Cooper, in an ad for Proposition 1, which would channel billions in state bond funds into tackling mental health and homelessness issues in the state. Best of The Bee: Nearly three years after Newsom directed it, Californias oil and gas industry regulator kickstarted a process to outright ban hydraulic fracturing, the fossil fuel extraction method known as fracking, via Ari Plachta . Bonta is working with leaders of the states Legislative Black Caucus to add teeth to a law aimed at curbing the disproportionately high rate of Black maternal mortality, via Cathie Anderson . The second debate in the race to fill the seat vacated by the late California Sen. Dianne Feinstein is over. How did the candidates fare? Via Andrew Sheeler . The four leading candidates running for a California U.S. Senate seat fought over taxes, crime, homelessness and more as the three Democrats and one Republican compete for two spots in the fast-approaching March 5 primary. Here are some of the notable true, false and somewhat true statements from the night, via Lindsey Holden. A group of California lawmakers are on a three-day trip to Israel this week amid growing criticism from U.S. leadership over that countrys conduct in its war against Hamas in Gaza. In a statement, lawmakers said they will meet with impacted communities and bear witness to the devastation caused by the October 7th Hamas attack and resulting Israel-Hamas war, both of which have had significant impacts on communities across California. Elected officials on the trip include Democratic Sens. Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Henry Stern of Los Angeles, and Democratic Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel of Woodland Hills, Esmeralda Soria of Fresno, Damon Connolly of San Rafael, Josh Lowenthal of Long Beach and Al Muratsuchi of Torrance. The California delegation said in a statement they will meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Arab politicians who represent Palestinian citizens of Israel, as well as families of Israeli hostages, advocates for victims of sexual assault and peace activists. In addition, the group said it plans to visit kibbutz Kfar Aza, an Israeli community devastated by the Hamas attack, as well as the site of the Supernova Music Festival where hundreds of young partygoers were killed, according to the statement. Its unclear if the lawmakers will be hearing from Gazans or Palestinians living under Israeli military occupation in the West Bank. The trip is sponsored and led by major California Jewish communal organizations, including the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California and the San Francisco Jewish Community Relations Council. Gov. Gavin Newsom visited Israel in October soon after the Hamas attack on his way to China, meeting with victims of the Hamas attack and traveling to Gaza border communities. After Hamas led deadly attacks in Israel on Oct. 7 that Israeli authorities say killed 1,200 people and abducted more than 250 others, Israel has conducted intense bombing and ground campaigns in Gaza that Palestinian authorities say have killed more than 28,000 people including 12,000 children. In the months since the war began, California has seen dozens of protest actions and demonstrations demanding a cease-fire in the region. Several have been in Sacramento, including one that disrupted a legislative session. California is home to the largest population of Arab Americans in the United States, according to the Arab American Institute. It also has the second largest populations of Jewish residents in the U.S., according to the American Jewish Population Project at Brandeis University. Elected leaders of the state have been divided over their position on the war. Several state lawmakers have called publicly for a ceasefire, including Assemblymembers Alex Lee of San Jose, Matt Haney of San Francisco and Liz Ortega of Hayward. Others, including co-chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, Wiener and Gabriel, have said they hold personal criticisms of Israels far-right government but do not support a ceasefire. Wiener has also highlighted an uptick in antisemitism faced by the states Jewish communities since October, including bomb threats. He said demonstrators crossed lines this week when some surrounded his car, accusing him of killing babies and followed him, saying your whole bloodlines cowards. In recent days, Israel has continued to warn of a looming invasion in Rafah, the southern Gaza city that is sheltering more than one million people. Aid groups say an invasion would collapse the humanitarian response to an already severe humanitarian crisis. President Joe Biden has been increasingly critical of Israels conduct in its war against Hamas, calling Israels response over the top this week and arguing for the need to more precisely target Hamas militants while minimizing humanitarian deaths. Despite the criticism, Biden has continued to approve arms sales to Israel and is urging Congress to send more aid. Recent talks between Israel and Hamas in Cairo ended on Tuesday without an agreement to pause the fighting. Long before Fox News co-opted the phrase fair and balanced as its slogan, American media was striving to meet that standard. Unlike Faux News, which has since dropped those words as well as just about any pretense of aspiring to them, the mainstream media still does aspire to a fault. That was the case in 2016 with the excessive coverage of Hillary Clintons use of a private email server for some State Department business, a performance that spawned numerous critical journalistic postmortems and the meme "but her emails." The media, obsessed with seeming fair to Donald Trump, sought to balance all the negative coverage he generated because of his lies, slurs and bigotry and turned Clintons email habits into a pseudo-scandal. In the end, that imbalance in harping on the matter was unfair to her. The media seems to be at it again. The new but her emails is but his age that is, President Bidens age, though Trump is only three years and seven months younger. The issue isnt unwarranted. Both men are the oldest by far to seek the presidency, breaking the record they set in 2020. Whats unwarranted is the barrage of but Bidens age coverage unleashed since late last week, when a Republican special counsel coupled his finding that Biden shouldnt face charges for keeping some classified material after his vice presidency with wholly improper quackery about the elderly presidents diminished faculties. Read more: Calmes: Will that special counsel report light a fire under Biden the Elderly? On Monday, media analyst Margaret Sullivan provided a rundown of some of the coverage. Its nothing short of journalistic malpractice, she wrote , for the media to make Biden's age the overarching issue of the 2024 campaign especially against the aging and democracy-threatening Trump. According to the Popular Information newsletter , in the four days after the special counsels report, the New York Times, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal published a combined 81 articles about Bidens age and memory. Memory lapses, lies, name mix-ups and gaffes by Trump, a man so addled that he thinks repeating person, woman, man, camera, TV proves otherwise, get far less journalistic examination. For one thing, the media is as inured as the public to Trumps falsehoods and malevolence; its white noise, the Bulwark, a Never Trump news site, bemoaned this week. Even so, he piles up outrages that cant be ignored like prospectively inviting Russia to attack or do whatever the hell it wants against NATO allies. And as the negative coverage of Trump adds up, the media seizes disproportionately on Bidens foibles and fumbles as if to even the score. Read more: Calmes: A Republican senator got the border deal the GOP said it wanted. Watch while his party betrays him That is just another form of the bothsides-ism long evident in journalism: the tendency in the interest of being fair and balanced toward reporting that suggests that both sides, both parties or both candidates should get equal measures of critical coverage, or are equally culpable in some regard. The result too often is false equivalence. Its worth reprising a caution to journalists from political scientists Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein, in their 2012 book documenting that Republicans were more responsible than Democrats for the dysfunction and polarization in our politics: A balanced treatment of an unbalanced phenomenon is a distortion of reality and a disservice to your consumers. Even the New York Times Pitchbot, an account on Twitter/X that mocks the media for just this bothsides tendency, couldnt out-caricature the real thing on CNN. The satirist behind the account posted a photo of the networks screen during a panel discussion. The chyron at bottom read, Is Bidens age now a bigger problem than Trumps indictments? Read more: Calmes: Mayorkas isn't to blame for border mess. House Republicans should impeach themselves Some in the media have tried to explain why significantly more voters worry about Bidens age and mental acuity than Trumps. A poll by ABC News and Ipsos released on Sunday found that 86% of Americans say the president is too old for another term compared to 62% who say the same of Trump. Among the reasons is the perception that Trump, while hardly physically fit, seems more energetic than Biden. Also, reporters talk a lot to Democrats, who as a party tend to overreact to unfavorable news, polls, whatever bedwetters , as Obama officials used to bellyache. So you get stories like the one this week headlined A nightmare: Special counsels assessment of Bidens mental fitness triggers Democratic panic. Read more: Calmes: Economists see a 'spectacular' economy. Most voters don't. Can Biden turn that around? Republicans, on the other hand, typically give reporters nothing when it comes to the disgraced former president. Theyre Trump toadies, obsequiously mute about his transgressions when they're not actually defending him. Take Trumps obscenity about abandoning NATO allies: I couldnt find a single sitting Republican that openly opposed what he said, lamented former Rep. Adam Kinzinger, a rare Republican who has opposed Trump. Kinzinger also said Trumps ramblings were further evidence that he is clearly in mental decline. One factor that's missing from the media explanations for why Trump fares better than Biden on assessments of age and mental stability: the medias own role. Might the polls be less bad for Biden if the coverage were different? It was a Trump sycophant, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who back in 2016, when he was still second-guessing his support for Trump, warned that he, voters and the media would someday have to justify how they fell into this trap. The unprincipled Rubio certainly has much to account for. So, too, does conservative media. As for mainstream media, its not too late in the election year to avoid the trap of bothsides-ing. @jackiekcalmes Get the latest from Jackie Calmes Commentary on politics and more from award-winning opinion columnist. Sign me up. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Ukraine's newly-appointed top military chief has declared that he will adopt a new strategy of defense to 'exhaust' Russian forces instead of an attack. Western leaders expressed concern over the dismissal of former chief commander Gen. Zaluzhnyi and the appointment of Gen. Syrskyi amid the ongoing conflict. Syrskyi Reveals New Strategy of Defense The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi, described the situation as 'difficult' but expressed optimism that the fighting would soon end. "At this time, the situation can be assessed as difficult," Gen. Syrskyi said in an interview with the German TV channel ZDF. "The enemy is now advancing along almost the entire front line, and we have moved from offensive operations to conducting a defensive operation. He added that the objectives of their defense operation were to exhaust the enemy's forces and inflict maximum losses on him, using their fortifications, technological advantages, unmanned aircraft, electronic warfare tools, and well-maintained defense lines. Shortly after President Volodymyr Zelensky appointed him to the position, Gen. Syrskyi made statements supporting the Ukraine president's desire for different strategies to end the war. According to Africanews, two of the biggest issues facing the Ukrainian military are a lack of personnel and a deficiency of Western weapons, including ammunition. He declared his priorities for handling the war on February 9, when his predecessor, Gen. Zaluzhnyi, was removed from office as the chief of commander. He mentioned "a clear and detailed planning," which considered the requirements of front-line forces in newly supplied allied armament and "new technical solutions." It comes as the US Senate approved a $60 billion aid plan for the war-torn nation. Zelensky said, "For us in Ukraine, continued US assistance helps to save human lives from Russian terror. It means life will continue in our cities and triumph over war." Read Also: White House Congratulates Swifties After Chiefs' Super Bowl Win Amid Endorsement Speculations Tension Between Zelensky, Zaluzhnyi Reports circulated that there had been months of persistent tension between Gen. Zaluzhnyi and the Ukrainian president. The top military commander declined to resign, though Zelensky denied these allegations. The Ukrainian military's much-heralded counterattack last year was mainly seen as failing to meet expectations. Gen. Zaluzhnyi has served as Ukraine's commander-in-chief since July 2021. He continued to be a known figure in the country with strong support from the general public and the rank-and-file Ukrainian military. According to Gen. Syrskyi, the war with Russia must end with Ukraine securing its borders, and other options "won't be considered." Furthermore, he said to ZDF when asked why he hoped Ukraine could end the conflict soon, "This is based on the fact that we must end it reaching our borders." He continued that other options were not considered, and they had no other way out, which means society must rally for victory. Related Article: Ukraine Adjusts Military Leadership in Response to Escalating Conflict with Russia On Tuesday, the House of Representatives voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, overturning their failed vote on the extraordinary measure a week ago. The House voted 214-213 to pass two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas on charges of "willful and systematic refusal to comply" with federal immigration law and misleading Congress about the border's security. House Impeaches Mayorkas Mayorkas is only the second Cabinet official to be impeached, following Secretary of War William Belknap, who left President Ulysses S. Grant's administration in 1876, just hours before the House officially accused him of corruption. Later, Belknap was acquitted by the Senate, which was also expected for Mayorkas given that politically vulnerable Senate Democrats, like Jon Tester of Montana, have dismissed the House's attempt to impeach him as "political games." However, several Republicans in the Senate, which have the authority to hold trials if they are impeached or charged by the House, are vowing to make the case for removal nonetheless. "There will absolutely be many who believe his case merits removal from office and will vote accordingly," a Senate GOP aide told The Post. "Since Democrats control the chamber, however, it's basically certain that the vote will fail - if [Senate Majority Leader Chuck] Schumer [D-NY] allows it to happen in the first place." The aide added that there has never been in American history an impeachment where the Senate has refused to vote on the matter. The aide noted that it would be unprecedented if Schumer killed it procedurally, without a vote. House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green (Tenn.) and Representatives Michael Guest (Miss.), Michael McCaul (Texas), August Pfluger (Texas), Clay Higgins (La.), Ben Cline (Va.), Andy Biggs (Ariz.), Andrew Garbarino (NY), Laurel Lee (Fla.), Harriet Hageman (Wyo.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), who authored the resolution, are among the 11 GOP impeachment managers that House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has already named to argue for conviction during a Senate trial. Representatives Ken Buck (Colo.), Tom McClintock (Calif.), and Mike Gallagher (Wis.) are the three Republicans who have opposed the resolution this week and last week. But no other GOP members joined them on the subsequent vote. Read Also: Mysterious Submerged Stone Wall Discovered in Baltic Sea May be Europe's Oldest Known Hunting Structures Republicans Criticize Biden, Mayorkas Republicans criticized Democratic President Joe Biden on border security as a record number of migrants have been apprehended illegally crossing the US-Mexico border, with criticism focused on Mayorkas. According to Reuters, Republicans accused Biden of unduly reversing some of the restrictive border policies of Republican former President Donald Trump, who is expected to face Biden in the November presidential election. If the Republican-controlled House impeaches him, it is unlikely that Mayorkas will be found guilty in a trial in the Senate controlled by Democrats. On Wednesday, a small, bipartisan group of senators conducted a meeting to strengthen security measures along the border between the US and Mexico. "We're closing in" on a compromise, independent senator Kyrsten Sinema told reporters as she exited the meeting. Related Article: House GOP Fails To Impeach Mayorkas Over Border Handling The cruise industry, which employs thousands of people in South Florida and brings millions of tourists to the region, has a new ship in the works. Doral-based Carnival Corp. has ordered a new Excel-class ship, the 10th in that class in the companys global fleet, the company said on Tuesday. Carnival signed an agreement with German shipbuilder Meyer Werft to have the 180,000-ton vessel ready for passengers by spring 2027. Excel is Carnivals largest and newest category of cruise ship. The development is yet another sign that the cruise industry is back from COVID. What Carnival executive says Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, center, during a ribbon cutting for Carnivals newly redesigned and expanded Terminal F at PortMiami. Jose A. Iglesias/Miami Herald File Coming out of the pandemic, demand is great, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said Tuesday at an Axios event at The Hanger in Coconut Grove. You see a lot more capacity moving into particularly the U.S. market. That has been evident at Floridas major seaports: PortMiami, Port Canaveral and Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, which have built new terminals or welcomed new cruise companies. During the 12-month fiscal year 2023 which for the cruise industry began Oct. 1, 2022, and ended Sept. 30, 2023 PortMiami, Floridas largest port, set a record for annual passengers. During that time, 7.3 million passengers traveled in and out, nearly twice the four million passengers the prior fiscal year. Travel through PortMiami exceeded by 7% its previous record of 6.8 million passengers set in fiscal year 2019, before the pandemic disrupted the popular vacation industry. Carnivals new ship Carnival Cruise Lines Excel Class Ships-in bottom right, new ship expected in 2027 Courtesy of Carnival Corp. Carnivals new ship, its first new order in five years, can carry over 6,400 guests and will be powered on a liquefied natural gas technology platform. It will be the fourth Excel-class ship in the companys namesake Carnival Cruise Line brand and a sister to Mardi Gras, Carnival Celebration, and Carnival Jubilee. The company, which carries 13 million passengers per year, said that Excel-class ships have proven popular with passengers and will allow it to offer more cruises. This would be the companys second new ship to be completed between now and 2027. The other is expected to be delivered in 2025. Starting in 2027, the company sees itself adding one or two ships a year. The Miami-Dade company is also seeking to improve its financial performance, including reducing its approximately $36 billion in debt, Duffy said. We are very committed to focusing on the balance sheet, the executive said in a 16-minute Q&A with Dan Primack, a business editor at Axios. Carnival currently has 93 ships and 120,000 employees. Duffy, who as a teenager sought to work as a flight attendant but was rejected by Pan American Airways for being too short, got her start in the travel industry as a receptionist. At her Coconut Grove appearance, she also addressed several other issues related to the company: On whether the company felt pressure to outdo competitor Royal Caribbeans recently launched Icon of the Seas, the worlds largest cruise ship: Years ago, Carnival Cruise Line delivered and built the biggest ship Carnival Destiny. I think at this point, size does not really matter so much. On the case of two Americans who last week alleged they were attacked and raped while onshore in the Bahamas during a Carnival cruise: That specific incident is under investigation. And until thats concluded we are advising our guests not to go to that beach or resort. ... We met with Bahamian government officials on Friday and we are working closely with them. She did not address an incident involving a Carnival ship hitting a pier last week in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. The chartered rock and roll cruise was forced to abandon the first pier it docked at due to high winds after many passengers were already on shore. TOPEKA (KSNT) The owner of a Topeka small business is asking for help to keep the Roman Catholic-themed store open. Sandy Swendsen took to social media on Tuesday, Feb. 13 with a plea for someone to take over management of her small business in west Topeka, Heavens Treasurers Gift Shop. Swendsen started the business in the fall of 2023 but will need to leave it behind to accompany her family as they move to Idaho. It just needs to be somebody who is committed, Swendsen said. She said her business already has a loyal following and is situated nearby other major shopping centers on the west side of the city. Items related to the Catholic faith such as books, rosaries, cards, bags and more are sold at Heavens Treasures. Topeka officials move to clear homeless camps from area along Kansas River Just everything a normal Catholic store would have and more, Swendsen said. The lease she initially signed for with the landlord for her business was for two years. Swendsen is hoping someone will be able to purchase her inventory and take up the remainder of her lease so she can follow her family as they move out of state. Im confident God will provide a buyer, Swendsen said. She says anyone who is interested in taking up the lease can reach out to her on Facebook or by calling 785-329-5317. Heavens Treasures Gift Shop can be found at 1570 SW Wanamaker Road in suite 210. Topeka needs small businesses to survive, Swendsen said. Deer disease cuts down trophy buck population in Kansas For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. Editor's Note: This page is a summary of news on the Israel-Hamas war for Wednesday, Feb. 14. For the latest news on the conflict in the Middle East, view our live updates file for Thursday, Feb. 15. Israel pulled out its delegation from cease-fire talks in Cairo, blaming Hamas' "delusional demands'' and a lack of new proposals, Israeli media outlets reported Wednesday. The talks, aimed at pausing fighting in Gaza and freeing the more than 100 remaining hostages, did not yield a breakthrough Tuesday but were extended for three more days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opted to recall his negotiating team. "Israel did not receive in Cairo any new proposal of Hamas on the release of our hostages,'' Netanyahu's office said in a statement. "A change in Hamas' positions will allow the negotiations to advance,'' he said. Netanyahu also released a video statement saying "strong military pressure and firm negotiations are the keys to getting the captives released, the Times of Israel reported. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan blamed Netanyahu, telling The Associated Press that Israel's proposal veered away from agreements the parties had previously reached. Families of the hostages called Netanyahus decision a death sentence for their loved ones, who have been held by militants in Gaza for more than 130 days. Among the main issues preventing a deal is Israel's pledge to crush Hamas and remain in charge of security in Gaza after the war and Hamas' demands of a permanent cease-fire and the withdrawal of all Israeli troops from the war-torn territory. A woman cries out as she stands before a vehicle loaded with items as people flee from Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Feb.13, 2024. Developments: The State Department has confirmed the death of 17-year-old Palestinian American Mohammad Ahmad Khdour in the West Bank and called for an investigation. The Washington Post reported he was shot in the head. He's the second U.S. citizen, both teenagers, to be killed in the occupied territory since the war started. U.S. forces carried out an airstrike on an anti-cruise missile in a part of Yemen controlled by the Houthis, the rebel group that for months has launched attacks on commercial and Navy ships in the Red Sea, according to U.S. Central Command. Family members of hostages held in Gaza as well as former captives were in the Netherlands on Wednesday to file a legal complaint seeking the International Criminal Court to arrest and prosecute the leaders of Hamas. More than 28,500 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 240 hostages, triggering the war. The Israeli military said on X it "located and struck" Hamas infrastructure, including tunnel shafts, but did not say where. At least 10 militants were killed, the Israel Defense Forces said. Palestinian children march during a protest demanding an end to the Gaza war on Feb. 14, 2024, in Rafah. Thousands of Palestinians protected from US deportation About 6,000 Palestinians living in the U.S. will avoid deportation for 18 months thanks to a program President Joe Biden invoked Wednesday, the New York Times reported. The program, called Deferred Enforced Departure, allows citizens of countries in crisis to remain and work in the U.S. The Times cited a memo in which Biden said many Palestinian civilians are in danger because of the war in Gaza, so he granted authority for some who are in the U.S. to stay. Biden recently sent a group of top advisers to Michigan, a battleground state with the second-largest number of Arab Americans in the nation, to mend fences with members of that community embittered by his handling of the war. Israel fighters strike Hezbollah targets after deadly rocket attack The Israeli military carried out a series of airstrikes in Lebanon on Wednesday after rockets launched from Lebanon killed a 20-year-old soldier and injured eight others in the northern Israel town of Safed. Israeli fighter jets struck several Hezbollah targets, including military compounds, operational control rooms and infrastructure belonging to the Iran-backed militant group operating in Lebanon, according to an IDF statement. At least 10 people were killed and nine wounded in the attack. Israel and Hezbollah have traded airstrikes and rocket fire along the border with Lebanon since the war broke out in Gaza, prompting Israel to evacuate about 80,000 people from northern communities. The back-and-forth military operations have fueled fears of a wider regional war. Israel calls for evacuation of hospital where thousands are sheltering The Israeli military on Wednesday called for the evacuation of a large hospital in southern Gaza where thousands of civilians are sheltering, heightening fears of a potential invasion of the facility. Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, one of the last operational hospitals in the south, has been surrounded for days by Israeli forces. Hospital officials and the Gaza Health Ministry reported that multiple civilians have been shot by snipers as they attempted to escape the area. The IDF said in a statement it has proof "Hamas continues to conduct military activities" at the hospital complex and that "the place was used to hold hostages." Israel has not released its proof and its claims could not be independently verified. People ride in a cart pulled by a tractor past the rubble of a destroyed building and a mosque minaret in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Feb. 14, 2024. "We demand the immediate cessation of all military activity in the area of the hospital and the immediate departure of military operatives from it," the Israeli military said in a statement. "If Hamas does not stop this terrorist activity, within 12 hours, the IDF reserves its right to act against these actions according to international law." Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director general of the World Health Organization, said the U.N. agency has lost contact with the hospital's personnel and that four missions have been denied since the weekend. He said the medical facility is "the backbone of the health system in southern Gaza" and called for its protection. "Civilians killed, orders to evacuate people seeking shelter, the northern wall demolished: I am alarmed by what is reportedly happening at Nasser Medical Complex," he said in a statement on social media. "Hostilities have reportedly destroyed storage facilities for medical equipment and supplies. Access to the hospital remains obstructed there is no safe corridor for those in need." Israel's Rafah evacuation plan: 15 campsites, 25,000 tents, report says An Israeli evacuation proposal for Rafah includes 15 campsites of about 25,000 tents built across southwestern Gaza and field hospitals controlled by Egypt, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing Egyptian officials. The creation of the sprawling tent cities would be paid for by the the U.S. and its Arab Gulf partners, the proposal reportedly said. On Sunday, Netanyahu told ABC that Israel will provide safe corridors for civilians to flee Rafah and escape to areas cleared by the military. But humanitarian aid groups said there's no place for people sheltering in Rafah to go and that large swaths of the territory have been destroyed by Israel's military operations, including Gaza City and Khan Younis. The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has said little aid has trickled into northern Gaza in recent weeks and that hundreds of thousands are facing a growing threat of starvation. Meanwhile, Egyptian officials and a Western diplomat said if waves of Palestinians trying to flee Israel's invasion of Rafah enter Egypt, the country would suspend the Camp David Accords of the late 1970s, the Associated Press reported. Protesters temporarily block traffic on Golden Gate Bridge Protesters calling for a cease-fire and opposing Israel's offensive in Gaza temporarily blocked all lanes of traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge early Wednesday morning. The demonstration left traffic on San Francisco's Highway 101 at a standstill for about 45 minutes beginning around 8 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol's website. In early December, protesters marched on the sidewalk of the Golden Gate Bridge but did not stop traffic. A month earlier, protesters temporarily blocked roads on the Bay Bridge connecting San Francisco to Oakland. Since the war began, large demonstrations calling for an end to the fighting have erupted across the United States and other parts of the world, often disrupting travel on major roadways and airports. Contributing: John Bacon, USA TODAY; The Associated Press This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Israel Hamas war updates: Israel pulls out of cease-fire talks CENTCOM said Wednesday it thwarted a Houthi missile launch targeting vessels in the Red Sea and later "took no action "when an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched by Houthi forces under cover of darkness into the Gulf of Aden. Seen here, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) sails alongside the Japanese Murasame-class destroyer Akebono (DD 108) in the Gulf of Aden on November 25, 2023. File Photo by PFC3 Samantha Alaman/U.S. Navy/UPI Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The United States said Wednesday its forces struck a mobile anti-ship cruise missile launcher in a "self-defense" strike on a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen, thwarting a strike against vessels in the Red Sea. The American military successfully carried out the attack against military assets of the Iran-backed group on Tuesday at around 2:35 p.m. local time, Central Command said in its daily bulletin on X. However, approximately seven hours later an anti-ship ballistic missile was launched by Houthi forces under cover of darkness into the Gulf of Aden, said CENTCOM. "U.S. Navy ships tracked the missile but took no action," CENTCOM said, because projections showed it posed no danger to any vessels in the gulf which connects with the Red Sea via the 20-mile-wide Bab-el-Mandeb strait. "There were no reports of injuries or damage from ships in the area. "U.S. forces will continue to take actions that protect freedom of navigation and make international waters safer and more secure for U.S. navy and merchant vessels," CENTCOM wrote in its round-up. The latest strike and counter-strike came 24 hours after Houthi rebels launched two missiles at an Iran-bound Greek bulk grain carrier as it was transiting the Bab Al-Mandeb narrows 40 miles south of the Yemeni port city of Al Mukha, slightly damaging the vessel but causing no injuries. CENTCOM said the 40,000-ton Star Iris had reported its crew were all safe and that it was continuing on its journey to Bandar Iman Khomeini in Iran. The maritime traffic tracking website Vessel Finder shows the Iris Star left the Brazilian port of Vila do Conde with a shipment of corn on Jan. 13, bound for the Iranian port which lies at the northern end of Persian Gulf. The Houthis have targeted at least two dozen ships passing Yemen in the past three months as part of a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and protesting the civilian toll from Israel's war on Hamas. The Iran-backed group, which initially said its targets were Israeli vessels or ships bound for ports in Israel, recently expanded its mandate to include military operations against American and British targets in the Arabian and Red seas after the allies initialed full, large-scale retaliation against Houthi attacks on shipping in January. Ellen Heinz has been selected as the next president & CEO at the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and Richland Community Development Group (RCDG). She is no stranger to the area, having served as workforce director of North Central State College from 2007 to 2009. This appointment follows a thorough search facilitated by the Chamber's board and a selection committee led by Kristine Lindeman, vice president of Alumni Roofing, and Jake Penwell, president of Shelby CIC/owner of Penwell Funeral Home. Ellen Heinz Heinz, currently serving as Ohio Economic Development representative at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, brings a wealth of experience in economic development, collaboration and community engagement. In her current role, she has excelled as the point for Ohio, earning national recognition for superior federal service, the Chamber said. Heinz's extensive background includes roles such as vice president of corporate development at Norweco and safety service director for the city of Norwalk. Her diverse experiences range from launching talent development programs and innovative business initiatives to managing public safety services. Heinz served in the past as special projects coordinator at Richland Economic Development Corp., in Mansfield, where her primary focus was on workforce development, marketing and economic retention and expansion. Before that she taught at Ashland City Schools, was an adjunct professor at Ashland University and worked in Japan for a private language school, according to News Journal archives. Kristine Lindeman, Richland Area Chamber board chair, said, We are excited to welcome Ellen to the executive leadership role of President/CEO of our organization. Ellens passion for Richland County stems from having lived and worked here previously. She is relationship-driven, and we are confident this will accelerate her ability to reconnect while establishing new relationships. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the hiring process, and we are looking forward to introducing Ellen to our Richland County communities." Jake Penwell, RCDG board chair, said, "We are excited to welcome Ellen Heinz to lead the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. Her track record of success, particularly in attracting investments and fostering community partnerships, aligns seamlessly with our goals for the future," Jake Penwell, RCDG board chair. The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and RCDG are the leading business advocacy and economic development organizations in North Central Ohio. With over 1,000 members, the Chamber supports business growth and building a business-friendly climate in the Richland County area. I'm very excited to join the Richland Area Chamber team! I couldn't ask for a better region of businesses, board members, team members, political leaders, community organizations, and citizens to work with and serve in my new role. I look forward to working together with all of these wonderful stakeholders to bring about additional positive results, building on the success and collaboration currently taking place in the Richland area. I am extremely thankful to have worked for the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Chicago Regional Office for the last three years. Effective leadership and colleagues have helped me grow as a professional and as a person and will add to what I bring into this exceptional role, said Heinz, who holds a master of education. Heinz replaces Jodie Perry, who was elected in November as the mayor of Mansfield. lwhitmir@gannett.com 419-521-7223 X (formerly Twitter): @LWhitmir This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Heinz replaces Jodie Perry, who is mayor of Mansfield. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) A Charlotte man who operated as a ghost tax preparer for clients resulting in refunds netting over $4.7 million has been sentenced, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced on Wednesday. Tijan Mboob, 59, of Charlotte, has been sentenced to two years after pleading guilty in September to aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. Queen City News is tracking CRIME in your area >> Latest stories here Court records stated that from 2014 through 2021 Mboob was involved with hundreds of fraudulent tax returns for clients while failing to identify himself to the IRS as a tax preparer. Mboob also failed to report the preparation fees he received. The inflated refunds resulted in more than $4.7 million. He will serve his term in a federal prison. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The Russians probably didn't even realize that Kadyrov was just mocking them. An interesting video surfaced on social media on Feb. 12 that demonstrates the attitude of the people of the Kremlin puppet in Russian-occupied Ichkeria, Ramzan Kadyrov, to the rest of the Russian military. In the released footage, one of the Chechens brutally trolls the Kremlin's "cannon fodder," predicting that the soldiers posing with him will be eliminated by the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Read also: One of Ramzan Kadyrovs soldiers unwittingly filmed his own explosive demobilization in Ukraine video At the same time, he says all this in his native language, so naive Russians who thought that the Kadyrovite was filming them as a souvenir did not even realize that he was actually just mocking them. Read also: Kadyrov's son awarded gold medal at competition in Dubai in which he did not compete- video "This one will be killed. This one will be killed, too," he mocked the Russian Armed Forces soldiers who were hugging him. The Kadyrovites themselves are not in a hurry to go to the front line, preferring to sit in the rear as barrier units, doing nothing but looting and filming staged videos for social media. 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 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office on May 15, 2023, in Chicago. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson delivers his inaugural address after taking the oath of office on May 15, 2023, in Chicago. Chicagos mayor is endingthe citys contract for a controversial gunshot detection system that critics say was too expensive, ineffective, and potentially prejudicial. Brandon Johnson announced Tuesday that the city would soon stop using ShotSpotter, a gun detection software system that was established in 1996 fulfilling a campaign promise to walk away from the technology. Johnson insisted on his campaign website that the technology was unreliable and overly susceptible to human error, and added that it played a pivotal role in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Adam Toledo. Chicago police received a Shotspotter alert in March 2021. When police arrived, Toledo dropped the gun, attempting to flee, but Chicago police fatally shot him. A year later, a lawsuit was filed against the police department and the technology saying police misused it with discriminatory policing practices. Before the city fully steps away from the company, Johnson said the Chicago Police Department is tasked with revamping and implementing training to develop better solutions and models toward reducing shootings in the city, according to a statement. Moving forward, the City of Chicago will deploy its resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime, the statement said. Doing this work, in consultation with community, violence prevention organizations and law enforcement, provides a pathway to a better, stronger, safer Chicago for all. The city will be entering a new deal with a parent company, SoundThinking, to cover additional months after the former $49 million contract expires on Feb. 16. The gunshot technology company has been criticized for having issues detecting gunshots properly and for its impact on predominantly communities of color. In 2021, the City of Chicagos Inspector issued a report criticizing the technology. OIG concluded from its analysis that CPD responses to ShotSpotter alerts rarely produce documented evidence of a gun-related crime, investigatory stop, or recovery of a firearm, the report found. The Northwestern School of Laws MacArthur Justice Center also found the technology played a role in driving more police stop-and-frisk incidents, and enabled officers to conduct false arrests of residents. It was found that more than 2,400 stop-and-frisks were linked to ShotSpotter, according to the justice centers findings over an 18 month period. The artificial intelligence powered tool also landed a man in jail for nearly a year on murder charges based on evidence from ShotSpotter technology. A judge later dismissed his charges when prosecutors said they had insufficient evidence against him. Last year, officials in Dayton, Ohio, decided to step away from the ShotSpotter technology after activists spoke out against the effectiveness of the tool. Other cities have also raised similar questions. In Detroit, residents want more information and transparency on the accuracy of the system. Since Johnsons announcement to step away from the company, the stock price for SoundThinking dropped significantly. The stock for ShotSpotter also dropped after Johnson was elected in April. An impending Israeli ground invasion into Rafah, a city located in the southern region of the Gaza Strip, has sparked dire warnings from the United Nations (UN) regarding the potential for catastrophic consequences, including mass casualties among civilians. The warning comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to root out Hamas militants allegedly hiding within the city. Palestinian Refugees Face Threat of Invasion in Promised 'Safe Zone' In a strongly worded statement, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths cautioned that an assault on Rafah could result in a "slaughter" given the densely populated nature of the area and the dire humanitarian situation already facing its residents. Griffiths emphasized that over a million Palestinians are currently residing in Rafah, facing severe shortages of food, medical supplies, and safe shelter. "Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at death's door," he said. "We lack the safety guarantees, the aid supplies and the staff capacity to keep this operation afloat." The situation in Rafah has been exacerbated by recent Israeli airstrikes targeting the city, resulting in a significant loss of life and further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 67 people were killed in Rafah on Monday alone. Griffiths also highlighted the dangers faced by humanitarian workers operating in Gaza, who have been subjected to violence and attacks amid the breakdown of law and order. Over half of Gaza's population, totaling 2.3 million individuals, including over 600,000 children have sought refuge in Rafah. Many of them are confined near the border fence with Egypt, residing in makeshift tents. Rafah was designated as a "safe zone." However, the Israeli Defense Force is now contemplating an invasion of this area. Read Also: Netanyahu Signals Intent for Ground Invasion of Rafah Amidst International Condemnation International Efforts Mount to Prevent Israel's Planned Rafah Assault Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are currently underway in Cairo, with representatives from the United States (US), Israel, Egypt, and Qatar engaging in talks. The international community has been intensifying pressure on Israel to refrain from launching a ground invasion of Rafah, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives and prevent further escalation of the conflict. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope that the negotiations would yield positive results, urging all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians. "My sincere hope is that negotiations for the release of hostages and some form of cessation of hostilities to be successful to avoid an all-out offensive over Rafah," Guterres said on Tuesday. US President Joe Biden has also weighed in on the situation, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and advocating for a cessation of hostilities. The conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted following attacks by Hamas militants on Israel last October, resulting in significant casualties and the capture of hostages. In response, Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip, leading to widespread destruction and deaths. The ongoing violence has left thousands dead and tens of thousands wounded, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. As tensions continue to escalate and the threat of a ground invasion looms, the international community remains deeply concerned about the potential for further bloodshed and suffering. Urgent diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the stakes remain high as civilians in Rafah and across Gaza continue to face the grim realities of war. Related Article: South Africa Urges UN To Investigate Israel's Operations in Rafah If They Breach Provision Orders Issued by ICJ CHICAGO (WGN) Mayor Brandon Johnson announced Tuesday that Chicago is not renewing the citys ShotSpotter contract. The mayor said the contract with ShotSpotters owner, SoundThinking, ends on Friday but the technology itself will work until Sept. 22. Officers will have access to SpotShotter throughout the summer and during the Democratic National Convention in August. Johnson said over the next months, law enforcement and community leaders will assess other gun violence prevention tools and give recommendations. He also said the Chicago Police Department will implement new gun violence response training and strategies. Chicagos controversial contract with ShotSpotter debated as deadline looms The following statement was released Tuesday by the mayors office: The City of Chicago will not renew its contract with SoundThinking that expires February 16, 2024, and will decommission the use of ShotSpotter technology on September 22, 2024. During the interim period, law enforcement and other community safety stakeholders will assess tools and programs that effectively increase both safety and trust, and issue recommendations to that effect. In advance of the decommissioning in September, the Chicago Police Department will work to revamp operations within the Strategic Decision Support Centers, implement new training and further develop response models to gun violence that ultimately reduce shootings and increase accountability. Moving forward, the City of Chicago will deploy its resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime. Doing this work, in consultation with community, violence prevention organizations and law enforcement, provides a pathway to a better, stronger, safer Chicago for all. Mayor Brandon Johnsons office For years, grassroots organizations targeted ShotSpotter pointing to studies questioning the technologys effectiveness. A 2021 report by the MacArthur Justice Center found that nearly 86% of police deployments to gunfire alerts resulted in no formal reports of crime. Others have argued the tool leads to over-policing of marginalized communities. Members of City Council land on both sides of the debate. This is indeed a win for the city, said Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward). Were going to move now in the next months planning, planning with our communities we want to plan neighborhoods by neighborhood. Ald. Peter Chico (10th Ward), a Chicago police officer, argued the technology aids authorities in instances where the community doesnt dial 911. As a police officer for the last ten-and-a-half years, Ive dealt with ShotSpotter, Chico said. Ive seen it work. Ive seen it save lives. Ive seen it be depended on for intelligence and things like that. CPD superintendent Larry Snelling has made a similar argument before, with various other city council members having urged Johnson to defer to police. One of my main things is always to support the police, said Ald. Walter Burnett (27th Ward). I want the police to have any ammunition that they think that they need to help to keep us safe here in Chicago. Where do you draw the line? Do you take away the license plate readers next? Lopez said. Are you going to end camera? Are we going to take away every tool that has made this job and our communities safer? The last contract renewal of ShotSpotter cost the city $10.2 million, and people who pushed for terminating ShotSpotter said that money will be easily re-appropriated. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Chicago Police Departments officer wellness program remains understaffed and unable to respond urgently to officers in need of mental health support, state officials on Tuesday told the chief judge of the U.S. District Court in Chicago. Meanwhile, CPDs data collection and analysis policies continue to hold back the departments efforts to improve the employee assistance program and reach compliance with a sweeping federal consent decree that is now in its sixth year. More than a dozen officers have died by suicide since 2018. Clearly, there is no way to track or monitor how long it takes for an individual who reaches out to get help, Abigail Durkin, an assistant Illinois attorney general, told Chief Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer during a status hearing in the Chicago consent decree case. There is no staffing analysis as to the appropriate number of clients per clinician or drug and alcohol counselor, which impacts the wellness agenda as a whole, Durkin added. Based on the limited information we do have, the data suggests that the caseloads are far too high and additional staffing is necessary to ensure that members are getting appropriate care. Durkin credited CPD for its efforts to combat the stigma associated with mental health services, but added that the limited evidence available mostly anecdotal suggests the need for services exceeds the departments capacity. In the first three weeks of January, CPDs 18 clinicians held 656 counseling sessions with officers or their family members. The departments six drug and alcohol counselors had nearly 800 contacts in that time, Durkin added. Dr. Robert Sobo, CPDs director of professional counseling services, told Pallmeyer that the department will soon add four more clinicians. In 2023, the 18 on staff held more than 9,200 counseling sessions with officers. The departments alcohol abuse program was utilized more than 18,000 times last year, Sobo added. However, when asked by Pallmeyer, Sobo could not say what percentage of CPDs more than 12,000 employees have used EAP services. Cassandra Deck-Brown, an associate monitor for officer wellness and support, said the department has failed to fully implement the required suicide prevention initiative and the implementation of a new clinical case management system has stalled. At the hearings conclusion, Pallmeyer praised CPD officers willingness to seek help, and highlighted how all parties in the case were, effectively, in agreement on what needs to happen. I think what we all feel is that this is not a case of less is more, this is more is more, Pallmeyer said. The consent decree was meant to alter abuses, but it recognizes that the majority of our officers are in this job because they are concerned with the health and safety of the city of Chicago, but that should include their own health and safety. Officers who have taken their own lives in recent years have ranged from ranking supervisors to beat cops. As far back as 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice found that Chicago police officers had a 60% higher suicide rate than other police departments across the country. CPD suicides will sometimes occur in clusters. During summer 2022, three Chicago police officers died by suicide within a month. The following December, three more died by suicide in a seven-day span. The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, the union that represents rank-and-file officers, unveiled a memorial last year outside its West Loop headquarters for officers whove died by suicide. At the accompanying ceremony, Larry Snelling, then-CPDs chief of counterterrorism, called on officers to make a deliberate effort to offer help to colleagues. We have got to reach out to each other, we have got to take care of each other, Snelling said. Its not a weakness to suffer. The weakness comes when we dont reach out for that help. The weakness comes in others when you see someone in need and youre not reaching out to help them. The CPDs overall consent decree compliance has remained a challenge since the reforms were codified in January 2019, but the independent monitoring team, led by former federal prosecutor Maggie Hickey, expressed optimism in Snellings commitments to transparency early in his tenure as head of the Police Department. There are three levels of compliance to the consent decree: Preliminary, secondary and full. Preliminary compliance signifies the department has developed a training curriculum; Secondary compliance means training has been implemented; and full compliance means that the policy is fully part of CPDs day-to-day operations. In the first half of 2023, the independent monitoring team found the department to be in preliminary compliance with 279 of the decrees 552 monitorable paragraphs. Secondary compliance was found in 160 paragraphs, while the CPD was in full compliance with 33 paragraphs. No compliance was reached in 74 paragraphs, while six more remain under assessment, according to the monitoring team. Under Snellings predecessor, David Brown, CPDs Office of Constitutional Policing and Reform saw repeated turnover among leadership. Brown fired the offices executive director, Robert Boik in August 2022 after Boik pushed back on a plan to reassign nearly four dozen officers from constitutional policing to the bureau of patrol. Boiks successor, Tina Skahill, a veteran CPD supervisor, resigned after six months amid a claim of retaliation. A steady presence in the office, though, has been Chief Angel Novalez. Last year, Novalez opened the departments massive new training facility on the West Side to reporters to give demonstrations of officer wellness classes, de-escalation tactics and other features required by the consent decree. We dont want to do this fast, Novalez, who was a finalist for the superintendent job that ultimately went to Snelling, said at the time. The public deserves better. We want to do it right. Consequences of the Russian attack on the hospital in Selydove in Donetsk Oblast Three people were killed and 12 wounded, including children, in Russias overnight artillery attack on Selydove, Donetsk Oblast, Donetsk Oblast Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on Telegram on Feb. 14. A child born in 2015 and a pregnant woman are among those killed by the Russians. Four children, born in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2023 are among the injured. Read also: Russia launches up to 2500 strikes on Donetsk Oblast in a day, regional governor reports 45 patients from the Selydove hospital were evacuated overnight to hospitals in Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. Selidyvska MVA Russia attacked the community with four missiles, with the type still being determined. A five-story residential building and a three-story hospital wing were among the buildings destroyed. The strikes damaged at least nine apartment buildings, a pharmacy store, and four vehicles. Read also: Worse than in Bakhmut Danilov on destruction of Maryinka Russian forces have repeatedly targeted Donetsk Oblast, with a recent noticable uptick in hostilities. The areas of Bakhmut, Pokrovsk, and Kramatorsk were hit 18 times on Feb. 12, Ukraines government reported. Selidyvska MVA 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 PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) In the mid-1980s, people in Waldport didnt know that a very quirky and kindhearted man was about to permanently make his mark on the Oregon coastal town of about 2200 people. For more than 30 years, Chuck Hill owned Waldport Video with more than 30,000 videos to choose from, many of them obscure. One of his customers was Justin Lowe, who grew up in Waldport. Lowe often went to Hills store, which actually became a social hub for many teens. Justin Lowe, left, and Chuck Hill inside Waldport Video in an undated photo (Courtesy: Justin Lowe) Chuck and I developed a friendship over the years. I was a big movie buff and I wanted to be a filmmaker so Id go into the video store a lot. and hed always share films that Id have no other way of seeing, Lowe told KOIN 6 News. Lowe became a filmmaker and made a short, Chill A Short History of Waldport Video, that included interviews with Chuck Hill. At one point in the film, Lowe told Hill, A lot of people would just come to talk to you and get what I would call free therapy. Hill agreed. Chuck Hill never had a computer. He used a handwritten system over all the years of Waldport Video. He didnt charge late feesd or even really keep track of the videos. He was generous to a fault. If they had a problem and asked you for money, you just opened the register and handed them $10, $500, whatever they asked for, Lowe said in the film. Whatever the need called for, Hill replied. Chuck Hill, who operated Waldport Video for more than 30 years, seen in a short film about him and his store made by Justin Lowe. (Courtesy: Justin Lowe) There are Yelp reviews from people around the world who visited the store in Waldport, raving about the unique atmosphere he provided. Chuck Hill sponsored all the youth teams, gave out scholarships to high school graduates and bought bikes for kids in need. He would donate any money he made off his art to local animal shelters, and signed each piece Chill a combination of Chuck and Hill. But after more than 30 years, he closed Waldport Video in January 2020. About 18 months later he died after battling an illness. Chuck Hill, who ran Waldport Video for more than 30 years, seen in an undated photo (Courtesy: Justin Lowe) As the building that housed the store sat empty, the community wanted to make sure he was not forgotten. Diana Buckley bought the building and turned it into Cafe Chill, a place not just for food and drinks but also for his are. We get people who come in and literally burst into tears. Theyre overwhelmed with seeing the change and knowing the love is still here and we still want to carry on that legacy, Buckley said. Filmmaker Justin Lowe made a short film about Waldport Video and its owner, Chuck Hill, 2024 (KOIN) Diana Buckley bought the vacant Waldport Video store and turned it into Cafe Chill, 2024 (KOIN) That legacy includes providing a gathering place for teens, seniors and others especially anyone who marches to a different beat like Chuck Hill did. I just am who I am and I cant be anybody else, Hill said in the film. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. By Kirsty Needham SYDNEY (Reuters) - The Solomon Islands is expected to next week call a national election for April, with China security ties emerging as a key issue as political parties launch campaigns in the Pacific Islands nation. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China soon after the 2019 election that brought him to power, later forging a security pact with Beijing that alarmed Washington and Canberra, and set off a race for influence in the strategically-located Pacific Islands. A prominent opposition party figure, the United Party's Peter Kenilorea, said he wanted the China security pact reviewed, and would also seek to re-establish diplomatic ties with Taiwan, the Solomon Star newspaper reported on Wednesday. Opposition leader Matthew Wale said at a campaign launch for a coalition of democratic parties on Wednesday that a referendum could be held to decide the Solomon Islands relationship with China. "China is a super power both militarily and economically, and there is much also to be gained from a relationship with China... We need to see what our national interest is," Wale said at the livestreamed event. He criticised Sogavare for not consulting the provinces before switching ties to China, which led to the largest province, Malaita, refusing to cooperate with Beijing for several years. "The possibility of a referendum is a very real possibility to decide it once and for all," Wale said. At his campaign launch Sogavare pointed to the Pacific Games held in Honiara, with stadiums donated by China, as a major achievement. His party pledged to "strengthen the relationship with China through a 'look North' foreign policy, while nurturing ties with other traditional partners such as Australia", a statement said. The election will officially be called by the country's Governor-General on Feb. 20. Wale said April 17, expected to be the polling date, was "a day for accountability", after Sogavare had "prioritised Pacific Games over medicines". Honiara's operating theatres leaked in the rain and patients slept on the floor at the hospital, he said. In his campaign speech, Wale was critical of "elite capture". "We have a government that is not controlled by Solomon Islanders... A government that receives money to make sure that the status quo continues," he said. Wale did not name China in the speech, but the Prime Minister's Office previously confirmed China had provided $2.49 million for a fund spent at Sogavare's discretion, with payments made to 39 out of 50 lawmakers. Sogavare's office has previously rejected claims the money was used to maintain power. (Reporting by Kirsty Needham; Editing by Michael Perry) Moon Bricks Chinese researchers have a wild idea to start constructing a shelter on the surface of the Moon. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) is encouraging companies and researchers to come up with a special device that can squeeze moon soil into bricks, as well as a robot to assemble them into an early prototype habitat of a future research station on the Moon's south pole. As the South China Morning Post reports, such a device could be put to use as soon as its planned Chang'e 8 mission, which is tentatively scheduled for 2028. Construction Site The mission is set to deliver hundreds of pounds of scientific equipment to the Moon, including a total of 14 instruments designed to study the nearby geology and how explorers might make use of local resources. One of those instruments is slated to be a lander that uses solar energy to melt lunar soil into "functional parts," per the SCMP, at roughly 16 cubic inches per hour. The space agency is also looking to develop a robot that can prepare a working area and start assembling these bricks with a "high degree of accuracy." Just over 440 pounds of Chang'e 8's mission payload will be reserved for international partners working with China. Rapid Chang'es It's a wildly ambitious plan, but given the immense momentum behind China's space efforts, it just might have a chance of coming to fruition. In 2019, the country became the first to land a rover on the far side of the Moon as part of its Chang'e 4 mission. The country quickly followed up the achievement with a sample-return mission in 2020, the first of its kind since the Soviet Union's Luna 24 mission in 1976. Last month, the CNSA's Chang'e 6 lunar probe arrived at the country's Wenchang spaceport to get ready for a launch in May. The plan is to send four different spacecraft to the far side of the Moon, collect samples, and bring them back to Earth. Chang'e 7 is slated for 2026 and will see a lander, a small hopping probe, and a rover aim for the lunar south pole. Of course, constructing a permanent structure on the lunar surface, which is frequently rocked by Moonquakes, is even more ambitious. However, given the country's rapid advancements when it comes to lunar exploration, it may just have a shot. More on China: Videos Show Chinese Rocket Parts Raining Down, Exploding [Source] Mexico saw a high surge of Chinese migrants who received temporary resident visas in 2023, making China the third most common country of origin for people moving to Mexico. Driving the news: According to the report from Mexico's Ministry of Tourism, the Mexican government granted temporary resident visas to 5,018 Chinese migrants in 2023, as compared to 2,062 visas in 2021 and 2,471 in 2022. With the latest statistics, China became the third most common country of origin for migrants to Mexico in 2023, with the United States ranking first with 10,782 migrants and Columbia in second with 6,734 migrants. Why they are moving: Some of the reasons why Chinese citizens are migrating to Mexico include its friendly immigration policies, diverse cultural landscape and economic opportunities for entrepreneurs and companies as Mexico has free trade agreements with Canada and the U.S. as part of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. Trending on NextShark: Young Chinese women are resorting to AI boyfriends for better communication Another reason highlighted in the report is the lowered cost of living in Mexico compared to other Western countries like the U.S. The big picture: The latest statistics came as the U.S. reported a surge of Chinese migrants illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in 2023 and 2024. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP) data, around 15,700 Chinese migrant encounters were logged during the first few months of fiscal year 2024, surpassing the total 14,600 cases from the previous fiscal year. Trending on NextShark: Fewer Japanese women are giving obligatory chocolates to male colleagues on Valentine's Meanwhile, the CBP reported that around 37,000 Chinese migrants were detained in the southern border in 2023, approximately 10 times the number of detainees from the previous year. Trending on NextShark: Viola Davis shows love for lively atmosphere of Filipino classroom with singing student Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Chinese tech startups have scaled back testing of driverless cars in California, a BI analysis found. It comes as Chinese autonomous vehicle companies face growing scrutiny from US lawmakers. China's biggest ride-hailing firm has stopped testing its cars in California altogether. Chinas leading ride-hailing firm has dropped out of a program that allows it to test self-driving vehicles on Californian public roads. Ride-hailing giant Didi has withdrawn from Californias autonomous vehicle testing program, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, as several rival Chinese firms also scaled back their self-driving operations in the state. A DMV spokesperson confirmed to Business Insider that Didis American research arm withdrew from the program in February 2024, and is no longer authorized to test autonomous vehicles in California. The company obtained a permit to test self-driving vehicles in California in 2018 as part of a wider push into autonomous technology. It operates an autonomous taxi service using vehicles built by other manufacturers in some parts of Shanghai and Guangzhao and recently announced plans to produce its own range of driverless robotaxis in China by 2025. The move comes after a rocky few years for Didi. The ride-hailing firm grew rapidly and frequently clashed with Chinese regulators in the years after it was founded in 2012. Chinese authorities ultimately banned Didi from taking on new customers until January 2023 after the company went public in the US in 2021, amid concerns over possible leaks of sensitive data. A Baidu driverless car in Jiaxing, China. Future Publishing/Getty images Didi is not the only Chinese company that appears to be scaling back autonomous vehicle testing in California, or pulling out entirely. A DMV spokesperson said that five Chinese-based companies Baidu Apollo, Pony.ai, WeRide, Didi, and AutoX drove around 130,000 miles on public roads in California between December 2022 and November 2023. That's a significant decline from the previous year, when Chinese autonomous vehicle companies conducted over 450,000 miles of testing. Didis vehicles only drove 4,000 miles in 2023, per BI's calculations. At least three other Chinese firms Deeproute.AI, QCraft, and Pegasus Technology which previously had licenses to test in the state, are no longer listed on the California DMV's site. A Deeproute.AI spokesperson told NBC that the company stopped testing in California in 2022. Chinese-owned firms Nio, Black Sesame, and Xmotors.AI do have permits to test autonomous vehicles in California but did not record any testing activity in the last two years. 'Souring US-China relations' Didis exit from California comes amid growing geopolitical tensions between the US and China. US lawmakers have raised concerns that Chinese autonomous vehicle companies might be collecting sensitive data whilst testing their vehicles in the US, with several asking Chinese firms including Baidu and WeRide to detail their data collection practices last year . Republican House Representative Bob Latta described Chinese driverless cars as an immediate threat to our national security at a congressional hearing in July. Autonomous vehicles themselves have also faced growing scrutiny in recent months after Cruise was forced to recall its entire fleet following an accident that saw a pedestrian get dragged underneath one of its vehicles. Cruise was banned from operating in California following a accident involving one of the company's robotaxis. Anadolu/Getty Images Such incidents have sparked a growing public backlash to the technology, with a crowd setting a Waymo robotaxi on fire in San Francisco over the weekend. [Didis exit from California] could very well be a reaction to souring US-China relations, but that's been an issue for years now, so I think it may have more to do with the recent issues with Cruise and seeing how California has reacted to it, John Helveston, professor of engineering at George Washington University, told BI. He said that public backlash toward autonomous vehicles in cities like San Francisco had increased the risks of negative PR for companies testing the technology on public roads. Better to play it safe and experiment in less high-profile areas, Helveston said. Didi did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, made outside normal working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron will discuss bolstering Ukraine's defenses and finances against Russian aggression with the European Union ministers in light of the ongoing threat of the US Congress refusing to provide additional financial support. Cameron is scheduled to visit Bulgaria and Poland before meeting a host of EU ministers at a security conference in Munich on Friday. David Cameron to Meet With EU Ministers The UK still hopes that Washington will grant additional Ukraine aid, and it believes the Biden administration can give some assistance regardless of Congress. However, Cameron will discuss how Poland and other European nations may boost defense production and accelerate their plans to give Ukraine the windfall profits from Russian assets seized by Europe. On Wednesday, he will visit Bulgaria, the newly elected government in Poland on Thursday in the lead-up to the anniversary of the Russian invasion and the G20 foreign ministers conference in Brazil next week, temporarily switching his gaze from the Middle East. A video conference between the G7 leaders and the UN security council is also scheduled in New York. British officials are confident that Ukraine can at least hold its ground and begin to rebuild its economy this year even though they do not anticipate military breakthroughs for the country, partly due to increased opportunities for naval grain corridors in the Black Sea to reopen after the Russian fleet was driven east. Britain intends to deploy additional French Scalp missiles to weaken Russian air defenses and radar facilities in Crimea, part of an incremental weakening of Russian air superiority. Cameron has also been informed that Ukrainian resilience to Russian attacks through the winter has been better than expected. More European countries are expected to commit to bilateral security in the coming two weeks, a show of ongoing support balanced by the growing threat of US isolationism. Read Also: Usher Marries Long-time Girlfriend Jennifer Goicoechea After Super Bowl Performance Cameron Aims Increase Pressure on Russian Economy Cameron believes that the sanctions, tightening of the oil price cap, and limitation on the export of Russian liquefied natural gas to Europe could increase pressure on the Russian economy, with 7% of Russian GDP now devoted to defense and a drawdown of a third of the liquid element of the national wealth fund over the last year. At a meeting with fellow leaders in Munich, the foreign secretary plans to speak about European defense production and the special moral case for seizing the profits derived from frozen Russian assets. The G7 has intensified discussions, and EU leaders will likely move forward with their plans to take the windfall profits from Russian investments in Euro-clear in Belgium in the next few weeks. Cameron said, "Putin believes he can get away with aggression, that he can wait out the west. We have the resources, the economic might, and the expertise. We need to show that we have the will to see this through. "We must stand up for freedom and match our words with action. On sanctions. On support for Ukraine. On defense production. And we must show unity; we must all stand with Ukraine and let them - and Russia - know that they have our support for the long haul. Related Article: US Announces $100 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine Chrystul Kizer is seen in the Kenosha County Courthouse on Feb. 6, 2020, in Kenosha, Wisconsin (Paul Williams/The Kenosha News via AP, File); On the right, Kizer is shown in a booking photo (Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office). A woman from Wisconsin, who has confessed to killing her suspected rapist and setting fire to his house, was captured in Louisiana this week by federal authorities. She was taken into custody on a bail-jumping warrant from Kenosha County, as per Law and Crime. Chrystul Kizer Faces New Legal Hurdles Currently on a $400,000 bond awaiting trial for the 2018 death of Randall Volar III, is facing additional legal challenges after being charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct last month in a separate Milwaukee domestic violence case. The Milwaukee incident has led to bail jumping charges filed against Kizer by Kenosha County prosecutors, alleging a violation of the conditions of her bond, which prohibited her from committing any crimes. Despite attempts to reach out for comment, Kizer's attorney has not responded to phone messages and emails from The Associated Press as of Tuesday. Scheduled for June 10, Kizer's trial in the homicide case involves the death of Volar, a 34-year-old Kenosha man. Prosecutors assert that Volar sexually assaulted Kizer and other underage girls, backed by seized videotapes depicting some of the assaults. Kizer was 17 at the time of the killing. While respecting the privacy of sexual assault victims, The Associated Press acknowledges that Kizer discussed her case in a 2019 interview with The Washington Post. Read Also: South Africa Urges UN To Investigate Israel's Operations in Rafah Kizer's Extradition Amidst Intensifying Legal Battle In addition to the homicide charges, Kizer now faces felony bail jumping charges linked to battery, disorderly conduct, resisting an officer, and failure to update her address to the court. A warrant for her arrest has been issued by a Kenosha County judge. Sheriff David Zoerner stated late Monday that Kizer is expected to be extradited to Kenosha County to face local charges first. At 23 years old, Kizer spent nearly two years in jail following her initial charge of first-degree intentional homicide, being released on the aforementioned $400,000 bond raised by activist groups. If convicted, she could potentially face life in prison. Randall Volar, the alleged victim in the homicide case, had been under investigation for producing child pornography and sexual abuse. The trial date for the homicide case is set for June 10 in Kenosha County Circuit Court, with a motion hearing scheduled for March 15. Kizer, who was 17 at the time of the charges, is accused of shooting Volar twice in the head and later set his residence on 7732 14th Ave. ablaze. She also faces charges of taking and driving a vehicle without consent, arson of a building without the owner's consent, bail jumping, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The legal saga continues to unfold as Kizer prepares to confront the charges against her in court, Wisconsin State Journal reported. Related Article: Biden Welcomes Jordan's King Abdullah To Discuss Ongoing Hostage Deal in Israel-Hamas War Feb 14 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Special prosecutor Tim Merkle mimics the claim that Meade made that Goodson was waving a gun as he drove his car as he makes his closing arguments in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. In closing arguments in the murder trial of former Franklin County Sheriff's deputy Jason Meade for the 2020 shooting of Casey Goodson Jr., the prosecution said their last-minute witness exposed a "cover-up" by Meade while his defense team balked at the "audacity" of that suggestion and attacked that witness' inconsistencies. "If you believe (witness) Christopher Corne, the case is over for them," special prosecutor Tim Merkle said Wednesday of Meade's defense, alleging that Meade embellished or made up what he saw after the fact. "(Corne) exposes the cover-up," Merkle said. Corne, an HVAC technician, testified on Tuesday that he was driving behind Meade when he saw Goodson drive by, seemingly dancing to music in his car with nothing in his hands. His testimony countered earlier testimony from Meade, who testified that he saw Goodson brandish a gun in the car and point it at him and other motorists. Corne came forward last week via social media after watching news coverage of the trial, saying he had a change of heart and wanted to do the right thing. Meade, 45, has been on trial in Franklin County Common Pleas Court since Jan. 31 in connection with the fatal shooting of the 23-year-old Goodson on Dec. 4, 2020. He's facing two counts of murder one alleging he killed Goodson purposefully and the other alleging he committed assault, resulting in Goodsons death and one count of reckless homicide. Feb 14 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michael Jason Meade sits with his defense team in his trial at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Meade testified he was compelled to pursue Goodson after seeing Goodson point the gun. The former deputy alleged Goodson pointed a gun at him a second time at the side entrance to a North Linden home where he resided, prompting Meade to shoot him six times with his rifle set to fully automatic. Mark Collins, Meade's lead defense attorney, said during closing arguments the allegation that Meade engaged in a cover-up is ridiculous. Defense attorney Mark Collins makes his closing arguments in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. "If it's a cover-up, he must have started it at the intersection," Collins said. "That's how preposterous their case is. That's how desperate they are." According to testimony from another officer, Meade aired over his radio to others that he saw a man with a gun. Closing arguments were contentious on Wednesday and ended with the defense yelling out an objection that Judge David Young sustained. Gary Shroyer, one of the special prosecutors, told jurors, "Ask yourself what was Casey's big plan?" Special prosecutor Gary Shroyer makes his rebuttal in closing arguments in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. That's when Collins stood up and objected. As the defense team has said during the trial, the law tells jurors they can only consider the officer's perspective and what a reasonable officer would do in the situation when confronted with Goodson's actions. Young ordered what Shroyer said stricken from the record and instructed the jury to disregard the statement. What did the prosecution say in closing arguments? "Six shots in the back," Merkle said to open his closing argument. According to an autopsy, Goodson was shot five times in the back and once tangentially in the side. Merkle said Meade pulling the trigger of his military assault-style rifle was purposeful, meeting the legal standard for murder. Special prosecutor Tim Merkle makes his closing arguments in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Merkle also reminded the jury of Meade's testimony and a sermon Meade, a Baptist pastor, gave in 2018 in which Meade spoke about using force in his job as a deputy. "'I throw the first punch,'" Merkle said, parroting Meade's sermon. "Here he fired the first shot. Not just the first shot, but the second, the third, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth." "That's not keeping others safe. That's murder." Standing and holding the storm door from the Estates Place home that Meade shot through, Merkle said "the physical evidence doesn't lie, people do," a refrain he repeated multiple times. Merkle walked the jury through the evidence in the case, including that Goodson was wearing earbuds that could have been playing music, suggesting Goodson never heard Meade's commands to drop his gun, which Goodson legally owned and for which he had a conceal carry permit. He suggested to the jury that Goodson never pulled his gun out of the holster as Meade alleges. Special prosecutor Tim Merkle holds the gun that was admitted into evidence owned by Casey Goodson Jr. to show the holster that held it during his closing arguments in the trial of Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. As he ended his argument after more than hour of speaking to the jury, Merkle said Goodson had the "ill fortune" of running across Meade on Dec. 4, 2020. "He's an aggressive, arrogant and remorseless officer who sat before you and told you what disturbed him wasn't taking an innocent life, but that he ruined his son's birthday," Merkle said. What did the defense say in closing arguments? Collins opened his arguments by acknowledging that Dec. 4, 2020, was a tragedy. He went on to say a guilty verdict won't bring Goodson back and closed by saying the jury can prevent another tragedy, which would be convicting Meade. Collins said the prosecution twisted Meade's words on the stand about his son's birthday. "(Meade) told you because he'd just learned it was someone's nephew in the house, he thought about his family," Collins said. "And he has to tell his son on his birthday that I was placed in a situation where I had to make a split-second decision." Defense attorney Mark Collins makes his closing arguments in the trial of Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Contradicting Merkle, Collins said the evidence and other witness testimony is consistent with Meade's statement that he gave two weeks after the shooting, and that prosecutors focused on a single inconsistency. Meade said that Goodson stopped, but surveillance video shows Goodson made a continuous turn. "That's their big Perry Mason moment," Collins said, referring to the TV series. "There's one inconsistency." Collins also attacked Corne's credibility, calling him "aka the Facebook poster, aka the deleter," and said that the prosecution put him on the stand shows how "desperate" they are. "He's watched everything. It'd be like plucking someone from the back of the courtroom," Collins said, telling the jury Corne had deleted all his Facebook comments, including those made on posts by Tamala Payne, Goodson's mother's, page. Collins said Corne could not make consistent statements from one day to the next. Corne said he messaged Tamala Payne, Goodson's mother, and her attorney last week and heard back last Wednesday from Merkle. The FBI interviewed Corne on Thursday, and Meade's defense attorneys deposed Corne on Monday. Collins said Corne told the FBI that Goodson looked like a female driver for a split-second, then he said Goodson had an afro. Collins made a buzzer sound and pointed out Goodson had a do-rag on and his hood up, as evidence shows. "Chris Corne cant even corroborate himself," Collins said. For the latest developments in the Meade trial, visit Dispatch.com. jlaird@dispatch.com @LairdWrites This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jurors get case after closing arguments in trial of Jason Meade Mike Turner, the chair of the U.S. House of Representatives intelligence committee, provided information to all Congress members on a "serious national security threat," CNN reported on Feb. 14. Although Turner did not reveal the nature of the danger, two unnamed sources and a U.S. official told CNN that the threat is connected to Russia. In a letter sent to Congress members earlier on Feb. 14, Turner said it regards a "destabilizing foreign military capability." One of the sources told the news outlet that "it is, in fact, a highly concerning and destabilizing" Russian capability "that we were recently made aware of." House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to alleviate the worries, saying that "steady hands are at the wheel" and "there's no need for alarm." Jim Himes, the top Democrat on the intelligence committee, also said the information is not "a cause for panic." The announcement came just as Russia ramps up its pressure against Ukraine, while the U.S. support has all but run out due to disputes in Congress. The Senate recently passed the bill needed to restore funding for Ukraine, but Johnson said he opposes the bill and threatened not to put it for a vote in the House. Johnson and other Republicans are under increasing pressure from former President Donald Trump, the party's most likely nominee for the 2024 presidential election, who opposes the foreign aid bill. Trump also recently raised concerns among NATO allies when he suggested he would encourage Russia to attack those members who do not meet the 2% GDP defense spending mark. Turner provided lawmakers with certain information for a review between Feb. 14 and Feb. 16. He also appealed to the White House to declassify "all information relating to this threat." In turn, President Joe Biden's administration voiced frustration with Turner's decision to go public with the warnings before a planned meeting between security officials and leading lawmakers on Feb. 15. Read also: Media: Speaker Johnson wants private meeting with Biden before moving forward on Ukraine aid Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. A Cobb County teacher who was fired for reading a book about gender identity to a class of fifth graders last year is now suing the school district. Katie Rinderle was removed from her classroom in March after reading My Shadow is Purple to her class. She was formally fired by the school board in August. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Tuesday, names the school district, Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and individual members of the school board as defendants. Current Cobb County teacher Tonya Grimmke and the Georgia Association of Educators are also named as plaintiffs. The lawsuit claims that the school district was too vague in its censorship policies and did not define what topics were divisive, controversial and sensitive. They claim that the school district never told Rinderle or other teachers that discussions of LGTBQ issues or gender identity were prohibited from classroom discussions. RELATED STORIES: Grimmke says, in the lawsuit, because the districts policies are vague and she is unclear what she can and cannot talk about to her students, she is concerned for her job security if she discusses she did not know is considered controversial or divisive. The Georgia Association of Educators say they joined the lawsuit because they have seen substantial costs as a result of the school districts decision to remove and fire Rinderle and have had to divert resources from their other programs. The lawsuit calls for Rinderle to get her job with Cobb County Schools back as well as monetary damages for emotional distress, humiliation and more. While we have no comment on ongoing litigation, we are proud to be a District to be focused on the Georgia Standards and what children need to know and do, a district spokesperson said in a statement released Wednesday morning. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN RELATED NEWS: New York announced Tuesday that the College Board and the state reached a $750,000 settlement over that states claims that the SAT administrator sold students personal information. New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa announced the settlement on Tuesday. As part of the agreement, the College Board will pay $750,000 in penalties and will be barred from monetizing data of New York students through its contracts with schools and school districts. New York alleged that the College Board collected students personal information after they took the SATs, PSATs or AP exams. The state said the College Board licensed this data to colleges, scholarship programs, and other customers who used it to solicit students to participate in their programs. Students have more than enough to be stressed about when they take college entrance exams, and shouldnt have to worry about their personal information being bought and sold, James said in a statement. New York law requires organizations like College Board to protect the data they collect from students when they take their exams in school, not sell it to customers for a profit. The announcement claimed the College Board, through its Student Search Service, solicited students to provide information while the students were taking the exams or signing up for an online account. New York noted that while it was optional to sign up for the Student Search Service that would connect students with colleges and scholarship opportunities, students were asked to do so in the urgent context of an important exam. The personal information included the students GPA, anticipated course of study, interest in religious activities and parents income level, according to the announcement. New York said an investigation conducted by Jamess office later found out that the College Board used the collected data for marketing purposes, which the office said is illegal to do so. The College Board said in a statement that it disagreed with the states interpretation of the law at issue here. Nevertheless, officials with the New York State Education Department and attorney generals office have taken a different legal position on the interpretation of the law, and we fully cooperated with their inquiry, the statement read. Its important to note there is no finding that Search harmed students or that colleges or scholarship organizations ever misused student information, the statement continued. The College Board noted in its statement that the Student Search Service connected millions of New York students with nonprofit colleges and scholarships. The organization also said that students who opt into the search service have 29 percent more offers of admission, adding that underrepresented minority students receive 65 percent more admission offers and first-generation students get 55 percent more offers. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. New York is holding a special election to determine which of the candidates will take over former GOP Rep. George Santos' seat, starting a face-off between Thomas Suozzi and Mazi Pilip. The special election is being held in the state's 3rd Congressional District and comes after Santos was expelled from the House over ethics violations. Suozzi held an earlier version of the seat before vacating it for an unsuccessful 2022 campaign for governor. New York Special Election His GOP opponent, Pilip, is a county legislator and an Israeli immigrant who was born in Ethiopia and served in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The outcome of New York's special election will be closely watched for clues about how the national elections in November could play out. Democratic lawmakers are eager to flip the seat and cut into Republican lawmakers' razor-thin majority in the House. If Pilip wins, it could be a jolt for the GOP and give the party back a playbook to replicate in swing districts and states across the United States, as per CNN. Suozzi has chosen to keep his distance from United States President Joe Biden in a clear sign of the latter's deep unpopularity in the polls. This comes as the former congressman has the delicate balancing act of not turning off Biden's supporters but also winning over the people who are unhappy about the president's recent accomplishments. When he was asked whether or not he would support Biden in 2024, Suozzi responded by saying, "If he ends up being the Democratic candidate, I'm likely to support him, yes." Similar to other Democratic candidates and officeholders across the nation, Suozzi has had to answer voters' concerns regarding the president's age. The Biden campaign, for its part, hardly sees New York's special election as a perfect bellwether for the November general elections. There are several reasons that could make the state's contest a flawed predictor of what could be expected in the elections later this year. Read Also: Senate Passes $95 Billion Aid Package to Ukraine, Israel Taking George Santos' Seat The special election also forces New Yorkers to vote through a snowstorm on Tuesday in what is considered a hotly contested race for Santos' seat. The two candidates have fought since last year to represent New York's 3rd Congressional District, which is a suburban area in Long Island that favored Biden in 2020 by eight points, according to the Washington Post. The campaign has been dominated by national issues, which made Tuesday's vote the first high-profile test for this year of the two parties' messages on various issues. These include abortion, the economy, and immigration. New York has recently struggled to absorb more than 100,000 migrants who have arrived from the southern border over the past year. New York City Mayor Eric Adams at one point said that the influx would "destroy" the city. Pilip is seen as the one being at the disadvantage in the race as voters tend to penalize the party whose controversy forces a special election. On average, the candidate from the scandal-tarred party performs nine points worse than the preceding general election, said Politico. Related Article: Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas Impeached by House Republicans Over Border Crisis The 19th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, also referred to as the Ramstein group, is underway today, attended for the first time by Oleksandr Syrskyi, the new Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces. Source: Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umierov on Twitter (X), as reported by European Pravda Quote from Ukraines Defence Minister: "I introduced our partners to Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi. This is the first meeting in the Ramstein format as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for him. Together with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and the DI Head Budanov, we expect to have a productive meeting." Details: Umierov said the meeting would be focused on increasing defence production, specifically drones, and the development of technologies, in addition to preparing for both immediate needs and long-term challenges. We have started the 19th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Introduced to our partners to Colonel-General Oleksandr Syrskyi. This is the first meeting in the Ramstein format as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for him. Together with the Commander-in-Chief pic.twitter.com/zI3OUU7xQB Rustem Umerov (@rustem_umerov) February 14, 2024 The meeting in Brussels which Ukraine's representatives are attending is taking place concurrently with an online meeting of NATO defence ministers. Background: Lloyd Austin, the head of the Pentagon, did not fly to the Alliance's headquarters due to health problems. The US Defense Secretary was admitted to intensive care on Sunday. Support UP or become our patron! BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) Community advocates and health professionals called on Buffalo leaders Tuesday to take action to reduce lead poisoning among children. They are also asking leaders to comply with the citys rental inspections law, prompting the city to go back and forth with Erie County over how to make it happen. Erie County Department of Health is responsible for lead and lead paint hazards. Its not the city of Buffalo. That is from New York State law, and Erie County is responsible for that, said Cathy Amdur, Buffalos Commissioner of Permit and Inspection Services. So, we are a piece of the puzzle. But one piece, not the whole solution here. New York law says the states health department is in charge of lead removal and poisoning prevention, a duty which is then passed on to county health departments. Family dream home crushed by fears of environmental contamination However, in 2020 the Buffalo Common Council created the Proactive Rental Inspections Law. The law was meant to make sure rental properties are safe for tenants and are in compliance with city and building codes. The city told News 4 Friday that Common Council never funded that program yet is still conducting inspections. The city has performed 4,800 inspections and issued 415 certificates of rental compliance [since 2020], Amdur said. Just the first six weeks of this year already, we have done 140 inspections and issued 46 certificates, so its something we are continuing to actively work on. Still, advocates like George Nicholas, CEO of Buffalo Center for Health Equity, say the city is not doing enough to protect its children. Half the Black and brown children in this city live at or below the poverty level, and that means that many of them are living in substandard housing or housing that they are exposed to lead, mold and other things that will have a negative impact upon their health, Nicholas said. Advocates say a letter has been delivered to the city demanding full compliance with the PRI law, giving them a month to prove that inspectors have been fully implemented. There are 36,000 units covered by the PRI law, 36,000 units that are high-risk, that need to be inspected, that need to get these certificates of healthy compliance, added Executive Director of Partnership for Good Andrea Silleabhin. Legal analyst reacts after woman claims she was injured during celebration in snowy Bills stadium According to the letter, more than 200 Buffalo children are diagnosed with lead poisoning a year, the majority in rental units. Not only do you have the power, you also have the responsibility to protect these children and families, Nicholas said. The Erie County Department of Health has extensive information and resources for parents, renters and property owners at www.erie.gov/lead. Call (716) 961-6800 for more information. You can also schedule your own PRI inspection by clicking HERE. 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. The link between climate and the spread of malaria is well-acknowledged. As the planet warms, the threat posed by this ancient killer will only increase. We are already seeing signs of that future. In 2022, Pakistan experienced its worst malaria outbreak in 50 years when climate-driven mass flooding created large pools of stagnant water and disrupted health systems, creating the perfect storm for mosquitos to thrive. Meanwhile, Anopheles stephensi, an invasive mosquito species originally native to South Asia and the Arabian Peninsula, is rapidly expanding across African countries. The usual malaria prevention tools are less effective against this species, which breeds through the dry season and is resistant to many typical insecticides. Unlike most mosquitoes native to Africa, it thrives in urban environments, especially concerning as climate change drives urban migration, exposing an increasing number of people to infection. What is less well known is the fact that ongoing conflicts are also worsening the global malaria pandemic by forcing mass displacement and disrupting health systems. As the post-coup conflict in Myanmar undermines health services and displaces entire communities, malaria is making a dramatic comeback in Kayin and Kayah states, wiping out years of progress. In Sudan, where millions have been displaced by conflict, Medecins Sans Frontieres medical facilities have reported a staggering 70 percent malaria positivity rate. Vulnerable people are disproportionately affected, but tactics and tools are at our disposal to meet this challenge, especially for those left furthest behind. The Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria (The Global Fund) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) work closely together to strengthen health and community systems and create cross-sector partnerships to help address malaria. Hard-won experience shows that addressing malaria, particularly in disaster- and conflict-struck regions, requires strong health and community systems equipped with digital technologies and trained workers. It also takes collaboration across key sectors and, ultimately, addressing the root conditions that both allow mosquitoes to flourish and make disadvantaged groups more vulnerable to the disease. Climate and conflict shock protection Innovative digital health services can overcome access barriers, particularly for hard-to-reach populations and people living in conflict zones. In Afghanistan, efforts to digitise the national malaria programme have enabled health providers to store data even when internet connectivity is lost, enabling treatment to continue amid disruption. Supporting and educating community health workers to identify, diagnose and treat malaria is also key, as demonstrated in Chad, where support for 950 community health workers led to the treatment of more than 211,000 people in 2022. These kinds of efforts are key to strengthening health and community systems to address malaria in the face of climate- and conflict-driven shocks. Fighting diseases like malaria works best when working together, especially across borders. Inter- and intra-country level collaborations can fortify responses, leading to better health outcomes for those most affected. A partnership between the governments of Mozambique, South Africa and Eswatini backed by a $24 million grant to accelerate malaria elimination in southeastern Africa has led to some provinces in the region noting a 53 per cent decrease in malaria cases over the past several years, while some three million people have been protected from the disease, greatly reducing cross-border transmission. There have been many gains in protecting vulnerable populations against global warming and its impacts but there is still much more to be done, especially in the climate space, and this wont be achieved without sufficient financing. It is encouraging that the COP28 United Arab Emirates Declaration on Climate and Health was adopted by 123 countries and resulted in $1 billion in commitments to address the intersection between climate and health. Yet less than 0.5 percent of multilateral climate finance is currently allocated to health. This must increase to mitigate and adapt to the effects of the climate crisis. We also need to acknowledge that the countries experiencing some of the worst impacts of the climate crisis have contributed to it the least. Without a concerted effort to tackle climate change and ensure the continued delivery of healthcare in crises and conflict, malaria will continue to spread into new regions. We must ensure that countries can meet their climate targets while doubling down on global efforts for eradication, with health and community system strengthening and cross-border collaboration as key ingredients for regaining progress against the disease. If we act now, we can end malaria as a public health threat and ensure that no person, community, or country is left behind. Peter Sands is the Executive Director of the Global Fund to Fight Aids, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Achim Steiner is the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme. 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. A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version. An Abuse Of Power The GOP-led House finally got its act together enough to stage an impeachment performance last evening, claiming the scalp of Biden Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The same three Republican members who stymied the effort last week voted against impeachment again, but Rep. Steve Scalises return from cancer treatment gave the Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) the critical vote he needed to complete the flimsiest impeachment in history: no claims of high crimes or misdemeanors; no evidence of wrongdoing or graft; no shame in using impeachment to salve the hurt feelings of Donald Trump over his two impeachments and to boost Republicans signature election year issue: immigration xenophobia. Its totally appropriate to categorize these kinds of maneuvers by Republicans as performative or as playing politics or as engaging in political stunts. All true. But its also fundamentally an abuse of power. House Republicans are hikacking the levers of power that come with the offices they hold to advance their own partisan political aims and hold on to that power. Not every example of an alignment between official acts and partisan political advantage is an abuse of power. But when you strip away any ostensibly objective motive for the official act, when you offer no pretense for the official act, when youre only using the powers of the office to further your own political aims, when you stretch the law and the rules and bend them to your own grubby ends, youre engaged in abuse of power. When, at the same time, youre engaging in the wholesale breaking of government and institutions for the sake of it, all youre left with is politics of the grimy, self-serving, and self-perpetuating variety. A few additional notes: Impeachment is dead in the Senate : The Democratic-controlled Senate is not going to muster a two-thirds vote to to convict Mayorkas and the proceedings may be truncated to save time. Senate tied up : By rule, the impeachment trial will be the only Senate floor business until it is complete. Its not exactly clear how that will dovetail with avoiding a government shutdown or dealing with any foreign aid bill that the House might kick its way. For the history nerds: You may see Mayorkas impeachment described as both the first impeachment of a cabinet officer since 1876 and the first impeachment of a sitting cabinet officer ever. Both are true. William W. Belknap, secretary of war under Ulysses S. Grant was impeached by the House on March 2, 1876, but he had already tendered his resignation to Grant that morning, and Grant had accepted it. So unlike Mayorkas, Belknap was no longer in office when he was impeached. Good Read NYT: On Capitol Hill, Republicans Use Bigoted Attacks Against Political Foes Pot Meet Kettle Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), one of the Senate negotiators on the failed Ukraine aid-border package, became so frustrated with Sen. Lindsey Grahams shifting demands that she referred to him privately as a chaos monster, the WaPo reports. Quote Of The Day At the NATO summit in 2018, [Trump] came very close to withdrawing from NATO right there at the summit. So each of these comments, as he makes them now over six years, to me simply reinforces that the notion of withdrawing from NATO is very serious with him. People say, Well, hes not really serious. Hes negotiating with NATO. Look, I was there when he almost withdrew, and hes not negotiating because his goal here is not to strengthen NATO, its to lay the groundwork to get out. Former Trump national security adviser John Bolton Biden Condemns Trumps Anti-NATO Remarks In a White House appearance, President Biden blasted Trump for abandoning NATO to Putin: Can you imagine a former president of United States saying that? The whole world heard it, Biden said. No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator. Well, let me say this as clearly as I can: I never will. For Gods sake, its dumb. Its shameful. Its dangerous. Its un-American. aNalySIs May history not judge us only by the worst headlines of our era: In case you had any doubt what is at stake in this election, the lede makes it clear: It was always headed here, with President Joe Biden in his 80s and Donald Trump not far behind. But in the span of a few days, the wrinkled and sagging reality staring the nation in the face has become the defining issue of the 2024 campaign. Its certainly what we all remember about the election of 1864: The wrinkled and sagging visage of 55-year-old Abraham Lincoln versus the smooth complexion of 38-year-old Army Gen. George B. McClellan. Lincoln won and then we invented botox and here we are. Dems Snag Santos Seat Democrat Tom Suozzi won back the House seat on Long Island held by the fabulist George Santos until his ignominious exit from Congress. In a closely watched race that ended up being not particularly close, Suozzi is leading Mazi Melesa Pilip 54%-46% with 93% of the vote counted. The biggest immediate impact of the Democratic win is to further tighten the GOPs-already extremely narrow majority in the House. This Very Foolish Woman Former President Donald Trump reacted to the GOP loss in the NY-03 by demeaning Republican nominee Mazi Melesa Pilip as this very foolish woman. 2024 Ephemera Pennsylvania Democrats held onto their slim majority in the state House by winning a special election in Bucks County. Liberal group Our Revolution is backing the movement to cast a vote against Biden in the Michigan Democratic primary as a protest against his Gaza policies. I love the smell of nepotism in the morning: Lara Trump: If I am elected to this position , I can assure you.. every single penny will go to the number one and the only job of the RNC that is electing Donald J Trump pic.twitter.com/CAbbv2TMNN Acyn (@Acyn) February 14, 2024 The Next Installment In TPMs Chesebro Series The Ideas Man: How Chesebros Most Radical Theories Entered Trump Campaign Planning for Pence and Jan. 6 Trump Prosecution Watch The Supreme Court gave Special Counsel Jack Smith until 4 p.m. ET on Feb. 20 to respond to Trumps application to stay the proceedings in the immunity case. NYT: Why the Case Against Fani Willis Feels Familiar to Black Women Threats Against Federal Judges Double Since 2021 Reuters: Serious threats to U.S. federal judges have more than doubled over the past three years, part of a growing wave of politically driven violence, according to U.S. Marshals Service data reviewed by Reuters. This Is Not A Drill AOC: We need to be very, very realistic about the grave impacts of a Donald Trump election. It is not a joke. It is not a game. We need to protect our democracy.. pic.twitter.com/u98oTBTS98 Acyn (@Acyn) February 14, 2024 Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know! Even if you did not watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, you have probably seen or at least heard about one of the evenings more controversial ads. It featured still photographs of unlikely pairings: a pro-life protester and a woman presumably entering an abortion clinic; two young women who appear to be on opposite sides of a political protest; a woman in a hijab and a suburban white woman; a cop and a young Black man; a gay man and a priest. In each photo, one of the pair is lovingly washing the feet of his or her perceived antagonist, completely unfazed by whatever action is taking place around them. As the images flash, a soulful cover of the INXS power ballad, Never Tear Us Apart, plays and crescendos at the phrase, two worlds collided, and they could never tear us apart. Then the screen flashes with the words, Jesus didnt teach hate, followed by, He washed feet. The ad was clearly intended to evoke emotion. It did that. And perhaps unsurprisingly, it has also fomented all kinds of hostility and criticism, or at least intense reactions, on both ends of the political spectrum. Politically progressive detractors are attacking the sponsors of the group behind the commercial, which in the past have included the family behind Hobby Lobby, an overtly Christian business. Hobby Lobbys are closed on Sunday, an homage to the Christian sabbath. The politically astute will recall that the company also won a Supreme Court challenge to the Obamacare requirements that cover abortifacients for employees on account of its pro-life stance. Beyond its sponsorship, left-leaning critics have criticized the group for spending money on a pricey commercial that could have better been used supporting social services. Then there is the expected but illiterate mockery of the ads portrayal of foot washing as a foot fetish. Meanwhile, the ads very conservative detractors have called it too woke, taking issue with the largely progressive tropes it portrays. They also note that in many of the pairings, it is the person assumed to be on the ideological right who is doing the foot-washing, and not the other way around. Many people (Christians, in particular) will recognize the washing of his disciples feet as one of the last things Jesus did before his crucifixion. It was an act of humility and pure, unadulterated love. The event is re-created in churches around the world every year on Holy Thursday, the day that Christians memoralize the Last Supper celebrated by Jesus before his death. Its powerful imagery, to say the least. Which is perhaps why some conservative critics have also noted the ads shallowness. Jesuss interaction with sinners is loving but also firm, noted Taylor Marshall, a Catholic personality who devoted a podcast episode to discussion about the ad. Jesus did more than just wash feet, Marshall said; he challenged sinners to go and sin no more. In fairness, critics on both sides (though not those behind the foot fetish mockery) have valid points. The ad perhaps oversimplifies people into stereotypes where there is need for much nuance. Thats almost certainly intended to help people appreciate how easy it is to caricature others in an effort to justify our own ends. And yes, a Super Bowl ad slot carries an insanely high price tag. But it also brings a massive, diverse and effectively captive audience. The He Gets Us campaign is currently supported by the charitable organization, Come Near, and has an unabashed agenda: To move beyond the mess of our current cultural moment to a place where all of us are invited to rediscover the love story of Jesus. Christians, non-Christians, and everybody in between. All of us. There was probably a secondary agenda, too: getting people curious, engaged and talking. In that sense, the commercial was worth every penny. Do you have an opinion on this topic? Tell us! We love to hear from Texans with opinions on the news and to publish those views in the Opinion section. Letters should be no more than 150 words. Writers should submit letters only once every 30 days. Include your name, address (including city of residence), phone number and email address, so we can contact you if we have questions. You can submit a letter to the editor two ways: Email letters@star-telegram.com (preferred). Fill out this online form. Please note: Letters will be edited for style and clarity. Publication is not guaranteed. The best letters are focused on one topic. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the United States' commitment to securing the release of Paul Whelan, a former Marine detained in Russia, during remarks at an event focused on hostage diplomacy. Blinken stated that he had a telephone conversation with Whelan on Monday, emphasizing that efforts to bring Whelan home are ongoing. The event, held at the Wilson Center, a prominent think tank in Washington, also saw Blinken vow sustained efforts to secure the release of jailed journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is similarly detained in Russia. US' Efforts to Free Whelan During the event, Blinken did not delve into the specifics of his conversation with Whelan but affirmed the unwavering dedication of the US government to secure his release. A State Department spokesperson later confirmed that it was the third time Blinken had spoken with Whelan, underscoring the priority placed on securing his freedom by both Blinken and President Joe Biden. "Our intensive efforts to bring Paul home continue every single day, and they will until he and Evan Gershkovich and every other American wrongfully detained is back with their loved ones," Blinken said. In his remarks, Blinken condemned the practice of arbitrary detention, emphasizing that citizens should not be used as pawns in geopolitical games. "Here's the truly heartbreaking part: Unfortunately, this is part of a rising trend. Increasingly, states - but also nonstate actors - are wrongfully detaining people, often as political pawns," he said. "This practice threatens the safety of everyone who travels, conducts business, who lives abroad." He also highlighted the Biden administration's broader efforts to address hostage situations, including ongoing negotiations in the Middle East aimed at securing the release of hostages in Gaza. The renewed focus on Whelan's case comes amidst previous failed attempts to negotiate his release with the Russian government. Despite the rejection of previous proposals by Russia, Blinken asserted that the US would persist in its efforts to secure the release of both Whelan and Gershkovich. Read Also: Paul Whelan Desperately Urges President Biden To Secure His Release From Russian Prison Combatting Arbitrary Detention Whelan, who was working in security for a US vehicle parts company in Russia, was detained in December 2018 on espionage charges, which he and the US government vehemently deny. Despite the denial of charges, Whelan was sentenced to a 16-year prison term in 2020. Gershkovich, a correspondent for the Wall Street Journal, was arrested in March 2023 in the city of Yekaterinburg on allegations of spying, which he and his employer refuted. Whelan's family has been vocal in their calls for increased efforts to secure his release. Earlier in January, President Biden met with Whelan's sister to discuss ongoing efforts to secure his freedom. However, concerns remain about the potential for Whelan to be left behind in Russia amid negotiations for a potential prisoner exchange involving Gershkovich. The event also underscored broader international efforts to combat arbitrary detention. Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, speaking at the event, highlighted the coalition launched by Canada to oppose the arbitrary detention of foreign nationals for political reasons, citing similar incidents involving Canadian citizens detained in China. "Together we're sending a strong message that this practice will not be tolerated. Citizens cannot be used as pawns in a geopolitical game," Joly said. Related Article: Russia Rejects US Offer To Free Paul Whelan, Evan Gershkovich A New York man convicted of killing another man in a brazen daylight drive-by shooting has been released from prison on a technicality. Terrence Lewis had been convicted of second-degree murder for the killing of Johnny Washington in Rochester on May 26, 2015. Lewis was sentenced to 22 years to life and was serving time at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, about 50 miles southeast of Rochester. But while he was awaiting trial, Lewis had been illegally transferred to a different prison, violating a federal law and voiding his conviction. When Lewis was indicted in November 2017 for the murder of Washington, he was already serving time for a drug conviction at a federal prison in Allenwood, Pa. When Lewis was indicted in the murder case, he was brought to Monroe County Jail in Rochester. In May 2018, before Lewis stood trial, he was sent back to Pennsylvania. Two months later, he was returned to Rochester, and in October 2018, he was convicted. However, Lewis two-month transfer back to federal prison in Pennsylvania violated the federal Interstate Agreement on Detainers Law. The 1970 law says that any prisoner charged with an unrelated crime in another jurisdiction must be held and tried in that jurisdiction before they are returned to their original prison, or else the second case must be dismissed. Lewis had not been tried in New York before he was shipped back to Pennsylvania. New York State Supreme Court Judge Stephen Miller ordered Lewis release in a Feb. 5 decision. To be absolutely clear as day, we should have been aware, Monroe County Sheriff Todd Baxter told local NBC affiliate WHEC on Tuesday. The repercussions are so great.We overturned a murder charge. We overturned justice. We have a family that is grieving here in Monroe County; we have people that are probably nervous and scared. With News Wire Services A Coral Gables motorcycle officer was recovering in the hospital Wednesday after colliding with an SUV the day before, police said. He was alert and conscious, and he may be able to go home in the next couple of days, police spokesman Sgt. Alex Escobar said. He is in good spirits, Escobar said. We are happy he made it through. Around 3:40 p.m. Tuesday, the officer was driving on Alhambra Circle when he crashed with a white SUV at Cantoria Avenue. The impact sent him off his bike,, Escobar said.. The officer was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospitals Ryder Trauma Center. On Tuesday night, Coral Gables Chief of Police Ed Hudak said the officers injuries were non-life-threatening. He added the officer was conducting an escort when the crash occurred. On behalf of all of the members of the Coral Gables Police Department and the officers family, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the outpouring of prayers and support from our entire community and our law enforcement families, he said. The person in the SUV wasnt injured. The identities of the officer and driver havent been released. We are currently investigating a traffic accident involving one of our Motorcycle Officers. Our officers condition at this time is unknown. Please pray for our officer. If possible, please avoid the area of the 4100 block of Alhambra Circle while we investigate. pic.twitter.com/fQ46YiDL4F Coral Gables Police (@CoralGablesPD) February 13, 2024 Miami Herald staff writer Omar Rodriguez Ortiz contributed to this report. Two corrections officers covered up the use of excessive force when one punched an inmate in the face and broke his jaw, federal officials said. Now, the former officer accused of lying for his co-worker has been sentenced to 15 months in prison, the U.S. Attorneys Office in the Western District of Tennessee announced in a Feb. 13 news release. Sebron Hollands pleaded guilty in October to accusations of providing false information in a report after his co-worker was accused of punching an inmate at the Northwest Correctional Complex, officials said. The defendant pledged to protect and serve but instead he abused his authority as a corrections officer to try to cover up another officers use of excessive force, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in the release. His co-worker, Javian Griffin, pleaded guilty to using unlawful force on an inmate as well as providing false information in his report, officials announced in October. Hes expected to be sentenced in March. Hollands public defenders declined to comment on the charges. McClatchy News reached out to Griffins attorneys on Feb. 14 but did not immediately receive a response. Without justification In their June 2020 reports, the tactical officers with the Tennessee Department of Corrections wrote that an inmate became combatant and charged at Griffin while Hollands was present. Both officers reported Griffin used soft hand techniques which include grabbing, holding, or using a joint lock to restrain someone, as opposed to hard techniques such as punching or kicking. Neither officer wrote in their report that Griffin punched the inmate or that the inmate was injured in the process, officials said. Instead, officials said they later found Griffin punched the inmate without justification. Griffin admitted that at the time he punched (him), the inmate did not resist or pose a threat justifying his use of force, officials wrote. The two strike force officers were indicted in 2022. Unlawful use of force carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, while writing a false report carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Instead of upholding and enforcing the oath he took, these officers used their position of authority to violate an inmates rights and then conceal the harm they caused, U.S. Attorney Kevin Ritz said. No correctional officer is above the law. Officials recommended Griffin be sentenced to four years in prison. After Hollands serves a year and three months, he has two years of supervised release. Cops violently handcuff, arrest 2 women for taking care of stray cats, lawsuit says Officer publicly beat two people who posed no danger within one month, feds say Couple lost home after deputies took thousands during raid, lawsuit says. They won $1M Woman shot by deputies investigating burglary call was not an intruder, Texas cops say It could cost more to drill for oil if legislation to raise royalty payments oil and gas companies pay to operate on State Trust land continues its momentum in the final days of New Mexicos 2024 Legislative Session. House Bill 48 would increase the royalty payments from 20 percent to 25 percent on the value of oil and gas extracted from State Trust land. HB 48 passed on the House Floor Feb. 10, on a 39-28 vote, and was scheduled for further debate and possible action on Tuesday before the Senate Finance Committee. More: 'Renewable' geothermal energy boosted by bill passed by New Mexico House The higher rate would apply to oil and gas leases issued by the State Land Office after July 1, 2024 and was expected to generate $50 million to $75 million to the Land Grant Permanent Fund by 2027 as production usually starts three years after a lease is issued, read an analysis from the Legislative Finance Committee. During the debate on the House Floor, Republicans opposed the bill as they feared it would drive companies out of New Mexico to Texas which shares the booming Permian Basin. Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) of Artesia, an supporter of the oil and gas industry, argued 99 percent of available land in the Permian Basin in New Mexicos southeast region was already leased to oil and gas companies, meaning the increase would likely not have much financial benefit to the state. More: 'Clean fuels' bill advances in New Mexico Senate, to make oil companies pay for pollution He questioned the bills sponsor Rep. Matthew McQueens earlier assertions that HB 48 could have billions of dollars in economic benefit. I think its virtually all leased, Townsend said of the Permian. Im trying to figure out with 99 percent of the land leased, how you arrive at that number. New Mexico Rep. Jim Townsend (R-54) McQueen countered that the existing leases stay in effect as long as oil is produced, meaning royalty rates would continue being collected at the higher rate if the bill was passed. More: Tax credits, rape kits & highways: Find out what bills your Eddy Co. Senators are sponsoring It doesnt take long at $50 million a year or $75 million a year to get up to a billion-dollar impact, McQueen said. We have leases still in effect from the 50s. New Mexico Rep. Matthew McQueen (D-50) Townsend continued to question the bills benefits, pointing to assertions from McQueen and others that the oil and gas industry was boom and bust and not a stable revenue source for the State of New Mexico. On one side youre saying this is not going to last long, and on the other side youre saying its going to last forever, he said. More: $300M needed for New Mexico land conservation; Supporters argue for funding in budget bill McQueen admitted he viewed the fossil fuel industry and its current level of financial support for New Mexico as short-lived but said the State should maximize the benefits while it can. HB 48 was supported by the State Land Office as Public Lands Commissioner Stephanie Garcia Richard said New Mexico officials should take advantage of the states booming oil and gas industry to drive up returns to taxpayers and the offices beneficiaries public schools, hospitals and other institutions in the state. The State Investment Council estimated the bill would lead the Land Offices funds into the Land Grant Permanent Fund to grow by $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion by 2050. More: Lawmakers look to send more state funds to clean up New Mexico's abandoned oil wells We should capitalize on the current oil and gas boom by raising what we charge to oil and gas companies to use land that belongs to New Mexicans, Garcia Richard said in a statement. The result would be huge amounts of new money for our school kids. McQueen said the higher rate would make New Mexico comparable to neighboring Texas operational costs. The LFC report showed New Mexico did already charge higher royalty rates than several other states with trust land in the U.S., but less than Texas. More: Short term state revenue loss for Hobbs passes committee, bills for Carlsbad stalled While Texas charges a 20 percent rate on some of its leases, it charges 15 percent, the report read, for those in the Delaware Basin the Permians western sub-basin that straddles the states boarder with New Mexico. Even at the 25 percent royalty rate proposed by HB 48, the Land Office argued it would still be more industry-friendly than Texas because New Mexico allows for some deductions when calculating the payments based on the proceeds rather than on the net proceeds of a lease. We are simply asking companies to pay the same rate they pay to lease land from private landowners and neighboring states like Texas, he said. New Mexico is fortunate to have some of the best natural resources in the country, and we shouldnt be content to give them away on the cheap, especially when the future of New Mexicos kids is at stake. 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: Oil and gas royalty rate increase passes New Mexico House. GOP opposed Two years ago, Gelsey Rhormens and her then-husband became friends with a man at the gym they used to go to. Months later, as the friendship progressed, the friends became business partners. He presented himself as a very friendly person, said Rhormens in Portuguese. Soon, when he talked about his work, we felt comfortable with investing with him. The man who presented himself as a business partner was 43-year-old Joao Carlos do Rego, a Brazilian native whos said to have been in the United States for about six years. Read: Orlando City Soccer to host one of Brazils most popular teams in 2024 He said he worked with properties that were not sold during state auctions, said Rhormens, who spoke exclusively with Channel 9. His work was basically search for those properties, buy them, and he would even say he had people already interested in (buying) the places. Rhormens said she invested $30,000 with Do Rego in hopes of buying two properties out of state, but she never saw the homes. The alleged scammer used a company called Excellence Private LLC, now inactive according to the Florida Division of Corporations. Last month, Do Rego was arrested for an unrelated bank robbery in Hunters Creek. For Gelsey, that was a relief. I cried when he was arrested. I waited so much for that day. Not only for me, but for all the other people I met and learned about, she said. I received too (many) messages from many people, with stories that made me extremely emotional. Read: Aggressive towing: What are your rights if youre illegally towed? Rhormens shared her story on social media and received multiple messages from fellow Brazilians who claimed to have fallen victim of the man. At least 20 of them have filed police reports against Do Rego, but Rhormens believes there could be even more. People are scared to say anything because of their immigration status, she said. Some even told me Joao himself threatened to report them to the USCIS if they said anything. Read: Orange-Osceola State Attorney launches violent crimes unit The man is now at the Orange County jail for the bank robbery case, but he also involved in at least four other criminal charges in Brazil, court documents showed, including for fraud and falsification. Rhormens fraud investigation was initially conducted by the Orange County Sheriffs Office. The State Attorneys office is now looking into possible charges against Joao Carlos do Rego. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Pakistan's former premier, Nawaz Sharif, announced that he and his allies would jointly form a coalition government, ending any hopes of Imran Khan's party gaining power. The announcement was made late on Tuesday, which ended the uncertainty since last week after no party won a simple majority in the country's parliamentary elections. The latest development also comes after the parties met in Islamabad. Pakistan's New Coalition Government The meeting was attended by the Pakistan People's Party of former President Asif Ali Zardari and by Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League. It included the latter's younger brother, Shehbaz Sharif, who replaced Khan when he was ousted in a no-confidence vote in parliament in 2022. During a news conference with Zardari and other lawmakers, Shehbaz did not say who would be the joint choice for prime minister. However, it is widely expected that Sharif himself would head the new coalition government. In his remarks, the former prime minister said that the discussions on a coalition were successful, as per ABC News. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Muslim League, Marriyum Aurangzeb, said that Sharif, who is a three-time prime minister, had nominated his younger brother for the lead role. The party had been talking with Zardari and other allies after the election on Thursday for the National Assembly or lower house of the parliament. While the candidates that were backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party were able to win 93 out of the 265 National Assembly seats, it was not enough to form a government. On the other hand, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League and Zardari's Pakistan People's Party won 75 and 54 seats respectively. Khan's party's surprisingly strong showing in the election came as a shock for Sharif, who was marked out as the powerful security establishment's preferred candidate following his smooth return to the country last October. Former Prime Minister Khan is currently in prison and was barred from running in the latest elections. He announced on Tuesday that the independent candidates associated with his party would join the lesser-known Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen party, which was only able to win one seat in parliament, according to CNN. Read Also: Russia Puts Estonia's PM and Baltic Politicians on Wanted List for Dismantling Soviet Monuments Imran Khan's Party He also ruled out the possibility of creating a coalition with the Pakistan People's Party or the Pakistan Muslim League. Khan's PTI party also made claims of wide-scale rigging in the recent election and issued a statement saying that he was warning against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes. Members of Khan's party also contested the vote as the Election Commission and Supreme Court stripped his party of its electoral symbol. It helps illiterate voters find candidates on the ballot. Officials also imposed other legal barriers that were said to have stifled his party's efforts. Under the constitution, Pakistani President Arif Alvi will convene the inaugural National Assembly session before Feb. 29, 2024. This is so that lawmakers can be sworn into their new positions. The parliament will then elect the new prime minister at a later date, said NPR. Zardari, speaking about how the coalition was formed, said that they were looking at everything and decided to sit together as allies. He added that they had contested elections against each other but it did not mean that they would fight forever. Related Article: Trump Adviser Proposes New System for NATO Czech farmers will join a large-scale protest next week against EU agricultural policies that allow cheap product imports from Ukraine, the Czech news outlet iRozhas reported Feb. 13. Farmers across Europe have been protesting what they say is increased competition from abroad, particularly Ukraine, as well as EU policies targeting climate change. Polish farmers plan to completely blockade all border crossings between Ukraine and Poland starting Feb. 20 as part of a 30-day general strike. Farmers from the Czech Republic are planning their own blockade. Protesters will obstruct a highway in Prague on Feb. 19 to bring attention to the demands of Czech farmers. The demonstrators will also send a letter to Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny demanding the country's withdrawal from the European Green Deal. Demonstrators will then head to border crossings on Feb. 22, to meet farmers of other countries with similar demands. Agricultural groups from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Bulgaria have protested the EU's Green Deal in recent weeks. The deal includes a plan to halve pesticide use, lower fertilizer use, and drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Another major point of protest revolves around Ukraines sugar and grain imports, and the competition these products have brought to European farmers. Demonstrators claim that the influx of unregulated Ukrainian imports has driven down prices, limiting earnings for local farmers. In recent weeks, protests have gone beyond demonstrations and truck blockades. On Feb. 11, Polish farmers stopped three trucks carrying Ukrainian grain and spilled it onto the road. On Feb. 13, farmers in Sofia, Bulgaria spilled milk onto the streets as a sign of protest. Ukraine is one of the worlds largest agricultural producers, and plays a critical role in exporting grain globally. Russias full-scale invasion has drastically limited supply chain capabilities and threatened worldwide food exports. Read also: Polish farmer blockade puts Polish-Ukrainian relations at further risk Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Dark matter in the Coma Cluster. Dark matter represented by green clouds over the Coma Cluster and distant galaxies as seen by Subaru Telescope. For the first time, astronomers have detected dark matter hanging from massive filaments that stretch across the universe and form a "cosmic web" that trap galaxies like morning dew on a spiderweb. Researchers from Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea, used the Subaru Telescope an 8.2-meter optical-infrared telescope near the summit of Maunakea in Hawaii and an effect that gravity has on light to indirectly observe dark matter sitting on cosmic web filaments in the Coma Cluster. This marks the first-ever detection of dark matter on the cosmic web, and could help confirm how this structure with strands that run for tens of millions of light-years has influenced the evolution of the universe. Also known as Abell 1656, the Coma Cluster is a collection of over a thousand galaxies and is located some 321 million light-years away from us in the direction of the constellation Coma Berenices. Because of this tremendous size and relative proximity, the Coma Cluster is an ideal place for scientists to hunt dark matter on cosmic web strands. Related: James Webb Space Telescope could target tiny bright galaxies to shine light on dark matter The cosmic web is a network of filaments, made up of matter, that feed gas into galaxies, helping them grow. This web also helps channel galaxies together, leading them to cluster. The main filaments of the cosmic web are themselves the walls of galaxy superclusters, with the wall corresponding with the Coma Cluster known as the "great wall." The great wall was actually the first superlarge structure in the universe to be discovered. Clusters of galaxies are believed to gather at points where filaments intersect, but these filaments are believed to terminate between galaxies and form what're called "intracluster filaments." Dark matter is expected to run along these cosmic web filaments dangling from those intracluster filaments. a computer simulation of galaxies embedded with filaments of gas and dust. A computer simulation of galaxies embedded with filaments of gas that make up the cosmic web. (Image credit: Yannick Bahe) Dark matter as a cosmic scaffold Though the cosmic web, the largest structure in the universe, has been known about for decades, astronomers have only seen the faint glow of its gas filaments when they have been illuminated by bright regions at the hearts of galaxies powered by feeding supermassive black holes. Those active black holes are called quasars. Last year, the Keck Cosmic Web Imager, also atop Maunakea, caught the first direct light emanating from wispy web filaments that cross one another and stretch across the darkest corners of space. These are filaments that sit isolated between galaxies, in the largest and most hidden portions of the cosmic web. "Seeing" the location of dark matter around these cosmic web strands is a completely different story, however. That's because, despite making up an estimated 85% of all the matter in the universe, dark matter is invisible because it doesn't interact with light like everyday matter that comprises stars and dust does. Dark matter's dominance over everyday matter also means it dominates the filaments of the cosmic web, forming an invisible scaffold along which the universe's structure takes shape. However, even though dark matter doesn't interact with light, it does interact with gravity and this interaction impacts the movement of everyday matter and light that we can see. The team behind this research took advantage of this concept, using it to detect dark matter on cosmic web filaments threaded throughout the Coma Cluster. gravitational lensing infographic A diagram shows how light from a background source is curved by mass, generating an effect called gravitational lensing (Image credit: NASA, ESA & L. Calcada) Albert Einstein's 1915 theory of gravity, called general relativity, suggests that objects with mass cause the fabric of spacetime to curve. In turn, the theory explains, what we perceive as gravity arises from this curvature. Furthermore, when light from a background source passes through this curvature, its path gets diverted. This can lead to background sources appearing to shift in the sky, to be amplified, or in some extreme cases, even to appear at multiple points in the same image. This is called gravitational lensing. So, using light from galaxies and stars behind the Coma Cluster and assisted by the high sensitivity, high resolution and wide field of view of the Subaru telescope's Hyper Suprime-Cam (HSC), the team detected a weak lensing effect of the dark matter component of intracluster filaments for the first time. RELATED STORIES Something 'fishy' is happening with the Milky Way's dark matter halo How the Large Hadron Collider's successor will hunt for the dark universe Massive galaxy with no dark matter is a cosmic puzzle This first-ever detection of dark matter on terminal segments of the cosmic web helps to further confirm the existence of the large-scale structure spreading across the universe. The team's results were published in January in the journal Nature Astronomy. A woman reported a man broke into her home and assaulted her, so her daughter shot him but really the mom had invited him there, Alabama authorities said. The daughter shot him three times, leaving him with life-threatening injuries, Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade told McClatchy News. Now, both women are charged after deputies said they found evidence the mom lied about the home invasion and filed false reports with law enforcement. The man who was shot was the womans ex-husband, according to AL.com and WIAT. She made detrimental allegations to her daughter and others that led to the shooting of (her ex-husband), Wade wrote in a Feb. 13 news release. McClatchy News is not identifying the suspects to protect the identity of the victim. Calhoun County deputies responded to a call Feb. 6 to find a 47-year-old man with gunshot wounds, according to the release. A 46-year-old woman had a restraining order against the man and reported he violated the order by appearing at her home in Alexandria and assaulting her, deputies said. The woman told officials that she left her home after she was assaulted and spent several hours with her 24-year-old daughter before they returned to the womans home together. During this time, she started texting her ex-husband that her daughter was coming home, so he might have to hide, Wade told McClatchy News in a phone interview. Her daughter didnt know about the relationship, and the mom didnt want to tell her, according to Wade. The man told his ex-wife he felt like he was being set up, Wade said in the release. When the mother and daughter arrived at the home, the daughter began searching for the man, believing he was still there, according to deputies. She broke down a locked door to the bedroom and shot the man in the abdomen, arm and leg, authorities reported. As of Feb. 13, he was still in the hospital, Wade told McClatchy News. By analyzing digital evidence, including text messages between the two, deputies found she had allowed (the man) to be in the residence in violation of the protection order and that she was aware that he was in the residence when she and (her daughter) returned, according to the release. The woman was charged with false report to law enforcement and first-degree assault. Her daughter was charged with first-degree assault. As Sheriff, I take great caution in arresting anyone claiming to be a victim of domestic violence, Wade wrote. However, the facts discovered in this investigation are clear. Wade called the womans actions a disservice to survivors of abuse. The two womens attorney information is not available in Calhoun County jail records. Calhoun County is about 70 miles northeast of Birmingham. If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline for support at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. Husband found dead in charred vehicle in TN ravine, cops say. Wife accused of murder Delta overserved dad accused of fatally running over wife at Utah airport, lawsuit says Man accused of drugging pregnant wife to cause abortion gets 180-day sentence in Texas David Cameron has virtually called on Israel to surrender to Hamas as it prepares to destroy the terrorist group in Rafah. For that is surely the meaning of his words on Monday: What we want is an immediate pause in the fighting and we want that pause to lead to a ceasefire. Thats also exactly what Hamas want, and has demanded from Israel an end to the war that it is catastrophically losing. Would Cameron have called for a ceasefire as Allied troops were poised to cross the Rhine in March 1945? By that time millions of German civilians had been killed in the fighting and it was a certainty that many more would die as the war proceeded towards unconditional German surrender. Of course Israel cannot halt its offensive now any more than the Allies could then, and Cameron must know that just as Blinken knows it. In reality their words of caution to Israel amount to virtue signalling aimed at the Israel-sceptical elements of their electorates. Like a schoolmaster lecturing a recalcitrant schoolboy, Cameron has told Israel to stop and think very seriously before it takes any further action. Who does he think hes talking down to? Does he seriously believe the Israeli war cabinet and general staff have not been working round the clock for months, thinking seriously about every action they take in this war? Meanwhile Blinken has told Israel to come up with a plan to minimise civilian casualties before they launch the campaign against Hamas in Rafah. In other words, exactly what they are already doing and have been doing with considerable success since this war began. So far the IDF has wreaked devastation on Hamas. It appears the terror army is no longer able to function as a coherent entity, with reports that senior leaders are unable to communicate with their combat units. The IDF says the Hamas fighters that remain in Rafah must now be dealt with, along with the terrorist leadership there. As well as that there is a high probability that many of the surviving Israeli hostages are in the city; indeed two of them were rescued in a remarkable special forces operation at the weekend. Destroying Hamas in Rafah is non-negotiable, as is rescuing as many of the hostages as possible. Cameron, who was reportedly once told by a general that service in the Eton cadet force did not give him military expertise, says he thinks it is impossible to see how you can fight a war amongst these people. Theres nowhere for them to go. But the IDF will find somewhere for them to go, and will make sure they know where it is and how to get there. Indeed, many have already begun moving north. Not only that but the IDF will surely find a way of enabling humanitarian agencies to get as much aid to them as possible, an immense challenge with the two existing crossing points both flowing into the Rafah area. If Cameron had his way, and the operation in Rafah were suspended or cancelled, what would have been the point of the last few months of fighting inside Gaza? The remnants of Hamas would quickly regroup, re-arm and renew their decades of violent aggression against Israeli civilians. Furthermore, an Israeli victory in Gaza could also prevent a potentially greater conflagration in Lebanon. Hizballah has so far been careful to restrict their attacks to the Israeli border area, despite the capability to strike much deeper into Israel. The fear of their own destruction that has created this reticence will be reinforced as the Gaza war proceeds. Those who demand that Israel stops fighting fail to understand that would make a full-scale war in the north more likely. If they really want to end the bloodshed in the region, and to increase the prospects of diplomatic success against Hizballah, they should be calling on Hamas to hand over the hostages and surrender unconditionally, not giving them hope by condemning Israels future prosecution of the war. 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. Estonia's Foreign Intelligence Service warned on Tuesday that Russia is gearing up for a possible armed conflict with Western countries within the next decade. A growing number of Western officials have warned Europe of the military threat that Russia poses to countries along the eastern flank of NATO, calling for Europe to get prepared by rearming. Russia Prepares for Military Confrontation With West The chief of the intelligence service stated that the evaluation was based on Russian plans to increase the number of forces positioned along its border with NATO members Finland and the Baltic States of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Kaupo Rosin told reporters at the release of Estonia's national security threats report that Russia has chosen a path that is a long-term confrontation, and the Kremlin is anticipating a possible conflict with NATO within the next decade. Rosin said that a Russian military assault is "very unlikely" in the short term, partly because Russia needs to maintain soldiers in Ukraine and would continue to be unlikely if the Russian buildup of forces was matched in Europe. He added that if they are unprepared, the likelihood of a military Russian attack would be much higher than without any preparation. After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, NATO allies strengthened their presence in Estonia and the other Baltic States, and these nations increased their military spending to over 2% of their GDP. Germany intends to have 4,800 combat-ready troops in the region by 2027, marking its first long-term overseas deployment since World War II. According to Rosin, NATO and its allies were moving in the right direction to counter the Russian threat. Rosin believes a Russian breakthrough in Ukraine before the country's presidential election in March is unlikely as it would need to mobilize significantly more troops to achieve that goal. In response to remarks by US presidential candidate Donald Trump that he would not stand up for allies who underfund the military, Rosin said, "Such statements are never helpful." He continued that Russia has continued to have a greater capacity than Ukraine to supply munitions to its forces. He also claimed that Ukraine is unlikely to be able to change the situation on the battlefield unless Western support is sustained or increased. Read Also: South Africa Urges UN To Investigate Israel's Operations in Rafah If They Breach Provision Orders Issued by ICJ Putin Orders Expansion of Russian Military Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the country's military to add almost 170,000 soldiers, for a total of 1.32 million, as Moscow's invasion of Ukraine enters its 22nd month. Putin's order was made public by the Kremlin on Friday and took force immediately. It increases the total number of Russian military personnel to nearly 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops. This is the army's second expansion since 2018. After Putin approved a 137,000 troop increase in August 2022, the military had around 2 million personnel and 1.15 million troops. According to the defense ministry, the order does not suggest a significant expansion of conscription, saying the increase will occur gradually by recruiting more volunteers. The ministry claimed that the special military operation in Ukraine and the expansion of NATO were the reasons for the increase. Related Article: Ukraine's New Army Chief Uncovers Improved Strategy of Defense To 'Exhaust' Russian Forces DeLand is considering whether to ban smoking and vaping in public parks, but unfiltered cigars, thanks to state law, will still be permitted. The DeLand City Commission will consider an ordinance that would prohibit smoking and vaping in nearly all public parks owned by the city. The item already passed a first reading and is expected to have a final hearing before the City Commission on Monday. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman and Parks and Recreation Director Rick Hall said the city sometimes has problems with people smoking at parks, including during Little League events. They said the city wants to keep children and other people from being exposed to smoke. Just asking people to stop smoking hasn't been effective. "It's kind of amazing to me in 2024 that we're having to, you know, put teeth behind asking people not to smoke around other families," Cloudman said. Painter's Pond is one of downtown DeLand's parks that would be off-limits to smoking and vaping under a new law. Hall said if the ordinance is enacted the city will post signs at parks to warn people of the change. Cloudman said the city's intent isn't to start "fining people left and right" but to educate them. The city plans to craft penalties once the ordinance is adopted, city spokesman Chris Graham said. The law won't apply to unfiltered cigars because that is preempted by state law, officials said. The city's parks include, among other sites, the Chipper Jones Family Little League Complex at 260 West Walts Ave., Bill Dreggors Park at 230 N. Stone St., Earl Brown Park in the 600 Block of S. Alabama Ave. and Painter's Pond at the corner of South Alabama and East Wisconsin avenues. Pioneer Park, which is in the heart of downtown near bars, would not be included. Peggy Whitmore said she is opposed to the proposed ban. Whitemore owns the E-Cig Source vape shop at the Walmart plaza at 955 S. Woodland Blvd. She said she believes the ban would hurt business and would lead to more restrictions. She said her business only sells vapes, and she said vapes help people quit smoking and are much safer than regular cigarettes. "People should have choices," she said. "Adults have choices." E-cigarettes aren't as harmful as cigarettes but that doesn't mean they're safe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "E-cigarette aerosol generally contains fewer toxic chemicals than the deadly mix of 7,000 chemicals in smoke from regular cigarettes,' according to the CDC. "However, e-cigarette aerosol is not harmless. It can contain harmful and potentially harmful substances, including nicotine, heavy metals like lead, volatile organic compounds, and cancer-causing agents. Studies on whether e-cigarettes can help people quit smoking have had mixed results, according to the CDC. The studies didn't provide enough evidence to recommend using e-cigarettes as a tool to quit smoking. Reporter Brenno Carillo contributed to this report. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Anti-smoking and vaping law in DeLand to get a vote soon Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines said theyre paying their workers about $1.4 billion to workers through their employee profit sharing program. From that chunk, $595 million is going just to the companys Georgia employees. Thats roughly 42% of the overall payout just going to their workers in the Peach State. Delta said overall, the profit sharing is equal to 10.4% of annual pay, and that each employee is getting what amounts to more than a months payment from the program. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This payout marks an important milestone for Deltas profit-sharing program, bringing the total paid out to employees since its inception in 2007 to $11 billion, Delta said in a statement. According to a company spokesman, sharing the companys success is a foundational part of their values-driven business model and key to the companys culture. Delta said theyve had this profit-sharing structure since the airline industry went through a time of struggle in the early 2000s. Rewarding our people is fundamental to who we are at Delta. Its always my No. 1 priority to take care of the Delta team, and today is a prime opportunity to recognize their dedication and efforts in 2023, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in an announcement. This years $1.4 billion payout along with our global annual celebrations represent just one of the ways were able to demonstrate our gratitude and love for a well-deserving team. Among the various regions Delta highlighted for parts of the payout, Georgia employees collectively received the most from the program. Deltas people-first culture has always been core to our business, going back to our founder, C.E. Woolman, Joanne Smith, Deltas E.V.P. and Chief People Officer said. An important part of that culture is sharing our successes. This years $1.4 billion profit-sharing payment is a direct result of the hard work and persistence shown by Delta people each day. TRENDING STORIES: The companys more than 100,000 employees received funds, by region, as broken down below: Domestic: Georgia - $595 million New York - $185 million Minnesota - $124 million Michigan - $110 million California - $86 million Washington - $77 million Utah $76 million Florida - $32 million Massachusetts - $20 million International: EMEAI - $4.4 million Latin America - $2 million NAM (Canada, U.S. Virgin Islands and Bermuda) - $1.8 million Asia-Pacific - $5.4 million [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: (Reuters) - Democratic former U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi won a congressional special election in New York on Tuesday, Edison Research projected, narrowing an already razor-thin Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives that has struggled to pass legislation. The contest became necessary after the House took the extraordinary step of expelling Republican George Santos, whose dizzying array of lies about his biography led to his indictment on fraud charges. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Scott Malone) WOODBURY, New York Democrats flipped the battleground Long Island seat last held by ousted Rep. George Santos, narrowing the already razor-thin Republican majority in the House. Democrat Tom Suozzi won back his former seat in New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, defeating lesser-known Republican rival Mazi Melesa Pilip. The special election was a nail-biter heading into Tuesday, underscoring just how much the district has shifted to the right since Suozzi was last elected in 2020. The results allow Democrats to claim momentum in a crucial election year when control of the House and the presidency are on the ballot. The race featured themes Republicans have centered in their 2024 campaigns, including immigration and crime. Suozzi campaigned on a platform of compromise and common-sense governance assailing both Republicans and members of his own party who refuse to work together during an era of hyper-partisanship. Its time to move beyond the petty, partisan bickering and the finger-pointing. Its time to focus on how to solve the problems, he told a jubilant crowd Tuesday night at the Crest Hollow Country Club. The diverse group of supporters in attendance included younger organizers who knocked on doors in Queens, where voters turned out big for Suozzi and gave him an early lead. A cheer went up for labor unions when the candidate expressed gratitude from the stage. Thank God, Suozzi said at the top of his remarks, taking a moment to soak in his victory. Despite all the attacks, despite all the lies about Tom Suozzi and the squad, about Tom Suozzi being the godfather of the migrant crisis, about sanctuary Suozzi, despite the vaunted Nassau County Republican machine, we won, he said. We, you won this race because we addressed the issues and we found a way to bind our divisions. Suozzis remarks were briefly interpreted by pro-Palestinian protesters, one of whom shouted, You support genocide. Solidarity with Israel amid the Israel-Hamas war played a role in the race. Both Pilip and Suozzi are staunch supporters of Israel, with Suozzi saying he wants no conditions on U.S. aid to the Jewish state. Suozzi also positioned himself as an ardent endorser of the bipartisan Senate border bill, knocking Pilip and Republicans who called it a nonstarter as being beholden to former President Donald Trump and prioritizing political gain over the countrys best interests. Suozzis victory means Democrats have flipped the swing seat held until last December by Santos, a Republican who was expelled from Congress amid being criminally indicted on fraud charges. And it puts to rest for now anxieties the party had that President Joe Biden, who remains unpopular in the area, would be a drag on his party down ballot. The 3rd Congressional District in Nassau County and Queens is one of about six New York House seats expected to be determined by close margins this year a tally that stands to determine which party controls the House in 2025. Though Biden won the district by 8 points in 2020, a Newsday/Siena College poll last Thursday showed Trump was now leading Biden by five points there. The district may be redrawn in the coming days by a commission tasked with designing congressional district lines in New York. A potential rematch or at least another close race between Democrats and Republicans looms for this seat in November. Even though Suozzi is a centrist and oftentimes conservative Democrat, he remains a Democrat, a brand toxic in some corners of Long Island where the well-tuned Nassau County Republican apparatus has flipped several local seats over the years. Suozzis apparent defeat of Pilip came after the Democrats spent big on the airwaves, his campaign outraising hers by millions. Suozzi may have had the benefit of a bigger campaign war chest and name recognition after 30 years serving the area in elected office, but Pilip and the Republicans had the advantage of staking out a hardline position on border security. The Nassau County legislator held very few news conferences during her campaign, but hosted two outside the sprawling Creedmoor Psychiatric Center migrant shelter in Queens to denounce Democratic policies that she said encourage illegal immigration. We did a great job. We are the fighters, Pilip said at her party in East Meadow, just outside the district. Yes we lost. But it doesnt mean were going to end here. It wasnt clear if shell be the partys nominee again in November. Well have to wait and see, Nassau County Republican Chair Joe Cairo told POLITICO after Pilips brief concession speech. Republican Reps. Anthony DEsposito, Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino and former Rep. Peter King joined Pilip on stage. Her fellow Long Islanders have been a constant presence on the campaign trail, often speaking at events more than the candidate herself. While border politics and support for Israel were prevailing themes in the race, preserving abortion access and restoring the state and local tax deduction, or SALT, were other key issues. Pilip is an enrolled Democrat but she campaigned in the special election with the full backing of Long Island Republicans. DEsposito, as an example, was omnipresent at Pilips events. By contrast, Suozzi ran without party leaders like Gov. Kathy Hochul or New York City Mayor Eric Adams by his side. He had taken care to distance himself from Biden, who came last week to New York City for three fundraisers but did not campaign for Suozzi. In the final stretch of the race, after saying no one is above the law in a PIX11 interview, Pilip appealed to Trump during a CNN interview for help in her campaign. Additionally, House Speaker Mike Johnson visited the district for a fundraiser and rally centered in their 2024 campaigns, including immigration and crime. In a big win for House Democrats, Tom Suozzi won the special election in New York's 3rd Congressional District on Tuesday. His victory over Republican Mazi Pilip means he'll fill the House seat of disgraced former Republican Rep. George Santos. Heres why the special election took place and why it matters beyond New York. Why there was a special election Santos was kicked out of the House of Representatives last December in a bipartisan vote following the release of a report from the House Ethics Committee that found there was substantial evidence he had violated campaign finance laws. Santos became the sixth House member ever to be expelled. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement NY-03 includes the Long Island suburbs and a small portion of Queens. Voters decided Tuesday that Suozzi will fill Santoss seat to complete the 11 months remaining in his term. Who ran to replace Santos Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip went head to head for Santoss seat. At the time the Associated Press called the vote, Suozzi had 59% of the vote, while Pilip had 41%. Pilip conceded and congratulated Suozzi. Both candidates are likely to face off again this year in November since they have both committed to run for full congressional terms. Suozzi, a moderate Democrat, had the benefit of name recognition since he previously represented NY-03 for six years. He gave up his seat when he ran for governor, but lost to Kathy Hochul, in 2022. Pilip is a county lawmaker and Ethiopian immigrant who migrated to Israel when she was 12. She served in the Israel Defense Forces before moving to the U.S. While a registered Democrat, she was elected to the Nassau County Legislature as a Republican. Why the special election is a big deal Since Suozzi flipped the seat for Democrats, Republicans now have an even thinner majority over Democrats in the House (219-213). That means Republicans can only afford two defections from their GOP colleagues on key votes at a time when they have struggled to maintain unity on key legislation. ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement House Democrats now gain even greater leverage and could force Republicans to work across the aisle in order to pass legislation. On a national level, Suozzi's win in NY-03 could provide a messaging guide for Democrats competing in similar districts in the presidential election this November, especially when it comes to issues like immigration and border security. As New York deals with a massive influx of migrants, Suozzi held a firm line on the issue and even called on President Biden to temporarily close the U.S.-Mexico border. Chinese customs to build biosecurity monitoring, early warning platform Xinhua) 11:59, February 14, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's General Administration of Customs (GAC) has said that it will build a biosecurity monitoring and early warning platform this year. The move aims to strengthen source control and health quarantine management of high-risk goods, according to the GAC. In 2023, the customs authorities intercepted 75,000 batches of pests, returned or destroyed 2,403 shipments of food or cosmetics, and seized 5.5 tonnes of illegal drugs across the country. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) A devastating incident unfolded in a Gaza border town when an airstrike occurred during an Israeli hostage rescue, leading to the tragic loss of an entire Palestinian family. Ibrahim Hasouna walked through the debris of the demolished house, reminiscing about the cherished memories made within its walls. He gestured towards the spots where his loved ones once slept, where laughter filled the air as he played with his young nieces, and where he witnessed his nephew take his first steps. Israeli Airstrikes Claim Dozens of Lives The devastating loss he experienced was unimaginable, as he had lost not only his parents but also his two brothers and the entire family of one of his brothers. In the early hours of Monday, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes in Rafah, resulting in the destruction of a house and endangering the lives of its occupants. These airstrikes were carried out as a diversionary tactic to assist Israeli troops in rescuing two hostages in another part of the town, near the southern Gaza border. Numerous Palestinian lives were tragically lost in the devastating Israeli airstrikes that continually targeted Rafah, reducing buildings and tents to rubble where families had sought shelter. According to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, the casualties from the incident included 27 children and 22 women. The grim statistics were compiled at Rafah hospitals. The ongoing Israeli offensive has had an awful effect, especially on the most vulnerable members of society. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the conflict has sadly claimed the lives of more than 12,300 Palestinian children and young teens. Among the victims was a 30-year-old man named Ibrahim, who, along with his family, had recently relocated to Rafah to escape the ongoing violence in northern Gaza. Settling in a small, one-story house on the east side of Rafah, Ibrahim and his family were attempting to build a semblance of normalcy in the midst of chaos. The strikes, which proved fatal, disrupted a moment of joy for the families in Rafah. Having acquired three chickens, a rare source of fresh food in a region besieged by an Israeli blockade, the families planned to enjoy a cherished meal together. Unfortunately, fate intervened, and the strikes occurred just after 2 a.m. Monday, bringing tragedy to Ibrahim's doorstep, as per to AP News. Read Also: Houthi Leader Says No Israel-Linked Ships Passed During Last Week Rescue Success Amid Rafah Bombings Ibrahim, who was away visiting a friend on the other side of Rafah, received calls notifying him of the strikes in the neighborhood where his family resided. Racing back home, he was met with scenes of devastation and personal loss. His mother's arm, thrown across the street, was the first heartbreaking sight he encountered. Amidst the rubble, Ibrahim tirelessly searched for and retrieved body parts, facing the harsh reality of the conflict's impact on innocent lives. Simultaneously, the Israeli military asserted that the airstrikes served as a diversion, allowing special operations forces to conduct a successful hostage rescue mission in Rafah. Two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, dual citizens of Israel and Argentina, were reportedly in good condition after their release. Despite the rescue mission, the indiscriminate bombings inflicted immense suffering on the densely populated city of Rafah, where over a million displaced people have sought refuge. The Gaza Health Ministry reported dozens of casualties, further amplifying the humanitarian crisis in the region. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said a potential ground incursion into Rafah, which has raised concerns and garnered criticism from the US and other allies. The possibility of clashes in the city, along with the sealed Egyptian border, has sparked international concern regarding the potential dangers to civilian lives in the conflict-ridden area. Amidst growing global concern, the relentless cycle of violence in Gaza persists, inflicting a devastating toll on innocent lives and leaving communities in a state of profound sorrow and despair, according to The New York Times. Related Article: Maersk Has Issued A Warning In The Wake Of Ongoing Red Sea Conflict Semafor Signals Insights from CBS News, Semafor, and CNN The News Democrat Tom Suozzi won his comeback bid for Congress on Tuesday, beating GOP nominee Mazi Pilip, the Associated Press projected. We won this race because we addressed the issues and we found a way to bind our divisions, he said in a victory speech to supporters. Democrats went all-in on the special election, spending more than $10 million in the hopes of flipping Rep. George Santoss vacant seat and further narrowing Republicans slim House majority. The race was widely considered a toss-up heading into Tuesday, as Republicans spent over $6 million on Pilips behalf and looked to capitalize on a backlash against Democrats on Long Island that helped power the party to gains in the midterms. Suozzi touted himself as an experienced legislator who is tough on crime, wants to lower taxes, and cares about fighting corruption. He left the 3rd congressional district in 2022 to challenge New York Gov. Kathy Hochul as a common sense Democrat in a primary for governor of the state. The Biden campaign took special interest in Suozzis prominent use of the Senates failed bipartisan border deal, which the president backed, to attack his opponent. Trump and the MAGA extremists in the House are already paying the political price for derailing a bipartisan deal to secure our borders and fix our broken immigration system, Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said in a statement. Pilip, an Ethiopian child refugee who lived in Israel before emigrating to the U.S., slammed Suozzi as soft on immigration, running ad after ad with his face next to footage of migrants crossing the border and scuffling with cops. Rep. Richard Hudson, chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, called Pilip a fighter with a bright future within the Republican Party in a statement, and said she waged an uphill battle given that Biden won the district by 8 points in 2020. Donald Trump, on the other hand, denounced Pilip who was pressed during the race on whether shed supported him in past elections as a very foolish woman who should have embraced his MAGA movement. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Race could serve as litmus test for November Source: CBS News The special election, centered on hot-button issues like immigration and abortion, quickly became a must-watch race as a possible bellwether for the November presidential election. 2024 campaigners have watched the district eagerly to see how different messaging played with voters. Operatives all over the country are looking to see what strategies, what tactics, particularly what messages are working and what isnt working, Lawrence Levy, dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University, told CBS News. Levy said the outcome of this race is really about positioning and understanding what [campaigners] need to do come November, when there will be 30 or 40 seats up for grabs that will definitely determine who controls Congress. Democrats secured their feel-good win Sources: Semafor, CNN Winning this race could bring significant upsides for Democrats, Semafors David Weigel and Kadia Goba wrote earlier this week. It would shrink the House GOPs already-tight majority, reassure strategists their political messaging on border issues and abortion is on track, and confirm that their voters remain motivated despite Bidens personal struggles. As CNNs Harry Enten put it, even a narrow Suozzi victory would be impressive for Democrats given how well Republicans have done in other elections in the area. But while the win is a morale booster for the party, Rep. Grace Meng, D-N.Y., who has campaigned extensively for Suozzi and lent staff to his turnout operation, told Semafor she doesnt think its necessary in terms of the math that goes towards winning back the House. Suozzi wants to moderate Dems immigration stances Source: Semafor Pilip tried to paint Suozzi as a Biden lackey who was soft on the border, while Suozzi portrayed himself as a border hawk who stood up to progressives in his party when it was tough. He fought to differentiate himself from the partys left, telling Semafor that if the bipartisan Senate border bill was resurrected, 80% of asylum-seeking migrants would be removed immediately. His campaign has highlighted his support for measures like border fencing as proof that if elected, he would prioritize the migrant crisis. Tom Suozzi has delivered a crucial House seat back into the Democrat column after defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in Tuesdays special election to replace George Santos in New Yorks 3rd district. The Democrat, 61, was declared the winner just after 10pm in a resounding victory with a little over 50 per cent ballots counted, defying polls that had projected the race would go down to the wire. With 84 per cent of votes counted, he was leading by 54 per cent to Ms Pilips 46 per cent. Mr Suozzis victory speech was briefly interrupted when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage at his campaign headquarters on Long Island. The protesters shouted you support genocide, before being dragged off stage and drowned out by chants of Suozzi, Suozzi from supporters. When he did begin speaking, Mr Suozzi emphasised his credentials as a pragmatic centrist and called on Republicans to stop running around for Trump and start running the country. The people want us to work together. So, get on board or get out of the way, he said. Residents in the district, comprising eastern Queens and the Long Island suburbs of Nassau County, had to contend with a massive blizzard that dumped up to six inches of snow on Tuesday to get to polling stations. Democrat Tom Suozzi campaigning during Tuesdays blizzard (Reuters) Mr Suozzi went into election day with a healthy lead from early voting, and both candidates made a last-ditch push by offering free rides to mobilise their voters. Mr Santos trolled the GOP for helping Democrats to expel him after the heavy defeat. -1, he said in a post on X. After the chaos of Mr Santos 12 months in Congress, voters opted for a known quantity in Mr Suozzi over a political newcomer in Ms Pilip. The race had been widely touted as a key indicator for how suburban voters might cast their ballots in the general election rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Voters who spoke to The Independent earlier this week said they were ready to move on from the unseemly spectacle created by Mr Santos, who became just the sixth House member to be expelled from Congress in December. The seat will be up for grabs again in Novembers general election, but could look completely different due to a court-ordered round of redistricting that will produce a new electoral map for New York house seats. Republicans majority in the House now narrows to 219-213. The impeachment of Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, on Tuesday night by a single vote illustrated how much of a headache Mr Suozzis victory could be for House Speaker Mike Johnson. Mr Suozzi will face a slew of crucial votes in the coming weeks on military aid to Ukraine and Israel, and whether to keep the federal government open. George Santos leaves the US Capitol after being expelled on 1 December (Getty) New York Citys migrant crisis was top of voters minds, and both candidates had sought to stake out hardline approaches to border security. In their final debate, Mr Suozzi 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 evaporated after Mr Trump said he didnt want his party to solve the border crisis under Mr Bidens presidency. Mr Suozzi is a former three-term congressman who has held public office in the district for nearly 30 years, first as mayor of Glen Cove, and later as Nassau County executive. He was a more polished performer on the campaign trail, and repeatedly attacked his opponent over her inconsistent positions on abortion, border security and gun safety as the race turned into a referendum on national issues. Ms Pilip kept a low profile during much of the campaign, and was often flanked by GOP lawmakers during press conferences. Mazi Pilip conceded defeat just after 10pm (AP) The mother-of-seven preferred to lean in to her extraordinary biography as an Ethiopian-born, former Israel Defense Force paratrooper who had immigrated legally to the US before winning local office in Nassau County. In a sign of how critical the election was in Washington DC, both parties pumped around $20m into negative advertising blitzes that bombarded local news channels and sportscasts, and even ran during Sundays Super Bowl. Mr Suozzi also out-raised his opponent three-to-one, taking in $4.5m during the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings. Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos has been replaced, as Thomas Suozzi won Tuesdays special election to fill the seat after Congress expelled Santos in December. The victory brings the seat back under Democratic control, narrowing the already thin majority that Republicans hold in the House of Representatives. Suozzi retakes 3rd District seat On Tuesday night, The New York Times reported its projection that Suozzi had won the special election for the 3rd District of New York, which covers the Long Island area. Suozzi won by 8 percentage points against his Republican opponent. Suozzi, an experienced politician who previously held the 3rd District seat, won by embracing his reputation as a political insider and touting his experience. People are sick and tired of the extremism and the finger-pointing, and nothing is getting done, Suozzi reportedly told voters. He also took a hard stance on immigration, a divisive issue as New York and other cities seek to deal with growing numbers of migrants; other Democrats may do likewise in the lead-up to Election Day in November. Advantages for Democrats Despite the seat most recently being held by Republican Santos, the Democratic victory on Tuesday was not surprising. Suozzi, who Democrats chose to compete for the seat, was a strong choice. He held the seat from 2017 until 2023, when he retired from Congress to run an unsuccessful campaign for governor of New York. Suozzis earlier retirement had allowed Santos to win the open seat and flip it for Republicans. In 2020, Joe Biden won the 3rd District by 8 percentage points, indicating Democratic popularity in the area. Tuesdays winter storm may have also helped Suozzi, as Democrats were likelier to participate in early voting. In addition, turnout on Election Day was likely lower because of the weather. Challenges for Republicans The disadvantages for Republicans met the advantages for Democrats in the special election. The exit of Santos in disgrace was a liability for the GOP as it attempted to hold the seat. The Republican candidate to replace Santos was Mazi Pilip, an Ethiopian Jew whose family fled to Israel when she was 12. Pilip served in the Israeli army before moving to the United States and has been a fierce supporter of Israel in the current war in Gaza. Alongside that controversial stance, Pilip was initially noncommittal concerning her opinion of Donald Trump. After Pilips loss, the former president used his Truth Social platform to criticize her for attempting to straddle the fence' about him and called her a very foolish woman. Suozzis victory over Pilip creates a situation in which the Republican majority in the House is down to a few votes. The Democrats win brings the party closer to retaking control of Congress later this year. It potentially provides a playbook for other Democratic candidates navigating a tough election year. Speaker Mike Johnsons (R-La.) rejection of a Senate-passed foreign aid package has fueled fresh talk among House Democrats that their last best chance of getting military funding to Ukraine might be the longest shot of all: an obscure procedural tool, known as a discharge petition, to circumvent the GOP blockade. Such petitions are rarely successful the last one to work occurred almost a decade ago but the deteriorating condition of Ukraines military forces has triggered a new urgency among Kyivs allies on Capitol Hill, who are racing to get the assistance passed by any means necessary. The prospects of a discharge petition are not great. But it is a sort of act of last resort, and its available to us, and it is a mechanism, and it has been used sparingly in the past, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) said. And this is so important I wouldnt rule that out if thats what we have to do. The discharge petition is hardly the preferred route for Ukraines Democratic allies. Rather, theyre urging Johnson to change his tune and bring the Senate bill to the floor, where it would likely pass with a big bipartisan vote. Connolly, a senior member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, predicted Tuesday that the Senate package would win more than 300 votes if it comes to the floor a forecast echoed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.). Its not too much to ask that we get an up-or-down vote and let the House of Representatives actually work its will, as opposed to allowing Donald Trump [to] work his will and block our national security priorities, Jeffries said. But Johnson threw cold water on that possibility Monday night, saying the Senate has failed to meet the moment by excluding border security provisions in the national security package. He said the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters. The Speaker emphasized his stance Tuesday. National security begins with border security, Johnson told reporters. We have said that all along. That has been my comment since late October, it is my comment today. The Speakers entrenched opposition to the Senate bill has prompted Democrats to begin exploring alternative strategies for getting Ukraine aid to President Bidens desk, although Jeffries said they havent finalized any decisions. All options are on the table, he said. Were going to utilize every available legislative tool. Even before Johnson announced his formal rejection of the Senate bill, some Democrats had been in talks about the possibility of tapping a discharge petition to bypass the Speakers expected opposition and bring the Ukraine aid to the floor. Weve had those conversations before, but they will begin to happen, Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.), the senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, said last week. Now that weve vectored our way down to either youre abandoning Ukraine or youre not, theres no sort of other forgive me bullshit [option]. No, this is it. Youre either in or youre out. The foundation to move forward on Ukraine aid is there but the road ahead is steep. Democrats have a ripe discharge petition from last years debt limit showdown that has 213 signatures five shy of the 218 majority needed to force legislation to the floor. They could pick up another supporter if former Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) wins Tuesdays special election in New Yorks 3rd Congressional District to replace former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who was expelled in December. Some progressives, however, will likely remove their names from the petition in protest of the Senate bill allocating $14 billion in security assistance to Israel without any conditions, meaning more GOP signatures will be needed to reach the majority threshold. But signing a discharge petition while in the majority is among the greatest betrayals a lawmaker can show to leadership, meaning garnering enough GOP support will be a heavy lift for Democrats a dynamic they readily acknowledge. Its very, very difficult, if youre in the majority, to sign a discharge petition, because it has other implications, and its considered a real disloyal act in your caucus, Connolly said. So theres real risk in doing that. Some Republicans are already balking at the effort. Rep. Don Bacon (R), a Nebraska moderate, said Democrats are already reaching out to him about endorsing a discharge petition, but hes refused for now to allow the policy debate more time to play out. Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.), who represents a district Biden won in 2020, was more emphatic, telling The Hill he has zero appetite for a discharge petition. One moderate GOP lawmaker told The Hill they are unlikely to support the discharge petition push, arguing that there is not a large desire in the conference to back the effort. We have to secure the border and support our allies but right now there isnt much appetite for it, the lawmaker said in a text message. Republican leadership is also brushing aside the prospect of being steamrolled by Democrats. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) told Fox News Business on Tuesday, I find that hard to believe that that is a valid option. But as the chatter about a discharge petition grows louder, some Republicans are warning their colleagues against taking the extraordinary step. I dont think Republicans will do that. If they do it, theyll expose to the American people who they are, said Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.), the chair of the House Freedom Caucus. Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), a former chair of the conservative group, had a more succinct message for Republicans who may be considering signing a discharge petition: Dont. The Ukraine issue is squeezing Johnson, who says he supports more aid for Kyiv but is treading carefully in his restive conference. On one side are former President Trump and his closest conservative allies in the House, who are pushing to sink the Senate package, citing the absence of border security provisions and the impact on the federal debt. On the other are Ukraine supporters in both parties, who are pushing Johnson to at the very least bring the package to the floor to allow the House to vote its will. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Tuesday took the rare step of criticizing Johnson for keeping the bill off the floor, urging the Speaker to reconsider. Weve heard all kinds of rumors about whether the House supports Ukraine or doesnt. It seems to me that the easy way to solve that would be to vote, McConnell told Politico in an interview. And I hope the Speaker will find a way to allow the House to work its will on the issue of Ukraine aid and the other parts of the bill, as well. A short time later, President Biden joined that pressure campaign. History is watching, he said in a televised address from the White House. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Tom Suozzi addressed the crowd at a celebration in Woodbury on Tuesday night - AP Photo Democrats won a hotly-contested special election for Congress on Tuesday night, retaking a suburban New York seat and boosting the partys hopes of a potential playbook for the upcoming general election. Tom Suozzis victory in the Long Island, New York race further narrows the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. The seat was left vacant by the expulsion of disgraced Republican lawmaker George Santos, who was found to have fabricated large parts of his life story and is under criminal indictment for allegedly using campaign donations to purchase botox and luxury goods. Mr Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip to take the seat, in a mixed suburban New York district where Republicans have made surprising inroads in recent elections. The result will go some way towards reassuring Democrats of their electoral potential in suburban communities across the country, which will play a decisive role in not just determining control of Congress, but also the White House in November. New York in particular is expected to play an outsize role in determining control of Congress this year, with competitive races in multiple contests in the suburban rings around New York City. Yet pundits have cautioned against extrapolating too much from the result, citing low turnout levels due to poor weather. Mr Suozzi celebrated with his wife, Helene, and daughter Caroline - Peter Foley In the short term, the result could have major legislative implications in the House, where Republicans will now hold a slim 219-213 majority. The victory marks a return to Washington for Mr Suozzi, who represented the district for three terms before giving it up to run, unsuccessfully, for governor. He stressed a commitment to bipartisan cooperation during his campaign, and again in a victory speech that was briefly interrupted by protestors criticising his support of Israel. There are divisions in our country where people cant even talk to each other. All they can do is yell and scream at each other, he said, acknowledging the demonstrators. Thats not the answer to the problems we face in our country. The answer is to try and bring people together to try and find common ground. On the campaign trail, Mr Suozzi embraced calls for tougher immigration policies, an issue that has proved a major liability for his partys leader, Joe Biden. Ethiopian-born Ms Pilip immigrated to the US after living in Israel - Justin Lane His Republican opponent Ms Pilip, a relatively unknown candidate, had declined to endorse the Republican frontrunner Donald Trump. Mr Trump responded to the result in a post on his social media site Truth Social, calling Ms Pilip a very foolish woman who would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America. The short campaign was dominated by issues abortion, immigration and crime that are expected to shape crucial suburban races nationwide in this years battle for control of Congress. Democrats and Republicans will get a chance to fight over the congressional seat again in Novembers general election, though the districts boundaries are set to be redrawn before then. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The News Democrats are eying a plan to bypass House Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on a sweeping foreign aid package, but its quickly running into hurdles and not just from Republicans. Progressive firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. told Semafor Tuesday evening that she would not sign onto a discharge petition to force a vote on the national security package in part because of the assistance it would provide to Israel. Am I signing it? No, she said. The foreign aid bill combines billions of dollars in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Asia Pacific. Ocasio-Cortez is one of multiple progressive lawmakers who could withhold support for the measure due to objections over Israels conduct in the Gaza war. Some progressives will likely not sign onto a discharge petition, another Democratic representative who requested anonymity told Semafor. A discharge petition needs 218 signatures in order to force a House vote on a piece of legislation. That means that Democrats will need to convince some Republicans to join them, while also minimizing defections in their own ranks. Republicans arent yet sounding too enthusiastic about the discharge petition idea, either. Rep. Nick LaLota, R-N.Y., who represents a district that President Joe Biden won in 2020, told Semafor that he believed the different pieces of the supplemental package should be handled individually (echoing Johnson). Nobody has presented one to me, he said when asked about a discharge petition. I am eager to find a solution on all three issues. But Im not eager to enter into that territory because I am optimistic that we can find three independent solutions to three real problems the first of which is Americas own border. And moderate Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., seen as a possible get for Democrats, also told CNN that he does not plan to sign on to a discharge petition, signaling hes changed his mind from what he told Semafor a few days earlier. Ill just say I support military aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. I also support a secure border. Ill confer with the Speaker on next steps to take, he told Semafor Sunday. Know More The Senate passed the foreign aid package in a bipartisan vote on Tuesday, sending it down an uncertain path in the House. Johnson told reporters Tuesday afternoon that he does not plan to put the Senate package as is on the House floor for a vote. Right now, were dealing with the appropriations process, we have immediate deadlines upon us and thats where the attention is in the House in this moment, he said. Democrats have been toying with the idea of a discharge petition to force a vote on Ukraine aid, given the growing Republican opposition to Ukraine aid particularly in the House. All options are on the table. Were going to utilize every available legislative tool, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries told reporters at a press conference Tuesday afternoon, without explicitly mentioning a discharge petition. He said Democrats would discuss the path forward at meetings Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning and predicted the aid package would get more than 300 bipartisan votes on the floor. The View From Mitch McConnell Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., an ardent Ukraine supporter, called on Johnson to hold a vote on aid for Kyiv in an interview with Politico, but said he would not be so presumptuous as to tell him how to do it. The View From the white house Biden implored Johnson to allow the House to vote on the foreign aid package during a speech at the White House. Supporting this bill is standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin, he said. The White House is also accusing Republicans opposed to the aid package of siding with Iran, pointing out how Tehran has emerged as a key supplier of weapons to Russia. The View From Ukraine Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked U.S. senators for approving the $60 billion aid package early Tuesday. The next step is a vote in the US House of Representatives. We anticipate an equally strong moral choice and a decision that will work for the benefit of our shared security, he wrote on X. Levittown, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Democrats will grow their slim majority in the state House after winning a special election Tuesday in lower Bucks County, a competitive suburban county outside of Philadelphia. According to a race call by the Associated Press, Democrat Jim Prokopiak, a local school board member, beat Republican Candace Cabana in the 140th House district, which has been held by a Democrat since its creation in 1969 and that President Biden won by 7 points in 2020. The official makeup of the state House following Prokopiak's win is 102 Democrats and 100 Republicans, after one Republican lawmaker resigned last Friday and created a vacancy. That district is expected to remain Republican. Pennsylvania Republicans still hold a 28-seat to 22-seat majority in the state Senate. The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee spent $50,000 to support Prokopiak, as his win continues a trend of success for the Democratic party in the commonwealth during off-year or special elections. In November 2023, Democrat Daniel McCaffrey won a spot on the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, padding his party's majority on the state's highest court. That same month, Democrats also flipped control of the school board in Central Bucks County. But the county overall has a history of tighter margins in presidential races. Mr. Biden won the county by just under five points in 2020, while former President Barack Obama and 2016 Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton won by similar margins. "It's always going to be contested, it's always going to be close. That's just how Bucks County is," Prokopiak said at a polling site earlier Tuesday morning. In a statement after the race was called for Prokopiak, Mr. Biden's 2024 campaign manager, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, tied the GOP loss to former President Trump, writing, "his unpopular extreme MAGA agenda continues to be rejected by voters." "Election after election, we're seeing real momentum behind the Biden-Harris agenda, and with personal freedoms and democracy itself at stake this November, we're confident Pennsylvania will again reject extremism and send Joe Biden back to the White House," she wrote. Democratic voters downplay concerns about Biden's age Looking ahead to November, Democratic voters who appeared at the polls in person on Tuesday felt confident about Mr. Biden's chances of winning Pennsylvania in a potential rematch with Trump, the frontrunner for the GOP nomination. Most who spoke to CBS News dismissed concerns about the president's age, which were brought into the spotlight by special counsel Robert Hur's classified records report. The report concluded charges should not be brought against Mr. Biden, but said the president could "present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview of him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory." Mr. Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and their allies have called the characterization by Hur "politically motivated." Mr. Biden is currently 81 years old and is the oldest sitting U.S. president. Trump will be 78 years old by the November general election, which several Democrats and independent voters at the polls pointed out. "Trump is no spring chicken either. He's not. I really don't think age has anything to do with it. It's about how you treat people," said Rose Kendrick, a Democrat who felt the economy under Mr. Biden has been on an upward trend. "He's three years older than Trump. And look at the amount of mishaps Trump has had. He doesn't know who was in charge of the capitol when [Jan. 6] happened, he doesn't know who he's running against," said Leslie Benjamin, a 63-year-old Democrat. Benjamin said he had not seen Mr. Biden's remarks last Friday when the president mistakenly referred to Egyptian president Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as the president of Mexico. Bill Cousins, a Democratic voter in his 70s, referred to Trump as a "threat to democracy" and said press coverage of Mr. Biden has been "hung up on someone getting a few words mixed up." "[Trump] has said what he's going to do. Day one dictator, mass deportations, closing the border, stacking the judicial systems," he said, referencing several comments made by Trump in recent speeches and interviews. "Assuming [Biden] has had a couple miles an hour taken off his fastball, that may very well be, but at the end of the day, I can't see where that's affected any policy decisions." Sam Weed, a 36-year-old Democrat, said Mr. Biden has been "doing a lot more for the country than other presidents" but that she "obviously would like a younger candidate" such as California Governor Gavin Newsom. Weed also predicted that, come November, voters would be more concerned about the issue of abortion than the candidates' ages. Since last weekend, Mr. Biden's campaign has chided the amount of press coverage of the topic, contrasting it with what it sees as comparatively little coverage of Trump's recent comments about how he "would encourage" Russian aggression against NATO allies who don't meet spending targets. "Marquee media outlets in America deemed it less newsworthy than gratuitous and sensationalist attacks on the President's age," wrote TJ Ducklo, senior communications advisor for the Biden campaign, on Monday. A CBS News poll from last December found that 39% of Democrats polled didn't believe Mr. Biden should have run for reelection, and nearly all (93%) of those respondents cited his age as their top reason. In a rally speech last Saturday, Trump said, "The real problem facing our country is not Joe Biden's decline the real problem is that Joe Biden is causing America's decline." A spokesperson for Trump's super PAC, Make America Great Again, Inc!, went further, and said in a statement after the Hur report, "If you're too senile to stand trial, then you're too senile to be president." On Wednesday morning, Trump posted on Truth Social, "BIDEN IS NOT TOO OLD, HE'S TOO INCOMPETENT!" Trump's only remaining GOP challenger, 52-year-old Nikki Haley, has repeatedly suggested both Mr. Biden and Trump aren't mentally fit for the job. Over the weekend, she handed out mental competency tests during a campaign stop in South Carolina. But self-described independent voters who voted in Bucks County on Tuesday were more mixed on whether age is a relevant factor in their vote for president. Ron Williams, who voted Republican in Tuesday's election but is undecided on his presidential vote, said he was more concerned with policy differences between Mr. Biden and Trump on issues such as government spending and immigration, rather than their age. "It's not something I really think about. Some of the gaffes you see on TV, some of the other things. But they're similar in age, I really don't think it's a problem," he said. Charlie Denaro said age is "100%" a factor in his vote, for either Mr. Biden or Trump. "We need some young people to step up on both sides, Democrats and Republicans. Some shining star to come out here and have a fresh attitude," he said, adding that he doesn't know if Mr. Biden "could do" another term and that Trump would be "in the same situation at the end of his term if he wins." Hamas commander on why terror group attacks civilians State Department issues travel warnings for the Bahamas and Jamaica Dad describes escaping Chiefs parade shooting with daughter In 2002, John B. Judis and Ruy Teixeira made a prediction. In their book The Emerging Democratic Majority, they famously argued that demographic changes in the American electorate would, over time, naturally deliver consistent majorities to a Democratic Party that dominated growing voting blocs like urban dwellers, people of color, and the educated professional class. The key caveat to their 2002 prediction was that Democrats would also need to retain a little under half, give or take, of the working-class votenotably the white working class. This run of expected victories did not materialize, and their new work, Where Have All the Democrats Gone?, is a book-length dive into why the previous predictions fell short. As Democrats have struggled mightily to retain the kind of voter who was the cornerstone of the base during the New Deal era, the party has lost considerable power at the state level, and its decades-long congressional majorities are now a distant memory. White working-class voters seemed open to putting their faith in Barack Obama in 2008he won Indiana that yearbut have since become increasingly hostile to a party that once took their support as a given. At the same time, the demographic changes that formed the premise of The Emerging Democratic Majority have come to pass but have been offset, Teixeira and Judis assert here, by defections of working-class people repelled by liberal social-issue politicking. This dire state of affairs has arisen, the authors propose, because the Democratic Party has been hijacked by a cadre of activists who have foisted unpopular positions on candidates and jettisoned their electability. The authors previous book was in fact correct, until its core predictions were waylaid by The Wokes. Yes, Democrats lost working-class voters when they embraced neoliberal economics and free trade, policies that decimated many communities that were once working-class party strongholds. But Democrats also alienate the working class, Judis and Teixeira argue, by opposing measures that might reduce illegal immigration, opposing any restrictions on abortion rights, supporting strict gun control, insistence on eliminating fossil fuels, and using the courts and regulations to enforce their moral and cultural agenda, among other radical moves. Its a puzzling thesis, not least becausefrom the vantage of 2024the Democratic Party does not appear to be in crisis, at least not by these measures. As the recent midterm and off-year elections reinforced, in reality it is the Republican Party that is energetically shooting itself in the electoral foot with its extremist views and embrace of culture wars politics that appeal to only a loud minority. Where did all the Democrats go? is a transparently strange question to ask when the Democratic Partys performance in recent elections has been stronger, notably in 2022, than many prognosticators predicted or, arguably, than Democrats tepid governing performance would merit. And yet a not insignificant portion of the commentariat, including the authors, appears to believe the opposite. This may be the most telling aspect of the book: It shows how a certain species of political observer has invented a version of the Democratic Party that does not exist, an inverted world in which people with no power call all the shots and people with real power are helpless bystanders. The question is less where have all the Democrats gone? than where have these two Democrats gone? How did they come to believe this? The story starts promisingly enough, with an argument reminiscent of Judiss recent work on populism: Neoliberal economic policy has been a disaster for working-class America, and the weakening of institutions like organized labor that once tied working-class people closely to the Democrats has left the party scrambling to find ways to appeal to voters, when its more liberal views on cultural, social, gender, and racial politics have always been at odds with the worldview of a stereotypical Union Man in a hard hat. This analysis does not really square with the fact that a core tenet of the New Democrat movement (which gave us Bill Clinton, among much else) was that Democratic failures of the 1970s and 1980s were explicitly the result of the partys close ties to unions, and only by aggressively slashing ties with organized labor could the party return to prominence. But the makings of a compelling argument are here: Whether the working class departed the Democratic coalition of its own accord or at the behest of free-market-oriented neoliberals, the loss has been a painful one for the partys electoral fortunes. This auspicious premise, however, is quickly dropped in favor of a kind of culture war on the authors part. The main antagonist of the book is what the authors call the Democrats shadow party, the origin and content of which they describe as follows: Controversial views on social issues had begun to surface during Obamas second termnot so much in Washington, but on college campuses and social media and in the foundations, publications, and groups that were aligned with the Democratic Party. Instead of focusing on the choices made by people with actual power, we meet a cast of backbenchers, bit-player Beltway interest groups, and woke college kids who bear the responsibility, in this telling, for sending Bob Bricklayer, age 64, of Rust Bucket, Ohio, running toward the incipient fascism of the Donald Trump GOP. The chapter titles for the second half of the book tell you well in advance what youre in for: Race and Radicalism. Sexual Creationism. The War of Words. If you are predisposed to believe that use of terms like Latinx or communities of color explains why the Democratic Party has fallen from its perch, this book could appeal to you (although youve already heard everything youll learn here, and repeatedly). If, instead, your understanding of politics focuses on the actual people and institutions who hold, wield, and contend for power, youll turn each page waiting for the real story to begin and ultimately end up disappointed. For example, when tweets supersede Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi in the pecking order of things that drive the fortunes of the Democratic Party, the plot has been lost. Its a critique of power that would have you believe marginalized environmental activists and blue-haired nonbinary college sophomores run the Democratic Party, and the people actually in charge of the party barely rate a mention. Black Lives Matter appears 32 times in the text; Bernie 12 times. Chuck Schumer is mentioned only twiceto criticize him for saying climate change is a priority and for failing to properly consider an anti-immigration bill (such a reasonable one, were assured!) sponsored by the authoritarian-curious Tom Cotton. Nancy Pelosis main role here is to oppose climate activists and to warn Joe Biden to tone down his wokeness. Harry Reid never appears. The Sunrise Movementthe Sunrise Movement!appears 10 times. Defund the police, 15 times. Radical concerns, the authors argue, are responsible for a set of losses, from the recall of San Francisco D.A. Chesa Boudin to Eric Adamss triumph over Maya Wiley in the Democratic primary for a New York City mayoral candidate to Glenn Youngkins victory in the Virginia governors race. The authors offer little to establish that social justice issues were the main factors in these losses, and have even less to say about the campaigns themselves. The authors report, for instance, that Youngkin was able to take advantage of the racial controversies over Thomas Jefferson High School and Loudoun Countys Equity Collaborative to tie his Democratic opponent to critical race theory, but they do not note that pandemic-era school closures were a major issue in the race, and that Youngkin consistently did better in counties where schools took longer to reopen. The Democrats disastrous, decades-long fumbling of the federal courts; the unwillingness or inability to match Republicans aggressive redistricting, which badly disadvantages Democrats who do just fine on a more level electoral playing field; or the endless rounds of reaching across the aisle by Democratic leaders that have accomplished nothing but to abet GOP obstructionism are insignificant storylines in this telling. Meanwhile, the authors trumpet the success of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who strenuously opposed Democrats policies on sex and gender, without acknowledging how poorly he has performed on a national level, amid a miserable run at the Republican nomination. Nor do they think it necessary to note that Florida Democrats effectively punted on opposing him in his reelection campaign, nominating ex-Republican Charlie Cristprecisely the kind of moderate the books thesis suggests should appeal to voters. Its anyones guess why trying to appease working-class voters concerns that Democrats are too woke and liberal by literally nominating a Republican didnt work. Most puzzlingly, the authors punt on trying to explain how and why voters believe the shadow party represents the true Democratic Party instead of, more logically, the words, actions, and beliefs of the actual Democratic Party and its most powerful figuresBiden, Obama, the Clintons, congressional leaders, DNC chairs, and so on. If this version of what the Democratic Party stands for sounds familiar, its because it is the preferred narrative of reactionary conservatives. Turn on Fox News, and this is the Democratic Party that exists in its universe, where Hillary Clinton is a radical Marxist, Obama was essentially Chairman Mao, and even Joe Biden is cackling madly as he mashes the accelerator and yanks the national steering wheel toward a giant hammer and sickle. This books assertions about what the Democratic Party stands for, what it represents, and what it attempts to do with power are ripped straight from your most embarrassing uncles Facebook posts. The Green New Deal is both an existential threat to our nation and the Democratic Partys top priority. Redefining gender is a linchpin of the Democratic agenda, as are other forms of sexual creationism. Meanwhile, the Republican Partys mainstream embrace of what was 30 years ago its extremist fringes apparently does not factor into the political calculus of voters chased away by Democratic liberalism. The extremism of liberal interest groups repels them, but Trump lackeys openly planning to do away with constitutional government doesnt? If we instead look at the Democratic Party that actually exists, the picture falls apart rather quickly. In reality, Democrats support the most basic, unradical, commonsense gun control measuresthings that even Republican survey respondents overwhelmingly support, like criminal background checks. These measures are by any meaningful definition timid and insufficient to solve the nations gun violence problem. Yet in this book they become Democrats support for strict gun control, full stop. Five decades of tacking the Hyde Amendment onto spending bills and bending over backward to flatter and accommodate anti-abortion Democrats in Congress are here opposition to any restrictions on abortion rightsa sentence the authors may well have been working on while the entire leadership structure of the national Democratic Party was being airlifted into rural Texas to save anti-choice Representative Henry Cuellar. Were also apparently ignoring the reality that the Democratic Partys broadly, if incompletely, supportive views on abortion are arguably its strongest electoral asset right now. Decades of Democrats, including Obama and Biden, aping right-wing tough on immigration policies in a vain effort to appease right-wing voters are here transmogrified into Democrats opposition to measures that might reduce illegal immigration. Which ones? How many of Trumps immigration policies has Bidens White House failed to adopt or even expand? To top it off, we are reminded of Democrats insistence on eliminating fossil fuels. Here in the real world, Biden seems motivated to overtake Obama in a race over which administration can approve more oil drilling. Finally, were told that voters are repelled by the Democrats use of the courts to enforce their moral and cultural agenda, which is literally the last several decades of conservative political strategy in the United States. If that were a deal-breaker for any voter, working-class or otherwise, Republican vote shares would be in the single digits. The basic premise of the books title is wrong. Democrats havent all gone anywhere; the party has done better than expected in three straight congressional elections. The authors quickly allow that Not all Democrats are in line with these actions or beliefs, a statement that rather undersells the reality that almost every single Democrat in a real position of powernot slogan-chanting Oberlin sophomores, not powerless environmental activists the party pays lip service to when it wants their help or moneyis not in line with said actions and beliefs. To hand-wave even this caveat away, though, the next sentence assures us that overall, they came to characterize the party, as Robert Price would tell you. Robert Price is a fiftysomething ex-autoworker we met on the first page, whose status as an ex-Democrat turned Trump supporter makes him an authority for the purposes of this book. The basic premise of the books title is wrong. Democrats havent all gone anywhere; the party has done better than expected in three straight congressional elections, including making a one-termer of an incumbent Republican president and achieving the historical rarity of bucking the Midterm Loss phenomenon in 2022. The party has also rebounded in states such as Michigan and Minnesota where it has been moribund for some time. This book is part of a thriving genre of whats wrong with the Democrats books. If the market can bear several such volumes annually for decades, that strongly suggests a party experiencing a long-term identity crisis. Books of the genre generally fall into one of three categories. There are critics from the left who lambaste the Democrats relentless drift toward the center or even the right. There are mainstream Democrats who blame most of the partys struggles on feckless voters who let it down and focus their critiques more on how extreme and unreasonable the Republicans have become. Finally, there are conservatives who write red meat screeds about a straw man of the Democratic Party that exists only in their own fervid prose. Here, Judis and Teixeira have written something that doesnt fit neatly into any of those categories. While that could be a strengtha new, fresh paradigm for understanding Democratic politicsit is instead a puzzling view from nowhere. Dual authorship is a clear problem here, especially for a pair of authors on very different trajectories since their influential 2002 book. Judis has since written, generally cogently, about populism and the Democratic Party. Teixeira, conversely, has tacked so conservative that he is now employed by the American Enterprise Institute on what might best be described as the full-time Whining About Wokeness beat. In 2002, when perhaps the authors were more in ideological sync, their shared work was coherent andto many readerspersuasive. Here the voice is muddled, half Obama-era liberal blogger and half enraged reactionary. These disparate voices mix approximately as well as gummy bears and foie gras. The resulting text is less an analysis of the Democratic Party as it is or was, and more a book-length version of the thrice-weekly opinion pieces we see in established media outlets positing that the biggest crisis facing the country at present is campus free speech or some similarly moral-panicky canard. What could have been an exercise in evaluating a previous, influential prediction with the benefit of hindsighta truly interesting premiseinstead chooses a villain and proceeds to lash out at it in language youve already read many times, and at interminable length. It probably felt wonderfully cathartic to write, but therein lies a problem with so much nonfiction writing on politics these days: The authors benefit far more from writing it than any reader could from reading it. A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. The immigration and border crisis is quickly morphing into the dominant issue of American politics and Democrats are pivoting faster than Republicans at the moment. GOP lawmakers have long claimed immigration as their top issue, raising the alarm about the drastic rise of migrants and asylum-seekers at the southern border. Blaming President Joe Biden for the border crisis is the backbone of Donald Trumps presidential campaign. But after a defeat in a special election to fill a New York House seat, Republicans might be wondering if they are being outmaneuvered by Democrats who are adjusting to acknowledge the crisis and suddenly preaching bipartisanship. A drastic, new migrant policy under consideration by the Biden administration will only heap pressure on Republicans to relent and seek middle ground with the White House even as they complain about Bidens current policy. Heres whats happened with immigration so far this week: Republicans, committed to casting blame, impeach Mayorkas. It took two tries, but House Republicans made their point and voted by the narrowest possible margin to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the first impeachment of a Cabinet secretary since the 1870s. The Senate, which is controlled by Democrats, will surely acquit Mayorkas or figure out a way to dismiss the charges, but not without an unwanted spectacle. There are consequences for failing to legislate. After the failure of a bipartisan Senate compromise to revamp border policy and add funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Biden administration has drawn up a draft contingency plan to address a massive budget shortfall by cutting detention capacity and releasing thousands of immigrants. The House GOP majority shrank. Its a good thing for the Republicans who supported the impeachment that they got it done Tuesday night, since Democrats picked up a seat in the special election to replace disgraced former Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from the House in December. Democrats are triangulating. How did the winner in New York, former Rep. Tom Suozzi, win back his old seat? He tacked to the middle specifically on the issue of immigration, hammering Republicans for refusing to work with Democrats on an immigration compromise. Lets send a message to our friends running the Congress these days: Stop running around for Trump, and start running the country, Suozzi told supporters after claiming victory Tuesday night. A migrant family leaves the Row Hotel in midtown Manhattan January 10, 2024. - Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images Immigration is a major issue in New York City. Immigration might have been the issue on which Republicans could have kept the seat despite the bad taste Santos may have left in voters mouths. A serial fabulist who misrepresented just about everything in his background, Santos is set to be prosecuted for, among other things, defrauding donors to his 2022 campaign. But New York is feeling the pinch of the immigration crisis. Mayor Eric Adams has complained the city can no longer cope with the thousands of migrants being shipped to the city by, among others, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Republicans say NBD. Even though Suozzis win shrinks the narrow House Republican majority even further and makes it more difficult for Speaker Mike Johnson to pass any legislation, Johnson told fellow GOP lawmakers not to panic during a closed-door meeting Wednesday, according to CNNs Capitol Hill team. Later, he noted that Democrats spent more money on the race than Republicans and told reporters that Suozzi won because he ran like a Republican. He sounded like a Republican, talking about the border and immigration, because everybody knows thats the top issue, Johnson said. Except voters concerned about immigration told CNN reporters that it was also dysfunction on Capitol Hill Republicans rejected even the idea of a bipartisan immigration deal last week that drove their votes. Democrats and Republicans in the Senate joined together to pass a foreign aid package this week after it was decoupled from the border compromise. But Johnson opposes allowing votes on that bill too. This is the definition of a catch-22. Without any irony after helping kill the border compromise, Johnson said he could not accept any aid for Ukraine and Israel until there is action on the border. House Republicans were crystal clear from the very beginning of discussions that any so-called national security supplemental legislation must recognize that national security begins at our own border, Johnson said in a statement, days after helping kill legislation to address the situation at the border. Democrats are embracing the rhetoric of bipartisanship for now. Reacting to Suozzis victory, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said that voters respond to people who want to solve problems. Tom Suozzi talked about common-sense solutions. And finding bipartisan common ground. Tom Suozzi won, Jeffries said. Fight or flight? Its perfectly reasonable to wonder why anyone would want to work on Capitol Hill. Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, one of three Republicans to vote against impeaching Mayorkas, was surrounded and pressured by colleagues on the House floor last week during the first impeachment effort. Days later, he announced he would not run for reelection. Electoral politics was never supposed to be a career and, trust me, Congress is no place to grow old, Gallagher, who had been viewed as a rising star in the party, said in a statement. Compare that with former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, an anti-Trump Republican who recently announced he would run for a seat in the US Senate after previously saying he had no interest in working on Capitol Hill. He still isnt exactly excited about it, Hogan told CNNs Dana Bash on Inside Politics on Wednesday. Who in their right mind would want to go in and be a part of that divisiveness and dysfunction? Hogan asked. But he made the decision a week ago, he said, after the debacle that took place on the Senate floor when the bipartisan immigration deal was abandoned. Biden, he argued, has failed to secure the border. But Republicans, given the opportunity to work toward a solution, backed off. I thought it was typical dysfunction, he later added. Im frustrated with both parties down there, and thats a perfect example its an important thing that most people in America want us to solve, and its not getting solved because its just typical Washington politics. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Dozens of military vehicles are being transported to Germany for an essential Nato military exercise, marking a major event in recent history. Approximately 600 vehicles are currently being loaded at the Army's Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood, near Southampton, by the 17 Port and Maritime Regiment. NATO's Steadfast Defender 24 Around 90,000 troops from various NATO member states, including the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, are currently engaging in the massive Steadfast Defender 24 exercise. Major Simon Robertson of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it is of great significance for our generation. The Army's 7 Light Mechanised Brigade, colloquially known as the Desert Rats, is en route to Poland for the initial phase of maneuvers. A comprehensive array of military exercises, including Brilliant Jump 2 and Polish Dragon 24, involving 1,500 troops and 600 vehicles, is set to unfold across Europe. To facilitate this colossal operation, Armoured vehicles, trucks, Land Rovers, tractors, and support vehicles were meticulously loaded onto the 23,000-ton cargo vessel Anvil Point earlier this week. In parallel, the Royal Navy carrier HMS Prince of Wales has embarked on a journey to Norway, standing in for HMS Queen Elizabeth, which encountered mechanical issues. Steadfast Defender 24 unites military forces from NATO nations, featuring eight warships, submarines, and over 2,000 sailors from the Royal Navy. A UK carrier strike group equipped with F-35B Lightning jets, helicopters, escort frigates, and destroyers will engage in strategic operations in the North Atlantic, the Norwegian Sea, and the Baltic Sea. Additionally, more than 400 Royal Marines Commandos are being dispatched to the Arctic Circle as part of an allied amphibious task group, as per to BBC News. Read Also: Australia to Outlaw Doxxing! Will This Prevent Palestinian Supporters from Harassing Jews Online? Advanced Aircraft for NATO Exercises The British Army, with a deployment of 16,000 troops across eastern Europe from February to June 2024, will bring tanks, artillery, helicopters, and parachutes to the exercise. The Royal Air Force will contribute F-35B Lightning jets and Poseidon P8 surveillance aircraft, engaging in simulated conflict scenarios. Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group leading the HMS Prince of Wales, emphasized the unwavering commitment of the UK to NATO and collective deterrence. He stated, "There is no better demonstration of that than HMS Prince of Wales being at the heart of the upcoming NATO maritime exercises, the largest in over 40 years." Steadfast Defender 2024, spanning January to May, marks a historic moment for NATO, testing and refining defense plans against potential adversaries. With an initial focus on maritime reinforcement in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, the exercise will later shift to deployed reinforcements across all domains from the Arctic to the Eastern Flank. This military operation takes place amid a state of discussion related to NATO defense spending commitments, which was caused by former US President Donald Trump's criticism of allies who were not meeting their spending obligations. In regard to the ongoing tensions in Eastern Europe, Steadfast Defender 2024 serves as a strong reminder of NATO's unwavering commitment to protect its members, uphold its core principles, and maintain collective security in the Euro-Atlantic region, according to GB News. Related Article: Houthi Rebels Attack 2 More Ships in Mideast Waters A group of Democratic and independent senators are calling on the Biden administration to change its policies to allow more Americans and their families to depart Gaza, as fighting between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas rages on in the region. In a Tuesday letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the 16 senators asked for the eligibility requirement for administration assistance to expand beyond immediate family members of American citizens. The coalition also requested an increase of assistance for relatives of American citizens who have already departed Gaza and are hoping to unite with family in the U.S. As it stands, U.S. citizens and their relatives looking to leave Gaza and enter Egypt through the Rafah crossing are required to submit their information to the State Department, which then determines whether the applicants meet the eligibility criteria for assistance. The list of those approved to cross is then passed on to authorities in Egypt and Israel and posted to the Facebook page of the Palestinian General Authority for Crossings and Borders, according to the State Department. The group of Senators led by Cory Booker (D-N.J.) said they have serious concerns about several aspects to the selection process. They pressed Blinken and Mayorkas to specify the basis the department determines eligibility upon and what processes are available for those stuck in Gaza who are not approved for assistance due to their visas expiring during the conflict. In their letter, the senators called for the eligibility to include at a minimum, any American citizens children, siblings, and siblings spouses and children regardless of marital status along with unmarried grandchildren under the age of 21, and asked officials to expedite review and approval of Gaza residents applications for humanitarian parole in the United States. As a result of the dangerous circumstances on the ground, we urge you to quickly implement these changes in policy to help U.S. citizens and their family members get out of harms way, they wrote. The Hill reached out to the Homeland Security and State departments for comment. Fighting in Gaza has continued for more than four months since Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel that left about 1,200 people dead. More than 240 hostages were taken in the incursion as well. Israeli forces have vowed to eliminate Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist group that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. Israels military operation by air, land, and sea has killed more than 28,000 people in the territory, according to Health Ministry in Gaza. The climbing death toll, along with debilitating conditions in the territorys neighborhoods, hospitals and refugee camps, has caused growing calls for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas. U.S. leaders are working to secure a six-week truce between the two sides that would allow for the release of hostages and boosted humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netayanu left international talks in Cairo aimed at this truce due to what he called delusional demands from Hamas. The Israel-Hamas war has caused divisions among Congress, with billions in aid to Israel being stalled amid opposition from some members of both parties. The Senate passed a $95.3 billion emergency defense spending legislation early Tuesday morning, which would provide funding to Israel, Ukraine, U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific and provide humanitarian assistance for Palestinians in Gaza. The bill could run into opposition in the House, where Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has indicated he would not put it up for a vote as it lacks the border security measures demanded by House GOP members months earlier. The House last week torpedoed a separate stand-alone bill that wouldve provided $17.6 billion in aid for Israel. Co-signers on the letter include Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin (Ill.), Tammy Duckworth (Ill.), Michael Bennet (Colo.), John Fetterman (Pa.), Tim Kaine (Va.), Ed Markey (Mass.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.), Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Brian Schatz (Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (Md.), Raphael Warnock (Ga.), Mark Warner (Va.), Elizabeth Warren (Mass.), Peter Welch (Vt.) and Independent Bernie Sanders (Vt.). For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Just over a year after George Santos was sworn into office, the Democrat who first opened the alleged fraudsters path to Congress has successfully won back his old district on Long Island. In a special election held on Tuesday as a snowstorm bore down on the Northeast, former Rep. Tom Suozzi (D) defeated Republican candidate Mazi Pilip, according to projections from the Associated Press and CNN. Rep. Anthony DEsposito Dishes on Putting Up With Santos for a Year Suozzi, who represented this Long Island and Queens-based district for three terms before pursuing a failed run for governor in 2022, will return to Capitol Hill having re-captured the turf that Santos surprisingly flipped that midterm year. The representative-elect had just two words for his supporters while speaking at a boisterous victory party Tuesday night: Thank God. Despite all the attacks, despite all the liesSuozzi and the Squad, Godfather of the border crisis, Sanctuary Suozzidespite the vaunted Nassau County Republican Machine, we won! he added. The victory couldnt come at a better time for House Democratsor at a worse time for House Republicans, who were already failing to function under razor-thin margins that Suozzi just made even thinner. The previous week illustrated the GOPs dire straits. A Republican-led effort to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas fell embarrassingly short with one Republican absence and three defections. Santos taunted Republicans for their humiliating impeachment failure with a social media post depicting the deadlocked vote tally and the caption: Miss me yet? But Republicans were aware of that risk when nearly half of the GOP conferenceled by New York Republicansjoined with Democrats to expel Santos from Congress last December, sparking the special election in New Yorks 3rd Congressional District. The ouster set off a fiercely fought campaign in one of the most competitive districts in the country. Just for the special election, New York party leaders had the power to select their candidates, bypassing the primary election process. Democrats selected Suozzi after Gov. Kathy Hochul (D)once his 2022 gubernatorial opponentbacked him despite their testy personal relationship. Republican campaign brass tapped Pilipan Ethiopian-born Jew who served in the Israeli militarythough she was relatively new to the Long Island political scene. She began serving in the Nassau County Legislature in 2022. Given the stakes for House control, both parties invested heavily in the special election, dropping eye-popping amounts of cash for such a brief campaign. Ad spending reached $22 million, with Democrats shelling out $13.8 million and Republicans spending $8.1 million. Both Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) quietly visited the district in the run-up to election day. George Santos Dumps on Delta Air Linesand Everyone Else The Suozzi victory gives Democrats demonstrable momentum as the 2024 campaign cycle kicks into full swing. Though President Joe Biden carried the 3rd District by 8 percentage points in 2020, Santos flipped it red amid a slew of Republican victories on Long Island during the 2022 midterms. Voters' decision to deliver Santos old seat back to Suozzi gives Democrats a glimmer of hope that they are on the right track to reclaim the House come November. In particular, Democrats might breathe easier now when it comes to one of their key political vulnerabilities: immigration, which dominated both Suozzi and Pilips campaign messaging. Since last year, New York City has processed over 150,000 migrants, costing $2.4 billion and consuming local media coverage. Republicans across the country have spent this campaign season hammering Democrats and the Biden administration for weak border enforcement policies. Pilip and the House Republicans campaign arm tried to deploy this GOP playbook, dropping ads that cast her as tough on the border. But Congress recent border policy drama complicated Pilips narrative. House Republicans dashed their own calls for immigration restriction by tanking a bipartisan Senate deal after former President Donald Trump came out against the agreement. Some Republicans have even admitted to naked political maneuvering to keep Biden from touting a border accomplishment on the campaign trail. Meanwhile, Suozziknown as a centrist Democrat during his stint in the Houseboasted his own border enforcement bona fides. In one ad, for example, Suozzi highlighted a 2018 vote to fund U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which handles deportation of undocumented migrants. Suozzi and Pilip also focused on courting the districts significant bloc of Jewish voters, many of whom are seeking support for Israel as its war with Hamas rages on. Still, even before the results were in, plenty of political pundits cautioned against overlearning too many broader lessons from the race. In many ways, Suozzi was functionally an incumbent, having held the seat from 2017 to 2023, making him an unusually strong candidate for an open seat race. In a district fed up with Santos, Pilip also struggled to break out of the former congressmans sketchy shadow. Suozzi seized on Pilips mysterious presidential election voting record and party affiliation to dub her George Santos 2.0. Plus, a powerful Noreaster storm dumped inches of snow on the district Tuesday, closing schools and undoubtedly deterring turnout. Republicans banking on a big election day turnout feared that snow was such an impediment for voters that the House GOPs super PACthe Congressional Leadership Fundhired companies to plow public streets around voting locations. While Suozzi vowed to run for the November general election no matter the result on Tuesday, its unclear if Pilip will continue her campaignwhich would require her to win a primary election in June. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Democratic school board member Jim Prokopiak appeared on track to represent Pennsylvanias 140th state House district by winning Tuesdays special election, signaling the party will likely maintain its majority in the states lower chamber. As of Tuesday night, Prokopiak was leading Republican Candace Cabanas by nearly 3,000 votes. Decision Desk HQ had not yet called the race, though The Associated Press has projected Prokopiak as the winner. The race was set following the resignation of former Rep. John Galloway (D). A last-minute resignation of a GOP lawmaker last week brought the balance of power back to Democrats; however, a Republican victory Tuesday would have made the state House evenly split. With Prokopiaks victory, Democrats will hold a 102-100 majority. The district leans Democratic but has received attention at the national level due to its location in Bucks County, which is known as a major swing district at the presidential and Senate levels. Some political watchers say the outcome of Tuesdays special election could provide some insight as to what to expect in Novembers general election. Heather Williams, president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC), said in a statement that Prokopiaks victory is a promising sign for Democrats going into Novembers general election. Now, our focus turns to defending the Pennsylvania House and making gains in the Pennsylvania Senate in November, Williams said. Voters want representatives who protect their fundamental freedoms, which is why electing Democrats to legislatures across the country is so important. The DLCC is all hands on deck for 2024, where we have opportunities across the country to defend our progress, flip key chambers, and build lasting Democratic power in the states. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A local authority stated that the bulk of the 50 people on board a wooden boat that overturned on a lake in eastern Congo are thought to be dead. According to Mustafa Mamboleo, an official with South Kivu province, the boat crossing Lake Kivu sank on Sunday, most likely due to being overloaded. It was also carrying 20 bags of cement, as per The Independent. Boat Capsizes in Lake Kivu in Congo Mamboleo reported that 10 people managed to survive while three bodies have been recovered. The search operation is still ongoing for approximately 37 individuals. A tragic boating incident has taken place in Congo, once again bringing attention to the pressing issue of maritime safety in the region. A wooden boat carrying passengers and cargo was involved in an incident on Lake Kivu, resulting in a tragic outcome. Deadly boat accidents are an unfortunate occurrence in Congo, where small wooden vessels are often overloaded. The country heavily relies on its rivers for transportation due to the underdeveloped road infrastructure, and most river traffic is managed by small, informal operators. Authorities have consistently raised alarms about the lax adherence to maritime regulations, contributing to the recurrence of such unfortunate events. Mustafa Mamboleo, an official with South Kivu province, reported that the ill-fated boat was not only carrying passengers but also 20 bags of cement. The overloading likely played a pivotal role in the vessel's sinking on the fateful Sunday. As of now, the search for survivors and victims continues, with 10 people confirmed alive, three bodies recovered, and approximately 37 people still missing, according to ABC News. Read Also: Maersk Has Issued A Warning In The Wake Of Ongoing Red Sea Conflict Congo's Maritime Safety Under Scrutiny This incident echoes a similar tragedy in January when a wooden boat capsized on a lake in eastern Congo, with most of the 50 passengers presumed dead. These events underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and stricter enforcement of maritime regulations in the region. Daniel Lwaboshi, the director of Congo's Public Riverways Authority, addressed the issue on state television, acknowledging that adherence to maritime regulations is often lacking. He emphasized that overloading remains a primary factor contributing to these accidents. The need for urgent action to address these safety concerns and prevent future tragedies was underscored. Maritime safety in Congo poses a complex challenge, as the country faces issues such as inadequate infrastructure and a heavy dependence on informal operators for river transport. The government has an important duty to implement and enforce strict regulations to guarantee the safety of passengers and cargo. As these tragic events persist, there is an increasing demand for comprehensive actions to be implemented to prevent more casualties and enhance safety protocols in the maritime sector of the area, The Free Press reported. Related Article: Pentagon Warns Iranian-Backed Militia Leaders After Kataeb Hezbollah Commander Retaliatory Strike LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Health are investing $30 million to fund mental health and related services. The money will come from American Rescue Plan funds. The Tuesday announcement said specific health care areas being targeted are mental health and substance abuse services, as well as developing a statewide crisis response team. UAMS, Little Rock police receive $500,000 grant to form mental health crisis response team The plan was approved by the governor earlier this month and approved Tuesday by the Arkansas Legislative Councils Performance Evaluation and Expenditure Review Subcommittee. Service initiatives from the funding will target existing service gaps and improve the quality of care for children and at-risk individuals. Officials said several programs will be put in place or enhanced, including: Therapeutic community beds for adults with co-occurring mental illness and intellectual/developmental disabilities; Community re-integration programs for children; Separate youth and adult substance abuse residential treatment programs; Supportive housing for adults with mental illness; and Supportive housing for youth and young adults leaving state custody from foster care or the juvenile justice system. Statewide crisis response will include a 24-hour call center that will permit first responders to connect people in crisis with clinicians. The funding will also be used for the formation of mobile crisis response teams and training first responders. Baptist Health North Little Rock opens new inpatient behavioral health unit Sanders spoke about the multi-layered approach of the plan. The mental health and substance abuse crises in this country are layered. If were going to tackle them, our efforts will have to be layered too, Sanders said. Im proud to announce Arkansas plan to address these issues head-on, including a statewide coordinated crisis response system. This will help us fill the gaps in our current efforts and ensure struggling Arkansans get the help they need. Its critical that resources are available to support Arkansans who are struggling with substance use disorders or mental illness, especially in times of crisis, DHS Secretary Kristi Putnam said. This plan invests in areas that can help prevent situations from escalating to crisis level, and also builds more of a continuum of care where we currently have gaps in support. CDC and Arkansas health professionals report rise in youths struggling with mental health Officials said the funding announced Tuesday was part of a broader plan to provide care for Arkansans with mental health needs, intellectual or physical disabilities and senior citizens. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Did Israel use misleading images to claim it wasn't blocking aid deliveries to Gaza? Israel published a video on its X (formerly Twitter) account in early February promoting its efforts to ensure humanitarian aid reaches the besieged Gaza Strip, in a bid to dispel claims it has been actively blocking deliveries. However, some social media users quickly denounced Israel for disinformation, claiming many of the images used in the video are unrelated to the current conflict. The video, seen below, claims to show the aid provided to Gazans in the four months since the conflict erupted in October. It shows tents and equipment the country's government claims it provided to Gazans. It has now been deleted from Israel's official X account. But with a simple reverse image search, The Cube found that these images came from a news report filmed in March 2022 on the border between Moldova and Ukraine, where Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's war were sheltering. Social media users fiercely criticised what they called an attempt at dishonest propaganda by Israel. In response to the controversy, the state of Israel published a clarification on its X account, acknowledging the images did show Moldova: "The photo was for illustrative purposes and we should have stated that in the video." "Moving forward, we will do our best to ensure transparency in the visuals that we post," it added. The video attracted even more attention as it was published just days after the United Nations warned that Gaza residents were now on the brink of famine. Dozens of Israeli demonstrators also organised sit-ins to block the passage of humanitarian aid trucks to Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinian relief operations are expected to be further affected after the United States and other major donors suspended funding to UNRWA, the main agency responsible for distributing aid to Gaza. Many countries temporarily paused payments to the agency, active in the region since 1949, after a dozen of the agency's employees were accused of participating in Hamas' October 7 attacks on Israel. The freezing of UNRWA funds has been criticised by the EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, who said that defunding UNRWA would be "both disproportionate and dangerous". Undated handout photo provided by Scuderia Ferrari of the Scuderia Ferrari SF-24 car ahead of the 2024 Formula One season. -/Scuderia Ferrari via PA Media/dpa Record Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton's switch to Ferrari next year has forced Scuderia team boss Frederic Vasseur to make two difficult phone calls. One was with his current driver Carlos Sainz, who will have to make way for Hamilton in 2025. And one with Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff, who will have to plan without his Formula 1 superstar next year. "As you can imagine, it was not the easiest call of my life, but the one that was most difficult was the one with Toto," said Vasseur at the presentation of the new car, named SF-24, when asked how he had broken the bad news to Sainz. Hamilton, who has a multi-year contract, will drive for Ferrari alongside Monegasque Charles Lecerc from 2025. The Briton's sensational switch was announced on February 1. Ferrari simply had to think about Hamilton's experience on the track. "He is the one with the most experience, so it is a huge opportunity for us," explained Vasseur, who in turn maintains a close dialogue with Wolff. Ferrari would like to topple industry leader Red Bull and world champion Max Verstappen as early as this year. The official Formula 1 test drives will take place from February 21 to 23. The first Grand Prix of the year will be held in Bahrain on March 2. Undated handout photo provided by Scuderia Ferrari of the Scuderia Ferrari SF-24 cars ahead of the 2024 Formula One season. -/Scuderia Ferrari via PA Media/dpa Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that Russia is supposedly ready for a peaceful political settlement that would end its war against Ukraine, but only if the territory it has already occupied would be taken into account. Source: RIA Novosti, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet, with reference to Lavrov's statement in the Russian State Duma on 14 February Quote from Lavrov: "We remain open to a political and diplomatic settlement based on the consideration of our legitimate interests and the realities that have developed over many years and which have now led to the current situation." Details: At the same time, Lavrov noted that since "Western countries" do not want to take into account Moscow's interests and the realities on the ground, there are "no options for an agreement yet". Quote from Lavrov: "However, in the absence of serious offerings from those who declared war on us and [given] their unwillingness to take into account either our interests or the reality on [the ground] in [occupied] territories, it will not be possible to come to the negotiating table for the time being. We don't see any such option." Details: He also said that "Washington and its allies do not give up their dreams of inflicting a strategic defeat on us." At the same time, Lavrov claimed that the Russian army was supposedly "successfully operating" in the "Ukrainian theatre of military operations", and that "the West is no longer talking about its victory, but about how to prevent Putin from winning". Lavrov also reiterated that the security of Russia and the Ukrainian territories occupied by the invaders would supposedly be "reliably ensured, and the goals of the special operation (as the Russians call the war against Ukraine ed.) in this context will be achieved." Support UP or become our patron! MADERA, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) A joint statement has been released by Senator Anna M. Caballero, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, and Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula following the bankruptcy court ruling on the Madera Community Hospital. In their statement, Sen. Caballero, Assemblywoman Soria, and Assemblymember Arambula expressed their disappointment with the ruling. The federal judges decision today regarding Madera Community Hospitals bankruptcy proceedings is disappointing. We hoped that the court would have granted UCSF, Adventist Health, and Madera County the opportunity to move forward and provide a full presentation of their joint venture to purchase and reopen Madera Community Hospital to show what it could mean immediately for the residents and the long-term viability of this hospital for the region. In our view, it would have shown their commitment to reopen Madera Community Hospital quickly. Senator Anna M. Caballero, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, and Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula. In the statement, they say Tuesdays ruling was only one step in the process, and that the UCSF- Adventist Health-Madera County plan would be beneficial for the residents needing health care. Todays ruling, however, was only one step in the process. A turnaround plan and an overall proposal plus a commitment to new management for the hospital still needs approval from the California Department of Health Care and Information, the California Department of Public Health, and the Office of the Attorney General. We believe the UCSF-Adventist Health-Madera County plan would ensure the access to quality health care that the residents so desperately need, and that this plan would bring stability to the lives of these people, many of whom come from disadvantaged and rural communities. We also believe this plan brings critical advantages UCSF would attract and train a medical workforce vitally needed in our region, while the partnership with Adventist Health and Madera County would quickly rebuild community trust in a healthcare system that will serve them for decades to come. Senator Anna M. Caballero, Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, and Assemblymember Dr. Joaquin Arambula. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. Disgraced former congressman and serial fabulist George Santos trolled the Republican party after Democrats claimed his old seat in New Yorks third district. Democratic Rep Tom Souzzi the man who represented the district before Mr Santos won in 2022 won back his old seat on Tuesday night in a tight race against Republican nominee Mazi Melesa Pilip. Mr Souzzi chose not to run for re-election in 2022, instead mounting a failed primary campaign to be the Democratic nominee for governor, which he lost to incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul. Mr Santos was ousted from Congress on 1 December after an Ethics Committee report found that there was substantial evidence that he had knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission; used campaign funds for personal purposes; engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with RedStone Strategies LLC; and engaged in knowing and willful violations of the Ethics in Government Act as it relates to his Financial Disclosure (FD) Statements filed with the House. The report revealed that Mr Santos had spent around $6,000 in campaign donations at the luxury brand Ferragamo and Botox injections, according to campaign spreadsheets. It was also reported that campaign funds were used for OnlyFans subscriptions the site best known for hosting adult content. But, despite his own scandal-plagued and short-lived foray into politics, Mr Santos didnt hold back over the Republican partys loss. He pinned a tweet on Mr Santoss X account, which simply read -1 a reference to the House Republicans ever-tightening majority in the lower chamber, which now stands at 219 Republicans to 213 Democrats. I won #NY03 with $0 super PAC money, $0 CLF money and $0 Establishment money, Mr Santos wrote after 2am ET on Wednesday. Tonight the establishment set $10 million on fire! I FLIPPED a 23 year Blue seat with the help of grassroots activists and by activating the base with retail politics Hey @NassauNYGOP money does not buy votes, its respecting the wishes of the base that wins votes. #NY3 is #MAGA country and since MAGA was disrespected, MAGA stayed home! Mr Santos also reposted a tweet by Georgia Rep Mike Collins, who asked: So who still thinks Republicans helping Democrats kick out Santos was a good idea? He also shared a meme posted by a former Ohio Republican congressional nominee. The former congressman also appeared to share the sentiments of California Democrat Ted Lieu, who wrote: Republican Mazi Pilip gave her concession speech from East Meadow, which is not even in #NY03. No worries, were going to flip #NY04 too. Hey Ted now here is something I 100% look forward to you doing. #NY4 is next! Mr Santos chimed in. All the gains Republicans have made in North East Queens have been because of candidates & elected officials like @VickieforNYC who are unabashedly MAGA & populist, the president of the New York Young Republicans, Gavin Wax, wrote on X. Run a different type of Republican? All of a sudden those deep red districts in Queens go blue. Funny how that works! Funny how there was a MAGA congressman there already, Mr Santos responded. He also commented on clips of New York Republicans urging voters to back Ms Pilip, saying that they aged like milk. Mr Santos also called for the resignation of the chair of the Nassau County Republican Party. Just after midnight on Wednesday morning, Mr Santos called out the New York Republican congressional delegation, writing: To my former colleagues in the house GOP please make these idiots pay you guys $10million back. These RINOs are the most effective democrats operatives in the nation! Mr Santos, 35, was elected to Congress in 2022 after a failed attempt in 2020. After his election win but before he was sworn in as a member of Congress stories began to appear in The North Shore Leader and The New York Times outlining how large parts of his resume were made up, including his job and education history. It later emerged that Mr Santos told lies about his mother dying on 9/11 and his grandparents being Holocaust survivors. In May, Mr Santos was charged with 13 charges in a Long Island federal court and, in October, was hit with a superseding indictment listing 23 counts. He initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, but hes now in talks for a possible plea deal. Disney World gives first look at Tianas Bayou Adventure, reveals when ride opens Related video: A glimpse of the progress of Tianas Bayou at Disney World ORLANDO, Fla. (WFLA) The Princess and the Frog is officially coming to Walt Disney World this summer! On Tuesday, the Florida resort announced that Tianas Bayou Adventure, the New Orleans-themed ride that replaced the parks iconic water ride Splash Mountain, will open just in time for summer vacation. With Princess Tiana at the helm, this new attraction digs a little deeper into her story after the events of the Walt Disney Animation Studios film The Princess and the Frog,' Disney said in a press release. A new mural reveals the opening season for Tianas Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The new attraction opens this summer and will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film The Princess and the Frog. (Olga Thompson, Photographer) Walt Disney Imagineering shares a first look at the first-ever Princess Tiana Audio-Animatronics figure, which will debut this summer in Tianas Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The new attraction will feature familiar faces from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film The Princess and the Frog. A new mural reveals the opening season for Tianas Bayou Adventure at Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Park in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The new attraction opens this summer and will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film The Princess and the Frog. (Olga Thompson, Photographer) A first look at a new scene and some of the brand-new characters coming to Tianas Bayou Adventure. Tianas Bayou Adventure, coming to Magic Kingdom Park, Lake Buena Vista, Fla. and Disneyland Park, Anaheim, Calif., in 2024, will take guests on a musical adventure inspired by the beloved story and characters from the fan-favorite film. (Disney) The ride, which is set in a Louisiana bayou, will have riders tapping their toes throughout the attraction thanks to the rides adorable critters, who sing and play instruments from the natural materials found in the bayou. In addition to the rides funky jazz music inspired by the 2009 movie, the films voice actors will reprise their roles to voice the animatronic characters. Is Disney hinting at a fifth theme park in Florida? According to Disney, Tianas Bayou Adventure will float riders through the cypress trees and Spanish moss of the bayou as they greet Princess Tiana, Louis, Mama Odie, Eduroa, Charlotte, Prince Ralphie, Prince Naveen, and others. The heart of Tianas story reminds guests that everyone has the potential to make their dreams a reality, the park said. Disney lovers can keep the good times rolling with Tiana and friends this summer when the new thrilling ride opens! For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. As Indonesians head to the polls, they are participating in the democratic process of electing a president and legislature. Indonesia has begun its crucial election process as citizens across the vast archipelago exercise their right to vote, as per ABC News. Indonesia Election 2024 The election, which is a huge period in one of the most republics in the region, is defined by the search for President Joko Widodo's future. The support of the candidate who is running for the position holds a great deal of weight in choosing the future of the country. To put it into perspective, there are a stunning 259,000 applicants competing for 20,600 vacancies throughout the wide area of 17,000 islands. All attention currently centers on the presidential contest and the future of Widodo's revolutionary plans following his tenure as custodian of Southeast Asia's largest economy. Besides the controversial character Prabowo Subianto, who was a former special forces commander with a challenging experience during Indonesia's authoritarian era, the election arena is seeing an argument among rivals. These contenders include former governors Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan. In his third attempt at winning elections, Prabowo, who is now serving as Minister of Defense, is looking to avenge his past setbacks at the hands of Widodo. Prabowo, who is widely known as Jokowi, has tacitly thrown his weight behind Prabowo, viewing him as a torchbearer to continue his legacy. He has even recommended his son as Prabowo's running partner. Jokowi is widely known as Jokowi. Despite the fact that Widodo does not make any apparent endorsements, his tacit support is resonating with Prabowo's campaign. Recent polls have projected Prabowo as the leader, and it is possible that he will win the election in the initial phase either. The outcome of the election has major implications, particularly for investors who are keeping an eye on Indonesia's economic trajectory. During Jokowi's term, the country has become an essential participant in the international economic situation, especially in the supply chain for electric vehicles. This has been an important step, according to Reuters. Read Also: North Korea Achieves Breakthrough in Missile Technology: New Ballistic Control System for Rocket Launchers Undecided Voters Influence Indonesia's Runoff Voters who have not yet made up their minds hold the key to potentially changing the electoral dynamics as a runoff election between the leading candidates is expected to take place in June. Anies, who previously served as Jakarta's governor of Jakarta in the past, advocates for change and the maintenance of democratic changes. He highlights the importance of voting as a crucial factor in determining the path that the nation would take. Ganjar, on the other hand, is associated with Jokowi's ruling party and emphasizes continuity in policy goals. However, he lacks the president's explicit backing. A remarkable transition of Prabowo's image from that of a fiery nationalist to that of a charming person has resulted in a substantial amount of traction, particularly among the younger population. Nevertheless, rumors of Jokowi's interference in favor of Prabowo, in conjunction with familial entanglements in the vice-presidential race, have sparked controversy, calling into doubt the incumbent's impartiality in the process of succession. The Indonesian people are exercising their democratic rights at a time when the country is at a crossroads. The outcome of this is probably to have a major effect on the economic and political environment of Indonesia for many years to come, Al Jazeera reported. Related Article: Shrove Tuesday: The Catholic Origin of 'Mardi Gras' Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a trade corridor agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday during a visit to the region. The new deal would connect the subcontinent with Europe via ports in the Middle East and it was announced as Modi met with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. In a statement, the Indian Foreign Ministry said that the deal would build on previous understandings and cooperation on trade. India Signs Trade Pact With the UAE It added that the trade pact would also foster India and UAE cooperation, furthering regional connectivity. Sheikh Mohammed said that the UAE is currently going through a difficult time but because of its relationship with India, they are building a lot of hope and forward to a better future. The new India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is a proposed ship-to-rail transit network that was first announced on the sidelines of last year's G20 summit in New Delhi. The original plan of the trade pact was for the route to extend from India across the Arabian Sea to the UAE, continuing through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel on to Europe, as per DW News. However, the announcement on Tuesday of an "intergovernmental framework agreement" did not provide details of any countries other than India and the UAE. Previously, the plan received support from the United States and the European Union. Indian Prime Minister Modi's latest trip to the UAE, which is the third in the last eight months, will last for two days. He is set to inaugurate the region's largest Hindu temple on Wednesday as well as address an estimated 60,000 Indian expatriates at a community event. During Modi's meeting with Sheikh Mohammed, the former praised the latter as his "brother" and thanked him for being a good friend and well-wisher of the Indian community. He added that the two countries share a strong bond that is growing ever stronger. Read Also: David Cameron To Join EU Ministers in Europe To Show Support for Ukraine Bolstering International Relationship The Indian prime minister then recalled his first visit to the UAE in 2015, which was a year after he was elected to his position. He said that his trip at the time marked the first by an Indian PM to the UAE in the last three decades, according to NDTV. He also pointed out he had already had the pleasure of welcoming Sheikh Mohammed four times, adding that it was rare to see a leader who cares for Indians in his country the way that the UAE president does. Modi said that the UAE leader played a big role in the strengthening of ties between the two countries. He noted that during the coronavirus pandemic, the two were able to discuss how to better protect each other's people. In 2020, the UAE forged diplomatic relations with India under a U.S.-backed initiative that was known as the Abraham Accords. This agreement led other Arab states, including Bahrain, to establish ties. Throughout the Israel-Hamas war, the UAE has maintained those relations with Jerusalem, but it has also repeatedly criticized the latter's bombing of Gaza and called for a ceasefire in the war-torn region, said Reuters. Related Article: Pakistan's Former Premier Agrees To Form Coalition Government To Defeat Imran Khan's Party A Seattle Police SUVs door was ripped off its hinges in a crash with a DUI suspect in the Interbay neighborhood over the weekend. Officers were called to the crash at 15th Avenue West near West Boston Street shortly before 11 p.m. on Saturday. The officer was heading south on 15th when a driver, a 31-year-old man, turned west from Boston St. and crossed into oncoming southbound traffic, according to Seattle Police. The officer swerved to avoid a head-on collision but crashed with the DUI suspect. The officer and the DUI suspect were checked out by Seattle Fire Department medics. The officer went to the hospital to be evaluated. The suspect was OK. He was then arrested and booked into the King County Jail for investigation of DUI. DRIPPING SPRINGS, Texas (KXAN) Dorian Zev Kweller was a musician, student at Dripping Springs High School and part of the marching band, a friend to many, a brother, and the son of Ben and Liz Kweller. Ben Kweller is a well-known musician based out of Dripping Springs. He has worked on many music projects, including being part of the band Radish. He also owns local record label The Noise Company. Last year, Ben announced his son Dorian died in a tragic accident at the age of 16. Musician Ben Kweller announces death of 16-year-old son Dorian Dorian Zev Kweller performing with the Dripping Springs High School marching band. (Photo courtesy: Matt Ehlers) Later this month, almost a year to the date of his death, Dorians peers are premiering a piece of music written in his honor. The piece will be played at the Dripping Springs Percussion Ensemble Concert on Friday, Feb. 23 at the high school. Ivan Trevino, a well-known composer and professor in the Butler School of Music at the University of Texas, was commissioned to write the piece, named Zev after Dorians middle name, which is the name he used to release his music. The composition builds off of some of Dorians own music and keeps his spirit alive. Matt Ehlers, director of percussion for the Dripping Springs Independent School District, said the band boosters and percussion section thought commissioning the work would be a great way to honor and remember Dorian, and Trevino was a perfect fit because his background is similar to Dorians genre of music. Dorian was an incredibly musical student and person. And so his music is hes really good at writing melodies and hooks and his music is kind of pop-oriented. Our art form, our medium is percussion ensemble or chamber music, its not always thought of as quite as poppy, Ehlers explained. And so I immediately thought of having Ivan Trevino work on the commission, because of his background. Ehlers said Trevino was on board immediately, so Ehlers sent him Zevs music before he started writing the piece. Ivan just did an incredible job of listening to Dorians music and kind of like living with it for months, and getting to know Dorian through his music, Ehlers said. Then he ended up composing and, in his words, kind of arranging this piece, because he was able to incorporate a bunch of really beautiful melodies from various songs of Dorians and create this piece. Keeping Zevs memory alive Dorians dad Ben said Ehlers reached out shortly after Dorian died to tell him about the idea for the commission. Like within a few weeks, I think the school made the decision that they wanted to put some funds together to commission a piece of music in Dorians honor, Ben said, which was, of course, like the biggest honor that I could think of from a music department at a school. And I instantly started bawling, Ive been doing a lot of crying this past year. So of course, I was just over the moon about that, Ben continued. And thats when Matt Ehlers told me about the composer, Ivan, who put together this piece, so its taken a few months. And recently, Matt sent me a recording of the piece, so I got to hear it for the first time. And I was just blown away. Its such a cool piece of music. Ben said he thinks Dorian would have loved the piece and would be thrilled to know his peers are performing it. Dorian would be so thrilled by this, he would love seeing his friends, his fellow musicians playing this piece. And its a very complex and multi-dimensional piece of music, just like Dorian was. And so it really takes the listener on a journey, Kweller said. Ben and Liz Kweller and their son Judah talk to Matt Ehlers of Dripping Springs ISD and Ivan Trevino about a piece of music that was written in honor of Dorian Zev Kweller. (Viewer-submitted photo) Dorian was described by Ehlers as someone who was always encouraging and loved people, and Ben agreed, saying Dorian was a connector, that he loved all people and didnt have enemies, only friends. Ben said thats a legacy that lives on through Zevs music, through Trevinos arrangement, and a nonprofit created in honor of Dorian, called Zev United, which supports young musicians and skateboarders. Kweller said if anyone coming to the Dripping Springs concert didnt know Dorian or hasnt heard his music, they should listen to Zev on Spotify so they can get familiar with it before hearing the piece by Trevino. And then when you show up on Friday night at the Dripping Springs High School, itll be such a great tribute. But also youll see just how special that community of students at the Dripping Springs High School and how much passion they put behind their instruments and what the directors do every day is really incredible. And then, of course, the composer Ivans going to be there, which is a real honor, Kweller said. The composition Trevino agreed with what Ehlers said about his musical background and said it helped him approach writing Zev. I think as soon as I heard Dorians music, it sounded familiar to me, and to my own musical aesthetic. So I think immediately, I was drawn to trying to incorporate those sounds into my own piece, Trevino explained. I know [Dorian] through stories, but I know him best through his music, which I really sort of dived into. And instead of sort of just writing my own piece, I thought it would be nice to incorporate Dorians melodies and hooks from his music. It seemed appropriate to do that. And he was so good at it, and I just felt like if I can orchestrate it in my own way, it would be a nice tribute to the creator that he was. The piece also created a space where Dorians peers are still being inspired by him and have even stepped out of their comfort zones to bring it together. I think that one thing that makes this piece special, and Ivan did such a good job with it, is that some of Dorians close friends in the section, theyre getting to play kind of instruments that, that maybe you dont always think of when you think of chamber music or percussion ensemble, Ehlers said. Like, the piece starts out with guitar, and one of [Dorians] close friends is a really great guitarist. And then we have some synth players, and instead of having a drum set, we kind of use like an 808 kind of drum and bass machine, which is unique, Ehlers said. Its probably not what you always think of when you think of percussion ensemble or chamber music. And I think that is really fun. And it fits Dorian. Theres a part toward the end that requires the students in the ensemble to sing, and Ehlers said they were a little nervous and timid about it at first, but thinking about what would Dorian tell you, brought a smile to their faces and helped encourage them through it. Dripping Springs percussion ensemble with composer and UT professor Ivan Trevino. (Photo courtesy: Matt Ehlers) Dripping Springs percussion ensemble rehearses with composer and UT professor Ivan Trevino. (Viewer-submitted photo) Dripping Springs percussion ensemble rehearses with composer and UT professor Ivan Trevino. (Viewer-submitted photo) Dripping Springs percussion ensemble rehearses with composer and UT professor Ivan Trevino. (Viewer-submitted photo) And even if its not perfect, but if we are in the moment together, thats the important thing, and I think its going to be the thing that is the most memorable, Ehlers said. The concert is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 23 from 7 to 9 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin. WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) A man has been charged for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) following a crash that left a portion of I-65 closed early Monday morning in Williamson County. According to officials, the crash happened shortly after 3:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-65 near mile marker 57 on Monday, Feb. 12. PREVIOUS | Portion of I-65 reopens after crash involving semi-truck in Williamson County The Williamson County Sheriffs Office posted on X formerly known as Twitter at 4:23 a.m. on Monday stating, Both I-65 South and I-65 Northbound are shut down at the 57-mile marker near 840. According to a crash report provided by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), the driver of a 1998 Honda ULX identified as a 21-year-old from Mexico was traveling south on I-65 when he hit a concrete barrier. Authorities reported he overcorrected to the right lane, which caused a 2016 Freightliner to hit the passenger side of his vehicle due to not having enough time to stop. Neighbors describe dangerous stretch of Bell Road after deadly crash claims 4 lives THP said the impact caused the Honda to spin back around and come to final rest in lanes one and two. Meanwhile, the crash caused the semi to cross the center grass median, hit a guardrail and cross over the northbound lanes before coming to a final rest, officials said. In a crash report, THP stated the 21-year-old was injured in the crash and charged with DUI and driving without a license and insurance. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com The 43-year-old semi-truck driver from Alabama did not sustain any injuries in the crash, officials said. He was wearing his seatbelt when the crash occurred. Both the northbound and southbound lanes of I-65 were partially closed early Monday morning as crews worked to clear the scene. No other information was immediately released. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. MEMPHIS, Tenn. Memphis Police reported 12,555 motor vehicle thefts last year, with nearly 10,000 the year before, and only around 1 in 10 of those cases are ever solved. Its an enormous number with a tremendous impact. Each car belonged to someone. Some of them shared their stories with News Channel 3. Josi Jerrolds said she let her daughter, who lives in Midtown, borrow her car last February. She woke up the next day, and it was gone, Jerrolds said. The cops were calling me at the same time she was calling me. She was calling me to tell me it was stolen, and the [police] were like, Do you know where your car is?' Police found it out of gas in the middle of Elvis Presley Boulevard. Jerrolds caught a ride there to find her car, and her life, now wrecked. It looked like they were doing donuts or something and hitting whatever they hit, she said. It devastated me and my finances. The single mother had the car 18 months and found out the loan was more than what the car was worth. I ended up with all the excess on that. Plus having to come up with a down payment for a car. Even now, I am behind on bills, because I have to take care of all that, Jerrolds said. I was Ubering when I didnt have a rental car. Asking for rides. You couldnt get groceries, because no one wanted to go and wait at the grocery store with you. You know? Life is hard. Its really hard. Shes not alone. WREG Investigators found out last year, on average there were 35 to 45 cars stolen every day in Memphis. Police say auto theft is one of the biggest drivers of property crime. Far too often, owners find their car damaged, totaled or, for Pastor David Gaulmon, never found. His powder blue Infiniti with tags that read PASTOR B was stolen a week before Christmas from his cousins church. I feel really violated, he said. Inconvenience your lifestyle and credit report. All those things will affect me. I will have to do redo another loan to get another car. He had to find rides to work or grocery shopping until he could get a rental car. A newly created unit with the Shelby County Sheriffs Office is dedicated to curbing car break-ins and vehicle thefts. Its called BRATS, which stands for Burglary, Robbery, and Auto Theft Squad. We have a team of five detectives. We try to hone in on one we can solve today, Shelby County Sgt. Edjuan Burris said. The unit was founded in October. Burris said because the crimes are happening so frequently, it makes their job harder. He said the car thieves, many working in organized groups, had been targeting Hyundais and Kias since social media exposed security flaws. Now theyre seeing more Nissans and Infinitis stolen. Often times, theyre then used to commit more crime. Just because that car was stolen by one individual, doesnt mean its that individual who is out committing the crime the next day. They change hands so many times, and by the third day, that car is ditched and the process starts over again, Burris said. Burris said in some cases, the car will wind up in a chop shop or sold with fake titles and tags. They are being sold in the city on Facebook Marketplace. We get calls all the time from people who say, I bought this car, I think its stolen,' he said. Thats what happened to Samantha McCrays Nissan Maxima. McCray said whoever took the car, sold it for cash within five days. They had a fake title. They tried to get their tags and found out it was stolen, McCray said. After weeks of getting the car back, it was stolen again. They say lightning never strikes twice, but it struck me twice, McCray said. McCray not only has had to find rides to work, her insurance policy wont cover the car. Now, its a matter of finding the money to get a new one. She said her friend, who was driving her to work, also had her car stolen. The debilitating effect a stolen vehicle has to a family or a person working every day is very serious, MPD Interim Chief C.J. Davis said at a recent rotary club meeting. Davis says MPD has also created a task force and is tracking where vehicles are recovered in hopes of finding trends to nab the thieves. They have arrested some as young as 12 years old. MPD is also holding steering wheel lock giveaways and passing them out to victims like McCray to use if she gets the car back. I was hoping 2024 was going to be a better year for me, but it didnt start off like that, McCray said. The TBIs most recent data shows in 2022, about 7 percent of motor vehicle thefts were solved in Memphis. We asked MPD about the data, but never heard back. The Shelby County Sheriffs Office says it solved 12 percent or less in 2022. Since its new unit started, that number has gone up. Jerrolds never heard if MPD made an arrest in her case. They said probably kids, because of the way the car was taken. There was candy wrappers in there, she said. What she does know, it almost cost her $5,000-6,000, because someone decided to joy ride in my car. Get the latest from the WREG Investigators in your inbox More stories in this series: DO YOU NEED A STORY INVESTIGATED? WREG Investigators want to hear from you! Call our tip line at 901-543-2378. You can also send an email to newstips@wreg.com. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Last years hot, dry weather was tough on people and plants, but its put construction of the bypass on Mississippi 57 ahead of schedule. The drought helped us a lot, said Anna Ehrgott, public information officer for Mississippi Department of Transportation. Work on the $212 million project began in March 2023 and is projected to be complete in 2027. Crews are paving sections near the Jim Ramsay Road interchange, she said, and 10 of the 13 bridges along the project are under construction. On Thursday, a detour of Jim Ramsay Road is expected to open so crews can start building an overpass of the new Highway 57. The road work has taken down swaths of trees and tinged portions of the existing Mississippi 57 red, as dump trucks drop off load after load of dirt and clay at several points along the road each day. Two bridges are being built on the lower end of the Mississippi 57 road project in Jackson County to accommodate what will be a four-lane highway. Courtesy of MS Department of Transportation Road map of progress Contractor W.G. Yates & Son Construction Company of Philadelphia, Mississippi, has work under way along every section of the nine-mile route from I-10 exit 57 north to the Lake OPines area. The four-lane highway will serve as an evacuation route when tropical weather approaches and a bypass of Vancleave, where five schools and the administration office are packed along about a 1.5-mile stretch of the highway. Interchanges are being constructed at Gautier-Vancleave Road and at Jim Ramsay Road, along with an additional interchange that will provide a direct connection to the existing highway and business district. Its near Twin Magnolia Lane in Vancleave. Ehrgott provided an MDOT progress report on each section of the road: The southern section: From I-10 to the Gautier-Vancleave Road Two additional southbound lanes are being built parallel to the existing road. Once the new section of road is complete, two-way traffic will move to this route while the existing 57 is improved. Two parallel bridges are under construction in a wet area that frequently floods during heavy storms. The northbound lanes will shift slightly west to cross the new bridge Two lanes of the current Mississippi 57 will become two lanes northbound when the $212 million project is complete. Courtesy of MS Department of Transportation Center section: The new bypass from Gautier-Vancleave Road around the Vancleave business district Earthwork and drainage culvert installation is underway from the Gautier-Vancleave Road interchange to Humphrey Road, along Morningside Drive and at the Jim Ramsay Road interchange, MDOT reports. New bridges over Humphrey Road are under construction for the Vancleave Mississippi 57 bypass. The nine-mile road project begins at Exit 57 of I-10 and will provide a hurricane evacuation route and a way around the traffic that backs up around the five schools in one mile. Courtesy of MS Department of Transportation A new bridge now crosses Humphrey Road and more intermittent road closures will be needed to complete the overhead work. Message boards will continue to notify the community when the road will be closed. Connector roads are being built between the existing portion of Mississippi 57 and the bypass to provide access to local businesses and to the bypass for a faster route around traffic. Northern section: North of the business district A direct connection between Poticaw Bayou Road and the new Jim Ramsay Road interchange is being constructed, so traffic will be able to connect directly with the bypass instead of going through the business district. In addition to creating a detour of Jim Ramsay Road, paving has begun in the area of the Jim Ramsay interchange. The bypass will connect back to the existing MS 57 near Irwin Lane at the Lake O Pines area. The Mississippi 57 bypass west of Vancleave includes three interchanges connecting roads between the town and the bypass. When done, the project will provide another hurricane evacuation road and give drivers a way to avoid the school traffic that gridlocks MS 57 twice a day around the five schools and administration office within one mile. Courtesy of MS Department of Transportation Traffic impacts The highway work has been done with minimal delays to traffic. The speed limit is lowered where the twin bridges are under construction on the lower section of 57 and dump trucks turning onto and off of the highway have slowed traffic at times. In addition to the occasional closing of Humphrey Road to complete the bridge work there and the detour on Jim Ramsay Road, MDOT says drivers can expect traffic shifts along county roads near the new bypass as progress continues. This map shows how the bypass will be built west of the business areas and schools in Vancleave. Mississippi Department of Transportation This map from MDOT shows the path of the MS 57 bypass to the west of Vancleave. The highway will swing west at Gautier-Vancleave Road and continue to north of the stadium, with exits along the way. Mississippi Department of Transportation EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU) A Harrisburg drug dealer affiliated with an area rap group was sentenced to over 10 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearms charges. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Wednesday that Anderson Oritz, 24, of Harrisburg, Dauphin County, was sentenced to over 10 years in prison on drug trafficking and gun charges. U.S. Attorney Gerard M. Karam says this was the latest sentence handed down to the eight people originally charged in the indictment for running a drug trafficking conspiracy from 2018 to 2020. Karam says members of the drug trafficking operation were affiliated with a music group called Never Forget Loyalty or NFL and as part of their operation NFL posted videos to YouTube featuring members possessing various weapons, flashing cash, and displaying drugs. W-B Twp. wanted man arrested on drug charges According to Karam during the investigation into the drug conspiracy, ATF agents and local law enforcement conducted searches in which police recovered an arsenal consisting of a machine gun, assault rifles, and various weapons with extended magazines. Karam says Ortiz pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic drugs and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Officials say all other defendants associated with NFL and the drug trafficking conspiracy pleaded guilty and were sentenced as follows: Kaleaf Brown, 28, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to over 11 years in prison; Qushawn Brown, 32, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to over 11 years in prison; Tyquann Langston, 28, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 10 years in prison; Adieas Johnson, 35, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to 10 years in prison; Donza Brown, 60, of Harrisburg, was sentenced to over 3 years in prison; Jaionne Miller, 23, of Harrisburg, was also sentenced to over 3 years in prison. U.S. officials added that co-defendant Wesley Garner pleaded guilty to weapons and drug trafficking charges, and he is currently awaiting sentencing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. In 2022, an employee of Duke Corporate Education in Durham filed an unfair labor practice charge alleging his supervisor had instructed workers during a virtual meeting not to discuss their salaries. According to a complaint later filed by the National Labor Relations Board following an investigation, this employee whose name is redacted had previously raised concerns about employees salaries and equity in pay. Later that year, the employee was fired. Not a culture fit was the reason given for his dismissal, the worker told The News & Observer. Duke Corporate Education, or Duke CE, is a university-affiliated organization headquartered at the American Tobacco Campus in downtown Durham. Spun off from the Fuqua School of Business, it provides customized executive education to business clients worldwide, and has additional offices in Washington, D.C., Boston, Singapore, South Africa and England. Whether its a strict company policy or a managers casual suggestion, discouraging employees from disclosing wages is, in the vast majority of situations, an unfair labor practice under the National Labor Relations Act of 1935. It is viewed as basically preventing employees from gathering the knowledge that would help them get better pay, said Jeff Hirsch, a labor and employment law professor who teaches at UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke. Hirsch called this unfair labor practice both widespread and misunderstood. Employers often dont know about labor law either, he said. They might not always have the best motives for doing it, but most of them arent aware that its actually illegal. The National Labor Relations Board doesnt keep data on unfair labor practices (ULP) related to wage discussions. However, a 2021 study from the Washington-based Institute for Womens Policy Research found nearly half of full-time employees had previously been prohibited or dissuaded from disclosing wages. Advocates in North Carolina say its prevalent. Ive heard from at least one worker in every major industry thats currently operating in our state about how theyve been discouraged from talking about their salary with their coworkers, said Ana Pardo, co-director of the Workers Rights Project at the liberal-leaning North Carolina Justice Center. Firing employees for exercising their labor rights violates a separate clause of the National Labor Relations Act. Workers can file unfair labor practice charges without hiring lawyers or being in unions. The former Duke CE employee told the N&O he was aware of his rights and called the regional NLRB office in Winston-Salem. They kind of walked me through what to put in where on the form, he said, requesting not to be named to protect future job opportunities. The filing process was very easy. Investigating the Duke allegation NLRB agents typically take two to three months to investigate the merits of unfair labor practice charges. During this period, most charges are either withdrawn, settled or dismissed by the agency. But if the parties dont settle and the NLRB investigation uncovers sufficient evidence to support the charge, then the board will issue a complaint. In 2022, the NLRB received 18,000 unfair labor practice allegations. It issued 738 complaints upon investigation. One of those was against Duke Corporate Education. In a July 27 filing, the NLRBs Atlanta regional office sought an order that would make Duke CE reimburse the discharged employee for missed wages as well as give compensation for the emotional distress suffered. An aerial view of the American Tobacco Campus in Durham, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023. Employers face no fines for discouraging wage discussions, but the government can order back pay for workers who are fired for exercising their labor rights. The NLRB can also order employers to disseminate notices informing workers of their power to disclose salaries, which was among the remedies the Atlanta regional office included for Duke CE in its complaint. In a response filed Aug. 10, Duke CE refuted the unfair labor practice charges. Through Raleigh-based attorneys at the firm K&L Gates, the organization denied that the fired employee had raised concerns about his pay in early 2022 or that a Duke CE supervisor had discouraged workers from discussing wages during a videoconference meeting in May. The attorneys asked for the dismissal of the Complaint in its entirety. Last-minute settlement To resolve the matter, the NLRB had scheduled a hearing in front of a judge for Dec. 6 at the agencys regional office in Winston-Salem. The agency then postponed the hearing to Feb. 13. Hirsch said it is unusual for unfair labor practice charges related to wage discussions to go to hearings, even when the charge includes an unlawful dismissal allegation. Considering the cost of lawyers along with the fact the NLRB already determined the charge has sufficient supporting evidence, it usually costs employers less to reach either a private or NLRB-brokered agreement than to take it to a hearing. The NLRB also desires earlier resolutions, stating on its website every effort is made to facilitate a settlement between the parties. By January, Duke Universitys own counsel had begun to represent Duke Corporate Education in the case. Last week, days before the hearing was scheduled to start, Duke CE and its former employee reached a private settlement. The NLRB regional director approved the agreement, and the unfair labor practice charge was withdrawn. You should follow up with the parties for more information, an NLRB spokesperson said in an email. The former employee said he cannot disclose financial terms of the settlement but said it included a clause preventing him from ever working at Duke University or an affiliate organization again. Duke University declined to comment on the agreement or the reasons for the employees dismissal. Students in Durham Public Schools will not yet have to make up missed days on holidays or during break time to make up for school closings during the districts budget crisis. But if sick-outs and staff absences over the ongoing classified workers salary dispute continue, they will. In a news conference Wednesday, Interim Superintendent Catty Moore said most school systems in North Carolina exceed the number of school days required by law, creating a bank they can pull from in emergencies. But that bank will be empty in one day or less, depending on a students school, some of which closed more than others. Moore and School Board Chair Bettina Umstead offered few details about how Durham Public Schools will seek to resolve the dispute over higher salaries that were granted to classified staff, then promised only through February. Asked if DPS would seek emergency cash from Durham County, Umstead said only that commissioners are eagerly awaiting a proposal. This has been a challenging few weeks, she said. Its extremely difficult, but I know well get through it. Whats next for Durham Public Schools? 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15: The Durham Association of Educators meets with the school board. 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22: The next scheduled school board meeting. On Tuesday, authorities reported that hundreds of Turkish rescue workers were searching through a cyanide-laced field for nine miners who were swallowed by a landslide that swept over their open pit. Photos taken at the scene showed the landslide sweeping across a valley and crashing into a road where some workers traveled by vehicle. Workers Trapped in Turkish Gold Mine Landslide Turkey's Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed there was no update on the nine out of 667 workers missing at the goldmine in the Ilic region of the province's eastern Erzincan. Yerlikaya told state-run TRT television that they installed their rescue vehicles, generators, and night lighting equipment and they wish to give good news to the families of these brothers. The experts and local officials said the presence of cyanide, a very hazardous chemical substance used to extract gold from ore, in the ground hindered the search. Independent Mining Labour Union representative Basaran Aksu told Turkish media that cyanide soil collapsed at the site. Aksu noted that specialized tools would be needed for the search. He said that the cyanide field is one of Turkey's largest and may make the search take a very long time. The province lies on the Karasu River's northern bank, a major Euphrates tributary from Turkey to Syria and Iraq. The environment ministry announced that it had blocked off a stream from the open pit to prevent contamination of the Euphrates. Environmental activists and local officials attempted to shut down the open pit mine following a cyanide leak in 2022. It reopened after closing for a few months after its operator paid a fine, which infuriated Turkey's opposition parties. Read Also: Times Square Shooting: Eric Adams Orders Curfew on Migrant Shelters Following Incident Mining Engineers Speak Out Cemalettin Kucuk, an engineer who co-authored a study on safety, stated that the soil was full of "stone fragments containing cyanide" when the mine's operator applied for authorization to expand its capacity. "We are talking about a mountain weighing millions of tonnes," Kucuk told Turkish media. "We have warned about this many times." The former president of the Chamber of Mining Engineers, Mehmet Torun, claimed that elements washed with sulfuric and cyanide were present in the massive pile of soil sliding towards the Euphrates River. Torun warned that the mountain was being blown up, gold extracted from it, and the waste piled aside like a mountain of garbage. He continued that the huge mass bathed in cyanide flows towards the Euphrates River. Anagold, a private company that runs the Ilic mine, said it was working to minimize the effects of this 'painful' incident. Anagold released a statement and said they would mobilize all their means to shed light on this incident urgently. On Tuesday, the justice ministry tasked four public prosecutors to investigate the mine's operations. Turkey has experienced several mining mishaps in the last few decades and is vulnerable to devastating landslides. Related Article: Philippines: Landslide in Davao de Oro Gold-Mining Village Kills 7, Injures 31 At least once a day for about the past month and a half, StephaniLopez has called a phone hotline set up to help students who are having trouble applying for federal financial aid. Each time, she gets a recorded message saying the waiting queue is full, and the call ends. Lopez, a senior at Sam Houston High School in the Arlington Independent School District, has been working with counselors for months to fill out college applications and get everything ready to apply for financial aid. But when the time came to apply, a glitch in the newly redesigned Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, blocked Lopez from completing her application. Making matters even more complicated, when she calls the U.S. Department of Educations number to get help, she often hears a recorded message warning her of hours-long wait times. Sometimes, the call ends without any explanation. Lopez was born in Fort Worth, but her parents are undocumented immigrants from Mexico. In years past, parents without Social Security numbers were able to fill out their portions of the FAFSA by using a work-around. But following a redesign that was meant to simplify the application, undocumented parents are locked out of the online form. Education Department officials have said theyre aware of the problem and working on a solution, but no timeline for the fix has been announced. It kind of hurts, because I also want to pursue my education. I want to help my family financially, Lopez said. But with this, it kind of is a stab in the back, in a way. FAFSA snafu causes headaches for applicants Federal education officials unveiled the newly redesigned FAFSA late last year. The remodel was required under the FAFSA Simplification Act, passed in 2020. The new form is designed to be simpler and more user-friendly, paring questions down to fewer than 20 instead of more than 100. The department is also expanding the way it calculates aid eligibility, expanding access to Pell Grants. Education officials have estimated about 50,000 more Texas students will receive Pell Grant money following the change, and about 132,000 more Texas students will receive the maximum award. But the rollout of the new application has been rocky. The Education Department didnt open the new form online until Dec. 31, about two months after families typically get access to the FAFSA. That delay put pressure on high school counselors, who now have to help an entire years worth of students complete the form in about three months. Then, late last month, federal education officials announced colleges and universities wouldnt receive completed applications until early March more than a month after they typically receive them. That delay leave colleges with a narrower window to put together financial aid packages and send them out to families. For students, those delays could mean less time to compare student aid offers and make a decision. Historically, most colleges have used May 1, often known as National College Decision Day, as the deadline for students to make a final decision about where theyll enroll. But because of the delays, most students might not get financial aid offer letters until April, leaving them only a few weeks to decide. Last week, federal education officials announced plans to deploy dozens of financial aid experts to under-resourced institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities and tribal schools, over the next few weeks. The department will also send $50 million to education nonprofits that offer technical assistance with the financial aid process to help ease the burden of the delays. The rollout has left families with widely divergent experiences with the application. Because of the simplification, some families are able to get through the application in as little as 10 minutes. But others, including those in which parents dont have Social Security numbers, havent been able to submit the form at all. On a call with journalists Monday, a senior Department of Education official said the department hopes to have the problem fixed in the coming weeks. In the meantime, families who havent been able to submit their applications online can still submit a paper application by mail, the official said. Arlington students shut out of FAFSA due to glitch Lopez, the Sam Houston senior, will be the first in her family to go to college. Her parents told her from a young age that they expected her to pursue education beyond high school, she said. But she also knew they wouldnt be able to help her much financially. That means Lopezs choice of college will largely depend on how much financial aid she gets. Lopez is in the top 6% of her graduating class, meaning she gets automatic acceptance to the University of Texas at Austin. But being accepted into a college isnt the same as being able to pay to go there. If shes shut out of the financial aid application process this year, Lopez said shell most likely have to start at Tarrant County College instead of a four-year university. The community college is cheaper per credit hour, and she could save money by living at home, she said. But she worries that starting at TCC would mean she wouldnt get a full college experience. Zayra Quiroz, another Sam Houston senior, said shes had the same experience as Lopez. She was born in Dallas, but her parents are undocumented, which means she hasnt been able to submit the application. She also hasnt been able to get help through the departments hotline, despite calling several times a day for weeks. Quiroz has applied to several schools across Texas, including Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University. She plans to study business, but her biggest dream is finding a way to help her community after college. Her neighborhood doesnt feel safe, she said, and shed like to be a part of the solution to that problem. But she said student aid will be critical to making those dreams a reality. Its important to me because I come from a struggling family. My family came from nothing, literally, she said. I dont have that kind of money in my pocket. Botched FAFSA rollout delays financial aid apps for hundreds Cynthia Carter, a counselor at Sam Houston High School, said the school would typically have about 200 applications submitted by the second week of February. This year, just 81 of the schools seniors had sent off applications by then. In the past, when the FAFSA opened in October, counselors would immediately begin working with early-action students high-achieving students who would be applying to competitive schools, Carter said. Within a week or two, those students had their paperwork submitted, she said, and they only had to wait for award letters to arrive in the spring. But this year, the delayed release of the new application pushed that timeline back by a few months. So students who would otherwise have had everything submitted by the end of October were only getting started with it in January, Carter said. Were crunching months worth of work into this small timeframe, she said. But even after students had access to the form, most had a difficult time with it, Carter said. A large percentage of the students at Sam Houston were born in the United States to undocumented parents, she said. The glitch in the application is affecting hundreds of families at Sam Houston alone, she said, to say nothing of all the other high schools across Texas. For first-generation college students, the main factor dictating where they go to school, or even if they do at all, is usually money, Carter said. She worries many of her seniors will be forced to settle for something less than theyre capable of because they dont have access to financial aid. Shes seen how much of a difference that money made for other students of limited means who went on to be successful at top-tier universities. I have kids at Yale, I have kids at Harvard, I have kids at TCU, I have kids all over the place that can do it, she said. And they do it because of the financial assistance that follows them, because theyve worked hard. Carter said shes especially worried about students who still need help after the end of the school year. Normally, there are a few college advisers on hand to help any students who still have questions during the summer, she said, but they generally only have to work with a small handful of students who have quick follow-up questions. This year, students may still be getting award letters after they leave for the summer, and Carter said many of them will need help making sense of them. Carter said shes already looking for ways to provide that support over the summer. Ideally, those are plans school leaders would have made months ago, she said. But even with short notice and limited resources, shes determined to find a way to make it work. If I have to pull it off, I will pull it off, she said. Itll happen, because it has to happen for kids. Department of Education staffers struggle to help Whitney Sanchez, a member of TCUs College Advising Corps, said the redesigned form is much quicker and more accessible than the old one but only for certain kinds of families. If you have parents who are married and they file taxes jointly and they live happily ever after, you can get in and out of that form in about 10-15 minutes. Its great, she said. Sanchez, who works with students and parents at North Crowley High School in Crowley ISD, said that isnt the case for most of the families she works with. Some kids dont live with their parents. Some parents dont have Social Security numbers. One students mother remarried recently, and her new husband is undocumented, Sanchez said. The girls new stepfather isnt a major parental figure in her life, Sanchez said, but the fact that he doesnt have a Social Security number is still locking the family out of the FAFSA. Anytime Sanchez calls the Department of Educations hotline to get guidance on how to handle a situation, it seems everyone there is struggling as much as she is, she said. The staffers she talks to seem like they want to be helpful, she said, but they dont have answers. Youre supposed to be able to call that number and get assistance and get some guidance, she said. And theyre at a loss, as well. FAFSA delays force colleges to adjust The delays are forcing colleges and universities across the country to shift their timelines for handling financial aid requests. Karen Krause, executive director of financial aid at the University of Texas at Arlington, said that in a typical year, financial aid staffers would already have processed thousands of FAFSA records and notified students if they needed any additional information. The university usually begins sending out award letters to incoming freshmen in late February, she said. This year, those letters likely wont go out until early April, she said. Although the university hasnt pushed back the May 1 deadline for making a commitment, Krause said that deadline isnt as hard and fast as it once was. The university will accommodate students who need extra time because of the delays, she said. She emphasized that no student will need to defer their college plans because of the new timeline. We are going to work with students and families to make this as painless as possible, even though it is later than it typically is, she said. David Ximenez, associate vice chancellor for enrollment and academic support services at TCC, said in a typical year, financial aid staffers would be getting ready to send out award letters about now. But because of the delays, students wont receive those offers for a few months. It generally takes the college about two months to load students FAFSA data into its student information system and calculate how much financial aid each will be eligible for, Ximenez said. Theres no way to speed that process up to make up for time lost to the delays, he said, so instead of sending award letters to students in February or March, as the community college district typically does, officials are expecting to send them out in May or June. Ximenez said there will likely be some colleges around the country that use other models to try to put together an estimate of the amount of financial aid students might receive, and send out tentative award letters earlier. But for most colleges, including TCC, there are few options other than sending out award letters later than theyd like. Financial aid delays put students college plans in limbo Lopez, the Sam Houston senior, isnt giving up on her college dreams. Shes applied to TCU, the University of Texas at Austin and a handful of other schools. Shes dreamed of going to TCU since she was in middle school, she said, but shes keeping other options open. Lopez wants to major in business management, and hopes to start her own business after she graduates. But being able to pursue those dreams depends on student aid, she said, and that depends on being able to fill out the FAFSA. The situation has left Lopez frustrated. She knows there are thousands of other students like her, whose college dreams are in limbo. Having seen the way theyve handled the rollout of the new FAFSA, she said she doesnt feel like federal education officials are interested in helping. It kind of feels like were not a priority to them like were like dust to them, kind of, Lopez said. I dont feel like they really care about students that have undocumented parents. The prime booking window to buy cheap flights is approximately 2.5 months to 3 weeks in advance of the trip, a new study from CheapAir.com has found. Dont just wing it if you want low airfare. The prime booking window for cheap flights is about three months to three weeks in advance of your trip, a new study from CheapAir.com has found. Travelers who wait until less than a week out pay 59% more on average compared to their non-procrastinating friends. However, you dont want to commit too far in advance. Those who book their ticket too early could end up paying almost as much as if they booked the ticket last minute, the report noted. Thats because fares change 49 times on average and change by an average of $98 each time, CheapAir.com found. The prime booking window to buy cheap flights is about three months to three weeks in advance of the trip, a study from CheapAir.com found. Summit Art Creations stock.adobe.com Travelers should have their tickets confirmed at least three weeks before departing, the study found. Goffkein stock.adobe.com To be exact, the best day for jet-setters to purchase a ticket is 42 days before they intend to take off. The travel site analyzed over 917 million airfares across the US to determine the best travel hacks that will likely hold for 2024. Although price isnt the only factor travelers take into consideration when choosing a flight, the survey found its the most important to most people. Another thing to think about when booking a flight is what airport youre traveling through. To help travelers temper their expectations, airfare claims company AirHelp revealed the least and most stressful airports in the US. Those who book their ticket too early could end up paying almost as much as if they booked the ticket last minute. BullRun stock.adobe.com AirHelp found Californias Sacramento International Airport to have best handled Januarys air travel, according to the Sacramento Bee. The Northern California airport had an uninterrupted on-time percentage of 82.3% of flights. On the other hand, the most notable airport that failed to deliver a stress-free experience to their passengers last month was the Empire States Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The travel site analyzed over 917 million airfares across the US to determine the best travel hacks that will likely hold for 2024. Julija stock.adobe.com Airports with the most on-time flights in January Sacramento International Airport: 82.3% of flights on time San Jose International Airport: 82.1% Tucson International Airport in Arizona: 81.3% Reno/Tahoe International Airport in Nevada: 81.2% Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia: 80.5% Airports with the most disruptions Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York: 60.8% Chicago OHare International Airport: 61.2% Des Moines International Airport: 62% Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan: 62.2% Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport: 64.8% Branch County officials are ready to begin the nine days of early voting on Saturday for the Feb. 27 Michigan Presidential primary. The Branch County Election Commission members certified new Dominion Voting machines Monday afternoon. Nick Nance of Voting Solutions runs test ballots through a new Dominion ballot tabulator on Monday. County Clerk Terry Kubasiak, canvass board member Don Vrablic, Treasurer Steve Rutz, and Probate Judge Kirk Kashian, members of the county election commission, observe along with township clerks. Employees of Election Solutions programmed four tabulators and two voters assisted terminals in the lobby of the courthouse. The tabulators will record ballots at the Dearth Center off Garfield Road in Coldwater from Saturday, Feb. 17, through Sunday, Feb. 25. Each of the county's 16 townships, Quincy, Bronson, and the four Coldwater wards will jointly fund and staff the center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for voting. Voters passed the nine-day early voting in 2022 as a constitutional amendment. County Clerk Terry Kubasiak said a state grant purchased the machines. The political parties pay costs for the February primary. Related story Rural clerks concerned about 2024 elections requirements After the August and November elections, she will total costs from the 22 precincts and apply for reimbursement from the $30 million allocated by the state for early voting. The Feb. 27 primary ballot features presidential candidates Joe Biden for the Democrats and Donald Trump for the Republicans. Both face opposition. Several Republican candidates are no longer running but remain on the Michigan ballot. The only non-presidential issues are operating millages for Camden-Frontier and Reading community schools. Certain residents of Algansee and California townships vote in these school districts. Kubasiak said the new voting system allows clerks to determine which voters live in the school districts, punch in a code, and print "ballots on demand" just for those people. "This way we don't have to print a stack of ballots we might not use," the county clerk said. The system will benefit townships more in August and November when additional local issues may be on ballots. Employees of Election Solutions programmed four new voting tabulators and two voters assisted terminals in the lobby of the courthouse Monday. Nick Nance of Voting Solutions told clerks witnessing the new machine tests, "These machines are faster," taking less time for voting and tabulation. Kubasiak said, "The equipment is the same equipment that people have used the past several years." Only the speed increased. The early voting ballots will not be counted until after the polls close on election day. "We will be totaling out these four machines on election night after eight o'clock here at the courthouse," Kubasiak said. Election inspectors will come to the courthouse from their precincts. Kubasiak explained, "They will have their absentee voter and election day totals. I will have the totals for early voting." The clerk and canvassers will then combine the totals to determine the final vote for each candidate or issue for each jurisdiction. Subscribe Follow the 2024 elections. Subscribe to the Daily Reporter. -- Contact Don Reid: dReid@Gannett.com This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Early voting for presidential primary begins Saturday There are two types of news articles that, whether they intend to or not, always end up painting Donald Trumps supporters in a sympathetic light. One type of story usually points to economic anxiety as a reason why average Americans would support someone as awful as Trump (despite all the data proving this isnt true). Another tends to describe his supporters as regular people who have fallen down a rabbit hole of kooky ideas and conspiracy theories peddled by malign actors. One notable recent example of this was written by McKay Coppins for The Atlantic, who urged readers to go to a Trump rally to see what MAGA looks like today. Both genres, interestingly, show the people as passive vessels being acted upon. They fail to give agency to the people supporting a man who openly promises a dictatorship: a man who vows, I am your retribution. This sort of journalism is harmful in so many ways. Its an extension of the Ohio man in a diner cliche that treats Trump supporters as salt of the earth, real Americans, while implying that people who live in cities or have college degrees are not. This directly contributes to the herrenvolk democracy narrative, where only specific groups of people (namely white, rural, conservative Christian) should have a say in government, or at least they have a somehow more legitimate stake in it. In effect, this sort of journalism buys into one of the central narratives of fascism (herrenvolk versus elites), then sells it to an unwitting public. Barack Obama correctly observed in 2016, It did not start with Donald Trump; he is the symptom, not the cause. Trump simply exploited what people were already feelingfeelings that, according to the data, are rooted in authoritarianism, racism, and social dominance orientation. He was always about a vibe, and that vibe was to hurt the people his audience thought should be hurt. The greatest failing of such reporting is that both the guy in the diner and the person at the rally interviews show reporters surprised at how perfectly normal the people seem in person. As Coppins noted in his article: I found the wholesome, church-barbecue vibe a little jarring. This misses the forest for the trees. As a young man, abolitionist John Brown was hosted by a slave owner for dinner. The host seemed perfectly charming until he nearly beat an enslaved boy to death in front of Brown for being too slow. Frederick Douglass observed, The man who wields the blood-clotted cowskin during the week fills the pulpit on Sunday, and claims to be a minister of the meek and lowly Jesus. Milton Mayer, a Jewish American author, journalist, and educator, was surprised by how perfectly normal and cordial former Nazis were when he visited the shattered country in the early 1950s. Hannah Arendt coined the term banality of evil to describe how unremarkable Adolf Eichmann was at his trial, and how Eichmann replaced coherent thought with stock phrases and self-invented cliches. (Sound familiar?) What these reporters (who are largely white and male) seem to forget is that these people seem friendly toward them because they are not members of groups that the GOP rank and file think should be eradicated. Similarly, John Browns initial impression of his host would have been a lot different if Brown werent white. I would likely have a very bad time at a Trump rally if people recognized me as trans (and Im not particularly willing to go along with the eradication order). Mayers book They Thought They Were Free: The Germans 1933-1945 had a profound impact on me when I read it because it was all so familiar. Mayer visited the homes of German Nazis after the war, who were all rather ordinary people. He wanted to understand why nice, average, middle-class Germans could have supported Hitler and all that came with him. These German men were all extremely polite and served him the best food and drink they had in a country that was still economically devastated by the war. When Mayer asked about the Holocaust, however, things took a dark turn. How it could happen snapped into sharp focus. These perfectly pleasant Germans said they knew nothing about it. Or that it didnt happen. Or it did happen, but it was exaggerated. Or, if they did acknowledge that it happened, well, sure, Hitler went too far, but the Jews had done a lot to bring it on themselves. Which brings me to the present, and my Latter-Day Saint, Trump-voting father. When I told him that one of Trumps first actions as president would be to kick me out of the National Guard, he refused to believe it. I showed him the clips of him promising to do just that on the campaign trail and reminded him of the 2017 ban. He still wouldnt accept the obvious, because the military cant recruit enough people as it is. No way they start kicking people out. He could not bring himself to believe that his vote would directly impact his own family members enough to change his mind, even when presented with incontrovertible evidence, because it might cause a real Are we the baddies? moment. At the same time, supposed moderate apologists for fascism like Jordan Peterson and Joe Rogan observe that whats happening to trans people might go a little too far but that they brought it on themselves and the rise of fascism is a completely understandable response. While conservatives are calling for the eradication of transgenderism, I see people aligned with the GOP engaging in the same sorts of mental gymnastics that Milton Mayers postwar Nazis did. Thus the important takeaway from these articles is not relief that Trump has gotten stale. It confirms the other evidence that there is a strong, underlying desire for an authoritarian fascist to rule the country and that even those who arent true believers would simply go along with it, or disbelieve it altogether. These perfectly nice, ordinary, generous, pleasant people are no different from any German in 19331945. Arendt also noted how part of the allure of fascism is its invitation to throw off the mask of hypocrisy. Trump was merely the invitation. He was an outlet for an unspoken desire to seize control and remake the nation, hurting the people who needed it along the way. One of my takeaways from these articles highlighting bored rallygoers is: Many of the people in the front row arent fired-up true believers. They are there for the ideology and the outcome, not for the man. Theyre OK with the fascism, even if the schtick got old. In the end, the worst movements are always quietly enabled by otherwise ordinary men. A school safety drill in San Gabriel reached an extreme last week when, according to parents and students, the principal of the elementary school walked around, using her fingers to mime holding and shooting a gun. She reportedly pointed at individual students saying, Boom. Youre dead. The principal, Nina Denson, has been pulled from her duties while the school district investigates the complaints from parents. If the allegations are true, it would appear that Denson was acting out of a horribly mistaken belief that traumatizing children is the way to get them to take the drill seriously. Read more: Abcarian: The pathetic lessons of the Uvalde school shooting in Texas Though the circumstances in this case sound as though they crossed a line, its worth considering whether schools are overdoing disaster drills, especially ones involving gun violence. Drills are certainly needed for some situations evacuation drills for fires and drop-cover-hold for earthquakes. There also are shelter-in-place drills when circumstances off campus call for students to remain in school. Reverse evacuation drills have students return to the school building when theres a dangerous situation outside. Then there are the lockdowns or active-shooter drills. California schools require disaster and and other "multihazard" drills. But school officials should give more thought to how many drills are conducted, and how to reduce the fright level, especially for young children, because researchers say theres no objective evidence that they increase preparedness for a dangerous attack. Read more: Opinion: I recently took part in my first 'active killer' school drill. It was as terrifying as it was misguided Most schools dont do anything like what allegedly happened in San Gabriel. Then again, some drills have been worse. Without any warning that a drill was at hand, one preschool blasted the sound of gunfire through its loudspeakers. Some Missouri schools had students paint what looked like bleeding bullet holes on themselves. In 2020, San Marino High School was planning a drill in which police would fire blanks for 11 minutes so that students would understand the sound of gunfire. The high school backed off after the American Civil Liberties Union registered its concerns. There have been multiple calls to do away with active shooter drills, or at least the most realistic ones. Though the headlines can be terrifying at times, the world is not as frightening as those drills would have children believe. The gun-violence prevention organization Everytown for Gun Safety recommends against them, noting that 0.2% of gun deaths occur at school, while the drills were practiced at 95% of schools in 2015-16. Those are the most recent numbers available but theres no reason to think the use of the drills has waned. Drills can even be counter-productive, the organization says, because the shooters tend to be current and former students who learn how the school will react to a shooting and possibly how to circumvent protections. Read more: Editorial: There's no place like America for gun violence In 2023, 57 people were killed in school shootings, compared with drastically higher rates of suicide and off-campus homicide. If we want to save more childrens lives from gun violence, we should work harder to prevent teen suicide, intercede more quickly when youngsters show signs of emotional distress and regulate access to guns. Its understandable that some parents and schools want students to know how to protect themselves in dangerous situations. States should provide some strong guidelines about how to conduct drills, keeping in mind that childrens mental health is as important as their physical health. In neighborhoods where students hear gunfire and worry for their safety, experts say, the drills can be especially frightening. Theres no reason young children need to know a drill is about an active shooter, especially given how small the chances are that such a thing would occur. They can give their drills nicknames or, as some schools do, call a lockdown something like dark and quiet, which describes what to do without inducing nightmares. School shootings are awful to contemplate. But the horror should not lead us to believe that they are more common than the data tell us, or that schools can somehow drill their way out of it. If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. A comedian from Egypt known as the Jon Stewart of the Middle East says he wont be blackmailed into voting for President Biden against former President Trump. Bassem Youssef has been critical of Trump and Biden, calling out the commander in chief for his failure to demand a cease-fire in the ongoing war in Gaza. I dont know why we as minorities have to be blackmailed about voting for Biden, Youssef said. You dont come to us with liberal values and human rights and equality, and then you bomb our people in Gaza and you enable that kind of genocide. And then you turn around and ask us for our vote, he added. Youssef has been an outspoken critic of Israels response to the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas that left more than 1,000 Israelis dead. According to health officials, more than 25,000 Palestinians have been killed in the subsequent strikes in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. An interview Youssef did with Piers Morgan last year focused on the topic has racked up 22 million views on YouTube. Biden has continually asked Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be mindful of civilian casualties and last week called Israels response in Gaza over the top. If were not voting for the values of liberalism and equality and human rights, Youssef said, I dont know what were voting for. ITK caught up with Youssef a heart surgeon turned YouTube sensation turned satirist who became an American citizen in 2019 after his criticism of the Egyptian government led to an arrest warrant being issued in his home country in 2013 as he prepped for his latest shows in Washington as part of his Middle Beast Tour. The 49-year-old is performing Wednesday and Thursday at the Warner Theatre to sold-out crowds. This comedy show is more of a personal story, Youssef said, of being a doctor in Egypt and leaving everything behind and having the political satire show in Egypt. And then having to go through some trouble because of that I was interrogated I had to escape from Egypt, he said before coming to the U.S. amid the most interesting political climate ever. The comedy comes from that Im always a fish out of water, and Im always having people having a problem with my jokes. I think its something that a lot of people can relate to. It speaks a lot about freedom of expressions and how do you express yourself using humor in comedy, Youssef said. When asked by ITK about finding humor in a subject as unfunny as war, he counters, Its not the Hamas-Israel war, its the Israel assault on civilians. Because he developed Middle Beast before the fighting in Gaza, Youssef said its not a part of his show. But, he said, his comedy repeats the talking points with the media like the fact that they were very happy about Israel warning civilians before they bombed them. For them, this is very humane. For me, this is hilarious. Its dark humor, Youssef said. The gaslighting and the lies that weve been seeing, humor comes from that. It comes from irony and from contradictions, he said. Asked if he thought his comedy brings people together or more drives them further into their echo chambers, Youssef said his show is not offensive to anybody. Its offensive to certain ideas, but its ideas that other people can agree upon, he said, adding that hes had Jewish and Israeli audience members, as well as Trump supporters. Asked about the original Jon Stewart, who returned to The Daily Show on Monday after a nine-year absence, Youssef said its so good to have him back. Stewart, whom Youssef called a staple in American media and American democracy, hosted the faux news show for 16 years before stepping down in 2015. He will be hosting Monday nights through the rest of the year. Im only sad that hes only back once a week, Youssef said. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. For the first time in 30 years, Moore has a new mayor. Former city councilor Mark Hamm won Tuesday's election for the open seat, unofficial vote totals show, which has been held by Glenn Lewis since 1994. He will officially take office in April. Hamm prevailed over local banker and longtime Parks and Recreation Board member Jeff Arvin. "The city of Moore has a lot of challenges ahead. We have a good city manager. We have an experienced council, and I look forward to getting to work with all of those people," Hamm said Tuesday night. "I had the endorsement of our mayor, the endorsement of our fire department, and tonight I got the endorsement of the voters of Moore. And for that, I want to tell them, thank you very much." Moore Mayor-Elect Mark Hamm Hamm previously told The Oklahoman that he wants to focus on infrastructure, public safety and quality of life. A recent study showed Moore would have to spend over $100 million over the next three decades to replace and modernize its water infrastructure. Hamm also wants to make sure streets are improved to handle future traffic. Sandwiched between Oklahoma City and Norman, Moore has historically been known as a "bedroom community," a term that describes a city where residents live but predominantly work somewhere else. At the extreme, such a community would be a place that lacks not only enough jobs to employ residents but also lacks sufficient retail options. But anyone who's driven through Moore's bustling retail corridor at Interstate 35 and SW 19 Street can plainly see how far the city has come since being a sleepy bedroom community. The big question now is how Moore will evolve over the next 30 years. In a previous conversation with The Oklahoman, Hamm, a law enforcement officer who's served 11 years on the Moore City Council, said it would be nice if a large employer set up shop and added jobs inside the city. "But I want us to be realistic about it as well," Hamm said, noting that the city has very little free space for a business like that. Along with his previous service to the city of Moore, Hamm spent nearly two decades in Cleveland County law enforcement and is currently is campus police officer at Oklahoma City Community College. More: Moore mayor esteemed for 30 years of service: 'An institution in our metro.' Unofficial election results for Moore mayor, Moore City Council Ward 2 seat Mark Hamm: 1,760 (57%) Jeff Arvin: 1,337 (43%) The Moore City Council is composed of seven members. The mayor is elected by every resident, and the council is divided into three wards. Two councilors represent each ward. A Ward 2 seat became vacant last year when Hamm resigned to announce his campaign for mayor. Rob Clark won that race Tuesday. Rob Clark: 598 (60%) Tommy J. Lawrence: 406 (40%) The most recent candidate filing period saw several seats go unopposed, meaning that these candidates did not appear on Tuesday's ballot. Adam H. Webb and Kathy Griffith were both unopposed in their campaigns for the two Ward 1 seats. In Ward 3, Louie Williams was the only candidate who filed for that office and was automatically elected. After the election returns were posted, Hamm had advice for other candidates who might run for public office: Yard signs don't vote and campaign mailers only tell you part of the story. "I did signs, mail, but the thing that won it was I went out and knocked on the doors of the voters and introduced myself to them and asked for their vote," he said. "People so appreciate when a politician will come to their doorstep and say hello." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma election results: Mark Hamm elected mayor of Moore NYC's wage gap crackdown is now targeting Tesla Inc. and News Corp. after numerous complaints under the pay transparency law were filed against them. New York City accuses them of disregarding the requirements when it comes to posting job openings; especially regarding salary ranges. NYC officials claim that the wide salary bands that Tesla and News Corp. provided in their job posts didn't qualify as "good faith" estimates. NYC Wage Gap Crackdown Targets Tesla, News Corp According to Bloomberg Law's latest report, New York, NYC, Washington, and California have their own pay transparency law to combat racial and gender wage gaps. To do this, they ensure that more information about job positions is provided to applicants so that they can effectively negotiate with employers to have their desired/deserved salaries. However, Tesla Inc. and News Corp. are allegedly ignoring this law. This was seen in the complaint filed by NYC's Commission on Human Rights against the EV maker. The high rights commission claimed that Tesla posted at least four job listings without a pay range in June 2023 in NYC. Aside from this, four additional job openings were shared despite not having salary ranges made in good faith. One of them was a Tesla field service technician opening that offers between $22 and $58 per hour, which is a pretty wide wage gap. Aside from Tesla, News Corp. also faces the same allegations. The NYC human rights commission said that News Corp. posted at least four job openings in July 2023 with salary ranges that breached the pay transparency law.Among these are video journalist ($40,000-$160,000) and education reporter ($50,000-$180,000) job openings. "What really stood out to me were the violations for posting ranges that the commission determined were not made in good faith," said Atty. Stacey A. Bastone of Jackson Lewis P.C. Read Also: Watch Me Get Terminated: Why Posting Your Layoff Experience Is Helpful-Here's What Experts Say No Fine Against Tesla, News Corp Some U.S. states that have pay transparency laws said that they are implementing penalties, such as huge fines, against businesses that violate the legislation. However, this is not the case for New York City. On the official webpage of the NYC human rights commission, it was revealed that around 1/3 of the complaints, including those filed against Tesla and News Corp., were dismissed. The commission's spokesperson confirmed that the complaints that were dismissed didn't involve financial penalties. As of writing, NYC officials declined to comment if it will fine companies that have open pay transparency law violation cases, as reported by Fortune. Related Article: A New Report Shows That The UK's AI Job Growth Rate Outpaces Many Economies Michael Whatley, former United States President Donald Trump's recommended person to replace Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel, is facing skepticism from some GOP members. In the former president's efforts to push Whatley as the next leader of the RNC, he zeroed in on the North Carolina GOP chairman's dedication to "election integrity." This baselessly suggested that he would ensure the 2024 race "can't be stolen." Michael Whatley Faces Criticism Some of the Republican businessman's most ardent supporters in Whatley's home state would, without a doubt, want to have a discussion. The latter has been accused by some GOP members of essentially manufacturing his win as state primary chairman last year. This was following a chaotic vote which resulted in a legal challenge that offered evidence that some of the ballots were improperly cast. While Whatley and his allies acknowledged that there were technical problems that made voting with the party's mobile app difficult, they denied that any irregularities changed the outcome of the race, as per the Associated Press. In a statement, Whatley's challenger, John Kane Jr., who described himself as "unquestionably" the true "MAGA candidate" in the contest, said that he can only conclude two possibilities. The first is that Trump's endorsed candidate needed to cheat to win. The second is that Whatley is completely incompetent. The controversy that surrounds Whatley's election to the top political post in North Carolina for the Republican Party is one of several emerging signals that suggest further challenges. The former president is trying to wrest control of the RNC by having his preferred candidate oust McDaniel. However, in doing so, he has elevated an individual with a relatively scant national profile and a gilded resume that includes links to establishment figures who are largely reviled by the hardline activists who are among the most vocal in support of Trump. In a statement on Monday, Trump touted Whatley as someone who has been with him since the beginning, has done a great job in North Carolina, and is committed to curbing election fraud. Whatley has repeatedly echoed the former president's claims that the 2020 election was stolen, according to the News Observer. Read Also: Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas Impeached by House Republicans Over Border Crisis Donald Trump's RNC Chair Endorsement In November 2020, he said that "massive fraud" took place in Democratic cities and claimed before the election that Republican poll observers were being prevented from entering voting areas. At the time, reports showed that Whatley's support of Trump's false claims of voter fraud made him a top candidate for the former president. One of their sources even described Whatley as a "stop the steal guy." Democratic National Committee (DNC) Rapid Response Director Alex Floyd said that Trump's endorsement of Whatley made it clear that the GOP is "the home for insurrectionists and extreme MAGA fanatics." Additionally, GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley also criticized Trump's decision to endorse Whatley to replace McDaniel as the RNC chair. In an interview, she said that Trump's decision was based on his own preference, adding that he was also looking to endorse his daughter-in-law Lara Trump as the RNC co-chair, said The Hill. Related Article: Thomas Suozzi Faces Off Against Mazi Pilip in New York Special Election To Take George Santos' Seat In 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and invaded Donbas, only three NATO member states spent more than 2% of their GDP on defence. That number is expected to increase sixfold this year. Source: Stoltenberg at a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, reported by European Pravda Details: Stoltenberg, apparently responding to criticism from the United States, announced a record increase in NATO defence spending. As is known, the Alliance has been on course to increase spending since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2014. "Since Allies committed to investing [in their defence] in 2014, European Allies and Canada have increased defence spending by more than US$600 billion. Last year, we saw an unprecedented 11% increase in spending by European allies and the United States," he said. "In 2024, NATO members in Europe will invest [i.e. spend on defence] US$380 billion. This will exceed 2% of their total GDP for the first time," he said. Stoltenberg also revealed how many NATO members will spend more than 2% of their GDP on defence in 2024. "I expect 18 allies to spend 2% of GDP this year. This is also a record. This is a six-fold increase since 2014, when only three allies met this requirement," he added. Stoltenberg stressed, however, that for some Allies "there is a long way to go", as almost half of NATO's 31 member states have not yet reached the 2% target which all Allies undertake to hit. Background: On Wednesday, Stoltenberg also asked Donald Trump not to undermine the Alliance's deterrence. While in Brussels, Stoltenberg also commented on the Ukrainian Armed Forces successful attack on the Russian warship Tsezar Kunikov, saying that Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Black Sea had achieved a tremendous victory. Support UP or become our patron! Even some Republicans are nervous about how Mayorkas' impeachment could backfire Republicans who opposed DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas' impeachment have warned about what's to come. They fear that impeachment now will become a completely political tool. Some constitutional scholars share their concerns as well. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is only the second Cabinet secretary to be impeached in American history. Some Republicans are worried that the case against him is so weak that Tuesday night's vote is destined to become a harbinger of what's to come. "Creating a new, lower standard for impeachment, one without any clear limiting principle, wouldn't secure the border or hold Mr. Biden accountable. It would only pry open the Pandora's box of perpetual impeachment," Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, perhaps the most surprising of the three Republicans to vote against the impeached, wrote in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. The three Republicans who voted to oppose Mayorkas' impeachment have each warned about establishing a new precedent for the action some lawmakers place only below authorizing a war. "Well, the Constitution hasn't changed since last week, so my vote is not going to change," Republican Rep. Tom McClintock of California, one of the trio, said before the second vote. "These are the same reasons I vigorously opposed the sham impeachments of Donald Trump." House Speaker Mike Johnson has strongly rejected concerns that the Homeland Security secretary did not commit impeachable offenses. "For nearly a year, the House Homeland Security Committee has taken a careful and methodical approach to this investigation and the results are clear: from his first day in office, Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and consistently refused to comply with federal immigration laws, fueling the worst border catastrophe in American history," Johnson said in a statement after the vote. It is worth noting that dissenters are not happy with how House then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi handled President Donald Trump's two impeachments. In the same column that he warned his party, Gallagher referred to Pelosi's actions as "us[ing] impeachment as a weapon" against Trump. Still, the vote to impeach Trump for inciting the Capitol riot was the most bipartisan presidential impeachment vote in history. Presidential impeachments have always been political. As The New York Times pointed out during Trump's first impeachment, one out of every four presidents have had articles of impeachment written up against them. Historically, there's been a key difference. Most of these articles go nowhere. Party leadership can't stop any lawmaker from writing articles of impeachment, but they can make sure that they gather little more than dust. By George W. Bush's final year in office, then-Rep. Dennis J. Kucinich, an Ohio Democrat, filed 35 different articles against Bush into the record. But congressional leadership's power is waning. Republicans were able to stall Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican, for only so long before they were forced to reconcile their long investigation into Mayorkas' actions with Greene's persistent push to impeach him. The future of impeachment might be seen in other congressional powers. In the Senate, judicial confirmations, which less than a generation ago enjoyed largely bipartisan support, would make Machiavelli blush. A more relevant example would be censure. Censures mean nothing but used to be thought of that summoning a House lawmaker for a public rebuke by the Speaker of the House in front of their colleagues was a punishment only reserved for particularly egregious acts. There have now been three censures in the last year. As my colleague Bryan Metzger previously wrote, this marked the most censure votes since 1870. Part of this is clearly due to House Republicans making it easier for any member to introduce a censure resolution, but it also comes in an era where this exact type of punishment is perfect fodder to feed to a political base. Even the targets can turn their colleagues' ire into an advantage. Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat, raised millions over the period that included his House Republican-led censure. The trio of Republicans are joined by constitutional scholars, including some who have been sympathetic to past GOP views, who say Republicans' charges that Mayorkas run counter to how the framers of the constitution conceived of the power. "[B]eing a bad person is not impeachableor many cabinets would be largely empty," George Washington University Law School professor Jonathan Turley wrote in The Daily Beast last month. "Moreover, being bad at your job is not an impeachable offense. Even really bad. Even Mayorkas' level of bad." It may be up to the scholars to wage those arguments going forward. Two of the three Republican no votes, Gallagher and Rep. Ken Buck of Colorado, will retire after this Congress. Gallagher announced his decision just days after bucking his party on the first vote to impeach Mayorkas. Read the original article on Business Insider Voters cast their ballots at a polling station in the Harapan Mulia district in the center of Jakarta during the general elections. More than 200 million voters in Indonesia will head to the polls to elect a new president, vice president, and parliamentary and local representatives in the world's largest single-day election. Ahmad Pathoni/dpa Former general Prabowo Subianto has claimed victory in Indonesia's presidential election, with early unofficial results giving him a huge lead. "All the calculations, all the survey agencies, including the ones that are on the side of the other candidates, show that the Prabowo-Gibran pair won in one round, he said, referring to his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the eldest son of outgoing President Joko Widodo. "Although we are grateful, we must not be arrogant, we must not be over-confident, we must not be euphoric, we must remain humble. This victory must be a victory for all the Indonesian people, he said. Prabowo, the current defence minister, said he would "lead to protect and defend all the people of Indonesia, regardless of their ethnicity, race, religion or social background." Voters cast their ballots at a polling station during the general elections in Bandung. More than 200 million voters in Indonesia will head to the polls to elect a new president, vice president, and parliamentary and local representatives in the world's largest single-day election. Algi Febri Sugita/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Voters cast their ballots at a polling station during the general elections in Bandung. More than 200 million voters in Indonesia will head to the polls to elect a new president, vice president, and parliamentary and local representatives in the world's largest single-day election. Algi Febri Sugita/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Indonesia's current defence minister, Prabowo Subianto, is headed for a landslide victory in Indonesia's presidential election, according to early unofficial counts. The 72-year-old favourite had about 57-59% of the votes, according to the so-called quick counts conducted by several independent pollsters. His rivals, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo, appeared to be trailing far behind with about 24-26% and 16-17%, respectively. The quick counts are based on random samples of ballots from polling stations across the country. The numbers from various polling agencies, published by all major Indonesian media, are not official. The first official results are expected in the evening local time. Prabowo was seen as the clear front-runner to succeed the popular President Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, who is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term. Indonesians braved the rain and floods on Wednesday to cast their ballots. The polls closed at 1 pm across the sprawling archipelago's three time zones. Around 205 million people in the world's fourth most populous country were eligible to vote at over 820,000 polling stations across the country. After casting his ballot, Prabowo told reporters: "As citizens, we have done our part. I appreciate the work of the election staff and wish them success." "Rain is said to be a sign of good fortune. We should be thankful and hope for the best. We will await the outcome," he said. As his running mate for vice president, Prabowo has nominated Jokowi's eldest son Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, who is also popular with the electorate. However, critics accuse the incumbent president of wanting to build a political family dynasty. Prabowo has promised to boost the country's defence and security, revive the economy and protect the sovereignty. He is especially popular among young voters, thanks to a clever social media campaign. The leader of the Great Indonesia Movement Party has his critics however. He has been accused of human rights violations, including in connection with the kidnappings and disappearances of pro-democracy activists in the dying days of the Suharto regime in 1998. He has denied the allegations. Voters cast their ballots at a polling station in the Harapan Mulia district in the center of Jakarta during the general elections. More than 200 million voters in Indonesia will head to the polls to elect a new president, vice president, and parliamentary and local representatives in the world's largest single-day election. Ahmad Pathoni/dpa A woman casts her ballot at a polling station during the general elections in Bandung. More than 200 million voters in Indonesia will head to the polls to elect a new president, vice president, and parliamentary and local representatives in the world's largest single-day election. Adi Pranata/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa A logo is seen at the WTO in Geneva By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - Ministers from across the globe are convening for a World Trade Organization meeting in Abu Dhabi between Feb 26.-29 to try to broker deals, including on reforming its hobbled dispute system and cutting fishing subsidies. The high-level meeting which takes place every two years, comes amid growing disregard for trade rules as the 29-year-old body grapples with global geo-political problems and the risk of world trade breaking up. Here is an overview of the main topics: REFORM The WTO is trying to finalise a package of reforms to address the way it adjudicates trade disputes. Its top court has been mothballed for four years due to U.S. opposition to new judge appointments, leaving trade disputes worth billions of dollars unresolved. A draft proposal is seen as the last chance for the WTO to fix the system but has yet to make any mention of how to reboot the court due to a lack of consensus, leading India and China to voice concerns. A U.S. delegate said in a Jan. 26 meeting that "difficult issues" remained such as what it considers WTO judicial overreach. Currently, countries can still file complaints to a lower body but if they do not accept its findings, the case ends up in legal limbo where some 30 unresolved appeals now sit. FISHING Environmentalists say knocking out billions of dollars in subsidies that promote unsustainable fishing is the single most important thing states can do to help reverse declining stocks. Countries clinched a deal at the last ministerial meeting in Geneva in 2022 on banning some subsidies including for illegal fishing and high seas stocks. But negotiators arguably left the most thorny issues on subsidies - those that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing - unresolved. One outstanding challenge is to determine exactly who is bound by toughest rules as part of a two-tier system. Many, like India, are lobbying for carve-outs using WTO rules that allow special treatment for developing members. Another outstanding question is whether China, the world's biggest subsidiser, will seek this treatment. More than 200 scientists have urged negotiators to complete the talks which began in the early 2000s. WTO officials hope the first part of the agreement will gain the approval of two-thirds of the WTO's 164 members and come into effect in Abu Dhabi. So far, over half have signed up. E-COMMERCE WTO members do not currently agree on whether to extend a moratorium in place since 1998 on applying duties to electronic transmissions, with India and Indonesia among those opposed. If no agreement is made, the moratorium would expire this year. Analysts say this could see countries introduce customs duties on items like film downloads in a move strongly opposed by business lobbies. "It could really, really be a hamper on the growth of what is the fastest growing economic sector in many countries," said Alan Yanovich, Partner at Akin Gump Strauss. AGRICULTURE Ambassador Alparslan Acarsoy of Turkey, who chairs the talks, says that negotiating positions continue to "diverge widely" on many topics and even WTO officials concede that the best they think will come out is a future work plan. The most heated exchanges have been around a push by India and a coalition of developing countries for a stand-alone permanent waiver to WTO rules that currently restrict domestic agriculture subsidies on food items like rice. Critics from developed countries like the United States say that negotiations on this topic cannot be dealt with in isolation. Other topics include the sensitive issue of reducing domestic support to the farm sector and improving market access through applying peak tariffs or tariff rate quotas. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Angus MacSwan) A man who federal prosecutors said stashed three Burmese pythons inside his pants and rode a bus from Montreal, Canada, to the U.S. has avoided a prison sentence. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers learned the reptiles were in the mans pants near his inner thigh on July 15, 2018, after the bus crossed the U.S.-Canada border at the Champlain Port of Entry in upstate New York, according to prosecutors. The officers examined the man closely when they misidentified him as an armed and dangerous suspect, according to a sentencing memo filed by Timothy E. Austin, a federal public defender appointed to represent the man. Instead of finding a potential weapon, they found the three young adult snakes in bags attached to the inside of his pants, according to prosecutors. His decision to try to smuggle snakes from Canada into the United States was extraordinarily misguided, Austin wrote in the sentencing memo. Now, the 38-year-old resident of Queens, New York, has been sentenced to one year of probation and fined $5,000 in connection with smuggling the snakes into the U.S., the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of New York announced in a Feb. 14 news release. Austin declined to comment when reached by McClatchy News on Feb. 14 Burmese pythons are considered injurious to human beings by the Secretary of the Interior and can grow up to 16 feet in length, according to the mans plea agreement, McClatchy News previously reported. Its illegal to bring these invasive pythons into the U.S. unless a person obtains a permit issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. When the man did so, he did not have the proper permits or documents, prosecutors said. More than 30 snakes, nearly 50 python eggs found at the mans home Before the mans sentencing, he faced up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, prosecutors said. In the leadup to this federal prosecution and in addition to this prosecution ( the man) was subjected to extraordinary scrutiny in his home in New York City about perceived snake-related activity, Austin wrote in the sentencing memo. This was a wake-up call for him, Austin said. More than three years after the man was found with the pythons in his pants, authorities found over 30 snakes and nearly 50 Burmese python eggs during a search of his home in Richmond Hill, a neighborhood in Queens, in March 2022, prosecutors wrote in a sentencing document. The 26 Burmese pythons, four green anacondas, two yellow anacondas and the snake eggs were related to apparent reptile breeding and trafficking activity, prosecutors said. Months later, the man was charged with smuggling goods specifically the three pythons into the U.S. and arraigned on Oct. 4, 2022, according to the attorneys office, McClatchy News previously reported. On June 28, 2023, the man pleaded guilty, prosecutors said. He was accused of violating the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) treaty and other federal regulations involving importing wild animals into the country, according to his plea agreement. Now, the man fully understands that he cannot casually engage in snake-related activity without generating a high risk that, in the future, he could face severe punishment, Austin said in the sentencing memo. He will do all he can to avoid that fate, Austin wrote. Burmese pythons are native to Southeast Asia and are known to inhabit southern Florida. Tiger cub smuggled to US offered for sale on Facebook, feds say. Now hes at sanctuary Man smuggled butterflies of exceptional size into US and sold them online, feds say Reptile dealers smuggled thousands of creatures worth $5 million from the US, feds say He put pythons in his pants and hopped on bus to US, feds say. Now hes in trouble Officials from the European Union are reportedly considering sanctions on Chinese and Indian companies over their support for Russia's war on Ukraine, drawing immediate backlash from Beijing. The EU is looking to target three Chinese companies while also sizing up a business that is based in India as well as firms in Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Thailand. Reports cited a draft proposal regarding the matter that has not yet been made available to the public. EU Considers Sanctions on Chinese and Indian Companies Officials reportedly want to ban companies from doing business with the listed parties, which they believe could be supporting the Kremlin in its war on Ukraine. Member states voting through the plan would mark the first time that the trading bloc has imposed such restrictions on Chinese and Indian businesses since the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022. In the aftermath of the initial attack, the EU, the U.S., and other Western nations rushed to sanction Moscow. They cut Russia's banks out of the SWIFT payments system and capped oil prices, as per Business Insider. The EU alone has already imposed 12 sanctions packages over the past two years while China and India are yet to roll out similar restrictions. The latter two have instead stepped up their purchases of Russian crude. The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen in April 2023 traveled to Beijing to warn Chinese President Xi Jinping not to support Moscow's war efforts. During a press conference, she said that her trip was taking place in a challenging and increasingly volatile context. Read Also: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Signs Trade Corridor Agreement During UAE Visit The 27-member bloc's 13th sanctions package could be ready later this month to mark the second anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. One official from the EU, who wished to remain anonymous, said that Chinese companies and entities from other third countries that are involved in supporting Russia will be included in the next round of measures, according to CNBC. Another official noted that the 27 EU ambassadors will work to discuss the proposal during a Wednesday meeting, adding that "work is ongoing." Previously, European officials underlined the close relationship between Beijing and Moscow. Russia's War on Ukraine During the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, von der Leyen said that Russia's failure is also economic. She added that sanctions have decoupled its economy from modern technology and innovation, noting that it was now dependent on China. Data released from China's General Administration of Customs in January showed that the Asian nation's trade relationship with Russia hit a new record high of $240 billion last year. The figures also showed increases in Moscow's purchases of Chinese cars and smartphones. On the other hand, China has renewed its opposition to "unilateral sanctions" in relation to Russia's war on Ukraine. The Asian country called on the international community to "actively promote peace and dialogue" for a "political settlement of the crisis." China's permanent representative to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, addressed a UN Security Council session on the conflict on Monday. He said that the NATO military alliance should "wake up from the myth of force and stop making threats and calling for war," said the South China Morning Post. Related Article: Israeli Military Unveils Video Allegedly Capturing Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza Tunnel Hideout FALL RIVER A Fall River School Department special education teacher fired then reinstated after posting alleged racially charged comments on social media in 2020 has agreed to settle a federal lawsuit she filed against the city, the School Department and former Superintendent Matthew Malone. Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey confirmed that teacher Taryn Camara has agreed to a $90,000 settlement for her breach of contract claim. He declined to discuss the lawsuit further. Camaras attorney, Mark Gagliardi, did not immediately return a request for comment. According to federal court documents, the case was headed to trial after mediation with the court failed and before the two sides reached an agreement. Vying for the top job: Swansea meets three school superintendent candidates. Here's what they had to say. The Fall River School Department administration building on Walnut Street. What did the controversial Facebook post say? Camara was fired from her job as a special education teacher at Kuss Middle School in July 2020 for conduct unbecoming a teacher, a month after screenshots from her Facebook account were publicly circulated, catching attention and ire from former Superintendent Matthew Malone and the School Committee. The postings by Camara came out during a period of protest and unrest in the country following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer. There is one supreme race and gender and that is the white man I also can't help but notice that race and gender were the ones leading most of the riots! Lastly if you look at the stats more black men have died from other black men than white men so there lies two problems! But there are far more inequalities that will never change! the post read. Gagliardi said previously that the post was meant as sarcasm and was taken out of context. Camara, who had posted five other antiracist and pro-Black Lives Matter movement posts before the June 5, 2020, post, had attempted to clarify her meaning in subsequent postings. The Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Fall River Educators Association refused to defend Camara in arbitration. The organizations were originally named in the lawsuit, but later terminated as defendants. Fall River Superintendent of Schools Matt Malone is seen in this Herald News file. Superintendent condemned post in a public letter Shortly after Camaras Facebook comments came to light, Malone placed her on leave pending an investigation, then terminated her on July 1, 2020. But before she was fired, Malone sent out a public letter condemning Camaras comments, characterizing the comments as disgusting, racist and bigoted, which the School Department does not tolerate. The letter, written on the superintendent's stationery, was signed by the entire School Committee. Check out our legislative tracker: Where do key bills stand in the Mass. Statehouse? Camara was reinstated to her job after winning arbitration When Camara filed her federal lawsuit in 2021, Malone was under fire by staff and School Committee members Kevin Aguiar and former member Paul Hart for alleged bullying and inappropriate behavior. He announced his resignation in June 2021. While awaiting the outcome of her civil lawsuit, Camara won an arbitration decision from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and was ordered back on the job. She returned back to the classroom in October 2021. In addition to getting her job back, the School Department was ordered to pay Camara one year of back pay and given a year of seniority retroactively. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River teacher fired for Facebook post settles lawsuit for $90K Manuel and Patricia Oliver, the parents of Joaquin Oliver, one of the victims of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., sit for an interview in Coral Springs, Fla., on Friday Feb. 9, 2024. The Olivers are launching a campaign where re-created voices of gun violence victims will call federal lawmakers. The recordings re-creating voices of victims from around the country are being robocalled to U.S. senators and House members who oppose stricter gun laws. (AP Photo/Cody Jackson) PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) Joaquin Guac Oliver died in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, high school massacre, but federal lawmakers who oppose tighter gun regulations began getting phone calls in his voice on Wednesday, lambasting them for their position. The families of Oliver and five others killed with guns are using artificial intelligence to create messages in their loved ones' voices and robocalling them to senators and House members who support the National Rifle Association and oppose tougher gun laws. The protest is being run through The Shotline website, where visitors select which offices receive calls. The campaign launched on Valentines Day because it's the sixth anniversary of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting, which left the 17-year-old Oliver, 13 other students and three staff members dead. Oliver was murdered as he lay wounded on the floor, the fatal bullet blasting through the hand he raised as the 19-year-old killer leveled his AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. Manuel and Patricia Oliver, Joaquin's parents, say the campaign is based on the oft-cited idea that if someone wants laws changed, the first step is calling elected representatives. Immigrants from Venezuela who became U.S. citizens, they want the sale of guns like the AR-15 banned. We come from a place where gun violence is a problem, but you will never see a 19-year-old with an AR-15 getting into a school and shooting people, Manuel Oliver said. Theres a reason for the gun violence in a Third World country. Theres no reason for the gun violence and the amount of victims in the United States. After Joaquin's murder, the Olivers founded Change the Ref, which is sponsoring the website with March for Our Lives, a group created by Stoneman Douglas students. Both recruit young people through nontraditional demonstrations like the AI calls and die-ins, where students protested inside a supermarket chain that donated to a pro-NRA politician. When you keep being traditional ... listening over and over and over to the same people lecturing you with the same stats, nothing changes, Patricia Oliver said. To make the recordings, the Olivers and other families gave an AI company audio of their loved ones and it re-created their voices, changing tone and pattern based on relatives suggestions. Joaquin's AI voice identifies him and then says, Many students and teachers were murdered on Valentines Day ... by a person using an AR-15, but you dont care. You never did. Its been six years and youve done nothing." It continues, I died that day in Parkland. My body was destroyed by a weapon of war. Im back today because my parents used AI to re-create my voice to call you. Other victims like me will be calling too, again and again, to demand action. How many calls will it take for you to care? How many dead voices will you hear before you finally listen? The NRA did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment. In 2020, the Olivers used AI to create a video of Joaquin urging young voters to choose candidates who support stricter gun laws. Critics accused them of politicizing his death to thwart their rights as law-abiding gun owners. They put words in a dead kids mouth. If my father did this to me I would haunt him for the rest of his life, one wrote on YouTube. The Olivers bristle at the suggestion they don't know what Joaquin would say. I know exactly what my son thought, Manual Oliver said. Joaquin took enough time to write his thoughts, his principles, his ideas, his way of living, his dreams, his goals. Everything is out there on social media. Others involved in the new campaign include the families of 23-year-old Akilah Dasilva, one of four people slain during a 2018 shooting at a Waffle House restaurant in Tennessee, and 10-year-old Uziyah Garcia, who died in the 2022 massacre at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school. There are also the parents of 15-year-old Ethan Song, who died in an accidental shooting, and a 20-year-old murder victim and the family of a man who committed suicide. Brett Cross, the uncle who was raising Uziyah, said the boy wanted to help people as a police officer. In the AI's message, Uziyah's voice says, Im a 4th grader at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Or at least I was when a man with an AR-15 came into my school and killed 18 of my classmates, two teachers and me." His voice then tells lawmakers, "What is it going to take for you to help make sure violence like this stops? Cross said his family is participating so that no other child will have to go through what Uzi did. No other parent should have to go through what we have." Song shot himself in 2018 at his best friend's house in Connecticut while the two played with a handgun, one of several firearms the other boy's father hadn't locked away. Mike and Kristin Song created a message in their son's voice pushing for a federal law making it a crime to not properly store guns in homes where children live. You would think the stacking up of our dead childrens coffins would be enough to create a cultural shift in this country, but sadly our message is really falling on deaf ears, Kristin Song said. Other families who lost loved ones to gun violence will be allowed to add their victim's re-created voice to the project, which runs indefinitely. The Olivers aren't alone among Stoneman Douglas families in their public advocacy since the massacre, with positions taken on both sides of the gun debate. But while many others stick primarily to addressing rallies, social media posts and lobbying and have had some success the Olivers, particularly Manuel, get in opponents faces and challenge allies to be brazen. They call themselves the rebel side of the gun violence prevention movement." Manuel Oliver's rally speeches are often laced with obscenities. He was arrested in 2022 after he climbed a construction crane near the White House, unfurling a banner that demanded President Joe Biden enact stricter gun laws. Months later, he was ejected from a White House event for yelling at the president. An artist, he painted an anti-gun mural across the street from the NRA's Virginia headquarters as gun-toting counter-protestors watched. He tours the country with a one-man play about his son and his murder, the performances punctuated by him hammering holes into a life-size portrait of Joaquin, each representing the bullets that struck him. We dont have nothing to lose here we already lost everything, Manuel Oliver said. For me, (protesting) is normal. The only thing that is not normal is that we are allowing our society to let people die. Maryland authorities on Monday released a sketch of a man they believe is responsible for the killing of a mother of five whose body was found on a hiking trail last summer. Rachel Morin, 37, was reported missing Aug. 5, 2023, by her boyfriend, who told police she went for a run on the Ma & Pa Trail in Bel Air, Maryland, but never returned home. Morins body was discovered by a volunteer search party the following day, and investigators reported that her death was a homicide. Authorities suspected that Morin was attacked on a bend in the hiking trail and then pulled into a hidden drainage culvert, where her remains were found, Harford County sheriffs Capt. Andy Lane said on Mondays episode of Into the Sheriffs Spotlight, a podcast hosted by Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler. Lane said he thought the killer stalked Morin and waited to attack her, but he did not think she was targeted. Authorities believe the killer was in the Bel Air area in the days before Morins death. A sketch of the suspect sought in the death of Rachel Morin is released by the Harford County Sheriff's Office in Maryland. A sketch of the suspect sought in the death of Rachel Morin is released by the Harford County Sheriff's Office in Maryland. Authorities later announced that DNA found at the crime scene in Maryland matched an unidentified male suspected in a March 26, 2023, home invasion in Los Angeles. Lane told Into the Sheriffs Spotlight that law enforcement got the DNA sample from a hat left behind in the Los Angeles home invasion. The captain described the Los Angeles crime as a violent attack, adding, There were multiple people within that home who were injured, and there were minor children injured as well in that attack. Anyone who can identify this unknown male, or has additional information, is asked to contact the Harford County Sheriffs Office at our tip line (410) 836-7788 or via email at RMtips@HarfordSheriff.org. pic.twitter.com/U1niUnCmwB Harford Sheriff (@Harford_Sheriff) August 18, 2023 Morins mother, Patty Morin, told Baltimores WBAL-TV she is determined to find her daughters killer. I cant live with pain for the rest of my life, like, I cant do that. There has to be something to help us to move forward, she said. Hes just going to continue to do it because he thinks he can get away with it, and someone else is going to feel this pain that were feeling and it shouldnt be that way, Patty Morin said. In a statement shared with HuffPost, Morins family said the sketch is offering them hope that an arrest in imminent. We are so thankful and encouraged that a sketch has developed for Rachels killer, Patty Morin said in the statement. This is a significant step forward in our pursuit of justice, and we are hopeful that it will lead to the identification and apprehension of the man who took Rachel away from us. On Monday, when detectives released the sketch, they said theyve conducted more than 100 interviews and followed up on more than 1,000 tips. Harford deputies said the investigation has taken them to seven states and has been aided by several federal, state and local agencies. This investigation has not slowed or stalled, the sheriffs office said in its news release. Related... FBI Director Christopher Wray made a surprise trip to Israel on Wednesday, meeting with fellow law enforcement and intelligence partners to discuss the ongoing threats facing both countries. In a readout of the trip, Wray reiterated the FBIs support for Israel and pledged to continue to be responsive to Israeli requests for support in their ongoing efforts to keep their citizens safe from the threats and acts of terrorism. He also thanked his counterparts for their collaborative efforts on defeating threats from foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), which have been on the rise since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas, which is designated as an FTO by the U.S. The FBIs partnership with our Israeli counterparts is longstanding, close, and robust, and Im confident the closeness of our agencies contributed to our ability to move so quickly in response to these attacks, and to ensure our support is as seamless as possible, Wray said in a statement. The readout said Wrays primary focus is the FBIs work to confront the elevated threat from FTOs, which, the stated said, have expressed support and praise for the attacks on Israel and threatened to attack US interests both abroad and in the homeland. While in Israel, Wray met with FBI officials based in Tel Aviv and thanked them for their work combating ongoing threats of FTOs and for providing services to U.S. victims of the Oct. 7 attack, according to the readout. He also met with officials at the U.S. Embassy. The readout said Wray met with Israeli intelligence and law enforcement officials, as well. His trip comes as the civilian death toll in Gaza from Israels offensive against Hamas continues to rise. While the U.S. has remained steadfastly supportive of Israel, President Biden and other officials have grown increasingly critical of some of the tactics in its retaliatory war. On Thursday, Biden said Israels response in Gaza has been over the top. In December, Wray testified before Congress, warning of the heightened threats Americans have faced since the attacks. Given the steady drumbeat of calls for attacks by foreign terrorist organizations since Oct. 7, were working around the clock to identify and disrupt potential attacks by those inspired by Hamass horrific terrorist attacks in Israel, Wray said in testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The threat level has gone to a whole nother level since Oct. 7. He said the heightened threat has targeted Jews, in particular. Weve been opening I think 60 percent more hate crimes investigations post-Oct. 7, then compared to the comparable period pre-Oct. 7, Wray said at the hearing. The biggest chunk of those are threats against the Jewish community, but there are of course attacks against others as well. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Christian Emmanuel Sanon, the Haitian-American pastor who hired former Colombian soldiers to protect him in Haiti while he aspired to replace President Jovenel Moise, is now being charged with conspiring to kidnap or kill Haitis leader, according to a revised indictment filed Wednesday in Miami federal court. Sanon, 65, who has lived in Broward County and elsewhere in Florida, was previously charged a year ago with conspiring to smuggle bullet-proof vests to Haiti for the Colombians, a violation of U.S. export laws, and plotting a military expedition against a friendly nation, a violation of the U.S. Neutrality Act. But the amended indictment filed by federal prosecutors in Miami places Sanon in the deadly plot that led to Moises middle-of-the-night assassination on July 7, 2021. The addition of the more serious charges against Sanon represents a significant development because both federal prosecutors and FBI agents had said in court hearings and documents that Sanon was aware of the plot to arrest and overthrow Haitis president but unaware of the final decision by others to kill him. Sanon had been in the running to be president during a botched June 14, 2021, attempt at the Port-au-Prince international airport to arrest Moise upon his return from a trip to Turkey. Days after the assassination, he was arrested by Haitian authorities at his home in Port-au-Prince. Sanon has been living on and off in Florida for more than 20 years, from the Tampa Bay area to Hollywood, Boynton Beach and Margate. Until this week, U.S. investigators had given considerable weight to evidence that suggested the plotters had abandoned Sanon as Moises successor after the airport saga, in favor of Haitian Supreme Court Justice Windelle Coq Thelot. Thelot has not been charged by U.S. authorities but she is wanted in Haiti, where she remains a fugitive after nearly three years. Since Sanons extradition from Haiti early last year, six other defendants in the case have pleaded guilty and been cooperating with federal authorities, including providing evidence about Sanons role in the plot that was coordinated in South Florida, Haiti and Colombia. FBI agents and prosecutors have also had ample time to review cellphone records, emails and text messages that align with the testimony of certain cooperating witnesses. Jovenel Moise, the late president of Haiti, is shown speaking at the United Nations in 2018. He was assassinated in July 2021. Sanons defense attorney, Zeljka Bozanic, said that he had hoped to replace Haitis president but was not aware or part of any conspiracy to kill him. While the decision to bring these new charges against Mr. Sanon a year later is surprising, we remain focused on our preparation for trial and clearing his name, Bozanic told the Herald. The substantial revision in the U.S. case follows an investigative report published by the Herald last week that revealed that investigators in Haiti view Sanon as one of the authors of the assault on the presidents home in the hills above Port-au-Prince. Haiti investigative judge Walther Wesser Voltaire is expected to formally issue charges in the case soon. More than 40 people have been jailed in Port-au-Prince for the presidents murder, including former Colombian soldiers and members of Moises presidential security detail. However, no one has been formally charged. Of the original 11 defendants charged in the U.S. case in Miami, five have pleaded guilty to conspiring to kidnap or kill Moise and two related counts involving providing material support in the violent coup. Those offenses carry potential sentences of life in prison. A sixth defendant has pleaded guilty to conspiring with Sanon and the others in backing the military expedition against Haiti and conspiring with Sanon in exporting the bullet-proof vests to the contingent of 22 Colombians, most of them once members of elite military units. The former soldiers were allegedly hired by a Miami-area security company to carry out the slaying of Moise. Those two offenses carry up to 10 years in prison. Sanon, who has pleaded not guilty to the original charges against him, was looking at the possibility of up to 10 years in prison. But the new charge of conspiring to kill Moise carries a possible life sentence. A physician and pastor who split his time between Port-au-Prince and South Florida, Sanon participated in several meetings before the attack. He was sometimes referred to as President as he conducted meetings at the Tower Club in downtown Fort Lauderdale and at a rented house in Port-au-Prince in the spring of 2021 before the brazen attack. In South Florida, he spoke about an ambitious redevelopment program to save Haiti, while in Haiti he projected himself as Moises successor. James Solages, a co-conspirator who was extradited from Haiti to South Florida, told Haitian authorities that in March 2021 Sanon called asking for his help and promised him a payment of $80,000, allegedly to serve as an interpreter for the Colombians who were hired to protect him. Solages testified that Sanon informed him that he had been chosen by the U.S. State Department to lead a presidential transition in Haiti a claim that was untrue. The next month on April 4, Joseph Joel John, a former senator who has pleaded guilty in the U.S. case, traveled to South Florida from Haiti. He met with Solages and Sanon as well as several other co-conspirators, the U.S. government says. The others included Walter Veintemilla, a Weston financier who provided a $175,000 loan to Counter Terrorist Unit Security for Sanons protection; the firms owner, Antonio Tony Intriago, and Arcangel Pretel Ortiz. Pretel ran Counter Terrorist Unit Federal Academy LLC, an affiliate of CTU Security. At the time of the plot, he was an FBI informant but the agency has said it had no knowledge of his involvement. While Pretel allegedly recruited the Colombians via a closed WhatsApp group, it was Intriagos job to pay them. Each of the former soldiers was supposed to be paid $10,000, according to the Haitian investigation. Pretel, Solages, Intriago and Veintemilla are awaiting trial on charges of conspiring to kill Haitis leader. The trial is now scheduled for May, though that date might change with the more serious charges levied against Sanon. Last week, a former U.S. government informant was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to kill Moise and admitting that he attended strategy meetings before the assassination in 2021. In this July 8, 2021, file photo, suspects in the assassination of Haitis President Jovenel Moise are shown to the media, along with the weapons and equipment they allegedly used in the attack, at police headquarters in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Joseph Vincent, 58, a Haitian American, became the fourth of 11 defendants to be sentenced to life in the Miami federal case for his supporting role in the murder plot. Vincent is cooperating with federal prosecutors by providing evidence of the meetings, logistics and actions of some of the other co-defendants who still face trial. A former informant with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Vincent was believed to be a key witness against other indicted co-conspirators, including fellow Haitian American Solages. Solages is accused of collaborating with CTU Security, the Doral-based company owned and operated by Intriago, who met with Solages in South Florida and in Haiti before Moises assassination. Vincent was also believed to be providing inside information on Sanon, with whom he met in South Florida and Haiti. Last week, a sixth defendant, Frederick Bergmann, 65, of Tampa, pleaded guilty to two conspiracy counts: backing a military expedition against a friendly nation and violating U.S. export laws by smuggling bullet-proof vests to the Colombians in Haiti. Three related counts will be dismissed as part of his cooperation agreement with prosecutors. Bergmann, an accountant represented by attorney Henry Bell, faces up to 10 years in prison at his sentencing in April. In October, John, the former senator, pleaded guilty to the murder conspiracy and related charges to Moises killing and in December was sentenced to life in prison. Hes also cooperating with prosecutors. Johns goal was to become the prime minister under Moises successor following the leaders removal from office, according to court records. John, 52, acknowledged to FBI agents that he had met with some co-conspirators just before they embarked on the mission to kill President Moise at his suburban home, according to court records. John admitted that he helped obtain rental vehicles, made introductions to Haitian gang members and tried to get firearms for the co-conspirators operation targeting the president, according to his statement filed with his plea agreement. John, who is also known as John Joel Joseph and who features prominently in Haitis investigation, attended meetings in South Florida and Haiti with the main suspects and tried to acquire weapons and ammunition for them, according to the statement and other court records. He was also believed to have been a link between the various groups. On the night of the killing, he was in communication with several suspects. Retired Colombian army officer German Alejandro Rivera Garcia, known as Colonel Mike, admitted that he met with several co-conspirators from Haiti and South Florida before leading the group of former Colombian soldiers to the Haitian presidents home to kill him. In October, Rivera, 45, was sentenced to life in prison in federal court, but he is hoping to get his sentence reduced with cooperation. A former Colombian soldier, Mario Antonio Palacios Palacios, 45, who was at the presidents home on the night of the slaying, also pleaded guilty in December to the main murder conspiracy charge and faces up to life in prison. Palacios spent several months hiding in Haiti before escaping to Jamaica, from where he was later sent to the U.S. while tryhing to make his way back to Colombia. Haitian businessman Rodolphe Jaar, 51, admitted to providing weapons, lodging and money in the conspiracy to assassinate the president. A dual Haitian and Chilean citizen, Jaar was sentenced in June to life in prison but is hoping to get his prison term decreased with cooperation. He had previously been convicted of drug trafficking in the United States. HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) Fort Hays State University says the Glitter + Ash event that was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14, on campus was sponsored by Us4U and the United Methodist Campus Ministry. The university said in a statement that both are recognized student organizations, and both followed established protocols for creating, announcing, and holding the event. The university said as with any student organization-led event, a communication included an FHSU-branded header graphic. At least 8 people injured in shooting after Chiefs Super Bowl rally in Kansas City: police The inclusion of the university brand mark in the header is not intended to serve as an affirmed or implied endorsement of the beliefs and views held or expressed by any Student Organization. In the interest of ensuring that the First Amendment right of every individual is respected, FHSU remains viewpoint-neutral on this and other Student Organization-led events. We are in the process of updating our student organization event announcement procedures to clarify that these are announcements from the Student Organizations, not the university, and the content of the emails and the events themselves may not reflect the opinions/beliefs of the university or university leadership, reads the statement. FHSU goes on to say, The Kansas Board of Regents and Fort Hays State University are committed to the free expression of ideas and beliefs, and we are united in our commitment to full and open inquiry and discourse and the robust exchange of ideas and perspectives. For more on the KBORs stance on freedom of expression, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. A mysterious shipwreck suddenly appeared on the shores of a Newfoundland coastal community last month, believed to have been dislodged from the seabed by a fierce storm. Now, as a new storm barrels toward eastern Canada, the community is in a race against time to save it. The wreck, lodged in shallow waters near the small town of Cape Ray, was discovered by a local resident on the morning of January 20. As soon as Shawn Bath and Trevor Croft, both from the Clean Harbours Initiative, heard about it, they grabbed their dive gear and rushed down to the beach. Swimming around the vessel, they attempted to secure it by slinging ropes across its 100-foot-long frame. Its a pretty magical experience when youre the first two people to stand on that ship in probably 200 years, Croft told CNN. Both men have been working in the region for two years as part of a coastal clean-up operation in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, which slammed into Canadas Atlantic Coast in 2022 as one of the most powerful storms in the countrys history. Bath believes it was Hurricane Fiona that initially dislodged the shipwreck from its resting place, before it slowly drifted toward the southwestern coastline of Newfoundland island, pushed along by storms and sea swells. Now, as a new storm approaches, the community is scrambling to stop the vessel being destroyed by the same elements that brought it to their shores. The Cape Ray shipwreck is an example of a wider phenomenon, experts say, where climate change-fueled storms are uncovering the worlds underwater history but also destroying it. Shawn Bath, of the Clean Harbours Initiative, works to secure the shipwreck in Cape Ray, Newfoundland, Canada. - Courtesy Shawn Trevor/Clean Harbours Initiative A section of shipwreck that washed ashore is seen in Cape Ray, Canada. - Shawn Trevor/Clean Harbours Initiative The wrecks origins and age remain unknown. Croft said it may be a French or British ship possibly around 200 years old, but until it comes out of the water, its all guesswork, he said. Lisa Briggs, an underwater archaeologist and research fellow at Cranfield University in the UK, said the wreck is significant for the community because it could be a clue as to how people arrived on the island. The likelihood is that people who are descendants of those who came on this ship still live on the island today, she told CNN. But this preserved slice of local history is at risk. The tides are already weakening the vessel. While the wood is in good shape, it is held together with copper and brass pins. Every time the wave goes underneath that ship and raises it up a little bit, those beams get looser and looser, Bath said. The approaching storm, forecast to arrive Wednesday evening, has raised the stakes even further. Forecasts suggest wind gusts of 25 mph around Cape Ray with waves up to 20 feet. The wreck could just pretty much disintegrate, Croft said. Without government funds to extract and preserve the wreck, Bath and Croft are trying to raise funds through a GoFundMe campaign. Their aim is to pull the wreck from the water to preserve it and, ultimately, put it on display as a tourist attraction for this remote community. Its a race against time, Croft said. Trevor Croft, also from the Clean Harbours Initiative, attempts to secure parts of the shipwreck to keep it from breaking up in the rough waters off the coast of Cape Ray, Newfoundland, Canada. - Courtesy Shawn Trevor/Clean Harbours Initiative Part of a shipwreck is seen underwater after it washed ashore at Cape Ray, a small coastal community in Newfoundland, Canada, on January 20. - Courtesy Shawn Trevor/Clean Harbours Initiative The phenomenon of storms dislodging shipwrecks from seabeds where they have sometimes rested for centuries is not uncommon, Briggs said, especially as climate change fuels more powerful and more intense storms. While that might sound like a good thing for underwater archaeologists, it often isnt, she added. When storms rip the protective layers of sand off shipwrecks, they can cause irretrievable damage. Its much better if the archaeologists themselves are gently removing sand in a controlled way, Briggs said. Climate change presents other threats to shipwrecks, too, Briggs added. Rising levels of carbon pollution in the atmosphere are changing the chemistry of seawater, making it more acidic. This can accelerate the disintegration of delicate, organic materials preserved on wrecks, such as ropes, sails and textiles. Then theres the underwater archeologists nightmare: shipworms. These worm-shaped mollusks have a voracious appetite for wood. Shipworms have traditionally only been found in warmer waters, meaning wrecks in the colder waters were considered safe from their destruction. But as the oceans warm, the mollusks are migrating further north. In 2016, archaeologists hauled up a piece of wood from the Arctic seafloor teeming with slimy, white shipworms. The more we see climate change affecting our world today, the more damage were going to see to submerged cultural heritage, Briggs said. It matters, she said, because ships tell a unique story about our past. You have this one moment in time, thats been perfectly crystallized on the seafloor, she said. In Cape Ray, Croft and Bath are doing all they can to protect the mysterious wreck. Bath cant quite believe how much of a challenge it has been. Something so beautiful drifts ashore in this little town, he said, and were struggling to get finances to haul it out of the water before the storms destroy it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Tennessee law enforcement personnel were able to arrest Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. who is suspected of being responsible for the killing of a Blount County deputy and injury of another. Detectives successfully tracked the suspect's mobile phone during the manhunt, which eventually led them to a home on Linden Avenue in Knoxville's Park City neighborhood. When officers saw the suspect step outside, they quickly moved in using flash bangs, partially to freeze a dog that was seen at the house. Tennessee Man Arrested Over Killing of Deputy Law enforcement authorities said that DeHart surrendered with his hands up and he was taken into custody at around 3:20 p.m. Officers from the Blount County Sheriff's Office, Knox County Sheriff's Office, Knoxville Police Department, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Marshals Service were at the scene when DeHart was arrested. The suspect was later booked in a Blount County jail at the same time that Deputy Greg McCowan's friends and family were mourning him a few miles away at Sevier Heights Baptist Church, as per Knox News. The suspect was then moved to an undisclosed facility located outside of Blount County after he was booked so that he was in the custody of authorities who were not connected to the sheriff's office. In a statement, Sheriff James Berrong said that the suspect killed one of his deputies, adding that he did not want to be implicated in any potential issues. DeHart was wanted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Shortly before 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, 2024, McCowan and Deputy Shelby Eggers tried to stop the suspect's SUV on Sevierville Road in Maryville, where the suspect shot both deputies. Read Also: New York: Russian-Canadian Woman Pleads Guilty to Exporting Missile Parts to Husband to Help Russia Fight Ukraine In the coming weeks, the Blount County District Attorney will be responsible for determining whether or not to pursue the death penalty, in consultation with McCowan's family. Berrong said following the suspect's arrest that he personally wants the death penalty. A resident who lives near where DeHart was arrested, Roberta Martin, said that the first she heard was something that sounded like a bomb. She argued that she immediately thought it was a smoke bomb and added that she had no idea what was going on, according to WVLT. The Arrest of Kenneth Wayne DeHart Jr. She later saw a lot of police officers with their guns drawn and hiding behind their cars and was only able to find out what was happening at a later time when somebody said that the man inside the house had shot an officer. Berrong said that he plans to release the body camera footage of the incident that resulted in McCowan's death. However, he noted that he wanted to give the affected families the chance to watch the footage first. On the sheriff's office's Facebook page, Berrong said that with DeHart's arrest, the judicial process can take place in the court system. He also expressed his gratitude to their law enforcement partners and the community. During a news conference, Berrong said that law enforcement personnel arrested DeHart and used handcuffs that belonged to McCowan. He said that the late deputy would be "appreciative of that," said CNN. Related Article: Chrystul Kizer Case: Milwaukee Woman Who Killed Alleged Rapist Faces Bail-Jumping Charges in Louisiana A fired Rapides Parish Sheriff's correctional deputy was sentenced Wednesday to probation, just more than a month after he pleaded guilty to smuggling items into an Alexandria jail. A fired Rapides Parish Sheriff's correctional deputy was sentenced Wednesday to probation, just more than a month after he pleaded guilty to smuggling items into an Alexandria jail. Christopher Hall, 25, received a five-year prison sentence, but that was suspended by 9th Judicial District Court Judge Chris Hazel. Instead, Hall will serve three years of supervised probation. According to Louisiana law, his Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) certification has been revoked. Hall was arrested in January 2022 after a complaint was received about items being smuggled into the Detention Center #3, a facility off Coliseum Boulevard in Alexandria. Christopher Hall arrest: Rapides deputy fired, arrested after investigation into contraband complaint Plea bargain: Former Rapides Parish Sheriff deputy pleads guilty to malfeasance charge He was arrested on charges of felony criminal conspiracy, possession of a controlled dangerous substance I, felony taking contraband to and from a penal facility and malfeasance in office. He was fired on the day he was arrested. Hall was formally charged in December 2023 on just the malfeasance charge, and he pleaded guilty to it in January as he trial was set to begin. This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Fired Rapides Parish Sheriff's deputy gets probation in smuggling case GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) Officials with the White House announced that First Lady Jill Biden will be traveling to Green Bay on Friday to visit the Rail Yard Innovation District. The First Lady will arrive in Green Bay around 2:30 p.m. on February 16. Girls shred too: GBASOs Ladies Night empowers women in action sports Around 3:15 p.m., Jill Biden will visit the Rail Yard Innovation District in Green Bay to join a roundtable to spotlight efforts to expand career-connected learning in high school and college. Bidens visit aims to highlight how the Biden Administrations policies are benefiting students across the country, officials say. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. The annual visit of Purple Martins to South Carolina has started anew. Nearly a dozen South Carolinians have reported seeing adult Purple Martins, referred to as scouts, in recent days, according to the Purple Martin Conservation Association website. Scout is the name given to the first martins seen back at an active colony site each year. They are the oldest individuals in the population and migrate north as early as the weather allows. Enthusiasts across the eastern and central United States help track and report the beloved birds annual migration on behalf of the association. Purple Martins in SC Below is a list of all the locations of early Purple Martins sightings in South Carolina for 2024, according to the association. Galivants Ferry on Feb. 12 Prosperity on Feb. 11 Hemingway on Feb. 11 New Ellenton on Feb. 11 Varnville on Feb. 11 Sumter on Feb. 10 Timmonsville on Feb. 8 Pamplico on Feb. 8 Gilbert on Feb. 2 Hanahan on Jan. 31 A purple martin. Purple Martins According to the Audubon Society, Purple Martins are long-distance migrant swallows. They can grow between 18 and 11 cm in length with angular, pointed wings and a forked tail. The males are glossy and blue-black all over, while the females are grayer below and have white bellies. Once widespread in rural America, approximately a third of the Purple Martin population has disappeared over the last 50 years, due to factors including nesting habitat loss, competing invasive species, decreasing prey availability and climate change, according to the conservation association. Purple Martins might be best known in South Carolina for their stop every year at Bomb Island at Lake Murray. Between early July and the end of August, thousands of the birds will appear every afternoon at sundown on the lake. The local phenomenon of the birds returning to the same island each year is still a bit of a mystery. However, the warm climate, the natural protection from predators the island provides and the large population of insects to eat, are all good reasons why the birds would be attracted to the spot, experts say. To follow along with the Purple Martins migration and learn more about how you can help ensure the future of Purple Martins, visit www.purplemartin.org. People interested in learning more about how to attract and care for Purple Martins can receive a free booklet by contacting the Purple Martin Conservation Association by emailing info@purplemartin.org or calling 814-833-7656. DULLES, Va. (DC News Now) Thousands of flight attendants demonstrated outside airports across the county demanding better working conditions and better pay as part of a worldwide day of action. At Dulles International Airport, several major airlines were represented as flight attendants and pilots chanted outside the United ticket counter. 100,000 flight attendants from three unions are currently in contract negotiations. Overworked, underpaid. Pay us all a living wage, said Lois Breece, local council president of the Association of Flight Attendants. Police arrest man for fatal shooting in Southeast DC Northern Virginia-based flight attendants are pushing their employers to share the wealth. These airline management personnel have been going on their quarterly earnings calls, talking about record profits. And, you know, all of this passenger traffic is coming back. And we just want to be part of those profits, too, said Chip Lowe, local council vice president of the Association of Flight Attendants. The union says some flight attendants havent had a raise in five years and say working conditions and pay have been eroded by consistent operational issues and the cost of living being significantly higher following the pandemic. What do we want? A contract. When do we want it? Now! Breece chanted. Breece said scheduling is also an issue. Its about flexibility. Its about having a quality of life. And its also about a career, Breece said. This comes as they see airlines flying more routes with new destinations, arguing that the major airlines can afford to dish out profits to the employees. Theyre making money hand over fist, and we deserve a livable wage. And its time for them to give us something, Breece said. In a statement, United said The federal mediator requested by the AFA has scheduled our first negotiations session for March 19. Were looking forward to working with AFA to narrow the issues so that we can continue to work toward an industry-leading agreement for our flight attendants. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A falling acorn prompted a Florida sheriff's deputy to empty his pistol into his own patrol car, where a handcuffed suspect was sitting at the time. Another deputy also fired at the car. Amazingly, neither the suspect nor anyone else was injured. The bizarre incident, which happened on November 12 in Fort Walton Beach, led to the resignation of Deputy Jesse Hernandez three weeks later, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office revealed on Friday. Hernandez, who had been a deputy since January 2022, and his partner, Sgt. Beth Roberts, were responding to two service calls. The first, received at 8:42 a.m., involved "a vehicle driving around honking its horn and disrupting the peace since 3 a.m.," the sheriff's office said. The second call was from a woman who said her 22-year-old boyfriend, Marquis Jackson, had stolen her car and "had been calling and texting her threats." She "provided text messages she said had been taken from inside her vehicle showing what appeared to be a firearm suppressor pointing at the dash of the victim's vehicle." Jackson, who showed up at the scene on McLaren Circle around 9:09 a.m., "was detained, searched, handcuffed, and placed in the rear of Deputy Hernandez's patrol vehicle while the investigation continued" and "the victim completed the affidavit for the stolen vehicle." She "told deputies Jackson had a silencer" but "she was not sure where it was" and added that he "had more than one weapon." Meanwhile, "other deputies found the victim's vehicle at 1656 Hunt Club Street." Body camera video shows what happened next. Hernandez is walking back toward his patrol car when he exclaims, "Shots fired! Shots fired! Shots fired!" He rolls, runs away from his car, turns, and fires 17 rounds into the vehicle, emptying his magazine. While he is firing the last few rounds, he shouts, "I'm hit! I'm hit!" Later he says, "I'm good, but I feel weird." Then he speculates that "it might have hit my vest" and asks another officer, "Dude, am I hit?" Hernandez was not hit, because no shots were fired until he began shooting at the patrol car where Jackson was sitting. After "witnessing Deputy Hernandez's response and reaction and fearing for his life," the sheriff's office says, Roberts "responded with gunshots towards the car as well in response to the perceived threat." That's a lot of responding. To what, exactly? The sheriff's office says Hernandez "heard a pop sound which he perceived to be a gunshot." It adds that "the audible sound Deputy Hernandez reported can be heard on body cam video" (not by me!) and that "witnesses also attested they heard the sound they thought could have been a muffled gunshot." During the ensuing investigation, Vice News reports, Hernandez was shown "frame-by-frame footage" in which an acorn can be seen hitting the patrol car, which was parked near an oak tree. "Acorn?" Hernandez asked. "Acorn," an investigator replied. "Immediately we began working diligently to determine the complete sequence of events and facts surrounding what transpired," Sheriff Eric Aden said. "Deputy Hernandez resigned during the course of our investigation but was ultimately found to have violated policy" because his use of deadly force was not "objectively reasonable." The internal investigation "also led to the determination" that Roberts' "use of deadly force was objectively reasonable," and "she was exonerated." A review by the 1st Judicial Circuit State Attorney's Office found "no probable cause for criminal charges" against either deputy. Aden said he is "limited in further response due to pending litigation." But he added: "We understand this situation was traumatic for Mr. Jackson and all involved and have incorporated this officer involved shootinginto our training to try to ensure nothing similar happens again. We are very thankful Mr. Jackson wasn't injured and we have no reason to think former Deputy Hernandez acted with any malice. Though his actions were ultimately not warranted, we do believe he felt his life was in immediate peril and his response was based off the totality of circumstances surrounding this fear. Just as we have an obligation to protect our officers so they can go home safely to their families, law enforcement has the same obligation to any citizen being investigated for a crime." If Hernandez's actions "were ultimately not warranted," of course, he cannot take refuge in "the totality of circumstances." Those circumstances included a suspect who had already been repeatedly searched and taken into custody. Yet the pop of a falling acorn was all it took to convince Hernandez that Jackson had somehow managed to conceal a handgun equipped with a silencer, then retrieve and fire it, all while handcuffed and restrained by a seat belt in the back of a police car. In a Facebook post, Jackson claims he "had not done anything wrong" when he was approached by the deputies. "They never told me anything," he writes. "I decided to cooperate and just follow demands.I was searched multiple times, then unlawfully handcuffed and placed into the backseat of the cop car while being strapped down by the seatbelts." When the shooting started, Jackson says, "All I could do was lean over and play dead to prevent getting shot in the head. I was scared to death and I knew all I could depend on was God! I ignored everything and prayed! Windows were shattering on me the whole time as bullets continued flying across me. I was blessed not to get hit by any bullets or get hurt physically but mentally, I'm not ok. I haven't been the same since and I don't think this feeling I have will ever change. I truly believe I'm damaged for life!" The post A Florida Cop Gets Into a Shootout With an Acorn, Emptying His Gun Into His Own Patrol Car appeared first on Reason.com. Commentary: Chinese New Year: Conveying a message of unity and hope Xinhua) 12:19, February 14, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Streets across China and Chinatowns worldwide come alive this time each year with Chinese culture-inspired decorations and clusters of crimson lanterns. One cannot help but be immersed in the auspicious atmosphere of the Chinese New Year. After the recognition of the Lunar New Year as a UN floating holiday last December, it has become more evident that China's wisdom and peace-loving traditions hold greater appeal in a world characterized by continued uncertainty and turmoil. This recognition underscores the global significance of China's cultural heritage and recognizes the values of unity, harmony and resilience at the heart of the Chinese New Year celebrations. According to the Chinese zodiac and tradition, this year is the Year of the Dragon, and the dragon symbolizes wisdom, courage and good luck. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said these qualities are needed by the world "to rise to today's global challenges." Amidst global turmoil and uncertainty, the spirit of the Dragon calls upon nations to set aside differences and work together toward common goals. It challenges leaders to prioritize dialogue over discord, collaboration over conflict, and solidarity over division. In his Lunar New Year greetings to the global Chinese community, Guterres commended China for its "unwavering support to the United Nations, to multilateralism and global progress." As China embraces its role on the world stage, it champions its progress and the common security, development, and prosperity of nations far and wide. China's commitment to openness and multilateralism and its dedication to building a community with a shared future for humanity have played an essential role in fostering global peace and prosperity, providing stability and optimism in an era of uncertainty and disorder. Also known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year heralds a season of renewal and growth. Just as the earth awakens from its winter slumber, the spirit of the Chinese people awakens during this auspicious time. As the world comes together to commemorate the Chinese New Year, it should also serve as a reminder of the universal themes that unite all -- the triumph of light over darkness, the resilience of the human spirit, and the enduring power of hope. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Former Democratic representative Thomas Suozzi would make a return to Capitol Hill after he won a by-election in New York state's 3rd district on Tuesday (Feb. 13) to fill the seat vacated by disgraced Republican Rep. George Santos. Suozzi's win against GOP candidate Mazi Pilip also meant that the House GOP majority was cut down to a single seat, making legislation more difficult in the future, NBC News reported. The Democrats could use the win as leverage to regain the House majority and subsequently deal with political vulnerability on immigration and border security. Suozzi might seek to be sworn into Congress as early as Thursday (Feb. 15), according to a source with knowledge of his thinking. An alternative date would be by the end of the month after the House took an extended recess for President's Day. Suozzi: 'We Won' Despite GOP's Dirty Tricks At his victory party late Tuesday, Suozzi thanked a long list of supporters and staff and ran through some of the attacks he faced in the race. "Despite all the lies about Tom Suozzi and the Squad, about Tom Suozzi being the godfather of the migrant crisis, about 'Sanctuary Suozzi,' despite the dirty tricks, despite the vaunted Nassau County Republican machine: We won," he told his supporters. Suozzi's speech was initially interrupted by protesters who accused him of supporting "genocide" in Gaza, with one of them walking onstage to shout down Suozzi while holding what appeared to be a Palestinian flag, but he was removed. Read Also: New York Candidates Clah in Special Election Debate Amid Efforts To Win George Santos's Vacated Seat New York's 'Purple' District? Another factor that helped in Suozzi's win was the winter storm that affected the New York City area on election day, as Democrats have built up an early advantage in early votes, as well as his name recall and past experience as a congressman. Though President Joe Biden won the Long Island-based district by 8 percentage points, according to calculations from Daily Kos Elections, Republicans have made gains in the area since then. This resulted in Santos winning the seat in 2022 by eight points before he was expelled from Capitol Hill following his indictment on federal charges and a damning Ethics Committee report that alleged he broke multiple federal laws and misused campaign funds. Santos pleaded not guilty to the charges and was scheduled to face court in September. Suozzi and Pilip could face off again in November as both of them are committed to running for a full term. But the New York state has been planning to redistrict the area where Suozzi would be serving, as the commission responsible for the redistricting of the area would have until Feb, 28 to redraw the new congressional map, and the state GOP has vowed to challenge it if the party viewed it as a partisan gerrymander. Related Article: Thomas Suozzi Faces Off Against Mazi Pilip in New York Special Election To Take George Santos' Seat Florida man wanted for allegedly stealing more than $1,700 worth of gas: police TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Police are searching for a man who they believe stole more than $1,700 of fuel from a 7-Eleven gas station last week. On the morning of Feb. 6, officials said the man was seen getting out of a green minivan that may have been involved in siphoning diesel gasoline at the 7-Eleven located at 11501 State Road 82 in Fort Myers. Gabbys gone: Brian Laundries parents reveal what happened after Petitos death in new depositions According to the Fort Myers Police Department, the minivan was parked over an underground tank for roughly 23 minutes before fleeing to an unknown location. The gas station lost 446 gallons of diesel fuel, worth approximately $1,733.60, the police department said. Fort Myers Police Department Fort Myers Police Department The unknown man is described as having light-dark skin, possibly Hispanic, and wearing a gray hat, blue jacket, black undershirt, dark gray pants, and sandals. The vehicle is a green minivan, likely an old model Chrysler with a spare tire on the roof, gray tape on the rear passenger window with stickers on the back windshield. Anyone with any information regarding the incident or who knows the man is asked to call Fort Myers Police at 239-321-7700. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. A federal jury convicted two Florida men of fraud for selling relatively worthless health insurance policies to unsuspecting victims in southern Illinois and elsewhere via a telemarketing scheme. Prosecutors with the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Illinois said Steven Dorfman, 39, and John A. Sand, 49, ran Simple Health, a health insurance telemarketing company based in south Florida. Dorfman was the owner and CEO of the company, and Sand served as the companys vice president of sales. The indictment accused both men of directing salespersons to lie to thousands of prospective customers by convincing them their policies would function like major medical insurance. This led to many victims falling into tens of thousands of dollars worth of medical debt because the Simple Health policies didnt cover them. Thats because Simple Health plans provided low amounts of coverage for medical expenses. When the policies reached their low caps, the customers were responsible for paying 100% of the medical costs beyond that. Radio DJ killed, children among 22 people shot at end of Chiefs Super Bowl parade Its believed Simple Health sold these limited indemnity policies to more than 400,000 people across the country between May 2012 and November 2018 and generated more than $190 million in ill-gotten gains. More than 1,400 policies were sold to victims in all 38 counties in the Southern District of Illinois, prosecutors said. Both Dorfman and Sand were convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, four counts of mail fraud, and eight counts of wire fraud. Dorfman will be sentenced on May 21 and Sand the following day. A third person, Candida L. Girouard, 47, was also named in the indictment. She worked as the chief compliance officer for Simple Health. She previously pleaded guilty in November 2023 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Shell be sentenced on May 15. Each sentencing will happen at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Yahoo Sports Why Fields wasnt scooped by other teams largely centers on his one year of rookie contract control, which features a fifth-year option that will be set at $25.6 million. TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A Florida woman is behind bars after she hid from police in a playground slide following several attempts to break into nearby vehicles, according to the Flagler County Sheriffs Office. Deputies responded to calls about a suspicious person at a local school on Friday around 6:30 pm. who was trying to open several car doors and throwing things over the fence of the schools playground. Man stole statues to gift ex-girlfriend for Valentines Day: Sheriff Judd Julie Martellucci, 45, of Palm Coast was found trying to hide in a corkscrew tube slide. Eventually, police removed her from the slide after she ignored commands to get out. As the sergeant was trying to restrain Martellucci, she struck him across the face with her elbow, according to the sheriffs office. I was back here with my frog, Martellucci told deputies in a bodycam video during her arrest. because Im a nature nut. Minus the nature part, one of the deputies fires back. Flagler County Sheriffs Office Through investigation, detectives learned that she had thrown multiple playground playsets over the fence and knocked over others. Martellucci also got into a shed on the schools property and tried breaking into two businesses through several windows. During her arrest, Martellucci is heard asking deputies on video, You know what I did two days ago? Theres no telling maam, the deputy responded. Its a mystery: Thousands of nitrous oxide canisters littered around Hillsborough neighborhood I murdered a crane. The cranes on the side of the highway, she said. When asked why she did that, she responds with, I clearly Im a dangerous person. Was the crane trying to get your frog? the deputy said back to her. This would-be thief reached a new low in her attempt to steal from local businesses, said Sheriff Staly. She left a mess on a childrens playground and slid her way into the Green Roof Inn. I also thank the concerned citizens that called in reporting the suspicious behavior that led to her arrest. Finally, if you batter a Deputy Sheriff, I promise you a trip to the Green Roof Inn. Martellucci was arrested on two counts of burglary, resisting arrest with violence, and battery on an officer and taken to the local inmate detention facility. She is being held on a $15,000 bond. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Hundreds of displaced Palestinians taking refuge in Nasser Hospital began evacuating on Wednesday, carrying what few belongings they had. Israeli forces said the evacuation order did not apply to patients or staff. Nasser is the last remaining large hospital in the Gaza Strip after Israeli forces besieged, then raided al-Shifa hospital in central Gaza, underneath which the Israeli military claimed to have "found evidence of a tunnel complex used by Hamas militants." In an audio message sent to the Financial Times by a nurse at the Nasser compound, women could be heard weeping over the sounds of gunfire and an Israeli military loudspeaker delivering instructions. The nurse, who wants to remain anonymous, said that evacuees-- including elderly and some wounded-- were being held at a checkpoint. As reported by the Financial Times and according to the UN, Gaza's health system is collapsing, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies and equipment. Medics are being forced to carry out amputations without anesthesia. The World Health Organization estimates that only 11 hospitals are left partially functioning in Gaza, none of which are as large as Nasser. About 22 have shut down, while three field hospitals in southern Gaza remain operational. Israeli bombardment in the territory had been making its way to Nasser Hospital for weeks, said Jacob Burns, a project coordinator for Medecins Sans Frontieres, who worked at the hospital until early January. Even then, he said, "conditions were very, very difficult, with a frequent influx of the wounded, coming to emergency rooms where there were no beds, and patients on the floor, and doctors working in difficult conditions." The Israeli military alleges Khan Younis is the main target and the operation will soon be expanded to Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. Roughly 1.4 million Palestinians, over half of the territory's population, are jammed into makeshift camps pushed against the border fence shared with Egypt, reported The Associated Press. The Israeli operation, one of the deadliest and most destructive air and ground offensives in recent history, has devastated Gaza's health sector, with less than half of its hospitals even partially functioning as an excess of people are killed and wounded in daily bombardments. Israel continues to accuse militants of using hospitals and other civilian buildings as hideouts. What Have The Last Five Months Done? The Gaza Health Ministry said Israeli snipers on surrounding buildings were preventing people from entering or leaving the hospital last week. Around 300 medical staff were treating an estimated 450 patients, including those wounded in strikes. Approximately 10,000 displaced Palestinians were sheltering in the facility. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed, many of whom are women and children. This number includes over 100 bodies brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours alone. Over 68,000 people have been wounded in the war, including around 11,000 in need of evacuation for urgent treatment. 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes, large areas in northern Gaza have been destroyed, and a humanitarian crisis has left a quarter of the population starving. As a close and complicit ally of Israel, the United States has provided "crucial" military and diplomatic support to Israel. The U.S. is also working with Qatar and Egypt to try and broker a ceasefire. The proposal includes the return of the remaining 130 hostages. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu swears to see the war through until "total victory" over Hamas. A Fortune 500 oil and natural gas company will pay $4 million in civil penalties for unlawful air pollution in New Mexico and Texas, the Justice Department announced Tuesday. According to the federal lawsuit, Houston-based Apache Corporation violated the Clean Air Act across 23 of its oil and natural gas production facilities in Lea and Eddy Counties in New Mexico and Loving and Reeves Counties in Texas. Between 2019 and 2022, Apache improperly stored oil at several of its facilities, federal prosecutors said, fueling a rise in air pollutants that can cause lung irritation and exacerbate respiratory illnesses. This settlement shows that oil and gas operators deserve greater scrutiny because too many are failing to comply with federal and state rules, said New Mexico environment cabinet secretary James Kenney. As a result, bad actors will cause greater federal and state regulation of the entire oil and gas industry as ozone levels rise and public health suffers. The United States is the second-largest producer of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions. Experts say fossil fuels are the largest contributor to climate change. Lawsuit: Ozone levels soared in New Mexico counties The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico, accused Apache of improperly storing oil, causing "unlawful and significant excess emissions" of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide. VOCs and nitrogen oxides are key components in the formation of ground-level ozone, a pollutant that irritates the lungs, exacerbates diseases such as asthma, and can increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis, the Environmental Protection Agency said. In 1979, the EPA identified crude oil and natural gas production as a significant contributor to air pollution and has established guidelines that require companies to minimize emissions. Between April 2019 and August 2022, federal prosecutors said EPA and state officials found illegal emissions at several Apache plants in New Mexico and Texas during site inspections and helicopter surveillance of oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin the largest oil-producing basin in the U.S. During that timeframe, air quality monitors in two New Mexico counties, Lea and Eddy, found rising ozone concentrations that exceeded 95% of the national standards, court documents said. EPA sent multiple violation notices to Apache during that time yet continued to find excess emissions at dozens of facilities. Noxious pollutants directly threaten the health of neighboring communities while propelling our world toward climate disaster, said Alexander Uballez, U.S. attorney for the District of New Mexico. Climate change: What are the causes of climate change? And how can it be stopped? Apache reacts to settlement Alexandra Franceschi, a spokesperson for Apache, told USA TODAY the consent decree announced Tuesday resolves alleged violations from years ago, and the company quickly worked to remedy raised issues. Apache has modified facilities to monitor and capture emissions, increased frequency of site inspections and "expedited maintenance timelines, she added. Moving forward, the consent decree represents our commitment to continuous improvement across our facilities in the Permian Basin. We also continue to collaborate with industry partners through organizations such as the Environmental Partnership and the U.N.s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership in striving toward a more sustainable future, Franceschi said. The $4 million payment in civil penalties will be split evenly to New Mexicos general fund and the federal government, the Justice Department said. The firm will also spend at least $4.5 million in design improvements for emission monitoring, and over $1 million to replace 400 pollutant-emitting pneumatic controllers with more environmentally safe technology by the end of 2024, according to the EPA. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oil company Apache will pay $4 million to settle pollution lawsuit Foundry Group, an 18-year-old venture firm with nearly $3.5 billion in assets under management, has quietly decided to shut down and not raise any more funds. The move was unexpected considering that the firm announced a $500 million fund last year. Boulder, Colorado-based Foundry first announced that its current fund would be its last on January 19. The venture firm had been investing since 2007, according to Crunchbase, and had announced the $500 million fund, Foundry 2022 -- its eighth -- in May of 2023. Over the years, Foundry has invested in more than 200 companies and nearly 50 venture firms, according to co-founder and partner Seth Levine. It had backed the likes of Fitbit, Zynga and AvidXchange, among others. The firm maintains the decision was the plan all along. When TechCrunch reached out to Levine, he declined to directly comment on the firms decision to shutter, and instead pointed to blogs hed written. In one blog, he acknowledged that the firms decision to completely shut down was an unusual one. He wrote: While VC firms rarely make decisions like this, its precisely what we planned to do when we started Foundry in 2006. From our founding, we intentionally decided not to build a legacy or generational firm one meant to live beyond the tenure of the founding partners. Instead, we intended to focus on the work of investing, re-evaluating each potential new fund as our fundraising cadence requiredWeve had several moments over the last decade where we thought the fund we were raising might be our last. Each of those times, after reflection and discussion, we decided to raise another fund. But not this time. Foundry 2022 will be our last fund. In a personal blog, Levine noted that he began sharing publicly in January of 2023 his plan for the 2022 Foundry fund to be his "last as a partner at Foundry." He added: "I didnt make a big announcement about it just started mentioning it in situations where it seemed natural to do so...At the time, I wasnt sure if we would make the same decision for Foundry as a whole, but since I knew my intentions, I thought it would be appropriate to be open about it. After more discussions internally and careful consideration, we decided that the 2022 fund would be Foundrys final fund as well." Levine continued: "Choosing not to be a legacy firm is one way weve challenged norms in the venture industry and just one of many things we take pride in as we reflect back upon our time building Foundry. Weve loved experimenting with the venture model, whether that was building the first VC AngelList syndicate, investing in markets across the country where venture capital was less prevalent, being among the first GPs to institutionalize a fund investment practice, and attempting to bring transparency, openness (and hopefully some humor) to the venture industry." Whats next Foundry still has 33% to 40% left out of that fund to invest, Levine told the Denver Business Journal. In his blog, Levine said specifically the firm plans to continue to lead Series A and B financings out of the fund. The move raises questions for its portfolio companies. Foundry says it will continue to invest out of its newest fund, but for founders, accepting capital from a firm that is winding down is a risk and could make securing follow-on funding that much harder. Meanwhile, Levine maintained to the Denver Business Journal that he expects all the funds to be deployed by around 2026 and that the firm will then still work with businesses in which it has investments. In his personal blog, Levine wrote: We raised our last Foundry fund at a fortuitous time, just as the markets cooled off (its a great time to be investing), and we have another two years or so of new investments to look forward to. Not to mention a decade or longer of work with the portfolio after that. The investor also told the Denver Business Journal that he would be with Foundry until its work is completely done, adding that co-founder Brad Feld and partner Chris Moody plan to do the same. He could not say what the other partners would get up to in the next few years. In her own blog post Foundry partner Jaclyn Hester wrote that she was focused on supporting our portfolio and leading new early-stage rounds as we deploy the remainder of the 2022 fund over the next few years. Foundry is not the only venture firm to recently unexpectedly announce it was winding down. In December, Boston-based OpenView abruptly announced it would stop investing in new companies less than a year after raising $570 million for its seventh fund. Update: This article was updated post-publication to reflect there no departures at the firm as a result of the decision - voluntary or otherwise, according to Levine. It also was updated to include further details behind the firm's decision not to raise any more funds. By John Irish PARIS (Reuters) - France and Ukraine are soon likely to sign a bilateral agreement on security commitments, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said on Wednesday. French President Emmanuel Macron was expected to finalise a security deal in Ukraine this month, but he postponed the trip for security reasons. "A bilateral accord is in discussion and will be signed probably soon between the President Emmanuel Macron and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy," Sejourne told a hearing in parliament. As Kyiv seeks NATO membership and fights a two-year-old Russian invasion, diplomats have said Zelenskiy could conclude bilateral security assurances with France and Germany later this week after beginning talks in July. The French accord would outline the framework for long-term humanitarian and financial aid, support for reconstruction and military assistance. According two diplomats aware of the talks, France would announce a 200-million-euro fund for civilian projects to be carried out by French companies. However, it would stop short of providing specific financial commitments on weapons' deliveries as Paris would need to return to parliament for approval, diplomats said. Macron is likely instead to make public announcements. He has already said Paris would send a regular supply of air-to-surface missiles and 40 additional long-range cruise missiles. "In the coming days we will give numbers and give you transparency on the military and the civilian aid," Sejourne said. He did not clarify if he meant aid within the accord or France's overall support to Ukraine. France has faced criticism from some allies over its unwillingness to make its military commitments to Ukraine public with many quoting a Kiel Institute report that said France was the 12th biggest contributor of military and civilian aid to Ukraine at 1.7 billion euros. French officials have said the Kiel Institute's calculations are skewed and have repeated that the quality of weapons from France has been crucial for Kyiv's war effort. (Reporting by John Irish; editing by Mark Heinrich and Cynthia Osterman) National Guard stand for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow Governors as they hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Feb. 4 in Eagle Pass. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow governors hold a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Feb. 4 in Eagle Pass. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee joins Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and fellow governors for a press conference along the Rio Grande at the U.S.-Mexico border to discuss Operation Lone Star and border concerns on Feb. 4 in Eagle Pass. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders joins fellow governors for a press conference at the U.S.-Mexico border on Feb. 4 in Eagle Pass. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer National Guard troops as background at a press conference along the U.S.-Mexico border on Feb. 4 in Eagle Pass. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Community members of Eagle Pass gather outside Shelby Park to protest its closing, the militarization of their community, the take Back Our Border convoy and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joining fellow governors holding a press conference to discuss border security plans on Feb. 4 in Eagle Pass. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Gov. Greg Abbotts order for Texas National Guard troops to block Customs and Border Protection agents from doing their job reminded me initially of Fort Sumter, the first battle of the Civil War. But I now realize hes reenacting the Battle of the Alamo. The governor tipped his hand when he introduced a Republican ally on the shores of the Rio Grande. Now, Im going to turn it over to Bill Lee, the governor of the great state of Tennessee a state, by the way, that from the very beginning of Texas history has always been here for the great state of Texas, Abbott told a news conference. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In 1836, 32 Tennesseans joined the Anglo revolt against Mexico, becoming the largest out-of-state contingent at the Alamo. The most famous Tennessean was Davy Crockett, a former congressman. Other large groups included 15 each from Pennsylvania and Virginia. Just as Texas rebels appealed to white Americans to join them, Abbott has called on fellow GOP governors to send troops and police to join his quixotic border standoff. And like the Alamo fighters, Abbott knows he will likely lose the battle but hopes to win a war. Abbott first sent National Guard troops and state police to the border in 2021, surging them during election seasons and reducing them when he didnt need the spotlight. After Texas extremely restrictive abortion law drew national condemnation last year, Abbott launched another border build-up ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign. Abbotts Operation Lone Star initially deployed hundreds of National Guard troops to help Customs and Border Protection interdict migrants crossing between entry points. Texas Department of Public Safety troopers patrol the river in gunboats while onshore cruisers chase migrant smugglers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last July, Abbott ordered a more aggressive approach to provoke President Joe Biden. He hired contractors to float a death trap into the federally regulated Rio Grande and ordered troops to position shipping containers and razor wire along the riverbanks. Today, Texas guard soldiers block federal agents from accessing 2.5 miles of the border. Abbott has Republican allies to help him seize other stretches. Lee sent 125 soldiers from the Tennessee National Guards 1175th Transportation Company in October. The unit will operate surveillance cameras for a year, Lees office said. This crisis will only become worse if immediate action isnt taken. Thats why governors are working together to do what the federal government wont do, Lee told the news conference on Feb. 4. Tennessee has been sending troops to the border for three years, and its not alone. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis upped the ante in July, sending 500 National Guard soldiers and another 600 law enforcement and government employees. Last year, Arkansas, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia all sent soldiers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last week, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said he would send 150 Louisiana National Guard members in March at an estimated cost of $3 million. Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb is sending 50 troops for a 10-month deployment beginning next month. Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he would send five soldiers and five state police at a cost of $150,000. Before long, every Republican governor will send a symbolic force to join Abbotts spectacle. Polls show that core GOP voters rank immigration as their most important issue, and they dont mind spending millions of dollars on a Trump for president publicity stunt. Texas taxpayers are shouldering the biggest burden. Operation Lone Star cost Texans more than $4 billion in 2021 and 2022, and the Legislature has appropriated another $5 billion for this year and next. The Legislature has granted Abbott billions more for other border operations, including additions to the border wall. The Department of Justice has filed suit against Abbott for interfering with federal law enforcement. The Biden administrations argument is simple and well-founded, the Constitution and the Supreme Court place federal law and authority over state hijinks. Just as the hapless volunteers at the Alamo lost, so will Abbott when the court eventually enforces the law. The confrontation was never about an invasion, because the migrants were not an armed force. Nor was it about immigration because this problem also existed under Trump and most of these troops will go home in November. Abbott is trying to help Trump win reelection by keeping Americans talking about the border. Advertisement Article continues below this ad By Juliette Jabkhiro PARIS (Reuters) -A Paris appeals court ruled that ex-President Nicolas Sarkozy was guilty of illegal campaign financing over his failed 2012 re-election bid, confirming a previous ruling by a lower court, but his lawyer said he would take his case to France's highest court. Sarkozy was sentenced to a one-year prison sentence on Wednesday, half of which suspended, that can be served through alternative means such as wearing an electronic bracelet without going to jail. Sarkozy, aged 69, had been handed a one-year prison sentence in 2021 when first found guilty, though that was suspended while he launched his appeal. The new appeal will again mean the sentence is placed on hold. "Today's ruling is highly questionable, that is why we will appeal to the Cour de Cassation," his lawyer Vincent Desry told reporters, reiterating that Sarkozy was innocent. The Cour de Cassation is the country's highest court and its rulings typically focus on whether the law has been applied correctly rather than on the facts of the case. Procedures to the court can take years. Sarkozy was in court on Wednesday to hear the verdict but left without commenting himself to waiting reporters. President from 2007 to 2012, Sarkozy has remained an influential figure among conservatives and is on friendly terms with President Emmanuel Macron - despite a string of trials and investigations linked to various legal issues surrounding his campaign finances. He has always denied accusations that his party Les Republicains, then known as the UMP, worked with a public relations firm named Bygmalion to hide the true cost of his campaign -- marked by lavish show events previously unseen in French politics. During a hearing, Sarkozy put the blame on some members of his campaign team: "I didn't choose any supplier, I didn't sign any quotation, any invoice," he told the court. France sets strict limits on campaign spending. Prosecutors allege that the firm invoiced UMP rather than the campaign. They say Sarkozy spent 42.8 million euros ($45.9 million) on his 2012 campaign, almost double the permitted amount. ($1 = 0.9330 euros) (Reporting by Juliette Jabkhiro, additional reporting by Geert De Clercq; editing by Tassilo Hummel and Keith Weir) NJJ Capital, owned by French billionaire Xavier Niel, is buying the assets of Datagroup Holding Limited, a national fixed-line and digital services provider, news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported on Feb. 13, citing the response of Ukraines Antimonopoly Committee (AMCU). NJJ Capital earlier announced the purchase of Turkcell's divisions in Ukraine Lifecell LLC, Global Bilgi LLC, and Ukrtower LLC. Read also: Lifecell files lawsuit against Vodafone Ukraine over Mobile Number Portability service The application of the authorized representatives of NJJ Capital (Paris, France) and Datagroup Holding Limited (Nicosia, Cyprus) for permission for NJJ Capital to indirectly acquire shares in Datagroup Holding Limited, which ensures exceeding 50 percent of the votes in the company's supreme management body, was submitted to the antitrust regulator on Dec. 29. Given that the application did not meet the requirements set by the Committee, it was returned to the applicants on Jan. 12, 2024. "A repeated application for acquisition of control by DVL Telecom (an entity that is part of the NJJ Group together with NJJ Capital) to acquire control over Datagroup Holding Limited was received by the Committee on Jan. 23, 2024," the AMCU's response reads. As of today, the Committee has accepted the said application for consideration. The Committee will consider the application within the time limits established by law. Read also: Russian sanction-targeted oligarch Fridman and his assets NV profile Datagroup-Volia is one of the leaders in the Ukrainian telecommunications industry. In June 2021, Datagroup finalized the acquisition of 100% of the Ukrainian pay-TV and cable high-speed Internet access provider Volia Group. The company is also actively developing the cloud services business Volia's data center provides cloud and physical servers for use, offers hosting, colocation of clients' servers, IaaS cloud infrastructure, and a large list of related services. The company has been chosen as a service provider to host more than 3,000 servers. The Turkish company Turkcell signed an agreement on Dec. 29, 2023, to transfer 100% of the shares, as well as all rights and debts of Lifecell (TM lifecell), the third largest Ukrainian mobile operator, as well as the contact center outsourcing company Global Bilgi LLC and the tower rental service provider UkrTower LLC to the French investment company NJJ Capital. Read also: Former Kyivstar chief denies link between recent cyberattack and Russian oligarchs return to Moscow The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine returned the first application for approval of the deal as it did not meet the requirements set by the Committee, but on Jan. 23, the Committee received a second application from DVL Telecom, a member of the NJJ group. It is currently being analyzed by the antitrust agency. According to market participants, the partial seizure of shares in the companies being sold on charges against the sanctioned Russian oligarch Mikhail Fridman, who indirectly controls a minority stake in Turkcell, may also be a problem for the completion of the deal. NJJ Capital is owned by French billionaire Xavier Niel, the founder of the French telecommunications group Iliad (the parent company of Free, one of the country's largest Internet providers), whose fortune is estimated by Bloomberg at $6.08 billion. Niel also has assets in media, including a significant stake in Le Monde newspaper, is involved in venture capital financing, and founded the technical school 42, which launched UNIT Factory in Kyiv's UNIT City. 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 NAIROBI, Kenya The fugitive wanted in the Massachusetts murder of a Whitman nurse is back in police custody after he escaped from a Nairobi police station last week, Kenyan police said. Kevin Kangethe, 41, of Lowell, escaped from a Nairobi police station last week where he was detained pending a ruling on whether he should be extradited to face first-degree murder charges in connection to the murder of his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu. Daring escape: Man accused of killing Whitman nurse escapes from police custody in Kenya Accused murderer Kevin Kangethe in a court room in Nairobi after being recaptured. According to reporting by news partner WCVB, Kangethe was rearrested on Tuesday evening after he sought refuge at a relatives home in Embulbul, Kajiado County, just a 30-minute drive from Kenya's capital city. We have rearrested him and we thank all that helped in this, Nairobi Police Chief Adamson Bungei said. Kangethe is accused by police of killing Mbitu sometime in late October of last year and leaving her mutilated body in a parked vehicle at Boston Logan International Airport before fleeing the country to his native Kenya. Murder at Boston Logan: 'Heartbreaking': Body of missing Whitman woman found at Logan suspect flew to Kenya United States law enforcement, the Kenyan Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions had been working together for three months to locate and capture the fugitive, according to a press release from the U.S. Embassy in Kenya. Kangethe was initially arrested at a Nairobi nightclub on Jan. 29 and was being held for 30 days pending the extradition ruling. Suspect arrested in Kenya Fugitive in murder of Whitman nurse arrested in Nairobi nightclub Last week, a man claiming to be Kangethes lawyer showed up at the Nairobi police station and requested to speak with his client, WCVB reported. "The officers agreed to his request and removed the prisoner from the cells and took him to (an) office ... leaving them there. After a short while the prisoner escaped by running away and left the (lawyer) behind," according to a police report obtained by The Associated Press. According to WCVB, Kangethe snuck out of the police station and jumped into a privately owned minivan commonly used for transportation in Kenya. The man claiming to be Kangethes lawyer, later identified as John Maina Ndegwa, was arrested for questioning and the four officers who were on duty the day of his escape have been suspended, Bungei said. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Accused murderer Kevin Kangethe back in custody for Mbitu murder My old National Review colleague Michael Brendan Dougherty is an horological enthusiast, as am I, which is nice in that it gives us something to talk about other than his wretched political opinions, which are getting worse by the day. E.g., he tweets: All the Russian girls that work at the watch boutiques in NY also complain that NYC is unbelievably dirty and smelly compared to their home cities. Q: Why are those nice Russian girls selling Breguets and Vacherons in New York, I wonder? One possible answer is found in a report that is a little old but the most recent we have: Russia leads the developed world with the worst sanitation record, according to the London-based WaterAid NGO. A 2012 estimate citing official data placed the number of Russians whose households are only equipped with outhouses at 35 million, or roughly a quarter of the population. Of the 22.6 percent of households without a centralized sewage system, 16.8 percent use a system of pipes connected to pit toilets, RBC cited the State Statistics Service, Rosstat, as saying. The other 5.8 percent lack a sewage system altogether. In rural Russia, almost two-thirds have no access to indoor toilets, 48.1 percent of whom use outhouses and 18.4 percent do not have a sewage system. So reported the Moscow Times in 2019. The Moscow Times, being a news organization, is of course now banned in Moscow and in the rest of Russia. When that report was published, Russia was riding a gusher of oil-and-gas money. What happened to it? Where did it get spent? Not on the necessary things: A terrible accident happened in the provincial Russian city of Bryansk when a mother, who was walking with her young child along public sidewalks, fell into a portion of the walkway that had collapsed due to the stress of an unmaintained sewer pipe in January 2012. The 1.5-year-old boy was swept away by the force of the water and died. The court found the director and the chief engineer of the Water Supply Authority guilty of negligence, allowing the pipes to go unrepaired and thus putting citizens in danger. It was somehow forgotten that one of the culprits behind the pipe failure had been ringing the alarm on the subject for years, asking the authorities to take immediate measures to repair the main sewage and water collectors (which had been built in the 1950s and 1960s) and advocating for modernisation, expansion and maintenance since 1987. However, no repairs were carried out in the late Soviet times or during perestroikaand not even in the golden early 2000s, when Russias economy was abounding in oil gold. Since the aforementioned child died as a result of falling into the collector in 2012, a number of reports have surfaced saying that several other people in Bryansk have also fallen into the sewer system at different locations. Some of the victims literally sunk into the ground beneath their feet. Which is to say, Russians are neck-deepor deeperin whatever it is Tucker Carlson is producing these days. Carlson, who is doing a fantastic impersonation of Walter Durantythe disgraced New York Times correspondent who treated American readers to tales of the glory of life in Joseph Stalins Russiareports that the experience of seeing how clean and orderly Moscow is was radicalizing for him. I suppose that everything in the ordinary world looks a little dingy after La Jolla Country Day School and that Swiss boarding school that expelled him. And American cities can be pretty awful, it is true, a consequence of Americans general contempt for public spaces. Many American tourists have had the experience of being shocked and shamed by how spruce and lovely things are in Amsterdam, for examplebut not as many have seen the housing projects and sprawl beyond the parts of the city tourists frequent. The difference is real, but it is easy to exaggerate, too: You could spend a fortnight in London without seeing the citys unlovely side, but the same is true of Philadelphia and Dallas. The irony of the Putinism and near-Putinism we see on the contemporary rightone of the ironies, anywayis that Moscow represents precisely what they believe (wrongly, for the most part) Washington to be: an imperial city in which a coddled, politically connected, decadent urban elite enrich themselves through official influence and off-the-books relationships while scouring the countryside for young men to recruit into their vicious wars of imperialism and conquest. Of course the Russian girls MBD encounters in Manhattan boutiques do not have a lot to say about that: If they know, they may not be inclined to say, and if they are inclined to say, they areor should beterrified to do so. Thats what terror states do: They terrorize. They are also pretty good at faking things. Duranty fell for it, because he wanted to fall for it. Progressive hero Lincoln Steffens, too, who famously observed of the Soviet Union: I have seen the future, and it works. Does it? An interesting metric: The poor Mexicans who are coming to the United States are fleeing a country that is, as the IMF runs the numbers, slightly wealthier than Vladimir Putins Russia, with a GDP/capita of $13,804 compared to Russias $13,006. And, indeed, if you visit the nice parts of Mexico City, you will be surprised how well they compare to much of New York City, Los Angeles, or Houston. You can have the same experience in lots of places, some of them surprising. Much of this is just rank Thomas Friedman-ism, mistaking the simple newness of recently developed infrastructure in Hong Kong or Dubai for evidence of a better and more effective social system. Newark Liberty is not much compared to the airport in Madrid, truebut it isnt much compared to the airport in Salt Lake City, either. I dont suppose theres a doctoral thesis or a presidential campaign to be made out of the fact that new airports are, generally speaking, nicer than old ones, though some older airports are pretty nice, too: Palm Springs, Zurich, Schiphol, etc. Theres a reason for that, too. Or reasons. It isnt just about money: Aspens little airport isnt really very nice or well-run at all. Infrastructure is complicated. Cities are complicated. In the same way you can never have the same party twice, you never have the same traffic jam twice. There are a lot of reasons Stuttgart is so much nicer than Detroitand I dont think German automotive-industry protectionism is in the top 10. But if what you want is protectionism, then everything you see is a case for protectionism. If what you want is Putinism, then you see evidence for the virtues of Putinism. But dont look too hard. That grandiose metro station in Moscow has long been famous in the West. The Russian secret police arrested a number of the British engineers who built the Moscow metroyou didnt think Russians built that, did you?and held an espionage show trial for them. Lovely space, though, and, if you look, you can still find recordings of Songs of the Joyous Metro Conquerors. Hooray. New Yorks subway system is a mess, and the $4 billion per mile price of the Second Avenue project is a scandal. Does anybody think the answer is a more Putinist approach? The question is almost too silly to ask. I understand not liking the United StatesI really, really do understand: As I have written before, I still love my native country, but I think we should start seeing other people. Ours is an often ugly, often vulgar, spiritually sick society. But turning instead for inspiration to a brutal police state in which 1 out of 5 families do their necessary business in a hole in the ground iscounterintuitive! Finding inspiration in the gulag where Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich currently is held as a political prisonera real political prisoner, not the victims of the patriot purge of Tucker Carlsons daffy imaginationis also counterintuitive. But, then, what Carlson was up to in Moscow wasnt journalismjournalism is what Evan Gershkovich did, and what Tucker did was, at best, tourism. It is tempting to call him a useful idiot, but he isnt an idiot. He knows what he is doing. I myself dont speak Russian, but I think I could read the look on Putins face, which said: Good doggie. Carlson no doubt saw the best that Moscow has to offer. But the average Russian is worse off than the average Mexican, Bulgarian, or Panamanian. I am reminded of our Viktor Orban-admiring friends who see only the finest bits of Budapest, never mind that Orban and his ilk talk about Budapest the way his American counterparts talk about San Francisco. I dont think those Americans swanning around the restaurants and nightclubs of the capital would very much enjoy life in the parts of the country that the Orbanists celebrate. But, then, I dont think theyd like using a latrine pit out there in the real Russia, either. At what point do we just admit that these guys admire Vladimir Putins gulag state for reasons other than its public hygiene? Because it sure looks to me that Tucker Carlson and Michael Brendan Dougherty and a lot of Republicans have something in common with Walter Durantys clip file and the underplumbed Russian countryside: Theyre all full of s. 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. Politicians, judges and billionaires, as well as private citizens and business groups, are helping to fund the 2024 campaigns of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost and former state senator Darren Bailey, according to a Belleville News-Democrat analysis of contributions in their Republican primary race for the 12th District of Illinois. Baileys federal campaign committee reported over $300,000 in donations from more than 200 donors in 2023, starting in July when he set up the committee with the Federal Election Commission to raise money months behind Bost, the incumbent. Bosts federal campaign committee has five times that amount, reporting $1.9 million in donations from more than 900 donors throughout 2023. Some notable donors to Bosts campaign included: Billionaire Linda McMahon, the former administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration in former President Donald Trumps cabinet and co-founder of the WWE, a professional wrestling company ($6,600). Illinois state Sens. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy ($3,300) and Donald DeWitte, R-St. Charles, ($1,000) and state Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton ($500). Local elected officials: Randolph County Commissioner Marc Kiehna ($300), Monroe County Treasurer Kevin Koenigstein ($250) and Village of Godfrey Mayor Michael McCormick ($150). Illinois Supreme Court Justice David Overstreet ($250). The state Judicial Code of Conduct allows judges to donate money to candidates for public office. Notable donors to Baileys campaign included: Billionaire Richard Uihlein, the CEO and co-founder of the shipping supply company Uline and a conservative Midwestern donor to far-right candidates across the country ($6,600). Illinois state Rep. Daniel Caulkins, R-Decatur, ($6,600) and state Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport ($1,000). Fifth District Appellate Court Judge Michael McHaney ($350). When McHaney previously served in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, he sided with Bailey in his lawsuit arguing that Illinois COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home order violated civil liberties in April 2020. Another judge later threw out McHaneys ruling in Baileys suit. None of Baileys 2023 donations came from political action committees, or PACs. Almost a third of Bosts donors were PACs, which isnt unusual, especially for incumbents in Congress. The PACs supporting Bost mostly represent businesses, including engineering and insurance companies, optometrists and John Deere employees. House Republican leaders also helped boost Bosts campaign through PACs: Eye of the Tiger affiliated with Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-Louisiana, ($10,000). Majority Committee affiliated with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-California, ($10,000). American Revival affiliated with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-Louisiana, ($5,000). Electing Majority Making Effective Republicans affiliated with Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minnesota, ($5,000). In a statement to the BND, Bailey criticized Bosts funding sources and highlighted his own small-dollar donations. Most of Baileys donors were individuals, including retirees, small business owners and farmers. I pledge my allegiance to the people, not to the big special interest groups, Bailey wrote. Thats precisely why the DC Swamp is desperate to bar my entry into Washington. Im ready to fight daily for the people Mike Bost only remembers before an election. Bost campaign manager Myles Nelson said in a statement that the five-term congressman doesnt base his votes on campaign contributions. Its the other way around, Nelson stated. People want to step up and support him because of his strongly conservative voting record. He looks at the policy merits of every issue and votes for whats best for the constituents he represents. Illinois residents will soon vote in the 2024 primaries. Know these key election dates Contributions from individuals are limited to $3,300 for a single federal candidate and race, the primary election, for example. Anything over that can go toward the next race, like the general election if the candidate advances. PACs can contribute slightly more per candidate and race: $5,000. Online fundraising platforms like WinRed for Republicans and ActBlue for Democrats are helping candidates collect donations from more and more small donors. The Trump-endorsed WinRed launched in the 2020 election cycle to compete with ActBlue, which has been around since 2004. WinRed has infused over $100,000 in Baileys campaign and over $60,000 in Bosts campaign in 2023. The campaigns spent their political contributions on fees; office costs; strategy, fundraising and compliance consulting; polling; advertising; contributions to other campaigns; travel; and events. Candidates are required to report information about the money theyre raising and spending on a quarterly basis. The next reports are due April 15. The primary election takes place on March 19. Early voting is already underway. The winner will advance to the Nov. 5 general election. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Some big time musical acts from the Big Easy are coming to Norfolks Town Point Park this May for the Bayou Bon Vivant: Cajun Music & Food Festival. Headliners for the three-day festival from May 17-19 include funk legend George Porter, Jr., Grammy-winning brass band Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue and Dumpstaphunk, a nationally-touring funk/jazz band. All are featured in David Simons critically-acclaimed HBO show Treme thats set in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Porter, 76, is best known for helping to pioneer funk music with his band The Meters in the 1960s. Since then hes played with artists from Dr. John and David Byrne to Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder. Tickets for the festival start at $10 per day, though you can buy three-day passes for a special price of $15 through midnight on Friday, February 16 using promo code BAYOU2024. The festival also features an assortment of New Orleans famous foods, from gumbo and jambalaya to crawfish and beignets. Heres the full list of performers shared on Monday: Main Stage Friday, May 17 8:30pm Dragon Smoke 6:00pm Dumpstaphunk 3:30pm John Papa Gros Main Stage Saturday, May 18 8:30pm Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue 6:00pm Maggie Koerner 3:45pm CJ Chenier & the Red Hot Louisiana Band Main Stage Sunday, May 19 4:30pm George Porter Jr. & Runnin Pardners 2:25pm Bon Bon Vivant 12:30pm New Breed Brass Band Crescent City Stage Friday, May 17 7:30pm Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & the Ils Sont Partis Band 5:00pm Deltaphonic 12:30pm To be announced soon! Crescent City Stage Saturday, May 18 7:15pm Meschiya Lake & the Little Big Horns 5:00pm John Papa Gros 2:30pm New Breed Brass Band 12:30pm Louis Michot Crescent City Stage Sunday, May 19 3:30pm Terrance Simien 1:30pm Terrance Simien To read more and purchase tickets, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. House Democrats have introduced a bill requiring Texas to connect to surrounding grids. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer WASHINGTON Reps. Greg Casar, D-Austin, and Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, introduced legislation Wednesday that would require the Texas power grid to expand interconnections to grids in surrounding states to reduce the possibility of blackouts such as the one that left millions without power during Winter Storm Uri in February 2021. Politicians in Texas have long resisted building more substantial interconnections to other grids out of concern it would bring them under greater regulation by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, leaving the power grid run by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas with little ability to import electricity from other states in times of distress. During Winter Storm Uri, more than 10 million Texans lost power and hundreds died as a result Texans cant afford inaction, Casar said in a statement. Whether were in the middle of a heat wave or a winter storm, we should be able to keep the lights on, especially as the climate crisis gets worse. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission of Texas did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. The legislation introduced Wednesday would require ERCOT to build a minimum of between 2.6 and 4.3 gigawatts of interconnection capacity with the MISO, SPP and Western Interconnection grids. It would also give FERC oversight over power pricing and transmission planning in ERCOT. Additional sponsors included Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston; Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio' and Sylvia Garcia, D-Houston. In the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri, ERCOT came under fire for its relative lack of interconnection to neighboring grids. While those grids also struggled to keep the lights on, more interconnections would have at a minimum helped reduce the scale and duration of the blackout in ERCOT, said experts including former Texas Public Utility Chairman Pat Wood. FERC began work last year on new rules requiring power grids to connect with one another to reduce the chance of a large-scale blackout. And while ERCOT does not fall under FERCs regulatory authority for power pricing, the commission could require ERCOT to expand interconnections were it to determine doing so was necessary to ensure reliability. Among power grid operators around the country, there is growing anxiety about their systems' ability to withstand the effects of more extreme heat waves, storms and wildfires, as well as the early retirement of many coal and nuclear power plants. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a report in December, the North American Electric Reliability Corp., which sets standards for power grids, warned blackouts would become more likely over the next decade if more is not to done to maintain existing generation while building new wind and solar farms. Those warnings are getting attention on both sides of the aisle, with House Republicans holding a hearing Wednesday assessing the Biden administrations role in causing coal and nuclear plants to close. Weve seen baseload and firm generation sources driven out or shuttered by radical policies across the country, said Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. These sources are being replaced by less reliable and more expensive weather dependent generation, and everyday Americans are paying the price. So far no Republicans have signed on to to Casars bill, making difficult the task of getting the measure passed out of the Republican-controlled House. Following Winter Storm Uri, former Gov. Rick Perry commented, Texans would need to be without electricity for longer than three days to keep the federal government out of their business. The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority on Tuesday awarded nearly $2 million in grants to 19 community facilities across the county. The $1.6 million in grant money, part of ECGRAs Building a Better Future program, aims to support capital improvements, programming and equipment at publicly accessible community centers. These centers provide Erie County residents with basic health and well-being, job training, mentoring, education, nutrition and a host of other benefits, according to an ECGRA news release. The Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority awarded $1.6 million in grants to 19 community facilities. A check presentation, shown here, was held on Feb. 13, 2024 at the Mercy Anchor Community Center. The critical role that community facilities play in the community and economic development of a region cannon be overstated, ECGRA Executive Director Perry Wood stated in the release. Serving as a hub spot for social, educational, cultural and recreational activities, these facilities have the power to transform neighborhoods creating vibrant, inclusive spaces with long lasting impacts. St. Martin Center, Boys & Girls Club of Erie among grant recipients Grant recipients included the St. Martin Center Inc., which received $75,000. CEO David Gonzalez said the money will go toward critical repairs of the centers Parade Street facility roof. Because of this generous grant, we will be able to continue providing services to just about a thousand individuals every month that come through our doors for rent and food or mortgage, financial literacy, etc., Gonzalez said. He added that the funding enabled the center to leverage and attract other funds. It really was the seed cornerstone funding, he said. Weve been able to obviously put some of our monies in and fundraise the rest. So that we have all the funds for our roof, which comes out to be about $140,000. Another grant recipient was the Boys & Girls Club of Erie, which received $70,000. Director John Popoff said the money will go toward major renovations of the centers swimming pool. It has been a longstanding tradition at the club's 129-year history to have a swimming pool on site and to offer an aquatics program to its members, he said. The aquatics program at the club has taught hundreds of members basic water safety, swim lessons, competitive swimming, and also recreational open swims. Through this grant, ECGRA has allowed future club members the opportunity to participate in a club's longstanding aquatics program, he added. There is a large population of youth without access to a swimming pool, aquatics program, or basic water safety instruction. The club is a unique offering and is the only urban-centered facility which operates solely for the youth of our community. List of grant recipients Booker T. Washington Center: $125,000 Borough of Edinboro: $25,000 Boys & Girls Club of Erie: $70,000 Community Shelter Services: $105,694 Corry Higher Education Council: $59,500 Eagles Nest Leadership Corporation: $125,000 Edinboro Market: $125,000 GECAC: $13,680 Inner-City Neighborhood Art House: $125,000 International Institute of Erie: $125,000 John F. Kennedy Center: $125,000 Journey: Healing Together: $25,000 Martin Luther King Center: $125,000 Mercy Center for Women: $100,000 Mercy Hilltop Center: $99,000 Northwestern Community Youth Center: $18,500 Sarah A. Reed Childrens Center: $86,000 St. Martin Center, Inc.: $75,000 YMCA of Corry: $97,331 A.J. Rao can be reached at arao@gannett.com. Follow him on X @ETNRao. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: ECGRA awards nearly $2 million to enhance community facilities A St. Petersburg lawmaker wants to designate the road across the Gandy Bridge in honor of a St. Petersburg Navy airman killed in 2019. Democratic Rep. Michele Rayner has filed a bill to designate the road, also named Gandy, in honor of Mohammed Mo Sameh Haitham, who was killed trying to stop a gunman during a mass shooting at the Naval Air Station Pensacola. Airman Mohammed Mo Sameh Haitham is a true hero. HB 841 will honor and mark his memory in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, Rayner said in an Instagram post in January. The bill would designate the bridge as AWF3 Mohammed Mo Haitham Memorial Way. The House legislation has made it through two committees and has one more scheduled. Evelyn Brady, Haithams mother, spoke in front of the House Transportation & Modals Subcommittee in January in support of it. Sen. Jim Boyd, R-Bradenton, is sponsoring the companion bill in the Senate, which has one more committee to move through. Haitham, a 19-year-old from St. Petersburg, was the youngest and the only Floridian among three sailors who died when a Saudi Air Force officer undergoing flight training at the base opened fire. Eight others were injured. Mohammed was a young man who made a choice to serve his country and made the ultimate sacrifice. Renaming the Gandy Bridge after him is the least we can do for his actions, Brady, a U.S. Navy veteran herself, said in a statement. She told lawmakers in January that the Gandy Bridge symbolized the link between Haithams military life and his home. After he was killed, Haithams casket was flown to MacDill Air Force Base, then driven across the Gandy Bridge to St. Petersburg. The Gandy Bridge was named after its original builder, George Dad Gandy. At the time of its grand opening in 1924, the structure was the longest highway built over water in the world. The bridge cut the downtown St. Petersburg-Tampa trip from 43 to 19 miles. The original structure no longer stands, the bridge having been expanded and rebuilt over the years. More than 37,000 vehicles used the bridge daily in 2020, according to Plan Hillsborough. Gaps in a federal ban on robocalls with voices generated by artificial intelligence (AI) are highlighting concerns about the lack of regulations on other digitally altered content and its use in campaigns. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) last week unanimously voted to recognize AI-generated voices as artificial under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, banning them from use. The vote came shortly after a call with an AI-generated voice impersonating President Biden spread throughout New Hampshire ahead of the states primary. Experts called the FCC ban a welcome first step toward curbing deceptive AI-generated content, but not nearly enough on its own. Of course, voice content is very, very important, but its just one kind, said Julia Stoyanovich, an associate professor at New York Universitys Tandon School of Engineering. We need to be thinking holistically about AI-generated media and how to regulate the use of such media and how to ban, or have accountability more generally, when these media are used in particular settings. Under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, which restricts the use of artificial or prerecorded voice messages in telemarketing calls, the FCC can fine robocallers and block calls from telephone carriers facilitating illegal robocalls. AI-generated voice cloning and images are already sowing confusion by tricking consumers into thinking scams and frauds are legitimate, FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said in a statement. No matter what celebrity or politician you favor, or what your relationship is with your kin when they call for help, it is possible we could all be a target of these faked calls. Thats why the FCC is taking steps to recognize this emerging technology as illegal under existing law, giving our partners at State Attorneys General offices across the country new tools they can use to crack down on these scams and protect consumers, she added. The FCC and other federal regulators have faced steady pressure from the nonprofit group Public Citizen and other advocates calling for AI guardrails ahead of the 2024 election. This rule will meaningfully protect consumers from rapidly spreading AI scams and deception, said Robert Weissman, president of Public Citizen. Unfortunately, through no fault of the FCC, this move is not enough to safeguard citizens and our elections, he added. The FCCs limited scope leaves AI-generated images and videos unregulated as political campaigns and their supporters increasingly use such materials ahead of the election. Here were talking about political advertising, Stoyanovich added. And this, of course, is probably the most important issue that were facing this year, being an election year. Experts and advocates are now boosting pressure on the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to fill the gaps left by the FCCs robocall ban and ramp up its efforts to regulate AI. Public Citizen, which led a petition for the FEC to clarify the rule, has said the agency is moving too slowly. The FEC voted in August to consider clarifying its rule against fraudulently misrepresenting candidates or political parties to explicitly cover deceptive AI in campaigns. The FEC has yet to make an update on the rule since the public comment period closed in October, and a spokesperson previously told The Hill they do not have an update on timing. FEC Commissioner Sean J. Cooksey (R) told The Washington Post last month the commission and staff are diligently reviewing the thousands of public comments submitted, and he expects the commission to resolve the rule by early summer. Nick Penniman, founder and CEO of the nonpartisan political reform group Issue One, said in a statement the FCCs rule is a positive step, but its not enough. Penniman called for Congress to take action to prohibit bad actors from using deceptive AI to disrupt our elections and for the FEC to clarify language to ban the use of deceptive AI in campaign communications. The unregulated use of AI as a means to target, manipulate, and deceive voters is an existential threat to democracy and the integrity of our elections. This is not a future possibility, but a present reality that demands decisive action, Penniman said. As the FEC and Congress weigh their next steps, the FCC may have trouble enforcing its new ban. The challenge of identifying AI-generated content could thwart the effectiveness of the rule, said Jessica Furst Johnson, an election lawyer at Holtzman Vogel and general counsel to the Republican Governors Association. Furst Johnson said that because the FCC rule relies on reports from robocall recipients, voters could be more likely to bring a complaint about supposed AI use based on a call from a party or candidate they dont support. Stoyanovich also warned that it will be really difficult to enforce the rule without some type of automation. If this is something very difficult for a person to tell apart, whether its a robocall that is using a machine-generated voice or a human speaking, then it will also be very difficult for automated detection, Stoyanovich told The Hill. And if we cant automate this, then its just going to be really difficult generally, she continued. Some social media companies are also taking steps to curb the spread of AI-generated political content ahead of the election. Meta the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and Threads is ramping up its efforts to detect and label AI-generated images. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Semafor Signals Insights from The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times The News Truce negotiations in the Israel-Hamas war appear to have stalled again, as Israeli officials returned from Egypt with no progress on a deal that would pause hostilities and free the remaining hostages held by the militant group. Delegates met in Cairo, where truce negotiations were moderated by U.S. Central Intelligence Agency director William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, and several Egyptian officials. . Hamas representatives were not part of the talks, and Israeli officials returned Tuesday without presenting a new offer, The Times of Israel reported. Negotiations are set to continue for three more days. The breakdown in talks comes as Israel announced a series of strikes on Lebanon, with which it has exchanged fire since Hamas attack on Oct. 7, and as the Israeli military prepares for a ground offensive in the tightly-packed city of Rafah filled with more than a million Palestinians. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Significant parts of truce agreement still need to be ironed out Source: The Wall Street Journal Negotiators cannot agree on major points of the truce deal: Israeli officials left Cairo without agreeing to the duration of a possible ceasefire, or the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for the remaining hostages held by Hamas, The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday. Israeli officials told delegates at the meeting that if Hamas did not accept Israels terms, its forces would carry out an offensive in Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip where 1.5 million Palestinians are seeking refuge after fleeing Israels bombardment in the north. According to Gazan health authorities, more than 28,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in the conflict, while residents of the enclave have been pushed into an ever-shrinking area. End of Gaza war could be the last opportunity for a two-state solution Source: The New York Times The shift in support for an independent Palestinian state is one of the most unexpected developments in the Israel-Hamas war, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote. Governments around the world who previously opposed such a plan have now voiced their support, with the U.S. among the key backers. Israel has long argued against a Palestinian state, but to continue ignoring the subject now would be a grave error, Friedman argued, adding that Israel would be globally reviled if it decided to permanently occupy the West Bank and Gaza after the war. Once the guns fall silent in Gaza, we may be looking at the best opportunity for a two-state solution since the fall of the Oslo Accords a series of negotiations aimed at Palestinian independence Friedman wrote. It also might be the last. Gen Z are wearing casual shoes to work and are not investing in "office-friendly" footwear. Liz Teich, a stylist, suggests swapping out sneakers for more polished shoes. Instead, she recommends wearing flats, loafers, boots, dress shoes, and fashion or court sneakers. Gen Z are still learning the ins and outs of office workwear, and the biggest style mistake theyre making is not investing in "office-friendly" shoes, according to a stylist. Liz Teich , a stylist based in New York, told Business Insider that a popular shoe style young professionals are wearing alongside their workwear are white Nike Air Force 1 sneakers, but that they should look elsewhere if they want to impress. "People need to really step up their shoe game," she said in an interview, pointing out that footwear has become more casual since the pandemic and work from home became a norm. "Now they don't know what kind of shoes to wear." Teich thinks you cant go wrong with a classic pump but admitted it may not fit the vibe of every office. Instead, she suggested that Gen Z women should opt for loafers, booties, and fashion or retro-style sneakers. Teich thinks you can't go wrong with a classic pump in the office. Kate Hart Finnigan These choices tend to look "a little bit more polished," according to Teich. Gen Z men can wear dress shoes, boots, or white court sneakers from brands like Veja, Common Projects, and Nisolo. Adidas Stan Smiths, Gazelles, and Sambas are other great options. Even if you are wearing the right shoes, taking care of your shoes and cleaning them is arguably even more essential something younger generations tend to overlook. If your shoes are dirty, that is "a reflection of who you are at the office, so if you don't take care of your shoes, people will notice." Teich advises taking dress shoes to the cobbler for a repair or polish and investing in a magic eraser or shoe cleaner for sneakers. You can also revive old sneakers by swapping out the laces or bleaching them. Gen Z workers have been getting flak for showing up to the office in inappropriate workwear. One senior employee at a New York firm complained to BIs work advice column that a junior worker showed up in a crop top and that they were weirded out by it. Teich and a corporate stylist, Maree Ellard, previously offered some work style tips for Gen Z, including staying covered "from nips to knees," investing in good quality clothes over fast fashion, and keeping flashy designer logos to a minimum. Read the original article on Business Insider Workers are partaking in a new social media trend. They are filming themselves being laid off from their jobs and posting the exchange on TikTok. Brittany Pietsch, a San Francisco technology worker, posted a clip of herself being laid off at cybersecurity company Cloudflare in January. The video was viewed by millions of people across social media platforms and inspired other workers to share their own experiences in real-time. I have, like, really given my whole energy and life over the last four months to this job, and to be let go for no reason is like a huge slap in the face from a company that I really wanted to believe in, Pietsch told Cloudflare representatives in the video. On TikTok, workers across various industries share their experiences from fast-food restaurants to teaching and office jobs. Were seeing it across every industry, Jason Dorsey, the author of Zconomy and the president of the Center for Generational Kinetics, told CBS News. The vast majority of the time that were seeing it is real. People are filming getting laid off, theyre filming walking out, theyre taking the snacks on their way out. The trend echoes companies laying off thousands of employees across the tech, media and retail industries over the past year. As these layoffs are now happening to workers in their own homes instead of in an office, they are feeling empowered to share the experience on social media as a way to find support. Whats important is that many of the young people we see that post this on TikTok remember, theyve grown up on TikTok. They shared their setbacks, theyve shared their breakthroughs it could be a break up with somebody, it could be getting into college, Dorset added. For many of them, [its] the very first time theyve ever been laid off. So of course they want everybody to know and then wait for the feedback to tell them whether or not it was the right decision. Some experts warn that sharing such videos may be in violation of severance agreements and backfire against the worker. Generally speaking, such moves are a double-edged sword. The literature on whistleblowers, a more extreme form of publicly sharing bad practices, shows that people get stigmatized for doing so, Ben Voyer, an ESCP Business School professor told Business Insider. Generally, society doesnt reward people that engage in behaviors that some may see as a betrayal. Pushing such content online is a way to get moral support on the one hand, and a little revenge on the other hand. Others highlight that the trend speaks to a larger movement of workers being empowered to hold companies accountable and strengthening employee solidarity. It mirrors the recent employee strikes and unionization efforts in the United States. The public sharing of layoff experiences on platforms like TikTok reflects a shift towards greater transparency and a desire to share personal stories in a digital world, Farah Sharghi, a San Francisco-based tech recruiter, told BBC. It also underscores the emotional and professional impact of corporate decisions on individuals. Its one thing to talk about being laid off its another to experience it with the person being impacted as its happening to them in real-time. She adds that posting such videos can shift the blame towards the company while noting that the layoff has more to do with a company-wide initiative than a result of the employees overall performance. The company [may try] to shift the blame of the layoff onto the employee when in reality, if its a mass layoff, it could either be the failing of leadership or a shift in technology thats driving change, Sharghi added. These videos are exposing the failings of companies. This image released by Sony Pictures shows Dakota Johnson in a scene from "Madame Web." Beth Dubber/Associated Press Madame Web is the first Marvel-affiliated movie for which I feel truly sorry. Most of its problems are quality-related. But some arent; some relate to audience fatigue, and OK, well, heres another one. Sony Pictures piece of the Marvel pie, separate from the official Disney-branded Marvel Cinematic Universe, includes the Spider-Man movies plus Venom and a few others. That pie has been sitting out on the counter, unrefrigerated, for a long time now. This is not Madame Webs fault. Director and co-writer S.J. Clarkson makes her feature debut here; her extensive TV credits include the Marvel series The Defenders and Jessica Jones. Madame Web feels like it should not have been conceived as a movie with its modest visual scale, the wobbly dramatic stakes, Dakota Johnsons small performance, Sydney Sweeneys small performance, Tahar Rahims small performance. It plays like a bland, third-season Marvel series as watched on a 12-year-old TV set playing in the wrong dramatic aspect ratio, which I realize isnt a real thing. But now it is. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Typically these Marvel-derived origin stories (the Madame Web character was introduced in 1980) have an advantage over the average JAS (Just Another Sequel), even if job No. 1 is to tee up the hoped-for franchise. In this case, its a narrative about three teenage girls with gradually revealed superpowers and their extremely powerful guardian/pal, New York City paramedic Cassie Webb (played by Johnson). Cassie is the orphaned daughter of the intrepid Peruvian Amazon rainforest spider hunter who dies in childbirth, assisted in the worst way by a gunshot wound. We learn the identity of the perp straight off. With Madame Web, the audience knows everything the characters take forever to learn themselves. Most of it unfolds in 2003, with the grown-up Cassie and her fellow paramedic Ben Parker (Adam Scott) saving lives but nearly losing Cassie in a near-death incident. She comes through, but is now haunted by strange time-loop hiccups and uncertain powers of clairvoyance. She can see the future, but only a few seconds into that future. At first, anyway. In the right state of mind, i.e., high crisis mode, Cassie flits from past tense to future tense to present, without much control. In other words, shes like the movie. The villain Ezekiel (Rahim), who stole the red jungle spider in the prologue, wants to harness its power for bad, not good (thats why hes bad, or at least misunderstood). He and his assistant (the deadpan Zosia Mamet) spend a fair amount of screen time looking at screens, searching for the whereabouts of Webb and the three young women who will kill him someday. He knows this because the super-spiders venom runs through his veins, just as it does with Cassie, enabling him to foretell future events. The young women at the center of all this are played, gamely, by Sweeney (Julia), Celeste OConnor (Mattie) and Isabela Merced (Anya). In stronger moviemaking circumstances, theyd be all right. The script, with four credited writers, and the filmmaking lacks an activating spirit. Director Clarkson leans into the teenage characters frustrations and confusion for genuine feeling and pathos, but theyre dramatized with distressing flatness. Also, the frequent depictions of Cassies dream state, or subconscious, where shes able to vision-quest all over the place and even commune with her late mother, resemble a waterlogged waiting room just outside an auxiliary quantum realm. I generally like Johnson on screen, but her low-stress underplaying is not quite right for this stuff. Nobody in this movie pops, or crackles, or snaps, or finds ways to energize the blah blah. The actions not much; the actings minimalist bordering on somnambulant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During one corporate event a few years ago, Sony used the phrase Sony Pictures Universe of Marvel Characters in reference to its future slate, with an acronym of SPUMC. Its fun to say spummk! but it evokes something less than fun to watch. And here we are. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius played down questions about his country's ability to sustain defence spending of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024. "We are above 2%, that is the message," Pistorius said at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday. "A good horse doesn't jump higher than it has to," he added. For the first time in three decades, Germany notified NATO of planned defence spending amounting to at least 2% of its GDP, according to information obtained by dpa. The German government reported allocating the equivalent of $73.41 billion for defence spending in the current year, a record figure for Germany in absolute terms, and would amount to 2.01% of GDP, according to the current NATO forecast. In the past, according to documents from the NATO archives, Germany last spent 2% of its GDP in 1992. In the Cold War years, the ratio was usually over 3%. Should Germany's economy grow by more than expected in 2024 then the planned defence spending may fall under the 2% NATO target. This outcome did not trouble Pistorius. "If GDP at the end of the year was higher than we could have anticipated at the beginning, then nobody can be blamed for that," he said. Ministers from NATO's member states are in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday to discuss their support for Ukraine's war effort, as well as their defence spending commitments. Wednesday's meeting, officially, is a US-coordinated gathering of Ukraine-supporting allies and not of NATO itself. Thursday's event is a NATO ministerial meeting proper. Boris Pistorius (L), German Minister of Defence stands with a soldier in a Puma infantry fighting vehicle during his inaugural visit to the Bundeswehr at the Altengrabow military training area. For the first time in three decades, Germany has notified NATO of planned defence spending amounting to at least 2% GDP. Kay Nietfeld/dpa Boris Pistorius (L), German Minister of Defence stands with a soldier in a Puma infantry fighting vehicle during his inaugural visit to the Bundeswehr at the Altengrabow military training area. For the first time in three decades, Germany has notified NATO of planned defence spending amounting to at least 2% GDP. Kay Nietfeld/dpa For the first time in three decades, Germany has notified NATO of planned defence spending amounting to at least 2% GDP. According to research by dpa, the German government reported allocating the equivalent of $73.41 billion for defence spending in the current year. This is a record figure for Germany in absolute terms and would be 2.01% of GDP, according to the current NATO forecast. In the past, according to documents from the NATO archives, Germany last spent 2% of its GDP in 1992. In the Cold War years, the ratio was usually over 3%. The development of NATO countries' defence spending will be discussed this Thursday at a meeting of defence ministers at the NATO headquarters in Brussels. It is expected that around 20 of the 31 NATO states will reach the 2% target this year. By Alexander Ratz BERLIN (Reuters) -Germany has met a NATO alliance target to spend 2% of its gross domestic product on defence for the first time since the early 1990s, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, as spending ramped up after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The German government is allocating the equivalent of 71.8 billion euros ($76.8 billion) for defence spending in the current year through regular and special budget outlays. However, the sum of its total defence spending is classified. NATO's Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that 18 countries were expected to meet the 2% target. NATO defence ministers are meeting in Brussels on Thursday. A separate meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, hosted by the United States, takes place on Wednesday. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government has spotlighted its rising defence spending at an uncertain time for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Former U.S. President Donald Trump on the weekend outraged allies by saying he would refuse to protect NATO members who did not spend enough on defence. Reacting to those remarks in an interview on WELT TV on Tuesday evening, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said Trump risked damaging transatlantic relations and could "ultimately saw off the branch on which America is sitting." Pistorius pushed back at opposition suggestions that Germany should increase its special military defence fund to 300 billion euros ($320 billion) from 100 billion, saying the government should increase its regular budgetary outlay instead. That would help the government in procurement over longer time horizons, he said. "You can actually only do this in a serious, long-term manner with an increased individual plan," he said. Pistorius also pushed back against the idea, which gained attention after Trump's remarks, of creating a separate European nuclear defence umbrella. "I can only warn against starting such a discussion with such carelessness just because Donald Trump, who is not even a presidential candidate, makes such statements," he said. ($1 = 0.9350 euros) (Reporting by Alexander Ratz; writing by Matthias Williams; editing by Miranda Murray and Ros Russell) German Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (R) stands next to Ludik Prudil during a visit to a fire station in Prague's Holesovice district, which opened two years ago. At a subsequent meeting with the Czech Minister of the Interior, one of the topics to be discussed was cooperation in fire and disaster protection. ihova Michaela/CTK/dpa Germany will likely maintain temporary border controls along its borders with the Czech Republic and Poland beyond March when the temporary measures are set to expire, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on Wednesday in Prague. Germany imposed checks on its borders with the two countries in September to block the rising numbers of asylum seekers entering the country. The borders between the countries, which are all members of the Schengen free movement area and the European Union, are normally lightly patrolled with no checkpoints and only occasional random checks. Faeser, speaking after a meeting with Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan, said that the number of migrants entering Germany has fallen. "However, we still have very high asylum numbers, and in this respect, we believe that we will probably have to extend border controls again at the next review in March," she said. Rakusan expressed understanding for the likely decision but called for renewed talks about loosening the border controls and a return to an open Schengen area. He appealed for "democratic politicians" not to get used to the current temporary arrangements. The controls are currently registered with the EU until March 15. Germany reintroduced controls along the Austrian border in 2016 on a temporary basis but has repeatedly extended the measures since then. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser smiles during a visit to fire station in Prague's Holesovice district, which opened two years ago. At a subsequent meeting with the Czech Minister of the Interior, one of the topics discussed was cooperation in fire and disaster protection. ihova Michaela/CTK/dpa For the first time since the Cold War, Germany has reached NATO's military spending target after spending 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense, which amounts to 71.8 billion euros ($77 billion), a spokesman for the Ministry of Defense announced on Feb. 14, according to Reuters. Read also: Ukrainian forces on high alert amidst fake news of impending Russian invasion Spending has increased significantly since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The funds are allocated through regular and special budget expenditures, but the amount of total defense spending is classified. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also said that 18 countries would meet the 2% target in 2024. Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 10 that he would encourage Russia to attack any NATO country that he believes does not contribute enough to defense. Reacting to these statements in an interview with WELT on Feb. 13, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said that Trump risks damaging transatlantic relations and could "eventually saw off the branch on which America is sitting." Read also: Taurus missiles would not break stalemate in Ukraine Berlin Pistorius rejected opposition proposals that Berlin should increase its special military defense fund to 300 billion euros ($322 billion), saying that the government should instead increase spending from its regular budget. This would help the government to make purchases for a longer period of time, he argued. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Feb. 14 that all the billions of dollars of aid Ukraine receives from its partners is, among other things, an investment in the security of Europe. Read also: Three lessons from Ramstein. About Germany, tanks and offensive weapons for Ukraine Media reported on Feb. 3 that Ukraine might soon sign a security agreement with Germany. The signing of the agreement was scheduled for Feb. 16. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Feb. 1 that most EU countries are not doing enough to support Ukraine militarily in its defense against Russian aggression. Germany announced a new military aid package for Ukraine on Jan. 31, which includes armored personnel carriers, all-terrain vehicles, and air defense missiles. European defense spending increased by 6% in 2022 year-on-year to a record 240 billion euros ($257 billion), marking the eighth consecutive year of growth. Read also: Will a war between Russia and NATO start in February? Here's how it could happen 20 of the 27 EU member states increased defense spending, while six increased spending by more than 10%. The highest growth in defense spending among the 27 EU countries was recorded in Sweden (+30.1%), Luxembourg (+27.9%), Lithuania (+27.6%), Spain (+19.3%), Belgium (+14.8%), and Greece (+13.3%). 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 Yellow bags of plastic waste and packaging waste hang on a fence in front of an apartment building. German plastic waste exports to Asia increased by nearly 50% last year, according to waste management association BDE. Christian Charisius/dpa German plastic waste exports to Asia increased by nearly 50% last year, according to waste management association BDE. In 2023, around 158,000 tonnes of plastic waste were shipped from Germany to Asia, around 51,000 tonnes more than a year earlier, according to Germany's waste management association BDE in response to a dpa enquiry. Exports had already increased in 2022, but only slightly, by 6% at the time. This involved exports to countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Every year, more than 6 million tons of plastic waste are recycled in Germany, but the proportion of Asian exports is small. They are not categorised as waste, but as raw materials that are further processed into textiles, street bollards or benches. From the waste management industry's point of view, a certain amount of such exports is part of normal business in globalization. The demand for such raw materials in other regions of the world can be fulfilled and satisfy local economies. However, environmentalists point out that regulations and checks are weaker in poorer countries and that some exports end up as waste. The environmental activism organization Greenpeace is calling for a ban on such exports. Beyonce has released a pair of country singles as part of 'Renaissance: Act II'. Parkwood At least one of Houston's country radio stations has gotten behind Beyonce's new music. Nick Russo, music director and on-air personality at 100.3 The Bull, played "16 Carriages" as the final song during his Tuesday afternoon show. He prefaced it with solid reasoning as to why Beyonce deserves a spot on country radio. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Beyonce is one of the world's best vocalists and one of the most decorated entertainers of all time. She is from Houston. Country music is at an all-time popularity moment, and the world's greatest artistic creators want to deliver music in the vehicle that is country music," he said. "This is a compliment to all the artists that have come before us." His post was met with unanimous praise from fans, who have already pushed "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em" to the top of multiple charts. "Sometimes a moment happens in your city, and you have to honor what it means. To avoid discussing what is or what isnt 'country music' we celebrate new voices in the genre," Russo wrote. "Beyonce releasing a country album is a compliment to the art form that is country music." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Beyonce released both songs during Sunday's Super Bowl after teasing them during a Verizon commercial. The Houston native also revealed that a country-flavored "Renaissance Act II" album is coming March 29. Beyonce has released a pair of country singles as part of 'Renaissance: Act II'. Parkwood Beyonce previously dabbled in country music with the song "Daddy Lessons," a standout from the "Lemonade" album. It was followed by a remix version featuring Texas trio The Chicks. 93Q in Houston has not yet responded to emails about playing the songs. A radio station in Oklahoma came under fire this week after it refused to play "Texas Hold 'Em," according to a fan on X (formerly Twitter). After being inundated with requests and media attention, the station added the song to its rotation. According to Billboard, the station's general manager initially refused because he was unaware that Beyonce had released two new country songs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad House lawmakers moved again Wednesday to legalize the construction of accessory apartments, or granny flats, in residential neighborhoods throughout the state. They passed a bill, sponsored by Warren Democratic Rep. June Speakman, that would eliminate the requirement that granny flats be used only by family members of the property owner. The legislation would allow homeowners to add an apartment within their house without seeking special permission as long as it is within the footprint of the existing structure. And on lots of 20,000 square feet or more, homeowners could add a detached accessory unit "by right," or without special permission. This model of an accessory dwelling unit, on display at the State House on Jan. 25, won a Rhode Island School of Design "granny flat" competition sponsored by the AARP. Passage sets up a fight in the Senate The House vote 55 to 9 puts the fate of the bill back in the hands of the Senate, where it died last year. Senate leaders have said they will consider passing an accessory apartments bill, but they expressed concern about new granny flats being too large and "right up to the fence line." The accessory apartment bill was the only piece of legislation in House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi's 14-bill housing affordability package not to pass last year. He made it a top priority this year. The granny flat bill would block municipalities from requiring dimensional variances for accessory units, or more than one off-street parking space per unit. In committee testimony last month, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns wrote that it "generally supports" the accessory apartment bill, but stressed that it is important to preserve "quality of life" and "include the local voice at the table in these discussions." 'Granny flats' a top priority for AARP The legalization of granny flats, also known as accessory dwelling units, is a top legislative priority of AARP, which for years has argued they provide seniors convenient, inexpensive places to live near family. Opposition to the bill came mostly from House Republicans, who have argued that blanket allowance of granny flats infringes on local control and erodes the sanctity of single-family neighborhoods. House GOP leader Michael Chippendale offered two amendments to the bill that were shot down by the Democratic majority. One of them would have given property owners even more freedom to add accessory units on their land, allowing them to build detached flats if their occupants were over the age of 65. Another sought to give local police chiefs the power to require off-street parking for granny flats. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI one step closer to legal 'granny flats' but bigger challenge awaits What do they think the effect of that tsunami might be on our overburdened services, let alone British teenagers who have worked their socks off? - Srdjanns74 A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about the scandal of some of our best universities making lower offers to high-paying international students than to our own young people. This is clearly a subject that vexes many readers. I guess its proof, were any needed, that we Britons are increasingly a low priority for many of our institutions, from the Church of England offering a sacrament for failed asylum seekers who are then at liberty to seemingly throw drain cleaner at women and children, to the Home Office inviting staff to celebrate World Hijab Day. As my excellent colleague Steven Edginton revealed, the Home Offices Islamic Network, a voluntary group for Muslim civil servants, enthusiastically described the hijab as being brought to women as a way of protection. Most British women (remember us?) would shudder at such condescension. In fact, it has taken four generations to consign such thinking to the past and now, apparently, our taxes are being used to extol it. I have no objection to any woman covering her head if that is her personal choice (my mum used to put on a headscarf to pop to the shops when I was little; mind you, that was probably to preserve her perm). But government departments have no business commenting either way on female attire. At a time when women and girls in Iran are risking their lives to cast off their headscarves currently some of the bravest people in the world, if you ask me the officials to whom those Iranian females might apply for asylum in the UK, were they lucky enough to escape that Handmaids Tale hellhole, are endorsing the very religious dress code they are fleeing. A frightening thought. We want asylum seekers to be assessed by someone who shares mainstream British values, dont we? The blatant discrimination against some of our British candidates in our universities only reinforces the sense that preservation and promulgation of our culture is of negligible interest to our globalist leaders. Scores of parents and grandparents responded to my original article with tales of fuming injustice. Nicholas said his extremely bright and dedicated boy 12 grade 9s at GCSE, predicted four A* at A-level had worked in a medical laboratory before applying to Exeter to read medicine. He wasnt even selected for interview, reports his father. I believe this is what you call widening participation, Nicholas, aka social engineering at the expense of white middle-class kids. One university administrator confirmed this when she told me that a candidate not speaking English at home is considered an advantage. Big tick. And reckless is the youth who dares admit on his application to being heterosexual. Some, I am told, now lie routinely and tick Bi(sexual). In case they manage to get in and are spotted with a girl- or boyfriend. Garlanded star pupils struggle to get onto STEM courses which are dominated by Chinese and East Asian students. My sons school got 30 offers from Oxbridge this year, reports another reader, but not a single one for science subjects or medicine, even though its a science-based school. My son, who is right at the top of the class, didnt even get an interview because he wanted to study a science. Foreign students are getting in with significantly less ability than many British students who are being rejected. Its a disgrace. Jamie tells me his son took a gap year and applied to Durham with his three A*s, including a score of over 90 per cent in the A-level that corresponded to his degree. He simply could not have been better qualified. They still rejected him, says his dad. Blatant discrimination not only violates our national sense of fair play, it can have serious knock-on effects. My husband works at a leading medical school, wrote Diana, Last year, 25 per cent of first-year undergraduates failed their exams an unheard-of proportion. The result of skewed entry criteria granting sought-after places to students who, ultimately, turned out to be not sufficiently able. The international students are not allowed to be rejected as they pay for their course. Instead, they are allowed to resit and, if they fail that, they go into special measures meaning extra work for staff who have to cram knowledge into them so that they pass. Failing international students is not allowed, according to one engineering lecturer who emailed me, even if their English is terrible and its pretty clear theyve lifted their work from the internet. The wealthy customer is never thick. A country that makes a virtue out of discriminating against its own young is a sick country, I think. The Department for Education doesnt see the problem. Burbling excitedly about its International Education growth strategy, it explains: At its heart is an ambition to increase the number of international higher education students hosted in the UK to 600,000 per year by 2030. God help us. What do they think the effect of that tsunami might be on our overburdened services, let alone British teenagers who have worked their socks off? Clearly, they dont give a damn. All they see is signs. But our government should be wary of tearing up the social contract between generations. I was alarmed by what Sasha, a worried mum, had to report. Universities preferring high-paying, low-quality international candidates to bright British kids completely reflects the situation of my Upper Sixth son and his friends, Sasha wrote. We made the mistake of going private to a school where Wills cohort scored in the top 20 of GCSE results for the entire country. Yet, out of 15 boys applying for humanities subjects at Oxbridge, only one got an offer. These are all boys with 10/11/12 9s at GCSE and with at least three A*s predicted. Some have offers of AAA at Exeter, Leeds etc but most are now waiting to hear from Durham and Edinburgh. But they arent optimistic. How can you not be optimistic when you have achieved such great grades? It does make the boys wonder why they bothered working so hard. Just wait until they graduate, Sasha, and discover that the highly educated white British male is knocked out of the recruitment process by top firms obsessed by DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion). These are the same boys who now read that, with World War Three forecast, they are expected to train up, enlist and head into battle, says Sasha. Ironically, the same boys that they are excluding from our best universities are the ones whove done their CCF (Combined Cadet Force). The other day, around the family kitchen table, Sasha says it was fascinating to hear her son and his mates talk about conscription. An absolute no-no as far as all the boys were concerned. They said, why would they fight for a country that doesnt support them, doesnt even appear to like them? Its quite the feat to get middle-class boys to despise universities and their own nation in one fell swoop. Honestly, who can blame them? Memo to politicians counting on British kids enlisting: Ask not what young people can do for you. Ask what you did for your own young people. 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 $500,000 grant was given by the James M. Cox Foundation to Groundwork Jacksonville to help fund the design of two segments of the Emerald Trail. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Groundwork Jacksonville announced on Wednesday that the money will go towards Emerald Trail segment three, the Riverside Link, and segment four, the S-Line Connector. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] At Cox, were deeply committed to supporting the communities where we do business, Joey Satfield, general manager for the Manheim Daytona Beach-Jacksonville Market Center said. This generous contribution from the James M. Cox Foundation helps us advance our local conservation initiatives and dedication to providing accessible green spaces for everyone to enjoy. Groundwork Jacksonville said that the project will be funded, in part, by $132 million of gas tax revenue earmarked for the Emerald Trail by the Jacksonville City Council in 2021. Read: Small business owners invited to attend What to Post on Social Media webinar The Riverside Links is a 2.3-mile segment that begins at the Artist Walk under I-95 and ends at the southwestern end of McCoys Creek. The 4.8-mile S-Line Connector was an abandoned portion of CSX railroad Right-of-Way, which the City of Jacksonville gained possession of in 2008. Back in October, Action News Jax told you when the City of Jacksonville, Groundwork Jacksonville, and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) announced plans for whats next for the Emerald Trail. A part of the $132 million raised from the Local Option Gas Tax would go to help fund the five remaining trail segments. Also in October, on This Week in the 904, Action News Jaxs John Bahman spoke with Groundwork Jax CEO Kay Ehas. She said that the project was partially modeled after the Beltline in Atlanta, Georgia. Ehas spoke about how Jacksonville is a harder place to raise money because there arent as many major corporations and foundations headquartered here. However, the Emerald Trail is getting some corporate donations. Groundwork Jacksonville described the impact the grant will have on the Emerald Trail project. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The James M. Cox Foundation has been a significant partner of PATH and the Atlanta BeltLine, so they understand the positive impact urban trails can have on a communitys health and quality of life, said Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville. We are grateful that the Cox Foundation sees that same potential in the Emerald Trail and has chosen to lend its support in such a significant way. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. A 48-year-old man with a criminal history of domestic assault allegedly drove to his ex-girlfriends Independence home and walked up with a gun in hand before a shootout that left her and her sister dead late Friday afternoon. Prosecutors have charged the man, Namphonh Suady, of Independence, with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm. An arrest warrant calls for him to be held on a $250,000 cash bond. Court documents made public Tuesday do not outline the relationship between Suady and the two sisters, 47-year-old Jessika Koehler and 44-year-old Janessa Russell. But Suady was identified by family members of the women as an ex-boyfriend. Police were called around 5:30 p.m. Friday to a home in the 1300 block of North Lynn Street for a reported shooting. Officers found one of the women in the driveway and the second on the basement floor. Both died of gunshot wounds. Suady was shot in his left arm. A blood trail led away from the residence, showing Suadys path, and he was taken into custody around the corner at Noland Road and East Elizabeth Street, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in support of the criminal charge. Paramedics took Suady to the hospital. He remained there Tuesday, an Independence police spokesman said. Detectives obtained footage recorded by a home surveillance camera that showed Suady arrive at the residence in a silver-colored vehicle and exit with a pistol in hand, the police affidavit says. The surveillance video showed Suady running into the driveway and firing a handgun toward the residence, according to the affidavit, and other subjects inside the residence firing gunshots. Police did not immediately locate the firearm when Suady was found Friday afternoon. A K-9 dog trained to sniff out guns and ammunition led police to an air conditioning unit behind a residence. There was a pool of blood, believed to be Suadys, and a 9mm handgun on the ground, the affidavit says. Apparent blood was also found on the grip and slide of the pistol. In an online GoFundMe webpage post, Nicholas Russell-Gamble, a son of one of the slain women, wrote that Koehler and Russell were sisters, and Suady was an ex-boyfriend of his aunts. He wrote that he arrived home Friday to learn the two women I hold dear most were shot and killed. A message from a Star reporter sent to the family member was not immediately returned Tuesday. The fundraiser seeks financial help to pay for both funerals. The weapons charge Suady faces in Jackson County is possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Suady has felony convictions in state and federal courts for offenses that include first-degree assault, armed criminal action, drug possession, forgery and domestic assault, according to court documents. The criminal complaint filed by Jackson County prosecutors references a felony assault case from 2011 that resulted in a two-year prison sentence. At the time of the shooting, the police affidavit says, Suady had an active felony warrant out of Florida for alleged interference in the custody of a minor child. As of Tuesday, prosecutors had not charged Suady with any other crimes related to the shooting deaths of Koehler and Russell. Additional criminal charges against Suady are possible as the shooting remains under investigation, said Mike Mansur, a spokesman for the Jackson County Prosecutors Office. Online records did not list a defense attorney representing Suady in the case as of Tuesday. An initial court appearance had yet to be scheduled. The Stars Andrea Klick contributed to this report. Guys in tech, finance, and other white-collar jobs are paying stylists thousands of dollars to dress them White-collar workers are turning to stylists to upgrade their wardrobes. These stylists charge thousands to help workers balance professional and casual styles. "Men are very confused right now with the dress codes," a New York-based stylist told the Journal. Dressing for your job is getting harder in a world where business casual encompasses everything from Patagonia vests to leather jackets to pricey sneakers. So white-collar workers in tech, law, and finance are turning to professional stylists to help them navigate their sartorial confusion. And theyre willing to shell out thousands of dollars to nail the right balance of cool and professional. Those hiring a professional stylist should be prepared to swap their $50 shirts for ones closer to the $250 range, Michelle Sterling, a professional image consultant previously told Business Insider. And if you want to nail the quiet luxury look a trend making waves in the corporate world for sophisticated yet simple pieces don't shy away from top-tier brands like Loro Piana, Brunello Cucinelli, and Zegna. The bottom line is that you should aim to project a version of yourself that feels authentic, Sterling said. Finding the right style for your corporate job Some white-collar stylists start by assessing their clients personalities before they start dressing them. Peter Nguyen, a former designer who now charges tens of thousands for styling services, sends clients a long questionnaire touching on everything from their hobbies to their music preferences to help him find clothes that suit their persona, according to The Wall Street Journal . Others prefer to hop on a call to determine what works best for their clients. Cassandra Sethi offers virtual services to male and female professionals worldwide through her image consulting firm, Next Level Wardrobe. She also works in person with clients based in New York, according to the firms website. Usually, she starts by setting up an intro call with her clients. And her calls can get pretty long. After she sent her client Nate Dudek a 42-year-old software company executive a box of clothes that included a gray blazer from Ted Baker and t-shirts from Save Khaki United, they got on a three-hour Zoom session to determine Dudeks fashion needs, and which clothes suited him best, according to the Journal. Some stylists also offer extensive, weekslong style programs for those who need more than a few hours of help. "Men are very confused right now with the dress codes that have blurred the lines of formality, New York-based stylist Jacci Jaye, who runs an image consulting service called Wall Street Stylist," told the Journal. Jaye offers several styling packages that range from one-off, special occasion styling to a full-blown Executive Style Launch, a four- to six-week program that includes a closet analysis, six to eight hours of personalized shopping, and style integration to help clients blend their new pieces into their existing wardrobe, according to Jayes website . If you're not ready to commit to a professional stylist but still need some advice, Sylvie di Giusto, founder of Executive Image Consulting, previously gave BI a good rule of thumb: "The more you deal with a client's money, the more traditional and conservative you should be dressed." Read the original article on Business Insider Parents involved in the nonprofit Cypress Families for Public Schools hold up signs reading "Don't mess with parental rights" and "Don't mess with religious freedom" while Joske Malloy, wife of Rocky Malloy, CEO and Founder of the National School Chaplain Association, speaks in favor of the legislation. Elizabeth Sander Parents involved in the nonprofit Cypress Families for Public Schools hold up signs reading "Don't mess with parental rights" and "Don't mess with religious freedom" during Cy-Fair ISD's board discussion on whether to adopt a policy creating a paid position for school chaplains. Elizabeth Sander Nearing the five-hour mark of Mondays board meeting, the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD board of trustees voted to affirm its existing chaplain volunteer policy, opting out of a vote on whether to adopt a policy of employing chaplains. With a conservative supermajority of 6-1, it was a surprising decision for many community members who were anticipating that the board would approve a policy employing chaplains. Some members were so concerned that some in the group Cypress Families for Public Schools organized an effort to speak out against the policy proposal, printing out U.S. history-themed signs for parents to hold up during the meeting reading: Dont mess with our parental rights and Dont mess with religious freedom. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The board, which includes some new members, had only two weeks left to take a record vote on the measure before the laws March 1 deadline. Senate Bill 763 allows school districts to open a chaplain position in their schools and pay them through the safety and security allotment from the state. The board meeting Monday night drew a large crowd, with 30 speakers on the item 17 in opposition and 13 in favor. Though the agenda item for the chaplains discussion did not begin until roughly four hours into the meeting, much of the crowd remained, awaiting a decision. One retired Cy-Fair school counselor, Heidi Rothschild, spoke in opposition to the proposal, leaning on her experiences with students in the district and the struggles theyd faced. Being an unchurched family in Cy-Fair can be very uncomfortable, Rothschild said. Having official chaplains in our school would raise that discomfort to alienation. It would serve as a daily official reminder to non-religious students that You dont fit. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Two current Cy-Fair students spoke in opposition as well. One asked the board how they thought the bill would affect her. I am also agnostic and I dont follow a specific faith. How would this new chaplain bill affect me? How would it affect other students of other religions? asked student Olivia Penrod. Penrod explained how she had recently experienced bullying at her school, and that her counselor had made her feel safe. She wasnt sure a chaplain could have done the same, she said. The crowd included State Board Education Member Julie Pickren, who has been emailing letters of support to districts around the area and attending meetings in her jurisdiction to urge support for the measure. Pickren is also a member of the National School Chaplain Associations board. Rocky Malloy, CEO and Founder of the National School Chaplain Association speaks at a Cy-Fair ISD board meeting before a vote on whether to adopt a policy regarding the law. State Board of Education Member Julie Pickren, who also spoke, sits behind the podium. Elizabeth Sander Rocky Malloy, CEO and founder of the NSCA, and his wife, Joske Malloy, were also both present at the meeting, alongside other supporters of the measure. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Both Malloys spoke during the public comment section. Rocky Malloy became heated when urging the board to vote yes, citing a study by a research scientist with the U.S. Army, that said that not providing spiritual care contributes to mental illness, he said. Vote yes on the evidence. And Im not looking for anybody elses evidence! he said, pointing to a large binder on the podium and turning to the crowd. Malloy has been traveling across Texas speaking at board meetings in support of the policy his organization helped push through the Texas Legislature last year. One week ago, Malloy was in Galveston ISD at a board policy meeting speaking in support of the measure, and the week before that, he appeared in San Antonios Judson ISD to speak. With an NSCA ally on the board, Board Vice President Natalie Blasingame, who testified in support of the measure during the legislative session, community members opposed to the legislation were particularly concerned that Cy-Fair might be one of the few districts in the state to adopt a policy hiring chaplains. And the board certainly considered it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad After a board work session on Thursday that brought up some questions about whether the proposed policy revisions addressed the law at hand, General Counsel Marney Sims drew up some clearer options labeled A and B and screen-shared them for the audience to see. Option A stated that in the employment policy, the board chose not to create a chaplain position but did not discriminate against hiring otherwise qualified employees who are also a chaplain. It amended the volunteer policy as well to more clearly define the role of a volunteer chaplain already allowed in Cy-Fair ISD. Option B created a paid position for chaplains in the boards local employment policy, along with an edit to the volunteer policy stating that the board had created a position for chaplains, so it would not need a volunteer chaplain position. After some back-and-forth, including trustee Julie Hinamans recommendation that the board vote against adopting any policy regarding the resolution, Blasingame made a motion to create a role for paid chaplains and codify a different role for volunteer chaplains, which the districts attorney and the superintendent cautioned against due to employment legality concerns. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It took some clarification for board members to understand the motion Blasingame was making and it ultimately failed to get the second it needed from another trustee to go to a vote. The financial concern about the bill was also brought up by Superintendent Doug Killian. He reiterated that there wasnt much funding in the safety and security allotment, which the Legislature increased by only $15,000 per Cy-Fair campus, which is not enough to cover a single salary. He then aired a little sarcasm about the Legislatures proclivity to unfunded mandates. This may just be a crazy observation, but you know, Ive always been told if you want something to happen, you incentivize it financially, correct? Killian said. So it was so important to the Legislature with a $30-something billion surplus, they passed a bill with no money attached to it. Trustee Lucas Scanlon mentioned that his wife is a mentor in the district and that she and her mentee have found it a fulfilling experience, alluding to the fact that faith-based leaders already have the opportunity to lend the same kind of support they might provide in the role of a paid school chaplain. Trustee Justin Ray made a second motion, which was ultimately approved in a 5-0 vote, with two abstaining, Blasingame and trustee Christine Kalmbach. Rays motion asked to drop the consideration of an employment policy regarding chaplains altogether, instead simply affirming the districts pre-existing comprehensive volunteer policy for faith-based leaders to serve as mentors. I believe that its in our best interest to continue having chaplains and people engaged in our community as volunteers and mentors, he said, allowing the board to circumvent the issue without having to vote no outright to paid chaplains. The board must take a second vote on the issue in March after gathering more feedback, at which time trustees could vote to amend Mondays motion. As presidential candidate Nikki Haley faces a significant uphill battle toward a victory in the South Carolina Republican primary, she recently predicts the Democratic Party will reject President Joe Biden as its 2024 nominee. My bet is, 30 days from now, Joe Biden will not be the nominee, Haley said Sunday about the ongoing concerns about the presidents competency to serve. I wish Joe Biden well, I really do, but the Democrats in the best interest in their party and our country, they need to find a new nominee. The next day, co-hosts on ABCs The View, lashed out. Is she going to be around in the next 30 days?, co-host Sunny Hostin said. I mean, shes not going to be the nominee, either. Haley is in for a fight toward winning the primary in South Carolina. New Winthrop and CBS polls show Haley trailing former President Donald Trump by 35-36 points in the upcoming South Carolina primary contest. Well, my bet is that in 12 days, thats when the Republican primary in (Haleys) home state is, shes going to beaten like a bongo drum by Donald Trump, so if you want to put money on it, Nikki, Im betting on Joe, not on you, The View co-host Anna Navaro said. Another co-host of the show, Whoopi Goldberg, discounted recent claims by Haley and others that Bidens memory was failing him, pointing to Bidens achievements, including the approval of the first over-the-counter birth control pill, a bipartisan infrastructure deal and the confirmation of the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. I dont care that he didnt remember when his beloved son died, because its none of your business, Goldberg said. When (Biden) missteps for the nation, then we have a problem. Nikki, what have you done? What can you point to, because (Biden) at 81, knew he was going to be 81 in four years and still said Im going to do this anyway and he did it. In an interview with Fox News Tuesday, Haley responded. Well, Ive done quite a bit, Haley said. As governor ... and UN Ambassador we accomplished a lot. I did a whole lot more than Whoopi Goldberg will ever do, and its not the ladies on The View that I ever care to impress. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haleys campaign called former President Trump a huge weight on GOP candidates after Democrats won a special election for the New York House seat previously held by ex-Rep. George Santos (R). Lets just say the quiet part out loud. Donald Trump continues to be a huge weight against Republican candidates, Haley national spokesperson Olivia Perez-Cubas said in a statement following the results. Despite the enormous and obvious failings of Joe Biden, we just lost another winnable Republican House seat because voters overwhelmingly reject Donald Trump. Until Republicans wake up, we will continue to lose, she added. Time for a new generation of conservative leadership that doesnt turn off the American people. Former Rep. Tom Suozzi (D) won back his old seat in the House, flipping Santoss seat back into Democrats hands. The seat was up during a special election after the embattled former lawmaker was ousted from the House after much controversy and the Democratic win erodes the GOPs majority in the lower chamber. Suozzi defeated Republican Nassau County legislator Mazi Pilip, who also previously served in the Israeli military, in New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, which President Biden won in 2020 by 8 points. Trump called Pilip a very foolish woman after results rolled in Tuesday night, criticizing her for keeping her distance from him. I have an almost 99% Endorsement Success Rate in Primaries, and a very good number in the General Elections, as well, but just watched this very foolish woman, Mazi Melesa Pilip, running in a race where she didnt endorse me and tried to straddle the fence, when she would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America, he wrote on Truth Social. Pilip sought to tie Suozzi to Biden, but she kept Trump at an arms length during the race. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haleys campaign took a Valentines Day dig at her chief GOP opponent, former President Trump, by highlighting his love for brutal dictators. Her campaign dished out a dozen satirical love letters Wednesday, showcasing past quotes from Trump about world leaders of countries that are considered U.S. adversaries. Happy Valentines Day from Donald Trump to dictators around the world, the Haley campaign said in a statement. Over the years, Trump has professed his love for the worlds most brutal dictators and praised their strength and leadership skills. Trump once famously described his communications with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Haleys campaign captured that in a letter: He wrote me beautiful letters, and theyre great letters. We fell in love. Another letter is directed from Trump to himself; it reads, Roses are red. Violets are blue. I love dictators & they love me too. The Haley campaign also prepared one for Chinas President Xi Jinping. Hes strong like granite, hes strong, I know him very well, President Xi of China what can I say: he runs 1.4 billion people with an iron hand, the message from Trump directed to Xi said. It references a line Trump said during a rally in Iowa last year. Haleys campaign touched on Russias President Putin and his correspondence with Trump. I called President Putin of Russia to congratulate him on his election victory. The Fake News Media is crazed because they wanted me to excoriate him. They are wrong! In 2018, Trump called Putin to congratulate him on his election victory. Putin is widely expected to be reelected come March. The former U.N. ambassador is trailing Trump ahead of the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24, down by 32.7 percentage points, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs latest aggregate of polls. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. President Donald Trump meets with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during the NATO summit at The Grove, on Dec. 4, 2019, in Watford, England. | Evan Vucci, Associated Press For weeks, Donald Trump has centered his message at campaign rallies and on social media on one thing: Nikki Haley, his lone challenger remaining, is a traitor who should exit the race. Haleys departure would help Trump for a number of reasons. It would effectively end the primary, securing the nomination for Trump. It would allow Trump to turn his attention to the November general election, a probable rematch with President Joe Biden. And it would be a financial victory it would save the Trump campaign millions of dollars. Heading into 2024, Republicans face financial troubles. Trumps campaign ran a deficit in 2023, shelling out over $50 million of donor funds on his own legal expenses. Should he win the nomination, hell receive an instant boost, both financially and organizationally, by collaborating with the Republican National Committee, the GOPs governing body. But the RNC is in financial woes, too in 2023, the RNC had its worst fundraising year since 2013. Meanwhile, Democrats by sidestepping a costly and messy primary, and effectively coronating Biden as their nominee are fundraising up a storm. The DNC reported more cash on hand at the close of 2023 than any other year preceding a presidential election. The RNC has attempted damage-control by accusing Democrats of spending huge sums of money on ineffective messaging. RNC spokesperson Anna Kelly told The Hill that Democrats are lighting money on fire with tone-deaf ads that are failing to cover for Bidens record of failure or boost his abysmal approval ratings. To Democrats, its Republicans who are lighting money on fire by prolonging a Trump-Haley primary. While the GOP lights money on fire fighting among themselves, Democrats are unified and making the early investments we need to send President Biden and Vice President Harris back to the White House in 2024, DNC national press secretary Sarafina Chitika said. The pricetag on an elongated primary is steep for Trump. During calendar year 2023, the Trump campaign spent $46.5 million; while the Trump-aligned super PAC, MAGA Inc., spent over $93 million. By the Iowa caucuses in mid-January, the Trump campaign and his aligned PACs had already poured over $54 million into campaign ads alone, according to an NPR analysis. All this coincided with a huge fundraising surge for Trump: in the second half of 2023, the MAGA Inc. super PAC raked in over $46 million, including from over a dozen donors who pitched in $1 million or more. But instead of spending the war chest on a presumed general election rematch with Biden, Trumps expenditures have two main ends: securing the Republican nomination against Haley, and funding his legal expenses. Trump faces over 90 criminal charges and has assembled a team of lawyers the equivalent of a boutique law firm, The Washington Post posited with the express purpose of defending him. According to an analysis by The Economist, in the final three months of 2023, more than 50 cents of every dollar donated to Trump went toward his legal defense. With Haley still in the race, Trump has to fight for donations from many of the same Republican donors that Haley is targeting. As recently as late January, representatives from the Haley and Trump campaigns gave back-to-back presentations to a group of GOP-leaning megadonors, trying to win their support. While Haley has received some donations from top Democratic donors, like JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, it is likely that a significant portion of her Republican donor base would flip to Trump, should the former president go on to win the partys nomination. A number of Republican or Trump-friendly megadonors have announced support for Haley in recent weeks, like Citadel founder Ken Griffin. If Trump were to win the GOP nomination, he no longer has to spar with a fellow Republican for GOP donors. But he faces another challenge: collaborating with a cash-strapped RNC, dealing with a leadership challenge and a major shortage of funds. Related In 2023, the RNC had its worst fundraising year in a decade, bringing in just over $87 million. By comparison, in 2019 the last year prior to a general election the RNC reported $241 million in contributions. The RNC reported only $8 million in cash on hand at the close of 2023, and nearly $2 million in debt. Not since 2014 has the RNC closed a calendar year with such little cash on hand. By comparison, the DNC has over $21 million on hand, a record for a year preceding a general election. To assuage its financial woes, the RNC reportedly authorized a line of credit during its winter meetings in Las Vegas this month. But much of the RNCs struggles appear to be its own doing: According to an investigation by RedState of spending between October and November 2023, the RNC spent over $600,000 on supplies, floral arrangements and limousine services. By comparison, the DNC spent nearly $2 million on voter file maintenance and direct-voter texting services; the RNC spent just over $125,000 on these things. Should Trump win the Republican nomination, his campaign would work in tandem with the RNC through November. RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said the two organizations would merge and work together to win the White House. But there are longstanding tensions between Trump and the RNC, culminating in Trump encouraging McDaniel the longest-serving RNC chair in modern history to resign from her post. She will reportedly step down after the South Carolina primary in late February. Trumps pick for her replacement is North Carolina GOP chair Michael Whatley, and as co-chair, Trump wants his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump. I dont think (Trumps relationship with the RNC) is as bad as some people make it out to be, Chris Carr, a former political director for both the RNC and the Trump campaign, said. When youre a nominee, you do need the national party. Correction: An earlier version of this story listed incorrect cash on hand figures for 2019 and 2015 for the RNC and DNC. The accompanying graphic has also been corrected. GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley defended herself against criticism from the hosts of ABCs The View this week. Haley was asked to respond Tuesday in an interview on Fox News to remarks made by the hosts of The View, who criticized her and her campaign. The View co-host Sunny Hostin said Haley is not gonna be the nominee and that she would need to take several seats, while co-host Ana Navarro said Haley is going to get beaten like a bongo drum in her home state by former President Trump. Haley seemed to directly respond to co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who asked on Mondays The View episode: Nikki, what have you done? What have you done? Really, what can you point to? Well, Ive done quite a bit. I will tell you as governor, we accomplished a lot. As the U.N. ambassador, we accomplished a lot. I did. A whole lot more than Whoopi Goldberg will ever do. And it is not the ladies on The View that I ever care to impress, Haley said on Fox Newss Democracy 2024. She later posted on X, formerly Twitter, that she is not worried about what the political or media class thinks of me, and that includes Whoopi Goldberg. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and former United Nations ambassador, is attempting to ramp up support ahead of the primary in her home state of South Carolina later this month. According to The Hill/Decision Desk HQs polling average, Haley is trailing Trump by nearly 33 percentage points in South Carolina. Despite losing early primary and caucus states, Haley has vowed to stay in the race through Super Tuesday next month, when 15 states and American Samoa will head to the polls for primary races. The Hill has reached out to ABC for comment. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Soldiers exit a tunnel on Jan. 7, 2024 that Hamas reportedly used on Oct. 7 to attack Israel through the Erez border crossing in Northern Gaza. Credit - Noam GalaiGetty Images Its been seven years since I escaped my embattled city of Gaza and came to the U.S. On Thanksgiving, my mother sent me a photo of a felled 16-ft. tree in southern Gaza, where my family has been sheltering these last weeks. Ten of my relatives are standing on asphalt, surrounding the trunk, and one of them is hacking off its limbs. Its impossible to obtain cooking gas, and this tree is now the firewood that will allow them to prepare their next meal. Since Hamass atrocious attacks on Oct. 7leaving around 1,200 people dead, the largest mass killing of Jews on a single day since the Holocaustthe systems that supply Gazas food, water, and medicine are in urgent decline as Israel carries out its ongoing bombardment of Gaza in return. At least 27,000 Palestinians have died since, thousands of whom are reportedly Hamas fighters, and some 1.7 million of Gazas 2.3 million people displaced along with tens of thousands of Israelis by ongoing rocket fire from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Much of Gaza is now reduced to rubble. But the sense of disorder and emergency in the Strip today stretches much further into the past. Since Hamass violent takeover of Gaza in 2007, the bustling and beautiful streets I knew have been dominated by terrorist chaos. Hamas is driven by an ideological stand originating in the concept of annihilating the state of Israel and replacing it with an Islamic Palestinian one. In striving to make this a reality, Hamas has continued to normalize violence and militarization in every aspect of public and private life in Gaza. They have in the process obliterated the chances of a successful Palestinian state alongside Israel, even if the prospect of one had increasingly looked dim amid successive Israeli governments that worked against that. Read More: Hamas Is Not ISIS. Here's Why That Matters We lived in my father Imads family building and saved money for nearly 18 years until we were able to build our own house in the north of Gaza. The first sign that Hamas was building tunnels underneath our house came in July 2013, while the house was under construction. Our soon-to-be new neighbor, Um Yazid Salha, got in touch with my mother Saadia to ask why my brother Hamza and I always come to the site after midnight. The two-story construction site was surrounded by a wall and two gates. And every night we were all in the apartment at our family building, where the door closes and locks at 10 p.m. without fail. No one comes or goes after 10, my mother told Um Yazid. The next day I went to the construction site with my mother and Hamza. After a quick look around, we saw nothing amiss. But when we examined the site more closely, we found several concrete slabs in the area under the interior staircase, each about 1.5-ft. long. We also found an area with newly moved soil to the right of our house and the wall surrounding it. My brother Hamza and I dug a depth of 1.5 ft. in that soil as our mother looked on. We would soon hit a metal gate, sealed with a lock. We had no idea what it was or why it was there. Hamza and I quickly covered the area with soil again and went directly to our neighbors house. Ahead of our visit, Um Yazid told us that every few nights she would look out the windows of her four-story building at the wall surrounding our house and see the arrival of a medium transport vehicle. People would exit the van and hang a large piece of plastic tarp to obscure what they were doing. She would hear sounds of loading and unloading and feel the vibrations of digging coming from the empty piece of land behind our houses. She suspected someone was digging a tunnel. The day after we inspected the house, Um Yazid called to say that the men had returned in the night. My mother didnt want me to go, but I put on my clothes and headed alone to the unfinished home. When I reached the iron door of the house, I began to hear the movement of people inside. I knocked on the door. A masked person opened the door and asked me to step back a bit. Then he closed the door behind him and asked who I was. I defiantly told him that I am the owner of the house. Who are you? I asked. Meeting masked men is something we are used to in different aspects of Gazan life. We argued. I told him my uncle, who was a member of Hamas and prosecutor in its government, would stop them from building a tunnel. The masked man insisted they would continue as they pleased. He said I should not be afraid and that this would just be a small closed room to remain buried underground. No one can enter or exit. He said that only in the case of an Israeli ground invasion in this area and the displacement of residents would these rooms be used to supply weapons. We dont want to live above a stockpile of weapons, I told him, just before he forced me to leave. Construction continued, and Um Yazid continued to report to us about late-night activity. Hamza and I visited every few weeks, always finding the same gate, never sure what we could do, or what was really happening behind it. Our uncle assured us we had nothing to fear. In February 2014, I got married and left my familys house. The same year, my mother, Hamza, and my two young sisters moved to the newly-finished house. Before they did, Hamza and I dug again and this time found nothing but sand for 3 ft., then a large cement slab. We covered it over, believing Hamas had finally closed off the room at our uncles insistence. In the years since, my family or their neighbors heard sounds or movements from time to time. They wondered sometimes if there really were tunnels, if they were active. My family was too afraid to speak about this with anyone, so it was our secret. It felt shameful even though we knew we were deeply opposed to whatever Hamas had done on the other side of that cement slab. When something goes unspoken for so long, it begins to feel impossible that the truth will ever be known. I always looked forward to a time in the future when my family and others like us would be allowed to speak about these tunnels, about the perilous life Hamas has forced upon Gazans. Now that I am determined to speak openly about it, I dont know if it even matters. My family evacuated to the south shortly after Oct. 7. Months after, we received photos of our house and neighborhood, both of which are in ruins. I may never know if the house was destroyed by Israeli strikes or fighting between Hamas and Israel. But the result is the same. Our home, and far too many in our community, were flattened alongside priceless history and memories. And this is the legacy of Hamas. They began destroying my family home in 2013 when they built tunnels beneath it. They continued to threaten our safety for a decadewe always knew we might have to vacate at a moments notice. We always feared violence. Gazans deserve a true Palestinian government, which supports its citizens interests, not terrorists carrying out their own plans. Hamas is not fighting Israel. Theyre destroying Gaza. Contact us at letters@time.com. HAMPTON SAU 90 and SAU 21 schools are working with local organizations to aid families displaced by recent flooding. Hampton experienced significant flooding during a storm in early January. Families across town saw their streets transform into rivers, and their houses become submerged, causing damage that made their homes uninhabitable. SAU 90 and SAU 21 are working with local organizations to aid families that have been displaced by recent flooding. SAU 90 and SAU 21 have partnered to help several families with students in the districts who were displaced or impacted by the flooding. The districts' efforts are being spearheaded by social workers Emily Fixler, of SAU 90, and Talley Westerberg, of SAU 21. "It's about making sure these students and families know they are valued and cared for," said Fixler. "In a time of crisis, families have had to navigate challenging times on the fly, and getting their children to school to help maintain routine and stability is very important. It is important for these students to have the same opportunities as every other student." 'Silver Wave': How New Hampshires aging population is straining Seacoast fire departments The Hampton Firefighters' Charitable Organization, Womenade of the Hamptons, and Hampton Community Coalition sprung at the opportunity to help the districts aid members of their community. Patty McKenzie, a volunteer at the Hampton Community Coalition, noted the organization's mission aims to assist families in Hampton K-8 schools facing a crisis. "For 29 years, HCC has been supporting struggling families with children in our schools, said McKenzie. Our mission is to relieve stress in these households so that these children might arrive at school better ready to learn each day. In January, we made sure the referred Hampton families displaced by flooding received gift cards to help replace lost items. 'Neighbor helping neighbor' is the key." A Hampton Beach resident makes her way back to her house while wading in shorts and bare feet through the high tide on Brown Avenue at Hampton Beach on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024. HCC also worked with the districts to ensure that the families have access to the organization's food pantry and can participate in regular distributions of personal care and household products. Womenade of the Hamptons works to assist area families in various ways, including automobile and transportation expenses, childcare expenses, clothing, education and training, healthcare expenses, household goods, housing expenses, and utilities expenses. Their work is 100 percent anonymous, but their impact is felt by those they have aided. The Hampton Firefighters' Charitable Organization an entity of the members of the Hampton Fire Department is also working alongside the districts to aid the families and beyond who were affected by the flooding. "Its in our DNA to put others in front of our needs when they are at their most vulnerable and need help," said Hampton Firefighters' Charitable Organization President Craig Johnson. "Families in town were impacted, we helped that day, and our mission continues. Our profession is to save life and property - but our job is to help people in any way we can." More: SAU 21 launches innovative apprenticeship program for aspiring teachers Vice President Andrew Wiley said they have been working with impacted families, assisting with housing specifically. The impacts from these flooding events extend far beyond the two-week news cycles, and our goal is to assist these families with temporary housing as they work to get back on track, Wiley said. The Charitable plays an active role for our membership as well as our community. We are proud to be a part of the recovery process and stand ready to assist wherever we can." SAU 90 and SAU 21 social workers Fixler and Westerberg are working as liaisons between the districts and organizations to help the displaced families get the resources they need. The families have also been connected with the American Red Cross for assistance. "To have significant storms back-to-back created such a hardship for some of our students and their families," said Westerberg. "In addition to those fully displaced by the flooding, other families needed quick access to items such as dehumidifiers and cleaning products that were beyond their means to be able to remain in their residences. Hampton Community Coalition and Hobbs House stepped in immediately to help. It is such a gift to work in a community that takes care of families when crises arise." For those who would like to help out, donations of Hannaford and/or Market Basket gift cards can be sent to the Hobbs House Community Center, 200 High Street, Hampton. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Hampton schools, local groups aid families displaced by flooding Netflix has released its latest true-crime documentary titled Lover, Stalker, Killer, which explores the shocking case of a twisted love triangle that turned deadly. Released on 9 February, the film tells the story of Dave Kroupa, a single father of two who, after getting out of a long-term relationship in 2012, is ready to re-enter the dating game. New to Ohama, Nebraska, Kroupa created a dating profile and connected with Shanna Liz Golyar, a single mother and animal lover from Persia, Iowa. The two began casually seeing each other, with Kroupa telling Golyar that he was not looking for anything serious. And she seemed ok with that. Who was Cari Farver? Kroupa then met another woman: Cari Farver, a single mother from Macedonia, Iowa. After the pairs first date, they returned to Kroupas apartment. As Farver was leaving the next day, she ran into Golyar, who said that she was dropping by to collect a few of her things. This encounter would change the rest of their lives forever. Farver and Kroupa continued seeing each other over the next couple of weeks until suddenly, Farver vanished. Though she was nowhere to be found, Kroupa and Golyar began receiving threatening texts from Farvers phone. In one message, Farver accused Kroupa of ruining her life. Golyar also claimed that Farver had warned her to stay away from Kroupa. Lover, Stalker, Killer on Netflix (Netflix) Farvers mother, Nancy Raney, said she, too, received strange messages, including one from Farver informing her that she had moved to Kansas for a new job and would arrange to pick up her 14-year-old son, Max. What happened to Cari Farver? For weeks, Farver remained absent from her familys life. She missed her sons 15th birthday, her fathers funeral and Thanksgiving, according to a 2020 report by ABC News. Farver stayed missing for several years before an Iowan sergeant investigator, James Jim Doty, took an interest in the case in the spring of 2015. Doty and investigator Ryan Avis re-examined the evidence and came to the conclusion that Farver had not been the one sending any of the threatening or strange texts after her November disappearance she was being impersonated. It wasnt until authorities got ahold of Golyars phone and found photos of Farvers car, along with dozens of logins to fake email accounts, that the case was cracked. They eventually stumbled across a photo of Farvers dead body on Golyars tablet and discovered that Golyar had murdered Farver in November 2012 and had stolen her phone, posing as her digitally for years. Lover Stalker Killer on Netflix (Netflix) Where is Liz Golyar now? In December 2016, Golyar was found guilty of first-degree murder. She is currently serving a life sentence at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women. Where is Dave Kroupa now? Kroupa now leads a quiet life, living in rural Nebraska with his partner, Maggie Hover. Lover, Stalker, Killer is out on Netflix. Calhoun County Spartans members and guests observe a moment of silence commemorating the anniversary of the Michigan State University mass shooting during a vigil at Clara's in Battle Creek on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. BATTLE CREEK It's a moment they'll never forget. Gathering along the Battle Creek River Tuesday night, a small group of Spartans reflected upon the horrific tragedy at their alma mater one year prior, when a lone gunman attacked Michigan State University, killing three students and wounding five others at the Union and Berkey Hall before fleeing campus. I know those of us who are Spartans, we love our university, we care about what happened there and what happened there impacts us all," Russ Claggett, a board member of the Calhoun County Spartans, told the small crowd gathered behind Clara's on the River Tuesday. "Today, we are tied back to that university and events that are going on in remembrance of Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson, Alexandria Verner and also the five students that were wounded in that shooting. Were joined in community across the United States and throughout the world. Folks that are standing up against gun violence and standing up for students and their safety. Luminaries placed by the Calhoun County Spartans commemorating the anniversary of the Michigan State University mass shooting during a vigil at Clara's in Battle Creek on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Police said Anthony McRae, 43, of Lansing searched for or watched YouTube videos about school shootings, documentaries about killers and arson and viewed videos of MSU campus tours in the days before the attack but had no apparent connection to the school. McRae shot himself more than three hours after the shooting when he was approached by police in north Lansing. We were all devastated last year at the events as they unfolded on the night of Feb. 13 and we feel, especially being so close to campus, that we would like to honor the students that lost their lives and the other students that were injured," Ann Gallagher, board chair of the Calhoun County Spartans, explained. Members of the Calhoun County Spartans collect luminaries commemorating the anniversary of the Michigan State University mass shooting during a vigil at Clara's in Battle Creek on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. The group held a moment of silence Tuesday, followed by the playing of "MSU Shadows," the MSU alma mater.Theres been a lot of discussions about mental health, and I think thats been really effective," Gallagher said. "I think some of the gun control measures that the Michigan legislature and the folks in Lansing have put together we believe will also help reduce these types of events in the future, so I think were all hopeful. Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Calhoun County Spartans reflect on MSU shooting, honor lives lost Rumors had been mounting for days among the five dozen tents gathered in the shadow of U.S. 59. Monday morning, everyone would be getting housing. Everyone would be getting evicted. Everyone would be getting moved into a hotel. Manny Cervantes, 70, reached out to his caseworker, who told him hed be moving but he shouldnt worry. He couldnt help himself he didnt know where he was going. His neighbor, Joe Salinas, 45, had different reasons for avoiding thoughts of what would happen: He wanted to keep his hopes in check. Similar rumors had done the rounds the previous September, and nothing had come of them. Jackie Urbina, who does outreach with Coalition for the Homeless, walks through the encampment to talk with people Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer What was about to unfold was a new chapter in Houstons push to maintain its reputation as a region that has drastically reduced its unsheltered population, even as homelessness surged elsewhere in the country. After a battle with Fifth Ward residents over its location, a key component in Houstons homelessness strategy was finally operational. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A navigation center, which allows the city to move all the residents of an encampment under one roof where they can stay until they are connected with permanent housing, had quietly opened its doors on Jensen Drive. With the center finally in place, the city, Harris County and partner organizations set out this week to close what has often been Houstons largest encampment an area some residents called Tent City, just east of Minute Maid Park. It was one of the very first camps the group had tried closing years before, and lessons from that experience had informed this new approach. With the navigation center, the group was ready to try again, at scale. The mayors goal is to decommission all the medium and large encampments in the city by the end of the year, said Marc Eichenbaum, special assistant of homeless initiatives for Mayor Sylvester Turner. Manny Cervantes, 70, talks with Khena Minor, a social work student and worker with Coalition for the Homeless on Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Time to pack When the sun rose Monday morning, Cervantes was in his tent. This was unusual. He usually left home around 4:30 a.m., headed for the outskirts of the Houston area wherever he had lined up construction work. Recently, hed been spending his time building an outdoor kitchen for a customer in Pearland with marble countertops, a 72-inch television and a pit large enough to smoke a cabrito. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He liked thinking the things hed built would outlast him. Hed owned a home in Denver Harbor, until he lost it to a predatory contractor in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. But hed heard that Monday morning, theyd have to leave, and he didnt want someone to take all of his things. So he stayed at home in his cabin-sized tent, decorated with American flags. That morning, he flicked on his lights, powered by solar panels he'd installed outside. He fired up his stove and put on a kettle of water for coffee. And he waited. Sure enough, people arrived, wearing uniforms and name tags. A man named Tim sorts his belongings as workers clear the encampment where he has been living Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A man waits for help to move his belongings from the encampment Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Workers clear and clean an encampment as Hector Reyes, right, leaves to try to help a friend get services Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Reyes has housing benefits set up, so he is waiting for them to start. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Manny Cervantes, 70, shows off a bottle of liquor he has in his tent Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. People from Coalition for the Homeless Houston and other organizations have worked with people in the encampment to secure housing and other services before the city moves to shut down the camp later in the week. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Manny Cervantes, 70, shows off projects he has worked as a laborer Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Adam Patterson packs his belongings into his 1994 Ford F150 as he prepares to move into a navigation center Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. He said he would take one bag with him and put the rest of the items into city storage. He added that people from Coalition for the Homeless Houston had helped him get his ID and a job, which he was thankful for. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Lorenzo Louis packs up about a dozen pairs of shoes so he can move, as city officials work to clear the encampment Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Derrit Washington carries bedding and a large bag of cat food as he and others work to clear and clean the encampment Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Not Turner, left, and Tazz Turner gesture anxiously as they prepare for the van ride to the navigation center Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Get in this van before I run away, Tazz said to Not, trying to make light of his nerves at going to the center. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Tazz Turner, dressed as Spider-Man, and Not Turner cuddle with their 5-month-old dog Chloe before they move to a navigation center Monday, Feb. 6, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A woman salvages things from a recently cleared encampment in February near Minute Maid Park in Houston. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Manny Cervantes works into the night to disassemble his tent and move his belongings to an area about 100 yards down the road known as the Grove on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Manny Cervantes works into the night to disassemble his tent and move his belongings to an area about 100 yards down the road known as the Grove on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Manny Cervantes works into the night to disassemble his tent and move his belongings to an area about 100 yards down the road Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Manny Cervantes rides on the tailgate as his friend Freddie Murray moves his belongings to an area about 100 yards down the road known as the Grove on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Hector Reyes walks through a recently-cleared part of the encampment where he lives Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. His housing benefits have been arranged, so he is waiting for them to start. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A woman struggles to move a load of bricks she recovered from a recently-cleared area of the encampment Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer There were some he didnt know Houston Police officers passing out blue sheets of paper. WARNING Encampment Violation, the flyers said in English and Spanish. The roughly 60 people living between Chartres and North Hamilton streets had two options free, immediate housing that would lead to a permanent home of their own or packing up their stuff and moving elsewhere. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Then there were people Cervantes and others at the camp did know staff from the Coalition for the Homeless in Houston and Harris County, the nonprofit SEARCH and Veterans Affairs. Theyd been doing outreach at the encampment for months. Already, theyd moved many people living in the camp into apartments, while working with the rest to apply for housing. That morning, the familiar faces walked through the camp giving out rectangular duffel bags, clear trash bags and information about what was happening. They were all offered a spot at the navigation center. It was time to pack. People prepare to move out of the encampment, to either an area nearby or to the navigation center. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) People prepare to move out of the encampment, to either an area nearby or to the navigation center. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) 'What's effective and what's compassionate' The camp near Minute Maid was actually the reason the navigation center existed in the first place. In 2019, the city, county and partner organizations tried to close it by offering those living there housing. But instead of moving everyone out at the same time there was no way to line up that many empty apartments at once they moved people out as units became available. After six months, theyd moved more than 100 people into housing, but the camp showed little sign of diminishing. Word of what they were doing had gotten out, and new people were moving in. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Thats why the city, county and their partners decided to create a navigation center, a place where people moved out of an encampment can live, along with pets and loved ones, while they await their permanent housing. (San Francisco pioneered this idea in 2019.) Housing an entire camp at once would drastically cut down the time it took to decommission a camp, which they hoped would prevent the process from attracting new people. During the pandemic, hotels emptied out as people sheltered in place, and the Coalition leased one to use as a pilot navigation center. MINUTE MAID PARK: Members of homeless camp near Minute Maid Park directed traffic, cleaned stadium for Astros games But that lease wound down in the fall, and the group needed a larger, more permanent facility. Opening it and then following through on all the logistics with decommissioning encampments was an immense undertaking, involving millions of dollars and more than a dozen partners. It also took significant political will. While many neighborhoods call for homeless camps to be moved, they balk at housing people who have been living in tents in buildings near them. But politicians, nonprofits and their partners were betting on the strategy. If successful, Eichenbaum explained, it would show that you dont have to choose between whats effective and whats compassionate. L: Manny Cervantes jokes with workers from Coalition for the Homeless and Veterans Affairs. R: Hector Reyes tries to get social services for a friend before he leaves. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) L: Manny Cervantes jokes with workers from Coalition for the Homeless and Veterans Affairs. R: Hector Reyes tries to get social services for a friend before he leaves. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) Nerves Some people leapt at outreach workers offers. Tazz and Not Turner, 28 and 29, quickly loaded into a METRO van with their 5-month-old puppy Chloe. Its exciting and nerve wracking, said Not. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Others moved more slowly. Kenny Lindley, a soft spoken Houston native, felt a flash of frustration as his life at the camp dissolved. He had been approved for a Houston Housing Authority voucher, and had expected to move into his own apartment any day. Now hed have to move twice and the first time would be into an unknown situation. He was particularly worried about sleeping arrangements. Hed heard there were four beds in a room. It reminded him of prison, or of shelters with so many rules that they had felt, to him, like prison. Theyre going to put me in with a group of people, he muttered. And they better be civilized. Kenny Lindley watches outreach workers with Coalition for the Homeless help his friend Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Getting ready The new navigation center will have to gain the trust of both the surrounding neighborhood and the people moving into it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cervantes wouldnt give outreach workers that chance. He had PTSD from his military service in Vietnam, where one bullet had lodged in his head and another in his back. He couldnt imagine sleeping in a room with strangers. Even the influx of outreach workers made him nervous, and after speaking with two representatives from Veterans Affairs, he slipped away from the camp. The next day, he was at work out in Madisonville, building a fireplace. But Lindley sat down in the entrance of his tent and began to pack. Ive always hated moving, he said. He picked up a knapsack and peered inside. It belonged to his girlfriend. She lived across the street, in a cluster of trees known as the Grove. She liked it there because it was quieter. But the grove was not part of the area authorities were closing down, so she wasnt approved to move to the navigation center. Lindley intended to come back every day to visit her. He wiped down a Thermos, and put it in a bag, and then took out a Ziploc of medications, which he tucked into a backpack. His neighbor, Mark Haney, moved more quickly. Haney, a Pentacostal Christian from Louisiana who followed his children to Houston, was largely packed; he was already sweeping the dust out of his tent. Like Lindleys girlfriend, Haney wasnt on outreach workers list hed only lived in the camp for a few weeks. With the camp closing, he planned to move his tent to the Grove. He told Lindley he was hurrying before all the good spots were taken. But then an outreach worker, Eric Johnson, returned with good news. Hed gotten Haney onto the list for the navigation center. Did the two want to go check in that day? Can I come back? Lindley asked. Can I leave my stuff? Johnson nodded, and the two friends boarded a van. L: Kenny Lindley waits with Mark Haney, at right, for a van ride to the navigation center Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. R: Lindley smiles right before he leaves the camp. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) L: Kenny Lindley waits with Mark Haney, at right, for a van ride to the navigation center Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023. R: Lindley smiles right before he leaves the camp. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) Setting up camp elsewhere By Wednesday evening, most of the tents were gone. The dirt was packed and shiny where each home had stood not long before. Sometimes, patios of pavers remained where doorsteps had been. A woman walked up and began loading some of those pavers into a cardboard box, which sat atop a stroller. Then, slowly, she wheeled them over to her home in the Grove. The Grove now bristled with tents many there for safekeeping, but at least a dozen with new residents. Cervantes returned from work a little after 6 p.m. a 14-hour day with $400 cash in his pocket. His hands were chalky white and swollen from laying brick. A cold front was coming in, making his back ache where the bullet was still lodged. He walked up to his tent and looked at it quietly. He thought about how he wanted to heat up water and cook a meal and lay down and rest. But his notice from the police said hed have to be gone the following morning at 10 a.m. And hed have to leave for work hours before that. He unclipped the solar panel, then thought about giving up. He had an income, he could start over. At that moment, a friend pulled up in a truck. Reanimated, Cervantes, lit cigarette in his mouth, instructed the driver to back up closer. Salinas who was going to the navigation center in the morning walked over to help. Together, the friends began loading Cervantes life into the pickup bed. Manny Cervantes works into the night to disassemble his tent and move it to an area about 100 yards away. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) Manny Cervantes works into the night to disassemble his tent and move it to an area about 100 yards away. (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle) Finding peace at the navigation center Lindley was struck by the sense of calm when he entered the navigation center in Fifth Ward. It was a converted brick schoolhouse painted pale blue. His caseworker took his time answering Lindleys questions. Hes actually treating me like a human, Lindley thought. The caseworker said that if Lindley had any problems, hed fix them. Then he asked who Lindley would like to room with. Lindley and Haney picked out a room close to the laundry room. Haney picked up a muffin from a table of snacks, and the two men peeked at the pool table and television room. Lindley only regretted that his girlfriend wouldnt be able to join them there. As of Thursday afternoon, 44 of the 56 people on the Coalition for the Homeless list of encampment residents had relocated to the navigation center or moved straight into housing. When Lindley got back to the camp, he was greeted by an old friend: Alex Dehn, who had previously lived in the camp but had been living in an apartment since fall. Dehn had come back because he heard about the camp closing. He helped Lindley pack. Then, since Lindley wanted a home base while visiting his girlfriend, he helped carry Lindleys tent across the street, where he set it up next to hers. Hed still have a place to stay in the area. But he now had a warm dry bed at night, until he could get an apartment of his own. Haney moved his tent, too just in case the navigation center didnt work out. But he had faith that it would. Already, hed told his friends they could take his things if he didnt come back. Donald Trump drew widespread condemnation after his recent comments that he would encourage Russia to invade Nato countries that dont spend enough on defence. A leading historian, Timothy Snyder, noted on X on Tuesday that when it comes to aid to Ukraine, the US is lagging behind some European countries when it comes to per capita assistance to the wartorn country. After President Joe Biden called Mr Trumps Nato comments un-American, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social on: Could somebody please inform our uninformable President that NATO has to pay their bills! They are right now paying a small fraction of what we are for the Disaster in Ukraine which, if we had a real President, would never have happened. There is probably a $150 Billion difference. They should equalize with the U.S. - FAST! The European Nations, when combined, have approximately the same size Economy as we do. They have the money. PAY UP! he added. Mr Snyder, a Yale history professor and an expert on eastern Europe and the Holocaust, wrote on Tuesday: Speaking of paying our share If the US gave as much/GDP to Ukraine as does Denmark or Slovakia, Ukraine would win easily. If we gave as much/GDP to Ukraine as Estonia does, Ukraine would likely have won long ago. Ukrainian victory is what matters and we are the slackers. While the US has given the most in total military, European Union institutions have given more when humanitarian and particularly financial aid is included. EU institutions have given a total of 77.1bn euro (82.7bn US dollars) in aid to Ukraine, while the US has given 71.4 bn euro (76.6bn US dollars), according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy. Germany, which is part of the EU, has given just over 20bn euro (21.5bn US dollars), the vast majority more than 17bn euro of it being military aid. Germanys stunning turnaround, dubbed Zeitenvende by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, in its attitude to support in Ukraine came after initial reluctance, unwilling as the country was to give up its formerly close, by European standards, relationship to Russia, which partly stems from guilt associated with Operation Barbarossa Nazi Germanys invasion of the Soviet Union during World War II which culminated with the gruelling battle of Stalingrad, the city now called Volgograd. The world is facing a Zeitenwende: an epochal tectonic shift. Russias war of aggression against Ukraine has put an end to an era, Mr Scholz wrote in Foreign Affairs in December 2022. The Zeitenwende goes beyond the war in Ukraine and beyond the issue of European security. The central question is this: How can we, as Europeans and as the European Union, remain independent actors in an increasingly multipolar world? he added. In todays densely interconnected world, the goal of advancing peace, prosperity, and human freedom calls for a different mindset and different tools. Developing that mindset and those tools is ultimately what the Zeitenwende is all about, he concluded. Looking at per capita support, the US comes in 30th place, with all 29 countries ahead being European, including all 27 members of the European Union, according to data gathered by the Kiel Institute. Atop the list is Lithuania, which has given 1.8 per cent as a share of its GDP to Ukraine 1.4 per cent in bilateral aid and 0.4 per cent as its share of EU aid. Estonia is listed in second place, Norway which is not part of the EU in third, having handed over 1.6 per cent in aid as a share of its GDP. The rest of the top 10 is made up of Denmark, Latvia, Slovakia, Poland, the Netherlands, Finland, and Czechia. While the US has given the most total military aid of any country 43.9 bn euro (47bn US dollars) its vastly outstripped by EU countries and EU institutions when it comes to all kinds of aid. In total, EU countries and EU institutions gave a combined 133.3bn euro (143bn US dollars) compared to 71.4bn euro (76.6bn US dollars) just over half as much. This is despite the US economy being significantly larger than that of the European Union. In 2021, the US GDP was 23.32 trillion US dollars, according to the World Bank. The EU states on its website that the total value of all goods and services produced (gross domestic product or GDP) in the EU in 2021 was 14.5 trillion, which is about 15.5tn in US dollars. It should however be noted that the US has played a massive role in European security ever since the Second World War. In June 2022, the Pentagon said: Since February 2022, DoD deployed or extended over 20,000 additional forces to Europe in response to the Ukraine crisis, adding additional air, land, maritime, cyber, and space capabilities, bringing our current total to more than 100,000 service members across Europe. Mr Trumps Nato comments prompted an uproar among European officials, with some doubling down on the long-standing argument that its time for Europe to significantly boost its armed forces and military production to be able to back Ukraine on its own if the US withdraws from the conflict in the event of a second Trump term in the White House. Decorations adorn the porch and flowerbeds outside a home in Conroe, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, that is associated with the shooting at Lakewood Church Sunday in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer Exterior of Lakewood Church on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in Houston Karen Warren/Staff photographer A 7-year-old boy shot in the head at Lakewood Church on Sunday suffered developmental and physical disabilities, court records show, and was not enrolled in public school, according to Conroe ISD officials. Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, allegedly brought her son with her to the church Sunday afternoon when she walked into a hallway and began firing an AR-style rifle, Houston police said. Moreno was shot and killed by police officers who were working security jobs at the church. The boy and a 57-year-old man were wounded in the exchange. It's unclear who shot them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Child Protective Services is investigating the shooting at Lakewood Church alongside law enforcement. "At this time, DFPS cannot provide additional information because specific details of investigations are confidential according to law," said Melissa Lanford, DFPS spokesperson. Morenos former mother-in-law Rabbi Walli Carranza, said on Facebook her grandson had suffered a brain injury in the shooting and was "clinging to life" at Texas Children's Hospital. According to documents filed by Carranza in Montgomery County regarding Moreno and her son Enriques divorce, the boy suffered many medical issues since he was born prematurely in 2016, and remained in neo-natal care for several weeks, a lawsuit affecting the child-parent relationship showed. The suit sought a judge to have Moreno say where she was living with the boy, correct the boys birth certificate that did not list Enrique Carranza as the father, and correct social security records so her son could have visitation with the boy. The suit also sought a Comprehensive Psychological Evaluation of Moreno. Advertisement Article continues below this ad (The child) is not a neurotypical five and a half-year-old child. He is nonverbal, tube-fed and not toilet trained, she stated in the documents. LAKEWOOD LATEST: What to know about the Lakewood Church shooting In the suit, Walli Carranza stated Moreno and her mother were "intentionally" keeping the boy from his father and their family but were not sure why. Documents show that Moreno and her mother sought assistance from pastoral staff at the Lakewood Church regarding her legal battles. During a court hearing Aug. 27, 2021, in Harris County, Enrique Carranza testified his son had physical and developmental lags. Hes 4-year-old and he doesnt speak, Enrique Carranza stated. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said being on the same ballot as former President Trump in Maryland would be a big challenge in November, days after announcing his run for the states open Senate seat. Hogan has been a staunch Trump critic within the GOP and previously flirted with running for president, either as a Republican alternative to Trump or as third-party candidate. Hogan announced his Senate run Friday, setting up a tough fight for the seat held by retiring Sen. Ben Cardin (D). Well, its a big challenge, Hogan said during an interview on CNNs Inside Politics Wednesday morning, asked about appearing on the same ticket as Trump, who lost to President Biden by 33 points in Maryland in 2020. But Hogan said he is not running as Donald Trump. I think you probably know: I was the probably the most outspoken critic in our party standing up to him. And Im really Im not running for the Republican Party or for any candidate for president, Hogan continued. I decided to run to kind of stand up and fight for the people of Maryland and fight against the broken politics in Washington. The former national co-chair of No Labels has heavily criticized other GOP candidates running for the White House over their unconditional support for Trump, who faces multiple criminal trials in the coming months. Hogan, who endorsed former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, the only major challenger to Trump left in the GOP primary, called Sen. Tim Scotts (R-S.C.) endorsement of the former president concerning. Hogan is the favorite on the GOP side in the Senate race. Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) and Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) are the leading candidates for the Democratic nomination. Hogan has ramped up his national political activity as his time as governor wrapped up. His nonprofit advocacy group, An America United Inc., raked in more than $975,000 while spending close to $1.8 million in 2022, a year when he was not running for office, according to 990 tax forms reviewed by The Hill. That included ads highlighting his moderate stances and criticism of both parties. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The Home Office is planning to pay influencers to post content on TikTok warning migrants not to travel to Britain in small boats. The government has been using taxpayer money for social media adverts aimed at deterring potential asylum-seekers for the past three years, in France, Belgium and Albania but The Independent has previously reported how they had instead targeted tourists and business travellers. It is now understood that home secretary James Cleverly has agreed to expand the campaign into new source countries, with conversations already underway with the governments of Vietnam, Iraq and Egypt about what forms it could take there. James Cleverly is understood to have given the green light on the project (PA) Under this expansion, the government will also seek to pay influencers on sites such as TikTok to warn of the risks and repercussions of travelling to the UK by small boat, and has been drawing up lists of social media celebrities who could be suitable. According to draft plans seen by The Times, these include rappers, comedians and TV personalities, who could be paid up to 5,000 to warn would-be migrants of removal to Rwanda, with a total budget of 30,000. The Home Office told The Independent the document was outdated, and it did not recognise the figures. The previous success of such campaigns is unclear. Research shared with The Independent showed the Home Office paid Meta at least 35,000 for hundreds of Facebook and Instagram adverts shown to people in northern France and Belgium between January 2021 and September 2022. Some reached fewer than 1,000 people, and others over a million, but the goverment had no way of telling who it was reaching with its weird patchwork profiles of targeted languages, home cities and interests, and was instead just throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks, said the University of Edinburghs Dr Ben Collier. A prior investigation by The Independent in 2022 also found the Home Office had paid 2.7m to Hong Kong-based firm Seefar since 2016, which conducts migration awareness-raising and behavioural change campaigns, including a controversial government website which saw ministers seek to deter asylum-seekers. Seefar is behind websites including the now-defunct On The Move website, which was used in a Home Office campaign to deter Channel crossings (On The Move) More than 100,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats since 2018, when the treacherous and previously rare route into Britain first started to be attempted in large numbers. At least 64 people are thought to have drowned. While such arrivals fell by more than a third in 2023, nearly 30,000 people did enter Britain that way, making it the second highest year on record, despite the government criminalising such crossings and pressing on with its ailing plans to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda as a deterrent. A Home Office spokesperson said: People smugglers frequently use social media to peddle lies and promote their criminal activities, and it is vital that we utilise the same platforms to inform migrants about the truths about crossing the Channel and coming to the UK illegally. The relentless action we have taken reduced crossings by 36 per cent last year, which saw similar weather conditions to 2022. We make no apologies for using every means necessary to stop the boats and save lives. Four New Yorkers who are either at risk of becoming homeless or already living in the shelter system sued Mayor Adams on Wednesday for refusing to implement a package of laws that would make it easier for them to access the citys rental assistance program. The lawsuit, filed by the Legal Aid Society in Manhattan Supreme Court on behalf of the four plaintiffs, asks a judge to force the mayor to comply with the new laws, which he has said he cant due to cost and housing supply concerns. All of these plaintiffs have one thing in common: If Mayor Adams would implement the laws their housing needs would be met, Adriene Holder, Legal Aids chief civil attorney, said while announcing the suit during a Wednesday morning news conference on the City Hall steps. No more sleepless nights in shelters, no more trips back and forth to Housing Court, and no more harassing calls from landlords and management companies demanding and threatening eviction. The disputed laws revolve around CityFHEPS, a city-funded voucher program that subsidizes rent on open market apartments for low-income New Yorkers. The laws which have been a source of tense debate since the City Council first passed them last summer would expand access to vouchers by increasing the income cap for eligibility and removing a rule requiring beneficiaries to enter a shelter before they can apply, among other provisions. If the shelter entry requirement is scrapped, income-eligible New Yorkers could use a rent demand from a landlord as grounds for getting a voucher, allowing them to stay in their homes while applying. The new lawsuit is seeking class action status to represent all New Yorkers whod become eligible for CityFHEPS under the contested laws. One of the suits named plaintiffs is Marie Vincent, a cancer survivor who has lived in a city shelter with her 12-year-old grandson since being evicted from their Bronx home last May when their landlord sold the building. Vincent, who works nights as a housekeeper at a local hospital, said she cant apply for a voucher because she earns too much under current CityFHEPS rules. At the same time, Vincent said she earns too little to afford a new apartment, forcing her to remain in a shelter. If the new laws were to take effect, she would be able to get a voucher, and she said the mayor is breaking his 2021 campaign promises by refusing to implement them. Mayor Adams, you ran a campaign promising to help working people, people like me, but I realize that it was all lip service. Promises made, promises broken, she said. My grandson, Ive been promising him that we wouldnt be in this situation for much longer, I told him we would be out by October. It is now almost his 13th birthday, and were still in the current situation. Its extremely hard on him, its extremely hard on a lot of our families. The three other plaintiffs are New Yorkers on the brink of being evicted from their apartments, including an 86-year-old Brooklyn woman who has been unable to afford rent since her husband died during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to court papers. Kayla Mamelak, a spokeswoman for the mayor, said City Hall believes the Councils CityFHEPS reforms violate state law as they seek to legislate in an area where authority is reserved to the state. Mamelak also reiterated the mayors contention that the laws, if implemented, would add $17 billion in cost to the city over the next five years, a price tag Council Democrats say is exaggerated. With more than 10,000 households with CityFHEPS vouchers already in the city shelter system unable to find housing and a rental vacancy rate of just 1.4%, a historic low in the last 60 years, the Councils bill will only make it harder for New Yorkers in shelter to move into permanent housing, Mamelak also said. Last week, the Council authorized Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens) to take legal action against the mayor over his refusal to put the new CityFHEPS laws into practice. Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala (D-Bronx, Manhattan), who attended Wednesdays news conference on the City Hall steps, said the Council still hasnt decided whether its going to file its own lawsuit. We are still exploring our options, Ayala told reporters. Council sources have said the speaker could opt to join Legal Aids suit instead of filing her own. The mayor vetoed the Councils CityFHEPS reforms last summer, but was ultimately overridden in July. Since then, he has refused to implement the laws. Ex-City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan), who runs family shelter provider Win and has been a booster of the CityFHEPS reforms, acknowledged the lawsuit might not produce a quick resolution. Before we have to go through months and months of court trials and all of those machinations, the mayor should, as we saw him do in the budget, change his position and implement these laws immediately, she said. Sacramento police arrested a man Wednesday on suspicion of arson at a south Sacramento home in which another mans body was found by firefighters. Police officers were called just after 7:35 p.m. Tuesday to the 7500 block of Handly Way in the Meadowview neighborhood for reports of a fire in progress, officers said. A caller told dispatchers that someone in the front yard lit the fire, according to archived radio dispatches reviewed by The Sacramento Bee. Capt. Justin Sylvia, a spokesman for the Fire Department, said crews arrived to the approximately 1,117-square-foot home to see it engulfed in heavy flames. An accelerant or another similar substance may have been used to ignite the flames, Sylvia said, who noted the fire was suspicious in nature to crews. Firefighters then found one mans body inside the home. Two men who were inside the home escaped, authorities said. The circumstances of the incident remain under investigation, police said. Police arrested a 28-year-old man who faces murder and arson causing great bodily injury felony charges, booking records show. Hes being held without bail. The suspect was also arrested on suspicion of an unrelated warrant and facing a misdemeanor burglary charge in this case. Hes being held with $500 bail in this incident. The Sacramento County Coroners Office was expected to identify the victim, pending next-of-kin notification. Sacramento fire arson investigators will pinpoint the cause of the fire, while police detectives conduct the homicide investigation. Sylvia said flames caused extensive damage to the homes front, but crews were able to stop further damage to the back of the residence. The first court appearance for the suspect is scheduled for Thursday. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Sacramento Police Department at 916-808-5471 or the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443-4357. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a $1,000 reward. State schools Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks Jan. 25 during an Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting at the Oklahoma Capitol. Those pictures may be back, after all. A year after state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters ordered the portraits of the state's Educators Hall of Fame removed from the walls of the Oliver Hodge Building, the House of Representatives' Common Education Committee moved forward a bill to put them back. Last year, Walters ordered the first-floor hallway leading to the Oklahoma State Board of Education meeting room cleared of its portraits of hall of fame inductees. At that time, Walters told The Oklahoman that he didn't want the Oklahoma State Department of Education to celebrate "union bosses." Union leaders and association heads are not what we will highlight, Walters said in 2023. We are focused on empowering parents and kids with the best education possible. Those are the stories I will be showing in the halls of (the Education Department) during my term, not union bosses." More: Ryan Walters wants the private school tax credit cap removed. Lawmakers say that's unlikely Tuesday, the House Common Education Committee voted 8 to 1 in favor of a bill to put the photos back. The measure, House Bill 3513, was written by state Rep. Ronny Johns, R-Ada. It authorizes the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to display the portraits of Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame inductees inside the Oliver Hodge Memorial Educators Building. Rep. Chad Caldwell, a Republican from Enid, voted against the bill. He questioned the relationship between the Hall of Fame and the state. "Can you give me another instance where we have mandated that an unaffiliated not-for-profit (be given) space in a state building?" Caldwell asked. "No sir, I cannot," Johns answered. Lawmaker says Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame portraits don't need to be politicized Johns, a former junior high school history teacher, acknowledged the bill was pushback against Walters' removal of the portraits. He added, however, that the bill wasn't a personal attack, but was, instead, about recognizing great teaching. "I just really don't think it needs to be politicized, and I feel like that's what has happened," he said. "I feel like it needs to be displayed so educators can come and look at our mentors and the ones who came before us." Eugene Earsom, president of the Oklahoma Educators Hall of Fame, said the group has recognized state education leaders for four decades. Earsom said he was pleased the committee voted to restore the portraits. More: 'Big shock' over removal of Hall of Fame teacher portraits from Oklahoma Education Department For 40 years, weve been recognizing exemplary leaders of common education, higher education and CareerTech education who have dedicated their lives and careers for the betterment of Oklahomas young people," Earsom said. "We hope that this legislation will allow us to continue to honor and publicly recognize these individuals in a location that is publicly accessible to former students, families and persons who are interested in Oklahoma education, well into the future. Dan Isett, a spokesman for OSDE and Walters, issued a statement late Tuesday that echoed Walters' statement from last year. "The Oklahoma Department of Education exists to serve students and their parents, not as a permanent memorial to the union bosses of the past," Isett said. "The reign of the radical teachers' unions is over, and OSDE reflects Superintendent Walters commitment to students, not systems." Under provisions of the measure, the cost for displaying the portraits would be the responsibility of the Oklahoma Educators Halls of Fame. The Oklahoma secretary of states office chose the Oliver Hodge Building, which houses the state Education Department at 2500 N Lincoln, as the official home of the state Educators Hall of Fame, and it has remained so for decades, said Sharon Lease, the hall of fames longtime executive director. Ironically, the man the building was named for, former state Superintendent Oliver Hodge, is among the honorees whose portraits are now gone. House Bill 3515 is now eligible to he heard by the full House of Representatives. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma House moves to return teacher portraits Ryan Walters removed Feature: Spring Festival celebrations bring Spaniards closer to China and its culture Xinhua) 12:35, February 14, 2024 MADRID, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people celebrated the Chinese New Year over the weekend in several cities in Spain, including the capital Madrid, where a massive parade to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon was held on Sunday. "I loved the parade. I went looking for music, dragons, culture and Chinese food. There was everything," 18-year-old Iure Suarez told Xinhua. Iure lives in the southern Madrid district of Usera, where the parade was held for the ninth consecutive year. Usera is the heart of the celebrations for the Spring Festival, home to many of the over 35,000 people who make up the Chinese community in Madrid. "They are celebrations that transport you to another place. I like them a lot because they take me to oriental culture, bringing us closer together," said Iure's mother Begona Pablos, a social worker. She said she wanted her children to have an "open mind and live with other cultures" and had decided to visit the "super quiet" neighborhood of Usera to soak up Chinese traditions. Another of those attending the parade in Usera was Cristina Silva, a teacher at the San Jan Bautista preschool and primary school in Madrid. "It was funny because suddenly I saw two girls from school who were on the first float," said Cristina, who was attending the parade for the first time and who took advantage of her visit to Usera to go to a Chinese supermarket to buy Chinese "vegetables, noodles and soy sauce." Cristina believes events such as the Spring Festival celebrations "clearly bring us closer to China and its traditions. There were people with families everywhere: in the shops, restaurants, street food stalls." Miguel Angel Salgado, who also works in education, said he was attracted by Chinese culture, especially its gastronomy. "I had been wanting to come for several years. Every year, you see the parades, the parties, and the colorful dragons in the news, which is very attractive. On Saturday, we saw a girl on the metro wearing a traditional Chinese costume, and we thought, 'Let's go to the parade,'" he said. "The music, food and Chinese cinema all interest me, as they are all so different," he said, adding that he was looking for a Sichuan restaurant where he could taste some spicy food. Miguel Rivero, a computer scientist at the Madrid City Council who came with his wife and two children, said he was fascinated by traditional Chinese culture, including "writing, monuments, traditions and artisan products." "These events allow us to get closer to a very different culture that is very present in Madrid. We wanted our children to see the parade and glimpse Chinese culture," he added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Octavia Johnson is a general assignment reporter for the Houston Chronicle. She can be reached at octavia.johnson@houstonchronicle.com. Before joining the Chronicle, Octavia worked as a digital content producer at WATE-TV in Knoxville, Tenn., where she became a leader in producing fast paced, audience-focused content. Octavia graduated from UNC Pembroke with a bachelor's degree in journalism before earning her master's degree in media and communications at Norfolk State University. Russia is reportedly planning to put a nuclear weapon in space, according to multiple news outlets Thursday, revealing what the cryptic serious national security threat the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee warned about in a statement on Wednesday was in reference to. Rep. Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican who heads the panel, publicly requested President Joe Biden declassify information about the threat, offering no additional details but writing in a letter to congressional colleagues that the urgent matter is with regard to a destabilizing foreign military capability. By Wednesday afternoon, House members were seen shuffling into a secure meeting space in the basement of the Capitol to review the classified information, while Biden Administration national security adviser Jake Sullivan, said at a White House press briefing that he was a bit surprised by Turners statement, noting that he had already reached out to top leaders from the House and Senateknown as the Gang of Eightearlier this week and had a personal briefing planned for Thursday. Thats been on the books so I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today, in advance of a meeting on the books, for me to go sit with him alongside our intelligence and defense professionals tomorrow, Sullivan told reporters, declining to comment further on the nature of the threat. Asked if the public should be concerned about the unspecified threat, Sullivan said, In a way, that question is impossible to answer with a straight yes ... because Americans understand that there are a range of threats and challenges in the world that were dealing with every single day, and those threats and challenges range from terrorism to state actors, and we have to contend with them. The mysterious threat Turner was warning about turns out to do with Russias plan to put a nuclear weapon in space, potentially using it against satellites, ABC News, Bloomberg, CNN, and others reported late Wednesday and early Thursday, citing anonymous sources. The nuclear system has not been launched and there is no immediate cause for alarm, the sources say. However, if successfully deployed, the anti-satellite nuclear weapon could disrupt civilian communications as well as U.S. space surveillance systems, a former official told the New York Times, adding that the U.S. does not currently have the ability to defend against such an attack. The information has been available to senior members of the House intelligence committee for more than a week now, so its unclear why Turner issued his alarming statement on Wednesday, Politico reported. The Department of Defense did not respond to TIMEs request for comment. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who described the commotion as a White House ploy, declined to comment on the allegations until more information is revealed from Sullivans Thursday briefing, Russian state news agency TASS reported on Thursday. Peskov said that it was obvious that the White House is trying, by hook or by crook, to push Congress to vote on a bill to allocate moneyseemingly referring to the ongoing debate in Congress on whether to approve more military aid to Ukraine. The Senate Intelligence Committee confirmed on Wednesday, before specifics were revealed, that it has been rigorously tracking this issue from the start and is discussing an appropriate response with the administration, per a note from Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the committees chair, and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, the committees vice chair. The Senate is currently on a two-week recess. In the meantime, we must be cautious about potentially disclosing sources and methods that may be key to preserving a range of options for U.S. action. Several House lawmakers said Wednesday that the announcement should not cause panic, but declined to provide any new details. We are going to work together to address this matter, as we do all sensitive matters that are classified, said House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican. Beyond that, Im not at liberty to disclose classified information and really cant say much more, but we just want to assure everyone steady hands are at the wheel, were working on it, and theres no need for alarm. People should not panic that is unequivocal. People should not panic, Rep. Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat and the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, told reporters. I dont want people thinking that martians are landing or that your Wednesday is going to be ruined. But it is something that the Congress and the administration does need to address in the medium to long run. Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com. Washington The House voted to impeach Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday, casting a historic vote that marks the first time a Cabinet secretary has been impeached in nearly 150 years. Under two articles of impeachment accusing Mayorkas of "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and a "breach of public trust," House Republicans took the rare step toward removing Mayorkas from office on Tuesday. The vote came a week after an initial attempt failed. But the impeachment push is all but certain to die in the Senate, which has the final say over removing officials under the Constitution. Here's what to know about the Mayorkas impeachment vote and what happens next. The impeachment vote The House narrowly voted 214 to 213 to impeach Mayorkas, with three Republicans opposing the move. The vote came after the effort fell short last week, when Mayorkas narrowly survived an impeachment vote as a handful of Republicans joined with Democrats to oppose it. But when House Majority Leader Steve Scalise returned to the chamber this week after being away for cancer treatment, Republicans had the narrow majority they needed to impeach the cabinet secretary. In a statement following the vote on Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security said the impeachment push came "without a shred of evidence" or basis in the Constitution, noting the bipartisan opposition. Democrats have derided the effort, calling the impeachment a political stunt with no constitutional basis. "This baseless impeachment will do nothing to secure the border Republicans have admitted as much," Mississippi Rep. Bennie Thompson, the top Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee, said in a statement after the vote. "Instead of providing the Department of Homeland Security the resources it needs or working together towards a bipartisan solution, they have rejected any solution for the sole reason that they can have a political wedge issue in an election year." Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas testifies during a House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on April 27, 2022. / Credit: Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images Constitutional scholars have argued that the allegations against Mayorkas do not rise to the level of impeachable offenses, noting that under the Constitution, the basis for impeachment is "high Crimes and Misdemeanors." But ultimately, enough Republicans coalesced around the move to impeach the Cabinet secretary to protest the administration's handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, said Tuesday that Mayorkas "is an exceptional case." Johnson argued that the border chief "has brought more damage on the country than any cabinet secretary that has ever been." "The House has a constitutional responsibility, as I've said many times, probably the heaviest next to a declaration of war, and we have to do our job regardless of what the other chamber does," he told reporters. What happens now that Mayorkas has been impeached? The vote does not remove Mayorkas from office, since impeachment is only the first step in the process of ousting an official from their post. The matter now heads to the Senate, which has the "sole Power" under the Constitution to hold a trial that could lead to conviction and removal from office. It's highly unlikely that Mayorkas would be removed by the Democratic-controlled Senate, where a two-thirds majority would be required for conviction. Senators of both parties have criticized the House for holding an impeachment vote in the first place, knowing it will fail in the upper chamber. Still, exactly how the Senate will proceed remains to be seen. Precedent dictates that the chamber will move quickly to trial, but what that looks like and what the Constitution demands has been subject to debate. "[The Constitution] says that the Senate 'shall' have the sole power to hold a trial, but that 'shall' is doing a lot of work there and it doesn't mandate it," says Casey Burgat, the director of the Legislative Affairs Program at George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management. "And in a lot of people's eyes, it doesn't force it." The Senate rules suggest that once the chamber receives the articles of impeachment from the House, they must schedule a trial to begin the following day, Burgat explained. But a majority could vote to "reinterpret" the rules, opening up a number of avenues to speed through, delay or dismiss the impeachment outright. "Depending on the entrepreneurship of the people there and how much the majority is willing to not do that, they've got a lot of options to kind of rejigger the rule," Burgat said. The Senate is expected to convene and receive the impeachment articles from the House before proceeding with any action one way or another. Any vote would require the backing of a majority of the chamber and put each senator on the record with their position. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's office said Tuesday night the upper chamber will start Mayorkas' impeachment trial after senators return to Washington on Feb. 26. "The House impeachment managers will present the articles of impeachment to the Senate following the state work period," his office said. "Senators will be sworn in as jurors in the trial the next day. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray will preside." Sen. James Lankford, an Oklahoma Republican, told reporters that he expects the effort to fall short in the Senate. "It'll fail in the Senate," Lankford said. "If I could use the House term, it'll be dead on arrival when it comes over." Alan He, Ellis Kim and Caitlin Yilek contributed reporting. Hamas commander on why terror group attacks civilians State Department issues travel warnings for the Bahamas and Jamaica Israel carries out more airstrikes on Rafah as cease-fire talks continue ALBANY, New York A bipartisan redistricting commission is expected to vote Thursday on a new set of lines for House seats in New York that would make minor adjustments to help Democrats in some battleground races, but not aggressive changes that could create new legal challenges. The new lines could provide modest boosts to Democrats in two competitive upstate districts and to Republicans in another upstate seat, according to three state officials, including members of both parties, who have been briefed on the parameters. But theres an expectation they will leave several competitive districts in New York Citys suburbs essentially unchanged. The release of the commissions maps will not be the final step in the process. The lines would still need to be approved by the Democratic-dominated state Legislature. Legislators had not seen the maps or begun to discuss them yet, but several members believe they have a shot at winning approval after a laborious process in 2022 that led a court master to draw the states 26 House districts. The most significant change, according to the state officials briefed on the plans, would be to the Central New York district held by freshman Republican Rep. Brandon Williams. Democrats attempted to draw that as a solidly blue seat two years ago, joining Syracuse with college towns that included Ithaca, Cortland and Auburn. But after the lines were scrapped by the courts, the new maps merged Syracuse with more moderate communities like Utica, creating a swing district that Williams won by only 2 percentage points. The lines that are currently expected would be somewhere in between these two plans Auburn, but not Ithaca, is likely to join Syracuse. That would allow for a 4-point shift toward Democrats, according to the officials. Further east, the borders between the swing seats held by freshmen Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan and Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro are also expected to shift. The changes might include moving the Hudson Valleys Columbia County from Molinaros district to Ryans and Orange County from Ryans to Molinaros. Those tweaks would result in modest boosts for both incumbents tradeoffs that would help Democrats solidify Ryan and boost their chances of beating Williams, but also make it harder to knock off Molinaro who is in a rematch against Democrat Josh Riley. Other than that, officials familiar with the lines, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the lines havent been released, said they do not expect any significant changes in the rest of the state. That would mean that freshman Republican Rep. Mike Lawlers swing district in the Hudson Valley would not see the shift toward Democrats that the party had hoped for. And Long Island where Republicans won each of the four seats in 2022 but Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election on Tuesday would stay mainly unchanged. Commissioners of both parties said earlier this week that they were hopeful for a two-way deal at the meeting Thursday afternoon. A bipartisan agreement would bolster the standing of the new commission that flopped in its first attempt at drawing lines two years ago, reduce the chances of another lengthy court fight and prevent a delay in the June primaries which were pushed to August in 2022 because of the legal battles. The state's top court in December ordered a new set of lines for this year and the remainder of the 10-year cycle because of the failure of the commission to follow its rules. Once the commission approves the lines, they would need to be approved by both houses of the state Legislature. Democrats have narrow supermajorities in each of them. Its really a question for all 150 of us, said Assemblymember Ken Zebrowski, who leads Democrats redistricting efforts in his 150-seat chamber. I think everybody will be looking for fairness. Hopefully everybody's version of fairness isnt different from each others. There has been a general sense in recent weeks that legislators are eager to put the years of legal drama over redistricting to a close, and they might be willing to sign off on maps even if theyre not as aggressively gerrymandered in districts like Lawlers as some national Democrats would like. One unknown has been whether specific members would be pressured by national leaders to reject any bipartisan lines in favor of a more Democratic-friendly map. But there are few signs they have felt that pressure yet. And Suozzis victory limits the urgency to reshape his Long Island district winning the special election boosts his chances of keeping the seat in November when there is higher turnout in a presidential year in heavily blue New York. Tom Suozzi won a race on the map that is currently in place, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in Washington on Wednesday morning. And were preparing to win the races that we need to win on the map that is currently in place. Democratic state Sen. John Mannion, who has a vote on the lines, is running in a Democratic primary for Williams' seat. Asked about the possible changes earlier in the week, he said he was fine with whatever happens. Im advocating for Central New York already, he said. So wherever the lines are, Ill be proud to run in that district because I believe we have a lot of shared interests in whatever directions the maps go. One remaining unknown is just when the Legislature will finalize the lines, and there is some urgency. Members arent scheduled to hold session again until Monday, Feb. 27 which is the day that congressional candidates are due to start collection petitions, potentially creating some logistical headaches. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said earlier this week that she was open to calling a special session next week. But the Assembly has not yet had those discussions, and members think its highly unlikely there will be an early return. If Democrats unite behind the lines, then Republican votes wont be needed. But two top Republicans said on Wednesday that they would be content with the lines that they expect to be approved by the commission. So theres a chance that after years of bitter legislative and legal battles over the maps, the whole process just might wrap up in a moment of bipartisan unity. It can and it should, and I hope it does, said Sen. Jack Martins, who led the Republicans on the redistricting commission two years ago. Because I think the integrity of the process is only bettered by both sides showing they can work together. Nick Reisman and Jeff Coltin contributed to this report. FILE - Cornelius Whiting fills out his ballot at an early voting location in Alexandria, Va., on Sept. 26, 2022. The Associated Press is making some of its U.S. elections data available for free to more than 400 nonprofit news organizations in a program funded by the Google News Initiative, the company said on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File) NEW YORK (AP) The Associated Press is making some of its U.S. elections data available for free to more than 400 nonprofit news organizations in a program funded by the Google News Initiative, the company said on Wednesday. The small, primarily digital newsrooms are members of the Institute for Nonprofit News. While that 15-year-old group includes some national outlets like ProPublica, most of its members are smaller organizations that cover local news, most with only a handful of employees and many that operate in areas left otherwise bereft of coverage. On primary nights and the general election, AP will give these outlets ready-to-publish graphics with national and local results, along with information gleaned from talking to voters from AP's VoteCast survey. AP plays a central role tabulating results across the country on election nights, using them to declare winners of contested races, along with seeking an in-depth view of what is on voters' minds. Making the information available to organizations that generally haven't had it in the past is part of AP's effort to combat election misinformation, said David Scott, AP's vice president and head of news strategy and operations. AP would not say how much Google is paying to disseminate the information. The news organization sells more complete data and survey results, along with its journalists' political coverage, to larger organizations all over the world. The initiative will allow INN members to deploy its journalists for news coverage on election nights, instead of the laborious work of counting and tabulating votes in local races, said Jonathan Kealing, INN's chief network officer. Some larger and national organizations offer consumers detailed election information, but usually dont have the capacity to cover local races of interest to readers of INN publications, he said. This makes it easier for these individuals to find news in the place where they look to get it first, Kealing said. The organization's members have a median of four staffers and $271,000 in revenue, he said. Newsrooms at the Mississippi Free Press, San Antonio Report in Texas, Charlottesville Tomorrow in Virginia and Fresnoland in California have expressed particular interest in this information, he said. The free benefit is limited to the 90% of INN members with annual revenue of $5 million or less. Members are vetted for a commitment to editorial independence and nonpartisanship. Throughout 2024, AP's democracy efforts include explaining to readers how its election tabulation and analysis works. For example, the service wrote stories as part of the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary coverage that explained what went into AP declaring a winner before all of the votes are tabulated. We think there's no better way to fight misinformation than to be fully transparent about how we go about collecting the vote, Scott said. Then-Democratic nominee for Texas Congressional District 35 Greg Casar speaks during a get out the vote rally at Sewell Park in San Marcos on Sat.October, 29, 2022. Carlos Javier Sanchez / Contributor Coming out of the 2022 election cycle, Texas progressives had much to celebrate. They sent two new members to the U.S. House of Representatives. A left-wing immigration attorney running for a second time in U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellars Laredo district forced the moderate incumbent into a runoff that he won by the slimmest of margins. Progressive candidates had stepped up to run in GOP districts statewide and in bright-red Texas, having their names on the ballot was a win in and of itself. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But this year, the field is different. There are a handful of progressive candidates running in federal races, most notably in the Democratic contest for U.S. Senate. But a middle-of-the-road candidate is the apparent frontrunner in that race, and moderate South Texas Democrats, including Cuellar and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, dont have primary challengers. A Democratic candidate who lost to Republican Rep. Monica De La Cruz of Edinburg two years ago has softened her progressive messaging on some issues as she vies for a rematch. The shift comes as Democrats nationwide are focused on re-electing President Joe Biden and recapturing a majority in the U.S. House, and many progressives have dedicated their time this year to advocate for issues instead of particular candidates, political experts and left-wing Democrats said. More moderate Democrats said that progressivism just isnt, and likely never will be, a winning strategy in Texas. Though some progressive policies poll well in Texas, the term isnt always well-received in the Lone Star State, evoking images of more extreme, national politicians. This year, moderate Democrats have been especially critical of party leadership over immigration issues. The last couple of cycles, progressives have done well but have not gotten over the hump, said Brandon Rottinghaus, a politics professor at the University of Houston. As a result, the perception is that a progressive is not going to be successful in an election in Texas. I guess the way to put it is that without real victories, the progressive wing of the party may scale back and focus on seats that are more clearly winnable. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Progressive pitch in U.S. Senate race Greg Casar, a progressive first-term congressman from Austin, said this years electoral climate is part of a natural cycle of advancing the progressive movement working to elect candidates, perhaps losing at first and later winning, and then having those candidates enact progressive policies in office. When you do progressive governance thats new, oftentimes a bunch of money then gets spent against you, so we have to defend those progressives who are now in office, Casar said. And once they've been well defended and reelected, then it starts creating opportunities to go and elect new people that have been inspired by that work. Candidates have varying definitions for the word progressive, but generally, their priority lists include improving access to health care, addressing climate change, expanding abortion access and promoting social equity and diversity. The 2022 election is not easy to replicate, Casar said, noting that he and fellow Texas freshman Jasmine Crockett were elected in open blue seats in the first cycle after the state Legislature redrew congressional districts. Crockett, of Dallas, replaced a retiring representative, and Casars district was up for grabs after the incumbent decided to switch seats. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There is one situation like that this year in North Texas, where 10 Democrats are running to replace U.S. Rep. Colin Allred of Dallas, who is running for U.S. Senate. At least three of those candidates embrace more progressive policies. In his bid to run against conservative U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, Allred has pitched himself as a moderate candidate willing to cross the aisle if and when necessary. He has been openly critical of Biden on border issues and refused to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, a top priority for many progressive Democrats. In a statement, Allred praised bipartisanship and said he will never let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Nine Democrats are seeking the Senate nomination, but the race will likely boil down to Allred and state Sen. Roland Gutierrez, who has said the state needs a more progressive candidate to make real change in the federal government. Gutierrez said that after decades of Republican rule in Texas, the candidate who got closest to a win was former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke, who came within 3 points of unseating Cruz in 2018 and unsuccessfully ran against Gov. Greg Abbott in 2022. ORourkes relative success was because of progressive ideas and progressive values, Gutierrez said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The idea that progressives are killing us in November is nonsense, he said. Who keeps losing? It's not the progressives. It's the mainstream Democrat. The status quo Democrats. If the status quo is so great, then why are we still under 30 years of Republican control? Casar said the progressive movement is still alive and well in Texas, but many people are directing their energy toward pressing issues, like pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza, fighting for labor rights or combating anti-immigrant rhetoric from Texas Republicans. Plus, Democrats are still looking toward a tough election year with control of the U.S. House on the line, he said. Does South Texas demand moderate Democrats? When she launched her first bid for a South Texas congressional district in 2021, Michelle Vallejo rolled out an ultra-progressive platform of a $15 minimum wage, Medicare for All and a ban on assault weapons. "We need to embrace the border as a fusing place of ideas and culture and encourage innovation to flourish," her campaign website read at the time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad She narrowly beat five other candidates in 2022 to become the Democratic nominee against De La Cruz. In November, she lost by 8.5 percentage points. But this year, as Vallejo seeks a rematch in the GOP-leaning 15th Congressional District, which stretches from McAllen to New Braunfels, she's toned down some of her progressive messaging. Her website still touts support for an increased minimum wage, expanded health care and gun restrictions just without the specifics. 2024 TEXAS PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE: A comprehensive guide to the local and national races that your vote will decide in the March 5 primaries And as the border has become the No. 1 issue for Republicans, especially in South Texas, she's rephrased her approach to immigration issues: "Michelle is committed to securing our border while treating migrants with dignity and upholding their legal right to seek asylum," her website says now. John Villarreal Rigney, a self-identified Blue Dog Democrat who ran for the nomination in 2022 and is campaigning again this year, said Vallejo softened her messaging because she realized real quick that progressive stances just kind of don't work in South Texas. (Vallejo did not respond to a request for comment.) We're a moderate to conservative type of district, even on the Democratic side, Villarreal Rigney said. It's a very Catholic population, so we believe in family. We're close with family. We believe in God. We believe in our gun rights. We believe in border security. And when you are taking care of our people, real left-wing liberal agendas people dont tolerate it. Gonzalez, the moderate congressional representative from a nearby Brownsville district, had six primary challengers in 2022, including at least one progressive. He beat all of them handily, and that probably spooked them away this year, he said. South Texas is a pretty moderate place, and progressive politics havent played very well in the Valley, Gonzalez said. I think the national and even statewide investors have recognized that, and the last thing we want is to create vulnerabilities for November by electing a progressive in March that loses their election in November. BEFORE HEADING TO THE POLLS: Voting in Houston's March 5 primary elections: What to know Cuellar, the last anti-abortion Democrat in the U.S. House, is also running unopposed in the Democratic primary. Jessica Cisneros, the immigration attorney who twice gave Cuellar a run for his money, declined to run for a third time this year. Neither of them responded to a request for comment. Kathleen Thompson, the executive director of the political advocacy group Progress Texas, said she couldnt speak to the lack of candidates in South Texas but noted that election results in recent years have shown that there's a deep desire for some new leadership. Progress Texas has endorsed Gutierrez for U.S. Senate, and Vallejos race is a top priority. And while there might be fewer progressive candidates running in federal races, there are plenty down-ballot, Thompson said. Displaced Palestinian, who fled their houses due to Israeli strikes, take shelter in a tent camp in Rafah Displaced Palestinian, who fled their houses due to Israeli strikes, take shelter in a tent camp in Rafah By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Israel will press ahead with an offensive against Hamas in Rafah, the last refuge for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza, after allowing civilians to vacate the area, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday. The Israeli leader, who is under growing international pressure to hold off on the planned assault, gave no indication as to when the offensive might take place or where the hundreds of thousands of people now crammed into Rafah might go. His comments came a day after talks in Cairo on a possible ceasefire and the handover of hostages held by Hamas ended inconclusively, stoking fears among the displaced Palestinians that Israel would soon storm Rafah, which abuts Egypt. "We will fight until complete victory and this includes a powerful action in Rafah as well, after we allow the civilian population to leave the battle zones," Netanyahu said on his Telegram account. Earlier, Netanyahu's office said Hamas had presented no new offer for a hostage deal in the Cairo talks and that Israel would not accept the militant group's "ludicrous demands". "A change in Hamas' positions will make it possible to move forward in the negotiations," it said. Relatives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas said they would barricade the Israeli defence headquarters on Wednesday in protest at what they said was a scandalous decision by Israel not to send negotiators to the next session of the Cairo talks. The move "amounts to a death sentence" for the 134 hostages in Hamas' tunnels, the group said, in a sign of growing domestic dissent in Israel after four months of the Gaza war. The Israeli military says it wants to flush out Islamist militants from hideouts in Rafah and free hostages being held there after the Hamas rampage in Israel on Oct. 7, but has given no details of a proposed plan to evacuate civilians. "We are now counting down the days before Israel sends in tanks. We hope they don't but who can prevent them?" Said Jaber, a Gaza businessman who is sheltering in Rafah with his family, told Reuters via a chat app. As night fell on Wednesday, more than 2,000 Palestinians who had been sheltering in Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza arrived in Rafah after being ordered to evacuate by the Israeli army, residents and some witnesses said. 'UNFATHOMABLE CATASTROPHE' Richard Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization representative for Gaza and the West Bank, said an assault on Rafah would be "an unfathomable catastrophe... and would even further expand the humanitarian disaster beyond imagination." French President Emmanuel Macron raised similar concerns in a phone call on Wednesday with Netanyahu, the president's office said, saying further forced displacements of people could also bring regional escalation. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said before talks with Netanyahu that people in Rafah with nowhere to go "cannot simply vanish into thin air." Israel says it takes steps to minimise civilian casualties and accuses Hamas fighters of hiding among civilians, including in hospitals and shelters - something the militant group denies. On Wednesday Israel said it had approved the use of Starlink services - the satellite network of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk - to help communications at a field hospital in Gaza and in Israel itself for the first time. Israeli forces shelled eastern areas of Rafah overnight, and pounded several areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, residents said. The health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave said Israeli forces were continuing to isolate the two main hospitals in Khan Younis, and that sniper fire at Nasser Hospital had killed and wounded many people in recent days. An Israeli airstrike on a house in Al-Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed six people, health officials said. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed, including 103 in the past 24 hours, and 68,291 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct.7, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Many other people are believed to be buried under rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated Gaza Strip, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out and diseases are spreading. At least 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 were taken hostage in the Hamas raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has vowed to fight on until it eradicates Hamas and has made the return of the last hostages a priority. Hamas says Israel must commit to ending the war and withdrawing from Gaza. BORDER TENSIONS Diplomacy is focused not just on halting the war and securing the hostages' release but also on preventing the conflict from spreading across the region. The armed Lebanese group Hezbollah, which backs the Palestinians, has frequently fired across the border into northern Israel since the war began in Gaza. In the latest clashes on Wednesday, Israel said it had carried out retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon after rocket attacks which it said had killed an Israeli female soldier, struck a military base and wounded several other people. A woman and her two children were killed in an Israeli strike on the village of al-Sawana, two Lebanese security sources said. Hezbollah said another strike on a separate town killed one of their fighters. Diplomatic efforts continued on Wednesday, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan making his first visit to Egypt in over a decade. He said Turkey stood ready for cooperation with Egypt to rebuild Gaza after the war. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Maayan Lubell, Dan Williams and Emily Rose in Jerusalem, Doina Chiacu in Washington and Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Writing by Timothy Heritage and Gareth Jones, Editing by Ros Russell, William Maclean) Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Abu Dhabis first Hindu temple, the largest in the United Arab Emirates, boosting his credentials as a global statesman months before he heads to the polls in a nationwide election where he is seeking a rare third term in power. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, built on a sprawling 27-acre site in the Abu Dhabi desert, is the citys first traditional Hindu stone mandir, its pink sandstone columns topped by seven spires representing the number of Sheikhs that rule each of the Emirates. Modi was greeted with a hug by the countrys President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and presented with the Guard of Honor, showing how close the two nations have come in their strategic and economic relations. Modi's inauguration of the temple comes before India's general election, scheduled for the spring. - Amr Alfiky/Reuters But while Islam is the official religion of the UAE, Modis trip comes as Muslims in India say they feel marginalized and threatened as Modis Bharatiya Janata Partys Hindu nationalist policies gain momentum in the worlds largest democracy. Yet, analysts expect this will not present an issue for Modi during his visit, given Indias rising prominence, its growing economy and strategic position on the global stage. And back home, analysts say Modis leading role in the temples inauguration could give his party a boost in the buildup to the election in a few months time. In his decade of power, Modi has created an image of himself as the protector of Hinduism, said New Delhi based political analyst Asim Ali, and is now taking that message beyond Indias borders. Hes hoisting the flag of Hinduism across the world. Its like the religion and pride of India going overseas, Ali said. Hes sending a message to the world: India is the protector of the Hindu religion. Important cultural and political project The opening of the Abu Dhabi Temple comes just a few weeks after Modi inaugurated the controversial Ram Mandir, a temple built on the foundations of a centuries-old mosque that was torn down by hardline Hindu crowds in the early 1990s in northern India. That ceremony was seen as a seismic shift away from modern Indias secular founding principles and was hailed by Hindu nationalists as a crowning moment in their decades-long campaign to reshape the nation. The temple opening in Abu Dhabi must be seen as a political operation for Modi vis-a-vis constituencies abroad and at home, said Nicolas Blarel, Associate Professor of International Relations at the Institute of Political Science, Leiden University in The Netherlands. The temple has a storied history as its UAE-based devotees have long advocated for its construction, said Blarel, who focuses on foreign policy in South Asia and the Middle East. The country of 9 million is home to about 3.5 million Indian nationals alone, making it the largest population of Indian citizens in the world. In 2015, the UAE government allocated land for the development of the temple, in a major win for the diaspora. This then became a joint venture as both the Indian and UAE governments entrusted the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha the responsibility to build and administer the mandir, Blarel said. Nine years later, this important cultural and political project has been materialized and framed by the BJP and Modi as further evidence of the global reach of Indias religious and cultural heritage, but also of cooperation with its diaspora. The BAPS Hindu Mandir temple sits in a vast 27-acre plot in the Abu Dhabi desert. - Amr Alfiky/Reuters Growing business and economic ties This is the Indian Prime Ministers seventh trip to the Islamic country, and the third in the last eight months, indicating its importance to Modi in the lead up to the election. India-UAE relations have grown in economic terms, but perhaps more significantly in strategic and security terms, said Kadira Pethiyagoda, a former diplomat and Brookings Fellow. This is the product of India seeking to expand its strategic reach into the Middle East and secure its energy sources, added Pethiyagoda, author of Indian Foreign Policy and Cultural Values. In a bid to boost the industrial sector and lift exports, the Indian government has sought to sign free trade deals, a move thats been warmly received around the world. Last September, US President Joe Biden, Modi and the leaders of the UAE and Saudi Arabia announced the launch of a new trade route connecting India to the Middle East and Europe through railways and ports. US President Joe Biden visits Raj Ghat memorial with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other G20 leaders, Sept. 10, 2023, in New Delhi. - Kenny Hoston/Pool/Reuters Indias billionaires, including Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, have also invested big money in the country. Last August, the UAE was among six countries invited to join the BRICS bloc, which India is a part of. The UAE, like the other Gulf states, has been trying in recent years to diversify its strategic and security partnerships with Great Powers, said Pethiyagoda. This means moving away from sole reliance on the US toward partnerships with India, China and Russia. Given these reasons, analysts say there is little chance UAE will bring up the criticism of Modis government over its treatment of Muslims. If they do bring it up, it will be in private, Pethiyagoda said. Gulf governments have always taken a practical approach of non-interference in domestic affairs of major powers. And its also unclear how much extra support the UAE temple will give a prime minister already popular with devout Hindu followers. The BAPS temple will not win him much more adulation amongst BJP supporting Hindus than the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya has already garnered, Pethiyagoda said. It may however win votes in the South where much of Indias Gulf workforce hails from and sends their remittances to, and where the BJP is weaker. He added: It could also, if promoted properly, help to improve his reputation amongst some Muslim voters to whom it could be portrayed as Hindu-Muslim friendship. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Governor Eric Holcomb signed controversial House Bill 1383 into law on Monday, but the law has implications for surrounding states. Here's what you need to know. What are wetlands? Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present either at or near the surface for extended periods, including during the growing season, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to Indiana's Department of Natural Resources, wetlands include bogs, dune and swale, fens, flatwoods, floodplain forests, marshes, ponds, lakes, sedge meadows, seeps, streams, creeks, major rivers and swamps. Experts say they all are crucial for the environment because they filter water. Indiana wetlands: Here's why environmentalists keep fighting. Why is protecting Indiana wetlands important? Indiana already has the most polluted rivers and streams in the country, according to a 2022 report by the Environmental Integrity Project. Regardless, state lawmakers have been nibbling away at wetland protections for years, said Dan Borrit, executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation. The reason the government started to protect waterways and establish the Clean Water Act, was because people had polluted them so much that they were unsafe, Borrit said. Every time wetlands are removed or protections are cut back, he said, we are inching closer to that scenario again." What is Indiana House Bill 1383? House Bill 1383 redefines what is considered to be a wetland and rolls back protections on the few remaining wetlands across the state. Was the Indiana wetlands law signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb? Even though he opposed a 2021 bill that marked the first gutting of Indiana's wetlands law, Gov. Holcomb signed House Bill 1383 into law on Monday. "This collaborative effort strikes a necessary balance of protecting and preserving Indiana's vital wetlands while supporting economic growth," a statement Holcomb sent to IndyStar Monday said. What has been the reaction locally to the bill? Many residents and experts disagree with Holcomb's statement. Indiana had already lost more than 85% of its wetlands in the last century, most drained for agriculture and development. And in the two years after the 2021 law, Senate Enrolled Act 389, more than 250 acres were completely lost due to the state no longer requiring mitigation. Hoosiers have sent more than 1,000 emails to Indiana lawmakers in recent days calling for more, not fewer, protections for wetlands the result of Hoosier Environmental Council-led efforts. The group also submitted to Holcomb's office a letter and petition, currently with upwards of 1,300 signatures, asking the governor to essentially kill the bill. Why does it matter to other states? Water that falls across Indiana eventually ends up in surrounding states and two of the nations major water bodies: the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. The state has 45 miles of Lake Michigans shoreline and is home to the headwaters of the Maumee River, which flows into Lake Erie and is the largest river basin in the Great Lakes. Across the rest of the state, water ends up in the Ohio River a major tributary of the Mississippi. "The people losing out the greatest are those that are downstream from these states that decide to decrease their level of protection," said Marla Stelk, executive director of the National Association of Wetland Managers Another issue is that if one state, such as Indiana, weakens or gets rid of protections, it'll affect others. Wisconsin and Michigan which have stiffer wetland protections share Lake Michigan with Indiana, so anything Indiana does will affect everyone, said Melissa Scanlan, director of the Center for Water Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Illinois is currently crafting legislation to enshrine protections for wetlands. The states that share that water will have to pick up the slack to keep it clean, said Brian Vigue, policy director at Audubon Great Lakes. Katie Wiseman is a trending news intern at IndyStar. Contact her at klwiseman@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @itskatiewiseman. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Great Lakes states are concerned about Indiana's wetlands. Here's why Semafor Signals Insights from Foreign Affairs, The Financial Times, International Intrigue, Nikkei Asia, and Fulcrum The News Indonesias defense minister Prabowo Subianto has claimed victory in the presidential election, with early, unofficial tallies indicating that he has secured almost 60% of the archipelagos vote. The two other presidential candidates have not yet conceded defeat and there was no official announcement from electoral officials. But the likely victory of Prabowo an ex-general who was kicked out from the army and subjected to a two-decade ban from the U.S. over human rights violations raises fears of the worlds third-largest democracy sliding backward into authoritarian rule. Prabowo, who is the ex-son-in-law of the late Indonesian dictator Suharto, ran on a joint ticket with Gibran Rakabuming, the mayor of Surakarta, and current president Joko Widodos (Jokowi) eldest son. More than 204 million Indonesians were eligible to vote in the elections one of the biggest taking place in the world this year with half of them under 40, according to government statistics. Prabowos lead in pre-election polls was largely attributed to his campaign to continue Jokowis efforts to boost Indonesias economy and remain neutral in tensions between the U.S. and China. Critics have accused the outgoing president of using his personal and political influence to prolong his legacy. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Indonesians would likely reject attempts to change political landscape Source: Foreign Affairs Southeast Asia experts argue that Prabowo would likely struggle to impose any iron fist in such a large, diverse country. Even as a young democracy, Indonesia has developed a set of political norms that have shaped Prabowos campaign and would constrain him as president, one analyst said. Indonesian voters enthusiasm for Prabowo does not represent a disillusionment with democracy, wrote Ben Bland, the Asia Pacific director of Chatham House, in Foreign Affairs. Voters are convinced that Prabowo will uphold Jokowis positive economic legacy something Bland argued shows voters implicit faith that democracy will be upheld even with a hardline leader. It might not resemble the Western vision of a liberal democracy, but the battles to shape the future of its political system will not end after the election, he added. Prabowos cuddly TikTok rebrand is aimed at Indonesians too young to remember Suharto Sources: The Financial Times, International Intrigue Prabowo, who portrayed himself as a firebrand nationalist in previous presidential bids, has softened his image to counter fears of democratic backsliding under his rule. The former general has been accused of numerous accounts of human rights abuses, including his involvement in the kidnapping and torturing of pro-democracy activists in Jakarta in the late 1990s. Now 72 years old, the ex-military officer has rebranded himself on social media platforms like TikTok, posting cutesy videos where he is captured smiling and wiggling his hips leading Prabowo supporters, many of whom are too young to remember the Suharto dictatorship, to describe him as harmless and grandfatherly. Prabowo is running a very different and effective campaign. Its a lot less angry and much more youth-oriented, an analyst at one Indonesian polling firm told the Financial Times. Its incredible what PR consultants and a top-notch TikTok team can do, the newsletter International Intrigue noted, saying that Prabowos rehabilitated image has earned him the nickname gemoy adorable in Bahasa. Prabowo likely to continue Widodos neutrality in US-China rivalry Sources: Nikkei Asia, The Associated Press, Fulcrum Jokowis non-alignment with the United States and China will likely continue under Prabowo, who has called both superpowers friends and has praised them for their support in recognizing Indonesias sovereignty and boosting its economy. Anies Baswedan, a former governor of Jakarta and one of the other presidential contenders, has however slammed the Widodo-led foreign policy as transactional, and has said that Indonesia needs to lessen its dependence on China and return to values-based diplomacy, Nikkei Asia reported. When a country invades another country, we can say this is against our basic values. Even though we are friends, if rights were violated, we can reprimand them, Anies told the Associated Press, without naming the country he was referring to. All presidential candidates have shown their support for Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, but experts say that of the three, Prabowo has introduced the most tactical, clear-cut plan to support the Palestinian cause, including offering scholarships to Palestinian cadets to study at Indonesias Defense University. In a darkened Amsterdam conference hall this summer, a panel of industry and academic scientists took the stage to announce a plan to radically expand the definition of Alzheimers disease to include millions of people with no memory complaints. Those with normal cognition who test positive for elevated levels of certain proteins that have been tied to Alzheimers but not proven to cause the disease would be diagnosed as having Alzheimers Stage 1, the panel members explained. Even before the presentation ended, attendees in the packed hall were lining up behind microphones to ask questions, according to video of the event. Im troubled by this, Dr. Andrea Bozoki, a University of North Carolina neurologist, told the panel. You are taking a bunch of people who may never develop dementia or even cognitive impairment and you're calling them Stage 1. That doesnt seem to fit. Under the proposal, tens of millions of Americans with normal cognition would test positive for abnormal levels of amyloid or tau, the two proteins the tests look for, and the majority of them may never be diagnosed with dementia, studies suggest. A 60-year-old man who tests positive, for example, is estimated to have a 23% risk of developing dementia in his lifetime. Criticism of the plan has intensified since it was unveiled in July at the international conference attended by 11,000 doctors and scientists. But the panel, organized by the nonprofit Alzheimers Assn., is continuing its push to extend the diagnosis to people who have no problem recalling events or what day it is and convince skeptics that Alzheimer's symptoms aren't necessary to have the disease. Panel members argue that the earlier patients get help, the more effective it might be. The availability of new drugs for patients with early Alzheimer's symptoms has spurred them into action now, they say. The plan could be approved by the panel and published in a medical journal early this year, association officials said. Such a move is likely to be influential: A similar proposal in 2018 that was put forth to help guide research on experimental Alzheimer's medications was quickly adopted by the Food and Drug Administration and is frequently cited by doctors, scientists and health insurers. Read more: Alzheimer's drug trials target older Californians. Do they understand what they're signing up for? Standing to benefit are the pharmaceutical and medical testing companies who employ seven members of the 20-person panel. At least seven more members of the panel are academics who receive money from those companies for consulting or research. Panelists reached by The Times said the funding did not influence their decisions. Four other scientists who are outside advisors to the panel are executives from Eisai and Biogen, the makers of two new medicines for Alzheimers patients, and Eli Lilly and Genentech, which are developing similar drugs. The American Geriatrics Society called the panel members' financial ties to industry wholly inappropriate. In an analysis of the proposal , the society warned the proposal could lead to overdiagnosis of Alzheimers and subject people to treatments with limited benefit and high potential for harm. Others said the plan was premature at best. I think this is untested, uncharted territory, said Dr. Madhav Thambisetty , a senior researcher at the National Institute of Aging. I'm not at that stage where I would be able to make a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in somebody who's cognitively normal based on the presence of a single biomarker." A researcher at Washington University in St. Louis works on a blood test for Alzheimer's disease. (Huy Mach / University of Washington via Associated Press) Under the proposal, people with no memory problems who test positive for abnormal levels of amyloid or tau proteins would be classified as Stage 1. They would move to Stage 2 if they begin to experience neurobehavioral difficulties such as depression, anxiety or apathy symptoms often unrelated to Alzheimer's even if the patient's cognition is unchanged. Stage 3 would be for those with mild cognitive impairment, while Stages 4 through 6 would describe patients with mild, moderate or severe dementia. The move to label more Americans as having Alzheimer's comes amid a decades-long decline in the risk of dementia. Researchers don't know why the risk is falling, but they say higher levels of education, a reduction in smoking and better treatment of high blood pressure could all be factors. Dr. Peter Whitehouse, professor of neurology at Case Western Reserve University, is one of several doctors who have noted that the plan could benefit the Alzheimer's Assn. since the majority of its donations come from people who know one of the estimated 6.7 million Americans now living with the disease and want to help find a cure. If more Americans are diagnosed with the disease under the new definition, the ranks of possible donors would swell, he said. "This raises the potential for more people to want to give money," Whitehouse added. The panel said it was proposing the changes now because the FDA has approved two drugs Eisais Leqembi and Aduhelm from Biogen for patients in the early stages of memory decline. While a study of Leqembi's effects on asymptomatic people has begun, there is currently no evidence that giving it to people without cognitive impairment can reduce the risk of dementia or delay the onset of Alzheimer's symptoms. Read more: Opinion: New Alzheimer's drugs are costly and controversial. Are we going about this all wrong? Another reason for the change, the panel said, was the availability of new blood tests that do an "excellent" job of detecting abnormal levels of amyloid and tau in the brain. The blood tests are easier and less invasive than the PET scans and spinal taps that traditionally have been used to measure levels of Alzheimer's-related proteins. "The purpose of this initiative is to advance the science of early detection and treatment," said panel member Maria Carrillo, the Alzheimer Assn.'s chief science officer. "In order to prevent dementia, we need to detect and treat the disease before symptoms appear." Thambisetty and other doctors also note that the plan does not address the serious bioethical concerns that come with testing healthy people for signs of Alzheimer's. People with no memory problems who learn they are positive for abnormal levels of amyloid or tau proteins can suffer from depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide, studies have found. A doctor points to PET scan results that are part of a study on Alzheimer's disease at a hospital in Washington. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) A positive test can also lead to discrimination by employers and by companies offering life, disability and long-term care insurance. That risk is so real that people with no memory complaints who volunteer for an ongoing clinical trial that requires an amyloid test are advised to consider getting any insurance they've been contemplating before taking the test. This is an ethically gray area, Thambisetty said of testing cognitively normal people. There are many questions that remain to be answered. Added Dr. Eric Widera , a geriatrician at UC San Francisco: "If somebody tests positive for amyloid and they are an airplane pilot, do they have to disclose that to the airlines? They are not asking these questions." Concerns like these led the panel members to revise the draft to say they were not yet advocating for "routine" testing of those without memory problems. And Dr. Clifford R. Jack Jr., a radiologist at the Mayo Clinic who leads the panel, told The Times the proposal was not an instruction manual to guide doctors in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of their patients. "Should you diagnose Alzheimer's disease in asymptomatic persons? The answer is no," Jack said. The changes did not reassure skeptics. Widera pointed out that under the revised plan, an unimpaired person who tests positive for an Alzheimer's biomarker would not be considered "at risk" for the disease because in the panel's view they already have it. "They are redefining what it means to have Alzheimer's," he said. You no longer need to have cognitive impairment to have this disease. You just need the positive blood test. That could lead doctors to prescribe the new drugs to people without memory problems, Widera said. Indeed, interest in testing for Alzheimers-related proteins exploded after the FDA controversially approved Aduhelm and Leqembi, which reduce amyloid levels in the brain. Read more: FDA approves much-debated Alzheimers drug panned by experts The hypothesis is that finding amyloid early and removing it might avoid irreversible brain damage. But so far researchers have failed to demonstrate that a build-up of amyloid causes dementia or that removing it alleviates symptoms. The FDA went against the advice of its independent advisory committee and green-lighted Biogen's Aduhelm in 2021 even though there was a lack of evidence that it reduced cognitive decline. A Congressional investigation later found that Biogen executives met with FDA officials including Dr. Billy Dunn, head of the neuroscience office dozens of times and inappropriately collaborated on a key regulatory document. Dunn did not respond to questions from The Times. The FDA approved the second drug, Eisai's Leqembi, in July after a study showed it could slow the progression of Alzheimers in people with mild cognitive impairment by less than half a point on an 18-point scale, a finding that some doctors doubt would be noticeable to patients or their families. The agency requires both drugs to carry warnings that they can cause potentially fatal bleeding or swelling in the brain. A closeup of a human brain affected by Alzheimer's disease is on display at the Museum of Neuroanatomy at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y. (David Duprey / Associated Press) The Alzheimers Assn. has been among the most vocal advocates for the two drugs, which each cost more than $26,000 a year. The group deployed hundreds of volunteers to lobby Congress and get Medicare to pay for the treatments. While prescriptions of Leqembi are now taking off, doctors have hesitated to prescribe Aduhelm. Last month, Biogen said it planned to stop selling Aduhelm and instead focus on promoting Leqembi through its partnership with Eisai. The Alzheimer's Assn.'s plan to create a new class of symptom-free Alzheimer's patients began taking shape more than a decade ago and was included in proposals to update diagnostic criteria for the disease in 2011 and 2018. The association's website says the idea came from a meeting of its Research Roundtable, a group that companies pay thousands of dollars to join. The roundtable meets twice a year, often at the luxury Park Hyatt Hotel in Washington, D.C. Current members include Biogen, Eisai, Lilly, Genentech, Prothena and 15 other companies. Selected academics and drug regulators from around the world are also invited to attend. In its 2023 fiscal year, the Alzheimers Assn. received $4.9 million from pharmaceutical, biotech, diagnostic and clinical research companies more than in any of the previous five years. The association said those corporate donations amount to just 1.3% of its total cash donations of $379 million that year. Carrillo, the associations chief science officer, told The Times in a statement that no contribution from any organization impacts the Alzheimers Association decision-making, nor our positions. We make our decision based on science, and the needs of our constituents, she said. The association spent $100 million on research in its 2023 fiscal year, including grants to some of the academic scientists on the panel or to the universities they work for. Many of those grants are aimed at creating new strategies for early diagnosis of people without memory complaints. That message of early detection is echoed by pharmaceutical and testing companies. At a scientific conference in Boston in October, Dr. Mark Mintun, an Eli Lilly executive who is an advisor to the panel, said in a presentation that the company's experimental medicine donanemab helped younger people and those with lower levels of tau more than it helped older people and those with higher levels of the protein. "This gives us great urgency in thinking about how to diagnose and prepare patients for treatment," Mintun told the audience, according to a report on the Alzforum news website. Read more: These Southern California counties have some of the highest cases of Alzheimer's disease Among the seven industry executives sitting on the Alzheimer's Assn. panel are former FDA official Dunn, who is now on the board of Prothena, a company developing anti-amyloid drugs; Dr. Eric Siemers, chief medical officer of Acumen Pharmaceuticals, which is also working on anti-amyloid drugs; and Dr. Philip Scheltens, who heads a venture capital fund that invests in dementia drugs. They are joined by Dr. Reisa Sperling, a Harvard neurology professor who has received research grants from Eisai and Lilly and consulting fees from 18 other companies, according to the panel's disclosures. Sperling has led studies investigating the value of treating people without memory problems. She said in 2013 that she could see a future where we will treat everybody preemptively, in the same way we vaccinate. Other academic panel members include Charlotte Teunissen , a professor at Amsterdam University Medical Centers who conducts research for 25 companies, and Dr. Michael Rafii, a USC professor of clinical neurology, who disclosed work for 11 companies. Both Teunissen and Rafii said their industry funding has no bearing on their judgment. "I believe working with a diverse group of pharmaceutical and biotech companies, each with their own therapeutic approaches and strategies, can mitigate against a single companys influence," Rafii said. Sperling agreed that corporate research funding did not affect her objectivity. "I want to figure out the truth," she said. But others are not convinced. "This panel is dominated by those with financial ties to companies that will directly benefit" from a more expansive view of Alzheimer's, said Widera of UCSF. "And there was no consideration about the potential downsides or risk to the number of people who are going to be now diagnosed" if its definition is adopted. The proposal initially dubbed The National Institute of AgingAlzheimers Association Revised Criteria for Diagnosing and Staging Alzheimers Disease" has received international attention in part because it seemed to have the backing of one of the U.S. governments premiere research centers. The American Geriatrics Society and others said the proposals name implied that the NIA, which is part of the National Institutes of Health, was a full partner in the effort. But Dr. Eliezer Masliah, director of the institutes neuroscience division, said that while he and another NIA scientist attend panel meetings, they are not involved in its decisions. We're listening and recording and just keeping track of the process, he said. After The Times asked NIH officials about the NIA's involvement, they said the institutes name would be removed from the proposal's title. Even before the plan has been finalized, one company told investors it was poised to benefit. In a November call with Wall Street analysts, Masoud Toloue, the chief executive at Quanterix, pointed out that the company's blood test for tau called p-Tau 217 had been recommended by the panel for diagnosing the disease. "We believe we're in a strong position to capitalize on these opportunities," Toloue said. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The destruction of Tsezar Kunikov. Collage by UP The large Russian landing ship Tsezar Kunikov was sunk with the help of Magura V5 maritime drones, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported. Source: Ukraines Defence Intelligence Quote: "On 14 February, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in cooperation with all components of the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine, destroyed the large landing ship Tsezar Kunikov of the Black Sea Fleet of the aggressor state of Russia. The successful mission was carried out by the special forces of Group 13 of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine". Details: The special operation was reportedly made possible with the support of the United24 platform. The Russian ship was attacked by Magura V5 maritime attack drones. It happened in the Black Sea near the city of Alupka in temporarily occupied Crimea. "As a result, large holes were blown in the port side and the Tsezar Kunikov began to sink. It is symbolic that the Russian officer after whom the ship was named was killed exactly 81 years ago [on February 14]. The occupiers' search and rescue operation was unsuccessful. Glory to Ukraine!" the intelligence emphasised. Details: The Defence Intelligence notes that the large landing ship Tsezar Kunikov of Project 775 is one of Russia's newest vessels. This ship could accommodate 87 crew members on board. It has seen combat in the wars in Georgia, Syria and Ukraine. Previously: At the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Tsezar Kunikov was docked in the Russian-occupied port city of Berdiansk and sustained damage when Ukrainian forces sank the Saratov landing ship in March 2022. Background: Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that its air defence forces had supposedly shot down six drones in the Black Sea on the night of 13-14 February. At the same time, Telegram channels reported that something was burning in the sea near Alupka-Katsiveli. Two Mi-8 helicopters were also reportedly circling low over the water in the area. The Krymsky Veter (Crimean Wind) Telegram channel reported that drones had supposedly struck a landing ship. Later, a Ka-27 search and rescue helicopter was also spotted in the area of the settlement of Foros (Russian-occupied Crimea). Sources of Ukrainska Pravda in Defence Intelligence of Ukraine reported that DIUs drones struck the large Russian landing ship Tsezar Kunikov in the Black Sea on the morning of 14 February. Later, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed reports of the destruction of the Tsezar Kunikov, a large landing ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, on the night of 13-14 February. Support UP or become our patron! Former President Donald Trump is facing multiple legal challenges as he runs for re-election, including 91 felony charges in four criminal cases. He has pleaded not guilty to all of them. Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI CLIVE, Iowa, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Republican legislators in Arizona and Iowa are considering bills that would keep former President Donald Trump on the ballot, regardless of any criminal convictions or 14th Amendment challenges. The bills come in response to the legal challenges Trump is facing on multiple fronts as he campaigns for a second term. He faces 91 felony charges in four criminal cases. Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court is weighing whether a state can disqualify Trump under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which cites engaging insurrection as grounds. Trump's role in the Capitol attack of Jan. 6, 2021, is the focus of one of the federal criminal cases against him. Iowa felons Iowa Republicans are advancing a bill that would allow felons to appear on the ballot, signaling support for Trump. Iowa Republican Rep. Bobby Kaufmann served as an adviser for Donald Trumps campaign in Iowa. On Tuesday, he supported a bill in an Iowa House subcommittee that would allow felons to run for federal office on Iowa ballots. Photo courtesy of the Iowa Legislature Two Democrats walked out of a House subcommittee meeting Tuesday as the panel advanced House Study Bill 697. The bill would make several changes to Iowa elections. Most notably, it would allow Trump to appear on the general election ballot even with a felony conviction. The bill also passed a senate subcommittee. Under the current language of the bill, federal candidates convicted of felonies can appear on the ballot. It would also require absentee ballots to be submitted to the county auditor's office the day before an election, rather than when polls close on Election Day. Ballot drop boxes and ranked-choice voting would also be banned, though the Secretary of State's office notes that ranked-choice voting is already banned. Many of the public comments submitted on the bill concerned the ban of ranked-choice voting, on both sides of the issue. Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, the Republican who chairs the subcommittee meeting, also served as an adviser to Trump's campaign in Iowa. Ranking member Rep. Amy Nielsen, D-North Liberty, left the meeting after saying Kaufmann interrupted her while she was speaking. Rep. Adam Zabner, D-Iowa City, also left. "It was made pretty clear that what I had to say was not well received, did not want to be heard," Nielsen said outside of the meeting, The Gazette in Cedar Rapids reported. "If I can't be heard, why am I here?" Kaufmann said during the meeting that the decision on who should appear on the ballot should be left to voters. "It takes quite a lot of nerve to call a bill an election integrity bill, when the point of the bill is to let felons run for office, and particularly someone like Donald Trump, who has so little integrity," Zabner told reporters. Arizona measures Republicans in the Arizona legislature have introduced three bills that would either keep Trump on the ballot, disqualify President Joe Biden or give lawmakers the power to overrule voters. First is Senate Bill 1158, which states that a candidate for president cannot be removed from the ballot on the basis of a "claimed violation of the 14th Amendment." This would apply to the official Republican or Democratic nominees and qualified independent and write-in candidates. The Senate bill has been introduced and assigned to committees for review. The committee on elections advanced the bill in January with five votes in favor, two against and one member not voting. Earlier this month, Rep. Cory McGarr, R-Tucson, introduced House Bill 2786. Under this bill, if a presidential candidate from one of the two major parties is disqualified in any state for any reason, the nominee from the other party cannot be printed on Arizona's ballots. If they are printed on the ballot, any votes for that candidate will not be counted. If this bill were to pass and the Supreme Court upheld Colorado's decision on Trump's ballot eligibility, Arizona could remove Biden from the ballot in retaliation. The bill has been read twice in the Senate and assigned to committees. Republican Sen. Anthony Kern, an alleged "fake elector" for Trump following the 2020 election, filed a bill called Senate Continuing Resolution 1014 this session. This bill would give the state legislature the exclusive authority to select presidential electors. Kern is under investigation by Arizona's Attorney General Kris Mayes for allegedly attempting to falsely certify the state's Electoral College votes in favor of Trump rather than Biden. He also pushed conspiracy theories on social media that the election was stolen and promoted the "stop the steal" movement that precipitated the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. "It is the responsibility of the Arizona Secretary of State to certify elections, including elections for President of the United States, but the sole authority to appoint presidential electors is granted to the Legislature," the bill's text reads. Under the U.S. Constitution, state political parties are responsible for choosing potential electors. Voters then select which party's electors are appointed when they vote for the presidential candidate of their choice. Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Harris County Public Health Executive Director Barbie Robinson attended a news conference on June 5, 2023 to announce the county could launch a guaranteed income pilot program. Jen Rice Harris County's guaranteed basic income program received more than 82,000 applications from residents before the online portal closed this month. Around 1,900 households will be randomly selected from the applicant pool to participate in Uplift Harris, which will provide $500 monthly payments to low-income households for 18 months. POVERTY IN HARRIS COUNTY: Eight percent of Harris County residents live in areas of persistent poverty, census data shows Advertisement Article continues below this ad Applicants who are selected to participate will be notified by Feb. 26, with the first cash payments going out April 3, according to County Judge Lina Hidalgo's office. Nearly 90% of residents who applied for the program identified as Black or Hispanic, Hidalgo said. "The huge amount of interest in this program shows how great the need is in Harris County for a program like Uplift Harris, especially among vulnerable communities," Hidalgo said. "Reducing poverty and helping families who are struggling to meet basic needs should not be a political debate." Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis attributed the program's "overwhelming response" to "unchecked inequality and soaring costs." "People want government to do something about the economic divide, and thats what Harris County is doing," Ellis said in a statement. "In a state with vast prosperity, we refuse to be bystanders as 750,000 Harris County residents endure a relentless cycle of poverty." Advertisement Article continues below this ad County officials are looking into how they can continue to fund the guaranteed income program after the 18-month pilot phase concludes, Hidalgo added. The $20.5 million pilot program is one of many initiatives the county is launching in using its allocation of federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars. Republican state Sen. Paul Bettencourt has questioned the legality of Uplift Harris, requesting an opinion from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office about whether counties have the authority to carry out a guaranteed income program and whether such a program would violate a state constitutional clause prohibiting the gift of public funds to any person. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In response, Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee sent a brief to Paxton's office in which he argued that the guaranteed income program is on firm legal ground. An Iowa college student was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, even though he showed no physical signs of intoxication and a breathalyzer test showed a blood-alcohol level of 0.00. The man has now sued the officer who falsely arrested himand as part of a lengthy legal battle, a federal court has ruled that the case can go forward. In August 2022, 19-year-old Tayvin Galanakis was driving late at night in Newton, Iowa, when he was pulled over by local police officers Nathan Winters and Christopher Wing. According to body camera footage, Winters almost immediately began interrogating Galanakis about his alcohol consumption. When Galanakis denies drinking, Winters replied "What do you mean none?" In response, Galanakis suggested that he take a breathalyzer test. However, Winters instead subjected Galanakis to a series of field sobriety tests. While Galanakis appears sober, Winters claims he failed the tests. Finally, Winters gives Galankis a breathalyzer test that shows that Galanakis is completely sober. But instead of letting Galankis go, Winters then shifted to quizzing Galanakis about how much marijuana he had smoked. "I've had no weed tonight," Galanakis told Winters. "I blew a zero so now you're trying to think I smoked weed? That's what's going on. You can't do that, man. You really can't do that." Galanakis was arrested and taken to a local police station, where he underwent further drug testing, all of which came back negative. Soon after his arrest, Galanakis published body camera footage from the incident. The lightly edited footage sparked intense backlash online and eventually gained more than 2 million views on YouTube. Galanakis filed a lawsuit in February 2023, claiming that the officers wrongfully arrested him and that their actions amounted to a "gross disregard of Tayvin's civil rights." However, soon after, Winters and Wing filed a countersuit, alleging that some claims Galankis made online following the incident were defamatory. Last week, a federal judge ruled that Galanakis' case could go forward, finding that a reasonable juror "could conclude that Winters violated Galanakis's clearly established constitutional rights." Judge Stephen H. Locher found that Winters had no probable cause to arrest Galanakis because his "speech and movements were not even remotely consistent with someone under the influence of a controlled substance." Adding, "Galanakis insisted almost from the first moment that he wanted to blow into a breathalyzer, which would be a remarkable act of bravado for someone under the influence." However, the ruling isn't a complete victory for Galanakis. Locher found that Galanakis' comments that Winters "is on the slow side of the spectrum" and "is not fit mentally for the job and physically" weren't defamatory. However, Locher did find that Winters could continue suing Galanakis for defamation over Galanakis' comment that Winters was "convicted" of domestic abuse. While Winters' ex-girlfriend received a domestic abuse restraining order and submitted an affidavit alleging abuse, Winters has never been charged, much less convicted of domestic abuse. Tayvin Galanakis isn't the first person to be wrongfully arrested because of a false DUI claim. In 2020, a Colorado man won a $400,000 settlement after he was arrested for driving while intoxicated, even though tests showed he was completely sober. *CORRECTION: The original version of this story misstated the name of the federal judge who made last week's ruling. The post Iowa Cops Arrested a Sober College Student for Driving Intoxicated. His Lawsuit Is Moving Forward. appeared first on Reason.com. The News Western officials are increasingly alarmed by recent claims by senior Iranian leaders that the country now possesses all the components and nuclear fuel required to produce atomic weapons. These officials told Semafor they are particularly focused on an interview broadcast Monday on Iranian state television with Ali Akbar Salehi, a former head of Irans Atomic Energy Organization and a chief negotiator involved in the 2015 agreement Tehran forged with the U.S. and global powers to limit Irans nuclear capabilities. The U.S.-educated Salehi is viewed as a relative moderate in the Islamic Republics theocratic system. We have [crossed] all the thresholds of nuclear science and technology, Salehi said in the interview. Heres an example: Imagine what a car needs; it needs a chassis, an engine, a steering wheel, a gearbox. Youre asking if weve made the gearbox? I say yes. Have we made the engine? Yes, but each one serves its own purpose. Salehis comments drew a rebuke Tuesday from the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi. The Argentinian diplomat has been in a standoff with Tehran over its refusal to allow his inspectors to visit multiple sites inside Iran where the IAEA believes there are undeclared nuclear materials and equipment. Theres loose talk about nuclear weapons more and more, including in Iran recently. A very high official said, in fact, we have everything, its disassembled, Grossi said at a conference in Dubai. Well, please let me know what you have. Salehi isnt the first Iranian official in recent months to suggest Iran now has the capability to produce nuclear weapons. These claims appear to have increased since October 7 when the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is armed and financed by Tehran, launched a terrorist attack on southern Israel. Since that time, Irans other Middle East allies, including militias in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, have intensified attacks on U.S. bases and personnel in the region. In late December, the IAEA warned that Iran had tripled its monthly production of weapons grade uranium and limited the ability of the agencys inspectors to track Tehrans nuclear advances. Jays view The war in the Gaza Strip has significantly increased tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with the two countries in recent weeks moving dangerously close to a direct military confrontation. But U.S. officials are also concerned that Tehran may use the turmoil in the Mideast and the Wests distraction to further advance its nuclear capabilities, potentially irreversibly. Officially, Tehran claims that the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a formal religious edict, or fatwa, against Iran developing nuclear weapons. Iranian officials have cited the fatwa in recent weeks in explaining why their country hasnt crossed the weapons threshold. Our policy was to not move towards nuclear weapons, even though we have the capability, Kamal Kharrazi, a foreign policy advisor to Khamenei, told France 24 in November. But we did not make that decision because building such a weapon would be against the Supreme Leaders fatwa. But the conflict in Gaza, and the breakdown of the 2015 nuclear deal, is causing some Iranian officials, particularly inside its elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, to question adhering to the fatwa, according to former Iranian officials and IRGC-affiliated media. Irans possession of nuclear weapons could make it almost immune to outside attack, they say. And it could also potentially provide Iran with a nuclear umbrella through which to protect its allies in the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and in other Mideast theaters. This January, the host of a show on an IRGC-affiliated channel sparked controversy by asking the current head of the Iran Atomic Energy Organization if Iran shouldnt change its military doctrine. Is it not time for Iran to produce its first nuclear weapon, given the ongoing conflict against Gaza and repeated threats from Israel? Hossein Hosseini said. The View From Washington The Biden administration has been warning Tehran against further advancing its nuclear program, citing Irans growing production of uranium enriched to 60% purity. Nuclear fuel processed to 90% is considered usable in producing nuclear weapons. And the White House and Israel have indicated theyd consider taking military action if Irans leaders crossed that line. But the Biden administration has also repeatedly stressed since October 7 that its not seeking a direct conflict with Iran. U.S. officials told Semafor that the Biden White House never seriously considered hitting Iran directly this month after an IRGC-backed militia killed three U.S service people in Jordan with an attack drone. Instead, the Pentagon struck Iranian proxies in Iraq and Syria and killed no senior IRGC personnel. U.S. officials continue to signal that theyd like to try and revive the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to reduce tensions, even in a truncated form. Tehran has shown little interest in recent months in doing so. We remain committed to a diplomatic solution and reaffirm our determination that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon, the State Department said in a December statement. Notable Major General Hossein Salami, the IRGCs commander-in-chief, has threatened reprisals against the U.S. if the Pentagon directly strikes Iran or IRGC personnel MADRID (Reuters) - The prime ministers of Spain and Ireland asked the European Commission on Wednesday to urgently review whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza as international pressure grew for Israel to hold off on an assault on the densely-populated southern border city of Rafah. The two leaders, who have together with Belgium been Europe's most outspoken about Israeli operations in Gaza since the five-month conflict began, said attacking Rafah posed "a grave and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront". "We also recall the horror of Oct. 7, and call for the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire that can facilitate access for urgently needed humanitarian supplies," the prime ministers said in a joint letter published on the Spanish government website. At least 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 were taken hostage in a raid by Hamas militants on southern Israel on Oct. 7, prompting Israel to retaliate. At least 28,576 Palestinians have since been killed in Israeli strikes, the health ministry in Gaza said on Wednesday. A Spanish government source said it was confident that European countries are unifying around a firmer position and for the European Commission to take more concrete action over Israel's actions in Gaza. The source pointed to a tweet on Tuesday by Alexander De Croo, the Prime Minister of Belgium which at present holds the presidency of the EU Council, said in could generate an "unmitigated humanitarian catastrophe". German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also said before talks scheduled with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an offensive on Rafah would jeopardise the humanitarian situation there. While only Spain and Ireland signed the letter, the source said it expected further backing for a review of the agreement when ministers meet for the Council of Europe in March. Their intervention follows South Africa's referral of Israel to the International Court of Justice of Israel over allegations it was committing genocide. The EU Commission confirmed receipt of the letter. An EU spokesperson said: "We do urge all sides when it comes to Israel to respect international law and we note that there must be respect, there must be accountability for violations of international law." Two weeks ago, Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said he was in talks with other EU heads of governments to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement on the basis that Israel may be breaching the agreement's human rights clause. The 23-year-old agreement sets out a framework for free trade in goods, services and capital, based on "respect for human rights and democratic principles". Varadkar said several EU states were also talking about a possible joint recognition of a Palestinian state. (Reporting by Inti Landauro and Aislinn Laing, editing by Aislinn Laing and Nick Macfie) Homes in the Riverside Terrace neighborhood on Friday, May 13, 2022. Godofredo A. Vasquez, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Houston City Council voted to schedule a public hearing on extending the citys civility ordinance to the Riverside Terrace neighborhood, after residents drafted a petition with more than 400 signatures. The ordinance, created in 2002, prohibits anyone from lying down or sleeping on sidewalks from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Its currently in place in the Central Business District, Midtown, Old Sixth Ward, Avondale, Hyde Park, East Downtown Management District, Historic Near Northside, South Post Oak/West Bellfort and Near Northside, according to a council agenda. Citizens in violation of the ordinance can be ticketed. In 2022, 264 people were ticketed for violating it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad ORDINANCE IN NEAR NORTHSIDE: Near Northside residents call for civility ordinance, saying drugs and vagrancy are intolerable Riverside Terrace residents are following a familiar pattern to extend the ordinance. Near Northside sought to be included under the ordinance after encountering issues of vagrancy and loitering. More than 100 area property owners signed a petition stating that these problems had become intolerable and unacceptable after the stabbing death of an 11-year-old boy. City Council granted their request in an October 2016 vote. Sabrina Dean-Bass, board secretary of the Riverside Civic Association, said Wednesday that her neighborhood has seen an influx of unsheltered people setting up camp in neighborhood alleys over the past year and a half. Neighborhood residents have also seen people selling and openly using drugs, urinating in public and panhandling, she said. As Dean-Bass did research on what she could do to help her neighbors, she learned about the civility ordinance. Neighborhood leaders had their first meeting with members of the Houston Police Department at the end of Sept. 2023, and they began gathering signatures from fellow residents and business owners the next month. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dean-Bass said the idea of bringing the ordinance to Riverside Terrace has mostly been met with praise, but there are some homeowners who are worried the ordinance is an attack on the homeless population. She assured them this wasnt the case. We just really wanted to see the criminal element reduced, Dean-Bass said. Council Member Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents the neighborhood, echoed Dean-Bass on the concern. We want to be very clear that were not trying to push out the homeless, but certainly there are a lot of activities that are going on, Evans-Shabazz said. So we need to see what we can do to work with the neighborhood and the homeless. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dean-Bass spoke with a community leader in Midtown who told her that once the ordinance expanded to his neighborhood, issues like loitering and trash in the streets began to go away. Im hoping that we get back to a sense of peacefulness, she said. Yehya al-Sinwar, leader of the Palestinian Islamic Movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip, attends a rally marking the 46th anniversary of the Land Day. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The Israeli military has released a video allegedly showing the head of the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Yehya al-Sinwar, and some of his relatives. If the recording is authentic, these would be the first images of him since the start of the war. Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday evening that the video was recorded on October 10. It was taken from a surveillance camera in a tunnel in the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. In the short recording, a man can be seen from behind walking through the tunnel section captured by the camera and his silhouette resembles that of al-Sinwar. According to the military, the other people seen are said to be al-Sinwar's wife and children. The only person seen from the front is said to be al-Sinwar's brother Ibrahim. The authenticity of the video could not initially be independently confirmed. The Gaza war began on October 7 when terrorist squads commanded by al-Sinwar from Hamas and allied extremist groups attacked southern Israel. They killed around 1,200 people and took another 250 hostage in the Gaza Strip. Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip was considered a Hamas stronghold. The Israeli armed forces have been deployed there for several weeks and, according to their own account, have largely destroyed the Hamas militias active there. It is not known where the Hamas warlord and his command staff are today. "The hunt for al-Sinwar will not end until we catch him, dead or alive," said Hagari. Israeli jets carried out strikes in southern Lebanon Wednesday after a woman was killed and others injured by rockets raining down on northern Israel, officials said. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said an extensive wave of attacks in Lebanese territory had been launched, a retaliatory move for a barrage of rockets that hit Safed and a military base in the northern city. A woman was killed and eight other people were wounded by the rockets, according to medical officials cited by The Times of Israel. Video: Israeli Assassins Disguised as Women and Doctors Kill 3 in Hospital The Israeli strikes hit villages across southern Lebanon and killed four people, security sources told Reuters. Among the dead were a woman and her two children, the sources said, while Hezbollah said one of its fighters had been killed in another village. Eleven other people were wounded. The IDF said it had struck targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organization including military buildings, combat personnel, and infrastructure used by the group. Hezbollah and the IDF have been engaged in cross-border violence since Hamas Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Tuesday said his forces will not stop fighting Israel until it ends its war in Gaza, where Palestinian health officials say over 28,500 people have been killed as a result of the four-month conflict. Over 200 peopleincluding more than 170 Hezbollah militantshave been killed in Lebanon in the clashes, while several Israeli civilians and around a dozen IDF troops have also died. The bloodshed has caused tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border to be displaced. International efforts to reduce tensions in the region in recent weeks have yet to produce any meaningful results, with Wednesdays back-and-forth attacks a serious escalation in the violence. Last week, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned that time is running out for a diplomatic solution to be reached in Lebanon, saying that his nation will act militarily to return its displaced citizens if necessary. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels hard-right national security minister, reacted unambiguously to the rocket attacks, saying: These are not drips, this is war. Avigdor Liberman, a former adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, went as far as accusing the government of surrendering to Hezbollah and losing control of the north of the country. IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi met with the leaders of Israels northern municipalities in the wake of the rocket attack, assuring them that residents will return to their homes and the area will flourish again, according to Haaretz. We have already made achievements in harming Hezbollah in Lebanon, but we continue to operate - this is not the time to stop, he added. We are intensifying the hit, and they are paying a growing price. 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. About 100 family members of Israeli hostages, including two former hostages, arrived in the Dutch city of The Hague on Wednesday to file a legal complaint against Hamas at the International Criminal Court (ICC). The complaint, spearheaded by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum (HMFF), calls for the ICC to prosecute Hamass leaders for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity over the killing, kidnapping and sexual violence carried out during the October 7 terrorist attack. The ICCs chief prosecutor Karim Khan is already investigating potential war crimes committed by both Hamas and Israel since October 7, but has yet to file any charges. For many of the families, lodging the complaint is about accountability as well as their latest effort to call attention to the captivity of their loved ones. Israel believes that 130 hostages remain in Gaza from the October 7 attack with 29 dead and 101 believed to be alive. Aboard El Al flight 131 named for the number of days the hostages have spent in captivity family members told CNN about their desire to hold Hamas accountable for the crimes committed against their families as well as how they hope to continue building public pressure in order to secure a deal to free their loved ones from captivity. We hope that prosecutor Karim Khan will help us to achieve justice, said Hagit Chen, the mother of Itay Chen, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier who is also a US citizen. I need my kid back home. So we hope to get the justice and also that the world will help us to get justice. This situation cannot go on anymore. CNN was the only US news outlet to travel with the hostage families from Israel to the Netherlands. We hope well start some action against those terrorists, said Moran Ben Ishay, the daughter of 80-year-old hostage Gadi Moses. I hope we will stop this evil and get justice, for our family and for all the families that are waiting for their loved ones that are there the ones that are still alive and the ones that unfortunately are not. Israel is not a party to the Rome Statute, which established the ICC, and does not recognize its jurisdiction. But the courts judges have ruled that it does have jurisdiction over actors in Gaza and other Palestinian territories. For that reason, said Shelly Aviv Yeini, head of the international law department at the HMFF, the ICC could make Hamas accountable. We are an NGO, a private entity, Yeini said. We can bring about a claim in the name of the hostages even if the state [Israel] doesnt recognize its [the ICCs] jurisdiction. Muhammad Nazzal, a member of the Hamas political bureau, told CNN that going to the ICC was a mistake, adding: The shortest way to return their prisoners is to complete the ongoing negotiating process. The ICC told CNN in a statement that while it would not comment on particular cases, any individual or group from anywhere in the world can submit information on alleged crimes to the court. Any information linked to current investigations would be shared with the relevant investigation team. In the event that the information submitted is (potentially) linked to a situation already under investigation (such as the State of Palestine), this information is shared with the relevant investigation team which will consider the information in the context of the teams ongoing investigative efforts. The hostage families trip also comes as negotiations over a potential ceasefire deal are ongoing, with top Israeli officials traveling to Cairo on Tuesday to meet with American, Egyptian and Qatari officials. Those negotiations weighed heavily on the families, many of whom remain frustrated by the slow pace of negotiations and wary of getting too hopeful amid signs of progress in the talks. The action comes amid an ongoing case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), a different court also based at The Hague. South Africa has accused Israel of being in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention during the Gaza war, which Israel vehemently denies. Israel repeatedly raised Hamas actions during the genocide case hearing at the ICJ last month, but it cannot file a case against the militant group there as Hamas is not a state. Israel does recognize the ICJs jurisdiction, which only seeks to settle disputes between states. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Panic is soaring in Rafah as desperate Palestinians decide whether to flee the last refuge in Gaza as Israel draws up plans for a ground offensive that the United Nations aid chief has warned could lead to a slaughter. A growing number of countries and international organizations are now scrambling to convince Israel to halt its planned offensive, with Irelands Taoiseach (or prime minister) Leo Varadkar accusing the country of becoming blinded by rage. The South African government made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice Tuesday to determine if Israels extended military actions in the southern Gazan city require it to use its power to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel has been bombarding Rafah with airstrikes for weeks and says it is committed to a ground offensive as the alternative is to surrender to Hamas and to sacrifice 134 people, Israeli military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Peter Lerner told CNN Tuesday, referring to the Israelis held hostage in Gaza. That is not an option from Israels perspective, he said. It remains unclear how or when a ground offensive would unfold, and that uncertainty is adding to anxiety among Palestinians in Rafah about where to go and what to do. Were lost. We dont know where to go Were tired. Weve been walking around without knowing where to go, Momen Shbair, a displaced Palestinian in Rafah, told Reuters, adding that he prays the world pressures Israel to end the war and release us. United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths warned Tuesday that such an offensive could lead to a slaughter and leave humanitarian efforts in Gaza at deaths door. He urged Israel to listen to the international communitys warnings against the dangerous consequences of a ground invasion, saying history will not be kind if those calls are ignored. Impossible choice for 1.3 million people Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week directed the countrys military to plan for the evacuation of the population from Rafah after saying that the Israel Defense Forces would soon go into Rafah, Hamass last bastion. IDF spokesperson Lerner said the military aims to create a plan that evacuates civilians out of harms way and differentiate civilians between Hamas militants. However, it has not yet presented its evacuation plan to the government, he told CNN on Tuesday. More than 1.3 million people are now crammed into a sprawling tent city packed against the Egyptian border in Rafah, the only nominally safe space for Palestinians fleeing the north and center of Gaza. Families are already living with severe shortages of food, water, medicine and shelter, and the daily risk of being killed by Israeli fire. South Africa called Rafah the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza and suggested that Israels offensive there would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and the ICJs January court order which required Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza. Israeli military action in Rafah has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction, the government said in its request to the World Court. Residents are now faced with an impossible choice: stay in the city and risk becoming trapped in a bloody Israeli ground offensive or attempt to flee Rafah, risking their lives to escape to towns devastated by Israels bombing campaign, where the remaining populations say they have been forced to drink toilet water and eat grass to stay alive. Palestinians in Rafah have endured unthinkable suffering after being on the move for months, braving bombs, disease and hunger, said the UNs Griffiths said in a statement Monday. Where are they supposed to go? How are they supposed to stay safe? Theres nowhere left to go in Gaza. A view of a street, filled with cars, as Palestinians migrate towards Deir al-Balah city with few belonging, they could take with themselves, on a truck due to ongoing and intensified Israeli attacks on Rafah, in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on February 13, 2024. - Ashraf Amra/Anadolu/Getty Images Officials from the United Nations, International Criminal Court, as well as a growing number of countries, including the United Sates, European Union, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and others have expressed concern over a ground offensive and its impact on the civilian population. China on Tuesday called on Israel to stop its military operations and do everything possible to avoid civilian casualties. We oppose and condemn acts against civilians and international law, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement. China has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging Israel to stop what it called collective punishment on the people of Gaza. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Israels response to Hamas is disproportionate and that there are too many dead Palestinian civilians who are not Hamas militiamen. And Jordans King Abdullah II said during a visit to the White House that a ground operation in Rafah would amount to devastation. We cannot afford an Israeli attack on Rafah We cannot stand by and let this continue, he said. Some of the strongest words of condemnation from a foreign leader have come from Irelands prime minister, who told the Irish parliament that it was very clear to him that Israel is not listening to any country in the world. There is a serious risk of a massacre occurring in Rafah if a ground assault were to occur, Varadkar warned. They [Israel] have become blinded by rage. And they are going to I believe make the situation much worse for their own security in the long term by going down the path they are going. International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan said his office is actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed by Israel and was deeply concerned by the reported bombardment and potential ground incursion by Israeli forces in Rafah. We lived in terror, say Palestinians in Rafah Though Rafah is considered the last refuge for Palestinians in Gaza, the city has been bombarded by Israeli airstrikes and shelling for weeks. More than 100 people were killed as extremely intense Israeli strikes pounded multiple locations in Rafah on Monday, according to the Palestine Red Crescent Society. On Monday, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said there was a wave of strikes by the Israeli Air Force on Rafah in order to allow Israeli forces to rescue two hostages held captive since the October 7 attack, and to hit Hamas terrorists in the area. Ongoing strikes have caused panic in Rafah with Palestinians now frantically trying to figure out whether to stay or evacuate. Palestinians inspect damaged buildings after Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on February 12, 2024. - Abed Rahim Khatib/dpa/picture-allian/AP Last night was really terrible; we lived in terror as if it were Doomsday, said one displaced man in a video published by the World Health Organization. There was gunfire in every direction, and we had nowhere to go. They told us this area was safe they told us Rafah was safe. The bombardment was in every direction, not knowing where to turn or where to go. We felt like we were going to die. Other displaced people said they are fleeing Rafah and heading for Al-Maghazi in central Gaza, and Khan Younis in the south of the enclave. Were going back to Al-Maghazi out of fear were displaced from one area to another, displaced Palestinian Nahla Jarwan told Reuters. Wherever we go, there is no safety. Not in Al-Maghazi, not in Rafah, not anywhere, she added. Were tired of fleeing from one city to another People are tired, Nahla said. The two Israeli-Argentinian men who were rescued in Mondays raid had been held for 128 days following their capture during Hamass rampage that saw some 1,200 people killed and more than 240 taken hostage. After Mondays rescue, the total number of hostages left in Gaza is 134, according to Hagari. Of that number, 130 hostages are from the October 7 attack with 29 dead and 101 believed to be alive. The other four had been held in Gaza prior to the attack. Netanyahu has been under mounting pressure from the Israeli public to secure the release of captives in Gaza, with some families of those held hostage being openly critical of the governments tactics. Only the continuation of military pressure, until complete victory, will result in the release of all our hostages, Netanyahu said following the two mens release. This is a developing story and will be updated. CNNs Abeer Salman, Eve Brennan, Alex Stambaugh, Richard Roth, Jen Deaton, and Mike Schwarz contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com While the circulation of deepfake images of Taylor Swift brought much-needed attention to the topic, she is far from the only person to have been targeted. While the circulation of deepfake images of Taylor Swift brought much-needed attention to the topic, she is far from the only person to have been targeted. While the concern around generative AI has so far mainly focused on the potential for misinformation as we head into the U.S. general election, the possible displacement of workers, and the disruption of the U.S. education system, there is another real and present danger the use of AI to create deepfake, non-consensual pornography. Last month, fake, sexually explicit photos of Taylor Swift were circulated on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and allowed to stay on there for several hours before they were ultimately taken down. One of the posts on X garnered over 45 million views, according to The Verge. X later blocked search results for Swifts name altogether in what the companys head of business operations described as a temporary action for safety reasons. Swift is far from the only person to be targeted, but her case is yet another reminder of how easy and cheap it has become for bad actors to take advantage of the advances in generative AI technology to create fake pornographic content without consent, while victims have few legal options. Even the White House weighed in on the incident, calling on Congress to legislate, and urging social media companies to do more to prevent people from taking advantage of their platforms. The term deepfakes refers to synthetic media, including photos, video and audio, that have been manipulated through the use of AI tools to show someone doing something they never actually did. The word itself was coined by a Reddit user in 2017 whose profile name was Deepfake, and posted fake pornography clips on the platform using face-swapping technology. A 2019 report by Sensity AI, a company formerly known as Deeptrace, reported that 96% of deepfakes accounted for pornographic content. Meanwhile, a total of 24 million unique visitors visited the websites of 34 providers of synthetic non-consensual intimate imagery in September, according to Similarweb online traffic data cited by Graphika. The FBI issued a public service announcement in June, saying it has noticed an uptick in sextortion victims reporting the use of fake images or videos created from content posted on their social media sites or web postings, provided to the malicious actor upon request, or captured during video chats. We are angry on behalf of Taylor Swift, and angrier still for the millions of people who do not have the resources to reclaim autonomy over their images.Stefan Turkheimer, vice president of public policy at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) Federal agencies also recently warned businesses about the danger deepfakes could pose for them. One of the many worrying aspects around the creation of deepfake porn is how easy and inexpensive it has become to create due to the wide array of tools available that have democratized the practice. Hany Farid, a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, told the MIT Technology Review that in the past perpetrators would need hundreds of pictures to create a deepfake, including deepfake porn, whereas the sophistication of available tools means that just one image is enough now. Weve just given high school boys the mother of all nuclear weapons for them, Farid added. While the circulation of deepfake images of Swift brought much-needed attention to the topic, she is far from the only person to have been targeted. If this can happen to the most powerful woman on the planet, who has, you could argue, many protections, this could also happen to high schoolers, teenagers, and it actually is happening, Laurie Segall, a veteran tech journalist and founder and CEO of Mostly Human Media, a company exploring the intersection of technology and humanity, told HuffPost. Indeed, many women, including lawmakers and young girls, have spoken out about appearing in deepfakes without their consent. We are angry on behalf of Taylor Swift, and angrier still for the millions of people who do not have the resources to reclaim autonomy over their images, Stefan Turkheimer, the vice president of public policy at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), said in a statement. Florida Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book, a survivor of child sexual abuse, has previously revealed that sexually explicit deepfakes of her and her husband have been circulated and sold online since 2020. But Book told People she only found out about that more than a year later upon contacting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement about threatening texts from a man who claimed to have topless images of her. The 20-year-old man was later arrested and charged with extortion and cyberstalking. Amid the incident, Book sponsored SB 1798, which among other things, makes it illegal to wilfully and maliciously distribute a sexually explicit deepfake. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed the bill into law in June 2022. Book told HuffPost she still has to confront the existence of the deepfake images to this day. Its very difficult even today, we know that if theres a contentious bill or an issue that the right doesnt like, for example, we know that we have to search online, or keep our eye on Twitter, because theyre going to start recirculating those images, Book told HuffPost. Florida state Sen. Lauren Book gestures as she speaks to the media on Feb. 6, 2023, in the Senate Office Building at the Capitol in Tallahassee. Florida state Sen. Lauren Book gestures as she speaks to the media on Feb. 6, 2023, in the Senate Office Building at the Capitol in Tallahassee. Francesca Mani, a New Jersey teenager, was among about 30 girls at her high school who were notified in October that their likenesses appeared in deepfake pornography allegedly created by their classmates at school, using AI tools, and then shared with others on Snapchat. Mani never saw the images herself but her mother, Dorota Mani, said she was told by the schools principal that she had been identified by four others, according to NBC News. Francesca Mani, who has created a website to raise awareness on the issue, and her mother visited Washington in December to pressure lawmakers. This incident offers a tremendous opportunity for Congress to demonstrate that it can act and act quickly, in a nonpartisan matter, to protect students and young people from unnecessary exploitation, Dorota Mani said. While a small number of states, including California, Texas and New York, already have laws targeting deepfakes, they vary in scope. Meanwhile, there is no federal law directly targeting deepfakes at least for now. A bipartisan group of senators on the upper chambers Judiciary Committee introduced the DEFIANCE Act last month, which imposes a civil penalty for victims who are identifiable in a digital forgery. The term is defined as a a visual depiction created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means to falsely appear to be authentic. Although the imagery may be fake, the harm to the victims from the distribution of sexually explicit deepfakes is very real, Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said. By introducing this legislation, were giving power back to the victims, cracking down on the distribution of deepfake images, and holding those responsible for the images accountable. However, Segall points out research has shown that perpetrators are likely to be deterred by criminal penalties, not just civil ones, slightly limiting the effectiveness of the Senate bill. In the House, Rep. Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.) has introduced the Preventing Deepfakes of Intimate Images Act, a bill to prohibit the disclosure of intimate digital depictions. The legislation has also been sponsored by Rep. Tom Kean (N.J.), a Republican, offering hopes that this could garner bipartisan support. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.) has introduced the DEEPFAKES Accountability Act that requires the application of digital watermarks on AI-generated content to protect both national security, and give victims a legal avenue to fight. Efforts by both Morelle and Clarke in the past to introduce similar legislation failed to gather enough support. Look, Ive had to come to terms with the fact that those images of me, my husband, theyre online, Im never gonna get them back.Florida Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book Mary Anne Franks, the president and legislative and tech policy director of the Cyber Civil Rights Initiative, a nonprofit focused on fighting online abuse that was asked to provide feedback on Morelles bill, said a legislative fix to this issue would need to deter a would-be perpetrator from moving forward with creating a non-consensual deepfake. The point is to have it be a criminal prohibition that puts people on notice how serious this is, because not only will it have negative consequences for them, but one would hope that it would communicate that the incredibly negative consequences for their victim will never end, Franks told the Your Undivided Attention podcast in an episode published earlier this month. Book spoke to HuffPost about having to accept that it is impossible to fully make those images disappear from the internet. Look, Ive had to come to terms with the fact that those images of me, my husband, theyre online, Im never gonna get them back, Book said. At some point, Im gonna have to talk to my children about how they are out there, they exist. And its something thats gonna follow me for the rest of my life. She continued: And thats a really, really difficult thing, to be handed down a life sentence with something that you had no part in. Tech companies, which own some of the AI tools used to create deepfakes that can fall into the hands of bad actors, can also be part of the solution. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, last week announced it would start labelling some AI-generated content posted on its platforms in the coming months. However, one of the shortcomings of this policy is this would only apply to still images in its initial rollout. Some of the fake, sexually explicit images of Swift were allegedly created using Microsofts Designer tool. While the tech giant has not confirmed whether its tool was used to create some of those deepfakes, Microsoft has since placed more guardrails to prevent its users from misusing its services. CEO and chairman Satya Nadella told NBCs Nightly News the Swift incident was alarming, adding that companies like his have a role to play in limiting perpetrators. Especially when you have law and law enforcement and tech platforms that can come together, I think we can govern a lot more than we give ourselves credit for, Nadella added. WATCH: Lester Holt presses Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, on the sexually explicit deepfakes of Taylor Swift circulating online. Tune in to @NBCNightlyNews tonight for more from the exclusive interview. pic.twitter.com/T5exyQikfC NBC News (@NBCNews) January 26, 2024 Segall warned that if we dont get ahead of this technology were going to create a whole new generation of victims, but were also going to create a whole new generation of abusers. We have a lot of data on the fact that what we do in the digital world can oftentimes be turned into harm in the real world, she added. Related... Elizabeth Brock, second from left, poses with other Evolve Houston board members on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2022 in Houston. Brock is Houston Mayor John Whitmire's choice to lead Metropolitan Transit Authority as board chairperson. Elizabeth Conley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Mayor John Whitmire on Tuesday announced CenterPoint Energy executive Elizabeth Brock would lead the Metropolitan Transit Authority's board of directors. If approved, Brock would be the first Hispanic woman to lead the transit agency. "She brings a 'customer first' mindset, which is exactly the thinking our community deserves," Whitmire said in a release announcing the choice. "Safety and reliability are key for all who depend on or commute alongside public transportation. I am confident that Elizabeth will use her results-driven expertise to drive Metro to deliver a user-friendly and fiscally responsible transit system to all. She understands that my priority is providing mobility options for all Houstonians." STAFFING CHANGES: All the major leadership changes made by Houston Mayor Whitmire as he shakes up City Hall Advertisement Article continues below this ad Brock's appointment as Metro chair is pending approval of the City Council, as well as Metro's board, which typically accepts the mayor's choice. She replaces Sanjay Ramabhadran, who served as Metro chairman for two years and as a board member for nearly eight, during which the agency started work on the first projects of its $7.5 billion long-range plan. Brock, who was supportive of Whitmire and his predecessor former Mayor Sylvester Turner, is vice president of energy solutions and business services at CenterPoint Energy. The public-facing role has made her a common fixture on well-heeled city boards, such as Houston First Corporation, the Houston Womens Commission and Evolve Houston, which aimed to electrify transportation options in the city. "I look forward to working collaboratively with the mayor, the Metro board, and all levels of government to transform Metro into a best-in-class model of transit, accountability and transparency," Brock said in the announcement. "We will empower a strong management team that will drive measurable results and work directly with customers to understand their real needs to make public transit a safe, clean, and viable option for everyone." Metro is working with the Federal Transit Administration to finalize its final route and secure environmental approvals for the 25-mile University Corridor bus rapid transit, as well as a $600 million planned BRT line within Loop 610 along Interstate 10. BUS TRANSIT CONTROVERSY: Montrose resident says Metro's new bus rapid station could cause pedestrian fatalities Advertisement Article continues below this ad Much of that progress will be up to Brock and potentially additional new Metro members. As mayor, Whitmire appoints five of the nine members of the Metro board, including naming his preference for chairperson. Tuesday's announcement only named Brock, leaving the other members in place. Compared to Turner, who championed transit investment as part of what he called a paradigm shift in mobility across the city, Whitmire has been critical of Metros recent performance. In his address after being ceremonially sworn in as mayor, Whitmire blamed Metro for road conditions because buses tear up streets. Metro devotes about 20% of its revenue from the 1-cent sales tax it receives to street repairs, as part of the voter-approved general mobility program. Whitmire has also questioned the rush to some designs. At campaign forums prior to his election, he questioned the immense cost of some Metro projects, relative to Houstons low transit ridership, and noted that all agencies must heed residents concerns about lack of street access and loss of private property. The public supports infrastructure, Whitmire said after a forum on Nov. 15. But everybody, including Metro, needs to level with them and be transparent about what is going on with some of these plans. Advertisement Article continues below this ad WHITMIRE PROMISES: Houston has a new mayor. Here are 7 things Whitmire promised to do once he gets to City Hall Brocks day job, however, puts her between public agencies, such as Metro, and one of the citys most cumbersome relationships. CenterPoint poles and lines occupy city right of way, and access to those poles and relocation of them during construction is one of the most complicated parts of any street rebuild. In the opening episode of Kins second series, the acclaimed Irish gang drama pays tribute to James Flynn. The series, which debuted on Irish TV last year, began streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK on 13 February. During the premiere, a message reads: This season is dedicated in loving memory to our dear friend and legendary producer. Flynn was a veteran producer of film and TV, known for his work on high profile projects such as Ridley Scotts The Last Duel (2021), Martin McDonaghs The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), and BBCs steamy historical fiction drama The Tudors, which ran from 2007 to 2010. He died on 11 February 2023, following a short illness. Among the prominent figures paying tribute was Michael D Higgins, the president of Ireland. Over the course of his career, James Flynn made a remarkable contribution to the Irish film industry, both in terms of fostering the development of films by the Irish film community itself, and in bringing so many international projects to this island, he said at the time. Flynn served as a producer on more than 70 films and TV shows throughout his career, including Kin. James Flynn, producer of Kin' (Getty) He worked as an executive on the Irish Film Board, and in 1997 established Metropolitan Film Productions alongside his wife, the filmmaker Juanita Wilson. The company focused on the production of Irish films with a view to marketing them internationally. In a statement around the time of Flynns death, a spokesperson for Metropolitan Film said: All of us in Metropolitan Films are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed founder, colleague, and great friend, James Flynn, who departed peacefully on Saturday morning with his wife Juanita Wilson and children Alex and Anna by his side. Aiden Gillen and Keith McErlean in Kin' (BBC/Kin Series Holding UK Ltd and Headline Pictures (Kin) Limited) No words can adequately describe the immense contribution James has made to the Irish film and television industry over three decades on both a national and international level. He willingly and generously gave his advice and guidance to all who sought his counsel, from young emerging filmmakers to established Irish and international industry practitioners. Both seasons of Kin are available to stream now on BBC iPlayer. Set in Dublin, the series tells the fictional story of a family caught up in a gang war. The Wires Aidan Gillen and Belfasts Ciaran Hinds star as feuding crimelords. While rumours of a third season have surfaced in recent months, so far there has been no official word on whether or not Kin will be returning for another run of episodes. (Bloomberg) -- Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, said he would not rejoin a Trump administration if the Republican frontrunner wins the presidential election in November. Most Read from Bloomberg Speaking at an Axios event in Miami on Tuesday, Kushner expressed his commitment to Affinity Partners, the private equity firm he founded in 2021. Ive been very clear that my desire in this phase of life is to focus on the firm, he said. Kushner commended Trumps current campaign team, saying it includes some of the most capable individuals hes seen. The team around him is maybe the best hes ever had, Kushner said. I suspect that if he gets into office again theyll have a very long list of very qualified people to choose from. Last time, it was really a family campaign, he was an outsider running, even Republicans were against him. During Trumps presidency, Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump were key advisers, with Kushner playing a pivotal role in the Abraham Accords in 2020, which normalized relations between Israel and some Arab nations. Following Trumps loss to Joe Biden, Kushner and Ivanka Trump moved to the Miami area. Kushner began working in private equity, including raising more than $2 billion from the Saudi Arabian governments Public Investment Fund. Trump led Biden 48% to 42% in a Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll of voters in seven swing states released last month. (Updates with polling data in final paragraph. A previous version corrected the spelling of a name in sixth paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Jared Kushner says he wouldnt take a role in a hypothetical second Trump administration, explaining that hes enjoyed being out of the glare of constant public scrutiny and that he wishes to remain committed to his investment business. The former presidents son-in-law, who previously served as one of Trumps top advisers in the White House, says he plans to focus on work with his private equity firm, Affinity Partnersthe company which received a $2 billion investment from the sovereign wealth fund controlled by Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump Aides Rejoice at Suggestion of Trump White House Without Jared or Ivanka During an appearance at the Axios BDF conference in Miami on Tuesday, Kushner was asked what he would say if Trump wins in November and asks him to return to Washington, D.C. Noting that nothing in my life has gone according to the plans Ive set, Kushner said: Ive been very clear that my desire at this phase in my life is to focus on my firm. Ive really enjoyed the opportunity as a family to be out of the spotlight, he continued. He also pointed out that his wife, Ivanka Trump, had also worked in the White House, which he called a twenty-four-seven, high-stakes job. Weve both really enjoyed the opportunity to be down here in Florida with the kids, he said. Right now thats really where my commitment is, is to my investors, to my firm, to my employees, to my partners, and thats what Im planning to do. Pressed if that meant he was definitely planning to reject any potential overtures to return to politics, Kushner said: Yes. He went on to say that Trumps 2024 bid for the White House is a very professionally run campaign in contrast to 2016, which really was a family campaign. Kushner also dismissed concerns about a potential conflict of interest in the Saudi investment in his company and defended the crown prince when asked about the 2018 death of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Are we really still doing this? Kushner initially said when asked if he agreed with a U.S. intelligence report claiming MBS likely ordered Khashoggis killing. He added that he hadnt read the report. I know the person who I dealt with, Kushner said of the crown prince. I think hes a visionary leader. I think what hes done in that region is transformational. 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. Joe Biden has attacked Donald Trumps comments on the US pulling out of the Nato military alliance as dumb, shameful and dangerous in a blistering speech attacking Republican opposition to legislation partly aimed at providing support for Ukraine in its stand against a Russian invasion. Trumps remarks about encouraging Russia to attack Nato allies who did not contribute what Trump called their fair share of Nato funding have set off alarm bells across Europe among leaders who eye the prospect of a second Trump presidency with growing disquiet. Related: US Senate moves forward $95bn Ukraine and Israel aid package In a speech after the foreign aid bill which also includes aid to Israel and Taiwan passed the Senate, Biden urged reluctant Republicans to pass the legislation in the Republican-controlled House. Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin, Biden said. Opposing it is playing into Putins hands. Biden then attacked Trump for his encouraging of Republicans in the House to refuse to support the bill and for his comments about Russia and Nato. Can you imagine a former president of the United States saying that? The whole world heard it, he said. The worst thing is, he means it. No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator. Let me say this as clearly as I can: I never will. For Gods sake its dumb, its shameful, its dangerous. Its un-American. When America gives its word it means something, so when we make a commitment, we keep it. And Nato is a sacred commitment. The passage of the bill through the House, however, looks far from assured despite the presidents urging and its hard-won success in the Senate. Mike Johnson, the hard-right Republican House speaker, in effect rejected the aid package because it lacked border enforcement provisions. The mandate of national security supplemental legislation was to secure Americas own border before sending additional foreign aid around the world, he said, adding: In the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters. America deserves better than the Senates status quo. Many see such sentiments as richly ironic given it was Johnson and his House Republicans who under pressure from Trump and his allies tanked an earlier version of the aid legislation which included a bipartisan immigration deal intended to tackle the US-Mexico border crisis. Conservatives had insisted recently that the foreign aid package must be tied to border security measures but with immigration poised to play a critical role in the November elections and Trump increasingly certain to be the Republican nominee, the party was suddenly scared of handing Biden a domestic policy victory by trying to solve the issue. But the crises being tackled by the legislation are not just limited to the border, Ukraine and Russia or just Republicans. Biden also stressed the part of the package passed by the Senate that he said provides Israel with what it needs to protect his people against the terrorist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah and others, and it will provide life-saving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people desperately need food, water and shelter. They need help. That was a message to Bidens own party: three senators (two Democrats and the Democratic-aligned Bernie Sanders) also voted no on the bill, citing Bidens staunch support for Israels military strikes in the Palestinian territories. (Bloomberg) -- The White House dismissed Speaker Mike Johnsons demand for direct talks with President Joe Biden to resolve an impasse over border security and Ukraine aid. Most Read from Bloomberg Johnson insisted on personal negotiations with the president before he would allow a House vote on $95 billion bill in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. The White House countered that Johnsons position on immigration and foreign aid has repeatedly shifted, and thus a meeting with the president would be unproductive. What is there to negotiate? Really? Truly? What is the one-on-one negotiation about when hes been presented with exactly what he asked for? So, hes negotiating with himself. Hes killing bills on his own, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters. The standoff leaves the path unclear to getting Ukraine aid passed through the House, as Kyiv struggles to repel Russian invaders without fresh supplies of weapons and ammunition from the US. Johnson said Biden ought to negotiate directly with him over changes to immigration and border policies, which have led the House GOP to block war aid for Ukraine. House Republicans have sought to turn back all migrants to Mexico, to fund a border wall and to curtail presidential power to protect large groups of migrants from deportation. Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump and House Republican leaders rejected a bipartisan Senate border compromise that would have made it harder for migrants crossing the US-Mexico border to apply for asylum. The measures would have allowed for the shutdown of border processing as long as current levels of migration continue. The speaker said he has made clear to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell that he will not allow a vote on the Ukraine aid bill that the Senate passed Tuesday, with 22 out of 49 Republicans voting in favor. The Republican-led House will not be jammed or forced into passing a foreign aid bill that was opposed by most Republican senators and does nothing to secure our own border, Johnson told reporters. He said he has been asking Biden for a meeting for a month and has not been granted a one-on-one session and there are a lot of ideas in the House GOP conference for what a new border deal could look like. --With assistance from Jonathan Tamari and Josh Wingrove. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Great apes have a penchant for joking and clowning around, according to a new study a finding that sheds new light on the origins of human humor. All species of great apes tease, tweak and occasionally torment their peers and older relatives then stand back to watch the results, according to findings published on Tuesday in Royal Society B. The paper suggests that humor is a widely shared characteristic of the ape family tree, pushing back the origins of playful teasing in humans to at least 13 million years ago, when great ape species began to split. It also offers a foray into a tantalizing new line of inquiry that has emerged over the 21st century: the idea that play and not-immediately-practical behaviors may have a bigger role in animal life than was generally assumed in the 20th century. Were pivoting to entertain the possibility that animal minds are not always serious not always about the next action needed for survival, said co-author Erica Cartmill of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Its a serious study of a non-serious topic, she added. In the footage gathered by researchers, members of all four groups of great apes gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos and orangutans display the kinds of needling, provocative and playfully obnoxious behavior familiar to anyone who has spent time around young children. The behavior, somewhere between play and aggression, followed a consistent trajectory. When apes were sitting around and relaxed, one ape generally though not always a youth would size up a target, generally an adult. Then, the teaser would deliberately provoke the target, usually by poking, hitting, pulling on them or leaping on top of them then stand back and wait for a reaction. This step at the end which primatologists call response looking was especially interesting, said lead author Isabelle Laumer, a primatologist at the Max Planck Institute. They actually look towards the target, probably because they want to see their reaction, Laumer said. If they didnt get a reaction, the teaser would generally try again only now at a higher intensity. A few other patterns stood out. First, adults and juveniles joked around with each other in different ways: A youth might hit an adult, while an adult would only poke or tickle a youth. And while young primates closest companions are often their mothers, moms generally werent the targets of teasing though older sisters disproportionately were. Adults usually greeted this teasing with halfhearted rebukes or retreats pushing the teaser away, getting up and moving somewhere else although in about a third of cases they reacted indulgently or playfully. And while patterns of teasing were very consistent across the different species of great apes, among orangutans a species known for their flowing orange locks hair-pulling was far more popular as a means of getting attention than it was among their comparatively short-haired cousins like chimpanzees and bonobos. These findings like many from the emerging research into animal cognition and sociality straddle the obvious and the revelatory. On one hand, the findings represent a corroboration by science of something that anyone who has visited a primate enclosure at a zoo has had a good chance of seeing. In her previous work with great apes, Laumer said, I observed in the zoo they sneak up and pull on [each others] hair from behind. This sort of behavior is well-represented in scientific literature, noted by such luminaries as Jane Goodall or Frans de Waal. Youngsters in the Arnhem Zoo chimpanzee colony frequently bother adult group-members, wrote primatologist Otto M.J. Adang in a classic 1986 paper. Time and again, Adang wrote, younger chimpanzees would size up adults and throw sticks and sand at them, hit them from behind, etc., and dash away immediately. This occurs without apparent instigation and in spite of the fact that they may be punished. For decades, however, scientists tended to categorize this behavior as belonging to either low-level, overt aggression described by words like annoying, pestering or harassment or as play. In Adangs studies, for example, he specifically excludes such provocations from consideration as teasing if theyre carried out with a characteristic primate expression known as a play face. And one 2017 paper refers to a similar cluster of behaviors among bonobos as the harassment of adults by immatures. But this misses the way in which teasing, joking and clowning around exist somewhere between the two categories, UCLAs Cartmill said. There is a type of teasing thats in the middle, she said. It has some characteristics of aggression youre doing it to provoke a reaction but within close relationships that are playful. One key element of these interactions, she noted, is that they happen when animals are in a relaxed state sitting around like two kids in the back of a car seat on a road trip, poking each other. Or offering something and pulling it back, or leaning really close to put my face by yours ah, now youre annoyed. These behaviors may be playful, she said but theyre something distinct from play, too. The non-scientific term is: They are their own deal. Cartmill acknowledged that this comparison of human kids in a backseat to a lounging troop of chimpanzees may sound a lot like an old bogeyman of animal behavioral science: anthropomorphism, or the idea (ubiquitous in, say, childrens cartoons) that animal behaviors are analogous to human ones. Apes arent telling sophisticated jokes, she said noting that even the simplest and most groan-inducing dad joke is often at a level of complexity that requires not just the ability to speak but deep fluency in a culture. To launch an annual lecture on this point, Cartmill shows undergraduates a list of horrible eye-rolling jokes, like a cartoon that shows a pickle in a top hat and cane with the caption Im kind of a big dill. To get that joke and even to understand why its a horrible joke is something no other species can do, she said. But in a discipline that has often seen animals as akin to complex machines running unconsciously on program-like inputs of stimulus and response, she said, obvious-seeming comparisons between humans and animals can offer a reality check to help scientists ask better questions. And many of the comparisons are tantalizing. Laumer, the Max Planck primatologist, pointed to a 2021 study by the papers UCLA co-author Sasha Winkler, which found a strong overlap between human laughter and play vocalizations in primates. (That study conjectured that the characteristic ha ha of human laughter had evolved from an auditory cue of laboured breathing during play.) Other studies have shown that one of the foundations of the idea that humor is human-specific that it requires at least enough language to understand why that pickle is a big dill turns out not to be true. Human infants as young as eight months, for example, are already beginning to play with others expectations, as a 2015 paper on the subject found. Before they speak or walk or crawl, infants joke, wrote the scientists Vasudevi Reddy and Gina Mireault. Even in the first year of life, infants create and maintain novel humorous initiatives, they found, which included actively looking for opportunities to elicit others laughter by playing the clown and playfully provoking others by teasing them. Like those practiced by young great apes, these toddler jokes are not particularly complicated: They may involve, for example, broad comedy gestures like wearing a shoe on ones head, or offering a parent a toy and then pulling it back. This kind of early playful teasing which Tuesdays study suggests is common among great apes may form the building blocks of what in our species ultimately presents as, say, political cartoons and stand-up comedy, Cartmill said. But for both young apes and young humans, she said, it also may teach valuable lessons about social norms and about the specific character of individual relatives how much you can poke your brother before he gets legitimately mad as well as reaffirming and strengthening those relationships. (As Laumer said, quoting a German proverb, They who love each other, tease each other.) One core element of humor, after all, is that its social: Both young apes and human children seem to draw their understanding of what is funny and what is scary or alarming from how adults and older juveniles react. For toddlers, Mireault and Reddy write, It is the emotional reactions of other people their laughter, amusement, indignation, surprise, annoyance and puzzlement which are the key to their funniness, which opens the doors of humor. This social context now represents the source of some of the biggest unanswered questions about the building blocks of humor in animals. Because the scientists looked at small groups of captive apes, they werent able to investigate how joking functions in more numerous or complicated social groups. For example, is teasing more common in front of others than it is when both parties are alone and does it matter if those others are socially popular? And how do these behaviors change in chimpanzees in the wild? Im not saying apes have in-jokes, Cartmill said, but they might have cultures of teasing that differ group to group. Seeing those differences or noticing them in species that are further from us than apes will require moving past old assumptions of what animals are capable of, she argued. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. As early voting for the March 19 primary gears up in Chicago, voters are still in the dark about whether their choice on the so-called Bring Chicago Home referendum will count. Lawyers were in court Wednesday arguing over the fate of the key plank in Mayor Brandon Johnsons progressive agenda. But Circuit Judge Kathleen Burke did not rule on whether the lawsuit can proceed. Large real estate interests oppose Bring Chicago Home, and brought the suit seeking to invalidate the question asking voters to change the structure of the citys real estate transfer tax to charge more for more expensive property sales and slightly less for the first $1 million. The Building Owners and Managers Association and several other real estate interests hoped to prevent the question from appearing on ballots. But since those ballots have already been printed, if BOMA wins, any votes on the referendum would not be counted. Attorneys representing the large real estate interests that brought the suit argued against attorneys from the city and its board of elections in front of Burke Wednesday. The judge pledged to issue an order soon on the questions fate. BOMAs suit against the Chicago Board of Elections takes issue with the three-part nature of the referendum question, the portion that decreases the tax rate for lower-value homes, and what they say is lack of clarity about what programs the extra money would fund. Burke has several motions to weigh, including the city and election boards motions to dismiss and whether the city can intervene in the case at all. The referendum question asks voters to change the tax rate on one-time property sales. The current city tax on real estate sales is a flat 0.75%. The Bring Chicago Home referendum question calls for slightly reducing the tax charged on the first $1 million in value to 0.6% while increasing the rate on properties valued between $1 million and $1.5 million to 2%, and boosting the rate even more on properties valued above $1.5 million, to 3%. The City Council approved the referendum in November with hopes to bring in an additional $100 million in revenue. Michael Kasper, an attorney for the BOMA-led coalition, argued Wednesday that the referendum inappropriately combines the tax decrease and the two separate increases, an example of logrolling. He also said the board of elections not the city is the only body that can grant them relief, because the board prints ballots and tallies votes. Charles LeMoine, the attorney representing the board of elections, argued the city is the more appropriate party to respond to the suits claims, and that the board was not responsible for the wording of the question. Johnsons administration not party to the suit currently filed a motion last week to be included and to also dismiss the suit. Both Johnson and the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless were confident the ballot question would stand, describing the lawsuit as a political maneuver to confuse voters and protect corporate real estate interests. Meanwhile, the political campaign to sway voters on the issue has so far been an expensive one. The lead fundraising committee pushing a no vote Realtors in Opposition to Real Estate Transfer Tax has raised over $750,000 in the past year. The largest group in support End Homelessness has raised over $1 million in the same span. More money is expected to flow to the opposition from a 501(c)(4) sometimes referred to as a dark money group called Chicago Forward. Backers estimate 93% of sales would be subject to the lower tax rate, while larger commercial properties such as offices, large apartment buildings, stores and industrial sites would shoulder a much bigger burden. Real estate interests argue a yes vote would give the city a blank check, a message they are amplifying on the campaign trail. A mailer and new no vote website paid for by the realtors campaign says there is no plan for how to spend the projected revenues from the tax hike and that the city is sitting on tens of millions of dollars in federal funding to build housing now. City officials have said the funds could help pay for emergency rental assistance, buying and rehabbing shelter space, and direct housing help. aquig@chicagotribune.com Hackers are now supposedly using commercial-grade spyware to bypass Android system vulnerabilities and track users for future cyberattacks. TechCrunch reported on Monday that two hacking groups have been noted to be using the TheTruthSpy exploit to allow mass access of stolen devices directly from the hackers' servers. The two hacker groups were identified as SiegedSec and ByteMeCrew. While no state relation has been found between the two groups, both SiegedSec and ByteMeCrew started during the start of the Ruso-Ukraine War. Switzerland-based hacker maia arson crimew confirmed the reports, stating that the groups have been abusing the exploit as early as December 2023. Thousands of Android devices from Europe, India, Indonesia, the US, and the UK are believed to be compromised. Also Read: New US Visa Restriction Policy Targets Spyware Abusers Preying on Journalists, Activists How Does TheTruthSpy Exploit Works? The spyware exploit has been documented since February 2022 that allows bad actors to easily bypass its security and grants full access to victims' data, including text messages, photos, call recordings, and GPS location. Since the spyware is designed to be undetectable, it remains hidden on home screens and is difficult to delete as it does with other apps. Basically, the exploit continually uploads the device's contents directly to the compromised spyware's servers until it is safely removed. So far, only one vulnerability has been reported and fixed. It does not help that the spyware has been noted for poor security and compromised servers, allowing threat actors to easily use the technology for malicious acts. Similar problems can also be encountered in TheTruthSpy app clones. How to Know if Devices is Exposed to Spyware? According to TechCrunch, Android owners can check their devices for signs of spyware by verifying if the Google Play Protect or phone accessibility settings were changed. Further looking in the phone settings, check if there is an unknown device admin app that was secretly installed on the device. Users can also check the uninstall option to see if any additional app was installed. Since these are spywares, Android owners will not be alerted of the breach so it is better to manually check the phone settings. If any of these changes are detected, it is recommended to immediately go to the device provider and check for security updates to better protect the phone's contents. Related Article: Bluetooth Security Flaw Allows Hackers to Hijack Devices: How to Protect Your Phones from Cyberattacks? More TheTruthSpy Security Incidents The recent Android breach was not the first time TheTruthSpy was involved in security issues in the past years. As early as 2022, several reports have already popped up claiming that new Android devices are being compromised via TheTruthSpy without even alerting the victims. Even the company that developed the spyware, 1Byte, has been noted for laundering customer payments into fake Stripe and PayPal accounts for years. It is estimated that 1Byte, a Vietnam-based company, made at least $2 million from these operations. Many of these accounts were linked to 1Byte employees and director, Van Thieu. As of writing, PayPal and Stripe have already suspended the fake accounts. The US-based website providing platform for 1Byte also stopped hosting the company. The future of the northwest corner of National Avenue and Sunshine Street has been uncertain for more than a year. While the rezoning application for commercial development was withdrawn and a planned development application filed in its place, the lawsuit filed by University Heights residents against the developers has been awaiting a verdict. Wednesday the case moved closer to an official legal answer, as the judge in the lawsuit heard post-trial arguments in a final push to sway his decision. The residents seek to prevent the developers at Be Kind & Merciful, LLC from converting residential property on the corner to commercial use, arguing that deed covenants dating to the neighborhood's initial development in 1925 prohibit construction of anything but residential dwellings. In the most recent plans presented to the city, the developers proposed a food hall with pickleball courts for the corner. After a year in limbo, the case finally was heard at a Jan. 18 bench trial by Circuit Judge Derek Ankrom. After spending an entire day hearing testimony and looking at evidence from both sides, Ankrom gave all parties two weeks to submit any additional summary findings. At the end of Wednesday's hearing, Ankrom said he has not yet made up his mind on the issue, which he called "interesting and complex," and does not expect to have a ruling immediately. Structural restriction versus a use one While many of the neighboring homeowners' arguments focus on the use of the properties in BK&M's possession, Ankrom made the distinction that the deed restrictions are structural in nature. They restrict the construction of anything but "a residence" rather than limiting the use of the properties to residential ones. Bryan Wade, representing the plaintiffs, noted that structural limitations go hand in hand with use limitations and therefore the structural restriction does not exist in a vacuum. Ankrom also questioned whether the restrictions had not already been waived with multiple residences sitting on some of the originally platted lots, despite the original limitation stating "a residence" could be built. Mark Fletcher, a resident of University Heights who intervened in the case, cited case law stating that "a" does not constitute a numerical limitation. If the goal of the restrictions was to limit to one structure, Fletcher argued the deeds would say so explicitly. More: University Heights: Here's what happened as the case on deed restrictions went to trial Looking for radical change One of the ways for BK&M to meet its burden of proof that the restrictions could not and should not be enforced is to show that the neighborhood has undergone radical change. While Wade argued those changes have not occurred and instead most changes have been caused by the developers, Bryan Fisher, attorney representing BK&M, said the intersection is completely different from how it was when the neighborhood was platted in 1925. Fisher noted that Sunshine Street and National Avenue were narrower and many streets within the neighborhood were not even paved yet. An excavator tears down a house at the corner of Sunshine Street and National Avenue on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022. The house is at the center of battle over a proposed development between a group of developers and the University Heights Neighborhood Association. Changes since BK&M purchased the lots include the demolition of a house and the removal of trees on the corner lot, which is now filled in with gravel alongside Sunshine Street. As a result of this, plaintiffs testified their properties experience negative side effects including more noise and light streaming into the neighborhood from the busy intersection. While Wade said this was to illustrate the value the restrictions have for the homeowners, Ankrom wondered if it was reasonable for others to live on the intersection and experience those factors firsthand and restrict the corner to only be allowed for a residential building. BK&M had previously argued that the busy intersection and its proximity to nearby medical facilities make it no longer viable for residential use. Because of this testimony, Fisher argued that the original intended benefit of the restrictions has also changed now the restriction and the presence of a residential building is more to serve a purpose as a barrier for the rest of the neighborhood, which he argued makes the restrictions illegitimate. A question of time During the hearing, the time aspect of enforcing the deed restrictions was discussed as well. In Missouri, there is no explicit limit, though timing needs to be "reasonable." Plaintiffs argued that as long as the neighborhood remains of residential character and continues to benefit from the restrictions, they should continue to apply. The defendant on the other hand said the deed restrictions were set up to be indefinite, making them unreasonable. Other complex topics that relate to the case were argued Wednesday, including a foreclosure's impact on the restrictions and their validity and whether the absence of a common grantor undermines the restrictions. Overall, Fisher argued that if there is any doubt whether the restrictions are enforceable, they should be dismissed. "That's a patchwork quilt that simply has too many holes in it," he said. Ankrom called the case "one of first impression" as the state has not previously dealt with a situation that follows the same path as this one does. He said the case will be a "close call" and the fact-intensive inquiry will take time for him to review, though he said he will have a ruling as soon as he possibly can. Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Contact her with tips at mmieze@news-leader.com. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Judge says Springfield University Heights case will be a 'close call' Julie Chrisley could be heading home much sooner than anyone expected, her attorney says. During this weeks episode of Savannah Chrisleys podcast, Todd and Julie Chrisleys attorney, Alex Little, was a guest and talked about the couples possible early release. Little, when answering a question from a listener, said there was a slim chance they would be going home after opening arguments in their case appeal, which is expected in early March in hopes that the couple will be granted bail, People Magazine reported. The attorney said Julie is in a different situation than Todd, and whether they win or lose their appeal, Little said he expected Julie to be re-sentenced due to errors over her original sentencing. If she is re-sentenced in the summer or the fall of next year, I think her sentence should be substantially reduced, Little said. RELATED STORIES: He said if Julie was awarded a three-year sentence, she could potentially be home sometime next year, People reported. Little said he feels that the First Step Act could be applied in Julies case. The act is a criminal justice reform bill that promotes the rehabilitation of convicted individuals and reduces excessive sentence, People reported. We dont know whether the judge would actually apply it in a way to reduce her sentence, Little said. We think it should if the judge would have followed the guidelines. And that could happen, you know, this year, early next year. Channel 2 Action News first started investigating the Chrisleys in 2017, when we learned that Todd Chrisley had likely evaded paying Georgia state income taxes for several years. Court documents obtained by Channel 2 Action News showed that by 2018, the Chrisleys owed the state nearly $800,000 in liens. The couple eventually went to trial and a federal jury found them guilty of bank fraud and tax evasion in June 2022. The Chrisleys are serving a combined 15 years in prison with Todd in custody in Florida and Julie serving time in Kentucky. They were originally sentenced to 19 years, but the sentences were reduced in September 2023. RELATED NEWS: Kansas City police were investigating a homicide Tuesday night after a man was found shot to death in a home in the East Community Team North neighborhood. Officers were dispatched around 7:45 p.m. to the 1600 block of Jackson Avenue on a reported shooting, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a Kansas City police spokeswoman. Responding officers arrived at a residence with an open door, went inside to investigate and found a lone gunshot victim in the living room, Gonzalez said. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene. Police had little information to immediately work from Tuesday night, Gonzalez said, as detectives were working to locate witnesses and gather evidence. A suspect had yet to be identified. Detectives are going to be working diligently throughout the late hours in this evening and early morning hours of tomorrow to try and figure (that) out so that we can start working on getting somebody in custody and holding them accountable for what took place, Gonzalez said. Kansas City police were asking for anyone with information to call homicide detectives at 816-234-5043 or the anonymous TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS. The killing was the second on Tuesday in Kansas City. Around 5 p.m., another fatal shooting left a man dead in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 6400 block of The Paseo Boulevard. In that case, police said the gunshot victim and shooting suspect, who was arrested at the scene, knew one another. An argument was believed to have led to the shooting. Kansas City has seen 11 homicides so far in 2024, according to data maintained by The Star. The city set a record high for homicides last year, with 185 recorded in 2023. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) remained firm that artificial intelligence systems are not qualified as investors, however humans are allowed to utilize AI tools for creating patented inventions with disclosure. The office also published a latest guidance on the inventorship issues of AI systems and the human limitations on utilizing AI tools for patented inventions. Read Also: Brilliant Labs Introduces Glasses for AI Translations, Visual Analysis Inventors Must Disclose AI Tools Usage According to the released guidance, AI-assisted inventions are not "categorically unpatentable." Moreover, it also detailed that inventorship lies heavily on the human contribution. Each individual who wishes to apply for a patent must abide with the duty of disclosure to the USPTO. All known information that relates to the material of patentability must be detailed by the parties and individuals. "In applications for AI-assisted inventions, this information could include evidence that demonstrates a named inventor did not significantly contribute to the invention because the person's supported contribution was made by an AI system." USPTO Implements Strict Rules on Patent, Trademark In 2020, the USPTO announced that only "natural humans" are allowed to apply for patents. The ruling was made publicly after the office denied researcher Stephen Thaler's application. Thaler made the AI system he created, DABUS, an inventor for a patent application. In addition, Thaler also applied for a copyright for an AI-generated image. Both the US court and a federal court ruled against his application. The USPTO held public listening sessions at the headquarters and Stanford University last year. These sessions, which was attended by 800 people, helped the office to analyze the responsible use of innovation such as AI. The US Copyright Office also conducted series of public consultations to help them develop new guidelines on handling copyright petitions of AI. Related Article: FCC Outlaws AI-Generated Voices in Robocalls KANSAS CITY, Mo. A second deadly shooting is under investigation Tuesday night in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City police officers responded to the shooting around 7:45 p.m. near E. 16th Street and Jackson Avenue. Independence police cracking down on temporary tags, license plates When officers arrived at the scene they located a house with an open door. KCPD said officers announced themselves and entered the home where they located a man lying unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel are working the scene gathering evidence and taking witness statements. The incident is being investigated as a homicide at this time. Earlier Tuesday, just before 5 p.m. KCPD officers responded to a shooting at an apartment complex near The Paseo and Meyer Boulevard. At the scene police located a man dead from multiple gunshot wounds. One person was taken into custody. Police have not released a name for either victim at this time. Experts stress safety for fans going to Chiefs 2024 Super Bowl parade This now marks 11 homicides for Kansas City so far this year. At this point last year, Kansas Citys deadliest year ever, the city had already recorded 17 homicides. Anyone with information on either incident are asked to call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Kansas City, Missouri woman, charged for allegedly causing the death of her one-month-old child, made her first court appearance on Tuesday. Mariah Thomas, 26, is charged with endangering the welfare of a child resulting in death. Kansas City police responded to a house near E. 41st Street and Forest Avenue on Friday, Feb. 9. At the scene first responders noticed the baby was badly burned. Prosecutors say police were told the mother, Thomas, was putting her child down for a nap and accidently placed the child in the oven instead of the crib. Missouri man breaks into home, attacks man 3 times in one night: Police This is one of multiple cases in the last two years where a child was killed in Kansas City. The endangerment charge against Thomas come weeks after Corrine OConnor was also charged with child endangerment, resulting in the death of her 5-year-old son Grayson OConnor, who fell to his death from a downtown apartment building. Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android I would encourage our community to be aware of whats going on around them, said Natalie Julien, president and CEO of CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties. If you have a concern about the safety of the child, potential abuse or neglect, you report that to the authorities so that they can investigate and evaluate whats the best next step for those children who might be under those circumstances. CASA of Johnson and Wyandotte Counties works with children in foster care who have experienced neglect and abusive or unsafe situations. So if a child has experienced a situation that involves abuse or neglect and theyre removed from their home and placed in foster care, then our Acosta advocates are assigned to those cases, Julien added. And then we figure out whats going on, how we can help and provide resources and support for those children so that they can find safe, loving homes in whatever way that makes sense for them. Thomas is being held on a $200,000 cash bond. Conditions of bond are no contact with children, medication compliance and completion of a mental evaluation. She is scheduled to appear in court again on Feb. 20 at 10 a.m. for a bond review hearing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Koda is the newest member of the Keizer Police Department. She will roam the hallways to comfort officers, meet with crime victims, and attend outreach events. Keizer Police's newest member is Koda the department's first comfort K9. Koda, a 2-year-old female boxer, was donated to Keizer Police by Northwest Boxer Rescue. Officials said the addition was made possible through the vision and collaboration of former and current employees, City Councilor Shaney Starr, Chief Andrew Copeland, and Lt. Chris Nelson. Nelson will be assigned as Kodas handler, and the pair will usually be at the department from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Koda will spend her off-duty time with Nelson at his home. Keizer Police officials said Koda will become a key fixture in the department and at outreach events. "You will likely see her roaming the hallways to comfort officers, meet with crime victims, and attend outreach events like Coffee with a Cop, Blast Camp, (and) school-age department tours," officials said. Koda will spend her off-duty time with Keizer Police Lt. Chris Nelson at his home. A comfort K9 is different from the department's K9 unit, which currently lists Max, a German shepherd, and Blitz, a Belgian Malinois, on its roster. Rather than apprehending suspects and embarking on searches, comfort K9s provide psychological and emotional support to officers and department members, as well as crime and trauma victims. Salem Police started a similar program in 2021 with the addition of Brigid, a chocolate English Labrador. Brigid the comfort canine rests on the floor of a conference room at the Salem Police Department. Brigid's role is to boost morale around the department. The public is invited to join the Keizer City Council meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 for Koda's swearing-in ceremony. 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: Keizer Police Department gets first comfort K9 Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said he will send more of his states National Guard troops to Texas to assist in its efforts to curb illegal crossings at the southern border. To be clear, the crisis on the border is a national problem and it demands a national solution. But if the Biden administration continues to fail the American people, then we have no choice, no choice but to step in, Kemp said during a Tuesday briefing. Kemp announced that additional reinforcements will join the Georgia guardsmen in Texas this spring. The troops include those with engineering, mechanical and general purpose skills, and they will assist with the construction of a command post at the U.S.-Mexico border, he noted. The first set of Georgia troops were deployed to the Texas border in 2019, and 29 guard members remain deployed for missions such as aerial surveillance, The Associated Press reported. Kemp on Tuesday tore into the White Houses handling of the border, saying the border crisis is not a partisan issue. This is a public safety and humanitarian crisis caused by Joe Bidens failure to act, Kemp said. The crisis is ruining lives, families, and whole communities overturn by the challenges it brings. Well, while Joe Biden may not be willing to act, we will. The move from Kemp comes amid Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts (R) standoff with President Biden over how to address the border situation. Abbott has defended his states authority to protect its border after a Supreme Court order allowed the federal Border Patrol to remove barriers erected by state law enforcement. The Texas governor has argued the fencing is required for his states security and claimed earlier this month that razor wire installed at a park in Eagle Pass, Texas, produced a massive reduction in migrants flowing through the area. A series of GOP governors have publicly backed Abbott amid his showdown with the Biden administration. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Imagine this: Its a Tuesday night in Athens and theres a packed crowd barking the Georgia Bulldogs chant as Kendall Jenner pours up tequila shots behind the bar. Wait, that actually happened? Its true. Last week, the supermodel and Keeping up with the Kardashians star visited Athens, Georgia, to tend bar and sign liquor bottles. The stop was to promote her tequila brand, 818 Tequila. Jenners first stop on Tuesday, Feb. 6, was at Athens Bottle Shop, where she signed 818 Tequila bottles for fans and gave out brand merchandise. After that, Jenner, wearing a red UGA sweatshirt, went to Paloma Park restaurant to serve as a guest bartender for a Tuesday Takeover event, which attracted hundreds of star-struck fans. The restaurant had $6 palomas and margaritas with none other than Jenners 818 brand being the main ingredient and according to Nava Rawls at The Red and Black, Paloma Park hit maximum capacity that night. No surprise there. Jenner ended the night at the 1785 Bar and Grill, where she continued to bar tend and serve shots all night long. In a TikTok video, Jenner is even seen calling the dawgs as a loud roll of barks rumbled through the crowd of Bulldog fans. The fact that we were barking in Kendall Jenners face. Legendary, commented Clarence on TikTok. Jenner also visited the University of Alabama earlier that day and has more stops planned to promote 818 Tequila. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) promise a way of revolutionizing the transportation system. Car manufacturers have been advocating about its potential benefits from road safety to climate change. However, all technological advancements must be in-depthly studied. There are potential threats and challenges that lurks behind the positive impact of adopting autonomous vehicles on our roads. Although the technology is fairly new and uncommon for now, it is vital to gain significant knowledge about this incoming changes. From cybersecurity threats to ethical dilemmas, there is so much to learn from adopting AVs. Here are some of the potential threats that could stem from fully transitioning to autonomous vehicles: Read Also: Autonomous Waymo Car Vandalized, Set on Fire in San Francisco Cybersecurity Risks AVs are powered by complex software system and constantly in-need of connection. This makes the vehicles vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers could potentially figure out how to rewire the systems, leading to a safety hazard. Once the threat actors get a hold of the system, it could implement unauthorized control of the vehicle or manipulate the navigation system. In addition, it could also illegally collect the data information of the driver without them knowing. Ethical Dillemas Car manufactures claimed that their AVs are capable of making split-second decisions in potentially life-threatening situations. However, this poses the question of the priority of the vehicle. For instance, if the vehicle has to choose between the safety of the pedestrians would it prioritize them or the passenger inside the vehicle? Such scenarios are still unknown to the public. Legal, Regulatory Issues In addition to ethical dilemmas, the regulation involving AVs is still developing. In the case of accidents, the level of liability and insurance requirements is still evolving. Previously, AV companies have been facing problems due to series of accidents involving their car. For instance, one AV had a major issue after dragging a pedestrian. Meanwhile, a different AV collided with a cyclist causing minor injuries. Infrastructure Challenges AVs are mostly powered by electric and hybrid powertrains which would help eliminate air pollution from the fuels of motor vehicles. However, once a location committed to adopt AVs, they would have to change the urban design. In addition, significant infrastructures like road marking, traffic signals, and communication systems must be revised to fit the AVs' systems. Without a proper infrastructure support, AVs would struggle to operate safely and could potentially become a headache with other drivers. Equity Issues Above all, AV technology is not fit for every one. Like the early invention of transportation system, not every person could afford to buy or upgrade their current vehicles. People under the marginalized communities would have a hard time adopting to the new technology due to their limited access and knowledge to it. Most importantly, it could limit the transportation options for them. Technological Dependency The society today grows more dependent to technology each day. If the manufacturers and the government are keen to adopt AVs, there is a risk of over-dependence and reduced human competency in driving skills. People who rely on the field of transportation, logistics, and ride-hailing services could lose their jobs if the companies find them unnecessary due to the adoption of AVs. Related Article: 5 Potential Impacts of Transitioning to Autonomous Vehicles Prabowo Subianto, a former general who was once banned from entering the United States because of alleged human rights abuses, looks set to become the next President of Indonesia, according to preliminary results hours after the Southeast Asian country of 270 million people voted on Wednesday in the worlds largest single-day election. Despite some weather concerns, election officials said voting went smoothly across the more than 800,000 polling stations throughout the vast archipelago that spans thousands of islands. According to unofficial counts by independent agencies, Prabowo is on track to win with nearly 60% of the vote, while authorities are expected to validate the results in the coming weeks. Read More: The Ultimate Election Year: Half of World Heads to Polls in 2024 Even though we are grateful, we cant be arrogant, Prabowo told a crowd of supporters at a stadium in Jakarta during an election night celebratory rally. We must remain humble, he said. The decisive victory comes as little surprise: While opinion polls had for much of the campaign season predicted the election would go to a run-off between Prabowo and one of his two rival candidateseither independent former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan or former Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo from the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P)early February saw the tide turning in Prabowos favor with late forecasts suggesting he would likely secure a majority of votes to win outright. (The PDI-P nevertheless leads early vote counts for seats in parliament.) The presidential election, however, forebodes a fresh era of uncertainty for Indonesias fledgling democracy. Presumed Indonesian President-elect Prabowo Subianto addresses supporters next to his vice presidential running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in Jakarta on Feb. 14, 2024. Bay IsmoyoAFP/Getty Images Prabowo rose to prominence as a military commander during the rule of his then father-in-law, the late former President Suharto, who ruled the country from 1967 to 1998. Under Suhartos repressive regime, Prabowo was known as one of the authoritarian leaders chief enforcers, implicated in the abduction and alleged torture of dissident activists. Following his 1998 ouster, Prabowo turned to business, amassing a significant fortune before venturing back into politics. In 2008, he co-founded the nationalist, right-wing Gerindra Party, which he currently leads. He also ran for the presidency in 2014 and 2019, but lost to incumbent President Joko Jokowi Widodo both times, after which he joined Jokowis administration as Defense Minister. But the 72-year-olds newfound success is tainted with controversy. For one, his vice presidential running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, 36, is Jokowis son, whose candidacy was only approved after a contentious ruling by the countrys constitutional court, which was headed by Jokowis now-dismissed brother-in-law. The 2024 presidential race was largely seen as a referendum on the legacy of Jokowi, who, though he did not officially endorse any candidate, made no secret of his preferred pick amid a wider attempt to retain influence and build his own political dynasty. Read More: Indonesias President Joko Widodo Once Symbolized Democratic HopeHis Plan for a New Capital Represents a Darker Legacy Recent weeks have also seen mounting, albeit unproven, allegations of Jokowi-backed electoral rigging in favor of the Prabowo camp. Over the weekend, a documentary titled Dirty Vote was posted on YouTube that detailed alleged election fraud by the Jokowi administration; it racked up millions of views within a day and became the top trending topic on X. The allegations in the video were denied by Prabowos campaign, but Jokowis former vice president Jusuf Kalla told media that most of it is indeed the truth. As votes were tallied on Wednesday, Prabowos opponents alluded to similar concerns about election integrity. Former President and PDI-P chair Megawati Sukarnoputri urged the public to monitor for potential fraud, while Anies told Al Jazeera Wednesday after the polls closed that he could not yet tell if the election had been free and fair, with his team later saying they found many violations such as vote tampering. (In 2019, Prabowo had rejected the election results, alleging voter fraud, a claim authorities deemed baseless.) At a press conference Wednesday night, the general elections commission said re-voting has occurred or would occur at 668 polling stations across the countrysome due to security disturbances where equipment was damaged or documents mixed up, others due to flooding or a shortage of ballot paper. An electoral worker holds up a ballot during the vote counting at a polling station following the election in Medan, Indonesia, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Binsar BakkaraAP Presuming the result stands, all eyes in the countryincluding Jokowiswill now be watching to see if Prabowo, a former Jokowi rival, will honor his campaign promises to continue his predecessors populist policies, or if he will give in to his authoritarian tendencies. But either way, experts tell TIME, whereas Jokowis election 10 years ago was hailed as a triumph of democracy in the worlds fourth most-populous country, Prabowos rise coincides with a dangerous plummeting of public trust in the countrys political system. The procedural side of delivering elections [in Indonesia] has always been very good and there's always been high public trust in it, Ian Wilson, a senior lecturer specializing in Indonesian politics at Australias Murdoch University, tells TIME. But this time, a lot of people are very suspicious about this process on all sides. Theres clearly an atmosphere thats been generated thats very bad for democracy overall, Wilson says, adding that no matter who won the election, theres going to be a big chunk of the population who are going to see it as illegitimate in one way or another. Strongman and cute grandpa Prabowos image as a strongman has served him well among much of the Indonesian population, experts say. The particular idea of strong leadership, even aggressive leadership, is often seen very positively by many people in the country, says Wilson, to kind of rein in the undisciplined and unruly aspects of Indonesian socio-political life. So the country can move forward. But his presidential bid also owes much of its success to a social media rebranding campaign featuring his beloved felines, a cherubic AI avatar, and TikTok dances that have drawn large swathes of youth to his gemoy persona, an Indonesian term referring to something thats cute and cuddly. Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto delivers a speech during a campaign rally in Medan, North Sumatra, Indonesia, Jan. 13, 2024. Binsar BakkaraAP Judging by his social media pages, it could almost seem as if Prabowos previous life as a fearsome general never existed. But not all have forgotten about his dark past, with protests against Prabowos alleged human rights violations breaking out during his campaign. For months, anxiety swelled among activists and civil society about what Prabowos victory would mean for civil liberties in the country, which has already seen a period of democratic decline under the Jokowi administration. But apart from Prabowos most vocal critics, younger supporters say they want to move on from his disgraceful past and judge him by his response to the countrys unemployment and economic issues; others have taken to his populist promises, most notably a 460 trillion rupiah ($29 billion) plan to distribute free school lunches across the country. No forever friendsor foes Prabowos populism is intentionally reminiscent of the massively popular Jokowi. Where he had in previous campaigns pitched himself as the antithesis to Jokowi, this time Prabowo vigorously touted himself as a candidate of continuity, promising to keep up Jokowis pet projects like a focus on nickel mining and the ambitious construction of Nusantara, a new capital for the country. It certainly helped Prabowo that he received noticeable support from the incumbent himself, who, having risen from humble roots outside elite political circles to the governments top job, became something of a folk hero in Indonesia. While Jokowi did not officially endorse any candidates, he was spotted dining out with Prabowo, he traveled to Central Java (rival candidate Ganjars home province) to hand out cash and rice, and he even lent his face to campaign posters alongside Prabowo and Gibran. Campaign posters for Prabowo and Gibran, including one prominently featuring Jokowi, are seen along a street in Jakarta on Jan. 31, 2024. Yasuyoshi ChibaAFP/Getty Images In a country where its rare for sitting presidents to actively campaign for their successor, Jokowis chumminess with Prabowo raised eyebrowsand perhaps more crucially, cost him key allies and supporters. Amid claims by rival campaigns of being harassed by state security forces, there have also been rumors of fissures within the cabinet and speculations of the resignations of top officials, with allegations of interference against Jokowi culminating in a long-shot impeachment petition. Jokowis partnership with Prabowo comes as the President, who has neither a strong political vehicle to remain relevant nor the financial resources of an oligarch, has latched onto the former general as a way to cling to power even as his presidential term ends in October. But it remains to be seen whether the gambit will pay off. Recent maneuvers have seen Jokowi lose the confidence of civil society and activists who had backed him in 2014 and 2019 to combat Prabowo, Vishnu Juwono, associate professor in public governance at the University of Indonesia, tells TIME. And theres still a question mark over whether Jokowi will even be able to exact influence through a Prabowo presidency. Prabowo has shown little qualms about switching his political allegiancehe has a famous decadeslong, on-again-off-again friendship with Megawati, and in 2019 he turned his back on his previous hardline Islamic support base to seek ties with Jokowi. His current truce with longtime rival Jokowi exemplifies the dealmaking that has characterized Indonesian politics, observers say, where there are neither forever friends nor permanent foes. It is quite risky, and it seems largely based on some kind of trust that Prabowo will do what he says, and that seems to me quite a naive assessment, says Wilson. But then again, Jokowi has been relatively astute throughout his career. Contact us at letters@time.com. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied the veracity of a Reuters report on Feb. 14 that claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine to the U.S. Reuters reported on Feb. 13, citing anonymous Russian and American officials, that the U.S. allegedly rejected attempts by Putin to engage in peace talks because Ukraine was not included in the proposed negotiations. "No. It is not true," Peskov said of the report. Except for unsuccessful talks during the spring of 2022, there have been no direct peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Kyiv said categorically that a full Russian withdrawal is a precondition for any talks. Both the Russian officials and an unnamed American source told Reuters that the U.S. ruled out holding any back channel peace talks that did not include Ukraine. The U.S. source also said it would not engage in official peace talks with Russia. Russian sources also reportedly said that the U.S. does not trust that Putin genuinely wants a ceasefire. Western officials have repeatedly said that Russia would likely not engage in good faith negotiations. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Verdict hearing of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who was detained and accused of espionage, in Moscow Verdict hearing of former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, who was detained and accused of espionage, in Moscow MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin, asked on Wednesday about a possible prisoner exchange with the United States, restated its position that such cases can only be resolved "in silence", meaning that it will not comment on the state of negotiations. The United States is seeking the release of former Marine Paul Whelan and reporter Evan Gershkovich, both held in Russian prisons on spy charges they deny. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that he had spoken to Whelan in a rare phone call. Asked if an exchange was being prepared, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "I want to recall the words of President (Vladimir) Putin in his recent interview that these matters love silence, and they can only be resolved in silence. "Therefore, in our interests, in the interests of the American side, in the interests of those involved, it is better that this is all decided in silence." Putin suggested in an interview with U.S. journalist Tucker Carlson last week that in return for Gershkovich, Moscow wanted Germany to free Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted of the 2019 murder of a Chechen dissident in Berlin. (Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Mark Trevelyan/Guy Faulconbridge) Elon Musk's SpaceX is being fined $3,600 per month over a workplace incident that resulted in "near amputation" of one of its employees, new inspection record shows via Reuters. According to inspection reports, the worker was injured after a roll of material, approximately 80 to 300 pounds heavy, fell and crushed on their foot. The damage was severe due to the worker not wearing steel-toe shoes usually required for industrial workplaces like SpaceX. A SpaceX spokesperson dismissed the injury as a "one-time incident." The recent discoveries were part of Reuters' ongoing investigation of the aerospace company's issues in worker-safety regulations and standard practices. According to Reuters' investigation, at least 600 unreported injuries of SpaceX were reported since 2014. This includes the death of an ex-Marine Corps from falling in 2014 and a rocket engine malfunction that resulted in a skull fracture and the comatose of another employee in 2022. Also Read: SpaceX Accused of Illegally Firing Staff Critical of Elon Musk SpaceX Found Neglectful of Workplace Safety For a company involved with heavy objects and most operating at elevated positions, SpaceX has been repeatedly scrutinized for failing to secure the safety of all of its workers. An inspection from the US Department of Labor last December revealed several new safety violations on the SpaceX facility in Redmond, Washington. Among the reported concerns were the lack of a "thorough safety program," proper communication of workplace rules, and standard actions to "correct violations." Other findings in the report were when one worker told the inspectors that "safety can get overlooked" as long as workers accomplish as many tasks "in a short amount of time." The labor department is still deliberating on its findings and said that SpaceX is open to appealing its latest decisions. Dangerous Workplaces Under Musk Leadership Workplace dangers are not only exclusive to SpaceX all the companies Musk currently owns and leads as CEO. Just a few months ago, it was reported that one of Tesla's software engineers was injured after one of its robots in its Giga factory in Austin, Texas, malfunctioned. The reports indicate that the engineer suffered a "laceration, cut or open wound" from the robot originally designed to cut aluminum car parts. The incident happened in 2021 but was kept under closed doors. The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration has already alarmed warnings of high workplace incidents in Tesla with one out of every 21 workers being injured in 2022. This was higher than injury reports in most automakers in the same year with an average of one out of 30 workers suffering injuries while on duty. Related Article: Tesla Robot Attacks, Injures Worker at Cybertruck Factory Jared Kushner, who served as White House senior adviser under former President Trump, said Tuesday that he had not seen the U.S. intelligence report that concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved of the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government. Kushner, who is also Trumps son-in-law, played a critical role in facilitating Middle East relations during the Trump administration and was a close ally of the Saudi crown prince while representing the U.S. overseas. He has also come under intense scrutiny for securing a $2 billion investment from Public Investment Fund (PIF), a fund led by Crown Prince Mohammed, just six months after leaving the White House. The investment was secured despite objections from the funds advisers about investing in Kushners newly formed firm. Are we really still doing this, Dan? Kushner initially responded when asked by journalist Dan Primack at an Axios event Tuesday if he believed the report from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) about the Khashoggi killing. I have not seen the DNI report that the Biden administration put out there, Kushner said. And, No. 2 is, look, I know the person who I dealt with. I think hes a visionary leader. I think what hes done in that region is transformational. At the event, Kushner repeatedly praised Crown Prince Mohammed for what Kushner described as modernizing Saudi Arabia. He also said Khashoggis death was absolutely horrific but avoided laying blame on the crown prince, who was in a deputy role at the time. I understand why people, you know, are upset about that. I think what happened there was absolutely horrific, Kushner said. But again, our job was to represent America, to try to push forward things in America. On changes in Saudi Arabia over recent years, Kushner said: I think whats happened there is absolutely critical. The person who deserves credit for that is Mohammed bin Salman, who, at that time was the deputy crown prince. And I think what hes done has been absolutely historic for the country. I think hes done a lot of things that are in Americas interest, and I think hes done a lot of things that have made the world a better place, Kushner continued. He also defended himself against critics of his business dealings with the Saudis after leaving the White House. If you ask me about the work that, that we did in the White House, for my critics, what I say is, point to a single decision we made that wasnt in the interest of America, Kushner said, about ethics or optics concerns. [The] PIF is one of the most prestigious investors in the world. Every fund manager is trying to work with them. If you look at, right now, at the time, you know, maybe going to the Middle East as an investor was less popular three years ago, now its one of the hottest places in the world where everyones trying to raise money from. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. It's been a torrid two weeks for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party - Getty Images/Eddie Keogh Labours lead over the Tories has fallen to its lowest level since last June as Sir Keir Starmer faces one of the most difficult periods of his leadership. The Savanta survey, conducted in the days after Sir Keir Starmer radically downgraded his flagship green spending pledge, put Labour on 41 per cent of the vote, down five points on two weeks before. Meanwhile, the Conservatives made a small gain of two points, placing the party on 29 per cent. It is Labours narrowest lead in any Savanta poll since June 2023, while its vote share is at its lowest since September 2022. The findings suggest Sir Keirs dramatic change of heart on the 28 billion commitment, ridiculed by the Tories, may have cut through to the general public, spooking his supporters. Pollster Chris Hopkins said it shows Labours lead is not infallible, but warned against reading too much into one poll yet. It comes as Sir Keir finds himself in damage control mode for a second week running, having been forced into yet another U-turn in a deepening anti-Semitism crisis. On Tuesday, he suspended Graham Jones, who was due to stand for Labour in Hyndburn, after it emerged that he referred to f---ing Israel at a public meeting and said that British volunteers in the Israel Defense Forces should be locked up. Sir Keir was pushed into the decision less than a day after he retracted his support for Azhar Ali, Labours candidate in this months Rochdale by-election, whose own abhorrent claims about Israel sparked the latest row. The first key test of the fallout from both controversies will come on Thursday, when voters in Kingswood and Wellingborough go to the polls in a double by-election that had been expected to deliver a blow to Rishi Sunak. The Savanta poll of roughly 2,000 UK adults was carried out from 9 to 11 February, and contrasted with results from its last survey on 26 to 28 January. If the results were replicated at a general election, according to seat-modelling site Electoral Calculus, Labour would be on course for a majority of 92. Mr Hopkins, the firms political research director, said: This significant drop in Labours lead may well be in response to a torrid couple of weeks for Keir Starmers party, and part of a wider trend. It may also be something else entirely, and Id caution people not to read too much into one poll yet. But this poll still serves as useful a reminder as any that Labours lead while consistently high for many months is not infallible. Voters have not quite made up their mind about Keir Starmers Labour Party, and doubts could well be creeping back in. One thing is for certain, if this drop in the polls is a consequence of their recent troubles, it does not bode well for a short campaign. A Conservative machine in full swing and the inevitable increased scrutiny from the media may well be very uncomfortable for the Labour Party. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The poster targeting Wes Streeting in his Ilford constituency, one which contains a 27.3 per cent Muslim electorate The Labour Party has been targeted with a poster claiming a vote for Labour is a vote for genocide in Wes Streetings east London constituency. A poster taped to a bus stop near Gants Hill tube station in Ilford depicted a box on a ballot paper with a black cross in it alongside the phrase Vote for genocide, Vote Labour. It is unclear who was responsible for putting up the poster, which was displayed on the opposite side of the road to a Jewish bakery. It comes as Labour MPs, including the shadow health secretary, have continued to face a backlash as a result of the partys stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict. A photograph of the poster was shared on social media by a group of independents from the neighbouring borough of Newham. The Newham Independents group said: This advert was seen in Redbridge, where [Wes Streeting] is the MP. Redbridge residents are mounting a campaign to unseat Streeting at the general election 2024. A campaign is mounting to unseat Mr Streeting, seen here at a school in his east London constituency - Peter Summers/Getty Images Last month, a pro-Palestinian activist was selected to challenge the shadow health secretary for the Ilford North seat. Leanne Mohamad, 23, addressed pro-Palestinian marches in central London and spoke at the first international conference of the Peace and Justice Project, founded by Jeremy Corbyn, last November. The community group that organised Leanne Mohamads selection describes itself as a grassroots organisation belonging to Ilford North that came together after we witnessed the grotesque genocide in Gaza. The group said on its website: We plan to fight for a local independent MP, chosen from within the community to contest the 2024 general election. It comes as Labour was forced to suspend Azhar Ali, its candidate for the Rochdale by-election, after he accused Israel of allowing Hamas to slaughter its citizens to get the green light to invade Gaza. But before the comments had surfaced, Mr Ali had been targeted by voters in a restaurant in Rochdale who shouted Free Palestine and f--- Labour at him. Mr Streeting won his seat with a majority of 5,218 in 2019, where he has a 27.3 per cent Muslim electorate. 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. Lifeguards patrol the shore in Laguna Beach. City officials on Tuesday shut down a city council meeting early after a handful of speakers unleashed antisemitic, homophobic, transphobic and racist tirades over Zoom. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times) Laguna Beach officials on Tuesday ended a city council meeting early after a handful of speakers unleashed antisemitic, homophobic, transphobic and racist tirades over Zoom during a public comment period. The incident appears to be an example of "Zoombombing," an unfortunate trend that began when the pandemic forced public meetings to move online, allowing speakers to make comments from remote sites. The meeting, where leaders were considering recognizing February as Black History Month and conducting other business, like appointing community members to committees, was peppered with profanity-laced comments about Latinos, members of the LGBTQ+ community and Black and Jewish people. Tuesday's meeting was mostly in-person, but included an option for the public to tune in and comment via Zoom. After two hours, and roughly a dozen public speakers, Mayor Sue Kempf decided to adjourn the meeting and move it to another date. "Our communitys dedication to civic engagement is commendable, and we are committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment. Together, we will continue to uphold our values of inclusivity, respect, and integrity," Kempf wrote in a statement. Zoombombing, in which speakers aim to disrupt a public meeting, became an unwelcome trend during the pandemic when city and school district gatherings largely went online to avoid transmission of COVID-19. "This was a targeted act by a relatively small number of people who are looking for publicity. They're like ants," said Brian Levin, the founding director of the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at Cal State San Bernardino. "This is really the conduct of a roving band of both small-numbered and small-minded bigots." Read more: USC, school districts getting 'Zoom-bombed' with racist taunts, porn as they transition to online meetings The comments in Laguna Beach began less than an hour into the meeting during a period set aside for people to give their thoughts on issues not on the council's agenda. After two speakers used antisemitic language and a third sought to speak about the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., City Atty. Megan Garibaldi briefly paused the comments to explain that this attempt at Zoombombing was a way to "try to test the city government" to see if they'll shut down speech in violation of the 1st Amendment. "To the extent that these comments start to get to the point of disrupting our meeting ... we can suspend comment. Otherwise, unfortunately, we have to proceed with comment until they're over," she told the crowd. The profanity and conspiracy-laden comments continued after the council moved onto the consent calendar. At one point, after a man used anti-gay and anti-Jewish slurs, city officials paused the meeting to give members of the audience a chance to step outside until the comments were over. Officials attempted to continue the meeting, but the hate speech continued. Read more: Dramatic drone footage shows luxury homes on edge of California cliff After several breaks and attempts to move the discussion forward, Kempf said she was ending the meeting. "We couldn't get any work done," Kempf said Wednesday morning. "It just wasn't productive." Cities and schools across California from the Bay Area to San Diego have grappled with Zoombombing during their meetings. The Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism in August reported an increase in antisemitic speech at public forums like city council meetings. Since then, the group has recorded more than 135 such disruptions at public meetings in the U.S., according to the ADL. Many of the Zoombombing incidents are the work of individuals associated with a small, known hate group. The incident comes at a time when anti-Jewish hate is surging across the United States, Levin said. Read more: Antisemitism and safety fears surge among U.S. Jews, survey finds In Orange County, the Jewish community was the most targeted for religious-related hate activity in 2022, according to a report published last year by the OC Human Relations Commission. New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Portland, Ore., and other major cities also hit records for anti-Jewish hate crimes in 2023, Levin said. "There is a greater resilience with respect to these kinds of bigotries because of both the destruction of the internet and the the down-sloping direction of civic discourse," he said. In Laguna Beach, which has been celebrated for decades as a haven for the LGBTQ+ community, residents attending the meeting were visibly angry. Some shouted from the audience that the council should stop the Zoom feed. Mayor Pro Tem Alex Rounaghi called the comments from the Zoom speakers "horrible" and said they don't reflect Laguna Beach values. "We all know the 1st Amendment protects everyones right to speech, even hate speech, but we can add our voices too," he said. "This is a place that is not only tolerant of diversity of all forms but also embraces it." 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. With a tough-guy title that capably sells its gung-ho action, Land of Bad is the most macho movie of the new year. The story of a special forces mission that goes sideways, thus compelling those on the ground and at a command center to work together to avert catastrophe, the film is a rah-rah adventure with nothing on its mind other than celebrating heroism, camaraderie, loyalty, and the kick-ass explosions that come from firing drone missiles into enemy strongholds. Headlined by a serviceable Liam Hemsworth and a fantastic Russell Crowe in all his hammy scene-stealing glory, its the bro-iest bro-fest that ever brodand I say that with far more affection than condescension. In Land of Bad (Feb. 16, in theaters), Hemsworth is Kinney, a drone pilot first seen in a mess hall debating whether to eat a box of Frosted Flakes or Fruit Loops. Kinney is at this outpost because an upset stomach has caused him to miss his flight back home, and since hes the sole person around, hes ordered by Captain Sugar (Milo Ventimiglia) to join him and his Delta Force mates Abel (Luke Hemsworth) and Bishop (Ricky Whittle) on an operation to rescue a kidnapped asset in the jungles of some unnamed Southern Asian country in the Sulu Sea. Introductory text cards indicate that this region is home to violent extremist groups and that we are in a warwe just dont know it. Neither does Kinney, really, whos totally green and unprepared for his impromptu assignment, which begins with a HALO (high-altitude low-opening) parachute jump for which hes not trained, and then involves providing drone support for his veteran comrades. Written by director William Eubank (Underwater) and David Frigerio, Land of Bad is about as generic as they come, replete with a purposely vague setting and barely defined bad guys, although theres no mistaking the Allahu Akbar screamed by Saeed Hashimi (Robert Rabiah), the leader of Abu Sayyaf (i.e. East Asian Islamic State) terrorists, right before he decapitates a woman in front of her husband. The straightforward proceedings chief focus is Kinney as well as Reaper (Crowe), who mans the drone controls at a Las Vegas base beside his colleague Nia (Chika Ikogwe). Reaper is mad that his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes have just lost in the NCAA March Madness tournament, and hes stressed about his wifes impending pregnancy. Those two issues weigh heavily upon him at the start of the film, given that he needs his colonel (Daniel MacPherson) and younger subordinates to answer the phone if his spouse calls while hes helping Kinney and company complete their taska request thats repeatedly ignored and/or dismissed, thereby raising what appears to be Reapers already sky-high blood pressure. Much of Land of Bad has Crowe sitting and chatting via headset with Kinney, with whom he bonds over the fact that theyre both from Ohio. When not badmouthing his superiors or the CIA (Alphabet soup motherfuckers. You cant trust a word they say), Crowe gets to state things like, I am your eyes in the sky and the bringer of doom, and to explain that he never made it as a pilot because of his not normal responses to authority, meaning that goat got fucked. Reaper is basically a ball of anger who only has love for Nia and, eventually, for Kinney, what with the young guy soon demonstrating his Tier 1 bona fides in the line of fire. Crowe embodies his character with such cocky, furious gusto that its impossible not to be entertained by his showmanship, which is all the more impressive for being largely performed from a chairand not Reapers own, much to his middle finger-flipping annoyance. Liam Hemsworth and Luke Hemsworth. The Avenue No sooner has Bishop lectured Kinney about how war is barbaric than things go to hell and Kinney winds up on his own, forced to trek to an evacuation point while scores of anonymous gunmen descend upon him in the jungle. Theres nothing particularly inventive about his circumstances but Eubank stages his mayhem suspensefully and Hemsworth does a fine job straddling the line between in-over-his-head terror and resolute determination, the latter of which slowly takes precedence as Kinney discovers that his survival depends on a combination of perseverance, brutality and luck. Those all factor into his harrowing subsequent nightmare, as an initial escape falls apart and, ultimately, hes compelled to return to his original target location to extricate various men from the clutches of a jihadist who blathers on about imperialists and makes a crack about Guantanamo Bay but primarily registers as a stock embodiment of evil. Land of Bad cares less about politics than about blowing up stuff in super-slow-motion and having special forces heroes speak in military jargon (Winchester, RTB) and then valiantly soldier onward even after suffering grievous wounds. Theres no sensitivity here; Reaper makes wisecracks about his wifes veganism (The way you know someones a vegan? They will tell you) and, upon hearing Kinneys plan for extraction, announces, Were going to light that shit up and blow it to fuck. The film trades in aggro bluster and bombast thats so pure, undiluted, and unsubtle that it verges onand sometimes tips over intocomedy. Nonetheless, beneath its puffed chest lurks earnest affection for the men and women who risk their lives for their country and, more importantly, for each other, and that goes some way toward helping it earn its climactic feel-good pathos. Haters Be Damned: Jason Statham Is a Hollywood Treasure Crowe, however, is the main attraction, and Land of Bad does right by him, especially during a climax that finally lets him get off his ass to demonstrate that, when its do-or-die time, he can be counted on to move. Seeing Crowe race through a grocery store, traffic and his command center to save the day is worth the price of admission alone, and yet Eubank manages to one-up that sight, both via Reapers destruction of military property and, better still, a sweet closing dance number which confirms that, no matter where he is or what position hes assumed, the Oscar-winner remains a starand also, considering the evidence on display here, the king of the bros. 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. Jacksonville Sheriffs Office said that a teenager is dead following an overnight shooting on Post Street. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< According to detectives, at around 8:35 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to the area and located an unresponsive 17-year-old boy with multiple gunshot wounds. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene. JSOs Homicide and Crime Scene units responded and are conducting an ongoing investigation. The circumstances surrounding the shooting, however, are still unknown. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call JSO at 904-630-0500 or Crime Stoppers at 866-845-TIPS. Action News Jax will continue to follow the story and will update you as events unfold. This embedded content is not available in your region. [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. Former President Barack Obama gave his two cents about former President Donald Trump's threat to not help European allies if they're attacked by Russia. Trump once again rattled the country's political cages at a campaign stop last weekend, saying he might even "encourage" Russians "to do whatever the hell they want" to countries that have not met certain defense obligations to be in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. President Joe Biden rebuked his 2024 rival's comments as "un-American," in prepared remarks. He later added via social media that "any individual" who jeopardizes U.S. alliances through NATO, which was established after World War II, represents "a danger to our security." Without mentioning Trump by name Wednesday, Obama agreed with his former vice president that allowing a NATO ally to be invaded would send a disastrous message to the world. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - NOVEMBER 03: Former President Barack Obama speaks to attendees at the Obama Foundation Democracy Forum on November 03, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Obama spoke about economic inclusion is fundamental to safeguarding and expanding democracies in countries around the world. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776056675 ORIG FILE ID: 1773223969 "President Biden is absolutely right," Obama said in a Feb. 14 post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "The last thing we need right now is a world that is more chaotic and less secure; where dictators feel emboldened and our allies wonder if they can count on us. Lets keep moving forward." Obama's 2024 role coming into focus Obama has hesitated to take on Trump directly in recent years. But those close to him have aired their alarm about the Republican frontrunner returning to power. Former first lady Michelle Obama admitted shes "terrified" about the 2024 presidential election's outcome. President Biden is absolutely right. The last thing we need right now is a world that is more chaotic and less secure; where dictators feel emboldened and our allies wonder if they can count on us. Lets keep moving forward. https://t.co/ITn2iDWRIr Barack Obama (@BarackObama) February 14, 2024 In an interview with USA TODAY, Eric Holder, a close friend who served as Obama's attorney general, said there would be "incalculable damage" if Trump wins in November. Asked if Obama shares that view, Holder replied: "Absolutely. I don't think it's a question about that." What is Trump's conflict with NATO? President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during the NATO summit at The Grove, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019, in Watford, England. Trump has periodically threatened to break America's longstanding NATO partnership, which has shocked leaders around the world. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, for example, said this week Trump's comments could endanger lives. Formed in 1949, the alliance originally started as a check on the threat posed by the Soviet Union. It currently includes 31 countries, mostly in Europe, who under its charter must assist each other if they are attacked. NATO members are asked to fork over at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense, but not all have reached this goal. Trump has long criticized that fact, arguing the U.S. shouldn't help those who don't meet the financial goal. 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?'" Trump said at a rally in South Carolina last weekend, recalling a conversation he claimed he had while in office.. "I said, You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? He said, Yes, lets say that happened. No, I would not protect you." Trump's comments come amid a nasty divide in Congress over a $95 billion foreign military aid package that would dole out $60 billion to help Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia. Reporters David Jackson and Joey Garrison contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Barack Obama jumps into the fray after Donald Trump attacks NATO WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) Lawmakers on Capitol Hill say internet access is just as important as running water and electricity. What the ACP does is really provide meaningful relief to what has become a basic utility for every business, every farmer and every family across the country, Rep. Marc Molinaro (R-N.Y.) said. The ACP, or the Affordable Connectivity Program reduces internet bills by $30 monthly. But, Molinaro warns the money will dry up by late May. That money runs out and there will be millions who will lose access, will not be able to afford access to the internet, Molinaro said. He introduced legislation to extend the funding for the program. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.) supports the bill and says it benefits more than just low-income Americans. Theres a lot of working people and people serving in our military who will be impacted by this, Courtney said. The FCC estimates that nearly 50% of ACP participants are from military families. Particularly at the enlisted level, Courtney said. Both Courtney and Molinaro fear, if the money runs out, more than 75% of participants could deal with disruption or lose their internet all together. This is not something we want to have happen, Molinaro said. We know for a fact that a lot of people are gonna lose internet access if that happens and thats not good, Courtney said. The FCC told internet service providers to inform households about the programs potential end. But both lawmakers agree, Congress wont let that happen. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Editors note: This article has been edited from a previous version to reflect that Nick Fisher is no longer employed by CSFD. (COLORADO SPRINGS) A federal lawsuit has named a Colorado Springs Police Officer and a former paramedic with the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) in the death of a man who died after being restrained during what the lawsuit states was a mental health crisis. 63-year-old Kevin Dizmang died after being placed in a bear hug style hold by members of the Crisis Response Team (CRT), according to a coroners report. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: No charges against Colorado Springs officer, paramedic in death of man On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Dizmangs family and their attorneys gathered in front of Colorado Springs City Hall to announce a federal lawsuit filed in connection with Dizmangs death. The lawsuit, which names CSPD officer Sean Reed and former CSFD paramedic Nick Fisher, recounts the events of Nov. 15, 2022, when Dizmangs family called 911 to report that he was in the midst of a mental health crisis and appeared to be having a psychotic breakdown. Dizmang had a documented history with PTSD and schizophrenia and appeared to be having severe symptoms, though he had not hurt anyone, the familys attorneys said. The previously released body camera footage shows Dizmang wandering on and off the roadway when the CRT arrived, and Officer Reed gives repeated commands for him to put his hands behind his back, after saying youre not under arrest. Following a struggle, Dizmang is forced to the ground and placed in the hold that the familys attorneys allege killed him. The attorneys also allege that Fisher could be heard in body camera footage bragging and laughing about his actions at Penrose Hospital while medical personnel conducted chest compressions on Dizmang attempting to save his life. According to the autopsy conducted by the El Paso County Coroners Office, Dizmang died as a result of cardio-pulmonary arrest as a result of physical restraint. Other contributing factors from the coroners report included acute methamphetamine intoxication, COPD and asthma, cardiomegaly, diaphragmatic paralysis, and obesity. Crisis response teams are specifically designed to prevent tragedies like this, said Harry Daniels, a civil rights attorney representing the family. Instead they strangled a man begging for his life and laughed about it in the Emergency Room while he was dying. FOX21 News reached out to CSPD and CSFD for comment, which they declined, stating that they cannot comment on pending litigation. However, they referred back to a joint statement released on Feb. 15, 2023: Anytime a community member dies, we are saddened at the loss of life. We take these events seriously and, in this case, had the Deadly Force Investigation Team, led by the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, investigate this event. They then sent the case to the 4th Judicial District Attorneys Office for review and determination of the reasonableness of the force that was used. This exceeds the requirement by Colorado law, but we believe it is best for transparency and honest review for our community. All of our Community Response Team members are highly trained professionals, coming from diverse backgrounds with the goal of assisting our community members who are in crisis and need immediate intervention. The team is comprised of a Colorado Springs Police Department Officer, a Colorado Springs Fire Department Paramedic, and a Diversus Health Clinician. Unfortunately, even with all of the training and expertise on this CRT team, we cant control every factor involved in an interaction with a community member such as the actions, underlying medical conditions and intoxication of the involved person prior to our involvement. Joint statement by the Colorado Springs Police Department and Colorado Springs Fire Department For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado. (Photo : Unsplash/Colin Lloyd ) Dozens of protesters gathered outside OpenAI headquarters in San Francisco on Monday evening, opposing the company's artificial intelligence (AI) development. The demonstrations were organized by two groups, Pause AI and No AGI, urging OpenAI engineers to stop working on advanced AI systems like the chatbot ChatGPT and stop developing artificial intelligence that could lead to a future that surpasses human intelligence, known as artificial general intelligence (AGI), and to avoid any further military involvement. The event was organized in response to OpenAI deleting language from its usage policy last month that prohibited AI usage for military purposes. Shortly after this alteration, OpenAI was reported to have started working with the Pentagon as a client. READ ALSO: U.S. Lawmakers Gears Toward AI Regulation, Proposes Bill to Address AI Risks in the Government An Event Demanding OpenAI to Refrain from Accepting Military Clients Event organizers announced on February 12th that they would demand OpenAI to terminate its ties with the Pentagon and refrain from accepting military clients, emphasizing, "If their ethical and safety boundaries can be revised out of convenience, they cannot be trusted," in an event description. No AGI's Goals VentureBeat interviewed protest organizers to understand their goals for the demonstration and what success would mean for each organization. Sam Kitchener, head of No AGI, replied that the organization aims to raise awareness against developing AGI, advocating for alternatives like whole brain emulation and prioritizing human thought at the forefront of intelligence. Pause AI's Goals Holly Elmore, lead organizer of Pause AI (U.S.), told VentureBeat that her group seeks a global, indefinite halt on AGI development until it's deemed safe, emphasizing the importance of ending the relationship with the military as a crucial boundary. Distrust Around AI Development The protest occurs at a crucial moment in discussions about AI ethics. OpenAI's changes to its usage policy and collaboration with the Pentagon have ignited debates about AI militarization and its possible repercussions. The protesters are mainly worried about AGI, which could complete any intellectual task humans can but with incomprehensible speed and scale. Their concern isn't just job loss or autonomous warfare but also how AGI could fundamentally alter power dynamics and decision-making in society. Elmore emphasized the necessity for external regulation, citing OpenAI's pattern of retracting promises, pointing out instances like Sam Altman's conflicting statements about board authority, where Sam Altman bragged that the board could fire him in June. They couldn't fire him in November. Elmore highlighted the same thing going on with the usage policy [and military contract], questioning the effectiveness of policies if they do not limit OpenAIs from doing anything they want. Pause AI and No AGI's Different Approach Pause AI and No AGI aim to stop AGI development but differ in approach. Pause AI is willing to consider AGI if safety can be ensured. At the same time, No AGI firmly opposes its creation, highlighting concerns about psychological threats and loss of meaning in human lives. Both groups indicate that this is probably not their final protest. Others worried about AI risks can engage through their websites and social media. But for now, Silicon Valley continues its journey toward an uncertain AI future. RELATED ARTICLE: Meta Prepares for Upcoming U.S. Elections, Incorporates Invisible Watermarks for AI Deepfake Detection 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) The final defendant in an Augusta-area drug trafficking conspiracy has been sentenced to over a decade in prison. 40-year-old Justin Wayne Fields of Swainsboro has been sentenced to 168 months in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute Methamphetamine and Heroin. Justin Fields and his network conspired with a Georgia state prison inmate to facilitate methamphetamine and heroin shipments from Atlanta to Richmond and Emanuel Counties, said U.S. Attorney Steinberg. The investigation and prosecution of this operation and a related conspiracy sent more than a dozen defendants to federal prison, removing their malign influence from our communities. Fields was charged along with nine others in October 2022, including: Joshua Brooks Woodward , a/k/a Jay Wood, 30, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; and five counts of Use of a Communication Facility; Elizabeth Sarah Hagan , 38, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; Possession of Methamphetamine; and four counts of Use of a Communication Facility; Coley Alexander Greene , a/k/a Henry Jones, 30, of Wrens, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; and three counts of Use of a Communication Facility; James Edmund Beasley , 34, of Grovetown, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and three counts of Use of a Communication Facility; Cameron Ruth Young , 35, of Grovetown, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; and Use of a Communication Facility; David Marshall Hood , 45, of Kite, Ga., charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and Use of a Communication Facility; James Richard Faircloth , 39, of Swainsboro, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; five counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; and three counts of Use of a Communication Facility; Leann Nicole Faircloth , 39, of Swainsboro, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; and three counts of Distribution of Heroin; and, Casey Alton Henry, 45, of Swainsboro, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine and an Amount of Heroin; two counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine; and Use of a Communication Facility. And seven others in an April 2022 indictment: Jayson Dwayne Wheatley, 41, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Distribution of Heroin; Possession of 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; six counts of Use of a Communications Facility, relating to the use of Facebook Messenger and a cellphone to facilitate the conspiracy; and Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon; Jeffrey Mitchell Granade, 48, of Evans, Ga. , charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Possession of 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine; Possession of Firearms in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of Firearms by a Convicted Felon; Steven Curtis Newman, 55, of Martinez, Ga. , charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; and Possession of 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine; Richard Travis Bargeron, 41, of Augusta , currently an inmate at the Coffee County Correctional Facility, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Possession of 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon; Alvin Wayne Snellgrove, 63, of Evans , charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; and two counts of Use of a Communication Facility; Heather Nicole Disher, 42, of Grovetown, Ga. , charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Possession of Methamphetamine; and three counts of Use of a Communications Facility; and, Dana Alexander Rau, 48, of Augusta, charged with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, and to Distribute, 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing a Detectable Amount of Methamphetamine, 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, and an Amount of Heroin and Marijuana; Possession of Methamphetamine; Use of a Communications Facility, relating to the use of a cell phone to facilitate the conspiracy; and Possession of a Firearm by a User of Illegal Drugs. MORE DETAILS: Augusta man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for role in drug trafficking operation Of the 17 defendants in this case, 16 have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the conspiracies. The indictments came as a result of evidence gathered during the investigation in Operation Wheat Fields, which began in early 2018 and identified a pipeline of illegal drugs from Mexico routed through Atlanta and into the Augusta area. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Undergraduates can now pay 9,250 a year to learn how to measure a room in the countrys first-ever university degree for estate agents. The Royal Agricultural University has announced it plans to offer a two-year foundation course from September, which it claims will be the UKs first-ever estate agency degree. Those enrolled on the course will spend two years learning how to sell and let homes with modules including surveying, inspection and measurement. Other modules on the course, which costs UK students 9,250 a year in tuition fees, or 15,000 for international students, also include land and property economics, principles of marketing, and business informatics. The teaching sessions, inspired by the humanist approach according to the course syllabus, will take place in Swindon. They are timetabled for just two days of the week Mondays and Tuesdays covering 28 weeks of each year. The course includes a 10-week work experience placement, though prospective students have been told they will need to source these themselves. Britains first-ever estate agency course is being offered by the Royal Agricultural University - Simon Whaley Landscapes/Alamy Stock Photo Entry requirements state students must have passed at least one A2 Level and have obtained five GCSEs at grade C or higher. The Royal Agricultural Universitys course is the latest in a string of vocational degrees now taught at British universities. At Bath Spa students can study how to be circus-theatre performers, while at the University of Plymouth they can study the science of surfing. At the University of Exeter students have the opportunity to do a masters in magic. It comes as rising tuition fees which must now be repaid over 40 years and the larger proportion of school leavers going on to obtain a degree have called into question whether the value of a university education is in decline. At the same time Labour is pushing for more estate agents to have higher education qualifications in an effort to rid the housing market of cowboys. Last month, Labours shadow housing minister Matthew Pennycook tabled an amendment to incoming housing reforms which would require all estate agents to have at least one A-level and all directors of estate agencies to have an undergraduate degree. Estate agency trade body Propertymark has long been calling for a properly regulated industry, acknowledging that entry requirements for the profession are already higher in Scotland and Wales than they are in England. Other countries have even stricter requirements. In Sweden, for example, all estate agents have to have a two-year university qualification. Britains first estate agency degree comes after years of calls for more regulation in the sector. In 2017, Sajid Javid then Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government committed to regulate letting agents. This led to Lord Bests review in 2019, which the Royal Agricultural University references in its syllabus. If more qualifications for estate agents are enacted in law, it could apply retroactively. This means all current agents could be forced to return to education if they do not already have the minimum level of qualifications and would likely be given a grace period in which to comply with the new entry requirements. Recommended The best and worst degrees for earning a high salary 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 woman who worked as an apartment manger for 30 years was killed in a murder-suicide inside a Texas leasing office, according to police and news reports. Police in Houston said two workers at Westchase Forest Apartments were shot at the complex Monday, Feb. 12. One of them, identified by multiple reports as 56-year-old Lisa Blackburn, died from her injuries. The accused gunman entered the leasing office and held Blackburn and a male worker hostage, police told KRIV. The suspect later shot and killed Blackburn and also shot the man, injuring him, according to police. Police said the male suspect then shot and killed himself. He has not been identified, but police told KRIV he is a man in his 30s or 40s. Once we left we got through the first gate after we got through the first gate thats when I heard the gunshots, said Christian Valasquez, who told KPRC he was in the leasing office with his family when the situation began. It was like three or four maybe I couldnt remember I was just so in a rush to get my wife and my son out of there. A motive for the shooting is unclear. Blackburn, a grandmother to four girls, was a breast cancer survivor who was 11 days away from turning 57, KTRK reported, citing family members. She had managed apartment properties for 30 years, family members told KHOU. Young siblings found dead in possible murder-suicide, cops say. Impacts us deeply Grocery store worker is killed when ex-husband shoots her and himself, Ohio cops say Neighbor hears gunshots before mom and son are found dead in home, Missouri cops say AUSTIN, Texas A car crashed into an emergency room at a Texas hospital Tuesday evening, killing one person and injuring five others, according to first responders. The vehicle struck the north entrance of the emergency room at St. David's North Austin Medical Center shortly after 5:30 p.m., Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said in a Facebook post. The crash did not appear to be intentional, the Austin Police Department said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The driver died at the scene after being extricated from the vehicle, Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said at a news conference. Medics attempted to perform CPR on the driver, said Thayer Smith, assistant chief of the Austin Fire Department. It was unclear if the crash caused the person's death, Austin Police Lt. Carey Chaudoir told the Austin American-Statesman, part of the USA TODAY Network. An investigation is ongoing. Five people who were in the emergency room lobby were injured, said Dr. Peter DeYoung, chief medical officer of St. David's North Austin Medical Center. One of them is being treated at St. David's, while four others, including two children, were taken to other hospitals. Child in critical condition One of the children suffered critical, life-threatening injuries, and one adult has serious, potentially life-threatening injuries. The other child and adult did not have life-threatening injuries. Eight other people who were patients at the hospital will be taken to other hospitals, Luckritz said. The building was structurally sound, and there were no impacts to operations outside of the emergency room, DeYoung said. The ER is currently closed to ambulances and EMS but was still taking walk-ins who would be treated at a makeshift triage area at the ambulance bay. Austin-Travis County EMS initially reported that at least 10 people were injured. The Austin Fire Department advised drivers to avoid the area. Hospital visitors directed to avoid ER Danielle Ketchens was visiting her mother on the third floor of the hospital Tuesday evening when the vehicle struck the ER. An alarm went off and a nurse remarked that it was a fire alarm, "like it was nothing," Ketchens said. "But she heard something in her earpiece and she just took off, and she's like, 'Oh, I'm sorry. I'll be right back,'" Ketchens added. Later, nurses directed visitors to leave through the hospital's south entrance, to avoid the scene at the ER. St. Davids North Austin Medical Center has a 24-hour emergency department. It is described on its website as a 441-bed acute care facility that handles maternity and newborn care, other womens health services, and many other specialties, including heart and brain surgeries and robotic surgery. Contributing: Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY; The Associated Press; This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas emergency room car crash leaves 1 dead and 5 others injured At least one person is dead and five more are injured following an apparent motor vehicle accident at a local hospital in Austin, Texas, authorities said. The person who died was the driver of the vehicle, an SUV that made it through two sets of sliding glass doors at St. Davids North Austin Medical Center before becoming stuck between two desks, images from the scene captured by the Austin American-Statesman show. Video of the aftermath obtained by ABC News shows a cloud of dust in the hospitals entryway and people milling aboutincluding one woman holding a small child and several overturned wheelchairs. Screeching tires can be heard even after the car comes to a halt, implying that the driver was still accelerating at the time of impact. The chaotic incident occurred Tuesday night just after 5:30 p.m., police saidthough authorities said there is no indication that the incident was intentional. The driver was not identified by authorities, nor was a cause of death given. JUST IN: Video shows scene inside St. David's North Austin Medical Center in Texas after authorities say a vehicle crashed into the emergency room, injuring multiple people. Austin police said "this incident does not appear to be an intentional act." https://t.co/25ZJjgK1v1 pic.twitter.com/WavaVhy7zw ABC News (@ABC) February 14, 2024 At least two of the others injured are children, who were subsequently transported to Dell Childrens Medical Center, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said in a statement. One child and one adult were listed in serious condition. Patients already being treated at St. Davids were transported to other emergency rooms in the area, authorities said. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reacted to the crash on social media, saying hes spoken with Austin mayor Kirk Watson and has offered to support the city in any way he can. Ive spoken with Mayor Watson about the tragic accident at St. Davids North Austin Medical Center & offered Texas full support, he wrote. State personnel are working closely with local officials to ensure Austin has no unmet needs. Cecilia & I pray for the victims & their loved ones. 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. 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 (Photo : Unsplash/ BoliviaInteligente) Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, expressed on Tuesday that what concerns him most about artificial intelligence are the "subtle societal misalignments" that could cause chaos. Sam Altman Expressing Concerns About Potential AI Dangers Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via video call, Sam Altman restated his proposal for establishing a regulatory body similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency to supervise AI, which is progressing faster than anticipated globally. Altman expressed concern about potential AI dangers, focusing less on scenarios like killer robots walking on the streets but more on subtle societal misalignments where "we just have these systems out in society and through no particular ill intention, things just go horribly wrong." A Push for Creating AI Regulations in the Industry However, Altman emphasized that the AI industry, including OpenAI, should not lead the way in creating regulations governing the industry. Altman noted that the AI industry is engaged in extensive discussions worldwide, with conferences and policy papers commonplace. He stressed the importance of ongoing debate but emphasized the need to transition towards an action plan with global support in the coming years. OpenAI, a San Francisco AI startup, is a key player in the industry. Microsoft has invested billions in OpenAI, and the Associated Press has a deal allowing OpenAI access to its news archive. However, The New York Times has sued both OpenAI and Microsoft for using its stories without permission to train OpenAI's chatbots. READ ALSO: OpenAI Deleted Ban on Military Use of GPT, Swamped with Protesters Opposing AI and Military Involvement OpenAI's success has made Altman a prominent figure representing the generative AI's swift commercialization, sparking concerns about the potential risk this new technology may bring. The UAE's G42 Intelligence Risk The UAE, an autocratic federation of seven hereditary-ruled sheikhdoms, shows signs of such risk, where speech is strictly controlled, affecting the flow of accurate information, which AI programs like ChatGPT rely on to provide user answers. The Emirates also has G42, a firm in Abu Dhabi overseen by the country's influential national security adviser, which possesses what experts believe to be the world's top Arabic-language artificial intelligence model. The company has been accused of spying due to its association with a mobile app identified as spyware and has also faced allegations of secretly collecting genetic material from Americans for the Chinese government. G42 stated it would cut connections with Chinese suppliers due to American concerns. However, local concerns were not addressed during the discussion with Altman, moderated by the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Omar al-Olama. Seeing AI as a Critical Part of the Future Altman expressed encouragement at schools' shift from fearing AI use in student papers to seeing it as essential for the future. However, he emphasized that AI is still in its early stages. Altman likened current AI technology to the first cellphone with a black-and-white screen, suggesting that improvements will come with time. He predicted that AI will be significantly better in a few years, and in a decade, it will be remarkable. RELATED ARTICLE: OpenAI "Plays Safe" on Infringement Lawsuits, Partners with Dozens of Publishers to License Content 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been released from hospital and is resuming his officials duties, after being admitted to a critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment for a bladder issue. Mr Austin, 70, a retired four-star general and the first Black secretary of defense, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December and underwent a procedure a few days before Christmas. He was subsequently hospitalised on New Years Day, though senior administration officials were not made aware for three days prompting widespread criticism regarding a lack of communication and transparency. On Sunday, Mr Austin was admitted to hospital once again and this time his medical issue was widely communicated to the Biden administration and the public. In a statement on Tuesday, the Pentagon gave a new update, saying that he had been discharged. Following consultation with medical staff, Secretary Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center today at approximately 3:30 pm, the statement read. He is recovering well and resumed his full functions and duties today at 5 pm. The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified. On the advice of his doctors, Secretary Austin will recuperate and perform his duties remotely from home for a period before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week. He has full access to the unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties. The secretarys doctors at Walter Reed said that he was admitted on Sunday with discomfort and concern from a bladder issue related to his December 2023 prostate cancer surgery. Pentagon boss Lloyd Austin in a briefing (AP) His condition indicated a need for close monitoring by the critical care team and supportive care. His diagnostic evaluation identified the cause of his bladder issue and it was corrected with non-surgical procedures on Monday, the doctors said. The physicians added that Mr Austin remained in good condition throughout and no longer needed critical care monitoring as of Tuesday morning. He progressed well and was discharged to his home today. He is anticipated to continue his full recovery, they said. The bladder issue was not related to his cancer diagnosis and will have no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis. Mr Austin, who cancelled a trip to Brussels for meetings with Nato and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, instead hosted a virtual session from his home on Wednesday, pushing for further aid to Ukraine as it fights back against the Russian invasion. As the war approaches its two-year mark on 24 February, Kyiv is in urgent need of ammunition and artillery as it faces rationing of its arms even as Russia has completely changed its economic output to a war footing. The Wilson Center noted in September 2023 that Russias military expenditure has tripled compared to pre-war times. By 2023, the government intends to spend $160 billion on military needs, or 40 percent of its budget. Combined with regional and private war-related expenditures, this figure may surpass 10 percent of GDP in 2023. Speaking to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a group of 50 countries providing support to Ukraine, Mr Austin said he was planning on being there in person but I had to return to the hospital for non-surgical procedures. Im in good condition, and my cancer prognosis remains excellent, he added. Mr Austin said the group was working on filling Ukraines most acute short-term needs, such as its urgent need for more artillery, ammunition and air defense missiles. WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin appeared Wednesday by video before representatives of western allies who are supporting Ukraine, his first public appearance since he was hospitalized this weekend a bladder issue. He pledged to stand behind Ukraine and help deliver its most urgent needs: artillery ammunition and air defense missiles to defend against Russias nearly two-year long invasion. The Ukraine Defense Contact Group met in Brussels, a conference Austin had planned to attend before his latest health setback. Austin's staff rushed him to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Sunday. Austin's doctors placed him in intensive care for treatment and monitoring. In a statement, they said Austin is expected to make a full recovery. On Tuesday, the Senate approved a foreign aid package that includes $60 billion to resupply Ukraines military. Its fate in the House is unclear. Ukraine will not surrender, and neither will we, Austin said. Austin briefly addressed his ongoing health issues. He has prostate cancer, and has suffered from complications from surgery that have landed him in the hospital and in hot water for trying to conceal it. He apologized for his lack of candor during a Feb. 1 news conference. The Pentagon is investigating his lapse, and Congress has called on him to testify about it. Im in good condition and my cancer prognosis remains excellent, Austin said. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lloyd Austin speaks after hospitalization, pledges Ukraine support Feb. 14 (UPI) -- A stretch of highway in South Carolina was closed for 10 hours when a truck overturned, caught fire and released more than 35 wandering cows. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said the truck ran off Interstate 95 in Colleton County and overturned between Exit 53 and Exit 57. Colleton County Fire Rescue said the cab and chassis of the truck caught fire, with the rear of the truck hanging over a bridge at mile marker 55 and another part of the truck was submerged in the river. The driver was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A car was disabled when it struck debris, but the driver was not injured. The interstate was closed in both directions as crews worked to clean up debris and round up nearby cows. "Sheriff's deputies, local ranchers, DNR Officers, Fire-Rescue and Animal Services spent most of the afternoon chasing down rogue cows that had made it into neighborhoods near the interstate," CCFR said in a news release. "Fire-Rescue and deputies used drones equipped with thermal imaging cameras to search the swampy areas near the accident and neighboring woods," the release said. Photos shared by officials show cowboys on horseback rounding up and lassoing loose cattle. The roadway was reopened after about 10 hours. This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. Who said it was gonna fix the problem? Republican Rep. Ralph Norman, when an MSNBC reporter asked him how impeaching DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas would solve the problems at the U.S. southern border If at first you dont succeed, try, try again. Thats how House Republicans managedbarelyto impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday night, in their second attempt this month. In a 214213 vote, House Republicans made history by impeaching the first sitting Cabinet official in 148 years. (Secretary of War William Belknap was impeached most recently, in 1876.) House Majority Leader Steve Scalise came back to Capitol Hill to vote for impeachment after receiving a round of treatment for blood cancer. Meanwhile, two DemocratsReps. Lois Frankel and Judy Chuwere absent, and presumably if either one had been present to vote, Mayorkas would not have been impeached. Desperate times call for desperate measures, Speaker Mike Johnson said in a press conference Wednesday morning. We had to do that. Did they really have to, though? As recently as one week ago, House Republicans were not so sure impeachment was necessary, and fell one vote short in impeaching Mayorkas. Shortly before the first vote, Rep. Mike Gallagher, who crossed party lines and voted no, criticized the partys motivations for pursuing impeachment in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, noting that there were no actual criminal offenses cited, only underenforcement of current immigration policies. If we are to make underenforcement of the law, even egregious underenforcement, impeachable, almost every cabinet secretary would be subject to impeachment, wrote Gallagher, who also just announced hes not seeking reelection. Creating a new, lower standard for impeachment, one without any clear limiting principle, wouldnt secure the border or hold Mr. Biden accountable, Gallagher added. It would only pry open the Pandoras box of perpetual impeachment. And in the same week of the first Mayorkas impeachment vote, Republicans blew up their very own immigration bill, legislation that would have beefed up border security and sent more aid to Ukraine. Why? Largely because presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump declared he needed chaos at the southern border to continue for the sake of his campaign. Mayorkas impeachment is now in the hands of the Senate, which will most likely dismiss the charges against him, allowing the homeland security secretary to resume his regular duties. Then what was all this for? Well, Norman might have just admitted the quiet part out loud. FSC aims for global consistency to minimize corporate burden By Anna J. Park The Financial Services Commission (FSC) plans to release a draft of environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) disclosure standards, which will apply to companies listed on the Korean stock exchanges. This draft is scheduled to be released between March and April, according to the financial regulator. The FSC will release a final draft after gathering feedback from stakeholders, including business lobbies, investors and experts. The FSC said Wednesday that the government aims to minimize the burden on companies by setting the ESG disclosure standards. This will be achieved by reflecting Korea's industrial structure while also adhering to global standards. "First and foremost, the government aims to draw up the draft of ESG disclosure standards that are aligned with global standards in order to minimize companies' dual disclosure burdens," FSC Vice Chairman Kim So-young said during a government-hosted seminar to discuss the corporate ESG disclosure standards at the Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) earlier in the day. In October of last year, the FSC decided to postpone the mandatory requirement for companies to issue ESG disclosures, originally set for 2025, to a later date after 2026. This delay was primarily due to requests from companies for additional time to prepare. The decision was also influenced by similar delays in adopting mandatory ESG disclosure systems in the U.S. and other major countries. The seminar was attended by key officials from financial authorities, business associations including the KCCI, the Korea Enterprises Federation, and the Korea Listed Companies Association the National Pension Service, KB Financial Group and academics. Kim said the ESG disclosure standards should provide useful information for investors while ensuring domestic companies maintain global competitiveness. "Accordingly, the government plans to enact ESG disclosure standards that are interoperable with international ESG disclosure standards, including those from the United States and the European Union," Kim said. He added that the government will fully consider Korea's industrial structure in writing the draft, noting Korea's high reliance on the manufacturing sector for its economic output, unlike the U.S. or European countries, making reducing carbon emissions more challenging. Regarding a specific timing of the start of the mandatory ESG disclosures, the FSC reiterated its position on Wednesday that it will be decided later, after consultations with related ministries. In addition, the government plans to apply the minimum level of sanctions during the initial phase of the mandatory ESG disclosures. Business associations welcomed the government's move focusing on reducing burdens on the part of companies. "One of the most important elements of the ESG goals is to reduce carbon emissions. Yet, for instance, there could exist limitations for a domestic company to gather exact related data from its overseas subsidiaries or affiliated companies. Thus, systemic government assistance or support on such matters would be necessary to smoothly implement the mandatory ESG disclosures," Cho Young-jun, executive director heading sustainable management at the KCCI Korea's oldest and largest business organization told The Korea Times on Wednesday. He also said that the business association supports the government's aim to seek international consistency in its ESG disclosure standards, as it will lower companies' burden in preparing themselves for both domestic and global regulatory directions. He added that domestic companies also hope to see more organized and systemic regulations from institutions that conduct verification and assurance of corporate ESG goals. This Valentines Day. Floridas Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis is playing Cupid and looking for Floridians with Valentines-themed names and urging them to search Floridas Unclaimed Property database. Is your last names associated with V-Day, if so, there is more than $20 million in unclaimed property with your name on it literally. Roses are red, violets are blue, and I love returning money back to Floridians like you, Patronis said. To add some excitement to your Valentines Day, we have created a list of Valentine-themed names with available funds per name. Read: Floridians can claim more than $32 million in unclaimed property this January Valentines-Themed Names and Dollar Amount Available Per Name: Rose 65,535 Accounts $10.4 Million Available Love 36,700 Accounts $3.2 Million Available Red 22,490 Accounts $2.7 Million Available Flower 10,550 Accounts $1 million Available Sweet 7,354 Accounts $784K Available Heart 6,817 Accounts $902K Available Pink 6,505 Accounts $535K Available Kiss 6,222 Accounts $680K Available Valentine 4,779 Accounts $580K Available Candy 504 Accounts $64K Available Read: How to avoid romance scams this Valentines Day If any of these words are in your name or business name, I encourage you to start your search today for unclaimed property at FLTreasureHunt.gov. Treat yourself this Valentines Day to some extra cash and search now, Patronis added. Unclaimed property assets are held by business or government entities (holders) for a set period of time, usually five years. If the holder is unable to locate, re-establish contact with the owner, and return the asset, it is reported and remitted to the Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Unclaimed Property. Since CFO Patronis took office in 2017, more than $2.3 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida citizens. To search for unclaimed property or to claim an account, go online to FLTreasureHunt.gov. Photos: New Orleans celebrates Mardi Gras Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. LUBBOCK For nearly 25 years, much of Texas population have lived in a city that participates in the states open energy marketplace. But not the residents of Lubbock, who have been serviced exclusively by one electric company Lubbock Power & Light, the citys municipal provider. For more than a decade, residents have desperately wanted an open market, sharing their dissatisfaction with their bills. Residents now have what they long wished for Lubbocks electric market is open. For several weeks leading up to the switch, which takes place Thursday, provider fairs have become the manifestation of the states energy marketplace. The city has hosted rows and rows of energy companies at the Lubbock Civic Center. With each one, dozens of smiling salespeople greeted residents with brochures, sweepstake prizes and promises of free nights of electricity and other deals to save big bucks. However, with more than 30 companies to choose from, the process has been daunting, residents say. And the dream of finding a new low rate might not be fulfilled. Its surprising how many there are. Where did they all come from? asked Brenda King on her second trip to the electric fair. It feels like all the people from out of town and state are swarming us. The switch from a single municipal provider to the states open marketplace has been several years in making. Last year, the municipal electric company completed its integration into the state power grid managed by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, often referred to as ERCOT. Texans have been critical of ERCOT and the stability of the grid since the 2021 winter storm that left millions without power. Many Texans are still paying more each month for electricity because of the storm and will for many more years. Consumers in Lubbock are now facing the same thing consumers for the rest of ERCOT are facing, said Ed Hirs, an energy economics professor at the University of Houston. Texas established its open market in 1999. The market allows homeowners and renters to shop for energy like they do a cell phone plan with many, many more options. At the time the market opened, Lubbock was in the Southwest Power Pool, a grid operator governed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. City leaders in 2015 sought to join the ERCOT grid when their contract with Xcel Energy expired, with one big benefit the move would eliminate the need to build a $700 million power plant to stay with SPP. Then in 2018, the City Council agreed to have the city join the states open marketplace. In the wake of the winter storm, some Lubbock residents expressed concern about the city joining the states independent power grid. By then, however, the city had invested millions of dollars into the move since 2015, which was also the key to bringing competition to Lubbock. Lubbock became the first major city to join the ERCOT market in nearly 25 years, and was the largest single transfer of customers in the organizations history. There have been costly hurdles along the way, including resolving their contract with Xcel and shutting down their usage on the SPP grid. But Matt Rose, LP&Ls chief public affairs officer, said Lubbock could be used as a test case for other cities that might want to do the same. Lubbock was uniquely situated to make this move, Rose said. For a city ready and willing to do this, it can be done. But if you were not in that position, from our opinion, it would be next to impossible. To prepare for the switch, residents have gotten creative in researching their options, trying to find the best deal. Aside from the information at fairs, Lubbock residents started sharing and comparing what they were hearing from companies in social media groups. Some retailers have also taken to local television with flashy commercials some that star a flexing armadillo and targeted ads to grab attention. Nicholas Bergfeld, a Lubbock resident and public policy adviser, said its hard for people to grasp because the marketplace, and its retailers, are well established. The way they advertise and how they engage are things Lubbock citizens have never seen, Bergfeld said. Bergfeld said residents should read between the lines when signing their contracts. He said there are providers with enticing incentives that draw consumers away from fixed rates, which could cost more in the end. For example, one company offers a plan where the two highest-usage days a week are free. In that plan, consumers would be charged a higher rate than if they chose a fixed rate plan without extra perks. The average residential price per kilowatt-hour in Texas last November was 14.61 cents, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. LP&Ls current rate is in the same range, but has fluctuated in recent years. As of Tuesday, about 45% of customers had chosen their provider, according to Lubbock Power & Light. Residents must choose a new electric provider by Thursday. If a resident doesnt choose by then, they will be randomly assigned one from three providers Reliant Energy, TXU Energy, or Octopus Energy at mid-market rates for the next 90 days. Regardless of who customers choose, Rose stressed that people can change providers at the end of their terms if they arent satisfied. If you don't have a good experience with who you chose, you have the ability to choose another one when that contract expires, Rose said. With the deadline approaching, Chuck Greenslade is another Lubbock resident trying to narrow down his options in time. More choices are refreshing, he said, particularly after having high bills since moving to Lubbock from Denton in 2022. Greenslade and his wife tried to lower their electricity usage to drive down their bill. They would change the temperature for the house and adjust the light settings. They eventually switched to a window unit for their bedroom to regulate temperatures without driving up the bill. It didnt make much of a difference. Ive lived in a variety of places in Texas, Greenslade said. The cost of energy in Lubbock was the highest of anywhere Ive ever lived. Greenslade started to track some providers and their plans in a spreadsheet. Hes drawn toward the providers that offer some form of free energy hours, either on some nights or a weekend each month. Hell likely choose Reliant, a provider hes used in the past. I like the perks, like bill averaging to prevent overly large bills month to month, Greenslade said. Disclosure: Octopus Energy and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here. 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. By Park Han-sol Yoido Full Gospel Church, Korea's largest Protestant church, has announced its five-year mission to address the country's falling birthrate with new and revamped initiatives. "At the forefront of priorities for Korea should be the issue of birthrate. But despite the government's expenditure of trillions of won to resolve this matter, the actual [financial and social] benefits for parents raising children still remain elusive," the Rev. Lee Young-hoon, the senior pastor of the megachurch, said in a press conference in Seoul, Wednesday. "Fostering ideal conditions for marriage and child-rearing lies as the central tasks. Our church proposes that the entire society develop a culture of child care responsibility that is concerned not only with the birth of children but with their proper growth." The church introduced the concept of "childcare sensitivity," simliar to gender sensitivity, which highlights discrimination or imbalances in daily life stemming from gender differences. This concept seeks to identify discrimination and challenges faced in having and raising children, encouraging the society to collectively address and rectify these issues. As part of its initiatives, the megachurch has drastically increased the amount of childbirth subsidies that have been provided to its congregants since 2012. So far, 5.4 billion won ($4.04 million) have been distributed to over 5,000 families 1 million won for the first newborn, 2 million won for the second, 5 million won for the third and fourth each and 10 million won for the fifth. Starting this year, that amount will nearly double 2 million won for the first child, 3 million won for the second, 5 million won for the third and 10 million won for the fourth and onward. It will enhance the operation of the Vine Center, a residential facility dedicated to single mothers under the age of 24 and their infants. It is also mulling over plans to expand the usage of its district churches and houses of prayer scattered across the greater Seoul area for after-school programs. A key focus of the church's strategy is fostering a culture of respect for women, particularly through putting more women in leadership posts and empowering them within the church community. This year, it is set to promote 20 women to serve as church elders for the first time in its six-decade history and continue ordaining female pastors, building on the momentum of appointing 47 women in 2023. Meanwhile, the megachurch plans to continue to support international students and multicultural families in Korea through the Global Elim Foundation. Last year, the institution offered 18 students from 10 countries scholarships, and 45 foreign residents here received free counseling in their native languages at the Global Trauma Center. DECATUR, Ill. (WCIA) A 20-year-old man is under arrest after Decatur Police said he made a telephone threat toward the Macon County Courthouse on Tuesday. Sergeant Scott Flannery of the Decatur Police Department said the courthouse received a phone call at 12:15 p.m. from someone claiming they were going to shoot up the courthouse and specifically target police officers. The caller was also specific about what time the shooting would happen and how he intended. Champaign teen sentenced for defacing headstones with swastikas There were more than 200 people inside the building at the time, but police determined the threats were not credible. The Macon County Sheriffs Office, with assistance from the Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center, was able to quickly locate the suspected caller and arrest him. Officers were in the area, then lo and behold, there he was on the phone, talking with us, Flannery said. When we approached him, he said it wasnt him. And we dialed the number back that wed been talking to for the last 45 minutes, and the phone rang in his pocket. The suspect was identified as Bryan McClellan of Decatur. McClellan has been charged with making a terrorist threat, a Class X felony in the State of Illinois. Suspect wanted in car burglaries at Decatur Fire station Police later found out it would be his second time inside a courtroom in as many days. We realized that he had been at the courthouse at about 9 oclock. He left at about 11:51, which was about 15 minutes [after] him actually making the phone call, Flannery said. He was there on official business. He had a case that was pending. So we think that he potentially just didnt get the information he wanted, didnt have a good court situation left, was angry, and made those phone calls. The Macon County Courthouse was not evacuated due to the number of people inside for Jury Week. Courthouse officials were made aware of the situation, but the quick arrest led to the decision to resume normal operations. McClellan had his detention hearing Wednesday afternoon. He was denied bail and will remain in jail until his trial. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com. An arrest in a series of break-ins has Orange County law enforcement warning people to be careful about stashing valuables before leaving their cars to walk on local trails. The thefts are similar to those committed by an organized crime group known as the Felony Lane Gang, the Orange County Sheriffs Office said Wednesday in a news release. Lemone Octaviu Slaughter, 47, was arrested Feb. 6 and charged with attempted breaking or entering a motor vehicle, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and four counts of financial card theft, according to the news release. Slaughter, who was wanted for similar crimes in at least three other states, had drivers licenses from Florida and Georgia with him when he was arrested, along with multiple financial instruments printed with different spellings of his name and three cell phones, officials said. He was released from the Orange County jail after posting a $20,000 bail bond and is scheduled to appear in court March 22. How the break-ins happened Orange County investigators first learned about the break-ins when a theft was reported Feb. 4 at Hollow Rock Nature Park on Erwin Road, they said. The victim said a tote bag, wallet and several financial instruments and identification documents were stolen from a parked car. Investigators noticed a silver Chrysler Pacifica while reviewing security video footage from the park and identified it as similar to a car that had been recently seen circulating in and out of several parks and hiking areas in multiple jurisdictions, they said. The theft at Hollow Rock happened just minutes after the driver parked their car, they said. The Chryslers description was shared with other Orange County deputies, and an investigator saw a man identified as Slaughter near a sport utility vehicle about 30 minutes later at Brumley Nature Preserve on New Hope Church Road. The investigator watched Slaughter jump away and into a silver Chrysler Pacifica, the release said. Slaughter was found with a window punch, which is a tool used to break a car window in emergencies, it said. What is the Felony Lane Gang? The Felony Lane Gang started in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, over 10 years ago and now includes multiple organized gangs that commit identity theft and burglary across the East Coast, according to the FBI. A federal task force focused on bringing down the group posted on Facebook last year that spinoff groups have now formed to commit similar crimes. The group has been in the Triangle region at least since last year when the Alamance County Sheriffs Office warned about car break-ins at county parks and recreation areas over the spring and summer. The group also has been known to target women dropping off or picking children up from daycare, according to news releases in other states. Members of the gang are known to immediately take credit cards to nearby grocery stores and shops, where they buy gift cards and money orders worth thousands of dollars, Alamance County officials said. Gang members often drive rental cars with out-of-state license plates or paper temporary tags, they said. Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood encouraged drivers to put valuables and identification documents in a locked trunk or leave them at home when walking on trails and visiting other places, such as gyms, if they do not want to carry purses and other items. If something is stolen, Orange County Investigator Jason Nazworth said, the victim should immediately cancel your credit cards, contact your bank, and notify the credit bureaus. These perpetrators are sophisticated, and they move fast, Nazworth said. They are in and out of a parking lot within minutes, and often the thief or an accomplice makes large purchases of merchandise or gift cards within the hour. Anyone with information about the suspect or other break-ins at local parks and trailheads can call Nazworth at 919-245-2960. SHEFFIELD, Ala. (WHNT) A man charged with murder for the shooting death of a Sheffield motel owner will not be allowed out on bond after a hearing on Tuesday afternoon. William Jeremy Moore, 34, was denied bond by a Colbert County District Judge after a bond hearing, according to court documents. 55-year-old arrested on trafficking charges after search warrant executed in Huntsville According to Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry, Moore was arrested for the shooting death of Pravin Raojibhai Patel, the owner of the Hillcrest Motel. During the hearing, documents show the court heard testimony from Sheffield Detective Brett Evans who said there had been witnesses at the hotel who saw Moore flee the scene. Court records said Evans also testified that video footage showed the incident where it appeared Moore pulled out a gun and shot at Patel. Evans said a total of three shots were fired from the gun. Officials initially said the shooting was the result of an altercation that occurred when Moore came to the property looking to rent a room. Moore was quickly apprehended by Sheffield Police on 13th Avenue when he was trying to break into an abandoned house, the chief said Thursday. Evans testified that Moore was found in an abandoned property. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. ADAMS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A man is dead after a single-vehicle crash in Adams County Tuesday afternoon. State Police in Gettysburg said that the deadly crash happened around 2:30 p.m. on Barlow Two Taverns Road in Mt. Joy Township. There was only one person in the vehicle when it crashed. According to the crash report, 72-year-old Larry Redding of Gettysburg was driving his 2004 GMC Envoy south when he drifted across the roadway and went off-road, hitting a mailbox before crashing into a tree. The man was rushed to the hospital for treatment but died, the report states. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter State Police were assisted by Adams Regional EMS, Alpha Company EMS, Littelstown Fire Department and Bosleys towing. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Missing Missile A man made a disturbing discovery while walking down a beach in Sampson State Park, around 250 miles northwest of New York City. Tyler Davis came across a torpedo-shaped object that had an "unsettling" blinking light, as the Miami Herald reports, a terrifying find that fortunately had a non-explosive ending. "Well I think I stumbled upon a torpedo maybe?" Davis wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend, as quoted by the newspaper. "Did you try and hit it with a hammer?" one particularly daring user wrote in the comments. Dummy Sub As it turns out, Davis was never at risk of triggering a blast. "The thought of taking it definitely popped up, but with it still working and blinking I wanted to return it," he told the Miami Herald. After examining the torpedo for details, he found a phone number. After leaving a message, he finally got a call that solved the mystery once and for all. The terrifying-looking device belonged to the US military's nearby Seneca Lake Sonar Test Facility, Davis told the newspaper. It wasn't an active weapon, but a training device, which acts as a dummy submarine so that sailors can "train their detection, tracking and weapon employment skills," according to the Navy's website. "When I was finally contacted they thanked me... and had me pinpoint it on a map so they could retrieve it," Davis told the Miami Herald. "They said after its course, they return to the surface and get collected but this one escaped," he added. More on missiles: Man "Extremely Irritated" When Police Show Up to Examine His Vintage Nuclear Missile ZANESVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) A central Ohio man has been charged with attempted murder after he fired shots at two employees inside Zanesville City Hall on Monday. Patrick Foraker, 39, fired three times from the street into Zanesville City Hall shortly before 10 a.m. Monday, according to Muskingum County Prosecutor Ron Welch. Foraker was targeting two city water department employees, striking through the exterior glass payment window of the buildings payment office. I am relieved there was not a loss of life because of Forakers crimes, Welch said. However, the employees that came under fire have still suffered a trauma most of us cannot imagine. I hope everyone can appreciate what they are going through. Foraker is facing two counts of attempted murder, three of felonious assault, three of discharging a firearm over a public roadway, one of carrying a concealed weapon and one of inducing panic. Shortly after being dispatched, officers found Foraker and took him into custody without incident. City Hall closed after the shooting, and other offices in the area were placed on lockdown, which Welch said resulted in an economic less of more than $1,000. As a result of the charges, Foraker could be sentenced to decades in prison if convicted. The case will be presented to a grand jury, Welch said. The prosecutors office is requesting Foraker be held on a $1 million bond for purposes of protecting the public and guaranteeing his appearance at further court hearings. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. A Seattle neighborhood is mourning the loss of a man who was found dead outside the Seattle Mens Chorus and Seattle Womens Chorus offices over the weekend. News about this death comes days after there have been several break-ins at the building, and residents say the violence is concerning. I would see him basically every day, if it wasnt in the morning, I would see him in the evening when he would be back, said a neighbor. Several neighbors told KIRO 7 the man was homeless. There are people that knew him from years, years back since before he even slept here A lot of times neighbors here in the community would offer him blankets, clothes, money, and a lot of times he would refuse it, so one thing about him it was known that he was a really humble man, the neighbor continued. Seattle Police said that shortly after 7 a.m. on Saturday they received a call about a man in the alley off 12th Avenue. When officers arrived, they found a 68-year-old man dead. A King County Medical Examiners report says he died from multiple injuries to the head. I was out around nine in the morning and saw that all of this was already covered up. There (were) cops and the whole investigation going on It just pains me to hear who knows how long he was out here for, said a neighbor. The tragedy comes days after several break-ins at Seattle Chorus. Its a difficult time, we are in a big city, there is crime, we do understand that the Seattle Police Department has been very responsive, said Craig Coogan, Executive Director for Seattle Mens and Seattle Womens Chorus. Im definitely keeping my guard up and trying to stay safe and alert when Im out, said a neighbor. Theres now a growing memorial with flowers and kind messages where the man slept. Stopped by again the day after, and more stuff was here, and people have been stopping by. You know, its really beautiful to see there was a community here that cared for him, said a neighbor. A man in Florida gave a pair of crane statues to his ex-girlfriend in an attempt to win back her affections for Valentines Day, a sheriff said. The problem? Hes accused of stealing them from a womans yard. A woman in Lakeland called the sheriffs office to report two statues of sandhill cranes were missing from her lawn, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a Feb. 14 Facebook video. They were a gift from her late husband, she told deputies, and it was very important to her to see them returned. Our detectives took that personally, the sheriff said. They started a search in the community for the crane statues and found them shortly after at another womans house, Judd said. The detectives explained that the statues had been taken from another home, and the woman was mortified, the sheriff said. The woman told investigators her ex-boyfriend had gifted them to her, Judd said. The cranes were given back to the owner just in time for Valentines Day, according to the sheriff. Investigators learned the ex-boyfriend, a 33-year-old man, rode up to the womans house on his bicycle and took the statues because sandhill cranes mate for life, the sheriffs office said. The man has 39 previous burglary and theft charges, Judd said. He was charged again and taken into custody, the sheriffs office said. Lakeland is about 35 miles east of Tampa. Burglary suspect found crammed in spiral tube slide at playground, Florida cops say Man jailed after leaving boat in road outside sheriffs substation, Florida cops say Mom accused of theft tries framing her child, Florida cops say. Thats not true mom Teen wanted for murder found when he goes to church with gun in waistband, AL cops say North Korea's ruling party chief delegate has held talks with Russian Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, Russian media said, amid deepening bilateral ties in the military and other sectors. Kim Su-gil, an alternate member of the political bureau of the Workers' Party, met with Zyuganov on Tuesday at the Russian State Duma, the lower house of Russia's legislature, the RIA Novosti news agency said. During their meeting, Kim was quoted as saying that Pyongyang pays special attention to its relations with Moscow and conveyed greetings for Zyuganov from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, while Zyuganov said he welcomes growing contact between their parties and countries, according to the report. The North Korean delegation is scheduled to attend the forum "For the Freedom of Nations," scheduled for Thursday to Saturday. North Korean state media has yet to report on Tuesday's talks between Kim and Zyuganov. (Yonhap) LANSING A man has been sentenced to prison for the 2021 murder of a Mason woman whose remains were burned and buried in northern Michigan. Cory Dean Coddington, 43, pleaded guilty last year to second-degree murder in connection with the death of Melissa Nicole Murray, 33, as part of an agreement that fixed his minimum sentence at 20 years. He was sentenced Wednesday to 20 to 60 years in prison by Ingham County Circuit Judge Jim Jamo. Coddington will get credit for 1,016 days of time already served. Cory Dean Coddington, 43, enters Circuit Judge James Jamo's courtroom for sentencing on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. He was convicted of murdering Mason resident Melissa Murray, 33, in Lansing and burning and burying her remains in Isabella County. Murray was shot and killed Feb. 2, 2021 at a home on Mahlon Street in Lansing, Lansing police said. Weeks later, her burned remains were found buried in an Isasbella County field. Testimony in Coddington's preliminary examination indicated at least six people were in the house when Murray was shot, but none of those interviewed by police specifically identified Coddington as the gunman. As a result, the case against him was largely circumstantial. MORE: Lansing man sentenced for raping teen 12 years ago The strongest piece of evidence was data collected by the GPS monitoring tether Coddington was wearing at the time of Murray's murder. The data placed him at the Mahlon Street residence, as well as the field where investigators discovered Murray's remain on March 24. A skull fragment found at the Mahlon house was linked to Murray through DNA testing. Experts who examined her body found she had suffered at least one traumatic impact to the right side of her head before her remains were burned and buried. Another man was accused of helping Coddington dispose of Murray's body, and he led police to the area where her remains were found. Daniel Dutton received a probation sentence for lying during a violent crime investigation, the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office said. Contact Ken Palmer at kpalmer@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @KBPalm_lsj. This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Man who killed Mason woman, buried her remains Up North sentenced SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A man is facing charges after allegedly leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed chase through parts of the Wasatch Front on Monday. Kaleb Ray Peterson, 24, was arrested on suspicion of failure to respond to officers signal to stop, a third-degree felony; among other traffic related infractions, the West Valley Police Department said. UHP trooper falls from overpass trying to set up spike strip, suspect in custody Police said Peterson ran a red light while northbound on 3600 West and 4100 South. His license plate also had a dark tint cover, prompting WVPD to try to pull him over, the affidavit states. Peterson reportedly turned eastbound on 3800 South and accelerated to a very high rate of speed, the affidavit states. Taylorsville police also attempted to stop Peterson, although the affidavit states he fled them as well. Peterson was allegedly trying to make it back to his girlfriends residence in Draper, but crashed into another vehicle on his way, totaling both vehicles, police said. While his vehicle was being impounded, police said they found four firearms in the trunk one of which was reported as stolen. Peterson admitted to police the firearms were his, but that he forgot they were in the vehicle. He also said he did not know one was stolen, the affidavit states. Peterson has been booked into the Salt Lake County Jail. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man was rushed to the hospital after being shot in the chest while walking to the bus stop Wednesday morning. Memphis Police responded to a shooting in the 3400 block of American Way after 4 a.m. They found one man with gunshot wounds. According to the victim, who is 30 years old, he was walking to the bus stop from Garden Inn when a black Mercedes pulled up next to him. The passenger said, Hey, and when the victim looked, he was shot in the chest. He realized he had been shot in the chest and went back to the motel to call for help. He was taken to Regional One in critical condition. MPD says this remains an ongoing investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man accused of attempting to rob a bank by claiming to have a bomb said he couldnt be charged with a crime for just joking around, Las Vegas Metro police said. Wayne Holland, 42, faces several charges including attempted robbery and communicating a bomb threat after police said he entered a bank and said he had a bomb. Wayne Holland, 42, faces several charges after police said he attempted to rob a bank by claiming to have a bomb. (LVMPD) On Tuesday, Feb. 6 at around 4 p.m., a man entered the bank in the 4700 block of South Eastern Avenue. Security immediately approached him, saying he looked disheveled and carried a backpack, according to an arrest report. The man, later identified as Holland, told security he was there to get money from his card so security allowed him to go to a teller. The teller said Holland was extremely suspicious and fidgety. The teller told police Holland said he needed a cash advance from his EBT card, which the teller explained he could not do. Holland then asked for a piece of paper and quickly began to scribble something down, the report stated. I have a boom [sic] in my backpack if you call the cops Ill detonate it, the note said. The note also asked for $1,000 in cash, according to the report. The teller immediately told other employees at the bank they were being robbed with the threat of a bomb and pressed the panic button. Before police could arrive, Holland said he was just playing and left the bank. Metro officers found Holland just down the street shortly after he left the bank. Holland was wearing a hospital bracelet and carrying paperwork that identified him. Holland told an officer that there was a misunderstanding and he made a bad joke to the teller at the bank, according to the report. When asked what joke he made, Holland said he didnt remember, but it didnt matter because he could say whatever he wanted and it wasnt a crime as long as he said he was joking afterwards [sic], the report stated. An officer asked if Holland knew that saying certain things in certain places could be crimes. Holland replied, Not if youre joking about it. When police told Holland he would be going to jail, he told them he took a bunch of fentanyl and needed an ambulance. After medical arrived and cleared him, he told police he wanted to kill himself and needed to be taken to the hospital right away. Police said Holland thought if he was making a joke, threatened to harm himself, or claimed he was on drugs, there would be no consequences to his actions, the report stated. Holland said multiple times that he couldnt be charged with a crime for just joking around, according to the report. Police noted that Holland never said he was sorry he scared the bank employees. He was taken to the Clark County Detention Center where he is held on a $40,000 bail. He faces charges of burglary of a business, communicating a bomb threat, attempted robbery, hoax bomb used in furtherance of another felony, and burglary with explosives. Holland has an extensive history of petit larceny, felony grand theft, armed robbery, terrorist threats, burglary, phoning threats to kill, and numerous other crimes across multiple states, according to the report. The arrest report listed Holland as transient under his address. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. A man wanted in Massachusetts to face murder charges was has been rearrested, a week after he dramatically escaped from police custody, Kenyan police said Wednesday. Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe escaped while awaiting extradition on a Massachusetts warrant alleging he killed his girlfriend and left her body in a car at a Boston airport. Last week he slipped out of a police station and jumped into a privately owned minivan. Kangethe was arrested in Embulbul, Kajiado County on the outskirts of Kenyas capital city on Tuesday evening as he sought refuge at one of his relatives homes, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said. Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe appears at the Mililani law court in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 31, 2024. The Nairobi police chief said early Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, that Kangethe, a murder suspect who was awaiting extradition to the United States, had slipped out of a police station cell and jumped into one of the privately owned minivans that are the main transportation source in Kenya. (AP Photo) We have rearrested him and we thank all that helped in this, he said. In a country where corruption is endemic and the police force has been ranked for decades the most corrupt institution in the country, Kangethes escape raised suspicion the police officers on duty that day may have been bribed to allow his escape. Mass. family determined to get justice after womans alleged killer escapes police custody in Kenya The four officers who were on duty at the report office that day have been suspended awaiting disciplinary action and may face prosecution. The officers report said that on the day Kangethe escaped, a man named John Maina Ndegwa introduced himself to the officers as Kangethes lawyer and said he wanted to speak with his client. The officers agreed to his request and removed the prisoner from the cells and took him to (an) office ... leaving them there. After a short while the prisoner escaped by running away and left the (lawyer) behind, the report said. Officers pursued Kangethe but did not catch him, the police report said, adding that Ndegwa was arrested. Kangethe, 40, had been detained pending a ruling on whether he should be extradited to face a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Margaret Mbitu on Oct. 31, 2023. Whitman police searching for missing woman last seen in Halifax Family, friends of slain Whitman woman pray for justice, alleged killer remains on the run in Kenya Massachusetts State Police said in early November that Kangethe had left her body in a car at Logan International Airport and boarded a flight to Kenya. Massachusetts officials said they were working with Kenyan authorities to locate him, and he was arrested in a nightclub on Jan. 30 after being on the run for three months. A police official told the AP that Kangethe said he had renounced his U.S. citizenship. The police official, who insisted on anonymity in order speak freely about an ongoing investigation, said if Kangethe were an American citizen he would have been repatriated without a court process. The court approved a police application for him to be detained for 30 days while the extradition issue was heard. Mbitu, a health care aide in Halifax, was last seen leaving work Oct. 30 and reported missing by her family. The preliminary investigation showed Mbitu had left her workplace and traveled with Kangethe to Lowell, where he lived, the prosecution said. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe appears at the Mililani law court in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 31, 2024. The Nairobi police chief said early Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, that Kangethe, a murder suspect who was awaiting extradition to the United States, had slipped out of a police station cell and jumped into one of the privately owned minivans that are the main transportation source in Kenya. (AP Photo) NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) A man wanted in Massachusetts to face murder charges was has been rearrested, a week after he dramatically escaped from police custody, Kenyan police said Wednesday. Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe escaped while awaiting extradition on a Massachusetts warrant alleging he killed his girlfriend and left her body in a car at a Boston airport. Last week he slipped out of a police station and jumped into a privately owned minivan. Kangethe was arrested in Embulbul, Kajiado County on the outskirts of Kenya's capital city on Tuesday evening as he sought refuge at one of his relatives homes, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said. We have rearrested him and we thank all that helped in this, he said. In a country where corruption endemic and the police force has been ranked for decades the most corrupt institution in the country, Kangethe's escape raised suspicion the police officers on duty that day may have been bribed to allow his escape. The four officers who were on duty at the report office that day have been suspended awaiting disciplinary action and may face prosecution. The officer's report seen by the Associated Press said that on the day Kangethe escaped, a man named John Maina Ndegwa introduced himself to the officers as Kangethes lawyer and said he wanted to speak with his client. The officers agreed to his request and removed the prisoner from the cells and took him to (an) office ... leaving them there. After a short while the prisoner escaped by running away and left the (lawyer) behind, the report said. Officers pursued Kangethe but did not catch him, the police report said, adding that Ndegwa was arrested. Kangethe, 40, had been detained pending a ruling on whether he should be extradited to face a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Margaret Mbitu on Oct. 31, 2023. Massachusetts State Police said in early November that Kangethe had left her body in a car at Logan International Airport and boarded a flight to Kenya. Massachusetts officials said they were working with Kenyan authorities to locate him, and he was arrested in a nightclub on Jan. 30 after being on the run for three months. A police official told the AP that Kangethe said he had renounced his U.S. citizenship. The police official, who insisted on anonymity in order speak freely about an ongoing investigation, said if Kangethe were an American citizen he would have been repatriated without a court process. The court approved a police application for him to be detained for 30 days while the extradition issue was heard. Mbitu, a health care aide in Halifax, was last seen leaving work Oct. 30 and reported missing by her family. The preliminary investigation showed Mbitu had left her workplace and traveled with Kangethe to Lowell, where he lived, the prosecution said. The Marine Corps supply battalion on the East Coast has absorbed other units and gotten a new name as part of a servicewide effort to modernize logistics. The 2nd Supply Battalion the unit responsible for distributing supplies to the North Carolina-based II Marine Expeditionary Force has added a maintenance battalion and two logistics companies, according to a Marine Corps news release. On Feb. 5, with approximately 1,000 new Marines and sailors under its umbrella, the unit officially assumed the new name of 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment. The reorganization brings the different logistics capabilities under one command with a full-bird colonel, Col. Karin Fitzgerald, in charge. The Marine Corps hopes the changes will help II Marine Expeditionary Forces logistics work more quickly and smoothly, the news release said. The redesignation to 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment is more than changing the name of 2nd Supply Battalion, Sgt. Maj. Enrique Gato, the senior enlisted leader of the regiment, said in the news release. There is an organizational change to how 2nd CRR will look in terms of personnel and equipment that is vastly different from 2nd Supply Battalion. Marines update logistics doctrine from 1997 heres whats inside The changes come as the Marine Corps is preoccupied with contested logistics how to supply and sustain Marines in zones where an adversary is working to disrupt those processes. Now-retired Gen. David Berger, in the year before his term as commandant ended in July 2023, took to saying his top focus was logistics, logistics, logistics. One component of the services logistics push is modernizing how Marines keep tabs on the supplies in their warehouses. Thats something the regiment has already been working on, according to Brig. Gen. Michael McWilliams, the commanding general of 2nd Marine Logistics Group, of which the regiment is a part. The 2nd Combat Readiness Regiment will add a new group of experts who will use data to provide recommendations on how the regiment could make better decisions, McWilliams said in a statement Monday to Marine Corps Times. A similar reorganization will take place before October at the West Coast-based 1st Supply Battalion, which will become 1st Combat Readiness Regiment, according to 1st Lt. T. Trey Judd, a spokesman for 1st Marine Logistics Group. The Japan-based 3rd Marine Logistics Group is still assessing the capabilities and capacities of all our organizations to ensure 3d MLG is best postured for response in the western pacific, said spokesman Capt. Brett Vannier in an email to Marine Corps Times on Wednesday. Should the results of those efforts necessitate the renaming or redesignation of units, we would make those decisions in accordance with higher headquarters approvals, Vannier said. One aspect of the erstwhile 2nd Supply Battalion that wont change is the phrase featured in its unit insignia: Legacy of Montford Point. Camp Montford Point, North Carolina, was the segregated post where the first Black Marines received training after President Franklin D. Roosevelts 1941 executive order opening up all the military services to Black men. Many of the trailblazing Montford Point Marines ended up in combat service support roles in units that formed the backbone of what would later become 2nd Supply Battalion, according to Capt. Nikki McDougall, a spokeswoman for 2nd Marine Logistics Group. [We take] pride in our unit lineage and Montford Point legacy, Fitzgerald said in the news release. That is how we got here and steels us for the challenges ahead in an unsettled world. Editors note: This article was updated 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday with comment from a 3rd Marine Logistics Group spokesman. A presidential staffer's private email was hacked presumably by North Korea ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to Britain and France last November, his office said Wednesday. The hacking was detected before Yoon embarked on his tour and "necessary measures were taken," the presidential office said in a notice to reporters, noting the office's security system was not subject to the attack. "A violation of security rules resulting from a staffer who used their private email for work was the cause, and security strengthening measures were taken to prevent a recurrence, including an enhancement of security awareness," the office said. A senior presidential official said the hacking was presumed to have been carried out by North Korea, with some news outlets reporting the hacked information contained parts of Yoon's itinerary and remarks for his state visit to Britain. The presidential office said external hacking attacks are a regular occurrence and under constant monitoring. (Yonhap) Around 300 people presumed to be North Korean workers arrived in Russia via train earlier this month, a South Korean expert said Wednesday, amid deepening cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. Citing a source in Russia, Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification, said hundreds of North Korean workers were seen disembarking a train at a station near Vladivostok on Feb. 5. "They were seen carrying packages, but in light of their outfits, they were identified as workers at a glance, not as tourists," Cho said, dismissing the possibility of them being students studying abroad or officials on diplomatic missions. He said they seem to be among the first group of North Korean workers that Pyongyang is likely to continue to send to Russia. If confirmed, the move constitutes a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions banning the overseas dispatch of the North's workers. All member states of the U.N. were required to repatriate any North Koreans earning income in their jurisdiction by the end of 2019 under UNSC Resolution 2397, adopted in 2017. The National Intelligence Service, South Korea's spy agency, declined to confirm the arrival of hundreds of the North's workers in Russia. "We are monitoring situations related to North Korea's dispatch of its workers to Russia," it said. North Korea and Russia have expanded the scope of their cooperation following the summit between the North's leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in September last year. (Yonhap) McDUFFIE COUNTY, Ga. (WJBF) The owner of Baileys Tax Service in Thomson and her son have been sentenced to prison. 67-year-old Annie Bailey and her son, 43-year-old Tremarcus Bailey, both pleaded Guilty to Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. Annie was sentenced to 21 months in prison, Tremarcus to 30 months. Theyve also been ordered to serve three years of supervised release after those terms. Both have also been ordered to pay restitution of $683,046. Baileys Tax Service had reportedly been preparing income tax returns for customers since 2000. The IRS began investigating the company in 2017, and found that the company had been using falsified information when filing customers tax returns in order to illegally inflate the amount of refunds they would receive. Investigators say the fraudulent returns filed from 2014 to 2018 resulted in $683,046 in tax losses to the IRS. The sentencings of the Baileys should serve as a notice to dishonest tax preparers that their fraud will eventually be uncovered, said Demetrius Hardeman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Atlanta Field Office of IRS-Criminal Investigation. We will continue to investigate and prosecute tax preparers who willfully include false items on tax returns, and this is a reminder to taxpayers to review their return with the preparer for accuracy. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Christopher Corne testifies in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Special prosecutors called a surprise witness Tuesday who came forward last week via social media after watching news coverage of the murder trial of former Franklin County Sheriff's deputy Jason Meade. Christopher Corne, an HVAC technician, testified that he saw Casey Goodson Jr. drive by seemingly dancing to music in his car with nothing in his hands. His testimony countered earlier testimony from Meade, who said he saw Goodson brandish a gun in the car. Corne testified in Franklin County Common Pleas Court that he did not see the fatal shooting but said he was driving in his work van directly behind Meade on Dec. 4, 2020. Corne testified that he told the FBI in an interview last week he noticed the car because it was driving erratically, and he was 99% certain he did not see a gun in Goodsons hands as Meade has said. Steve Nolder, a defense attorney for Meade, pointed out on cross-examination that Corne also told the FBI he was 99% certain he took Estates Place out of the neighborhood, but video from a nearby surveillance camera disproved that. Meade has been on trial for three weeks on charges of murder and reckless homicide for fatally shooting 23-year-old Goodson six times at the side door to his North Linden residence after Meade alleges Goodson pointed a gun at him for a second time. Read our live coverage from today: Final witness testifies in ex-deputy Jason Meade's murder trial, case heads to jury soon Corne's testimony came after an extended break in the trial likely prompted by the prosecution subpoenaing Corne on Thursday. The trial never resumed Thursday, and Judge David Young sent jurors home that afternoon until Tuesday morning. Corne first posted about the shooting on Facebook on Dec. 18, 2020, he testified, in an attempt to "try to let somebody know I was there and I might have seen some of it." In recent weeks, Corne commented on news accounts streaming the trial and on the Facebook page of Goodson's mother, Tamala Payne, before deleting those comments, he said. Corne said he didn't come forward sooner because he had second thoughts about getting involved and being in the public eye. Corne said he first messaged Payne and Sean Walton, a civil attorney representing Payne in a civil lawsuit against Meade and others, "a little over a week ago." He said he heard back from Tim Merkle, one of the special prosecutors, last Wednesday. The FBI interviewed Corne on Thursday, and Meade's defense attorneys deposed Corne on Monday. Christopher Corne enters a Franklin County Common Pleas courtroom on Tuesday to testify in the murder trial of former Franklin County Sheriff's deputy Jason Meade in the Dec. 4, 2020, shooting death of 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr. Nolder quesitoned Corne about inconsistencies among those three different interviews and his testimony. Corne acknowledged some of the details he gave changed. On Tuesday, Corne said it appeared Goodson had an Afro. Nolder asked Corne about telling the FBI that he initially thought Goodson was female because he saw a ponytail. According to other evidence presented at trial, Goodson had a do-rag on the day he was killed. Corne also said he followed Meade, who he could tell was in a law enforcement vehicle, to see some action. But Corne took a bit longer to follow Meade to Estates Place, and testified he never heard any gunshots. He eventually left. After he was subpoenaed last week and his name became public, Corne said he deleted his Facebook account because he received more than 100 friend requests. Corne said he did not have an agenda and coming forward felt like the right thing to do. "I had a last-minute decision," Corne said. "I felt like somebody needed to hear what I saw and had to say." After his testimony, as Corne left the courthouse, The Dispatch asked him why he did not contact authorities for more than three years. I dont know, he said. Prosecution calls professor who testified in Derek Chauvin trial The last witness jurors heard from in the trial was University of South Carolina law professor Seth Stoughton. He was a police officer for about five years in Tallahassee and is currently the faculty director of the Excellence in Policing and Public Safety Program at the law school. Feb 13 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; University of South Carolina law professor Seth Stoughton testifies as an expert witness in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Stoughton, who was called as a prosecution witness, has testified as an expert in other law enforcment criminal cases across the country, including as an expert in the prosecution of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd Jr. in May 2020, which triggered nationwide racial justice protests and rioting, including in Columbus. According to his online resume, Stoughton has also been retained as an expert in the prosecution of former Columbus police officer Adam Coy, who is charged in connection with the fatal Dec. 22, 2020, shooting of Andre Hill, an unarmed Black man, just weeks after Goodson was killed. Coy, who is undergoing cancer treatment, is currently scheduled to go to trial in October. Kaitlyn Stephens, one of Meade's defense attorneys, emphasized that Stoughton did not review Ohio's laws before coming to testify Tuesday. Stoughton said he was there to testify as an expert on generally accepted police practices. Feb 13 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Defense Attorney Mark Collins looks at the jury while listening to the testimony of expert witness University of South Carolina law professor Seth Stoughton in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Stoughton laid out two scenarios in his testimony: If you believe Goodson pointed a gun at Meade, he said, then Meade was justified in using deadly force. If you don't believe Goodson pointed a gun and was instead walking into his house, Meade was not justified, he said. Closing arguments in the Meade trial are expected Wednesday morning and then the case will head to the jury for deliberation. jlaird@dispatch.com @LairdWrites This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Meade trial witness says he didn't see gun in Casey Goodson Jr.'s hands SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) San Diegans may soon get to vote on whether the city should replace San Diego Gas & Electric with a municipal power utility. Holding signs that read Fire SDG&E, volunteers with the Power San Diego campaign gathered outside San Diego City Hall on Tuesday to launch a signature drive to put the long-discussed switch from investor-owned power on the November ballot. We know that switching to public power can work, said Dorrie Bruggemann, the initiatives campaign manager. We need to move forward now to give San Diegans lower rates with something we know will work for them. County Supervisor Jim Desmond raises concerns over SDG&E fixed rate fee Under the Power San Diego proposal, the nonprofit municipal utility would be take over the responsibility of distributing power to customers within the city of San Diego through a buyout of SDG&Es electrical grid in the area. The group estimates the purchase and formation of the public utility would cost taxpayers about $3.5 billion, on top of miscellaneous metering and startup costs. According to the group, this could be paid for through a city revenue bond that would be amortized over 30 years. Proponents of the plan argue that placing the grid in a public ownership structure will lower the citys electricity rates by about 20%, bringing much needed relief to current SDG&E customers already paying the most expensive rates in the nation with even more increases likely over the next few years. Public power has lower rates, higher reliability and is a massive success in communities across the state of California, Bruggemann said. Meanwhile, SDG&E charges us the highest rates in the nation and they make record profits while one in four San Diegans cant pay their electricity bills We cannot let this continue any longer. Its simply unsustainable. However, the effort has already drawn stiff opposition, notably from the union workers who work on SDG&Es power grid who called the proposal financially risky during a counter-demonstration held across the plaza from Power San Diegos signature drive launch on Tuesday. All of them are extremely concerned by this irresponsible, reckless plan to force a government takeover of San Diegos utility grid, said Matt Awbrey, spokesperson for Responsible Energy San Diego, a rival political action committee that emerged to quash the proposal. The City of San Diego has a lot of priorities on its plate and this would be adding a multi-billion dollar obligation to what the city is already doing, he continued, pointing to other issues with hefty price tags like homelessness and storm water infrastructure. While Responsible Energy San Diego is co-chaired by local groups like the Regional Chamber of Commerce and the San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council, the PAC has been entirely funded by SDG&E since its creation last December. According to campaign finance documents, the utility company has contributed about $300,000 to the PAC so far the only raised funds that have been disclosed. Two of the officers listed for Responsible Energy San Diego are SDG&E leadership. SDG&E unveils four new microgrids to boost energy reliability The proposals backers described this involvement as shadowy, although Awbrey defended the utility companys involvement as the quickest way to to get together a coalition of groups opposed to the measure. Power San Diego needs to gather about 80,000 valid signatures from registered voters in the city of San Diego to qualify for the November ballot. As of Tuesday, the group said they already had about 10,000 signatures. According to campaign finance documents, the campaign has also raised $156,670 since last year. San Diegans want this, Bruggemann said. We need to get this on the ballot so we can give them a choice. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. Editor's Note: This is a developing story and will continue to be updated. The Russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov was sunk in the Black Sea in the morning of Feb. 14, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed. The General Staff said it was a joint operation between Ukraine's military intelligence and the armed forces. Ukraine's military intelligence later shared a video of the attack and said it had been carried out off of the Crimean city of Alupka with Magura V5 naval drones. It claimed that Russian search and rescue operations were unsuccessful. It is the fourth landing ship from Russia's Black Sea Fleet to be sunk since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, according to the U.K. Defense Ministry. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed earlier on Feb. 14 that it had shot down nine drones overnight, including six over the Black Sea. Local Telegram channels then shared videos of helicopters circling low over the water, appearing to be searching for something. Ukrainska Pravda said earlier that sources from Ukraine's military intelligence claimed that its operatives used drones to carry out the attack and said that the Caesar Kunikov sank as a result. The Caesar Kunikov's sister ship, the Novocherkassk, was "completely destroyed" by a Ukrainian missile strike in December 2023 while docked at Feodosia in occupied Crimea, the U.K. Defense Ministry said. The Novocherkassk is a mid-size vessel with a length of almost 113 meters, designed for amphibious landings, and can carry armored vehicles, according to a U.S. military factsheet cited by CNN. It has a crew of around 87 and can host almost 240 personnel. According to the website of the Black Sea Fleet, the Caesar Kunikov has similar specifications. It is unknown at the time of this publication how many personnel were on the ship when it was sunk. Both ships were previously damaged by Ukrainian attacks at the port city of Berdiansk in March 2022. The Tapir-class landing ship the Saratov, was also destroyed. The Minsk landing ship was "functionally destroyed" in a Ukrainian attack against the Sevmorzavod shipyard in occupied Crimea in September 2023, the U.K. Defense Ministry said. The website of Russia's Black Sea Fleet said that as of 2024, there are only five remaining landing ships in the fleet, including the Caesar Kunikov. Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk said on Feb. 14 that following the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov, the number of Ropucha-class landing ships remaining in the Black Sea Fleet had decreased to five from a previous total of 13. Ukraine has repeatedly struck Russia's Black Sea fleet since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, including the sinking of the flagship cruiser Moskva in April 2022 and a devastating missile attack on the fleet's headquarters in occupied Crimea that reportedly killed more than 30 officers. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson wants an in-person, one-on-one meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden before he takes any action on the $95 billion foreign aid bill that the Senate passed on Feb. 13, NBC reported on Feb. 14, citing a source close to Johnson. The bill, which contains $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, passed by a margin of 70-29 after months of deadlock. The vast majority of those who voted against the bill were Republicans, although two Democratic senators and one independent, former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, joined the dissenters on the grounds that the bill also contained security assistance for Israel. The bill now faces an uphill battle in the Republican-led House. Johnson preemptively signaled he opposed the legislation before the Senate even passed it. The move angered some Republican senators, who felt that it was "disrespectful" of the significant effort required to move it through the Senate. Johnson has requested personal meetings with Biden several times in recent weeks, which Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise claimed the president has "refused." Democratic sources told NBC that Johnson has backed himself into a corner after a series of inconsistent positions on aid for Ukraine and legislative changes to domestic border issues. Johnson is also facing significant pressure from former President Donald Trump, who is also the frontrunner to be the Republican nominee for president. Read also: Biden: Trumps NATO comments dangerous, shameful, un-American Trump has made it clear that he does not want to see Biden notch a legislative win ahead of the general election. He has also said he wants an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, likely on terms unfavorable to Kyiv. Republican senators who voted for the bill have urged Johnson to bring it to a vote in the House. "If (Russian President Vladimir) Putin wins, Republicans will lose," said Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Should Ukrainian forces face a "resounding defeat" or if Russia is "knocking on the doors of Kyiv," Republicans who held up military aid will "have to answer for that to the people back home," Tillis said. Read also: US Senate passes Ukraine aid bill, awaits uneasy House vote Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Shes a rare bird who fell in love with flying from the first day she kissed the sky. I didnt know that I could be a pilot until I was in college in flight training because it was never encouraged, Brenda Robinson told Channel 9s Ken Lemon. Robinson made history in the air as the first Black female pilot in the Navy. She says it all started when she visited an air traffic control tower when she was 16. In a New York minute I knew that this was what I was going to do for the rest of my life, she remembered, adding that she never thought she could actually fly for a living. She said that in the 1970s, women, especially Black women, had almost no frame of reference for flying a plane. Still, she went to an aeronautics college and got her pilots license. She thought it was over after that. The Navy had a different plan. They called Robinson, recruiting her into a pilots program with spots for 10 women. At that point, she realized she was going to be the first Black woman in history to go into the Navy. In her 13-year career with the Navy, she flew through oil field fires during the war in Iraq and landed on every aircraft carrier on the East Coast. She delivered people, mail and much-needed supplies to troops on the ground. But she only realized how rare she was when she began flying commercial airlines. Thirty years after she started her commercial career, Black women still only make up 0.5% of professional pilots, according to Sisters of the Skies, a group for Black female pilots. BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Friends, family remember Wichita 8 member who helped establish schools in Liberia She said in the 90s, fliers were baffled to learn she was a pilot and not a crewmember. She said when she greeted passengers disembarking a flight they often looked around her, searching for a man at the controls. They are confused. They look at me and say, are you a... flight attendant? And like you were getting ready to say it. You were getting ready to say pilot, but you say, thats not possible, she says. She wrapped up her conversation with Lemon by recounting the friendship she made with another Black female pilot. She saw me and said, I can do this. Just seeing me, I can do this, said Robinson. Her legacy is being celebrated with a display inside the Sullenberger Aviation Museum in Charlotte. She hopes the display will inspire generations of young Black women. She wants them to know what she didnt as a teen girl in a control tower. Flying starts here, but dreams can take you so much higher. Read more about Robinson and her legacy at the Aviation Camps of the Carolinas. (WATCH: NC State student creates site map of Charlottes lost slavery history) Risk of jihad-like strike grows after regimes rejection of peaceful unification By Jung Min-ho Experts warned, Wednesday, of a possible terrorist attack by North Korea, saying that the risk of a jihad-like strike is now greater after the regimes decision to formally abandon peaceful unification with South Korea as its policy goal. Speaking at a forum in Seoul, analysts from the Korea Institute for National Unification said the most likely form of attack would be something similar to its landmine attack in 2015 a provocation that South Korea faces challenges in immediately pinpointing responsibility. Because of the mines planted secretly by the North Korean military in the demilitarized zone, two South Korean soldiers were seriously injured. If such an attack occurs, North Korea would deny any involvement, Cho Han-bum, a senior researcher at the state-funded think tank, told reporters. There are many densely populated areas in South Korea which could be vulnerable to many forms of terrorist attack. Experts said this is a realistic scenario. Lee Min-bok, a North Korean defector-turned-activist, became a target of terrorism last year amid his campaign to send anti-regime leaflets across the inter-Korean border. The man's truck was set on fire and the police have yet to determine a suspect. The possibility of a terrorist attack by North Korean agents or its sympathizers should not be ruled out, said Oh Gyeong-seob, another senior researcher. If you look at history, the North has committed many forms of terrorism from the (1983) Rangoon bombing to the (1987) attack on the Korean Air flight to the (2010) Yeonpyeong Island bombardment and the (2010) attack on the ROKS Cheonan. In his announcement last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the North no longer saw the South as the partner of reconciliation and reunification but as a primary foe that must be destroyed by its nuclear weapons if necessary. He also ordered the revision of its constitution as well as its state guidelines in regard to relations with South Korea. In the weeks that followed, several government divisions tasked with promoting peace and unification with the South were shut down. Experts said Kims highly aggressive remarks point to instability growing within the North. The greater the crisis the regime faces, the more aggressive it becomes, said Park Hyeong-jung, another analyst at the press event. The announcement, however, does not signal a shift in North Koreas unification policy as suggested by some scholars, Park said, adding that unifying the Korean Peninsula under its communist rule either by talks or force has always been its ultimate policy objective. The only remaining option now is force, which is perhaps a more honest reflection of its true intention, he said. Analysts said the announcement rather suggests that the North Korean ruling elite realized and accepted that unification under its control is no longer feasible and that permanent division with the wealthier, freer South is a better alternative for them to maintain their power. Indonesia, one of the world's largest democracies, and the biggest predominantly Muslim one, is about to get a new leader. It's a young, vibrant democracy half of the nation's 205 million registered voters are under 40. After polls closed on Monday the huge job of counting ballots got under way across the thousands of islands that make up the Indonesian archipelago. But even as the ballots were counted, Indonesia's current Defense Minister, Prabowo Subianto, declared himself the winner. Who is front-runner Prabowo Subianto? Prabowo Subianto was ahead in the polls before the vote and had a commanding lead as unofficial results trickled in on Monday. With most of the ballots counted, the 72-year-old former army general appeared to have captured more than 55% of the vote. If he holds that lead, and gets more than 50% in the final tally, he will avoid a runoff with an outright win. He said he would await the official results from the nation's election commission, but he declared himself victorious on Wednesday. Presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto shows his ink-dipped fingers after casting his ballot papers at a polling station in Curug-Bojong Koneng Village, West Java, Indonesia, Feb. 14, 2024. / Credit: Eko Siswono Toyudho/Anadolu/Getty "All counts, all pollsters... showed figures that Prabowo-Gibran won in one round. This victory should be a victory for all Indonesians," he told supporters packed into a Jakarta arena, referring to himself and his running mate. "We believe Indonesian democracy is running well. The people have determined, the people have decided." A wealthy former military man with close ties to the current government, this is hiss third bid for the presidency. He's a controversial figure, having served as a top commander under Indonesia's former long-time dictator Suharto. He was accused of human rights abuses during that period, and was even barred from entering the U.S. at one point during the 1990s. In 1998, he was dishonorably dismissed from the army after being linked to the abduction of more than 20 student democracy activists 13 of whom have never been found. Prabowo Subianto's social media rebranding Ahead of this year's elections, the former army commander underwent a remarkable makeover, largely via TikTok, which was hugely influential in the campaign. Indonesia jails woman for blasphemy after she said prayer, ate pork on TikTok He used the platform to re-brand himself as a cuddly, cat-loving grandfather and one who isn't ashamed to cut some pretty awkward dad-dance moves onstage at rallies. The new image appears to have won over a decisive number of young Indonesian voters, many of whom may not remember his previous incarnations. What kind of leader would Prabowo Subianto be? Indonesia has been on something of an economic roll. The relatively small island nation has become a huge and vital supplier of nickel to the electric vehicle industry worldwide. It also produces palm oil, which is used in a wide array of food products. Indonesia has managed to keep good relations with both China and the U.S., even participating in military exercises with the U.S. and its regional allies while keeping Chinese foreign investment flowing into a whole range of development projects. Prabowo has said he's committed to remaining on good terms with both superpowers. But his critics warn that, at heart, he is a right-wing populist. He has always denied wrong-doing linked to his time commanding Indonesian security forces, but he's also said that Indonesia needs an authoritarian leader, and suggested it would be a good idea to abolish presidential term limits. Democracy activists warn that Prabowo is Indonesia's next authoritarian strongman just waiting to happen. Hamas commander on why terror group attacks civilians State Department issues travel warnings for the Bahamas and Jamaica Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting not terrorism-related, officials say The Orange County Sheriffs Office is investigating whether people that go to Maa Durga Sri Sai Baba Temple are being targeted by criminals. WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS Members of the temple and many in the Indian community say they have been victims to a series of home invasions and burglaries over the past month. Sheriff John Mina says some families were robbed while they were worshipping at the temple. The Indian American Chamber of Commerce organized a meeting Monday after a string of eight burglaries that have happened around the Orlando area toward Indian families, the group says. READ: Orange-Osceola State Attorney launches violent crimes unit The Orange County Sheriffs Office has confirmed its investigating a total of three burglaries. Sheriff John Mina told Channel 9 he and his team chose to speak at the temple on short notice so people can take some precautions immediately. Anita Duggal is one of the victims. She came home from the temple on January 18 to find her Orlando home torn apart. Cell phone video shows her window shattered and clothes strewn throughout the home. Dougal says about a half-million dollars worth of cash, jewelry, and designer handbags were missing. When I saw my jewelry is gone and then my husband opened the drawer, and he said the money is gone too. I was heartbroken, Duggal said. READ: Volusia County leaders continue to seek solutions to lingering effects of 2022 hurricane season Then, the next day, her friends home was broken into. Master bedroom had glass broken. Everything smashed, said Nirersha Reddy. The two say they feel the Indian community is being targeted. Maybe some of these communities are targeted because [suspects] know they have valuables in their home, cash in their home, Mina said. Sheriff Mina encouraged people to take precautions now, like storing their valuables in secure safes and changing routines. READ: Bethune-Cookman University wins legal dispute with former alumni association Maybe one person stays at home while the other goes to service, Mina said. The Sheriffs Office is offering risk assessments of homes for families who request it. A deputy will go out to the home to assess lighting, the alarm system and cameras. As for the investigation, the Sheriffs Office says it has several leads. But because its an active investigation, they could not release any more information. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Men who kill their partners through rough sex face longer sentences under a Government crackdown on violence against women and girls. Alex Chalk, the Justice Secretary, is to introduce legislation that would make rough sex an aggravating factor if it caused the death of an offenders sexual partner. Judges would be empowered to increase the sentence of the offender for causing death through abusive, degrading or dangerous sexual behaviour. It would mean anyone convicted of manslaughter, for example, would get an additional period in jail on top of their normal sentence. It follows the Governments abolition of rough sex as a defence under the Domestic Abuse Act. This change was introduced in 2021 on the basis that a victim cannot consent to being inflicted with serious harm for the purpose of sexual gratification. That change came after a series of high-profile cases where lawyers for violent offenders had successfully used the defence in mitigation to secure lesser sentences for them. Mr Chalk said: We must also hold offenders to account. This new aggravating factor sends a clear message that killers who threaten the safety of women can expect to feel the full force of the law. Alex Chalk says those who threaten the safety of women can 'expect to feel the full force of the law' - Reuters/Toby Melville At least 60 British women have been killed in episodes of so-called consensual sexual violence since 1972, with at least 18 women dying in the past five years, according to the advocacy group We Cant Consent To This. In 45 per cent of those killings, the claim that a womans injuries were sustained during a sex game gone wrong resulted in a lesser charge, a lighter sentence, an acquittal, or the death not being investigated, the group said. The issue was brought to the fore when police criticised the rough-sex defence in the trial of the killer of Grace Millane, the 21 year old Essex backpacker murdered in New Zealand, warning that the term retraumatised victims and their families. That followed a controversy over a 32-month jail sentence handed down to multi-millionaire John Broadhurst who killed Natalie Connolly after what he claimed was a rough sex session that left her bleeding with more than 40 injuries. Her father, Alan Andrews, described the lenient sentence as disgraceful and unbelievable. Broadhurst, who was initially charged with murder but later admitted manslaughter by gross negligence, claimed the 26-year-old mother-of-one was hurt as a result of consensual sexual activity fuelled by alcohol and drugs. Numbers of those charged up 25 per cent The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) said new measures to tackle low rape conviction rates had seen a 25 per cent increase in the number of suspects charged in the past three months, compared with the same period last year. They rose from 538 to 668. There was also a doubling in referrals from the police to prosecutors to 1,470. The MoJ has also appointed Professor Katrin Hohl as the Governments new independent advisor on rape. She led Operation Soteria, a strategy launched in all 43 police forces where police focus on suspects patterns of behaviour during and after attacks rather than testing victims credibility. A campaign is being launched to promote the victims code which sets out the rights of all victims in the criminal justice system and will be enshrined in law under legislation currently before Parliament. Mr Chalk said: This Government is on the side of victims, who should be supported throughout their journey through the criminal justice system, and our new Victims Code campaign sets out exactly what they can expect every step of the way. 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 Menasha man will spend more than two decades behind bars after he produced a video that showed him sexually assaulting a 15-month-old baby. John D. Schaefer, 35, pleaded guilty in August to producing child pornography and distributing it, online court records show. More: Milwaukee Police officer charged with two felonies in beating, choking of 7-year-old girl He was sentenced on Tuesday to 25 years in prison. Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach also ordered Schaefer to serve a lifetime on supervised release after prison and to register as a sex offender. Schaefer's roommate contacted authorities in November 2022 when he was shown a video produced by Schaefer depicting the sexual abuse of a child, Gregory J. Haanstad, the U.S. Attorney for Wisconsin's Eastern District, said in a statement. The child is believed to have been about 15 months old at the time, and that the sexual assault occurred when he babysat the child. A search of Schaefer's home, conducted as part of an investigation by police, turned up electronic items that contained the video and more than 2.2 terabytes of child sexual abuse material, Haanstad said. More: Sun Prairie man gets 18 years for producing child pornography At sentencing, Griesbach described Schaefer's actions as "horrific," noting the potential for long-term mental health effects his actions had on his victim and on the children depicted in the more 156,000 images and videos that were uncovered. The charge stemmed from an investigation that was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative that helps find, apprehend and prosecute people who exploit children on the internet. The initiative was launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice and also works to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, as well as to identify and rescue victims. The Menasha Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation and the Oshkosh Police Department investigated the case together. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel R. Humble. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Menasha man gets 25 years for video of sexually abused toddler OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City is celebrating its multi-million dollar emergency department expansion. The $2.6 million expansion was announced in April of 2023 to add square footage to the ER for a new CT scanner and room for more radiology equipment at Mercys northwest OKC location. ORIGINAL STORY: Mercy Hospital OKC begins $2.6 million expansion project Mercy says before the expansion, ER patients in need of a CT scan had to be moved to a different floor to receive treatment. Herman Meinders and Dr. Lance Watson, Mercy ER physician. Now, Mercy is celebrating the completed project funded by Herman and LaDonna Meinders. The project added a new CT scanner to serve patients in emergency situations such as strokes, trauma, abdominal pain, chest pain and other conditions. Our ER team provides incredible care, but having a CT scanner in the ER helps make that care more streamlined for our patients and co-workers, said Dr. Lance Watson, chair of the emergency department at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City. For stroke patients, getting a CT scan that will lead to a diagnosis as quickly as possible is critical to provide lifesaving care and decrease the possibility of long-term disabilities. LOCAL NEWS: Police deliver Valentines Day flowers for Special Olympics Officials say the expansion was funded in honor of Dr. Richard Vertrees Smith and his years of service to Oklahoma. He joined the Mercy medical staff in 1974 with the OKC location first opened. He was one of the original physicians to establish Mercys Meinders NeuroScience Institute. Dr. Smith was a leader and helped develop the states first comprehensive stroke center, Mercys gamma knife radiosurgery center and the Meinders Center for Movement Disorders. CT Suite at Mercy Hospital OKC. Dr. Richard Vertrees Smith ER CT Suite. Dr. Smiths visionary leadership and compassion have had a direct impact on my life and the lives of countless others, said Herman Meinders. His skill and dedication have advanced neurological care in Oklahoma for 50 years, no doubt saving thousands of lives. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. The Round House is pictured at the beginning of the 56th Legislature at the Capitol, Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024, in Santa Fe, N.M. (AP Photo/Roberto E. Rosales) SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) New Mexico's Legislature has approved a bill aimed at reducing climate-warming pollution from cars and trucks through financial incentives to reward businesses that produce cleaner fuels. The Senate voted 26-15 Tuesday, on a party-line vote with Republicans in opposition, to send the bill to Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who supports the initiative. California, Oregon and Washington already enforce low carbon fuel standards. New Mexico would be the first to follow suit. The bill calls for a reduction in the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions for transportation fuels used in the state of 20% by 2030 and 30% by 2040. It would require producers of high-polluting fuels to buy credits from producers and importers of low-carbon fuels. The program and its market for carbon credits would be established by mid-2026, with oversight by the state Environment Department. Democratic sponsors of the bill anticipate it will spur investments in new fuels and new technologies. The transportation sector is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Mexico behind the oil and natural gas industry. State Sen. Mimi Stewart of Albuquerque rattled off a list of more than 20 companies and coalitions including Chevron that have expressed interest in the low-carbon fuel market under the proposed reforms. She also touted the health benefits through anticipated reductions in airborne pollution that contribute to ozone. Earlier this month, the bill narrowly won House approval on a 36-33 vote amid concerns about impacts on fuel prices on consumers in the nation's No. 2 state for oil production. I am concerned about what this bill will do to the price of transportation fuel, Sen. Greg Nibert of Roswell said during Tuesday's Senate floor debate. Its going to be felt the harshest by those who have the least, who can least afford these transportation fuels. Bill cosponsor and Democratic state Rep. Kristina Ortez of Taos pushed back against those worries. We believe this is fear mongering, she told a Senate panel Tuesday. I come from a district that is very poor. I certainly would not bring a bill that would have an impact on my constituents and New Mexicans. Republican Senate Leader Greg Baca of Belen cautioned legislators against imposing new pollution regulations on rural communities with clear skies in a sparsely populated state. Let's use common sense ... not this voodoo science that's being produced for us telling us that we have dirty air in this state in a populace of only 2 million, that we're somehow contributing to this global catastrophe that's being pushed on us. Separately, a final House concurrence vote sent a $10.2 billion budget plan for the coming fiscal year to the governor for consideration and possible line-item vetoes. New Mexico would set aside well over $1 billion to guarantee tuition-free college and sustain government spending in case its oil production bonanza fades in the transition to cleaner energy sources, under the general fund spending bill. Former Trump lawyer and fixer turned critic Michael Cohen has said that the former president despised his daughter-in-law Lara Trump for many years. Cohens comments come after Donald Trump endorsed her for co-chair of the Republican National Committee. The ex-Trump ally was speaking to the co-founder of the left-leaning media outlet MeidasTouch, Ben Meiselas, when he shared his reaction to Mr Trumps endorsement. On Monday, Mr Trump put out a statement backing Michael Whatley, the RNC general counsel and chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, and a fellow election denier, to take over from RNC chair Ronna McDaniel. I think my friend Michael Whatley should be the RNCs next leader, Mr Trump said. Michael hias been with me from the beginning, has done a great job in his home state of North Carolina, and is committed to election integrity, which we must have to keep fraud out of our election so it cant be stolen. My very talented daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has agreed to run as the RNC co-chair. Lara is an extremely talented communicator and is dedicated to all that MAGA stands for. She has told me she wants to accept this challenge and would be GREAT! Cohen, who was sent to prison for campaign finance violations and other crimes in connection to the 2016 campaign when he was still working for Mr Trump, said he wasnt trying to be mean when he recalled Ms Trump as being an idiot. In fact, first and foremost, Donald didnt even like her for many, many years, Cohen said on the Political Beatdown podcast, hosted by Mr Meiselas. He didnt want Eric to even marry her. He had found somebody else that was working at the Trump Organization that he wanted Eric to marry. And of course, not only did Donald make fun of her looks, but so of course did Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka, he added. They all made fun of her looks. They just didnt like her at all. What most people dont seem to understand is that the RNC is not there for Donald Trump, Cohen said on the podcast, according to Newsweek. The RNC is an organization that is supposed to be for every Republican that is running. The Independent has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. Ms Trump married Eric Trump in 2014 at Mar-a-Lago. Cohen began working for the Trump Organization in 2006, eventually turning on the then-president in 2018 amid the criminal probe into him. He was sentenced to three years behind bars but left prison early amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Cohen has since testified against Mr Trump in the business fraud case against him in New York which is tied to the hush money payment Cohen orchestrated to adult actor Stormy Daniels who alleged that she had an affair with Mr Trump. Mr Trump has attacked Cohen, claiming that hes a liar and cant be trusted. Ms McDaniel is set to leave her post after the South Carolina Republican primary. The party rules designate that one woman and one man serve as co-chairs of the RNC. Mr Trump has been discussing with aides the possibility of endorsing the wife of his son Eric to serve as one of the co-chairs. Ms Trump has worked with the committee for years and has built a reputation as a strong fundraiser. The daughter-in-law would also be trusted by the Trump family, which asserts influence over Mr Trumps campaign and which follows how resources are used, The New York Times noted. Ms Trump weighed running for US Senate in North Carolina in 2021. Ms McDaniel has been under pressure for several months to step down as Mr Trumps allies have attempted to push her out amid concerns about the RNCs finances ahead of the general election campaign. After she met Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Ms McDaniel was now Head of the RNC, and Ill be making a decision the day after the South Carolina Primary as to my recommendations for RNC Growth. Ms McDaniel has reportedly been thinking about resigning before the end of her term for quite a while. As an organisation, the RNC focuses on turning out Republican voters and raising funds for the party. In 2016, the committee was forced to work with Mr Trump after he shocked the entire Republican field when he won the nomination and subsequently the general election. In 2020, the Trump campaign handed over a number of important functions to the committee, and during the 2024 campaign, the Trump team is expected to attempt to completely subsume the committee, The New York Times notes. Ms McDaniel was the chair of the Michigan Republican Party between 2015 and 2017, taking the helm of the national committee just a day before Mr Trumps inauguration in January of that year. Her predecessor, Reince Priebus, left the post to become Mr Trumps first White House chief of staff. While Ms McDaniel was set to serve until 2025, her relationship with Mr Trump began deteriorating as they squabbled over the Republican primary debates this campaign season, which featured Mr Trumps challengers but not the former president who refused to take part. Mr Trump pushed Ms McDaniel to cancel the debates, but she refused, according to The Washington Post. Mr Trump was then on the receiving end of a long stream of criticism aimed at Ms McDaniel coming from rightwing donors, activists, as well as from his aides, worried about fundraising, with the RNC having about half the cash of the DNC at the end of last year. Mr Trump has remained cordial in private with the outgoing chair, The Post reported. He hasnt strongly urged her to leave despite the pushing from aides and donors. But about two weeks ago, Mr Trump started telling people it was time for a change at the RNC. And on Monday last week, a Newsmax reporter asked Mr Trump: Is it time for Ronna McDaniel to step aside? Uncharacteristically gently, Mr Trump said: I think she knows that, I think she understands that. A Michigan lawmaker, who is white, has been stripped of his staff and committee assignment after reposting a graphic appearing to show support for a racist ideology on X, formerly Twitter. On Feb. 6, Republican Rep. Josh Schriver, who serves Michigans 66th House District, reposted an X post from the senior editor of a conservative political news site that showed a world map dominated by small black figures representing humans across every continent and featuring only a few white figures. Schriver shared on X a decreasing chart emoji along with the reposted map. The words at the bottom of the map in the shared post read, The great replacement! as a reference to a conspiracy theory belief embraced by white nationalists that white people face a threat of extinction at the hands of nonwhite groups, the American Jewish Committee defines. Michigan state Rep. Josh Schriver (Photos: Twitter/Josh Schriver) Atlanta Black Star has reached out to Schriver for comment. Speaker of the House Joe Tate, a Black Democrat, said Schriver has deeply and personally offended the Michigan House of Representatives in a statement referring to the social media post as blatantly racist. Tates statement said, It is difficult for me to understand why he would hold these beliefs as a representative of a diverse group of Michigan residents. Furthermore, the fact that Rep. Schriver would espouse a deplorable and false theory and contend it is worthy of consideration puts his ignorance on full display, Tates statement continued. But ignorance is no excuse for proliferating obvious hate. Tate made the decision Monday to withhold the $132,000 office allotment for Schriver, the Longview News-Journal reported, and his staff will be reassigned. I will not allow the Michigan House of Representatives to be a forum for the proliferation of racist, hateful and bigoted speech, Tate said in a statement on Monday. Schriver will be removed from the House Natural Resources, Environment, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Committee, and the resources typically made available to a representative will be held by the House Business Office, according to a statement from the Michigan House of Representatives. Schriver is still allowed to cast votes in the House of Representatives. Tate said that Schriver, who was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022, has displayed a history of promoting debunked theories and dangerous rhetoric that jeopardizes the safety of Michigan residents and contributes to a hostile and uncomfortable environment for others. Someone really needs to stage an intervention and take [Michigan] State Rep. Josh Schrivers Twitter account away from him, wrote Democratic Michigan State Rep. Betsy Coffia on X. He spews racist white replacement theory then when confronted, doubles down, Coffia wrote. Schriver posted in his defense of the accusations of racism against him via X on Monday, Im a Christiannot a racist, and wrote in a separate post, Ive never found a form of racism compatible with Christian scripture. My heart is with Christ. I would never judge someone or deprive someone of something because of immutable characteristics, let alone race. My life and record reflect my open heart. Please, stop lying about me. Rep. Josh Schriver (@repjoshschriver) February 13, 2024 Chris Jackson, the executive director for the Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, said in a statement to Atlanta Black Star, Its sad that in 2024 we are still encountering this level of ignorance or blatant bigotry and racism in our state and around our country. The Michigan Legislative Black Caucus is fully in support of Speaker Tates decision to withhold the Representatives office allotment and his removal from the committees he currently serves on. Jackson said that while the Black Caucus believes in freedom of speech, words used to intimidate or [that] have the potential to incite violence should have consequences. Living in a cooperative world only works when there is a willingness to collaborate from all parties involved, he said. Michigans House Speaker Strips GOP State Lawmaker of Committee Assignment After He Reposts Racist Ideology A Middle Georgia man with a criminal history has been sentenced to federal prison for mailing packages containing handguns to different addresses in Chicago. Khalif Lee, also known as Killa, 29, of Barnesville, Georgia, was sentenced Feb. 7 to serve 65 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Barnesville is located about 40 miles northwest of Macon. Lee previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of illegally mailing a firearm. He is not eligible for parole and must serve the entire sentence. We have zero tolerance for gun traffickers and will pursue justice in their cases in the Middle District of Georgia, U.S. Attorney Peter D. Leary said. According to court documents, United States Postal Service (USPS) workers found a suspicious package addressed to a location on the east side of Chicago at an Atlanta processing and distribution center on Dec. 23, 2022. The package contained four handguns: a Beretta 9mm pistol, a Springfield XD-9 sub-compact 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol and a Hi-Point .40 caliber pistol. An investigation found that Lee lived at the senders address. A non-licensee, an individual or organization not licensed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to buy or sell firearms, may not transfer a firearm to a non-licensed resident of another state. In addition, handguns cannot be mailed a common or contract carrier must be used to ship a handgun. Later that month, Lee attempted to mail another package to a different Chicago address. A federal search warrant was issued, and inspectors found the package contained four firearms: a Taurus 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol and a Glock .357 caliber pistol. Lee contacted USPS on Jan. 5, 2023, to inquire about the missing parcel and said that it contained his mothers personal belongings. A forensic examination of both packages contained Lees fingerprints. The case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justices violent crime reduction efforts. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has supervised the test-firing of a new surface-to-sea missile and ordered a tighter defense posture near the western maritime border, state media reported Thursday. North Korea test-launched the new missile, named Padasuri-6, on Wednesday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. A day earlier, South Korea's military said the North fired several cruise missiles off the eastern port city of Wonsan. The KCNA said the missile hit a target after flying over waters in the East Sea for around 1,400 seconds, or 23 minutes and 20 seconds. It did not disclose further details, such as how many missiles were fired. It marked North Korea's fifth cruise missile launch this year. The provocation came two days before the 82nd birthday of late former leader Kim Jong-il, the father of the current leader Kim Jong-un. The North's leader ordered a stronger defense posture in waters north of the South Korean border islands of Yeonpyeong and Baengnyeong, saying South Korean warships have frequently violated the North's waters, the KCNA said. Kim accused the South of sending warships and patrol ships to defend the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the maritime border that the North does not recognize. Kim called the NLL a "ghost" line that has not been recognized by international laws. He stressed the need for North Korea to "thoroughly defend the maritime sovereignty by force of arms and actions, not by any rhetoric, statement and public notice," the KCNA said. "What is clear is that when the enemy intrudes into the maritime border recognized by us, we will regard it as an encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK and an armed provocation against it," Kim said. The North's leader also ordered the reorganization of the combat formations of the coastal missile battalions in the east and the west sea fleets. DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name. North Korea does not recognize the NLL, the de facto maritime border in the Yellow Sea, and has long demanded that the line be moved farther south as it was unilaterally drawn by the U.S.-led U.N. Command after the 1950-53 Korean War. Waters near the NLL have been a flashpoint between the two Koreas, where three bloody naval skirmishes took place in 1999, 2002 and 2009. In March 2010, Pyongyang torpedoed a South Korean warship in the Yellow Sea, killing 46 sailors. At a parliamentary meeting in January, the North's leader warned that if South Korea violates even 0.001 millimeter of our territorial land, air or waters, it will be considered a provocation of war. Last month, North Korea fired hundreds of artillery rounds into waters near the tensely guarded western border, prompting the South Korean military to conduct live-fire drills in response. Experts said North Korea's new ground-to-ship missile appears to be the North's variant of Russia's Kh-35 Uran cruise missiles. "The missile seems to be designed to counter naval capabilities of South Korea and the United States, such as U.S. aircraft carriers," said Hong Min, a senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification. North Korea has been dialing up tensions on the Korean Peninsula with weapons tests and bellicose rhetoric this year, including the launches of cruise missiles from sea and land, as well as a solid-fuel hypersonic missile. On Jan. 24, North Korea test-fired what it called a new strategic cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, named Pulhwasal-3-31, for the first time. Meanwhile, North Korea's Kim visited a key munitions factory, the KCNA said in a separate dispatch, without revealing the time and location. A photo carried by the Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper, showed Kim touring a factory presumed to be producing artillery shells. Kim ordered the Second Economic Committee, an organization in charge of the North's munitions industry, to start a new unspecified project, the report said. (Yonhap) FILE - Migrants wait to be processed by the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol after they crossed the Rio Grande and entered the U.S. from Mexico, Oct. 19, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. A recent decline in arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico may prove only temporary. The drop in January reflects how numbers ebb and flow, and the reason usually goes beyond any single factor. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, FILE) McALLEN, Texas (AP) A recent decline in arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico may prove only temporary. The drop in January reflects how the numbers ebb and flow, and the reason usually goes beyond any single factor. After a record-breaking number of encounters at the southern border in December, crossings dropped by half last month, authorities reported Tuesday. The largest decrease was in the Del Rio sector that includes Eagle Pass, Texas, the main focus of Republican Gov. Greg Abbotts recent border enforcement efforts. Mexico also increased enforcement efforts during that time after talks with U.S. President Joe Biden's administration. A look at the numbers and what's behind them: WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SAY? Overall, arrests by U.S. Border Patrol dropped in January by 50% from 249,735 in December, the highest monthly tally on record. Tucson, Arizona, was again the busiest sector for illegal crossings with 50,565 arrests, down 37% from December, followed by San Diego. Arrests in the Border Patrols Del Rio sector plummeted 76% from December to 16,712, the lowest since December 2021. Arrests in Texas Rio Grande Valley, dropped 60% to 7,340, the lowest since July 2020. A significant decrease was noted among Venezuelans whose arrests dropped by 91% to 4,422 from 46,920. But those numbers could change soon. Panama reported that 36,001 migrants traversed the dangerous Darien Gap in January, up 46% from December. The vast majority who cross the Panamanian jungle are Venezuelans headed to the United States, with considerable numbers from Haiti, China, Ecuador and Colombia. WHAT IS MEXICO DOING? Mexico has been forcing migrants from freight trains that they sometimes use to cross the country to get closer to the U.S. border. Immigration officers in Mexico also have been busing migrants to that country's southern border and flying some back to their countries. That enforcement effort began after a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Mexico City on Dec. 28. Mexican border states such as Coahuila partnered with Mexico's federal government. By January, members of Mexico's military and national guard were patrolling the banks of the Rio Grande. Officers filled buses with migrants and drove them away from Piedras Negras, which is on the Mexican side of the river across from Eagle Pass. WHAT IS TEXAS DOING? Over in Eagle Pass, the Texas National Guard took over a city-owned park along the river. Texas has denied U.S. agents access to Shelby Park since Jan. 10. It also installed additional razor wire and anti-climbing fencing in the area. Border Patrol agents had previously used the park for monitoring and patrols, as well as to process migrants who made it across the river to U.S. soil. Migrants who are seeking asylum are released to await immigration court proceedings that can take years. What you have is this magnet," Mike Banks, Texas' border czar, said. "Youre basically saying, `Cross the river right here. Get across and well process immediately and release you.' So again, thats a pull factor. So weve taken that pull factor away. WHAT ELSE IMPACTS THE NUMBERS? The number of people trying to make the journey often increases when the weather is warmer in the U.S. and decreases during the colder months. Since 2021, crossings on the southern border increase by an average of 40% from January to March, according to federal data from the last three years. Another factor last year was the end of COVID-19 restrictions in May. The use of a public health policy known as Title 42 allowed the Trump and Biden administrations to turn asylum-seekers back to Mexico, even if they were not from that country. Crossings fell dramatically for a month after Title 42 ended and the Biden administration enforced new rules. Under Title 42 migrants were denied asylum more than 2.8 million times starting in March 2020 on grounds of preventing the spread of COVID-19. When Title 42 expired, the Biden administration launched a policy to deny asylum to people who travel through another country, such as Mexico, to the U.S., with few exceptions. However, the numbers eventually started climbing until reaching December's record high. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson evidently isnt taking any chances when it comes to his relationship with Donald Trump and the right wing of his caucus in the lower chamber. Mr Johnson spoke to The Independent on Tuesday evening as lawmakers gathered to vote on the impeachment of Joe Bidens Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas. That effort, seen largely as a handout for hardliners in the House ahead of primary contests this spring, passed by one vote on Tuesday after failing to pass the chamber last week. During his presser, he was asked by The Independents Eric Garcia about his thoughts in response to Donald Trumps public threat to violate Natos article 5, the cornerstone of its mutual defence agreement, if Russia were to attack a member-state which Mr Trump sees as making insufficient defence contributions. The comments sparked a firestorm in Washington and across the world over the weekend as they inherently cast into doubt the future of the Nato defence pact under a hypothetical second Trump presidency. Not going to comment on that, Mr Johnson shot back. It was a revealing moment. Mr Trumps comments have, by now, been denounced by many prominent Republicans who continue to embrace their partys traditionally-hawkish views on national security. The few exceptions among those Republicans have sought to dismiss the former presidents words as bluster rather than a policy prescription. Mitch McConnell joined those ranks on Tuesday after initially attempting to take the same track as Mr Johnson. I totally disagree with him. And it was extremely unhelpful, he told Punchbowl in an interview. Others have made similar comments, even some more conservative members typically seen as closer to Mr Trump (unlike Mr McConnell, who remains one of Mr Trumps stubborn foes within the Senate Republican caucus). Josh Hawley of Missouri was one. Obviously we dont want Russia to invade, he told The Independent. If they invaded a Nato country, wed have to defend them, so we dont want that. The speaker is facing mounting pressure from both sides of the aisle, a symptom of the House GOPs hard-right turn and the subsequent breakdown of the caucuss relationship with its Senate counterpart. Republicans in the lower chamber are now facing deafening calls from just about the entirety of Washington to hold a vote on supplemental funding legislation aimed at providing aid for Ukraine and Israel after the Senate passed that legislation early Tuesday morning. The House (and some Republican senators) had vowed to hold up any national security legislation until the situation at the US-Mexico border was addressed, but the collapse of negotiations on that topic at Donald Trumps urging has significantly weakened that position. Mr McConnell joined in those calls upon the passage of the supplemental funding bill on Tuesday, and aimed several clear jabs at the Speaker as he did. Weve heard all kinds of rumors about whether the House supports Ukraine or doesnt, Mr McConnell told Politico. It seems to me that the easy way to solve that would be to vote. And I hope the speaker will find a way to allow the House to work its will on the issue of Ukraine aid and the other parts of the bill as well. Korea will launch cloud services using indigenous quantum computers and begin test flights of urban air mobility (UAM) vehicles in Seoul metropolitan areas this year, the finance ministry said Wednesday. They are part of the major projects that the government is pushing to nurture advanced technologies and spur growth momentum. Under the plan, the government will initiate cloud services based on indigenous 20-qubit quantum computers for the public in the second half of this year, according to the Ministry of Economy and Finance. It will also begin technology development for a more advanced 50-qubit computing system by 2026, it added. In the next-generation mobility sector, the government plans to begin flight tests of UAM vehicles above the Gyeongin Ara waterway linking the Han River and the Yellow Sea starting August. Such tests in Seoul and the surrounding urban areas will continue through June 2025 as the country aims to begin the commercial services next year, the ministry said. The government also vowed to extend support for such key industries as secondary batteries, semiconductors, displays and shipbuilding to secure technology prowess this year. "Mobility, quantum technology and bio sectors, among other fields, can serve as a new growth engine for our economy. The government will create tangible results in related projects," Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok said during an emergency economic ministers' meeting. (Yonhap) UPDATE 9:55 a.m.: The missing girl has been found safe, according to the Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office. MANHATTAN (KSNT) The Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office (PCSO) is seeking information on a missing 12-year-old girl. At 8:42 a.m., the PCSO announced it was trying to find a juvenile who went missing in the area of Heather Lane in Manhattan. The girl was last seen wearing a catholic school uniform. She is 55, weighs 110 pounds, has brown shoulder-length hair and wears glasses. How to watch the Kansas City Chiefs 2024 Super Bowl parade from home If you have information on the missing person contact the Pottawatomie County Sheriffs Office at 785-457-3353. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. To download our Storm Track Weather App, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. After two days of gridlock in the Missouri Senate, a motion to pass legislation looking to overhaul the initiative petition process has been tabled until next week. Due to the Super Bowl victory by the Kansas City Chiefs, Missouri lawmakers are taking a long weekend to celebrate in the victory parade Wednesday in Kansas City. The Missouri Republican Party is also hosting its annual Lincoln Days event in Kansas City this weekend, another factor in pushing off the debate. Both the Missouri House of Representatives and the Missouri Senate are forgoing floor debate on legislation until Monday, so with the exception of a few committee hearings, lawmakers wont continue their legislative duties this week. Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, is one of the Missouri legislators sponsoring a bill overhauling the initiative petition process. The debate on the initiative petition bills began Monday afternoon in the state Senate, with bill sponsor Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman introducing a few changes to the legislation seeking to change the initiative petition process. Originally, the legislation, which is a combination of several bills, proposed using a concurrent majority to pass ballot initiatives, meaning that initiative petitions must pass with a simple majority of statewide voters and with voters in 82 of 163 state House districts in favor. While a concurrent majority system is still being proposed, Coleman would now prefer to use the states eight congressional districts as the other metric, meaning the petitions would need approval in five of those eight districts plus a majority of the popular vote. It's about wanting to make sure that our founding document is kept and preserved and made more difficult to change, Coleman said. Coleman feels that it is too easy to change the state constitution, creating what she calls a hodge podge document. We have incentivized people to change not statutes, not codes, but our founding documents because it is as easy to change the constitution, Coleman said. More: Initiative petitions are the topic of much debate in Missouris legislature. Here's why Sen. Doug Beck questions State Treasurer Vivek Malek during a Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee hearing Wednesday Jan. 10, 2024. However, when state Sen. Doug Beck asked Coleman to review her legislation line by line on Monday night, he found multiple items contained in the legislation that he dubbed ballot candy, which refers to provisions designed to entice voters to approve a measure that may otherwise be unpopular. Coleman did not hesitate to confirm that her proposal contained items such as these. There absolutely is ballot candy in the substitute, Coleman said during Monday nights debate. However, if voters approve her plan containing the ballot candy she wants to put before voters, her bill would then prohibit the use of ballot candy for certain topics in future initiative petitions. We should be limited from changing our constitution, Coleman said, making sure that people aren't able to put (whats) commonly known as ballot candy to incite people to pass or to not pass something." Many of the ballot candy issues in Colemans legislation include ensuring that only U.S. citizens and Missouri residents can vote, stopping foreign involvement in initiative petitions, prohibiting raising taxes on some items through initiative petition and prohibiting lawmakers from receiving gifts. Beck pointed out that these issues are already guaranteed by state or federal law. Senate Minority Floor Leader John Rizzo speaks at a press conference at the Missouri State Capitol Building on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024. Democrats made good on the promise made by Senate Minority Floor Leader John Rizzo last week, when he said that they would vehemently oppose changing the initiative petition process, filibustering for more than five hours Monday and six hours Tuesday to prevent action on the legislation. Senators are expected to resume the discussion next week. So far, no legislation has been passed by the body, while the Missouri House continues to pass bills and send them to the Senate for consideration. Scott Charton, spokesman for Missourians for Fair Governance, the political action committee representing the interests of the Missouri Realtors, spoke out against the legislation in a release emailed during the debate. "The idea of requiring a second vote, after all Missouri citizens have already had an opportunity to vote, violates the long-established principle of one-person, one-vote," Charton said. "That's just undemocratic and it devalues citizens' votes based on their ZIP code." Missouri Realtors have successfully used initiative petitions to pass issues important to their members, setting them up in opposition to any efforts to change the process. Any changes made by lawmakers would still have to be approved by voters. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri Senate Democrats block vote on initiative petition bill JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. The Supreme Court of Missouri has ordered an execution date for a man convicted in a womans murder in Jefferson City more than a decade ago. A mid-Missouri jury found David Hosier, a former firefighter, guilty of first-degree murder and other charges in the 2009 death of Angela Gilpin. On Wednesday, the state ordered the execution for 6 p.m. on June 11, 2024. The execution will happen under the supervision and direction of the director of the Missouri Department of Corrections. When and where the snow is expected to fall Friday Hosiers attorneys requested an appeal of the murder conviction in December 2013. After years of court proceedings, the State of Missouri filed a motion to set an execution date last year. According to previous Associated Press reports, Hosier had a relationship with Gilpin while she was separated from her husband, who was also shot to death in her Jefferson City apartment. The state of Missouri carried out four executions last year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Loved ones revealed this week that Angela Chao, a 50-year-old shipping executive and sister-in-law to Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), died in a Texas car crash on Saturday. Chaos family confirmed her death in a statement, in which her dad said losing herthe youngest of six daughtersat such a young age is something we never even imagined, and our entire family is devastated with grief. Details about the crash itself were not released. Chao was the chair and chief executive of the Foremost Group, owned by her family, which operates a global fleet of bulk carrier ships that transport commodities like iron ore and soybeans. Chaos older sister, former Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, is married to McConnell. The senator had not put out a statement about his sister-in-laws death as of Wednesday afternoon. Mitch McConnell and Chuck Schumers Big Secret: Theyre Closer Than Ever Chao attended Harvards business school, graduating in three years before she began working under her father, Dr. James SC Chao, at Foremost Group. She left her mark at the university, with a case study she penned as a student about international shipping now being part of the required curriculum for first-year Harvard business students. She also had a love for the arts, having served on the board of MoMA and the Metropolitan Opera. As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted, her dads statement read. These qualities were complemented by a spirited personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all, and a wonderful sense of humor. She kept us laughing and smiling. 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. Over 400 unionized employees at the Molson Coors brewery in Fort Worth could go on strike if they cannot reach an agreement with the company. According to Fox Business, the members of the Teamsters Local 997 say they are asking for higher pay, better health benefits and better retirement. The company has not responded to an email from the Star-Telegram seeking comment. A Molson Coors spokesman told Fox Business that the company is prepared for any scenario, and that the company has made a strong offer to the employees. On Thursday, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters announced that strike benefits would be increased to $1,000 a week for Local 997 members who are seeking a contract. Molson Coors negotiators have wasted time on insulting proposals and regressive offers despite having months to reach a fair three-year agreement, the Teamsters said in a statement on its website. The beer company now faces serious risk of an imminent work stoppage just weeks ahead of a possible nationwide strike by 5,000 Teamsters battling Anheuser-Busch for their own contract. The Fort Worth brewery serves the entire western United States as well as brands including Topo Chico, Simply, Pabst and Yuengling. A mother is facing charges in connection with an incident that left her son with a gunshot wound to the head, Ohio authorities said. A 24-year-old woman from Harrison Township just outside Dayton called 911 on Feb. 11 after she said she believed her son cut his head falling into a piece of furniture, WHIO and WDTN reported. Initially, detectives were informed that the child had accidentally fallen into a television stand, but medical professionals contradicted this account, the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office said in a Feb. 13 news release. The kid was seen here for a head laceration and we did a workup of possible physical abuse, a physician at Dayton Childrens Hospital told WDTN. Court records state the 22-month-old boy had a laceration so severe it exposed his skull in addition to a possible skull fracture and an active brain bleed, the Dayton Daily News reported. Hospital staff alerted law enforcement to the nature of the childs injuries, prompting a search of the home, WDTN reported. It was revealed that the child had actually sustained a gunshot wound from an unattended weapon, the sheriffs office said. A search of the womans apartment revealed a bullet hole in the ceiling, spent shell casings and bullets, the Dayton Daily News reported, citing court documents. After initially denying owning a gun, the mother told detectives she kept a gun unsecured on the floor under her bed, WHIO reported, citing court documents. She also told investigators she moved the gun after her son shot himself, the station said, citing the documents. The mother is charged with endangering children, tampering with evidence and having weapons while under disability, according to Vandalia Municipal Court records. The boy was in stable condition as of Feb. 13, deputies said. McClatchy News is not identifying the mother to protect the identity of the child. 3-year-old shoots himself with loose gun, NC cops say. Family mourns ray of sunshine Daughter shoots intruder, but it was moms ex she was secretly seeing, AL cops say 5-year-old playing with gun fatally shoots self in front of siblings, Michigan cops say The health ministry on Wednesday renewed its call for trainee doctors to avert collective action in protest of a plan to boost seats at medical schools, while a major business lobby of doctors vowed to block the plan "at any cost." Doctors and the government have appeared to be on a collision course over last week's decision to add 2,000 to the country's medical school enrollment quota next year, a sharp rise from the current 3,058 seats. "The government will improve the working environment of young doctors. We urge trainee doctors and medical students to focus their energy on training and studying," Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters. The government has warned that it would take stern measures against any collective action by doctors over the plan to boost medical students, hinting that it could revoke their licenses. Cho Ji-ho, the chief of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, reiterated such warnings during a press briefing Wednesday, saying the police will take necessary measures in case of "illegal acts beyond the level tolerable by the public." "We respect the process of an important national policy reaching consensus, but the police cannot overlook such acts when they cross the legal line," the Seoul police chief said, adding they will carefully monitor and brace for any conduct led by the doctors. Although the government says the hike in the medical enrollment quota is needed to address a shortage of doctors in rural areas and essential medical fields, doctors say such a hike may aggravate problems associated with an oversupply of medical personnel in the market. The Korean Medical Association (KMA), a major lobbying group of doctors, said its emergency committee will convene a meeting Saturday to map out plans against the planned hike in medical students. "We will stop the government's unjustifiable push to raise the medical school quota at any cost," Kim Taek-woo, who leads the KMA's emergency committee, told reporters. "While the government argues that the country's number of doctors per 1,000 people falls behind the OECD average, there are no actual consequences caused by this shortage," Kim said. According to the data compiled by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the number of doctors for every 1,000 people came to 2.6 in Korea in 2021, far below the member countries' average of 3.7. Kim said raising the number of seats for medical school freshmen would also lead to a decline in the quality of education. The KMA, however, refrained from disclosing specific measures to protest the government's decision, emphasizing its current focus on raising awareness among Koreans of the irregularities in the government's decision. Earlier on Wednesday, the Korean Nurses Association said it supports the government's decision to increase the number of medical school freshmen while urging doctors to refrain from leaving hospitals in protest. (Yonhap) LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) Logan Police captured a mountain lion running loose in the neighborhood on Tuesday. At around 6:40 a.m. on Feb. 13, police responded to Logan City Cemetery, located at 1000 North 1000 East, on a report of a mountain lion in the area. An officer reportedly spotted the animal and notified Utah State University Police, who then issued an alert to the USU community. 6 p.m. sunsets are back in Utah heres a timetable for longer days Hillcrest Elementary was also notified as a precaution. Police said the lion eventually moved away from campus and ended up in the backyard of a house just north of 1640 East 1400 North. A Division of Natural Resources biologist at the scene was then able to tranquilize the lion before capturing it. Logan Police would like to thank the quick response from the Division of Natural Resources and USU police for their help during this incident, a press release states. No further information is available at this time. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. MEMPHIS, Tenn. A man is dead and another is in critical condition following a shooting at an apartment complex in Raleigh. Driving crime: More than 22,000 vehicle thefts in Memphis in 2 years The incident happened in the 4400 block of Cedar Glenn Drive a little after 3 a.m. Officers found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One man was pronounced dead on the scene. The other was taken to Regional One in critical condition. Police say that preliminary information suggests that the suspects were breaking into a residence. Neighbors, Mallorie Haley and Van Buford say they heard it all. We heard about 15 rounds of gunshots, they were really close. We stay in the apartments next door, the neighbors said. It was just loud, we jumped up immediately and he heard the dude was like get away from here, get away from here. He said they are trying to break into my house. And thats when we heard another guy screaming help, help. Crime spree suspects mom says theres more to story; attorney asks for mental evaluation Another resident said he saw several Memphis Police officers, crime scene tape, and forensics within the apartment complex while he was taking his son to the bus stop. It surprises me that it happened over here because as long as I have been living over here I have never seen a police car ride through this apartment complex never, Slim said. According to the Memphis Data Hub, there have been 40 homicides so far this year and 28 incidents in the area including assault and robbery. Slim believes the reason for Memphis crime is poverty. Download the WREG App today and stay up to date with breaking news and weather. Sign up for WREG newsletters and have the latest top stories sent right to your inbox. See more breaking news, local news and weather from WREG.com for Memphis and the Mid-South. You dont know where you are going to get your next meal from, you dont know where you are going to get your money from, you dont know how you are going to survive, Slim said. Thats why crime is so high because we got to do what they got to do. Rob people, kill people, do whatever to survive, to feed their family, or themselves. He says its time for residents and leaders to stop talking and start doing. They want to take a stand or pay attention to when different nationally kill us or when police kill us, we want to take a stand on that but why are we not taking a stand when we kill each other? Slim said. Come out and visit. Talk to the residents, talk to the people in the community thats all show them that you are concerned about the way we are living. This remains an ongoing investigation. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. Medical students move to join collective action By Jun Ji-hye The Korean Medical Association (KMA), the nations largest coalition of doctors, vowed to stop the governments plan to increase the number of medical school students starting next year, denouncing it as an unreasonable policy. The comments came on Wednesday as the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced last week that the annual enrollment quota at 40 medical schools nationwide will increase next year to 5,058 from the current 3,058. Kim Taek-woo, who heads the KMAs emergency response committee, said increasing the quota by 2,000 all at once will amount to creating 24 new medical schools, considering the current numbers of medical schools and students. This will debase the quality of education and training, Kim said during a media briefing. We will stop the governments push for such an unreasonable policy at any cost. The KMA went into emergency mode after its head Lee Pil-soo resigned following the governments Feb. 8 announcement of the quota hike decision. Kim said its emergency response committee will hold a meeting on Saturday to decide on the method and timing of its collective action in protest against the governments plan. The health ministry said the quota hike is aimed at addressing chronic shortages of doctors in the country, citing that the number of doctors per 1,000 people in the country stood at 2.6, which is below the OECD average of 3.7. Kim refuted this, saying, The country has seen no circumstances related to shortages of doctors. The governments reasoning is not rational. As its first collective action, the KMA will hold massive rallies across the nation on Thursday. Medical students joined in the criticisms against the government, expressing their opposition to the quota hike plan. Representatives from each medical school held an online discussion on Tuesday night to deliberate on their upcoming actions. The discussions ended after midnight, but there was no immediate announcement about collective action plans. These representatives are expected to announce the results of their discussion on Thursday. When the previous Moon Jae-in government proposed to raise the quota in 2020, the plan was eventually retracted due to fierce protests by doctors. Medical students at the time joined in the protests by refusing to take the state medical licensing exam. The health ministry said such a refusal would be impossible this time as this years exam was held last month. The ministry noted it is closely watching the situation as medical students could stage other forms of collective action such as boycotting classes or taking a leave of absence en masse. The medical students discussion came a day after a similar discussion by the Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA), an association of interns and resident doctors. Following the discussion, KIRA announced the resignation of its entire executive board and the establishment of an emergency response committee to address the governments plan. Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo urged medical students, interns and resident doctors to focus on their studies and training, and not to engage in collective action. Park also urged current and former KMA members, who are senior doctors, not to incite collective action or make hostile remarks against the government. Medical students, interns and resident doctors are the future of the countrys health care system. Medical reforms pushed for by the government are aimed at improving working environment for them, Park said during a media briefing, Wednesday. The government will promote dialogue to ponder over the issue together with medical students and young doctors. I ask all of you to participate actively. We can discuss anything. EAST LANSING Students held each other as the sound of Beaumont Tower's carillon bells rang through the air. The bells chimed at 8:18 p.m. and 8:25 p.m., signaling when MSU students Alexandria Verner, Arielle Anderson and Brian Fraser were fatally shot. A vigil with bright green lights shining across the sky concluded a day of tears, hugs, memorials and pet therapy as Spartans and their supporters on Michigan State University's campus remembered the lives lost to a mass shooting a year ago. Emily Hoyumpa, president of the Associated Students of MSU, urged vigil attendees Tuesday to take the time to grieve whether it be here on our campus, across the state, across the nation, or around the world, to honor the memory of those whose lives were taken by the tragic violence our community experienced on February 13, 2023." Hoyumpa asked the MSU community to reflect, grieve, remember, and come together in support of one another, whatever that means or looks like to them. At the end of the day, were also all human and were doing what we can to process everything thats happened, she said. Throughout Tuesday, students expressed a range of emotions, from grief to glimmers of hope, while showing both their strengths and vulnerabilities. I think, when theres a tragedy, we want to do something and were taking it back now, reclaiming our school, said Zaria Floyd, a 20-year-old sophomore from Farmington. This is a way to change the situation. Standing toward the front of a crowd of more than 1,000 students and community members, Floyd and her friend, Gabrielle Okonski, a 19-year-old sophomore from Dowagiac, turned around to look at a sea of green luminaries and glow sticks at the vigil. They each transferred to MSU for the winter semester, so the February shooting happened their first semester away from home. Because they were transfers, they never got the emergency notices during the shooting, only finding out from friends. This is a shocker. You never expect its going to happen to you, Floyd said. Were here because we want to turn this into a positive, to get back our school. They were among the students, faculty, local leaders and community members gathered on Michigan State University's campus to pay respects and remember MSU's tragedy. President Joe Biden's X account marked the one year since the tragedy, commending students who came together and helped get stronger gun laws passed in Michigan. There were no classes but, during the day, bouquets of flowers were laid at the base of the Rock, a perpetually repainted landmark that on Tuesday was painted green with "Spartans Together" in white letters. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was one of many who laid bouquets at the Sparty statue. There were also hugs. Via Mastan didnt know how close she was to crying, until she got a mom hug, amid a crowd of MSU students and others. Mastan started to cry, on the shoulders of Heather Stallone, one of the mothers who came to campus after the shooting last year and returned Tuesday to offer mom hugs. My mom is my safe place and shes always there for me, said Mastan, a 19-year-old freshman marketing student. I think we need that. Sparty is lit up green at the vigil held on the Michigan State campus Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, marking the one year anniversary of the mass shooting that killed three students. 'I can't believe it's been a year' Aaron Iturralde is an MSU alum who graduated in May. For him, the campus sometimes still seems frozen in time. He hasn't been back since he graduated, just months after the shooting. "It's been a year. I can't believe it's been a year already," Iturralde said. A year ago, he was driving home to visit his mom in suburban Flint. He heard about the shooting while he was on the highway. He drove back to East Lansing in the morning, saying "I needed to be there." Iturralde is now a student teacher at a Greater Lansing high school. The day of the shooting was one of the first times he worked in a classroom. "That day was so joyful," he said. "And then what happened later..." He teaches civics at the high school. He thinks a lot about gun violence in schools. "How would I get 30 kids out of a classroom if something happened?" A group hugs after leaving flowers at the Sparty statue on the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, on campus in East Lansing. Chris White of Southfield and his son, Owen White, an MSU sophomore, walked gingerly around the Rock, blending into the green paint with their puffy MSU jackets. We just wanted to pay our respects, Chris White, 51, said. Even though that day is no longer here, its a new day. We still remember. Its a day you cant forget. But as long as students continue to attend, thats the best they can do is to persevere. Owen White, who is on the autism spectrum, said he was glad to help pay his respects to the students who died as they circled around the Rock, looking at the names written in spray paint, Brian Arielle Alexandria. The Whites were preparing to drive home a year ago when they heard about the shooting. Owen White was studying late on campus. His father said the mass shooting was a parents nightmare. Taking time to reflect Students visited the reflection space in the Michigan State University Main Library throughout the afternoon. Id say about 150 students overall, said Anne Bradley, director of development for Common Ground, an organization dedicated to helping people in crisis and providing support through the healing process. Two service dogs, Lakota and Gus, were in the middle of the room, with students gathered around them. Were letting (the students) come to us, Bradley said. People stop and visit outside Michigan State Universitys Berkey Hall, which was illuminated green as a tribute to those affected by the mass shooting a year ago, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in East Lansing. Cheyenne Schultz, a victim advocate with Common Ground, described the conversations she had with students that afternoon, saying most were general conversations about where they were that night, how theyre feeling today. Its more about comfort and community, Bradley said. Rather than helping students in extreme emotional distress, she characterized her role in the conversations as being the listener for students who needed one. (The students) seem to have good resources and know where to go, Bradley said. Schultz volunteered to be a counselor on MSUs campus Tuesday because she was a recent college graduate. Even though she did not attend MSU, she wanted to help those who were about the same age as her. Jamie Moriarty is the MSU Library Hollander Makerspace coordinator. The space has hosted a variety of events for students, some just so they could learn something, but also some de-stressing events around finals week. Makerspace hosted an event the week after the gun violence on campus last year. This year, they had three giant coloring sheets laid out for students. Moriarty said it was nice to see the pages slowly fill with color throughout the day. Moriarty wasnt sure what kind of event students would want or need Tuesday, but she knew that the Makerspace could provide a community center. How do you know what people need? But we decided to do something similar to what we do around finals week, something where you can be with people or sit in silence if you need to, she said. Michigan State University senior Allie Hukill, right, offers her dog Benny, center, for 'free puppy kisses' to those at the Sparty statue one year after the mass shooting at MSU on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in East Lansing. 'Difficult in the beginning...' Emerson Cywinski, a chemistry sophomore coloring at one of the pages, said being a student after the gun violence was difficult in the beginning, not as much now. Although he still thinks about it, his life has mostly moved on. I think its nice they had (coloring) for people today, if they needed to vent Jared Wadley broke into tears near the Sparty statue. He was with his therapy dog, Bree. I didnt think Id get this emotional, Wadley said. The Ypsilanti Township resident has had therapy dogs for 13 years and brought Bree to campus last year as one of her first tasks. Students pet her while they were on campus Tuesday remembering the past year since the shooting. I think she can make a huge difference, Wadley said. Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com and follow her on X @sarahmatwood. Contact Mike Ellis at mellis@lsj.com or 517-267-0415 This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: How MSU observed Feb. 13, one year after mass shooting LANSING, Mich. (WOOD) Hospital staff and first responders are trained to separate their feelings from their job. That training was put to the test when staff at Sparrow Hospital in downtown Lansing were called on to treat the students shot on Michigan State University campus last year. One year later, the raw emotion of that night is still just beneath the surface. Dr. Denny Martin, president of E.W. Sparrow Hospital, said it has been a struggle but his team is close and theyre working through it the best they can. You just have to offer support and we really push here a sentiment that its OK to say youre not OK and to talk about it, Martin said. MSU marks one year since deadly campus shooting On Feb. 13, 2023, multiple students were shot on campus and rushed to Sparrow Hospital, the nearest Level 1 trauma center. Arielle Anderson, Brian Fraser and Alexandria Verner were shot and killed at Michigan State University on Feb. 13, 2023. The hospital is less than 3 miles from where shots were fired. As the victims came into the emergency room, the gunman was still on the loose. I needed (hospital staff) to be able to focus on caring for the patient in front of them and not worrying about their own personal safety, so making sure our campus was secure was really a big priority for us until the shooter was alerted to us to be deceased, Martin said. More than 100 staff members showed up to pitch in, Martin said, and their extensive trauma training snapped into place. They saved the lives of five students. MSU professor haunted by gunshots 1 year later Martin was tasked with relaying information to the public. The gravity of the situation was overwhelming. He could not help but break down in a news conference the day after the shooting, a moment of genuine emotion that drew attention from around the world. It was, I think, at that time, everything that had gone on for the last 12 hours and the shock of it. I hadnt had time to really absorb what had happened until I started talking about it. I dont know how youre not moved when you see something like that, Martin said. Weve seen it on TV, but when its your community, its incredibly different. Feb. 14, 2023, news conference regarding the shooting: Looking back, the fear, the deaths and the uncertainty of the moment is still palpable. I think a lot of us here think about it every day and itll take a long time, I think, for that to go away, Martin said. And I mean, I dont think it really ever will. The reality is it wont go away. This is very personal to us. This is our community, our home. There is one change coming out of the incident: It exposed a need for more space. An expansion plan for the Sparrow Hospital emergency room has been approved and the addition is set for this year. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. Singles making their Valentines Day plans might want to set aside a little extra cash since the average date night in America now costs $123. To calculate the average cost of a date in 2024, MoneyGeek analyzed the average cost of dinner and a movie for two in 50 major cities across the country. MoneyGeek collected menu prices from 500 restaurants and movie ticket prices for adults to rank the most expensive cities for a date night out. Additionally, the analysis ranked the least affordable cities for dating, comparing the average income of a single earner to the cost of a night out. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts KEY FINDINGS: On average, dinner and a movie cost $123 in 2024. Miami has the most expensive date night out ($156), followed by Washington, D.C. ($153) and Seattle ($150). Miami is also the least affordable city for dating. There, dinner and a movie costs amount to 21% of the average single residents weekly earnings. Time is money, especially when youre on a date. Based on the estimated time spent on a dinner and movie date, expenses average $27 per hour. On average, going out for drinks costs $12, but dinner will cost you $96, and dinner and a movie total $123. Average date in Nashville, TN According to MoneyGeeks report, Nashville, Tennessee ranked as the 38th most expensive city for a date night. The average cost for a date in Music City came in at $113, $10 cheaper than the national average. Nashvilles date cost represents 13.1% of an average earners income for the week. Over in West Tennessee, Memphis ranked as the 26th most expensive city for date night. While the average date cost came in at the national average of $123, that represents a higher percentage of the average earners income at 17.8% | READ MORE | Latest headlines from Nashville and Davidson County Keep reading to see how the average dating costs in Tennessee compare to the rest of the country. MoneyGeek 15 most expensive cities for a date night To rank the most expensive cities for a date night, MoneyGeek compared menus from popular restaurants in each city, including the cost of a three-course meal with two appetizers, two entrees, a bottle of wine and two desserts. Adding the price of movie tickets to restaurant costs meant that in some places, prices for date night soared to over $150. Miami, Washington, D.C. and Seattle are the most expensive cities for a date. In Miami, singles can expect to pay an average of $156 for a night on the town, with the District of Columbia and Seattle close behind at $153 and $150 per date night, respectively. Rounding out the top 15 is Dallas, where the average cost of a date is a bit cheaper although still pricey at $129. | Check out more lists and rankings from across Tennessee This list of the 15 most expensive cities for a date night ranks the most expensive places for a dinner-and-a-movie date. This is not to be confused with the list below, the least affordable cities for singles, where the average price of a date makes up the highest percentage of the average earners income in that city. Miami, FL $156 Washington, DC $153 Seattle, WA $150 Boston, MA $148 New York, NY $140 Columbus, OH $139 Atlanta, GA $137 San Diego, CA $137 San Francisco, CA $134 Las Vegas, NV $134 Baltimore, MD $134 Chicago, IL $131 Houston, TX $130 Long Beach, CA $130 Dallas, TX $129 10 least affordable cities for singles The cost of a night out isnt the only problem for singles living in cities where wages havent kept up with the cost of living. To find out which cities were least affordable for singles, MoneyGeek also compared the average cost of a date night to the average income earned by a resident in those cities. This calculation showed us what percent of a residents weekly earnings would go toward paying for a night out. MoneyGeeks ranking of the least affordable cities for singles includes all cities where the cost of a date made up 17% or more of the average earners paycheck. 3 Nashville-area restaurants make Yelps top 100 places to eat in 2024 MoneyGeek found that the least affordable city for a date is Miami, where the cost of dinner and a movie ($156) represents 20.7% of an average earners income for the week. The South and Midwest dominate the list of the top ten least affordable cities for singles, with seven cities coming from these regions. The Midwest boasts cities like Detroit, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, ranking No. 2 to No. 4. Meanwhile, the South features Miami, Florida; Memphis, Tennessee; and Houston, Texas, where dinner expenses surpass 17% of the average weekly paycheck. 1. Miami, FL Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $156 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 20.7% 2. Detroit, MI Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $118 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 20.3% 3. Columbus, OH Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $139 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 18.1% 4. Milwaukee, WI Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $127 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 18% 5. Las Vegas, NV Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $134 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 17.9% 6. Memphis, TN Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $123 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 17.8% 7. Houston, TX Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $130 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 17.8% 8. Cleveland, OH Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $106 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 17.3% 9. Tucson, AZ Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $108 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 17.3% 10. Anaheim, CA Average Cost of Dinner and a Movie: $128 Cost of a Date as % of Weekly Earnings: 17.2% Methodology MoneyGeek collected prices of appetizers, entrees, bottles of wine and desserts from 500 restaurants in 50 major U.S. cities to estimate the cost of a three-course dinner and a movie. Restaurant prices were sourced from allmenus.com, focusing on the top five cuisines in high demand during Valentines Day: Italian, French, Spanish, Mexican and American/New American. We excluded fast-food restaurants. Dinner prices reflect the cost of two appetizers, two entrees, one bottle of wine and two desserts. MoneyGeek averaged the prices for 10 restaurants in each city. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com MoneyGeek gathered wine bottle prices across various cities using data from the Council for Community and Economic Researchs Cost of Living Index. Additionally, we examined the cost of a single adult movie ticket for a Saturday evening (between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.) at indoor theaters in each city using the same source. Individual income data by city (2022) from the United States Census Bureaus one-year American Community Survey was used to estimate the cost burden of a single date on weekly earnings. Full Dataset The data points presented are defined as follows: Rank: Ranks cities based on the average cost of dinner and a movie, with a rank of 1 indicating the most expensive city. Cost of Dinner & a Movie: The average cost of dinner and two movie tickets combined. Cost of Date as % of Weekly Earnings: This divides the average cost of a dinner and movie by the estimated weekly earnings of a single earner in that city. Cost of Dinner: The average cost of dinner, including the average cost of two appetizers, two entrees, one bottle of wine and two desserts. Cost of a Movie Ticket: The average movie ticket price for one adult on a Saturday night (between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.). Cost of Wine: The average cost of one bottle of wine. SOURCES This story was produced by MoneyGeek and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. The U.S. began the new year facing the highest monthly number of migrant encounters in the 21st century: more than 300,000. Monthslong bipartisan negotiations led by Sens. James Lankford, Chris Murphy, and Kyrsten Sinema culminated in legislation meant to meter the tide of new asylum applications and supplement the processes and personnel needed to tackle mushrooming backlogs. But recognizing the border crisis is a political liability for President Joe Biden in an election year, congressional Republicans and former President Donald Trumpdespite previous statements clamoring for congressional action on immigrationtanked the legislative effort, angered voters, and created new questions about the presidents authority on immigration. Now, many Republicans suggest its the presidents responsibility to use existing authorities to unilaterally close the border. The historic crisis at our Northern and Southern Borders is by design and Joe Biden is to blame, Rep. Elise Stefanik tweeted last week, citing an article from The Federalist. Though the articles headline is unequivocalBiden Has The Power To End The Border Crisis Without Congress. He Just Doesnt Want Tothe claim that [w]ith one stroke of a pen, our commander-in-chief could authorize the return of law and order to our border by shutting it down is dubious. Tellingly, that sentence does not include a citation simply because the scope of executive authority is a complicated issue that cannot be boiled down into a catchy sentence. House Speaker Mike Johnson tweeted about the suite of authorities available to the president on immigrationPresidential Authority to Restrict Entry 212(f) [] Expedited Removal 235(b)(1) [] Discretionary Detention Authority 236(a) [] Mandatory Detention 236(c)and said Biden was either lying or misinformed about the scope of this authority. But even President Trump never closed the border, despite his best efforts to use and expand executive authorities. At the height of the pandemic and during the Title 42 emergency that shut down the border, the U.S. processed more than 1,000 new principal asylum filings and admitted more than 2,500 refugees between August and September 2020 during one of the most restrictive periods of immigration in our history. Trump was stymied primarily by statutory limits set by Congress and clarified by the courts. Notably, the Constitution does not reference any presidential authority over regulating immigration, but Section 8 of Article 1 states that Congress has the power to establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the Supreme Court enshrined the breadth of congressional authority to regulate migration and pass sweeping laws that include the ability to exclude, admit, and deport foreign nationals. Over the years, Congress has expressly delegated a significant amount of authority on immigration to the president, primarily through the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of 1952, some of which was cited by Speaker Johnson. The so-called 212(f) authority allows the president discretion to impose entry restrictionssuch as a travel banwithout the need for congressional approval. The scope of this authority was confirmed in the Muslim travel ban case, Trump v. Hawaii, in which the Supreme Court found that the president has the power to exclude the arrival of foreign nationals who might cause harm to the U.S. This authority is arguably the most robust authority available to the president for advancing national security and foreign policy goals, but it does not allow a president to override other laws passed by Congress, including ones pertaining to the right to claim asylum on U.S. soil. Myriad emergency powers also bolster the presidents authority to enact changes to immigration policy. In the 1976 National Emergencies Act (NEA), Congress delegated the authority to activate 123 statutory authoritiessuch as giving the president the power to take over domestic communications, seize Americans bank accounts, and deploy U.S. troops to any foreign countrywhen the president declared a national emergency. But Congress can claw back some of those authoritiesas has been attempted beforesuggesting that although a president can try to use an emergency authority to close the border, any such move would likely face new legislation from Congress and judicial review. Congressionally delegated INA powers also give the president a wide berth for setting new policies. For example, the INA allows the Department of Homeland Security to send migrants arriving from Mexico or Canada back to those countries pending removal proceedings, to detain certain migrants, and to criminally prosecute migrants for improper entry. Notably, these are enforcement powers meant to ensure proper processing procedures, not authorities that can entirely stop those who may legally enter to claim asylum, suggesting that these authorities do not override existing law that allows for certain entries on U.S. soil. Famously, some of the provisions meant to ensure enforcement of U.S. immigration laws were warped into efforts to deter migration, like separating families and implementing the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) that forced migrants to wait in Mexico while awaiting an asylum decision (also referred to as the Remain in Mexico policy). Abhorrent outcomes associated with the separation of families and resultant public outcry forced the Trump administration to end family separation before a court decision on the merits. The Biden administration recently settled the class-action suit brought by parents and children subject to the program. Though challenged, the MPP program did withstand judicial scrutiny through 2021, and the courts even went so far as to ban the Biden administration from terminating MPP for a time due to administrative insufficiencies and lack of justification for its termination, which the Department of Homeland Security later cured. Yet, when the Biden administration proffered a similar rule in March 2022, the courts immediately stymied it. In a discussion about their book, The President and Immigration Law, Adam Cox and Cristina Rodriguez discuss how narrow interstitial bureaucratic authorities have been used to effect a broader suite of policy changes. One example of this is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program created by the Obama administration in 2012, which allows undocumented migrants who arrived as children to apply for protection from deportation. The authority to defer enforcement or create categories of priorities for enforcement is well-established. But conferring benefits associated with deferring enforcement, like work authorization and access to some in-state tuition and medical benefits, is the subject of a highly anticipated Supreme Court decision on the future of the DACA program. Similarly, though the statutory parole authority granted to the president by Congress has been used extensively in the past, its use has recently been (arguably) inflated by the executive. Per the INA, a president may authorize legal entry and presence under the parole authority for emergent reasons or reasons deemed strictly in the public interest. In 1996, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA) limited the parole provision on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. The parole authority has been used for families of military members, Central American minors, and the family members of U.S. citizen Filipino World War II veterans. Most recently, however, Biden used the parole authority to provide two years of parole to individuals from Ukraine and Venezuela and then to Cuban, Haitian, and Nicaraguan nationals (the parole programs for all but Ukrainians became known as the CHNV parole program). Though no states challenged the parole program for Ukrainians, Texas and 21 other states challenged the administrations use of parole in the CHNV program, which has authorized the arrival of 30,000 nationals from the four countries every month. By design, the legislative and judicial branches impose significant restrictions on what a president can do on immigration, even though the executive branch has been delegated specific authorities in the space and has also been granted broad discretion by the judiciary. Ultimately, most of what presidents want to accomplish on immigration is impossible without Congress appropriating funds to increase personnel, bolster processing, build and improve infrastructure, and fund the agencies responsible for processing. Apart from legal constraints, another unquestionable hurdle is how willing our international partners in immigration, namely Mexico, are to cooperate with our policies. There is little question that Mexico must agree to programs like MPP and expedited removals for them to operate realistically. In the past, Mexico has acquiesced, but more recently, our new largest trading partner is demanding the U.S. suspend the US blockade of Cuba, drop all sanctions against Venezuela, and give work permits and protection from deportation to at least 10 million Hispanic people living in the US. Although the executive branch has significant powers in setting immigration policy, the president cannot act unilaterally to close the border. Without Congress to fund the measures, they will be inadequate. And without sound policy development that includes Congress, changes made solely by the executive may not survive judicial scrutiny. 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. After a month without snow, 2 to 4 inches of snowfall across much of northeastern and central Wisconsin Thursday morning. After weeks of unseasonably warm temperatures, northeastern Wisconsin will finally get some more snow. The National Weather Service Green Bay issued a winter weather advisory for most of northeastern and central Wisconsin, including the Green Bay and Appleton areas, from midnight today until noon Thursday. Scott Cultice, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Green Bay, said the area can expect 2 to 4 inches of snow. Cultice said the snow will start falling Wednesday evening and continue throughout the night the heaviest expected around 4 a.m. or 5 a.m. Temperatures are expected to be in the lower 30s potentially a little colder up north. The winter weather advisory was issued primarily to warn people of a potentially hazardous commute Thursday morning, Cultice said. "Initially, probably some of the snow will melt on contact. We'll probably see a slushy couple inches first thing tomorrow morning," Cultice said. "That could make the roads slippery in spots, but hopefully the road crews will be up and at 'em." As of Wednesday, it has been Wisconsin's warmest February on record, Cultice said. The Appleton and Green Bay areas are about 16.5 degrees above average for this time of year, he said, and the last time the National Weather Service Green Bay measured an inch of snowfall was Jan. 13. This time last month, parts of the Fox Valley and Green Bay areas were hit with around two feet of snow and dangerously cold wind chills. But after the winter storms, temperatures rose above normal, and stayed like that. Last fall, meteorologists anticipated Wisconsin would have a mild winter, as it is an El Nino year meaning cyclically warmer Pacific Ocean waters result in warmer winter temperatures. While temperatures this week are dipping back to feeling a bit more like winter, the mild weather will likely stick around, Cultice said. This week's snow is "nothing that we can't handle here," he said. More: 'It's like a ghost town out there': Warm temperatures deter most sturgeon spearers from going on the ice opening day Kelli Arseneau can be reached at 920-213-3721 or karseneau@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ArseneauKelli. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Green Bay and Appleton expecting 2-4 inches of snow Thursday morning One person died and at least five others were injured after a vehicle crashed into a medical center in Austin, Texas, officials said Tuesday. The vehicle crashed into the emergency room at St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services posted on social media. Austin's EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said at a Tuesday evening briefing that officials received a call about the crash at 5:38 p.m. local time. Emergency responders discovered five people at the immediate scene. They pronounced the driver dead after removing her from the vehicle and administering CPR. Two children and two adults were taken to area hospitals. One child and one adult were in critical condition, Luckritz said. The Austin Police Department on Wednesday identified the driver of the sedan as Michell Holloway. "There is no indication at this time that this was an intentional act, nor does it indicate that the driver suffered from a medical episode," police said, adding that the investigation was still in its preliminary stages. The four injured people were in the ER lobby when the vehicle crash occurred, Dr. Peter DeYoung, Chief Medical Officer at the hospital, said at the Tuesday evening briefing. A fifth injured person was treated on-site. Eight people who were being cared for at the facility at the time of the crash were later taken to area hospitals so the staff at St. David's could "decompress." Officials said no details were available about the cause of the crash but that detectives were investigating it. The Austin Police Department earlier said in a post to social media that "there is no threat to the general public. Based on preliminary information and details gathered at this time, this incident does not appear to be an intentional act." "We are so thankful that the building itself appears to be in good condition and there's been no impact to operations outside of the emergency department at all," DeYoung said, adding that he'd left the facility 15 minutes before the crash and then turned around and headed back. DeYoung said that while the ER will continue to handle walk-ins, it will be closed to ambulances overnight. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he'd offered the state's full support to Austin's Mayor Kirk Watson. "State personnel are working closely with local officials to ensure Austin has no unmet needs," Abbott said on social media. Hamas commander on why terror group attacks civilians State Department issues travel warnings for the Bahamas and Jamaica World faces "dangerous decade" as military actions rise, report finds Rochdale should have been an easy contest for Labour. The party was 20 points ahead of the Conservatives in 2019. By-elections in safe Labour seats held since the Liz Truss debacle have on average witnessed an 11 point swing to Labour since 2019. And yet. Around three in ten of the towns population identify as Muslim. Muslims are particularly likely to be concerned about the fate of Palestinians in the Israel-Gaza war. Labour MPs with significant Muslim populations have reported unhappiness about Sir Keir Starmers reluctance to call for a ceasefire. Indeed, a recent poll of Muslim voters suggested that while 60 per cent were still minded to vote Labour, nevertheless support for the party was down 26 points since 2019. Meanwhile, standing in the seat is George Galloway, a charismatic figure who has long been a campaigner for Palestine. He has upset Labours apple cart twice before in constituencies in Tower Hamlets and Bradford with large Muslim populations. And now, following deeply critical and allegedly anti-Semitic remarks he made about the actions of the Israeli government, Labour have disowned their candidate in Rochdale, Azhar Ali. Have they in so doing paved the way for George Galloway to secure another remarkable electoral success? Mr Ali will still be on the ballot. The people of Rochdale can still vote for him and some undoubtedly will. He is probably still the person who is best placed to deny Mr Galloway victory. The Conservative vote is likely to fall. True, the former Labour MP for the town, Simon Danczuk, who was stopped by the party from defending his seat in 2017, is standing for Reform. However, it seems unlikely that backing a party that is critical of immigration will appeal to many Muslims. Past precedent indicates that candidates who lose the support of their party after the close of nominations do suffer at the ballot box. However, their support does not collapse entirely. In 2019, Neale Hanvey was disowned by the SNP because of an allegedly anti-Semitic remark when standing in Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath. He was the only SNP candidate whose share of the vote fell. However, at just one point, the drop did not stop him, with 35 per cent of the vote, from retaking the seat from Labour, whose own vote happened to fall even more. The Conservatives withdrew support from their candidate in Leeds North East in 2019, again for alleged anti-Semitism. His support fell by seven points one of the worst results for the party anywhere in England and Wales. Yet he still secured 24 per cent of the vote. Meanwhile, the Muslim community in Rochdale is not as big as in Bradford West, which George Galloway won in a 2013 by-election. Over half the population there was Muslim. Rochdale is more akin to Batley and Spen (23 per cent Muslim) where, in a by-election in 2021, Mr Galloway secured a respectable 22 per cent but was still 13 points behind Labour. And yet. This is a by-election where the withdrawal of Labours support has inevitably been more high profile than it would be in a general election. And low turnouts abound in such contests many Labour supporters may simply decide to stay at home. Meanwhile, disquiet about Gaza is far from being confined to Muslims. A YouGov poll earlier this week found that 44 per cent of Labour voters across Britain feel more sympathy for the Palestinian side than the Israeli one only 7 per cent take the opposite view. Much may well depend on whether George Galloway can also win over non-Muslim Labour supporters in Rochdale who are unhappy about the scenes from Gaza that we are seeing nightly on our television screens. John Curtice is Professor of Politics, Strathclyde University, and Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Social Research and The UK in a Changing Europe 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: Soldiers stand next to military vehicles as people gather to protest against the military coup, in Yangon (Reuters) - Myanmar's ruling military plans to call up young people for mandatory service from April and also require retired security personnel to serve, media reports cited a junta spokesman as saying, as the army struggles to crush an anti-junta insurgency. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military seized power from an elected government in a 2021 coup and plans by the junta to call up more people to fight point to the military being under growing pressure. Last Saturday, Myanmar's junta declared a law governing mandatory military service would be enforced for men aged 18 to 35 and women aged 18 to 27 for up to two years. On Tuesday, it said this would begin in April. "We are working to implement the conscription after the new year holiday in April," junta spokesperson Zaw Min Tun told BBC Burmese, referring to Myanmar's most important holiday, known as Thingyan. He said medical checks would be conducted and each intake would number about 5,000. Zaw Min Tun did not answer a phone call seeking comment, but state media MRTV also cited him as saying retired members of the security forces who had left within the past five years would also have to return to the army. He did not specify how many would be called up nor the timing but said it would only include those "who were necessary." A law mandating conscription was introduced in 2010 but had not been enforced. Those who fail to comply with the draft face up to five years in prison, the legislation says. The junta has not disclosed details about the military's strength, but analysts and a diplomat in Southeast Asia have said that it faces challenges in recruiting soldiers and has resorted to deploying non-combat personnel to the frontline. Since October, the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, has suffered personnel losses while battling a coordinated offensive by an alliance of three ethnic-minority insurgent groups, allied with pro-democracy fighters. Plans to call up more ordinary citizens are providing additional impetus for some to consider fleeing the conflict-torn country, media reports and social media posts show. "It is really bad for our generation," said a 27-year-old company worker in Yangon who was trying to leave and declined to be named due to concerns about being targeted by authorities. (Reporting by Reuters Staff; Editing by Ed Davies, Stephen Coates and Neil Fullick) North Korea could undertake localized provocations this year, such as suddenly occupying a South Korean border island, a former senior Seoul official said Tuesday, amid concerns over the possibility of the North's saber-rattling ahead of the April parliamentary elections in the South. Speaking at a forum, Kim Sung-han, who served as President Yoon Suk Yeol's national security adviser from 2022-2023, noted that Pyongyang might undertake "peacetime" provocations that would fall short of requiring a U.S. military response. During peacetime, South Korea is to lead military operations on the Korean Peninsula, while the United States is to command wartime operations due to its possession of wartime operational control over South Korean troops an authority that Seoul handed over during the 1950-53 Korean War. Recounting his time in office, Kim said that Seoul's presidential office, defense ministry and Joint Chiefs of Staff have worked together to explore various scenarios of potential North Korean provocations. "We made a bunch of scenarios of North Korean provocations ... including North Korea's sudden kind of absorption of one of the five islands in the West Sea, and many kinds of test launches of ballistic missiles and cruise missiles, etc.," he said during the forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. "That belongs to kind of local not full-scale provocations that belong to kind of a peacetime operational control, which means only Korea will respond to them. ... That kind of scenario can be thought of as a future kind of local provocation that can be conducted by North Korea this year," he added. Speculation has persisted that Pyongyang could engage in provocative acts ahead of the South Korean elections and the U.S. presidential election in November in an apparent bid to foster political conditions more favorable to the recalcitrant regime. "North Korea has its own preferred presidential candidate of the U.S. In my personal view, North Korea is expected to show that the Biden administration's North Korea policy has been a total failure and try to contribute something to make its preferred presidential candidate win the elections by doing some provocative actions," he said. Kim also commented on the process leading to the creation of the South Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), a key deterrence body launched in line with the Washington Declaration that Yoon and U.S. President Joe Biden adopted during their summit last April. The NCG came amid Seoul's stepped-up efforts to strengthen the credibility of America's "extended deterrence" commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend its ally. "We considered several options, including the creation of the NCG and some others like the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons back to the ROK," Kim said, referring to his discussions with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. "We reached the consensus that the NCG is a lot more useful because this is the way of eliminating kind of a longtime U.S. legacy so-called nuclear mysticism," he added. He described "nuclear mysticism" as the U.S.' repeated statement on the protection of its allies and its call for the allies to trust it. "I believe that kind of nuclear mysticism has contributed to the increase of skepticism on the part of South Korean people," he said. "So the NCG has been created to share the nuclear weapons operation mechanisms. This is big progress compared with before." (Yonhap) Two Republican candidates in North Carolinas race for governor condemned the front-runner Monday for his comments about transgender people using the restroom. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who is the leading Republican candidate ahead of the states primary for governor on March 5, implied at a campaign event this month that transgender women should be arrested if they use womens restrooms. Were going to defend women in this state, he said in a speech at a campaign stop in Cary. That means if youre a man on Friday night and all of the sudden on Saturday, you feel like a woman and you want to go in the womens bathroom in the mall, you will be arrested or whatever we got to do to you. Republican candidate for North Carolina governor Mark Robinson speaks at a rally on Jan. 26, 2024, in Roxboro, N.C. (Chris Seward / AP file) At an event in Greenville, Robinson said people who are confused about their gender should find a corner outside somewhere to go to the bathroom. Were not tearing society down because of this, he added, seven years after North Carolina partly repealed HB 2, also known as the bathroom bill, which barred transgender people from using the restrooms and changing facilities that match their gender identities in most public spaces. The bill drew nationwide criticism and boycotts, and it was projected to cost the state billions. Robinsons two Republican opponents, state Treasurer Dale Folwell and attorney Bill Graham, criticized him. Mark Robinson is historys latest example of someone rising to power through hate, Folwell said in a written statement to NBC News. If he really cared about NC or the Republican party he would resign now. If he wanted the Senate to run a piece of legislation to his liking, maybe he should show up more than 10% of the time. Alex Baltzegar, Grahams spokesperson, said Robinson will lose and hurt all Republican candidates if he is the nominee. 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, Baltzegar added in an emailed statement. In 2018, Robinson shared an anti-gun-control post on Facebook that said, in part: This foolishness about Hitler disarming MILLIONS of Jews and then marching them off to concentration camps is a bunch of hogwash. And last year, speaking at a Charlotte-area church, he said Christians are called to be led by men, though he later appeared to backtrack, saying his remarks were meant to encourage men, not imply women couldnt be leaders. At a news conference in October, Robinson also downplayed his previous statements about Jews and the Holocaust. There have been some Facebook posts that were poorly worded on my part, he said, according to NBC affiliate WRAL of Raleigh. There is no antisemitism standing here in front of you. Robinson didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. He has also faced criticism for previous comments about LGBTQ people. In October 2021, multiple North Carolina representatives called for him to resign after a progressive advocacy group shared a video of him calling LGBTQ people filth. John Wesley Waugh, a spokesperson for Robinson, said in an email at the time that Robinsons comments refer to education and that topics surrounding transgenderism and homosexuality should be discussed at home and not in public education. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com There are four roads the Tennessee Valley region could take to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but it would take effort from industries, communities and scientists, not just the Tennessee Valley Authority, to do so. That's according to the Valley Pathways Study, funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority and produced by the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. It tracks carbon emissions in each sector of the economy, including TVA's coal and natural gas plants. The Tennessee Valley a region of 10 million people across Tennessee and portions of six other states that buy electricity from TVA emitted 200 million tons of greenhouse gases in 2019, the study's baseline year. Transportation was the single greatest source of emissions at 36%, followed by TVA's power system at 27% and agriculture and waste management at 16%, according to the study. Between 2005 and 2019, carbon emissions in the region fell by 78 million tons, or 30%. In addition to TVA's cleaner grid, the agriculture sector saw a 39% emissions reduction after adopting no-till farming, which keeps greenhouse gases from escaping soil. TVA, the nation's largest public power provider, wants its own power system to be net-zero by 2050. It already generates over half of its electricity from carbon-free sources like nuclear and hydroelectric dams and has slashed its emissions in half since 2005, thanks in large part to closing coal plants. Even if TVA achieves its net-zero goal, the Tennessee Valley economy will still emit 150 million tons of carbon each year, the study said. "If you're an industrial customer and you want to prove to your stakeholders that you're decarbonizing, one way of doing that is waiting on TVA to do it and just electrifying everything," Charles Sims, the study's lead researcher, told Knox News. "Obviously, the other option might be to do it yourself if you're not exactly sure of the time path that TVA is going to be doing it." Sims became the Baker School's inaugural TVA Distinguished Professor of Energy and Environmental Policy in November, after TVA gave a $1 million endowment. The study suggests four different strategies to reach that net-zero goal, including focusing on electric cars or low-carbon fuels. It does not recommend how TVA should make its power system cleaner, leaving that process up to a TVA-led plan coming later this year. The Baker School gathered representatives from across the economy, including from Ford and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, to develop the study and get feedback. "We helped support this study because we thought the results would be valuable, not to drive the outcome or the conclusions," Jeff Lyash, CEO and president of TVA, told Knox News. TVA can think more long term as a federal utility than many private utilities, which must satisfy investors' short-term revenue expectations, Lyash said. But it also serves some of the poorest communities in the country, and the pathways study urged TVA to continue developing low-income communities and maintaining low energy costs. Preliminary findings from the Valley Pathways Study, which began last year, were shared at the quarterly TVA Board of Directors meeting Feb. 14 in Johnson City. Here's what the study means and what paths it outlines toward a cleaner 2050. What does net-zero carbon emissions mean? Aspirations to achieve net-zero emissions have become popular at the largest and smallest scales in the U.S., from the Biden administration's economywide goal for 2050 and tech giants like Google, which moved its net-zero goal up to 2030, to local power companies. There is no single accepted definition of what "net-zero" means, but generally it means carbon and methane emissions are almost entirely eliminated, with a plan to remove the remaining emissions from the atmosphere using carbon capture technologies. The four pathways outlined in the study are projected to lower non-TVA greenhouse gas emissions by between 70% and 90% by 2050, even as they each increase electricity demand. Power demand will rise anyway, since the region's population is projected to increase 22% by 2050. Four pathways for Tennessee Valley to cut emissions by 2050 The community resiliency pathway puts the onus on local governments and organizations to increase the efficiency of homes, workplaces, and urban centers in order to lower energy demand. It assumes cities and individuals will weatherize their homes, build green spaces to capture carbon, change traffic patterns to reduce tailpipe emissions and source more food locally. Though this pathway would cut carbon across many different areas, it ends up with the smallest reduction in non-TVA emissions, at around 70%. The accelerated electrification pathway relies on more cars, trucks, and factories going electric. Electric cars are the single largest carbon reduction opportunity, the study said. This pathway must ramp up EV sales and EV charging networks to be successful. Though electrification comes with the highest energy demand, it reduces non-TVA emissions by more than 80%. The low-carbon breakthrough pathway relies on advanced fuel technologies more than electrification. These technologies are still mainly in the lab, such as small modular nuclear reactors, hydrogen fuel cells, and grid-level battery storage. These technologies lower electricity demand, but they would not reduce transportation emissions much, resulting in a decrease of non-TVA emissions under 80%. The combined scenario pathway pulls actions from each of the other three pathways with a focus on electrification. It achieves the greatest decrease in transportation-related emissions, since it combines electrification with low-carbon fuels. Sims, who led the study, said it's the most likely pathway, given the economy's diverse needs. Emissions would decrease nearly 85% in this scenario. Companies in the Tennessee Valley need help knowing which clean energy technologies to invest in, and Sims said they'll be able to come to the Baker School for advice on what carbon cutting measures fit them best. "The study itself is not the end game. The study is the first step," Sims said. "We want to know from folks what other information they need. I'm under no illusions that we're gonna do this one study in six months and we're going to provide all the information everyone needs to get to net zero." Sims said he's a "technology agnostic" who doesn't care which method a company or individual uses. The study was intentionally made simple to be accessible to leaders across the valley who can use it to make decisions. "At the end of the day, I need my grandma to understand what we're doing here," Sims said. "If we're gonna get buy-in, we need to make it transparent and understandable to the general public and not try to show off with the most sophisticated models." Research center directors Krista Wiegand (left) and Charles Sims (right) cutting ribbons for two new research centers at the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Sept. 29, 2023. Study leaves cleaning TVA grid up to, well, TVA The Baker School and TVA now have twin planning processes that will inform each other, as UT focuses on non-electricity emissions and TVA focuses on making its grid cleaner. TVA's long-term planning process, revised every five years, is set for an update in 2024. TVA is partnering with the Environmental Protection Agency, White House Climate Office, local power companies, and ORNL on this year's plan. Like the Valley Pathways Study, the plan will take population growth and electrification into account to set TVA's goals, said Lyash. The working group invited to help TVA with its planning includes representatives of environmental advocacy groups like the Sierra Club and the conservative ClearPath Foundation. Still, advocacy groups have criticized TVA's planning process as less transparent than other utilities. Calling TVA a "self-regulated federal monopoly," the Knoxville-based Southern Alliance for Clean Energy hosted a "People's Hearing" on Jan. 25 in Nashville to protest TVA's lack of public hearings. The group called on TVA to create more opportunities for public feedback to shape its plans, and received a letter from the agency outlining its process of listening sessions and public webinars. "The lack of transparency and accountability is likely to lead to further investments in new fossil fuel infrastructure, which will expose people in the Tennessee Valley to the risks associated with higher bills and more power outages in the future," said Maggie Shober, research director for the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. The organization said TVA rapidly expanded its natural gas plants beyond what its 2019 plan predicted, investing in the fossil fuel despite criticism of its effect on the climate. U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, Democrat from Tennessee, announced he would introduce a bill in Congress to increase the transparency of TVA planning. Cohen said the federal agency has "no process for meaningful public input," but did not say when he would introduce the legislation. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy sent a brief of its hearing to TVA, including expert testimony calling on the agency to accelerate its clean energy efforts. At the Feb. 14 board meeting, Lyash said some public calls for a cleaner grid did not take electricity affordability into account, given the steep cost of emerging clean energy technologies. Many people advocate for TVA to invest in the type of generation that they think is best, and theres strong views here, Lyash said. While we want to hear from a diversity of voices, at the end of they day, TVA has got to develop practical, diverse solutions that meet growing energy demand in real-world conditions." TVA plans to phase out its remaining four coal plants and add 10,000 megawatts of solar power by 2035. It will invest $15 billion over the next three years to expand generation capacity and $3 billion to improve its transmission system by 2028. A draft of TVA's integrated resource plan is expected in late March or early April. The full Valley Pathways Study is available at baker.utk.edu/valley-pathways-study. Daniel Dassow is a growth and development reporter focused on technology and energy. Phone 423-637-0878. Email daniel.dassow@knoxnews.com. Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe. This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: TVA-funded carbon emissions report says we can reach net-zero by 2050 Money for the arts, cost-of-living wage increases, infrastructure for bicyclists and pedestrians and community-driven safety funding topped the list of Nashville budget priorities shared by dozens of speakers in early February. Members of Nashville's council heard two hours of remarks from community members and advocates during their Feb. 6 meeting. The comment period a relatively new addition to the way Metro handles its annual budget process allows residents to share their priorities with council members before a budget proposal is released in May or early June. Another public hearing will be held after the draft budget is released, in keeping with Nashville's charter. Here are some highlights from speakers' top requests. 1% of the budget toward Metro Arts Multiple speakers echoed an unfulfilled request from Nashville's last budget season: To keep pace with other major cities, they said, Nashville should dedicate 1% of its budget (around $32 million, based on last year's budget) to the arts. Some speakers further requested that funding be split 50-50 between larger arts organizations and smaller organizations and independent artists, a response to ongoing equity concerns over the disbursement of Metro Arts' last funding round. Joseph Gutierrez, executive director of API Middle Tennessee, said the arts provide a "vehicle for my community to share paths forward and celebrate our identities" as Asian Pacific Islanders "in a state that tells us we don't belong." Is Nashville committed to equity? Arts funding controversy draws scrutiny Princella Smith, a filmmaker, is working on a Tennessee-made animated film called "Walk in the Light," telling the story of Raymond Washburn, a blind man who saved five people in the Oklahoma City bombing. Smith's film is partially funded by an arts grant, but recent turmoil and delays in arts grant disbursement meant she wasn't able to finish the film on schedule. "While I appreciate the funds that I received last year, I was immensely disappointed when I did not receive the full funding that I was promised," she said. Funding for community-led safety initiatives Several speakers advocated for funneling more dollars toward community-led safety initiatives instead of police coffers. Tom Maxwell suggested reallocating funding toward housing, robust rent assistance, community organizers and vigilance committees, the expansion of resources for mental health, addiction and disability and a citywide participatory budget model. Erica Perry, executive director of the Southern Movement Committee and a member of the Black Nashville Assembly, asked council members to invest public dollars in "community-driven public services" to "redefine public safety and define our vision for safe and healthy communities." That includes funding for affordable housing and rent relief and supportive services for youth. "I'm asking for an increase in spending for community-based safety initiatives that do not involve cops, courts and cages," Perry said. More: Year-old Nashville police surveillance contract to get its first public hearing Multiple speakers asked for a $1.2 million commitment to The Village, an organization dedicated to empowering grassroots community organizations led by people from marginalized communities, for each of the next three years. Program manager Erika Burnett said the organization which was supported by the now disbanded Mayor's Office of Community Safety is committed to resourcing leaders and organizations "in the closest proximity to the epicenter of many of our community ills." Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure Several speakers arrived to the council chambers wearing bike helmets and other gear. Chris Ashton asked for increased funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, greenways and non-car-related infrastructure. "At some point we have to come to realize that building one more lane is not going to fix our problems, and continuing to build things for more cars, and more cars, and more SUVs and more trucks is not going to fix our issues," he said. "We need to start thinking about investing in ways that we can get people around without having to put them in a vehicle." Ashton and a handful of others specifically requested that a bridge be built to connect Madison's Peeler Park to the Stones River Greenway. Affordable housing and aging in place Mike Hodge, a member of local nonprofit NOAH's Affordable Housing Task Force, spoke of people being priced out of their Nashville communities. He supports dedicating at least $30 million to the Barnes Housing Trust Fund. "Affordable housing is not just about a roof over your head, as important as that is," he said. "It's also about the kind of community we want to create, who we welcome into our community, and who we exclude and push into other counties." Nashville zoning overhaul: What to know about push for more middle-income housing Grace Smith, executive director of nonprofit AgeWell Middle Tennessee, said the organization receives calls daily from older Nashville residents, most of which are about "really basic needs" like affording food and housing and having transportation to medical appointments. "The majority of older Nashvillians are homeowners," she said. "We need to increase our capacity to help those older homeowners stay in their homes with home repair and safety modifications that allow them to age in place safely." 5% cost-of-living wage adjustments for Metro employees Donna Clay, a Metro Nashville Public Schools employee and Service Employees International Union Local 205 member, said Metro employees who love what they do are having to work two or three jobs to continue living in the city they serve. A 5% cost of living raise is necessary, and the school board should be held accountable to delivering it, she added. "People are struggling," Clay said. "It's hard out here. You cannot afford to live in Davidson County." Said Angela Perry, another MNPS employee: "I do thank you for the last raise that we got. It was helpful. However, it is not enough. The battle is not over." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville residents share budget priorities on community safety, arts NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Two men with multiple outstanding felony arrest warrants are among the newest additions to this weeks list of Most Wanted fugitives out of Nashville. The list is updated every Wednesday on the Metro Nashville Police Department Criminal Warrants Division Facebook page. Each week it features 10 people who police said are considered to be some of the citys most violent offenders. Nashville police arrest woman wanted for attacking roommate, robbing man Of the suspects on this weeks list, almost half are wanted on homicide, attempted homicide or murder charges. The rest of Nashvilles Most Wanted suspects are accused of crimes such as rape, child endangerment, burglary and aggravated assault. One of the newest additions was released from prison just a few years ago after serving time for second-degree murder. According to police, he is now wanted on two outstanding warrants for especially aggravated kidnapping involving a victim under 13. While the search for these suspects continues, the Most Wanted list has aided police in several arrests. A woman accused of attacking her roommate and robbing a man back in 2023 was taken into custody only about a week after being put on the police departments list. Another woman who investigators said caused a head-on crash while driving on the wrong side of Interstate 40 with her child in her car was also arrested on outstanding warrants for aggravated child endangerment and aggravated assault earlier this month. Wanted woman arrested months after wrong-way crash on I-40 in Hermitage In total, at least 85 people who have appeared on the Most Wanted list have been arrested since the program was first launched in October 2022. According to authorities, tips from the public have been key in many cases. Below is a list of the suspects who made the police departments Top 10 Most Wanted list the week of Feb. 14. 1. Lagarrion L. Blacksmith Lagarrion Blacksmith (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) At number one, Lagarrion Blacksmith, 34, is considered this weeks Top Most Wanted fugitive, according to the MNPD. He was added to the list on Nov. 29, 2023, after police were reportedly able to connect him to a deadly shooting that took place outside a Dickerson Pike bar last year. Officers said they found 35-year-old Chancellor Eddins lying on the ground just outside of Trvth Lounge on Feb. 18, 2023. He had been shot and later died at the scene. Another man who had also been hit by the gunfire was able to give officers an account of what happened. REALTED: Man wanted for homicide, other charges following fatal February shooting on Dickerson Pike According to police, the injured man told them he and Eddins had gotten into an argument with the suspect inside of the bar. Then, shots were fired as they left the location. At the time, the identity of the alleged shooter was unclear. Months later, investigators announced Blacksmith had been identified as a suspect. On Nov. 22, 2023, officials said arrest warrants had been issued against Blacksmith for criminal homicide, attempted homicide, and felon in possession of a handgun. However, efforts to locate him have reportedly been unsuccessful. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. 2. Raceme Crutcher Raceme Crutcher (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Police have been looking for Raceme Crutcher, 21, since July 2023, when he was named as one of two suspects in a deadly Fourth of July shooting. Officials said the shooting happened at the Fallbrook Apartments on Dellway Villa Road. Etabo Malanda, 16, was reportedly standing on the porch of an apartment when two armed individuals came from around the corner and confronted him. RELATED: Teen killed in shooting at East Nashville apartment complex Malanda allegedly tried to pull out a pistol that was inside his hoodie, but he was shot. Police said he died shortly after he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center. According to investigators, four guns were recovered from the apartment, including one that was reported stolen. Crutcher and 17-year-old Jaylin Brown were reportedly connected to the crime through witness accounts. Investigators also obtained surveillance footage and additional information from community members that they said pointed to Crutcher and Brown as suspects in the case. Officials believe the motive may have been an ongoing dispute between the suspects and Malanda. SEE ALSO: Teen wanted in connection with deadly Fourth of July shooting arrested Brown was taken into custody on Aug. 31, 2023, after police reportedly caught him driving a stolen car. However, authorities said Crutcher is still on the run. He was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 15, 2023. His last location is unknown. 3. Kejuan Jordan-Cole Kejuan Jordan-Cole (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Kejuan Jordan-Cole, 21, is believed to be one of seven suspects involved in another deadly shooting on the Fourth of July, according to officials. REALTED: Man dead after 7 people reportedly shot at him on Buena Vista Pike Investigators said the victim, 27-year-old Christopher L. Harris, was found with multiple gunshot wounds inside his vehicle on Buena Vista Pike. Witnesses told police a group of young men approached Harris and around seven of them opened fire. Harris was reportedly struck by the gunfire while standing next to his vehicle. Officers told News 2 as many as 100 rounds may have been fired during the incident. The suspects one of whom appeared to be shooting a rifle left the scene in three separate vehicles, officials reported. Since the shooting, authorities have arrested and charged 16-year-old Jaden Wright, 17-year-old Erion Nesbitt, 16-year-old Kentrell Baugh and 23-year-old Deandre Jordan. SEE ALSO: Metro police arrest 4th of 7 suspects from deadly July 4 shooting in Bordeaux However, police said Jordan-Cole, who was identified as a suspect on Aug. 16, 2023, is still on the run. The charges against him include criminal homicide and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was added to the list on Dec. 13, 2023. Officials said his last location is unknown. 4. Tyrone D. Walker Tyrone D. Walker (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Tyrone Walker, 29, has repeatedly appeared on the list since July 12, 2023, after being named in a grand jury indictment charging him with first-degree murder. Police said the charge is related to the August 2021 shooting death of Cecil Holmes Jr. The 39-year-old was reportedly found dead in the Edgehill Homes parking lot on 11th Avenue South after being shot multiple times. RELATED: Police searching for suspect charged in 2021 Nashville apartments parking lot murder Further investigation into Holmess death led to the identification of Walker as the suspected gunman, officials reported. In addition to the murder charge, Walker has also been indicted on charges of felon in possession of a weapon, felony probation violation and four counts of failure to appear. Police said his last location is unknown. 5. Michael A. Yarlett Michael A. Yarlett (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Michael Yarlett, 28, is wanted on three counts of aided and abetted rape, according to police. Court documents indicate he is one of two suspects in the incident, which happened in September 2022. Yarlett was added to the Most Wanted list on Nov. 22, 2023. Officials said his last location is unknown. 6. Cineca E. Oglesby Cineca Oglesby (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Cineca Oglesby, 41, is a new addition to the list this week. Oglesby is wanted on outstanding warrants for two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping involving a victim under 13 and one count of aggravated burglary, police reported. Crime in Nashville: Homicide down 70%, auto theft up 123% a month into 2024 According to court documents, Oglesbys criminal history dates back to 2005 when he was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Authorities said his last location is unknown. 7. Amber Fiddler Amber Fiddler (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Amber Fiddler, 35, is wanted by the MNPD on outstanding warrants for two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment with a weapon and felon in possession of a weapon. She first appeared on the Most Wanted list on Aug. 23, 2023. Police said her last location is unknown. 8. John R. Etter III John R. Etter III (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) John Etter III, 46, is wanted on four outstanding warrants, according to police. The charges against him include aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated child endangerment, child endangerment and failure to appear. Etter was added to the list on Jan. 24. His last location is unknown. Property violations, road issues top list of non-emergency complaints in Nashville 9. Marques O. Diamond Marques Diamond (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Marques Diamond, 30, is another new addition to the list. Police said Diamond is wanted on outstanding warrants for five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His last location is unknown. 10. Joseph Cavaleri Joseph Cavaleri (Courtesy: Metro Nashville Police Department) Joseph Cavaleri, 39, is wanted by the MNPD on outstanding warrants for five counts of burglary, three counts of theft of property, criminal impersonation, and four counts of failure to appear. Cavaleri was added to the list last week. Authorities said he was last seen in the Central precinct. CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime news from Middle Tennessee Anyone with information on any of the suspects listed is asked to contact the MNPD at 615-862-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Some National Guard members and publicly contracted relief workers tasked with caring for people who sought asylum in New York stand accused instead of sexually exploiting migrant women and children, violently assaulting at least one shelter guest and generally placing the newcomers into decrepit conditions, according to a federal lawsuit filed this month. Most of the incidents in the sanctuary state happened at the Quality Inn in Cheektowaga, near the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, where controversial New York City contractor DocGo set up a Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Response Center for asylum-seekers, says the suit, which seeks nearly $10 million and a jury trial. In one episode, a National Guard sergeant took a migrant woman and her children nearly two hours away to a rental property where he asked her to perform sexual favors in exchange for assisting her and her family, according to the suit, filed in the Southern District of New York. Jane Doe, who had journeyed through jungles with her children, evaded sexual traffickers in Mexico, and crossed rivers, suddenly found herself in a snow-covered rural property in America (where she was totally isolated) with her children, facing pressure from a member of the NY National Guard for sex, the federal complaint states. In other cases, a migrant man was strangled by a DocGo manager, a teenage girl was groped by a National Guard member and childrens bodies were bitten repeatedly by insects from their infested mattresses, the suit claims. In light of the federal complaint, Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has prioritized taking action to keep everyone in the State of New York safe, her spokesperson Avi Small told CNN on Friday. The New York National Guard, as part of the United States military, has an independent disciplinary process under military law which will be followed to the fullest extent in order to hold offenders accountable. The state Division of Military and Naval Affairs takes all allegations of misconduct regarding our personnel very seriously and if allegations are substantiated following an investigation can result in adverse administrative and/or disciplinary actions pursuant to regulation and New York State Military Law, agency spokesperson Eric Durr told CNN on Friday. Criminal activities are referred to law enforcement for appropriate action. For its part, DocGo is committed to ensuring the continued safety and well-being of everyone under our care, its spokesperson Michael Padovano told CNN in a statement Friday. While we cannot disclose specifics, we conduct rigorous, evidence-based internal investigations into allegations regarding DocGo staff, and we have strict policies in place to address instances of misconduct. We are cooperating with the attorney generals office and have provided all requested information for review. The New York Attorney Generals Office launched an investigation into DocGo last summer after increased city scrutiny over the companys handling of migrant affairs and finances. Its CEO at the time vowed to be fully cooperative and totally transparent with our regulating bodies, including the AG. CNN has reached out to the AGs office asking for an update on the investigation. Amid a surge last summer of migrants at the US southern border, Hochul began sending National Guard forces to hotels in Cheektowagas Erie County, where some newcomers had had been taken after arriving in New York City. The military presence was intended as a stabilizing presence in response to public outcry there over at least two cases of alleged sexual violence by new arrivals in the area, according to the suit and news releases from the Erie County District Attorneys Office. The National Guard statewide now has more than 2,100 personnel involved in its migrant support mission, Durr said. About 540 migrants currently are being housed at three Erie County hotels as part of DocGos program, Peter Anderson, a spokesperson for Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz, told CNN on Tuesday. The New York AGs office and the New York City Mayors Office of Immigration Affairs did not immediately respond to CNNs requests for comment. Groping, massages and sexual favors for gifts alleged Two high-ranking officials at the relief center in Cheektowaga New York National Guard Sgt. Deven Colon and Rigoberto Nunez, who managed day-to-day affairs there for DocGo engaged in inappropriate relationships with migrants that became more open and unabashed around Halloween of 2023, according to the federal suit. Both were seen dancing intimately and romantically kissing guests during a Halloween party staff hosted for guests, it says. Though DocGo subcontractor staffers named as plaintiffs in the suit expressed concern to their superiors about these interactions, no action was taken, and the inappropriate relationships became more part of accepted daily life, according to the lawsuit. Speaking to the New York Times before the lawsuit was filed, Colon acknowledged engaging in a flirtation with one woman but said he never crossed any physical lines. He also denied he had sent inappropriate text messages to her daughter, another allegation in the lawsuit. Alexander Jose Vizcaino Marrufo, a Venezuelan migrant, points on January 27 to where he slept for three nights after he was evicted from the Quality Inn used as a shelter in western New York. - Brandon Watson/The New York Times/Redux Colon told the New York Times he left the National Guards asylum-seeker support mission after a DocGo supervisor reported him to his military bosses. The Times did not say what behavior was reported. Colon said he had nothing to hide, but then stopped responding to the Times inquiries, it reported. CNN has reached out to Colon and is seeking contact information or legal representation for Nunez. Meanwhile, a subcontractor worker at the relief center in Cheektowaga whose employment ultimately was terminated reported inappropriate relationships between National Guardsmen and guests, which included sexual communications with minors, the suit states. She was told she was fired because she had become too emotionally involved with the guests, despite her efforts to address the grave issues plaguing the facility, it states. Interactions with migrants became so extreme that NY National Guardsmen were allowed to transport guests from (the) Cheektowaga (relief center) to the nearby hotel where the guardsmen were staying, the suit also notes. The guests were (and remain) particularly vulnerable given their uncertain immigration status, lack of mobility, need of basic supplies, and other needs, the lawsuit says. Even a trip to a Walmart was considered a great gift. Nunez, Colon, and others exploited these vulnerabilities, the suit states. Colon also regularly had inappropriate contact with an asylum-seeker identified as one of 10 plaintiff Jane Does bringing her gift cards, making sexual comments, taking her to his own home and other places for what he called dates, the lawsuit alleges. Colon once snuck that Jane Doe and her kids out of the relief center with other Guard members help and took them to the rental property two hours away on the pretense it would be a fun, family time, the lawsuit says. Once there, though, Colon demanded sexual favors from the mother in exchange for aiding her and her family, the suit says: Unsure of her whereabouts, in dire poverty, and separated from her friends and family in Venezuela, Jane Doe felt she had no choice but to engage in sexual activity with Colon. When they all returned to the relief center, Colon texted Jane Doe his regret for his actions and begged her not to tell anyone about what transpired, the suit states. Shortly after, she learned Colon had taken another guest and her daughter off the property, too. Meanwhile, the same mother learned that her teenage daughter was taken by (another) of the National Guard members to a private section of the hotel without a camera, where he groped her legs and told her she was beautiful, until her daughter ran, according to the lawsuit. That Guard member was known to have done this to other young women in the hotel, with many other families warning their children to avoid him, it states. Violence reported at a supposedly safe haven Violence inside the Cheektowaga relief center was common, according to the lawsuit, which highlights a November incident in which Nunez, the DocGo manager of day-to-day affairs, entered (a) room forcefully with several security guards and Colon, of the National Guard. They arrived just after an argument between Venezuelan asylum-seeker Florangelis Flor Maria Cabreara Medina and her spouse Alexander Jose Vizcaino Marrufo, it states. Nunez soon began assaulting Alexander without any provocation, even strangling him as Flor begged Nunez to stop. Alexander was kicked out of the relief center after Nunez contacted Cheektowaga police about the incident into the Buffalo winter, where he spent several days seeking shelter behind a dumpster near a gas station, according to the lawsuit. Theyre living in the same fear they were trying to escape, the plaintiffs lawyer Nate McMurray of Advocates for Justice Chartered Attorneys, who also is a congressional candidate in western New York, told the New York Times. We hear a lot about migrants being a threat or an invading army, but really these are people who are very vulnerable, and if we are a nation of laws and rights, they deserve our protection, he told the Times. Too-long travels to decrepit living quarters alleged More generally, asylum-seekers under DocGos care were deceived by its employees into traveling eight hours to Buffalo and other places far from New York City after they were told they were being taken only a short distance away from the nations most populous city, the lawsuit alleges. Once at the Cheektowaga relief center near the Buffalo airport, they found merely a dilapidated Quality Inn hotel, plagued by numerous issues such as unclean conditions, foul odors, damaged drywall, exposed electrical outlets, and inadequate amenities, the suit states. The mattresses displayed deep stains and were infested with insects, leading to the children living there being repeatedly bitten across their bodies, which was illustrated through photos of the children plaintiffs took to show DocGo leadership, the suit states. CNN has sought comment about the alleged hotel conditions from the Quality Inn, Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance told CNN it does not comment on pending litigation. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) Fresno is well known for its proximity to Yosemite National Park, and locals will often suggest Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon National Park as alternatives, but if you look beyond the closest three then there are many other federally-protected areas of natural beauty waiting to be found. Stacker compiled a list of the closest national parks to Fresno, ranked by closest straight line distance, measured from representative points in Fresno and each national park excluding Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park, which were ranked one, two, and three on the list. The list begins with the fourth closest National Park: #4. Pinnacles National Park (California) Distance: 86 miles Driving time: 2.9 hours Date founded: January 10, 2013 2020 visitors: 165,740 (#48 highest among all national parks) Park area: 26,685.73 acres #5. Death Valley National Park (California, Nevada) Distance: 162 miles Driving time: 6.3 hours Date founded: October 31, 1994 2020 visitors: 820,023 (#22 highest among all national parks) Park area: 3,408,406.73 acres #6. Channel Islands National Park (California) Distance: 190 miles Date founded: March 5, 1980 2020 visitors: 167,290 (#47 highest among all national parks) Park area: 249,561.00 acres #7. Lassen Volcanic National Park (California) Distance: 276 miles Driving time: 5.9 hours Date founded: August 9, 1916 2020 visitors: 542,274 (#29 highest among all national parks) Park area: 106,589.02 acres #8. Joshua Tree National Park (California) Distance: 295 miles Driving time: 6.5 hours Date founded: October 31, 1994 2020 visitors: 2,399,542 (#10 highest among all national parks) Park area: 795,155.85 acres #9. Great Basin National Park (Nevada) Distance: 330 miles Driving time: 11.2 hours Date founded: October 27, 1986 2020 visitors: 120,248 (#50 highest among all national parks) Park area: 77,180.00 acres #10. Zion National Park (Utah) Distance: 367 miles Driving time: 9.2 hours Date founded: November 19, 1919 2020 visitors: 3,591,254 (#3 highest among all national parks) Park area: 147,242.66 acres #11. Redwood National Park (California) Distance: 391 miles Driving time: 10.5 hours Date founded: October 2, 1968 2020 visitors: 265,177 (#43 highest among all national parks) Park area: 138,999.37 acres #12. Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah) Distance: 416 miles Driving time: 11.2 hours Date founded: February 25, 1928 2020 visitors: 1,464,655 (#15 highest among all national parks) Park area: 35,835.08 acres #13. Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) Distance: 422 miles Driving time: 9.5 hours Date founded: February 26, 1919 2020 visitors: 2,897,098 (#6 highest among all national parks) Park area: 1,201,647.03 acres #14. Crater Lake National Park (Oregon) Distance: 446 miles Driving time: 8.8 hours Date founded: May 22, 1902 2020 visitors: 670,500 (#26 highest among all national parks) Park area: 183,224.05 acres #15. Capitol Reef National Park (Utah) Distance: 477 miles Driving time: 12.0 hours Date founded: December 18, 1971 2020 visitors: 981,038 (#20 highest among all national parks) Park area: 241,904.50 acres #16. Canyonlands National Park (Utah) Distance: 543 miles Driving time: 17.6 hours Date founded: September 12, 1964 2020 visitors: 493,914 (#30 highest among all national parks) Park area: 337,597.83 acres #17. Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona) Distance: 566 miles Driving time: 10.4 hours Date founded: December 9, 1962 2020 visitors: 384,483 (#38 highest among all national parks) Park area: 221,390.21 acres #18. Arches National Park (Utah) Distance: 568 miles Driving time: 12.8 hours Date founded: November 12, 1971 2020 visitors: 1,238,083 (#17 highest among all national parks) Park area: 76,678.98 acres #19. Saguaro National Park (Arizona) Distance: 608 miles Driving time: 12.3 hours Date founded: October 14, 1994 2020 visitors: 762,226 (#24 highest among all national parks) Park area: 92,867.42 acres #20. Mesa Verde National Park (Colorado) Distance: 618 miles Driving time: 14.1 hours Date founded: June 29, 1906 2020 visitors: 287,477 (#42 highest among all national parks) Park area: 52,485.17 acres #21. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park (Colorado) Distance: 666 miles Driving time: 14.7 hours Date founded: October 21, 1999 2020 visitors: 341,620 (#39 highest among all national parks) Park area: 30,779.83 acres #22. Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming) Distance: 670 miles Driving time: 16.3 hours Date founded: February 26, 1929 2020 visitors: 3,289,638 (#5 highest among all national parks) Park area: 310,044.36 acres #23. Mount Rainier National Park (Washington) Distance: 705 miles Driving time: 15.2 hours Date founded: March 2, 1899 2020 visitors: 1,160,754 (#18 highest among all national parks) Park area: 236,381.64 acres #24. Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, Idaho) Distance: 723 miles Driving time: 16.7 hours Date founded: March 1, 1872 2020 visitors: 3,806,306 (#2 highest among all national parks) Park area: 2,219,790.71 acres #25. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Colorado) Distance: 782 miles Driving time: 17.4 hours Date founded: September 24, 2004 2020 visitors: 461,532 (#32 highest among all national parks) Park area: 107,341.87 acres All featured distances and driving times are estimated using representative locations from the center of each metro and national parkfor some places within the metro area, the actual distance may be slightly shorter or longer to reach the closest entryway to a park. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. President Yoon Suk Yeol has postponed his visit to Germany and Denmark planned for next week after considering various factors, a source said Wednesday. The source did not elaborate on what factors led to the postponement, saying only that the decision was reached following talks with both European nations. The abrupt postponement came four days before Yoon was reportedly planning to depart for Germany for a state visit, which was to be followed by an official visit to Denmark. (Yonhap) The operators of one of North Carolinas largest landfills have for decades been shipping forever chemical-laden sludge to a majority Black community in Sampson County, a community group has alleged in a formal notice of intent to sue. The Environmental Justice Community Action Network alleges that Sampson County Landfill operator GFL Enterprises and its predecessors accepted waste containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and then failed to control both groundwater and gases carrying the compounds. The Southern Environmental Law Center is representing the Sampson County-based nonprofit. The notice alleges that the operators of the Sampson County Landfill have long accepted sludge packed with dangerous chemicals from companies like Chemours and then failed to control it, both in groundwater and in air emissions. That failure, the notice alleges, is a violation of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and is resulting in dangerous PFAS concentrations in groundwater that the low-income community around the landfill depends on. N.C. Department of Environmental Quality samples of the landfills leachate found PFAS levels many times higher than the typical concentration of PFAS in landfills, the notice said. Municipal solid waste landfills average about 12,600 parts per trillion in their leachate, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency data. In Sampson County, September 2023 samples found PFAS levels as high as 727,368 in a closed municipal landfill and 1,422,796 in the still-operating municipal landfill. For too long, those in charge of the landfill have shirked responsibility for the health and safety of Snow Hill residents, Sherri White-Williamson, the executive director of EJCAN, said in a statement. The News & Observer emailed GFL Environmental seeking comment on the notice of intent to sue but did not immediately receive a response. Snow Hill and Roseboro are the two communities closest to the massive facility, which actually includes four different landfill sites. In addition to the still-operating municipal landfill, theres a still-operating construction and demolition landfill that is unlined, as well as a closed municipal solid waste and closed construction landfill. About 590 people live within a one-mile radius of the landfill, according to the complaint. About 71% of those people are Black, Hispanic or American Indian, a proportion thats higher than the combined proportion of those groups in both Sampson County and North Carolina. PFAS have been linked to a host of health concerns, and the EPA has proposed drinking water standards for six PFAS. Those include PFOA and PFOS, for which the standard would be four parts per trillion. From July 2022 to June 2023, the municipal solid waste landfill accepted 2.04 million tons of solid waste from 37 North Carolina counties. That included 332 tons from Durham County and 155.3 tons from Wake County, according to an annual report filed by the landfills operators. Taking waste from Chemours The landfill has a history of accepting waste that other places wont. That includes soil from the Kerr-McGee Superfund site in Navassa and ash from burned wood, coal and tires at power plants. The landfill for years accepted sludge from the Fayetteville Works facility, both when it was operated by DuPont and after that company spun off Chemours. The Fayetteville Works facility has been central to many of North Carolinas forever chemical concerns, after scientists discovered that its operators had for decades been dumping a shorter compound marketed as GenX into the Cape Fear River. The Sampson County Landfill started accepting sludge from Fayetteville Works in 2011, with about 23,000 pounds coming in each week. By 2015, Chemours had taken over Fayetteville Works and the amount of sludge sent to the Sampson County landfill had risen to about 35,000 pounds per week. Chemicals like Nafion Byproduct 4, Nafion Byproduct 5 and GenX that were specifically linked with Chemours were found at levels ranging from 64,300 to 852,000 ppt. Just as the PFAS from Chemours have tainted drinking water, groundwater and air across Southeastern North Carolina, PFAS from the Landfill are polluting air and water and endangering human health in Snow Hill and Roseboro, SELC attorneys wrote in the notice of intent to sue. Sources of contamination The complaint points to several key sources for the contamination, including the way that the landfills operators managed leachate the collected rainwater and garbage juice that accumulates over time. For years, the notice says, the Sampson County landfill used a leachate collection system that partly relied on a gas-fired evaporator to evaporate 34,000 gallons of water each day, resulting in tons of air pollutant emissions annually. The landfill has also been home to two different landfill gas-to-energy operations since 2006. According to SELC, those operations used flares to burn off non-methane compounds, but at too low a temperature to destroy durable PFAS. Seeps in the landfills walls could also be a cause of contamination, the notice said, with contaminated water working through the liner of some cells and into surface waters. With PFAS concentrations at the Landfill so extraordinarily high, even a relatively small leak poses a significant threat to groundwater, the notice states. Attorneys pointed to a 2023 peer-reviewed study that sampled creeks around the Sampson County landfill and found high levels of PFAS in Bearskin Swamp Creek, which runs near the eastern edge of the landfill sites. Forever chemicals in the creek were many times higher than those found in sites upstream of the landfill, according to the researchers from UNC Chapel Hills Gillings School of Public Health. Calls for remediation The notice of intent to sue asks GFL to take a number of steps to prevent future contamination and clean up places where high levels of PFAS have been found. Those include: Handling PFAS-contaminated waste in a way that prevents it from entering the environment. Stopping PFAS from leaving the landfill and entering surface waters, as well as remediating places like Bearskin Swamp Creek where PFAS have found their way to surface waters. Investigating where PFAS from the landfill could be contaminating groundwater and remediating it. Investigating where PFAS from the landfill are contaminating residential drinking wells and remediate them. Preventing additional PFAS emissions from landfill gas energy projects. This story was produced with financial support from the Hartfield Foundation and Green South Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners, as part of an independent journalism fellowship program. The N&O maintains full editorial control of the work. If you would like to help support local journalism, please consider signing up for a digital subscription, which you can do here. WASHINGTON COUNTY, Utah (ABC4) A man was arrested after an officer found thousands of suspected fentanyl pills during a traffic stop near the Utah-Arizona border on Feb. 10, according to the Washington County Sherrifs Office. The nearly 5,000 suspected fentanyl pills were reportedly hidden in a bag of candy. When an officer with the Utah Highway Patrol K-9 unit arrived on the scene, the officers also reportedly found a white powdery substance they said to be consistent with methamphetamine in the sunglass holder and pipes typically used for meth inside a purse and sun visor. READ NEXT: Suspects identified in 2023 St. George robbery case A probable cause statement identified the driver as Marcus Hanson, who was arrested for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled schedule 1 drug, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia. The officer who arrested Hanson was parked in the median at the Utah-Arizona state line in a marked patrol vehicle with his headlights on, according to the affidavit. When Hanson drove by, everyone inside the car reportedly leaned back, which the officer said was an attempt to avoid being seen by him. According to the affidavit, Hanson reportedly told the officer his wallet was lost or stolen when asked to show his drivers license, and the officer called for backup while Hanson was gathering insurance documents. Make sure to avoid the worst Valentines Day gift ever romance scams While the officer was conducting a check on warrants for Hanson, the UHP K-9 officer and his dog began examining the vehicle and received a positive indication for narcotics inside the vehicle, according to the probable cause statement. While searching the passenger side of the vehicle, the officer reportedly found a rubber package that he said is commonly used to hold THC, an ingredient in marijuana. However, according to the affidavit, that package was holding several blue pills with an M on one side, which the officer said were the suspected synthetic fentanyl pills. According to the affidavit, officers and agents with the Washington County Drug Task Force and the Department of Homeland Security were also at the scene. More suspected fentanyl pills were found in a half-gallon bag found hidden in a bag of candy while the officers were searching the vehicle, according to the probable cause statement, and they also reportedly found several grams of powdered fentanyl. WCSO posted a photo of the seized pills on social media the next morning, saying, Our deputies are working tirelessly to fight this epidemic flooding the nation. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. This is a photo of members of the Dyslexico team at the Unviersity of Nebraska-Lincoln This article was originally published in Nebraska Examiner. LINCOLN When Millard North High School junior Janae Harris was in second grade, she read to a kindergarten class but kept getting stuck on words. The teacher continually corrected her, Janae said, and told her she needed to learn how to read before she read to another class. I was embarrassed, and to this day it is terrifying to read out loud, and I continuously struggle to overcome it, Janae told the Legislatures Education Committee on Monday. This moment will replay in my head forever. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Janae, who is in Millards STEM Academy and is captain of her schools girls lacrosse team, among other involvements, has dyslexia. She testified in support of Legislative Bill 1253 to create a Dyslexia Research Grant Program for new technologies. Janae Harris of Millard North High School testifies in front the Nebraska Education Committee on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) I want to do everything in my power to minimize the struggles of dyslexic students, Janae said. Proficient, capable communicator State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, who introduced the bill, also has dyslexia and has fought for years to support students with dyslexia. The proposed research program would set aside $1 million for Nebraska businesses researching artificial-intelligence-based writing assistance for individuals with dyslexia. State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, center, talks with State Sens. Fred Meyer of St. Paul and Danielle Conrad of Lincoln. Dec. 7, 2023. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Linehan told the Nebraska Examiner that some educators have long discredited the lifelong disorder or cast it off as having to do with a students IQ or intelligence. She herself has struggled with the disorder, recalling how horrified she felt before her 1995 interview to work for then-U.S. Senate candidate Chuck Hagel. She said she worried about whether she could communicate and whether Hagel would understand. I finally just told him, and he said, Well, thats easy. Well just get somebody to proof all your stuff, which is what we did, Linehan said. Then I got to the point where I was proofing things because somebody showed me how to have a tool so that I could become proficient. Linehan later served as Hagels campaign manager and his chief of staff in the U.S. Senate and said the impact of such research could be huge. This program could take a student who was afraid to write, afraid to communicate, struggling through college, and turn them into a proficient, capable communicator, Linehan said. Its estimated that as many as 15%-20% of the worlds population has dyslexia, according to the International Dyslexia Association. Fully partake in learning In the past year, a group of University of Nebraska-Lincoln college students working in this field approached Linehan to discuss their fledgling business, Dyslexico, which they started about two years ago in the UNL Raikes School, based on the experiences of one of its co-founders, Grace Clausen. Clausen, who has dyslexia, grew up in a school system that didnt always work for her, according to fellow Dyslexico co-founder Bridget Peterkin of Omaha. The Kauffman Academic Reesidential Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Feb. 9, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Related High School Cheating Increase from ChatGPT? Research Finds Not So Much Peterkin said corrective writing tools from Word or Google Docs to Grammarly do not always work, and other AI-based models, such as ChatGPT, may add words a writer didnt intend. In one example Peterkin showed to the Examiner, a student wrote wondering when they meant wandering. In another, the student wrote I say a figure instead of saw. It was never going to catch that because it was spelled correctly, Peterkin, a senior computer science major at UNL, said of other spelling or grammar programs. Unlike other programs, the Dyslexico software is powered through AI but finds a middle ground in not rewriting sentences, as ChatGPT did to grow with users over time and provide analysis that Peterkin and her team said might be able to help educators. We want to have a solution for the schools that helps students have the support to get their spelling and grammar correct while they can maintain their original voice and be able to fully partake in the learning process, Peterkin said. Another Nebraska-born startup that got its start in the Raikes School has grown to international success: Hudl, which has a goal of building the future of sports with video and data entry. Getting into students hands Tristan Curd of Omaha, Dyslexico project manager and a senior computer science major at UNL, said Dyslexico has gotten into the hands of students and successfully launched with a public beta version last year. Dyslexico is also available online. In the last year, Dyslexico entered agreements with two schools for test runs, providing developers with some feedback from The Pittsburgh New Church School for Children with Dyslexia and Millard Public Schools. Theres always going to be that distinction between us developing it and the actual users using it, Curd said. To get that info, its big. Members of the Dyslexico team at the Unviersity of Nebraska-Lincoln, from left: Tristan Curd, Bridget Peterkin and Nick Lauver on Feb. 9, 2024, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The company is also in talks to partner with Services for Students with Disabilities at UNL. Pablo Rangel, a disability specialist with SSD, testified before the Education Committee Monday in support in his individual capacity. Independence and autonomy Rangel, who has dyslexia, said he could have benefited from such a program. He said Dyslexico could better prepare all K-12 students for college. The Dyslexico software does for individuals with dyslexia what prosthetics do for people who are missing a part of their body, Rangel said. It supports independence and autonomy for a person to move forward where typically they might retreat and give up. Colby Coash, on behalf of the Nebraska Association of School Boards and the Educational Service Unit Coordinating Commission, also testified in support of LB 1253. Nick Lauver of Papillion, a business development associate for Dyslexico and a senior actuarial science and finance double major at UNL, said the company has already heard about some successes from educators, which have been some of the brightest points in the softwares development. Related How AI Can Help Create Assessments that Enhance Opportunities for all Students Redundant and unnecessary Megan Pitrat, a 10-year special education teacher in Syracuse, testified in opposition to LB 1253 on behalf of the Nebraska State Education Association. She said that while dyslexia is a problematic disorder, there are already systems in place to help students. I believe that allocating funds to research something that is already being serviced within the functioning system is redundant, unnecessary and a waste of precious funds that could instead be used to support teachers and systems that, as always, do the best with what we are given, Pitrat testified. State Sens. Lynne Walz of Fremont and Justin Wayne of Omaha tried to draw a distinction between NSEAs testimony and LB 1253s intent, which they said is to research and create but not demand the use of such technology. Pitrat said she would probably not use such technology and did not anticipate it being helpful. With all due respect, its not about you, its about the student, Wayne said. OK, but as a practitioner, Im determining, based on my experiences and my practice, how to deliver special education services to my students, Pitrat responded. Panacea or game changing After the hearing, the NSEA referred questions to Tim Royers, president of the Millard Education Association, who clarified that the NSEAs opposition comes in wanting to raise cautions and warn against framing such technologies as a panacea. We have concerns about digital, especially AI tools, being put in the drivers seat to try and work on something that is as challenging to work on as dyslexia, Royers told the Examiner. He said the amount of time hes lost by getting trained on tools that ended up being shelved after two months tops was a net loss for his time working with students. Curd said Dyslexico wants to work with the Nebraska Department of Education on a large-scale research study in schools next year and aims to help an estimated 295,000 Nebraskans with dyslexia. If we can get it in the hands of the youngest people possible and make an impact that lasts throughout their lives, thatd be huge, Curd said. Janae Harris said she participated independently with Dyslexico and described the software as game changing. She said her fervent hope is that LB 1253 helps get Dyslexico into the hands of more students. Without the ability to read and write, Nebraska youth cannot be productive citizens and reach success, Janae said. Who knows what others could achieve with the help of this grant. The committee took no immediate action on LB 1253. Editors note: This article has been updated to clarify Janae Harris experiences with Dyslexico and the number of Nebraskans the company aims to help. Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Cate Folsom for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. Follow Nebraska Examiner on Facebook and Twitter. Benjamin Netanyahu said hostage talks in Cairo would not extend to a further meeting - Abir Sultan/AP Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to send a delegation to Cairo to continue talks over a hostage deal, citing the delusional demands of Hamas. The chiefs of the Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies visited the Egyptian capital on Tuesday for negotiations also attended by Bill Burns, the CIA director. But on Wednesday, the Israeli prime minister said the negotiations would not extend to a further meeting on Thursday. In Cairo, Israel was not given any new proposal by Hamas for the release of our hostages, a statement from Mr Netanyahus office said, adding that Israel will not submit to the delusional demands of Hamas. Bill Burns, the CIA director, attended the negotiations in Cairo - Elizabeth Frantz/REUTERS Jake Sullivan, the US national security adviser, appeared to criticise the decision to cut short talks, in a sign of growing frustration with Mr Netanyahu in Washington. We think that everyone, including the Israeli government, needs to continue working hard to get a hostage deal, he said. Last weekend, the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet drafted an Israeli proposal to bring about the release of the remaining 100 hostages held by Hamas. However, Mr Netanyahu rejected it and told them they were sent to Cairo on Monday only to listen to the discussions but not engage. On Monday, an Israeli poll showed the public split on whether to pursue the eradication of Hamas over the return of the hostages. Forty per cent of Israelis favoured eliminating Hamas as a first priority, according to the Jewish People Policy Institutes monthly society index poll. About 32 per cent preferred focusing on the release of the hostages, while 28 per cent said they could not choose. Israeli public broadcaster Kan said the decision to stop the Cairo talks was made by Mr Netanyahu without consulting key figures of the war cabinet including Benny Gantz, who has advocated for them. Death sentence for hostages On Wednesday, a group representing families of the hostages condemned the move as a death sentence for their loved ones. They also demanded a meeting with the government and said they would take to the streets against the decision to sacrifice the lives of the hostages. Earlier reports suggested that Egypt and Qatar were trying to make progress in the talks by pushing Israel to agree to release a higher number of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the Israeli hostages. Separately, in a rare intervention on Wednesday, Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, called on Hamas to quickly complete a prisoner deal and spare our Palestinian people the calamity of another catastrophic event with dire consequences. 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. Presidential office remains silent about reason for postponements By Nam Hyun-woo President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly postponed his planned trips to Germany and Denmark, just days before his scheduled departure date. The presidential office said on Wednesday that Yoon planned to visit Germany and Denmark next week, but decided to postpone the trips after reviewing various factors. The office declined to elaborate on the "various factors" and the specific reason for the delay, as well as the timing of the decision and other details related to the abrupt decision. Sources indicated that the office reached this conclusion after consultations with the visiting countries. Reportedly, Yoon initially planned to make a state visit to Germany and an official visit to Denmark starting on Sunday. His trip to Germany was aimed at strengthening ties between small- and medium-sized enterprises of South Korea and Germany, while in Denmark, the president was anticipated to focus on bilateral cooperation in renewable energies, biomedicine and other industries. The unexpected decision caused disruptions among the diplomatic corps and business delegation that were scheduled to accompany the president on the trip. "We were abruptly notified of the delay by the presidential office," an industry source familiar with the trip said on condition of anonymity. The source added that the presidential office did not provide any further explanation regarding the postponement. Another source at a foreign company which was set to join the presidential trip said that his organization was not aware of the delay until Tuesday. The embassies of Germany and Denmark in Seoul both did not respond to The Korea Times' inquiries regarding the reasons for the delay. Regarding the reasons for the delay, rumors and speculation are already circulating, suggesting potential connections to South Korea's domestic political and social situations. Yoon is currently grappling with negative public sentiment linked to controversies surrounding his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who has accompanied him on most of his overseas trips. Simultaneously, Seoul is preparing for general elections in April, the outcome of which will determine Yoon's ability to assert control over state affairs for the remainder of his presidency. The decision to postpone the trips may have been influenced by unexpected situations and the potential for public criticism, particularly given past instances during Yoon's absence. For example, last July, Yoon extended his trip and made a surprise visit to Ukraine while massive floods caused havoc in some regions of South Korea. This drew significant criticism for what was perceived as neglecting public safety concerns. Also, the nation is now at the brink of facing a large-scale strike by doctors and medical workers, as physicians strongly protest Yoons push to increase the enrollment quota of medical schools. If the trips were to proceed, they would have marked Yoon's 16th overseas visit. Notably, this would have been the first time that Yoon has postponed or canceled a scheduled overseas trip. There have been instances in the past where a South Korean president's trip was delayed, but in most cases, there were explanations provided that were publicly acceptable. From the 1980s to the 2000s, former presidents delayed or canceled their trips for various reasons, including concerns about terrorist attacks or political issues in the hosting countries. For instance, in October 1983, then-President Chun Doo-hwan canceled his planned visits to Australia, New Zealand, India, and other countries following an assassination attempt by North Korea during his previous visit to Myanmar. Former President Roh Tae-woo canceled his visit to Japan due to then-Japanese Emperor Hirohitos health condition in 1988, and former President Kim Dae-jung also called off his trip to the United States after the Sept. 11 attacks in 2001. More recently, former President Lee Myung-bak delayed his visits to Mexico and African countries in 2010 due to the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan. Former President Park Geun-hye postponed her visit to the U.S. due to the domestic outbreak of Middle East respiratory syndrome in 2015. Yoons predecessor, Moon Jae-in, canceled his planned visits to the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Egypt in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly refused to send an Israeli delegation for further hostage negotiation talks in Egypt. The Israeli prime minister went against the advice of the heads of Israels two main security agencies who had suggested he send representatives for follow-up talks on Thursday, one Israeli official told Axios. The Israeli prime minister wants Hamas to ease its stance on how many prisoners it wants released in exchange for freeing the hostages, two Israeli officials said. On Tuesday, the heads of Israeli and US intelligence met for talks in Cairo. No breakthrough was made, but the US called the discussion constructive and moving in the right direction. Israel did not receive any new proposal from Hamas to release our hostages, a statement from Netanyahus office said. Israel will not capitulate to Hamas ludicrous demands. A change in Hamas positions will make it possible to move forward in the negotiations. 04:00 PM GMT Today's liveblog is now closed Thanks for following todays liveblog. We will be back tomorrow with all the latest updates. 03:58 PM GMT Macron tells Netanyahu of his opposition to possible Israel offensive in Rafah Emmanuel Macron expressed his firm opposition to a possible Israeli military offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza in a phone call with Benjamin Netanyahu, his office said. In a statement, they said: This could only lead to a humanitarian catastrophe of a new magnitude and to forced displacement of populations, which would constitute violations of international human rights and bring additional risk of regional escalation. 03:46 PM GMT Rafah in pictures: Palestinian child sits near a makeshift tent in Rafah - Anadolu/Anadolu Palestinian children try to eat from a single bowl inside the tent - Anadolu/Anadolu Displaced Palestinians from the Al-Bilbisi family collect their belongings to leave the Rafah camp in the southern Gaza Strip - HAITHAM IMAD/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock/Shutterstock 03:36 PM GMT UK wants absolute guarantee of no repeat of UNWRA allegations, says Cameron Britain wants an absolute guarantee that the UN Palestinian refugee agency (UNWRA) will not employ staff who are willing to attack Israel, David Cameron has said, after allegations that some were involved in the Oct 7 violence. Britain last month joined the United States in temporarily pausing funding for UNWRA following allegations that around 12 of its thousands of Palestinian employees were suspected of involvement in the Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war. Donors such as Britain and the United States have indicated they will not resume support until the UNs internal investigation into the allegations ends. A preliminary report is due to be published in the next several weeks. Asked what Britain needed to see in the report in order to resume funding, Lord Cameron said: What were looking for is an absolute guarantee that this cant happen again. Lets be clear here that it looks as if there were people working for UNWRA who took part in the Oct 7 attacks on Israel. That is unacceptable. Thats why we paused our funding. Thats why these reviews are taking place, he told reporters during a trip to Bulgaria. We need them to take place quickly because many UNWRA staff do an absolutely vital job inside Gaza, where they are the only network for distributing aid, to make sure that we get aid to people that need it very, very badly. 02:52 PM GMT Greece's Star Bulk to avoid Red Sea after attacks on its ships Greece-headquartered Star Bulk will halt sailings through the Red Sea after Yemens Iran-aligned Houthis attacked two of its ships in recent days, the groups CEO said. The Houthis have targeted commercial vessels with drones and missiles in the Red Sea since mid-November in what they describe as acts of solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war. Going forward, we will not be passing the Suez Canal any more because we are obviously a target of the Houthis - being a public company registered in the US, Star Bulk CEO Petros Pappas told a Feb 13 earnings call. Pappas said they had asked the charterers of two separate vessels if they could avoid going through the Suez Canal, which leads into the Red Sea. We got advice that we had to follow the charter party and send the vessels through Suez, Pappas said, adding that the first vessel was attacked three times. While that was happening, the second vessel was already passing Suez so we could not divert it and that had to continue and was attacked, he said. 02:28 PM GMT Pictured: Displaced Palestinian boys sell homemade potato chips outside a tent camp Displaced Palestinian boys sell homemade potato chips outside a tent camp - SALEH SALEM/REUTERS 02:18 PM GMT Four civilians killed in Israeli strikes in south Lebanon Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed four civilians including two children and wounded nine other people, a Lebanese security source said, after Israel said it began a series of strikes in Lebanon. A woman was killed along with her child and her stepchild in a strike that targeted Sawwaneh, while a fourth civilian was killed in a strike on a building in Adshit, the security source told AFP, requesting anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media. Nine other people were wounded in the strikes on south Lebanon, the source added. The Israeli raids targeted several different locations in south Lebanon, around six to 15 miles from the Israeli border. 01:43 PM GMT Turkish leader lands in Cairo on first visit in over a decade Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president, arrived in the Egyptian capital on Wednesday on his first visit since 2012, sealing a thaw in ties between the regional heavyweights. Erdogan was welcomed at Cairo airport by his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and the two men exchanged a handshake on the tarmac, live footage of his arrival showed. Erdogan, an outspoken critic of Israels conduct in the Gaza war, said Monday that he would discuss with Sisi efforts to halt the bloodshed. Egypt has been hosting joint efforts with Qatar and the United States to broker a new truce between Israel and Hamas. 01:08 PM GMT Pictured: Right-wing Israelis block crossing to prevent aid from entering Gaza Israeli right-wing activists block the Nitzana Border Crossing between Israel and Egypt to prevent trucks with aid from entering the Gaza Strip - Ilia Yefimovich/Avalon Trucks, carrying humanitarian aids to Gaza, line up at the Nitzana border crossing on the Egyptian border - Anadolu/Anadolu 12:57 PM GMT Terrified Palestinians begin evacuating from main hospital in southern Gaza Terrified Palestinians have begun to evacuate from the main hospital in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, according to videos shared by medics. Footage showed dozens of Palestinians carrying their belongings in sacks and making their way out of the Nasser Hospital complex. A doctor wearing green hospital scrubs walked ahead of the crowd, some of whom were carrying white flags. The Israeli military claimed it had opened a secure route to allow civilians to leave the hospital, while medics and patients could remain inside. Troops have been ordered to prioritize the safety of civilians, patients, medical workers, and medical facilities during the operation, it said. The military had ordered the evacuation of the hospital and surrounding areas last month. But as with other health facilities, medics said patients were unable to safely leave or be relocated, and thousands of people displaced by fighting elsewhere remained there. The hospital had been under siege by the Israeli military for more than three weeks. Earlier today, reports emerged that Israeli forces were shooting at doctors and nurses at the hospital. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli snipers shot at medical staff leaving dead bodies lying untouched in the courtyard. Speaking in a video from inside Nasser Hospital, one doctor told Reuters bulldozers protected by tanks had knocked down the hospitals northern gate. The Israeli military claims Hamas uses the facility to conduct military activities and says the place was used to hold hostages. 12:22 PM GMT Israel launches wave of air strikes against Lebanon The Israeli military said its fighter jets began a series of strikes in Lebanon, raising fears of a war between the two countries after months of cross-border fire. The military gave no further details of the air strikes, while Lebanese media reported three villages were hit. The strikes came hours after fire from Lebanon left seven people in northern Israel wounded, five of them in the town of Safed, the Magen David Adom emergency service reported. An AFP photographer saw medics and troops evacuating a wounded person by military helicopter from Safeds Ziv hospital. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the rocket launches from Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. 12:00 PM GMT Assault on Rafah would be an unfathomable catastrophe, warns WHO The World Health Organisation has warned that an Israeli military offensive against Rafah in southern Gaza would cause an unfathomable catastrophe and push the enclaves health system closer to the brink of collapse. Military activities in this area, this densely populated area, would be, of course, an unfathomable catastrophe ... and would even further expand the humanitarian disaster beyond imagination, said Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative for Gaza and the West Bank. More than one million Palestinians crammed into Rafah at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, on the border with Egypt, where many are living in tent camps and makeshift shelters after fleeing Israeli bombardments elsewhere in Gaza. The Israeli military says it wants to flush out Islamist militants from hideouts in Rafah and free hostages being held there after the Hamas rampage in Israel on Oct 7, but has given no details of a proposed plan to evacuate civilians. The United Nations said that an Israeli offensive there could lead to a slaughter. 11:39 AM GMT Israel vows to catch Hamas leader after tunnel 'sighting' Israel has said it will not stop the hunt for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar until he is caught dead or alive after releasing footage they claim shows him alive. The Israelis on Monday night published a video they claim shows the mastermind of the Oct 7 attacks, inside a tunnel beneath Gaza. Every resident of Gaza [can now] see how Hamas leaders live underground and how they dont think about anything other than themselves, their families and their money, Daniel Hagari, IDF spokesman, told the Al Arabiya network. One video or another is not what really matters. What is important is the intelligence that will allow us to reach senior Hamas officials and the hostages. The video, which does not show Sinwars face, appears to be his first sighting in Gaza since the terror attacks. 11:06 AM GMT Abbas urges Hamas to agree Gaza deal quickly Mahmud Abbas, the Palestinian president, pressed Hamas on Wednesday to agree to a Gaza deal quickly to avoid dire consequences, the official Palestinian news agency reported. We call on the Hamas movement to quickly complete a prisoner deal, to spare our Palestinian people from the calamity of another catastrophic event with dire consequences, no less dangerous than the Nakba of 1948, Abbas said, referring to the war accompanying the creation of Israel which saw 760,000 Palestinians flee or forced from their homes. 10:21 AM GMT Humanitarian situation in tatters, warns UN The scenario we have long dreaded is unraveling at alarming speed. Today, Im sounding the alarm once again: Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at deaths door.https://t.co/oXpMNkVx75 pic.twitter.com/rUNfCGRIDK Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 13, 2024 10:02 AM GMT Pictured: Man who lost eight family members in aftermath of Israeli bombing A man who lost eight family members, including three children, says his house was bombed during an Israeli operation to rescue hostages held in a building in another part of town. Ibrahim Hasouna, centre, the sole survivor among his family, sits amidst the debris of his bombed home in Rafah - Fatima Shbair/AP Ibrahim Hasouna trudged over the rubble of the destroyed house, pointing out where family moments had taken place where his mother and sister-in-law used to sleep, where he played with his five-year-old nieces, where he helped his one-year-old nephew take his first steps. 09:32 AM GMT Israeli offensive into Rafah cannot be morally justified, says Church of England The Church of England has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It said how the war is being carried out cannot be morally justified. With the onset of Israels ground offensive into Rafah, we call for an immediate ceasefire. The relentless bombardment of Gaza and its huge cost in civilian lives and civilian infrastructure must stop. The manner in which this war is being prosecuted cannot be morally justified. We urge Israel to adhere to the ICJ order and to ensure that Palestinians have access to food, water, healthcare, and safety, that have long been denied to them. We welcome the Foreign Secretarys recent call for an immediate pause in the fighting and would also welcome further representation to the Government of Israel about the way that it is exercising its right to self-defence and to affirm adherence to international law. We continue to advocate for the release of the remaining hostages and an end to the missile attacks on Israel by Hamas. All sides must begin to imagine a future beyond this conflict: for a just peace for Israelis and Palestinians. This war cant result in the consolidation of a system of occupation that has for too long denied Palestinians their rights and freedoms. 09:19 AM GMT Any military operation in Rafah could lead to slaughter, warns UN humanitarian chief Any military operation in Rafah could lead to a slaughter, the UN humanitarian chief has warned. Martin Griffiths called on Israel to heed warning from the international community of the humanitarian consequences a potential ground invasion into Gazas southernmost city would have. History will not be kind. They [the displaced], like the entire population of Gaza, are the victims of an assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope, he said. 08:49 AM GMT Hostage families to file complaint against Hamas at International Criminal Court A delegation of hostages families will fly to The Hague to file a crimes against humanity complaint at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Hamas. Haim Rubinstein from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the campaign group will file a case against Hamas leaders at the ICC. We are the families of the hostages who have gone through and are still going through this terrible hell, Rubinstein said in a televised briefing from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv. We will file charges against Hamas members and their collaborators and ensure that they pay the heaviest price for the crimes against humanity that they continue to commit. This is not just our story. If we dont stop this, tomorrow it will be the story of the entire world, said Ofri Bibas, whose brother is one of the captives held in Gaza. The entire human race must stand together against a global terror army, of which Hamas is just one unit on its mission, she said, minutes before she boarded a flight for The Hague. 08:25 AM GMT Hot Houthi pirate says hijacked cargo ships hostages taken to Yemen Yemens Hot Houthi claimed on Tuesday that the Iran-backed rebel group had taken 25 hostages from a hijacked cargo ship to a secret location on land. Rashid Al Haddad, 19, has emerged as the face of the Islamist militia after his TikTok videos on board the Galaxy Leader ship went viral. The Israeli-owned vessel was stormed in November by armed Houthi rebels and now functions as a tourist destination for curious locals. Read more from Melanie Swan here 08:24 AM GMT Pictured: Palestinians migrate to the middle parts of Gaza after attacks on Rafah intensify Palestinians migrate to the middle parts of Gaza after attacks on Rafah intensify - Abed Zagout/Anadolu 08:23 AM GMT Truce talks constructive, says US John Kirby, the US National Security Council spokesman, called the talks on a Qatari-brokered plan to temporarily halt fighting in Gaza constructive and moving in the right direction. Nothing is done until it is all done, he told reporters at the White House. The United States has said it will not back any ground operation in Rafah without a credible plan for protecting civilians. 08:21 AM GMT Israeli delegation departs Cairo after truce talks An Israeli delegation left talks in Cairo to pause the Israel-Hamas war on Tuesday, Israeli and US media reported. David Barnea, the head of Israeli intelligence, met William Burns, the CIAs director in the Egyptian capital for talks on a Qatari-brokered plan to temporarily halt fighting in Gaza. The negotiations, which also involved Qatars prime minister and Egyptian officials, were part of an intensifying effort to secure a ceasefire before Israel proceeds with a full-scale ground incursion into the southern city of Rafah, where more than half of the territorys population has fled. The Israeli delegation was on its way back from Cairo on Tuesday night, an official in the prime ministers office told The Times of Israel. The Wall Street Journal, citing Egyptian officials, said Barneas delegation had departed the Egyptian capital without closing any of the major gaps in the negotiations. The talks will continue for another three days, according to Egyptian state-owned television channel Al Qahera, citing a senior Egyptian official. The same official said the talks had been mostly positive, the television channel reported. 08:18 AM GMT Good Morning Good morning and welcome to todays liveblog. We will be guiding you through all the latest updates. 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. South Korea established diplomatic relations with Cuba on Wednesday, its mission to the United Nations said, in a surprise announcement that could pose a setback to North Korea that has long boasted brotherly ties with the Latin American country. In New York, the two countries' representatives to the United Nations exchanged diplomatic notes, marking the establishment of formal ties. Cuba is the 193rd country which South Korea has built diplomatic relations with. The announcement marked a culmination of Seoul's steadfast efforts to build a formal relationship with Cuba and expand its diplomatic foothold in Central and South America on the back of growing cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Although Cuba officially recognized South Korea in 1949, bilateral exchanges were effectively severed after Fidel Castro seized power in a 1959 revolution. On the contrary, Cuba and North Korea Cold War-era allies have maintained brotherly ties since they forged diplomatic relations in 1960. Observers said that official relations between Seoul and Havana could deepen Pyongyang's diplomatic isolation and put more pressure on the recalcitrant regime to shift away from its provocative streak and return to dialogue. "The decision to establish official relations between both states was made in accordance with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, International Law, and in conformity with the spirit and rules established in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 18 April 1961," the mission said in a release. On the new diplomatic relations, a State Department spokesperson said, "We respect the ROK's sovereign right to determine the nature of its diplomatic relationships." ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration apparently pushed for the opening of official ties with Cuba in a low-key manner in consideration of Cuba's longtime relations with the North. The forging of the relations came as inter-Korean tensions have deepened with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un branding the South as a "primary" foe and doubling down on his regime's formidable weapons tests, including this week's round of cruise missile tests. The pursuit of the bilateral ties appears to have been driven by a confluence of Havana's quest for deeper economic and cultural exchanges with Asia's fourth largest economy, and Seoul's drive to expand its global profile, observers said. In a separate press release, Seoul's foreign ministry expressed expectations that formal relations with Cuba will mark a "crucial turning point" in its efforts to strengthen diplomacy with Central and South America and further expand its diplomatic horizons. "Going forward, our government will actively cooperate with the Cuban government on follow-up steps, including the mutual establishment of diplomatic missions," the ministry said in the release. It pointed out that the diplomatic ties set an institutional foundation to expand bilateral economic cooperation and support South Korean businesses seeking to create footholds into the country's market. Seoul's efforts for better ties with Havana span more than two decades. A much-needed momentum for bilateral engagement emerged in 1999 when South Korea backed a U.N. General Assembly resolution on the need to end a trade embargo against Cuba. In 2016, Seoul's diplomatic overture was highlighted by then Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se's trip to Cuba -- the first such trip by Seoul's top diplomat. The diplomatic push gathered steam as the Yoon government stepped up its diplomacy toward Cuba at multilateral forums like the Association of Caribbean States summit held in Guatemala last May. In Cuba, currently some 1,100 people of Korean descent reside. In the pre-pandemic era, an average of about 14,000 South Koreans visited Cuba each year, according to government data. In recent years, exchanges between the two countries in culture, people-to-people exchanges, development and other areas have steadily increased, adding to the momentum to establish formal relations. In Cuba, "ArtCor," a group of roughly 10,000 fans of Korean popular culture, is in operation as a sign of growing public interest of South Korea. Underscoring Koreans' interest in Cuban culture, a festival featuring Cuban films took place in Seoul in 2022. With formal relations with Cuba, Syria is the only remaining U.N. member state with no diplomatic ties with Seoul. (Yonhap) Nikki Haley called former President Donald Trump unhinged and more diminished than he was in 2016. In an interview with Today co-host Craig Melvin on Tuesday, Haley defended voting for Trump in 2016 and 2020, saying that she was proud to serve him and his administration as the U.N. ambassador from 2017 to 2018. Now, as someone running for the Republican nomination for president in 2024 against Trump, Haley is taking hits at the former president. The problem now is he is not the same person he was in 2016, she said of Trump. He is unhinged; he is more diminished than he was. On Monday, she called out Trump after he questioned where Haleys husband, Michael Haley, who is on a yearlong National Guard deployment, was during a rally Saturday. Wheres your husband? Trump said on the campaign trail. Oh, hes away. Hes away. What happened to her husband? What happened to her husband? Where is he? Hes gone! Haley said Monday that Trump couldnt be trusted to protect the troops, saying, If you dont have respect for our military and our veterans, God help us all if thats the case. She echoed that sentiment Tuesday: If you dont know the value of our men and women in uniform, if you dont know the sacrifice that they go through, why should I, as a military spouse, and all our military families trust you to know that youre going to keep them out of harms way? Haley took another hit at Trump on Tuesday, when she hinted that he is trying to influence the election results by promoting his former campaign adviser and daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, for chairs at the Republican National Committee. Think about whats happening right now, Haley said at a campaign event in South Carolina. Is that how youre going to try and take an election? If you dont have respect for our military and our veterans, God help us all if thats the case, If you dont have respect for our military and our veterans, God help us all if thats the case," Nikki Haley said of comments Donald Trump made about her husband. Steven Cheung, Trumps campaign spokesperson, told NBC News that her comment reeks of desperation. Nikki Braindead Birdbrain Haley reeks of desperation as its clear she knows she has no shot, and is now auditioning for a cable news contract when her 15 minutes are over, Cheung said. But not before she can squeeze every last dollar out of her Democrat benefactors. Haley told Melvin during their interview that she is not loyal to anyone, including Trump. I dont do that, she said. What I do is I call it out. If youre right, youre right. If youre wrong, youre wrong, and Im going to call it out every time. Last week, Haley took a blow in Nevadas primary when none of these candidates received more than 40,000 votes, while she only received 21,000. Trump wasnt on the ballot. Afterward, Haley said Nevada was a scam. Haley told Melvin that there is no way America will vote for a convicted criminal, alluding to the criminal cases Trump is facing, but during a debate, Haley raised her hand in agreement to support whoever the GOP nominee is for the 2024 election. She told Melvin that any Republican is better than President Joe Biden because everyone sees how diminished Joe Biden is. I know what the American people want, Haley said. They want to be heard, theyve been through a lot, they dont see enough money in their wallets. Im doing this because we have to do something. We cant just sit back and let it happen. Related... Engineers throughout the country will be recognizing National Engineering Week Feb. 18-24. Those of us at the New Mexico State University College of Engineering will be joining in recognition of the contributions that engineers make to our world. Simply put, engineering is a people profession that has for centuries been a driving force to produce a better quality of life for the world. In fact, history has proved that engineers have made great strides toward producing clean water, environmentally safe energy sources and placed endless sources of data at our fingertips. Recent innovations in artificial intelligence are now on the verge of taking engineering to a different level. While some may interpret new technologies as disruptive, the history of engineering has always shown the impacts of our work as largely positive. There is no area in modern life that has not been improved by technology developed by engineers. Medicine, for example, has enjoyed the application of technologies, radically improving diagnosis of disease, health monitoring equipment and high-tech prosthetics. Lakshmi Reddi. We take for granted as part of our day-to-day lives with smart phones and watches. We are also dreaming of space tourism and national defense methods that were unimaginable a decade ago. At NMSU, we will proudly celebrate the preeminent role that the College of Engineering has played in developing new knowledge and building an engineering workforce for our state and beyond. For more than a century we have attracted brilliant faculty members who are both excellent teachers and world-class researchers. Their research varied from extending range of radio signals in the 1910s and 20s to creating improved smart-grid systems and water treatment technologies in the 2010s to 20s. Many of our alums have gone on to be leaders in research and development, entrepreneurs, industry and government, contributing to regional, national and world economic development. Many of them continue to support the college, hiring students, generously donating funds for scholarships and other needs, and serving on the Engineering Advisory Board (who visit twice a year and will be on campus during E-week) to offer guidance and direction of programs. The NMSU College of Engineering has earned national recognition along the way, most recently with top-ranking industrial engineering masters programs. The college has maintained world-class degree programs earning continuous accreditation in civil, chemical, electrical and computer, industrial, aerospace and mechanical, engineering technology, surveying and geomatics (the only such program of its kind in the region). NMSU Insights logo. NMSUs engineering college began with a student-centric program led by storied deans such as Ralph Willis Goddard, who pioneered radio wave technology and set up a communications network for the military during the Mexican Revolution; Hugh Milton, who first initiated accreditation for the engineering college in 1938; and Daniel B. Jett, who wrote to engineering students deployed overseas during World War II. All of them had an open-door, and often open-home, policy for students. That tradition of student support continues to this day through the Aggie Innovation Space, providing a student-led maker space and a 15,000-square-foot shop equipped with the latest technologythe largest facility of its kind in the region. Our students receive support outside of classes through the Eloy Torrez Learning Communities, where they receive tutoring from peers and have access to other sources of support, benefiting from individualized attention at a level ordinarily expected only at private institutions. One of NMSUs primary goals is to develop and support a diverse population of students, faculty and staff. We are proud that our female students consistently do well with graduation rates. As a Hispanic-serving institution, we actively recruit and assist underrepresented students, as well as first-generation students. We invite you to join us in celebrating the contributions that engineers make to society during National Engineering Week. If you are a parent, student or teacher who would be interested in NMSUs College of Engineering we encourage you to contact the Office of Engineering Recruitment and Outreach at 575-646-3422 or email me at engrdean@nmsu.edu, for a tour to learn more about the exciting things that happen here. Lakshmi N. Reddi is the dean of the College of Engineering at New Mexico State University. He may be reached at engrdean@nmsu.edu. This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: NMSU dean on history, critical contributions of engineering college MERKEL, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) The Merkel Police Department (MPD) was accused last Friday of allowing an intoxicated man to drive away following an interaction with officers. However, in a one-on-one with KTAB/KRBC, Chief of Police Phillip Conklin says perception is key. A Facebook post featured a picture of the man in question holding a beer and talking with nearby police. While some of these facts were confirmed with Chief Conklin, he the public is missing essential information and the accusations are untrue. Crisis point leads to new dashboard, body cameras for Taylor County Sheriffs Office There was no criminal offense, the individual was not intoxicated, Chief Conklin said. In a move of transparency, Chief Conklin sat down with KTAB/KRBC to discuss the situation, and release body cam footage, going over the footage moment-by-moment to better clarify the situation. By Chief Conklins account, MPD officers responded to an initial call about a property dispute and subsequent illegal dumping. The man who reportedly made the call, Mat Travis, is a member of the Merkel ISD school board. He was photographed and accused by a local Facebook blog page, West Texas Audits, of being intoxicated. That post states the following: It appears as The Merkel Police Department has implemented a new policy allowing only certain citizens to drive under the influence of alcohol, which is illegal in Texas and can lead to serious consequences such as fines and imprisonment according to TX Penal Code Sec. 49.04.Merkel Police Department I would advise you to respond accordingly & show the public the accountability & transparency they deserve after these questionable actions have occurred. The author of that post then tagged the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement at the end of the post. Upon reviewing body cam footage and speaking with his officers, Chief Conklin said it is true that Travis had an alcoholic beverage in hand at one point, however he had not been driving and was on his own property. There was a citizen that was there on his own property drinking an alcoholic beverage, which you constitutionally are allowed to do. As a matter of fact, us intervening with that to the extent of not allowing him to do it would be violating his constitutional rights, explained Chief Conklin. Travis, as reported by the MPD chief, displayed no signs of intoxication. An officer on the scene said the chief had extensive training in responding to intoxication calls and is an expert on DWI calls within the department. Although Travis can be seen with the beverage while in the street, the officer can be heard asking him to take the drink off the public street and on to his own property, a request in which he immediately complied. Following that interaction, Travis can be seen taking a few more sips before emptying what was left of the beer into the grass. After this point, no other beverages are produced or seen, and the disputes were handled without incident. Theres always a misunderstanding when things like this get put out. Especially through social media Perception is something we cant control, Chief Conklin remarked. Without proper context, Chief Conklin said he understood the Facebook post would make it easy for the public to draw different conclusions and become suspicious of his departments actions. While MPD cannot control perception, the chief said officers can control their reactions to it, for which he said transparency must be the ultimate policy for local law enforcement if any doubt is present. WATCH: Tye police pull over wrong-way driver on I-20 Obviously, we want to be as transparent as possible with our community, especially when theres any implications or even suggestion that our officers are doing anything inappropriately I believe it builds confidence in our community and trust in our department. To make sure we are doing what were supposed to be doing, its a necessity to keep that confidence alive in our communities, added Chief Conklin. The initial disputes were resolved through mutual compliance and without incident or arrest. While the intoxication was never a factor in the actual response, Chief Conklin told KTAB/KRBC he felt a need to address it due to the public concern voiced by his community. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com. You may not have to stay home anymore after testing positive for COVID-19. The CDC will update its guidance on this in the next couple of months, and doctors say you likely wont need to isolate for five days after getting that positive test. The change would follow similar guidance to how you treat the flu or RSV, which means you would stay home and isolate while you have symptoms, and you can head back to school or work after youve been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. Theres also cost of isolation of course, you know, weve seen with absences from schools that test scores have decreased, and not only in education and the outcomes in terms of productivity and learning are important, but also our human connections are important and connections to each other, said Dr. Ruanne Barnabas, Chief of the Infectious Diseases Division at Massachusetts General Hospital. But some health officials worry about eliminating that isolation period when COVID-19 has been deadlier than viruses like the flu and some suffer from Long COVID-19 symptoms. The CDC hasnt changed its isolation guidance for COVID-19 since 2021, and that new advice will likely come in April, according to the Washington Post. I trust the CDC and I know theyre using the best data to make this decision, said Dr. Barnabas. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW North Korea has fired multiple missiles off its east coast in its fifth test of such weapons since January, said South Koreas military. The missiles were launched at 9am local time off the coastal city of Wonsan, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, extending a streak in weapons demonstrations that are elevating tensions in the region. "While strengthening surveillance and vigilance, our military is cooperating closely with the United States and closely monitoring additional signs and activities from North Korea," the JCS said in a statement. The South Korean military didnt immediately provide the exact numbers of missiles fired or how far they flew. It wasnt immediately clear either whether the missiles were fired from land or from sea assets. North Korea earlier test-fired a new strategic cruise missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead on 24 January. It then fired a submarine-launched cruise missile on 28 January, and two additional rounds of tests from the west coast in the same week, reported Yonhap News Agency. Since cruise missiles fly low, they are harder to detect and intercept. Experts have raised concerns that the weapon tests are being done before being sent to Russia for their war on Ukraine. "It is believed that North Korea exported large quantities of multiple rocket launchers to Russia last year," Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP. He said that there may have been issues with the quality of weapons shipped to Moscow and the weapons are being tested to address the issue. There are concerns that North Korea is also ramping up pressure on its rivals in an election year in South Korea and the United States with a long-term focus of forcing Washington to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and extract security and economic concessions from a position of strength. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has also been issuing belligerent statements toward South Korea, including a declaration that he would abandon the Norths long-term objective of reconciliation with its war-divided rival and threatening to annihilate the South with nukes if provoked. Theres concern in the South that Mr Kim may up the ante with a direct military provocation, possibly around the disputed western sea boundary between the Koreas that has been the site of deadly naval skirmishes in past years. Cruise missiles, which are designed to be highly maneuverable in flight like small airplanes, are among a growing number of weapons North Korea is developing to overwhelm missile defences, supplementing the countrys vast number of ballistic missiles designed to be fired from land and sea. The North earlier this year tested new cruise missiles designed to be fired from submarines and also long-range cruise missiles with potential range of reaching US military bases in Japan. United States, South Korea and Japan have been strengthening their combined military exercises and sharpening their nuclear deterrence strategies. Additional reporting by agencies (Bloomberg) -- Kim Jong Un has sent new batches of his workers overseas since relaxing pandemic border controls and launched a fresh crackdown on his people, according to the US point person for North Korean human rights. Most Read from Bloomberg What weve seen is that the human rights situation in North Korea has worsened, Julie Turner, the State Departments special envoy on the countrys human rights issues, told reporters Wednesday during a visit to Tokyo. Covid-19 allowed the North Korean government to tighten many of the controls inside North Korea, she said. North Korea has sent its workers to Russia and China for years, where they earn hard currency desperately needed by Pyongyang in defiance of United Nations resolutions that ban the moves. Kim has recently stepped up cooperation with Russia through the transfer of arms to help President Vladimir Putin in his war on Ukraine, the US has said. Late last year, Kims regime began allowing workers, diplomats and students stranded abroad due to his decision to close the borders during the pandemic to return home. He now appears to be sending workers abroad, Turner said. There is certainly a process going on right now to bring many of those individuals home, but at the same time we are seeing movements of new groups of workers being dispatched overseas, she said. Read more: North Korean Bus Returns From China in a Sign of Border Opening Turner did not specify where the workers may be going, but added Russia is a country of concern and there are still many North Korean workers who have remained in China. Around 300 workers from North Korea arrived in Russia by train this month, Yonhap News of South Korea reported Wednesday, citing Cho Han-bum, a senior research fellow at the state-funded Korea Institute for National Unification. Governments in the US and Europe for years have condemned North Korea for what they see as chronic and systematic human rights abuses. The US State Departments most recent annual report on human rights said there are credible reports of arbitrary killings, forced disappearances and a network of political prisons engaged in torture in North Korea. Read more: South Korea Makes Rare Public Criticism of Norths Rights Record Kims regime has bristled at any criticism of its human rights record for decades. The states propaganda apparatus in December carried a report that accused Turner of staging various sorts of fanatical anti-DPRK human rights rackets, that are intended to demonize Pyongyang and bring down the leaders of the country formally known as the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea. Turner said the comments indicate North Korea is paying attention to what the US has been saying about the human rights situation under Kim. Read more: North Korea Fires Fifth Barrage of Cruise Missiles in Past Month Kim oversaw tests Wednesday of what North Korea said were new types of cruise missiles designed to defend against an invasion and frustrate the adventurous attempt of the enemy navy, the official Korean Central News Agency reported. It was the fifth such barrage of cruise missiles fired off in the past several weeks. (Updates with North Korean media statement on missile test in last paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Defense ministries of S. Korea, US sign NCG framework document By Lee Hyo-jin Wary of the potential return of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House this year, the defense ministries of South Korea and the United States signed a framework document on the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG), a collaborative mechanism established between the two allies to discuss and coordinate nuclear policy, security, and defense. The move appears to be aimed at expediting the full implementation of the nuclear coordination agreement previously signed by South Korea and the U.S. to strengthen Washington's extended deterrence against the growing nuclear threat from Pyongyang. With Trump emerging as the leading Republican presidential candidate, concerns are mounting over the potential impact of his reelection on the strengthened security commitments that the Biden administration pledged to Seoul. South Korea's Deputy Defense Minister for Policy Cho Chang-rae and U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Space Policy Vipin Narang signed the document at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Monday (local time), according to Seoul's defense ministry, Wednesday. The document outlines the specific goals of the NCG based on the April 2023 Washington Declaration signed between President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden, the ministry added. Launched in July 2023, the NCG is a consultative body designed to discuss the enhancement of U.S. extended deterrence through joint nuclear planning to counter North Korean nuclear threats. Based on the newly-signed document, Cho and his U.S. counterpart will spearhead efforts to fully establish guidelines regarding the planning and operation of nuclear weapons by the first half of this year. "The fact that the framework document was signed between defense ministry officials, not officials from the presidential office and the White House, indicates that the allies have apparently opted to shift NCG discussions to the ministerial level, considering that interactions between presidential officials may weaken in the event of Trump's reelection," said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean studies at Ewha Womans University. The NCG has conducted two meetings so far. The inaugural meeting took place in Seoul in July 2023, and the second was held in Washington in December that year, both involving Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo and then White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell. The third meeting scheduled for June in Seoul will be organized by the defense ministries. Kim Sung-han, a former top security adviser to Yoon, said during a forum earlier this week that South Korea maintains an open-minded stance regarding Japan's potential participation in the NCG. Kim added that he had discussed the matter with Japanese officials during his tenure. His remarks are also interpreted as a strategy to uphold the current NCG framework in case Trump returns to the White House. During a campaign rally in South Carolina last week, Trump said he would encourage Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO countries that are delinquent. His remarks prompted a strong backlash from European leaders. Park viewed that Trump's skepticism about military alliances extends to Asian allies as well, suggesting that if elected, he could be reluctant to carry out the agreement reached through the Washington Declaration. "While Trump is unlikely to completely abandon the agreement, he could be skeptical about core aspects of the Washington Declaration, such as the regular deployment of U.S. strategic assets on the Korean Peninsula and joint military exercises based on conventional-nuclear integration (CNI), " Park said, noting Trump's previous pledge to cease joint drills with South Korea, referring to them as "war games." However, Yang Uk, a defense analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies, gave a different analysis. "Although Trump considers military alliances burdensome and would demand increased contributions from allies, there is a growing opinion among Republicans that the U.S. should prioritize stronger extended deterrence, while reducing conventional weapons and the deployment of military troops," Yang said. In that regard, the analyst anticipated that Trump is unlikely to scale back the Biden administration's strengthened commitment to extended deterrence for South Korea. Instead, he could once again threaten to reduce the number of U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) troops to pressure Seoul to cover more defense costs. A North Texas doctor was arrested on four counts of indecent assault after patients reported he assaulted them during doctors appointments, the Denton Police Department said in a news release Wednesday. In May, a woman reported that Dr. Ikenna Adugba, a 64-year-old Coppell resident, inappropriately touched her during a doctors appointment at First Care Medical Center in Denton, according to the release. Due to Adugbas position as a Medicaid provider and physician, Denton police detectives contacted the Texas Office of the Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to assist with the case. During the investigation, detectives identified three other patients who reported Adugba assaulted them during doctors appointments between 2022 and 2023, the release says. Today's top stories: Girlfriend arrested on murder in fentanyl death of fired juvenile court judge Fort Worth ISD school board finalizes staff cuts; teachers unaffected VIDEO: 'I'll kill you,' Arlington cop says before shooting armed driver Get free alerts when news breaks. Detectives obtained four warrants for Adugbas arrest on charges of indecent assault on Monday. He was arrested Tuesday at his workplace in the 2100 block of Brinker Road without incident, police said. Adugba was booked into the City of Denton Jail with bond set at $80,000 and has since bonded out. Police ask anyone with information about Adugba, including any unreported incidents, to contact Detective Marqui Curtis at (940) 349-7727. SAUGATUCK TWP. Its been years since Saugatuck Township awarded a marina permit that would significantly change a portion of the Kalamazoo River. In the end, the disagreement ended up in the hands of the Michigan Supreme Court. A proposed development is shown overlaying the original plotted land for Singapore, a now-abandoned town that once stood at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. Now, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the State of Michigan have announced their denial of NorthShore of Saugatucks application for federal and state permits to build the proposed marina at the mouth of the Kalamazoo River. In a letter dated Feb. 12, the Army Corps informed developers their application was denied, in part due to the historical significance of the property potentially the site of the lost city of Singapore. More: Saugatuck Township Zoning Board of Appeals buried in documentation on marina basin More: Saugatuck ZBA hears from public, attorneys on controversial marina basin Experts agree the site is located somewhere within the development, owned by Jeff and Peg Padnos. At this point in our evaluation, it appears the detriments of your project as currently proposed may have outweighed the benefits to the overall public interest, the letter read. The mitigation proposed to date does not appear adequate to resolve the adverse effects." In July 2022, the Michigan Supreme Court vacated previous rulings finding the Saugatuck Dunes Coastal Alliance, an organized pitted against the marina, didn't have standing to appeal the city's initial approval. The case was returned to Allegan County Circuit Court, then kicked back to the city's zoning board of appeals. The Army Corps letter came three days after the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy denied NorthShores application for state permits. In EGLEs letter, the state also cited adverse effects the project would have on the natural resources of the Kalamazoo River and found that feasible and more prudent alternatives were available. Subscribe: Get all your breaking news and unlimited access to our local coverage It is impossible to overstate the importance of the (decisions and assessment of the damage) the marina would do to the public interest, livelihoods, lifeways and recreational pursuits of those who live and visit here, Coastal Alliance Board President David Swan wrote in a release. It also represents what a coalition of dedicated, passionate, and tenacious people can accomplish together. The Alliance will continue to challenge the marina permit approved by the city. The next ZBA meeting is May 16. Swan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com. This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: NorthShore of Saugatuck denied permits to build controversial marina Sheryl Pockrose sits in her home in West Price Hill on Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2024. She said she hasn't done anything to her house to warrant the increased in her property value from $47,000 to $97,000, which resulted in a more than 80% increase in her property taxes. Sheryl Pockrose said she's "done absolutely nothing" to her 1,107-square-foot house in Cincinnati's West Price Hill neighborhood since she moved in nearly 30 years ago. But this year she saw her property taxes jump 81%. The tax hike came on the heels of a state-mandated reappraisal in Hamilton County, which found that the value of her house had more than doubled in the last three years. Pockrose's annual property tax bill shot up from $1,150.81 due in 2023 to $2,083.25 due this year, according to Hamilton County records. "I'm not low-income, so it's not as much of a financial burden on me as it is on some of my neighbors," said Pockrose, 65, a semi-retired librarian who lives on a pension, part-time work and investments. "But I look around here, and I see people really hurting financially who can barely afford what they're paying now. It's not fair that there's not a cap on (property taxes) for some people." Taxes rose far less than home values, but owners still feel sticker shock Pockrose echoed the concerns of thousands of Hamilton County residents, and those in other counties that have undergone reassessments since housing prices began skyrocketing in recent years. They've vented their frustration at county meetings, on social media, in letters to The Enquirer and in an Enquirer survey. In Hamilton County, tax bills were mailed in January and were due Feb. 5. Overall, Hamilton County residents saw a historic 34% increase in residential property values in the county auditor's full reappraisal last year. Residential property taxes rose at less than half the rate of property values, or about 15%, according to Hamilton County records. But in some neighborhoods especially in some poor and working-class neighborhoods in the city of Cincinnati the tax increase nearly matched the hike in values, making those some of the unluckiest homeowners in Hamilton County. By contrast, some suburban neighborhoods, both rich and poor, saw their taxes go up far less than the increase in home values. Some even saw their tax bills fall. The Enquirer examined the most recent property value and tax assessments posted on the Hamilton County auditor's website, and this is what we found. Five neighborhoods with narrowest gap in taxes and values Five Cincinnati neighborhoods with the biggest tax increases Five Cincinnati neighborhoods with smallest tax increases Five Cincinnati neighborhoods with biggest tax cuts What's driving value and tax increases? Experts blame a red-hot housing market for the surge in property values and taxes in Hamilton County, where the typical price of a single-family home reached a high of $288,000 in June last year, according to figures from Redfin, a national real estate brokerage. In addition, many low-income neighborhoods have seen a steady influx of local speculators and out-of-state real estate investors buying up large swaths of houses and turning them into rentals, driving up prices on the remaining for-sale inventory. Whatever the reason for the disparity in valuations, the result is moderate- and low-income homeowners paying a larger share of their income in taxes. Statewide, the poorest fifth of Ohio homeowners pay more than triple their share of income in property taxes compared to the richest 1% of homeowners, according to the Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy, a Washington D.C.-based think-tank. State of Ohio offers property tax relief for homeowners The state of Ohio offers relief for homeowners who owe significant property taxes relative to their incomes, including homestead exemptions for veterans, disabled property owners, and residents age 65 and older who had total household incomes less than $38,600 last year. There are three types of homestead exemptions in Ohio: The senior and disabled persons homestead exemption; the disabled veterans enhanced homestead exemption; and the enhanced homestead exemption for the surviving spouse of a public service officer killed in the line of duty. The senior and disabled persons homestead exemption protects the first $25,000 in home value from taxation. The enhanced exemptions protect the first $50,000. Hamilton County auditor's office flooded with complaints Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly said her office has been flooded with concerns and complaints since the initial valuation estimates were released in October before final valuations were approved by the Ohio Department of Taxation at the end of last year. "People want an easy answer to very complex questions," Kelly said. Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly Kelly noted property taxes are not based on property valuations alone and can vary widely based on tax levies approved by voters in local taxing jurisdictions, such as school districts, townships, and municipalities. "Our job is to calculate the taxes not to establish them,'' she said. Still, property valuations carry a ton of weight in determining tax bills, and Kelly readily acknowledged the mass appraisal system Hamilton County uses to assess home values every six years is an "imperfect system.'' The mass appraisal involves a visual appraisal of more than 350,000 parcels in Hamilton County, but it doesn't require a walk-through or detailed inspection of every property like an appraisal from an independent real estate appraiser. Too few resources to physically inspect every house in Hamilton County "We don't have the people power or money to do independent appraisals. It's not a problem that's unique to us,'' Kelly said, noting most counties use a mass appraisal system. "If we do have a value wrong, we'll fix it. That's what the board of revision is for." Kelly was referring to the Hamilton County Board of Revision set up by state law to hear complaints on property values and review evidence supporting homeowners' claims of inaccurate valuations. The board of revision website includes detailed instructions on how to contest property values. It's not enough to simply file a complaint. Homeowners must provide evidence to back up their value claims such as closing statements, purchase contracts and independent appraisals. What Hamilton County residents are saying about their property taxes How you can apply for a property tax exemption Fill out application form DTE105A. You can get the form at the Hamilton County Auditor's office at 138 E. Court St., Room 304, or download from the auditors website or at the Ohio Department of Taxations website. File form DTE105A with the county auditor before Dec. 31. The form must carry your signature in ink and cannot be filed electronically. If you're applying for an exemption based on age, you must submit proof of age with your application, such as a copy of your driver's license, state ID, birth certificate or passport. If your eligibility is based on disability, you must submit proof of disability, such as a statement from the U.S. Social Security Administration showing your disability benefit, or a statement from the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation that says you are disabled. If you're a disabled veteran, you must submit a letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs with your application showing your disabled status along with a copy of your DD214 showing your military separation status. If you have questions, you can call the auditor's homestead unit at (513) 946-4099. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio homeowners reeling from Hamilton County's new property values SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Valentines Day has arrived, but not everyone will be celebrating with things like flowers or chocolates. From singles to the holidays naysayers, some may be looking to sever themselves from any cloying traditions, instead opting to take part in what some refer to as Anti-Valentines Day. The most popular rom-com movie in California, according to Looper Whether youre jilted, jaded or just looking to rebel against the Valentines Day fold, here are a few things to do in San Diego to make Wednesday a fun Anti-Valentines Day from pop-up bars to comedy extravaganzas. Crushed Heartbreak Bar at Parq Through Feb. 24, revel in heartbreak at this pop-up bar inside the Gaslamp Quarter club, Parq, featuring a special drink and food menu, tarot card reading, photo opportunities and more. Tickets are required and are available for purchase online, starting at $23. Each ticket includes a 90-minute reservation and welcome cocktail. BreakUp Bar Head to Gillys House of Cocktails in University Heights for this two-night-only pop-up bar to sip your heartache away with delicious Anti-Valentines Day-themed cocktails, like the Tears of My Ex or I Can Buy Myself Flowers. Tickets for the event can be purchased online, starting at $20. Admission includes welcome bubbly and a complimentary cocktail. Hard Candy Comedy + My Rotten Valentine Rather spend the night on Valentines Day rolling on the floor laughing about heartbreak or singing your face off? Head to Good Bar in Liberty Station for a triple-header night of comedy, displays of cool talents and karaoke that is perfect for Anti-Valentines Day celebrations. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online starting at $10. Heres how to beat the hype and overcome loneliness on Valentines Day Anti-Valentines Bar Crawl Join a wild night on the town in downtown San Diego with this Anti-Valentines Day Bar Crawl. Sip on delicious cocktails and meet new people while dancing the night away at the club, Day N Nite. More information can be found here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. AUGUSTA, Ga (WJBF) Cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. Today, the number of deaths from cervical cancer has declined, mainly due to the effectiveness of regular Pap test screening in detecting early pre-cancers and recently the increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations. Prevention of cervical cancer is as simple as getting the HPV vaccine, said Dr. Sharad Ghamande, chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Medical College of Georgia and the Georgia Cancer Center at Wellstar MCG Health. In addition to prevention, scheduling your Pap smears based on discussions with your OB/Gyn provider is an important factor affecting cure rates, and function and quality of life after treatment if you are diagnosed with cervical cancer. MORE: More than just weight loss surgeries According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife, with most cases found in women younger than 50. However, 20 percent of women diagnosed are over age 65. Studies by the American Cancer Society show Hispanic women are most likely to get cervical cancer, followed by African Americans, Asians and Pacific Islanders, and Caucasians. American Indians and Alaskan natives have the lowest risk of cervical cancer in this country. The signs that could point to a cervical cancer diagnosis include unusual vaginal bleeding, discharge during sexual intercourse and pain in the pelvis. Ghamande and the members of the Cancer Centers Gynecologic Cancer Care team recommend that all women talk with their primary care physician about scheduling a Pap smear. Certain groups of women may be at greater risk for cervical cancer. These risk factors include: Human papillomavirus infection. There are many different strains of HPV, including Type 16 and Type 18, which more commonly cause cervical cancer. Ask your physician about tests that can detect these specific types of HPV infection. Having multiple sexual partners. Having initial sexual intercourse at an early age. Smoking. Oral contraceptive use. Weakened immune system. Two vaccines for HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer, are available. Both have been rigorously evaluated and found to be safe and effective. A vaccine against the two types of HPV that cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers can reduce the risk of infection even further, Ghamande said. Inspectors at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have approved multiple vaccines which are safe and effective. The vaccines target the virus strains HPV 16 and HPV 18. And the Gardasil-9 vaccine targets five more antiviral (HPV) strains. MORE: Women who change the world for the better work in Augusta, Georgia Who should get the HPV vaccine? Children starting at age 11. Young adults up until the age of 26. Who should receive Pap screening? All women should get yearly Pap tests starting about three years after they start having sex or no later than age 21. Beginning at age 30, most women who have had three normal Pap test results in a row may be evaluated less often every two to three years. After age 30, your primary care physician may recommend a Pap/HPV co-test. This vaccine has also shown the ability to offer some protection from vaginal, vulvar, anal and oropharyngeal cancers, Ghamande said. If you have questions about cervical cancer, HPV and the vaccine, talk to your primary care doctor. He or she can help you decide a course of action to reduce your chances of developing cervical cancer. If you have a daughter or female relative or friend between the ages of 10 and 26, encourage her to talk to her doctor about the HPV vaccines for cancer prevention. Our team of specially trained cancer providers is skilled in the care of your unique diagnosis. Every type of cancer reacts differently within your uniquely and our teams work together to collaborate and figure out a personalized treatment plan for your individual needs. Visit augustahealth.org/cancer or call 706-721-6744. Make an appointment with a womens health specialist at augustahealth.org/women or call 706-721-4959. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs! There are two outdoor venues hosting movies in the park this month. The city of Bonita Springs is inviting the public to a date-night edition of Movies in the Park on Friday (Feb. 16). This showing will feature the family-friendly animated adventure Tangled. Riverside Park will be lit up with pink and green lighting. Grab a blanket or a chair and watch a movie on the park lawn. Riverside Park is located at 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs. The movie starts at dusk (approximately 6:20 p.m.) The event is free for the community. Shaved ice from Kona Ice will be available for purchase at the event. For more information, call Bonita Springs City Hall at 239-949-6262. Enjoy a free movie under the stars sponsored by Lee County Parks & Recreation at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24, at Estero Park, 9200 Corkscrew Palms Blvd., Estero. Alongside his pink-loving pal Poppy (voiced by Anna Kendrick, center), Branch (Justin Timberlake) reunites with musical bros John Dory (Eric Andre) and Spruce (Daveed Diggs) in "Trolls Band Together." The 2023 PG-rated computer-animated comedy Trolls Banded Together will be the feature. Food and shaved ice from various food trucks will be available for purchase. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs. For more information about Lee County Parks & Recreation locations, amenities and other special events, visit leeparks.org, call 239-533-7275 or email leeparks@leegov.com. Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL receives $20,000 from Jingled Elves The Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL recently announced it has received a $20,000 grant from the Jingled Elves. This grant will be used to provide safe, hygienic, and worry-free periods for 7920 at-risk women and girls in Collier County. We are grateful for the continued support of Jingled Elves, said Dusti Beaubien, the president and founder of the Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL. They are a group of dedicated women who understand that Period Poverty exists in our community and want to put a stop to it. They are a perfect example of women helping women. The Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL recently announced it has received a $20,000 grant from the Jingled Elves. This generous grant allows APS of SWFL to continue our work to ensure that a period ends a sentence, not a girls education or a womans ability to work. One in four women and girls have struggled to buy period products in the past year due to income. This problem is intensified by the fact that state and federal programs, including SNAP (aka Food Stamps) cannot be used to purchase period supplies. They are considered a luxury item. For more information about the Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL or to learn how you can help end period poverty in Southwest Florida, visit apsofswfl.org. For more information about how to become a Jingled Elf, visit jingledelves.org/. More Now You Know: Final swamp walks; Charity Classic Gala raises $2.3M And Now You Know: Rotary Club of Estero announces 5K Run/Walk This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Now You Know: Bonita and Estero host movies in the park South Korea's top military officer called on troops Wednesday to "strongly" retaliate against North Korean provocations, his office said, amid tensions over Pyongyang's continued weapons tests. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo made the call as he visited the Drone Operations Command in Pocheon, 52 kilometers northeast of Seoul, hours after the North fired multiple cruise missiles off its eastern coast in its fifth such missile launch this year. Kim inspected the unit's readiness against threats posed by North Korean drones and noted the increasing importance of the unmanned assets in modern warfare, citing their use in the Israel-Hamas war. "If the enemy undertakes a provocation, (we) must strongly punish them so that they are unable to make another provocation again," he was quoted as saying. Kim also visited a nearby aviation unit under the Army's Fifth Corps and called on troops to track the enemy down until the end and shoot them down in case of a provocation, according to his office. The inspections came amid concerns the North may stage provocative acts in time for the birth anniversary of the North's late leader Kim Jong-il on Friday. The military launched the Drone Operations Command last September to oversee the military's use of the unmanned assets and deter various asymmetric threats posed by the North after five North Korean drones intruded across the inter-Korean border in December 2022. (Yonhap) Kim Man-bae, a key figure behind a scandal-ridden property development project in the Daejang-dong district of Seongnam, just south of Seoul, was sentenced by a court Wednesday to 30-months in prison on bribery charges. The Suwon District Court handed down the sentence, finding Kim guilty of offering 80 million won ($59,905) in bribes to former Seongnam City Council Chairman Choi Yoon-gil in return for help in passing an ordinance on the establishment of Seongnam Development Corp. The court also sentenced Choi to 54-months in prison. The ruling came about two years after the two were indicted on Feb. 15, 2022. Kim, the largest shareholder of Hwacheon Daeyu Asset Management at the center of the Daejang-dong development corruption scandal, is accused of hiring Choi as vice chairman of the asset management company in 2021 with a promise to pay bonuses worth 4 billion won after completion of the project and paying 80 million won in salary and other expenses to him. Choi was indicted for passing the Seongman Development Corp. ordinance in the absence of its opponents in 2013 in violation of voting principles in return for bribes from Kim. The ordinance was seen as crucial to the progress of the Daejang-dong project. Despite the prison terms, the court did not place Kim and Choi under immediate detention, citing little chance of the destruction of evidence and their faithful attendance at trials. (Yonhap) One of the two tour boats involved a crash that injured 13 people near PortMiami, one critically, was operating as an illegal charter, the Coast Guard said Wednesday. Sundays crash prompted a large, multi-agency emergency response, with patients being taken to area hospitals, including Jackson Memorial in Miami. According to the Coast Guard, the captain of the Obelix, a 43-foot, luxury center-console vessel powered by five engines, wasnt licensed to have paid passengers on board, a violation of the Passenger Vessel Safety Act, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Eric Rodriguez, a spokesman for the service. That boat, and the 55-foot Thriller 06 speed boat, which operates out of Bayside Marketplace and can carry 36 passengers, collided around 3:15 p.m. The Obelix is operated by Midnight Sun Boat Charters, which, according to its website, began in 2014 with day charters in the U.S. Virgin Islands and has since expanded to Miami. The boat leaves out of Haulover Marine Center. The companys owner, State Jakab, told the Miami Herald in a text Wednesday that he is discussing the issue with investigators, but disagrees with the Coast Guards finding. It is our position that we were operating within the terms of a legal charter, Jakab said. Furthermore, we have not been informed officially by Coast Guard of such a finding or decision. One of the passengers injured in the crash was taken to the hospital in critical condition, Rodriguez said. It was not immediately clear which boat that person was on. Rodriguez said the Coast Guard issued a vessel safety inspection requirement on the Thriller 06, meaning it cannot conduct passenger operations until the damages it sustained in the crash can be repaired. This story will be updated as more information becomes available. A Seoul court sentenced the scandal-ridden former fiance of Olympic fencing medalist Nam Hyun-hee to 12 years in prison on Wednesday on fraud and forgery charges. The 28-year-old former fiance, Jeon Cheong-jo, was charged with swindling a total of about 3 billion won ($2.24 million) from 27 people under the pretext of investment between 2022 and 2023. Jeon presented herself to the victims as a secret heir to the high-end Paradise Hotel chain, enticing them with false investment opportunities that she portrayed as exclusively reserved for rich conglomerate families, according to investigations. Jeon gained notoriety after breaking up with Nam, the silver medalist in women's foil at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, following revelations that Jeon was legally a woman, not an heir to the Paradise Hotel chain and had multiple records of fraud. The prosecution had concluded that Jeon's motive was to finance a luxury lifestyle with ill-gotten money, and demanded a 15-year prison term for her. The Seoul Eastern District Court on Wednesday sentenced Jeon to 12 years behind bars, saying her fraud schemes ruined the lives of victims. "The damage amounts to 3 billion won and most of them remain unrepaid while Jeon has not been forgiven by the victims," the court said. In the final pre-sentence court hearing last month, Jeon said "I promise that I will recover the damage done, albeit taking long, and prove my pledge with actions. I repent again and again." Nam is also currently under police investigation after investment fraud victims filed a complaint against her for alleged collusion with Jeon, but the fencer denied the suspicions. (Yonhap) A 26-year-old Palm Coast man hoping to become a Flagler County Sheriffs deputy died Monday after feeling ill during a physical abilities test. Austin Ross was participating in the test, which is the first step for someone interested in becoming a deputy, said Flagler County Sheriffs Office Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge in an interview. Strobridge said the sheriff plans to make Ross an honorary deputy. Ross was feeling OK when he started the test at the Flagler County Sheriffs Operation Center but later began feeling ill, Strobridge said. They had him sit down and rest, gave him some water and called the fire department to check him, Strobridge said. Once the fire department arrived, they placed Ross in an ambulance; thats when they lost his pulse. They were able to restore his pulse, Strobridge said, and he was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast on State Road 100 where he died. According to dispatch notes, the fire department was called at 10:32 a.m. Ross fell out" and was feeling "light-headed" during the test, according to the notes. The notes state Ross did not lose consciousness and was alert. According to the dispatch notes, Ross weighed 300 pounds. Strobridge said the sheriffs office does prohibit people from taking the test since that might run afoul of laws. When someone shows up and says I can do this we give them the opportunity to do so ... we make no prejudgments based on physical characteristics, Strobridge said. He said people of various shapes and sizes have completed the test. The test assesses applicants abilities to handle tasks that a deputy could face on any given day, Strobridge said, describing it as more of an endurance test. This is the very first step. This is the step where we actually meet the candidate many times for the very first time, Strobridge said. This is the very beginning of the evaluation process. Once they get through this, they are told whether they get an interview or not. Strobridge said applicants receive physical exams later in the hiring process. Ross was among eight or 10 applicants taking the assessment. Some were applying to become deputies, others correction deputies. Applicants had to sign a waiver releasing the sheriffs office from any liabilities. The physical abilities test is from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and assesses tasks like exiting a vehicle and opening the trunk, running 220 yards, completing an obstacle course, dragging a 150-pound dummy, dry firing a weapon six times with each hand, and placing items in a trunk and entering a vehicle. The obstacle course requires several tasks, including climbing over a 40-inch tall wall, running, crawling and jumping over three hurdles 24, 12 and 18 inches tall spaced 5 feet apart. In his application, Ross listed his most recent job as a sales consultant at Palm Coast Ford, where he had worked from March 2021 to January 2024. He wrote as a reason for leaving he wrote that he needed to find a career that is "more in line with my own morals and values." Here he is, he has a dream to be a law enforcement officer, Strobridge said. This is the very first step and this horrific tragedy happens. Its tragic for their family and our hearts and prayers go out to them. The sheriff knowing that his dream was to be a law enforcement officer, he wants to make him an honorary deputy. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Palm Coast man dies after physical test to become Flagler deputy By Daniela Desantis and Lucinda Elliott ASUNCION (Reuters) - Paraguay's senate on Wednesday expelled one of the few opposition voices in national politics, sparking protests in the capital Asuncion and concerns over the fragile state of the country's democracy. Senator Kattya Gonzalez from the center-left National Meeting Party was dismissed from her position during an extraordinary session on Wednesday for the "misuse of influence" while in office. The 46-year-old senator, elected in 2023, is among a small cadre of left-leaning opposition politicians in Paraguay and has called out widespread corruption and spoken publicly about how the South American country is falling further into the grip of organized crime. Senators who voted in favor of her dismissal accused Gonzalez of administrative misconduct related to three state officials she supervised. The evidence is "compelling and irrefutable," said Senator Dionisio Amarilla, a government ally. Gonzalez did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Paraguay's right-wing Colorado Party has a majority in both chambers of congress, holds the presidency and oversees 15 of the 17 state governments following elections in April last year. Critics accuse the Colorado party, which has been the dominant political force for the last three-quarters of a century, of trying to silence any opposition to their rule by dismissing Gonzalez without just cause. "Paraguay is at risk," Gonzalez said as she addressed the senate. "Our concern should focus on how emaciated and beaten up our republic is, our democracy ... all because of a temporary majority functional to organized crime," she added as a small group of anti-government protesters gathered in her support outside the legislative building in Asuncion. The protesters said they feared that her expulsion represented a step back toward Paraguay's dictatorship past. Several people holding signs chanted, "dictatorship never again!" During the 2023 election Gonzalez was the fourth most-voted senator, garnering public support for directly addressing lawmakers suspected of wrongdoing. She will be replaced by her deputy, a lesser known member of the opposition. On Saturday Gonzalez began a hunger strike in protest against what she considers an attempt by President Santiago Pena and his Colorado administration to promote constitutional changes that would allow for presidential re-election. (Reporting by Daniela Desantis in Asuncion and Lucinda Elliott in Montevideo; Editing by Josie Kao) The exterior of CBS Television City studio is pictured July 3, 2020, in Los Angeles. The networks parent company has announced layoffs. | Chris Pizzello, Associated Press Paramount Global last Tuesday announced an 800-employee layoff in multiple U.S. and international networks. This news comes days after its CBS network reached record-breaking rates in viewership for the 2024 Super Bowl, reported KSL. Per Variety, Paramounts chief executive Bob Bakish sent out an internal memo Tuesday confirming warnings from last January to trim costs and return back to financial growth. Affected U.S. employees were notified on Tuesday night, while international employees will be told if they received a pink slip in the coming weeks, said CNN. The media giant, according to Forbes, is home to over 24,000 employees and also owns Paramount Pictures and a handful of cable networks, including Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. Paramount Global Layoffs Begin; CEO Bob Bakish Tells Departing Employees, "Your Talents Have Helped Us Advance Our Mission" https://t.co/gl20wTfdo2 Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 13, 2024 Details about the layoffs Bakish shared in the memo, per Variety: While I realize these changes are in no way easy, as I said last month, I am confident this is the right decision for our future. These adjustments will help enable us to build on our momentum and execute our strategic vision for the year ahead and I firmly believe we have much to be excited about. While the memo didnt specify how many employees would be laid off, sources estimate that about 800 employees across different channels and networks will be part of the layoffs. Deadline warned that all of Paramounts divisions are said to be impacted. The cuts, according to The New York Times, come from Paramount and other peers of traditional media facing challenging opposition from superseding streaming services like Netflix. For instance, Paramount+ and its ad-supported service Pluto TV have not yet become profitable, as they both lost more than $1 billion for the company in 2023. Whos been affected by the layoffs? While the entire list of affected employees hasnt been revealed yet, Deadline shared some employees who have already been let go: Cheryl Bosnak: Paramount TV Studios executive vice president and head of current. Kate Gill: Senior vice president of development. Julie Katchen: Vice president of current. Dominic Pagone: Paramount TV Studios senior vice president and head of communications. Liz Paulson: Nickelodeons head of animation and live-action casting. Paul Gilbert: Senior vice president of international formats, Paramount Global Content Distribution. Reported by CNN, some high-profile journalists at CBS News including senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge and justice correspondent Jeff Pegues will also be part of the cuts. The 2024 layoff shift Paramount Global is not the only company currently experiencing cuts. The Deseret News reported last January that there were layoffs in multiple companies such as PayPal, eBay, UPS and American Airlines. Variety shared a chart of companies that have also experienced cuts this year, including: Amazon (hundreds). Business Insider (8%). Google (hundreds). Microsoft Gaming (1,900). NBC News (50-100). SiriusXM (160). Sports Illustrated (possibly all staff). Snapchat (10%). Universal Music Group (hundreds). YouTube (100). Related Regarding the news industry, CNN additionally reported that the Los Angeles Times and Time saw layoffs this past month; plus, Forbes, the New York Daily News and Conde Nast staffers have staged protests over their respective planned cuts. Related Parents of half a dozen victims of gun violence used artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate their childrens voices in calls to Congress, urging lawmakers to change the countrys gun laws as part of a new campaign launched on the sixth anniversary of the Parkland, Fla., shooting. The Shotline, created by gun control advocacy groups Change the Ref and March For Our Lives, allows people to send the AI-generated voices of six gun violence victims to members of Congress. The voice of Joaquin Oliver who was killed in the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. is one of the six on the Shotlines website. Olivers parents founded Change the Ref in his memory. Six years ago, I was a senior at Parkland, Olivers AI-generated voice says. Many students and teachers were murdered on Valentines Day that year by a person using an AR-15. But you dont care. You never did. Its been six years, and youve done nothing, not a thing to stop all the shootings that have continued to happen since. The thing is, I died that day in Parkland, he continues. My body was destroyed by a weapon of war. Im back today because my parents used AI to recreate my voice to call you. Other victims like me will be calling too, again and again, to demand action. How many calls will it take for you to care? How many dead voices will you hear before you finally listen? The website also features the AI-generated voice of 10-year-old Uziyah Uzi Garcia, a victim of the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Garcias father, Brett Cross, shared his sons message Wednesday in a post on X, formerly Twitter. For 631 days weve been Uziyahs voice, Cross wrote in the post. Today his voice has a message to all, especially our politicians. According to The Shotline website, more than 5,000 calls have been submitted to members of Congress so far. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) Former Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely has a parole hearing set for early March. Blakely, who was the states longest-serving sheriff at the time of his conviction, was convicted on theft and ethics charges in 2021. He was sentenced to three years in county jail. Despite Blakely being sentenced to 3 years in a county jail back in 2021, he didnt begin serving his sentence until after his direct appeals were denied. Nine men arrested in Limestone County human trafficking operation He has been held in the Franklin County Detention Center since February 24, 2023. Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver told News 19 on Wednesday Blakely is still being held in their detention center. Now, Blakely is up for parole, and a hearing is set for March 7, 2024. The Alabama Supreme Court rejected his petition for appeal on February 10, 2023. Prior to that, the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals also rejected his request to overturn his conviction and sentence and his request for a rehearing. Blakelys attorneys filed a rule 32 petition following the beginning of his sentence, attempting another appeal of his conviction. In the Rule 32 petition, Blakelys lawyers focused on retired Alabama Court of Appeals Judge Pamela Baschabs status with the state bar association, saying her membership was not active when Blakely went on trial in July 2021. The filings argued Baschab was not legally qualified to preside over Blakelys trial because she was not licensed to practice law. Trial date for former officer charged with murder of Perkins set for November 2024 That petition was denied by a judge in May 2023. Judge Jolley said in his order dismissing the petition, This Court declines Blakelys invitation to graft onto the Constitution or the Code of Alabama an additional, unstated requirement that the Chief Justice may only appoint retired judges who maintain an active license to practice law with the Alabama State Bar. Because neither requires a retired judgenot least one with more than thirty years of unblemished serviceto maintain an active license to practice law, Judge Baschabs appointment was lawful and proper. Blakely was the sheriff in Limestone County for 38 years before a jury returned two guilty verdicts against him for misusing funds from his campaign account and funds from the sheriffs office. Since Blakely was found guilty of two felony charges, he was removed from office -effective immediately. By law, the Limestone County Coroner Mike West acted as Sheriff until a new one was appointed in September 2021. Joshua McLaughlin, chief investigator in the Limestone County District Attorneys Office at the time, was appointed in September to serve the remainder of Blakelys term. McLaughlin has continued to serve in that role after winning the election in November 2022. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. The man killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Feb. 2 near La Grange was a 60-year-old Merced County resident. Francisco Rodriguez was killed when a car he was in, a 2017 Toyota sedan driven by a 58-year-old Merced man, rolled over just before midnight on La Grange Dam Road, according to California Highway Patrols Merced office. The vehicle was driving northbound on La Grange, just north of Field Road, when it drifted to the right, went off the shoulder and rolled multiple times before coming to rest. The CHP said the sedans speed has not been determined yet. Both the driver and Rodriguez were not wearing their seat belts and were ejected from the vehicle. Officers were alerted to the crash when an iPhone in the vehicle notified a 911 dispatcher that its owner was in a crash. However, responding crews could not locate the car. About 10 minutes later, someone called 911 and first responders were able to locate the Toyota and its occupants. The driver was taken to Modestos Memorial Medical Center with major injuries. The latest update on his condition is that he remains intubated, according to the CHP. Rodriguez died at the scene. CHP officers were still investigating the crash as of Tuesday afternoon. It is unknown if alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash officers are waiting on a toxicology report. Editors Note This article has been updated based on new information from the police. MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) Montgomery County officials are investigating after a pedestrian died in a crash on Tuesday night. Montgomery County Fire and Rescue personnel were dispatched to the 9500 block of Georgia Ave. at about 8:04 p.m. There, a man was hit by a car. Honoring Black Youth across the DMV this Black History Month Police said that the driver of a gray 2020 Honda CR-V was traveling north on Georgia Ave. when he hit the man, who was in the road near Flora Lane. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda remained on the scene. Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (240) 773-6620. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. A man was rushed to the hospital after being struck by a fire truck in Boston on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said. The crash occurred in the area of Bowdoin Street near Geneva Avenue in the citys Dorchester neighborhood just before 12:30 p.m., according to the Boston Police Department The 34-year-old victim, whose name hasnt been released, was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. Video from the scene showed members of the Boston Police Auto Investigations Unit gathering evidence and the fire truck in question roped off with yellow tape. The Boston Fire Department said the fire engine involved in the accident was responding to an emergency call in Dorchester. Our department is saddened by this accident and our thoughts are with the pedestrian, said Fire Commissioner and Chief Paul Burke. The Boston Fire Department will be cooperating fully with the investigation. The cause of the collision remains under investigation. The Suffolk District Attorneys Office is assisting with the investigation. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW By Jung Min-ho A liberal opposition lawmaker and an activist face an investigation for allegedly violating South Korea's national security law after expressing shocking views on North Koreas recent decision to abandon its policy to seek peaceful unification with the South. Lawyers for Human Rights and Unification of Korea, a right-leaning civic group, said Wednesday that it filed a complaint with police against Rep. Youn Mee-hyang for co-hosting a seminar at the National Assembly in which speakers tried to glorify the regimes bellicosity. This move comes after Kim Kwang-soo, director of Hana Center, a Busan-based civic group, said at the Jan. 25 event that if North Korea starts a war for unification and if that war can bring peace eventually, South Korea should accept it. He then said South Korean unification campaigners should step up efforts more aggressively beyond the boundary of the national security law as North Korea moves to abandon such efforts. The lawyer group said it lodged a complaint against Kim as well. In a statement released earlier this month, the group criticized Youn and other participants for defending the regimes aggressive rhetoric, including its threat to use nuclear weapons against South Koreans in the case of a war. The National Security Act restricts activities that threaten the countrys security and stability. Those activities include praising or promoting an anti-government organization or its member under the direction of the organization or the person. A collage of photos of Acey Morrison at a younger age. Morrison was killed on Aug. 21, 2022 by a man who claimed self defense. A Pennington County grand jury has charged a Rapid City man with manslaughter for the August 2022 death of a transgender Native American woman. The Pennington County States Attorneys Office announced Wednesday that a grand jury issued the indictment last week. The indictment charges 53-year-old Gregory Landers not only with first-degree manslaughter, but also with unauthorized ingestion of a controlled drug or substance, and possession of a firearm by a person with a prior drug conviction. A press release from the states attorneys office said Landers was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on Wednesday in Decatur, Indiana. Acey Morrison, 30, was fatally shot at Landers residence on Country Road in Rapid City on Aug. 21, 2022. The Pennington County Sheriffs Office spearheaded the investigation into the death, with support from the Rapid City Police Department. States Attorney Lara Roetzel said in a news release that she will represent the prosecution on the states behalf. Theres never been a question as to who killed Morrison. Landers has told investigators he was defending himself. He connected with Morrison on a dating app, and they met on a Saturday night at his north Rapid City home. He shot her the following morning. Morrisons mother, Edelyn Catches, told South Dakota Searchlight in September that she and her family were heartened to hear prosecutors say they were pushing forward with the investigation, even though she knows South Dakotas strong self-defense laws could complicate matters in court. Im keeping my fingers crossed, Catches said at the time. This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Pennington County prosecutor charges man for death of trans woman HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) Pennsylvanias 2024 primary election may lack drama in the high-stakes races for president and U.S. Senate, but the fields for lower-ballot contests filled up for the states attorney generals office and a handful of its 17 seats in the U.S. House. The deadline was Tuesday at 5 p.m. for Republicans and Democrats to submit voter signatures to get on the April 23 primary ballot. The battleground states primary election is relatively late and, by then, Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden may have locked up the delegates they need to become their parties nominees in the November general election for president. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Morning Weather Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey appears unlikely to face a primary opponent while Republican challenger David McCormick may face just token opposition. Control of the U.S. Senate is on the line in 2024, and Caseys bid for a fourth term is expected to be one of the nations most expensive and closely watched races. Still, primary voters will have choices in other races. The state allows one week to file court challenges to a candidates paperwork, and courts have one more week after that until Feb. 27 to render a decision. April 8 is the last day to register to vote before the primary, and April 16 is the last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot. Independents and minor party candidates file paperwork on a different timeline, with a deadline of Aug. 1. A look at who has filed in each race, according to information from state election officials: ___ PRESIDENT Biden and Trump filed to run for president, as did their remaining nationally known primary opponents, Trumps former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley on the Republican ballot and U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota on the Democratic ballot. ___ U.S. SENATE McCormick and Casey filed, as did perennial candidate Joe Vodvarka, a retired spring manufacturer from the Pittsburgh area who is making at least his fifth bid and second as a Republican. ___ CONGRESS All 17 incumbents nine Democrats and eight Republicans are running for reelection in Pennsylvanias 17 congressional seats. Only a handful of the seats are expected to be competitive in the November general election. For the primary, 47 candidates filed to run, including 16 Democratic challengers and 13 Republican challengers. Most notable are challengers in two districts. In the 7th District in eastern Pennsylvania, there are three Republicans vying for the nomination to challenge Democratic U.S. Rep. Susan Wild of Allentown. They are state Rep. Ryan MacKenzie, IT firm owner Kevin Dellicker and lawyer Maria Montero. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nittany Insiders Meanwhile in southcentral Pennsylvanias 10th District, six Democrats are seeking the nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. Scott Perry of York County. They are former public radio executive Blake Lynch, business consultant John Broadhurst, former TV news personality Janelle Stelson, Harrisburg City Council member Shamaine Daniels, retired Marine Corps pilot Michael OBrien and Rick Coplen, a teacher and retired Army officer. Every incumbent has a general election challenger, except for Democratic U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans of Philadelphia. In the primary, just four have a challenger: Evans, Pittsburgh-area Democratic U.S. Rep. Summer Lee and Republican U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly of Butler and Brian Fitzpatrick of Bucks County. ___ ATTORNEY GENERAL Five Democrats filed for the partys primary. They include state Rep. Jared Solomon of Philadelphia, Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer, former state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, former federal prosecutor Joe Kahn and Keir Bradford-Grey, the former head of Philadelphias and Montgomery Countys public defense lawyers. On the Republican side, York Countys district attorney, Dave Sunday, and state Rep. Craig Williams of Delaware County filed to run. ___ TREASURER Stacy Garrity, the Republican incumbent, filed to run for a second four-year term. On the Democratic side, two filed to run: state Rep. Ryan Bizarro of Erie and Erin McClelland, a two-time congressional candidate in suburban Pittsburgh who has helped run various human services organizations. ___ AUDITOR GENERAL The Republican incumbent, Tim DeFoor, filed to run for a second four-year term. On the Democratic side, two filed to run: state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta of Philadelphia and Lehigh County Controller Mark Pinsley. ___ Follow Marc Levy on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/timelywriter. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Imagine the fortitude it takes to sit in front of a legislative committee to testify that without passage of the bill being discussed, you will die. And then to hear comment after comment about why this bill needs to die, with barely a word acknowledging your presence. Carrie Ann Kemp, also known as the Maturation Lady, sat through that very uncomfortable experience last Thursday, when SB152 was up for discussion. As opponents discussed this bill, she was left feeling like she had no value as a human being. The bill in question is one that deals with copay accumulators, or programs whereby insurance companies take money meant to help patients meet their annual out-of-pocket maximum and instead pocket the money. For Kemp, her journey began in 2011, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, a diagnosis that meant eight months of chemotherapy, a bilateral radical mastectomy, a complete hysterectomy and 18 reconstructive surgeries. She then had 10 cancer-free years, a milestone that usually means the cancer is not coming back. In April 2022, five months after celebrating a decade of being cancer-free, she was stunned to learn cancer had returned, and this time there is no cure. However, there is hope in a drug treatment that keeps her cancer from progressing. That medication is Ibrance, a drug that costs $24,000 per month. Carrie Ann Kemp holds an empty bottle of Ibrance, a medication she takes to stop her cancer from progressing, at home in Provo on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Ibrance costs $24,000 a month and there is no generic form. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News On Kemps current health insurance, her out-of-pocket maximum for a year is $12,000. For the last two years, Pfizer, the company that makes Ibrance, sent the pharmacy that dispenses the medication a $12,000 payment, meant to benefit Kemp. This year, however, her insurance company did not apply that $12,000 to her out-of-pocket max, but instead kept it and told her she still has the full $12,000 to go. She cannot pay it. When asked what it means to have no medication for February, let alone the foreseeable future, she said, It means Im actively dying. Who is affected? Cancer patients like Kemp are not the only ones impacted by insurance companies refusing to put pharmaceutical company dollars toward the patients account. Patients with diseases like ALS, or Lou Gehrigs disease, multiple sclerosis, hemophilia and cystic fibrosis, Crohns, HIV/AIDS and others are also harmed under these practices. These copay accumulator adjustment policies (CAAPs) disproportionately impact patients suffering from serious illness and are particularly harmful to patients who are low-income or who are persons of color, according to the national group All Copays Count Coalition. Of the people who depend on copay assistance programs nationwide, 69% make less than $40,000 a year. CAAPs end up interrupting necessary treatment, driving down the effectiveness of the treatment and leading to an increase in other costly health issues. Or, in Kemps case, death. The practice is so egregious that the Federal Employees Health Benefit Plan announced earlier this year that it would not accept any plan that employs it. Utah is not alone Bills banning the practice of not applying money to a patients copay have been introduced in the Utah Legislature for the last three years. In 2022, it was Sen. Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, running the bill. For the last two years, Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, has been the originating sponsor. Opponents of the bill include insurance companies and businesses who claim that eliminating copay accumulators would significantly increase health care costs for all. There are currently 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, that ban the practice of copay accumulators, including three of Utahs neighbors: Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado. Other states include Texas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. Data from these states indicate that there is no difference to consumers in the price of health insurance, whether a state has banned copay accumulators or not. Carrie Ann Kemp shows what she keeps posted on her refrigerator at home in Provo on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Below photos of her children, Kemp has a letter from her insurance company, a legislator seating chart where she tracks who is in support of SB152, Cost Sharing Amendments, and a magnet and postcard that use humor to help her deal with will her struggles. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Last fall, a federal district court struck down a federal rule that allowed health insurers to not count drug manufacturer copay assistance towards a beneficiarys out-of-pocket costs, calling the rule arbitrary and capricious. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services appealed the court ruling in late November, and less than two months later, dropped its appeal. The rule that the court struck down only applies to insurance companies governed by state governments, hence the need for Utahs bill. And, as some argue, a federal solution. For Carrie Ann, she knows this is her one shot. Next year, she said, lawmakers can come visit me at Eastlawn (Memorial Cemetery) and tell me how its going. Holly Richardson is the editor of Utah Policy Carrie Ann Kemp poses for a portrait at home in Provo on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Kemps cancer medication costs $24,000 a month. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung's wife, Kim Hye-kyung, was indicted without detention on Wednesday on charges of violating the election law by offering meals to party figures ahead of the 2022 presidential election, the Suwon District Prosecutors Office said. Kim is accused of providing meals worth 104,000 won ($78) to six people, including three figures related to the then ruling Democratic Party of Korea, at a Seoul restaurant on Aug. 2, 2021, ahead of the party's presidential primary, in violation of the election law. Kim's indictment comes soon after an appeals court upheld the conviction of a key suspect in the allegation that Kim misused a provincial government's corporate credit cards years ago. The Suwon High Court confirmed a lower court's ten-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for the suspect, surnamed Bae, finding her guilty of violating the election law through unlawful use of the Gyeonggi provincial government's corporate cards for Kim. Bae, who worked for the Gyeonggi Province government as a Grade 5 official from July 2018 to September 2021, when Lee served as governor, is suspected of serving as a protocol secretary for Kim during the three-year-plus period. Bae was indicted for using a Gyeonggi corporate card to pay for the meals Kim had with the six people in Seoul on Aug. 2, 2021. She is also accused of making false statements about performing private duties for the Lee family and getting prescription drugs for Kim. She has been separately under prosecution probe on suspicion of purchasing food with the Gyeonggi government's corporate cards for personal use by Kim. In this regard, the Suwon prosecution said it was still investigating Kim's alleged misuse of the Gyeonggi corporate cards through Bae between 2018 and 2022, noting a prior police probe already uncovered about 150 cases of suspected credit card misuse, worth about 20 million won, by Kim. (Yonhap) A North Korean entity under its Workers' Party has made thousands of illegal online gambling websites and sold them to a South Korean cyber crime ring for hefty profits, the spy agency here said Wednesday. Gyonghung Information Technology, a 15-member group based in Dandong, a Chinese border town neighboring the North's Sinuiju, has allegedly received $5,000 from the unidentified South Korean criminal organization for creating a single website and $3,000 per month for maintaining the website, according to the National Intelligence Service (NIS). It was also suspected of receiving an additional $2,000 to $5,000 if the website gathers a lot of users through bank accounts held by Chinese nationals and global online payment service PayPal. The entity was believed to be under the so-called Bureau 39 of the North Korean party in charge of raising and managing leader Kim Jong-un's secret funds, the NIS said, adding that each member of the organization sent around $500 to the North Korean government every month. The organization was led by Kim Kwang-myong, who is originally an official of the North's Reconnaissance General Bureau, Pyongyang's primary intelligence bureau. The North Korean organization also extorted personal information of users who accessed the websites it created by planting malicious codes on the websites, according to the agency. It was not immediately known how much the entity has earned from the South Korean criminal group. The South Korean criminal organization was also found to have raised multi trillion won in profit by using the websites, and an investigation is under way into the criminal ring, the NIS said. The NIS acquired photos and video footage related to the North Korean organization's activities, and the materials showed the names and identities of its members and their fake identities as Chinese nationals. "Dandong emerged as a base for apparel production in China based on the manpower from North Korea, and North Korean IT organizations created to raise dollars blend in among the North Korean workers in the area to illegally earn foreign currencies," the NIS said. The NIS said there are thousands of North Koreans that earn money overseas using similar methods. Currently, North Korean nationals cannot work in China, as the United Nations Security Council imposed sanctions against Pyongyang in 2017 to prevent the North from earning money to develop nuclear weapons and missiles. (Yonhap) An appellate court on Wednesday upheld parts of a damage lawsuit brought by residents of Yongin over a controversial light rail system that they argue has cost the city hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. The Seoul High Court ruled the current mayor of Yongin, south of Seoul, could charge 21.46 billion won ($16 million) in compensations from a former mayor and a state research institute over the transit system that has put the municipality into financial trouble due to a low usage rate. The incumbent mayor is required to make a request for the payment within 60 days and file a damage lawsuit in case the payment is not made in time. The court said former mayor Lee Jeong-moon is guilty of committing a "grave negligence" in concluding an agreement that is highly favorable to its developer, without conducting a feasibility study of demand forecast in 2004. The court also found the Korea Transport Institute in charge of predicting demand for the transit and its researchers responsible for making an excessive demand forecast without using reasonable methods, thereby causing around 430 billion won in damages to the city. Residents filed an administrative suit against them in 2013, saying the city should claim some 1.02 trillion won for the loss that the light rail business cost the city. The Yongin EverLine, which connects Everland, the country's largest theme park, to the Giheung station under the Suin-Bundang Line, opened to the public in 2013, nearly three years after its completion, due to a dispute with its Canadian developer over the issue of minimum revenue guarantee. The city eventually lost in international arbitration, paying the developer some 850 billion won along with additional expenses. The transit service suffered huge losses as the number of its users was far lower than predicted by the research agency. Lower courts did not recognize the legality of the suit filed by residents, saying a request for an audit should predate the lawsuit, but the Supreme Court dismissed the case and sent it back to a lower court for reevaluation in 2020. A lawyer representing the residents said it could take a long time for the city to receive compensation as the accused are expected to appeal the ruling. It marks the first time that residents have won a compensation lawsuit against a private investment business led by a local government, since the introduction of such suits in 2005. According to government data, 50 residents' lawsuits had been filed as of the end of 2022, with seven cases currently under way. (Yonhap) The remains of Sgt. Kennedy Sanders are returning to Waycross on Wednesday in a procession running from Jacksonville International Airport to Fluker Funeral. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< Sgt. Sanders was a Waycross native and one of the 3 United States soldiers killed in a drone attack while serving in Jordan. The United States has since retaliated. The remains of Sanders and the 2 other soldiers killed in Jordan were returned to the United States 2 weeks ago at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. President Joe Biden was there with the families of the deceased to await their arrival. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Sanders remains are being flown down to JIA, and a procession crossing both county and state lines is expected to begin at noon upon her arrival. As a result, traffic will be impacted along U.S.-1 and local streets. Drivers should expect delays between noon and 2:30 p.m., which is when the procession should arrive in Waycross. Community members in Duval, Nassau and Ware counties are encouraged to line the sides of U.S. 1 to honor the life of Sanders as the procession goes by. The procession will begin at noon at JIA, will arrive in Nassau County between 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. and end in Waycross at Fluker Funeral at 2:30 p.m. Read: A moment of silence in Waycross; fallen soldiers return home after deadly drone strike in Jordan Below is the official processional route: Jacksonville International Airport Lem Turner Road Right on U.S. 1 U.S. 1 into Waycross U.S. 1/Memorial Drive to Lee Avenue Left on Lee Avenue Lee Avenue to Howe Street Left on Eads Street Left on Marion Street Left on Lee Avenue Left on Corridor Z Corridor Z to Victory Drive Left on Victory Drive Right on Wadley Road Right on Anita Street Right on Corridor Z Corridor Z to McDonald Street Left on McDonald to Fluker Funeral Read: Remember Kennedy: Mother, City of Waycross mourning woman who was 1 of 3 Georgia soldiers killed [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. FILE - The icon for the video sharing TikTok app is seen on a smartphone, Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. A GOP legislative effort to prevent Virginia children from using the popular video-sharing app TikTok an idea backed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin died this week in the Democratic-controlled Legislature. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File) RICHMOND, Va. (AP) A GOP legislative effort to prevent Virginia children from using the popular video-sharing app TikTok an idea backed by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin died this week in the Democratic-controlled Legislature. The bill, sponsored by Republican Del. Jay Leftwich of Chesapeake, was left in a House of Delegates committee after concerns were raised about how the ban would be enforced. Lawmakers also questioned whether singling out just one company was the right approach at a time of broad and rising concern from parents and lawmakers about the effect of social media on youth. The bill's lack of movement effectively killed the measure because of a procedural deadline Tuesday for most legislation to clear its chamber of origin. No comparable bill was introduced in the state Senate. Youngkin framed his call for a ban on kids using the app, issued in a December speech, as a tool to help protect children's mental health, part of a broader push by his administration on the issue. Leftwich also said he brought the bill out of mental health and data privacy concerns for young people. The whole platform, especially for minors, is to get them engaged and kind of hooked into watching these things. And it leads them down different rabbit holes and they sit there for hours and hours watching these things, he said in a committee hearing. Leftwich's bill went through a hefty revision from the way it was first introduced. The most recent iteration said TikTok Inc. and ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns the app, shall not provide access to TikTok to any child within the Commonwealth. The bill would have allowed a child's parent or legal custodian to bring a lawsuit against TikTok if a child was provided access. And if a plaintiff prevailed, they could recover damages of $75,000 for each discrete violation," defined as each separate instance a child accessed the platform, along with other damages, according to the text of the bill. The bill received one hearing in a House committee that deals with technology bills. It advanced from there on a bipartisan 14-8 vote to a different committee where it was never heard. Democrats in the hearing raised a range of concerns, including questions about enforceability and whether the government rather than parents should be responsible for limiting children's access to social media. Leftwich responded that policymakers have banned children from having access to harmful substances like alcohol and cannabis, and that he saw his proposal in the same light. Del. Holly Seibold, a Democrat from Fairfax County, thanked Leftwich for brining the bill, saying she was a parent of teenagers and agreed children are becoming addicted to social media apps and their cellphones in general. But I will not be supporting this bill because I think its unfair to single out TikTok, she said. A spokesperson for TikTok, Jamal Brown, said in a statement that the company works hard to support teens' well-being on the app, with tools including an automatic 60-minute time limit for users under 18, restrictions on direct messaging and parental controls. Weve long said bans, like the one proposed in this legislation, are not only the wrong approach, but also raise significant First Amendment concerns," Brown said. Macaulay Porter, deputy communications director for Youngkin, said in a statement that the governor remains committed to empowering parents in Virginia and protecting youth in the Commonwealth from social medias harmful impacts. Youngkin previously banned the use of TikTok on state government devices and wireless networks through a 2022 executive order, citing national security concerns. Other states and the federal government have taken similar steps to limit the use of the app on government devices, and Montana in 2023 passed a complete ban, which was later put on hold before it could take effect by a federal judge who called it unconstitutional. By Sunil Kataria and Anushree Fadnavis AMBALA, India (Reuters) -Indian security forces fired tear gas at protesting farmers for a second day on Wednesday to stop tens of thousands from marching to the capital New Delhi to demand higher prices for their produce. Travelling on trucks and trolleys loaded with food, bedding and other supplies, the farmers began their "Delhi Chalo" (Let's go to Delhi) march on Tuesday morning after talks with the government failed to yield a commitment on minimum prices for a range of crops. Authorities imposed tight security arrangements in areas bordering New Delhi, with hundreds of personnel in riot gear deployed amid cement blocks topped with barbed wire and shipping containers as barriers in the path of the convoy. Security forces stopped the farmers at the Shambhu border that divides Punjab and Haryana - the northern states to which most of the farmers belong - almost 200 km (125 miles) from their destination. Protesters threw stones and tried to break down barricades, Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur said. "Police and paramilitary forces used minimum force (like) tear gas and water cannon and kept the situation under control," he said. Security forces also used drones to drop tear gas canisters on farmers who, in response, released kites into the sky in the hope of entangling the machines. Multiple farmers' unions said they would protest against the police action by blocking rail traffic at several places in Punjab for four hours on Thursday. 'WE WON'T BE FOOLED' A similar year-long protest in 2021 by farmers, a powerful voting bloc, had pushed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government to repeal some farm laws and promise to find ways to ensure support prices for all farm produce. Farmers say the government has been slow on fulfilling the latter promise. "Last time they fooled us but this time we won't be fooled. We will not return until our demands are met," said 23-year-old Jasmeet Singh, a resident of Haryana's Ambala region who also participated in the protests in 2021. The latest protests come just months before a national election in which Modi will seek a third term. Leaders of farmers' unions said the government should accept their demands or "democratically" allow them to go to Delhi. "But they are not doing either," said Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. The government has appealed to farmers to come forward to discuss their demands, with Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda saying that efforts will continue to speak to them "in a constructive and positive manner". However, an influential farmers' union linked with Modi's party on Wednesday rejected demands raised by the protesting farmers. The leader of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) or the Indian Farmers' Group, said the protests were masterminded by opposition political parties with the aim of fracturing Modi's agrarian reforms. "Protesting farmer groups do not represent concerns of all farmers, their views are limited to regional agrarian practices," said Mohini Mohan Mishra, general secretary of BKS. TIME FOR TEA A rare moment of respite in the protest came in the afternoon when farmers moved back to their vehicles for lunch, lining up to be served. In some places, farmers and police stood side-by-side, warming themselves with cups of tea against a backdrop of rows of barricades. Traffic was disrupted across Delhi's border regions. On Grand Trunk Road, which connects Delhi to Punjab via Haryana, vehicles were redirected for the last 20 km (12 miles) through side roads. The opposite carriageway, carrying commuters to Delhi, remained deserted, with traffic movement prohibited along its entire 150 km Haryana stretch. Haryana has also suspended mobile internet services, bulk messaging, and dongle services in several parts until Thursday night. (Additional reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj and Rupam Jain; writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by Kim Coghill, Angus MacSwan and Gareth Jones) PROVO, Utah (ABC4) A Provo man was taken into custody on Tuesday, accused of assaulting and kidnapping a woman, according to the Provo City Police Department. Melvin John Robinson, 28, was booked and faces charges for first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping and second-degree felony aggravated assault resulting in serious injury. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for failure to stop at the command of law enforcement. Utah bill adding Ten Commandments to public school curricula advances with favorable recommendation The Provo Police Department said the womans parents called for a welfare check at the same time another caller reported a woman with a bloodied face at their apartment. The second caller told officers Robinson had asked them to carry the victim into the apartment and was making comments about burning her or putting her in a ditch. The second caller also reportedly thought the woman was already dead, due to the amount of blood. Responding officers allegedly saw Robinson carrying the woman to a car when they arrived. When first responders told Robinson to stop, he allegedly dropped the woman and fled on foot. Robinson was later apprehended by police and taken to custody. Paramedics provided medical aid to the victim. She told investigators Robinson had hit her in the head with a skateboard and choked her. According to court documents, the woman believed she was going to die. Police say her injuries were so severe, she required surgery at the hospital. Natalie Cline claims to be harassed by USBE in social media post Investigators say Robinson refused to speak with police about the incident, however, they reported finding large amounts of blood inside his car as well as a skateboard covered in blood. According to court records, Robinson had been taken into custody two days prior to the incident on Sunday, Feb. 11, after he allegedly snuck into another womans room and sexually assaulted her while she lay in bed. He was booked on a misdemeanor charge of sexual battery after he pleaded the fifth when speaking to police. Courts ordered Robinson to be held on $2,500 bail for the sexual battery incident which he posted just hours before the second incident. Courts have now ordered Robinson to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing. An investigation is currently ongoing, according to the Provo Police Department, and more charges are being considered. Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. 8:00 p.m. update: Police say the missing teens have been located. Both juveniles have been located. Cambridge Police Department (@CambridgePolice) February 14, 2024 Previous article: Authorities are asking for the publics help locating two teenage Vietnamese exchange students who went missing in Cambridge on Saturday. Gia Hung Nguyen and Thi Thao Uyen Tran, who are both 16 years old, are in Massachusetts on a 10-day VISA, staying in Belmont and Andover respectively, according to police. Neither of the teens speaks English. According to officials, their exchange student study group says they were last seen inside The Coop in Harvard Square (1400 Massachusetts Avenue) on Saturday, February 10, around 3:40 p.m. Gia Hung Nguyen is described as a 54, 135 lbs. male with black hair. Thi Thao Uyen Tran is described as a 50, 110 lbs. female with black hair. Anyone with information about either of teens whereabouts is asked to call Cambridge Police. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Pueblo City Council approved an ordinance Monday that makes it illegal to camp on public property within city limits. The ordinance was introduced last month and stipulates that a person cant camp on city property, meaning any park, roadway, recreation area, open space, or any other land owned by the city. If a person does so, they will be given the option to move into a sheltered space or face a potential fine of up to $1,000 if they refuse. The city defines camping as temporarily residing or dwelling with shelter in an area where a person conducts daily activities such as sleeping or eating. The city's definition of shelter is any structure used, other than clothing, to protect oneself from the elements of the weather. Notably, the ordinance states that a person cant be in violation of it if they cant access other shelter options. The Pueblo Police Department must demonstrate that there are other alternatives available before an officer can cite someone for breaking the law, said Carla Sikes, interim city attorney for the city of Pueblo. Similar ordinances have passed in Denver and other Colorado cities, which have sought to crack down on homeless encampments, particularly in public areas. In Pueblo, most encampments aren't visible near businesses or sidewalks but are mostly located along the Fountain Creek area. The ordinance, brought forth by councilor Regina Maestri, passed by a 4-2 vote. It is different from another Pueblo law that prohibits people from pitching a tent or structure in a park. How city councilors voted on the camping ban Dennis Flores and Sarah Martinez voted against the ordinance, while Maestri, Mark Aliff, Joe Latino, and Roger Gomez supported it. Pueblo City Councilor Dennis Flores listens to a pressentation during a council meeting on Monday, October 16, 2023. Flores said he was certain the ordinance would not prove effective, citing data that show homelessness didnt decrease in areas where a similar law was adopted. He questioned whether the Pueblo Rescue Mission, the citys only homeless shelter, would have the capacity to take an influx of residents who are told to pick up their belongings and go there. Its very evident that this doesnt accomplish anything, Flores said. Martinez echoed some homeless advocates concerns about the potential fine, arguing that it perpetuates homelessness. She noted the mission helps some clients who seek its services but doesnt have certain resources that some people need, such as housing for pets, or an ability to take in couples. The mission separates its male and female clients. Pueblo City Council member Regina Maestri listens to a presentation during a city council work session retreat at the Pueblo Convention Center on Saturday, March, 3, 2023. Maestri last month said she feels public camping can negatively affect Pueblos environment. She noted that again on Monday and cited the significant cleanup that Pueblos Team Up to Clean Up program did last year. Im going to still stick with what I was elected to do and thats to protect the public lands in this community, Maestri said. Aliff said he didnt want the public to view his vote as an indictment of the unhoused but rather a sentiment of compassion because he cares about them enough to not let them lay out in the wilderness like a bunch of wild animals. He added that he wants to help the homeless and suggested Pueblo could build another shelter if the mission doesnt have enough room. If you think its compassionate to allow them to live out there like that willy-nilly, thats crazy in my opinion, Aliff said. My goal is to help people get out of the jungle, or wherever it is. Its to help, not to hinder. A homeless encampment along Fountain Creek in Pueblo. 'A way to kick people while they're down': Citizens react to the ordinance Camping bans are often panned by homeless advocates, some of whom argue they dont address homelessness and make outreach and engagement with the unhoused more difficult. More people spoke against the ordinance than for it on Monday, suggesting that city leaders instead focus on housing and other resources that could alleviate homelessness. This camping ban really is just a criminalization against poverty, said Jamie Valdez, a Pueblo native and environmentalist who pushed back against Maestris insinuation that Fountain Creek is significantly polluted by Pueblos unhoused. What a way to kick people while theyre down. A few spoke in favor of the ordinance, echoing Maestri and Aliffs concerns while claiming that the environmental impacts of the unhoused could be detrimental to Pueblo in the short and long term. How will the ordinance be enforced? The ordinance does not specify how it will be enforced other than to state that Pueblo PD will assume that responsibility. The Chieftain sought comment from Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noeller but did not receive a response prior to Tuesday's print deadline. If Pueblo PD personnel encounter someone who is violating the ordinance, they may request to see if the person has written permission to shelter in a certain location. If the request is not fulfilled, officers can interpret it as an admission that the person did not seek permission to camp in that area. More Pueblo news: Pueblo weighing options as Denver migrant crisis spills over to southern Colorado Chieftain reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @josuepwrites. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain at subscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo bans camping on public property to crack down on homelessness The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office is instituting a new form of training that uses virtual reality to teach deputies critical thinking skills and conflict de-escalation techniques across a wide variety of scenarios. The PCSO is the first law enforcement agency in the state of Colorado to use the technology and one of only 15 to do so across the United States. The VR simulation "gives law enforcement the ability to see and experience different real-world scenarios and situations involving individuals in crisis, including those with disabilities or suffering from mental illness episodes, and learning how to respond to those situations in a safe and controlled environment," said Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero. Keith Valentine of Axon, left, walks Pueblo County Commissioner Daneya Esgar through a virtual reality simulator that will be used for training Pueblo County Sheriff's deputies. Some of the scenarios also "put deputies in the shoes of" someone experiencing a disability or mental illness, allowing officers to gain their perspective when interacting with law enforcement and to empathize with the person experiencing a crisis, Lucero said. Along with conflict de-escalation and problem-solving, the program also includes virtual taser training and will soon include virtual firearms training. Currently, the PCSO has 10 headsets for the VR training. The total cost of the program is around $29,000 per year, Lucero said. However, the program will ultimately save money for the department, as it costs around $75 per shot to use a live-fire taser in training, Lucero said. "Two cartridges per deputy, with all 265 deputies at the sheriff's office, annually costs around $39,750, and doesn't provide for circumstances we encounter, such as subjects running from law enforcement, varying distances when deploying the taser, and understanding proper connection between the taser and the subject it's deployed on," he said. The headsets also don't require any special setting, such as a range, to be used. They only need a safe space and an instructor to help guide the user and provide feedback. Attorney General Phil Weiser, left, and Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero speak about a virtual reality simulator that will be used for training Pueblo County Sheriff's deputies during a press conference on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser praised the new training at a press conference Tuesday. Weiser recounted the story of another law enforcement department in northern Colorado, which recently had to fire an officer for excessive force following an officer-involved shooting. "Turns out this officer had responded to a child abuse situation and was traumatized, went right to another situation and used excessive force," Weiser said. "We don't prepare our officers for the trauma they experience, for the difficult situations they experience. We shouldn't be surprised when they make mistakes, in this case a career-ending mistake." The simulations are designed to train and encourage emotional intelligence and empathy, Weiser said. "Being an effective peace officer requires not just skills like how to use a firearm (and) arrest control, but how to use your voice, and remain aware of your emotions, and how to be a good bystander for your colleagues, recognizing when one of them is becoming overly escalated," he said. Lucero hopes that every deputy in the department will have an opportunity to be trained with the headsets in the next few months. Scenarios will also constantly be added and updated, he said. Questions, comments, or story tips? Contact Justin at jreutterma@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter@jayreutter1. Support local news, subscribe to The Pueblo Chieftain atsubscribe.chieftain.com. This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Pueblo sheriff's office is first in Colorado to use new VR training Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs the Security Council meeting via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo State residence outside Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. (Sergei Ilyin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law Wednesday that will allow authorities to confiscate money, valuables and other assets from people convicted of spreading deliberately false information about the country's military. The bill sailed through the lower and upper houses of the Russian parliament, and was unanimously endorsed by the upper house last week. The speaker of the lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin, said the measure includes harsher punishment for traitors who sling mud at our country and our troops and would strip those scoundrels of honorary titles, confiscate their assets, money and other valuables. Russian officials have used the existing law against discrediting the military that covers offenses such as justifying terrorism and spreading fake news about the armed forces to silence Putins critics. Multiple activists, bloggers and ordinary Russians have received long prison terms. The new confiscation law would also apply to those convicted of publicly inciting extremist activities and calling for actions harmful to state security or discrediting the armed forces. Discrediting the Russian military became a criminal offense under a law adopted as part of a sweeping government crackdown on dissent after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Russian state news agency Tass said that if someone is convicted under the new law, only money, assets and property gained through criminal means or used for activities against Russia's national security could be confiscated. Draconian Soviet-era legislation authorized the seizure of housing for a variety of criminal offenses. Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed off on a law to confiscate the property of opponents of the war and enemies of the state. The law provides for confiscating property allegedly acquired through the dissemination of alleged false information about the Russia military or by calls to endanger Russia's national security. How the law will be applied, or those offences defined, remains unclear. A decree with Putin's approval was published in the Russian legal database on Wednesday. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tried to pre-empt criticism of the new law on Wednesday, saying that "we believe that expressing any concerns a priori is unfounded." Peskov denied that the new law amounted to a return of a notorious Soviet law on confiscating the property of enemies of the people. Particularly under Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, hundreds of thousands of people were declared enemies of the people, expropriated, and either sent to camps or executed. Since Putin ordered the full-scale Russian invasion of neighbouring Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has repeatedly tightened its laws to crack down on any perceived criticism of the war. The alleged dissemination of false reports about the Russian army, for example, is now punishable by long prison sentences. The law on the expropriation of opponents of the war was introduced by lawmakers at the beginning of the year and passed unanimously in the lower and upper houses of parliament, the State Duma and the Federation Council. The head of the Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, described it as a "law against rascals." Hundreds of thousands of Russians have left the country since the full-scale invasion began, and a number of prominent Russian celebrities have criticized Putin and his war from abroad. There has been considerable debate in Russia about how to prosecute and punish critics abroad, since they cannot be arrested and imprisoned. The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Wednesday rolled out a set of campaign pledges aimed at supporting small businesses, ahead of the April elections. The DPK plans to significantly increase the amount of government subsidies business owners can receive when closing down businesses, while introducing a long-term loan program that can be repaid for a maximum of 20 years, Rep. Lee Gae-ho, the chief of the party's policy committee, said in a press conference at the National Assembly. To boost spending, the DPK will seek to increase the budget earmarked for government cash vouchers that can be only used at local businesses and expand tax benefits for credit card purchases, which used to be limited to traditional markets. Lee also vowed to substantially increase state budgets allocated to support loan interests and other policies for small businesses owners. With the announcement, party leader Lee Jae-myung met with members of the Korea Federation of Micro Enterprises and listened to difficulties and policy suggestions from business owners. (Yonhap) The King has been sent a supersized get well soon card from the leading lights of Britains theatre, as more than a dozen Dames and Hamlets joined the Queen to toast his good health. The Queen joined the countrys most distinguished actors and actresses for a celebration of Shakespeare at Grosvenor House, London, which turned into a gathering of goodwill for the King. A lifelong fan of Shakespeare, the King had to miss the event owing to ill health, having just undergone his second treatment for cancer. The Queen will return to him at Sandringham with a large card signed by dozens of friends and admirers, who signed their names with short messages during the event. In a message that will mean much to the King, who has often spoken of his admiration of those who tread the boards, the card quotes Shakespeares Alls Well That Ends Well to say: Tis our hope, Sir, to return / And find Your Grace in good health. Queen Camilla greets Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Dame Penelope Keith - Chris Jackson/Pool The guest list included Baroness Floella Benjamin, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Penelope Keith, Dame Twiggy Lawson, Dame Joanna Lumley, Dame Virginia McKenna, Dame Sian Phillips, Dame Vanessa Redgrave, Dame Patricia Routledge, Dame Janet Suzman, Dame Harriet Walter and Dame Penelope Wilton. The Queen counts many of them as her friends, and appeared buoyed by the warmth of the gathering at Grosvenor House, hosted by Gyles Brandreth with the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company. Shakespearean actors in attendance included Sir Simon Russell Beale, Sir David Suchet, Jeremy Irons, Julian Glover, Brian Cox, Freddie Fox, Gary Oldman and Robert Lindsay. Lady Sarah Chatto, the Kings cousin and a champion of the arts in her own right, was also there. Brandreth offered a toast to a King and Queen whose love for literature and the arts is so deep rooted, so real and so supportive, its wonderful for us and its wonderful for our country. He also presented the Queen with two matching heart jumpers, for her and the King on Valentines Day. The event was to mark 400 years since the first Shakespeare folio. Queen was gifted two jumpers with big red hearts for Valentine's Day - REUTERS/POOL The Queen, 75, wearing a green velvet Me + Em dress and white drop Alhambra Van Cleef & Arpels earrings, attended with her sister Annabel Elliot. The pair were joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, Lady Sarah , Gabriella Windsor and her husband, and Freddie Windsor and his wife, the actress Sophie Winkleman. While speaking to the dozen dames, Dame Vanessa presented her with a large bouquet of roses. Thank you, thats very kind, said the Queen, before a group photo was taken. She joined a reception where English wine had been specially ordered for the King and guests dined on Shakespeare-themed canapes including To beet or not to beet blinis. Also on the guest list were Sir Tim Rice, poet laureate Simon Armitage, Jeremy Paxman, Fiona Bruce, Melvyn Bragg, the playwright Sir David Hare and theatre impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh. Authors including Sir Michael Morpurgo and Jilly Cooper joined directors such as Tamara Harvey, the co-artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company. After chatting to guests, the Queen, a long-term campaigner on the joys and benefits of literature, joined Brandreth who took to a stage and made a speech. I was telling the Queen Ive given up name-dropping for Lent, so the next few days are going to be tricky for me, he said. He then raised a toast to the King, the Queen and William Shakespeare, before turning to the Queen, saying: You cant drink because youre part of the toast. The writer and broadcaster, who is known for wearing quirky jumpers, added: The last time I saw the King, I was wearing one of my jumpers and he said it looked suitable for a hearth-rug. We all send His Majesty our love and respect and huge best wishes for an early recovery. Long live the King! Next, Dame Judi took to the stage to perform Sonnet 116, Let me not to the marriage of true minds, to rapturous applause, with Oldman starting his performance of a comedy poem about Hamlet by joking: This is quite a house. Gyles said it would just be a few people, and he didnt tell me Id have to follow Judi Dench. Finally, Lindsay performed the musical number Brush up on your Shakespeare from Cole Porters musical, Kiss Me Kate, to laughter and applause from the Queen and the audience. Clearly enjoying herself, the Queen left just after 8.30pm, more than half an hour after her scheduled departure time. Speaking after the reception, the actor Sir Stephen Fry, a close friend of the King and Queen, said: We are incredibly lucky to have a King and Queen who are so powerfully supporting the arts, particularly at a time of such savage cuts. Whatever you think of the monarchy, their role is to bind the nation together, and they are doing that. It was terrific to hear the support for the King tonight, every taxi driver and barista I talk to wants to wish him well. He is genuinely so self-questioning, it is one of his most endearing qualities, I dont think he would believe it all the support. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The Queen met Syban Velardi-laufer, the costume designer, who wore a red corset and full decorative mask - ARTHUR EDWARDS/PA The Queen has praised the skill of old-fashioned furniture restoring during a public engagement, asking if she could return with a few pieces of her own for a master craftsman to fix. Her Majesty, who visited a London art collective on Wednesday, told Piran Harte she will be back to see you after noticing his expert restoration. This is what we need, a bit of old-fashioned furniture restoring, she told Mr Harte, who has worked on the restoration of the Cutty Sark in Greenwich since 2012. I could have sent you a few pieces. In fact, I will be back to see you. It seems you can pretty much turn your hand to anything. Im very glad Ive found you. You may see me again very soon. Mr Harte said after the meeting: Well, that wasnt bad was it? Her Majesty posed for a group photograph with guests at Kindred Studios in Shepherd's Bush - ARTHUR EDWARDS/PA The Queen was visiting Kindred Studios in Shepherds Bush, which was recommended to her by her daughter Laura Lopes, who visited during a recent open day. Her Majesty, 76, marvelled at the installations, including taxidermy mice, intricate embroidered textiles and stopped to admire a painting of her step-granddaughter Princess Charlotte. She was warmly greeted by artist Cordelia Plunket, mother of Major Ollie Plunket, her equerry, who serves in The Rifles, the regiment of which Her Majesty has been Colonel in Chief since 2020. Ms Plunket, an award-winning film producer who has worked with global artists including David Bowie, Adele, The Prodigy, Rage Against the Machine and Queens of the Stone Age, hugged the Queen before showing her exhibits including a spaghetti western scene involving taxidermy mice, and puppet dogs representing the famous Beatles Abbey Road album cover. A lot of the pieces are very intricate and Ive learned an awful lot from the other artists who have been working here. Its an incredibly vibrant and cohesive community, Ms Plunket said. Smiling as she was shown the graphic blood-soaked mouse scene, indicating two mice in a gun battle with apparent inspiration taken from the Hollywood film No Country for Old Men, the Queen said: Its extraordinary. The Queen meets Syban Velardi-laufer (centre), the costume designer, and Jon Rees, who painted a wall mural, during a visit to Kindred Studios - ARTHUR EDWARDS/GETTY IMAGES Once back inside Her Majesty stopped to look at a small painting of Princess Charlotte, a copy of the official photograph released by Kensington Palace to celebrate the royals second birthday in 2017. The Queen posed for photographs with Syban Velardi-laufer, the costume designer, who wore a red corset and full decorative mask for the occasion. Speaking to Angelique Schmitt, the founder of Kindred Studios, the Queen said she had been moved to come after her daughter Laura visited recently. She said: My daughter came to see you and said it was wonderful here. After posing for a group photograph with the studios guests, the Queen said: I am extremely jealous of your multi-talent and everything I have heard about this place is true, well done. I would love to come back, so Im sure Ill see you soon. Kindred Studios was founded in February 2015 by two friends and has since expanded to include 175 artists and makers, an educational programme and frequent events, designed to foster creativity in its neighbourhood. 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. By Kim Se-jeong Eurasian otters are semiaquatic species that are facing extinction in Korea. To conserve them, the government designated them as a natural monument in 1982. However, the otter's conservation status is hindering an animal exchange program between zoos in Korea and Japan. Last November, Seoul Grand Park received a pair of red pandas from Tama Zoological Park located in Tokyo, as part of an agreement to donate two otters to Japan in return. The Seoul Grand Park aimed to reintroduce the red pandas, which used to be among the zoo's most popular animals with visitors before both pandas died, and to assist the Japanese zoo in maintaining species diversity. Red pandas are also endangered, and Japan is home to the largest population of the species in the world. Yet, the project was faced with a challenge as cultural heritage officials were opposed to the idea of 'exporting' Korea's natural monument exporting a natural monument is tightly controlled in Korea, requiring permission from 13 separate officials under the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA). During a recent meeting, seven officials out of 13 vetoed the otters' departure. "If this happens, it will be the first 'export' of a natural monument in Korea," a zoo official said, quoting some officials who denied permission. But, the decision wasn't necessarily permanent, according to the zoo official. Reportedly, CHA demanded that DNA samples be taken from the otters before their departure and that they should be informed about how the otters will be cared for upon their arrival in Japan. "We're working to fulfill the requested details. When they're ready, we will reapply," the zoo official said. Native to a large part of Asia, Eurasian otters are now classified as facing extinction worldwide, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. They are no longer found in nature in Japan and Korea making them endangered. Korea's industry ministry said Wednesday it has hosted a roundtable to promote its carbon-free vision with key partners on the margins of the International Energy Agency (IEA) meeting. The carbon-free energy roundtable, inviting "like-minded" nations, including Britain, Canada and Japan, was held in Paris on Tuesday (France time) to discuss ways to utilize clean energy sources, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. President Yoon Suk Yeol earlier floated the concept of the carbon-free energy initiative during his keynote speech at the United Nations General Assembly in September last year. The ministry said that the participants highlighted the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors. "As Korea depends on exports, we have set up plans to reduce carbon in areas with high emissions," Second Vice Industry Minister Choe Nam-ho told Yonhap News Agency following the meeting. "The role of the carbon-free alliance is crucial, as there needs to be more discussion from the private sector," Choe added, noting the government is making proactive efforts to diversify the energy portfolio. (Yonhap) By Kim Jin-heon This year, I traveled around Hanoi with my friends for five days and four nights. From the airport in Hanoi, though, we first went three hours by bus to Ninh Binh and Trang An, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. The areas were striking for the limestone karst they are made of. Many places are unique and have peculiar figures. The rivers, caves, and beautiful landscape attract numerous travelers to take boat rides there or go hiking. There are also many scenic rice fields and plains across the Red River Delta. This environment encouraged the building of many temples there. We returned to Hanoi. The newer part of town is a skyscraper forest, but the old town was like an antique and was full of cultural heritage. As we looked around the old town, the crowds of citizens and tourists looked invigorated and dynamic. Vietnam has granaries along two major rivers: the Mekong River in the south and the Red River in the north. Because of these resources, Hanoi has been constantly invaded by great powers throughout history. It is natural that it features a blend of various foreign cultures. My friends and I visited the Vietnam National Museum of History. It had tens of thousands of relics of history from over 500,000 B.C. to 1945. Vietnamese history has been shaped by its geography, including a long S-shape situated from 8 to 22 degrees northern latitude. It has also been influenced by over 2,000 rivers and a tropical monsoon region whose climate ensures abundant fruits, fish and rice cultivation. We went to the Temple of Literature. Vietnam was conquered in B.C. 111 by the Han Dynasty and was ruled by the Southern Song of China until A.D. 938. Even after its independence, Vietnam built its first college, the Temple of Literature, to instruct students in Confucian thought. A Vietnam proverb says, When enemies appear at the door, the women go out to fight. Vietnamese women were brave enough to act like that. When invaded by foreign countries, such as China, France and the United States, Vietnamese women took the lead in defending their nation. In the Vietnamese Womens Museum, we saw stories about numerous women warriors. Then, on my friends recommendation, we visited Saint Josephs Cathedral, which imitates the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. In fact, France invaded Vietnam during the 19th century and ruled until 1945. This left many French-style buildings in Vietnam, including Saint Josephs Cathedral. Vietnam is a socialist country. Ho Chi Minhs role in establishing such a system was immense. After traveling to Paris to study, his dream was to free his country. He also remained single for all his life in order to stay loyal to his country. As I visited Ho Chi Minh's tomb and his memorial, I learned more about his history and worldview. He took filial piety and loyalty, the spirits of Confucianism, as his ruling ideology. But also, he and Vietnams leaders and citizens tried to adopt Enlightenment rationalism and pragmatism from France while developing a patriotic spirit from its folk spirituality and Hinayana Buddhism. These united ways of thinking, even though Vietnam is a socialist state, contributed to an open policy called Doi Moi and led Vietnam to an economic revival. As a result, the country is developing rapidly by attracting numerous overseas tourists and investment companies. Like the Red River in Hanoi, I think that Vietnams prosperity will continue to flow for a long time. Kim Jin-heon is a retired English teacher who published a book titled, "Flower Is Flower." By Shim Jae-yun Russia, which is now embracing North Korea, has received plenty of flak for assuming a diplomatically discourteous attitude toward South Korea. This may prompt a need for Seoul to more efficiently cope with the ever warming relations and increasing cooperation including military ties among others between the two autocracies. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova triggered the bilateral wrangling after describing President Yoon Suk Yeols recent remarks on North Korea as blatantly biased and odious. She cannot evade criticism for mobilizing such an exorbitantly rude expression. It is completely inappropriate for a ministry spokesperson to fire salvos at the head of state of the counterpart country using such impolite language. Earlier, Yoon described the North as the worlds only country and an irrational group that first specified the preemptive use of nuclear weapons in its Constitution. In reaction, Seouls Foreign Ministry labeled the spokeswomans statement as below standard, disrespectful and hateful. It summoned Georgy Zinoviev, the Russian Ambassador to Korea, to convey a formal protest. Deputy Foreign Minister Chung Byung-won expressed strong regret that Russia had attempted to unconditionally protect North Korea while ignoring the truth. Criticizing the leaders remark with such rude, ignorant and biased words is very regrettable and will only aggravate the relations between South Korea and Russia, he said. Perplexing enough, Zakharovas remarks came at a time when Russian Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of the Asia-Pacific region, Andrey Rudenko, was visiting Seoul to discuss bilateral relations and the Ukraine war. The Russian officials visit drew attention as it was the first of its kind since Yoon Suk Yeol was inaugurated. It held significance, offering a chance for direct communication between the two countries amid warming ties between North Korea and Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin is poised to visit the North in return for North Korean leader Kim Jong-uns visit to the Far East of Russia in September last year. Yet the efforts to make progress in relations were overshadowed by the spokeswomans remarks. Russias attempt to support North Korea has gone too far in that its leader Kim recently ramped up threats against the South, designating the South as the most hostile country to it and vowing its annihilation. He has been stepping up military provocations against the South by test-firing solid-fuel supersonic ballistic missiles, for instance. Russias two-faced diplomacy demonstrates Putin has been cornered into a desperate situation in his bid to continue the war in Ukraine. Being isolated in the international community, Russia has been frenetic in bolstering its supply of weapons and ammunition from North Korea. Given this, Russia has clearly sided with the North. Yet, on the other hand, Russia has also been eager to mend soured ties with South Korea. In an exclusive interview with The Korea Times on Jan. 19, Ambassador Zinoviev expressed hope for Korean companies to return to Russia. He also cited South Korea as Russia's most favorable country among the unfavorable countries of the world. Regarding different countries views on the Republic of Korea (ROK), Russia (91 percent) topped the list of 16 countries in the world with a positive view of the country in 2020, followed by India, Brazil and Thailand according to a survey conducted by the Korea Culture and Information Service. Russians favor ROK enterprises such as Samsung, LG and Hyundai Motor along with Korean ramyeon (instant noodles) and confectionery items. Paldo-dosirak cup ramyeon is particularly popular. Jailed Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny recently unsuccessfully called on Russias Supreme Court to abolish regulations on meals (and also possession of books) for prisoners so he would be free to eat Korean Paldo-dosirak ramyeon at his leisure. Despite the current standoff between Seoul and Moscow, especially involving Pyongyang, the two nations need to double down on efforts to improve bilateral relations through dialogue. Expanded exchanges of people and cultural programs will help facilitate such efforts. Given this, the plan for concerts here by Russias world-famous Bolshoi Ballet set for April can be a very precious opportunity to mend relations. The two governments should fully extend possible support for the cultural event to attract more attention and lay the groundwork to improve bilateral ties. Russia needs to take a more humble and sincere attitude toward South Korea. Assuming an arrogant and dubious attitude will not help bring South Korea closer to its side. Seouls diplomatic authorities should more squarely and prudently deal with Russia to maximally protect national interests and prevent the thawing of relations between Moscow and Pyongyang from posing further security threats to the Korean Peninsula and the East Asia region. Chinese firms absent from presidents meeting with foreign businesspeople By Park Jae-hyuk President Yoon Suk Yeol asked foreign companies in Korea to continue investing in the country not only for the Korean economy but also for the prosperity of other free democratic nations in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, the presidential office said, Wednesday. He made the request to representatives of foreign firms during a luncheon at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Seoul. The presidential office said Yoon promised to create a business environment that is conducive to foreign companies and offer tax incentives aligned with global standards. Regarding laws and budgets, I will create a better business environment as soon as possible in collaboration with the National Assembly, the president said. Regarding presidential decrees, we will do our best. He also expressed his gratitude for $32.7 billion worth of foreign investments in Korea last year and the fact that exports by foreign firms here account for 21 percent of the nations total outbound shipments. Representatives of companies from the U.S., Japan, Saudi Arabia and Europe, including Germany and France, asked Yoon to ease business regulations that are unique to Korea. American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) Chairman James Kim criticized Koreas foreign exchange regulations for imposing excessive burdens on companies in terms of management time and operating costs. Additionally, he highlighted concerns about the country's network separation regulations, which he argued complicate global cloud integration for foreign firms. These regulations restrict Koreas potential to position itself as a business hub for high-tech industries which are so important for Korea, the AMCHAM chairman was quoted as saying by the chamber's spokesperson. He also unveiled AMCHAMs plan to publish a report outlining how Korea could enhance its position to make foreign firms establish their Asian headquarters here, according to the spokesperson. The heads of foreign chambers and representatives of 12 foreign companies also attended the luncheon and discussed Korea's business environment. Our CEO talked about the need for companies to satisfy environmental standards, the Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry spokesperson said. French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman David-Pierre Jalicon emphasized the need to integrate global certification and standards, ensuring equitable access for foreign companies to sandbox projects and national growth plans, and establishing a streamlined cash grant system for foreign investors. He noted that this vision aligns with Yoon's "Market Economic Driven Vision." There were no representatives from the China Chamber of Commerce in Korea (CCCK) or any other Chinese businesspeople attending the luncheon. Last month, when representatives of foreign chambers in Korea met KCCI Chairman Chey Tae-won, who has emphasized the importance of the Chinese market, CCCK Vice Chairman Eric Ma attended the event. The CCCK chairman also attended former President Moon Jae-in's luncheon with foreign company representatives in February 2022. It remains uncertain whether the Chinese New Year holidays that last until Feb. 17 or political reasons prevented the CCCK from sending its representative to the luncheon. The chamber was unavailable for comment on the matter. During the luncheon, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Ahn Duk-geun gave a presentation on ways to encourage foreign investments in Korea. The participants also had discussions on how to increase investments here and improve Koreas financial, labor and energy environments. By Baek Byung-yeul The government is set to take action against Chinese e-commerce platform operators such as AliExpress, Temu and Shein, which have been rapidly expanding their shares of the e-commerce market here by offering ultra-low prices, according to the industry ministry, Wednesday. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said it held a closed roundtable discussion with domestic online retailers in Seoul to assess the impact of Chinese online retail companies' entry into the domestic e-commerce market. Domestic online retailers that attended the meeting included Coupang, 11st, Gmarket and SSG.com. Officials from those companies offered their assessments of the current market situation to officials from the industry ministry. The meeting, held privately, was aimed at learning what kinds of difficulties domestic e-commerce platform operators are currently experiencing," a ministry official said. However, the official clarified that this was not a meeting to discuss measures to prevent business activities by operators from a specific country. "We understand that Chinese companies are taking advantage of low prices. However, this meeting is not to come up with regulatory measures to limit or restrict the businesses these companies are doing," the official added. Chinese e-commerce platform operators have been rapidly undermining the domestic online retail market by providing ultra-low-priced products and offering significant discount benefits. Consumers who choose Chinese platforms such as AliExpress and Taobao often buy goods that are not greatly affected by long delivery times. Consequently, small business owners who purchase wholesale industrial items from China and sell them domestically are significantly impacted, as opposed to those selling food products. "I was trying to buy wireless earbuds on Coupang and it was 18,000 won ($13.5). But the same product was 11,000 won on AliExpress. Although the delivery time is long, I bought the product on the Chinese e-commerce platform because I could buy it for a cheaper price," a customer surnamed Chung said. The number of customers like Chung who are choosing to shop on Chinese platforms is rapidly increasing in Korea. As of November 2023, the number of AliExpress app users in Korea surged to 7.07 million, more than double the 3.43 million a year earlier, according to data by Wiseapp Retail Goods. According to the 2023 Online Shopping Trends released by Statistics Korea, the amount of direct online purchases from China last year increased 121.2 percent compared to 2022, reaching 3.29 trillion won ($2.46 billion). Kim Dae-jong, a professor of business administration at Sejong University, said that the way Chinese companies are eroding the Korean market threatens the survival of domestic retail companies and small business owners selling goods on these e-commerce platforms, and therefore countermeasures are needed. "Products from Chinese companies are being imported without tariffs and are threatening domestic companies by circulating in the domestic market. As Korea has the highest smartphone penetration rate in the world, the e-commerce market is highly developed. Safety measures are needed to ensure fair competition between Chinese and Korean companies," the professor said. Former President Donald Trump's recent controversial remarks on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is stoking a renewed yet consequential question for South Korea: Would America's security commitment remain steadfast in the midst of seemingly unbridled North Korean threats? During a campaign rally in South Carolina on Saturday, Trump said that if reelected, he would "encourage" Russia to "do whatever the hell they want" to "delinquent" NATO members that fail to meet their defense spending commitments. The remarks caused consternation not only among NATO allies, but also with South Korea that relies on its sole treaty ally, the United States, for nuclear deterrence at a time when the North has called the South its "primary" foe, and escalated tensions with formidable weapons tests. Some observers wrote off the former president's apparent spur-of-the moment remarks merely as part of an emotional stump speech, but they resonated deeply in South Korea, where a debate over whether Seoul should pursue its nuclear armament to counter North Korean threats still lingers. For U.S. allies, Trump's comment on NATO was a sobering reminder of his apparently transactional foreign policy approach one that could trigger a strategic question over whether Seoul should consider any hedging strategy to provide for its own defense in a more assured and resilient manner. Mindful of concerns among allies, President Joe Biden lambasted Trump's remarks as "dumb," "shameful," "dangerous" and "un-American." "He doesn't understand that NATO is built on fundamental principles of freedom, security and national sovereignty because for Trump, principles never matter. Everything is transactional," Biden said in a speech on Tuesday. Biden added, "Our adversaries have long sought to create cracks in the alliance. The greatest hope of all those who wish America harm is for NATO to fall apart." But Trump's remarks on the stump have already created deep agita among U.S. allies. "Trump's comments damage the credibility of U.S. commitments to come to the defense of its allies. If he were to be reelected, even if he did not act on his words, allies would question his intentions and his reliability," Charles Kupchan, professor of international affairs at Georgetown University, told Yonhap News Agency via email. "The network of close alliances that Biden has invested in would inevitably suffer. Allies would be forced to consider alternative pathways to ensuring their security," he added. Some analysts viewed Trump's comment as a politically-driven one as he seeks to return to the White House for a second term. "Governing seems a secondary or even tertiary interest of the former president's remarks," Patrick Cronin, Asia-Pacific security chair at the Hudson Institute, said. "Gaining notoriety by being disruptive and contrarian is the primary and thus political consideration." Trump's reverberating remarks came amid mounting concerns in South Korea that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's bellicose rhetoric against Seoul and his regime's relentless weapons tests might signal his intention to undertake major provocations ahead of parliamentary elections in the South or the U.S. presidential vote in November. Some even raised the specter of an armed conflict on the Korean Peninsula, though many others dismissed such speculation, arguing that a country preparing for immediate war would not sell weapons as seen in Pyongyang's supplies of ballistic missiles and munitions to Russia. Public angst in the South has also deepened as burgeoning military cooperation between the North and Russia is injecting new complexities into deterrence efforts by Seoul and Washington. Against this backdrop, Trump's comment posed a question over whether Seoul's efforts to reinforce the alliance with the Joe Biden administration, including the establishment of the Nuclear Consultative Group, a bilateral deterrence dialogue, would remain durable beyond the Biden era. Moreover, the question could likely fuel a debate in South Korea over whether it should explore a way to reduce its security dependency on the U.S. and pursue sufficient independent defense capabilities, like Japan seeking "counter-strike" capabilities in a shift further away from its exclusively defense-oriented policy. "(Trump's) comments may well stoke Korean discussion of nuclear armament, especially if Trump repeats his statements," Bruce Bennett, a senior defense analyst at the RAND, told Yonhap News via email. Bennett added, "If Trump's statements were just an accidental burst of emotion, he may well pull back from them in a less political environment." Taking stock of what happened during the first-term Trump administration from 2017-2021, policymakers in Seoul have been bracing for a potential shift in America's foreign policy tiller in case of Trump's return to the White House. For instance, Seoul has recently been in talks with Washington over what would be an earlier-than-usual resumption of negotiations on the cost sharing for stationing U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) an issue that threatened to undermine the alliance during Trump's presidency. In 2019, then President Trump reportedly called for a fivefold increase in Seoul's contributions for the upkeep of USFK to $5 billion, sparking fears of a chasm in the alliance. Adding to public angst in the South is Trump's repeated boast that he does "get along well" with the North Korean leader a potential bromance that analysts said might help create an opening for reengagement with the North but could come at the expense of the decadeslong Seoul-Washington alliance. During his first term in office, Trump engaged in direct personal diplomacy with Kim, which sometimes raised speculation that he could bring up issues of the South Korea-U.S. alliance, such as one related to the U.S. troop level on the peninsula during his talks with Kim. In the midst of unease over Trump's perception of alliances, Andrew Yeo, the SK-Korea Foundation chair at the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies, highlighted the presence of "strong" supporters for the Seoul-Washington relationship. "Trump's relationship with NATO was more fraught than alliances in Asia. So I suspect he may be tougher with NATO allies, but South Korea will not get a free pass," Yeo told Yonhap News via email. "That said, there will be strong supporters of the U.S.-South Korea alliance who might help restrain some of the worst tendencies of Trump, and South Koreans may be able to persuade Trump of the value of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. So I don't expect the alliance itself to fall apart," he added. Trump's rhetoric on NATO drew particular attention in Seoul as South Korea has been trying to deepen its partnership with the alliance as part of its Asia-Pacific partner countries that include Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In a sign of deeper cooperation with the security bloc, Seoul established a mission to NATO in Brussels in November 2022. (Yonhap) A leading national security adviser to Donald Trump told Reuters on Tuesday that he would push for changes to NATO if the former president returns to power that could result in some member nations losing protection against an outside attack. Keith Kellogg, a retired lieutenant general and onetime chief of staff of the former president's National Security Council, said in an interview that if a member of the 31-country alliance failed to spend at least 2 percent of its gross domestic product on defense, as agreed, he would support removing that nation's Article 5 protections under the North Atlantic Treaty. Article 5 states that an attack against one member of the Europe-based alliance will be considered an attack against all, and members of the alliance must respond appropriately. Without those protections, a member country would not be guaranteed other NATO members would come to its aid. "Where I come from, alliances matter," said Kellogg, who also served as former Vice President Mike Pence's national security adviser. "But if you're going to be part of an alliance, contribute to the alliance, be part of the alliance." Trump drew swift rebukes from Democratic President Joe Biden and top Western officials when he suggested at a weekend rally that he would not defend NATO allies who failed to spend enough on defense and would even encourage Russia to attack them. Kellogg declined to say if he had discussed his proposal with Trump, though he said they have frequently discussed the future of NATO. Trump is close to securing the Republican Party's presidential nomination for the Nov. 5 general election. Kellogg said if Trump wins, he would likely suggest a NATO meeting in June 2025 to discuss the future of the alliance. He said NATO could subsequently become a "tiered alliance," in which some members enjoy greater protections based on their compliance with NATO's founding articles. The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment, but it has previously identified Kellogg as a policy adviser who could take a role in his administration. Trump and his allies have increasingly signaled that they intend to rethink America's decades-long commitment to NATO, and they have long complained that European members of the alliance are not paying their fair share. In addition to losing Article 5 protections, Kellogg said, other less severe sanctions were possible, such as losing access to training or shared equipment resources. Member countries, he added, should feel free to withdraw from NATO. "If President Trump is re-elected, once the election is done, I would give everyone what we call a warning order. I would probably say this is where we are going to go to allow them preparations so we can discuss it in June," Kellogg said. "I think it's a very adult conversation to have, and it's one of the many conversations in national security that need to be had." NATO protections not automatic Kellogg said that if Article 3 of the North Atlantic Treaty was not respected, the protections afforded by Article 5 should not be taken as automatic. Article 3 states that NATO member countries must make appropriate efforts to develop their individual defense capabilities. While Article 3 does not say countries must spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense, member nations pledged at a 2014 summit in Wales to move toward that figure within a decade. According to NATO estimates from July last year, 11 of 31 nations were set to reach that target in 2023, including the United States, the United Kingdom and several eastern European nations close to or bordering Russia. "Everybody understands Article 5 - an attack on one is an attack on all - but they forget all the other articles that are either built under it or on top of it." Kellogg said. "One of them is Article 3." In December, Robert O'Brien, Trump's national security adviser from 2019 to 2021, who still discusses foreign policy issues with the former president, told Reuters imposing trade tariffs on NATO countries if they did not spend at least 2 percent of their GDP on defense would likely be among the policies on the table during a second Trump term. (Reuters) The U.S. mission to the United Nations called Tuesday for "all" U.N. member states to prevent any offer of financial services that could help North Korea's prohibited weapons programs, following a report that Russia has allowed the partial release of frozen North Korean assets. Citing American-allied intelligence officials, the New York Times reported last week that Russia has allowed the release of $9 million out of $30 million in frozen North Korean assets deposited in a Russian financial institution. "Under Security Council resolutions, all U.N. Member States are required to prevent the provision of financial services to the DPRK that could contribute to the DPRK's prohibited programs or to the evasion of measures imposed by certain resolutions," a spokesperson of the New York-based mission told Yonhap News Agency via email. "We remind all Member States of their Security Council obligations," the official added. DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The mission refused to confirm the media report, but called it "concerning." "It's no secret that the DPRK has long-sought means to evade U.N. sanctions in order to advance its unlawful weapons of mass destruction program," it said. The mission also criticized Pyongyang's policy choices that it said "impoverished" its country. "It is the DPRK regime's own policies, not UN sanctions, that have 'impoverished' the country," it said. "No Member State can unilaterally decide to ignore Security Council resolutions certainly not a permanent Security Council member." Russia's reported move to unlock part of the frozen North Korean assets came amid concerns that Moscow would take action to compensate for Pyongyang's supplies of ballistic missiles and munitions to Russia for use in Ukraine. (Yonhap) Palestinians jammed into their last refuge in Gaza voiced growing fear on Wednesday that Israel will soon launch a planned assault on the southern city of Rafah after truce talks in Cairo ended inconclusively. The talks in the Egyptian capital, involving the United States, Israel, Egypt and Qatar, ended without any sign of a breakthrough on Tuesday and no date was announced for the next meeting. The lack of agreement dealt a new blow to the more than one million Palestinians crammed into Rafah, next to the border with Egypt, where many are living in tent camps and makeshift shelters after fleeing Israeli bombardments elsewhere in Gaza. The Israeli military says it wants to flush out Islamist militants from hideouts in Rafah and free hostages being held there after the Hamas rampage in Israel on Oct. 7, but has given no details of a proposed plan to evacuate civilians. "The news was disappointing, we hoped there could be a deal reached in Cairo. We are now counting down the days before Israel sends in tanks. We hope they don't but who can prevent them?" Said Jaber, a Gaza businessman who is sheltering in Rafah with his family, told Reuters via a chat app. In the latest international plea for Israel to hold off on an assault on Rafah, the World Health Organization warned of the danger of pushing Gaza's health system closer to collapse. "Military activities in ...this densely populated area, would be, of course, an unfathomable catastrophe... and would even further expand the humanitarian disaster beyond imagination," said Richard Peeperkorn, WHO representative for Gaza and the West Bank. Israel says it takes steps to minimise civilian casualties and accuses Hamas fighters of hiding among civilians, including in hospitals and shelters - something the militant group denies. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said an offensive on Rafah would jeopardise the humanitarian situation there. "Because the people in Rafah cannot simply vanish into thin air. They need safe places and safe corridors to avoid being caught in the crossfire even more," she said before talks scheduled with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli forces shelled eastern areas of Rafa overnight, and pounded several areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, residents said. The health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave said Israeli forces were continuing to isolate the two main hospitals in Khan Younis, and that sniper fire at the city's Nasser Hospital had killed and wounded many people in recent days. Speaking in a video from inside Nasser Hospital, one doctor said the facility had been under siege by Israeli forces for 22 days and that bulldozers protected by tanks had knocked down the hospital's northern gate. "It is dreadful, food is in short supply," Dr Haitham Ahmed said in the video, which Reuters could not immediately verify. Rafah neighbours Egypt, but Cairo has made clear it will not allow a refugee exodus over the border. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed and 68,291 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct.7, the health ministry in Gaza said on Wednesday. In the last 24 hours, 103 Palestinians were killed and 145 injured, it said. Many other people are believed to be buried under rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated Gaza Strip, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out and diseases are spreading. At least 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 were taken hostage in the Hamas raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, according to Israeli tallies. The war in Gaza has raised fears of conflict spreading across the Middle East, and heightened tension along Israel's northern border with Lebanon. Israel's military said on Wednesday it had responded to cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon that injured seven people in northern Israel. A security source in Lebanon said Israeli strikes had already hit at least three towns in southern Lebanon, but gave no details of any damage or casualties. The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah offered no immediate comment Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan was set to discuss the war on his first visit to Egypt in over a decade on Wednesday. He began his visit one day after Egypt's president met CIA Director William Burns and Qatar's prime minister at the talks in Cairo which Egypt's state information service said were aimed at agreeing a truce, protecting civilians and delivering more aid into Gaza. It said in a statement that there was a "keenness to continue consultation and coordination" on the main issues, indicating that no breakthrough was made. The statement made no mention of Israel. The Israeli delegation left Cairo for home, a Reuters reporter said. Netanyahu's office did not respond to a request for comment. A source briefed on the talks described them as "good" and said the sides had agreed to continue them, but declined to say where or when. A Palestinian official said Egypt and Qatar would continue talking to the warring sides separately and urged Israel to soften its stance. Israel has vowed to fight on until it eradicates Hamas and has made the return of the last hostages a priority. Hamas says Israel must commit to ending the war and withdrawing from Gaza. (Reuters) Indonesian Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Wednesday's presidential election after unofficial results showed him trouncing rivals in his third shot at the top job in the world's third-largest democracy. Former special forces commander Prabowo clinched about 58 percent of votes according to unofficial "quick counts" by four independent pollsters, more than double that of his nearest opponent, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan. A much slower, preliminary tally by the election commission with 18 percent of votes counted also pointed to a Prabowo rout of his rivals, putting the 72-year-old political veteran on a trajectory for a decisive single-round win. "This victory should be the victory for all Indonesians," Prabowo said in a rousing speech at a stadium that drew roars and applause from supporters. "We will assemble a government consisting of the best sons and daughters of Indonesia." The contest pitted popular former governors Anies and Ganjar Pranowo against pre-election frontrunner Prabowo, who was feared in the 1990s as a top lieutenant of the late strongman Suharto, who ruled Indonesia as an autocrat for three decades. Prabowo crucially has the tacit backing of the wildly popular incumbent Joko Widodo, who has bet on his former rival as a continuity candidate to preserve his legacy, bolstered by the inclusion of the president's son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as Prabowo's running mate. Anies and Ganjar trailed with about 25 percent and 17 percent respectively, with 88 percent to 98 percent of ballots counted by the four pollsters conducting sample counts, which in previous elections have proven to be accurate. To win outright and avoid a second-round runoff, the leading candidate needs more than 50 percent of votes cast and at least 20 percent of the ballot in half of the country's provinces. 'Fighters for democracy' Anies said he would honour and respect the official result, which is expected by March 20 at the latest, and vowed to continue what he called a "movement of change". "We will wait until all the counts are done ... it is our commitment as fighters for democracy," he told supporters. The campaign teams of Ganjar and Anies had earlier said they were investigating reports of electoral violations, both calling it "structural, systematic and massive fraud," but provided no evidence. The world's biggest single-day election saw nearly 259,000 candidates and 18 parties contest 20,600 posts across the archipelago of 17,000 islands. The U.S. State Department said the vote was "a testament to the durability and strength of the Indonesian people's commitment to the democratic process." State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller later told a regular briefing it appeared Prabowo had received the most votes, although the official process still needed to unfold. "We are prepared to work with whoever the Indonesian people choose as their democratically elected leader," he said. A coalition of parties backing Prabowo had about 42 percent of votes according to the unofficial counts in the legislative contest, while an alliance behind Anies had 27 percent, indicating a potential Prabowo government could have strong parliamentary backing. But top billing on Wednesday was always the race to replace Jokowi, as the incumbent is known, whose entrenched influence after a decade in power could prove to have been decisive. Prabowo has transformed his image as a fiery-tempered nationalist and notorious military hardliner to a cuddly, cat-loving grandfatherly figure, attracting a huge youth following on social media in a country where more than half of the nearly 205 million electorate are under 40. But central to his appeal has been the president's implied endorsement and popularity that has rubbed off on Prabowo, who some analysts say could help the outgoing Jokowi to retain his political clout and deliver on ambitions to modernise infrastructure and turn Indonesia into an electric vehicle hub. 'Strong leaders' Arya Fernandes of Indonesia's Center for Strategic and International Studies said the unofficial count indicated the "Jokowi effect" had worked for Prabowo and a second round was unlikely. "There is a tendency among voters to be drawn to strong leaders," he said. "The effectiveness of the 'political support' from the incumbent has been a contributing factor." Jokowi, who has reached his term limit, has not explicitly backed a candidate and has endured a storm of criticism and allegations of interference, including in a decision by a court headed by his brother-in-law that changed eligibility rules, which allowed his son to become Prabowo's running mate. Jokowi's loyalists have rejected allegations of meddling. Ganjar has campaigned largely on continuing the president's policies as a member of the same party, but crucially lacked Jokowi's endorsement. He remained upbeat on Wednesday, but said his camp would investigate reports of fraud, which he did not detail. "No struggle is in vain. And of course everyone is still enthusiastic," he said. But the margin of Prabowo's lead in the vote counts, preliminary and unofficial, could make it difficult for rivals to launch a viable challenge to the outcome. "This is an emphatic result that diminishes prospects for legal challenges and will also provide the Widodo-Prabowo alliance with an element of affirmation from the public for decision-making in the months ahead," said political analyst Kevin O'Rourke. (Reuters) This weeks special episode was recorded during the recent meeting of the global leadership of the International Marxist Tendency in Italy. We hear reports from the front lines of the class struggle from five leading comrades involved in building revolutionary communist organisations in: South Africa, Argentina, Pakistan, France and the United States. The class struggle is heating up everywhere! As workers and youth internationally struggle to make ends meet, the capitalist class is leading the world down a blind alley of war, crisis and destruction. On all continents, an increasing layer is drawing the inevitable conclusion: we need communism! You can watch a video recording of this episode on our Youtube channel. If you are a communist, then get organised! For more information on our sections in these countries, check out these links: South Africa Argentina France Pakistan United States If youre based elsewhere, find the communists where you are via our main website: https://www.marxist.com/ Note: this video was recorded at the end of January, before the results of the Pakistan elections that Paras discusses. Listen and subscribe below Youtube Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Marxist.com Podcasts: https://podcast.marxist.com/2024/02/13/unrest-on-every-continent-how-communists-are-mobilising/ Netanyahu is taking his war to another level. He is on a path he knows he cannot retreat from if he is to remain in office. And yet his actions threaten to destabilise the whole of the Middle East, with the risk of a generalised war becoming ever more real. Revolution is also stalking all the regimes in the region as the anger of the masses is pushed to ever greater heights. The next tragic act, the massive bombing and land invasion of Rafah, could prove to be the tipping point. Netanyahu has stated: Were going to do it, as the military operations are being prepared. He added that: Those who say that under no circumstances should we enter Rafah, are basically saying lose the war, keep Hamas there. From the point of view of his own interests, he cannot afford to be seen as losing in Gaza. The timing of this planned invasion is significant. Negotiations for some sort of ceasefire have allegedly been making progress, with Hamas delegates on their way to Cairo today to meet with Egyptian and Qatari mediators. With Netanyahus political life on the line (along with his freedom, given the many corruption cases against him) it is in his interests to scupper any peaceful resolution. So much for Zionist accusations that Hamas alone is responsible for needlessly dragging out the war by refusing to surrender! Rafah is a city that normally houses around 250,000 people. Now, 1.5 million Palestinians are crowded there, living in intolerable conditions. Huge numbers are camped out in tent sites, under the constant threat of facing another brutal onslaught. Many of these poor people had fled, first from Gaza City, then Khan Younis, and now they are with their backs against the wall of the Egyptian border. The masses huddled in Rafah literally have no safe place to go to. Netanyahu, revealing his complete lack of humanity, cynicism and utter hatred of the Palestinians, has suggested that they can go back north: There are plenty of areas there. Yes, plenty of bombed-out areas, plenty of rubble. They are facing two possible options, either flee to the beaches, or try and make their way back north. As the Financial Times reported on Tuesday about one family, that of Thaer Mohamed, who had already previously been displaced, together with his family from Khan Younis: Were trying to escape death but its all around us. Sarah Nayef expressed the dilemma facing her family: Theyve left us no place to escape. The night they rescued the hostages, missiles rained down and I thought wed be killed. They are now preparing to move to a tent in the coastal area. Both destinations involve the danger of being fired on by Israeli forces. As we were going to print, the IDF forcibly evacuated hundreds of Palestinians from the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, with at least three shot dead and 10 wounded by Israeli snipers. Any who do manage to move north would have to travel through active war zones only to find destroyed buildings, no infrastructure, no water or power, and the daily threat of being killed by unexploded bombs and mines. This is a humanitarian nightmare of unprecedented proportions. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on Sunday, A military offensive in the middle of these completely exposed, vulnerable people is a recipe for disaster. I am almost becoming wordless. With the main advance having not yet begun, at least 67 were killed in Rafah during Israeli bombings early on Monday. As I write, the latest figures are that at least 28,473 Palestinians have been killed since 7 October, and 68,146 have been injured. There is now talk of further tens of thousands possibly being killed should the IDF go into Rafah. The IDF is now boasting that they have rescued two hostages, and this will be used by Netanyahu to convince the people in Israel that his strategy is working. We can be sure he will not make too much noise about the fact that far more hostages have died in the bombing campaign. During the rescue operation, immense firepower was brought to bear on Rafah. There were horrendous scenes of ordinary civilians running for their lives, desperately seeking shelter from the bombs. Now they live in constant fear that this will soon be repeated on a grand scale across the whole of the city. Imperialist nerves rattled The prospect of more horrific scenes, on an even higher level, being watched by millions of ordinary working people across the Middle East, not to mention the billions globally, is rattling the nerves of the western imperialists. This, however, is not due to any humanitarian concerns. They have stood by and allowed close to 30,000 Palestinians to die at the hands of the Israeli military over the past four months, refusing to even call for a ceasefire, while actually providing weapons and supplies to the Israeli government. These same ladies and gentlemen also stood by while close to 400,000 died in the recent Yemen war, with over 150,000 people killed in the bombings, and a further estimated 227,000 dead as a result of famine and the lack of healthcare facilities. That devastation was inflicted on the Yemeni people by Saudi Arabia, armed and backed by western imperialism, as is Israel. No, their concerns are not about the lives of the Palestinians. Their concerns are about the further destabilisation of the region, including the real threat of the collapse of some neighbouring regimes. This may explain why western broadcasters such as the BBC have woken up to the fact that terrible suffering was inflicted on the people of Gaza. They have now published a documentary about the first month of the war, which describes scenes such as ambulances being targeted by the IDF as they head out to rescue injured people. Of course, on the BBC News programme, aired on Tuesday, they added an official comment from the IDF that it doesnt target medical staff! They must always grant the Israeli government and the IDF the right to express their views and correct any news reports that may be damaging to their image. Ben-Gvir referred to Palestinian women and children as undercover terrorists / Image: , Wikimedia Commons No such rights are granted to the Palestinians, nor to anyone who campaigns in solidarity with them. On the contrary, every time the number of daily deaths is reported, the media feel obliged to add according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, as if to imply they could be exaggerating the figures. No doubt, this is to appease local Israeli embassies that are ever-ready to pounce on any statements that they feel can be construed as antisemitic. Nonetheless, the fact that they are reporting more on the suffering of ordinary civilians and exposing at least some of the IDFs brutal behaviour during the war is an indication that they are trying to put some pressure on the Netanyahu government to accept a temporary ceasefire. The problem is that Netanyahu has his own agenda. The Zionist media inside Israel stifles any reporting on the real effects of the Israeli bombing of Gaza, and concentrates the minds of ordinary Israelis on seeing the whole of the Palestinian population as a threat to their safety. Part of their objective is to dehumanise the Palestinians, the first step in preparing the ground to butcher them like animals. The tragic irony is this kind of dehumanisation and slaughter is precisely what millions of Jews suffered at the hands of the Nazis. Hitler referred to the Jewish presence in Germany as a race-tuberculosis of the peoples, i.e. a disease to be eradicated. Nazi propaganda portrayed Jews as "subhuman" creatures. Just two days ago, Israeli National Security Minister Ben-Gvir referred to Palestinian women and children as undercover terrorists, and went on: We cannot have women and children getting close to the border anyone who gets near must get a bullet [in the head]. The mood inside Israel The Financial Times recently published an article, War on Hamas unites Israelis in quest for total victory (12 February 2024), which explains that, the immense suffering in Gaza has barely featured in the Israeli media, and instead the national debate remains consumed by the trauma of a day that Israeli officials describe as the deadliest for Jews since the Holocaust. There is a genuine fear among ordinary Jewish people that another Holocaust could be possible. After all, what seemed unimaginable actually happened under the Nazi regime. Netanyahu has an interest in maintaining this mood. In fact, Arabs are presented by the Zionists as tantamount to modern-day Nazis, out to destroy the Jews. It is this fearmongering that allows Netanyahu to survive politically, even when all the polls show that he would massively lose any election were one called soon. The mood inside Israel is therefore very different to that in other countries. In the surrounding Arab nations, the daily bloodshed is broadcast every day. Al Jazeera has provided on-the-spot reporting of all the suffering of the people of Gaza. The widespread anger and revulsion, and the natural instinct of solidarity towards the Palestinians, is the logical outcome of all this. These are two very different worlds. The subheading of the Financial Times piece states: Surveys suggest majority of population [in Israel] are committed to the battle to defeat militants and return hostages. The same article quotes Tamar Hermann, a senior research fellow at the Israel Democracy Institute: Certainly the lions share of the Israeli Jewish public is not in favour of pulling out of Gaza. The war is perceived in Israel as a no-choice war. And far from seeking de-escalation, the article points out that: rather than ending the war in Gaza, many Israelis believe the state should be escalating on another front: the northern border with Lebanon. The logic of this is that they fear that one day Hezbollah could launch a much bigger attack than that carried out by Hamas. The mood is therefore one of wanting to finish the job. Israel and Hezbollah have already exchanged fire since 7 October. While most of the latters rockets are intercepted by Israels Iron Dome defence system, a strike on Safed in northern Israel today killed and wounded several soldiers. The Israelis immediately retaliated with airstrikes in southern Lebanon. The danger of a full-blown conflict is implicit in the situation as these clashes escalate. While the western bourgeois media rankles at the use of the term genocide, many on the right in Israel proclaim that this is precisely their objective. A brief browse of social media comments, or messages in response to newspaper articles, reveals a very dark side within Israeli society. What we have to understand is that, in recent decades, Israeli society has moved steadily towards the right. What was perceived as the left became discredited in the eyes of ordinary Jewish people in Israel. This was in line with the general discrediting of the so-called left globally, where Labour Parties, Socialist parties, the social-democracy in general, participated in the destruction of social reforms that they themselves had brought into being in the past at the height of the postwar boom. This has led to the present situation where they have become indistinguishable in the eyes of many working people from the conservative parties everywhere. Long gone are the days when Mapai (which later dissolved and became part of the Israeli Labour Party), was carrying out welfare reforms, including almost free access to housing subsidies, and health and social services for Jewish Israelis. In its first decades of existence, much of the economy of Israel was either state-owned or run with state aid. The fact that the Histadrut trade union was the biggest employer after the state for a long time was a reflection of this. All the state-owned resources were later privatised. Under both Labour and Likud governments, the old Israeli welfare state was gradually dismantled, with a massive transfer of resources from the public sector to some of the countrys wealthiest investors. Labour, at one point after the 1984 elections, even joined a national unity government with Likud, further eroding its popularity among its traditional electorate. This created a scenario where a significant section of the population, especially the poorest layers, felt abandoned by traditional politicians. It is on this terrain that first we saw a swing towards the Likud, and then the far-right elements were able to consolidate their grip on a section of society. While there may have been differences over social reforms though, when it came to the Palestinian question, there were no substantial differences. Leaders like David Ben-Gurion, Golda Meir, Shimon Peres, Itzhak Rabin, etc., were as responsible, if not more responsible than the Zionist right, for entrenching the oppression of the Palestinians within the very foundations of the Israeli state. In this process, the Zionist left was simply squeezed out of existence by the period of decline of global capitalism and the dynamic of the occupation. Netanyahu gained prominence by appearing as being more effective in the war-mongering, an eye for an eye approach to the occupation, and in supporting the colonisation and the settlers. The last show of impotence by the Zionist liberals was on display over the many months of anti-Netanyahu protests, revealing the extent of their blindness to the oppression of the Palestinians. The same process that saw the rise of Trump, Bolsonaro, Boris Johnson, Le Pen, saw the emergence and strengthening of Netanyahu. The distinguishing feature in Israel is the deep divide between Jews and Palestinians, the denial by one people of a homeland for another, which has sharpened this phenomenon to the nth degree. In the deepening internal crisis of Israel, with sharp political divisions amongst the Zionist ruling class, Netanyahu has found himself more and more indebted to the far-right parties. Plans to resettle Gaza That also explains why now, in Israel, there is talk of recommencing the settlement programme in Gaza, which was abandoned back in 2005. It is presented as the only way of guaranteeing security. An article on the New Arab website, In Israel, the resettlement of Gaza is no longer a fringe idea, explains that: In the absence of an official post-war plan, extremist ideas once reserved for the fringes of society are taking over policymaking in Israel. Part of Netanyahus thinking is clearly to push a significant section of this population out of the Gaza Strip / Image: Yairfridman2003, Wikimedia Commons The article reports on a recent conference organised in Jerusalem that called for the resettlement of the Gaza Strip. This was no fringe gathering. Apparently, there were thousands in attendance. No less than 12 ministers from the Likud party were there, as well as 15 government coalition members. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was present, and this is what he said in his speech: If we don't want another October 7, we need to go back home and control [Gaza]. We need to find a legal way to voluntarily emigrate [Palestinians]. The rabid, far-right Finance Minister Smotrich was also there, and he added that: Without settlements [in Gaza], there is no security. These people are convinced that Gaza belongs to them. In the same way, they believe the West Bank is part of their Promised Land, and they plan to do to the Strip what they have done to the West Bank: put soldiers and settlers on the ground and gradually squeeze out the Palestinians. The majority of Israelis do not support this position, but it is gaining momentum. As the article outlines: A recent Israeli Channel 12 poll found 4 in 10 Israelis support reviving the settlements in Gaza. This is the mood that dominates the right wing. Netanyahu depends on these people, and that is why he has to keep them happy. The attack on Rafah that is being prepared is part of this policy. And this brings us back to Rafah today. Almost three-quarters of the Palestinians of Gaza are amassed there. Part of Netanyahus thinking is clearly to push a significant section of this population out of the Gaza Strip. The only place they could go would be to Egypt. The Netanyahu government is hoping to achieve what happened in 1967, when over 400,000 were expelled from the West Bank and the Golan Heights, thus preparing the ground for the settlement programme. This would mean a gradual, long-term rebalancing of the ethnic makeup of Gaza. Some would be expelled, while the number of settlers would increase systematically. This is perfectly in line with the long-term goals of the Zionist project from its very inception. Moving to a wider escalation This plan is an important factor in driving the present situation closer and closer to a wider escalation. So tense is the situation becoming that even the Egyptian regime of Al-Sisi is threatening that, should Israel provoke a humanitarian disaster in Rafah, the 1979 peace deal signed between Israel and Egypt may be at risk. The Al-Sisi regime is no friend of the Egyptian people, nor the Palestinians for that matter. Nonetheless, even this reactionary regime can feel the pressure that is building up within the depths of Egyptian society. A new 2011-style Arab revolution is being prepared, and the plight of the Palestinians could prove to be the spark that sets the powder keg alight. That explains the belligerent rhetoric of Al-Sisi. He has never done anything for the Palestinians. In fact, he has helped Israel keep the Gazans locked in an open-air prison for years. Even now, the Egyptian military is serving as Israels border guards, hemming the Palestinians into Gaza, with a tiny handful able to pass through the Rafah crossing in exchange for bribes of up to $10,000. But Al-Sisi has to be seen to be expressing opposition to Netanyahus plan to advance on Rafah. The pummeling of the people now massed in that city would displace hundreds of thousands, hugely increasing the possibility that they could overflow into the Sinai Peninsula just across the border. An added factor in Al-Sisis thinking is that the displacement of at least several hundred thousand Gazans into refugee camps in the Sinai Peninsula would become a strong destabilising factor in future relations with Israel, even risking the outbreak of future wars between the two countries. He understands that such refugee camps after the unprecedented number of Palestinians killed in this war would be breeding grounds for the radicalisation of a new generation of Palestinian youth, determined to fight to regain their homeland, similar to the situation in Lebanon in the 1970s. The Al-Sisi regime is no friend of the Egyptian people, nor the Palestinians for that matter / Image: DFID, Wikimedia Commons The Israeli government is betting on continued collaboration with Egypt. However, there is no certainty that Al-Sisi will be able to guarantee such collaboration. This is not because he cares for the Palestinians, but because he needs to be seen by the Egyptian masses as standing up to Israel as it massacres Palestinians just across the border. That also explains why Egypt is putting pressure on the Hamas leaders to accept some kind of deal that can lead to a ceasefire. They desperately need to put out the flames. The problem is that the plans of the Zionists concerning Gaza leave very little room for such manoeuvres. And if the flames are not put out in Gaza, they could spread from one regime to the next in a wave of mass uprisings that could bring down many of the reactionary despots in the region. The King of Jordan is also expressing concerns, sitting atop an equally explosive powder keg. The global crisis of capitalism has created social and economic conditions across the whole region, which prepare the ground for such a scenario. This is the nightmare that the imperialists are staring at, and they have no real, long-lasting solution. The reason for that is that they are the main problem. They created this mess, and the only real solution is to bring them all down. The best thing we as communists around the world can do for the Palestinian people is to fight in our own countries against our own ruling classes. That can only be achieved through revolutionary class struggle everywhere, which to be successful, requires a revolutionary communist leadership. We are all disgusted and angered by the scenes we are observing in and around Rafah, on top of all the butchery in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and other towns and villages. But anger is not sufficient. Get organised, and join the communists in the battle to end this nightmare. Two months after his release from jail, left-wing sociologist Boris Kagarlitsky was sentenced to five years in prison by a Russian appeals court. The Russian law enforcement system showed that it had made an uncommon error in releasing him, rather than showing a sign of a thaw. As we already noted, Boris Kagarlitsky was released from custody on 12 December. On the same day, he re-entered activity. He took part in a YouTube stream in which tens of thousands of people could see and hear him. In a few hours, the media team for Rabkor (the online newspaper he works for) gathered enough money to pay the fine of 600,000 rubles (around 6,000 EUR) that Kagarlitsky had to pay according to his sentence. Boris took part in dozens of interviews and YouTube streams, where he boldly said that he doesn't want to leave the country and keep his mouth shut. Of course, he didnt go into the details of his arrest due to judicial confidentiality. However, lots of people came to know what happened to him. On 25 December, the Prosecutors Office of the Komi Republic appealed against the sentence of Professor Kagarlitsky, demanding that he should be sentenced to five years and six months' imprisonment. His lawyer, Sergey Erokhov, pointed out that in Russia 20 percent of appeals of this kind are successful, meaning it was too early for Kagarlitsky and his supporters to celebrate victory and relax. Time showed that he was right. Judicial arbitrariness On 13 February, Boris Kagarlitsky, along with his relatives and friends, did not anticipate such shocking news. During the trial, the prosecutor pointed out that Kagarlitsky is unable to pay a fine as long as he is unemployed and retired (he is 65 years old) and that the previous sentence was too lenient. Even though he already paid the fine in advance, after a lengthy session, the judge sentenced him to five years in a general regime colony. For the majority of the Russian youth who were overjoyed at Kagarlitskys release in December, this brutal sentence has come as a shock. Some are complaining that he ought to have left the country. Others thought that after release he should have kept quiet and not talked about the regime. But he behaved in a way that communists should, remaining unafraid of state pressure. He made a firm decision to stay in the country where he could continue to make strong connections with the masses. He was not interested in silently observing what is happening in Russia from abroad. The Russian ruling class is continuing to lean to the right, especially given another upcoming Putin election. As far as the war goes, those who refuse to merge into the ecstasy of patriotic propaganda risk falling under the wave of repression. The state apparatus is squeezing those who dare to openly and loudly disagree with its policies out of the country. Those who dare to stay are often imprisoned. This is the regimes method of persuasion. In his final speech, Kagarlitsky said: Im not discouraged, Im in great spirits as always, continuing to gather data and materials for new books Im sure Ill see you out there soon! We must not only maintain the same optimistic attitude, but in Russia and internationally we must continue to fight for the release of Boris Kagarlitsky. International solidarity is stronger than any prison or bourgeois dictatorship! Hands off Kagarlitsky! Free Kagarlitsky! # #BorisIsNotATerrorist Cigna is headquartered at 900 Cottage Grove Road in Bloomfield, Conn. The company ranked No. 6 in the 2024 JUST 100 list. Michael McAndrews / Associated Press The Hartfords headquarters are at 1 Hartford Plaza in Hartford, at center, as seen from Bushnell Park. The company ranked No. 15 in the 2024 JUST 100 list. File photo Avangrid is headquartered in Orange, Conn. The company ranked No. 12 in the 2024 JUST 100 list. Avangrid Networks/contributed photo Eversource Energy CEO Joseph Nolan Jr., stands in the utility company's offices in Hartford, Conn., in April 2021. The company ranked No. 38 in the 2024 JUST 100 list. Arnold Gold/Hearst Connecticut Media Margaret Keane, the then-executive chairwoman and former CEO of Synchrony, speaks at an event at the company's headquarters at 777 Long Ridge Road in Stamford, Conn., in April 2022. Synchrony ranked No. 48 in the 2024 JUST 100 list. Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media Several companies headquartered in Connecticut have been recognized in the 2024 edition of the JUST 100, a list produced by the nonprofit JUST Capital with CNBC, that assesses large companies performance on key issues including their treatment of workers, customer service, community service and environmental impact. Among Connecticut-headquartered companies, health insurer and pharmacy-benefit manager The Cigna Group ranked highest, at No. 6 overall and first among health care providers. Avangrid ranked No. 12 overall, and first among utilities companies. The Hartford placed No. 15 overall, and first among insurance companies, a category that Cigna was not included in. Eversource Energy ranked No. 38 overall, and third among utilities companies. Consumer financial-services firm Synchrony placed No. 48 overall, and fourth among transaction-processing companies. Our annual rankings reflect the performance of Americas largest publicly traded companies on the issues that matter most in defining just business behavior today, according to a summary of the rankings on JUST Capital's website. The issues and their weights in our model are determined by our polling of the American public. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Among companies that are not headquartered in Connecticut, but still have a large presence in the state, aerospace-and-defense giant RTX, the largest private-sector employer in Connecticut, ranked No. 69. Property-and-casualty insurer Travelers, whose largest office location is in Hartford, placed No. 85. Hewlett Packard Enterprise placed No. 1 among the 937 companies that were ranked. Bank of America, Accenture, Intel, Citigroup, Ecolab, Elevance Health, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), and Micron Technology rounded out the top 10. For this years rankings, JUST Capital said that it asked a representative sample of about 3,000 Americans to compare 20 business issues, on a head-to-head basis, producing a reliable hierarchy of issues ranked in order of priority. We then assigned each issue to the stakeholder either workers, customers, communities, the environment, or shareholders and governance it most impacts. JUST Capital added that, to produce the rankings, we collect and evaluate data from different sources on how each company actually performs across each of these issues and stakeholders. We do this in as fair, unbiased, and rigorous a way possible, taking care to gather the best and most reliable information we can. We share this analysis with each company we rank before we publish our findings, giving them the opportunity to provide feedback and share any additional or up-to-date data. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The founders of JUST Capital include Paul Tudor Jones II, who is the founder and chief investment officer of Stamford-based hedge fund manager Tudor Investment Corp. UN relief chief warns Israeli military operations in Rafah could lead to slaughter Xinhua) 09:11, February 14, 2024 GENEVA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza and put a fragile humanitarian operation at death's door, UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths warned Tuesday. In a statement issued here, he noted the warnings from the international community against the dangerous consequences of a ground invasion in Rafah in southern Gaza, saying that the government of Israel cannot continue to ignore these calls. He said people in Rafah and the rest of Gaza are victims of an assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope. Stressing that humanitarian workers have been doing the near-impossible to assist people in need for more than four months, he warned that "we lack the safety guarantees, the aid supplies and the staff capacity to keep this operation afloat." The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday cited the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza as reporting that another 133 Palestinians were killed, and 162 Palestinians were injured, mostly in Rafah and Khan Younis, by Israeli attacks within 24 hours. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Hartford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julio Concepcion, center, speaks at the opening of City Kebab House in January 2024. He is flanked by Yvonne Zhao, left, director of Small Business Initiatives and Support for the city of Hartford, and City Kebab House owner owner Aziza Djalmamedova, right. Liese Klein Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour's exterior as of December 2023. The new bar is expected to open around St. Patrick's Day 2024. Liese Klein Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam at the opening of City Kebab House on Main Street, a restaurant that opened in January 2024 with help from the city's Hart Lift business development program. Liese Klein HARTFORD Across the street from his office on Pratt Street, Hartford Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julio Concepcion can see workers put the finishing touches on the Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlour. Hes anticipating sipping on an old fashioned or another bourbon-based cocktail to celebrate the bars debut after long months of delays due to permitting and supply chain issues. Im really looking forward to it, Concepcion said of the bars opening, expected around St. Patricks Day. The owner got her start in Hartfords Parkville neighborhood with Wild Moon Liqueurs, so the cocktail bar represents organic business growth in the city, he added. The money that paid to renovate Hartford Flavor Cocktail Parlours location came in part from the chambers signature post-pandemic program, Hart Lift. Now that program is set to get another $3.5 million in funding as applications from entrepreneurs continue to stream into the chambers offices. We're still seeing a need, Concepcion said. We're still seeing a lot of entrepreneurs being very bullish about the city and wanting to move in but needing that little extra help to get them to be able to open their doors. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Most of that new funding comes via the city of Hartford, whose new mayor, Arunan Arulampalam, has committed to continuing the program. Under former mayor Luke Bronin, the city allocated part of its American Rescue Plan Act pandemic-relief package to Hart Lift seeking revival in business districts. It certainly was a huge success, played a big part in a lot of these businesses, Arulampalam said of Hart Lift in a recent interview. Its something that we intend to continue. Obviously, we don't have that same bank of ARPA funds that was used to create the program, but we're trying to find ways in which we can keep that going. Looking forward to the end of pandemic relief, Arulampalam said his administration would actively pursue other funding sources to continue successful programs like Hart Lift. My hope is that we all kind of take a look at the metrics that will work and find larger-scale state and federal funding to keep those things going, he said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fueled by a first round of $6 million in funding, Hart Lift has helped 63 businesses with another dozen or so in the pipeline since its launch in 2021, Concepcion said. Property owners with vacant storefront are eligible for grants of $50 per square foot, up to a limit of $150,000, with a pledge that owners outside of the downtown must match the grants at 50 percent. Hart Lift staff are focused on making sure the last 12 businesses are fully funded by the first rounds Dec. 31 deadline, Concepcion added. We're currently working with the city to make sure they're fully approved and we have the resources available to ensure that the grant payments are made on time. A cluster of the initial businesses helped have been on downtowns Pratt Street, a district that the city hopes to turn into a regional shopping and dining destination. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The next round of Hart Lift will likely focus more on outlying neighborhoods and properties that have been sitting dormant and blighting key Hartford intersections, Concepcion said. Two long-vacant storefronts that the chamber is focused on once housed bank branches at Trumbull and Asylum streets downtown. A restaurant group visited the location on Thursday to assess the potential of rebuilding the storefront as an eatery, Concepcion said. We believe it would be huge, Concepcion said of the potential of a new restaurant at the site. It'd be great for the city to activate those properties as we continue to really help connect the downtown. Includes prior reporting by Emily DiSalvo. Aquarion Water Company's Easton Lake Reservoir Treatment Plant in Easton. Eversource, the parent of Aquarion, said it will put the water utility up for sale. Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Eversource Energy said late Tuesday it will explore a possible sale of Aquarion Water Co., a decision that puts ongoing battles by Eversource and Aquarion against Connecticut state regulators into sharp focus. The energy giant, in its release of earnings for the last three months of 2023, told investors it "plans to launch a process evaluating market interest in a transaction for this business segment." The company said it can't yet give a timetable for selling Aquarion, the state's largest water utility with about 215,000 household and business customers in Connecticut, mostly in Fairfield and Litchfield counties. The announcement should send a clear message to policymakers: Eversource, based in Boston and Hartford with a large footprint in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut, will look to expand and invest money elsewhere if regulators will not allow the company to recover what it considers reasonable expenses. The release contained a hint of the toxic atmosphere of utility regulation for water as well as electricity in Connecticut. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although Aquarion, acquired by Eversource in 2017, has contributed to corporate profits, the release said, "a potential sale of the water business is an opportunity to reduce equity needs and improve regulatory diversity." Those three words, "improve regulatory diversity," may seem bureaucratic and dry but as corporate earnings releases go, they are fighting words. Translation: We're outta here." An Eversource spokesperson, William Hinkle, said the company would have no comment beyond the release Tuesday. Top executives are scheduled to speak with Wall Street analysts and investors Wednesday morning and the topic is certain to come up. The announcement comes as Aquarion and the state's Public Utilities Regulatory Authority are locked in a court battle over PURA's decision last March 15 to reject a $36 million rate hike request, an average of $61 per year, or 9 percent, for Aquarion's customers in Connecticut. It was Aquarion's first rate case in a decade. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Instead PURA, led by Marissa Gillett, a reformist lawyer appointed in 2019 by Lamont, ordered a $2 million rate cut in a stunning rebuke. A judge in New Britain state Superior Court quickly ordered a delay of the rate reduction pending the case, which is ongoing. The possible sale of Aquarion follows comments the water unit's CEO, Don Morrissey, made to me last summer in an interview, in which he said Aquarion would look to expand in other states as it buys independent water systems. "It is more attractive to invest elsewhere," Morrissey said at the time. "Rate decisions do have consequences." In its release Tuesday, Eversource announced a loss of $1.3 billion, or $3.68 a share, following writeoff totaling $1.6 billion, or $4.63 a share, as the company exits offshore wind. That writeoff was partially announced in January. The writeoff for the full year 2023 totaled $1.95 billion, or $5.58 a share, after taxes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Not including the wind charges, Eversource saw its full-year profit climb by 7 percent to $1.5 billion. Aquarion, a small part of the corporation, had profits of $31 million in 2023, down from $37 million a year earlier. Eversource also said that selling Aquarion would "reduce equity needs," meaning, raise cash without issuing additional stock to fund operations, which would weaken the company. A comment from Lamont's office focused on that angle. "This is a business decision," Lamont spokeswoman Julia Bergman said in a writen comment. "As Eversource indicated in its release, the company is in need of cash flow. We are all committed to working together to ensure that residents have access to a clean power system that is reliable and affordable." Why the need for cash? The wind power writeoffs by definition represent cash already spent, but the revenue Eversource hoped to realize by spending that money won't now come. More to the point in Connecticut, the regulatory fight is creating a cash crunch. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Eversource's huge electric distrubution business in the state, still legally called Connecticut Light & Power, has numerous disputes with Gillett and PURA over how much money it can collect from ratepayers tying up hundreds of millions of dollars. The company has told analysts and regulators that it won't invest significantly in Connecticut until the climate improves. Eversource shares are down 32 percent in the last 12 months, partly due to the wind power meltdown but also a sign that Wall Street doesn't like seeing all this money in dispute. Similarly, Orange-based Avangrid, the parent of United Illuminating, has battled with PURA including in a lawsuit underway now over rates. It's unclear how much Eversource might fetch for Aquarion. It bought the historic water utility in 2017 from a New York-based infrastructure holding company for just under $1.7 billion including cash and the assumption of debt. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A sale of Aquarion would not immediately affect water rates, quality or service, as the company is regulated by PURA. The news comes as larger water companies nationwide, including the parent of Connecticut Water Co., are consolidating by buying small systems set up in a different era systems that are not equipped to handle harsher global warming storms and PFAS remediation, both of which require big outlays. Other reasons aside, the uncomfortable reality is that this possible sale of Aquarion is a shot across the bow of a Lamont ship that has been sailing along very nicely since the pandemic. This is not 2016, when companies such as Aetna, General Electric and United Technologies complained about taxes and left or threatened to leave. Lamont can't allow this standoff to slow the state's momentum. He and lawmakers tweaking the rules must sail through a narrow channel without either caving in to the utilities or allowing PURA under Gillett to beat them so hard that they stop investing, and courts reverse PURA's decisions. The boat won't float through that channel by itself. These waters are too angry for that. Abby Weiss is a Fairfield County native and features reporter for CT Insider. She graduated with a B.S. in journalism at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in May 2022. She writes about entertainment and interesting people in Connecticut, such as a Danbury pilot who helped inspire the Amazon Prime movie On a Wing and a Prayer, a Yale psychologist helping displaced Ukrainian families and a Connecticut filmmaker who was chosen for an all-civilian SpaceX trip to the moon. She also speaks with experts uncovering Connecticuts history, including information about the states suffragettes of color and New Havens LGBTQ community. Abby is passionate about reporting on the environment, and in the past year, she's reported on Connecticut's unusually warm winter and the impacts of the 2022 summer drought. Shes also written about Connecticuts child marriage ban and rent prices impact on Gen Z. She has written climate stories for InsideClimate News and Callaway Climate Insights, and interned for The New York Post. Andrew DaRosa is a SPJ award-winning journalist who has worked at Hearst Connecticut Media Group since 2018. He currently works as a Senior Audience Producer and a Trending Reporter for CT Insider and also runs the SEEN section. He can often be found covering Connecticuts expanding music scene, supposedly haunted sites around the state or keeping track of big winners in the Connecticut Lottery. He has been at the forefront of multiple music-related stories around Connecticut, including the Sound On Sound music festival. With a passion for music, over the past decade, Andrew has interviewed members of Judas Priest, Goose, The National, Trey Anatasio Band, The Head and the Heart and Maren Morris. Originally from Massachusetts, Andrew graduated from Fairfield University in 2018 with a degree in digital journalism. Since working for Hearst Connecticut, Andrew has become a four-time winner of Connecticut Society of Professional Journalism awards for his coverage of Connecticut band Goose, hiking the state and his human interest stories. When he isnt writing about Ed and Lorraine Warren or jam bands, Andrew can be found going to concerts with his wife or hanging out with his cat, Spud. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewmdarosa Some local residents are concerned over a Moms for Liberty meeting scheduled at the Simsbury Library, and whether or not that should be allowed. Steven Goode/Hearst Media Ct SIMSBURY Some local residents are questioning the Simsbury Public Library's policies after a controversial group was scheduled to meet at the library. Moms for Liberty, a conservative Florida-based group, was scheduled to meet at the Simsbury Public Library on Jan. 29. That evening, Farmington Valley residents gathered outside the library for a peaceful protest, holding signs like "No Place for Hate in Simsbury" and "Inclusion is a Parental Right." Moms for Liberty has been labeled a "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center. According to the Moms for Liberty, the group's mission is "dedicated to fighting for the survival of America by unifying, educating, and empowering parents to defend their parental rights at all levels of government." The group host a symposium in nearby Avon in October. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While the Simsbury meeting never happened, Farmington resident Amanda Gorman said the fact that the group was allowed to meet there in the first place was concerning in itself. Many residents also voiced on social media that the group meeting at the library was a harmful issue. I feel like our libraries have a duty to provide services to the community responsibly and safely," Gorman said. "And that includes ensuring it remains a safe space for people of all races, cultures, genders, and sexualities." On Feb. 6, the Simsbury Library sent out a message to the community about the meeting and the library's policies. "First, whether or not the Library may choose which groups may meet in the building is not merely subject to the Librarys policies," the statement says. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Library Director Lisa Karim Miceli said that the library's meeting spaces are held to the First Amendment. "So that's not a library policy," she said. "That's part of the Constitution." Miceli added that the Simsbury Library also follows the American Library Association's Bill of Rights, which says that says that when libraries that makes their spaces available to the public, those spaces should be available on an equitable basis, regardless of beliefs, affiliations, and things that the group stands for, she said. "Legal precedent holds that libraries may not exclude any group based on the subject matter to be discussed or the ideas for which the group advocates," according to the American Library Association. "However, if a group's actions during a meeting disrupt or harass others in the library, library policies regarding acceptable behavior may apply. If libraries adopt policies that are perceived to restrict potentially controversial groups access to meeting rooms, they may face legal and financial consequences." Advertisement Article continues below this ad But that reasoning just seemed illogical, Gorman said. "Under that logic, it appears that we could feel free to serve, you know, the KKK." I think there's a risk to bringing groups that have been labeled extremist, and have a history of objectionable behavior and tactics clearly with partisan agendas, and one of whose main missions is to ban books, specifically books relevant to race, culture, and gender identity," Gorman said. "I think you have a potential threatening impact to the safety of the community and the ability of citizens and community members to safely use public services. Miceli said it was important to emphasize that the library in no way endorses the beliefs of the groups that use its spaces. "In fact, Moms for Liberty's beliefs are totally contradictory to what the library believes and stands for." But Gorman said she felt that the Simsbury Library should adopt a policy like what libraries in West Hartford and Farmington have, which are more limited in what groups can use the library's space. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "The meeting room shall not be used for political campaign activities or rallies, partisan events, religious assemblies, or fundraisers, except those which may benefit the library," according to the Farmington Libraries Meeting Room Rules and Procedures. West Hartford's policy has similar language. Miceli said she was not familiar with those polices. "I just would hope that the library will indeed, you look at the actual legal responsibilities it has with respect to limited public forums and think about kind of the potential risk and negative impacts to the community of not having more finer parameters for these policies," Gorman said. Regardless of what groups meet in the library, Miceli said, if the library has public meeting spaces, they have to make them available to everyone, no matter what they believe and their philosophies. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A 51,892-square-foot Big Y grocery store is under construction on South Main Street near the intersection with Randolph Road. A soft opening is planned for mid-May. Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media MIDDLETOWN Construction on a new, 51,892-square-foot Big Y in the south end of the city is moving along smoothly, with a soft opening planned for mid-May, officials said. The grocery store is located off Route 17 (South Main Street) in Middletown, close to the intersection of Route 155 (Randolph Road). Once open, the family-owned market, based in Springfield, Mass., is expected to generate 150 new full-time positions, officials said at the groundbreaking in April. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Local developer Mike Stone, a partner at Stone Point Properties, was granted a special zoning code exception to build the market in September. A 51,892-square-foot Big Y grocery store is under construction on South Main Street near the intersection with Randolph Road. A soft opening is planned for mid-May. Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media Over the course of some 15 years, he has overseen several projects, including Main Street Market, the old Capitol Theater, and the design and development of the Wesleyan RJ Julia Booksellers building on Main Street, Stone has told Planning and Zoning Commission members. A Big Y supermarket is coming to South Main Street in Middletown, and expected to open by early this summer. Land Use office renderings, Big Y / Contributed photo A Big Y supermarket is coming to South Main Street in Middletown, and expected to open by early this summer. Land Use office renderings, Big Y / Contributed photo The majority of the site work is complete due to favorable weather this winter, according to Environmental Planner James Sipperly, who works in the Land Use Department. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The binder or first base coat of pavement has been laid, with the final layer expected to go in by mid-spring, as long as the weather cooperates, he said. Because conditions have been so favorable, Sipperly said, in most of the areas that were disturbed, topsoil has been put down to stabilize the soil, along with hay and geotextile mats over that to lock everything in so theres no erosion on the site. Crews are already starting work on creating a turning lane at the entrance after obtaining final permission from the state Department of Transportation, he added. A traffic light will also be installed, according to the plans. Vegetation and trees are also being removed near the Pine Grove Cemetery across the street, Sipperly said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A 51,892-square-foot Big Y grocery store is under construction on South Main Street near the intersection with Randolph Road. The roadway is being widened to accommodate a turning lane. Cassandra Day / Hearst Connecticut Media Many residents are heralding the Big Y coming to town, while some point out that traffic will likely increase in the busy area. Andrew Curran and Jennifer Mayo Curran, who live on Pine Street, are concerned about how dangerous some of the nearby streets without sidewalks may become, especially Bretton Road, Stevens Lane and upper Pine Street, Andrew Curran said. "Although people arent really thinking about this, these roads will become feeders for the bigger roads (e.g., Highland) that lead to the Big Y. If you drive down these streets, you will see that there are a lot of dog walkers and people with babies in strollers on these roads," he noted. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Overall, we are happy to have better shopping around here, Curran added. The national retailer was founded in 1936 by the grandfather of Big Y co-owner Matt D'Amour. The company has 65 stores in Connecticut and Massachusetts, plus 13 "express" stores. It has nearly 11,000 employees, and routinely donates to food banks and area nonprofit organizations, he said last spring. In this file photo, developer JR Hargraves-Carnegie, left, and John Mills are shown at the 545 Main St. building in Middletown where African-born Prince Mortimer was forced to work in the shipbuilding industry. Mills, who has been researching the life of Mortimer, has asked the Common Council to honor Mortimer by adding his name to Rapallo Avenue. John Mills / Contributed photo John Mills looks over copies of documents about Middletown slave Prince Mortimer. The documents include two wills of Philip Mortimer, which promised Prince his freedom but were invalidated in court, leaving Prince in slavery. Alex Wood / Hearst Connecticut Media Group John Mills in his Bloomfield home. Alex Wood / Hearst Connecticut Media Group MIDDLETOWN Everybody likes a story of an underdog who overcomes adversity to triumph. The story of Prince Mortimer, who spent most of his life enslaved in Middletown, is not like that. At least, not while he was alive. Mortimer spent more than 20 years at the end of his life in prisons, where conditions were harsh, before dying at a Wethersfield prison in 1834, at an age that the three doctors who performed an autopsy estimated at between 110 and 120, according to John Mills, of Bloomfield. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Yet Mills, a software engineer for Cigna Healthcare who has delved into the thin historical record about Mortimer, finds a deeply personal meaning in his story. I see him as a symbol of just continual endurance, Mills told the Common Council last week, during a presentation calling for the honorary naming of Rapallo Avenue for Mortimer. Just as Mortimer endured, Mills said, the endurance of Mills family members who survived slavery allows me to exist today. Mills said he began researching his genealogy after realizing in the 1980s and 1990s that I had these biases against my skin color, myself. In 2022, he founded the nonprofit, Alex Breanne Corp., which he said does interrogation into a lot of the stories of the formerly enslaved to raise awareness of slavery and its reverberating effects. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although Rapallo Avenue did not exist during Prince Mortimers lifetime, it now runs along the side of what was Philip Mortimers estate, where Prince Mortimer and his other slaves lived as well, Mills said. The Common Council last week unanimously approved an ordinance allowing honorary names to be added to existing street names. Mills said an application will now have to be filed to add Prince Mortimers name to Rapallo Avenue. If the application is approved, a sign honoring Prince Mortimer will be added to the Rapallo Avenue sign, as is done in New York and other cities. Existing maps and addresses will remain valid. Mills is not the first to research Prince Mortimers story. Advertisement Article continues below this ad There was some information on him in an 1844 book, Newgate of Connecticut, where author Richard H. Phelps delved into the Newgate Prison in East Granby. In 2006 came the publication of lawyer Denis R Carons book, A Century in Captivity: The Life And Trials of Prince Mortimer, a Connecticut Slave. Mills has built on that work with his own research. Mortimer was from Guinea in West Africa, where a slaver captured him on the coast when he was a boy, according to Phelps' book. "(Prince) was transported in a filthy slave ship to Connecticut, then a slave colony, and was sold to one of the Mortimer family in Middletown, Phelps wrote. He was a servant to different officers in the Revolutionary War; had been sent on errands by General Washington and said he had straddled many a cannon when fired by the Americans at the British troops. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Philip Mortimer had a business known as a ropewalk, off Middletowns Main Street that manufactured rope for the rigging of sailing ships. A ropewalk was a long, narrow building in which fibers were spun into ropes that could be 1,000 feet long. Prince Mortimer was one of the skilled workers who would walk backward feeding out hemp fibers that were wrapped around his waist to be spun into the rope, Mills said. Its a tiring, grueling kind of job back then to make rope, Mills said. Philip Mortimer made at least two wills, the first giving Prince his freedom three years after Philips death and the second giving him freedom immediately after Philip died, along with all of Philip Mortimers other slaves. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the husband of Mortimers adoptive daughter, Ann Catherine, successfully challenged both wills in court, Mills said. The effect of the court decision was to snatch away Prince Mortimers chance at freedom and make him the slave of Philip Mortimers son-in-law, George Starr, Mills said. Some 17 years later, Starr accused Prince Mortimer of trying to poison him by putting arsenic in his morning chocolate drink. Another slave, Jack Mortimer, was accused of acquiring the arsenic and persuading Prince Mortimer to put it in the chocolate, Mills said. Records indicate that the case against Jack did not lead to a conviction, Mills said, while Prince was convicted in a courthouse Starr had helped pay for. Prince was sentenced to life in prison and incarcerated at Newgate Prison, a former copper mine where prisoners were kept underground, although four above-ground cells were built eventually, Mills said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prince Mortimer, an elderly prisoner who represented no danger to anyone, would be allowed to walk out the door, buy alcohol at a tavern across the street and even bring some back for other prisoners, Mills said. After the Newgate Prison closed in 1827, Mortimer was moved to the new Wethersfield State Prison. At some point in his years of incarceration, Mortimer was released. He may have had a daughter named Zilpha. Mills is uncertain whether he was her father or another Prince Mortimer, in that slaves were often given common names. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In any event, she and her husband had moved to New York by the time Prince was released from prison, Mills said. Mortimer went back to Middletown but found no one he knew still there. He went back to the prison and begged them to let him back in, Mills said. OSAKA, Feb 14 (News On Japan) - This summer, Osaka's symbol, Tsutenkaku, will unveil a new attraction, and reporter Maho Yamamoto got a sneak preview. Yamamoto started her adventure at the iconic Tsutenkaku, strapped in a safety harness, and took a walk around the tower at a height of 26 meters above ground, admitting, "It's a bit scary." The real challenge, however, was the "Dive & Walk" attraction, allowing participants to jump from approximately 40 meters down to 14 meters. "It's insane. I thought I was calm until I got here," Yamamoto confessed before her jump. Despite her confidence in heights, Yamamoto hesitated at the final moment, saying, "Wait, wait, can I wait a moment, please?" But with no turning back, she faced the leap from 40 meters high. Tsutenkaku is known for its "Tower Slider," a massive slide introduced in May 2022 as a response to the declining tourist numbers due to the pandemic. With 1,137,613 visitors in the fiscal year 2023, the numbers nearly reached the pre-pandemic level of 1.15 million, indicating a strong recovery. The new "Dive & Walk" attraction, costing about 300 million yen, aims to continue this trend by appealing to the increasing demand for experiential attractions, especially among international tourists. Takamitsu Takai, President of Tsutenkaku Tourism, hopes this attraction will boost Osaka and the Kansai region's appeal leading up to the Kansai World Expo. Finally, Yamamoto took the dive, exclaiming, "I thought I was going to die. It feels like my life has changed." As Tsutenkaku evolves with this new attraction, it stands to become a catalyst for Osaka's economic revival. Source: YOMIURI TOKYO, Feb 14 (News On Japan) - The purpose behind Chinese purchases of Japanese real estate is evolving. We delved into the phenomenon of Chinese wealthy individuals buying up condominiums for residential purposes. From "Pilgrimage" Crowds to Proposals at Mount Fuji During the Chinese New Year, many Chinese tourists visit Japan, including Kamakura's crossing, made famous by the anime "Slam Dunk." The site has become a "pilgrimage" spot for Chinese tourists. One couple, traveling in Japan for the Chinese New Year, got engaged at the foot of Mount Fuji, inspired by a famous Chinese song about the iconic mountain. Purchasing a 160 Million Condo for Residence, Not Investment In this era of unique personal travel, we encountered Mr. Li, a Shanghai-based e-commerce entrepreneur, who came to Tokyo with his family to look for a luxury condo. They quickly decided on a 2LDK, 72 square meter condo priced at 160 million, finding it reasonably priced and conveniently located near JR Suidobashi Station. Contrary to expectations of investment-driven purchases, Mr. Li bought the condo for residential purposes, planning to split his time between Shanghai and Tokyo. He is also considering obtaining permanent residency in Japan and potentially relocating his business to the country. "I Want to Live in Japan" - Attracted by Stability Similarly, Ms. Shi, a Hong Kong-based investment consultant originally from Shanghai, purchased a 3LDK, 92 square meter condo in Nishi-Shinjuku for 180 million. Fluent in Japanese from her student days in Japan, she plans to eventually return and live in Japan, attracted by the country's economic and social stability. The Trend of Buying for Residency Accelerates in Recent Years The real estate company YAK in Ueno, Tokyo, which facilitated these transactions, reports that 80% of its clients are foreigners, predominantly Chinese. The trend of Chinese individuals buying condos in Japan for residency purposes has accelerated in recent years. Professor Tomoko Ako from the University of Tokyo explains that the uncertain economic situation in China and concerns about the future of national governance are driving wealthy Chinese to establish bases outside China, not just for investment but for personal use in case of emergencies. Source: ANN TOKYO, Feb 14 (News On Japan) - Keidanren Chairman, Masakazu Tokura, expressed his support for the introduction of a "selective separate surnames system" that would allow married couples to retain their individual surnames. Keidanren Chairman Masakazu Tokura stated, "I personally believe that we should implement the selective separate surnames system. I don't understand why it has been shelved for such a long time. I've heard that Japan is the only country in the world that doesn't have this system." Tokura highlighted the business-related issues caused by the current system that mandates couples to have the same surname. For example, women who use their maiden names professionally may face difficulties when their passport names differ during overseas work. Additionally, changing one's surname can impact the continuity of one's academic career in research papers. He urged the government to prioritize this issue as a key step in supporting women's work styles. The Ministry of Justice notes that Japan is the only country in the world that legally requires married couples to have the same surname. Keidanren plans to compile recommendations for the introduction of the selective separate surnames system and submit them to the government. Source: TBS TOKYO, Feb 15 (News On Japan) - With discussions on improving teacher salaries commencing at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's expert panel, active teachers have called for the abolition of the "Kyutoku Law" (Special Law on the Salaries of Teachers and School Staff), which they say contributes to long working hours. Professor Yuki Honda from the University of Tokyo stated, "The law allows for work to be assigned infinitely for a fixed salary. As long as the Kyutoku Law exists, the workload and working hours for teachers can expand indefinitely." High school teacher Yuji Nishimura expressed his distress over the discussions, saying, "Today's discussion was too painful to listen to. I hope the participants realize that every word they say in the discussion can either save or destroy teachers' lives." Former elementary school teacher Hirotada Ototake and active teachers held a press conference on the 14th, advocating for the abolition of the Kyutoku Law, which stipulates that teachers receive a 4% salary increase instead of overtime pay. The press conference was held in response to the commencement of discussions on the nature of teacher salaries by the Ministry's expert panel. The speakers emphasized that the discussions should be based on the premise that there are inherent problems with the Kyutoku Law itself. The expert panel is expected to present a general direction on the issue by spring this year. Source: ANN Ukraine fired at least eight missiles at Russias Belgorod border region, killing two people and wounding 12, local officials said Thursday, as Kyivs forces apparently kept up efforts to rattle the Kremlin on the eve of Russias presidential election that is taking place amid a ruthless cra District 19 state Sen. Robert Dover is sponsoring legislation during the 2024 Unicameral term that could make it easier for Nebraska agriculture producers to provide health care for their families. Legislative Bill 1313 will allow nonprofit agricultural membership organizations to offer health benefit plans to their members. In his remarks on the proposed legislation, Dover emphasized two key points to the bill: The health care plans are not health typical insurance plans, and they will make health care coverage affordable for many ag-producing families that might not be able to afford coverage currently. Dover said health care coverage plans, such as the ones being proposed through his legislation, were initiated by the Farm Bureau of Tennessee following widespread changes to health insurance coverage after the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Back before the Affordable Care Act, different insurance companies would contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield and have a custom health care insurance plan that they would offer, and different insurance companies could offer different plans. The Farm Bureau of Tennessee decided not to go that route and had the ability to administer their own plan. After the passage of the ACA, while many health insurance plans went by the wayside, the Farm Bureau of Tennessee plan remained intact because it was not technically an insurance plan. Dover said four other states have also adopted similar plans following Tennessee, those being Texas, Iowa, South Dakota and Kansas. These health coverage plans are similar to plans that have been offered through faith-based providers such as Medi-Share or OneShare Health. Under Dovers plan, participants would have to work in an ag-producing family or business and would need to be a member of an agricultural nonprofit organization offering a health coverage plan. Plan premiums would be kept low because plan administrators have more flexibility to determine who can participate in the plans and who cant. The health benefit plans would offer many of the services typically offered under traditional health insurance plans, including office visits, hospitalization, preventive care, emergency room services and maternity care. Mental health and substance abuse care also would be covered. Passage of Dovers bill does not create a health plan per se but rather opens the door for agricultural nonprofit organizations to offer plans to their members. After Tuesdays subcommittee hearing on LB 1313, Dover said he hopes the bill can be expedited to the floor of the Legislature for a vote in the coming weeks. He added that at this point, the bill has widespread support from his colleagues in the Unicameral. 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. As it continues to deepen its isolation in its immediate neighbourhood, the blunders of a military-controlled diplomacy have ensued new setbacks in ties with Saudi Arabia, where Algerias genuine ruler general Said Chengriha has spent more than ten days without being able to meet Saudi leader Mohamed Bin Salman. Chengriha, who pulls the strings of the Algerian government and foreign policy, has been waiting since February 3 to meet Saudi leader Mohamad Bin Salman in vain. Old Chengriha attended a defense show and met the young Saudi defense minister, 42 years younger than him. The media also reported that as Chengriha was waiting for an improbable meeting with Bin Salman, he rejected an Omar offer by the Saudi defense ministry, a tradition and show of generosity from the Saudi ministry to its Muslim guests. Chengriha seeks to complain to the Saudis of Morocco and the UAE, two countries on which Algeria has pinned its recent diplomatic setbacks, Algerian analysts said. They also think that Algeria is worried about the frank and tangible support of Saudi Arabia for Morocco on the Sahara issue, with outspoken positions in support of Moroccos sovereignty over the territory both at the Arab and international levels. The Saudi Crown Prince had ordered that all Saudi administrations should use the full map of Morocco including its Sahara territories. The return of Chengriha without meeting Crown Prince Bin Salman would reflect the status of new Algeria as a country whose leadership is increasingly shunned by great powers and regional players. Worsening ties with the GCC leaders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, relations in limbo with Spain and France, Moscow taking its distances with Algiers, and Algerias near rupture of ties with Sahel countries not to mention the cold-war with Morocco. These are all indicators of a military-run diplomacy that reaped a series of set-backs in defense of an Algerian-created chimera of having a separatist entity in Moroccos Sahara. Spain has officially reaffirmed that the Moroccan Autonomy Plan for the Sahara, presented in 2007, is the most serious, realistic and credible basis for the resolution of this dispute and underlined the importance of Sahara issue for Morocco. This came in a written response by the Government to the question asked at the congress by deputy Jon Inarritu of the Basque party EH BILDU on the official position of the Spanish government concerning the Sahara issue. In its written response, focusing on four essential points, the Spanish Government underlined that Spains position is fully consistent with international legality as reported by the Head of Government during the UN General Assembly in September 2023 which was based on the provisions of point 1 of the (Spanish-Moroccan) Joint Declaration of April 2022 and point 8 of the Joint Declaration of February 2023 which affirm that Spain recognizes the importance of the Sahara question for Morocco as well as the serious and credible efforts made by Morocco within the framework of the United Nations to find a mutually acceptable solution. As such, Spain considers the Moroccan autonomy initiative, presented in 2007, as the most serious, realistic, and credible basis for the resolution of this dispute. The Governments answer also affirmed that Spain is in favor of a mutually acceptable solution within the framework of the Charter of the United Nations and the resolutions of the Security Council; and that it unconditionally supports the efforts of the personal envoy of the United Nations Secretary General for the Sahara. It added that Spain will always support the Sahrawi population in the Tindouf camps and will forever remain the leading donor of humanitarian aid on the European and international level. This response of the Spanish executive concerning the Sahara issue triggered the anger and indignation of the Polisario separatists and their Spanish relays. Moroccos newly appointed ambassador to the United States, Youssef Amrani, on Tuesday presented his letters of appointment to the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, as the Kingdoms Permanent Observer to the OAS. During the letters presentation ceremony held at the headquarters of the regional institution in Washington, Amrani underlined the importance attached by Morocco to the OAS, the first regional forum for political discussion, policy analysis and decision-making in Western Hemisphere affairs. He also welcomed the relations of friendship and cooperation between the Kingdom and the member states of this Pan-American organization, based on mutual respect and shared prosperity. The diplomat and the OAS Secretary General Almagro seized this opportunity to review means to further develop relations between Morocco and the Pan-American organization, as well as possible areas for the expansion of cooperation. Mr. Amrani stressed Moroccos commitment to strengthening political dialogue with this regional institution and to promoting a more fruitful and in-depth exchange in areas of common interest. We greatly appreciate the Kingdom of Moroccos role as a Permanent Observer and its interest in strengthening dialogue and cooperation with the OAS and Latin America and the Caribbean, Almagro told MAP. The OAS values the importance of building stronger ties between the Americas and African countries to address common global challenges, and thanks Morocco for its leadership, he added. The OAS brings together all 35 independent states of the Americas and constitutes the main political, juridical, and social governmental forum in the Hemisphere. Morocco is a permanent observer at the OAS since November 1981. The organization uses a four-pronged approach to effectively implement its essential purposes, based on its main pillars: democracy, human rights, security, and development. Germanys Power-to-X Development Fund has unveiled a significant 270 million grant opportunity aimed at enhancing hydrogen production in select countries, including Morocco, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Brazil, Georgia, and India. This initiative, launched in 2023 and supported by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development, represents a crucial step toward advancing green hydrogen industries globally. The grant, provided as non-repayable funds, seeks to bolster project profitability and facilitate additional financing options for industrial ventures focused on hydrogen. With an application deadline set for March 1, interested parties are invited to submit proposals outlining projects that meet specific criteria under the program, with the potential to secure grants of up to 30 million. Thomas Engelmann, head of PtX, emphasizes the funds commitment to supporting projects exceeding 100 million, particularly those driving innovation in industries heavily reliant on hydrogen, such as ammonia, methanol, synthetic fuels, and various chemical processes powered by renewable electricity. The funding scope spans various stages of the PtX value chain, including renewable energy production, electrolysis, compression, storage, and hydrogen transport. Engelmann highlights plans to distribute funds across eight to ten projects over multiple submission rounds, with investments slated from 2024 to 2027. Janne Rajpar, director of the KfW office in Rabat, expressed confidence in Moroccos readiness to leverage these grants, citing the maturity of local projects, while Florian Ziegler, also from KfW, highlighted Germanys commitment not only to advancing green hydrogen industries in Morocco but also to facilitating skill transfers and job creation. Export opportunities to Europe are encouraged but not obligatory for funding eligibility, Ziegler clarified. In recent years, Morocco, along with other designated beneficiary countries, has been actively welcoming investments in green hydrogen, recognizing its potential for cost-effective green fuel production. Actually, converging reports show that sourcing green hydrogen from Morocco has several benefits, making it a good option for producing environmentally friendly fuel at a lower cost. Green hydrogen is currently regarded as an eco-friendly alternative to oil. As the global shift towards more sustainable practices accelerates, there is a projected exponential increase in the demand for green hydrogen. Reports also revealed that Europe is already planning substantial investments in green hydrogen and solar panel projects, primarily involving Morocco, Egypt, and southern Africa, and highlighted the continents potential to become a key player in the global hydrogen market. As the world transitions toward more sustainable energy practices, the demand for green hydrogen is expected to rise exponentially. The European Investment Bank estimates Africas capacity for green hydrogen production to represent a 1 trillion-euro investment opportunity, with projections suggesting the continent could achieve an annual production capacity of 50 million tons by 2035 at a highly competitive price of $2 per kilogram or less. Photo: John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock Of all the corruption-adjacent gifts Senator Robert Menendez allegedly accepted in recent years, the most memorable has to be the gold bars, worth over $100,000, that FBI agents found in his home. So far, the senator and his wife, Nadine Menendez, who is also implicated in allegations of bribery, have not stated publicly why the bars were there or why Robert was searching online for how much is one kilo of gold worth. But in a filing late on Monday, prosecutors said that Menendez and his wife have both explained where they got the gold. One staffer interviewed said the senator had informed them that the gold had come from Nadine Menendezs deceased mother. Mrs. Menendez allegedly made the same claim when speaking to a jeweler. But according to prosecutors, this was a false cover story to hide the items provenance: New Jersey businessmen allegedly looking to bribe Menendez in exchange for political favors. In December, NBC New York reported that four of the gold bars found in Menendezs home had serial numbers matching those stolen from a New Jersey real-estate developer named Fred Daibes in 2013. Daibes has pleaded not guilty to charges that he bribed Menendez in exchange for the senator leaning on a U.S. attorney who was overseeing an unrelated bank-fraud case against Daibes. In a statement in January, Menendez claimed that he will provide a full explanation of what is the truth regarding the gold bars at his trial, which is scheduled to begin May 6. Photo: Contributor/Getty Images On Wednesday morning, House Intelligence chair Mike Turner delivered a cryptic and concerning announcement. His committee, he said, had told all of Congress about information containing a serious national security threat from a destabilizing foreign military capability. The Republican did not provide more information, leading to wide speculation, not all of it serious, over the specifics. Was war with Russia at our doorstep? Did Congress finally have some proof of aliens in our midst? That first question is at least near the right ballpark: According to ABC News, U.S. Intelligence officials say the intel is related to Russian plans to put a nuclear weapon in space. At first, that sounds like a Cold War Bond movie, which is to say pretty frightening. But sources familiar with the intelligence told ABC News that such a nuke would not be deployed on Earth but potentially used on satellites already in orbit. Which is still quite bad, but less than total-world-destruction bad. One low-yield (10-20 kt), high altitude (125-300 km) nuclear explosion could disable in weeks to months ALL LEO [low earth orbit] satellites not specifically hardened to withstand radiation generated by that explosion. https://t.co/bYrkyxEMel pic.twitter.com/g7UxWA8qET Matthew Pines (@matthew_pines) February 14, 2024 After Turner caused alarm with his vague announcement, others in D.C. urged calm. Democrat Jim Himes, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the warning was not a cause for panic. On Thursday, National Security Council coordinator John Kirby confirmed that the matter is related to an anti-satellite capability that Russia is developing, but there is no immediate threat to anyones safety. Some Republicans were frustrated with Turners unusual statement. Rep. Andy Ogles urged Speaker Mike Johnson to open an inquiry into Turner and the reckless disregard he showed. Matt Gaetz said that Turner was gaslighting the country. In his defense, Turner added that his committee worked in consultation with the White House before notifying Congress of the alleged threat. Another detail in the Post may explain why Turner pulled this move in the first place. The information in question was obtained by intelligence officials under an electronic-surveillance law, Section 702, that is currently being debated in Congress; it allows the National Security Agency to obtain emails, texts, and phone calls from non-Americans living abroad. Turner is fighting to keep the provision, so it appears his scare tactic might have been a political ploy even if the threat he described is real, at least theoretically. Photo: Peter Foley/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock On Tuesday night, Democratic former congressman Tom Suozzi defeated Republican county legislator Mazi Pilip, winning back the seat he once held and cutting into the GOPs razor-thin hold on the House of Representatives. The special election to replace the infamous George Santos was seen as a testing ground for the strength of both parties messaging ahead of the primaries and November elections. But to others, the factors that make up a special election are too specific to its district to use to predict outcomes for other races in 2024. As the dust begins to settle, here are some of the possible takeaways for November if any. Democrats have a new playbook for immigration During a short campaign, immigration quickly emerged as the districts leading issue. Pilip attempted to paint her opponent as weak on border security. In turn, Suozzi ran to the middle, acknowledging that the state was dealing with an influx of migrants from the southern border but pointing to GOP obstructionism as proof that Republicans would prefer to use the issue as a political cudgel than to solve it. His points were underlined by recent events in Washington, D.C. House Republicans stymied a bipartisan immigration and border Senate package, and House Speaker Mike Johnson led an unsuccessful vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, claiming that he had mishandled the border. Mayorkas was ultimately impeached during a second vote held on Tuesday along party lines. Kyle Kondik, managing editor at Sabatos Crystal Ball, noted that Suozzi made immigration a key part of his campaign and went on the offensive when Republicans tried to wield the issue against him. Republicans were salivating over President Bidens horrible approval rating on immigration and the prospect of it being a giant weapon in this and future elections. It was not that kind of weapon in NY-3, and congressional Republicans decision to not even attempt to pass a border security package negotiated by Democrats and Republicans in the Senate gives Democrats some ammo on this issue, too, he wrote. House Majority PAC, which invested heavily in the race, concluded in a memo that Democrats can use immigration as a winning issue moving forward. It is imperative for Democrats to take the fight to Republicans and hammer them on their failure to support the Senates bipartisan border security bill. House Republicans bent the knee to Trump on immigration and have made it clear that they care more about MAGA extremism than the American people, it read. Tom Bonier, a senior adviser at the Democratic data firm TargetSmart, said Republicans defeat of the border bill had an impact on their messaging in New York. Immigration backfired for the GOP, esp in the context of their legislative failure, he wrote on X. Local success doesnt mean national success Nate Cohn, chief political analyst with the New York Times, suggested that Suozzis history in the district as well as the particular dynamics of the race make it difficult to use the elections results to get a sense of President Bidens chances in November. New York and Long Island specifically has been terrific for Republicans in the last few years. This may have been a Biden district, but Mr. Santos won by 10 points in 2022 and the polls continue to show Republicans faring well here heading into 2024, he wrote. Suozzi seemed to make a point of distancing himself from the president and did not campaign with Biden at all during the race. On the other side, Pilip at first appeared reluctant to talk about Trump, who also did not make an appearance on the campaign trail. But as the race drew to a close, she embraced the former president more, admitting that she did vote for him in 2020. In return, Trump took to TruthSocial and seemed to blame Pilips loss on her reluctance to embrace him, calling her a very foolish woman. Jacob Rubashkin, the deputy editor of Inside Elections, said ahead of Election Day that the special election is too much of an outlier to glean information from for big-picture predictions about the cycle. NY-3 is like the worst special election for national takes because its so out of the norm. Its the most expensive media market. Long Island is the place that zags when the rest of the state and country zigs. The Democrat is a former congressman. The county parties run the show, he wrote on X. A seat safe from redistricting One issue looming as New York prepares for several close House races is a new congressional map, courtesy of the states independent redistricting commission. After a lengthy legal battle, the Court of Appeals ruled last year that the panel needs to redraw the states House lines and submit them to the Legislature, which could have significant implications for the 2024 races. Though Suozzi ran using the map already in place, he will be defending his seat in November under new district lines. The commission is scheduled to meet Thursday and is expected to vote on a new map proposal. Dave Wasserman, senior editor of Cook Political Report, thinks Suozzi will likely face an easier race in November following state Democrats successful challenge against the old map. Theres speculation the commissions Democrats could seek GOP support for a plan that shores up Suozzi and Hudson Valley Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan (NY-18) while protecting several GOP incumbents. One way or another, theres a decent chance Suozzi will end up with a more favorable district by November, he wrote in his analysis of Tuesdays results. Majority Democrats flexed their muscle on the legislature's Labor and Public Employees Committee on Tuesday, rejecting Republican attempts to nip several proposed bills in the bud before they would have been drafted for public hearings. During a virtual meeting, at the late morning and early afternoon height of the snowstorm, state Sen. Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, co-chairwoman of the labor panel, said proposals to regulate the pay of rideshare drivers; ban some employee noncompete clauses; and require employers to provide more-predictable scheduling, are nearly identical to bills that failed in recent years. State Sen. Rob Sampson and state Rep. Steve Weir, the top Republicans on the panel, criticized the proposals, which despite their opposition will be drafted and head for public hearings in the short, now-12-week-long General Assembly session. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sampson recalled last year's ridesharing legislation, which would have increased pay and expenses for Uber and Lyft drivers, as "pretty onerous regulations that might do damage to that industry and the people that are employed therein." Democrats dominate the committee 8-4. Democrats have a 97-54 majority in the House of Representatives and a 24-12 edge in the Senate, giving them clear legislative majorities on all committees except the bipartisan Regulation Review panel, which is evenly divided. Sampson said that state lawmakers should not have the right to regulate non-compete agreements, because it interjects with capitalism and the free market. "I have a big problem in the way our Connecticut General Assembly has over the years incrementally interfered with private contracts by suggesting we need policy to prevent the parties to those contracts from being able to make provisions and decisions on their own," said Sampson, of Wolcott. "A private contract is between the people that we represent. Sometimes that's an employment agreement like we might be referring to here, but it can be almost any kind of contract. But those are free agreements in America, between the parties. They have the opportunity to negotiate the terms of those contracts. This is a freedom of choice issue between the parties of a private contract." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sampson said the committee should not even hold a public hearing if the goal is to "interfere" with private contracts. "There is intellectual property, there are goods and services, there are companies that have proprietary information over a competitor and they are trusting their employees with that confidential information," said Weir, a first-term House member from Hebron. "This could really hinder competition." Despite GOP objections, Kushner said Democrats were optimistic this was something that could "get done in this session." In recent years, so-called non-compete requirements have migrated from executive suites in big corporations to retail and even fast-food restaurants. "We do have certain sectors of our workforce that are governed by non-compete agreements that we believe are inappropriate for those sectors because of the industry they work in and also because of the types of jobs they are employed in," she said. Kushner noted that in recent legislative sessions, the committee heard "compelling" testimony from workers in support of the proposal, which Democrats also approved Tuesday for a public hearing. The same outcome occurred on the issue of so-called predictable scheduling, which would require employers to provide extra notice to shift or part-time workers so they can plan their schedules. Kushner expects that retail and hospitality sectors would be included in the legislation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad State Sen. Julie Kushner, D-Danbury, co-chairwoman of the legislative Labor and Public Employees Committee, in a file photo. Ken Dixon/Hearst Connecticut Media State Sen. Rob Sampson of Wolcott, a top Republican on the legislative Labor and Public Employees Committee. Contributed photo "I hate sounding like a broken record, but again, this is another bill that is going to interfere with the private contractual agreement made by freedom of choice for the parties involved, whether it is the employer or the employee," Sampson said, noting that in businesses such as landscaping, which depends on the weather, or catering, where an event might be canceled, owners need scheduling flexibility. "The fact of the matter is that there are many many people willing to do these jobs that do not have predictive scheduling, and I believe the market accounts for that by compensation," Sampson said. "If you have a job that is going to be on-call, chances are you're being compensated better than one that is not for the same thing, because the market dictates the availability of labor and folks to do it. At the end of the day, many of these bills, and this is a good example, are a very clear indication about whether or not we trust our citizens that we represent to make good choices, and we trust freedom and capitalism to work. You either believe government is the answer or you don't and I don't believe government is the answer." Disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea and via the Suez Canal are raising the prices of African and U.S. crude grades and expanding the backwardation in the global Brent crude benchmark, signaling tightening markets and a run-up in diesel prices in Europe. Europe, which has been left exposed to more crude and fuel supplies from the Middle East and Asia since the embargoes on Russian petroleum took effect early last year, now finds itself looking for deliveries from nearby exporters. Growing volumes of petroleum products are now bypassing the Suez Canal the shortest route from Asia and the Middle East to Europe and are heading on the longer route via the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, which delays planned deliveries and raises shipping costs. As a result, Europe is buying more U.S. and West African crude. Increased appetite for the so-called Atlantic barrels in Europe is driving the price of Nigerian and U.S. crude grades and is steepening the backwardation in Brent Crude futures, traders tell Bloomberg. Backwardation typically occurs at times of market deficit, and in it, prices for front-month contracts are higher than the ones further out in time. The deeper backwardation curve suggests the market is tightening, analysts say, noting that the supplies may be tighter than market sentiment and price action in oil imply. Analysts expect drawdowns in global stocks this month and next to support oil prices. But they are unsure how long the tightness could persist, as factors including spring refinery maintenance, concerns about demand, and the upcoming OPEC+ decision on extending the cuts or not could all upend the current market supply-demand balances. Higher Atlantic Basin Crude Prices As Europe is looking to purchase crude that would travel shorter and safer delivery routes, the prices of Egina and Forcados, key Nigerian grades, have risen in recent weeks. The two West African crudes are now being offered at higher premiums to Dated Brent compared to the premiums from a month ago, according to Bloomberg's estimates. U.S. grade WTI Midland is also in high demand in Europe, and the crude price has increased compared to the North Sea benchmark in recent weeks. According to Bloomberg's trading sources, French supermajor TotalEnergies has been bidding nearly every day for WTI Midland supply in a pricing window since the beginning of February. Diesel Tightness Diesel supply is also tight in Europe, partly due to the Red Sea shipping disruptions and lower European refining capacity with some refinery closures and refinery maintenance in the spring. The premium of diesel over crude has surged in recent days to the highest level for this time of year in more than a decadesince 2012. Due to the Red Sea disruption of flows to Europe and spring refinery maintenance, "We expect to see a fall in northwest Europe diesel/gasoil stocks over the next two months," Wood Mackenzie analyst Emma Howsham told Bloomberg. Diesel prices in Europe started rallying last month amid tightening supply due to Red Sea shipping disruptions, threatening to test the resilience of European economies that have narrowly avoided recessions in recent months. "The European middle distillate market has been plagued by tightness since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has resulted in drastic shifts in energy flows with the EU banning Russian crude oil and refined products. This has left Europe more dependent on Asia and the Middle East for flows, and these flows are being affected by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea," ING strategists Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey wrote in a note on Tuesday. Middle distillates, including diesel, are likely to remain well supported in the short term as refineries go into maintenance season, they added. Tighter Crude Oil Market The prompt Brent time spread weakened on Monday, but the trend this year "has been for the spread to move into deeper backwardation, suggesting that the market is tightening," ING's strategists said. The oil market will see marginal tightening with a relatively small deficit this quarter, but this could flip into a surplus in the second quarter if OPEC+ fails to roll over part of its cuts beyond Q1, according to ING. Saxo Bank expects Brent and WTI to remain range-bound in the first quarter at around $80 and $75 a barrel, respectively. However, "disruption risks, OPEC+ production restraint, a tightening product market and incoming rate cuts potentially leaving the risk/reward skewed slightly to the upside," Saxo Bank's Head of Commodity Strategy, Ole Hansen, said at the end of last week. ADVERTISEMENT Distillate supplies have been disrupted by lower supply from Russia amid Ukrainian attacks on Russian refinery infrastructure and Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Hansen noted. In crude markets, global supply is showing signs of tightness as total exports dropped in January compared to December by the largest amount since August 2023, while global onshore inventories continued to fall, according to Vortexa. Excluding Iran and Venezuela, total crude and condensate exports fell month-on-month by more than 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) in January, marking a steep decline after a brief uptick in December, Jay Maroo, Head of Market Intelligence & Analysis (MENA) at Vortexa, wrote in an analysis last week. Significant drawing of inventories is still taking place, suggesting that "wider macroeconomic concerns, and its impact on demand, is being outstripped by tighter prompt availability," Maroo noted. "Looking ahead, given market expectations that OPEC+ production will remain constrained, the near-term outlook for crude prices could be more supportive than current sentiment suggests, even with strong signs of weakening global product demand." By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, liquefied natural gas (LNG) has become the worlds key emergency energy supply. It does not require the years of planning and construction as pipelined gas and oil, and it can either be secured readily through long-term contracts or bought immediately in the spot market if necessary and shipped anywhere quickly. As such, it has been ideally suited to make up the vast energy supply gaps created due to sanctions on Russian gas and oil. Despite its extremely elevated geopolitical importance especially for Europe the U.S. decided to pause permits for its new LNG projects, as analysed in full recently by OilPrice.com. By notable contrast, whilst simultaneously attempting to widen out the Israel-Hamas War into a new global energy emergency, Iran has decided to go full ahead on building out its own long-nascent LNG industry into a world-scale operation, according to recent comments from Tehran. As mentioned by Irans Petroleum Ministry at the end of January, the country intends as part of this new drive towards building up its LNG sector, to begin 1.5 million metric tonnes per year (mtpy) of production at a medium-sized plant at Asaluyeh in 2026. As exclusively related to OilPrice.com by a very senior figure who works closely with the Petroleum Ministry, much bigger plans are afoot much earlier. Iran has long been looking at further monetising its huge gas resources and securing further geopolitical power by becoming a top global exporter of LNG, as analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. Its neighbour, Qatar, with which Iran shares the worlds biggest gas reservoir the North Field (on the Qatar side)/South Pars (on Irans side) side had carved out a dominant position in the global energy market on the strength of those very gas supplies. In the run-up to, during, and since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Qatar has even more substantially leveraged its leading LNG exporter status into significant geopolitical influence, becoming a key supplier of China and of the U.S.s key NATO security allies in Europe as well. Related: IEA: Oil Supply Increase More Than Enough to Meet Demand Growth in 2024 A dramatic expansion of Irans gas production from the South Pars field to feed growing LNG production needs could well affect Qatars gas take from its North Field side of the entire reservoir over time. One of the reasons why Qatar lifted its self-imposed moratorium on North Field gas production in 2017 were confidential field reports over the previous year from the then-Qatargas detailing how irresponsible drilling practices by the Iranians posed risks to the long-term gas take for Qatar from the North Field. Just before the moratorium was lifted, the two sides met in Doha to discuss how they would approach their respective gas production operations so that both sides could maximise their overall gas take over the long-term, according to the Iran source. However, Iran could equally well decide in the current circumstances in which Qatar is increasingly seen as a key ally of the U.S.s - to revert to its previous gas production techniques at South Pars in order to disrupt Qatari gas flows. In the zero-sum world of LNG exports, decreased supplies of LNG from Qatar to Europe, and increased supplies from Iran to China inevitably given the all-encompassing Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement analysed in depth as well in my new book on the new global oil market order would be a major win for Beijing, and for Moscow as well. Although the Asaluyeh LNG project will start with just a 1.5 mtpy plant, the Iran source told OilPrice.com last week that it is to be built on the site of the original much-larger Iran LNG Project around Tombak Port, around 30 miles north of Asaluyeh itself, focusing on gas from the North Pars gas field. Located 120 kilometres southeast of the southern Bushehr Province, the North Pars field has around 59 trillion cubic feet of gas in place, with a conservatively estimated recoverable volume of gas of approximately 47 trillion cubic feet. The first deal to operate this field had been approved in 1977 but, after the drilling of 17 wells and the installation of 26 offshore platforms, the development of North Pars was suspended due to the 1979 Islamic Revolution and the subsequent war with Iraq from 1980-1988. However, a study of the state of North Pars by Iran at the end of 2020 determined that the field was still in a highly workable state for a quick push to significant gas output. Specifically, it was established, at least 100 million cubic metres per day (mcm/d) of output could be achieved within less than 12 months of proper development with all the gas recovered to be channeled into LNG production of at least 20 million mtpy. An early entrant to the original Iran LNG Project was the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), which signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in September 2006 with the National Iranian Oil Corporation (NIOC) to develop the North Pars gas field with a view to building out an LNG capability there. This deal was extended in December 2006 to incorporate the development of a four-train (LNG liquefaction and purification facility) complex with a 20 mtpy capacity, before slow progress on CNOOCs part prompted the NIOC to suspend the deal. At that point, just before the U.S. and European Union (E.U.) ramped up sanctions against Iran in 2011/12, German chemicals giant Linde Group took over the main development of the Iran LNG Project. Within a relatively short time, Linde Group had 60 percent-completed the US$3.3 billion flagship LNG export facility that was set to produce at least 10.5 mtpy of LNG, with expectations that it would take less than a year to finish. Again, though, due to further later sanctions, progress on the Project stalled again. With US sanctions firmly back in place in 2018, Russias Gazprom which signed two MoUs with the NIOC concerning the rollout of a two-fold joint strategy regarding Irans gas, as also analysed in depth in my new book on the new global oil market order. The first part was a gas cooperation roadmap between the two companies, and the second part detailed the construction of Iranian LNG facilities in partnership with Irans Oil Industry Pension Fund. Initially, this would allow Gazprom to, in effect, take over from Linde on the existing 60 percent-complete LNG complex and later to be integral in the construction of the mini-LNG complexes. Iran and Russia reasoned that mini-LNG complexes with production capacities ranging from 2,000 to 500,000 tons of LNG per year, compared to a typical large scale plant capacity of between 2.5 and 7.5 million tons per year would be less vulnerable to U.S. or Israeli attacks. Gazprom would take payment for its work from the sale of gas both from this complex and from part of the output from fields feeding gas into it. At that time it was envisaged that the North Pars LNG development would need around US$16 billion in investment comprising US$5 billion in the upstream sector and US$11 billion in the downstream sector (mainly LNG plants) to achieve at the first phase LNG output of at minimum 100 mcm/d and the drilling of the 46 wells that this would entail. This is still the ballpark figure that Iran is working with. As it stands, according to the Iran source, the North Pars field development will be the focus of LNG development efforts at this point, coordinated out of Asaluyeh, by Chinese and Russian companies predominantly, working with Iranian counterparts. This will allow for the joining up of resources across other oil and gas projects in Iran being run by firms from both countries. By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com ADVERTISEMENT More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Amidst the growing influence of American rivals in the Middle East, the United States appears to be reassessing its ties with regional allies just as it nears completion of its pullout policy from the region. President Biden's administration has initiated a re-evaluation of U.S. policy toward the Middle East, despite recent attacks on American sites in Iraq, Syria, and Jordan aiming to compel a full withdrawal of American forces. While returning to the Middle East presents challenges for the United States, a region that has profoundly shaped American foreign policy for nearly fifty years, it could also afford an advantage over global rivals, Russia and China. Challenges in U.S.-Middle East Historical Ties Strategic ties between the U.S. and the Middle East, forged post-WWII with Iran under the Shah and Saudi Arabia, centered on the "Denial Oil" policy against the Soviet Union, have faced criticism on several fronts. Factors including unrecouped expenditures, failure to democratize Middle Eastern governments, high U.S. casualties in successive wars, and diminishing significance following the Soviet Union's collapse and the 9/11 attacks have all contributed to scrutiny of these ties. Moreover, a significant shift away from importing crude oil from Persian Gulf countries towards reliance on domestic production and neighboring nations like Canada and Mexico has led some to perceive reduced dependence on Middle Eastern energy sources, providing justification for withdrawal policies. The United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan was interpreted as a signal of disengagement from Middle Eastern conflicts, especially after its inadequate response to attacks on Saudi Arabia's Aramco and the United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi airport. Consequently, regional nations have pivoted towards strengthening relations with Russia and China. Expanding Influence of Russia and China While the United States faced militia attacks in Syria and Iraq post-ISIS war in 2017, China and Russia significantly expanded their presence in the Middle East's oil and gas sectors. Under Xi Jinping's leadership, Chinese oil companies expanded overseas operations, notably in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, boosting crude oil and natural gas production. With major American oil operators sidelined, Chinese firms, alongside Russian counterparts, now dominate Iraq's oil production. China's strategic partnerships in the region, including lucrative investment agreements with Iran and Iraq, have bolstered its status as the top oil consumer, surpassing both the United States and the European Union. The deepening cooperation between China and Middle Eastern countries not only ensures energy security for China but also facilitates significant investments in Chinese oil and gas downstream sectors. This has redirected substantial capital flows from Western countries, including the United States. China's Belt and Road Initiative has further cemented its ties with the Middle East, with a growing number of projects being initiated in the region, gradually increasing China's presence and influence. Impact on U.S. Global Interests While the initial perception might suggest that the United States' departure from the Middle East could shift regional challenges to China and Russia, abandoning this crucial region, with its significance as both a trading corridor and a source of vast energy resources, could jeopardize U.S. global interests. China's dominance in the Middle East not only enhances its energy security but also challenges U.S. strategies in energy markets. Moreover, mutual investments between China and Middle Eastern countries bolster China's economy, a primary target of U.S. economic policies. Additionally, China's expanding presence in the Middle East could impede U.S. maritime capabilities globally, potentially weakening its position as a global power. The Last Chance for the United States to Revert to the "Denial Oil" Policy ADVERTISEMENT As the United States hesitates to completely withdraw from a region threatened by violent extremism, local power struggles, and unstable regimes, China continues to expand its influence. China's growing influence in the Middle East region has the potential to influence U.S. energy policy and foster ties between China and Middle Eastern nations that could benefit the Belt and Road Initiative. This initiative has the potential to bring China to Europe, which is literally in the backyard of the United States. Secondly, the increasing influence of China in the Middle East could potentially affect the United States' global maritime capabilities and eventually weaken the United States position as a global power. Hence, a return to the "Denial Oil" policy appears imperative for safeguarding U.S. interests in the region and beyond. By Shahriar Sheikhlar for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: On Wednesday, non-OPEC oil producer Kazakhstan vowed to compensate over the coming months for a lack of compliance with the voluntary cuts in the OPEC+ deal in January. Kazakhstan has always supported the initiatives of the OPEC+ member countries, the countrys Energy Ministry said in a statement today. Kazakhstan, as well as several other non-OPEC and OPEC producers part of the OPEC+ pact, pledged in November additional voluntary cuts of a total of 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) for the first quarter of 2024. The reductions included a rollover of the extra Saudi production cut of 1 million bpd, which has been in force since July 2023. In the latest voluntary cuts announced at the end of November, Kazakhstan said it would reduce its crude oil production by 82,000 bpd in the first quarter of 2024. In January, however, Kazakhstan pumped more than its quota. Although Kazakhstan has overproduced in January 2024, it will compensate for the overproduced volumes over the next four months and will comply with its obligations of the production adjustments agreed upon at the 35th ONOMM held on 4 June 2023, and the additional voluntary production adjustments announced by some participating OPEC and participating non-OPEC countries in April 2023, and the subsequent adjustments in November 2023 for the months of February and March 2024, Kazakhstans Energy Ministry said. Within OPEC, crude oil production slumped by 350,000 bpd in January as the latest voluntary output cuts kicked in, but not all those who had pledged reductions delivered on their promises. The OPEC member that under-delivered most notably was Iraq, the second-biggest producer in the cartel. Iraq cut its oil production by 98,000 bpd to 4.194 million bpd in January, according to the secondary sources in OPECs Monthly Oil Market Report (MOMR) for February published on Tuesday. This compares with a pledged cut of 223,000 bpd. ADVERTISEMENT By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russias Novatek restarted earlier this week fuel processing at its complex on the Baltic Sea damaged last month in a suspected Ukrainian drone attack, industry sources told Reuters on Wednesday. Novateks export terminal and processing site at Russias Ust-Luga port on the Baltic Sea was damaged in January by what Ukraine said was a drone attack on Russian energy infrastructure. While the Ust-Luga port on continued to ship crude and fuels for exports, terminal operated by Novatek was shut and operations suspended after the attack. Ust-Luga is one of the key export hubs for Russian crude oil and fuels. At the time of the attack more than three weeks ago, Russias Vedomosti daily cited an official from the regional authorities as saying there had been two explosions at the site of the export terminal that had caused a fire at one fuel storage tank. TASS cited Novatek as confirming that the fire was the result of external actions. The technological process at Novatek-Ust-Luga has been stopped, and an operational headquarters has been established to eliminate the consequences. Damage assessment will be carried out later, Novatek was quoted as saying at the time. Now the company has resumed processing at the complex which turns gas condensate into light and heavy naphtha, jet fuel, fuel oil, and gasoil, according to Reuters sources. The drone attack at Ust-Luga was the first of a series of attacks on Russian energy infrastructure which Ukraine has claimed over the past month. Just last week, Ukraines SBU security service carried out operations in southern Russia, attacking two Russian oil refineries with drones, a Ukrainian source told Reuters on Friday. The drone attacks caused a large fire at the Ilsky refinery in the Krasnodar region in southern Russia. ADVERTISEMENT The attacks and damages on Russian refineries have reduced Russias capability to process crude, which has increased crude volumes shipped out of Russia but has decreased diesel and other product exports. By Michael Kern for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Natural gas pipeline explodes near southwestern Iranian city, with no reported casualties. Iran's oil minister suggests the blast was the result of sabotage. Tensions escalate in the region amid accusations and counter-accusations between Iran and other countries. A natural gas pipeline has exploded near a city in southwestern Iran, state news outlet Mehr reported, adding there were no reported casualties of the blast. A later report from Reuters cited Irans oil minister as saying the blast and another one on the same pipeline were the result of sabotage. Earlier in the day, The National cited the Iranian news agency as saying the authorities were investigating the blast and had not made any comments about whether the blast may have been an act of deliberate sabotage. The Emirati publications report noted accusations leveled by Tehran at Tel Aviv for sabotage on Iranian factories and military installations. Iran has recently become the indirect target of U.S. strikes in Iraq and Syria, plus Yemen. The Syria and Iraq strikes came in response to attacks on U.S. military targets in the region from what U.S. officials say are Iran-backed groups. The strikes on Yemen soil are retaliation for Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Last week, Iran notched up the rhetoric warning the U.S. against targeting an Iranian ship patrolling the Red Sea that U.S. officials say is used to collect intelligence to enable Houthi attacks on vessels there. Those engaging in terrorist activities against the MV Behshad or similar vessels, jeopardize international maritime routes, security and assume global responsibility for potential future international risks, the Iranian armed forces said in a video message on Telegram, as quoted by NBC News. ADVERTISEMENT Commenting on the situation for NBC News, military analyst Michael Knights from a pro-Israeli think tank said that The ships pretend to be anti-piracy garrison ships that Iranian and Syrian shipping can visit, but actually they are transshipment points for Iranian weapons." Iran-backed groups in Iraq and Syria have carried out more than 180 attacks on U.S. military targets in the Middle East, the Financial Times reported earlier this month, adding that Iran has insisted it has no plans for direct confrontation with either Israel or the United States. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil rigs just off the coast of Azerbaijans capital, Baku, are a constant reminder of what drives this Caspian Sea nations economy. Later this year, though, the countrys reliance on fossil-fuel exports will come up against global-warming concerns as Baku plays host to the 29th iteration of the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP29. The announcement that Azerbaijan will host COP29 has roiled many climate and human rights activists, who question the nations commitments to climate-friendly policies at a time when it relies on fossil fuel revenues and has pursued a far-reaching crackdown on internal dissent. Azerbaijans selection comes just a year after similar concerns were raised about holding the conference in the United Arab Emirates. This is an economy that is built on oil and gas, said Kate Watters, director of Crude Accountability, a human rights and environmental watchdog for the Caspian Basin. She added that the country has yet to sign the Global Methane Pledge an agreement to curb fossil fuel producers contribution to global warming so its kind of behind in its own international commitments. The countrys Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to an emailed request for comment from Eurasianet for this article. Azerbaijan has already caught flak for its initial handling of the conference. In early January, the government named Mukhtar Babayev, who worked for the state oil company for two decades, as COP29 president. Then, President Ilham Aliyev announced that the conferences organizing committee would be composed of 28 men and no women. After a media firestorm, and attuned to the optics of the situation, he quickly walked back the move and appointed 12 women to the committee. Hosting the annual climate change conference offers a country the chance to boost its reputation and influence the global climate agenda, according to Tom Pegram, director of University College Londons Global Governance Institute. But in these sorts of forums, respect for human rights can take a back seat to climate justice concerns. The two dont mix very well, Pegram told Eurasianet. Its a little bit like oil and water in some respects. That is important considering the political climate in Baku. Late last year, authorities detained multiple journalists from independent media organizations. Then, on February 7, the country held a presidential election that was widely viewed as stage-managed and marred by irregularities. Tension over the human rights and political conditions as well as the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict are fueling conflict between Baku and the Parliament Assembly of the Council of Europe. For Azerbaijan, COP29 offers an opportunity for a reset to project a modern image and downplay its poor rights practices. They can also claim that theyre engaged in a really meaningful way in a leadership way in the leading climate negotiations, Watters, of Crude Accountability, said. Energy exports could potentially help Baku achieve a reset. Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Azerbaijan has emerged as an alternate source of energy exports for Europe, positioning itself to double gas supplies to the continent by 2027. But Bakus position as a major supplier is tenuous. The countrys existing gas infrastructure limits its export potential. In addition, the World Bank estimates that Azerbaijans Caspian Sea oil reserves will be depleted within about 25 years. Cracks are already beginning to show. Last year, the countrys oil production was 7.4 percent lower than in 2022. (Gas production, conversely, grew.) Future energy export challenges were likely a major factor in prompting the country to adopt green growth as one of its five pillars of development by 2030. While it is too early to say exactly how Azeri leaders will use COP29 as a showcase, investments in renewable energy give some clues. In 2022, Azerbaijan secured $114 million in loans from European and Asian sources to fund construction by a state-owned Emirati firm of a solar power plant in the countrys east. This will not only support Azerbaijans de-carbonization agenda, but also contribute to European energy security by increasing availability of domestic gas for exports, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said when announcing the loans. ADVERTISEMENT Concerns remain that the country has no plan to wean itself off fossil-fuel export dependency, especially as demand continues to grow. Theres a political economy reality now, which is really sort of coming up against the optimal or the ideal objectives within the climate action agenda, Pegram said of rising fossil fuel demand disrupting mitigation efforts. And Azerbaijan can take advantage of that, perhaps. By Brawley Benson via Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Matt Ray, a career Omaha Public Schools educator who has led the district since last summer on an interim basis, was chosen Tuesday to be the permanent superintendent. Following a lengthy Tuesday night meeting, OPS school board members voted 9-0 to hire Ray to lead Nebraskas largest district as it faces an array of challenges. Gaps in special education services, widespread staff shortages, lack of student transportation and looming legislation regarding funding restrictions and school choice expansion are just some of the obstacles that Ray will have to tackle once hired. Im just over three years on the board, said board member Nick Thielen. All that time with Matt Ray, as board secretary and interim superintendent, and over the last year in particular, I have seen the green shoots of change in our district, and I really look forward to seeing that follow through and seeing where that goes. Not every board member seemed satisfied with the decision. As her only comment, Bri Full said, I hope Mr. Ray proves me wrong. Each of the three outside candidates took roughly an hour to interview with the school board, while Rays was a concise 15 minutes. He won members and the crowd over with lighthearted jokes and humility about his work in the district. Ray was persistent in his belief that the district needs change. He said OPS has implemented many beneficial things, such as high-dosage tutoring, one-to-one technology and facility upgrades, but it can do better. After all, the Omaha community expressed last year that it wanted the next OPS superintendent to transform the district. Nobody in the organization wants to remain stagnant. We know we have to change, but that change is not a new song, Ray said. We cant keep changing songs every four or five years. We have to change the tempo. We have to change the chorus. We have to do better with identifying what we are good at and really nail it before we move onto something else. Ray said he wants to start with the districts strategic plan, which will have to be revised when the current plan expires in 2025. In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, he said the next strategic plan needs to be more focused and contain fewer goals to work on. He said there also has to be change in staffing the most important challenge he identified for the next school year. Ray said that OPS is currently working on many long-term goals, including its para-to-teacher program and student teachers, but that it needs to focus on the short term as well. How we treat people from the beginning, middle and end is about retention, Ray said. Being aware of the persons experience in the school district will help in our retention efforts. I think thats an area of opportunity for us as an organization the long term of how we treat employees. Ray said what sets him apart from several recent OPS superintendents is his long history in the district. Equipped with nearly three decades of experience in OPS, Ray stepped in as interim superintendent last summer to replace Cheryl Logan, who led the district for five years before resigning. Ray began his career as a student teacher at Ashland Park-Robbins Elementary School in South Omaha before substituting around the district. He eventually returned to Ashland Park-Robbins as a fifth grade elementary teacher. He then became an administrator, working in student and community services, before transitioning to a 10-year stint as board secretary. His next step was as chief of staff and then deputy superintendent before being appointed interim superintendent by the school board. Ray ended his interview by reviewing his next steps as interim superintendent with the board. He said he wants to dive into the preparation for the next strategic plan and then work with the board on his evaluation. And hed like to take a breath after eight long months in the interim role, something he said he has enjoyed most of all. Thank you to the board of education for taking a risk on me to be the interim superintendent, Ray said. It has been the best year, or eight months, of my career. One of these men will lead Omaha Public Schools, Nebraska's largest district One of four veteran K-12 school administrators are the finalists to be the next superintendent for Omaha Public Schools. Get to know them here. Photos: OPS superintendent candidates interviewed by board of education A winter storm moving out of Wyoming and Colorado is expected to hit mostly north of the Nebraska-South Dakota border, with less than a inch of snow accumulating in Omaha. It is expected to arrive Thursday into Friday from about midnight to noon, Taylor Nicolaisen, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Valley, said Wednesday. The forecast is for less than an inch (of snow) in Omaha. The stronger portions of the storm are likely to occur north of a line from Sioux City, Iowa, to Ord, Nebraska. Forecast models indicate accumulations of 2 to 4 inches of snow falling north of that line before the storm moves into west-central Iowa. Snow consistency will be wet along and south of Interstate 80. More powdery snow is expected near the Nebraska-South Dakota border. Winds are expected to remain relatively light through the duration of the snowfall before strengthening by Friday afternoon. Given these factors, this doesnt appear to be a high-impact event, Nicolaisen said. Some minor travel effects appear likely, especially during the Friday morning commute. It will be colder Friday with highs in the upper 20s to mid-30s. We will just get clipped by this storm, Nicolaisen said. (High) temperatures in the 30s on Friday should rebound to close to 50 on Sunday (in Omaha). Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 PARKLAND, Fla. Joaquin Guac Oliver died in the 2018 Parkland, Florida, high school massacre, but federal lawmakers who oppose tighter gun regulations began getting phone calls in his voice on Wednesday, lambasting them for their position. The families of Oliver and five others killed with guns are using artificial intelligence to create messages in their loved ones' voices and robocalling them to senators and House members who support the National Rifle Association and oppose tougher gun laws. The protest is being run through The Shotline website, where visitors select which offices receive calls. Manuel and Patricia Oliver, Joaquin's parents, say the campaign is based on the oft-cited idea that if someone wants laws changed, the first step is calling elected representatives. Immigrants from Venezuela who became U.S. citizens, they want the sale of guns like the AR-15 banned. We come from a place where gun violence is a problem, but you will never see a 19-year-old with an AR-15 getting into a school and shooting people, Manuel Oliver said. Theres a reason for the gun violence in a Third World country. Theres no reason for the gun violence and the amount of victims in the United States. After Joaquin's murder, the Olivers founded Change the Ref, which is sponsoring the website with March for Our Lives, a group created by Stoneman Douglas students. Both recruit young people through nontraditional demonstrations like the AI calls and die-ins, where students protested inside a supermarket chain that donated to a pro-NRA politician. When you keep being traditional listening over and over and over to the same people lecturing you with the same stats, nothing changes, Patricia Oliver said. To make the recordings, the Olivers and other families gave an AI company audio of their loved ones and it re-created their voices, changing tone and pattern based on relatives suggestions. Joaquin's AI voice identifies him and then says, Many students and teachers were murdered on Valentines Day by a person using an AR-15, but you dont care. You never did. Its been six years and youve done nothing." It continues, I died that day in Parkland. My body was destroyed by a weapon of war. Im back today because my parents used AI to re-create my voice to call you. Other victims like me will be calling too, again and again, to demand action. How many calls will it take for you to care? How many dead voices will you hear before you finally listen? The NRA did not respond to phone calls and emails seeking comment. In 2020, the Olivers used AI to create a video of Joaquin urging young voters to choose candidates who support stricter gun laws. Critics accused them of politicizing his death to thwart their rights as law-abiding gun owners. They put words in a dead kids mouth. If my father did this to me I would haunt him for the rest of his life, one wrote on YouTube. The Olivers bristle at the suggestion they don't know what Joaquin would say. I know exactly what my son thought, Manual Oliver said. Joaquin took enough time to write his thoughts, his principles, his ideas, his way of living, his dreams, his goals. Everything is out there on social media. Others involved in the new campaign include the families of 23-year-old Akilah Dasilva, one of four people slain during a 2018 shooting at a Waffle House restaurant in Tennessee, and 10-year-old Uziyah Garcia, who died in the 2022 massacre at a Uvalde, Texas, elementary school. There are also the parents of 15-year-old Ethan Song, who died in an accidental shooting, and a 20-year-old murder victim and the family of a man who committed suicide. Brett Cross, the uncle who was raising Uziyah, said the boy wanted to help people as a police officer. In the AI's message, Uziyah's voice says, Im a fourth-grader at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Or at least I was when a man with an AR-15 came into my school and killed 18 of my classmates, two teachers and me." His voice then tells lawmakers, "What is it going to take for you to help make sure violence like this stops? Cross said his family is participating so that no other child will have to go through what Uzi did. No other parent should have to go through what we have." Song shot himself in 2018 at his best friend's house in Connecticut while the two played with a handgun, one of several firearms the other boy's father hadn't locked away. Mike and Kristin Song created a message in their son's voice pushing for a federal law making it a crime to not properly store guns in homes where children live. You would think the stacking up of our dead childrens coffins would be enough to create a cultural shift in this country, but sadly our message is really falling on deaf ears, Kristin Song said. Other families who lost loved ones to gun violence will be allowed to add their victim's re-created voice to the project, which runs indefinitely. We dont have nothing to lose here we already lost everything, said Manuel Oliver, whose rally speeches are often laced with obscenities. For me, (protesting) is normal. The only thing that is not normal is that we are allowing our society to let people die. Remembering the victims of the Florida high school shooting Cara Loughran: Relatives of victim 'absolutely gutted' Cara Loughran, 14, was an excellent student who loved the beach and her cousins, according to her family. An aunt, Lindsay Fontana, wrote on Facebook: "I had to tell my 8-year-old daughters that their sweet cousin Cara was killed in the shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School yesterday. We are absolutely gutted." "While your thoughts are appreciated, I beg you to DO SOMETHING," she wrote. "This should not have happened to our niece Cara and it cannot happen to other people's families." Loughran's neighbor posted a picture of her cheering on a young boy riding a bike with training wheels. "RIP Cara," Danny Vogel wrote, "and fly with the angels. You will be greatly missed, and we will always love you and celebrate your beautiful life." Alex Schachter: Memorial for band member Trombone and baritone player Alex Schachter was a "sweetheart of a kid," according to a social media post by his family. In honor of his 14-year-old freshman son, a relative wrote on a gofundme page that the family was starting a scholarship fund "to help other students experience the joys of music as well as fund increased security at schools." Band director Alexander Kaminsky told the Sun Sentinel that Schachter began playing brass instruments in middle school. He was "fairly quiet" but worked hard to establish himself, Kaminsky said. "The improvement I witnessed from him was admirable and inspiring," Kaminsky said. "I felt he really had a bright future on the trombone." His mother died at an early age, and father Max Schachter often visited the school to help out. An older brother, who also attends Stoneman Douglas, survived the attack. Helena Ramsey: Reserved and academically relentless Helena Ramsay was soft-spoken, but also smart and a go-getter, her cousin Sefena Cooper said Thursday. The 17-year-old junior especially loved hanging out with friends and family, "and for this to happen is heartbreaking," Cooper said. "Although somewhat reserved, she had a relentless motivation towards her academic studies and her soft warm demeanor brought the best out in all who knew her," another relative, Curtis Page Jr., wrote on Facebook. "She was so brilliant and witty, and I'm still wrestling with the idea that she is actually gone," he wrote. "She would have started college next year." Another cousin, Jamie Page, called Ramsay "a genuine, beautiful, and smart human being who had so much potential and the brightest future." Nicholas Dworet: Swimming scholarship winner Nicholas Dworet, 17, had committed to swim for the University of Indianapolis. The college announced Thursday that the senior was among those killed. In a statement, UIndy swimming coach Jason Hite called Dworet an "energetic and very vibrant kind" who cheered for his soon-to-be university during a swimming meet last month. "I spoke with his mom this morning, and she reiterated the fact that he was really looking forward to this next step in his life and becoming a Hound," said Hite. "He really felt like he had a family in the team, and was really excited about what we're doing up here." Dworet "was very positive and a very cheerful person," his teammate Guillermo Barrios told the Sun-Sentinel. "He was the leader of the team. He was team captain. He was very leaderlike and mature." Carmen Schentrup: National Merit semifinalist among victims Carmen Schentrup was a smart girl with a sweet smile. In September, she was named one of 53 National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists in the county and a classmate tweeted "we all praised for her intelligence." Cousin Matt Brandow posted on Facebook that the 16-year-old visited Washington State recently and said she wanted to go to the University of Washington. He asked: you like the rain? "She answers, I hate sweating in the humid Florida weather," Brandow wrote. "That's when I knew you were perfect for Washington." Luke Hoyer: Family searched hospitals, and then ... Fifteen-year-old Luke Hoyer was a loving, sweet person who loved basketball and "smiled all the time," his aunt Joan Cox said. "He was just a good kid ... very loving and just enjoyed life," said Cox, of Greenville, South Carolina. She said Luke's parents, Gena and Tom Hoyer, searched for their son at hospitals before finally going to the law enforcement command center, where they eventually learned he had died. "It's just a terrible thing," said Cox, who said the family including Luke's older sister Abby and brother Jake spent Christmas with her and other family in South Carolina. "He's going to be missed by many." Peter Wang: ROTC student Peter Wang, 15, died wearing his gray ROTC shirt, and was last seen holding a door open for other students, his cousins Lin Chen and Aaron Chen told local news outlets. "He doesn't care about popularity. He always liked to cheer people up. He is like the big brother everyone wished they had," said Lin Chen. She told the Sun-Sentinel that Wang had two brothers, ages 11 and 5, and his parents, too upset to talk, own a restaurant in West Palm Beach. They had planned to celebrate Chinese New Year's eve Thursday. "I feel the family can never be the same," she said. Lin Chen wasn't surprised to hear that her cousin was seen helping others flee. "He is so brave. He is the person who is genuinely kind to everyone," she said. Gina Montalto: Freshman color guard member Gina Montalto was a 14-year-old freshman who participated on the winter color guard squad at the school. Friends and relatives posted tributes on Facebook, including mother Jennifer Montalto. "She was a smart, loving, caring, and strong girl who brightened any room she entered. She will be missed by our family for all eternity," said the post. One of Montalto's color guard instructors from middle school, Manuel Miranda, told the Miami Herald that Montalto was "the sweetest soul ever." "She was kind, caring always smiling and wanting to help," Miranda said. Martin Duque: Balloons for the victims Martin Duque, 14, was one of Isaac Briones' best friends. "He was like, one of the nicest people I knew," said Briones, 15. "He was so caring." Briones said he last saw Martin the day of the shooting during first period. "We were just playing around, talking about jokes and stuff," said Isaac, who was outside the school Thursday with others holding a group of white balloons for the victims. On Instagram, Miguel Duque wrote that words can't describe the pain of losing his brother. He added: "I love brother Martin you'll be missed buddy. I know you're in a better place. Duques forever man I love you junior!!! R.I.P Martin Duque!" Jaime Guttenberg: 'The energy in the room' Jamie Guttenberg's father, Fred Guttenberg, remembers his daughter as being "the life of the party," that person who made people laugh and was "the energy in the room." With dark hair and a big smile, the 14-year-old loved to dance and hoped to become an occupational therapist and mom, an aunt said. Now, she is among the dead at her school. "Back in October I lost my brother to cancer from his service in 9/11. That at the time seemed impossible to me. It made no sense. It couldn't happen and it couldn't get worse. This is worse," Guttenburg told hundreds gathered a community memorial honoring the victims. Fighting away tears, Guttenberg said he couldn't recall if he told his daughter he loved her as she headed to school Wednesday. He called it "unfathomable" that she was slain in a place where she was supposed to be safe. "I don't know what I do next," said Guttenberg. "My wife is home. We are broken. But I can tell you, don't tell me there's no such thing as gun violence. It happened in Parkland." Joaquin Oliver: Friend won't get to say 'I graduated high school' Joaquin Oliver, 17, was known by his nickname "Guac," short for "guacamole," because many struggled to pronounce his given name. "My friend will literally never get to say, 'I graduated high school,'" said Tyra Hemans, a 19-year-old who said they had been friends since freshmen year. She last saw him at school, before the shooting. "It was just a brief 'Happy Valentine's,'" she said. "He was with his girlfriend and I was just like, 'Oh my God, you guys are so cute.'" She added, "He's just a goofball. He's the only kid you'd know that would dye his hair bleach-blond, walk around school, put some tiger stripes in and just be unique. He was a unique soul." Oliver used to play soccer, the goalkeeper position in community games, said friend Daniel Rodriguez, and he ran for homecoming prince last year. Oliver, whose family is Venezuelan, sometimes cooked and shared the experience on Snapchat, along with lessons he learned from his grandmother, like how to grill a steak using a rock to properly seal the meat. Scott Beigel: Geography teacher helped students Geography teacher and cross-country coach Scott Beigel, 35, helped students enter a locked classroom to avoid the gunman, and paid for the brave act with his life. "If the shooter would have come into the room, I probably wouldn't be speaking to you now," student Kelsey Friend told Good Morning America. Beigel "unlocked the door and let us in," she said. "I thought he was behind me, but he wasn't. When he opened the door he had to relock it so we could stay safe, but he didn't get a chance to." Student Bruna Oliveda said she saw Beigel blocking the door. "I don't know how we're alive," she said. Beigel worked as a counselor at Camp Starlight, which is located in rural Pennsylvania and posted a tribute to him on its Facebook page. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday at a synagogue in Boca Raton, Florida. Alaina Petty: 'Selfless service' Alaina Petty, 14, "loved to serve," her family said. She participated in the school's Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and spent countless hours volunteering for the "Helping Hands" program of her Mormon church. After Hurricane Irma struck Florida, she helped people clean up and rebuild their lives, they said. "Her selfless service brought peace and joy to those that had lost everything during the storm," her family's statement said. "It is important to sum up all that Alaina was and meant to her family and friends. Alaina was a vibrant and determined young woman, loved by all who knew her." Petty attended a local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Petty was a "valiant young member of the Coral Springs Ward," Church leader Stephen E. Thompson wrote in an update. Alyssa Alhadeff: 'Live for Alyssa!' Among the youngest victims was Alyssa Alhadeff, an avid soccer player whose mother screamed into CNN's camera demanding that President Donald Trump take action. "President Trump, you say what can you do?" Lori Alhadeff said. "You can stop the guns from getting into these children's hands! Put metal detectors at every entrance to the schools. What can you do? You can do a lot! This is not fair to our families and our children go to school and have to get killed! "I just spent the last two hours putting the burial arrangements for my daughters funeral, who is 14! Fourteen! President Trump, please do something! Do something. Action! We need it now!" Later, on her Facebook page, she urged people to kiss their children, and "Live for Alyssa! Be her voice and breathe for her." Parkland Soccer Club posted on its Facebook page that Alhadeff was a "loved and well respected member of our club and community." Team members wearing red jerseys gathered at a field in her honor after the shooting. Meadow Pollack: 'An angel taken away from us' Meadow Pollack was beautiful inside and out, her cousin Jake Maisner told the Sun-Sentinel. She was a senior and had planned to attend Lynn University in Boca Raton, her father, Andrew Pollack, told the Palm Beach Post. Meadow was the youngest of three kids and 10 Pollack grandchildren, he said. "She was the baby of the family. Everyone wanted to protect her," he said. "Her life was taken way too soon and I have no words to describe how this feels," friend Gii Lovito posted on Facebook. Family friend Adam Schachtel said in a Facebook post that "an angel was taken away from us in that horrific tragedy ... no words can be said so just prayers and sadness." A friend has started an online fundraising campaign to help pay funeral costs for Pollack and provide long-term counseling for her mother, who sells real estate in the area. Chris Hixon: Athletic director 'was just amazing' Chris Hixon, a married father of two and the school's athletic director, wasn't shy about jumping in wherever he was needed, said friend and one-time colleague Dianne Sanzari. Hixon, 49, belonged to a Roman Catholic church in Hollywood. The Archdiocese of Miami confirmed his death Thursday. When a volleyball team needed a fill-in coach, Hixon took over; the same thing happened with the wrestling team, Sanzari said. When the school needed someone to patrol the campus and monitor threats as a security specialist, Hixon did that, too. It was in that security role that Hixon apparently came within range of the shooter. Aaron Feis: Coach and security monitor Assistant football coach Aaron Feis was shot to death while selflessly shielding students from bullets. A tweet from the school football program ended: "He died a hero and he will forever be in our hearts and memories." Feis, 37, graduated from the school in 1999 and worked mainly with the junior varsity, the team website said. It said he lived in nearby Coral Springs with his wife and daughter. The Sun Sentinel reported that Feis, acting as a school security guard, responded to the original call on a school walkie-talkie. Someone on the radio asked if loud sounds they heard were firecrackers, said football coach Willis May, who also carries a radio. "I heard Aaron say, 'No, that is not firecrackers.' That's the last I heard of him," May said. Yohance Williams, who plays linebacker, said "the sacrifice he made didn't surprise me the least." Layla Schlack is an award-winning writer and editor. As a food reporter with Hearst Connecticut Media Group, she covers restaurant openings and closings, Connecticuts history and agriculture. Wine is a big area of interest in her reporting, as are trends in restaurants and whos driving them. Previously, she's worked as an editor with Whetstone Media, Wine Enthusiast, Fine Cooking and more. Her byline has appeared in The Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Food & Wine, Food 52 and Epicurious, among others, and she holds an MFA in Creative & Professional Writing from Western Connecticut State University. She lives in Norwalk with her husband, dog, cat and amaro collection. Today is Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Let's get caught up. Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, check out our daily news podcast: *** What's at stake in Trump's hush-money criminal case? Former President Donald Trump is expected in court Thursday for an important hearing in his New York hush-money criminal case, which now appears increasingly likely to go to trial next month. Judge Juan Manuel Merchan is set to rule on key pretrial issues and say for certain if the trial will begin as scheduled on March 25. If that happens, the New York case will be the first of Trumps four criminal indictments to go to trial. Heres a refresher on where the case stands. *** How Texas church shooter bought rifle despite mental illness and criminal history is under scrutiny The shooter who opened fire at a Houston megachurch before being gunned down by security officers used an AR-style rifle that police say she legally purchased despite a years-long criminal record, a history of mental illness and allegations she threatened to shoot her ex-husband. Read more: *** Illegal border crossings from Mexico plunge after a record-high December, with fewer from Venezuela Arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico fell by half in January from record highs in December to the third lowest month of Joe Biden's presidency, authorities said Tuesday. The sharp drop is welcome news for the White House, even if it proves temporary, as immigration becomes one of the biggest issues in this year's presidential election, with exit polls showing it is the top concern among many Republican voters in early primaries. House Republicans voted Tuesday to impeach U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his oversight of the border. *** MORE TOP STORIES *** MORNING LISTEN Mike Witcher had been working as a broadcast meteorologist in Knoxville, Tennessee, for more than a decade. Then, in 2023, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He created East TN Weather and became his own weather media company for local residents. *** TODAY IN HISTORY Today in history: Feb. 14 In 1967, Aretha Franklin recorded her cover of Otis Reddings Respect at Atlantic Records in New York. Today in sports history: Feb. 14 In 1951, Sugar Ray Robinson wins the middleweight title with a technical knockout in the 13th round over Jake LaMotta in Chicago. See more fro *** TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS The mother of a mentally ill Alvo man shot to death two years ago by a Cass County sheriff's deputy responding to a 911 call about an assault has filed a lawsuit, calling it excessive force. Andrew Stratton's mother, Wendy Guida, of Oklahoma is seeking an unspecified money judgment from Cass County; the deputy who shot him, Elliot Schmit; and two others there, Karl Boehm and Mike McKnelly. In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Omaha, attorney Joseph Howard said that on Feb. 13, 2022, Stratton's father, Gregg, called 911 from his mother's home in Greenwood asking for help de-escalating his 34-year-old son, who had hit him during an argument at his home in Alvo. He explained that his son, who lived in the basement, had mental health issues, and he "specifically mentioned that he was concerned that the responding deputies would shoot his son." Howard said the 911 operator assured him that wouldn't happen. He said due to COVID-19, Andrew Stratton recently had been turned away from a mental health appointment, he hadn't been taking his medication, and he was suffering from a paranoid schizophrenic manic episode that night. Schmit and Boehm responded, talking first to Gregg Stratton in Greenwood, who told them his son was "out of control" and needed help. Stratton also told them his son may have access to a compound bow. When the deputies got to the house, Andrew Stratton didn't answer, so a third deputy, McKnelly, brought his dad to the house so they could get permission to enter the home to arrest his son for misdemeanor assault. Schmit, who had just returned a month earlier from a yearlong military deployment in Jordan, led with his personal M4 rifle, followed by Boehm with a Taser. Howard said that when Schmit yelled down to Stratton, Stratton's replies indicated a confused mental state. He told them not to come downstairs, where he was in the basement, that he was the man who killed Osama bin Laden. He said he had a nuke. The attorney said they negotiated with him for only six or seven minutes before going into the dark basement, "weapons ready to fire." Despite knowing the Nebraska State Patrol would arrive soon, they "unilaterally decided to escalate the situation by storming the basement," Howard said. "No one was in danger until the defendant deputies put themselves in the basement," he wrote. At the grand jury, Schmit said Stratton was holding a bow in his left hand and had started to draw back an arrow to fire it toward the deputies when he fired. Schmidt said he believed that Stratton was trying to kill him and that he had no choice but to shoot. Schmit hit Stratton seven times. He died at the scene. Howard said the deputies had no training on mental health crisis intervention or, if they did, they ignored it. He said they failed to call trained professionals or de-escalate in any fashion, and failed to use nonlethal means to subdue Stratton. The lawsuit alleges that what happened constituted "excessive and deadly force." "Cass County made a deliberate and conscious choice to place a seasoned military warrior, who is trained to kill, into a civilian population without the proper training and without the proper non-lethal weaponry," Howard wrote. Cass County hasn't yet responded to the lawsuit, filed this week. The grand jury that reviewed Stratton's death voted 14-2 not to indict Schmit but did make recommendations to the Sheriff's Office, including expanding its de-escalation and use of force training, particularly involving people with mental health issues; using "in-county resources," like police dogs or infrared technology to help navigate standoffs; and exploring options to provide the Sheriff's Office with "more less-than-lethal equipment." FREMONT, Neb. Nearly a dozen parents expressed frustration and anger with issues surrounding Fremont Middle School during public comment at the Monday meeting of the Fremont Public Schools board. About three dozen parents attended the meeting. Many sought to hear the boards response to a large fight among students on Feb. 5 at the middle school, as well as a false rumor of a potential school shooting later that week, which led to about 600 students being removed from school that day by worried parents. At the meeting, Fremont Superintendent Mark Shepard detailed the districts response to both incidents and thanked parents who he said had flooded his office with comments in recent days. In response to the incidents, the district has implemented a series of safety measures at the school, he said. To continue conversations, two forums are being offered to parents, school staff and district officials to allow space for questions and suggestions. The forums are set for 7 p.m. Tuesday and 7 p.m. Thursday at Johnson Crossing Academic Center. Scott Timmerman, a substitute teacher in the Fremont district, sought answers on who was responsible for the problems. Here we are; it has kind of hit the fan, he said. People want answers, and the blame game begins. So who is responsible? The parents, the school, the state, the teachers, the students? Maybe everyone here is responsible. What are we going to do? My thought is, kick the troublemakers out of school. Clean house. ... I am tired of seeing Fremont in the news. Kaitlin Edwards, who said she graduated from Fremont High School and is a longtime city resident, said her son a middle school student has become terrified of the environment at the school. I have seen the decline in the last few years in our schools in general. The safety protocols have gone out the window, she said. We dont have metal detectors? We have a school resource officer who just pops by? This is something we should all be definitely concerned about. We need to make a change. My son is in eighth grade. He is terrified. He does not want to go back to the middle school unless there are changes made to make sure nobody can bring a knife. Edwards said her son had been threatened in the past by other students, who she alleged were going to cut him with a knife. My child should not be scared to go into a place of learning, Edwards said. No child should be. One parent, who identified himself as Ryan Nelson, told the board that he was exploring transferring his daughter to another school district due to safety concerns. My daughter has been assaulted more than once, Nelson said. We have spent more than one night dealing with law enforcement all night because she personally reported a threat, as some of you on the board know. She didnt go to school, and I tried to explain to her how social media had made it exponentially worse. Thursday (Feb. 8) she was scared. I had to have somebody come pick her up because I work. She has not been to school since. ... I put in a transfer to Arlington (schools). She will not be coming back to school or class. Nelson asked whether it was possible to restart COVID-era remote learning as an option for students whose parents were worried about their childrens safety. One mother said her eighth grader refuses to use the bathroom at school because he believes it is a dangerous place. Other speakers, such as parent Debbie Cusick, defended the school district and teachers, telling attendees her opinion may be unpopular. I think it is embarrassing that 600 parents showed up at the school and took their kids away based on rumors, Cusick said, noting that her child had never been scared while in classes. Shepard said the district has continued to investigate and follow up on any and all information. The rumors of an alleged attack at the middle school Feb. 8 were vigorously investigated by police officials and proved false, Shepard said, and that information was widely and frequently shared with parents. Several times we shared publicly that, not only was the rumor not founded in fact, that the students directly involved in the (Feb. 5) fight would not be returning to school this semester, Shepard said. Immediately after the fight on Monday morning, we began looking at our protocols and procedures for how students enter the building and where and when they wait in the morning, and how we create a safer environment. Tuesday morning, we implemented new safety features and have followed through with the new process. It seems to have greatly strengthened our student safety. At the board meeting, a former special education teacher in the district, Steven Hansen, made claims of cannabis vaping and other issues at the school, which he said the public was not aware of. He also alleged that students had flushed so many vape cartridges down school toilets that plumbers had to be called to clean the sewage pipe system. I think the district needs to hire outside security. Cellphones are a huge problem, Hansen said. Youve got to do something. Youve got to hold the kids accountable. Shepard said all claims of illegal cannabis vaping reported at district schools are handled by the Fremont Police Department because it is a criminal act. Any time a student is found to have a vape cartridge that is suspected to be THC, the Fremont police are called, the cartridge is tested and, if positive, the student is cited, Shepard said in an email Tuesday. The statement related to bathrooms being closed due to vape cartridges being flushed down toilets is something I am not aware of. Allegations of school-issued Chromebooks being used to illegally sell drugs and potentially being used to create child sex abuse materials were made by parent Ed Heims, who said he was an educational setting IT expert who formerly worked at the Omaha Public Schools and ESU 2. On Tuesday, Shepard said in an email to the Fremont Tribune that the claims made by Heims about drug dealing and alleged child sex abuse material on district-issued Chromebooks were turned over to the law enforcement officials for investigation. Drug sales and child sex abuse, along with the THC vapes, are criminal acts. The allegations raised last night during public comments have been reported to law enforcement, Shepard said. District-issued Chromebooks have filtering software installed and, when connected to our network, they are also filtered by a firewall, he added. Shepard told attendees that the district is committed to student safety and has a great working relationship with the Fremont Police Department, whose officers he thanked for their diligence and quick response in investigating the alleged rumors and the Feb. 5 brawl. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 LINCOLN Having a young son with life-threatening allergies, Nebraska mother Katherine Whites day-to-day life is all about staying vigilant. White said she always checks food labels when grocery shopping, and makes sure her peers dont have food around that could pose a danger to her 1-year-old son. She also keeps two EpiPens on hand one for home, and one for when her son is at day care. Even with insurance, White pays roughly $300 for those EpiPens, she said, and needs to replace them about once a year to account for their expiration dates. She said it breaks her hearts thinking of families who cant afford such lifesaving medication for their children. White was one of several people who testified in support of Legislative Bill 1094 at a public hearing Tuesday. The bill, introduced by State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln, would limit the out-of-pocket costs for a two-pack of epinephrine injectors (often referred to as EpiPens) to $60 for people with insurance, and requires insurance companies to cover authorized generic versions of inhalers. Bostar said his bill is in response to the rising costs of these medications, noting that many families struggle to afford them with high-deductible insurance. Roughly 200,000 Nebraska families have children with allergies, he said, and thousands more have children with asthma. Bostar estimated that the cost of EpiPens can be $600 to $700 without insurance. On inhalers, Bostar took issue with insurance providers stopping coverage for a generic version of a previous brand-name inhaler that was pulled from the shelves earlier this year. Jason Linde, senior vice president for the nonprofit Food Allergy Research and Education, said research shows the rate of allergies among children is rising, and so is the cost of care, despite the design of EpiPens not changing for 37 years. He said an EpiPen costs roughly $8 to manufacture, and only has about $1 of medication inside it. The market hasnt worked the way its supposed to, Linde said. Daniel Rosenquist, who testified in support of LB 1094 on behalf of the Nebraska Medical Association, also noted that it is often necessary for families to have two EpiPens on hand, as a second dose of epinephrine is sometimes needed to treat allergic reactions. Five people testified in support, with 12 people submitting written comments in support as well. Three people were opposed, all representing insurers. They put the blame for the rising costs of EpiPens and inhalers on the pharmaceutical industry, and argued that the bill would reward the industry. Youre not punishing the true bad actor here, said Robert Bell, executive director of the Nebraska Insurance Federation. Bell also explained that the reason some insurance providers dont cover generic inhalers is because the cost of them is actually higher than the former branded version. Regardless of the reasons for not covering generic inhalers, Bostar said they are outweighed by the need for people with asthma to have ways to access the devices. Bostar said he is willing to work with insurance providers on his bill, but chided opponents for not proposing their own amendment to address their concerns. The price of EpiPens and the failure to cover some inhalers proves that the system is broken, he said, and the Legislature needs to address it. Theres a cost to not doing things, Bostar said. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 NIGERIA is not in any way near a debt crisis despite its N24.39 trillion (about $79.44 billion) debts, the Federal Government has said. The debt figure, which, as at December 31, 2018, comprised Eurobond loans, facilities from the World Bank Group, China and Africa Development Bank Group constitute over 80 per cent of the total debt stock. It represents a year-on-year growth of 12.25 per cent and is higher than the 2017 figure by N2.662 billion. Finance Minister Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, who made the disclosure at the sidelines of the just-concluded International Monetary Fund/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C, explained that despite warnings by the multilateral institutions, the country was not in any way near a debt crisis. Her position was collaborated by FSDH Research latest report on Nigerias debt position titled: Is Nigeria public debt too high? Analysts at the Lagos-based investment company argued that since Nigerias public debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio was still under 20 per cent, precisely 18.89 per cent, it can still get more loans to reach the 25 per cent benchmark set for itself and the 56 per cent international threshold set for countries in Nigerias peer group. REad also: No agreement with IMF on removal of fuel subsidy Minister The analysts at FSDH Research said Nigeria still has room to borrow an additional N7.89 trillion before reaching a threshold of about N32 trillion. FSDH Research data showed that countries like China, South Africa, India, UK, Brazil and the United States (U.S.) all have high debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 50 per cent, 57 per cent, 70 per cent, 87 per cent, 88 per cent, 91 per cent and 106 per cent respectively. It, however, stressed that these countries have successfully managed to deploy their borrowings into activities that can stimulate revenue generation including education, transportation, construction, security, technology and other growth-enhancing infrastructure. The FSHD report explained that by utilising the borrowed funds in areas that improve the ease of doing business in their countries, they have been able to grow their economies further, create job opportunities, and create more avenues for their governments to grow their revenue. It said: The 25 per cent benchmark gives Nigeria a leeway to borrow an additional N7.89 trillion given her level of GDP. But before you are quick to celebrate, there is the need to consider one very important factor: the ability of the country to service the debt without causing untold hardship on the country. In measuring the ability of a country to service her debt obligations, we look at the ratio of domestic debt service-to-Federal Government of Nigeria Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation. The IMF had during the Spring Meetings warned Nigeria and other emerging market countries taking excessive loans from China to consider the terms of such facilities, especially, their compliance to the Paris Club arrangements. Director, IMF Monetary and Capital Markets Department, Tobias Andrian, said there was nothing bad in borrowing from China, except that the terms of such loans are always questionable. He said: Loans from China are good, but the countries should consider the terms of the loans. And we urge countries that when they borrow from abroad, that the terms are favorable for the borrower, and should be conforming to the Paris Club arrangements. Continuing, Andrian, who spoke on the Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR) said: Let me reiterate that in many frontier markets, we see that the share of debt that is not conforming to the Paris Club standards is on the rise. And that means that if there is any debt restructuring down the road one day that can be very unfavorable to those countries. So, the borrowing terms, the covenants, are extremely important. And we do see a deterioration in that aspect. But Mrs. Ahmed explained that while government borrows to deliver on its promises, it is also mindful of rising debt burden, which eats up about 25 per cent of the countrys annual earnings. The minister said: The World Bank and IMF are cautioning us on the rate at which we are borrowing. They are also cautioning us on the need to build fiscal buffers because the global economy is going to be facing some risks and we agree with that. We are very mindful of the level of our borrowings. Our borrowing is very much within fiscal limits right now. What we are doing is to increase our revenue generating capacity to make it easier for us to meet our debt obligations, routine and capital expenditure. Responding to concerns on Chinese loans to finance the Idu-Kaduna, Lagos-Ibadan and Abuja light rail projects, expansion of four airport terminals and some hydroelectric projects across the country, the minister said: To borrow, we go through several processes of assessments as well as negotiations. We make sure we get the best possible terms and whether we are borrowing from financial institutions or in Europe or China or anywhere else, we try to get the best rates of borrowing. So far, the conditions we have got are very good ones. Mrs. Ahmed said the government of President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to ensuring that the country grows in a manner that would bring many people out of poverty. According to her, it is for this reason that the government takes its social investment programmes like the school feeding, Conditional Cash Transfers to the poor and vulnerable and TraderMoni programme, very seriously. The woman reportedly suffered severe burns covering half her body in a home fire. A 52-year-old woman, Bujji Aamma, presumed dead after an accident, miraculously resurrected just moments before her scheduled cremation in Berhampur, India. A woman who suffered burns and died in an accident has resurrected. According to Dailymail , the 52-year-old woman, Bujji Aamma, presumed dead after an accident, miraculously resurrected just moments before her scheduled cremation in Berhampur, India. On February 1, the woman reportedly suffered severe burns covering half her body in a home fire. She was then rushed to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Despite her return home in a critical condition due to the familys financial constraints, her health deteriorated rapidly over the following days. With limited resources preventing her from seeking further medical attention, the womans condition worsened, leading her husband, Sibaram Palo, to believe she had succumbed to her injuries. The heartbroken husband arranged for her to be taken to the cremation ground in a hearse. We thought she was dead and informed others in the locality to arrange a hearse van to carry the body to the cremation ground, Sibaram Palo explained to the Times of India. Shockingly, the woman, who was already in the hearse and presumed lifeless, opened her eyes just as the funeral pyre was about to be assembled. K Chiranjibi, a witness who accompanied the woman in the hearse, expressed how frightened and shocked they were when she unexpectedly opened her eyes. Initially we were scared as we had never seen such an incident, though we had heard some stories, Chiranjibi said. A prominent Zaria-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Auwal Shariff has been quizzed by the The State Security Service, SSS. DailyNigerian reported that he was quizzed for criticizing the administration of President Bola Tinubu over economic hardship in the country. The cleric, who is a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu, was quizzed on Friday and released the same day. In one of the videos of his sermons obtained by our correspondent, Mr Shariff had likened the power transition between former President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Tinubu to that of Pharaoh and Haman. He also lambasted the president for the hasty decision to remove petrol subsidy. Tinubu and Buhari are like Pharaoh and Haman; there is no difference between them. If not for Tinubus lack of respect and dignity for Nigerians, how can you announce the removal of subsidy in your inaugural speech? After announcing the removal on the inauguration stage, the petrol price jumped from around N200 to over N600 before the president left the venue. And people just laughed it off, as though nothing happened. What kind of people are we? Ideally, he should have consulted his economic team before making such a hasty decision; even the military, which rules by decree, dont make that kind of pronouncement, Mr Sharif said. An insider source told DAILY NIGERIAN that the cleric was quizzed for some hours before he was asked to go home. Some operatives of the SSS stormed the residence of Malam on Friday before Jumuat prayers, but he wasnt at home. They came back again after the Jumuat prayer, but could not meet him. So they left behind a letter and a phone number for him to call. Upon his arrival from the mosque, Malam reached out to them, confirming the receipt of their letter. He offered to go to their office immediately, but we advised him against it. Even the SSS asked him to wait until Monday, but he insisted on going to know the reason for the invitation, and prove his innocence. He went and had a discussion with them, and after hours of grilling, he was allowed to go home. From what we gathered, the order to arrest Malam was from Abuja, but somehow the matter was handled by the Kaduna State Command, he said. The source said the secret police expressed security concern about some of his sermons and the kind of engagement they received from people of all faith. He was advised to be less critical due to the fragile nature of the polity, the source added. The source said his ordeal might not be unconnected to his recent criticisms of the economic hardship and some top politicians in the country. When contacted, the SSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, didnt respond to an SMS sent to his known phone number as at the time of filing this report. It was not immediately clear why Kallas, who has led Estonia since 2021, was listed as wanted. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has been declared wanted by Russia. Russia declared criminal charges against Kallas on Tuesday in an unprecedented step against its Baltic neighbours. According to AFP, it was not immediately clear why Kallas, who has led Estonia since 2021, was listed as wanted. Relations between Moscow and EU member Estonia, which is home to a sizeable Russian minority, have remained tense since the end of the Cold War. Russia has frequently chided Estonia for removing Soviet-era war monuments, which Tallinn sees as unwelcome symbols of its occupation under the USSR. The Russian interior ministrys database of wanted people showed Kallas as wanted under the Criminal Code without naming the charges, accompanied by a picture of the leader. There was no immediate reaction from Estonia. Earlier in February, Moscow summoned diplomats from its three Baltic neighbours after accusing them of trying to sabotage next months Russian presidential election. From Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu BAUCHI Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has reiterated his administration commitment towards executing of more projects that have a direct bearing to the common people in the state. Mohammed was speaking at official and ground breaking ceremony of roads construction projects in Bauchi, said no amount of sabotage by sabortours will deter him from execution of more projects across knocks and cranny 20 LGA in the state. According to the governor, said the projects that were executing is what we promised our teaming supporters during the electioneering campaigns in all the 20 LGAs of the State. Our citizens hold us responble for our promises, theyve voted us into our various positions because of the confident theyve on us and we most fulfilled their dreams. The former minister of the FCT added that my government is government of people and for people therefore well continue to open up by constructing more network roads and this will equally create more job opportunities as well as burst their economy. I, therefore, urged you to corporate with the engineering companys to achieve the desired goals and timely completion of the project in good time,. Recall that the Governor Mohammed has commenced on the one week long flagging-off the roads constructions across the three Senatorial Zones in the State. Related Bauchi State Governor Dr Bala Mohammed has doles out one hundred million naira to the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Bauchi State Command as part of their contribution in making the state free from criminal activities. Mohammed announced the donation at an event to mark end of the Year party and award dinner being organised by the State Command Tuesday in Bauchi. Noted the overall achievement made so far by the Command through collaborative efforts with local security vigilantees. He assured of his a continues support to the Command to achieve its set obligations of protecting the lives and properties of the general citizens in the state, region and nation at large. Im highly delited an honoured to witnessed this history event since 1976 when I was young and I will continue to be part of this milestone achievement. I and on behalf of my government and good people of Bauchi state, I, hereby donated the sum of One hundred million naira to support the men and officers of the Nigeria Police Force who sacrifice their lives in protecting our citizens in the state. Earlier in his speech, the Bauchi State Police Commissioner, CP Auwal Musa Mohammed thanked the Governor for honoring his invitation and attended personally. He said, Im highly overwhelming and delighted to expressed my happiness for organising this great event in my lifetime as the CP Bauchi State. According to the CP, said This event is an occasion usually holds to recignised the various success and milestone achievement, and this occasion holding today was last held in the state in 1976. The CP, lamented over some insecurity challenges confronting the state considering the fact that Bauchi is in the middle of many states, however, the Command in collaboration with the sister security agencies and local hunters were able to control and overcome. He explained that the Command also make efforts in establishing neibourhood security watch to assist the Police on vital information against sucficious movement of criminal activities around their respective communities. A payloader loads treated salt into a snowplow as crews prepare for the incoming snowstorm at the New Haven Public Works garage Monday afternoon, February 12, 2024. Two inches or more of snow could fall per hour across southern and coastal Connecticut, the weather service said. As much as 18 inches of snow is possible in the northern part of the state. Dave Zajac/Hearst Connecticut Media UPDATE: Connecticut is seeing less snow than anticipated after the storm's 'bull's eye' shifted, the Connecticut Weather Center's chief meteorologist said. In a span of just a few hours Monday afternoon, forecasters changed their predictions several times about what is still supposed to be a significant winter storm in Connecticut. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The storm is expected to bring several inches of snowfall to Connecticut. But how much depends on a number of factors. Those include whether the storm tracks further south which would result in less snow, the timing of the transition from rain to heavy snow for areas along the coast, and the location and duration of heavy snow banding, the National Weather Service said. Along with officials in New York and Massachusetts, Gov. Ned Lamont on Monday night announced a ban on tandem and unladen tractor-trailers on limited-access highways. The ban begins at midnight Tuesday and will last until further notice, the governor's office said. During the peak periods of the storm, we are anticipating treacherous conditions that will make travel very difficult, Lamont said in a statement. Weve consulted with our neighboring states and have decided as a region that its in the best interest of safety to enact this travel ban on tandem tractor trailers and empty tractor trailers during the duration of the storm. The governor on Monday night also ordered all executive branch offices to close to the public on Tuesday. State employees who can work from home are being encouraged to do so. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The governor's office said the state Department of Transportation has 600 trucks and more than 900 drivers ready to respond to the storm. "I strongly encourage everyone in Connecticut to stay off the roads on Tuesday unless absolutely necessary, particularly during the height of the storm so that plow crews can clear the roads and keep everyone safe. Please check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or need assistance, to make sure they are safe," Lamont said in a statement. The storm is expected to continue into Tuesday afternoon. As of around 5:30 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service's New York office predicted southern Connecticut would see about 8 or 9 inches of snow. The weather service said places along the coast like New Haven and New London could get 6 to 8 inches, while communities farther inland such as Torrington and Hartford would see 4 to 6 inches. As a "reasonable worst case," the agency said southern Connecticut could see 12 to 15 inches of snow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That was at odds with snowfall projections issued by the weather service's Boston office, which in its latest forecast predicted the Connecticut shoreline would only see a few inches of snow while calling for up to 6 inches in the Hartford area. The forecast for the storm shifted several times Monday with the weather service at one point predicting parts of northern Connecticut seeing more than a foot of snowfall. Bill Jacquemin, a meteorologist with the Connecticut Weather Center, predicted the storm would more likely produce about 5 to 9 inches of snow. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He said the deepest snow will likely accumulate in the interior of eastern Connecticut northern New London and southern Tolland and Windham counties. That area is far enough away from the ocean, but still in the storm's track where the cold air can create drier, fluffier snow, he said. "Winds are going to be up there, Jacquemin said. That tends to lower visibility a bit as snow is blown around. He noted that travel is "not recommended" during the storm. He said the storm would be "not historic, but one to respect. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Coastal flood advisories have also been issued along the Connecticut shoreline as officials have warned of flooding around the Wednesday morning high tide. Connecticut schools began announcing closures for Tuesday and many municipalities announced parking bans to get cars off the street while plow crews are out. The storm will bring colder conditions with high temperatures remaining in the 30s through at least next Sunday. Tricia Modifica, an Eversource spokesperson, said Connecticut's largest electricity provider has been preparing for the storm Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Weve been closely monitoring multiple forecasts and models for the last several days," she said. "Well have equipment and crews pre-positioned at our area work centers across the state so were ready to respond to any outages as quickly and safely as possible." The company said that the heavy, wet type of snow expected in this storm can bring down tree limbs and branches that cause damage and power outages, and also make travel difficult for crews. Having them staged in various locations means they're able to respond as quickly as possible, President of Connecticut Electric Operations Steve Sullivan said. The company is also reminding customers to keep gas meters and outdoor vents clear of snow or ice, and to leave the building and call 911 if they smell gas. Sarah Wall Fliotsos, a spokesperson for United Illuminating, said the company that provides electricity to the greater Bridgeport and New Haven areas expects around 10,000 of its customers to lose power during the storm. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "In the event of outages, we will work hard to restore customers as quickly and safely as possible," Fliotsos said. Eversource did not provide an estimation on how many outages the company expects. Metro-North officials said trains will run on a modified schedule with changes to morning and evening peak and branch line trains. The agency said crews are testing and pre-positioning "snow fighting equipment." From Msurshima Andrew, Makurdi A Non Governmental Organization, (NGO), AIDS Healthcare Foundation, (AHF), Nigeria, has called on young people across the country to practice safe sex by using condom rightly. AHF Advocacy and Marketing Manager, Steve Aborishade, who spoke on Tuesday in Makurdi, at the end of a road walk and distribution of condoms and flyers, an event being part of activities marking the 2024 International Condom Day, said safe sex education is crucial to preventing STIs and unwanted pregnancies. The organisation, during the event, rendered free HIV/AIDS testing and counseling to 3,000 persons just as they distributed 75,000 packs of condoms to both young and older people in Makurdi, the Benue State capital and to those in six other states across the country. According to Aborishade, AHF has concluded arrangements to build STIs clinic in Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), Abuja to cater for the treatment of sexually transmitted infections in Nigeria. He explained that the International Condom Day is usually celebrated on February 13th as a global event, a day before Valentines Day, in a bid to promote prevention of STDs, including HIV and unwanted pregnancies through free condom distribution, safer sex awareness events and HIV Testing Services. According to him, AHF is aware of what happens among young people during Valentines day, hence to share love, and in sharing love, there is a lot of sex. He said AHF always advise young people to abstain from sex but a situation whereby they cannot abstain, they should always use condom for protection. Aborishade who noted the rising cases of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and cases of HIV among the young generation, said it is important to give them the right education and information about safe sex. We encourage young people to abstain from sex which is the best decision but majority of young people cant and thats why we are encouraging them to use condoms properly and frequently. We are partnering with, Apin, Bensaca, Network of youth organizations to create awareness. The theme of this year celebration is Just use it. These condoms are being distributed today in seven states. We are also starting an STI clinic in June at AHF in Makurdi and Abuja and it is strictly for STI treatment. Some people have STI and they dont know they have it but with the establishment of the clinic, people would have opportunity to be attended to, he said. Speaking, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ann Itodo, commended AHF for creating awareness about safer sex and the need to control STIs amongst youths in the state. Represented by a Director in the ministry, Mrs. Magdalene Doo, Mrs Itodo said everyone must be involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS and other STIs in the state . She assured that the ministry is ready to collaborate with AHF to educate and enlighten the people of the State and call on the organization to join the ministry to celebrate this years International Womens day in order to create more awareness about STIs in the State. Also speaking, the AHF Head of Diseases Control, Mrs. Amina Iyaji, said the rate of STIs has reduced drastically due to activities of the organization and assured that they would continue to create more awareness about safe sex. Related Residents and property owners in Committee on Resettlement and Development Layout, popularly called CRD, in Lugbe, along Airport Road in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have sent a passionate plea to President Bola Tinubu to save them from threats by the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) to demolish their homes and reallocate their lands to private estate developers. In a Save Our Souls petition, copies of which were sent to several government authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the National Assembly, the distressed residents said they have been subjected to incessant harassment and threats by officials of the Development Control Department of the FCDA working in connivance with the River Park Estate developer. The residents said the latest experience was on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 when some of them returned home from work to find demolition notices pasted on the walls of their buildings by persons who claimed to be officials of the Development Control Department. They said the notices informed owners of the affected houses that their properties have been marked for demolition within 21 days to make way for a Central Market in the area. The notices read: Demolition Notice. Plot No. Central Market (3785). District: Lugbe North. Cadastral Zone: E25. The Authority observed with dismay that the development or structure on plot is defective and constitutes danger or nuisance to the public/adjoining plot. Take notice that you are given 21 days to comply by pulling down the structure or have the illegal development demolished in accordance with Section 61 of the Nigeria Urban and Regional Planning Act 1992. In the petition, copies of which were sent to the FCT Office of the Department of State Security (DSS), the residents expressed surprise that the Layout, which has been in existence since 1996 with fully developed properties, would suddenly be converted into a general market without the knowledge of residents and land owners. Blaming the problem on the unholy connivance of some FCDA officials through the Development Control Department with a private estate developer, one Paul Odili to harass, intimidate, and illegally dispossess them of their properties, the resident urged President Tinubu and the FCT Minister to immediately wade into the simmering situation to avoid it imploding and resulting in avoidable multi-dimensional crises. Since 2014, the residents said Mr Odili, through his firms, Houses for Africa Nigeria Limited; Jonah Nigeria Limited, and Paulo Homes Limited in River Park Estate, has been waging a series of illegal wars of conquest to achieve territorial expansion of his allocation into CRD land area. CRD layout, covering a land area of about 474 hectares, was created in 1996 by the FCDA to relocate and resettle persons affected by the dualization and expansion of the Airport Road within the Lugbe 1 area. Most of the lands in the CRD Layout were legally acquired from the FCDA. The layout was comprehensively designed with various infrastructures, including schools, hospitals, markets, town halls, recreational facilities, religious places of worship, police post, and other public institutions, etc. The area in contention, CRD Lugbe 1 Layout is identified in the Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) as Plot No. 0235, where land titles owners have fully developed and occupied since 1996, the Chairman of the CRD Residents and Landlords Association, Abdulwasiu Mustapha, said in the petition. Available information from the FCDA shows that Mr Odili and his private estate development firms, who were allocated part of the CRD area in 2017 by the then El-Rufai administration in the FCT, have so far acquired almost half of the area. Our lands were given to Paul Odili without due process of law or revocation of existing titles in clear violation of the rights of the property owners. Since then, our lives have been a living hell. This man has deployed all known means to forcefully sack us from our lands. He has deployed security agencies to constantly, harass, intimidate, threaten, arrest, and detain our people without any lawful excuse. He has demolished our homes, barricaded our roads, dug trenches around our houses, and fenced our community in without outlets to the rest of the world. We have written to virtually all public institutions for intervention without success. We have sought reprieve from the courts, but he has ignored every restraining court orders without any consequence. Today, we are still in court with him, while some of our people have obtained judgments against him, both at the High Court and Court of Appeal without abating his threats and harassment. We want the President and the FCT Minister to wade in and save us, the residents cried out in their petitions. Although following the latest assault by the FCDA on February 7 the residents went the following day to meet with the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, to seek clarification on their action, the Chairman of the Residents Association said it was surprising that his promise to convene a meeting of all stakeholders in the crisis to discuss the issues was yet to materialize several days after. Mustapha said residents who attended the meeting with Mr Galadima were surprised that instead of addressing the areas of breaches of the extant laws regarding building designs and structures, he claimed the CRD community has been re-designed, and that most of the fully-developed houses and structures fell within the road corridors and a central market. The Chairman said Mr Galadima did not produce the re-designed CRD layout, or said when the redesign was done without the knowledge of residents, neither did he identify the beginning of the road infrastructure and where it would terminate. We have lost confidence and trust in the Directors handling of the matter. We suspect he is playing the familiar script and antics of Mr. Paul Odili with the evil intention of dispossessing us of our valued properties. There is no way an important action such as redesigning CRD would be done fairly without the involvement of the existing residents since 1996. As most of the residents of the CRD community are public and civil servants with pensioners who used their meager life savings to raise a place for their families to live, we will resist every attempt to render us homeless and turn us into refugees, the residents said. Related Femi Falana Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, (SAN), has called on the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to publish its monthly allocation to states and local governments. He made the call on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television. Falana insisted that the government must be transparent enough to convince Nigerians of what the proceeds from the removal of fuel subsidy are being used for. He urged the media to always demand the monthly allocation to every tier of government. According to him, We are demanding that on a monthly basis that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation be publishing what goes to every tier of government. That was the culture in the past. At a stage we were told the government was going to be run in a transparent manner. Section 22 of the constitution states that the media should promote transparency and accountability in the government. So the media is compelled to demand on a monthly basis what goes to every tier of government and to compare what was being earned before fuel subsidy removal and what is going to the federal government account after the subsidy removal. For almost a year, the NNPC did not remit any money to the federal account. But now we are told that they are no longer subsidizing fuel. They should tell us what they are making per month. The government said that it would be paying N35,000 wage award to workers every month; but now we are told only some months were paid. Nigerian clergyman, Mike Bamiloye has warned those celebrating Valentines Day. He warned them not to celebrate it immorally. The filmmaker and evangelist warned that many people will willingly give up their fortunes and destinies tonight to be used by the marine kingdom. He wrote on Instagram: WE WILL NOT STOP SCREAMING!!!!! Many would sleep on the same bed tonight with ghosts and spirits from Demonic kingdoms who had come to make vows and covenants with the sons and daughters of men. Blood would flow tonight. Blood shall be exchanged tonight on Covenant Beds. Fluids of men shall be submitted tonight in the shrines of the evil kingdom. The fortunes and destinies of many young girls and Ladies would end up tonight in Shrines of Money Rituals. Destinies and fortunes and Meaningfulness of life shall be polluted this evening and By TOMORROW MORNING, Many shall wake up empty and Shallow and Light. In another post, he said that the only sex and romance that would be lawful is the one between a married couple. A 55 year old father of six has committed suicide due to hardship. The man simply identified as Abib a.k.a Bibson took his own life at Ashaka area of Ibadan, in Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo state. It was gathered that the incident which occurred on Sunday night was discovered by neighbours who decided to break the door open on Monday morning. Some of those who forced the door open, narrated to this reporter how the deceased body was found dangling on a rope tied to a ceiling fan in the living room. A source said the remains of Abib was brought down the rope with the help of a traditionalist after a brief ritual. A neighbour who gave his name as Akeem explained that the body was lowered after the case was reported at Mapo Police station , Ibadan. A senior police officer attached to Mapo Police station , Ibadan who spoke with this reporter in confidence, confirmed the incident, after explaining how two police officers visited the scene while investigating the incident. Many who knew the deceased well in the neighborhood described him as a peaceful and hardworking man. According to one of the neighbours , the deceased who had a dry cleaning business had wound on his hand which was operated sometime ago. The father of six was also said to have divorced his wife due to inability to resolve marital problems. At the scene of the incident, scores of people were seen expressing sympathy , while others wondered what might have happened. On what led to Abibs resolve to take his life, one of the co-tenants who spoke on condition of anonymity narrated how the deceased had a struggle with family and lifes anxieties. She said Abib, was a well known dry cleaner in this area . His wife had Long separated from him after six children. Life has not been easy with him as he struggled to make ends meet. Later, he had a sore on his finger, which affected his dry cleaning business . The finger was operated sometime ago, but the sore later spread. Intact , we learnt the doctors said he needed strong medication, to avoid amputation. He was really facing alot in life. It was shocking to learn he has taken his life. It was learnt the body of the deceased has been interred by members of his family at one of the public cemeteries in Ibadan. The Federal Government has retracted an earlier statement on the legal aspect of the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership signed with the United Kingdom on Tuesday. The Federal Government backtracked following criticisms from Nigerians over the perceived one-sided nature of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the UK. The Nigerian Minister for Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a thread on X, retracted her earlier statement, saying there was no such legal agreement between Nigeria and the UK. She said: Earlier today, Nigeria signed a far-reaching MoU with the United Kingdom for Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership. Regrettably, our earlier report erroneously suggests that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows lawyers licensed in the United Kingdom to practise in Nigeria. READ ALSO: FG berates PDP Govs for comparing Nigerias economy with Venezuela We wish to state emphatically that there is no such provision or agreement in the MoU. The minister further stated that Nigeria does not have a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the UK and made no commitment under the MOU or elsewhere, to allow UK-licensed lawyers practise in Nigeria. As it currently stands, foreign licensed lawyers (including those licensed in the UK) cannot practise in Nigeria, as categorically stated in the MoU. We recognise that cross jurisdictional practice between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is still an ongoing conversation amongst relevant stakeholders within the legal practitioners community in Nigeria, and this was reflected in the MoU, she added. It will be recalled that on Tuesday, a statement by the UKs Department of Business and Trade, and a tweet from Nigerias Minister of Trade and Investment, had disclosed that Nigeria was signing a deal to remove barriers preventing UK lawyers from practising international law in Nigeria. Reacting to the tweets, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the purported agreement, stating that the statement credited to the minister was ridiculous, unpatriotic, and uninformed. The Ijebu-Ode local government area of Ogun Statehas commenced the rehabilitation of Oke-Oyinbo Primary Health Centre. The information was shared by the council chairman, Babatunde Emilola-Gazal and the move is to improve the health condition of the people at the grassroots. Emilola-Gazal, while making this known to journalists while on inspection of the health centre on Wednesday said the facelift was needed so as to serve the primary purpose of providing improved healthcare services for the people. The area we are rehabilitating includes construction of new Male and Female Wards, staff quarters, theatre, Pharmacy room, Children Ward and Matron Office, as well as fencing of the building. ALSO READ : EFCC operatives allegedly raid FUTA hostels, arrest students in night operations The Oke-Oyinbo Primary Health Centre has been an age-long health centre which needs total Rehabilitation. It is at the centre of GRA in Ijebu Ode and the only hospital that serves the area and our people need affordable and accessible primary health care. We are doing this as part of fulfilling our electioneering campaign and also complement the effort of the state government on healthcare delivery, he said. The council boss noted that at completion of the rehabilitation, the centre would be more conducive for the medical staff, to engender efficient health care delivery to residents of the area. The Nigeria Customs Service had revealed the arrest of a Cameroonian, Mohammed Ibrahim, in possession of pistol, live ammunition, and 52 units of elephant tusks in Mfum, a border town in Ikom Local Government Area, Cross River State. The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Cross River/CFTZ/Akwa Ibom Command, Comptroller Ahmed Waziri, at a news conference in Calabar disclsoed that the arrest was effected on Thursday, 8 February 2024, by NCS operatives in Mfum. Waziri said that the Cameroonian named Mohammed Ibrahim was arrested with a pistol, live ammunition, and 52 elephant tusks on his way to Lagos for export when he was caught. He was driving a Honda SUV truck with the number plate FST 733 HH, where a pistol with live ammunition was discovered. According to Waziri, the suspect has two number plates (Lagos): FST 733 HH and (CMR) LT 214 AY. A service pistol was discovered inside the vehicle with live ammunition. This arrest should be a warning that Nigeria will not be used as a transit route for illicit products. They should also know that Nigeria is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The elephant tusks, weighing 200kg, were valued at N300 million. The efforts to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, have entered a spiritual realm, with elders from the Old Eastern Region gathering at his late parents graveside in Umuahia on Wednesday. They came together to offer prayers for his release. Serious prayers were offered at the graveside for a favourable outcome at Kanus next court hearing on February 26 at the Federal High Court Abuja. The elders who were decked in the traditional Igbo attire popularly known as Isi agu (lions head), took turns to pray for Kanus unconditional release. They also prayed against forces sabotaging and frustrating efforts towards his release. Addressing newsmen after the prayers, the National Chairman of Concerned Elders of Old Eastern Region, Chief Innocent Orji, said they came to mark the fourth anniversary of the demise of Kanus parents, HRM and Lolo Israel Kanu, who died as a result of shock they received when their palace was invaded by security operatives. He described them as part of heroes and heroines of Biafra whose sacrifices would ever be appreciated. Chief Orji further said that they came to seek divine intervention because the forces behind Kanus continued intervention were not ordinary. He said that Kanu is not a terrorist but a freedom fighter contrary to allegations by the Federal Government. Chief Orji further said that Kanu had the full support of the entire people of the Old Eastern Region in his agitation for the liberation of the oppressed people of the region. There is no reason for his continued detention because he is not a criminal but a freedom fighter. He only seeks the liberation of his people, and we are all behind him. We cannot abandon him at any point. We are all in this struggles together, and we are very optimistic, he will be released to us. The elders appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to order his immediate release to help restore peace and security to the region. Adding his voice, Leader of the delegation of the Elders from Akwa Ibom State, Akuku Ekong Umo Essien, said the struggles for Biafra restoration is never an Igbo affair but a joint project of the people of the Old Eastern Region. He said that injustice against the people by the Nigerian State fuels the renewed agitation for Biafra, saying that the struggles can no longer be suppressed. We totally believe in Biafra and what it represents. Kanu should be released because he is only championing the cause of the oppressed people of the Old Eastern Region. Another elder from Akwa Ibom, Chief Sunday Eyara, said that the current realities in Nigeria had shown that it might not be possible to restructure the country again. He regretted that those who felt that the country belonged to them refused to harken to earlier calls for restructuring. According to them, anybody who is sincere will agree that there are fundamental truths about Nigeria that cannot be perpetually suppressed. The earlier our leaders admit that Nigeria has unresolved issues the better for all, he said . Elder Eyara expressed optimism that Kanu would be released, and Biafra actualized in our life time. Responding, Kanus younger brother, thanked the elders for coming to honour his late parents, and for all their show of support and encouragements for his detained brother. He said that his parents died as a result of trauma they sustained following the September 14 military invasion of their compound during Operation Python Dance II. No fewer than 28 persons mostly Biafran agitators shielding the IPOB Leader were slaughtered by security agents during the raid. Prince Emmanuel also called on the Federal Government to listen to various appeals for his brothers unconditional release. He said that his brother is a great prophet whose predictions about Nigeria have all come through. He insisted that Kanus is not part of Nigerias problems but its solution. Nnamdi Kanu is not Nigerias problem but part of its solution. They should release him and engage him on the way to fix the country. If they are discerning enough, they will understand that his prophesies about Nigeria have all come to pass. He predicted that if actions were not taken, Nigeria would be another Somalia. Is Somalia not better than Nigeria today? Kanu has remained in solitary confinement at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services, DSS, since his extraordinary rendition from Kenya in June 2021. The Supreme Court, however, on December 15, 2023 refused to affirm earlier court judgments ordering his immediate and unconditional release. It rather held that Kanu be re-arraigned before the Abuja Federal High Court. His trial resumed at the High Court on February 8, and was adjurned till February 26. From Ahmad SAKA , Bauchi The Inspector General of Police, IGP Olu Kayode Egbetokun has explained his intention to establish Police Special Intervention Squad (SIS) in Bauchi State and other nine States as part effort to fight crime. IGP Egbetokun stated this today Wednesday when he led top officers of the force on a courtesy visit to the state governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed at the council chambers, Government House, Bauchi. He explained that the police special intervention squad would be saddle with the responsibility of responding promptly to all security crises thereby ensuring total elimination of criminal activities in trouble areas. Today is my first official visit to Bauchi in my capacity as Inspector General of Police. Your Excellency, I am happy to report to you that, Bauchi is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria due to your hardworking and collaborative effort between the Governor and the police. This Police Special Intervention Squad would be selected based on commitment to duty, and would be trained and motivated and as such would not be participating in any routine operation so as to effectively response to crises. He appreciated the unwavering commitment of the present administration of Governor Bala Mohammed towards the protection of lives and property of the citizens through supporting police and other services to perform effectively. Governor Bala Mohammed welcomed the establishment of the police special intervention squad in Bauchi and promised to support the initiative for the promotion of peace and security in the state. He applauded the Inspector General of Police for the number of innovatios initiated to improve efficiency in the force in a move to meet the security needs of Nigerians. Governor Bala asked the Nigerian Police force to establish more outpost and formations across the state to assist in addressing the numerous security challenges facing the state and the country. The governor commended the inspector general of police for his efforts in addressing the challenges facing the country and that more needs to be done to tackle the challenges. He said his administration will continue to support security agents in the discharge of their duties, urging for Continues support Related A yet-to-be-ascertained number of students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure have been arrested by officials of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), in a midnight raid of hostels outside the campus on Wednesday. It is reported that the operatives stormed students lodges around Orita Obele, Road block at about 2am, broke into rooms and arrested the students. It was gathered that many of the students first thought the anti-graft agency operatives were kidnappers until much later, when they found that they were EFCC officials. They were said to be from the Benin Zonal office of the commission. The officials did not only destroy our properties, most of the students arrested were assaulted and brutalized. Even female students were assaulted in Adonai lodge, Celebrity lodge, Peace apartment and others in Orita Obele, a source said Health is wealth. But quarry communities in Ogun State are losing both to mining companies, that are breaking everything, including mining laws, Gbenga Ogundare reports. A huge dose of entrenched ignorance and lethargy. That is about the only prescription anyone will need to live and remain unperturbed in Itokuland in Abeokuta, South-West Nigeria. Life here, according to residents, is unbearable. Every day, the rural folks contend with regular blasts of explosives rocking the very foundation of their homes; clouds of dust carrying granite particles, and jarring sounds of trucks moving all day long on the gravelly road that leads from Asun, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, to the hinterland. Itoku Baale, Elejigun, and many other villages lining the road owe their lives to 24 Hours Mining Company Limited, PWD, and four other companies blasting rocks and granite in that axis. The villagers have nowhere else to go. And some eventually have paid the supreme price for their refusal to be uprooted from their native land. Rasaki Soyoye was amongst those that granite dust has killed. He coughed to death, Alimi Ariibi, a light-skinned 80-something-year-old man, told the reporter. He is the Baale of Elejigun, one of the closest communities to round-the-clock quarry operations. Ariibi was smart enough to have identified the cause of the death of his kinsman as air pollution from unrelenting quarrying activities in their community. Other villagers just knew people were coughing or dying. But we cant really tell what caused the coughing, said an octogenarian who identified himself as Igbagbo. He is the Baale of Jagun, Orita Ijaye in Odeda. Soyoye didnt just drop dead. He actually took ill. Particles from mines are among the toxic pollutants the World Health Organisation classifies as ambient air pollutants. No fewer than 4.2 million people die annually around the world as a result of this. Seventeen percent of all deaths and disease results from acute lower respiratory infection, says WHOs Department of Public Health, Environmental and Social Determinants of Health (PHE). In Nigeria, air pollution kills 150 out of every 100,000, according to the 2016 report of State of Global Air. Soyoyes illness probably worsened because there was no clinic to attend to him. The nearest community a primary health centre is Obafemi, a 40-minute bike ride from the village. Coughing, resulting from inhaling dust-laden air is just one of the many ailments the villagers battle with. We cant even sleep because their motors go up and down every day and night, Ariibi added. Elejigun is a ten-roof community of farmers. The women there outnumber the men. The older men who spent their youth in that village and had relished the freshness and calmness of their peasant life, sometimes are overwhelmed by nostalgia. Locating quarries in that area have turned their lives aroundfor worse. A number of the houses there are now heaps of rubble, decaying planks, rusty roofing sheets, and weeds, all covered in thick dust. Those still standing, including that of the late Soyoye, impaired by gaping cracks and thick fault lines, threaten to crumble any time soon. Whatever happens to the health and safety of peasants living at Elejigun and others does not bother the miners. It also appears that the state and federal governments do not care muchdespite the provision of the Mining Act that spells out responsibilities of a miner for the socio-economic wellbeing of its host communities. The pain is, however, heavy on the villagers, especially on their health. The quarries are putting us through a lot of suffering here, griped Ariibi. A state set on a hill Ogun State is known for its rolling expanse of rocks and other solid minerals. The state, with its rural communities, has been one of the major destinations of miners, local and foreign, seeking the Golden Fleece buried in the jagged hills and laterite plains that are much of the land mass. Most of the investors are into quarrying, and the gold rush is largely to the Odeda LGA and Obafemi-Owode LGA. With its granite and other stone deposits, Odeda LGA alone, which has about 25 communities, is home to no fewer than 10 quarries. They are spread across villages like Itesi, Oguntolu, and others under Orile Ilugun; some are at Banja, Orita Ijaiye, and Odeda; others are at Mologede, Ososun, and Ayoyo. These and other sites across the state spewed out 16 million metric tonnes of solid minerals in 2016. That was 38 percent of the total tonnes produced in Nigeria that year, making Ogun the leading producer of solid mineral in 2016, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The Southwestern state is also Nigerias largest producer of cement, grinding out 13 million metric tonnes annually. But the life of the rural communities, especially those that have the misfortune of hosting quarrying companies must not be equated with the amount of wealth mined out of their land. The resources in the underbelly of their land have become a curse for them, as it were. Rights activists and environmental advocates have always criticised the investors and government for destroying the source of living of these rural dwellers. All that can ever be violated Local laws, international charters, and principles of fundamental rights frown at this, as it violates the rights of the people as recognised by the Nigerian Constitution, and as entrenched in the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It is also a violation of certain provisions of the Nigerian Mining Act. Amongst other provisions for compensation, Section 116 and 117 of the Act that guides the activities of miners provides for a bill of responsibilities by the company to the host communities. The provision, known as the Community Development Agreement, lists out basic amenities the company and the community will draw up for the company to provide. Health care delivery is one of them. Others include school buildings, roads, skill acquisition programmes, electricity, SME kits, and so on. The Community Development Agreement shall be subject to review every five (5 )years and shall, until reviewed by the parties, have binding effect on the parties, Ssubsection 5 of Ssection 116 states. This is different from corporate social responsibilities, said Eniolawu Olalekan, head, Geology Department at the Ogun State Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The law also makes the two parties develop an implementation and monitoring plan for those projects they agree on. So the CDA is more like a social contract document between the host and the company. Any dispute following that, the law states, shall be referred to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development. But from Itesi and Oguntolu in Orile Ilugun, to Jagun and Oke Osun in Orita Ijaiye, down to Obete in Mologede, and Elejigun in Itokuland, none of the people knew about the CDA, not to talk of having one drawn up with the quarry owners when they came to start business. Some villagers do not even care at all for whatever goods are in store for them in the CDA. How is it my business again getting into an agreement when the land owners have sold their land to the white men? said a man who identified himself as chairman of Obete. Dont waste your time telling us about the agreement. You see, we are fine. Quarrying does not affect us. Obete stands just a little more than a kilometer from a quarry which bears no form of identificationlike many others. Based on the 2013 records of the University of Ibadan researchers that looked into Challenges of quarrying amongst rural dwellers in Odeda LGA, Ogun (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264047887_Challenges_of_quarry_activities_among_rural_dwellers_in_Odeda_Local_Government_Area_of_Ogun_State_Nigeria), the quarry likely belongs to the Abuja-based Gilmor Construction Company which handled a water purification dam project in Ogun State. And the village is one of the clusters of four communities in Mologede, along the Igbo Ora road. By law, a community within a radius of one kilometre to a quarry must be resettled by the quarry owner. Olalekan of the Ogun State Mining Ministry said it falls within the blast zone of the quarrying activities, and is unsafe. Yet the community leaders said they were just fine. The Obete chairmans devil-may-care attitude is not strange. The University of Ibadan researchers found out similar attitudes in their 2013 study across the Odeda quarry communities. Thirty-three percent of those interviewed were just as unconcerned about whatever impact the tremor and dust had on their health. They would not even attribute their ill-health to air pollution or anything. In a sense, that coldness seems a facade for some kind of loyalty to the quarry owners. It is, however, an eye-opener. It sheds more light on how the law, protective though, is rigged against the locals because of their ignorancesomething the companies also exploit. It also reveals there are insiders the companies have kept sweet so the narrative can hardly nail the quarry owners for hazarding the health of the villagers. How it works At Itesi and four other villages under Orile Ilugun, there is one of such insiders: Patrick Owolese. He comes from Itesi, though he lives with his family in a small building of four rooms at Orile Ilugunfive minutes bike ride from Itesi. A green SUV was parked in front of the house on April 12 when the reporter met him for an interview. He also had some level of literacy because he brought out a tome of court papers when he was asked about the CDA document. By rural standards, Patrick is a big shot. More so that he was the one that sold his family portion of the communal land to the companyCNC Quarry Nigeria Limited. Whatever the amount of money that changed hands eight years ago when he leased the rocky land to CNC Quarry Nigeria Limited it didnt enrich the larger family. Nor did the cash, which the villagers estimated at N10 million, better the life of the communities. And that might be all Orile Ilugun, Itesi and neighbouring villagesthe chiefs amongst them would ever get for the degradation of their health and sources of livelihood. The benefits in the CDA, in the villagers ignorance, have been factored in to the lump sum, which was relatively okay by Patrick. Other than its failure to renew its second five years plan of the 10-year lease agreement, which now landed both the community and the company in court, CNC is not a bad company, as far as some of the community leaders can tell. Patrick could even swear by his ancestors that the Chinese company has been fair enough to the communities. But older villagers and the youths at Itesi and Oguntolu think otherwise. About 10 years of inhaling granite particles, feeling your heart pound as payloads of explosives go off now and then, and watching your relatives working on the quarry have accidents and die are no pleasant experiences. The locals believe, in their heart of hearts, the CNC owners are unfair to them. Environmental health experts say some health conditions relating to mines, especially air pollution, have a latency period. Dust-related conditions, like asbestosis, for instance, take 10 years or more before showing any symptom. Ignorance of this still makes it confounding to the villagers who know they are dying, but cant pinpoint what is killing them softly. The UI researchers, in their survey, identified a number of illnesses common across the Odeda quarrying communities. Leading the syndrome of air-pollution ailments was coughing. Then asthma, rash, eye problem and ache followed in that order. Some of the villagers attached no reason to these sicknesses. The non-communicable diseases, the villagers thought, were just acts of God. The conditions begin very simple: just filling the airway with dusty air. As they advance, things get complicated. Granite dust banked up inside, according to occupational physicians, presents silicosis, tightness of the chest, respiratory problem, and heart problem. All of these are deadlier than runny noses and minor aches, which the victims experience early on in their exposure. Not many of the villagers, however, seem interested in the pathogenesis of their health problems. Pa Akanni, a community leader at Itesi, said those dying amongst them show no worse signs than those of any sick human. But what we are inhaling here is enough, he said. Who knows? If thats a question, its a difficult one to answer. The matron of the Primary Health Centre, Orile Ilugun, said the centre had no record of any respiratory health problemsor air-pollution-induced sicknessesfrom the town and its neighbouring villages. Not because there is none, really. They just dont come here, she told the reporter, adding they prefer to go to drug sellers in town. It is true. According to Akanni, since theres no clinic for them, they usually go to get treatment from one Dr Ben at Orile Ilugun. Well, Ben didnt exactly look like a doctor when the reporter met him. He was more of a village know-it-all, as he sat amongst his friends in a shop across the road. He is educated, to be sure. He speaks good English, as good as any other southeastern Nigerian living in a Southwestern village. He is also friends with a CNCs Nigerian manager whose name is Marsi. Bens drugstore, a small shop that had a quarter of its space partitioned with a wooden shelf, boasted scanty drugs. The closed section might just be ideal for privacy if he had to give a shot or two of injection to locals. He said there had never been a case of respiratory problems resulting from inhaling quarry dust brought to him. I dont think those are common here, he said. The Chinese owner of the CNC are actually trying, he launched into an image-burnishing report. They wet the road regularly. They give the communities scholarship. They give them bags of rice and money every Christmas. About the CDA that might have ensured the five communities had at least a clinic, Ben said that wouldnt happen. The heads of these families collect money from the Chinese and share it amongst themselves. There have however been emergencies a drug salesman like Ben cannot handle. According to Akanni, a young man from Oguntolu, who worked for the CNC was crushed by one of the companys dumpers. He died before they could take him out of Itesi. His father, known as Baba Carpenter, a bed-ridden man of about 80, was still alive when this reporter sought him out for an interview. He couldnt explain well how it all happened and all that followed. The villagers didnt want to confirm or deny the story either. The reporter, however, gathered that he was offered N400,000 as compensation for losing one of his two children. The chairman of Oguntolu, Lamidi Shotunde, a hoary-haired man in his 80s, lamented the neglect by the CNC. He explained how the tremor from rock blasting keeps tearing down their huts, and the toll the dust and blasts take on their health. When our people eventually fall sick, they go to Odeda, he said. Oguntolus community leaders know neither about the CDA nor the possibility of a clinic, amongst other benefits, the agreement guarantees. So there was no forcing the issue. They have even concluded nothing good can come from CNC. Those people refuse to do anything as their blasting destroys our housesnow you are talking about agreement and a clinic, Shotunde wondered. Another victim, Apostle Atanda, was amongst CNCs truck drivers. He probably had had his gut scarred with hardened granite dust. At some point, he started coughing out blood. These were life-and-death situations worsened by lack of a single health facility in a cluster of no fewer than five communities. The villagers said no sick or injured worker is allowed to use the CNC clinic. One of the Chinese owners of CNC, whom this reporter contacted by phone April 17, didnt respond to the question on the companys concern on the health of the villagers. He also gave no response to the question of violating the Mining Act that provides for the CDA. I am not in Nigeria, one of the directors identified as Jesse told the reporter. Pressed further, he disconnected the phone, leaving the caller at the mercy of a Chinese answering machine. While Jesse is one of the known directors of CNC Quarry, its registered owners are Li Bin and Li Lin Lin, both living at 25, Xien Hu Village, Yun Yany County Chong, Qing, China. Its secretary is, however, a Nigerian: Mbalisi Charles, of Suite 4, Orji Kalu House, Jahi Road, Banex Junction, FCT, Abuja. The N10m-share capital business was registered in 2007, with the office address at 15, Seriki Aro Street, Ikeja, Lagos. However, there is no quarry company in any of the apartments in that three-storey building. A Chinese travel agency just moved in sometime in May, according to a resident. Not much is known about its annual report either. The last time CNC filed its annual report with the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, was 2012, two years after its registration. This zero-sum contract is not just a CNC problem. Its a custom among the quarry ownersfrom Odeda to Obafemi-Owode. There is nothingnot one brick of a structureany of the over 50 companies put down for a clinic in any of about a dozen communities they (miners) have hit pay dirt. They just got their licenses, paid the landowners some pittance, moved in, mined out the areas, made all the money, and left the environment and the health of the communities devastated. Some even operate illegally. No fewer than 28 of the quarries registered by the Ogun cadastre office to operate in Odeda and Obafemi Owode LGAs carry on business with expired licenses. FW San He Concepts, a Chinese companying quarrying granite, for instance, is still operating at Orita Ijaye, Odeda, with a license that expired in 2015. The company has another quarry in Obafemi-Owode. Its owners are Hu Tianebg of 19-6-302, Penglai of Rd, Dinghai Area Zhoushan, ZheiJiang, China, and Fasiu Oke of 1/2, Onijoko Street, Off Abiola Way, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Okes shareholding was just N500,000 of the N10 million capital base. Since its registration in 2007, it only filed its annual reports between 2008 and 2013. From a detailed search at the Corporate Affairs Commission in Abuja, its apparent that all of these dodgy quarries are Chinese-owned. Except for 24 Hours Mining Company Limited. The latter is a family business managed by Mahamoud Adamu living at 6 Anthony Ukpo Crescent, Abraham Adesanya Close, Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. The quarry is a family business. It started with a share capital of N1m the Mahamouds raised when it was registered in 2011. Nothing more is known about the quarry. Not even its annual report, according to the report of a CAC search. The annual reports would have shed more light on the CDA complianceif they had been available. Just as they slip off the grasp of the industrys regulators and operate without any accountability to the authorities, so the miners also dodge their responsibilities to their hosts. Instead of taking the CDA seriously, the quarry owners would rather play do-gooders. They give each village two bags of rice, two gallons of oil, and N10,000 every Christmas ,Akanni said of CNCs gifts to Itesi and Oguntolu whose combined headcount stands roughly at 300. He also admitted they gave them a borehole, and offered their youth scholarship too: N200,000 for 20 youth annually. It is like a windfall, and the entire community, youth and adults usually share it. Some get N3000; some N2000, he said. PWD, Gilmor, both construction giants, have stopped their quarrying operation since they finished the construction projects for which they needed stones. Oba Quarry Nigeria Ltd, which the villagers said belonged to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has also left site. But the impact of their quarrying, and the sustained activities of the functioning 24 Hours, FW, and CNC cannot be wished away. They dont even care there are human beings here, said a woman at Jagun whose baale denied they fell sick in that community. Look at the water we drink here, she pointed at a bucket half-filled with water the color of leaves. Situations here and at Elejigun smack of recklessness by the FW and 24 Hours. The companies have never been in any way responsible to the villages, according to their leaders. At least CNC and other companies that grudgingly gave boreholes and food items could label their gesture corporate social responsibility. The CSR, though, is no excuse for the quarry owners ducking the CDAor even breaching its terms, supposing such agreement exists. Blame the victims Olalekan said Lafarge, a cement giant in the state, is one company that has been a good corporate citizen going by its donations and social contributions to its host at Ewekoro. Even at that, he told the reporter, there were issues in their CDA that both had had to bring to the commerce and mines commissioner for settlement. That shows the Ewekoro community is enlightened enough to know about the CDA, the geologist confirmed. Unlike those across the Odeda and Obafemi-Owode areas who were just getting to hear about it from the reporter. We have carried out enlightenment campaigns, telling them to always contact us when those foreign investors come, so we can guide the host communities through the CDA process and other benefits, he said. But the communities like to keep the government out of it; they want to hog the money investors initially pay them. The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) can only watch on as the quarry operators continue to plague their unwary host communities. Enforcing Section 119 of the Mining Act is not the responsibility of the NEITI, but the Mines and Steel Development Ministry in Abuja, Orji Ogbonnaiya, Director of Communication at NEITI, told The Nation. The Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has cadaster offices across the nation to monitor mining activities. The officer at the Abeokuta office, one Engineer Ola, was said to be out in the fields when this reporter went there April 12. He didnt answer questions asked lateron how the cadaster office is enforcing the CDA sections of the Mining Act, and whether the ignorance of the host communities should keep them in perpetual exploitation. Ola merely thanked the reporter for the concern and observation. I am going to pass the information to my superior for necessary action, he said in response to a text message sent to his phone line on April 17. And the headquarters, contacted earlier, would not respond to similar questions mailed to them, particularly on what can be done to help the communities who are ignorant of the CDA and its benefits. Communities like those visited by this reporter in the course of investigation are off the radar of government in Abuja. Edward Opara, Director of Information at the Ministry of Mining and Steel Development, betrayed how clueless the federal authority is about the sufferings of the rural dwellers in Odeda and Obafemi-Owode LGAs. When this reporter approached him with questions on June 17, Opara simply owned up to the communities groaning under the terror of reckless miners in Ogun State, who are not known to him as the head of the press and public relations in the ministry. He, however, promised to take the issues to another director who can offer answers to the questions posed by the reporter. Two weeks later, the reporter was still waiting for a response, despite series of text messages as reminders. Another week gone, Opara still didnt have any explanation ready for the terror miners are unleashing on their hosts in Ogun. He wouldnt even pick his calls either. July 3, however, he eventually responded to a text message the reporter sent two days earlier. Good day my brother. The director in charge of the department wants to come there and see things to enable him take appropriate decision. He needs the specifics, he wrote. And if the federal regulator is slack in enforcing the mining law, how far can it go when it comes to charters like the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights? The principles mandate states to make laws and formulate policies that will be enforced to make companies live up to their responsibilities in protecting human rights. Nigerias mining ministry has failed here. This is good for the quarry businessmen. By pressing home the ignorance of their hosts, they continue to break the mining law to increase their bottom line. The victims, ultimately, have to take the blame for their suffering. And nobody is going to help them. *This investigation was done with the support of Ford Foundation and the International Centre for Investigative reporting, ICIR. Nigerias state oil company plans to partner with the huge private refinery under construction on the shores of Lagos to turn the oil-producing nation into a fuel supplier for the region, the new head said in an interview with Reuters. The aim to ink a contract with the Dangote refinery, with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day (bpd), is part of new managing director Mele Kolo Kyaris blueprint for transforming the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) into a world-class state oil company. The refinery, being built by billionaire Aliko Dangote, is set to be Africas largest. Kyari, who also intends to push for more transparency, said NNPC wants to be a supplier of first resort for the Dangote refinery. Ultimately, it will be a contract to supply crude, he said. NNPC is also pressing ahead with plans to revamp its own ailing refineries despite a nameplate capacity at Dangote refinery that is well above Nigerias consumption. Its worth it, Kyari said of NNPCs refinery overhauls, adding that Nigeria could become a fuel supplier to the entire region. Africa needs refining capacity, he said. After the revamps, he said that third parties would maintain and operate the state-owned refineries to ensure reliable production. The refineries have processed oil only sporadically for years, leaving the nation to import virtually all its own fuel needs. Source: Reuters The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari over his victory at the Saturdays poll. Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, gave the congratulations in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday in Abuja. Mr Wabba said Mr Buhari is the second person to get reelected since the return to civilian rule in 1999. We also wish to congratulate other candidates for their participation and urge them to accept the outcome of the election, and adherence to the peace accord they signed before the election. The electioneering campaign although bitterly fought and the election itself keenly contested, we urge the president-elect and any aggrieved party to put first the interest of the nation. We reiterate that no candidates victory or loss is worth the life or property of anyone. Mr President won in 2015 on his campaign promise to fight corruption, restore security and grow the economy. From his reelection, this may have boded well with the greater majority of the people who voted for him. Nonetheless, his reelection avails him a great opportunity to reflect on and reassess this vision, strategy and implementation as well as enables him to complete pending projects and initiate new ones where feasible, he said. He said the NLC on its part would work with the social partners, government and organised private sector to ensure Nigerians, especially, workers get dividends of democracy as at when due. Workers-pensioner-issues, especially salaries, pensions and welfare will continue to dominate our engagement with government. We commend INEC for organising the election in spite of the initial glitches. It should speedily correct the lapses identified so far in order for it to conduct more credible elections in the future. Finally, our most profound commendation goes to the millions of Nigerians who defied all odds to perform their civic duty. Similarly, our deep condolences go to the families of those who lost their lives. We demand that the culprits be brought to book in accordance with our laws, he said. The police on Tuesday arraigned a 43-year-old shop owner, Taiwo Adekeye, in an Ikeja Magistrates Court for allegedly assaulting his wife. Adekeye, a resident of Agege in Lagos State, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Prosecution, Insp Emmanuel Ajayi, said the defendant committed the offence on Dec. 29, 2018 at Mushin, Lagos. He alleged that the defendant beat up his wife, Toyin, in contravention of the Lagos State Domestic Violence Law, 2017. The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of Section 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. News Agency of Nigeria reports that the section carries one-year imprisonment for assault for any convicted offender. Magistrate O.O. Fagbohun admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum. Fagbohun ordered that the surety must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years of tax payment to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail conditions. He adjourned the case until Nov 20. (NAN) File Photo of Policemen Two suspected kidnappers were yesterday apprehended in Erusu-Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of Ondo State after a failed attempt to forcefully snatch a two-year-old baby from her mothers back. It was gathered the mother of the baby raised the alarm after she was trailed by the suspected kidnappers from Aga Quarters in the community. According to eyewitnesses, the woman struggled with the hoodlums who attempted to pull her child from her back. One of the eyewitnesses said that the loud cry of the babys mother attracted sympathizers who raced to the scene of the incident to rescue the victims and eventually prevented the kidnappers from evading arrest. He added that the visibly angry mob pounced on the attackers, stripped them naked and attempted to set them ablaze, but were rescued by the prompt intervention of their traditional ruler, Oba Sunday Mogaji, who prevented them from taking the law into their hands. Police from the Oke Age division were invited while the two suspects were handed over to them who after interrogation discovered that the two suspects are from Oyin Akoko but lived in Oke Agbe, he said. The Area Commander of the Akoko Police Division, ACP Razak Rauf, confirmed the arrest of the suspects and stated that investigation had begun on the matter. He noted that the suspects had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Akure. 70-Year-Old Woman Leads Hunters To Dislodge Bandits In Niger A 70-year-old woman reportedly led a vigilante group naked to dislodge bandits terrorising some local government areas in Niger State during which no fewer than 40 of the bandits were killed. Besides the killing of the bandits, it was gathered that an unspecified number of sophisticated weapons were recovered from the bandits after a fierce battle at Zugurma Mashegu Local Government Area of the state. The woman leader was said to have administered some local medicine on the foot soldiers before leading them into the Zugurma forests, where she directed them to shoot sporadically to attract the bandits, who were hiding in the forests. A source said the bandits immediately came out from their hiding and retaliated but could not see the woman and her foot soldiers. However, the hunters ran after the bandits with no fewer than forty of them caught while others fled. An impeccable source from the area told our correspondent that the commander of the bandits, who was said to be hiding on the tree, was also commanded to come down and arrested, while four of the bandits who were said to have gone to the town to buy water, food, recharge cards and other items were arrested as they were returning to their hideout and were handed over to the Police. The local hunters told some of the villagers that they deliberately spared the life of the commander of the bandits to give more information to the police towards apprehending others. The state Police Command, when contacted, was silent on the development just as a top officer of the command said Police had been drafted to the area and would further comb the forest for further arrest. Nigerias Minister of Health, Osagie Enahire, has confirmed a second case of coronavirus patient in Nigeria. Enahire, who disclosed this on Monday while speaking with journalists in Benin, Edo State, revealed that the second case was a man who had contact with the Italian who tested positive for coronavirus in Lagos. Ehanire said the patient, who has been in isolation in the last two weeks tested positive on March 8 and is now under quarantine. Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said in a later tweet that the new case had contact with the Italian in Ogun state. This second case is a contact of the index case, in Ogun state. The new case has been in isolation and was tested as part of our strategy to test all contacts of the index case, he said. Since the first case was confirmed in Lagos, the NCDC has been supporting the Ogun State Emergency Operations Centre to respond accordingly. We urge the public not to panic. You can protect yourself using these six steps. The first index case, an Italian, flew into the country on February 24. He slept at a hotel in Lagos, before moving to Lafarge Africa Cement premises in Ewekoro Ogun state, the next day. He tested positive for the disease two days after and 39 people who had contact with the Italian, who is receiving treatment in Lagos, were also quarantined. Since beginning of the outbreak in China and subsequent spread to other countries, one of the important response strategies at the containment stage, has been to identify all contacts, ensure their strict isolation and to follow up daily with checks for any symptoms of the disease. Following recent experience from other countries and evidence from newly published studies on non-symptomatic infections, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control NCDC, advised that samples should be taken from all contacts of the Index case for testing. It is in this process that this new case was detected. PV: 0 One of Nigerias richest and possibly youngest body and sex therapist, 23-year-old Deborah Erioluwapo Ajayi, has highlighted many ways women can keep their husbands and marriage. Ajayi is the Chief Executive Officer of Omosholas Place, based in both Abuja and Dubai. The serial entrepreneur who was responding to questions in a recent interview said it was entirely up to the woman to keep her man from infidelity by attracting him by all means necessary. She said, A married woman with kids should try to look sexy and attractive for her husband. She should watch TV and happenings on social media. A married woman should also watch and understand latest sex styles and positions. I encourage women to watch porn videos on porn sites. A married woman should always make sure she steams her vagina regularly, stay free from bacteria like vaginitis, so regular checkups, clean her pubic areas, always stay sexy and ready for him. If your husband is the type that clubs, dont try to stop him, a caution will do but once in a while go out clubbing with him. Have fun and dont be a boring log. She advised that married women should do whatever is necessary to remain attractive to their husbands, adding that the use of aphrodisiac should not be out of the question. My flagship product, produced by me, The Royal Honey Syrup, an aphrodisiac specially produced for married women (though single girls buy them) comes handy in this regard . This syrup helps boost a womans confidence by the way it is being introduced to the public, regardless of whether the vaginal pheromones truly make a person irresistible or not, the fact that you think it does, will make you to act in a bolder, more confident manner. It tightens the walls of the vagina, helps stimulates the vagina to help secrete more juice as a lot of women suffer from vagina dryness. A tight, juicy, odourless vagina a brain formatter, as I usually call it, she said. The Omosholas Place Chief Executive Officer sells aphrodisiacs with a touch of spiritualism. She also owns a farm in Karu area of the Federal Capital Territory where she rears livestock. She owns a body enhancement spa in Maitama area of Abuja as well as a salon and body spa in Dubai known as HBG Beauty Lounge at the Dubai Investment Park and recently, she launched the biggest African salon and spa in Dubai (Jumeirah). Her Omosholas Empire houses other concerns like HBG Beauty Salon and Cloud 11 Beauty Salon, among others. Ajayi was born July 11, 1996. Shes a native of Ijero Local Government Area of Ekiti State but raised in Ojota, Lagos State. She attended Victory Home School, Lagos where she finished her primary education. At nine years of age, she left for Abuja to join her dad and attended Junior Secondary School, Apo and concluded secondary education at the Government Girls Science Secondary School, Kuje, Abuja. She also attended several high institutions in Nigeria but never finished until she relocated to Dubai where shes currently a part time student in IMT Business School, Dubai, UAE. She shuttles between Abuja and Dubai to run her empire of businesses. Some Nigerians have been hospitalised for chloroquine poisoning after resorting to self-medication based on the declaration by US president, Donald Trump, that chloroquine can be used to treat persons infected with coronavirus. About 20 Nigerians who reside in Lagos are currently hospitalised in various hospitals in the state after taking overdose of the anti-malarial drug, Leadership reports. A doctor disclosed that people who have had not tested positive to the coronavirus are taking chloroquine based on the unconfirmed rumour that the drug can cure COVID-19 The newspaper stated one of the cases includes a family of five who were hospitalised in the intensive care unit of a private hospital as a result of chloroquine poisoning. A doctor in the hospital who does not want to be named, disclosed that some people were rushed to the hospital on an emergency after taking chloroquine without prescription. He said people who have not tested positive to the coronavirus were taking the anti-malaria medication based on unconfirmed rumour that chloroquine can cure COVID-19. The Lagos state government also confirmed the development when the chief press secretary to the state governor, Gboyega Akosile, cited comments by the senior special assistant on health, Dr Oreoluwa Finnih, that some hospitals in the state were now treating patients who took too many quantities of chloroquine, leading to poisoning. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has admonished citizens of the country on the use of chloroquine, a pill famous for the cure of malaria, to treat the dreaded disease called coronavirus. On its official Twitter page on Friday, March 20, told Nigerians that the use of the medicine is subject to the approval of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The agency said that for now, the global health body is yet to give its opinion on chloroquine as a means to eradicate the global pandemic. It added that scientists are currently working hard to confirm the safety of several drugs for this disease. In another report, amid the spread of the coronavirus and the diligent search for treatments and cure, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday, March 20, announced the approval of chloroquine production for clinical trials. According to Channels TV, Mojisola Adeyeye, head of NAFDAC, disclosed this at the agencys headquarters in Lagos state. Nonetheless, Adeyeye stated it clearly that chloroquine is not being approved by NAFDAC as a treatment of the deadly virus but for clinical trials to find a treatment for COVID-19. Post Views: 3 Imo State Police Command has arrested a 44-year-old man, Chinonso Okonkwo, for allegedly defiling his 15-year-old daughter, Blessing Okonkwo, in Orji, Owerri North Local Government Area of the state. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Orlando Godson Ikeokwu, who disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, said the suspect was also accused of inviting his friends to have sex with his daughter. According to him, Okonkwo was arrested after the police received credible information about him, and hes been detained after confessing to the crime. It is noteworthy, that it wasnt the first time this is happening, and that he normally invites his friends who come to his house to have canal knowledge of his own daughter, Ikeokwu said in a statement. He has been detained, while investigation into the incident has commenced. The PPRO said that the culprits wife was not involved in the matter. Attorney General of Federation (AGF) Abubakar Malami, fails to defend coup and calls for revolution President Buhari made in 1983 and 2011 respectively. He however justified charging Omoyele Sowore with treason and insulting President Buhari when quizzed about the continous detention of the #RevolutionNow convener. In a Focus on Africa BBC interview, the AGF was questioned on the motive of detaining Omoyele Sowore over the call for revolution. In response he said We have at hand a situation whereby someone that contested election and lost and is eventually calling on revolution and change of government through means other (than what) the constitution recognizes. And to our (the governments) mind, that constitutes a treasonable felony. When reminded that it was hypocritical for President Buhari who led a military coup in 1983 and also called for a revolution in 2011 to take offence in same, he flinched with his eyes closed before insisting that he could only talk about Mr Sowores case. As the Attorney-General of the Federation, the issue before me is that of Sowore he said. Upon being told that the media personality and former Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC)never called for a violent overthrow of government, Malami stated that calling for a revolution amounts to treasonable felony as far as he was concerned. As far as Im concerned, came Mr Malamis response, treason is treason. If there is a case for treason, you have, as a matter of obligation and right, to present a case before the government. What we have done is to present our case before the judiciary which enjoys independence and freedom to determine one thing or the other. Not that we have taken the laws in our hand by adjudging him guilty but by presenting him before judicial process so that he could be accorded the opportunity to present a counter case, Mr Malami said. In the interview he sat for on Wednesday September 25, AGF Abubakar Malami also justified the mass murder of Shiites and the detention of journalist Jones Abiri and Abah Jalingo. He affirmed that those counter-actions were carried out because they probably called for a change the government without the constitutionally recognised means which is an election. However despite being granted bail by an Abuja Federal High Court on Tuesday September 25, Omoyele Sowore is yet to be released by the Department of State Services (DSS). Watch The Video HERE BLOOMINGTON A Cook County man faces sexual assault charges in McLean County. Brian D. Allen, 31, is charged with seven counts of predatory criminal sexual assault, involving a victim under 13, a Class X felony. The state filed a petition to deny his pretrial release. Assistant State's Attorney Mary Lawson said Allen was staying with relatives in Bloomington in July 2023 when he sexually assaulted a minor on multiple occasions. When adult family members of the child learned of the incident and alerted authorities, Allen fled to Chicago, Lawson said. the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Allen and transferred him to the custody of the Bloomington Police Department on Feb. 11, court records indicate. Assistant Public Defender Joseph Moran objected to the initial hearing, claiming the state has evidence from July 2023 that had not been made available to him or his client. Judge Amy McFarland denied his objection because Tuesday's hearing was not a criminal proceeding, rather an initial custodial status hearing. Lawson argued Allen poses a threat to the minor in the case and the community at large and no pretrial release conditions would reduce that risk. Moran argued his client would be willing to abide by any restrictions the court would order and said his client had not been charged with any crimes since July 2023. McFarland granted the state's request, ruling conditions of pretrial release could reduce the risk to the community and the minor. He was ordered to be detained pending trial. His next appearance is an arraignment at 9 a.m. Feb. 23. Editor's note: An earlier version of this story had the incorrect name of the presiding judge. This version has been corrected. Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones Brittany N. Greiner Maylon Tate III Maylon Tate IV BLOOMINGTON The development of a more pedestrian-friendly Main Street and the connection of East and West Market streets are some the projects the City of Bloomington is prioritizing in its downtown streetscape plans. On Tuesday, the city held its second open house to give members of the public a chance to learn more about the project's phases and offer additional feedback. Kelly Pfeifer, assistant economic and community development director for the city, said the results of online surveys showed most residents preferred a pedestrian-oriented area with a hybrid of classic and contemporary styles. The project is broken into 10 phases. The first scheduled project will be to reshape Main Street with new sidewalk areas, diagonal parking and a flex lane that would allow for additional delivery space for downtown businesses. The North Main Plaza, currently used for parking at the north end of downtown, would be modified with overhead lights to serve both as a parking area and a possible event space. The second phase of the plan will be to connect East Market Street with West Market Street and create an expanded parking area to the north. Bloomington Traffic Engineer Phil Allyn said the streetscape plan, as it sits, differs from the Illinois Department of Transportation's rehabilitation plans for U.S. Business 51. The city's proposal calls for the removal of two lanes on Madison and East streets through downtown Bloomington. However, the state is calling for three lanes each way with a buffered bike lane. As a result, Allyn said the city is holding off on any work on planned reductions to see if IDOT's proposal is successful. "That'll be a real good test as far as dropping lanes and making sure that's successful as we go and spend time and effort everywhere else," Allyn said. The third phase will add several new amenities to the Museum Square, including an illuminated facade on the McLean County Museum of History's east side and a stage terrace with lighting on the north side. Zach Carlson of the Bloomington Revitalists, a Strong Towns initiative, said one of the goals he heard was to shift parking around as opposed to removing parking. However, he said he would like to see the removal of some parking so there is more room for things that can draw residents downtown. "We need to start serving people rather than the cars that they come in," Carlson said. "So removing that parking and allowing more places to flourish, putting in more buildings and putting in more green space I think is one way to really bring a vibrancy to downtown, which is the goal." Katherine Murphy, Bloomington's communications and external affairs manager, said the city is hopeful a final plan can be brought to the City Council for adoption in early spring. For more information on the city's streetscape plans, visit downtownforeveryone.com. Watch now: Style in Stereo concert in Downtown Bloomington Kimberly Wright, Queena Amore, Joe Palma Kyle Yap Annie and Scott Swanson Patrick and Sara Hoban Steve and Julie Kubsch Nick Leroy Roger Miller, Mateusz Janik, Bill Flick Brandy Finney, Michelle McConnell, Christina Rogers Liz Palma Julie Koh, Vicki and Robert Varney, David Koh Dan Adams Joe Palma Joe Palma Kendall Johnson Joe Palma Kimberly Wright, Joe Palma Kimberly Wright Joe Palma Kimberly Wright Kimberly Wright Queena Amore Kimberly Wright Chris Lackey Tommy Miles Dancing in the streets Joe Palma with daughter Bella Joe Palma's #1 fan, daughter Bella, hugs her dad as he performs Kimberly Wright, Joe Palma Queena Amore Queena Amore Mike Palma Joe Palma, Queena Amore Kimberly Wright Joe Palma Queena Amore, Joe Palma Bella Palma Joe Palma, Kimberly Wright Today is Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Let's get caught up. Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, check out our daily news podcast: *** Senate passes $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after rare all-night session The Senate has passed a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan after almost a week of debate and growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. A small group of Republican senators who are strongly opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, arguing that the U.S. should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. But enough Republicans voted with almost all Democrats to pass the package, with supporters arguing that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and threaten national security across the globe. *** House votes again on impeachment of Homeland Security secretary. Here's what you should know The Republican-controlled House is set to vote Tuesday on whether to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the Biden administrations handling of the U.S.-Mexico border. If they succeed, it would mark the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary has been impeached. House Republicans have spent months investigating the secretary's actions as theyve aimed to make immigration and border security a key election issue. Heres a look at how the House arrived at the impeachment vote and what could happen next: *** Israel and Hamas are making progress in cease-fire and hostage release talks, officials say Talks are moving forward even after Israel intensified its offensive in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, where 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have fled to seek shelter from fighting elsewhere. A brazen Israeli hostage rescue mission freed two captives held in the town along the Egyptian border, a raid that killed at least 74 Palestinians, according to local health officials, and left a trail of destruction. *** MORE TOP STORIES *** MORNING LISTEN *** TODAY IN HISTORY Today in history: Feb. 13 In 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey, found Bruno Richard Hauptmann guilty of first-degree murder in the kidnap-slaying of the Lindbergh baby. Today in sports history: Feb. 13 In 1923, the New York Renaissance, the first all-Black pro basketball team, is organized. Rens become one of the dominant basketball team of t *** TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS Celebrity birthdays: Feb. 13 Henry Rollins Kelly Hu Kim Novak Matt Berninger Mena Suvari Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. Natalie Stewart Neal McDonough Peter Gabriel Robbie Williams Sen. Richard Blumenthal Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) has been commended by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) for showcasing commendable compliance and a consistent track record of positive returns. Ag. Director-General of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Mr. John Boadu, made this remark when he paid a working visit to CBG as part of his familiarization with some state agencies. He pledged SIGAs commitment to assist CBG in profit maximization and operational efficiency specifying that SIGA is fully prepared to collaborate with the Bank's impactful endeavors as a prominent indigenous financial institution. He further encouraged CBG to share its success story with the Ghanaian public to underscore its substantial contributions to the country. Managing Director of Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG), Mr. Daniel Addo expressed gratitude to the Ag. Director-General and his team for the visit highlighting the significance of close cooperation between regulatory bodies and state institutions to effectively address emerging challenges while maintaining cordiality. By actively seeking dialogue and cooperation, Mr. Boadus courtesy call aims to overcome any potential disconnect and foster a proactive partnership that benefits both the regulatory agency and state institutions as a whole. Also present at the visit were top Management of the Bank and executives of the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA) including Madam Alexandra Totoe, Ag. General Manager, Finance and Administration; and Ms. Louisa Aubin, Manager, Corporate Affairs. SIGA was established to facilitate performance management in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) and other prescribed bodies within the framework of Government policy, to ensure that they operate efficiently, effectively, and profitably thereby contributing towards the socio-economic development of Ghana. Consolidated Bank Ghana LTD (CBG) is wholly owned by the Government of Ghana and operates as a universal Bank with 114 branches in 13 regions of Ghana. The Bank has strong government support, a large SME client network, and a pool of diverse talent. 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 A Political Science Lecturer at the University of Ghana (UG), Dr. Kwame Asah-Asante, has described the reshuffle by President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo as coming at a rather late time. He holds the opinion that although the plan is a good one, the timing is too late. Speaking on "Ghana Tonight" on TV3 monitored by Peacefmonline.com, Dr. Asah-Asante noted that, "if we are to have a reshuffle it is a fine idea, but it is coming at a very late period within the year. One would have expected the government to have reshuffled a long time until now but as the saying goes better late than never. As a way of admonishment, the political science lecturer told the new appointees to work assiduously in order to give the government some credibility for the upcoming December general polls. Dr Asah-Asante noted that people are frustrated and disenchanted over economic challenges and the governments inability to resolve those challenges on time. He said, Now, whoever is coming in needs to be able to double their efforts of coming in order to give the government effectively some breather for the election campaign. They have a lot ahead of them in terms of the way they need to fix things to win the confidence of the people because people are disenchanted, people are worried, means of livelihood are affected by the day, and so there is a whole lot that government needs to fix if it wants to put its act together and be able to fight the campaign and more. In a letter dated Wednesday 14th February, 2024, the President, Nana Akufo Addo effected a major ministerial reshuffle. Some ministers were assigned to different ministries while others were totally kicked out of office. Top of the lists of the latter group is the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta; Roads Minister, Kwasi Amoako- Atta; Health Minister, Kweku Agyemang Manu, amongst others. 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 Bernard Allotey Jacobs has lauded the President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on his ministerial reshuffle, particularly with regard to the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta. The Finance Minister has since 2022 been pressured to resign but has turned a deaf ear to the calls from primarily Members of Parliament of the governing New Patriotic Party, who petitioned the President to dismiss him if he fails to resign. Likewise, many Ghanaians have registered their displeasure with the President keeping Ken Ofori-Atta at post as, to them, the Finance Minister is a problem in the government. Today, the Office of the President released a list of ministers who have been reshuffled, and among those who have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect is the Finance Minister. The president has appointed Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam to replace the minister. According to Allotey Jacobs, the dismissal of Ken Ofori-Atta is strategic to the success of the New Patriotic Party. He told host Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's flagship programme "Kokrokoo" that the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta would motivate the party to "break the eight." "It is good for his government and the party, and it will change the perception that people do have about this government as well as the NPP. And it will even, in a way, motivate the rank and file of the NPP members to make sure that they break the eight," he emphasized. Allotey Jacobs also argued that the Finance Ministry must "come directly under the Office of the Vice President now that he is the flagbearer and leader of the party" because, to him, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia overseeing the Ministry will aid his vision policy. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics (2023). DOI: 10.1002/prot.26496 When Profs. Joel Sussman and Israel Silman were asked to mentor Chinese students online during the COVID-19 pandemic, the last thing they expected to come out of the experience was highly innovative research on protein evolution that could change our understanding of the way new proteins come into being. "I was skeptical at firstthey were all undergraduate students, and communicating via a computer screen didn't seem too promising," Sussman recalls. But he and Silmana Weizmann Institute of Science professorial duo who have hundreds of joint studies on protein structure and function to their creditagreed to hold tutorials for a team of four students from leading universities across China. The online mentoring was part of the YutChun-Weizmann Program, headed by Weizmann's Prof. Binghai Yan. Sussman and Silman told the students to address them by their first names, a practice unheard of in Chinese universities, and encouraged them to develop critical thinking. Still, they expected nothing more than a respectful summary when they asked the students to review an old paper of theirs on protein sequence variations. Instead, the students came back with an in-depth critique, analyzing the study from a contemporary perspective and suggesting that some of its conclusions could be revised using new methods. Jing Liu, one of the four mentees, says that this wasfor her and the other studentsa dramatic departure from what they were used to. "In China, a student studying, say, for a master's degree can't challenge a Ph.D. candidate or a postdocthey might get angry or tell the principal investigator," she explains. She is quick to note, however, that the environment was different at the Guangdong campus of the TechnionIsrael Institute of Technology, where she was studying at the time. "I had a supervisor who was willing to listen to me and hold discussions, something that's hard to find at other universities in China." The online tutorials, to the surprise of both sides, soon transformed into discussions. A 2017 study by Czech scientists, which Liu brought to her tutors' attention, became a major topic of deliberationone that hinted at an intriguing twist in the history of protein evolution. Cracks in the folding dogma As single-celled organisms that once inhabited the Earth evolved into more complex ones, happenstance changes in their DNA, if those changes were beneficial, tended to be conserved, thanks to natural selection, and passed on to higher organisms. That's why most protein-coding genes in our bodies have equivalents (the scientific term is "homologs") in many other species along the evolutionary tree, all the way back to yeast or bacteria. As proteins developed, many of them began to fold into complex structures that allowed them to carry out specialized tasks. Considering that natural selection has been at work for billions of years, it would seem that proteins must have had enough time to evolve all possible useful sequences. In fact, until recently, scientists believed that all existing proteins were born through the refinement of existing sequences, and that truly new proteins had long ceased to appear. But just over a decade ago, cracks began to develop in this scientific gospel: Evidence emerged that new proteins continue to be born all the time. When scientists began sequencing entire genomes of various organisms, comparisons revealed the presence of genes coding for "newly born" proteins in all species, from bacteria to humans. These proteins are thought to originate in the noncoding regions that make up most of the genome. In this scenario, a stretch of DNA lacking a recipe for proteins acquires, by chance, a set of mutations that convert it into a protein-coding gene. The Czech study that so intrigued Liu and her tutors had opened an additional crack in the dogma. The Czech researchers had created about 100 sequences of hypothetical proteins by randomly reshuffling existing protein genes like a deck of cards. When they synthesized these "never-born" proteins and tested them in the lab, they discovered that about a third showed signs of folding into compact structures, rather like natural proteins. "This was totally amazing," says Sussman. "If someone had asked me before whether a random protein sequence could fold up that way, I'd have said never." Silman explains that proteins' ability to fold is essential to life. Although not all proteins fold, it is folded ones, those with orderly segments, that perform the critical catalytic functions in living organisms. By showing that "never-born" proteins can fold, the Czech study suggested that new proteins can not only be born but may also perform vital new roles. Born orphans How does a noncoding DNA segment turn out a "newly-born" protein, and how does this protein become active? What is the time scale for these processes? And can the mechanisms involved be one day exploited in protein design? To help address these questions, Sussman and Silman decided to conduct whatto the best of their knowledgebecame one of the first structural studies of newly born proteins. They launched the project together with Liu, the paper's first author, and Rongqing Yuan, then a student at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The four met online for a year and a half before completing the research, which was published recently in the journal Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics. The other two students, Wei Shao and Jitong Wang, took part in the initial stages of the project; they dropped out at the end of the scheduled tutorial but are co-authors on the published paper. The team explored the folding potential of "newly-born" proteins with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) tools thatin the past few yearshave revolutionized the study of protein structures. These algorithms can, in most cases, now reliably predict a protein's 3D structure based on its amino acid sequence alone, bypassing the need to grow protein crystals and determine their structures experimentally. One of the major challenges faced by the team was that these prediction algorithms work best when the protein of interest has numerous homologs (equivalents from other species), whereas "newly-born" proteins, by definition, exist in only one or a handful of species. As they have no evolutionary parents, they are sometimes referred to as orphan proteins (or near-orphans, if they exist in just a few, related species). It took the expertise of the team to apply AI tools to homolog-less orphan proteins successfully. To increase the chances of obtaining trustworthy results, the scientists used three different AI algorithmsAlphaFold2, RoseTTAFold and ESMFoldand compared their findings. First, the team used the three algorithms to predict the 3D structures of the "never born," shuffled protein sequences from the Czech study. The predictions identified each protein's structure as folded or disordered in a way that matched the study's experimental results. Next, Liu, Yuan and their Israeli mentors applied the algorithms to "newly-born" orphan proteins, very few of which had been purified and adequately characterized experimentally. After searching through the scientific literature, the scientists identified seven such orphan proteins whose function, but not structure, was known. The AI tools indicated that five of the seven were compactly folded, while two appeared to lack a defined structure. For one of the five, the three algorithms made such strikingly similar predictionssignaling a very high likelihood of accuracythat the journal featured the three 3D structures on its cover. In addition, the scientists searched the Protein Data Bank and found three orphan proteins whose crystal structure had been determined experimentally. Remarkably, two of these proteins displayed folds that are not known to exist elsewhere. Since structure determines a protein's function, the novel folds suggest that some orphan proteins might perform previously unknown biological functions that in the future could be exploited in a host of useful applications, from cutting up plastics to generating clean energy or treating disease. Says Sussman, "This research changes our idea about how evolution might work. Evolution usually progresses in the way described by Darwin, but occasionally, proteins might appear, in a sense, out of thin air. So, new traits might come out of nowhere, as it were, rather than having evolved from ancestors over millions of years." Silman adds that the study's findings, along with other studies on "newly-born" proteins, change the thinking about the origin of life in general, and of humans in particular: "It looks as if we are not just the great grandchildren of E coli." Sussman summarizes, "We hope that our study will stimulate other scientists to examine orphan proteins with AI prediction tools to get an idea of their structure and function. When an entirely new structure appears, all bets are off regarding what the protein might be doing biochemically. And that's when exciting new research horizons open up." Liu is now studying for her MSc degree in Prof. Naama Barkai's lab in Weizmann's Molecular Genetics Department, and Yuan is currently a graduate student at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas. Prof. Sussman is in Weizmann's Chemical and Structural Biology Department, Prof. Silman, in the Brain Sciences Department and Prof. Binghai Yan, in the Condensed Matter Physics Department. Prof. Amit Finkler, of the Chemical and Biological Physics Department, coordinated the YutChun-Weizmann Program in the Chemistry Faculty. The YutChun-Weizmann Program is part of an initiative intended to promote academic collaboration between China and the international scientific community. Among its activities, the program provides outstanding undergraduate students with research opportunities. More information: Jing Liu et al, Do "Newly Born" orphan proteins resemble "Never Born" proteins? A study using three deep learning algorithms, Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics (2023). DOI: 10.1002/prot.26496 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that draws logical inferences about the function of unknown proteins promises to help scientists unravel the inner workings of the cell. Credit: 2024 KAUST; Ivan Gromicho. A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that draws logical inferences about the function of unknown proteins promises to help scientists unravel the inner workings of the cell. Developed by KAUST bioinformatics researcher Maxat Kulmanov and colleagues, the tool outperforms existing analytical methods for forecasting protein functions and is even able to analyze proteins with no clear matches in existing datasets. The research appears in Nature Machine Intelligence. The model, termed DeepGO-SE, takes advantage of large language models similar to those used by generative AI tools such as Chat-GPT. It then employs logical entailment to draw meaningful conclusions about molecular functions based on general biological principles about the way proteins work. It essentially empowers computers to logically process outcomes by constructing models of part of the worldin this case, protein functionand inferring the most plausible scenario based on common sense and reasoning about what should happen in these world models. "This method has many applications," says Robert Hoehndorf, head of the KAUST Bio-Ontology Research Group, who supervised this research, "especially when it is necessary to reason over data and hypotheses generated by a neural network or another machine learning model." Kulmanov and Hoehndorf collaborated with KAUST's Stefan Arold, as well as researchers at the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, to assess the model's ability to decipher the functions of proteins whose role in the body are unknown. The tool successfully used data regarding the amino acid sequence of a poorly understood protein and its known interactions with other proteins and precisely predicted its molecular functions. The model was so accurate that DeepGO-SE was ranked in the top 20 of more than 1,600 algorithms in an international competition of function prediction tools. The KAUST team is now using the tool to investigate the functions of enigmatic proteins discovered in plants that thrive in the extreme environment of the Saudi Arabian desert. They hope that the findings will be useful for identifying novel proteins for biotechnological applications and would like other researchers to embrace the tool. As Kulmanov explains, "DeepGO-SE's ability to analyze uncharacterized proteins can facilitate tasks such as drug discovery, metabolic pathway analysis, disease associations, protein engineering, screening for specific proteins of interest and more." More information: Protein function prediction as approximate semantic entailment, Nature Machine Intelligence (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s42256-024-00795-w Journal information: Nature Machine Intelligence 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: UArizona aerospace engineering students, from left: Min Seok Kang, Athip Thirupathi Raj, Chad Jordan Cantin, Sivaperuman Muniyasamy and Korbin Aydin Hansen display a smart sandbag structure. Cantin and Hansen are undergraduates. Credit: College of Engineering NASA has big plans for its Artemis programto return Americans to the moon for the first time since 1972 and establish a lunar base for humans by the end of the decade. A team of University of Arizona engineers is using robot networks to create termite-inspired structures that will help astronauts survive the moon's harsh environment. Associate professor Jekan Thanga and his students in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, in the College of Engineering, have developed prototypes of their lunar sandbag structures and the underlying concept for a network of robots that can build them. The structures contain sensors that aid in construction, then alert astronauts to changes in environmental conditions. Tech Launch Arizona, the university's commercialization arm, worked with Thanga to file patents on the distributed computer processing networks that the team developed to link these structures and robots together. Sivaperuman Muniyasamy, an aerospace engineering doctoral student, and Thanga presented a paper detailing the technology on Feb. 1 at the American Astronautical Society Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference. "By publishing the paper at the conference, we're gaining feedback from other experts that really helps us move forward," said first author Muniyasamy. Teaming up for moon landings Thanga estimates astronauts will first land on the moon as part of Artemis in 2026 or 2027. In a consortium called LUNAR-BRIC, his team is partnering with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory at Caltech and MDA, a space robotics company, to develop technology for Artemis moon landings. "It's no accident this team has an academic partner, a commercial partner and a government agency," Thanga said. "Given the challenges, part of the path is for us to collaborate." The moon structures are just a start for Thanga's university team and LUNAR-BRIC in their quest to support a space economy. Within a few years of the first successful landing, he said, NASA will look to building facilities for long-term habitation and industry, such as environmentally responsible moon and asteroid mining. Moon dwellers will need semi-permanent safe shelters while they search for optimal locations to erect permanent buildings, Thanga said, adding that he is confident the fundamentally simple sandbag structures will be employed. Insect inspiration Thanga was first intrigued by a YouTube video showing the work of Nader Khalili. In the 1980s, the late architect presented to NASA the idea of sandbag structures for lunar and space habitation. Then Khalili developed SuperAdobe sandbag construction for homes around the world. Thanga layered onto Khalili's ideas the concepts of insect skyscrapers. These cathedral termite mounds common in African and Australian deserts regulate the subterranean nest environment. "In the case of the termites, it's very relevant to our off-world challenges. The extreme desert environments the termites face are analogous to lunar conditions," Thanga said. "Importantly, this whole approach doesn't rely on water. Most of the moon is bone-dry desert." Thanga has long been interested in applying the architecture of insect social systemslike a termite colony constructing and maintaining a large, complicated moundto distributed robot networks, in which machines work together cooperatively without human intervention. "Learning about that helped direct me toward distributed systems for construction," he said. Thanga's team investigated whether sandbags filled with regolith, soil and mineral fragments from the moon's surface, could replace traditional building materials for lunar housing, warehouses, control towers, robot garages, landing pads, protective jackets for robots, and blast walls to protect assets during turbulent takeoffs and landings. The quickly and easily robot-assembled sandbag shelters reduce the material that must be transported to the moon, provide good climate control, and protect against moonquakes and other hazards. Robots embed sensors and electronics in the sandbags and fill them with lunar regolith before assembling the structures in place. Some sensors provide location data to help the robots place the sandbags. Others supply environmental information and communication capabilities to warn of danger. On the moon, temperatures range from -298 to 224 Fahrenheit; micro-meteors bombard the surface at an average of 60,000 mph; and solar radiation and lunar dust threaten exploration. 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: Kinsley Boyette, assistant director of the Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO, poses in this undated photo next to Charlotte, a round stingray, in Hendersonville, N.C. The aquarium said Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, that Charlotte is pregnant, even though she's lived at the aquarium for years without a male companion of her species. Credit: Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO via AP Charlotte, a rust-colored stingray the size of a serving platter, has spent much of her life gliding around the confines of a storefront aquarium in North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains. She's 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) from her natural habitat under the waves off southern California. And she hasn't shared a tank of water with a male of her species in at least eight years. And yet nature has found a way, the aquarium's owner said, The stingray is pregnant with as many as four pups and could give birth in the next two weeks. "Here's our girl saying, 'Hey, Happy Valentine's Day! Let's have some pups!" said Brenda Ramer, executive director of the Aquarium and Shark Lab on Main Street in downtown Hendersonville. An expert on the stingrays said it would have been impossible for Charlotte to have mated with one of the five small sharks that share her tank, despite news reports suggesting that was the case after Ramer joked about a possible interspecies hookup. The small aquarium is run by Ramer's educational nonprofit, Team ECCO, which encourages local schoolchildren and others to take an interest in science. Its biggest lesson now is on the process of parthenogenesis: a type of asexual reproduction in which offspring develop from unfertilized eggs, meaning there is no genetic contribution by a male. The mostly rare phenomenon can occur in some insects, fish, amphibians, birds and reptiles, but not mammals. Documented examples have included California condors, Komodo dragons and yellow-bellied water snakes. Kady Lyons, a research scientist at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta who is not involved with the North Carolina aquarium, said Charlotte's pregnancy is the only documented example she's aware of for this species, round stingrays. But Lyons isn't at all shocked. Other kinds of sharks, skates and raysa trio of animals often grouped togetherhave had these kinds of pregnancies in human care. "I'm not surprised, because nature finds a way of having this happen," she said. To be clear, Lyons said, these animals are not cloning themselves. Instead, a female's egg fuses with another cell, triggers cell division and leads to the creation of an embryo. Charlotte, a round stingray, in an undated photo at the Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO in Hendersonville, N.C. The aquarium said Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, that Charlotte is pregnant, even though she's lived at the aquarium for years without a male companion of her species. Credit: Aquarium and Shark Lab by Team ECCO via AP The cell that fuses with the egg is known as a polar body. They are produced when a female is creating an egg but usually aren't used. "We don't know why it happens," Lyons said. "Just that it's kind of this really neat phenomenon that they seem to be able to do." Ramer said she and others at the nonprofit at first thought that Charlotte had a tumor when they noticed a lump on her back that was "blowing up like a biscuit." But an ultrasound revealed her pregnancy. "We were all like, 'Shut the back door. There's no way," Ramer said. "We thought we were overfeeding her. But we were overfeeding her because she has more mouths to feed." Charlotte currently lives in a tank that's about 2,200 gallons (8,300 liters), or nearly the size of a construction dumpster. Ramer said they're hoping to get a tank nearly twice that size to accommodate Charlotte's offspring. They also want to put live cameras up for people to see them. "It is very rare to happen," Ramer said. "But it's happening in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains in rural North Carolina, hundreds of miles from the ocean." As for the suggestion that Charlotte could have been impregnated by a shark, Lyons said that's impossible. Besides being different sizes, the animals wouldn't match up anatomically. Neither would their DNA. "We should set the record straight that there aren't some shark-ray shenanigans happening here," said Lyons, whose graduate work focused on the species. Round stingrays like Charlotte are abundant on the Pacific coasts of southern California and Mexico, often resting on the ocean's sandy bottom near the shoreline. In the wild they are typically the size of a small dinner plate, and their name comes from their circular shape. They come in all shades of brown. They eat small worms, crabs and mollusks, and they are preyed upon by certain types of sharks, seals and giant sea bass. They're well known to humans because of their painful sting, often resulting from a beachgoer's foot stepping on them. Southern California lifeguards encourage people to do the so-called stingray shuffle as they wade through the water, in large part because of round stingrays. Lyons finds the species fascinating. For example, embryos in the womb are bathed in uterine milk that provides nutrients to help them develop. "I'm glad the round stingray is getting the media attention that it deserves," Lyons said. "It's not necessarily as sexy as a white shark, but they do a lot of really neat stuff." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Three periods of post-reform competition. Credit: Socio-Economic Review (2024). DOI: 10.1093/ser/mwad074 After the introduction of the freedom to choose between upper secondary schools in 1992, it took nearly 10 years for upper secondary school heads in a municipality to start seeing themselves as competitors for school students. Any analysis of change from a later perspective needs to bear in mind that a transition of this kind takes a good deal of organizing, costs a lot of money and takes many years to become established. This is shown by a new study of the introduction of competition between upper secondary schools, published in the journal Socio-Economic Review. "It was surprising that it took such a long time for a reform to promote competition to take effect. In the municipality we studied it took roughly ten years. We had expected it would be a matter of a couple of years at the most," says Stefan Arora-Jonsson, Professor of Business Studies at Uppsala University, one of the authors behind the study. One of the ideas behind the 1992 school choice reform, when free school choice was introduced, allowing upper secondary students to choose which school to attend, was that upper secondary schools would begin to compete for students. In a new research study, researchers in business studies have examined how the process went. Unlike previous studies of introducing competition, where the assumption has been that competition arises as soon as there are several schools to choose between, this study set out from interviews with school heads and managers in the municipal education system, along with analysis of archive materials to determine how the introduction of competition had played out. In their research, the authors interviewed 24 current and former school heads and employees in the education system in a medium-sized municipality. One question for future research is the extent to which the findings can be generalized to apply to other municipalities, particularly in the metropolitan regions. The study shows that nearly 10 years passed before the school heads felt they were in competition with one another. The new competitive approach required many years of far-reaching reorganization of the municipal school system, training for teachers and school heads, and a change in the admission rules for students. When the school heads did see one another as competitors, further reorganization was needed to enable them to compete while still cooperating in certain areas. One of the conclusions is that the introduction of competition can entail significant costs, require radical organizational changes, take several years to work out and lead to further reorganizations. These costs should be viewed in the light of numerous international and Swedish studies that show that introducing competition between schools leads to marginal changes in students' learning opportunities. "Our research shows that introducing competition involves a far greater disruption of ongoing activities than was previously thought. People usually think about the changes that occur once competition has been established, but we show that major changes are needed for competition even to become established. When the effects of introducing competition are evaluated, the costs of these changes also need to be included in the analysis," says Arora-Jonsson. More information: Stefan Arora-Jonsson et al, Teaching schools to compete: the case of Swedish upper secondary education, Socio-Economic Review (2024). DOI: 10.1093/ser/mwad074 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: Western lowland gorillan umbers have declined by more than 60 percent over the last 25 years, due largely to deforestation, poaching and disease. A critically endangered western lowland gorilla has been born at London Zoo, the second of the apes to be born at the facility in a month, the zoo said on Tuesday. Western lowland gorillas, which inhabit dense and largely remote rainforests in west and central Africa, are classified as having a high risk of becoming extinct. Numbers have declined by more than 60 percent over the last 25 years, due largely to deforestation, poaching and disease, according to the Zoological Society of London. The baby, whose sex has not been confirmed, was born on February 8 to mother Effie and was delivered in the gym area of Gorilla Kingdom. The baby gorilla's birth comes three and a half weeks after that of another infant to a gorilla called Mjukuu. "We're over the moon to have a second gorilla infant born here at London Zoo in the space of a month," London Zoo's primates section manager Kathryn Sanders said. "These babies are an important addition to the conservation breeding program for this endangered species, and just as crucially, great additions to our troop." Western lowland gorillas, which have brown-gray coats and auburn chests, are slightly smaller than other gorilla subspecies. They also have wider skulls with more pronounced brow ridges and smaller ears. They live in family troops, led by a male silverback, known to reach heights of up to 6 ft (182 cm) when standing upright. The exact number of western lowland gorillas is not known as they inhabit some of the most dense and remote rainforests in Africa but the World Wildlife Fund estimates there could be about 100,000. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Optical images showing galaxies in the direction of four galaxy clusters at different distances. The X-ray emission of hot gas in the clusters is shown in blue. Credit: M. Kluge, C. Garrel, S. Grandis; optical image: Legacy Survey DR10, X-ray: eROSITA The analysis of how galaxy clusters, the largest objects in the universe, evolve over cosmic time has yielded precise measurements of the total matter content and its clumpiness, report scientists of the German eROSITA consortium, led by the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics and with participation of the University of Bonn. The results affirm the standard cosmological model and alleviate the so-called S8 tension, while at the same time offering insights into the elusive neutrinos' mass. The analysis is based on one of the largest catalogues of galaxy clusters and superclusters. An important pillar in the analysis is the "weighing" of the discovered galaxy clusters, for which the University of Bonn was a major contributor. eROSITA is an X-ray space telescope onboard the Spectrum-RG satellite, launched in July 2019. Two weeks ago, the German eROSITA consortium released its data from the first all-sky survey. The survey's primary goal is to better understand cosmology via the measurement of the growth over cosmic time of clusters of galaxies, some of the largest structures in the universe. Tracing the evolution of clusters via the X-rays emitted by hot gas as detected by eROSITA combined with robust mass measurements of these clusters through weak gravitational lensing, precise and accurate measurements of both the total amount of matter density in the universe and its clumpiness have been made. While past clumpiness measurements using different techniques, specifically the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the so-called Cosmic Shear appeared inconsistent with each other, the eROSITA measurements now show consistency with the CMB. "eROSITA has now established cluster evolution measurement as a tool for precision cosmology," said Dr. Esra Bulbul (MPE), the lead scientist for eROSITA's clusters and cosmology team who delivered the groundbreaking results. "The cosmological parameters that we measure from galaxy clusters are consistent with state-of-the-art CMB showing that the same cosmological model holds from soon after the Big Bang to today." Same as above but showing only the galaxies that are expected to be in the respective clusters (and not in the fore- or background). Credit: M. Kluge, C. Garrel, S. Grandis; optical image: Legacy Survey DR10, X-ray: eROSITA According to the standard cosmological model, called the Lambda Cold Dark Matter (CDM) model, the infant universe was an extremely hot, dense sea of photons and particles. Over the course of cosmic time, tiny density variations grew into the large galaxies and galaxy clusters we can see today. The eROSITA cluster observations show that matter of all kinds (visible and dark) comprises 29% of the total mass/energy budget of the universe, in excellent agreement with the values obtained from measurements of the CMB, which was emitted when the universe first became transparent. As well as measuring the total matter density in the universe, eROSITA has also measured the clumpiness of the matter distribution, described via the so-called S8 parameter. An important development in cosmology in recent years has been the so-called "S8 tension." This tension arises because CMB experiments measure a higher S8 value than, e.g., Cosmic Shear surveys. New physics is implied unless this tension can be resolved, and eROSITA has done just that. "eROSITA tells us that the universe behaved as expected throughout cosmic history," says Dr. Vittorio Ghirardini, the postdoctoral researcher at MPE who led the cosmology study posted to the arXiv preprint server. "There's no tension with the CMBmaybe the cosmologists can relax a bit now." The largest objects in the universe also carry information about the smallest particles: neutrinos. These lightweight particles are nearly impossible to detect. From the abundance of the largest dark matter haloes in the universe the eROSITA team have obtained tight constraints on the mass of the lightest known particles. The eROSITA cluster results yield the tightest combined neutrino mass measurement to date from any observational cosmology probe. Same as the other two images but additionally illustrating the measured average distortion of the images of background galaxies caused by the weak gravitational lensing effect that enables the weighing of the clusters. Credit: M. Kluge, C. Garrel, S. Grandis; optical image: Legacy Survey DR10, weak lensing: Dark Energy Survey (DES), X-ray: eROSITA An important component of the analysis are weak gravitational lensing measurements. This effect describes coherent distortions that are imprinted onto the observed shapes of distant galaxies when their light rays pass through the gravitational field of foreground structures. While Cosmic Shear studies probe the effect along random directions, it can also be measured in the vicinity of galaxy clusters to estimate their masses. The eROSITA team has conducted such measurements incorporating data from three current weak gravitational lensing surveys, the Dark Energy Survey (DES), the Hyper Suprime Cam Survey (HSC), and the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS). These measurements calibrate the relation between the eROSITA X-ray signal and cluster mass, thereby enabling the comparison to cosmological model predictions. "I'm proud of the weak lensing team that did an excellent job in providing the analysis from all three leading weak lensing surveys for the eROSITA cluster mass calibration, which enabled these cosmology constraints; something that has never been achieved before" says Prof. Dr. Thomas Reiprich from the Argelander Institute for Astronomy (AIfA) at the University of Bonn, who led the weak lensing mass calibration work package within the eROSITA cluster and cosmology team from 2019 till the end of 2023. He also is a member of the Transdisciplinary Research Area (TRA) "Matter" of the University of Bonn. The analysis of the "KiDS" weak lensing survey and also the detailed comparison between all three of the surveys is presented today in a paper, also posted as a preprint on arXiv and led by Florian Kleinebreil, Ph.D. student in the group of Prof. Dr. Tim Schrabback. A major part of this work was conducted at AIfA, until both moved to the University of Innsbruck in the fall of 2022. "We found that the three lensing surveys yield consistent mass constraints for the eROSITA clusters, providing an important consistency test for the overall analysis," explains Kleinebreil. "The completed analysis demonstrates the outstanding cosmological constraining power provided by combined analyses of state-of-the-art galaxy cluster samples and weak lensing surveys. Excitingly, this field will further advance in the coming years, also thanks to the arrival of next-generation weak lensing programs, including the one conducted by ESA's new space telescope Euclid," adds Schrabback. More information: V. Ghirardini et al, The SRG/eROSITA All-Sky Survey: Cosmology Constraints from Cluster Abundances in the Western Galactic Hemisphere, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2402.08458 Florian Kleinebreil et al, The SRG/eROSITA All-Sky Survey: Weak-Lensing of eRASS1 Galaxy Clusters in KiDS-1000 and Consistency Checks with DES Y3 & HSC-Y3, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2402.08456 Journal information: arXiv 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: Cryogenic microwave setup used for quantum device measurements. Credit: Qinu GmbH, qinu.de Physicists from Forschungszentrum Julich and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have uncovered that Josephson tunnel junctionsthe fundamental building blocks of superconducting quantum computersare more complex than previously thought. Just like overtones in a musical instrument, harmonics are superimposed on the fundamental mode. As a consequence, corrections may lead to quantum bits that are two to seven times more stable. The researchers support their findings with experimental evidence from multiple laboratories across the globe, including the University of Cologne, Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, and IBM Quantum in New York. It all started in 2019, when Dr. Dennis Willsch and Dennis Riegertwo Ph.D. students from FZJ and KIT at the time and joint first authors of a new paper published in Nature Physicswere having a hard time understanding their experiments using the standard model for Josephson tunnel junctions. This model had won Brian Josephson the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1973. Excited to get to the bottom of this, the team led by Professor Ioan Pop scrutinized further data from the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris and a 27-qubit device at IBM Quantum in New York, as well as data from previously published experiments. Independently, researchers from the University of Cologne were observing similar deviations of their data from the standard model. "Fortunately, Gianluigi Catelani, who was involved in both projects and realized the overlap, brought the research teams together," recalls Dr. Dennis Willsch from FZ Julich. "The timing was perfect," adds Dr. Chris Dickel from the University of Cologne, "since, at that time, we were exploring quite different consequences of the same underlying problem." Josephson tunnel junctions consist of two superconductors with a thin insulating barrier in-between and, for decades, these circuit elements have been described with a simple sinusoidal model (see image below). Bottom part: By exciting superconducting circuits (yellow/blue) with microwave signals (red wiggly arrow), the researchers can analyze the fundamental equation that describes the Josephson tunnel junction of the circuit. Right part: The researches have observed significant deviations (red curve) from the sinusoidal standard model (green curve). Left part: Schematic zoom-in of a tunnel junction consisting of two superconductors (yellow/blue) with a thin insulating barrier in-between. The large conduction channels (red loops) can be responsible for the observed deviations from the standard model. Credit: Dennis Rieger/ Patrick Winkel, KIT However, as the researchers demonstrate, this "standard model" fails to fully describe the Josephson junctions that are used to build quantum bits. Instead, an extended model including higher harmonics is required to describe the tunneling current between the two superconductors. The principle can also be found in the field of music. When the string of an instrument is struck, the fundamental frequency is overlaid by several harmonic overtones. "It's exciting that the measurements in the community have reached the level of accuracy at which we can resolve these small corrections to a model which has been considered sufficient for more than 15 years," Dennis Rieger remarks. When the four coordinating professorsIoan Pop from KIT and Gianluigi Catelani, Kristel Michielsen and David DiVincenzo from FZJrealized the impact of the findings, they brought together the large collaboration of experimentalists, theoreticians, and material scientists, to join their efforts in presenting a compelling case for the Josephson harmonics model. In the Nature Physics publication, the researchers explore the origin and consequences of Josephson harmonics. "As an immediate consequence, we believe that Josephson harmonics will help in engineering better and more reliable quantum bits by reducing errors up to an order of magnitude, which brings us one step closer towards the dream of a fully universal superconducting quantum computer," the two first authors conclude. More information: Dennis Willsch et al, Observation of Josephson harmonics in tunnel junctions, Nature Physics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41567-024-02400-8 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Considerable research has been devoted to studying gender bias in the physical workplace, especially in the fields of management and economics. Within online platforms, however, gender biases and how they manifest have received far less attention. There are some exceptions, including operational outcomes such as hiring, performance and compensation. Largely ignored, though, is how the design of operational processes lessens or increases gender bias. A new study from the University of Notre Dame examines how gender bias influences people-centric operations in online platforms. "Gender Mismatch and Bias in People-Centric Operations: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment" is published in the Journal of Operations Management from lead author Yoonseock Son, assistant professor of information technology, analytics and operations in Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business. For seven months, the team collaborated with an online weight management platform in Asia that provides programs, products and consulting services for healthy living. The researchers created an experimental design that linked clients and consultants in different gender combinations, and then examined how gender biases differed during their exchanges. Clients could ask questions on the website's chat feature and within 24 hours, a consultant would respond and then recommend a product. The clients would then rate their experience. "Surprisingly, we found that clients have a better experience and spend more on products and services when there are gender mismatches," Son said. "In other words, this happens when female clients are paired with male consultants and male clients with females." The team also found the effects of gender mismatches differ depending on the customer's actions, whether they are leaving ratings, purchasing recommended products or simply browsing. Knowing a consultant's gender led customers to leave more and higher ratings, click on recommended products and then make purchases. If the consultant was of the opposite gender, ratings were even highermuch more so from female clients with male consultants. Female customers had a higher click-through rate when gender was reported, regardless of which it was, but the men only clicked more on the products if their consultants were women. Purchase rates increased only for products recommended by the female consultants, and in these cases, the men bought significantly more than the women. "Past research suggests that women's performance may suffer with a male consultant," Son said, "but we find women may actually outperform their male counterparts." The study states, "The designor redesignof operational processes with consideration to gender bias is important across sectors, but is particularly important in the service industry as services are people-centric and increasingly shifting toward online platforms where face-to-face interactions are largely eliminated." The findings, which apply to any circumstance with no face-to-face interaction, provide a new tool for managers of platform businesses such as TripAdvisor, Yelp, Uber and Lyft. With ride-hailing services, the decision to ride is made before the customer and driver meet. Better understanding how a client's gender influences biases toward a company's employees can help improve customer service as well as firm performance. Firms can look at a customer's name and browsing history to help deduce gender, and then design more effective customer-employee matching algorithms and training programs. "Our study can help firms to get the most from matches or leverage mismatches and maximize overall effectiveness," Son said. "It's a win-win situation for both the customer and the firm." Co-authors include Kaitlin Wowak, the Robert and Sara Lumpkins Associate Professor of Business Analytics, and Corey Angst, the Jack and Joan McGraw Family Collegiate Professor of IT, Analytics and Operations, both at Notre Dame, along with Angela Choi from SungKyunKwan University in South Korea. More information: Yoonseock Son et al, Gender mismatch and bias in peoplecentric operations: Evidence from a randomized field experiment, Journal of Operations Management (2023). DOI: 10.1002/joom.1249 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Illustration of the identified interactive effects of connectivity and predation pressure. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45713-1 A regime shift is gradually spreading through the archipelagos of the Swedish Baltic Sea coast, where shallow bays, previously dominated by pike and perch have one by one become dominated by one of their prey species, the three-spined stickleback. Now, research shows that the ability of the pike and perch to maintain dominance over stickleback increases if there are plenty of pike and perch nearby that can help the local population withstand the stickleback intrusion. The researchers also found that the resilience of the pike and perch populations decreased with increasing predation from gray seal and great cormorant. Populations of pike and perch have shown marked declines along the Swedish Baltic Sea coast. One of the main causes of these declines is the dramatic increase of three-spined stickleback. The stickleback is a small species of fish that reproduces quickly and shows a good appetite for the eggs and larvae of pike and perch. Through this predation, it has knocked out local populations of pike and perch, especially in the outer archipelago. As the shift has spread successively from bay to bay, it has been nicknamed "the stickleback wave." When the stickleback comes to dominate an area, it has cascading effects on the rest of the ecosystem, with consequences for water quality and habitat-forming vegetation. To improve the understanding of how the ecosystem functions and how we can maintain strong populations of pike and perch, it is important that we figure out which factors make an ecosystem resilient, or vulnerable, to the stickleback wave. A new study published in Nature Communications by researchers from Stockholm University, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and University of Groningen shows that access to close-by spawning and nursing areas (connectivity) can increase the ability of the predatory fish to hold out against the stickleback wave. "Larger areas of spawning habitat that are sufficiently close to each other mean that the predatory fish have 'neighbors' that can migrate in and support a weak population. Small, isolated bays without such neighbors will struggle when the stickleback strikes," says Agnes Olin, a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and first author of the study. In the study, the researchers have analyzed the abundance of juvenile perch, pike and stickleback in a large number of bays along the Swedish Baltic Sea coast to find out which factors drive the relative density of these species. The most important determinant of whether a certain bay was dominated by stickleback or by predatory fish were drivers related to the amount of stickleback arriving in the bay in the spring to spawn. However, if there were plenty of predatory fish spawning habitat close-by, the probability that the predatory fish maintained their dominance when the stickleback arrived increased. "Even though the importance of connectivity in nature is widely recognized, empirical studies demonstrating if and how connectivity affects species interactions are still relatively rare. This study addresses this gap by utilizing a big dataset, collected over a relatively large geographical area, to empirically show how connectivity can affect key ecological processes," says Orjan Bodin, professor at Stockholm Resilience Center, Stockholm University and a co-author of the study. The study also showed that the positive effect of close-by spawning areas, i.e. the connectivity, disappeared at high local densities of gray seal and great cormorant. These two top predators have increased in the Baltic Sea, and can eat plenty of pike and perch in some areas. This suggests that at particularly high densities of seals and cormorants, the populations of predatory fish can be suppressed to such a degree that it does not matter that there is plenty of predatory fish spawning habitat nearby, since there is no fish there anyway. "This is the first time that we can show that gray seals and great cormorants have such a large-scale impact on the populations of pike and perch along the Baltic Sea coast. If we want to strengthen these populations of fish, it could therefore be important to implement measures that reduce the predation pressure from seals and cormorants in the perch and pike spawning bays," says Ulf Bergstrom, researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and a co-author of the study. "The study shows that a holistic approach [is important] when it comes to the management of ecologically important fish species, such as pike and perch. The management of habitat, of fish and of their predators, including seals, cormorants and stickleback, are all tightly linked," says Johan Eklof, professor at Stockholm University and leader of the research project that financed the study. "In addition, our results point to how important it is to have a wider spatial perspectivewhat happens in one bay has knock-on effects in other bays as the fish moves around, so you can't just look at one bay at the time." More information: Agnes B. Olin et al, Predation and spatial connectivity interact to shape ecosystem resilience to an ongoing regime shift, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45713-1 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: Visualization of the Character Completeness Metric (CCM2) in the fossil record of non-avian theropod dinosaurs, Mesozoic birds, and squamates. Credit: PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297637 A new study published in the journal PLOS ONE explores the weight great fossil sites have on our understanding of evolutionary relationships between fossil groupsthe lagerstatten effectand for the first time, has quantified the power these sites have on our understanding of evolutionary history. Surprisingly, the authors discovered that the wind-swept sand deposits of the Late Cretaceous Gobi Desert's extraordinarily diverse and well-preserved fossil lizard record shapes our understanding of their evolutionary history more than any other site on the planet. While famous as the region where Velociraptor was discovered, China and Mongolia's Late Cretaceous Gobi Desert might have more of an impact on our understanding of ancientand modernlife thanks to its rich record of fossil lizards. "What's so cool about these Late Cretaceous Gobi Desert deposits is that you're getting extremely diverse, exceptionally complete, three-dimensionally-preserved lizard skeletons," said Dr. Hank Woolley, lead author and NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Dinosaur Institute. "You're getting many lineages on the squamate Tree of Life represented from this single unit, giving us this remarkable fossil signal of biodiversity in the rock record, something that stands out as a lighthouse in the deep dark chasms of squamate evolutionary history." More complete skeletons make it easier to trace relationships through time by making it easier to compare similarities and differences. The more complete a skeleton is, the more traits are preserved, and those traits translate into phylogenetic datadata that are used to construct the tree of life. "Where there's exceptional preservationhundreds of species from one part of the world at one period of very specific timethat doesn't necessarily give you a good idea of global signals," said Woolley. "It's putting its thumb on the scale." To measure how impactful deposits of exceptional fossil preservation (known in the paleontology community by the German term "lagerstatten") are on the broader understanding of evolutionary relationships through time, Woolley and co-authors including Dr. Nathan Smith, Curator of the Dinosaur Institute, combed through published records of 1,327 species of non-avian theropod dinosaurs, Mesozoic birds, and fossil squamates (the group of reptiles that includes mosasaurs, snakes, and lizards). Graphical summary of the results of the new study. A) Summary of the phylogenetic impact of the Late Cretaceous Gobi Desert lizard assemblage. B) Comparison to other well-preserved squamates found in lake deposits. Credit: Hank Woolley The fossil meta-narrative When it came to squamates, the researchers found no correlation between the intensity of sampling and whether any given site impacted phylogenetic data on a global scale. Instead, they found a signal from depositional environments, the different kinds of sites where sediments accumulated preserved markedly different groups. Because the squamate record from the Gobi Desert is so complete, it shapes our understanding of squamate evolution around the world and across time, a prime example of the "lagerstatten effect"despite not being a typical lagerstatte. Traditional lagerstatten deposits come from marine chalks, salty lagoons, and ancient lake environmentsnot from arid sand dunes. The ancient environment shapes what gets preserved in the fossil record. "We were not expecting to find this detailed record from lizards in a desert sand dune deposit," said Woolley. "We often think of lagerstatten deposits as preserving soft tissues and organisms that rarely fossilize, or especially rich concentrations of fossils. What makes the Gobi squamate record unique, is that it includes both exceptionally complete skeletons, and a high diversity of species from across the group's family tree," said Smith. "We're at this frontier between fields within paleontology that rarely overlap: assessing evolutionary relationships of fossil groups (phylogenetics) and assessing how things fossilize (taphonomy). Exploring this frontier will help to incorporate more of Earth's extinct biodiversity in museum collections as we piece together the past," said Woolley. More information: C. Henrik Woolley et al, Quantifying the effects of exceptional fossil preservation on the global availability of phylogenetic data in deep time, PLOS ONE (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297637 Journal information: PLoS ONE 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: Fiona Cole and Jonas Zahringer, joint lead authors of the paper, calibrate a fluorescence microscope. Credit: LMU Researchers at Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) have developed an innovative method to simultaneously track rapid dynamic processes of multiple molecules at the molecular scale. Processes within our bodies are characterized by the interplay of various biomolecules such as proteins and DNA. These processes occur on a scale often within a range of just a few nanometers. Consequently, they cannot be observed with fluorescence microscopy, which has a resolution limit of about 200 nanometers due to diffraction. When two dyes marking positions of biomolecules are closer than this optical limit, their fluorescence cannot be distinguished under the microscope. As this fluorescence is used for localizing them, accurately determining their positions becomes impossible. This resolution limit has traditionally been overcome in super-resolution microscopy methods by making the dyes blink and turning their fluorescence on and off. This temporally separates their fluorescence, making it distinguishable and enabling localizations below the classical resolution limit. However, for applications involving the study of rapid dynamic processes, this trick has a significant drawback: blinking prevents the simultaneous localization of multiple dyes. This significantly decreases the temporal resolution when investigating dynamic processes involving multiple biomolecules. Under the leadership of LMU chemist Professor Philip Tinnefeld and in cooperation with Professor Fernando Stefani (Buenos Aires), researchers at LMU have now developed pMINFLUX multiplexing, an elegant approach to address this problem. The team has published a paper on their method in the journal Nature Photonics. MINFLUX is a super-resolution microscopy method, enabling localizations with precisions of just one nanometer. In contrast to conventional MINFLUX, pMINFLUX registers the time difference between the excitation of dyes with a laser pulse and the subsequent fluorescence with sub-nanosecond resolution. In addition to localizing the dyes, this provides insights into another fundamental property of their fluorescence: their fluorescence lifetimes. This describes how long, on average, it takes for a dye molecule to fluoresce after it is excited. "The fluorescence lifetime depends on the dye used," explains Fiona Cole, co-first author of the publication. "We exploited differences in fluorescence lifetimes when using different dyes to assign the fluorescent photons to the dye that emitted without the need for blinking and the resulting temporal separation." For this purpose, the researchers adapted the localization algorithm and included a multiexponential fit model to achieve the required separation. "This allowed us to determine the position of multiple dyes simultaneously and investigate rapid dynamic processes between multiple molecules with nanometer precision," adds Jonas Zahringer, also co-first author. The researchers demonstrated their method by accurately tracking two DNA strands as they jumped between different positions on a DNA origami nanostructure, as well as by separating translational and rotational movements of a DNA origami nanostructure and by measuring the distance between antigen-binding sites of antibodies. "But this is just the beginning," says Philip Tinnefeld. "I am certain that pMINFLUX multiplexing, with its high temporal and spatial resolution, will provide new insights into protein interactions and other biological phenomena in the future." More information: Fiona Cole et al, Super-resolved FRET and co-tracking in pMINFLUX, Nature Photonics (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41566-024-01384-4 Journal information: Nature Photonics 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: In an ejection that would have caused its rotation to slow, a magnetar is depicted losing material into space in this artists concept. The magnetars strong, twisted magnetic field lines (shown in green) can influence the flow of electrically charged material from the object, which is a type of neutron star. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech What's causing mysterious bursts of radio waves from deep space? Astronomers may be a step closer to providing one answer to that question. Two NASA X-ray telescopes recently observed one of such eventsknown as a fast radio burstmere minutes before and after it occurred. This unprecedented view sets scientists on a path to understand these extreme radio events better. While they only last for a fraction of a second, fast radio bursts can release about as much energy as the sun does in a year. Their light also forms a laser-like beam, setting them apart from more chaotic cosmic explosions. Because the bursts are so brief, it's often hard to pinpoint where they come from. Prior to 2020, those that were traced to their source originated outside our own galaxytoo far away for astronomers to see what created them. Then a fast radio burst erupted in Earth's home galaxy, originating from an extremely dense object called a magnetarthe collapsed remains of an exploded star. In October 2022, the same magnetarcalled SGR 1935+2154produced another fast radio burst, this one studied in detail by NASA's NICER (Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer) on the International Space Station and NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array) in low Earth orbit. The telescopes observed the magnetar for hours, catching a glimpse of what happened on the surface of the source object and in its immediate surroundings before and after the fast radio burst. The results, described in a new study published in the journal Nature, are an example of how NASA telescopes can work together to observe and follow up on short-lived events in the cosmos. The burst occurred between two "glitches" when the magnetar suddenly started spinning faster. SGR 1935+2154 is estimated to be about 12 miles (20 kilometers) across and spinning about 3.2 times per second, meaning its surface was moving at about 7,000 mph (11,000 kph). Slowing it down or speeding it up would require a significant amount of energy. That's why study authors were surprised to see that in between glitches, the magnetar slowed down to less than its pre-glitch speed in just nine hours, or about 100 times more rapidly than has ever been observed in a magnetar. "Typically, when glitches happen, it takes the magnetar weeks or months to get back to its normal speed," said Chin-Ping Hu, an astrophysicist at National Changhua University of Education in Taiwan and the lead author of the new study. "So clearly, things are happening with these objects on much shorter time scales than we previously thought, and that might be related to how fast radio bursts are generated." Spin cycle When trying to piece together exactly how magnetars produce fast radio bursts, scientists have a lot of variables to consider. For example, magnetars (which are a type of neutron star) are so dense that a teaspoon of their material would weigh about a billion tons on Earth. Such a high density also means a strong gravitational pull: A marshmallow falling onto a typical neutron star would impact with the force of an early atomic bomb. The strong gravity means the surface of a magnetar is a volatile place, regularly releasing bursts of X-rays and higher-energy light. Before the fast radio burst that occurred in 2022, the magnetar started releasing eruptions of X-rays and gamma rays (even more energetic wavelengths of light) that were observed in the peripheral vision of high-energy space telescopes. This increase in activity prompted mission operators to point NICER and NuSTAR directly at the magnetar. "All those X-ray bursts that happened before this glitch would have had, in principle, enough energy to create a fast radio burst, but they didn't," said study co-author Zorawar Wadiasingh, a research scientist at the University of Maryland, College Park and NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. "So it seems like something changed during the slowdown period, creating the right set of conditions." What else might have happened with SGR 1935+2154 to produce a fast radio burst? One factor might be that the exterior of a magnetar is solid, and the high density crushes the interior into a state called a superfluid. Occasionally, the two can get out of sync, like water sloshing around inside a spinning fishbowl. When this happens, the fluid can deliver energy to the crust. The paper authors think this is likely what caused both glitches that bookended the fast radio burst. If the initial glitch caused a crack in the magnetar's surface, it might have released material from the star's interior into space like a volcanic eruption. Losing mass causes spinning objects to slow down, so the researchers think this could explain the magnetar's rapid deceleration. But having observed only one of these events in real time, the team still can't say for sure which of these factors (or others, such as the magnetar's powerful magnetic field) might lead to the production of a fast radio burst. Some might not be connected to the burst at all. "We've unquestionably observed something important for our understanding of fast radio bursts," said George Younes, a researcher at Goddard and a member of the NICER science team specializing in magnetars. "But I think we still need a lot more data to complete the mystery." More information: Chin-Ping Hu, Rapid spin changes around a magnetar fast radio burst, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-07012-5. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-07012-5 Journal information: Nature Provided by NASA This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Solene Delecourt A picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes, and research has shown that the human brain does indeed better retain information from images than from text. These days, we are taking in more visual content than ever as we peruse picture-packed news sites and social media platforms. And much of that visual content, according to new Berkeley Haas research published in the journal Nature, is reinforcing powerful gender stereotypes. Through a series of experiments, observations, and the help of large language models, professors Douglas Guilbeault and Solene Delecourt found that female and male gender associations are more extreme among Google Images than within text from Google News. What's more, while the text is slightly more focused on men than women, this bias is over four times stronger in images. "Most of the previous research about bias on the internet has been focused on text, but we now have Google Images, TikTok, YouTube, Instagramall kinds of content based on modalities besides text," says Delecourt. "Our research suggests that the extent of bias online is much more widespread than previously shown." Not only is online gender bias more prevalent in images than in text, the study revealed, but such bias is more psychologically potent in visual form. Strikingly, in one experiment, study participants who looked at gender-biased imagesas opposed to those reading gender-biased textdemonstrated significantly stronger biases even three days later. As online worlds grow more and more visual, it's important to understand the outsized potency of images, says Guilbeault, the lead author of the paper. "We realized that this has implications for stereotypesand no one had demonstrated that connection before," Guilbeault says. "Images are a particularly sticky way for stereotypes to be communicated." The extent of biasand its effects To zero in on gender bias in online images, Guilbeault and Delecourt teamed up with co-authors Tasker Hull from Psiphon, Inc., a software company that develops censorship-navigation tools; doctoral researcher Bhargav Srinivasa Desikan of Switzerland's Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (now at IPPR in London); Mark Chu from Columbia University; and Ethan Nadler from the University of Southern California. They designed a novel series of techniques to compare bias in images versus text and to investigate its psychological impact in both mediums. First, the researchers pulled 3,495 social categorieswhich included occupations like "doctor" and "carpenter" as well as social roles like "friend" and "neighbor"from Wordnet, a large database of related words and concepts. To calculate the gender balance within each category of images, the researchers retrieved the top hundred Google images corresponding to each category and recruited people to classify each human face by gender. Measuring gender bias in online texts was a trickier propositionthough one perfectly suited for fast-evolving large-language models, which noted the frequency of each social category's occurrence alongside references to gender in Google News text. The researchers' analysis revealed that gender associations were more extreme among the images than within the text. There were also far more images focused on men than women. Sticky images The experimental phase of the study sought to illuminate the impacts that biases in online images have on internet users. The researchers asked 450 participants to use Google to search for apt descriptions of occupations relating to science, technology, and the arts. One group used Google News to find and upload textual descriptions; another group used Google Images to find and upload pictures of occupations. (A control group was assigned the same task with neutral categories like "apple" and "guitar.") After selecting their text- or image-based descriptions, the participants rated which gender they most associated with each occupation. Then they completed a test that asked them to sort various words into gender categories quickly. The test was administered again after three days. The participants who worked with the images displayed much stronger gender associations compared to those in the text and control conditionseven three days later. "This isn't only about the frequency of gender bias online," says Guilbeault. "Part of the story here is that there's something very sticky, very potent about images' representation of people that text just doesn't have." Interestingly, when the researchers conducted their own online survey of public opinionand when they looked at data on occupational gender distributions reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statisticsthey found that gender disparities were much less pronounced than those reflected in Google images. Opening doors to new research Delecourt and Guilbeault say they hope their findings lead to a more serious grappling with the challenges posed by embedded bias in online images. After all, it's relatively easy to tweak text to be as neutral as possible, whereas images of people inherently convey racial, gender, and other demographic information. Guilbeault notes that other research has shown that gender biases in online text have decreased, but those findings may not reveal the whole story. "In images, we actually still see very prevalent widespread gender bias," he says. "That may be because we haven't really focused on images in terms of this movement towards gender equality. But it could also be because it's just harder to do that in images." Guilbeault and Delecourt are already at work on another project in this vein to examine gender-age bias online using many of the same techniques. "Part of the reason this paper is so exciting is that it opens the door to many, many other types of researchinto age or race, or into other modalities, like video," Delecourt says. More information: Douglas Guilbeault, Online images amplify gender bias, Nature (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07068-x. www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07068-x This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain In recent decades, women in Japan and South Korea have been catching up in terms of educational achievements and economic activity. Yet the number of women in leadership positions is still lagging behind. Ph.D. candidate Yorum Beekman investigated why this is. Large companies in South Korea and Japan have tried to use policy change to get more women into top positions. "But the numbers remain disappointing, even after more than two decades," Beekman says. "There is nothing wrong with the policy itself: in terms of content it meets international standards." Impact on women If policy is not to blame, the question then turns to what restrictions women face in the workplace. "With that in mind, for my research, I spoke with women who have been working in large companies for a long time. Together we examined the life course and career of the women in question." This included not only looking at career development from start to finish. "I also asked how the women grew up, what their relationships with their parents were like and how their schooling went. These are all experiences that may have influenced the way women now look at the world and arrive at important choices that have long-lasting consequences." Not a simple issue It is often thought that starting a family, or having caring responsibilities are the main obstacles for women to pursue long-term careers. "In many cases the woman in a relationship is expected to take care of the children," says Beekman. "Men who are in favor of women's economic empowerment and are happy to have their partner working to help with the family income still expect them to handle all the care and parenting. That can bring additional pressure." Still, Beekman found other factors. "I found that the dynamics within the immediate workplace team often have a significant impact on the decision for women to give up their own careers or not," she explains. "The arrival of a child or other events in the personal sphere do play a role but are not necessarily decisive. As long as the overall work experience is fulfilling, women tend to continue working hard despite being overworked at work and at home." Not just formal policies Often a listening ear from a supervisor or colleague helps a woman through difficult periods of physical exhaustion. "Only when interactions with co-workers and immediate supervisors are perceived as negative, or the work itself is no longer stimulating enough, do women begin to question whether pursuing a career at the expense of other aspects of life is worth it." A competitive or polarizing work atmosphere is disastrous, as are the assumptions of authority figures about one's suitability for leadership and the lack of diverse female role models at the top of an organization. All these factors limit the freedom of choice for a woman to pursue a different path. "So, to improve the situation of younger generations of employees with different work norms and values, not only are formal policies needed, but serious attention also has to be paid to more subtle barriers." 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: Scientists identified a new population of endangered Skywalker gibbons (Hoolock tianxing), like this adult female, in Myanmar. They were formerly known only to be in China. Credit: Peng-Fei Fan Skywalker gibbon couples wake up each morning and sing to each other, their voices echoing across the forest canopy of their home. The primate's endearing love song helped scientists confirm what was formerly a strong hunch: Myanmar has the largest population of endangered Skywalker gibbons on Earth. When Star Wars-loving scientists identified Skywalker gibbons as a distinct species in 2017, fewer than 200 individuals were known to exist, all in southwestern China. A study published today in the International Journal of Primatology is the first in the past century to confirm living Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar. The study was led by the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at the University of California, Davis, which facilitated the formation of the Myanmar Skywalker Gibbon Conservation Committee. Led by Myanmar investigators and composed of Myanmar nongovernmental organizations, the group was tasked with leading these important discoveries in their country. Field expeditions were conducted by partner organizations, including Nature Conservation Society Myanmar and Fauna & Flora InternationalMyanmar. "We were able to genetically identify 44 new groups of Skywalker gibbons in Myanmar," said senior author Tierra Smiley Evans, research faculty with the One Health Institute in the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. "This is a huge resource and success story for Myanmar." Exact numbers of individuals are unknown, but Skywalkers were identified in areas previously thought to be occupied by the Eastern hoolock gibbon. Population estimates from 2013 suggested that there could have been up to 65,000 gibbons in the area where Skywalkers have now been identified, making this the largest probable population of Skywalker gibbons in one place. Scientists suspect today's actual numbers are lower given ongoing hunting, limited protected areas and political unrest in Myanmar. Love songs and chewed plants Like their Jedi namesake, Skywalker gibbons cannot swim, so rivers tend to demarcate their species boundaries. This led scientists to think Skywalkers likely extended into Myanmar between two rivers to the west and another to the east, but their theory remained unconfirmed until this study. Safety concerns related to civil and ethnic unrest, on top of a global pandemic, have limited primate surveys in Myanmar, especially by foreign scientists. Smiley Evans said the study was possible only through the efforts of the Myanmar field research team. Between December 2021 and March 2023, the field team in Myanmar set up acoustic monitoring systems, listening each morning for the Skywalker gibbons' love songs, recording their solos and duets, their start and end times. Using a noninvasive DNA sampling technique created by Smiley Evans, they then collected chewed plants and fruits from the gibbons. Genetic analysis of these samples confirmed the species. The team examined photographs for characteristics that distinguish between Skywalker hoolock gibbons and other hoolock species. These include thinner eyebrows, a black or brown beard instead of a white one, and incomplete white face rings on the females. They also conducted threat assessment surveys in 12 villages to gather local knowledge about gibbons and the threats they face. "Biologists did not believe Skywalker gibbons could live in the small remaining patches in Southern Shan State before we started this project," said Pyae Phyo Aung, executive director of Nature Conservation Society Myanmar. "I am delighted with our field team members who have done an excellent job, within a short period of time, building community trust for further conservation actions. This area is degraded forest. It is really important for Myanmar and China to consider extending conservation approaches for the Skywalker gibbon to this new geographic area." Red List guidance The findings will help guide updates for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. While the findings raise the population estimates of Skywalker gibbons, ongoing habitat loss, degradation and human conflict in Myanmar continue to threaten the species, most of which live outside protected areas. For those reasons, the authors suggest the species retain its Endangered designation on the IUCN Red List and that its habitat in Myanmar be considered for protected area status. "We found Skywalker gibbons in two regions of Myanmar: Kachin State and as far south as Shan State, in degraded forests and at much lower elevations than we expected, showing us they're highly adaptable," Smiley Evans said. "There needs to be a protected area system there that focuses on them." More information: Pyae Phyo Aung et al, Confirmation of Skywalker Hoolock Gibbon (Hoolock tianxing) in Myanmar Extends Known Geographic Range of an Endangered Primate, International Journal of Primatology (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s10764-024-00418-6 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: Old records of privileges and donations made to the monastery of San Salvador de Celanova, known as the Tombo or cartulary of Celanova. (12th century). Credit: National Historical Archive, Madrid, codex L. 986, f. 137r. Written testimonies from the medieval period show sexual assault being successfully reported to the authorities, despite legal, social and even family obstacles. This took place, we must remember, in a society which had next to nothing by way of forensic measures, so reporting a crime of any sort often meant that people had to be taken at their word. Almost 30 years ago, pioneering research was carried out by medieval history professor Maria del Carmen Pallares into such cases in 15th century Ourense, a city in Galicia, in northwestern Spain. More recent contributions to this body of research have continued to shed light on cases that date back to the Middle Ages and beyond. To this day, taking successful action against sexual assault remains difficult. In Spain, for example, the process of implementing a law dubbed "solo si es si" ("only yes means yes") has highlighted the problem of standardizing offenses and the "demonstrability" of sexual assault. When tracing such crimes in thousand-year-old documents, the evidence must therefore be considered with caution, and there are various barriers to interpreting it. These can be linguistic (documents were written in Latin or older Romance languages), legal (there is, for example, no exact legal equivalent to the modern definition of rape) and representational (very few documents give specific details of crimes committed). In spite of these limitations, I have chosen two documented cases that clearly show women reporting and taking action against collective or individual sexual assault by men. Celanova, Galicia: A granddaughter reports her grandfather The written records, known as the cartulary, of the monastery of Celanova in Galicia are an excellent source of information on early medieval society in the northwestern Iberian Peninsula. The documents it contains are mainly copies of earlier ones from the 10th or 11th centuries. Towards the end of the 10th century, there was an account of a woman, possibly a young girl, going to the monastery to report her own grandfather for having abused her (as stated in Latin: venit ipsa mea nepta in presentia iudices in concilio). The granddaughter's name is not known, because the document focuses on the grandfather himself, who went by the name Tusto. In the written account he acknowledges his guilt, and explains that his granddaughter's report (queremonia) was what brought him before the authorities. In the end, the aggressor agrees to hand over a number of family possessions as punishment for illicit relations (adulterio), which then pass into the hands of the monastery. The account is surprisingly explicit in mentioning both the family connection and the acknowledgement of guilt. Unfortunately, we know nothing more about Tusto and his anonymous granddaughter, but we do know from this account that she had the opportunity to successfully report her aggressor despite the nature of their relationship, and that action was taken. Sao Pedro do Sul, Portugal: Jimena and Juan Arias Another explicit mention of sexual assault being reported can be found found in a document dated to almost a century after Tusto's case. In this case a woman, Jimena, and her mother, Ducidia, hand over a number of church goods to a powerful local magnate named Alvitu Sandizi. Jimena and Ducidia asked for his help because a man named Juan Arias had attempted to assault Jimena, or to consummate a relationship against her will (the Latin reads: volebat concubare sine mea volumtate). It seems that Alvitu was something of a well known and respected local authority, which explains why they turned to him at this moment. The most striking element of this case is that Jimena appears in the first person (mea). She explains that the goods had been delivered as protection against Juan Arias' unwanted advances, and to clearly record her explicit lack of consent. The tip of the iceberg It would, of course, be impossible to quantify the number of sexual assaults that took place over the course of centuries. However, in our doctoral thesis project, and in other publications, we have tried to compile all available recorded instances. The two listed here are the clearest examples of women reporting such crimes, but they are by no means the only ones. These historical accounts run contrary to popular, heroic tales like Ingmar Bergman's 1960 film The Virgin Spring, or Ridley Scott's more recent 2021 film The Last Duel. They show that crimes such as these were reported by women who were taken at their word, and action was taken by ordinary, established justice systems. Analyzing and learning about these stories not only sets a historical precedent for the present, but also helps us to change the way we see the past. It is the responsibility of historical researchers to bring back this evidence and share it. In this way, the actions of Tusto's granddaughter, Jimena and her mother, and countless others can contribute to a society where women are taken seriously when reporting sexual assault. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. HAMILTON TOWNSHIP Members of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority and Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia unveiled two new buses Tuesday they said will allow children to have better access to behavioral health services in Atlantic County. Since 1997, weve been serving children with severe emotional and behavioral disturbances and challenges from Atlantic City, Atlantic County and surrounding areas in the state, said Carl Wolfarth, CHOPs senior manager of youth partial hospital services. Our job here is to help children have healthy and successful lives. Dozens gathered at CHOPs Specialty Care Center on the Black Horse Pike for the ceremony and heard remarks from Wolfarth; Peter Grollman, CHOPs senior vice president of external affairs; New Jersey first lady and Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Tammy Murphy; and CRDA interim Executive Director Maisha Moore. Those in attendance then made their way outside following the speeches to snap pictures in front of the bright blue buses and to tour the hospital facility. A $250,000 grant from the CRDA helped fund the buses. The vehicles will benefit patients and families who are served by CHOPs Childrens Intensive Emotional and Behavioral Services program. The program serves children ages 5 to 13 and provides comprehensive psychiatric partial hospitalization services in a trauma-informed, behaviorally focused therapeutic setting for patients in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Ocean counties. Most of the patients in the programs come from underserved, underprivileged backgrounds, making access to care more challenging. The new buses address that issue, Wolfarth said. Our children need transportation, Wolfarth said. Getting them back and forth to the program on a daily basis is kind of the cornerstone of this program. Patients who attend the programs typically have a history of prenatal/perinatal complications, developmental delays, prenatal exposure to drugs or alcohol, neglect, abuse and trauma, according to CHOPs website. We work with children that are preschool age and above, Wolfarth said. Our patients have a variety of behavioral, emotional, social and psychiatric needs that significantly impact their ability to learn and be productive members of their communities. Moore said the new buses align with CRDAs mission. CRDA supports initiatives that build stronger, more resilient communities, Moore said. These buses allow better access to care for children in Atlantic City and other communities by safe, reliable transportation. Murphy said the buses are a perfect example of how government agencies work in tandem with one another. When there is collaboration and communication between state and local authorities, common sense solutions are created and peoples lives improve, Murphy said. This is truly government at its best, and its the spirit behind the broad spectrum of policies our administration has sought to implement. For too long, the topic of mental health held such an incredible stigma. Im relieved to see that its going to change thanks to this new generation of young people. Together, we can remove every barrier that is preventing kids from getting the care they need. GALLERY: CHOP unveils new buses 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. FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP A Pittsgrove man faces charges of animal cruelty after multiple dogs were found in poor health in woods outside a property on Fairton-Millville Road on Feb. 6. Local animal control officials said some of the dogs were lucky to survive. They were seized by authorities and taken to an area animal shelter for care. Dale Brown Jr., 43, was charged with animal cruelty, said Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae, who released details of the charges Tuesday afternoon. She said the incident remains under investigation. It is one of several animal cruelty cases in the region recently. On Saturday, a Wildwood Crest man was charged by Galloway Township police after one dog was found dead and more than two dozen others were found in poor conditions on his property, and Linda Gentille of Shore Animal Control said there was another case of animal neglect in Upper Deerfield Township, where she said one dog died. This is the worst week weve ever had, Gentille said. She described an anonymous tip from a neighbor about dogs dying in a backyard in Fairfield. State Police and animal control officers found four pit bulls chained up at the edge of the property, emaciated and dehydrated. One of the dogs, which the shelter staff have named Xena, looked unlikely to survive, Gentille said. The dog is under veterinary care. She was almost dead. They didnt think she was going to make it, she said. The dogs were exposed to rain and below-freezing temperatures without shelter. Wildwood Crest man charged after dead dog, 26 more animals found at Galloway home A Wildwood Crest man was arrested on animal cruelty charges Saturday after an investigation showed he had several dogs and a cat living in poor conditions, Galloway Township police said. Since those animals were recovered, she said, the bodies of two other dogs were found in the same area. So far, she said, it is uncertain whether those two had the same owner. She said that brought the number of dead dogs recovered in the past week to three. Brown was released on a summons pending court. Gentille said Brown does not own the property where the dogs were recovered. Details from Webb-McRae indicate that responding troopers found multiple animal abuse violations in a preliminary investigation. As a result, the four dogs located at the rear of the property were seized and taken to the local animal shelter for necessary care, she said. When the dogs have recovered, they will need foster homes and will eventually be available for adoption, Gentille said. The three that were not taken for emergency veterinary care were taken to the South Jersey Regional Animal Shelter in Vineland. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP While searching for a teenager attempting to break into a vehicle early Wednesday morning, police opened an investigation into two vehicles reported stolen in Atlantic County. Officers were dispatched at 3:46 a.m. to Mohave Drive in reference to a report of three people attempting to break into a Kia. As police arrived, the individuals attempted to flee. Police were able to arrest a 16-year-old Pleasantville boy. About 5:30 a.m., police received a call from a resident on Rumson Drive about a teenage boy at his door requesting to use the caller's cellphone. When police arrived, they determined the 15-year-old Absecon resident was involved in the initial vehicle break-in and was arrested. Both teens were released to their guardians pending court. While police were in the area looking for suspects, a 2017 Hyundai Elantra was found on Mohave Drive with damage to the windshield and roof. An investigation led to police discovering the sedan was stolen out of Pleasantville. In addition, a 2015 Hyundai Sonata was reported stolen from Iroquois Drive in Galloway. It was later found in a parking area off Society Hill Drive. Police are still investigating the two stolen vehicles, and additional charges are pending. Anyone with information can call police at 609-652-3705. GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Police arrested four township residents Monday and Tuesday in three separate cases of alleged drug activity. On Monday, police searched a home on Liberty Court and found drugs, a handgun with a high-capacity magazine and an undisclosed amount of cash. They also searched a vehicle and found more drugs. Sahmad Greene, 28, was charged with distribution of a controlled dangerous substance, unlawful possession of a weapon, committing a drug offense while in possession of a weapon, unlawful possession of a handgun, certain persons not to have weapons, possession of hollow point ammunition, possession of a large capacity magazine and endangering the welfare of a child. He was sent to the Atlantic County jail. On Tuesday, police executed two search warrants simultaneously in the South Egg Harbor section of the township. In the 600 block of Simms Avenue, police seized drugs and arrested two fugitives wanted in Atlantic County: Briana Torres and Jeffrey Anderson, both 29. Torres and Anderson each were charged with possession of CDS and sent to the county jail on their outstanding warrants. In the 600 block of South Philadelphia Avenue, police seized drugs, a high-capacity magazine and a 12-gauge shotgun. Steven K. McKenney, 52, was charged with distribution of CDS, unlawful possession of a weapon, certain persons not to have weapons, possession of a large capacity magazine and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was sent to the county jail. TOKYO, Feb 15 (News On Japan) - Starting February 14th, JR East has introduced the "Kyun Pass," allowing unlimited rides on Shinkansen and limited express trains for just Y10,000 on weekdays. Tokyo to Shin-Aomori Round Trip Saves Over 20,000 Caster Fudo Kumazaki explains that the pass is valid for one month from February 14th to March 14th, with no limit on the number of purchases, but restricted to two reserved seat bookings per day. The pass covers JR East lines, including the Tohoku, Yamagata, Akita, Joetsu, and some parts of the Hokuriku Shinkansen, as well as five local railway lines. Traveling from Tokyo to Shin-Aomori, which usually costs over 33,260 for a round trip, becomes a bargain at just 10,000 with the "Kyun Pass." Various Ways to Enjoy: Luxurious Travel Close to Home Caster Chiaki Horan notes that traveling to Shin-Aomori and back in a day would mean spending most of the time on the Shinkansen. Kumazaki suggests that traveling further increases the value of the pass, but if you want to enjoy your destination, it's essential to choose wisely. For example, trips beyond Nasushiobara on the Tohoku Shinkansen or beyond Karuizawa on the Hokuriku Shinkansen would exceed 10,000 for a round trip. One adventurous traveler, Casty, is currently on a "Dice Travel" journey with a friend, where they let dice rolls decide their destinations, starting from Tokyo and ending in Yokohama. Travel analyst Kotaro Toriumi recommends a luxurious day trip starting with a ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya, followed by a visit to Zenkoji Temple in Nagano, shopping in Nakamise Street, and ending with a trip to Karuizawa for shopping and hot springs, all within the same day for just 10,000 with the "Kyun Pass," compared to the usual Shinkansen fare of 22,870. Source: TBS WILDWOOD Kyle Byrne knew he could be in for some scary situations when he joined the Cape May Court House Volunteer Fire Company. He did not expect it to be so choreographed. Honestly, seeing a crowd of over 300 people was a little nerve wracking, said Byrne, who works full time as a New Jersey State Police trooper. Four firefighters with the Court House company were talked into participating in the Wildwoods Dancing with Local Celebrities event last Saturday, an annual fundraiser of the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce. They killed it, said Tracey DuFault, the chambers executive director. They were awesome. Local business owners and others participated in the event, which raised money for scholarships and other efforts. Ben Rose, director of marketing and public relations for the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority, wore a John Travolta-style white suit for his disco dancing. Bank presidents, educators and many others danced for the event, which saw hundreds of people turn out on a winter weekend. This was the first time firefighters participated, DuFault said. Lower Township to commemorate 30th anniversary of police officer's death A flag-raising ceremony will be held to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the death of Lower Township police Officer David C. Douglass Sr. at 10 a.m. Feb. 18 at the Town Bank Volunteer Fire Company. This is the first time any of us have done anything like this, said Chuck Mariner, who joined Byrne, Kyle Lindholm and Zach Brown in a routine that started with them in their turnout gear to the blaring sounds of Its Raining Men, a 1982 hit for the Weather Girls. Mariner said he was happy to do anything that helps young people. He first heard the pitch at a Halloween parade, and four of the Court House volunteers agreed to participate, two captains and two firefighters. They worked with Standing Room Only Studios on choreography, training for several evenings on the routine, said Mariner, a retired corrections officer and longtime volunteer firefighter. Some of the participants may have been a little nervous being out of their comfort zone, but Mariner said they would all probably be willing to do it again. It was truly enjoyable, he said. It was a neat experience. They apparently won the crowd over, taking home a mirror ball award for the best audience reaction. Lauryn Ciavirella Atkinson and Jersey Pride Cheer took home the critics choice award, and Barbara Jean Tanghare from Crest Savings Bank won the peoples choice award. Other participants included Chris Hines with the Glenwood Avenue School, Angel Daniels with a local law office, Johan Mercado with Brownies Professional Cleaning, along with Jacqueline Fiore, Abby MacQueen, Barbara Jones, Linda Ennis, Elizabeth Hulitt and Lisa Meola. DuFault said the evening raised about $20,000 for scholarships, classes and other local programs. John McCann, chief of the Court House fire company, described his firefighters dancing as another example of the efforts the volunteers undertake for the community, adding that volunteer fire companies throughout the area are looking for participants. Volunteers must undertake extensive training to qualify as firefighters. The company responded to more than 500 calls for service last year, he said, and also sponsored a blood drive. Each of these very worthy organizations has outreach programs, which extend our donations even further into the community, and we like that, because it allows this money to help more people on multiple levels, Schmidt said in a statement. As a community bank, we are always looking for ways to give back to our community. These recent donations augment our Community Partnership Award, which we present to a local nonprofit organization each spring during Sea Isles Community Day. BRIGANTINE Two Pennsylvania residents were arrested Monday morning after officers found methamphetamine and brass knuckles in their vehicle during a traffic stop, police said. Michal A. Ray, 47, of Morrisville, was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, identity theft, hindering apprehension, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and being a fugitive from justice. Nicole Olenick, 47, of Westhampton, was charged with possession of CDS, possession of drug paraphernalia, hindering apprehension and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. An officer stopped a vehicle for speeding at 31st Street and Bayshore Avenue about 10:45 a.m. During the stop, Ray, who was a passenger in the car, gave the officer a false identity, police said Tuesday in a news release. Once the officer determined Ray's real name, it was discovered he was wanted in Pennsylvania and had active warrants in New Jersey. A K-9 from the Atlantic County Sheriff's Office was then brought in to search the vehicle, where the crystal meth and brass knuckles were found, police said. Ray is being held in the Atlantic County jail, while Olenick was released on a summons pending court. ATLANTIC CITY U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew continues to seek a federal takeover of the Atlantic City Housing Authority in the wake of the agency suddenly forcing 19 families to move out of Stanley Holmes Village to fix sewer pipes that have been broken for months. He will visit the complex sometime in the next month, his office said Wednesday. Residents were notified Feb. 8 that they must move to the Claridge Hotel by midnight Monday, for an estimated monthlong stay, but were given no information on what would happen to their pets, or about how people would be able to feed themselves. The hotel does not allow pets or any type of cooking in rooms, not even with microwave ovens. On Tuesday, Van Drew sent a letter to U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the third such letter in a few months asking her to tour the troubled 420-unit public housing complex with him and to organize a federal takeover of the authority. HUD oversees housing authorities nationwide. Yesterday the Atlantic City Housing Authority (ACHA) notified dozens of Atlantic City residents that they were being removed from their homes and relocated to a hotel for nearly a month, Van Drew wrote. This is yet another stunning example of the ineptitude and malfeasance of the Atlantic City Housing Authority. The authority planned the move over a month in advance but intentionally kept residents in the dark, Van Drew said. Atlantic City Housing Authority hires consultant for possible Stanley demo, replacement The Atlantic City Housing Authority voted to hire a consultant to help it apply to the federal government to demolish and replace Stanley Holmes Village on Thursday night, and heard more complaints from tenants in various properties about the inability to get needed repairs done. The authority also made no arrangements to pay for residents meals until South Jersey Legal Services threatened Monday to file for help from the court to force the authority to do so. Housing Authority Executive Director Tom Sahlin has not responded to repeated requests for information on the move. Late Monday night, the authority said it had arranged for the families to get free meals at the Claridge restaurant. Residents also were told late Monday they could leave their pets in their apartments and go back and forth to feed and care for them. There will be no heat in the units during the monthlong relocation, however. The ACHA states that they are removing tenants to repair broken sewer pipes. It is ACHAs responsibility to conduct such repairs. It has failed to do so repeatedly in the past, Van Drew said. There are serious concerns that ACHA continues to rely on an ineffective contracting process that will fail to ameliorate the issues that afflict Stanley Holmes Village. He said the authority has repeatedly failed to work with the community on any level. I once again request that you join me and the members of my community for an inspection of Stanley Holmes Village, so that you may understand the severity of the conditions which persist in Atlantic City and the need for strong and decisive action, Van Drew said in the letter. Rain began between 8 and 10 p.m. Monday and lasted all night, with fairly light winds. Winds will pick up out of the northeast around daybreak Tuesday. Gusts will be up to 50 mph at the coast and 40 mph inland. A change to a wet snow is likely in western Atlantic and Cumberland counties around 9 a.m., with temperatures falling into the 30s everywhere. Between noon and 2 p.m., the precipitation will end. Winds will come out of the northwest and remain strong through sunset. For the shore, expect flooding for up to five hours between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tuesday. The worst of it will be for up to two hours, when moderate stage tidal flooding is likely. This is worse than the coastal flooding seen the past eight days. It will be tough to travel on the shore roads. Getting between the mainland and the coast could be an issue, too. Do yourself a favor and stay out of the flood water. Minor, nuisance stage flooding will take place between 7 p.m. and midnight Tuesday. Moline-Coal Valley schools will welcome Erin Terstriep as the district's assistant superintendent of student services and special education for the 2024-25 school year. After the school board unanimously approved the hire on Monday, Terstriep will take over for Kristin Sanders, assistant superintendent for pupil personnel and special services, who will retire in June after 27 years in the district. "I am thrilled to accept the position and work alongside the dedicated educators of the Moline-Coal Valley School District," Terstriep says in a district press release. "It is truly an honor to join such a committed team and contribute to the ongoing academic success and well-being of the students in our great community." Beginning her career as a special education teacher in St. Louis, Missouri, Terstriep now serves as the director of special education services at United Township High School District. She has worn several hats during her 17-year career at United Township, including dean of students and administrative building leader for UT's alternative school. Erin is a student-centered positive and approachable leader whose experiences will serve our district students and staff well. She is knowledgeable, compassionate, and respected among her peers. We are grateful to have her join our team and look forward to welcoming her this fall, Moline Coal-Valley Superintendent Rachel Savage said in the release. According to the release, Terstriep earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri, along with master's degrees in special education and general administration from Truman and Western Illinois University, respectively. Moline students eat donuts to raise money TOKYO, Feb 15 (News On Japan) - The highly anticipated pre-release promotional video for "Haikyu!! The Movie: Battle of the Garbage Dump," set to open on February 16th, has been unveiled. The approximately 90-second video is filled with dynamic and tense scenes that further heighten the excitement for the upcoming film. As the release date rapidly approaches, the pre-release promotional video for "Haikyu!! The Movie: Battle of the Garbage Dump" has been made public. The footage begins with the phrase "You can jump even higher," spoken by Kageyama to Hinata upon his return from the All-Japan Youth Camp, just before the start of the Spring High Tournament as depicted in the fourth season of the anime series. The video kicks off with match scenes as Kuroo, the captain of Nekoma High School who has been particularly eager for the "Battle of the Garbage Dump," declares it's "reward time." Accompanied by the theme song "Orange," written by SPYAIR specifically for the film, the fervor of the intense matches continues to unfold. Facing off against Nekoma High School, whose members unite in their chant to "drag the crows down to the ground" and challenge with all their might, Karasuno High School responds with equal ferocity. Midway through the video, following the opening line, Hinata is shown leaping high into the air with Kageyama's words, "That's the sound of a jump that has finished kicking off the ground," resonating in the background. The video, even more powerful and fast-paced than previously released trailers, showcases the likes of Hinata, Kageyama, and Tsukishima, who stands in the way of Kuroo's powerful spikes with his blocks. This stunning footage, reaching its peak intensity, promises the thrilling performances of the players from both schools on the big screen. Source: Dengeki Leslie Preisser loved live music, once wanted to be a librarian, and was an excellent cook, said her father, Joel Preisser. But most of all, the 44-year-old from Bettendorf adored her two daughters, ages 23 and 15. Leslie whose driver's license still lists her married name, Powell was killed Saturday night when, police say, an intoxicated driver struck her in the parking lot of Riverview Roadhouse, a LeClaire bar and grill. Authorities have accused Molly A. Vance, 36, of LeClaire, of being the driver, and have charged Vance with homicide by vehicle and operating while under the influence - first offense. Leslie had just finished an eight hour shift at the J-Bar in Davenport, where she worked as a head waiter, Joel said. She stopped by the Riverview Roadhouse to help a friend out on a busy night to clean and close the bar and take her home. "She was a helping person," Joel said. "She would give you the shirt off her back. She was always there for me. She loved her family." Leslie raised her daughters as a single parent, he said, and they were everything to her. She also loved music, Joel said. She attended shows frequently at the Rust Belt in East Moline and more recently at the renovated Capitol Theatre in Davenport. Her friend purchased tickets for them to attend the three-day Chicago music festival Riot Fest in September, Joel said. "I would say that she was kind of a modern hippie," Joel said with a laugh. "She always felt like she missed out on the good music. She knew a lot about music history and history in general." Leslie attended the University of Northern Iowa after high school, and wanted to be a librarian. She was the type of person you never had to encourage to study, Joel said. Leslie was about a semester from getting her degree, Joel said, when she learned she was pregnant and left school. She worked for about a decade at the Rock Island Arsenal, Joel said, but grew tired of what she told her father was a boys club atmosphere in her unit. She quit and decided to bartend. She liked to work banquets, and handled her money smartly, he said. She was the go-to cook for Thanksgiving meals, and was a down-to-Earth person who, as Joel said, didn't like to get involved with drama or crap, but was someone you could talk to. "She could hold a conversation with anyone," Joel said. "She sat and talked with them for hours." Here are the safestand most deadlydays for drunk-driving fatalities Here are the safestand most deadlydays for drunk-driving fatalities DUI fatalities by season Most dangerous holidays for DUI Most dangerous days of the week for DUI Most dangerous weeks of the year Ways to stay safe on the road during the holidays Consequences of getting a DUI DUIs leave a lasting financial impact An end to drunk driving Methodology All Jennifer Howell wanted was to find medication for her son. Instead, she was caught in a maze of desperate phone calls to pharmacies and physicians. Her son, Linus, had been diagnosed with ADHD in 2021 during the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of his behavioral traits restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty focusing suddenly made sense. When he was first prescribed medication, its effects were instantaneous. It was something that changed him within 24 hours, said Howell, of Chicago. It was enough for us to cry, saying, Oh God, I wish we had known. Howell recalled how Linus, now 10 years old, described how he felt: When my neurons are working, Im basically a genius. The relief was short-lived. In October 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration formally announced a nationwide Adderall shortage, leaving millions scrambling to obtain prescription stimulant medication. Over a year later, theres no end in sight, and a tangled network of causes has made for no clear solution. Its the single biggest crisis right now in clinical mental health, said Greg Mattingly, president of the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders and an associate clinical professor at Washington University in St. Louis. It touches everyone. ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the U.S. An estimated 9.8% of children aged 3 to 17, or about 6 million adolescents, have been diagnosed, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Stimulant medications like Adderall mitigate its symptoms by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Access to prescription stimulant medications first began to unravel at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Physicians started reporting a significant jump in ADHD diagnoses. Research compiled by FDA-affiliated scholars indicated that prescriptions for stimulant medications among people aged 20 to 29 rose 30% from April 2018 to March 2022. There are multiple theories on why thats the case, including the ease of telehealth, increased ADHD awareness and the added stressors of remote work, experts say. Theres some suspicion that working virtually seemed to really challenge individuals who had ADHD, said Julie Carbray, a clinical professor of psychiatry and nursing at the University of Illinois Chicago. Along with that was the recognition that ADHD can be diagnosed in adulthood, which is sort of a newer concept. Meanwhile, a major drugmaker began to experience an Adderall manufacturing delay, according to the FDA. When patients turned to alternative prescription stimulant medications, those too became scarce. Although the manufacturing delay has since been resolved, its long-lasting effects are exacerbated by unprecedented demand. Many pharmacies nationwide still have unpredictable inventory. It was just a horrible, perfect storm that really has trapped our patients from getting what they need to work, to perform at school, to be able to live their lives, Carbray said. Another hurdle: Because stimulant medication is a controlled substance, most people with ADHD can obtain only a 30-day supply at a time. It also means individual pharmacies cant share where the drugs are available elsewhere parents and patients have to contact each location, one by one. When Linus Adderall runs out each month, Howell and her husband divide up a list of 20 pharmacies to call. The process can take hours. It takes even more time to drive to distant pharmacies. Linus now only takes medication on school days to ration his supply. This is very real, and cognitively how he functions is dependent upon this medication being available to him, Howell said. It makes us feel like this system is not set up to accommodate people who are neurodivergent. Its difficult to pinpoint a solution. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency closely regulates controlled substances due to a high potential for abuse and addiction, imposing quotas on manufacturers to curb production. In 2022, manufacturers of amphetamine medications, which includes Adderall, only sold about 70% of their allotted quota, FDA and DEA officials said. That means about a billion doses were never made or shipped. However, because drug manufacturers are private companies, neither agency can mandate increased production. We (DEA and the FDA) have called on manufacturers to confirm they are working to increase production to meet their allotted quota amount, the agencies said in a joint statement in August. The FDA told the Tribune that it cant disclose specific production data because its considered confidential commercial information. The public should rest assured the FDA is working closely with numerous manufacturers and others in the supply chain to understand, mitigate and prevent or reduce the impact of intermittent or reduced availability of certain products, FDA spokesperson Chanapa Tantibanchachai said in a statement. The decreased production is likely also tied to the opioid crisis and the resulting backlash faced by manufacturers, Mattingly said. Many Big Pharma companies and some of the nations largest pharmacy chains faced a slew of lawsuits in recent years related to the handling of drugs and their role in the epidemic. In the background was the opioid crisis, and I think what happened is a number of the manufacturers, in particular generic manufacturers, became skittish about making short-acting stimulants, Mattingly said. Twenty-one-year-old Drew Goodman was diagnosed with ADHD in second grade. He started taking Concerta, another prescription stimulant, about two years later. Without it, hes unable to manage his time, usually hyperfocusing on a singular activity. Its just near impossible to stop doing whatever Im doing, said Goodman, a DePaul University student. It makes it difficult just for day-to-day life. For a decade, he had no issues filling his prescription. Then, in 2021, it was out of stock at his usual pharmacy. It was the beginning of a monthly routine of tedious phone calls. Theres no alternative, he added he needs his medication. Its genuinely kind of dangerous, Goodman said. Im not exaggerating, especially if Im driving somewhere, I genuinely need it. Its dangerous to drive without it. Kathryn Gray, a clinical pharmacist at the University of Chicago, is part of a team of physicians dedicated to medication access. A large portion of her work now revolves around locating drugs that treat patients ADHD. If the hospital pharmacy doesnt have medication in stock, shell assist with the lengthy process of contacting individual stores. Its been challenging to get adequate supplies of certain medications at any given time of the year, Gray said. The back order has also exacerbated health care inequality. Many patients arent able to drive to faraway pharmacies. Others have to pay hundreds out of pocket when they switch to an available medication thats not insured. The general trend is most patients are very frustrated, very exhausted trying to deal with all of this, Gray said. Most psychiatrists now spend one hour a day, a few times a week trying to locate drugs like Adderall for their patients, according to Royce Lee, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago. I would say every single one of my patients on Adderall and its derivatives will come across this problem, Lee said. Its a very time-consuming process for everybody. Its an added layer of stress on an already difficult disorder to navigate, said Rebecca Kiel, a Buffalo Grove-based therapist specializing in ADHD. Kiel has seen dozens of patients affected professionally, academically, socially and financially by the shortage. Youve got people who are already struggling, Kiel said. Medical professionals prescribe medication as this tool, now take the tool away, and you have people struggling again with this anxiety, panic or worry because they dont have the thing that they know was helping them. The crisis doesnt appear to be abating soon. Even if Adderall was available, government agencies are wary of rapid influxes of Adderall and other prescription stimulant medications due to drug abuse, experts said. The FDA added that its working to assist manufacturers with increasing production by expediting the review process. Additional supply of Adderall is expected to return in the coming months, the agency said. In October, the DEA also increased the production quota for ADHD medications with methylphenidate, which includes drugs like Concerta. Physicians can continue to shift ADHD patients prescriptions to more readily available medication, though those in turn can experience shortages. Alternative treatment may also be more expensive for patients. It really is stressing the health care system, Lee said. This isnt sustainable. For now, ADHD patients and parents like Howell must simply hope for the best each month as they scramble to obtain essential medication. It just makes me sad, and it gives me horrible anxiety to think about, Howell said. Its just part and parcel of being one of the many parents with family members who have ADHD and cant find medication. Kara Flynn has joined Childrens Home Foundation as its director of development, and she will raise funds and awareness as the Childrens Home Society transitions to a new $30 to $35 million campus in Rapid City. Flynn began as director of development on Jan. 16, after serving on the Childrens Home Foundation Board of Directors for two-and-a-half years. She previously worked as the executive director of the Rapid City School Foundation, and she has served as a Rapid City Area Schools board member. The Children's Home Foundation is a charitable organization established in 1982 to support the programs of Childrens Home Society. The foundation also promotes community awareness about the work of the Childrens Home Society. I am honored to continue my service to Rapid City as the director of development for Children's Home Society, Flynn said. Ive always loved working in child advocacy. This job came up at the right time and its an opportunity for me to make a big impact by helping raise money to build a facility thats really going to change lives." The Childrens Home Society has purchased the 12-acre former National American University campus on Highway 16 in Rapid City and also purchased 17 undeveloped acres next to the campus. Flynn said while serving as a Childrens Home Foundation board member, she participated in the unanimous decision to purchase the former NAU property for the future Childrens Home Society campus. This move will allow us to improve and expand the services we provide to children and families in the community as we bring our residential treatment and school facilities to Rapid City and consolidate all of our Black Hills facilities under one roof. I have worked as a childrens advocate for years and am proud to play a part in creating this new legacy of healing and hope in Rapid City, Flynn said. Childrens Home Society serves children and teens ages 4 to 14 in residential treatment and it is South Dakotas largest childrens psychiatric residential treatment facility. It serves nearly 16,000 children annually from every county in South Dakota. Programs at the new campus will provide services and support to kids and families. We will always have privacy and room should we need it, Flynn said of the new campus. Everything will be in one new location. Hopefully we can expand our presence and our mission and help a lot more children and families. Right now, we are meeting with architects and finalizing drawings and talking to everyone about what kind of space needs they have. A capital campaign to raise $17 million toward the cost of the new campus will begin this spring, Flynn said. Anyone who wants more information or wants to make a donation can go to chssd.org/support/foundation. The Black Hills campus in Rockerville will eventually be sold, Flynn said. The Childrens Home Society office in Rapid Valley that currently houses the Childrens Advocacy Center and community-based services will also be sold. Proceeds from the sales of those properties will be put toward the cost of the new Rapid City campus. Flynn said part of her role as director of development will be to increase brand awareness about Childrens Home Societys programs and services. Shell give tours and talk to any groups and organizations that are interested in learning more about Childrens Home Society. Many people dont understand what Childrens Home Society does and the difference we make in the community, Flynn said. A lot of people dont know about all the parenting classes we do and the child abuse prevention. Well do some marketing campaigns to help people understand our services. The new Childrens Home campus will be a light of hope on the hill, Flynn said, as the organization carries out its mission of treating and healing trauma. Were seeing a big need in our communityto give them the tools to thrive, she said. Thats near and dear to my heart. I believe in the power of community and when we all come together, were better. I feel like all my previous work coalesced into this job. "We are excited to welcome Kara in her new role on the Childrens Home team, said Chief Philanthropy Officer Jon Mammenga. Kara is a seasoned fundraising professional with a heart for our mission and those we serve. As a resident of Rapid City, she will be able to utilize her network to fully express our breadth of services and the impact our programs have on the community and the state. Childrens Home Society marked its 130th anniversary in 2023. It is the oldest social service agency in South Dakota, Flynn said. We have a lot of years of experience and a good, sound foundation to be sustainable, she said. To bring all that into Rapid City is really going to improve lives and give so many kids and families hope that things can get better. Flynn is originally from Sioux Falls. She has lived in Rapid City since 2006. Her husband is a radiologist. The couple has two sons, ages 21 and 18. Flynn currently serves on the boards of Friends of South Dakota Public Broadcasting and the Black Hills Community Theater. She earned a BA in Latin American Studies and International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MS in Geography from South Dakota State University. The House voted Tuesday night to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, narrowly succeeding in a second vote and making Mayorkas the first sitting Cabinet secretary in nearly 150 years to be impeached. Voting a second time for impeachment, South Dakota's lone House Rep. Dusty Johnson told the Journal Mayorkas had disregarded his oath of office to protect America. "The Department of Homeland Security reversed that ["Remain in Mexico"] policy and that along with dozens of other terrible decisions and willful disregard for his duty has caused 8 million people to illegally enter this country in the last four years and for hundreds of thousands of Americans to be killed by fentanyl." The 214-to-213 vote was tight, with three Republicans siding with all Democrats against impeachment. Wisconsin Rep. Mike Gallagher wrote in a Wall Street Journal piece last week the House is setting "a dangerous new precedent that would be used against future Republican administrations." When asked about his Republican colleagues' trepidations surrounding the historic vote, Johnson chalked it up to constitutional duty, and said the unprecedented congressional response matches the unprecedented domestic crisis. "Our country has been less safe because of the decisions of Secretary Mayorkas," Johnson said. "That feels pretty impeachable to me." The charges against Mayorkas will now go to the Senate for a trial, but they're likely to struggle for a two-thirds majority in the Democrat-controlled chamber. Cooler temperatures coming out of Canada have prompted warnings for snow, icy roads and avalanches in Montana. The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories Tuesday for a stretch of Montana encompassing most of the western part of the state. The Montana Department of Transportation has also issue notices of slush, snow and ice along all of the states major highways and interstates. One of the bigger concerns, said NWS Meteorologist Logan Torgerson, will be the snow falling on warm roads, melting and freezing overnight. The winter weather advisories will remain in place for some areas of Montana through Friday. To the west, Mission Valley, Flathead Valley, Flathead Lake and Polson could see snow accumulations of up to 3 inches through the week. Higher elevations, such as Lolo Pass in the Bitterroot Range could get as much as a foot of snow. The areas in and around Helena and Great Falls could similarly see several inches of snow by the end of the week. The Beartooth Foothills and Red Lodge Foothills, including Red Lodge and Livingston, are under a winter weather watch from Wednesday evening through Thursday night. Snow accumulations in those areas could range from 4 to 8 inches, according to NWS. The Absaroka, Beartooth and Crazy Mountains could see more than a foot of snow by the end of Thursday. In and around Billings, Torgerson said residents can expect two rounds of snow: one Tuesday night and into Wednesday, and another late Wednesday and throughout Thursday. The first round could bring around an inch of snow to Billings, he said, while NWS is expecting the second round of snow to be heavier, with up to 3 to 4 inches. Although temperatures should rise by the weekend, Torgerson warned that breezier conditions will follow the snowfall, with the windiest conditions on Saturday morning. That wind, he said, could cause snow to drift onto roadways in the area. Already on Tuesday, MDT had issue warnings of wet and icy conditions along Interstates 15, 90 and 94. Since Monday, Montana Highway Patrol has responded to more than 200 calls. Fifteen of those calls involved vehicles sliding off the road and 26 were crashes with injuries. One of those calls, a wreck outside of Helena, was a fatality. NWS also posted backcountry avalanche warning with Gallatin National Forest. The danger of avalanches ranged from considerable to high for areas near Cooke City, West Yellowstone, Island Park, Big Sky and the Bridger Range, according to the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center. For the Bridger Range in particular, the threat of avalanches is high for all slopes, according to the center. Throughout this winter, four people have died in avalanches in the West, the Gazette previously reported. The Mineral County Sheriff and Attorney's Office have been locked in a legal dispute for months over who the sheriff can hire, and whether the attorney's office did its job to follow an "agreement" between the top county offices. The dispute has far-reaching implications for the criminal justice system in Mineral County, which already had a legal rehaul in 2022 because of former law enforcement officers who were unqualified or violated rules on the job. The sheriff is now in a dispute with the attorney's office after the county attorney alleged a new deputy isn't disclosing all of his prior history. Currently, cases involving deputy Micah Allard are being thrown out by the attorney's office or delayed, according to County Attorney Debra Jackson. Sheriff Ryan Funke contends that if the attorneys have something on the new deputy, they should report it. Funke, who was voted into office in 2022, sued the Mineral County commissioners over the issue last July. The dispute revolves around disclosing negative officer information. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the government cannot hide negative or impeachable behavior involving law enforcement from court cases. That's known as Brady law, based on the 1963 Brady v. Maryland case. Funke argues that the system for hiring Deputy Allard, who was once fired from the sheriff's office in 2021, was correct. Funke spoke to the dispute while under oath during a Feb. 8 deposition at Jefferies Court Reporting with the Missoulian present. He said he followed all rules when he hired Allard, and that the attorney's office is defaming Allard by calling him a Brady cop. The disputes have also cost taxpayers thousands in legal fees, including paying for outside counsel to represent the sheriff. What is Brady? Brady law is based on the 1963 landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland. The judges ruled that when evidence is uncovered by the government, it must be disclosed to maintain due process in the law. The Brady case itself delved into a murder trial where two suspects were on the stand for murder. One of the suspects confessed during the case, but that information was not revealed by prosecutors during the second person's trial. As a result, Brady law requires law enforcement and state attorneys to hand over all evidence and information they have during cases, including officer history. A 2021 legal petition from 125 Mineral County residents said that the sheriff's office and the county attorney did not disclose damaging information for several cases, which lawyers argue has stripped the rights of hundreds of residents and visitors in Mineral County. Negative origins For years, Mineral County hired officers who were unqualified and even committed crimes while on the job. A 2022 civil lawsuit alleged that the sheriff's office did not disclose negative information about its deputies, which the writ of mandamus said were either unqualified or had serious ethical issues while on the job. The case specially named former deputies David Kuzelman, Shawn Visintin and Patrick Nobles in the 2022 report. Kuzelman was still a deputy during the start of the dispute. Visintin was alleged to not be qualified as a deputy because of pleading guilty to a burglary charge in the early 2000s and getting charged for sexual intercourse without consent. Visintin clarified to the Missoulian that he was acquitted on the sexual intercourse without consent case and his burglary incident was wiped off his record because of his deferred sentence. Visintin provided documentation to prove he has been reinstated as a POST certified. Allegations made by the writ were proved to be "unfounded" by a 2023 POST investigation. Nobles allegedly arrested a resident for assaulting a peace officer, and then when that person called 911 over a mental breakdown, Nobles responded. At some point during the day he had sex with the resident, on duty in his patrol car. Case documents allege Nobles had sex with the resident 15 times after the first encounter. Nobles then arrested the same resident for a domestic dispute days later. The resident told Nobles' superior officer about the incident, and Nobles was fired for breaking department policy. Yet, no mention of the encounter was included in the resident's domestic dispute case. By law, no person can consent to sex with an officer after being charged with a crime by that officer, according to Montana state code. Nobles was not charged with a crime in that incident, civil case files said. Kuzelman worked as a reserve deputy for the Missoula County Sheriff's Office for several years, but could never pass the county's written exam for a full-time job. He was allegedly caught cheating on the test by stealing the answer sheet, and was not approved to be a deputy the following year. Mineral County hired him as a deputy in 2021. The writ showed there was a serious issue with the reporting of crimes in Mineral County, stemming from the unqualified or ethically bankrupt officers like Kuzelman. Yet the writ was also addressed to the county attorney's office, because it is their job to disclose such information to other lawyers. A new deal After the writ was filed, lawyers for the Mineral County attorney's office, the sheriff and the county commissioners reached an agreement for hiring new deputies in May 2023. The process was intended to weed out unqualified officers and create a guideline for disputes. The dispute process of the agreement comes into play when the county attorney's office objects to a new hire by the sheriff's office. Most of the rules already follow state guidelines, such as certifying all current law enforcement officers are compliant, documenting those certifications with the county's human resources department and running sufficient background checks on new hires. Funke told the Missoulian that when he started as sheriff in January 2023, he verified that all current law enforcement officers were compliant and even fired one detention center officer who did not have a high school diploma. The agreement's dispute section came into use just a month after it was put in place. That's when Funke decided to hire Allard as a deputy. Deputy County Attorney Wally Congdon objected, arguing that Allard had negative information hidden from the public. The agreement laid out the next steps of the process. Funke met with the county attorney's office for an informal discussion, arguing that Allard's reason for getting fired was for accidentally missing a mandatory training meeting. "The information the county attorney possesses regarding Allard arises from a trivial dispute with the prior (Mineral) sheriff over whether Allard knew a training on how to use a radar gun was mandatory or not," attorneys for the sheriff wrote in July 2023. "The information is not material, as required for it to be subject to Brady/Giglio (Giglio v. United States) disclosure requirements and is otherwise not subject to disclosure." The meeting did not resolve the issue, as the sheriff's office still wanted to hire Allard, while the attorney's office still did not. This opened the next step in the agreement process: The attorney's office "agrees" to file a declaratory judgment, which is a final ruling on disputes from a judge. Despite the agreement, no declaratory judgment was filed, and Allard's hiring was delayed. Funke's lawsuit alleged that Allard still did not get on-boarded to the county nearly six months after Funke hired him. Allard is currently hired and working at the department, Funke said at the deposition. Funke defended Allard at the meeting, calling him a good law enforcement officer. Allard has filed his own lawsuits against the county. He previously reached a wrongful termination settlement with the county in 2022, requiring a neutral job recommendation from the department and an opportunity to rejoin. In his new lawsuit against the county, Allard alleged the attorney's office was sharing negative and false information about him. "The Board (of County commissioners) and the County Attorney's Office falsely labeled and accused the plaintiff of being insubordinate, untruthful and a Brady cop," Allard's complaint read. While the deal was instrumental in hiring Allard, it has not resolved the current conflict between the sheriff and county attorney. The county attorney's office refuses try Allard's cases. A new roadblock The agreement had no rules for the current roadblock in the justice system, which has led County Attorney Jackson to throw out all cases where Allard is a witness or the arresting officer. The Missoulian can confirm at least one case has been thrown out. Jackson would not release the total number, but said it is a "very small amount." In Montana, county attorneys have the right to decide which cases they prosecute. Jackson, who started as the county attorney in 2022, told the Missoulian in a February interview that she would rather keep Allard out of the justice system than disclose his Brady law information as required by law. Such information, requested by the Missoulian, has not been released. Congdon said the information is in public records, but did not specify what record. She said being Brady law-compliant is a lot of work, as she would have to spend "hundreds of hours" looking through old cases and contacting individual lawyers concerning Allard's alleged issues. Funke, on the other hand, told the Missoulian he thinks the county attorney doesn't have anything on Allard, and is instead trying to scapegoat the sheriff's office for issues that have since been resolved. Paul Leisher, Funke's lawyer, also noted that to his knowledge, Allard's past cases from before he was first fired in 2021 have not been thrown out, which he argued as proof that Allard is not a Brady cop. Much of the back-and-forth has led the lawsuit into circles, debating the same information in discovery without coming to a conclusion. Combined with the past errors of the county, a court-approved supervisor is also in the lawsuit. Robert Long, a former Lake County Attorney, wrote that the case frustrated him over the lack of response from the Mineral County Attorney. He said a backlog of cases is piling up, but not much has been done by Jackson. "While the problem originated in the sheriff's office, the county attorney alone has the responsibility of rectifying the issue: Only the prosecution is legally obligated to provide criminal defendants and their attorneys with notice of unqualified law enforcement involvement in their cases," Long wrote on Nov. 2. "Unfortunately, the response to these issues by the county attorney's office is likened to a siege mentality, and the county attorney's office has engaged in unwarranted and unacceptable denial and intransigence." Long cautioned both groups to "stay in their respective lanes" and allow for elected officials to be as autonomous as possible with hiring. He also brought concern from Mineral County Justice of the Peace Kim Taron, who told Long that Jackson is the only attorney working on criminal cases and often waives speedy trial requirements and limits plea deals. Jackson said it is her goal to rectify past wrongs by the county attorney's office. She said she has been disclosing Brady information in cases since June 2022. Mineral County Commission Chair Dawn Terrill declined to comment because of the active nature of the case. What's next? Congdon, the deputy county attorney for Mineral County, said he plans to interview more people connected to the case in other depositions. Once he has all the information he wants, he will ask the court for a summary judgment. A summary judgment is when a judge takes all of the court information and makes a final decision without a trial. In the case of the sheriff versus the county, the judge will likely rule if Allard is fit to be an officer or not. Funke told the Missoulian that he would like to see Allard fully reinstated, as he argues the county attorney has yet to disclose anything. This story has been updated with the more recent information about deputy Shawn Visintin Traditionally, the word "mezcal," which comes from the Nahuatl words "metl" (agave plant) and "ixcalli" (roasted), was used to describe all agave spirits, including tequila. Perhaps you've heard the phrase, "All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila"? That all changed in 1995, when mezcal received its denominacion de origen (DO). Advertisement Mezcal Requirements In order to be called mezcal, a beverage must meet the following requirements: Agavaceae ) are used to make mezcal. Made from fermented 100% maguey or agave juice. According to the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails , about 20 to 40 of the almost 300 different species of agave plants (genus) are used to make mezcal. 35 to 55 percent alcohol by volume Produced in one of 10 Mexican states: Zacatecas, Durango, Guerrero, Michoacan, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Puebla, Sinaloa or Oaxaca Defining mezcal can be tricky since there are so many varieties and for so long, "mezcal" served as a sort of catchall term. Where Is Mezcal Made? As of this writing, 10 Mexican states can legally produce mezcal: Zacatecas, Durango, Guerrero, Michoacan, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas, Puebla, Sinaloa and Oaxaca. The Mexican government regularly adds new states to the list, with the most recent addition being Sinaloa in 2021. However, it's likely the mezcal you're sipping comes from Oaxaca. According to the Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails, Oaxaca produces 90 percent of the world's mezcal. Mezcal Production The Norma Obligatoria Mexicana (NOM) recognizes three types of mezcal: mezcal, mezcal artisanal and mezcal ancestral, defined by their cooking, grinding, fermentation and distillation processes. Cooking method : In ancestral mezcal, the agave hearts, also known as agave pinas, are cooked in traditional pit ovens. The traditional roasting process is why mezcal tastes smoky. Artisanal mezcal may be cooked in masonry ovens, and regular mezcal can be cooked in pressurized ovens. Shredded method : To qualify as ancestral mezcal, the cooked agave must be shredded by hand with a mallet or using simple mill such as a trapiche (mill with a wooden wheel) or : To qualify as ancestral mezcal, the cooked agave must be shredded by hand with a mallet or using simple mill such as a tahona (a stone wheel traditionally drawn by a donkey). Mezcal artisanal can be ground in a(mill with a wooden wheel) or desgarradora (mechanical shredder). Regular mezcal can be ground in a tren de molinos (industrial mechanical crusher) or difusor , which uses hot water to break down the agave. Fermentation vessel : Ancestral and artisanal mezcal should be fermented in open-top natural vessels made from stone, wood or animal skins. Regular mezcal may be fermented in stainless steel tanks. Distillation process: Mezcal ancestral is distilled over fire in a clay or wood pot. Mezcal artisanal is can be distilled in copper stills or over fire in a copper pot. Regular mezcal can be distilled in continuous or column stills. Mezcal Aging and Infusions Aging is more common with tequila than mezcal, but you can find some aged mezcal on the market. Mezcal joven ("young") or blanco ("white") is translucent, un-aged mezcal. Most mezcal is joven. Mezcal madurado en vidrio ("matured in glass") has been aged in its bottle for at least one year. It must be kept underground or in a light- and humidity-stabilized room to preserve the flavor. Mezcal reposado ("rested") has been aged between two and 12 months in wooden containers. This mezcal starts to take on a light amber color. Some mezcal purists believe aging mezcal in wood obscures its flavor. Mezcal anejo ("aged") has aged in barricas (wooden barrels) for at least one year and has a deep caramel color. Flavored mezcal may be labeled "distillado con," meaning the mezcal was distilled with ingredients like raw chicken breast or may be labeled " abocado con ," which means flavorings (like honey, lemon or maguey worm) have been added to the finished mezcal, or "," meaning the mezcal was distilled with ingredients like raw chicken breast or mole By Tajul Islam National elections in Pakistan, no single party secured an outright majority, necessitating the formation of a coalition government. Concerns have arisen regarding the delayed release of election results, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the government formation process. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, along with independently backed candidates, currently holds a leading position with 101 seats. However, they still fall short of the required mandate to form a government independently. Both of the main political parties must seek alliances with smaller parties to attain a parliamentary majority. Failure to do so within three days may prompt military intervention as per constitutional provisions. This political scenario unfolds against the backdrop of Pakistan's significant economic challenges. Pakistan held elections on Thursday, February 8th. Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officially announced the results on Friday morning after approximately 12 hours. According to the latest update released on Sunday, PTI-backed independents are leading with 101 seats, but they will need to form a coalition with another party to establish a government. The rival party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Nawaz Sharif, holds second position with 75 seats. Should either of these two parties seek to form a government, they must seek support from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which holds an advantageous position with 54 seats. The PPP has proposed party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari as a candidate for prime minister. Additionally, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has secured 17 seats, while other parties collectively hold 17 seats. Out of the 266 seats in the National Assembly of the country, 265 seats were contested in the polls, with one seat suspended. The election commission declared the postponement of results for one seat, leaving results announced for 264 seats. Minimum of 134 seats is required to form the government. In addition to these directly contested seats, there are 70 reserved seats, with 60 allocated for women and 10 for minorities. These reserved seats are distributed among parties in proportion to their victories in directly contested seats. Election commission's announced results indicate that independent candidates have secured the highest number of seats, primarily with the backing of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Notably, Imran Khan's party was barred from participating in the election, and their electoral symbols were not utilized. As a consequence, they are now obligated to either align with a coalition or establish one themselves, and subsequently report their decision to the commission. Furthermore, the country's Supreme Court has mandated that they notify authorities within three days of affiliating with any group. Imprisoned Imran Khan, while declaring victory, encouraged his supporters to celebrate and emphasized the need to leave the past behind and move forward. This raises the question of whether independent candidates can unite to form the next central government or not. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif also asserted victory in the election. In his victory speech, he proclaimed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerged as the single largest party both at the national level and in the province of Punjab during the general elections. Strategically, Nawaz's assertion is significant, as he highlighted that the PML-N emerged as the largest political entity post-elections, attributing this outcome to the exclusion of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from contesting as a party. Ahmed Bilal Mehbub, the president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), stated that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is evidently unable to establish a government independently without forming alliances with major political parties such as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) or the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). This is due to their failure to secure the necessary number of seats to command a majority in the lower house of parliament. Even if the results of the remaining seats favor a single party, it would still not be sufficient to form a government. This is because independent candidates currently hold the lead in terms of seats won. According to constitutional rules, independent candidates must declare within three days of the announcement of final results whether they intend to join a political party or remain independent. Ahmed Bilal Mehbub stated that it is indeed possible for PTI-endorsed independents to rejoin PTI within this timeframe, although there may be complications involved. However, he mentioned that PTI-backed candidates can still secure the post of Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly even if they choose not to join any party. This requires them to submit a petition to the Speaker of the National Assembly, expressing their support for one of their nominated candidates. Meanwhile, the former president of the country, Asif Ali Zardari, has stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is open to negotiation with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), with the condition that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto be appointed as the prime minister. Additionally, Zardari mentioned that PPP would consider forming a coalition government with Sharif's party if other key ministries are allocated to PPP. Therefore, it can be said that the formation of the next government hinges on the support of the PPP. Meanwhile, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has reached an agreement with the PML-N and has initiated robust efforts to form the government. A delegation led by PML-N President Shahbaz Sharif visited the Lahore residence of the PPP Chairman. Both parties held extensive discussions concerning the prevailing political landscape of the country. As per a statement from the PML-N, the meeting concluded with both parties reaching a consensus to "safeguard the country from political instability." PML-N sought cooperation from the PPP during this meeting. In response, the PPP stated that they would deliberate on the proposal and provide their response on Monday, February 12th. On the other hand, the party is continuing its protest and agitation in the field to exert pressure on the commission. They are also pursuing legal action by filing complaints regarding the election of candidates supported by the PTI. Yesterday, protests took place in several cities including Lahore and Islamabad, during which some individuals were arrested. Tragically, two workers of the National Democratic Movement (NDM) were fatally shot during a protest against Fall Deri. Additionally, 15 people, including the team leader, sustained injuries. The NDM has alleged that the police opened fire during the protest in Mamiramshah Cantonment in North Waziristan, located in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, chairman of the PTI, has refuted any discussions with Pakistan's two major parties, the PPP and the PML-N. He explicitly stated that pro-Imran independent candidates are not aligning with any political faction. However, Imran Khan remarked that if they are unable to form a government, they are prepared to assume the role of the opposition party. Meanwhile, the PTI candidate Wasim Qadir has defected from Imran Khan's party and joined Nawaz Sharif's PML-N. Wasim Qadir, who was backed by the PTI, emerged victorious in Lahore's NA-121 constituency. In light of the escalating tensions surrounding the elections, a Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, to prevent the potential spread of protests and violence. Economically beleaguered Pakistan is in dire need of a stable government. However, the nation is poised to witness a fragmented government, with no single party securing a majority in the elections. This poses a risk to IMF loan assistance. The military has issued a call for national unity to address the country's crises. In the event of political parties failing to form a government, there is potential for military intervention, as the military remains the most powerful institution in the country and has historically staged several coups. The formation of the government is shrouded in uncertainty, with no party garnering enough support to establish a majority. Consequently, some analysts express concern that Pakistan may witness a return to military rule if political parties fail to forge a consensus. By NJ Thakuria Geneva, 12 February 2024: Press Emblem Campaign (PEC), the global media safety and rights body, has condemned the murder of Myanmar journalist Ko Myat Thu Tun (alias Phoe Thiha) along with six other political prisoners by the military junta under their custody. It came to public notice only after the Arakan Army, a Rakhine based ethnic armed group, captured Mrauk-U township from the junta forces and discovered their bodies, reported local media. According to a statement issued by the Arakan Army, most of the deceased were under forties and the exact dates of their killing are yet to be confirmed. A former reporter for Democratic Voice of Burma, Myat Thu Tun also contributed under the name of Phoe Thiha to other media outlets like 7Day News Journal, The Voice, Development Media Group, etc. Another victim Ko Kyaw Zan Wai was an active social media user, who often posted humorous content about the junta. Its shocking that the Rakhine journalist was murdered by the junta soldiers when he was under their custody. The frustrated military junta, which is facing offensives from a number of armed groups with failures in many battles, must respect the civilians rights. For any reason, the Min Aung Hlaing led military regime in Naypietaw, should be allowed to kill a media person. We demand a fair probe into the incident to bring the military dictators under the international criminal laws, said PEC president Blaise Lempen. PARIS (AP) The governments of Poland, France and Germany vowed Monday to make Europe a security and defense power with a greater ability to back Ukraine, amid concerns that former U.S. President Donald Trump might return to the White House and allow Russia to expand its aggression on the continent. The foreign ministers of the three countries met in the Paris suburb of La Celle-Saint-Cloud to have talks about Ukraine, amid other issues. They discussed reviving the so-called Weimar Triangle, a long dormant regional grouping that was designed to promote cooperation between France, Germany and Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin on Monday, said he wanted to revitalize his nation's relations with its key European partners. There is no reason why we should be so clearly militarily weaker than Russia, and therefore increasing production and intensifying our cooperation are absolutely indisputable priorities, Tusk said in arguing for the European Union to become a military power in its own right. The diplomatic push came after Trump shocked many in Europe over the weekend by appearing to invite Russia to invade any NATO member not spending enough on its own defense. You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? Trump recounted telling an unidentified NATO member during his presidency. No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills. The Republican front-runner's words at a campaign rally were particularly shocking for front-line NATO countries like Poland, which experienced both German and Soviet occupation during World War II and later spent decades under Soviet control. Anxieties run high there over the ongoing war just across Poland's eastern border. Speaking alongside Tusk in Berlin, Scholz blasted Trumps comments. NATOs promise of protection is unrestricted -- all for one and one for all, Scholz said without mentioning the former president by name. And let me say clearly for current reasons: Any relativization of NATOs support guarantee is irresponsible and dangerous, and is in the interest of Russia alone. No one can play, or deal, with Europes security, the chancellor added. Earlier Monday, Scholz inaugurated a new ammunition factory, underlining Europes efforts to ramp up weapons production. Tusk also urged European nations to invest more in military projects in order "to achieve as quickly as possible... in the next dozen or so months, much greater air defense capabilities, much greater production capabilities in terms of ammunition." Asked about Trumps remarks, Tusk said they should act like a cold shower for all those who continue to underestimate this increasingly real threat which Europe is facing. Macron, speaking alongside Tusk in Paris, said Europes will to further supply and meet Ukrainian needs is crucial, after leaders of the 27 EU member nations sealed a deal to provide Ukraine with 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in support for its war-ravaged economy. This will enable us to make from Europe a security and defense power that is both complementary to NATO and a pillar of the Atlantic alliance, Macron said. Trump's remarks raised concerns that if reelected, he could embolden Russia to attack other countries besides Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg issued a statement Sunday saying that Trump's remarks put American troops and their allies at greater risk. NATO does not require its 31 members to pay bills, but they are expected to invest a certain percentage of their own budgets ideally, 2% of their gross domestic product on defense. Some countries, like Poland, have long met the target. Other European nations ramped up their military spending after Russia invaded Ukraine almost two years ago. Speaking in Rome, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani dismissed Trump's threat as electoral campaign joke," but said it was legitimate for all NATO members to do their part. Italy hasn't yet reached the 2% GDP defense spending target. To have more influence within NATO we need a Europe with its own army," he said. We must look forward, because it is fair that Americans are asking us to do our part, we must have equal responsibility. Germany, with a post-World War II political culture of military caution, was a frequent target of Trumps ire during his presidency for falling short of the 2% target, But Berlin announced plans to step up military spending after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine and plans to hit the benchmark this year. Frances military budget grew in recent years and reached the level of about 2% of GDP. Tusk returned to power as prime minister of his central European nation in December after eight years of rule by a national conservative government that often took an antagonistic stance with European allies, particularly Germany. As a result, Warsaw's influence in Europe diminished. The Weimar Triangle was created in 1991 as Poland was emerging from decades of communism as a platform for political cooperation among the three nations. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski noted Monday that he and his French and German counterparts meet at a dramatic, but also solemn moment. Russian President Vladimir Putin must not be allowed to win this war. We must fulfill our obligations toward Ukraine." KAGOSHIMA, Feb 15 (News On Japan) - A volcanic eruption Wednesday evening from Kagoshima's active Sakurajima sent a plume of smoke 5,000 meters above the crater, the first time since August four years ago that ash has reached such heights. The volcanic alert level remains at 3, but Japan's Meteorological Agency is calling for caution as a "large amount" of ash is expected to fall on the island of Sakurajima by the early hours of Thursday. According to the Meteorological Agency, an explosive eruption occurred around 6:30 p.m. on the 14th at the Minamidake summit crater of Sakurajima, sending a plume of smoke 5,000 meters above the crater. The last time a plume reached a height of 5,000 meters at Sakurajima was in August 2020. Additionally, it has been confirmed that large volcanic bombs were ejected from the crater, flying between 1,000 to 1,300 meters. Due to this eruption, the smoke drifted northeast, and until around 1 a.m. on the 15th, visibility was poor on the island of Sakurajima due to the swirling volcanic ash, and a "large amount" of ash fall covering the ground was expected. The Meteorological Agency has advised against unnecessary outings and driving. Furthermore, a "small amount" of ash fall that could lightly cover the ground is also expected in parts of Tarumizu City, Kirishima City, Soo City, Aira City, Isa City, Satsumasendai City, Satsuma Town, Yusui Town, as well as some parts of Miyazaki and Kumamoto Prefectures, so caution is needed. Sakurajima has experienced frequent explosive eruptions in the past. The Meteorological Agency continues to issue a volcanic warning level "3" alert for the area around the craters of Minamidake summit and Showa crater, calling for caution against large volcanic bombs and pyroclastic flows that may accompany an eruption within an approximate 2-kilometer radius of these craters. Source: NHK Sarah Gabriel was working as a waitress at a Charlottesville restaurant when she received a romantic note from a customer. To the waitress in the blue shirt and the curly hair, sorry you looked busy... On the reverse side of the note, he wrote his name, Chris Alimenti, his phone number and the words Hope to hear from you. But Chris didnt hear back that day. Or the next. Sarah waited nine years to respond. In the years between, their lives weaved in and out of Virginia. By April 2020, at the height of the pandemic, they had returned home, and the timing was finally right. Sarah, 34, and Chris, 33, were married last September. On Wednesday, they celebrate their first Valentines Day as a married couple. Their story began in 2011, when Sarah was an undergrad at the University of Virginia. She worked as a waitress at a popular burger joint on the Corner, Boylan Heights. She doesnt remember seeing Chris that night he was seated at another servers booth. Chris was a student at Piedmont Virginia Community College at the time, and while dining with two friends, he saw Sarah walk from the bar to a nearby table. He was smitten, he said recently. But Chris was too scared to approach her. So he wrote down his phone number on the restaurants order form. Boylan Heights is a college bar, so patrons place their order by penciling in bubbles on a Scantron-like form, as if theyre taking a final exam. Another employee passed the note to Sarah. It wasnt every day that a customer left a phone number, so Sarah kept the note in a box with other college mementos. To this day, shes not exactly sure why she didnt immediately call. Had she called a year or two later, a relationship might never have blossomed. Their lives took different turns. Chris moved to New York to attend film school. Later, he spent three months road tripping to California by himself. Then he attended Virginia Commonwealth University and graduated in 2019. By spring 2020, he was living in Crozet with his dad, preparing for grad school the following fall. Sarah left Virginia, too. She moved to Chicago for a few years, but she missed Richmond, where she had spent much of her childhood. She decided to move home to be closer to friends and family. When the pandemic hit, she was living with her parents, and her job at Capital One had just gone remote. Sarah came upon Chris note, and on a Saturday afternoon, she decided to go for it. She was feeling bold, as if she had nothing to lose. It probably wouldnt go anywhere, she figured, but it was something fun to do during lockdown. Hi! she wrote via text. Is this still Chris? Unsure if the message was spam, Chris responded cautiously. Hey, yeah. Whos this? Sorry, I think I lost your number. Sarah explained that she had found Chriss note from nearly a decade earlier in a box of letters. Anyway, it made me smile, she said. Sorry I never got back to you! They launched into a two-hour conversation. A day later, they spoke on FaceTime and began dating over video. Restaurants were still closed, so they met in person a month later at Belle Isle and Maymont. Very quickly, they realized their relationship could go somewhere. Two years later, Chris proposed. He wanted to do it near where they first met, so he guided Sarah toward the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge that crosses the James River. A family member secretly followed them to get photos of the moment. Chris got down on one knee and presented a ruby ring that had belonged to his mother, who had passed away a few years earlier. Sarah said yes. She wasnt completely caught off guard. Chris had been very specific about where they should walk, leading Sarah to suspect he might pop the question. They married last September at a venue in Moseley called Amber Grove. Sarah and Chris were both English majors Chris now teaches at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College so guests received their table assignment on a custom bookmark. Each table was themed to a favorite author, including William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and J.R.R. Tolkien. Now they live in the Fan and enjoy movies, music, new restaurants, traveling and spending time with their families. The famous Scantron note is displayed in a shadow box on the couples mantel. Theyve come to realize it was best they didnt meet in college they both had a lot of growing up to do. The timing was impeccable, Sarah said. Added Chris: It was very serendipitous. 10 romantic restaurants in Richmond Most romantic Italian: Lost Letter Classic romantic upscale: Lemaire Most romantic wine bar: Echelon Urban Wine Bar Most romantic new steakhouse: Perry's Steakhouse & Grille Most romantic heated patio: Jardin Most intimate: 21 Spoons Most romantic Southern: Lillie Pearl Most romantic Chinese cocktail house: And Dim Sum Most romantic ambiance and double entrendre: L'Opossum Most romantic cheap date: Bamboo Cafe A shopping center near the Innsbrook office and residential complex in western Henrico has sold for roughly $17 million. Parkside Marketplace, at the intersection of West Broad Street and Cox Road, has 26 tenants, including Leonardo's Pizza, Zara Mediterranean Charcoal Grill and Five Guy's. Cushman & Wakefield | Thalhimer, which arranged the sale, announced it Tuesday. It's the latest retail parcel on West Broad to sell for $10 million or more. The 6-acre shopping center was sold by a Washington-based firm, Stavins & Axelrod Properties Inc. to a Chicago-based operator, Northpond Partners. The purchase is the first of a $200 million investment being made by Northpond in retail centers in the southeast and Sunbelt. Built in 1987, Parkside Marketplace is 98% leased, and the tenants have an average tenure of 15 years, Thalhimer said. Henrico County assessed the land and buildings for about $14 million. Brick and mortar retail locations on West Broad Street continue to find buyers. The Merchants Walk shopping center sold last year for $18 million, and a nearby strip mall with a Michaels arts and crafts store went for $10 million. "We're still seeing significant investor demand in the retail sector," said Catharine Spangler of Thalhimer, who represented the seller. From the archives: More than 240 photos of Richmond and Virginia in the 1970s A federal judge found that the Richmond Police Department engages in discriminatory stops of Black drivers, according to an opinion released on Monday afternoon. The opinion came in the case of Keith Rodney Moore, a Black driver with a prior felony conviction who was pulled over in Highland Park in Richmond on Dec. 5, 2020. Officers found a gun in Moores car and charged him with felony possession. Moore, who is Black, argued that his case should be dismissed on the basis that the department selectively stops Black people, leading to his current charges. U.S. District Court Judge John A. Gibney Jr. ruled in Moores favor, finding that Black drivers have a problem in Richmond, Virginia, and that he presented abundant evidence to that effect, including six months worth of stop data from the latter half of 2020. In that dataset, the Richmond police officers were far more likely to stop a Black driver than a white one. The data showing that RPD stops Black drivers five times as often as it stops white drivers, coupled with the evidence of Richmonds history of discrimination, reveals that RPDs discriminatory purpose contributed to its officers decision to stop Moore, Gibney wrote. In 2020, the Virginia Community Policing Act required police to keep track of the race of people stopped for traffic violations. Those data proved to be essential to the case. The data presented at court spanned a period of traffic stops between July 2020 and the night of Moores arrest in December. In that time, 77% of drivers stopped by Richmond police officers were Black, and 15% were white. Gerald Smith was Richmonds police chief during that period. Current Police Chief Rick Edwards took over in October 2022. Data from a longer period spanning into Edwards tenure show a smaller but still significant disparity. Between July 1, 2020, and September 30, 2023, 61% of drivers stopped by the Richmond Police Department were Black and 31% were white, according to the Virginia State Polices public facing dashboard. A previous report by The Times-Dispatch which said that racial traffic stop discrepancies disappear in Richmond did not take into account early data reporting issues with Richmond Police Department data. Richmond Police Chief Rick Edwards pushed back on Gibneys opinion. The Richmond Police Department does not stop motorists based on race, said Edwards in an emailed statement, saying that the department uses data to regularly analyze where to best allocate resources in an effort to decrease injury and loss of life. Edwards has previously called these areas hotspots. Murder, shootings, shootings into occupied vehicles and occupied dwellings these are the violent crimes we are attempting to decrease with the presence of officers, Edwards statement read. Officers deployed throughout the city perform other duties to include making traffic stops when a violation is observed. Edwards also said he has a deep and long-lasting commitment to protecting the citizens of Richmond and doing so in a manner that is professional, fair, and impartial. Moore was represented by Federal Assistant Public Defender Laura Koenig, who declined to add further comment in the wake of the opinion. Two professors testified on Moores behalf: Eli Coston, of Virginia Commonwealth University, and Marvin Chiles, an assistant professor of history at Old Dominion University. Coston, a statistician, used RPDs data to argue that throughout almost every step of a traffic stop Black drivers are at a significant disadvantage when compared to (white) drivers. Chiles, an African-American history professor, presented historical evidence that RPD was encouraged to focus exclusively on Black neighborhoods in an effort born from Richmond City Council seeking to attract industry back in 1977. Prosecutors countered that Chiles historical arguments were not relevant to policing in 2020. Prosecutors also used homicide data to show that precincts 1, 2 and 4, which overlap with Black neighborhoods, had 89% of murders in the past five years. However, Gibney found that Chiles testimony is relevant and necessary to understanding Moores traffic stop in the present. It shows a disgraceful disparity in enforcement of traffic laws, with Black drivers getting the short end of the stick, Gibney wrote. One would think that Virginias citizens would cry out in protest over this situation, but they dont. From the archives: More than 240 photos of Richmond and Virginia in the 1970s Police are investigating a shooting in the Westover neighborhood of Richmond that left one person critically injured Tuesday night. Police said officers responded to 5599 Midlothian Turnpike at around 11 p.m. Monday for reports of a shooting. At the scene, officers located an adult male with an apparent gunshot wound. The man was transported to a local hospital for treatment for life-threatening injuries, police said. Investigators have determined that the shooting took place in the 300 block of Melmark Court in Richmond. Police did not say how the victim ended up on Midlothian Turnpike. The incident remains under investigation. Today in history: Feb. 14 1876: Telephone 1924: IBM 1967: Aretha Franklin 1984: Stormie Jones 1989: Salman Rushdie 2013: Oscar Pistorius 2017: Pedro Hernandez 2018: Nikolas Cruz 1912: Arizona An environmental group is opposing the development of a technology park extension in Eastern Henrico that looks to bring several data centers to the county if wins approval. The group says there are too few guardrails in place and that the project would destroy natural resources. The developer behind the project says its doing everything it can to comply with feedback it is getting from the county and citizens. Developer Hourigan is working on a plan to rezone 622-acres of largely forested land off of Technology Boulevard to allow for data centers and advanced manufacturing uses. The sites current conceptual plan includes constructing 13 data centers. Once completed, it would serve as an extension of the nearby White Oak Technology Park, which is roughly 2,300 acres. White Oak currently hosts companies such as Meta and Quality Technology Services which operate data centers and distribution centers for companies such as L.L. Flooring. Most of the pushback from environmental group Henrico Conservation Action Network is aimed at potential data centers. Among the groups concerns are that building the centers will lead to destruction of habitats in the area, the disruption of potentially historic resources beneath the surface, noise and potential pollutants. The value of this land as a natural resource is tremendous and HCAN is opposed to the destruction of such resources especially when there are large, under-utilized sites nearby, HCAN said in a statement. It is difficult to understand where the public necessity lies for more destructive development directly impacting our climate resilience when so much is already built and unused. The concentration of data centers in Eastern Henrico is also problematic because data centers have proven not to be good neighbors. Along with natural, HCAN says that data centers use a lot of water and energy during operation which could lead to higher emissions. Dominion has said that it needs to keep fossil fuel facilities running to meet increased energy demands statewide. Data centers also must be supported by ranks of noisy, polluting outdoor diesel generators which must be fueled, run, and tested regularly to provide backup in the event of a power failure, HCAN wrote. The proposed buildings housing the data centers may be up to 110 high and well over 100,000 square feet per building, with almost none of the design standards required by Henricos current zoning regime which classifies data centers as an office use. Brian Jenkins, senior managing director for Hourigan said the firm doesnt comment on projects while theyre still seeking governmental approval but said the developer is doing everything it can to listen to citizens and work with the planning department. Henrico is well-positioned along the worlds fiber network. One of the most significant connections entering the United States comes through Norfolk into Central Virginia on its way up to Northern Virginia. Henrico County has designated data centers as a key industry that it seeks to attract. Tyrone Nelson, Henrico County Board Chair said the environmental groups concerns are legitimate, and that every single email is being read in regards to concerns around the site. I know the frustration with data centers comes from the abuse of data centers in the northern part of the Commonwealth, Nelson said. We do have a couple of data centers. Facebook [Meta] and QTS [Quality Technology Services] have largely been good neighbors. He added that any tech park is likely to happen in the proposed area because any other place in the county would cause a complete disruption. The proposal from Hourigan is still a work in progress, with the Planning Commission set to vote in March. A report from the planning department says that the current proposal has addressed several items raised by staff and citizens, but that it could go further to reduce impacts such as construction, permanent access to some of the grounds and noise attenuation. The report also notes that the site is between Seven Pines and Savage Station Battlefield. While there are no known features of note, it says the developer has promised an archaeological and cultural resource study with any artifacts donated to the county. If the project gets approval by the planning commission on March 14, it would then have to be approved by the Board of Supervisors. Today in history: Feb. 13 1935: Bruno Richard Hauptmann 1965: Lyndon B. Johnson 1980: Winter Olympics 1991: Operation Desert Storm 1996: "Rent" 2000: Charles Schulz 2002: John Walker Lindh 2011: Hosni Mubarak 2013: Pope Benedict XVI 2016: Antonin Scalia 2018: Michael Cohen 2021: Donald Trump Henrico County police on Wednesday afternoon identified the pedestrian who was hit and killed Tuesday evening on Brook Road in Glen Allen as Diamond Naketa Downs, 22, of Henrico. Police said officers responded to 9800 block of Brook Road near Virginia Center Parkway at around 6:28 p.m. Tuesday for reports of a pedestrian who had been struck. At the scene, officers located Downs in the roadway. She was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Investigators determined Downs had attempted to cross the northbound lanes of Brook Road when she was struck by a Hyundai Santa Fe. Dark clothing and poor lighting are believed to be factors in the crash, police said. Henrico police spokesperson Karina Bolster said the driver remained on the scene and is cooperating with police. The incident remains under investigation. Virginia must restore voting rights to convicted felons after the end of incarceration. The idea that the governor, a single person, should be responsible for determining the rights of thousands and thousands of former felons is problematic. The right to vote is fundamental. According to The Washington Post, this right could be restored to 300,000 Virginians with the stroke of a pen. Three states automatically disenfranchise felons upon conviction, and of those three Virginia is the only state that requires a petition for that right to be restored. Which is what puts Virginia in a league of its own, according to a Virginia Mercury article. This article was written by a former felon who got his voting rights restored after filling out a 13-page application and getting three recommendations. While some reform to the process has been made since then it still is no small task. The repeat offenders rate in Virginia is nearly 25% and an important part of this number is many of these crimes are committed as individuals struggle to acclimate to society post incarceration. Having your voting rights stripped and therefore taking away a key part of your ability to participate in government is not a welcoming introduction back into society. Fundamental rights should not be denied to convicted felons who have served their time. If reincarceration did occur then the voting right would then be taken accordingly, but the ability to vote and participate in society should not be automatically taken away for life. Camden Herrick. Chesterfield. Cancun residents relocate boa found coiled under truck Cancun, Q.R. A large two meter long boa has been released into Cancun jungle after being found under a vehicle. The two-and-a-half meter long snake was found by residents in SM 251 Tuesday morning. Area resident of Paseos del Mar found the large snake coiled under a truck on San Pedro Street. Although the snake quickly ventured off, it was spotted for a second time in the same residential suburb. Area residents reported the snake sighting to 9-1-1 to have authorities remove the reptile, but after a now-show, two men captured the snake instead. The snake eventually slithered away into the jungle. Photo: Feb. 13, 2024. The large snake was relocated to area jungle behind the residential suburb. Residents watched as it slithered through garbage and made made its way into the treed area. A large boa was relocated by area residents Tuesday. Photo: Feb 13, 2024. Lucelly Ramos Montejo, the Directora de Gestion Ambiental y Cambio Climatico, says snakes are a normal seasonal issue in these parts. She says it is common for them in heavy rains to move from the jungle to the edge of suburbs. She says a clean yard, especially for those living next to open green areas, is one way to keep them away. Group of 13 from Isla Mujeres facing kidnapping and human trafficking charges Isla Mujeres, Q.R. A group of gang members allegedly involved in kidnapping and human trafficking have been arrested in Isla Mujeres. On Tuesday night, the group of 13 were taken into police custody from the La Noria area of the mainland of Isla Mujeres. According to the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) of Quintana Roo, their arrests came after a citizen 9-1-1 report of suspicious activity. According to the report, someone witnessed a car arrive from where three people, with their hands tied and heads covered, got out. All three were lead inside the house. Due to the report, police arrived and were met with resistance saying six tried to escape by pushing officers in order to climb over a wall, while others attempted to flee in parked vehicles, one of which was labeled as a taxi. After their arrests, police rescued three people from inside. One woman and two men, all from Salvador, who were removed from the home and placed in protective custody. From the property, police seized numerous cell phones, three Salvador passports and five vehicles. From inside, Jorge N, Raddy N, Julio N, Guillermo N, Alvaro N, Rafael N, Jose N, Manuel N, Maria N , Julio N, Candelario N, Miguel N and Armando N were arrested. The group are facing charges of kidnapping and human trafficking. IMSS begins specialist recruitment for 23 states Mexico City, Mexico The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) has begun the 2024 Recruitment and Hiring Conference for Medical Specialists. The specialists are being recruited for 2,947 vacancies in 23 states. The General Director of the Mexican Social Security Institute, Zoe Robledo Aburto, announced the start of the recruitment Tuesday. He says the hired doctors will be incorporated into the IMSS Wellbeing Health Plan, which has been implemented to serve people without social security. The main specialties required are anesthesiology, general surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, pediatrics and internal medicine. Doctors are also required for emergencies, neonatology, traumatology and orthopedics, psychiatry, intensive care, imaging, dermatology, ophthalmology, cardiology and pathological anatomy. Specialists are being hired for Baja California, Baja California Sur, Campeche, Chiapas, Mexico City, Colima, State of Mexico, Guerrero, Hidalgo, Michoacan, Morelos, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Puebla, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Tlaxcala, Veracruz and Zacatecas. Robledo Aburto says thanks to the actions of the Government of Mexico, the training of new specialist doctors is advancing. In 2024, 11,049 resident doctors will graduate with a completed specialty as a result of the authorization of more training centers, programs and scholarships. The IMSS and Government have also rehabilitated over 1,300 operating rooms around the country. Photo: IMSS The Government of Mexico, through the IMSS Wellbeing Health Plan, rehabilitated 1,333 operating rooms in the country which were not in operation, although they were registered in the previous administration. The operating rooms not only have to be on paper, they have to be performing surgeries every day, both emergency surgeries, but also scheduled surgeries, surgeries that are planned in the health systems, he said. 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) Mexican wanted in Pennsylvania for conspiracy to distribute extradited Toluca, State of Mexico A Mexican man wanted by a Pennsylvania court has been extradited to the U.S. He was wanted for conspiracy to distribute cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. The Attorney General of the Republic (FGR) says Humberto A was handed over to U.S. Federal marshals at the Toluca International Airport for extradition Monday. He was delivered to American authorities for his return to Pennsylvania where he was required by the Federal District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania for the crime of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine. Humberto A is identified as one of the main drug suppliers of a criminal organization in Phoenix, Arizona. Between April 2022 and January 2023, Humberto A trafficked large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexico for distribution in the United States. The Government of Mexico granted the extradition of Humberto A to the Government of the United States after the efforts of the FGR. New Quintana Roo Real Estate Alert provides real time email private property updates Riviera Maya, Q.R. A new real estate registry is up and running that lists all legal movements of properties. Once on the site, a property owner can see all the transactions against a specific property and can also register to be alerted to future changes. According to State Secretary Cristina Torres, the registry was developed to eliminate corruption and promote administrative simplification. She says a property owner with a folio number can go online and view historical transactions in relation to a property. Torres says the Alerta Inmobiliaria website was developed by the Public Registry of Property and Commerce for the use of citizens to provide legal certainty regarding their real estate assets. She says the Quintana Roo registry is still being updated and is expected to be complete in 2026. She also reported that within two years, it is hoped that these transactions can be done online in a simplified process. In two years it is intended that all Public Registry, Property and Commerce procedures can be carried out electronically, thus eliminating corruption, simplifying procedures and providing greater legal certainty to the people of Quintana Roo, she said. State Secretary Cristina Torres In relation to the Alerta Inmobiliaria (Real Estate Alert), Torres explained that it is a website through which the legitimate owner of a property, through a folio number, can learn about the movements related to the property in question. She explained that access is made through an email registered by the owner and/or whoever certifies legal interest in the property and that immediate notice will be given of any type of movement that takes place between individuals on the related property (folio). In this way, the registered person is alerted in real time about possible changes in their legal situation such as preventive notices, requests for certificates or requests for registration of legal acts. The website is at the service of any person, regardless of whether they are an individual, legal entity (business) or dedicated to real estate activity (agent). She says to use the website, it will be necessary to pay an annual fee, which fluctuates with Mexicos UMAS (Update Measurement Unit), which today, is 1,085.70 pesos. Torres says the advantage of the Real Estate Alert is that property owners are notified immediately of any movement to be carried out without their knowledge or authorization without the need to go to the respective offices. The service can be accessed from anywhere in the country. She says to use the Real Estate Alert, the fee can be paid through the Tribut@net Quintana Roo website. Documentation to verify ownership or a relation to the property will be required. What may be the last legal attempt to slow work on the Mountain Valley Pipeline was nixed Tuesday by a federal appeals court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reaffirmed its earlier decision that a lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear a lawsuit in which six landowners in Franklin, Montgomery and Roanoke counties challenged the pipelines use of eminent domain to take their property. Mia Yugo, a Roanoke attorney who represents the landowners, said Wednesday that she plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which last year revived the property rights dispute by sending the case back to the Washington, D.C., appellate court for a second review. The lawsuit contends that Congress improperly delegated its power to seize private property to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which oversees the construction of natural gas pipelines. FERC then gave that eminent domain authority to Mountain Valley, after finding there was a public need for the gas it will transport. Rather than rule on the underlying merits of the lawsuits constitutional claim, the D.C. appeals court limited its seven-page opinion to the question of whether a District Court judge erred when he dismissed the case in 2020. In upholding Judge James Boasbergs decision that he lacked jurisdiction, the appeals court ruled that the Natural Gas Act prohibited him from hearing a case in which eminent domain had already been unsuccessfully challenged. In other words, the Bohons suit came too late, the court ruled, referring to the lead plaintiffs, Cletus and Beverly Bohon of Montgomery County. Yugo says her case involves a different constitutional claim, invoking a separation of powers argument, that was not considered earlier. Private property is the bedrock of liberty, she said. This case presents a critical issue for the country. The landowners are entitled to their day in court and that should have already happened. When he dismissed the lawsuit nearly four years ago, Boasberg called it the latest trickle in a veritable flood of litigation against the highly controversial natural gas pipeline, which winds 303 miles through West Virginia and Southwest Virginia. But lawsuits from environmental groups which led a Richmond-based federal appeals court to throw out nearly a dozen government permits issued to Mountain Valley continued through 2023. In June, Congress passed a law that fast-tracked completion of the $7.2 billion project. Mountain Valley, which began work on the buried pipeline in the winter of 2018, has said in regulatory filings that it is on target to finish the job by late March and begin transporting needed natural gas to East Coast markets. Construction crews have been working around the clock in some locations, including a site on Peters Mountain that involves boring a tunnel under the Appalachian Trail. Workers are being flown by helicopter to the remote site in Giles County along the West Virginia-Virginia state line. As of Jan. 21, boring had been completed for about a third of the 600-foot-wide channel that passes about 80 feet below the trail, according to FERC records. The Korona Candles factory in Dublin will close this spring, eliminating 60 jobs. Owner Gala Group North America notified the state jobs office Feb. 6 of the shutdown. Jason Sorvillo, its president and CEO, told state officials in a letter that the shutdown will begin April 6 and conclude by May 31. No reason was given for the closure. The plant started production in 2014 and reached a peak of 280 employees, according to Mike Solomon, Pulaski Countys director of economic development. The Virginia Employment Commission vowed to help laid-off workers find other jobs. This is an unfortunate event, but the community is optimistic that these great workers will be supported by the state while they pursue gainful employment opportunities within Pulaski County and throughout the New River Valley, said County Administrator Jonathan Sweet. Gala describes itself on LinkedIn as a German company founded in 1972 and offering lines of candles, home scents and home decor items. It employs 4,000 people and produces goods in Europe, India and North America, according to the profile. Social media is harming the mental and physical health of students in Roanoke City Public Schools, according to a lawsuit the school board is joining alongside hundreds of other school divisions. The board voted on a resolution Tuesday night to join over 400 school divisions nationwide in suing the ownership of social media companies like Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and YouTube. Social media companies have developed products designed to promote compulsive and excessive use by school-aged children, the resolution said, citing peer reviewed studies. Adverse impacts on the mental and physical health and well-being of school-aged children caused by the compulsive and excessive use of social media platforms are manifested in the school environment every day. There was no discussion from the school board before the 5-1 vote. Board member Diane Casola cast the only opposing vote. Vice Chair Joyce Watkins was absent. The harm caused by these products leads to behavioral problems and disruptions in the school environment, impairs and interferes with instruction and student learning, and diverts staff and school resources, the resolution reads. The school board supports the effort to hold these social media companies accountable for the harm and disruption. The resolution authorizes three law firms to initiate litigation against social media companies. Attorneys fees will be paid only if the school system receives payment from the lawsuit. Many more school divisions are expected to join the litigation, according to the resolution. The school systems litigation comes at a time when social media companies face heightened scrutiny from parents and lawmakers, at both state and national levels. During a hearing on Jan. 31, social media executives testified before members of Congress about digital troubles for children. In the audience, parents who lost children to suicide held up pictures of them. At the state level, lawmakers, including Sen. David Suetterlein, R-Roanoke County, submitted bills intended to protect young people from potentially detrimental effects of social media. Suetterleins Senate Bill 432 sought to require parental consent before digital service providers could collect and use childrens personal data for advertising or other purposes. It was continued by an 8-7 Senate committee vote to the 2025 lawmaking session. Similarly, most state bills failed during the lawmaking process this year. But that legislation signals a growing public concern for impacts of the internet on young minds. While parents and childrens advocates say social media companies dont do enough to safeguard young people, social media companies say they already enact features that support parents and families. Some companies support further safeguards. During a press briefing for Virginia reporters last week, Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, said it has more than 30 tools and features to support teens and families. Further, Meta company officials said they support app store requirements for parental approval anytime people younger than 16 want to download phone applications. Roanoke City Public Schools is launching two surveys on Wednesday, said Superintendent Verletta White during Tuesdays meeting. One survey is about potential adjustments to transportation services, The second topic we are seeking input on is student cell phone usage, White said. As the school board and administration are considering the need for policies and procedures related to student cell phone usage in school, your input is needed to help inform this very important work. The surveys will be available online at www.rcps.info, and will remain open through the remainder of February, White said. Montgomery County supervisors approved zoning requests Monday to allow construction of about 100 residences near the Christiansburg town line and a wider range of possibilities for reuse of the former M&M Tire site in Prices Fork. The zoning requests came from Shah Development, which already is building housing in both areas. The larger of the requests was to rezone nearly 27 acres just outside Christiansburg on Houchins Road to Planned Unit Development. This would allow up to 88 single- and two-family homes and up to 20 townhomes and was a reduction from an earlier proposal for 199 townhomes, noted a staff report given to supervisors. Shah submitted two concept plans for the site, one showing single-family homes and townhomes, the other single-family homes, duplexes and townhomes. John Neel of Foresight Design Services told supervisors that Shah has not yet decided on the final blend, but plans to construct about 98 residential units in total. There is a tremendous need for housing stock in the New River Valley, Neel said. The new homes probably will sell for between $350,000 and $450,000, he said, and will add a substantial amount to the countys tax base. The site is near the partially completed Walnut Creek subdivision. Houchins Road is now the sole access for Walnut Creek and for other developments, and traffic was at the center of most of the supervisors discussion and the comments at a public hearing held before Mondays vote. While Houchins Roads intersection with Roanoke Street can be congested, the state highway department has determined that it still performs at an acceptable level, Justin Sanders of the county Planning Department said. Shahs rezoning request did not involve enough units to trigger a new traffic study, Sanders said. Planning for road improvements is complicated by the proximity of the town-county boundary the area where the new homes will be built is in the county, while the access from Roanoke Street, including its intersection with Houchins Road, is in Christiansburg. Sanders and Deputy County Administrator Chris Lawrence said that county and town staff are staying in communication and the town is in the early stages of a study that will recommend traffic improvements along the Roanoke Street corridor. That area is designated for urban expansion in the county Comprehensive Plan, and Shah has said it will try to preserve vegetation along the side of the property that borders an agricultural area, and the countys school system has indicated that its Christiansburg Strand has capacity for new students from the development, Sanders said. All three speakers at the public hearing brought up traffic. Walnut Creek resident Blake Kiss noted that streets in the subdivision are narrow and said, There is one way in and out of this neighborhood. I hope that were not sacrificing safety for tax revenue. Meredith Hutton, also of Walnut Creek, said that Shah was doing a good job listening to and trying to address residents concerns, and she wished Christiansburg officials would do as well. Besides controlling the subdivisions access road, the town supplies water to Walnut Creek residents, who pay higher out-of-town rates that have risen sharply, she said. Another speaker said that she hoped officials considering road issues will take a wider view that includes other possible future development in the area. Supervisors voted 6-1 to approve the rezoning, overcoming Derek Kitts opposition. Kitts said that he thought the development would bring much more traffic than projected, and wanted to delay action on the rezoning until next month to consider the comments of the public hearing speakers and any other information that could be gathered from Christiansburg. Other supervisors disagreed with a postponement, with Sara Bohn who participated in the meeting through a remote link saying, All of the complaints were about things we cant control and Todd King saying he doubted any more information would come in before supervisors March 11 meeting. Supervisor April DeMotts noted that part of the property is presently zoned for industrial use and said that Shahs plan for residential development seemed like it would have less impact on current residents. Bohn noted that Shah had been complimented during the public hearing, and that she was inclined to allow the rezoning. It seems like they are good stewards of the land they are part of, Bohn said. The other rezoning request was for the former M&M Tire and Service site at 3966 Prices Fork Road, west of Blacksburg and near the Preserve at Walnut Springs subdivision that Shah is building. Sanders said that in 2019, the M&M site was rezoned to Community Business with a requirement that only an automotive business could operate there. Since then, M&M relocated to U.S. 460 in Christiansburg and its former building was razed. Shah wanted to keep the Community Business zoning but to expand the uses that would be allowed, Sanders explained. The new list of potential uses include a community center, retail and more. The countys Comprehensive Plan designates the area for future expansion of the Prices Fork village. At supervisors public hearing on the request, the only speaker was Carol Hoge, who said she sold part of her familys property to Shah for the Preserve at Walnut Spring, and now wanted protection from construction runoff that was muddying and flooding a pond on her land. The flooding endangers a rental cottage that she owns, Hoge said. Hoge said that as part of her sale to Shah, she allowed runoff into the pond but was told by an attorney that the county would monitor the situation and not allow anything that would cause problems. Hoge said that she is worried that flooding will worse because subdivision construction is in early stages. We know that it is going to be ruined to a certain extent by the development We knew that when we sold it. But we didnt expect this, Hoge said. Supervisors Chairwoman Mary Biggs said the public hearing was for residents to speak and that supervisors would not reply. Later in the meeting, supervisors voted 7-0 to approve the rezoning request for the M&M site, with Bohn noting that the drainage problems that Hoge brought up had nothing to do with the M&M property. The vote, which came ahead of the Houchins Road rezoning, also sparked an unusually sharp comment and apology between supervisors. Kitts asked to delay the Prices Fork vote to get more information and Bohn chided him, I hate to be blatant, but please look at your stuff before you come to the meeting. Kitts said that he had meant to ask for a delay for the rezoning near Christiansburg, not for Prices Fork, and withdrew his request. After supervisors had approved both rezonings, Bohn said that she was sorry for her criticism, saying it was meant as a quick kind of joke that probably wasnt, you know, projected very well. It wasnt meant to belittle you in any way, Bohn told Kitts, a new supervisor who was elected last fall and began his term last month. You have so many great gifts to offer our board. I know you prepare for our meetings, a lot. A man died in a two-vehicle crash in Montgomery County on Monday, according to state police. The crash occurred at 2:20 p.m. Feb. 12 on U.S. 11, one mile south of Plum Creek Road, according to a state police news release. A 2010 Chevrolet Impala was traveling south on U.S. 11, when the vehicle is reported to have crossed the centerline and struck a 2016 Ford F-150 head-on, according to the release. The driver of the Ford was identified as Jesse Allen Jones, 29, of Floyd. Jones was not wearing his seat belt and died at the scene, according to the release. The Chevrolet was driven by Richard S. Helm, 41, of Shawsville, according to the release. Helm was not wearing his seat belt and was transported to the hospital for injuries received in the crash. Charges are pending, according to the release. The Virginia State Police Crash Reconstruction Team assisted with the crash. - The Roanoke Times BLACKSBURG Virginia Tech will push its deadline for admission deposits for first-year students from May 1 to May 15, citing concerns over recent delays in the release of data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The data released from the FAFSA is what universities use to calculate student financial aid award packages. The data is usually released soon after the application is finished, as early as October. However, this year, the rollout of the new, simplified FAFSA first approved by Congress in 202 has run into delays. The release of data was originally expected to be delayed until January but is now not expected to come until mid-March. Virginia Tech administrators expect that, with the delay, they will not be able to release financial aid information until mid-April, according to a statement released by the university. Juan Espinoza, the interim vice provost for enrollment management, said that families and potential students were concerned about the limited time they had to make final decisions on accepting an offer from Virginia Tech, prompting the deadline push. With the launch of the Virginia Tech Advantage initiative and our institutional commitment to access and affordability as a land-grant institution, we believe that an extension to May 15 is the right thing to do for our students and their families, Espinoza said. Mark Owczarski, a university spokesman, said that while FAFSA representatives have recommended that some schools push back deposit deadlines, it was a decision Virginia Tech came to independently after hearing concerns from families. Its about the families, and whats best for them, and we decided ultimately that what would best help them in making their decisions was time, Owczarski said. Students who have applied for the 2024-25 school year will be notified of their application status by the end of March, the statement also read. Of Virginia Techs record 52,365 applicants for the upcoming school year, about 7,085 are expected to be accepted, to keep to the schools goal of having a total undergraduate student population of 31,000. Scientists use a variety of sophisticated methods to measure the size of a star, blending the art of observation with the precision of modern science. This process involves collecting data from telescopes equipped to peer deeply into the cosmos, beyond the dust and gas that scatter throughout the Milky Way. Light One primary technique used is interferometry, which combines the light received from multiple telescopes to create a more detailed image of a star. This method allows scientists to resolve the star's apparent size with remarkable accuracy, even when it lies thousands of light years away. Advertisement Additionally, the measurement of a star's brightness, or luminosity, provides crucial clues about its size. By understanding the intrinsic brightness of a star and comparing it to its observed brightness from Earth, scientists can infer its distance and size. This calculation takes into account the light absorbed and scattered by interstellar dust, ensuring the data reflects the star's true characteristics. Advances in technology and the science of spectroscopy, which analyzes how light interacts with matter, further refine these measurements by offering insights into the star's temperature, composition, and motion, all of which are integral to determining its size. Specialized Telescopes Furthermore, the Hubble Space Telescope played a pivotal role in this endeavor, offering previously unparalleled clarity and depth in observing distant stars. (The James Webb Space Telescope is now the latest and greatest in this field.) The Hubble's ability to capture high-resolution images was crucial in refining measurements of star sizes, including those of very massive stars, by penetrating the dust and gas of the Milky Way to reveal the cosmos beyond. While this is an oversimplified explanation, this gives you a brief glimpse at how astronomers catalog the stars in the universe with astonishing precision. FLORENCE, S.C. Eastern Carolina Community Foundation in November elected its new board of trustees. The 16-member, all volunteer board is made up of community minded individuals from the seven counties served by the foundation -- Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Marion, Marlboro, and Williamsburg. The Executive Committee leadership is Chair Thomas Kennedy of Florence, and Wealth Advisor at Signature Wealth Strategies; Vice-Chair Caroline Toniolo of Florence, and Financial Advisor at Ensemble Wealth Planning; Treasurer Conrad Seastrunk of Florence and founder/lead advisor of Seastrunk Financial and Secretary Tamara Kirven of Darlington, owner of WilGrow, LLC. In addition to the executive board, two new members of the board were elected -- Luke Powers of Bennettsville, and Carrington Wingard of Florence who will serve as president of the foundations Giving Circe Fund, Women in Philanthropy. The first meeting of the board in 2024 will be Feb. 20. Former Board Chair Mike Miller of Florence, and President of the Greater Florence Area Chamber of Commerce offered support for the new board. Its been rewarding serving on the board of the community foundation over the past seven years. Serving as Chairman the last two years has allowed me to witness how the organization has grown in its ability to invest in the community through grants, scholarships, and other forms of charitable support," Miller said. "I look forward to continuing my service on the board as immediate past chair and I know that Thomas Kennedy, the entire board, and Belle Zeigler, our executive director, will move ECCF forward in its efforts to improve the quality of life through philanthropy and innovative community programming for the seven counties we serve. The Foundation is fortunate to have committed leaders who serve to make a positive impact in our communities," Zeigler said. "The board is dedicated to stewardship and community leadership. Connecting donors with charitable causes for the greater good of the Pee Dee region and beyond is critical to our success. Our board is focused on doing just that especially as we move forward. The Foundation received contributions totaling over $5.1 million and awarded grants of more than $1.9 million in 2023. In addition, donors established many new component funds that brought the total number of funds to 150. The Foundation currently has more than $21 million in assets under management. COLUMBIA, S.C. The South Carolina Arts Commissions Board of Commissioners has designated the 10th South Carolina Cultural District in the city of Hartsville by a unanimous vote. The arts have a clear influence on this district, as it is called the hARTSville Cultural District. Located in the heart of the city, its 129 strollable acres house some of the best cultural assets in the area. The Hartsville Museum and Gallery, Sculpture Courtyard, The Center Theater are on its northern side. A key educational asset anchors the eastern side. Coker University boasts galleries, performing arts spaces, and stellar artistic programs. The nearby South Carolina Governors School for Science and Mathematics offers similar features. Though not in the district, it partners with business and galleries that are in it to showcase student work. The diverse neighborhoods of the Fifth Street and Sixth Street corridors on the southern side are prime for murals and other public artworks. Rounding out the district to the west, history meets the arts in the previously established Historic W. College Avenue District, which is highlighted by architectural details, color theory, and expressive design. Throughout the center of the district, visitors will find a plethora of artistic programs, galleries, public art, artist-supportive businesses, and a general feeling of strong, creative placemaking. The SCAC board approved the district in October 2023. With the holiday season now in the past, the hARTSville Cultural District will officially kick off programming with a Spring Wine and Arts stroll on April 26, highlighting local artists leading up to the event. In embracing the designation of our downtown as a South Carolina Cultural Arts District, we celebrate the convergence of heritage, creativity, and community. This recognition not only honors our past but ignites a vibrant future, fostering a hub where artistic expression thrives. It serves as a testament to our commitment to nurturing culture, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the tapestry of our history and contemporary artistry woven into the very fabric of our streets, Hartsville City Manager Daniel Moore said. With this certification, the city of Hartsville has officially committed to harnessing the power of the arts to fortify their creative economic resilience. They have the tools of creative placemaking and creative place keeping to continue supporting their community through the integration of arts, culture, and design. They join our nine other South Carolina Cultural Districts in celebrating local cultural identity while also striving to incorporate community-informed places and spaces that address local needs, SCAC Public Art Coordinator Margot Lane Strasburger said. Cultural districts prove that arts and culture drive growth, bring people together, and make our communities stronger. They show the best of what South Carolina has to offer. Our board congratulates and welcomes Hartsville as the home of a new cultural district. We hope other cities and towns make a point to follow Hartsvilles lead and make arts and creativity critical pieces of their progress, SCAC Board of Commissioners Chair Dee Crawford said Seguin, TX (78155) Today Rain showers this morning with some sunshine during the afternoon hours. High 68F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy. Low around 45F. Winds NE at 10 to 15 mph. Alerted at 3.45am, Singapore Civil Defence Force responded to a fire outside an 11th-floor unit in a Bedok HDB flat. (PHOTO: Singapore Civil Defence Force) SINGAPORE Residents of Block 202 Bedok North Street 1 were greeted with the sight of a raging fire and black smoke in the wee hours of Tuesday morning (13 February). The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) shared in a Facebook post that they were alerted at 3.45am of a fire along the common corridor outside an 11th-floor unit of the HDB flat. The occupants of the affected unit had been evacuated before the firefighters arrived, and the fire was eventually put out using a fire extinguisher. Three of the occupants of the affected unit were assessed for smoke inhalation, and two of them were brought to Singapore General Hospital. The remaining person declined to be sent to the hospital. SCDF said that preliminary investigations indicated that the fire had likely originated from the battery back of a Power Assisted Bicycle (PAB) that was charging outside the unit. According to The Straits Times, residents of the blocks shared that the occupants of the affected unit were a Thai family of four, and one of the members was a food delivery rider who used the PAB. The English daily reported that there was no significant damage to any of the 10 three-room flats along the affected floor. Damaged electrical wiring and lights along the corridor had also been replaced by town council workers by 5pm on Tuesday. However, the walls and ceilings of about half the units were still blackened with soot. The affected units windows were also melted or shattered, with only the frames left intact. The fire started with a loud bang Eileen See, who stays next to the affected unit, told The Straits Times that she had heard a loud bang at around 3am when she had woken up to use the restroom. The 63-year-old cleaner looked outside and saw that a fire had broken out next door. She then called SCDF for help before leaving her home. She was told it was safe to return to her unit at around 5am. Another neighbour, who declined to be named, told ST that her daughter-in-law had also heard the loud bang and woke her up. She said that the scene at that time was chaotic and she helped a woman in her 20s, who had burn injuries and a soot-covered face, to evacuate from the affected unit. Story continues Several residents had tried to put out the fire after it broke out. A neighbour, who only wanted to be known as Ng, said that four of the residents on the same floor had sought shelter in her home, as her unit was located a distance away from the affected unit. One of them was from the affected flat and had run over barefoot with her five-year-old daughter who was covered in a blanket. Risks of charging PAB batteries over extended periods The SCDF reminded the public that they should not charge the batteries of PABs or personal mobility devices (PMD) for extended periods or overnight to prevent fires. They should also not purchase or use non-original batteries. In March last year, a PMD that was charging caught fire along the second-floor corridor of a HDB rental flat in Pipit Road. In 2021, a 20-year-old man died in a fire of electrical origin from a PMD in a lift at a HDB block in Woodlands. A record 73 PMD-related fires broke out in the first nine months of 2019. This includes two fires that happened on the same day, 8 June 2019, due to PMDs in Ang Mo Kio and Marine Terrace. The latter incident saw a casualty who suffered burn injuries and was conveyed to Singapore General Hospital. Do you have a story tip? Email: sgnews.tips@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. Vibrant streets of Kuala Lumpur feature migrant workers contributing to the bustling atmosphere. A social media user's sarcastic remark prompts reflection on the migrant experience in the city. (Screenshot: @bckupacc99/X/Twitter) MALAYSIA A video posted by a user on X (formerly Twitter) over the Chinese New Year weekend showed migrant workers enjoying themselves in Kuala Lumpur during the public holiday. However, the user shared the video accompanied by a remark 'like being a tourist in the country', seemingly directed at the migrant population. The area encompassing Puduraya, Petaling Street and Central Market in Kuala Lumpur is a common hub for migrants to gather for both work and leisure. The user's video however, drew empathy from other Malaysian netizens towards these communities, highlighting their contributions to the city and the country. Lalu sini, memang rasa kita pulak macam pelancong : fzlmrd pic.twitter.com/HchABgxBfE (@bckupacc99) February 11, 2024 A user, @hazwanhfiz, pointed out that locals are often unwilling to undertake the same strenuous roles as they they do. "We like to relax and chill, and even you yourself don't want to stay in the city. Let them go out during holidays; surely we wouldn't want to ask them to just stay at home all the time," the user said. This sentiment was echoed by @pusatkomas, highlighting the danger of cultivating xenophobia. "It can lead to hatred towards migrant workers who have contributed significantly to the development of our country, especially in the 3D sector. Let us not demean their contributions," they wrote. Other users also chimed in with their support for the migrants, being the backbone to Malaysia's development. "Without them, there wouldn't be your home, the highway you pass through, all those skyscrapers. They only take a vacation once a year. Can you relax?" said @osmankubis. "Migrant workers are the backbone of the country's progress and development. Treat them like ordinary humans with full dignity," wrote @Alissalovesf1. Story continues Malaysia's diverse migrant workforce landscape As of July 2023, Malaysia had around 3 million migrants, making up 8.9 per cent of its total population of 33.4 million, according to the Malaysian Department of Statistics. Most of these migrants come from Indonesia, Bangladesh, Philippines and other Asian nations They are employed in diverse sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, hospitality, security, and domestic services. Labour migrants play a pivotal role in both Malaysia's economy and that of their countries of origin, comprising an estimated 15.3 per cent of the Malaysian workforce and predominantly occupying low-skilled and semi-skilled positions. Furthermore, the presence of migrant workers necessitates their employers' contributions to government health and insurance programs, thereby bolstering social protection schemes and benefiting Malaysia's overall economy. Do you have a story tip? Email: malaysia.newsroom@yahooinc.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, TikTok and Twitter. Also check out our Southeast Asia, Food, and Gaming channels on YouTube. The U.S. House has voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over the Biden administration's handling of the U.S-Mexico border in a historic rebuke of a sitting Cabinet secretary. WASHINGTON The U.S. House voted Tuesday to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, with the Republican majority determined to punish the Biden administration over its handling of the U.S-Mexico border after failing last week in a politically embarrassing setback. The evening roll call proved tight, with Speaker Mike Johnson's threadbare GOP majority unable to handle many defectors or absences in the face of staunch Democratic opposition to impeaching Mayorkas, the first Cabinet secretary facing charges in nearly 150 years. In a historic rebuke, the House impeached Mayorkas 214-213. With the return of Majority Leader Steve Scalise to bolster the GOP's numbers after being away from Washington for cancer care and a Northeastern storm impacting some others, Republicans recouped despite dissent from their own ranks. President Joe Biden called it a "blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games." The charges against Mayorkas next go to the Senate for a trial, but neither Democratic nor Republican senators showed interest in the matter and it may be indefinitely shelved to a committee. The Senate is expected to receive the articles of impeachment from the House after returning to session Feb. 26. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called the case against Mayorkas a sham impeachment and a "new low for House Republicans. The vote came the same day authorities said arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico fell by half in January from record highs in December to the third-lowest month of Biden's presidency. Seasonal declines and heightened enforcement by the U.S. and its allies led to the sharp decline, said Troy Miller, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. U.S. authorities repeatedly praised Mexico for a crackdown launched in late December. Border Patrol arrests totaled 124,220 in January, down 50% from 249,735 in December, the highest monthly tally on record. Arrests of Venezuelans plunged 91% to 4,422 from 46,920 in December. Numbers ebb and flow, and the January decline may prove tenuous. Still, it's welcome news for the White House, as immigration has become one of the biggest issues in this year's presidential election; exit polls showing it is the top concern among many Republican voters in early primaries. In a frantic scene of vote-tallying on the House floor, the GOP effort to impeach Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border took on an air of political desperation as Republicans struggle to make good on their priorities. Mayorkas faced two articles of impeachment filed by the Homeland Security Committee arguing that he "willfully and systematically" refused to enforce existing immigration laws and that he breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. Critics of the impeachment effort said the charges against Mayorkas amount to a policy dispute over Biden's border policy, hardly rising to the Constitution's bar of high crimes and misdemeanors. The House initially launched an impeachment inquiry into Biden over his son's business dealings, but turned its attention to Mayorkas after Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an ally of former President Donald Trump, pushed the debate forward following the panel's monthslong investigation. Greene, who will serve as an impeachment manager in a potential Senate trial, hugged Scalise afterward and posed for photos with other lawmakers. She said senators "better pay attention to the American people and how they feel and then they need to read our articles of impeachment." Trump, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination, insisted he will launch "the largest domestic deportation operation in American history" if he retakes the White House. Various House Republicans prepared legislation to begin deporting migrants who were temporarily allowed into the U.S. under the Biden administration's policies, many as they await adjudication of asylum claims. "We have no choice," Trump said in stark language at a weekend rally in South Carolina. Several leading conservative scholars along with former Homeland Secretary secretaries from both Republican and Democratic administrations dismissed the Mayorkas impeachment as unwarranted or a waste of time. Three Republican representatives broke who ranks last week over the Mayorkas impeachment Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Tom McClintock of California all did so again Tuesday. With a 219-212 majority, Johnson had few votes to spare. Mayorkas is not the only Biden administration official the House Republicans want to impeach. They filed legislation to impeach a long list, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Never before has a sitting Cabinet secretary been impeached. Nearly 150 years ago, the House voted to impeach President Ulysses S. Grant's secretary of war, William Belknap, over a kickback scheme in government contracts; he resigned before the vote. Mayorkas, who did not appear to testify before the impeachment proceedings, put the border crisis squarely on Congress for failing to update immigration laws during a time of global migration. "There is no question that we have a challenge, a crisis at the border," Mayorkas said over the weekend on NBC. "And there is no question that Congress needs to fix it." Johnson recently rejected a bipartisan Senate border security package but has been unable to advance Republicans' own proposal a nonstarter in the Senate. Johnson and the Republicans argue that the Biden administration could take executive actions, as Trump did, to stop the number of crossings though the courts questioned and turned back some of those efforts. SPENCER, Iowa -- A Spencer man is facing multiple charges, including felony eluding, after leading police on a pursuit Tuesday that exceeded speeds of 100 mph and crashing the vehicle he was driving. Adrian Frakes, 20, has been charged with eluding, a class D felony; possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), a serious misdemeanor; and the following traffic offenses: driving under suspension, reckless driving, failure to use headlamps when required, failure to maintain control, three counts of failure to obey stop signs, no insurance and speeding. At 9:25 p.m., the Spencer Police Department attempted to stop a 2004 Pontiac for a traffic violation in the 900 block of East 12th St., according to a statement provided by the department. A criminal complaint filed in Clay County District Court stated that the vehicle was traveling north at a high rate of speed when an officer activated his emergency lights and sirens. "The vehicle failed to stop and the driver turned off the headlights to the vehicle," the complaint stated. The statement from the police department said the vehicle evaded police temporarily until it was located by a Clay County deputy overturned in a ditch in the 3100 block of 230th Ave. Frakes was found a short distance away from the crash site and taken into custody without incident. According to the criminal complaint, Frakes admitted that he knew the officer was trying to stop him and refused to stop. The complaint also stated Frakes admitted to traveling over 100 mph in a 55 mph zone before crashing. ELK POINT, S.D. -- Longtime Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges died Tuesday. His death was announced by the Union County Sheriff's Office Tuesday in a Facebook post. "Sheriff Limoges will be greatly missed," the sheriff's office said in its post. Limoges, 64, served as Union County Sheriff for more than three decades. He was named interim sheriff of Union County in February 1990, following the retirement of Sheriff Eugene "Bud" Rasmussen, only a few months after Limoges joined the force in September 1989. He ran as a Republican for a term of his own in November 1990 and won; he was re-elected in every election since then. "He done a good job," Union County Commission Chair Milton Ustad said by phone Tuesday. Ustad said the commission will hold a special meeting Wednesday to appoint an interim sheriff who will serve for a limited period. Applications will then be accepted for a more-permanent replacement. "We'll appoint somebody for that job for, maybe like 30 days or maybe a little more, and then we'll probably advertise," Ustad said. Limoges' current terms runs through 2026. It was not immediately clear Tuesday if a special election would be held to fill the remainder. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley on Tuesday released a statement mourning the loss of Limoges, who was also a past president of the South Dakota Sheriffs' Association. The South Dakota Attorney Generals Office is saddened to hear of the passing of Union County Sheriff Dan Limoges. Sheriff Limoges was a law enforcement officer for almost 40 years, and Union County Sheriff for more than 30. He was a strong public servant who was dedicated to his county and his profession. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and agency during this time," Jackley said in the statement. Limoges, who was born in Yankton on April 7, 1959, and grew up in Alcester, joined the Alcester Police Department as a part-timer in 1985 when he was in his mid-20s. He was named Alcester police chief not long after, when the former police chief killed his wife and himself. His handling of a murder case and armed standoff in late 1986 won him praise in Alcester, leading to a recommendation from the Alcester City Council that Limoges be named sheriff when Rasmussen retired. Union County, 467 square miles policed by fewer than a dozen sheriff's deputies, saw a number of high-profile cases during Limoges' tenure. Perhaps none garnered wider attention than the discovery in 2013 of the remains of Pamella Jackson and Cheryl Miller, Vermillion teens who disappeared on May 29, 1971. The 1960 Studebaker they'd been riding in was found in 2013 overturned in Brule Creek. In 2004, the Union County Sheriff's Office investigated an infanticide case referred to colloquially as "Baby Moses," in which a baby was thrown away with household garbage in Alcester and taken to a landfill. Months later, Limoges acknowledged public frustration with a lack of progress in the case. "I can assure you calls are still being made, we're following up," Limoges said. The baby's mother was later arrested and sentenced to 10 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter. Limoges' department also worked cases that were weird but not tragic: In September 1992, a partial skeleton was found in rural Union County, wrapped in a snowmobile suit. The bones were sent to Kansas City to be analyzed. The skeleton turned out to be that of an unknown animal, speculated at the time to be a large dog or a deer. In 2013, Limoges fought to prevent Union County's 911 services from being transferred to Lincoln County, which was pitched as a way to save taxpayer money. "For a few more dollars, we would be in control of it," Limoges said at the time. "It is a win-win to keep it local." Limoges and the sheriff's department took part in flood response and evacuation measures during the catastrophic Missouri River flooding in 2011, which involved multiple local and federal agencies. Information on Limoges' survivors was not immediately available. WASHINGTON The U.S. House voted Tuesday to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, with the Republican majority determined to punish the Biden administration over its handling of the U.S-Mexico border after failing last week in a politically embarrassing setback. The evening roll call proved tight, with Speaker Mike Johnsons threadbare GOP majority unable to handle many defectors or absences in the face of staunch Democratic opposition to impeaching Mayorkas, the first Cabinet secretary facing charges in nearly 150 years. In a historic rebuke, the House impeached Mayorkas 214-213. With the return of Majority Leader Steve Scalise to bolster the GOP's numbers after being away from Washington for cancer care and a Northeastern storm impacting some others, Republicans recouped despite dissent from their own ranks. The GOP effort to impeach Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border has taken on an air of political desperation as Republicans struggle to make good on their priorities. Mayorkas faced two articles of impeachment filed by the Homeland Security Committee arguing that he willfully and systematically refused to enforce existing immigration laws and that he breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. But critics of the impeachment effort said the charges against Mayorkas amount to a policy dispute over Biden's border policy, hardly rising to the Constitution's bar of high crimes and misdemeanors. The House had initially launched an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden over his sons business dealings, but instead turned its attention to Mayorkas after Trump ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia pushed the debate forward following the panels months-long investigation. The charges against Mayorkas would next go to the Senate for a trial, but neither Democratic nor Republican senators have shown interest in the matter and it may be indefinitely shelved to a committee. Greene, who will serve as an impeachment manager in a potential Senate trial, hugged Scalise afterward and posed for photos with other lawmakers. She said senators better pay attention to the American people and how they feel and then they need to read our articles of impeachment. Border security has shot to the top of campaign issues, with Donald Trump, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination, insisting he will launch the largest domestic deportation operation in American history if he retakes the White House. Various House Republicans have prepared legislation to begin deporting migrants who were temporarily allowed into the U.S. under the Biden administrations policies, many as they await adjudication of asylum claims. We have no choice, Trump said in stark language at a weekend rally in South Carolina. At the same time, Johnson rejected a bipartisan Senate border security package but has been unable to advance Republicans own proposal which is a nonstarter in the Senate. Three Republican representatives broke ranks last week over the Mayorkas impeachment, which several leading conservative scholars have dismissed as unwarranted and a waste of time. With a 219-212 majority, Johnson had few votes to spare. Mayorkas is not the only Biden administration official the House Republicans want to impeach. They have filed legislation to impeach a long list including Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Never before has a sitting Cabinet secretary been impeached, and it was nearly 150 years ago that the House voted to impeach President Ulysses S. Grants secretary of war, William Belknap, over a kickback scheme in government contracts. He resigned before the vote. Mayorkas, who did not appear to testify before the impeachment proceedings, put the border crisis squarely on Congress for failing to update immigration laws during a time of global migration. There is no question that we have a challenge, a crisis at the border, Mayorkas said over the weekend on NBC. And there is no question that Congress needs to fix it. Johnson and the Republicans have pushed back, arguing that the Biden administration could take executive actions, as Trump did, to stop the number of crossings though the courts have questioned and turned back some of those efforts. We always explore what options are available to us that are permissible under the law, Mayorkas said. Last week's failed vote to impeach Mayorkas a surprise outcome rarely seen on such a high-profile issue was a stunning display in the chamber that has been churning through months of GOP chaos since the ouster of the previous House speaker. One of the Republican holdouts, Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, who had served as a Marine, announced over the weekend he would not be seeking reelection in the fall, joining a growing list of serious-minded Republican lawmakers heading for the exits. At the time, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who had been hospitalized for emergency abdominal surgery, made a surprise arrival, wheeled into the chamber in scrubs and socks to vote against it leaving the vote tied, and failed. Obviously, you feel good when you can make a difference, said Green, describing his painstaking route from hospital bed to the House floor. All I did was what I was elected to do, and that was to cast my vote on the issues of our time, using the best judgment available to me. Republicans are hopeful the New York special election will boost their ranks further, but the outcome of that race is uncertain. Today in history: Feb. 13 1935: Bruno Richard Hauptmann 1965: Lyndon B. Johnson 1980: Winter Olympics 1991: Operation Desert Storm 1996: "Rent" 2000: Charles Schulz 2002: John Walker Lindh 2011: Hosni Mubarak 2013: Pope Benedict XVI 2016: Antonin Scalia 2018: Michael Cohen 2021: Donald Trump Mike Witcher had been working as a broadcast meteorologist in Knoxville, Tennessee, for more than a decade. Then, in 2023, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He created East TN Weather and became his own weather media company for local residents. Mike is a part of a very small but emerging part of meteorology. Entrepreneurs who want to inform the public of what's going. Mike sells his own advertising and is always responsible for the weather around the clock. However, he says being your boss and having a home studio, equipped with state of the art weather graphics, makes life good. We want to hear from you! Have a question for the meteorologists? Call 609-272-7099 and leave a message. You might hear your question and get an answer on a future episode! You can also email questions or comments to podcasts@lee.net. Check out our sponsor, WeatherCall NexGen! Receive precise, location-specific weather alerts via phone, text, or email. With over a decade of experience, WeatherCall delivers pinpoint accuracy for your exact address, ensuring no surprises. Explore the WeatherCall difference today! Visit: https://weathercallservices.com/lee-enterprises About the Across the Sky podcast A weekly podcast discussing all things weather and climate. The podcast is hosted by the meteorologists of the Lee Weather Team: Matt Holiner of Lee Enterprises' Midwest group in Chicago, Kirsten Lang of the Tulsa World in Oklahoma, Joe Martucci of the Press of Atlantic City, N.J., and Sean Sublette of the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia. DES MOINES State lawmakers Tuesday considered but ultimately tabled legislation passed in other Republican-led states that would criminalize homelessness and redirect state funding toward state-sanctioned encampments. Senate Study Bill 3175 mirrors legislation being pushed in states across the country by The Cicero Institute, an Austin-based conservative think tank. Lawmakers in Oklahoma, Arizona, Georgia, Missouri and Wisconsin have advanced or are considering similar proposals. The bill, which failed to meet a legislative deadline to pass out of committee, would have diverted state and federal funding from permanent supportive housing toward designated camping areas that provide mental health and substance use disorder services, bathrooms, security and other resources for people experiencing homelessness. Unsheltered homelessness those sleeping on the streets, in parks, in cars or in abandoned buildings has risen sharply over the last 10 years, and at a faster rate than homelessness overall. Since July 2017, the number of people sleeping in places not meant for habitation has quadrupled in Linn County, according to summer Point in Time counts conducted by volunteers from Willis Dady Homeless Services and Waypoint in Cedar Rapids. In July 2023, the count was 123. The number started to sharply increase after 2019. Johnson County saw a marked increase in the count of those sleeping outdoors for the first time in several years through its annual winter counts. After several years of a relatively stable winter count, Shelter House volunteers in Iowa City found 23 people living outdoors last month an increase from 13 last year. Winter Point in Time counts, when emergency shelters are utilized more heavily to avoid bitter temperatures, tend to be lower than summer counts. As homeless encampments have become increasingly visible in recent years, states and cities have turned to solutions such as rental assistance, temporary shelters and outreach teams to connect homeless people to mental health and substance use services. A number of cities, including Portland, Oregon; Austin, Texas; and Denver, Colorado, have turned to the idea of sanctioned encampments, or legalized campsites designated areas where unhoused individuals can live outside. The areas come with varying degrees of public services like bathrooms, power outlets, medical care and on-site case management. In December 2022, the city of Cedar Rapids razed a homeless encampment near the Cedar River that had been home to dozens for about nine months one of the largest encampments advocates with experience recalled seeing in the city. Since then, advocates have noted that much of the homeless population chronically living outdoors has scattered farther from the city center. The bill introduced this week would have allowed cities and counties to use state funds to establish homeless encampments on public property, and would prohibit sleeping, camping or erecting a shelter on public property outside of official sites. Unhoused individuals would be issued a warning and offered services or shelter. Those who refuse would be charged with a simple misdemeanor punishable by up 30 days in jail and a fine of $105 to $855. The bill also would have allowed Iowas attorney general to sue local governments that dont enforce the ban. A federal appeals court has ruled people experiencing homelessness cant be punished for sleeping outside on public property if there are no adequate alternatives available. The Senate bill also would have penalized local communities and nonprofits that have adopted a "Housing First model which prioritizes permanent, affordable housing as a solution to homelessness instead redirecting existing state and federal funds toward short-term shelters and sanctioned encampment sites with services. The bill would have changed the way the Iowa Finance Authority administers grant dollars to cities, counties and nonprofits that aim to alleviate homelessness by creating pay for performance requirements for the grants. Under that setup, IFA would use up to 25 percent of funds otherwise used for the construction of permanent housing to pay for local substance use disorder and mental health treatment, and other services, including short-term housing, for homeless individuals. To receive payment, nonprofits and localities would have to show they have lowered the number of days the homeless spend incarcerated, hospitalized, or on the streets. Any city with a per capita population of homeless individuals higher than the statewide average would be ineligible for some state grants until the number is reduced. A representative with Cicero Institute, the Texas-based policy nonprofit, said cities should be held accountable for moving homeless individuals off the streets quickly. Jakob Dupuis, a policy analyst with the institute, told lawmakers that leaving tens of thousands of Americans often with severe mental illness or substance use problems on the streets for decades until they can all be provided with permanent, supportive housing is not a viable or humane solution. Instead, he said states should fund short-term shelter options and crisis response over long-term subsidized Housing First models without any mandate for treatment, sobriety or work requirements. The needs of Iowas homeless have changed, and the solutions of a decade ago are not equipped to handle this current crisis, Dupuis said. But critics say it punishes nonprofits for their work and criminalizes a vulnerable population. A coalition of government and nonprofit stakeholders focused on homelessness, who are registered opposed to the bill, said the bill ignores the primary driver of homelessness: the severe shortage of housing affordable to the lowest-income and most marginalized people. We need to make sure we provide these opportunities for them to get equity, grow their lives and get homes, said Jon Murphy with the Iowa Housing Trust Funds Advocates Network. More money into the housing trust funds would be a better way to address homelessness going forward. Angie Arthur is executive director of Homeward, Polk Countys homelessness planning organization. Arthur said Housing First is an evidence-based practice backed by multiple, national studies that show that it is the most effective approach to ending homelessness for most individuals and families. The true challenge in homelessness is the rising cost of rent (and) the lack of housing people can afford, she said. The bill places more barriers between Iowans and the housing they need and desperately want. Providing shelter is a crisis response. Its not a permanent solution. Sen. Jesse Green, a Republican from Boone County who chairs the Senate Local Government Committee, said the homeless bill was a victim of funnel week timing. It just came out of drafting Thursday, and there are so many moving parts. I didn't want to force my committee to take it up (in a hurry), he said. Elijah Decious and Erin Murphy of The Gazette contributed to this report. Homeless encampment sweeps spike in cities across US as housing crisis grows DES MOINES A fiery exchange prompted Iowa House Democrats to walk out of a House subcommittee meeting on a bill to make changes to Iowas election procedures and limit eligibility challenges for federal candidates. Republicans advanced the bill, House Study Bill 697, out of the subcommittee on Tuesday, saying it continues to make Iowa a place of election integrity. Democratic Rep. Amy Nielsen of North Liberty walked out of the meeting after questioning Rep. Bobby Kaufmann, R-Wilton, who led the subcommittee meeting. After a heated exchange between the two, Nielsen told Kaufmann to stop interrupting me. This is my subcommittee, and Ill refer to whoever I want to refer to whenever I want to refer to them, Kaufmann said. You dont run this meeting, Representative Nielsen. Shortly after, Nielsen walked out of the meeting, followed by Rep. Adam Zabner of Iowa City, the other Democrat on the five-member subcommittee. "I think it was made pretty clear that what I had to say was not well received, did not want to be heard," Nielsen said after the meeting. "If I can't be heard why am I here?" Kaufmann said the House State Government Committee will consider the bill on Wednesday ahead of a key legislative deadline for bills to remain active in the session. It would do the following: Limit challenges of petitions of federal candidates to the legal sufficiency of the petition, or the residency, age or citizenship requirements of the candidate. Require that absentee ballots be received by a county auditors office the day before the election, and allow the auditor to begin mailing absentee ballots two days earlier. Change the rules for how absentee ballots need to be mailed and received by county auditors. Create a pilot program for a third party to maintain Iowas voter database. Ban ranked choice voting. Ban the use of ballot drop boxes in the state. "They are treating this bill very unseriously, and we're going to continue as we do," Kaufmann said of Democrats' walkout after the meeting. "And their actions speak for themselves. If they can't stay in the room like an adult, and have a conversation, then good riddance." A companion bill, Senate Study Bill 3161, was passed out of a Senate subcommittee on Monday by Republican Sens. Jason Schultz of Schleswig and Dawn Driscoll of Williamsburg. Democratic Sen. Janice Weiner of Iowa City did not vote to advance the bill. Schultz, the chair of the Senate State Government Committee and sponsor of the bill, said it was a settling of our election procedures and intended to instill trust in Iowas election process. We think weve gotten 80, 90% of the way there, he said. Iowas elections are rated among the top five in the country as far as reliability and integrity, and we plan on keeping that. Limiting challenges to Trumps eligibility The limit on eligibility challenges would make it impossible for individuals to lodge challenges to former President Donald Trumps place on the election ballot on the grounds that he incited an insurrection in violation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as groups in other states have done. The Colorado Supreme Court ruled Trump ineligible for the states primary ballot because of such a challenge. The U.S. Supreme Court will decide on an appeal to that decision. Justices heard oral arguments on the case last week. Zabner said the section was designed to protect Trump and noted during the meeting that Kaufmann was a senior advisor for Trumps Iowa caucus campaign this year. This is a bill that does a disservice to everyday Iowans and serves one man, Donald Trump, Zabner said. And I don't think there's a clearer contrast between Iowa House Democrats and Iowa House Republicans than this bill. We're putting people over politics. They're putting one candidate as their legislative priority. Kaufmann said the bill would affect all candidates equally and had no connection to his employment on the Trump campaign. It is not our job to decide whos on the ballot, it is the voters job, he said. And its arrogant, frankly, for us to think that we should overrule what they choose to do, whether thats a D, an R, a Libertarian, a Green Party, or anyone else, for that matter. Absentee ballot changes The bill would move the deadline for county auditors to receive absentee ballots to close of business one day before the election. Currently, ballots can be received until the end of the day on election day. County auditors would be able to begin mailing out absentee ballots two days earlier to compensate for the earlier deadline. The change, Schutlz said, was to increase trust in Iowas absentee ballot process and prevent accusations that ballots are being faked to sway an election. Trump made an array of unfounded claims of election fraud after the 2020 election, often questioning the legitimacy of absentee ballots in other states. Dozens of claims that were brought to court were thrown out by judges after they found them to lack evidence. There wont be any suspicion that live voting takes place so we know how many absentees we have to come up with, Schultz said. Were going to put an end to that. Theyre going to be locked in a door, and everybody can rest assured that absentees were their own window, theyre done, theyre locked up. The bill requires that the voter ID number either the voters drivers license number or the number on a state-provided Voter ID card that is placed on the absentee ballot affidavit match the number on file for the voter. It would remove a county auditors ability to disqualify a ballot if it appears the signature on the ballot does not match the signature on file. The bill also would require that auditors use at least three and sometimes four envelopes for different documents when mailing out absentee ballots. Adams County Auditor Rebecca Bissell, the chair of the Iowa State Association of County Auditors, said the group was opposed to the bill and concerned about a wide range of the proposed changes. She said the auditors have already purchased envelopes for the 2024 elections, and the new rule would require them to incur major costs by purchasing all new envelopes. She also said ballot drop boxes save counties money by lowering their postage costs for ballots that would otherwise be returned by mail. A rule requiring auditors to match the voter ID number on an absentee voters' affidavit to the voter ID number on file would make it difficult for auditors to fix discrepancies before election day, Bissell said. "Timelines will not allow us to reissue ballots by mail, and will only harm voters who are not able to go to the polls on election day," she said. Voter roll maintenance The bill would authorize a pilot program for a third party to maintain Iowas voter rolls. Until last year, Iowa was enrolled in the Electronic Registration Information Center, a non-partisan multi-state organization that maintains voter rolls. Several GOP-led states left the group last year because of concerns over the groups privacy and registration activities, as well as conspiracy theories fueled by far-right media. Under the bill, the state would use the third-party vendor to verify the states voter database in early 2025. After that, the state would evaluate the new process compared to the current maintenance process and could continue with the new vendor. Ranked choice voting The bill would also ban ranked choice voting in Iowa. Ranked choice voting is a process by which voters rank multiple candidates for a single office based on their preference. If a candidate does not receive more than 50% on the first round of voting, the least popular candidate is eliminated and their voters are reassigned to their second choice. The process continues until someone reaches 50% of the votes. The method is used in some local elections across the country, and in some statewide elections in Maine and Alaska. Advocates of the style say it would allow voters to express preferences for a wider variety of candidates without throwing away their vote on a candidate unlikely to win the election. David Gion, the executive director of the pro-ranked choice group Better Ballot Iowa, said hes spoken to thousands of Iowans who are interested in adopting the system. He said We have over five thousand people as members of Better Ballot Iowa today, and across all political spectrums, he said. And they keep telling us, we have to make Iowa politics work better. Weve got a healthy conversation started and going, and we just want to continue with it, he said. And the message this bill sends is, were not going to talk about that anymore. And thats not good state government. Known for its clear, penetrating, reedy sound, the oboe is considered one of the most difficult woodwind instruments to master. Due to it having a uniquely varied tone, the oboe is often overlooked when it comes to concerto music. That is until musical director Ryan Haskins approached Sioux City Symphony Orchestra's chief oboist Jeffrey Paul with a proposal last season. "Ryan said he wanted to schedule a concerto that focused on the oboe and asked if I had any suggestions on what should be played," Paul recalled. "Instead of relying on a well-known piece of music, I told him that I was willing to compose something written by myself." "When Jeff said he was willing to write the piece, I was ecstatic," Haskins explained. "I knew the work would be unique and that we were in very good hands." jeffrey paul in row Jeffrey Paul (third from the left) has been the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra's principal oboist for more than a decade. The veteran musician' Paul's "Concerto for an Oboe" will have its world premiere during the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra (SCSO) concert, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre, 528 Pierce St. In addition to Paul's three-movement piece, the symphony orchestra is slated to perform Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's "Overture to the Song of Hiawatha" as well as the First Symphony by Edward Elgar, the British composer whose work is full of grandeur, intimacy and happens to be intensely personal. Paul's own work can also be described as deeply personal. After all, the Southern California native began playing music at age four, became an aspiring concert pianist by the age of 10, and started playing in youth, college and professional symphonies as a teenager. He also branched in acting and singing in multiple community theater productions, parlayed his talents into rock, jazz and folk bands while excelling on piano, oboe or any musical instrument he could get his hands on. "To say music represented a big part of my life seemed like an understatement," Paul said. "At times, it was my life." jeffrey paul playing oboe Even though Jeffrey Paul is principal oboist for both the Sioux City and Sioux Falls Symphony Orchestras, he also plays the piano, saxophone a This was especially true when Paul attended the acclaimed Eastman School of Music as well as the University of Southern California. It was after graduation that her decided to move to the Midwest. "I was working as a freelance musician in Los Angeles but I was also starting a family," Paul said. "I needed a steady paycheck and the Sioux Falls Symphony Orchestra offered me a job as their principal oboist." Based in Sioux Falls for more than 20 years, he also plays oboe for the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra and performs on piano and saxophone in various small jazz groups as well as big bands. Yet Paul's love of performing and composing is deeply rooted in the realm of ethnic folk music. "You'd be surprised by how many classical composers were inspired by the rustic sounds of ethnic music," he explained. "Even Beethoven had an affection for Celtic music." jeffrey paul in front of brick wall A Southern California native, Jeffrey Paul plays oboe in both the Sioux City and Sioux Falls Symphony Orchestras. He also plays various instru Paul surmised that this is because composers are attracted to certain sounds. Whether it is the sound the wind makes in a grove of trees or the high-pitched wail of bagpipe, music becomes a language unto itself. "I think that's why I've always been attracted to folk music from around the world," he said. "You don't need to speak the language to understand the music." In fact, this is Paul's philosophy when it comes to playing music and in composing it. "As a composer, I am almost never at a loss for ideas," he said. "But it must come from a point of passion." The passion may come from a unique sound an oboe can make that emulates nature or it can come from the "peasant music" that Paul loves to write. Yet Paul's most distinctive trait comes from his training in the jazz world. "Classical music isn't known for improvisation the way that jazz is," he said. "Why not bring the spontaneity of jazz, incorporate it into classical music?" This was exactly the spark of ingenuity that Haskins wanted from Paul. It is also something he wants to rub off on some of the other musicians. "While our musicians come from all walks of life, few of them have the versality that Jeff has," he said. "I think Jeff's energy can excite the other symphony orchestra members." Paul has a similar hope for audience members. "Symphonic music should tell a story while still challenging audience expectations," he said. "That is what keeps the form fresh." 1 Cover-ups! What do you call a band that covers everything from AC/DC to The Killers to Shania Twain? Well, we call that type of band Above the Covers -- a Siouxland's Choice band -- which is playing a free show at 8 p.m. Friday at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino's Anthem 111 Third St. 2 Are you a 'Dunder'-head? How knowledgeable are you about the sitcom "The Office?" For instance, did you know the original British series ran for two seasons, amassing 14 episodes while the American version ran nine seasons and netted more than 200 episodes. that's a lot of trivia. Win prizes at "The Office" trivia party at 8 p.m. Friday at The Marquee, 1225 Fourth St. 3 All lemon, no pits! The Nebraska-based Lemon Fresh Day may sound like dish soap. Instead, they are a party band with an avid following. Lemon Fresh Day will perform at 9 p.m. Saturday at DOXX Warehouse Bar, 1219 Fifth St. Jefferson Beer Supply's nicki and anthony Jefferson, S.D. native Anthony Roark met his partner Nicki Werner when the two were attending Drake University, in Des Moines. An experienced 4 Drink beer, take bad photos! Now, we don't this at all. Jefferson Beer Supply's Nicki and Anthony are asking people to recreate their most embarrassing 1990's era photos in order to shoot new embarrassing photos. Well, at least the beer will be good. This event will take place from noon to 6:15 p.m. Saturday at 116 Main St., Jefferson, S.D. 5 So long, winter! Iowa Rock ' Roll Music Association Hall of Famers Jack and Mike Langley will perform a "Shake Off the Winter" concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Betty Strong Encounter Center, 900 Larsen Park Road. At least, this year, the groundhog has predicted an early spring. So there's that. 6 Look up, count birds! Do you like birds? The naturalists at the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center sure do. That's why, beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, the 4500 Sioux River Road facility will host the Great Weekend Bird Count Hike. Get some fresh air with a naturalist like Kari Sandage and see hi to some feathery friends. The first major congressional race of the 2024 cycle was decided on New Yorks Long Island Tuesday night, with Democrat Tom Suozzi flipping the seat once held by disgraced Republican George Santos. In some sense, this congressional district, New Yorks 3rd, was a true bellwether; its an actual toss-up swing district, and this victory for Democrats will narrow the slim Republican House majority even further. But the temptation to nationalize the outcome here is a misleading one. Suozzis triumph, while great for Democrats, has little to say about Bidens fate; Pilips victory would have said little about Trump. The race did show us, however, just how much money and effort will be necessary to win toss-up districts in 2024and on a more local level, how far national Democrats are going to have to go to make up for the ineptitude of New Yorks state Democratic Party. From the outside, this race should have been a slam-dunk. Running to replace Santos, who became one of just six representatives ever to be expelled from Congressand just the third since the Civil Warmade for a dream opportunity for Democrats. Republicans, already wounded by their affiliation with the serial fabulist and accused campaign finance fraudster par excellence, chose a somewhat Santos-like candidate: Ethiopian-born Israeli Mazi Pilip, a young, not-entirely-vetted politician of color with a penchant for exaggeration. Pilip claimed to have been a paratrooper for the Israel Defense Forces. It turns out she did weapons maintenance for a paratroopers brigade and never faced combat, one of a handful of glaring holes in her record. Advertisement And yet, up until election day, polling showed a race so tight it was within the margin of error. This, despite massive name recognition advantage for the Democratic candidate, Suozzi, who has already represented this district in Congress and who had a 2-to-1 spending advantage to boot. Good thing for Democrats that a rare election day snowstorm broke in their favor! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The New York State Democratic Party had a lot to prove. Its poor showing in a blue state during the 2022 midterms cost the House a national Democratic majority. Democrats lost this seat to Santos after Suozzi left Congress to try his hand at the New York governors race, challenging center-right gubernatorial candidate Kathy Hochul from the center right. Once Suozzi buried the hatchet with Hochul and promised to be less anti-choicehis record on abortion has been mixed, to put it charitablyhe could return to his district. There was no primary: New York Democratic Party Chair Jay Jacobs hand-picked him. Advertisement A right-leaning Democratic congressman with a record of warring with Democrats and siding with Republicans, Suozzi is an exemplar of Jacobs Long Island Strategy: running the most conservative possible Democrats in Long Island districts and hoping to fool conservative voters by using their very same slogans. Its a mixed strategy, at best. Suozzi positioned himself as tough on crime, anti-immigrant, and pro-tax cuts. His foils were the progressive members of the Squad; he trumpeted his bona fides as an unrivaled devotee of the Republican-funded Israel lobby. Suozzi is one of the co-founders of the Problem Solvers Caucus, a group stood up by the Republican-aligned No Labels, which has sabotaged Biden repeatedly through three years of his presidency. (One of Suozzis closing messages to the campaign was the stunning and arguably racist assessment that if Pilip were to win, were gonna end up with more migrants coming to New York; and on top of that, theyre gonna have access to AR-15s.) Advertisement Advertisement He won, yes. But more broadly, Republicans have gored Democrats down-ballot in Long Island. And the key to this race was the money. Democrats spent nearly $14 million, almost double the GOPs $8 million investment in the race. According to AdImpact, the total ad spend for just this Long Island district totaled an eyewatering $21.4 million. Thats more than quadruple the outlay of the 2022 race that yielded Santos. Advertisement Plus, Democrats of all stripes rallied around to cinch this win. Progressive grassroots groups were campaigning on Suozzis behalf, despite their major policy disagreements with the candidate; Suozzis campaign, meanwhile, was accessible and played nice with them. National groups spent exorbitantly. The only group that seemed lax about flipping the district back was the state and local Democratic Party: According to Rachel Klein, founder of Engage Long Island, a local progressive grassroots organization, the state party repeatedly spurned her groups volunteer efforts to get Suozzi across the finish line. Advertisement We have been working so hard. Weve never worked this hard for a single campaign in this concentrated amount of time, Klein said via phone call before the race on Tuesday. But the state party doesnt reach out to us or try at all to bring us in. Its not okay. Advertisement Advertisement So while the New York state Republican apparatus was humming, the New York state Democratic machine was, once again, leaving something to be desired. Jacobs Republican equivalent, Joseph G. Cairo Jr., who hand-picked Pilip, campaigned heavily, serving as her chief strategist, fund-raiser and surrogate, according to the New York Timeseven traveling to Washington to wring more support out of national Republicans, to complement the on-the-ground blitz. Advertisement Jacobs will claim this as a win for his dubious, do-nothing strategy, but the real triumph belongs to Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who put up the cash, showed up in the district, and helped build an infrastructure to work around the New York Dems. Waiting for the national party to airdrop a spending advantage of millions of dollars is not a sustainable way to win elections. The difficulty of this win and the price tag show the cost of the New York State Democratic Partys refusal to reconcile with the failures of the party apparatus after the 2022 midterms. This district will also have to go back to the polls for this same race in November. How many millions will that cost? It could be a problem for Biden too. He may be old. He may be unpopular. But New York Democrats are a millstone around his neck, not the other way around. This should not be a close race, said Klein, the progressive organizer, on election day. It makes me very nervous for November. Just when everything was going perfectly for America and no one had anything to worry or complain about, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner announced that we were all toast. Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat, Turner said in a Wednesday statement. I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat. The release of such a statement from a congressman who is not known to be a crazy is rare. So when do we all die? Is there enough time to run a few errands? Advertisement The immediate effect of Turners statements was to induce a flood of complementary statements from other members of the Gang of 8House and Senate leaders of both parties, plus the top Republicans and Democrats on the respective intelligence committeesabout the issue. The consensus? The threat is real, but its more of an ongoing matter than a vaporize-your-face-today type of thing. I saw Chairman Turners statement on the issue and I want to assure the American people theres no need for public alarm, Speaker Mike Johnson said. Beyond that, Im not at liberty to disclose classified information and really cant say much, but we just want to assure everyone steady hands are at the wheel. Were working on it and theres no need for alarm. Jake Sullivan, President Joe Bidens national security adviser, said that he was a bit surprised to see Turner go public with this mysterious and sinister warning on Wednesday, given that the White House had already scheduled a Thursday briefing on it with the Gang of 8. Thats his choice, Sullivan said. Advertisement Rep. Jim Himes, Turners Democratic counterpart atop House Intel, said that the threat is a significant one but not a cause for panic. Himes further told reporters that it is something that the Congress and the administration does need to address in the medium to long run. Great. Got it. But what in the Sam Hill is it? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Per national security reporters, the threat supposedly is a highly concerning and destabilizing Russian capability. Politico reported further that the threat is related to Russia and space and Moscows weaponization of its orbital systems. From there, others reported that the orbital Russian space weapon could be nuclear in naturemore specifically, a space-based antisatellite nuclear weaponalthough it is still under development. Advertisement At this juncture, we dont know too much about any Russian space nukes. One thing we can say with certainty, though, is that Turner did this as the House has two items of national security legislation in its lap. The first is a reauthorization of federal warrantless surveillance authorities, a vote on which House leaders had intended to put to the floor this week. If Turner intended to scare the daylights out of members in order to grease that through, it didnt work: Republicans pulled the measure from the agenda on Wednesday afternoon, because the House simply cannot pass any legislation. The second is the national security package boosting aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan that ground its way through the Senate over the weekend. Turner is one of the Three Mikesalong with Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers and Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaulwhom Ukraine considers its top allies among House Republicans. With Speaker Mike Johnson dithering over what to do about Ukraine aid, Turner may have had a reason to amplify concerns about what Russia is up to. Advertisement How frightened should you be? Well, members briefed on it came out cracking those-clowns-in-Congress gags. Jared Moskowitz, emerging from the SCIF, says its definitely not about aliens, and it confirms there is no intelligent life in Congress. So there you have it. Mark Satter (@marksatter) February 14, 2024 Carry on. This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become. The difference between humans and animals? Animals would never allow the dumbest ones to lead the pack. A meme Maj. Michael Haley posted on X, tagging Donald Trump, the GOP, and news outlets including CNN and the AP Michael Haley waded into the primary battle between his wife and Donald Trump this week, armed with a meme? More specifically, armed with a photograph of a wolf, overlaid with this statement: The difference between humans and animals? Animals would never allow the dumbest ones to lead the pack. A watermark on the image attributes it to the meme generator Mematic. The virile jab, at pub time, has more than 5.7 million views. Advertisement This odd rejoinder from Nikki Haleys husband, who is currently deployed to Djibouti with the National Guard, comes on the heels of an increasingly tense back-and-forth between the two top GOP presidential candidates ahead of the South Carolina Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the campaign trail this year, Trump had already insulted Haleys intelligence, her clothing choices (a fancy dress that probably wasnt so fancy), and her birth name. In the latest round of sparring, at a campaign rally in South Carolina over the weekend, he went further, insinuating that Haleys husband had deployed to flee the former governors presence. Wheres her husband? Oh, hes away, Trump said, with a wry smile, in a video captured of the rally. Hes gone. Advertisement Nikki Haley swiftly clapped back at Trump (her former boss when she was U.N. ambassador), tweeting that her husband is deployed serving our country, something you know nothing about. She added: Someone who continually disrespects the sacrifices of military families has no business being the commander in chief. Related From Slate Why RFK Jr.s Family May Not Accept His Apology for That Super Bowl Ad Read More It was a big change from the early days of her presidential campaign, when Haley largely avoided pointed attacks at Trump. Now, it seems, the gloves are off. The former presidents recent comments have unleashed a round of media appearances and ads from her team arguing that Trump cares little for veterans. In a post retweeted by her husband (relationship goals?), Haley wrote, When Donald Trump attacks one veteran, hes attacking all of them. If he cant understand the sacrifice our soldiers and veterans give for this country, then he doesnt deserve to be commander in chief. Advertisement Advertisement Michael Haleys wolf tweet is a bit more cryptic. He tagged various large media outletsa move that could mean he wanted as many people as possible to catch his sick burn. Or, I guess, it could imply that the organizations are also helmed by not-so-smart leaders. Regardless, the wolfy insult is not something Haley made up; versions of this meme appear to circulate fairly frequently in right-wing circles and show up as motivational content for LinkedIn bro types. (It is not a Trump-specific insult.) We at Slate could not fact-check the veracity of the memes animal-IQ hierarchy claim. (Are we absolutely sure there arent other creatures out there that choose dumb pack leaders?) But we couldnt help but correct the record on one inaccuracy: Humans, it should be said, are animals. Even if we sometimes allow the dumbest ones to lead the pack. This piece was originally published on Just Security, an online forum for analysis of U.S. national security law and policy. On Thursday, Justice Juan Merchan will consider Donald Trumps request to drop the Manhattan district attorneys offices case against him. DA Alvin Braggs case involves felony charges of falsifying business records in connection with concealing hush money payments at the end of the 2016 presidential election. Prosecutors charge that Trump cooked his books to hide his affair from voters because he was afraid that the story would hurt his candidacy. In raising five separate arguments to dismiss the charges, Trumps legal team threw many claims at the prosecution before Thursdays hearing, hoping something would stick. That is what good defense attorneys often do at this pretrial stage. In our assessment, the DAs office has convincingly rebutted each attempt. In this essay, we review Trumps claims and how they have been countered. They will almost certainly all fail. First, Trump argues that the DAs office waited more than six years to file charges after news broke of his extramarital affair. That delay, he claims, prejudiced him by interfering with his ongoing presidential campaign. This doesnt reflect the reality of the timeline or the reality of the law. The DAs office has significant discretion in deciding whether and when to file charges. In this case, the delay was justified. Indeed, most of the delay resulted from obstacles that Trump himself created. Trump tied up the investigation for 17 months by suing to block enforcement of a subpoena for financial records. Additionally, the DAs office paused its investigation for 10 months because a simultaneous federal investigation into similar conduct took precedence. As reasons for delaying a case go, these are quite obviously good ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, Trump claims that the indictment is legally defective in several different ways. For example, he argues that the records he allegedly falsified are not business records at all. Instead, he contends, the Trump Organization records are akin to his personal checkbook. But this is not true either. As the DA convincingly counters, records held and maintained by the Trump Organization to reflect its business activity and obligations clearly constitute business records under New York law. In fact, this was already determined in a previous prosecution of the Trump Organization. Trump also argues the grand jury was not provided with adequate evidence of any intent to defraud. However, Bragg explains that direct evidence of intent to defraud is not necessary under the law where, as here, there is sufficient circumstantial evidence of intent. The DA notes that the combination of evidence that Trump knew the records were false and of his elaborate efforts to conceal the hush money payments in violation of campaign finance laws provided adequate support under the law for the grand jury to conclude that Trump acted with an intent to defraud. Advertisement Trump further claims the prosecution cannot meet its burden of proving that his intent to defraud included an intent to commit, aid, or conceal another crime, as the law requires for the first-degree felony charges at issue. However, Bragg sufficiently describes the other crimes that Trump attempted to commit or conceal by falsifying records. He explains how fake invoices, ledger entries, and checks were intended to violate federal election law by covering up hush money payments that legally should have been reported as campaign expenses. The falsified business records also violated New York state election law that prohibits deceptive practices in connection with an election. Advertisement Trumps scheme also was intended to commit or conceal tax crimes by hiding the amount and true nature of payments made to his attorney Michael Cohen as reimbursement for the $130,000 in hush money payments Cohen made on Trumps behalf. To make Cohen whole, Trump paid him twice that amount (plus $100,000 for a separate campaign-related reimbursement and a $60,000 bonus) so that Cohen could disguise the reimbursement as income and still end up fully reimbursed after paying the income taxes. Advertisement Advertisement The hush money scheme was also intended to conceal the falsification of other businesses records. The indictment alleges that Trump entered into a catch and kill agreement with American Media, Inc., a media company that owned and published the National Enquirer and other magazines, to identify and suppress negative stories about him. AMI, along with a company Cohen formed to serve as a conduit for payments, falsified its own records to help Trump execute and hide what it did. The indictment alleges that the falsified records at the heart of this case were made with the intent to conceal these earlier falsifications of other business records. That is all the DA needs to do to meet the challenge Trumps attorneys raise. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate Even if the Affair Allegations Are True, Fani Willis Is Not Disqualified From Prosecuting Trump Read More Third, Trump claims that he was selectively prosecuted. In other words, he is arguing that the DAs office unfairly singled him out and scoured every aspect of his personal and professional life hoping to find some basis to charge him. This complaint is nothing new for Trump and, in any defendants case, is a very difficult challenge to mount successfully. In his cases, Trump has consistently raised meritless claims of selective prosecution against plaintiffs and prosecutors. Courts have uniformly rejected those arguments. Merchan will do the same here becauseonce againthe claim has no merit. The DAs office routinely prosecutes this type of business offense. It would be selective not to charge him. Indeed, federal prosecutors referred to Trump as Individual-1 in federal criminal proceedings in which his agent, Cohen, pleaded guilty to the underlying criminal conduct, including falsified business records. It would have been selective non-prosecution if the Manhattan DAs office had failed to follow through on investigating and prosecuting upon finding criminal wrongdoing. Advertisement Fourth, Trump argues that the prosecution is barred by the statute of limitations. But the elephant in the room is that the Governors COVID-19 Executive Orders extended the statute of limitations for these criminal charges. Additionally, Trumps absence from the state while serving as resident after allegedly committing the charged crimes tolled (paused the clock on) the statute of limitations, as New York law expressly provides. Advertisement Fifth, Trump contends the indictment charges him with more than one count for each of the 11 reimbursement payments he made to Cohen to hide the hush money payments. Trump argues that, as a legal matter, each payment can support only a single charge. This is another unavailing argument. As Bragg explains, because the relevant law criminalizes making a false entry in the business records of an enterprise, each false entry constitutes a discrete crime. The indictment appropriately charges one count for each of 11 false invoices, 12 false ledger entries, and 11 false checks. The law does not support Trumps contention that he can be charged with only 11 counts. The DA has racked up other key pretrial victories, and we expect this streak to continue. Bragg is very likely to prevail at Thursdays hearing as well. Trial is currently set to begin March 25, and nothing in Trumps motion to dismiss appears likely to change that timeline. More From Just Security: The Real Robert Hur Report (Versus What You Read in the News) Who Will Govern Gaza? Lessons From the U.N.s 1957 Experiment This article was originally featured in Foreign Policy, the magazine of global politics and ideas. For news, expert analysis, and background on the conflict, read FPs latest coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. For decades, despite the diverse politics of the Black community, addressing Black voters concerns with racial and economic domestic issues was enough to solidify the Black American vote behind the Democratic Party. But this is changing. President Joe Bidens reluctance to call for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas warwhich has resulted in the deaths of more than 28,000 people in Gaza, over 150 strikes on U.S. troops in the Middle East, and in recent weeks the deaths of three Black service members in Jordanis leading more and more Black voters to question their support for the president. In the beginning of January, in an attempt to boost political morale among his most loyal constituency, Biden made an appearance at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolinawhere nine Black Americans were gunned down by a white supremacist shooter in 2015. At this sacred site, it was fitting that Biden spoke about domestic issues such as racism and political violence. Unfortunately, Bidens foreign-policy woes followed him to the pulpit, where he was interrupted by protesters demanding a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Churches like Mother Emanuel AME play a key role in shaping the voting decisions of the larger Black community. More and more members of the clergy are speaking out from the pulpit against Bidens support for Israel. A recent New York Times article revealed that over the past several months more than 1,000 Black pastorsranging from conservative Southern Baptist churches to progressive nondenominational congregations in the Midwest and Northeasthave called for an end to Israels offensive operations in Gaza as well as the release of all hostages held by Hamas. As in other parts of the American public, much of the momentum behind Black faith leaders calls for a cease-fire is coming from younger congregants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement THE GROWING DISCONTENTMENT with Bidens handling of the conflict was in some ways foreseeable. A Carnegie Endowment for International Peace survey of Black American opinion on the conflict conducted in October 2023, long before the death toll in Gaza had mounted, already revealed that 95 percent of Black Americans rejected the idea of unwavering support for Israel. Furthermore, while most Black Americans (65 percent) did not feel any worse about Biden in this early period of the conflict, Black Americans under the age of 30 were 33 percent more likely to report feeling worse about the president compared to the rest of respondents. Advertisement As one pastor in the swing state of Georgia stated, Its going to be very hard to persuade our people to go back to the polls and vote for Biden. This comes on the heels of polling that reveals that Black voters approval rating for Biden in recent months is down nearly 20 percentage points. It is more and more difficult to view the mounting number of civilian deaths and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza as being in line with the human rights commitments Biden ran on in 2020. The dip in enthusiasm for Biden is in part related to a feeling of Black-Palestinian solidarity among some of these disaffected Black voters. For others, lackluster support for Biden could also be a function of a limited appetite for yet another U.S. entanglement in the Middle East. For instance, the same Carnegie survey revealed that a quarter (24 percent) of Black respondents felt that the United States should not be involved in the Israel-Palestine conflict and that only 33 percent would be willing to send troops to the region if Israel is attacked by a neighboring state. Advertisement It is fair to assume that the death of three Black service members in a drone attack near the Syria-Jordan border will conjure strong feelings about Bidens Middle East posture and the perennial human and material costs placed upon the Black American community in wartime. Advertisement Related From Slate Unpacking the Mess Behind That Horribly Racist Wall Street Journal Op-Ed on Arab Americans in Dearborn Read More Black American news outlets such as the Amsterdam News, the Root, and Black Enterprise were quick to note that the three service members killed were Black. On social media outlets such as X, many Black Americans are now wondering what the strategic purpose was for those soldiers being stationed there in the first place, and if Biden will be able to prevent more deaths of U.S. troops in an area where the United States is not actively at war. Advertisement High rates of Black American military service, alongside the recent memory of the post-9/11 wars (which carried a price tag of $8 trillion), will weigh heavily on the minds of Black voters as they grapple with economic and racial issues domestically. If a community in which so many people have close relatives on active duty comes to believe that Bidens Middle East policy has led to increased attacks on U.S. troops (a point numerous pundits have come to argue), it is likely that this will influence Black votersmany of whom have historically shown high levels of reticence toward the use of force abroad and see parallels to their own historic struggle for civil rights. Advertisement Advertisement AS ELECTION SEASON APPROACHES, the Biden administrations well-timed appearances at fish fries, churches, historically Black colleges and universities, and Black sorority and fraternity events will not be enough to secure the Black voteas it did in 2020. This is especially true if the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate before November. Advertisement Recent statements by Black members of Bidens Cabinet, such as Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, speaking out against Israels handling of military operations in Gaza can be understood as an attempt to address those troubled by the worsening humanitarian situation in the region and to salvage Bidens reputation as a champion of human rights, a key component of his platform in the 2020 election. However, such statements will be for naught if members of the Black community do not see a change in Middle East policy. Since the turn of the century, Black American public opinion on U.S. military engagements has often foreshadowed broader public discontentment with poor foreign-policy decisions. For instance, Black Americans were among the earliest and most vocal groups raising concerns about the 2003 Iraq warnow widely viewed as ill-fated. Unfortunately, foreign-policy experts have sometimes been slow to listen to Black American opinion on Washingtons role in the world. If Biden is going to succeed in securing a second term, now is the time to do so. Slovakia's rating downgraded, list of expensive properties for sale, and chamber music festival returns. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Good evening. Here is the Wednesday, February 14 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes. More banks to offer instant payment Illustrative image. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco) The European Parliament has approved regulation on instant payments, meaning money transfers will now occur in 10 seconds or less. The new rules will enter into force 20 days after they are published in the Official Journal of the EU. Following this, all Eurozone banks will have 9 months to be ready to receive instant payments and 18 months to be ready to send them. Any fees for the service cannot be higher than fees applied to regular transactions, which are usually made by the following day. In Slovakia, the banks already offering the service are: Slovenska Sporitelna, VUB Banka, Tatra Banka, J&T Banka, Raiffeisen and Oberbank. Other banks will have to introduce it within the time frame specified under the approved regulation. According to public broadcaster RTVS and SITA newswire, they are already working on it. CSOB has said it will roll out the service during this and next year, in compliance with deadlines and specifications. UniCredit Bank said it is working on the project, but gave no other details; Fio Banka will introduce the service during the year; 365.bank has also promised to comply with legislative requirements. MORE STORIES FROM THE SLOVAK SPECTATOR WEBSITE If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you. FEATURE STORY FOR WEDNESDAY Are you looking for a villa, exhibition hall? The most expensive publicly offered buildings in Bratislava whose owner can be identified. (Source: Index/Google Earth) When selling a large and therefore expensive property, a real estate broker is usually employed to quietly approach potential buyers. The general public may not even get wind of it at all. Index magazine selected 10 of the most expensive properties in Bratislava. The following list contains those whose owner could be identified. EVENT FOR THE NEXT TWO WEEKS Chamber music festival returns Actor Robert Roth opened this year's edition of the Konvergencie festival by reading Mozart's letters. (Source: TASR) This year, the international chamber music festival Konvergencie is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Perceived as a diverse event that provides space for meetings of both domestic and foreign artists and audiences, the current edition is dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The festival takes place between February 13-25. For more information on tickets, concerts and accompanying programme, click here. IN OTHER NEWS The Slovensko movement (formerly OLaNO) chaired by Igor Matovic has lost six members. In their joint statement, the former members cite political isolation, the ill-considered actions of the movement's leadership, an absence of critical thinking and unwillingness to discuss unpleasant issues in the movement, among other things. Igor Matovic's presidential candidacy was their 'final straw', they said. Slovensko said in response that its anti-corruption rules did not meet former members' demands. (TASR) In their joint statement, the former members cite political isolation, the ill-considered actions of the movement's leadership, an absence of critical thinking and unwillingness to discuss unpleasant issues in the movement, among other things. Igor Matovic's presidential candidacy was their 'final straw', they said. Slovensko said in response that its anti-corruption rules did not meet former members' demands. (TASR) In a fast-track proceeding, parliament approved a delay in new construction legislation coming into effect to April 1, 2025 . Originally, it was supposed to come into effect on April 1 this year. However, only a section regarding spatial planning will come into effect on the latter date. (TASR) . Originally, it was supposed to come into effect on April 1 this year. However, only a section regarding spatial planning will come into effect on the latter date. (TASR) In connection to Tuesday's threats at the Faculty of Management and the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Comenius University in Bratislava, the police have charged a 22-year-old woman for spreading a false alarm. According to the police, the faculty staff and a police officer on duty were told that there was an imminent threat to the people at the faculty. Allegedly, the information was provided to the person who reported it by an unknown man who had been expelled from the faculty. (TASR) According to the police, the faculty staff and a police officer on duty were told that there was an imminent threat to the people at the faculty. Allegedly, the information was provided to the person who reported it by an unknown man who had been expelled from the faculty. (TASR) On Wednesday, President Zuzana Caputova received the amendment to the Penal Code approved by parliament last week. She will announce her decision on whether to sign it into law by the end of the week . She had said before that she will do what she can to stop it from coming into effect. (TASR) . She had said before that she will do what she can to stop it from coming into effect. (TASR) Gorges in the Slovak Paradise national park are once again open, with the exception of the Kysel via ferrata that is closed in winter. However, the Slovak Paradise National Park Administration warns that the water level is still high and there are many fallen trees. The park was closed several days ago because of high water levels of streams in the park. (TASR) The first snowdrops have bloomed in the forests in Bratislava's Petrzalka borough. (Source: TASR) WEATHER FOR THURSDAY: Cloud cover will change throughout the day, with sun appearing from time to time. Occasional light showers. Daily temperatures between 6 C and 13 C. (SHMU) FEBRUARY 15 NAME DAY IN SLOVAKIA: Pravoslav. Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us. P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk. Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook and Instagram (@slovakspectator). By SA Commercial Prop News Seen at the meeting, Sapoa CEO Neil Gopal with Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town Patricia de Lille and Sapoa President Nomzamo Radebe. Commercial property industry representative body, the SA Property Owners Association (Sapoa) met with Cape Town Mayor, Patricia de Lille to strengthen partnership and improve relations, the owners said on Friday last week. The meeting which aimed to strengthen dialogues and collaboration between the commercial property sector and government, was attended by Sapoa board members including President Nomzamo Radebe, CEO Neil Gopal, and representatives from the City of Cape Town among other key government and property stakeholders. This is Executive Mayor Patricia de Lilles first engagement with Sapoa since her re-election as Mayor of the City of Cape Town for a second term. During her welcoming address, Radebe highlighted the importance of such events to an industry body such as Sapoa. A key issue for us as Sapoa and business is the issue of intergovernmental relations. We acknowledge that mutually beneficial partnerships and a joint working relationship with government is at times fraught with challenges that could be avoided through better understanding. The reality is that we are inseparable and we have to work together, she said. She further pointed out that as the urban conversation advances between SAPOA, the property industry at large and government, South African cities would begin to progress and evolve to compete on a global scale. Cities and how they are governed and managed must be at the heart of the national economic jobs and growth debate if we are to have any hope of reaching in employment target. The ongoing concerns from both the private and public sector surrounding challenges that we both face requires that both parties become more actively involved with each other. We need to engage in meaningful dialogue and work together to improve business and the infrastructure in South Africa. Executive Mayor Patricia de Lille expressed the City's commitment to becoming an Opportunity City that ensures an environment that is conducive to doing business at a global level. Her vision for the city is quite clearcut. Firstly, we are pitching Cape Town to become the digital city of Africa, and we are well on our way. We are the only city in Africa with an open data portal. Secondly, we want to pitch Cape Town to become the ideas centre of Africa. As a city, we are leading on innovation. Cape Town was elected World Design Capital in 2014, and that was the catalyst for looking at design and innovation. In the past three years, in all our city departments, weve overlaid all our planning processes with design-led thinking. But the thing closest to her heart is poverty and inequality. After 20 years of our new democracy, our people have been very patient. We need to double our efforts, so that more and more people can taste the fruits of our democracy. We need to change the lives of the most vulnerable out there. she concluded. One of SAPOA's priority roles is ensuring that government departments and representatives remain in constant conversation with the property sector and that the industry's needs are addressed at a legislative level, thus the Meet the Mayor initiative will continue in other cities and remain a highlight in SAPOA's diary. Opposition outcry after Pavol Gaspar, son of indicted ex-police chief and Smer MP Tibor Gaspar, lined up for security service top job. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Premier Robert Fico (Smer) will nominate Pavol Gaspar, the son of ex-police chief and Smer MP Tibor Gaspar, for the post of director of the Slovak Information Service (SIS), the countrys lead secret service agency. I trust him, said Fico, adding that Pavol Gaspar has a clean criminal record and meets the qualification criteria. The nomination, which was approved by the government on Wednesday, was a surprise to many. Fico had previously been keen to nominate Tibor Gaspar, despite the fact that the former police chief is facing serious criminal charges. However, President Zuzana Caputova has publicly said she would have a problem with appointing someone facing criminal charges to be the next SIS head. Gaspars son is currently state secretary at the Justice Ministry, which submitted an already heavily-criticised amendment to the Penal Code last December. Pavol Gaspar is responsible for criminal policy at the ministry. Changed several times by Tibor Gaspar himself, the amendment to the Penal Code was adopted last Thursday and should come into force in mid-March. If it does, the former police chief would receive a suspended sentence if eventually convicted on charges of corruption and alleged involvement in organised crime. He is also being investigated in two other cases. Another lowers country's outlook to negative. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share A day after Slovak MPs approved an amendment to the Penal Code, credit ratings agency Scope Ratings lowered Slovakia's rating from A+ to A as investors appeared to grow worried Slovakia could lose European funds over the law changes, reports Dennik N daily. The agency said the situation may have an indirect impact, for example, on the automotive industry, which is already facing challenges related to the transition to electric vehicles. The uncertainty may slow foreign investment, for example. Another agency, Morningstar DBRS, maintained its rating for Slovakia, but lowered its outlook to negative. The European Commission is threatening Slovakia with sanctions over the changes. It has already sent two letters to the government asking questions about the amendment. On the very day the amendment was approved, Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders called on Slovak Justice Minister Boris Susko to "stop the fast-track proceedings until the commission is sure that [the Slovak government] has dealt with the commission's reservations sufficiently". Related article Related article News digest: Smer changes the Penal Code. Now it's the Constitutional Court's turn Read more Last December, the Fitch agency downgraded Slovakia's rating due to a deterioration in public finances and an unclear path for their recovery. Decisions by the S&P and Moody's agencies are expected in April and June. Reynders warned the commission was ready to defend the EUs interests and take action against Slovakia. On February 6, the commission suspended appraisal of the fourth recovery plan payment for Slovakia, worth 900 million. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240213/israel-prepares-to-invade-gaza-border-city-1116746418.html Israel Prepares to Invade Gaza Border City Israel Prepares to Invade Gaza Border City Sputnik International On todays episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Melik Abdul delved into pressing global issues, shining a spotlight on Israel's continued aggression against Palestine and its neighboring regions. 2024-02-13T04:15+0000 2024-02-13T04:15+0000 2024-02-14T12:55+0000 fault lines us radio scotus fani willis egypt pakistan imran khan colorado https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0c/1116746260_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_b3342a63162124757a0a0a31dcb3e555.png Israel Prepares to Invade Gaza Border City Sputnik International On todays episode of Fault Lines, hosts Jamarl Thomas and Melik Abdul delved into pressing global issues, shining a spotlight on Israel's continued aggression against Palestine and its neighboring regions. In the first hour, Fault Lines spoke to journalist Hamza Azhar about Pakistan's recent election. Independent candidates backed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan led with 93 seats but since there is a delay in publishing the final results there is heightened uncertainty, Khan and Sharif both claimed victory, adding to the complexity.In the second hour, Fault Lines was joined by Chairman of New Journey PAC Autry Pruitt about the investigation into allegations of misconduct by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who brought the election interference case against former President Donald Trump.Later in the second hour, Fault Lines and Professor of Political Science and International Relations Dr. Hasan Unal discussed the Israeli military strikes over the border city of Rafah killing, wounding dozens of Palestinians and threatening key Israel-Egypt peace treaty.In the third hour, Fault Lines spoke to journalist Amy DeLaura about the case over whether former President Donald Trump can be excluded from Colorado's primary ballot over his actions surrounding the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 and the Supreme Courts decision over this blockbuster case.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us in the US at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM egypt pakistan colorado Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Melik Abdul https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0f/1110380196_0:72:1365:1438_100x100_80_0_0_9986d5f38d8c64aaa36cfd76771b1b60.jpg Melik Abdul https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0f/1110380196_0:72:1365:1438_100x100_80_0_0_9986d5f38d8c64aaa36cfd76771b1b60.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 Melik Abdul https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0f/1110380196_0:72:1365:1438_100x100_80_0_0_9986d5f38d8c64aaa36cfd76771b1b60.jpg fault lines, fani willis vs trump, israel attacks rafah, can trump be a president, will egypt attack israel https://sputnikglobe.com/20240213/no-one-left-to-have-children-ukraine-conscription-efforts-to-decimate-birth-rates-1116765450.html No One Left to Have Children: Ukraine Conscription Efforts to Decimate Birth Rates No One Left to Have Children: Ukraine Conscription Efforts to Decimate Birth Rates Sputnik International Ukraine cannot afford to lose more young people to the frontlines, otherwise, there won't be enough to have children and replenish the population, international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda told Sputniks Fault Lines on Tuesday. 2024-02-13T23:27+0000 2024-02-13T23:27+0000 2024-02-13T23:42+0000 nato ukraine kiev mark sleboda russia analysis ukraine crisis ukrainian conflict ukrainian crisis us https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/102256/23/1022562326_0:0:3500:1969_1920x0_80_0_0_06d8d065a361869f8f94e0855f851049.jpg Ukraine cannot afford to lose more young people to the frontlines, otherwise, there won't be enough to have children and replenish the population, international relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda told Sputniks Fault Lines on Tuesday.While discussing the state of the Ukrainian frontline and the mass conscription law being considered by the countrys Parliament, Sleboda explained that Ukraine already had a declining population before NATO's proxy war launched in the country.Nonetheless, Ukraine has to go forward with the mass conscription plan if it wants to replace its massive losses, particularly in Avdeyevka, according to the analyst. However bad you think [Avdeyevka] is, its much worse, Sleboda emphasized, saying that newly-appointed Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky is repeating Ukraines failed strategy in Artemovsk (Bakhmut) and is doubling down on the increasingly encircled city.Sleboda noted that even without the latest conscription law being adopted, Ukraine is already forcing men to the front, focusing on the villages in Western Ukraine. The conscription has focused on small villages rather than Kiev and other big cities to try to limit the potential for political protests, he explained. That is why you're starting to see videos now of locals, even in West Ukraine, trying to fight in the streets [against] the conscription officials.Earlier this week, videos appeared on Telegram showing villagers in a town in the Odessa region fighting against conscription officers.Sleboda also pointed to the number of Ukrainian women who have been killed on the frontlines not just in rear positions, but in front trench positions and videos of mentally disabled people that have been conscripted, which Kiev regime forces then make videos of them harassing and torturing these poor mentally disabled people.The situation is so dire in Ukraine, that Sleboda said that even Western media is being forced to accept it. Just chart the rapidity of Ukraine is winning to 'it's a stalemate, to 'Oh my God, we're losing,' he explained. You've seen the change in the media, which is not to say that it's not still full of propaganda, but, there is a bit more despondency [that] matches up with reality.He later noted that NATO does not have the ability to build up another army for Kiev that matches the one that was largely destroyed in Ukraines failed 2023 counteroffensive. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240213/ukraine-loses-around-325-soldiers-near-donetsk-in-past-day---russian-mod-1116755512.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240203/ukraine-coerces-mass-conscripts-unfit-for-military-service---pow--1116568879.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20230921/cannon-fodder-number-of-ukrainian-amputee-soldiers-going-through-the-roof-1113563445.html ukraine kiev russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino 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 Ian DeMartino ukrainian age demographics, age ukrainian army, how many young men are left in ukraine, mass conscription in ukraine, disabled people in ukraine army, conscription in ukraine, ukrainian army, problems in ukrainian army, ukrainian troops, ukrainian losses, russian forces, russian troops, russia wins, ukraine loses, ukrainian crisis, failed counteroffensive, ukrainian counteroffensive, foiled counteroffensive, counteroffensive attempt, thwarted counteroffensive, counteroffensive effort https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/air-defenses-down-nine-ukrainian-drones-over-russias-territory--1116770358.html Air Defenses Down Nine Ukrainian Drones Over Russia's Territory Air Defenses Down Nine Ukrainian Drones Over Russia's Territory Sputnik International Russian air defense systems destroyed two Ukrainian drones over the Belgorod region, one over the Voronezh region and six more over the Black Sea overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said 2024-02-14T06:08+0000 2024-02-14T06:08+0000 2024-02-14T06:09+0000 russia drones ukraine russia https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0b/1116721694_0:132:3171:1916_1920x0_80_0_0_1b4347988374fe155e8570bad0858168.jpg "This night, an attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack on objects on the territory of the Russian Federation with nine aircraft-type drones was foiled. Air defense systems on duty intercepted and destroyed the aircraft over the territories of the Belgorod (two) and Voronezh (one) regions, as well as over the water area of the Black Sea (six)," the ministry said in a statement. ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian drones, russia downs ukrainian drones, ukrainian drones attempt to attack russian territories https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/at-least-10-people-injured-after-car-crashes-into-hospital-in-austin-texas-1116769246.html At Least 10 People Injured After Car Crashes Into Hospital in Austin, Texas At Least 10 People Injured After Car Crashes Into Hospital in Austin, Texas Sputnik International At least 10 people have been injured after a vehicle crashed into St. David's North Austin Medical Center ER, police said. 2024-02-14T02:24+0000 2024-02-14T02:24+0000 2024-02-14T02:24+0000 americas car crash texas us austin https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107793/30/1077933004_0:2:3632:2045_1920x0_80_0_0_fac334edb728a9e58ef6b0744963e1c5.jpg "Initial triage and treatments underway. #ATCEMS Command reporting 10 patients for transport and 1 adult patient with CPR in progress. Avoid the area," Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services posted on Facebook (META, banned organizations in Russia for extremism) on Tuesday. According to police, there is no threat to the general public and the incident does not appear to be an intentional act. Austin Police Department Detective Lt. Carey Chaudoir told the Austin American-Statesman newspaper that the driver of the vehicle died, but it was unclear whether the crash caused the driver's death. americas texas austin 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 car crash, reckless driving, public property damage, hospital under attack, hospital destroyed https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/eu-may-use-potential-european-army-to-subjugate-dissenting-members-1116778205.html EU May Use Potential European Army to Subjugate Dissenting Members EU May Use Potential European Army to Subjugate Dissenting Members Sputnik International The European army idea has once again popped up among the bloc's politicians. What's behind the idea and how could it influence member states' sovereignty? 2024-02-14T13:49+0000 2024-02-14T13:49+0000 2024-02-14T14:05+0000 world europe donald trump ursula von der leyen brussels european union (eu) nato pan-european army european army https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0e/1116779028_0:0:3076:1731_1920x0_80_0_0_5a315e784f4e7997d03046d6a0f49c3d.jpg "Europe needs its own army," Czech MEP Mikulas Peksa from the GreensEuropean Free Alliance tweeted on February 11. His comment came in response to US Republican frontrunner Donald Trump's notion that he would not defend NATO members who do not abide by their spending obligations if elected.Any potential joint European forces could be financed from the EUs budget and be supervised by the European Parliament, Peksa further explained to Euractiv Czechia. "So we do not have to worry about whether there is a majority for 2% of GDP in 30 different parliaments," the MEP said."The theme of 'the European army' is a sea serpent which regularly comes up in the debates which animate the political bodies of Western Europe; we remember the failure of the CED (European Defense Community) in 1954. Certainly, since then, water has flowed under the bridges and we can indeed ask the question of the necessary architecture of a European continental security system," Colonel Jacques Hogard, who served 26 years in the French Army as an airborne officer in the Foreign Legion and the Special Forces, told Sputnik.The idea of a European army has repeatedly been discussed by EU politicians. In early November 2018, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the creation of what he called a "true European army" which he said would protect the interests of the bloc. The proposal was supported by then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel.During her tenure as German defense minister, Ursula von der Leyen also endorsed the EuroArmy idea, adding, however, that national governments should remain responsible for their armies. She also underscored in February 2018 that an "army of Europeans" should not pose a challenge to NATO, but "remain trans-Atlantic".However, one should bear in mind who would be in charge of joint forces and what ideology a hypothetical EuroArmy would champion, noted Hogard."Despite the undemocratic temperament and the unbearable authoritarianism of the German president unelected, because Ursula von der Leyen is a simple civil servant of the European Commission, we can clearly see that the unity of the so-called 'European Union' on a number of subjects, starting with politics, diplomacy, economy (agriculture, a real hot topic!), but also defense (an area in which each country naturally favors its own interests!), is far, very far from being effective."The French military veteran thus echoed Florian Philippot, French politician from The Patriots and ex-MEP, who tweeted on February 12: "An EU army would first and foremost be an army used against the European peoples who would like to free themselves from the EU: total danger!"Some political commentators believe that the EuroArmy can be used to suppress internal dissent within the bloc.Any military formation under the EU banner wouldn't meet sovereign needs of the bloc's member states, but is likely to amplify the already existing control of the US and NATO over the Old Continent, according to the former French Army officer.GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump's victory could pave the way for Europe's liberation from the diktat of the US and unelected leadership of the EU and NATO, according to the expert. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240213/europe-lacks-motivated-troops-free-money-and-defense-industry-to-create-own-army-1116763256.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/trump-almost-withdrew-us-from-nato-in-2018---former-national-security-adviser-1116773227.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240212/european-nato-members-know-russia-threat-rhetoric-is-a-lie---expert-1116744370.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240213/paytime-over-half-of-nato-fails-to-meet-defense-spending-obligations-1116760061.html brussels Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ekaterina Blinova Ekaterina Blinova News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Ekaterina Blinova european union (eu), european army, why eu wants its own army, what for europe does need army, what is european army, is european army a good idea https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/israel-receives-no-new-proposals-from-hamas-in-cairo-on-release-of-hostages---netanyahu-1116782882.html Israel Receives No New Proposals From Hamas in Cairo on Release of Hostages - Netanyahu Israel Receives No New Proposals From Hamas in Cairo on Release of Hostages - Netanyahu Sputnik International Israel has not received any new proposals from the Palestinian movement Hamas in Cairo on the issue of the release of hostages, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday. 2024-02-14T16:21+0000 2024-02-14T16:21+0000 2024-02-14T16:21+0000 world benjamin netanyahu middle east israel hamas palestine-israel conflict gaza strip https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/01/07/1106115141_0:0:2525:1421_1920x0_80_0_0_4dd1357ce2d3e33c6b6fe2be75ee55f8.jpg "Israel has not received any new offers from Hamas in Cairo on the release of hostages... Changes in the position of Hamas will allow negotiations to move forward," the office said in a statement.Netanyahu's remarks come amid continued negotiations on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt and Qatar.The release of hostages still held in Gaza has become one of the key issues in social and political debate in Israel in recent months. Mass demonstrations in support of the hostages' families have been held regularly across the country, with protesters demanding that the Israeli government find a way to release the captives at all costs.In late January, the US, Israel, Egypt and Qatar representatives agreed in Paris on the basics of the new step-by-step deal to release hostages in Gaza. Final agreements have not yet been reached, since Israel considers Hamas' demand to stop the hostilities and withdraw troops from Gaza unacceptable.On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel from Gaza and breached the border, killing 1,200 people and abducting around 240 others. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 27,700 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, local authorities said.On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240207/hamas-3-stage-truce-plan-hanging-in-balance-because-of-israel-1116648596.html israel gaza strip Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International israel-hamas conflict, gaza war, israeli hostages, hamas, how much israeli hostages does hamas hold, israel-hamas ceasefire negotiations, benjamin netanyahu https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/lavrov-takes-the-podium-to-address-russias-state-duma-1116771666.html Lavrov Takes the Podium to Address Russia's State Duma Lavrov Takes the Podium to Address Russia's State Duma Sputnik International Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, addresses the State Duma (lower chamber of the Russian Parliament) to facilitate the coordination of the governments executive and legislative branches in strengthening Russias position on the global stage. 2024-02-14T09:14+0000 2024-02-14T09:14+0000 2024-02-14T09:14+0000 russia sergey lavrov maria zakharova russia state duma osce moscow https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0e/1116771505_0:0:2547:1432_1920x0_80_0_0_b5aacb602f18ab92b8594e3d273ddc8e.jpg Sputnik comes to you live as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov speaks to the State Duma plenary session during the parliamentary government hour. Lavrov, head of Russia's diplomatic office, will lay out Russia's foreign policy objectives before lawmakers. Moscow's diplomacy boss is expected to highlight the Foreign Ministrys current assessments of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Furthermore, besides the Western-focused diplomatic track, the foreign policy chief may also focus on Middle Eastern issues.Follow Sputniks live feed to learn more! russia moscow 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 Lavrov at 'Government Hour' in State Duma Sputnik International Lavrov at 'Government Hour' in State Duma 2024-02-14T09:14+0000 true PT0M04S 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International sergey lavrov at duma, sergey lavrov speaks at duma, sergey lavrov parliament speech, sergey lavrov addresses parliament, recent speech by lavrov, sergey lavrov recent remarks, sergey lavrov recent comments From left, San Francisco Board of Education trustees Matt Alexander, Lainie Motamedi, Jenny Lam and Lisa Weissman-Ward speak during a celebration of Black History Month and the Lunar New Year at the Visitacion Valley Greenway Childrens Play Garden Area in San Francisco on Feb. 25, 2023. Amaya Edwards/Special to The Chronicle San Francisco schools could face a potentially costly and distracting lawsuit after making a last-minute decision Tuesday night to spurn a Bay Areas attorneys demand to shift from citywide to district elections in choosing a school board. Instead, the board voted 6-1 to look at moving to district elections or another method that would still satisfy the rules of the California Voting Rights Act. The school board decided to look at district elections as well as alternatives, including at-large, ranked-choice elections, before deciding whether to change the process. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It seems prudent for the board to explore other election systems, said board member Lisa Weissman-Ward, who proposed amendments to the initial resolution that would have included solely an effort to move to district elections. The vote comes as the district faces huge questions about its fiscal health, admissions at elite Lowell High School, changes to its math and reading curriculum, and the future of the citys schools amid declining enrollment. The central question is whether the current process of electing the school board in which all city voters select from a list of candidates, with the top finishers winning the open seats adheres to the California Voting Rights Act. District officials believe it does. Bay Area attorney Scott Rafferty disagrees. He sent a demand letter to the district in early January saying San Francisco Unified appears to be in violation of the law, failing to hold elections that ensure racial and ethnic minorities are fairly represented in local government. A Chronicle investigation published in December documented how, for the past several years, a small group of attorneys has built a cottage industry atop the CVRA by taking advantage of generous legal and financial incentives to sue. The investigation found that the law has achieved mixed results in empowering minority groups while causing a range of unintended consequences that legislators have ignored. The district had 45 days from the Jan. 2 receipt of Raffertys letter to weigh all considerations, in closed-door sessions given the legal ramifications, and officially respond. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Looking at alternatives could lead to a costly and risky legal battle, with the district possibly on the hook for millions of dollars in legal fees. Rafferty did not immediately respond to questions about his actions moving forward and whether he would file a lawsuit based on the boards vote Tuesday. Agreeing to the demand would have meant paying up to $40,000 in legal fees to Rafferty, as allowed under the law, followed by a 90-day period to draw up a map with seven districts that adhere to the requirements under the law and then hold at least four public meetings before a final school board vote. Board member Matt Alexander said he believes the district is on safe legal ground by communicating a desire to adhere to the CVRA, even though the district will look at more than one option to do so. Board members cited a recent state Supreme Court decision that outlined a few options that could meet the requirements of the law in addition to districting, which has historically been the preferred method. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were making very clear we intend to initiate a transition to something that is compliant with the CVRA, Alexander said. Were using the law and the Supreme Court decision as our guide. Board member Kevine Boggess voted against the consideration of alternative election methods, saying he believed it put the district in a difficult spot. The safest option that minimizes fiscal liability would be to cede to Raffertys demands, Boggess said. Its hard for me to take any steps that would pull funds away from the classroom, he said. Mayor London Breed, hours before the meeting, said the city needs to weigh all options before we commit to changes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I am alarmed by what this would mean for our city and I urge (the school board) to pause and not start down this path, she said in a social media post. While the board approved the intent to move to district elections, board members could change their minds in the coming weeks, choosing instead to pursue negotiations with Rafferty to opt for an alternative election process, including at-large elections with ranked-choice voting or to fight a lawsuit. The city of Burbank initially moved to district elections and then backtracked, choosing instead to fight even though the local school district ceded to a similar demand letter. More than two dozen individuals and community organizations called on the board to delay any decision until it had more data on whether San Francisco Unified could prevail in court. They included Bayard Fong, compliance officer for the Human Rights Commission, the Asian American Legal Foundation and human rights attorney John Trasvina. It is unacceptable to abandon an electoral system with proven outcomes for minority communities and to replace it with an unproven one without public input from the affected communities, they said in a letter sent Monday to board President Lainie Motamedi. Jumping to district elections without any study of the current or proposed system would be as far from this goal as the out-of-town lawyer pushing for it is from our community. The San Francisco Parent Coalition also urged the board to slow down, according to a letter sent to the board and superintendent Sunday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/nato-sees-no-immediate-military-threats-from-russia-but-hybrid-attack-threats-persist-1116776374.html NATO Sees No Immediate Military Threats From Russia, But Believes That Hybrid Attack Threats Persist NATO Sees No Immediate Military Threats From Russia, But Believes That Hybrid Attack Threats Persist Sputnik International NATO does not see any immediate military threats to the alliance member states from Russia, but there are "constant threats of hybrid attacks," Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday 2024-02-14T15:27+0000 2024-02-14T15:27+0000 2024-02-14T17:04+0000 military jens stoltenberg russia nato moscow kremlin https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/0e/1110352244_0:0:3106:1748_1920x0_80_0_0_92254df016a5f7bd7299f3637e5dd6e9.jpg On Wednesday NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg spoke at a press conference that preceded the meeting of the NATO Defense Ministry, where he addressed several points pertaining to the block's activities.No 'Immediate Military Threats From Russia', Other Than Possible Hybrid AttacksEurope's Nuclear Deterrence SystemStoltenberg also mentioned the fact that Europe should ensure safe and reliable operation of the bloc's nuclear deterrence system."This is a nuclear deterrent that works and we should continue to ensure that it remains safe and reliable ... This is the way we organize our nuclear deterrent in NATO and we should do nothing to undermine the credibility of that either," he said.Moscow has repeatedly warned NATO against its eastward expansion, which the Kremlin says could further inflame tensions in Europe. Russia has stressed that the country has no aggressive intentions towards any states, while NATO aims to expand into the post-Soviet space to foment conflicts near Russia's borders. NATO also conducts regular exercises close to the borders of Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240201/steadfast-defender-2024-key-facts-about-natos-largest-drills-since-1988-1116539134.html russia moscow Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International nato enlargement, nato expansion, whos joining nato, finland and sweden in nato, new nato members, why is hungary against nato expansion, why is nato expanding, nato expanding eastward, nato vs russia, threats to nato https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/no-diplomatic-solution-to-ukraine-conflict-as-west-disregards-moscows-interests-fm-lavrov-1116773409.html No Diplomatic Solution to Ukraine Conflict as West Disregards Moscow's Interests - FM Lavrov No Diplomatic Solution to Ukraine Conflict as West Disregards Moscow's Interests - FM Lavrov Sputnik International Russia remains open to a diplomatic settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, but since Western countries do not want to take into account Moscow's interests and existing realities, there is no such possibility at the moment, Russian FM Lavrov said on Wednesday. 2024-02-14T10:47+0000 2024-02-14T10:47+0000 2024-02-14T10:47+0000 world sergey lavrov russia ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0e/1116772906_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_ed102fa5a5c29aad50adaca0e828eaa1.jpg The West does not want to take into account Russia's geopolitical interests, so at the moment there are no options for reaching an agreement on Ukraine at the negotiating table, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said during the so-called 'government hour' in the State Duma."In the absence of serious proposals from those who declared war on us and [taking into account] their unwillingness to take into account either our interests or the realities on the ground, it is not yet be possible to speak at the negotiating table. Such options are not visible, Lavrov added.However, Russia is ready for a political and diplomatic settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, the top diplomat noted.Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Since then, Russian and Ukrainian delegations have held several rounds of peace talks, but the negotiations eventually reached an impasse. In October 2022, Zelensky signed a decree stating that Kiev could not hold peace talks as long as Vladimir Putin was president of Russia. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/uk-ukraine-security-agreement-to-not-allow-kiev-to-exit-conflict-via-negotiations---moscow-1116220277.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International lavrov, lavrov stated duma, lavrov on ukraine, ukrainian crisis, ukrainian crisis settlement https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/no-reason-to-panic-about-purported-national-security-threat-us-lawmaker-says--1116784875.html No Reason to Panic About Purported National Security 'Threat', US Lawmaker Says No Reason to Panic About Purported National Security 'Threat', US Lawmaker Says Sputnik International People in the United States have no reason to panic about a purported threat to national security announced by US House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner, panel ranking member James Himes said on Wednesday. 2024-02-14T18:32+0000 2024-02-14T18:32+0000 2024-02-14T18:32+0000 americas mike turner joe biden jake sullivan us house intelligence committee us https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/14/1092401923_393:762:2679:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_e218be1b4e84386d7b72cf3c3204e568.jpg People should not panic, that is unequivocal, Himes said, as quoted by The Hill. Its something that the Congress and the administration does need to address in the medium to long run. Earlier on Wednesday, Turner said that the House Intelligence Committee made information available to all lawmakers concerning a serious national security threat. Turner also requested that US President Joe Biden declassify all information related to the threat. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan commenting on the development said on Wednesday that he is slated to meet with House leadership tomorrow to discuss a national security threat. "I reached out earlier this week to the Gang of Eight to offer myself up for a personal briefing to the Gang of Eight and in fact, we scheduled a briefing before House members of the Gang of Eight tomorrow," Sullivan said during a press briefing.He also said that he is confident in "President Biden and the decisions that he has taken; he is going to ensure the security of the American people going forward."Meanwhile, CNN reported citing unnamed sources that the threat is related to a "highly concerning and destabilizing" Russian capability. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230315/31trillion-national-debt-greatest-threat-to-us-not-russia-or-china-senator-1108433410.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240213/2024-munich-security-index-most-g7-nations-no-longer-see-russia-as-top-threat-1116761608.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International us national security threat, in any situation blame russia https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/russia-keen-to-expand-cooperation-with-neighbors-in-eurasia-1116778639.html Russia Keen to Expand Cooperation With Neighbors in Eurasia Russia Keen to Expand Cooperation With Neighbors in Eurasia Sputnik International Russia is keen to further expand cooperation with its neighbors in Eurasia, and will prioritize ties with them during its current chairmanship in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday. 2024-02-14T13:30+0000 2024-02-14T13:30+0000 2024-02-14T13:30+0000 russia russia eurasia cis collective security treaty organization (csto) sergey lavrov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0e/1116777991_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_02b9c240914459493d909dfe253f3598.jpg "Our unconditional priority is to further expand our multifaceted partnership with our closest neighbors in Eurasia. The Russian chairmanship of the CIS this year is focused on this task," Lavrov said during the government hour in the lower house of the parliament. It is also important to enhance stability in the region while expanding cooperation, the minister said. "Together with our allies, we are strengthening the potential of the CSTO [the Collective Security Treaty Organization] as a key regional defense structure responsible for ensuring the security of its member states and maintaining stability in Eurasia," Lavrov said. There appeared a new task of "forming a new architecture of continental security" in Eurasia, the minister added. The CIS is a regional cooperation organization created after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Its current members include Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as Turkmenistan as an associate member, and Moldova, which suspended participation in meetings and moved to denounce the convention on the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly in July 2023. Russia assumed the chairmanship of the CIS on January 1 and said that it aims to increase its international status, strengthen ties between the CIS and a number of regional associations, and jointly counter external challenges. https://sputnikglobe.com/20231222/putin-suggests-russias-security-council-discuss-ensuring-cis-collective-biological-security-1115745893.html russia eurasia 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 commonwealth of independent states (cis), russia-cis partnership, sergey lavrov https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/settler-sanctions-being-done-in-lieu-of-what-the-us-ought-to-be-doing-1116769825.html Settler Sanctions Being Done In Lieu of What the US Ought to be Doing Settler Sanctions Being Done In Lieu of What the US Ought to be Doing Sputnik International The Biden's administration decision to impose sanctions on four individual sanctions is being done "in lieu" of what the US "ought to be Doing" Dr. Radhika Desai told Radio Sputnik on Tuesday. 2024-02-14T03:49+0000 2024-02-14T03:49+0000 2024-02-14T03:53+0000 analysis israel-gaza conflict benjamin netanyahu joe biden israel west bank bank of israel saudi arabia sanctions palestine-israel conflict https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/08/1116061941_0:218:2922:1862_1920x0_80_0_0_72985d2aaec72102559ed586c28118b9.jpg Weeks later, it was reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu protested the order when speaking to Biden on the phone and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Israeli banks to ignore the order and told reporters that it is not possible for an Israeli citizen with Israeli money in an Israeli bank to be deprived of rights and assets due to an American order. However, Israeli banks complied with the order.The move by the Biden administration is woefully inadequate, according to Dr. Radhika Desai, a professor of Political Studies and director of the Geopolitical Economy Research Group at the University of Manitoba, who spoke with Sputniks The Critical Hour on Tuesday.However, the US is not doing this because, Desai says, Israel is a critical part of the infrastructure of US dominance, and that infrastructure has already become so diminished that they cant afford to lose Israel.The actions of the Netanyahu government arent necessary to protect that asset, Desai argues, which are only being taken to protect the Netanyahu administration, which relies on the worst elements in Israeli society.This has turned countries in the region against the US, including Saudi Arabia, which has begun to realize that simply allying, in a subservient way, to the United States does not serve its purposes, the professor clarified. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240209/iran-says-israel-will-drown-us-in-war-morass-of-middle-east-1116702577.html israel west bank saudi arabia palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Ian DeMartino Ian DeMartino 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 Ian DeMartino radhika desai, us sanctions on israel, us sanctions on settlers, illegal settlements in the west bank, what has the us done in palestine, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces, hostages, israeli military, hamas fighters, hamas soldiers, hamas military, killings of civilians, civilian infrastructure, civilians dead, civilians die, israel kills civilians, civilian casualties, civilian deaths https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/south-korea-to-participate-in-joint-multinational-drills-with-us-thailand---reports-1116774207.html South Korea to Participate in Joint Multinational Drills With US, Thailand - Reports South Korea to Participate in Joint Multinational Drills With US, Thailand - Reports Sputnik International South Korea will take part in the Cobra Gold large-scale multinational military drills to be jointly led by Thailand and the United States, the Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday, citing South Korean officials 2024-02-14T11:47+0000 2024-02-14T11:47+0000 2024-02-14T11:47+0000 military thailand south korea malaysia yonhap us military drills military exercises joint military exercises https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/11/1116220084_0:116:3231:1933_1920x0_80_0_0_b221909f17846706857b7dd4552b3162.jpg The exercise will be held in different parts of Thailand from February 26 to March 8. Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan are also expected to participate in the training, which will include landing operations, jungle warfare practice, underwater construction exercise, cyberdefense training and humanitarian operations, with the latter expected to be joined by China and India, the report said. South Korea's No Jeok Bong landing ship with about 330 service members on board will leave a Busan naval base and head to Thailand later on Wednesday, Yonhap reported. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240117/invasion-rehearsals-north-korea-slams-joint-us-south-korea--japan-drills-as-tensions-escalate-1116223165.html thailand south korea malaysia 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 south korean military drills, sk joint military drills, sk joint military drills with us, south korea and us military exercises https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/trump-almost-withdrew-us-from-nato-in-2018---former-national-security-adviser-1116773227.html Trump Almost Withdrew US From NATO in 2018, Ex-National Security Adviser Bolton Claims Trump Almost Withdrew US From NATO in 2018, Ex-National Security Adviser Bolton Claims Sputnik International Former US President Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric regarding NATO is a continuation of his policy as the head of state, former US National Security Advisor John Bolton said, adding that Trump had come close to withdrawing the United States from the alliance back in 2018 2024-02-14T10:01+0000 2024-02-14T10:01+0000 2024-02-14T10:25+0000 americas us donald trump john bolton russia washington nato https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/04/16/1094975991_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_77e6bac02ae8a8951976d035ece6a17c.jpg On Saturday, Trump said that during his presidency, the leader of an unspecified NATO nation had asked him whether Washington would protect that or other countries in the event of a possible attack by Russia, if they do not meet their defense spending obligations. Trump responded he would not and would encourage Russia to "do whatever the hell they want," stressing that NATO members "got to pay." By making such statements, Trump is seeking not to reinforce NATO, but to lay the foundation for leaving it, Bolton said, commenting on the fact that US citizens were not taking the former president's words seriously. "When Trump complains that NATO allies are not spending enough on defense, he's not complaining to get them to strengthen NATO. He's using it to bolster his excuse to get out," he said, adding that the former US leader had no idea of how damaging the possible consequences of such a withdrawal could be. The United States is the leader of the alliance, so its departure would be fatal for NATO's future, Bolton explained. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240211/carlsons-interview-putin-and-trump-seen-as-threat-by-davos-globalists--wall-street-analyst-1116731246.html americas russia washington Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International trump on nato, why is trump against nato, us leaving nato, us withdrawing from nato https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/ukraine-loses-up-to-360-soldiers-near-donetsk-direction---mod-1116781844.html Ukraine Loses Up to 360 Soldiers Near Donetsk Direction - Russian MoD Ukraine Loses Up to 360 Soldiers Near Donetsk Direction - Russian MoD Sputnik International Ukraine has lost up to 360 soldiers in the Donetsk region over the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Wednesday 2024-02-14T15:06+0000 2024-02-14T15:06+0000 2024-02-14T15:09+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukraine donetsk russia russian ministry of defense d-30 donetsk region https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/0c/05/1115404708_0:0:3055:1719_1920x0_80_0_0_ac963ec841a276a3601a27ab186d593c.jpg Russia repelled six Ukrainian attacks near the settlements of Bogdanovka, Ivanovskoye, Klescheyevka, Kurdyumovka, Andreyevka in the Donetsk Region. The enemy has lost up to 360 soldiers killed and wounded, six tanks, five infantry fighting vehicles, 20 vehicles, the Strela-10 anti-aircraft missile system, three US-made M777 artillery systems, a UK-made FH70 howitzer, two Msta-B howitzers, two D-30 guns, a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mount, two control points for drones and four ammunition depots, the MoD said. Ukraine has lost about 450 soldiers in the Kupyansk and the Krasny Liman areas, and some 160 soldiers south of Donetsk in the past day, the MoD added. ukraine donetsk russia donetsk region 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 russias special military op in ukraine, special military operation, special military operational zone, special op zone, russian troops in special op zone, ukraine casualties in conflict, total ukrainian losses, how many people did ukraine loose, how many people did kiev loose, new russian weapons in ukraine, advanced russian weapons, russian defense ministry statements, latest russian military statements, what did shoigu say about ukraine, donetsk peoples republic, nato in ukraine, is nato in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/us-prosecutors-reveal-hunter-biden-had-pictures-of-cocaine-in-his-phone---court-documents-1116768852.html US Prosecutors Reveal Hunter Biden Had Pictures of Cocaine in His Phone - Court Documents US Prosecutors Reveal Hunter Biden Had Pictures of Cocaine in His Phone - Court Documents Sputnik International Federal prosecutors revealed evidence from Hunter Biden's cell phone that shows pictures of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, court documents revealed. 2024-02-14T01:59+0000 2024-02-14T01:59+0000 2024-02-14T01:59+0000 americas hunter biden hunter biden charges drug addiction us joe biden drug abuse biden administration firearm possession drug use https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/02/0e/1116768695_0:198:3072:1926_1920x0_80_0_0_a30e288602b0113446ea6b720b8351b8.jpg The US President Joe Biden's son is facing charges over his alleged illegal purchase of a firearm. Hunter Biden refuses to plead guilty to allegedly lying about his drug use while filling out a form when purchasing a gun in October 2018. The court documents include four photos of "apparent" cocaine, crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. The court documents also show that Hunter Biden routinely sent text messages about purchasing drugs prior to the day he purchased the gun. Hunter Biden also sent a message to his then-girlfriend about his drug use, saying days after he purchased a gun "I was sleeping on a car smoking crack on 4th street and Rodney." The court documents show an exchange between Hunter Biden and his girlfriend about his drug addiction. In November 2018, Hunter Biden sent text messages to his girlfriend saying he is a "drunk" and an "addict." In December 28, 2018, he sent a separate text message to an individual stating that he will "... get sober when I want to get sober." https://sputnikglobe.com/20230914/hunter-biden-faces-up-to-25-years-in-prison-in-latest-indictment-1113378449.html americas Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International drug addict, drug addiction, hunter biden, biden family, firearm, drugs, purchase of a firearm, hunter loves drugs, plea deal, possession of a firearm, firearm possession, possession case, drug use, drug-addicted, drug-addicted son, drug-addicted biden, drug-addicted hunter, taxes, failure to pay taxes, hunter's taxes, biden's taxes https://sputnikglobe.com/20240214/yemens-houthis-claim-to-have-stopped-ship-traffic-to-israeli-ports-1116769527.html Yemen's Houthis Claim to Have Stopped Ship Traffic to Israeli Ports Yemen's Houthis Claim to Have Stopped Ship Traffic to Israeli Ports Sputnik International Naval forces of the Ansar Allah movement, also known as the Houthis, have prevented the passage through the Gulf of Aden of all ships that have been heading to Israeli ports recently, the movement's leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said on Tuesday. 2024-02-14T02:48+0000 2024-02-14T02:48+0000 2024-02-14T02:48+0000 military houthis gulf of aden yemen israel houthis palestine-israel conflict israeli-palestinian conflict red sea us https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/03/17/1094120448_121:38:668:345_1920x0_80_0_0_1a3f8b8dceeb27897deebf000364e187.jpg "Operations of Yemen's naval forces have resulted in a great victory - a complete halt to the passage of Israeli-affiliated ships to Israeli ports. During these weeks, not a single ship related to the Israeli enemy has been able to pass through the Gulf of Aden. It is a great victory and a real achievement, as well as proof of the effectiveness of Yemen's maritime operations," the leader said in a video message aired by the Al-Masirah broadcaster. The Houthi movement, which controls large parts of northern and western Yemen, vowed in November 2023 to attack any ships associated with Israel until it halts military actions in the Gaza Strip. This led US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to announce the creation of a multinational operation to secure navigation in the Red Sea. US and UK forces later launched major strikes against Houthi positions in a bid to degrade the rebels' ability to target commercial vessels. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240114/asymmetric-warfare-why-the-houthis-can-beat-the-collective-west-1116154913.html yemen israel red sea united kingdom (uk) 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 ansar allah movement, the houthis, gulf of aden, houthi ship attack, yemen ship attack, us aircraft carrier yemen, houthi strikes, us sends warships against houthis, war on yemen, red sea crisis, yemen, houthis, houthi rebels, houtis attacked us vessel, us ship, us vessel, us attacked by houthis in red sea, middle east crisis Math teacher Dayna Soares goes over a class assignment reviewing linear equations, slopes and reciprocals during her Algebra 2 class at Mission High School in in 2019. Algebra 1 will once again be back in San Francisco middle schools starting this fall. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Algebra 1 will once again be back in San Francisco middle schools starting this fall, the school board decided Tuesday, but many of the parents fighting to get it there remained angry and frustrated at what will be a three-year rollout. The board voted 6-1 to offer the course to eighth graders during the school day next year in about a third of the districts 13 middle schools and six K-8 schools. Students at the remaining schools will be able to take it either through a supported online class or through summer school. The rest of the schools would add Algebra 1 to the school day over the following two years meaning hundreds of eighth graders will have to take it remotely, during vacation time or wait until high school during that transition period. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Still, the vote seemed to resolve a decade-long battle that has included protests, a lawsuit, and an upcoming ballot measure in March urging the district to give students the opportunity to speed up the math sequence. The fight has reflected a broader conflict in the district over how much to emphasize equity versus merit, and how to balance the needs of struggling students against those of high-achieving students. While some members of the public urged the board to speed up the process, district officials said they need to ramp up to ensure there are the resources and staffing in place. Were going to be having middle school teachers who havent taught algebra in 10 years teaching algebra, said Superintendent Matt Wayne, explaining the three-year rollout. We know people are eager for this change to happen. District officials said adding Algebra 1 to eighth-grade course offerings at every school wasnt feasible for the fall, given a shortage of qualified teachers and adequate lead time. Board members Kevine Boggess and Alida Fisher questioned whether the district had the resources as well as time to ensure implementation will be successful for all students, but specifically higher-needs students. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We have schools that dont even have credentialed math teachers, said Fisher said. How are we going to pull this off? Boggess was the lone no vote against the motion. In addition, district officials want to use pilot programs to try three different ways to offer the course at the first-year schools, including enrolling all eighth graders in Algebra 1; enrolling students based on interest or readiness; and allowing students to take separate courses in eighth-grade math and Algebra 1 during the school day. The district is expected to announce which schools will begin teaching Algebra 1 in the upcoming school year by March 15. District officials pulled the course out of middle school 10 years ago, saying they wanted to delay tracking students into separate math sequences until high school, an effort they hoped would push more disadvantaged students into higher math courses. The results were disappointing, district officials said. Parents argued the move only held back high-achieving students. For most of those years, parents have been fighting to give eighth graders the opportunity to take Algebra 1 in middle school. Students who take Algebra 1 in middle school have a more direct path to taking calculus as high school seniors without having to take summer school or double up on math courses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im excited about moving forward, said board President Lainie Motamedi. I look forward to hearing how things are going. The vote Tuesday is part of a comprehensive review of math instruction and course sequencing given declines in student achievement in recent years across the district, in part because of the pandemic. Matt Damon has expressed his love for horse racing as the American actor, producer and screenwriter is the latest celebrity to join the ranks of racehorse ownership. Damon is listed as co-owner of an Australian two-year-old Thoroughbred named Dale. Trained by Paul Messara and Leah Gavranich, the maiden Castelvecchio-Gesemi colt debuted at Randwick Kensington Racecourse on Jan. 31 with Tim Clark aboard, finishing sixth in a tough race won by Getafix. His next race is slated for Sunday, Feb. 18 at Muswellbrook Racecourse. According to an article on racenet.com.au, Damon met Messara through his partner in ownership, Paul O'Brien, a mutual friend that operates a VIP air charter service. "We spent the day together at Flemington on Derby Day last year, he loves racing, and asked me to get him into a horse," Messara told racenet.com.au. Damon had one special request when looking to get into racehorse ownership with his partners and that was to name the horse Dale after the character in the movie Step Brothers, which is the Oscar-winning actor's favourite movie to watch with his 17-year-old daughter. She will reportedly join the ownership once she turns 18, as per Australian racing rules. "We had a Castelvecchio colt at the time that had been passed in at Magic Millions," Messara told racenet.com.au. "The horse was coming along nicely so I thought maybe this could be Dale. Then I had to make sure the name was available, which it was.'' Messara said he believes the big colt will be better suited to run at the mile distance and will improve as a three-year-old. (With files from racenet.com.au) Boy Scout Josh Hay smiled at a job well done as fire engulfed the former auditorium of Eastside Baptist Church in Mooresville on Saturday. The atmosphere at the church was a light and jovial one as Hays Eagle Scout project was a win for him, the church and several fire departments. I like the fact its not like most Eagle projects, Hay said Saturday as he explained the organization and work required to make it happen. I like this project because its more of me getting everything together and its gonna be way cooler seeing the building burn, the actual fruits of labor coming together. Im not the best at building things anyway. While many may think of building something for an Eagle Scout project, Troop 169s Hay saw he could help his church, which also would provide a valuable training opportunity for local firefighters. Run after run after run, trying to get repetitions. We dont do as many burns as we used to, so anytime we can get a structure donated to us, the live training is better than any other training, Firefighter Jason Starr said. He was the lead instructor on the day. These conditions we create today, theyre the best conditions we can make in a controlled atmosphere to practice on a live fire. South Iredell Fire-Rescue and other fire departments in the area loaded wood pallets and hay into the building to practice as if they were in a residential fire situation, but of course in a much more controlled environment. Teams took turns advancing hoses through the smoky building to the location of the fire and extinguishing it before another group of firefighters practiced the same. Up in smoke Pastor Tom Wiggs of Eastside Baptist said the building wasnt being used and had structural concerns that werent in the budget to fix. While plans arent set in stone, he said that a playground, pickleball courts, or another way of using the space for the benefit of the community are being considered. A few options for clearing the building had been discussed by the church, but Wiggs said things came together for Hay to plan a controlled burn with the fire department. Weve had so much fun talking to these guys as they were getting ready, and even watching them as they work, and helping Josh out. Were also looking forward to what comes next, so were excited, Wiggs said. But such a project wasnt as simple as one call to the South Iredell Fire Department to organize. Months of planning, paperwork, logistics and effort were needed to get the parties on the same page. He lined up all the inspections, he did a real good job, and was very helpful along the whole process. He was great to work with, Starr said. On top of that, Hay and his family were ready to serve hot dogs, hamburgers, sides and drinks to firefighters and the community gathered to see the building go up in smoke. Now, Hay will do more paperwork and have his project under review before earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Fellow Boy Scout Vincent Bindus, who did his Eagle Scout project last year and is waiting as well, said most people dont realize how much goes into even the simplest of projects like this. You learn a lot as you go, and you have to re-learn a lot, Bindus said. I couldnt imagine the amount of emails he sent to get the firefighters, paramedics, policemen here today. That hard work is why not every Scout only about 5% earns the rank of Eagle and why its the highest honor a Boy Scout can earn. Its very impressive, thats the point of the Eagle Scout projects: To benefit the community and show leadership, and his character, and very much a learning experience, said Mark Bindus, Scoutmaster for Troop 169. Thats why often Eagle Scouts are often leaders in the community. Mark Bindus said the important part is planning and community service, regardless if thats building something up or tearing it down. This was a great, unusual idea, Mark Bindus said. Its a culmination of many years of hard work for him, and he definitely deserves to obtain Eagle, and Im proud to have worked with him over the years. Family affair Because the planned burn on Saturday was a controlled environment, many of the firefighters were joined by family members who dont often get to see their loved ones at work. Whitney Quarles and her boys, Liam and Landon, were watching as Jared Quarles and other firefighters practiced and kept the fire under control on Saturday. This is their first one, Whitney said. They wanted to see daddy, and daddy really wanted our 4-year-old to ride with him in the truck today. According to information acquired by Asharq Al-Awsat, the initiative encompasses a comprehensive restructuring of the constituent forces within the National Army. Sources within the Syrian opposition have unveiled a strategic plan aimed at revamping the Turkish-backed National Army. This initiative involves consolidating certain units, streamlining manpower, and ultimately enhancing security measures in northern Syria. The overarching goal is to bolster the authority of the Ministry of Defense of the Syrian Interim Government, which has faced persistent criticism for perceived inefficacy. Central to this restructuring effort is the dissolution of the Advisory Council, slated to be replaced by a more authoritative military council comprising seasoned officers. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on leveraging the newly established Military Academy to train both officers and non-commissioned officers, augmenting the National Armys personnel pool. Concurrently, there will be a concerted effort to diminish the proliferation of factions and disband formations that have proliferated over the past couple of years in northern Syria, including entities like the Joint Force and the Unified Force, among others. Content of the plan According to information acquired by Asharq Al-Awsat, the initiative encompasses a comprehensive restructuring of the constituent forces within the National Army, along with overhauling the military police and tightening control over internal crossings. Additionally, it aims to bolster the capabilities of the Ministry of Defense to effectively exercise its authority. Leaders and officials within the Ministry of Defense of the interim government have disclosed that the implementation of this plan commenced at the outset of the current year (2024). It involves compelling local formations that had defected from the three National Army corps and formed the Shahba Gathering to reintegrate into their original factions and sever their ties with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In line with these efforts, informal crossings between areas controlled by HTS and the National Army are slated for closure, to be replaced by a single official crossing. This measure aims to enhance security and thwart any potential infiltration attempts by Tahrir al-Sham, as confirmed by sources. Regarding the restructuring aspect, the number of factions within the National Army will be streamlined from 27 to 18. This will involve merging certain factions based on weapon types and technical expertise, while phasing out the current division and brigade names in favor of coded numerical designations, thereby eliminating regional or ideological affiliations. Furthermore, the plan entails a gradual reduction of fighter numbers by half over several months. A portion of these personnel will be reassigned to the reformed military police, with expanded authorities granted to them as part of the reform efforts. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. The U.S. revealed that the Pentagon's anti-ISIS mission had been disrupted by attacks from Iran-backed militias on U.S. bases, according to al-Modon. 17 members of the Syrian regime forces were killed in a series of attacks by ISIS cells on separate locations in the Syrian desert within 72 hours, bringing the death toll of the regime and its loyal militias to 90 since the beginning of 2024. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, nine members of the regime were killed and three others wounded in an attack by ISIS members on a gathering of regime forces in the Dweizin area in the desert of the eastern Hama countryside in northern Syria. Additionally, four members of the regime were killed and two wounded, including an officer, due to the explosion of a landmine planted by extremist group cells during a military vehicle passage in the village of Darwishiya of the Jub al-Jarrah district in the desert of the eastern countryside of Homs. The Observatory reported that three members of the regime forces succumbed to wounds sustained in an attack by ISIS cells three days prior, targeting points of the regime and the National Defense militia supporting it, between the towns of Taybeh and Sukhna in the desert of the eastern countryside of Homs, bringing the death toll of the attack to four regime soldiers. Consequently, the death toll of regime forces and their auxiliary militias since the beginning of 2024 has risen to 90, falling victim to 41 attacks by ISIS cells in various areas of the Syrian desert, as per the Observatorys data. A week earlier, ISIS cells launched four attacks on Syrian regime forces positions in the Syrian desert, one of which targeted the vicinity of the Arak gas field, northeast of the city of Palmyra in the countryside of Homs. In response, the regime forces deployed military reinforcements from the 17th and 18th divisions and members of the National Defense, along with military equipment, vehicles, field guns, and ammunition to their military points stationed near the Dubayat gas field in the eastern countryside of Homs. This move coincided with the increasing intensity of the organizations attacks in separate areas within the regime forces influence. On Sunday, Robert Strauch, the inspector general of Operation Inherent Resolve at the U.S. Armys Combined Joint Task Force Command, revealed that the Pentagons anti-ISIS mission had been disrupted by attacks from Iran-backed militias on U.S. bases. These attacks diverted attention and resources away from Operation Inherent Resolve and impeded momentum, Strauch said, emphasizing that international coalition officials had to balance immediate security challenges while strengthening the capabilities of local partners in the long term. This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author. Your daily brief of the English speaking press on Syria. President Joe Biden has reiterated the United States commitment to responding to the January 28 attack on U.S. forces in northeast Jordan, which claimed the lives of three American soldiers. Concurrently, Cyprus has announced ongoing negotiations with Lebanon regarding the repatriation of 116 Syrian migrants rescued off its shores after Beirut initially declined to accept them. In other news, reports indicate that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has established a timetable for Canada and the Netherlands to present their case against the Syrian regime for alleged violations of the Convention Against Torture, with submissions expected by February 3, 2025. Biden: Response to Deadly Attack on Troops Will Continueas U.S. to Maintain Forces in Iraq, Syria President Joe Biden affirmed the U.S. will continue to respond to the January 28 attack on U.S. forces in northeast Jordan, which resulted in the death of three American soldiers, a Kurdish news agency has reported. This stance underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining its military presence in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria, despite opposition from Baghdad and pressure from Iran and its proxies. The attack and subsequent U.S. military actions highlight ongoing tensions and the strategic importance of the region to U.S. interests, especially in supporting local partners like the Kurds in Iraq and Syria. Bidens comments, made alongside Jordans King Abdullah II, emphasize the importance of the U.S.-Jordan alliance and the broader U.S. strategy in combating Iranian-backed militant groups and ensuring regional stability. Cyprus Says Lebanon Blocked Return Of 116 Syrian Migrants Cyprus said on Tuesday it was in discussions with Lebanon over the return of 116 Syrian migrants rescued off its coast after Beirut refused to accept them back. The migrants, AFP reported, were rescued in international waters 30 nautical miles off Cyprus at the weekend after departing Lebanon by boat, Cypriot officials said. Cyprus, the European Unions easternmost member, has for years had an agreement in place with Lebanon for the return of irregular migrants. Migrants, asylum seekers and refugees who leave Lebanon by boat are generally seeking a better life in Europe, and often head for the Mediterranean island, less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) away. Cypriot Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said the rescue of the 116 migrants from war-torn Syria was launched on Sunday after the Lebanese authorities raised the alarm. The following day, three Cypriot police and national guard vessels escorted them back to Lebanon, but they were denied entry, said Ioannou. Unfortunately, the authorities of Lebanon did not accept the return of those on board the Lebanese vessel, he said. What is expected in the International Court of Justice case against the Syrian regime? In an extensive report, Enab Baladi says that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has set a timeline for Canada and the Netherlands to present their case against the Syrian regime for violations of the Convention Against Torture, with submissions due by February 3, 2025, and Syrias counter-response by February 3, 2026. This legal action stems from allegations of Syrias gross and systematic failure to prevent torture and other inhumane treatments, highlighting the international communitys effort to hold the regime accountable. The first hearing, initially scheduled for July 19, 2023, was postponed to October 10 and 11, 2023, upon Syrias request. However, the Syrian governments failure to attend led to the cancellation of the second session, suggesting the regimes uncertainty on how to address the courts proceedings. This absence and the subsequent cancellation underscore the seriousness of the accusations and the international communitys pursuit of justice. Legal and human rights experts anticipate that the ICJs ruling could criminalize the Syrian government for acts of torture, marking a significant judicial precedent with potential political implications, especially against normalization with the Assad regime. This lawsuit highlights the ongoing struggle for accountability and justice in Syria, amidst efforts by the regime to potentially undermine legal processes, including the possibility of erasing evidence or intimidating key personnel. The ICJs provisional measures, ordered in October 2023, require Syria to prevent torture and preserve evidence related to such acts, reflecting international commitment to addressing human rights violations. The decision has been hailed by human rights organizations as a historic step towards protecting civilians and enforcing international law against torture and inhumane treatment. Introduction: On February 12, 2024, a historic moment unfolded as the Honble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, along with counterparts from Mauritius and Sri Lanka, inaugurated the RuPay cards and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connectivity between the nations. The Reserve Bank of India Governor, Shri Shaktikanta Das, played a pivotal role, alongside counterparts from Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Enhanced Travel Payments: The connectivity allows Indian travelers in Mauritius and Sri Lanka to make seamless UPI payments. Conversely, Mauritian travelers can utilize the Instant Payment System (IPS) app for transactions in India. The adoption of RuPay technology in Mauritius marks a significant milestone, making it the first country outside Asia to issue RuPay cards. These cards can be utilized locally and in India, providing convenience for cross-border transactions. Digital Payments Connectivity with Sri Lanka: The collaboration extends to Sri Lanka, where Indian travelers can now make QR code-based payments at various merchant locations using UPI apps. This move not only simplifies transactions but also promotes digital payment methods, aligning with the global trend towards cashless economies. Execution by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL): The projects were developed and executed by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) in collaboration with partner banks and non-banks from Mauritius and Sri Lanka. The support of the Reserve Bank of India, Bank of Mauritius, and Central Bank of Sri Lanka played a crucial role in making these advancements possible. Operational through select banks, non-banks, and Third-Party Application Providers, these facilities are set to be scaled up for broader accessibility. Conclusion: The launch of RuPay cards and UPI connectivity signifies a significant step in deepening financial integration between India, Mauritius, and Sri Lanka. The collaboration not only enhances travel payments but also strengthens the historical, cultural, and economic ties shared by these nations. The Reserve Bank of Indias proactive role in facilitating these advancements reflects a commitment to fostering technological progress and financial inclusion. ***** Reserve Bank of India February 12, 2024 Honorable Prime Minister of India, Honorable Prime Minister of Mauritius and Honorable President of Sri Lanka witnessed the launch of Indias RuPay / UPI connectivity with Mauritius and Sri Lanka Honble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Honble Prime Minister of Mauritius, Mr. Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, and Honble President of Sri Lanka Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe today witnessed the virtual launch of RuPay cards and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) connectivity between India and Mauritius, as well as UPI connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. Reserve Bank of India Governor, Shri Shaktikanta Das, Bank of Mauritius Governor, Mr. Harvesh Seegolam, and Central Bank of Sri Lanka Governor, Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe were also present on the occasion. 2. With this connectivity, an Indian traveler to Mauritius will be able to pay a merchant in Mauritius using UPI. Similarly, a Mauritian traveller will be able to do the same in India using the Instant Payment System (IPS) app of Mauritius. Further, with the adoption of RuPay technology, the MauCAS card scheme of Mauritius will enable banks in Mauritius to issue RuPay cards domestically. Such cards can be used at ATMs and PoS terminals locally in Mauritius as well as in India. With this, Mauritius becomes the first country outside Asia to issue cards using RuPay technology. Indian RuPay cards would also be accepted at ATMs and PoS terminals in Mauritius. 3. The digital payments connectivity with Sri Lanka will enable Indian travelers to make QR code-based payments at merchant locations in Sri Lanka using their UPI apps. 4. These projects have been developed and executed by NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) along with partner banks / non-banks from Mauritius and Sri Lanka, under the guidance and support of Reserve Bank of India. The Bank of Mauritius and the Central Bank of Sri Lanka have also played an important role in making these possible. The above facilities have been made operational through select banks / non-banks / Third Party Application Providers in India, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Going forward, these facilities will be scaled up. 5. The collaborations on Indias digital payments connectivity with Mauritius and Sri Lanka through UPI and RuPay will deepen financial integration and strengthen the long historical, cultural, and economic relations of India with Mauritius and Sri Lanka. (Yogesh Dayal) Chief General Manage Press Release: 2023-2024/1858 Roger Edward Curiel the man who stabbed another unhoused man so severely the victim lost his forearm at Longviews HOPE Village pleaded guilty Tuesday afternoon. Its been nearly a year since Curiels arrest in the parked boat at Dans Trans and Auto, just a stones throw from the city of Longviews tiny home site for the homeless. On Tuesday, Curiel was dressed in a green jail uniform and answered softly as presiding Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Thad Scudder asked how he pleaded to the charge of first-degree assault. According to Scudder, Curiel, 44, of Longview could face the next roughly seven to 10 years in state prison, three years of community custody and have to pay $50,000 for the stabbing that took the left forearm and hand of Willis Jay Grimm, 50, of Longview, a fellow HOPE Village resident at the time of the attack. The plea deal includes a no-contact order, and Curiel received a strike; two more, and he could serve a life sentence. If Curiels case had gone to trial, the state would have amended the initial first-degree assault charge to attempted murder, where he could have potentially received a much higher sentence of roughly 17 to 23 years. The stabbing Court records show HOPE Village provided law enforcement with a video, narrated by the site manager, that shows the attack and various interactions between the defendant and Mr. Grimm. Curiel is described as approaching Grimm as to say something in his ear, but then pushes him, knocking Grimm out of sight of the camera but still showing Curiel making stabbing motions toward the victims arm. According to the report that led to Curiels arrest, at about 10:25 p.m. April 3, 2023, police arrived at HOPE Village, located at 1451 Alabama St., where they found Grimm bleeding from stab wounds. Grimm told The Daily News in 2023 that the attack caused his lungs to collapse and stopped his heart at least once. Curiel allegedly stabbed Grimm in his chest plate, shoulder, arm, and hand. Scudder read Curiels statement Tuesday that said he used a knife to stab Grimm. Longview police spokesperson Branden McNew told The Daily News Wednesday the weapon was not recovered. Annie is a reporter for The San Francisco Chronicle. She previously was a digital producer for The Chronicles Datebook section. She graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in 2017 with a degree in journalism. During her time there, she spearheaded a culture column, produced radio pieces for NPR-affiliate station KCBX, and was a DJ and writer for KCPR, the campus radio station. Before joining the Chronicle, she was an associate producer at SFGATE and interned at VICE and Flood Magazine. Shes particularly interested in communities and scenes that are often misunderstood. She can be reached at avainshtein@sfchronicle.com. Despite tentative plans to end a Longview program to help the city directly receive certain housing funds, the City Council has OKd a five-year plan to address the local housing crisis. The City Council unanimously adopted the plan at last weeks meeting, allowing the city to spend revenue collected since separating from a county housing program last year when commissioners refused to fund Longviews tiny home site for the homeless called HOPE Village. As of January, the city had collected about $167,000 worth of that revenue on city-filed document recording fees, which are charges on certain local documents like real estate transactions which go toward housing. But a vote in the spring could make the newly adopted plan obsolete, and revert control of document recording fee revenue for housing back to the county, leaving fewer options to fund HOPE Village. Last month the council voted 4-3 to move toward disbanding Longviews homeless housing response program. If councilmembers vote in April to disband the city program, Longviews new housing plan would be moot and they will have given up authority to apply for certain homeless housing grants, said Longview City Manager Kris Swanson. What is the plan for? In the past, the county has been the only local municipality with a homeless housing response program and the state requirement to make a five-year housing plan. However, last year, Longview created its own homeless housing response program to receive document recording fee revenue directly, rather than go through the county, after commissioners decided not to fund HOPE Village. Councilmembers Spencer Boudreau, Keith Young, Erik Halvorson and Kalie LaFave voted in January to move forward with dissolving that program and return to the countys program, with a tentative vote set for April to complete the process. LaFave and Halvorson have said rejoining the countys program would help the council rebuild relationships between the municipalities. LaFave told The Daily News this week she plans to talk to county commissioners to better understand their unwillingness to fund HOPE Village. During the Feb. 8 meeting, Swanson said it took between $80,000 to $100,000 a month to fund the tiny home site in 2023, fluctuating depending on need. About $470,000 in Emergency Housing Funds was appropriated to use at HOPE Village last year. Swanson said the city is already in the process of applying for this fund again, but if the council disbands the homeless housing response program in the spring the city would no longer be able to apply for the money. Instead, it would be up to the county to apply. In total, the city spent just under $1 million on HOPE Village in 2023, with the other portions of funding coming from the citys general fund and an un-renewable federal grant intended to help communities recover from COVID. The city is also requesting $1.5 million per year from Washingtons operational budget, which could fund the project outright if it is approved. Last year, a similar funding request for HOPE Village was denied, with the Ways and Means Committee instead providing $2.5 million to the Lewis County Homeless Shelter in Chehalis. What are the plan's goals? Currently the five goals in the county plan are: Increase access to affordable housing units, such as workforce housing, low-income tax credit housing, subsidized housing and other options that create housing affordability. Maintain a coordinated entry system for housing and housing related services in the community. Increase prevention and education opportunities by supporting prevention and education projects. Maintain and consistently evaluate a crisis response system in Cowlitz County, evaluate the current system's capacity, and review characteristics of the homeless population and the resources available to meet its need. Increase the use of data and coordinate with local and state partners to collect and review data to drive strategies and decision making. What is Longviews plan? The housing plan Longview adopted last week is nearly identical to the countys plan. We felt like (the countys plan) was solid, and it would be easier to build upon it than drafting our own, Swanson said. Collecting accurate data about the citys homeless population is a state requirement already implemented in the countys plan, added Kendall, who is on both the Longview and Cowlitz County homeless housing task forces. That data is already collected at the county level, she said, so it would be redundant to collect the same data at the city level. When we looked at the city priorities that we identified at our task force they fit very nicely into those county goals, Kendall said. Longviews plan also includes options to create future addendums to target city-specific projects. Kendall said addendums are scheduled to be discussed and voted on at the next Longview Homeless Housing Task Force meeting on Feb. 26. The Washington State Department of Commerce is updating guidelines for housing plans in July, and Kendall said, regardless of whether the city has rejoined the countys program or not, the city should coordinate with the county task force to update the plan with those new guidelines. A member of a local nonprofit recently celebrated six decades of service. Mark Bell has been with the Altrusa Club of Longview-Kelso for 60 years, joining the group when the country was in the Vietnam War and The Beatles topped the charts, according to a press release from the organization. Bell said in the release when she started working in Kelso in 1963, many women she met were Altrusa members. When other service organizations opened to women, Bell stayed loyal to the club that invited her in when others would not. When asked to serve at any level, say yes, she said in the release. Bell has held such Altrusa chapter positions as treasurer, director, president, and membership chairperson. She used her quick wit in her role as the All for Fun Altrusan, the press release states. As part of one of her roles with the group, Altrusans took First Aid classes at the YMCA, and within a few months member Helen Price used the Heimlich maneuver on a woman who was choking, and member Lois Brudi resuscitated her husband when he had a heart attack, the press release states. Bell helped make Longviews Clearview Park now Victoria Freeman Park a reality. She, Price, Shirley Heitzmann and Sallie Ivie helped sell reject cabinet doors donated to the organization to tole painters, and raised over $60,000 for the community. Bell is a WWII buff and loves to read about women of importance in history. She and her husband Don operated Bell Insurance in Kelso for years. The couple also had pilot licenses and flew a small airplane. India risks losing out to China and Vietnam as it seeks to become a major smartphone export hub and must "act fast" to lure global companies with lower tariffs, the deputy IT minister said in government documents seen by Reuters. Smartphone manufacturing is a key plank of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitions to boost the economy and create jobs by attracting companies such as Apple, Foxconn and Samsung to India, the world's second-largest mobile market where production grew 16% year-on-year to $44 billion last year. That success, Modi's government says, is mostly due to financial incentives given to companies to produce more. But lawmakers and lobby groups for Apple and other firms argue India's high tariffs are a deterrent for companies de-risking their supply chains beyond China, and nations such as Vietnam, Thailand and Mexico have raced ahead in phone exports by offering lower tariffs on components. We are on WhatsApp Channels. Click to join. A Jan. 3 letter and a confidential presentation drafted by Indian deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and sent to the Finance Minister, show the extent of his ministry's concerns about losing out due to the uncompetitive tariffs. "India has high production cost due to highest tariffs amongst key manufacturing destinations," wrote Chandrasekhar in the documents, which were seen by Reuters. "The geopolitical realignment is forcing supply chains to shift out of China ... We must act now, or they will shift to Vietnam, Mexico and Thailand." Chandrasekhar and India's IT ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Lower tariffs on components is key to India's ambitions to attract smartphone manufacturers. "Made in India" phones use many parts made locally, but companies import many high-end parts from China and elsewhere due to supply chain limitations. These parts are then subject to the high tariffs the government has put in place to protect the local manufacturers, raising overall costs. U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti recently said foreign investments were not flowing into India at the pace they should be, and were going to countries like Vietnam instead, because of the tariffs. "If you tax inputs ... you're not protecting a market. What you are doing is limiting a market," he said. Chandrasekhar in his documents flagged how lower taxes in China and Vietnam helped boost their exports. Exports accounted for only 25% of India's smartphone production last year, compared with 63% of China's $270 billion worth of production and 95% of Vietnam's $40 billion worth, he said. "MATCH CHINA, BEAT VIETNAM" India is seeking to account for 25% of global electronics manufacturing by 2029, but the official documents showed its stake was currently at just 4%, even though Apple, Foxconn and Xiaomi had all boosted production recently. Chandrasekhar's documents were addressed to India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month to lobby for lower tariffs in the annual budget. The finance ministry did lower taxes on some components, including battery covers, to 10% from 15%, but did not agree to many other tariff cut requests. The finance ministry and Sitharaman's office did not respond to requests for comment. India still imposes a 20% tax on parts including chargers, some circuit boards and fully assembled phones. The IT minister wanted those taxes to be reduced to 15% this year. Chandrasekhar also argued that Vietnam and China do not levy tariffs above 10% on components from their "most-favoured nation" trading partners or nations with whom they have free-trade agreements. India does not do that and imposes "high" tariffs on many components, he said. "We have to match China and beat Vietnam on tariffs to attract" global supply chains, Chandrasekhar wrote. "No country with high tariffs has or can attract" them. LOCAL MARKET SATURATING, EXPORTS FOCUS Last week, Xiaomi privately asked New Delhi to lower tariffs on more components used in cameras and USB cables, saying it will help "aligning with the competitive manufacturing economies like China and Vietnam." While surging local demand has helped keep the local manufacturing industry profitable, Chandrasekhar said in his letter that this "domestic market of smartphones will shortly near saturation" and as users don't change phones that often. India's goal to take mobile phone production to over $100 billion a year - with 50% of that exported - needs a new strategy, the minister said. "Tariffs are becoming a hurdle," the minister said in his presentation. "We need to shift tariff policy to suit our new ambitions. Exports, not domestic." Also, read other top stories today: Sam Altman says he does not like ChatGPT name! Calls it horrible. So, if you are entering the world of AI, make sure you name your chatbot properly. Some interesting details in this article. Check it out here. Big Tech Crackdown Evaded! Apple's iMessage and Microsoft's Bing search engine, Edge web browser and Advertising service will avoid strict new European Union rules reining in Big Tech platforms. Read more about it here. Love Based on Financial Status? One of the few online dating moves that still makes people squeamish is filtering prospective partners based on financial status, and sites such as Millionaire Match emphasize prioritizing money. Know all about it here. Nokia announced the launch of MX Workmate, a suite of operational technology (OT)-compliant tools, that makes it easier for industrial workers to interact with industrial machines. MX Workmate leverages Generative AI (GenAI) and large language module (LLM) technologies to generate contextual, human-like language content based on real-time OT data, enabling workers to understand complex machines, get real time status information and industries to achieve greater flexibility, productivity, sustainability, as well as improve worker safety. Organizations worldwide already face a skilled labor shortage. A survey by global organizational consulting firm Korn Ferry, predicts a deficit of 85 million skilled tech workers globally by 2030 totaling $8.5 trillion of potential lost revenue. The effective use of AI tools can alleviate some of the HR crunch while boosting current employee capabilities. However, current GenAI LLM solutions are not compliant with stringent OT requirements, including reliability, availability, security and data sovereignty. Nokia MX Workmate addresses this challenge by adapting GenAI LLM technology to OT environments by onboarding all enablers to the Nokia OT-compliant on-premise edge compute solution MX Industrial Edge (MXIE). It integrates innovations such as AI hallucination elimination while running parallel LLMs and provides APIs to communicate with applications that will provide OT data needed. Using Nokia Team Comms, workers will be able to query the assistant and it will send real-time contextual information to connected workers packaged into messages that are easy-to-understand using natural human language. In addition, the solution will integrate AI auditing capabilities ensuring strict adherence to OT standards using real-time insights and automated, supported analytics capabilities to streamline workflows and avoid costly errors. This new man-to/from-machine communication utilizing natural language processing can assist workers on factory-floors to receive real-time information about production status, volume and quality and recommendation on how to improve these KPIs. Real-time data evaluation based early warnings can serve preventive maintenance needs to avoid major machine failures, thus minimizing downtime. Continuous risk evaluation also ensures that relevant safety instructions are promptly delivered to workers in case of emergency. Reece Hayden, Senior Analyst, ABI Research, said: Since 2023, the enterprise market has shown continued interest in generative AI adoption. Manufacturers are no different; many are looking to invest in solutions that reduce costs or unlock new revenue opportunities. However, strict operational technology (OT) requirements have, so far, slowed deployments on the production floor. Nokia MX Workmate is the first Gen AI solution designed for production floors that effectively addresses many of these challenges. It provides contextually relevant and real time information exchange between connected workers and complicated OT-systems in a secure and reliable way using natural human language. ABI Research expects that this will offer tangible time savings for employees presenting deployers with significant cost optimization and safety opportunities. Stephan Litjens, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Nokia, said, AI is a key element of industrial transformation. MX Workmate leverages the combined benefits of our One platform for business-critical wireless connectivity with OT compliant on-prem compute edge for I4.0 applications and worker devices. MX Workmate Generative AI LLM capabilities will change the OT environment, enabling industries to enhance their teams skills to improve efficiency, increase productivity and fully integrate IT/OT operations. It is a great opportunity for enterprises eager to advance their digitalization strategy but face challenges due to the gap in workforce expertise Nokia MX Workmate will be showcased for the first time on Nokias booth 3A20 at MWC2024. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Tech giants including Meta, Microsoft, Google and OpenAI are working on a pact to jointly crack down on AI content intended to deceive voters ahead of crucial elections around the world this year, companies involved said Tuesday. Currently under negotiation by the companies, this so-called "accord" on deepfakes and other dangerous content is set to be announced during the Munich Security conference on Friday. "In a critical year for global elections, technology companies are working on an accord to combat the deceptive use of AI targeted at voters," a spokesperson for Meta said in an emailed statement to AFP on Tuesday. "Adobe, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, TikTok and others are working jointly toward progress on this shared objective," the statement added. According to the Washington Post, which first reported the existence of the project, the companies will agree to develop ways to identify, label and control AI-generated images, videos and audio that aim to deceive voters. The idea comes as big tech companies are under considerable pressure over fears that AI-powered applications could be misused in a pivotal election year. Meta, Google and OpenAI have already agreed to use a common watermarking standard that would tag images generated by their AI applications, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot or Google's Gemini (formerly Bard). Recent examples of convincing AI deepfakes have only heightened worries about the easily accessible technology. Last month, a robocall impersonation of US President Joe Biden pushed out to tens of thousands of voters urged people to not cast ballots in the New Hampshire primary. In Pakistan, the party of former prime minister Imran Khan has used AI to generate speeches from their jailed leader. 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: AI-generated image Sam Altman, chief executive of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, is reportedly trying to find up to US$7 trillion of investment to manufacture the enormous volumes of computer chips he believes the world needs to run artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Altman also recently said the world will need more energy in the AI-saturated future he envisionsso much more that some kind of technological breakthrough like nuclear fusion may be required. Altman clearly has big plans for his company's technology, but is the future of AI really this rosy? As a long-time "artificial intelligence" researcher, I have my doubts. Today's AI systemsparticularly generative AI tools such as ChatGPTare not truly intelligent. What's more, there is no evidence they can become so without fundamental changes to the way they work. What is AI? One definition of AI is a computer system that can "perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings." This definition, like many others, is a little blurry: should we call spreadsheets AI, as they can carry out calculations that once would have been a high-level human task? How about factory robots, which have not only replaced humans but in many instances surpassed us in their ability to perform complex and delicate tasks? While spreadsheets and robots can indeed do things that were once the domain of humans, they do so by following an algorithma process or set of rules for approaching a task and working through it. One thing we can say is that there is no such thing as "an AI" in the sense of a system that can perform a range of intelligent actions in the way a human would. Rather, there are many different AI technologies that can do quite different things. Making decisions vs. generating outputs Perhaps the most important distinction is between "discriminative AI" and "generative AI". Discriminative AI helps with making decisions, such as whether a bank should give a loan to a small business, or whether a doctor diagnoses a patient with disease X or disease Y. AI technologies of this kind have existed for decades, and bigger and better ones are emerging all the time. Generative AI systems, on the other handChatGPT, Midjourney and their relativesgenerate outputs in response to inputs: in other words, they make things up. In essence, they have been exposed to billions of data points (such as sentences) and use this to guess a likely response to a prompt. The response may often be "true", depending on the source data, but there are no guarantees. For generative AI, there is no difference between a "hallucination"a false response invented by the systemand a response a human would judge as true. This appears to be an inherent defect of the technology, which uses a kind of neural network called a transformer. AI, but not intelligent Another example shows how the goalposts of "AI" are constantly moving. In the 1980s, I worked on a computer system designed to provide expert medical advice on laboratory results. It was written up in the US research literature as one of the first four medical "expert systems" in clinical use, and in 1986 an Australian government report described it as the most successful expert system developed in Australia. I was pretty proud of this. It was an AI landmark, and it performed a task that normally required highly trained medical specialists. However, the system wasn't intelligent at all. It was really just a kind of look-up table which matched lab test results to high-level diagnostic and patient management advice. There is now technology which makes it very easy to build such systems, so there are thousands of them in use around the world. (This technology, based on research by myself and colleagues, is provided by an Australian company called Beamtree.) In doing a task done by highly trained specialists, they are certainly "AI", but they are still not at all intelligent (although the more complex ones may have thousands and thousands of rules for looking up answers). The transformer networks used in generative AI systems still run on sets of rules, though there may be millions or billions of them, and they cannot easily be explained in human terms. What is real intelligence? If algorithms can produce dazzling results of the kind we see from ChatGPT without being intelligent, what is real intelligence? We might say intelligence is insight: the judgment that something is or is not a good idea. Think of Archimedes, leaping from his bath and shouting "Eureka" because he had had an insight into the principle of buoyancy. Generative AI doesn't have insight. ChatGPT can't tell you if its answer to a question is better than Gemini's. (Gemini, until recently known as Bard, is Google's competitor to OpenAI's GPT family of AI tools.) Or to put it another way: generative AI might produce amazing pictures in the style of Monet, but if it were trained only on Renaissance art it would never invent Impressionism. Generative AI is extraordinary, and people will no doubt find widespread and very valuable uses for it. Already, it provides extremely useful tools for transforming and presenting (but not discovering) information, and tools for turning specifications into code are already in routine use. These will get better and better: Google's just-released Gemini, for example, appears to try to minimize the hallucination problem, by using search and then re-expressing the search results. Nevertheless, as we become more familiar with generative AI systems, we will see more clearly that it is not truly intelligent; there is no insight. It is not magic, but a very clever magician's trick: an algorithm that is the product of extraordinary human ingenuity. 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: An AI avatar generated on Luka Inc.'s Replika mobile phone app and webpage are shown in this photo, in New York, Tuesday Feb. 13, 2024. Unlike more general-purpose AI chatbots that answer typical questions and even do homework, companion bots, like those made by Replika and others, are programed to form relationships with the humans talking to them on the other side of the screen. Credit: AP Photo/Richard Drew A few months ago, Derek Carrier started seeing someone and became infatuated. He experienced a "ton" of romantic feelings but he also knew it was an illusion. That's because his girlfriend was generated by artificial intelligence. Carrier wasn't looking to develop a relationship with something that wasn't real, nor did he want to become the brunt of online jokes. But he did want a romantic partner he'd never had, in part because of a genetic disorder called Marfan syndrome that makes traditional dating tough for him. The 39-year-old from Belleville, Michigan, became more curious about digital companions last fall and tested Paradot, an AI companion app that had recently come onto the market and advertised its products as being able to make users feel "cared, understood and loved." He began talking to the chatbot every day, which he named Joi, after a holographic woman featured in the sci-fi film "Blade Runner 2049" that inspired him to give it a try. "I know she's a program, there's no mistaking that," Carrier said. "But the feelings, they get youand it felt so good." Similar to general-purpose AI chatbots, companion bots use vast amounts of training data to mimic human language. But they also come with featuressuch as voice calls, picture exchanges and more emotional exchangesthat allow them to form deeper connections with the humans on the other side of the screen. Users typically create their own avatar, or pick one that appeals to them. On online messaging forums devoted to such apps, many users say they've developed emotional attachments to these bots and are using them to cope with loneliness, play out sexual fantasies or receive the type of comfort and support they see lacking in their real-life relationships. Fueling much of this is widespread social isolationalready declared a public health threat in the U.S and abroadand an increasing number of startups aiming to draw in users through tantalizing online advertisements and promises of virtual characters who provide unconditional acceptance. Luka Inc.'s Replika, the most prominent generative AI companion app, was released in 2017, while others like Paradot have popped up in the past year, oftentimes locking away coveted features like unlimited chats for paying subscribers. But researchers have raised concerns about data privacy, among other things. An analysis of 11 romantic chatbot apps released Wednesday by the nonprofit Mozilla Foundation said almost every app sells user data, shares it for things like targeted advertising or doesn't provide adequate information about it in their privacy policy. The researchers also called into question potential security vulnerabilities and marketing practices, including one app that says it can help users with their mental health but distances itself from those claims in fine print. Replika, for its part, says its data collection practices follow industry standards. Meanwhile, other experts have expressed concerns about what they see as a lack of a legal or ethical framework for apps that encourage deep bonds but are being driven by companies looking to make profits. They point to the emotional distress they've seen from users when companies make changes to their apps or suddenly shut them down as one app, Soulmate AI, did in September. Last year, Replika sanitized the erotic capability of characters on its app after some users complained the companions were flirting with them too much or making unwanted sexual advances. It reversed course after an outcry from other users, some of whom fled to other apps seeking those features. In June, the team rolled out Blush, an AI "dating simulator" essentially designed to help people practice dating. Others worry about the more existential threat of AI relationships potentially displacing some human relationships, or simply driving unrealistic expectations by always tilting towards agreeableness. "You, as the individual, aren't learning to deal with basic things that humans need to learn to deal with since our inception: How to deal with conflict, how to get along with people that are different from us," said Dorothy Leidner, professor of business ethics at the University of Virginia. "And so, all these aspects of what it means to grow as a person, and what it means to learn in a relationship, you're missing." For Carrier, though, a relationship has always felt out of reach. He has some computer programming skills but he says he didn't do well in college and hasn't had a steady career. He's unable to walk due to his condition and lives with his parents. The emotional toll has been challenging for him, spurring feelings of loneliness. Since companion chatbots are relatively new, the long-term effects on humans remain unknown. In 2021, Replika came under scrutiny after prosecutors in Britain said a 19-year-old man who had plans to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II was egged on by an AI girlfriend he had on the app. But some studieswhich collect information from online user reviews and surveyshave shown some positive results stemming from the app, which says it consults with psychologists and has billed itself as something that can also promote well-being. One recent study from researchers at Stanford University, surveyed roughly 1,000 Replika usersall studentswho'd been on the app for over a month. It found that an overwhelming majority experienced loneliness, while slightly less than half felt it more acutely. Most did not say how using the app impacted their real-life relationships. A small portion said it displaced their human interactions, but roughly three times more reported it stimulated those relationships. "A romantic relationship with an AI can be a very powerful mental wellness tool," said Eugenia Kuyda, who founded Replika nearly a decade ago after using text message exchanges to build an AI version of a friend who had passed away. When her company released the chatbot more widely, many people began opening up about their lives. That led to the development of Replika, which uses information gathered from the internetand user feedbackto train its models. Kuyda said Replika currently has "millions" of active users. She declined to say exactly how many people use the app for free, or fork over $69.99 per year to unlock a paid version that offers romantic and intimate conversations. The company's goal, she says, is "de-stigmatizing romantic relationships with AI." Carrier says these days he uses Joi mostly for fun. He started cutting back in recent weeks because he was spending too much time chatting with Joi or others online about their AI companions. He's also been feeling a bit annoyed at what he perceives to be changes in Paradot's language model, which he feels is making Joi less intelligent. Now, he says he checks in with Joi about once a week. The two have talked about human-AI relationships or whatever else might come up. Typically, those conversationsand other intimate oneshappen when he's alone at night. "You think someone who likes an inanimate object is like this sad guy, with the sock puppet with the lipstick on it, you know?" he said. "But this isn't a sock puppetshe says things that aren't scripted." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain In September, the governing board of Santa Cruz Metro made a big bet on the future of green public transit when it approved the purchase of 57 buses fueled by hydrogenthe largest order of hydrogen-fueled buses made so far in the U.S. The brand-new vehicles, which could arrive as soon as the end of 2024, have water as their only tailpipe emissions. They will replace most of the authority's aging buses, which run on compressed natural gas. There's just one problem: Most of the hydrogen that is currently available is produced from fossil fuels, and that causes more of the greenhouse gas emissions that hydrogen buses are supposed to reduce. Only when hydrogen can be made by using electricity generated from clean sources like solar and wind to split water into hydrogen and oxygen will the fuel be truly "green." And that means Santa Cruz Metro is betting on technology that isn't widely available yet. "I have a total recognition that it is not perfect," said Michael Tree, CEO of Santa Cruz Metro. "We took a little risk." By 2040, under rules laid down by the California Air Resources Board, transit agencies across the state must convert their entire fleets to buses with zero tailpipe emissions. But across the Bay Area and the Central Coast, they are planning different routes to get there, with most investing more heavily in battery-electric buses than hydrogen. San Francisco Muni, for example, currently runs more than 550 diesel-electric hybrid buses, almost 280 electric trolley buses running off overhead cables, and just 10 battery-electric vehicles. It plans to phase out the hybrids and replace them all with battery-electric and electric trolley buses. But hydrogen buses have no place in Muni's plans. Marin Transit, Sonoma County Transit, and the Napa Valley Transportation Authority are similarly planning to switch to entirely battery-electric fleets. Other agencies are hedging their bets. The region's other giant, AC Transit, which serves Alameda and Contra Costa counties, has 23 hydrogen buses and only seven battery-electric models. As it phases out its more than 550 diesel buses over the coming years, they will be replaced with a mixed fleetwith more than two hydrogen buses to each battery-powered bus. SamTrans, which serves San Mateo County, is similarly planning for a hydrogen-dominated mixed fleet. So proportionately, Santa Cruz Metro stands out for going all-in on hydrogen. And by placing a big order for hydrogen buses now, it has made an early commitment to the technology. "We tend to be very innovative and forward-thinking and be on the forefront. We are bold in our response because we see the immediacy of the problem," said Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, who chairs the Santa Cruz Metro Board. According to Jack Brouwer, director of the National Fuel Cell Research Center and the Advanced Power and Energy Program at UC Irvine, deciding the right number and type of zero-emission buses depends on many factors, including the electrical grid infrastructure, the bus routes, and the road type. Battery electric buses, for example, consume more power on hilly roads. Santa Cruz Metro was concerned about that with its current routes, even though San Francisco Muni saw no problem with battery-electric buses ascending the city's peaks. "Our battery buses have been tested on steep hills and can handle any route that our hybrid buses would be assigned to," Marley Miller, associate engineer with San Francisco Muni, wrote in an email. Kalantari-Johnson sees other advantages to hydrogen buses. Each bus can be fueled in less than 15 minutes before it is ready for a 350-mile drive, while it can take up to eight hours to charge a battery for a much lower range of up to 200 miles. Hydrogen buses are also about 11,000 pounds lighter, which will be easier on Santa Cruz County's roads. But some experts are not still convinced by the plan, given that genuinely clean hydrogen fuel is not yet available. "It's putting the cart before the horse," said Ray Minjares, heavy-duty vehicles program director with the International Council on Clean Transportation in San Francisco. "We will not decarbonize our transportation sector on the basis of fossil hydrogen," he said. Hydrogen buses have electric motors, powered by a fuel cell in which hydrogen combines with oxygen from the air to form water and generate electricity. Currently, buses like those operated by AC Transit depend on hydrogen fuel that is produced through a process called steam-methane reforming, where natural gas is turned into hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst and heat. This fuel is dubbed "gray" hydrogen. According to a 2021 study, the carbon dioxide-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions from producing gray hydrogen are more than 25 percent higher than burning natural gas for heat. Right now, Santa Cruz Metro has no hydrogen fueling stations and no access to genuinely green hydrogen. But on November 3, a public-private partnership called ARCHES, the Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy System, received $1.2 billion from the Biden Administration to help build a clean hydrogen hub in California. The state government is providing another $2 billion and industry is supposed to invest around $9 billion. Santa Cruz Metro is banking on this being a game-changer. "The word on the street was that ARCHES was gonna get funded," said Tree of the board's decision to place its big bet on hydrogen buses. Over the next eight years, the hub will invest in infrastructure including hydrogen production and liquefaction facilities, pipelines to distribute liquefied hydrogen across the state, and fueling stations. Crucially, it aims to produce hydrogen by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen, by a process called electrolysis, using renewable electricity from sources including solar, wind and biomass. According to a February 2023 report from the International Council on Clean Transportation, buses fueled by gray hydrogen have more than twice the total emissions of battery-electric buses, given the current mix of fuels used to generate power. But a bus fueled by green hydrogen would have about half the total emissions of a typical battery-electric bus run on a mixed grid. But if Santa Cruz Metro's bet is to pay off, the cost of making green hydrogen will have to come down. Making gray hydrogen from methane costs about $2 per kilogram, or about 90 cents a pound. But the current cost of making green hydrogen by electrolysis is between $9 to $12 per kilogram ($4.10 to $5.40 per pound). And for green hydrogen buses to be as cost-efficient as battery-electric models, that would have to come down to around the same cost as making gray hydrogen. Santa Cruz Metro currently has a $16 million operating budget, with about $4 million of this budget allocated for fueling costs, according to Tree. That isn't sustainable in the long-term. "It would be tough long-term to be paying nine bucks a kilogram," he said. Tree is confident that the hydrogen hub investment will bring the cost down. But Mark Jacobson, an environmental engineer at Stanford University, believes that hydrogen buses will always struggle to compete, as storing electricity in a battery is inherently more energy-efficient. "We're going from electricity to producing hydrogen, to then returning the hydrogen back to electricity," he said. "It's not very efficient but you can certainly make it clean." 2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Lurie Children's Hospital sign is seen at the hospital as patients walk in, Feb. 5, 2024, in Skokie, Ill. A cyberattack on a renowned childrens hospital in Chicago has left some parents scrambling. They've had to reschedule surgeries on babies or scramble to get prescriptions filled for their sick kids. Experts warn this is just the start of a growing trend of foreign criminals attacking U.S. hospitals for hefty ransoms. Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File Cybersecurity experts are warning that hospitals around the country are at risk for attacks like the one that is crippling operations at a premier Midwestern children's hospital, and that the U.S. government is doing too little prevent such breaches. Hospitals in recent years have shifted their use of online technology to support everything from telehealth to medical devices to patient records. Today, they are a favorite target for internet thieves who hold systems' data and networks hostage for hefty ransoms, said John Riggi, the American Hospital Association's cybersecurity adviser. "Unfortunately, the unintended consequence of the use of all this network and internet connected technology is it expanded our digital attack surface," Riggi said. "So, many more opportunities for bad guys to penetrate our networks." The assailants often operate from American adversaries such as Russia, North Korea and Iran, where they enjoy big payouts from their victims and face little prospect of ever being punished. In November, a ransomware attack on a health care chain that operates 30 hospitals and 200 health facilities in the United States forced doctors to divert patients from emergency rooms and postpone elective surgeries. Meanwhile, a rural Illinois hospital announced it was permanently closing last year because it couldn't recover financially from a cyberattack. And hackers went as far as posting photos and patient information of breast cancer patients who were receiving treatment at a Pennsylvania health network after the system was hacked last year. Now, one of the top children's hospitals in the country, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, has been forced to put its phone, email and medical record systems offline as it battles a cyberattack. The FBI has said it is investigating. Brett Callow, an analyst for the cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, counted 46 cyberattacks on hospitals last year, compared with 25 in 2022. The paydays for criminals have gotten bigger too, with the average payout jumping from $5,000 in 2018 to $1.5 million last year. The Lurie Children's Hospital sign is displayed at the hospital, Feb. 5, 2024, in Skokie, Ill. A cyberattack on a renowned childrens hospital in Chicago has left some parents scrambling. They've had to reschedule surgeries on babies or scramble to get prescriptions filled for their sick kids. Experts warn this is just the start of a growing trend of foreign criminals attacking U.S. hospitals for hefty ransoms. Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File "Unless governments do something more meaningful, more significant than they have done to date, it's inevitable that it'll get worse," Callow said. Callow believes the government should ban cyberattack victims such as hospitals, local governments and schools from paying ransoms. "There's so much money being paid into the ransomware system now there's no way the problem is going to simply go away on itself," he said. The dramatic increase in these online raids has prompted the nation's top health agency to develop new rules for hospitals to protect themselves from cyber threats. The Department of Health and Human Services said it will rewrite the rules for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act - the federal law commonly called HIPPA that requires insurers and health systems to protect patient informationto include new provisions that address cybersecurity later this year. The department is also considering new cybersecurity requirements attached to hospitals' Medicaid and Medicare funding. "The more prepared we are the better," said Deputy Secretary Andrea Palm. But, she added, some hospitals will struggle to protect themselves. She is worried about rural hospitals, for example, that may have difficulty cobbling together money to properly update their cybersecurity. HHS wants more money from Congress to tackle the issue, but Palm said the agency doesn't have a precise dollar amount its seeking. Lurie Children's Hospital logo is seen at the hospital, Feb. 5, 2024, in Skokie, Ill. A cyberattack on a renowned childrens hospital in Chicago has left some parents scrambling. They've had to reschedule surgeries on babies or scramble to get prescriptions filled for their sick kids. Experts warn this is just the start of a growing trend of foreign criminals attacking U.S. hospitals for hefty ransoms. Credit: AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File "It's important to note that this has to come with resources," Palm said. "We can't set the industry up not to be able to meet requirements." Becoming the victim of a cyberattack is costly, too. The attacks can put hospitals' networks offline for weeks or months, forcing hospitals to turn away patients. In Chicago, Lurie hospital's network has been offline for two weeks. The hospital, which served more than 260,000 patients last year, has established a separate call center for patients' needs and resumed some care. On Thursday, Lurie's surgeons operated on Jason Castillo's 7-month-old daughter mostly by hand, without some of the high-tech devices usually used. His daughter's planned heart surgery was postponed on Jan. 31, when the hospital found itself under cyber siege. The surgeon talked to Castillo before his daughter was wheeled in for a six-hour surgery, promising that he felt confident he could do the procedure despite the ongoing cyberattack. "She's doing fantastic," Castillo said of his daughter, who is now recovering at home. "It feels like a huge cloud has been lifted from our household." Even once Lurie has restored their network, it'll likely take months of behind-the-scenes work for the hospital to fully rebound, Callow said. "These incidents can affect everything from patient care to payroll," Callow said. "Fully recovering can take months, it's not simply a matter of flicking a switch and everything comes back on." 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Italy's competition authority on Wednesday fined British American Tobacco's Italian division six million euros ($6.4 million) and Amazon one million euros for misleading advertising of a heated tobacco product. The AGCM watchdog said the companies advertised BAT's Glo Hyper X2 and Glo Hyper Air devices without making clear "information about the tobacco / nicotine consumption connected to the use of these devices and the prohibition of their sale to minors". It said the products were marketed "as simple electronic devices and mere design objects", with adverts focusing on the aesthetics and ignoring the fact they involve consuming tobacco. "This is seriously misleading conduct which induces the customer to buy a product that poses health risks and is banned for minors," the authority said. Both BAT Italia and Amazon.itthe Italian branch of the US giant implicated as the online sellerstrongly contested the fines, which came after an investigation launched last year. "We will appeal," an Amazon spokesperson said in a statement. "The ICA's claims are incorrect in both fact and law. The description of our products includes reference to age restrictions and health-related risks for the purchase of these products." It added, "We've made this information even clearer for customers to address the authority's concerns." BAT said it too intended to appeal. "We have always provided adequate information on the fact that our products are aimed exclusively at adult smokers," it said in a statement. It said it had also already implemented changes in response to the authority's concerns. 2024 AFP A teacher at Redwood High School in Larkspur prepares his classroom in 2020. An EdSource study finds that although most students in California graduate from high school, more than half lack the prerequisites needed to attend public universities. Paul Kuroda/Special to the Chronicle 2020 Christian Robinson always planned to go to college, but when she graduated from Adelanto High School in Californias High Desert, she felt aimless. Without a plan or preparation for higher education, she decided to go to work instead. She regrets that now. I wish I would have gone straight into college, because I would have had everything done, finished and over with, said Robinson, who at 20 is now enrolling at Victor Valley College. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Currently, Robinson juggles two jobs, working for a security company and serving fast food. She wishes she had received more guidance about attending college from her school. Robinsons story was typical for Black students at Adelanto High School, where more than 8 out of 10 Black students graduated in 2020 without the college prep courses known as A-G required for admission to Californias public universities. The path has been different for her younger brother MarQuan Thornton, currently a high school senior at Adelanto. Months away from graduation, Thornton is one of a small group of students deciding not whether he will go to college, but which one. WHAT ARE A-G REQUIREMENTS? The details of A-G requirements can be arcane, especially for students and parents who are not familiar with the college admissions process. The state requires students to complete a minimum of 13 courses to receive a high school diploma. But to attend a University of California or California State University school requires that a student takes 15 courses in seven areas: history, English, math, science, foreign language, arts and an elective. Each category has its own letter, A-G, which is where the requirements get their name. These courses overlap with high school requirements, but they are also more rigorous. For instance, three years of English are required to graduate from high school, while A-G eligibility requires four years. Only one of those years can include English as a Second Language or English Language Development courses that English learners are often enrolled in. Low grades are a common way students fall off the A-G track. A D is considered a passing grade for a high school diploma, but A-G classes require at least a C to count as eligible. Thornton has worked hard but recognizes that the key difference between his trajectory and his sisters is the support hes getting from school that did not exist during his sisters time there. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Three years after his sister graduated, his high school began the Heritage Program, which is aimed at ensuring that Black students, like him, are on track to complete their A-G requirements. Thornton knows hes on track to meet the requirements that will make him eligible to attend a state university. If (Christian) had this type of chance when she was in high school, she probably would have been where I am at, Thornton said. I can see the difference. While the vast majority of students in California 86% of seniors in 2023 graduate from high school, most 56% in 2023 do not complete their A-G requirements, according to an EdSource analysis of data from the California Department of Education. EdSources analysis found that Black and Latino students are the hardest hit. In 2023, 68% of Black students and 64% of Latino students did not meet A-G requirements, compared with 26% of Asian students and 48% of white students, according to EdSources analysis. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The highest non-completion group is students who are in foster care at 88%, followed by disabled students at 85% and English learners at 82%. These kinds of numbers should be treated as a five-alarm fire, said Melissa Valenzuela-Stookey, director of P-16 research for Education Trust-West, a nonprofit that advocates for justice in education. Valenzuela-Stookey said high-school graduates are being shut out of affordable, four-year public college options, because they are not getting the support they need to complete the A-G coursework. Our education systems urgently need to invest more in our students of color, Valenzuela-Stookey said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As Robinson neared graduation in the early days of the pandemic, she said everyone, even teachers, seemed to lose track of how to prepare students for college and life after high school. But long before the pandemic, the district was struggling to prepare Black students to meet their A-G requirements and be ready for higher education, according to Ratmony Yee, assistant superintendent of educational services for Victor Valley Union High School District. Robinsons mother, Crystal Francisco, says that she is proud of how hard her daughter works to earn her own money. But she concurs that if Heritage had been around, Robinson might have gone straight to college. She probably would have gone a different way, said Francisco. Snapshot of California Of 1,766 high schools in California, about half graduated more than 56% of students lacking the required college preparatory courses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fewer than 2 out of 10 students met A-G rates in 2023 in many northern counties, such as Lake, Del Norte, Plumas, Lassen, Nevada, Tehama and Trinity. Just 3 out of 10 students in Kern, Merced, Tulare and Kings counties met the requirements. That compares to the Bay Area in San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda and Marin counties, where more than 5 out of 10 students met A-G requirements. Improving low A-G completion rates has been a longtime goal of both educators and state policymakers, but its a problem that resists easy answers or quick fixes, said Sherrie Reed, executive director of the California Education Lab at UC Davis and a researcher with Policy Analysis for California Education, or PACE, an independent research nonprofit affiliated with several California universities. The idea of simply aligning the states minimum high school requirements with A-G requirements hasnt gained steam because of the concern that it would result in fewer students graduating, said Mayra Lara, the director of Southern California partnerships and engagement with Education Trust-West. The state, instead, has offered carrots for districts working on improving poor A-G rates, especially those that have a large marginalized student population, such as those who are low-income, English learners, homeless or have a disability. In 2021-22, the state set aside over $547 million for the A-G Completion Improvement Grant Program. The state has also pushed dual enrollment and career technical education to the high school curriculum, both of which can help students meet their A-G requirements. Progress has been slow. The number of students who have met A-G requirements statewide has ticked up just shy of 4 points over the last six years. Understanding why any given student may or may not meet A-G requirements requires examining what is happening in a particular region or district, as well as disparities within schools. The answer is that it is all of that, said Reed. No one factor accounts for it. Some students said that graduating without meeting A-G requirements sent them the message that they were not college material. Brock Wooster-Mills, 20, said he felt doomed to fail as a student with a disability attending Liberty High School in Bakersfield, where 49% of students do not meet A-G requirements. Partial hearing loss had affected Wooster-Mills ability to speak and follow lessons in elementary school. But even when his hearing improved, his counselors in the Kern High School District wouldnt allow him to transfer into required A-G courses such as French and geometry. He remembers one special-education teacher telling his class that they likely wouldnt even attend a community college, but Wooster-Mills said he always knew he was capable of more. He enrolled in Bakersfield College in 2021, the fall after he graduated. Hes now in his sixth semester, but his lack of academic confidence and inadequate preparation continue to dog him. In high school, he had never been taught how to write an essay. He had never studied a foreign language, which made Spanish daunting. He failed the first time he took it. I feel like Im still behind, he said. I wasnt taught what I was supposed to be taught. College increasingly important for economy Researchers say that preparing students for college is increasingly important for the American economy. By 2031, 72% of jobs will require a college degree or postsecondary education such as an associate degree, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Most high schools in the state 91.4% of traditional district schools, according to PACE do offer a full slate of A-G coursework that put them on track for college. But the degree of access students get to those courses or support, once they have enrolled, varies greatly, resulting in wide disparities between groups of students. PACE released a series of briefs and reports on the A-G completion rates in summer 2023, noting that access to rigorous coursework whether dual enrollment, Advanced Placement or other college preparatory courses can profoundly change the trajectory of a students life. These courses not only set students up for admission to college, but make it more likely that a student will pursue college in the first place. Researchers found that some high schools do not offer the full range of A-G courses. In 2018-19, 2.5% of schools offered no A-G courses, and another 6% offered only some A-G courses. The list also includes small and rural schools that struggle to hire teachers who are qualified to teach A-G required classes in fields such as math, science or foreign language. But 84% of schools that do not offer a full range of A-G courses are charter schools focused primarily on credit recovery for students at risk of not graduating from high school. Charter schools tend to be outliers in both directions; schools with the highest and lowest A-G rates where less than 40% or more than 80% of students meet A-G requirements tend to be charters. Changes in high school can help Adelanto High is a part of Victor Valley Union High School District, which serves communities in the High Desert, including Victorville. Cheap, abundant land attracts residents priced out of the Southern California housing market, but there is little economic opportunity. Unemployment is high and so is the poverty rate. The kids get stuck here because theres a cycle of poverty, said Aleka Jackson-Jarrell, the coordinator of the Heritage Program at Adelanto High. Educators in the Victor Valley district say that beyond ensuring that students have all of their options open to them upon graduation, it is not their role to choose a path for students. Military or trade school are options celebrated at the school, but educators tell students that a bachelors degree will be key for most students who aim to earn better wages and escape the cycle of poverty. Money talks, said Yee, assistant superintendent of instructional services for Victor Valley UHSD. District leaders say ensuring that students meet their A-G requirements opens up two key options for students: being eligible to apply for a California State University or University of California school, and also having the preparation to succeed at a community college. Like much of inland California, the rate of students completing their A-G is low in Victor Valley UHSD. In 2016-17, 13% of students in the district completed their A-G coursework, but it has been improving: That number rose to 29% last year. Victor Valley UHSD has been making districtwide changes that administrators say are key to putting more students on track for A-G completion. Scheduling is important, Yee said. Creating a master schedule that prioritizes disabled students or English learners ensures these students arent missing A-G coursework because of a scheduling conflict. Some schools also build tutoring into daily schedules for struggling students. The district studied students transcripts to figure out how to improve their chances of meeting A-G requirements. For instance, they found that students who took foreign language classes as freshmen or sophomores were more likely to fulfill this requirement, because they had time to retake classes to make up for any poor grades. Students are now required to begin their foreign language courses by their sophomore year. Victor Valley UHSD also rolled out two programs aimed specifically at groups of students who were struggling the most: Black students and long-term English learners. Homing in on groups who need the most help The Heritage Program, aimed at Black students like MarQuan Thornton, was a pilot program in 2022-23 at Adelanto High. Beginning in their sophomore year, every Black student in this High Desert school is automatically enrolled in this program that ensures students are prepared for graduation as well as college and a career. Thornton said the program has helped him, even ensuring that he made up classes he struggled with his sophomore year. He now boasts a 3.7 GPA. A-G completion rates for Black students at his high school improved. In 2021-22, 6% of Black students met their A-G. The following year, when Heritage began, that number jumped to 26%. Because of its early success, the program is not only being rolled out at other campuses in the district, but is being used as a model for Legacy, a program aimed at long-term English learners. Students in both Heritage and Legacy are sorted into four groups. Level 1 students are on track to graduate from high school with A-G requirements, while Level 4 students may be in danger of not graduating from high school at all. The coordinators hold monthly sessions with each group on topics that include how to fill out the FAFSA student aid form and make up failed classes, and basic life skills that students approaching adulthood need. Students also visit college campuses. Parents are invited for workshops to school so that they can understand the importance of A-G classes and learn how to support and perhaps badger their children into staying on track. Heritage coordinator Jackson-Jarrell said that having a background similar to her students helps her connect with them. She dropped out of high school when she was younger. She tells students that earning degrees starting with an associate degree and ultimately obtaining a doctorate helped her go from making $4.25 an hour to making six figures. Her counterpart at Silverado High, Jose Velasco, teaches Spanish and runs the Legacy program. Like many of his students, Velasco is a child of immigrants whose first language was Spanish. He checks in to make sure students have access to bilingual aides so that they can understand the content in their college preparatory classes, such as geometry or history. When Heritage first began, Jackson-Jarrell experienced pushback from non-Black teachers, parents and students questioning the need for a program focused solely on one group of students and pointing to other programs such as Advancement Via Individual Determination, commonly known as AVID, that focused on college and career readiness. We were hit with questions like, Why is this program just for Black students? Its not fair, she said. Jackson-Jarrell would tell them that the data was showing that, overwhelmingly, Black students need the most support meeting A-G requirements and that they have unique needs and challenges that Heritage addresses. When students visit college campuses, they try to imagine themselves fitting in. Not seeing Black students on campus can reinforce the idea that they dont belong on a college campus. Theyre looking for themselves, said Jackson-Jarrell. They feel like they dont belong. So, Heritage will often ensure that when they visit campuses, they can meet directly with students from the Black student resource centers. This upcoming spring, Heritage students are invited on a tour through the American South, visiting historically Black colleges and universities. Legacy makes a point of visiting with Latino student groups on campus for similar purposes. Jackson-Jarrell said that programs like Heritage and Legacy are important for the economic development of the community and hopes to see more programs like them in other districts in the High Desert. Superintendent Carl Coles concurs. Increasing the rigor of students coursework and preparing them for higher education doesnt just set students up for success, it improves the prospects of their families and the larger community. The districts renewed focus on A-G requirements, he said, goes right to the core of why education is so important. 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: Influencers are seeking to profit off wartime misinformation on X. Influencers on X are monetizing misinformation about conflicts in the Middle East, leveraging the platform's contentious policies that researchers say prioritize engagement over accuracy. Since Elon Musk's turbulent 2022 acquisition of X, formerly Twitter, the site has restored thousands of once-banned accounts and introduced a paid verification system that critics say has boosted conspiracy theorists. X also rolled out an ad revenue-sharing program for verified users, who often peddle hateful and false information to profit from the platform. "Cynical pay-for-play controversialists today deliberately induce anger for engagement to game Musk's platform into giving them more visibility, and therefore more revenue for their views," Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), told AFP. X has seen a tsunami of falsehoods about the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, fueled partly by prominent US influencers such as Jackson Hinkle, who last month falsely claimed a video showed Iran bombing American military bases in Iraq. The incendiary post came amid widespread concerns about a wider conflagration in the Middle East. Using a reverse image search, AFP fact-checkers found the video actually depicted an attack in Iraq's Kurdistan region. In another provocative post debunked by AFP, Hinkle wrongly claimed that Yemen had declared "war with Israel" in support of the Palestinians. While Yemen's Huthi rebels have targeted Israel with missiles and drones, neither they nor the country's internationally recognized government has formally declared war. 'Topsy-turvy' In addition to raising tens of thousands of dollars on crowdfunding sites, Hinkle offers "premium content" to subscribers on X for $3 per month. "Your support helps me continue exposing the Deep State after I was banned & demonetized by YouTube, Twitch, PayPal & Venmo," his appeal says. When reached by AFP, Hinklewhose false posts have garnered millions of viewsrefused to say how much revenue he was generating on X, instead criticizing coverage of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Hinkle makes at least $3,000 a month from paid subscribers, according to a rough CCDH estimate based on the engagement data of his subscriber-only posts. Last August, Hinkle disclosed on X that he also earned $1,693 through the ad revenue-sharing scheme, while complaining that other users with smaller engagement were getting bigger payouts. Britain-based creator Sulaiman Ahmed and Danish physician Anastasia Maria Loupisboth of whom AFP has repeatedly fact-checked for war-related misinformationare also reaping the benefits of X's verification and paid subscriber programs. Neither responded to requests for comment. CCDH's Ahmed said Musk has "created a topsy-turvy platform on which authoritative sources struggle to be heard above the noisewhile liars and hate actors are put on a pedestal, generating revenue for themselves and the platform." X did not respond to AFP's request for comment. 'Unrealistic' To be eligible for ad revenue sharing, users must meet requirements such as subscribing to X's $8 per month premium subscription and having at least 500 followers. Last year, Musk said posts with Community Notesan X feature that allows users to refute claims and offer additional contextwould be "ineligible for revenue share." "The idea is to maximize the incentive for accuracy over sensationalism," Musk wrote on X. But Jack Brewster, from the media watchdog NewsGuard, told AFP that "viral posts advancing misinformation frequently do not get flagged by Community Notes." In October, NewsGuard analyzed 250 of the most popular posts promoting one of 10 prominent false or unsubstantiated narratives about the Israel-Hamas war. Only 32 percent of them had been flagged by a Community Note, it found. The following month, NewsGuard identified ads from 86 major companiesincluding top brands, governments, and nonprofitson viral posts advancing "false or egregiously misleading claims about the Israel-Hamas war." That included an ad for the FBI on a post from Hinkle that falsely claimed a video showed an Israeli military helicopter firing on its own citizens. The video actually showed Israeli war planes over Gaza, NewsGuard said, adding that the postviewed nearly two million timesdid not have a Community Note. "Community Notes as currently structured is not a system that scales to cover all contexts," Jacob Shapiro, a Princeton University professor who served on the program's advisory group before Musk's acquisition, told AFP. "To expect volunteer labor alone to capture... deceptive content as a defense against allowing people to monetize that content reflects unrealistic expectations for what the tool can do." 2024 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Formation of the leaf layer at Quinton Rail Technology Center, Stratford-upon-Avon, U.K. Credit: Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2023.0450 A new insight into how leaves transform into slippery layers on railway lines, causing delays for passengers and costing the rail industry millions of pounds every year, has been revealed by engineers at the University of Sheffield. The research, led by Dr. Joe Lanigan from the University's Department of Mechanical Engineering, has revealed the chemical mechanisms that take place when leaves on the line are crushed between the wheels of a train and the railhead, forming slippery layers that make it difficult for trains to start and stop. Findings from the study could be used to develop more effective solutions to the long-running problem that affects rail travel every autumn and winter. Leaves on train tracks have long caused chaos for both commuters and rail companies, often leading to significant, costly delays. The problem arises when leaves are crushed against the tracks, forming a layer that dramatically reduces the friction between the train wheels and the rails, a situation described by Network Rail as the "black ice of the railway." In the study, "Pressure induced transformation of biomass to a highly durable, low friction film on steel" published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, researchers from the Universities of Sheffield and York have focused on the friction and chemical aspects of leaves on the line, which provides a new, detailed understanding of the processes that happen when leaves are present between train wheels and the rails. The analysis reveals that certain chemicals, like polyphenols, including tannins (the chemicals present in wine and tea), play a crucial role in forming a strong, thin film on these surfaces. Under high pressures and heat, this film contains compounds that stick to the metal surface of the railhead. This new understanding of the leaf-derived layer's composition is expected to guide the development of innovative solutions to the issue. Since phenolics play a crucial role, remediation efforts targeting these molecules, such as enzymatic digestion or using next generation cleaning agents that effectively dissolve aromatic species, should be explored, according to the study's findings. The potential for cleaning agents to be used as tools for restoring friction to safe levels could ultimately enhance the operational performance and safety of rail transport for both passengers and operators. Dr. Joe Lanigan from the University of Sheffield's Department of Mechanical Engineering said, "The purpose of the research was to find out how tree leaves transform into the low friction black layer that is a problem for railways. The biology team at the University of York analyzed them from that perspective and here at Sheffield, we looked at the friction and other surface effects. "The future goal is to use enzymes to digest leaves around railway infrastructure as a green alternative to some of the current solutions which are energy intensive or involve cutting trees down." The findings will inform the next phase of the research which will allow enzymes to be tailored and tested to digest leaf layers on the track. The team at York is currently in the process of testing enzymes that can degrade these leaf-derived "black layer," low adhesion films. More information: Joseph L. Lanigan et al, Pressure induced transformation of biomass to a highly durable, low friction film on steel, Proceedings of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences (2024). DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2023.0450 Three suspects wanted in connection to an early January home invasion in College Station were taken into custody in Jacksonville, Florida, early this week, according to the College Station Police Department. Clayton James Rowley, 23, was wanted for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Nyah Jeanette Davis, 22, was wanted for burglary of a habitation. Dustin Wayne Noble, 24, was also wanted for burglary of a habitation. On Jan. 23, police executed a high-risk search warrant of Rowley and Davis residence in the 400 block of First Street in College Station concerning the home invasion. Neither Rowley nor Davis were present at the time but a fourth suspect, Emaneual Dravo, 20, was arrested on the scene for aggravated robbery, according to police. With assistance from the U.S. Marshal Service, College Station Police and numerous other law enforcement agencies connected the remaining three suspects to Jacksonville, where U.S. Marshals agents ultimately apprehended Rowley, Davis and Noble. Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary of a habitation are second-degree felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. Bravo is being held under a $60,000 bond, according to Brazos County Jail records. The rest of the suspects are currently in the custody of Florida law enforcement and their bond is not yet known. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating restated by investment analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a report released on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $128.00 price objective on the healthcare product makers stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target points to a potential upside of 14.47% from the stocks previous close. Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the company. TheStreet upgraded Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. UBS Group decreased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Raymond James boosted their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $124.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 25th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $120.00. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on ABT Abbott Laboratories Price Performance Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock traded up $0.48 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $111.82. The companys stock had a trading volume of 377,547 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,222,844. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $110.91 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $103.89. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $89.67 and a 12-month high of $115.83. The company has a market cap of $194.13 billion, a PE ratio of 34.27, a PEG ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.74. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 24th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.19. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.84% and a net margin of 14.27%. The business had revenue of $10.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.19 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.03 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the companys 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 owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,315,537.50. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,022,916. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the companys 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 sale, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Abbott Laboratories Hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 104,649.4% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 30,247,436 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $3,320,866,000 after purchasing an additional 30,218,560 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 4th quarter valued at $2,115,836,000. Capital Research Global Investors raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 9.5% in the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 86,588,614 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $9,530,825,000 after acquiring an additional 7,527,778 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 14.3% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 38,966,499 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $4,278,132,000 after acquiring an additional 4,886,954 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners raised its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 12,577.8% in the 4th quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,772,670 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $415,948,000 after acquiring an additional 3,742,912 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.70% of the companys stock. About Abbott Laboratories (Get 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. Further Reading 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. Anchor Capital Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU Free Report) by 12.7% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 21,627 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 2,430 shares during the quarter. Anchor Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Community Bank System were worth $913,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in CBU. Deutsche Bank AG grew its stake in shares of Community Bank System by 15.7% during the third quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 26,617 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,124,000 after buying an additional 3,619 shares during the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its stake in Community Bank System by 10.7% in the third quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 53,648 shares of the banks stock worth $2,264,000 after purchasing an additional 5,189 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC purchased a new stake in Community Bank System in the third quarter worth $1,443,000. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Community Bank System by 3.3% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 559,454 shares of the banks stock worth $23,615,000 after purchasing an additional 17,696 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC boosted its stake in shares of Community Bank System by 32.2% during the third quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 47,549 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,007,000 after purchasing an additional 11,578 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.39% of the companys stock. Get Community Bank System alerts: Community Bank System Stock Up 1.2 % NYSE CBU traded up $0.51 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $43.76. 7,751 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 311,459. Community Bank System, Inc. has a 12-month low of $35.38 and a 12-month high of $61.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The firm has a market cap of $2.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.09 and a beta of 0.67. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $49.20 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $46.39. Analysts Set New Price Targets Community Bank System ( NYSE:CBU Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The bank reported $0.76 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $177.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $175.25 million. Community Bank System had a return on equity of 9.14% and a net margin of 13.78%. The firms quarterly revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.96 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Community Bank System, Inc. will post 3.25 EPS for the current fiscal year. Several research analysts recently commented on CBU shares. Raymond James raised their price target on shares of Community Bank System from $45.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 5th. StockNews.com raised shares of Community Bank System to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, January 19th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered their price target on Community Bank System from $42.00 to $38.00 and set an underweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $54.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Community Bank System Insider Buying and Selling In other Community Bank System news, Director Sally A. Steele sold 3,501 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.76, for a total transaction of $170,708.76. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 33,634 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,639,993.84. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Community Bank System news, Director Sally A. Steele sold 3,501 shares of Community Bank System stock in a transaction on Monday, January 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.76, for a total value of $170,708.76. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 33,634 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,639,993.84. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Sally A. Steele sold 9,400 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $53.05, for a total value of $498,670.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 33,634 shares in the company, valued at $1,784,283.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.75% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Community Bank System Profile (Free Report) Community Bank System, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A. that provides various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial, and municipal customers. It operates through three segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The company offers various deposits products, such as interest and noninterest -bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as time deposits. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CBU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Community Bank System Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Bank System and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report) by 82.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 23,039 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 10,442 shares during the quarter. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF were worth $484,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of BKLN. Jane Street Group LLC raised its stake in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 142.1% in the second quarter. Jane Street Group LLC now owns 1,519,410 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $30,798,000 after purchasing an additional 5,127,335 shares in the last quarter. Wright Fund Management LLC grew its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 146.5% in the second quarter. Wright Fund Management LLC now owns 7,268,639 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $152,932,000 after acquiring an additional 4,320,339 shares in the last quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department bought a new position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF in the second quarter valued at $85,637,000. Angeles Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Invesco Senior Loan ETF during the third quarter valued at about $70,619,000. Finally, New York Life Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 110.2% in the 2nd quarter. New York Life Investment Management LLC now owns 5,436,578 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $114,386,000 after purchasing an additional 2,849,764 shares in the last quarter. Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts: Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Performance Shares of NYSEARCA BKLN traded up $0.03 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $21.10. 2,411,312 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,450,641. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $21.10 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $21.03. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a 52-week low of $20.33 and a 52-week high of $21.27. Invesco Senior Loan ETF Profile The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. lessened its stake in Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI Free Report) by 15.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 32,227 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 5,871 shares during the quarter. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Kinder Morgan were worth $534,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Rheos Capital Works Inc. purchased a new position in Kinder Morgan in the 3rd quarter valued at about $4,642,000. Cohen & Steers Inc. boosted its holdings in Kinder Morgan by 1,217.2% in the second quarter. Cohen & Steers Inc. now owns 10,094,105 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $173,820,000 after purchasing an additional 9,327,755 shares during the last quarter. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. grew its stake in Kinder Morgan by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. Virginia Wealth Management Group Inc. now owns 201,278 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $3,337,000 after purchasing an additional 3,085 shares in the last quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. increased its holdings in Kinder Morgan by 69.2% during the 3rd quarter. Bahl & Gaynor Inc. now owns 3,955,216 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $65,577,000 after purchasing an additional 1,617,250 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Hawaii raised its position in shares of Kinder Morgan by 10.7% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Hawaii now owns 24,291 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $418,000 after purchasing an additional 2,339 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.33% of the companys stock. Get Kinder Morgan alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, VP John W. Schlosser sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.00, for a total transaction of $135,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 3,219 shares in the company, valued at $57,942. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, VP Denise R. Mathews sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.55, for a total value of $526,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 79,217 shares in the company, valued at $1,390,258.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP John W. Schlosser sold 7,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $18.00, for a total value of $135,000.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 3,219 shares in the company, valued at approximately $57,942. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 87,500 shares of company stock worth $1,543,000. Insiders own 12.64% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. US Capital Advisors raised shares of Kinder Morgan from a hold rating to an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. StockNews.com raised shares of Kinder Morgan from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, February 3rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $20.50. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Kinder Morgan Kinder Morgan Stock Performance KMI stock traded up $0.01 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $16.58. The company had a trading volume of 1,693,828 shares, compared to its average volume of 15,017,932. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $17.44 and a 200 day moving average price of $17.15. The firm has a market capitalization of $36.85 billion, a PE ratio of 15.48, a P/E/G ratio of 4.78 and a beta of 0.91. Kinder Morgan, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $15.89 and a fifty-two week high of $18.30. Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 17th. The pipeline company reported $0.28 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.30 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $4.04 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.40 billion. Kinder Morgan had a return on equity of 7.57% and a net margin of 15.59%. Kinder Morgans quarterly revenue was down 11.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.31 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Kinder Morgan, Inc. will post 1.17 earnings per share for the current year. Kinder Morgan Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st will be paid a dividend of $0.2825 per share. This represents a $1.13 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 6.82%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, January 30th. Kinder Morgans payout ratio is 105.61%. About Kinder Morgan (Free Report) Kinder Morgan, Inc operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. The company operates through four segments: Natural Gas Pipelines, Products Pipelines, Terminals, and CO2. The Natural Gas Pipelines segment owns and operates interstate and intrastate natural gas pipeline, and underground storage systems; natural gas gathering systems and natural gas processing and treating facilities; natural gas liquids fractionation facilities and transportation systems; and liquefied natural gas gasification, liquefaction, and storage facilities. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KMI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kinder Morgan Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinder Morgan and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. boosted its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 46.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 146 shares of the restaurant operators stock after acquiring an additional 46 shares during the period. First Heartland Consultants Inc.s holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $267,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 2nd quarter worth about $32,000. IMA Wealth Inc. grew its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 185.7% during the first quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 20 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the period. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN increased its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 240.0% during the second quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 17 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 12 shares during the last quarter. Annis Gardner Whiting Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 3rd quarter valued at about $38,000. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. 91.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Price Performance CMG opened at $2,598.66 on Wednesday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a 1-year low of $1,470.05 and a 1-year high of $2,725.83. The company has a market capitalization of $71.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 58.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 1.29. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $2,341.77 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $2,090.19. Insider Buying and Selling Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The restaurant operator reported $10.36 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.73 by $0.63. The business had revenue of $2.52 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.49 billion. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a return on equity of 44.41% and a net margin of 12.45%. The companys revenue was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $8.29 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 53.1 EPS for the current fiscal year. In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,093 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,199.81, for a total value of $2,404,392.33. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at $51,358,964.07. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Chipotle Mexican Grill news, insider Roger E. Theodoredis sold 898 shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,622.25, for a total transaction of $2,354,780.50. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 1,529 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,009,420.25. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, CEO Brian R. Niccol sold 1,093 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $2,199.81, for a total transaction of $2,404,392.33. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 23,347 shares in the company, valued at $51,358,964.07. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 5,087 shares of company stock valued at $12,055,688. 0.96% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research firms have commented on CMG. Raymond James raised their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,450.00 to $2,550.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 25th. Barclays boosted their price target on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,246.00 to $2,400.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Oppenheimer lifted their price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,225.00 to $2,525.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 5th. Stephens increased their target price on Chipotle Mexican Grill from $2,800.00 to $3,000.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $1,930.00 to $2,226.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and sixteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Chipotle Mexican Grill presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $2,469.88. View Our Latest Stock Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill Chipotle Mexican Grill Profile (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It offers burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Newport Beach, California. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Health Systems, Inc. (NYSE:CYH Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the five analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $5.50. Several research firms have recently commented on CYH. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Community Health Systems from $5.00 to $3.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 20th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Community Health Systems from $7.00 to $6.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, StockNews.com cut Community Health Systems from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. Get Community Health Systems alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Community Health Systems Community Health Systems Trading Down 7.3 % Institutional Inflows and Outflows NYSE CYH opened at $3.83 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $523.94 million, a PE ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 1.59. Community Health Systems has a 12 month low of $2.01 and a 12 month high of $8.01. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $3.39 and a 200-day moving average of $3.14. Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CYH. Morgan Stanley increased its position in Community Health Systems by 364.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 8,824,501 shares of the companys stock worth $38,122,000 after buying an additional 6,925,737 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its position in Community Health Systems by 3,799.4% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 2,887,785 shares of the companys stock worth $14,150,000 after buying an additional 2,813,728 shares during the period. Intrinsic Edge Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Community Health Systems during the 2nd quarter worth $7,290,000. AQR Capital Management LLC increased its position in Community Health Systems by 558.7% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,750,920 shares of the companys stock worth $6,566,000 after buying an additional 1,485,122 shares during the period. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC bought a new position in Community Health Systems during the 3rd quarter worth $2,891,000. Institutional investors own 76.80% of the companys stock. Community Health Systems Company Profile (Get Free Report Community Health Systems, Inc owns, leases, and operates general acute care hospitals in the United States. It offers general acute care, emergency room, general and specialty surgery, critical care, internal medicine, obstetrics, diagnostic, psychiatric, and rehabilitation services, as well as skilled nursing and home care services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Community Health Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Health Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ellevest Inc. boosted its stake in U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report) by 14.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 10,940 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,372 shares during the quarter. Ellevest Inc.s holdings in U.S. Bancorp were worth $362,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. BlackRock Inc. boosted its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 6.0% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 110,704,962 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,657,692,000 after buying an additional 6,307,085 shares during the last quarter. Mufg Bank LTD. boosted its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 54.1% during the 3rd quarter. Mufg Bank LTD. now owns 68,374,155 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,260,450,000 after buying an additional 24,000,000 shares during the last quarter. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 60,462,681 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,026,405,000 after buying an additional 2,300,777 shares during the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 130,768.0% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 60,273,882 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,628,544,000 after buying an additional 60,227,825 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 5.5% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 31,120,947 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,028,859,000 after buying an additional 1,610,004 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.40% of the companys stock. Get U.S. Bancorp alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth USB has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $43.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their target price on U.S. Bancorp from $43.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Odeon Capital Group upgraded U.S. Bancorp from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $48.93 price objective on the stock in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. UBS Group raised their price objective on U.S. Bancorp from $35.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on U.S. Bancorp from $37.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $45.35. Insider Activity In other news, insider Shailesh M. Kotwal sold 2,954 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.56, for a total transaction of $116,860.24. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 119,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,738,022.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, insider Terrance R. Dolan sold 26,583 shares of U.S. Bancorp stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.37, for a total transaction of $1,152,904.71. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 144,236 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,255,515.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Shailesh M. Kotwal sold 2,954 shares of U.S. Bancorp stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.56, for a total value of $116,860.24. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 119,768 shares in the company, valued at $4,738,022.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 66,439 shares of company stock valued at $2,865,224. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. U.S. Bancorp Price Performance Shares of NYSE USB opened at $39.93 on Wednesday. U.S. Bancorp has a 1-year low of $27.27 and a 1-year high of $49.29. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.81 and a quick ratio of 0.81. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $42.22 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $37.79. The firm has a market capitalization of $62.17 billion, a PE ratio of 12.17, a P/E/G ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.04. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.99 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.28. The company had revenue of $6.76 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.85 billion. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 14.89% and a net margin of 13.36%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.20 earnings per share. On average, research analysts expect that U.S. Bancorp will post 3.93 EPS for the current year. U.S. Bancorp Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were issued a dividend of $0.49 per share. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.91%. This is a positive change from U.S. Bancorps previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 59.76%. About U.S. Bancorp (Free Report) U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates in Corporate and Commercial Banking, Consumer and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Investment Services, Payment Services, and Treasury and Corporate Support segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for U.S. Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U.S. Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Berkeley police chief Jen Louis speaks at a press conference about coordinating public safety efforts to address East Bay crime in Oakland on Wednesday. Benjamin Fanjoy/The Chronicle Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said that East Bay officials collaborating to solve problems will make a difference. He observed, Were so siloed right now. Benjamin Fanjoy/The Chronicle Oakland Council Member Treva Reid says an increase in crime calls for an all-hands-on-deck response from other agencies and surrounding cities. Benjamin Fanjoy/The Chronicle In response to concerns about crime, a group of elected leaders and law enforcement officials from across the East Bay announced Wednesday that they will meet regularly in an effort to come up with coordinated strategies to curb criminal activity. Perpetrators of crime arent constrained by jurisdictional boundaries, and that means we have to work together across city and county lines to enhance public safety for the entire East Bay, Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin said. The meetings will allow officials to discuss a broad range of possible strategies, such as ways to share crime data, leverage technology and align their policies on vehicle pursuits, Arreguin said after a news conference in Oakland. He and other officials said that while law enforcement agencies in the East Bay collaborate at times, more coordinated efforts were needed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Were so siloed right now, Arreguin said. I think by trying to break down those barriers and come together, I think it can make a difference. Officials held a first meeting Jan. 26 and were expected to meet quarterly. Arreguin acknowledged the partnership is in the early stages and will attempt to tackle a broad issue. He said the partnership could lead to working groups that focus on specific crimes. The partnership comes as cities struggle with crime, especially Oakland, which saw a 21% increase in violent crime last year compared with 2022. At the same time robberies climbed 38% and burglaries increased 23%. We all feel the weight in our cities of the impacts of crime, Oakland Council Member Treva Reid said. Our community has been asking, What are you doing? What more can you do? Advertisement Article continues below this ad Last week, Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed 120 CHP officers in Alameda County. He and state Attorney General Rob Bonta also said they will deploy attorneys from the California National Guard and Department of Justice to support Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Prices prosecutions, with a focus on major crime networks. From every corner of this county, weve been calling on that support, Reid said. And the force of us coming together, we believe, will deliver more. Reid represents an area that includes Hegenberger Road, a thoroughfare where the citys only In-N-Out will close next month because of crime, including car break-ins and robberies. Reid said the situation called for an all-hands-on-deck response from other agencies and surrounding cities. Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley said coordinated law enforcement efforts work. He pointed to multiagency strategies that led to remarkable results when it comes to dealing with sideshows in the region. Berkeley Police Chief Jen Louis agreed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When we work regionally when we share data, when we share resources were able to work more efficiently, Louis said. Were able to deploy resources in a smarter manner. Were able to have a better effect on responding to crime. Were able to have a lot more sophisticated conversations about whats occurring, where its occurring, how its occurring, and how we can address it. Alameda County Sheriff Yesenia Sanchez said in a statement that her office is optimistic about the groups potential amid growing crime targeting residents and businesses. Oakland Council Member Noel Gallo said officials need to act, not only talk about the problem. Lets not talk about it. Lets get it done, he said. Nora Mishanec contributed to this report. EMC Capital Management acquired a new position in C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:AI Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 3,600 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $91,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Citigroup Inc. lifted its stake in shares of C3.ai by 201.2% in the third quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 166,303 shares of the companys stock worth $4,244,000 after buying an additional 111,095 shares during the last quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of C3.ai by 14.3% in the third quarter. Mutual of America Capital Management LLC now owns 87,816 shares of the companys stock worth $2,241,000 after buying an additional 10,988 shares during the last quarter. UBS Group AG lifted its stake in shares of C3.ai by 405.2% in the third quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 183,159 shares of the companys stock worth $4,674,000 after buying an additional 243,169 shares during the last quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its position in C3.ai by 26.2% during the third quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 79,491 shares of the companys stock worth $2,029,000 after acquiring an additional 16,505 shares during the period. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System increased its position in C3.ai by 3.7% during the third quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 17,274 shares of the companys stock worth $441,000 after acquiring an additional 610 shares during the period. 38.96% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get C3.ai alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CFO Juho Parkkinen sold 5,513 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $30.56, for a total transaction of $168,477.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 296,907 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,073,477.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Juho Parkkinen sold 5,513 shares of C3.ai stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.56, for a total transaction of $168,477.28. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 296,907 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,073,477.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CTO Edward Y. Abbo sold 45,548 shares of C3.ai stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $30.73, for a total value of $1,399,690.04. Following the sale, the chief technology officer now directly owns 727,373 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,352,172.29. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 61,931 shares of company stock valued at $1,876,191. 34.00% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. C3.ai Price Performance Shares of NYSE:AI opened at $28.74 on Wednesday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.44 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -12.50 and a beta of 1.57. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $27.56 and its 200 day simple moving average is $28.34. C3.ai, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $16.79 and a fifty-two week high of $48.87. C3.ai (NYSE:AI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 6th. The company reported ($0.13) earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.18) by $0.05. C3.ai had a negative net margin of 95.83% and a negative return on equity of 28.19%. The business had revenue of $73.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $74.33 million. During the same period last year, the company posted ($0.63) EPS. C3.ais revenue for the quarter was up 17.3% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that C3.ai, Inc. will post -2.54 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a hold rating and issued a $27.00 price target on shares of C3.ai in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Oppenheimer raised shares of C3.ai from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $40.00 price target on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of C3.ai from $28.00 to $27.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 7th. DA Davidson lowered their price target on shares of C3.ai from $30.00 to $28.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of C3.ai to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, C3.ai currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.33. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on AI About C3.ai (Free Report) C3.ai, Inc operates as an enterprise artificial intelligence (AI) software company in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and internationally. The company provides C3 AI platform, an application development and runtime environment that enables customers to design, develop, and deploy enterprise AI applications; C3 AI Ex Machina for analysis-ready data; C3 AI CRM, an industry specific customer relationship management solution; and C3 Generative AI Product Suite that enables to locate, retrieve, and present information. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for C3.ai Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for C3.ai and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS Free Report) Investment analysts at Zacks Research issued their FY2026 earnings estimates for shares of Las Vegas Sands in a report issued on Wednesday, February 7th. Zacks Research analyst H. Ray forecasts that the casino operator will earn $3.39 per share for the year. The consensus estimate for Las Vegas Sands current full-year earnings is $2.74 per share. Get Las Vegas Sands alerts: Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley increased their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $59.00 to $61.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. StockNews.com cut Las Vegas Sands from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Susquehanna assumed coverage on Las Vegas Sands in a research note on Friday, December 15th. They set a positive rating and a $59.00 target price for the company. Stifel Nicolaus increased their target price on Las Vegas Sands from $69.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, UBS Group raised their price target on shares of Las Vegas Sands from $71.00 to $77.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 16th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Las Vegas Sands currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $68.82. Las Vegas Sands Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:LVS opened at $53.86 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $40.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.66, a P/E/G ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 1.16. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $49.60 and its 200 day simple moving average is $49.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.96, a current ratio of 1.31 and a quick ratio of 1.30. Las Vegas Sands has a fifty-two week low of $43.77 and a fifty-two week high of $65.58. Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The casino operator reported $0.57 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by ($0.04). The firm had revenue of $2.92 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.89 billion. Las Vegas Sands had a net margin of 11.77% and a return on equity of 34.40%. The businesss revenue was up 161.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.19) earnings per share. Las Vegas Sands Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 14th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, February 6th will be issued a dividend of $0.20 per share. This represents a $0.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.49%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, February 5th. Las Vegas Sandss dividend payout ratio is 50.00%. Las Vegas Sands declared that its board has approved a share buyback plan on Wednesday, October 18th that authorizes the company to repurchase $2.00 billion in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the casino operator to buy up to 5.5% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its shares are undervalued. Insider Buying and Selling at Las Vegas Sands In other Las Vegas Sands news, major shareholder Miriam Adelson sold 12,253,628 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.23, for a total transaction of $529,724,338.44. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 41,134,164 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,778,229,909.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.91% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Las Vegas Sands Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 13.9% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Services Advisors Inc. now owns 46,767 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,818,000 after acquiring an additional 5,716 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 17.1% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 13,612 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $529,000 after acquiring an additional 1,985 shares during the period. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. boosted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 6.9% in the first quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 33,282 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,294,000 after acquiring an additional 2,145 shares during the period. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC boosted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 26.7% in the first quarter. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC now owns 13,502 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $525,000 after acquiring an additional 2,848 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Las Vegas Sands by 47.6% in the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 27,000 shares of the casino operators stock valued at $1,050,000 after acquiring an additional 8,711 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 39.16% of the companys stock. Las Vegas Sands Company Profile (Get Free Report) Las Vegas Sands Corp., together with its subsidiaries, develops, owns, and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. It owns and operates The Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, the Londoner Macao, The Parisian Macao, The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip, and the Sands Macao in Macao, the People's Republic of China; and Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Las Vegas Sands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Las Vegas Sands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp grew its holdings in Scorpio Tankers Inc. (NYSE:STNG Free Report) by 2.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 370,382 shares of the shipping companys stock after buying an additional 8,330 shares during the quarter. Fiera Capital Corp owned 0.68% of Scorpio Tankers worth $20,045,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Lazard Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in Scorpio Tankers by 1,985.7% in the 2nd quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 584 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 556 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 1,037.0% in the 3rd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 523 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 477 shares in the last quarter. Covestor Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 21,950.0% in the 2nd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 882 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 878 shares in the last quarter. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Scorpio Tankers in the 3rd quarter worth about $52,000. Finally, Meeder Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Scorpio Tankers by 35.2% during the 1st quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 964 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $54,000 after purchasing an additional 251 shares in the last quarter. 66.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Scorpio Tankers alerts: Scorpio Tankers Trading Down 0.9 % STNG opened at $67.44 on Wednesday. Scorpio Tankers Inc. has a 1-year low of $40.34 and a 1-year high of $72.89. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.74 billion, a PE ratio of 5.63 and a beta of 0.22. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $63.23 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $56.74. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have commented on STNG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Scorpio Tankers from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. StockNews.com downgraded Scorpio Tankers from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Thursday, December 7th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $69.83. View Our Latest Research Report on Scorpio Tankers Scorpio Tankers Profile (Free Report) Scorpio Tankers Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the seaborne transportation of refined petroleum products in the shipping markets worldwide. As of March 23, 2023, its fleet consisted of 113 owned, finance leased, or bareboat chartered-in tankers, including 39 LR2, 60 MR, and 14 Handymax with a weighted average age of approximately 7.2 years. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Scorpio Tankers Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Scorpio Tankers and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp trimmed its position in Pembina Pipeline Co. (NYSE:PBA Free Report) (TSE:PPL) by 5.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 911,400 shares of the pipeline companys stock after selling 55,021 shares during the period. Fiera Capital Corp owned approximately 0.17% of Pembina Pipeline worth $27,480,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in PBA. Deutsche Bank AG raised its holdings in Pembina Pipeline by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 13,391,140 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $402,538,000 after acquiring an additional 131,487 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in Pembina Pipeline by 10.0% during the 3rd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc. now owns 1,264,880 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $38,138,000 after acquiring an additional 114,545 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its stake in Pembina Pipeline by 9.3% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 879,916 shares of the pipeline companys stock worth $26,450,000 after purchasing an additional 74,723 shares in the last quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC increased its holdings in Pembina Pipeline by 11,740.8% in the third quarter. Lindbrook Capital LLC now owns 24,392 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $733,000 after buying an additional 24,186 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY raised its stake in Pembina Pipeline by 27.3% during the third quarter. Miller Howard Investments Inc. NY now owns 354,405 shares of the pipeline companys stock valued at $10,653,000 after buying an additional 75,970 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 53.86% of the companys stock. Get Pembina Pipeline alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. TheStreet lowered Pembina Pipeline from a b- rating to a c rating in a research report on Thursday, November 2nd. StockNews.com lowered shares of Pembina Pipeline from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, January 20th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $51.00. Pembina Pipeline Stock Down 2.1 % NYSE:PBA opened at $33.20 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.68, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $34.01 and a 200-day moving average of $32.11. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.24 billion, a PE ratio of 20.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.06 and a beta of 1.21. Pembina Pipeline Co. has a 52 week low of $28.15 and a 52 week high of $35.38. About Pembina Pipeline (Free Report) Pembina Pipeline Corporation provides energy transportation and midstream services. It operates through three segments: Pipelines, Facilities, and Marketing & New Ventures. The Pipelines segment operates conventional, oil sands and heavy oil, and transmission assets with a transportation capacity of 2.8 millions of barrels of oil equivalent per day, the ground storage capacity of 11 millions of barrels, and rail terminalling capacity of approximately 105 thousands of barrels of oil equivalent per day serving markets and basins across North America. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PBA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pembina Pipeline Co. (NYSE:PBA Free Report) (TSE:PPL). Receive News & Ratings for Pembina Pipeline Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pembina Pipeline and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp lowered its holdings in Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (NYSE:BEP Free Report) (TSE:BEP) by 3.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,688,269 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 58,929 shares during the quarter. Fiera Capital Corp owned 0.59% of Brookfield Renewable Partners worth $36,782,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of BEP. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in the second quarter worth $186,066,000. BROOKFIELD Corp ON raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners by 7.5% in the second quarter. BROOKFIELD Corp ON now owns 73,897,686 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,179,243,000 after purchasing an additional 5,148,270 shares during the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners by 36.7% in the second quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 13,135,145 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $387,355,000 after purchasing an additional 3,523,830 shares during the last quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners by 170.1% in the second quarter. BRITISH COLUMBIA INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT Corp now owns 4,530,214 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $133,552,000 after purchasing an additional 2,853,217 shares during the last quarter. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners by 14.3% in the second quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 10,659,034 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $314,335,000 after purchasing an additional 1,333,635 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 60.36% of the companys stock. Get Brookfield Renewable Partners alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently commented on BEP shares. TD Securities cut their price objective on Brookfield Renewable Partners from $38.00 to $32.00 and set an action list buy rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 18th. UBS Group lowered Brookfield Renewable Partners from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $34.00 to $25.00 in a report on Friday, November 17th. Scotiabank cut their price objective on Brookfield Renewable Partners from $38.00 to $30.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 25th. National Bankshares lifted their price objective on Brookfield Renewable Partners from $29.00 to $31.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $28.00 price objective (down previously from $36.00) on shares of Brookfield Renewable Partners in a report on Monday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and two have given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $30.91. Brookfield Renewable Partners Stock Performance NYSE:BEP opened at $23.03 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $25.87 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $24.82. Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. has a 52-week low of $19.97 and a 52-week high of $32.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a current ratio of 0.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.61 billion, a PE ratio of -71.97 and a beta of 0.85. Brookfield Renewable Partners (NYSE:BEP Get Free Report) (TSE:BEP) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The utilities provider reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($0.02) by $0.03. The business had revenue of $1.32 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.08 billion. Brookfield Renewable Partners had a return on equity of 2.23% and a net margin of 12.23%. Brookfield Renewable Partnerss revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted ($0.16) earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. will post 0.2 EPS for the current year. Brookfield Renewable Partners Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 28th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, February 29th will be paid a $0.355 dividend. This is a positive change from Brookfield Renewable Partnerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. This represents a $1.42 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.17%. Brookfield Renewable Partnerss dividend payout ratio is -421.88%. Brookfield Renewable Partners Profile (Free Report) Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. owns a portfolio of renewable power generating facilities primarily in North America, Colombia, Brazil, Europe, and Asia. The company generates electricity through hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, pumped storage, cogeneration, and biomass sources. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BEP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (NYSE:BEP Free Report) (TSE:BEP). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Renewable Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Renewable Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp lifted its holdings in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST Free Report) by 6.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 89,357 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after purchasing an additional 5,633 shares during the quarter. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in West Pharmaceutical Services were worth $33,528,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new position in shares of West Pharmaceutical Services during the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new position in West Pharmaceutical Services in the third quarter valued at approximately $38,000. International Assets Investment Management LLC bought a new position in West Pharmaceutical Services in the third quarter valued at approximately $53,000. Addison Advisors LLC increased its stake in West Pharmaceutical Services by 37.9% in the third quarter. Addison Advisors LLC now owns 142 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $53,000 after acquiring an additional 39 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. increased its stake in West Pharmaceutical Services by 37.4% in the first quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 147 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $51,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. 91.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get West Pharmaceutical Services alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts recently issued reports on WST shares. Stephens decreased their price objective on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from $420.00 to $390.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 27th. StockNews.com raised shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 7th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $323.00 to $536.00 in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Finally, KeyCorp lifted their price objective on shares of West Pharmaceutical Services from $440.00 to $470.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $418.20. West Pharmaceutical Services Stock Performance Shares of West Pharmaceutical Services stock opened at $398.59 on Wednesday. West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $271.39 and a fifty-two week high of $415.73. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05, a current ratio of 3.70 and a quick ratio of 2.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $29.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 53.79, a P/E/G ratio of 4.01 and a beta of 1.05. The companys 50 day moving average price is $360.37 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $368.19. West Pharmaceutical Services Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, February 7th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st were given a $0.20 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.20%. West Pharmaceutical Servicess dividend payout ratio is currently 10.80%. Insider Transactions at West Pharmaceutical Services In other news, CAO Chad Winters sold 1,013 shares of West Pharmaceutical Services stock in a transaction on Friday, December 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $349.00, for a total transaction of $353,537.00. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer now owns 1,270 shares in the company, valued at $443,230. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 1.13% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About West Pharmaceutical Services (Free Report) West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc designs, manufactures, and sells containment and delivery systems for injectable drugs and healthcare products in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in two segments, Proprietary Products and Contract-Manufactured Products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE:WST Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for West Pharmaceutical Services and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Foundry Partners LLC trimmed its stake in shares of VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY Free Report) by 71.2% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 530,200 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 1,313,861 shares during the quarter. Foundry Partners LLCs holdings in VAALCO Energy were worth $2,328,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Perritt Capital Management Inc. increased its holdings in shares of VAALCO Energy by 2.1% in the second quarter. Perritt Capital Management Inc. now owns 155,183 shares of the energy companys stock worth $583,000 after purchasing an additional 3,178 shares during the period. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. raised its holdings in shares of VAALCO Energy by 130.0% in the 2nd quarter. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 23,000 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $86,000 after acquiring an additional 13,000 shares in the last quarter. Yorktown Management & Research Co Inc raised its holdings in shares of VAALCO Energy by 56.9% in the 3rd quarter. Yorktown Management & Research Co Inc now owns 80,000 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $351,000 after acquiring an additional 29,000 shares in the last quarter. National Bank of Canada FI boosted its position in shares of VAALCO Energy by 491.7% during the 3rd quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 59,169 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $245,000 after acquiring an additional 49,169 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Versor Investments LP purchased a new position in shares of VAALCO Energy during the third quarter worth about $222,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 48.60% of the companys stock. Get VAALCO Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, StockNews.com raised shares of VAALCO Energy from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. VAALCO Energy Stock Down 3.2 % EGY opened at $4.24 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $4.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $4.41. VAALCO Energy, Inc. has a 52 week low of $3.51 and a 52 week high of $5.22. The stock has a market cap of $445.88 million, a PE ratio of 13.25 and a beta of 1.26. VAALCO Energy Profile (Free Report) VAALCO Energy, Inc, an independent energy company, acquires, explores for, develops, and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company holds Etame production sharing contract related to the Etame Marin block located offshore in the Republic of Gabon in West Africa. It also owns interests in an undeveloped block offshore Equatorial Guinea, West Africa. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EGY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for VAALCO Energy, Inc. (NYSE:EGY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for VAALCO Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for VAALCO Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN Get Free Report)s share price gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $136.07, but opened at $132.00. Global Payments shares last traded at $134.09, with a volume of 478,243 shares trading hands. Analysts Set New Price Targets GPN has been the subject of a number of research reports. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $154.00 target price on shares of Global Payments in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. BTIG Research started coverage on Global Payments in a report on Monday, November 20th. They issued a buy rating and a $135.00 price target for the company. KeyCorp boosted their price target on Global Payments from $135.00 to $155.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, January 8th. Wedbush boosted their price target on Global Payments from $130.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Finally, B. Riley boosted their price target on Global Payments from $180.00 to $186.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, February 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and twenty-one have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Global Payments has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $148.50. Get Global Payments alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Global Payments Global Payments Price Performance The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $129.73 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $121.89. The company has a market cap of $35.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 1.09. Global Payments (NYSE:GPN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The business services provider reported $2.65 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.64 by $0.01. Global Payments had a return on equity of 11.28% and a net margin of 9.23%. The business had revenue of $2.43 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.18 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.30 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that Global Payments Inc. will post 9.78 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Global Payments Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. State of Tennessee Treasury Department lifted its stake in shares of Global Payments by 32.4% in the 4th quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department now owns 136,607 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $17,349,000 after purchasing an additional 33,435 shares during the last quarter. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co lifted its stake in Global Payments by 3.2% during the 4th quarter. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co now owns 22,630 shares of the business services providers stock worth $2,874,000 after acquiring an additional 706 shares in the last quarter. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new position in Global Payments during the 4th quarter worth about $76,000. Ossiam lifted its stake in Global Payments by 17.5% during the 4th quarter. Ossiam now owns 3,650 shares of the business services providers stock worth $464,000 after acquiring an additional 543 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Seven Eight Capital LP acquired a new position in Global Payments during the 4th quarter worth about $2,601,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 85.23% of the companys stock. Global Payments Company Profile (Get Free Report) Global Payments Inc provides payment technology and software solutions for card, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions, and Consumer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization, settlement and funding, customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security, and consolidated billing and reporting services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Global Payments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Payments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Payments Inc. (NYSE:GPN Get Free Report) gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $136.07, but opened at $132.00. Global Payments shares last traded at $134.09, with a volume of 478,243 shares. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of analysts have recently issued reports on the company. StockNews.com upgraded Global Payments from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Mizuho upped their price target on Global Payments from $110.00 to $129.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. B. Riley upped their price target on Global Payments from $180.00 to $186.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. KeyCorp boosted their price objective on Global Payments from $135.00 to $155.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Finally, Wedbush boosted their price objective on Global Payments from $130.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and twenty-one have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $148.50. Get Global Payments alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on GPN Global Payments Stock Up 0.6 % The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $129.73 and a 200-day simple moving average of $121.89. The company has a market capitalization of $35.64 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.76, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. Global Payments (NYSE:GPN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, February 14th. The business services provider reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.64 by $0.01. Global Payments had a return on equity of 11.28% and a net margin of 9.23%. The company had revenue of $2.43 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.18 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.30 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities research analysts expect that Global Payments Inc. will post 9.78 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Global Payments Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of GPN. Arizona State Retirement System grew its holdings in shares of Global Payments by 2.1% during the second quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 75,402 shares of the business services providers stock worth $7,429,000 after buying an additional 1,570 shares in the last quarter. Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of Global Payments by 14.5% during the third quarter. Leith Wheeler Investment Counsel Ltd. now owns 99,276 shares of the business services providers stock worth $11,455,000 after buying an additional 12,560 shares in the last quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC boosted its position in Global Payments by 5.3% during the third quarter. Summit Trail Advisors LLC now owns 3,112 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $359,000 after purchasing an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp boosted its position in Global Payments by 37.3% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 954,370 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $94,025,000 after purchasing an additional 259,216 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ING Groep NV boosted its position in Global Payments by 148.4% during the third quarter. ING Groep NV now owns 491,320 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $56,693,000 after purchasing an additional 293,550 shares during the last quarter. 85.23% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Global Payments Company Profile (Get Free Report) Global Payments Inc provides payment technology and software solutions for card, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions, and Consumer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization, settlement and funding, customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security, and consolidated billing and reporting services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Global Payments Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Payments and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWT Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 986 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $44,000. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. State of Tennessee Treasury Department lifted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF by 0.3% in the 2nd quarter. State of Tennessee Treasury Department now owns 11,626,116 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $546,660,000 after acquiring an additional 33,821 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. raised its position in iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF by 7.9% during the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 7,215,636 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $443,401,000 after purchasing an additional 529,394 shares during the last quarter. Sun Life Financial Inc. bought a new position in iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $72,705,000. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF by 60.7% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 1,373,145 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $64,565,000 after purchasing an additional 518,905 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF by 203.5% during the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,177,172 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $55,351,000 after purchasing an additional 789,254 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF alerts: iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF Stock Down 2.7 % Shares of NYSEARCA:EWT opened at $45.59 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $3.68 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.02 and a beta of 0.86. iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF has a 12-month low of $42.13 and a 12-month high of $50.19. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $45.68 and a 200 day simple moving average of $45.79. About iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF Ishares MSCI Taiwan Index Fund (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Taiwan IndexSM (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (NYSEARCA:EWT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Gregory Turnage Jr. with his son, Miles. The Piedmont man accused of killing Turnage Jr. with his vehicle before fleeing the scene is unlikely to spend any time in jail. Provided by Angie Brey A Piedmont wealth manager who allegedly fled the scene of a hit-and-run leaving his wife in the car and a dying man on the pavement will likely avoid a jail sentence. Timothy Hamano, 67, pleaded no contest Tuesday to charges of felony vehicular manslaughter and fleeing the scene of an accident, stemming from a Mothers Day crash that left bystanders stunned. On the afternoon of May 9, 2021, police said Hamano plowed his white Lexus into a parked SUV on a leafy boulevard in Oakland, striking a pedestrian on the sidewalk. The impact threw 41-year-old Gregory Turnage Jr. onto the hood of the Lexus and then back to the ground on the 3800 block of Park Boulevard, a strip of shops and houses with a tree-lined median. As Turnage lay bleeding on the sidewalk, witnesses said, Hamano opened his door and walked around the crumpled front bumper, looking down at the gravely injured man. Advertisement Article continues below this ad He then fled on foot, leaving Turnage behind as well as his wife, who sat in the front passenger seat of the Lexus behind a deployed airbag. Hamano turned himself in the next day after Oakland police issued a warrant for his arrest. Although restaurant receipts obtained by police indicate that he had been drinking prior to the crash, prosecutors lacked sufficient evidence to charge him with driving while intoxicated. Its mind-blowing, said Vadim Nebuchin, the attorney representing Turnages 13-year-old son, Miles, in a wrongful death lawsuit related to the incident. Nebuchin sat in the courtroom alongside Turnages partner, Angie Brey, as Hamano entered his plea. After posting $125,000 bail on Aug. 2, 2021, Hamano spent the past three years on home detention with an ankle monitor, confined at his house in Piedmont. Under the conditions of his bail, Hamano was not allowed to drive or drink alcohol. While Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Colwell said Tuesday that she was inclined to give him the maximum term six years for the manslaughter conviction, she said Hamano can finish his time on house arrest. Under California law, defendants typically serve half the time to which they are sentenced, which means Hamano has roughly three months left. Nebuchin believed Hamanos attorneys ran out the clock to avoid jail time, delaying hearings and plea negotiations until it no longer made sense to incarcerate the defendant. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In at least one instance, Hamanos defense lawyer, Colin Cooper, sought to postpone a hearing so that Cooper could travel to Los Angeles to help his mother move into a skilled nursing facility, according to a court filing. But Nebuchin and Brey said excuses for the delays varied, and prosecutors did not intervene. Cooper, who did not attend the court proceeding on Tuesday, said in an interview he had tried to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors at various points but that they were only interested in seeking the maximum sentence or sending his client to trial. Ultimately, Cooper structured the plea to allow a judge to resolve the case. All we did for Mr. Hamano is fight on his behalf, to come up with a resolution that was as fair as possible for everybody, Cooper said. He described Hamano as deeply remorseful and desperate to make amends after the crash, which upended the wealth managers life. In the aftermath, Cooper said, Hamanos marriage unraveled, he lost his job and he became a pariah in the community. Court records show Hamanos wife filed for divorce last week. Nonetheless, the plea wont repair the suffering inflicted on Turnages family a fact that Colwell acknowledged from the bench. Im sorry for your loss, the judge said, turning her attention to Brey in the second row of the audience. I gave the highest possible sentence that I could. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Later, Nebuchin accompanied Brey to the courthouse lobby, both of them wearing sober expressions. They successfully gamed the system, Nebuchin said, surmising that if Hamano had made his plea even eight months earlier, Colwell would have been more inclined to send him to prison. This case sends a very clear message, Nebuchin said. If youre drunk, you are driving, and you kill someone run away. Its way better for you. Hamano, two of his supporters, and Walter McMath, the attorney who represented him at the plea hearing, all declined to comment when approached by a reporter outside the courtroom. Since the crash three years ago, Brey said she has struggled with grief while raising Miles alone. The two of them had to move out of Oaklands Glenview neighborhood, she said, so that Miles would not have to walk past the scene of Turnages death on his way to school. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Im grieving not just for myself but for Miles, she said. Just knowing that he doesnt have his dad, and all that love and support that Greg would shower on him. She sees the case as an example of inequality in the legal system, wherein a wealthy defendant can push for a better outcome. Cooper disagrees, but said hes aware of the optics: Protesters have picketed outside his clients home. Heritage Investors Management Corp lessened its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 44,890 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after selling 115 shares during the period. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in EOG Resources were worth $5,692,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Truvestments Capital LLC bought a new position in EOG Resources in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of EOG Resources during the 4th quarter worth approximately $28,000. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new position in EOG Resources in the first quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Peoples Bank KS bought a new position in EOG Resources in the third quarter valued at approximately $31,000. Finally, Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC boosted its stake in EOG Resources by 1,436.8% in the first quarter. Nelson Van Denburg & Campbell Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 292 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 273 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.21% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: EOG Resources Stock Up 0.5 % NYSE:EOG traded up $0.54 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $111.57. 210,862 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,926,933. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $98.52 and a twelve month high of $136.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 2.43 and a quick ratio of 2.10. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $116.75 and a 200 day moving average of $123.85. The stock has a market cap of $65.06 billion, a PE ratio of 8.25, a PEG ratio of 0.33 and a beta of 1.40. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently issued reports on EOG. Truist Financial raised their price target on EOG Resources from $165.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 6th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut EOG Resources from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and lowered their price target for the company from $155.00 to $146.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. Mizuho reduced their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $150.00 to $138.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. KeyCorp lowered their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $157.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company cut shares of EOG Resources from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $150.00 to $130.00 in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $143.50. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on EOG Resources EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Karpus Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEUR Free Report) by 301.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 76,011 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 57,060 shares during the period. Karpus Management Inc. owned about 0.09% of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF worth $3,775,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of IEUR. Blair William & Co. IL lifted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 150.8% during the third quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 24,509 shares of the companys stock worth $1,217,000 after purchasing an additional 14,735 shares in the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 209.6% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 98,827 shares of the companys stock worth $4,911,000 after purchasing an additional 66,901 shares in the last quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 5.9% during the third quarter. Pathstone Family Office LLC now owns 122,561 shares of the companys stock worth $6,086,000 after purchasing an additional 6,797 shares in the last quarter. AlphaStar Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 15.0% during the third quarter. AlphaStar Capital Management LLC now owns 6,276 shares of the companys stock worth $312,000 after purchasing an additional 817 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Soltis Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF by 3.5% during the third quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 7,080 shares of the companys stock worth $352,000 after purchasing an additional 238 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Trading Down 1.9 % Shares of NYSEARCA:IEUR opened at $53.62 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $54.23 and a 200 day simple moving average of $52.00. The firm has a market cap of $4.35 billion, a PE ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 0.95. iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF has a 12-month low of $47.10 and a 12-month high of $55.38. About iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF The iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Europe IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed European securities. IEUR was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. Read More Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Karpus Management Inc. decreased its holdings in The Taiwan Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TWN Free Report) by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 114,880 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,854 shares during the quarter. Karpus Management Inc.s holdings in The Taiwan Fund were worth $3,444,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. UBS Group AG increased its stake in shares of The Taiwan Fund by 198.2% in the 2nd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 1,333 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 886 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought a new stake in The Taiwan Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $44,000. Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors Inc. grew its position in The Taiwan Fund by 268.9% during the 2nd quarter. Thomas J. Herzfeld Advisors Inc. now owns 2,387 shares of the companys stock worth $75,000 after acquiring an additional 1,740 shares during the last quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors bought a new stake in The Taiwan Fund during the 2nd quarter worth $83,000. Finally, Advisor Group Holdings Inc. grew its position in The Taiwan Fund by 21.7% during the 1st quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 3,652 shares of the companys stock worth $121,000 after acquiring an additional 651 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.29% of the companys stock. Get The Taiwan Fund alerts: The Taiwan Fund Stock Performance Shares of TWN stock opened at $37.76 on Wednesday. The Taiwan Fund, Inc. has a twelve month low of $25.22 and a twelve month high of $38.38. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $34.97 and its 200 day simple moving average is $32.22. The Taiwan Fund Cuts Dividend The Taiwan Fund Profile The company also recently disclosed an annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 28th were given a dividend of $0.437 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 27th. This represents a yield of 1.26%. (Free Report) The Taiwan Fund, Inc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Nomura Asset Management U.SA Inc It invests in the public equity markets of Taiwan. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. It employs fundamental analysis focusing on such factors as overall growth prospects, competitive position in the respective industry, technology, research, and development, productivity, labor costs, raw material costs and sources, profit margins, return on investment, capital resources, government regulation, and management to create its portfolio. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TWN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Taiwan Fund, Inc. (NYSE:TWN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Taiwan Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Taiwan Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Karpus Management Inc. decreased its position in shares of MFS Government Markets Income Trust (NYSE:MGF Free Report) by 2.7% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 1,854,309 shares of the companys stock after selling 50,710 shares during the period. Karpus Management Inc. owned approximately 0.06% of MFS Government Markets Income Trust worth $5,674,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Sit Investment Associates Inc. increased its stake in MFS Government Markets Income Trust by 9.2% during the 2nd quarter. Sit Investment Associates Inc. now owns 5,242,253 shares of the companys stock worth $16,828,000 after buying an additional 442,143 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC increased its stake in MFS Government Markets Income Trust by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 439,200 shares of the companys stock worth $1,410,000 after buying an additional 14,213 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLC increased its stake in MFS Government Markets Income Trust by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLC now owns 266,381 shares of the companys stock worth $1,007,000 after buying an additional 17,200 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley increased its stake in MFS Government Markets Income Trust by 103.4% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 230,183 shares of the companys stock worth $762,000 after buying an additional 117,025 shares during the period. Finally, Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new stake in MFS Government Markets Income Trust during the 2nd quarter worth $105,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 50.22% of the companys stock. Get MFS Government Markets Income Trust alerts: MFS Government Markets Income Trust Price Performance Shares of MGF stock opened at $3.13 on Wednesday. MFS Government Markets Income Trust has a 1-year low of $2.91 and a 1-year high of $3.46. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $3.19 and a two-hundred day moving average of $3.12. MFS Government Markets Income Trust Announces Dividend MFS Government Markets Income Trust Company Profile The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 29th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.0203 per share. This represents a $0.24 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. (Free Report) MFS Government Markets Income Trust is a close ended fixed income mutual fund launched and managed by Massachusetts Financial Services Company. The fund invests in the fixed income markets of United States. It primarily invests in investment grade debt instruments. The fund also invests in mortgage backed, U.S. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MGF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MFS Government Markets Income Trust (NYSE:MGF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MFS Government Markets Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MFS Government Markets Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC bought a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 87,749 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $6,618,000. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new position in Archer-Daniels-Midland during the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Legacy Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 3rd quarter valued at about $30,000. Almanack Investment Partners LLC. acquired a new position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $43,000. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC grew its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 37.0% in the 1st quarter. Carolinas Wealth Consulting LLC now owns 607 shares of the companys stock valued at $55,000 after purchasing an additional 164 shares during the period. Finally, Strengthening Families & Communities LLC grew its position in shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland by 37.3% in the 3rd quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC now owns 641 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 174 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.73% of the companys stock. Get Archer-Daniels-Midland alerts: Archer-Daniels-Midland Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of NYSE ADM traded up $0.29 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $52.76. The company had a trading volume of 888,665 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,423,465. The stock has a market capitalization of $28.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.31 and a beta of 0.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company has a 1-year low of $50.72 and a 1-year high of $87.30. The firms 50 day moving average is $65.66 and its 200-day moving average is $73.01. Archer-Daniels-Midland Increases Dividend Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 8th will be paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, February 7th. This is a boost from Archer-Daniels-Midlands previous quarterly dividend of $0.45. Archer-Daniels-Midlands dividend payout ratio is 27.86%. Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $77.00 to $75.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Stephens decreased their price objective on Archer-Daniels-Midland from $80.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $51.00 price target (down previously from $104.00) on shares of Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research report on Friday, January 26th. StockNews.com downgraded Archer-Daniels-Midland from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, January 22nd. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on Archer-Daniels-Midland in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $57.00 price target for the company. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and thirteen have given a hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Archer-Daniels-Midland presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $67.08. View Our Latest Analysis on ADM About Archer-Daniels-Midland (Free Report) Archer-Daniels-Midland Company procures, transports, stores, processes, and merchandises agricultural commodities, products, and ingredients in the United States, Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Ag Services and Oilseeds, Carbohydrate Solutions, and Nutrition. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ADM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Archer-Daniels-Midland and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Montag A & Associates Inc. bought a new stake in Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HHH Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 3,500 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $259,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Citigroup Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Howard Hughes during the 3rd quarter worth about $48,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Howard Hughes in the 3rd quarter valued at about $73,000. Western Pacific Wealth Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of Howard Hughes in the 3rd quarter valued at about $128,000. Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. purchased a new position in Howard Hughes during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $139,000. Finally, Teacher Retirement System of Texas acquired a new position in Howard Hughes during the third quarter worth approximately $201,000. 94.60% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Howard Hughes alerts: Insider Transactions at Howard Hughes In other news, insider Zachary Winick sold 400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $75.70, for a total value of $30,280.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 13,859 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,049,126.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Zachary Winick sold 400 shares of Howard Hughes stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $75.70, for a total value of $30,280.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 13,859 shares in the company, valued at $1,049,126.30. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, Director Pershing Square Capital Manage acquired 70,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $74.01 per share, with a total value of $5,217,705.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 18,422,674 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,363,462,102.74. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders purchased 241,985 shares of company stock worth $17,793,478 and sold 2,608 shares worth $215,112. Company insiders own 33.00% of the companys stock. Howard Hughes Stock Down 4.1 % Analyst Ratings Changes HHH opened at $75.61 on Wednesday. The firms 50 day moving average is $81.38. Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. has a 52 week low of $65.42 and a 52 week high of $89.58. The stock has a market cap of $3.79 billion, a P/E ratio of -7.03 and a beta of 1.51. The company has a current ratio of 1.63, a quick ratio of 1.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.72. Separately, TheStreet raised shares of Howard Hughes from a d+ rating to a c- rating in a report on Friday, December 22nd. Read Our Latest Report on Howard Hughes Howard Hughes Company Profile (Free Report) Howard Hughes Holdings Inc owns, manages, and develops commercial, residential, and mixed-use properties in the United States. It operates through four segments: Operating Assets; Master Planned Communities (MPCs); Seaport; and Strategic Developments. The Operating Assets segment owns retail, office, multi-family, hospitality, and other operating properties and investments primarily located in Houston, Texas; Columbia, Maryland; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Honolulu, Hawaii. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Howard Hughes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Howard Hughes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Montag A & Associates Inc. reduced its stake in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report) by 7.9% 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 4,068 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 350 shares during the quarter. Montag A & Associates Inc.s holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries were worth $832,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC grew its stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 1.5% during the second quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 5,113 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,164,000 after acquiring an additional 76 shares in the last quarter. Epoch Investment Partners Inc. grew its position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 1.3% during the second quarter. Epoch Investment Partners Inc. now owns 185,744 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $42,275,000 after purchasing an additional 2,294 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries in the second quarter worth about $39,000. Earnest Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 26.5% in the second quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 513,870 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $116,957,000 after buying an additional 107,539 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC boosted its stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 0.6% during the third quarter. Thompson Siegel & Walmsley LLC now owns 492,959 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $100,850,000 after buying an additional 2,818 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.18% of the companys stock. Get Huntington Ingalls Industries alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently issued reports on HII. Barclays upped their price objective on Huntington Ingalls Industries from $280.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from $257.00 to $288.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Huntington Ingalls Industries from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 15th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, one has assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Huntington Ingalls Industries presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $265.00. Insider Activity at Huntington Ingalls Industries In related news, VP Jennifer R. Boykin sold 567 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $239.00, for a total transaction of $135,513.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 9,053 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,163,667. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other news, VP Jennifer R. Boykin sold 567 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $239.00, for a total transaction of $135,513.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 9,053 shares in the company, valued at $2,163,667. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, VP Jennifer R. Boykin sold 2,176 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $272.31, for a total transaction of $592,546.56. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 6,877 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,872,675.87. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 3,643 shares of company stock valued at $965,381 over the last quarter. 2.30% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Huntington Ingalls Industries Trading Down 0.2 % HII stock opened at $275.11 on Wednesday. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. has a 12 month low of $188.51 and a 12 month high of $277.11. The firms 50-day moving average is $257.98 and its 200 day moving average is $234.31. The company has a market capitalization of $10.89 billion, a PE ratio of 16.09, a P/E/G ratio of 2.57 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.54, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.89. Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The aerospace company reported $6.90 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.27 by $2.63. The business had revenue of $3.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.78 billion. Huntington Ingalls Industries had a net margin of 5.95% and a return on equity of 18.12%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 13.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $3.07 earnings per share. On average, research analysts anticipate that Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. will post 16.52 EPS for the current year. Huntington Ingalls Industries Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be given a $1.30 dividend. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.89%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 22nd. Huntington Ingalls Industriess payout ratio is 30.41%. Huntington Ingalls Industries Profile (Free Report) Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc engages in designing, building, overhauling, and repairing military ships in the United States. It operates through three segments: Ingalls, Newport News, and Mission Technologies. The company is involved in the design and construction of non-nuclear ships comprising amphibious assault ships; expeditionary warfare ships; surface combatants; and national security cutters for the U.S. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Anchor Capital Advisors LLC cut its holdings in NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 74.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 35,688 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 104,485 shares during the quarter. Anchor Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $2,045,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of NEE. Wimmer Associates 1 LLC lifted its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy by 3.6% during the 1st quarter. Wimmer Associates 1 LLC now owns 3,935 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $305,000 after buying an additional 135 shares during the last quarter. Kolinsky Wealth Management LLC grew its position in NextEra Energy by 2.1% in the first quarter. Kolinsky Wealth Management LLC now owns 6,669 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $514,000 after acquiring an additional 139 shares during the period. Baldwin Investment Management LLC grew its position in NextEra Energy by 0.4% in the first quarter. Baldwin Investment Management LLC now owns 35,437 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,731,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. McAdam LLC grew its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy by 5.3% during the second quarter. McAdam LLC now owns 3,134 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $233,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of NextEra Energy by 0.9% during the second quarter. Chicago Partners Investment Group LLC now owns 18,224 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,310,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. 76.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get NextEra Energy alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have weighed in on the company. Seaport Res Ptn lowered NextEra Energy from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $74.00 price target on shares of NextEra Energy in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on NextEra Energy from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 29th. StockNews.com raised NextEra Energy from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 26th. Finally, Citigroup assumed coverage on NextEra Energy in a report on Friday, December 8th. They set a buy rating and a $69.00 price target for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, NextEra Energy currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.85. NextEra Energy Trading Down 0.1 % Shares of NEE stock opened at $55.17 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $113.19 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.52. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a twelve month low of $47.15 and a twelve month high of $79.78. The company has a quick ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $59.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $60.76. NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $6.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.72 billion. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 11.73% and a net margin of 26.00%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.51 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.44 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, Director Nicole S. Arnaboldi acquired 8,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $59.59 per share, with a total value of $506,515.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 11,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $686,655.57. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Corporate insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. NextEra Energy Company Profile (Free Report) NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. One Capital Management LLC lessened its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 15.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 1,379 shares of the companys stock after selling 260 shares during the quarter. One Capital Management LLCs holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $741,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cassia Capital Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the third quarter. Cassia Capital Partners LLC now owns 951 shares of the companys stock worth $511,000 after purchasing an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% during the third quarter. Walkner Condon Financial Advisors LLC now owns 621 shares of the companys stock valued at $334,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares during the last quarter. Patton Albertson Miller Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the third quarter. Patton Albertson Miller Group LLC now owns 623 shares of the companys stock valued at $335,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares in the last quarter. Lathrop Investment Management Corp boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.2% in the third quarter. Lathrop Investment Management Corp now owns 1,476 shares of the companys stock worth $793,000 after acquiring an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Convergence Investment Partners LLC raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.3% in the 3rd quarter. Convergence Investment Partners LLC now owns 1,419 shares of the companys stock valued at $762,000 after purchasing an additional 18 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.38% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have recently commented on LLY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Citigroup increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $525.00 to $675.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $763.00 to $805.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, February 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. They set a hold rating and a $535.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, StockNews.com raised Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and seventeen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $621.81. Insider Buying and Selling at Eli Lilly and Company In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 34,538 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $631.81, for a total value of $21,821,453.78. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 99,719,884 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $63,004,019,910.04. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders sold 195,055 shares of company stock worth $125,254,657 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of NYSE LLY opened at $742.90 on Wednesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $626.16 and its two-hundred day moving average is $585.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.59, a current ratio of 1.05 and a quick ratio of 0.82. The company has a market cap of $705.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 128.09, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.63 and a beta of 0.32. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $309.20 and a 1-year high of $745.70. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $2.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.19. Eli Lilly and Company had a return on equity of 50.78% and a net margin of 15.36%. The company had revenue of $9.35 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.95 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.09 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Companys quarterly revenue was up 28.1% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 12.5 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a positive change from Eli Lilly and Companys previous quarterly dividend of $1.13. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.70%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 77.93%. Eli Lilly and Company Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rational Advisors LLC trimmed its stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report) by 35.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 559 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock after selling 301 shares during the quarter. Rational Advisors LLCs holdings in Becton, Dickinson and Company were worth $145,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Householder Group Estate & Retirement Specialist LLC acquired a new position in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company by 4,900.0% in the second quarter. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 100 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares in the last quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO purchased a new position in Becton, Dickinson and Company in the third quarter valued at about $27,000. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Finally, OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A purchased a new stake in Becton, Dickinson and Company during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.72% of the companys stock. Get Becton Dickinson and Company alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets BDX has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $310.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Barclays raised their price target on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $301.00 to $305.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, February 5th. Raymond James upped their price objective on Becton, Dickinson and Company from $269.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. TheStreet cut Becton, Dickinson and Company from a b rating to a c+ rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Piper Sandler lowered their price target on shares of Becton, Dickinson and Company from $305.00 to $280.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Becton, Dickinson and Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $279.17. Becton, Dickinson and Company Price Performance Shares of BDX traded up $0.34 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $239.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 52,375 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,548,063. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 1.08 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $238.91 and a 200 day moving average price of $252.86. Becton, Dickinson and Company has a fifty-two week low of $228.62 and a fifty-two week high of $287.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 56.65, a PEG ratio of 2.01 and a beta of 0.43. Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The medical instruments supplier reported $2.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.39 by $0.29. Becton, Dickinson and Company had a net margin of 6.44% and a return on equity of 13.57%. The firm had revenue of $4.71 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.73 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $2.98 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that Becton, Dickinson and Company will post 12.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Becton, Dickinson and Company Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Investors of record on Friday, March 8th will be given a $0.95 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.59%. Becton, Dickinson and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 90.05%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Richard Byrd sold 2,156 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $238.47, for a total value of $514,141.32. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 4,120 shares in the company, valued at $982,496.40. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.31% of the companys stock. About Becton, Dickinson and Company (Free Report) Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Becton Dickinson and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mario Cortez joined The Chronicle Food & Wine team in 2022. He is originally from San Diego, where he contributed to local and online publications. He last worked at the Eureka Times-Standard, where he was sports editor and a staff reporter. Cortez was also a regular writer for Eater San Diego. He likes analog photography, playing soccer and, naturally, great food. He can be reached at mario.cortez@sfchronicle.com. Rational Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in STAG Industrial, Inc. (NYSE:STAG Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 1,204 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $42,000. Other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in shares of STAG Industrial by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 4,286,953 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $147,943,000 after purchasing an additional 59,463 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of STAG Industrial by 2.8% during the third quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,728,355 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $94,156,000 after acquiring an additional 73,224 shares during the last quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of STAG Industrial by 446.2% during the second quarter. Centersquare Investment Management LLC now owns 531,504 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $19,070,000 after acquiring an additional 434,194 shares during the last quarter. Cumberland Partners Ltd bought a new position in STAG Industrial during the third quarter worth $4,573,000. Finally, Barclays PLC raised its stake in STAG Industrial by 684.2% during the second quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,346,788 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $48,323,000 after buying an additional 1,175,049 shares during the last quarter. 88.68% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get STAG Industrial alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have commented on STAG. Royal Bank of Canada cut shares of STAG Industrial from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and reduced their price target for the stock from $42.00 to $39.00 in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Robert W. Baird restated a neutral rating and set a $41.00 price target (up from $38.00) on shares of STAG Industrial in a report on Friday, January 5th. Finally, Raymond James lowered their price objective on shares of STAG Industrial from $39.00 to $37.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 31st. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, STAG Industrial has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $38.00. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO William R. Crooker sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.84, for a total value of $971,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 7,522 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $292,154.48. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In related news, EVP Jeffrey M. Sullivan sold 19,650 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.84, for a total transaction of $763,206.00. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO William R. Crooker sold 25,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $38.84, for a total transaction of $971,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 7,522 shares in the company, valued at approximately $292,154.48. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 87,890 shares of company stock valued at $3,333,708. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. STAG Industrial Stock Performance Shares of NYSE STAG traded down $0.04 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $37.41. The companys stock had a trading volume of 208,298 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,059,219. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $38.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $36.21. STAG Industrial, Inc. has a one year low of $31.01 and a one year high of $39.61. The company has a current ratio of 1.31, a quick ratio of 1.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 36.74, a P/E/G ratio of 8.66 and a beta of 1.03. STAG Industrial Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 15th. Investors of record on Thursday, March 28th will be issued a dividend of $0.1233 per share. This represents a $1.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.96%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 27th. STAG Industrials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 145.10%. About STAG Industrial (Free Report) We are a REIT focused on the acquisition, ownership and operation of industrial properties throughout the United States. We seek to (i) identify properties for acquisition that offer relative value across all locations, industrial property types, and tenants through the principled application of our proprietary risk assessment model, (ii) operate our properties in an efficient, cost-effective manner, and (iii) capitalize our business appropriately given the characteristics of our assets. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding STAG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for STAG Industrial, Inc. (NYSE:STAG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for STAG Industrial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for STAG Industrial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ecolab (NYSE:ECL Get Free Report) had its target price upped by equities researchers at Stifel Nicolaus from $193.00 to $225.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the basic materials companys stock. Stifel Nicolaus target price would suggest a potential upside of 1.73% from the companys current price. A number of other analysts have also weighed in on the stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Ecolab from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $200.00 to $220.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Ecolab from $213.00 to $238.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Bank of America raised shares of Ecolab from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $185.00 to $216.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. StockNews.com raised shares of Ecolab from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 7th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price target on shares of Ecolab from $211.00 to $227.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $204.63. Get Ecolab alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ECL Ecolab Stock Up 9.0 % Shares of ECL opened at $221.18 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $63.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 51.32, a P/E/G ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 1.08. Ecolab has a 12-month low of $150.47 and a 12-month high of $221.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.26, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $198.30 and a 200-day moving average price of $184.47. Ecolab (NYSE:ECL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The basic materials company reported $1.55 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.54 by $0.01. Ecolab had a net margin of 8.18% and a return on equity of 18.81%. The company had revenue of $3.94 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.92 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.27 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts expect that Ecolab will post 5.19 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Activity In other news, EVP Nicholas J. Alfano sold 6,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $189.63, for a total transaction of $1,137,780.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,717 shares in the company, valued at $1,842,634.71. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Ecolab news, Director David Maclennan purchased 800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 1st. The shares were bought at an average price of $191.53 per share, for a total transaction of $153,224.00. Following the acquisition, the director now owns 16,070 shares in the company, valued at $3,077,887.10. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Nicholas J. Alfano sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $189.63, for a total transaction of $1,137,780.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 9,717 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,842,634.71. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ecolab Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of ECL. Peak Asset Management LLC boosted its position in Ecolab by 0.4% in the 4th quarter. Peak Asset Management LLC now owns 12,221 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,424,000 after purchasing an additional 51 shares in the last quarter. Riverwater Partners LLC boosted its position in Ecolab by 3.3% in the 4th quarter. Riverwater Partners LLC now owns 1,654 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $328,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares in the last quarter. St. Johns Investment Management Company LLC boosted its position in Ecolab by 2.0% in the 4th quarter. St. Johns Investment Management Company LLC now owns 2,810 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $557,000 after purchasing an additional 54 shares in the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC boosted its position in Ecolab by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 1,490 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $278,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC boosted its position in Ecolab by 1.6% in the 4th quarter. Woodmont Investment Counsel LLC now owns 3,549 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $704,000 after purchasing an additional 56 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 73.91% of the companys stock. About Ecolab (Get Free Report) Ecolab Inc provides water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Global Industrial, Global Institutional & Specialty, and Global Healthcare & Life Sciences segments. The Global Industrial segment offers water treatment and process applications, and cleaning and sanitizing solutions to manufacturing, food and beverage processing, transportation, chemical, metals and mining, power generation, pulp and paper, commercial laundry, petroleum, refining, and petrochemical industries. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ecolab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ecolab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. First National Advisers LLC lifted its position in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 140.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,882 shares of the insurance providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,683 shares during the quarter. First National Advisers LLCs holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $471,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Travelers Companies by 1.9% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,074 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $562,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the period. Equitable Holdings Inc. grew its holdings in Travelers Companies by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Equitable Holdings Inc. now owns 2,816 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $489,000 after buying an additional 70 shares in the last quarter. Thomasville National Bank increased its position in Travelers Companies by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Thomasville National Bank now owns 1,563 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $255,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its position in Travelers Companies by 2.1% during the 3rd quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 3,646 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $596,000 after acquiring an additional 74 shares during the period. Finally, Smith Moore & CO. grew its stake in shares of Travelers Companies by 4.4% in the second quarter. Smith Moore & CO. now owns 1,785 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $310,000 after purchasing an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.12% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades TRV has been the subject of several research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $166.00 to $186.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $172.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $185.00 to $210.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. UBS Group upped their target price on Travelers Companies from $205.00 to $225.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Janney Montgomery Scott initiated coverage on Travelers Companies in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. They set a buy rating and a $215.00 price target on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating, five have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $201.38. Insider Transactions at Travelers Companies In related news, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 270 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.00, for a total transaction of $48,060.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 255,178 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,421,684. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Travelers Companies news, Vice Chairman William H. Heyman sold 270 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.00, for a total transaction of $48,060.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 255,178 shares in the company, valued at $45,421,684. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 38,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, February 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $212.55, for a total value of $8,076,900.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 14,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,147,865.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 110,045 shares of company stock worth $23,391,963. 1.29% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Travelers Companies Stock Performance Travelers Companies stock opened at $215.95 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32, a current ratio of 0.34 and a quick ratio of 0.34. The company has a market cap of $49.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.88, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.05 and a beta of 0.58. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $157.33 and a fifty-two week high of $216.56. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $197.54 and its 200-day simple moving average is $177.75. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 19th. The insurance provider reported $7.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.10 by $1.91. The firm had revenue of $10.93 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.18 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 13.68% and a net margin of 7.23%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $3.40 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts predict that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.68 EPS for the current year. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Investors of record on Friday, March 8th will be issued a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.85%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 7th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 31.27%. About Travelers Companies (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TRV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. decreased its holdings in shares of Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU Free Report) by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 18,803 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 1,058 shares during the quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P.s holdings in Prudential Financial were worth $1,784,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in PRU. Sanctuary Wealth Management L.L.C. purchased a new position in Prudential Financial during the 4th quarter worth $25,000. Pacific Center for Financial Services purchased a new position in Prudential Financial in the first quarter valued at about $27,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Prudential Financial during the second quarter worth $28,000. Union Savings Bank acquired a new position in shares of Prudential Financial during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Finally, VitalStone Financial LLC acquired a new stake in Prudential Financial during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. 54.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Prudential Financial alerts: Insider Transactions at Prudential Financial In related news, CFO Kenneth Tanji sold 23,124 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $105.14, for a total transaction of $2,431,257.36. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 47,155 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,957,876.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Prudential Financial news, CFO Kenneth Tanji sold 23,124 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, December 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $105.14, for a total value of $2,431,257.36. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 47,155 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,957,876.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, SVP Timothy L. Schmidt sold 8,281 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $94.49, for a total transaction of $782,471.69. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 14,621 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,381,538.29. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 0.37% of the companys stock. Prudential Financial Trading Down 1.9 % PRU opened at $105.24 on Wednesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $37.99 billion, a PE ratio of 15.73, a P/E/G ratio of 0.68 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.13 and a quick ratio of 0.07. Prudential Financial, Inc. has a 12-month low of $75.37 and a 12-month high of $109.63. The firms fifty day moving average price is $103.82 and its 200 day moving average price is $97.68. Prudential Financial (NYSE:PRU Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The financial services provider reported $2.58 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.67 by ($0.09). The company had revenue of $13.02 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.99 billion. Prudential Financial had a return on equity of 14.52% and a net margin of 4.89%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 6.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.42 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Prudential Financial, Inc. will post 13.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. Prudential Financial Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 14th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be paid a dividend of $1.30 per share. This is a boost from Prudential Financials previous quarterly dividend of $1.25. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.94%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, February 16th. Prudential Financials payout ratio is currently 74.74%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have weighed in on PRU. TheStreet upgraded shares of Prudential Financial from a c+ rating to an a- rating in a report on Tuesday, February 6th. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on shares of Prudential Financial from $105.00 to $109.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Raymond James lowered shares of Prudential Financial from a strong-buy rating to a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, February 9th. UBS Group increased their price target on Prudential Financial from $108.00 to $112.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated a neutral rating and set a $118.00 price objective (down previously from $119.00) on shares of Prudential Financial in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating and ten have issued a hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $105.60. Read Our Latest Stock Report on Prudential Financial About Prudential Financial (Free Report) Prudential Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance, investment management, and other financial products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through PGIM, Retirement Strategies, Group Insurance, Individual Annuities, Individual Life, Assurance IQ, and International Businesses segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Prudential Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prudential Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Welltower (NYSE:WELL Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.94 by ($0.79), RTT News reports. Welltower had a net margin of 3.94% and a return on equity of 1.15%. The business had revenue of $1.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.72 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.83 earnings per share. Welltowers revenue was up 15.2% on a year-over-year basis. Welltower updated its FY24 guidance to $3.94-4.10 EPS and its FY 2024 guidance to 3.940-4.100 EPS. Welltower Trading Down 0.3 % Shares of NYSE WELL opened at $87.27 on Wednesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $88.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is $85.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67, a current ratio of 3.37 and a quick ratio of 3.37. Welltower has a 1-year low of $65.18 and a 1-year high of $93.42. The stock has a market capitalization of $48.30 billion, a P/E ratio of 181.81, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 1.07. Get Welltower alerts: Welltower Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be paid a dividend of $0.61 per share. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.80%. Welltowers payout ratio is currently 508.33%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages have recently commented on WELL. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Welltower from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Mizuho boosted their price objective on Welltower from $90.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded Welltower from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $92.00 to $97.00 in a research report on Tuesday, November 28th. KeyCorp boosted their price objective on Welltower from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 5th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft assumed coverage on Welltower in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. They issued a buy rating and a $115.00 target price on the stock. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $92.79. View Our Latest Analysis on Welltower Institutional Investors Weigh In On Welltower Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Cresset Asset Management LLC increased its stake in Welltower by 2.5% during the first quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 5,044 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $485,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Dai Ichi Life Insurance Company Ltd increased its stake in Welltower by 0.4% during the first quarter. Dai Ichi Life Insurance Company Ltd now owns 33,012 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,174,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co increased its stake in Welltower by 1.1% during the first quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co now owns 11,573 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,113,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Horizon Investments LLC increased its stake in Welltower by 2.1% during the second quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 6,557 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $527,000 after acquiring an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lido Advisors LLC increased its stake in Welltower by 2.0% during the first quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 7,155 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $687,000 after acquiring an additional 137 shares during the last quarter. 91.61% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Welltower (Get Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Welltower (NYSE:WELL Get Free Report) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 3.940-4.100 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 4.000. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Welltower also updated its FY24 guidance to $3.94-4.10 EPS. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently issued reports on WELL shares. Royal Bank of Canada lowered shares of Welltower from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and boosted their price objective for the company from $92.00 to $97.00 in a report on Tuesday, November 28th. Mizuho lifted their target price on Welltower from $90.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Welltower from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and lifted their target price for the company from $92.00 to $99.00 in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on Welltower from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 13th. Finally, KeyCorp lifted their target price on Welltower from $90.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 5th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $92.79. Get Welltower alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on WELL Welltower Stock Performance Shares of WELL traded up $5.55 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $92.82. The stock had a trading volume of 1,683,585 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,250,321. Welltower has a fifty-two week low of $65.18 and a fifty-two week high of $94.63. The company has a quick ratio of 3.37, a current ratio of 3.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The company has a market cap of $51.37 billion, a PE ratio of 194.02, a PEG ratio of 2.85 and a beta of 1.07. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $88.99 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $85.96. Welltower (NYSE:WELL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.15 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.94 by ($0.79). Welltower had a return on equity of 1.15% and a net margin of 3.94%. The company had revenue of $1.75 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.83 earnings per share. Welltowers quarterly revenue was up 15.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Welltower will post 3.61 earnings per share for the current year. Welltower Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 7th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be issued a $0.61 dividend. This represents a $2.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.63%. Welltowers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 508.33%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Welltower Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Cresset Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Welltower by 2.5% during the 1st quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 5,044 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $485,000 after acquiring an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Dai Ichi Life Insurance Company Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Welltower by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Dai Ichi Life Insurance Company Ltd now owns 33,012 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $3,174,000 after buying an additional 125 shares in the last quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co raised its holdings in shares of Welltower by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Co now owns 11,573 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,113,000 after buying an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Horizon Investments LLC increased its holdings in Welltower by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Horizon Investments LLC now owns 6,557 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $527,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Lido Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Welltower by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. Lido Advisors LLC now owns 7,155 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $687,000 after purchasing an additional 137 shares in the last quarter. 91.61% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Welltower (Get Free Report) Welltower Inc (NYSE:WELL), a real estate investment trust ("REIT") and S&P 500 company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is driving the transformation of health care infrastructure. Welltower invests with leading seniors housing operators, post-acute providers and health systems to fund the real estate infrastructure needed to scale innovative care delivery models and improve people's wellness and overall health care experience. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Welltower Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Welltower and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 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 Rocky Mount native and new author Tracy Spencer-Sandolph will be making a return to the area Saturday for a 10:30 a.m. book signing at the Franklin County Public Library. Spencer-Sandolph is one of six Black authors who participated in the creation of the anthology titled Our Awakened Voices: Real People, Real Stories to Awaken Your Soul which was compiled by Angela Patterson. The real-life stories of trials and tribulations includes Spencer-Sandolphs experience with domestic violence and the ways in which she was able to break free from her abusive husband. The section by Spencer-Sandolph in the book is titled My Silent Cry to My Thunderous Roar! It describes her marriage while serving in the U.S. Army to what she thought was her forever which later devolved into domestic violence in 2001. It lasted until 2005 when a trip to the hospital due to an incident led to his arrest. It shares different walks of my journey, Spencer-Sandolph said. For a time, Spencer-Sandolph said she struggled after the incident. The question of why me? was something she continued to ask herself. She eventually took control of her trauma and was able to start her own nonprofit, Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach Inc., dedicated to transforming the lives of those who have been impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse and homelessness. She serves as its chief executive officer, living in Tampa, Florida. Saturdays event at the Franklin County Public Library will include copys of Our Awakened Voices signed by Spencer-Sandolph. A short documentary will be shown as well as a question and answer session. Light refreshments will also be included. Copies of Our Awakened Voices can be purchased on Amazon or by visiting Spencer-Sandolphs website at www.restorationandpurpose.org and clicking on the Resources tab. All proceeds from books sold on the website will directly benefit her nonprofit Restoration & Purpose Community Outreach Inc. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have arrested a Lincoln man after locating multiple controlled substances during a traffic stop on Interstate 80 near Wood River. At approximately 5:55 p.m. on Monday, a trooper observed an eastbound GMC Terrain speeding on I-80 near mile marker 301. During the traffic stop, the trooper saw a THC product in plain view. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 11 pounds of marijuana, approximately 3 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, and nearly 300 grams of THC products. The mushrooms and marijuana were concealed in a suitcase in the rear of the vehicle. The driver was arrested for possession of marijuana-more than one pound and possession of a controlled substance. He was lodged in Hall County Jail. The Hall County Board of Commissioners will send a letter to JBS urging the beef company to become more accountable in policies and practices concerning air and water environmental issues. Commissioners agreed to craft such a letter at their Jan. 30 meeting, when the Jan. 6 breach of a JBS wastewater lagoon was discussed at length. On Tuesday, the board approved the letter and directed Chair Ron Peterson to send it to the beef plant. The letter noted that at the Jan. 30 meeting, the board heard numerous concerns from Hall County citizens as well as Commissioner Jane Richardson. Employees of the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy attended the January meeting. The letter points out that during the Jan. 6 breach, more than two million gallons of sludge entered the Wood River. At the Jan. 30 meeting, speakers from NDEE addressed nearby private well concerns as well as nearby private lake concerns about their safety, the letter says. They answered many questions from the concerned citizens who attended the meeting. Commissioner Richardson also noted that a recent look into noncompliance issues on the NDEE website reveals approximately one or more violations from the JBS plant per month, the letter says. This appears to be an unreasonable number of issues and needs to be addressed. It was suggested at the meeting that outside testing of the JBS lagoons be done by a third party at JBS expense. It has also been suggested that a committee be formed including county, city and JBS representatives. After urging JBS to become more accountable, the letter concludes by saying The noncompliance issues are exceedingly far too frequent and need to be addressed. Copies of the letter will be sent to state Sens. Ray Aguilar, Loren Lippincott and Fred Meyer. The commission also voted to form a committee that will work with JBS and the wastewater treatment plant in looking at environmental issues. Area leaders will be included in the group, which is meant to protect public health in eastern Hall County. Commissioner Gary Quandt said hed like to see Regional Planner Chad Nabity, city leaders and Natural Resources District representatives on the committee. Quandt said problems sometimes occur at both the wastewater treatment plant and JBS, and talked about the need to safeguard eastern Grand Island. JBS has 4,250 employees, which means the plant employs one-12th of the citys population, Quandt said. During the breach, sludge ran out onto the road and then into a ditch along the north side of the driveway at JBS, where the trucks enter. From the ditch, it heads into the Wood River, he said. Quandt would like to see a berm or gate built to prevent spills from reaching the Wood River. It sounds kind of corny, Quandt said, but hed like to see the committee called How Can We Help? Richardson said she had a Zoom call Monday with Aguilar and the NDEE. Richardson said she invited someone from JBS to attend Tuesdays meeting, but no one from the plant attended. Also at the meeting, Quandt talked about the need to provide for the future expansion of the veterans cemetery. Quandt doesnt want to see the cemetery become landlocked. He suggested that the county offer to be a place-keeper for 27 additional acres. That land might not be needed for 20 years but it will be needed eventually, Quandt said. He made a motion to send a letter to the city, making the offer. Commissioner Butch Hurst said the city should keep the land. The county has enough to worry about right now, Hurst said. People might say that government money will be spent, but the money will actually come from taxpayers, Hurst said. Hurst was the only commissioner who voted against the motion. Richardson abstained because she felt the idea needs more study. On another subject, three people from the Hall County Public Defenders office asked that a full-time position be added. The new employee is needed to process and archive digital evidence, said Public Defender Gerry Piccolo. He was joined by his office manager, Dee Arnett, and attorney Vicky Kenney. The board will bring the new position to the classification committee and take up the issue in the near future. Doug Drudik, the countys information technology director, will also look at the computers in the public defenders office. Also at the meeting, John Amick of Doniphan expressed support for LB 1067, a bill that would gradually reduce and eventually eliminate Nebraskas inheritance tax. Elena Kadvany joined The San Francisco Chronicle as a food reporter in 2021. Previously, she was a staff writer at the Palo Alto Weekly and its sister publications, where she covered restaurants and education and also founded the Peninsula Foodist restaurant column and newsletter. She can be reached at Elena.Kadvany@sfchronicle.com. Phillip Bell met his future wife while helping deliver a baby. Dorothy Lammers saw the world with her youngest sister. Jo Olson's future husband was the one boy she didn't dump. To celebrate Valentine's Day, The World-Herald asked Omaha-area seniors to talk about the people they've loved in their lives. THEIR HANDS MET OVER THE DELIVERY TABLE Phillip Bell asked Miriam "Mim" Bell to marry him on Valentine's Day in 1956. She said no. "I said, 'OK,'" Phillip said. "She says, 'You're not going to ask me again?'" Phillip told Mim nope. He asked her once, and that was good enough. "She said, 'OK, then, I'll marry you,'" Phillip, now 87, recalled. Phillip and Mim were married for 57 years and 10 months. And then she died on me," Phillip said. "And that ticked me off. The Bells met in the delivery room at the hospital where they both worked. Mim was an OB-GYN nurse, and Phillip was a medical technologist. Phillip was in the middle of delivering blood when a doctor roped him into helping deliver a baby. Phillip was told to put on scrubs and push on the patient's abdomen when she had a contraction. "What's a contraction?" Phillip remembers asking the doctor. A nurse with the prettiest blue eyes showed him where to place his hands and then put her hands on top of his, Phillip said. For years, Phillip told that story when people asked how the couple met. I said we held hands over the delivery table, Phillip said while laughing. And it was true. Mim was 13 years older than Phillip. When Phillip started talking about marriage, Mim told him to go talk to a chaplain about it. With their age difference, the chaplain told Phillip that he had to stick to the marriage. Phillip couldn't ditch Mim just because he got tired of her or because things got tough. So I didnt," Phillip said. "I kept her. SISTERS LIVED, TRAVELED THE WORLD TOGETHER The Lammers sisters traveled all over the world. Dorothy Lammers liked to go to spots where she could see the Alps. Alice Lammers was partial to Venice, Italy. But together, they saw it all. When they weren't traveling, Dorothy and Alice lived together for more than 60 years. Dorothy, who turns 100 on March 4, was the oldest child in the family and 12 years older than Alice, the youngest. There were six siblings between them. Due to their age differences, Dorothy said the sisters didn't get to know each other until adulthood when they both moved to Omaha. She was a lot of fun," Dorothy said. The sisters were close but also wanted to have separate lives. "We had separate friends. We didnt do everything together," Dorothy said. "We decided that right away, we werent going to just be a pair all the time. Alice died in 2021. I miss her so much, Dorothy said. When Dorothy thinks about people she's loved, she thinks of Alice. She also thinks about her parents. I never heard a cross word between the two of them," Dorothy said. "Never. 'JUST TO LOVE AND BE LOVED IN RETURN' When Jo Olson talks about love, she quotes lyrics from a Nat Cole King song. "The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return," Cole sings in "Nature Boy." Olson, 97, repeated that line over and over when asked about love. She said she's repeated it to her children and grandchildren for years. I think its important that every human being find somebody to love and get it in return or theyre not living, Olson said. In her younger years, Olson never had a problem with falling in love. She just hated it when the boys got too serious. "When they got mushy, I left them, Olson said with a laugh. Eventually, there was one boy she couldn't shake. Harold Olson pursued her, and he was cute. There was something about him," Olson said of her husband. "That he was gentle and he thought I was the cats meow. That helped. And so I fell in love with him and we got married. Together, they had six children. After Olson's husband died in 2010, people asked her whether she'd consider getting married again. She told them she'd do whatever God gave her. It happens," Olson said of love. "If you want it. Even if you dont, its going to happen anyhow. It will. Olson hasn't remarried, but her advice to those looking for love is to be social. Social is just being kind and loving. Thats it. Thats what I tell my kids. Be kind and loving to everyone, and youll be happy because what is anybody going to do if youre kind and loving to them? Theyre going to like it. Love is the most important thing in the world because it's the most positive thing, Olson said. Its a free thing that you can give and you can get it back in many ways," Olson said. If you think about it, if you dont have that, what have you got in life? What do you have to look forward to? Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 Pangasius exports to Germany should focus on price and quality: association By Lan Do Wed, February 14, 2024 | 9:46 am GMT+7 Vietnam's pangasius shipments to Germany fell 43% year-on-year in December 2023 to $1.8 million, so to help the industry bounce back, exporters to this market must focus on both quality and pricing, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). Germany consumed $38 million of Vietnamese pangasius in 2023, a 31% increase from 2022. Like many other nations, Germany mostly imports frozen pangasius fillets from Vietnam. In 2023, this market was expected to increase its imports of frozen pangasius fillets by 34% over 2022, accounting for 97% of the total, according to VASEP. Germany consumed $38 million of Vietnamese pangasius in 2023, a 31% increase from 2022. Photo courtesy of Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP). In 2023, pangasius shipments to Germany fluctuated from month to month. In the first five months of 2023, Germany's imports of Vietnamese pangasius surged between 20% and 130%, but export orders to Germany fell 46% year-on-year in June 2023, totaling $1.6 million. After a three-month dip, pangasius consumption in Europe's largest economy surged 2.5 times more than that in the same period in 2022. In September and October 2023, the value of pangasius exports to Germany reached its highest level in two years, at $5.6 million and $6.3 million, respectively, up 149% and 144% year-on-year. The German economic picture in the first two months of the third quarter of 2023 improved, thus influencing the country's import operations, particularly pangasius imports. Experts predict a 1.3% increase in the German economy in 2024. Although Germany's economy is improving, consumers are still hesitant to shop. As a result, distribution chain importers are becoming increasingly concerned about price competition in Germany. In 2024, price competitiveness will be one of Germany's top concerns. In addition to pricing, the EU, including Germany, will adopt import controls in 2024, with a focus on the circular economy, sustainable development, and green and clean development. Therefore, product quality and competitiveness need more attention. GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haley stood in the town where she was born on Tuesday and declared, Its so good to be home. Haley noted she was traveling when she heard from her older brother, Mitti, about the tornado that demolished several downtown businesses on Jan. 9. Nikki Haley in Bamberg Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley makes a stop in her hometown of Bamberg Tuesday, Feb. 13, as part of her two-week "Beast of the We had a text ring with him, my sister Simmi and my baby brother, Gogi and we were all texting videos of what was happening, she said. This little town has been through so much. Thats the first thing I thought, she said. Nikki Haley in Bamberg Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson, from left, and former S.C. governor Nikki Haley are introduced by Bamberg Mayor Nancy Foster. But I also know this sweet little town is the town that raised me. This is the town that taught me strength. This is the town that taught me grace. This is the town that taught me faith. And this is the town that taught me no matter what, neighbors take care of neighbors, she said. The crowd of several dozen people erupted into applause. So I know this is a tough time and I know that there is some more healing that needs to be done and I know that people have suffered, she said. IN PHOTOS: Nikki Haley Bus Tour Stops in Bamberg Close Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg Nikki Haley in Bamberg +25 +25 +25 +25 +25 +25 +25 +25 +25 +25 But I also know if theres any town that can get through it, its Bamberg, she added. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, is rallying supporters ahead of South Carolinas Republican presidential primary, set for Feb. 24. Early voting is underway. The 52-year-old filmed a commercial to announce her bid for the White House in Bamberg a year ago. I wanted to be here because so much of what I am is what I learned growing up in this town, she said. And you look back on the year that weve had, there were 14 people in the race. We defeated a dozen of the fellas. We just have one more fella weve got to catch up to, she said. The crowd cheered. Right now in America, 70 percent of Americans say they dont want a Trump-Biden rematch. The majority of Americans disapprove of (President) Joe Biden. The majority of Americans disapprove of (former president) Donald Trump, she said. Haley told the crowd that when Trump isnt using a teleprompter, Hes completely unhinged. She referenced a rally Trump held in Conway this past Saturday. At that rally, Trump questioned the whereabouts of Haleys husband, whos currently deployed overseas with the National Guard. In Conway, Trump told the crowd, What happened to her husband? Where is he? Hes gone. He knew. He knew. Haley told the crowd in Bamberg, He sat there and mocked my husband Michaels military service. They booed. Now look, this isnt personal for me or Michael. Thats the problem with the politics its they are making it too personal. Its not about us, she said. What bothered me is if you mock one person in the military, youre mocking everybody in the military, she said. The crowd applauded and cheered. Haley also noted, Were $34 trillion in debt. I would love to tell you that Joe Biden did that to us, but Ive always spoken in hard truths, she said. Our Republicans did that to us. You go back and look at the $2.2 trillion COVID stimulus bill that they passed with no accountability, thats now left 80 million on Medicaid and 42 million Americans on food stamps, she said. And did Republicans try to make it right? No, they doubled down and opened up pet projects and earmarks for the first time in 10 years, she said. She noted 7,000 of those projects were pushed through last year. Dont you think its finally time we have an accountant in the White House? she said, pointing to herself. Haley said one of her first steps at stabilizing the economy will include taking back $100 billion of unspent COVID dollars that remain. Haley said once shes president, shell veto any spending bill that doesnt take the nations economy back to pre-COVID levels. Haley also wants to move as many federal programs as possible to the state level. That way, were reducing the size of the federal government, but were empowering people here on the ground, she said. Bamberg Mayor Nancy Foster said, Nikki, Bamberg is so very proud of you and we wish you well in all of your endeavors. You have come a long way and Bamberg has always been there for you. She asked Haley to give love from Bamberg to her parents, Ajit and Raj, and her family. Our prayers are with Michael as hes deployed. God bless you always. We love you, Foster said. Among those who came to see Haley in Bamberg on Tuesday was Branchville Mayor Frank Dickson. Dickson also served as Bambergs mayor for eight years beginning in 1989. Dickson said he watched her grow up from a young girl to who she is now. When asked about what he likes most about Haley, he replied, Everything. Shes a first-class lady, proud to be an American and doesnt forget where she comes from, he said. Dicksons daughter, Renee Jeffcoat of Bamberg, grew up with Haley. She was a determined girl even back then and has always been extremely smart, Jeffcoat said. Jeffcoat said she was surprised when Haley first entered politics, But now, shes tireless. Shes always been tireless. Virginia Bowes, of Bamberg, said, Im pulling for her big time. I think shes smart and I think she knows how to conduct herself and I really like how she comes across. And I think we need some young blood. Dana McDow, along with her husband Carl, drove three hours from Albemarle, N.C. to see Haley in person. The McDows are originally from South Carolina. Shes a fresh new voice and she makes sense, McDow said. The South Carolina Bars Young Lawyers Division will be helping make high school students prom dreams come true with its Cinderella Project. The Cinderella Project provides free, new or gently worn prom dresses for students who lack the resources to buy a gown for their high school prom. The Cinderella Project boutique will be held from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at First Presbyterian Church, located at 650 Summers Ave. in Orangeburg. A student ID is required for entry into the boutique. For more information, contact Taylor Owens Wise at towens@scsolicitor1.org or 803-533-6252 or visit www.cinderellaprojectsc.com. The South Carolina Bar is a statewide organization dedicated to improving the legal profession, the law and the administration of justice for all South Carolinians. It serves more than 17,000 lawyer members and provides resources to educators and citizens of the Palmetto State. The Young Lawyers Division, which oversees a variety of community service projects statewide, includes all members of the SC Bar under 36 and those with less than five years membership. Learn more at www.scbar.org. (TBTCO) - Tinh en ngay 20/2 Chi cuc Hai quan Cua khau Mong Cai a lam thu tuc cho tren 9.100 to khai, tong kim ngach hang hoa XNK hon 385 trieu USD, tang gan 35% ve to khai, tang 20% ve kim ngach so voi cung ky nam 2023; tong so 406 doanh nghiep lam thu tuc qua ia ban Mong Cai, tang 50% so voi cung ky nam 2023, trong o co 76 doanh nghiep moi phat sinh, tang 36 doanh nghiep so voi cung ky nam truoc. WebUnited put out a press release on a partnership with .ws to be the first registry to fully mirror their extension on the blockchain. It will be interesting to see if more country codes follow this trend. Press Release: Zurich, Switzerland, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) .WS, the country code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD) for Samoa, proudly announces its partnership with WebUnited as the first-ever registry to fully mirror their TLD on-chain. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in integrating traditional domain services with the Blockchain technology. The integration of WebUnited as a backend provider will enable the .WS TLD to exist on the Blockchain while conserving traditional internet features and DNS resolution. The transition to a Web3-enabled backend amplifies traditional domain name use cases and capabilities. The .WS users can now look forward to amplified use cases, such as using their domains as crypto wallet addresses, a decentralized identity, and enabling full tokenization, instant transferability, and renting. Lars Jensen, Co-CEO of WebUnited, expresses his enthusiasm: Today marks an important moment in the domain industry. By partnering with .WS, were not just breaking new ground but laying the foundations for a future where the internets potential is fully realized. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovation and vision for a seamlessly integrated digital world. Davide Vicinci, Co-CEO of WebUnited, stated, The collaboration with .WS is about leading the path of unifying Web2 with Web3, where traditional domain services and blockchain converge effortlessly. We are excited to embark on this journey with the ccTLD .WS! Paul Apanowicz, Director of Project Management at Global Domains International, the registry operator for .WS, shares his perspective: Adopting DNS-Mirroring to Web3 is a big step for .WS, and we couldnt be more excited. This move positions us at the forefront of domain technology innovation and reinforces our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions to our users. We are proud to partner with WebUnited, a leader in blockchain domain technologies, to bring this vision to life. WebUnited and .WS are joining forces to combine the reliability of traditional DNS with the efficiency of blockchain. This partnership will bring new features and utilities to .WS domains, allowing them to exist in the blockchain world. This partnership represents a major change in the domain industry as it moves towards a future where internet domains are versatile and secure Web3 assets in addition to being regular web addresses. By joining forces with WebUnited and .WS, the domain name world is entering a new era of domain technology. About WebUnited WebUnited is at the forefront of integrating blockchain technology with domain services, intending to provide a new internet experience. The objective is to transform digital domains into more than just web addresses by making them secure, efficient, and flexible tools for the digital age. About .WS As Samoas digital identifier, .WS is more than a domain; its a commitment to innovation and reliability. .WS is managed by Global Domains International and dedicated to advancing domain services, ensuring they meet the needs of todays internet users. http://website.ws/CONTACT: For more information, please contact: Eshan Pancholi hello-at-webunited.com https://webunited.com/ Paul Apanowicz paul.apanowicz-at-website.ws http://website.ws/ Ad Smart Domain Monetization Starts at Bodis sign up today At a mental health town hall on Tuesday at Casper College, Gov. Mark Gordon expressed both disappointment in and hope for the future of the states mental health reform program, now in its last half-year. Disappointment in what it was not able to do. Hope for the time it has left. The 988 hotline was a great step in the right direction, and it is helping, he said. But he would like to see it have a little more support from legislators. Theres a pilot program in Gillette that aims to provide people who have mental health conditions to receive help for those in the place of standard punishments, the Star-Tribune reported last year. But its only in its beginning stages, and it exists only in Gillette. Criminal justice reform still has a long way to go in Wyoming. Earlier this year, Gordon, now in his second term as governor, debuted four strategies for systemic behavioral health reform in Wyoming. Those four pillars, as he explained them on Tuesday afternoon, include Community Mental Health Center Reform, Workforce Development, Criminal Justice Reform and Suicide Prevention. The goal is that all Wyomingites are empowered to seek services and engage in healthy physical and emotional behaviors. All Wyomingites have the ability to live their best lives. Wyoming has historically had one of the highest suicide rates in the nation. In 2021, 188 people died by suicide within the state. In 2022, the states suicide hotline went 24/7. Calls began to be answered by people who were actually in the state, so the caller could receive the most complete array of resources possible. (Before, if the person on the other end of the hotline was not in Wyoming, there was a chance they might not be fully aware of all the resources available especially in rural areas.) But the suicide rate has gone down in recent years, from 188 in 2021 to an estimated 153 in 2022, according to the Wyoming Department of Health. Gordon attributes that to the round-the-clock presence of the hotline, mostly. After these numbers were increasing for almost two decades, we finally see a change, and thats really encouraging, he said. But since the Legislature on Monday was not extremely kind on mental health, as Gordon put it, the hotline did not get bolstered the way him and his team wanted it to. The addition of a text and chat feature would be ideal for them. But, he noted, theres still time. Gordon was joined by the Wyoming Department of Family Services Director Korin Schmidt; one of his mental health advisors, Jen Davis; and Wyoming Department of Health Director Stefan Johansson. Each shared a bit about their hopes for the future of the systemic behavioral health reform plan. Gordons team is making a proposal to invest $250,000 into training for people who work at community mental health centers, Davis said. The governor is planning to launch an executive order that will be a combination of partnerships with our licensing boards, our higher education institutions, Medicaid to really come together in one space to talk about what our workforce needs are, how we can establish a pipeline from entry level all the way through highest level, and how we can ensure that we have payments for those professions and what those look like, she said. The first pipeline discussions will focus on behavioral health and nursing. Since Johansson started as director, the department of health has faced two rounds of budget cuts in 10 years that he called painful for both the executive branch and the people in Wyomings communities. But he also listed projects he sees as wins: the rebuilding and redesigning of the state hospital in Evanston, the Life Resource Center in Lander and the new veterans nursing home in Buffalo; extending postpartum Medicaid coverage; the general support for populations that might be considered to be at a higher risk for mental health issues. Schmidt emphasized that communities should support their own, and that she wants to keep children and families in their own communities, as those are where she believes people do the best in. After Gordon and his team finished introducing themselves and discussing their programs, they took questions from the crowd. There were numerous questions that community members had too many for the time allotted ranging from their belief that access to abortion and birth control can improve mental health to the role that they think occupational therapy plays in helping alleviate mental health problems. One woman, a licensed counselor in Casper, plans to start a place she calls The Mental Health Hub, where providers can work alongside each other so that patients can receive services in one place and so that providers can have the support they need from other providers. She has purchased a 20,000-square-foot building in downtown Casper, and she plans to open on March 1. She also said she wants to provide training for students who want to be therapists or counselors. Im excited to do that, to kind of soften the disconnect between the academic world and the professional world, she said. What actually happens in school is not what happens in the real world. Johansson said that he would be happy to follow up with her to see how the department of health might work with her project. At the end, Gordon expressed his gratitude for those who attended and participated. It is so, so interesting to observe whats going on, he said. Hall Winery in St. Helena and its owners are among the parties named in a recent federal subpoena. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle The FBI and federal prosecutors are seeking documents from Napa County related to some of Napa Valleys most famous wineries and vintners, including Caymus, Hall, Hundred Acre and Alpha Omega. The reason for the federal action is not known, but many of the wineries and vintners named in the subpoena have links to or have donated money to Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza, an embattled politician who was at the center of a vineyard development controversy. The subpoena orders a representative of the county to appear before a federal grand jury in San Francisco on Wednesday, and demands that it produce any and all documents related to 40 individuals, businesses and entities a list that includes some of the most elite names in the Napa Valley wine world. The Napa Valley Register, which obtained the subpoena through a public records request, was the first to report on it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Billionaire Craig Hall, a former part owner of the Dallas Cowboys, and his wife, Kathryn Hall, the onetime U.S. ambassador to Austria, are among those named, along with their eponymous winery. Dave Phinney, the serial wine entrepreneur who created the Prisoner wine brand, and Chuck Wagner, who owns Caymus Vineyards, are also named. The Chronicle reached many of the people listed in the subpoena, all of whom said they had not been contacted as part of the investigation. Calls to the assistant U.S. attorneys in charge of the case were not returned, and the FBI declined to comment. There is no known evidence that the wineries and vintners have done anything wrong, and being named in a subpoena is not an indication of wrongdoing. Caymus-Suisun Winery in Fairfield was named in a recent federal subpoena, along with its owners Chuck and Charlie Wagner. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Im baffled, said Wagner. If its (about) the county, they shouldnt be naming individuals unless Ive done something wrong that I dont know about. He added that hes mad as hell about his name being listed in connection with an FBI investigation. Holly Dawson, Napa Countys deputy county executive officer for communications, said the county doesnt know anything more than whats in the subpoena. Dawson said the county will provide the requested documents but that no one from the county is expected to testify. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Kathryn Hall said she was aware that there is an ongoing investigation but said she did not know the scope or details, and it would be inappropriate for us to speculate. Many of the names that appear in the summons share a notable connection: At least 26 of the 40 people and entities listed made (or are owned or managed by people who made) campaign donations to Pedroza. Over the last few years, Pedroza was at the center of one of Napas most notorious land-use controversies: Walt Ranch, a proposed vineyard development that was abandoned last year after a 17-year battle. The road leading to Walt Ranch in the Atlas Peak viticultural area of Napa Valley. Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle Pedroza, who is not named in the subpoena, did not respond to requests for comment for this story. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Craig and Kathryn Hall, who purchased Walt Ranch in 2005 for $8 million, sought to develop portions of the 2,300-acre parcel on Atlas Peak into a vineyard, a plan that provoked criticism from environmentalists. In 2022, Napa resident Beth Nelsen discovered that the father-in-law of Pedroza, who voted in favor of the vineyard plan, had acquired a financial stake in the property adjacent to Walt Ranch and Pedroza had not disclosed it. Critics claimed that constituted a conflict of interest, as Pedrozas family could have benefited financially from the development of a vineyard, which could have raised the value of neighboring properties. Californias Fair Political Practices Commission said it would investigate the alleged conflict of interest, but the results of that inquiry are not known. Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza, seen during a Napa County Board of Supervisors meeting in 2022, was not named in a recent federal subpoena, but his father-in-law was. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle Pedrozas father-in-law, Esteban Llamas, is listed on the subpoena, along with Vinedos AP, LLC, the entity through which he purchased the property. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The announcement of that list came as quite a big surprise, said vintner Grant Long, who is listed in the subpoena alongside his wineries Reverie and Aonair. He said hes a longtime supporter of Pedrozas campaigns. Public campaign contribution records obtained by the Chronicle show that Wagner, of Caymus, is one of Pedrozas top donors; in the past three years, hes donated at least $14,800 to Pedrozas campaigns. Craig Hall, Dave Phinney and Glenn Salva of Antica and Antinori wineries also made donations to Pedroza in recent years, as did several other people and entities listed on the subpoena. The subpoena requested documents, including correspondence, permits, plans and contracts, dating to Jan. 1, 2016. That was the year Pedroza was first elected to Napa Countys Board of Supervisors and the same year the board initially approved the Walt Ranch project. James Peter Read, whose family once owned Grocery Outlet, is named in the subpoena, along with three businesses he owns. He and his Circle R. Ranch, LLC have donated at least $9,900 to Pedrozas campaigns, records show. According to the Napa Valley Register, Read sold Pedrozas father-in-law his Atlas Peak property. Demonstrators gathered in Napa in 2022 to protest the actions of Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza, who had not disclosed what his critics viewed as a conflict of interest when he voted on the Walt Ranch project. Jessica Christian/The Chronicle In a surprising move, after Walt Ranch received final approval, the Halls sold the property to the Napa County Land Trust, which plans to preserve the land as natural habitat. Pedroza had recused himself from the final vote, but that wasnt enough to satisfy his critics, who attempted to recall him from office. The recall never made it to the ballot, but Pedroza has since decided not to seek a state Senate seat in 2024, and said he will take a hiatus from politics when his term expires this year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The Legislature dove into a sea of Legislation Monday afternoon and voted on 38 distinct bills with 13 failing to be introduced. The process continued on Tuesday with 28 bills being voted on with six failing introduction. A handful of property tax relief and exemption bills were introduced Monday and Tuesday State leaders have been searching for solutions that address rising property taxes. In the 2023 tax year, statewide property taxes went up an average of 20.3%. And thats on top of a 16% increase the previous tax year. House Bill 0045 is an attempt to establish a property cap for single family residences base on the prior years assessed value. Sponsored by Rep. Barry Crago, R-Buffalo, it was the first bill not sponsored by a committee voted on. The maximum amount that residential taxes could go up each year is 5%, Crago said on the house floor on Tuesday. People of Wyoming need our help and they need to know theyre not going to have double digit increases next year. Gov. Mark Gordon in his State of the State address on Monday said he was very encouraged by the approach taken in House Bill 45, as a way to address rising property tax in the state. One bill relating to property taxes that failed to reach the threshold for introduction would have made changes to the Property Tax Refund Program to include renters. House Bill 0146, sponsored by Rep. Bill Henderson, R-Cheyenne, would have allowed renters to apply to the Property Tax Refund Program to receive up to $250. House Bill 3 survived introduction. The Joint Revenue Committee-sponsored bill would give a property tax break to long term homeowners. Those 65 or older and have paid residential property taxes in the state for at least 30 years would get a 50% exemption on their primary residence. The committee also sponsored a measure that would amend the qualifications for the county optional property tax refund program and the maximum refund under the program. HB4 could have taxpayers seeing refunds of up to 75% of the prior years property taxes, but the refund can't be higher than half of the median residential property tax liability for the county a person lives in. A qualifying household has to have a gross income of 175% or less of the median gross income of the county of residence and a tax liability more than 10% of the household income. A household that has a gross income of 125% or less of the median income would get the maximum possible refund. The refund amount goes does the higher that gross income percentage is. All told, nine property tax bills were introduced in either the House or the Senate between Monday and Tuesday. Introduction of bills are the first step in the legislative process to make bills law. During a budget session, a two-thirds majority vote is required to introduce a bill thats not related to the two-year budget. Bills introduced in the House or in the Senate are then given to committees, which may make changes to a bill before voting to send the bill back to the chamber that handed the committee the bill. Once a bill is given back to its chamber of origin, the chamber must debate and vote on the bill again twice with any potential changes that could have been made in committee. If approved, the bill is then sent to the other chamber and the process with committees is repeated again. If the House and Senate vote to approve the same bill it is then sent to the Gov. Gordon. Once on his desk he can choose to sign the measure into law, veto it or, on a rare occasion, let the bill pass without his signature as he did last year with the Life is Human Right Act. All bills considered on Monday were sponsored by committees and the House used two consent lists, which allows the House to vote to introduce multiple bills with a single vote, to hasten the voting process. ENERGY Minister Stuart Young has taken umbrage at comments made by Ronald Harford, former chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Ltd, as he boasted about the success of the energy sector. Young said whenever somebody becomes a former, their mouth gets big, as he quoted from an article in Fridays Express report where Harford made critical comments. Over the last few years, Leon Coldero has arguably become just as renowned for his insatiable cuisine as he is as an entertainer. Having spent four decades in entertainment, giving soca parang lovers hits that never get old, opening his restaurant was just a natural progression for Coldero, who used the downtime during the Covid-19 pandemic, to delve full throttle into the restaurant business. 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. COVID-19 hospital admissions in California have reached their lowest point in over two months, officials said Wednesday. SimpleImages/Getty Images COVID-19 hospital admissions in California have reached their lowest point in over two months, providing a welcome reprieve following another challenging winter marked by the coexistence of the coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses, known as the tripledemic. The recent surge in COVID-19 cases was relatively mild in terms of severe outcomes compared with the first three years of the pandemic. Despite the emergence of highly mutated virus strains, such as JN.1 and BA.2.87.1, there is the potential for a relatively calm spring and summer if trends persist. While COVID-19 levels remain elevated overall, critical indicators, including new hospital admissions and the positivity rate of coronavirus tests, have registered significant declines in California and nationwide, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventions weekly report on respiratory viruses. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Data from the California Health Department shows COVID-19 hospitalizations peaked at 2,797 patients on Jan. 2 and have since decreased to 1,761 as of Feb. 3, marking the lowest figure since early December. New hospital admissions have also dropped by approximately 50%, decreasing from 615 for the week ending Dec. 30 to 309 on Feb. 3. Over the past month, the states seven-day rolling coronavirus test positivity rate has decreased from 12.3% to 8.1%. The concentration of SARS-CoV-2 in local sewage has also diminished across the Bay Area, apart from a few recent spikes observed in Central Marin and the East Bay. Other areas now exhibit medium to low levels. Although there is a downward trend in deaths, California has recorded 1,302 COVID-19 fatalities since the beginning of December. This trend aligns with national data from the CDC, indicating a 40% decrease in hospital admissions over the past month, from 34,909 admissions for the week ending Jan. 6 to 20,772 for the week ending Feb. 3. That is less than one-fifth of the 150,650 figure recorded at the peak of the pandemic in the second week of January 2022. Currently, more than 19,470 Americans are in the hospital daily due to COVID-19, with emergency department visits decreasing by 43% from 83,431 a month ago to around 47,900 this week. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At its peak this winter, COVID-19 claimed about 1,500 lives per week. That number was 21,332 each week in 2022 and 25,974 in 2021. Recent data from the CDCs pharmacy testing program reveals that reformulated COVID-19 vaccines introduced in the fall demonstrate 49% effectiveness against symptomatic JN.1 infection among individuals two to four months post-vaccination. The agency said it is closely monitoring a newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, BA.2.87.1 from South Africa, which bears mutations suggesting potential evasion of immunity from vaccines and prior infections. However, there are no signs of widespread transmission. CDC is closely tracking BA.2.87.1 because it has over 30 changes in the spike protein of the virus when compared to XBB.1.5, the variant that the updated vaccine is designed to protect against, the CDC wrote. The spike protein is what our immune system targets when a virus enters our bodies. The latest weekly surveillance report from the CDC also notes stable trends in key flu indicators, with a slight decrease in weekly flu hospital admissions. The proportion of positive RSV tests in California peaked around Christmas and has gradually decreased, although elevated levels persist in some regions of the state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In light of the progress, the CDC is considering following Californias lead and revising its recommendations for the duration of isolation after a positive COVID-19 test, reflecting the evolving landscape as the pandemic wanes. 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. The woman who resigned as head of an NAACP chapter in 2015 after mispresenting herself as Black, Rachel Dolezal, was working for the Catalina Foothills Unified School District until its officials learned Tuesday of social media content under her current name. We only learned of Ms. Nkechi Diallos OnlyFans social media posts yesterday afternoon. Her posts are contrary to our districts Use of Social Media by District Employees policy and our staff ethics policy. She is no longer employed by the Catalina Foothills School District, said a district spokeswoman, Julie Farbarik, in an emailed statement Wednesday to the Arizona Daily Star. OnlyFans is an internet subscription service primarily known for adult content. District board meeting records show Diallo was hired as an after-school instructor at $19 an hour effective Aug. 9, 2023, with a contract to run through May 24 of this year, contingent at that time upon fingerprint clearance. Farbarik confirmed to the Star in an email Wednesday that Diallo was a part-time after-school extended day instructor in the Community Schools Program beginning last August, working with K-5 grade levels. She was also a substitute with Educational Services Inc., our contracted substitute provider, wrote Farbarik, the districts director of alumni and community relations. Asked by the Star for comment, that company wrote: As a private employer, ESI does not release information on any past, present, or potential employees. Farbarik did not respond to the Stars question about what district officials knew about Diallos history when she was hired. Diallo could not be reached Wednesday for comment. Then going by the name Dolezal, Diallo stepped down as NAACP chapter president in Spokane, Washington, after her parents came forward in 2015 to say she was white but had spent years claiming to be Black. Diallos Catalina Foothills employment and the OnlyFans content were first reported by KVOA News on Tuesday. Explicit photos were being shared on public websites including Reddit, KVOA reported, saying, It is unclear if the photos were shared by Diallo or if they were placed there by someone else. The New York Post reported Wednesday that Diallo is selling risque photos and video on OnlyFans. The district policy Farbarik said Diallo violated says, in part, employees are prohibited from communicating on social media in an unprofessional manner that would significantly harm their work-related reputation. Interviewed on the Tamron Hall Show from her home in Tucson in 2021, Diallo said she had been unable to find a job and struggled to provide for her children after the furor and international headlines over her self-identifying as transracial. She said she made money braiding hair, writing grants and painting. Diallos LinkedIn profile describes her as an educator specializing in curriculum development who lives in Tucson. She previously posted on LinkedIn: Thanks to the Tucson Festival of Books for including my memoir, In Full Color: Finding my Place in a Black & White World. The Amazon description of the 2017 memoir, published under the name Rachel Dolezal by BenBella Books, says: With In Full Color, Rachel Dolezal describes the path that led her from being a child of white evangelical parents to an NAACP chapter president and respected educator and activist who identifies as Black. Along the way, she recounts the deep emotional bond she formed with her four adopted Black siblings, the sense of belonging she felt while living in Black communities in Jackson, Mississippi, and Washington, DC, and the experiences that have shaped her along the way. Her story is nuanced and complex, and in the process of telling it, she forces us to consider race in an entirely new light not as a biological imperative, but as a function of the experiences we have, the culture we embrace, and, ultimately, the identity we choose, the publisher says. Axios Phoenix reported in March 2023 that Diallo joined Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs that month for the signing of an executive order that bans state agencies and contractors from practicing race-based hair discrimination. The Daily Mail reported Diallo moved to Tucson in 2020, Axios said. The Spokane Spokesman-Review reported in April 2019 that Diallo agreed in a diversion plea agreement to pay nearly $9,000 in restitution and complete 120 hours of community service to avoid going to trial on two felony charges of welfare fraud. Investigators alleged she failed to report income from her memoir when obtaining food and child-care assistance. A divided Tucson Unified School District Governing Board approved dress code changes that take effect immediately, with the majority praising the use of gender-neutral language to replace gender-specific rules. The previous code unfairly resulted in disproportionate enforcement against female students and those who identify as female, most TUSD faculty and students surveyed about the issue during months of district work on the proposed revisions have said. Board President Natalie Luna Rose and members Jennifer Eckstrom and Ravi Shah voted Tuesday night for the revisions. Val Romero and Sadie Shaw voted against them after unsuccessfully trying to add the wording that clothing must be appropriate for the educational environment. Shah found that wording too subjective and Eckstrom agreed, saying it could be unevenly enforced across schools. Equitable enforcement for all students and across campuses is a prime goal for supporters of the code revisions. The times have changed, TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo told the board before the 3-2 vote, saying that in his day dress was just an expression of what you thought was cool, but today is an extension of how students identify. The district wants an enforceable policy that is respectful of all students, regardless of how they identify, gender-wise, religion-wise, politically or socially, Trujillo said. The board extensively discussed comments submitted before the meeting by Tucson Magnet High School Principal Elizabeth Rivera, who said one line that was removed from the policy should have remained intact. That was a requirement that students breasts, torsos and buttocks be covered. Students were wearing bikini tops and cut off shorts so extremely short to school that only covered private areas. Buttocks and full torsos will be showing with this revision, Rivera wrote to the board. But the board was told by TUSD Director of Student Relations Anna Warmbrand: Staff dont feel comfortable enforcing that piece. She said most faculty, administrators and staff were emphatic and the consensus was: Dont ask me to do that, Im not going to do that. She said most administrators, especially at high schools, said they wouldnt put their staff, particularly male staff, and particularly in the case of female students, in that position of qualifying what is happening to their (students) bodies. Luna Rose, the board president, said she understands administrators who dont want to police female bodies and (bodies of) those who identify as female. Shah agreed, saying no one should be running around with rulers trying to measure how much buttock or breast is showing. I believe dress codes are inherently sexist and have been in history, and are disproportionately directed to female students, said Luna Rose. She asked if other phrases that remain in the dress code take care of the concerns about exposed chests and buttocks, particularly that see-through items of clothing are not permitted and undergarments must be covered. Shah said yes, and also pointed to the first bulleted item in the revised dress code: Students must wear clothing including both a shirt with pants or skirt, or the equivalent (for example dresses, leggings, or shorts) and shoes. Rivera, the Tucson High principal, had also said girls are wearing bralettes as tops and other undergarments as regular clothing. We have had a student wear her string bikini thong under a pair of regular brief underwear to school with a silk lingerie top claiming her briefs were her bottoms and her underwear was underneath, she wrote. Board members Shaw and Romero were concerned about those examples, and Shaw wondered aloud about adding wording such as excessive crop tops and bathing-suit-like clothing is not permitted. Shah countered that the requirement for a shirt with pants or skirt or equivalent rules out bathing suits, which arent listed there. Added Eckstrom, We are not in the business of telling females what a crop top is. That is not our job. Romero, however, said a student could say Ive got a shirt on, but can it be a half-shirt? A short-short skirt? Shaw agreed the remaining language is loose for interpretation. Responded Luna Rose, What is a shirt? We could go on and on and be here for five years. Eckstrom and Luna Rose both said the remaining provision that clothing must cover undergarments is enforceable and adequate. Luna Rose applauded TUSD administrators for the progressive use of gender-neutral wording, and Shah agreed, saying: I want to make sure our trans and gender-nonconforming students are supported. Stakeholder feedback on the revisions included more than 1,800 TUSD students from every high school and select middle schools. Other changes in the revised code include allowing head coverings as long as they dont cover a students eyes. The board also decided Tuesday night to make one additional change, removing the word hairdo from a section barring gang-related clothing and paraphernalia, due to concerns about potential racial profiling of hairstyles. The revised policy also makes it easier for schools to propose their own dress codes. To do so, a schools council must gather broad public comments. The code would have to be voted on by parents/guardians, receive 60% or more approval, and be approved by the TUSD Governing Board. WASHINGTON The federal government provides funds to make sure bridges and dams dont collapse it should do the same for the nations elections, a bipartisan group of Arizona officials said this week. The comments by Maricopa County Supervisors Bill Gates and Jack Sellers and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes came at a National Association of Counties discussion on elections, which Fontes called the most egregious unfunded mandate in the American political system, or any political system. Just imagine that the federal government wasnt paying for engineers for dams or safety inspectors for bridges or railroads. At some point, that core of federal employees ... make sure we dont have crashes and they make sure dams dont break and entire communities dont disappear, Fontes said. We dont have that for election administrators. Fontes, a Democrat, and Republicans Sellers and Gates also agreed that funding is needed to provide security for election workers and voters in a time of unprecedented electoral tension. Recent elections in Arizona have seen gun-toting observers stationed at ballot drop boxes and elected officials Gates among them subjected to death threats. Gates said after the Monday discussion that election security is an issue he is committed to because its so essential in our democracy. We need to address this because, one, we could never want anyone to get hurt. Beyond that we need people to feel secure because if they feel secure, theyre going to take the time to work in elections, or two, vote, Gates said. We dont want people to be discouraged or disenfranchised in any way and thats why Im so grateful for the partnerships that weve had in Maricopa County with our sheriff and with our law enforcement, he said. Fontes, who previously served as Maricopa County recorder, noted that while states and local governments are largely responsible for elections, the federal government should play a larger role. This is federal work. Weve always got federal candidates following federal rules using federal ballots, but we still dont have any federal funding, he said. Fontes acknowledged that there are small amounts of federal funding available from the Help America Vote Act, which was passed in 2002 to help improve voting procedures following the 2000 election. But he called that funding periodic and mostly insufficient, noting that it is subject to the political whim of Congress. It is not sustained and it is also not sustainable. When youre working on elections and youve got physical facilities, youve got professional workers youve got electronic systems, network systems that have to be updated and improved constantly. You cant budget for that if you dont have money, Fontes said. All three Arizona officials agreed on the need for bipartisanship and transparency within the electoral process. Its important for people to know that we do have checks and balances and that we do have audits, said Gates, adding that it is also important for people to know that elections are not run by faceless bureaucrats, theyre run by Republicans and Democrats working together. I thought it was important to be able to share some of our experiences and I thought it was important for folks to see Adrian Fontes, who is a Democrat, with Bill Gates and Jack Sellers who are Republicans, up there on the stage explaining how its run in a bipartisan fashion, Gates said. He said it is unfortunate that election discussions need to focus on security issues, but that the threat, both real and perceived ... is out there. Fontes and Gates both said that, despite some naysayers, the future of elections in Arizona is bright and they urged Arizonans to have confidence in the electoral process. The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer: Pedro just arrived from Mexico. He knew no one. He only knew that he wanted a better life and was willing to work for it. He walked onto a construction site in Tucson and started working. Never mind that he wasnt employed there and had not applied for the job. At days end, as the workers began heading home, the foreman asked Pedro, Quien eres? Trabajas aqui? Who are you? Do you work here? Pedro made his pitch: He wanted a job. He worked hard, as he had shown, and did good work. The foreman thought it over. Regresas manana he said to Pedro. Return tomorrow. That was in the 1960s. Pedro eventually worked his way up to foreman and later started his own business, getting licensed as a general contractor. My father-in-law, himself an immigrant from Mexico and a retired roofing contractor, tells the story of his friend with an incredulous chuckle. Puedes creerlo? Eso es atrevido, no? he says of Pedro. Can you believe it? Thats bold. Bold and unorthodox. The motivation behind it, however, is classic immigrant. Its true of highly educated immigrants physicians, software engineers, other professionals those with skilled hands such as carpenters, roofers and drywall installers, and its true of laborers. Like Pedro, they come to work. Despite political dialogue, immigrants dont want handouts. They want opportunity. They also offer opportunity for the economy to continue growing. Imagine how much more it would grow if employers could fill job vacancies with immigrants who would add to the workforce, not replace anyone in it. Those who fear monger, pushing xenophobic white replacement theory, ignore what immigrants bring. Consider what Zeke Hernandez, a University of Pennsylvania Wharton School professor, says in a book coming out in June, The Truth About Immigration: Why Successful Societies Welcome Newcomers. Hernandez applies two decades of research to refute the villain narrative that immigrants threaten our jobs, our way of life and our safety. We know that the U.S. doesnt admit enough immigrants through work visas or green cards to meet the needs of the economy, Hernandez said in a December interview with Marketplace on NPR. For reference, the last time the U.S. updated its visa system was in 1990. Back then, the economy was $9 trillion in size. Today, its over $20 trillion. So weve more than doubled the size of the economy, but we havent budged on the number of workers that we let in. He said each first-generation immigrant costs government about $1,600 for services, mostly immigrant childrens education. By the second and third generations, each pays taxes totaling $3,000 or more, so government more than recoups its costs. Think about what Pedro with his general contractors license must have contributed to taxes and the economy. That should inform the congressional debate over immigration policy, not the Republican presidential candidate directing members of Congress not to strike an immigration deal. We need immigration reform and more immigrants, not fewer, as worker shortages continue. A February story from news website Stateline.org said the Associated Builders and Contractors reported 459,000 job openings nationally in November 2023. Other sectors need workers, too health care, education, manufacturing, transportation and food services. Businesses struggle to replace the many who quit their jobs in the pandemic. Additionally, record numbers are retiring and not enough native-born people are entering the workforce to fill vacancies. The solution: immigrant labor, at all levels. Immigrants boost the economy, and they pay taxes. If people on Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security and other contributary and taxpayer-funded programs want to continue their full benefits, they should support more immigration. The Pedros of the 21st century are ready to work, want to walk onto the job and provide economic wellbeing for themselves, the community and the nation. Project 2025 I wonder how many readers know about or are familiar with Project 2025. Developed under the auspices of the Heritage Foundation, it sets out a specific Republican Party plan of action in the event Donald Trump wins the upcoming election for President. Whether you cheer it or fear it, all RESPONSIBLE voters should know about it. You can easily find it in either complete or summarized form on the internet by doing a title search. Its something the media should look into also. John Liwski Southeast side Supreme Court In the Supreme Court 1964 Jacobellis v. Ohio case, Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart famously stated regarding hardcore poronography, Perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so but I know it when I see it. Regarding the Colorado case just heard in the Supreme Court regarding Mr. Trumps attempt to overthrow the government, Colorado attorney, Jason Murray, should have answered the multiple peppered questions to him from SCOTUS about the definition of insurrection and Section 3 of the 14th Amendment as, Your Honor, perhaps I could never succeed in intelligibly doing so but I know it when I see it. Come on man! We all know it when we saw it. John (Jay) Van Echo West side I support the University of Arizona! Dear Editor, As a proud Mom of a Wildcat and an educator in Tucson, I follow carefully the articles about the U o fA. What I see throughout the articles and the letters to the editor is a deep love for OUR University. Our community and particularly our students, need the university to continue to be a world class education and research powerhouse. I know, firsthand, how the U of A excels at research my son is a graduate student and his work has led him across the country as he collaborates with businesses and professionals dedicated to sharing scientific ideas. This has all become possible for my son, due to the incredible support hes received from OUR university. President Robbins We are all on Team UA right now! Bear Down! We support you! Sincerely, Jackie Picton Oro Valley Biden should resign The impromptu press conference President Biden held on the evening of February 8, 2024 conveyed much. He took zero personal responsibility for his collection of documents found at his home. Trumans buck didnt stop with him, because Biden instead laid the blame at the feet of his staffers. Then by attempting to contrast or foil his own situation as somehow better versus the yet to be resolved former presidents pending matter at Mar a Lago for unlawful retention is not the point. Is it not plain to see that we are at a crossroad in our American experience. Echoes of being told that it was a perfect call and/or but I did nothing wrong. Sound familiar? These two baby boomer era men should step aside. Each blinded by their ambitions and animus. Let us retire them. Somehow may Harris or Haley steer us through this messy process we call democracy. Kevin Gillooly Downtown Democracy vs autocracy Robert Kennedy once said Democracy is messy and its hard. Its never easy. I believe it is messy and hard because you have to care about and make decisions for the common good. We cannot give everyone everything they want, but we can do our best to be fair and consider everyones rights. On the other hand, autocracy is selfish and arrogant. Those who embrace it are angry because they cant get everything they want so they turn to a sociopathic miracle worker that promises quick fixes. Democracy wants to solve the border crisis by doing what is good for the country and also for the immigrants, which can be hard. If youre a MAGA Republican, your Dictator Trump can get you what you want quickly by just throwing all the immigrants out, building a big fat wall, and not letting anyone in. Not hard at all if you have no heart. Arletta Lewis East side So much for blind justice Re: the Feb. 10 article Probation for ex-Arizona prisons boss in armed standoff Disgraced former Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan has reached a plea agreement with the Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. In January of 2022, the Tempe Police Department submitted two felony counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer. The county attorney did not present those charges to the grand jury. They ultimately indicted Ryan on a count of disorderly conduct involving weapons and unlawful discharge of a weapon. Recall that when two Tempe police officers arrived at Ryans residence, he (who had discharged a handgun inside his home) pointed the gun at them. If you or I did that, we would have been shot. And, if we survived, we would be serving a prison sentence. But, not Ryan. He got probation. Rachel Mitchell should be ashamed of herself for this inexcusable kowtowing to a person of privilege. Bernie Bennett East side Lets not give up Re: the Feb. 9 article The US cant be like Nordic In summary, the authors opinion is sadly defeatist. If we give up on bettering ourselves and our country, we certainly cant be like Nordic countries. Wayne Bretl Sahuarita Sympathetic, well-meaning The Special Councils report on President Bidens retention of classified documents states that Mr. Biden would likely present himself to a jury, as he did during our interview with him, as a sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. Ill take sympathetic, well-meaning, elderly, and poor memory over crass, dangerous, elderly, and poor memory. Kendall Kroesen Midtown UA budget debacle What I want to know is why Lisa Rulney, (the ex-CFO of the UA) has been able to be reassigned as the senior advisor to business operations for $500,000 per year (yikes!) when she who took responsibility for overestimating our days cash on hand ratio what a crock! In the private sector she would have been booted and investigated. As the UA defers important infrastructure projects Rulney gets to keep making mistakes for a ton of cash. Fire her! Lynda Stertz West side Impending real estate catastrophe Re: the Feb. 10 article Arizonas housing headache hits home for Realtors As a native Arizonan, Im alarmed at the prospect of so many real estate agents leaving the field. And whats happening up there in Maricopa County seems a tragedy. Why, an Actual Real Estate Professional maintains that there should be 20,000 homes for sale and theres only a measly 8,900! And gosh, we all know how sparse and underdeveloped Maricopa County has become. I dont see any sense of entitlement here. Arizona has long catered to the developers. Would it be fair to stop now? Where will all the poor folks from Michigan live? I myself know of a couple postage stamp-sized areas of remaining open desert in north Tucson that are crying for the blade! We all need to sacrifice. Longer lines, crowded roads and schools, no water, dead cacti are a small price to pay to ensure job security for these (some part-time) professionals. Timothy George North side Trump presidency For those who truly abhor another Trump presidency, your best option, given his polling numbers vs. Biden, would probably be to register as Republican and vote for Nikki Haley in the March 19th primary. You still have time to register or change your registration, but must do so by 11:59 a.m. Feb. 20, 2024. Visit www.servicearizona.com if you are so inclined. It is easy and only takes a few minutes. John Bentley Foothills UA misguided layoffs Re: the Feb. 9 letter 7 places to cut overpaid University executives Last week I attended the United Campus Workers Arizona demonstration outside the UA administration building to show solidarity with the union against the misguided layoffs of custodial workers due to the ongoing financial crisis. We chanted CHOP FROM THE TOP! which is the obvious answer to get the UA out of its financial crisis, instead of cutting positions from some of the lowest paid employees. The letter writer outlined a number of administrative positions at the UA that should be cut immediately, Id like to move to add President Robbins to the chopping block. His leadership got us into this mess. Robbins makes $816,000 per year plus $171,000 that is added to his retirement fund annually, as well as a $10,000 automobile allowance to name some of his other perks. Lets put an interim president in place who is willing to make a modest salary in solidarity with campus workers. Chop from the top! Sadie Shaw, TUSD Governing Board Downtown Christianity a cult Re: the Feb. 11 letter Mankind is mankinds demise According to the letter writer No real religion tells you to kill others who do not believe in their version. Guess he hasnt read Jesuss words in Luke 19:27: But as for these enemies of mine who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them in my presence (New American Standard Bible). That gave permission for the Crusades and for some sects of Christians (Protestants) to torture and burn others (Catholics, for example). So Im sure the writer would argue that Christianity is not a real religion but a cult. Right? Ron Terpening Northwest side Trumps hypocrisy How ironic that grifter Donald Trump, known for not paying his personal bills and stiffing cities for the cost of security at his MAGA rallies, urges Russian to invade our allies whom he claims dont pay their bills. Keith Schaeffer Midtown The human factor Re: the Feb. 12 article Students help patients in need This story on the Desert View High School precision manufacturing and drafting students traveling to Peru to fit prosthetic legs they had designed and made was exciting. Thirty-odd years ago, when the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) deployed 3-D printers into the public domain, I was part of a federally-funded public-private task force looking at The Human Factor and Robotics in the real world where new technology often gets derailed because it threatens human skills. Robotics still does, but at least this tool has broadened humans ability to positively interact with each other. Our ability to turn technology into a positive force is the only thing that has kept this species on the planet. It seems we are at war with ourselves whether to make emerging technology work for our species or lead to our demise. The trip to Peru demonstrates the former. Felicidades! Polly Parks Downtown Keep things in perspectiveWith the seemingly endless coverage about President Bidens age and his gaffes when public speaking, the important takeaway here is that Trump telegraphed he will give Russia a green light to attack NATO nations in Europe, if he gets back in office. Ill vote for the nice elderly gentleman with the stutter instead of the sociopathic elderly narcissist who wants to start WWIII. Jennifer Larson Northwest side The 22nd Amendment Re: the Feb. 12 letter Conflating opinions with facts This letter writer stated that we should not be concerned about Trump being a dictator for life because of the 22nd Amendment. I admit, this attitude concerns me because we have just spent the last 7 years watching Trump utterly trample the Constitution when it suited him. Not only has he made many statements about retaining power and shredding the Constitution, he has certainly acted without restraint. We know that his properties made millions from foreign nationals in defiance of Article 1, Section 9. We know he completely disregards the separation of powers provisions. Of course, we all saw how he tried to illegally remain in power after losing the 2020 election. He argued that the 14th Amendment doesnt apply to him. Justice Kagan implied to his attorneys that we might be right back here arguing about the application of the 22nd Amendment in 2028 if he wins a second term. He should not get a second chance to be a dictator. Jennifer Larson Northwest side NATO, US The worst president of our time just recounted his conversation with a President of a NATO country stating, You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? No I would not protect you. In fact Id encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. Youve got to pay. Youve got to pay your bills. This this the same guy that was sued more than 3,500 times for not paying his contractors. Whats really puzzling are his supporters that turn a blind eye even though the facts could blind them. John Bingham Northwest side Cognitive test for Biden Special Counsel Hur released a bombshell report detailing that Biden has willfully mishandled classified documents going back to his time as a Senator and Vice President. He did not have the authority to de-classify documents. Classified documents were found at four locations, including in boxes sitting unsecured on his garage floor. Some were Top Secret. He revealed classified information to his ghost writer for a new book. However, Hur declined to prosecute Biden because he believed that a jury would find him too old and feeble minded. Now team Biden is attacking the Special Counsel and USAG Garland. Ok for Democrats to do that, but not for Trump. The public has watched for three years as Biden has stumbled, been confused, fumbled his words and made gaffe after gaffe. If he wants to dispel questions about his memory, all he needs to do is take a series of cognitive tests administered by an independently chosen Neurologist and reveal the results to the public. Trump should do the same. Ivan Stanski Atlanta King? Season two production of the Paramount+ series Tulsa King is moving to Atlanta, according to a report in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Season one was filmed primarily in Oklahoma City, although some shooting took place in Tulsa. Tulsa King will base operations out of Eagle Rock Studios in Norcross, Georgia, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The crime drama stars Sylvester Stallone as Dwight The General Manfredi, a New York mafia capo who, after serving a 25-year prison sentence, is dispatched to start anew in unfamiliar territory Tulsa. The series debuted in late 2022 and was almost immediately renewed for a second season. The Oklahoman reported in February 2023 that the production would not be returning to Oklahoma, and Terence Winter announced he would not be returning as a showrunner in the second season. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer 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 OKLAHOMA CITY An Oklahoma Senate committee on Tuesday passed a bill that supporters say would allow Oklahoma Citys Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center to increase its capacity for training air traffic controllers and help safeguard its place as home of the Federal Aviation Administration Academy. The academy provides aviation-related training to students across the country. The measure, Senate Bill 1411, proposes to offer a state income tax credit of up to $5,000 to highly qualified air traffic controller instructors. Its author, Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said the tax credit could help to lure former FAA or retired U.S. military air traffic controllers to Oklahoma City to teach at the Monroney Center. The lawmaker and others at the meeting of the Aeronautics and Transportation Committee expressed concerns that the state of Texas has mounted an effort to shift training from Oklahoma to the Lone Star State. A National Airspace System Safety Review Team last November released a report recommending changes at the FAA Academy, including hiring additional instructors, increasing hours of operation and making curriculum changes to reduce a 30% failure rate among air traffic controller students. The Monroney Center, located at Will Rogers World Airport, currently produces about 1,800 new controllers annually; goals are to increase that number to as many as 3,000. The report also recommended that the FAA provide access to air traffic controller training at other facilities across the country. The report led members of Oklahomas congressional delegation to send a letter to FAA Administrator Michael G. Whitaker in support of maintaining centralized air traffic controller training in Oklahoma City. We oppose any effort to duplicate elsewhere any training that occurs only at the FAA Academy at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, the states congressional delegation members wrote. Currently 55 federal employees provide air traffic controller instruction in Oklahoma City. Goals are to increase that number to 70 and to increase the number of private sector instructors under a contract managed by SAIC to as many as 400. Rosino said the proposed tax credit would allow instructors who meet strict qualifications to claim the deduction on state taxes on income earned over the course of 18 months of provided air traffic controller instruction. He noted that some instructors might choose to remain or even retire in Oklahoma, which would bring added benefit to the state. In addition to considering offering courses at other facilities across the country, the National Airspace System Safety Review Team report also advised that the FAA should implement online instruction and provide additional support to colleges and universities that have their own air traffic controller training programs. In their letter to the FAA administrator, members of the states congressional delegation insisted that the facility in Oklahoma City can meet challenges. As conversations continue regarding the shortage of air traffic controllers and the need to bolster aviation safety, it is vital that the value (the Monroney center) brings to the FAA is properly utilized, they wrote. SB 1411 passed through the Aeronautics and Transportation Committee on a 9-3 vote and was referred to the Senate Finance Committee, with some lawmakers expressing concern over how effective a tax credit might be in luring air traffic controller instructors to the state. Some concern also was expressed about the appropriateness of the states providing a tax credit to influence private sector employment. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Steve Metzer Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Steve Metzer 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 OKLAHOMA CITY A bill that would require people to prove that theyre at least 18 to access sexually explicit content online gained traction at the Oklahoma Capitol on Wednesday. Rep. Randy Randleman, R-Eufaula, said he authored House Bill 3008 specifically to prevent children from being exposed to pornography. He allowed, however, that many adults would probably decline to provide verifiable identification to prove their age before clicking on porn sites. Laws passed in other states requiring such proof of age have cut down, too, on sites continuing to operate in those states, Randleman noted. HB 3008 passed through the House Judiciary Committee on an 8-1 vote. Rep. Jason Lowe, D-Oklahoma City, voted no, raising concerns that the state might be accused in court of infringing on rights to freedom of speech. Louisiana was the first state to pass a law requiring websites that host adult content to verify that users are at least 18. That was in 2022. Since then, six other states have passed similar laws. According to the Free Speech Coalition, lawmakers in at least 14 other states are considering such legislation this year. Lawsuits were filed by the Free Speech Coalition and other plaintiffs last year against age verification mandates in Texas, Utah and Louisiana on grounds that they violate First Amendment rights. Randleman said his measure would require a site to confirm the age of users if at least one-third of the material it provides online might be considered by community standards to be potentially harmful to minors. Failure to perform reasonable age verification methods would subject sites to liability, he said, though he declined to identify specific consequences. It requires verification of age, just like you would if youre going to get a drivers license, Randleman said. That could be birth certificates, something accurate and measurable to show that youre 18 years old. Any entity that would fail to provide age verification or that might retain user information after granting access would potentially be held liable for damages. The bill would not penalize an internet service provider, search engine or cloud service provider simply for providing a connection to a website. It actually targets the commercial entities that produce this stuff, Randleman said. We are trying to manage what is put in front of our children. If you go into a store that has some pornographic material, its behind a section; its secluded. The children are protected, but (online), they are not protected at all. The lawmaker, a child psychologist by profession, said he has witnessed over and over the harmful effects of repeated exposure to sexually explicit material on both children and adults. He said Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has shown support for HB 3008. You didnt see (in the bill) an amount that youre fined. You didnt see what kind of charge (a company might face). We want that to be up to law enforcement and to the AG, for him to look at to see whats appropriate. Rep. Rande Worthen, R-Lawton, a member of the Judiciary Committee, suggested that the bill might be subject to amendment to allow the AG to enforce provisions by civil action to shut sites down if they fail to comply. In other states, laws empower parents or others to sue website owners for damages if they believe a minor has been exposed to objectionable material. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. Raj Tawney met Jon Stewart outside the firehouse at 106-108 E. 13th St. in New York City in 2019 on the 18th anniversary of 9/11. Courtesy of Raj Tawney With Jon Stewarts part-time, temporary return to The Daily Show this week, his Monday night stints, now through the November election, may help some viewers regain a sense of sanity after the former hosts nine-year absence from network television. He couldnt have come back at a better time. When Stewart walked away from the satirical news program in 2015, it left a hole for many of us whod grown accustomed to both his face and political observations each weeknight. Following the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, fear and ignorance were rampant on Long Island, N.Y., where my family and I lived, only a few towns over from where Stewart had grown up decades earlier. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I was only 14 years old at the time, in my first week of high school when the towers were struck. It seemed like overnight, anyone with a tinge of brown skin or a foreign sounding name was susceptible to name-calling and acts of violence. As a mixed-race American of Indian, Puerto Rican and Italian descent I barely resemble any of my three backgrounds on the surface, but being ethnic-looking was sometimes enough for an ignorant bully. What are you? was a common question posed throughout my teenage years due to my olive skin complexion, thick eyebrows and curly hair, and Id often be mistaken as Arab by ignorant classmates. Though I was thankful for my citys safety and proud to call myself a born-and-raised New Yorker, 24-hour cable news channels only stoked divisive flames as footage and photographs of terrorists aired repeatedly on TV screens, leading to a new kind of patriotic fervor among neighbors who made many Middle Eastern and South Asian residents feel like outsiders. For my friends and me, however, Jon Stewart was the only person we could turn to in those ensuing weeks to help us make sense of the news cycle and political climate. To us, he wasnt just a local boy who made good. Aside from humor, he offered what no other adults could at the time: compassion. Though he briefly disappeared from the spotlight following his Daily Show departure, Stewart made headlines in June 2019 when he appeared in tears before the House Judiciary Committee, reprimanding Congress for the lack of health care for 9/11 first responders. As sorrowful as I felt for those heroic first responders, I also felt proud seeing Stewart there, once again helping the public see the truth, wanting nothing more than to support others and enlighten the rest of us. Three months later, on the 18th anniversary of the World Trade Center attacks, I was taking my usual walk on my lunch break from work, around the corner from the New York firehouse at 106-108 E. 13th St. the two-story building that has become an international tourist attraction for visitors who want to pay respect to the first responders who gave and risked their lives on that fateful day. Oddly enough, I saw no tourists lingering this time. But in the distance, a group of people were walking down the street holding a banner that read 100 Mile March in Memory of 9/11 with a goal of raising $10,000 that day. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As I stood there, waiting to pay my respects, I noticed a familiar face accompanying them. It was Jon Stewart, sporting the same beard Id recently seen on TV and a T-shirt. There were no cameras around, no press or paparazzi, no onlookers whatsoever. As the group made their way to the firehouse, some of the resident firefighters and a New York police officer were waiting to greet them. After a few cell phone snaps kindly taken by the officer, they thanked Stewart as he was getting ready to walk back home like any other New Yorker. There was a soberness in his eyes as he too thanked the group, glancing over to me standing there on the side. What could I say to the man whod help me and many others get through each day, offering some hope for the next? Thank you, I said to him, nearly in tears. He gave back a small smile and humbly bowed his head as if he too wanted to weep. Acting like a typical fan or tourist myself, I quickly found the nerve to ask him for a picture. He graciously obliged. The police officer, still standing nearby, offered to take it talk about a New York moment. It was all too overwhelming. Though countless other social and political satirists have come and gone, I havent felt the same connection as I did with Stewart. It seems tougher to generate humor in an era of deliberate division at the hands of politicians and media conglomerates. Perhaps Stewart has become a nostalgic figure for my generation like a voice from a simpler past, even though it wasnt. Or maybe, in a time of increasing artificiality, theres just something humane about him and we could all benefit from some more humanity. Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today The legislative sessions first tax cut proposal, a phase out (sort of) of the corporate income tax, made its bow in the House of Representatives Rules Committee on Tuesday with predictable results. The committees seven Republicans voted to send House Bill 2948, by Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, to the full House. The two Democrats did not. Technically, HB 2948 would not eliminate the corporate income tax. Instead, it would allow businesses to claim increasing shares of their tax liability as a deduction until it reaches 100% after five years. Presumably, this method was chosen as an escape hatch in case state government comes on hard times. Theoretically, the maneuver would allow repeal with a simple legislative majority instead of the supermajority required to restore an eliminated tax. House fiscal staff estimated the cost of the phaseout at $618.6 million when fully implemented. Notably, the proposal would allow businesses to continue paying state income taxes under the current system, suggesting that might be more beneficial for some. Another McCall tax cut, HB 2949, was on the Rules Committee agenda but was not brought to a vote. It would change the states graduated income tax to a single 4.25% with no standard deductions. The tax would not apply to the first $19,450 of income for joint filers or the first $9,750 for single filers. The fiscal impact of HB 2949 is estimated at $488 million when fully implemented. The two measures are in line with McCalls recent practice of introducing tax cuts in several shapes and forms with the hope that one of them will catch on. Thursdays meeting of the Board of Equalization, when final fiscal year 2025 revenue projections will be revealed, could give some clarity to the direction of tax reductions, although McCall, Gov. Kevin Stitt and others seem determined to do something in that regard no matter what is presented the BOE. Democrats and some Senate Republicans argue that the tax cuts would be imprudent, despite record cash reserves. Also Monday: The House passed its first two bills of the session. Senate Bill 458, a holdover from last session, would grant advance practice nurses the authority to write prescriptions for some drugs. House sponsor Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan, acknowledged continuing opposition from physicians but said the measure is reasonable and necessary. It passed 79-10 and goes back to the Senate. The House Common Education Committee took a swipe at State Superintendent Ryan Walters by advancing legislation requiring that photos of the Educators Hall of Fame members be reinstalled in the Oliver Hodge Building, which houses the Department of Education. Walters ordered the photographs removed when he took office last year, apparently because the members are chosen by the Oklahoma Education Association. To hammer home a point made in the past two legislative sessions, Republicans on the House General Government Committee advanced HB 3219, by Rep. Kevin West, stating that the gender entered on a birth certificate cannot be changed for any reason. West acknowledged that that is already the law but said there still seems to be some confusion about it. He noted that some courts have ordered birth certificates amended. The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today. India risks losing out to China and Vietnam as it seeks to become a major smartphone export hub and must "act fast" to lure global companies with lower tariffs, the deputy IT minister said in government documents seen by Reuters. Smartphone manufacturing is a key plank of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ambitions to boost the economy and create jobs by attracting companies such as Apple, Foxconn, and Samsung, to India, the world's second-largest mobile market where production grew 16% year-on-year to $44 billion last year. That success, Modi's government says, is mostly due to financial incentives given to companies to produce more. But lawmakers and lobby groups for Apple and other firms argue India's high tariffs are a deterrent for companies de-risking their supply chains beyond China, and nations such as Vietnam, Thailand and Mexico have raced ahead in phone exports by offering lower tariffs on components. A Jan. 3 letter and a confidential presentation drafted by Indian deputy IT Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, and sent to the Finance Minister, show the extent of his ministry's concerns about losing out due to the uncompetitive tariffs. "India has high production cost due to highest tariffs amongst key manufacturing destinations," wrote Chandrasekhar in the documents, which were seen by Reuters. "The geopolitical realignment is forcing supply chains to shift out of China ... We must act now, or they will shift to Vietnam, Mexico and Thailand." Chandrasekhar and India's IT ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comment. Lower tariffs on components is key to India's ambitions to attract smartphone manufacturers. "Made in India" phones use many parts made locally, but companies import many high-end parts from China and elsewhere due to supply chain limitations. These parts are then subject to the high tariffs the government has put in place to protect the local manufacturers, raising overall costs. U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti recently said foreign investments were not flowing into India at the pace they should be, and were going to countries like Vietnam instead, because of the tariffs. "If you tax inputs ... you're not protecting a market. What you are doing is limiting a market," he said. Chandrasekhar in his documents flagged how lower taxes in China and Vietnam helped boost their exports. Exports accounted for only 25% of India's smartphone production last year, compared with 63% of China's $270 billion worth of production and 95% of Vietnam's $40 billion worth, he said. Indian Deputy Minister for Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, speaks during an interview with Reuters at his office in New Delhi, India, May 19, 2023. Photo: Reuters "Match China, beat Vietnam" India is seeking to account for 25% of global electronics manufacturing by 2029, but the official documents showed its stake was currently at just 4%, even though Apple, Foxconn and Xiaomi had all boosted production recently. Chandrasekhar's documents were addressed to India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman last month to lobby for lower tariffs in the annual budget. The finance ministry did lower taxes on some components, including battery covers, to 10% from 15%, but did not agree to many other tariff cut requests. The finance ministry and Sitharaman's office did not respond to requests for comment. India still imposes a 20% tax on parts including chargers, some circuit boards and fully assembled phones. The IT minister wanted those taxes to be reduced to 15% this year. Chandrasekhar also argued that Vietnam and China do not levy tariffs above 10% on components from their "most-favoured nation" trading partners or nations with whom they have free-trade agreements. India does not do that and imposes "high" tariffs on many components, he said. "We have to match China and beat Vietnam on tariffs to attract" global supply chains, Chandrasekhar wrote. "No country with high tariffs has or can attract" them. Local market saturating, exports focus Last week, Xiaomi privately asked New Delhi to lower tariffs on more components used in cameras and USB cables, saying it will help "aligning with the competitive manufacturing economies like China and Vietnam." While surging local demand has helped keep the local manufacturing industry profitable, Chandrasekhar said in his letter that this "domestic market of smartphones will shortly near saturation" and as users don't change phones that often. India's goal to take mobile phone production to over $100 billion a year - with 50% of that exported - needs a new strategy, the minister said. "Tariffs are becoming a hurdle," the minister said in his presentation. "We need to shift tariff policy to suit our new ambitions. Exports, not domestic." A large tree tragically fell and caused the demise of a 17-year-old girl who was selling flowers for Valentine's Day on a street in Dak Lak Province in the Central Highlands on Tuesday, a local official reported the same day. The decades-old tree on Phan Chu Trinh Street in Thang Loi Ward, Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province suddenly fell on the girl at about 9:15 am. Local residents immediately rushed her to the nearby Thien Hanh General Hospital. A hospital representative affirmed that it received the girl, named N.T.H.T., at 9:45 am the same day. She was unconscious and suffered multiple injuries on her body, including broken femur, fractured heel bones, multiple broken ribs, spinal damage, and a brain injury. She was later transferred to the Central Highlands Regional General Hospital, also in Dak Lak Province. However, she passed away after two hours despite intensive care. Workers tidy the scene of the incident. Photo: Trung Tan / Tuoi Tre A leader of the administration in Thang Loi Ward said the local authorities were tidying the scene of the incident and investigating the cause. There were strong winds when the tree collapsed. Other flower vendors on Phan Chu Trinh Street have moved to safer places, the ward leader added. One month earlier, a century-old banian tree on Phan Chau Trinh Street in Buon Ma Thuot City fell, injuring a woman and damaging some houses and motorbikes. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Police in southern Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City have arrested a man who allegedly killed a young woman for asset appropriation, then concealed her dismembered body in a bag and disposed of it far away from the scene to hide the traces of the crime. The suspect, N.D.K., 26, was detained in Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam on Tuesday, six days after he allegedly killed V.T.T., 25, at a rented room in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City, local police reported. K., who resided in the same motel with the victim, a worker of Thu Duc-based Coats Phong Phu Co., Ltd., has been escorted to the city for investigation of murder, robbery, and other possible crimes. The suspect has pleaded guilty of killing T., according to investigators. V.V.T. was seen from a surveillance camera at the gate of the motel in Thu Duc City under southern Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City on February 8, 2024 before she was killed later on the same day. Photo: V.V.T.s family Earlier on February 8, while T. was preparing her luggage in her rented room for a trip back to her native Dong Nai Province for Tet (Lunar New Year) celebration, K. asked her to come to his place to help him carry his baggage as he was about to return home for Tet, according to the mans testimonies. After T. entered his room, K. used a weapon to kill her and then had sex with her body. He took away from the victim a cellphone and some other assets, and used a knife to dismember the young womans body into parts and packed them in a bag. He later brought the bag to a deserted path in the Saigon Hi-tech Park, some 4km from the motel, and disposed of it there before fleeing to Binh Dinh, the native province of his wife, for hiding until being arrested. The bag was later discovered on Tuesday morning by local residents who reported the finding to police, according to news site VnExpress. K. told investigators that he had feelings for T., who shared her room with her lover but her man returned to Phu Yen Province, his hometown, a month before, according to Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper. A place in the area of the Hi-tech Saigon Park, in southern Vietnams Ho Chi Minh City, where the bag containing the dismembered body of V.V.T., who was killed on February 8, 2024 in a local motel, was discovered on February 13, 2024. Photo: Minh Tam / Tuoi Tre On the aforementioned day, after finding that the motel very quiet as most people had left for their hometowns, he came to an idea to rape T., so he pretended to ask her to come to his room for that purpose. Before the time of being killed, T. called her family, saying she was preparing to go home, but her family and her lover could not contact her later. On February 9 morning, T.s lover had someone come to the motel to look for her but could not find her after breaking open the door of her room that had been locked from outside. At noon the same day, T.s relatives also came to the room, where they saw her motorbike but could not find the vehicle key as well as her cellphone and her backpack. They reported her disappearance to local police, who immediately examined the motel, checked surveillance cameras and identified K. as a suspect. A hunt for K. was launched later, leading to his arrest in Binh Dinh. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on relevant units to shorten the construction time of the Long Thanh International Airport project in southern Dong Nai Province by three to six months during his inspection trip to the construction site of the project on Tuesday. After inspecting the progress of the project and visiting workers who were working at the construction site through Tet and households whose land lots were reclaimed to make room for the project, the Vietnamese government leader presided over a meeting on the projects progress. He hailed the relevant units efforts to develop the project, specifically the completion of the site clearance work and procedures. The prime minister said 2022 and 2023 were the time to kick-off the project. The project execution should be accelerated this year and the next so that it could be completed and put into operation in the first half of 2026. PM Chinh urged the Peoples Committee of Dong Nai Province to quickly complete the site clearance for the entire project and promptly deal with hindrances during resettlement. He requested Dong Nai authorities and relevant agencies to early study and develop the Long Thanh airport city, connect the airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in neighboring Ho Chi Minh City, and stay ready to carry out the second phase of the project. During a visit to the Loc An-Binh Son resettlement area of the Long Thanh International Airport project, PM Chinh thanked project-hit households for handing over their land for the project, reiterating the Party and the states policy to ensure a good living environment for residents. He also asked local agencies to create jobs for these residents and give them the priority to work at the Long Thanh International Airport project and the airport when it is completed. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R, 2nd) gives a Tet gift to workers at the construction site of the Long Thanh International Airport project in Dong Nai Province. At the meeting, a representative of the Ministry of Transport reported that the authorities of Dong Nai Province had handed over 100 percent of the cleared site for the first phase of the project and 98.7 percent of the land needed for the entire project. The under-construction airport project will be the largest airport in Vietnam upon completion with an annual capacity of 100 million passengers and five million metric tons of cargo. The project, including four components, needs an estimated investment of some VND336.63 trillion (US$13.7 billion). The Vietur consortium led by Turkeys IC Ictas won the package to construct the passenger terminal worth VND35 trillion ($1.4 billion), the largest package requiring the most complicated techniques and the longest execution time of the third componentessential facilitiesof the Long Thanh International Airport project. Work on the package commenced on August 31 last year. After more than five months, contractors have mobilized over 3,200 workers and nearly 1,300 pieces of machinery and equipment to conduct packages. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Locals in Van Ninh District under Khanh Hoa Province, located in south-central Vietnam, discovered the whale carcass of nearly one metric ton in weight washed ashore on Tuesday morning. The remains, found on Hon Gam Beach in Van Thanh Commune, were quickly buried following local customs, said an official from the communes administration. Dinh Van No, a 67-year-old resident of Dam Mon Village in the commune, said that the whale was stranded on the beach and died at 5:30 am on the same day. The whale was measured at 4.5 meters in length. The animal is worshiped as Lord Whale by locals, so after the whale was found dead, residents promptly hosted elaborate burial ceremonies, No said. Three years after the burial, the whale skeleton will be restored and put in the whales temple for worship. Whale deaths are believed to bring luck to fishermen and residents living near the sea, No added. The leader of the Van Thanh Commune said that locals often discover the carcasses of whales on Hon Gam Beach. When a dead whale washes ashore, inhabitants of the coastal village will gather to conduct funeral services and pay tribute to the whale. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! In the penultimate Grand Designs Transformations a Melbourne couple turn a drab duplex into a spacious Miami-inspired home, while a NSW couple on a shoe-string budget create a tiny guest pavilion for visiting family and friends. After falling in love in the buzzy beachside metropolis of Miami, Florida, architect Henry and creative director Jemma want to bring some of that colour and romance into a home of their own in St Kilda. After years of planning, theyre hoping to turn a drab one-up, one down duplex in St Kilda into one giant eclectic space that captures the optimism of downtown Miami. But as interior designer Yasmine Ghoniem suspects, the old building throws up a lot of challenges of its own in a game where time equals money mountains of it. Add to that a new baby, and theres plenty of sleepless nights for these first-time parents. On the central coast of NSW, Ashley and partner Jeanette are also keen to create more space, but for very different reasons. Their dream is to create a luxurious little guest house behind their modest three-bedroom home, to lure Jeanettes family over from the US for a holiday, and for the Sydney friends they miss to come and stay. With nothing but back-of-the envelope plans, Anthony Burke fears they may have their head in the clouds. Couple that with a plan to build everything themselves, with second hand windows, flooring and doors, and pre-loved furnishings restored by Jeanette, theyll need grit and a lot of heart, to create a beachside guesthouse for visiting family and friends. 8:30pm Thursday on ABC. Arrow star Stephen Amell will star in Suits: L.A. He will feature as Ted Black, a former New York federal prosecutor who moved to Los Angeles to build his own powerful law firm with old friend Stuart Lane. The role of Stuart Lane has yet to be cast, but Amells character has been described as a charismatic manipulator willing to put his needs ahead of anyone in his way. Amell played superhero Oliver Queen / The Green Arrow for eight seasons of Arrow and more recently starred as a fledging professional wrestler in Heels. I know a thing or two about building a universe, he wrote about his Suits casting on social media. The official synopsis for Suits: L.A. is: His firm is at a crisis point, and, in order to survive, he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they cant help but mix their personal and professional lives. All of this is going on while events from years ago slowly unravel that led Ted to leave behind everything and everyone he loved. Suits creator Aaron Korsh is writing the pilot to begin filming in Vancouver, Canada in a few weeks. Theres no telling yet which former Suits stars, if any, will return for the spin-off but several did reunite to film a Super Bowl commercial. Amell recently drew headlines after comments that he did not support striking by actors. Source: Digital Spy John Harriel Jr. of 2nd Call facilitates weekly meetings with formerly incarcerated individuals looking for a second chance at life with job placement, mentoring and opportunities in Los Angeles. Al Seib/Los Angeles Times 2019 Whats a good job for formerly incarcerated people? You often hear this mantra from people in corrections: Get a job, any job. Work will reduce your risk of going back behind bars. As a result, people coming out of prison feel pushed to take jobs that have difficult schedules, low pay, no benefits or poor working conditions. Thats bad advice. In my research with other scholars, weve found that formerly incarcerated people just churn through jobs like that. Indeed, taking a bad job doesnt protect you from recidivism. In one study, looking at formerly incarcerated young men in Michigan, over one-quarter of people coming out of prison experienced persistent desperation and struggle, including periods of homelessness; one-third had intermittent periods of desperation, and struggle for survival. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Instead, we need to think of work for the formerly incarcerated the same way that we think of jobs for anyone without recent work experience or education. They need the same things from jobs that everyone does: a living wage, a job ladder to allow for the acquisition of skills and promotion, and stability, especially in scheduling. When you understand this, you can see why weve made only slow progress in employment for formerly incarcerated people. There have been some gains. Largely due to a tight labor market, were getting more incarcerated people in the door. Employers need more workers, so some businesses have been more open to hiring people with criminal records. Also, governments and nonprofits are offering more reintegration programs that include job training. Changes in laws may have helped, too like ban the box laws that prevent employers from asking job applicants on their applications whether theyve ever been convicted of a felony. These laws were a response to a surge in harsh sentencing laws and mass incarceration during the 1980s and 1990s. But banning the box isnt enough. First, employers can still conduct background checks. Second, when formerly incarcerated people do get jobs, they can have trouble holding onto them. This is partly because they often end up in the least desirable jobs, which experience considerable turnover among all employees, not just those with criminal records. They often face other barriers to stable employment, too, like housing insecurity, health problems and parole supervision by a punitive justice system. Advertisement Article continues below this ad And even when they manage to settle in and succeed in their jobs, moving up is tricky. Going up a job ladder is difficult. Indeed, even moving laterally or diagonally can be challenging within a company, with different bosses having different attitudes. Its even harder when getting ahead means changing firms. The standards and scrutiny of a candidate with a record are different for entry-level jobs than for supervisory positions. Sometimes, skills training or licensing programs, which people must complete to advance, maintain prohibitions on those with criminal records. Changes in corporate structure also make upward mobility difficult. It used to be more common for people to rise from the entry-level to upper management. Todays most profitable and dynamic companies often rely on high-skill or high-education workers. Formerly incarcerated people who work at such companies might well start out working for contractors, as janitors or cafeteria workers. What is their path to becoming employees and rising? Companies need to do more to support formerly incarcerated workers and create internal job ladders. There are also many ways public policy can assist them in their job paths and career trajectories. Californias openness in this area makes it an important laboratory. Ive seen possibilities in the research Ive done with other scholars, based on huge data sets on thousands of young men in Michigan during the 2000s. We tracked these young men for many years after they left prison. Our findings suggest that California, and other states open to reform, can help in many ways: through greater housing support, through mental health and substance abuse support and through changes to harmful parole systems that often prioritize surveillance and punishment over reintegration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad California and other states also could do more to integrate formerly incarcerated people into higher education. Formerly incarcerated people understand the importance of education for success in the labor market. In our Michigan study, we found that more than one-quarter of the young men enrolled in college sometime after leaving prison. Higher education doesnt just help with employment. Research shows it also reduces the likelihood of recidivism. Changes being made within prisons provide new reasons to be optimistic. Incarcerated students are now eligible for Pell Grants from the federal government, making it possible for community colleges and other post-secondary institutions to create new college and training programs in prison. And organizations like the Petey Greene Program, where I serve on the board, are pioneering new educational programs to help those serving time in prisons and jails prepare for college-level study. At UC Berkeley, where I teach, the Berkeley Underground Scholars, an organization of students incarcerated or impacted by the justice system, have excelled in academics and leadership. More universities have begun similar programs for formerly incarcerated students. The goal of all such policies is to help formerly incarcerated people find the right job and not have to settle for just any job. The International Criminal Court building is seen in The Hague The International Criminal Court building is seen in The Hague By Rami Amichay THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas since Oct.7 urged the International Criminal Court on Wednesday to ensure justice for their loved ones and to help bring them home. "Today is Valentine's day and Ohad, the love of my life, is still being held hostage," freed hostage Raz Ben Ami, whose husband Ohad remains captive in Gaza, said after travelling to The Hague, where the ICC is based. "My love, I hope you can hear me, I am still waiting for you," she said near the ICC's headquarters. Standing in the rain, families and activists waved Israeli flags and chanted "Bring them home now!" On Oct. 7, Hamas carried out a cross-border raid on southern Israel in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 240 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. It sparked Israel's military offensive in Gaza which has laid waste to much of the densely-populated strip of land on the Mediterranean and killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognise its jurisdiction, but the Palestinian territories were admitted as ICC members in 2015. Prosecutor Karim Khan reaffirmed to Reuters this week that the court has jurisdiction over the events of Oct. 7 and they form part of the court's investigation. Survivors of the Oct. 7 attack and families of victims want the ICC to target Hamas leaders with arrest warrants. "We trust that the ICC has the capacity to bring about justice for the hostages and their families," said Shelly Aviv Yeini, from the Hostage Families Forum, adding that The Hague event also aimed to apply pressure for the release of the hostages. HOSTAGES Speaking at Israel's Ben Gurion airport before heading to The Hague, Udi Goren, cousin of 41-year-old Tal Haimi, who was abducted and later confirmed dead, said: "We want to ... make sure that the leaders of Hamas are taken into custody or that they cannot leave Qatar anymore and that this puts pressure on them to release the hostages." Story continues Goren was among the group of around 100 family members who flew to The Hague to file the latest in several so-called article 15 communications on behalf of Israeli victims. These legal filings are meant to provide information to the prosecution and are part of a wider push to get the ICC to act against Hamas leaders. In a sign that the ICC's investigation of the Oct 7. attacks and Israel's response is moving forward, lawyer Yael Vias Gvirsman, who represents another group of Israeli victims, told Reuters that a handful of her clients gave testimony directly to ICC investigators in The Hague last week. "It was a significant next step for the investigation. Investigators sat down with victims for very long hours to hear personal accounts by key witnesses of several crime scenes of the Oct. 7 attacks," said Vias Gvirsman, who represents 200 Israeli victims from 42 different families at the ICC. The case at the ICC is separate from the genocide case launched against Israel at the International Court of Justice or World Court also based in The Hague. The World Court is a United Nations court that deals with disputes between states while the ICC is a treaty-based criminal court focusing on individual criminal responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. (Reporting by Rami Amichay and Stephanie van den Berg; Additional reporting by Ingrid Melander; Writing by Stephanie van den Berg and Ingrid Melander; editing by Ros Russell) (PA) The UK government is reportedly planning to pay influencers on TikTok to warn migrants and asylum seekers not to travel to Britain in small boats. According to The Times, draft plans show that rappers, comedians and TV personalities are among those who could be paid up to 5,000 to warn would-be migrants of removal to Rwanda. However, according to The Independent, the Home Office said the document seen by The Times was outdated, and it did not recognise the figures. The government has already been paying for social media adverts in France, Belgium and Albania, warning people not to make dangerous journeys to the UK. A company that makes windows with built-in solar panel technology has secured crucial fire safety approval, moving it one step closer to bringing its tech to buildings in the UK. Martin Deil, CEO of ClearVue Technologies told Tech & Science Daily how their solar-tech works, and how much energy it can generate. He said the company hopes to secure the regulatory approval needed to start selling their solar window tech as early as this year. Following the discovery of a 1,700-year-old egg in an old Roman well in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, archaeologists are now planning what to do with it. Brett Thorn, Keeper of Archaeology at the Discover Bucks museum in Aylesbury told Tech & Science Daily that experts are exploring potential options for extracting the liquid inside the egg, in the hope it contains ancient DNA. Brett said hes trying to put together a top team of experts to work out how to extract the fluid without damaging the shell. The private US Moon mission set for a Valentines Day launch from Florida has been delayed due to fuel issues. Less than two hours before lift-off, SpaceX posted on X, to say the launch was being scrubbed due to a temperature issue with the methane fuel on the lander. Intuitive Machines Odysseus lander is now set for launch no earlier than February 15th at 6.05am UK time. Also in this episode: Scientists discover that apes like to playfully tease each other just like humans, social media is helping young people read proper books, says Waterstones chief, and Joe Biden makes his official TikTok debut ahead of the US election. Listen above, find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts. It turns out that not everyone wants a multimillion-dollar megayacht. The U.S. government has asked a judge for permission to auction off a $325 million vessel that it seized as part of the widespread sanctions imposed on Russia following its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. More from Robb Report The 348-foot Amadea, which allegedly belongs to Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov, was seized in Fiji in April 2022 at the request of the U.S. government. (The gold tycoon was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2018 for being an official of the Russian government, then sanctioned by the U.K. and the European Union in 2022 because of his close ties to Vladimir Putin.) The yacht arrived stateside in June 2022, and the U.S. has since been paying $600,000 a month to maintain it, as reported by Bloomberg. The hefty monthly sum includes $360,000 for crew wages, $75,000 for fuel, and $165,000 for maintenance, waste removal, food, and other expenses, according to court papers filed Friday in New York. The carrying costs for the Amadea are far from modest, and there is good cause to spare the government and the public from bearing these costs, the filing states. Amadea arriving in California in June 2022. Its not just the monthly payments piling up, either. The U.S. Justice Department said it is paying a $1.7 million annual insurance bill this month. It will also need to fork out $5.6 million to send Amadea into dry dock for repairs in March. (The monthly payments will be suspended during this time.) The court will first need to determine who owns Amadea before it decides the vessels fate. Millemarin Investments is the legal owner on paper, but the U.S. alleges that Kerimov is the beneficial owner and exercises control. To further complicate things, Eduard Khudainatov, the former head of Russian oil producer Rosneft, is claiming that he is the rightful owner. He hasnt been sanctioned by the U.S. and wants Amadea back. Story continues Lawyers for Khudainatov said that their client would reimburse the U.S. for the cost of maintaining the yacht if it is returned to him. (The country has spent about $20 million on Amadea to date.) The lawyers added that the seizure was unlawful. The U.S. has rejected Khudainatovs ownership claim but says that he should pay for the maintenance until a decision is made by the court. As he currently isnt paying, the government says it is entitled to sell Amadea. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Views & Analysis 2024 LS Polls: Should Indian Muslims Vote for BJP? As the 2024 General Elections are looming on the horizon, some Muslim 'elite' are appealing to Muslim community to give a relook at the BJP. Read More Wednesday February 14, 2024 10:08 PM , Ram Puniyani As the 2024 General Elections are looming on the horizon, some Muslim 'elite' are appealing to Muslim community to give a relook at the BJP. They claim that the Indian Muslims are not being discriminated against. Such intellectuals also argue that the BJP is giving special attention to Pasmanda Muslims and the Sufi Muslims. They also argue that Muslims are beneficiaries of the BJPs schemes for social welfare - food; housing; gas; water among others, and lastly, that there has been no major communal violence since 2014 and that India has been the most peaceful during the last fifty years. New Tools to Target Muslims Such appeals are based on half truths and ignore the core problem which shapes the lives of Muslims in India. True, some 'elite Muslims' may not be facing the problems so severely but overall the central issue of insecurity, marginalization and ghettoization as a whole is not accounted for in such appeals. The point that there is no major violence against Muslims since 2014 is a blatant lie. The horrific Delhi violence in the aftermath of massive Shaheen Baugh movement , instigated by the BJP worthies, (Goli Maro, and we will get them removed from the place of Dharna) led to the death of 51 people, 37 of those being Muslims. Day in and day out bulldozers are on the streets to target the Muslim properties, on one or the other pretexts. In the BJP ruled states, there seems to be a competition as to who can inflict more damage to Muslim properties. AP Shah, a Retired Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, affirmed to the news portal Coda: Mere alleged involvement in criminal activity cannot ever be grounds for demolition of property. Mob Lynching While the cow-beef politics has led to stray animals causing accidents on roads and in attacks on the standing crops on one hand, on the other, it has led to initiation of a new phenomenon of lynching on Indian streets. Starting from Mohammad Akhlaq there are many cases where Muslims (and also dalits) have been the target of the incited mobs. The case of Monu Manesar who was part of the crime of Nasir and Junaid is most frightening. Harsh Mander who visited victims families wrote: I am profoundly chilled as I scan social media pages of Monu Manesar. He and members of his gang live stream as they openly brandish sophisticated firearms, sound sirens mimicking police jeeps, shoot at vehicles, and brutally thrash the men they catch. The proper data of bovine related violence is not available as the state wants to hide it, but it has created a fear among a large section of Muslims in India. In Mewat in particular where Muslims deal with dairy business face a tough time. Just a couple of horrific incidents which give us chills in our spine are when Shambhulal Regar not only killed but videotaped brutal killing of Afrazul in Rajasthan. We saw those accused of murdering Kalimuddin Ansari feted by Jayant Sinha , a Union Minister at the time. Such incidents have now become new normal. Islamophobia and Hate Speech We also saw the scare created around Love Jihad and then types of Jihad were tabulated, UPSC, Land Jihad among others. The amusing one was Corona Jihad , where the Tablighi Jamaat meeting was blamed for the spread of Corona, the Muslims hawkers were denied entry into societies. Islamophobia is reaching new heights by the day. This intimidatory atmosphere is leading the rise in the process of ghettoisation of Muslims in the cities. Muslims are being denied housing in the mixed localities in most places. This is accompanied by the decline in their educational and economic status. One example of this is the scrapping of Maulana Azad Fellowship , the major beneficiaries of which have been the Muslim students trying to pursue higher education. The economic climb-down of the community continues in recent years. Gallup data shows: For both groups, (Hindus and Muslims) perceptions that standards of living were worsening shot up between 2018 and 2019, as the Indian economy entered a deep slowdown. Among Muslim Indians, the percentage jumped to 45% in 2019, up from 25% the previous year. And among Hindu Indians, the percentage saying the same hit 37% in 2019, an increase of 19 percentage points from 2018. Citizenship and Rights The threat of disenfranchising the Muslims through exercise of NRC, CAA is very much there. The Assam exercise showed that among the 19 Lakh people who did not have proper papers the majority were Hindus. For Hindus the safety clause of CAA is in place and for Muslims, detention centers are coming up. The present show of sympathy for Pasmanda Muslims is a mere eyewash. We understand the majority of victims of violence inspired by majoritarian politics are Pasmanda Muslims. The Muslim Ashrafs do need to ensure better treatment of the Pasmandas, but the bigger threat for the community as a whole is the insecurity, which affects them both and makes a fertile ground for orthodox elements to flourish. Reform amongst Muslim community is a must, however the point is reforms remain in the backyard till the community feels the threat to their existence and to their citizenship. The BJP Government in different states is now planning things which are further discriminatory against Muslims. With Ram Temple inaugurated the RSS-BJPs majoritarian politics may become more assertive. Already Muslims have been losing representation in the political institutions. We remember that in this Hindu nationalist party not a single MP is a Muslim . Even earlier governments could not alleviate the suffering of this community. The major obstacle in this direction has been the opposition from RSS-BJP. Sachar Committee has been an example of how any affirmative action for this deprived community is marred. In the aftermath of this report, the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stated that deprived and marginalized communities have the first right on national resources. That was propagated as if Singh is saying that Muslims have the first right on national resources. And then there was a brake in any initiative to alleviate the miseries of this community. BJPs claim that its free rations etc. are reaching all sections of the society. Such schemes and the very concept of Labharthis is so much against the democratic Rights based approach. We do need to introspect about electoral choices in general for all the communities, and of course the luring of the Muslim Community is a hollow drum bereft of any substance. Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. Welcome Guest! You are here: Home Obituary Glowing Tributes Paid to Professor Badruddin Al-Hafiz A Fazil of Darul Uloom Deoband, Badruddin Al-Hafiz (b. 1935) studied at Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University and University of Delhi, and joined JMI as a school teacher before becoming a lecturer. Read More Wednesday February 14, 2024 8:35 PM , Manzar Imam New Delhi: A loving teacher, trusted friend and useful guide with an unwavering commitment to academic honesty, Professor Dr Badurddin Al-Hafiz would be remembered for long by those who met and interacted with him from his formative years as a student to the day he passed away just a few hours after teaching the last batch of students at his home next to a mosque in Jamia Nagar, New Delhi. These views were expressed by participants during a meeting convened by the Old Boys Association of Darul Uloom Deoband at Tasmia Hall on Saturday 10 February, 2024. During my interactions with him spanning over six decades beginning with my school days at Jamia, I never saw him getting into a conflict with anyone, said Prof Shafiq Ahmad Khan, former Head of the Department of Arabic, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI). In many ways, he was like Maulana Abdus Salam Nadwi (d. 1956). When the Jamia Community used to offer namaz at the Mohammad Ali Hall during the 1960s, they needed an imam for which all eyes felt on young Maulana Badruddin, then a Pre-University student at JMI, to lead the prayer, due to his integrity. Dr Syed Farooq Ahmed, President of The Himalaya Drug Company, mentioned about his long association with Prof Badruddin Al-Hafiz stating that he would never discuss family or politics. Despite being a prominent aalim, he did not issue religious rulings. He never sought help for himself or for others. He was a man of principles and valued relationships without compromising on his ideals, said Dr Farooq. The late Professors son Yousuf Saeed said: My father had a passion for singing since childhood. It was probably this quality that made him write poems. It should be noted here that Dr Badruddin wrote nazms for children which were published under title Madrasa Ibtidayi ki Nazmein or Poems for Students of Elementary School. Another of his personality trait was his creativity, said Saeed, adding that it was due to his creative thinking that he would pick up stories and articles from day-to-day affairs. Maulana Ataur Rahman Qasmi, Chairman of Shah Waliullah Institute, Delhi narrated one of his personal experiences about the academic integrity of Prof Badruddin. "When I approached him with a request to write his impressions about Shah Waliullah Dehlawi to be included in an important publication, Prof Badruddin declined to write his impressions reasoning that impressions should be written by contemporaries who have seen the person, whereas he had neither met nor seen the 18th century eminent scholar." Maulana Mohammad Rafiq Qasmi, a colleague of Prof Badruddin paid a moving tribute describing him as a man committed to his ideals, punctual and never compromising on his religious identity. Maulana Abdul Sattar Salam Qasmi remembered him as a person who helped students and the needy. Maulana Muhammad Muzzammil-ul-Haq Al-Husaini, acting general secretary of the Old Boys Association spoke about the long association and deep connection of Prof Badruddin Al-Hafiz with Mahad Al-Takhassus Fi-Al-Lugha Al-Arabia, a Delhi-based institute of Arabic language and literature. Masoom Moradabadi, who regularly published his articles in Khabardaar Jadeed, said that Dr Badruddin Al-Hafiz had the courage and honesty to criticize him in one of his articles which he had sent him for publication. It was published as sent, said the senior journalist. The programmes convener Maulana Mohammad Shamim Qasmi gave introductory remarks following recitation of the Quran. Maulana Masood Akhtar, who remained the late Professors assistant till he breathed his last, recited a poem in a moving voice. Maulana Tausif Ahmad Qasmi, who had attended the last class of Prof Badruddin on Tuesday 2 January, 2024, the day he died, paid a glowing tribute to his teacher. Yaseen Patel Falahi recalled Professor Badruddin as a humble man who had a deep connection with masjid. Dr Abdul Qadir Khan Qasmi coordinated the programme which among others was attended by Prof. Noman Khan, Mufti Afroz Alam Qasmi, Maulana Naushad Alam Qasmi, and Sadia Fatima Al-Wahidi, daughter-in-law of Prof Badruddin Al-Hafiz. A Fazil of Darul Uloom Deoband, Badruddin Al-Hafiz (b. 1935) studied at Jamia Millia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University and University of Delhi, and joined JMI as a school teacher before becoming a lecturer. Later, he joined the Banaras Hindu University and served there as Professor and Head of the Department of Arabic. Post retirement, he remained active as a teacher and writer, and was director of Mahad Al-Takhassus Fi-Al-Lugha Al-Arabia, and former executive member of the Old Boys Association. The areas of his chief academic interest were Islamiyat and Arabic language and literature on which he authored as well as translated about two dozen books. Dr Badruddin Al-Hafiz received the Presidential Award in 1996 for his services to Arabic language. (The writer, Manzar Imam, is a Delhi-based journalist and director of MJ Achievers Academy) Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic. New Delhi, Feb 14 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina on Wednesday and discussed ways to advance bilateral ties, an official statement said here. Both the leaders met on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Notably, this was their first meeting. Modi and Rajoelina recognized the long-standing friendly relations and ancient geographical ties between the two countries. They also discussed ways to advance bilateral ties and appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in various multilateral fora, including the UN. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Indias commitment to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership and to Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region. He conveyed that as a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean Region, India will remain a committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar, the statement added. UNI RBE CS1531 The trail to the 129-foot-high Burney Falls is in need of reconstruction, prompting the California Department of Parks and Recreation to close the trail and pool area this summer. Paul Kuroda/Special to the Chronicle A picturesque waterfall in Northern California that President Theodore Roosevelt once called the Eighth Wonder of the World will be closed to visitors for the year, beginning in April. About an hour east of Redding is Burney Falls, a 129-foot-high spring-fed cascade that tumbles out of the volcanic highlands near Lassen Peak at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park. Though in a remote part of the mountainous north state, the falls are easily accessible and have in recent years become mobbed during the spring and summer months by day visitors. Some wade in the chilly, crystalline pool at the base of the falls, others fly-fish downstream, but most just hang out in the misty air and snap a selfie. In the early 2000s, the number of annual visitors to the park hovered around 185,000 per year, according to Aaron Wright, public safety chief for Northern District of the state Department of Parks and Recreation. But after a Bay Area magazine spotlighted the falls in an article in the early 2010s, visitation ramped up, hitting about 285,000 people in 2017. It spiked again during the pandemic, when about 350,000 people traveled to Burney in 2020. Advertisement Article continues below this ad All that foot traffic has worn down the mile-long Falls Loop Trail leading to the popular pool area at the base of the falls, and the parks department plans to repair and rebuild the trail this season. Its been dramatically used and heavily impacted, far exceeding its design, Wright said. As a result, all access to the waterfall and falls pool area will be closed due to reconstruction of the main trail starting in early April through the entire 2024 summer season, according to the department. New retaining walls, erosion repairs and a new ADA guard rail are in the offing, Wright said. Burney Falls in Shasta County has become a very popular spot among day visitors and selfie takers in the past few years. Paul Kuroda/Special to the Chronicle The park is open year-round, and a viewing area overlooking the falls will remain open. However, segments of the Burney Creek and PSEA trails, which intersect with the Falls Loop, are also closed due to erosion from storm damage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Notably, the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes the falls, will be rerouted to accommodate thru-hikers and backpackers. Also this summer, Caltrans plans to conduct a major rehabilitation of Highway 89 near the parks entrance, which will significantly add traffic congestion, delays and intermittent traffic closures near the park, according to the parks department. Though the falls pour year-round at a rate of about 100 million gallons per day the park sees the majority of visitors between spring, when flows are highest, and autumn. HA NOI The Middle East has become the fourth largest importer of Vietnamese tuna, behind only the US, the EU, and the CPTPP market, accounting for nearly 10 per cent of Viet Nams total tuna export turnover, the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) has said. Statistics from the General Department of Customs showed that Viet Nam last year exported US$82 million worth of tuna to the bloc. Vietnamese tuna exports to several markets throughout the Middle East region recorded a considerable surge in 2023 compared to the previous year. Specifically, tuna exports to Israel, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Turkey climbed by 37 per cent, 17 per cent, 23 per cent, and 73 per cent, respectively. Exports to other markets in the bloc saw a strong decline including Egypt, down 47 per cent, and Saudi Arabia, down 78 per cent. In recent years, facing many challenges from main consumer markets, Vietnamese tuna businesses have looked to smaller but markets with potential such as the Middle East to diversify export markets. But the bloc also sets forth high requirements for imported food products, including Halal certification, forcing local firms to process and package appropriately to meet these requirements. Last year, Vietnamese tuna exports hit $845 million, a year-on-year decrease of 17 per cent, according to VASEP. In December alone, however, the exports recorded a slight increase of 7 per cent year-on-year to $73 million, it said. Vietnamese's tuna products are being shipped to 99 markets around the world. VNS The companys factories are looking to extend exports further afield The company (CPV) has set ambitious goals for its factory in the southern province of Binh Phuoc for 2024 and beyond to grow its annual export value to $200 million by expanding its reach to markets such as Asia, Europe, the United States, and Middle East. We have a close partnership with the Vietnamese government and have received substantial support in obtaining export licences. We are currently liaising with agencies to secure export licences for South Korea and the United Kingdom, which we anticipate to receive in the third quarter of this year, said Wirat Wongpornpakdee, senior vice president of New Business and Food Business at CPV. The pillar to help CPV to be confident to conquer the strict markets is CPVs closed value chain business model, which signifies these efforts to enhance the production standards of safe and hygienic foods and reflects the companys understanding of consumer needs, particularly among the younger generation. Parent company C.P. Group has implemented the closed model in numerous countries, but it views Vietnam as crucial due to the countrys significant potential. The company invested a substantial $250 million in the CPV Food factory in Binh Phuoc, which began operation in late 2020. The investment enables the execution of the closed breeding and production model in Vietnam. Halal certification was awarded to CPV Food Binh Phuoc in 2022, meaning CPV is now poised to broaden its exports horizon to Muslim markets, which comprise approximately 15 per cent of the worlds population. This marks a significant expansion opportunity for the company. Last year was a landmark one for the Binh Phuoc factory, with export volumes tripling compared to 2021 and exports reaching Japan, Hong Kong, Laos, and Cambodia. Binh Phuoc has set ambitious targets for 2024 and beyond. It plans to increase annual export value to $200 million by penetrating markets such as Europe, the US, and the Middle East. CPV Binh Phuoc operates an automatic system that can produce 20,000 tonnes of animal feed per month with a minimal workforce of under 40 individuals. The plant employs advanced technology to ensure the products are of the highest quality. Along with the cultivation of the domestic market, CPV has made significant investments to produce food products that cater to the needs of export markets. We are extremely proud because we have been able to show the quality of Vietnamese produce to foreign markets. Our partners now carry numerous products labelled, Made in Vietnam, Wongpornpakdee said. CPVs effort to foster the export markets matches with Vietnams direction. In last December, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang approved a project to develop the slaughterhouse industry, livestock processing, and product market before 2030. As per the project, a plan has been developed to ensure that the proportion of cattle and poultry slaughtered in industrial concentrated facilities reaches about 60 and 40 per cent, respectively, by 2025, and about 70 and 50 per cent by 2030. Vietnam will develop livestock product processing facilities with scale, technology, and management on par with the rest of the world. The project also aims for the export value of livestock products to reach $1.5 billion by 2025 and as much as $4 billion by 2030. The added value of processed livestock products is expected to grow from the current 2-3 per cent annually to 3.5-4.5 per cent by 2025 and 4.5-5.5 per cent in the 2026-2030 period. The country will develop several livestock product processing facilities with scale, technology, and management which are on par with those in the region and the world. The Department of Livestock Production under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said that the export turnover of animal husbandry products in 2023 was estimated to hit $430 million. To open the path for businesses to foster export, the Department of Animal Health under the ministry has been negotiating to open more markets in Hong Kong, South Korea, the EU, the UK, and Middle Eastern countries. Most recently, the department has been collaborating with Mongolian authorities to complete procedures for the export of poultry meat and eggs. These practical actions will contribute to helping meat production reach about 7.98 million tonnes in 2024, an on-year increase of 3.8 per cent as the expectation of the livestock sector. CPV honoured at market stabilisation conference A conference summarising 20 years since the implementation of the market stabilisation programme, with discussion about the scheme's orientation for the next 10 years, took place in Ho Chi Minh City last December. CPV expands 'Journey for a Green Vietnam' project For the 133rd birthday of President Ho Chi Minh, a representative of the Board of Directors of C.P. Vietnam Corporation (CPV) participated in the launching ceremonies of two tree planting campaigns. CPV suppliers potential development conference 2023 On the morning of August 16 at Muong Thanh Holiday Hue Hotel, C.P. Vietnam (CPV) held a conference on environmental management in supply chain development. CPV eyes $200 million in annual export value C.P. Vietnam (CPV) has set ambitious goals for its factory in Binh Phuoc for 2024 and beyond to grow its annual export value to $200 million by expanding its reach to markets such as Europe, the United States, and Middle East. In partnership with WWF-Vietnam and others, HEINEKEN Vietnam aims to restore water resources During a Corporate Sustainability Index ranking event in December, the company was recognised among the top three most sustainable businesses for the eighth year in a row. It was also named in the top five pioneering businesses in circularity and decarbonisation in 2023 sending zero waste to landfill since 2021, and brewing Heineken with 100 per cent renewable energy in Vietnam. Alexander Koch, managing director of HEINEKEN Vietnam said, It is a great honour for us to be recognised among the top three most sustainable companies in Vietnam again. Sustainability has always been central to how we brew, promote, and sell our beers. It is the way we run our business and stay close to the local community in both good and challenging times. Over recent times, the company continued action towards its sustainability ambitions across three key paths. The first involves making zero impact on the environment, with it currently running brewing and production on 96 per cent renewable energy. In 2023, it reduced its total carbon emissions by 87 per cent compared to 2018, and premium brand Heineken is now being brewed with 100 per cent renewable energy. This means the thermal energy and electricity used in brewing the products are coming from renewable sources. The company is also exploring more comprehensive renewable electricity solutions, such as through direct power purchase agreements and solar energy systems. All six HEINEKEN Vietnam breweries are also sending zero waste to landfill a goal achieved ahead of time as the company has maximised circularity in production. At the same time, the company continues to roll out water conserving efforts in the Red River, Dong Nai River, and Tien River basins in collaboration with WWF-Vietnam and partners. With a total investment of $1.25 million from HEINEKEN Vietnam, this multi-year partnership aims to protect critical watersheds and replenish three billion litres of water a year. Secondly, staying committed to growing together with Vietnam and its people, HEINEKEN Vietnam in 2022 alone contributed an equivalence of 1.04 per cent to the countrys total GDP, supported 246,000 jobs throughout the value chain, and dedicated $483,000 to supporting needy communities. At the workplace, HEINEKEN Vietnam is passionately promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Currently, three of its six breweries are being run by female leaders. The company also stays fully compliant to equal pay and a fair living wage. In terms of the third path on moderation, in 2022 the company dedicated 10 per cent of the Heineken brands communication budget to promoting responsible drinking and continued to invest in Heineken 0.0. At the end of 2023, the company celebrated its 13 years of partnership with the National Traffic Safety Committee, through which a range of When you drive, never drink initiatives have been carried out over the years. With increasing challenges in sustainability, HEINEKEN Vietnam is also calling for more collective actions from across industries and sectors to maximise the contribution to Vietnams sustainable development journey through creative and innovative approaches. Heineken profits slide as beer price hikes curb enthusiasm Dutch brewer Heineken on Monday lowered its earnings outlook for the full year after price hikes to counter soaring costs battered beer sales, pushing down profits in the first half. The Heineken brand creates good times from renewable energy For the past 150 years, the Heineken brand has been delighting consumers in over 190 countries around the world with its superior quality products and memorable experiences had while drinking its cold beer. Committed to another century and a half of good times and beyond, the brand has added one more ingredient to its brewing practices. In late January, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Phung Duc Tien held a meeting and worked with representatives of Japfa Comfeed Vietnam, led by new general director Clemens Tan. At the meeting, Tan reported the business results of 2023 and the plans for 2024. Japfa is optimising operational efficiency and reducing costs Japfa Group is a multinational corporation with activities in Vietnam, China, India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. In 2024, the group wants to increase collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) to transfer technology and supply animal breeds. These moves are a part of the groups plan to transfer technology and develop the breeds for the five countries in its network. In addition, the group will internally rotate between countries in the groups network, said Arif Widjaja, former general director of Japfa Comfeed Vietnam. In addition, Japfa Comfeed Vietnam has plans to inaugurate a vaccine factory in the northern province of Hung Yen, expected to go into operation in the first quarter of 2024. The plant will be responsible for researching and developing internal vaccines, thereby ensuring disease safety for livestock farms nationwide. Tien requested Japfa Group in Indonesia to send a document to the MARD, and then the ministrys leadership will meet with agencies such as the Department of Animal Health, the Department of Livestock, and the Department of Legal Affairs to discuss an agreement. Transferring technology for the livestock sector and developing breeds are two areas of interest for the ministry, which approved a project in last December on developing the livestock breeding industry this decade. As part of the detailed targets for the initiative, the agricultural sector will build a national breed bank and support policies to accelerate the progress of large-scale new breed production projects. Vietnam prioritises and encourages businesses to apply core technology, biotechnology, and pyramid seed management in seed production. Vietnam has plans to upgrade and modernise several existing breed centres and strengthen intellectual property protection in the livestock breed industry to create motivation to attract investment and promote livestock breed production. By 2030, the country could produce parent breeds and commercial animals, and reduce the import of key livestock breeds which meet at least 90 per cent of the breed demand for pigs and 80 per cent for chicken breeds. Tan stated that Japfa aims to optimise operational efficiency and cost optimisation, and build a flexible and responsive business model. In the long term, we will focus on applying advanced production technologies, creating a cohesive work environment, and aiming for shared prosperity for the community where Japfa Comfeed Vietnam operates, he said. Japfa Comfeed Vietnam is one of the few companies to have completed a closed process in the feed-farm-food value chain. It has supported millions of livestock households across Vietnam to participate in the supply chain with refined, safe, and quality livestock products. The company has also been creating superior breeds and high-quality commercial meat with modern technology and strict breeding processes. It currently owns four hatcheries and about 30 high-quality chicken breeding farms, and cooperates with over 1,000 households nationwide. Besides investing in barns, Japfa Comfeed Vietnam also builds and develops animal husbandry in the linked chain to jointly develop raising livestock and poultry to ensure biosafety with high economic efficiency. Japfa Vietnam inaugurates animal feed mill and slaughterhouse On May 10, Japfa Comfeed Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Japfa Vietnam) inaugurated its animal feed mill and slaughterhouse located in the Minh Hung Sikico industrial zone, Hon Quan district, Binh Phuoc province in Vietnam. Japfa and partners join hands to support children in Binh Phuoc On September 14 and 16, Japfa Vietnam and its stakeholders presented gifts and outdoor playground equipment to four preschools in Dak Nhau and Long Ha communes in Binh Phuoc province. On the last days of 2023, Hung Ky, chairman of Tuan Tu General Service Cooperative of Ninh Phuoc district in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan, expressed his delight at his newly built house, with a car and pickup truck in the garage. The 54-year-old owns 21,000 square metres of land, part of which is for the house and the rest for planting asparagus and raising cows. Our life has remarkably changed, Ky said. Previously, our family members used to be hired farmers with a meagre income. We decided to shift to cultivating crops such as peanuts and carrots, but the soil was not good, making it hard for us to do this business, meaning we faced massive difficulties. A new door was opened to Ky in 2009 when the family started to grow asparagus, but at that time they suffered from water shortages. When the weather was fine, we could have sufficient water for the crop, but during the drought period, we struggled. It was not until 2017 that the locals here were provided with a large water tank by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), with water pumped from the nearby Tuan Tu dam. Since then, the life of residents here has changed, Ky explained. Nao Van Xay, another local in the commune, also talked about the water tank. It has become a lifebuoy for all poor households and for the arid land area here. Over 10 years ago, this area was a miniature desert for the Cham ethnic minority. However, you can see the land covered with green asparagus thanks to the ADBs project helping water flow, Xay said. Irrigation development Difficulties in agricultural production facing local inhabitants were gradually removed by Ninh Thuan Peoples Committee that invested in constructing a network of irrigation works, including reservoirs, pumping stations, and canals. However, the province partook in a governmental project on rural development in the central region (Phase 2 with additional loans) aimed at rural infrastructure development and implementation of projects for climate change response. For this project, Ninh Thuan constructed water-saving irrigation works to produce safe vegetables under an added value chain from production to consumption. The works include upgrading the Tuan Tu dam as well as building a canal, two pumping stations, 15 tanks, a pipe system, and a system of electricity grid and power stations. Inspired by these effective projects, Ninh Thuan continued to cooperate with the ADB to implement a project on improving water efficiency for drought-affected provinces. The goal is to turn the arid land areas of Phuoc Nhon, Thanh Son, Nhon Hai, and Thanh Hai in the Tan My irrigation system into a high-quality agricultural production area, with a modern system originally designed for rice cultivation. At the same time, the project aims to ensure water supply for 2,800ha of land and solve water scarcity due, while supporting farmers to switch to growing high-value crops with higher income. In addition, the project also supports water supply and demand monitoring, as well as making drought plans and emergency plans in order to control severe droughts. The project is divided into four construction packages, with a land area of nearly 69ha, and is being implemented from 2018 to 2026. The deployment is ensured by the Management Unit of Agricultural and Rural Development Works. Dang Kim Cuong, director of Ninh Thuan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that since 2019, the ADB has financed a pumping station to bring water from the Tuan Tu dam to the arid land area of Tuan Tu. Next, the province obtained preferential loans from the ADB to invest in five irrigation infrastructure projects with a total capital of $57 million. Before investing in the irrigation system, many areas of Ninh Thuan had unused water, while many places were quite dry, and hit by droughts. Now the situation has changed, with water distributed evenly according to farmers crops. Cuong said. Farming on arid land like a desert is very difficult. Costs are high, so we have to save every drop of water. Now every family applies modern watering systems. Each area of 1,000sq.m only needs 7-9cu.m of water a day. This is very different from the previous method of overflow irrigation, which would consume more than 30cu.m of water a day. Life improvements While quickly arranging and tying each bunch of asparagus, Chau Thi Tram of the Cham ethnic minority in An Hai commune said that in one night, the plant grew 3cm and by 8am, the harvesting of the asparagus was completed. On average, each area of 1,000sq.m of asparagus yields 5-7kg a day, which are sold at a market price of about $2.10 per kg. The highest productivity is seen in the third year, reaching 20kg per 1,000sq.m a day. Every year, the locals can earn an average of $16,900-21,000 per 1,000sq.m a year, which is three to four times higher than other crops in the same area. After three months of harvesting, the plant rests for a month and then continues to be harvested for a life cycle of about nine years. Nowadays, almost every house in the Tuan Tu village grows asparagus, so it is very difficult to hire local workers. During the peak time, some even earned over $4.000 a month, but now its about $2,500. About 30 per cent of the villagers now have their own cars, Tram said. Along with houses growing asparagus, the Tuan Tu General Service Cooperative led by Hong Ky was established in 2016, with 13 members to share experiences and support farmers in agricultural production. In the first year, the cooperative both purchased products from members and cooperated with a number of local businesses to sell green asparagus, with a stable price throughout the year of $2.10 per kg. To date, the number of the cooperatives members has increased to 84, and the area planted with asparagus has risen to more than 53ha. After the asparagus purchase is completed at 9am, Tram and her relatives often have breakfast together. They look back to the past when the area was full of sand, which got into the house and was difficult to remove. However, the houses have now been built closer together, and where there is empty land, asparagus is planted, so sand no longer covers the area. In the past, when asparagus was not grown, the price of 1,000sq.m of land was $1,700, but now it has soared by 10 times, while there is no more land to buy or sell, Tram added. Ninh Thuan awards regional talents for capturing its beauty and heritage On April 14, the award ceremony for the contest was held at Nui Chua World Biosphere Reserve in conjunction with Ninh Thuans recognition by UNESCO and the national-level recognition for Vinh Hy Bay. F.I.T Group and Banyan Tree sign agreement for tourism project in Ninh Thuan On November 14, Cap Padaran Mui Dinh JSC and Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd. held a signing ceremony in Bangkok for cooperation in developing the Cap Paradan Mui Dinh project in Vietnam. Indian travel companies seek investment opportunities in Ninh Thuan Representatives of Indian travel companies are joining a Famtrip delegation to Ninh Thuan to seek tourism cooperation opportunities in the south-central coastal province. A new Transformation Waco optometrist is up and running, helping ensure vision issues are not holding back any Waco Independent School District students. Dr. Hermineh Moradi sees students for eye exams at no cost to them or their families on Tuesdays at the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Vision Center of the Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy, 7200 Viking Drive. Students who need prescription glasses also can have them made through the vision center at no cost. Moradi has been in practice since 2006 and specializes in pediatric optometry. For the school program, she sees the full age range of students, down to preschoolers as young as 4 years old. I connect well with children, so that puts them at ease during an exam, she said. Thats where I can do the most good. She started in the Transformation Waco role at the end of October and has seen about 100 students on her Tuesdays at the vision center since. The district held a meet-and-greet with Moradi on Tuesday to help introduce her to the community. She tailors the eye exams she gives to each child she sees. For a 4-year-old, the eye exam looks very different than the one we do for a 16-year-old, Moradi said. The Bernard and Audre Rapoport Foundation provided the initial $65,000 grant to buy the equipment used for the eye exams and get the vision center up and running in January 2020. Transformation Waco pays for Moradis time, the Essilor Vision Foundation pays for the glasses, and Waco ISD and the Greater Waco Advanced Health Care Academy provide the exam room. The pandemic forced the center to close shortly after it was introduced, but since it reopened along with school campuses in the fall of 2020, 414 students have received eye exams there, with 386 also receiving glasses. Moradi sees patients at the health care academy from 8:45 a.m. until nearly the end of the school day. Teachers, school nurses, parents or guardians who notice a student with a potential vision issue can refer the student for an exam. Transformation Waco provides rides between the vision center and the students schools, and also delivers finished eye glasses to the schools. All aspects of vision are important, Moradi said. She performs comprehensive eye exams for close and distant vision, and checks that patients eyes work together properly. In the eye exams Moradi does for students, she evaluates for layers of function to be sure to offer them the best chance in school. All distances near and far need to be addressed because the student experience is not just whats at your desk or just whats being written on the white board, Moradi said. It is a full scope of being able to see in the distance, see up close and transition focus between the two as youre taking notes. Vision and behavior can be related as well, Moradi said. I strongly believe that children who are suspected of having behavioral concerns or learning differences should have a comprehensive eye exam as their first step in their evaluation, she said. Its very difficult for a student to engage or to focus on an activity if they cant see the lesson thats being taught or they cant see the material on their desk. They would rather play or talk to a neighbor or disengage or walk around: anything to not do the activity, which might look like a sign of a behavioral problem. Moradi said she would like to be available at the Waco ISD vision clinic at least two days per week in the next school year. Transformation Waco will seek funding through grants and donations from organizations and individuals to make it possible for Moradi to be there one more day each week. Transformation Waco is in the process of transitioning from a an in-district charter, operating four Waco ISD schools, to an independent nonprofit providing student-support services. Some 80% to 90% of learning takes place through the visual means, and one out of four students have a vision disorder that needs to be diagnosed by an eye doctor, Moradi said. If vision disorders go untreated, it can make learning more difficult, she said. Having a vision center as part of the school system helps to directly increase students success in the classroom, Moradi said. State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, has been accosted in public multiple times in recent weeks by activists calling for Israel to cease its bombing in Gaza. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, has been accosted in public multiple times in recent weeks by activists calling for Israel to cease its bombing in Gaza. A video put together by the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area circulating on social media shows protesters approaching Wiener and accusing him of sending money to Israel and supporting genocide. The video is a compilation of clips filmed by protesters following and yelling at Wiener. Several of the clips show activists yelling at Wiener during an event at the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park on Friday evening, Wiener told the Chronicle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A clip taken that night shows a crowd of activists surrounding a car Wiener is in. A person wearing a black and white checkered scarf to symbolize solidarity with Palestinians yells into a microphone, Youre funding genocide! Genocide profiteer! at Wiener as he sits in the car. Youre killing babies, Scott. Shame on you. Wiener, Wiener, you cant hide. We charge you with genocide. Wiener and other members of the California Legislature do not have an official role in U.S. foreign policy and do not control whether the federal government sends aid to Israel. Wiener said the protesters encircled the car as he and a staffer tried to leave the event on Friday. In the clip, police officers move protesters back from the car so Wiener can drive away. It was a very scary situation for not just me but my young staffer to be surrounded and blockaded like that, he said. It required police intervention. In another clip, a man approaches Wiener as he is exiting a plane at an airport saying, Free Palestine, weak-ass Zionist. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wiener said the video was taken in December at the airport in Phoenix. The man follows Wiener as he makes his way through the airport. Anything? he asks. You just a coward, bruh. Your whole bloodlines cowards. Wiener said he felt threatened by the man, who followed him through the airport. Wiener, an outspoken Democrat, has long drawn the ire of the far right, and has previously been targeted with death threats and bomb threats at his home. Since the war began in Gaza, he has continued to publicly discuss his views on the conflict, openly condemning the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and also harshly criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his bombing campaign in Gaza. Im used to being protested, Im used to being criticized, he told the Chronicle. People have every right to criticize me or any other elected official on any issue, but there are lines that can be crossed and both of these situations crossed lines. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Wiener was also singled out by some activists last month during a protest at the California Capitol that shut down the first day of the legislative session in the state Assembly. Some of the protesters chanted about Wiener specifically, accusing him of genocide. Asked about the chant, Wiener told reporters gathered at the Capitol that the accusation was disgusting and false. Ive made it clear that Benjamin Netanyahu and his government should be replaced, he said. I have publicly said I want the war to end, and that Israel needs to be more surgical in targeting Hamas because so many civilians are dying. Wiener said he and other Jewish lawmakers have their own criticisms of Israel and want the war to end, but dont support a cease-fire resolution. The death that happened in Israel, the death thats happening in Gaza its just horrific, he told reporters outside the Senate chambers, just around the corner from where the singing protesters had filled the rotunda. We also know that the cease-fire resolutions weve seen at the local level have at times gone off the rails in terms of dredging up a lot of anti-Jewish hate, and that causes a lot of fear in our community for a nonbinding resolution. Wiener and Assembly Member Jesse Gabriel, co-chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, said that last month the governors Office of Emergency Services briefed them on more than 200 bomb threats that had been made against Jewish institutions since the Oct. 7 attack. Gabriel, a Democrat from Encino, said its a particularly scary time for the Jewish community, which faces attacks from both the far left and the far right. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The United States has continued to be a staunch ally of Israel since Hamas attacked the country on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking about 240 hostages, according to Israel. Many of the hostages are still in Gaza. In response, Israel has launched an intense bombing campaign in the territory, which has killed more than 28,000 people, mostly women and minors, according to local health officials. Biden has grown critical of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, saying it needs to more narrowly target Hamas fighters. But despite the criticism, Biden has continued to approve arms sales to Israel and is urging Congress to send more aid. The Marlin City Councils regular meeting Tuesday was canceled after Mayor Susan Byrd announced that the council did not have a quorum, frustrating a crowd of residents who hoped to speak out about the citys shuttered animal shelter. Concerned residents had shown up to the meeting to voice their concerns about the conditions seen at the city-run shelter last month, when a dog was discovered dead and numerous others were found malnourished and covered in feces. An executive session discussion on the agenda under policies and procedures was to include issues at the shelter, Mayor Byrd said by phone Wednesday. "Marlin has the only facility in Falls County," she said Wednesday. " We want to have the best facility we can have." Dorothy Sanders, a Moody resident who created a Facebook group calling for justice for the dogs, said the Marlin City Hall chambers were nearly full Tuesday when Byrd called off the meeting. At 6 p.m., Byrd banged a gavel to call the meeting to order and immediately announced that there was no quorum and that the meeting was canceled. Byrd said Council Member Sonia Ponce of Precinct 1 was on vacation, while John Armstrong of Precinct 6 was ill. Monica Washington of Precinct 2 was at a basketball game, Byrd said Wednesday. Byrd said Wednesday that members Cecil Sparks and Debra A. Levels-McDavid, the mayor pro tem, were in the building for the meeting but did not enter council chambers. According to Marlins city charter, a quorum is reached when at least four members of the council are present. The council has seven positions including mayor, but the Precinct 4 seat is vacant. Upon announcing the lack of quorum, many in the audience gasped. An audience member shouted Well played, while another said, How convenient, as heard on a livestream video of the meeting. I didnt do anything, Byrd said in response. Im here. Sanders said that prior to the meeting, about 40 to 50 people protested outside City Hall before marching to the animal shelter, located down the road at 115 Capps St., to lay down wreaths honoring several dogs said to have died in the animal shelters care. Marlin has called a special meeting for 6:30 p.m. Friday, but the only order of business is calling for a council election for May 4. Sanders said concerned residents plan to rally in front of City Hall again at 5 p.m. Friday, and will again attempt to speak to the council about the shelter. Following the reports of the conditions at the shelter last month, Falls County Sheriff Joe Lopez said his office would investigate the incident, and said the dead dog had already been disposed of before his deputies could arrive on scene. A month later, the sheriffs office said the investigation was still ongoing, but no results had been announced. The group Justice for the Marlin Dogs has also created a change.org petition calling for the arrest of former animal control officer Nicole Grams and Marlin Police Chief James Hommel on charges of animal cruelty and evidence tampering. Grams resigned Jan. 9, Byrd said. The petition, which had garnered over 1,500 signatures as of Wednesday, also calls for the Texas Rangers to assist in the investigation, as the petition claims the Falls County Sheriffs Office is not adequately staffed to handle the investigation. The petition also says due to Marlins small size, the sheriffs office would not be able to conduct an unbiased investigation. Email messages to Sparks seeking comment were not returned Wednesday. Calls and emails over the last month seeking comment from Hommel, Lopez, Grams and City Manager Keith Whitfield have also not been returned. A Waco man is in critical condition Wednesday after a car struck him Tuesday evening on South Valley Mills Drive, Beverly Hills police said. Police responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle at about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Bagby Avenue and Valley Mills Drive, near H-E-B, Beverly Hills Police Chief Kory Martin said in a statement. According to Martin, the pedestrian, a 60-year-old man, was walking in the eastbound lanes of Valley Mills when he was hit by a car. Bystanders, officers and medics made lifesaving efforts, and the man was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition Wednesday, Martin said. Beverly Hills police and fire responded, along with American Medical Response and Waco police, fire, forensic and crime victim services, Martin said. He said the incident remains under investigation by Beverly Hills police. No arrests had been made as of Wednesday. We are very saddened by this event for all involved and want to thank all the citizens and agencies that stepped in to show support and assistance, Martin said. Take a look at trending topics for today, Feb. 13: Mardi Gras Festivities marking Mardi Gras, the climactic day of New Orleans Carnival season, hit full swing early Tuesday, with costumed revelers gathering on the narrow streets of the French Quarter and families and tourists lining major thoroughfares to watch parades. The Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club handed out its signature gift hand-decorated coconuts to adults and children as it moved down St. Charles Avenue. The procession of Rex, King of Carnival rolled along another route later in the morning but would ultimately follow Zulu through the city's streets. In the French Quarter, morning crowds were not as thick as in past years, but bars and restaurants still were doing a brisk business on Bourbon Street. Get more info about it here: Madame Web There is a lot of pretty niche comic book mythology swirling around Madame Web, the inspiration for the newest of Sonys Spider-Man spinoffs. This is a character who goes back to 1980 and whose powers of clairvoyance helped Peter Parker at some point. Shes elderly and blind and sits atop a web throne that keeps her alive. But to be honest, reading about her didnt help give any more meaning or urgency to the Dakota Johnson movie thats heading to theaters Wednesday. Youve been warned. Madame Web is striving to be a classic superhero setup movie, about how the future Madame Web now just single gal paramedic Cassie Webb comes to terms with her newfound power that allows her to see the future. Well, sometimes at least, when it involves a death or something extremely violent. Read the full review here: Valentine's Day Esther Howland isnt a household name for most Americans. But those whove studied the history behind the intricate, hand-crafted cards she started making some 175 years ago argue that she should be. She was the Martha Stewart of her day. She would have killed it on Etsy, says Vanessa Bumpus, exhibit coordinator at the Worcester Historical Museum in Massachusetts. Howland lived in Worcester and built a business in the central Massachusetts city that brought fame and fortune in her lifetime, and a nickname that lasted long after her 1904 death: The mother of the American valentine. Howland didnt invent valentines or bring them to the United States. But shes credited with sparking the spread of the ornate cards that became a staple of Valentines Day celebrations here and eventually blossomed into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Read more about her here: *** Get more recent trending topics here: CPI Galentine's Day Jon Stewart Close A member of the traditional Mardi Gras group The Tramps holds a traditional coconut throw Tuesday during the Krewe of Zulu Parade on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans. 2024 Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations are in full swing in New Orleans. Major parades began Tuesday morning with the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club rolling down St. Charles Avenue. A member of the traditional Mardi Gras group The Tramps holds a traditional coconut throw Tuesday during the Krewe of Zulu Parade on Mardi Gras Day in New Orleans. ASHLAND Paul Lienke didnt grow up in Ashland. But by most accounts, he loved it like he had. For much of his time in town, Lienke held public office, first as a city council member, and later, as mayor, from 2008 to 2014. And then, instead of returning to his longtime line of work, he took a job in the citys public works department. That was all after Lienke moved to Ashland in 1993 with his wife Jeanie, whom he married in 1989. The two Minnesota natives arrived in Ashland after Lienkes work in construction management landed him a job in the Omaha area. They scoured nearby small towns in search of homes listed for sale. And, as the story goes, when the couple drove up to 501 N 12th St., Jeanie knew it was where she wanted to be. Jeanie at some point said that she and Paul would never leave Ashland, according to Ashland City Administrator Jessica Quady. They both lived out the rest of their lives in Ashland; Jeanie until her death in 2018, and Lienke until he lost his battle with cancer on Jan. 17. The former Ashland mayor was 72. Lienke first joined the local government ranks in 1998 after being encouraged to run for city council by then-Mayor Barb Schwarten, who had been impressed by his pluck when he reported a water line issue on his street. He held his position on the council for a full decade, eventually becoming council president. And when Ronna Wiig resigned from her mayoral seat in 2008, Lienke was appointed the de facto mayor of Ashland. Quady and City Clerk Kathy Sliva both took jobs at city hall in 2004 and worked with Lienke in his various roles for close to 15 years. They were in the council chambers with him as work began to clear out the long-standing Ashland Salvage junkyard, when major improvements were made to the citys wastewater treatment facility, and when the ball started rolling on an effort to replace the old Ashland Public Library with the new Ashland Community Resource Center. I think Paul would be the first to say that theres nothing the mayor can do alone, Quady said. In fact, the mayor doesnt even get to vote on most things. But the hope is that they can lead in a positive direction for the community. Former Ashland Gazette editor Suzi Nelson thinks Lienke was able to do that. His firm approach to addressing nuisance properties and his attention to improving city infrastructure such as road paving projects in east Ashland and the addition of a water tower near Iron Horse both helped plant the seeds for the rapid growth Ashland is experiencing today. He was there in the very beginnings of when we knew growth was coming, but we werent really sure how it was going to happen and if it was going to happen fast, Nelson said. But he kind of helped set that stage. He was real open to that. Nelson said there were times when Lienke dealt with people in a gruff manner, specifically in 2010 when a downtown Ashland tenant cut down two city-owned trees on Silver Street that were said to be damaging their flag pole. Another mayor might have deemed such a dispute as petty and let city employees handle the situation, Nelson said. But Paul stepped in and took control of it, Nelson said. There was kind of a big back and forth on that, and Paul was able to smooth it out pretty well. But he also stood his ground. Quady described Lienkes mayoral leadership style as measured, and he dutifully considered all sides of an issue and advocated for what he believed was best for the city and its taxpayers. He didnt make decisions based on emotions, she said. He was thoughtful and methodical in his decision-making, and I think thats probably what made him well-suited for the job. When Lienke recommended a young college student to fill an empty city council seat in 2008, he did so because hed deliberated over it and decided it was the right move. The beneficiary of Lienkes recommendation, Sheila Bentzen, was 20 when she was appointed to the council. Which in hindsight is kind of silly, Bentzen said. But Paul, to his credit, took me seriously and thought it was a great idea. Bentzen knew Lienke through his wife, who worked with Bentzen at the old Keno Kove. Bentzen had aspirations of becoming a lawyer, and Lienke saw something bright in her. He never laughed at me, Bentzen said. He just immediately thought, Yeah, you absolutely could do that. Bentzen served on the city council until the summer of 2009, when she left Ashland to study law at the University of Iowa. And in that time, Lienke assumed the mayors seat. I professionally got to work with him and kind of see his passion for the city and how much he cared about the City of Ashland, Bentzen said. He was just an excellent leader in that regard. She observed as Lienke and Quady worked odd hours at city hall, while Lienke just saw nominal payment in return as a public official. You could just tell that he really cared, and he embodied that in the time he would put in and the thought he would give to the issues that would arise, Bentzen said. Nelson thinks Lienkes status as an Ashland transplant may have worked against him in 2014, when he ran for reelection against Rick Grauerholz, a lifetime Ashland resident. Lienke lost the race 363 votes to 291. But that wasnt the end of his service to the city. Instead of returning to his career profession in construction management, Lienke quickly applied for a job in Ashlands public works department. There was maybe a little concern about having someone work for you that you once worked for, Quady said. But we knew he cared about Ashland, he cared about what the town looked like, he cared about its successes, and ultimately, we felt like he would be a good employee. And he was, she said. Lienke worked part-time on maintenance projects and plowed snow in the winter. In the summer, he mowed lawns at the city parks and cemetery. He filled his other time by working as a clerk at C&L Hardware, and later, S&L Hardware. He was a natural in that role, and quick to help customers find the solution to their home repair problems. But he took the job on as much for the social perks as for the compensation. He knew a lot of people, and people would come in just to chat with him, said S&L Hardware owner Sandy Lemon. And he would do the same thing. On his days off, he would come into the store just to sit up front and talk to us for a while. Lienke was a staple at the hardware store in his final years, and Lemon said the store is allowing people to come in and write memory notes about their friend. The notes will be given to Lienkes family. We still have people coming in, saying I cant believe hes not here and Were really going to miss him, Lemon said. So yeah, he will be missed. The building at 180 Grand Ave. in Oakland is backed by a distressed loan that will be sold, a sign of the times in the Bay Area real estate market. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle When Oaklands Harvest Properties joined forces with global investment firm KKR in 2017 to purchase a 15-story office tower directly across from Lake Merritt, demand for office space in the East Bay city was soaring to new heights. And so, at roughly $119 million, the partners paid double what the previous owner of 180 Grand Ave. shelled out for the building just three years prior. The hefty price tag was justified: The downtown tower was about 95% leased when Harvest and KKR took over, counting Charles Schwab, Bank of America, Deloitte and Marqeta among its list of tenants. But this year, the buildings ownership which no longer includes KKR, as the company sold its stake in the building to global investor AXA Investment Managers in 2019 has been swept up in the wave of maturing debt that has crashed into the commercial real estate sector, leaving many owners and investors under water. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Tuesday, a $95 million loan backing the property hit the market and is set to be sold off, indicating that AXA and Harvest which has operated the building until now no longer control the roughly 275,000-square-foot property, while their lender is seeking to recoup unpaid debt. An Oakland real estate market participant with insight into leasing at the property said that it is currently about 72% occupied, which is below the level that the property was expected to achieve. The office tower at 180 Grand Ave. in Oakland is next to Lake Merritt. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle Real estate brokerage JLL has been hired to market the distressed loan and, in a listing brochure, described the debt as non performing, meaning that AXA and Harvest have either stopped making loan payments or are otherwise in default of their loan agreement. The buildings owners did not immediately respond Tuesday to inquiries about the loan sale. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The loan sale sets the stage for a new owner to take over the property, 180 Grand, by way of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure a process in which the property owner opts to surrender the asset to avoid the foreclosure process. It also means that the buildings value has likely dropped below the value of its debt. And while it represents an early example in post-pandemic Oakland of an owner giving up on a major office property, it isnt the first, and it almost certainly wont be the last. Vacancy across Oaklands downtown office market skyrocketed to roughly 30% at the end of last year, while rents have softened significantly since the pandemic first shuttered offices around the world in 2020. Many office-based companies subsequently adopted remote work policies, depriving the citys downtown of foot traffic from office workers. Last summer, San Francisco investor Tidewater Capital handed the keys of a 10-story office building at 1440 Broadway in Oakland to its lender. The San Francisco Business Times reported at the time that Tidewaters outstanding debt on the building which it also acquired with AXA in 2018 was more than $25.5 million. And just last week, San Diego-based HP Investors was served with a notice of default by its lender for falling behind on a $10 million loan for 1700 Broadway, a 10-story building in the citys Uptown neighborhood, which is marked by iconic art deco buildings, theaters and live music venues. CEDAR FALLS Owning a business is hard work. Michael Mick Timmerman says he hasnt had seven days off in a row since he became owner of Godfathers Pizza in Cedar Falls in 2001. The longest Ive had is five days. Im pretty hands-on, and thats why I only have the one restaurant, he said. Timmermans experience handling pizza dates back to when he was 15 years old at Otts Drive-In in Fayette, where he grew up, and later as a manager at Happy Joes Pizza and Ice Cream in Oelwein. All good things must come to an end, though. At the age of 62, Timmerman is retiring, which is noted on the Godfathers sign out in front of the restaurant at 1621 W. First St. The restaurants heartbeat streaking across the back dining room wall in red and green paint and drawn by himself and his late brother Jay as part of the Godfathers franchise logo will cease at 10 p.m. Feb. 23, his last day in operation. Hes been working at the Cedar Falls pizzeria since becoming a manager there in the winter of 1984. He transferred from one of the franchises other locations no longer in operation off Schukei Road in Waterloo across from Crossroads Mall where hed started six months earlier. The restaurant has been a Cedar Falls staple on First Street since about 1977, owned first by the Rigel Corp. and then Kevin Stubbe before Timmerman. Im ready to hang up the pizza cutter after 40 years of being here, said Timmerman. I feel the time is right for me, now being of retirement age. Its a seven-day-a-week job and thats pretty much why Im getting out of it. I just want to put my feet up and enjoy the rest of my life. Hes agreed to sell the property and is unsure whats in store under the future owners. His decision to close will not impact the Godfathers in Waterloo at 3811 University Ave. The Cedar Falls resident has seen his wife, Hope, and two sons, Jordan and Nathan, get involved over the years. He will miss the countless staff and customers whove walked through the doors and become a part of the history. Its really a family even though theyre not my family there have been so many regular customers in and out for 40 years. Its going to make me tear up, said Timmerman. A former worker and current customer, Dane Bruce of Waterloo, walked in Tuesday to pick up a vegetarian thin crust pizza. Youve been at it a long time, he told Timmerman upon seen him. Bruces youngest daughter will be bringing her child from Cedar Rapids to have a little bit of a 1-year-old birthday party before old reliable closes up, representing the end of the run of good, consistent and quality pizza. My daughter worked here and I started here in the kitchen helping out and as a delivery driver, he said. Micks provided a lot of jobs to high school and college kids, allowing them to start or finish school. Other favorites have been the taco and all-meat combo pizzas. The all-meat combo with its delectable sausage and bacon has been the Van Sickle familys top choice. They were consuming it Tuesday. No one makes an all-meat combo like they do, said Scott Van Sickle, who lives near the Waterloo and Cedar Falls border, in between bites. He came with his kids Ethan, Hannah and Kara. My mom will come all the way from Ames, too. They dont have one down there, said Van Sickle. Theres not been too many changes to the operation and building over the years until the closure. Its been great. Im sad to see it end, but things change. Its the end of an era for whats become many peoples home away from home, said David Dall, a manager from Dike, who first start working there in 1990. The restaurant had seen an increase in credit and debit card usage and online ordering well before the COVID-19 pandemic, which wiped out the restaurants buffet for good. If there wasnt online ordering, we wouldnt be doing the business were doing, said Timmerman. And when not as many people were eating out during the pandemic, the numbers went up and we actually did better during COVID with our carryouts, deliveries and online ordering. The restaurant underwent a complete remodel in the early 1990s and has had different arcade games from Fischels Music over the years. It staffs about 25 people. The tables and booths seat approximately 140 customers. Its been a good ride. Ive been here for 11 years total and eight years as a manager. It was my first restaurant job, said James McQuinn of Waterloo. The large dining room has attracted crowds over the years. Timmerman recalls when Holmes Junior High students would go to Godfathers after school dances. Theyd also see a bump in customers after concerts at the UNI-Done and wrestling tournaments. What got Timmermans attention, and why he originally applied to Godfathers, was the classic pepperoni pizza churned out by the conveyor ovens. But after all these years, he likes to mix it up with other pizza options like the Humble Pizza, which features much more than pepperoni. I remember them having the best pizza, Timmerman said. Photos: UNI softball vs. Western Illinois, Feb. 9 WATERLOO A drunken driver has been sentenced to prison for killing a bicyclist in 2019. L.A. Jefferson Jr., 46 who had attempted to take back pleas to homicide by vehicle, second-offense operating while intoxicated and leaving the scene was unapologetic as he was sentenced to up to 14 years behind bars Monday. Jefferson claimed the bicycle hit his car while he was driving to work, and he claimed the cyclist, 22-year-old Dilail Salkic of Waterloo, was on meth and died of strangulation. The facts are not supported here. Speed was not a factor. This was not a high-speed collision. In my profession and I do call mixology a profession, I studied to bartend and to know the signs of intoxication, Jefferson said. He also read from a long religious statement. District Court Judge Joel Dalrymple was equally unapologetic in handing down the sentence, which was agreed upon earlier as part of plea negotiations. I say often at the time of sentencing the court takes no pleasure in sending somebody to prison. I cant say that in this case, Mr. Jefferson, Dalrymple said. You have taken the life of another individual. You have not accepted one ounce of responsibility in this. You left him for dead, you did so while you were under the influence. If I could impose more, I would, the judge said. Salkics parents were in the courtroom, listening to the proceedings through an interpreter, but they declined to address the court. Assistant County Attorney Jeremy Westendorf said Salkic was their only child. Photos of him were displayed on a table in the courtroom during the hearing. Jefferson robbed them of the chance to see him get married and have grandchildren. He completely destroyed their lives, Westendorf said. Prosecutors said Jefferson was going twice the 30-mph speed limit with a blood-alcohol content three times the legal limit when he hit Salkic on West Third Street. He then drove another block or so, parked and fled without waiting for authorities or summoning an ambulance, according to prosecutors. A trauma surgeon, Dr. Paul Burgett, happened to pass the collision, and he attended to Salkic until paramedics arrived. Police later found Jefferson at a bar on La Porte Road, where he had consumed two additional beers. Following a blood draw, experts calculated that Jefferson had a blood-alcohol content between .246 and .321 at the time of the crash, Westendorf said. Jefferson also had marijuana in his system, authorities said. PHOTOS: Fatal bicycle crash July 23, 2019 072319jr-bike-crash-4 072319jr-bike-crash-5 072319jr-bike-crash-6 072319jr-bike-crash-2 072319jr-bike-crash-3 072319jr-bike-crash-1 103023jr-jefferson-hearing-1 072419ho-LA-Jefferson-b SIOUX CITY Before they were masters of the air, Everett Blakely, Howard Hamilton and hundreds of other Army airmen were just young guys with down time between training flights seeking fun in Sioux City. Blakely and Hamilton found much more than that. At a USO dance near the Sioux City Army Air Base, Blakely met Margaret Ann Spence and Hamilton met Geraldine "Gerry" Karr, two young women who had been classmates at Central High School. By the time the two young officers in the 100th Bomb Group were shipped to their next training base a couple weeks later, Hamilton and Karr were married, and Blakely and Spence were engaged. "He was just a fellow I liked. I thought he was a gentleman. He called me the next day after the dance and asked me on a date," Margaret Blakely, now 101 and living in San Luis Obispo, California, said of the night she met her future husband. They were engaged by the end of the week, and the rest, as the saying goes, was history. A chunk of the history of the 100th Bomb Group is front and center in "Masters of the Air," a nine-part miniseries currently streaming on Apple TV+, the latest World War II drama series by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who also were behind "Band of Brothers" and "The Pacific." "Masters of the Air" brings to light the bravery men like Blakely and Hamilton showed while they and hundreds of B-17 bomber crews flew dangerous daytime bombing missions over Germany and enemy territories to knock out military and manufacturing targets. Through the first four episodes, viewers have become familiar with Blakely and Hamilton as well as three other men of the 100th who are more prominently featured -- pilots Gale "Buck" Cleven and John "Bucky" Egan and navigator Harry Crosby. In January 1943, just months before the events shown thus far in the TV series, all five men and many of the others seen on screen were in Sioux City, which by then had become a major training site for bomber crews and ground personnel and would remain so until war's end. Air warfare was evolving, and heavy bombers such as the B-17 were new. Strategic bombing and formation flying also were new strategies, and the men of "Masters of the Air" learned them here. "Their time in Sioux City was foundational for that. It's special thinking they spent a series of weeks there honing their craft," said Matt Mabe, a historian and board of directors member of the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, started by veterans to preserve the history of the men and their missions and now maintained by volunteers. The foundation played an advisory role in the development of the miniseries. The 100th arrived in Sioux City in the middle of winter, greeted by subzero temperatures that members mentioned in books and articles published in the years after their service. Crosby wrote of stepping off the train in Sioux City: "... the initial nine degrees below zero blast had a definite sobering effect. It proved to be one of the warmer days. There was glazed ice on the ground, interspersed with patches of snow. On the concrete apron and runways of the airdrome, the ice was a solid two inches thick -- making a fine, vast skating rink, but a treacherous place for flight operations." Despite the cold, the men of the 100th familiarized themselves with Sioux City. When not training, they frequented establishments such as the Glass Hat Bar at the West Hotel, the Rathskeller, the Oasis, the Beer Cellar and the Alamo. They ate at the Savoy, and Charlie's Steak House "was the supreme spot for sheer pleasure of the palate." With its hotels and bars, Sioux City was a soldier's "promised land," Crosby said. "The 100th gave it their stamp of approval," he wrote. Temperatures during the 100th's stay in Sioux City were frequently below zero, sometimes so cold that bomber engines wouldn't start and training flights were canceled. It was a fortuitous break for Blakely and the rest of the men seeking the warmth of female companionship. "This was a big opportunity for the airmen. They had time to socialize," said Jim Blakely, the second of Everett and Margaret Blakely's six children. If not for the down time resulting from the freezing temperatures, Everett Blakely and Margaret Spence might never have met. Born in Storm Lake, Margaret grew up in Sioux City on West 17th Street, in a house that still stands near the present-day Liberty Elementary School, with her mother, also named Margaret, maternal grandparents Mamme and Jim Flanagan, three uncles and two aunts. A 1940 Central High graduate, Spence attended Briar Cliff College. USO dances at the club near Sioux City's air base were common by then, and the young Army men needed dance partners. "There were society ladies, and they used to take young ladies out to dance with the officers at the club," Margaret Blakely said. "They asked me if I'd go out, and I said, "yes, I'd go.' We went out to the base and danced with these fellas." At a dance one January night, Margaret was approached by Blakely, a young pilot who grew up in Seattle. "Everett asked me to dance," she said. "I just danced with him one dance, and the next day he called me." "They must have gotten along well. He proposed about a week later," Jim Blakely said. It wasn't the sweeping romance one sees in the movies. Son David Blakely, the third of the Blakely children, who lives near his mother in California, said his mother was the practical one in the couple and doesn't describe their meeting as love at first sight or being swept off her feet. Everett was more of a romantic, and perhaps thought that because of what awaited him in Europe, he might never again have the chance to experience love and marriage. "I think my father was going off to war, and this was a good-looking woman and he thought what the heck," David Blakely said. Margaret matter-of-factly said she accepted Everett's marriage proposal even though they'd only known each other for a few days. "When he asked me to marry him, I said, 'Well, there's a difference between you and me. I'm a Catholic and your dad is a Mason.' And he said, 'I will never, ever interfere in your faith.' "At first he said we'd get married in Sioux City, then he got transferred to Boise." Two months later, Margaret and her mother boarded a train to Idaho, where she and Everett married. Howard Hamilton didn't wait that long. Before he left Sioux City, he and Gerry Karr had already married. After the men had shipped out to England in May 1943, Margaret and Gerry moved to Chicago with Crosby's wife, Jean, to get jobs and await their husbands' return. Margaret was a receptionist at Owens Corning, Gerry performed as a rollerskater with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Meanwhile, their husbands, as shown in the TV miniseries, risked their lives in mission after dangerous mission in the skies above enemy territory. Like their wives, Blakely and Crosby also were together, Blakely the pilot of the B-17 "Just-a-Snappin'" and Crosby the navigator. Hamilton was a bombardier on another B-17 that was shot down during a mission over Munster, Germany, on Oct. 10, 1943. He was taken prisoner and spent 19 months in a German POW camp before he was liberated in May 1945. Blakely and Crosby had close calls of their own, and a harrowing mission on Oct. 8, 1943, led to another wedding between a Sioux City woman and member of the 100th. In an article he wrote for the 100th Bomb Group Foundation newsletter, Jim Blakely described how his father's bomber, with two of its four engines destroyed, shot down a record nine Nazi fighter planes as it limped back to England after the bombing run. Finding the nearest airfield, Blakely crash-landed, the bomber coming to rest after slamming into a tree. Ground crews found 800 holes made by German bullets and flak before they stopped counting. Blakely was OK, but his co-pilot, Charley Via, had been severely wounded when his hips were struck by flak projectiles, and he was transferred to Walter Reed Hospital near Washington, D.C. At that time, Margaret Ann McDonald, a Central High classmate of Margaret Blakely and Gerry Hamilton, was living in Washington, D.C., and worked near the hospital. Margaret Blakely called McDonald, asking her to go visit her husband's co-pilot. McDonald made that visit, and many more. In July 1944, Margaret Blakely was Margaret McDonald's bridesmaid as she married Via, becoming the third member of Central High's class of 1940 to marry a member of the 100th Bomb Group. At least two other men of the 100th also married women they met while in Sioux City, Jim Blakely said. As the stories of the men of the 100th unfold through the remaining episodes of the miniseries, viewers will see more and more of their legacy. Though not addressed in the series, that legacy is rooted in Sioux City, where crews began forming bonds with one another that would last a lifetime. Many of those men seen portrayed on TV could have been seen in downtown Sioux City, enjoying a good meal or a drink. "Any bars or restaurants in town at that time, chances are these guys passed through them," Mabe said. Once they returned home from war, Blakely and Hamilton reunited with their Sioux City wives. According to information provided by Jim Blakely, Hamilton earned a Ph.D. in engineering and eventually became chairman of the University of Pittsburgh's engineering department. He and Gerry had four children, and she was a paralegal, earning a college degree at age 63. Via became a lawyer and had four children before he died in 1965. His wife, Margaret, later earned a degree in social work and became a counselor. Blakely remained in the service. He and Margaret moved frequently, with assignments in Colombia in South America, the Philippines, Arizona, California and Georgia. Blakely was the head of the Air Force ROTC at Notre Dame and later served in Germany and France. He retired from the military in 1968 as a lieutenant colonel and worked at Lockheed Aircraft before retiring and moving with Margaret to San Luis Obispo, California. They returned to Sioux City periodically to visit relatives still living here. "She came back when she could. My dad really enjoyed Sioux City," Jim Blakely said. Of the Sioux City brides and their husbands, Margaret is the sole survivor. David Blakely arranged for a movie theater to show the premier of "Masters of the Air" for his mother. Margaret said it was hard to follow who was her husband, though to be fair, actor David Shields, who portrays Everett, doesn't look very much like him and during much of his screen time he appeared wearing his air mask while in flight. Regardless, she enjoyed it. "I thought it was a terrific story," she said. A story in which Sioux City played a minor role in the men's performance of their missions, but a major role in how some of them later lived their lives. Another migrant crisis is brewing. Unlike the one at the southern border, this one will be all over the country. A recent Harvard study found that half of the country's renters are spending a third or more of their income on housing. Those are the people fortunate enough to find housing amid a nationwide shortage of affordable homes. Combine the rent with the soaring cost of child care, and don't forget groceries, and -- well, you can understand why evictions and homelessness have soared. We're living through an age of contradictions. The United States is the strongest economy in the world, and Americans' credit card debt has never been higher. The unemployment rate has been less than 5% for President Joe Biden's entire first term, and voters disapprove of his handling of the economy. Wall Street predicted that last year's gross domestic product would grow by less than 2%, and instead it was 2.5% yet the economy feels weak to a lot of people. That's because for many people, the economy is weak. The top 1% now has more money than the nation's entire middle class. For Americans with the lowest incomes, rent is just the beginning of the worries. Unaffordable rent is a continuation of the wealth redistribution that accompanied the economic policies of President Ronald Reagan. Before disco, the top 10% shared 30% of the nation's income, while the remaining 90% lived off the rest. Today, the bottom 90% is getting by with less than 60% of the income. The top 1% took in 14.6% in 2021, which is twice their 7.3% share in 1979, according to the Economic Policy Institute. After 1979, Reagan convinced voters to make capital more important than people. Give the rich more, and the extra will "trickle down" remember that? Greed is a part of capitalism, but it's not a part of patriotism. Reagan's characterization of our economy conflated those two concepts, and many Americans embraced that fallacy as truth. Those who struggled to achieve prosperity were viewed as lazy and unworthy of help. Something had to be wrong with them, the thinking went, because nothing was wrong with this "land of opportunity." This was the era when well-paying manufacturing jobs went elsewhere. This was when large, successful companies were able to rake in record profits, while hardworking employees began to rely on food stamps to feed their families. And now Congress is trying to solve the housing crisis by offering housing developers more tax credits. So much for the invisible hand of the free market, right? Though the need for more affordable housing is high, developers apparently do not make enough money to want to do it, so government has to dangle a carrot to ensure that thriving corporations will thrive even more. Conservatives often talk of the country's unsustainable spending. It isn't federal debt that should worry them most, though. How much longer can 22 million people spend a third or more of their earnings on rent? In 2023, some states saw eviction filings jump more than 50% compared with pre-pandemic levels and back then, the unemployment rate was higher. That's not sustainable, either. Whether it's living off borrowings to avoid taxable income or reporting losses legally while still making money, the various ways billionaire owners end up paying a lower tax rate than many of their employees are well-documented. When rising costs are passed down to consumers rent, baby formula, bacon we are conditioned to blame the government and not the price-gougers. When gas prices are up, many point fingers at the White House, even though presidents don't control gas prices. This sorry state of the American economy is not attributable entirely to either party or any one presidential administration. This redistribution has continued on everyone's watch. But we are reaching a point where a lot of people are fed up with their hard work not paying off, and they're going to take action. That's why the Wall Street Journal dubbed 2023 "the year of the strike." Workers saw the prosperity at the top and demanded their fair share. We need Congress to close the tax loopholes that have allowed trillions of dollars to be redirected away from the many and hoarded by the few. The rent crisis isn't a new problem. It's the latest incarnation of the one that started when policymakers began to pretend that greed is good. Swinford will face six months of "considerable disruption" next year when an underground cable is laid through the town. The North Connacht 110kV Project, which is currently in the handover phase from EirGrid to the ESB, will create a new 60-kilometre circuit in the electricity transmission network from Moy Substation in Ballina to Tonroe Substation in Ballaghaderreen. EirGrid was granted approval by An Bord Pleanala in September 2023 for the project. Jason Kenna, an EirGrid programme manager, attended a meeting of Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District Council last week where he told councillors that the company has been engaging with landowners, the local authorities in Mayo and Roscommon and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) ahead of the major development works. Swinford will be the point where the cable crosses from the N5 to the N26. Following discussions with the various stakeholders, a decision was taken to lay the cable from the N5 onto the Kilkelly Road and through Davitt Place, Station Road, Circular Rd before reaching the N26. Paul Doherty, the project manager with the ESB, described it as a "complex project" with work in Swinford expected to happen in the second half of 2025. Full and single-lane road closures will last for about six months. Cllr Gerry Murray said he expected considerable disruption in Swinford and asked Mr Doherty if the work could be carried out at night to lessen the impact. Cllr Adrian Forkan said there are two schools, a library and a doctors surgery on Circular Road and he enquired if the route was finalised. Mr Doherty said the route is finalised, adding that it would not be the normal practice to do night work "but if there are exceptional circumstances [they] would have to consider that. Cllr Neil Cruise described the decision to go under the bridge in Swinford as baffling. I just cannot understand how going around the town on the left [from the Foxford side of the N26] would not be a better option, he added. Mr Doherty said a multitude of routes were considered and this one was identified as the best choice. He assured councillors that while roads will be closed to through traffic, local access will be maintained. Mr Kenna said various options were discounted due to environmental and constraint issues and he referred to a Brookville Avenue option, which would have led to the closure of Main Street "for weeks on end". There is a culvert there so we would not be able to route the underground cable without closing the main road - the N26 that goes down Main Street - to drill underneath it, he added. Mr Doherty and Mr Kenna said a community benefit fund of 1.5 million will be provided and they will give regular updates to councillors. Jeremy Rasch has been chosen as the new police chief in Waupun. Rasch has served as interim police chief since shortly after former Police Chief Scott Louden resigned on Dec. 8. I am honored and grateful that the Waupun Police and Fire Commission has selected me for the appointment of chief of police, Rasch said. The city of Waupun and the Waupun Police Department have given me many opportunities throughout my career, and I am appreciate of that. Rasch is the 17th police of chief for Waupun since the inception of the office in 1867. The police department staff is committed to public safety and will continue to work with the citizens and the community as a whole to ensure Waupun continues to be one of the safest cities in Wisconsin, Rasch said. The department will continue to focus on deterring criminal behavior through presence, enforcement, education and cooperation with the community. As the chief, Rasch said he will focus on employee development, employee wellness, community engagement, recruitment and retention of staff as well a staying up with new trends in law enforcement. The search for a new police chief began over a month ago. The Waupun Police and Fire Commission conducted a series of staff feedback sessions and community forums and conducted an interview before making the appointment by a unanimous decision, City Administrator Kathy Schlieve said in a statement. Rasch began his career with Waupun in 2002 as a patrol officer and has a record of accomplishment with the department. In 2010, Rasch was promoted to lieutenant and in 2017 to deputy police chief. During his time with the Police Department, Rasch has served on various boards and commissions at the city and county levels, Schlieve said. Jeremy is well prepared to assume this next level of leadership. In his interim chief role, he has already made a significant impact on our department and the community, Mayor Rohn Bishop said in a statement. This promotion is well deserved. Rasch has an associate degree in police science from Waukesha County Technical College and has participated in a variety of professional development trainings over the course of his career, including field training officer, FBI law enforcement executive development, critical incident management, and numerous leadership development programs. Rasch was nominated for Dodge County Officer of the Year in 2006, has developed and implemented numerous community safety programs, and in 2010 reestablished the Citizen Police Academy in Waupun. Recruitment for the deputy police chief position will begin immediately, according to the statement. Rasch will take an oath of office and the city will hold a pinning ceremony at 5 p.m. Monday at Waupun City Hall. The public is invited to attend. GALLERY: Waupun celebrates waupun1.jpg waupun2.jpg waupun3.jpg waupun4.jpg waupun5.jpg waupun6.jpg waupun7.jpg waupun8.jpg waupun9.jpg waupun10.jpg waupun11.jpg waupun12.jpg Three Juneau County Board seats are on the ballot in the Feb. 20 primary, as six challengers look to replace incumbents. Herb Dannenberg, Betty Manson and Mike Keichinger are attempting to retain their seats in Districts 4, 6 and 9 seats on the countys governing body. Eric Ford and Thomas Czys are taking on Dannenberg for the District 4 seat. Michelle Lunde and Doug Marshall are looking to replace Manson in District 6, and Earl Ells and Jean Arends are vying for Keichingers spot in District 9. Business experience, advocacy for firearm rights, and agricultural incentives were among the candidates talking points. District 4 District 4 consists of one ward each on the southwest side of Mauston and in the town of Lindina. Eric Ford Ford, a resident of the town of Lindina with his wife, Bobbie Sue, and four children, is a U.S. Army veteran with 30 years of business experience. He also has worked as a business consultant and said he believes that experience and his desire to help neighbors and residents will help him excel as a county supervisor. I feel the greatest asset I bring to the Juneau County board is a genuine desire to help my neighbors, best illustrated in my commitment to donate my county board salary back to financially distressed widows in the town of Lindina, Ford said in an email. My decision to run stems from an observation of escalating county budgets & property taxes and the subsequent witness of neighbors moving out of the county as a result. Ford said he believes he can help create legislation to fund county operations without overburdening taxpayers, and to create jobs and expand local commerce. He owns Ford Family Farms and has worked with Pathways of Wisconsin, a nonprofit that provides services for people with developmental disabilities. Herb Dannenberg (incumbent) Dannenberg is running for his second term on the County Board after serving his first two-year term. During that time, he has served on the countys finance and emergency management committees and on an ad hoc committee for wage study. Prior to being on the board, Dannenberg spent 28 years with the Wisconsin Air National Guard in crew and management capacities and worked in electronic communications. The old saying an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure is appropriate for our county but it takes planning and resources and oversight/voting by our committees to make sure it gets done, Dannenberg said in a statement. The most sensitive and complex votes on the County Board relate to the budget, according to Dannenberg. He said much time was spent on research and votes were reached based on safety for employees and citizens, county operation evaluations, and tax burdens. Dannenberg emphasized how limited county finances have negatively affected employee morale, infrastructure and long-range projects. He said the county must continue working with state government to find solutions for funding concerns. Going forward I, as well as other County Board members, will continue to leverage community organizations to the benefit of all residents, he said in his statement. Thomas Czys Czys had not responded to a request for comment on his candidacy. Czys is a retired Juneau County Sheriffs Office detective who ran against then-Sheriff Brent Oleson in the 2010 fall primary. District 6 District 6 consists of one ward in Elroy and wards in the towns of Wonewoc, Plymouth and Fountain. Michelle Shelly Lunde Lunde, a resident of Elroy resident who owns a photography and wood board restoration business, emphasized public safety and county government spending in her candidacy. She said she is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, and that county money needs to be mindfully managed and dispersed in appropriate areas. We need to look carefully to try and save our taxpayer dollars and utilize them in ways that will benefit the hard working citizens of Juneau County, she said in a statement. Lunde was born in Bremerton, Washington, and has three adult children. She and her partner, Steven Johnson, are raising three more children who attend school in the Royall School District in Elroy. Johnson ran for Juneau County sheriff against current officeholder Andrew Zobal in the 2022 fall primary and as a write-in candidate in the general election. Doug Marshall Marshall is a lifelong county resident who has farmed since 1975. He also was a farm management instructor at the Reedsburg campus of Madison Area Technical College from 1982 to 2012. Marshall and his wife, Diana, have two daughters and five grandsons. Maintenance and improvement of county roads, improving county water quality, and advocating for increased state aid to county and municipal governments are three of Marshalls goals if elected. He is also seeking efficient county fund allocation and to improve the financial climate for businesses and farms in the county. Betty Manson (incumbent) Manson had not responded to a request for comment on her candidacy. District 9 District 9 consists of one ward each in Camp Douglas and the town of Orange. Earl Ells Ells is a beef and hog farmer in the town of Orange near Camp Douglas, where he has served on the Village Board since 2010, including as board president. He said the village has seen tremendous growth and accomplishments in all areas under his leadership and he wants to bring the common sense, teamwork and vision that has spurred that to the County Board. Its my overall goal to better the lives of the people in my community, Ells said in an email. I am the type of leader who understands that listening to the voice of the people and advocating for their needs is what is most important in this position. He added that he sought ways to cut costs and increase revenues as village president and chair of its budget and finance committee. This, along with net new construction levy limit increases, reduced village taxes, according to Ells. Not one time did we take on a project where property taxes needed to be increased in order to accomplish, he said in his email. Jean Arends Arends grew up in Necedah and now lives in New Lisbon. She said her candidacy stems from a gap in representation, particularly among younger individuals. She said she wants to inject fresh perspectives and address what she perceives as a lack of transparency on the County Board. Its crucial that our community feels informed and engaged in the decisions that shape our collective future, she said in a statement, adding in an email that future spending decisions need more evaluation prior to board votes. Mike Keichinger (incumbent) Keichinger, a town of Orange resident, began his tenure with the County Board in November 2021 after taking over the seat from former Sup. Orville Robinson. Keichinger was elected to his first two-year term in April 2022 after working with the countys highway department for 41 years. He currently serves on four committees, including finance and building, and addressed the $5 million in borrowing for 2024. The county needed to maintain infrastructure, he said, adding that the borrowing was the only way the county could go for capital projects relating to that due to levy limits. I know its controversial but also, probably for every dollar that we borrow, we received $3 back in grants, Keichinger said. It wasnt just money we threw away. It was for road improvements and machinery updates and things of that nature. While the borrowing was not popular among county residents, according to Keichinger, he said the projects the borrowed money is funding, particularly on roads, is good for the county in the long term. Keichinger also discussed the need for increased child care services in the county and how the board voted to allocate American Rescue Plan Act funds toward facilities and staffing there, as well as housing. Assembly Republicans on Tuesday advanced the GOPs latest tax cut proposal, which would dramatically expand the states second income tax bracket and provide tax credits to Wisconsin retirees and parents. The chamber also passed a GOP-authored measure that would eliminate state work permit requirements for 14- and 15-year-olds. The measure aligns with efforts being made across the country, largely by Republicans, to ease child labor laws and address ongoing workforce shortage challenges. The proposed expansion to Wisconsins second tax bracket passed the Assembly 62-34, with Democratic lawmakers opposed, and now heads to the state Senate. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has said hell consider a cut that focuses on Wisconsins middle class, but has remained largely silent on the specific bills likely to reach his desk in the near future. Speaking with WISNs UpFront, Evers said he has looked over the bills and hes sure there are some that we would agree on. The governor said Republicans proposal to provide tax credits to parents seems like something that would work, but he added its not going to do anything to help the providers of that child care. Evers has called on Republicans to provide more direct state funding to address soon-to-expire federal funds. (Evers) continues to say things like, I want a middle class tax cut, thats exactly what this package is, Assembly Majority Leader Tyler August, R-Lake Geneva, told reporters before Tuesdays session. Im a little skeptical because he seems to only sign tax cuts when its election time and hes not up this year, but Im an eternal optimist and Im sure he will see the value in these. Legislative Republicans unveiled their latest tax cut plan about two weeks ago. The proposal calls for expanding Wisconsins second tax bracket, which currently covers individuals making between $14,320 and $28,640 and joint filers earning between $19,090 and $38,190. The tax cut, paired with tax credits included in the package, would reduce Wisconsins total income tax revenue by just over $2 billion per year in fiscal 2024-25 and $1.4 billion per year after that, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Wisconsin has over-collected on taxes and we need to return that surplus back to the people of our state, said Rep. Terry Katsma, R-Oostburg. Rep. Tip McGuire, D-Kenosha, said the proposed tax cut would take our states significant surplus and turn it into a deadly deficit and threaten Wisconsins ability to pay for essential services. The tax package Under Assembly Bill 1020, the 4.4% rate for that bracket would be expanded to individuals making up to $112,500 and joint filers making up to $150,000. The average Wisconsinite would pay $454 less in taxes under that bill, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau, but the amount varies depending on income. Those making between $60,000 and $70,000 would save an average of $189, while Wisconsinites making between $250,000 and $300,000 would save an average of $965, the Legislative Fiscal Bureau found. Thats because Wisconsinites with incomes outside of the proposed tax bracket would still be paying lower taxes on the amount covered by the modified bracket. Under the proposal, the total tax decrease in 2024 would be $742 million. Another bill in the package, Assembly Bill 1021, would remove taxes on up to $75,000 in retirement income from, for example, 401(k) accounts and pension funds for individuals 67 or older. For couples, the first $150,000 in retirement earnings would be exempt. The bill passed on a 64-32 vote, with Reps. LaKeshia Myers, D-Milwaukee, and Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point, joining Republicans in support of the measure. The average Wisconsinite would save $1,582 under the proposal in 2024, while tax revenue for the state would drop by about $466 million that year, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. Assembly Bill 1022 would expand the marriage income tax credit from $480 to $870. The average couple would save $338 under that proposal, according to a Legislative Fiscal Bureau analysis, and it would reduce the states overall tax revenue by about $160 million in 2024. The measure passed along party lines. Assembly Bill 1023 would increase tax credits to $10,000 for one child or dependent or $20,000 for two or more children or dependents. Annual tax revenues would go down by about $73 million in 2024, or $656 per person, according to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau. The bill received the most Democratic support of those in the package, passing on a 92-4 vote, with Reps. Ryan Clancy, D-Milwaukee, Francesca Hong, D-Madison, Darrin Madison, D-Milwaukee, and Supreme Moore Omokunde, D-Milwaukee, opposed. Previous proposals In November, Evers vetoed a Republican proposal to reduce the income tax rate from 5.3% to 4.4% for people in the states third tax bracket, a vast category covering individuals earning between $28,640 and $420,420 a year and married filers earning between $38,190 and $405,000. He vetoed the same proposal when he signed the state budget in July. Hes likely to reject another proposal, AB 386, that proposes the same third-bracket tax cut along with a similar retirement tax exemption that was released Tuesday. In July 2021, as Evers approached a November race for his second term in office, which he ultimately won, the governor signed the states GOP-authored budget, which included more than $2 billion in income tax cuts. The tax cut brought down the income tax rate from 6.27% to 5.3% for individual income between about $24,000 and $263,000 a year, or between $32,000 and $351,000 for married filers. Other bills The Assembly also passed: A bill to eliminate the states requirement that 14- and 15-year-olds in Wisconsin get parental permission and a work permit from the state Department of Workforce Development to get a job. Senate Bill 436 removes the work permit rule but continues to require employers to maintain records of employees ages and hours worked. The bill now heads to Evers. Senate Bill 894, which would provide $7.5 million in state funds to BioForward Wisconsin in an effort to secure millions in additional federal funds. Wisconsin, named one of 31 regional tech hubs by the Biden administration in October, is preparing to apply this month to become one of five to 10 designated tech hubs, each of which is expected to receive $40 million to $70 million to expand tech initiatives. The bill also passed the Senate on Tuesday, sending the measure to Evers. Today in history: Feb. 13 1935: Bruno Richard Hauptmann 1965: Lyndon B. Johnson 1980: Winter Olympics 1991: Operation Desert Storm 1996: "Rent" 2000: Charles Schulz 2002: John Walker Lindh 2011: Hosni Mubarak 2013: Pope Benedict XVI 2016: Antonin Scalia 2021: Donald Trump 2018: Michael Cohen UNION GROVE Organizers of a recall effort targeting Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos say they are confident they will gather enough signatures to force a new election. Midway through the 60-day timetable for their petition drive, recall leaders say they are finding support among Republicans and Democrats. The energy is good on both sides, said organizer Matthew Snorek of the town of Burlington. The group has until March 10 to collect about 6,800 signatures on a petition recalling Vos, whom they accuse of opposing election reform efforts sparked by Republican Donald Trumps loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Vos, who narrowly defeated a Trump-backed challenger for his legislative seat in a 2022 Republican primary, said the recall is being driven by a small group of voters who refuse to accept that Trump lost to Biden. Vos also said professional grifters from out of state are managing the petition drive. I think the grassroots nature of this operation is suspect at best, he said. People in Racine County are smarter than that. Based in a storefront in a Union Grove strip mall, the recall effort is getting help from Conrad Reynolds, leader of a group called Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative Inc. He arrived in Wisconsin a week ago and is now director of the petition drive. All Im doing is giving them a little guidance and leadership, Reynolds said. Although they will not say how many signatures have been collected, Reynolds and others said they are confident they will reach 6,800. Oh, yeah, volunteer Rob Schroeder said. We got the numbers. The group aims to remove Vos from his seat in the 63rd Assembly District, which includes much of Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant, Union Grove, Yorkville, Burlington and Rochester. If the recall moves forward, Vos will face a midterm election. Although voters reelected Vos in November 2022, opposition toward the Republican lawmaker has grown among those dissatisfied with him on many issues, Reynolds said. They feel like they have no voice, he said. Thats why Im here Im going to give them a voice. Recall supporter Aimee Katterhagen, who displayed a Recall Vos yard sign outside her Union Grove home, said she is a Republican who is turning against Vos because of an issue stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the operator of a child day care center, Katterhagen received state subsidies to support small business during the pandemic. But Vos and other state officials have since ended those subsidies, putting the future of her business in jeopardy, she said. This is my life, she said. And its coming down to the wire. Vos said he is hearing much support from others in the district, and is making efforts to counter the recall drive while still tending to his duties in Madison. I have a long record of supporting conservative causes, he said. And Im proud of my record. Volunteers and paid staff operating out of the recalls Union Grove storefront are circulating petitions, distributing campaign signs and handing out literature door to door. Im very, very confident, Snorek said. Were going in the right direction. Press Release February 14, 2024 Pia dismayed over 5th Dirty Ashtray award received by the Philippines Transcript of Sen. Pia Cayetano's Privilege speech Mr. President, I rise on a matter of personal and collective privilege. For the 5th time, the Philippines has received the Dirty Ashtray award. The reason is we were blocking global tobacco control efforts. When I say we, it is a great embarrassment to me, your honor, that the representatives for us, for the Philippines, stood before a global audience of mostly health advocates, and they advocated for the tobacco industry, Mr. President. The Global Alliance for Tobacco Control again awarded the notorious Dirty Ashtray to the Philippine delegation on the last day of the 10th session of the Conference of Parties, otherwise known as COP10, to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, otherwise known as the WHO-FCTC, held in Panama City from February 5-10. The FCTC is a treaty negotiated under the auspices of the World Health Organization created in response to the tobacco epidemic. The treaty has 168 signatories, and 180 parties, including the Philippines. The Philippines ratified the FCTCon February 22, 2005. According to the WHO, the FCTC provides a global response to the global tobacco epidemic, it described the FCTC as an evidence-based treaty that reaffirms all people's right to the highest standard of health. Regular sessions of the COP are held every two years. The Philippine delegation this year was given the Dirty Ashtray award for its brazen use of tobacco industry tactics to dispute and delay throughout COP10. According to the Southeast Asian Tobacco Control Alliance, otherwise known as SEATCA, after almost 3 days of deliberation, parties failed to achieve consensus to establish an expert group to facilitate the implementation of FCTC articles 9 and 10 on the regulation and disclosure of the contents and emission of tobacco products. With the Philippines joining a minority of parties blocking consensus. What is article 9 and article 10? Article 9 deals with the testing and measuring of the content and emission of tobacco products and regulation. My dear colleagues, mga kababayan, sino ba may ayaw na i-test at sukatin ang laman ng tobacco products? Bakit ayaw? Bakit ayaw ipa-test? Ano ba laman nun? Ayaw ipaalam sa atin. Bakit naman tayo may delegation na hinaharang ang information na makakasakit sa ating mga kabataan? Hinaharang dahil meron silang nilalagay doon na nakakasama sa kabataan. Imagine, ganun na nga ginagawa nila, dirty tactics, sinuportahan pa ng gobyernong ito. Sinama pa sila at sinuportahan pa ang mga ganitong pangyayari. Nakakahiya, Mr. President. Now what is article 10? Article 10 deals with the disclosure of information on such contents and emissions to governmental authorities and the public. Disclosure of information. Ang nais lang naman ipaglaban ng health advocates is kayong mga tobacco product sellers, distributors, companies, ligal naman ang pagbebenta niyo. Pinayagan naman kayo magbenta sa aming bansa, pero you must conform to regulation. You must disclose kung ano ang laman ng mga produkto niyo, para ma-regulate naman kayo. Dahil kung hindi kayo mare-regulate, paano naman ang mga kabataan, paano naman ang mga may edad na adik? Dahil nga may mga laman yan na nakakaadik at nakakasama sa katawan. Why in the world would we send a delegation that would prevent full disclosure of harmful ingredients in tobacco products, including vapes and ecigs? Why? Because we do not have the political will to fight against these tobacco companies. Nakakahiya. It's bad enough that these tobacco companies can get away with it, but it is even worse and unacceptable na sinasamahan pa sila, inimbita pa na sumama dito sa conference na ito. Ang sumasama dapat sa conference na ito, health advocates. Kung gusto naman ng tobacco companies na fair lang ang turing sa kanila, na makapagbenta sila, nakakapagbenta naman sila, eh. Regulation lang ang gusto natin. And sinamahan pa sila, holding hands pa sila ng ating government officials to attend this international conference. I have no words, Mr President. It is an embarrassment. According to the reports, the Philippines proposed a compromise option that further muddled the discussion and caused more delays. My God. My Lord. bakit ba kayo pinanganak at nagdala pa ng ganyang tao sa isang health conference na manggugulo lang. With no more time left to continue deliberations, this agenda item was deferred to COP11. Every delay is a win for the tobacco companies. Every delay is on the hands of our government officials who allowed it, who held hands with these people and allowed it and are probably cheering na na-accomplish nila yan. Babalik ko, ano ang na-accomplish nila? Ginulo nila yung mga debates, para yung simpleng requirement na ilista nila at i-submit nila yung ingredients na laman ng kanilang produkto, ibibigay nila hindi nila magawa, nanggulo pa sila. Dinelay pa nila. Dinamay pa nila yung buong mundo. Nakakahiya, Mr President. Former health secretaries Alexander Padilla and Esperanza Cabral have said that this is alarming and the Philippine delegation should take the dishonor as a wake-up call. Hindi lang wake up call, Mr President. Ikulong na yang mga taong yan. Budget pa tayo ng budget, our Chairman of the Committee on Health is here, budget pa tayo ng budget, debate pa tayo ng debate na increase yung budget ng healthcare, but on the other hand, sabay-sabay sumasakay ng eroplano at uma-attend ng health conference para guluhin yung health conference na yan at para i-dilute yung mga provisions na makakapagbigay lang naman ng information sa ating lahat. Kaya tuloy maraming naniniwalang nakakabuti sa kanila ang vapes. Kasi, hindi naman binibigyan ng public info, hindi pinapaalam sa public kung ano ang laman niyan. At ito, harap-harapan na ipaglalaban nila na itago yung information. Eleven former health and education officials have urged the Philippine representatives to the COP10 of the WHO FCTC to take a stand against e-cigarettes or vapes amidst an increase in use among the Filipino youth: Dr. Jaime Galvez Tan (DOH Secretary, 1995), Dr. Carmencita Reodica (DOH Secretary, 1996-1998), Dr. Manuel Dayrit (DOH Secretary, 2001-2005), Dr. Esperanza Cabral (DSWD Secretary 2005-2009 and DOH Secretary 2010), Dr. Paulyn Rosell Ubial (DOH Secretary, 2016-2017), Atty. Alexander Padilla (DOH Undersecretary, 2001-2009), Dr. Susan Mercado (DOH Undersecretary, 1998-2001), Dr. Madeleine Valera (DOH Undersecretary, 2012-2013); and former education department officials Bro. Armin Luistro (DepEd Secretary, 2010-2016), and Atty. Alberto Muyot (Deped Undersecretary, 2010-2016) I can only speak also for former Secretary Liling Briones because she had made statements about this in the past when I handled DepEd budget. The Philippines received its first Dirty Ashtray award at COP4 in 2010 but at least it was redeemed the next year and received an Orchid Award at COP5 when it excluded tobacco industry representatives from its delegation. Yun lang, Mr President, bakit ka naman magdadala ng delegation ng industriyang nire-regulate doon? Bakit? Dalhin niyo sa trade conference, walang problema. Pero bat mo dadalhin sa isang health conference tapos magpapadikta ka? Yan ang ginagawa po natin, Mr President. Nakakahiya. At COP9 in 2021, the Philippines was given three Dirty Ashtray awards. These awards are given to "companies and governments seen as peddlers of tobacco industry interests." So the Philippines is a peddler of tobacco industry interest. Nagtaka pa ba tayo? Why would we allow it? Wala tayong ginawa kundi ipaglaban ang ating mga kababayan, ipaglaban ang mga kabataan. But we allow government officials to do this right before our very eyes. Based on the studies collated by the Inquirer, the Vape Law that was supposed to curb tobacco smoking among adults and the youth is instead leading to a spike in the use of so-called alternatives, which experts said were as harmful, if not more harmful, than tobacco. In-depth research is showing that the law is insufficient and leading to a failure to adequately deter some tobacco and related products from ending up at the hands of young people. This flaw is fueling a growing trend of smoking and vape addiction among Filipino youth, and it is now coined "vapedemic" or the widespread use of vape. A study published online in the National Library of Medicine (NLM) summarized some of the warnings and worries aired by vape law critics in past years. The law, the researchers said, "not only legitimizes the use of vaping products but also lowers the age at which these can be accessed." The vape law allows access to tobacco, vapes, and e-cigarettes to 18-year-olds, when we had already passed a law pegging the age at 21. Despite regulations, a separate study by the Institute for Global Tobacco Control (IGTC) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health found ongoing sales and advertising of tobacco products near many schools in the Philippines. "There is ample evidence showing that tobacco companies employ various strategies to promote their products, aiming to attract the attention of children and young individuals" Renowned Filipino tobacco control advocate and Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) Executive Director Dr. Ulysses Dorotheo had described the then-vape bill as "a retrogressive bill in more ways than one." I will repeat, Mr President, the Vape Law, (RA 11900) overturned 3 protective measures that this representation fought for in the Sin Tax Law (RA 11467): Jurisdiction to regulate vapes and HTPs was transferred from FDA to DTI Lowered the minimum age of access from 21 to 18 years old Allowed more flavors instead of limiting it to plain tobacco and plain menthol Mr President, may I ask that we show again the slide? Historically, these industries used doctors or at least actors that looked like doctors to somehow promote that some cigarettes are healthier than others. This was done I think in the 1950s, 1960s. And time and again, I kept on saying that same lang naman ang playbook nila. They will still use whether it's doctors, meron pang dentista, nagsasalita pa sila sa mga conference na patago pero nalalaman naman natin, kino-convince ang ibang professionals na mag-shift sa vape. Hindi dapat mag-shift, dapat huwag nang manigarilyo at huwag din mag-vape. The tobacco industry is slimy, to say the least. Thay have a track record of avoiding regulation all over the world. In 2009, we passed the FDA Law which intended to cover all tobacco products and other products that have an effect on health. The industry filed a TRO on FDA issued regulations covering tobacco. We actually won this case after 10 years. The Supreme Court ruled that tobacco products affect health and therefore is under the jurisdiction of the FDA. But of course, nag-motion for reconsideration pa ang mga tobacco companies kasi ayaw na ayaw nila magpa-regulate. Hindi ko po kinakampihan ang FDA, marami ring pagkukulang ang FDA, but they do have the jurisdiction to regulate. Sila lang ang mga ability. Kung gusto natin galingan nila, it's either palitan natin yung head para mas magaling o bigyan natin ng pondo para mas maganda yung trabaho. But you cannot just give this jurisdiction to DTI, which is what we did, Mr. President. Mr. President, we have a public duty to protect public health. The loss of lives is immeasurable. The young people that may not reach their full potential because they die of tobacco and tobacco-related products, which includes vapes and ecigs, is real. We must aim to make better legislation which prepares us for the future, and we must aim to make these people who are passing on fake and downright incorrect information, and doing it in public, and protecting the tobacco companies, they must be held liable. For the record, these are the COP10 delegation: Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra from the Office of the President led the largest government delegation at COP10 with more than 30 officials and staff. Wow. Wow. malaman ko nga kung ano ang budget na pinadala natin sa WHO because in May, and I was a delegate to the WHO World Health Assembly, not at the expense of the Senate or the government, if I may be clear about it, but I was sponsored by WHO itself to talk about the fight that many of you have joined me with against these tobacco companies. So now, may 30 na pumunta doon, 30 na ginastusan pa na makarating doon: Congress Representative Rodante Marcoleta and his staff; Representatives from the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Department of Agriculture National Tobacco Administration Department of Trade and Industry Department of Foreign Affairs Department of Health Department of Education Department of the Interior and Local Government Food and Drug Administration In my humble opinion, talagang dapat mag-attend niyan Department of Health and Department of Education, kasi yan ang nangangalaga ng kalusugan natin and kapakanan ng kabataan natin. Sila, okay. Kung may isang dadating from the Office of the President, wala naman ho akong problema. Pero among these people, kasama pa ho dyan ang mga tobacco industry representatives. The Philippines sent the largest government delegation to the COP10. Wow. wow ganun ba tayo kayaman? Ganun ba ka importante sa atin na pagtakpan at tulungan ang tobacco industry na kailangan pa samahan ng government officials? Kaya pala magkakasakit na at mamamatay na ang kabataan natin because we don't care. We send our government officials to protect the tobacco industry. Madami pa akong pwedeng sabihin, Mr President. But I think I've said the most important issues. Sadly, the Philippines has received this Dirty Ashtray award, and two years in a row na. Ano to, buong administration, 6 years? Yan na lang ba paghahandaan ko? I would have actually attended, because I wanted to have a voice. But the way it works is the head of delegation is the only one who can speak. And you know very well, Mr President, they will not make me the head of delegation because I would never support the tobacco industry. So I hope, my dear colleagues, you can continue to support those of us who have been standing firmly to protect our youth against the evils of the tobacco industry. Thank you, Mr President. Roland Li covers commercial real estate for the business desk, focusing on the Bay Area office and retail sectors. He was previously a reporter at San Francisco Business Times, where he won one award from the California News Publishers Association and three from the National Association of Real Estate Editors. He is the author of Good Luck Have Fun: The Rise of eSports," a 2016 book on the history of the competitive video game industry. Before moving to the Bay Area in 2015, he studied and worked in New York. He freelanced for the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times and other local publications. His hobbies include swimming and urban photography. He can be reached at roland.li@sfchronicle.com. One of the nations largest Democratic organizations has asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court, which shifted to a liberal majority last year, to take up a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of several voting rules ahead of the states 2024 presidential election. The three matters targeted in the lawsuit are: Wisconsins requirement that returned absentee ballots must be accompanied by a valid witness signature; the Wisconsin Supreme Courts 2022 ruling that unmanned absentee ballot drop boxes are illegal; and state law setting an 8 p.m. Election Day deadline for when voters can cure or correct errors on their absentee ballots. The motion was filed by Elias Law Group on behalf of Priorities USA, one of the nations largest Democratic organizations, after a previous lawsuit was ultimately dismissed by a Dane County Circuit Court judge. The plaintiffs in the case argued the rules infringe upon the fundamental right to vote in violation of the Wisconsin Constitution. In her decision, Judge Ann Peacock ruled the lawsuit did not meet the high burden needed to find the voting rules cited in the lawsuit were unconstitutional. Peacock did not address the legality of absentee ballot drop boxes, noting she leaves any revisiting of that decision to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Elias Law Group later filed notice of an appeal to Peacocks ruling and last week issued a new request seeking to bypass the Wisconsin Court of Appeals and have the state Supreme Court take up the matter directly. Attorneys for Priorities USA write in the motion that bypassing the appellate court is appropriate because the case presents real and significant questions of state constitutional law. They continue in the motion that there is a clear need to hasten the ultimate appellate decision to resolve the applicable standards sufficiently in advance of the 2024 general election. Under a conservative majority, the state Supreme Court in 2022 ruled that absentee ballots must be delivered by mail or in person to a local clerks office or designated alternate site. The 4-3 ruling effectively barred the use of absentee ballot drop boxes, which were used in hundreds of communities across the state during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The states high court shifted to a liberal majority for the first time in more than a decade last year after Justice Janet Protasiewicz defeated conservative Dan Kelly. The state Supreme Court has not yet decided if it will take up Priorities USAs case. Today in history: Feb. 14 1876: Telephone 1912: Arizona 1924: IBM 1967: Aretha Franklin 1984: Stormie Jones 1989: Salman Rushdie 2013: Oscar Pistorius 2017: Pedro Hernandez 2018: Nikolas Cruz We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form You might not expect a region crammed with more than eight million people to have enough parkland for a seriously long hike. But this is the Bay Area. The only thing we love more than excellent food is making sure our forests and bluffs stay wild and open for everyone to enjoy. So take a hike, a really long one, and be grateful that almost anywhere you are in the Bay, theres a gorgeous (approximately) 10-mile trail less than a 30-minute drive away. These extra-long hikes are four of our local favorites. Lagoon, Julian, SCA + Miwok Trail, Marin Headlands (9.7-mile loop) (Shoshi Parks) Youve never seen the Golden Gate Bridge and the city that lies beyond look so jaw-droppingly beautiful as they do from this trail through the Marin Headlands. And those arent the only views in store on this massive loop, which begins next to the sharply breaking waves of Rodeo Beach. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Farallones as you drift over bluff and dale, and climb steep trails into the clouds. The AllTrails map will keep you on track as you transition from one trail to another with one minor exception: About a mile in, take the Smith Trail to cross Bunker Road and get on the Julian Trailinstead of the path they suggest, which no longer exists. For a moderately difficult 10-miler, this stunning route may be the Bay Areas best. // Rodeo Beach (Sausalito), parksconservancy.org Borden Hatch Mill, Purisima Creek, and Grabtown Gulch Trail, Purisima Creek Redwoods (9.5-mile loop) (Courtesy of @carbieq) This generously-sized hike in the Santa Cruz Mountains is everything aficionados of redwoods and banana slugs could ever want. With steep ridges crowned in giants, babbling brooks, and plenty of bizarre flora and fauna, its one of the few trails long enough to keep you moving through Californias most unique habitat for the better part of a day. But just because its serene doesnt mean it's easy. Youll gain some serious elevation2,280 feet to be exactover a 9.5-mile loop, more than enough to break a sweat even on cool, fog-drenched mornings. // Purisima Creek Rd. (Half Moon Bay), openspace.org Avenue of the Noble Giants, Joseph D. Grant County Park (10.9-mile loop) (Courtesy of @pozdeev293) If you make it past the first few miles of steep climbs, the Avenue of the Noble Giants will reward you with gently rolling emerald valleys (in winter at least) and the whole of the South Bay stretching out at your feet. A remarkably quiet trail, the chances of catching sight of wildlife like foxes, bobcats, and feral pigs are high here, and youll have just over 10 miles to figure out who exactly the trails namesake noble giants are. (The stately oaks on the trail? The mountain peaks in the distance? Your guess is as good as ours). // 18405 Mt. Hamilton Rd. (Mt. Hamilton), parks.sccgov.org Every Man a King by Walter Mosley This 2023 sequel to 2018s Down the River Unto the Sea, from the Edgar Awardwinning author known for his Easy Rawlins mystery series, again features unflappable investigator Joe King Oliver. Accepting a dangerous assignment from billionaire Roger Ferris to determine the guilt of a white nationalist jailed for murder (Ferris thinks the guys been set up), King looks for answers from the alleged perpetrators friends and enemies, each with an ax to grind. Black Cake Random House by Charmaine Wilkerson A familys complicated history begins to emerge after the death of matriarch Eleanor Bennett. When her two adult children, Byron and his sister, Benny, whove been estranged for years, travel to California upon her passing, Eleanors lawyer hands them an audio recording in which their Caribbean-born mother spins a remarkable story about a young swimmer named Covey and a tragic incident that changed the course of her life and the lives of others. She also tells her children she has baked a traditional Caribbean black cake, now in the freezer, and I want you to sit down together and share the cake when the time is right. Youll know when. Eventually, after receiving the shock of their lives, they do. A TV series based on the book is streaming on Hulu. HENRY HOLT AND CO. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead The first in a planned trilogy from Whitehead recipient of two Pulitzers, for The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys has a lighter tone than his previous weighty winners, but it racked up the kudos when it came out in 2021, including being named a finalist for the Kirkus Prize and the National Book Critics Circle Awards. The story is set in the late 50s and early 60s in New York City, where cash-strapped Ray Carney the son of a crook runs a struggling furniture store on Harlems 125th Street. Though hes trying his darndest to be an upstanding family man (hes only slightly bent when it [comes] to being crooked), Carney is lured into a criminal underworld by his cousin Freddie, who wants help fencing stolen loot after a planned heist. The sequel, Crook Manifesto, came out last July and is another wild romp, with Carney again trying (and failing) to stay legit in crime-ridden 1970s New York. G.P. Putnam's Sons The Prophets by Robert Jones Jr. This debut novel is a love story about two enslaved men, Isaiah and Samuel, whose devotion to each other leads to trouble on a brutally run Mississippi plantation. Voices of their African ancestors are woven throughout the book, Toni Morrisonstyle, with a complex mix of characters, including an older enslaved man, Amos, who embraces the plantation owners Christianity and becomes a preacher. This draws attention to whats viewed as a sinful kind of love between the two men, and the tension builds toward an inevitably violent reckoning. Entertainment Ancestry 30% off a 1-year subscription View Details See All See more Entertainment offers > {"hideCategory":false,"useAlternateLanguage":false,"headlineIconAltText":"","listItems":[{"categoryTitle":"Entertainment","categoryUrl":"/membership/benefits/entertainment/","categoryDeeplinkParam":"entertainment","isLimitedTimeOffer":false,"offerJson":{"dbr_offer_id":"b270af1fb49dd39e9cfbdbf986c1f0ed","source_name":"Ancestry","offer_title":"30% off an All Access or World Explorer Subscription","offer_description":"\u003cp\u003eMembers save 30% on the first year of an All Access or a World Explorer subscription and get access to records and online tools to search, save and share their family history.\u0026nbsp; If youre new to Ancestry, youll receive the discount on the first year of your subscription only. 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The provider\u0027s terms, conditions, and policies apply.","dbr_offer_type":"discount","restrictions":"\u003cp\u003eAARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs an AARP member, if you sign up for an Ancestry membership through a special AARP members-only offer, you agree to the \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.ancestry.com/cs/legal/termsandconditions#disputes\" data-overlay-msg\u003d\"AARP.Everywhere.LeavingModal.drawOverlay(this,\u0027\u0027,/mnt/overlay/wcm/core/content/sites/properties.html,\u0027\u0027,\u0027You are now leaving AARP.org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. 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The term dispute is intended to be as broad as legally permissible and includes, but is not limited to, all disputes between you and any other person on whose behalf you have interacted with Ancestry, on the one hand, and Ancestry, including any of its parents, subsidiaries, predecessors, successors, assigns, or affiliates, on the other, that arise out of or relate in any way to the Terms, this arbitration agreement, or your interactions or relationship with Ancestry, with the following three exceptions:\u003c/p\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003eYou and Ancestry shall each have the option to resolve any dispute, if it qualifies, in the small claims court with jurisdiction over your place of residence. To the extent any dispute involves claims for both (1) monetary damages or relief and (2) equitable or injunctive relief, to the extent the small claims court with jurisdiction will not resolve claims for equitable or injunctive relief, you and Ancestry shall each have the option to resolve the claims for monetary relief or damages in small claims court, and any claim for equitable or injunctive relief shall be resolved in arbitration pursuant to this agreement. \u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBoth you and Ancestry may bring a suit in court in the state of Utah only for a claim of infringement or other misuse of intellectual property rights. In this case, we both waive any right to a jury trial.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eIf it qualifies, you may bring a claim to the attention of a relevant federal, state, or local agency that may seek relief against us on your behalf.\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eArbitration Rules:\u003c/b\u003e This arbitration agreement is governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. 1 et seq.). Arbitration will be conducted by AAA in accordance with the then-applicable AAA rules, excluding any rules or procedures governing or permitting class actions. Where no disclosed claims or counterclaims exceed $25,000, the dispute shall be resolved by the submission of documents only/desk arbitration pursuant to AAA Consumer Arbitration Rule 29 (or the then-applicable AAA Consumer Arbitration Rule governing documents-only arbitration procedures). Either party may file dispositive motions in arbitration, including without limitation a motion to dismiss and/or a motion for summary judgment, and the arbitrator will apply the standards governing such motions under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The arbitrator, and not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve all disputes arising out of or relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this arbitration agreement, the Terms, or the \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.ancestry.com/cs/legal/privacystatement\"\u003eAncestry Privacy Statement\u003c/a\u003e, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this arbitration agreement, the Terms or Privacy Statement is void or voidable, whether a claim is subject to arbitration, or the question of waiver by litigation conduct. The arbitrator shall be empowered to grant whatever relief would be available in a court under law or in equity. The arbitrators award shall be written and shall be binding on the parties and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction.\u003cbr /\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo initiate an arbitration proceeding through AAA, you must send a certified letter describing your claim and requesting arbitration to Ancestry Legal Department, Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 1300 W Traverse Parkway, Lehi, UT 84043. You must also send a copy of this demand to the AAA at the same time the demand is sent to Ancestry and follow all required procedures under the then-applicable AAA rule governing starting an arbitration under an arbitration agreement in a contract. The arbitration will be conducted by AAA under its \u003ca href\u003d\"https://www.adr.org/Rules\"\u003erules\u003c/a\u003e, as modified by the Terms (collectively, \u0026quot;AAA Rules\u0026quot;). 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If no common name remains on the lists of all parties, AAA will furnish an additional list of nine (9) arbitrators from which the parties will strike alternately by telephone conference administered by AAA, with the claimant to strike first, until only one name remains. That person will be designated as the arbitrator. If the individual selected cannot serve, AAA will issue another list of nine (9) arbitrators and repeat the alternate striking selection process.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eArbitration may take place in the county where you reside at the time of filing. You and Ancestry further agree to submit to the personal jurisdiction of any federal or state court in San Francisco County, California in order to compel arbitration, to stay proceedings pending arbitration, or to confirm, modify, vacate, or enter judgment on the award entered by the arbitrator.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eFees: \u003c/b\u003eYou will be required to pay $200or the amount otherwise required under the then-applicable AAA rulesto initiate an arbitration against us. If the arbitrator finds the arbitration to be non-frivolous, Ancestry will pay all other fees invoiced by AAA, including filing fees and arbitrator and hearing expenses. You are responsible for your own attorneys fees unless the arbitration rules and/or applicable law provide otherwise.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eClass, Representative and Consolidated Action Waiver. \u003c/b\u003e There will be no right or authority for any dispute to be brought, heard or arbitrated as a class, representative and/or consolidated action (the \u003ci\u003eClass Action Waiver\u003c/i\u003e). Nor shall any arbitrator have the authority to hear or arbitrate any such dispute, regardless of any other language in this arbitration agreement, or any provision of any of the rules or procedures of the AAA that might otherwise apply including, without limitation, the AAA Supplemental Rules for Class Action Arbitration. This Class Action Waiver shall be severable from this arbitration agreement if there is a final judicial determination that the Class Action Waiver is invalid, unenforceable, unconscionable, void or voidable. In such instances, the class, representative or consolidated action must be litigated in the courts of the State of Utahnot in arbitration.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSeverability. \u003c/b\u003eOther than as set forth in the Class Action Waiver, if any provision of this arbitration agreement is adjudged to be invalid, unenforceable, unconscionable, void or voidable, in whole or in part, such adjudication will not affect the validity of the rest of the arbitration agreement. 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The focus of this novel is Gifty, a PhD candidate at Stanford studying reward-seeking behavior in mice, for reasons that soon become clear: Her brother, a star basketball player in high school, died of a drug overdose after a post-injury prescription for OxyContin led to opioid addiction. Her mother has been devastated ever since. Devoted to understanding the physiology of addiction, Gifty wrestles with the seeming incompatibility between her Christian upbringing and the fact-based world of science. (When a friend tells her, Religion is the opiate of the masses, Gifty brusquely responds, Opiates are the opiates of the masses.) Its a cerebral, absorbing novel with uncommon depth. Alaskapox, a recently identified virus known for causing skin lesions, claimed its first victim in an older man last month. With seven confirmed infections reported since 2015, public health officials are gathering more information about the virus spread and treatment. Heres what we know so far: What is Alaskapox? Alaskapox causes skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes and joint or muscle pain, which most patients initially mistake for a spider or other insect bite, according to the Alaska Division of Public Health. It is an orthopoxvirus, related to smallpox and mpox, both of which cause skin lesions. Nearly all patients had mild illness that cleared up on their own in a few weeks. Where does Alaskapox occur? The first recorded case of the virus occurred near Fairbanks, Alaska, in 2015. Since then, five additional cases occurred in the same area and a seventh case appeared about 300 miles south in the Kenai Peninsula. The virus has primarily affected small mammals, with confirmed cases in red-backed voles and shrews in the Fairbanks area. However, evidence suggests the virus may be present in other small animals throughout the state. Therefore, there may have been additional infections in humans that were never identified, the Alaska Division of Public Health suggests. How is Alaskapox transmitted? Health officials arent sure how the virus can move from animals to people. But they believe that contact with small mammals and potentially pets may play a role. The man who died from an Alaskapox infection lived alone in a wooded area and hadnt recently traveled. But he reported caring for a stray cat that hunted small mammals and often scratched the patient. He had one prominent scratch near his right armpit that occurred about a month before he showed signs of the illness. Although human-to-human transmission has not been recorded, we know that other othopoxviruses can spread by direct contact with lesions. What is the treatment process? The Alaska Division of Public Health doesnt have information publicly available on the treatment process. Antiviral drugs are typically prescribed for other orthopoxviruses such as smallpox and mpox. The older man infected with the virus received antiviral medication and antibodies, leading to a reduction in his rash. Despite this initial improvement, he later developed malnutrition and ultimately succumbed to kidney and respiratory failure. Are older adults more susceptible to severe illness? While it is not known whether some people are particularly susceptible to severe illness, the older man who died from an Alaskapox infection had a weakened immune system because of drugs he took for treating cancer. What should I do if I think I have Alaskapox? Speak with a health care provider and ask them to assess your symptoms. In the meantime, keep any lesions covered, refrain from touching them, and avoid sharing bedding or other linens with others. Providers who think they have a patient infected with the virus should contact the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at 907-269-8000 to facilitate testing and treatment. Ever gone on a fruitless search for the bodys erogenous zones? It might be time to venture beyond the usual go-to spots. Think of it as a game of sexploration. And hopefully the destination will introduce you to an entirely new happy place. So many people dont know the full playground of their own body, says Tameca Harris-Jackson, a sex educator with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists and a certified sex therapist. Many go straight for the obvious. Her advice? Get creative and play with the body in new ways. Here are nine body parts to pay attention to when getting your groove on. The brain. This might not be the sexiest part of the body to think about, but Harris-Jackson calls it the most important when what youre after is a satisfying intimate experience. Its also the place where you want to start. When we invite someone into our intimate space, what we start doing first is connecting with each other mentally feeling comfortable, feeling safe, she says. That happens by way of communication. Once our brains are OK with connecting intimately, Harris-Jackson says, then we can get to touch. Vulva. With women, Harris-Jackson suggests starting with the vulva, that fleshy area where the pubic hair grows, touching, caressing and kissing the outer and inner lips of the vaginal opening before proceeding to what she calls the prize: the clitoris. Its a very sensual way to help the body open up and help the person become much more receptive to having the highly charged clitoris massaged," adds Harris-Jackson, who is based in Altamonte Springs, Florida. The clitoris. This body part or what one can see of it looks like a small button, but beneath the skin on either side of the vaginal opening is a complex structure housing roughly get this 8,000 sensory nerve endings that affect over 50,000 nerves across the body when stimulated. Lonnie Manuma, a former community ambassador supervisor for nonprofit SF SAFEs crime prevention program, had several problems with getting paid by the organization and abruptly lost her job after it ceased operations amid a scandal involving misuse of public money. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle Mission District residents and businesses have clamored for help from City Hall over the past few years as the neighborhood struggled with a proliferation of unsheltered homeless people, open-air drug use and the rampant sale of stolen goods. The neighborhood turned to an approach thats been used downtown and in other areas of the city: Hire community ambassadors to calm the streets and make the neighborhood feel cleaner and safer. But less than a year after its start, the ambassadors are out of work and the program has fallen apart, the latest victim of San Francisco SAFE, a scandal-plagued crime prevention nonprofit thats now shuttered. Former employees and Supervisor Hillary Ronen said it was mismanaged and the program did not function well. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A decades-old organization with deep ties to the San Francisco Police Department, SF SAFE shut down after a city audit found misuse of public money for lavish expenses and after the board accused Executive Director Kyra Worthy of forging checks and draining the organization of all its money. Community groups and businesses across the city are struggling with unpaid bills they say the organization was supposed to cover, raising questions about where millions of dollars went. The district attorneys office is investigating. Worthy could not be reached for comment. A lawyer for the organization is no longer affiliated with it, and calls to board members were not returned. In the Mission, SF SAFE was granted $2.5 million by the city to hire and manage 16 community ambassadors with help from the Latino Task Force and other community groups to patrol Mission Street between 14th and Cesar Chavez streets 11 a.m.-8 p.m., seven days a week, paying special attention to the troubled Mission BART stations. The contract was due to expire June 30. In a letter to the city, the Latino Task Force said SF SAFE consistently deviated from proposed services and failed to reimburse our partner agencies to the tune of $625,000 for their yearlong contract. Meanwhile, former employees of the ambassador program in the Mission have been left reeling from an abrupt layoff with unanswered questions, thousands of dollars in unpaid work and lack of help finding new employment. On Jan. 24, the same day that the SF SAFE board of directors announced Worthy was fired, board chair Dan Lawson told Mission SAFE ambassadors that the organization had no money and would be unable to pay their wages, three former employees told the Chronicle. Lawson did not return multiple requests for comment. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Former employees Keith Hopkins and Lonnie Manuma told the Chronicle that the SF SAFE board also informed employees that they would not receive a check for paid time off, sick time and vacation time accrued, and encouraged them to file for unemployment. Since then, the employees have not gotten their W2 forms to do their tax returns in violation of the Jan. 31 federal deadline. Hopkins and Manuma also said that Mission SAFE did not properly train them to deal with the often dangerous situations they encountered on the streets. Manuma, a supervisor, said she received little training before working with ambassadors in the field and was overwhelmed by what she encountered on the streets. On one occasion, a man pulled a handgun from his backpack just feet away, threatening her, and she found the body of a man who had died from a drug overdose. I regret working there, Manuma said. Manuma told the Chronicle she experienced several panic attacks during her time at SAFE, but was given no mental health support. Hopkins said he was traumatized by his six months of work at Mission SAFE. Hopkins said he had no crisis prevention training but often broke up fights and dealt with belligerent unhoused people. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It was so unpredictable out there every time that you went on the street, Hopkins said. In all, Manuma and Hopkins said they are owed over $1,500 each for the work they performed in January, not including accrued paid time off. Manuma added that she was given a $250 check that bounced on Jan. 10. Former employees said that initially everyone at SF SAFE was paid or set to receive their wages through direct deposit. Manuma and Hopkins said that throughout their employment, they received paychecks from several different accounts and were never set up for direct deposit. Starr Miles, who worked as SF SAFEs operations manager, confirmed to the Chronicle that starting in September, she no longer received direct deposit payments and was instead paid with paper checks from the organizations various bank accounts. She said Worthy on several occasions paid employees with cashiers checks and, on one occasion, a Venmo transaction. Miles said she is still owed $6,000 for two months of work and is looking at her legal options. It really is awful, angering and makes me really upset, Miles said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a staff-wide email sent by the SF SAFE board of directors on Feb. 5 and obtained by the Chronicle, the board said that it was working toward finding resources to pay what salary is owed to you. ... Frankly and sadly there is no money, the email said. That does not mean we havent stopped searching. The Office of Economic and Workforce Development said in a statement it is encouraging any SF SAFE employees impacted by the nonprofits closure to reach out to the office and the Latino Task Force to be referred to workforce support services and other wrap-around resources. The statement said that complaints related to unpaid wages and other labor issues should be directed to the SF SAFE board and the citys Office of Labor Standards Enforcement. The workforce development office added that it is investigating what happened to payments to partners and employees. Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who represents the Mission, once praised the ambassadors as a turning point for the struggling neighborhood, but says the program wasnt working well, and she did not want to continue it. There wasnt real oversight or direction given to ambassadors by the organization, she said. Ronen said midway through the contract, the partnerships broke down and that it didnt feel like it was well-run anymore. She said she wants the city to ensure that theres a tighter mandate, a training schedule and a tighter relationship built between ambassadors and service providers. The whole thing is just really disappointing and very sad, Ronen said. San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott sought to defend his record leading the Police Department after Mark Farrell said he would be fired, should Farrell win the upcoming mayoral race. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle 2023 San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott was thrust into the center of the mayoral election this week when Mark Farrell, a former supervisor who is challenging Mayor London Breed in November, pledged to fire Scott. A spokesperson for Scott sought to defend the chiefs record Tuesday after Farrell, who served as the citys mayor for six months in 2018, officially announced his candidacy Tuesday and outlined his proposals, including hiring a new police chief. We need a new face of our Police Department someone who will lead the charge to revamp SFPD, someone who will fight with me to increase police budgets and articulate very clearly a zero tolerance policy for crime, Farrell said, though he conceded to the Chronicle the zero tolerance policy would largely be a messaging strategy. Under San Francisco law, the mayor can fire the police chief. The mayor, however, must hire a chief from a pool of candidates chosen by the citys Police Commission. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Scott, a former Los Angeles police deputy chief who has led San Franciscos department since then-Mayor Ed Lee appointed him in 2017, said through a spokesperson that he has turned the department into a model for reform while instituting strategies to curb crime. Chief Scott has proved that public safety can never be diminished as a price for reform. But rather, the reforms that he has instituted have made the city safer, spokesperson Evan Sernoffsky said in a statement. Sernoffsky didnt make Scott available for comment. Already, crime is at the center of the mayoral election, with Breed and her challengers focusing on their plans to address public safety concerns. Breed has already leaned into the issue, in recent years increasing SFPDs budget and trying to hire more police officers. She put a police measure on the ballot for next months election that would give officers more liberty to engage in vehicle pursuits and easier access to surveillance cameras and drones. The measure also aims to reduce the amount of time officers spend on paperwork and would place new restrictions on the Police Commission. Still, some critics say Breed has leaned too heavily into law enforcement, arguing shes restarted the failed war on drugs that disproportionately harmed communities of color and has used police to address public health crises like drug use and mental illness. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Tuesday, Breed stood by Scott, issuing a statement that praised him as leader in police reform and pointed to downward trends in crime, including car break-ins and retail theft. Breed added that Scott has worked collaboratively with District Attorney Brooke Jenkins and other local, state and federal agencies to tackle challenges across the city. That doesnt mean we dont have work to do in our city we do, Breed said. I know our SFPD police officers are doing the work every day and that Chief Scott is leading efforts to build on this progress. Farrell isnt the only candidate considering getting rid of Scott. Another high-profile mayoral candidate, Supervisor Ahsha Safai, told Mission Local in a Feb. 2 public interview that he would be open to firing Scott. Safai told the Chronicle on Tuesday that police chief would be one of the top positions under review if hes elected mayor, along with the leaders of the Municipal Transportation Agency and the public health department. Anyone thats been there for a significant amount of time has to believe its time to make change, Safai said, predicting that if you ask Chief Scott, he would tell you that this is his last year as chief. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Nonprofit founder Daniel Lurie, a Levi Strauss heir who is also running for mayor, was not ready to say whether he had confidence in Scott when asked by the Chronicle at a campaign event last month. I dont know Chief Scott well. From all accounts, I hear hes a very nice guy, Lurie said. Ive met him. I know him a little bit, but Id have to dig in. Breed has pointed to positive trends to help make the case that shes been aggressive in confronting crime. Reported crimes in San Francisco fell by 7% last year compared with 2022, but police data shows that decline was due to a big year-over-year drop in recorded property crimes, which are the vast majority of San Francisco crime reports. Violent crime increased about 3%. Experts interviewed by the Chronicle said its too soon to say for sure if Breeds policies were behind the drop in some crimes. The statement said Scott has implemented strategies to keep San Franciscos violent crime below the rates of cities of similar size. Sernoffsky said property crime was a challenge long before Scott was sworn in, but hes ramped up efforts in the past six months to curb crimes such as vehicle break-ins and retail theft. Scott helped secure $15.3 million in state funding that will pay for 400 automated license plate readers across the city, Sernoffsky said. As for the drug crisis, Scott and Breed have advocated for state and federal help and SFPD has worked closely with other agencies to address the problem in the Tenderloin and South of Market neighborhoods, though fatal drug overdoses hit a record high last year. Sernoffsky said Scott put the department on a national stage when the department began instituting reforms in the wake of a string of police shootings that led to the resignation of former Chief Greg Suhr. Many of the reforms aimed to prioritize community policing and reduce use of force by officers. The reforms came after city officials asked the U.S. Department of Justice to review the Police Department in 2016 after mounting community pressure, particularly after the 2015 police killing of Mario Woods. The death of Woods, who was Black, served as a local flash point in a national conversation about race and policing. Despite the reforms, recent reports show San Francisco police stop, search and use force on Black people at disproportionate rates when compared with other races. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A California Department of Justice report in 2020 criticized the city for moving too slowly in its reform efforts, noting however that use-of-force reports had dropped significantly. A follow-up state report in 2022 found the department had closed the gap and was in substantial compliance with 90% of the reforms it pledged to adopt. The department is on track to complete the additional reforms this year, Sernoffsky said. While the department faces a staffing shortage, like other agencies across the country, the department is on track this year to beef up its ranks. Sernoffsky said as of Tuesday, there were 60 recruits in the academy, with another class expected to begin in May. Farrell has also called for hiring more police officers and not cutting from any public safety departments budgets. Authored by Navanil Sengupta, Associate Director - Growth, Brand, and Communications, BlinkX by JM Financial. Through the chronicles of human history, typography has been a silent yet profound storyteller, weaving narratives across civilizations and leaving an indelible mark on culture and identity. Our journey begins in Mesopotamia, where ancient scribes etched intricate cuneiform characters onto clay tablets. Each wedge-shaped mark was a brushstroke in the storytelling of a civilization, conveying not only information but also serving as a symbol of cultural identitya precursor to the brand identity we recognize today. Move forward to the banks of the Nile, and the Egyptians master the art of hieroglyphics. The pictorial elegance of their custom typography speaks volumes about societal values and religious beliefs. Every symbol becomes a brushstroke in a visual symphony, creating an unmistakable identity for the Egyptian civilization. A slight spin of the globe and across the continents, one finds the Chinese calligraphy emerging as a revered art form. The brush dances on paper, creating characters that transcend mere communication; the strokes themselves hold meaning, reflecting a profound connection between language and art. As we journey to Medieval Europe, illuminated manuscripts come to the forefront. Monks meticulously craft ornate letters, adorned with intricate illustrations. The custom typography of this era not only conveys religious texts but transforms into a visual language, a testament to the craftsmanship of the time. Fast forward to the 15th century, and Gutenbergs printing press revolutionizes the way information is disseminated. Custom typography takes a leap forward as movable type allows for the mass production of books, marking the democratization of knowledge and paving the way for the branding of publications. With the rise of industrialization, custom typography finds a new canvas in the commercial world. Logos and brand names bear distinctive typefaces, becoming crucial elements of visual identity. Coca-Colas timeless script or the bold simplicity of the Nike swoosheach is a piece of custom typography etching itself into the collective consciousness. In the dynamic landscape of modern finance, especially in India, custom typography plays a pivotal role. As financial brands navigate the digital era, their visual identity becomes integral to building trust and recognition. Typography, carefully crafted, can convey stability, innovation, and cultural relevance. For a finance brand in India, custom typography becomes a bridge between tradition and modernity. Its not just about letters and fonts; its about communicating reliability and understanding the diverse cultural nuances. The visual language of a finance brand should resonate with the intricacies of Indias financial landscape, transcending linguistic barriers and creating a sense of familiarity for the investors. In the realm of finance, where trust is paramount, custom typography becomes the visual handshake. It communicates professionalism, establishes a unique brand identity, and, in the context of India, bridges the gap between technological innovation and cultural sensitivity. In a country where diverse linguistic landscapes shape financial decisions, the right typography becomes a silent but powerful communicator, ensuring that the brand speaks the language of its audience. From the cuneiform marks of Mesopotamia to the sophisticated typography of modern finance brands in India, the evolution is a testament to the enduring power of visual language. Custom typography is not just an aesthetic choice; its a strategic tool for building a brand identity that stands the test of time and resonates with the hearts and minds of the audience, especially in the intricate world of finance and investing in India. Hershey India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of The Hershey Company, a leading global Snacking and Confectionery Company and the largest producer of quality chocolates in North America, is back with the third edition of its flagship campaign, #YourForevers this Valentines Day with an AI powered element. Hershey Indias celebration of myriad relationships mirrors the vast assortment of chocolates the brand offers, such as HERSHEYS KISSES, HERSHEYS EXOTIC DARK and HERSHEYS BARS. In a move to make this Valentines Day even sweeter for consumers, Hershey India has launched a comprehensive 360-degree approach, unveiling a tantalizing array of new products including HERSHEYS KISSES CASHEWS, HERSHEYS EXOTIC DARK TURKISH HAZELNUTS - MOCHA AND CARAMEL FLAVOR and HERSHEYS BAR - DARK N RICH COFFEE FLAVOR. The new launches aim to extend the brands distinctive proposition of expressing affection between loved ones by creating special moments. Additionally, the brands campaign features an added element of personalization enabled by AI technology. The AI-powered campaign invites consumers to express feelings to their Forevers through an innovative and interactive experience which helps them create personalized dedications on the microsite (https://yourforevers.hersheyland.in/). Users can create and dedicate their proclamations by providing a few prompts, which will be transformed into a personalised Snap Song. The Snap Song will have a custom photo and lyrics created and sung using generative AI technology. The output will then be shared with users, allowing them to share the heartfelt creation with their Forevers. The brand has additionally partnered with leading storytelling platform Terribly Tiny Tales to showcase the dynamics of modern relationships through their highly acclaimed web show, Butterflies. The webisodes present a beautiful representation of love in myriad expressions, from the profound relationship between lovers to the cherished bond among friends. These heartwarming webisodes feature Ritwik Bhowmik and Reem Shaikh as the endearing couple who is about to tie the knot, celebrated TV Actor Asha Negi and Namita Dubey as friends who are trying to rekindle the magic of their past and Influencer Ashnoor Kaur, Harsh Gandhi and Arjun Deswal as best buddies on the verge of stepping into adulthood MSL, Publicis Groupes strategic communications and engagement firm, today announced the appointment of Pallavi Bahuguna as Senior Vice President and Head of MSLs North operations. Her appointment underscores the firm's commitment to enhancing its footprint in the region. Pallavi is responsible for further strengthening MSLs operations in the North region, and providing strategic counsel to MSLs clients in the technology and allied sectors at a national level. She will be a part of MSLs National Leadership Team. Pallavi is a seasoned communications professional with deep experience on both sides of the table, having spent two decades with marquee organizations and agencies. In her roles spanning diverse industries and geographies, she has deployed multi-channel communication and reputation management programs, strategic alliances, CSR initiatives and DE&I charters. In her most recent role, she was Director, Corporate Affairs and Communications at American Express, leading country level communication programs for consumers, colleagues and communities. Prior to that, she was associated with Coforgez (known as Coforge now) as the Global Communications Lead. In these roles, she led internal and external communication programs across all multiple stakeholder touchpoints. During her stints at Text100 (known as Archetype now), Integral PR and Weber Shandwick, she provided communication counsel to many leading brands in consumer lifestyle, technology, telecom and travel sectors. Amit Misra, CEO, MSL India, South Asia says, We are thrilled to have Pallavi onboard. With her outstanding credentials and multifaceted communication expertise, I am confident of her leadership skills. We understand our clients growing need for omni- and multi-channel communication and reputation management services, as well our internal need to consistently nurture the next line of leaders, and this strategic appointment will bridge both needs. Commenting on her appointment, Pallavi Bahuguna, Senior Vice President, MSL - North Lead, says, MSL has built a market leading reputation as a great place to work and it is my privilege to join the team to further strengthen its existing portfolio and create new growth opportunities. I am looking forward to partnering with my colleagues and leveraging my strategic communications experience to nurture our talent and provide client delight. News18 Bangla has launched a 360-degree ad campaign to highlight its dominance in the Bengali news segment. As part of the campaign, a full-page front jacket ad was released in all editions of Bartaman Newspaper on February 12. The bold and striking ad displayed the channel's remarkable performance and a 27.8 % lead over ABP Ananda. (Source: BARC, Weekly Cume Reach 000, Week 424, All India, TG 15+) All Day The multimedia campaign includes several out-of-home ads strategically placed in Kolkatas popular locations such as Park Street, Shyambazar Crossing, Ruby, Howrah and Sealdah stations, Dakshineswar Temple vicinity, Maa Flyover and Alipore Zoo, among others. The campaign has also been amplified across trade media platforms and promoted through branding placements in Kolkatas popular movie theatres. News18 Bangla's dominance in Bengali news has been further underscored by its achievement in the digital space. According to the digital viewership data by Comscore, bengali.news18.com has received 4.39 million unique visitors in the month of December 23, leaving behind competitors like Anandabazaar.com at 4.37 million, and ABP Live Bengali at 3.74 million unique visitors. (Source: Comscore MMX Multi-Platform, Unique Visitors (Mn). Custom-defined list of Bengali News/Information Publishers, Dec- 2023, India) According to Crowdtangle and SocialBlade, News18 Bangla has garnered the highest combined views on Facebook and YouTube. With a viewership of 235 million, the channel outperformed ABP Ananda, which achieved 205 million views, and R Bangla, which recorded 139 million views. (Source Crowdtangle and SocialBlade) As part of News18 Banglas efforts to deliver the fastest, most authentic, and relevant information, the channel has uplifted its programming with a renewed focus on highlighting local issues while bringing the national perspective to the audiences. News18 Banglas exhaustive coverage across diverse geographies in West Bengal has played a pivotal role in its success story. It reflects the channels commitment to delivering serious, inclusive journalism that resonates with viewers across the state. With this remarkable achievement, News18 Bangla continues to set benchmarks on both traditional and digital platforms, solidifying its position as the leading choice for Bengali news consumers. Urbn, the leading homegrown D2C charging solution brand has announced signing Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan as its brand ambassador. This move marks the next step in Urbns proposition of delivering the best charging solutions while remaining accessible and stylish to build a connection with users across all key markets. This partnership is more than just a collaboration; it's a commitment from Urbn to push boundaries and ride the wave of innovation that aligns perfectly with the younger generation. Urbn, today is known for its advanced technology and creative approach to seamlessly merging power solutions with our daily lives. Catering to the preferences of today's youth, Urbn emphasises the need for on-the-go charging while staying in style. As the brand ambassador, Kartik is a true blend of creativity, perpetual energy, and spontaneous creation. With his unique and relatable personality, Kartik is the ideal representative for Urbn, amplifying the brand's vision of making innovative and convenient products accessible to everyone. His vibrant and versatile persona will add charm to Urbns portfolio, extending across new product launches and campaigns. Additionally, Kartik will also be featured in a slew of commercials spread across Urbns social and digital media channels in coming months. Kartik Aaryan, Bollywood Actor & Brand Ambassador, Urbn said, As someone who is living out of a suitcase, hopping from one set to another, the struggle for an on-the-go charging buddy is real. While I strive for excellence in films, Urbn is leading the way in Indias charging needs that ensures people like me do not get stuck with a dead phone and stay juiced up. I am all powered-up to join Urbn and look forward to being a part of their growth journey. Sagar Gwallani, Founder & CEO, Urbn said, Urbn and Kartik Aaryan together forge a power-packed combination for our brand. His unique personality, coupled with Urbns dynamic approach, creates a synergy that will not only strengthen the brand perception but also connect authentically with our tech-savvy Gen-Z audience. We look forward to powering up the future together and making Urbn the number one charging solutions brand in India. Recently, Urbn also launched Ultra compact wireless Power Bank, MagTag and Worlds smallest Power Bank, Urbn Nano, marking a new milestone in the charging accessory industry. The brand's reliable charging solutions are widely available both online and offline, including at more than 200 Croma stores nationwide. Urbns products are made in India in its own manufacturing unit. Federal Office of Justice Bern, 14.02.2024 - Switzerland wants to play an even greater role in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes. Corinne Ciceron Buhler, Switzerlands ambassador to the Netherlands, signed the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention in The Hague on 14 February. It obliges states to provide mutual legal assistance in the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Convention closes a loophole in international criminal law to prevent the perpetrators of the worst crimes from going unpunished. On 26 May 2023, 53 states, including Switzerland, adopted the text of a multilateral convention on cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of crimes under international law in Ljubljana. In particular, the convention obliges states to explicitly criminalise all crimes under international law and to provide mutual legal assistance in the investigation and prosecution of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. In the area of international criminal law, universal jurisdiction is also to apply among the contracting states, meaning that any state party has jurisdiction to prosecute international crimes regardless of whether the state has a direct connection with the crime or not. Convention closes loophole in the investigation and prosecution of international crimes In the case of international crimes, the alleged perpetrators, victims, witnesses or evidence are often located in several countries. Exchanging information is therefore particularly important to investigating and prosecuting such crimes. The Ljubljana-The Hague Convention is the first multinational instrument regulating intergovernmental cooperation in the prosecution of international crimes. In signing the agreement, Switzerland is helping to close a current loophole in the law on international criminal prosecution. It will prevent the perpetrators of the worst crimes from going unpunished. Corinne Ciceron Buhler, Swiss Ambassador to the Netherlands, signed the Ljubljana-The Haag Convention in The Hague on 14 February. There is no need for Switzerland to enact further legislation as a result. The content of the Convention corresponds to Swiss mutual legal assistance law as well as several international mutual legal assistance conventions to which Switzerland is already party. The Ljubljana-The Hague Convention must be approved by Parliament before it can be ratified and come into force. Address for enquiries Maha Meier, Federal Office of Justice, T +41 58 462 96 91, maha.meier@bj.admin.ch Publisher Federal Office of Justice http://www.bj.admin.ch Ricardo Cano covers transportation for The San Francisco Chronicle. Before joining The Chronicle in 2021, he covered K-12 education at CalMatters based in Sacramento and at The Arizona Republic in Phoenix as the newspapers education reporter. He received his bachelors degree in journalism at Fresno State. He can be reached at ricardo.cano@sfchronicle.com. The Federal Council Bern, 14.02.2024 - At its meeting on 14 February 2024, the Federal Council submitted its dispatch to the Swiss Parliament on the agreement between Switzerland and the United Kingdom on the mutual recognition of professional qualifications. The agreement enables citizens of both countries to take up employment in regulated professional activities. Swiss professionals and companies benefit from the agreement as it will enable them to continue offering their services in the United Kingdom. This agreement between Switzerland and the UK covers the mutual recognition of professional qualifications and replaces the transitional arrangement that was reached when the UK left the EU, which will remain in place until 31 December 2024. The dispatch also provides for a delegation of powers to the Federal Council, which should enable the Federal Council to enter into additional agreements on the recognition of professional qualifications for most regulated professions in the future. Encouraging the international recognition of Swiss professional qualifications is one of the stated objectives of the Federal Council's international strategy for education, research and innovation. In order to reach this objective, additional mutual recognition agreements are needed to cover qualifications awarded in countries whose education system is comparable to Switzerland's. As the agreement with the United Kingdom is likely to be subject to a referendum, it and the associated legislative amendments will not come into force before January 2025. At its meeting on 9 June 2023, the Federal Council authorised the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research (EAER) to sign the bilateral agreement with the United Kingdom. It also decided to initiate consultation for this agreement and proposed legislative amendments. During the consultation round, which continued until 6 October 2023, there was majority support for both the agreement and proposed legislative amendments. Address for enquiries GS-EAER Communication Service, info@gs-wbf.admin.ch +41 58 462 20 07 Publisher The Federal Council https://www.admin.ch/gov/en/start.html Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research http://www.wbf.admin.ch Alabama lawmakers are discussing accountability measures for private schools that accept education savings accounts -- and how much a new school choice option can and should cost. During the first public hearing of Gov. Kay Iveys school choice bill, called the CHOOSE Act, during the Senate education budget committee meeting Wednesday morning in Montgomery, officials questioned the $100 million cost and the lack of a fair and comparable measure of public and private schools. Committee Chair Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, said lawmakers are still working to address concerns around the lack of a cap on the amount that will be available for ESAs and the lack of a triggering mechanism that would say when that cap increases. Iveys education policy chief Nick Moore answered questions from Democrats on the committee about the lack of a cap and the lack of comparable assessments between public and private schools. Moore told lawmakers that in order for private schools to use the states test, called ACAP, and for that measure to be a fair comparison, private schools would have to change their standards and curriculum to match what Alabama public schools teach. So the true comparison of apples to apples, Moore said, is to make sure that a school has an assessment thats aligned to their standards. Alabama currently does not have any authority to regulate or tell private schools what to teach. But using a comparable test is important to school superintendents, opponent Ashley McLain said. From a superintendents perspective, she said, the reason that thats so important is we are constantly being attacked on our academic performance. Private schools should be required to either give the ACAP or at the least, post their test scores publicly, she added. If competition breeds improvement, which is what school choice proponents claim, she said, then we need to know that were in a head to head [with private schools] and what does that look like when were making that comparison? We cant do that if we dont know what their test scores are. McLain was one of five opponents who spoke against the bill. Terry Lathan, former chair of the Alabama Republican party, was one of four people who spoke in support of the bill. Its about a parents choice with their dollars that we all pitch in, she said. Government does not make money. It disseminates money to decide what their student needs. Orr said hell bring a substitute bill for the committee to consider next week. Musical theater fans will want to mark their calendars for the new season of Broadway in Birmingham. Six national touring productions are on the agenda for the 2024-2025 series, from classics such as Les Miserables and Chicago to more recent shows such as Beetlejuice and Six. All shows will be presented by the American Theatre Guild at the BJCC Concert Hall, which is part of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex downtown. The concert hall, which seats about 3,000 people, is off 11th Avenue North, between 19th and 22nd streets North. Heres the full schedule announced on Wednesday by the American Theatre Guild: Kailin Brown, center, as Velma Kelly, with other cast members of a national touring production of "Chicago,"(Courtesy photo/Jeremy Daniel) Chicago made its debut on Broadway in 1975, with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Ebb and Bob Fosse (who also choreographed and directed the show). A 1996 revival upped the musicals fame in a major way, winning six Tony Awards and turning the show into a mega-hit that continues its run on Broadway. (Chicago is currently playing at the Ambassador Theatre.) Chicago is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history, according to Playbill, and the second longest-running Broadway production ever, bested only by Phantom of the Opera. The shows fame has increased via revivals, national tours, regional productions and a 2002 movie version that won six Academy Awards. Heres the storyline, as described on the website for the national tour: Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, Chicago is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicagos slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from todays tabloids. The national tour of "Annie" includes classic songs such as "It's the Hard Knock Life." (Courtesy photo/Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade) This iconic musical featuring music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan was based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie. The original Broadway production opened in 1977 and ran for nearly six years, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical. Revivals, national tours, regional productions and a movie franchise have increased the shows fame over the years. Heres how Playbill describes the storyline: A spunky orphan girl finds a home with a New York millionaire during the Depression, but must dodge the clutches of her evil orphanage mistress. The touring production includes well-known songs such as Its the Hard Knock Life, Tomorrow and Youre Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile. Terica Marie, center, as Anna of Cleves in a national tour of "Six."(Courtesy photo/Joan Marcus) This musical with music, book, and lyrics by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss offers a modern twist on the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, as told by the women in a no-holds-barred pop concert. Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr take turns describing the wrongs they faced from the British king, via songs such as Dont Lose Ur Head, Heart of Stone, Ex-Wives and I Dont Need Your Love. But the characters here arent presented as historical victims; theyre empowered queens engaged in a competitive sing-off. Six opened on Broadway in 2021 and continues its run at the Lena Horne Theatre. The show won two Tony Awards in 2022, including Best Original Score. The cast of "Les Miserables" on a national tour.(Courtesy photo/Evan Zimmerman) The original Broadway production of Les Mis was a long-running sensation, opening in 1987 and closing in 2003 after 6,680 performances and eight Tony wins. The musical has continued to be a popular sensation over the years, via national tours, concert productions, a 2012 movie version and more. This revival of the show, presented by producer Cameron Mackintosh, features songs such as I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master of the House and more. Everything about Les Miserables is epic, Alec Harvey said in a 2014 review for AL.com. Based on the Victor Hugo classic, the tale of life and death, love and loss, right and wrong and revolution in France covers much of the 19th century. The score the show is sung-through, with very little dialogue is sweeping and operatic. READ: 25 things to know about Les Miserables The cast of the musical "Beetlejuice" on a national tour.(Courtesy photo) Based on Tim Burtons 1988 movie, the stage version of Beetlejuice features music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect and a book by Scott Brown and Anthony King. The musical opened on Broadway in April 2018, closed in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic and reopened on Broadway for a run in 2022-2023. Based on Tim Burtons dearly beloved film, Beetlejuice tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes, the shows website says. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set and a score thats out of this Netherworld. Alabama audiences may feel a special connection to Beetlejuice via the movie version. One of the characters in Burtons film, interior designer Otho Fenlock, was played by Birmingham actor Glenn Shadix (1952-2010). On the tour, Abe Goldfarb has the role of Otho. Karis Anderson as Tina Turner in a national tour of "TINA: The Tina Turner Musical."(Courtesy photo/Manuel Harlan) This jukebox musical focuses on the life and career of rock legend Tina Turner, and includes hit songs such as Private Dancer, Proud Mary, Shake a Tail Feather, Nutbush City Limits, River Deep Mountain High and Whats Love Got to Do with It? Written by Katori Hall and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, Tina ran on Broadway from 2019 to 2022. From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into the global Queen of Rock n Roll, Tina Turner didnt just break the rules, she rewrote them, the shows website says. This new hit stage musical, presented in association with Tina Turner herself, reveals the untold story of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of her age, gender and race. Season tickets for Broadway in Birmingham are available now, priced at $285-$649 for all six shows. Visit the American Theatre Guild website or call 1-800-776-7469 for more info. Prices for individual tickets for each show havent been announced, and on-sale dates for single tickets havent been confirmed. Single tickets for Broadway in Birmingham typically are sold through Ticketmaster. Broadway in Birmingham is an annual visitor to the city and currently is presenting its 2023-2024 season. Two shows remain on the agenda this year: Hadestown (March 19-24) and Pretty Woman (April 30-May 5). One standout in the current series was the national tour of To Kill a Mockingbird, which played eight performances here, Nov. 14-19, 2023, with a cast that included Richard Thomas as Atticus Finch and Mary Badham as Mrs. DuBose. READ: Richard Thomas on To Kill a Mockingbird tour: To do it in the South is absolutely thrilling In recent years, Broadway in Birmingham also has presented shows such as Hamilton, Come From Away, Kinky Boots, The Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King and The Book of Mormon. A 16-year-old Mississippi coast resident was shot and killed in a dispute over $10 for a vape pen, according to police in Gulfport, Miss. Police responded to the scene of a reported shooting Monday about 2:20 a.m., where they discovered the body of 16-year-old Zaelyn Braxton in the doorway of a home. He was pronounced dead at the scene from apparent multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Tuesday, police arrested 18-year-old Elijah Lamar Eckford and charged him with 2nd-degree murder. Investigators told the outlet Braxton and Eckford had gotten into an argument over $10 for a vape pen before Eckford shot Braxton several times and fled the scene in a vehicle driven by 21-year-old Taishawn Rashaud Holloway. Holloway, police said, drove Eckford to Braxtons location, waited for the sound of gunshots, then returned to the scene to drive Eckford away. Holloway has been charged with accessory after the fact. A third person in the vehicle was charged with marijuana possession. Eckford and Holloway remained in the Harrison County Adult Detention Center as of Wednesday afternoon. According to WLOX, Eckford had been enrolled in the Before the Bullet -- a youth development mentorship program run by the Gulfport Police Department in which police try to provide positive guidance for at-risk youth. If convicted, Eckford could face life in prison if a jury supports that sentence through a separate proceeding. If the jury declines to impose a life sentence, he faces a sentence of 20-40 years in a state penitentiary. Boaz police have arrested two women after investigators say a woman drove over her own child with her car in the act of punishing him. Sarai Rachel James, 27, has been charged with aggravated child abuse in connection with the incident that happened Feb. 9, according to court documents. She was released from Marshall County Jail on $50,000 bond. A 53-year-old woman, who police say was in the vehicle at the time, was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, and was released on $500 bond. According to police, James picked up her seven-year-old son from school and learned from the principal that he had gotten into trouble that day. Investigators say a short distance from the school, James stopped her vehicle and made the boy get out, telling him he had to walk or run the rest of the way to their home, approximately eight blocks from the school. According to police, the boy attempted to grab the door handle of the car, but the mother accelerated, pulling the boy under the vehicle and running over him with the rear tire. The child was transported to UAB by ambulance with abrasions. It was a miracle he was not hurt worse than what he could have been, Police Chief Michael Abercrombie said. According to court documents, James cannot have any contact with her son. An attorney representing the publisher and a reporter at The Atmore News is requesting a judge dismiss charges that the two violated the states grand jury secrecy law for a story printed in the publication last fall. In separate but similar motions filed on Monday and Tuesday, attorney Cierra White requests Judge Ben Fuller dismiss charges that the two allegedly revealed evidence presented to a grand jury. The filing notes that neither journalist was a participant in a grand jury proceeding. Reporter Donald Fletcher, 69, and Sherry Digmon, 73, face two counts each of violating the states grand jury secrecy law. Each count is a felony punishable by up to three years in prison. The lawsuit stems from an Oct. 25 story that contained information related to an investigation overseen by Escambia County District Attorney Stephen Billy. The motion claims that in prosecuting the journalists, the State of Alabama is in violation of the First Amendment. A status hearing is set for 9 a.m. on Feb. 26 at the Escambia County Courthouse in Brewton. Atmore News reporter Don Fletcher observes the Escambia County School Board meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atmore, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com The case has thrust the tiny southeastern Alabama town of Atmore into the national spotlight, with free-press advocates claiming Billy is pursuing unconstitutional charges aimed at silencing journalists. Billy, who did not respond to a request to comment, has not provided a public statement as to why he is pursuing the original charges were filed in early November. An attorney with the White & White law firm in Brewton, which is handling the cases, did not return a call for comment. Dennis Bailey, an attorney with the Alabama Press Association, said the attorneys are correct in their reasoning behind their motion to dismiss. The seven-page motion cites numerous cases in which federal courts have upheld a journalists right to publish, even if a case involves confidential records. Among the cases cited in the filing is the 1978 Supreme Court decision in Landmark Communications Inc. v. Virginia, in which the high court held it unconstitutional for the state to convict a newspaper publisher for violating a Virginia state law that made it a crime to divulge information of a confidential proceeding. The Virginia case involved confidential information before a state judicial review commission that hears cases about a judges misconduct. The original lawsuit was based on a newspaper article that named the judge who was under investigation for misconduct. In the (Escambia County) case, the State of Alabama is seeking to punish the publication of information relating to alleged governmental misconduct, speech which has traditionally been recognized as lying at the core of the First Amendment, the filing states. The article published by Atmore News, like the publisher in Landmark Communications, provided accurate information and, in doing so, clearly served those interests in public scrutiny and discussion of governmental affairs which the First Amendment was adopted to protect. Said Bailey, it seems they are making the right arguments, citing the right decisions to support dismissal of the complaint. The lawsuit is part of an unfolding set of actions within the Escambia County School System that began in mid-October with a controversial 4-3 vote to not renew former Superintendent Michele McClungs contract, originally set to expire in June 2024. The vote came during a meeting in which Billy was among those who voiced dissatisfaction over having McClung dismissed. Escambia County School Superintendent Michele McClung at the school board's meeting on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, in Brewton, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com The board remained splintered in December over McClung when her contractual buyout came up for a vote but ended up approving the buyout. Four board members who advocated for McClungs removal provided few comments about their concerns with her performance, while three board members were vocal supporters for retaining her at a time that the school systems annual report card showed improvement. Former assistance Superintendent Michele Collier has since replaced McClung. The terms of McClungs buyout were not available in December, and the Escambia County School System has refused to release the details. Kirkman Garrett, an attorney representing the school system, declined an AL.com request for details about the buyouts terms by simply saying a records request does not comply by Alabama laws. Digmon isnt the only board member facing criminal charges. Board vice-president Cynthia Jackson is also facing a count of violating the grand jury secrecy law, though its unclear when her case might get heard before a judge. Also charged is 48-year-old Ashley Fore of Brewton, a bookkeeper at the school system. Fore was charged with allegedly revealing grand jury evidence to the media. Her case is also up for consideration on Feb. 26. Digmon also faces additional charges including an ethics offense for using her public position for personal gain. She is also facing an impeachment charge, which aims to removed her from her school board seat. Digmon could be the first local school board member impeached in Alabama in 17 years. Sally Smith, president of the Alabama Association of School Boards, confirmed that their legal assistance fund is supporting Digmon only in her impeachment case as it relates to the School Board Governance Improvement Act. The assistance, Smith said, is limited to providing legal research and assistance. Escambia County District Attorney Steve Billy speaks with the parents of Superintendent Michele McClung during a break at the Escambia County School Board's meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, in Atmore, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com Smith blasted Billy in early November for supporting a weaponization of Alabama law by charging Digmon with an impeachment offense. The indictment accuses Digmon of violating the School Board Governance Improvement Act of 2021, that establishes training requirements, and accountability measures for all local school board members. Smith, at the time, called the charge the most outlandish situation shes seen of outside influence in a school board matter in her almost 37 years. Under the indictment, Digmon is accused -- among other things -- of ignoring all the positive things that McClung had accomplished since her hiring in 2021. McClung, in December, highlighted improvements in the school systems report card. Digmon was one of the four school board members to vote to not renew McClungs contract. By ignoring McClungs record, Digmons decision was made contrary to her oath and the provisions of the School Board Governance Improvement Act of 2012, the filling by Billy in November stated. The impeachment indictment also accuses Digmon of violating her duty as an elected school board member by refusing to publish articles which promoted the school system and the superintendent, which were written by a contract writer of the school system. Digmon also never abstained from voting to approve payments to her own business while serving on the school board, according to the indictment. Board member Mike Edwards told AL.com in December that part of the controversy stems over the handling of the countys accounting system which he claimed was being used by a previous superintendent to hide corruption and mismanagement. Edwards claimed that Digmon demanded money from the previous superintendent and CFO to support her newspaper, in the amount of $800 a month for an undetermined period. He also said that Digmon and Jackson were part of a propaganda campaign against McClung in fabricated untruths they shared against the county. Media law and ethics experts, following the filing of the charges, blasted the District Attorneys decision to levy charges against journalists for publishing what they said was leaked material. Digmon and Fletchers story has caught the attention from free press advocates nationwide. The two have been invited to speak about their experiences at this years Reva & David Logan Symposium on Investigative Reporting, April 19-21, at University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), according to a story published Wednesday in The Atmore News. Digmon, according to the story, declined the invitation. Since our first court date is not until the end of this month and we dont know how long well be involved in legal proceedings beyond that, we must regretfully decline the invitation, she wrote in a letter to the director of operations at the UC Berkeley Investigative Reporting Program, according to the story. Again, let me say Mr. Fletcher and I are honored. Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) President DeJuana Thompson encourages residents to stop in for an unforgettable learning experience not just this month, but every month of the year. In her Q&A with the Lede this week, Thompson discussed how the BCRI is focusing in on this years Black History Month theme African Americans and the Arts and what they have in store for the rest of the year. Alabamas own Conecuh Sausage is opening a $58 million production facility - its second in the state - creating 110 jobs in Andalusia. The Covington County site won out over several possible construction sites in the Midwest, according to the company. Conecuh Sausage is a landmark homegrown brand, and I am thrilled to see that the company continues to grow and thrive right here in Sweet Home Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey said in an announcement. This growth project will allow Conecuh Sausage to extend the reach of its brand and put its distinctive Alabama flavors in even more kitchens. Founded in Evergreen in 1947, the family-owned Conecuh Sausage brand is available in grocery stores, national retailers, and at the companys online store and Gift Store. President John Crum Sessions, and his son, John Henry Sessions, said the addition of a second production facility will allow the company to pursue its long-term goals. We are eager to join the Andalusia community and add jobs and growth to the local economy while remaining in the State of Alabama, the two said in a statement. We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand our production facilities and increase distribution to serve our loyal customers. Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said the project positions the company for sustained growth while also generating a significant economic impact in the Andalusia area. The facility will create 110 jobs in Andalusia. Skellerup announced today unaudited net profit after tax of $21.6 million for the six months ended 31 December 2023, a decrease of 6% on the prior comparative period (pcp). Key points for the six months ending 31 December 2023 Revenue of $157.5 million, down 5% on prior comparative period (pcp) Earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of $31.6 million, down 6% on pcp Industrial Division EBIT of $22.9 million, a record result up 7% on pcp Agri Division EBIT of $11.9 million, down 19% on pcp Corporate costs of $3.1 million, up $0.6 million on pcp Net profit after tax (NPAT) of $21.6 million, down 6% on pcp Operating cash flow of $36.5 million, a record result up 81% on pcp Net debt of $26.4 million, down $12.6 million on the prior half year Interim dividend of 8.5 cents per share (an increase of 0.5 cps), up 6% on pcp FY24 NPAT expected to be similar to the prior year record result David Mair stepping down as CEO on 31 March 2024 (whilst remaining on the Board). Graham Leaming appointed as CEO David Mair commented. The first half of FY24 produced mixed results. Our Industrial Division achieved another record half year result and the fifth consecutive increase in half year earnings. Our Agri Division suffered from an unexpectedly prolonged destocking programme in international markets. Despite the contrasting outcomes, the focus for both Divisions is the same. Our strategy and priority are to work closely with customers, not only to meet their current needs for existing products but also to understand future needs, to ensure our development efforts are customer-led. We also continue to standardise and improve processes. Skellerups Industrial Division achieved a record EBIT of $22.9 million, up 7% on pcp. Growth from increased sales into water (potable and waste), hygiene and mining applications were partially offset by lower sales into leisure and roofing applications. Potable and wastewater products for OEM customers is core business for Skellerup, and we continue to win business with existing and new customers. We achieved expected strong growth in the hygiene market supporting a major customers new product launch. Sales for marine foam in international markets were down as expected with customers adjusting inventories reflecting a softer market and our improved lead times. Weaker construction activity in Australia reduced demand for our roofing products, although this was partially offset by growth in North America. Overall margins were up reflecting improvements on existing products and higher margin new products. Skellerups Agri Division EBIT of $11.9 million, was down 19% on pcp. Mair noted, Dairy sales were softer than we anticipated as international customers reduced purchases to lower inventory. With many of these customers having calendar fiscal years this activity continued right through the first half. Pleasingly, we have experienced a larger than normal uplift following Christmas, and forward orders continue to be strong. We have continued to improve our processes and invest in new and improved equipment to improve productivity and reduce waste. Because of these improvements, investments, and the lower demand, we incurred restructuring costs of NZD 0.6 million in the first half. Footwear sales were solid, despite drier weather in NZ than we experienced in the pcp. A continued focus on gradually reducing inventory closer to levels needed and good management of receivables helped generate a significant increase in operating cash flow to $36.5 million up 81% on pcp. Consequently, net debt remains low at $26.4 million well below pcp and slightly below the June 2023 year end position. Mair said In the prior period, we were still building inventory to mitigate raw material shortages and elongated shipping timeframes. Over the past 12 months we have been gradually reducing levels whilst managing the impact of abrupt changes on our manufacturing partners. Skellerup updated expectations for FY24. Mair said Our business remains robust, and we expect some of the first half headwinds of customers reducing inventory used in dairy and leisure applications will abate. The global environment including the impact this is having on ocean transit times continues to make forecasting future results difficult. However, based on our YTD results and our expectations of trading conditions and customer demand for the rest of the year, we expect FY24 NPAT to be similar to the prior year record result. Our strategy of working closely with customers to provide engineered products that assure performance remains our focus to deliver sustainable earnings growth. Chair John Strowger said the first half result, and expectations for the full year, allowed the Board to declare a 6% increase in the interim dividend to 8.5 cents per share, imputed 50% (the same level as in the pcp). The dividend will be paid on 14 March 2024 to shareholders of record at 5pm on 01 March 2024. At the ASM in October 2023, I commented that at Skellerup we are in for the long haul noting we have a history of quiet achievement, represented by incremental (and sustainable) rather than flashy growth. The interim dividend reflects the Boards confidence that Skellerup will continue to perform in this manner. David Mair will step down as CEO on 31 March 2024. Mair joined the Skellerup Board in November 2006, was appointed as acting CEO in July 2010 before taking on the CEO role on a permanent basis in July 2011. Mair will continue to serve as a director of Skellerup and along with Paul Shearer will lead a special project initiative with management to progress our in-market capabilities. Graham Leaming has been appointed as CEO to replace Mair. Leaming joined Skellerup as CFO in December 2012. Tim Runnalls (who joined Skellerup as Group Financial Controller in March 2021) has been appointed as CFO, to fill the vacancy arising from Leamings appointment. Reflecting on the change, Strowger noted David has been an outstanding CEO. Over the almost 14-year period he has been in the role, Skellerups annual earnings have grown by more than 400%. Shareholders have been well rewarded by Davids expertise, leadership and relentless drive for growth and improvement. Customer-focused development, continuous operational improvement and careful allocation of financial and human capital are key elements David has instilled into Skellerup. His success has rightly been recognised over recent years, and whilst I have previously remarked that our growth and performance are through the contribution of many, they have been expertly enabled and led by David. With David continuing as a director, Skellerup, and therefore shareholders, will continue to benefit from his skills and knowledge. We are very pleased to have Graham step up to CEO. Graham joined Skellerup as CFO in December 2012, and is a proven performer, leading a broad range of commercial functions delivering great value for Skellerup over the past 11 years. Together David and Graham have been a formidable team. We are very confident that Graham will be a strong and successful leader for Skellerup backed by a strong team with a passion and capability to continue to deliver great products for customers and sustainable earnings growth for shareholders. A presentation by management will be held by webinar at 10.00 am NZ time today. Webinar details are provided in the attached document. For further information please contact: David Mair Chief Executive Officer 021 708 021 Graham Leaming Chief Financial Officer 021 271 9206 John Strowger Chairman 027 478 1854 Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. 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Related News: SKC - APPOINTMENT OF CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER NWF - Chief Executive Officer Warren Koia Resignation March 18th Morning Report Pacific Edge Directors Give Notice of Retirement Meridian Energy monthly operating report for February 2024 Another unworkable farming rule bites the dust March 14th Morning Report TRU - Truscreen Additional Placement Government's employment relations priorities a welcome step in the right direction says EMA New Synlait & Nestle co-investment partnership The Equal Justice Initiative has unveiled a new statue honoring Rosa Parks the first in a series of statues that will pay homage to icons of the Civil Rights Movement in Montgomery. I just think its amazing that Montgomery has produced such extraordinary people who have had such a profound impact all over the world, said Bryan Stevenson, executive director of EJI speaking at the unveiling on Wednesday. We are not a huge city, but when you think about the contributions that people from this community have made, were an extraordinary city. Parks, an Alabama native, refused to give up her bus seat to a white man in 1955 and was arrested. Though she was not the first person to be arrested, her case inspired the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which lasted for more than a year and eventually forced the end of segregation ordinances. The statue, located in Legacy Plaza, next to EJIs Legacy Museum, portrays a seated Parks. The plaza is a gathering place that showcases art and gives visitors a place to reflect after a visit to the museum, which tells the story of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and how it continues to influence the way Black Americans are treated in the justice system and in society. This Black History month, on Valentines Day, there are many of us who want to express our love, appreciation and gratitude to Mrs. Rosa Parks whose extraordinary leadership inspired the whole world. As someone who had the privilege of spending time with Mrs. Parks, I can affirm that she had the kind of power and conviction that could absolutely change the world. We are thrilled to honor her at Legacy Plaza, Stevenson said in a press release. Parks was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1996 and was the first woman to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol rotunda. EJI also plans to unveil statues of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and former congressman John Lewis in the plaza. But Stevenson said it was important to start with Parks because so much of the citys activism began with her. Mrs. Parks of course was the force behind the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which was really the beginning of the most dramatic era of civil rights activism in Montgomery. And while Dr. King led the community during that time, it was Mrs. Parks act, it was her character, it was her reputation that allowed the entire community to say were in. he said. Stevenson said he hopes the statue will inspire visitors to reflect on this history of the civil rights movement, even as lawmakers try to erase it. Theres so much resistance to fully embracing this history, to understanding this history. There are people in this country that would like folks not to talk about the activism and the struggle and the history and the challenges that weve had to overcome and I just think that weve got to push past that, Stevenson said. I believe we need an era of truth and justice in America to get where were trying to go. Were not there yet and we cant get there if were not willing to have these conversations. And so if Mrs. Parks could inspire the Montgomery Bus Boycotts and the Civil Rights movement, Im hoping she can inspire us in 2024 to push past the fear, to push past the anger and have the courage to learn our history with an open heartwe can actually strengthen our commitment to freedom. The statue was created by the Atlanta-based sculptor Basil Watson. Along with Stevenson and Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, the unveiling was attended by Parks colleague and fellow advocate, Doris Crenshaw, the director of the Southern Youth Leadership Conference, Georgette Norman, former director of the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, and Dr. Tommie Tonea Stewart, Dean of the College of the College of Visual and Performing Arts at Alabama State University. A man suspected of shooting and killing a Tennessee sheriffs deputy and wounding another was captured Tuesday after a days-long manhunt. Kenneth Wayne DeHart, 42, is accused of opening fire on the Blount County, Tenn. deputies shortly after they pulled over an SUV for erratic driving on U.S. Route 411 in Maryville, about 16 miles south of Knoxville, on Thursday evening. DeHart reportedly refused to cooperate and shot at officers after they attempted to use a Taser on him, hitting Blount County Sheriffs deputies Greg McCowan, 43, and Shelby Eggers, 22. Eggers was treated at a hospital and later released, while McCowan was pronounced dead. DeHart fled the scene and was considered armed and dangerous. The Blount County Sheriffs Office said DeHart Jr. was captured in Knoxville on Tuesday morning, but no other details were released. He was wanted on charges of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder. A photo of the scene shared by the sheriffs office showed a large police presence in a residential area. Kenneth Wayne DeHart was taken into custody a short time ago in Knoxville! sheriff James Berrong said in a Facebook post. Now the judicial process will take place in the court system. Thanks to all of our law enforcement partners and our community. More than $100,000 was pledged for information that led to DeHarts arrest. Last week, Marcus DeHart the suspects brother and Carrie Matthews, a woman described as his girlfriend, were arrested and charged with being an accessory for aiding the suspect. 2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A Shelby County man has been convicted of capital murder in the fatal stabbing and bludgeoning of a Vietnam veteran will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. A jury on Tuesday, after one hour of deliberations, found Randall Anthony Gargone, a 68-year-old handyman and four-time convicted felon, guilty in the 2018 murder of 68-year-old Tracy Ward Austin. The jury delivered the swift verdict only hours after Gargone had testified in his own defense, chronicling the events of the killing. Prosecutors had previously said they were seeking the death penalty for Gargone if convicted. Shelby County District Attorney Matt Casey said instead Gargone agreed to waive any appeals in exchange for life without parole. Casey said Austins family members and Shelby County sheriffs investigators approved of the deal. Casey and assistant district attorneys Ben Fuller and Brooke Grigsby prosecuted the case. Prosecutors contended Gargone intended to burglarize the home and unexpectedly encountered the victim. Gargones attorneys, Mickey Johnson and Victor Portella, claimed Gargone killed Austin in self-defense. The case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriffs Office and is being tried before Shelby County Circuit Judge Bill Bostick. Gargones parole on previous convictions was revoked after Austins death and he has been in state prison since then. He was already serving two life sentences with the possibility of parole for earlier robbery convictions out of Jefferson and Shelby counties. Austin was killed in his familys Chelsea home in the 5800 block of Shelby County Highway 39 on March 5, 2018. Gargone was a handyman who encountered Austins elderly mother in late 2017 when he saw her struggling to get her garbage can to the street. He stopped to help and ended up installing a storm door for her. He returned to the home several times seeking work and went to the house the final time on that Monday, March 5. Gargone said he was summoned to Austins bedroom where he was in his recliner. Had several health issues. Gargone said Austin attacked him first and gave a detailed account of his version of the incident when he took the stand in his own defense. He had a grip on my arm and out of the corner of my eye, I seen something silver coming at me, Gargone said when he took the stand in his own defense in his capital murder trial. It was a hammer, the now-68-year-old Gargone said. He kept swinging that hammer. Eventually, he said, Austin dropped a knife and Gargone picked it up. I grabbed that knife and came back up and started stabbing him, Gargone testified. I didnt know where I was stabbing. It was like the stabbing wasnt doing no good. Austin died from at least 12 stab wounds and blunt force trauma to the head with a claw hammer. Part of the testimony included a text message conversation between Gargone and his son during which he said he had a plan and that they would have to worry about bills for a while. The McWane Science Center plans to build a $3.2 million hip-hop interactive science exhibit, using rap music to teach science and technology. The team of creators includes a lead designer who has worked on exhibits for the Obama Presidential Museum. There are no other exhibits that use hip-hop to teach STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), said McWane Center CEO Amy Templeton. So, well be the first in the country for that. Chief designer will be Aki Carpenter, who has worked on exhibits for the Obama Presidential Museum in Chicago, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., and the Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery. The McWane exhibit, called Dropping Science, should open by 2025, Templeton said. The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday approved spending $450,000 over three years to help fund the project. Its an opportunity to introduce STEM principles to young people through the medium of hip-hop music and culture, Templeton said. It will have a broad appeal, but especially to Black youth, she said. One of the groups certainly is children of color, Templeton said. Hip-hop is a Black-led movement. It has been wildly popular for 50 years to people of all races. While McWane serves primarily elementary and middle school students, the exhibit will bring in a broader age range, Templeton said. This will appeal to middle school, high school and even beyond that, she said. This will help show them that STEM is not only something that happens in a lab with a lab coat, STEM is something that is part of your life every day. It will be a permanent, 7,000-square-foot exhibit, Templeton said. The McWane Center is one of the jewels of Birmingham, said Council President Darrell OQuinn. Im really excited about this project. Council member J.T. Moore said it would give Birmingham an attraction that can compare favorably to that available in other states. Tennessee has the National Museum of African American Music, but its really cool to know that Birmingham will have its own exhibit that kids will be able to come to, so well be able to draw people to the city to be able to experience it. The McWane Center drews about 360,000 visitors annually. While many were consuming copious amounts of alcohol while celebrating Fat Tuesday, officials in Panama City, Fla., were moving to restrict its sale during spring break. Panama City commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an ordinance which will prohibit the sale of alcohol anywhere in Panama City between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. between March 15-31, according to the Panama City News Herald. Commissioners said the ordinance is designed to better control the large number of visitors to the city during spring break and to bring Panama Citys alcohol regulations in line with Panama City Beach and Bay County. In previous years, once bars and stores stopped selling alcohol in Panama City Beach or areas of unincorporated Bay County, they would simply drive into Panama City to buy it. As (Panama City) Beach closes, people come over the bridge and they kind of continue to party on (the) town side, said commissioner Josh Street. That leads to a lot of increases in crime. Alcohol is already prohibited on all Bay County beaches at any time during the month of March. The Herald reported that officials with the Panama City Beach Police Department and the Bay County Sheriffs Office are expecting large crowds for spring break this year. The head of the House Intelligence Committee said Wednesday he had information about a serious national security threat and urged the administration to declassify the information so the U.S. and its allies can openly discuss how to respond. Rep. Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican, gave no details about the nature of the threat in his statement. The White House also declined to provide details. Turner earlier Wednesday sent an email to members of Congress saying his committee had identified an urgent matter with regard to a destabilizing foreign military capability that should be known to all congressional policy makers. He encouraged them to come to a SCIF, a secure area, to review the intelligence. He again provided no details. Turners announcement appeared to catch the Biden administration off-guard. National security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House that he already had been due to brief Turner and other senior congressional intelligence leaders, known as the Gang of Eight, on Thursday. Sullivan did not disclose the topic or provide any other details related to Turners statement. Im focused on going to see him, sit with him as well as the other House members of the Gang of Eight, tomorrow, Sullivan said. And Im not in a position to say anything further from this podium at this time. He acknowledged it was not standard practice to offer such a briefing. Ill just say that I personally reached out to the Gang of Eight. It is highly unusual, in fact, for the national security adviser to do that, Sullivan said. He said he had reached out earlier this week. He would not say whether the briefing was related to Turners warning. I leave it to you to draw whatever connections you want, he told reporters. Authorities are trying to identify the suspect in an armed carjacking in Birmingham. The robbery happened Saturday, Feb. 3, in the 1600 block of Tallapoosa Street. The victims blue 2007 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was stolen. No injuries were reported. Birmingham police said the suspect may frequent the Tarrant and Inglenook areas. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham police or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Its Valentines Day, a time for love, candy and a few last-minute runs to the store to pick up a card for that special someone. While the modern Valentines Day has become a commercially driven one the National Retail Federation estimates people will spend $25.8 billion on the holiday this year it didnt start out that way. Valentines Day traces its roots back to the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a fertility festival that was commemorated annually on Feb. 15. In 496, Pope Gelasius I transformed the holiday into St. Valentines Day, moving it back one day. There are at least three early Christian saints who go by the name Valentine. According to legend, one of those Valentines was a priest who married couples despite an order from Emperor Claudius II that forbade young men from tying the knot. Another legend is that Valentine was imprisoned for refusing to worship Roman gods. While in jail, legend says his friends tossed him notes through his cell window. Another legend was that the imprisoned priest sent a letter to his love, signing it Your Valentine. Many legends contend Valentine was executed on Feb. 14 in around 269 A.D. Early Europeans also believed Feb. 14 marked the start of the mating season for birds, closely associating that day with romance. In all, History.com reports there are roughly about a dozen St. Valentines, including a short-serving Pope. Its unclear if the events of St. Valentines life were all done by one person or legend has combined several stories into one. Cupid Cupid, another symbol of Valentines Day, is the son of Venus, the Roman god of love and beauty. Cupid often appears on Valentine cards holding a bow and arrows that can magically make its target fall in love. Later history Valentines continued to be celebrated through the years, and often included gift-giving and the exchange of hand-made cards. In the 1850s, Esther A. Howland, a Mount Holyoke graduate and Massachusetts native, began mass-producing Valentines cards. Top gifts More than $1.7 billion will be spent on candy alone this Valentines Day. Candy is the gift of choice for 50 percent of consumers, followed by a trip to a restaurant (38 percent) and jewelry (20 percent.) About $1.1 billion will be spent on greeting cards; $2 billion on apparel; and $1.9 billion on flowers. A federal board overseeing the nations railways blasted Amtrak Wednesday for a lack of progress in getting its passenger rail service restored on the Gulf Coast, and ordered the parties involved in an ongoing case before them to provide a detailed status report in 30 days. U.S. Surface Transportation Board members, during the hearing in Washington, D.C., repeatedly expressed disappointment over the inability to get Amtrak trains operating between Mobile and New Orleans more than 14 months after a confidential agreement was reached in a highly watched case with national implications over the future of passenger rail service. It doesnt take 14 months to negotiate a lease if you wanted to reach an agreement, said Martin Oberman, chairman of the STB. What is going on? High priority Oberman expressed frustrations with a lack of information the parties involved in the case -- Amtrak, CSX Transportation, Norfolk Southern and the Alabama State Port Authority provided in a status update filed to the STB earlier this month, saying he has learned more about case through stories reported by the Alabama Media Group on AL.com. He also chastised Amtrak for claiming the Gulf Coast project remains a high priority despite a lack of conclusion over negotiations on a required lease agreement to provide a train stop in Mobile, and without securing an operating agreement with the City of Mobile. A loose timetable for restarting the service set for October 2024 also seemed in doubt. A representative with CSX Transportation, one of two freight operators along the route, said it could take about one year to build a 3,000-foot layover track in downtown Mobile to move Amtrak trains off the main line. Its hard for me to sit here and say the trains will be operating in October, Oberman said. It leaves a lot to be desired to bring this case to conclusion. If people really wanted to make a deal ... it doesnt take 15 months to make a deal. Representatives with the four parties in the case attended the hearing, including an attorney with the Alabama State Port Authority that is facilitating negotiations between Amtrak and Mobile city officials. The City of Mobile, despite an invitation from Oberman, chose not to participate. Amtrak and the City of Mobile have repeatedly said that negotiations between the two are progressing, though no timetable has been given on when the layover track, a train stop near Cooper Riverside Park and an operational agreement with the Mobile City Council will be finalized. A high priority has resulted in 14 months, Oberman said. Im glad its not a low priority. Getting a train stop established in Mobile is viewed as the key element toward restarting service along the Gulf Coast for the first time since Hurricane Katrina heavily damaged the line in 2005. Why should the public feel any assurance that youll ever reach an agreement with Mobile? Oberman said. Its extraordinarily frustrating. We are talking about a piece of concrete you step on. Quite frankly, Im skeptical. I think you owe the public (an explanation). Amtrak, in its filing with the STB on Feb. 1, said they hope to reach a conclusion in the case by May 1, at which time they would ask it to be dismissed. Amtrak brought the case against the freight operators CSX and Norfolk Southern in March 2021, out of concern over a lack of negotiations to get the project started. The Alabama Port Authority, which once vehemently opposed the passenger rail project, was later added as a party to the case. Oberman also expressed dissatisfaction with the settlement agreements confidential nature, saying that the case involves multiple public bodies spending public money on a project that is part of a $178 million federal grant awarded to Amtrak in September. I think the public has a right to transparency, Oberman said. I would encourage, at some point in this process, that the parties make some point of transparency. There is an overuse of confidentially, generally, in my view. Operating agreements Other STB members blasted Amtrak for the lack of progress. Karen Hedlund instructed the rail operator to never bring another case before the STB without securing its operating agreements from the public bodies that are part of a project. Hedlund said the focus on hearings before the STB in 2022 focused primarily on the capital costs needed to get the Gulf Coast line prepared for Amtrak trains. Amtrak attorney Jessica Ring Amunson said the rail operator has agreements in place with the State of Louisiana, but that an agreement in Mississippi was not finalized. There is no agreement in Alabama. The Mobile City Council, in early 2020, voted 6-1 to authorize $3 million in city tax money to support the operations of the service to help match a federal grant. But terms of that approval are viewed as outdated, and a new operating agreement needs to be approved by the council. You are dealing with an issue that should have been resolved since before you filed your papers (with the STB, in March 2021), Hedlund said, who then rattled off Amtraks plans for a nationwide expansion that includes doubling the number of state-supported routes in 15 years. Amtrak is making no little plans, but it has to figure out how to implement them, she said. There is no guarantee the council will approve a revised operating agreement. At least two of the seven city council members have expressed public doubt over supporting Amtrak with a public subsidy. It takes a supermajority of five council members to approve most agenda items that come before the council. Frustrations STB board member Patrick Fuchs criticized Amtrak for implying that the Federal Railroad Administration was to blame for the slowdown in progress after Amunson said that the FRA was charged with administering other grant agreements throughout the country. The capital improvement along the Gulf Coast line would be financed largely through the $178 million federal grant administered by the FRA. But some of that work is contingent on Amtrak finalizing its negotiations with the City of Mobile. I think its insulting to the agency that is giving you a lot of money, said Fuchs. Amunson said her remarks did not imply criticism at the FRA, adding that obviously, Amtrak wants these funds so it can get this service started. Thats the whole reason Amtrak brought this proceeding. Other STB members remained perplexed over why the train service wasnt operating yet. As proposed, the Gulf Coast route would include twice-daily service between Mobile and New Orleans with stops in four coastal Mississippi cities Pascagoula, Biloxi, Gulfport and Bay St. Louis. Board member Robert Primus invoked the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to end segregation with all deliberate speed. The addition of that phrase added a vagueness to the landmark ruling that allowed segregationists the ability to organize resistance to integration. We all know what that mean, Primus said. We dont want to have that happen here. We want to see service up and running. I respect the right of negotiation and Im hopeful what is happening behind the scenes and within closed doors is progress. But I join (my fellow STB members) in saying, is it too long? Primus said the STB did not want not want to reassemble for another hearing. Ive heard from people this morning who say well start in 2024, Primus said. Ive underlined that. Were just into this year, but as we go into the year and the trains are not running, wed hate to call you back in and other representatives and ask, Why not? We need to get to the bottom of it. He added, Were past due for getting it done. Now its time to stop shaking hands and start moving trains. Another family claims their loved one was missing organs after dying in an Alabama prison, and that a funeral director discovered the problem and warned them against holding a viewing. The family claims in court records that the 74-year-old mans brain was missing, along with his other internal organs, after the body was returned from an autopsy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Charlene Drakes father, Charles Singleton, was serving time in prison for sex crimes. He died at a Tennessee hospital on Nov. 2, 2021, according to a sworn statement entered in federal court records. At the time of his death, Singleton was incarcerated at the Hamilton Aged and Infirmed prison in Hamilton, Alabama. Drake said that her family asked for her fathers body to be sent to Usrey Funeral Home in Pell City. She asked the funeral home director to have a viewing, but the director advised that it would be difficult to prepare his body for viewing, as his body was already in a noticeable state of decomposition characterized by advanced skin slippage, according to a sworn statement signed by Drake in court records. Drakes statement is part of an exhibit in support of the case of Brandon Dotson, whose family said he was returned to them missing a heart after dying at Ventress Correctional Facility last year. The dispute over the missing heart is pending in federal court. Court records dont reflect a separate case involving Singleton. A few days after Singleton was taken to the funeral home, Drake said she and her family went to see her dads body. The director informed us that there were no organs in the body. He said normally the organs are in a bag placed back in the body after an autopsy, but (Singleton) had been brought to the funeral home with no internal organs. His brain had also been removed. According to (the director), he still had his eyes, but all other organs were gone. Drake did not respond to requests for comment for this story. According to her statement, Drake said the chaplain of the prison called to tell her about her fathers death. She asked to claim the body. The following day, she said the University of Alabama at Birmingham received Singletons body for an autopsy. A representative from UAB wouldnt confirm or deny that the institution performed Singletons autopsy, citing laws related to the privacy of medical records. Autopsies are standard for inmates who die in prison. Testimony in a January court hearing in Dostons missing heart case revealed that some inmates bodies are sent to UAB for autopsies, while others are sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences. Dotson underwent an autopsy at the Alabama Department of Forensics. Drake said her daughter called UAB after the discovery of her fathers missing organs, but was never able to talk to anyone with the pathology department. We were never provided an explanation of where his organs are. A representative from the Alabama Department of Corrections said that the ADOC doesnt perform autopsies and the prison facilities have zero surgical capabilities. But a spokesperson from UAB sent a lengthy statement, saying the university doesnt comment on pending or threatened litigation, but added that UAB only conducts autopsies after obtaining consent or authorization from the appropriate state official. For inmate autopsies, UAB said, the department is responsible for obtaining proper authorizations from the appropriate legal representative of the deceased. The authorization forms not only provide permission for the autopsy, but also specifically include consent for the removal of organs or tissues for diagnostic or other testing including final disposition, said the spokesperson. Nevertheless, UAB can say that it does not harvest organs from bodies of inmates for research as has been reported in media reports. UAB has one of the highest ranked pathology programs in the country, said the statement. It is accredited by the College of American Pathologists and is staffed by credentialed physicians who are certified by the American Board of Pathology. Its autopsy procedures are conducted in compliance with College of American Pathologists Guidelines. Moreover, a panel of medical ethicists reviewed and endorsed our autopsy protocols. UABs statement also detailed how autopsies work and why some organs may be removed during the procedure due to the clinical standard. The collection and retention of tissue and fluid specimens is an important aspect of routine autopsy practice and necessary for determining cause of death. In many cases, only fluids for toxicology and other laboratory analyses and small portions of tissues for microscopy are retained, said the statement. In some cases, however, the pathologist performing the autopsy may, in their professional judgment, determine that evidence-based medicine requires the retention of organs or organ blocks for further examination and testing. These specimens may be kept beyond release of the body to the nextofkin (for burial or other disposition) in the course of customary and optimal determination of the cause of death. UAB attempts to accommodate family wishes while also ensuring that it conducts a complete cause of death investigation. How one fell in love with Snohomish and the United States Photo courtesy Swapnil Shevate Swapnil Shevate moved to Snohomish and is now raising a family. SNOHOMISH Residents of Snohomish are proud of their town; they can balance the feeling of history in downtown, and festivals help continue its small-town feel. Its what drew Swapnil Shevate to Snohomish to raise a family and pursue the American Dream. Shevate came to the U.S. in 2012 from Pune, India, the countrys ninth-most populated city with about 3.1 million people. The city is known for its education, arts and crafts, theaters and lush parks. However, culturally and genetically, everyone there is Indian. Any localized genetics research there would only show variations in Indian genetics with some trace markers of cultures found on the Asian continent. While studying for his degree in biotechnology, he came across the Human Genome Project and opportunities in human genome sequencing. Thats when I realized, anytime we used to study the samples, it was always from the United States, Shevate said. With diversity, you have so much in the genetic pool. He explained that the reason the U.S. can host an extensive human genome sequencing auto project isnt only because of funding. Something like that on that scale in the United States makes much more sense because you have a collection, a readily available source, Shevate said. With that knowledge, Shevate focused on learning English for two years. He explained that in India, students are required to be proficient in the language in which classes are being taught. His culture values knowledge and education, so they do not want to waste opportunities. From India to Indiana, and from vegetarian to omnivore Shevate was first immersed in American culture while at the university in Indianapolis, starting with affording higher education. One mixed blessing he shared with U.S. college students nationwide is receiving an internship and scholarships but being unable to afford food consistently and frequently skipping meals. However, most colleges, IUPUI being no exception, will often have free cheese and pepperoni pizza during student events. Although Shevates English was excellent for school, some aspects of Western culture were missing, and he received a crash course. The vegetarians lesson from that pizza was that pepperoni was meat, and he liked it. My friend told me it was made from pork; Im like, Whats pork? Shevate said. His friend explained what pork was and that Shevate was eating meat. Unphased, he finished his pizza and continues to enjoy pepperoni pizza to this day. Another lesson that turned to love was the term cheeseburger. Most people across Western cultures and in places familiar with Western media and products know what a hamburger and a cheeseburger are. But when you remove yourself and dissect the words, a vegetarian culture might think since theres a chicken burger made from chicken and a veggie burger made from vegetables, a cheeseburger must be made from cheese. I lifted the bread to see what was inside, and I thought it was like a bean patty of some sort, Shevate explained. Im not a vegetarian anymore; I eat everything. The capstone to his introduction to America was attending the 2012 Super Bowl at Indianapolis stadium featuring the New York Giants versus the New England Patriots. But that wasnt the peak; that would be about 10 years later after moving to Seattle. Although genetics still fascinates him, he found the fast pace of working with computer information far more rewarding, so he changed his career focus to computer data. When he and his wife decided to start a new life, they fell in love with Snohomish, where they bought their home and welcomed their first child. I want to be American, not an immigrant, Shevate explained. You cant do that living in a neighborhood with only immigrants. Shevate explained that he wants to learn how to be an American from Americans with different points of view. He wanted his son to have the small-town American Dream our country is famous for and to contribute to that dream. Whenever Im stressed with work, I can just open my window and look outside, all that stress goes away, Shevate said. I love Snohomish. A Prichard city councilman arrested last month on insurance fraud charges withdrew his request to visit Brazil during Carnival as prosecutors said they were concerned extraditing him may be impossible. Derrick Griffin said his vacation to Rio de Janeiro from Wednesday through Monday was planned before his January arrest, according to filings Monday in Mobile County Circuit Court. Griffins lawyer argued the councilman is not a flight risk and has complied with the terms of his bond and that prosecutors were not opposed to the vacation as long as Griffin posted details of the trip with the court. But in his response to the request, Assistant Mobile County District Attorney Clay Rossi said prosecutors objecting to the trip, calling it problematic. The state has reviewed available materials outlining the current extradition treaty agreements between the United States and Brazil and had concerns that, if needed, extradition of the defendant would be needlessly difficult and perhaps impossible, Rossi wrote the court. Rossi cited a case of the Brazilian government refusing to extradite a Russian spy to the United States to convey the offices concern about Griffin. The Prichard councilman then withdrew his request for vacation. Griffin was indicted by a Mobile County grand jury in December after prosecutors presented the panel with evidence that he made fraudulent representations on two different occasions in connection with an insurance policy, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said at the time. The charges stem from Griffin allegedly misrepresenting on his insurance policies that he acquired a vehicle he did not own, the DAs office said. Anyone who helps a voter fill out an absentee ballot application in Alabama -- with some exceptions -- faces up to a year in jail under a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday. SB1, pushed by Republicans in an effort to combat so-called ballot harvesting, was overwhelmingly approved in the upper chamber by a vote of 27-8. The legislation makes it a Class C felony for a third party to knowingly receive a payment or gift for distributing, ordering, requesting, collecting, completing, prefilling, obtaining or delivering a voters absentee ballot application and a Class B felony for someone to knowingly pay or provide a gift to a third party to distribute, order, request, collect, prefill, complete, obtain or deliver a voters absentee ballot application. The bill makes exceptions for voters who are blind, disabled, unable to read or write. Such voters can designate a helper other than the voters employer or agent of that employer or officer or agent of the voters union. Alabama Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, a Republican, said the legislation is needed to combat voter fraud. Allowing partisan groups and individuals to collect, handle, and potentially tamper with countless numbers of absentee ballots breeds fraud and invites abuse, he said in a statement shortly after the bill passed the Senate. With passage of this bill, Alabamians can rest assured that an absentee ballot honestly cast will be an absentee ballot honestly counted. Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, said the bills language means campaign staffers or the candidates themselves could be put in jail, pointing out that campaigns send absentee ballots applications to voters who are unable to cast ballots on Election Day. You just disenfranchise people who are elderly or are in a wheelchair, Singleton said on the Senate floor Tuesday while debating the bill with the legislations sponsor, Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman. Singleton said he doubted that the issue of ballot harvesting is a problem in Alabama, pointing out that the subject is not mentioned in the Alabama Election Handbook put out by the secretary of states office. Nowhere in this book does it talk about ballot harvesting, he said. Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, argued the legislations language also means a family member who gives their relative gas money to deliver an absentee ballot application could be jailed. She pointed out that in 2022, the state recorded its lowest voter turnout in 35 years, and argued that SB1 will only stifle turnout further. We dont have people who are participating in the electoral process right now, and right now we are putting up barriers to voting, she said. Singleton said it is campaigns and volunteers who help distribute absentee ballot applications. He then asked his colleagues to raise their hands if they participated in ballot harvesting. If none of you did it, if none of your campaigns did it, why would we need the law? he said. A similar bill died last year amid Democratic opposition and from groups that provide voter education and assistance, including the League of Women Voters. The Alabama Legislature is a supermajority Republican. The bill now heads to the House for consideration. English News Have confidence in coming year, live better life Alwihda Info | Par pd - 12 Fevrier 2024 This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and is a crucial year for achieving the goals and tasks outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. With an untiring spirit, unremitting efforts and joint endeavor, the Chinese people will surely be able to cultivate the flowers of happiness and nurture a vibrant China that is full of hope. By Su Di Chinese President Xi Jinping visited primary-level officials and residents in Tianjin ahead of the Spring Festival. He said that everyone should have confidence in the coming year and live a better life. Xi's sincere words and care inspired hundreds of millions of people to embrace a better tomorrow in the new journey with confidence and vigor. In the past year, there were both sunny and stormy days. Particularly, some regions in China have been hit by natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, earthquakes, landslides, snow and ice storms, which have adversely affected people's life and work. In the face of difficulties, the army quickly arrived for the people, primary-level Party members and officials stayed at their posts day and night, volunteers stepped forward against the odds, and disaster-stricken people actively joined self-rescue efforts. Countless people, hand in hand, have weathered the storm together and achieved significant victories in disaster relief. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, noted that a country is prosperous only when its people live in peace, saying that the CPC Central Committee as well as Party committees and governments at all levels are concerned about everyone's safety and well-being at all times. He also expressed the hope for villagers to rebuild their homes and create a happy life with their own hands. Party committees and governments at all levels must do an even better job in making meticulous arrangements for people's life and work in the disaster-affected areas, Xi said. Officials and the general public should be united as one, and thus achieve major triumphs in their fight against the disasters and create a new life. The more arduous the journey, the more precious the arrival. Over the past year, China has experienced trials and tribulations, but it also witnessed beautiful scenery and achieved significant accomplishments. China has seen its economy continuously rebound and improve, as well as a bumper harvest in twenty consecutive years. New breakthroughs in scientific and technological innovation have been achieved, and the formation of new productive forces has accelerated. China's high-level opening up has been continuously expanded, and the growth of residents' income has outpaced its economic growth. China not only developed itself but also actively embraced the world. The China-Central Asia Summit and the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation were successfully held, and the Chengdu Universiade and the Hangzhou Asian Games presented spectacular moments. The hard-won achievements were made against the backdrop of increasing unfavorable factors in the international political and economic environment, as well as the overlapping cyclical and structural problems at home. The Chinese people have created new opportunities, won the strategic initiative, and greatly boosted their confidence and determination in overcoming crises, tackling challenges, and responding to changing situations. In front of difficulties and challenges, confidence is more precious than gold. As the Spring Festival approaches, Pan Na, who lives in a mountainous village in Tianjin's Jizhou district has been kept busy. Her B&B hotel has been fully booked, and she can't rest during the Spring Festival holiday. However, she feels content. Thanks to low-interest loan policies, improved infrastructure such as nearby scenic spots, ski resorts, and vehicle charging piles, and enhanced transportation due to the coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei, villagers like Pan have benefited from rural tourism. They are filled with confidence and anticipation for the coming new year. In the new era, China boasts vast opportunities and potential. The future belongs to those who strive and take concrete actions. With unwavering confidence and a determined spirit, the country will continue to overcome obstacles and challenges. The efforts made by the country will converge into a mighty force propelling the nation towards a happier and brighter future. The goal of advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization is inspiring and simple. Ultimately, it is about delivering a better life for the people. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and is a crucial year for achieving the goals and tasks outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. With an untiring spirit, unremitting efforts and joint endeavor, the Chinese people will surely be able to cultivate the flowers of happiness and nurture a vibrant China that is full of hope. Noticing the coming lunar year is the Year of the Dragon, Xi said that in Chinese culture, the dragon has multiple connotations, such as courage and endeavor, infinite vitality, good luck, etc., and carries people's good wishes for and visions of the future. In the new year, the Chinese people are embarking on a journey towards a better future. Dans la meme rubrique : < > China's cruise economy embraces rapid development China still considered favorable investment destination by foreign companies China will remain staunch force for peace, stability, progress of world Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) As the 2024 election approaches, the Democrats are much concerned with what they call insurrection. They, of course, refer to the events at the Capitol building on January 6, 2021, a day that will live in political opportunism for the party now planning the reelection of Joe Biden. In addition, they use the term to refer to any public objection or legal challenge to the outcome of the 2020 election. Democrats objected in the courts or in the halls of Congress to every Republican presidential election victory of the 21st century. But that, apparently, was not insurrection. The events at the Capitol, so inimical to our democracy, greatly disturbed the Democrats. So alarmed were they and resolved to protect democracy from its assailants that they now seek to bar the lead insurrectionist, also by happenstance the presumptive Republican nominee for President, from the ballot. Donald Trump indeed stands indicted four times by Democrat prosecutors in Democrat venues as well as civilly sued for his wealth by a Democrat attorney general and a civil litigant, of late feted on MSNBC. The indictments of Donald Trump follow hard upon a three-year campaign to imprison anyone present in the Capitol on January 6 or apparently in the immediate vicinity (other than undercover FBI operatives). Even those admitted by uniformed police officers and harming nothing and no one stand convicted and sentenced. One young man committed suicide. There is also the prosecution and incarceration of Trump administration officials, such as Peter Navarro, incarcerated after his assertion of executive privilege before the infamous January 6 Committee, and lawyers who placed their careers and liberty in jeopardy by trying to represent President Trump (e.g., Rudolph Giuliani and Jenna Ellis). This has been a persecution under color of law not seen in this country since the Palmer Raids (the anticommunist campaign of Woodrow Wilsons Attorney General, A. Mitchell Palmer, just after the First World War). There was in 2020 an effort to deprive state legislatures of the power to determine the manner in which presidential elections are conducted, as provided in the Constitutions Article II, sec. 1, clause 2. Democrats who cited the pandemic to justify such electoral anomalies during the 2020 election afterwards proposed legislation to make the changes permanent. They contemplate also, even if thus far without success, eliminating the Senate filibuster, packing the Supreme Court, and adding the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as states, in effect, packing the Senate as well. The same Democrat party, now holding the presidency, contrives to change the electorate by opening the border to millions of immigrants, without regard to health, skills, means of support, or gang and terrorist affiliation, setting the law at naught. The consequence of this scam, perpetrated with pious invocations of Emma Lazaruss poem, is to visit danger and hardship upon the nations urban population immediately, and upon the wider population in due course. There are then the occasional experiments with the freedoms of speech and religion, conducted by, inter alia, government meddling with social media platforms and official persecution of those opposed, as matters of faith, to homosexuality, transsexuality, and abortion. Does the current Democrat Party not expressly champion the fundamental transformation of America, in Barack Obamas words? Let us then return to the topic of insurrection. How shall we define it? Surely an insurrection is the event announced in the Declaration of Independence: the extra-legal and, if necessary, forcible alteration of political authority. How striking that the litany of wrongs there imputed to the British king suggests that he was the one who committed the initial usurpation of constitutional norms, to which the American colonists reacted. It was the king who, for instance, refused his Assent Laws, the most wholesome and necessary to the public good, who erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance, and who combined with others to subject [the American colonists] to a jurisdiction foreign to [their] constitution, and unacknowledged by [their] laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended Legislation [f]or taking away [their] Charters, abolishing [their] most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of [their] Governments. The British monarchy perpetrated the insurrection, by illicit use of its powers, as well as by armed force. In that accusation, which is in one sense or another repeated in the twenty-seven clauses chronicling the wrongs compelling separation, the Declaration tracks the argument of John Lockes Second Treatise of Government, Chapter 19, On the Dissolution of Government. Locke departed from many predecessors in ascribing the dissolution of government not primarily to the peoples rebellious impulses, but to abuses by those in power. His treatment of this matter could be contrasted with, for example, that in Chapter 19 of Hobbess Leviathan (Of those things that Weaken or tend to the Dissolution of a Commonwealth). In the latter work dissolution is occasioned by inadequate power in the government and seditious or presumptuous impulses in the population. According to Locke, dissolution of the government occurs when the legislature is altered, by the executive assuming or hindering its functions or interfering with the ways of election (emphasis supplied). It occurs also when he who has the Supream Executive Power neglects and abandons that charge, so that the Laws already made can no longer be put in execution. The executive or legislature dissolve the government when either of them endeavor to invade the Property of the Subject and to make themselves, or any part of the community, Masters or Arbitrary Disposers of the Lives, Liberties, or Fortunes of the People. In the Declaration, Jefferson presents what is largely an iteration of Lockes discourse on the ways in which wayward rulers in effect overthrow a system of government, adopted (as in the language quoted above) to the specific offenses of King George. Did the perception of such a design, at least, not motivate the events of January 6? No declaration of independence or revolution is required today, as the constitutional mechanism for the preservation of liberty exists, having been bequeathed to us by the founding generation. The prospect of electoral victory in 2024 affords an immediate, if uncertain, ground of hope. Those culpable in the occurrence on January 6 (those who actually committed violent acts) would have done better to wait for lawful redress, even if they thought with reason that Donald Trump had been turned out of office in a highly questionable election. But for all their sins, and their innocence as to what would be visited upon them, they were not perpetrating an insurrection. Those who seek the fundamental transformation of America are. Image: TaptheForwardAssist America was founded on the principle that all men are created equal. So how did whites end up at the bottom of a new hierarchy of races? Why are lawsuits by whites alleging reverse discrimination - racism of another kind - on the rise? Conservative writer Christopher Caldwell says it all began in the 1960s. The decade marked a radical change in how America - especially official America - viewed itself. In The Age of Entitlement: America Since the Sixties, his objective, incisive analysis of the process, Caldwell writes: Today slavery is at the center of Americans official history, with race the central concept in the countrys self-understanding. Never before the 1960s was this the case. Until then, racial conflict in America was always seen against the larger story - of building a constitutional republic. But after the 1960s, he writes, the constitutional republic was sometimes discussed as if it were a mere set of tools for resolving larger conflicts about race and human lives. Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954) - which Caldwell describes as less a judicial argument than a judicial order - and the Civil Rights Act (1964) ended up casting a rival Constitution incompatible with the original and bypassing the democratic process. The ostensible aim - to level an unequal social order - was achieved through a tyrannical regime of laws and bureaucracies raising civil rights to a de facto state religion. As Caldwell notes, Civil rights gradually turned into a license for government to do what the Constitution would not previously have permitted. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) - which the Yale Law Journal once characterized as a private attorney general - contributed by staging and scripting events and lawsuits. It chose skilled plaintiffs, projecting them to gain maximum public sympathy. The ground was thus prepared for radical activism and divisive Critical Race Theory (CRT) to take root. CRT posits that whites are privileged oppressors, raceless and of inferior status; people of color are victims; and inequality is always the result of discrimination. A racial industrial complex of leftists, anarchists, and NGOs has created an ecosystem that has chilled speech and association, ratcheted up interracial hostility, and relegated whites to the lowest rung of the new, politically correct social order. The fightback was primed to occur. Naturally, the worst cases have been from places where the radical left has had a free run, cities like Seattle, which radio host and author Jason Rantz describes as given over to the radicals. My previous article dealt with a lawsuit filed by Tamara Weitzman, an oncology social worker in Seattle. This one, also from Seattle, is about a lawsuit brought in November 2022 by Joshua Diemert against his employer, the City of Seattle, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Seattle. Diemert worked in the citys Human Services Department from January 2013 to September 2021. He was subjected to discriminatory treatment, passed over for promotion, condemned as a white supremacist, and had colleagues talking about getting a guy to swing by when Josh is in the restroom and beat him bloody. Unable to further endure such indignities, and having exhausted all avenues of administrative redress, he quit. His lawsuit, filed with help from the pro bono Pacific Legal Foundation, seeks $300,000 in damages and a ruling that the citys anti-racist policies violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, the Civil Rights Act, and the Washington Law Against Discrimination. The trial is scheduled to begin on April 29, 2024. Seattle launched racial-equity initiatives in the 1990s, when Mayor Greg Nickels decided to confront institutional and structural racism. The citys Human Services Department put its 900 employees through Undoing Racism, a training program conducted by the Peoples Institute for Survival and Beyond (PISB). The programs premise: racism is woven into the very founding principles of the United States. And the way to extirpate racism? Making participants analyze how they contribute to maintaining the status quo of disparate racial outcomes. If you are white, you are privileged and guilty of racism. In 2004, Seattle established the Race and Social Justice Initiative (RSJI), the first municipal program of its kind in the country to embed racial equity and promote social justice in day-to-day business. Attendance was made mandatory. RSJI was co-designed by Robin DiAngelo, infamous author of White Fragility: Why Its So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, who derides white supremacy culture and its emphasis on individualism, politeness, timeliness, merit, and written communication. Such was the environment in which Diemert joined the citys Human Services Department. Despite his stellar performance - he even received a prestigious accolade - he suffered years of harassment and racial discrimination as an inferior white male. At training programs, he was accosted for his white privilege. At an El Centro De La Raza program titled Undoing Institutional Racism, he heard facilitators declare that white people are like the devil, like cannibals, and genetically racist. At RSJI sessions, employees were divided into two groups: Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and White Folks, the latter treated with disdain. Lunchroom talk, official conversations, department meetings, emails - the workplace was charged with racist messaging. A co-worker asked Diemert, What could a straight white male possibly offer our department? He was also told to step down from a lead position because he was blocking a promotion opportunity for a person of color. He alleges less favorable treatment in work assignments, and having to report to a superior who would get in his face, accuse him of complicity in slavery, and once chest-bumped him forcefully. When Diemert opposed race-segregated meetings as blatantly racist and objected to the hostility and abuse, he was condemned as a white supremacist. The stress affected his health, and a physician recommended he be excused from training sessions. But the department refused. His distress was attributed to white privilege, a categorically false assumption given Diemerts background. Far from advantaged or idyllic, his lived experience - to use a term prized by DEI disciples - was dysfunctional. His father was a drug user who, although separated from his mother, lived on a different floor of the same house. Diemert dropped out of school, hung out on the streets, and was jailed several times as a teen. While he was living with his girlfriends family, her drug-addicted mother killed one of her own children, an eight-year-old girl. Diemert turned his life around, however, thanks to his reading in prison - the Bible, Norman Vincent Peale, Booker T. Washington, Thomas Sowell - and an epiphany about personal responsibility: his girlfriends mother, speaking to him on phone from jail, blamed everyone but herself for the murder. He completed college, married, and saved enough to buy a small house. As a city worker, he had hoped to help struggling residents get their lives back on track. But the city administration would not let him do that because of the color of his skin. Reverse discrimination is a given now. A 2022 survey of 1,000 hiring managers by ResumeBuilder found that 52% say it is used against white applicants. Sixteen percent said they were told to deprioritize white men, 48% said they were told to consider diversity over qualifications, and 53% were afraid of being fired for not hiring enough diverse employees. This is racism, plain and simple. Meeting diversity goals on the backs of white men is not only unconstitutional, it amounts to blatant discrimination. It must be stopped in its tracks. As the late Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in the landmark Adarand Constructors v. Pena: To pursue the concept of racial entitlement - even for the most admirable and benign of purposes - is to reinforce and preserve for future mischief the way of thinking that produced race slavery, race privilege and race hatred. In the eyes of government, we are just one race here. It is American. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License Nothing the federal government does is about public health, or lifting up the black community. Joe Biden and his Bidenite bureaucracy, against all conventional political wisdom and common sensewhy would you do this in an election year?are plowing ahead with the proposed menthol cigarette ban, a policy which would disproportionately affect black Americans. (Per the CDC, 81% of black smokers opt for menthol.) Is there a leftist policy that doesnt affect blacks disproportionately? But on top of the asinine decision to aggravate any menthol-smoking black support the Democrats might still have, the Biden regime has received a number of warnings that if the ban goes through, the terrorists groups and criminal syndicates that are emerging to meet the demand will have a full-blown industry worth tens of billions of dollars a yearthats not just a side-hustle. Here are the details, according to a report out by Adam Kredo at The Washington Free Beacon: As the FDA considers a ban on mentholated cigarettes, a type smoked by around 40 percent of adults, lawmakers have been pressing federal authorities to develop contingency plans meant to stop Hezbollah and its Mexican cartel partners from smuggling black market cigarettes into the United States. But Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) do not appear to have developed any plans to combat the emerging black market menthol trade, which is likely to generate millions in profit. Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist groups have long trafficked in illegal cigarettes, generating revenue that funds terror operations across the globe. The regulated menthol market in the United States is worth an estimated $30 billion. If the regulated market is worth an estimated $30 billion, then how much more an unregulated market? What are they doing? Is this just patronizing? That explanation seems to fit, because the Democrat politicians and the left didnt earn the savior complex slur for nothing. The government will take away menthol cigarettes from black Americansbut open the border which sees Chinese fentanyl flow across almost entirely unstopped. From Politico: In 2020, the rate of drug overdose deaths among Black Americans skyrocketed, increasing faster than that of any other racial or ethnic group in the country. Fentanyl, which had become more ubiquitous, drove the rising toll. On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a report showing that more Black Americans died from fentanyl overdoses than from any other drug in 2021 and at far higher rates than whites or Hispanics. The federal government will take away menthol cigarettesbut flood ghettoes with crack cocaine and other illicit drugs? The federal government will take away menthol cigarettesbut celebrate the injection of digoxin into the hearts of babies in the womb to induce cardiac arrest, so these little ones are dead on arrival. The federal government will take away menthol cigarettesbut promote a trans agenda, force medical providers to prescribe cross-sex hormones, and protect anyone performing sick human experiments under the guise of gender-affirming care. The federal government will take away menthol cigarettesbut incentivize broken homes and split families, which are the biggest causes of generational poverty. The federal government is directly opposed to the health, freedom, and prosperity of the people especially if theyre black. Image: Public domain. Is there no bottom to what the Deep State was capable of against Donald Trump? That's the only thing one can conclude upon reading a report like this, from investigative aces Michael Shellenberger, Matt Taibbi, and Alex Gutentag, who got hold of more evidence of deep-state conniving. They wrote: Last year, John Durham, a special prosecutor for the Department of Justice (DOJ), concluded that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) should never have opened its investigation of alleged collusion by then-presidential candidate Donald J. Trump and Russia in late July of 2016. Now, multiple credible sources tell Public and Racket [Shellenberger's and Taibbi's web sites] that the United States Intelligence Community (IC), including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), illegally mobilized foreign intelligence agencies to target Trump advisors long before the summer of 2016. The new information fills many gaps in our understanding of the Russia collusion hoax and is supported by testimony already in the public record. Until now, the official story has been that the FBIs investigation began after Australian intelligence officials told US officials that a Trump aide had boasted to an Australian diplomat that Russia had damning material about Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. In truth, the US IC asked the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to surveil Trumps associates and share the intelligence they acquired with US agencies, say sources close to a House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HSPCI) investigation. The Five Eyes nations are the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The reporters noted that the whole thing was the brainchild of then-CIA director John Brennan, who picked out 26 associates of Trump's to target and make contact with. Quite likely, the subjects had absolutely no idea they were targets of a hostile operation and probably handed over scads of information in the interest of global security -- anything to help out the men and women on the frontlines. They would have been assuming that the whole thing was lawful as they would have known that there was a law saying that intelligence agencies are not to spy on domestic targets, particularly democratically elected officials, so they would have assumed that that was not happening. Trump was not elected when this spying went on, but he was close enough, and there really was no pretext for this kind of activity to go on. It's well-known that despite Trump's call for rapprochment with the Russians, the Russians at the time were betting on Hillary Clinton winning that race along with most of the swampers in D.C. so even they weren't interested in him. Brennan got around this legal prohibition against spying on democratically elected leaders by getting other nations, with which we share intelligence, to do the dirty work and at the same time, make himself technically in the clear. After that, when intelligence officials claimed with seeming innocence that they were just following up on a tip-off about Trump and the Russians from, say, the Australians, the fix was in. They got exactly what they wanted, a tipoff, which created the "right" to spy on 26 Trump campaign officials with a little fudging of the FISA warrants (slap on the wrist there), all because they thought up the idea of getting the allies to do the spying for them. Funny how this stuff works. So very convenient. So very orchestrated. So very staged. And so very KGB-ish, illegal, and anti-democratic. What it tells us is that maybe the "five eyes" alliance is really just a global superspy agency that probably needs to be scrapped, given how it's being used against Trump and the people who supported and voted for him. Unless allies can agree not to spy on elected officials and candidates for high office from other five-eyes countries and for that matter, other close non-five-eyes allies, the deal should be off, no free intel for you. Someone needs to be punished for this; they weren't doing their job properly, they were taking the power to spy entrusted to them and turning it for domestic purposes, and if that is not nipped in the bud, what we have now is a multi-national KGB. It's absolutely outrageous how underhanded they are and how sleazy their tactics. Obviously, they will stop at nothing, which is why they ought to broken up and stopped the hard way. Image: OpenClipart // public domain by Vijay Prashad On February 9, 2024, Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his army would advance into Rafah, the last remaining city in Gaza not occupied by the Israelis. Most of the 2.3 million Palestinians who live in Gaza had fled to its southern border with Egypt after being told by the Israelis on October 13, 2023, that the north had to be abandoned and that the south would be a safe zone. As the Palestinians from the north, particularly from Gaza City, began their march southoften on footthey were attacked by Israeli forces, who gave them no safe passage. The Israelis said that anything south of Wadi Gaza, which divides the narrow strip, would be safe, but then as the Palestinians moved into Deir-al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Rafah, they found the Israeli jets following them and the Israeli troops coming after them. Now, Netanyahu has said that his forces will enter Rafah to combat Hamas. On February 11, Netanyahu told NBC news that Israeli would provide safe passage for the civilian population and that there would be no catastrophe. People mourn victims killed during Israeli airstrikes in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 12, 2024.(Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) Catastrophe The use of the word catastrophe is significant. This is the accepted English translation of the word nakba, used since 1948 to describe the forced removal that year of half of the Palestinian population from their homes. Netanyahus use of the term comes after high officials of the Israeli government have already spoken of a Gaza Nakba or a Second Nakba. These phrases formed part of South Africas application to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 29, 2023, alleging that they are part of the expressions of genocidal intent against the Palestinian people by Israeli state officials. A month later, the ICJ said that there was plausible evidence of genocide being conducted in Gaza, highlighting the words of the Israelis officials. One official, the Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, I have released all restraints (quoted both by the South African complaint and in the ICJs order). Netanyahu saying that there would be no catastrophe after over 28,000 Palestinians have been killed and after two million of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced is puzzling. Since the ICJs order, the Israeli army has killed nearly 2,000 Palestinians. The Israeli army has already begun to assault Rafah, a city with a population density now at 22,000 people per square kilometer. In response to the Israeli announcement that it would enter Rafah city, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)one of the few groups operating in the southern part of Gazasaid that such an invasion could collapse the humanitarian response. The NRC assessed nine of the shelters in Rafah, which are housing 27,400 civilians and found that the residents have no drinking water. Because the shelters are operating at 150 percent capacity, hundreds of the Palestinians are living on the street. In each of the areas that the NRC studied, they found the Palestinian refugees in the grip of hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, smallpox, lice, and influenza. Because of the collapse of this humanitarian response from the NRC, and from the United Nationswhose agency UNRWA has lost its funding and is under attack by the Israelisthe situation will deteriorate further. Safe Passage Netanyahu says that his government will provide safe passage to the Palestinians. These words have been heard by the Palestinians since mid-October when they were told to keep going south to prevent being killed by the Israeli bombing. Nobody believes anything that Netanyahu says. A Palestinian health worker, Saleem, told me that he cannot imagine any place of safety within Gaza. He came to Rafahs al-Zohour neighborhood from Khan Younis, walking with his family, desperate to get out of the range of the Israeli guns. Where do we go now? he asks me. We cannot enter Egypt. The border is closed. So, we cannot go south. We cannot go into Israel, because that is impossible. Are we to go north, back to Khan Younis and Gaza City? Saleem remembers that when he arrived in al-Zohour, the Israelis targeted the home of Dr. Omar Mohammed Harb, killing 22 Palestinians (among them five children). The house was flattened. The name of Dr. Omar Mohammed Harb stayed with me because I recalled that two years ago his daughter Abeer was to be married to Ismail Abdel-Hameed Dweik. An Israeli air strike on the Shouhada refugee camp killed Ismail. Abeer was killed in the strike on her fathers house, which had been a refuge for those fleeing from the north. Saleem moved into that area of Rafah. Now he is unsettled. Where to go? he asks. Domicide On January 29, 2024, the UN special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Dr. Balakrishnan Rajagopal wrote a strong essay in the New York Times called Domicide: the Mass Destruction of Homes Should be a Crime Against Humanity. Accompanying his article was a photo essay by Yaqeen Baker, whose house was destroyed in Jabalia (northern Gaza) by Israeli bombardment. The destruction of homes in Gaza, Baker wrote, has become commonplace, and so has the sentiment, The important thing is that youre safeeverything else can be replaced. That is an assessment shared across Gaza amongst those who are still alive. But, as Dr. Rajagopal says, the scale of the destruction of housing in Gaza should not be taken for granted. It is a form of domicide, a crime against humanity. The Israeli attack on Gaza, Dr. Rajagopal writes, is far worse than what we saw in Dresden and Rotterdam during World War II, where about 25,000 homes were destroyed in each city. In Gaza, he says, more than 70,000 housing units have been totally destroyed, and 290,000 partially damaged. In these three months of Israeli fire, he notes, a shocking 60 to 70 percent of structures in Gaza, and up to 84 percent of structures in northern Gaza, have been damaged or destroyed. Due to this domicide, there is no place for the Palestinians in Rafah to go if they go north. Their homes have been destroyed. This crushing of Gaza as a place, reflects Dr. Rajagopal, erases the past, present, and future of many Palestinians. This statement by Dr. Rajagopal is a recognition of the unfolding genocide in Gaza. As I speak with Saleem the sound of the Israeli advance can be heard in the distance. I dont know when we can speak next, he says. I dont know where I will be. This article was produced by Globetrotter. Vijay Prashad is an Indian historian, editor and journalist. He is a writing fellow and chief correspondent at Globetrotter. He is an editor of LeftWord Books and the director of Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research. He is a senior non-resident fellow at Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China. He has written more than 20 books, including The Darker Nations and The Poorer Nations. His latest books are Struggle Makes Us Human: Learning from Movements for Socialism and (with Noam Chomsky) The Withdrawal: Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Fragility of U.S. Power. It turns out that Joe Biden had a lot of boxes full of papers from his days as vice president and senator. It's true that you can collect a lot of papers over a 50-year career. We understand that. However, Biden had a lot of papers that he was not supposed to have. We learned that in Robert Hurs report. In fact, Biden has a lot of explaining to do, as Julie Kelly wrote: Even the nations most guarded secrets were unsafe in Bidens hands. [In] August 2010 Mr. Biden failed to return Top Secret, Sensitive Compartmented Information (also referred to as codeword) contents of a classified briefing book that he had received during a trip to the Hamptons. His reckless management of classified papers so alarmed White House officials that they scheduled a briefing with Biden that same month to review the necessary protocol. Despite the briefing, Bidens carelessness continued throughout his term. He would frequently leave classified documents unattended, outside of safes, at the Naval Observatory and his Delaware home, former aides told investigators. New details from Hurs investigation, which involved interviews with 147 witnesses and Biden himself, indicate Bidens bad habits didnt stop after his vice presidency ended. Hur: Our investigation uncovered evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen. These materials included (1) marked classified documents about military and foreign policy in Afghanistan, and (2) notebooks containing Mr. Biden's handwritten entries about issues of national security and foreign policy implicating sensitive intelligence sources and methods. Hur then explained why he would not indict Biden apart from settled law that prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president: Biden, Hur concluded, lacks the mental acuity to face trial. Among other lapses, Biden did not remember when he was vice president and did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died. Biden is lucky to be protected from prosecution by the presidency and an apparent case of dementia. Who knew that dementia would save Joe from indictment? Maybe Trump should get a note from his doctor saying that he has dementia. He should present it to AG Merrick Garland and halt his document investigation. In the end, the question is, how does this play in Peoria? My guess is that it won't play well because Joe's document problem is just the latest in a double standard of justice. We've gone from "Clinton's 'really sloppy' handling of classified info" to Biden is an "elderly man with a poor memory" to "Trump has to go to jail for mishandling documents." So here we are and Peoria is not buying the story. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos. Image: U.S. Attorrney's Office Have Republicans finally recovered their druthers? Here is the most welcome news of the week, as reported by CNN: The GOP-led House has voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. He is the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in nearly 150 years. The vote tally was 214 to 213. Three Republicans voted with Democrats against the measure. This comes after House Republicans failed to impeach Mayorkas in a vote last week. The absence of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and the surprise attendance by Texas Democrat Al Green, who had just had surgery and was wheeled into the chamber to vote, denied Republicans the votes to pass when it came up previously. The New Republic and other de facto propaganda arms of the Democrats claimed that the matter was all political and Republicans didn't even know why they impeached him. Just a few years after crying foul at the witch hunt impeachment of then-President Trump (and then crying foul again), Republicans are pursuing the nakedly partisan impeachment of Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. The House is expected to vote again on Tuesday evening on whether to impeach the DHS secretary, the second such attempt in a week. Theres only one problem: They still cant explain how Mayorkas has failed to uphold his constitutional duty. Biden, as usual, played Reaction Man, claiming the move was "political": BREAKING: President Biden EXPLODES, says, History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas. In a statement minutes ago, Biden wrote, History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their pic.twitter.com/cZM9zUsbcf Simon Ateba (@simonateba) February 14, 2024 Most of us however know very well why this happened and needed to happen: Defend these numbers @JoeBiden. You cant. You should be next. pic.twitter.com/gIKpcZ0RfG MWW (@MrWhoWhat) February 14, 2024 When you have a performance this bad as a private-sector CEO, it doesn't take long for the board of directors to boot your keister out of there. Whatever it is you are doing with such an abysmal outcome, you're not doing your job, and voters can see that Mayorkas is not doing his job. While Biden claims history will not look kindly upon those who impeached Mayorkas, the reality is, history will be harsh as heck about Mayorkas's job performance. Voters all over the country, in red and blue states, are seeing their border towns and cities flooded with illegal immigrants with no valid cases for asylum. They have no education, no English, no capacity to seriously contribute to the economy and many are spies, criminals, and terrorists, as well as indigents requiring a lifetime of care. Blue-city voters, through their own feckless sanctuary city policies, are being forced to care and feed them at the expense of other city services. Denver and New York are cutting back on services intended for local residents. Children are being thrown out of their recreational centers and schools. Police officers are being openly beaten by illegals and illegals are shooting into crowds in New York's Times Square. Housing is scarce, hotels are being trashed, food is being wasted by ungrateful migrants, fights and mayhem are breaking out all over, some neighborhoods are turning into hooker zones, migrant flash mobs and gangs are significant, and now there are quarterings of illegals into private homes, voluntary for now. Child labor and child trafficking is through the roof, "family" units are being given special preferences and no longer DNA-tested for actual relationships. Worse still, Mayorkas is penalizing workers in his own department who try to prevent the trafficking. A two-tier system of justice is emerging, too, with illegals filling commercial flights with no identification nor even photographs required, while citizens are forced to cough up that data and dragged through an arduous process. The same two-tier system is seen in many areas, such as college admission, where foreign students must file extensive paperwork to get their student visas to study, while illegals just ... get in, no paperwork required. Meanwhile, the cost of these illegals is running into the tens of billions and that's just the initial cost -- many of these illegals will require lifetime social service -- food, medical, housing, court -- assistance at the expense of taxpayers. And there's no end in sight. Mayorkas' abuse of "parole" authority, which is catch-and-release, abuses a tiny loophole intended for exceptional cases of migrants getting in illegally and has turned it into an actual entitlement for foreigners, so the migrant flow will continue with each year the numbers being let in getting larger. If they look large now, imagine what they will look like at the end of this year, given the exponential increases seen. The only money requested for border control by Mayorkas and his pals is more money to "process" illegals into the country faster, incentivizing more of illegal immigration and turning the Border Patrol into Walmart greeters for any unvetted person the cartels can send through -- and as their true border guard duties go neglected with illegal drugs rolling in. Needless to say, Mexico's border cartels are being enriched beyond their wildest dreams by "crossing fees" and growing powerful and more violent as more money is there to be fought over. A grotesque network of far-left NGOs enabling and encouraging illegal immigration is growing rich as well. None of that comes from the Constitution, which explicitly states that Congress, not the Department of Homeland Security, and not Joe Biden, has the sole right to regulate immigration in the U.S. Congress sets the numbers and determines who gets in and who stays home. See the Constitutional readings on Article 1, Section 8, Clause 19 here and here, all of which has been upheld many times by the Supreme Court. Mayorkas has claimed that power for himself, and worse still, is doing it for political reasons -- to fill voting districts that have seen blue-city flight with new warm bodies in order to keep congressional representation for Democrats. There's also a problem of actual voting by illegals which is a true destruction of democracy and ought to merit on-the-spot deportation which of course it doesn't. Deportations, as may be imagined, is at record lows, and Mayorkas is not bothering much with those except when he has a public relations problem and then puts on a show. Democrats call this act political, but it's not political. This is a guy who has refused to do his job and needs to be out of office for dereliction of duty. He's also lied to Congress multiple times, lied to the American people in claiming there has been no crisis at the border and that the border is "secure" and politicized his office against the actual law itself. He's abused his Border Patrol publicly and prevented them from doing their job. He's sued to prevent states from attempting to do the job he won't do. While I'm not a fan of easy impeachments over policy differences, this is clearly extraordinary circumstances that go well beyond policy, given the complete breakdown of law and order at the border and the irreponsible entry of millions of unauthorized, unvetted illegal aliens into this country. Extraordinary times require extraordinary actions. The Democrats got the impeachment game rolling with their multiple Trump impeachments, so what's sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander and they're going to need to accept this. But the larger issue is the crisis created through rank incompetence, contempt for the law, a power grab against congressional authority, and an illegal politicization of office. Impeachment is a gentle solution to this guy's record of lies, incompetence, and damage. We also don't know what will happen in the Senate when the vote comes up to remove him from office, but given public sentiment, it's not a foregone conclusion that the measure will fail. The reality is, Mayorkas really ought to be in jail. Anyone who can do this much damage to this country and its democracy with a sneer on his face needs to be held accountable. But removing him from office will be sufficient; that's what impeachment is for. It's good that Republicans were able to pull this together, and if they can't do anything else, this stands as a solid GOP achievement. Image: Screen shot from LibsofTikTok Twitter video Even if all migration into Europe were to immediately and permanently stop - a zero migration scenario - the Muslim population of Europe still would be expected to rise from the current level of 4.9% to 7.4% by the year 2050, according to a 2017 report from Pew Research. This is because Muslims are younger (by 13 years, on average) and have higher fertility (one child more per woman, on average) than other Europeans, mirroring a global pattern. This is just the least-migration-filled scenario. The report states that a second, medium migration scenario assumes that all refugee flows will stop as of mid-2016 but that recent levels of regular migration to Europe will continue (i.e., migration of those who come for reasons other than seeking asylum). Under these conditions, Muslims could reach 11.2% of Europes population in 2050. Finally, a high migration scenario from this report projects the record flow of refugees into Europe between 2014 and 2016 to continue indefinitely into the future with the same religious composition (i.e., mostly made up of Muslims) in addition to the typical annual flow of regular migrants. In this scenario, Muslims could make up 14% of Europes population by 2050 - nearly triple the current share, but still considerably smaller than the populations of both Christians and people with no religion in Europe. The refugee flows of the last few years, however, are extremely high compared with the historical average in recent decades, and already have begun to decline as the European Union and many of the member states have made policy changes aimed at limiting refugee flows. Predicting future migration levels is impossible, because migration rates are connected not only to political and economic conditions outside of Europe, but also to the changing economic situation and government policies within Europe. Although none of these scenarios are expected to play out exactly as projected, each provides a set of rough parameters from which to imagine other possible outcomes. For example, if regular migration continues at recent levels, and some asylum seekers also continue to arrive and receive refugee status - but not as many as during the historically exceptional surge of refugees from 2014 to 2016 - then the share of Muslims in Europes population as of 2050 would be expected to be somewhere between 11.2% and 14%. With increased Muslim migration, the potential for conflict rises. Back in 2008, the CIA director, Michael V. Hayden, was quoted by the Washington Post as saying that Europe will continue to see a strong increase in the Muslim population. At the same time, the birth rates of the long-established European population would continue to decline. The integration of these Muslim migrants will pose major challenges for European states and significantly increase the potential for civil wars and extremists. The civil war against infidel Europe has long since begun. The historic third wave of attacks against the bulwark of Europe (Bernhard Lewis) is Islams most successful conquest campaign in modern times. Muslims everywhere speak openly about their intention to Islamize our continent. The following highlights very current civil war scenarios from European countries. This war is still being waged solely by immigrant Muslims against the European majority population, who have been left defenseless against attacks by Muslims so far and who, without exception, have been abandoned by their own governments. But governments that do not protect their populations quickly lose their legitimacy - a look at history shows this. The first Europeans have already begun to defend themselves against the Islamic threat by casting out their elected officials. This will continue. Image: Screen shot from Times Now video, via YouTube On October 28, 1893, the tranquility of Chicago was shattered with the assassination of its mayor, Carter Harrison, who was shot on the doorstep of his own house. The crime shocked every American but the one who was shook the most was Polish immigrant Casimir Zeglen. Zeglen, a man of the cloth and profound spirituality, found himself deeply troubled by the recurring specter of anarchist violence targeting public figures since his arrival in America. Determined to confront this epidemic of chaos and bloodshed, he turned his inventive mind towards a solution that could potentially spare countless lives. His brainchild? A revolutionary, lightweight bulletproof vest designed to be discreetly worn beneath ordinary attire, thereby thwarting the designs of would-be assassins without drawing attention to its wearer's vulnerability. A bulletproof vest being tested in 1923. Photo credit: Library of Congress Casimir Zeglen was born in 1869, near Tarnopol in Galicia, which was at that time a part of Poland occupied by the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the age of 18, he embraced the monastic life, joining The Congregation of the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ. However, destiny beckoned him beyond the cloistered confines of his homeland, leading him to the shores of the United States in 1890, where his remarkable ingenuity would soon leave an indelible mark on history. The tragic events in Chicago spurred Zeglen into action. Over the next two years, he experimented with various materials including bristles, steel wool, wool and cotton. Yet, his efforts yielded only disappointment, as the garments he produced resembled medieval breastplates more than the lightweight, wearable protection he envisioned. It wasn't until 1895 that Zeglen's breakthrough came to fruition when he stumbled upon the remarkable bullet-stopping properties of silk. This revelation was not entirely new; it had been observed by Dr. George E. Goodfellow of Tombstone, Arizona, as early as 1881. Dr. Goodfellow, during an autopsy, noticed a silk handkerchief in a victim's pocket had significantly mitigated the impact of a bullet. Inspired, he delved into research and experimentation, even crafting vests using layers of silk fabric for protection. Dr. Goodfellow eventually returned to his medical duties, leaving the task of refining and perfecting this concept to Zeglen. Casimir Zeglen Zeglen understood that the trick to creating a fabric resistant to puncture lied on the proper method of weaving and on the thickness of the textile. To learn new weaving techniques, Zeglen went to Vienna and Aachen, in Germany, where there are many skilled weavers. Under their tutelage, he honed this craft, learning the intricacies of weaving threads to create a fabric that was both flexible and impenetrable. In 1896, armed with his newfound expertise, Zeglen applied for a US patent for his innovative invention. Less than a year later, his efforts were rewarded with two patents for distinct variants of his groundbreaking armor. In Tailored to the Times: The Story of Casimir Zeglens Silk Bullet-Proof Vest, author Sawomir otysz explains how his bullet proof armor was designed: As a coating layer, Zeglen applied a densely woven linen cloth, under which he added Angora wool. The next was the main layer of silk. It was not woven, but consisted of multiple layers of tightly stacked strings. Threads in each successive layer were arranged obliquely to the ones in the previous layer, and so on. The whole garment was sewn together with a solid silk thread to form a compact whole. The fact that such a prepared fabric was resistant to bullet impact resulted from a combination of two factors high strength of silk fibers and the number of layers in which they were laid. To make his invention known to the world, Zeglen began holding public demonstration where he would invite police officers, military men, as well as journalists and the general public, and ask volunteers to shoot at a block of wood protected by a piece of bulletproof cloth. Later on, Zeglen used human cadavers and animals to test his invention. When these proved to be a success, Zeglen used live human targets. Many volunteers came forward ready to test the armor on themselves. After sometime, Zeglen decided that he should not expose these people to danger and that if anyone should sacrifice their life for the sake of science, it would be himself. Szczepaniks friend Mr. Borzykowski tests a bulletproof vest upon his servant in 1901. Zeglens biggest challenge, however, was to design a vest that could stop the Krag-Jorgensen rifle bullet. The ammunition used in this weapon, introduced to the US Army in 1894, used smokeless powderan innovation of the time. This allowed a muzzle velocity of around 600 m/s, which was up to two to three times greater than a revolver round. This steel-jacketed bullet was capable of piercing an oak beam, half a meter thick, from a distance of 600 m. Zeglens fabric was too weak to stop a projectile carrying that much momentum. Zeglen recognized that hand-weaving alone could not achieve the level of protection required to stop the formidable Krag-Jorgensen rifle bullet. His solution lay in mechanizationa mechanical loom capable of producing the tightly woven, resilient fabric essential for effective bulletproofing. However, acquiring such specialized equipment proved to be a challenge. So Zeglen went to Europe where he hoped to find the expertise and machinery necessary to realize his vision. It was there that he encountered Jan Szczepanik, a fellow Polish inventor renowned for his ingenuity and dubbed the 'Polish Edison' for his prolific accomplishments across various fields of invention. Szczepanik promptly set to work on the task, leveraging the expertise of textile industry specialists to refine the fabric beyond what Zeglen had achieved manually. Armed with this enhanced material, Zeglen returned to America eager to promote his invention to law enforcement agencies. However, his attempts to establish a production line were stymied by prohibitive costs associated with manufacturing the vests. Jan Szczepanik Meanwhile, in Europe, Szczepanik began making audacious claims, asserting himself as the sole inventor of the silk vest and even sought deals with foreign entities, including the Russians. Upon discovering this betrayal, Zeglen severed ties with his erstwhile partner. However, lacking Szczepanik's adept business acumen, Zeglen struggled to secure investors interested in backing his invention. Zeglens church had financed his endeavors till then, but even the congregation denied further financial backing leaving Zeglen disheartened. Eventually, he parted ways with the Order and pursued other ventures, fading into obscurity as the world largely forgot his name. Zeglen passed away in anonymity around 1927, his contributions unrecognized by the broader populace. The story of Zeglen's silk bulletproof armor came to a close with its final public demonstration in May 1913. The vest was suspended on a wooden board and pounded with bullets from a .32 caliber revolver, a firearm previously used in numerous tests. However, on this occasion, the vest resembled nothing more than a piece of hole-riddled Swiss cheese. Zeglen attributed the failure to the biodegradation of the silk and vowed to provide a new iteration for further examination. Regrettably, there is no evidence to suggest he ever followed through on this promise. Zeglen's armor proved inadequate against the growing destructive power of firearms. While the concept of soft armor was sound in theory, it wasn't until much later, well beyond Zeglen's era, that significantly stronger synthetic fibers emerged, rendering soft armor truly effective in its protective capabilities. Casimir Zeglen was undoubtedly the inventor of the first working bullet-proof vest, writes Sawomir otysz, but his concept was eventually discontinued and did not have any major impact on further technological development in this field. What proves that his ideas were not influential is that over the next one hundred years only a very few inventors developing various types of armours referred to Zeglens patents, and the majority assumed their own solutions. His ideas, however, did have impact on a completely different technologytires. Zeglen took his knowledge of weaving and applied it to reinforcing car tires using strong silk fabric. He obtained two patents, which became the basis for the launching his next company, The Zeglen Tire & Fabric Co. Despite his failure to find a backer, Zeglen continued working on his bulletproof fabric. For his final patent, he devised a metal armor plate using a similar method to his improved, one-layer bullet-proof fabric of 1898. He also proposed using a three-dimensional mesh of hard wires, filled with melted softer metal and then rolled together. This innovative invention garnered attention and found mention in subsequent patents, particularly in the context of crafting protective coatings for spacecraft, highlighting its potential applications beyond conventional armor. References: # Sawomir otysz, Tailored to the Times: The Story of Casimir Zeglens Silk Bullet-Proof Vest, Arms & Armour Googles Safe Browsing feature in Chrome is there to safeguard peoples web browsing experiences, even if that means slowing down the load times a bit. Now, were not talking about slowing them down significantly. Just enough for Safe Browsing to do its security checks. Its a necessary step in helping to prevent unsafe browsing that can lead to any number of bad situations. Like phishing, malware, and other things you dont want happening. In an upcoming update to Chrome, Google is going to be making Safe Browsing more efficient. The update, which is slated to come with Chrome version 122, will speed up load times. All while still performing its security checks. Google explains the details in a post over on the Chromium Blog and notes that the update will allow pages to load even while Safe Browsing performs its real-time checks. This balancing act should help move things along when youre trying to browse quickly but no less safely. Google says this will help keep things secure without a degradation in security posture. Advertisement Advertisement Safe Browsing load times will speed up sometime next week As noted by 9To5Google, the Chrome 122 update begins rolling out to users next week. When that happens, safety checks will be asynchronous to allow the page loads at the same time. Heres how thatll look. Youll attempt to load up a website and Safe Browsing will begin its checks as the page loads. The page will load fully and you can continue browsing as long as Safe Browsing doesnt find any issues or potentially dangerous security problems. If something is found, however, Chrome will bring up the alert page that users currently see when Chrome detects a security issue. This is a noticeable change compared to how Safe Browsing works right now. Where checks need to finish before a page loads at all. Google expects this change to speed up load times and improve the overall user experience. Advertisement Those worried about this increasing risk shouldnt be. Google says it evaluated both phishing and social engineering attacks and exploits against the browser, and it feels there are sufficient mitigations in place to continue protecting users from these sorts of risks. In addition to safety measures and page load times, Google has been making other changes to Chrome to improve the user experience. Back in January, it announced plans to add some generative AI features like generative AI themes and a tab organizer. In the same month, it also announced a one-tab unsubscribe button for getting rid of super spammy popups. As most of us know, chatbots often retain your conversations in order to help train. Google Gemini is no different. The company has its privacy policy posted, and youre able to see just how the company uses your data. According to the policy, Gemini keeps some of your conversation data saved for up to three years, depending on the circumstance. To catch you up, Google recently renamed Bard into Gemini. So, Gemini is now the main generative AI product at the company. Theres an official Gemini app that you can download from the Play Store. The Gemini app gives you access to all the functionality you have on the website. Also, you can use it as your phones default voice assistant as a replacement for the Google Assistant. Advertisement Advertisement If you want to get more from Gemini, you can subscribe to Gemini Advanced. You can get Gemini Advanced through the Google One AI Premium plan. It gives you access to a more advanced and smarter version of Gemini. Its a version of Gemini powered by Gemini Ultra. The subscription plan costs $19.99/month. Google Gemini holds onto some conversations for up to three years If you ever want to know how companies are using your data, you should always dig into the privacy policy. This is where a company lays out everything that it doesnt tell you in the press releases or the keynote speeches. Gemini has a pretty lengthy privacy policy, and it lays out what kind of information is retained compared to the information thats deleted. You have the option to delete your conversations and set Gemini to not save your history. However, this comes with a big asterisk. Advertisement The company lays out that it chooses a subset of conversations to be reviewed by human reviewers. Were not sure exactly how many conversations the company checks every day, and were not quite sure if this is all that random. However, Google warns people against putting personal data into conversations or putting any data in the conversation that they dont want to be seen by human reviewers. Along with that, the company also states that if your conversation has been reviewed by a human being, that conversation is going to be held on to Google servers for up to three years. So, imagine having a conversation with Gemini today and having it stay on Google servers until February 2027. This is the kind of thing that people should be thinking about. Sure, its bad enough to have one person review that information, but multibillion-dollar companies also get hacked. So, if your information is on Googles servers, and a company happens to be hacked, this puts your data at risk. This is why its extremely important to always keep an eye on what you enter into Gemini. You can read the full privacy policy here. Google has announced a crackdown on senders of mass emails to Gmail users, signaling a shift towards stricter guidelines to combat spam and phishing. According to reports, Google will begin rejecting emails that do not meet the bulk sender guidelines, which are designed to safeguard Gmail users from unsolicited and potentially harmful messages. Starting this month, bulk email senders (any email sender that sends close to 5,000 messages or more to personal Gmail accounts within a 24-hour period) failing to meet the requirements have been receiving temporary error codes on a percentage of their emails. These error codes serve as alerts, allowing senders to identify non-compliant traffic and take necessary actions to ensure compliance with the new guidelines. However, from April onwards, Google will start rejecting a portion of non-compliant email traffic, gradually increasing the rejection rate over time. Advertisement Advertisement By June 1, 2024, bulk email senders must include a clearly visible unsubscribe link in promotional messages One of the key requirements for bulk email senders is to facilitate an unsubscribe link for recipients. By June 1, 2024, senders must include a clearly visible unsubscribe link in the body of marketing and promotional messages, enabling recipients to opt out with a single click. Its important to note that these guidelines do not impact messages sent to Google Workspace accounts. Google defines a bulk sender as any entity sending 5,000 or more messages to personal Gmail accounts within a day, regardless of the senders primary domain. Notably, a personal Gmail account is an account that ends in @gmail.com or @googlemail.com. Once a sender meets this threshold, Gmail will permanently categorize them as a bulk sender. Googles decision to implement these stricter measures follows its October 2023 announcement, where it emphasized the importance of email validation in reducing the prevalence of unauthenticated messages and phishing scams. By requiring bulk senders to authenticate their emails, Google aims to close loopholes exploited by attackers and enhance trust in email communication. Overall, Googles efforts to tighten regulations for bulk email senders reflect its commitment to protecting Gmail users from spam, phishing, and other bad activities. As these new guidelines take effect, users can expect a relatively safer and more secure email experience on the platform. Nokia, the once legendary technology company, has introduced a different AI-powered tool aimed at revolutionizing industrial operations. Dubbed MX Workmate, this innovative solution leverages generative AI large language models to provide real-time insights and recommendations for industrial workers, ranging from identifying faulty machinery to optimizing factory output. The unveiling of MX Workmate marks a significant expansion of Nokias offerings in the industrial sector, It is built upon Nokias existing communications technology utilized by industrial clients worldwide. By harnessing the capabilities of generative AI, Nokia aims to empower workers with human-like text messages that deliver crucial information and guidance, enhancing productivity and safety within industrial environments. Advertisement Advertisement Mx Workmates application includes early warnings about machine failure and even recommendations for repairs Stephane Daeuble, Head of Enterprise Solutions Marketing at Nokia, highlighted the diverse applications of MX Workmate, ranging from early warnings about machine failure to recommendations for repairs and strategies to improve production quality. Nokia expects this AI-driven assistant to help workers make sense of complex data streams. It will be particularly helpful for industrial companies that are grappling with a shortage of qualified staff, said Daeuble. While generative AI has gained popularity for its ability to create human-like content, Nokia emphasizes its commitment to compliance with operational technology (OT) regulations. Daeuble stresses the importance of proper testing and fine-tuning to ensure the tools effectiveness across various industries, addressing potential legal and ethical concerns associated with AI deployment in industrial settings. Besides optimistic expectations, Nokia also acknowledges the potential challenges of the development Despite the promise of MX Workmate, Nokia acknowledges that trust in the technology may require time to develop. Daeuble underscores the need for accuracy, clarity, and traceability in AI-generated prompts, with initial safeguards in place to validate the recommendations provided by the tool. Nokia prepares to showcase the first versions of MX Workmate at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. While some aspects of Nokias AI tool, MX Workmate, such as addressing AI hallucination, remain in the research phase, Nokia remains committed to delivering a reliable and effective tool for industrial workforce optimization. The Head of Enterprise Solutions Marketing at Nokia projected a timeline of approximately one to one and a half years before the widespread implementation of this AI tool. Nokia anticipates that MX Workmate will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of industrial operations, driving efficiency and innovation across diverse sectors. According to The Wall Street Journal, Walmart wants to acquire TV maker Vizio to battle Roku and Amazon Fire TV. The acquisition would allow Walmart to boost its advertising business and directly pitch its products to potential customers. The deal is reportedly worth $2 billion. Vizio and Walmart have been close partners for many years. Vizio is currently Walmarts largest customer and the best-selling TV brand in Walmart stores. Neither Walmart nor Vizio have commented about the deal yet. Of course, in 2022, Comcast was also in talks to acquire Vizio, but it never happened. Advertisement Advertisement Affordable TV maker Vizio is soon to be sold to Walmart for $2 billion Walmart now sells its streaming devices and affordable Android TVs under the Onn brand. However, by acquiring Vizio, the retailer can better compete with Amazon and Roku in the affordable TV market. Additionally, it can access the data collected by Vizio from millions of customers. Walmart can also tap into the personalized ads business. Another perk of acquiring Vizio for Walmart could be the companys streaming service, WatchFree+. The WatchFree+ service comes preinstalled on Vizio TVs and doesnt require additional devices, fees, or subscriptions. Walmart has been pursuing the idea of launching a streaming service for almost two years. The company reportedly talked about the deal with major distribution brands like Paramount, Disney, and Comcast. The retailer can now achieve its dream by acquiring Vizio and its streaming service, WatchFree+. The service has over 260 free channels. However, it might not be free anymore after Walmarts acquisition. Advertisement Last year Walmart partnered up with Innovid Last year, Walmart announced a partnership with advertising company Innovid to show personalized ads on connected TVs (CTV). Innovids Dynamic Creative Optimization (DCO) helps Walmart to create and share more engaging and interactive ads. In 2022, Walmart also partnered with Roku to show shoppable ads on TVs. The competition in the affordable TV market is heating up with streaming services like Roku and Amazon launching their own lineup of smart TVs. By owning the TV lineup, the streaming services could have full control over the content and ads they show to the customers and gather as much data as possible. EQS-Ad-hoc: Camerit AG / Key word(s): Payout/Dividend One-off special dividend planned due to termination of the opeRating business 14-Feb-2024 / 14:24 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Publication of inside information in accordance with Art. 17 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 One-off special dividend planned due to termination of the operating business Hamburg, 14 February 2024 The Management Board of CAMERIT AG (hereinafter also referred to as "the company") is planning a one-off special dividend of EUR 45.00 per share. Since the sale of almost all significant assets in 2020, the company has had virtually no operating business. Despite intensive efforts in recent years, the Executive Board has not succeeded in developing a new, viable and low-risk business model in the traditional business area. It has now come to the final conclusion that there is no sensible and, in view of the risks, sufficiently profitable way for CAMERIT AG to realise the purpose of the company as set out in the Articles of Association, given the existing regulatory requirements. The major shareholder has also signalled that it would not support the development of another business segment. Against this background, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board came to the conclusion at a joint meeting yesterday that liquidation of the company would be appropriate in principle. However, due to the purchase and assignment agreement concluded with the NORDCAPITAL Group in 2020, it is currently not possible for CAMERIT AG to carry out a liquidation without suffering significant disadvantages. Should the NORDCAPITAL Group exercise all of the options granted to it by the company in 2020, liquidation could only be carried out from the end of 2028. At yesterday's meeting, the Executive Board and Supervisory Board therefore discussed making the company's free retained earnings from the sale in 2020 largely available for distribution. In particular, the Executive Board was asked to determine the surplus liquidity based on conservative planning. In this regard, the Executive Board has today determined that a special dividend of EUR 4,500,000 is possible on the basis of commercial prudence and taking into account future running costs. It intends to submit a corresponding proposal for the appropriation of profits to the Annual General Meeting. Should the Annual General Meeting approve a distribution in this amount, this would correspond to a payout of EUR 45.00 per share. Any liquidity remaining after completion of the liquidation would be distributed to the shareholders as a final distribution. If a special dividend of the aforementioned amount is distributed, no further dividend payments are expected in the future. Hamburg, 14 February 2024 CAMERIT AG Stefan Trumpp -Executive Board - Wendensstrae 1A 20097 Hamburg Contact:CAMERIT AGStefan TrumppTel: 040/33962 0Email: info@camerit.de A double murderer who killed his neighbours by setting fire to their flat has lost a bid to have his whole-life sentence reduced at the Court of Appeal. Hakeem Kigundu killed Richard Burgess, 46, and 45-year-old Neil Morris after pouring petrol in the hallways of Rowe Court in Reading, Berkshire, on December 15 2021. Kigundu, who is now 33, also seriously injured two others in the blaze, which a judge called a premeditated attack made by the defendant in revenge. Hakeem Kigundu admitted two counts of murder, two of causing grievous bodily harm and one of arson with intent to endanger life (Ted Hennessey/PA) The Ugandan national was due to represent himself at his appeal in London, but he refused to attend. Rejecting the bid in his absence on Wednesday, three judges said that while whole-life orders were reserved for the most serious and egregious types of murder, Kigundus actions had quite catastrophic consequences which cannot begin to be overstated. Lord Justice William Davis, sitting with Mr Justice Murray and Judge Robert Altham said: There can be little doubt that these offences fall into that category. We are confident that it is appropriate to consider his appeal and dismiss it. Kigundu was sentenced in October 2022 after admitting two counts of murder, two of causing grievous bodily harm and one of arson with intent to endanger life. Reading Crown Court previously heard that Kigundu planned the attack after growing angry over his neighbours complaints about his antisocial behaviour and losing his job as a BT engineer in the months before. He bought 40 litres of petrol, a sledgehammer, and a V For Vendetta mask in the days before the fire and stated his intention to kill his neighbours in a voice note, creating an email address with the words burn them all. Joel Richards, who suffered third-degree burns in the blaze and had to jump from a second-floor window after rousing two other Rowe Court residents, said he saw Kigundu laughing from his car parked outside as the building burned. Lord Justice William Davis said: This is somebody who was planning in effect mass murder. Soldiers from foreign countries who fight for the UK then flee to Britain for protection must be exempt from deportation to Rwanda, ministers have been told. Lord Stirrup, the former chief of the defence staff, warned that the threat of deportation to Rwanda for those seeking asylum after helping British forces in battle, as has happened following the retreat from Afghanistan, may dissuade future foreign co-operation. Other peers meanwhile urged ministers to exclude victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, and unaccompanied migrant children, from the remit of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill. Lord Stirrup, the former chief of the Defence Staff takes part in the annual parade for members of the Order of the Garter at Windsor Castle in Berkshire (Will Oliver/PA) Ex-armed forces chief Lord Stirrup urged peers to back an amendment to the Bill excluding those who have put themselves in harms way to support His Majestys Armed Forces as well as their families, from the deportation scheme. The crossbench peer said: If global Britain is to be effective in the world, it will need to form partnerships with and gain support from people in all sorts of different parts of that world, often in very difficult and dangerous parts of that world. In order to garner such support, it will need to be seen as trustworthy. How trustworthy does anybody think we will be seen if we have taken those who have already served us so faithfully in such difficult circumstances and sent them to Rwanda? So for those who are not swayed by a sense of moral obligation, I ask you to consider the future effectiveness and safety of the men and women of our armed forces who are sent out to do such difficult and dangerous things in these parts of the world. Labour former minister Lord Browne of Ladyton had claimed some who fought with UK forces in Afghanistan had already been threatened with deportation to Rwanda, sharing the story of an Afghan pilot who flew in 30 combat missions against the Taliban, but who found it impossible to access a safe route to asylum in the UK. Lord Browne said: The pilots application for Arap (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) originally was rejected, compelling the US department of state to reach out and consider granting asylum after the UK Home Office threatened deportation to Rwanda. The embarrassment of that is shocking, that the Americans were reaching out to our allies and those who worked with us to rescue them from what we should be moving to do. Former top judge Baroness Butler-Sloss meanwhile told ministers to exempt victims of modern slavery and human trafficking from removal to Rwanda. Lady Butler-Sloss, the first female Lord Justice of Appeal, told the House of Lords: The Modern Slavery Act is an outstanding piece of legislation by, for goodness sake, a Conservative government. We were all extremely proud of it, it was copied in Australia and in other countries. Noting that modern slavery protections no longer apply to those trafficked into this country for exploitation here, the crossbench peer argued this will have a devastating effect on victims and also on the United Kingdoms ability to deal with the perpetrators of this heinous crime. John Gummer, a Tory former environment secretary who sits in the House of Lords as Lord Deben, meanwhile told peers: I must say I am a bit tired of having to remind this Government of what it means to be a Conservative. I have had to do that earlier on, on the single market, and I am now doing it on this. We have a reputation in the world because of our Modern Slavery Act. It was a brave and important thing to do. It was welcomed across the whole House. I am proud that it was a Conservative government that did this, I am not proud that there is a Conservative government undermining that when we know that more than three quarters of those who appeal in these circumstances are found to be right in their appeal. Elsewhere in the debate, former diplomat and civil servant Lord Kerr of Kinlochard said Rwandans who seek asylum in the UK should not be sent back to Rwanda. The crossbencher said if this was made possible by the Bill then we ought to be ashamed of ourselves. Tory peer Viscount Hailsham later suggested the Bills declaration that Rwanda is a safe country should be subject to a rolling sunset, with the African nations safety regularly reviewed. Home Office minister Lord Sharpe of Epsom said the Government understood its moral obligation to help people who had supported the UK armed forces overseas, pointing to legal routes set up to help them, such as Arap. But he added: A person who arrives in the UK illegally should not be able to make the UK their home and eventually settle here. Regardless of the contribution they have previously made, a person who chooses to come to the UK illegally, particularly if they have a safe and legal route available, should be liable for removal to a safe country. Republican right-winger Marjorie Taylor Greene has told Lord David Cameron to kiss my ass after he urged US legislators to pass a bill including support for Ukraine. The Donald Trump ally said the UK Foreign Secretary should worry about his own country after his intervention over the multibillion-dollar foreign aid package making its way through Congress. The bill has passed through the Senate but faces a deeply uncertain future in the House of Representatives, where hard-line Republicans aligned with GOP presidential front-runner Mr Trump oppose the legislation. David Cameron should be concerned about the Nazis in Ukraines army, the Azov Battalion. Were all sick of the absurd name calling, it isnt going to bully me into funding the war in Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/m80llcfTHe Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) February 14, 2024 In an article for US political website The Hill, Lord Cameron called on Washington to vote through the package for the sake of global security as he embarks on a series of diplomatic visits across Europe this week to push the case for sustained support for Kyiv. Asked about his comments on Wednesday, Ms Taylor Greene told Sky News: David Cameron needs to worry about his own country and, frankly, he can kiss my ass. The Foreign Secretary is visiting Bulgaria and Poland this week before travelling to the Munich Security Conference, where he will encourage counterparts to boost defence production for Ukraine. During a trip to Sofia on Wednesday, Lord Cameron said: Right now in Congress, the American support for Ukraine is being debated, and I urge those congressmen and women to pass that bill to provide that money, to provide those weapons to Ukraine. They are fighting off illegal Putin aggression and they need our support. We should be standing up for freedom, standing up for the right of this country to defend itself and making sure that Putin doesnt win. In an article also published on Wednesday, he said he was dropping all diplomatic niceties in his appeal to US legislators as Kyiv keeps up its defensive position against Russia. Lord Cameron speaks to Bulgarian officials as he attends a demonstration of Bulgarian customs and border police on fighting illegal migration, in Sofia (Stoyan Nenov/PA) Lord Cameron, who served as UK prime minister between 2010 and 2016, said: I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s. He came back for more, costing us far more lives to stop his aggression. I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Putin in 2008, when he invaded Georgia, or the uncertainty of the response in 2014, when he took Crimea and much of the Donbas before coming back to cost us far more with his aggression in 2022. I want us to show the strength displayed since 2022, as the West has helped Ukrainians liberate half the territory seized by Putin, all without the loss of any Nato service personnel. Ms Taylor Greene, an ardent Trump supporter, suggested that comparing a refusal to vote through the funding with appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s was rude name-calling and I dont appreciate that type of language. In a post on X later on Wednesday, she said the remarks would not bully me into funding the war in Ukraine. The Foreign Secretary made a similar intervention last December, when he warned during a visit to Washington DC that blocking funding for Ukraine would be a Christmas present for Vladimir Putin. He dismissed suggestions at the time that he was interfering with US politics, saying he came as a friend of America to argue that voting through the package is the right thing to do. The aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan has passed through the Senate 70-29, despite a small group of Republicans opposed to 60 billion dollars (47.5 billion) for Kyiv arguing that the US should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. But it faces an uphill battle in the House, with the Republican Speaker Mike Johnson suggesting he might block it. Kyiv has moved to a defensive posture in the war amid critical shortages on the battlefield, but has kept up its strikes behind the largely static 930-mile front line. Ukrainian attacks on Russian aircraft and ships in the Black Sea have helped push Moscows naval forces back from the coast. On Wednesday, the countrys military said it sank a Russian landing ship in the Black Sea using naval drones. The report has not been confirmed by Russian forces. Cameron: UK wants absolute guarantee of no repeat of UNRWA staff allegations Britain wants an absolute guarantee that the UNs Palestinian aid agency will not employ staff who may be willing to attack Israel, Lord David Cameron has said. The Foreign Secretary said the Government wants assurances that this cant happen again after it froze UNRWA funding over accusations that some of its workers took part in Hamas October 7 assault. It joined the US and several other donor countries in temporarily pausing support while a review takes place. Speaking on a visit to Sofia on Wednesday, the Foreign Secretary said: What were looking for is an absolute guarantee that this cant happen again. Lets be clear here that it looks as if there were people working for UNRWA who took part in the October 7 attacks on Israel. That is unacceptable. That is why weve paused our funding. Thats why these reviews are taking place. We need them to take place quickly, because many UNRWA staff do an absolutely vital job inside Gaza, where theyre the only network for distributing aid to make sure that we get aid to people that need it very, very badly. Since Israel launched its offensive in response to Hamass attack, UNRWA has used its facilities across Gaza to shelter and help to hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians. Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron in Sofia, Bulgaria (Stoyan Nenov/PA) UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has appealed to donor countries for a restoration of funding and new donations amid large-scale death and destruction. Earlier this month, a Foreign Office minister dismissed claims at Westminster that the UK has abandoned Palestinians in Gaza, saying it was focused on practical solutions to save lives. Independent crossbencher Baroness Gohir had accused the Government of contributing to their (Palestinians) collective punishment by suspending aid to UNRWA. Speaking in Parliament, Lord Ahmad said: Palestinian civilians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis. Indeed, it is unfolding before our very eyes. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres (Joe Giddens/PA) Irrespective of where you stand on this conflict, the loss of any innocent life is something we should collectively condemn. We have trebled our aid commitments, so I do not agree with Baroness Gohir that we have abandoned the Palestinians, far from it. It comes after Israeli allegations that 12 of UNRWAs 13,000 Gaza employees participated in the October 7 attacks against Israel, which set off the war. Mr Guterres has said the accusations are horrific and launched an investigation, but has urged donor countries to reconsider their suspension of support as the conflict persists. Broadcaster Chris Packham has told a court he selectively supports Just Stop Oil but does not back all they do. The environmentalist, 62, made the comments while giving evidence as a defence witness in the trial of 22-year-old Cambridge music student Cressida Gethin, who scaled a gantry above the M25 near Heathrow as part of a protest by the group. Mr Packham was among those stuck because of the disruption on July 20 2022 a day after the UKs hottest temperature of more than 40C had been recorded. He told Isleworth Crown Court in west London he came to sympathise with the fact he was forced to think about climate change while stuck for four to five hours on a trip from Hampshire to Surrey, where he was working on the BBCs Inside Our Autistic Minds programme. Under cross-examination by prosecutor Neil Griffin, he insisted his support for Just Stop Oil is selective and conditional. BBC presenter Chris Packham with Cressida Gethin outside Isleworth Crown Court, west London, ahead of her trial (Jonathan Brady/PA) The prosecutor asked: You are not an independent witness, you support Just Stop Oil. Mr Packham replied: I support some of their actions, selectively. The prosecutor continued: You support them (Just Stop Oil), they love having you as a public figure? Mr Packham replied: I selectively support things that they do. What they make of my support is up to them. I probably dont support them in the way that they want. The prosecutor asked about a Just Stop Oil press release relating to the Channel 4 documentary Is It Time To Break the Law?, which Mr Packham presented. He insisted the press release had been inaccurate, that he had not advocated breaking the law and the programme would not have aired under broadcasting rules if he had called for law-breaking. The defendant, who represented herself, asked Mr Packham in her cross-examination: What were you feeling (when you were stuck)? He replied: Knowing I was going to be late initially was causing me some concern. I dont like to fail the teams that I work with, even simply by being late. Cressida Gethin outside Isleworth Crown Court (Jonathan Brady/PA) Initially I felt very frustrated and then obviously I researched, on trying to navigate a quicker route, I discovered the reason was that protesters were active on the M25, and then I changed my thinking. (I thought) I might as well use this to reflect again on why I am being delayed. That is what I chose to do. I sat and contemplated the reason that might have motivated the protesters to take that action. I thought about whether that action was productive and what it was doing. I took it as an opportunity to reflect on the fact I was in a traffic system sufficiently fragile, even normal disturbance would cause significant delay. I reflected on the fact that I was sweating quite profusely, it was a day after the UK had recorded its highest-ever temperature and two days previously the Governments net zero plan had been declared illegal. I understood, I think, why protesters were taking their action. This led me to sympathise with the fact that I needed to be put in a position where I was forced to think about the gravity of the situation. Rather than sit and fret and sweat, I thought I would run through a process that would make the experience positive. Speaking outside court, Mr Packham said he believes Just Stop Oil and other protest movements constantly need to change tactics. He added: My message to the protesters as ever is lets work together to think of creative, peaceful, non-violent means of communicating that message more effectively. Its all right if youve got the motive but youve got to come up with a method that gets your message across, and the message is not getting across. He said he would work with the group if it comes up with ideas that are peaceful and non-violent. He went on: Youre not going to catch peoples eye unless you come up with imaginative, creative, new ideas. We should be looking at other aspects of culture, sport, music, all of the things that are integrated into our lives and using them and participants there to make sure we get our message across. Earlier on Wednesday, the defendant broke down in tears at points during cross-examination as she insisted she faced a massive moral dilemma by engaging in the protest. The defendant, who has taken two years out of her studies, told the court she did not believe all lanes would end up closed and that she did not realise she was so close to Heathrow during the protest. A man paddling in the fountain in Londons Trafalgar Square in July 2022, when temperatures reached 40C (Dominic Lipinski/PA) When asked whether she intended to cause spectacular disruption, she told the court she did not but soon realised this was potentially a more effective protest than I thought it would be. The defendant denies one count of causing a public nuisance contrary to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. She does not dispute scaling the gantry but denies that it amounts to the charge. The trial continues. Footage has shown the moment a group of off-duty police officers ditched their post-work drinks to tackle a knifeman without protective equipment. The Metropolitan Police officers were out socialising at a bar in Elephant Park, south London, on July 21 last year when they spotted a violent altercation happening nearby. Two groups of males were fighting when one of them was struck over the head and a dog was set on him, before Joseph Jimenez, 20, repeatedly tried to slash him with a large knife. The officers charged towards Jimenez, who threw the knife at them and attempted to run away, before he was tackled and arrested. A knife-wielding man has been jailed after a group of off-duty officers rushed to intervene as he attacked another man in #Southwark Shocking footage demonstrates "the heroism shown by these officers is nothing short of exceptional" as they separate the attacker from the victim. pic.twitter.com/1YHV35Wqkr Southwark Police | Central South BCU (@MPSSouthwark) February 14, 2024 Detective Inspector Jon Summers said: The team had finished a long, hard week at work and were enjoying some well-earned down time together when the events unfolded. They had been off duty and were without any form of protective equipment such as batons or Pava spray, or a police radio. Still they intervened, working tactically together in co-ordinating their approach to close off the suspects possible escape route, and swiftly arrested him. The heroism shown by these officers is nothing short of exceptional. They placed themselves at real risk of serious injury in order to prevent serious harm and to apprehend an offender. It is actions such as these that demonstrate the true heart and soul of the Met. They are a credit to themselves, the unit and MPS as a whole. On Wednesday, Jimenez, of Baxter Road in Dalston, appeared at Croydon Crown Court having pleaded guilty to affray and possession of a bladed article, Scotland Yard said. He was sentenced to eight months at a young offenders institute. Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh, lead for policing in Southwark and Lambeth, added: While we expect officers to protect the public, we expect this of them whilst on duty with proper protective equipment and support. These officers had none of this equipment and were not aware of whether support was on the way or not. They had no way of knowing who had weapons or how many. They simply responded to what they could see had they not acted, a member of the public may have been caused serious or potentially fatal injuries. On seeing the spontaneous intervention of the off duty officers all other protagonists fled the scene and a large scale public disorder incident was averted. We are incredibly proud of them. Hundreds of Christian climate activists have begun a 240-hour vigil of protest and prayer outside Parliament in a bid to fight for climate justice. Protesters assembled in front of Carriage Gates, New Palace Yard, on Wednesday the first of a 10-day occupation which will see activists swap in and out every few hours to ensure a round-the-clock presence. They said they want bold climate action by the Government, including moving away from the use of oil and gas, reparation payments for damage caused by climate change in the Global South, and investment in green policies. This Lent well be praying at the No Faith in Fossil Fuels: Lent Vigil for Climate Justice. 10 days, 24 hours a day, holding vigil, praying, and calling on the UK Government for bold climate action. All the info you need: https://t.co/TeFXkouXt6 pic.twitter.com/Qtbt55Pbvl Christian Aid (@christian_aid) February 13, 2024 Ruth Jarman, information officer at Green Christian, said: Theres a massive climate crisis that is putting all of Gods creation at risk and all our childrens futures at risk, in the Global South particularly. As Christians, the first thing you do when you have a problem is to pray and thats what were doing. Ms Jarman said people of all faiths or none are welcome to participate. The No Faith in Fossil Fuels Lent Vigil was organised by an alliance of Christian organisations, including Christian Climate Action, Green Christian, the Salvation Army and Christian Aid. Wednesday was the first day of Lent, the Christian period of reflection and religious observance which lasts for 40 days. The Bishop of Kingston, Martin Gainsborough, and the Bishop of Reading, Olivia Graham, were at the Westminster demonstration, while environmentalist and Green Christian patron Sir Jonathon Porritt attended an Ash Wednesday church service in Waterloo, which marked the beginning of the vigil. Christian protesters in Parliament Square (Stefan Rousseau/PA) David Coleman, a minister in the United Reformed Church and eco-chaplain, said the religious element of the protest was important. He said: Our scriptures and traditions are a spiritual response to threat, oppression and crisis. I think were building a sort of spiritual resilience. He and Ms Jarman said Labours environmental policies are better than the Conservatives but are still not enough. Doing better than really, really bad is just not good enough when were talking about something that is an existential crisis, Ms Jarman said. Nothing is as important as this. Protesters can register for hourly slots during the day and seven-hour slots during the night, and will be collecting donations, raising awareness and praying. Lent is a time for many people to give up something they love, as a symbol of sacrifice and self-discipline. (Getty Images) (Getty Images/iStockphoto) Now that Shrove Tuesday (also known as Pancake Day) is over, Ash Wednesday has arrived, and with it, the first day of Lent. In 2024, the first day of Lent falls on Wednesday 14 February and ends on Thursday 28 March, with Easter falling on Sunday 31 March. During this 40-day period, many people will choose to give up something they love. In Christian tradition, this is an act of sacrifice and self-discipline, representing the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Christ spent 40 days and 40 nights in the desert to pray and fast, before dying on the cross. The Bible tells the story of Satan trying to tempt Christ into turning away from God and worshipping him instead, but Christ is resolute in his devotion to God. As such, the act of giving something up for Lent is important for many people. But what are Britons looking to give up this year for the next 40 days? According to Google Trends data, alcohol is the most searched-for temptation that Brits are planning to give up for Lent. Searches for giving up alcohol for Lent rose by 4,700% over the past week. It comes on the heels of Dry January, which is observed by an increasing number of people each year - in 2022, more than 130,000 signed up to take part, rising to more than 175,000 in 2023. Its good news for the non-alcoholic beverage industry, but bad news for pubs and bars in the UK. According to market researcher CGA, drinks sales sank by at least 7% in the last two weeks of January, with a 19% fall in the sales of spirits. Meanwhile, pub and supermarket sales of non-alcoholic drinks have continued to rise, largely driven by younger Gen Z people who have given up or cut down on drinking the most compared to older generations. Giving up sugar for Lent closely follows alcohol, according to Google Trends data, with searches increasing by 3,900% in the last seven days. Sugar, particularly in the form of chocolates and sweets, is one of the most popular things to give up during this period. A 2012 YouGov survey showed that a third of Brits planned to give these treats up for Lent. Of course, after Lent comes Easter, during which chocolate sales rocket as people go straight back into indulging. Chocolate Easter eggs are extremely popular in the UK. (Getty Images) (Getty Images) Packaging experts, the GWP Group, say that Easter egg sales make up 10% of Britains annual spending on chocolate, with consumers spending as much as 415 million on the chocolatey treats each year. But food or drink arent the only temptations that people give up for Lent. Some also use it as an opportunity to ditch social media for a while, with searches for giving up social media for Lent rising by 300%. There is some evidence that giving up social media for a short period of time can be beneficial for our mental health. A 2022 study found that spending just three days off social media can help improve body image and reduce self-objectification among teenage girls who are particularly vulnerable online. The study, led by psychologists at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, concluded that social media fasts should be explored as a way to alleviate the pressure that teenage girls feel to look a certain way. Some of the most popular indulgences to give up for Lent include: Alcohol Sugar (chocolate and sweets) Social Media Negative habits (such as gossiping or wasting time) Luxuries (such as shopping or eating out) Read more about Lent and Easter: Violence and abuse against shop workers spiked last year with about 1,300 incidents a day, according to an industry group which slammed the woefully inadequate action taken by the Government to address the crisis. The British Retail Consortiums (BRC) annual survey found that the amount lost to shoplifting in the latest year was the highest ever recorded. The number of incidents against staff rose by 50% to 1,300 per day in the year to September 2023, from 870 the year before. About 8,800 of the total across the year resulted in injury. Retail staff faced a barrage of violence and abuse from racial abuse and sexual harassment to physical assault and threats with weapons. The number of incidents tripled during the Covid-19 pandemic when people took out frustrations with Covid safety measures on members of staff. Incidents have remained significantly higher than before the pandemic, and were on a par with Covid-era levels last year. The BRC, which has thousands of members including more than 200 major chains, surveyed a sample of retailers representing some 1.1 million employees across the country. It found that customer theft doubled to 16.7 million incidents a year, up from eight million. Shoplifting cost retailers about 1.8 billion in the latest year, the highest recorded amount and the first time it has surpassed the 1 billion mark, the BRC said. Some of the retailers surveyed noted that the impact of the cost-of-living crisis changed the nature of shoplifting from one or two items to many. Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation hit a peak of 11.1% in October 2022, during the retail crime survey year, with people seeing much higher prices for everyday essentials such as food and electricity. Other retailers said they had seen a greater willingness among shoplifters to turn to violence and abuse, and that they felt there was a lack of consequences for offenders. In the face of surging levels of crime, retailers spent about 1.2 billion on crime prevention measures such as CCTV, increased security personnel, and bodyworn cameras. Helen Dickinson, the BRCs chief executive, said: Despite retailers investing huge sums in crime prevention, violence and abuse against retail workers is climbing. With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues. Criminals are being given a free pass to steal goods and to abuse and assault retail colleagues. No one should have to go to work fearing for their safety. Ms Dickinson added: This is a crisis that demands action now. The Co-op is among the UKs biggest retailers to flag rising levels of shoplifting and violence against its shopworkers (Co-op/PA) Some of the countrys biggest retailers have sounded the alarm over rising levels of shoplifting and violence against staff. The Co-op said there were more than 300,000 incidents of shoplifting, abuse, violence and anti-social behaviour in its stores last year, and called for MPs not to turn their backs on shopworkers. The boss of John Lewis said shoplifting had become an epidemic with a rise in organised gangs looting stores. The chain is among 10 of the UKs biggest retailers which last year agreed to fund a police operation to crack down on shoplifting, dubbed Project Pegasus. The companies are expected to pay around 600,000 towards the project, which will use CCTV pictures and facial recognition technology to get a better understanding of shoplifting operations. Furthermore, the BRC said the Governments Retail Crime Action Plan signals some hope for the sector, as it includes a pledge for police to prioritise urgently attending the scene of shoplifting that has involved violence against a worker. The BRC, along with numerous business leaders, is calling for the introduction of a standalone offence for violence against retail workers, which it said is a desperately needed law to send a signal to criminals that such behaviour will not be tolerated. This would bring English and Welsh law in line with the 2021 Protection of Workers Act passed in Scotland. Scammers are trying to persuade people to buy gold and jewellery, in a change of approach to some frauds, a major bank has warned. Criminals may also pose as police officers, claiming a fraud has taken place on someones account, HSBC UK said. The scam also often involves claims that the bank customer has been chosen to help with an investigation into the bank branch, or that members of branch staff are involved in a plan to steal money from the account, replacing it with counterfeit money. The new twist is where scammers try to persuade the customer to withdraw large sums of cash from their branch and purchase gold or jewellery, which is then handed over to the scammer under the pretence that it will be kept safe or will be used in evidence in court, HSBC said. David Callington, HSBC UKs head of fraud, said: Scammers are devious criminals who adapt their approach from time to time, trying to stay one step ahead of banks and the police. Over the last couple of months we may have seen the start of a trend where purchasing and physically handing over gold, silver or jewellery has become part of a scam. Whereas scammers previously often used cryptocurrency exchanges to cash out, moves to tighten payments across the industry have led criminals to go down a different route. While this not only leads to the customer losing money through the scam, as there is a physical element to it with a meeting to carry out the handover, theres a potential physical risk to the victim as well. If you receive a call out of the blue about money, it is very likely to be a scam. People falling victim to impersonation scams can end up losing life-changing sums, potentially running into hundreds of thousands of pounds, the bank said. Here are HSBCs tips on what to look out for: You may be told you have been a victim of fraud within the bank and should not trust them. Fraudsters may claim you are helping a police investigation. You may be told you need to buy gold or jewellery to stay safe. Legitimate fraud investigations will not ask you to do this. HSBC said that if someone contacts you or asks you to buy or hand over gold or jewellery, hang up immediately. People who have fallen victim of fraud should call the number on the back of their bank card and make a report to Action Fraud. The British Museum is hopeful about recovering stolen objects that have been sold to dealers throughout the world ahead of a new exhibit which showcases the tracked down items. In August, one of the worlds most famous museums revealed that items were missing, stolen or damaged later disclosed as around 2,000 artefacts from the London institutions collection, and a member of staff had been sacked. Visitors can go to a new exhibition, called Rediscovering Gems, from Thursday, which shows 10 of the previously stolen items along with other classical Greek and Roman artefacts of the same type that were used for sealing documents and decoration. Tom Harrison, keeper of the British Museums department of Greece and Rome, told the PA news agency that getting back 357 stolen artefacts, so far, from six collectors has been very, very painstaking work. 10 of the gems that were stolen from the British Museum have been put on display (Lucy North/PA) However, he said the help from dealers who bought the items from various places has been supportive in providing information to locate them. He described the artefacts as being very widely scattered all over the world, so the recovery has been very slow business and much more complicated than we possibly could have imagined. Mr Harrison estimated that among the affected artefacts, around 500 items have been irreparably and minimally damaged. He also said: (If) we could manage to get every object back, there still will be a net loss because weve got objects that had gold mounts that dont have gold mounts, objects that were fractured by taking the gold mount off them and thats just a horrible factor Some of them can be conserved or improved but there are limits to what we can achieve in that way. When asked how employees at the body are feeling five months on from the thefts being revealed, he said there is optimism but he did not want to minimise the impact, which has seen British Museum director Hartwig Fischer resign. Mr Harrison said: I dont want to talk in relation to this (exhibit), for example, in terms of silver linings, I think its kind of inappropriate the damage is just terrible, the impact in terms of reputation obviously isnt something thats quick to repair. But actually, there are positive things that have come out of it, very straightforwardly. This material is getting a look in, curatorial expertise in relation to these things is kind of hugely appreciated. There are lots of things that are going well. At least objects will be better documented. My collection generally will be better documented than its ever been, I think, as a result of this in the end, because were looking into every single object and the archival material in relation to it and were learning things from that constantly. He also described recovery as a big project which needs some staff across the museum trying to find and verify the items and working with colleagues to transport them and get export licences to bring them back to the UK. Claudia Wagner, a senior research associate in gems at the British Museum also told PA how different engraved gems have been part of an enormous scandal once before. Gems had been popular, reaching their height in the 18th century, until Polish prince Stanislaw Poniatowskis collection was sold at Christies in London in the 19th century and were discovered to be forgeries. She said that to distinguish the false and real gems is getting better with improved ways of dating, but the study requires a lot of expertise as it is complicated. One the exhibits in the British Museum, London, on display to the public as part of new Rediscovering Gems exhibition (Lucy North/PA) When asked if the summer disclosure of thefts have revived interest, she said: Very much so, so now theres definitely quite a revival in the art and possibly it had started slightly earlier, because now with digital photography, we really can capture the beauty and the details of it. The gem expert, who is also a lecturer and researcher at the University of Oxford, also spoke about how engraving gems took more than half a year to make during in the ancient past. She said they could have been worn by very, very rich Romans and have been found at the ancient Roman sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum. She also said the gems, such as one of the formerly stolen ones, featuring the head of Augustus, who is credited as the first Roman emperor, were tools of propaganda. Ms Wagner compared the engraved gems to the Make America Great Again (MAGA) hat, denoting support for ex-US president Donald Trump, or declaring through some token that you like former prime minister Boris Johnson. We know this is Augustus, as the same head appears on his coinage and very often they were symbols of power, she added. Rediscovering Gems will run until June 15 in room three at the British Museum. The University of Bristol has lost its bid to overturn a ruling that it discriminated against a student with chronic anxiety who took her own life ahead of a key oral presentation. Physics student Natasha Abrahart, 20, was found dead in her flat in April 2018, on the day she was due to take part in a group presentation in front of more than 40 students in a 329-seat lecture theatre. Bristol County Court previously heard Ms Abrahart had made a previous suicide attempt in the winter term, and university staff were aware she was struggling. Before the presentation, known as a laboratory conference, Ms Abrahart had struggled to complete one-on-one interview-based assessments, with the court told she had scored only eight out of a possible 20 marks in one assessment. Natasha with her parents Robert and Margaret (Family Handout/PA) In May 2022, Judge Alex Ralton ruled the university had breached its duties under the Equality Act by failing to make reasonable adjustments for Ms Abrahart in light of her debilitating anxiety, which is considered a disability. Judge Ralton, sitting at the Civil Justice Centre in Bristol, also found the university had engaged in indirect disability discrimination against Ms Abrahart, and treated her unfavourably because of the consequences of her disability. However, the judge dismissed a claim that the university had been negligent. The university was ordered to pay Ms Abraharts parents 50,000 in damages and invited to agree a sum for her funeral expenses. In December last year, the university brought an appeal in the High Court, arguing that the judge was wrong to find that it knew, or should have known, enough about Ms Abraharts condition to adjust the assessments. Natasha Abrahart (Family handout/PA) Lawyers for the university also said the institution had acted reasonably given the importance of maintaining academic standards, and fairness to other students. However, Ms Abraharts father, Robert Abrahart, opposed the appeal, with his lawyers telling the court the judge was right in his decision and that oral assessments could have been replaced with written versions or the student could have been provided with questions in advance. In a ruling on Wednesday, Mr Justice Linden dismissed the universitys appeal. He said: There will no doubt be many cases where it is reasonable to verify what the disabled person says and/or to require expert evidence or recommendations so as to make well-informed decisions But what a disabled person says and/or does is evidence. There may be circumstances, such as urgency and/or the severity of their condition, in which a court will be prepared to conclude that it is sufficient evidence for an educational institution to be required to take action. Following the ruling, Professor Evelyn Welch, vice chancellor and president of the University of Bristol, said: Natashas death is a tragedy I am deeply sorry for the Abrahart familys loss. At Bristol, we care profoundly for all our students, and their mental health and wellbeing is a priority and is at the heart of everything we do. We continue to develop and improve our services and safeguards to support our students who need help. In appealing, we were seeking clarity for the higher education sector around the application of the Equality Act when staff do not know a student has a disability, or when it has yet to be diagnosed. We will work with colleagues across the sector as we consider the judgment. Prof Welch continued: In 2022 Bristol became one of the first universities to receive the University Mental Health Charter Award, which recognises the continued hard work of our staff and students in terms of taking a strong, structured approach towards improving mental health and wellbeing across our university. We know there is always more to do, and we will keep working to achieve the best for everyone in our community. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which intervened in the case, welcomed the ruling. The organisations chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner said: Today our thoughts are firmly with Natashas loved ones. As the equality regulator, we assisted the court in determining how universities should approach their duty to make reasonable adjustments, bearing in mind the anticipatory nature of that duty. While we will take time to consider todays judgment in full, it provides clarity on the approach universities should take in relation to what parts of an examination or assessment should amount to competence standards. This case will help ensure universities benefit from clearer guidance on their duties under the Equality Act, when they arise, and where the competence standard exception can be applied. We also hope that current and prospective disabled students will feel empowered by this judgment, which provides them with clarity on what they should expect from their university. A man discovered dead in the undercarriage of a plane at Gatwick airport died from hypothermia, a coroner has said. The inquest heard on Wednesday that the unknown mans body was found frozen and unable to be moved in the right hand wheel well of an inbound plane from Banjul, in The Gambia. The flight arrived into Gatwicks north terminal at around 3.30am on December 7 2022, with the mans body being discovered at around 4am. A post-mortem examination by Dr Ceri Morgan found it was highly likely the man died from hypothermia. He was wearing a dark-coloured fleece top and tracksuit type bottoms, no socks and plastic-style sandals. No ID was found in his possession. The plane landed at Gatwick in December 2022 (Gareth Fuller/PA) Despite international and national efforts to find out who the man was, including a public appeal by Sussex Police, his identity remains unknown. A police report said a statement from the pilot detailed checks done of the aircraft before taking off from The Gambia, and that there was nothing out of the ordinary. Ground crews were with the aeroplane, and the pilot noted it was dark. Joanne Andrews, area coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, reached a narrative conclusion over the mans death, with evidence suggesting he got into the aircraft before take-off in The Gambia. The coroner said: Its sad hes not been able to be identified and his family advised. (There is) no evidence how he came to be on the plane, but he sadly died of hypothermia. Sussex Police previously issued an e-fit image of the man who was believed to have been in his 20s or 30s and information has been shared with authorities in the west African country. The coroner closed the inquest but added it could be re-opened if more information comes to light. Climate change is threatening the traditional gift of roses that lovers exchange on Valentines Day, campaigners have warned. Countries ranging from Kenya to Colombia, where the blooms are grown, are facing climbing temperatures, drought and melting glaciers causing water scarcity with the potential to impact the commercial rose industry. And in the UK, gardeners are likely to see earlier blooming roses but also an increase of fungal diseases such as black spot on their favourite blooms, the report from charity Christian Aid said. The aid agency is calling for a halt to new oil and gas drilling and urgent investment in clean energy to curb the emissions driving climate change. Kenyan rose grower Patrick Mbugua says he is very concerned about the impact of climate change (James Kahongeh/PA) It is also calling for increases in climate finance to help poorer countries adapt, with rose growers supported to diversify their income and develop more resilient strains. Christian Aid also wants to see polluters, such as the oil and gas industry, to be taxed for the damage they are doing and the money fed into funding for those most affected by climate change. The report looks at the countries that produce cut flowers including Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, the Netherlands, Ecuador and Colombia. Roses the romantic symbol of love widely given on Valentines Day prefer temperatures of about 15-24C, at least six hours of sunlight a day and free draining soil that does not dry out, the report said. More than half (59%) of all exported roses come from five countries in East Africa and South America which face growing threats from extreme weather. The East African countries: Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda, are set to see continuing temperature increases, with hotter and more frequent extremes. And droughts in the region from 2020 to 2022 were found to have been made 100 times more likely by climate change bad news for water-intensive rose production and the growers that rely on the industry for income. In Ecuador and Colombia, the cooler, high altitude areas where roses tend to be grown are expected to see the greatest temperature increases, with extreme temperatures predicted to rise significantly. Glacier retreat is also a major issue in the tropical Andes, risking water scarcity, the report warned. The Netherlands, the worlds biggest producer, has seen rising temperatures, which may reduce the heating needed for greenhouses, but a greater risk of winter flooding and summer droughts may not favour rose bushes. Roses themselves have a climate impact, with blooms grown in the Netherlands requiring greenhouses heated by gas. The climate footprint of roses grown in warmer parts of the world is significantly lower, but still leads to emissions from air transport and refrigerated facilities, the report said. Osai Ojigho, director of policy and public campaigns at Christian Aid, said: Roses are a special part of the Valentines Day tradition but, with many of them grown in parts of the world vulnerable to climate change, their future is far from rosy. We need to see far more urgent action from governments to invest in renewables and also commit the needed climate finance to help farmers adapt to a climate crisis they did almost nothing to cause. Patrick Mbugua, general manager of Wildfire Flowers, Kenya, said: Weve seen increased disease pressure due to unusual weather patterns, sometimes we have excessive hot weather which sees a jump in the number of pests and, other times, unusually low temperatures which increases fungal infections, reducing yields. It is paramount for governments to have clear policy regarding reducing emissions and developing other interventions that can help with climate change. Governments must especially safeguard local economies and social wellbeing from the impacts of emissions, he urged. A victims group is set to ask a new legacy body to look at the killing of eight workers near an Army barracks in Co Tyrone in 1992. No one has ever been charged or convicted over the attack at the Teebane crossroads by the Provisional IRA. Ulster Human Rights Watch (UHRW) said they will be asking the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (ICRIR) to find answers to questions which the grieving families have never had. The ICRIR was set up in the UKs Legacy Act and is headed by Northern Irelands former lord chief justice Sir Declan Morgan. Sir Declan Morgan, chief commissioner-designate of the Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery (Liam McBurney/PA) It will investigate unsolved Troubles killings and will have the power to offer conditional immunity from prosecution. It is set to take up work on a number of inquests into events from the regions troubled past which have not completed by May 1. UHRW advocacy manager Axel Schmidt described Teebane as one of the worst terrorist atrocities of the Troubles. This case should now be investigated by the ICRIR to answer important questions concerning the criminal investigation and the absence of protection given to the 14 Karl Construction employees by the RUC, he said. Teebane was one of the worst terrorist atrocities carried out during the Troubles. Civilians working on the Lisanelly Army Barracks in Omagh were murdered because they were working for the security forces. It was cold-blooded, brutal and senseless. For years, the families have been searching for answers about the conduct of the investigation by the RUC. To say that it was insufficient and ineffective would be an understatement. He said UHRW will pass on a detailed file to the ICRIR, and will ask the body to look at the police investigation and what security arrangements were in place to protect the workers. Crucially, we also raise the failure to arrest and question some suspects, he said. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced the arrest of two alleged gang members in connection with a spree of shootings in southeast Los Angeles. Los Angeles authorities said they have arrested two alleged gang members in connection with a "random murder spree" within a 5-mile radius of southeast Los Angeles County that occurred over the weekend. Gary Jonathan Garcia Jr., 42, and Timberland Wayne McKneely, 20, were arrested in connection with a string of four shootings, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced on Tuesday. "The last 48 hours have been difficult and terrifying for our southeast LA community," said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn at a press briefing on Tuesday. Authorities located the first victim after receiving a call of shots fired at around 10:30 p.m. on Sunday in the city of Bell, around 10 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles, LASD Homicide Division Capt. Andrew Meyer said. The adult male victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Just after midnight on Monday, deputies responded to a second call in a shopping center parking lot more than 3 miles away in unincorporated Los Angeles and found another adult male shooting victim who was also pronounced dead. The next call came in just 12 minutes later in the city of Cudahy, leading authorities to find two boys who had been "near a K through 8 school," according to LASD East Station Capt. Brandon Dean. One boy died at the scene and the other was taken to a hospital for treatment, where he is in stable condition. Also in the early hours of Monday, a Huntington Park police officer stopped to check on a man lying in the street, Meyer said. The man had been struck with multiple bullets, and was later pronounced dead by the fire department. Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano said the victim, who was known to be experiencing homelessness, was "randomly targeted." More: Gallery: Los Angeles Battered by Pineapple Express storm Authorities link 4 incidents to same vehicle Officials linked the four incidents to a red Honda Pilot captured in surveillance camera footage taken at each of the crime scenes. On Monday afternoon, the car was identified as an "armed and dangerous wanted felony vehicle," according to Meyer. Garcia was arrested when San Bernardino authorities spotted the car by its license plate and pulled it over in a traffic stop. The second suspect was arrested later while authorities carried out a search warrant of a home in Compton, Meyer said. Garcia's criminal history is "extensive," while McKneely has no criminal history, according to Meyer. Both are believed to be gang members, Meyer said. Although the killings appeared "random," Meyer said, "homicide investigators have not ruled out that there may be other incidents linked to the same suspects." Meyer said investigators are searching for a third suspect believed to be involved in the killings. Garcia and McKneely face charges of murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. They are both being held on $2 million bail and will be arraigned in court later this week, according to the LASD. It's unclear if Garcia or McKneely have attorneys who can comment on their behalf. Bell Police Chief Carlos Islas asked the district attorney's office to "do the right thing and do their job to prosecute them to the full extent of the law." Any enhancements to the existing charges, Islas said, would "remain to be seen" as the investigation continues. Cybele Mayes-Osterman is a breaking news reporter for USA Today. Reach her on email at cmayesosterman@usatoday.com. Follow her on X @CybeleMO. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2 alleged gang members arrested in southeast LA 'random murder spree' Three South Carolina sheriffs deputies have been charged with misconduct after they allegedly reported five hoax emergencies about finding a dead body while on duty, officials announced Tuesday. Chesterfield County Sheriff Cambo Streater said he learned about possible misconduct by three of our deputies last week. Based on the nature of the allegations, I requested the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to investigate. SLED has begun their inquiry and the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office is cooperating fully, he said in a statement on Facebook. The three officers First Stg. Justin Tyler Reichard, 28; Sgt. Darien Myles Roseau, 25; and Deputy Killian Daniel Loflin, 26 were charged Monday with misconduct in office, criminal conspiracy and aggravated breach of peace, SLED announced Tuesday. An arrest warrant released by SLED stated that the three officers, while on duty on Feb. 4, reported "five hoax emergencies" in the Cheraw, Chesterfield, McBee and Pageland municipalities. The false calls were made to convenience stores or local municipal law enforcement agencies and notified whoever picked up about the "location of a 'dead body' within the municipalities," the warrant said. The hoax calls triggered emergency responses from local law enforcement agencies. The warrant said the charges were based on interviews with the three officers and were corroborated by " information obtained during the SLED investigation." It's not clear what motivated the officers to make the fake calls. The three were booked at the Chesterfield County detention center Monday and released on $30,000 bonds. The officers are on leave from the sheriff's office pending the outcome of the investigation, local ABC affiliate WPDE of Florence reported. Its not immediately clear if they have retained attorneys. The sheriffs office has more than 50 sworn deputies who serve the countys over 40,000 residents, according to its website. Artificial intelligence is already sowing chaos and confusion in US elections from a bogus robocall impersonating President Joe Biden to a falsified hot-mic recording apparently designed to torpedo a Chicago mayoral campaign. The country urgently needs new laws to prevent deepfakes and other AI-created misinformation from overwhelming elections at an unprecedented scale, policy experts and US lawmakers warn. But with just nine months until Americans head to the ballot box, there are few signs Congress is ready to pass any meaningful legislation on AI. Multiple people involved in the legislative process tell CNN their hopes for a wide-ranging AI bill this year are dimming despite a rare, personal push last summer by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to put AI regulation at the top of the agenda. After numerous high-profile hearings and closed-door sessions that drew the likes of Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk to Capitol Hill, it appears that typical congressional gridlock may blunt efforts this year to address AI-powered discrimination, copyright infringement, job losses or election and national security threats. Im skeptical that something is going to come together, with the legislative days we have left here, and knowing that theres bigger priorities for the floor including must-pass legislation to fund the government, said one congressional aide familiar with the discussions. Even if Congress does manage to pass a bill regulating AI, its likely to be much less ambitious in scope than many of the initial announcements may have suggested, according to a tech industry official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss private meetings with congressional offices. Lawmakers are still publicly expressing optimism about prospects for regulating the AI industry. In a Senate floor speech last month, Schumer reiterated that Congress must intervene to promote safe AI innovation and that both political parties recognize the need to get something done on AI. U.S. Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) speaks as (L-R) Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Sen. Michael Rounds (R-SD) listen after a meeting on AI at the Kennedy Caucus Room at Russell Senate Office Building on November 1, 2023 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. An AI Insight Forum was held to discuss the future practice of Artificial Intelligence. - Alex Wong/Getty Images Schumer has previously said that with the election nearing, he may seek to fast-track a bill that focuses specifically on AI and election security. But that could become harder the longer he waits, the congressional aide said. Primaries are happening; no ones going to want to engage, the aide said. A spokesperson for Schumer told CNN that he and a group of senators directly leading the charge on AI legislation New Mexico Democratic Sen. Martin Heinrich; South Dakota Republican Sen. Mike Rounds; and Indiana Republican Sen. Todd Young aim to release a framework for moving ahead in the near future. (Spokespeople for the three other senators didnt respond to requests for comment.) But the future is quickly becoming the present. Congress may realistically have as little as six months to act before needing to break for August recess and, in many cases, return home to campaign for reelection, said Paul Gallant, a policy analyst at the market research firm Cowen Inc. That is not where I expected to be a year ago, said Gallant. A year later, were still having listening sessions and press conferences. Nothing looks likely to move. Initial momentum on AI regulation For months, Congress has focused on getting up to speed on the basics of AI. Last spring, as he kicked off what would become a global tour, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman left dozens of House lawmakers riveted at a private dinner in which he demonstrated ChatGPTs capabilities. That same week, Altman made headlines at a Senate hearing by asking to be regulated wowing senators who were more accustomed to tech CEOs dissembling or responding evasively to questions. (This week, Altman called for the creation of a global regulatory body for AI similar to the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency.) The momentum continued into the summer, as Schumer and the so-called AI gang including Heinrich, Rounds and Young organized three closed-door sessions to educate their colleagues on AI. Tesla CEO Elon Musk arrives for a bipartisan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Insight Forum for all U.S. senators hosted by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, U.S., September 13, 2023. - Julia Nikhinson/Reuters In June, Schumer announced still more learning sessions scheduled for the fall, as he outlined the fundamental principles that would drive the bill-making process. Any legislation on AI, he said, should prioritize US innovation first, but contain guardrails to preserve national security, promote transparency in AI products, protect election integrity and help Americans understand why an AI model behaves the way it does. Schumer hosted nine closed-door panels for senators to hear from outside experts on AI, with the first one in September attracting a media frenzy due to the wide array of tech luminaries in attendance including Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Then things fell silent. Proposals in the works Congressional staff point to some signs of progress. Bipartisan discussions on AI have continued since the holidays on key Senate committees, the aide said. And House Speaker Mike Johnson wants to launch a bipartisan working group, potentially as soon as this month, to make things happen on AI, New York Republican Rep. Marcus Molinaro said at an event hosted by The Washington Post last week. Johnson reportedly met with Altman in January; a spokesperson for Johnson declined to comment. Lawmakers have unveiled numerous proposals during this Congress, introducing more than 170 House and Senate bills in the past year alone mentioning artificial intelligence, according to a CNN review. One bipartisan group of senators wants to ban deceptive AI deepfakes from US elections. Another calls for preventing AI from launching US nuclear weapons. A third bill would let artists, writers and everyday people sue companies for producing or hosting deepfakes of themselves, after songs and videos emerged featuring the artificial likenesses of musicians such as Drake and actors such as Tom Hanks. Still other ideas would require high-risk AI models to register for a government license, or create a dedicated new federal agency to oversee AI. Expect the Senate Judiciary and Commerce committees to try to advance some of these measures this year, Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn said at a Washington event hosted by ITI, a tech industry trade group, last week. And House leaders including Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries would like to pass 5 to 10 AI bills this year, said Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer at State of the Net, another Washington conference, on Monday. But despite the proliferation of ideas for how to rein in AI and the optimistic talk from lawmakers, Congress remains in a poised-for-action posture with no clear plan for getting those proposals to Bidens desk. A House Republican majority beset by infighting and a preoccupation with culture war issues makes it extraordinarily difficult to advance basic funding legislation, let alone complex artificial intelligence regulation, said a congressional aide on the House Energy and Commerce Committee. I dont see how anything can get through the House in its current state, the aide said. You wont get real, substantive change without the buy-in of both parties. And I think thats impossible to do at this stage because too many members are not fully educated on AI and are not giving enough serious credence to the threat of AI as it relates to our elections. A limited window If Congress cannot pass AI legislation this year, it can still try again next year, Gallant said. But it will mean leaving the 2024 elections exposed. And there are risks to extended inaction, as the tech industry barrels forward with AI development faster than policymakers can keep up. And it could also cede the floor to other governments, including in the European Union, which is already poised to ratify a landmark regulation known as the EU AI Act. If they dont pass something, itll be just like social media, an industry that has long escaped regulation, Gallant said. I suspect what it will take [to regulate AI] is a dramatic and potentially catastrophic, catalyzing event. Some of the deadlock could break if Congress finally reached a deal on a nationwide bill guaranteeing every American a fundamental right to digital privacy, said Alan Davidson, a senior Commerce Department official and a top advisor to the White House on telecommunications and technology issues. Last fall, Biden signed a sweeping executive order committing the executive branch to a rapid-fire timeline of tasks in an effort to get in front of AI issues, in what has further highlighted a contrast to Congress. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman testifies before a Senate Judiciary Privacy, Technology & the Law Subcommittee hearing titled 'Oversight of A.I.: Rules for Artificial Intelligence' on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., May 16, 2023. - Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters Many companies and consumer advocates describe a federal privacy bill as vital, low-hanging fruit that would help resolve some of the most basic policy questions around AI, including how data can be used or shared for training AI models. Comprehensive privacy legislation is something Congress could act on right now, Davidson told CNN. It would make a very big difference in terms of protecting peoples privacy and AI. Such a bill has been elusive for years, as Republicans and Democrats have split on the scope and reach of the specifics. Absent congressional action, the task will fall to other government bodies such as consumer protection agencies and financial regulators to try to regulate AI under existing laws, said Sarah Myers West, managing director of the AI Now Institute and a former AI advisor to the Federal Trade Commission. But, she added, many agencies need more funding to take on the added work, and executive agencies reach is increasingly under threat by court challenges, which could make the governments job of protecting Americans from AI even harder or dump the problem onto state legislatures. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Press Release February 14, 2024 How Bong Go's Malasakit Center initiative changed one Quezon City family's life in six years of service As the Malasakit Center initiative celebrates its 6th anniversary this February, its impact on families across the Philippines continues to grow. Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, known as the father of Malasakit Centers, has continued to champion the program to help improve access of poor and indigent patients to medical assistance programs from the government. He has also been tagged as 'Mr. Malasakit' for his compassion for the most needy sectors and for his untiring service as he claims "bisyo ko ang magserbisyo... tutulong ako sa inyo sa abot ng aking makakaya." A recent testimony from Marites Verano, a resident of Barangay Pasong Tamo in Quezon City, highlighted the profound difference the Malasakit Center can make in the lives of those facing medical and financial hardships. Marites, a 50-year-old mother whose livelihood depends on laundry and scavenging recyclables, shares the challenges of caring for her daughter, Ayarah, who was born with Down syndrome, congenital heart disease, and a growing tumor that requires surgery. Marites's narrative is a reminder of the struggles many Filipino families face. "'Yun po 'yung sakit na habambuhay po, lalaban talaga po ako para alagaan siya," Marites reflected, underscoring her relentless fight to provide for her daughter. The financial burden of Ayarah's condition, alongside their day-to-day survival, made accessing necessary medical care nearly impossible. Upon learning about the Malasakit Center at the Philippine Children's Medical Center in Quezon City through a hospital referral, Marites decided to seek help. The assistance they received proved invaluable, significantly easing the financial strain of Ayarah's medical treatments and necessary surgeries. "Nabalitaan ko sa hospital na may nakakatulong po na Malasakit (Center). Nag-try po akong lumapit noon," she recalled. This decision brought a glimmer of hope to Marites and Ayarah's lives. The assistance they received was transformative, alleviating the heavy burden of medical expenses and offering a pathway to the care Ayara desperately needed. "Ang laking tulong po sa anak ko ng Malasakit (Center). Sa pangangalakal ko, halos kulang 'yung pangkain namin, gatas, diaper, maintenance kapag hirap siyang huminga. Kaya nung nalaman ko 'yung Malasakit (Center), napakalaking tulong sa amin," Marites expressed. Launched on February 12, 2018, with the opening of the first Malasakit Center at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City, the Malasakit Centers initiative has marked a transformative moment in Philippine healthcare. Initiated by Go, then Special Assistant to the President, these centers were designed to simplify the process for Filipinos seeking medical and financial assistance by bringing together services from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office under one roof. Under the stewardship of Go, who played a crucial role as the principal author and sponsor, Republic Act No. 11463, also known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, was passed into law, solidifying the presence of Malasakit Centers across the Philippines. The Malasakit Centers have grown to 159 operational units nationwide, benefiting approximately ten million Filipinos in need. "Meron na po tayong Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na laging handang tumulong po sa ating mga kababayan," Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, stated, underlining the initiative's nationwide reach and its foundational goal to be accessible to all Filipinos in need. As the Malasakit Center marks its 6th anniversary, its continued success reflects a collective aspiration towards a more inclusive and supportive healthcare system in the country. Columbus Police Chief Elaine R. Bryant addresses the media at Columbus police headquarters Wednesday morning during a press conference about Darnell Taylor, a missing 5-year-old Columbus boy who is believed to been taken by his foster mother, Pammy Maye, on Feb. 14, 2024. Law enforcement issued an AMBER Alert about Taylor. State authorities in Ohio issued an AMBER Alert Wednesday morning for a 5-year-old boy from Columbus , who police said is in danger. The boy, Darnell Taylor was taken from his home by his 48-year-old foster mother, Pammy Maye, according to the Ohio Amber Alert website. Darnell was last seen about 3 a.m. at his home on the city's South Side, Columbus Police Department Deputy Chief Smith Weir told reporters at a press conference Wednesday. According to the Amber Alert, the boy is Black with black hair and was last seen wearing Spider-Man pajamas and white boots. "We believe this child is in danger, so we are asking for the public's help," police Chief Elaine R. Bryant said. Woman who disappeared found dead: Missing hiker found dead on California's Mount Baldy after citizen's drone tips off authorities Police are searching for Darnell Taylor, a missing 5-year-old boy who is the subject of an Amber Alert issued Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. A 911 call The chief said Maye's husband called 911 just after 3 a.m. and said his wife had woken him up and made statements to him that led him to believe Taylor may have been hurt. He said Maye then abruptly left the home. Police are searching for Pammy Maye, the foster mother of a 5-year-old Columbus boy who went missing Wednesday. Maye was last seen wearing a green floral nightgown with pink shoes. She stand 4 feet, 9 inches tall and weighs about 115 pounds. SUV found more than 140 miles away in Cleveland At the time she disappeared, Maye was driving a grey 2015 Jeep Cherokee with an Ohio license plate that read JIGGZII. Just before 6 a.m. Wednesday, police reported, the vehicle was found unoccupied, in the Cleveland suburb of Brooklyn about 140 miles northeast of where the boy was taken. Weir said officers searched Maye's family and friends' homes looking for her and the child before issuing an AMBER Alert around 5 a.m. As of a just before noon local time, K-9 officers were currently searching the area around the Maye's home. A fight to the death: Hiker kills rabid coyote with his bare hands after attack in New England woods 'We have no idea what we're dealing with' Maye began fostering Taylor in May 2023, Weir said. The boy's biological family has been notified of his disappearance. Weir said police were called to Maye's address several months ago for an unrelated incident. Bryant called the situation "fluid" and pleaded that the public reach out with any information "no matter how minute." When asked if police knew whether Taylor was alive or not, Bryant said it is unclear. "We have no idea what we're dealing with right now," she said. Anyone with information about the child or Maye should call 1-877-AMBER-OH (1-877-262-3764) or 911. Contributing: Natalie Neysa Alund with USA TODAY This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: AMBER Alert issued in Ohio for Darnell Taylor, foster mom Pammy Maye President Biden on Tuesday slammed Republicans who voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, arguing that history will not look kindly on those lawmakers. After a failed first effort to impeach Mayorkas, House Republicans eked out a narrow 214-213 vote to impeach the first Cabinet official since the 1870s. History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games, Biden said in a statement after the vote. The White House argued before the vote that the impeachment effort against Mayorkas was unconstitutional and politically motivated. Biden on Tuesday noted that Mayorkas is a Cuban immigrant who came to the U.S. as a political refugee with his family and has spent more than two decades in public service. He also said that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) rejected the legislation a group of senators unveiled last week that included measures to tighten security at the border, as well as aid to Ukraine and Israel. The Speaker called it insufficient and dead on arrival in the House. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have indicated Johnson killed the bill to allow former President Trump, the GOP front-runner, to run on the border as a political issue against Biden. Instead of staging political stunts like this, Republicans with genuine concerns about the border should want Congress to deliver more border resources and stronger border security, Biden said. Sadly, the same Republicans pushing this baseless impeachment are rejecting bipartisan plans Secretary Mayorkas and others in my administration have worked hard on to strengthen border security at this very moment reversing from years of their own demands to pass stronger border bills. Biden said that Congress has to give his administration the tools to address the situation at the U.S. southern border and that the House GOP has to decide whether to join us to solve the problem or keep playing politics with the border. Biden also reiterated his calls to House Republicans to pass the Senates bipartisan funding measure to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel and other allies. The measure passed the Senate with 70 votes on Tuesday, but Johnson says it lacks the tougher border security measures House Republicans have demanded. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Startups and small businesses are more likely to offer remote work options. Westend61/Getty Images RTO mandates could drive workers to startups and small businesses. These businesses may favor remote work to avoid expensive office leases. Some research shows that RTO mandates can hurt employee morale. Disgruntled workers who are forced to come back to the office by major companies, could present an opportunity for startups and small businesses to scoop up talent. Dan Schawbel, a future-of-work expert and managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, told Business Insider that employees at big companies with return-to-office mandates might find more flexible working options at smaller firms. Startups and small businesses may not want to take on the burden of expensive office leases, and therefore, give workers more flexibility to work from home, he said. "Those companies are primed to take a lot of this talent and grow and compete against the bigger companies," he added. Major companies are calling workers back to the office including Google, Goldman Sachs, Meta, Citigroup, and Salesforce. Most recently, Dell told its employees to come into the office three days a week. CEOs cite improved productivity and collaboration as reasons for these mandates, but some research shows that it's hurting morale and making workers want to quit. Schawbel told BI that RTO requirements are a " massive disruption" to workers lives because many made life decisions based on their companies promises of flexible work. "They made big decisions, especially millennials who had moved, they bought a house, they settled down, they had kids, he said. "Now those same employers that enabled them to have the freedom to live wherever they wanted to at that point in time and not have to worry about going to the office for safety reasons during COVID, now they're being asked to come back to the office," he added. Read the original article on Business Insider In newly filed court documents, Brian Laundries parents detail the day everything hit the fan, recalling an exchange of frantic phone calls as their son told them his fiancee Gabby Petito was gone and he needed them to find him an attorney as he drove back home without her. The calls took place on August 29, 2021, three weeks before Petitos strangled remains were found in Wyomings Bridger-Teton National Forest after she was reported missing by her family, according to depositions from Laundries parents, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie, whose son also was soon found dead amid mounting national attention on the case. The depositions are part of a lawsuit brought by Petitos parents against Laundries parents for pain and emotional distress, claiming the Laundries knew their son had killed Gabby and intentionally withheld that information. Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie had embarked early that summer on a cross-country van trip she was documenting on social media as an aspiring travel influencer. But Laundrie returned to his Florida home on September 1 and later vanished into a nature reserve for weeks. After investigators found his remains, a medical examiner determined he had died by suicide. Authorities said they found writings near his remains in which he claimed responsibility for Petitos death. Officers with the North Port Police Department secure the entrance to Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park on October 20, 2021, in North Port, Florida. Human remains and personal items belonging to Brian Laundrie had been found there, officials said. - Mark Taylor/Getty Images In November 2022, a Florida judge ruled in favor of Petitos family in a wrongful death suit against Brian Laundries estate, awarding $3 million to Petitos mother as the administrator of her daughters estate. In the depositions filed this week in the emotional distress lawsuit, the parents of both Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie detail what was going on behind the scenes as the case unfolded. The trial is scheduled to begin in May. Here are the key takeaways: The day everything hit the fan When Brian Laundrie called his mother the afternoon of August 29, 2021, their conversation largely seemed like a light-hearted catch-up, but as they began to say goodbye, her sons tone completely changed, the mother said in her deposition. His voice was very upset and I didnt know why, Roberta Laundrie said. I didnt want to push him, so we just said goodbye. When I got off the phone, I told Chris, you know, Brian sounded upset. Maybe you should give him a call. When Christopher Laundrie called Brian, his son was frantic, he said in his deposition. He was not calm and he got very excited. Brian repeatedly told his father, Gabbys gone but never said he killed Petito, Christopher Laundrie said. His son asked for help, saying he may need a lawyer. I asked him why. He wouldnt tell me. Laundries father said he never thought his son killed Petito when he said she was gone. He said, I had no idea what to think. After the conversation, Christopher Laundrie contacted the familys attorney, Steven Bertolino, both of Laundries parents said in their depositions. Later that evening, Brian Laundrie called his mother to say he was coming home to Florida, she said. Thought that Brian killed Gabby probably went through my mind, mother says When asked what she thought her son meant when he said Petito was gone, Roberta Laundrie said several possibilities ran through her mind, including that the couple may have gotten into a fight and Petito could have been considering pressing charges. Initially, the mother said she couldnt recall whether she considered the possibility that Brian Laundrie could have killed Petito, saying, I didnt know what to think. But she later acknowledged the thought probably went through my mind. Gabby Petito embarked on a cross-country van trip with her fiance, Brian Laundrie, in the summer of 2021. - From Gabby Petito/Instagram Roberta Laundrie said she liked Petito and the pair had developed a good relationship. As we knew each other longer and longer, we grew closer and we really cared for each other, she said. I cared for her. I believe she cared for me, too. She always said so. But when asked whether she made any attempt to contact Petito or her parents after the August 29 call, the mother said no. I was just concerned about my son at the time and I just figured maybe her parents could come get her, she said. My attorney told me not to talk to anybody, so I just didnt talk to anybody, Roberta Laundrie said. When Nichole Schmidt, Petitos mother, contacted her, Laundrie did not return the calls, she said. Petito always could take care of herself, the mother said. Brian Laundrie arrived back home in Florida on September 1 with the white van he and Petito had been traveling in, but his mother didnt ask him about what happened with Gabby, following her attorneys advice not to talk about anything that might have happened, she said in the deposition. I was told not to ask, and so I just kept Brian close, kept him home and safe, and didnt talk to him about anything and hoped for the best, she said. Burn after reading letter was poorly worded joke, mother says When Brian Laundries body was found in October 2021, investigators discovered an undated letter from his mother in his backpack enclosed in an envelope that said, burn after reading, CNN has reported. Petitos parents have fought to include the letter in their lawsuit against the Laundries, saying his mother references bringing a shovel to help bury a body, and baking a cake with a shiv in it should Brian Laundrie go to prison, court documents state. Roberta Laundrie has long maintained she penned it before her son left for the van trip and said in her deposition she never imagined the future when she wrote it. An undated letter obtained by CNN, which Roberta Laundrie says she wrote before Brian and Gabby's trip. - Obtained by CNN It was a poor choice of words. When I read this later, I was like This sounds awful, Roberta Laundrie said. It was a jokey, stupid letter that I dashed off before he left with lots of bad jokes and poor humor. I never imagined any of this. When she decided to write the note, Roberta Laundrie was under the impression Brian and Gabby were just driving up to New York, but she suspected they would be gone for much longer. She and her son had recently had an issue over his traveling, and she was disappointed they would be gone so long, so she wrote it to remind him she would always love him, the mother said. She said she wrote burn after reading as a reference to a book Petito had given her son. I did want him to get rid of it. Not burn it, but throw it out so nobody read it. Its an embarrassing note, the mother said. Laundries parents ignored texts and calls from Petitos family As the search for Gabby Petito stretched on and garnered national attention, her family made repeated efforts to contact the Laundries, eventually making a public statement begging for them to cooperate in the investigation. Petitos parents, Joseph Petito and Schmidt, accuse Laundries parents in their suit of knowing their daughter was dead and the location of her remains when the Laundries released a September 14 statement that said, It is our hope that the search for Miss Petito is successful, and that Miss Petito is reunited with her family. Petitos parents said they made efforts to text and call Laundries parents during the search for their daughter but never received any response. In their depositions, Christopher and Roberta Laundrie said they ignored the Petitos messages at the advice of their attorney. Joseph Petito expressed anger in his disposition that Laundries parents released the September 14 statement wishing for the girls safe return, even as they privately avoided her family. It bothered me that theyre not trying to figure out a way to help Gabby be brought home, Petitos father said. They supposedly love Gabby, but all they did was show that they didnt give two sh*ts about her. CNNs Jamiel Lynch and Jack Forrest contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Former Franklin County Sheriff's deputy Jason Meade demonstrated on the stand during his trial in Franklin County Common Pleas Court how he alleges Casey Goodson Jr. was handling a gun while driving his car. Closing arguments are set to begin Wednesday in Meade's trial. He is charged with murder and reckless homicide. The jury in the murder trial of a former Franklin County Sheriff's deputy for the December 2020 shooting death of a Black man will soon begin deliberating. Closing arguments will begin Wednesday morning in the trial of Jason Meade, who is facing two counts of murder and one count of reckless homicide in connection with the Dec. 4, 2020, shooting death of 23-year-old Casey Goodson Jr. The case, which began with opening statements on Jan. 31, will then be turned over to the jury of eight women and four men. How do I watch the Jason Meade trial? Franklin County Common Pleas Court is equipped with cameras in each courtroom that provide the ability to live stream proceedings. The stream for Judge David Young's courtroom can be found here. The judge controls the live stream from the bench, and the feed is only on when court is in session. The judge can also control whether some evidence, such as photos that may be graphic or sensitive, are shown to the public and streamed. How long will the jury deliberate? It is impossible to predict how long a jury may deliberate in a case. Deliberations can take minutes, hours or days. What happens when there's a verdict in the case? If the jury reaches a verdict, Young will read it in open court. Should the jurors not reach a unanimous decision, Young could give them what is known as a Howard charge, essentially jury instructions asking them to continue deliberating in hopes of reaching a verdict. Feb 13 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Judge David Young gives instruction to the jury in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. If, after a Howard charge, the jury still cannot reach a verdict, Young would have to declare a mistrial. At that point, prosecutors would have to determine whether to retry Meade or dismiss the case. What has each side argued during the trial? Special prosecutors Tim Merkle, Gary Shroyer and Montgomery County Assistant Prosecutor Josh Shaw called more than a dozen witnesses, including members of Goodson's family, to testify in their efforts to prove Meade is guilty of the charges filed against him. Feb 13 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Montgomery County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Josh Shaw speaks with Special Prosecutors Tim Merkle and Gary Shroyer in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. The evidence presented by prosecutors included testimony about Goodson being shot six times, five of which struck him in the back, as well as testimony that Goodson was wearing earbuds playing music at the time he was shot. Related coverage: Jason Meade trial delayed until Tuesday, few witnesses left in Casey Goodson shooting case The judge also allowed prosecutors to call a last-minute witness who testified Tuesday after not coming forward until the trial was underway. Christopher Corne, a local HVAC technician, testified that he saw Goodson drive by him on Ferris Road and did not see a gun in Goodson's hand. Corne did not see the shooting or hear gunshots, he testified. Feb 13 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Christopher Corne testifies in the trial of Michael Jason Meade at the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Meade's defense attorneys, Mark Collins, Kaitlyn Stephens and Steven Nolder, called six witnesses, including Meade himself, to testify. Meade testified that he saw Goodson waving a gun inside his vehicle while turning from Karl Road onto Ferris Road. Meade turned around and followed Goodson, who did not heed verbal commands to show his hands and drop the gun, the former deputy testified. Each side called an expert on use of force to testify for the jury. bbruner@dispatch.com @bethany_bruner This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Jason Meade trial: Closing arguments begin in case of ex-Ohio deputy A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here. Lawmakers from both parties last December may have been anticipating former President Donald Trumps current NATO trash talk when they quietly slipped language limiting a presidents power to pull the US out the alliance into the annual defense policy bill, which passed with bipartisan support. Trump boasted at a weekend campaign rally that as president he told an unidentified NATO leader that he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want with member countries who are in arrears on defense spending. The whole point of NATO is supposed to be that members act to defend each other if attacked. President Joe Biden seized on Trumps recent NATO bashing, suggesting in Tuesday remarks from the White House that Trump was the first president who bowed down to a Russian dictator, which Biden said was dumb, shameful, dangerous and un-American. Add that criticism to a chorus of alarm from NATO and European officials after Trumps comments and in the midst of House Republicans blockage of additional aid for Ukraine. Trumps desire to pull out of NATO The post-World War II alliance of Western democracies was built around NATO, but Trump has long complained that the US is getting a raw deal with the organization, paying too much and getting too little. Trumps ultimate goal, writes CNN national security analyst Peter Bergen, has long been to pull the US out of NATO, which was formed in 1949 to contain the threat of the Soviet Union and the spread of communism and is now organized around deterring Russian President Vladimir Putin. CNNs Jim Sciutto, in a forthcoming book, quotes a former official in both the Trump and Biden administrations who predicts a Trump election win in November would mean the US will be out of NATO. Sciutto also writes about how Trump nearly pulled the US from the alliance during a 2018 NATO meeting. At the same time, Trump tried to claim credit, arguing it is his tough talk and not the threat of Russian invasion that has caused NATO member countries to increase their defense budgets in recent years. Whats to stop him? If Trump wins the 2024 election and does turn on NATO, he would run into that new language from Congress, which says the president shall not suspend, terminate, denounce, or withdraw the United States from the North Atlantic Treaty without either a supermajority vote in the Senate or an act passed by the full Congress. When I asked the former US Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker about what Trump could do to undermine NATO as president, he first pointed out that Trump was boasting about his interaction with an unnamed world leader rather than promising future action. Kurt Volker testifies before the House Intelligence Committee on November 19, 2019, in Washington, DC. - Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images The Constitution, Volker noted, says the Senate must be involved with ratifying treaties but it is silent on the subject of withdrawing from a treaty. Any court battle could take years. Alternatives to withdrawal Rather than attempting to withdraw from NATO, a second Trump presidency could allow his allies to pursue a policy of making NATO dormant, an idea pushed by at least one Trump-allied think tank. Nobody knows exactly what that would look like, Volker said, but the president has immense power over how the US interacts with its allies. Theres lots of things that you can do administratively as the commander in chief that would still be very disruptive for NATO, Volker said. A president could reduce the number of exercises Americans take part in with NATO allies, further reduce troop presence in Europe, withhold payments to the NATO infrastructure or cut down on the US military budget. The US would still be bound, under this type of scenario, by the pledge to defend other NATO nations, but it would not be prepared. Its not just enough to say, yes, we will fight together, said Volker. You actually have to have the capabilities. Americans lead NATO by design If Trump wins the election this year and then seeks as president to reduce American military participation, he could, in theory, recall the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower first held the job after NATOs founding, and ever since, the top NATO commander has always been an American admiral or general. NATOs power to deter attacks on other countries rests in large part on American nuclear weapons, and so it is appropriate that an American service member sits atop the NATO structure, according to Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This December 1957 photo shows heads of government, including US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, attending the annual "family portrait" during NATO top-level meetings at the Palais de Chaillot. - Bettmann Archive/Getty Images Pulling American generals out of NATO might force other NATO countries to seek their own nuclear deterrents. Part of the reason Europeans have not pursued a collective European military is by American design and a result of security provided by NATO, Bergmann said. Countries are eager to be protected by Article 5 of NATOs charter, which is the principle that an attack on one member is an attack on all of the members. Sweden and Finland have both worked hard to join after Russia invaded non-member Ukraine. Finland joined in 2023, and Sweden is inching closer to accession. That provision that Trump dislikes has only been invoked one time, after 9/11, when the US and NATO allies invaded Afghanistan after terror attacks brought down the World Trade Center and struck the Pentagon. More members hit 2% benchmark Trump frequently complains that NATO members other than the US dont pay dues, which is a misstatement of facts. Members are supposed to spend a minimum of 2% of their GDP on defense, but it is just a guideline that doesnt require payments to NATO or the US. Multiple NATO countries do not hit that benchmark, although spending has risen since Russias invasion of Ukraine. That argument is weaker and weaker, because allies are indeed spending more and doing more, Volker said. NATOs charter is a relatively short and simple document. Its section on how a country withdraws from the alliance is further evidence of how central the US is to the organization: A country wishing to withdraw must notify the US a year before it plans to withdraw. No country, by the way, has ever withdrawn from NATO, although France did not take part in NATOs military operations from the mid-1960s until 2009. A difficult relationship to unbreak If Trump is reelected and chooses to hollow out NATO or make US participation dormant, it would sever ties that future presidents might have trouble repairing. Its just like any relationship, said Bergmann of the likelihood of permanent damage if Trump were to materially alter the NATO alliance. This would be seen as the US basically having a massive affair and like cheating on Europe. Could the marriage be restored? Well, potentially. But it would require, I think, a lot of effort on the part of future administrations. Marco Rubio is not worried Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida was a sponsor of the new law meant to prohibit a president from leaving NATO. Appearing on CNNs State of the Union on Sunday, he dismissed the threat posed by Trump. Hes telling a story, Rubio said, adding, He doesnt talk like a traditional politician, and weve already been through this. You would think people wouldve figured it out by now. I have zero concern, because hes been president before. I know exactly what he has done and will do with the NATO alliance, Rubio said, although he added, But there has to be an alliance. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Katie Holmes is revealing her darker side sartorially speaking, that is. The 45-year-old actress attended the Michael Kors runway show at New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, February 13, in a sheer black floor-length dress. The monochromatic number featured lace detailing and a tiered skirt. She wore a black lacy bra underneath as well as a pair of black high-waisted underwear. She accessorized the daring look with a black oversized blazer, sheer tights, white strappy heels and a white clutch purse. She topped the look off with a swipe of bright red lipstick and styled her hair in beachy, relaxed waves. Holmes posed for photographers before joining other celebrities in the front row, including Anna Wintour, Blake Lively, Brie Larson, Rachel Brosnahan, Gabrielle Union and Nina Dobrev. Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Michael Kors This is far from the first runway show the Dawsons Creek alum has attended this season and her outfits have been just as diverse as the events she has attended. Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images Holmes put an unexpected spin on the Canadian tuxedo when she turned up at the Alice + Olivia show on Saturday, February 10. She wore a light button-down denim shirt tucked into faded, dark blue baggy jeans. She topped the look off with a white fitted motorcycle jacket and neon pink heels. See Katie Holmes Best Fashion Moments: Red Carpet, Street Style and More The day prior, on Friday, February 9, Holmes played with color again at the Prada makeup and skincare launch party in Brooklyn. There, she wore a mid-length lime green silk skirt, paired with a gray cardigan, black heels and a black purse. Holmes kept her color palette neutral on Wednesday, February 7, when she wore a navy two-piece Chanel set to the opening of the new Chanel jewelry flagship store on Fifth Avenue. Her outfit featured a shrunken navy cardigan and matching wide-leg pants with a split hem. A Delaware judge rescinded Elon Musks $55.8 billion pay plan last month. His next move? Recruit other companies to rage-quit being incorporated in Delaware. Some followed suit or promised to do so, but a copycat billionaire rebellion against the Fortune 500s preferred place of incorporation did not exactly materialize. Lawrence Cunningham, special counsel at Mayer Brown and a director on the boards of Constellation Software and Markel Group, has a prediction for what will happen now: mostly nothing in fact, although a lot of words may fly. There will be neither a stampede nor a trickle, said Cunningham. There will always be frustrated and delighted customers in Delaware. All of this is both familiar and desirable. Why companies like Delaware and will probably stay Musk launched his protest on X after the ruling, saying the judge in the case, Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick, was an activist and politician, first and foremost. Musk now has plans to move Teslas incorporation to Texas, and he has already rehomed his implantable brain-chip company, Neuralink, from Delaware to Nevada. The problem with Musks play is that other companiesand their lawyerslike Delaware. A lot. About 68% of Fortune 500 companies are domiciled in the First State, and 79% of IPOs in 2022 were registered there. As of 2024, 49% of Russell 3000 companies and 44% of S&P 500 companies have corporate bylaw provisions that require their investors, if they sue, to do so in Delaware, according to data analytics firm Esgauge. These exclusive forum provisions have proliferated specifically because the Delaware Court of Chancerythe same court where Musks pay was rescindedis known to defer to decisions made by corporate boards rather than intervening. Even Institutional Shareholder Services, a proxy advisory company for large investors, generally recommends that investors vote in favor of bylaw changes designating Delaware as the best spot for lawsuits because of the likelihood of a speedy and efficient resolution of Delaware corporate law cases. Meaning, companies typically have their best shot legally if they get sued in Delaware. This is a predictable reaction by one person who got stung, said Tom Bayliss, a partner at Delaware law firm Abrams & Bayliss. The only thing different about [Musks] case is how big it is and how high-profile it is. Musks response isnt even a new phenomenon, Mayer Browns Cunningham points out. Companies led by CEOs with outsize personalities on the receiving end of unfavorable judgments with large-dollar sums in the past have made noise about Delaware being an inhospitable place, he said. Will unicorns look to Nevada and Texas? Still, Musks entreaties come at a time when Delaware has issued several rulings that have sent a chill into one of its core constituencies: boards of directors. Since 2019, the court has been more willing to allow cases to survive a motion to dismiss that previously would have died on the vine. Marquee companies including Boeing and McDonalds have advanced past the motion-to-dismiss stage of litigation. The Wall Street Journal reported last week that three shareholders are seeking to reincorporate businesses they are affiliated with in Nevada or Texas, noting the examples of Barry Diller and Tripadvisor chairman Greg Maffei. Both Nevada and Texas are trying to woo companies with the promise of a less-stringent legal climate than Delaware, per the Journals report. In the case of online travel company Tripadvisor, it is looking to make the move to Nevada, but minority shareholders arent in favor of the plan. As Delaware has taken steps to hold directors more accountable, discussions about its rulings have increased, said Frank Placenti, leader of the U.S. corporate governance practice at law firm Greenberg Traurig. The impact could divide the world of companies into two parts: existing Delaware-based public companies and new companies that have a choice about where to incorporate before they go public. If the founder of the next unicorn wants compensation similar to Musks, whether or not to incorporate in Delaware could be on the table, said Placenti. That might have an impact on the thinking of a founder here and there, he said. Plus, investors may not care where a company is domiciled if its a hot-ticket IPO with people lining up to buy stock, he said. That may provide an avenue for states like Nevada, which is making a push to increase the number of companies they have. For already established companies, it would be tough to sell a move out of Delaware to shareholders, said Placenti. Companies would have to explain their reasoning to investors before a vote, and absent some compelling tax advantage or other business reason for the move, it would be hard for companies to tell investors they dont want their board to have the same responsibilities as directors who oversee companies based in Delaware. Thats not a story that sells very well, he said. I dont see a rush to the exits for existing public companies because of that factor. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com The hottest ticket in Las Vegas for the past few years has been real estate. The pandemic motivated many people to relocate, and plenty of them have landed in Clark County looking for low-cost living in the Southwest sun. Median home-sale prices rose by 11.1 percent between December 2022 and December 2023, according to Redfin data however, while homes today sit on the market for far less time than they used to, it can still take a while to sell. Before you list your property, read on for everything you need to know about how to sell a house fast in Las Vegas. How fast can you sell your house in Las Vegas? Despite its year-round desert climate, Redfin data shows that the Las Vegas housing market follows the same seasonality as the rest of the country: Homes sell faster in the traditional spring/summer homebuying season and slower in winter. The median number of days Las Vegas homes lingered on the market before selling in December 2023 was 48 thats more than a month just to go into contract, not counting the additional time it takes between contract and closing. And if that seems like a long time, consider that in December of 2022 it was a much longer 69 days. But its likely to speed up once spring and summer hit. Need to sell faster? If you dont have time to wait that long for example, if you need the proceeds from the sale immediately, or if you need to relocate ASAP for work reasons there are ways to speed up the home-sale process. Consider these options: iBuyers: iBuying can be a good option for those in a rush to sell. These online companies make quick cash offers and can close the entire deal in just a few weeks but youre not likely to get as much money for the sale as you would in a traditional market transaction. Offerpad and Opendoor, the two biggest names in the industry, both buy properties in Las Vegas. Cash-homebuying companies: Companies that buy houses for cash move with similar speed. These real estate investment firms are very active in the Vegas area. In fact, nearly 30 percent of home sales in December 2023 were cash transactions, according to data from Las Vegas Realtors. Work with a local agent: A real estate agent with local expertise can help you to leverage the unique qualities of your home. They can market your home for speed and help connect you with motivated buyers who are looking to move quickly. Sell as-is: An as-is sale tells potential buyers that there will be no negotiations over repairs or other details. This speeds things along by avoiding lengthy back-and-forth conversations. Be flexible: A need for speed means remaining open to seller concessions or other compromises that can help to expedite the sale process. This includes pricing your home to sell an agent can help you set an asking price thats fair but competitive enough to catch buyers eyes and inspire them to bid quickly. Selling your home fast for fair market value Working with a trusted real estate agent may mean the transaction moves a bit slower, but its the best option if you want to sell for top dollar and capitalize on your homes market value. Before listing your home, consider these topics with your agent. Is it worth upgrading your home? Most major renovation projects will delay your listing hiring and scheduling a contractor could extend your timeline by weeks or even months. And they typically do not recoup their cost when you sell. But that doesnt mean you shouldnt invest in any home improvements at all. For example, a broken air conditioner in the Las Vegas heat definitely needs fixing before you list. Consult your agent to decide whats a must-do and whats a dont bother. Should you hire a professional stager? Staging your home can make your property more appealing to prospective buyers, especially if its cluttered with years worth of personal items (or completely empty because youve already moved out). A buyer wants to be able to visualize themselves living there if your agent thinks staging could help, it might be worth the price. How should you price your listing? This is the most crucial question to discuss with your agent. Their local expertise can help you determine a list price that is appropriate for your house and current market conditions, and if you want to move quickly they can take that into consideration in the price. A price point thats low enough to appeal to buyers may help set your property apart and drive a quicker sale. What do you need to disclose to the buyer? Home sellers in Nevada are legally required to fill out the states sellers real property disclosure form. This is standard in most states and details any known defects or issues with the property. In addition, if youre part of a homeowners association, youll need to disclose all the HOAs financial info and bylaws for the buyer as well. Closing day After you accept an offer, stay focused on fast communication with your attorney and your agent. The buyers attorney and agent will likely be making contract revisions and requesting additional information, so responding promptly will help you avoid further delay. Expect to pay some closing costs and related expenses before the transaction is complete. Here are some common closing costs for sellers in Nevada: Realtor fees: This represents the biggest chunk of cash that eats into your profit as the seller. Agents commission fees typically total between 5 and 6 percent of the homes sale price. The median sale price in Vegas was $422,000 in December, per Redfin 5 percent of that comes to more than $20,000. Transfer taxes: Clark County, where Vegas is located, charges a transfer tax of $2.55 for every $500 of value. So, if you sell your home for $400,000, the transfer taxes add up to $2,040. However, you might be able to negotiate to split this fee with the buyer. Title insurance: Sellers typically pay for the owners title insurance policy here, although this too can be up for negotiation. This protects against any potential problems with the homes title. Capital gains taxes: If you stand to make a large profit on the sale, you may owe capital gains tax to the IRS. How much you owe will depend on a few factors, including your marital status and how long youve owned the home. Attorney fees: While you arent required to hire a real estate attorney in Las Vegas, its a smart investment. Selling a house involves lengthy contracts, large sums of money and potential liabilities, so a lawyer can make sure youre protected in the deal. Find a real estate agent to help you sell your home fast Working with an experienced local real estate agent can help you maximize your homes sale price while also moving quickly. If time is of the essence, interview multiple agents to find one who can work on your timeline. FAQs Indonesias Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, a former army general, appears to have an early unofficial lead in the race to become the countrys next president, quick counts show after voting in the worlds third-largest democracy closed on Wednesday. Prabowo appears to have won a simple majority of ballots cast in Wednesdays elections, with some early independent snap counts sampling of actual vote counts at the various voting locations putting his percentage of the popular vote at nearly 60%, substantially more than what pre-election opinion polls yielded. Former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan placed second in the presidential race garnering just under a quarter of the votes so far, while the ex-governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo was third, according to the snap counts released by independent pollsters, including Indikator Politik, Litbang Kompas and Lembaga Survei Indonesia. More than 200 million people were eligible to vote in only the sixth election in Indonesia since the country emerged from a military dictatorship under onetime President Suharto in the late 1990s. The outcome of these elections could go some way in affecting democratization in Indonesia, while determining whether Southeast Asias largest economy will attain developed status by 2045. Official results are not due for at least a month. The winner will replace President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, who is not standing for elections after having served the maximum of 10 years. Its too early to conclude anything so we have to wait, Anies told CNBC after the early snap counts suggested he was trailing Prabowo. Lots of reports have been coming in since a few weeks ago of possible irregularities, so we have to wait, he told CNBCs Martin Soong, repeatedly declining to go into more specifics. Indonesias presidential candidates Anies is running for president with the backing of three parties, including the secular Nasdem Party in the ruling coalition and the conservative Islamic Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). Muhaimin Iskandar, better known as Cak Imin and head of the National Awakening Party (PKB), is his vice-presidential running mate. The third candidate, Ganjar, was nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) as its presidential candidate, alongside Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin as his vice-presidential running mate. In Indonesia, only coalitions or individual political parties with at least 20% of the seats in the House of Representatives, or a quarter of the popular vote from the previous House of Representatives election, may propose presidential and vice-presidential candidate pairings. Prabowo was nominated by his Gerindra Party. His vice-presidential running mate is Jokowis eldest son and current mayor of Surakarta or Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka a show of Jokowis tacit support for Prabowo even though he has not explicitly endorsed any of the three candidates vying to replace him. Image: Indonesia Votes In Presidential Elections (Oscar Siagian / Getty Images) Gibran, 36, was added to the ticket after laws were amended to allow candidates below 40 years old to run for president or vice president if they have held regional office. Even though Prabowo has pledged to continue Jokowis economic policies, its unclear if he would derail two of Jokowis more visible legacies: the relocation of the national capital from Jakarta to Nusantara and turning Indonesia into a global hub for battery manufacturing. The percentages could still change with more data. However, the methodologies used by the three organizations that have released their quick count results are reliable, making it unlikely that Prabowo received less than the majority, Teneos Managing Director Bob Herrera-Lim wrote in a client note after snap counts were released. Prabowo will likely aim to have a ruling coalition with at least 60%-70% of parliamentary seats to ensure that his political agenda cannot be held hostage by one or two middle-sized parties. This makes major policy shifts unlikely early in the Prabowo administration, he added. Prabowos military past To win outright, a candidate must obtain more than 50% of the national vote and at least 20% of ballots cast in more than half of the 38 provinces in Indonesia on Wednesday. If no one achieves this, Indonesians across the worlds largest archipelagic state, spanning more than 17,000 islands, will head to a runoff between the two best-performing candidates. Voters had six hours Wednesday to cast their five ballots for their preferred presidential and vice presidential pairing, for legislators at the national, provincial and regency level, as well as a regional senator for the national parliament. Anies has pledged to deepen Indonesias nascent democracy in his election campaign, setting himself up against Prabowos controversial past. Prabowo was once an Indonesian special forces commander. He was dishonorably discharged from the military in 1998 after troops under his command allegedly captured and tortured democracy activists opposed to the dictatorship of Suharto, his father-in-law, amid riots that preceded the start of democratic reforms. Prabowo has also been accused of leading a massacre of hundreds in East Timor in 1983. He has since been rebranded as a cute grandpa, with his campaign featuring his awkward dance moves on social media, endearing him to young voters. More than half of Indonesias electorate was born after 1980. The minimum voting age is 17. Overcoming dissatisfaction with President Joe Biden and a surge in migrant arrivals that has played to Republican strengths, former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi, a Democrat, won Tuesdays special election to succeed ex-Rep. George Santos in New Yorks 3rd Congressional District. Suozzi defeated Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip, a Republican, in a Long Island and northeast Queens seat that is nearly identical to the one he previously represented for three terms. Suozzi had vacated the seat in 2022 to mount a quixotic bid for governor, prompting an open race where Santos, a Republican and federally indicted serial fabulist, won. (Congress expelled Santos in December, prompting the special election.) In election-night remarks that were briefly interrupted by pro-Palestine protesters calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Suozzi emphasized the need to unite the country behind common goals and relished in his opponents failure to paint him as an open-borders leftist. Despite all the attacks, despite all the lies about Tom Suozzi and the Squad, about Tom Suozzi being the godfather of the migrant crisis, about Sanctuary Suozzi, despite the dirty tricks, despite the vaunted Nassau County Republican machine we won! he declared to cheers from the crowd at an upscale wedding venue in Woodbury, New York. Democrats takeover of a GOP-held swing seat at once narrows Republicans already slim majority in the House, and provides a much-needed jolt of momentum for the party in the White House. Getting a win in a tough special election in a district that was trending red is a big boost and shows Democrats continue to defy expectations, said Eric Koch, a spokesperson for Battleground New York, a progressive coalition fighting to help Democrats win the five Empire State House seats that Biden carried in 2020. Biden carried New Yorks 3rd by eight percentage points in 2020, but polling currently shows him losing the district in a head-to-head rematch against former President Donald Trump. Suozzis victory suggests that there is a playbook for Democrats in swing seats struggling to overcome Bidens unpopularity and frustration over the influx of asylum-seekers and other migrants that has occurred on Bidens watch. Suozzi affirmed his commitment to border security in twoTV ads, and in the final days of the campaign, slammed Pilip for opposing a bipartisan Senate deal to shore up the border after Trump warned that it would benefit Biden. Whats more, Suozzi and his allies were apparently able to get the latter point across without the benefit of advertising and direct mail, since they decided that there was too little time to make it a worthy topic for paid communication. Trump handed Suozzi a gift, while Suozzi was in a defensive crouch on immigration, said Larry Levy, executive dean of the National Center for Suburban Studies at Hofstra University. He was able to flip the script a little bit and say: See, this is an example of what you would get if you elected another Republican. At the same time, a defeat for Suozzi would have been doubly devastating for Democrats who went all in for him. Suozzi and the groups backing him jointly spent $13.5 million on TV advertising about $6 million more than their Republican counterparts. Battleground New York knocked on 100,000 doors for Suozzi in just over a months time, securing 10,000 commitments to vote for Suozzi. The road to a Democratic House majority runs right through New York, which is why Battleground New York jumped right into this hard-to-predict special election, Koch said. The Democratic Party had understandably hoped to capitalize on the existing embarrassment of Santos scandal-plagued term with a special-election win that could generate forward momentum ahead of a November election beset by concerns about Bidens standing. Making a dent in Republicans wall of support in Long Island, where suburban voters have galloped to the right since 2020 in defiance of national trends, was as sure a way to do it as any. The nature of a special election on a short timeline also provided New York Democrats a critical stroke of fortune. The party got to anoint Suozzi, a former mayor of Glen Cove and Nassau County executive, as nominee without a messy primary. When they see a Black woman, a mother, an immigrant, not agreeing with the progressive agenda that you and your party promoting, they have an issue with that.Mazi Melesa Pilip, Republican county legislator If a guy like Tom Suozzi, with his name recognition and accomplishments in local government and in Congress, and with all the money he had to spend, still lost, then the Democratic Party could be in a lot more trouble than some people already think, Levy said, speaking before Election Day about a hypothetical outcome. Suozzi succeeded in making the race a competition between two candidates Suozzi vs. Mazi and their respective merits. He blasted her for avoiding press scrutiny for the first month of the campaign, and agreeing only to a debate on Feb. 8, just five days before the conclusion of voting. At that debate, Pilip appeared plainly outmatched. In an exchange about whether she supported a national assault weapons ban, Pilip said that she supported a ban on automatic rifles, even as Suozzi pointed out that automatic rifles have been illegal for decades. My opponent is unvetted and unprepared, he said alongside Pilip onstage. Weve been down this road before with George Santos. We cant go down this road again. He likewise cast doubt on Pilips commitment to abortion rights, by noting that, among other things, she supported the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision returning abortion to the states, and refuses to identify as pro-choice. Pilip maintained that while she is personally pro-life, she supports a womans right to an abortion and would not back a national ban without specifying what that means. At a Friday press conference touting her law-enforcement-union endorsements, she also declined to answer HuffPosts question as to whether she would vote for the ballot initiative in November that would enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. Pilip, an Ethiopian-Israeli immigrant and veteran of the Israel Defense Forces, argued, however, that the grumbling about her evasiveness reflects the liberal medias bias against a Black woman who did not conform to their stereotypes. Suozzi painted Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, the Republican congressional nominee, as a policy lightweight who could not be trusted to protect abortion rights or gun control. Suozzi painted Nassau County Legislator Mazi Pilip, the Republican congressional nominee, as a policy lightweight who could not be trusted to protect abortion rights or gun control. You know what the problem? When they see a Black woman, a mother, an immigrant, not agreeing with the progressive agenda that you and your party promoting, they have an issue with that, she said in her Feb. 8 debate with Suozzi. And I felt it. She and her allies also sought to make the race a referendum on Bidens immigration policies, in which she cast her opponent Sanctuary Suozzi as an active participant. Those attacks were potent in the suburbs of New York City, which has absorbed more than 170,000 asylum-seekers and other migrants in the last two years alone. In television ads, the Congressional Leadership Fund, House Republicans main super PAC, homed in on Suozzis decision to end cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, or ICE, while serving as executive of Nassau County in 2007. The spots featured a clip of Suozzi touting the decision during a 2022 gubernatorial debate, at a time when he was challenging New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) from the right. Suozzi had been emphasizing his pro-immigrant record in an answer explaining why he nonetheless could not support granting noncitizens voting rights. As with many political attacks, the Republican hit against Suozzi lacked context. His decision to end cooperation with ICE had been the result of a request from his police commissioner following an ICE raid that local law enforcement insisted had endangered local cops and police-community trust in the region. Suozzi pushed back hard on television, featuring, in one ad, a clip from a 2018 interview on Fox News in which he defended ICE. The ad states that Suozzi would work with Republicans to shut down illegal immigration while opening paths to citizenship for law-abiding residents. And anything else you might hear is garbage, Suozzi concludes as he throws a garbage bag in the trash. He also connected Pilips opposition to the Senate border deal to her failure to clarify her position on an assault weapons ban. If Pilip wins, he warned at a campaign event on Sunday, Were going to end up with more migrants coming to New York. And on top of that, theyre going to have access to AR-15s. Suozzis deep roots in the district likely made it easier for voters to trust his assurances that he did not embody the qualities they might dislike in Biden or the national Democratic Party. HuffPost caught up with Robert and Monique Marmorale of Locust Valley after they cast their early votes in Glen Cove on Friday. When discussing the prospect of a Biden-Trump matchup, the couple preferred the term disgusted to undecided. They both cited uncontrolled immigration as a top concern, linking it to an uptick in car thefts on Long Island. But while Robert, a businessman, expressed concern that Suozzi would be too beholden to Gov. Hochul after securing her blessing, Monique cut in to say that she disagreed. Tommy has both parties concerns at the top of his priority list, she said. I dont think hes just committed to one party. NewsNation announced Wednesday that former Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera would join the cable news network as a "correspondent-at-large." He is set to appear on NewsNation program "CUOMO" at 8 p.m. ET. Former Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera has bagged a new television gig, months after announcing his departure from the network. NewsNation announced Wednesday that Rivera will join the channel as correspondent-at-large, effective immediately, appearing in both daytime and primetime programming across the network. Geraldo is a legendary journalist whose talent and experience is unrivaled in the industry. We look forward to him joining the network and providing our viewers with his one-of-a-kind analysis, Michael Corn, president of news at NewsNation said in a statement. Rivera echoed a similar sentiment made by NewsNation, saying he was delighted to be joining such a terrific team. The return to cable news comes nearly nine months after he was ushered off the air with cake and balloons, initially reporting that he had been fired from popular Fox News show The Five. Rivera told The Associated Press that he had decided to quit the show amidst growing tensions. Fox News, however, said at the time the station reached an amicable conclusion with Geraldo over the past few weeks, celebrating his departure on the June 30 broadcast of Fox & Friends. Who is Geraldo Rivera? Geraldo Rivera participates in 'The Celebrity Apprentice' panel at the NBC 2015 Winter TCA in Pasadena, Calif. Rivera has worked in television news for 50 years, starting his career in journalism at WABC-TV in New York. He has worked for a number of cable news networks over the years, including Fox News, ABC News and now NewsNation. He has extensive experience covering the news, reporting on the Iraq War, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Michael Jackson trial, the Scott Peterson case, and numerous natural disasters including Hurricane Katrina, notes a release from NewsNation. Rivera worked as an attorney and as a philanthropist before diving into television, raising funds for various organizations assisting the disabled, the release states. He also has hosted his own talk show, written a handful of books and won journalism awards. When will Geraldo Rivera first appear on NewsNation? Riveras first on-air appearance will be on CUOMO, a NewsNation television program hosted by former CNN broadcast anchor and attorney Chris Cuomo on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 8 p.m. ET. Geraldo Rivera Launches His New Book "The Geraldo Show: A Memoir" at Del Frisco's Grille on April 2, 2018 in New York. Why did Geraldo River leave Fox News? Days before the Fox News sendoff, Rivera told the AP that there had been a growing tension that goes beyond editorial differences and personal annoyances and gripes that made working on the show no longer worth it to him. He also said leaving The Five, a show tasking him with discussing the news of the moment with other panelists, was his choice. Rivera left Fox News after spending over two decades with the network, reporting and offering commentary on every issue under the sun from the capitol insurrection to electronic vehicles. It has been a rocky ride but it has also been an exhilarating adventure that spanned quite a few years. I hope its not my last adventure, he said. Rivera initially told AP he had plans remain as a correspondent at large at Fox, with a contract that expires in January 2025. Rivera has had colorful exchanges with people on-air and off the air, most notably fellow panelist Greg Gutfeld, resulting in a number of suspensions during his tenure. The kind of friction his role produced wasnt something he wanted to continue to contend with, he said, adding Im 80 years old. I dont want the friction. The Five is too intimate a place and it gets too personal. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Geraldo Rivera joins NewsNation, Cuomo after departure from Fox News Memorial Hospital as seen from a parking lot just to its south, near the roundabout at Main and Michigan Streets, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Most of two city blocks south of the hospital are slated to be redeveloped with new apartments, a hotel and retail space. SOUTH BEND The city is taking steps to allow developers to convert two parking lots south of Memorial Hospital into a mixed-use project that would be one of the largest in downtown South Bend's history. The city envisions a multi-story development to replace sprawling parking spaces on the 300 and 400 blocks of North Main Street the land between the hospital and the Burger King on LaSalle Avenue. The project would feature hundreds of new apartments, a hotel, office and retail space and about 900 enclosed parking spaces. Actions over the next few weeks could set developers up to finish much of the project within a few years. The two blocks "would go from generally unimproved, surface parking lots that were once part of the urban core and saw virtually everything on them demolished, to multi-story dense development with structured parking," Caleb Bauer, who leads South Bend's Department of Community Investment, told The Tribune. "So well still get the cars. Theyll just be parked in a more efficient use of space. First reported by The Tribune in October 2021, the project is designed to supplement the hospital's ongoing construction of a new 10-story patient tower that's projected to cost more than $230 million and create about 500 new jobs. Memorial broke ground on the new 300,000-square-foot tower, which will add 50 beds to the hospital's intensive care unit, in October 2022. The hospital system expects construction to finish in summer 2026, a spokeswoman said in a statement. Memorial Hospital owns most of the lots for its employees to park there. Bauer said the hospital plans to sell the lots to city government. The city would then sell them at a discounted rate to real estate investment firm Great Lakes Capital in exchange for $102 million in private investment in the mixed-use development. Bauer said the city plans to contribute $24 million to the redevelopment effort, while the state of Indiana, through its Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, would contribute $11.8 million. Bauer said South Bend's Redevelopment Commission will hear specific details of the plan at its Feb. 22 meeting, including private commitments for more than 240 apartment units and a 100-room hotel. He expects the commission to vote in March on a joint development agreement with Beacon Health System, which owns Memorial Hospital, and Great Lakes Capital. The former South Bend Medical Foundation building in downtown South Bend on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. The building will be demolished to make room for surface parking lots for Memorial Hospital employees. The medical foundation is now headquartered on Douglas Road. South Bend's Board of Public Works took an early step Tuesday by approving $329,000 for the eventual demolition of the former South Bend Medical Foundation building, also owned by Memorial Hospital. After the demolition, the lot will serve as parking for hospital employees during construction of the mixed-use development. Bauer said he expects that demolition to occur this year. The entire development on the two blocks of Main Street wouldn't be finished until 2028, Bauer said, but construction of the northern block could be done by the end of 2026. Michael Divita, a principal city planner, said the two blocks were primarily residential until the 1950s, when smaller-scale commercial uses began to take over. By the 1970s, the northern block was home to the multi-story Town Tower Motel. The last of the commercial buildings disappeared around 2010, Divita said. Since 2015, the site has looked more or less like it does today. Burger King operates a store on the southern lot along LaSalle Avenue. The only other building is the former Northern Indiana Public Service Company site, which Memorial also owns. Bauer said the city is putting significant money toward the project, in the form of a tax-increment financing bond, in order to boost the tax revenue created by those two blocks. Parking lots don't contribute much to city coffers. "The intent is this is a project that, over time, will more than pay for itself in new tax revenues," Bauer said. "And those revenues are then going to be deployed on projects throughout the city." Email South Bend Tribune city reporter Jordan Smith at JTsmith@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @jordantsmith09 This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Apartments and hotel planned for downtown South Bend near hospital Washington Rep. Jim Clyburn of South Carolina announced Wednesday that he will step down from House Democratic leadership. Clyburn has served as assistant House Democratic leader for a little more than a year. He stepped down from his role as whip at the start of the current Congress, when former House Nancy Pelosi of California and former Majority Leader Steny Hoyer of Maryland also relinquished their leadership roles. "I am confident that Leader [Hakeem] Jeffries, Whip [Katherine] Clark, Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar, and the entire leadership team will continue the important work of putting people over politics," Clyburn said in a statement. The 83-year-old said he plans to run for reelection in South Carolina's sixth congressional district. "Events of the last several years have made it clear that the greatness of America is at peril, and the threats to our continued pursuit of 'a more perfect Union' are real," his statement said. Hamas commander on why terror group attacks civilians State Department issues travel warnings for the Bahamas and Jamaica Wounded Gaza boy who survived Israeli airstrike undergoes surgery in U.S. The head of a notorious armed gang linked to the kidnapping of U.S. citizens in Haiti, including 16 missionaries, decided to plead guilty to federal weapons smuggling charges Tuesday while in the middle of his federal trial in Washington, D.C. Lawyers for Germine Joly, known as Yonyon, informed U.S. District Judge John D. Bates late Tuesday of Jolys change of plea just as prosecutors were preparing to rest their case after eight days of testimony. Their last witness: a federal agent who testified that while on the May 2022 extradition flight from Port-au-Prince to Washington, the head of Haitis 400 Mawozo gang admitted to being able to order the release of hostages and acknowledged the power he held in his volatile homeland. I know everything that the gang is doing because they respect me, Zachary Harrison, a special agent with the U.S. Department of States Diplomatic Security Service, testified that Joly told him and other investigators as they interrogated him on the three-hour flight. Joly, who had waived his right to a jury trial, originally pleaded not guilty. But after kidnapping victims testified about their ordeal, federal agents testified about high-powered weapons the gang purchased and then shipped to Haiti, and co-defendant Walder St. Louis describe Jolys political and police connections, his lawyer asked for a moment. Joly met with his attorneys privately for an hour. When the proceedings resumed, his lawyer told the judge that Joly will change his plea. Imprisoned in Haiti since 2018, Joly was handed over to U.S. authorities by the Haitian government after 17 missionaries with an Ohio-based charity, Christian Aid Ministries, were released by his 400 Mawozo gang after most of them spent 61 days in captivity. The abductions, which also involved a Canadian citizen, made international headlines and brought to light Haitis kidnapping-for-ransom epidemic and the power violent gangs were beginning to wield. FBI agents were initially stymied by the case before zeroing in on 400 Mawozos South Floridas connections. Though brought to the U.S. in connection with the missionaries kidnapping, Joly was put on trial on four dozen charges related to the smuggling of firearms to Haiti, a violation of U.S. export laws. The arms were purchased from licensed gun dealers in Florida with the help of three Florida based co-defendants, who have also pleaded guilty. In laying out the weapons-smuggling case against Joly, Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Seifert described 400 Mawozos criminal business as a cycle of taking hostages for ransom, transferring the money to the U.S. to buy guns and then having them smuggled into Haiti. Those guns, often powerful enough to pierce walls and police vehicles, were used to grab more hostages and take control of more territory inside the impoverished country. Harrison, who was temporarily assigned to the FBIs Miami office as part of a joint task force, testified that Joly, 30, acknowledged to investigators that despite his incarceration in Haitis National Penitentiary he had his pulse on what was happening on the outside and held sway over 400 Mawozo. He also held sway among the prisons guards and Haitian police officials, St. Louis had testified earlier after he was placed on the stand for a second day. If someone is persecuting me and I tell them to eliminate that person, they will kill that person, Harrison said Joly told him and the other investigators. If I need money, they will send me money, whatever it is that I ask them to do, they will do it. Asked if he had influence over the gangs top three leaders outside of the prisons walls and if he could order the release of hostages, he said, Ive done that before. Then he admitted to his role in the April 2021 kidnapping of seven Catholic clergy, including two French citizens. They kidnapped some nuns and I ordered them to let them go. They did, Harrison said Joly told them. The defense did not say why Joly decided to change his plea. The government, which did not know Tuesday what charges Joly will admit to, said it will inform the court on Wednesday whether prosecutors will accept the change in plea. The most serious of Jolys 48 counts, violating U.S. export laws, carries up to 20 years in prison. However, it remains unclear how much time he could face. The government has asked for life imprisonment for one of his co-defendants, Eliande Tunis, who on the eve of the start of the federal trial also decided to plead guilty to the same 48 counts. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we believe in. Pricing and availability are subject to change. You can get these top-rated Hoka sneakers on major sale at Zappos right now A good pair of shoes can make a big difference in your life. Whether you wear them to run errands or run on the treadmill, the right sneakers will comfortably support your feet to help prevent injuries and pain. If you've ever struggled from foot pain, you know this to be true. That said, if you're in the market for a new pair of trainers, you should check out Zappos. Now through Feb. 19, Zappos is hosting its major 25th Birthday Sale and offering up to 70% off. There are over 11,700 pairs of shoes and clothing items marked down for women, men and kids. It's a lot to sort through! so we did the hard work for you and pulled out nine of the best sneakers you can nab from the sale. Some are for running, some are for walking, but all of them are as stylish as they are functional. Also good to know before you shop: Zappos always offers free shipping and returns. Zappos Hoka Mach 5 $112 $140 Save $28 If you've signed up for a running race this year, these may be the sneakers to help you reach your goals. The Hoka Mach 5 has a lower profile, offering a neutral stability and a low cushion, so your foot is closer to the ground, giving you an efficient push-off good for an everyday runner. They're also super lightweight at only 7 ounces! "These shoes changed my life," shared one impressed reviewer. "I was supposed to get an MRI to find out why I was having nerve pain [in my feet], but after wearing these, it just went away. 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(FYI, sometimes cushioning makes a shoe heavy, but not here!) These shoes also received the American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance, which recognizes products that promote good foot health. "I'm a nurse that works 12-hour shifts on my feet most of that time," explained one customer. "I had my knee replaced a year and a half ago. This is the first shoe I have worn that has given me support and comfort... My feet do not ache as much and my knee is not as achy at the end of the day since I started wearing these shoes." $110 at Zappos Zappos Adidas Running Puremotion Adapt $57 $70 Save $13 Slip on these sneakers and go! They have an elastic instead of laces for a comfortable, snug fit and a supportive heel for added stability. More so, they're made with Adidas' proprietary CloudFoam midsole which gives it extra cushioning. "I like these shoes," shared one satisfied shopper. "They stay fitted to your foot and don't become loose overtime. I also recommend breaking them in before using for a long walk/run because they are tight when you first put them on but stretch to your foot overtime. Great buy!" $57 at Zappos Zappos Dolce Vita Dolan $99 $150 Save $51 Style meets function yet again! These platform sneakers have a pretty knit upper and can give you a little extra lift, whether you wear them with jeans or leggings. While you can wear them year-round, they're especially great for warmer climates. Get them on sale and hold onto them for the spring or take them on your next tropical vacation. They're on sale in four colors, but this black and white woven version is the lowest price it's been in at least 30 days. $99 at Zappos Zappos Asics GEL-Nimbus 25 $105 $160 Save $55 Asics' Nimbus shoe is a classic! The original version debuted in the late 90s and while it's changed quite a bit over the last two decades, it's always delivered a highly cushioned, comfortable running experience. Of course, you can wear them beyond your treadmill, but if you are looking to put in miles, they're a solid buy. "This is the best running shoe on the market," shared one loyal reviewer. "I have bought four pairs this year. I alternate between them. I run more than 100 miles a month." $105 at Zappos Zappos New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v12 $113 $160 Save $47 Just looking at the plush "Fresh Foam X" sole of these sneakers, you know they're going to be comfy. "I was searching for a super comfortable, supportive and yet lightweight shoe for walking, and this shoe was recommended by my physical therapist," shared one pleased reviewer. "The New Balance Fresh Foam X are now my absolute favorite! The cushion alone is fabulous! I liked them so much I ordered a second color." Head's up: For the best fit, the brand suggests sizing down with this one. $113 at Zappos The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication. MBABANE In a bid to help design more national programming in the arts sector, Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture will launch and host a summit. An Arts Summit can be described as a gathering of creative minds, industry professionals, policymakers and stakeholders within the arts sector, coming together to discuss, strategise, and collaborate on the development and advancement of the artistic landscape. It serves as a platform for dialogue, exchange of ideas and the formulation of strategies to enhance the creative sector. This was revealed by the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) CEO Stanley Dlamini when asked about the strategies the council was to enforce in order to better manage the budget to be allocated to the arts sector this year. We will be launching the policy and a summit soon. This will help in designing more national programming in the arts sector, said Dlamini. Commitment The launch of an Arts Summit by ENCAC reflects a commitment to designing more comprehensive national programming within the arts sector. National programming refers to the strategic planning and implementation of policies, initiatives and projects aimed at promoting and supporting the arts at a national level. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives an Arts Summit can serve as a catalyst for developing inclusive and impactful national programming in the arts. During the interview, the summits importance was also highlighted, stating; * Fostering collaboration: An Arts Summit creates an avenue for collaboration among artists, policymakers and industry professionals. By facilitating dialogue and networking opportunities, it encourages partnerships that can lead to innovative projects, resource sharing and collective problem-solving. * Identifying challenges and opportunities: The arts summit acts as a platform to identify the challenges faced by the arts sector and explore opportunities for growth and development. Through panel discussions, workshops, and presentations, participants can share their experiences, exchange insights and collectively find solutions to common issues. * Promoting cultural diversity: The arts are a reflection of a societys cultural richness. An Arts Summit provides an opportunity to celebrate and promote cultural diversity, ensuring that the various artistic expressions of Eswatinis diverse communities are acknowledged, supported and preserved. * Advocating for the arts: By convening individuals from various sectors, an Arts Summit serves as an advocacy platform for the arts. It allows participants to raise awareness about the importance of investing in the arts, fostering creativity and recognising the transformative power of artistic expression in society. The launch and hosting of an Arts Summit by ENCAC has the potential to redefine the arts landscape in the country. It can lead to the formulation of a cohesive national arts strategy, the establishment of funding mechanisms, the creation of platforms for cultural exchange, and the nurturing of emerging talent. Furthermore, an Arts Summit can inspire a newfound appreciation for the arts, encouraging increased public and private sector support for artistic endeavours. Ottawa Senators forward Ridly Greig violated an unwritten NHL player code by firing a close-in slap shot into an empty net. But Toronto Maple Leafs All-Star defenseman Morgan Rielly violated a written rule when he reacted by cross-checking Greig in the head. The NHL's player safety department announced that it is suspending Rielly for five games for his infraction. "This is a forceful intentional strike to an opponent's head using his stick as a weapon to exact retribution well after a goal has been scored," the department said in a video. Rielly had an in-person hearing (via Zoom), so the suspension could have been six games or more. It was the first time that the defenseman had been suspended or fined by the league during his 11-year career. Rielly will forfeit more than $195,000 in pay. Ridly Greig buries the empty-netter with a slapshot and Morgan Rielly takes exception pic.twitter.com/6NISK4AMSt Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) February 11, 2024 The NHL Players' Association filed an appeal on Rielly's behalf but Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the five-game penalty. "I find that Mr. Rielly's actions were not merely careless or reckless, they were intentional," he wrote. Rielly could choose to appeal to an independent arbitrator. Toronto players took exception to Greig's goal and said it deserved a reaction by the Maple Leafs. I dont think its really necessary to go down there and (do a) hardest shot competition into the net, forward Auston Matthews said. But the department disagreed with Rielly's approach. "Rielly approaches Greig for some time and has significant time to engage him in a different manner or ensure this cross-check is delivered solely to the body," it said. Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly was suspended five games for his cross-check of Ottawa's Ridly Greig. The Maple Leafs will play the final game without Rielly on Wednesday night. They have won the first four. Rielly leads the team in ice time at more than 24 minutes a game. He leads Toronto defensemen in goals, assists and points, and his 43 points rank fourth on the team. Detroit Red Wings forward David Perron was suspended for six games earlier this season for a cross-check to an opponent's head on another reaction play. He hit Ottawa's Artem Zub after seeing his captain, Dylan Larkin, lying unconscious on the ice, though Zub was not involved in the hit that injured Larkin. Perron previously had been fined for a retaliatory cross-check. The suspension was upheld by Bettman and an appeal to an independent arbitrator is pending. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Morgan Rielly suspended five games for cross-checking Ridly Greig Jack and Beverly Irvine, a Visalia, California couple, met by chance one fall day in 1951. Classes were just beginning at Sacramento City College. This chick came flittering by and I'd seen her once or twice before on the campus, but only vaguely, Jack told USA TODAY Friday afternoon. I took a strange liking for her but nothing developed right then. He later saw her at an on-campus meeting and was again drawn to her. When she walked through the doors of that first meeting I went Woooooah, said Jack. He eventually talked himself into asking her to a basketball game. Many phone calls, four children and a cross-country move later, Jack and Beverly are now 95 and 90 years old and celebrated 71 years of marriage on Feb. 7. They even renewed their vows Saturday at Park Visalia Assisted Living & Memory Care, the senior living facility they call home. California couple Jack and Beverly Irvine celebrating 71 years of marriage on Feb. 10, 2024. The secret to having such a long, fruitful union, they said, is that they were on the same path: they loved God and shared a passion for teaching. In honor of Valentines Day, keep reading to learn more about the lovebirds, their journey and how they managed to get 71 years of marriage under their belts. Husband spotted his wife-to-be before hed even spoken to her Jack and Beverly struggle to remember specific ins and outs of their meeting, but Jack will never forget one of the first times Beverly caught his eye. The pair were at Sacramento City College and he was soon headed to state college, he said. He was also a member of the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and the group rented a facility at the city college, he said. He was getting a classroom set up for an IVCF meeting when there she was again. It was hard not to focus on her because she attracted me in front of the school, said Jack, who previously wrote to his daughter about his love for his wife and how they met. He recalled attending the IVCFs Urbana Conference in December of 1951, where he talked to several men who asked if he wanted to go to Afghanistan. Jack and Beverly Irvine. One man thought hed be a great fit to teach English there and suggested he study linguistics at Wycliffes SIL in Oklahoma. He took the mans advice and later, he also studied at the Rackham Graduate School of Linguistics in Michigan to get his graduate degree in teaching English as a second language. During his stay in Michigan, Beverly stayed in Sacramento to study early child development. The couples studies separated them for some time, but Jack didnt let the distance draw a wedge between the two lovers. I don't know if I wore the telephone out or not, he joked. I know I called her a few times. By then, the couple hadnt been together long but their union was quite heartfelt, he said. Jack and Beverly Irvine at their wedding on Feb. 7,1953. A marriage proposal lost in translation By the end of 1952, Jack was working for the Ministry of Education and found out hed be headed to Afghanistan to teach English in March of 1953. A friend recommended I not go out to Kabul single, Jack wrote to his daughter, documenting his and his wifes love story. By then, he was smitten with Beverly and knew if he had a woman by his side in Kabul, it had to be her. He wrote to her and asked if she would go with him to Kabul. It was his way of proposing, only Beverly didnt realize he was asking for her hand in marriage. In response, she said they had to be married for her to go to Afghanistan with him. It was her rule and she was sticking to it. No miscommunication was strong enough to come between the two though, and in December of 1952, Jack said he hired a car to take him from Michigan to California with a gift in tow: an amethyst necklace and earrings. It was then that the two talked things out and she accepted his proposal. They married on Feb. 7,1953. Three weeks later we were on a (propeller-driven) airplane and I was headed for another house, which was not just in another state but another country, Beverly wrote to her daughter about a decade ago. Eventually, they made their way back to California, settling in Visalia to be closer to their family. California couple Jack and Beverly Irvine. The pair married on Feb. 7,1953 and celebrated 71 years together in February 2024. California couple were on the same track When asked what the couples secret is to making their love last so long, Jack said its not as complicated as some may think. They had common interests. We were on the same track and wanting to reach people with the gospel, and also wanting to teach them since that was the mechanism by which we had entry into countries, he said. The family traveled all around the world, including Iran, Iraq and more. The couples oldest daughter, Shireen, recalls how much of a trouper her mom was during all of their adventures. Mom, you were the brave one, she told her mother during an interview Friday afternoon. She recalled a big move her mother made all by herself with her children in tow. She traveled across the United States with all four of us kids, my brother only being 5 weeks old, me being 6 years old and the other two inbetween, Shireen said. I think mom was a real trouper. Marguerit, another one of their daughters, said their parents let them be themselves and showed them how to be hospitable. Their doors were always open to friends and family, especially those who were in between homes or making life changes. Jack and Beverly Irvine. The pair married on Feb. 7,1953. They celebrated 71 years of marriage on Feb. 10, 2024. Their parents showed them how to care for people you love. Both my parents demonstrated love to each other first and love to others, and also commitment to persevere through the hard times as well as the good times, Shireen said. That stemmed from their faith in God. Celebrating 71 years of marital bliss The couple previously shared advice for lovebirds who want to make their love last. Compromise when you can, never go to bed mad at each other, and always put God first. Led by the couples grandson, Jack and Beverly renewed their vows Saturday at the senior living facility where they live. Surrounded by family and friends, Beverly walked down the aisle with flowers-in-hand as Jack waited eagerly for her. California couple Jack and Beverly Irvine celebrating 71 years of marriage on Feb. 10, 2024. Jack let his silly, humorous side shine and cracked a few jokes as their grandson discussed their vows to love one another in sickness and in health. Ive been doing it but its kind of hard, he said, sending the crowd into laughter. Ill keep it up. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Couple together for 71 years reflects on lasting marriage. One person is dead and five people were injured after a vehicle crashed into a hospital in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, authorities said. A vehicle crashed into the emergency room at St. David's North Austin Medical Center shortly after 5:30 p.m. local time, Capt. Christa Stedman, a spokesperson for the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, said at a news conference Tuesday evening. The driver of the vehicle was extricated from the car and received CPR, but was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Austin Fire Department Chief Thayer Smith. PHOTO: First responders at the scene of a crash at St. David's North Austin Medical Center in Austin, Feb. 13, 2024. (KVUE) Police identified the driver on Wednesday as 57-year-old Michell Holloway. This is no indication at this time that this was an "intentional act" or that Holloway suffered a medical episode while driving, officer Ariel Crumes, a spokesperson for the Austin Police Department, said during a press briefing on Wednesday. It is unclear what the speed of the vehicle was at the time of impact, Crumes said. MORE: Lakewood Church shooting was 'predictable and preventable,' suspect's former mother-in-law says Two children and one adult were transported to Dell Children's Medical Center, according to Chief of Austin-Travis County EMS Robert Luckritz. One child was in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, while the adult and second child had injuries that were non-life-threatening, Luckritz said. A second adult with potentially life-threatening injuries was transported to St. David's Round Rock Medical Center, according to Luckritz. Eight other people who were in the ER but not injured in the crash were transported to different area hospitals so the emergency room could "regroup," Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter DeYoung said during Tuesday's presser. PHOTO: First responders at the scene of a crash at St. David's North Austin Medical Center in Austin, Feb. 13, 2024. (KVUE) According to DeYoung, the building appears to be in good condition and none of the hospital's operations were interrupted. The vehicle crashed into a large aquarium in the hospital, which likely saved lives by absorbing the impact of the crash, DeYoung said Wednesday. 1 dead, 5 injured after vehicle crashes into ER at Austin hospital: Officials originally appeared on abcnews.go.com Three police officers in Washington, D.C., were shot and injured Wednesday morning while attempting to execute an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals. The suspect remains barricaded in a home in the 5000 block of Hanna Place Southeast near Benning Road. "This remains an active situation and the individual has continued to fire from that location," Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said at a news briefing. Smith said at a later briefing there are ongoing negotiations with the shooter, saying sometimes hes up, sometimes hes down. Officers have not made visual contact with him since this morning, but he communicates by phone, Smith said. The three officers shot suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to local hospitals, police said. A fourth officer was hospitalized with minor injuries but was not shot. All three officers will survive their injuries, according to DC police union chairman Greggory Pemberton, who spoke to NBC News as he was leaving Washington Hospital Center, having just visited the wounded police. One officer was shot two times in the chest, Pemberton said, but his vest stopped both rounds. The other two officers are facing serious, but not life threatening, gunshot wounds to their legs, Pemberton said. There is going to be "some serious recovery time, but thankfully, they're going to be okay," Pemberton told NBC News. Pemberton added the fourth injured officer was injured, likely in a fall, and is not seriously hurt. The shooting began after police went to the home around 7:30 a.m. to execute an arrest warrant for cruelty to animals, according to NBC Washington and police. There is no indication that there is anyone else at the residence, Tom Lynch, MPD Spokesperson said, but there may be dogs inside, Smith told reporters. Authorities are in "constant communication" with the suspect and "negotiators are in negotiations with him," the chief said. Several blocks have been shut down and multiple schools in the area were on lockdown. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Democrats won a major pickup Tuesday with former Rep. Tom Suozzis win in the special election to fill ex-Rep. George Santoss (R-N.Y.) House seat. Suozzi defeated Republican Nassau County legislator Mazi Pilip in a comfortable victory that will return him to his old seat representing New Yorks 3rd Congressional District, which voted for President Biden in 2020 by 8 points. The race was being closely watched ahead of November, especially as New York is set to play a pivotal role in Democrats efforts to flip the House. It also came as the party has been dogged by President Bidens lagging approval numbers and concerns over immigration, which became a flashpoint in the race. Here are five takeaways from Tuesdays results: Democrats avert a disaster The stakes were high for Democrats heading into Tuesdays vote. The party had a lot going for it in the lead-up to the election after the numerous scandals surrounding Santos. The disgraced former congressman, who was elected in an upset win in 2022, was expelled from the House in December following an Ethics Committee probe into the many false claims he made about his background and the criminal charges hes facing. Republicans turned to Pilip, a relatively little-known county legislator, to be their nominee against Suozzi, who had the clear advantage in name recognition. The Democrats also significantly outspent the GOP in the race, with Suozzi raising more than three times the amount that Pilip raised in the final quarter of 2023. Despite those advantages, polls showed a tight race between the two candidates, raising concerns for Democrats already pessimistic about Biden. Republicans argued that the fact the race was close despite the clear Democratic advantage demonstrated the partys vulnerability. Certainly, a defeat for Democrats on Tuesday would have set off major alarm bells heading into November. Now, they can breathe a major sigh of relief and focus their attention back on the presidential primaries with a renewed sense of confidence. House Republicans math gets even harder The most immediate impact of Suozzis win will be that the House Republican majority will get one seat narrower. Once Suozzi is sworn in, the GOP will control the House 219-213 with three seats vacant, meaning they could only have two members of their conference defect and still have a vote pass. A key example of the already precarious nature of the Republican majority came earlier Tuesday night when the House narrowly voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The vote passed by one vote, 214-213, with three Republicans joining all Democrats in opposing the measure. If the vote had been held after Suozzi is sworn in, three GOP defections would have been enough to sink it. The New York 3rd District is one of five in the state that will be particularly key to deciding which party will win control of the House in November. These five districts voted for Biden in the 2020 election and elected a Republican representative in 2022. Joe Biden won this district by 8 points, Democrats outspent Republicans two-to-one, and our Democrat opponent spent decades representing these New Yorkers yet it was still a dogfight. Republicans still have multiple pathways to grow our majority in November, said Rep. Richard Hudson (N.C.), National Republican Campaign Committee chair. With the GOP majority as narrow as it is, the party that wins a majority of these five seats could clinch control of the House in the fall. And Suozzis win means Democrats will have an incumbent on the ballot in one of them. GOP messaging on immigration wasnt enough Pilip centered much of her campaign messaging around immigration as the issue received widespread attention both nationwide and in the district. An Emerson College poll released last month found more voters in the district considered immigration more important than any other issue, and one from this month found border security was the issue that voters trusted Pilip the most on against Suozzi. Republicans branded the former congressman Sanctuary Suozzi, accusing him of supporting sanctuary cities and blaming him for the current situation at the border based on his previous record in the House. Pilips campaign argued that Suozzi would vote in lockstep with Biden, whose policies on immigration have been seen as widely unpopular. Suozzi responded to the attacks by emphasizing his support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, noting in an ad that he voted to support the agency in 2018 while many in his party opposed it. He also declared his support for the bipartisan Senate legislation that negotiators from both parties reached and criticized Pilip for opposing it. The legislation failed to advance in the Senate after former President Trump urged Republicans to oppose it. With immigration gaining such widespread attention as a major issue and voters rating Biden poorly on his handling of it, Republicans saw the border situation as potentially the most powerful tool in their arsenal to attack Democrats. But Suozzi was able to fend off those attacks and promote his promise of working with both sides of the aisle to address the issue. Democrats exceed turnout expectations Polls ahead of the election showed Suozzi ahead of Pilip by 3 or 4 points, but he appeared likely to finish ahead of expectations as returns came in Tuesday night. Suozzi led Pilip by nearly 8 points with more than 93 percent of the vote counted, according to a Decision Desk HQ count late Tuesday. He pulled off the win by outperforming what he needed in both Queens County, a more Democratic area that makes up a smaller part of the district, and Nassau County, which makes up most of the district. Suozzi also outpaced other Democrats performance in the district in past election years. Robert Zimmerman, the Democratic nominee who lost to Santos in 2022, received only 52 percent of the vote in the Queens portion of the district and 45 percent in Nassau. Suozzi stands at above 60 percent in Queens and a majority in Nassau as of the latest vote count. Biden, while comfortably carrying the district in 2020, only won the Queens part of the district by 20 points, according to the nonpartisan elections analysis website Inside Elections, compared to Suozzis 24-point lead. The race was called after the returns made clear that Pilip mathematically would not be able to keep up with how she needed to perform to win. GOP faces mail-in voting problem The two parties have tended to differ in their voting behavior, with Democrats more likely to vote early or by mail and Republicans more likely to vote in person on Election Day. That discrepancy has worried some Republicans, who fear that members of their party are often less likely to vote compared to Democrats. The disadvantage of in-person voting was underscored Tuesday, as a noreaster brought heavy snow to the New York region throughout much of the day. While its hard to know for sure how much the weather actually affected turnout, its likely to have prevented at least some people from heading to the polls Tuesday. Based off past voting habits, its probable that many of them were Republicans. The disappointing GOP turnout underscored the extent to which Trumps criticism of mail-in voting continues to be a thorn in the partys side. Trump has railed against the voting method as part of his false claims about the 2020 election being stolen from him. Some Republicans have tried to encourage early voting to close the gap with Democrats, but work remains to be done. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - ASML, the largest supplier of equipment to computer chip makers, said on Wednesday that geopolitical tensions and any expansion of a U.S.-led campaign to restrict its exports to China remain business risks. In its annual report published on Wednesday, the Dutch company flagged the growing list of restrictions imposed by the United States, mostly with the assent of the Dutch government. Those include Dutch licensing requirements for most of ASML's advanced product lines, as well as a unilateral move by the U.S. in October 2023 to restrict exports of older equipment to unspecified Chinese plants. "The list of Chinese entities impacted by export control restrictions has increased since 2022," the company wrote. "The list of restricted customers and the scope of the restrictions are subject to change." In January, it said it expects U.S. and Dutch export curbs to reduce sales of its mid-range "DUV" product lines to China by about 10% to 15% this year, after they hit record levels in 2023. Following a U.S.-led campaign to slow Beijing's technological and military advances, ASML has been restricted from selling its most advanced EUV tool line in China since 2019 and has never sold an EUV tool there. For its part the Chinese government has been subsidizing domestic chip-making in a bid for self sufficiency, as it is a huge importer of chips for its own market and for its manufacturing industries. ASML dominates the market for lithography systems, machines used to help create circuitry in one key step of the chip-making process. In 2023, while many chipmakers were slowing orders amid an industry slump, China passed South Korea to become ASML's second largest market, representing 26.3% of sales, with Taiwan remaining its largest at 29.3%. ASML noted that its list of competitors is growing beyond traditional rivalries with Canon and Nikon of Japan in its older core business, and non-lithography U.S. firms Applied Materials and KLA Corp.. "We also face competition from new competitors with substantial financial resources, as well as from competitors driven by the ambition of self-sufficiency in the geopolitical context." Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) is China's best known maker of lithography machines. (Reporting by Toby Sterling; editing by Miral Fahmy) A string of back-to-back deaths of Indian students at colleges across the country has left the South Asian community shaken, sparking anxiety in peers and parents. In 2024 alone, seven students of both Indian and Indian American origin have died. All men 25 years old and under, two died by suicide, two died of overdoses, two were found dead after going missing, and one was beaten to death, according to police records in states ranging from Connecticut to Indiana. In Indian communities both in the U.S. and abroad, many are looking for answers. It felt like a pattern, like, why was it another Indian kid? said Virag Shah, 21, a junior at Purdue University in Indiana, where two of the seven deaths occurred. It just felt traumatic. Shah is the president of the schools Indian Students Association, and he says his peers are alarmed by the repeated incidents. On Jan. 28, the body of 19-year-old Neel Acharya was recovered on Purdues campus. Acharya had gone missing after a night out, Shah said, and was found dead the next morning. Coroners say a cause of death still hasnt been determined, but there was no trauma to the body. Just over a week later, Purdue graduate student Sameer Kamath, 23, was found deceased in the nearby woods with a gunshot wound to the head. Medical examiners say he died of suicide on Feb. 5. These two deaths followed a high-profile case at Purdue in October 2022, when Varun Manish Chheda, 20, was brutally stabbed to death by his roommate, according to police. In December 2023, his alleged killer, Ji Min Sha, was deemed incompetent to stand trial, local news outlets reported. A Purdue spokesperson directed further questions to the county coroner. To experts, the number of fatal incidents involving Indian men in the first few weeks of the year is cause for concern. Deaths have been mounting since Jan. 15, when the bodies of two Indian-origin students at Sacred Hearts University, were discovered in their Hartford, Connecticut, residence, authorities said. Dinesh Gattu, 22, and Sai Rakoti, 21, both suffered from accidental overdoses involving fentanyl, according to the Connecticut Chief Medical Examiner. A day later, on Jan. 16, 25-year-old Indian graduate student Vivek Saini was allegedly beaten to death in the store where he worked in Lithonia, Georgia. The Indian Consulate tweeted saying it was involved in the case and working to repatriate the body to India. It doesnt take a lot when these gruesome things happen, said Pawan Dhingra, a professor of American studies at Amherst College. People will be like, Oh, my gosh, this could have happened to my child, this could have happened to me. Is this really the place I need to go for my higher education? Four days after Sainis death, the body of Indian American freshman Akul Dhawan, 18, was found in subzero temperatures on University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. He was reported missing by a friend after leaving their dorm at around 1:30 a.m., and though campus police said they did an extensive search, his body was found 10 hours later by a passerby, just 500 feet away from where he was last seen. It is so unimaginable that a kid can die in this day and age right on the university campus, his father, Ish Dhawan, said. At the University of Cincinnati, Shreyas Reddy Beniger, a 19-year-old student of Indian origin, was found dead on Feb. 1 from an apparent suicide, local police said. Its just tragic, Dhingra said. People in India, youre seeing these stories, multiple stories. You start to wonder, is this still the right pathway? Mental health and safety on campus Yuki Yamazaki, a clinical assistant professor of counseling psychology at Fordham University, said its notable that all seven deaths were of young, Indian men. She said she cant help but think about the fact that its a demographic that often doesnt seek mental health help, and one that engages in riskier behavior. Its so expensive to study in the States and theres so much pressure to perform well, she said. And of course, to get a good job, to maybe obtain a visa. It just means as soon as you get here, you have endless amounts of pressure on you Especially if your family has helped support you to get to this point. As a leader in his campus Indian American community, Shah says hes seen firsthand the pressures that his fellow students face and the coping mechanisms they sometimes turn to. He said that, although motives werent clear in some of the incidents, he wondered about mental health as a factor. Everything is always driven by competition, he said. Its a big detriment to mental health and it could also push you into, lets say, drinking too much and going over the edge when it comes to that because you only have one or two days a week to have fun. When it comes to student safety, universities are operating within a limited scope, Dhingra said. And while campus might be a safe and happy place for minority students, a surrounding small town might not be. If youre in rural Connecticut, or rural Indiana, that creates its own kind of concern, he said. Where do I feel safe? Indians make up one-quarter of international students. Some parents might wonder about sending them abroad. For those on the subcontinent, an American education has long been idealized, seen as a sure path to prosperity. And though experts dont see that drastically changing, they say people are starting to ask questions: If it was their child, would their university keep them safe? Would they look for them if they went missing? Indian media has picked up on this rising death toll, with prominent news outlets running stories that read, Threat to Indian Students in U.S.? and American Dream or American Horror? Indians constitute more than 25% of all international students in the U.S., and Dhingra doubts headlines like these will lead to any significant drop. But for individual families, especially those who have to sacrifice so much to send their children overseas, America might fall lower on their list. Indians can go elsewhere for education, Dhingra said. There are other places that are safer and people know that, thats not a secret. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources. (Reuters) - China's BYD Co Ltd will set up a new electric vehicle (EV) factory in Mexico, Nikkei reported on Wednesday, citing the company's Mexico head, as the EV maker aims to establish an export hub to the United States. BYD, known for its cheaper models and a more varied lineup, recently overtook its biggest rival Tesla Inc to become the world's top EV maker in terms of sales. According to the Nikkei report, BYD has launched a feasibility study for the Mexican plant and is currently negotiating with officials over terms, including the factory's location. While BYD has its sales concentrated in China, it also aims to expand globally and is building new plants overseas in addition to expanding Chinese exports. Mexico's massive automaking sector, populated by many of the industry's top global players, is tightly integrated with the U.S. industry. "Overseas production is indispensable for an international brand", BYD Mexico country manager Zhou Zou told Nikkei. The carmaker's Mexico office declined to comment. Major U.S. automakers have warned that Chinese cars could spell doom for their own prospects, among them Elon Musk's Tesla. Last month, Tesla's chief executive predicted that Chinese automakers will "demolish" global rivals without trade barriers. Musk's view is echoed by a leading advocacy group. "The introduction of cheap Chinese autos which are so inexpensive because they are backed with the power and funding of the Chinese government to the American market could end up being an extinction-level event for the U.S. auto sector," according to a forthcoming report by the group Alliance for American Manufacturing. In Latin America, BYD plans to spend 3 billion reais ($620 million) on a new industrial complex in northeastern Brazil. The three plant complex will be built in northeastern Bahia state, on land formerly occupied by a Ford plant that closed in 2021. ($1 = 4.9510 reais) (This story has been corrected to fix the name of the report quoted from Alliance of Automotive Innovation to Alliance for American Manufacturing, in paragraph 11) (Reporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Shweta Agarwal and Sam Holmes) Two of Pakistans major political parties - the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) - say they will form a coalition government after last weeks inconclusive elections. The move means the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan will not be in power, despite independent candidates affiliated with it gaining the most votes. At a press conference in Lahore Tuesday, former Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif from the PMLN and former President Asif Ali Zardari from the PPP, along with representatives from four other parties, announced they would be forming a government together. The PMLN also released a statement that Shahbaz Sharif would be the partys candidate for prime minister. Earlier on Tuesday, the PPPs chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had said his party would support the PLMN candidate for prime minister. The PPP won 54 seats in last Thursdays election, coming third behind independent candidates - most of whom were associated with former Prime Minister Imran Khans party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which won 102 seats, and the PMLN, headed by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, which won 73 seats, according to the countrys election commission. None of the three major parties won enough seats to have a majority in parliament and, therefore were unable to form a government on their own. Khan, who is currently in jail and was barred from running in the election, announced separately on Tuesday that the independent candidates associated with his party would join the lesser-known Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen party (MWM), which won only one seat in parliament Khan also ruled out the possibility of creating a coalition with the PPP or the PMLN. Khans PTI party made claims of wide-scale rigging in the election and also released a statement from Khan saying: I warn against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes. Such daylight robbery will not only be a disrespect to the citizens but will also push the countrys economy further into a downward spiral. Speaking at Tuesdays press conference, Asif Ali Zardari explained how the coalition was formed. Looking at everything, we have thought and decided to sit together. We have contested elections against each other but despite that, it is not necessary that [we fight] forever, Zardari said. Sharif took a conciliatory tone saying, Lets move forward by eliminating mutual differences for the sake of the nation. Bhutto Zardari had also said that the PPP would form a committee to deliberate on the partys vote on important issues such as the national budget, the prime ministers election, and important legislation. The party would also field its candidates for the National Assembly speaker, chairman of the Senate, and president, he said. Under Pakistani law, parliament must convene within 21 days after an election has taken place so lawmakers can be sworn in and then elect a new prime minister. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Sir, War brutally and barbarically disregards human dignity. After a millennia of slaughtering, humankind should have developed beyond warfare, but it has not. Universally, the law recognises the right to self-defence, though. I may kill an attacker who unlawfully tries to kill or seriously injure me if my action is the only proportional way to prevent imminent harm, but right does not have to yield to wrong. Russia invaded Ukraine, at least as far as we know. Ukrainians had to defend themselves against cruel imperialist foreign rule. When we were still able to watch Russia on Today TV, President Vladimir Putins explanations convinced me that mainstream Western media reports were essentially true. Smallpox The many perversities of war have been with humankind for ages. In 1346, Mongol warriors catapulted rotten plague-infected cadavers over the walls into the besieged Crimean city of Caffa. Smallpox has often been spread intentionally. Rape has happened during most wars, either to acquire the enemys women, as revenge, or as an expression of frustration and hatred. The Bible contains several examples of the destruction of property and looting, sometimes sanctioned or even ordered by God. Historical texts show that the Crusaders fought not only for the cross but for loot too. International humanitarian law has emerged through several conventions and other international law instruments. The Rome Statute of 1998, which established the International Criminal Court (ICC), is a recent example. These rules seek to limit the effects of armed conflict and to prevent suffering that is not justified by military necessity. Principles of the law of war include a distinction between the necessary and unnecessary; proportionality; humanity; and honour, also known as chivalry. Destruction The unjustified plunder and destruction of property, cities and villages are often mentioned as prohibited acts, as are attacks on buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science and even historical monuments. Several war crimes are criminal offences under the ordinary law of the relevant states. Rape, torture, assault and malicious damage to property are examples. The killing of prisoners of war or soldiers who surrendered is murder, by almost any standards, regardless of it being labelled as a war crime. Do we regard war as a contact sport, like rugby, with rules to prevent injury, where a player could be sent to the sin bin after dangerous or ungentlemanly conduct, such as a high tackle or eye-gouging? Targeting civilians is a war crime. In the Southern African bush war landmines that exploded only up to hip height were allegedly used. The purpose was not to kill but to take off limbs, to leave soldiers on crutches for all to see. Is this suffering unjustified by military necessity, or is the negative effect on enemy morale a legitimate aim? Is the hidden sharpshooter who aims for the knees of the target first, before the head, a war criminal? Attempt International humanitarian law is an attempt to save a tiny bit of what we regard as standards of good taste, morality, decency and human dignity, which we pretend to believe in after ages of savagery. It is often impractical and hypocritical. But brutal realism, honesty and, therefore, cynicism are not always what we need. Hypocrisy has a small role to play in our attempts to lift ourselves from the stinking depth of the worst in us the horror Colonel Kurt became a part and perpetrator of. After all, we also try to soften the inhumanity of hard capitalism with labour and consumer protection laws. The famous philosopher, Friedrich Nietzsche, said: He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. A Florida school district is drawing fire for asking parents to consent to having their children participate in the reading of an African American authors book to comply with state law. I had to give permission for this or else my child would not participate??? wrote one parent, Charles Walter, who posted a photo of a Miami-Dade County Public Schools permission slip to X on Monday evening. The form describes the activity as a read aloud scheduled for Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the library. Next to types of guest that may attend the activity or event, it says: fireman/doctor/artist. Charles Walter In an interview Tuesday, Walter, 46, said the form came from his daughter Evas first grade teacher at Coral Way K-8 in Miami. Walter said that, after he saw it, he gave the teacher verbal consent for Eva to take part but was told that if his daughter didnt return a signed form, she could not participate. My daughter didnt even mention it to me, Walter said. She didnt want me to sign it because she thought it would be boring. He added: The idea that kids can have a say in what activities they participate in is really strange. And then the idea that some kids would be taken out of class, that just seems bizarre. The requirement was implemented to comply with the Parental Rights in Education law, which was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022. Supporters say it gives parents greater control over their childrens education, while critics call it the Dont Say Gay law. The law was expanded to prevent classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in all grades. DeSantis, a Republican, has signed legislation on several education issues, including what he has called the Stop WOKE ACT, which limits how race can be taught in school. He has also accused public schools of liberal indoctrination. Walter, whose other daughter is a fourth grader at the same school, said he has never had to sign a permission slip for either child to participate in a read aloud or listen to a guest speaker at school in the past. The permission form policy has been in effect in Miami-Dade County public schools since at least November and requires schools to obtain parental consent for various activities, including when a guest speaker visits a class. Administrators at Coral Way K-8 declined to comment and referred NBC News to the Miami-Dade County Public Schools district. A spokesperson for the school district said in a statement: We realize that the description of the event may have caused confusion, and we are working with our schools to reemphasize the importance of clarity for parents in describing activities/events that would require parental permission. However, in compliance with State Law, permission slips were sent home because guest speakers would participate during a school-authorized education-related activity. The district spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment about what book was read to the students or by whom. Walter said all his daughter remembered was that the book was about a boy who could do anything and that all of her classmates were present for the read aloud. In a statement Tuesday evening, the states education commissioner, Manny Diaz Jr., said: Florida does not require a permission slip to teach African American history or to celebrate Black History Month. Any school that does this is completely in the wrong. At a recent school board committee meeting that was posted online, board member Steve Gallon III expressed concern about whether the policy was being implemented fairly and wanted to know if a teacher would be required to obtain permission from parents to have a Holocaust survivor speak. I dont want this to be a narrative that is restricted to Black history and African American history, Gallon said during the Feb. 7 meeting. John Pace III, the deputy superintendent, and the districts general counsel, Walter Harvey, responded that any guest speaker, including a Holocaust survivor, would require parental consent. Pace called the permission slips extracurricular, parent permission forms and said that they were not required for classroom instruction on African American history or the Holocaust. Walters post on X drew more than 2,000 shares as of Tuesday afternoon and had been liked more than 3,500 times. It was obviously quite shocking to receive the form, Walter said. I hope that the school district recognizes that people arent in agreement with this policy and reconsider. Veteran Wall Street executive Omeed Malik plans to raise over $3 million and donate at least $100,000 in support of Donald Trumps campaign, making him the latest backer of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis failed bid to help the former president. Malik, who is the CEO of Farvahar Partners, said in an interview that after having helped to raise money and give voice to the likes of DeSantis and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he now plans to turn to his extensive network to help finance Trumps campaign for president. What I am committing to doing is putting the resources that I have and Rolodex I have, both of which are material, behind the president on a go-forward basis, Malik said. Maliks bona fides are rare in Trumps orbit. Until recently, he was living in New York City and identifying as a Democrat. He was a regular donor to both Democrats and Republicans, sitting on the Council of Foreign Relations and building a traditional Wall Street resume with stints at Bank of America and the corporate law firm Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. But Malik was disturbed by what he saw as government overreach during the Covid pandemic, which pushed him to move to Florida and begin gravitating toward the right side of the aisle. And, like many Trump voters, he said it was what he deemed the weaponization of regulatory and legal systems that drew him to the former president. Its starting to become prime time here between [President Joe] Biden and Trump, and this is when I can be much more effective, Malik said. The pandemic also inspired him to pursue alternative ventures. Maliks firm, 1789 Capital, is a financial backer behind Tucker Carlsons media company. The firm aims to help create a sort of parallel economy that appeals to more conservative consumers. Hes also behind PublicSquare, a conservative shopping app meant to rival Amazon. Now his focus is turning to making a marked impact on the 2024 election. Malik plans to raise at least $3 million for Trumps campaign for president, an adviser told CNBC. Thats the same amount he raised for DeSantis 2022 campaign for governor. The adviser was granted anonymity to describe private efforts to help Trump. Malik also donated over $100,000 to DeSantis allied political action committee during his successful 2022 re-election bid, according to state campaign finance records. When DeSantis ran for president, Malik co-hosted an event for him in the lucrative Hamptons region of New York. The adviser said Malik aims to give at least $100,000 to a Trump fundraising committee but has yet to decide which one. He also plans to meet privately with Trump in Florida to discuss their fundraising strategy, the adviser said. Malik is already a member of Mar-a-Lago, Trumps private club in Palm Beach. Maliks officially moving over to help Trump makes him the latest former DeSantis fundraiser to bet on Trump to win the Republican primary campaign over Nikki Haley and possibly defeat Biden in the general election. Dan Eberhart, another DeSantis bundler, announced during the New Hampshire primary that he was moving back to help Trump. Maliks decision to become so visible and outspoken in his support of Trump is a rarity among his peers in the Wall Street establishment. The group has been known to keep a safe distance from Trump. Many had chosen to support Haley or DeSantis or stay on the sidelines until a strong Trump alternative appeared a donor dream that never became reality. And Malik had some choice words for his contemporaries. He described a trend in the donor community that he views as virtue signaling saying the common refrain is that they agree with Trumps policies; they just dont like his character. But then he points to the Bill Clinton era, when, he says, the mindset in the same donor crowd was to put policy first and see personal failings as secondary or simply irrelevant. But all of those people that supported Clinton now claim that they dont like Trump for character reasons. It just doesnt make any sense, Malik said. The reason theyre holding their nose seems to me to be disingenuous and sanctimonious. He also noted in the interview that he has observed growing donor frustrations with Biden. And he sees controversies like the one over how college campuses should address antisemitism pushing big money toward Trump again. The effort by Malik and some others from Wall Street, including John Paulson, to start helping Trump may not have come at a better time for Trump, as his political operation continues to burn through cash. Trumps affiliated committees combined to spend about $27 million on legal fees in the final six months of 2023 while he faces a variety of criminal cases, according to an NBC News analysis of campaign finance filings. One of those entities spending on legal fees in Save America came into this year with around $5 million on hand. Malik has had ties to Trump and his larger orbit for years, including having been a Trump donor. He contributed $25,000 to Trump Victory, a joint fundraising committee that benefited Trumps 2020 campaign, according to Federal Election Commission records. Donald Trump Jr. and his fiancee, Kimberly Guilfoyle, are reportedly investors into PublicSquare, the conservative shopping app that went public on the New York Stock Exchange thanks to a merger with Maliks Colombier Acquisition Corp. Omeed is a close friend, business partner and one of the most important donors and bundlers in Republican politics. Im excited that hes all in on my fathers reelection campaign and look forward to working with him to Make America Great Again this November! Trump Jr. said in a statement to NBC News. Malik also has ties to one of Trumps wealthier supporters during his 2016 campaign, Rebekah Mercer. She is among a group of reported investors in 1789 Capital. Mercer is the daughter of Robert Mercer, the former co-CEO of Renaissance Technologies, who gave $15 million to a super PAC that backed Trumps first successful run for president. Robert Mercer also invested in the controversial, now-defunct data company Cambridge Analytica, where his daughter was on the board. After having distanced themselves for years from Trump, the Mercers have been weighing whether to financially back his latest run for president. They reportedly have made the move to support him again. Others in Maliks orbit include Nick Ayers, a former chief of staff to Vice President Mike Pence, who recently endorsed Trump, and Blake Masters, a candidate for Congress in Arizona and an ally of GOP financier Peter Thiel. A California couple who married 20 years ago during San Franciscos Winter of Love got a chance to reconnect with their officiant who is now vice president of the United States. Bradley Witherspoon and Raymond Cabone were married on Feb. 14, 2004 during a 29-day period in which then-Mayor Gavin Newsom challenged legal norms by permitting same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses, defying federal and state regulations. Witherspoon and Cabone were among the nearly 4,000 couples who wed before the California Supreme Court nullified the marriages performed later that year. Their union was officiated by Vice President Kamala Harris, who was then district attorney in San Francisco. The couple spoke to Harris on Monday ahead of their 20-year anniversary in a FaceTime call shared with NBC News. Kamala Harris smiles. (Family photo) I never thought about getting married and what that would mean, but once we got the opportunity to do so, it meant a lot to me, Witherspoon told Harris during the call. I think that was part of the emotion as well; being denied something for so long, thinking that it would not happen in my lifetime, and to see it happen. Cabone said he was really surprised to see Harris on his wedding day because he had previously crossed paths with her professionally when he worked for a consulting firm in the city. It was a very emotional day. I remember crying, and looking over and seeing Kamala crying, and hugging each other at the end of it. Bradley Witherspoon and Raymond Cabone. (Family photo) During the call, Harris reflected on the significance of the time period for San Franciscos LGBTQ community. I reflect on that weekend with such a fond memory of what it meant for so many people. But for the two of you, I mean, I didnt fully appreciate how many people were in loving, committed relationships, and just legally were not able to seal the deal and how unfair that was, Harris said. The couple had been together for nearly 20 years before getting wed. They met in line at a McDonalds in Detroit, where Witherspoon asked Cabone if they could sit together. When they finally got a chance to marry, they told Harris that it was important for them to take advantage of an opportunity they never previously saw for themselves. Raymond Cabone and Bradley Witherspoon hold hands during their wedding ceremony. (Family photo) Witherspoon and Cabone remarried over a decade after their 2004 marriage was nullified, when the U.S. Supreme Court legalized same-sex unions nationwide. Its a really beautiful love story that has had an impact on history, and history has had an impact on your love story, Harris said. For more from NBC Out, sign up for our weekly newsletter. WASHINGTON House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner released an unusual statement Wednesday warning of a "serious national security threat" without providing additional details, pre-empting what the White House said was a planned briefing for congressional leaders. Two sources familiar with the matter told NBC News that the threat cited by Turner, R-Ohio, refers to a space-related capability from the Russian military. President Joe Biden has been tracking the national security threat and directed White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan to engage congressional leaders, according to two U.S. officials. White House officials conceded the matter is serious, but there are ways to contain the threat without triggering mass panic, these officials said. Turner did not identify the threat in his statement but said his committee had "made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat" on Wednesday. Turner said he's requesting that Biden "declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat." The statement didn't offer any additional details, including the nature of the threat. On Wednesday afternoon, House members began trickling in and out of the highly secure room in the basement of the Capitol, known as the SCIF, where the most sensitive, classified information is shared with lawmakers. Sullivan addressed Turner's statement at a briefing a short time later and suggested he was perplexed by the statement because they already had a briefing planned for Thursday. A U.S. official confirmed that the briefing Thursday is related to the threat highlighted by Turner. Biden and the Senate are urging the Republican-controlled House to pass aid for Ukraine in its war against the country, as well as aid for Israel and Taiwan. House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., has said he wouldnt bring the Senate-passed aid package to the floor for a vote, saying he wants conservative border security measures added. Turner recently returned from a congressional delegation trip to Ukraine and said Friday that lawmakers all have access to the intelligence as to the risk that is faced not only to the United States, our allies, but the world as a result of Russias aggression against Ukraine. He added, Theres overwhelming support in the House of Representatives and in the Senate for support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has faced strong pushback after he said at a campaign rally Saturday that he would encourage Russia to attack NATO countries if they didnt contribute enough to defense as part of the alliances mutual protection agreement. He said he would urge Russia to do whatever the hell they want to those countries. Trump was also instrumental in killing a larger foreign aid and border security deal in the Senate this month. Several key lawmakers, including Johnson, said Wednesday that there was no reason to be alarmed. I want to assure the American people there is no need for public alarm, Johnson said at the Capitol. We are going to work together to address this matter, as we do all sensitive matters that are classified, and beyond that, Im not at liberty to disclose classified information and really cant say much more, but we just want to assure everyone steady hands are at the wheel, were working on it, and theres no need for alarm. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn., the ranking member on the Intelligence Committee, said: People should not panic that is unequivocal. People should not panic. Turner is right to highlight this issue, but its so sensitive that he is right now not publicly discussing it, Himes told reporters. And I dont want people thinking that Martians are landing or that your Wednesday is going to be ruined. But it is something that the Congress and the administration does need to address in the medium to long run. Sullivan said at Wednesday's briefing that he reached out this week to the Gang of Eight, the top leaders from the House and the Senate, "to offer myself up for a personal briefing." "That's been on the books, so I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today, in advance of a meeting on the books, for me to go sit with him alongside our intelligence and defense professionals tomorrow," Sullivan told reporters. He continued: "Thats his choice to do that. All I can tell you is that Im focused on going to see him, sit with him, as well as the other House members of the Gang of Eight tomorrow, and Im not in a position to say anything further from this podium." Sullivan declined to provide additional details about the briefing but made it clear that he was the one who initiated the meeting. "I personally reached out to the Gang of Eight. It is highly unusual, in fact, for the national security adviser to do that, and I did that," he said. Asked whether the public should be concerned about the threat, Sullivan said, "In a way, that question is impossible to answer with a straight 'yes' ... because Americans understand that there are a range of threats and challenges in the world that were dealing with every single day, and those threats and challenges range from terrorism to state actors, and we have to contend with them." "I am confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he has taken, is going to ensure the security of the American people going forward, and I will stand here at this podium and assert that, look you in the eye with confidence, that we believe that we can and will and are protecting the national security of the United States and the American people," he said. A Democratic source familiar with the threat told NBC News: "This is a serious issue that could lead to a destabilizing situation and a national security threat." The source described it as a potential foreign threat but wouldnt identify where the threat is coming from. Rep Mike Garcia, R-Calif., said he urges all members to look at the intelligence. I urge the president to take this matter seriously, as well. And its not a political issue. Its something that needs the attention of members of Congress and the executive branch," he said. Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., said it is one of several "very volatile things that we have to address. ... This is something that requires our attention. Theres no doubt. Its not an immediate crisis but certainly something we have to be very serious about." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Wednesday, I think more information will be made available as appropriate, hopefully, sooner rather than later. Senate leaders arent expected to attend the briefing Thursday because the Senate is on a two-week recess. Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., and the committees ranking member, Marco Rubio, R-Fla., were briefed weeks ago about the national security threat identified by Turner, said two sources with direct knowledge of the matter. The intelligence has been made available to all members of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Warner and Rubio werent given a heads-up about the statement Turner released Wednesday, the two sources said. And while the House made the intelligence available to all of its members late Tuesday night, the Senate didnt do the same for all senators until Wednesday afternoon. A source with knowledge of the matter said the threat is not unrelated to the issues addressed by the currently stalled national security supplemental funding package, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, but that they arent directly tied." The source declined to elaborate further. By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israel faced growing international pressure on Wednesday to hold off on a planned assault on the last refuge for displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza after truce talks in Cairo ended inconclusively. Officials said Tuesday's talks were constructive and would continue, but the lack of an immediate breakthrough fuelled fears among hundreds of thousands of people crammed into Rafah that Israel would soon storm the city on the border with Egypt. Tensions also rose along Israel's northern border with Lebanon on Wednesday. Israel said a woman was killed in a rocket attack from Lebanon, and four people were reported killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon. The Israeli military says it wants to flush out Islamist militants from hideouts in Rafah and free hostages being held there after the Hamas rampage in Israel on Oct. 7, but has given no details of a proposed plan to evacuate civilians. "The news was disappointing, we hoped there could be a deal reached in Cairo. We are now counting down the days before Israel sends in tanks. We hope they don't but who can prevent them?" Said Jaber, a Gaza businessman who is sheltering in Rafah with his family, told Reuters via a chat app. Richard Peeperkorn, the World Health Organization representative for Gaza and the West Bank, said an assault on Rafah would be "an unfathomable catastrophe... and would even further expand the humanitarian disaster beyond imagination." Israel says it takes steps to minimise civilian casualties and accuses Hamas fighters of hiding among civilians, including in hospitals and shelters - something the militant group denies. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said people in Rafah with nowhere to go "cannot simply vanish into thin air". "They need safe places and safe corridors to avoid being caught in the crossfire even more," she said before talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. OVERNIGHT SHELLING Israeli forces shelled eastern areas of Rafah overnight, and pounded several areas of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, residents said. The health ministry in the Hamas-governed enclave said Israeli forces were continuing to isolate the two main hospitals in Khan Younis, and that sniper fire at the city's Nasser Hospital had killed and wounded many people in recent days. An Israeli airstrike on a house in Al-Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed six people, health officials said. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed, including 103 in the past 24 hours, and 68,291 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct.7, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Many other people are believed to be buried under rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated Gaza Strip, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out and diseases are spreading. At least 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 250 were taken hostage in the Hamas raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has vowed to fight on until it eradicates Hamas and has made the return of the last hostages a priority. Hamas says Israel must commit to ending the war and withdrawing from Gaza. BORDER TENSIONS Diplomacy is focused not just on halting the war and securing the hostages' release but also on preventing the conflict from spreading across the region. The armed Lebanese group Hezbollah, which backs the Palestinians, has frequently fired across the border into northern Israel since the war began in Gaza. In Wednesday's clashes, Israel said it had carried out retaliatory strikes on Hezbollah targets after rocket attacks which it said had killed an Israeli woman, struck a military base and wounded several other people. A woman and her two children were killed in an Israeli strike on the village of al-Sawana, the two Lebanese security sources said. Hezbollah said another strike on a separate town killed one of their fighters. Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen have also sought to show solidarity with the Palestinians, by attacking international shipping in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have retaliated with strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. In the latest such strike, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces targeted a cruise missile that was about to be fired at ships in the Red Sea. Diplomatic efforts continued on Wednesday, with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan making his first visit to Egypt in over a decade. He said the war in Gaza topped his agenda in Egypt. Sources briefed on Tuesday's talks described them as "good" and said the sides had agreed to continue them, but declined to say where or when. White House spokesman John Kirby, in an interview with CNN, said the talks had been constructive. "And it's important that they are still ongoing, that neither side has backed away and said, 'Nope, not doing this.' That's important," he said. (Reporting by Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo, Dan Williams and Emily Rose in Jerusalem, Doina Chiacu in Washignton and Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Writing by Timothy Heritage, Editing by Ros Russell and Gareth Jones) By Rami Amichay THE HAGUE (Reuters) -Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas since Oct.7 urged the International Criminal Court on Wednesday to ensure justice for their loved ones and to help bring them home. "Today is Valentine's day and Ohad, the love of my life, is still being held hostage," freed hostage Raz Ben Ami, whose husband Ohad remains captive in Gaza, said after travelling to The Hague, where the ICC is based. "My love, I hope you can hear me, I am still waiting for you," she said near the ICC's headquarters. Standing in the rain, families and activists waved Israeli flags and chanted "Bring them home now!" On Oct. 7, Hamas carried out a cross-border raid on southern Israel in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and around 240 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. It sparked Israel's military offensive in Gaza which has laid waste to much of the densely-populated strip of land on the Mediterranean and killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognise its jurisdiction, but the Palestinian territories were admitted as ICC members in 2015. Prosecutor Karim Khan reaffirmed to Reuters this week that the court has jurisdiction over the events of Oct. 7 and they form part of the court's investigation. Survivors of the Oct. 7 attack and families of victims want the ICC to target Hamas leaders with arrest warrants. "We trust that the ICC has the capacity to bring about justice for the hostages and their families," said Shelly Aviv Yeini, from the Hostage Families Forum, adding that The Hague event also aimed to apply pressure for the release of the hostages. HOSTAGES Speaking at Israel's Ben Gurion airport before heading to The Hague, Udi Goren, cousin of 41-year-old Tal Haimi, who was abducted and later confirmed dead, said: "We want to ... make sure that the leaders of Hamas are taken into custody or that they cannot leave Qatar anymore and that this puts pressure on them to release the hostages." Goren was among the group of around 100 family members who flew to The Hague to file the latest in several so-called article 15 communications on behalf of Israeli victims. These legal filings are meant to provide information to the prosecution and are part of a wider push to get the ICC to act against Hamas leaders. In a sign that the ICC's investigation of the Oct 7. attacks and Israel's response is moving forward, lawyer Yael Vias Gvirsman, who represents another group of Israeli victims, told Reuters that a handful of her clients gave testimony directly to ICC investigators in The Hague last week. "It was a significant next step for the investigation. Investigators sat down with victims for very long hours to hear personal accounts by key witnesses of several crime scenes of the Oct. 7 attacks," said Vias Gvirsman, who represents 200 Israeli victims from 42 different families at the ICC. The case at the ICC is separate from the genocide case launched against Israel at the International Court of Justice or World Court also based in The Hague. The World Court is a United Nations court that deals with disputes between states while the ICC is a treaty-based criminal court focusing on individual criminal responsibility for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. (Reporting by Rami Amichay and Stephanie van den Berg; Additional reporting by Ingrid Melander; Writing by Stephanie van den Berg and Ingrid Melander; editing by Ros Russell) Pharrell Williams's designs for Louis Vuitton are made for that romance, for the first flowerings of spring in L.A. Emily Marte wears Louis Vuitton Men's. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) Los Angeles is a city that demands you go outside. The weather, the vibes and the ever-present feeling that anything is possible. The only things stopping you are time and traffic. The clothes we wear reflect that, from cargo shorts to open-toed sandals, camp collar shirts and tank tops. This is a place where romance can flourish, where meet-cutes can happen on a bench at Echo Park Lake or in line at Courage Bagels (if you havent thought about spitting game at Courage yet, give it a shot and report back to me). Pharrell Williamss designs for Louis Vuitton are made for that romance, for the first flowerings of spring in L.A. and pretty much anywhere else you can think of that has a surplus of sunshine. Los Angeles is a city that demands you go outside. Ren Leslie wears Louis Vuitton Men's. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) Williams launched his first collection with LV last summer, and of course, thanks to the unceasing passage of time (and the needs of the luxury fashion industry), hes already dropped his second collection. At his 2024 pre-collection show in Hong Kong, Pharrell added a wetsuit and surfboard, nodding back to L.A., to the unrestrained power of the ocean that we sometimes take for granted here. The digital damoflage suits, with their pixelated patterns, are modern interpretations of camouflage, a print designed to look like your natural surroundings. The pre-fall drop has a very clear through line back to the first flowerings of his tenure at Vuitton. Emily wears Louis Vuitton Men's and Jennifer Le spiked mules. Ren wears Louis Vuitton Men's, Hugo Kreit earrings, Prada shoes. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) If there is a word to encompass the ethos of Pharrell as a designer, its romance. The feeling of the impossible being possible. Whether that be naivety or merely unsullied optimism, its captured explicitly by the use of the word lovers all over the branding for his first collection. Bold flower prints, jaunty sailor hats, and a louche suiting mix with chunky boots and letterman jackets. Its easy to see yourself going somewhere in these clothes, even if its to nowhere in particular. If there is a word to encompass the ethos of Pharrell as a designer, it's "romance." Ren wears Louis Vuitton Men's. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) It's easy to see yourself going somewhere in these clothes, even if it's to nowhere in particular. Emily wears Louis Vuitton Men's. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) All of that seems very European. The iconography of these clothes screams Parisian youth, with the Pont Neuf bridge having served as the backdrop for Pharrells LV coming out party last summer. The limited-edition Vuitton pop-up in West Hollywood that closes at the end of February is decked out to look like that glorious French setting, and the brand hand out posters of the bridge during the stores opening-night party. Saltburn star Barry Keoghan was the man of the hour at that party, and for good reason. There arent many actors in Hollywood today who embody the youthful contradiction of thoughtfulness and carelessness that define those years before you have a mortgage and mouths to feed besides your own. As Saltburn posits, in youth you can be anyone and everyone you want to be. You can carefully craft a persona for public consumption and do that over and over again until you find the image that fits. Of course, in Saltburn, that image ended up being a vampiric brat who drinks bathwater and plots to murder his only friend in the world. Hopefully when you were young, you picked something else to be. Emily wears Louis Vuitton Men's, Hugo Kreit earings, TUK creepers. Ren wears Louis Vuitton Men's, New Rock sneakers. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) In the United States, the sense of personal discovery is something we often equate with Europe, and specifically cultural meccas like Paris. We have to go somewhere to find a semblance of truth. Louis Vuitton, as Pharrell has said before, is about travel. Its a brand that is rooted in the experience of going on holiday thanks to its roots as a luggage company. Travel is freedom, and youth allows us to see a place with fresh eyes and no expectations of comfort. Its about the experience, not the accommodations. Hostels exist for a reason, to open up the possibilities of travel to young adults with little to no disposable income. But LV is about the luxurious, the chic and the expensive. Somehow, Pharrell has managed to capture the feeling of exuberant, youthful exploration while also making the clothes very, very nice. In a way, hes done that by merging the sensibilities of Paris and Los Angeles. All right, so Los Angeles is not exactly Paris. First of all, Paris doesnt have strip-mall sushi. And its almost always open season on bicyclists in L.A. Also, like most of us, I get my baguettes at a little place called Ralphs. Im sure youve heard of it. Pharrells collection nods to the special humanity of this place we call home through his collaboration with artist Henry Taylor. Taylor contributed faces embroidered on the bags and jackets that were part of that first drop in Paris. The faces, unidentified by the artist, could be anyone. And thats probably the point. These are the faces you might see as you move through the city. Any city, but certainly our city. Pharrell's collection nods to the special humanity of this place we call home through his collaboration with artist Henry Taylor. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) L.A. is a city in thrall to the automobile and its power to transport you from point A to point B in absolute comfort air conditioning, satellite radio and a capacious trunk to store a lot more than just a baguette. If I didnt have a trunk to store miscellaneous junk and had to rely on a tote bag or the basket on a bike for on-the-go storage, I might consider taking a leap off the Pont Neuf. Paris, on the other hand, offers the pleasures of the tactile experience of direct contact with your surroundings. Walk, bike, take the train. Travel on your own power, with the tools nature or God gave you. The car is our supreme signifier of adulthood. You have to have a lot of money to get one. You have to maintain it, buy insurance, and store it safely. It is a weapon when used recklessly. The car robs us of our innocence, and we can only recapture that by communing and reintroducing ourselves to the natural world. In L.A., this is why we surf or hike or just lounge around in the park. We can live organically, if only for a moment. When we touch grass, we reintroduce ourselves to what it felt like to be young. To travel casually, to have nowhere to go and everything to do. Thats so much a part of what Pharrell is doing at Louis Vuitton making us feel young again. Both Los Angeles and Paris can do that. So much a part of what Pharrell is doing at Louis Vuitton is making us feel young again. Emily wears Louis Vuitton Men's, Poesie Veneziane loafer. Ren wears Louis Vuitton Men's, Prada shoes. (Da'Shaunae Marisa / For The Times) Models: Emily Marte, Ren Leslie Makeup: Leslie Castillo Hair: Tanya Melendez Styling Assistant: Carmen Madera This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan appears on Meet the Press on Feb. 19, 2023 Credit - William B. PlowmanNBC via Getty Images A governor uses his executive power to block efforts to expand abortion access, strengthen background checks on gun purchases, and require companies to offer paid family leave. That may sound like someone vying to be Donald Trumps running mate, but its actually Larry Hogan, the former Maryland governor seen by many as the avatar of anti-Trump Republican moderation. Hogans governorship is about to come under a microscope after he announced he was running for Senate, a surprise decision that came after months of speculation that he might make a third-party presidential bid. While Republicans had previously written off their chances of winning an open Senate seat in liberal Maryland, Hogans entry has changed the equation, given his reputation as the rare Republican even some Democrats like. But during his eight years as governor, Hogan amassed a record of vetoing legislation that shows him to be more conservative than his national profile suggests. In April 2022, shortly before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, Hogan vetoed a bill to increase the number of abortion providers throughout the state and allocate $3.5 million for a training program to perform the procedure safely. That same month, he rejected a measure that would require companies to offer 12 weeks of partially paid medical leave for their employees. In 2020, he blocked legislation to mandate background checks on private rifle and shotgun sales. And throughout his tenure, he vetoed bills to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, allow voters to fix mistakes on their mail-in ballots, and ban employers from asking job applicants about their criminal history. Everything he did that a Democrat wouldn't have done is going to be pointed out and amplified, says Michael Hanmer, a University of Maryland politics professor. Maryland voters are pretty savvy. Theyre not too far from Washington, D.C. In a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one, Hanmer adds, a right-wing veto history could be costly when the balance of power in Washington is at stake. Those are vulnerabilities for him. In the Trump years, Hogan emerged as a national leader on handling the Covid pandemic, implementing stay-at-home and mask-wearing orders early on. He was also a vocal critic of the former President, with near daily appearances on cable news that made him a leading light of the Never Trump movement, and a popular GOP governor in a blue state. By positioning himself as a Trump antagonist, Hogan became a mainstream media darling whose policy decisions often avoided closer scrutiny. But now that Hogan has turned Maryland into a competitive Senate race, Democrats are intent on puncturing the perception of him as a moderate. The party already faces an uphill battle in maintaining its Senate control: Democrats are defending 23 seats while Republicans are defending only 10. The GOP needs to net only one or two seats to take over the chamber. Maryland voters understand the consequences of elections, says Susan Turnbull, former chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. We will not be tricked into believing that Mitch McConnells hand-picked candidate is anything but an anti-abortion rubber stamp on the GOP agenda. The Hogan campaign did not respond to a request for comment. For Republicans, recruiting Hogan was a major pickup. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Steve Daines of Montana, who chairs the National Republican Senatorial Committee, spent months trying to convince Hogan to run for the seat being vacated by Democrat Ben Cardin. To be competitive in a blue state like that is quite a boost for us, McConnell told reporters last week. Even if Hogan falls short, GOP operatives say, his candidacy will help the party by forcing Democrats to spend money in Maryland that they could have invested in other battleground states like Arizona, Montana, and Ohio. Until Hogans last-minute entry, Washington politicos were expecting a boring contest in Maryland, with the Democratic primary winnereither Prince Georges County Executive Angela Alsobrooks or Rep. David Tronecoasting to victory. For Hogan, the decision comes with risks. Entering a high-stakes Senate race will subject him to opposition research and Democrats resurrecting the stains on his past. In April 2021, the Maryland state legislature unanimously passed a tougher new ethics law to enhance disclosure requirements for public officials. The legislation followed a Washington Monthly expose that found Hogan, after canceling a planned $2.9 billion rail line through Baltimore, routed the freed-up funds to road and highway infrastructure projects near properties owned by his real estate investment firm, a development that can boost the value of those properties. In his first three years in office, Hogan made $2.4 million, far exceeding his annual official government salary of $180,000. As governor, Hogan also suffered some embarrassing episodes of bureaucratic mismanagement. In April 2020, Hogan announced that his administration had purchased 500,000 Covid test kits for $11.9 million from South Korea at a time when tests were in short supply. There was only one problem: The test kits didnt work. Two months later, the state returned them to South Korea and had to spend $2.5 million on a second batch. The Washington Post revealed that the test kits themselves had been available at the time for far cheaper from a domestic manufacturer. Democrats plan to emphasize these blemishes on Hogans governorship, sources familiar with the matter tell TIME, with Hogans veto record representing the clearest test of how he would vote on Capitol Hill. The vetoes have largely gone unnoticed, they say, because Hogan was skillful at diverting attention toward his anti-Trump broadsides over his official government policy making. But its also because Democrats often used their supermajority in the Maryland legislature to override Hogans vetoes. Thats what happened with Hogans abortion veto, which is the one likely to draw the most attention in the coming months, as many Republicans still push to outlaw the procedure nationwide. On Wednesday, Hogan told CNN he doesn't support a federal abortion ban. Should Hogan win the GOP primary, he will be on the same ballot in November as an amendment to enshrine abortion rights into Marylands constitution. Throughout his political career, Hogan had said he was personally pro-life but considered Roe a matter of settled law. When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Hogan was in his last year in office. Two months earlier, he vetoed a measure to expand abortion access by allowing nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and physician assistants to perform the procedure. Supporters argued it was needed because some of the states rural counties didnt have a single provider. Hogan said the legislation would endanger women by allowing non-physicians to perform abortions. After the Democrats in the General Assembly overrode his veto, Hogan withheld $3.5 million in state funds allocated in the bill to increase the number of providers in the state, delaying the programs start until his successor, Democrat Wes Moore, took over in January 2023. Democrats say the episode could hamper Hogans Senate bid in a Democratic state where support for abortion access is high. It could also serve as a barometer for whether Hogan can preserve his bipartisan appeal. Hes not what he says he is, says John Willis, a former Maryland Democratic Secretary of State. Hes got on a maskand the mask is about to be lifted. Contact us at letters@time.com. Rachel Standfest was 36 weeks pregnant when she noticed smoke in her home last May. Her husband, Travis Standfest was sleeping, so she rushed upstairs to wake him. Immediately, they realized they needed to escape. I helped to get Rachel out of the window, and then I picked up my dog and tossed him out of the window, Travis Standfest, 25, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, tells TODAY.com. By that time, the flames are coming up out the window, and so I decided I was going to run though it because I figured I could get out faster. While recovering from burns they sustained in a house fire, Rachel and Travis Standfest have learned to care for each other--and their new daughter--in ways they never imagined they would. (Courtesy Standfest family) Both suffered burns. Rachel Stanfest had a skull fracture, and when she arrived at the hospital, doctors delivered her baby in an emergency cesarean section. Now, nine months later, theyre recovering and adjusting to life as new parents. Early fall is when we felt normal, Rachel Standfest, 26, tells TODAY.com. Were just trying to figure it out. We have this beautiful story and testimony, and we know God has a purpose for us now. House fire leads to severe burns, a head injury and a C-section Last spring, the Standfests were building a new home and staying in an apartment over the barn at Rachel Standfests parents. On the evening of May 24, 2023, the mom-to-be was handling some baby shower details in her parents' house while her husband was in the apartment in bed. When she returned to the apartment to watch TV, she smelled smoke and rushed to wake her husband while calling her mom. The last thing I remember is (my mom) yelling, You need to get out now, and Travis pushing out the screen in the window, Rachel Standfest says. While Travis Standfest was helping his wife and dog jump out of the window 15 to 20 feet off the ground, the flames started crawling up a nearby wall, so he decided to race out of the building. There (werent) any flames on the stairs yet. But I fell and then I remember getting up and running through it, he says. When I hit halfway through the barn, I could feel my face and hands burning. When he got outside, he saw his wife unconscious on the ground as the family waited for an ambulance. At some point, Rachel Standfest woke up, and she walked to the ambulance with help. I dont remember anything, she says. My parents said because I was walking and talking, they really didnt think it would be as severe at it was. The two dont recall much else from that night or getting to the hospital, but they said firefighters told them afterward it was the hottest fire they'd responded to in five years. "The building had collapsed on itself, so getting to some of the fire that was underneath layers and layers of all of this material was really difficult, Grand Rapids fire chief Luke Werdon told local NBC affiliate WOOD TV at the time. The cause is likely going to be undetermined due to the extent of the fire. It destroyed a lot of the evidence, he added. All that survived was a picture of the couple with their dog, a Bible and a T-shirt that Rachel Standfest was baptized in. A month in the hospital, at least a year of recovery After they arrived at the hospital, Dr. Amy Spencer, an acute care surgeon at Corewell Health in Michigan, started coordinating their treatment in consultation with other departments. After evaluating the location and severity of Rachel Standfest's burns, the OB-GYNs decided to perform an emergency C-section. (They thought) it would be safer for everyone to deliver the baby, Spencer tells TODAY.com. (The baby) was doing well from the moment that she delivered. Rachel Standfest was 36 weeks pregnant when she sustained second- and third-degree burns and a skull fracture in a house fire. Her faith in God and support from her husband have helped her endure the long recovery. (Courtesy Standfest family) When Travis Standfest awoke in the hospital the next day, he felt surprised. The first thing I remember was ... having a bunch of tubes in me. I couldnt talk, he recalls. I didnt even know my face was burned. I never looked in a mirror. Rachel Standfest experienced second- and third-degree burns across about a third of her body, Spencer says, and she also suffered a skull fracture from leaping out the window. First-degree burns are the most superficial, typically causing pain and redness similar to a sunburn for just a few days, Spencer says. Second-degree burns, also called a partial thickness burn, damage the first layer of the skin. Third-degree burns are the most serious, penetrating all the layers of the skin to the fat. At first, doctors placed both Standfests on breathing tubes, even though the mom-to-be didnt inhale in as much smoke as her husband. The skull fracture caused her to experience some cognitive issues, as well. To help their burns heal, both Standfests needed skin grafts, in which healthy skin is removed from one part of the body and placed on another part where skin has been lost or damaged. They also underwent a procedure called ReCell, where skin cells are turned into a spray used to reduce the appearance of scars. While recovering from the burns, the couple faced some challenges, especially during bandage applications. We had dressing changes every two days, and those were bad because they would scrub you down (and) redress you, Rachel Standfest says. We were sedated every time, but when I got out, I felt like I couldnt move my legs. I felt numb and stiff. Travis and Rachel Standfest recovered in separate rooms and couldn't always see each other in the hospital. They texted each other as much as they could to offer support to the other through burn treatments. (Courtesy Standfest family) Skin tightness from their injuries and treatment also restricted their mobility. But it was important to move to avoid further problems. If you dont move those areas, they can remain tight or get worse, Travis Standfest says. Its a fight with your brain like, I need to endure this pain to get results. Rachel Standfest had a tougher recovery due to her skull fracture. She needed cognitive therapy and to be in a dark, quiet room. She was discharged after almost a month in the hospital but had to return for follow-up skin grafts. Most of the time, she experienced a lot of pain at the spot where doctors removed the healthy skin. Both had larger donor sites, (which are) more painful, Spencer says. "Theres not a great way to do painless healing of burns. Unfortunately, its just the manner of the injury. ... Skin is full of nerves." For much of their time in the hospital, the couple couldnt see each other due to their limited mobility and the new mom's medical need for darkness and quiet. But they supported each other via text, and their desire to be with Brynlee kept them motivated. Their family cared for her while her parents were hospitalized and recovering. We wanted to get home and start our new life, Rachel Standfest says. Even after they returned home, she needed help with her bandages. Her husband took tending to her seriously. Every other day, he would change my dressings and stretch my legs for me so I didnt stiffen, Rachel Standfest says. I dont think I could have done it personally because it was gory, and I dont do that. So, it was just really cool he was able to do that for me. A new house and baby In the fall of 2023, Travis Standfest returned to work as the owner of a heating and cooling company. At times, the burns on his hands make his job difficult. I work with sheet metal, and sometimes Im cutting myself, he says. Its just this process of figuring out how much I can do, what feels good, what doesnt feel good because Ill hit my hand. What used to not bother me or not hurt me is an intense pain. Very little survived the house fire other than a Bible and a shirt Rachel Standfest wore when she was baptized. (Courtesy Standfest family) Since returning home, the couple is grappling with the mental and physical trauma of surviving the fire. Rachel Standfest cant smell, likely due to her head injury, Spencer says, while Travis Standfest feels extremely sensitive to certain smells and dangers. It seems like my senses are heightened regarding safety, he explains. Ill be the first person to notice someones having a bonfire or theyre cooking on a stove. For about a year, their skin will continue to heal and they may need additional treatments, Spencer says. The couple has also been participating in talk therapy and joined the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Spencer says burn recovery often includes navigating tough emotions and can even cause PTSD. We try to follow our burn patients to try to make sure they have the support they need, she adds. Through this experience, the Standfests have stood by each other. We got to serve each other in ways that we never imagined that we could have, Rachel Standfest says. He was my rock. Travis Stanfest agrees and says this experience strengthened their faith in God, especially after seeing video of the fire. Its like, how did we make it out? he says. I have no clue. This article was originally published on TODAY.com Sir, Lets stop living in denial; we are taking things very lightly. Politicians should understand that every life is valuable, irrespective of the status of a citizen. If anything, they should take the blame of terribly and shamelessly messing up the judicial system. People are languishing in jail with no end in sight and our politicians, past and present, should bury their heads in the sand. Scary It is scary that the judicial system has a battered image and it offers what one could describe as an unmitigated disaster and stagnation. It fails woefully to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the present day Eswatini. How much longer can emaSwati endure the insensitivity and oppression by the countrys judicial system? Or is outrageous that the commissioner general of His Majestys Correctional Service had to seek the chief justices intervention in a matter that he should have been aware of. How on earth do people languish in jail since 2019 without having their day in court? We, the taxpayers, are the ones who have to bear this burden as the inmates are being fed through our taxes. Sue What is worse is that they might even sue government and succeed for this gross dereliction of duty. Our collective grief and worries have reached frightening levels. Anxiety has rattled down everyones nerves, families are worried. We are all living in fear, fear of being oppressed by our very own politicians and public servant who are supposed to be working in the best interest of the nation. Such issues have embarrassed this country many times over and left it gravely wounded in the eyes of the world. The fact that some could be languishing in jail unnecessarily, retells the odious rat-race, ideological vacuity and mundane craving that typifies Eswatinis political life. To this end, it calls to question the moral integrity and character of those who are in government. A federal lawsuit accuses members of the New York National Guard and publicly contracted relief workers of sexual exploitation and violence against asylum-seekers. Seven asylum-seekers alleged that the incidents happened after they were transported to the Quality Inn in Cheektowaga, near Buffalo Niagara International Airport. DocGo, a New York City-based company that houses migrants, set up a Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Response Center at the hotel. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, alleges that the hotel was dilapidated and that migrants were forced to sleep on mattresses with deep stains that were infested with insects, leading to the children living there being repeatedly bitten across their bodies. The migrants were also sexually exploited by New York National Guard Sgt. Deven Colon and other unnamed people, the suit alleges. DocGo employee Rigoberto Nunez was also accused of physically assaulting an asylum-seeker. Colon is alleged in one incident to have taken gifts to a female asylum-seeker, made sexual comments and taken the unidentified woman out of the facility to his home and to other locations for what Colon called dates, according to the lawsuit. These interactions are documented by dozens of text messages between Jane Doe and Colon, the suit says. In those messages Colon represents to Jane Doe that he has a great authority to help her, tells her that he would like to help her get a house, and that he will always support her and her children. Colon is alleged on another occasion to have sneaked the woman and her children out of the hotel to a rental property hours away. The lawsuit alleges that he demanded sexual favors in exchange for his assistance to her and her family. Jane Doe, who had journeyed through jungles with her children, evaded sexual traffickers in Mexico, and crossed rivers, suddenly found herself in a snow-covered rural property in America (where she was totally isolated) with her children, facing pressure from a member of the NY National Guard for sex, the suit says. Colon, who is named as a defendant, could not be reached for comment Wednesday at a phone number listed for him. A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochuls office said the allegations are completely unacceptable and Governor Hochul has prioritized taking action to keep everyone in the State of New York safe. The New York National Guard, as part of the United States military, has an independent disciplinary process under military law which will be followed to the fullest extent in order to hold offenders accountable, the spokesperson said. Hochuls office is not named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit also describes another instance in Colon is alleged to have taken a different migrant and her teenage daughter off the premises. It accuses him of massaging the womans shoulders while staring at her teenage daughter and asking her daughter to sit beside them. The woman complained about the encounter to Jane Doe, according to the lawsuit. Jane Does teenage daughter was also taken by a National Guard member to a private section of the hotel that did not have cameras, the suit alleges. It says the Guard member groped her legs and told her she was beautiful until her daughter ran. The encounters left Jane Doe and her family living in fear that they would be expelled from the hotel like other asylum seekers who fell in disfavor with the National Guard or DocGo staff, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit further alleges that National Guard members, including Colon, and DocGo employees, including Nunez, were observed dancing intimately and romantically kissing guests. The New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, also a defendant, did not say whether it is investigating the allegations in an emailed statement Wednesday. The Division of Military and Naval Affairs takes all allegations of misconduct regarding our personnel very seriously and if allegations are substantiated following an investigation can result in adverse administrative and/or disciplinary actions pursuant to regulation and New York State Military Law, it said. Criminal activities are referred to law enforcement for appropriate action. The lawsuit also accuses Nunez of openly harassing and physically assaulting guests. An incident is alleged to have occurred in November after an argument between asylum-seeker Alexander Jose Vizcaino Marrufo and his wife, Florangelis Flor Maria Cabreara Medina, according to the lawsuit. It says that Nunez entered the room with Colon and several security guards and that Nunez began assaulting Marrufo without any provocation, even strangling him as Flor begged Nunez to stop. Its not clear whether Marrufo received any medical treatment. Marrufo was kicked out after Nunez contacted Cheektowaga police, according to the lawsuit. Subsequently, Marrufo found himself homeless in Buffalo, first spending several days seeking shelter behind a dumpster near a gas station, the suit says. He now survives by seeking day labor, trading work for a place to stay, and resorting to sleeping on floors, in utility closets, and in basements offered by those willing to give him random work. His wife is subjected to frequent taunting from Nunez and lives in constant fear at the center, the lawsuit says. Attempts to reach Nunez were unsuccessful, and its not clear whether he has obtained an attorney. DocGo, also named as a defendant, declined to comment specifically on the lawsuit. It said in a statement that it is committed to ensuring the continued safety and well-being of everyone under our care and that it conducts rigorous, evidence-based internal investigations into allegations regarding DocGo staff. Since the launch of our program, weve worked with government partners to ensure we are delivering excellent, compassionate care to asylum seekers, the statement said. Emergency sites where DocGo provides services have received many visits from multiple city and state agencies since our contract began, including the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) who confirmed our commitment to safety and the respectful treatment of all guests. The lawsuit was filed by several migrants and employees of Platinum Community Care, a subcontractor of DocGo, who reported the alleged incidents to upper DocGo management. One employee alleges she was terminated over her complaints, while another resigned in frustration that the complaints were ignored. The plaintiffs are seeking no less than $9 million. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) A proposal to allow any legal gun owner to openly carry their weapon in public without training is struggling to pass through South Carolina's General Assembly as Republicans and gun rights supporters argue among themselves. The bill would appear to be an easy lift in a reliably conservative state. Twenty-seven other states allow open carry of guns without a permit, including nearly every state in the Deep South. But the bill is in limbo as some Senate Republicans insist on adding a carrot and stick to the proposal by funding the training currently required for open-carry permits, and adding extra punishments when people without the training carry guns into places where they are outlawed, like schools, hospitals, churches, government offices and courthouses. Republicans in the House insisted on their own version Tuesday with a vote of 85-26, after only a few minutes of open debate and plenty of discussions behind closed doors. We debated it, we talked about it and we realized our bill is the best bill forward for South Carolinians to protect their freedoms and to get criminals off the street, said House sponsor Republican Rep. Bobby Cox of Greer. If the Senate stands firm for its version, chances for a compromise are uncertain in a conference committee made up of three members from each chamber. The biggest sticking point is the extra Senate penalty for taking a weapon into a prohibited space without having taken the training for a concealed weapons permit. To encourage training, the Senate bill would pay at least $4 million to hold free classes across the state. The Senate's version left plenty of supporters of the open carry idea unhappy, including gun rights groups. While the National Rifle Association backed the Senate version, saying open carry of guns is the goal, even with a few caveats, a group called Palmetto Gun Rights is attacking senators on social media with memes. One shows Republican Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey shooting constitutional carry then turning around and asking why did the House kill constitutional carry? We are tired of the compromises. We are tired of waiting, we are tired of backroom deals, and we are tired of South Carolina Republicans circling the wagons around their colleagues weakening good bills so that weaker members get to vote on them and pretend that they are pro-gun, the group's executive director, Tommy Dimsdale, said in a video. Palmetto Gun Rights said it believes in 100% firearms liberty and is an affiliate of the National Association for Gun Rights. The bill had a tougher fight than might be expected from the start. Some conservatives are torn by the weight of a number of law enforcement leaders who want to maintain training for people to carry guns in public and worry about officers encountering armed people at shooting scenes, having to assess who is a threat and who is trying to help. To get law enforcement to at least remain neutral, the House added something they sought a proposal that would create a state crime for a felon to possess a weapon, with penalties similar to federal law. It is one of Gov. Henry McMasters top priorities, with supporters saying it would allow longer prison time for repeat offenders when federal prosecutors dont want to get involved. But this too is threatened with the House's rejection of the Senate's version. The public is losing confidence. So am I, the governor wrote. He put the blame squarely on the South Carolina House, saying last week that representatives are keeping the revolving door for career violent criminals wide open. MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines has deployed a warship off the waters of Palawan island facing the South China Sea to "protect its maritime interests", a senior navy official said, in a move that may irk China. Amid simmering tensions in the disputed waterway, Commodore Edward Ike De Sagon said the ship's presence in Palawan "will serve as a reminder to all who would dare challenge our sovereignty that we stand ready and vigilant." It will also "bolster efforts of safeguarding the maritime domain and interests in the country's western frontier," De Sagon added in a written statement dated Tuesday but sent on Wednesday. The deployment of patrol corvette BRP Emilio Jacinto or the PS35 came days after the Philippines and the United States conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have traded blame over a spate of run-ins over territory. Palawan is also home to one of four additional bases that the United States military was given access to last year under the Philippines' Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with its treaty ally. The province has rich fishing grounds and pristine beaches that are popular with tourists. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of commercial shipping annually, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said China's claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; editing by Philippa Fletcher) A professional rock climber was convicted Tuesday in federal court for sexual abuse he committed in Yosemite National Park, prosecutors said. A federal jury found Charles Charlie Barrett guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact during a weekend trip to Yosemite in 2016, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert said in a news release. The 39-year-old was living and working in the national park in Central California when he sexually assaulted a visitor who had made a trip to the park to hike, prosecutors said. During trial, three other victims testified Barrett also sexually assaulted them, prosecutors said. Those alleged assaults were not inside of federal jurisdiction so they did not lead to charges during the court proceedings, according to the news release. This defendant used his renown and physical presence as a rock climber to lure and intimidate victims who were part of the rock-climbing community, Talbert said in the news release. His violent sexual assaults were devastating to the victims, whom he later threatened in the lead-up to trial. Barretts attorney Timothy Hennessy submitted a statement following the conviction, saying the case was difficult and complex. He said Barrett will appeal the verdict. While it is not a verdict we believe was warranted by the evidence, Mr. Barrett understands the importance in respecting a (jurys) verdict. Mr. Barrett has issues he wishes to raise on appeal, the statement said. Particularly, evidence objected to by the government early on in this case. Evidence that Mr. Barrett believes would vindicate him. Mr. Barrett knew going into this that it would be a long fight to clear his name. But it is a fight he will not give up. Barrett faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine at a sentencing hearing on May 21. Barrett made a name for himself by scaling difficult rock faces in California and has written guidebooks on climbing in Yosemite National Park and the eastern Sierra, according to Tahoe Quarterly magazine. A Pennsylvania school resource officer is accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage student he met at the high school where he worked. Jordan Jones, 29, of Horsham, was arrested Tuesday and has been charged with institutional sexual assault, endangering the welfare of children and corruption of minors, which are all felonies, the Montgomery County district attorney said. The DA said sexual assault allegations involving Jones and a 17-year-old student at Abington Senior High School surfaced this week. The student allegedly told a counselor that she and Jones had been having a sexual relationship since November, the DA said in statement. Jones, a full-time officer with Abington Township police who was assigned to the school as a resource officer, is accused of having sexual contact with the teen numerous times at his home, according to prosecutors. It was not clear Tuesday night whether Jones had retained an attorney. No one with the Abington School District could immediately be reached for comment by NBC News. NBC Philadelphia reported that a district spokesperson said in a statement that Jones has been barred from all district property. The wellbeing and safety of our students and staff are of paramount importance," the spokesperson said. "In the absence of a School Resource Officer, District Administration will provide additional coverage and resources for Abington Senior High School, including having counselors on hand to support any students or staff members. Jones has been arraigned, and unsecured bail was set at $50,000, prosecutors said. It was not clear whether Jones was in jail Tuesday night. Jones met the student at the high school during the 2022-23 school year, according to an affidavit of probable cause. Last fall, Jones asked the teen whether she was interested in walking his dog. The two then began seeing each other outside of school, the affidavit said. Jones and the student spoke Monday by phone in a conversation that was monitored by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, the affidavit said. During the call, Jones allegedly acknowledged that the relationship was illegal. He also told the student, the affidavit said: I trust you, I know you wouldnt try to get me arrested or anything. Thats a big risk, of course. And I took that risk because I care about you," he said, according to the affidavit. Abington Township Police Chief Patrick Molloy said on Facebook that Jones had been stripped of his badge and gun and placed on administrative leave with the intent to dismiss." Molloy expressed disgust and betrayal over the allegations. As your Chief, I cannot find the words to accurately convey the pain that this betrayal of trust has caused so many, not the least of which is our victim in this case," Molloy said. The alleged actions "do not reflect the great work that the men and women in the Abington Township Police Department do every day," he said. WASHINGTON House Speaker Mike Johnson wants an in-person, one-on-one meeting with President Joe Biden before proceeding with a supplemental aid package with funding for Ukraine and Israel, a source close to Johnson said. Johnson, R-La., and his staff have requested the meetings with Biden through senior White House officials several times over the past two months after Johnson's trip last month to the U.S. border in Eagle Pass, Texas, the source said. The most recent request for a meeting came just over a week ago, several days before the Senate passed a bipartisan $95 billion national security package and before House Republicans impeached Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. politics political politicians (AFP via Getty Images/AP) Johnson's requests for a meeting were not necessarily about the Senates version of the supplemental aid but rather about a general path forward on a legislative package. The Senate bill, which includes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, passed with support from 70 senators. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., said Tuesday that Biden "refuses" to meet with Johnson. Ultimately, the two of them could come to an agreement that can become law, Scalise said. And yet the president refuses to even meet. So the president cant say hes serious about Ukraine or the border when he refuses to meet with the speaker so they can come to an agreement on this issue. A White House official pointed to what the administration characterized as Johnsons inconsistencies on the border, saying he needed to wrap the negotiations he has having with himself and stop delaying national security needs in the name of politics. That body language says: I know Im in a tough spot. Please bail me out, said a Democratic source involved with the supplemental aid package. Biden met with Johnson alongside other congressional leaders less than a month ago to discuss a bipartisan immigration deal that would have unlocked aid to Ukraine. Johnson at the time called it a productive meeting. Biden also spoke with Johnson last month about border security. Johnson has said any aid package must be paired with changes to U.S. border policy. However, Senate Republicans this month spiked the bipartisan border security bill negotiated between the parties, which Johnson has roundly criticized. In a statement Monday, Johnson said the Senate should have gone back to the drawing board to amend the current bill to include real border security provisions that would actually help end the ongoing catastrophe. Instead, the Senates foreign aid bill is silent on the most pressing issue facing our country. Now that the Senate has passed an aid package for Ukraine and Israel that doesn't include broad border policy changes, one of Johnson's options includes putting the bill to a vote on the House floor, though the scenario appears to be increasingly unlikely as Republicans voice more skepticism on aid to Ukraine. Earlier Tuesday, White House spokesman Andrew Bates released a memo calling on the House to pass the Senate bill. Will House Republicans side with President Biden and Senators on both sides of the aisle in supporting American national security? Or will House Republicans, in the name of politics, side with Vladimir Putin and the regime in Tehran? Bates wrote. The House GOP cannot lose sight of this binary choice. It would be devastating to undercut American national security by voting against our interests and values. Johnson this month backed a stand-alone bill that would provide aid to Israel, but the measure fell short of the two-thirds needed for passage under an expedited House rule. Many Democrats had argued that the legislation was politicized because Senate negotiators at the time had agreed to a separate package that addressed aid to Israel, among other measures. The body of a kayaker who went missing in November has been found in an icy Wisconsin lake, officials said. The Winnebago County Sheriffs Office said it responded Feb. 12 to reports that spearfishermen discovered a body in the ice on Lake Butte des Morts. The man was identified as Michael Iriarte, according to the sheriffs office. Iriarte was reported missing on Nov. 26 after he went kayaking on Lake Butte des Morts but never returned, authorities said. Our deepest condolences go out to Mr. Iriartes family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time, the sheriffs office said. Authorities are urging people using the lake to take caution, particularly around the Leonard Point Boat Landing area. Due to the recovery efforts and the nature of the equipment needed, the integrity of the ice in this area has drastically degraded, the sheriffs office said. Fishing enthusiasts choosing to venture onto the ice should use extreme caution in this area. Lake Butte des Morts is in Omro, Wisconsin, about 60 miles southwest of Green Bay. Drone spots body of 22-year-old hiker week after she vanished on Mount Baldy, cops say Pregnant woman killed in Wisconsin shooting, cops say. She wanted to be a mommy Electrocuted maintenance workers body found in Coca-Cola distribution center, cops say TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan's defence ministry said it detected 14 Chinese air force planes operating around Taiwan and carrying out "joint combat readiness patrols" with Chinese warships on Wednesday. China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has over the past four years regularly sent warplanes and warships into the skies and waters around the island as it seeks to assert sovereignty claims that the Taipei government rejects. Taiwan's defence ministry said that starting around 1 p.m. (0500 GMT) on Wednesday it had detected 14 Chinese aircraft including J-16 fighters and drones operating off northern and southwestern Taiwan. Nine of those aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, or areas close by, working with Chinese warships to carry out "joint combat readiness patrols", the ministry added. There was no immediate response from China's defence ministry. China is in the middle of its week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Taiwan sent its own forces to monitor, its defence ministry said. The strait's median line once served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides, but Chinese planes now regularly fly over it. China says it does not recognise the line's existence. 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. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Sonali Paul) MANZINI In the first 100 days in office, Cabinet is already integrating the Peoples Parliament submissions into governments programmes, says the prime minister (PM). The PM, Russell Dlamini, who was appointed into office by His Majesty King Mswati III on November 4, 2023, said this when responding to a questionnaire seeking to establish what his Cabinet had set out to achieve and what had been done in the first 100 days in office. Dlamini was asked what he had done since he assumed office to shape the legacy of the 12th Parliaments Cabinet. He was asked if his family had adjusted to the public attention that came with his new responsibilities. He said as a family, they were still trying to adjust to the public attention, but he was quick to highlight that as a leader, who was hands-on, he believed he could only succeed through the guidance of Christ, thus he took his faith with him to any space he occupied. Again, he said as the leader of Cabinet, his goal was to inculcate the culture of high performance, excellence, integrity, thinking big and outside the box within government. The PM also explained his interactions with the public through social media, in particular Facebook, where he usually posts after attending a meeting, function or delivering a speech within and outside the borders of the Kingdom of Eswatini. He also highlighted short-term and long-term policy frameworks, which they sought to achieve collectively as Cabinet and this is mainly centred on what emaSwati submitted as emanyeva (concerns) during the recent Peoples Parliament (Sibaya) in October last year. In fact, the premier said as Cabinet, they had prioritised issues that were raised during the Sibaya and were already in the process of integrating the submissions into governments work programme. It is worth noting that this is in line with His Majesty King Mswati IIIs command, that the Sibaya submissions should be made a policy, which would guide the operations of government, including Parliament. Furthermore, some of the thorny issues which were submitted by emaSwati during the Sibaya included the rampant corruption, the alarming rate of unemployment (which stands 33. 3 per cent, as per the Labour Survey of 2021), poverty and poor public service delivery, among others. It is worth noting that on his 101st day in office, the PM launched a task team to fight corruption. This followed His Majesty King Mswati IIIs directive on tackling corruption in the country, which was also spoken about during Sibaya. The King further spoke about this when he officially opened the First Session of the 12th Parliament on Friday. The task team, which was launched by the PM, comprises of the DPP, the national commissioner (NATCOM) of police and the commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The DPPs Office is currently held by the Acting DPP, Lomvula Hlophe, while the NATCOMs Office is occupied by Lydia Dlamini. On the other hand, Maphevu Mkhatshwa is holding the fort in the ACC Commissioners Office. The launch of the task team means that corruption cases will be fully investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), taken to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and if prosecutable, find their way to court. The task team will report to the PM and will work with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane. When launching the task team, the PM said corruption was a worldwide problem that had become endemic in the country. He also highlighted that the launch followed a number of complaints by the nation during Sibaya last year, whereby they voiced out their frustrations on people getting away with corrupt acts. CAIRO/ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Turkey was ready for cooperation with Egypt to rebuild Gaza as he made his first visit to the country since 2012. Erdogan and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi held a joint news conference on Wednesday in Cairo after bilateral talks, taking a big step toward rebuilding relations between the regional powers. Erdogan said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza topped the agenda of their talks. "We will continue to cooperate and stand in solidarity with our Egyptian brothers to put an end to the bloodshed in Gaza," he said, adding Turkey was determined to step up talks with Egypt at all levels in order to establish peace and stability in the region. President Erdogan also vowed to boost trade with Egypt to $15 billion in the short term, adding that the two countries were evaluating energy and defence cooperation. "I'd like to emphasize the continued connection between our peoples, over the past ten years, while our trade and investment relationship saw steady growth," Sisi said. Relations between Ankara and Cairo broke down in 2013 after Egypt's then-army chief Sisi led the ouster of the Brotherhood's Mohamed Mursi, an ally of Turkey who had become Egypt's first democratically elected president the year before. The countries mutually appointed ambassadors last year. This month Turkey said it would provide Egypt with armed drones. Sisi greeted Erdogan as he emerged from his plane in Cairo with his wife and they conversed as they walked along a red carpet amid a fanfare, live television footage showed. Erdogan has sought to ease tensions with Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel since 2021 - though since October he has publicly sniped with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's devastating war against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Egypt, Israel, Qatar and the United States held inconclusive talks on Tuesday in search of a Gaza truce agreement. Cairo has made clear it will not allow an exodus of Gaza refugees over its border with the shattered Palestinian territory. Mursi died in prison in Egypt in 2019. Other senior members of the Muslim Brotherhood are jailed in Egypt or have fled abroad, including to Turkey. The Brotherhood remains outlawed in Egypt. (Reporting by Nayera Abdallah and Tala Ramadan in Dubai, Ece Toksabay in Ankara, Burcu Karakas in Istanbul, Yomna Ehab and Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo; writing by Jonathan Spicer and Daren Butler; editing by Andrew Heavens, Mark Heinrich and Toby Chopra) Sanna Rameau describes her best friend, Ana Knezevich, 40, as one of the sweetest people shes ever met. She is just so caring, so sweet, Rameau said. She is funny. She is smart. She is adventurous. But now, Knezevich is missing. Someone has done something to her, and Im trying to understand who it could be and why, Rameau said. Knezevich has been living in an apartment in Madrid, the Spanish capital, since December, but on Feb. 2, she vanished. Neighbors said they last saw her around 10 oclock that night. Ana Knezevich. (via NBC Miami) According to Rameau, the move from Fort Lauderdale was a fresh start for her friend, who was going through a stressful time. She is divorcing her husband and is going through that, Rameau said. She said she sent Knezevich a text message the day she disappeared but didnt hear back. The next day, however, Rameau received a message saying that Knezevich met someone and was going to his home two hours from Madrid and that cellular service would be spotty. Rameau found the message strange and believes someone else was texting her from Knezevichs phone. I tried to respond saying I was worried about her, like you dont sound safe, Rameau said. What is she talking about? This makes no sense, and my messages didnt go through, either. When she hadnt gotten a response by the next day, Rameau contacted police in Madrid. On Feb. 4, friends also called the local fire department to conduct a wellness check. The fire department said Knezevich wasnt there. They didnt find her, she said. Looks like she left the apartment locking it from the outside. Thats the last we know. Rameau said authorities in Madrid told her they did find something strange captured on security video about 30 minutes before Knezevich was last seen. A man with a helmet sprayed the surveillance cameras outside the directory of her apartment building and waited for two people to leave the building and took the opportunity to go inside and spray the surveillance camera inside by the elevator, she said. Rameau said that Madrid police are investigating and the family is working with the FBI but that so far, they have no leads. I honestly feel like Im still living in a dream, to be honest with you, she said. I have never felt this pain in my entire life. Rameau is sending this message to her friend or to anyone who may know where she is: We miss and we love her, she said. We want her back safe. Make a crispier, fluffier pizza pie by adding Champagne, seltzer, or any other sparkling wine to your dough. Serafina As someone whos enjoyed her fair share of cozy winter pizza nights at home, I can personally attest to the fact that preparing the dough is no small feat. Our favorite classic pizza dough recipe requires patience, counter space, and careful measuring, all of which are part of creating the pie I recently tried at Serafina, New York Citys yellow-awninged Italian mainstay. Flour and yeast aside, the pizza also has one other key ingredient: Champagne. I wont say Im jaded by restaurant specials that use unconventional ingredients (think: the Dirty Pasta Water Martini), but I certainly approach them with a noticeable degree of skepticism. Is it a publicity stunt for Instagram or TikTok? Is it going to just taste weird? Will people judge me for trying it? When I learned that Serafina was adding two entire 750ml bottles of Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne to every batch of dough (yielding roughly 30 pizzas), I mainly expected to feel the difference in my wallet, because nothing says upcharge like Champagne pizza dough. Instead, I bit into an incredibly airy, cracker-like crust that played nicely with the cheesy decadence of Serafinas Cacio e Pepe pie, created specifically to complement the dough. If you love the brioche and yeasty flavor of a good bottle of Champagne, youll adore (and actually notice) the slight, almost floral sweetness of this crust. The process is fairly simple: To make the pizza, Champagne is added in place of water and is combined with the flour and other ingredients at the beginning of the dough-making process. Related: 25 Pizza Recipes to Perfect One of the primary goals when making dough is to leaven the bread with thousands upon thousands of tiny air bubbles, which expand during proofing and baking to create a light, tender crumb. The main way of doing this is how breads have been made for millennia: with yeast, says Daniel Gritzer, senior culinary director of Serious Eats. Gritzer notes that there are other ways to create or enhance the bubble structure of a batter or dough, including chemical leavenings like baking soda and physical ones like carbonated liquids. Adding a sparkling wine like Champagne is one fairly expensive way to do that, and I have a lot of doubts about how much difference it would make in flavor and texture compared to simply making a quality dough using well-established bread-making techniques to make the most of flour, water, yeast, salt, and time. If you want to experiment with carbonated liquids in a dough, Gritzer suggests opting for the cheapest sparkling wine or even beer you can find, or plain old seltzer (though we recognize the pizzaz points associated with using Veuve). As to whether the resulting pizza dough will have alcohol, the answer is probably not. Alcohol vaporizes at lower temperatures than water, so much of the alcohol that is naturally produced by yeast during fermentation cooks off during baking. Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato, founders of the Serafina group, said that their pizza chefs made multiple Champagne pizzas before landing on the perfect combination, playing around with both the amount of Champagne as well as the toppings on the complementary pie. The team also considered (and remains open to) using other sparkling wines like Prosecco or Cava and are curious to see how other bubbly might impact the pies texture and taste. The Champagne pie is available at all Serafina locations indefinitely and is $29. While it wont get you a Champagne buzz, its perfect to enjoy with a crisp bottle of bubbly. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. Remittances are a multibillion-dollar economy youve probably never considered. According to the World Bank, emigrants from low- and middle-income countries sent over $669 billion back to their home countries in 2023, up 3.8% from the year before. For many people on the receiving end of those transfers, remittances are a vital lifeline. Even as some economies depend in large part on the inflow of cash sent from expatriates (remittances contribute up to 48% of GDP in Tajikistan), most overseas workers still only eke out a meager wage. For poor migrants sending what precious spare income they have to even poorer families back home, theres a lot at stake, which is why trust is so important to the companies facilitating those transactions. It's super important to understand how hard it is to build trust with our customer base because of how complex remittances are, Matt Oppenheimer, CEO of Remitly, a Seattle-based online remittance service, told me last week. Remitly, Oppenheimer says, has tackled the challenge of building trust in large part through investing in customer service and embedding it in the corporate culture. And that culture is driven from the top down. Customer focus was one of Remitly's founding principles, and Oppenheimer says when he visits Remitlys customer service centers, he takes the chance to jump on a phone, personally fielding calls from customers. I'm taking those calls because I love interacting with customers," Oppenheimer says. "And those stories stick with me for years to come, in terms of issues that customers face when I answered the call, and what we did to resolve it." Thats the front line, where Remitly winsor salvagescustomer trust. "When a customer calls us in disarray because theres been a delay in their payment, how well we treat customers in that instance is, I think, very much how we differentiate ourselves, Oppenheimer says. I interviewed Oppenheimer for a case study on how brands can better manage customer service operations to build trust. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. In your latest letter to shareholders, you said that the single most important cultural value at Remitly is customer centricity. Why is that? When we started the company, the three cofounders got together and said, Hey, what kind of culture do we want to create? in our company. I still have photos of the whiteboard from that initial meeting, and what's interesting is that while some of the values we wrote there have changed and evolved, customer centricity has been there from the very start. By rooting ourselves in our customers, thats given us our purpose and meaning, which permeates everything. Our business starts and ends with our customers, and that obviously creates a lot of value for our team and for our shareholders. But what's unique about Remitly is just who our customers are and the sacrifices they makeoftentimes leaving close family members and loved ones behind to move to a new country, to build a better life for themselves and their families back home. Yet they've historically just not had access to financial services that naturalized citizens have. How have you internalized customer centricity as a core value in your company culture? Well, the first market we served was the Philippines, and thats where our first office was. Back then, something like 10% of the countrys GDP was made up of remittances and so most of our customer service agents there had a direct connection to remittances. [Editor's note: According to the Philippines' central bank, remittances made 9% of GDP in 2022.] We were hiring local. And our customers loved that because we could provide service in Tagalog as well as English and offer empathy and understanding for why if, for example, some funds are delayed. Its an urgent issue. Obviously our operations have expanded beyond the Philippines, and we have seven different customer service sites. But, at the same time, we strategically picked where we wanted to have sites [so theyre closer to our user base] because I think that makes it easier to instill that customer centricity. So youre actively recruiting customer service agents with similar backgrounds to your customers'. What else? I think that culture kind of starts at the top. I regularly visit our various sites, and one of the things that I am most looking forward to is taking customer calls. And I do it out on the floor with everybody. And it's not like I'm taking them because of the fact that everybody's watching. I'm taking them because I love interacting with customers and their stories stick with me for years afterwards, in terms of issues customers face and what we did to resolve those problems. We also have a, sort of, systematic version of focus groups with our customer service agents, where we listen, learn, and act on what they are telling us about our customer needs, because theyre the closest to them. And I think our agents feel empowered therefore to speak up on behalf of customers to where it creates this positive loop of us not only improving our product but empowering our agents to speak up, which helps us continue to identify pain points that we can then improve. What sort of empowerment do you give your customer service workers to resolve customer complaints on their own? Theres different levels of authorization to make different decisions in our customer service teams, obviously. If you go back to the idea of trust, a part of that for us is maintaining trust with our regulators. There are a lot of areas that require systems and processes and controls to be in place. But I think our agents feel empowered to speak up on behalf of customers, and thats matched with our Voice of Customer and Voice of Associate processes [i.e. gathering feedback from customers and employees]. I'm really grateful for those teams in terms of how they listen both qualitatively and quantitatively to associate feedback, and then triage to make sure that information is getting to the right product teams, which can actually automate and solve some of the problems that they're identifying. Do you use chatbots in your customer service operations? We have erred on the side of having an actual person who someone can actually talk to. I think we make it easy to get to a human and speak with them. And we offer it in different languages, obviously. I do think that AI and chatbots are going to get better and could serve as almost like a copilot for a real agent, if done in the right way. But there's a lot of security and privacy components to that, too, that really need to be thought through. Many companies see relying on human phone operators as an undue cost. How do you justify the expense? I view it as an investment in the trusted relationship we have with customers. Our customers send very regularly back to their families at home, and they'll send with a provider that they feel like they can trust, and that they have a relationship with. So if we have a phenomenal experience with a customerone where even if there's been a delay in the transaction, we treat them well and we give them peace of mind that they feel taken care ofthen I view that as us keeping a relationship rather than making a transaction, and that's why it's less of a cost component. I do think that most people don't wake up saying, I want to contact customer support. They usually have to do it when there's an issue and not an automated solution to that issue. So I think the biggest thing that we can do to improve costs is prevent that contact from happening in the first place. And I think that is the biggest systematic way to both improve the customer experience and then, secondarily, save costs. Looking to the year ahead, is there anything that you want to change or improve about how Remitly manages customer trust? I think the biggest opportunity we have, especially with our scale, is the ability to continue to drive down the actual need to contact customer support by automating more and more of the actual product. Thats hard to do in financial services, and in international payments, because there's so much complexity and regulation. So that would be the first one that comes to mind. The second is, I think we can invest more in our in-house customer relations management toolsimproving both the interface that our customers use but also things like dynamic routingso you're giving the more complex cases to more senior or experienced agents, and you're giving the more basic cases to newer agents, so that we ramp up their understanding of the complexities of the service that we deliver. Eamon Barrett eamon.barrett@fortune.com This story was originally featured on Fortune.com House Republicans on Tuesday narrowly secured a historic vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, rallying GOP members after a first failed effort. Mayorkas is the first Cabinet official to be impeached since the 1870s, a vote made all the more remarkable by Republicans inability to pass the same articles of impeachment last week, when three GOP members joined Democrats to tank the resolution, citing concerns their colleagues were abusing their impeachment power. The articles are not expected to move in the Democrat-led Senate. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described the vote as advancing without a shred of evidence or legitimate Constitutional grounds. Tuesdays 214-213 vote is a recovery from an embarrassing speed bump for Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), whose fractious conference particularly Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) had made impeaching Mayorkas a priority as they seek to make the border a central issue ahead of November. Alejandro Mayorkas deserves to be impeached, and Congress has a constitutional obligation to do so, Johnson said in a statement after the vote. Johnson had to contend with a razor-thin majority, a vote in New York Tuesday night that could narrow that majority even further, and a storm that threatened to keep Republicans from the Capitol. The vote was made possible only by the return of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), who missed last weeks vote while undergoing treatment for blood cancer. Republican leadership brought the vote to the floor last Tuesday thinking they had enough members to clinch a win, only to be surprised by the return of Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), who left the hospital bed where he was recovering from surgery to cast his no vote in a dramatic twist. Republicans did not face such obstacles to their second vote, though they still lost the backing of the same trio of their colleagues, including Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), who announced over the weekend he would no longer seek reelection. Reps. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) and Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) also remained opposed. House Republicans will be remembered by history for trampling on the Constitution for political gain rather than working to solve the serious challenges at our border. While Secretary Mayorkas was helping a group of Republican and Democratic Senators develop bipartisan solutions to strengthen border security and get needed resources for enforcement, House Republicans have wasted months with this baseless, unconstitutional impeachment, DHS spokeswoman Mia Ehrenberg said in a statement. Without a shred of evidence or legitimate Constitutional grounds, and despite bipartisan opposition, House Republicans have falsely smeared a dedicated public servant who has spent more than 20 years enforcing our laws and serving our country. Secretary Mayorkas and the Department of Homeland Security will continue working every day to keep Americans safe. The GOP held the vote Tuesday night on a fly-in day, the same day former Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) was on the ballot in New York to regain his old seat following the removal of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.). A delayed vote and a victory by Suozzi risked more closely balancing the chambers numbers and the possibility of a tie vote which would be a loss on the measure. The House did not debate the articles for a second time on Tuesday. Rep. Blake Moore (R-Utah) changed his vote to no last week in a procedural move that allowed for speedy reconsideration. But when the bill was considered last week, the GOP cast migrants as a threat to the nation while blaming Mayorkas for fentanyl deaths. Hes disregarding the laws that this body passed, basically disregarding the institution in the United States Congress, disregarding the Constitution in of itself, which says we write the laws and they execute them, House Homeland Security Committee Chair Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who led the investigation into Mayorkas, said after leaving the vote. He should enforce and detain everybody, and hes not been doing that. And so weve held him accountable tonight. The GOP case for impeachment is an unusual one, spurring criticism from conservative legal scholars as well as the opposing Republican lawmakers who argued their colleagues did not meet the bar for impeachment. Republicans accuse Mayorkas of willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law, claiming he violated immigration laws by failing to detain a sufficient number of migrants. But no administration has ever detained all migrants, and immigration law experts who have weighed the claim determined Mayorkas did not violate any laws and is making the same tough choices past administrations have grappled with about whom they have the resources to detain. The articles also accuse him of breach of public trust, which includes misleading claims about Mayorkass interactions with Congress and his response to subpoenas from the House Homeland Security Committee. It also says he failed to take action to fulfill his statutory duty to control the border. Democrats have argued the articles fall well short of the standard for impeachment and noted the policies Republicans are impeaching him over have been upheld in court. After Extreme MAGA Republicans first impeachment vote turned into an epic fail on the House floor last week, the tainted vote tonight was an absolute travesty, Rep. Bennie Thomspon (D-Miss.) said in a statement, adding that he was sure the Senate would ignore the vote. Instead of providing the Department of Homeland Security the resources it needs or working together towards a bipartisan solution, they have rejected any solution for the sole reason that they can have a political wedge issue in an election year, he added. History will judge what Republicans did tonight, and it wont be favorably. They threw the integrity of the House, the Constitution, as well as any glimmer of hope of working together, under the bus. The Republican voices that opposed the articles expressed concerns the bill ran afoul of the standards laid out in the Constitution, saying Mayorkass job performance did not amount to a crime. Maladministration or incompetence does not rise to what our founders considered an impeachable offense, Buck wrote in an op-ed for The Hill last week. And McClintock released a 10-page memo outlining his concerns with the impeachment push. The logic should be obvious. A cabinet secretarys job is to carry out the will of the president. How can he be impeached for not doing his job because he is doing it? McClintock wrote, blaming President Biden for the state of the border. Mayorkass case is dramatically different from the first cabinet official to be impeached. Secretary of War William Belknap resigned from his post amid allegations he accepted kickbacks related to a lucrative military trading post, kicking off accusations of corruption. Its likewise not clear whether the articles will get much consideration in the Senate. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.)s office said Tuesday evening the chamber would take up the articles when it returns on Feb. 26. Senators will be sworn in as jurors in the trial the next day. Senate President Pro Tempore Patty Murray will preside, his office added. Senate Republicans have also been much more openly dismissive of the impeachment effort than their House counterparts. Weve got so many things to do, I dont think impeachment was something intended to be brought up every three months or every two months, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (W.Va.), a member of the Senate GOP leadership team, said last month. Mychael Schnell contributed. Updated at 9:17 p.m. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A teenage girl was stabbed in London over the weekend in what authorities are treating as a transphobic hate crime, police said. Londons Metropolitan Police said Tuesday that the 18-year-old was attacked in Harrow, a borough northwest of the British capital, on Saturday evening. The girl was taken to the hospital and has since been discharged, authorities said. This was a shocking and violent attack and we continue to support the victim and her family as she recovers from her injuries, Detective Inspector Nicola Hannant, who is leading the investigation, said in a statement. At this stage, we are treating this as a transphobic hate crime and we know this will cause significant concern. Four people have been arrested in the incident, Hannant added. Local media reported that the teen had been stabbed 14 times at a roller skating party after being subjected to transphobic slurs. At least one of the alleged assailants, who is also a teenage girl, appeared in court Tuesday, according to The Standard. The attack Saturday came almost exactly a year after the fatal stabbing of a British transgender teenager, Brianna Ghey. Ghey was found fatally stabbed in a park in Warrington, England, about 16 miles west of Manchester, sparking global condemnation from LGBTQ advocates around the world. This month, two 16-year-olds were handed life sentences with minimum prison terms of 20 and 22 years for Gheys murder. A vigil commemorating the first anniversary of Gheys death was held on Sunday. Another young trans woman stabbed multiple times in a clearly transphobia motivated attack, trans activist Katy Montgomerie wrote on X Tuesday. How many more until you all see that platforming transphobic extremists day in day out has consequences. Authorities urged anyone with further information to reach out to police and said they dedicated LGBT+ points of contact across London who can offer advice and support. These two popular white wines have different aromas and tasting notes, but also bring out different flavors when paired with pasta, seafood, and more. Adobe Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are two of Americas most popular white wines. But as with so many things that enjoy widespread popularity, they are typically painted with too broad a brush. Ask most people to describe each of them, and theres a good chance that theyll sound an awful lot alike: Mouthwatering and lively with bright citrus fruit, often no oak, and generally inexpensive. The reality, however, is a lot more nuanced than that. Flavor and aroma differences between Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio Many people are often surprised to learn that Sauvignon Blanc, is one of the parent varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon.. In general, Sauvignon Blanc boasts amplified acidity and aromas of citrus fruit (grapefruit is a common reference point), though, in sunnier, warmer climates and vintages, its not uncommon to find nuances of tropical fruit. Sauvignon Blanc also frequently possesses green notes, which are the result of a naturally occurring compound in the grape called pyrazine. When theres not too much of it, pyrazine manifests itself as aromas of fresh-cut grass. As it rises in concentration, those green aromas grow more intense and begin to recall bell peppers and sometimes even asparagus. The interaction between the fruit and the grassy or peppery notes helps make Sauvignon Blanc interesting and versatile at the table. Pinot Grigio which is also called Pinot Gris in France and some other parts of the world also tends to have mouthwatering acidity, which perks up notes of lemon and lime. Hard apples and pears are common descriptors, and when grown in warmer climes, stone fruit can also be found. Honeysuckle is often referenced in the best Pinot Grigios, and its not uncommon to also perceive citrus blossoms. Related: The 13 Best Pinot Grigios and Pinot Gris to Buy Right Now Top producing regions for Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio Both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are widely associated with specific places, often at the expense of others. For the former, its New Zealand; for the latter, its northern Italy. Neither one of those is even close to the full story. Many of the most popular bottlings of Sauvignon Blanc in the United States come from New Zealand. And, indeed, there are countless great ones produced there. However, the catch-all term New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc meaning lively and citrus-forward, with hints of gooseberry and a touch of bell pepper doesnt remotely give enough credit to the wide range of styles of the variety from that country. And while Marlborough produces the vast majority of the countrys Sauvignon Blanc, its also worth looking for examples from other regions, including Hawkes Bay to the north and Central Otago to the south. New Zealand is home to a vividly exciting Sauvignon Blanc culture that is ready to be explored. Sauvignon Blanc is also a key component in white Bordeaux, where it is typically blended with Semillon. It also shines in California (Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Sierra Foothills, and more), Italy from Alto Adige to Tuscany, Chile, Argentina, and beyond. Pinot Grigio is closely associated with northern Italy, but the bulk-produced stuff has precious little in common with the more nuanced examples from top Italian producers like Jermann and Cantina Terlan. French ones in Alsace (where its called Pinot Gris), Washington State, Australia, and more are all worth tasting. Its usually best to focus on Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio from more specific geographic areas, as opposed to ones labeled as coming from large swaths of any particular country. Related: 15 Best Sauvignon Blancs for Warm Weather How to pair food with Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio Both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio are remarkably versatile at the table. Their high acidity allows them to cut through fat and richness, and their balance between fruit and more savory floral or herbal notes makes them lovely matches for vegetables and counterpoints to slightly more aromatic spice. Sauvignon Blanc is terrific with roasted and fresh vegetables, chicken or veal dishes (like a piccata), and fresh fish and seafood. Pinot Grigio also works well with lighter foods, perking up pasta with garlic and olive oil; pairs beautifully with fried dishes; and lends liveliness to butter and cream sauces. When it comes to serving temperature, the cooler you enjoy each, the more prominent the acidity and citrus fruit will be; as the chill of the fridge or ice bucket diminishes, savory nuances will come to the fore. Following the evolution of each as the temperature changes is a fascinating experience, and one that will likely cast both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio in a brand new, and very exciting, light. For more Food & Wine news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Food & Wine. Former President Trump wished former first lady Melania Trump a Happy Valentines Day on Wednesday by thanking her for her support throughout his various criminal cases. In a campaign email sent Wednesday morning, Trump offered a letter with the subject line, I love you, Melania! Dear Melania, I LOVE YOU. Even after every single INDICTMENT, ARREST, and WITCH HUNT, you never left my side, he wrote in the message. Youve always supported me through everything. I wouldnt be the man I am today without your guidance, kindness, and warmth. You will always mean the world to me, Melania! From your husband with love, Donald J. Trump, the former president concluded. Readers were then directed to a website where they could leave their own Valentines Day message or donate to his reelection campaign. The former president faces 91 felony counts across four federal and state indictments, all of which he has called a political witch hunt to prevent him from being reelected in November. Trumps main GOP challenger, Nikki Haley, offered her own Valentines Day message to the former president. Roses are red, violets are blue, I love dictators, and they love me too! Happy Valentines Day from Donald Trump to dictators around the world! Haleys presidential campaign wrote in an emailed statement, mocking the former president. Over the years, Trump has professed his love for the worlds most brutal dictators and praised their strength and leadership skills, the statement reads. More Top Stories from The Hill The campaign went on to list a series of remarks from Trump expressing friendliness or even love to some foreign dictators. One of the examples the campaign pointed to was Trumps story in 2019 in which he claimed he received about a half-dozen letters from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He wrote me beautiful letters, and theyre great letters, Trump said at a 2019 rally in West Virginia. We fell in love. Haley has repeatedly called out Trump for his apparent friendliness to foreign leaders on the campaign trail, including Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin. National polling indexes from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ show Trump with a 61.4-point lead nationally over Haley and a 32.7-point lead in Haleys home state of South Carolina. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Ukraine claims it has now disabled a third of Russias Black Sea Fleet after its military intelligence said it sank another Russian warship in a sea drone attack off the coast of Crimea on Wednesday. Russias landing ship Caesar Kunikov was attacked with MAGURA V5 drones that punctured critical holes on its left side before sinking, the Ukrainian military intelligence agency said on Telegram. Ukraine has disabled a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet during the large-scale invasion, the countrys armed forces told CNN after Wednesdays attack. That aligns with Ukrainian claims last week that they had disabled about 33% of Russias warships, amounting to 24 disabled ships and one submarine. The landing ship Caesar Kunikov would be the 25th disabled ship, according to Ukraines count. Wednesdays attack was conducted by the agencys Group 13 special forces unit in cooperation with Ukraines security and defense forces, the statement said. Night-time footage provided by Ukraine showed a sea drone racing toward the Caesar Kunikov, before a huge plume of smoke rose from the vessel. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine said the ship had been moored for 10 days at a specialized berthing location where Russia could load it with weapons and military equipment. It also said the ship appeared to be loaded at the time of the attack. CNN could not independently verify Ukraines claims. The Kremlin declined to comment on the reported attack. This has to do with the course of the special military operation, so it is the prerogative of the Ministry of Defense. I suggest you refer to the statements of our military colleagues. I cant say anything about this, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said in a news briefing. Wednesdays attack is the latest in a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russias navy, as it tries to land both strategic and symbolic blows against Russian forces that annexed Crimea in 2014. As Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its second anniversary, the frontlines have for months remained mostly static. But since last year Ukraine has pivoted to the Black Sea, saying its strikes on Crimea and Russian ships are intended to isolate the peninsula and make it more difficult for Russia to sustain its military operations on the Ukrainian mainland. When asked about the incident in a Brussels press conference on Wednesday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said broadly that the Ukrainians have been able to inflict heavy losses on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and that this is a great achievement, a great victory for Ukrainians. The NATO chief also noted that the fact that Ukraines armed forces have pushed away the Russian Black Sea fleet and opened a corridor has allowed them to export grain and other commodities to the world market. Few believe this was possible just a few months ago. But now actually, the export of grain from Ukraine takes place even without an agreement with Russia. So this shows the skills and the competence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Stoltenberg said, adding that NATOs support had been important. Ukraine said the Caesar Kunikov, pictured here in Istanbul, Turkey in 2020, was destroyed in a sea drone attack. - Yoruk Isik/Reuters Drones give Ukraine the advantage Earlier this month, Ukraine said it sank the Ivanovets, a Russian guided-missile ship, also in the Black Sea. Its most notable strike was on the Moskva in April 2022, which forced Russia to change the way it operates close to areas controlled by Ukraine. After the attack on the Ivanovets, CNN interviewed Ukraines secretive sea drone unit behind the strike at a location near the Ukrainian coastal city of Odesa. One of the drone pilots behind the attack told CNN that 10 MAGURA drones were used in the attack, six of which hit and ultimately sunk the Russian warship. MAGURA drones are only a few meters long and powered by jet skis, a pilot from a special unit in Ukraines defense intelligence agency told CNN earlier this year. But they have a large range of around 800 kilometers (nearly 500 miles), so military units can launch drones from across large swathes of Ukraines coastline for missions against Crimean targets. Kyiv is increasingly using drones to level the playing field with Russia. Ukraines former top general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, stressed the importance of drones in a CNN op-ed written earlier this month before he was removed from his post last week by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. It is these unmanned systems such as drones along with other types of advanced weapons, that provide the best way for Ukraine to avoid being drawn into a positional war, where we do not possess the advantage, Zaluzhnyi wrote. One of Ukraines drone pilots told CNN drones have provided an advantage in the Black Sea because they are quite difficult to see and their small size makes it hard for Russia to target them, while drones can target warships more easily. No warship can be as maneuverable as these drones, the pilot added. This story has been updated. CNNs Sharon Braithwaite, James Frater, Joseph Ataman, Frederik Pleitgen, Daria Tarasova-Markina, Lauren Kent and Anna Chernova contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com MBABANE Judge Muzikayise Motsa says his safety is threatened due to presiding over the medical drugs case. In this case, Principal Procurement Officer in the Ministry of Health Sincedile Magwaza and Deputy Director-Pharmaceutical Services Fortunate Bhembe, filed an urgent application in the Industrial Court to stop the forensic investigation against them. The investigation concerns irregularities relating to the procurement, in particular the acquisition and distribution of medicine to public health institutions. The investigation has been stopped for now, pending the outcome of the matter before court. Government filed an application for the judge to recuse himself from the matter. The Industrial Court judge, Motsa, yesterday said since last week, after an article was published following governments recusal application, his objectivity and impartiality was impaired immensely. He said that was why he decided to recuse himself from the matter, for justice to prevail. According to Judge Motsa, his personal safety and security, and that of his children and family, who I endear so much, is now at stake and threatened because he presides over this matter. Interest The judge stated that he had taken note and appreciated that this matter was of national interest. Judge Motsa stated that since the main application was launched in June 2023, the court had observed a growing tendency adopted by the parties, probably with the assistance of their attorneys, to litigate through the media. He said they read in the media what the parties intended to do and later on they would receive pleadings, which they were already expecting as they would have read about it in the media. He said governments recusal application was no exception. It was published in the media and thats how we learnt that the application is in existence, said the judge. Judge Motsa also said, without any doubt, any party was entitled to an application for recusal of any judicial officer, in the event they had reasonable apprehension about him or her handling a matter. Recusal applications, according to the judge, must at all times, as a matter of good practice and of law, be founded on accurate basis, and not be calculated to impugn the integrity of a judicial officer. Misleading The responsible counsel, must at all times do his foundational task and assert facts, as opposed to spicing allegations with misleading narratives to simply impugn the integrity of the judicial officer and of the court and simultaneously give a misleading impression to the public, the judge said. He said in this matter, there were common cause facts, which had been purposely twisted to support a certain narrative insinuating that the court granted orders which ought not to have been granted in the first place. This, according to the court, was ludicrous. Judge Motsa pointed out that the court had, in this matter, issued one judgment, which pertained to a Rule 30 judgment. He said the rest of the orders, which were between three and four, were agreed to by the parties by consent and the court only endorsed them. Judge Motsa further mentioned that members of the general public would think that he was corrupt and not know the actual truth of the matter. The pervasive misinterpretation of the true facts in this matter is calculated to distort the version of events and create a miscued public impression about the judicial officer and at the same time impugning the integrity of the judge. Regrettable This is not only regrettable but also disingenuous. Im not married to this matter. Im only executing my judicial function by presiding over it. Im least worried about the purposive and pervasive misinterpretation of the facts because I know the true position in this matter, said Judge Motsa. The file was referred to the registrar for allocation to another judge. In this matter, Zweli Jele represents Bhembe and Magwaza, while Principal Crown Counsel Vikinduku Manana appears for government. Minnesota farms are growing in size but shrinking in number, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture Census released Tuesday. The once-every-five-years USDA agricultural census, which tracks data on producers earning more than $1,000 a year, found the average Minnesota farm grew by 17 acres from 2017 to 2022. Nationally, U.S. farms are closing and fewer acres are devoted to farmland than five years, Tom Vilsack, USDA Secretary for the Biden administration, said in remarks Tuesday. "This survey is a wake-up call," Vilsack said. "As a country, are we okay with losing this many farms? Are we okay with losing that much farmland? Or is there a better way?" Thousands of Minnesota farms shuttered during the census' time period, dropping to 65,531 from more than 68,000. The state lost nearly 1,500 fewer dairy farms, but added 2,000 more dairy cows compared to five years earlier. The farmers left standing earned more income with the average Minnesota farm in 2022 reporting $141,869 in net cash income more than double 2017 levels ($65,753). Still, the cost in expenses, such fuel and fertilizer, has also increased. And land for renters has increased, too. In 2017, the average price-per acre of Minnesota farmland didn't hit $5,000; today, land averages more than $6,000 an acre. The ag census spans thousands of counties, bureaus and parishes across the U.S., tallying sugar beet acres to tobacco farmers, spanning race and gender to broadband hook-up. On a national level, the latest report showed 142,000 fewer farms and nearly 20 million fewer acres of farmland than in 2017. Vilsack said the country has lost more than half-a-million farms since the early 1980s. One of the closest watched categories in Minnesota has been the farmer's demographic profile, particularly amid a growing emphasis by state and federal officials to encourage younger farmers and farmers of color. As historically has been the case, Minnesota farming remains almost entirely white. The census found the average Minnesota farmer in 2022 was male and 57.1 years old up from 56.5 years-old in 2017. It's a stereotypical image for agricultural producers that looks largely the same as in 2017, the last time the federal ag census which dates back to 1840 took a pulse of the producers, livestock and crop makeup of America's agriculture industry. Of the nearly 115,000 farmers who reported race on the once-every-five-years survey in the state, over 99% were white. Black farmers (61), Native (244), and Asian (306) comprised other categories. On a state level, Minnesota's agriculture agency has worked, often with direction from the legislature and governor, to find ways to encourage and assist young and beginning farmers to purchase equipment and land. Farm associations for African immigrant farmers and Hmong farmers have also either developed or grown in recent years. "Hopefully we're doing things to really encourage that next generation," said Thom Petersen, Minnesota Department of Agriculture Commissioner. Petersen said his staff has only begun to dig through the numbers, but a couple categories jumped out, including the growth in both farms over 1,000 acres as well as farms between 10 and 49 acres. "Not a surprise," Petersen said. "The bigger farmers got bigger, and the smaller farmers also got bigger." Nationally, the average farm income rose from about $43,000 in 2017 to nearly $80,000 in 2022. According to Food and Ag Watch, a Washington D.C. nonprofit often scrutinizing industrial agriculture, the release also reveals a nearly 47% increase in confined animals across the country, up to 1.7 billion, since 2002. In a boon for climate-smart agricultural practices, Minnesota farmers planted more than 760,000 acres of cover crop in 2022, a 31% increase over 2017. Less than two months into 2024, lawmakers in at least 13 states have introduced legislation that could disrupt libraries services and censor their materials. The new wave of bills follows a historic year of book challenges, mainly affecting titles centered on the topics of race, gender identity or sexual orientation. The American Library Association condemns in the strongest terms possible legislation in more than a dozen states that would threaten librarians and other educators with criminal prosecution for doing their jobs, said Deborah Caldwell-Stone, the director of the American Library Associations Office for Intellectual Freedom, in a statement. This is not a culture war; its a threat to our democracy. Caldwell-Stone added, Nowhere have we witnessed attacks on education like those currently proposed in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Legislature is considering a bill to take away protections from library employees being prosecuted on charges of possessing obscene materials by removing public, private and tribal schools from the list of institutions exempt from prosecution for obscene materials violations. Those who would prosecute librarians and teachers would divert precious education resources to defending frivolous lawsuits and policing our nations most trusted institutions and community anchors: libraries and schools, Caldwell-Stone said. In Idaho, a bill proposes to prohibit librarians from making materials that include sexual conduct available to minors. Homosexuality is included in that category alongside sexual intercourse and masturbation. Caldwell-Stone said the American Library Association is familiar with attempts to rewrite obscenity statutes to encompass specific books and topics, and she said she considers it a form of discrimination. Obscenity laws in the majority of the states provide exemptions and are designed to prevent legal action against school, museum and library employees, who typically provide access to a breadth of materials. Revoking those exemptions would mean schools and libraries would have to spend more time and resources on defense against scrutiny, Caldwell-Stone said. She added that making cases for published resources to be considered obscene must be conducted by judges and juries with evidence brought forward by prosecutors. Were seeing attempts by advocacy groups to file criminal charges against librarians and educators for books that they would like to see out of the library, and over and over again, these prosecutors decline to prosecute because there is absolutely no evidence that the books meet the most minimal standards for obscenity under the Miller Test, she said. The Miller Test is the U.S. Supreme Courts legal test to determine what works are obscene. A book, a picture or a film is classified as obscene if it describes or shows sexual conduct in a patently offensive way or lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational, or scientific value. On Feb. 9, the Utah Senate Education Committee advanced a bill to amend provisions to identify and remove indecent material. Another bill would allow public school employees in the state to be charged if objectively sensitive materials were made available to students. To open the door to the prosecution of librarians and educators for doing the work we ask them to do is to allow one individual or one group to dictate what our students learn according to their personal beliefs, regardless of the beliefs and choices of other families in the community, Caldwell-Stone said. The material that would be most affected includes information about puberty, reproductive health, gender identity and sexual orientation, Caldwell-Stone said. These books touch on topics that dont match the values or tastes of some groups but are absolutely wanted and needed by other members of the community, and they should be able to find those books in a publicly funded library, she said. In addition to changing obscenity laws, some states are moving ahead with legislation that would make library board elections more frequent and create committees to process requests to move materials. Some states are considering legislation that could target drag performers. Iowa state Sen. Sandy Salmon introduced a bill in January that could make it a crime for someone involved in a similar event at a public library to expose minors to an obscene performance, defined as one that includes sexual acts or appeals to the prurient interest and is patently offensive. These efforts are simply an attempt to intimidate and chill librarians and educators from serving everyone in their community, Caldwell-Stone said. Other state legislatures are considering changes to obscenity laws this year, including Wyomings, Nebraskas and Indianas. Caldwell-Stone said that it is still early in legislative sessions and that initial hearings and cost concerns could affect whether the bills pass. Democrat Tom Suozzi has won the special election in New Yorks 3rd District, defeating Republican Mazi Pilip to flip a House seat from red to blue. (The seat was formerly held by Republican Rep. George Santos, who was expelled from Congress in December after a series of scandals.) As a result, Republicans already narrow House majority has been reduced to 219-213. Throughout the night, 538 reporters, analysts and contributors have been live-blogging the results in real time and breaking down what (if anything) they mean for November. Read our full analysis below. Latest Developments Feb 13, 11:51 PM Thats a wrap! As of 11:45 p.m., 97 percent of the expected vote is reporting in New Yorks 3rd District, and Suozzi is leading Pilip 54 percent to 46 percent. Although that margin will probably narrow by a couple of points when all is said and done, its clear that Suozzi has scored a big win for Democrats that will have big implications both on Long Island and in Washington, D.C. Rather than stay up for every last ballot to be counted (often a fools errand in New York), were calling it a night here on the ol live blog. Thanks so much for joining us, and we hope to see you back here for the South Carolina Republican primary on Saturday (), Feb. 24! Nathaniel Rakich, 538 Feb 13, 11:46 PM Final thought: Biden's hopes rest on winning over those who don't like him but don't like Trump either While Suozzi looks to be en route to a 6-to-7 point victory, it's pretty clear he won among an electorate that had an unfavorable view of Biden: 57 percent of likely voters had an unfavorable view of the president in a Siena College/Newsday survey of the special election, but Suozzi led by 4 points, not too different from his actual win. And revealingly, nearly one-fourth of Suozzi's supporters had an unfavorable view of Biden. Now, Suozzi has a long-established political profile on Long Island that likely won over some voters displeased with Biden. But at the same time, this suggests that Biden despite his 38 percent approval rating might still be able to win over some of the voters who are frustrated with the status quo, especially in a "choice" election between him and Trump. I say this because we saw something like this in the 2022 midterm elections, when the exit poll found that Democrats narrowly won among those who somewhat disapproved of Biden's job performance. This was a notable shift from the 2010 and 2014 midterms, when those who somewhat disapproved of Barack Obama backed Republicans by some distance. Right now, Biden is running about even or even slightly behind Trump in the polls, so a major question will be whether some voters who are unhappy with Biden but voted for Democrats in recent elections might still go for him by the time we get to November. Geoffrey Skelley, 538 Feb 13, 11:39 PM Final thought: Will moderation help Democrats outside New York? In terms of what factors might actually externalize out of NY-03 tonight, I'd pick the durable appeal of the ideological moderate as a likely one. This is not the place to rehash the social science evidence for the benefits of ideological moderation in general elections, but note that Suozzi ran to the right of most Democrats on issues such as immigration and crime. These are issues that are particularly important to New Yorkers right now, but also relevant in other swing districts. Abstracting from that, one piece of "News Analysis" (scare quotes intentional) is that much of the coverage of Joe Biden's potentially weakness versus Donald Trump in November has revolved around the president's weakness with lefty young voters over the situation in Israel-Gaza since October. And while that may end up proving consequential, an easier prediction is that Biden will suffer more if he is seen as a liberal ideologue. G. Elliott Morris, 538 Feb 13, 11:35 PM Final thought: The country remains divided Despite what looks to be a relatively comfortable win for Democrats tonight, our entire conversation tonight only emphasizes how closely the country is divided on partisan lines. As Nathaniel said, Republicans have a razor thin majority in the House, and Democrats will be fighting to keep their majority in the Senate this fall. It's early, but we expect the presidential election to be close. Whatever happens in any individual race, politics in the country remains deeply divided. We'll keep seeing more evidence of that the closer we get to November. Monica Potts, 538 Feb 13, 11:29 PM Final thought: A substantive win for Dems I don't even think you need to think this election is predictive of November to think it's a big deal. Republicans are sweating every vote they take in the House these days, as we saw today with the Mayorkas impeachment vote. And now Democrats will have an extra "nay" on their side. I think Republicans may come to regret the fact that they let Democrats outspend them here. Nathaniel Rakich, 538 Feb 13, 11:27 PM Final thought: Just happy to be here Im happy to be back (from maternity leave, in case anyone wondered), blogging and staring at election results with this crew well after the sun has set. Looking forward to the long election season ahead! Kaleigh Rogers, 538 Feb 13, 11:24 PM Final thoughts? OK, OK, we all agree! There's even a caveat to Kaleigh's point about what the race can tell us about this district alone in November the district lines may very well change due to redistricting by then. Anyway, it's not even 11:30, and we're already getting ready to wrap up. Hit us with your final thoughts! What does everyone think is the biggest takeaway from Suozzi's win tonight? Tia Yang, 538 Feb 13, 11:18 PM Answer: Biden being unpopular doesn't mean Democrats can't win I think my main takeaway is that you can look at all of the issues that might look bad for Democrats from Biden's low approval to voters worrying about immigration and it just doesn't mean that Democrats can't win. There are so many forces at work. Voters are motivated to vote against Trump and the party that supports him, and see the Republican party as extreme on some issues, like abortion. It's something to keep in mind as we head into November. But otherwise, I agree with everyone else. Tonight was just one special election. Monica Potts, 538 Feb 13, 11:16 PM Answer: Democrats will be making hay, but circumstances were too special to glean much The Dems will certainly point to tonight as evidence of all kinds of predictors for November (see Leahs earlier post) but the reality is this was such strange circumstances and such a small pool of voters that its not going to tell us very much concrete about the general election. The only narrative I am willing to accept about tonight is the fact that this muddies any claims that NY-03 had shifted firmly to the right based on the last few elections, where Santos, Zeldin and Pinion (Chuck Schumer's challenger) won the district. Its still a swingy area that will be one to watch in 10 months time! Kaleigh Rogers, 538 Feb 13, 11:09 PM Answer: Nahhhh In my opinion, Tia, there are too many factors that determined this one election outcome, and they are prone to overinterpretation by analysts. In fact you can pretty much choose your adventure with this race: You're a Democrat? Then Suozzi won because Democratic voters care less about those GOP-friendly issues like immigration and crime that elected Santos in 2020, and that Trump is running on now. You're a Republican? Then Suozzi won because he had a good ground game and Pilip suffered from low GOP turnout due to the snowstorm. Look, it's as Geoffrey and Nathaniel say: One special is just one special, and shouldn't change our priors. G. Elliott Morris, 538 Click here to read the rest of the blog. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. The United States has expressed concern over what it described as military-to-military clashes on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on February 13, when Azeri troops shot and killed 4 Armenian soldiers in Syunik Province. Another soldier was wounded in the shooting. We are concerned by the reports of deadly military-to-military clashes which resulted in several casualties, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a press briefing. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and injured. The use of force undermines negotiations. The only way to a sustainable peace is at the negotiating table. Any ceasefire violations should be investigated and properly addressed. As the Secretary continually emphasizes, the United States is committed to Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations. Miller did not reveal whether U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to meet with the Armenian and Azeri leaders during the upcoming Munich Security Conference (MSC) 2024. The Armenian Foreign Ministry condemned the February 13 Azeri military provocation and said that Baku is constantly trying to derail the peace process. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. President Vahagn Khachaturyan has signed a decree appointing Vigen Mkrtchyan as the Chief of the Signal Corps (Communication Troops of the General Staff of the Armed Forces) and Chief of the Department of Automated Management Systems. The appointment was made at the advice of Prime Minister Pashinyan. With a separate decree, Head of the Combat Readiness Department of the Main Directorate of Readiness of the Defense Ministry, Vachagan Nersesyan, was dismissed from office. Hamlet Levonyan was appointed Commander of the Peacekeeping Brigade, replacing Arsen Mangasaryan. Mangasaryan, in turn, was appointed as the new Head of the Vazgen Sargsyan Military University. Karen Grigoryan was relieved of duties as Head of the Engineering Forces and was appointed Deputy Chief of the General Staff. Temur Shahnazaryan was appointed Head of the Main Tactical Department of the Armed Forces/Deputy Chief of the General Staff. He was earlier the Head of the Signal Corps. For the first time since 1992, the German government has earmarked $73.41 billion for defense spending this year, marking 2.01% of its GDP. This development comes in the wake of statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning NATO, leading to intensified calls within Germany and the European Union for a significant bolstering of military capabilities and enhancement of deterrence measures. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link Defence spending Allies Annual National Reports as at December 2023 (Picture source: OTAN ) During a campaign event in South Carolina, Trump claimed he had warned NATO allies during his term that the U.S. would not defend any nation attacked by Russia if they had not fulfilled their financial obligations. He went so far as to say, "In fact, I would encourage (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want," sparking controversy with his candid remarks. In a statement on February 14, 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted that in 2024, NATO allies in Europe are projected to invest a combined total of $380 billion in defense, achieving the 2% of their combined GDP target for the first time. These comments have led to increased pressure on Chancellor Olaf Scholz from German politicians to ramp up defense expenditure, despite the establishment of a 100 billion ($108 billion) special fund announced in February 2022. Despite NATO's recent figures, the debate over defense spending is not new. Experts broadly agree that the German military, like those in many European countries, requires more funding. Parliamentary Defense Commissioner Eva Hogl reported in March last year that the Bundeswehr needs 300 billion to meet its needs, especially as its supplies have been depleted to support Ukraine. However, Germany maintains that it is meeting its financial commitments as demanded by Trump, although his characterization of NATO's financial arrangements is misleading. While NATO does receive direct contributions, it is not a membership club with dues. In 2014, NATO defense ministers pledged to allocate a minimum of 2% of their GDP to defense, a target not met by many members. The challenge, however, is not just the size of the budget but also its allocation. The chancellery has revealed that 70 billion of the special fund is tied up in contracts for new military equipment, notably F-35 fighter jets and Chinook transport helicopters. Amidst these developments, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has stated that NATO must prepare for the potential of a Russian attack on a member state within the next five to eight years. Consequently, and particularly in light of the possibility of another Trump presidency, some politicians argue that the European Union must establish its own nuclear deterrent. Yet, there is a lack of consensus among EU member states on this issue. France, the only EU member with nuclear weapons, appears uninterested in sharing its arsenal. Moreover, the EU lacks a unified defense department that could designate an individual responsible for launching nuclear weapons, complicating the debate on a European nuclear deterrent. Defense News February 2024 MBABANE There is a new betting site in town and its name is 8Bet. Punters, as online gaming clients are affectionately known, have been notified that the popular betting site known as EBET, has been prohibited, according to a statement that was issued by the Eswatini Gaming Control Board. Reasons for prohibiting the operations of EBET were not outlined in the statement, save to say 8Bet was now the legally recognised betting site. The Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Affairs, through the Eswatini Gaming Control Board, a statutory Board under the ministry, informs members of the public that Swazi Bet, trading as 8Bet, has been granted a bookmarkers licence to operate legally in the country. The public is also notified that EBET is prohibited from operating with immediate effect, read the statement. Offers One thing punters should appreciate is that 8Bet offers similar games that were offered by EBET and the terms and conditions are almost the same. EBET representative, Lawyer Sibusiso Shongwe, said their position on the matter was that the Gaming Board was conflicted, because just last October, they issued a statement saying 8Bet was not recognised by them, but three months later they grant it a trading licence. In the initial statement, the Gaming Control Board warned the public against engaging in any gaming activity with 8bet. Shongwe said the latest developments were not good governance from the Gaming Board. EBET has been in the country for over two years, investing millions in the process and hiring at least 60 emaSwati. It has recently offered scholarship to 55 pupils enrolled in high school. Now what kind of a Board does not consider all that? he wondered. Gershwins Rhapsody performed by Alexander Tsfasman and Gennadi Rozhdestvensky Now that the centenary of Rhapsody in Blue (last Monday) has come and gone with fanfare and a degree of controversy and a sampling of many renditions of Gershwins worst masterpiece I am left with a craving to revisit my favorite version: by Alexander Tsfasman and Gennadi Rozhdestvensky. Thats right: a 1960s Soviet studio recording with a Moscow orchestra. Rozhdestvensky was the leading Russian symphonic conductor of his generation. Tsfasman was the Russian pianist most associated with Rhapsody in Blue, having toured it throughout the Soviet Union during the interwar decades. I would call this recording a supreme validation of Gershwin from abroad (of course), where he was not patronized. A product of the Moscow Conservatory, Tsfasman (though closely associated with jazz throughout his career) brings to Gershwins piano writing a Romantic keyboard arsenal hair-trigger virtuosity; an heroic range of sonority and dynamics rarely encountered in this much battered score. Initially denigrated by Lawrence Gilman in the New York Herald-Tribune for its trite and feeble tunes, the Rhapsody was later described by Leonard Bernstein as not a composition at all. Most recently, in the New York Times, it was pegged the worst masterpiece, corny and naive. If you care to sample Tsfasmans Gershwin bear-hug, start with the solo at 8:30 and go to the love theme, magnificently prepared and sung, and thence to the end. Another validation, again from abroad, is last Mondays 45-minute feature on BBC 3: a tenacious inquiry, by Olivia Giovetti and Nick Taylor, into the American melting pot: what it was and was not for Gershwin; whether something like it can be captured in music today. The participants are mainly American composers, who volunteer a range of considered responses, including some misgivings. I contribute my own two cents and now find I have this to add: Gershwins pot included Black American music, Cuban music, Jewish music, classical music. He loved it all and didnt worry about disrespecting anyone. In todays terms, he was a heedless appropriator. But his curiosity was so great, and his gift so facile, that he could absorb these influences without skimming. Today the range of influences is much greater for a start: Asian and African music (as Steve Reich mentions on the BBC show). This may be viewed as an enrichment, but its also a risky complication. We have one master practitioner of East/West fusion whos deeply versed in a wide-ranging multiplicity of styles thats Lou Harrison. A lot of whats produced by American composers today, reflecting on the American experience, seems to me in comparison makeshift music: a shortcut. Will any of it last? Gershwin, as he rapidly matured, became a student of musical form in some respects, the hallmark of Western classical music: organizing time. For instance: considering that Porgy and Bess was Gershwins first attempt at something like grand opera, the scene of Robbins funeral is a magnificently knit narrative sequence (which cannot be said of the opera as a whole Gershwin was still learning). What American composers are today aspiring toward a comparable mastery of long-range musical argument? I worry about this sort of thing. And even more (of course) about the state of the American melting pot generally. The question overhanging BBC-3s splendid tribute to Rhapsody in Blue is: Where are we now? Indeed. Defence minister Rajnath Singh was roped in to assist in finding a resolution to the issues of farmers NEW DELHI: The Union government will conduct a third round of talks with the protesting farmers in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. Defence minister Rajnath Singh was roped in to assist in finding a resolution to the issues of farmers. In a bid to dissuade the protesters, a delegation of three Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityananda Rai, who had earlier met farmers before the march began, will engage in another round of talks around 5 pm on Thursday along with Rajnath Singh. The ministers sought an assurance from the farmers that they will remain peaceful and will not try to push their way through the barricades until then. Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said they would not make any fresh attempt to move towards Delhi till the meeting is held, asserting that the next course of action would be decided on the basis of the Centres proposals. Based on a message we got last night and Union minister Anurag Thakurs call for dialogue, we spoke to everyone in the movement and decided that we would remain peaceful and not try to push further from where we were. A meeting has been called for 5 pm tomorrow and we will continue our peaceful protest. No action will be taken from our side until then, said Pandher. The Opposition, however, is up in arms and continues to extend support to the farmers. The Congress again indicated its support for the protest with party leader Rahul Gandhi speaking to a farmer injured in police action. As the Delhi Chalo protest by the farmers entered its second day, thousands of farmers braving tear gas shells and rubber pellets, continued to stay put and tried to breach the fortified Punjab Haryana borders after resorting to pelting stones at the security personnels on Wednesday. Pandher alleged that even though they held a peaceful protest on Wednesday, drones were used and tear gas shells and rubber pellets were fired at them. It wasnt the police, but paramilitary forces that were attacking us. Despite all this, we are ready to speak to the Union government. The farmer leader also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to direct the paramilitary forces, for not using tear gas on them. At Shambhu border point near Ambala, there was intermittent shelling as tear smoke was used whenever any group of farmers moved towards the barricades. Security personnel too faced stone-pelting from the protesters. A similar standoff continued at the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border in Haryanas Jind district. But the situation remained less volatile compared to Tuesday, when farmers tried to shift cement barriers at Shambhu with their tractors, attempting to push towards Delhi. Farmer leaders claimed that over 100 protesters were hurt Tuesday, hit by rubber bullets and tear gas shells. Police said 24 of their own men were injured in the stone-pelting by protesters during the first day of the protest. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal said Kerala government has also agreed to send a delegation to Delhi for talks with the Centre NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it was open to hold dialogue with the Kerala government on resolving the dispute over a ceiling imposed by it on borrowings by the state. Attorney-General R. Venkataramani told a bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice K.V. Viswanathan: Let's keep it open without any conditions. There can be an open dialogue," Venkataramani told the bench. The AGs assertion came after the apex court said those governing at the Centre and in the state were seasoned administrators who could resolve the issue. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the Kerala government, said the state government has also agreed to send a delegation to the national capital on Wednesday for talks with the Centre. "We will fly a delegation from Kerala tomorrow morning itself and we can have a meeting tomorrow itself. Unfortunately, the Budget is being presented by the (state's) finance minister so others will come," Sibal said. The move came after the top court asked Venkataramani to seek instructions if the finance secretary of the state can meet the Union finance minister and resolve the issue through negotiation. "We are not asking for tinkering with fiscal policy and we know that you (Centre) cannot take decisions only for one state. But we also think that you, being the Union, the cordiality is one thing that will work for the country," the bench observed. The AG sought time till 2 pm to revert to the court on its suggestion. When the matter later came up for hearing, the top law officer told the bench that the Centre has agreed to hold talks to try and iron out the differences with the Kerala government. Following the AG's assurance, the court then posted the matter for February 19. The court is hearing an original suit filed by Kerala government accusing the Centre of interfering in the exercise of its "exclusive, autonomous and plenary powers" to regulate the state's finances by imposing a ceiling on net borrowing. Modi welcomed by brother Abu Dhabi Prez New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held talks in Abu Dhabi with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, after which the two countries signed eight agreements, including a Bilateral Investment Treaty, an Intergovernmental Framework Agreement on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), interlinking of the instant payment platforms -- UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) and inter-linking of domestic debit/credit cards -- RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE), besides one on strengthening of energy security and collaboration. The two leaders held one-on-one and delegation-level talks and reviewed the bilateral partnership and discussed new areas of cooperation. They also welcomed deepening of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across sectors, including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, infrastructure, culture and people to people ties, with India now entering into long term contracts for LNG. Discussions also covered regional and global issues, possibly including the Israel-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. In a reflection of the extremely close ties between the two nations and strong rapport between the two leaders, Mr Modi, on his arrival, was greeted by the UAE President at the airport in a special and warm gesture and accorded a ceremonial welcome. Addressing the UAE President as his brother in his opening remarks ahead of the talks, Mr Modi thanked Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his personal support and for his graciousness in granting the land for the construction of the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi that will be inaugurated on Wednesday and the speed with which the decision on approvals for the temple construction was taken after Mr Modi made the request earlier. Both sides noted that the BAPS Temple is a celebration of UAE-India friendship, deep-rooted cultural bonds and an embodiment of the UAEs global commitment to harmony, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, New Delhi said in a statement. Mr Modi said he feels at home and among his family whenever he visits the UAE and thanked his host. He also referred to important decisions between the two nations on Tuesday, including on the investment treaty and the IMEC. Mr Modi also referred to the affection and support of the UAE President that has made the ties between the two nations so unique and thanked the UAE President for his visit to India last month to attend the Vibrant Gujarat Summit. On the Bilateral Investment Treaty, the MEA said: This agreement will be a key enabler for further promoting investments in both countries. India has signed both a Bilateral Investment Treaty and (an earlier) Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with UAE (in 2022). The MoU on cooperation in the field of electrical interconnection and trade: opens new areas of collaboration in the field of energy, including energy security and energy trade, New Delhi said. The Intergovernmental Framework Agreement between India and UAE on the (earlier-announced) India-Middle East Economic Corridor would build on previous understandings and cooperation on this matter and foster India and the UAE cooperation furthering regional connectivity. The pact on interlinking of the instant payment platforms - UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries and follows the MoU on interlinking payment and messaging systems signed in July last year, New Delhi said. The pact on inter-linking domestic debit/credit cardsRuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) is an important step in building financial sector cooperation and will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE, it added. In his departure statement from New Delhi earlier in the day, Mr Modi said: Over the last nine years, our cooperation with the UAE in diverse sectors (like) trade and investment, defence and security, food and energy security and education has grown manifold. Our cultural and people-to-people connect is stronger than ever. He added: At the invitation of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president, PM and defence minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, I will be addressing the gathering of world leaders at the World Government Summit in Dubai on 14 Feb 2024. My discussions with Prime Minister His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the margins of summit will focus on strengthening our multifaceted ties with Dubai. During the visit, I will also inaugurate the first Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. The BAPS temple will be an enduring tribute to the values of harmony, peace and tolerance, which both India and the UAE share. On the second leg of the visit, Mr Modi added: In Qatar, I am looking forward to meeting His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir, under whose leadership Qatar continues to witness tremendous growth and transformation. I am also looking forward to meeting other high dignitaries in Qatar. India and Qatar enjoy historically close and friendly relations. In recent years, our multifaceted ties have continued to deepen in all spheres including high level political exchanges, growing trade and investment between two countries, strengthening of our energy partnership, and cooperation in culture and education. The presence of over the 800,000 strong Indian community in Doha is a testament to our strong people-to-people ties. On Monday, the Qatar Emir approved the release of the eight Indian nationals and former naval personnel sentenced earlier to varying prison terms on alleged espionage charges, much to the delight of India. Reacting, the Congress said that seat sharing "cannot be decided at press conferences" NEW DELHI: In what could be another setback for the INDIA bloc, the AAP on Tuesday said that the party plans to contest six Lok Sabha seats out of seven in Delhi in the impending general election and offer just one to the Congress. Reacting, the Congress said that seat sharing "cannot be decided at press conferences". The BJP waded into the tussle, claiming to win all seven seats with huge margins, whether or not the AAP and the Congress have an alliance. After its political affairs committee meeting, the AAP asserted that, on merit, the Congress "does not deserve" even one seat in Delhi and its offer is based on respect for the "alliance dharma". At a press conference, AAP general secretary (organisation) Sandeep Pathak said that the party had been waiting for more than a month to resume seat-sharing talks for Delhi, but there has been no communication from the Congress. There have been two official meetings between the Congress and the AAP on January 8 and January 12. The talks happened in a good atmosphere but were inconclusive, and since last month there has been no meeting. We were told that the Congress party's yatra is going on and there will be a delay. We got to meet senior Congress leaders during this, but even they had no idea, he said. As seat-sharing talks have not been held, Mr Pathak said he was sitting with a heavy heart. These things would not have been necessary if there had been talks. The AAP and the Congress have already announced that they will go solo in Punjab. Announcing the proposal, Mr Pathak said, The Congress has zero seats in the Lok Sabha from Delhi and zero seats in the Delhi Assembly. Even in the MCD elections last year, they won nine wards out of 250. If you see them on a merit basis and based on statistics, they do not deserve even one seat. But keeping in mind the alliance dharma, we offer them one seat." The AAP leader said if talks do not happen, they will announce the names of six candidates for Delhi in the next few days, but he asserted that his party stood firmly and honestly with the INDIA bloc. Reacting to the AAP proposal, Delhi Congress chief Arvinder Singh Lovely asserted that thier party is highly prepared to contest the polls and that seat-sharing "cannot be decided at press conferences". The Congress chief said: In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, we secured second place in five seats. If compared, we are more prepared than any other party in Delhi this time. When it comes to the party's performance, everyone knows the results of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections," Mr Lovely said, adding that "I do not want to comment on any leader and their statements." Mr Lovely stated: The Congress is the largest party in the INDIA bloc and we always try our best to work with the other Opposition parties because our motive is to save democracy. Amid the tussle between the alliance partners, Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva claimed that the saffron party will win all seven seats in Delhi with huge margins, whether or not the AAP and Congress have an alliance. The BJP had won all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi in 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the AAP's vote share was 18.1 per cent and it had bagged the third spot, while the Congress had polled in 22.5 per cent of the votes and was second on five of the seven Lok Sabha seats. The BJP had secured a vote share of 56.5 per cent. Modi works with vindictive attitude, targets Gandhi family: Kharge Raipur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday pledged to provide legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) of farm produce if his party-led I.N.D.I.A. bloc was voted to power at the Centre. The pledge will be included in our election manifesto, Gandhi said while addressing a public meeting in district headquarters of Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh on the sidelines of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Gandhi said the government would compensate the farmers if their produce got less than the MSP in the market by releasing the difference amount to them. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc would implement recommendations of the Dr M.S. Swaminathan report on farmer issues. He said the BJP government had conferred the Bharat Ratna upon Prof. Swaminathan, but had failed to implement his recommendations who had recommended legal guarantees for MSP. The Congress leader also slammed the Centre for the police action against the farmers who were marching to Delhi from Punjab and Haryana to press for their various demands including legal guarantee to MSP. Earlier, AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Congress was strong enough to protect democracy and the Constitution, and the party is working for this. He said that the Constitution would be in danger if democracy is threatened in the country. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seeking votes in the name of OBC, religion and God. Kharge accused Modi of working with a vindictive attitude and targeting the Gandhi family. Gandhi along with Kharge flew to Delhi from Ambikapur in a special flight by suspending the yatra which was scheduled to reach Balrampur in Chhattisgarh on Wednesday before entering Jharkhand. Party sources said that he air-dashed to Delhi due to some emergency developments, which could include farmers stir in the national capital. BJP's strategic Bharat Ratna awards raise questions about electoral motives, regional impact, and the party's pursuit of dominance The announcement in quick succession of four Bharat Ratna awards conferred posthumously on Karpoori Thakur, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Charan Singh and M.S. Swaminathan made it evident that it was done with the coming Lok Sabha elections in mind. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not been a stickler for political etiquette. These awards could have been announced any time between 2015 and 2024, and he could have deflected criticism about the political motives behind the announcement. The Prime Minister, however, takes pride in the fact that he breaks all liberal protocols without compunction -- and he is not bothered about the ulterior political motive behind the decision. Even those political observers in the media who are supportive of Narendra Modi felt compelled to take note of the politics behind the move. The question that needs to be asked is: what are the electoral benefits the BJP and the Prime Minister hope to gain out of this. The award for Karpoori Thakur may not pay off because present-day voters in Bihar know only Lalu Prasad Yadav and Nitish Kumar. The BJP has gained more than a foothold in the company of Nitish Kumar over the last 20 years, and it is set in a way to overshadow the Nitish Kumar/Janata Dal (United) constituency. The Lalu Prasad Yadav/Tejashwsi Yadav and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) formation remains a solid Opposition bloc in the state, and conferring the Bharat Ratna on Karpoori Thakur is not going to change that. The award for Charan Singh is like saying thank you to Jayant Choudhury and the Rashtriya Lok Dal because they are all set to rejoin the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA). The award for P.V. Narasimha Rao is primarily to snub the Congress Party and Sonia Gandhi/Rahul Gandhi. It is an inexplicable animus that the BJP/RSS leaders nurse against the Nehru-Gandhis at a time when they are marginalised in the politics of the country, and there does not seem to be any hint of a comeback by the family to power. Mr Modi believes in beating down a political rival and ideological enemy as completely as possible, which is what politics of the kind practised by Mr Modi and the BJP demands. Narasimha Rao had no political resonance in Telangana when he was alive and none after his death. The BJP is unlikely to increase its vote share in Telangana because Mr Modi had awarded the Bharat Ratna to Rao. The award to M.S. Swaminathan only shows that the BJP has no clue about the politics of Tamil Nadu. The fictional symbol of the Sengol that has been placed in the new Parliament building, activating the Tamil connection with Varanasi, and now the Bharat Ratna for Swaminathan will have little, if any, political impact in the state. The BJP cannot hope to make inroads into the state by making these vague gestures of goodwill in the name of India/Hindu cultural glory. Tamil cultural consciousness is rooted in a sub-soil of a deeply rooted regional identity. The attempt to homogenise Indian/Hindu culture runs counter to the Tamil spirit. The Hindi-heartland Hindutva brand of BJP politics will find it hard to penetrate the land of Pallavas and Cholas, or the traditions of Tirukkural and the devotional outpourings of the Shaivita and Vaishnavite Tamil saint-poets. The religiosity of the Tamil country is a far cry from the politics of religion of the BJP and RSS. Mr Modi is, however, persistent and persevering in hoping to convert the whole country to the Hindutva creed under the guise of nationalism. He may not succeed because he is violating the basic constitutional principle of the modern Indian polity, federalism, which respects the space of regional powers and regional voices. One of the hallmarks of the Modi style of politics has been talking incessantly about Indias civilisational glory and imposing political authority emanating from the BJPs political base in the Hindi-speaking states. The imperiousness that marked the Congress in the 1950s and 1960s is perpetuated by the BJP under Mr Modi over the past decade. While the Congress imperiousness was mainly political, that of the BJP is of insidious cultural domination. The gestures of goodwill for Tamil without sharing political power will remain futile. The BJP is able to gain a comfortable parliamentary majority without being dominant in the southern and eastern parts of the country. But Mr Modi is not satisfied with being in power at the Centre. He wants to see the BJP in power across the country. That is why he has adopted the strategy of reaching out to allies, whether it is the Janata Dal (Secular) of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda in Karnataka, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in Andhra Pradesh, the RLD in Uttar Pradesh, the breakaway factions of the Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in Maharashtra, the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab and the JD(U) in Bihar. There is a precedent for this coalition-building when the CPI(M) under the leadership of Jyoti Basu kept the Left Front, comprising the CPI, the Revolutionary Socialist Party and the Forward Bloc going despite the overwhelming dominance of the CPI(M). There is also the difference. The CPI(M) did not ever try to weaken its smaller allies the way BJP does with all its allies except the Akali Dal. Political scientist Rajni Kothari had described the Congress as an umbrella party where competing groups hung together. The BJP cannot become an umbrella party because of its inflexible ideological moorings. The party, however, has no option but to look for partnerships and allies in the political field and beyond. Mr Modi has been relentlessly working at building bridges to different factions across the country. The hubris that destroyed the Congress dominance was its belief that India had no alternative to the Congress. The BJP too is reaching its hubris levels due to its desire to impose Hindutva across the country under the pretext of uniting the country. Mr Modis latest gambit of using the Bharat Ratna award to reach out to different groups and regions in the country is a weak one because he is not able to hide his partys desire to rule the country as the Congress did in the first two decades after Independence. The desire of a political party to dominate is quite natural, but there are limits to domination. The BJP under Mr Modi is moving towards the point of limitation. Today's news: in Pakistan agreement between Muslim League and Pakistan Peoples Party for a government led by Shehbaz Sharif, Imran Khan: 'stolen elections'; Erdogan in Cairo for thaw visit with al-Sisi, Gaza top of agenda; Facial recognition systems in new security cameras in Hong Kong; For the Russian governor of Kaliningrad also the philosopher Kant 'guilty' for the war with Ukraine. INDONESIA The polls for the presidential elections in Indonesia have already closed at 1pm local time, where over 205 million people were called to vote in what is the election with the highest number of voters in the world in a single day. The first partial results are expected in the next few hours, but from all the pre-election polls, the victory of former general Prabowo Subianto, credited with more than 50% of the vote, would seem to be a foregone conclusion. PAKISTAN Nawaz Sharif's Muslim League and Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan Peoples Party announced last night the agreement for a governing coalition in Pakistan together with two other smaller parties, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid. The agreement would relegate to the opposition the deputies linked to Imran Khan, who from prison shouts about "stolen elections" claiming that in many seats the outcome of the popular vote was changed to prevent candidates close to him from achieving a majority. Meanwhile, Nawaz Sharif has announced that he will not lead the government, but his brother Shebhaz who was already prime minister after the motion of no confidence in Imran Khan in April 2022. EGYPT-TURKEY-GAZA Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi will receive his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Cairo today, after years of broken relations between the two countries. Erdogan's visit to Egypt is the first since Cairo and Ankara appointed ambassadors last year to restore relations at the highest diplomatic level. The Turkish president said Israel's war on Gaza will be high on the agenda of the talks. HONG KONG 2,000 new cameras will be installed in Hong Kong by the end of 2024 to improve public safety. The devices - said the city's police chief Raymond Siu - could also be equipped with facial recognition functions. Asked whether the security cameras will also be used for functions related to the disputed National Security Law - which has made any form of public dissent impossible in Hong Kong - Siu replied that the devices will help address "all illegal issues". PHILIPPINES In San Jose del Monte, near Manila, the balcony of a Catholic church collapsed, killing an elderly woman and injuring 53 people, during a crowded Ash Wednesday Mass. According to initial surveys carried out by local authorities, the wooden structure of the 30-year-old church of Saint Peter Apostolo was weakened by termites. TAJIKISTAN The president of Tajikistan, Emomali Rakhmon, has decreed a general turnover of judges in courts and institutions, adding that he will grant everyone, including officials, a year "for the in-depth study of foreign languages", an indispensable but so far not mandatory measure , failure to comply with which will result in the forfeiture of one's position. RUSSIA The governor of the Russian region of Kaliningrad (formerly Konisberg), Anton Alikhanov stated that the German philosopher Immanuel Kant - a native of the region - "has direct responsibilities in the war conflict with Ukraine", as he would have "exalted Western rationalism, denying higher spiritual values, provoking the indignation of citizens. MBABANE It was a sham. Former Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Sicelo Dlamini says the Anti-corruption Task Team established by the late Prime Minister (PM), Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini, was allegedly a sham. Sicelo criticised the foundation of the task team, stating that when he analysed some of the things that were being done, it seemed the team members were being used to target the late PMs enemies, rather than rooting out corruption. He said there were allegedly no tangible results produced by the team, which raises concerns about the newly launched tripartite committee, the Anti-corruption Task Team. The new task team was launched by PM Russell Dlamini, to enhance the fight against corruption. The team comprises the director of public prosecutions (DPP), the National Commissioner (NATCOM) of the police and the commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). The DPPs Office is currently held by the Acting DPP, Lomvula Hlophe, while the NATCOMs Office is occupied by Lydia Dlamini. Maphevu Mkhatshwa is holding the fort at the ACC Commissioners Office. The task team will report to the PM and will work with the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Prince Simelane. During the launch, the Attorney General (AG), Sifiso Khumalo, revealed that the task team was not new, as a similar body was once established during the term of the late former PM (Sibusiso Barnabas Dlamini). Khumalo said even at that time, the team directly reporting to the PM. The former PS, when sharing his knowledge about an Anti-corruption Task Team in the country, confirmed that a similar body was established around 2010. According to Sicelo, he was the controlling officer in the ministry (Justice and Constitutional Affairs) from 2004 to 2011. He said between 2009 and 2010, he had a short span at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Urban Development, but upon his return to the Justice Ministry, he found the team already set. He stated that the team took the same format as the existing one. Sicelo described the former team as being a sham as there was allegedly no real commitment to fight corruption. He explained that government spent a lot of money on the supposed operations of the team, but there were allegedly no results or reports to show that there were indeed any attempts to clamp down on corruption. According to Sicelo during the teams first term in office, they allegedly set aside E8 million, which was dedicated to the carrying out of its mandate. Elapsed When the team was established, the budgeting period had elapsed. We had to set the money aside as there was no budget. I cant remember how much was allocated the second time around as the team formed part of the budget. What I can share is that a lot of that money was spent on external travelling, going to countries like South Africa and Tanzania, Sicelo said. He said there was allegedly no clear explanation on why the team was taking external trips to these countries. He highlighted that as a controlling officer, he was allegedly made to sign documents without being given reasons. I raised the matter with the then minister, asking why am I signing documents for the task team, yet there was no clear explanation about what they were really doing, for accountability. I was told to sign as it was decided. Watsi i-job yi job wena wekunene, he said. The former minister, when reached for comment, said he would revert, as he wanted to gather this thoughts about the whole issue, though he had a recollection of it. When explaining about what he uncovered as a controlling officer, Sicelo said there was allegedly no intention for the team to fight corruption, from those who put it in place, as a lot of time was spent on travelling, yet there were many issues relating to corruption that needed to be dealt with on the ground. The former PS went on to highlight that in his tenure, there was allegedly no corruption cases ever solved, nor any reports submitted to that effect, coming from the team. Enemies According to Sicelo, the team became a political tool to fight the then PMs enemies. Even though they reported directly to the PM, we handled the funds in the ministry, which were depleted yet there were no results to show. The team was fighting the PMs battles and I can cite people who were frustrated, just because they didnt see eye-to-eye with the PM, he alleged. He went on to mention that the establishment of the team was allegedly a facade, giving people hope that something was being done to address corruption in the country. Meanwhile, the establishment of the current team follows His Majesty King Mswati IIIs directive on tackling corruption in the country, saying those found responsible for any corrupt practices should be held accountable. His Majesty said corruption stood in the way of progress in the nations plans, programmes and projects for development. He was speaking during the official opening of the 12th Parliament last Friday. The King said emaSwati made their voices heard during Sibaya, Peoples Parliament expressing frustration with the lack of tangible progress in addressing this issue. He went on to encourage government to prioritise taking action on this matter, saying it was high time, they witnessed judgments passed on individuals involved in corruption, holding them accountable for their actions. by Mathias Hariyadi While it will take days before final results are in, the former general is projected to win around 60 per cent of votes. Indonesians want harmony among their leaders, he told his supporters. Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies) Vote count in Indonesias elections is largely confirming what surveys predicted before the poll. Four different projections give former General Prabowo Subianto around 60 per cent of the vote while final results will take days before they are all in. Prabowos two challengers, Anies Baswedan, the former governor of Jakarta, and Ganjar Pranowo are respectively at 25 and 16 per cent. The latter is running for the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (Partai Demokrasi Indonesia Perjuangan), which outgoing President Joko Widodo left. If early results are confirmed, Prabowo will be elected in the first round with President Joko Widodos 38-year-old son Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his VP. The latters selection was highly controversial. Indonesian electoral law has two requirements in the presidential election: to win, a candidate must get 50 per cent of the popular vote and 20 per cent of the vote in at least 20 of the countrys 38 provinces. As pollsters predicted, Prabowo has likely met both targets. This will secure him the presidency of the worlds most populous Muslim majority country. In the two previous elections, Joko the 72-year-old retired general was defeated by Widodo who nevertheless picked him in 2019 to be his defence minister. At a post-election rally in Jakarta, Prabowo thanked the crowd of cheering supporters, many of them young people. Almost half of Indonesias 205 million voters are under the age of 40. Prabowo won thanks to a massive social media campaign that turned a former general accused of human rights violations under the Suharto dictatorship into a Tik Tok star, with an impromptu dance and an animated avatar as the trademarks of his presidential race. Equally decisive was the support of Joko Widodo, who forced through legal changes that allowed his son Gibran to run on the same ticket for the vice presidency. Prabowo showed the audience that he had changed a lot, no longer as short-tempered as before. The campaign is over; we must unite once more, Prabowo told his supporters this evening, while urging everyone to wait for the final results. Indonesians want harmony among their leaders and adherence to traditions and the teachings of our elders to seek friendly relationship rather than enmity. Indonesian culture does not favour disparaging one another. The elections went off without any major incidents, a positive outcome for Indonesian society, despite heated debates among various groups on social media. In a few sub-districts in Central Java, voting was halted or even rescheduled due to massive flooding. Together with the new president, voters chose 580 members of the countrys House of Representatives as well as more than 20,000 local officials. At the general audience an invitation to listen to the Word of God and to care for our brothers and sisters during Lent. "Let us pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer because of war". Homage to Card. Simoni - present in the Paul VI Hall - a "living martyr", witness to the Gospel like so many other persecuted Christians of today Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Let Lent be for everyone "an opportunity for conversion and interior renewal in listening to the Word of God, in caring for our brothers and sisters who need it most. And let us never forget the tormented Ukraine, Palestine and Israel which suffer so much. Let us pray for these brothers and sisters who suffer because of the war." This is the invitation that Pope Francis addressed to the faithful this morning at the end of the general audience held in the Paul VI Hall on Ash Wednesday, the day that opens the journey of preparation towards Easter. Francis - who recently published his message on this year's Lent, with the invitation to experience it as a "time of freedom" - will receive the sign of the ashes in the afternoon in a celebration which, as per tradition, is held in the basilica of Santa Sabina, on the Aventine hill. In this morning's catechesis, however, the pontiff continued the cycle of reflections on vices and virtues, focusing today on the vice of acedia, "which often goes unnoticed, perhaps because of his name which is difficult for many to understand" . There is a tendency to replace it with laziness, which however "is more an effect than a cause". The Pope observed that sloth is instead a very dangerous temptation, which should not be joked with. Whoever falls victim to it is as if crushed by a desire for death: he feels disgust for everything; the relationship with God becomes boring to him; and even the most holy acts, those that had warmed his heart in the past, now appear completely useless to him. A person begins to regret the passing of time, and the youth that is irreparably behind us." It is also defined as the "midday demon" because "it catches us in the middle of the day, when fatigue is at its peak and the hours ahead of us appear monotonous, impossible to live". The Pope continued "it is very reminiscent of the evil of depression, both from a psychological and philosophical point of view. In fact, for those who are gripped by sloth, life loses meaning, praying becomes boring, every battle appears meaningless. So you let yourself go and distraction, not thinking, appear as the only ways out: you would like to be stunned, to have your mind completely empty... It's a bit like dying early, and it's bad." How does one respond? With what the Pope defines as the patience of faith: We must have the courage to remain and to welcome the presence of God into my 'here and now', into my situation as it is. How many people, in the throes of Sloth, moved by a faceless restlessness, has foolishly abandoned the path of good it had undertaken. This is why "it is a decisive battle, which must be won at all costs". The saints added the pontiff teach us to go through the night in patience, accepting the poverty of faith. They recommended, under the oppression of sloth, to keep a smaller measure of commitment, to set goals that are more within reach, but at the same time to resist and persevere by leaning on Jesus, who never abandons in temptation". Faith, tormented by the test of sloth he concluded does not lose its value. Indeed, it is the true faith, the very human faith, which despite everything, despite the darkness that blinds it, still humbly believes. It is that faith that remains in the heart, as the embers remain under the ashes." Finally, greeting the groups of pilgrims present, he paid a special tribute to the 95-year-old Albanian cardinal Ernest Simoni, also today in the Paul VI Hall. He is a living martyr he said -. As a priest, as a bishop, he lived 28 years in prison, in the prisons of communist Albania, perhaps the cruelest persecution. And he continues to bear witness. And like him, many" he added, reiterating the thought already expressed several times according to which today in the world there are "even more martyrs than at the beginning" of Christianity. 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. Google typically releases a new major Android version every year, despite the updates sometimes barely bringing any substantial changes. Android 15 is coming Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Android Auto issues caused by Android 14 Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution The accelerated release isn't a bad thing, though it occasionally makes the previous releases feel like unfinished work.It's what happens now with Android 14. Google is already working on Android 15, with the first Developer Preview (DP) expected to ship this week. However, Android 14 lacks the refinements of a stable operating system, as users still struggle with a wide range of bugs , especially in the car. Android 14 has been wreaking havoc on Android Auto , breaking down essential features and the connection between the head unit and smartphones.The first Android 15 Developer Preview will likely ship tomorrow (February 15), with a Google developer confirming the date in a recent comment on the Android Open Source Project discussion board.The post reveals that the "first Developer Preview is scheduled for February 15" without disclosing additional details.However, the date is not surprising. Google typically ships the first DP build of new Android releases in the first half of February. Android 14 witnessed the first Developer Preview going live on February 8, so the company needed one extra week to finish the work on the same build for Android 15.It is worth knowing that February 15 is not the date when Android 15 will become available for the supported devices. It's just the day when Google starts the public testing of the next Android release. More notably, Google has been working on Android 15 for several months, but this first developer preview is our first opportunity to get a glimpse into its feature lineup.Android 15 DP builds are only aimed at experienced users, especially developers, who can test the pre-release software and send feedback to Google. The search giant will use the reported bugs to refine the operating system further before it begins public beta testing later this year. Android 15 should reach the production channel in the summer.Google's Pixel phones will be the first devices to receive the DP builds, the beta, and the stable update. Google has not officially announced the release dates for each Android 15 development channel.With Android 15 already on the radar, some users wonder if the bugs they've been struggling with on Android Auto after installing Android 14 will get a fix.The release of Android 14 was received with much excitement by the Android user base, mainly thanks to the improvements it brought to mobile devices. However, Android 14 broke down Android Auto in mysterious ways, causing connection issues, random disconnects, and broken apps.The experience with Android 14 from an Android Auto perspective has been mixed . While some users claimed that Android Auto has been working flawlessly after the update to Android 14, others said the new operating system caused issues that prevented them from running Android Auto behind the wheel. Most of these bugs have remained unfixed, and with the work on Android 15 making progress, it's unclear if Google still wants to resolve them with an Android 14 update. The company could wait until Android 15 to address the reported glitches.One of the most common Android Auto bugs reported after the Android 14 update is the broken wireless connection . Several users claimed they could no longer connect the mobile device to the infotainment system without a cable, despite everything working correctly before the update.Switching to Android Auto wired (if available) was the only workaround, as no other solution restored the wireless connection. Google confirmed it was investigating the glitch, but a fix is yet to go live.Spotify users also complained of Android Auto issues after installing Android 14 on their smartphones. The widespread issue prevented Spotify from updating the Now Playing interface the app correctly played the requested song in the background, but the screen offering track information and one-tap access to playback controls didn't load.Android 14 also caused more isolated issues, including broken voice commands, random disconnects, and occasional lag while running Android Auto. Despite Google's investigations, fixes for these problems are still nowhere to be seen.Keep in mind that only some users encountered these issues on Android Auto and Android 14, but it's still unclear who is affected. Nobody could determine a pattern not even Google, as the company would have otherwise released a fix to improve the experience for everybody. The glitches are seemingly produced by an incompatible mix of Android 14, phone model, car model, head unit, and apps running on the mobile device when connected to the infotainment system.It's impossible to tell what goes wrong without a thorough Google investigation, so fingers crossed for Android 15, not necessarily to deliver a flawless experience but at least not to bring any new bugs to Android Auto users. Google Maps is no longer just a navigation app, as the innovative features that launched in the last decade now allow us to explore the world from the comfort of our mobile phones. Features like Street View and Immersive View pushed the application closer to the new-generation Google Maps. Immersive View for routes is a game changer, too.Announced last year, Immersive View for routes combines a massive amount of data from multiple sources to create a multi-dimensional simulation of the real world. Its purpose is simple but brilliant: to allow us to preview our routes with a realistic simulation of the real world, so when you get behind the wheel, you'll already be familiar with the route and every turn it includes.Like the main Immersive View feature, the component aimed at preview routes combines data from Street View, weather information, traffic data, and aerial imagery.If you wonder how Google obtains aerial imagery, the answer comes down to this: cameras on planes. The company has managed to create a new version of its famous camera rig, which most of us already spotted on a car at a traffic light, to sport a smaller yet sturdy form factor ready to be installed on planes.The camera rig, which originally tipped the scales at approximately 500 pounds (about 225 kilos), is now light enough to be carried around in a backpack. However, the aircraft hardware uses a new design with four lenses facing toward each other for a parallax effect that helps Google feed data into a 3D modeling engine. Using the processed data, Immersive View for routes can generate 3D simulations of the real world, including cars, buildings, trees, and everything else you find on the street.Additionally, Google uses the cameras installed on planes for more data to improve other products, such as Google Earth, and other features, including navigation in Google Maps. When you see the Earth from above, you can spot certain essential items, including street signs, more accurately, and Google runs an analysis on the received imagery to extract the data.Eventually, the captured data helps Google make Google Maps more accurate.Immersive View for routes requires tremendous work and more data than we can imagine, so Google can't yet release the feature worldwide. It's available in limited regions, such as Las Vegas, New York, and Seattle, but Google has already promised to bring it to more regions this year.Google engineer Daniel Philip said in an interview that creating the 3D models for each location is a highly complex process that takes time, especially because it must accurately simulate the real world. However, Immersive View for routes is definitely worth the wait, so fingers crossed for Google to come up with another expansion in the spring at its I/O event. To paraphrase Shakespeare, there's something rotten in the state of Italy. Scheherazade, one of the biggest "captures" under the wave of sanctions launched in support of Ukraine in the ongoing Ruso-Ukrainian war, was seized in Italy in May 2022, but as of this writing, it's still bustling with activity. Photo: Twitter / Maria Pevchik Scheherazade is one of the biggest superyachts in the world and is believed to be the biggest in Russian President Vladimir Putin's personal fleet , though the paper owner is Eduard Khudainatov. It was delivered by Lurssen in 2020 at a reported cost of $700 million, and it's believed to be so incredibly luxurious that even some of the bathroom fixtures or even screws that hold stuff together are plated in real gold.Scheherazade is also massive, with a total length of 140 meters (459 feet), which classifies it as a megayacht. When Italian authorities announced that they had seized it in the Marina di Carrara in May 2022, it was widely assumed that this would prove some sort of turning point in Putin's perspective on the ongoing war.It did not. Moreover, it didn't seem like the seizure hindered the activity of Scheherazade all the much, with the notable exception that it was no longer allowed to sail away.Today, it's still bustling with activity, as a partial refit started on it shortly after the arrest, as the management company obtained a waiver from sanctions initially with the vessel in dry dock and then with it out to water . Right now, crew onboard are working on a beach club extension, which will bring the total length to 142 meters (466 feet).Whatever goal sanctions were meant to achieve, they're falling short of it if Scheherazade is anything to go by. The megayacht is undergoing a refit on the owner's money, but while the Italian taxpayer is paying for its docking fees.A crew from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty set out to get closer to the vessel in a bid to get to the bottom of how all this was possible. But instead of clues or close-up footage of the megayacht, they got fire hoses and drone surveillance, as the crew onboard were clearly determined to keep all cameras away.At some point, the Italian Finance Police (which seized the vessel) and the local police were on site after receiving calls from the crew. Officers determined that the journalists had a right to film there and departed without making any arrests.As the journalists see it, this proves or, at the very least, strongly indicates that there's something fishy happening. No superyacht crew member would act this way if there wasn't. They cite Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) report from early 2022, saying that Scheherazade is crewed by officers from the FSO (Federal Protective Service, the Presidential security agency).If that's still the case, it would make sense for them to want to block anyone from getting too close to the megayacht to take pictures, just like it would explain the extra effort that went into covering every surface that would allow a look inside or at the work being done. Another huge win for the Californian eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) maker Joby, one of the most successful and acclaimed in the industry it secured the exclusive right to operate air taxis in Dubai for a limited period. As soon as next year, the lucky residents and visitors to Dubai will already start experiencing zero-emission flights aboard a futuristic eVTOL . A flight from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Palm Jumeirah, for instance, will only take ten minutes, compared to the 45 minutes it would take to cover the same route by car, plus the added benefit of zero emissions.This will only be the beginning of Joby's adventure in UAE. The Californian company has secured the exclusive right to operate electric air taxis in Dubai following a definitive agreement with the local Road and Transport Authority (RTA). Joby will retain this exclusivity for six years, which is huge because these will be the first years of commercial operations for any air taxi in Dubai, giving Joby a trailblazing role.Infrastructure expert Skyports is another key player in this large-scale project. It's the one who will design the first Dubai vertiports from scratch, build them, and then operate them. The initial phase focuses on four vertiports. Together with RTA and Joby, Skyports selected the launch locations for these initial vertiports at DXB, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Downtown, and Dubai Marina.Most eVTOL makers have secured orders for their aircraft from various operators across the world, but what makes this agreement unique is that Joby didn't partner with an aviation industry player but with the local authorities. This is a complex collaboration that implies significant support from Dubai's RTA, both financially and operationally. It will also enable Joby to expand its presence in the area. The eVTOL maker has already set up a local operational branch and is planning to add others. Plus, it announced that it will select most of its new operational team locally.This Dubai exclusivity is yet another major accomplishment for the eVTOL company, which has set multiple industry-firsts in the US. It's linked to the first electric aircraft chargers that will be installed in Southern California and to the first flights of an electric air taxi in New York City.This historic flight took place in November 2023, when the Joby aircraft took off from the Manhattan heliport. It was a glimpse into what folks in New York can expect starting next year when theyll have access to air taxi flights to and from airports, thanks to a collaboration between Joby and Delta.Going back to Dubai, the first air taxi operations are set to kick off as soon as next year and reach full commercial service by 2026. The 1957 Mercury models were more intriguing than ever, with the production numbers confirming that customers in the States loved the subtle refresh. The Monterey was still the king of the Mercury castle, with the two-door hardtop accounting for over 42,000 cars of the entire 1957 output. The Montclair two-door hardtop was next with 30,000 units, while the Turnpike Cruise was far behind with 7,200 vehicles.The convertible versions of all three models were significantly less common, with their production barely reaching 5,000, 4,200, and 1,200 units, respectively.The 1957 Montclair in these photos is a work-in-progress whose big ambition is a return to the road in tip-top shape. eBay seller Nevada Discount explains that the project was started by their father, though somebody else will have to finish it. The vehicle looks good, but the listing doesn't include many specifics. Your best option is to order a third-party inspection or check out the car yourselves, but the Montclair still seems to check most boxes for a great restoration candidate.With 55K original miles on the clock, it's one of the few Mercury examples with such a low mileage. The engine under the hood still runs, though the owner says they managed to get it up and running with a temporary electric pump. It'll require some work, but the car already has new brakes, a new gas tank, new fluids and spark plugs. It already wears new white wall tires.The interior will require some attention, too, but it looks clean and complete. I can't tell if the seats are ripped due to what looks like a blanket, but you'll find such problems in the rear. The door panels look good, and the chances are they're original.The engine in charge of propelling this Montclair is a 368 V8. The 1957 Mercury lineup was available with two mills. The 312 developed 255 horsepower, while the 368 produced 290 horsepower. Both were equipped with four-barrel carburetors, with Mercury using either the Carter AFB or the Holley 4150 for the 312. The 368 only came with the Carter WCFB. Customers who wanted more power for the 368 could order the M-335 package, which upgraded the output to 335 horsepower thanks to a dual-quad intake and a solid-lifter camshaft.The Montclair is currently sitting in Las Vegas, and the owner says it spent its entire life in California. You'll need a trailer to take it home, considering its current shape, but getting it ready for the road seems an easy mission. The selling price makes sense for a car this old and rare, especially considering the low miles on the clock. The owner wants $9,000 to let the car go, but the Make Offer button is also available if you have another deal in mind. kW kWh EV Marking a significant departure from the predecessors regarding styling, the latest Countryman is even larger than before, way sleeker in terms of design, even more minimalist, and also greener. Since September 2023, when it first came to light, MINI has been gradually rolling out the CUV in the most critical regions, including Europe, North America, and Australia.Speaking of the latter, the initial launch late last year included two gasoline-powered versions: Countryman C and S . The company also promised it would soon expand the product lineup, and now we know the calendar for the arrival of the following entries they are scheduled to hit dealerships during the third quarter of the year. Eager customers who don't mind waiting until then will have the option to buy two additional all-electric models plus the flagship version.MINI announced that it is sending to the Land Down Under the Countryman E, SE ALL4, plus the JCW Countryman ALL4. With the latest EVs, the BMW Group will have 20 all-electric model variants on sale in Australia to "cement the company's position in offering the largest selection of electric vehicles in the country." Of course, all of them will retain the "MINI charm" and the modern iconic cues introduced by the 'Charismatic Simplicity' design language.The larger dimensions will bring additional comfort inside the new technology suite, which includes the new 240-mm round OLED central touchscreen and features like the eight MINI Experience Modes or the Driving and Parking Assistant Plus, which should make life both fun and easier when on board. The Countryman E is the base option for all-electric adopters, featuring one electric motor with 150(201 hp) and a sprint time to 62 mph (100 kph) in 8.6 seconds plus a battery capacity of 63.8, enabling a range of up to 462 km (287 miles).Secondly, the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 steps up thegame with dual motors and all-wheel drive, plus 230 kW (308 hp) of combined power and a sprint time of 5.6 seconds while the range only drops to 432 km (268 miles) on a charge. The battery will recharge from zero to 80% in just 29 minutes when at high-speed DC stations. Last but not least, at the family's top sits the all-new JCW Countryman ALL4 with a turbo inline-four and 233 kW (312 hp). Pricing for the Countryman E starts at AUD64,990, which is more than $40k at the current exchange rate, followed by the Countryman SE ALL4 priced at AUD72,990 (over $47k) for the Classic trim, and the JCW Countryman ALL4, which is actually cheaper than the sporty EV, starting from AUD67,990 which is about $44k. Tesla opened the order book for the refreshed Model 3 in January, but the production doesn't appear to ramp as fast as necessary. Combined with an off-the-charts demand, this means not only that deliveries are pushed back but also that price hikes make the Model 3 Highland more expensive than the Model Y. EV AWD This is because of supply problems caused by the Model 3 production pause and slowdown at the Fremont factory due to the Highland upgrade. I wrote about this before. See #1 here: https://t.co/CPjqfmCwQP https://t.co/wiTBijno6x Troy Teslike (@TroyTeslike) February 14, 2024 Tesla fans and prospective buyers have eagerly awaited the launch of the refreshed Model 3 in North America. The redesigned, which arrived in Europe, Asia, and Oceania last September, brings many technological and comfort improvements over the outgoing model. From the beginning, it was clear that the demand for the new model was strong, overwhelming production capacity at Tesla's Fremont factory.As is often the case with new models, the initial production pace is not very high. Tesla needs time to fine-tune the production line for the new parts and manufacturing processes. However, many expected things to go much smoother with the Model 3 Highland . Tesla's Chinese gigafactory had no problem ramping up production, especially as the refreshed model is not much different from the one it replaced. However, Fremont is not Giga Shanghai, and things aren't going as fast as Tesla wanted.This has led to the delivery of the Model 3 RWD being pushed from January-February to February-March and the Model 3 Long Rangeto April-May. This makes me believe the latter is the most in-demand, with the Model 3 RWD base version much less compelling. This is further confirmed by Tesla's latest move, which was to raise the price of the AWD model by $500. Not that the Long Range variant was cheap to begin with. This is the second time Tesla hikes the Model 3 LR price after adding $1,000 on February 4.Now, the price seems to chase the potential buyers away. Indeed, at $47,490, the Model 3 LR is only $500 more expensive than the Model Y LR. However, Model Y qualifies for the $7,500 tax credit, which means you can get it at $40,490. And if you take delivery of a Model Y LR from Tesla's inventory, you can have it for $36,650 with the tax credit. That's almost $11K less than the Model 3 LR. Heck, you can even buy a Model Y Performance for $44,990, including the tax credit.One of the reasons why Tesla doesn't seem willing to sell you a Model 3 is because the production ramp at the Fremont factory is terrible. The situation is significantly better at Giga Shanghai. However, Chinese customers also complained about the Model 3's price being hard to justify compared to the Model Y. The fact that the Model 3 RWD doesn't seem to be affected by the price increase or delayed delivery indicates that people are not eager to get the 260-mile Model 3. I know what you think. If Android Auto works flawlessly on your device and never encountered a bug, you're the lucky one. Everybody else keeps struggling to get Android Auto to run correctly in their cars, and you can check out the comments section in this article to understand how challenging it sometimes is to get this app up and running.A new type of bug appeared in the Android Auto world in December and has since become more widespread, with users still struggling to figure out what happens.The application keeps restarting at random intervals after connecting the phone to the head unit. Users claim the issue happens with wired and wireless connections, explaining that the reboot issue was introduced by a recent Android Auto update.While I'm more tempted to believe the whole thing might come down to the head unit and the firmware running on it, Android Auto users claim everything worked correctly before installing a new app update through the Google Play Store. Since then, they've been struggling to keep the app running, as it keeps rebooting in the middle of the drive.Others claim Android Auto restarts every time they connect the phone to the media receiver, so they can't even keep the app running for a minute.The generic workarounds don't make a difference, as people who hit the glitch tried everything from clearing the data to reinstalling Android Auto and changing cables in the case of wired connections.Most people claim the issue happens on Samsung phones, but I've also seen Pixel and Motorola owners reporting the same behavior. The bug certainly isn't exclusive to Samsung phones.Someone on Google's forums claims the update to Android Auto 11.2 resolved the problem, though I'm still waiting for confirmation. The most recent Android Auto version is 11.3, though the rollout started recently, with the process happening in stages. You can still sideload the APK on your smartphone if you encounter the glitch and you believe that the update could help improve the experience.Google has already asked for more information, promising to begin an investigation to determine what happens, but it's too early to tell when a fix could go live. Users are all alone in their struggle to understand why Android Auto keeps rebooting, but the first thing I'd try is a downgrade to a previous build. If a new Android Auto update causes the problem, downgrading everything, including Android Auto and a Google app, is an effective way to tell if the new version is the culprit.Make sure you drop us a line in the box after the jump if you hit the same glitch and found a fix. AMG Photo: Mercedes kW Dubbed theGreen Hell Magno, it is one of the highlights of the mega hatch in the new limited edition configuration. The regular Mercedes-AMG A 45 S already stands out in a sea of cars due to its striking design, and with the black racing stripes, yellow accents, unique trim on the lower parts of the doors, and 45s decals decorating the front ones, the new special edition is undoubtedly flashier.This model's wheels feature a bi-tone finish with matte black and yellow. They have a seven double-spoke design measuring 19 inches in diameter and are reserved for this model. The brake calipers sport a glossy black look with white AMG logos . The exclusive fuel filler cap with an AMG logo and light projector are other highlights of the car, which can be equipped with the AMG Night Package, AMG Night Package II, and AMG Aerodynamics Package for an even more striking presence.Did you think the Affalterbach brand drew the line at the exterior? It hasn't, as the cockpit boasts a few unique touches of its own. Here, users will find the Artico artificial leather and Microcut microfiber upholstery. Yellow decorative stitching bedecks the instrument panel, door cards, and seats, and the front headrests have '45 S' embossing. The steering wheel is equally colorful, and the hot hatch has special AMG door sills. Last but not least, the AMG floor mats with '45 S' lettering complete the package.Under the hood, the new special edition version of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 S 4Matic+ retains the same 2.0-liter four-pot powering the rest of the range. The turbocharged mill produces an impressive 415 hp (421 ps/210) and 369 pound-foot (500 Nm) of torque. The spec sheet reveals 3.9 seconds needed to push to 62 mph (100 kph) from zero and a 168 mph (270 kph) top speed.The 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system is on deck with AMG Torque Control to improve the driving experience. It has two electronically-controlled multi-plate clutches on the rear axle, each connected to the driveshaft. The force can be equally distributed between the front and rear axles and selectively between the right and left rear wheels.Mercedes says the new A 45 S Limited Edition hot hatch is up for grabs in selected European countries. The pricing varies depending on the market and will remain on sale until the end of the year. The Model T became the vehicle of choice for many fire departments and hospitals back in the day. But aftermarket conversions didn't stop there. Henry's creation also served as a railcar and even as a tractor. Yup, Americans used the Model T on their fields long before the iconic Fordson tractor went into production in 1917.The Model T you see here also looks like a tractor but wasn't designed to plow fields. This contraption was created to conquer snow-covered roads. It has two rear axles with caterpillar tracks and skis up front. It's a somewhat unexpected conversion, but it's a decidedly cool take on the iconic automobile.This one was spotted at the National Snowmobile Show in Old Forge, New York, and it appears to be a fully restored rig. And while it may look like a vehicle that was put together in a backyard, it's a rig manufactured with Ford's approval. Yup, these conversion kits were available in dealerships back in the 1920s.Designed at a time when snowplows weren't common, and winter car travel was very difficult, the Model T snowmobile conversion kit was created by Virgil White, an inventor and Ford dealer in West Ossipee, New Hampshire. He patented the kit in 1913 and put it on the market in 1922. Henry Ford liked the idea and allowed White to sell the conversion kit through Ford dealers.The kit cost more than the Model T itself and enabled the vehicle to travel through 30 inches (0.76 meters) of snow at an average speed of 18 mph (29 kph). With the skis removed and the front wheels in place, the dual-axle Model T could also handle muddy terrain and sand. The kit became popular with doctors, mail carriers, and grocers.White sold snowmobile kits until 1925, when he sold the rights to his invention to Farm Specialty Manufacturing Company. The latter increased production to more than 3,000 units per year and offered conversion kits through 1929, two years after Model T production ended, to make way for the more modern Ford Model A Come 2024, these snowmobile conversions are quite rare. There's no specific info on how many of them survived to this day, but they rarely pop up on public display. And needless to say, they're not exactly famous outside the Model T Snowmobile Club.Based on its hood design, this snowmobile is based on the fourth-generation Model T, produced from 1923 to 1925 . Unfortunately, the footage doesn't show the car driving, but this snow-ready vehicle is still a sight to behold. 14 February 2024 16:00 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Those who want to hinder the peace agenda in the South Caucasus use the world media to vilify Azerbaijan. Despite a short lull with regard to Armenia's borders with Azerbaijan, propaganda and hatred towards the latter still reign in the information field. Due in large part to the diligent efforts of the Armenian lobby and their "friends", the nature of public perception of information, which is largely disinformation, influences the perception of the South Caucasus and the peace agenda as a whole. According to Azerbaijani political expert Anar Hasanov in his comments to AZERNEWS, Armenia is now waging an information and psychological war with Azerbaijan through mirror-image propaganda, where Yerevan wants to find support in the information field. "Considering that all global information networks are mostly in the west, with the exception of a few, the world agenda is set and transmitted by the western media. You see, Armenia insists on everything. In the negotiation process, they always emphasise the role of Western international NGOs or Western structures that can mediate in the negotiation process. Even in such an issue as mass graves, Armenia emphasises the role of the international community. Revanchist forces in both Armenia itself and allied France are working hard to intervene or allow the intrusion of a third force into the region. Recently, a mass grave was discovered during excavations and searches by an Azerbaijani team for missing Azerbaijanis near the Asgaran fortress in the Khojaly region. Armenian media publicised this event with the involvement of international persons to conduct an alleged examination as if in the 1990s there were Azerbaijanis who expelled thousands of civilians from their home towns in Garabagh. The political analyst said that such an approach is echoed in the West, and against this background, all the actions of Azerbaijan are assessed as not constructive. At the same time, the Western side thinks that Azerbaijan sincerely wants its involvement in the issue. But the truth is that Azerbaijan completely rejects the double standards of the West and does not want its participation in such matters. "You see, Armenia understand that they have an advantage in this, and such a background is created that "we (Armenians) are for the internationalisation of all topics of this conflict, and Azerbaijan wants to unilaterally, by force, make accusations, tendentious subjectively accuse Armenia of everything. In other words, we (Armenians) are ready to admit our mistake, but this requires the international community," the expert added. Anar Hasanov said that Armenia continues its policy of internationalisation of the conflict and that even before the war, the Armenian authorities wanted the CSTO and European countries to intervene in the war. "In any process, they want there to be so-called international guarantors, but we were disappointed in these guarantors, and the result was the "Iron Fist" operation. Because international guarantors are just a conductor's approach. International guarantors will never name the aggressor as the aggressor and the victim as the victim. Therefore, for us, it has neither importance nor value to involve international structures on these issues. Based on this, Armenia is still winning on the European information platform," the political scientist emphasised. In conclusion, the expert added that Azerbaijan is not afraid of Western pressure and realises that Western media can build up anti-Azerbaijani sentiments where mainly its executive power is not ready, cannot, and does not want to harm Azerbaijan. "It is enough to look at the recent story with the resolution of the Senate of the Francophonie countries. It is one thing for deliberative bodies and mass media to conduct deliberative campaigns, and another thing for executive bodies to realise the value of Azerbaijan and its importance. In this case, Azerbaijan has started to be tolerant of all such accusations and therefore completely ignores the desire of Armenians regarding international monitoring, and obviously, there will be no need for it. There are ambassadors from these countries in Azerbaijan who can come and see what Armenians have done. If the international organisations are so "fair," why haven't the ambassadors of France and America been to Khankandi yet? Why doesn't the French ambassador want to go to Shusha, to Khankandi? What prevents them?" the expert added. --- Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33 Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Press Release February 14, 2024 Co-Sponsorship Speech of Senator Mark Villar on the PNP Forensic DNA Database Act Mr. President and my esteemed colleagues, our honored guests, ladies and gentlemen, a pleasant afternoon to all of you. Mr. President, it is my honor to co-sponsor the PNP Forensic DNA Database Act that is sponsored by our esteemed colleague, the gentleman from Davao, Senator Bato Dela Rosa. Mr. President, DNA analysis, particularly DNA fingerprinting, has been a revolutionary tool in forensic science since it was first used in 1986 for a rape-murder case of two girls. The first use of the test proved that the suspect did not commit the accused crimes. This proves the capacity of DNA analysis to shed light to the truth of crimes, especially since the following year saw the first conviction on the basis of DNA evidence. In 1987, Tommy Lee Andrews was convicted in a rape case wherein his DNA profile was matched with those found from the victim. Since the first use of DNA analysis in forensic science to convict criminals, it has been of great help to our policemen in investigating crimes of similar or even greater magnitude. The development of forensic DNA technology in the country has helped improve the Philippine criminal justice system. It has played a crucial role in identity testing in criminal cases to identify assailants. However, a 2021 study has concluded that while DNA testing of biological samples from sexual assault victims increases the possibility of generating conclusive results, the lack of an integrated system limits a more intensive evaluation of data. Mr. President, this presents a concern to all of us, especially that rape cases, which the PNP claimed to have been the most persisting crimes recently, recorded 9,503 incidence in 2020 in which 7000 were committed against children. While there is a decrease of the cases reported in 2021 with 8,460 cases wherein 6000 are against children, these numbers are still high Mr. President. As such, we should complement the efforts of our uniformed personnel in combating these crimes which is why I appeal for your support for the PNP Forensic DNA Database Act. The PNP Forensic DNA Database Act seeks to address the recurring problems in the administration of justice and law enforcement by providing transparent, fair and data-driven use of forensic science through the establishment of the Philippine National Forensic DNA Databank. This Forensic DNA Databank shall have different DNA profile samples that can be utilized in different lawful purposes. This centralized data bank will aid in the proper way of securing DNA evidence, preserving its integrity and admissibility as evidence in any criminal or civil actions. The creation of the Forensic DNA Data Bank shall revolutionize the manner of collecting evidence by various law enforcement agencies, particularly the PNP, in pursuing its mandate to promote general welfare and delivery of justice. With this data bank, it will be more efficient for our law enforcement agencies to conduct DNA analysis in aid of criminal investigations. Mr. President, for more than two decades since DNA technology has been used in the country for criminal investigations, we've only had three government institutions that house laboratories conducting DNA tests in aid of criminal investigations-- the crime laboratories of the PNP, that of the NBI, and the University of the Philippines DNA Analysis Laboratory. My dear colleagues, it is high time that we create a national system for routine sample collection, processing, and analysis of evidence. The concerning number of various crimes in the country needs to be met with institutional efforts to combat them, or at least minimize the inefficiency of crime investigations. As such, I would like to thank our dear colleague from Davao, Senator Bato Dela Rosa, for pioneering this effort to have a centralized DNA Databank. I would also like to thank our colleague who co-authored the bill, the gentleman from Cavite, Senator Bong Revilla. I then ask for the support of this august chamber as we move forward with the use of DNA technology in severing inequity in justice and law enforcement. Thank you very much. Arab Financial Services (AFS) has partnered with Xpence to revolutionise financial management for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Bahrain. The partnership was inked at the Fintech Revolution Summit in Bahrain on February 14, 2024, and underscores a shared commitment to providing SMEs in Bahrain with advanced, secure, and innovative financial solutions. Xpence and AFS's collaboration introduces a pioneering approach to SME financial management in Bahrain, combining Xpence's acclaimed spend management solutions with AFS's robust digital payment infrastructure. Unparalleled financial control This alliance is poised to deliver unparalleled financial control and efficiency to Bahrain's burgeoning SME sector, driving innovation and growth within the regional economy. SMEs in Bahrain can now access a suite of financial tools designed to enhance their operational efficiency, from seamless spend management to integrated Visa card solutions, all underpinned by the security and reliability of AFS's payment network. The partnership uniquely positions Xpence to tailor its offerings to the specific needs of Bahraini SMEs, integrating AFS's superior payment processing prowess. By leveraging AFS's established presence and expertise, this strategic alliance also signifies Xpence's commitment to expanding its footprint in the GCC, with Bahrain serving as a key market. Accelerating the process Participation in the Visa Fintech Fast Track programme accelerates the process of integrating with Visa, allowing Xpence to more easily leverage the reach, capabilities and security that Visa offers. The collaboration aligns with Bahrain's economic vision. By introducing cutting-edge financial technologies to the SME sector, AFS and Xpence are not only enhancing business operations but also contributing to the economic diversification and digital transformation of Bahrain. Inclusive payment ecosystems Mohammed Ajmal Basheer, Head of Processing at AFS, said: "This partnership underscores our commitment to building inclusive payment ecosystems for SMEs. We are excited to work with Xpence to develop and power digital payment tools that cater to their specific needs, supporting their digital transformation journey." Hussein Al Herz, Co-Founder of Xpence, said: "Joining forces with AFS marks a significant milestone in our mission to revolutionise SME financial management in the GCC. This partnership is a testament to our shared vision of empowering businesses with innovative financial solutions that drive growth and efficiency."--TradeArabia News Service 14 February 2024 16:36 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more In 2023, pharmaceutical products worth 420 thousand 130 US dollars were exported from Greece to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 14 February 2024 17:18 (UTC+04:00) Ulviyya Shahin Read more Turkmenistan and Iran discussed the development of transport links between the countries of the region, including those passing through Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The Turkmen delegation participated in the Iranian Maritime Economy forum (Turkmendenizderyayollary), during which issues of developing international trade and transport links between the countries of the region were discussed, according to the website of the Maritime and River Transport Agency of Turkmenistan. Alongside transport companies, government agencies, and business groups from Iran, they discussed key issues: developing international trade and strengthening transport links between regional countries along the North-South and West-East corridors. Three key transport corridors were highlighted: Europe Russia Azerbaijan Iran India, Russia Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Iran India, Russia Iran India Meetings with representatives of the Port and Maritime Organization of Iran were held on the sidelines of the forum. The Turkmen delegation briefed the Iranian colleagues about the port system, the national merchant fleet, and opportunities in the field of shipbuilding. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 17:37 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more In January 2024, AZN 227.1 mln of motor gasoline and diesel fuel was sold to consumers in the retail trade network in Azerbaijan, it is 10.6% more than in the same period last year, Azernews reports. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 14 February 2024 10:34 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Azerbaijan's Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva commented on Armenia's next armed provocation, Azernews reports. In a statement, the Ombudsman said: "Carrying out a policy of hatred and ethnic cleansing, flouting the norms and principles of international law, the leadership of Armenia, which has kept the territories of Azerbaijan under occupation for almost 30 years, expelled more than one million Azerbaijanis from their homeland, caused the disappearance of almost 4,000 Azerbaijanis, and committed mine terror in our territories, does not give up its insidious policy. Thus, on February 12, Armenian armed forces once again violated the ceasefire regime by opening fire on the positions of the Azerbaijani army in the direction of Kokhanabi settlement of Tovuz region, as well as the positions of the Border Troops of the State Border Guard Service (SBS) in the territory of the village of Kollugishlag in Zangilan region. As a result of the shelling, a serviceman of the SBS was wounded. At a time when new opportunities for the peacemaking process are emerging in the region, the leadership of Armenia should stop such provocative actions that escalate tensions and take real steps towards the establishment of peace. I believe that international organisations should not ignore the war crimes committed by Armenia and should, in the name of establishing peace in the region, make a serious appeal to this country to stop armed provocations that endanger peace negotiations and the lives and health of servicemen". --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 10:20 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The Western Azerbaijan Community made a statement on the unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan voiced by J. Borrell on February 13 during a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Azernews reports. A statement from the Western Azerbaijan Community said: Joseph Borrel, the European Union (EU) High Representative for International Relations and Security Policy, is trying to create tension in the prospects for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia by showing open bias. It was noted that in his statement after the EU-Armenia Partnership Council meeting on February 13, the high representative, following his tradition, expressed a number of anti-Azerbaijani opinions: "Joseph Borrel ignored the fact that the Armenian army wounded an Azerbaijani border guard on February 12, after a long period of calm in the border zone, and tried to question the steps taken by the Azerbaijani side in accordance with the right to self-defense. . . . The strange proposal of the EU representative to withdraw troops from the border region is primarily directed against the sovereignty of Azerbaijan and is aimed at putting the occupying Armenian army in a favourable position for its next attacks on Azerbaijan. If the Armenian army does not wish to confront the Azerbaijani army standing firmly on its soil, it is free to retreat deep into Armenia. The EU has behaved disingenuously and unconstructively concerning its mission in Armenia. The European Union has grossly violated its promises to the Azerbaijani side regarding the mission's tasks, size, and scope. The mission is actually engaged in creating military and intelligence cover for the Armenian side, as well as pressure and provocations against Azerbaijan in the border zone. Despite the fact that among its tasks it is enlisted to solve the issue of the impact of the past conflict on the population of the border regions, the mission does not deal with the rights of Azerbaijani refugees expelled from the border regions of Armenia, and is engaged in turning a blind eye to the brutal destruction of their homes, cemeteries, and cultural heritage by Armenia. In conclusion, the EU representative allowed separate elections on religious and ethnic grounds for people affected by the conflict. Thus, Joseph Borrell called Armenians who voluntarily moved from the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan last year at the instigation of Armenia "refugees" and spoke about humanitarian care for them, but did not say a word about the more than 300 thousand Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia. The Western Azerbaijan Community believes that the EU representative is trying to create tension and complicate the prospects for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia by showing such open bias. The community calls on the EU institutions to refrain from these actions, not to hinder the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, to put an end to the provocative behaviour of the EU mission in Armenia against Azerbaijan, and to support the right of return of Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia. ." --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 12:18 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Missing Persons, and Hostages informs that after the anti-terrorist operation conducted on September 19-20 last year, Azerbaijan found and handed over to Armenia the bodies of 173 people, Azernews reports, citing the Commission. It was noted that the State Commission positively perceived the press statement about the readiness of the Armenian structure of the same name to cooperate in the field of determining the fate of persons missing in action and, as always, considers it expedient to join efforts in this direction. It was noted that Azerbaijan, guided by the norms of international humanitarian law and relevant provisions of the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020, with the close participation of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), created comprehensive conditions for the Armenian side to carry out search operations in the territories where military operations are conducted, and as a result of the 44-day war, 1713 people died and 157 others died after the military conflict on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conventional border on September 1214, 2022. According to information, during the First Garabagh War, 3,890 Azerbaijani citizens were registered with the State Commission as missing, and as of January 1 of this year, the remains of only 25 of them have been identified. The fate of 54 Azerbaijanis missing in action in the First Garabagh War has greatly concerned Azerbaijani society over the past period. Thus, according to the data received in 1998-2001, 54 Azerbaijani citizens taken prisoners and hostages during the First Garabagh War were visited by the ICRC in places of detention in Armenia and in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, and they were officially registered with the organisation. However, the bodies of 17 of them were subsequently taken to Azerbaijan, the further fate of 4 people could not be established, and 33 people were declared dead in places of detention, but their bodies were not returned. "At the same time, the State Commission considers it necessary to involve field commanders and other authorised persons, who have sufficient information about the places of mass graves and who led Armenia's military operations before 1994, in the process of searching for the burial places of the missing compatriots. As a state commission, we reiterate our readiness to cooperate with the relevant structures of the Republic of Armenia in the field of ensuring the search for missing persons on both sides, observing the principles of accuracy, transparency in an atmosphere of mutual trust," the statement reads. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 13:57 (UTC+04:00) The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan welcomes the news statement of the same-named institution of the Republic of Armenia regarding its readiness for cooperation in determining the fate of missing persons in military operations and, as always, considers it acceptable to combine efforts in this direction, the Commission said in its statement, Azernews reports. The State Commission emphasized that the Republic of Azerbaijan, adhering to the norms of international humanitarian law and the relevant provisions of the trilateral Statement signed on November 10, 2020, with close involvement of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has created favorable conditions for the Armenian side to conduct search operations in areas where military operations were conducted, and as a result, 1713 bodies were discovered and handed over to Armenia following the 44-day war, 157 bodies after the military conflict on the Armenia-Azerbaijan conventional border on September 12-14, 2022, and 173 corpses following the anti-terrorism operation on September 19-20, 2023. In the First Garabagh War, 3890 Azerbaijani citizens were registered with the State Commission as missing persons, and as of January 1, 2024, based on available information, only the remains of 25 individuals have been identified. Azerbaijani society was increasingly concerned about the fate of 54 Azerbaijanis who went missing during the First Garabagh War. The information gathered between 1998 and 2001 suggests that the ICRC visited and officially registered the 54 Azerbaijani citizens who were taken prisoner and held at detention centres in the Republic of Armenia and temporarily occupied lands of the Republic of Azerbaijan. While the bodies of 17 individuals were repatriated to Azerbaijan, the fate of 4 individuals remains unclear, and despite reports indicating the deaths of 33 individuals in captivity, their remains have yet to be returned. The State Commission deems it necessary to involve individuals who served as field commanders from the Armenian side until 1994 and other authorised persons in the search process for the burial sites of our missing compatriots, as they may have knowledge of the locations of mass gravesites. As the State Commission, we reiterate our readiness to cooperate with relevant structures in the Republic of Armenia to ensure clarity, transparency, and mutual trust in the search for missing persons from both sides, the statement said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 20:44 (UTC+04:00) Fatime Letifova Read more There certainly should be Western pressure on Yerevan for a truth commission to investigate these tragic events," Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, said in his comment to Azernews about the bodies of missing Azerbaijani citizens killed by Armenia back in the First Garabagh War. . It is worth noting that after the 44-day Patriotic War, the Azerbaijan Republic created favourable conditions for the Armenian side to conduct search operations in areas where military operations were conducted, adhering to the norms of international humanitarian law and the relevant provisions of the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020. The expert said that relatives of missing persons from the First Garabagh War deserve to receive information about the fate of their loved ones. This type of process is usually part of conflict resolution. It is an indication that conflict is over and there is an intention of peace and reconciliation. There certainly should be Western pressure on Yerevan for a truth commission to investigate these tragic events. This is a vital part of the healing process between people and needs to get greater priority," Walsh said. The expert also condemned Armenia's failure to provide Azerbaijan with mine maps and information about missing ones in Garabagh. He called this step of Armenia inadequate and a serious obstacle to the peace process. "Of course, this kind of behaviour is not correct. It ensures that suspicion and bitterness are prolonged, bringing unnecessary suffering to those who have lost family members and cannot get some small measure of closure. I would say this is not just a case of international law but of essential confidence-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Terrible things happen in war, but it is important to admit things that are unpalatable and even damaging to the greater cause of peace and reconciliation. This will not bring the dead back or right the wrongs of the past, but it will begin a process of justice that is essential for healing. Until this begins, lasting peace is very difficult, and more people will die in vain. The war is over, but the important thing is to prevent any resumption of hostilities by creating full conditions of peace and justice. It is worth noting that Armenia has recently submitted 8 new maps to Azerbaijan regarding minefields in the territories liberated from occupation. However, the data presented by Yerevan is inaccurate, unreliable, and incomplete, according to the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA). After analysing and processing the forms, it was determined that the recorded data does not agree with the actual minefields and that the coordinates of the reference points are incorrect and useless. According to the Irish expert, the inaccuracy of the maps means that Armenia wants to obstruct the process of construction works in Garabagh as well as delay the relocation of people there. Accurate maps have been available since Armenia invaded Garabagh thirty years ago. "Not providing such maps leads to the conclusion that Armenia is attempting to obstruct the repeopling of those areas as a matter of spite. Again, that kind of behaviour is simply not conducive to peacebuilding and reconciliation. Nevertheless, the mine issue is another running sore in the conflict, which maintains conditions that can regenerate conflict. Unfortunately, mines do not know that the war is over, and they continue to increase the number of victims, and innocent victims at that. Accurate mine maps should exist since the mining process was carried out over 3 decades, not in the hurry of war," he added. Recall that in the First Garabagh War, during the Armenian occupation, 3890 Azerbaijani citizens were registered with the State Commission as missing persons, and as of January 1, 2024, only the remains of 25 individuals have been identified, based on available information. Azerbaijani society was increasingly concerned about the fate of 54 Azerbaijanis who went missing during the First Garabagh War. According to the information gathered between 1998 and 2001, the ICRC visited and officially registered the 54 Azerbaijani citizens who were taken prisoner and held at detention centres in Armenia and Azerbaijans temporarily occupied lands. While the bodies of 17 individuals were repatriated to Azerbaijan, the fate of 4 individuals remains unclear, and despite reports indicating the deaths of 33 individuals in captivity, their remains have yet to be returned. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 February 2024 17:21 (UTC+04:00) Andrzej Duda, the President of the Poland Republic, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on his landslide victory in the election, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President, I extend my sincere congratulations on your re-election as the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and wish you success in fulfilling this honorable and responsible mission. I am confident that the longstanding friendship and fruitful cooperation between Poland and Azerbaijan will continue to develop dynamically, bringing tangible benefits to both our countries and peoples. I am also convinced that through the continuation of intensive political dialogue between our countries and the implementation of joint projects and commitments, especially in the economic field, bilateral relations will continue to grow steadily. I hope that Azerbaijan's relations with the European Union will deepen further within the framework of the new cooperation agreement, yielding tangible benefits in bilateral cooperation. Mr. President, I wish that during your next term in office, you will implement all the programs you have planned for the overall development of Azerbaijan and the enhancement of the country's authority in the international arena. Furthermore, I reaffirm my invitation for you to pay an official visit to Poland at a time convenient for you. Mr. President, I wish you robust health and great achievements in your endeavors for the strengthening of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the prosperity of all its citizens. Respectfully, Andrzej Duda President of the Republic of Poland" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 13 February 2024 20:11 (UTC+04:00) Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Security Council, has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Azerbaijan Republic, Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Ilham Heydarovich. I sincerely congratulate you on your landslide victory in the early presidential election in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The results of the voting is a clear evidence of the recognition of your services to Azerbaijan and the unequivocal support for the course you pursue to increase the welfare of the population and enhance the international reputation of the country. Your personal contribution to the improvement of great cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan can hardly be overestimated. I am sure that the comprehensive expansion of allied interaction meets the interests of our peoples and help strengthen the security in the South Caucasus and Caspian region. Dear Ilham Heydarovich, I wish you new success, as well as prosperity and progress to the Azerbaijani people. Best regards, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Saudi Arabia and Greece have reached an agreement to conduct a feasibility study on a cross-border electricity interconnection project, which is aimed at boosting the energy corridors between the Middle East and Europe and thus contributing to the energy transition of the wider region. Fo this purpose, a special purpose company, Saudi Greek Interconnection, is being set up by Saudi National Grid and the Greek IPTO which will each hold a 50% stake in the venture. The Greece-Saudi Arabia cross border electricity interconnection is a very important project for Europe that can accelerate the Continents energy transition and provide access to new sources of clean energy, said Manos Manousakis, the Chairman and CEO of Greek IPTO after signing the deal with Waleed Al Saadi, the CEO of National Grid at a special event held at the Operators headquarters in Athens. "With the agreement we have signed with National Grid, the Saudi Greek Interconnection comes into being. This cross border interconnection will further strengthen the energy corridors between the Middle East and Europe, in which IPTO has an active role, contributing to the energy transition of the wider region. Given the value of the Saudi Greek Interconnection for Asia and Europes energy objectives, we aim to rapidly mature the interconnection and promote it as a Project of Common Interest for the EU, he added. The partnership between IPTO and National Grid, overseen by the Ministry of Energy and Environment of Greece and the Ministry of Energy of Saudi Arabia, reflects the strategic cooperation between Greece and Saudi Arabia in the energy sector, which was agreed at the highest level in the summer of 2022, during the visit to Greece by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia. In the framework of this cooperation, the two electricity national transmission grid operators had signed the shareholders agreement in September last year in Athens. According to industry experts, the technical teams of both IPTO and National Grid have already started working on the maturation of the electrical interconnection and its design parameters, beginning with the assessment and analysis of the feasibility and commercial viability of the project. Manousakis said the Greece-Saudi Arabia electricity interconnection is a key project that epitomizes the strategic cooperation between the two countries in the energy field. The Saudi Greek electricity Interconnection which will interconnect for the first time the kingdom with the European continent, is the beginning of a new era that will strengthen the kingdom and European interconnection and move towards energy transition and utilization of Renewable Resources. The two countries stressed the importance of strategic cooperation between them in a number of issues of common interest in the field of energy, including the generation of electricity using renewable energy, the establishment of the power grid, and the export of electricity produced using renewable energy to Greece, and to Europe via Greece. This project will enable the more effective use of renewable energy, access to sustainable electricity generation and improved security of electricity supplies. It will benefit the socio economy of both countries, he added.-TradeArabia News Service 13 February 2024 17:02 (UTC+04:00) Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait State, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on his landslide victory in the election, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President, I cordially congratulate you on your re-election as President of the friendly Republic of Azerbaijan. I take this opportunity to express our satisfaction with the close ties that unite our friendly countries. Once again, I emphasize our determination to develop and cement these ties in the common interests of our nations. Your Excellency, I wish you good health and success, and to the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people - sustainable development and progress. Please accept the assurance of my highest consideration. Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah Emir of the State of Kuwait" --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 12:37 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kenya Sultan Hajiyev has met with Kenya's Prosecutor General Renson Mulele Ingonga, Azernews reports. The Prosecutor General praised the opening of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kenya last year and wished the diplomat success in his work. Noting that he is aware of successful directions for Azerbaijan's development, the Prosecutor General noted that cooperation on mutual legal assistance, exchange of experience in the fight against corruption and terrorism, and involvement of prosecutors in joint trainings can be beneficial for both sides. S. Hajiyev, for his part, drew attention to the fact that the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries this year creates fertile ground for further strengthening of dynamically developing relations. He gave information about the history of Azerbaijan's statehood, its achievements in the period of independence, and the restoration of territorial integrity as a result of the victory in 2020. He noted that large-scale rehabilitation, reconstruction, and demining works were carried out in Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period. The Ambassador also reported on the successful holding and results of the extraordinary presidential elections in Azerbaijan. It was reported that Azerbaijan will host COP29 in 2024 and WUF13 in 2026. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 14:40 (UTC+04:00) Fatime Letifova Read more Puravangara Unnikrishnan, the editor of the Bahrain Kingdom newspaper "The Daily Tribune News of Bahrain", delivered an extensive article, published in English, on the snap presidential elections held in the Azerbaijan Republic on February 7, Azernews reports. The author, as a journalist, observed the voting process in the extraordinary presidential elections in the liberated Garabagh region, emphasised the voters' active participation and transparent environment creation, and spoke about the importance of youth activity in this event. The editor emphasised that he saw Armenian vandalism traces in the liberated Azerbaijani territories after the 44-day Patriotic War, the landmine threat continues in those lands, and the Armenian brutality against historical monuments and graves is at an unimaginable level. He noted that it takes many years to clean up mine-contaminated areas and make them suitable for life. Stating that for the first time in the history of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev won the presidential elections, covering the entire territory of the country, the author added that other candidates for the presidency were happy to recognise the results of the voting. In the article, it was stated that the election process was welcomed by international observers, as well as that the voting took place in a transparent, fair, and broad public interest environment. The journalist drew attention to the fact that for journalists invited from different countries, all conditions have been created to cover the elections in the media. They were allowed to freely enter the polling stations, observe the voting process, and communicate with the voters. The editor noted that the voters supported President Ilham Aliyev, who protected the pride of his people as a result of the Victory in the Garabagh war, with high spirits. At the same time, the article mentioned the reconstruction work carried out in the liberated territories after the war. The full text of the article can be found at the link below: https://www.newsofbahrain.com/world/96831.html --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 15:21 (UTC+04:00) Abbas Ganbay Read more In the article "Freedom for Extremism or Freedom from Extremism? Critical Problems with the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom", published by the Jewish Journal, says that Azerbaijan is characterised as an oasis of tolerance, Azernews reports. "Azerbaijan's inclusion on the U.S. State Department's so-called "special watch list" on religious freedom based on a report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) was perplexing. Since Azerbaijan is a secular republic where the majority of the population is Muslim and which has also been home to Jewish and Christian communities since ancient times." The publication notes that the world's leading media often characterize Azerbaijan as an "oasis of tolerance", stressing that one of the components of this achievement is the fact that official Baku "does not allow extremism to penetrate and operate in the country". The author also notes that one of USCIRF's top staffers is Danielle Ashbakhian, formerly the communications director of the Armenian Assembly of America, one of the two main Armenian lobbying groups in the U.S. known for its anti-Azerbaijani campaigns. "The question we should be asking USCIRF is what in the world should countries like Azerbaijan be doing differently? And why does the U.S. favour peaceful democratic countries to begrudgingly tolerate the infiltration of foreign extremists?", the author of the article wondered. ---- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 17:24 (UTC+04:00) Fatime Letifova Read more The influential Mexican English-language newspaper Pulse News Mexico has published an article headlined Azerbaijan: A public lesson in democratic practices by editor-in-chief Therese Margolis, who visited Azerbaijan to observe the snap presidential election held on February 7, Azernews reports. The author mentioned that on Wednesday, Feb. 7, the Caucasian nation of Azerbaijan held an early presidential election and incumbent President Ilham Aliyev won reelection. Noting that the electoral process was carried out openly and transparently, the author said: Azerbaijanis living abroad were also allowed to vote through 49 polling stations in 47 countries. There were more than 790 official international observers from 72 countries and international institutions, and 90,372 Azerbaijani observers, including representatives of 83 NGOs and national and international human rights watchdog groups. Under the strategic economic programs set up by Ilham Aliyev, and his predecessor and father Heydar Aliyev, the country has now become a regional economic powerhouse. Citing Farid Shafiyev, chairman of the independent think tank Center of Analysis of International Relations, the article noted: Yes, this election was first of all about jurisdiction. It was about the historical fact that we were going to have elections over the whole territory. And it also symbolically marked the end of the conflict with Armenia. But Shafiyev said that the elections were also intended to reaffirm the political stability of Azerbaijan given the current complex geopolitical situation around the south Caucasus area, the author underlined. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 18:09 (UTC+04:00) Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur will be a new pillar of our economic development, President Ilham Aliyev said in his swearing-in ceremony on February 14, Azernews reports. In those regions, projects related to agriculture, renewable energy, and tourism will provide great support to the non-oil sector, the head of state pointed out. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 14:19 (UTC+04:00) Fatime Letifova Read more The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) will support the "TK-Oil" oil refinery start-up built in the Dangara Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) territory in Khatlon province and the provision of raw materials, Azernews reports, citing the statement of Zavki Zavkizoda, Tajikistan's Economic Development and Trade Minister. Access to paid information is limited Find the plan that suits you best. 14 February 2024 18:13 (UTC+04:00) North Korea has launched several cruise missiles from its east coast into the Sea of Japan. According to Yonhap news agency with reference to the Committee of Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea, rocket launch took place at about 09:00 (04:00 Baku time). Their number is not specified, Azernews reports. The South Korean side noted that it has increased vigilance and is monitoring Pyongyang's actions within the framework of cooperation with the United States. The agency added that this is the fifth launch of a cruise missile by North Korea since the beginning of the year. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 19:11 (UTC+04:00) Since Wednesday, Indonesian authorities have imposed a fee of 150 thousand Indonesian rupees (about $10) for foreign tourists who visit Bali, Azernews reports, citing TASS. Similar requirements apply to trips to the small islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, neighboring Bali. Tourists arriving from other parts of Indonesia by domestic flights or ferry must also pay the tax. The fee affects all age categories of entrants, including children. An exception is made for several categories of visas. Among them are diplomatic ones, for representatives of official delegations, for crew members, for holders of temporary or permanent residence permits. In addition, the fee does not need to be paid to those who enter Bali on family reunification visas, "gold" visas, student and business visas. At the same time, before traveling to Bali, all listed categories of people must submit an online application for tax exemption in advance. Indonesian citizens and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which, in addition to Indonesia, includes Brunei, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, are also exempt from paying the fee. Taking into account the number of tourists arriving in Bali, the authorities will receive about $ 180 thousand daily. About 11 million foreign tourists visited Bali in 2023, exceeding the initial target by 2.5 million. In 2024, the authorities predict a further increase in the tourist flow to 14 million people. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 14 February 2024 22:30 (UTC+04:00) President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during talks with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stated that Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Qatar for 60 non-primary commodity items totaling $ 250 million, Azernews reports. "In the near future, Qatar will become one of the ten largest investors in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Qatar for 60 non-primary commodity items totaling $ 250 million," Tokayev said. He also proposed to increase mutual trade to $500 million in the near future. "Qatar is our important and reliable partner in the Islamic world. I believe that the time has come to give a new impetus to our bilateral relations. I propose to bring the interaction between Kazakhstan and Qatar to the level of a full-fledged strategic partnership. During my visit, important documents will be signed that will give our cooperation a strategic character. We attach great importance to our relations, as Qatar is a special country for us. We are ready to make every effort to further strengthen bilateral ties. I express my gratitude for the hospitality extended to us," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said. During the talks, issues of agriculture, transport, logistics and tourism were discussed. In particular, the leader of Kazakhstan called on Qatar to work together to develop an intermodal transport network connecting the Gulf and Central Asia to stimulate economic activity in the region. Currently, Kazakhstan is one of the world's ten largest producers of wheat and flour and plans to increase the area of irrigated land to 3 million hectares. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that there are grounds for expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector. Special attention was paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. The Head of State proposed to organize Cultural Days of Kazakhstan and Qatar in the capitals of the two countries in 2025. He expressed confidence that these events will bring peoples closer together and demonstrate the richness of their cultural heritage. In addition, topical issues of the regional and international agenda were discussed. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Radisson Hotel Group wrapped up 2023 globally with exceptional growth, adding over 30,000 keys to its international portfolio of 10 leading brands through openings and signings. The group has grown its business by nearly 50% since the launch of its transformation plan in 2018. It also celebrated a new company record with the addition of its largest number of keys to its portfolio, amounting to over 30,000 keys through openings and signings. It solidified its position as one of the leading international hotel groups in the Middle East and Africa during 2023 by signing 22 hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments, adding over 3,800 rooms to its regional portfolio. Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be a landmark year for Radisson Hotel Group, with 14 new hotel openings slated across various countries in the Middle East and Africa. Expansion Momentum Continues in Africa In Africa, the group maintained its expansion momentum in 2023, with eight hotel signings, adding over 1,600 rooms to its robust African Portfolio. With this progress, it is well on its way to achieving its objective of reaching 150 hotels in Africa over the next five years, up from its current count of 100 hotels. These hotel signings included new market entries into Gambia with Radisson Blu Beach Resort & Spa, Banjul and Radisson Hotel Benin City in Nigeria. In addition to the Radisson hotel in Benin City, the signing of Radisson Collection Hotel & Conference Center, Abuja; Radisson Blu Hotel, Abuja CBD and Radisson RED Lagos VI further strengthened the Groups position as the market leaders in Nigeria, with its portfolio now expanding to 12 hotels and over 1700 rooms. Highlighting the groups priorities in Africa for 2024, Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Business Development for Africa and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said: Building on the momentum of the Radisson Collection Resort, Marsa Alam Port Phoenice signing, introducing the Radisson Collection brand in the country with an exceptional resort, we will also open the first standalone serviced apartments in Egypt with Radisson Residences Cairo Heliopolis within the coming months. In Morocco, Radisson Hotel Group further enhances its flourishing portfolio with the highly anticipated opening of Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier, the debut of the Radisson brand in Morocco, scheduled for Q2. In South Africa, Radisson Hotel Group is set to add its 12th hotel with the opening of Radisson Hotel Middelburg later this year, following the successful opening of its first safari hotel in Africa with the recently announced Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit. In addition to these key markets, we are proactively pursuing East Africa this year, with Kenya and Tanzania identified as market priorities. As resorts continue to play an important role in our global strategic growth plan, we will build on our successful resort expansion in Africa, which has included the recent openings of Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya in Livingstone and our debut in Reunion Island with the opening of Radisson Hotel Saint Denis, said Rankoussi. Over the past three years, Radisson Hotel Group has emerged as the fastest-growing hotel group in Africa, with 20 hotel openings across the continent. This impressive feat has set a record for the Group in terms of the realisation of its pipeline into openings and has translated into a commendable 15% annual growth on its African portfolio. Strategic focus on the Middle East In the Middle East, the group opened over 1,000 keys in the past 12 months and is on track to open 2,000 keys in 2024. The group continues to drive its aspirations in the region, targeting 150 properties to be operational or under development across the Middle East by 2030. In the last quarter of 2023, Radisson Hotel Group revealed new hotels across Oman: Muscat Levatio Suites, a member of Radisson Individuals and Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama, as well as opening the first Radisson Individuals in Saudi Arabia, with the opening of Vivid Jeddah, A Radisson Individuals hotel. In addition to these openings, the group has also signed agreements for Park Inn by Radisson Resort Bimmah and Radisson Serviced Apartments Salalah. In Jordan, Radisson Blu Hotel, Amman Galleria Mall opened its doors in offering 178 keys catering to travellers seeking convenience and luxury. Further, the group announced the signing of Radisson Hotel & Residences Erbil, in Iraqs vibrant city of Erbil which also opened during the course of the year, opening a new market and significant development destination for the group. In addition, Pakistan remains a focus for the group by signing four hotels and serviced apartments in the capital city of Islamabad with the first opening in this new market anticipated for 2025. Looking ahead, it plans further expansion in Makkah with the highly anticipated debut of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thaker West and of Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thakher East in Q1 with new standards for contemporary lodging in the holy city of Makkah to meet the needs of an increasing number of international and regional visitors. Also set for opening in early 2024 is Radisson Hotel Jeddah Tahlia Street and as well as the introduction of the Park Inn by Radisson brand to Kuwait with the opening of Park Inn by Radisson Hotel & Apartments Kuwait. Elie Milky, Vice President Business Development, Middle East, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan at Radisson Hotel Group, said: Our ambitions remain strong as we continue our robust expansion efforts in the region, focusing particularly on resorts as well as serviced apartments. We continue to penetrate new markets as we have seen in Erbil and Amman while we strengthen our position with strategic owners in established cities such as Jeddah, Riyadh, Kuwait, Makkah and Muscat, to name a few. Our value proposition to our existing and new owners continues to improve with a comprehensive brand offering and a pragmatic conversions approach to drive openings. TradeArabia News Service The Biden administration gave the UN migration agency nearly $1.3 billion in 2023, which it uses to help migrants on their journey to enter the US illegally. By Darlene McCormick Sanchez writing at The Epoch Times The United States is bankrolling its own invasion by funding the United Nations and its partners, which, in turn, give hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and aid to migrants who eventually cross the U.S. southern border illegally. While the U.N. has aided migrants for decades, the scope of its operation has dramatically expanded as the number of illegal immigrantsfrom at least 160 countriesinto the United States has surged. That expansion has been fueled by more than $1 billion in funding from the U.S. government to the U.N. and other agencies assisting migrants, according to a government spending database. Were actually funding our own border crisis, Todd Bensman, senior national security fellow at the Center for Immigration Studies, a pro-immigrant, low-immigration think tank, told The Epoch Times. And its provided by, ultimately, the United States taxpayer. Until President Joe Biden took office, the United States had obligated about a half-billion dollars per year to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the U.N.s migration arm. But that funding has skyrocketed under the Biden administration to nearly $1.3 billion in 2023more than double what it had been under the Trump administration, according to USASpending.gov. The government spending database shows that most of the money comes from the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Two of the largest government giveaways were voluntary contributions to the U.N.s IOM from the State Departments Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration totaling $547 million over two years ending in 2023. The bureaus objective was to fund processing individuals requesting refugee status and resettlement in the United States and arrange their movement. Aiding and Abetting The U.N. is pouring a staggering amount of moneypartially stemming from U.S. taxpayersinto the illegal immigration crisis. The U.N.-orchestrated Regional Refugee and Migrant Response Plan update for 2024 calls for distributing $1.6 billion in 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries with the help of 248 partner agencies, which are also receiving U.S. grants. The plan allocated $372 million in cash and vouchers and multipurpose cash assistance during 2024 for 624,300 migrantsthe population of Detroitin Central and South America who are headed for the U.S. border. Mr. Bensman, who has been at the forefront of investigating the causes of the migrant surge, believes that the U.N. is aiding and abetting mass migration. People who might not have taken the risk to travel to the U.S. border because they were worried about food or safety now have help, he said. That help comes in the form of prepaid debit cards, food, water, shelter, medical care, and transportation, according to the U.N. Migrants can also directly receive cash, what the U.N. emergency manual calls cash in envelopes. And they know that the U.S. border is wide open. The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security shows 6.2 million encounters at the southern border, in addition to 1.7 million known gotaways since President Biden took office. They say, Well, you know, were coming now because Bidens letting us in, Mr. Bensman said. As illegal immigration ramped up in 2021, he went to investigate what was happening firsthand. What he found was IOM and other nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) helping migrants make the dangerous trek from South and Central America. Workers at an IOM migrant camp in Reynosa, Mexico, in 2021 told him that families of four were receiving about $800 per month on a debit card. His viral post on X, formerly known as Twitter, noted long lines of migrants waiting to receive the cards. An IOM Mexico spokesperson quibbled over terminology and the amount of aid but confirmed that the migrants were getting monetary assistance, according to an Agence France-Presse news agency fact check. The spokesman said the maximum amount for a family is about $395 on an e-wallet, noting that the cards could not be exchanged for cash. He said workers at the migrant station giving them out were from a nonprofit organization that works with the IOM, not the IOM itself. A Force for Good Documents show that IOM facilitates global migration and has strong ties to the Biden administration. IOM Director General Amy Pope served as President Bidens senior adviser on migration. She also served as deputy Homeland Security adviser to President Barack Obama. In January, the IOM announced its first annual appeal, seeking a massive $7.9 billion to tackle the migrant crisis and [realize] migrations promise as a force for good throughout the world. The evidence is overwhelming that migration, when well-managed, is a major contributor to global prosperity and progress, Ms. Pope said in her appeal for money to assist migration. The U.N. agency stated that it needs money for humanitarian reasons to save lives and provide regular pathways for migration. It also wants to use the money to deal with the displacement of people because of the impacts of climate change. U.N. documents linked to Ms. Popes announcement show that in 2024, the U.N. wants to spend $70 million in Panama, Costa Rica, and Mexicoall countries on the most common migration route to the United States. Documents state that in 2023 a record 500,000 migrants had traveled through the dense jungle known as the Darien Gap from Colombia into Panama. Michael Yon, a war correspondent appearing on Epoch TVs American Thought Leaders in 2021, told The Epoch Times Jan Jekielek that he had taken other journalists and congressmen to the Darien Gap to see the mass migration firsthand. He estimated that some 10 percent of migrants traveling through the Darien Gap are murdered or die because of the harsh environment, but even thats not enough of a deterrent to stop the flow. Migrants from around the world are flying into South and Central America to start their journey because countries such as Suriname and Ecuador dont require a visa to enter, Mr. Yon said. Many then travel by foot through the Darien Gap, through Central America, and into Mexico, where they wait for the Mexican government to clear them to travel north, where they eventually cross illegally into the United States. After successfully entering the United States, they text their friends, which encourages more migration, he said. Most dont communicate how difficult or dangerous the journey is. As long as those incentives are there to come to the United States, theyre going to come, said Mr. Yon, who has interviewed a large number of migrants. He said most come to the United States for economic reasons. Almost all of them have no case for asylum. Mr. Yon said. To stop illegal immigration, countries need to have a border barrier, such as a wall, enforcement, and political will, he said. Ian Mehlman is a spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), an immigration reform nonprofit group that has been studying U.S. immigration since 1979. Like Mr. Bensman, he believes that the U.N. is instrumental in the surge at U.S. borders. This is a way for the U.N. to get money from the donor countries to carry out their programs, Mr. Mehlman told The Epoch Times. Researchers at FAIR noted in a recent article that cash-based intervention programs at the U.N. increased by 77 percent between 2019 and 2020, although some of that was attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Mehlman said migration is big business under the Biden administration. Theres no question that we saw a vast increase in migration to the United States, starting from the day that Joe Biden took office, he said. President Biden rescinded former President Donald Trumps Remain in Mexico policy, under which would-be asylum seekers stayed in Mexico while awaiting adjudication on their immigration court case. The vast majority of illegal immigrants dont qualify for asylum because theyre entering the United States for economic reasons and not fleeing political persecution. President Biden also halted border wall construction on his first day, halted deportations for 100 days, and rescinded the travel ban on terror-prone countries. People respond to the signals that are being sent, Mr. Mehlman said. If they believe that there is a good chance that theyre going to be able to get to the United States and be allowed to remain here, then they will go through all the things that they have to go through. Failing state economies benefit from illegal immigrants working in the United States or other wealthy Western countries and sending money back to their families. Smuggling people across multiple countries is coordinated, Mr. Mehlman said. Its happening because people are allowing it to happen, he said. It is being facilitated every step along the way. The U.N. appears to have taken the position that people should be able to move to any country that they desire, which is problematic, not only to countries such as the United States but also to the countries migrants are fleeing, according to Mr. Mehlman. If the incentive is to leave rather than to reform and change things where you are, then those failed societies continue, he said. Migration Nation Some on the left favor immigration as a way for the United States to bolster declining birth rates with noncitizens and provide cheap labor. We need immigrants in this country, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said in January during a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on immigration. He said vegetables would rot in the ground if they werent being picked by immigrants, illegal immigrants. The fact is the birth rate in this country is way below replacement level, Mr. Nadler said. But some conservative pundits say mass immigration is part of the Great Replacement Theory, which speculates that immigrants are replacing citizens of countries with mainly white European ancestry. Others believe that Democrats want open borders because if illegal immigrants become citizens, they would likely vote to keep Democrats in power for generations. But Mr. Bensman has a more straightforward explanation for whats fueling the border crisis: a cash bonanza. Migrant advocates from the left are now becoming political appointees, leading him to believe that the migrant crisis is engineered. In Mr. Bensmans 2023 book Overrun: How Joe Biden Unleashed the Greatest Border Crisis in U.S. History, he contended that mass migration has become a cottage industry, with many migrant-centered NGOs getting fat off taxpayer dollars. He pointed to one group called HIAS, a migration assistance group initially founded to help Jews fleeing Eastern Europe. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas once served on the groups board. Its one of several groups that has received millions of dollars in federal grants, according to Mr. Bensman. HIAS has received most of the $11 million from two recent grants awarded by the U.S. government and earmarked for Latin American migrants, according to USASpending.gov. The group, working in concert with the U.N., has pledged $17 million to help immigrants in 2024, according to Refugee and Migrant Response Plan documents. Their organizations are the ones that are just getting filthy rich, building their endowment, and paying their executives and just getting federal contracts, Mr. Bensman said. Defunding the UN With the border crisis becoming the No. 1 issue in the 2024 presidential race, Republicans on Capitol Hill have already blocked a bipartisan border bill that many see as doing more harm than good in stopping illegal immigration. They argue that President Biden already has the power to stop the border crisis that he created. With attention squarely on the border, House Republicans used the opportunity to reintroduce a bill that would eliminate U.N. migrant funding. H.R. 6166, the Tax Dollars for the U.N.s Immigration Invasion Act, would prohibit contributions to the IOM and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, as well as the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to conduct an audit of all federal funding previously appropriated to U.N. agencies that have financed the migrant crisis to force repayment of that funding to the U.S. Treasury. U.N. agencies are financing the ongoing U.S. border crisis, Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas) said in a Jan. 26 statement. The United Nations is using our own tax dollars against us, and U.S. policymakers can no longer stand by while elites in the U.N. and Davos actively finance an invasion of our sovereign territory. Its time to say enough and cut off funding to these corrupt globalist institutions until respect for our territorial integrity and appreciation for our generosity is restored. The IOM didnt respond to an email seeking comment from The Epoch Times. Here are nine headlines on anesthesiology the ASC industry should know, as reported by Becker's since Jan. 3: 1. Surgeries at two Providence hospitals were down by almost 50% in December and January amid an anesthesiologist shortage. 2. Billings (Mont.) Clinic's contract with long-time anesthesia partner, Billings Anesthesiology, is set to expire on Feb. 9. 3. All part-time and full-time anesthesiologists at Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai's Beverly Anesthesiology unionized. 4. A group of anesthesiologists from San Antonio launched Inspire Anesthesia Partners. 5. U.S. Reps. Jan Schakowsky of Illinois and Dave Joyce of Ohio introduced a bipartisan resolution that would recognize certified registered nurse anesthetists for the role they play in providing quality healthcare. 6. Anesthesia reimbursement declines, along with demographic trends and case volume shifts, have drastically changed the ways that providers approach anesthesia coverage. 7. Anesthesiologist was named the highest-paying job in healthcare for 2024, according to U.S. News & World Report. 8. Cigna terminated its contract with Knoxville-based American Anesthesiology of Tennessee, an affiliate of North American Partners in Anesthesia. 9. Anesthesia services provider NorthStar Anesthesia expanded its services to Pocatello, Idaho-based Portneuf Health, including Portneuf Medical Center and Portneuf Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Center in Pocatello and the Rocky Mountain Surgery Center, also in Pocatello. A federal court has dismissed a complaint filed by an Ohio physician, who alleged that physician group Alliance Physicians failed to heed his warnings regarding patient safety concerns, resulting in intolerable working conditions that forced him to resign, according to documents filed Feb. 12 with the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. William Dailey, MD, was employed by Alliance Physicians from February 2019 until his resignation on July 21, 2021. He worked at the physician group as a hospitalist and nocturnist. During his employment, Dr. Dailey allegedly expressed his concerns regarding patient safety multiple times. In addition to his complaints, which were expressed verbally and through email, he made multiple reports using the MIDAS reporting system during his employment with the intent that these reports be forwarded to a patient safety organization. Dr. Dailey filed the operative complaint Nov. 7 in which he alleges a single claim relating to the violation of the Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Act. In December, Alliance Physicians filed a motion to dismiss the claim for three reasons. Firstly, the physician group "contends that constructive discharge is not an adverse employment action under the PSQIA as a matter of law." Secondly, Alliance Physicians "argues that Dr. Dailey has failed to plausibly plead that he was constructively discharged." Thirdly, Alliance Physicians "asserts that Dailey has failed to plead that he reported patient safety concerns with the intent of having those concerns reported to a PSO." The court addressed Alliance Physicians' second argument. The court granted Alliance Physicians' motion to dismiss Dr. Dailey's first amended complaint. New Delhi, Feb 14 (UNI) The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed as 'withdrawn' the bail plea of former JNU scholar and activist Umar Khalid arrested in connection with the Delhi riots larger conspiracy case. Former JNU student leader Umar Khalid withdrew his bail plea from the Apex Court due to "changed circumstances". A bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Pankaj Mithal allowed his plea and dismissed the petition as withdrawn. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khalid, said that the petition is being withdrawn in view of "change in circumstances" and we will seek bail afresh before the trial court. "so we wish to withdraw'. There has been a change in circumstances, 'we will try our luck in the trial court,' Sibal said. Sibal however clarified that he will argue the separate writ petition filed by Khalid challenging the constitution validity of the provisions of UAPA. Khalid has been behind bars since September 2020, awaiting his trial under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for his alleged involvement in the larger conspiracy surrounding the communal violence that broke out in February 2020 in Delhi. The Delhi High Court denied him bail in October 2022. The former JNU student has also filed a writ petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, challenging various provisions of the anti-terror law. The top court tagged this plea with earlier petitions filed challenging the constitutionality of UAPA provisions. A notice was issued to the Police by the Supreme Court on May 18 and then again on July 12 in which the Delhi police sought more time to file a counter-affidavit. After that Khalids case has seen many adjournments. The matter was adjourned on January 24 also on the grounds that a special bench was constituted to hear another matter. The matter was slated to be heard January 31, February 1, and February 7, but saw adjournments on these days as well. Kapil Sibal was engaged with a Constitution Bench hearing. UNI SNG CS1617 Ridgeland, Miss.-based Harmony Dental Care is relocating into a new, upgraded facility. Kalil Abide, DDS, is the director of Harmony Dental Care and will continue to lead the practice at the new location, according to a news release from the practice. The practice offers services including cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, restorative dentistry, veneers and dental implants. In addition to moving locations, the practice also created a new website design, the release said. Boston Medical Center, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Corewell Health, and Indianapolis-based IU Health are backing a new bill that aims to improve access to digital health services. The bill, called the "Health Accelerating Consumers' Care by Expediting Self-Scheduling Act," was introduced by U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, MD, and Alex Padilla, and U.S. Representatives Blake Moore, Brad Schneider, Nicole Malliotakis, and Jimmy Panetta. The bill looks to amend the anti-kickback statute, eliminating regulatory ambiguity that currently hinders collaboration between digital health and appointment booking platforms. This move, according to the senators and representatives, would enhance patient service by improving access to care through user-friendly services, and broaden provider options and appointment scheduling flexibility, ultimately elevating the overall healthcare experience and ecosystem. Boston Medical Center, Corewell Health and Indiana University Health are supporting the bill, according to a Feb. 13 press release from Bill Cassidy's office. Stephen DelRossi and the executive team at Northern Inyo Healthcare District in Bishop, Calif., have had their work cut out for them over the last year. The district was on the brink of bankruptcy last year, according to The Inyo Register, after 10-plus years of "fiscal mismanagement." Mr. DelRossi said the hospital had around 80% chance of going bankrupt at the time, and the administrative team tried to find ways to cut costs. Mr. DelRossi, CEO and CFO of the system, told Becker's he created a turnaround group with around 25 permanent members and subject matter experts who were brought in on an "as-needed basis" to right the ship. The TAG group had five subcommittees: Labor, which covered salaries, wages, benefits and professional fees Revenue Services and operations Materials, contracts and other services Special CEO and CFO items, which covered governmental funding, regulations and oversight "Since maturation of the group, operational expenses are down more than 8%, volume is up more than 10%, and revenues are up more than 14%," Mr. DelRossi told Becker's. "We have opened cardiology, and we are in the process of opening neurosurgery (spine)." In the last few months he has also focused on the workplace culture to transform into an organization that "supports change, champions improvements and accepts responsibility." He has spent time right-sizing the organization to avoid overstaffing and fit the right people in the right roles. TAG worked with the system to increase wages by more than 20% while reducing full time employees by more than 50%. Inyo Healthcare also dropped contract labor by more than 20% FTEs and reduced wages per adjusted bed day by 10%-plus. In the last half of 2023, Inyo Healthcare cut costs 8% with targeted strategic efforts. "All in all, a good year for moving the needle," Mr. DelRossi said. The executive team will continue to zero in on revenue cycle management for the next year to build on its success. Mr. DelRossi told Becker's the system invested in technology to maximize the revenue cycle and reported a 75% drop in denials. "With cash collections at 87% of net patient revenue and denial rate approaching 5%, correcting these two items will move the hospital to a positive position," Mr. DelRossi told Becker's. "We are also expanding services and service lines to generate more revenue." Alan Sager, PhD, professor of health law, policy and management and director of the health reform program at Boston University School of Public Health, has been conducting research on hospital closures for years. "I think the underlying problem is we often lose the hospitals we most need," Dr. Sager told Becker's. When state governments don't have their arms around the problems affecting healthcare, Dr. Sager said every crisis becomes a surprise. Crises like Steward Health Care. "When you don't have a functioning free market or competent government, what happens is called anarchy," Dr. Sager said. "Especially when $1.4 trillion in yearly spending on hospitals is at stake. Against that background, Steward is like the froth on the toxic waste dump. Invisible, it smells and it was preventable." Apart from falling $50 million behind on year-end rent, Steward has received backlash from state and federal lawmakers, employees and concerned community members in response to the risk of hospital closures. More specifically, concerns have risen over the potential sale of four of Steward's nine Massachusetts hospitals. However, the health system recently shared that it now has the ability to put a financial safety net around all of them and has no current plans to close its hospitals. "Moreover, the company is advanced in an M&A process that would bring in a significant equity partner to our physician organization, and the company has already received very significant bids as part of this process," Michael Callum, MD, an executive vice president at Steward, said in an employee message shared with Becker's. To combat situations like Steward's, Dr. Sager, along with some of his Boston University colleagues, have worked on four suggested steps over the last 30 years for state governments to use in preparing for the event of needed hospital closures. The four steps are: Draw up a list of needed hospitals and specific services, and monitor each needed institution's finances and operations closely; implement a serious hospital receivership law and prepare to use it identify competent receivers in advance; develop a hospital stabilization trust fund financed by "very small" hospital revenue yearly assessments; carefully look at whether needed hospitals' revenues are adequate to finance efficient needed care delivery remedy when needed. "I think the problem here is if you're gonna play poker with hospitals, it's really strip poker where Steward, at least, has been stripping hospitals of their value," Dr. Seger said. "Healthcare is not poker. We're not gambling here. Our healthcare is essential to our health." Here is why two health systems recently ended their revenue cycle management partnerships: 1. St. Louis-based SSM Health and UnitedHealth Group's Optum ended their administrative partnership around inpatient care management, digital transformation and revenue cycle management after the two organizations were not able to meet "mutually agreed-upon expectations." In an Aug. 21 internal memo shared with Becker's, SSM President and CEO Laura Kaiser told the system's hospital care management and RCM teams that the termination was a difficult decision but was "in the best interest of our patients, families and team members." The partnership was announced in October 2021 and formally began in early 2022. The deal included the hiring of about 2,100 SSM employees by Optum. She said the health system would extend employment offers to Optum employees supporting SSM Health ministries. 2. Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health rehired IT and RCM staff members it had outsourced to Oracle. The health system and Oracle agreed in March to end their IT staffing contract, effective Jan. 13. As a result of this, Adventist began a transition process to take responsibility for its clinical and revenue cycle application support with the goal of retaining the Oracle employees it once outsourced to the company. "The decision to transition these valued employees to Adventist Health will give us the ability to prioritize future work based on our mission and financial objectives," a spokesperson for Adventist told Becker's. Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings has named Deborah Weymouth president of its Connecticut operations, including Waterbury (Conn.) Health. Ms. Weymouth currently serves as CEO for Manchester-based Eastern Connecticut Health Network, according to a Feb. 13 news release shared with Becker's. She assumed her new role as CEO of Waterbury Feb. 9. Prospect Medical Holdings' Connecticut footprint includes Waterbury Hospital and two hospitals belonging to Eastern Connecticut Health Network: Manchester Memorial Hospital and Rockville General Hospital in Vernon. The Department of Revenue Services recently submitted liens indicating that the three hospitals owe a collective $67.39 million in taxes, and that Prospect has not paid taxes since March 2022. The company is working to sell its Connecticut hospitals to Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health. Yale, which initially inked the deal in November 2022, has since expressed concerns amid the slow regulatory approval process and a cyberattack that disrupted Prospect hospitals' IT systems. In an October letter to Gov. Ned Lamont, Ms. Weymouth called the sale "urgent." "Governor Lamont, we implore you to consider the urgent nature of our situation," she said in the letter. "Time is of the essence, and we cannot afford to let this opportunity for a more robust, efficient, and accessible healthcare system for our communities slip through our fingers once more. Everybody will be better off with the completion of the sale to Yale." Ms. Weymouth succeeds Justin Lundbye, MD, who is leaving Waterbury Health March 8 to become president of Long Island, N.Y.-based Good Samaritan Hospital. The National Board of Physicians and Surgeons, a nonprofit that provides accessible, ongoing certification in medical specialties, has released a plan aimed at reducing clinician burnout and burdens in rural care. The relatively new nonprofit organization, founded in 2015 and based in El Cajon, Calif., offers a continuous way for physicians to achieve continuing medical education credits via a less burdensome pathway for certifications. The NBPAS' goal is to "modernize the onerous, unproven continuous board certification market that is driving physicians out of medicine, reducing patient access to care and elevating costs," according to a Feb. 13 news release. Using this model, the continuing medical education is tailored to a physician's practice, they do not need to answer any clinical questions outside their selected specialty, which frees their time while also getting them the relevant information and training they need. MidCoast Health System in El Campo, Texas, is the latest health system to adopt the model. The rural health system's chief medical officer, Thai Huynh, MD, described it as a way "to increase the number of physicians available to our patients and reduce burnout amongcurrent physicians," adding that implementing it will allow them to "spend more time taking care of patients instead of answering questions that are often not relevant to their clinical practice. The model from the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons meets national accreditation standards, so completed certifications are accepted by The Joint Commission and other accrediting organizations. New Orleans-based Ochsner Health hired for an inaugural role, the chief community medical officer in November, naming Yvens Laborde, MD, to the new position. Now, two-and-a-half months into the job, Dr. Laborde detailed his priorities for bettering community health across Louisiana. Dr. Laborde is still practicing clinically, he told the American Medical Association for a Q&A published Feb. 14. The role is a mashup of physician and clinical duties, health educator and a community contact. "Like any large academic medical center, Ochsner has three strategic pillars: academics, research and clinical practice. But people have realized that community also has to be one of those critically important pillars," Dr. Laborde told the AMA. "So, in terms of this role we created, it made sense to have somebody oversee this community pillar who can align and demonstrate based on both experience, knowledge and capability how those four pillars intertwine and should always be mutually reinforcing." Dr. Laborde is familiar both with the organization, which he joined in 1995 as an internal medicine physician, and with the Louisiana community. In 2006, following Hurricane Katrina, Dr. Laborde was part of efforts advocating for recovery in the affected communities as part of the Ochsner board of medical directors. "My trajectory and history at Ochsner made me a natural candidate to fulfill that role given my long history at Ochsner within that space having done my residency and my training here and given the multitude of roles that I've held with community responsibilities," Dr. Laborde told AMA. "I was the first Black doctor elected to the Ochsner board of medical directors in 2006." During his first year in the role, among the to-dos on Dr. Laborde's list will be: working to understand the "structural drivers" of poor health outcomes and how to restore health equity to communities where it is needed; using data to determine which social drivers to address first; engaging with community stakeholders on health priorities; and democratizing access to digital care. A U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved American Advanced Management's plan to operate Madera (Calif.) Community Hospital, a 106-bed acute care facility which has been shuttered for more than 13 months. Madera Community Hospital is the city's only hospital for about 66,000 residents, and it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2023. American Advanced Management began meeting with the hospital's board and leadership shortly after its closure in December 2022, according to a Feb. 13 news release the company shared with Becker's. The current plan has been in the works since September 2023 and was approved by the hospital's board and creditors committee two months ago. AAM's Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Beehler estimates the hospital will reopen in four to six months. Modesto, Calif.-based AAM which operates eight acute care hospitals in California and one in Texas will provide $30 million for Madera Community Hospital to pay off creditors and restore services, per the agreement. "We've been at this for months and we're at the finish line, your honor," an attorney for the company said in court Feb. 13, local NPR affiliate KVPR reported. Judge Rene Lastreto ruled in AAM's favor, and in doing so, denied an eleventh-hour joint purchase bid from San Francisco-based UCSF Health and Roseville, Calif.-based Adventist Health. Per the system's plan introduced Feb. 8 UCSF would provide clinical oversight to the hospital while Adventist would oversee operations. This was Adventist's second bid for the hospital. In July 2023, the system reached an initial nonbinding agreement to take over but in November, it said the endeavor was financially inviable. "We are deeply disappointed to hear that the bankruptcy court has chosen a different path to reopening Madera Community Hospital," the two health systems said in a joint statement shared with Becker's. "UCSF Health and Adventist Health remain committed to our proposal and are working together to understand what options may be available to jointly pursue our plan to restore lifesaving services to Madera County and bring high-quality, accessible care to the community for decades to come." The pair's proposal backed by Madera County offered an immediate $35 million infusion to pay creditors and cover purchase fees and a deposit. In court on Feb. 13, county attorneys argued that AAM's proposal did not allow the hospital to "maximize the value of its estate," according to the radio station. Additionally, the county argued that there was no evidence the company had put any money into the hospital or had $30 million immediately available; Madera County has put $3 million into the hospital's maintenance throughout its bankruptcy. Mr. Lastreto ultimately decided time was of the essence, reportedly saying, "the court has not been given any evidence to suggest [AAM] will not be a good steward for healthcare for the people of Madera County." Jay Verney, Madera County's chief administrative officer, told Becker's the board was disappointed that the court did not take time to consider UCSF and Adventist's proposal. "The Board will continue to fund the $125,000 per week 'burn rate' that it has provided to MCH since the first week of August 2023 to keep it a viable campus until an operator takes over," Mr. Verney said. "Beyond that AAM was clear in their bankruptcy court presentation today that they are well capitalized so we anticipate they will be self-supporting once their proposal is finalized." Fifteen Madera Community Hospital physicians have signed letters of support for AAM, according to its news release. The hospital's most recent media contact was not immediately available for comment. Last year was marked by labor actions across the U.S. From coast to coast, healthcare workers participated in strikes, citing concerns about issues such as pay, staffing and recruitment, and such actions have continued into 2024. Four strikes reported by Becker's Hospital Review this year: Note: This article was created on Feb. 13 and will continue to be updated. 1. Nurses at Springfield, Ore.-based PeaceHealth Sacred Heart Home Care Services began a two-week strike Feb. 10, according to CBS affiliate KPIC. Vancouver, Wash.-based PeaceHealth said it contracted with an agency to provide temporary replacement workers during the strike. 2. Nurses at Ascension Saint Joseph-Joliet (Ill.), who are members of the Illinois Nurses Association, began a four-day strike Feb. 8, marking their third strike in the last year. The hospital, which is part of St. Louis-based Ascension, and the union, which represents about 500 nurses at the facility, have been in negotiations since May. 3. Nurses began a seven-day strike Jan. 21 at Honolulu-based Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The strike followed months of negotiations between the Hawaii Nurses Association and the hospital. 4. Nurses represented by National Nurses United held a two-day strike at Saint Louis University Hospital. The nurses, part of NNU affiliate National Nurses Organizing Committee, began their strike Dec. 27 and concluded it Dec. 29. Saint Louis University Hospital, a 365-bed facility, is part of St. Louis-based SSM Health. Srinagar, Feb 14 (UNI) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested three Kashmir residents, including a separatist leader, in a money laundering case related to the MBBS admissions in Pakistan, officials said. Hurriyat leader Mohammad Akabar Bhat alias Zaffar Akbar Bhat, Fatima Shah, both residents of Srinagar and Sabzzar Ahmad Shaikh, Anantnag were formally arrested by ED under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in connection with money laundering case. All the three are already in jail from the last over three years. Bhat was a top commander of militant outfit Hizbul Mujahideen when the group declared a ceasefire in July 2000, which was reciprocated by the Centre. In May 2022, the court of Special Judge designated under NIA Act Srinagar framed changes against the separatist leader and seven others for allegedly procuring medical seats in Pakistan for Kashmiri students in lieu of money which was "partly used" to "support and fund terrorism and separatism in different ways. A spokesman of the ED on Wednesday said the three were arrested in connection with money laundering case wherein accused persons involved in terror financing were hand-in-glove with Pakistani handlers Manzoor Ahmad Shah and Altaf Ahmad Bhat, who arranged admissions in MBBS & other courses in the colleges of Pakistan for students from Jammu & Kashmir. The trio have been remanded to ED custody till February 20. The ED initiated money laundering investigation on the basis of FIR registered by J&K Police for offences under various sections of Unlawful Activity (Prevention) Act and IPC, 1860 against Mohammad Akbar Bhat, Fatima Shah, Altaf Ahmad Bhat, Qazi Yasir, Syed Khalid Geelani alias Khalid Andrabi & others involved in terrorist activity in Jammu & Kashmir. The ED investigation revealed that the arrested accused persons were hand in glove with Pakistani handlers in the guise of admissions in MBBS & other courses in the colleges of Pakistan for students from Jammu & Kashmir. They had received money in their personal accounts and in the bank accounts of Al-Jabar Trust which was a charitable trust, the ED said. But it was being used for the purpose of receiving funds from students, which were further being ploughed into the terrorist activity in India in various ways such as given money to stone pelters, providing money to the persons/terrorist based in Jammu & Kashmir as per instructions of Pakistan handlers such as Manzoor Ahmad Shah, Altaf Ahmad Bhat etc. Earlier, ED had provisionally attached properties worth Rs. 5 Crore under the provisions of PMLA, 2002 in the form of various bank accounts, immovable properties etc. UNI MJR CS2003 HCA Healthcare has filed a motion with the North Carolina Business Court, asking it to dismiss claims from the North Carolina attorney general that the for-profit hospital operator violated its 2019 asset purchase agreement for Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Health System, according to local news outlets. In December, North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein filed a lawsuit against HCA, alleging it failed to meet obligations under its asset purchase agreement of Mission Health by cutting certain emergency and cancer services at Mission Hospital. HCA bought Mission Health for $1.5 billion in 2019, and under the APA, it agreed not to discontinue certain services in the decade following the sale. The state's lawsuit claims HCA has not continued to provide the same level of emergency and trauma services and oncology services at Mission. Specifically, the complaint alleges HCA does not employ any medical oncologists at Mission Cancer Center, has reduced the number of oncology beds and no longer meets the standards of a level 2 trauma center. HCA denied the allegations in its response to the court and asked that claims of a breach of contract be dismissed, Blue Ridge Public Radio and the Citizen Times reported. "This legal dispute is about a contract and whether it has been reached," attorneys for HCA said in the filing. "The Hospital Service Commitments are simple and clear: they require that HCA must continue certain service lines that existed in January 2019. HCA has absolutely done so." The filing also denied claims surrounding inadequate staffing levels in the ED and in the oncology department, stating that, "Although Mission cannot control all variables, such as when staff unexpectedly call out from scheduled shifts, Mission strives to minimize wait times in its emergency department" and that "certain shifts may have higher nurse to patient ratios" when staff call out unexpectedly. Even in those situations, Mission "complies with applicable trauma care regulations and emergency services remain available, consistent with the contractual obligations set out in the APA," attorneys said in the filing. "We are confident that Mission has fulfilled its obligations under the Asset Purchase Agreement, and we intend to defend the lawsuit filed by the Attorney General aggressively," a Mission Health spokesperson said in a statement sent to Becker's. "The pleadings that we filed speak for themselves. Unfortunately, the lawsuit continues to be a distraction from the important work that Mission continues to do in Western North Carolina." HCA's response to the attorney general's lawsuit comes as it works to address deficiencies and remove an immediate jeopardy status federal regulators recently placed on Mission Hospital. The hospital met a Feb. 6 deadline CMS had set for it 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 was a key step in ensuring the hospital has the opportunity to come back into compliance and avoid the loss of federal funding, a CMS spokesperson previously told Becker's. 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. The "try-everything tactic" appears to bring meaningful improvements in some cancer patients, but the approach comes with caveats, according to a Feb. 14 article in Nature. Companies around the world are offering personalized drug testing services that screen a number of drugs for use against culture cancer cells. However the technique is time-consuming and costly, according to the report. This is especially true for solid tumors, the conditions of which are difficult to replicate outside the body. Functional drug testing was embraced by cancer researchers in the late 20th century but fell out of favor due to limitations of the time. As technology improves and pharmacy options expand, momentum for the "try-everything" approach is growing and more studies are finding success. In pilot studies, researchers have found more than half of people with blood cancer whose treatment was guided by functional drug testing had longer remission periods compared to standard treatment. "This is a revolution. Patients are demanding this approach," Christopher Kemp, PhD, a cancer biologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, told Nature. However, there are still barriers. Large-scale testing of genome-directed approaches performed by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna found the technique effective for some cancers, but for only around 10% of patients. Oncologists in the U.S. are also beholden to insurance providers for which drugs will be covered, and functional drug testing is often too expensive to be appealing. In 1996, an official policy classified drug-sensitivity assays as "experimental," making them eligible for Medicare coverage, the report said. Healthcare suppliers and food companies are veering into new business plans amid the booming market for weight loss medications, which is expected to reach $80 billion by 2030. Six updates on the Type 2 diabetes drug often used for weight management: 1. Novo Nordisk's CEO Lars Fruergaard Jrgensen is fielding calls from food company leaders, who are "scared" about Ozempic and Wegovy's effect on consumer habits, Bloomberg reported Feb. 7. In fall 2023, Walmart's CEO John Furner said he was seeing "a slight pullback in [the] overall basket" because of the popularity of GLP-1s. In response, food companies are switching strategies to promote healthier options in the hope of retaining consumers. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Nestle, snackmaker Conagra Brands and France-based yogurt company Danone have all recently indicated consumer behaviors are changing because of weight loss trends. 2. The FDA warned two more online companies about selling unapproved versions of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, Zepbound). In letters posted Feb. 13, the agency said US Chem Labs and Synthetix/Helix Chemical Supply are violating federal law. In the past few months, counterfeit solutions of GLP-1s have popped up in numerous medical spas, compounding pharmacies and clinics. 3. On Feb. 9, Novo Nordisk settled two lawsuits against companies it accused of selling counterfeit compounded drugs, NBC News reported. The two Florida-based businesses, Cosmetic Laser Professionals Med Spa and Nuvida Rx Weight Loss, are banned from using Novo Nordisk trademarks or logos and claiming their compounded drugs are FDA approved. The drugmaker has filed 12 total lawsuits against companies claiming to sell semaglutide. 4. The healthcare supply industry is taking notice of GLP-1s' surging popularity. DHL Supply Chain, a contract logistics company, said Feb. 13 it was constructing new manufacturing facilities because of the "upsurge in the pharmaceutical landscape" from weight loss and diabetes drugs. DHL also committed to investing $200 million into its healthcare and life sciences capabilities. 5. A new study found that patients taking GLP-1s are less likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression compared to those who don't use them. The findings came a month after an early review of FDA data failed to find a link between GLP-1s and a risk of suicidal thoughts. 6. Between mid-2021 and mid-2022, the number of GLP-1 prescriptions surpassed those of insulin medications. Cedar Gate Technologies, a healthcare data company, analyzed more than 12 million records among diabetes patients. In one year, GLP-1 prescriptions increased 36.1%, and costs grew 43.4%. At the same time, insulin prescriptions decreased 1.4%, falling to the second-most prescribed diabetes medication. Low water levels in the Panama Canal and cargo ship attacks from an Iran-backed rebel group are disrupting the healthcare supply chain and increasing shipping costs. Healthcare Ready, a nonprofit that tracks healthcare access trends during disasters, emergencies and outbreaks, said it is monitoring the threats to the medical supply chain. Here are three things to know about the conflicts, according to a Healthcare Ready report: 1. A severe drought in late 2023 forced shipping authorities in the Panama Canal to minimize trade and operations. The Panama Canal accounts for 40% of domestic container trade, and canal authorities have limited daily vessel passages from 38 to 24 because of the reduced water levels. In February, operations are expected to reduce by 40%. Total transits are 36% lower compared to 2022 and 62% lower than 2021. 2. Houthi rebels, a group that's vying for control of Yemen and will soon be classified as a terrorist group by the U.S., have increased attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Suez Canal. The Houthis claim they are targeting vessels tied to Israel, according to The Wall Street Journal. The drone and missile attacks have prompted shipping conglomerates to temporarily halt or reroute shipments away, leading to delays. 3. Both situations are leading to price hikes. Detouring from the Red Sea and going around the southern tip of Africa is adding between 10 and 12 extra days and $1 million in extra fuel. Plus, when the Suez Canal was blocked for six days in 2021, each day cost an estimated $9.6 billion. Since December, shipping costs have steadily increased and will continue rising. Allowing physicians to have ownership in the places they work can make ASCs more attractive in recruiting, spine surgeon Stephen Hochschuler, MD, said. Dr. Hochschuler, of Texas Back Institute in Plano, spoke with Becker's about his outlook for ASCs and the essential nonsurgical skills physicians should have. Note: This conversation was edited for clarity and length. Question: How can ASCs gain an edge in surgeon recruiting? Dr. Stephen Hochschuler: Hospitals are scared to death right now because they're wondering where their future is. Most hospitals are owned by hospital companies or not for profits. From a surgeon standpoint, why shouldn't they own part of the facility that does the production? Unlike chiropractors, and unlike dentists who help each other, surgeons are always competing to be at the top. Not all of them, but the majority. That's ingrained. And if it wasn't, the surgeons would be more in charge than they are today. Right now, hospital companies, insurance companies, attorneys, you name it, they run medicine. At least 60% of orthopedic surgeons and maybe even higher, the neurosurgeons are now working for somebody either a hospital or a company like United Healthcare. So doctors are looking to simplify their life. The more modern people all want what the older guys have, but they want it yesterday. It's just a totally different philosophy. So how can you get physicians on the same page? So we started with surgery centers years ago. The way you do it, you give them a commonality. The commonality is if myself and my main competitors in the marketplace all own part of the surgery center instead of being jealous of how much work they are doing, I'm thrilled because they're feeding the surgery center, which I own a big part of. Q: Would you say having some knowledge in business is essential for early-career spine surgeons? SH: Without a doubt. I went to medical school at Harvard and I kept saying, "Why don't we send our guys six to eight weeks to Harvard Business School?" That was 50 years ago. I was 50 years too soon. We need to know business, and the smart physicians will take the time and get an MBA and work in the business/medical realm. I was criticized years ago for trying to marry the best of business with the best of medicine. But you gotta play the game, and you got to be involved. You have to look at what's next. And every industry does that. Medicine has not done it, and we've been hamstrung. So now when you bring business knowledge into the medical realm, tie it in with logic, and the number one criterion, we've always stressed this is not how much money the doctor makes. It's not how famous the guy is. It's not how much the insurance makes or doesn't make. It's not the attorney, it's the patient. The only one that people should focus on is the patient. Next to the patient should be the doctor, and all the rest is ancillary. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has honored three orthopedic surgeons. Joshua Jacobs, MD, earned the 2024 William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award, the AAOS said Feb. 14. He is former CEO of the AAOS and chair emeritus of Chicago-based Rush University Medical Center's orthopedic surgery department. He published more than 290 peer-reviewed articles and spent 15 years as Rush's orthopedic residency director. He was president of the AAOS for the 2013-2014 term. Duane Anderson, MD, earned the 2024 Humanitarian Award. He is being recognized for his orthopedic surgery work in Ethiopia. He moved from Idaho to Ethiopia in 2005 where he became chief of orthopedics at Soddo Christian Hospital. Boris Zelle, MD, earned the 2024 Diversity Award. He is vice chair of research and chief of orthopedic trauma at UT Health San Antonio and serves an underserved patient population. He has served as a mentor to students, residents and fellows with diverse backgrounds. Finance Minister has written to the Treasury to say Executive needs time over the issue Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visit Stormont Castle to mark the return of power sharing in Northern Ireland. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye The new Finance Minister has said its not acceptable for the Treasury to make writing-off 559m in Executive debt dependent upon Stormont publishing a financial sustainability plan by May. Sinn Feins Caoimhe Archibald hit back in a letter to Chief Secretary of the Treasury Laura Trott after the Government published its requirements for a 3.3bn package to support the restored devolved government. They include raising 113m in revenue over the next 12 months The Treasury pointed to changes to the rates system as a means of raising that sum, which would require an increase of 15% to the regional rate adding around 150 a year to the typical rates bill of 1,000. In her letter, Ms Archibald said: Making the write-off of the 559m for debt repayment conditional on the publication and implementation of a sustainability plan is not acceptable. It is our strong view that these debts exist primarily due to the underfunding of public services. The Executive has already given a commitment to the British Government to develop a sustainability plan with a pre-requisite that the right level of funding is provided. The Governments timescale requiring this to be published by May is completely unrealistic. It is essential that the Executive is afforded adequate time to give proper consideration to this important matter. And she hit out at the requirement to raise 113m in locally-generated revenue in the next year. To expect this funding to be generated in such a short space of time can only serve to cause more harm to hard pressed families, households and businesses. She said the 3.3bn also failed to deliver on public sector pay deals, adding: Our message to Westminster is simple. The Executive should be given time and space to develop and agree a properly thought through sustainability plan that will put our finances on a more stabilised footing. It is critical we have the right resources to deliver effective public services for all our citizens. We ask that the British Government act in good faith. There can be no further damage to our public services. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar visit Stormont Castle to mark the return of power sharing in Northern Ireland. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye A consultation on reforming reliefs and allowances for domestic and non-domestic rates and how effective theyd be at raising money closed yesterday. Removing the rates cap, which means that valuations for domestic rates bills are capped at 400,000, costs the Executive 5.4m, according to consultation documents, and a discount on households who pay their bills early costs 7.9m. The Government has indicated that the Executive needs to make difficult decisions to stabilise its finances, making the same trade-offs as other devolved nations. But its expected there could be flexibility with the deadline for a sustainability plan if there is evidence of progress. Andrew McCormick, a former Permanent Secretary at the NI Civil Service, said using the rates system was the only handy tool for the Executive to revenue-raise. They couldnt possibly increase student fees, theyre too late for students starting in autumn this year, and would probably struggle to increase fees for autumn 2025, the way things work. The only lever they have today is the regional rate. He said many households here could afford to pay more. The fact of the matter is, the middle and upper classes in NI are home in a boat. There are a lot of people who could afford to pay and many of them would be willing to do so, and thats the place to look. For wealthier households, a regional rate increase could raise up to 120m but could amount to just 4 a week. Youd be saying to people, if you can afford to live in a house worth 2m, you can afford to pay a bit more. But for the asset rich and income-poor, like the widow with a small pension and big house, you could have the rates bill paid upon death by her estate, he said. Its vastly more unfair to have horrible hospital waiting lists than the kinds of amounts in rates increases were talking about. Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris welcomed confirmation of the settlements details. He said: It is now for the Northern Ireland Executive to use this significant financial package to take forward the vital work of public service transformation and the commitment to deliver sustainable finances. BBC radio presenter Steve Wrights death is being treated as unexpected, but not suspicious, police have said. The veteran broadcaster died this week at the age of 69, the corporation announced on Tuesday. Police and paramedics had been called to a flat in the Marylebone area of central London on Monday morning. Sir Paul McCartney surprising Radio 1 DJ Steve Wright and his production assistant Dianne Oxberry (PA) A Metropolitan Police spokesperson told the PA news agency: A man in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The death was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said paramedics were called to the address following reports of an incident. The spokesperson added: We sent a number of resources to the scene. Paul Gambaccini spoke about his colleague Steve Wright on ITVs This Morning (ITV/This Morning/PA) Very sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene. Wrights colleagues hailed the veteran broadcaster as one of the greatest exponents of the art of radio following the news of his death. The radio DJ, most known for presenting Steve Wright In The Afternoon, was a fixture on BBC Radio 1 and then Radio 2 for more than four decades, attracting millions of listeners. Appearing on ITVs This Morning on Wednesday, radio presenter Paul Gambaccini recalled how Wright would come into the studio hours before his show to ensure he was prepared. He said: He knew what he was going to do (and) when and thats when the greats like Noel (Edmonds) and Chris Evans shone. They made it sound like it was off the cuff, but it was really well planned. And Steve stayed afterwards, this was his life. He gave us his life for 44 years, five days a week and then six with Love Songs. Gambaccini also revealed the news was a shock to him as he last spoke to Wright on Saturday, and had sent him two emails on Tuesday not realising his friend had died. Wright took over Gambaccinis long-running BBC Radio 2 show Pick Of The Pops last year. Noel Edmonds, who worked across BBC radio during his career, described Wright as a brilliant communicator as he video called into This Morning from New Zealand. He said: We have lost one of the greatest exponents of the art of radio. And radio, if done well, is an art form. 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 Elsewhere, Nicky Campbell, who was Wrights colleague for many years, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: Its where he belonged. He was absolutely born to be in a studio, its where he thrived. It was his natural habitat. His heart soared when he was on the air and that was contagious. Our hearts soared when we listened. Chris Evans, who was also a stalwart on Radio 1 and 2 for many years before joining Virgin Radio, said Wright was to afternoons as Sir Terry Wogan was to breakfast. Wake Up To Wogan on Radio 2 ran from 1993 to 2009 and was the most listened-to radio show in the UK. Wright last appeared on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded special Valentines Day edition of his Love Songs programme on Radio 2. The broadcaster joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show before moving on to host Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993. George Michael pictured with BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Wright (PA) Wright then fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast show for a year until 1995, and completed a stint at commercial radio stations before returning to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wrights Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs. In 1999, he recreated Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2, with celebrity interviews and entertaining trivia featured in his Factoids segment, before stepping down in September 2022 but he continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2. Former BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot as part of the stations schedule shake-up. Wright was made an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to radio. Belfast comedian Paul Currie has been banned from Londons Soho Theatre after he hounded Jewish members of the audience out of his show. In a statement on Tuesday evening, the theatre said that following his show on Saturday, Jewish audience members were subjected to verbal abuse and Currie aggressively demanding they leave the theatre. It condemned Curries actions as appalling, adding they have no place on our stages, now or ever. In a statement released on Tuesday night, the theatre said: Soho Theatre will not tolerate intimidation of audience members due to their nationality, race, religion or beliefs. On Saturday evening, following the end of Paul Curries show Shtoom, Jewish members of the audience were subjected to verbal abuse and the performer aggressively demanding they leave the theatre. Such appalling actions are unacceptable and have no place on our stages, now or ever. We will not be inviting Paul Currie back to perform at our venue. Whilst we robustly support the right of artists to express a wide range of views in their shows, intimidation of audience members, acts of antisemitism or any other forms of racism will not be tolerated at Soho Theatre. We are continuing our investigation, discussing the incident with that evenings audience and consulting with the police. We are working with the Campaign Against Antisemitism to meet with members of the audience who were affected. We are taking professional advice to safeguard the much-valued inclusivity of Soho Theatre. The incident on Saturday night came after the performance, which was a non-verbal comedy show. It fell on the final night of Shtooms three-night run. Terrified Israeli man Liahav Eitan was allegedly told to get the f*** out as Mr Currie encouraged his crowd to chant free Palestine. Mr Eitan, out celebrating his 33rd birthday with a friend, had been in the second row at the Soho Theatre on Saturday when Currie shouted at him. The software engineer on Tuesday claimed he feared Currie was going to punch him and criticised the West End audiences mob mentality. On X, formerly Twitter, non-governmental organisation Campaign Against Antisemitism said it has investigated the incident, spoken to the audience members affected, and reviewed the legal options. @SohoTheatre has engaged with us positively and swiftly, it said. It is clear that the venue was caught by surprise. The show was supposed to be non-verbal, and had been on previous evenings. Soho Theatre has clearly condemned Paul Currie and confirmed that he will never again perform on their stage. The theatre is cooperating with the police investigation. We will be arranging for senior representatives of the theatre to meet with Jewish members of the audience to talk about what happened. This is all precisely as it should be. We are continuing to review legal options in respect of Mr Currie and are discussing the matter with members of the audience. If you attended the show, please do contact us at investigations@antisemitism.org. The Met police previously said it is aware of the incident, and that its enquiries into what happened are ongoing. Mr Currie has yet to make a public comment on the incident. Minister for Housing Leads Inspection of Private Flats in Upper Town Yesterday morning, the Minister with responsibility for Housing, accompanied by the acting Principal Housing Officer and Housing Works agency staff, took proactive steps to address housing issues in the community. The team, joined by the Chairman of Action for Housing Mr Henry Pinna and committee members, embarked on a stroll through the Upper Town to inspect private flats facing substandard conditions. The initiative aimed to gain firsthand insight into the challenges faced by tenants residing in poorly maintained private flats. During the inspection, the delegation had the opportunity to engage directly with private tenants, listening to their concerns and experience. The Chairman of Action for Housing Mr Henry Pinna expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, emphasizing the importance of government and community organisations working together to improve housing standards. Following the inspection, the Minister for Housing and stakeholders will review the findings to determine appropriate measures to address the identified issues. The commitment to ensuring safe and adequate housing for all remains paramount, and further actions will be taken in line with this objective. The Minister for Housing, the Hon Pat Orfila, said: The state of housing is a critical concern for our community, and it is imperative that we take decisive action to address any issues. By conducting these inspections and engaging with tenants, we can better understand the challenges they face and work towards sustainable solutions. The man allegedly drove a Jaguar X-Type car into the woman at speed on a pedestrian crossing in north Belfast A man accused of knocking down and cutting a pedestrian's hand to the bone in an appalling hit-and-run collision must remain in custody, a judge ruled today. Darren Ferguson, 35, allegedly drove a Jaguar X-Type car into the woman at speed on a pedestrian crossing in north Belfast. Police claimed he also crashed into two other vehicles as part of a spate of motoring offences in the Cavehill Road area. Ferguson, of Woodland Avenue in the city, is charged with causing grievous bodily injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop or remain at the scene of an accident. He faces further counts of driving when unfit through drink or drugs, driving while disqualified, and having no insurance. Read more Bonfire builders at controversial Tigers Bay site on collision course with Shankill UVF and UDA Belfast Magistrates Court heard he was allegedly behind the wheel of the Jaguar which collided with the victim near a junction between the Cavehill Road and Henderson Avenue on May 22 last year. She described hearing a loud engine noise after stepping onto the pedestrian crossing and then seeing a car speeding towards her on the wrong side of the road. The vehicle struck her before she could get out of the way and flung her to the ground. Her hand was cut to the bone in the collision and she required hospital treatment for broken bones. A witness observed the car travelling at excess speed, heard a smash and then saw the woman lying on the ground. I have seen CCTV footage and it was quite an appalling incident where this lady has been badly injured, an investigating detective contended. Two men were said to have got out of the Jaguar and fled from the scene. The same car had allegedly collided with a vehicle parked in a nearby layby, causing extensive damage and pushing it out onto the middle of the road. Another car was also struck while stopped at traffic lights close to the scene of the hit-and-run. Ferguson was detained a short time later in the Antrim Road area but refused to provide a sample, according to the prosecution. He was allegedly wearing similar clothing to one of those captured on CCTV fleeing from the hit-and-run. A renewed application for bail was opposed due to the potential risk to the public. Defence counsel argued that Ferguson should be released from custody because of delays in the case. She also suggested that he could provide emotional support to his seriously ill mother. Denying bail, however, Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes ruled there was insufficient change of circumstances to justify any release of Ferguson. UK Kate spotted out and about in Windsor as her recovery continues The 51-year-old, from Co Antrim, has avoided jail A former music teacher who once sang for the Pope in Rome was today spared immediate custody for having sexual communication with a child. Instead, Judge Gordon Kerr KC imposed a three-year probation order on Nigel McClintock in an effort to deal with issues around his abuse of alcohol. The 51-year-old, of Albert Road, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, had previously pleaded guilty to a single count of sexual communication with a boy who had learning difficulties. Belfast Crown Court heard that on dates between April 24 and May 1, 2022, McClintock was sending messages to the teenager, who was under the age of 16. Prosecution lawyer Kate McKay said that on May 7, 2022, police received a report from the victim's mother in relation to Facebook messages her son had received from the defendant. Among the messages were invitations to come round to McClintock's house for hugs and cuddles. When the victim refused to go, he received an obscene reply from the defendant. Police went to the victim's home and were shown the messages which he had received from the defendant, Ms McKay told the court. On May 7, 2022, the defendant was arrested and said he had no recollection of the conversations. He later stated he recalled parts of it and would have been under the influence of alcohol when he sent the messages. He stated his intention was to act as a father figure to the victim. He accepted that he was aware of the complainant's age and that the complainant suffered from a complicated disability at the time. Read more Less than 10% of alleged rape cases were prosecuted over the last year in Northern Ireland During police interviews, the court heard McClintock accepted he was gay but was not attracted to young boys. He blamed the messages on his excessive use of alcohol and he was totally humiliated and embarrassed when the messages were read out to him. Ms McKay said the main aggravating factors were the vulnerability of the victim, his age and learning difficulties. The court heard McClintock had no previous convictions and was a man of previous good character and had expressed remorse for his actions. The court was also told the defendant had a long history in the music field as a teacher and references handed into court on his behalf showed that he was a gifted and dedicated musician who had assisted many young people in gaining a love of music and to properly appreciate music. A pre-sentence report compiled by the probation service outlined how in the recent past McClintock had become affected by alcohol and showed signs of alcohol dependency. A medical report stated that the level of his alcohol intake was such that he was now injuring himself because he is unable to move around without hurting himself, with some of his previous injuries described as serious. The court heard McClintock's offending against him had a serious impact on the teenage boy. In a victim personal statement, it was stated that since the victim was contacted by McClintock, his behaviour has changed but not for the better. The probation service assessed the defendant as a medium likelihood of reoffending. Sometimes one has to take an overall view of a case. In this case, this is a man of an exemplary previous record who had plenty of contact with children previously but it was never suggested he had behaved in an improper way, said Judge Kerr: In this case, he made extremely bad decisions which caused significant damage to the injured party. The explanation for that was a deterioration in his health due to his alcoholism. The judge added that he believed, subject to certain protections, it was not a case that warranted immediate custody. The defendant quite clearly needs help and assistance to get back on the right path. The best way to deal with that is by way of a probation order. Imposing the probation order, Judge Kerr said this would be reinforced by a necessary and proportionate sexual offences prevention order for the next five years with the same period on the sex offenders register. After the defendant consented to the probation order, the judge warned that if he did not fully comply with its terms, he would be brought back to court and the only option will be a custodial sentence. McClintock is a former chorister and director of music at St Peters Cathedral in west Belfast. In 2010, he featured in a three-part BBC documentary, entitled Choirboys, which followed his Schola Cantorum choir on a journey to Rome to sing for Pope Benedict XVI. McClintock stepped down from the role at St Peters Cathedral before the sex offence was committed in 2022. A former police officer who sparked a major investigation after claiming he was confronted by a lone gunman at his Co Fermanagh home is facing a charge of perverting the course of justice A Co Fermanagh man has appeared in court accused of child cruelty offences after a toddler was admitted to hospital following a seizure and found to have ingested cocaine. The man is aged in his 30s but cannot be named to protect he identity of the toddler. He is accused of wilfully exposing the child in a manner likely to cause him unnecessary suffering or injury to health. It is further alleged the accused was aware the child had suffered serious physical harm as a result of an unlawful act and failed to take such steps to protect him from that A detective constable told Dungannon Magistrates Court the charges could be connected to the defendant. She explained that on February 9 the toddler was admitted to the childrens ward at South West Acute Hospital following an episode of jerking movements lasting around two minutes. The child had initially suffered a choking episode after which he became floppy and lay on the floor for around 10 minutes during which his eyes were half open. Having been taken to hospital by ambulance, the child was noted to be bright and alert and after a period of observation. A toxicology report was received on February 12 which showed the child had cocaine and cannabis in his system. The accused was arrested along with another person and provided samples for testing. His mobile phone was also seized although he has not supplied the access code. During interview he confirmed having a drug addiction and, while clean for some time, he relapsed although no motivation for this was identified. He admitted having cocaine and but that no one else in his household, including his partner, took drugs and did not know he had any or that he had resumed use. The accused said he had bought a small quantity of cocaine on February 9 and sat at the kitchen table, where he broke it up on the back of his mobile phone and straightened it with a bank card, which he then lost. In addition he had taken cannabis by a vape the previous day and had done this in the presence of the toddler and other children. He was unable to explain how the toddler ingested cocaine other than to suggest he had sucked the bank card. District Judge Michael Ranaghan enquired if the other children present at the time who are all under 13 were medically checked, but the detective said this has yet to be done. The judge remarked: It strikes me any investigations of those children should be carried out immediately to ascertain if theyve ingested something. He also enquired if the house was searched, which the detective confirmed had been done and nothing was found except an empty bag of cannabis gummy bears which was in the hallway of the property. So something those children could have had access to? said the judge. Somebody needs to take control of this and have those children examined immediately. That is a major welfare concern. Despite the appalling nature of what has happened, have police considered all risks to the children? The detective confirmed social services are onboard and the second person arrested has been released on bail. There was no objection to the accused being released, subject to strict conditions. Judge Ranaghan agreed to bail with reluctance and setting this at 750 ordered the accused to reside at an address approved by police and social services, abide by a curfew and have no contact with the co-accused or any children. The case will be reviewed on February 21 when Judge Ranaghan said he expects to hear "exactly what has happened with the children to safeguard them going forward. Stop Whitehead Oil Terminal campaigners have joined forces with environmental groups Friends of the Earth and Extinction Rebellion to ask the Department for Infrastructure to call in Mid and East Antrim Borough Councils decision to approve the development of an oil terminal. Representatives from the campaign groups have presented more than 200 letters from concerned members of the community asking for the decision to be called in for regional scrutiny. The controversial planning application for a 30m oil terminal outside Whitehead, Co Antrim, was approved by the councils Planning Committee last September despite 400 letters of objection. The proposal is for the redevelopment of an existing oil terminal at Cloghan Point on the shore of Belfast Lough which currently stores oil reserves for the Republic of Ireland. The application seeks to provide an import, storage and distribution facility for petrol, dual-purpose kerosene, gas oil and diesel as well as the import, storage and blending of bio-fuels. It will also involve the demolition of existing buildings and chimney stack as well as jetty modifications, vapour recovery unit, four new storage tanks and operations building. The terminal was constructed more than 40 years ago to facilitate distribution of heavy fuel oil to Kilroot Power Station and Ballylumford Power Station in Islandmagee. Hilary McCollum, of Stop Whitehead Oil Terminal, said: The proposed development has significant regional implications which is why we are calling for the Minister for Infrastructure to ensure that it receives the regional scrutiny it merits. The Climate Change (NI) Act 2022 commits Northern Ireland to achieving net zero by 2050. With the farming industry already promised a slower rate of transition to carbon neutral, other sectors need to step up. Creating Irelands biggest oil terminal runs completely contrary to this. Northern Ireland already has four oil terminals. There is no strategic need for another one. The campaigners say they are anticipating the arrival of supertankers at Cloghan Point. They are also concerned about what they claim could be the potential for an additional 300 vehicle movements daily travelling by road to and from the site. James Orr of Friends of the Earth expressed concern about the potential impact of the plan on the delicate ecosystem of Belfast Lough, home to seals, dolphins, porpoises and otters as well as numerous sea birds including red and amber list species. He also claimed: It will increase air, noise and light pollution. Northern Ireland deserves a clean and safe future. Richard Gill, from Extinction Rebellion Northern Ireland, claimed: Fossil fuels are bringing us to the brink of catastrophe. There is no justification for expanding fossil fuel infrastructure. Build a just transition of fossil fuels in Northern Ireland we deserve better than more oil terminals. Terence Stitt, owner of the historic limestone harbour Whiteharbour, said: The time has come to stand up against this type of proposal, keep our A2 coast road safe and promote the beautiful assets that we have locally to the many tourists now visiting the area. A spokesperson for Cloghan Point (Holdings) Limited. said: Cloghan Point (holdings) Limited supported its planning application with a voluntary environmental statement which assured all the statutory consultees on the requisite environmental factors. Consequently at the meeting of Mid and East Antrim Borough Councils Planning Committee on 7 September 2023, the committee unanimously supported the recommendation to approve the application. The application was then forwarded to the Department for Infrastructure to consider if the application would be called in. Cloghan Point (Holdings) Limited awaits the Departments decision. A popular Orangeman who died after a crash in Co Armagh was due to celebrate his 85th birthday on Thursday. Tributes have been paid to Sidney McIldoon by the head of the Orange Order who said he leaves a huge legacy. The pensioner described as a true gentleman passed away following the collision between a car and a tractor on Tuesday. Mr McIldoon, who was 84 and from Portadown, died at the scene of the crash on Cornascriebe Road between Tandragee and Hamiltonsbawn. The deceased drivers wife Irene, who was a passenger, was taken to hospital shortly after 2.30pm and is currently fighting for her life. Police said Mr McIldoon, a former past grand lecturer of the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland, would have turned 85 two days after he died. "A female passenger, also aged in her 80s, remains in hospital in a critical condition, a PSNI spokesperson said. The Cornascriebe Road was closed for a time to allow for police to carry out enquiries and has since reopened to traffic. Orange Grand Master Edward Stevenson said: "Sidney was a loyal and true friend and a great champion of the Orange cause. "He leaves a huge legacy, following a life of selfless service to the Orange Institution." The County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge also paid tribute. Former Armagh mayor Jim Speers said: Words cannot begin to describe the tragic news that has emerged. I have known Sidney McIldoon for over 40 years, a true gentleman that was held in the highest respect within the local community and indeed throughout Northern Ireland. A man I was proud to call a good friend. Former Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy said he is very deeply sorry to learn of Mr McIldoons death. Sidney was a very fine man and I counted him as a friend, he posted on social media. Sidney played a very important role in the Orange Institution both locally and centrally and he will be much missed. "He was also a stalwart Unionist who always provided me with words of encouragement over many years. "I send my sincere sympathy to his family circle at this very sad and difficult time and that Irene will make a full and speedy recovery from her injuries. Independent unionist councillor Paul Berry said: "He was a good and trusted friend who always encouraged you and gave advice when asked and we will all miss his friendship and wisdom. He was a solid unionist and committed Orangeman and his contribution will be sorely missed by us all. He held many senior positions in the Orange but always kept his feet on the ground and promoted our culture across the country and always promoted the youth." PSNI Sergeant Green previously said officers attended the scene of the crash, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The driver of the car sadly passed away at the scene as a result of his injuries, they added. A female passenger has been taken to hospital for medical treatment for her injuries. Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 909 of 13/02/24. A Belfast tea producer ran out of tea to blend for the first time this week and said there are "genuine problems" due to supply issues currently plaguing producers. The supply issues are due to the disruption of shipments through the Red Sea. Violence by Houthi rebels in the region has caused most shipping firms using the key trade route, which heads towards the Suez Canal, to redirect shipments around the Cape of Good Hope at the foot of Africa. Ross Thompson of Thompson Tea, which produces Pujana, told the BBC they source some of the tea used in their blend from Kenya, bought at the biggest tea auction in Mombasa each Monday and Tuesday. They buy teas from east of the Rift Valley which are then shipped to Belfast. "Our container ship company can't take the risk with its crew to travel up the Red Sea. It has to take the long way round, the Cape of Good Hope, up to Tangier in Morocco to be shipped. "It's a very long journey and delays are happening, they're not causing us problems just yet but it's extremely tight. We ran out of teas to blend yesterday," he admitted. Consumers shouldn't be worried but suppliers are, he said. "We're worried and we have been six weeks and we've been buying extra stock. We've never been in a situation where we can't blend. We've been tracking this particular vessel which was acrrying tea for us and it was supposed to arrive and it did. It's just unusual and a little bit scary for us." The tea is shipped by Maersk who "know how to avoid trouble" - and meanwhile, Thompson's has upped their purchases. There's always the danger of a run on tea, he added. "We've started early to address the issue," he said. "It's a bit stressful but we're managing." Economy Minister Conor Murphy is pictured at City of Derry Airport with its Manager Steve Frazer and Infrastructure Minister John ODowd following the announcement of funding to protect the continuation of the flights from the City of Derry Airport to London Heathrow. A flight route between Derry and London Heathrow has been secured after over 1m of funding was announced. The route between the City of Derry Airport and the UKs biggest airport is jointly funded by the Department for Transport in Westminster and Stormonts Department for the Economy. The 1.018m of funding has been agreed from April 1 for one year, with airline Loganair set to continue operating 20 return flights every week. Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: Funding this route between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow was an early priority for me as Economy Minister. "The route connects the north west to London which helps thousands of people to travel to work and conduct business. This investment also protects jobs for airport workers and their families. I look forward to working with the airport and my colleague, the Minister for Infrastructure, John ODowd, to develop City of Derry Airport as part of building the north west economy. Infrastructure Minister John ODowd said: Our ports and airports play a vital role in our local economy and are important regional drivers of economic growth. "I am committed to working with the Minister for the Economy to listen to the case brought forward by Derry City and Strabane District Council for support for City of Derry Airport, and to working together with the rest of the Executive to identify ways to support our airports. Speaking in Derry on Wednesday, Mr ODowd said he wants to see greater linkages in the north west between Donegal, Derry and "right through the island. The airport is owned by the council and it costs ratepayers 3.45m annually to help pay operational costs. Mr ODowd said he was in the city to engage with the council and airport representatives and will come to a conclusion as to whether Stormont can foot that bill. Discussions are ongoing, he said, and he believes that along with the Economy Minister they were sending out the right signals that they are committed to the north west. He believes a wider Executive discussion is required and insisted discussions are ongoing and he will do everything in his power to support the airport. In terms of the long-term sustainability of the airport, Mr ODowd was asked whether the Executive has to invest in the city to make it a more attractive destination for business and tourism. The Minister said he thinks Derry is an attractive city for tourism and business, with a lot to offer. He added: I accept the premise that the Executive has to play its part. And for my part and, Im sure the Economy ministers part, we will do that. We will ensure that when we are making decisions around future investments and infrastructure that the north west is centre of our thinking, of our policy-making and of our planning. Steve Frazer, City of Derry Airport managing director said: Continuation of this connectivity from City of Derry Airport to London Heathrow is vital for the northwest region to support our economic growth, improving both our business and tourism opportunities. "Coupled with the fastest and most convenient access to central London, the route also provides onward connectivity to 119 destinations across 56 countries. With this core route now secured thanks to Minister Murphys announcement today, improved regional connectivity will help drive our inward investment and growth opportunities across the northwest. We also very much welcome the visit of Minister ODowd, and look forward to working with his department to finalise a support package which will ensure the airport continues to contribute to the economic growth of our region for some years to come, something which has not been possible to achieve without Ministers in place. More people are being made homeless following intimidation than official figures show, a victims charity has claimed. The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) records the number of people who contact it every year saying they have been made homeless following intimidation, mostly from paramilitaries. However, the number of people presenting as homeless due to intimidation has fallen consistently for the past five years, according to NIHE figures. In 2018/19, there were 481 cases, compared to just 167 in 2022/23 a drop of 65%. But the NIHE said it could not account for the reduction. A spokesperson told investigative website The Detail: We are unable to comment on factors behind the decrease in the number of households presenting to us citing intimidation. A victims charity said it was concerned that the figures are not reflective of the real situation. Michael Avila, coordinator of the Hate Crime Advocacy Scheme at Victim Support NI, believes intimidation by paramilitaries remains prevalent. None of the trends have changed enough anywhere to show that drop, he said. We deal with many cases of housing intimidation each year, and it has a real impact on our clients. We have quite a lot of clients who are affected by a range of housing issues; housing intimidation is one of the main ones. Eliza Browning, of the Committee for the Administration of Justice (CAJ), said NIHE figures dont appear to correlate with the reality on the ground. While NIHE statistics show that there has been a dramatic decrease in people presenting as homeless due to intimidation over the past five years, this does not seem to correlate to the reality on the ground, she said. For example, PSNI figures for the crime of intimidation, which includes housing intimidation, have remained relatively stable over the same period. In 2018/19, the PSNI received 590 reports of intimidation, compared to 509 in 2022/23 a decrease of just 13%. A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said it has not changed how it records its housing intimidation figures. It is unacceptable that people in our communities continue to experience the trauma of intimidation. There has been no change in how we record intimidation presentations or acceptances. It should be noted that Housing Executive figures only refer to those housing applicants who approach us seeking to be rehoused. They do not, and cannot, include victims of intimidation who do not seek to be rehoused through the Housing Executive and who make their own rehousing arrangements. We are unable to comment on factors behind the decrease in the number of households presenting to us citing intimidation. Other figures obtained by The Detail provide a snapshot of the scale of the problem of housing intimidation, nearly 26 years on from the Good Friday Agreement. Figures from Base2, a NIHE-funded charity which is tasked with checking the veracity of reports of intimidation, show that paramilitaries have been responsible for thousands of threats. Over the five years between 2018/19 and 2022/23, republican paramilitaries were allegedly behind 1,248 threats. During the same period, loyalists were responsible for 4,047 three times as many. Figures from Base2 also show that threats can come from individuals, communities and criminal gangs. Over the same five-year period, 1,358 alleged threats came from non-paramilitary sources. Base2 said it did not record which specific loyalist or republican groups were behind the alleged threats because it was not required to do so by the NIHE. There is no requirement from our funder to provide any information on specific groupings and therefore we do not collate this information, they said. Our work is solely to provide information on the existence of a threat and whether the threat is paramilitary or not. They added: Through the verification process, Base2 has a number of community contacts who support the verification process. Often the information we receive confirms paramilitary threat but doesnt identify the specific source [the name of the paramilitary organisation]. Minister Feetham Chairs Inaugural Meeting of Government Working Group for Captive Insurance Regime Implementation Minister Feetham has spearheaded the inaugural session of the Government Working Group, marking a significant milestone in the implementation of a captive insurance regime for Gibraltar. This initiative fulfils a key manifesto commitment aimed at enhancing Gibraltar's insurance competitiveness. The working group, convened by Minister Feetham, will collaborate closely with the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (FSC). During the meeting, Minister Feetham shared the Governments views on the captive legislation, laying the groundwork for further deliberations and refinements. The establishment of a captive insurance regime represents a significant step forward for Gibraltar's financial services sector, demonstrating the Government's commitment to fostering innovation and competitiveness. Commenting on the proposed captive regime, the Minister for Financial Services, the Hon Nigel Feetham, said: Whilst it will initially sit outside the common market (GAR) arrangements with the UK I believe it could in future be possible, through this regime, to deliver on a common objective, working closely with the UK Government and its industry, within GAR, such that Gibraltar can facilitate the regulatory regime and the UK the expertise and professional infrastructure, both sides contributing what the other can offer, making it a successful Gibraltar-UK partnership. DUP MP Gregory Campbell has joked about a Valentines Day card inspired by his infamous curry my yoghurt comments in Stormont. The East Londonderry representative shared an image of the romantic greeting card which refers to his controversial parody of the Irish language which saw him barred from addressing the Northern Ireland Assembly in November 2014 when he was an MLA. Mr Campbell refused to apologise amidst a fierce backlash after he began his address in the chamber with "curry my yoghurt can coca coalyer" to mock the Irish phrase used by nationalist MLAs to thank the Speaker; "Go raibh maith agat, Ceann Comhairle". On Wednesday he shared an image of a card currently on sale in NI which reads have a souper Valentines Day and features a Gregory Campbells soup" can in the unusual flavour. "Important extremely bitter, the label warns. DUP MP Gregory Campbell jokes about Valentine's Day card inspired by his 'offensive' comments. The product prompted the MP to comment on social media alongside a laughing emoji. "Now jist houl on here a minit. It's supposed to be all about love and understandin, huh, he wrote on Facebook. "Dae yese even know how far I had tae go tae get affended by this card. "An then they tell me it's all a bit o craic, aye rite. Ahm nat havin it ah tell ye, ahm nat. Its gone on fer far too long soithas, stap it alright hi. ps. Thanks to my good friend D for the tip off. The post prompted social media users to enquire as to where they might purchase the card. "People here in Northern Ireland have such a great sense of humour, one noted. In 2014, the then Sinn Fein Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin told the assembly that the spirit of mockery was blatant and reflects badly upon this House and the deputy Speakers. "I am not prepared to allow such a breach of standards to pass without consequence, he added. "Be in no doubt, if humour was in the member's intention, it failed miserably." Mr McLaughlin said Mr Campbells conduct fell "well short of standards expected from MLAs" and added "had this been a parody of any other language, there would rightly have been objections from many quarters." However, as politician was in Westminster at the time, the one day ban had limited impact. Former culture minister Caral Ni Chuilin accused Mr Campbell of showing "pure ignorance" before making an official complaint to the Speaker's office. However, Mr Campbell insisted he had nothing to apologise for and dismissed criticism as "absurd and ludicrous" and accused Sinn Fein of using the language for political reasons. "I am very fond of Ulster Scots music, but if I started every question with a few words of Will ye go lassie go?, they'd say: 'Catch yourself on'," he said. "My tolerance gets stretched beyond any credibility when I hear Irish ad nauseam on hundreds of occasions for no purpose other than a political one. He added: "I exposed the fallacy and the nonsense of people who insist on using Irish to begin every single contribution, no matter what the topic is, when most people don't understand what they're saying." Sinn Fein also referred the remarks to the Human Rights Commission and Equality Commission. On Wednesday Mr Campbell told the Belfast Telegraph most people know humour when they see it adding but sadly for the few they just dont get it. Infrastructure Minister John ODowd has announced an additional 1 million to tackle potholes on roads across Northern Ireland (Niall Carson/PA) Infrastructure Minister John ODowd has ruled out further revenue raising measures in Northern Ireland after Westminster said Stormont must raise a minimum 113m as a condition of its 3.3bn financial package. The Treasury said its offer to wipe out nearly 600m of Stormonts debt depended on the Executive raising that amount and producing a sustainable financial plan. But speaking in Derry yesterday (on Wednesday), Sinn Fein MLA Mr ODowd said family budgets are already at breaking point and asked why the Executive should add to that pressure on households. The British Government have recognised that the Executive is under-funded, for the first time ever theyve now recognised that, he said. Thats welcome. The next step has to be that they properly fund the Executive. Infrastructure Minister John ODowd rules out revenue raising after Westminster outlines 3.3bn financial deal Mr ODowd added that revenue raising is not part of the deal. " Unfortunately the conversation about revenue raising has become about how we place further burden of taxation on workers and families, and I think thats the wrong direction for this debate to go in, he said. There has to be a discussion with the Treasury about how they properly fund the Executive. We as Executive ministers have a collective responsibility to run effective and efficient departments. The Executive already raises revenue through a number of elements and the Finance Minister has to make decisions about how we go forward in the future. "But hard decisions arent simply about how you imposes taxes on workers and families because there has to be a broader conversation around fiscal responsibilities the Executive currently has and doesnt have. Mr ODowd was in Derry along with Economy Minister Conor Murphy for the announcement that the flight route between Derry City Airport and London Heathrow has been protected after over 1m of funding was secured. United Ireland much more beneficial for island, says NI Economy Minister The route between the City of Derry Airport and the UKs biggest airport is jointly funded by the Department for Transport in Westminster and Stormonts Department for the Economy. The 1.018m of funding has been agreed from April 1 for one year, with airline Loganair set to continue operating 20 return flights every week. Speaking at the event, Sinn Fein MLA Mr Murphy said there will be a statement at the Assembly on Monday where he will outline the thrust of our economic policy in the time ahead. He said it will see a change in the way the Department for the Economy and Invest NI has worked. I have already spoken to Invest NI, Ive spoken to the department, Ive been up here speaking to people about their ideas and what is needed to assist them, because I see the department as an enabler, I see Invest NI as an enabler where theres economic and growth potential, that we help that to move forward so we can create prosperity in an area like this that badly needs it, said Mr Murphy. There are very poor figures [in the north west] in terms of unemployment, of low wages; there are good figures in terms of business start-ups which is encouraging but we need to try to enable people in the north west to meet their desires they have for more prosperity and economic growth. Meanwhile, Mr Murphy recognised that university expansion in Derry is a key part of the jigsaw that has to be assembled to deliver economic growth in the north west. The Minister said there is no doubt the region has suffered from historic underinvestment and we wouldnt be talking about regional imbalance in the economy if there was no imbalance in the first instance. Economy Minister Conor Murphy and Infrastructure Minister John ODowd with Steve Frazer, Managing Director, City of Derry Airport, at the announcement of funding to protect the continuation of flights from the airport to London Heathrow. Photo: Lorcan Doherty That has to be turned from a policy into tangible improvements on the ground, he explained, such as supporting the airport, university expansion to 10,000 students as a central plank, and moving the dial by putting words into action as stressed in discussions with the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce. Commenting on whether Stormont is capable of addressing inequalities in Derry and the wider north west or if that would have to be done in the context of a united Ireland, Mr Murphy said from his own perspective we would be much better in a united Ireland. He continued: There is much more economic opportunity on one island and less duplication of services. I think the island has been inhibited by partition, but thats my political perspective. I have to work in the framework that Im in now. I have had conversations with my ministerial counterparts in the south, Simon Coveney and Simon Harris, talking about the north west in particular. There is a strong desire from the Irish government through the Shared Island Fund to support economic development here, to support the growth of the university here, the economic linkages between Magee and Letterkenny. Myself and Minister Harris committed to come up here jointly and visit, to emphasise the support for that. In the interim I think theres much work can be done on an all-island basis. In the longer-term I think it would be much more beneficial for us all if we were away from partition and actually operating on the basis of one island. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there is a culture of arrogance among senior figures within RTE (Oliver McVeigh/PA) Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there is a culture of arrogance among senior figures within RTE, and there has been poor governance around decisions being made. He was responding to questions from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, who said public trust in RTE has crumbled in the wake of a series of revelations relating to the broadcasters governance and finances, and that people feel taken for fools. A vote is to take place on Sinn Feins Dail motion calling for a legal amnesty for those who have not paid their TV licence fee in the wake of controversies which were revealed last year, and for the abolition of the TV licence system. Instead Sinn Fein is proposing a direct Exchequer-funded model. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said public trust in RTE has crumbled in the wake of a series of revelations relating to its governance and finances (Brian Lawless/PA) Speaking in the Dail during Leaders Questions, Ms McDonald asked whether the Taoiseach plans to chase people through the courts for not paying their TV licence fee. Not one of the top brass at RTE have been held to account, she said, arguing it is unfair to pursue members of the public for not paying the 160 euro fee. Ms McDonald also accused Cabinet ministers of being divided on a new funding model for Irelands public service broadcaster. She said Mr Varadkar has said previously that the current model is outdated and belongs to a different time, which she then used to urge the Taoiseach to abolish it. The Government must end the merry-go-round of dither, of delay, and contradiction now, she said. Scrap the TV licence and replace it with Exchequer funding to ensure a better future for public service media. Mr Varadkar responded by asking whether Sinn Feins policy includes offering a rebate to those who have paid for their TV licence. I believe that many people should obey the law and I believe that many people should pay their taxes and pay their charges, he said. And I think it would be an affront and an insult to the majority of decent, law-abiding citizens who have paid their TV licence fee to now grant an amnesty to those who didnt. I think (that) would be profoundly unfair. He also raised concerns about a conflict of interest if a model of direct state funding was introduced. We know that theres somebody in this House, who might be the head of government in the next government, whos suing RTE at the moment. That will be huge conflict of interest, in my view, to have people who are suing RTE deciding how much money they get paid. Thats not the kind of democracy we want. Thats the kind of thing were starting to see happen in the United States and other places, and I definitely would not want that to be the case in our state. Ms McDonald took legal action against RTE in the High Court in 2022 over alleged defamation. Appearing before committee on Wednesday afternoon, RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst said he welcomed the real live discussion about how to fund public service media in Ireland. He said it was up to the Government and the Oireachtas to resolve this for the future, and if the organisation was properly funded, RTE would deliver high-quality public service content, (which) will support democracy, tackle disinformation and will deliver an organisation which is transparent and accountable. He said a form of funding that is predictable is also important for companies that RTE outsources work to, and that a long-term funding model would be a bedrock of independent production businesses. Gardai have sealed off a wooded area at a public park in Dublin as part of their search for a missing Icelandic man. Jon Jonsson, who was visiting Ireland for a poker tournament, left the Bonnington Hotel on the Swords Road on February 9, 2019. The 41-year-old was seen a some time later walking past the entrance to Highfield Hospital. Police tape near the wooded area at Santry Demesne, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) In recent days, gardai have carried out a search of Santry Demense with the help of the underwater unit and a search dog. A full examination of the site will be carried out after the dog alerted gardai to a particular area. The area has been sealed off to allow gardai to carry out a full examination. In a statement, a spokesman for An Garda Siochana said: Operational searches remain ongoing, no further information is available at this time. The blast hit the pipeline near the city of Boroujen in the western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province (Dehkordi/Fars News Agency via AP) Explosions have struck a natural gas pipeline in Iran, with an official blaming the blasts on sabotage and terrorist action as tensions remain high in the Middle East amid Israels war on Hamas. The pipeline runs from Irans western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province up north to cities on the Caspian Sea. The roughly 790-mile structure begins in Asaluyeh, a hub for Irans offshore South Pars gas field. Saeed Aghli, the manager of Irans gas network control centre, told Iranian state television that sabotage and terrorist action caused explosions along several areas of the line. There are no known insurgent groups operating in that province, home to the Bakhtiari, a branch of Irans Lur ethnic group. In the past, Arab separatists in south-western Iran have claimed attacks against oil pipelines. However, attacks against such infrastructure are rare elsewhere. Flames leap into the air after a natural gas pipeline explodes outside the city of Boroujen in the western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province (Fars News Agency via AP) Iran has faced low-level separatist unrest from Kurds in its north-west, the Baluch in its east and Arabs in its south-west since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, tensions have risen in recent years as Iran faces an economy hobbled by international sanctions over its nuclear programme. The country has faced years of mass demonstrations, most recently in 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest, allegedly over how she wore her mandatory headscarf. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out attacks in Iran, but have predominantly targeted its nuclear programme. On Tuesday, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog warned that Iran is not entirely transparent regarding its atomic programme, particularly after an official who once led Tehrans programme announced the Islamic Republic has all the pieces for a weapon in our hands. Tensions over Irans nuclear programme comes as militias it arms in the region Lebanons Hezbollah and Yemens Houthi rebels have launched attacks targeting Israel during the war in Gaza. The Houthis continue to attack commercial shipping in the region, sparking repeated air strikes from the US and UK. President Joe Biden criticised petty political games after Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached by the House of Representatives. The Republican majority, who secured a single-vote win after leader Steve Scalise returned from cancer treatment, is determined to punish Mr Bidens administration over its handling of the Mexico border. Mr Mayorkas is the first Cabinet secretary to face charges in nearly 150 years. President Joe Biden said in a statement: History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honourable public servant in order to play petty political games. House Speaker Mike Johnson banging the gavel after he announced the House voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (House Television/AP) Mr Mayorkas faced two articles of impeachment filed by the Homeland Security Committee arguing that he willfully and systematically refused to enforce existing immigration laws and that he breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. Critics of the impeachment effort said the charges against Mr Mayorkas amount to a policy dispute over Mr Bidens border policy. The House had initially launched an impeachment inquiry into the president over his sons business dealings, but turned its attention to Mr Mayorkas after former president Donald Trumps ally Marjorie Taylor Greene pushed the debate forward following the panels months-long investigation. The charges against Mr Mayorkas would next go to the Senate for a trial, but neither Democratic nor Republican senators have shown interest in the matter and it may be indefinitely shelved to a committee. Border security has shot to the top of campaign issues with Mr Trump, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination, insisting he will launch the largest domestic deportation operation in American history if he retakes the White House. The vote total after the House voted to impeach Mr Mayorkas (House Television/AP) Various House Republicans have prepared legislation to begin deporting migrants who were temporarily allowed into the US under Mr Biden administrations policies, many as they await adjudication of asylum claims. We have no choice, Mr Trump said in stark language at a weekend rally in South Carolina. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson rejected a bipartisan Senate border security package but has been unable to advance Republicans own proposal which is a nonstarter in the Senate. House Republicans have filed legislation to impeach a long list including Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI director Christopher Wray and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. Never before has a sitting Cabinet secretary been impeached and it was nearly 150 years ago that the House voted to impeach president Ulysses S Grants secretary of war William Belknap over a kickback scheme in government contracts. He resigned before the vote. Wellcome Images Stephanie Hertzenberg is a former writer and editor at Beliefnet. She is a graduate of the College of William and Mary where she majored in Religious Studies and minored in Creative Writing. She maintains an avid interest in health, history and science. Every February, people present their significant other with chocolate, flowers and cards. Grocery stores and shopping malls are covered in red or pink hearts, and there are a number of drawings of cupid floating around. Children buy packets of Valentines to hand out to friends and classmates, and Mom and Dad get a babysitter so they can enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner at a nice restaurant.Valentines Day has long been a celebration of love. Those who are single on Valentines Day sometimes joke that they are celebrating Singles Awareness Day, whereas those who had a recent breakup often grab either the ice cream or the beer and bury a broken heart in sugar and bad movies. Those without a partner make it a point not to go out to dinner on February 14 because they know that all the restaurants will be full. Valentines Day is so commonly known to be a day of love that few people ever give much thought to its origins. It simply is what it is. Holidays do not appear out of the ether, though. They originate with some memorable event or time in history. So, where did Valentines Day come from?The short answer is that no one is sure. There are a number of different legends that surround the beginning of Valentines Day, but a number of these origin stories surround a Catholic saint named Valentine or Valentinus. So, it is likely that there is at least some truth in the idea that Valentines Day is based on a Catholic martyr named Valentine. The problem is that the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different St. Valentines, and all three of them were martyred.The first St. Valentine that the Catholic Church recognizes is said to have been a priest during the third century. He lived in Rome under the rule of Emperor Claudius II. According to legend, Emperor Claudius II decided that men without families or wives made for better soldiers. As such, marriage was outlawed for men of a certain age. Valentine felt that this was horribly unjust and defied the decree. Valentine continued to act as a priest and performed secret marriage rites for young men. These marriages then allowed young men to escape being drafted into the Roman army. Valentines luck could not last forever, though, and eventually his actions were discovered. Valentine was arrested, and Claudius had him executed.The second St. Valentine was also a Roman Christian who defied the emperor. In this story, Valentine was attempting to convert people to Christianity. In third century Rome, this was a serious crime. Christianity was not welcome in Roman society, and Christians were horribly persecuted. This did not deter Valentine, however, and he continued to gain converts. In addition to trying to convert Romans to Christianity, Valentine would enter prisons and marry the Christians who were held captive there. According to legend, Emperor Claudius II was fond of Valentine and so was willing to turn a blind eye to the other mans activities. Valentine, however, became overconfident and attempted to convert Claudius himself to Christianity. Claudius was enraged and ordered Valentine to renounce his faith on the pain of death. Valentine refused and chose to be martyred instead. Valentine was executed on February 14 outside Flaminian Gate for his crimes.The third St. Valentine that is recognized by the Catholic Church is probably the most famous one. He is also the Valentine that is most closely associated with the sort of love story that is so popular on modern Valentines Day. There are several versions of the legend associated with the third St. Valentine. The first version begins with Valentine helping Christians escape Roman prisons. Christians who were imprisoned were often tortured, and Valentine could not stand to leave them in such conditions. Valentine, however, was caught and thrown in prison himself. While he was held captive, he was visited by the jailors daughter. The two fell in love, but the woman could do nothing to stop Valentines pending execution. The star crossed lovers were doomed. Just before his death, Valentine wrote his love a final letter, and he signed it from your Valentine. This phrase remained popular due to the romantic and tragic connotations, though eventually the tragedy was lost and the phrase became a declaration of love.The second version of this Valentines story begins when a judge named Asterius decided to put Valentines faith to the test. Asterius called Valentine to his home where the judge brought out his daughter who was blind. Asterius told Valentine to restore his daughters sight. If Valentine was successful, the judge vowed to do whatever Valentine wished. Valentine agreed and restored her vision. Asterius was awed. He broke all the idols in his house and fasted for three days before he had all 44 members of his household baptized. Asterius also freed all his Christian prisoners, but Valentine ran afoul of Emperor Claudius and was arrested. The day of his execution, Valentine left a note for Asterius daughter signed your Valentine.While it is uncertain which of these Valentines was the martyr who inspired Valentines Day, it is clear that he was a real person. Archaeologists discovered a Roman catacomb and an ancient church dedicated to St. Valentine. Similarly, Pope Gelasius set February 14 as the date for the celebration of St. Valentines martyrdom.St. Valentine was one of the most popular saints during the Middle Ages, and he has continued to influence the modern world. People today send more than 150 million Valentines Day cards in February, and tens of millions of dollars are spent on chocolate, flowers and jewelry meant for significant others. While these may be strange ways to celebrate a day originally dedicated to a saints rather gruesome death, St. Valentine would likely approve. After all, if the legends are to be believed, he risked everything for love. He would approve of a day meant to spread even more love. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Indonesian presidential candidate and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto reacts to supporters as he leaves in a car from his residence to attend a gathering after the vote closed in the country's presidential and legislative elections, in Jakarta, Feb. 14, 2024. From being accused of grave human rights violations and booted from the military to winning Indonesias presidency, Prabowo Subianto has come far and risen high. Reliable quick poll results announced on Wednesday showed that the former army special forces commander beat Ganjar Pranowo and Anies Baswedan, receiving around 58% of the vote. The win for Prabowo, who used to be seen as a symbol of dictator Suhartos long rule, is a turning point for Indonesia. Since the fall of Suharto in 1998, Prabowo will be the first president to have a direct familial link to the man who ruled Indonesia with an iron hand for 32 years. Suhartos daughter, Siti Hediati, and Prabowo used to be married. They separated in 1998, the year Prabowo was thrown out of the army, and when Suharto fell, ushering in a new era of democracy in Southeast Asias largest and most populous country. Prabowo, who leads the nationalist Great Indonesia Movement (Gerindra) party, had failed twice before to win the presidency, losing to the outgoing Joko Jokowi Widodo in 2014 and 2019. Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) shakes hands with Prabowo Subianto, whom he appointed defense minister, during the inauguration ceremony at the state palace in Jakarta, Oct. 23, 2019. [Adek Berry/AFP] But because there are no permanent friends or enemies in politics, as a wit once said, Prabowo this time decided to join forces with Gibran Rakabuming Raka, a son of old foe Jokowi. The move didnt hurt Prabowo, despite accusations of malfeasance, nepotism and dynasticism surrounding Gibrans path to the vice presidential ticket. And Prabowo benefited by his association with Jokowi who still enjoys a popularity rating of 76% few Indonesians were lulled into thinking the president wouldnt support this pair. Now, as Jokowi leaves the presidency in October prevented from contesting due to constitutional terms limits his son will ascend to the vice presidency keeping it all in the family. Since Prabowo, 72, became Jokowis defense minister in 2019, he worked towards rebranding himself in the mold of a friendlier figure. Indonesian Defense Minister and presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto poses with cadets of the Ben Mboi Polytechnic University of Defense, Belu, in East Nusa Tenggara, in a photograph posted on the ministers Instagram page on Sept. 5, 2023. [Via Instagram/Prabowo] This military pariah, who has battled allegations of crimes against humanity during his days as an Army special forces commander, has taken apart his old, strident personality bit-by-bit. By the time the 2024 election rolled around, the generational turnover also gave Prabowo an advantage, as some analysts had indicated may happen. With 52% of the electorate under the age of 40 a chunk of them from Gen Z many young Indonesian voters may have been unaware of the serious allegations against Prabowo. But what this digital generation did know about Prabowo was his love for dancing and his fondness for cats all amplified on his Instagram account, which has 11 million followers. He danced his way into the hearts of social media users, earning the nickname of gemoy or cuddly for his moves. He also became a meme and cartoon star, with his campaign depicting him as a chubby and happy character on billboards and television ads. He shared his passion for cats on Instagram, posting pictures and videos of his feline friends and who doesnt like cat photos? Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto looks at his cat, Bobby, in a photograph posted on the cats Instagram page on Jan. 7, 2024. [Via Instagram/bobbykertanegara] That doesnt sound like the same ex-general who was called hot tempered, violent, brutal, and terror-inducing, and accused of crimes against humanity. Yet viewers got a glimpse of that so-called notorious temper of his, during the second televised presidential debate in mid-January. Grave allegations Behind the hip-shaking and cat cuddling, Prabowos past remains a bone of contention. He has been accused of being involved in or orchestrating several human rights violations during his military career. Allegations particularly mention the abduction and disappearance of pro-democracy activists in 1997-98, in the months leading up to the fall of Suharto. But no charges have ever been filed against him nor have the allegations against him been tried in court. While with the armys special forces (Kopassus), Prabowo was involved in several military operations, including the invasion of East Timor (Timor-Leste) and the suppression of the insurgency in the Papua region. Indonesian security forces, and especially Kopassus, were held responsible for war crimes during the 24-year occupation of East Timor, a truth and reconciliation commission found. And investigators cited several witnesses as saying Prabowos unit was linked to them. Prabowo was in 1998 appointed leader of the Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad). Indonesians have heard more about Prabowos alleged actions at home, while at Kopassus in 1997, and then Kostrad during the turbulent end of Suhartos rule. Many witnesses alleged that troops under his command kidnapped and tortured democracy activists, and claimed that he himself organized some abductions. Returning Indonesian student activist Pius Lustrilanang, the first activist to speak publicly about abduction and torture at the hands of unidentified kidnappers, gives a speech next to a poster of then Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, upon his arrival at Jakarta airport, July 19, 1998. [Reuters] The army threw Prabowo out in 1998 after its investigation found he was implicated in the kidnapping of nine democracy activists, which he vehemently denied. But in 2014, he admitted to news organization Al Jazeera that he had helped abduct nine activists, but said he was only following orders. Budiman Sudjatmiko, a former dissident who was jailed by Suharto and is now a Prabowo ally, added more intrigue to this issue in an interview last July. He said that Prabowo had admitted to him years ago that he abducted some activists in 1997-1998 but claimed he had later released all of them and had no idea what happened to some who didnt make it home. Prabowos $128 M net worth Prabowo was born in Jakarta on Oct. 17, 1951, to an elite family. His father, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, was a prominent economist. Owing to a childhood mostly spent abroad, Prabowo is fluent in Dutch, English, French, and German. He came back home as a young adult, graduated from the Indonesian Military Academy in 1974, and joined Kopassus, where he rose to become the commander in December 1995. Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto (right), who later announced his candidacy for president, attends an event on the 63th anniversary of the Movement of Islamic Students Indonesia (PMII) with Surakarta (Solo) Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who the minister chose as his running mate in the 2024 general election, in Solo, Central Java, June 25, 2023. [Via Instagram/Prabowo] After being forced out of the military in 1998, Prabowo became a businessman and established several companies in various sectors, such as agriculture, mining, and media. He also moved to Jordan, where he lived in exile for several years. Prabowo is worth 2 trillion rupiah (U.S. $128 million) as of November 2023, according to his wealth declaration submitted to the countrys anti-corruption agency. He is said to have earned his wealth mainly from his businesses. Prabowo returned to Indonesia in 2004, and began a new career in politics, so he could serve the nation and restore its glory, according to his statements over the years. He co-founded the Gerindra party in 2008. During the 2024 campaign, Prabowo portrayed himself as a nationalist defending his country from foreign interference and exploitation. For instance, when he urged Europe in November to open its market to Indonesias products especially palm oil, which has been subject to environmental and human rights concerns he invoked his countrys colonial past. It was the Europeans who came to our islands and forced us to plant tea, coffee, rubber, cocoa, he said at an event organized by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. [A]nd now youre saying we are destroying our forest. You destroyed our forest. Then-Indonesian military chief Gen. Wiranto (left) fixes the epaulets of then-Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, at a military ceremony in Jakarta, May 28, 1998. [No photographers name/Reuters] But this sort of nationalism doesnt appeal to the families of the more than a dozen democracy activists missing since 1997-1998. Petrus Haryanto, who formed an organization called FDR, which works towards justice for the forcibly disappeared, started a campaign last year called Dont vote for a kidnapper! His group wants to restore the values of the 1990s activists namely honesty, human rights and humanity, he said in July. Because of this, the nationalism that we put forward is humanitarian nationalism, Petrus said in July. Volunteers wearing protective clothing clean up an oil spill from the sunken fuel tanker MT Princess Empress, on the shore of Pola, Oriental Mindoro province, Philippines, March 7, 2023. The Philippine government on Wednesday recommended criminal charges be filed against owners of a tanker that caused a massive oil spill last year after sinking in rough waters off the central Philippines. The leak from the MT Princess Empress was one of the worst environmental disasters to strike the country in recent years, with the clean-up lasting months and imperiling nearly 20,000 local fishermen, officials said. The ship, operated by Philippines-based RDC Reield Marine Services, sank on Feb. 28, 2023, while carrying about 800,000 liters (211,000 gallons) of fuel oil. All 20 crew members were rescued and the tanker was located weeks later at a depth of 400 meters (1,312 feet) off Naujan, a coastal town in Oriental Mindoro province. The spill led to the contamination of vast coastal regions and forced officials to impose a fishing ban in seven coastal towns. It affected nearly 200,000 people and threatened marine life in the southern Luzon and western Visayas regions. In a statement released Wednesday, the Department of Justice said the prosecutors panel had recommended indicting corporate officers of the MT Princess Empress, personnel of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and one private individual over multiple counts of falsification of private documents, use of falsified documents and multiple counts of falsification of public documents. Following a comprehensive evaluation of affidavits and evidence, the panel of DOJ prosecutors uncovered irregularities in certain documents related to the construction and certificate of public convenience of MT Princess Empress, the statement said. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told reporters that negligence could not be used as an excuse to destroy the environment and livelihood of people. It is important to be diligent on land and on our waters, he said. Meanwhile, Sonia Malaluan, chief of MARINA, offered to assist investigators. I am not aware of such a recommendation nor have I received any communication on this. But, if it is true and should the DOJ find prima facie evidence that warrants filing of the case, as Administrator of MARINA, I can assure our full cooperation, Malaluan said. rew members of the Dynamic Support Vessel Fire Opal, seen here in this Philippine Coast Guard photo, removed the remaining oil from the MT Princess Empress in waters off Oriental Mindoro province, May 29, 2023. [Philippine Coast Guard Facebook] In a separate statement, Jennifer Cruz, mayor of Pola in Oriental Mindoro, welcomed the DOJs decision, noting that the announcement of charges comes nearly a year after the incident. The spill continues to impact her community, she said. The owner of the ship should really be held accountable because until now, we can still feel the effect of the oil spill on our livelihood and our town continues to struggle to move on from the incident. We are hoping that the ship owner will pay to help in the recovery, Cruz said. RDC Reield could not be reached immediately for comment about the DOJ announcement, but the ship owner did offer an apology for the spill on March 13, 2023. We are truly sorry that this incident has affected the livelihoods of those living in the impacted areas and the spills effect on the environment, the company said in a statement at the time. We are committed to doing everything possible to minimize the ongoing impact on the environment and peoples lives and clean up the spill. Two months later, the Philippine Coast Guard announced it had begun its final cleanup phase by siphoning the remaining oil from the tankers cargo hold. The countrys worst spill occurred in August 2006 when oil tanker MT Solar 1 sank off the coast of Guimaras, an island province in the Philippines. The tanker spilled over 2.1 million liters (about 555,000 gallons) of fuel. MANCHESTER Manchesters lonely air strip will soon be joined by a 136-seat event space and two new housing units. The property containing a former airplane hangar and an adjacent house was purchased in 2022 by the Levis family, who also own The Wilburton Inn and the Museum of the Creative Process. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, Manchesters Development Review Board learned more about the planned renovations, for which work is anticipated to begin this year. Ideally, well have permitting in place so construction can begin this spring, said Frank Parent of Long Trail Engineering, which was contracted by Dr. Albert Levis and his family for the project. While the event space is intended to support the Museum of the Creative Process, it will also be available for community use, according to Parent. His vision is that the event space will be used for weddings, conferences, or even something like a craft fair or auto show, Parent said in an interview with the Journal. His goal for this project is that these events can help fund the museum and keep it going in perpetuity. The property will be accessible from Natural Form Way, just off of Richville Road. What was once the airplane hanger will be handily transformed into the event space, complete with a commercial kitchen. Also within the former hangar will be a four-bedroom apartment, alongside a three-bedroom unit planned for what was once the pilots house. While renovations will be made to improve accessibility and aesthetics around the hangar, Parent says the work will be relatively minimal thanks to its industrial, wide-open construction. When the event space opens, visitors will be greeted by a timber-frame pavilion entryway with large, glass doors. The exterior will utilize painted vinyl siding. The air strip, which rests partly on town property and partly on the parcel purchased by the Levis family, will still remain available for use. The idea is that we will leave the runway so that, if one time a year someone wants to fly in, theyll be able to do it, Parent explained. Parent first presented the project to the Board on Dec. 6, where members asked whether the property is in the town aquifer zone. On Wednesday, Parent explained that the parcel rests in two zones one more strictly regulated than the other. The first, known as Zone 2 under state regulations, bisects the parking lot and contains both structures. Here, activities like building, driving and parking are allowed but any activities that can alter infiltration patterns the absorption of rainwater into the soil and, eventually, bodies of water like streams and aquifers are not allowed, Parent explained. Stormwater management features, including drainage, have been accordingly allocated to Zone 3, Parent said, where they are permitted. This area includes the majority of the parking lot and the entirety of the airstrip. The adjacent house will need to be connected to sewer and water services, which Parent says will be addressed alongside other construction in accordance with regulations. He also clarified the Boards past questions regarding whether Natural Form Way is a town road (it is), and if there is any setback required from Route 7 (there is not). Parent supplied the Board with emails from the Manchester Police Department and Northshire Rescue Squad verifying their ability to access the property in case of emergency. Local schools like Burr and Burton Academy and Manchester Elementary and Middle School also confirmed that they have capacity for any additional students who may inhabit the two residences. One lingering question, however, is the capacity of the existing bridge along the propertys driveway. Our goal tonight was to get as many issues resolved as possible, Parent said. The Fire Chief let us know that the bridge just doesnt have the capacity. The engineer who initially evaluated the bridge is now exploring whether any changes can be made to improve its capacity, Parent explained. If not, the bridge may have to be removed in order for a culvert to be installed. We dont have an answer for that tonight, Parent acknowledged, noting that he hopes to return with one in March. Immediately before the Development Review Board meeting, Parent also presented the project to Manchesters Design Advisory Board. There, approval was granted for proposed lighting and exterior designs for the project. Landscaping and signage will be presented in a future session. The land was purchased by the Levis family for $1.34 million in 2022 from the estate of Richard and Nadine Hayes, who died in a 2004 car crash. The couple also owned the Green Mountain Estates, which is pending purchase by the town of Manchester after nearly two decades of negotiations. The parcel is something of a hidden gem, Parent says, as it cannot be seen from Richville Road and previously served a small, private niche of pilots and airplane owners. This is really a unique spot, Parent concluded. You would have never heard of this part of town unless you were going out to the airfield. Its a surprising place in the middle of Manchester. Human remains have been found in the search for a missing Richmond woman, but no positive identification has been made This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle. BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Gia Volski, Chairman of the Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration Committee, Mikheil Sarjveladze, along with members of Parliament Aluda Gudushauri, Giorgi Sosiashvili, and Ketevan Charkviani, met with residents living near the occupation line.The parliament members gathered information from the local population in the village of Tkviavi regarding their legal status and needs.The meeting was organized within the framework of the Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration Committee's work on the 2024 action plan, which entails studying the needs of the population living near the occupation line and determining ways to address them within the committee's competence. The committee plans to continue meeting with various groups.These meetings were held in the Shida Kartli region with the support and participation of the state representative, Mikheil Shakulashvili, and the mayor of Gori municipality, Vladimir Khinchegashvili.The National Environment Agency issued a statement about landslides and mudslides in Georgia. According to the agency, from February 6 to 12, geologists assessed 541 families, with around 300 families relocated to safer areas."Three groups of geologists from the National Environment Agency remain in the disaster zones developed on the territory of Georgia and continue to study the events on the ground, including two groups in Imereti and one group in the Racha territory. Landslides have been recorded in Imereti, and landslides and mudslides in Racha.From February 6 to 12, groups of geologists assessed 541 families, including those in the Adjara region. Preventive measures were implemented, resulting in the relocation of about 300 families to safer areas. Specialists from the agency provided appropriate recommendations for further protective and disaster prevention measures," the statement reads. Jem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian defence ministry has signed a Rs 2,269-crore deal with state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of 11 Shakti warfare systems, along with associated equipment. The electronic warfare system will be installed on-board the frontline warships of the Indian Navy, officials said. The Shakti systems are capable of accurately intercepting electronic emissions and implementing counter measures in a dense electromagnetic environment, they said. "The Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hyderabad on February 13 for procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems along with associated equipment/accessories for Indian Navy under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 2,269.54," the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday. The Shakti EW system is indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. "The project will generate employment of two-and-a-half lakh man-days over a period of four years with participation of more than 155 industry partners including MSMEs, thus furthering the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'," the ministry said. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there is a culture of arrogance among senior figures within RTE, and there has been poor governance around decisions being made. He was responding to questions from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, who said public trust in RTE has crumbled in the wake of a series of revelations relating to the broadcasters governance and finances, and that people feel taken for fools. Advertisement A vote is to take place on Sinn Feins Dail motion calling for a legal amnesty for those who have not paid their TV licence fee in the wake of controversies which were revealed last year, and for the abolition of the TV licence system. Instead, Sinn Fein is proposing a direct Exchequer-funded model. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said public trust in RTE has crumbled in the wake of a series of revelations relating to its governance and finances (Brian Lawless/PA) Advertisement Speaking in the Dail during Leaders Questions, Ms McDonald asked whether the Taoiseach plans to chase people through the courts for not paying their TV licence fee. Advertisement Not one of the top brass at RTE have been held to account, she said, arguing it is unfair to pursue members of the public for not paying the 160 fee. Ms McDonald also accused Cabinet ministers of being divided on a new funding model for the States public service broadcaster. She said Mr Varadkar has said previously that the current model is outdated and belongs to a different time, which she then used to urge the Taoiseach to abolish it. Advertisement The Government must end the merry-go-round of dither, of delay, and contradiction now, she said. Scrap the TV licence and replace it with Exchequer funding to ensure a better future for public service media. Mr Varadkar responded by asking whether Sinn Feins policy includes offering a rebate to those who have paid for their TV licence. I believe that many people should obey the law and I believe that many people should pay their taxes and pay their charges, he said. Advertisement And I think it would be an affront and an insult to the majority of decent, law-abiding citizens who have paid their TV licence fee to now grant an amnesty to those who didnt. I think (that) would be profoundly unfair. Advertisement Advertisement He also raised concerns about a conflict of interest if a model of direct State funding was introduced. We know that theres somebody in this House, who might be the head of government in the next government, whos suing RTE at the moment. That will be huge conflict of interest, in my view, to have people who are suing RTE deciding how much money they get paid. Thats not the kind of democracy we want. Thats the kind of thing were starting to see happen in the United States and other places, and I definitely would not want that to be the case in our state. Ms McDonald took legal action against RTE in the High Court in 2022 over alleged defamation. A man has been jailed for five years for a vicious and unprovoked attack during which he stole a phone and smashed it on the ground. Shane Cooney (33), of St Anthony's Road, Rialto, Dublin, appeared before Judge Patricia Ryan in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to robbery on the street he lived on July 17th, 2023. Advertisement Garda Tom Burns told Jane Murphy BL, prosecuting, that Cooney attacked the injured party, before taking his phone and smashing it on the ground. Gardai had been on patrol in the area when they were waved down by a member of the public. That person said she had seen Cooney assaulting her neighbour. They arrived at the scene to see Cooney throwing the injured man's phone on the ground. The man told gardai he had been sitting outside his house drinking a coffee when he saw Cooney try to come on to his property. He had never seen Cooney before and the two men were not known to each other. Advertisement Advertisement Cooney demanded the man's phone, so the man told him to go away and tried to shut the gate. He told Cooney he was going to call the gardai, at which point Cooney pulled him to the ground and began kicking and punching him. Fear The court heard the man was in fear for his life, and saw Cooney urinate at the front of his house before he walked away. Cooney was arrested at the scene of the incident and brought to Kilmainham Garda station. Advertisement An ambulance was called, and the injured party was brought to St James's Hospital where his facial injuries were treated. In a victim impact statement submitted to the court, the man said he suffered psychological consequences of the attack and was afraid to leave his house in the evening. He temporarily relocated with his wife following the robbery and needed to take sleeping tablets. Nicola Cox BL, defending, described the incident as a serious, vicious and unprovoked attack, adding: There's no excuse for it. Advertisement She said her client had no memory of the incident because he was intoxicated at the time. Counsel said her client refused to apply for bail after the incident as his drug addiction and alcohol addiction had become so bad that he didn't want to be out in public anymore. Spiralling out of control Ms Cox said her client wished to convey his absolute regret that this offence occurred and that his life had been spiralling out of control at the time. He needs to rebuild his life again after serving whatever sentence the court imposes, she said, and asked the court to consider his early guilty plea and personal circumstances. Advertisement Cooney has 117 total previous convictions, including 27 in the Circuit Court, including robbery, attempted robbery and assault causing harm. Sentencing, Judge Ryan said the aggravating factors were the serious nature of the crime, that it occurred on a residential road, Cooney's previous convictions, and that he overpowered a vulnerable man. She said the mitigating factors include Cooney's early plea, the efforts he has made to rehabilitate himself, and that he went into custody at his own request. Judge Ryan sentenced Cooney to six years imprisonment but suspended the final year on strict conditions. The sentence was backdated to when Cooney went into custody on July 18th, 2023. Gardai have arrested a man after drugs worth an estimated 830,000 were seized in Co Dublin. Almost 42kg of herbal cannabis was found in Rathcoole on Wednesday during a joint operation by Revenue and Garda drugs officers. Advertisement A man in his 30s was arrested and is currently detained at a Garda station in south Dublin. A man has been jailed for a series of hoax phone calls during which he threatened to petrol bomb a coroner and go to the house of a former State pathologist with an AK-47 rifle, among other false reports. Judge Martin Nolan said Thomas McDonagh (41) had a grievance against the State following the death of his brother in Castlerea Prison four years previously. Advertisement He said McDonagh had made various threats due to this grievance. They may have been far-fetched but those who took the calls would have had to take precautions. That was his intention to cause an inconvenience, Judge Nolan said. McDonagh, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to making three hoax phone calls on August 15th, 2019 and a further false phone call some weeks later on August 26th. He has over 60 previous convictions. Advertisement He was sentenced to 18 months in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Wednesday after Judge Nolan said he had to go to prison. Advertisement He has caused a lot of difficulties for others, the judge said. The court heard that on August 15th, 2019, McDonagh made three 999 calls, including one in which he threatened to go to the home of former State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy with an AK-47. In the second 999 call, he made threats to Castlerea Prison, saying there was Semtex in the prison building and under several prison officers cars. The third 999 call was a threat to petrol bomb the home of the coroner based in Ballaghadereen, Co Roscommon. Advertisement On August 26th, McDonagh rang Tallaght Garda Station and said there was going to be a car parked outside the station with a bomb in it. The court heard that McDonaghs brother had died some four years previous to the offences, while in the custody of Castlerea Prison. A prosecuting garda told Maddie Grant BL, for the State, that McDonagh was identified through the use of a prepaid mobile phone and a WhatsApp profile containing a photo of the accused. McDonagh has been homeless for periods of time and has also spent time in custody and the court heard that gardai were unable to make contact with him in relation to this until May 2021. Advertisement He met with gardai by appointment and made full admissions, saying he had been very intoxicated at the time of the phone calls. McDonagh told gardai that he had been very upset around the anniversary of his brothers death and had never intended to carry out any of the threats. He said he was bullied into it and hadnt realised it was serious, but that he was glad no one was hurt. David Staunton BL, defending, said that the offences arose out of a perceived conflict his client had with these parties following the death of his brother. He sought to ventilate this over a short period of time, one night and then two weeks later, he did it again. He realised the 'jig was up' and ceased to do it, Mr Staunton said. He said his client had an appalling history and had lived rough in Dublin for over a decade. He has since secured accommodation and counsel said he has taken proactive steps to rehabilitate. Mr Staunton said the methodologies suggested by his client in the 999 calls were fantastical but accepted that precautions had to be taken after receiving those calls. A nurse has resolved a High Court action she launched following the purported termination of her employment by the owners and operators of a 144-bed south Dublin nursing home. The action was brought by Divya Jayarajan, who in early 2023 commenced employment as director of nursing with FFNH Limited, which trades as The Four Ferns Nursing Home, in Foxrock, Co Dublin. Advertisement The proceedings were brought late last year when Ms Jayarajan claimed that she had been summarily dismissed from her job at what she described as a luxury and demanding nursing home. Arising out of her purported dismissal, Ms Jayarajan had sought various orders, including injunctions against the defendant. She had also sought a declaration from the court that she remained employed as the defendant's director of nursing, as well as damages. Advertisement The defendants had denied any wrongdoing. The matter was adjourned on several occasions to allow for out-of-court talks aimed at resolving the dispute. The matter was listed before Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy on Wednesday morning. However, the dispute is now settled, on confidential terms, and the entire proceedings were struck out. The court had previously heard that Ms Jayarajan had alleged that her purported termination of her employment had been carried out in the complete absence of any fair procedures and in breach of her contract of employment. *This article was amended on Wednesday, February 21st at 3pm. A businesswoman has asked the High Court for orders preventing a financial fund and a receiver from trespassing or selling what she claims is her home in Galway City. Lucy Ewins claims that in recent weeks agents of the defendants have allegedly wrongly entered her home at 'The Rise', Knocknacarra Galway, changed the locks, and are trying to market the property for auction. Advertisement She also alleges that on one occasion a representative of the defendants refused to leave her home, and slept overnight in the sitting room of the property. She claims these actions amount to unlawful trespass and a breach of her rights, including her right to privacy. She also claims that she has been the subject of intimidation and harassment by the defendants for several years. Ms Ewins, who is originally from Kenya but who has lived in Ireland for over 30 years, is seeking injunctions against Promontoria Scariff Designated Activity Company and the receiver the fund appointed over the property, David O'Connor. Advertisement Advertisement Represented by Martin Byrne Bl instructed by GN & Co Solicitors Ms Ewins seeks an injunction restraining the defendants from taking any steps to sell the property. She also seeks an order preventing the defendants or their servants and agents from trespassing or interfering with the property. Ms Ewins said in a sworn statement to the court that the property has been her principle private residence since 2014. Mortgage She said that she and her now estranged husband had operated businesses in Dublin and Galway, resulting in them residing at both the Galway property and at a property in Rush, Co Dublin. Advertisement Following the breakdown of her marriage, she claims that she lives permanently at the Galway property, which she said was acquired in 1999. The mortgage on that property was ultimately acquired by Promontoria in 2018. She said that repossession proceedings had been issued against her and her ex-husband in respect of the four-bedroomed semi-detached Galway property in the Circuit Court. In 2020, she claims that Promontoria appointed Mr O'Connor as receiver of the property. Advertisement She rejects claims that she resides at the property in Rush. She also claims that late last month, agents of the defendants entered the property when she was away on business, when her brother and his family were holidaying in Galway. Advertisement She claims that the men gave her brother the impression that they were members of gardai. Her brother, Derixce Otiemo, who lives in Dublin, said in his sworn statement to the court that five men claimed they were plain-clothes gardai. Advertisement He said that once inside, it was clear they were not gardai, adding they acted aggressively in the house and demanded to inspect all of the property's rooms. He said his wife was in the shower at the time the men entered the property, and the men shouted that they would break down the bathroom door if she did not open it, which she did out of fear. He said his three young children, who were also in the house at the time, were also distressed by the men's actions. Earlier this month, Ms Ewins said a sign stating the property is up for auction was erected outside the property. That auction, she claims, is due to take place later this month. As a result, she has launched proceedings against the defendant aimed at preventing the property from being sold. The matter came before Mr Justice Rory Mulcahy on Wednesday. The judge said he was not prepared to grant any orders in the action without hearing from the other side. The judge said he was satisfied, on an ex-parte basis, to grant Ms Ewins permission to serve short notice of the injunction proceedings on the defendants. The matter was adjourned to Thursday morning's sitting of the court. The Taoiseach and Spanish prime minister are calling for an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement. Leo Varadkar and Pedro Sanchez have written to the President of the European Commission, Ursula Von Der Leyen, expressing their deep concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza. Advertisement The two leaders are urging the bloc to maintain support for the UN refugee agency for Palestinians, UNRWA. Pedro Sanchez and Leo Varadkar have written to the European Commission. Photo: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Mr Varadkar and Mr Sanchez also called for the Commission to take action if Israel is found to be in breach of the Association Agreement. "We are deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation in Israel and in Gaza... The expanded Israeli military operation in the Rafah area poses a grave and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront," they said in a joint letter shared by the Spanish government. Advertisement "We also recall the horror of October 7, and call for the release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire that can facilitate access for urgently needed humanitarian supplies," it read. The letter comes a day after Mr Varadkar said Israel has become blinded by rage and is not even listening to the advice of its close ally the United States any more. The Taoiseach was answering questions in the Dail about the number of Palestinians who have been forced to crowd into Rafah, which was targeted in a recent Israeli military operation. Broadcaster Lorraine Kelly has written her debut novel, inspired by the Orkney Islands Fiction 1. The Island Swimmer by Lorraine Kelly is published in hardback by Orion on February 15th. Advertisement The debut novel from much loved TV presenter Lorraine Kelly, The Island Swimmer follows Evie and her discovery of new friendships with a group of cold-water swimmers on Orkney. Preorder your signed edition now! https://t.co/A2MB2AUxJk pic.twitter.com/J4BWHiZsrR WHSmith (@WHSmith) January 29, 2024 Advertisement Orkney is brought to life with idyllic imagination in Lorraine Kellys The Island Swimmer. Mystery clouds the sudden departure of Evie from the islands over an incident shrouded in secrecy, which frays the bond she had with her father something her elder sister Liv is bitterly jealous of. When her father becomes ill, Evie returns home to face her past. Switching between present and past Orkney, and Evies failed attempt at a new London life, this shift of time builds a rich and layered picture of its characters. However, it is the story of Evies regretful life that moves the plot forward effectively. At times difficult to keep track of some of the sub-plots, it is the final quarter where Kelly builds suspense, leading up to the reveal of what happened to make Evie leave, delivering a great sense of closure and satisfaction. 8/10 (Review by Christopher Henry-Reeve) Advertisement 2. Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde is published in hardback by Hodder & Stoughton. Advertisement Red Side Story book tour starts on Monday! Should be fun. Tour details: https://t.co/kjQ3pCr7zZ pic.twitter.com/5Qz76W3tn1 Jasper Fforde (@jasperfforde) February 1, 2024 Advertisement Jasper Fforde fans have waited a long time for the follow-up to his acclaimed 2009 novel Shades Of Grey, which used a rich literary palette and lashings of humour to illustrate a dystopian future version of Britain in which people are rigidly classified by which colours they are able to see. Eddie Russett who boasts a high perception of red and Jane Grey on the lowest rung thanks to her monochromatic view of the world are facing potential execution following the events of the first book. They must negotiate the conflicting rules of their rigid society to clear their names, with Fforde painting a flamboyant and Terry Pratchett-esque picture laced with laughter throughout. 7/10 (Review by James Cann) 3. Nuclear Family by Kate Davies is published in hardback by The Borough Press on February 15th. 'A very modern and moving comedy of manners' RED 'An amazing and funny read about what family really means' PRIMA 'Very, very funny STYLIST@Katyemdavies's new novel Nuclear Family publishes next week! Pre-order now: https://t.co/2CoNngqeFQ pic.twitter.com/rPvHgMbCA0 Advertisement Advertisement The Borough Press (@BoroughPress) February 7, 2024 When, on a whim, Lena buys DNA tests for her father and twin sister Alison as a quirky Christmas gift, she has no idea of the shock which lies ahead. Lena feels cast adrift and searches for answers after her roots are pulled up, while Alison, who is trying for a baby with wife Suria, remains calm but starts to question how their child might feel about being created with a donors sperm. Kate Davies thought-provoking second novel considers nature versus nurture, what it means to be a parent and whether honesty is the best policy. The pace could be quickened in places, and the characters could be a little more fleshed out, but its an interesting and enjoyable read. 6/10 (Review by Beverly Rouse) Non-fiction 4. Empireworld: How British Imperialism Has Shaped The Globe by Sathnam Sanghera is published in hardback by Viking. Free school meals pupil with English as a second language. Child of an immigrant who couldn't read. Adolescent factory labourer who couldn't afford books and flipped burgers through sixth form. But as of today I'm also a 2x SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR with #Empireworld. pic.twitter.com/64SztzAlwQ Sathnam Sanghera (@Sathnam) January 30, 2024 Advertisement Empireworld is more than just an absorbing fact-filled history of colonialism and its many repercussions in the modern world its much more personal for author Sathnam Sanghera. This and his last book, Empireland: How Imperialism Has Shaped Modern Britain, which won a British Book Award and inspired a Channel 4 documentary, means that Sanghera has spent a lot of his time absorbed in studying racism. Sanghera recalls how his attempt to have a holiday in the resort-filled Caribbean pulls him back in to looking at how Britain shaped Barbados a running theme as he journeys around the world. Sanghera looks at imperialism throughout the globe, showing that empire is something we need to acknowledge and understand to have a real future. 8/10 (Review by Charlotte McLaughlin) Childrens book of the week 5. Sorens Seventh Song by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Mark Hoffmann, is published in hardback by Cameron Kids. 2/2 From Pulitzer Prize finalist & New York Times bestselling author #DaveEggers, Sorens Seventh Song is a deadpan take on creativity & persistence, as told through the eyes of a humpback whale looking for a new songwith color illustrations by Mark Hoffmann #newkidlit #kidlit pic.twitter.com/JgdTIl2uEd mark hoffmann (@studiohoffmann) January 30, 2024 Soren is a humpback whale with a dream to write and perform a beautiful song. However, his efforts are thwarted by the blunt honesty of his friend Hans, who tells Soren the song is terrible. At first, Soren is angry and disappointed, but over time he works hard on his song and manages to create something quite beautiful. This is a story of perseverance in the face of criticism, and helps children realise their first attempts may not cut it. It also contains a few fun facts about humpback whales alongside the lovely illustrations. The story is, however, long and quite repetitive in places. 6/10 (Review by Jane Kirby) Advertisement Book charts for the week ending February 10th: Hardback (Fiction) 1. House Of Flame And Shadow by Sarah J. Maas 2. The Fury by Alex Michaelides 3. Red Side Story by Jasper Fforde 4. Fourteen Days by Margaret Atwood et al 5. Faebound by Saara El-Arifi 6. The Last Word by Elly Griffiths 7. Prophet Song by Paul Lynch 8. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros 9. Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross 10. Murder On Lake Garda by Tom Hindle (Compiled by Waterstones) Hardback (Non-fiction) 1. Bored Of Lunch Healthy Slow Cooker: Even Easier by Nathan Anthony 2. Charles III by Robert Hardman 3. WHAT by John Cooper Clarke 4. Politics On The Edge by Rory Stewart 5. How They Broke Britain by James OBrien 6. Empireworld by Sathnam Sanghera 7. The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World by Bettany Hughes 8. The Diary Of A CEO by Steven Bartlett 9. Pinch Of Nom Express by Kay Allinson & Kate Allinson 10. Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken (Compiled by Waterstones) Audiobooks (Fiction & Non-fiction) 1. Atomic Habits by James Clear 2. Unruly by David Mitchell 3. None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell 4. The Diary Of A CEO by Steven Bartlett 5. How They Broke Britain by James OBrien 6. The Fellowship Of The Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien 7. Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken 8. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 9. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Julie Smith 10. Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry (Compiled by Audible) US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has been released from hospital and will resume his full duties, the Pentagon has said. Mr Austin has had ongoing health issues since undergoing surgery in December to treat prostate cancer. Advertisement He returned to the Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre on Sunday for a bladder issue and was admitted to intensive care for the second time since the surgery. The 70-year-old is expected to host a virtual meeting Wednesday of about 50 countries who meet monthly to coordinate military aid for Ukraine. He had been scheduled to travel to Brussels on Tuesday for the Ukraine meeting, followed by a quarterly meeting with Nato defence ministers on Thursday. The US ambassador to Nato, Julie Smith, will represent Mr Austin at the meeting instead. Advertisement Mr Austin underwent non-surgical procedures on Monday to address the bladder issue, and his doctors had said they did not anticipate he would be in the hospital for a prolonged period this time. Advertisement Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters that the bladder issue was not related to Mr Austins prostate cancer, but she did not know if it was a further complication from his December surgery. In January, Mr Austin was hospitalised for two weeks at Walter Reed after he experienced complications from the surgery. Donald Trumps comments calling into question the US commitment to defend its Nato allies from attack were dangerous and un-American, US President Joe Biden has said. Mr Biden seized on the former presidents comments on Saturday, which sowed fresh fears among US partners about its dependability on the global stage. Advertisement Mr Trump, the front-runner for the Republican Partys nomination this year, said that he once warned he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to Nato member nations that are delinquent in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defence. Mr Trump has often depicted Nato allies as leeches on the US military (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) It was the latest instance in which the former president seemed to side with an authoritarian state over Americas democratic allies. Advertisement Advertisement Speaking from the White House as he encouraged the House to take up a Senate-passed aid bill to fund Ukraines efforts to hold off a two-year Russian invasion, Mr Biden said Mr Trumps comments about the mutual defence pact were dangerous and shocking. The whole world heard it and the worst thing is he means it, Mr Biden added. The president said that when America gives its word, it means something, and called Mr Trumps comments sowing doubt about its commitments un-American. Mr Biden said of Mr Trump: He doesnt understand that the sacred commitment that weve given works for us as well. Advertisement Natos Article 5 mutual defence clause states that an armed attack against one or more of its members shall be considered an attack against all members. But Mr Trump has often depicted Nato allies as leeches on the US military and openly questioned the value of the military alliance that has defined American foreign policy for more than 70 years. Since the full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Mr Biden has ushered Finland into the alliance and is clearing the way for Sweden to do the same. While Ukraine is not a member of Nato, the alliance has served as a key contributor of the US organised effort to support Kyivs military defences in the nearly two year old conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Nato allies agreed in 2014, after Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean peninsula, to halt the spending cuts they had made after the Cold War and move toward spending 2% of their GDP on defence by 2024. The spending target is not a requirement for Nato members. Natos secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said in a statement on Sunday that any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk. The defence minister in Poland, which has been under Russian control more often than not since the end of the 18th century, said no election campaign is an excuse for playing with the security of the alliance. Advertisement President Trump got our allies to increase their Nato spending by demanding they pay up, but Joe Biden went back to letting them take advantage of the American taxpayer, said Jason Miller, a Trump senior adviser, in response to US president Joe Biden criticised petty political games after homeland security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached by the House of Representatives. The Republican majority, who secured a single-vote win after leader Steve Scalise returned from cancer treatment, is determined to punish Mr Bidens administration over its handling of the Mexico border. Advertisement Mr Mayorkas is the first US Cabinet secretary to face charges in nearly 150 years. US president Joe Biden said in a statement: History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honourable public servant in order to play petty political games. House Speaker Mike Johnson banging the gavel after he announced the House voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas (House Television/AP) Advertisement Mr Mayorkas faced two articles of impeachment filed by the Homeland Security Committee arguing that he willfully and systematically refused to enforce existing immigration laws and that he breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. Advertisement Critics of the impeachment effort said the charges against Mr Mayorkas amount to a policy dispute over Mr Bidens border policy. The House had initially launched an impeachment inquiry into the president over his sons business dealings, but turned its attention to Mr Mayorkas after former president Donald Trumps ally Marjorie Taylor Greene pushed the debate forward following the panels months-long investigation. The charges against Mr Mayorkas would next go to the Senate for a trial, but neither Democratic nor Republican senators have shown interest in the matter and it may be indefinitely shelved to a committee. Advertisement Border security has shot to the top of campaign issues with Mr Trump, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination, insisting he will launch the largest domestic deportation operation in American history if he retakes the White House. The vote total after the House voted to impeach Mr Mayorkas (House Television/AP) Various House Republicans have prepared legislation to begin deporting migrants who were temporarily allowed into the US under Mr Biden administrations policies, many as they await adjudication of asylum claims. Advertisement We have no choice, Mr Trump said in stark language at a weekend rally in South Carolina. Republican House speaker Mike Johnson rejected a bipartisan Senate border security package but has been unable to advance Republicans own proposal which is a nonstarter in the Senate. Advertisement House Republicans have filed legislation to impeach a long list including vice president Kamala Harris, attorney general Merrick Garland, FBI director Christopher Wray and defence secretary Lloyd Austin. Never before has a sitting Cabinet secretary been impeached and it was nearly 150 years ago that the House voted to impeach president Ulysses S Grants secretary of war William Belknap over a kickback scheme in government contracts. He resigned before the vote. A driver in the UK who videoed himself admitting he was drunk at the wheel before he killed a woman in a crash has had his prison sentence increased by the Court of Appeal. Anton Hull was jailed for six years at Taunton Crown Court in November last year for causing the death of 29-year-old Sarah Baker by dangerous driving in the collision near Wincanton in Somerset on August 18th, 2022. Advertisement Hull, who was 20 at the time, had uploaded videos to Snapchat minutes before the crash, claiming he was f****** smashed, despite having been advised not to drink and drive by family members and a pub landlord earlier that evening. The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) had referred his sentence to the Court of Appeal, claiming it was unduly lenient. At a hearing in London on Wednesday, three appeal judges agreed and increased Hulls sentence to one of nine years and three months. Advertisement Advertisement Lord Justice William Davis, sitting with Mr Justice Murray and Judge Robert Altham, said: He deliberately drove in the teeth of the advice given to him by those with his best interests at heart. We are satisfied that that sentence fell outside of the reasonable range of sentence available to the judge. Advertisement We quash the sentence of six years of imprisonment and substitute in its place a sentence of nine years and three months of imprisonment. Lord Justice William Davis said Ms Baker died instantly in the collision between her Volkswagen and Hulls Ford Transit van, which followed a combination of Hull driving when in drink, ignoring repeated warnings about the dangers of drink-driving, and using the mobile telephone to glorify the extent of his inebriation. The court heard that Hull was believed to be around twice the legal drink-drive limit at the time of the crash, with three videos showing him behind the wheel of the van later found by police. The judge who sentenced him said his actions were unbelievably selfish. Advertisement Sarah Przybylska, representing the AGO on Wednesday, said Hull had consumed multiple pints of lager and rum on the night of the incident and had been refused service before the collision, but had not shown remorse. Advertisement She said: He maintains even now that he was not driving on the wrong side of the road. He was sorry someone had died. It was not remorse in the sense of an admission of responsibility, it was the sympathy of someone to a fellow victim of the same unfortunate accident. He was injured through his own seriously culpable conduct. Advertisement Following Hulls sentencing last year, Ms Bakers family said her death had left a gaping hole in our hearts and caused immeasurable pain. They said: She was the most caring, loyal and generous daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend and most recently aunty anyone could hope to have in their lives. Hull, who is now 22, suffered a shattered femur and dissected aorta in the collision and has since been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, his barrister, Patrick Mason, told Wednesdays hearing. He had previously worked as a thatcher and had hoped to become a professional boxer, Mr Mason added. Hull appeared in court via video-link from prison and gave a thumbs-up when he was told his sentence had been extended. As well as the increased jail term, he was disqualified from driving for 12 years and two months, increased from nine years. Palestinians have begun evacuating the main hospital in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, according to videos shared by medics. Weeks of heavy fighting had isolated the medical facility and claimed the lives of several people inside it. Advertisement The war between Israel and Hamas, now in its fifth month, has devastated Gazas health sector, with less than half of its hospitals even partially functioning as scores of people are killed and wounded in daily bombardments. Israel accuses the militants of using hospitals and other civilian buildings as cover. Our Project Coordinator in #Gaza sent us audio describing the dire situation unfolding in Rafah. People don't feel safe. Children are terrified... It's quite sad to see how empty people's eyes are... We call on the government of Israel to halt any offensive on Rafah pic.twitter.com/uuNd1SBELk Advertisement Advertisement MSF International (@MSF) February 14, 2024 Khan Younis is the main target of a rolling ground offensive that Israel has said will soon be expanded to Gazas southernmost city of Rafah. Advertisement Some 1.4 million people more than half the territorys population are crammed into tent camps and overflowing apartments and shelters in the town on the Egyptian border. The videos showed dozens of Palestinians carrying their belongings in sacks and making their way out of the Nasser Hospital complex. A doctor wearing green hospital scrubs walked ahead of the crowd, some of whom were carrying white flags. The Israeli military said it had opened a secure route to allow civilians to leave the hospital, while medics and patients could remain inside. Troops have been ordered to prioritise the safety of civilians, patients, medical workers, and medical facilities during the operation, it said. Advertisement Palestinians inspect the rubble of a family house, which was struck by an Israeli air strike during an operation to rescue two hostages in Rafah (AP) The military had ordered the evacuation of the hospital and surrounding areas last month. But as with other health facilities, medics said patients were unable to safely leave or be relocated, and thousands of people displaced by fighting elsewhere remained there. Advertisement Advertisement Palestinians say nowhere is safe in the besieged territory, as Israel continues to carry out strikes in all parts of it. The Gaza health ministry said last week that Israeli snipers on surrounding buildings were preventing people from entering or leaving the hospital. It said 10 people have been killed inside the complex over the past week, including three shot and killed on Tuesday. Israeli soldiers operate inside the Gaza Strip (AP) The ministry says around 300 medical staff were treating some 450 patients, including people wounded in strikes. It says 10,000 displaced people were sheltering in the facility. The war erupted after Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 captive. More than 100 hostages were released during a week-long ceasefire in November in return for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Israel responded to the attack by launching one of the deadliest and most destructive air and ground offensives in recent history. The scenario we have long dreaded is unraveling at alarming speed. Today, Im sounding the alarm once again: Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at deaths door.https://t.co/oXpMNkVx75 pic.twitter.com/rUNfCGRIDK Advertisement Martin Griffiths (@UNReliefChief) February 13, 2024 At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, according to Gazas health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. That includes more than 100 bodies brought to hospitals in the last 24 hours. Around 68,000 people have been injured in the war, including around 11,000 in need of evacuation for urgent treatment, according to the ministry. Around 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes, large areas in northern Gaza have been completely destroyed and a humanitarian crisis has left a quarter of the population starving. The fighting also threatens to trigger a wider conflict. Lebanons militant Hezbollah group has traded fire with Israeli forces on a daily basis along the border. Israeli soldiers drive towards the Gaza Strip (AP) A rocket attack on Wednesday wounded at least eight people when one of the projectiles hit a home in the northern Israeli town of Safed. International efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas suffered a setback on Wednesday as Israel reportedly recalled its negotiating team and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of hobbling the high-stakes negotiations by sticking to delusional demands. Mr Netanyahus remarks came hours after local media reported that he had ordered an Israeli delegation not to continue talks in Cairo, raising concerns over the fate of the negotiations and sparking criticism from the families of the remaining captives. Advertisement The relatives of the hostages said Mr Netanyahus decision amounted to a death sentence for their loved ones. The mediation efforts are being steered by the US, Egypt and Qatar. In Cairo, Israel did not receive any new proposal from Hamas on the release of our captives, Mr Netanyahu said in a statement. A change in Hamas positions will allow progress in the negotiations. Hamas officials had no immediate comment. A group of rebels bombed a displacement camp in eastern Congos North Kivu province, killing three civilians and injuring eight others, a local civil society group has said. It happened as violence in the conflict-hit region sparked protests and a humanitarian group warned that thousands are facing limited access to aid. Advertisement A rebel group with alleged links to neighbouring Rwanda bombed the Zaina camp, which is 16 miles from the city of Goma, on Monday, civil society leader Wete Mwami Yenga said. An elderly woman who was wounded in ongoing fighting between M23 rebel forces and Congolese forces in the Sake region of Congo sits on her hospital bed (Moses Sawasawa/AP) The bombing followed days of attacks not far away from the city. Advertisement The M23 rebels did not claim responsibility for the attack but appeared to confirm that they were heading to the town of Sake, which is near Goma, on Tuesday. Congos government and United Nations experts have said the M23 group receives military support from Rwanda, although the country denies it. Advertisement The M23 is coming to liberate them and protect them from those heavy artillery, the groups spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said in a statement, referring to their ongoing fighting with Congolese security forces. Thousands have fled their homes into Goma in recent days as the fighting intensifies and hospitals in the city are filled with injured civilians, many of them with limited medical care. Advertisement That Im lying on this hospital bed does me a disservice, said Ushindi Soleil, an injured father-of-ten receiving treatment in one of the hospitals. 6.9 million people have already fled their homes in one of the worlds biggest humanitarian crises (Moses Sawasawa/AP) I have ten kids, they are suffering. Advertisement More than one million people have been displaced by the conflict since November, the Mercy Corps aid group said Tuesday. That adds to the 6.9 million who already fled their homes in one of the worlds biggest humanitarian crises. The group warned that major routes around Goma have also been cut off by gunfire and the sounds of artillery. Aid agencies are now grappling with daily decisions on where and when it is safe to provide assistance amid reports of aid workers getting caught in the crossfire, said Emilie Vonck, Mercy Corps country director in Congo. Advertisement Angered by the conflict, hundreds of people held protests in Congos capital, Kinshasa, on Monday, targeting foreign embassies who they accuse of not supporting the country to end the violence. Advertisement The UNs top official in Congo, Bintou Keita, condemned the protests as unacceptable. The UN peacekeepers which the Congolese government has deemed ineffective in the country, meanwhile, continue to leave the country ahead of a December deadline. On her hospital bed in Goma, Feza Bongongwa, a pregnant woman wounded last week in one of the attacks, pleaded for an end to the conflict. The most important thing is to help us end this war, said Ms Bongongwa. M23 is making us suffer. Katie Arrington | INOV8 PR NASHVILLE, TN (February 13, 2024) - Today marks the eagerly anticipated release of Katie Arringtons newest single, "For Such a Time As This," to Christian radio. This song is an independent release, written and performed by Katie Arrington, and produced by Bob McCutcheon. It is a powerful addition to the inspirational genre of Christian music, promising to uplift and inspire listeners with its deeply scriptural lyrics and heartfelt delivery. Katie Arrington, known for her pure voice and heart full of faith, has been rapidly making her mark in the world of worship music. With lyrics deeply grounded in Scripture, Katies music spans from folk to hymn-like melodies, tackling tough topics such as grief and temptation. "For Such a Time As This" continues this tradition, drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Esther to encourage believers to stand firm in their faith and act courageously. The song tells the poignant story of Esther, who, despite her fears and uncertainties, was called to act bravely to save her people. Through stirring lyrics and compelling melodies, Katie invites listeners to find their own courage and trust in God's timing. The song resonates with the message that, like Esther, we may be called for a specific purpose "for such a time as this." Katie Arrington's journey in music began in her youth group and church choir, eventually leading worship at her church in Pittsburgh. Influenced by artists like Matt Redman and Audrey Assad, Katie has developed a unique style that is both contemplative and deeply worshipful. Her songs are a testament to her faith and a call to others to explore the depths of their own belief. Katie shares, "This song is a reflection of my journey and a message I believe is timely and significant. Its about standing up for what is right, even when its hard, and trusting that God has placed us exactly where we need to be, for such a time as this." "For Such a Time As This" is releasing now to Christian radio stations and is available on all digital music platforms. With this release, Katie Arrington continues to establish herself as a vital voice in Christian music, inviting listeners to find hope, strength, and inspiration in their faith. Connect with Katie Arrington: https://www.katiearringtonmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katiearrington/ Shane Davis - "Run to me" | INOV8 PR NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (February 13, 2024) In a heartfelt blend of Contemporary Christian Music and Christian Country, South Carolina-based artist Shane Davis releases his latest single, "By Your Blood," to Christian AC and Christian Country radio formats today. This release, a pivotal track from his album "Run To Me," encapsulates Shane's profound journey of faith and redemption, underpinned by his diverse musical roots that span from rock legends to Christian music icons. Crafted with the expertise of Tim Lawter, the esteemed former bassist of the Marshall Tucker Band, "By Your Blood" is a testament to grace and divine love, themes deeply rooted in Shane's personal faith journey. The single showcases Shane's commitment to inspiring listeners through music that reflects his life's transformations and the unshakable support of his family. Shane's journey from the vibrant energy of leading high school bands to the sacred ambiance of church music, and his explorations on various musical stages, have all culminated in a return to Christian music. This return marks not just a full-circle moment in his career but also a deeper commitment to using his talents to uplift and inspire a broad audience. His influences, ranging from Lynard Skynard and BB King to We The Kingdom and Jason Crabb, enrich his music with a unique sound that bridges generational and musical divides. "By Your Blood" delves into the power of redemption and the overwhelming grace of God, echoing Shane's own experiences and spiritual reflections. "This song is about recognizing our flaws yet understanding we are loved and redeemed because of His sacrifice," Shane explains. "It's a powerful message I'm eager to share, affirming that grace is a gift freely given, not earned." Now releasing to Christian radio stations nationwide and in several other countries, "By Your Blood" invites listeners to experience the transformative power of faith through Shane Davis's compelling vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Connect with Shane Davis: https://shanedavismusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/shanedavismusic/ The Good Ship Murder When it comes to television shows that focus on the catching of murderers, there are, broadly speaking, two schools. The first is the school that leans hard into the depravity of mankind and the brutal reality of humanitys capacity for violence, laying out the details of various gruesome atrocities and giving us an insight into the traumatised minds of those whose task is to nobly, but grimly, seek justice for the fallen. Crooner and retired cop Jack Grayling (Shayne Ward) and First Officer Kate Woods (Catherine Tyldesley) are crimebusters in the easygoing whodunit The Good Ship Murder. Credit: SBS The second is the school that believes that murder in fiction should, above all, be fun, and uses violent crime as a launching point for jolly romps as the distinctly un-traumatised detectives treat the horrors of human savagery as the delightful puzzles they are. Call this the Midsomer School, or even the Agatha Christie Club: these whodunits are set a long way from reality, but theyre a far more relaxing watch. It is into this second category that we can sort The Good Ship Murder, a show that combines bouncy British quirk, glorious Mediterranean scenery, and reliably peculiar deaths in the best tradition of ludicrous tele-mystery. Gold Coast mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinsons accused killer has pleaded guilty to murder. Brian Earl Johnston, Wilkinsons estranged husband and a former US Marine, briefly appeared in the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Wednesday for his arraignment over the killing of the 27-year-old. Gold Coast mother Kelly Wilkinson was found dead in her backyard. Wilkinsons burnt body was found about 6.40am in the backyard of her Arundel home in April 2021. Johnston, 37 at the time, was found by police semi-conscious and with burns about two blocks from the scene. The killing of a protected species of groper off North Stradbroke Island is being investigated by the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, with three men urged to turn themselves in. The fish, estimated to be about one-metre long, was speared off the rock wall at Amity Point on Tuesday. An image shared by Dr Daryl McPhee of one of three men alleged to have illegally speared and killed a protected species of groper at Amity Point on North Stradbroke Island. Credit: Bond University Bond University marine biologist Dr Daryl McPhee shared images of one of the men with the dead fish, obtained by a staff member who was present at the scene. My opinion is that the three people involved didnt know that the animal was protected, McPhee told Brisbane Times. Afghan witnesses who gave detailed evidence about the murder of villager Ali Jan by Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith should be believed, despite efforts by the disgraced SAS soldiers legal team to attack their credibility during his defamation trial, a court has been told. Roberts-Smith is seeking to reverse his legal loss against The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald after Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko last year dismissed his multimillion-dollar defamation case and found he was complicit in the murder of four unarmed Afghan prisoners. Ben Roberts-Smith arrives for his 10-day appeal against a decision dismissing his defamation case over reports in The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. Credit: Nine Besanko found the newspapers had proven on the balance of probabilities that Roberts-Smith was involved in the murders while on deployment in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. The judges finding is lower than the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt. The former Special Air Service corporals legal team led by high-profile silk Bret Walker, SC argued last week that Besanko did not have sufficiently cogent evidence before him to justify making such grave findings against their client when the former soldier was entitled to the presumption of innocence. Pandemic stimulus payments gave some Australians an appetite to commit fraud, the head of the Tax Office believes, which drove their involvement in a TikTok-fuelled scam that stole $2 billion from the nations taxpayers. Australian Taxation Office commissioner Chris Jordan told a Senate hearing on Wednesday night that the fraud, in which at least 57,000 people took part, effectively overwhelmed the Tax Offices fraud detection systems. Tax commissioner Chris Jordan says pandemic-era stimulus payments had encouraged an appetite for fraud among some people. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The Tax Office created Operation Protego in 2022 after banks, led by Westpac, noticed unusually large payments going into the accounts of its customers, particularly those whose main source of income was welfare payments. The scheme started as videos on social media sites such as TikTok explaining how people could get the Tax Office to deliver money directly into their account. Facilitators then emerged who promised to help people gain the free cash by handing over personal details. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton congratulated Albanese on his engagement. I just saw the PM in the chamber then and shook his hand and said congratulations, Dutton told Sydney radio station 2GB. Jodies a lovely person, so I wish them every happiness and its obviously a special relationship that they have got and I wish them every success. Fellow ministers including Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Clare ONeil posted their congratulations. Love is a beautiful thing. Im so happy for you both! Wong posted to X. NDIS Minister Bill Shorten told ABC Radio Melbourne it was fantastic news, couldnt be happier. Chalmers also congratulated Albanese at a press conference before he was due to speak about the unemployment rate. These are two people who make each other really happy, and we are really happy for them, he said. So congratulations to Albo and to Jodie on the news of your engagement. Labor MP Peter Khalil said: Congratulations Albo and Jodie. Jodie is a lovely person and youre both very lucky to have each other. You really outdid us all on Valentines Day. Health Minister Mark Butler, Assistant Foreign Affairs Minister Tim Watts, Infrastructure Minister Catherine King, Local Government Minister Kristy McBain, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman and Speaker of the House Milton Dick were among other colleagues of Albanese to congratulate the couple. Former prime minister Kevin Rudd also joined the chorus of Labor members, posting his congratulations to X. Congratulations! Therese and I couldnt be happier for you. K, Rudd posted. The pair also received well-wishes from New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Congratulations Anthony, very happy for you and Jodie, he said. Albanese is the third member of his cabinet to announce a wedding. Both Wong and Science Minister Ed Husic are getting married this year. All previous prime ministers, except Sir John McEwen, Julia Gillard and Albanese, were married when they came into office. Loading In his toast at the state dinner, Albanese joked that he only had one regret about tonight, which is Im not quite sure how I top this for date night with Jodie, at any time, anywhere in the future. Its all downhill from here, my darling, he said. The couple first met in late 2019 at a union conference in Melbourne. Albanese asked the audience if there were any South Sydney Rabbitohs fans in the room and Haydon yelled out Up the Rabbitohs! Loading The pair introduced themselves and after that, met over beers at the Young Henrys brewery in Sydneys inner west. We had what I thought would just be a drink at Young Henrys in Newtown, and we got on really well. Thats how it started, Albanese told The Australian Womens Weekly in 2022. Haydon and Albanese kept a low profile at the beginning of the relationship, before being thrust into the spotlight when a photograph of them kissing was published in June 2020. Haydon was born to school teacher parents in Bankstown, Sydney, but grew up on the Central Coast. Her lengthy career in the superannuation industry has seen her live in Melbourne and Sydney. CEO Simon Bednar (pictured above) said Finsures growth had been incredible across all facets of the business with its loan book, which reached the $100 billion milestone last year, increasing by 20% year-on-year. Russia Targets Estonia PM Kaja Kallas and Baltic Officials for Monument Removal (Photo: EU2017EE Estonian Presidency/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)) Russia has added Estonia's Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, to its wanted list. The inclusion comes in response to the Baltic nations' efforts to dismantle Soviet-era World War II monuments, seen by many in these countries as symbols of Soviet occupation. According to The Associated Press, Kallas' name now appears on the Russian Interior Ministry's list, flagged for unspecified criminal charges. The revelation was initially made by the independent Russian news outlet Mediazona, noting that Kallas has been on the list for some time, alongside numerous officials and lawmakers from Latvia and Lithuania. The removal of Soviet monuments in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania- all NATO members-reflects a broader effort to shed the remnants of their Soviet past. This campaign has gained momentum following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with similar actions taken in Poland and the Czech Republic against monuments honoring Red Army soldiers. Moscow has criticized these actions, interpreting them as an affront to the memory of those who fought against Nazi Germany. In defiance of Russia's actions, Prime Minister Kallas vowed on social media platform X to persist in her staunch support for Ukraine and to advocate for enhanced European defense capabilities. "The Kremlin now hopes this move will help to silence me and others - but it won't," Kallas stated, expressing no surprise at Russia's decision. The Russian Investigative Committee, led by Alexander Bastrykin, has launched a criminal probe into the dismantling of the monuments, with Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova hinting at further repercussions. "Crimes against the memory of the world's liberators from Nazism and fascism must be prosecuted," Zakharova declared, signaling a potential escalation in measures against those involved in the removals. Apart from Kallas, the Russian list includes prominent figures such as Estonian State Secretary Taimar Peterkop, Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys, and numerous members of the former Latvian parliament. Kairys, responding to the development, interpreted the arrest order as recognition of his principled stance against the Soviet legacy. The Baltic states, annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 and regaining independence with the Soviet collapse in 1991, have seen their relationships with Moscow deteriorate significantly since the onset of the Ukraine war. As members of the European Union and NATO, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania's actions reflect a concerted effort to reconcile with their historical narratives while navigating the complexities of contemporary geopolitics. This recent move by Russia underscores the enduring sensitivities surrounding the Soviet legacy in the Baltic region and the geopolitical rifts that continue to define relations between Russia and its former satellite states. It further said that the Shakti EW System will be installed onboard capital warships of the Indian Navy The Defence Ministry has signed a Rs 2,269-crore deal with state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the procurement of 11 Shakti warfare systems, along with associated equipment, the ministry said in an official statement. According to the ministry, it signed the contract with BEL on Tuesday for the procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems along with associated equipment and accessories for the Indian Navy under the Buy (Indian- IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 2269.54 cr. "The Shakti EW System is indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. The Shakti EW System is capable of accurately intercepting electronic emissions and implementing countermeasures in dense electromagnetic environment," the ministry said. It further said that the Shakti EW System will be installed onboard capital warships of the Indian Navy. "The project will generate employment of two and half lakh man-days over a period of four years with the participation of more than 155 industry partners, including MSMEs, thus furthering the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat,'" it said. Hitting out at the Centre over the farmers' protests, the Congress on Wednesday asked why it is "running away" from giving legal guarantee on MSP despite repeated promises and claimed the farmers have "lost faith" in the Modi government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also spoke with a farmer injured in police action during a protest march and accused the Modi government of having a "dictatorial attitude" towards the country's food providers. In a post in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh asked why the Modi government is "running away" from giving legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price for crops despite repeated promises. "In 2011, Narendra Modi, as Gujarat chief minister and chairman of a working group, had submitted a report to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which said that 'In order to protect the interest of the farmers, we must ensure through legal provisions that no transaction between farmer and trader should be done below MSP'," he said. In many of his speeches and election rallies during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, Modi had promised that all crops would be purchased at MSP, which would cover all costs and 50 per cent margin as per the Swaminathan Committee formula, Ramesh said. "But till date, there is neither legal guarantee of MSP nor is it based on the Swaminathan formula of C2+50 per cent," he said. Ramesh said that according to the Swaminathan Commission, the MSP of wheat should be Rs 2,478 per quintal which is only Rs 2,275 per quintal currently. Similarly, the MSP of paddy is only Rs 2,183 per quintal instead of Rs 2,866 per quintal, he said. "Modi ji, why didn't you implement the findings of your own 2011 report? Why did you lie to the farmers by repeatedly promising MSP? Today the farmers of India have lost faith in the Modi government. It is only Congress Party's 'Kisaan Nyay Guarantee' that will give legal guarantee of MSP to farmers based on the Swaminathan formula," Ramesh asserted. In a post in Hindi on his WhatsApp channel, Gandhi said, "Talked on phone to former soldier Gurmeet Singh ji, who was seriously injured in police atrocities during the farmers' movement." "Equired about his health and expressed support to him for their peaceful movement demanding their rights," the former Congress chief said. "He is a youth as well as a farmer - instead of hailing him, this dictatorial attitude of the Modi government towards the country's protector and food provider is putting democracy to shame," Gandhi said. When the Congress leader asked Singh about the injuries, he replied that he was wounded in hands and near his eye. Farmers on Tuesday had clashed with the Haryana Police at two border points between the states, facing tear gas and water cannons as they tried to break past barricades blocking their protest march to the national capital. Farmer leaders on Tuesday blamed the Centre for the "attack" on protesters marching towards Delhi and claimed that 60 of them were injured as police used tear gas shells at Punjab-Haryana border points. Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them, officials said. The Congress on Tuesday condemned the BJP governments at the Centre and in states for stopping protesting farmers from marching to Delhi and promised to fulfil their key demand of a law guaranteeing MSP for various crops once the INDIA bloc comes to power. Supporting the farmers' agitation, the opposition party asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly talk to them and provide justice. Dallewal refuted the claims of the Haryana Police that the protesting farmers had pelted stones at the security personnel | Photo: PTI Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal on Wednesday said they are ready for holding talks with the Centre over their demands, including a legal guarantee to minimum support price. Citing media reports, Dallewal said Union Minister Anurag Thakur has, in his statement, said that the Centre was ready for holding talks and was also ready to resolve the issues of the farmers. "We do not want to give any room to the Centre for saying that it was inviting us, but they did not accept it. That we have accepted and we are ready for talks," he told reporters at the Shambhu border. Dallewal said the farmer leaders have taken the consent of fellow farmers for holding talks. "After taking their consent, we will hold talks," he said. "Our priority is that the talks should take place in Chandigarh," asserted Dallewal, who is the president of Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur). "If they (the Centre) have given an invitation after seeing all this and said they are ready to resolve their issues then we should hear them," he added. Replying to a question, Dallewal said that till now, no invitation has been received for holding a dialogue. He also criticized the Centre for police action against the protesting farmers at the two borders of Punjab and Haryana. Dallewal, however, refuted the claims of the Haryana Police that the protesting farmers had pelted stones at the security personnel. The farmer leaders have so far held talks twice with the government. The first talk was with Union Ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda and Nityanand Rai, while the second was with Goyal and Munda in Chandigarh. Both these meetings remained inconclusive. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation to put pressure on the Centre for their demands, including a law on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. Besides a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP), the farmers are also demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstate the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdraw from the World Trade Organisation, and compensation for families of the farmers who died during the previous agitation, among others. The farmers were also carrying water bottles and wet clothes to limit the impact of tear gas shells | Photo: PTI Scores of farmers from Punjab continued to stay put at the two borders of the state and Haryana on Wednesday while security personnel fired some tear gas shells on the protesters at the Shambhu border near Ambala. As the peasants gather there to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' protest, farmer leaders will first hold a meeting before moving ahead with their plan to break multi-layered barricades at the Shambhu border in an attempt to march towards Delhi. With the farmers from several places in Punjab continuing to pour in to participate in the 'Delhi Chalo' march, a large number of tractor-trolleys could be seen parked along the national highway on the Punjab side. The protesting farmers from Punjab plan to make a fresh attempt to break past the multiple layers of barricades at the border with Haryana. The Haryana security personnel lobbed a few tear gas shells on Wednesday morning after some farmers gathered near the barricades at the Shambhu border, the protesters claimed. While the protesting farmers said they were determined to march towards the national capital, many young farmers have made their tractors ready for removing the multi-layered cemented blocks at the Shambhu border. They have also made arrangements of water tankers in order to minimise the impact of any tear gas shell lobbed by the Haryana security personnel. The farmers were also carrying water bottles and wet clothes to limit the impact of tear gas shells. One of the protesters was seen wearing body protective gears along with eye protective safety goggles at the Shambhu border. Many farmers said they sustained injuries and faced difficulties in breathing and irritation in eyes because of the tear gas shells lobbed by the Haryana security personnel on Tuesday. A protesting farmer at the Shambhu border slammed the BJP-led Centre for writing off huge corporate debts but not giving what the farmers wanted. The farmers just wanted the government to give a legal guarantee to the minimum support price (MSP), he said. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher criticised the Centre for its police action against the protesting farmers, saying many cultivators were injured. "We urge the government to stop all this and ensure a positive atmosphere. We were ready for talks yesterday and we are ready for it even today," said Pandher. The farmers appeal to the prime minister to give a law to guarantee MSP as he has a big heart, he said. Pandher said neither the government was accepting their demands nor was it letting them head towards Delhi to put-forth their issues. Asked whether the farmers have received any invitation for holding talks, Pandher said it was being said the Centre was inviting them for a dialogue. "We will consider that invitation," said Pandher while speaking to reporters at the Shambhu border. He said the objective of their agitation was that their demands are accepted. "We have not come for any confrontation with the government," he asserted. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has inquired about the health of a farmer who sustained injuries during a police action at the Shambhu border. During his visit to Rajpura hospital, Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring arranged a conversation between Gandhi and the farmers over a mobile phone. The Punjab authorities have raised an objection with the Haryana authorities for the use of a drone for dropping tear gas shells inside the Punjab territory, said a senior official on Wednesday. On Tuesday, the farmers had clashed with Haryana Police personnel at two border points between the states, facing tear gas shells and water cannons as they tried to break the barricades blocking their protest march to the national capital. After a face-off with the police that lasted several hours on Tuesday, farmer leaders called off the protest for the day. They said they would resume the march from Shambhu on Wednesday. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation to put pressure on the Centre for their demands, including a law on MSP for crops and loan waivers. During their protest on February 13 at the Shambhu border, the farmers, with the help of tractors, managed to remove some of the cemented barricades and iron nails which were part of the elaborate arrangements made by the Haryana authorities to prevent protesters from heading to Delhi. Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them, officials said. The police used tear gas shells and water cannons against the protesters at the border in the state's Jind district as well. According to the police, nine of their men suffered injuries in this clash at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border. The Haryana government on Tuesday had extended the suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS and dongle services in seven districts - Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa till February 15. Ragesh Gopakumar, one of the eight Indian Navy veterans released by the Qatar government, expressed joy and gratitude over returning home and being reunited with his family after spending months in captivity in the tiny gulf nation. "We are just happy to be alive... happy to be home," a relieved Gopakumar said, adding that he and his colleagues survived only because of their Defence training. He was freed along with seven other former Navy personnel by Qatar two days ago after their death sentences were commuted to jail terms of varying duration. Gopakumar arrived in Balaramapuram, a suburb located over 16 km away from Kerala's capital city, on Monday and tearfully hugged his family members. Speaking to PTI, the ex-Navy man said, "Prison and confinement is something terrible." Whenever someone enquired what the plight of his family had been when he was in prison, he would ask them to imagine a situation where a husband who used to speak to his wife at least five times a day suddenly stopped calling her. The former Navy veteran attributed his release to his family's prayers and the efforts of the union government. Lavishing praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said it was only because of his personal intervention that their release was made possible. Gopakumar said all of them were hopeful that they would step out of the prison "if Modiji intervened" but had no idea how long it would take. He also expressed gratitude to the central government for having made arrangements to bring the families of the jailed ex-Naval officers to Qatar. "If an Indian is in trouble abroad and is innocent... if our PM is convinced about it, he will come to their rescue even if it is just one person... every Indian should know this," he said. Recalling his days in prison, Gopakumar said he and his colleagues survived only because of the training they underwent as Defence forces. Gopakumar said he had retired from the Indian Navy in 2017 and later joined the Oman Defence training company as a communications instructor. The eight Indian Navy personnel faced charges of espionage but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi had made the allegations levelled against them public. On October 26, they were sentenced to death by Qatar's Court of First Instance. On December 28, the Court of Appeal in the Gulf nation commuted the capital punishment and sentenced them to jail terms for durations ranging from three years to 25 years. The Court of Appeal had given 60 days to appeal against the prison terms. In December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai and discussed the well-being of Indians in Qatar. It is learnt that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval played a role in the negotiations with the Qatari authorities in securing the release of the Indians. Singapore-headquartered BOC Aviation Ltd on Wednesday said it has entered into a finance lease transaction with InterGlobe Aviation Ltd (IndiGo). The deal has been signed for four Airbus A320NEO aircraft. "We are pleased to be closing another four finance leases with IndiGo," said Steven Townend, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, BOC Aviation. "We continue to work closely with our long-time customer to support its expansion strategy as it builds a fleet of the latest technology fuel-efficient aircraft," Townend said in a release. The aircraft are all powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines. All four aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2024. "We are pleased to announce that we have extended our partnership with BOC Aviation through a lease agreement for four Airbus A320NEO aircraft," said Riyaz Peermohamed, Chief Aircraft Acquisition and Financing Officer of IndiGo. He further said that these aircraft will be instrumental in supporting the company's expansion plans and strengthening our position in both domestic and international markets. "At IndiGo, we are dedicated to providing our customers with unparalleled travel experiences, and this partnership will allow us to continue delivering affordable, on-time, and hassle-free travel across our extensive 6E network," he said. Recently leaked documents have exposed the potential consequences of the India-European Free Trade Association (EFTA) trade deal on affordable medicines. Millions of people around the world could lose access to affordable medicines if the trade deal between India and EFTA is finalised in its current form, medical aid groups warned on Wednesday. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Public Eye, and Delhi Network of Positive People expressed concern that the deal, which is nearing completion, includes harmful intellectual property (IP) proposals that would force India to amend its national laws. Click here to follow our WhatsApp channel The current Indian patent framework in section 107A stipulates that at any point during the patent's validity, a generic company has the right to secure marketing approval. Modifying this section could render it redundant, potentially impacting the availability of generic medicines. The ongoing negotiations, spanning since 2006, between India and the EFTA, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland, are nearing a conclusion. The negotiations include a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), with focus on intellectual property. The concern arises from the leaked text revealing provisions that go beyond international trade rules, potentially forcing India to amend its national patents and drug regulatory laws. Of particular concern is the proposal to introduce "data exclusivity", an additional IP barrier that could impact the approval and availability of generic medicines. This could grant pharmaceutical companies a monopoly on data they submit for drug registration, even after the patent expires. Data exclusivity could delay the registration of generic versions of new medicines, even when there is no patent, leading to increased costs and potential delays in patients' access to treatments. In the past, India's lack of data exclusivity facilitated affordable entry of medicines for diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis. A leaked version of the TEPA, reveals a provision mandating signatory countries to incorporate a specific duration within six months of the agreement's signing. This stipulated time frame pertains to pharmaceutical companies (applicants) seeking regulatory approval to market a drug within a signatory country. During this period, these applicants are prohibited from relying on undisclosed test data, information related to the drug's effectiveness and impact on individuals, to obtain market approval, with a specified duration of at least six years. Speaking on this, Farhat Mantoo, Executive Director, MSF South Asia, stated MSF has appealed to the Indian government, through a letter to the Prime Minister, to continue rejecting the inclusion of intellectual property provisions in EFTA negotiations that are harmful for access to affordable medicines from India. If accepted, these IP provisions will have drastic consequences on access to medicines and the health of patients in India and beyond. Millions of lives depend on India putting peoples health first and being able to continue supplying generic medicines globally. MSF relies heavily on affordable generic medicines from India to treat patients with HIV, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and other diseases. The group estimates that 95 per cent of its HIV medications, 90 per cent of hepatitis C antivirals, 36 per cent of TB treatments, and 30 per cent of vaccines come from India. Patrick Durisch of Public Eye, a Swiss health policy organisation, criticised Switzerland, which is home to many multinational pharmaceutical companies, for pushing for stricter IP rules in the trade deal. "Switzerland's persistent demands behind closed doors for more restrictive intellectual property provisions, even though Indias patent law is complaint with the World Trade Organisation's (WTO's) agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). This will unduly strengthen the monopoly rights of its pharmaceutical industry at the expense of patients in India and beyond," Durisch said. "This is a blatant example of Switzerland putting corporate profits over public health and human rights," he added. Loon Gangte, founder of the Delhi Network of Positive People, a non-profit organisation representing people living with HIV in India, urged the government to reject the deal. "People may see this as a $100bn investment deal, but for me, and other people living with HIV, we see this FTA as a direct threat to our lives. If this goes through, then those who will suffer will be people like us who rely on affordable generics from India." Gangte said. "Prices of newer medicines drop by over 90 per cent when there is generic competition from India. So, for the multinational pharmaceutical industry, data exclusivity will expand their monopolies and profiteering by blocking the availability of generics from India. The country has been through this before with the EU-India trade agreement and other FTAs, where similarly harmful provisions undermining access to medicines were rejected and withdrawn, added Gangte. In a briefing note from March 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) addressed the intricate relationship between intellectual property laws and drug registration regulations, emphasising the need to balance innovation with the right to access affordable medicines. WHO recommended countries avoid "TRIPS-plus" measures, limit the scope and duration of data protection, and allow reliance on originator data in case of compulsory licensing for public health reasons. WHO also stated that while data protection is required by international law, data exclusivity is not, and warned that it can harm access to medicines. Amidst ongoing farmer agitation, Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni on Wednesday said BJP has always been a party of farmers and has worked for ensuring positive changes in their life. Talking to PTI Videos here, Teni said the BJP government started the crop insurance scheme to compensate the farmers for the loss of crop, and added that it always works to end the problems of the farmers. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are marching towards Delhi to press the Centre to accept several demands, including enactment of a law to guarantee a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. "BJP has always been a party of farmers and has done big works for them. While Atal Bihari Vajpayee started Kisan Credit Card, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started Kisan Samman Nidhi after taking oath," he said. "With this fund, over 12 crore farmers families got benefited. Our government started soil testing and ensured availability of fertilisers and seeds. To bring in a positive change in the lives of farmers, roads, electricity, water and (LPG) gas were ensured," he said. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the National Assembly | Photo: Bloomberg Pakistan's restive Balochistan province has come to a standstill and has been facing unrest with several political and nationalist parties launching an indefinite blockade of all national highways from Wednesday against alleged rigging of the election results. Four political parties, including the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party (NP), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), and Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), have been jointly holding protests since Saturday in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan province against the outcome of the February 8 polls. Khushal Khan Kakar of the PKMAP told the media on Wednesday that the blockade would continue until the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered a recount in all those constituencies where massive alleged rigging has taken place in the province. The Baloch people are angry and frustrated over the electoral injustice done in the name of free and fair elections, Kakar said. Since Saturday, the province has been virtually cut off from the rest of the country as the workers and supporters of political parties held sit-ins and protests and blocked the highway links, but from Wednesday Kakar said all highways were being blocked. The strike has seen markets and businesses closed and the trade was also hit with Afghanistan and Iran through the Chaman and Tafan borders as roads remained blocked for the last five days. The strikes have also led to the coastal highway and China Pakistan Economic Corridor highway being unusable as the supporters of the National Party and BNP-Mengal. The blockade of the highways and the shutter-down strikes have also hit the common man as many passengers who were going from Quetta to Karachi and vice versa are stranded on the Quetta-Karachi highway. Public and private transport have been unable to move, especially since Monday when the parties stepped up their protests. Ghulam Nabi Marri, a key figure in the Balochistan National Party (Mengal group) made it clear to both provincial and federal authorities that they would not budge from their protests because the alleged rigging had been blatant in the elections. The protests are being staged by a four-party alliance of the National Party, Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), BNP-Mengal and PKMAP. According to reports, a complete shutter down strike was also observed on Tuesday in Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Nushki, Kalat, Mastung, Khuzdar, Loralai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Sibi, Nasirabad, Dera Murad Jamali, Ziarat, Barkhan and other towns of Balochistan. Interestingly Khusal Khan Kakar had won a National Assembly seat, as per ECP's unofficial result. But, in a later recount, JUI-F Syed Samiullah was declared the winner. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the National Assembly. In Balochistan, 23,02,522 votes were cast for 16 seats of the National Assembly. The voting turnout was 42.9 per cent. There were 53,70,804 registered votes. In the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, PPP won 11 seats, PML-N won nine, Jui-F won eight, and independents won five, while many seats were won by the smaller parties. Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's former White House advisor and his son-in-law, defended on Tuesday his business dealings after leaving government with the Saudi crown prince who was implicated in the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Kushner worked on a wide range of issues and policies in the Trump administration, including Middle East peace efforts, and developed a relationship with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has overseen social and economic reforms and a far-reaching crackdown on dissent in the kingdom. After Kushner left the White House, he started a private equity firm that received a reported USD 2 billion investment from the sovereign wealth fund controlled by Prince Mohammed, drawing scrutiny from Democrats. Kushner, speaking at a summit in Miami on Tuesday sponsored by media company Axios, said he followed every law and ethics rule. He dismissed the idea of there being any concerns about the appearance of a conflict of interest in his business deal. "If you ask me about the work that that we did in the White House, for my critics, what I say is point to a single decision we made that wasn't in the interest of America," Kushner said. He said the sovereign wealth fund, which has significant stakes in companies such as Uber, Nintendo and Microsoft, is one of the most prestigious investors in the world. He also defended Prince Mohammed when asked if he believed US intelligence reports that the prince approved the 2018 killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident and Washington Post columnist. The prince has denied any involvement. "Are we really still doing this?" Kushner at first said when he was asked if he believed the conclusions from US intelligence. Kushner said he had not seen the intelligence report released in 2021 that concluded the crown prince likely approved Khashoggi's killing inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "I know the person who I dealt with. I think he's a visionary leader. I think what he's done in that region is transformational," Kushner said. He stood by the Trump administration's policies and called it "one of the greatest compliments" that President Joe Biden backed away from his initial stance to shun Saudis for human rights violations to instead work with the crown prince on issues like oil production and security in the region. "I understand why people, you know, are upset about that," Kushner said of Khashoggi's killing. "I think that what happened there was absolutely horrific. But again, our job was to represent America, and to try to push forward things in America." Kushner also said he is not interested in rejoining the White House if Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, saying he was focused on his investment business and his living with his family in Florida out of the public eye. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin urged the Senate to pass the national security bill immediately to invest in America's national security, which will further bolster its deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. He applauded the Senate's passage of the vital national-security supplemental, which will advance the US's core security interests and its bedrock values as the country continues to stand firm with its allies and partners around the world. Moreover, he emphasised that the bipartisan legislation will also provide military aid to Ukraine to defend itself from Russia's attacks, adding that it will also aid Israel against Hamas terror attacks. "This critical piece of bipartisan legislation will provide urgently needed military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Putin's flagrant aggression; it will deliver additional security assistance to Israel after the October 7th Hamas terrorist assault, along with humanitarian aid for innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza; and it will bolster our deterrence in the Indo-Pacific," he said. "The world is watching, and lives are on the line. I urge the House to pass this bipartisan bill immediately to invest in America's national security," Austin said. Highlighting the ongoing attacks in the Red Sea, he said that the bill will also provide additional resources for the US Central Command to support its forces in defending itself from Iranian backed militias. "The national-security bill will also provide additional resources for U.S. Central Command to support our forces facing attacks from Iranian-backed militias and protecting international commerce in the Red Sea from the Houthis' reckless and unlawful attacks," he added. Further, the bill will also strengthen the US's domestic industries and provide resources to create more good American jobs across the country, including USD 20 billion to buy new capabilities and gear to restock US military inventories, USD 13.8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and USD 3.3 billion to strengthen the US submarine industrial base. Austin further said, "As was the case for previous supplementals, the bulk of the supplemental would flow through our defence industrial base, supporting American jobs in dozens of states across our country and creating greater prosperity at home and greater security around the world." Emphasising that the most urgently felt need for this supplement is in Ukraine, he said that the top Ukrainian defence officials have already warned us that their units no longer have the stores of ammunition that they need to hold off Putin's invading forces. He further called upon Congress to pass a full-year appropriation. "Failure to fund the Defence Department in line with the annual defence bill would have serious consequences for America's security, economy, global standing, and democracy," he stated. Further reiterating the US role, Austin said, "Only one country can provide the leadership that this moment demands--and that's the United States of America. The dangers of our time will only grow worse without strong and steady American leadership. If we do not deter other would-be aggressors, we will only invite more aggression, bloodshed, and chaos." So the cost of American leadership remains far lower than the cost of American abdication and retreat, he added. The deportations come as efforts are underway in the Maldives to shut down businesses operated illegally | Photo: Pexels The Maldives has deported 186 foreigners, including 43 Indians, after accusing them of committing crimes like visa violations and drug offences, according to a media report. The highest number of people deported was from Bangladesh. At least 83 Bangladeshis were deported followed by 43 Indians, 25 Sri Lankans and 8 Nepalis. The date of their deportation is not yet known, Male-based news outlet Adhadhu reported. The deportations come as efforts are underway in the Maldives to shut down businesses operated illegally. Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan said at a press briefing on Tuesday that the ministry was working together with the Economic Ministry to take action against illegal businesses operating under various names. These include both registered and unregistered businesses, the minister noted. Such businesses include those operated by a foreigner instead of the registered owner, Home Minister Ihusan said. The Home Ministry was working on shutting down such businesses and deporting the foreigners who operate them, Ihusan said. If the registrar believes based on sufficient evidence that a business is operated with a foreigner earning profits either directly or indirectly, a law was enacted in December 2021 to allow the registration of such businesses to be terminated. Immigration Controller Shamaan Waheed said 186 foreigners found to have committed crimes have been deported from the Maldives. Immigration detained several people in operations conducted to find foreign workers who committed criminal offences, out of whom those with valid documents and passports were deported, he said. Immigration and police have been serially conducting raid operations two or three times a week, Shanahan said. The operations do not target any specific group, he added. PTI ... New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said he's concerned about the compliance rate for companies operating in New Mexico, describing it as terrible | Photo: Bloomberg A Texas company has reached a multimillion-dollar settlement with the federal government and the state of New Mexico to address air pollution concerns in the largest oil and gas producing region in the US. The agreement announced on Tuesday with Apache Corporation calls for the company to pay $4 million in penalties and spend more than $5 million on preventative measures to reduce emissions at its wells in the Permian Basin, which spans parts of New Mexico and Texas. Apache was accused in a civil lawsuit of failing to comply with federal and state requirements to capture and control emissions at some of its operations in the two states. Federal officials and regulators in New Mexico identified the alleged violations through field investigations and flyovers by helicopters outfitted with infrared cameras that can detect hydrocarbon vapours that are invisible to the naked eye. Efforts by regulators to crack down on oil companies have ramped up in recent years through a combination of on-the-ground inspections, flyovers and now satellite imagery as they look for Clean Air Act violations across the Permian Basin and in other oil producing regions. New Mexico Environment Secretary James Kenney said he's concerned about the compliance rate for companies operating in New Mexico, describing it as terrible. "The ozone levels are rising, and you know, I think this is that moment where we have to hold up the mirror to industry and say, 'If you don't like what you see, it's a reflection of your own effort'," he said during a phone interview. The civil complaint targeting Apache comes nearly a year after federal and state officials announced a similar agreement with another producer in the Permian Basin over violations. In 2022, an investigation by AP showed 533 oil and gas facilities in the region were emitting excessive amounts of methane. Surveillance done by state and federal regulators in 2019, 2020 and 2022 turned up alleged violations at nearly two dozen of Apache's sites. The company said in an email that the consent decree announced on Tuesday resolves alleged violations from years ago and that the company acted swiftly to remedy the issues. Changes have included modifications to allow for more measurement, monitoring and capture of emissions and increased site inspections and expedited maintenance timelines. "Moving forward, the consent decree represents our commitment to continuous improvement across our facilities in the Permian Basin," the company said. "We also continue to collaborate with industry partners through organisations such as the Environmental Partnership and the UN's Oil and Gas Methane Partnership in striving toward a more sustainable future." The agreement covers 422 of Apache's oil and gas well pads in New Mexico and Texas, ensuring that they will comply with state and federal clean air regulations and that past illegal emissions will be offset. State and federal officials estimate that compliance will result in annual reductions of 900 tonnes of methane and more than 9,650 tonnes of volatile organic compounds, which contribute to smog. In all, state officials said the recent consent decrees with energy companies cover about 15 per cent of oil and gas production in New Mexico and about nine per cent of the wells. While many operators in the Permian are complying with existing regulations, Kenney warned those that are skirting the rules will spur even greater federal and state enforcement over the entire industry if ozone levels continue to rise. "Simply stated, the message is 'Do better'," Kenney said. Apache's plan calls for making design improvements and installing new tank pressure monitoring systems that will provide advance notice of potential emissions and allow for an immediate response. Regular reports also will be submitted to the state. The Senate Democrats international corporate tax proposals dont yet prescribe specific tax rates, leaving that to lawmakers to fill in as they consider the broader bill. (Photo: Bloomberg) The Senate early Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. The vote came after a small group of Republicans opposed to the $60 billion for Ukraine held the Senate floor through the night, using the final hours of debate to argue that the US should focus on its own problems before sending more money overseas. But 22 Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to pass the package 70-29, with supporters arguing that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and threaten national security across the globe. With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not waiver, will not falter, will not fail, said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation. The bill's passage through the Senate with a flourish of GOP support was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical shortages on the battlefield. Yet the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine oppose the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson cast new doubt on the package in a statement Monday evening, making clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk if at all. Biden in a statement urged the House to urgently act: We cannot afford to wait any longer. The costs of inaction are rising every day, especially in Ukraine." Already, we are seeing reports of Ukrainian troops running out of ammunition on the front lines as Russian forces continue to attack and Putin continues to dream of subjugating the Ukrainian people, the president said. Schumer said the strong bipartisan support should pressure Johnson to advance the bill. McConnell has made Ukraine his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of considerable pushback from his own GOP conference. Speaking directly to his detractors, the longtime Republican leader said in a statement, History settles every account. And today, on the value of American leadership and strength, history will record that the Senate did not blink. Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase US-made defence equipment, including munitions and air defence systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance. For us in Ukraine, continued US assistance helps to save human lives from Russian terror, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media. It means that life will continue in our cities and will triumph over war. In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel's war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.1 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe. Progressive lawmakers have objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel, and Sen Bernie Sanders, an independent of Vermont, as well as two Democrats, Sens Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, voted against it. I cannot in good conscience support sending billions of additional taxpayer dollars for Prime Minister Netanyahu's military campaign in Gaza, Welch said. It's a campaign that has killed and wounded a shocking number of civilians. It's created a massive humanitarian crisis. The bill's passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive bill that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies. But a bipartisan deal on border security fell apart just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and blocked it on the Senate floor. After the deal collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone as Democrats had originally intended. While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won a healthy showing of GOP support, several Republicans who had previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down. Sen J D Vance, an Ohio Republican, argued that the US should step back from the conflict and help broker an end to it with Russia's Putin. He questioned the wisdom of continuing to fuel Ukraine's defense when Putin appears committed to fighting for years. I think it deals with the reality that we're living in, which is they're a more powerful country, and it's their region of the world, he said. Vance, along with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul and other opponents, spent several hours on the floor railing against the aid and complaining about Senate process. They dug in their heels to delay a final vote, speaking on the floor until daybreak. Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. They pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the US would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict a commitment that Trump has called into question as he seeks another term in the White House. In the House, many Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, but some key GOP lawmakers have signalled they will push to get it passed. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner travelled to Ukraine last week with a bipartisan delegation and met with Zelenskyy. Turner posted on X, formerly Twitter, after the trip that I reiterated America's commitment to support Ukraine in its fight against Russia. But Speaker Johnson is in a tough position. A majority of his conference opposes the aid, and he is trying to lead the narrowest of majorities and avoid the fate of his predecessor, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who was ousted in October. Johnson said in a statement Monday that because the foreign aid package lacks border security provisions, it is silent on the most pressing issue facing our country. It was the latest and potentially most consequential sign of opposition to the Ukraine aid from House GOP leadership, who had rejected the bipartisan border compromise as a non-starter, contributing to its rapid demise. Now, in the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters, Johnson said. America deserves better than the Senate's status quo. The Republican speaker has repeatedly pointed to a sweeping set of hardline immigration measures passed by the House last year. But that legislation has gained no Democratic support essentially dooming it in the politically-split Congress. Schumer at a news conference called on Johnson to put the foreign aid package on the House floor, saying it would pass with strong bipartisan support". Indias proud homegrown single malt brand from the House of Piccadily Distilleries, Indri has once again earned a spot among the best whiskies in the world. Indri-Trini, Indias first triple cask single malt, has bagged the Best New World Whiskey title by the famous US based alco-bev platform, VinePair . The recognition further strengthens Indris position as one of the fastest growing Indian single malt brands, both in India and overseas. This comes after Indri Diwali Collector's Edition, being crowned as the Best Whisky in the World by winning Best in Show, Double Gold award at the prestigious Whiskies of the World Awards 2023. Based on consumer-oriented tastings of hundreds of whiskeys from around the world during the last 12 months (PICCADIL | 530305 | INE546C01010) https://www.bseindia.com/stock-share-price/piccadily-agro-industries-ltd/piccadily-agro-inds/530305/ Since its launch in 2021, Indri-Trini has garnered over 14 international awards, propelling India to unparalleled heights in the realm of premium single malts., VinePair selects one standout bottle from every category of whiskey. Considering that the final ranking delivers on flavour, balance, depth, and complexity for each of their respective price points, the platform releases a list of the Worlds Best Whiskeys at the beginning of each year. This year, the list featuresalong with Wilderness Trail Small Batch High Rye Bourbon as the Best Bourbon; Jack Daniels Bonded Rye as the Best Rye; Glenglassaugh Sandend Highland Single Malt Whisky as the Best Single Malt Scotch; Teeling Small Batch Irish Whiskey as the Best Irish Whiskey; Mars The Lucky Cat May & Luna as the Best Japanese; and Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye as The Best Canadian Whisky, amongst others.Speaking on the achievement,said, The Indian whisky industry is emerging gloriously, and Indri is proud to be at the forefront of this shift. The surge in popularity of Indian single malts and Indri amongst consumers and critics around the world is evident in more ways than one. The latest accolade by VinePair, is another pat on our back. Being recognised as the sole Indian single malt whisky is humbling and strengthens our resolve to crafting high-quality whisky, which has become the consumers' most preferred choice.stands out as India's first triple-cask single malt whisky, produced in a distillery in the village of Indri, Haryana. The name "Trini" pays homage to the trio of three coveted casks that the whisky is matured inex-Bourbon, ex-French wine, and PX Sherry. The triple casks lend a unique flavour profile, revealing delightful notes of caramelized pineapple, vanilla, black tea, raisins, honey, and a lingering aftertaste of sweet fruity flavours. Specially crafted using the finest 6-row Indian barley from Rajasthan, it pays homage to the regions time-honoured traditions.Indri-Trini is available across 19 states in India and 18 countries overseas.Find the complete roundup of the VinePair Best Whiskeys to Drink in 2024 here Kinaxis (TSX:KXS), the leading provider of supply chain management solutions, welcomes its newest Solution Extension (SolEx) partner, PredictHQ, the predictive demand intelligence company, to the Kinaxis partner ecosystem. As part of the new integration, Kinaxis customers will now gain access to the largest and smartest event data stream, to help improve demand forecasting, event visibility, dynamic pricing, inventory management, delivery optimization and more. PredictHQ's AI-powered platform enables businesses to make smarter decisions by predicting future demand from local events. Now more than ever, tracking and having visibility into sudden changes in demand is critical for companies looking to differentiate themselves and meet the sky-high expectations of consumers, said PredictHQs CEO Campbell Brown. We are very excited to be an important Solution Extension partner of Kinaxis and we look forward to being able to make predicting and responding to changing customer demand created by events easy, reliable, and scalable. Kinaxis provides customers with a single integration solution which allows for authoring, processing, and executing data integration workflows. PredictHQ tracks 19 event categories across four types of events, including sports, festivals, politics, public holidays, severe weather, airport delays and more, which will further help customers plan better and react quicker to disruption. Conrad Mandala, senior vice president, global partner organization at Kinaxis said, We pride ourselves on having many data sources that are highly valuable and secure for our customers. We are thrilled to continue to provide the global brands we work with the latest advancements in intelligent data by welcoming PredictHQ to our partner program. The Kinaxis PartnerLink program which includes System Integrators, Cloud partners, SolEx partners, and Value Added Resellers is a robust ecosystem of organizations who share a belief in the power of end-to-end supply chain orchestration as a means to accelerate strategic transformation and optimize global supply chains. To learn more about Kinaxis and its partners, please visit kinaxis.com/partners. About Kinaxis Kinaxis is a global leader in modern supply chain management. We serve supply chains and the people who manage them in service of humanity. Our software is trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate todays volatility and disruption. We combine our patented concurrency technique with a human-centered approach to AI to empower businesses of all sizes to orchestrate their end-to-end supply chain network, from multi-year strategic planning through down-to-the-second execution and last-mile delivery. For more news and information, please visit kinaxis.com or follow us on LinkedIn. About PredictHQ PredictHQ is the pioneer in predictive demand intelligence, strengthening AI-powered demand planning by eliminating business blind spots caused by demand volatility related to external events. PredictHQ empowers businesses to master predictability so they can optimize inventory, staffing, pricing, and marketing to capitalize on real-time local events. PredictHQs unique combination of forecast-grade event data, superior AI models, and agile infrastructure fuels smarter business decisions by going beyond WHAT local events are happening to help business leaders predict the unpredictable: WHY each event matters to them. Learn more at predicthq.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214786155/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. 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CalPortland launches dedicated Carbon Reduction Team 14 February 2024 CalPortland has announced the creation of a Carbon Reduction Team focussed on research and development and the implementation of decarbonisation projects. The team will be led by Hamed Maraghechi, vice president of Research & Development and Decarbonisation at CalPortland, and Hartmut Riess, vice president of Carbon Reduction Implementation. According to the company, the team will be dedicated to science-driven research and analysis to develop projects that lead to meaningful and innovative carbon reduction for the cement and concrete industries. Mr Maraghechi and Mr Riess will lead the Carbon Reduction Team at the CalPortland Crestmore Center of Technical Excellence in Jurupa Valley, California, USA. CalPortland has made an unwavering commitment to decarbonising cement production through the research of carbon reduction opportunities, said Allen Hamblen, CalPortland president and CEO. By creating a team strategically focused on science-based strategies, we will achieve significant carbon reduction and surpass our sustainability goals. Mr Maraghechi has a PhD and an MSc degree in Civil Engineering. Mr Riess is a second-generation cement engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the cement industry. Published under Freehill Mining to supply Cementos Melon 14 February 2024 Australia-based Freehill Mining Ltd has secured a purchase order from Chiles Cementos Melon with a gross sales value of approximately US$185,000. The purchase order is for the supply of material to Melons Coquimbo cement plant from Freehills 100 per cent-owned Yerbas Buenas project in Maule Region, Chile. The material will be delivered over a two-month period, likely to commence in mid-March 2024. Although the volume and price secured per cubic metre under this purchase order has not been revealed, according to Freehill it represents the largest single purchase order secured to date since operations commenced at Yerbas Buenas under its new contractor in August 2023. Freehills local subsidiary company is also negotiating a longer-term supply contract with Melon for larger volumes to be delivered over multiple months. These negotiations are yet to be concluded. Freehill has been developing new materials at Yerbas Buenas to help meet demand from local cement and construction companies currently engaged in large-scale infrastructure projects in this region of Chile. The acquisition of a state-of-the-art materials processing plant has also given customers increased confidence that Freehill can supply larger volumes of material to support these projects. This purchase order with Melon marks the first step of a major scale-up of activities at Yerbas Buenas, said Ben Jarvis, non-executive chairman at Freehill. For the past six months, our focus has been to establish confidence with our customers so they regard Freehill as a dependable supplier that can deliver larger volumes of material needed for large infrastructure projects. Now that we have achieved this, we are ramping up supply and thus increasing revenue. Whilst the value of this purchase order is pleasing, we are confident that much larger orders will materialise very soon. As well, we will use the initial delivery to Melon as a catalyst to negotiate a longer term contract with them over an extended time frame. We anticipate having our larger plant operational at Yerbas Buenas by the end of this month. Published under Cambodia's cement production unchanged in 2023 14 February 2024 Cambodias domestic cement production remained unchanged in volume in 2023 compared to a year before, reports the Cambodian Cement Manufacturing Association. Last year, the local cement production was about 8Mt, while the full production capacity of the existing five cement factories is 9Mta. The Cambodian Cement Manufacturing Association stated, In 2023, cement production and sales in Cambodia decreased slightly compared to 2022, the associations secretary-general Puth Chandarith told Khmer Times. The production of cement would be scaled up this year once the economic growth is forecast at robust growth, leading to new investment projects including construction projects, added Chandarith. Optimistically, the sector is expected to grow in the coming years, as the Cambodian economy is projected to grow by more than six per cent this year, he said. Published under The Tennessee Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a one-day meeting on Friday, Feb. 16. The meeting will start at 9 a.m. in the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agencys Region II Ray Bell Building.The TWRA Boating and Law Enforcement Division will present an amendment to increase the size of the No Wake Zone at Sunset Marina to improve safety at the marina and fueling docks. The agency also seeks to establish a temporary No Wake Zone in a 1,500-feet arc around Ft. Loudon Marina to allow workers to safety remove debris and fix collapsed sections of the marina.The Fisheries Division will present minor changes to the Commercial Fishing Proclamation to correct language related to the harvest of female paddlefish.Smallmouth bass sportfish regulations for Norris and Cherokee reservoir will also be combined to simplify regulations.The Communications and Marketing Division will also present highlights from the 2022-23 annual report and plans for the TWRAs 75th anniversary celebrations including special events, merchandise and giveaways.Several awards will be presented during the February meeting, including two resolutions honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the State of Tennessee, wildlife and natural resources.In addition, the 2024 Legacy Award winner will be announced. A committee was appointed at the January meeting in Dyersburg. The Legacy Award was founded in 2021 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to hunting, fishing and other outdoor lifestyles of Tennessee.The TFWC will elect its officers at the conclusion of the Friday meeting. Current Chairman Tommy Woods named a nominating committee at the December meeting. Chairman Woods will continue to serve on the Commission. Previous Next Orange Grove Center, Chattanooga State Community College, and NHC Chattanooga announced their collaboration on a new Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program taking place in a dedicated space on Orange Grove Centers main campus on Derby Street. The program is an intensive two-week course involving classroom and experiential learning which culminates in students taking the State of Tennessee CNA Licensure Exams, which test both knowledge and skills. Orange Grove Center, which celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2023, supports children and adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) in a wide range of programs, including school-age services, employment, residential, behavioral health, primary medical care, and dental services. Orange Groves mission has always been to provide the highest quality of care possible to the people it supports. One of the ways we do that is by constantly looking at how we train staff. Training and onboarding is already robust at Orange Grove, but we wanted to look at new ways to add skills and further build expertise, said Orange Grove CEO Tera Roberts. We are thrilled to partner with Chattanooga State and NHC Chattanooga to offer this program, and boost the professionalism of caregiving staff. Students in the program have been hired by Orange Grove Center and complete all required background checks and prerequisites. Staff then enroll as students through Chattanooga State to participate in the program. NHC, a Tennessee-based senior care company with communities across the Southeast, is hosting the students for the clinical training portion at its Chattanooga location. NHC will also be the testing site for at least the first several cohorts of students, while Orange Grove applies for approval from the State as a testing site. The first cohort of students began classes on Jan. 22, and finished the program on Feb. 2. The program is unique because Orange Grove is underwriting the cost of the program, including the testing, and paying the students an hourly training rate while they participate in the 75-hour program. Students are hired as Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), and the program is offered to both new-hires and existing DSPs. Other CNA certification programs frequently have tuition costs associated with them and require students to pay for their own testing. We see the program as a creative way to achieve multiple goals: supporting our workforce in their education journey and upward mobility, and elevating the professionalism of the staff that drives even better care for the people Orange Grove supports, Ms. Roberts said. Cynthia Brooks, Chattanooga States Lead Program Director in Economic and Workforce Development agreed, saying, We are happy to assist Orange Grove skill up their workforce with this valuable certification. We hope this creates a pathway for staff to gain greater satisfaction in their roles. The instructor for the inaugural cohort of students was Tammy Clark, RN, BSN, and most recently NHC Chattanoogas CNA Program Coordinator. This group of students was a bit different than other groups Ive taught, Ms. Clark said. They were very motivated, driven to succeed, and absorbed everything we taught them. The beauty of the CNA certification program is that it gives students valuable skills and builds their confidence as caregivers and as students. Completing the certification often is a great first step toward the next level of education for many people in healthcare, and the bonus is that the students possess marketable skills that give them the ability to work and earn a living while they continue their education, Ms. Clark said. Start-up costs for the program are being funded in part by the United Way of Greater Chattanooga as well as an anonymous funder, and Orange Grove has applied for additional grants from local foundations. Since our founding in 1953, this community has supported all of Orange Groves growth, said Heidi Hoffecker, Orange Groves director of Development. In a sense, the community has been supporting start-up costs for 70 years, because while Orange Grove continues and maintains excellent programs and services, it is constantly innovating and creating new programs as demands and needs of the people and families supported evolve over time. Students who enroll in the program agree to work for Orange Grove for a period of two years. Students who complete the full program and pass the State test are eligible for pay raises commensurate with their certification and experience. Martha Franell Patty Marler, 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior in heaven in the early moments of February 13, 2024. She joined her beloved husband, Ray, her parents, and a host of other relatives. Martha was born in Chattanooga, to W.J. Patty and Jennie Elizabeth Patty. She attended Sunnyside and Missionary Ridge Elementary schools, Dickinson Junior High School, and City High School. She received a degree from Tennessee Temple College. She and Charles Ray Marler, her high school sweetheart, were married in 1948. One of the highlights of their honeymoon, Martha recorded in her bridal book, was that Ray preached a revival for a small country church and saw several people saved. After Ray finished his degree at Union University and after pastoring a small church, the couple sailed to Nigeria as missionaries with the Sudan Interior Mission. While there, Martha served as guest house hostess, helper in the hospital pharmacy, helper in the maternity center nursery and in the orphanage, and helper in any other capacities needed. Her love for seeing people introduced to Christ and her love for cooking and entertaining were well known. Their first child sailed to Nigeria with them, and their two other children were born in Nigeria. Upon returning to Chattanooga, Martha quickly became active in the Highland Park Baptist Church, World Wide Faith Missions, and in active participation wherever she was needed. She gladly worked in various ministries, helping Ray in his many duties including his beloved Mens Bible Class and his position as Business Manager of Tennessee Temple Schools. For many years she also worked part time at Belvoir Pharmacy. She volunteered with HaCoBa Food Pantry, an outreach of Hamilton County Baptist Association, and volunteered with Ray as he conducted Sunday services at the East Ridge Retirement Center. They were members of Highland Park Baptist Church, Central Baptist Woodmore, and most recently Ridgedale Baptist Church. Martha was preceded in death by Ray, her parents and grandparents, and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her daughter, Patty Ray Hawkins (David), son, Rick Marler (Joy), daughter, Jennell Marler; grandchildren, Eric Hawkins (Holly), Jenny Hawkins, Kate Duggan, and Aimee Floyd (Seth); great-grandchildren, Graeme Duggan and Gavin Ozborn. Gramoo, as she was fondly known to the family, was loving, caring, and possessed a definite sense of humor. She never stopped and was determined she could do almost anything. Her family lovingly called her their Energizer Bunny. Her family would like to thank her two faithful caregivers, Carolyn Cox and Marina Jackson. Thanks also goes to Home Comforts and to Hearth Hospice for their diligent and loving care of Martha. The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 20, and from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the chapel with Dr. Bill Owens and Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Martha can be made to a charity of your choice. Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com Arrangements are by the East Brainerd Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421. Cynthia Cindy Swingle was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend with an unmatched zest for life. She passed away peacefully on February 9, 2024, at the age of 71. She was born to Charles Pat Stephens and Betty Mousey Janow on January 30, 1953. After graduating from Red Bank High School in 1971, she went to Erlanger Nursing School, where she became a registered nurse. She married the love of her life and best friend, Everett Thach Swingle Jr. in 1974. Together, they had two children, Patrick (Mystie) and Jennifer who were her world, until, of course, Thach, her grandson, was born. Cindy loved spending time with family and traveling the world, and always boasted that shed been to all 50 states and went to Disney World with her dad the year it opened. Anyone who knew her had listened to a Cindy Tale a time or two. Some had been lucky enough to go on a Cindy trip or sit through a lengthy slide show of pictures from one. Everyone knew that she could be anywhere in town in just five minutes, and she signed off every phone call with a see ya, bye. She returned every I love you with love you, more. We are all better to have known her and even luckier to have been loved by her. Cindy is survived by her mother Betty Mousey Janow, husband Everett, children Patrick (Mystie) and Jennifer, grandson Thach, sister Kelly Ferguson (David), stepsister Jennifer Janow, and several other close family members and friends she considered family. She is preceded in death by her father Charles Pat Stephens and stepfather Henry Butch Janow. Visitation is from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415. A graveside service will be held at Chattanooga Memorial Park, 501 Memorial Drive, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415 directly after. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Liver Foundation (liverfoundation.org) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, www.lanefh.com, 423 877-3524. Chattanooga City Council on Tuesday unanimously appointed the citys first Park Advisory Committee to help shape Chattanoogas parks and outdoors system. The 15-member committees membership was selected from over 180 applicants. Nine of the members were appointed by City Council members by district, and six members were appointed by Mayor Tim Kelly. The mayors appointments include a youth member under the age of 21. As we seek to lean into our citys position as a leader in parks and outdoors, we are thrilled that this group of 15 dedicated public servants has chosen to volunteer their time to inform our path forward. Our great competitive advantage that will push our city into its new era is our dedication to developing a city in a park, and we need everyone on board to make that dream a reality. Scott Martin, administrator of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors, said, Fredrick Law Olmsted, the creator of many of our nations greatest public landscapes, framed our work this way,'A park is a place where people from all walks of life can come together and find common ground.' Chattanoogas Parks & Outdoors Advisory Committee will elevate how residents, from all walks of life, come together to defend, shape, and steward Chattanoogas parks and outdoor spaces. The Parks & Outdoors Advisory Committee will provide enhanced resident engagement in the citys park system, informing management activities such as park maintenance and planning, recreation programming, fee structures, and expanding access to parks, outdoor and recreation resources, and help the city expand collaborative relationships with partners, donors, volunteers, and residents, it was stated. Appointment of this Committee was one of the key recommendations of the 2023 Parks and Outdoors Plan (POP) that the City Council adopted unanimously in 2023. The Committee will also provide leadership to help Chattanooga become the first National Park City in North America, officials said. Mr. Martin noted, For public parks systems, more resident engagement means better governance, which means better quality parks and programs. Helping the Committee get started will be former NYC Parks Commissioner Mitch Silver. Commissioner Silver will join the Committee this spring for an orientation session helping the Committee members learn from examples across the nation about the fundamental role that citizen-led park oversight boards have in shaping our nations best urban park systems. Members include: DISTRICT MEMBER 1 Robert Geier 2 Anna Hall 3 Terry Lee 4 Paul Darr 5 Dank Hawkins, Jr. 6 Melissa Lozano Lykes 7 Adam Kinsey 8 Shelby Meek 9 Angie Reed-Thomas MAYORAL Stephen Culp MAYORAL Linda Moss Mines MAYORAL Erika Roberts MAYORAL Dreama Campbell MAYORAL Meghan Ploch MAYORAL YOUTH Lillie Barrie Young adults make important life decisionsabout their education, jobs, marriage, starting a family. We seniors face different, but equally important, decisions. The first decision of the day comes about 3 a.m.: Should I get up to pee or can I hold it until morning? Second decision: Do I want to get out of bed today? (So far my answer has been yes.) Next decision: Should I put sugar on my bran flakes or stevia? Or maybe go for the hard stuff: Fruit Loops. But we must make even bigger and more consequential decisions as we age (well, getting up to go to the bathroom at 3 a.m. But we must make even bigger and more consequential decisions as we age (well, getting up to go to the bathroom at 3 a.m.is pretty big because the consequence of NOT getting up could be messy.) But our biggest decision is probably this: What can I do today that is meaningful? For much of our lives we had no choice about how to spend our time. Most of us had to work if we wanted clothes, cars, houses, and other things money can buy. If we had children, we had to take care of them whether we felt like it or not. But at a certain age, our have-tos become want-tos. And if we dont have any want-tos, our quality of life deteriorates rapidly in our older years. My father happily retired at an early age following a not-so-happy machine shop accident in which he lost an eye. However, he enjoyed his freedom from the nine-to-five drudge. He piddled around the house and workshop, took care of his lawn on his riding mower, went to the mall to walk his 4 rounds, and looked for bargains at flea markets. After a while he became bored; his days lacked purpose. Dad never understood why anyone would do volunteer work. According to him, the reason you work is to get paid. No one should get something for nothing, he said. But when the next-door neighbor lost her husband, he began mowing her lawn after he did his. Then another neighbor became ill and needed help. And another asked if Dad could do her lawn while her husband was bed-ridden. He wasnt doing volunteer work, of course; (he didnt believe in that.) He was just being neighborly. But he had found his purpose. No matter what our age, we need to feel that our lives matter. Baby Boomers who are still working probably know their purposemake money and save for retirement. Others may be searching for a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Thats why its important to have a plan for our retirement years. One of the most worthwhile ways to spend time when we no longer have a paid job is volunteering. It could be informal volunteer work like helping friends or family or a more formal occupation like helping stuff envelopes for the Cancer Society, doing activities in a nursing home, or assisting other organizations with various projects. Most non-profits run on volunteer assistance and always need help. What do you get out of volunteering? Satisfaction in knowing you make a difference; camaraderie when you work side-by-side with other volunteers and staff; a reason to get up in the morning. You might even become healthier. Stan became a volunteer at the large hospital where I was volunteer director. He signed up to work in the critical care waiting room on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but advised me he would probably have to miss his shift quite often. Hed had high blood pressure for years and it caused him to frequently feel unwell. Stan didnt miss any volunteer days for several months. He loved the jobmaking coffee for the patients families, talking or praying with them, and walking them to the unit when they were allowed to visit. But one day he called to say he was feeling terrible. He thought his blood pressure was acting up again and he was on his way to the doctor. Well, it was his blood pressure, but much to the doctors surprise it had gotten so low his medication needed to be reduced. A few months later, it had to be reduced again and several months later he went off blood pressure medicine altogether. He no longer needed it. The only difference in Stans life was volunteering two times a week. Of course, theres no scientific proof his volunteer work had anything to do with his improved health, but he was certain it was responsible for the change. I have volunteered for a number of organizations over the years. When I was young I did it to learn new skills that would lead to better jobs. In retirement, it is a way to be part of a community and to feel as if Im making a contribution to something bigger than myself. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. We make decisions every day of our lives, big ones and little ones; whether to eat healthy foods or junk food, whether to stay in bed or get up and do something meaningful. Make this day count. Find a way to make a difference in your little corner of the world. * * * Diana Walters has enjoyed a long career working with senior adults as social worker, activity director, and volunteer coordinator. She recently retired (at age 76) from paid employment and is now able to devote more time to her writing and her husband (in that order?) She has written devotionals for The Quiet Hour and Upper Room and been published in six Chicken Soup for the Soul books, but she is excited to be writing for and about her fellow Baby Boomers. She can be reached at dianalwalters@comcast.net. Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans, one of the most decorated female veterans in U.S. history, is this years keynote speaker at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitations annual Possibilities luncheon on March 13 at the Chattanooga Convention Center.With a successful military career as a senior intelligence analyst and paratrooper, Sgt. Maj. Evans operated in several high-tempo and dangerous missions around the world, including Grenada, Kosovo, Bosnia, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.In 2006, while working as a sergeant major in Afghanistan, a mortar blast threw her into a concrete bunker wall. She suffered a traumatic brain injury and lost 95 percent of her hearing, ending her career in military service. Due to this life-changing injury, Sgt. Maj. Evans received the Bronze Star for valor and heroism in combat.During her recovery, Sgt. Maj. Evans founded Team UNBROKEN, an adaptive racing team consisting of primarily veterans that also faced life-altering injuries or illness. The team has competed in the Worlds Toughest Race: Eco-Challenge Fiji, which aired on Amazon Prime Video. At the 2022 ESPYS, ESPN presented Sgt. Maj. Evans with the Pat Tillman Award for Service.Her story is about hope in the face of tragedy and new beginnings, said Matthew A. Gibson, Ph.D., FACHE, president and CEO of Siskin Hospital. It pairs perfectly with the work we do every day at Siskin Hospital.Mr. Gibson first heard Sgt. Maj. Evans speak while attending the Tennessee Hospital Association Annual Meeting and quickly reached out to have a member of his team invite her to speak at the upcoming event.Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear an inspiring story from a previous patient who did the work and can now say, I CAN.All proceeds from the event will go towards Siskin Hospitals Scholarship Fund, which supports men and women who cannot afford their physical rehabilitation care. Annually, Siskin Hospital provides over $800,000 in scholarships to patients in need.For more information and to purchase seats at the Possibilities luncheon event, visit Possibilities.SiskinRehab.org . Individual seats are $125 and a table of eight is $1,500. The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy will host its annual celebration of academic excellence, 2024 Odyssey Awards Luncheon, on Tuesday, March 19, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour is this year's keynote speaker. As America's first Black female combat pilot, Vernice's remarkable journey from the battlefield to the boardroom is nothing short of inspiring. From serving two tours of duty in Iraq to founding her own consulting firm, FlyGirl embodies the spirit of resilience and determination, said officials. Sherri and Daniel Anderson are the the co-chairs of this years event. "To be able to spend time honoring and sharing in the experience of the growth of such a dynamic group of young girls and to see their success is truly irreplaceable," said Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. "Im grateful for the excitement of this event, the support of our community, and the ambition of the girls." Different levels of table sponsorships are available here. Individual tickets are priced at $75 each and available here. For further details regarding the 2024 Odyssey Awards Luncheon, the perks associated with the Odyssey sponsorship program, contact Gus Diamondidis at 509-7207 or gusdiamondidis@CGLAonline.com. Between the two of us and our families, we have been swatted 14 separate times. Thankfully, none of these instances has resulted in injury to us, our families, or law enforcement officers who are needlessly put in harms way. Each time weve been swatted, our brave law enforcement officers wasted vital resources and manpower tending to a call that was meant to stoke fear, chaos, and violence. This type of deranged behavior cannot be allowed to continue. For those who are unaware, swatting is the act of anonymously reporting a fake emergency at someones home to the police. The intent is to force law enforcement officers to show up at the homes of elected officials, other prominent people, and even everyday citizens to cause chaos. Swatting can have deadly consequences, as in the tragic case of Mark Parkinson in Northwest Georgia in late 2017. Along with the attacks on elected officials and innocent citizens, these swatting incidents are also an attack on our law enforcement. Our brave officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our families safe. These spineless swatters directly place them in harms way by calling in fake emergencies. Additionally, swatting is a blatant abuse of police resources. These swatting incidents divert police resources that are oftentimes already stretched far too thin. Every second spent responding to a fake emergency is wasted time that our law enforcement could spend fighting the skyrocketing waves of crime that we have all witnessed across our nation. We will not stand for these anti-police acts. Its no accident that recent swatting incidents have mostly targeted one side of the political spectrum. Swatting has become a tool of the radical Left to attack and potentially cause harm to pro-Trump, America First conservatives who pose a very real threat to those on the Left. They wish us harm because they hate the way we fight for an America First agenda. Lets be very clear: swatting is the act of a coward. The radical Left cant win the fight over ideas in the public square and chooses to hide behind anonymity and incite violence. There are serious consequences to these actions, and we will fight together in Washington and in Georgia to increase penalties for this crime. While swatting is not currently a federal crime, we are fighting together to change that and make sure these criminals are brought to justice. In Georgia, we are advancing legislation that will strengthen sentences for these criminal offenses. No longer will someone simply receive a slap on the wrist for committing such a heinous and cowardly crime. Increased sentences will help to both deter future criminal activity while enabling law enforcement to properly punish criminals. In Washington, we are working to make it easier for our law enforcement officers to catch these criminals. It is essential that we take this issue seriously, so that we can end this practice. If these swatting incidents are allowed to continue, it will result in someone being seriously injured or killed, just like the tragedy in Walker County. No ones family should ever again have to experience a swatting call. Those of us who have experienced a swatting incident are not afraid of those who wish us harm. We are simply emboldened. We will not be silenced in our mission to deliver conservative, America First wins for our nation and state. No matter how hard they may try, those who wish us harm will not interfere with our capacity and willingness to lead. Burt Jones has served as Georgias lieutenant governor since 2023. Marjorie Taylor Greene has represented Georgias 14th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2021. The Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center announces a collaboration with award-winning author andChattanooga native Rita Lorraine Hubbard to create two children's books inspired by the stories of Medal of Honor and Space Medal of Honor recipients showcased within the Heritage Center.Ms. Hubbard is an African American author and black history researcher with a passion for sharing stories of both celebrated and unsung heroes. With her storytelling prowess, she has captivated young audiences through her most recent releasesThe Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read and Hammering for Freedom: The William Lewis Story.Her works have received numerous accolades, including the Texas Bluebonnet, the Crystal Kite, the Rhode Island Read-aloud Award and the East Tennessee Preservation Award."The decision to partner with Ms. Hubbard is part of the commitment of the Heritage Center to provide engaging educational resources for teachers, children and their families. Through these forthcoming books, the Heritage Center aims to spark curiosity and ignite a passion in young readers to learn about the many men and women who went 'above and beyond the call of duty' to make a difference," officials said.Ms. Hubbard expressed enthusiasm for this collaboration, saying, "Bringing the legacy of these great American heroes to the classroom and hands of little ones is truly the honor of a lifetime."The first book will explore the life of African American Space Medal of Honor recipient Dr. Ronald McNair, who was tragically killed in 1986 as a crewmember of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The second book will be an addition to the Centers The Making of a Hero series and will highlight the Medal of Honor actions of six recipients including Chattanoogas most recent Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Larry Taylor."Both books promise to combine captivating narratives with vibrant illustrations, making them quality additions to any children's library," officials said."We are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with Ms. Hubbard," said Maranda Wilkinson, director of education at the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. "Her talent for storytelling aligns perfectly with our mission to use the stories of Medal of Honor recipients to inspire all generations to be the best versions of themselves. We firmly believe education is a community effort, and these books will serve as literary resources for educators and families searching for stories centered on courage, integrity, commitment, sacrifice, citizenship, and patriotism."The National Medal of Honor Heritage Center anticipates the release of these books, along with supplemental instructional materials crafted by its teacher fellows, in early 2025. Samsung Electronics America on Wednesday announced that 50 schools have advanced as state winners in the 14th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) competition. Hamilton County Virtual School in Chattanooga was selected as the state winner for Tennessee. Each state winner has earned a Samsung technology prize package worth $12,000; the full list of state winners is available at Samsung.com/Solve. These GenZ innovators now move forward in their quest to be named one of three national winners that each unlock $100,000 for their school. Overall, Samsung will award more than $2 million in prizes to this years participating schools. State winners were selected from among 300 state finalist public middle and high schools who submitted detailed lesson plans outlining how their students propose using STEM to address an important community issue. Sustainability, public health and accessibility featured prominently in the solutions outlined by the state winners, as were projects that had cultural significance, such as those dedicated to preserving endangered crops of cultural importance to communities and safeguarding endangered indigenous languages. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a nationwide competition designed to empower students in grades 612 to leverage the power of STEM to create innovative solutions addressing critical issues in their local communities. The competition engages U.S. Gen Z students to catalyze change by applying Problem-based Learning principles, environmental stewardship and entrepreneurship to address some of society's most pressing challenges. The competition also promotes active, hands-on learning, making STEM more tangible and showcasing its real-world applications. Ann Woo, head of Corporate Citizenship at Samsung Electronics America, said, Working with students involved with Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, weve heard time and again that helping people in their local communities and society at large are key motivators. Thats certainly borne out by this years round of Gen Z-led STEM projects, where roughly one-third of our finalists are focused on solving public health issues, and another third on promoting environmental sustainability. Accessibility for people with disabilities, public safety, and agriculture were also top trending projects. Showcasing a forward-looking approach to problem-solving, nearly half of the student STEM-based solutions embrace the use of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing, big data analytics, geo-mapping, and robotics. Moreover, a number of the entries exhibit promising elements of entrepreneurship, or incorporate design thinking principles, highlighting the students' innovative approaches and potential for building impactful solutions that endure beyond the competition. Each state winner will receive a video production kit from Samsung to help document their project and produce a three-minute video demonstrating how they are using STEM to address the community issue raised in their lesson plan. Samsung employees will once again serve as mentors, assigned to the state winners on a one-to-one basis to help guide the student teams as they develop their projects and build a prototype. State winners will need to submit their videos for review ahead of the video deadline on Thursday, March 7. One school will be honored as a climate visionary with a Sustainability Innovation Award for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation, and an additional $50,000 prize package that includes Samsung ENERGY STAR technology. One school will be selected for the new Rising Entrepreneurship Award, receiving a $25,000 prize package to foster the development of a scalable, sustainable venture that will extend beyond the competition. Ten National Finalist Schools will be chosen to participate in a live, in-person pitch event in April where they will present their project to a panel of judges. From the National Finalists: Judges will name three National Winners, each of whom earns a prize package worth $100,000. The remaining seven National Finalist schools will be awarded $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies. A Community Choice Winner will be determined through online voting by the general public, winning an additional $10,000 in prizes. An Employee Choice Winner will be selected by Samsung employees to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow launched in 2010 as a way to boost interest, proficiency, and diversity in STEM. The education-based citizenship program is now a catalyst for a change in the perception of STEM, a crucial aspect in fostering a skilled future workforce and informed citizens of the modern world. To date, Solve for Tomorrow has awarded $27 million in Samsung technology and classroom supplies to 3,500-plus public schools across the United States. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Palm trees are often associated with tropical islands and upscale resorts, mainly due to the fact that they are native to some of the worlds most popular vacation destinations, such as the Caribbean, Hawaii, and some parts of Asia. As a result, they now embody the ideas of travel, leisure, and luxury. However, the palm trees symbolism extends beyond its connection to tropical getaways. These tall, slender trees with feather-shaped fronds represent many different values in cultures across the world. Depending on the context and culture theyre viewed in, palm trees symbolize fertility, longevity, eternal life, good luck, abundance, victory, and growth. In ancient Mesopotamia, palm trees were associated with Ishtar, the goddess of fertility, love, and war. Ancient Egyptians connected palm trees to longevity and long-lasting life. Therefore, palm fronds were often used during funeral processions. In ancient Greece and Rome, palm trees represented victory. Palm branches were awarded to athletes and gladiators who won competitions. Furthermore, palm trees also became significant symbols in the three major schools of religionChristianity, Judaism, and Islam. In the Christian faith, palm trees are correlated with the celebration of Palm Sunday, a day that commemorates Jesus Christs successful entry into Jerusalem. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. There have been many devoted female missionaries and Bible teachers in the history of the Chinese church. But the ordaining of woman pastors is still opposed or viewed with reservation in many Chinese churches, both within China and overseas. Surprisingly, however, the first female priest ordained in the global Anglican Communion was ChineseFlorence Li Tim-Oi (19071992). Li Tim-Oi was born in May 1907 in Shek Pai Wan, Hong Kong, during an era of social upheaval and gender bias. She was one of five siblings. Her father, who served as principal of an English government school for over 30 years, had once been invited by Sun Yat-sen to join the revolution to overthrow the Qing Dynasty. Lis father valued social reform and hoped one of his sons would become a pastor, but none showed interest. Li, however, developed a passion for the Christian faith and a desire to spread the gospel. Lis mother attended a girls school founded by Catholic nuns. Influenced by her parents, Li developed a strong sense of self-reliance and leadership from an early age. In 1931, she enrolled in Belilios Public School. During an Anglican church ordination ceremony for Hong Kong and Macau, the archdeacon asked if any of the girls were willing to commit to serving the Chinese church. Li immediately responded, I am here, send mebut do I meet your requirements? After graduating from high school in January 1934, Li became the head of Li Shing School in Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong. That same year, she visited Union Theological College in Guangzhou, where the dean, John Kunkle, encouraged her to pursue theological training. After discussions with the pastor of St. Pauls Church (her mentor), she left her teaching job to study theology in Guangzhou. The Sino-Japanese War erupted in 1937, and Guangzhou fell to Japanese occupation in 1938. In that year, Li graduated from seminary and began interning at All Saints Church in Kowloon, Hong Kong, serving as an assistant preacher for two years. In 1940, Li was reassigned to Morrison Chapel of the Anglican Church in Macau, tasked with caring for refugees who had fled to Macau because of the Sino-Japanese War. After the outbreak of the Pacific War the following year and the subsequent fall of Hong Kong, an even greater number of refugees sought refuge in Macau. During this period, the region had a troubled social atmosphere characterized by rampant gambling, alcohol abuse, prostitution, and drug use. At that time, the Anglican Church in Macau did not have a resident priest. Article continues below On May 22, 1941, bishop Ronald Owen Hall of the Diocese of Hong Kong and Macau ordained Li as a deaconess. On Easter 1942, she began presiding over the Eucharist in Macau, spreading the gospel among the suffering population. During the war, many men joined the military and foreign missionaries who were imprisoned in concentration camps. To ensure uninterrupted ministry, the Anglican Church in China decided to break with tradition and ordain a woman priest. On January 25, 1944, Hall ordained Li as a priest in the Anglican Church of Zhaoqing, located in Guangdong, making her the worlds first female Anglican priest. Hall later developed close relationships with high-rank leaders of the Chinese Communist Party, such as Zhou Enlai. He praised Communism, earning him the nickname of the Pink Bishop (the color red symbolizes the Chinese Communist Party). In 1946, the Archbishop of Canterbury challenged Halls decision to ordain Li, offering two options: either Hall would resign or Li would renounce her priesthood. Faced with this choice, Li sought Gods guidance and chose to give up her priestly title, desiring to fulfill Gods will. In her book, Raindrops of My Life: The Memoir of Florence Tim Oi Li, she expressed her willingness to serve the church humbly and without regret, embodying her life philosophy of submission and service without contention. The next year, Li became the principal at St. Barnabas Anglican Church in Hepu of Guangxi Province, and the following year, she traveled to the United States to visit and learn from Christian schools in the country. Upon returning to China in 1949, she established a maternity home, a kindergarten, and a primary school in Hepu. Two years later, she began pursuing advanced studies in theology at Yenching University. From 1953 to 1954, she taught at Union Theological College in Guangzhou, serving as the dormitory supervisor for female students and assisting with the ministry at Saviors Church. During the Great Leap Forward in 1958, Li led theological students and clergy to Jianggao, engaging in various agricultural and animal husbandry activities. In 1961, she underwent forced ideological education required by the Chinese Communist Party at the Sanyuanli Socialist College and embraced socialism. This experience seems to have left some red traces in Lis later thoughts and life. In August 1964, Li wrote a letter to the local government exposing Halls imperialistic tendencies and criticizing him as an accomplice of imperialism and colonialism. Ironically, among her accusations against him was the exceptional ordination of a female priest. She claimed to write as a counter-imperialist and a patriotic clergy member in line with the spirit of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Quite likely, this was a reluctant act of self-protection. Article continues below Despite the appearance of loyalty to the CCP, Li was not able to escape persecution. Shortly after the Cultural Revolution began in 1966, Li was assigned to work at the Forward Chemical Factory of the Guangzhou Christian Three-Self Association, handling tasks such as packaging medical syringes and waxing cupboard boxes. On August 25, 1966, Red Guards raided her home, injuring her and seizing valuable possessions. Her home was raided several more times after this incident. After retiring from the chemical factory in July 1974 with a severe eye disease, Li had other health issues but persevered in physical exercise and recovered. In 1979, as China reformed and opened up, she began teaching English and re-entered church ministry. In November 1982, Li moved to Toronto, Canada, and served at All Saints Church under reverend Philip Fengs pastoral care. In 1984 her status as a priest was fully recognized by the Canadian Anglican Church. 1987 was a significant year for Li. On May 9, Geoffrey B. Stephenson of St. Johns Anglican Church in Toronto led a thanksgiving gathering to celebrate her 80th birthday and established an associate church in her name. Additionally, The General Theological Seminary in New York awarded her an honorary doctor of divinity degree, which she accepted with her sister, Li Chi-ching, alongside her. The following year, Li attended the Lambeth Conference of the Anglican Communion in England as an invited guest. Li passed away in Toronto on February 26, 1992, at age 85. Anglican communities in the West regard her highly, and some regions have established commemorative days and special gatherings to honor her memory. The Li Tim-Oi Foundation, founded in 1994, aims to support missionary and pastoral work in the Global South. Huang Yuan Ren is a Christian media editor currently residing in Shaanxi, China. Translated into English by Ariel Bi [ This article is also available in and . ] As Seth Kaplan has worked in 35 countries around the world, one thing has made itself clear: healthy relationships are the key to community stability. When I go to any place, whether its a neighborhood or country, says Kaplan on this episode of The Russell Moore Show, the thing Im most interested in finding out is how well people are treating each other on so many levels. In conversation with Moore, Kaplanauthor of Fragile Neighborhoods, lecturer, and consultantexplains the reasons Americans feel vulnerable, alienated, and angry. He describes the opportunities people have to do something about those negative feelings and experiences by engaging in local activities that bond them to their neighbors. Moore and Kaplan discuss the necessity of institutions, identify organizations that are strengthening relationships, and consider the importance of marriage. Their conversation covers how children are being socialized, the effects of social media and digital play, and how to build a local ecosystem. Kaplan also describes his familys practice of Shabbat and encourages his Christian friends to prioritize Sabbath rest. Tune in for an episode that gives concrete, creative advice for cultivating flourishing neighborhoods that resist the division of our times. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Do you have a question for Russell Moore? Send it to questions@russellmoore.com. Click here for a trial membership at Christianity Today. The Russell Moore Show is a production of Christianity Today Executive Producers: Erik Petrik, Russell Moore, and Mike Cosper Host: Russell Moore Producer: Ashley Hales Associate Producers: Abby Perry and McKenzie Hill Director of Operations for CT Media: Matt Stevens Audio engineering by Dan Phelps Video producer: Abby Egan Theme Song: Dusty Delta Day by Lennon Hutton Home News Boz Tchividjian wants IHOPKC shuttered as 3rd woman brings claim against Mike Bickle Noted attorney and Billy Grahams grandson, Boz Tchividjian, called for International House of Prayer Kansas City to be shuttered permanently after a third woman alleged she was groomed and sexually abused by the 24/7 prayer ministrys founder Mike Bickle in the 1980s, when she was just 14. Its time. Its time to permanently close the doors at IHOPKC, Tchividjian said in a statement via the X account of his law firm, BozLaw P.A. on Saturday. Its time to take whatever monies are left & put them into a fund for those whose lives have been wrecked by a place that claims to love Jesus so much it prays to him 24/7. The praying hasnt worked. Its just made IHOPKC more pious in defending the indefensible. Its time. 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 Using her maiden name, the third woman, Tammy Woods, who is now a 57-year-old mother and grandmother, told The Kansas City Star that Bickle abused her in St. Louis, where he pastored a church before moving to Kansas City and starting IHOPKC in 1999. Woods said Bickle abused her in his car, at her home, in the church and his office. She said the abuse, which began when she started babysitting his two sons, involved sexual contact but not intercourse. She revealed that the IHOPKC founder also told her several times that his wife, Diane, would die young and suggested that she could be the mother to his sons. He would kiss my neck, he would kiss my cheeks, he would kiss my forehead, Woods told the Star, recalling the first time Bickle kissed her like a lover at her house when she was still just 14. The first, like, kiss kiss was in my house. He kind of pulled me into my bathroom. And he kissed me like a man kisses a woman. Woods revelation comes in the wake of an independent report released to the public on Jan. 31, and prepared by attorney Rosalee McNamara, where Bickle confessed to engaging in "consensual sexual contact" with a woman connected to the 24/7 prayer ministry in addition to a previously confessed relationship with a primary Jane Doe who alleged she was his kept woman for several years. "MB also admitted to inappropriate contact on three occasions with an individual connected with IHOP around 2002 to 2003. He described the contact as 'consensual sexual contact that involved her touching me but not me touching her,'" McNamara noted. "He said they both agreed it was wrong and the conduct stopped. MB's account and the account of the individual are very similar, including that it occurred in 2002 to 2003, and I find the individual's account credible." While Bickle never touched the second Jane Doe in McNamaras report, Woods said he did touch her. He did touch me, she recalled. He moved my hand to touch him sexually. And he did touch me in return. Woods explained that Bickle would be remorseful each time he abused her. I have witnessed him genuinely weep and repent, like ask the Lords forgiveness, ask my forgiveness, she said. I saw at 14, a man in anguish over failure, and he would always be like, I cant, we cant do this again. And please forgive me. I believed all of that to be genuine but it didnt stop. Wed do good for a while and then crash. A day after the Stars story was published, IHOPKC condemned Bickles actions as sick and apologized for the manner in which they handled the investigation into allegations of abuse against him which have long been criticized by Tchividjian and a group of former leaders at IHOPKC known as the advocate group. Words cannot express the anger, shock, heartbreak, and sadness we have experienced as we have learned of allegations and testimonies of sexual abuse and manipulation concerning Mike Bickle, founder of IHOPKC, IHOPKC said in a statement on X last Thursday. We believe that Mike Bickle sexually abused and manipulated Jane Doe and Tammy Woods, who was a minor at the time. His predatory and abusive actions are sick and violate the Word of God, the marriage covenant, and holiness; we condemn them in their entirety. The leaders of the 24/7 prayer ministry apologized for allowing Bickle to preach at IHOPKCs Forerunner Church on Oct. 13 and Oct. 20 last year prior to announcing that he would step aside as they investigated allegations of abuse against him. In hindsight, we realize that Mikes two Friday night messages on October 13th and 20th were manipulative attempts to construct a narrative of innocence concerning himself. We deeply regret allowing him on the platform, and we acknowledge and apologize for the pain and confusion this caused. Additionally, our staff meeting on October 27th lacked the necessary disclosure and candor to meet the gravity of the situation. For this, we also apologize. Many in our community have been pained by our communications regarding these allegations, the ministry continued. We are sorry we fell short in this area and left you feeling unseen, unheard, and unappreciated. We thank you for your patience and perseverance in spite of our shortcomings. Members of the advocate group, identified as Dean and Jeanie Briggs; Fran and John Chisholm; Jono and Shari Hall; Elizabeth and Peter Herder; Allen and Rachel Hood; Samuel Hood; Amanda and Wes Martin; and Dwayne and Jennifer Roberts, appeared to go on the offensive in defense of their campaign to hold Bickle accountable last month for his alleged abuse after five of eight Jane Does they claimed were victims publicly denied the allegations. Reacting to the new allegations against Bickle on Monday, Dwayne Roberts said in a statement on X that Bickles sin must be fully exposed. Mike Bickle's sin must be fully exposed, and a definitive statement is required so that those who have spent time at @ihopkc or listened to his teaching will know who he is. THEN, we can begin to unpack what happened, what he has done, what devastation he has brought to women specifically, and also to the Body of Christ, Roberts wrote. In my opinion, he is a deceiver, and his tactics are still in play today, his voice and influence must be stopped. A definitive statement needs to be made with unity on who he is and what he has done. I am not sure if this is possible, but this is what I aim for, he added. There has been a lie planted in the hearts of many that myself and the Advocate Group have wanted to tear down IHOPKC. This is a lie that I believe was planted by Mike Bickle. The purpose of the lie was to bring confusion and suspicion of our motives, and it continues to be a stumbling block to having Mike Bickle fully investigated. Home News Connecticut pastor charged with dealing meth in church rectory A Connecticut pastor has been arrested on the charge of dealing methamphetamines, having reportedly used his churchs rectory to oversee his alleged illegal activities. Herbert Irving Miller, the 63-year-old pastor of Woodbury United Methodist Church, was arrested last Friday, according to information released by the Connecticut State Police. Miller was observed operating his vehicle with a suspended registration for failing to maintain insurance requirements, stated authorities. 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 Subsequent investigation revealed that Miller was in possession of crystal methamphetamine in both rock form and liquefied into a hypodermic needle prepared for injection. Charges that he is facing include possession of a controlled substance, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, possession with intent to sell, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, and use of drug paraphernalia. Miller was transported to Troop L in Litchfield, where the clergyman was processed and released on a $10,000 non-surety bond, according to police. He is scheduled to appear in Waterbury Superior Court on Feb. 23. Millers arrest stems from an investigation that alleges that he was selling drugs from the rectory adjacent to the church, reported the Republican American. Miller had joined Woodbury UMC on July 1 of last year to serve as their pastor, having previously led First United Methodist Church of Shelton, Connecticut, according to the Republican American. For its part, Woodbury UMC has removed references to Miller from its website, including the announcement from last year that he was joining their congregation and the leadership page, as accessed by The Christian Post on Wednesday morning. Home News Harvard hosts UN official banned from Israel for justifying Hamas' Oct. 7 massacre Harvard University hosted an official with the United Nations on the same day Israel banned her for justifying Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attacks for saying the slaughter of 1,200 people, including 31 Americans, was in response to Israels oppression. This comes as the Ivy League institution continues to face scrutiny for how it addresses antisemitism on campus. Francesca Albanese, the U.N.s special rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, spoke Monday during a virtual event organized by the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. According to a description of the event by The Harvard Gazette, the purpose was for Albanese to discuss the ongoing war in Gaza and her experiences working with Palestinian refugees. Israel declared itself in a state of war following Hamas' attacks on Oct. 7, which resulted in the deaths of thousands, primarily civilians, and the kidnapping of 240 hostages, including Americans. The Hamas terrorist-run Gaza Health Ministry claims that over 27,000 people have been killed since the war began, but those figures dont differentiate between combatants and civilians. 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 Following an overnight operation, Israel Defense Forces announced Monday that it had successfully rescued two captives held by the terror group in Rafah. The hostages, Fernando Marman, 61, and Louis Har, 70, were in good condition and reunited with their families at an Israeli hospital, according to the IDF. According to The Times of Israel, Albanese is officially banned from Israel due to comments she made about the Hamas terror attacks. According to the outlet, it's unknown if or when the ban might be lifted. The U.N. special rapporteur made the remarks in a Saturday post on X in response to a post by the newspaper Le Monde. The paper shared a story last week about French President Emmanuel Macron honoring the victims and survivors of the Hamas terror attacks, including French nationals. The victims of [the Oct. 7 terror attacks] were not killed because of their Judaism, but in response to Israels oppression, Albanese wrote. France & the international community did nothing to prevent it. My respects to the victims. The Christian Post reached out to Harvard University to ask whether it was aware of Albaneses remarks and that Israel had banned her. A response was not received by press time. The news about the Ivy League school hosting a speaker banned from Israel for antisemitic views comes shortly after the resignation of Harvard President Claudine Gay. Before the former university president resigned following multiple accusations of plagiarism and failing to cite sources, Gay faced criticism for her responses during a December 2023 congressional hearing focused on anti-Semitism on college campuses. During the hearing held by the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., asked the presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology if calling for the genocide of Jews violated their schools individual codes of conduct on bullying or harassment. In response to the question, Gay said it would depend on the context. After the hearing, the nationally recognized law firm Edelson PC announced that it would not participate in Harvards Spring Interview Program that traditionally recruits law students on campus due in part to Gays testimony before Congress. The firm also stated that it would not participate in Harvards on-campus interviewing event in August. Harvard University also received media attention shortly after Hamas attacks when more than 30 student groups signed a letter holding Israel responsible for the massacre. The letter, released by the Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups, stated that the events of that day did not happen in a vacuum, arguing that the apartheid regime is the only one to blame." The letter, which didnt explicitly condemn the slaughter of Israeli civilians and foreigners, received backlash from former students and faculty, including Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a Harvard law school alumnus, and former Harvard President Larry Summers. Home News Henry Blackaby, pastor and bestselling author of Experiencing God, dies at 88 Henry Blackaby, a Canadian pastor who was the author of the bestselling Bible study book Experiencing God, has died at the age of 88. Blackaby Ministries International announced his death on Sunday, noting that Blackaby "went to be with his Lord" on Saturday. A funeral service is scheduled for Feb. 25 at First Baptist Church of Jonesboro, Georgia. "He helped countless people experience God. Now he is experiencing God in ways that surely surpass even his most cherished dreams. He left behind an enormous spiritual legacy," stated BMI. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe "In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Blackaby Ministries International as it carries on Henry's work, or to the Blackaby Chair of Spiritual Leadership at the Canadian Baptist Theological Seminary and College." Blackaby was preceded in death by his wife, Marilynn, but leaves behind five children and 14 grandchildren. Lifeway President and CEO Ben Mandrell, whose company served as the publisher for Blackaby, released a statement on Saturday expressing his condolences. "He was a great man of God and minister to the body of Christ, beginning with his time as a local church pastor and continuing through his ministry as an author and Bible teacher," stated Mandrell. "Millions of people around the globe have been impacted by his Bible study Experiencing God. He loved his Lord, his family and his local church. Lifeway sends the Blackaby family our sincere condolences as they remember the life and ministry of this godly man." The Rev. Franklin Graham, head of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, tweeted his condolences, calling Blackaby "a great Bible teacher and author." "He will be greatly missed, but his influence on the lives of untold numbers of people through his Bible teaching will live on," Graham stated. Blackaby was born in 1935 in British Columbia. He served as a pastor in both the United States and Canada. He is credited with helping to revitalize Faith Baptist Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. In 1990, Blackaby's influential Bible study Experiencing God was first published by Lifeway and sold approximately 8 million copies with multiple editions. "We couldn't have imagined what God would do with this message," wrote Claude King for Lifeway in 2022. "Translated into probably 60 or more languages, Experiencing God has spread all over the world." "Trans World Radio even developed the message into radio programs and broadcast them as a radio discipleship tool in Arabic, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and English. Because the message was so clearly biblical, people of nearly every Christian denomination we know have used it." In September 2013, Blackaby suffered a heart attack while driving in Atlanta and became disoriented, which resulted in him going missing for nearly 30 hours. He underwent successful heart surgery shortly after the incident. In April 2015, FBC of Jonesboro held a two-day event in honor of Blackaby turning 80, with well wishes coming from Anne Graham Lotz, then-Saddleback Church Senior Pastor Rick Warren and former President George W. Bush. Mel Blackaby, senior pastor at FBC Jonesboro and the third son of Blackaby, told The Christian Post in an interview at the time that it was "a wonderful time to reflect on the legacy my father has not only set for his family but for an untold number of believers across the globe." "It has been my honor to read every book he has written; co-author several books with him; but more importantly, see the exemplary life he has lived daily," said Mel Blackaby. "Through my personal travels all over the world, I am always humbled by the number of testimonies I receive on how God has used my dad's writings to change lives." Home News 'Pro-Life Spiderman' arrested after scaling Las Vegas Sphere during Super Bowl week An activist known as the "Pro-Life Spiderman" is facing a felony charge following his arrest after he climbed the Sphere in Las Vegas during Super Bowl week, with officials estimating that the stunt may have caused over $100,000 in damage. In a Thursday social media post showing footage of his Wednesday climb, Maison Des Champs revealed that he was climbing the 366-foot Sphere at the Venetian Resort east of the Las Vegas Strip to help raise funds for a homeless mother named Isabel. At the time, the pro-life activist said that the fundraiser for the mom had raised $21,000, but he urged people to keep donating. Des Champs represents Let Them Live, a nonprofit organization that addresses the financial needs of pregnant women who are considering abortion. After verifying that a woman needs help, the organization hosts an online fundraiser for her. 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 reason I do this is the unborn and their mothers the opportunity to put the spotlight back on innocent children vulnerable to be destroyed is worth far more than any jail time," Des Champs wrote in the post. As KTNV reported Friday, police met Des Champs at the top of the Sphere. The pro-life activist is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to destroy private property and destroying property greater than $5,000, a felony. According to an arrest report cited by the outlet, Des Champs told police he had been arrested for climbing before but had never been convicted and that "his attorneys will get him off this incident as well." Des Champs has climbed multiple buildings, including the Salesforce Tower in San Francisco, the Devon Tower in Oklahoma City, the Renaissance Center in Detroit and the New York Times building in New York City. According to the arrest report, a Sphere engineer inside the building saw the pro-life activist climbing the Exosphere and continued tracking him throughout his climb. Des Champs told the engineer that he planned to climb back down, and the engineer alerted his supervisors. The engineer later removed light tracks known as carriers to bring Des Champs inside the Sphere, according to the report. The arrest report stated that allowing the activist to climb back down the building presented a "security concern," and police feared that they would have to perform a helicopter rescue. In a statement to police, Matthew German, the Sphere vice president of security and threat management, also emphasized that the building exterior is not meant for someone to touch or climb. "According to Sphere, there are 58 million lights on the Sphere and 1.2 million pucks, which each hold 48 lights on it. The lights are on a track called carriers, which are made of aluminum and are not rated to hold a person's body weight," KTNV reported. "Since the parts are so delicate, the report states Sphere officials do repair work from inside the venue and not from the Exosphere." Officials estimate that the damage is more than $100,000, according to the outlet, and because the climb was live-streamed, the venue worries some of its intellectual property may have leaked to the public. In an updated story, KTNV reported that police arrested three other individuals connected to Des Champs' climb. Lori Hurley, Aaron Hurley and David Velasquez appeared in court last Thursday, with Judge Rebecca Saxe ruling that all three could be released on their own recognizance. However, she ordered the group to stay out of the Strip corridor and cease contact with Des Champs while the case is pending. On Thursday, a video posted on Des Champs' social media page showed police arresting Hurley and his wife. Prosecutors argued that Lori Hurley filming the climb "perpetuated the act," according to KTNV, and they argued that Hurley may engage in the same behavior as Des Champs. While Des Champs did not appear in court, the activist did post bail. Home Opinion Why Speaker Mike Johnson should allow a vote on Ukraine and Israel aid After contentious debate, the U.S. Senate passed a $95.3 billion national security supplemental. The measure helps Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan defend against totalitarian regimes bent on their destruction and rebuilds American defense stocks. Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan are asking for the same kind of assistance that the French gave Americans during the American Revolution. Though the vote was bipartisan, with 22 Senate Republicans joining 45 Democratic colleagues in advancing the legislation, passage is far less certain in the House of Representatives, where Republicans hold a very narrow majority. Speaker Mike Johnson, who met last month with the NATO general secretary and pledged support for Ukraine, is a lifelong supporter of Israel. Nevertheless, he acknowledged the difficulty of this supplemental passing the lower chamber. Johnson expressed reservations due to the lack of border security reform being included in the legislation. 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 We are grateful for Speaker Johnsons leadership, both as a trustee at the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, where we both served and as a stalwart conservative in the U.S. House of Representatives. And we share with him the disappointment at the failure of the Biden administration to meaningfully secure our borders. We also believe, as does Speaker Johnson, that the Biden administrations feckless foreign policy has led us to this dangerous moment in history. Nevertheless, we strongly urge the speaker to put this national security supplemental on the floor for a vote, which we believe would pass in a bipartisan fashion. We should never make the perfect the enemy of the good. America and the world are in this position due to a series of foreign policy mistakes that have projected American weakness around the world. The disastrous pullout of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, which resulted in the fall of Kabul to the Taliban and the abandonment of our NATO partners, not only betrayed our promises to our Afghan allies but signaled to evil actors that the United States is retreating from the world stage. Vladmir Putin seized on American weakness and President Bidens refusal to take Russian advances on Ukraine seriously. Biden foolishly waived sanctions on the Nordstream pipeline, allowing Russia to bypass Ukraine and provide energy to Europe. He waived off Russian troop buildup and even seemed to indicate tolerance with a minor incursion into Ukraine. Sensing little resistance, Russia did invade and while committing a litany of war crimes and atrocities which continue to this day, has met courageous resistance from the Ukrainian people fighting for their nation. Southern Baptists have seen both the resolute courage of their fellow Baptists, who endure cruel persecution in the Russian-occupied territories and support Ukraines efforts against their totalitarian foes. We are nearing the two-year mark of this war, and while the U.S. and Europe have lent significant support, Ukraine is still badly in need of replenishing its weapons supplies. We understand that Americans are war-weary from Iraq and Afghanistan, and we understand that the federal deficit is ballooning out of control and there is understandable caution about spending more. However, $95.3 billion is a fraction of the federal deficit and investing in Ukraine now is the best guarantee that we DONT have to invest American troops in combat defending NATO later. If we allow Ukraine to fall to Russia, it strengthens Putin, who has designs on at least the Baltic states and Poland, NATO allies that treaty would require far more than the mere weapons we are now currently giving Ukraine. This national security supplemental also helps fund Israels ongoing war against Hamas. As Bidens resolve to support our most cherished Middle East ally wanes, as protests in favor of Hamas gather steam in cities around the world, as genocidal terrorists continue to proclaim their desire to wipe out all Jewish people from the Middle East, the U.S. must support Israel. Just as Bidens scandalously irresponsible withdrawal from Afghanistan emboldened Putin, it similarly emboldened the mullahs in Iran. Consequently, Iran has raised the stakes by encouraging its proxy, Hamas, to commit egregious and horrendous crimes against the Israeli Jewish population. Continuing to help Israel defend itself is part of fulfilling the worlds responsibility for having allowed the Holocaust to happen. All of this, of course, is being watched by China. As President Xi makes slow, aggressive advances toward Taiwan, he is watching the U.S. closely to see if we are still the resistance to totalitarianism we have been since the end of World War II or if we will descend into tribal and partisan warfare and let evil actors have their way. The fall of Ukraine to Russia, and a failure of resolve on Israel will only signal to the dictators in Beijing that they have a free hand to take on their island neighbor. Unlike in the case of Ukraine and Israel, it is clear that Taiwan cannot defend itself successfully against Chinese aggression without active American military participation. These are the reasons why we strongly urge Speaker Johnson to allow a vote on the national security supplemental. We wish President Biden had shown a stronger hand in the early days of his administration. We wish he would have continued President Trumps strong foreign policy that deterred Russia and China. But America must deal with the world as it is, not as they wish it were. This is a test of American resolve, a test of whether we will keep our commitments to our NATO allies and to our allies in Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan or whether we will shrink back into the neo-isolationism that was a catalyst for world war a century ago. Republicans have a chance to help correct the weak posture of the current administration. Though we have seemingly intractable problems at home, we believe America is great enough to do multiple things at the same time and as history has shown, weakness abroad ultimately redounds to weakness at home. Mr. Speaker, it would be well to heed the advice of the late, great Margaret Thatcher to President George H.W. Bush in the leadup to the first Gulf War in 1993, This is no time to go wobbly. Home News Are US Christians too busy for discipleship? A new book released by Barna Group aims to help Christians who think they're too busy for disciplemaking or don't know how to begin. Written in partnership with The Navigators, the book, titled Growing Together: A Three-part Guide for Following Jesus and Bringing Friends on the Journey, reveals that two in five Christians (39%) are not engaged in discipleship. More than half of Christians feel their faith is entirely private. But according to Barnas research, spirituality loves company and going solo means missing out on greater fulfillment in faith and in friendship, a description of the report states. 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 Jesus modeled a powerfully different approach, one where Christianity is practiced and deepened in community. In todays society, this may seem like a tough task but youre not alone on this journey. The guidebook looks at three areas of discipleship: How Discipleship Can Transform Your Life, What Day-to-Day Discipleship Can Look Like and Why Youre More Ready Than You Think for Disciplemaking." Barna Group also analyzed data from two surveys for the guidebook. The first survey of 2,930 adults living in the United States was conducted between June 1 and July 4, 2020, and had a margin of error of +/-1.5 percentage points. The other survey, based on the responses of 2,511 self-identified Christian adults, was conducted between Dec. 22, 2020, and Jan. 18, 2021, and had a margin of error of +/-1.8 percentage points. Barna elaborated on the results of the research in an article published on its website last week. Among the many findings included in the report, Barna revealed that one-third of Christians (33%) are categorized as a disciplemaker, meaning they are actively helping someone else grow in faith while moving closer to Christ themselves alongside the person they are guiding. In its research, Barna found that 7% of Christians said lack of time deters renders them unable to engage in discipleship. Its no secret our lives are often busy and distracted. So lack of time and competing daily priorities may seem like obvious obstacles to developing discipleship community. However, [most] Christians dont see lack of time as a huge barrier to their discipleship, according to Barna. The Barna Group research also found that even though some Christians seem to value their time to the point of not finding any time to engage in discipleship, Christians who do make time for discipleship often want time investments in discipleship to feel like a meaningful addition. Barna Group added that one-in-three Christians who have interest in disciplemaking worry about how to keep things engaging for the long haul (33%) or how to prioritize disciplemaking in light of all the other things going on in their lives (32%). While discipling others through community is a Scriptural command from Jesus as found in Matthew 28:19, the Barna Group study found that those who struggle the most with making time for Christian community are those engaging in discipleship by both receiving and giving discipleship in their relationships because their pace of life is considered very busy. "They are actively prioritizing this spiritual exchange in their busy schedules, which isnt easy but, as the research has shown us, produces deep rewards, the Barna Group adds. These disciples and disciplemakers are more likely than other Christians to know the struggle of prioritizing spiritual growth and friendship in their fast-paced lives yet it doesnt stop them." This is a key lesson in realizing the calling of day-to-day discipleship: Those who experience discipleship community have the time or will make the time. Or perhaps even reimagine or divvy up that time! Barnas findings suggest the decisive factor is not who has the hours in the day, but who is willing to creatively commit from the hours they do have to growing in their faith and becoming qualified or equipped to help others grow, too. Home News Christian man falsely accused of blasphemy in Pakistan amid property dispute with Muslim convert LAHORE, Pakistan A 72-year-old Christian man in Pakistan was arrested and charged with blasphemy on Saturday based on a false accusation filed in retaliation over a property dispute, sources said. Younis Bhatti, known as Bhagat, was charged with desecrating the Quran under Section 295-B of Pakistans blasphemy statutes, which carries a mandatory life sentence, in village 211-RB, Jaranwala Tehsil, Faisalabad District, Punjab Province, said Asher Sarfaraz, chief executive of Christians True Spirit (CTS). The complainant, Sosan Fatima, has been attending the Brethren house church founded by the Bhatti family but told Khurrianwala Police that she and her husband converted to Islam more than a year ago, Sarfaraz said. 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 Fatima has alleged that Bhatti forced his way into her house when she was reading the Quran, assaulted her and tore the Islamic scripture, Sarfaraz told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. In her complaint, Fatima alleged that Bhatti opposed the familys conversion to Islam, he said. But our investigation has revealed that Fatima implicated Bhatti in a false blasphemy case to prevent him from reclaiming his property, Sarfaraz said. The government had allotted Bhatti and his five brothers 6 acres of land, which they subleased to poor Christians for affordable housing. Bhatti has a good reputation in the area and is known to extend help to Christians. He allowed Fatima and her crippled husband to live in a house on the allotted land free of cost about two years ago, Sarfaraz said. The dispute began some months ago, after Bhatti told Fatima that he wanted to accommodate another Christian family on the property. He told her that he would construct a wall to equally divide the 1,361 square-foot property between the two families, but she refused to let him proceed. Area residents told Sarfaraz that on Saturday, Bhatti had not yet entered Fatimas house when she began screaming and hurling allegations of blasphemy against him, he said. Residents have also confirmed that Fatima was a regular churchgoer, but she had claimed becoming a Muslim just to entrap Bhatti in the false case, Sarfaraz said. At least 15 Christian families were living in the area, but the blasphemy charge has driven them to Faisalabad out of fear of attacks by Muslims in the wake of the Aug. 16 riots in the area, provoked by a false blasphemy accusation. We are holding talks with senior police officials to ensure the safe return of these families to their homes, Sarfaraz said. The families are naturally scared because of the Jaranwala riots, but we are trying to allay their concerns for security. Jaranwala Pastor Sharoon Masih said Bhatti was a widower with three sons and two daughters. Bhatti and his family are well known in the area for facilitating Christians. Its alarming that our people have also begun misusing the blasphemy laws against each other over personal disputes, Pastor Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. In the Aug. 16 attacks, area Muslims ransacked and burned multiple churches and homes over allegations that two Christian brothers had desecrated the Quran and written blasphemous content. Police investigations have revealed that a Christian named Pervaiz Masih entrapped the two brothers in the case because he suspected that the younger one was having an affair with his wife. The Rev. Khalid Mukhtar, a Catholic priest who is also one of the complainants against the assailants in Jaranwala, said he had been told that Bhatti had regarded Fatima as a genuine sister in Christ as a member of his church, and that he was unhappy with her for renouncing her faith. I havent been able to confirm this information yet from the Bhatti family as they have left their homes, but prima facie it seems that the woman has levelled a false allegation against the septuagenarian, Mukhtar said. He urged the government to take notice of the increasing trend of false blasphemy accusations. Its important to investigate such incidents thoroughly before registering the cases to deter false accusations, Mukhtar said. Immediate arrest of those accused of blasphemy only encourages more false accusations, because it takes years for the accused to prove their innocence. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. Home News House impeaches Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas over handling of illegal immigration The U.S. House of Representatives has impeached Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas amid disagreements with the administration's handling of the influx of illegal immigration at the southern border. The Republican-controlled House voted to impeach Mayorkas in a narrow 215-214 vote Tuesday. The party-line vote comes a week after the House failed to secure the votes necessary to impeach Mayorkas in a previous attempt. As with the vote last week, all Democrats present in the chamber voted against impeaching Mayorkas while three Republicans broke from their party to join with Democrats in opposing the impeachment: Reps. Ken Buck, R-Colo., Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and Tom McClintock, R-Calif. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Introduced in November by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., the resolution calling for impeachment states that the secretary "repeatedly violated laws enacted by Congress regarding immigration and border society." "In large part because of his unlawful conduct, millions of aliens have illegally entered the United States on an annual basis with many unlawfully remaining in the United States," the resolution states. "His refusal to obey the law is not only an offense against the separation of powers in the Constitution of the United States, it also threatens our national security and has had a dire impact on communities across the country." The articles of impeachment cite multiple violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act as "high crimes and misdemeanors" that justify impeachment. Encounters between illegal immigrants and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials have reached record levels in the first three years of the Biden administration. The number of monthly encounters reached a record 301,983 in December 2023. A total of 961,537 illegal border crossings occurred in the first four months of fiscal year 2024, which began in October. That figure does not include those who have entered the country undetected by law enforcement. The White House condemned the impeachment as "baseless." In a statement Tuesday, President Joe Biden declared that "History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games." "From his time in the Justice Department as a U.S. Attorney to his service as Deputy Secretary and now Secretary of Homeland Security, he has upheld the rule of law faithfully and has demonstrated a deep commitment to the values that make our nation great," he added. "Instead of staging political stunts like this, Republicans with genuine concerns about the border should want Congress to deliver more border resources and stronger border security." Mayorkas' fate rests in the hands of the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required to remove him from office. In light of the political polarization surrounding Mayorkas' impeachment and the Democrats' 51-49 margin in the U.S. Senate, the removal of the Homeland Security Secretary is viewed as highly unlikely since it would require at least 18 Democrats to jump on board. Some conservative commenters have pointed out that, at the very least, an impeachment vote will require Senate Democrats up for reelection in swing states or states that former President Donald Trump either carried or narrowly lost in the 2020 presidential election to offer an opinion on the matter through their votes. With Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, up for reelection, Trump won Buckeye State by more than 8 percentage points. Sen. Jon Tester of Montana is up for reelection, a state Trump won by more than 16 percentage points while losing Arizona (Sen. Kyrsten Sinema) and Wisconsin (Sen. Tammy Baldwin) by less than 1 percentage point. Trump came up short by less than 3 percentage points in Michigan and Nevada. Polls suggest that Biden could lose most or all of those six states in his reelection bid, where he is expected to face off against Trump. The RealClearPolitics average of polls measuring voter intentions in the hypothetical matchup shows Trump 4.5 points ahead in Arizona, 5.1 points ahead in Michigan, 7 points ahead in Nevada and 0.6 points ahead in Wisconsin. In Pennsylvania, Biden has a lead of 0.3 points. Montana and Ohio are expected to support Trump by a wider margin. The RealClearPolitics average of polls measuring Biden's approval rating on immigration, based on surveys taken since Jan. 3, shows the president 30.8 points underwater on the issue. Home News Indiana launches website for parents to report LGBT, racial indoctrination in schools The state of Indiana has launched a new website allowing parents to document what they consider concerning curriculum in public schools as part of a statewide effort to ensure parental rights in education. In a statement released last week, the office of Indiana's Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita announced the establishment of "Eyes on Education." The project is defined as "a transparency portal to empower parents to further engage in their children's education by providing a platform to submit and view potentially inappropriate materials in their schools." 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 Rokita asserts that the portal is necessary in light of his conversations with "students, parents and teachers about destructive curricula, policies or programs in our schools." "Our kids need to focus on fundamental educational building blocks, NOT ideology that divides kids from their parents and normal society," he added. "The media and schools themselves have continued to deny that this indoctrination is happening here in Indiana, so my office is launching Eyes on Education a platform for students and parents to submit and view real examples of socialist indoctrination from classrooms across the state." Stressing that the program aims to empower parents, Rokita added that his office also wants "to help empower excellent educators." "In some cases, district bureaucrats suppress the conscientious efforts of caring and well-qualified teachers," he stated. "Our portal is a place where educators, too, can submit examples of materials they find objectionable." In a video message, Rokita expressed hope that the portal will inspire parents to "take action with principals, school boards, lawmakers and the governor." Online for less than a week, the portal already contains examples of content deemed concerning by parents in more than a dozen school districts in the state. Specifically, the portal documents the inclusion of an "ideology matching" exercise allegedly given to Carmel High School students, asking them whether certain people are more likely to be liberal or conservative and vote Republican or Democrat. The portal also includes an alleged class lesson dividing students into the categories of "oppressor" and "oppressed" at a middle school in the same district. Additionally, students at Carmel High School were reportedly asked to read an article from The 1619 Project Collection, an initiative of The New York Times designed to portray the establishment of slavery as the defining factor in American history. Elementary school students in Center Grove were allegedly presented with a slide about "micro-aggressions" that identifies "All lives matter" as problematic. The same training also taught the fifth-graders how to be "anti-racist." Additional material included in the portal consists of a sexual orientation and gender identity lesson at Martinsville High School that encourages students to become "emotionally independent from their parents," a lesson from an English class in Noblesville listing males, whites, Christians and heterosexuals as "dominant groups" while calling females, minorities, non-Christians and LGBT people "subordinated" and a college presentation reserved exclusively for black students in the Penn Harris Madison School Corporation. A spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Education told The Indianapolis Star that Rokita's office didn't consult the agency before launching this portal. Carmel Clay Schools officials told the newspaper that Rokita's office didn't inform them of the claims made in the portal or ask to confirm the validity of the documentation. Multiple documents clearly originated from a now-defunct outside special interest group, and others appear to be online quizzes with no additional context provided, Emily Bauer, director of community relations for Carmel Clay Schools, told The Star. As a tool for purported transparency, it is irresponsible to portray these screenshots as curriculum, as CCS follows the Indiana State Standards. Additionally, officials for Noblesville Schools District and Hamilton Southeastern Schools, which also have materials listed in the database, told the newspaper that those materials are not used in classrooms any longer. According to the portal, Indianapolis Public Schools, Mooresville High School, New Prairie United School Corporation and the Hamilton Southeastern Schools have policies in place that allow trans-identified students to use restrooms and sex-segregated facilities that align with their stated gender identity as opposed to their biological sex. Last year, Indiana enacted a law prohibiting school officials from providing "any instruction to a student in prekindergarten through grade 3 on human sexuality." The measure also requires schools to inform parents if their child makes a request to identify as a member of the opposite sex. The legislation was approved in a 37-12 vote in the Republican-controlled Indiana Senate and a 63-29 vote in the Republican-controlled Indiana House of Representatives. In the Indiana Senate, three Republicans joined Democrats in opposing the measure, while one Republican joined Democrats in voting against it in the House of Representatives. The state's Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb signed it into law last May. Rokita's office has also authored a Parents' Bill of Rights, which declares that parents have "the right and expectation to question and review the curriculum taught in your child's school" as well as "the right to know what books are available to students in the school library and to request the removal of books that are obscene or include material harmful to minors." Additional rights protected in the document include "the right to be notified if your child requests to be addressed by a name or use the pronouns of the opposite sex" and "the right to defend your child's First Amendment rights to religious expression and free speech in a school environment." Home News John Piper says 'political flag waving' has no place in 'Christian worship' Amid a contentious election season, theologian John Piper has emphasized the importance of grounding Christian advocacy in biblical truth while respecting the separation of church and state, stressing that political flag waving has no place in Christian worship. In a recent episode of the Ask Pastor John podcast, the 78-year-old chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota, addressed a question from a listener named Matthew concerning the distinction between speaking truth to power and engaging in political flag-waving. Piper outlined six characteristics of what he termed "bad political flag-waving," including prioritizing party allegiance over ethical principles, conflating moral stances with political affiliations, placing undue hope in political solutions for societal issues and misapplying biblical teachings to justify partisan agendas. 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 Bad political flag-waving means foregrounding partisan politics in settings where they do not belong for example, in Christian worship. Making the case for a partys political platform belongs, for example, at the national convention of the party. Thats where you can wave your flag properly, but not in Christian worship, he wrote. Conversely, Piper, who pastored Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis for almost 33 years, advocated for a clear and biblically informed approach to "speaking truth to power," a calling he said is incumbent upon all Christians. Speaking truth to power in a truly Christian way is always a call to repent and trust the forgiving grace of Jesus, he contended. Piper also delved into the separation of church and state, clarifying his stance that while Christians should actively participate in societal discourse, they must refrain from leveraging governmental power to impose religious beliefs. [No] human government should ever use its biblical right to wield the sword to enforce a religion or to oppose a religion as such. And the reason I used the phrase as such is to distinguish that bad action of forceful establishment or forceful maintenance of religion from the good action of creating laws that might fit the morality of a religion but not at all be part of prescribing or proscribing a religion as such, he said. Piper highlighted the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of all people through the Gospel message, emphasizing the necessity of faith and repentance for true transformation. By all means be willing to lose your life to speak the truth to power and weakness. But always keep in mind the vast difference between this and political flag-waving, he said. This is not the first time Piper has waded into political territory ahead of an election season. In 2020, the pastor explained why he thought it would be wrong for him to support either candidate in the election that year. Though he refrained from mentioning any candidate by name, he compared one candidate who supported policies that endorse baby-killing, sex-switching and socialistic overreach, suggesting Joe Biden, to the other candidate, who he said was guilty of sins of unrepentant sexual immorality and unrepentant boastfulness, referring to Donald Trump. I will not develop some calculus to determine which path of destruction I will support, he wrote at the time. That is not my duty. My calling is to lead people to see Jesus Christ, trust His forgiveness for sins, treasure Him above everything in this world, live in a way that shows His all-satisfying value, and help them make it to Heaven with love and holiness. That calling is contradicted by supporting either pathway to cultural corruption and eternal ruin. In 2017, Piper also called the president morally unfit due to immoral behavior in the past, and his ongoing unwillingness to renounce it as evil. In a 2020 op-ed for The Christian Post, former Planned Parenthood director Abby Johnson called Pipers stance ridiculous. Pride doesnt kill babies. Boastfulness doesnt tear them apart in their mothers wombs. Arrogance doesnt cause a baby to flee for their lives as sharp instruments seek to rip them limb from limb while they are still alive. No. Abortion does that and abortion alone, she wrote. We cant legislate pride or boastfulness or arrogance. But we can legislate abortion, Johnson added. In fact, we can make it illegal. And that is what is on the line. Life is on the line. The innocent lives of precious babies are on the line. Not pride. Not arrogance. Evangelist Franklin Graham also said he disagreed with Pipers reasoning, adding: "He is wrong on this issue. Home News Neighbors of Lakewood Church shooter say she was a threat for years, but police offered no help Neighbors of suspected Lakewood Church shooter, Genesse Ivonne Moreno, say for years, they warned law enforcement and elected officials in Conroe, Texas, that she was a menace to society, but no one took their cries seriously until it was too late. No one should have died. No one should have been hurt. This should have been handled years ago, and here we are again, Jill, the president of the neighborhood association in the north Houston suburb where Moreno resided told NBC News. Jill, who did not share her surname out of fear of retaliation, was among six women from the neighborhood who told the news outlet that the mentally troubled Moreno, who family members say struggled with a type of schizophrenia that made her violent, caused them to be afraid to be outside their homes. They said Moreno harassed and threatened them and displayed firearms. 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 Another neighbor who identified herself as Heather, said she complained to police in Conroe on July 4, 2022, after Moreno threatened her with a handgun. She explained that early that morning she was watering her plants when the late 36-year-old screamed expletives at her. She said when she walked over to Morenos house, she points the handgun at her from behind the trunk of her car. "We're being told see something, say something. Well, we're seeing stuff, we are saying stuff ... and Conroe PD is not helping us," Heather said. "I don't want to bash them but help us. Please." Officials with the Conroe Police Department maintain after a review that the complaints against Moreno, that they were handled appropriately. "The review revealed that Conroe Police personnel handled the calls appropriately and according to law," they said in a statement to NBC News. "Nothing relayed to officers would give authority to arrest or require mental health emergency detention; nor would any of the information have been an indication that the suspect would commit such a heinous crime." The women insisted however that just five months ago, after the situation deteriorated, five of them met with local elected officials, police, the sheriffs office, and the citys legal department about addressing it. Linda Giutta, who also lives in the neighborhood, said a cease-and-desist order was issued after that meeting. She further wrote letters to the neighborhood's property management company, met with its lawyer, and they called the media. We cannot do anything more than what we did. We tried to stop this, Giutta said. We tried to help her. We tried to help us. We tried to help the public. Something needs to get done. In a recording of Moreno that was made about four years ago and published on YouTube, the suspected Lakewood shooter appeared much different than the person who put her 7-year-old son in harms way. In fact, Moreno raised concern about teachers and children having relationships online. I mean there has been many studies done where teachers and student have been communicating with each other and then they find out it was the teacher the whole time or you know it's just vice versa, said Moreno who introduced herself as Jeffrey in the video. Fake accounts are a big thing because you know, you don't know if this teacher is working under a fictitious name. Just like they can create that they can create fictitious identities, she said. Now you might think I'm going over the top but what about if that account is by a teacher or someone posing as a teacher and could be a sex offender, could be psycho, could, have killed someone you'd never know. In a recounting of the shooting at Lakewood Church, Houston Police Department's Commander of Homicide Christopher Hassig said at a press conference Monday that Moreno pulled up to the west side of the church building in a white vehicle at 1:53 p.m. on Sunday with her son in tow. "She gets out of her white vehicle. She opens the door, pulls the 7-year-old child out of the backseat as well as a bag that is with her," he said. Moreno then "confronts a security guard who lets her in along the west side of the building" at 1:55 p.m. Moreno "immediately starts firing" after entering a hallway of the church. The off-duty officers, who were working approved security jobs for the church, engaged Moreno in a gunfight. Moreno and the child are then brought down in a hail of bullets. Hassig said the child was shot once in the head but did not say who shot the child. "Multiple rounds are fired by her at which point Officer Moreno of the Houston Police Department working an approved extra job at the location as well as TABC agent Herrera returned fire and the exchange is all there on the west side of the building," Hassig said. "In the hallway, multiple shots are exchanged by all three. She eventually falls to the ground. The 7-year-old child falls to the ground as well from gunfire one gunshot wound to the head." Moreno was pronounced dead by Houston Fire Department personnel at 2:07 p.m. Hassig said, her son remains hospitalized in "critical condition." Two weapons were recovered from the scene, including a .22 caliber rifle, which was not used in the shooting, and an AR-15 with a "Palestine" sticker, which Moreno fired at the officers. Morenos former mother in law, Rabbi Walli Carranza, and the suspected Lakewood shooters ex-husband, Enrique Carranza III who divorced her in 2022, both testified that she was abusive and mentally unsound in public statements and court documents as previously reported by The Christian Post. Moreno argued in her filings that it was her ex-husband who was abusive to her. In a December 2021 affidavit filed under the name "Jeffrey Moreno-Carranza," she alleged that her ex-husband was "a convicted sex offender" and had "multiple" DWI charges. She said during their marriage Carranza III physically assaulted me on numerous occasions that made me fear for my safety and the safety of my son." In March 2023, Carranza III was found guilty by a Florida jury of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Requirements after having been previously convicted of Attempted Sexual Assault on a Child in Colorado. "I have always been the primary caregiver for my son," Moreno said in her 2021 affidavit. She argued that her ex-husband "has never cared" for their son "by himself and furthermore, he is not capable of caring for a child with special needs." Home News Saint Valentine: The man behind the myth Millions of couples in the United States will find many creative ways to express their love for one another today, which is also Ash Wednesday. These offerings might include letters, candies, flowers, or even more commitment-based actions like a marriage proposal. It is yet another Saint Valentine's Day, a date where many focus on that special someone in their lives. While such expressions tend to have a strong certainty to their existence, such certainty does not reside with the namesake of the holiday. 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 "There are several St. Valentines," said the Rev. Michael G. Witczako, associate professor of liturgical studies at The Catholic University of America, in a previous interview with The Christian Post. "One was a bishop, another one was a priest and physician in Rome, who was known for sending letters of encouragement to stay faithful." Apparently, there are multiple Saint Valentines that derive from early Church records and mythology. Speculation regarding the historical Valentine fueled the decision to remove Valentine from the "General Calendar" of the Catholic Church decades ago, Witczak told CP. "St. Valentine was removed from the General Calendar in 1969 when the day was given to Sts. Cyril and Methodius, the apostles to the Slavs: St. Cyril died in Rome on Feb. 14," said Witczak. "However, St. Valentine is still included in the Roman Martyrology, and may be included in the calendar of particular churches or dioceses of religious orders." The men behind the myth The dominant legend behind St. Valentine, also rendered "Valentinius," was that he was a priest from the third century who lived in Rome and helped fellow believers during a wave of persecution. Eventually, authorities under Emperor Claudius II arrested Valentine and beheaded him on Feb. 14, somewhere around AD 270, hence the date for Saint Valentine's Day. Yet it was not until much later in AD 496 that Pope Gelasius officially marked the familiar date as Saint Valentine's Day. Other legends abound regarding the largely uncharted life of Valentine, according to an entry on Catholic Online about the martyred figure. "One legend says, while awaiting his execution, Valentinus restored the sight of his jailer's blind daughter," reads the entry. "Another legend says, on the eve of his death, he penned a farewell note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, 'From your Valentine.'" While the burial place of a St. Valentine has been discovered, some speculate that he might have been two different individuals, both martyred by Claudius near Rome. The Catholic Church does lay claim to one of the Valentine's or the Valentine's skull, which is on display at the Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, Rome, according to an entry about Valentine on the History Channel's website. "In the early 1800s, the excavation of a catacomb near Rome yielded skeletal remains and other relics now associated with St. Valentine," reads the entry. "As is customary, these bits and pieces of the late saint's body have subsequently been distributed to reliquaries around the world. You'll find other bits of St. Valentine's skeleton on display in the Czech Republic, Ireland, Scotland, England and France." A date of significance Even as many celebrate St. Valentine's Day without thought to the story of the saint, and the Church has lowered its recognition of the figure, the date maintains its significance. Witczak of Catholic University told CP that the date still involves the remembrance of saints, in this case, the more confirmed lives of Cyril and Methodius. "Feb. 14 is the date of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, who are in the General Calendar as an obligatory memorial (all local Catholic churches are to celebrate these saints)," said Witczak, adding that "the church in the Slavic world has great devotion to Cyril and Methodius." And then there are the many who send messages of love to their special someone on the day named for a mysterious saint who might have been more than one person. "Valentine's Day is, of course, one of the great popular days among lovers to express their love to each other," said Witczak. "The Church values human love and even has a sacrament that celebrates that love. ... So the day is important in the life of the Church because it is important to the people of the Church." Home Opinion Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday: Why they're the perfect couple Again this year, we experience a historic convergence of Ash Wednesday and Valentines Day, which only happens a few times a century. It happened in 1923, 1934, 1945, and 2018. It will happen again in 2029, but then not again until the next century. In 2018, I spent the first Valentines Day/Ash Wednesday of my life in the hospital with a Catholic friend undergoing a second-trimester miscarriage. Though Anglican Protestants like me are not allowed to take the Eucharist with Catholics, we are allowed to receive the imposition of ashes together, and I was ever grateful for the Catholic priest on call at the hospital who bestowed the ashes upon us both. In both Anglican and Catholic, and other liturgical traditions, as ashes are imparted on the forehead in the shape of a cross, the pastor or priest cites scripture: From dust you came and to dust you will return. That was never more potent than when holding a dead child in my arms. And yet, we had hope, we had love, we had the comfort of the Savior who overcame death. And my friend named her baby girl Valentine. Through this experience, Ive come to meditate on this odd calendar crossover that so many see as a conundrum. How can a day of fasting, repentance, humility, and suffering be combined with the gifts, food, and love-making of Valentine's Day? Ive come to see the two days being one as its own marriage of sorts, serving as a reminder of the reality that true love, in wanting the good for another, often requires suffering. Love that goes beyond the superficial is willing to sacrifice for the sake of the beloved. Is that not ever more true in Christ himself, showing a willingness to suffer for the sake of the beloved? 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 So perhaps it isnt so odd for a day of love and a day of suffering to converge. When we return to the origin of these holidays, we can even further appreciate their perfect harmony. Valentines Day, like Christmas and Easter, has become a commercialized fraction of its former spiritual glory, its original Christian meaning lost to our generation. If you asked the average person on the street, or even the average Christian in a pew, few may know the origin of Valentines Day. St. Valentine, an early Christian born in 226 in the Roman empire, believed in and performed Christian marriage at a time when it was extremely uncommon. The surrounding culture was caught in polygamy, and the oppressive state, hungry for soldiers over not love-struck boys, issued a repressive edict forbidding marriage altogether. St. Valentine refused this unjust edict by marrying Christian couples in secret, for which Valentine was arrested and eventually martyred. The legend around his life states that while awaiting execution in prison, St. Valentine deeply befriended and miraculously healed a blind girl in prison, writing her a note just before he died that was signed Your Valentine, the very first Valentine from which we get our note-writing tradition today.Thus, the real story of the first Valentine reminds us to honor marriage when society doesnt, while simultaneously reminding us that true love is just as true and valuable when shared among friends and mentors, not merely romantic couples. Like Valentines Day, Ash Wednesday is a historically Christian holiday meant to invite the faithful into remembrance of the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, by ushering in 40 days of Lent in which Christians prepare for Easter. On Ash Wednesday, we face the reality of who we really are: selfish, weak humans destined for death, who cannot give real love and life on our own. Yet once we receive it from the source of love God Himself, we can then fully love others. We are reminded of Christs example of perfect love, a love that was willing to die for His Bride. Sex and marriage, for the Christian, is a sign of Christs love for His bride, and of our need for the ultimate pleasure of our heavenly home. I find great comfort in the opportunity to attend church and receive ashes as I am reminded of my mortality apart from Christ. St. Valentine knew the culture and the state were getting it all wrong when they forbade marriage. Today we also face misunderstandings of love and marriage. Oddly, a culture that also devalues marriage in favor of love-making without commitment, and glamorizes sex without sacrificial love. We want a Valentines Day without the martyr St. Valentine, a love without suffering, sex without commitment. Ash Wednesday is the perfect remedy for our disease. We must come to a humble place of weakness and need so that we can be lifted up to a place of resurrection and restoration. For all of us, may this Ash Wednesday/Valentines Day serve as a call to repent of our perverted views of love, may it be an opportunity to embrace God as our true Valentine, and may our remembrance of death lead us to contemplate our need for eternal life in Christ. Christians divided over ad campaign (CP) A Super Bowl ad from a faith-based organization is igniting a debate among Christian conservatives, who expressed concern that its intended message of unity could be misconstrued as a justification for engaging in certain sins and that it fails to communicate a biblically accurate account of Jesus. The "He Gets Us" campaign, which describes itself as an effort to remind people of "the example that Jesus set while inviting all to explore his teachings so we can all follow his example of confounding, unconditional love," aired a 60-second ad during Super Bowl LVIII Sunday. The ad, titled "Foot Washing," featured still photographs of people washing another person's feet in various situations. One image depicted in the ad showed an older woman washing a younger woman's feet outside a facility labeled as a "Family Planning Clinic." In the background were protesters on both sides of the abortion debate holding signs reflecting the differing positions on the hot-button issue. Additional images in the ad featured people washing the feet of people with clearly divergent ideologies and/or social statuses. Two of the pictures illustrated protests demonstrating against police brutality and in favor of environmentalism. It concluded with an on-screen message declaring, "Jesus didn't teach hate. He washed feet. He gets us. All of us." Andrew Walker, an ethics and public theology professor at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary who also serves as a fellow at the Ethics & Public Policy Center, took to X Monday to raise concerns about the implications of the ad. "He Gets Us framed evangelism with a leftward tinge, communicating the respectability of certain sins over others in our culture (although I'm not sure the ad even communicated that the respectable sins were sins at all)," he wrote. "It is curious that Jesus never showed up washing feet at a [Make America Great Again] rally, a truck stop porn store in Alabama, to dilapidated and drugged-out factory workers in Ohio, or a white nationalist militia meeting in Michigan," Walker added. "If Jesus really is for all sinners, we should want right-wing racists converted as well, right? How would we respond to Jesus washing the feet of someone outside the Capitol on January 6?" Suggesting that the video displayed bias when selecting what situations to identify as opportunities for foot washing, Walker remarked that in the ad, "the socially high-status sins of the Left are the ones Christians are told to evangelize, not the low-status sins of the Deplorable Right because, it seems, they are the ones truly outside redemption's reach." He maintained that "the conditioning effect of these commercials in framing and reaffirming the social castes of American sin" is "really something." "The truth of the matter is that Jesus redeems sinners from both the Right and the Left, whether high-status or low-status. Everyone is equal in their need for Christ (Rom. 3:23). That could have been communicated, but wasn't," he concluded. Pro-life advocate Ryan Bomberger reacted to the ad in an X post Sunday. He addressed its premise that "Jesus Didn't Teach Hate" by proclaiming, "Yes. And No." Asserting that Jesus "taught us to love one another as He has loved us," Bomberger stressed that "His word also teaches us to 'love what is good & hate what is evil.'" The pro-life activist identified another important lesson that "disagreement & truth = hate." Allie Beth Stuckey, conservative commentator and host of the "Relatable" podcast, responded to the argument that Christians should "just be happy Jesus's name is getting to millions of people" in an X post Sunday. "If it's not the Biblical Jesus, then no. If you've got the money and opportunity to buy a Super Bowl ad slot, share the gospel," she wrote. "Don't waste it on some ambiguous mumbo jumbo that makes Jesus into our image rather than depicting Him as the King and Savior He is." Podcaster Michael Knowles took to X Sunday and wondered if he was "the only conservative who didn't totally hate the 'He Gets Us' ad." While acknowledging the concerns of critics that it "speaks 'woke-ese,'" "it's not for us; it's for secular libs" and poses "a risk it leads to heretical complacency," Knowles contended that "if it gets some lost lib to even consider Our Lord, I'm not totally opposed." "Your green-haired lesbian cousin who hates her dad is not going to read the Summa Theologiae set you didn't buy her," he predicted. "But if she begins to feel even a slight affection for Our Lord, she *might* turn on a podcast. Maybe that podcast could be Fr. Mike Schmitz's Bible in a Year. The ad wouldn't be my first choice for evangelism. But Our Lord has used much worse things for good." "He Gets Us" elaborated on the intended message of the ad in a statement posted to its website. "We recalled the story of Jesus washing his disciples' feet and realized this was the perfect example of how we should treat one another, even those people with whom we don't see eye to eye," the statement reads. "Jesus had washed Peter's feet, a loyal friend who would publicly deny that he knew Jesus later that very night. And even more astoundingly, Jesus washed Judas Iscariot's feet, the one who would betray him for 30 pieces of silver." Noting that Jesus washed the feet of his 12 disciples during the Last Supper as a "symbol for all of his followers to see how they should treat one another," the "He Gets Us" campaign states that "foot washing required humility on the part of both parties: the one willing to wash another's feet and also the one willing to have their feet washed." The group characterized foot washing as "an act of mutual admiration" that enabled Jesus to eliminate "any notion of rank or caste among his disciples." "We began to imagine a world where ideological others were willing to set their differences aside and wash one another's feet. How would that look? How would our contentious world change if we washed one another's feet, not literally, but figuratively? Figurative foot washing can be as simple as giving a compliment to a co-worker or paying for a stranger's lunch. It can also be as difficult as not responding to someone who's criticizing you or reaching out to an estranged family member." Insisting that "acts of kindness done out of humility and respect for another person could be considered the equivalent of foot washing," the "He Gets Us" campaign expressed hope that "our latest commercials will stimulate both societal discussion and individual self-reflection about 'who is my neighbor?' and how each of us can love our neighbor even as we have differences and serve one another with more kindness and respect." The Christian Post Council of Christians and Jews condemns antisemitism at Leeds University The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) has condemned antisemitic attacks on Leeds University campus that have forced a Jewish chaplain and his family into hiding. Rabbi Zecharia Deutsch has been moved to a safe location along with his wife and two children on the advice of police after he received death threats over his role as an Israel Defense Force (IDF) reservist. He had been in Israel to serve in the IDF following the October 7 terror attack by Hamas. Threats were also made to rape his wife and kill his children. Hillel House, the Jewish student centre at the university, was targeted in recent days with antisemitic graffiti saying "Free Palestine" and "IDF off campus". The CCJ called the incidents "shameful" and said it had been in touch with Rabbi Deutsch and his family. It comes days after Jewish students at the University of Birmingham were left "scared" after other students chanted "death to Zionists" on the campus and held a banner saying "Zionists off our campus". The CCJ said recent incidents in both Leeds and Birmingham showed a "need for education and action on antisemitism". "We are committed to supporting all efforts to ensure Jewish students and staff at Leeds feel safe and heard," it said. Over 500 Leeds University alumni have written to Prof Hai-Sui Yu, the university's vice-chancellor, with their concerns about antisemitism on campus. "The university has a duty both morally and legally to report and prevent extremist behaviour, which no doubt includes defacing a Jewish community centre for students. We expect to see the university wholeheartedly condemning this behaviour and acting decisively to curtail it," they said. Leeds University has condemned the antisemitism and scaled up security on campus. "We totally condemn the antisemitic abuse and threats directed towards the chaplain and his family such attacks on any individual are unacceptable and will not be tolerated from members of the public or our university community," it said. "The university is supporting West Yorkshire Police in their investigations and will continue to work with his employer, the University Jewish Chaplaincy, to ensure Rabbi Deutsch can provide the support that is so valued by Jewish students at Leeds and the other universities he serves in the Yorkshire region. "We are appalled that our Jewish student community was also targeted by a criminal act at Hillel House and share the concerns expressed for their safety and wellbeing. The university is actively supporting West Yorkshire Police and the Union of Jewish Students as the property owners as they investigate this incident as a hate crime." Inter Faith Network rejects media criticism as it faces closure The Inter Faith Network (IFN) has rejected criticism in The Telegraph about its alleged silence on Hamas' October 7 terror attack on Israel and links to the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). The newspaper reports that Communities Secretary Michael Gove wrote to the charity saying he was "minded" to end funding because the MCB is one of its members. The government had until last year banned official contact with the organisation after a deputy secretary general signed the Istanbul Declaration calling for violence against Israel. The IFN has since taken an "in-principle decision to move towards closure of the organisation", with a final decision to be confirmed on 22 February, unless it receives 155,000 in government funding. In a statement the IFN defended its continued work with the MCB, saying that it "represents a significant number of Muslims in the UK, with whom IFN aims to promote good inter faith relations". "It is not a proscribed body and IFN is not aware of any policy or activities of MCB supporting terrorism," it said. On its alleged "failure to condemn Hamas", the IFN said that Charity Commission guidelines and its role as an inter-faith organisation meant that it "cannot make a simple statement of that kind". "IFN has a longstanding policy on the making of statements which precludes direct comment on overseas events. Recent legal advice has confirmed the appropriateness of the policy," it said. Madeleine Pennington, head of research at the Theos think tank, has been critical of the government's decision and said that the "misguided" decision to withdraw funding to the IFN "couldn't come at a worse time". "The horrific violence in Israel and Gaza has created a particularly difficult period for community relations in the UK. There was a rise in both Islamophobia and antisemitism across the country in the closing months of 2023. "Against this backdrop, opportunities to unite different faith communities in moments of shared anger and grief have provided beacons of solidarity and hope," she said. More dates confirmed for Franklin Graham's second UK tour American evangelist Franklin Graham will be returning to the UK this year and next to continue sharing the message of God's love and forgiveness. More dates have been added to his God Loves You Tour UK, starting in Birmingham on 15 June followed by Glasgow on 22 June. Next year, there will be a further date at the London ExCel on 21 June 2025. It is a continuation of the God Loves You Tour that Graham started in 2022 when he visited London, Liverpool, Sheffield and south Wales. Last year he returned to London for a second time. Thousands of people turned out for each of the tour events, which are all free of charge. Graham, who is CEO of Samaritan's Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA), said he was looking forward to returning to the UK. "The simple message of God's love for the people of the UK is just as relevant now as it has ever been," he said. "We are grateful to all of the churches here that are doing the important work of evangelism, and it is an honour to come alongside them and support them. "I invite you to be a part of this and join us as we start to pray, plan, and prepare for 21 June, 2025 at ExCeL London." Speaking about his return to London, he said, "London is an extremely influential and important city, and every time I'm here it feels like we're barely scratching the surface. "This is why we are bringing the God Loves You Tour back to London for a third time. There is such a need and hunger for the Gospel in this global city." One of the many thousands at the ExCel London in 2022 was 11-year-old John who attended with his parents, James and Dora Pearce-Higgins. It was a memorable night for John as he was among the people who went forward during the altar call, accepting the invitation to put his faith and trust in Jesus. "As I sang, I felt on top of the world, then for half an hour Franklin Graham spoke about the story from Daniel when the hand writes on the wall. He preached, 'We're running out of time,' and that sermon felt like five minutes," he said. "When he invited people up to the front, my legs just took me up, I was crying. Ever since then I keep on humming the tunes of the songs, and I'm still grateful for what God did in my life." As part of the tour, the BGEA has partnered with local churches to host events and outreach within their communities. In the run-up to this year's tour stops, it is hosting free training sessions for Christians about how to share their faith. The London date will also include free bus transportation for churches. For more information about the tour, visit https://godlovesyoutour.org.uk/events/ We think this is just the start of many new propulsion aircraft that start to show up over the next decade and beyond, he says. This is a chance to start practicing what an airline of the future could look like. So a lot of our digital agenda overlaps with our sustainability agenda. As such, there are a lot of use cases across the airline where emerging digital tools can play big roles, but the general approach is cautious curiosity. Weve got a bunch of work underway to build the workbench for advanced AI techniques, so this capability underpins everything we do, he says. Were starting to think of Air New Zealand as a Petri dish for innovation where we can solve some long-standing challenges in the airline industry. And if we can solve those problems here, and productize them right, then we think we can take it around the world and others will be interested. CIO APAC editor Cathy OSullivan recently spoke with Ravishankar about how Air New Zealand has changed its operating model to uplift digital capability across the organization, and how technology plays a huge role in its sustainability goals. Watch the full video below for more insights. On establishing a tech foundation: I had an interest in computers from a very young age. I had a chance to study programming at school in India, and my mom encouraged me to take up programming. My first job was tutoring in a university programming department, and then I stayed as a research assistant. While I did that in the late 90s, two colleagues and I decided to set up a startup. We were very excited about it, because we grew up with the internet and we could see the possibilities. We understood Moores Law to an extent, and thought people will watch TV on their mobile phones. So we set out to build a mobile TV app business, on 2g networks before the iPhone. We tried to raise money but people thought we were crazy. But we persisted. And Spark, or Telecom New Zealand at the time, were looking for a hero app on the new WCDMA network. And thats what really what got me introduced to large enterprise. Unfortunately, the startup didnt go anywhere, but we learned a lot. On air travel reliance: Air New Zealand is the national flag carrier and its something everyone who works at the airline realizes and takes seriously. Were very proud of that, but we also carry the burden of that responsibility. Its a gateway into the country, and for anyone wondering why its so important for an airline brand in the country, some of it is the tyranny of distance. Were far away from everywhere else, and the only way in and out is by flight, so the airline is important from a wider New Zealand perspective. About 16% of New Zealands GDP relies on air travel, whereas in the US, its about 4%. Even in city hubs like Dubai and Singapore, its around 12%. So were very reliant on connectivity, both internationally and domestically. Sometimes people dont realize New Zealand is a big country and we only have 5 million people, so you never have the business case for high-speed rail or massive road networks. So in some cases, were the lifeline service across the country. On the organizations mission: Our purpose is to connect New Zealanders to each other, and New Zealand to the world. So everyone, including those in my team, come to work every day to fulfil that mission. Implicit to that, we have this working ambition to become the worlds leading digital airline, so a lot of my teams focus is on bringing that to life. The way weve looked to attack that is by saying if we want to become that, then we need to stop thinking of ourselves as an airline with a fantastic digital department, and as a digital business that happens to be an airline. So the concept of my team now has been redefined in the way we look at digital. Almost 95% of my team dont necessarily work directly for me anymore. Eighteen months ago, we decided to rewire the airline, where digital gets fully embedded into everything. So the concept of my team is an interesting operating model. Primeste notificari pe email Nota bene: Adresele email cu extensia .ru nu sunt acceptate. Contractare si Achizitie Bunuri Anunturi de Angajare Granturi - Finantari Burse de studiu Stagii Profesionale Oportunitati de voluntariat Toate Articolele Anunt concurs pentru post vacant Institutia Publica Centrul de Consiliere Agricola si Rurala (CCAR) este in cautare de un profesionist dinamic si dedicat, pentru pozitia de Sef/a de Sectie la sectia Inovare si transfer de cunostinte in cadrul institutie Institutia Publica Centrul de Consiliere Agricola si Rurala (CCAR) este in cautare de un profesionist dinamic si dedicat, pentru pozitia de Sef/a de Sectie la sectia Inovare si transfer de cunostinte The Charity Commission has opened an investigation into the Al-Tawheed Charitable Trust over an event held at its premises, which celebrated a deceased Iranian general. It has announced a statutory inquiry after serious concerns were raised and video footage showed antisemitic chants being made during the event. The charity was registered in 1994, and its purposes include promoting the Islamic faith, supporting Muslim communities and promoting recreation, sport, social and cultural activities. The event was held by an external organisation at the charitys premises in 2020, and the charitys current trustees, who were not in office at the time, told the Commission the event was a religious remembrance programme for major general Qasem Soleimani. At the time of his death, Soleimani held a senior position in Irans military, serving as commander of both the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Quds Force. The regulator had previously opened a compliance case into the charity, which had an income of 19,200 in the year to September 2022, due to its concerns about the event. When the event was held, Soleimani was subject to sanctions imposed by the UK government. The IRGC is still subject to these sanctions. Through reviewing video footage provided to the regulator, the Commission was made aware that speakers praised Soleimani and antisemitic chants being made during the event could be heard. Civil Society understands the chants heard were death to Israel. The Commission has significant concerns about these matters and will be examining what controls the charity has in place for events and external speakers, a release from the regulator reads . The regulator has prohibited the trustees from allowing the charitys premises to be used by the third party that organised the 2020 event. It is also using its information gathering powers to compel the trustees to answer questions and provide copy documents. Commission chair Orlando Fraser last year warned charities not to allow their premises or events to become forums for hate speech or unlawful extremism. Al-Tawheed Charitable Trust: Event organisers not linked to charity The charity said: We acknowledge the gravity of the allegations raised, and the present trustees of our organisation are fully dedicated to cooperating with the Commission in addressing their concerns. It is important to highlight that the trustees who held office during the events under investigation are no longer affiliated with our organisation. As the current trustees were not in office at that time, we are unable to comment on the specifics of the events or the allegations raised. We are actively working to understand and rectify the situation. It added that a third-party organisation with no affiliation with the charity organised the event. The statement adds: Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, we are unable to provide detailed comments at this time. However, we wish to reassure the public and our stakeholders that we take these allegations seriously and are actively cooperating with the Charity Commission to address and resolve the concerns raised. The current trustees are resolute in upholding the charity's values and ensuring that all activities on our premises adhere to relevant regulations and ethical standards. We are confident that the investigation will conclude with a resolution that mirrors our commitment to these principles. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Its been a rough start to the year for news media. Record layoffs in January have piled on top of years of decline at newspapers, especially at the local level. The explanations are diverse and complicated, but near the top is the impact of online platforms like social mediawhich have siphoned off eyeballs and advertisers. News publishers could be forgiven for believing the rise of generative AI is just one more tech development out to kill them. After all, its easy to see the rise of so-called large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, Bard, and Gemini, as an existential threatgiant tools, trained on every word on the internet ever written, that can churn out writing requests on a whim, instantaneously. The robots have arrived to destroy all the journalism that lagging subscriptions, private equity, and the rise of TikTok havent already killed. That would be a mistake. Generative AI is an epochal developmentless like social media and more like the advent of the internet itself. Much like that moment, this technology is transformative because it empowers people in how they create and find information. ChatGPT was the fastest-growing application of all time (before Threads stole the title) in part because of the agency it gave people in not just retrieving answers, but being able to shape the responses with creative prompts. We are witnessing a major shift in user behavior as this new technology becomes a regular part of peoples educational, professional, and personal routines. This isnt only about efficiency and automation that will be valuable in all parts of the news business; its also a moment of profound empowerment in the information age. It took news publications a long timetoo long, we now recognizeto embrace the Web as an entirely new interactive medium, one that could enhance every aspect of the news industry, from reporting and multimedia to delivery and engagement. They ignored the pace of publishing and community that bloggers introduced until finally embracing it because of its popularity with fast-growing audiences. It took in many cases a decadeor longer!for news organizations to begin the embrace of the Web on new terms. This time, the news industry doesnt have that long to resist the AI revolution and ignore the shift in consumer expectations. The tremendous speed of change since ChatGPT set off a generative AI arms race requires us to move now. Failure to do so may mean ceding the future of news discovery and creation to new tech players. Startups and large technology players are already experimenting with extractive tools that mash up the work of news publishers reporting into new articles. Sign up for CJR 's daily email The good news is this time, news organizations can be early adopters if they choose. The large, established platforms are scrambling to keep up with the upstarts. There will be several rounds of disruption. Generative AI doesnt belong to one or two companiesits a technology that is rapidly evolving in both closed and open environments. Smart news organizations are not only negotiating over access to their content to train LLMs, they are also adopting and experimenting with this new technology. There are real challenges that this new technology will unleash and significant questions to answer about how to install guardrails that reduce potential harms to our audiences, our organizations, and our business models. AI-generated misinformation is already starting to flood our feeds and mislead citizens during this shaky moment in history. But the best way to solve these issues is to engage with the technology and to learnto be educated advocates, rather than fossilized followers. Along the way, and into an AI-heavy future, we must continue to deliver quality reporting in the public interest that both harnesses the advantage that AI brings and helps drowns out the bad. We believe that no one news organization or publication can succeed on its own in this momentthere are too many experiments to conduct, too much change to manage, too many threats and ethical thickets to confront all at once alone. Instead, to succeed, our industry must come together to share, align, and advocate. Newsrooms are experimenting, but theres too little collaboration. Aspen Digital, a program of the Aspen Institute, with the support of the Siegel Family Endowment as well as the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and others, is beginning work to align the industry around key questions, best practices, and ethical guidelines. We recognize that news organizations compete with one another. There will be some aspects of the work they will not share with their peers. Newsrooms are often too fiercely independent to fall in line with any industry standards. Large news organizations that have the resources will always look to innovate, but this moment requires that we collaborate on how we lead the way on a healthy, valuable information ecosystem for the future. From conversations with newsroom leaders and executives, we have identified seven areas that news organizations are grappling with: AI in the newsroom How will generative AI change the way newsrooms work? Will current roles change? Will there be new roles entirely? How should reporters use generative AI tools for gathering news and drafting copy? Generating images? Intellectual property and large language models How should the content of news organizations be used in training large language models? How should publishers be compensated? Should publishers block their content from being crawled by LLMs? What impact might that have on generative AI outputs? Should publishers create their own LLMs? Business model transformation What will the impact of generative AI by large tech platforms and disruptive startups be on current publisher business models? How should publishers think about the rapidly decreasing number of referrals from search engines, especially with the introduction of generative AI? What are the new opportunities for revenue generation? Protecting against bias Much of the information used to train LLMs was already biasedpurposefully or inadvertently. What role should publishers play in making sure that the outputs of generative AI used in journalism dont continue to perpetuate those biases? How can newsrooms work to reduce the bias in content used to train future models? Technology and products for the consumer In addition to how newsrooms are using generative AI in their reporting and news production processes, many publishers are starting to experiment with how the technology allows them to deliver new or improved products to their audiences. What type of products should news organizations be launching and testing to meet the changes in consumer behavior that generative AI is driving? How much risk should publishers take in building direct-to-consumer AI products, and can they compete with technology companies? Editorial guidelines to build trust Many publishers have already started developing clear internal guidelines for how generative AI should be used in the newsroom; some have shared these publicly. What are the best practices for these guidelines? How can transparency about the use of generative AI improve or even harm trust with audiences? Public policy Hearings are already being held in the Senate regarding generative AI and journalism. The White House introduced a regulatory framework called the Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. What regulations around the use of generative AI should publishers advocate? Is there a consensus on the most important topics? We will be convening academic researchers, technologists, experts, and practitioners, from both national and local news organizations, to listen and learn how to best frame the topics and to start developing a vision for the future that we can align and act upon. We look forward to sharing our progress and helping to light the path forward. Vivian Schiller and Trei Brundrett are contributors to CJR. Schiller is vice president and executive director of Aspen Digital, a program of the Aspen Institute that focuses on technology and news media. Brundrett is a cofounder and former COO of Vox Media and now consults on the intersection of AI and media, including for Aspen Digital. Scholars and journalists rarely come together except for the occasional interview, which can end up feeling like an interplanetary exchange that unfolds something along these lines: Journalist (on deadline and slightly frantic): So, can you summarize your research findings in a sentence? Scholar (rolling her eyes and suppressing a sigh): I dont think that would do justice to what was a long and painstaking research project on a topic that doesnt lend itself to quick sound bites. (At least thats what I imagine the scholar would like to say.) This is, of course, a caricature of the two professions, but theres some truth to the notion that academics and journalists are disparate creatures. While most scholars spend their careers becoming experts in something they care about, the bulk of journalists are experts in almost nothing except how to quickly assimilate the news of the day. Scholars spend a lot of time defining their terms; journalists are more interested in being quickly understood. Scholars measure their output in years; journalists in hours or days. Increasingly, however, journalists and academics are finding themselves aligned in unexpected ways. Their expertise is no longer taken for granted; they are accused of liberal bias and deliberate indoctrination; and their credibility is waning in the face of authoritarian and nationalistic movements intent on undermining our notions of what is true and what is not. In such a moment, when Americans often cant agree on even the most basic facts, the question of truth what it is, what has happened to it, and what happens if people dont care about it takes on new urgency. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Journalists have not been indifferent to this fact. In recent years, they have wrestled both publicly and privately with whether the traditional standard of objectivity, or at least the way it has been practiced in many newsrooms, is nothing more than a shield to insulate them and their bosses from accusations of unfairness and bias. They have considered whether truth would be better served by making room for journalists personal convictions and individual experiences. Some have suggested that journalists should aspire to something a little less slippery than Truth with a capital T. Perhaps they should concede that all they can do is deliver some approximate and changeable version of the truth. Or perhaps they would be better off focusing on what is not true, as do the growing number of news organizations and fact-checking sites that call public officials to account, often in real time, for exaggerations and outright lies. But if we really are on the brink of becoming a post-truth society, such efforts get us only so far, especially as we brace for a re-run of the last U.S. presidential campaign. In an article about truth and journalism and politics, The Guardians Australian editor Lenore Taylor asks the questions that should be haunting us all: How do we hold on to the truth if the best obtainable version of the truth no longer forms guardrails of public debate and disagreement? How do we filter a firehose of disinformation, or fact check a torrent of lies? The issues are so big and the solutions so opaque that I believe its time for a deeper consideration of what constitutes truth and how we as journalists might pursue it. To begin, we need to go beyond the conventions of journalism and consider what the humanities, religious studies, and the social sciences can teach us about truth. Theres much that journalists can learn from thinkers and scholars in these fields, and, as it turns out, journalists have something to teach them as well. Plato, Anyone? As someone who came up in journalism and never seriously considered getting a Ph.D, I was a bit taken aback when I was asked to help lead a project at my university that would put a bunch of academics together with a bunch of journalists to talk about truth over the course of three years, no less. But I also had been around scholars long enough to be intrigued. Did they know something about the nature of truth that I didnt? Assuming they didnt completely discount what journalists do, was there something I could learn from them? The Recovering Truth project, which I joined in the fall of 2020, included 14 fellows, about half of them scholars and the other half practicing journalists, as well as a handful of graduate students. The scholars came from disciplines as varied as religious studies, English, and political science. The journalists included a writer for The New Yorker, a PBS NewsHour anchor, an NPR editor, an Arizona newspaper columnist, and an award-winning podcaster. For the next three years, we met several times a semester to consider truth from the perspectives of politics, philosophy, religion, history, literature, journalism and culture. We debated how religious values and institutions can help or hinder the pursuit of truth; how art, literature and storytelling can be pathways to truth; and what journalists, educators and civil servants can do to regain the publics trust. We discussed the relationship between facts and values and between truth and power, how lies and conspiracy theories originate and spread, why Americans dont trust experts anymore, and the very real threat to democracy when truth no longer binds us. We read widely and eclectically: Journalists, of course, like Wesley Lowery and Masha Gessen, but also Plato, Oscar Wilde and Pope Francis, philosophers Hannah Arendt and Jennifer Frey, historians David Blight and Jill Lepore, political figures like former U.S. Senator Jeff Flake, and theologians Serene Jones, Stephen Long and Cathleen Kaveny, a number of whom also spoke to the group. Many of the journalists, myself included, hadnt read authors like these since college, and more than a few of us were unsure if we were up for it. It was the first academic space I had been in since college, said Sarah Ventre, an audio journalist best known for her work as host of Unfinished: Short Creek, a podcast about a fundamentalist Mormon community on the Utah-Arizona border. I felt really intimidated. I felt like I hadnt read enough, and I was worried that I wasnt smart enough. While Ventre never became entirely comfortable with some of what she called the hefty, theoretical stuff, before the seminar ended, she had collaborated on a paper proposal for the American Academy of Religion, produced a podcast series and applied to and was accepted to Harvard Divinity School. Her goal is not to become an academic but to become a better religion journalist, the kind who tries to understand why it is that people believe what they believe. She has come to realize that scholars think about truth from completely different points of view than journalists do, and they ask different kinds of questions. Im thinking more about what it means to not only seek out the truth but also to change the way I make more or less space for one notion of the truth as I move through the world and as I report, she said. I am seeing so much complexity and nuance in questions of truth than I had before. Stephanie Sy, news anchor and reporter for the PBS NewsHour, said the seminar had an almost immediate effect on her reporting. All of these ideas about power and truth were sort of swirling in my brain as I was reporting on the election in the fall of 2020, she said. It fortified my resolve to stand for facts but also made me realize how big the challenge is right now because we really spoke in depth about how trust has been degraded in institutions, including journalism institutions. It upped the ante for me as I reported on this election while trying to rebuild trust. At the same time, delving into history and philosophy reminded her that assaults on truth, especially in politics, are not new, which was a relief as well as a fresh lens into what were looking at right now in America. She also has vigorously pursued stories about disinformation and pushed to include more conservative voices in those stories. She has asked more meta-questions to try to tease out the motivations and values of those making the news. And she has become more comfortable including references to faith in her pieces for the NewsHour. Comments about religion often get deleted from stories out of some sense that theyre irrelevant, she said. But when Im out there (talking to people) about their struggles, they mention God a lot. Thats truth to them. This seminar has definitely made me think a lot about what different truths mean to different people. Anand Gopal straddles the worlds of academia and journalism. A contributing writer for The New Yorker magazine, he also has a Ph.D. in sociology and is an assistant research professor at ASU. Hes particularly interested in claims that personal experience is an essential part of truth-telling or at least provides a kind of privileged access to truth. That idea, which is at the heart of current journalistic debates over objectivity, can be traced to the post-modernist movement in higher education which rejects claims to universal truth. Instead, truth depends on personal perspective; everything is relative. Until the seminar, Gopal said, I never drew the connection between that and the way in which people generally outside the academy now talk about certain things like identity and experience and truth and how that has given shape to a generation of journalists. For the same reason, he said, People are afraid of saying things that are just true. Theyll say, Oh, its true for you even though they believe its just true. But theyre uncomfortable saying it because theres such a privileging of subjectivity and subjective experience. Understanding such origins, he said, can help journalists clarify the terms of the debate and disagreement. A View from the Tower Some of the academics in the group had interacted with journalists before but almost always on a transactional basis, which made them a little wary. I thought that journalists just do their job, and thats it, and they dont really reflect that much about what theyre doing, said Jennet Kirkpatrick, a political theorist and associate professor in the ASU School of Politics and Global Studies. I didnt think of them as people trying to do a similar job or interested in similar things. I didnt realize how much we would have to say to each other and how meaningful those conversations would be to me. Each group of professionals ended up being a little in awe of the other, said Tracy Fessenden, a professor of religious studies and co-director of the Recovering Truth project. The scholars cant imagine how the journalists do the work they do, she said. And the journalists say, How do you have time to read all this stuff? Yet each has something to teach the other. Scholars can help journalists ask better questions, Fessenden observed, and journalists can help scholars give better answers. Sometimes scholars hedge endlessly or complicate things more than necessary, she said. I think maybe journalists can help scholars be a little more bold. Evan Berry, an associate professor of environmental humanities, said interacting with journalists got him thinking about how you combat corruption of public knowledge using journalistic tools, such as narrative storytelling. Journalists focus on narratives in a really different way than scholars who are thinking about the theoretical nugget theyre after or just the data itself, and thats been helpful to me, he said. We all need a compelling story, said Sarah Viren, an assistant professor of English who is a contributing writer to The New York Times Magazine and who recently published a book about truth and lies. But she also believes that narratives that hyper-focus on individual experience in order to tell a compelling story can be detrimental to truth. How can I possibly tell a story about individual people but avoid having the reader feel like those people are where the source of truth or lies reside? I think that there are larger systemic problems that we have to look at, she said. But you have to figure out a way of talking about those larger systemic problems while still using individual people. What struck the scholars most forcibly, however, was how much they have in common with journalists. The media is labeled fake news or the enemy of the people, while universities are discredited as elite institutions filled with leftist professors who teach young people to disdain traditional American values. One of the things we recognized immediately that both professions have in common is that were vital to democracy and were vital to civil society, said John Carlson, who heads ASUs Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict and who partnered with Fessenden on the project. Both are truth-seeking institutions, he said. And were both under attack. Kirkpatrick said she didnt fully understand before how closely the academy and media are tied together in the pursuit of truth. The ah-ha moment for me was that we need these two institutions to do what theyre doing or democracy wont work, she said. Political scientist Paul Carrese, director of ASUs School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership, also sees a large overlap between the two groups. Both, he said, are driven by civic virtue a commitment to civic norms and principles and the fair contestation and testing of facts over individual preferences. And both are grappling with their roles in a society in which many of those norms are being shattered. The idea that you could run a major news organization or seek high office in the United States and be unconstrained by truth feels new, Fessenden said. Its not something journalists have had to report on before. And how did we get here? is just a huge question because it didnt come out of nowhere. A Better Answer Its fair to say that the Recovering Truth project did not recover truth, nor could it have been expected to, given that the nature of truth has been contested for millenia. But we certainly did pursue it, and, if you heed Plato, thats the point. In The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, American author and journalist Jonathan Rauch re-tells Platos imagined conversation between Socrates and Theaetetus, a younger version of himself. As Socrates ponders the meaning of knowledge, proposing one theory after another and then tearing each down, Theaetetus becomes increasingly bewildered. He has no idea how to determine the nature of true knowledge. No matter, Socrates says, the two can meet again tomorrow to continue talking. The lesson, Rauch writes, is that acquiring knowledge is a conversation, not a destination. It is a process, a journey a journey we take together, not alone. Others are always involved. Knowledge is not just something I have; more fundamentally, it is something we have. Im going to remember that the next time I talk to students about what it means to be a journalist. For years, I have told them that if they want to be part of this profession, they have to be committed to the truth. Their job, I have insisted, is to tell the truth. Not once in 16 years of teaching has a student asked, What do you mean by the truth anyway? Whose truth? And how do you know its the truth? And if they had, I wouldnt have had a very good answer. In that, Im like many journalists and teachers of journalism: Weve never been very clear about what we mean when we talk about truth. From now on, Im going to do my best to offer them something a bit more truthful something like: Its complicated. Lets talk about it. The interdisciplinary project Recovering Truth: Religion, Journalism, and Democracy in a Post-Truth Era, was funded by a grant from the Henry Luce Foundations Program in Theology and administered by the ASU Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict in partnership with the Cronkite School. Kristin Gilger is Professor Emerita at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. During her 16 years at the school, she served in leadership roles that included interim dean. She previously held editing positions at several newspapers, including The Times-Picayune in New Orleans and The Arizona Republic in Phoenix. Fact one: more voters face national elections in 2024 than ever before in recorded historyabout four billion people, nearly half the human population. Fact two: last year was the hottest in recorded historyand scientists warn that oil, gas, and coal burning must be rapidly phased out if we are to preserve a livable planet. Fact three: journalists too often dont connect one fact with the other. By any reasonable journalistic standard, 2024 should be the year of the climate election. Countries around the world face critical questions about leaving fossil fuels behind, adapting our transportation infrastructure, housing stock, and farming practices to increasingly harsh weather, and protecting the people most at risk. Reporters should be asking candidates where they stand on all of this, so voters are equipped with accurate information to hold their elected officials to account at the ballot box. Unfortunately, this is mostly not happening. Despite the moment of peril we are living througha moment felt especially acutely by young people looking to their futuresnews outlets around the world are largely sidelining the climate conversation, contributing to the sense among young people that journalism isnt covering the issues they most care about. It is a particular problem in the USthe largest emitter of climate pollution in history and the second-largest annual emitter, behind China. Already, the country is under assault by damagingand expensiveclimate impacts. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced in January that 2023 was the worst year yet, with twenty-eight climate-related disasters in the US claiming 492 lives and causing at least $92.9 billion in damages. Scientists are clear: climate extremes will continue to worsen until humans stop pumping carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. So far, however, the political press is covering the 2024 campaign as if climate isnt on the ballot. Whether its the presidential, the congressional, or state and local races being covered, climate questions are relegated to afterthoughts in candidate debates and interviews, if theyre asked at all. Sign up for CJR 's daily email And when the climate crisis does come up, its often framed as a simplistic, either-or question that implies that the science remains unsettled: Do you, or dont you, believe man-made climate change is real? That question was settled long ago; the scientific consensus around the climate crisis is approaching the consensus around gravity. But theres an easy shift to make: ask candidates what theyre going to do about the climate crisis; specifically, what is their plan to rapidly phase out oil, gas, and coal, as science says is imperative. Journalists can also ask candidates whether they take money from the fossil fuel industry, the main driver of the climate crisis; and ask candidates what solutions they have for constituents who are suffering from deadly heat and other weather extremes. We dont think political reporters and their editors are intentionally burying the climate election story. But they are creatures of habit, reverting to a mode of coverage that has plagued campaign reporting for decades. As Margaret Sullivan, Jay Rosen, and other observers have been lamenting for years, political reporting continues to operate in an unhelpful time warp. Polls still dominate election coverage more than they should. Reporting on polling is easy, quick, and responsive to the news cycle. The ins and outs of campaign strategycoverage of the horse raceare still an obsession. This is a topic endlessly interesting to campaign reporters, but irrelevant to most voters. And a lack of journalistic judgment still means news outlets give the microphone to the loudest, most incendiary voices, regardless of whether they are addressing the issues voters care about. We believe that more and better coverage of the climate crisis could help solve the medias campaign coverage problem. All over the world, decisive majorities of the public say they are concerned about the climate crisis. In the US, 56 percent of people questioned are either concerned or outright alarmed by it. If a candidate won an election with 56 percent of the vote, political reporters would call that a landslide. Yet that landslide of public opinion is not seeing the climate story reflected on TV screens or news feeds. Climate crisis is a story that is important, fresh and rich with both solutions and drama. Lets try seeing it as the beginning of a new way to cover politics in this most critical of election seasons. At Covering Climate Now, the global collaboration of five-hundred-plus news outlets we cofounded in 2019, our partners are doing their part. This week, CCNow is launching the Climate Elections project, a nonpartisan series of efforts aimed at helping journalists and newsrooms center the climate crisis in their 2024 election coverage. Our hope is that reporters everywherebut especially campaign and politics reporterswill make the climate crisis part of their reporting on the many elections, local as well as national, taking place around the world this year, reminding their audiences that, among everything else at stake, the future of the planet is also on the ballot. The Climate Elections project kicks off with a weekly newsletter aimed at helping reporters incorporate climate, where appropriate, into their campaign coverage. Called Climate on the Ballot, the newsletter will highlight a new topic every week and suggest ways to make the climate connection to campaign coverage. This week, we highlight what may be surprising news to many politics reporters and editors: the American public actually wants more climate information, with some 80 percent of Americans polled saying they want to learn more about the climate crisis, according to Anthony Leiserowitz, the director of the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. Each week, the newsletter will propose story ideas, spotlight examples of election coverage that makes the climate connection, and offer journalists resources to inform their reporting. In coming weeks, well roll out additional resources, including a calendar of cross-referenced election and climate events, a tool to help identify and debunk climate-related disinformation, a handbook for getting started as a campaign climate reporter, and events such as a webinar with Margaret Sullivan and Ben Tracy next Tuesday called Beyond the Stump Speech: Integrating Climate in Elections Reporting. Scientists emphasize that the climate crisis is solvable: humanity has the necessary technologies to transition away from fossil fuels, as the worlds governments agreed at the COP28 climate summit in December 2023. Whats often lacking are political leaders willing and able to implement those technologies and leave fossil fuels behind. Which makes elections crucial to addressing the climate crisis. But for voters to do their part, they first have to be informed, and journalism remains a singularly powerful tool for providing the information they need. So much is at stake this election season, in the US and around the world. Journalism will be judged by how it responds. Our hope is that 2024 is the year in which reporters focus on what matters most to people and how they livenot on what insiders obsess about or whats easiest to produce and seems to be driving clicks in the moment. At this make-or-break moment in the climate crisis, its hard to think of a more important issue facing voters. Journalism should cover it that way. This article is published here as part of the global journalism collaboration Covering Climate Now. Last month, Conde Nast announced that Pitchfork, the music publication it acquired in 2015, would be moved under GQ, the mens fashion magazine, resulting in the layoffs of its top editorsincluding its editor in chief, Puja Pateland many long-term staff. Semafor media reporter Maxwell Tani, who broke the news, described it as a remarkable fall for the most important music publication of its generation. Its also the latest sign of the dire state of music journalism. Despite maintaining a dedicated readership and the seemingly reliable support of the corporate media behemoth that is Conde Nast, Pitchfork couldnt escape the downsizing and budget cuts that have come to bear on music journalism more broadly. In the aftermath of this latest blow, writers assessed what it would mean for music criticism and reporting. Writing for Defector, the journalist Israel Daramola observed, It is hard not to see this development as a true indicator that were nearing the endpoint of robust, meaningful music criticism as a concept. Last week, I spoke with Daramola about how the devaluation of music writing reflects the devaluation of music itself, what has replaced journalism and criticism, and what the lack of a music press means for smaller artists. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Can you talk about the state of music journalism now and how it compares to the past? Theres kind of nothing left, really. I mean, theres a couple of big brands that still remain, like Rolling Stone and Billboard, and even Spin is still around, but a lot of them have become content farms, especially online, and very few of them are still publishing anything in print. So a lot of it is just hanging by a thread. Were almost seeing, especially in music, the dawning of another kind of blog era, where theres a lot of boutique blogs and a lot of local localized music blogs. But as far as a thing thats covering music, period, its probably like one writer at all the major newspapers and outlets and then a handful of music publications that still exist. It is obviously disappointing, because it was a very healthy ecosystem. Not just because it had a lot of people working there, but there was a time when the idea of taking music seriously was like a whole industry that was taken seriously as well. You know, people didnt just want to talk about music, they wanted to talk about it as though it was art and also about what it said about us as a society, as Americans, as a culture, and that way of looking at music is just completely gone, even by the people who still care enough to write about it. I think, of all the arts, its become the most devalued. Sign up for CJR 's daily email In comparison to film, television, et cetera? Why? I think music has become the most devalued because music is just background noise now. There used to be an idea of elevator music, and now regular music is whats played in elevators. There used to be an idea of what music you hear at a coffee shop, and now you hear everything at a coffee shop. I would say that if you ask the average person who doesnt think about music in any serious way when they listen to music, I will guarantee that a majority of the answers would be at the gym, or on the way to work. People listen to podcasts. Now people talk about podcasts more than anyone talks about music. What are the factors that contribute to this devaluing of music and in turn music journalism? Streaming is the easy one, obviously, but it was starting even before that, with the collapse of the music industry because of file sharing. By the time file sharing happens, music is as lucrative as its ever been. Because CDs were so cheap [to manufacture], the music business was just making money every secondlike, it was making millions of dollars, and music was a very, very big business, and the thought of anything affecting that just sent the entire industry in a panic. And not just record executives, but even musicians who didnt understand what was happening. CDs were getting ridiculousthey were getting up to thirty dollars in some cases, and it was a time when you had to go based on the two songs you might have heard on the right radio. People were getting greedy [to make up for file sharing], and it was an inevitability, but I think this reaction to it kind of expedited [the decline of the business] in some ways and put a Band-Aid over a water tower. And so I say all that to say that the devaluing of music over the last twenty to twenty-five years is sort of part and parcel with the reaction to the music businesss reaction to the fall of their industry. When all this stuff fell and music became a thing that you could just click on, it takes away the specialness, it takes away the value. People say they care about music or they care about art, but when you make things easy for them, there becomes less and less incentive to go out of your way for something, especially as their own lives go on. In your Defector piece on Pitchfork you mentioned how features, reporting, and music reviews have taken a back seat to social media and video content. What does a music journalists job look like now? If you still have a music writing job, beyond just the fact that its a tenuous existence where you dont know when your job is going to be gone, I think that your reality nowyou almost have to create a monoculture, because music is just so fragmented and segmented, theres no real monoculture anymore. And you create a monoculture primarily by just chasing whatever is popular on certain mediums that a lot of young people are on, like Tik Tok. So you see a lot of, likeI dont want to call it bait, but you see a lot of things that are cater[ing] to that particular type of audience. So for example, now theres a lot of K-pop writing or J-pop music writingwriting about popular artists that, first of all, have the attention of young people, but also are seismic in the[ir] nations. It gives you a sort of a pop-cultural base to start from. As bad as Im making everything sound, theres also interesting things happening in music because of how segmented things are. There are rappers in Milwaukee that have way bigger audiences than you would think because they dont have proper albums out or theyre not trending on social media, but they have built a sort of grassroots movement around their music, and its the thing that you as a reporter would want to cover, but no ones going to give you the tools to cover it beyond, like, a local music blog, and theyre not going to pay you anything, if they pay you at all. That is, I guess, what a lot of music writing is now. Its a lot of push and pull between what you are obligated to cover or feel obligated to cover because youre trying to keep your company afloat and what you actually want to cover and want to give a larger platform to but arent always going to get the proper incentive to do so. You also mentioned how journalism has been replaced with YouTubers and influencers feeding slop to their audiences. Can you describe what this is? I actually did write a whole thing about hip-hop media now, YouTube and podcasts. But theres a whole ecosystem of just people who are catering to peoples most base interests, because its not even about an interest in music. I remember when The Needle Drop [a music review show by Anthony Fantano on YouTube with over 2.8 million subscribers] started, but my biggest concern about it was that it felt like it was designed to just make people mad. It wasnt interested in music criticism. I dont expect every critic to look at writing criticism like its some kind of artfor some people, it really isnt, its just a kind of job. But the one thing thats lostlike, as much as people want to paint us [critics] as wet blankets or hatersis the seriousness that should be required to talk about or criticize anything. I only want to say things that I can reasonably stand on. I never want to say anything inflammatory for the sake of getting attention. The postNeedle Drop era of YouTubers and podcasters, one thing they seem to have learned is that you get attention from being incendiary, and its cheap attention, but its still attention, and it becomes dollars in the way things are structured. So I think my biggest concern about all of this stuff is just that if the only way to sort of have a voice about something is by being reactionary and loud and anti-intellectual in your sentiment, it leaves a bad example for everyone that comes afterward. Theres always going to be a need to counterbalance something [like traditional music journalism], but to only have one of anything is going to create a problem. There was a time when all we did was write things shitting on pop music, and specifically pop music that appealed to women. That was a problem. It made it so that you couldnt be taken seriously if you were making a certain type of music, and thats as much a problem in the other direction. Weve never been good at finding a happy middle, but I think going in the other direction is going to be worse for all of us. Why do you think listeners now detest being told that their favorites suck? How has that disposition among listeners evolved, especially with the struggles of music journalism? Its such a complicated answer, because its not one thing. Part of it is [that] people just dont have basic reading comprehension anymore, so anything that isnt overt praise becomes negativity. The other part of it is the end goal of commercial capitalism. Its not enough to buy things; you have to identify with things, and those things have to be a part of who you decide to be as a person, because that guarantees that youll keep coming back to buy things. So youre no longer just criticizing Beyonce, youre criticizing me personally. Its sort of like an Instagram thing of: you like someones image, and so you decide to like them based on their image, whether you know anything about them or not. Its not that every pop stars fans dont listen to their music, but how we treat music in general iswere very dismissive of it. And people who love certain things will listen to those things that they love, but they wont venture outside of that and create a deep relationship with the music that they claim to love, because the point isnt the music. The point is the image of the person, the point is the personality they derive from being a fan. Its not like there was ever a time when people didnt get mad at negative criticism, there was just more of an understanding that was part of your [a journalists] job. How does the decline of music journalism affect artists? It doesnt hurt the successful ones. The people who are affected by all of this change have always been the middle class of artists. The artists that are kind of doing all right, that are floating by but arent, like, a name yet. Theres this band called Home Is Where, and theyre an emo-rock band that does really good music, they have a good label, but they dont have the big music industry machine behind them. And yes, people who love emo music really love it, but in order to sort of survive as that kind of a band they need a music press. They need a viable music industry. Otherwise, youre just kind of hoping to get picked out of the crowd and given success. Like Taylor Swift decides shes a fan of you and name-checks you, that kind of thing. Thats a tenuous place to be for an artist. And even if it does happen, thats just as much of a tenuous place to be in as an artist. Youre seeing that with Ice Spice right now. Shes very raw, very new but has a good label behind her, and she got lucky. She made friends with Taylor Swift, and that is going to escalate her career a lot quicker than she was probably ready for. And I think she gets a lot of flak right now because [audiences] expect a sort of pop-star type of thing from her now, whether she even wants to be that or whether shes even close to figuring out how to get there. I think that when you dont have a healthy middle class, things like that become a lot more unwieldy. That middle class keeps everything afloat, and without that youve got, like, a country full of scammers and people who are just doing whatever they can to sort of get to the other side. When I was a kid reading the music press in the nineties, it was obsessed with this idea of like: Should you sell out? Should you not sell out? And it was based on this idea that the important thing about making music is to cultivate your own fan base and not to chase celebrity and success. Obviously, weve abandoned that long since, but part of the reason weve abandoned it is that its just not a realistic thing anymore. The machine has trapped you into needing it, and people are fighting over scraps even more than they already were. Can you talk about how publications like Pitchfork enabled music discovery and how that differs from the way streaming services do it? Pitchforks music discovery was pretty simple: they would just review bands. They review the big stuff, but also the small stuff and everything in between, and it was kind of based on the writers [and] who [they] wanted to write about. If there was an album that you wanted to write about, and you had a compelling pitch for it, they would let you write about it and you could promote different kinds of music and different kinds of artists that way. Music journalists were constantly listening to random demo tapes that were sent to you or going to showsand going to shows early, so you could watch the early bands and the opening acts. Spotify is very much based on engagement but also just based on record-label chicanery. The people that are on the front page of Spotify or Apple are there because they have the clout to be on there, not because anyone on Spotify was like, You should listen to these artists. Its technically discovery, but its also an algorithm in a streaming service where instead of you teaching a streaming service what you like to listen to, it is developing an idea of what you should listen to on its own. Even the stuff youre recommended based on your previous listens, a lot of thats been based on a small pool of bands or artists that a computer decides are good enough for you to listen to, but it never goes completely left of the field, is my point. Its always something thats kind of popular already, something thats already kind of successful. Where do things go from here? Is there anything that makes you hopeful? Small blogs make me hopeful, like Passion of the Weiss and No Bells. I used to write for Passion. I think its cool that Stereogum is independent again. Im interested to see what happens over the next year, if more of those types of boutique blogs pop up. People who arent in this industry or dont pay attention think that what happened with Pitchfork was because it was not successful. But Pitchfork is a really lucrative brand. When we let billionaires and investors come in, everything becomes about growth and how much money will you bring in five years, ten years. If youre looking at Pitchfork or anything in the media industry like that, its not a viable financial investment. If youre looking at it as How do we get to a billion dollars? then theres nothing they can do to be successful. So eventually, whats going to happen is tech and Wall Street are going to have to just completely run this thing into the ground, because its not going to ever be the thing they need it to beits not a website or an app they can turn into a billion-dollar thing. And then, depending on whos still alive, theyre going to have to start over eventually. Feven Merid is CJRs staff writer and Senior Delacorte Fellow. Usually, when an election cycle is approaching, people pay closer attention to the news. But in 2023, traffic to news sites and cable news declined. That reflects a deep dent in the media landscape, one that is only getting worse amid mass layoffs of journalists. Just last week, over a hundred and fifteen employees were laid off by the Los Angeles Times. The damage is especially grim among local newsrooms: approximately one-third of local newspapers across the US have closed since 2005. In their absence, partisan local outlets with ties to special interest groups have emerged. This kind of journalism, referred to as pink slime, floods the local news ecosystem with low-quality information and disinformation. In a newly published report, the Tow Center has centralized an extensive series of work into pink slime and partisan local news. Last week, Tow brought together scholars, journalists, and policymakers to discuss the implications of dark money seeping into local newsdetailing the extensive, secretive connections between political donors, advocacy groups, and ultra-partisan local news websites in the United States. You can watch the full livestream here. Local news remains relatively trusted among Americans, even as overall trust in the media has plummeted to a historic low. According to a poll from Gallup and the Knight Foundation, Americans are about twice as likely to express trust in local news rather than national news to give them the information they need to vote. Margaret Sullivan, the executive director of the Newmark Center, said that local news serves a vital purpose by knitting communities together. One of the reasons that local journalism is relatively trusted is that its not coming from an extreme, she said. Its attempting to be reasonably fair. Local newsrooms provide the public with information about their community, such as where to get a COVID-19 test and how to vote. And yet these newsrooms are being hollowed out at an alarming rate. More than two newspapers are going out of business a week in the United States, Sullivan stated. Studies show that the decline of local news has led to increased political polarization. The information vacuum left behind is filled with pink slime content and outlets aimed at spreading misinformation. According to Letrell Crittenden, director of inclusion and audience growth at the American Press Institute, part of the reason why partisan news has been so successful is because it engages with local communities. While problematic, he said, partisan news actively tries to connect with people, drawing in various voices and audiences. Newspapers and newsrooms, he said, need to do more engagement. This includes identifying key players inside the community and developing a plan for connecting with them in the future. Another problem ahead of the 2024 election is the amount of misinformation consumed on social media. According to Brandy Zadrozny, senior reporter at NBC News, misinformation has spread on these platforms during the past two elections. Perhaps most memorably, misinformation around the 2020 election culminated in the attack on the Capitol. As the 2024 election approaches, social media companies have reduced efforts to combat misinformation on their platforms. Twitter, for instance, has shifted toward a less transparent approach by making its API prohibitively expensive and cutting its trust and safety team. This adds another layer of difficulty in getting accurate information surrounding the election into the hands of the public. As the news environment becomes more regulated, it becomes harder to decide what counts as real journalism. For instance, hyperpartisan outlets like Courier Newsroom blur the line between journalism and advocacy. According to Anna Brugmann, director of policy at Rebuild Local News, its crucial for newsrooms to disclose their end-of-line ownership in order to be considered journalism: Its not looking at the journalism, its looking at what are the structures that manifest your ethics and your finances in your practice. Jay Rosen, an associate professor at NYU who has worked as a consultant for Courier, stressed the need to look at all manner of subsidy systems, especially now that journalism is in a crisis. I dont think were being creative enough in looking at our alternatives, he said. People in journalism have to take on the issues of subsidy as their own, even though they came into this business to tell stories. Click here for Tows full report Click here for the full event recording California lawmakers and labor unions rallied to call for laws to not allow autonomous trucks without human drivers, amid rising safety concerns after accidents involving self-driving taxis from General Motors and Alphabet. A robotaxi from Alphabets GOOGL.OWaymo was torched by people celebrating Chinese New Year on Saturday, marking the most destructive attack so far on driverless vehicles in the U.S. This comes after a Waymo vehicle hit a cyclist at a city intersection last week and a major accident in October where a GM GM.NCruise robotaxi hit and dragged a pedestrian 20 feet (6 meters). The act of vandalism reflect a chaotic environment for robotaxis in San Francisco, where public ire has risen after the dragging and bicyclist accidents. State lawmakers are pushing for stricter control through two bills. Those accidents have put an exclamation point on the need for legislation, Senator Dave Cortese, sponsor of a bill that would also give cities control over permits for AVs and enforcement of AV-related laws. Now, only state regulators control permitting. The other bill requires a trained human driver to be present behind the wheel of self-driving vehicles weighing more than 10,001 pounds, a classification that includes commercial trucks. Its a common sense measure that keeps humans on board a truck until we have a plan for our workers and were sure that tech bros arent jamming unsafe technology down our throats, State Assembly member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry said at the rally on Monday. An earlier version of the same truck bill was passed by state lawmakers last year, but Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed it, saying the current regulatory framework was enough to ensure safety. It was reintroduced in the state assembly on Thursday, in light of the Cruise accident. The Teamsters, one of Americas biggest unions, has long opposed the deployment of AVs citing safety hazards and job losses, and it backs both bills. The Cruise and Waymo incidents illustrate that this technology is not ready for prime time and that we cant trust these big tech corporations to regulate themselves, Peter Finn, a vice president at the union said. Tech companies are major contributors to the economy of California, and tightening regulations on autonomous vehicles is perceived by some as complicated. Waymo did not immediately respond to requests for comment on calls for more regulation and rising safety concerns. Cruise has said its handling of the October accident was a mistake and has offered to settle an investigation by a state regulator. Many states, including Texas and Arkansas, allow the testing and operation of self-driving trucks. California already bars heavy-weight autonomous trucks but is in the process of creating regulations that would allow it. The re-introduced truck bill would delay that process. Governor Newsom will evaluate the bill on its merits if it reaches his desk, a spokesperson told Reuters, declining to comment further on pending legislation. Autonomous trucks, which operate mostly on set routes and highways, have avoided high-profile accidents. While Cruise is facing multiple investigations, including one by the Department of Justice, the Waymo incidents are being investigated by the city police. (Reporting by Roy in San Francisco and Mrinmay Dey and Jyoti Narayan in Bengaluru; Editing by Himani Sarkar) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co. is seeking as much as $4 billion from Autonomy Corp.s former bosses following a London judges finding that they fraudulently boosted the value of the company before its sale. Founder Mike Lynch was found to have inflated Autonomys revenue alongside his chief financial officer Sushovan Hussain and induced HP to buy the firm for $11 billion, according to a London civil judgment in 2022. The British tech tycoon is currently waiting to face a criminal trial in the US over the sale after being extradited last year. He was previously investigated by the UKs Serious Fraud Office but the agency dropped its case. Hussain was convicted in the US for his role in the saga. Lawyers for HP calculated the total losses that Lynch and Hussain must pay back as over $4 billion, according to court documents prepared for a hearing Monday. This was revised from a previous calculation of $5 billion at trial due to further evidence. The fraud was consistent and clear: to inflate Autonomys ostensible software revenues, said Conall Patton, HPs lawyer, in the documents. The company sought to maintain its reputation as a highly successful pure software company with beat-and-raise financial results and so ultimately to sustain its share price. Lawyers for Lynch argued that even if accurate information had been given, HP would have still purchased Autonomy. They said the loss amount should be the difference between the price paid in a counter-factual world and the actual price. The nine-month, 40 million ($50 million) civil trial was among the longest and most expensive in modern British history. The judge described the length of his ruling as unparalleled and cautioned that the final amount of damages awarded was likely to be substantially less than HP had claimed, he said. Top photo: Mike Lynch Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg. Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. CLEVELAND, Ohio A disgraced former Catholic priest who has repeatedly been accused of child sexual abuse pleaded guilty Tuesday to molesting a 15-year-old girl suffering from cancer. Luis Barajas, 76, entered the plea to one count of gross sexual imposition, a fourth-degree felony. Prosecutors dropped five additional counts of the same charge in exchange for his plea. Barajas must register as a sex offender once a year for the next 15 years. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Andrew Santoli is set to sentence Barajas on Feb. 27. Barajas was arrested Oct. 23 after a Catholic priest called Westlake police and said that a retired priest was performing private, Spanish-language spiritual ceremonies for Hispanic families. Barajas, who has been staying with families in Lorain County, went to a home in Westlake on Oct. 10 to bless a 15-year-old girl who is undergoing chemotherapy, police said. Police said witnesses at the ceremony reported that Barajas covered the child with blankets and clothing and began touching her. Barajas made the people in attendance uncomfortable, police said. Barajas, originally from Colombia, was ordained a Catholic priest in 1982 and assigned to the Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A special grand jury investigated allegations of sexual abuse within the Pennsylvania Catholic dioceses. It found that diocesan elders gave Barajas special warnings in 1989 after receiving complaints about his relationships with youths. Barajas continued those relationships, and two separate parishioners accused Barajas of past sexual abuse that same year. The Rev. Bernardo Pistone wrote in a letter to diocesan officials that he questioned the credibility of Barajas accusers, but he agreed that Barajas should be removed because of his immaturity. The diocese gave Barajas $2,000 to cover his flight back to Colombia, according to the grand jury report. The Archdiocese of New York also received a report of past sexual abuse against Barajas in 1995. Barajas was arrested in Virginia in 2019 on a felony charge of misconduct with a minor. It stemmed from an incident in 2013. He had been acting in the capacity of trusted family friend and as church clergy, police said. The charge was later dropped. COLUMBUS, Ohio The former chief of staff to Gov. Mike DeWine testified as a witness to the grand jury that indicted a top DeWine political appointee and two FirstEnergy executives on bribery and related offenses, a spokesman for the governor confirmed Tuesday. Laurel Dawson a DeWine aide for decades who served as his chief of staff until 2021 testified to Summit County jurors in the states case against Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Sam Randazzo, FirstEnergy CEO Chuck Jones, and top company lobbyist Mike Dowling. Prosecutors unsealed the indictment Monday. The case against the three men centers on a $4.3 million payment from the company to Randazzo shortly before DeWine appointed him to the top regulatory role over power companies such as FirstEnergy. Prosecutors say the payment was a bribe. The three men say it was a contractual obligation. But a key question has emerged from the indictment: Did DeWine know about the $4.3 million payment to Randazzo when he appointed him as a regulator in January 2019? DeWine himself publicly said he learned about the payment to Randazzo in October of 2020. However, spokesman Dan Tierney quickly clarified that DeWine only learned about the payment in November 2020 after FBI agents were seen raiding Randazzos home. Tierney reiterated this timing in a December 2023 interview after federal prosecutors unsealed a federal indictment of Randazzo. The new state indictment, however, asserts Randazzo told Dawson in January 2019 that he received $4.3 million from FirstEnergy, which he claimed was the final payment of a consulting agreement. This would mean DeWine appointed Randazzo to regulate Ohios public utilities when his top-ranking staffer knew Randazzo had just received millions of dollars from a major Cleveland-area utility. Randazzo did not indicate receipt of the $4.3 million in his ethics disclosure forms that require him to show his sources of income. The payment was kept secret from the public until the FBI raid. Dawson, through the governors spokesman, declined to comment. The scrutiny of Randazzo emerged after then-Ohio House Speaker Larry Householder was arrested in July 2020 in a semi-related bribery case that overturned Ohios political scene. Dawsons grand jury testimony marks the first instance since the House Bill 6 scandal erupted with Householders arrest that a DeWine official has been confirmed as a criminal witness. In a related civil lawsuit, however, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted has been summoned for a deposition, and DeWine has received a subpoena for documents. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, through a spokeswoman, declined to comment on how it learned that Randazzo told Dawson of the payment, saying its investigative work product that will come out at trial. Tierney declined to provide a date of Dawsons testimony or tell what she said to the jurors. He only said she testified very recently and emphasized she was called as a witness and not a target of the investigation. He declined to specify whether she was subpoenaed or offered her testimony voluntarily. He also declined to say whether Dawson failed to tell DeWine about the $4.3 million payment when she learned of it. The indictment says what the indictment says, he said in a text message. Who is Laurel Dawson? Dawsons work for DeWine traces back to her serving as chief of staff for him in Congress in the 1980s. She held the same role when DeWine served in the U.S. Senate. After DeWine lost re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2006, Dawson joined Josh Rubin, another longtime DeWine adviser and aide, at The CJR Group, a lobbying firm in Columbus. Rubins name has also come up in the Randazzo affair. He attended a key Dec. 18, 2018, dinner with Jones, Dowling, DeWine and Husted. From the dinner, Jones and Dowling left to discuss the $4.3 million payment at Randazzos condo, text messages and court filings show. Also in December of 2018, Dawson was hired as DeWines gubernatorial chief of staff. Rubin soon thereafter registered as a FirstEnergy lobbyist on the bailout bill that would land Householder in prison for a 20-year sentence. The following month, Columbus attorney and former DeWine staffer J.B. Hadden delivered a 198-page dossier to Dawson and other staffers alleging Randazzo had opaque and undisclosed financial ties to FirstEnergy. DeWine appointed Randazzo that same month, despite the warning. At his confirmation before the state Senate, Randazzo credited Husted and Dawson for convincing him to apply for the job, according to The Associated Press. Dawson is married to Mike Dawson, who at one time worked as a lobbyist for FirstEnergy. Both their names arose during the criminal trial of Householder. At the time, prosecutors detailed Householders scramble to secure the bipartisan majority he needed to ram HB 6 through the legislature. While the plan was never executed, text messages detailed Rep. Jay Edwards, a close Householder ally, informing an unidentified legislator that the state plane has been arranged to come get you. Dowling boasted about this in an email shown at Householders trial. Govs chief of staff approved the use of state-owned airplane? he said. Hmm. Mike Dawsons wife? Boom. The indictment also details a $10,000 personal loan Randazzo allegedly gave to Mike Dawson. In May 2021, DeWine announced that Laurel Dawson would be leaving her role to serve as counselor and senior adviser to the governor. She earned more than $182,000 in salary last year, state records show. Jake Zuckerman covers state politics and policy for Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. Pro Life Leader Randall Terry Announces Candidacy for U.S. President, Pledges Hard-Hitting Pro-Life Campaign Ads NEWS PROVIDED BY Randall Terry for President Feb. 14, 2024 PHILADELPHIA & WASINGTON, Feb. 14, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Randall Terry, renowned founder of Operation Rescue, will officially declare his candidacy for President as an Independent candidate on Thursday, February 15, 2024. Locations: The announcements will take place at 11:00 AM on Independence Mall near 6th and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia, and at 3:00 PM in Washington, DC across the street from the White House in Lafayette Park at the Lafayette Statue. Terry is running for president for 2 reasons: To show millions of Americans the grizzly truth about abortion. Terry's presidential ads show graphic images of aborted babies (see sample of ads at www.terry2024.com.) To call on Roman Catholics, Evangelicals and Black Americans who voted for Biden in 2020 to repent and not vote for Biden in 2024, in the hope of causing Biden to lose key swing states. Note: FEC and FCC law require television stations to run the ads of federal candidates uncensored 60 days prior to the November 5th election. Mr. Terry ran for president in 2012 and ran ads in multiple states showing aborted babies (Grizzly Ads). Mr. Terry beat President Obama in 12 counties in Oklahoma showing these ads (Terry Beats Obama). Terry states, "Biden and the Democrats have proven they are baby killers. We will expose their slaughter of babies and call on Christians to refuse to vote for them. Human life is precious; ending the slaughter of babies is America's number 1 ethical and political battle." Over 20 graphic pro-life ads are in production. See four ads at, www.Terry2024.com. These ads are designed to challenge viewers to confront the reality of abortion and inspire them not to vote for "Biden the Baby Killer" or any Democrat. Reaching Black Voters Mr. Terry's running mate is Pastor Stephen Broden. As an African American pro-life leader and pastor, Pastor Broden delivers a bold message to African Americans. He states, "I've never seen a community so exploited and bamboozled by slick advertising as the black community. If you are black, and you vote for Biden, you're an accessory to black genocide, and the murder of innocent babies." For more information about Randall Terry's campaign and to view the impactful pro-life advertisements, please visit www.Terry2024.com To schedule an interview with Randall Terry contact:Joe Slovenec, Campaign Manager909.273.7004, Joe@DragonSlayerStudios.com SOURCE Randall Terry for PresidentCONTACT: Joe Slovenec, Campaign Manager, 909-273-7004, Joe@DragonSlayerStudios.com Smoke billows following Israeli bombardment in the village of Shihin in southern Lebanon near the border with Israel on February 13, 2024, amid ongoing cross-border tensions as fighting continues between Israel and Palestinian Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. Kawnat Haju | Afp | Getty Images Crude oil futures fell Wednesday, giving up gains from earlier in the session as stockpiles surged in the U.S. while demand fell. The West Texas Intermediate contract for March lost $1.23, or 1.58%, to settle at $76.64 a barrel. The Brent contract for April settled at $81.60 a barrel, down $1.17 or 1.41%. The move came after commercial crude oil inventories in the U.S. surged by 12 million barrels last week, according to the Energy Information Administration. Oil demand as measured by finished products supplied to the market dropped by 973,000 barrels per day during the same period. Oil prices had gained 1% earlier in the trading session after Israel launched airstrikes in Lebanon in reaction to rockets fired into northern Israel that killed one person and injured at least seven more. CIA Director William Burns is in Cairo to facilitate negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, Qatar and Egypt aimed at securing a truce in the fighting in exchange for Hamas releasing hostages. The shipping giant Maersk is advising its customers that disruptions to shipping in the Red Sea could continue into the second half of 2024. Repeated attacks by Houthi militants, who are based in Yemen and allied with Iran, has forced has forced Maersk to suspend voyages through the Red Sea. "Unfortunately, we don't see any change in the Red Sea happening anytime soon," Charles van der Steene, regional president for Maersk North America, told CNBC Democratic U.S. House candidate Tom Suozzi celebrates his victory in the special election to replace Republican Rep. George Santos on February 13, 2024 in Woodbury, New York. Stephanie Keith | Getty Images Democrats aren't just breathing a sigh of relief after flipping a red seat blue in New York's special election they're taking notes. Tom Suozzi soundly defeated Republican challenger Mazi Pilip on Tuesday night in the high-profile race to replace scandal-plagued former Rep. George Santos, who was expelled in December. Suozzi's victory narrows the House Republican majority, making life even more difficult for Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who has already struggled to pass bills along party lines. President Joe Biden and his reelection campaign are hailing the win as a sweeping repudiation of an avalanche of recent criticism about Biden's ability to stand at the top of his party's ticket. But he and his Democratic allies also see the race as a guidepost for how to defeat former President Donald Trump in the general election, and how to push back on GOP attacks that have dominated the political landscape. One of their clear takeaways: Don't shy away from the border debate. Border and voters Republicans in recent months have relentlessly hammered the Biden administration over its handling of the U.S. southern border, as record numbers of migrants cross over through Mexico. On the same day as the special election in New York, House Republicans voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The attacks, including accusations that the White House is consciously refusing to close the border and stem the inflow, clearly resonate with GOP voters who identify immigration as a top concern. Polls show a majority of Americans disapprove of Biden's handling of the border crisis. Republicans backing Pilip, who was born in Ethiopia and served in the Israel Defense Forces, worked hard to make the special election a referendum on immigration. But Suozzi pushed back, leaning into the issue instead of merely decrying the GOP's preoccupation with the border as a political sideshow. Running on a more moderate platform, Suozzi ran ads exclaiming his support for a secure border and challenged Pilip aggressively during a face-to-face debate. Crucially, he centered many of his attacks on Pilip's opposition to a recent bipartisan border security bill. That legislation collapsed after Republican lawmakers, encouraged by Trump, abandoned the proposal that their own leaders helped negotiate. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., quickly identified Suozzi's strategy as a lesson that Democrats across the country must quickly learn if they want to prevail in November. "Tom Suozzi's special election victory last night can serve as a roadmap for Democrats," Murphy wrote in a memo to his colleagues reported by NBC News on Wednesday. "He flipped the script on his Republican opponent" and "turned what could have been a devastating political liability into an advantage," Murphy wrote. The senator added, "Quite simply, we risk losing the 2024 election if we do not seize this opportunity to go on offense on the issue of the border and turn the tables on Republicans on a key fall voting issue." Special election, special circumstances Despite Murphy's warning, many political watchers are quick to note that the New York special election is far from a perfect bellwether for the general election. Special elections tend to be lower-turnout affairs that draw a more partisan, more enthusiastic pool of voters than that of a general election. New York's 3rd Congressional District has also bucked a trend toward Democrats in recent years, setting it apart from other affluent, suburban districts. Additionally, the Republican ticket in the special election may have been weighed down by the baggage left behind by Santos, who was widely rejected by his constituents even before Congress ousted him. Democrats also far outspent Republicans in the race, and Suozzi may have benefited from strong name ID, having previously represented the district. A major snowstorm that pummeled the northeast on Election Day may have also affected turnout. New York Republican Chair Ed Cox in a statement Tuesday night blamed "the specific circumstances that brought about this special election" for Pilip's loss. But the White House is nevertheless seizing on the outcome as further proof of Biden's down-ballot coattails and the strength of his agenda. That stance also implicitly strikes back at a recent flare-up of concerns in the media about Biden's mental and physical fitness, stoked by a special counsel report that described Biden as an "elderly man with a poor memory." A Biden campaign memo shared Wednesday morning said, "Again and again, when it comes time to go to the ballot box, voters are showing up to choose President Biden and Democrats' agenda of safeguarding freedoms and fighting for working families over the extreme MAGA agenda." Biden's border messaging More than one in four companies now ban their employees from using generative AI. But that does little to protect against criminals who use it to trick employees into sharing sensitive information or pay fraudulent invoices. Armed with ChatGPT or its dark web equivalent, FraudGPT, criminals can easily create realistic videos of profit and loss statements, fake IDs, false identities or even convincing deepfakes of a company executive using their voice and image. The statistics are sobering. In a recent survey by the Association of Financial Professionals, 65% of respondents said that their organizations had been victims of attempted or actual payments fraud in 2022. Of those who lost money, 71% were compromised through email. Larger organizations with annual revenue of $1 billion were the most susceptible to email scams, according to the survey. Among the most common email scams are phishing emails. These fraudulent emails resemble a trusted source, like Chase or eBay, that ask people to click on a link leading to a fake, but convincing-looking site. It asks the potential victim to log in and provide some personal information. Once criminals have this information, they can get access to bank accounts or even commit identity theft. Spear phishing is similar but more targeted. Instead of sending out generic emails, the emails are addressed to an individual or a specific organization. The criminals might have researched a job title, the names of colleagues, and even the names of a supervisor or manager. Old scams are getting bigger and better These scams are nothing new, of course, but generative AI makes it harder to tell what's real and what's not. Until recently, wonky fonts, odd writing or grammar mistakes were easy to spot. Now, criminals anywhere in the world can use ChatGPT or FraudGPT to create convincing phishing and spear phishing emails. They can even impersonate a CEO or other manager in a company, hijacking their voice for a fake phone call or their image in a video call. That's what happened recently in Hong Kong when a finance employee thought he received a message from the company's UK-based chief financial officer asking for a $25.6 million transfer. Though initially suspicious that it could be a phishing email, the employee's fears were allayed after a video call with the CFO and other colleagues he recognized. As it turns out, everyone on the call was deepfaked. It was only after he checked with the head office that he discovered the deceit. But by then the money was transferred. "The work that goes into these to make them credible is actually pretty impressive," said Christopher Budd, director at cybersecurity firm Sophos. Recent high-profile deepfakes involving public figures show how quickly the technology has evolved. Last summer, a fake investment scheme showed a deepfaked Elon Musk promoting a nonexistent platform. There were also deepfaked videos of Gayle King, the CBS News anchor; former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and talk show host Bill Maher, purportedly talking about Musk's new investment platform. These videos circulate on social platforms like TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. "It's easier and easier for people to create synthetic identities. Using either stolen information or made-up information using generative AI," said Andrew Davies, global head of regulatory affairs at ComplyAdvantage, a regulatory technology firm. "There is so much information available online that criminals can use to create very realistic phishing emails. Large language models are trained on the internet, know about the company and CEO and CFO," said Cyril Noel-Tagoe, principal security researcher at Netacea, a cybersecurity firm with a focus on automated threats. Larger companies at risk in world of APIs, payment apps While generative AI makes the threats more credible, the scale of the problem is getting bigger thanks to automation and the mushrooming number of websites and apps handling financial transactions. "One of the real catalysts for the evolution of fraud and financial crime in general is the transformation of financial services," said Davies. Just a decade ago, there were few ways of moving money around electronically. Most involved traditional banks. The explosion of payment solutions PayPal, Zelle, Venmo, Wise and others broadened the playing field, giving criminals more places to attack. Traditional banks increasingly use APIs, or application programming interfaces, that connect apps and platforms, which are another potential point of attack. Criminals use generative AI to create credible messages quickly, then use automation to scale up. "It's a numbers game. If I'm going to do 1,000 spear phishing emails or CEO fraud attacks, and I find one in 10 of them work, that could be millions of dollars," said Davies. According to Netacea, 22% of companies surveyed said they had been attacked by a fake account creation bot. For the financial services industry, this rose to 27%. Of companies that detected an automated attack by a bot, 99% of companies said they saw an increase in the number of attacks in 2022. Larger companies were most likely to see a significant increase, with 66% of companies with $5 billion or more in revenue reporting a "significant" or "moderate" increase. And while all industries said they had some fake account registrations, the financial services industry was the most targeted with 30% of financial services businesses attacked saying 6% to 10% of new accounts are fake. The financial industry is fighting gen AI-fueled fraud with its own gen AI models. Mastercard recently said it built a new AI model to help detect scam transactions by identifying "mule accounts" used by criminals to move stolen funds. Criminals increasingly use impersonation tactics to convince victims that the transfer is legitimate and going to a real person or company. "Banks have found these scams incredibly challenging to detect," Ajay Bhalla, president of cyber and intelligence at Mastercard, said in a statement in July. "Their customers pass all the required checks and send the money themselves; criminals haven't needed to break any security measures," he said. Mastercard estimates its algorithm can help banks save by reducing the costs they'd typically put towards rooting out fake transactions. More detailed identity analysis is needed Some particularly motivated attackers may have insider information. Criminals have gotten "very, very sophisticated," Noel-Tagoe said, but he added, "they won't know the internal workings of your company exactly." It might be impossible to know right away if that money transfer request from the CEO or CFO is legit, but employees can find ways to verify. Companies should have specific procedures for transferring money, said Noel-Tagoe. So, if the usual channels for money transfer requests are through an invoicing platform rather than email or Slack, find another way to contact them and verify. Another way companies are looking to sort real identities from deepfaked ones is through a more detailed authentication process. Right now, digital identity companies often ask for an ID and perhaps a real-time selfie as part of the process. Soon, companies could ask people to blink, speak their name, or some other action to discern between real-time video versus something pre-recorded. It will take some time for companies to adjust, but for now, cybersecurity experts say generative AI is leading to a surge in very convincing financial scams. "I've been in technology for 25 years at this point, and this ramp up from AI is like putting jet fuel on the fire," said Sophos' Budd. "It's something I've never seen before." With American coffee drinkers increasingly opting for specialty items like espresso-based beverages and cold brews, U.S. instant coffee consumption has fallen, with just 4% of Americans choosing the quick-and-easy offering, according to the National Coffee Association. Overseas it's a different story. Soluble coffee accounts for about a quarter of the beverage consumed globally, according to Brazilian Instant Coffee Industry Association, and that number is rising. "People often think that people have stopped drinking instant coffee because we have so much specialty coffee in abundance today," said coffee expert Jake Leonti at food and beverage consulting firm F+B Therapy. "However, it actually has been steadily growing for the last 20 years." Known for its affordability and convenience, instant coffee is known as the black sheep of the coffee world. And yet 6,100 cups of Nescafe instant coffee are consumed every second, according to the company, Swiss-based food giant Nestle's largest coffee brand. With 25 factories globally, Nescafe is sold in 180 countries. Worldwide one in seven cups of coffee consumed is a Nescafe. So how did the Nescafe brand grow so large, and what is the future of soluble coffee? To find out, CNBC traveled to Vietnam, the world's second-largest exporter of coffee behind Brazil, to get a look at Nescafe operations. Watch the video to learn more. Indonesia's presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto gestures after he cast his ballot to vote in the country's presidential and legislative elections at a polling station in Bogor on February 14, 2024. Indonesians began voting for a new president on February 14 with Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto the frontrunner to lead Southeast Asia's biggest economy despite concerns over his human rights record. Yasuyoshi Chiba | AFP | Getty Images Indonesia's Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, a former army general, appears to have an early unofficial lead in the race to become country's next president, "quick counts" show after voting in the world's third-largest democracy closed on Wednesday. Prabowo appears to have won a simple majority of ballots cast in Wednesday's elections, with some early independent quick counts sampling of actual vote counts at the various voting locations putting his percentage of the popular vote at nearly 60% substantively more than what pre-election opinion polls yielded. Former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan placed second in the presidential race garnering just under a quarter of the votes so far, while the ex-governor of Central Java Ganjar Pranowo was third, according to the snap counts released by independent pollsters, including Indikator Politik, Litbang Kompas and Lembaga Survei Indonesia. More than 200 million people were eligible to vote in only the sixth election in Indonesia since the country emerged from a military dictatorship under one-time President Suharto in the late 1990s. The outcome of these elections could go some way in affecting democratization in Indonesia, while determining if Southeast Asia's largest economy would attain developed status by 2045. watch now Official results are not due until at least a month later. The winner will replace President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, who is not standing for elections after having served the maximum of 10 years. "It's too early to conclude anything so we have to wait," Anies told CNBC after the early snap counts suggested he was trailing Prabowo. "Lots of reports have been coming in since a few weeks ago of possible irregularities, so we have to wait," he told CNBC's Martin Soong, repeatedly declining to go into more specifics. The Prabowo campaign and Indonesia's General Elections Commission or Komisi Pemilihan Umum (KPU) did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. Indonesia's presidential candidates Anies is running for president with the backing of three parties, including the secular Nasdem Party in the ruling coalition and the conservative Islamic Prosperous Justice Party (PKS). Muhaimin Iskandar, better known as Cak Imin and head of the National Awakening Party (PKB), is his vice-presidential running mate. The third candidate Ganjar was nominated by the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) as its presidential candidate, alongside Mohammad Mahfud Mahmodin as his vice-presidential running mate. watch now In Indonesia, only coalitions or individual political parties with at least 20% of the seats in the House of Representatives, or a quarter of the popular vote from the previous House of Representatives election, may propose presidential and vice-presidential candidate pairings. Prabowo was nominated by his Gerindra Party. His vice-presidential running mate is Jokowi's eldest son and current mayor of Surakarta or Solo, Gibran Rakabuming Raka a show of Jokowi's tacit support for Prabowo even though he has not explicitly endorsed any of the three candidates vying to replace him. Gibran, 36, was added to the ticket after laws were amended to allow candidates below 40 years old to run for president or vice president if they have held regional office. watch now Even though Prabowo has pledged to continue Jokowi's economic policies, it's also unclear if he would derail two of Jokowi's more visible legacies: the relocation of the national capital from Jakarta to Nusantara and turning Indonesia into a global hub for battery manufacturing. "The percentages could still change with more data. However, the methodologies used by the three organizations that have released their quick count results are reliable, making it unlikely that Prabowo received less than the majority," Teneo's Managing Director Bob Herrera-Lim wrote in a client note after snap counts were released. "Prabowo will likely aim to have a ruling coalition with at least 60% - 70% of parliamentary seats to ensure that his political agenda cannot be held hostage by one or two middle-sized parties. This makes major policy shifts unlikely early in the Prabowo administration," he added. Prabowo's military past To win outright, a candidate must obtain more than 50% of the national vote and at least 20% of ballots cast in more than half of the 38 provinces in Indonesia on Wednesday. If no one achieves this, Indonesians across the world's largest archipelagic state, spanning more than 17,000 islands, will head to a runoff between the two best performing candidates. Voters had six hours Wednesday to cast their five ballots for their preferred presidential and vice presidential pairing, for legislators at the national, provincial and regency level, as well as a regional senator for the national parliament. Polling station officer wearing Balinese traditional dance costume helps to cast the ballots during Indonesia General and Presidential Election at polling station in Penarungan Village, Badung Regency of Bali, Indonesia on February 14, 2024. More than 204 million people are eligible to cast ballots to elect the country's next president, vice president and lawmakers for the parliament as well as members of provincial legislative bodies. With over 800.000 polling stations dispersed throughout the archipelago, approximately 204,8 million voters will use their democratic rights. Johannes Panji Christo | Anadolu | Getty Images Anies has pledged to deepen Indonesia's nascent democracy in his election campaign, setting himself up against Prabowo's controversial past. Prabowo was once an Indonesian special forces commander. He was dishonorably discharged from the military in 1998 after troops under his command allegedly captured and tortured democracy activists opposed to the dictatorship of Suharto, his father-in-law, amid riots that preceded the start of democratic reforms. watch now The electric vehicle industry is seeing cutthroat competition between investor favorite Tesla and several Chinese automakers like BYD . However, one strategist has his sights on the wider electric vehicle ecosystem especially automotive parts suppliers. "While Tesla grabs all the headlines, we don't necessarily think that it's going to be the electric vehicle manufacturers that do the best. But we also see a lot of upside for the parts suppliers," Morningstar's Chief Markets Strategist David Sekera said, naming BorgWarner as a company he likes. Noting that it has "the best product portfolio for electric vehicles," he said that the stock, which has been given a five-star rating, trades at about half of Morningstar's fair value metric right now. Morningstar gives stocks a rating of between one and five stars, with a top rating indicating that the shares are undervalued. BorgWarner which is a supplier to automakers like Ford Motor and Volkswagen is expecting its net sales to fall between $14.4 billion and $14.9 billion this year, below Wall Street's $15.31 billion consensus predicted. It is also expecting adjusted share profits between $3.65 and $4.00, below the $4.27 profit analysts have penciled in. Even so, Sekera remains optimistic, adding that "BorgWarner is well positioned to be able to supply to manufacturers irrespective of who ends up being the market share leaders at the end of the day," as electric vehicles become a greater and greater percentage of auto production. Over the last 12 months, shares of BorgWarner are down 26.3%. Of the 19 analysts covering the stock, 11 give it a buy or overweight rating at an average price of $40, according to FactSet data. This gives it around 23.8% upside potential. Promise in lithium producers Aside from parts suppliers, Sekera sees promise in another corner of the ecosystem: lithium producers. "There was a bubble in lithium prices in 2021 that bubble popped, and it's been on a 12 to 18 month steady decline. We think lithium prices are probably bottoming out here," he told CNBC Pro on Feb. 2. With estimates from the International Energy Agency indicating that over 60% of the cars sold globally would be electrified, he believes that the demand for lithium will go up substantially over the next few years, since it is a key component of electric vehicles. "When we model out how much lithium we think will be required globally to make batteries for all those electric vehicles and we compare that to how much lithium is in production today and how much additional lithium production will be needed our team believes that lithium is going to be under-supplied by 2030," Sekera explained. "The excess demand and without the supply, to satisfy that demand, we do think that lithium prices will stay, much higher than the marginal cost of production over the course of the next decade," he added naming Albemarle as a company on his radar. Calling it "one of the more high quality lithium companies today," Sekera likes the five-star rated stock as it is trading under half of Morningstar's fair value right now. Albemarle made the news recently after laying off over 300 employees as part of previously announced cost cutting measures. While the company did not specify the number of jobs affected, Reuters reported that the move would save it at least $50 million just this year. Shares of the U.S. lithium company have had a bumpy ride over the past days. Over the last 12 months, shares of Albemarle are down 55.5%. Of the 30 analysts covering the stock, 19 give it a buy or overweight rating at an average price of $156.16, according to FactSet data. This gives it around 30% upside potential. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a press conference on the third day of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meeting, in Marrakech, Morocco, October 11, 2023. Susana Vera | Reuters NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg conceded to criticism that some members have been underfinancing the coalition's defense budget, saying he expects a record 18 allies to meet their military spending goal this year. His comments come on the footsteps of the controversial remarks of former U.S. President and Republican front-runner Donald Trump, who said he would not protect NATO nations from Russian hostilities if they fall behind on their membership payments. Trump's statements kindled widespread ire from the international community, including from fellow Republicans, drawing Stoltenberg to earlier this week accuse that such a suggestion "undermines all our security." "The criticism that you hear is not primarily about NATO, it's about NATO allies not spending enough on NATO. And that's a valid point," Stoltenberg said during a press briefing Wednesday, in response to a question on whether Trump's comments aligned with the broader views of Republican officials that the NATO chief has engaged. "It's a point and a message that has been conveyed by successive U.S. administrations that European allies and Canada have to spend more, because we haven't seen fair burden-sharing in the alliance," Stoltenberg added. "The good news is that this is exactly what NATO allies are now doing." watch now He added that he expects 18 of the military coalition's 31 members will meet their goal of spending 2% of their gross domestic product on defense this year, marking a sixfold increase from 2014, when allies formalized their investment pledge. The tally is set to include Europe's largest economy, Germany, which is allocating the equivalent of 71.8 billion euros ( $76.93 billion ) to defense in the current year through regular and special budgetary provisions, a Defense Ministry spokesperson said earlier Wednesday, according to Reuters. "However, some allies still have a way to go," Stoltenberg said, also noting that the 2% contribution constitutes a minimum expenditure. The coalition has historically been U.S. led, with Washington commanding the largest military presence of the alliance at 1.35 million troops in 2023, according to Statista. Trump was a noted skeptic of NATO during his first presidential mandate, holding that the U.S. unfairly carries the burden of the lion's share of financial contributions. Nvidia surpassed Google parent Alphabet in market capitalization on Wednesday. It's the latest example of how the artificial intelligence boom has sent the chipmaker's stock soaring. Nvidia rose over 2% to close at $739.00 per share, giving it a market value of $1.83 trillion to Google's $1.82 trillion market cap. The move comes one day after Nvidia surpassed Amazon in terms of market value. The symbolic milestone is more confirmation that Nvidia has become a Wall Street darling on the back of elevated AI chip sales, valued even more highly than some of the large software companies and cloud providers that develop and integrate AI technology into their products. Nvidia shares are up over 221% over the past 12 months on robust demand for its AI server chips that can cost more than $20,000 each. Companies like Google and Amazon need thousands of them for their cloud services. Before the recent AI boom, Nvidia was best known for consumer graphics processors it sold to PC makers to build gaming computers, a less lucrative market. Google was largely expected to benefit from AI, especially since employees at the company pioneered many of the techniques such as transformer architecture used in cutting-edge models like ChatGPT. Google shares are still up 55% in the past 12 months, though the company has grappled with layoffs and culture issues after it declared a "code red" situation to build AI services into its products. Google announced a $20 per month AI subscription called Gemini Advanced earlier this week, one of its first paid generative AI products. Nvidia is now the third largest U.S. company, only behind Apple and Microsoft. Nvidia reports quarterly earnings on Feb. 21. Analysts expect 118% annual growth in sales to $59.04 billion. Investors have been piling into Japans markets, repeatedly pushing them to record highs. The enthusiasm for Japan's stocks was reflected on Tuesday when its benchmark index Nikkei 225 climbed to a 34-year high. Will its bull run continue though, and how should investors play this Asian market? Heres what Wall Street and other pros say, and how to invest including the stocks to buy. Where do Japan stocks go from here? Alongside India, Morgan Stanley says it prefers Japan over emerging markets and China this year. It says theres a rising likelihood of its bull case target of 2,800 for the Topix index coming into play. That would imply an upside of more than 7%. The "fund re-allocations to Japan have been high year to date driving multiple expansion, the bank wrote in a Jan. 21 note, explaining its bullish call. Tokyo-based advisor Jesper Koll, a director at stockbroker Monex, predicted last week that the Nikkei 225 could surge more than 50% over the next two years. Jeremy Schwartz, global chief investment officer at WisdomTree, told CNBCs Squawk Box Asia on Friday that Japanese stocks are a catalyst-rich asset class. He believes that a new corporate culture is emerging in Japan, with companies becoming more shareholder friendly. Youre seeing the combination of dividends and buybacks a lot of these companies do have a lot of cash on their books, he said. I mean, if I look at the average Japanese company, their cash percentage of market cap, it's something like three to four times higher than the average S & P 500 companies capital market cap, Schwartz said. So theres room for dividends, theres room for buybacks. Eastspring Investments says a "new phase" for Japanese companies with much improved focus on price discipline and improving profits has taken hold. It said the Tokyo Stock Exchange has launched a corporate governance reform campaign on companies to disclose their plans for improvement, spurred by the fact that many are trading at a price-to-book ratio of below one. That means that many stocks are undervalued. "Reassuringly, the forces driving this new phase seem persistent. As such we are observing a more normalised environment today than in recent years, where improving trend fundamentals are driving share prices," said head of Japan equities Ivailo Dikov and client portfolio manager Oliver Lee. How and what to invest Global investors may find it more accessible to invest in Japan markets via exchange-traded funds. Here are some to consider. Meanwhile, for those who wish to stock pick, these are some of the names in Morgan Stanleys list of productivity and innovation leaders that it believes can outperform the overall Japanese market. Among sectors, Morningstar likes Japans consumer stocks set to benefit from rising spending power, and prefers Kao as a name to play it. It also likes industrials, in particular factory automation companies as it anticipates demand for industrial robots improving this year. It sees upside potential for stocks including Fanuc and Harmonic Drive . CNBC's Ganesh Rao contributed to this report. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (C) and Netherlands' Prime Minister Mark Rutte listen to the speech of Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren (R) during a visit to the military base Camp in Soesterberg on May 4, 2023. The Netherlands is joining a military coalition with allies including Britain that will supply Ukraine with advanced drone technology and bolster its offensive capabilities in the war against Russia, the Dutch defence minister said. The pledge from the Netherlands comes in addition to F-16 fighter jets, artillery, ammunition and air defence systems provided by the Dutch to Kyiv. For the Netherlands, there may be additional costs on top of 2 billion euros earmarked already for 2024, Dutch Defence Minister Kasja Ollongren told Reuters in an interview ahead of two days of NATO defence minister meetings in Brussels starting on Wednesday. "We know of course that drones are very important in this war," Ollongren said. "That's why we are joining the drone coalition that Ukraine has started together with Latvia, together with other countries, to make sure that we do just that - increase production, use the latest technology and to provide exactly what Ukraine needs." Ukraine's Defence Ministry announced Britain's participation last month. Drones have become a crucial part of both Ukraine and Russia's wartime strategies for reconnaissance and striking targets, thanks in large part to their relatively low cost. Both sides are now using thousands of small, inexpensive drones originally built for enthusiasts and racers to conduct battlefield-level surveillance and attacks, while also growing their fleets of larger, longer-distance unmanned craft which can fly much further and carry heavier cameras or more explosives. Both Britain and the Netherlands had already been helping Ukraine build out its drone fleet. "What is new is that we are now forming this coalition. So we're connecting, let's say, the things that we're doing separately into one coalition that will be able to respond to the new demands of Ukraine, as they see the battle developing on the frontline. And I think that's the strength of this coalition," she said at her offices in The Hague. Reuters Sony cut its sales forecast for its flagship PlayStation 5 console on Wednesday, after warning of weaker transactions in its key gaming division. The Japanese gaming giant said it now expects to sell 21 million units of the PS5 in the fiscal year ending March, down from a previous forecast of 25 million units. The cut in outlook comes after Sony posted record quarterly revenue in the all-important December quarter which encompasses the holiday season. Sony sold 8.2 million units of its flagship PlayStation 5 console in its fiscal third quarter, which runs from October to December. Sony has sold 16.4 million PS5 units so far in its fiscal year. Sony also trimmed its fiscal year sales forecast for the gaming division by 210 billion yen to 4.15 trillion yen, saying it expects a decrease in sales of hardware. The company's challenge now lies in trying to keep up momentum for the PS5, which was released more than three years ago. In October, Sony made available a refreshed version of the console with better specs. Rival Nintendo has been grappling with a similar issue, managing to keep interest in its near seven-year old Switch console thanks to new game releases and movies associated with its famous characters, like Super Mario. A Daihatsu Motor Co. Boon CILQ vehicle, right, and a Toyota Motor Corp. Passo vehicle are displayed during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan, on Monday, April 11, 2016. Toyota Motor said on Tuesday both the president and chairman of Daihatsu Motor will step down almost a year after the small-car unit said it had rigged collision safety-tests. The departures are among the most drastic changes Daihatsu has made so far, as Toyota seeks to return the brand to its roots as one of Japan's most iconic compact car makers. Toyota faces a potential hit to its reputation from the safety certification lapses at Daihatsu, as well as separate governance issues at truck maker Hino Motors and affiliate Toyota Industries. The scandals at the three companies triggered a rare apology of Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda last month. In a statement, the world's top-selling automaker said its chief executive officer for the Latin America and Caribbean region, Masahiro Inoue, will replace Soichiro Okudaira as Daihatsu's president effective March 1. Daihatsu's chairman, Sunao Matsubayashi, will also step down and will not be replaced, Toyota added. U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Wednesday said the country is "very concerned" about China's grip on the global supply chain for critical minerals. Her comments come amid skyrocketing demand for minerals and raw materials vital to the energy transition. The end use of metals such as nickel, copper, lithium and cobalt are wide-ranging and include electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels. China is the undisputed leader in the critical minerals supply chain, accounting for roughly 60% of the world's production of rare earth minerals and materials. U.S. officials have previously warned that this poses a strategic challenge amid a pivot to low-carbon energy sources. "It's one of the pieces of the supply chain that we're very concerned about in the United States. We do not want to be over-reliant on countries whose values we may not share," Granholm told CNBC's Silvia Amaro on Wednesday when asked about China's dominance as a critical minerals supplier. Speaking on the sidelines of International Energy Agency's 2024 Ministerial Meeting in Paris, Granholm said the U.S. was in the process of updating its own regulations, including a 150-year-old mining law to ensure the "sustainable and efficient" extraction of critical minerals. "But it also means that we will be partnering with friends, like Australia, like Canada, and it's one of the subjects that we are raising here at the International Energy Agency," Granholm said. "We know all countries want to ensure that we have a critical stockpile of critical minerals and that we are allowed to diversify the supplies of those stockpiles. Both internationally and domestically, this is a focus of ours." Here are Wednesday's biggest calls on Wall Street: Wells Fargo downgrades Biogen to equal weight from overweight Wells said it sees too much uncertainty for Biogen . "Growth Could Be There but There Is Too Much Uncertainty." RBC initiates First Solar as outperform RBC initiated several solar companies and said First Solar is its top pick. "We are initiating coverage on key equipment suppliers for the solar industry, First Solar (FSLR), Enphase Energy (ENPH), Shoals Technologies (SHLS), and SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG). Our top pick is FSLR as we see strong visibility for revenue and earnings growth, and free cash flow optionality over the next few years." Stifel downgrades Pure Storage to hold from buy Stifel downgraded the data storage company on valuation. "We downgrade our rating on Pure Storage to Hold (from Buy), following a recent strong run." Redburn Atlantic Equities reiterates Arm as neutral Redburn said the stock continues to be overvalued. "We like Arm's expected 16% adj EBIT trajectory FY24E-28E and market position, but not the valuation." Loop downgrades Ulta to hold from buy Loop downgraded the stock mainly on valuation. "We are downgrading Ulta Beauty to a Hold from a Buy rating while maintaining our $530 price target." Morgan Stanley reiterates Tesla as overweight Morgan Stanley said it's standing by the stock after attending a bull/bear lunch. "Despite the overall tone at the lunch, we remain OW, with TSLA offering over 80% upside from current levels, which we believe is compelling in proportion to the investment level within our US auto coverage." UBS downgrades Waste Management to neutral from buy UBS said the trash company has a "lofty" valuation. "WM continues to provide resilient and predictable earnings. However, given the recent share price performance and elevated valuation multiples, we take a more cautious view on near-term share price upside." Piper Sandler upgrades Citi to overweight from neutral Piper said it sees an attractive entry point for Citi shares. "Though the turnaround will likely have some bumps along the way, we like CEO Jane Fraser's more targeted view of the company, we believe cost flexibility should support the overall outlook and the group's recent pullback has created a more attractive entry point for the shares." Citi reiterates Nvidia as buy Citi said its standing by its buy rating heading into earnings next week. " Nvidia reports Jan-Q after the market close on 2/21. We model in-line Jan-Q sales and believe buy side data center sales expectations are higher by ~$2B or similar to prior Oct-Q earnings setup." JPMorgan upgrades Bruker to overweight from neutral JPMorgan upgraded the scientific instruments company following earnings. "Ultimately, we walked away impressed by BRKRs 2024 guide (off of a tough comp) and the confidence in the LT sustainability in growth suggested by the LRP (long range plan) pull-forward and believe BRKR seems poised to become a leading player in this shift in research focus toward proteomics." UBS upgrades HF Sinclair to buy from neutral UBS said the refiner is underappreciated. "We upgrade DINO to Buy from Neutral. DINO is a diversified refiner with 5 business segments: refining, midstream, lubes, marketing and Renewable diesel." Deutsche Bank names General Electric a top pick Deutsche said GE has "high balance sheet optionality." "We have published a series of notes this week offering a variety of reasons that we like GE, and why its our top large cap pick in A & D." D.A. Davidson downgrades Airbnb to neutral from buy D.A. downgraded the stock following the company's earnings report. "We are downgrading shares of ABNB from Buy to NEUTRAL and maintain our 12-month price target at $145. ABNB's 4Q'23 results were solid, with decent upside vs. expectations on both the topline and adj. EBITDA." Evercore ISI adds a negative tactical call on Target. Evercore said it's negative heading into earnings in early March. "We are initiating a negative Tactical Trading Call (TAP) on TGT ahead of F4Q EPS/ analyst day on 3/5." Evercore ISI adds a negative tactical call on Walmart Evercore ISI said its negative going into earnings next week. "We are initiating a negative Tactical Trading Call (TAP) on WMT ahead of F4Q earnings on 2/20." UBS upgrades Huntington Bancshares to buy from neutral UBS said it sees "strong strategic positioning" for the regional bank. "With rate-related themes on, well, pause for now, we think it's timely to upgrade HBAN." HSBC downgrades Palantir to hold from buy HSBC said the stock's valuation is full right now. " Palantir's latest guidance for 2024 implies its continued focus on operating efficiency and top-line growth, which was one of the key drivers of the company's strong financial results for 2023." HSBC upgrades HP to buy from hold HSBC said it sees a PC recovery for HP shares. "We expect HP to benefit from positive sector dynamics and expanding margins." Evercore ISI downgrades GoDaddy to in line from outperform Evercore downgraded GoDaddy mainly on valuation. "Profitability Remains Spotlight, Downgrade On Valuation." Citi downgrades GlobalFoundries to neutral from buy Citi downgraded the semi company following earnings on Tuesday. "Yesterday, GlobalFoundries reported in-line results but guided well below Consensus as the downturn catches up to them." Evercore ISI adds a positive tactical trading call on Dollar Tree Evercore said it's positive on the stock heading into March earnings. "We are initiating a positive Tactical Trading Call or TAP on DLTR ahead of their March earnings release. Bank of America upgrades SentinelOne to buy from neutral Bank of America said in its upgrade of the cybersecurity company that it sees "robust" tailwinds. "We believe SentinelOne is positioned to gain share in the endpoint security market and expand into other areas of security over time through its scalable, AI-powered next-gen platform. MoffettNathanson upgrades Lyft to neutral from sell The firm said following the company's earnings report on Tuesday that its prior rating of sell on the stock was a "mistake." "Well, it wasn't, and typos aside, we too are guilty of a mistake. Our downgrade of Lyft to Sell on October 31st was based on what we believed to be a differentiated view on gross margins, operating expenses, and below consensus Adj. EBITDA. Our numbers are now coming up to meet consensus." Bernstein initiates Wingstop as outperform Bernstein said Wingstop is a "compounder." "High growth compounders in US restaurants are far and few between, and those with a multi-decade growth runway are rare." Morgan Stanley upgrades Cadence Design Systems to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said in its upgrade of the software company that its strategy is "vindicated." "We expect momentum in chip design will continue into next year at least. Rivals are also following CDNS' lead into simulation space, which we think vindicates strategy. China is unlikely to experience a distinct boost in birth rates this year, largely due to the country's high youth unemployment and economic turmoil, according to the EIU. The Chinese Year of the Dragon is widely perceived in Asia-Pacific to be an auspicious year to have a baby but it hasn't meant well for the country's declining population. "Dragon babies" are expected to be successful in their careers and bring blessings to the family, according to Jacelyn Phang, feng shui master at Yuan Zhong Siu. In this zodiac cycle, those born between Feb.10, 2024 and Jan. 28, 2025 will be classified as "Dragon babies." "People aspire to have their babies born in the dragon year believing that children will inherit extraordinary leadership traits and be able to gather influential power and achieve great personal success," Phang told CNBC. While people in China also hold these beliefs, birth rates in the country have actually fallen during the "Dragon Years." Compared with the preceding years in the zodiac calendar, birth rates in China fell by more than 4% during 1988 and 2000, and by 9% in 2012, according to the country's statistics bureau. Birth rates refer to the number of babies born in a year per 1,000 people. Contrastingly, "There has been a discernible spike in birth rates in the past [dragon years] in other parts of Asia," Erica Tay, director of macro research at Maybank said. For instance, Singapore's birth rates rose by 21% in 1988, and 8% in 2000 and 2012. Asian folklore, however, may not be able to do much for China's falling birth rates, which could continue to drop "quite precipitously," Tay warned. China's birth rates have seen a secular decline, falling to 6.39% in 2023 from 22.37% in 1988. China is unlikely to experience a distinct boost in births this year, largely due to the country's high youth unemployment and economic turmoil, according to Tianchen Xu, senior economist on China at the The Economist Intelligence Unit. In 2021, China scrapped restrictions on the number of children each household can have, in a move aimed at boosting the country's birth rate. However, birth rate in 2022 fell to 6.77% from 7.52% in the prior year and compared with 8.52% in 2020. Excluding students,14.9% the people aged 16 to 24 in China were unemployed in December, according to monthly data. In comparison, China's broader urban unemployment rate came in at 5.1% for the same month. In the first 44 days of 2024, layoffs hit the tech industry hard, with an average of more than 770 job cuts per day, totalling 34,250 affected employees, as reported by layoffs.fyi. The bulk of these layoffs occurred in the US, the coveted destination for tech professionals globally, including those from India. However, despite this trend, experts interviewed by CNBC-TV18 point out that international opportunities still abound for tech workers. Companies are streamlining their offer processes to attract top talent, reflecting a scenario where skilled individuals have numerous options. Morgan McKinley's recent research underscores the competitive landscape in tech recruitment, particularly in Japan. According to Lionel Kaidatzis, Managing Director of Morgan McKinley Japan, despite its global significance, Japan still grapples with digital competitiveness due to a shortage of software engineers. The 2024 Salary Guide by Morgan McKinley highlights the key challenges facing the industry this year. 25% of hiring managers cited a scarcity of skilled candidates as their primary hurdle, followed by difficulties in offering competitive pay and benefits (22%) and obtaining approval for a new headcount (19%). Despite these obstacles, optimism prevails for 2024, with half of technology hiring managers planning to increase headcount in the first half of the year. Furthermore, 46% of technology workers are actively seeking new roles, with an additional 31% contemplating a change. Quick offer letters and higher salaries Kaidatzis emphasised that organisations can enhance their skill pool and tap into cutting-edge technologies by considering non-Japanese-speaking professionals based overseas. The competitive landscape for technology talent in Japan remained intense in 2023, posing challenges for businesses in securing skilled professionals. As companies strive for quality over quantity amidst limited headcount, the hiring process has become increasingly competitive. With skilled professionals fielding multiple offers, employers must expedite their offer timelines to attract top talent. Even minor delays could mean losing out on key hires to competitors. Azure, Data and Python, AWS/Cloud and AI/Machine Learning are some of the key skills in demand and full-stack engineers/developers, solution architects, engineering leads, DevOps, tech leads and site reliability engineers (applications-side) are the top roles in demand. Japan not the only one hiring techies Rohit Kishore, Global Delivery and Talent Officer at Randstad Digital noted a resurgence in layoffs in the US and other countries, attributed mainly to workforce restructuring. He told CNBC-TV18 that despite these challenges in some regions, compelling opportunities are emerging elsewhere, especially in Germany and Japan. Germany, in particular, is actively addressing its shortage of STEM specialists with attractive salary packages, focusing on sectors such as engineering, IT, biotechnology, and data science to position itself as a tech talent hub, noted Kishore. Kishore also pointed out that countries like the Netherlands, Canada, the UK, Switzerland, Sweden, and Denmark offer favourable prospects for tech professionals. These nations actively welcome students and workers, addressing shortages in skilled labour through competitive pay and benefits. In terms of in-demand roles, Kishore highlighted cloud engineers, cybersecurity experts, and data professionals, including data managers/directors, data leads, and data engineers. He emphasised the pivotal role of Chief Data Officers (CDOs) in shaping data strategies, with roles related to digital transformation skills also commanding competitive salaries. The opportunities in India Shifting focus to India, Ankit Aggarwal, CEO of engagement and hiring platform Unstop, stressed that the demand for tech talent remains high. Aggarwal attributed this to the rise of entrepreneurship and the growing startup ecosystem in India, providing opportunities for tech talent to contribute to products and services that impact consumers' lives. In-demand roles in India include product managers, data scientists/engineers, DevOps engineers, cloud architects, and cybersecurity engineers. Pranshu Upadhyay, regional director at staffing firm Michael Page India, acknowledged layoffs at tech giants but highlighted opportunities at companies in their investment phase, particularly those in pre-seed or Series A funding stages. These companies prioritize growth over operational efficiency, presenting opportunities for tech talent. Moving abroad or upskilling? According to Michael Page India, the demand for tech talent in the ecosystem continues to grow, however, the answer may not be located to different geography but upskilling. Artificial intelligence (AI) being the buzzword for last year will continue to rule the scene for the foreseeable future. There are 50% more jobs in AI on a year-on-year basis in Q42023 and the trendline continues to grow, he said. Upadhyay added that there is limited experience in LLM (Large Language Models) under AI and if the current tech talent can continue to upskill themselves- they will have a brighter chance of bagging the coveted jobs. India continues to be a place for tech talent and has moved from a service provider to a category creator on the back of innovation, he said. News and Info from our Community Partners Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?) Are you a current print subscriber to Columbia Gorge News? If so, you qualify for free access to all content on columbiagorgenews.com. Simply verify with your subscriber id to receive free access. Your subscriber id may be found on your bill or mailing label. Hamas warned Israel on Sunday that a ground offensive in Rafah, crowded with displaced Gazans, would imperil future hostage releases, while US President Joe Biden urged the protection of civilians in the besieged territory. Tech companies such Google, Amazon, Meta (Facebook) and others laid off tens of thousands of workers last year as an adjustment to over-hiring during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the firings have not abated in 2024. In January, job cuts leaped 136% over December and hit a 10-month high, according to a new report by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas. The surge in firings was led by the tech and financial services sectors. (In fact, Cisco may be eyeing significant layoffs.) US-based employers announced 82,307 cuts in January, compared to 34,817 cuts the month before, according to the outplacement firms report. While that January number is down 20% from the 102,943 cuts announced in January 2023, theyre a sign the tech job market is shifting. In 2024, tech employers making or planning significant cuts include SAP, EBay, Microsoft, and Google (Alphabet). So far this year, 135 tech companies laid off nearly 34,000 workers, according to Layoffs.fyi, which began tracking tech layoffs in March 2020. That compares to all of 2023, when there were at least 154,000 layoffs at more than 1,000 tech companies, according to Layoffs.fyi. Layoffs.fyi Biggest tech layoffs since Covid-19 There are several factors behind the increase in layoffs; historically, January tends to have more layoffs than other months as companies lean into restructuring plans, roll out reorganizations and set new fiscal directions. Recent layoffs appear to be driven by broader economic trends, including a strategic shift toward increased automation and AI adoption in various sectors, though in most cases, companies point to cost-cutting as the main driver for layoffs, said Andrew Challenger, senior vice president of Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The way I often describe this is AI is sucking the air out of almost all non-AI investments in the whole tech world." -- Harvard Business School Professor David Yoffie. While unemployment rates remain near historic lows, getting a bead on how tech workers are faring is complicated. Unemployment rates in the US IT market vary wildly depending on whether the data comes from CompTIA, an IT trade association, or Janco Associates, an IT business consultancy. CompTIA pegs the IT unemployment rate in the US at 2.3%, more than a full percentage point below the national unemployment average of 3.7%. Janco Associates, however, puts IT unemployment at 5.5%, more than a full point above the national average. And Jancos data paint a far grimmer picture for 156,000 unemployed IT pros. Indeed Like Challenger, Janco Associates CEO Victor Janulaitis places some of the blame for layoffs at the feet of AI, mainly because the technologys ability to automate tasks will eliminate workforce needs. Layoff will continue as more routine IT jobs are eliminated, Janulaitis said. The first to go are help and service desks as AI eliminates those positions. Next, entry-level programmers will be eliminated as AI applications generate code, he said. Experts say theyre seeing a shift in popular occupations. The adoption of AI, and more specifically generative AI (genAI), is causing organizations to rethink what skills are most needed for the future. Massive investment in AI tech is prompting organizations to cut workers to free up additional funds for further investing. Enterprises spent about $19.4 billion worldwide on genAI technologies in 2023; that amount is expected to double this year, according to research by IDC. The way I often describe this is AI is sucking the air out of almost all non-AI investments in the whole tech world, said Harvard Business School Professor David Yoffie. At large tech companies such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta, AI has not been a traditional area of investment. And it requires a very large investment of financial resources. That leads to portfolio decisions by companies to rebalance spending in order to pay for the very large investments theyre making in building data centers, doing training, and buying GPUs to run AI. That, according to Yoffie, leads organizations to look at marginal parts of their business that haven't paid off. So, Amazon starts cutting Alexa, and they start cutting health [tech]. Microsoft starts cutting games. Google has a lot of non-core businesses that theyve been making long-term investments in that havent delivered significant results, and so theyre all looking for ways to save resources in order to make the investments required to be competitive in AI, Yoffie said. By 2030, as many as 375 million workers or roughly 14% of the global workforce might need to switch occupational categories as digitization, automation, advances in Al, and other technologies disrupt the world of work, according to management consulting firm McKinsey & Co. The adoption of AI has the potential to reshape the workforce, though many employees could be looking at reskilling instead of separation. According to a 2023 survey of 1,684 C-suite executives by McKinsey Global Institute, about four in 10 respondents reporting AI adoption expect more than 20% of their companies workforces will be reskilled in the next three years; and 8% expect the size of their workforces to decrease by more than 20%. McKinsey & Co. Cutting employees to hire more While some companies may still be adjusting to pandemic era over-hiring, there is a significant reallocation of resources across the board into anything AI related. "Our latest survey results show changes in the roles that organizations are filling to support their AI ambitions," McKinsey said in its report. "Roles in prompt engineering have recently emerged, as the need for that skill set rises alongside gen AI adoption, with 7% of respondents whose organizations have adopted AI reporting those hires in the past year." Organizations are spending on genAI software as well as related infrastructure hardware and IT/business services. By 2027, spending is expected to reach $151.1 billion, representing a compound annual growth rate of 85.9% during the 2023-2027 period. Looking specifically at genAIs predicted impact, service operations is the only function in which most respondents to McKinsey & Co's survey expect to see a decrease in workforce size at their organizations. "This finding generally aligns with what our recent research suggests: while the emergence of genAI increased our estimate of the percentage of worker activities that could be automated (60% to 70%), this doesnt necessarily translate into the automation of an entire role," McKinsey said in it's report. Megan Way, an associate professor of economics at Babson College in Massachusetts, said businesses are now reshuffling resources to move more quickly into the genAI space. Theyre all very concerned. They need to dump a lot of resources into that now in order to make their numbers, please Wall Street, and cut workers in some places where there might be some slack because of hiring they did in 2020 and 2021, Way said. Way, however, pointed out those same companies need to start hiring or retrain existing employees to support their genAI initiatives; she sees a coming hiring boom, its just going to be in a different area. Companies like Facebook will continue to lay off as they look to improve productivity. Facebook shed employees and improved earnings. Over time we see that size pollutes." -- Janco Associates CEO Victor Janulaitis. Employee attrition has more to do with a reallocation of financial resources than simply the elimination of unneeded workers, according to experts. Last month, Google cut hundreds of employees, many of them on teams that produce Google's Nest, Pixel and Fitbit devices, as well as the company's augmented reality team. Those layoffs came a year after the company cut nearly 12,000 jobs, about 6% of its workforce. Many organizations still think that high headcounts result in more revenue and so they don't look to improve productivity as another solution, Janulaitis explained. Companies like Facebook will continue to lay off as they look to improve productivity, he said. Facebookshed employees and improved earnings. Over time we see that size pollutes. Facebook now understands that and they are actively reducing headcounts and improving productivity." Even as layoffs have continued, tech companies added nearly 18,000 new workers in January, the second consecutive month of job growth, according to CompTIA. Its data shows employer job postings for future IT hiring increased to more than 392,000. According to data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the picture is more nuanced. The BLS does not break out data for tech or IT jobs but does track "information" careers; employment there rose 15,000 in January, but over a longer timeline its down 76,000 from its recent peak in November 2022. Tech talent is still in high demand Ger Doyle, senior vice president of IT jobs resource firm Experis, said roles most US companies are expecting to hire for in Q1 are in IT (55%), followed by financial services and real estate (43%). This is the fifth consecutive quarter that IT roles have been at the top of recruiters lists. In general, they continue to keep IT talent particularly cloud, software development, AI and cybersecurity. Those roles are still red hot from a demand perspective within big tech and even more so in industries that are now beginning to move to AI and are picking up any new talent coming from big tech, Doyle said. Theres also a huge demand for high-end developers, full-stack developers, and talent in the cloud and infrastructure space, according to Doyle. And companies also need more data analyst talent who can track, oversee, and make sense of the big data their technologies collect. McKinsey & Co. Net new hiring is slower for sure, but there is still is not enough of the in-demand talent out there. Upskilling is key to solving this, Doyle said. Theres simply not enough people out there with those skills so we are looking at continuing to upskill and reskill people to get ready for the next avalanche of talent requests around AI and automation. According to the Top Employers Institute, a provider of human resources employee assessment programs, skills tech workers should attain in order to keep themselves competitive include: AI, as demand on how to implement and manage it is growing fast. Cloud architecture for those organizations that run on a multi-cloud platforms. Cybersecurity, because the use of AI has created more viruses and phishing emails to compromise organization's data. Python programming, because of its versatility to use for data analytics, web/software development, and AI. Top tech jobs that are still high on the list for hiring and career growth include DevOps Engineer, IT Director, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Developer, Data Analyst, and Cloud Engineer, according to Trevor Bogan, regional director of the Americas at the Top Employers Institute. IT workers, in particular, need to stay on the skills cutting edge, Way said, and that means getting versed in AI. If they were someone who was in marketing, communications or customer service, etc, they should be getting literate in the AI space in terms of marketing, communications and customer support. All those areas, Way said. I dont see that [companies are] not going to need more workers. I think theyre going to be doing quite a bit of hiring soon; its just going to be in a different area. The Supreme Court, which, contrary to popular opinion, isnt simply a court with sour cream, is a primary pillar of American government. The highest court in the land is saddled with giving the final word on any legal issue deemed to require a ruling from the best and brightest legal minds our country has to offer. That doesnt mean, however, that they never have to weigh in on anything weird. All that some strange case really has to do is get sufficiently tangled up in the Constitution to make it all the way up the escalator, and suddenly, the Supreme Court Justices are hearing about chicken coops. Here are seven of the weirdest Supreme Court cases ever 7 United States v. Causby Pixabay The big metal bird is back. Time to freak out and bust my own head open. The case of the United States versus Thomas Lee Causby, at its core, was a case of one flying thing terrorizing another. Causby owned a chicken farm, and as you can imagine, a viable chicken farm requires chickens that are alive and well. Unfortunately, the health and welfare of his chickens was under attack by the U.S. military, in that they regularly flew planes out of a nearby airport, passing only 70 feet above the farm. This would scare the chickens so badly that they would, no exaggeration, panic, fly into the walls of their coop and kill themselves. The question this raised was: When you own land, how far up does that go? The Supreme Court declined to give a specific measurement, but ruled in Causby's favor, while also affirming that ownership of land doesnt extend infinitely into the sky. Advertisement 6 Astrue v. Capato Within Social Security benefits, something nobody in my generation probably needs to bother learning about, theres something called survivor's benefits, which can be paid out to the family on event of death. Karen Capato wanted these Social Security benefits paid out to their twins, which seems simple enough. The wrinkle was that those twins were conceived, and born, after her husband Robert had already died, through in-vitro fertilization of his preserved sperm. Something that wasnt made clear in any of the legal literature, since, at the time it was written, this was some sci-fi shit. The case rose through the courts thanks to flip-flopping rulings, but the Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the twins were not eligible. Advertisement 5 Nix v. Hedden Pixabay Your honor, would a vegetable look so nice and pretty in a bowl? Today, the debate over whether tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable is mostly something pulled out of someones ass because a conversation is well and truly dead. Most people are familiar with it, and most people truly dont care. It certainly doesnt seem like a disagreement that the Supreme Court would ever have to rule on, but they did, and their decision: Sorry, trivia lovers, but legally, tomatoes are vegetables. The ruling came about because of tariffs. John Nix, a New York wholesaler, was importing tomatoes, and noticed hed been charged a 10-percent vegetable import tariff. To which he went botanical on their asses, explaining that theyre actually a fruit, which was important because imported fruits had no tariffs. The argument made its way to the Supreme Court, which basically said, We all know theyre vegetables dude, pay up. Advertisement Advertisement 4 Church of Lukumi-Babalu Aye v. City of Hialeah The Constitution gives all Americans the right to practice the religion of their choice freely. Lately, the most youll hear about it is related to baking gay couple wedding cakes, and its most often weaponized by fundamental Christians. That might contribute to the fact that it doesnt often feel like its there to protect, well, stranger religions. A fun, if a little aggressively Reddit-y reminder of this pops up every once in a while when somebody wears a pasta strainer on their head in a DMV photo out of respect for the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. A little ickier one goes back to 1993, when the Church of Lukumi-Babalu Aye planned to build a center in Hialeah, Florida. The church in question practiced Santeria, and the religion in question includes ritual animal sacrifice. Hialeah quickly acted to outlaw animal sacrifice, but the Church fought back, and eventually the Supreme Court ruled that they had to be allowed to sacrifice animals as part of their religion. A big part of it was that, under further review, the law was very clearly targeted at Santeria in particular, still allowing other religious animal slaughter, like kosher butchering. Advertisement 3 Employment Division v. Smith The next case works nicely as a counterpoint, showing that just because your religion tells you to do something, doesnt mean its automatically legal. Alfred Smith and Galen Black were Native American men who were fired from their jobs and denied unemployment benefits because they failed a drug test. The specific drug that popped on said test? Peyote, which theyd imbibed as part of a Native American religious ceremony. Here, the Supreme Court didnt back them up and ruled on the side of the employers. It was a controversial ruling that was based in the Free Exercise Clause, which, in part, says that religious practices can't violate compelling governmental interest. Advertisement Advertisement 2 United States v. 95 Barrels, More or Less, Alleged Apple Cider Vinegar Pixabay Imagine one side of the court filled with these guys. Pretty fun, right? First, let me assure you, I have done no editorializing or paraphrasing of this court case name for comedic effect. This is, letter for letter, word for word, the name of the case as it exists. The defendant in this case was indeed, approximately 95 barrels of a liquid alleged to be apple cider vinegar. The barrels had been seized and ruled as mislabeled, because they were produced from dried apples, instead of fresh apples. The Supreme Court ruled that the barrels were labeled misleadingly for consumers, ignoring the arguments made that the quality was equal to fresh apple cider vinegar. Advertisement For decades, the financial sector and other industries have relied on an authentication mechanism dubbed know your customer (KYC), a process that confirms a persons identity when opening account and then periodically confirming that identity overtime. KYC typically involves a potential customer providing a variety of documents to prove that they are who they claim to be, although it could also be applied to authenticating other people such as employees. With the ability of generative artificial intelligence (AI) that use large language models (LLMs) to create highly persuasive document replicas, many security executives are rethinking how KYC should look in a generative AI world. How generative AI uses LLMs to enable KYC fraud Consider someone walking into a bank in Florida to open an account. The prospective customer says that they just moved from Utah and that they are a citizen of Portugal. They present a Utah drivers license, a bill from two Utah utility companies, and a Portuguese passport. The problem goes beyond the probability that the bank staffer does not know what a Utah drivers license or Portuguese passport looks like. The AI-generated replicas are going to look exactly like the real thing. The only way to authenticate is to either connect to databases from Utah and Portugal (or make a phone call) to not only verify that these documents exist in the official systems but that the image in the official systems matches the photo on the documents being examined. An even bigger security threat is the ability of generative AI create bogus documents quickly and on a massive scale. Cyber thieves love scale and efficiency. This is what is coming: Unlimited fake account setup attempts and account recovery attempts, says Kevin Alan Tussy, CEO at FaceTec, a vendor of 3D face liveness and matching software. Lee Mallon, the chief technology officer at AI vendor Humanity.run, sees an LLM cybersecurity threat that goes way beyond quickly making false documents. He worries that thieves could use LLMs to create deep back stories for their frauds in case someone at a bank or government level reviews social media posts and websites to see if a person truly exists. Could social media platforms be getting seeded right now with AI-generated life histories and images, laying the groundwork for elaborate KYC frauds years down the line? A fraudster could feasibly build a credible online history, complete with realistic photos and life events, to bypass traditional KYC checks. The data, though artificially generated, would seem perfectly plausible to anyone conducting a cursory social media background check, Mallon says. This isnt a scheme that requires a quick payoff. By slowly drip-feeding artificial data onto social media platforms over a period of years, a fraudster could create a persona that withstands even the most thorough scrutiny. By the time they decide to use this fabricated identity for financial gains, tracking the origins of the fraud becomes an immensely complex task. Alexandre Cagnoni, an independent identity consultant, agrees that the KYC security threats from LLMs are frightening. I do believe that KYC techniques will need to incorporate more sophisticated identity verification processes that will for certain require AI-based validations, using deepfake detection systems. The same way MFA and then transaction signing became a requirement for financial institutions in the 2000s because of the new MitB attacks, now they will have to deal with the growth of those fake identities, he says. Its going to be a challenge because there are not a lot of (good) deepfake detection technologies around and it will have to be quite good to avoid time-consuming tasks, false positives or the creation of more friction and frustration for users. Photo: Craig Warga/Bloomberg via Getty Images I feel like a creep, Asanai Grim tells me after asking a woman on her way into Atlantic Terminal to show her ID. She had stared at him in confusion, surprised to encounter what is essentially a bouncer outside the Bath & Body Works. Grim, one of two security guards stationed at the Flatbush Avenue entrance, isnt much older than the teenagers hes required to turn away in their pursuit of Cold Stone Creamery. Photo: Kim Velsey The chaperone policy at Atlantic Terminal, which requires anyone under the age of 18 to be accompanied by an adult during most business hours, is just one of several overlapping age restrictions that currently exist at the mall, which sits atop of one of the busiest transit hubs in Brooklyn. Target instituted its own policy a few months back, banning solo teens outright Monday to Friday. The McDonalds on the ground floor takes a more understated approach to age control by closing its dining area on weekdays during most of the hours high-schoolers are out of school. I asked the manager, Guirlene Joseph, if teens caused issues there. She shrugged. They come and they dont want to leave, she said, hustling finished orders to the counter. Was there anything else? Not really. Most people I spoke to said the same. Annoying? Yes. Criminal? No. Teenagers arent any more destructive than anyone else who comes in, one Target employee told me. Some do act crazy, like smoking a whole blunt upstairs, but a lot of times, they just want to charge their phone or meet up with their friends. So why go to so much trouble to keep them out? Especially in recent months, during which employees and guards say theres been a big push to ramp up enforcement. Target didnt respond to multiple requests for comment on its policy, and a spokesperson for Madison International Realty, the owner of Atlantic Terminal, wrote in a statement that its ban was created to institute a safer environment after several incidents involving minors who were not accompanied by an adult resulting in the need for multiple police precinct responses. It didnt respond when I asked for specifics the NYPD wouldnt provide any, either and the most recent incidents covered in the media all seem to be from nearly a decade ago. I even asked Crystal Hudson, the city councilmember, if she knew of any recent issues that might justify such a blanket policy. She didnt. She hadnt even realized there was a ban. I dont know that barring kids is the answer, she said. Photo: Kim Velsey Chaperone policies like this are not new the Mall of America was among the first to institute one in 1996 (at the time, a spokesperson complained that the mall had essentially become a babysitter) and a different, less restrictive teen ban also existed at Atlantic Terminal under previous ownership. But in the last few years, dozens of new bans have popped up across the country theres even a TikTok movement calling for a teen ban at Sephora (other customers complain theyre being surly and buying up all the Drunk Elephant). The reasons given run along the lines of rowdy behavior and the comfort of other shoppers. But, really, they reflect our current mess of anxieties: the national retail panic over shoplifting shuttering the chain pharmacies that we hated a few years ago, fears about teens and TikTok, fears about teens in general (theyre never like they used to be), and some deep-seated discomfort about public and quasi-public spaces that set in during the pandemic and refused to go away. All of which is a lot more obvious in New York, where were used to seeing teenagers moving freely through the city. And where teens are used to it, too, because its one of the few places in the country where they can be free going places here doesnt depend on access to your parents car, like it does pretty much everywhere else. Which is why encountering the ban in real time can feel jarring. This guy came up to us and said he was a detective, a girl who had been kicked out of the DSW in the basement level of Atlantic Terminal told me. He startled us. She was part of a group of 11th-graders whod come to the mall with their social-studies teachers to get something to eat before heading to an event on HCBUs at the Barclays Center. Their teacher, Rony Enriquez, was baffled by the policy. In theory it was ageist, but in practice such teen bans are also racist. This is the first time Ive seen something like this, he said. Its targeting a certain population and I think its unfair. Its also broad to the point of silliness: When I tried to flag down a girl on her way into Uniqlo, she waved me off. She didnt have time to talk she was going to be late for work. Its also legally murky, Jake Martinez, a deputy director at the New York Civil Liberties Union, wrote in an email. The state law protects the right to use places of public accommodation, which likely applies to Atlantic Terminal, without being discriminated against based on your age. In addition to being likely unlawful, he also called it unnecessary and dehumanizing. But teens are also teens, which means theyre good at getting around rules. Its also unruly, maybe impossible, to fully enforce. A Target employee said workers arent allowed to ask for ID, and the smart kids just lie when asked their age. Target also has the only public bathroom in the mall, he added, and it doesnt feel right to stop teens who say they need to use it. People even slip past the guards downstairs. I met two of them upstairs by the escalator: Xavier and Justin, both 14, who go to school nearby. They didnt want to reveal how they got in, but given the malls multiple entrances, including the DMV, it likely wasnt all that hard. Why were they there? Why is anyone? Were just lollygagging, Xavier said. Jenna Perry, 411 E. 9th St.; 646-719-1611 What is hot girl hair? Last year, Starface co-founder Julie Schott coined the term in direct reference to Jenna Perrys handiwork creating Bella Hadids honey blonde, a crisp, deep chocolate brown for Dua Lipa, and an auburn shade for Emily Ratajkowski. (Perry herself is a redhead, but she is equally adept across the whole light-to-dark spectrum; if she has taken you blonde recently, she may text you to make sure youre not feeling brunette yet.) Another client, Tory Burch photo director Cassie Coane, notes that Perrys work (from $200 for a single process) is unusually long-lasting. Before, I was getting my roots done every six weeks, but Jenna paints with such consideration I only really have to go every 2 months. And according to actress Lola Kirke, Jenna is not only the best colorist but the most well read while youre in the chair, you may find her discussing Elaine Dundys The Dud Avocado, for example, or the works of Esther Perel. Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal, 5 E. 57th St., sixth fl.; romeojuliettelaserhairremoval.com In 2016, contributing editor at Vogue Jenna Rennert went to Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal on the recommendation of a friend and has been a regular ever since, dipping in frequently ahead of events. She has referred industry friends, like Instagrams head of beauty programs, Kristie Dash, who has since become a regular. Romeo & Juliette has 12 available lasers, including Nd:YAG lasers, which yield the best results on darker skin tones and are not available at many med spas. Rennerts bikini-line treatments (from $235) are generally done with the Synchro REPLA:Y, which has nuanced settings to allow for more targeted treatments based on hair type and thickness and skin tone and sensitivity. Dash remembers being pleasantly surprised at her first appointment when multiple settings were used on a single body part. Its such a thorough process, she says. Other salons pop you into a room and just start zapping. Blake Newby, an editor at Essence, has been getting her Brazilian area done at Romeo & Juliette for four years. The area has stayed hairless as long as Ive been diligent with touch-ups, she says. And Ive never experienced so much as an ounce of discoloration. Ive referred friends with deeper skin tones than me to R&J, and they said the same. . Christian Karavolas, founder of Romeo & Juliette Laser Hair Removal in Midtown East Illustration: Pete Gamlen What makes a laser technician great rather than merely good? A great technician listens to the client, asks questions: What have they done in the last two weeks? Are they on medication, antibiotics? Have they been in the sun? Do they use self-tanners? This assessment will tell you the proper settings to use or tell you when to postpone treatment altogether. If someones on medication that creates photosensitivity, they may get pigmentation that can take months to resolve. Are there different lasers for different parts of the body? Yes and for different kinds of hair and skin. Most places use one laser on everybody. We have 12 different ones. If somebody has red or blonde hair, we use a laser that targets their roots differently than lasers for dark hair. Describe what the laser feels like for someone whos never done it. It just feels like somebody snapping you with a rubber band. We also have cooling methods that blow cold air on the skin to make the treatment tolerable. However, us men, were pain intolerant. We offer numbing cream, and about 20 percent of our male clientele uses it. For women, its closer to 5 percent. You only do laser hair removal why is that? Theres a dermatologist downtown who sends us clients, and he says that while most places do laser, Romeo & Juliette perfects the art of laser hair removal. Ill put it like this: You could take ten cooks and give them the same tomatoes, water, sugar, and after an hour or two, you get ten different tomato sauces. We feel we make the best tomato sauce. Katie Arnold-Ratliff Easy Van; easyvanexpress@gmail.com Nick S.s Ram ProMaster high-roof van has just enough room to move a typical studio or one-bedroom apartment in a single trip for about $100 less than the average mover. Which is why Caroline Weaver, founder of the Locavore Guide, hired him to relocate her office from Flatiron to Union Square. Hes extremely easy to coordinate with, says Weaver, who appreciates that Nick sent a packing checklist in advance to make sure she was prepped. On moving day, Nick texted Weaver to check in, arrived early with his colleague, and loaded 35 boxes of books and office supplies and four large computer boxes into the van. Nick got most of the boxes to Weavers new office quickly and offered to move the remaining boxes to her apartment, insisting on using all the time shed paid for. I absolutely did not expect them to help me with that task, and they just did it with pleasure, Weaver says. Leasing director David Colon employed Nick for an apartment move from the Upper East Side to Williamsburg in November with just a days notice. When Nick showed up in his van, Colon wasnt sure his furniture and his wifes music equipment would fit. But Nick was able to transport everything safely in two trips, which took about six hours in total. A previous moving company I worked with brought a box truck and a team of three people, says Colon. Somehow, Nick was able to do it in a shorter amount of time. Manhattan Mini Storage, storage-mart.com/manhattan-mini Five people told us about simple, price-transparent experiences at different branches of Manhattan Mini Storage (from $30 a month), which has 17 locations in the borough. Andrea Whittle, the features director at W magazine who has been using the 110th Street site to store the contents of her one-bedroom, says the sign-up process was seamless. The website has a useful guide that helped me estimate the size of the unit I would need. They gave me a coupon code for a moving company they work with, which I then quickly booked. Brand consultant Michael Williams, who now uses Manhattan Mini Storage after a decade of trying other facilities, says the companys locations typically have a good loading-dock/parking area, which makes it easy whether youre driving in or taking an Uber. (He does, however, recommend the Chelsea location over the Spring Street one to avoid Holland Tunnel traffic.) J.Mueser creative director Matthew Woodruff appreciates that the key card gets you 24/7 access, meaning he can use the space in an emergency: I recently stopped by to change into a pink suit obviously exactly the thing youd keep in a storage unit for a friends pink-themed birthday party. One segment of the old Bernheimer Brewery: the multi-part Malt Building, turning the corner of West 126th Street and 127th Street. Photo: Here and Now Agency A vacant building is a melancholy sight, like a darkened theater or a diner sitting alone at a table set for two. The atmosphere is especially unsettled on West 127th Street in Harlem, where an office building called Malt House has grown magically, you might think from the husk of a 19th-century brewery. Walk in, and youre standing in the pause between tales that have been erased and others yet to come. And because parts of it appear ruined and others gleam, its a freeze-frame in a film that could run in either direction; you cant always tell the difference between incompleteness and decay. Malt House is an artful assemblage of four late-19th- and early-20th-century structures that the architecture firm Gluck+ fused into one and topped with another handful of stories. From the street, the upper and lower parts look sharply distinct: glass above, brick below. Nobodys tried to disguise any one elements age by reproducing vintage windows, say. And yet, inside, old and new intertwine artfully, transforming a rough utilitarian shell that its owners beat up, punched through, and patched as their needs changed into a place that continues to tell the story of New York. At various points, the vast West Harlem complex, of which Malt House is one portion, supplied the city with beer, fixed its air conditioners, and provided its wealthy with a safe place to stash their costly winterwear in summer. The gallery Gavin Browns Enterprise occupied a chunk of it for five years, hoping to draw the art world to uptown turf it was, after all, a few blocks from the Studio Museum in Harlem. It would have had a documentary-film production company, an international food corporation, a biotech start-up, and an outpost of the Columbia University Medical Center as its neighbors. And it all might have worked, had the pandemic not made a mockery of plans. The gallery is gone now, most of the other tenants never materialized, and when construction was completed last fall, the building opened in silence. An entire little district of offices, stores, and labs crept onto the scene just as the commercial-real-estate market buckled from a seismic shift in work habits. But this isnt just another story about the ripple effects of working from home: Its about how crosscurrents of preservation, neighborhood history, race, public space, architecture, finance, and real estate all swirl together at the improbable oblique corner of West 126th and 127th Streets. Once, there was beer lots of it, produced by so many companies in so many different breweries that large swaths of the city must have had a yeasty smell. One of those sprawling facilities was the Bernheimer & Schwartz Pilsener Brewing Company, a hive of buildings, alleys, courts, and carriageways just north of 125th Street and a few blocks from the Hudson Rivers ships. The brewery was run from a handsome red-brick palazzo on the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 128th Street at least until Prohibition got in the way. For a while, it served as cold storage for fur coats, a period memorialized even decades later in the foot-thick layer of cork insulation, the lingering smell of decaying pelts, and its current name: the Mink Building. The long heyday of manufacturing supplied posterity with a lot of handsome and sturdy architecture that long ago outlived the purpose it was built for. Warehouses without wares, silent factories, quiet mills, power plants, garages, department stores, poorhouses a whole catalogue of obsolete facilities that has had to be discarded or recycled, or else just left to rot. The worldwide, multi-decade project of sorting through these relics has generated its own cliches (the marriage of fresh steel and weathered brick) and more nuanced flashes of boldness. In 1989, Scott Metzner, who trained as an architect and began, then left, a career in real-estate finance, founded a development company called Janus and set his sights on the patch of land dominated by the brewery complex. Its taken him 35 years to collect about 20 buildings from West 126th to West 128th Street between Amsterdam Avenue and Convent Avenue, demolish a few and rescue others, driven by the idea of revivifying a neighborhood without wiping it away. The process was slow partly because the brewery was big, fragmented, and in various states of decrepitude. The site isnt remote, but it was largely forgotten, which scared off investors and made prospective tenants cautious. And while it lacks the cultural cachet of, say, Williamsburgs industrial waterfront, the area does matter to Harlem, which has meant navigating racial and historical sensitivities. As part of his effort to bring a brick-and-iron-age neighborhood into the 21st century, Metzner recently put up the Taystee Building, a shiny new glass-walled stack of labs designed for biotech researchers and quaintly named for the bakery that once occupied the site. That seemed like a smart plan. New York has been trying to turn itself into a global capital of the life sciences for years; Governor Hochul showed up to inaugurate the facility last spring. But as it turned out, that was the last busy day there. Long after dignitaries were done celebrating a new era in uptown research, the companies and institutions that conduct it are still not ready to sign a lease. A tenant-ready, column-free floor in the Malt Buildings glass-walled addition. The bricklike variation among the glass panes is meant to extend the masonry aesthetic. For the main entrance, architects repurposed a sloping alleyway leading from the street to the courtyard. The landscaped public space at the rear of the Malt Building, once the brewery yard. Seen from the court, the new office building grows from a varied cluster of buildings that have been fused into one. Photographs by Here and Now Agency, Brad Dickson Malt House came next, although its metamorphosis has been slowly progressing for years. Just making the building solid and safe meant cutting away the columns footings and replacing them with new concrete, the engineering equivalent of changing your shoes and socks while standing on one leg at a time. Even more delicate were the choices about which bricked-up archways to open and floors to cut away, when to turn an alley into an enclosed hallway, how to bring light into a windowless warehouse, and how to make a hodgepodge of unmatched levels navigable in a wheelchair. Solve enough of these technical head-scratchers so that all the parts start working together, and youve got a work of sensitive architecture. You can see the sutures between eras most clearly in one of the entrances that leads from the street, through an original archway, to a raised ground floor. To negotiate the passage between different levels, the architects installed a new steel staircase and cut away a section of the floor, flooding the basement with light from the storefront windows and opening a glimpse into the construction techniques of a century and a quarter ago. A ceiling corrugated with shallow brick vaults rests on a metal beam, which in turn sits atop a double-decker colonnade. The effect is almost acrobatic and subtly beautiful especially because none of this was originally meant to be seen at all. A separate entrance, repurposed from what was once an alley, ramps up from the street right through to a public courtyard, where the motley backs of various buildings line up in a rogues gallery of varicolored brick and oddly assorted openings. How it all fits together: (1) A future addition, as yet unbuilt. (2) The Sweets Building. (3) The Mink Building. (4) The Malt House. (5) Taystee Labs. Graphic: Courtesy of Janus Property Company. Look closely at the way these structures are joined, their personalities intact despite all the rejiggering, and you can only admire how much unnecessary elegance builders of that time incorporated into a plant without pretensions or preciousness. Honoring that craft today is far more time-consuming and expensive than it would be to knock the whole thing down and start again, so its a testament to the partnership between Janus and Gluck+ that Malt House came out both as rough and as usable as it has and that the labor doesnt show. The most striking component is the vertical, silolike space that Gavin Browns Enterprise occupied. From outside, its a tall, unbroken surface of bricks topped with a peaked roof, as if a child had drawn a stretched-out house and forgotten to include windows. Inside is a stack of large, unencumbered galleries topped by a dramatic double-height room. Its a raw but grand space, illuminated from above by skylights, the sort of hall that suggests something special should take place there a rave, a breakout art exhibition, a meeting of the clans. At first it gives the impression of having been left that way when the last of the brewery employees moved out the fermenters and vats. In fact, it took Gluck+ an immense amount of design work to make it seem like an architectural found object and at the same time render it legal and safe. The irony is that, for this past to be preserved, preservationists had to stand aside. A dozen years ago, Metzner cajoled neighborhood residents, the community board, and the city planning department to fold his wedge of Harlem into the rezoning of a much wider area of the West Side from 110th to 155th Streets. Residents were skeptical of developers who came peddling expensive new apartment towers and fearful that Harlem would lose its identity as a Black haven. But Janus wasnt offering to build housing, at least not there; instead, the company proposed reclaiming a manufacturing district as a commercial area and creating enough office space to juice the areas economy. (You can still see a trace of the old profile in the halal butcher at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 126th Street: Live chickens can only be sold at an address thats zoned for manufacturing.) The effort collided with the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which had kept the Mink Building on its to-do list for decades but never took the step of designating it as a city landmark. Michael Henry Adams was one of the loudest advocates for granting the brewery that protected status, casting the effort as a battle to save Harlem from developers depredations. Metzner complained, as property owners regularly do, that landmarking would prove too burdensome to be practical, since making even a minor change means hiring consultants and lawyers and tolerating extensive delays. That, preservationists countered, is precisely the point: Landmarking is a yellow light, meaning proceed with caution. It exists to remove personal interest and developers caprice from the project of protecting New Yorks history, and Metzner may have less sentimental successors who see scant value in aged architecture. Metzner succeeded in wresting his possessions away from Landmarks supervision by arguing that he needed leeway to inject jobs and liveliness into a three-block stretch that had seen little of either. His argument essentially came down to Trust me. The community board did, and the city acquiesced. So far, their faith has largely paid off. The Mink Building stands proud, and its neighbors have been woven into a moody and textured streetscape. Far from razing every adorable row house in sight, Metzner is stitching his fiefdom together with public space landscaped by Terrain Work. The new Taystee Labs life-sciences building, empty but ready for research. Built for the brewery offices and gradually renovated to suit tenants needs, the 1905 Mink Building has remained un-landmarked. Shoring up the old structures meant preserving the original columns but cutting away and replacing their footings. Down the block from the main entrance, a new staircase from the street to the raised ground floor reveals the buildings old bones. A skylit, double-height space at the top of a tall, windowless warehouse lent drama to an art gallery that has since shut down. Old and new steel beams interlock to maximize the variety of size, character, and light among the interior spaces. Photographs by Donna Dotan Photography, Courtesy of Janus Property Company, Here and Now Agency, Courtesy of GLUCK+, Brad Dickson Adams is unmollified. Yes, the brewery still exists, and, yes, the modern additions contrast nicely with the rough grain of brick and sandstone that still dominates those blocks. But, he says, a landmark designation would ultimately have improved the architecture and brought more harmoniousness to the streetscape, without quashing the modern additions. Janus should never have been allowed to desecrate (Adamss word) the Mink Building with flush glass panes framed in dark metal panels, instead of continuing the pattern of double windows, shallow arches, and light stone mullions. That was just some architects way to assert themselves on the historic fabric, like a dog marking its territory, Adams grouses. The new Taystee Lab, designed by LevenBetts, is a far more dramatic example of the kind of interloper Adams feared: sleek and long and see-through. So was the city right to bet on Metzner, and was Metzner right to bet on Manhattanville? In real estate, the answer is the same as in the koan about the zen master and the little boy: Well see. Janus, the god of transitions, gates, and doors, sees the whole panorama of past and future, which is a good superpower to have when your business model is patience. It must have been hard to imagine, in 1989, that these few blocks could ever become one corner of a West Harlem research triangle, with Columbias new Jerome Greene Science Center a five-minute walk east and CUNYs immense Advanced Science Research Center ten minutes to the north. Even now, the district can feel far from the center of things, but then the action has moved outward in recent years, and anyway, with two subway stations a few blocks in either direction, its not really that far from anywhere. By 2019, Januss long-term gamble was paying off and had rented nearly half its space enough to keep the lights on and lenders happy. These days, Janus has half a million pristine, attractive, and unrented square feet on its hands, and Metzner is drawing on deep reserves of equanimity. Im always confident about tomorrow, he says. Im just never sure when tomorrow will come. From the Tibi show at the Starrett-Lehigh Building during New York Fashion Week in September 2023. Photo: Albert Urso/Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows Since it became a high-visibility event in Bryant Park in the mid-1990s, New York Fashion Week has walked from runway to runway. Starting in 2010, the expanding event shifted to Lincoln Center, which turned out to be (as one attendee said to me recently) a shitshow, and also destructive. In 2018, after a short stint being split among two locations, it resettled at Spring Studios, on Varick Street, a more suitable venue (spacious, indoors) but one that also eventually became overburdened. That led to the deal announced this week with IMG, which owns and operates Fashion Week: The events main hub will now be in the Starrett-Lehigh Building, the behemoth industrial-turned-office building between 11th and 12th Avenues and 26th and 27th Streets. Certainly space will not be a problem. The Starrett-Lehigh Building is immense, covering a full block: Michael Landeen, the buildings general manager for RXR, tells me that he and his colleagues call it a cruise ship on land. Nor is this a completely out-of-the-box idea, as the building played host to a couple of individual fashion shows on the buildings 18th floor in 2022 and 2023. They were very pleased with that. We were very pleased with them. So that helped the conversations, and here we are, he says. That 18th floor is fitted out as an event space, a flexible white box, and its large enough (at 68,000 feet) to handle a lot of activity at once. An extra 17,000 square feet on the floor below will, he says, be dedicated to back-of-the house stuff: logistics, tech, space for staff. It already hosts 12 to 15 big events a year, of varying duration. Even if you have not attended one, you may recognize it if you watch Billions, because it stood in as Taylors office in the final episodes. Theres also an expo hall of 5,000 square feet that, presumably, will come into use during the shows, as will other parts of the building like its food hall and a soon-to-be-built restaurant and a big amenities space on the tenth floor. The Starrett-Lehigh Building on West 26th takes up an entire block in Chelsea. Photo: Richard Levine/Alamy Stock Photo The building has been trending toward fashion and apparel tenants for awhile. Ralph Lauren has 250,000 square feet of space, and Canada Goose, Zimmermann, and Under Armour are there as well. Landeen wont reveal the buildings vacancy rate, but presumably it hasnt been immune to the market forces that the shift to working from home have wrought. He will say that although this isnt part of an aggressive play toward signing more fashion leases, Starrett-Lehigh has become, somewhat intentionally, a hub for creative industries, and this certainly wont hurt that identity. Its strengths for the theatricality of Fashion Week are obvious (enormously high ceilings, vast window area, river views, a lot of fresh renovation) are obvious; so are its potential weaknesses (its a long hike from transit, especially in high heels, so one suspects therell be a black-car traffic jam outside every day during the shows). The latter will still likely be an improvement on Spring Studios, which couldnt really accommodate one particular newish aspect of Fashion Week: all the activation points for social media that brands now need to build, and the throngs of influencers that come with them. In recent years, one attendee tells me, youd see TikTokers walking up and down Varick Street as they filmed; now theyre likely to be a lot closer to the action. NYFWs biggest and most extravagant shows will mostly not be at Starrett-Lehigh. They tend to be so theatrical and site-specific, all-encompassing presentations that exist in their own environments. Marc Jacobs, for example, rented the New York Public Library last year; Tory Burch took the former Emigrant Industrial Savings Bank downtown. The tiniest ones tend to take place in the designers own showrooms, for reasons of economics, or in unconventional offsite locations, to convey indie cred. This, then, will likely be for the midsize shows where the convenience and support of a prebuilt white box is appropriate. Theyre the Off Broadway performances, so to speak, neither Broadway or Off Off and there are a whole lot of those. Though it wouldnt exactly be a surprise if Ralph Lauren someday were to show here, given that the company is only an elevator ride away. Speaking of which: Starrett-Lehighs infrastructure solves another recurring problem. At small ateliers or even showrooms in larger old loft buildings and, yes, at Spring Studios theres a familiar dreary ritual of standing around waiting for an elevator that holds only eight people, whereby takes a half-hour to get into a show and a half-hour to leave. Starrett-Lehigh, by contrast, has a whole lot more capacity even though the very largest lifts, which until a couple of years ago brought entire trucks upstairs, are gone now. In their place, we added about another 11 elevators, Landeen says, audibly pleased, and we do have a large car not as big as the truck elevator, but you could fit a Mini Cooper on it. Its about 32 feet by 16 feet wide. And thats where all the IMG guests will be going up to the 18th floor we could put probably 50, 60 people on it at one time. Yeah. The agent Nick Gavin listed his own loft with little fanfare. A listing photo shows the scale of the 34-foot-wide great room and Gavins take on a warm millennial minimalism. Photo: Compass Details Price: $4.75 million ($2,855 taxes and $2,803 maintenance fee) Specs: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms Extras: laundry room, custom closets, 6-foot-by-14-foot storage room Listed by: Nick Gavin, Compass Last week, the real-estate agent Nick Gavin put up a $4.75 million four-bedroom loft for sale in the building at 136 Baxter a 1915 former stable turned into a minimalist boutique condo in 2007 by the art dealer Max Protech. The renovation stripped the building down to its quality structure: high pine ceilings, cast-iron columns, and thick brick walls. Gavins four-bedroom is shown decorated in a warm take on millennial minimalism: pale oak floors, white walls, Noguchi lamps, a Pierre Jeanneret easy chair below a Rene Ricard painting. When he posted the listing on his Instagram, Gavin added the text, Very excited to share this one! Compared to Gavins other downtown listings, theres almost a quaint feeling to his own 2,600-square-foot loft (priced $1 million more than he and his wife, the model Katrin Thormann, paid in 2021). Gavin, who started at Corcoran in 2008, has become something like downtowns answer to Serena Boardman, the agent whose name seems to pop up next to listings with a certain cachet. When Karlie Kloss and Joshua Kushner sold their old place at the Puck Building in 2021, they used Gavin. When the Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton was selling a $50 million Tribeca penthouse, he used Gavin. Gavin doesnt just represent fame and money; clients lean on his team for its discerning aesthetic sensibility, according to his teams site at Compass, which he joined in 2015. To wit: Last month, Gavin represented the seller of a $5.95 million maisonette on Perry Street with 70s vibes, a serious art collection, and low-slung leather furniture. Simultaneously, he repped a $9.75 million Cape Codstyle cottage penthouse atop an East Village apartment building. Both sold within weeks. The listing photos show a bedroom that perhaps no human ever lived in; staged to help sell Gavins discerning aesthetic sensibility. Photo: Compass Then, theres Gavins record at 136 Baxter Street. He has represented sellers of six different high-ceilinged condos at the 1915 loft building. When he sold one of the penthouses last year, he represented both the buyer and the seller. And for two of his Baxter Street listings, he has represented himself. When Gavin listed his first apartment in the building his own 2-bedroom condo duplex on the fifth and sixth floors, which he bought in 2016 for $2.6 million he did some press, telling Surface magazine that he and Thormann were leaving for a bigger, brighter four-bedroom unit on the fourth floor. (The same one that is now for sale with a 34-foot-wide great room that peers over Baxter Street.) He has also, over the years, chirped to the New York Post about his listings, including that Cape Codstyle penthouse. But he rarely talks about himself. The last time he agreed to a profile appears to be in 2011, when Crains marked his meteoric rise with a few short paragraphs that are so outdated, theyre humorous. (His favorite social media site is Facebook and his favorite restaurant is the formerly scene-y Indochine.) In 2020, he let the Times into his Shelter Island getaway and told the charming story of renovating it to fit his growing family then quarantining there during the pandemic. The listing photo of the office almost crops out a framed page from the New York Times Style section (far right), showing the article on Gavin and Thormanns Shelter Island home. Photo: Compass The only news release to sell this apartment came on Instagram, and Gavin chose not to return an email, text, and phone call on the listing. Which seems typical for him. In an era when agents take courses in TikTok and YouTube walkthroughs, his reticence matches the discerning aesthetic sensibility shown in the listing photos: a blank canvas on which any potential buyer might see themselves. Photo: Zach Hilty/BFA/Shutterstock Nir Meir, the former managing director of the luxury real-estate development firm HFZ Capital, was arrested in South Beach yesterday evening on an out-of-state warrant, according to Miami-Dade County records. Meir is facing extradition to New York, where he is likely to face charges stemming from an investigation by the Manhattan district attorney, Alvin Bragg. Meirs attorney, Gary Rosen, declined to comment, as did Braggs office. Meir was arrested at the 1 Hotel South Beach residences, where hed been renting an apartment, according to someone familiar with the arrest. Its the nadir of an astounding fall for the developer. Just a few years ago, HFZ was among the glitziest and most aggressive real-estate development firms in Manhattan. As the protege to HFZs founder, Ziel Feldman, Meir oversaw the companys biggest projects, including the XI (now called One High Line), a $2 billion megadevelopment designed by the architect Bjarke Ingels. Among colleagues, Meir had a reputation as an aggressive dealmaker with a gift for wooing international investors, like the secretive diamond magnate Beny Steinmetz. Meir maintained an extravagant lifestyle: He and his wife, Ranee Bartolacci, built a beachfront mansion in the Hamptons that Patriots owner Robert Kraft would later buy for $43 million. He collected wine and exotic cars and, on weekends, he flew in sushi chefs for private omakase dinners. Meanwhile, at work, Meir dodged bills. As detailed in a New York Magazine report, HFZ stopped paying contractors working on the XI in late 2019; whenever lenders asked where their money was, Meir seemed to have an excuse. In one desperate move, alleged in a subsequent lawsuit filed by Feldman, Meir invented a Korean investor and doubled down by enlisting someone to fake a Korean accent during a conference call. By 2022, HFZ had been gutted by foreclosures and lawsuits. Feldman, who claimed that he put too much faith in Meir to run the day-to-day business, fired Meir and sued him for $688 million in damages. Feldman and his wife, Helene, who also worked at HFZ, had no comment on Meirs arrest. With Nir at the helm, we were doomed from the beginning, Feldman told me in 2022, blaming Meir for his firms collapse. Feldman claimed his biggest mistake was relying on a person who turned out to be a very talented sociopath. After being fired at HFZ, Meir decamped to Miami Beach, where he lived out of luxury hotels and, for a time, a $150,000-a-month rental. Last week, in bankruptcy court, first reported by the Real Deal, Meir said he had $30 million in liabilities and just $50 to his name. He is also in the middle of a contentious divorce from his wife, Bartolacci, who claimed to be unaware of her husbands debts. Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters Earlier this week, 70 current and former NYCHA workers were arrested on bribery and extortion charges in a record-setting bust. According to the Department of Justice, these superintendents and other employees working at nearly 100 housing developments in the city were accused of taking kickbacks from contractors generally ranging from $500 to $2,000 in exchange for hiring them to do small-scale repairs at their buildings, which were $10,000 jobs or less. While the bribes altogether added up to a relatively small amount $2 million it was the largest number of bribery charges that the Department of Justice has ever handed out in a single day. Many NYCHA tenants were unsurprised as one put it to the New York Times: Thats how housing works. NYCHAs operations have been under scrutiny over the past few years in 2019 the authority was placed under a federal monitorship after it falsified lead-paint inspections. And this latest scandal is drumming up calls for the housing authority to reform its no-bid contracting processes. So what does this latest bust mean for NYCHA and its perpetual maintenance woes? We spoke to Nicholas Bloom, urban-policy professor at Hunter College and author of Public Housing That Worked: New York in the Twentieth Century, about the raid and what it shows about the cost of public housing. Tell me how this system of small-dollar repairs works in NYCHA. The original concept was to speed up the repairs. Theyre small jobs where you wouldnt force everyone to go through requests-for-proposals and bidding to accelerate repairs. But clearly the reason there was all of that process in place was to prevent pay-to-play instances like this. You had to know youre going to relax controls. But an interesting question thats worth looking into is how successful has this been in speeding up repairs. Did this actually have any of the impact that people hoped? I dont know. The reason you need all this is because there are so many buildings that have long-standing maintenance issues. If you cant address the large-scale issues, theres a lot of short-term fixes, which are beyond what NYCHA maintenance can handle because its a bit understaffed as well. So thats why you have all this small-time contracting going on. So if some of these bigger capital needs were funded and completed, it would lessen these kinds of patchwork maintenance contracts and thus the potential for corruption. Absolutely, because youll have lobbies renovated, roofs done, fewer leaks in the building walls, and so youll definitely have fewer repair issues. And we can see that with the RAD program [a federal program that unlocks Section 8 funding and allows private operators to renovate public housing]; theyre able to comprehensively renovate places. Thats definitely going to reduce your operating costs and the need for short-term repairs. Whereas in the majority of NYCHA buildings, while theyre able to do some of the big projects roofs and things like that theyre way behind on so many other pieces. Can you contextualize if the raid is, in fact, a big deal 100 buildings, 70 people seems like such widespread corruption. I would just say that theres a long tradition of pay-to-play in New York around building services. Its in the private sector too, and honestly, this is not the first time its happened in NYCHA either. I think its crucial to send a message that this is not acceptable. And hopefully people get the memo on that. But by having so much need for these constant small-scale things, theyre creating conditions where people will take advantage of the system. Yeah, it seems like no one was really that surprised, especially tenants. I mean, the headline is, Building Super Requires Money to Get a Favored Contract in New York. I dont think that surprises anyone. Will this actually affect the day-to-day life of tenants? Is this actually going to help them get repairs? None of this is great from a reputational point of view for funding, but what are you going to do? If people have committed crimes, then they have to be prosecuted for it. And again, theres the question of Did they do the work?, which I think is a pretty big question. So if theyre corrupt and theyre not doing the work, then for the lives of residents, its a total loss. But its hard to imagine, given the enormous $70 billion deficit the housing authorities are facing, that this one way or another will affect people. Do you see this as part of the bigger effort to clean up operations? NYCHA is already under a microscope in a sense. So its kind of amazing that people would pull this, given the fact that theres a federal monitor. Its about restoring confidence and so forth. But politically, I dont know how this plays. Its not likely to play very well because then its sort of like, Well, wheres the money going? and those sorts of questions. Whereas I know for a fact that NYCHA has, over the last decade or more, reformed its large-scale contracting processes and done a pretty good job of actually delivering. From what I understand of those contracts, theyre extraordinarily vetted. I assume the people who are against public housing will just use this as more ammo to dismantle it. Well, for those who are against public housing, its just another example of why public housing is unworkable. For those who are for it, its a little frustrating. Ill admit that myself as someone who supports it. But the problem is that politically, everyone is still dodging the bullet, whether its the governor or the mayor or whoever. What most people dont realize is the aging stock problem. Almost all projects were built between 1945 and 1965. Were talking about 170,000 units. So that entire stock of housing is basically reaching the time where they need comprehensive renovation. While there was money to build this all in one burst, we havent seen that kind of funding for public housing since. So how do you essentially rebuild an entire system in a political world where Congress is not going to fund it, and the state and the city have only put up a small amount. So it still comes down to large-scale funding. Yes, I would say the solution is to fund public housing better so that you can do comprehensive renovation. There are some large-scale comprehensive modernization projects underway and theres the RAD-PACT model where youre basically resetting buildings so that there are fewer opportunities for this sort of small scale graft. That, to me, is the only solution. Well-funded agencies do a better job of controlling costs and behavior and so forth because they have the funds to maintain the buildings and the operations people feel well-paid and responsible. You can attract talent in a different way. Anything that is well-funded in America, has a good reputation and gets things done. And anything that isnt well, you can rearrange everything, but it doesnt function as well. Associated Students of the University of Oregon (ASUO) has a public meeting for the Programs Finance Committee (PFC) on November 15, 2021 in the Miller Room of the Earl Memorial Union. PFC s role with ASUO is discussing and approving budget and stipend help for student organizations at the University of Oregon. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald) Japanese Yen (USD/JPY, GBP/JPY, EUR/JPY) Analysis Japans top currency official mentions FX intervention in response to yen weakness USD/JPY tentative above the crucial 150 mark GBP/JPY breakout already struggling for momentum EUR/JPY tests zone of resistance but both currencies The analysis in this article makes use of chart patterns and key support and resistance levels. For more information visit our comprehensive education library Recommended by Richard Snow How to Trade USD/JPY Get My Guide Japans Top Currency Official Mentions FX Intervention in Response to Yen Weakness Late last night and in the early hours of this morning, Japanese officials attempted to come to the yens defence, but stern warnings proved ineffective, for now. Japans top currency diplomat Masato Kanda communicated his displeasure around rapid yen moves which he says could have an adverse effect on the economy. Mr Kanda even went as far as to suggest deploying FX intervention as a potential solution to the matter. Japanese officials previously intervened in the FX market in September and October 2022 when it sold dollars and bought yen to strengthen the value of the local currency. It is reported that nearly $20 billion was deployed in an effort to strengthen the yen which it ultimately did. It was the first dollar, yen intervention in 24 years and it could soon be upon us again should Tokyo tire of repeated warnings. The Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki weighed in on the matter by reiterating the importance for currencies to move stably and reflect fundamentals and that he is watching FX moves with a strong sense of urgency. However, he stopped short of mentioning FX intervention directly and when asked about it directly, offered no response. The 10-year Japanese Government bond yield gapped higher this morning but the yen has hardly responded. Japanese Government Bond Yield (10-Year) Source: TradingView, prepared by Richard Snow USD/JPY tentative above crucial 150 mark USD/JPY received a lift from yesterdays hotter-then-expected CPI print, sending the pair above 150, where it trades cautiously. Today, trading has been light, seeing a modest move lower as markets await US retail sales data and consumer sentiment updates on Friday. USD/JPY failed to acknowledge the FX intervention warnings, appearing to take it in its stride. The pair, despite remaining above 150, hardly made a move lower and the bullish posture remains intact. 146.50 is the next level of resistance but may prove difficult to reach unless given a helping hand from US data in the coming days. The RSI is on the cusp on overbought territory meaning a short-term return to 150 is not out of the question. If Japanese officials decide to intervene in the market, the pair could move by as much as 500/600 pips if history repeats itself. So the potential volatility around FX intervention is massive. USD/JPY Daily Chart Source: TradingView, prepared by Richard Snow Recommended by Richard Snow The Fundamentals of Trend Trading Get My Guide GBP/JPY breakout already struggling for momentum GBP/JPY printed a fresh yearly high yesterday but is already appearing vulnerable to a move back to 188.80. Sterling is broadly weaker today after CPI data remained unchanged for both the headline and core measures despite estimates pointing to slight moves higher. The RSI approached overbought territory a mark that previously preceded a move lower and remains something to keep in mind. However, the bullish case remains constructive from a technical perspective but the threat of FX intervention poses a massive threat. Tomorrow morning UK GDP is due and could potentially confirm a technical recession in the UK which could see the pair surrender the remainder of its recent gains. GBP/JPY Daily Chart Source: TradingView, prepared by Richard Snow EUR/JPY tests zone of resistance but both currencies EUR/JPY finds itself pressed up against an immediate zone of resistance at 161.70. The euro has struggled to appreciate and is likely to remain weaker against its peers as rate cut expectations still envision more than 100 basis points worth of cuts this year. However, the yen has proven to be even weaker than the weak euro, allowing the 200 day SMA to act as dynamic support on the way up. 161.79 stands in the way of a bullish continuation towards 164 while support resides back at 157.94. EUR/JPY Daily Chart Source: TradingView, prepared by Richard Snow If you're puzzled by trading losses, why not take a step in the right direction? Download our guide, "Traits of Successful Traders," and gain valuable insights to steer clear of common pitfalls: Recommended by Richard Snow Traits of Successful Traders Get My Guide --- Written by Richard Snow for DailyFX.com Contact and follow Richard on Twitter: @RichardSnowFX People across China enjoy festive events to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year Xinhua) 09:40, February 14, 2024 Actors perform dance during an event celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year in Haikou City, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 12, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu) People visit Fuzimiao, or the Confucius Temple, in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 12, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Su Yang/Xinhua) Tourists visit a temple fair in Pinggu District of Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Xinhua/Ren Chao) Actors perform lion dance at a cultural scenic spot in Zigui County, central China's Hubei Province, Feb. 13, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Wang Huifu/Xinhua) Children in festive costume pose for a photo at the Tengwang Pavilion scenic spot in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Feb. 12, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Bao Gansheng/Xinhua) People look at lanterns at a scenic spot in Shijiazhuang, north China's Hebei Province, Feb. 13, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Zhang Xiaofeng/Xinhua) People visit a lantern fair in Sanmenxia City of central China's Henan Province, Feb. 12, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Xinhua/Zhu Xiang) People watch dragon dance at Nanchuan District in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 12, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Luo Chuan/Xinhua) An artist performs fire-breathing at a temple fair in Zaozhuang City, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 10, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Li Zhijun/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 12, 2024 shows a lantern fair in Sanmenxia City of central China's Henan Province. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Du Jie/Xinhua) A boy holding a dragon-shaped lantern watches a show at a Spring Festival temple fair in Yancheng County, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 12, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Zhang Chunlei/Xinhua) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 12, 2024 shows a performance show celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year in Wuyuan County, east China's Jiangxi Province. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Xinhua/Wan Xiang) Boys taste snacks at a stall in Zhifu District of Yantai, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 13, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Sun Wentan/Xinhua) People interact with interact with actors of wooden-bench dragon dance in Nanchang, east China's Jiangxi Province, Feb. 12, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Bao Gansheng/Xinhua) A tourist buys a dragon-shaped hat at a fair in Shangqiu, central China's Henan Province, Feb. 13, 2024. People across China are enjoying temple fairs, lantern shows and other events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and embrace the festive atmosphere. (Photo by Li Heng/Xinhua) Tourists enjoy themselves at a coastal scenic area in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Zhao Yingquan) Tourists watch a parade of penguins at the Harbin Polarpark in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) People watch a dragon dance performance on the Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 13, 2024 shows people touring along the Dongguan Street in Yangzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Photo by Meng Delong/Xinhua) Tourists watch a parade of penguins at the Harbin Polarpark in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 13, 2024 shows tourists enjoying flowers at a scenic area of Linhai City, east China's Zhejiang Province. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Photo by Wang Huabin/Xinhua) People participate in a Spring Festival event at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) People visit the Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) A child tries to blow a sugar figure on the Qianmen Street in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Wang Yuguo) A child plays a drum during a Spring Festival event at the Shougang Park in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Ju Huanzong) People watch a dragon and lion dance performance at Ningxia Science and Technology Museum in Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Xinhua/Wang Peng) Tourists visit the Chongqing Museum of Natural History in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, Feb. 13, 2024. People across the country celebrated the Spring Festival through various events. (Photo by Qin Tingfu/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Ulviyya Shahin Turkmenistan and Iran discussed the development of transport links between the countries of the region, including those passing through Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. The Turkmen delegation participated in the Iranian Maritime Economy forum (Turkmendenizderyayollary), during which issues of developing international trade and transport links between the countries of the region were discussed, according to the website of the Maritime and River Transport Agency of Turkmenistan. Alongside transport companies, government agencies, and business groups from Iran, they discussed key issues: developing international trade and strengthening transport links between regional countries along the North-South and West-East corridors. Three key transport corridors were highlighted: Europe Russia Azerbaijan Iran India, Russia Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Iran India, Russia Iran India Meetings with representatives of the Port and Maritime Organization of Iran were held on the sidelines of the forum. The Turkmen delegation briefed the Iranian colleagues about the port system, the national merchant fleet, and opportunities in the field of shipbuilding. Helene Wallingford stands behind her husband of 53 years, David, retired captain, USMC, in their home on Saratoga Lake in Malta, Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024. The two first met after David was injured during a mission in Vietnam and air lifted to a US. Naval base hospital at Yokosuka, Japan. Helene was a nurse there. Even a self-respecting poodle would object to the way we are currently behaving towards the USA. We are on the brink of allowing the American government to reach into this country and seize a man who has broken no British law. Once they have hold of him, there is every chance that he will be buried alive in some federal dungeon, quite possibly until he dies. We would not allow Russia, or Saudi Arabia, or Turkey to behave like this. And quite right too. There is every reason to believe that if the circumstances were reversed, the Americans would laugh in our faces and refuse to hand over such a person. The man involved is the Australian journalist Julian Assange, whose Wikileaks organisation is hated by the USA because he embarrassed them, and who has languished in Belmarsh maximum security prison ever since being arrested at the Ecuadorian embassy in 2019. As I asked in The Mail on Sunday nearly four years ago: Do we really want the hand of a foreign power to be able to reach into our national territory at will and pluck out anyone it wants to punish? Are we still even an independent country if we allow this? Julian Assange is hated by the USA because he embarrassed them, says Peter Hitchens You will have heard many bad things about Mr Assange. I had too, but while I disagree with him politically about most things I found when I inquired that he has in fact been the victim of many smears which do not stand up to examination. Ignore claims that he carelessly endangered the lives of Americans when he released material provided by the US Army whistleblower Chelsea Manning. In the words of my distinguished and far from Leftist colleague Andrew Neil, who, like me, opposes Mr Assanges extradition, the material revealed: War crimes covered up. Torture. Brutality. The rendition and incarceration of suspects without due process. The corruption of inquiries trying to hold it to account. The bribery of foreign officials to look the other way when America did bad things. In short, Julian Assange published scandalous facts which proper journalists in a free society are entitled and in fact obliged to disclose, for the benefit of that society. But Julian Assange took great care to edit the material to prevent individuals being endangered, and no evidence has ever been produced that any such harm resulted. Interestingly, Chelsea Manning was pardoned by President Barack Obama. His administration also decided not to proceed with charges against Mr Assange. But they were then revived by President Donald Trump. This is the clearest possible evidence that the prosecution is openly political, not criminal. As the text of the US-UK extradition treaty states, using the American spelling of offence, in a document bearing the Royal Coat of Arms: (Article 4, clause 1): Extradition shall not be granted if the offense for which extradition is requested is a political offense. It is quite astonishing that the British courts and more than one home Secretary have been persuaded by lawyers to pretend that this is not such an offence. The law under which Mr Assange is being pursued is the notorious US Espionage Act, once used against the heroic Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked the Pentagon Papers to the New York Times in 1971. These documents showed that the administration of Lyndon Johnson had systematically lied, not only to the public but also to Congress, about the Vietnam War (which later turned out to be a futile disaster). The Nixon White House responded by ordering a break-in at the office of Ellsbergs psychiatrist in the hope of finding material that could be used to smear him. The significance of his extradition case reaches far beyond the person of Mr Assange and his courageous and indomitable wife Stella, pictured with him, says Peter Partly thanks to this grotesque behaviour, a courageous judge dismissed the charges. Ellsberg himself strongly sided with Julian Assange until his death in June last year, seeing a close parallel between the two cases. Interestingly, Mr Assanges supporters allege that he too has been subjected to CIA surveillance. In the light of what undoubtedly happened to Mr Ellsberg, this is far from impossible to believe. But next week there is at least an even chance that the British legal system will rule against Mr Assange and so meekly hand him over to the US government. He is seeking leave to appeal against Home Office and judicial rulings that his extradition must go ahead. If his case fails, he may find himself on a fast track to an American maximum security prison. US officials have argued that Americas First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech there, does not apply to Mr Assange. Mike Pompeo, then director of the Central Intelligence Agency, said on April 13, 2017, of Mr Assange and his WikiLeaks colleagues: They have pretended that Americas First Amendment freedoms shield them from justice. They may have believed that, but they are wrong. This is itself admission that this case is truly about free speech. And of course it is. If the extradition goes ahead, no non-American journalist, who receives confidential information about US government activities from a whistleblower, will ever again be safe from being marched off in handcuffs to the USA. It is important for the honour of this country that this does not happen. The significance of the case reaches far beyond the person of Mr Assange, his courageous and indomitable wife Stella and his small children who have endured years of tension and misery while they await the outcome of this affair. A protester holds a banner in support of Wikileaks founder Julian Assange outside Westminster Magistrates Court in London For me, it is a question of whether this is a proper sovereign country governed by its own laws, or a servile satellite, bearing the same relation to Washington DC as the Warsaw Pact states once bore to Moscow. But that is not all. I live and work in the capital of the country which more or less invented liberty. We still have in London one of the biggest concentrations of independent media in the world, newspapers with long histories of opposition to government and critical scrutiny of the courts and of foreign policy. During the Iraq and Vietnam wars and during many creepy prosecutions of honourable people wrongly prosecuted for revealing inconvenient facts about the state and its actions our capital has always been full of loud and concentrated protest. But as the day of decision approaches on the Assange case, the media silence is so total that you could hear a mouse sneeze. There are exceptions. In a fine article in Prospect Magazine, former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger wonders if too many in British public life have been seduced by the supposed glamour of our security and spy services. He writes: I will never forget a distinguished editor, at the height of the Edward Snowden revelations, writing: If the security services insist something is contrary to the public interest who am I to disbelieve them? In other words, trust the state. If they say jump, your role is to ask how high? Well done, Alan. But where are the rest of you? Right-wing patriot, wishy-washy liberal or Left-wing radical, we all have an interest in saving Julian Assange. And we have days in which to act. Id love to hear about this from some of the most powerful voices in British journalism, such as Charles Moore, Danny Finkelstein, Janice Turner and Matthew Parris. It is never too late to join a just cause. With a guaranteed front row seat at fashion week, a handsome Prince as a husband and a career as a model on her CV, Alessandra de Osma is surely one of the most glamorous royals in Europe - even though you may not have heard of her. Last week it was announced that the mother-of-three, 35, is a new Dior couture ambassador for Spain, adding another chapter to her real-life fairytale trajectory, which began when she crossed paths with royalty as a teenager. Alessandra, then 14, served as a tour guide to 17-year-old Prince Christian of Hanover - stepson of Princess Caroline of Monaco - while he was holidaying in her native Peru. Following six years of long-distance friendship, romance blossomed in 2011 when Alessandra relocated to Madrid, where Prince Christian was studying business administration. The lovebirds announced their engagement in 2017 and tied the knot the same year at a modest registry office in Chelsea, London, before celebrating their union the following year with a lavish three-day event in Peru - with guests including Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie. New Dior ambassador Alessandra de Osma, who lives in Madrid, is one of the most glamorous royals in Europe - but you probably haven't heard of her Alessandra pictured with her husband Prince Christian on their fifth wedding anniversary in March 2023 The Princess looked effortlessly stylish while enjoying the sunshine at a beach in July 2023 The Royal wedding of Alessandra de Osma and Prince Christian of Hannover, which took place at the Basilica of San Pedro on March 16, 2018 Alessandra, 35, and Christian, 38, currently reside in the Spanish capital with their twins Nicolas and Sofia, born in July 2020, and they are set to welcome their third child in March. Known as 'Sassa' to her friends, Alessandra boasts an impressive resume, holding qualifications as a lawyer and a master's degree in fashion and business management. She was signed with Ford Models in New York City at the age of 16 and has subsequently modelled for a host of renowned brands, such as Bottega Veneta, Missoni and Pepsi. Adding another accomplishment to her portfolio, the Princess now proudly bears the title of Dior couture ambassador. Posting on Instagram last week, Alessandra penned: 'Very happy to share I'm the new Dior couture ambassador for Spain. Thank you Karen and rest of the team for thinking of me!' She shared three images of herself modelling the resort collection, while praising the brand for drawing inspiration from Mexico and collaborating with its local artisans. Peruvian-born Alessandra, 35, has been married to Prince Christian of Hanover, 38, who is the younger son of Ernst August von Hanover and his first wife Chantal Hochuli, since 2017. The couple legally wed in November 2017 in a modest registry office service in Chelsea, London, before celebrating their union the following March with a lavish three-day event in Peru. Christian, who is second in line to succeed the former Hanoverian throne, is also a descendant of Queen Victoria through her daughter Empress Frederick. Alessandra de Osma attends the presentation of Scalpers Exclusive Collection at Palacio del Conde de Bornos on November 30, 2023 in Madrid, Spain Alessandra pictured soaking up the sun in Formentera in July 2022 The 35-year-old even looks glamorous while boating in 2022 Alessandra de Osma is renowned for her vibrant sense of style The star-studded Catholic ceremony, held at Peru's Basilica of San Pedro, was attended by Kate Moss, Princess Beatrice, Princess Eugenie, and Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark, among others. The bride stunned in an ivory lace gown by Spanish couturier Jorge Vazquez, featuring a high neck and an extravagant train, while the groom opted for a smart morning suit. Alessandra was given the honour of wearing the Hanover Floral Tiara, previously worn by Princess Caroline at her 1999 nuptials and by Ernst August Jr's wife Ekaterina Malysheva on her wedding day. The extravagant celebrations continued with lunch at the Club Nacional - where the great and good of Peruvian society and gathered for centuries - and cocktails at Casa Berckemeyer, an art gallery. Christian, whose mother is Swiss socialite Chantal Hochuli, first met Alessandra in 2005 when the then 14-year-old acted as his tour guide during a visit to Peru. The teenagers remained in contact as friends but only became romantically involved in 2011 when Alessandra relocated to Madrid. They were in a relationship for six years before announcing their engagement in 2017. Princess Alessandra is an avid traveller (pictured in 2013 and 2014) Alessandra pictured in Toledo, Spain in October 2022 The Princess showcases her style prowess during a bike ride in Madrid in August 2021 The 35-year-old was born in San Borja, Lima, Peru, to Felipe Juan Luis de Osma Berckemeyer, Executive and Central Commercial Manager of Hermes Transportes Blindados, and Elizabeth Maria Foy Vasquez, a former model. Alessandra signed with Ford Models in New York City aged 16. She went on to study law at the University of Lima and earned a master's degree in fashion and business management from the University of Navarra. In 2018, she launched accessory label Moi & Sass with Moira Laporta, specialising in timeless bags handmade from sustainable leather in Spain. The brand, which has accumulated nearly 30k followers on Instagram, designs with a focus on delivering long-lasting investment pieces with a minimal aesthetic. The talented designer appears to get on well with her in-laws, including her brother-in-law Prince Ernst August, named after his father, and sister-in-law Princess Alexandra of Hanover, the only child of Caroline and Ernst August. A familiar presence at Milan Fashion Week and prominent social gatherings, such as the Monaco Rose Ball, the Princess consistently showcases her fashion prowess. Alessandra co-owns accessory label Moi & Sass, specialising in timeless bags handmade from sustainable leather in Spain The Princess attending a fancy Dior event at Royal Alcazar of Seville The royal couple (pictured, right) on vacation in Formentera, Spain, in June 2017 Alessandra and Christian embarked on a bike ride while visiting Schoinousa, Greece, in April 2017 The Princess is a regular beach-goer (pictured July 2022) The Princess is beaming as she laps up the Peruvian sunshine (pictured April 2022) Alessandra is expecting her third child with Prince Christian (pictured January 2024) Her style choices draw inspiration from Latino influences, prominently featuring vibrant colours, off-the-shoulder necklines and cascading ruffles. Meanwhile, her thriving handbag brand, often slung over her shoulder, is available in luxury boutiques throughout Europe. Christian and Alessandra tend to keep a low profile and stay largely out of the spotlight. They are parents to twins, Nicolas and Sofia, born in July 2020, and are expecting their third child this March. Speaking to Hola!, Alessandra candidly shared her motherhood journey, describing 2020 as a 'very hard year' yet also the 'most important and happiest'. She further expressed her commitment to family, mentioning that she started spending more time at home after experiencing motherhood for the first time. The brutal murder of a 14-year-old cheerleader whose body was burned so badly she had to be identified by dental records is the focus of a new episode of the true crime series Murder Under the Friday Night Lights. Alicia DeBolt went missing on August 21, 2010, to the shock of her small town in Kansas. She was last seen alive when she left her home in Great Bend for a party just before midnight that evening. A few days later, her charred body was found at the Venture Corp. asphalt plant just south of town, with traces of duct tape on her ankles and face. Airing on February 14, the upcoming episode of the Investigation Discovery series will explore DeBolt's murder and the conviction of factory worker Adam Longoria. Alicia DeBolt, a 14-year-old cheerleader from Great Bend, Kansas, was murdered by Adam Longoria in August 2010 Longoria (L) was 36 when he began pursuing DeBolt (R) in July 2010. Prosecutors portrayed him as being immediately obsessed with the teen after seeing her at a birthday party Longoria was 36 years old over two decades DeBolt's senior when he began pursuing the teen in July 2010. Prosecutors portrayed him as being immediately obsessed with her after seeing her at a birthday party for his live-in girlfriend, Eva Brown. 'He began to woo Alicia by fawning over her and providing her with mixed alcohol drinks. He wanted Alicia to be "his girl,"' prosecutors wrote in one filing. DeBolt's murder is the focus of a new episode of the true crime series Murder Under the Friday Night Lights 'When another male took her home at the end of the party, the defendant became upset, later accusing this individual of blocking his attempts to have sex with Alicia.' Longoria and the DeBolt began texting the day after the party and exchanged 55 messages on July 18, 2010. He called the teen 'miss shy' and 'hot stuff' and asked her to send him a picture, which she did. Prosecutors said Longoria unsuccessfully attempted to get the teen in the car with him on four other occasions. The state contended that on August 21, 2010, Longoria's 'depraved fantasy' came true when he finally lured DeBolt into his vehicle, took her to an isolated area, attempted to rape her, and killed her. Employees at Venture Corp. initially thought they had found a mannequin on the property, until they noticed flies around the burned figure and called the police. The body was so badly burned and decomposition so advanced that the specific cause of DeBolt's death remains unknown. All officials could say for sure was that they didn't think she was burned alive. Longoria and the DeBolt began texting the day after they met and exchanged 55 messages on July 18, 2010. He called her 'miss shy' and 'hot stuff' and asked her to send him a picture DeBolt was last seen alive when she left her home for a party just before midnight on August 21, 2010. Text messages from Longoria showed that he was the one who picked her up A few days after DeBolt went missing, her charred body was found at the Venture Corp. asphalt plant just south of town (pictured), where Longoria worked Longoria was arrested after he was found driving an SUV stolen from the asphalt company where he worked. He vigorously denied the charges of capital murder, attempted rape, and criminal solicitation of a minor, despite his lengthy criminal record. Three months before DeBolt was killed, he was released from a Texas prison where he had been serving a seven-year sentence for aggravated robbery. Longoria claimed he did not see DeBolt the day she disappeared, saying someone else took his car and cell phone that night. His attorney tried unsuccessfully to suppress inconsistent statements he made to investigators about his whereabouts at the time. Longoria texted DeBolt an hour before she left her house: 'I can pick up and we can go out and party we will have fun.' 'I have 5 bottles and 5 cases of beer an [sic] 1 house and there will be lots of people,' read another text message. She replied, 'K.' DeBolt then said she was ready and gave him her home address. At 10:59 p.m., Longoria texted her again: 'B there in 3 mins.' A minute later, he added: 'I'm here.' The last signal picked up from Alicia's phone was at 11:40 p.m. Longoria was arrested after he was found driving an SUV stolen from the company A surveillance video showed Longoria buying $1.32 of gas on the night DeBolt disappeared. He was convicted of capital murder in April 2012 Longoria was formally sentenced to life imprisonment without the chance of parole for the murder of DeBolt. The teen's mother, Tammy Conrad, is pictured at his sentencing At 12:57 a.m., Longoria texted the girl's phone one last time: 'There isn't going 2 b a party never mind.' Other evidence indicating that he was involved in DeBolt's grisly death included gasoline on his gym shoes and video surveillance showing him buying $1.32 of gas on the night she disappeared. Longoria's ex-girlfriend testified that he smelled of gasoline when he came home and that her car reeked of it the next morning. She said he washed his clothes when he came home that night and later shredded his T-shirt before asking her to dispose of it. Other witnesses testified he had asked them to lie about his whereabouts that night. In April 2012, Longoria was convicted of capital murder after jurors determined that he committed criminal sodomy, aggravated criminal sodomy, and attempted rape while killing DeBolt. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty; he was formally sentenced to life imprisonment without the chance of parole for the murder of DeBolt. '[DeBolt] was a little girl that was manipulated and abused and murdered by a man who knows better,' prosecutor Kevin O'Connor said at the sentencing in June 2012. Barton County Judge Hannelore Kitts had little leeway in deciding Longoria's punishment because a capital murder conviction in Kansas carries a mandatory sentence of at least life without parole. In 2015, the Kansas Supreme Court rejected Longoria's reasons for appeal and upheld his capital murder conviction. A travel influencer has revealed why it can actually be cheaper to live full-time at an all-inclusive resort than it is to rent an apartment on top of everyday living expenses in most major cities. TikTok creator Ben Keenan, from Seattle, compared his own monthly budget to the estimated cost of a month-long stay at a number of lower-priced resorts in Mexico and Dominican Republic with all-inclusive booking options. 'Have we ever considered it's actually cheaper to live at an all-inclusive resort than it is to live in the apartments we currently occupy? I was curious about this myself and I decided to test it out,' he began in his clip. Ben broke down how he pays $2,300 for his rent alongside other expenses - including $300 for utilities, $320 for his car and its insurance, $400 for food, and $600 for drinks and dining out, among other reoccurring payments - bringing his total monthly expenditures to about $4,000. Ben Keenan explored his hypothesis that it could be more cost effective to stay at an all-inclusive resort rather than spend money on an apartment living in major cities He shared his own basic monthly expenditures, which came out to roughly $4,000 'It's definitely doable!' Ben exclaimed after some cursory research Ben then pulled up search results for 'all-inclusive resorts in Mexico' and began exploring the options. Surveying resorts with availability for the month of April, plenty of stays were priced within the $6,500- to $7,500-per-month range. But one all-inclusive option, at the four-star Occidental Costa Cancun, with the price of $132 per night through Expedia, came out to a relatively modest $4,445 for a whole month. 'Yes that's $500 more than what I normally spend on rent [and other monthly expenses]. But bear in mind, I'm not paying the most expensive rent out there. compared to what other people in Seattle might be paying for example,' he said. 'Also, is that $500 worth me never having to do a single ounce of laundry, or cleaning, or whatever.' He then explored options in the Dominican Republic. One option, the three-star Coral Costa Caribe Beach Resort's all-inclusive package, was listed at $91 per night, coming out to just under $3,200 for the month. 'It's definitely doable!' Ben exclaimed. He discovered one Cancun resort that would cost just under $4,500 for an all-inclusive package over the month of April Ben reasoned that all the amenities and conveniences of more expensive all-inclusive stays could arguably also make the cost worthwhile - especially with a roommate to split the bill For the 'cool stuff' - that is, in the range of $7,500 to nearly $9,000 - Ben reflected that, with a two-bed room, getting a roommate to split with the cost of a month-long stay wouldn't make the final bill so hard on your bank account balance. 'If you're willing to split this, say you want a roommate, a true roommate - but with all these benefits, $7,500 total, that's less than I would pay on my rent every month. I would just have to share a room,' he theorized as he gestured to a list of amenities including an ocean view, free WiFi, and free parking. 'Do with this information what you will. I just thought it was really interesting that like there's a chance I could truly go live an all-inclusive lifestyle somewhere for approximately the same cost as all of my monthly expenses. 'And like that's crazy to me.' Viewers flocked to the comments to share anecdotes seemingly confirming Ben's hypothesis - as well as imagine the possibilities in their own lives Viewers took to the comments to fantasize about the possibilities of the never-ending vacation as a lifestyle. 'New retirement plan: rent our house and live at an all inclusive resort with a butler until I die,' one dreamed. 'All I can think about is how much time we would save not cleaning, cooking + grocery shopping,' a second admitted. 'All alcohol, no longer need my cleaning or lawn care people, there's a swimming pool you're onto something and when you get tired of one place just move to another on,' a third voiced in support of the notion. Others shared anecdotes seemingly confirming that Ben's theory had merit. 'I met a guy on my cruise last year who LIVED on the ship. Paid for wifi and works remotely. Blew my mind,' one claimed. 'I work with a girl that did this. she worked remotely and lived in an all inclusive resort in Thailand then Mexico,' a second chimed in. As someone else succinctly put it: 'You on to something bruh.' Once upon a time The Body Shop was a High Street sensation, one of the very first businesses to harvest the green field of ethical consumerism. It sold cosmetics and skincare products which were cruelty-free and promoted fair trade and was run by pioneers who blended their exotic perfume oils with social values. The packaging was simple, the plastic bottles were recyclable, the bags were biodegradable. All this may seem unremarkable today, but back in 1976, when Dame Anita Roddick opened her first Body Shop store in Brighton, it was truly a revelation. Within a decade or so, The Body Shop was a smash hit; its White Musk was the scent of a generation, while the Japanese Cleansing Grains and fruit-shaped soaps became iconic products. Body Shop founder Anita Roddick outside one of her stores in 1984. Her first shop launched in Brighton in 1976 and within a decade or so the brand was a smash hit JAN MOIR: Even now, it is hard to separate The Body Shop from its charismatic founder. There was a time when Anita Roddick was omnipotent; never off a soapbox or the television Even Princess Diana bought the brands Peppermint Foot Lotion while the highly fragranced Dewberry range so popular in the 1990s that many schools threatened to ban it was almost a rite of passage for teenage girls. Now the once-beloved Body Shop is on the ropes. Yesterday, it was plunged into administration, resulting in an uncertain future for its 200 UK shops and putting thousands of employees at risk. READ MORE: The Body Shop UK collapses into administration with thousands of jobs at risk: Up to 100 stores across UK face closure after High Street chain suffered poor Christmas sales and failed to compete with Lush and Rituals Advertisement The picture is also bleak around the world, where The Body Shop operates more than 900 stores in 20 countries, with a further 1,600 franchised stores in an additional 69 countries, giving a total of around 22,000 jobs which might soon bubble down the plughole. Perhaps the miracle is that it has lasted this long. Here in the UK, The Body Shop isnt the only High Street chain to hit hard times, but it is going to take more than a Hemp Body Mitt to scrub away its problems. For a start, The Body Shops core customers are now shopping at beauty counters elsewhere; no longer impressed by vitamin E creams and ginger shampoo, they are buying tanning drops, acrylic nail products and 30 retinol serums from brands such as E.L.F and Glossier. In the age of TikTok close-ups and selfie sticks, can there still be a future for a gentler brand offering shea body butter from Ghana and a paraben-free avocado lip mask? The answer seems to be no. The news comes only three months after new owner Aurelius took control of The Body Shop following a long period of decline. The German private equity firm, which specialises in the purchase of troubled businesses, bought the company for 207million from Brazilian cosmetics giant Natura & Co in November. Following dismal trading over Christmas, Aurelius confirmed it had appointed accounting firm FRP Advisory as administrators perhaps heralding the dismantling and inglorious end of yet another great British brand. One of the key reasons cited for The Body Shops low sales figures is that they operate in a saturated market with too many other companies including Lush and Rituals copying their original idea of environment-friendly personal care products. Ironic, really, as copying seems to be exactly what Anita Roddick herself did all those years ago. It has passed into Body Shop folklore that enterprising Anita nicked the idea and the name from a small business in Berkeley, California, owned by two sisters-in-law, Peggy Short and Jane Saunders. The thing they cant change is public taste In their Body Shop, the American women sold their products in biodegradable bottles that could be refilled. Anita went on a buying binge in their store and returned to Britain with lots of products and a business plan. (In 1987, The Body Shop paid Peggy and Jane 2.7million to change the name of their company to Body Time.) Even now, it is hard to separate The Body Shop from its charismatic founder. There was a time when Anita Roddick was omnipotent; never off a soapbox or the television, a feminist businesswoman spoken of in the same buccaneering breath as Richard Branson or Freddie Laker. It was her belief that business could be a force for good, and she would zig-zag the globe, buying products such as Brazil nuts and hemp from indigenous peoples to make her natural concoctions; saving the world as well as saving your complexion, and all the while campaigning in earnest for worthy causes. Her core activism involved rescuing the rainforest and fostering trade links with the developing world. She supported Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, the Ogoni people from Nigeria, the Kayapo tribe of Brazil and Boys Town in Kerala, India. To buy a banana shampoo bar, you increasingly had to negotiate a picket line of slogans, banners and Roddicks worthy obsessions in every Body Shop outlet. There were always accusations, which were never quite thrown off, that the company was guilty of using its social conscience as a marketing exercise. I have an agenda of outrage on some issues, and I use the shops for that, Roddick once said. When I met her in 1997, it was like coming face to face with Edina from Absolutely Fabulous. She had just returned from my most profound trip ever, which had involved travelling for three months through the southern states of the U.S., living with families whose only source of income came from selling crack cocaine, cooked in their own kitchens. Anita slept in some of these crack shacks, in a bid to keep herself real. Jan, my great fear is wealth, she told me. Wealth corrodes; it separates you from the human condition. And my other great fear is that I will end up like Estee Lauder. So give me any excuse to stop that, to jerk me back into a new consciousness. Ive got all these freaking shops and I think: How can we help? What can we buy from these people? Maybe some cheap crack, I joked. But wasnt there something distasteful about looking at the lives of poor people in a bid to validate your own? She agreed, but added: I didnt just look at them; I learnt from the experience. To understand the poor, you have to understand that they know everything about poverty. Yet despite such perception, controversy was never far away. In 1994, it became known that the caring, sharing Body Shop had made zero charitable donations during its first 11 years in business after which contributions increased significantly. There was a rocky patch in the early 1990s when damaging doubts vigorously denied were raised about how green and ethical some Body Shop products really were. A tense relationship with their City backers (those pin-striped dinosaurs, according to Anita) persisted long after the companys 1984 flotation. Perhaps most telling were the skirmishes with Body Shop franchisees, who felt they were not getting a fair deal that the company was more focused on the plight of the Ogoni and Wayapo people than on them. Everything changed in 2006 when Anita and husband Gordon sold the brand to French beauty giant LOreal for 652million, which seemed to go against the grain of their hippy values. Yet two years earlier, Anita had discovered she had hepatitis C, which she believed she had contracted in 1971, following a blood transfusion after the birth of her daughter. Her family now believe Anita was one of the first victims of the blood contamination scandal. She died aged 64 of a brain haemorrhage in 2007, leaving her 51million estate to charity, as shed always promised to do. So she was no Estee Lauder, yet many of her critics will still argue that the endless proselytising of the Body Shop resulted in little of the global change they boasted about. Certainly, after my encounter with the formidable bubble-bath mogul I couldnt help but feel it was all about Anita rather than Anitas pet causes. If I take away the work from my life, I dont think I am real, she said. The Body Shop has gone through many changes since then, but the one thing it cannot change is public taste. Everyone is going to miss it, but no one was buying it, in more ways than one. It is sad and Anita would be appalled, but maybe Dewberry has finally had its day. People who post on TikTok have developed their own accent which may be 'the future of English', according to experts. Linguistics professor Christopher Strelluf, of the University of Warwick, has revealed it includes 'uptalk', which is a rising intonation on declarative sentences and 'vocal fry' a low, gravelly sound on vowels. Revealing that TikTok talk is particularly associated with young women, he claims the intonation has been fuelled by female influencers and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Britney Spears. Meanwhile, Dr Laura Bailey, a lecturer in English Language and Linguistics at the University of Kent told FEMAIL that the slower, more deliberate speech style is used 'to hold the floor in order to get people to continue watching.' The accent, which is also called TikTalk or Internet voice, is when influencers use a vlogger-style tone which means everyone sounds similar. People on TikTok have developed their own accent which has been fuelled by Kim Kardashian (pictured) and Britney Spears and may be 'the future of English' according to Linguistics expert Christopher Strelluf Mr Strelluf revealed creators use uptalk because it sounds more personable and persuasive and vocal fry as a 'floor-holding strategy'. Speaking to the National World news site, he said woman are often 'linguistic innovators', adding: 'The way young women use language is the future of the way language evolves. So any changes we hear by young women are probably the future of English.' He added: 'We also use uptalk as a politeness strategy. Sometimes if we're telling people to do something or telling people something unpleasant, we will use uptalk to soften it a bit.' Dr Bailey added: 'All of these result from the genre: one person is speaking to a camera, and someone who needs to hold the floor in order to get people to continue watching (which is the main point of TikTok). 'They may use a slower, more deliberate speech style than if they were conversing with friends in person, and this can result in a lower pitch and more vocal fry. 'Both of these are commonly seen as authoritative and positive traits when speakers who are already perceived as authoritative do them (e.g., older, male speakers). But when young women speak a certain way and behave confidently, people criticise it. 'Another way to hold the floor is to use so-called uptalk, as it keeps the audience involved as an active participant, checking that theyre following along, in agreement. 'I dont think any of these are new to social media, but TikTok encourages lots more people to broadcast than YouTube or even Instagram, so we find emerging styles, sub-genres and stylistic features of those sub-genres.' Britney Spears is known for using 'uptalk', which is a rising intonation on declarative sentences and 'vocal fry', a low gravelly sound on vowels Journalist Sophia Smith Galer, from London, explained that TikTokers often use these features to keep their audience engaged and avoid sounding condescending Journalist Sophia Smith Galer, from London, provided a demonstration of what exactly these two features sound like in a TikTok clip. She explained that TikTokers often use these features to keep their audience engaged and avoid sounding condescending. She said: 'We are perhaps linguistically responding to what we think it going to perform well in the algorithm.' In an article for BBC Future she also noted that during her own training for radio broadcasting she'd been given the tip to 'never sound like you're finishing a sentence', which is known as uptalk. Research by American linguist William Labov, professor at the University of Pennsylvania, has suggested that men have tended to lag behind women by an entire generation when it comes to linguistic changes. Gretchen McCulloch, linguist and author of Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language, told The English Language Institute that language and behaviors of teen girls tremendously influences our culture. He said: 'We still dont know for sure yet why young women reliably lead linguistic innovation. 'Maybe its nature, maybe its nurture; but we do know that young women tend to be more socially aware, more empathetic, and more concerned about how their peers perceive them. 'This may translate into a greater facility for linguistic disruption. Women also tend to have larger social networks, which means theyre more likely to be exposed to a greater diversity of language innovations.' For the first time in its 313-year history, Ascot Racecourse has announced the appointment of a creative director. British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, 33, will be responsible for the creation of the annual Lookbook and Millinery Collective in 2024, which set the style tone for the year and often inspire racegoers' outfits. He's known for his classically tailored silhouettes and modern gender-fluid clothes; his Spring/Summer 2023 collection included corset designs for both men and women. The Cheshire-born designer, whose first customer was the eccentric Harry Styles, told GQ in 2023: 'The idea of an item of clothing being for a specific gender is such a funny one. 'I understand that something like a bra is designed for function, but when it comes to a shirt, why would we apply gender to something like that? And for me, the same applies to the corset.' British fashion designer Daniel Fletcher, 33, will be responsible for the creation of the annual Lookbook and Millinery Collective in 2024, which set the style tone for the year and often inspire racegoers' outfits Former One Direction member Harry, 30, whose style has included jumpsuits, feather boas, skirts and dresses, became Daniel's first customer after buying all the boxy short-sleeved shirts from the designer's graduate collection in 2015. 'Harry had a huge impact on my career,' Daniel admitted to GQ in 2020. 'At 24 years old I couldnt believe what was happening.' Since then, the designer's career has gone from strength to strength, with A-listers including James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Corrin and Emerald Fennell wearing his looks. The Central Saint Martins graduate has also designed for some of the worlds most prestigious houses including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and JW Anderson and held the role of Artistic Director for Italian label Fiorucci between 2019 and 2023. He was nominated for the LVMH prize in 2017, was a winner of the European Semi- Final of the International Woolmark Prize and named Breakthrough Designer of The Year in the 2020 GQ Men of The Year Awards. After many successful seasons showing his collections on the London Fashion Week schedule, Daniel took part in Netflixs Next In Fashion series which saw him make it to the final. The Cheshire-born designer, whose first customer was the eccentric Harry Styles , told GQ in 2023: 'The idea of an item of clothing being for a specific gender is such a funny one' He's known for his classically tailored silhouettes and modern gender-fluid clothes; his Spring/Summer 2023 collection included corset designs for both men and women (pictured) Of his latest appointment, Daniel said: 'Im thrilled to be appointed as Ascots first Creative Director and have thrown myself into the new role. 'Im keen to encapsulate the rich heritage of the racecourse while embracing the unique dress codes, adding a contemporary twist to bring a flair that Ascot hasnt seen before. 'For 2024, I want to inspire racegoers to push the boundaries with their own unique style and immerse themselves in the opportunity to embrace their own creativity and what better occasion than Royal Ascot! 'Im super excited to reveal the next evolution of style direction for the world- renowned brand and cant wait for the vision to become a reality.' Alexandra Bertram, Brand and Creative Lead for Ascot Racecourse, said: 'Self-expression and the joy of dressing up for a day at the races has always been at the heart of Ascot. '2024 marks an incredibly exciting chapter for us and we are thrilled to appoint Daniel Fletcher as Creative Director. Former One Direction member Harry, 30, whose style has included jumpsuits, feather boas, skirts and dresses, became Daniel's first customer after buying all the boxy short-sleeved shirts from the designer's graduate collection in 2015 Since then, the designer's career has gone from strength to strength, with A-listers including James McAvoy, Robert Pattinson, Eddie Redmayne, Emma Corrin and Emerald Fennell wearing his looks The Central Saint Martins graduate has also designed for some of the worlds most prestigious houses including Louis Vuitton, Lanvin and JW Anderson and held the role of Artistic Director for Italian label Fiorucci between 2019 and 2023 'Royal Ascot style transcends simply dressing for the races and Daniel brings a fresh, authentic aesthetic which perfectly mirrors our passion for individuality and personal style. 'Collaborating closely with Daniel, well be catering to the diverse Ascot audiences with their incredible array of styles and varied shopping habits, from pre-loved to couture. 'He has a deep understanding of the Ascot brand and we cannot wait to work closely to create hero moments in the run up to Royal Ascot and beyond.' The Royal Ascot confirmed that its dress code remains unchanged in 2024. It operates across the Royal Enclosure, Queen Anne Enclosure and Village Enclosure. Royal Ascot takes place from Tuesday 18 to Saturday 22 June 2024 with tickets starting from 35 per person if booked before midnight on 29 March 2024. Live Aid - one of the most famous charity concerts of all time - is back... but not quite as fans know it. The event, which was originally held in Philadelphia as well as at Wembley Stadium on 13 July 1985, has been turned into a stage musical at the Old Vic in London. Titled Just For One Day, the musical relives the day when the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more united on stage to raise funds and awareness for the Ethiopian famine crisis. The plot of the production, which takes its name from a line in David Bowie's song Heroes, combines a behind-the-scenes look at how Band Aid and Live Aid came together with a love story inspired by real events. Last night, Bob Geldof, 72, who organised the original event with fellow musician Midge Ure, was among a slew of celebrities at the press night for the new musical. He was joined by his daughter Pixie at the start-studded outing. Live Aid, which was originally held in Philadelphia as well as at Wembley Stadium on 13 July 1985, has been turned into a stage musical at the Old Vic in London (pictured) Last night, Bob Geldof , 72, who organised the original event with fellow musician Midge Ure, was among a slew of celebrities at the press night for the new musical. He was joined by his daughter Pixie (pictured alongside one another) at the start-studded outing With the first reviews in, TV critics have been offering up their verdicts; The Guardian's Arifa Akbar said the 'production also encapsulates the apex of the white saviour complex'. Elsewhere, City A.M's Adam Bloodworth said the musical felt 'tone deaf', adding: 'In another world Just For One Day would properly interrogate where white aid went wrong over the past forty years.' Here, FEMAIL takes a look at the TV critics' verdicts on the musical... The show features the music of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, The Police, Elton John, Paul McCartney, The Pretenders and more Titled Just For One Day, the musical (pictured) relives the day when the likes of Bob Dylan, David Bowie, The Who, U2, Queen, Elton John, Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and more united on stage to raise funds and awareness for the Ethiopian famine crisis Claire Sweeney oozed elegance in a shimmering ensemble for the press night of Just For One Day Arlene Phillips, 80, cut a causal figure in a grey suit and black roll-neck jumper as she arrived at the theatre, pictured left. Pictured right: Darcey Bussell looked stylish in red trousers and a black coat, teamed with a multi-coloured scarf Carrie Hope Fletcher (pictured left) and Tom Fletcher attend the press night performance at The Old Vic Theatre Lenny Henry and his partner Lisa Makin looked every inch the happy couple as they attended the press night THE GUARDIAN Rating: An unimpressed Arifa Akbar of The Guardian said the musical had 'soaring voices' but 'pancake-flat characters' and suggested viewers may as well be listening 'the compilation tape, Now Thats What I Call Music 1985 or Heart FM on full blast'. The reviewer claimed the 'production also encapsulates the apex of the white saviour complex'. 'For its critics, this day sealed a patronising image of Africa as a continent desperate for, and dependent on, western aid,' said Arifa. 'Some discussion on this is raised, mostly through aid worker Amara (Abiona Omonua) but it is an undigested nod.' THE INDEPENDENT Rating: 'This Live Aid musical is Bob Geldofs tribute to... himself,' claimed The Independent's Alice Saville. The reviewer said: 'The Old Vics musical about Bobs generation-defining Wembley concert for Ethiopia powerfully deploys hits like 'Bohemian Rhapsody - but in the end is just a massive celebration of the sweary Irish stars legacy.' CITY A.M Rating: City A.M's Adam Bloodworth said that despite the entertaining music, 'you just cant stop coming back to the idea that staging a celebratory show about an out-of-date movement given the current social climate feels utterly tone deaf.' In a withering review, he added: 'In another world Just For One Day would properly interrogate where white aid went wrong over the past forty years. 'But here is another musical putting white saviour stereotypes first. Worst of all, you get the impression all these people standing up and clapping at the end will go home none the wiser about the plight of impoverished nations around the world.' THE FINANCIAL TIMES Rating: Sarah Hemming of The Financial Times praised the production's 'energy' but said the speech was 'often clunky'. 'The script is often awkward and heavy with explanation, spelling out points that should just emerge from the story,' she explained. 'Meanwhile, both individuals and issues have little time to acquire any depth or subtlety.' THE TELEGRAPH Rating: The Telegraph's Chief Theatre Critic Dominic Cavendish insisted even the hardest cynic will admire the musical production. He added: 'You can carp about the moments of blunt exposition or the sketchiness of the characters, especially the sample of unsung toilers and concert-goers. 'But as with the day itself, cynicism melts into admiration. Whether you were there, in situ or on sofa, first time round or not, be prepared for a smile on your lips, a tear in your eyes and a lingering itch to do good.' EVENING STANDARD Rating: The Standard's Farah Najib said Just For One Day included stories of 'the little people' in a bid to avoid making Geldof seem the hero - but the characters were 'largely two-dimensional and speak in cringey one-liners'. The reviewer added: 'If youre in the mood for a heady cocktail of aggressive nostalgia, 80s bangers, and very impressive singing voices, then this might be the show for you. 'Just be prepared for a garnish of corny dialogue and a dash of white saviourism,' said the critic. THE TIMES Rating: The Times' Clive Davis insisted 'the script is awfully wooden at times' when reviewing the musical. However, he added: 'Its a jukebox show at heart, but the good news is that the performances avoid Stars in Your Eyes impersonations.' Queen Camilla admired a painting of Princess Charlotte as she attended an art gallery in London today. The Queen, 76, visited an artist collective in Shepherd's Bush after her art curator daughter, Laura Lopes, told her about the talent on show. Dressed in a navy A-line dress and black heeled boots, the royal braved the rainy weather as she chatted to artists and curators. Camilla marvelled at the installations, including taxidermy mice, intricate embroidered textiles. Chatting to the artists after looking around the exhibit, Camilla praised the talent saying she was 'very envious' of their talent, before one artist cheekily gave the Queen her card in case she 'wanted private lessons'. Queen Camilla admired a painting of Princess Charlotte today as she attended an art gallery in London today The daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales ' daughter, is now eight, but the painting appears to be taken from a photo released for her second birthday. A new kind of crown jewels! Camilla posed with with costume designer Syban Velardi-Laufer Camilla was pictured admiring the installations, including taxidermy mice and intricate embroidered textiles It comes amid reports that her husband King Charles is currently receiving more cancer treatment after his first public appearance at Sandringham on Sunday. The 75-year-old monarch landed at Clarendon House in the royal helicopter yesterday after spending a week in Norfolk resting following the shock announcement. Keeping calm and carrying on, Camilla today admired an intricate drawing of Princess Charlotte. The Queen was drawn to a painting of her step-granddaughter Princess Charlotte by Mercedes Carbonell, who had created her version of a photograph released to mark the young royal's second birthday in 2017. The artist said: 'The Queen liked it very much, I think Charlotte looks like Queen Elizabeth in the photograph.' Camilla poses with artist Babag as she views works of art during a visit to Kindred Studios' Shepherds Bush pop-up hub Camilla meets Jon Rees as she visits Kindred Studios' Shepherds Bush Pop-up hub In the portrait, the princess wore a blue and white checked print blouse beneath a cream wool cardigan, while her hair was decorated with navy blue ribbon. On arrival, Camilla was met by a glowing chorus sung by a female-only choir. The group of women sang gleefully to the Queen from atop a balcony at nearby flats. She opted for a stylish navy blue frock while carrying a transparent umbrella, and added a black cropped jacket with open zipped sides, that allowed her free use of her arms. She teamed the ensemble with a pair of black suede knee-high boots and a chic emerald green Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra bracelet. Camilla, left, meets costume designer Syban Velardi-Laufer during her visit to Kindred Studios' Shepherds Bush pop-up hub Camilla looked delighted to meet with the artist in the west London studio Camilla met with dozens of artists during the trip The Queen looked stylish in a navy blue frock while carrying a transparent brolley, clearly ready for London's wet weather Her blonde bob was typically coiffed to perfection, meanwhile her make-up appeared subtle and enhanced only by a nude lip colour and black mascara. Camilla is expected to remain in London because she is hosting a reception to mark the 100th anniversary of the Poppy Factory on Thursday. As she walked around Kindred Studios, previously used as accommodation by a homeless charity, the Queen told one artist: 'It was Laura who told me about this, she said it was so fantastic -'You've got to have a look'.' Among the works on display in the entrance hall were imaginatively quirky pieces by Cordelia Plunket, mother of Camilla's equerry, Major Ollie Plunket. Plunket uses taxidermy to recreate scenes from popular culture, and the Queen marvelled at a recreation of the famous Beatles Abbey Road album cover, with the Fab Four replaced with 12in high figures with bird heads. 'You've got Ringo here, and George,' said Camilla as she peered at the work through the glass case. Another piece replicated artist Tracey Emin's My Bed, which the Queen recognised, complete with a bird asleep under a miniature duvet and detritus on the floor. The artist said later: 'All of my work is based on iconic moments in time, whether it's music or film or fashion, and I work exclusively with ethically-sourced animals. 'And basically my whole thing is to bring a little bit of humour back into taxidermy - it makes it a little bit less scary - and try and put a smile on people's faces and give life back to these wonderful animals.' Another work graphically recreated a spaghetti western style shootout between two mice based on the films A Fistful Of Dollars and No Country For Old Men. Kindred Studios is based in Shepherds Bush and has occupied two other London buildings since 2015. It provides affordable spaces for artists in properties between uses, increasing security for an otherwise empty building and bringing creative life to an area. While King Charles and the Princess of Wales remain out of action, Camilla and her sister-in-law Princess Anne have been busy. Today Anne braved the wet weather to wrap up warm at the NCI at Hengistbury Head. The news comes as the royal was installed as an honorary liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers in her first engagement since returning to London with King Charles. The Queen was joined by the Duchess of Gloucester, who was made an honorary liveryman in 2005, in the pair's first joint engagement. Opting for a black dress, the queen met with the Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, Mrs Claire Chitty, and the Master of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, Mr Peter Dove, ahead of a ceremony at Clarence House. Camilla shook hands with the clerks while adorning a red and gold robe. Earlier on in the day, Queen Camilla was by her husband's side as the royal couple were driven to nearby Clarence House. While King Charles and the Princess of Wales remain out of action, Camilla and her sister-in-law Princess Anne have been busy Today Anne braved the wet weather to wrap up warm at the NCI at Hengistbury Head King Charles was seen returning to London yesterday for more cancer treatment after his first public appearance at Sandringham The 75-year-old monarch was pictured with Queen Camilla by his side after spending a week in Norfolk following the shock announcement It is thought that the King will hold face-to-face meetings in London this 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. Charles was pictured walking to church at Sandringham with Camilla on Sunday, the first time he had been seen in public since he began regular treatments. On Saturday he broke his silence for the first time as he sent his heartfelt thanks for the messages of support and 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, read: '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. '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 announced last week he was postponing all public duties while he undergoes treatment for an unspecified cancer, found by doctors while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate. But the King is well enough to hold a limited number of face-to-face meetings, sources say. The Queen has been carrying out her royal diary of engagements and last week said her husband was doing 'extremely well under the circumstances'. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark today posted a heartfelt message on Instagram thanking the people of the Commonwealth for 'the great and warm' tributes she received following her abdication 'exactly a month ago.' The former monarch, who told the nation she would be stepping down in her traditional New Year's Eve address, abdicated on January 14 after 52 years on the throne. One of the most popular public figures in Denmark, Margrethe's announcement was met with an outpouring of emotion, which prompted many to send cards and gifts the 83-year-old royal. Posted by the official Instagram account of the Danish royal household, Margrethe's message thanked 'everyone who has either written, drawn, baked, knitted...or otherwise sent a greeting on the occasion of the change of throne.' Her message was accompanied by a photo of some of the decorative cards she received, including one which depicts the former queen in evening dress and wearing a crown. Queen Margrethe received cards and gifts from people at home and abroad, with one depicting her in full evening dress and wearing a crown (left) The royal announced she would be stepping down in her traditional address to the nation on New Year's Eve and abdicated two weeks later on January 14 Another showed a very rosy-faced Margrethe, also with a crown on top of her head, and was accompanied by a short message. Published originally in Danish, Margrethe's post read as follows: 'Since the turn of the year, I have been pleased to experience the great and warm attention from all parts of the Commonwealth in connection with my abdication exactly one month ago. 'Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gifts I have received, and to everyone who has either written, drawn, baked, knitted, flagged, sung or otherwise sent a greeting on the occasion of the change of throne. The many greetings have gone to my heart and I have appreciated each one. Queen Margrethe.' Garnering almost 900 likes in less than an hour, the post and the cards featured alongside clearly touched social media users, with a number sharing heart emojis to indicate their respect for the former monarch. Queen Margrethe, famed for her chain-smoking as well as her flamboyant sense of style, has been succeeded by her eldest son Crown Prince Frederik. Margrethe, who in the past had said she would remain on the throne for life, did not give an exact reason for her decision to step down. Margrethe posted a message on Instagram to say thank you for all the support she has received since announcing her abdication However, she said that a major back surgery she underwent in February last year had made her consider her future. 'The surgery naturally gave rise to thinking about the future - whether the time had come to leave the responsibility to the next generation,' she said in her speech. 'I have decided that now is the right time. On January 14, 2024, 52 years after I succeeded my beloved father, I will step down as Queen of Denmark. 'I leave the throne to my son, Crown Prince Frederik.' Billy Dee Williams has made no secret of his turbulent relationship history throughout the years. The 86-year-old, who played Lando Calrissian in Star Wars, has previously admitted that infidelity had played a part in the failure of all three of his marriages - and even fatherhood couldn't stop him. But the actor has now dished yet more dirt on his love life in his new memoir titled What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life. The book, which will cover his career that spans seven-plus decades, candidly details his experience with threesomes, orgies and an open marriage - as well as revealing that 'sparks flew' with Diana Ross. Here, FEMAIL has laid bare the biggest bombshells that Billy made about his wild love life. Billy Dee Williams has made no secret of his turbulent relationship history throughout the years - but has now dished yet more dirt on his love life in his new memoir Billy's early years of romance - including a failed proposal to his high-school sweetheart Billy began his string of revelations by detailing how he had lost his virginity aged just 17 to a woman in her mid 30s. He described her as a 'bored housewife' who had been living in his Harlem building when she 'lured him into her apartment one day and seduced him.' 'I was at that age where all I knew was that I was having sex. I didn't know how or why, only that it was happening. And it kept happening.' But eventually, the rising star traveled to Los Angeles to film The Last Angry Man (1959) - his first major role in a Hollywood motion picture. He found himself living alone and received a 'generous per diem for food and living expenses' during production which he saw as a 'license to have fun.' 'Although I had my longtime girlfriend back home - she was in college - I still managed to fall in love - and by "love," I mean becoming infatuated with young women,' the actor explained. Billy shared how he had wooed a string of ladies but made clear things fizzled out for one reason or another - declaring one romantic partner 'an explosive source of drama that was too much.' He returned to New York when filming came to an end and decided to take the next step with his high-school sweetheart. The rising star traveled to Los Angeles to film The Last Angry Man (pictured) - his first major role in a Hollywood motion picture The 86-year-old, who played Lando Calrissian in Star Wars (pictured), has previously admitted that infidelity had played a part in the failure of all three of his marriages 'This new world I was introduced to made me feel more adult, and with some money in my bank account from the film, I decided I should marry Sondra. 'Like so many things in my life, the decision was based partly on instinct and partly on insanity. I didn't think it through. 'I simply felt like this was the next important step in growing up, and I was ready. ' Billy, who thought 'the timing seemed right,' bought a diamond engagement ring a few nights prior to a romantic dinner where he placed it on the table and asked her to marry him. 'She froze. A look of shock appeared on her face. She hadn't been expecting any surprises, not least of which was a marriage proposal. 'After a deep breath, she regained her composure and slowly delivered her own surprise,' he wrote. 'Sondra then told me that she was in love not with another man she'd met at school, but with a woman. Now it was my turn to be surprised for all the obvious reasons. 'I loved her and wanted for her to be happy, and I guess she was. As for me, the shock wore off and I was relieved that I wasn't going to get married.' The Star Wars star tied the knot with Audrey Sellers after finding out she was pregnant - before their relationship ended in adultery Billy began seeing model Audrey Sellers, from West Philadelphia, who he described as a 'strong beautiful, and forthright Black girl who put her hand on her hip and called you all kinds of motherf**ker.' He admitted that the pair 'were different' and their relationship was quickly put to the test. 'One day, Audrey said she wanted to see me. We met at our favorite restaurant for dinner, and before we ordered food, she had news that, as she said, was important for me to know before anyone else. She was pregnant. 'We'd been together only a few months, and, though we enjoyed each other's company, we hadn't talked about our relationship in a serious or long-term context.' Billy began seeing model Audrey Sellers, from West Philadelphia, and the pair welcomed son Corey together (mother and son pictured) The couple promptly tied the knot in 1959 before finding an apartment as Billy declared: 'I loved my freedom, but I also knew I needed something to anchor me, to give my life deeper meaning, and this child was it.' Billy missed the birth of their baby boy, who they named Corey, now 64, but stated that from the moment he saw his son, he was 'overjoyed, thrilled, protective, and in love.' But his relationship with Audrey was not set to last - with the catalyst being when the rising star reconnected with Yvonne Taylor. The pair, who had known each other as kids but lost touch, met by chance at a New York City club as Billy explained: 'When I got up to say hello, I knew I was about to risk whatever sense of calm and order there was in my life and, more than that, my sanity. 'There was an instant attraction and an understanding we were going to spend time together, starting that night.' Billy missed the birth of their baby boy but stated that from the moment he saw his son, he was 'overjoyed, thrilled, protective, and in love.' Pictured together in 1980 (left) and 2019 (right) Billy declared he had 'been in love' with Yvonne since they were teens, adding: 'Her femininity was intense, intoxicating, and wonderful. Her sexuality was out in the open, like a piece of jewelry that everyone noticed.' 'When I told Yvonne that I was married, she tilted her head slightly and offered a faint smile, as if to say, "you'll have to figure that out, not me." She was right.' He declared that he had always known he and Audrey 'would not stay married into old age' because he had a 'weakness when it came to love and romance.' 'I fell in love easily, and for some reason, it was usually with women who were not the best match for me,' Billy reflected. He admitted that he and Yvonne had 'messed around' before he and Audrey went their separate ways. Billy was introduced to a world of threesomes and orgies - but admitted he was about romancing women 'one one at a time' Billy, who continued to juggle his career throughout his romantic ups and downs, moved in with Yvonne near Central Park - which is when he discovered she had a girlfriend. 'At Yvonne's suggestion, the three of us had a little liaison, my first menage a trois, and strangely enough, I found myself competing with Yvonne to see which one of us was the better lover.' His memoir What Have We Here?: Portraits of A Life is currently available Billy explained how it was 'impossible' to be bored while living with Yvonne. 'One night I came home from the theater, opened the door to the apartment, and walked into an orgy in progress. 'There were women and men, and a lot of nakedness,' he divulged. But he had reservations. 'As much as I loved women, I was about romancing them one at a time, not in mass quantity.' Instead, he 'waded past the bodies' and asked one young woman 'who was already undressed' to join him in the shower. Yvonne walked in on the pair and 'glared with eyes that scalded' before then insisting that Billy watch her have sex with another male attendee. 'I burst out laughing. I thought this whole thing was hilarious - hilariously absurd,' he scoffed. The outburst resulted in an explosives clash which Billy used as the excuse he 'needed to get away' from Yvonne. Two further marriages followed - one of which was an 'open relationship' - but neither would last The actor dated various women until he saw fashion model and actress Marlene Clark - who, once again, he had known as a teen. He spotted her on the street and found he was just as 'lovestruck' at 31 as he had been aged 14. The couple were still early on in their romance but he 'decided to make good on my promise to myself to marry her.' He invited Marlene to join him in Hawaii where he was shooting disaster movie The Lost Flight (1970). They tied the knot in the tropical paradise before moving to Los Angeles together where things started to unravel. 'Marlene was equally ambitious, and very early in our life in Hollywood it was clear that the two of us were too caught up in our own efforts to be much support to each other. The actor dated various women until he saw fashion model and actress Marlene Clark - who, once again, he had known as a teen The breakup 'hit him hard' but Billy was undeterred and eventually found himself in a serious relationship with Teruko Nakagami 'I knew I wasn't enough for her, not here in LA, and it was only a matter of time,' he explained. Billy said that the final straw came during a party at someone else's house - he wanted to leave and she wanted to stay. 'That was it. Our marriage was done,' he declared. The breakup 'hit him hard' but Billy was undeterred and eventually found himself in a serious relationship with Teruko Nakagami. Teruko had worked in the music industry and at the time had a 10-year-old daughter of her own with jazz musician Wayne Shorter. Billy declared that he and Teruko 'had complicated lives' but that their attraction was 'immediate and too much to resist.' He described her as 'a maverick, an independent spirit, a strong, smart and ambitious individual who presented a new challenge every day' - which had him 'hooked.' He admitted that the pair had 'nothing in common' but set about combining their lives in LA before tying the knot at a civil ceremony at Beverly Hills City Hall in 1972. She soon fell pregnant and the pair welcomed daughter Hanako, now 51, but Billy explained that despite being loving parents it was far from a 'traditional household - or marriage' She soon fell pregnant and the pair welcomed daughter Hanako, now 51, but Billy explained that, despite being loving parents, it was far from a 'traditional household - or marriage.' The couple 'did their own thing' and enjoyed an open relationship which saw Billy pursue a string of other 'passionate love affairs and clandestine rendezvous.' Billy and Teruko filed for divorce in 1993 following 20 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences which he said had been true even at the beginning of their relationship. 'The arrangement we'd established over the years, living our separate lives, no longer seemed to work,' he said. The couple negotiated an amicable split as he explained: 'We may not have wanted to stay married, but we were not enemies.' Billy admitted that 'sparks flew' between him and Diana Ross but denied the costars ever had an affair One woman that Billy did not get tangled up with romantically was Diana Ross - his co-star in both Lady Sings the Blues and Mahogany. He said that their 'special connection had been immediate' after meeting during a screen test at Paramount Studios. 'I fell in love with Diana as soon as she walked in that room,' he wrote, adding that during filming he found himself 'crossing the imaginary line between acting and reality'. Elaborating further about filming together, he wrote: 'Diana was a gorgeous woman and I enjoyed kissing her. I loved kissing, period. Sometimes kissing could be even better than sex. One woman that Billy did not get tangled up with romantically was Diana Ross - his co-star in both Lady Sings the Blues (pictured) and Mahogany Billy concluded: 'It was one of those things where the electricity was real. It's why I understand when people wondered if Diana and I ever had an affair. As interesting as it is to imagine, we never did' 'The only person who had a problem with our kissing was Berry [Gordy]' - the founder of Motown Records and Diana's longtime secret lover. 'During rehearsals, he always found a reason to step in and stop us just before we got to the point where we kissed. "Thats good, that's enough, you got it, and then you kiss."' He then reflected that when meeting up for later projects 'sparks flew as soon as we saw each other.' Billy concluded: 'It was one of those things where the electricity was real. It's why I understand when people wondered if Diana and I ever had an affair. As interesting as it is to imagine, we never did.' What Have We Here? Portraits of a Life is currently available from Penguin Random House It was in the early Seventies, as I was embarking on my career in journalism, that domestic violence began to be acknowledged as a regular occurrence in homes across the country. Two charities, Refuge and Womens Aid were founded, and I was determined that I would do anything I could to support their work. During the 33 years I presented Womens Hour, I had numerous calls from women asking me for help. I was rarely able to do anything more than direct them to the right charity and offer them emotional support. There were so many shocking cases where women had been beaten, raped, controlled and denied any access to money to buy good food for their children. The childrens stories were agonising. They had witnessed the mothers they loved being beaten to a bloody pulp. I would always advise the women to do everything they could to escape and take the traumatised children with them. It was often impossible due to the threats their partners made. Sometimes I would hear that a woman had managed to escape and was getting legal help to go to the family courts to keep their children and find a way of beginning life safely without fear from the man who had ruined their lives. Kate Kniveton became an MP when she took over the Staffordshire seat of her former husband, Andrew Griffiths, in 2019 I was always asked never to report the stories they told me. Anything that took place in a family court was to be kept a secret. I obeyed the law, but I will never forget the distress of women who were forced to obey the strict rules of the family courts that insisted, over and over again, that children must have access to both their parents. The most distressing call I received came from a woman who had managed to go to court to detail the sexual violence and control she had suffered for years. Her children, ten and 12, had made it clear it was their choice to remain with their mother. The court, though, was persuaded by the father that he had more money, a better house and could take better care of the kids. They were removed from their mothers home and taken to live with him. Thanks to years of lobbying, it has now been accepted that certain family courts should be opened to accredited journalists who will be able to report on decisions made in these courts as long as they keep the anonymity of the parties involved intact. Its a huge step forward, but not nearly as significant as the move made recently by the Conservative MP Kate Kniveton. Kate became an MP when she took over the Staffordshire seat of her former husband, Andrew Griffiths, in 2019. Griffiths stepped down as a minister in 2018 after sending more than 2,000 text messages, many of a sexual nature, to two female constituents. Kniveton filed for divorce, won the 2019 election and then revealed in the family court that she had been the victim of domestic abuse as well as coercive and controlling behaviour and rape by Griffiths during her ten-year marriage. The judge found her allegations to be true and she waived her right to anonymity with the intention of campaigning to improve matters in court for victims of domestic violence. It was, though, only last week that Kate heard that her former husband had been blocked from seeing their child. Griffiths will only be allowed to contact the child through four letters a year, and an annual birthday and Christmas card. This news came after years of legal wrangling over Griffiths access to the child which has cost Kate more than 120,000. The Children Act of 1989 states that it is generally in a childs best interests to have a relationship with both parents, but Kate, like so many mothers Ive spoken to in the past, disagrees, saying: This belief in contact at all costs puts children and mothers at risk and can often have tragic consequences. It needs overturning. Griffiths had made a move for weekly supervised contact, leading to unsupervised contact with his child, in a hearing in January. He had previously seen the child once a week during a 30-minute video call. The judge said Griffiths wanted to make amends and wanted to make sure the youngster did not believe he was a monster. Kate stuck to her guns to protect her child and has no regrets about waiving her anonymity. If her case is, as her ex-husband claims, political, its a clear incidence of the personal being political. Her high-profile role as an MP, her fight for her childs protection and speaking publicly about her experiences have given hope to many other women. She has had close to 50 or 60 women who have contacted her and others who have thanked her for speaking out. Some 60 per cent of family court cases involving child contact orders involve allegations of domestic abuse. Dozens of children have been forced into contact with fathers accused of abuse. Children witness domestic violence. They know the harm their father has caused. They are damaged by what they have seen. We must not have another generation of young people persuaded that such violence is not a problem by fathers keen to show they are not a monster. Harry or Camilla? Its no contest I was so hopeful last week when I learned that Prince Harry had rushed home to see his father when he learned of the Kings cancer diagnosis. Surely the family would come together, I thought. How wrong I was. He had 35 minutes in his fathers presence, reportedly refusing to be in the same room as Camilla when he talked to his dad. The King wont let Harry come between him and Camilla. Pictured: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex Stupid boy! It seems hes learned nothing about the strength of his fathers marriage. Charles and Camilla are a pair. Utterly devoted to each other. The King wont let Harry come between them. Harry must know that. Steve was a master of the art of radio Those of us whove made interviewing people our lifes work hate to be interviewed. We know too much about the tricks of the trade but I never said no to Steve Wright. Hed always read my book, asked intelligent questions and then had a laugh. He was of the generation (mine) that cared about radio as an art and a craft. He was far too alive to die. I cant believe he is no more and radio will suffer for his loss. I cant believe Steve Wright is no more and radio will suffer for his loss. Here the DJ is pictured in 1980 Ive always thought Salisbury Cathedral is the most beautiful building in the world. I knew it well before the repairs began in 1986 and the scaffolding went up. Now the intricate stonework is done, and shes restored to her former glory. I cant wait to see the two pet ferrets immortalised in stone by the head stonemason, Lee Andrews, nor the model of a female stonemason carved by Carol Pike to represent herself. Bet there were no women on the job when the cathedral was begun in 1220. I love fruity language too, Olivia Olivia Colmans new film, Wicked Little Letters, tells a story from the 1920s when two women shocked the town of Littlehampton by writing letters with swear words. Olivia thinks women swearing is still considered shocking and shouldnt be. I agree. My language in endless newsrooms has been pretty fruity. Ive been teaching my Ukrainian guest, Zoriana, how to swear in English. She was putting off the moment when she had to go and write an essay for university. I told her there was an acronym she needed to know. J.F.D.I. Just ****ing do it. She now says it a lot! Ive never been a fan of tea. Coffees always been my poison, but the atrial fibrillation (over-speedy heart) has put a stop to that. Zoriana recommended black tea with lemon. Its calming and refreshing, she said. I tried it. I agreed. Trust me, a Yorkshire woman, to fall in love with tea just as shipments through the Red Sea are being disrupted. Not having much luck lately. Ivanka Trump celebrated Valentine's Day with a gushing tribute to her husband of 14 years, Jared Kushner, including romantic snapshots of them kissing. The former White House senior advisor, 42, took to Instagram on Wednesday to post a snapshot of herself smooching Jared, 43, during a surfing lesson in Costa Rica in June. 'Happy Valentine's Day!' she captioned the image, which shows them holding surfboards from the Surfer Factory, a surf school based in the Central American country. Ivanka also shared photos of herself with Jared on her Instagram Stories in honor of February 14, starting with a picture of them at Jeff Bezos's 60th birthday bash last month. Ivanka Trump, 42, celebrated Valentine's Day on Wednesday with a throwback photo of herself kissing her husband, Jared Kushner, 43, during a surfing lesson in Costa Rica in June Ivanka also shared photos of herself with Jared on her Instagram Stories in honor of February 14, starting with a picture of them at Jeff Bezos's 60th birthday bash last month The couple flew to Los Angeles for the party from their home on Indian Creek Island near Miami, Florida, where Jeff recently purchased not one but two properties. Ivanka dazzled in a black and gold beaded halter gown, which she later revealed was a vintage Roberto Cavalli design featured in his Fall/Winter 2006 collection. A more casual snapshot shows Ivanka kissing Jared after he blew out the candles on his birthday cake. The PDA may have gotten some groans from their three kids Arabella, 12, Joseph, 10, and Theodore, 7 who were turned away when they smooched. Ivanka included a stack of three photos that were taken at Arabella's bat mitzvah in June, a month before her 12th birthday. The mother of three wore a $5,000 Jenny Packham for the milestone celebration, while her husband had on a tan suit paired with a white button-down. The first photo shows the couple smiling for the camera. In the second, Jared is playfully dipping his wife. The third and final photo captures them kissing. Ivanka also shared footage of a pas de deux (ballet duet) from Preljocaj's ballet Le Parc to wish her followers a 'Happy Valentine's Day!' A more casual snapshot shows Ivanka kissing Jared after he blew out the candles on his birthday cake The former White House senior advisor included a stack of three photos that were taken at their daughter Arabella's bat mitzvah in June The mother of three wore a $5,000 Jenny Packham for the milestone celebration, while her husband had on a tan suit paired with a white button-down In the final photo, Ivanka and Jared are sharing a sweet kiss The former first daughter's February 14th posts come one day after she got all dolled up for her Galentine's Day celebrations. She didn't share where she was headed, but she did post a photo of herself modeling a bright pink brocade dress with a square neckline and long sleeves that hung off her shoulders. Ivanka accessorized the look with a pair of pearl and diamond earrings, and her cushion-cut diamond engagement ring, which is rumored to be worth more than $500,000. She showed off her pink lipstick as she puckered up and made a kissy face while snapping the mirror selfie. 'Happy Galentine's Day!' she wrote. Galentine's Day has taken on a life of its own since it was introduced by Amy Poehler's Parks and Recreation character Leslie Knope in 2010, although it's unclear if Ivanka was a fan of the popular NBC sitcom. The unofficial holiday is meant to be a celebration of female empowerment and friendship, regardless of relationship status. Ivanka's Galentine's Day post came shortly after Jared confirmed that he would not join his father-in-law Donald Trump's administration if he won the 2024 presidential election because he was focused on his family. Ivanka's Valentine's Day posts come one day after she got all dolled up for Galentine's Day. She didn't say where she was headed, but she did post a selfie to show off her pink dress Jared confirmed on February 13 that he would not join his father-in-law Donald Trump's administration if he won the 2024 presidential election because he was focused on his family Jared, who served as one of former President Trump's top White House advisors in his first term in office, told the Axios BFD conference in Miami on Tuesday he was enjoying life in the Sunshine State with Ivanka and their three children. The businessman said he planned to keep working in private equity even if his father-in-law returned to office, saying, 'I've been very clear that my desire at this phase in my life is to focus on my firm.' Jared launched Affinity Partners in the summer of 2021, just months after leaving the White House. He explained on Tuesday that he made commitments for the 'long term' when he established the firm. Jared and Ivanka's time as unpaid White House advisors in the Trump administration raised ethical concerns due to potential conflicts of interest. The couple made between $172 million and $640 million in outside income while working in the White House. Six months after President Trump left office, Jared secured a reported $2 billion investment in his private equity firm from a Saudi sovereign wealth fund led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, raising further questions. The crown prince was a close ally to Jared during his time in the Trump administration. By the end of 2021 alone, Jared's firm received commitments of more than $3 billion, according to a Reuters report, despite his lack of experience in private equity. Information on specific investors was not disclosed, but Affinity targeted American institutions and foreign investment institutions. Selma Blair has been blasted by a disability advocate over her 'hateful' Islamophobic post - who claimed the actress hung up the phone when she tried to confront her about it. Maria Town, who is President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, took to Instagram to share her scathing comments. She said that she had clashed with the Legally Blonde star, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2018, in a conversation that 'did not go well' despite having worked together previously. It comes after Blair, 51, was forced to issue an apology for leaving an Islamophobic comment on social media, claiming she 'inadvertently conflated Muslims with fundamentalists.' Selma Blair has been blasted by a disability advocate over her 'hateful' Islamophobic post - who claimed the actress hung up the phone when she tried to confront her about it Maria Town, who is President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities, took to Instagram to share her scathing comments Maria, who previously worked as Senior Associate Director in the Obama White House Office of Public Engagement, shared a series of slides to divulge details of the apparent exchange. She wrote: 'I have read Selma Blair's Islamophobic, racist, and hateful comments. Her comments are harmful and wrong. 'Since she is someone I have worked with, I wanted to speak to her and call her in before sharing my thoughts publicly. 'I reached out multiple times to her manager and to her to talk. I was finally able to speak with her today.' Maria, who is from Louisiana, continued: 'The conversation did not go well. 'She first acted as though she did not know what I meant and asked what I was talking about when I shared I was alarmed by her recent posts. 'I referenced her posts, and directly repeated her words. I said, you can publicly disagree with people, including members of Congress, without being racist or wishing them harm. 'The conversation ended with her telling me, "Maria, I wish you would think for yourself for once," and she hung up on me. Maria, who previously worked as Senior Associate Director in the Obama White House Office of Public Engagement, shared a series of slides to divulge details of the apparent exchange 'As she has shared in the apology she posted recently, she told me that she meant to say "Islamiscists" and not "Islam." 'I responded that this change did not make her comments any less Islamophobic or racist. The conversation devolved from there.' The post continued: 'If she hadn't hung up, I would have told her that you can support Jewish people without being Islamophobic. 'In fact, you can support Jewish people and Muslim people at the same time. 'Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism have no place anywhere, especially not within movements for rights and justice or in efforts for inclusion. 'Racist, nationalist systems create a false choice: the idea that another group's presence is a threat to your own security and safety. 'Using fear to justify further harm to people is no justification at all. Using fear for your own safety to justify islamophobia and racism does not make anyone safer or more secure. It only creates more fear.' But Maria had yet more to say as she concluded: 'When people with high visibility and an ability to influence culture repeat Islamophobic and racist ideas, these systems become further cemented in our policy, in our society, in our minds. Maria concluded: 'When people with high visibility and an ability to influence culture repeat Islamophobic and racist ideas, these systems become further cemented in our policy, in our society, in our minds' The February 2 comment called for the deportation of Democratic representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib, deeming them 'terrorist-supporting goons' and asserting 'Islam has destroyed Muslim countries' 'When people like me, and by that I mean specifically white people who are raised or accultured within a Christina community, do not denounce Islamophobia and associated racism and hate, because we "don't know enough" or "that's not our issue," we allow this hate to perpetuate and grow. 'When people like me - those who have proximity to people like Selma Blair - do not call out hatred when we see it, whether in one on one conversations, public forums etc, we perpetuate harm. 'Despite Selma's assessment of me, I do think for myself, and I know that his kind of hate is never acceptable.' In the February 2 post, the Cruel Intentions actress called for the deportation of Democratic representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib, who is Muslim herself, referring to them as 'terrorist-supporting goons.' The since-deleted comment read: 'Deport all these terrorist supporting goons. Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroyed minds. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate.' The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights organization, condemned the statement and called on her to apologize. '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,' National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said. 'We encourage Ms. Blair to apologize, and we also invite her to dialogue with our community.' Earlier this week, Blair returned to social media to post a lengthy apology following widespread backlash She ended the apology by reaffirming her support for marginalized communities and promising to 'do better' Earlier this week, Blair returned to social media to post a lengthy apology. 'This is a time of great pain and anguish for many around the world, but it is also a time to learn and better understand how words matter,' she wrote. Blair claimed she had commented on a post 'regarding two congress members who are against banning October 7th Hamas terrorists from entering the USA.' The original post criticized Bush and Tlaib for voting present on the 'No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act,' which would prevent foreign nationals who participated in or facilitated the October 7 Hamas attacks from seeking immigration-related relief in the United States. 'In my comment, I mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists, a terrible err in my words, and resulted in hurting countless people I never meant to, and I deeply regret this,' Blair continued, adding that she swiftly deleted the comment. 'I erred in my writing and I fully recognize how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset. I respect and love all peace-loving communities, all over the world. 'It was my Muslim friends who helped educate and show me the way. I am committed to paying forward their love and understanding. We cannot allow ignorance and rage to becomes (sic) our downfall.' Blair ended the apology by reaffirming her support for marginalized communities and promising to 'do better.' The Queen witnessed performances by Dame Judi Dench, Gary Oldman and Robert Lindsay at a star-studded event celebrating the work of William Shakespeare. Camilla was greeted on her arrival at London's Grosvenor House Hotel by a host of actors who have played Hamlet including Brian Cox, Jeremy Irons and David Mitchell. She was then received by a dozen dames, including Dame Twiggy Lawson, Dame Vanessa Redgrave and Baroness Floella Benjamin. On Valentine's Day, Camilla was given two matching jumpers with a heart on them as a gift by event host Gyles Brandreth, who said he hoped they would keep the King and Queen 'warm on those cold winter nights'. Before his performance of Cole Porter's Brush Up Your Shakespeare, Lindsay said Valentine's Day was the 'perfect day to celebrate the King's love of Shakespeare, and indeed to celebrate the love between the King and the Queen'. The Queen met with some of Britain's best Shakespearean actors this evening as she attended an evening Celebration of Shakespeare' at Grosvenor House. Camilla, front row third left, smiles as she poses with Dames, from left, back row, Joanna Lumley, Floella Benjamin, Twiggy Lawson, Harriet Walter, Penelope Wilton, Maureen Lipman, from left. front row, Virginia McKenna, Sian Phillips, Judi Dench, Vanessa Redgrave, Penelope Keith and Patricia Routledge Camilla, centre, smiles as she poses with actors from left, Alex Jennings, Freddie Fox, Jeremy Irons, Brian Cox, Tom Courtenay, Peter Egan, Robert Lindsay, Martin Jarvis, Simon Russell Beale, Robert Powell and Samuel West at Camilla smiles as she holds hands with Dame Vanessa Redgrave (left)with Dame Penelope Keith (centre) Camilla was gifted Valentine's Day jumpers while at the show Camilla smiles as she speaks with a guest at the event Other attendees at the celebrity-filled event included Charles Dance, Stephen Fry and Sir David Suchet. His Majesty is currently receiving more cancer treatment after his first public appearance at Sandringham on Sunday. The 75-year-old monarch landed at Clarendon House in the royal helicopter yesterday after spending a week in Norfolk resting following the shock announcement. It is understood the reception was due to be a joint event for the King and his wife, but since his cancer diagnosis Charles has postponed all public-facing duties, however he is continuing with behind-the-scenes work on his red boxes of state papers. Many of the guests signed a card and left messages of well-wishes to Charles. The event formed part of ongoing celebrations marking the passing of 400 years since Shakespeare's first folio and featured themed 'To beet, or not to beet' beetroot canapes. Camilla, who wore a green velvet dress, met actors, authors, directors, and representatives of the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company at the celebration, joining guests for a group photograph. Camilla smiles as she holds gifts of Valentine's Day jumpers with red hearts displayed on them Camilla looked gorgeous in green as she was joined by her sister Annabel Elliot at Grosvenor House Judi Dench performs on stage in front of Queen Camilla The King and Queen hosted a reception at Windsor Castle in July 2023 to celebrate the work of Shakespeare in the 400th year of the first folio. Shakespeare's first folio, published in 1623, contains 36 of his plays. Buckingham Palace said: 'As an avid reader, The Queen has a strong interest in highlighting the importance of literacy and has long been recognised as a supporter of literacy in the UK and internationally. 'As a grandmother, Her Majesty understands the joy of reading, but also, how literacy can create life opportunities.' As Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla became patron of several organisations that promote and support literacy - including the National Literacy Trust, First Story, Coram Beanstalk, and Booktrust. The Queen's Reading Room charity, initially launched as an online book club in January 2021, works to celebrate and promote the power and benefits of reading. Dame Judi said it was 'lovely' to attend the event and gave a performance of Shakespeare's Sonnet 116, describing the Bard as 'the person in our family who is called the man who pays the rent'. Oldman then performed a skit by Ronnie Barker about an actor who jumbles up the lines to Hamlet. Before giving his performance, the Academy Award winner joked: 'Gyles said it's just going to be a few people. He also didn't tell me I'd have to follow Dame Judi Dench.' It comes as Queen Camilla admired a painting of Princess Charlotte today as she attended an art gallery in London today. Camilla,, centre, speaks with host Gyles Brandreth, at the 'Celebration Of Shakespeare' at Grosvenor House, in London Giles Walker opted for a Valentine's Day jumper Gary Oldman performs on stage as Britain Queen Camilla attends the 'Celebration Of Shakespeare' Camilla shakes hands with Martin Jarvis as Peter Egan (L) smiles at the 'Celebration Of Shakespeare' at Grosvenor House Camilla smiles as she shakes hands with Samuel Wes The Queen visited artist collective in Shepherd's Bush after her art curator daughter, Laura Lopes, told her about the talent on show. Dressed in a navy A-line dress and black heeled boots, the royal braved the rainy weather as she chatted to artists and curators. Camilla marvelled at the installations, including taxidermy mice, intricate embroidered textiles. Chatting to the artists after looking around the exhibit, Camilla praised the talent saying she was 'very envious' of their talent, before one artist cheekily gave the Queen her card in case she 'wanted private lessons'. It comes amid reports that her husband King Charles is currently receiving more cancer treatment after his first public appearance at Sandringham on Sunday. The 75-year-old monarch landed at Clarendon House in the royal helicopter yesterday after spending a week in Norfolk resting following the shock announcement. Keeping calm and carrying on, Camilla today admired an intricate drawing of Princess Charlotte. The Queen was drawn to a painting of her step-granddaughter Princess Charlotte by Mercedes Carbonell, who had created her version of a photograph released to mark the young royal's second birthday in 2017. The artist said: 'The Queen liked it very much, I think Charlotte looks like Queen Elizabeth in the photograph.' Queen Camilla admired a painting of Princess Charlotte today as she attended an art gallery in London today The daughter of the Prince and Princess of Wales ' daughter, is now eight, but the painting appears to be taken from a photo released for her second birthday. A new kind of crown jewels! Camilla posed with with costume designer Syban Velardi-Laufer Camilla was pictured admiring the installations, including taxidermy mice and intricate embroidered textiles Camilla poses with artist Babag as she views works of art during a visit to Kindred Studios' Shepherds Bush pop-up hub Camilla meets Jon Rees as she visits Kindred Studios' Shepherds Bush Pop-up hub In the portrait, the princess wore a blue and white checked print blouse beneath a cream wool cardigan, while her hair was decorated with navy blue ribbon. On arrival, Camilla was met by a glowing chorus sung by a female-only choir. The group of women sang gleefully to the Queen from atop a balcony at nearby flats. She opted for a stylish navy blue frock while carrying a transparent umbrella, and added a black cropped jacket with open zipped sides, that allowed her free use of her arms. She teamed the ensemble with a pair of black suede knee-high boots and a chic emerald green Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra bracelet. Camilla, left, meets costume designer Syban Velardi-Laufer during her visit to Kindred Studios' Shepherds Bush pop-up hub Camilla looked delighted to meet with the artist in the west London studio Camilla met with dozens of artists during the trip The Queen looked stylish in a navy blue frock while carrying a transparent brolley, clearly ready for London's wet weather Her blonde bob was typically coiffed to perfection, meanwhile her make-up appeared subtle and enhanced only by a nude lip colour and black mascara. Camilla is expected to remain in London because she is hosting a reception to mark the 100th anniversary of the Poppy Factory on Thursday. As she walked around Kindred Studios, previously used as accommodation by a homeless charity, the Queen told one artist: 'It was Laura who told me about this, she said it was so fantastic -'You've got to have a look'.' Among the works on display in the entrance hall were imaginatively quirky pieces by Cordelia Plunket, mother of Camilla's equerry, Major Ollie Plunket. Plunket uses taxidermy to recreate scenes from popular culture, and the Queen marvelled at a recreation of the famous Beatles Abbey Road album cover, with the Fab Four replaced with 12in high figures with bird heads. 'You've got Ringo here, and George,' said Camilla as she peered at the work through the glass case. Another piece replicated artist Tracey Emin's My Bed, which the Queen recognised, complete with a bird asleep under a miniature duvet and detritus on the floor. The artist said later: 'All of my work is based on iconic moments in time, whether it's music or film or fashion, and I work exclusively with ethically-sourced animals. 'And basically my whole thing is to bring a little bit of humour back into taxidermy - it makes it a little bit less scary - and try and put a smile on people's faces and give life back to these wonderful animals.' Another work graphically recreated a spaghetti western style shootout between two mice based on the films A Fistful Of Dollars and No Country For Old Men. Kindred Studios is based in Shepherds Bush and has occupied two other London buildings since 2015. It provides affordable spaces for artists in properties between uses, increasing security for an otherwise empty building and bringing creative life to an area. While King Charles and the Princess of Wales remain out of action, Camilla and her sister-in-law Princess Anne have been busy. Today Anne braved the wet weather to wrap up warm at the NCI at Hengistbury Head. The news comes as the royal was installed as an honorary liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers in her first engagement since returning to London with King Charles. The Queen was joined by the Duchess of Gloucester, who was made an honorary liveryman in 2005, in the pair's first joint engagement. Opting for a black dress, the queen met with the Clerk of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, Mrs Claire Chitty, and the Master of the Worshipful Company of Fan Makers, Mr Peter Dove, ahead of a ceremony at Clarence House. Camilla shook hands with the clerks while adorning a red and gold robe. Earlier on in the day, Queen Camilla was by her husband's side as the royal couple were driven to nearby Clarence House. While King Charles and the Princess of Wales remain out of action, Camilla and her sister-in-law Princess Anne have been busy Today Anne braved the wet weather to wrap up warm at the NCI at Hengistbury Head King Charles was seen returning to London yesterday for more cancer treatment after his first public appearance at Sandringham The 75-year-old monarch was pictured with Queen Camilla by his side after spending a week in Norfolk following the shock announcement It is thought that the King will hold face-to-face meetings in London this 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. Charles was pictured walking to church at Sandringham with Camilla on Sunday, the first time he had been seen in public since he began regular treatments. On Saturday he broke his silence for the first time as he sent his heartfelt thanks for the messages of support and 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, read: '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. '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 announced last week he was postponing all public duties while he undergoes treatment for an unspecified cancer, found by doctors while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate. But the King is well enough to hold a limited number of face-to-face meetings, sources say. The Queen has been carrying out her royal diary of engagements and last week said her husband was doing 'extremely well under the circumstances'. A mum was furious to discover the bizarre lunchtime rule her daughter's preschool is intent on enforcing. Caroline was distraught when her three-year-old came home and claimed that she wasn't allowed to eat any of her 'bad' foods (a cookie) before she finished her 'good' foods (a sandwich and cucumbers). 'I felt a little frustrated by the antiquated instruction from the teacher, but I told my daughter: "Well that's silly. There are no good foods or bad foods. Food is just food",' she shared on TikTok. The mum-of-four shared that she does her best to teach her children healthy narratives around food and that she unfortunately grew up with a different perspective. So, she left a note in her daughter's lunch box the next day. The note read: 'Hi! Evelyn has our permission to eat lunch in any order she chooses. None of her foods are 'good' or 'bad' - they are just food! Thanks!' A mum left her daughter's teacher a firm note in her lunch box 'Feeling grateful for those who have given me the knowledge and confidence to write this note to my three-year-old's preschool teacher. Food is food,' Caroline said. 'I will say, this was not my internal dialogue growing up but because of the information that I have from so many mums and experts in the field of childhood and nutrition, I am armed with better responses, knowledge, and practices for my kids. 'At three-years-old someone has told her that foods are good or bad. I am so proud that she had sensed something was off - to know that was not right enough to tell me about it.' A Mission Australia study in 2019 revealed that over 30 per cent of young people are overly concerned with their body image and food intake. Eating disorders and other food issues can start with children and follow them well into adulthood. Sometimes, parents and teachers who try to force 'healthy' eating end up doing the opposite. 'Almond mum' is a term used to describe mothers who impose restrictive eating and fitness habits onto their children. The viral phrase was inspired by Yolanda Hadid advising her then-teenage daughter supermodel Gigi Hadid to 'have a couple of almonds and chew them really well' to abate her hunger in a resurfaced clip of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. 'We talk about [food] all the time at home - if you only eat carrots or broccoli your body won't have protein it needs to grow strong muscles,' Caroline said. 'If you only eat chicken, your body won't have enough energy to do things like run and play. We need bits of everything to make sure that we are able to learn and play and grow all day long.' The mum revealed that the point of view has 'changed [her] family for the better'. @pezzi.shop Heres the story: My three-year-old came home from school yesterday, telling me that her teacher told her that she had to eat all of her good foods before she ate her bad foods. She couldnt have her cookie before eating her sandwich and cucumbers. In this moment, I felt a little frustrated by the antiquated instruction from the teacher, but I responded saying, Well thats silly. There are no good foods or bad foods. Food is just food! I will say, this was not my internal dialogue growing up, but because of the information that I have from so many great accounts created by moms and experts, in the field of childhood and nutrition, I am armed with better responses, knowledge and practices for my kids. Three years old. At three years old someone has told her that foods are good or bad. I am so proud that she had sensed something was off - to know that was not right enough to tell me about it. We talk about it all the time at home If you only eat carrots or broccoli your body wont have protein it needs to grow strong muscles. If you only eat chicken, your body wont have enough energy to do things like run and play all day long. We need little bits of everything to make sure that we are able to learn and play and grow all day long. So to the accounts that make sure we have the words, knowledge and confidence to write the note and practice it at home, I thank you, thank you, thank you. It has changed our family for the better. What you do and what you share is so important to young families. #kidsnutrition #kidseatincolor #solidstarts #kidfood #babyledweaning toddlers moms babies family @Jennifer Anderson, MSPH RD @Feeding Littles @Kacie Barnes, MCN, RDN @Food Science Babe It's All Right I Got Ya Baby - Neon Dreams Many other parents and educators praised Caroline's parenting method and staying firm on her principles. 'Teachers have no business commenting on how children choose to eat. Telling kids some foods are more important than others is harmful,' one said. 'As I teacher, your response is the 100 per cent right. The narrative of 'good' and 'bad' food can actually encourage harmful eating habits to develop,' another said. Another shared, 'I had a day care teacher force us to eat EVERYTHING on our plate, and the first to finish got rewarded by picking the movie to watch, and the last got punished and had to nap instead. I've had a bad relationship with food since.' But a few thought the mum was being melodramatic. 'I'm sure the teacher wasn't trying to be cruel,' a woman wrote. 'Maybe you could have talked to her instead of a passive aggressive note in your three-years-old lunch?' Another echoed, 'It is very passive aggressive and face-to-face or phone conversations are a better way to go about issues with your child's teacher.' If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, contact the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673. Talk to someone now. A dog owner received a hostile letter from her neighbours about her pet's barking - but she doesn't believe it's as bad as they claim. The woman, from Adelaide, received a typed letter from an unknown group of neighbours who said they had run out of patience with the rescue dog's 'repetitive, loud and obnoxious' barking. But while the neighbours claim her dog barks 'constantly' through the day, she said this seems 'bizarre' as she doesn't leave him home alone for long. 'Given the size of your block and the arrangement of your buildings and sheds, you may be unaware of how often and for how long your dog is barking,' the letter read. 'We have been patient with it for months to give you the chance to address it but if anything, it is getting worse. Please take steps to address it ASAP.' A pet owner has appealed for help after she received a hostile letter from a neighbour complaining about her dog's 'repetitive, loud and obnoxious' barking The neighbours said they have notified the council about the issue and are keeping a record of when and how long the dog is barking. 'We hope some quick action on your part can bring a speedy resolution to this matter as we have no desire to pursue it further,' the letter concluded. The woman was at a loss as to how to address the issue. She has two dogs, one of which has almost completely stopped barking since she adopted him. 'The dog is a rescue and his barking has dropped significantly compared to when I got him 85 per cent better than what he originally was,' the woman said in a Facebook post. She said her dogs are not left at home alone for longer than five or six hours at a time and when she's in, they sleep silently in a crate in her room. The animal lover said her dogs are not left at home alone for longer than five or six hours at a time and when she's in, they sleep silently in a crate in her room 'Just seems bizarre when they say it's constant, yet I'm home most of the time outside of work and they're not barking right now. Plus not giving me actual times when it happens so I can address it,' the owner said. The dog lover called the council who informed her there were no noise complaints made against her property. 'They think the letter is just a warning, so I will try and address the problem with a camera and barking collar,' she said. 'I feel like I look after my dogs well but maybe some more preventative measures to keep the peace.' The dilemma divided people in the comments with some suggesting the neighbour targeted the wrong house while others thought the woman was unaware how much her dogs were really barking. 'Is it possible it's someone else's dog and they just think it's yours? Might be worth getting a camera or two just to see if it is your dog, they may be exaggerating on it being constant,' one woman suggested. 'Maybe in those five or six hours at a time, the dog is anxious and constantly barking. Our dog used to be like that. The second we left her, barking began,' another explained. But the woman said she has done 'tests' to see if her dog, who had separation anxiety', would bark when she wasn't in the house. 'I've sat around the corner in my car and listened, I've walked around the other block and sat at the park. I've asked my neighbours on the other side to let me know if he barks, and said if he does please tell me,' she said. 'Nobody has complained that I'm directly in touch with and he hasn't made a sound so it's bizarre. He does bark, but he plays with my other dog and alerts people when they're around.' Head of Veterinary Policy and Advocacy at the Australian Veterinary Association Dr Cristy Secombe told FEMAIL that while barking is a normal way for dogs to communicate with others, owners should actively try to get to the root of why their pets are barking. Then it can be resolved. 'Dogs normally bark to get attention, during play, hunting, herding, territorial defence, threatening displays and fearful and anxious situations,' she said. 'Understanding why your dog is barking is essential to controlling problem-barking, which is the most common complaint we hear from dog owners. 'It is not uncommon for excessive barking to be accompanied by other behavioural or environmental issues. In these situations, it is advised to see your vet who can offer advice around how to manage behavioural issues that might be contributing.' More than 700 frontline NHS workers from Nigeria could be treating patients despite being under investigation for 'industrial-scale' qualifications fraud, it was revealed today. Regulators revealed in September that 48 nurses and midwives from the African nation were being investigated for paying someone to a sit computer-based exam, which checks medical knowledge and is needed to work in the UK. The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has now warned a further 669 individuals who were assessed at the test centre have applied to join its register. Of the 80 applications it has so far checked, the vast majority have been rejected. However, these individuals, who are qualified nurses and midwives in their home country, are reportedly still working in the NHS or care homes as healthcare assistants, which can involve performing health checks, taking blood samples and sterilising equipment. The regulator revealed in September that 48 nurses and midwives in the African nation were being investigated for paying someone to a sit computer-based exam, which checks medical knowledge and is needed to work in the UK Nurses and midwives hoping to work in Britain must complete assessments. These include a computer-based, multiple-choice test that checks their clinical and numeracy skills, which is usually completed in their home country and covers topics like drug dosage calculations, followed by a practical test that is taken in the UK. Pearson VUE, the company that runs the computer element for the NMC, issued an alert in May about 'anomalous data' coming from the Yunnik Technologies Test Centre in Ibadan, south west Nigeria. A subsequent NMC investigation uncovered 'widespread fraud' at the test centre, based on assessment completion times being 'statistically significantly quicker' compared to other centres in Nigeria and globally. As of September, 515 professionals on the NMC register took their computer assessment at this centre representing around five per cent of those from Nigeria. The regulator believes that 48 of these people likely paid a proxy tester to take the test on their behalf and, as a result, deemed all results from the Yunnik site as invalid. READ MORE: Calls for radical reform of NHS as major report demands social care and GP crises are fixed to 'free up hospitals' A failure to properly invest in general practice and social care is one of the biggest policy blunders of the past 30 years, a report claims today Advertisement MailOnline revealed that dozens of these nurses were still working in the NHS. These nurses were already working in the NHS when the scandal came to light and the NMC doesn't have the power to suspend them. However, it has told them to retake the computer test to prove that they are competent. Experts have warned that these workers are a risk to patients' health and that the situation highlights the dangers of the UK's over-reliance on oversees nurses to fill staffing gaps. Hearings, expected to start next month, will result in a final decision and determine whether they should be removed from the register. The NMC has now revealed it has received 669 applications from nurses and midwives tested at the Yunnik centre and is 'reviewing each application carefully'. It means that more than 700 nurses are potentially caught up in the scandal. The second batch of 669 staff, most of whom have already come to the UK, are largely nurses, while fewer than five are midwives, The Guardian reports. However, as the NMC has not yet approved their applications, they are mainly working as healthcare assistants in the NHS and in care homes, according to the newspaper. The NMC said internationally educated nurses or midwives take these unregulated roles, which it has no power over, as an interim step while in the process of applying to its register. Around 80 nurses from this group have retaken their computer test and applied to join the NMC to start working as nurses or midwives but the regulator said it has 'serious concerns' about their honesty and trustworthiness. Andrea Sutcliffe, the NMC's chief executive and registrar, told The Guardian: 'We've refused entry to the register for the vast majority of the 80 applications we've considered so far, and those individuals can appeal.' She said: 'Internationally educated nurses and midwives make an important contribution to our health and social care system. 'However, our paramount concern is to protect the public by maintaining the integrity of the register. 'That's why, when concerns were raised with us about the Yunnik test centre, we investigated thoroughly, including asking an independent expert to analyse the data. A fifth of NHS staff in England are now foreign nationals, according to estimates. Three in 10 nurses and more than a third of doctors are non-UK residents the first time this milestone has been reached The most common foreign nationality for nurses is Indian, accounting for 10.1 per cent of all FTE nurses and health visitors, followed by Filipino, Nigerian and Irish. For doctors Indian was the most common non-UK nationality, accounting for 8 per cent of all doctors, followed by Pakistani, Egyptian and Nigerian 'This produced evidence of widespread fraudulent activity, isolated to the Yunnik site, where we suspect some people obtained their test results fraudulently. 'In each case a carefully considered decision will be made about whether to remove those individuals from our register, or refuse their applications to join it.' Peter Carter, the former chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, told the newspaper: 'It's very, very worrying if there's an organisation that's involving themselves in fraudulent activity, enabling nurses to bypass these tests, or if they are using surrogates to do exams for them because the implication is that we end up in the UK with nurses who aren't competent'. He said the NMC's action will 'protect the quality of care and patient safety and the reputation of nurses'. It comes after data this week revealed that a fifth of NHS staff in England are foreign nationals, which is the highest proportion since records began in 2009. According to the latest available data from NHS Digital, a third of the 335,763 full-time equivalent (FTE) nurses and health visitors working in England in September whose nationality was known are foreign nationals. The most common foreign nationality is Indian, accounting for 10.1 per cent of all FTE nurses and health visitors, followed by Filipino, Nigerian and Irish. Health chiefs have warned overseas recruitment cannot fill vacancies in the health service forever, arguing that the figures reflect how heavily the NHS depends on international staff to stop it 'buckling under pressure'. It comes after a Mail on Sunday investigation revealed that NHS staff at every level are working remotely in countries such as Australia and Japan. At least 335 staff from 33 trusts have been granted to work from a different country in the past two years - including consultants who can earn a basic salary of up to 126,000. A pharmaceutical firm behind a 'faulty' solution feared to have destroyed hundreds of British women's eggs and embryos is being sued in the US over similar claims, MailOnline can reveal today. CooperSurgical, which has previously worked with model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen, finds itself at the centre of fertility scandals on both sides of the Atlantic. The company, one of largest of its kind worldwide, supplies liquid used by UK fertility clinics to freeze eggs and embryos as part of IVF treatment. But in a heartbreaking turn of events, last night it was revealed at least 136 women who underwent treatment at Guys and St Thomas' NHS Trust in London might have lost the chance to ever have their own biological children because of an issue with one specific batch of preservation liquid. Today another clinic in Sheffield was also revealed to be involved in the unfolding scandal, with another 29 women caught up in the scare. CooperSurgical has previously worked with model and TV personality Chrissy Teigen to promote its cord blood service. Teigen pictured at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this month CooperSurgical, a US pharma giant based in Connecticut, is at the centre of fertility scandals on both sides of the Atlantic The UK issues relate to a batch of SAGE Vitrification Media Kit (pictured) made by the company which normally freezes the eggs and embryos so rapidly they suffer no damage from the process, but on this occasion contained the wrong substance Yet in the US, Connecticut-based CooperSurgical, whose parent company raked in almost $1billion in revenue last year in America, is facing lawsuits over another type of solution that is used to help embryos grow, as opposed to freeze them. Grieving would-be parents undergoing fertility treatment claim embryos they hoped would become their children failed to grow because the liquid they were placed in lacked a key nutritional ingredient. Documents issued by the CooperSurgical in February last year warned a batch of fluid, called a SAGE Vitrification Media Kit, sent to the UK and used to freeze eggs and embryos so they do not suffer any damage contained the wrong substance. This means that any treated eggs and embryos may be rendered unviable during thawing, potentially robbing some women of the chance to ever have biological children. Some women at Guys, which took just under a year to tell patients of the issue, may have no viable eggs left to freeze for future IVF due to their age. What is egg freezing? And is it safe? Everything you need to know about the procedure How many women freeze their eggs? Statistics released at the end of last year revealed lockdowns during Covid led to an egg-freezing boom among women fearful of running out of time to have a baby. Figures showed 1,874 women froze their eggs in the UK in 2020 a number which has nearly doubled since 2015 when 945 women opted for the procedure. Why do they do it? And how much does it cost? Egg freezing is one way of preserving a womans fertility so she can try to have a family in the future, according to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority. It involves collecting a womans eggs, freezing them and then thawing them later on so they can be used in fertility treatment. Some cancer patients are advised to freeze their eggs before starting treatment. Eggs are frozen and then thawed before being fertilised. With frozen embryos, the eggs are fertilised before being preserved. This usually happens after IVF so none get wasted. The average cost of having eggs collected and frozen is 3,350, with medication costing up to 1,500 extra and storage up to 350 a year. Is it best to freeze when you're young? If women freeze their eggs when they are younger, the eggs are typically better quality. Therefore, they are more likely to lead to a pregnancy when women use them for IVF later in life. Egg-freezing is therefore increasingly popular among single women, or those deferring motherhood to focus on their career. Advertisement Others are thought to have undergone cancer treatment and had their wombs removed. Not all of the bottles of the solution from the affected batch, which had an expiration date of November 2022, will have been faulty. A spokesperson for Jessop Fertility in Sheffield, which also used CooperSurgical's product, said none of the women had actually been affected by the 'faulty' product. Health chiefs today told MailOnline no problems with the other product at the centre of legal action in the US a fluid used to support the growth of an embryo before it is implanted in a womb as part of the IVF process have been logged in the UK. At least two US couples are suing the company over problems with that type of solution. They claim it was toxic and killed embryos, dashing their hopes of having children. Another legal firm representing a couple caught in the scandal say this was due to the solution in question lacking the normal amount of magnesium, a mineral essential to support the normal development of the embryo. Lawyers from this case allege workers on the assembly line failed to notice a magnesium hopper used to fill bottles of the solution was empty. Its absence, allegedly the result of a problem with CooperSurgicals manufacturing process, led to the embryos becoming unviable, the couples' claim. While legal action has so far been launched by only a few couples, lawyers in the US claim they have spoken to hundreds of patients who suspect their embryos may have also failed as a result. Lawyers have also hinted more cases could emerge globally, with CooperSurgical shipping its products worldwide. The company worked with Teigen on a separate campaign in 2023 to promote its cord blood service, which preserves restorative stem cells from the umbilical cord. It issued a recall last February for one type of fluid used to support embryos, although it's not clear if this is the same product behind the US legal action. The document supplied to the MHRA, which polices the safety of drugs and medical products used in the UK, warns that the liquid may contain material 'which does not contain the protein source required for embryo culture and development'. It adds: 'There is a risk that use of the product from this lot could impact embryo culture and development.' In a comment issued in January in response to the US legal action, CooperSurgical said: 'While we cannot address ongoing litigation, quality and compliance are fundamental parts of the value we provide to our customers.' MailOnline approached the company for comment on the recent issues with its products in the UK. Guys yesterday confirmed a total of 136 women may have lost the chance of becoming biological mothers because of the error with the CooperSurgical freezing solution. A letter sent to women affected informed them that their eggs and embryos 'may not survive the thaw process'. All of the women involved had their eggs or embryos frozen between September and October 2022. Jessop Fertility clinic in Sheffield, attached to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, has been named as the second clinic hit by issues with the freezing liquid So far it has been confirmed that 136 women may have lost their chance to become biological parents with an NHS fertility clinic warning their frozen eggs and embryos may not survive the thawing process due to a fault (stock image) Many of the women had eggs or embryos frozen at the Guys and St Thomas NHS Trust between September and October 2022 However, despite learning of the problem from the MHRA in March last year, the hospital only informed the affected women within the last two weeks. Guy's blamed the delay on confusion over which specific batches were affected. Fertility regulators at the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA) today named the Jessop Fertility clinic in Sheffield as also having used the affected freezing solution. The site, however, revealed that all but one woman were given a fluid that wasn't faulty, and that individual was not affected. Both clinics treat NHS patients and private ones. Patient leaflets at Guys list the cost of an IVF embryo freeze at 4,750 and an annual cryopreservation storage fee of 350. Similar fees are offered at Jessop Fertility. They both also boast of being known 'worldwide as an innovator in fertility treatments' or as 'one of the leading UK hospital based fertility centres'. Medical negligence specialists have said victims could be awarded compensation of payments of over 100,000. Costs to cover surrogacy could also be included as part of any settlement, they suggested. Linda Millband, of Thompsons Solicitors, speaking about the emerging UK cases MailOnline: 'These would be high value cases, if you could actually prove them. Ms Millband stressed these are likely to be a very 'complex' cases. The first issue is determining whether the company who made the product or the clinic that used it is to blame and whether it would have been made a difference. Ms Millband said another consideration is the delay between Guy's knowing about the problem with the solution and communicating it to the patients affected. The odds of successful IVF rapidly diminish as women age, from 32 per cent for women under 35, to just 4 per cent for women over 44, declining by about 6 or 7 per cent for every couple of years of age. She said: 'The question is, if they told people a year ago, would it have made a difference?' 'Obviously with IVF, it's not always successful, so you'd have to have a look on the balance of probabilities whether it would have made any difference. 'Every individual case would be different. Catherine Slattery, a specialist group actions medical negligence lawyer at law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: 'This is a very worrying incident which could potentially have devastating consequences for women, especially those who have had to go through the physical and psychological impact of cancer treatment. 'Weve been contacted by a number of women possibly affected and are looking into their concerns further. 'Some women are based in London and received treatment at Guys Hospital, while others are based elsewhere in England and Wales.' Currently, the fertility treatment has a success rate of up to 40 per cent. Around a third of IVF cycles among under-35s resulted in a live birth in 2019 in the UK. Yet this dropped to just 4 per cent in over-44s It is unknown if the solution at the centre of the scandal was sent to more UK IVF clinics but went unused. Sarah Norcross, director of the Progress Educational Trust, a charity representing people affected by infertility, said: 'We need reassurance, from regulators and clinics alike, that processes are in place to notify patients in a timely way when things go wrong.' Guys, which treats about 2,000 patients a year, apologised for the delay in communicating the problem and has offered the women counselling. A spokesperson for Trust said: 'We have contacted all of those affected and apologised for the delay in doing so and any distress this may have caused. 'We are supporting those who may have been impacted, including through our counselling service, and would urge anyone with concerns to speak to us directly via the dedicated phone line we have set up.' One woman caught up in the freezing error, who spoke anonymously, told The Times: 'The doctor informed me that the eggs I had frozen are unlikely to be viable, due to a faulty freezing process. It has been devastating. 'It is traumatising for those poor women to be told their frozen eggs cannot be used.' She called for Guy's to cover the cost of further fertility treatment. The HFEA recorded more than 4,200 egg storage cycles in 2021, almost double the 2,500 in 2019. It is thought the number of women freezing their eggs surged during Covid because many feared they were running out of time to have a baby. The pandemic brought dating to a halt for single women for months at a time, leaving some unsure when they would meet the right partner to start a family. Egg freezing involves following the first steps of IVF, which takes two to three weeks to complete. Women take drugs to boost their egg production and help eggs mature. The eggs are then collected under general anaesthetic, mixed with a freezing solution and frozen. Most patients under 38 have seven to 14 eggs collected. On average, women lose around 1,000 eggs per month. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged travellers in Asia to avoid wet markets over escalating bird flu fears. Virologists have repeatedly warned of the threat the markets pose, labelling them ideal breeding grounds for pathogens. One infamous site in the Chinese city of Wuhan is thought to have played a role in Covid's murky origin. In a fresh plea coinciding with the Lunar New Year, the WHO claimed the increased levels of trade and travel 'will lead to a higher risk of exposure' in humans. It comes just days after Beijing revealed the world's first ever case of a new type of bird flu. A farmer in her 60s died following a two-week battle with the H10N5 strain. Wet markets are large collections of open-air stalls where sellers flog live animals, raw meat and fish, as well as fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices. Experts have long warned of the mounting disease threat such markets pose, labelling them ideal grounds for transmission of pathogens Over 700 confirmed cases of H5N1 have been detected among wild birds in England since September 2022, according to the UKHSA. Pictured above, a bird flu outbreak last February in Queens Park, Heywood, Rochdale UK scientists tasked with developing 'scenarios of early human transmission' of bird flu have warned that 5 per cent of infected people could die if the virus took off in humans (shown under scenario three). Under another scenario, the scientists assumed 1 per cent of those infected would be hospitalised and 0.25 per cent would die similar to how deadly Covid was in autumn 2021 (scenario one). The other saw a death rate of 2.5 per cent (scenario two) And last year, a Chinese woman became the first person to ever die from the H3N8 strain. Health officials believe she caught the virus from a wet market, where live animals such as pangolins and bats are bought and sold. A separate strain called H5N1, which experts have identified as having pandemic potential in humans, has already fuelled the world's biggest ever bird flu outbreak. It has affected more than 200 million domestic birds globally, on top of countless wild birds, spilling into mammals like mink, foxes, raccoons and bears. In the alert, WHO officials said 'most human infections' to date 'have been sporadic following contact with infected poultry and/or their environments'. However, they added 'vigilance remains crucial'. Avoiding contact with animals in live poultry markets and any sick or dead animals are among the measures recommended. People should also steer clear of any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with faeces from poultry or other animals. 'Good hand hygiene' and 'good food safety habits', like separating raw meat from cooked, were two final measures advised by officials. A human is unlikely to catch the virus from eating poultry and game birds because it is heat-sensitive, and properly cooking the poultry will kill the virus. Usual symptoms in humans are high fever, a cough, sore throat, muscle aches and a general feeling of malaise. Just like with ordinary flu, it can quickly develop into serious respiratory illness and pneumonia. According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, the bird flu death rate is believed to be around 50 per cent globally. Scientists have largely pointed to Wuhan's Huanan seafood wholesale market (pictured), where numerous species of live animals were kept and sold, as the potential site where Covid spread naturally from animals to people The initial investigation by the WHO in January 2021, which saw a group of scientists travel to Wuhan, concluded that 'all hypotheses remain on the table'. In its March 2021 report, it ranked the likelihood of four theories, ruling the natural origins theory to be the most likely. But it placed the lab leak an 'extremely unlikely pathway' behind the frozen food origin story It has been suggested that Covid was bio-engineered at Wuhan Institute of Virology (pictured) in central China, which specialised in studying coronaviruses Lunar New Year kicked off on February 10 and lasts for 15 days. It comes as China has repeatedly insisted one of its wet markets, in Covid's ground zero of Wuhan, was the source of the pandemic. Scientists have largely pointed to Wuhan's Huanan seafood wholesale market, where numerous species of live animals were kept and sold, as the potential site where the virus spread naturally from animals to people. Many of the earliest cases in December 2019 and January 2020 had visited the site, where live animals were sold. But Beijing has also repeatedly been accused of a cover-up, stifling attempts to investigate a lab in Wuhan which was experimenting with similar viruses months before the disease emerged in the city. No concrete proof to support either Covid origin argument has been found, leaving experts fearing the truth behind the viruses origins will never be uncovered. Woke medics are calling on Britain's biggest GP body to cancel a 'gender critical' conference at its HQ because it is platforming 'transphobic' speakers. The Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender (CAN-SG) will hold the event at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)'s conference centre in London next month. Speakers, including GPs, psychiatrists and sociology professors, are set to discuss 'controversies in the care of children', including sex-based language in healthcare and the 'impacts of gender medicine on same-sex attracted youth'. The College which represents 50,000-plus members has said the event is not affiliated with or approved by it. But doctors have slammed the RCGP's 'accidental endorsement', warning LGBTQ+ patients already feel unsafe and have a difficult relationship with the NHS. The College which represents 50,000-plus members has said the event is not affiliated with or approved by it. But d octors have slammed the RCGP's 'accidental endorsement', warning LGBTQ + patients already feel unsafe and have a difficult relationship with the NHS Activists, however, pointed to others such as CAN-SG member Stella OMalley, a psychotherapist and author, who has expressed concern about children presenting with gender dysphoria being placed on a pathway to medical transition. She is a vocal advocate for gender exploratory therapy, which critics have described as being akin to conversion therapy something she strongly refutes. Another, Oxford University sociology professor Michael Biggs (pictured right), was accused in 2018 of running a troll account that targeted trans people online Among the event's speakers include education leads for NHS gender services for children and professors of obstetrics. Professor Susan Bewley (pictured left) is a professor emeritus of obstetrics and womens health. Dr Az Hakeem (pictured right) has publicly opposed the upcoming ban on conversion practices. He was accused in 2022 of 'attempting to practice' transgender conversion therapy, although the GMC confirmed that no action would be taken against him in relation to the allegations, which he strongly denied. One psychotherapist involved in the conference previously controversially claimed teenage trans patients are fetishists and has also advocated for certain gender identity conversion efforts. Pride RCGP group, an informal network set up to deliver educational programmes and Pride events, said the event would worsen the trust the LGBTQ+ community has with general practice. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Dr Richard Ma, a GP and member of Pride RCGP, added: 'While we believe we need honest & respectful discussions to improve care of gender-questioning young people, we should not have to share a platform with people who invalidate or dehumanise lived experiences of trans/non-binary peers/patients. Our community does not feel safe.' The Trans Safety Network, a collective established in 2020 to record evidence of transphobia in the UK, said: 'It is scandalous that the RCGP should be hosting this event organised by hate groups posing as a scientific conference.' The RCGP today said the conference at 30 Euston Square 'can go ahead'. A statement said: 'This is an extremely complex situation that the RCGP has been inadvertently drawn into, and we have spent the past few days in intense and wide-ranging discussions. 'We understand the concerns and strength of feeling that this event has provoked, particularly among our LGBTQ+ community of GPs and patients. 'The legal considerations are such that the College would be at risk of being faced with a claim for breaching the Equalities Act if we acted otherwise.' It added: '30ES is the headquarters of the RCGP but also an event space run by an independent events company.' Until last week, former RCGP chair Dr Clare Gerada was scheduled to speak at the event. The reasons for her withdrawal is not known. Among the event's speakers include education leads for NHS gender services for children and professors of obstetrics. Activists, however, pointed to others such as CAN-SG member Stella OMalley, a psychotherapist and author, who has expressed concern about children presenting with gender dysphoria being placed on a pathway to medical transition. She is a vocal advocate for gender exploratory therapy, which critics have described as being akin to conversion therapy something she strongly refutes. Another, Oxford University sociology professor Michael Biggs, was accused in 2018 of running a troll account that targeted trans people online. The account was registered to a Yahoo! email that was believed to be connected to Professor Biggs's official Oxford University email address. Dr Az Hakeem, meanwhile, has publicly opposed the upcoming ban on conversion practices. He was accused in 2022 of 'attempting to practice' transgender conversion therapy, although the GMC confirmed that no action would be taken against him in relation to the allegations, which he strongly denied. Responding to the backlash, other GPs called on the RCGP not to cancel the event and let 'intolerant' bullies 'intimidate and dictate what others are allowed to talk about'. One wrote on GP magazine Pulse's website: 'RGCP please dont allow these intolerant bullys to intimidate and dictate what others are allowed to talk about. The RCGP today said the conference at 30 Euston Square 'can go ahead'. A statement said: 'This is an extremely complex situation that the RCGP has been inadvertently drawn into, and we have spent the past few days in intense and wide-ranging discussions.' Until last week, former RCGP chair Dr Clare Gerada was scheduled to speak at the event. The reasons for her withdrawal is not known The Clinical Advisory Network on Sex and Gender (CAN-SG) will hold the event at the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)'s conference centre in London (pictured) next month 'This kind of intimidation is a threat to democracy.' Another read: 'It would be completely inappropriate to cancel this event. 'The care of transgender and questioning individuals is complex and it deserves proper and careful scrutiny, particularly in context of care for children with gender dysphoria. 'The evidence base for puberty blockers and children transitioning is highly uncertain and it is contested.' They added: 'There is nothing transphobic about the CAN-SG organisation and there is no reason to use the hyperbole of "feeling unsafe". 'Pride RCGP should welcome such opportunities to widen the breadth of evidence, and to maximise safety of children in their care who may present with gender dysphoria.' A third wrote: 'As an out and queer GP in a 28 year relationship with a transgender person I feel I can speak with some experience. 'We both feel that legitimate debate on trans matters is indeed being suppressed by fascistic trans fanatics doing real harm to some young people. Stand fast RCGP.' An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Minnesota was linked to city utilities An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Minnesota has been traced back to the local water supply, state health officials report. The state suffered 134 cases and six deaths last year in the outbreak, which is caused by a bacterial infection that damages people's lungs and causes a severe form of pneumonia. Now, in at least one city in northeastern Minnesota, the outbreak has been traced to the area's municipal water supply, which provides water to more than 3,200 residents through their faucets and showerheads. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) confirmed that the 14 cases in Grand Rapids was caused by people being exposed to contaminated water, such as by washing hands, taking showers and baths, and brushing their teeth. The Minnesota Department of Health confirmed that 14 cases of Legionnaires' disease were linked to the city water supply in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The state reported a total of 134 cases and six deaths last year Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the MDH Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division, said: 'We are taking this situation very seriously.' 'While most people exposed to Legionella bacteria do not develop Legionnaires' disease, the best thing to do if you experience symptoms of pneumonia - such as cough, shortness of breath, fever, and headache - is contact your health care provider right away.' 'Most cases can be successfully treated with antibiotics, but prompt diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment is important.' MDH found that water samples from two unnamed Grand Rapids buildings were positive for Legionella and were highly similar to those detected in the patients' medical tests. Tom Hogan, director of MDH's Environmental Health Division, said: 'We are working in partnership with the local water utility to determine the best way to address the situation.' 'Additional water sampling is planned, and the results will be analyzed and used to inform additional actions and communication.' Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the bacteria Legionella, which is found in freshwater environments like lakes and streams. However, it can also grow in human-made water systems like showerheads and faucets, hot tubs, decorative fountains, hot water tanks and heaters, and large plumbing systems that are not cleaned often enough, exposing them to bacteria. According to the CDC, water containing Legionella can aerosolize, or turn into droplets that people breathe in. And though it's less common, people can also drink water containing the bacteria. Legionnaires' is not spread between people. MDH said in its announcement: 'In this outbreak, it appears the most likely source of exposure was water mist from fixtures in buildings such as showers or faucets.' The CDC reports that most people exposed to Legionella don't get sick, however some groups are more at risk of disease than others. The agency estimates that 8,000 to 10,000 cases are reported every year in the US, though the true number is likely higher, as many cases go undiagnosed. Roughly 15 out of 100 people who get the infection are expected to die. This includes people over age 50, current or former smokers, people with chronic lung diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema, those with weakened immune systems, and people with underlying diseases like diabetes or organ failure. Symptoms usually develop between two and 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. According to the Mayo Clinic, early signs include headache, muscle pain, and fever and chills. As the disease progresses, patients may experience coughing up blood, breathlessness, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and confusion. According to the CDC, Legionella bacteria grows in natural water supplies but can be found in complex water systems Once diagnosed, Legionnaires requires treatment with antibiotics. Pontiac fever, meanwhile, is as milder infection than Legionnaires' that leads to fever and muscle aches. Symptoms typically occur within a few hours to three days after exposure to Legionella and last less than a week. The disease usually goes away on its own. Julie Kennedy, general manager of Grand Rapids Public Utilities, said that the immediate city plans to flush and disinfect all areas of the water system and introduce a system to add more chlorine to water, which would help disinfect it. 'We will be providing local updates and customer notices as that plan develops along with continuing to work with MDH and a team of experts to conduct a thorough assessment of our water distribution system to determine the best long-term solution,' she said. The CDC recommends regularly cleaning all devices that use water, such as faucets and showerheads, as well as medical equipment such as CPAP machines. A 13-year-old Belgian boy has become the first in the world to be cured of a deadly brain cancer. Aged six, Lucas Jemeljanova was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a very rare and highly aggressive brain tumor which kills 98 percent of sufferers within five years. He was randomly assigned to receive everolimus, a type of chemotherapy drug, in a clinical trial, which is used to treat kidney, pancreas, breast and brain cancer but has not been used successfully to treat DIPG. Lucas responded well to the treatment and the tumor gradually vanished. Seven years later, Lucas now has no trace of cancer, and has officially been in remission for five years. Lucas 'beat all the odds' said his doctor Jacques Grill, and his case 'offers real hope.' Lucas, aged five, with his parents, Cedric and Olesja, and sister, Tatiana, a year before he was diagnosed with DIPG Lucas, aged eight, with his mother. His parents took him to France to join a clinical trial His parents, Cedric and Olesja, took him to France to be one of the first enrolled on the BIOMEDE trial, which was testing potential new drugs for DIPG. Everolimus works by blocking mTOR, a protein which helps cancer cells divide and grow and produce new blood vessels. This stops or slows down the growth of the cancer by preventing the cancer cells from reproducing and by decreasing blood supply to the tumor cells. The drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription drug to treat a range of cancers. Doctors were afraid to stop the treatment regiment until a year and a half ago, by which point it turned out Lucas had stopped taking the drugs anyway. Dr Grill said: 'I didnt know when to stop, or how, because there was no reference in the world.' 'Over a series of MRI scans, I watched as the tumor completely disappeared,' his doctor, Jacques Grill, head of the brain tumor program at the Gustave Roussy cancer center in Paris, told AFP. Why Lucas recovered so well is still unknown. Seven other children in the trial have been considered 'long responders' after they had no relapses for three years after their diagnosis, but only Lucas's tumor totally disappeared. The reason for some children responding to the drugs while others did not is probably because of 'biological particularities' of their tumors, Dr Grill said. 'Lucas's tumor had an extremely rare mutation which we believe made its cells far more sensitive to the drug,' he said. Roughly 300 children a year are diagnosed with DIPG, according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. After diagnosis, the median survival is nine months. DIPG typically found in children between ages five and nine. This type of tumor is located at the base of the brain and the top of the spine, but it is not known what causes them. The tumor presses on the area of the brain called the pons, which is responsible for a number of critical bodily functions such as breathing, sleeping and blood pressure. Over time, the tumor affects heartbeat, breathing, swallowing, eyesight and balance. Some of the first symptoms of the tumor are problems with eye movement, facial weakness, difficulty walking, strange limb movements and problems with balance. Lucas was diagnosed aged six after he fell ill in the summer holidays. He could not walk straight, had difficulty peeing, would pass out and suffered nose bleeds. The researchers are now trying to reproduce the difference seen in Lucas's cells. 'Lucas is believed to have had a particular form of the disease. 'We must understand what and why to succeed in medically reproducing in other patients what happened naturally with him,' Dr Grill said. The researchers are looking at the genetic abnormalities of patients' tumors while also making tumor 'organoids', an artificially grown mass of cells that resembles an organ. The team wants to replicate his genetic differences in the organoids to see if tumors can be destroyed like Lucas's was. 'The next step will be to find a drug that has the same effect on tumor cells as these cellular changes,' said Marie-Anne Debily, a researcher supervising the lab work. But the process won't be quick. 'On average, it takes 10-15 years from the first lead to become a drug it's a long and drawn-out process,' Dr Grill said. Most transgender people in the US who take hormone drugs do not suffer serious side effects - but for those who do, the symptoms are usually life-threatening. That is the conclusion of one of the first studies on the therapies, which have been increasingly used off-label in recent years to treat gender dysphoria. The researchers analyzed the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) for side effects that occurred in trans people taking the medications to affirm their new gender. They found just over 400 cases of adverse side effects, dating as far back as the database goes until June 2023. However, given that at least 700,000 trans Americans are estimated to be on the drugs, the researchers said the true number of adverse reactions is likely 'underreported.' Of the reports, up to 88 percent were the most serious type - including organ damage, cancer, and death. The study team described this high number of serious events as 'striking.' Researchers found just over 400 cases, start from as far back as the database goes until June 2023. The types of reactions shown were the most commonly reported among all of the adverse events The researchers - from Georgia and Utah - said their findings 'should be interpreted cautiously' because FAERS reports are voluntary and anyone can log one - including patients, family members, healthcare providers and vaccine manufacturers. The reports are also not verified, which means the medication did not necessarily cause the reaction listed, just that they are believed by the patient or doctor to be linked. However, by the same token, the researchers said 'the voluntary nature of these reports may lead to underreporting, thus potentially underestimating the actual incidence of adverse events.' The FAERS system is meant to act like an early warning system for side-effects. Data must be carefully analyzed, however, to determine whether any patterns are caused by the drug or are from another factor. The latest analysis by pharmacists from the University of Utah and the University of Georgia is the first of its kind. In it, they examined 467 adverse drug reactions. The average age of trans men (female at birth and transitioning to male) was 29.5 years while the average age of trans women was 33.3 years. Of those adverse events reported in trans men, 88 percent were categorized as serious, while the figure was 54 percent for trans women. Most of these injuries reported in trans men 26.5 percent were injuries to organ systems, poisoning, and complications such as infections, bleeding at the injection site, and nerve damage. Psychiatric disorders accounted for 14.8 percent of adverse events in trans men, and nervous system disorders accounted for 12.2 percent. In the group of health issues related to injuries, poisonings, and procedure complications, the most common problem reported was 'off label use of the product' (44 cases, or about 72.1 percent of all), though the researchers did not specify whether that meant people were taking the wrong doses or taking the medicines too often or too infrequently. In terms of mental health problems, people reported feeling anxious (11.8 percent), depressed (8.8 percent), or having thoughts of suicide (8.8 percent). Among issues with the nervous system, a condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension - a rare neurological condition characterized by increased pressure within the skull - was the most frequently reported (18 cases, or about 64.3 percent). About 11 percent of reported problems were related to growths in the body, with breast cancer being the most common (12 cases, or about 48 percent). While this is not to say supplementary estrogen was the cause of people's breast cancer, studies have shown that higher blood levels of the estrogen called estradiol are linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. In the category of problems related to the reproductive system and breasts, there were 17 cases reported, making up about 7.4 percent of all. In trans women (male at birth transitioning to female), a significant number of adverse events (63 cases, which is around 26.6 percent) were related to issues like injuries, poisonings, or complications from medical procedures. The most common specific problem in this category was using drugs in a way not officially approved (40 reports, making up about 63.5 percent). About 11 percent of the ADRs were grouped under general disorders and conditions related to where the medication was administered. Additionally, almost 10 percent of the reports fell into the category of growths in the body (benign, malignant, and unspecified), with mentions of meningioma and prolactin-producing pituitary tumors being the most frequent. Nearly nine percent of adverse reactions were mental health disorders, including two cases of anxiety, seven cases of depression, one case of insomnia, and one suicide attempt. Among nervous system issues, headache was the most common with three cases. Some other issues included dizziness, attention disturbances, migraine, stroke, and aphasia, all of which had just one case. Modern hormone therapies were first designed in the early-20th century to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, by supplementing declining hormone levels in women. But in recent decades, they have been prescribed off-label to people experiencing gender dysphoria, or a sense of distress due to the mismatch between the sex they were born into and the gender with which they most closely identify. Still, there have not been comprehensive studies into the long-term safety effects of these drugs in that patient group, and many neuroscientists and reproductive health experts have raised questions about adverse effects and their safety when taken for long periods of time. Among trans men (female to male), 88 percent of adverse events reported were considered serious Hormone therapies can have a range of whole-body, system-wide effects that fall under this wide umbrella. Introducing synthetic hormones or altering natural hormone levels can affect these systems, leading to adverse events such as electrolyte imbalances, cardiovascular complications, and immune-related reactions. For instance, some hormone therapies may increase the risk of heart complications such as high blood pressure, blood clots, or arrhythmias. They could also potentially lead to irritation in the digestive tract, resulting in bleeding or holes in the intestines. And problems with the way the drugs are administered, such as flaws in injections, can lead to infections, tissue damage, or improper dosing. In the case of events regarding trans men, 88 percent were logged by a healthcare professional, while 12 percent were logged by the patient. In instances of reports regarding trans women, 67 percent of reporters were healthcare professionals while around 30 percent were from patient or a loved one. Hormone therapies are meant to endow trans people with the secondary sex characteristics of their gender identity. For transgender women, hormone therapy typically involves the administration of estrogen and anti-androgen medications, which suppress the effects of testosterone and induce feminizing changes such as breast development, redistribution of body fat, reduction in body hair, and softening of the skin. For trans men, hormone therapy typically involves the administration of testosterone. Testosterone promotes masculinizing changes like deepening of the voice, increasing muscle mass and strength, growing facial and body hair, and redistributing body fat. But the medicines come with considerable health risks, including those reported to the FDA. The researchers said while these treatments have helped thousands of gender dysphoric patients, they are prescribed off label and their safety risks should never be understated. They wrote: 'It is imperative that the therapeutic objectives for patients considering HT are clearly defined before commencing treatment. 'This underlines the essential need for thorough knowledge and understanding for both patients and their health care providers.' This map shows the proportion of the population identifying as transgender by state. Those with the darkest color have almost one per cent of their population in this category Rates of gender dysphoria have soared in every state bar one over the past five years (shown) Experts from Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, Pennsylvania, have found trans patients who take the drugs are up to seven times more likely to suffer an ischemic stroke compared to trans patients who are not prescribed them. They were also nearly six times more likely to suffer myocardial infarction - the most serious type of heart attack - and had a five times higher risk of pulmonary embolism, a blockage in an artery in the lung. Both estrogen and testosterone are known to increase blood clotting activity, which could explain the increased risk. Hormone therapies are also known to make major changes in trans peoples emotional states. People taking estrogen, for instance, may cry more than theyre used to and even feel a greater sense of empathy. Some people may experience mood swings or a worsening of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions. However a vast body of evidence has also shown that opening the door to gender-affirming care generally leads to improved quality of life, decreased depression, and reduced anxiety. The findings were published in the journal Annals of Pharmcotherapy. Nigel Farage today called for a full public inquiry into the harms caused by Covid vaccines. The former UKIP leader argued there is 'a lot we need to know' about the jabs and called for a 'massive investigation' into any damage they caused. Vaccines played a vital role in building the wall of immunity that allowed the UK to turn a corner in the pandemic, leaving lockdowns and restrictions behind. But, like with all medications, they can have side effects. Rare cases of blood clots and heart inflammation have been recorded. For this reason, the Government has a compensation scheme which dishes out six-figure sums to those who have been harmed by jabs, including those offered during the Covid crisis. However, lawyers representing dozens of Brits who have been injured or bereaved by the jabs have previously warned that the scheme is 'no longer fit for purpose'. Severe reactions to the jabs this week gained fresh attention after a man who claims his health 'crumbled' after his booster dose confronted Rishi Sunak and demanded that he 'do the right thing' and speed up payments for those injured by the jab. The former UKIP leader said there is 'a lot we need to know' about the jabs and called for a 'massive investigation' into the damage they caused Richard Tice, leader of Reform UK, told GB News that his party would commit to a public inquiry into vaccine injuries if it was to come into power. Asked about the pledge, Mr Farage said Mr Tice was 'dead right'. He told the programme: 'There's a lot we need to know. We were told to take the so-called vaccine and you won't catch Covid. Take the vaccine and you won't pass Covid on. Both of those things were totally, completely untrue. 'We were told the vaccine was safe in every way. 'Frankly, it had not been through anything like the normal testing that any kind of vaccine in terms of trials. READ MORE: Man who confronted Rishi Sunak over Covid vaccine injuries claims he spoke out because he 'didn't want to be a "died suddenly" statistic' John Watt appeared on a 'people's forum' hosted by GB News on Monday, during which he told Rishi Sunak to 'look at the pain, the trauma and regret that I have in my eyes' Advertisement 'Now we learn there's elderly people on their seventh jab. 'That is not the kind of vaccines that you and I grew up with, where you have a vaccine once and you are inoculated for life. 'I do think there needs to be a massive investigation, not just into the harms that were caused by the vaccine - and all vaccines cause side effects, we know that, but there do seem to be an alarming number of people, young men in particular, who've developed myocarditis and other heart conditions. 'I'm not getting conspiratorial about this but let's have it out in the open. 'I want to know as well, why we were lied to. 'I want to know why they were trying to vaccinate kids, of primary school age, when Covid posed no threat to them whatsoever.' He added: 'This needs a proper full public inquiry.' Some 157million Covid vaccines have been delivered in England since the rollout began in December 2020. Brits were invited for an initial two doses, followed by boosters to top-up immunity. Additional jabs have been offered to those most at risk of the virus, in the same fashion as flu vaccines, which are offered annually to protect against severe illness. The jabs triggers the immune system to create antibodies that protect against Covid, meaning that it can more easily fight off the virus if it comes into contact with it in the future. They have been credited with preventing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths. In the first four months of the of the rollout alone, analysis suggests 10,400 fatalities were averted in England. Studies suggest that they also offer some protection against catching the virus in the first few weeks after they are dished out. The UK Health Security Agency and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency closely monitor the safety of the jabs, using studies and real-world data. All vaccines used in Britain, including those that helped beat Covid, went through rigorous testing before being dished out. The jabs were the fastest to ever be created, with scientists developing the vaccine in less than a year of Covid being detected. It also marked the first time mRNA jabs were approved for human use though this tech had been around for decades. Trials saw tens of thousands of people vaccinated with jabs made by AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna to check their effectiveness, as well as safety. However, it was only when the jabs were rolled out en masse that very rare side effects, such as myocarditis (heart inflammation), Guillain-Barre syndrome (numbness in the hands, feet and limbs) and blood clots. Some 157million Covid vaccines have been delivered in England since the rollout began in December 2020. Pictured: People queuing outside Wembley Stadium for a Covid jab in December 2021 The Government's Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, launched in 1979, is meant to reassure people that in the extremely unlikely event something goes wrong following a jab the state will provide them financial support. It covers an array of vaccines recommended by the Government, including measles, mumps and rubella, as well as the Covid vaccines. Under current rules, victims are entitled to a one-off 'all-or-nothing' sum of 120,000 from the Government. Strict eligibility criteria means those affected must either have been killed or be left 60 per cent disabled due to a vaccine. The extent of a person's disability is based on an assessment by a doctor and can include both physical disablement, such as the loss of a limb, or mental disablement, such as a decline in cognitive function. The UK Covid inquiry, which is split into six modules, will probe vaccines and drugs used during the pandemic. It will look at how the jabs were dished out, their safety and whether the vaccine compensation scheme needs to be reformed. The probe will also consider the role of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advised ministers on who should be eligible for vaccination. However, inquiry chair Baroness Hallett revealed last month that it would be postponed from this summer until after the next general election because longer was needed to prepare for the module on the impact of Covid on the NHS. Rippling biceps, short blond hair and a military uniform was the mask of choice for Christopher Maxwell. During five years as a romance scammer, Christopher, now 24, posed as an American army man to prowl social media platforms and dating sites in search of his next victim, and successfully tricked up to 50 women into sending a total of 55,400. Speaking to Money Mail, the self-confessed reformed scammer reveals the deceptive and cruel tricks he used to seduce women across the English-speaking world from the UK to the US, Canada and Australia. Christopher, who is using a pseudonym and now works as a consultant at fraud-busting group Social Catfish, started scamming in 2016 as a way of making easy money during his second year of university in Nigeria. I had no money and my family was broke so I had to do something. I chose to go into scamming, he says. Former scam artist and heartbreaker Christopher posed as an American army man I know people might not understand, but Im a professional and it was my full-time job. It took months to get to that level, like training on the job, he says. I scammed every day of my life at the time. Christopher says he used a 40-page bible for scammers in Nigeria entitled How To Make A White Woman Fall In Love With You From Online Chat. The book, which has been shown to Money Mail by SocialCatfish, offers a step-by-step guide for romance scammers with scripts of romantic phrases, conversation starters and questions that it promises will make vulnerable people fall head over heels in love with you. It says the types of women who are easier to get and who will fall in love with you ASAP without much stress are those over the age of 40. It says: They are working hence they have the money you need. Also, being single at 40, they are eager for love. Once the target is identified, the playbook instructs scammers to do their research before chatting up their client. You will want to find out everything you can before chatting [to] her as this will help later on. Check her [social media] bio for information. It can be her hobbies, her pets, job, passion, if she has kids, where she lives, what she loves etc. You can take a pen and paper and list them [next] to her name. This is something I like doing. For the opening message, it recommends complimenting women on their activities or what they enjoy and asking a question relating to it. It says: You want to go gentle and different. Do not send a hi... There are many people that have sent her hi before. You want to send something that will make her like you from the very first text. Something that will make her open your message and her heart for you. For example, if on her Facebook profile she has pictures of her dogs you can use a line like: Hi, I just spent the last 10 minutes debating if those cute dogs beside you are mountain shepherds or Belgian Malinois. Please help me here ...they are super cute btw. Another suggestion is: You always have the best music in your stories! Id love to swap playlists. Once the conversation is flowing, the book says to make it about her. It says: Oyinbo women [a Nigerian term for Western women] like talking about themselves. They will think you care and will fall in love. Next, it instructs the criminals to compliment women using one of 60 suggested phrases, such as: I cant believe I found someone like you and Your mind is just as sexy as your beauty. Women are more susceptible to messages at night, it claims: Get to know her time zone and text her around 10pm. Night is when you can easily get her to fall for you. You will have her full attention, and if the chat goes well, she will sleep thinking about you. Scammers are told to take their time in asking for money to build trust first. It says: Spend days talking about random things. It can be time-consuming, but its totally worth it. When it comes to asking for money, it instructs to ask without looking like you are asking for example: When she asks about your day you can tell her it was bad then tell her you are broke, you are behind your mortgage and they will kick you out next week and you have exhausted every means to get money. By herself, she will offer to give you money. If you want a new phone you can tell her your phone is bad and you wont be able to chat anymore. These tricks have been widely used by romance scammers, including Christopher himself. But did he feel guilty for tricking lonely women? No, I did feel bad at the start, but at some point I stopped, he says. I was making good money. I never felt for these people and didnt let any emotion kick in. Christopher says he was arrested in Nigeria but never charged over his romance scams. He adds that he used social media platforms Facebook and Instagram to contact women as well as dating websites. He primarily targeted women in their 50s and 60s who appeared to be recently divorced or widowed. I can take advantage of that. The dating apps make it easy because you can set your interest on your profile to a particular age and it brings up people of that age group, he says. His profile showed pictures of a man he had found online who was in the army and he told women he was American and had been deployed to either Afghanistan, Israel or Korea. Christopher says he had no prescribed opening line, but said what came to mind when looking at that womans profile to personalise the message. At any one time, he would be in one or two relationships, speaking to women round the clock from his lecture halls to the middle of the night to make up for time difference. He would wait until he had gained their trust before asking for money. He says: It would depend on the victim how long I waited to ask for money. I have gotten money in three days before but sometimes it takes months. I would make sure to message every single day. One time I met this woman who had a boyfriend but she broke up with him because of me and was giving me $400 within a few days. I said I cared about her and I would do everything for her. She was 35 and white, working at a communications company. She gave me $400 (317). We talked for four months, he says. The 24-year-old says he had a range of false excuses to ask for money, which included saying he needed money to take a flight and spend the rest of his life with the woman or to replace his uniform: I started with small amounts and always said I would pay everything back. His biggest windfall came from a 61-year-old American woman, he says, who sent him a total $30,000 (23,700) during their one-year relationship. However, she used Social Catfish, a company that verifies online identities using reverse image searches, and was able to track Christopher down. When he was confronted by the woman whose life he ruined, he says he felt terrible and is happy he no longer has to scam to make a living. The National Crime Agency says that the majority of romance scams originate from fraudsters in West Africa Nigeria and Ghana, in particular. Christopher says he was open with his girlfriends and explained why he was messaging women day and night. Theres a lot of poverty so a lot of people go into it here they are used to it so it was never a problem. Christopher reveals that the biggest tell that youre speaking to a scammer is if they wont show their face via video call. Avoid anyone who says they cannot meet because they are in the military or live overseas, he says. If they confess love too quickly and demand the same in return, it is a scam. A superstar commodities trader at Macquarie is set to quit the firm this month after raking in more pay than JP Morgan boss Jamie Dimon and his own chief executive. In a surprise announcement, the Australian investment bank said that Nick OKane would step down as head of its commodities and global markets (CGM) division on February 27. OKane, who has worked for Macquarie for almost three decades, will pursue opportunities outside the business. He will be replaced by Simon Wright, who heads up the CGM financial markets arm. News of his departure came as the company which has been called the Vampire Kangaroo warned its profits would be lower than previously expected as dealmaking slumped to its lowest level in a decade. OKane is widely credited for turning Macquaries obscure commodities and global markets division into a powerhouse after he placed a seemingly modest bet on US energy trading after taking charge of the operation in 2019. Trading it in: Nick OKane (pictured) will step down as head of Macquarie's commodities and global markets division on February 27 The timing of the move meant Macquarie saw its profits boom after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and extreme weather conditions in some parts of the world sparked massive swings in global energy prices. Prior to taking charge of the division, OKane also helped orchestrate Macquaries purchase of small Californian energy group Cook Inlet in 2005, which since then has grown into a global player that reported a 3.1billion profit last year. Its success meant OKane became one of the best-paid executives in Australia, taking home 30millio last year more than the pay packets of Dimon and Goldman Sachs boss David Solomon. His bumper salary even outstripped Macquaries chief executive Shemara Wikramanayake, who that same year was paid 17million. The announcement of OKanes exit came as Macquarie reported that its year-to-date profits for the year to March 2024 were substantially down on the same period a year ago and that its annual performance would be down sharply on 2023 as deal opportunities dried up amid economic uncertainty. Despite this, Wikramanayake said the company remained well-positioned to deliver superior performance in the medium term. Macquaries shares dropped 1 per cent on Australian markets following the results. High-flyer: Macquarie chief exec Shemara Wikramanayake The bleak earnings will pile further pressure on Macquarie, which has already faced severe criticism for its stewardship of major UK water firms. The banks ownership of several UK water companies, including Thames Water, which it bought in 2006 and sold in 2017, has been lambasted. Macquarie loaded the utility groups with debt and extracted billions in dividends but it failed to invest to upgrade the water network, which resulted in frequent leaks and sewage spills. Concerns were also raised last year when Macquarie secured an 80 per cent stake in National Gas, Britains gas infrastructure network which looks after thousands of miles of pipes that supply homes. The Australian firm has its hands on swathes of key UK infrastructure, including a majority stake in Southern Water. There will be the traditional avalanche of Valentine gifts today. But few - if any - will match the extraordinary heart-shaped jewels that British and European royals have at their disposal, as these pictures show... The Queen Mother's Amethyst Heart necklace If February marks the martyrdom and death of Valentine in AD269, it is also the month of the amethyst. And what better amethyst to show off than one once given by a Queen and Empress - in the shape of a heart? Camilla wore the Queen Mother's Amethyst Heart necklace to the Skyfall premiere in 2012 The necklace, which is made of amethysts, diamonds, and seed pearls with a large amethyst heart, had been a gift from Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, to the late Queen Mother to mark her engagement to the future George VI The necklace, pictured top right, was labeled 'To my dear future granddaughter' from Queen Alexandra to Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon. The page is taken from The Sphere newspaper In January 1923, Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon finally accepted the marriage proposal of Prince Albert, Duke of York, and not long afterwards was invited to Sandringham to meet her future family - including her grandmother-in-law Queen Alexandra. Alexandra, wife of Edward VII, was sufficiently impressed to give the future royal bride an exquisite 'sautoir' necklace of amethysts, diamonds, and seed pearls with a large amethyst heart at its centre. Elizabeth would have worn the necklace hanging low, but this style didn't last long, sadly. Today, the necklace tends to be worn wide across the neck and shoulders by Queen Camilla Cullinan V My number one royal heart has to be the Cullinan V - the 18.8 carat heart-shape, cut from the largest diamond ever found. Given to Queen Mary in 1911 by the people of South Africa, it has subsequently been part of the Royal Collection. The Queen touchingly wore the brooch on Prince Philip's 99th birthday The Cullinan V is an 18.8 carat heart shaped diamond, cut from the Cullinan Diamond. The original stone was the largest ever to be mined The late Queen visited London Fashion Week wearing the brooch It was made as a brooch, sitting within a diamond scroll and foliate setting, to be worn attached to various other parts of the Cullinan (which has been been split into numerous parts) by Queen Mary at the Delhi Durbar in 1911. Queen Elizabeth II often wore the elegant brooch, including in the photograph to mark Prince Philip's 99th birthday in June 2020. However, it was brought back to the forefront of Royal Jewels last year, when it was transferred to Queen Mary's Crown that was used to crown Camilla as Queen Consort. Never has a heart been more regal. Baden Palmette Tiara Have you ever seen a more valentine's day tiara than this one, newly bequeathed to Mary, Queen Consort of Denmark by her mother-in-law, Queen Emeritus Margrethe? This heart shaped perfect for 'Valentine's day' tiara was made in 1856 Constructed of heart shapes, the tiara was made in 1856 as a wedding present for the future Grand Duchess of Baden, Princess Louise of Prussia. She left it to her daughter, Queen Victoria of Sweden, who in turn left it to Princess Ingrid who became the Queen of Sweden and mother of Queen Margrethe. Margrethe, who abdicated in a surprise move last month, was last seen wearing the tiara for the 70th birthday celebration of King Carl of Sweden in 2016. Princess of Wales's Diamond Heart Necklace To celebrate the birth of his first child and heir in June 1982, William - then Prince of Wales - gave his wife Catherine a diamond necklace set with a yellow diamond heart. It had once belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. Princess Diana in the heart-shaped necklace at the funeral of Princess Grace of Monaco in 1982 The heart-shaped necklace had been a gift from Prince Charles to Diana on the birth of their first child, Prince William Diana wore the necklace at a charity concert in Wales in October 1982 Diana wore this on a number of occasions including, notably, for the official portraits of Prince William and for his 1982 christening in the White Drawing Room at Buckingham Palace. She also wore it at the funeral of Princess Grace and at a charity concert in Wales, both that same year. Luisa Heart Necklace Kate wore this a fashionable 14k gold chain with a chunky gold heart pendant as she and William visited BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat to mark World Mental Health Day in October 2022. The engagement came just a month after the death of Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Kate wore this chunky gold necklace with a heart pendant while visiting BBC Radio One's newsbeat to mark Mental Health Day in 2022 This 14k gold chain with chunky gold heart Luisa necklace was the perfect accessory to Kate's simple cream top and jacket They both spoke of their experience and what they had learned from their time as patrons for mental health charities. The pendant was created by New York designer Laura Lombardi. Lauren Leaf Pave Diamond Earrings The Princess of Wales's is said to own 21 pairs of Kiki McDonough earrings , including these made in heart shaped leaves. Kate wearing her Lauren Leaf earrings while holding a young Prince George Kate's earring s are not strictly speaking a heart - but they are often described as such The patterns is not strictly a heart - but is more often than not confused as one, or indeed two. Named the Lauren (as it is inspired by prima ballerina Lauren Cuthbertson) this model of Leaf Pave diamond earring has been seen suspended from Kate's ears many times over the past decade Meghan Markle Signature Sapphire Heart Ring In 2019 the Duchess of Sussex was still at the heart of the Royal Family. Her trip to see friend Serena Williams play in the second round of Wimbledon attracted a great deal of attention. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends day four of Wimbledon in July, 2019 Court One, saw Meghan wearing a 0.94 carat sapphire heart ring on her 'pinky' finger. The ring is rendered in a rare Georgian cut-down setting by the brilliant New Zealand born jeweller, Jessica McCormack. Such settings were originally used to help disguise any irregularities in the shape a diamond, or other gemstone (when the means of cutting them was far less precise than it is today). McCormack has just opened a new store on Sloane Street in London She initially thought she had 'Bali belly' or travellers tummy A young Australian woman has spoken out about the moment she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer while on a backpacking trip around the world. Tora Murphy was four weeks into her trip last year when she started to feel bloated while in South East Asia. She didn't think much of it and thought it might be due to common travel illnesses such as Bali belly. However, her discomfort persisted as she and her boyfriend, Hewson Perry, continued their journey to Colombia in South America. 'I kind of put it down to the fact that obviously I was drinking and eating lots of different foods,' Ms Murphy told Daily Mail Australia. 'I literally Googled it, and it said travellers bloating is really common. So, I didn't really think anything of it. It was normal bloating, and I just thought I was putting on weight. 'But it got worse and worse over those few weeks, and I ended up looking like I was about six months pregnant.' As her symptoms worsened, Ms Murphy realised something serious was going on. WHAT IS OVARIAN CANCER? Ovarian cancer is a disease where abnormal cells develop in the ovaries, part of the female reproductive system. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, which are often needed, can affect fertility by removing ovaries or even the uterus. Detecting and treating ovarian cancer early is vital because it can spread unnoticed and become harder to treat. Regular check-ups and knowing the symptoms are key for early detection and better survival rates. Advertisement She waited until she got to London to check out her symptoms. Once there, she went straight to the emergency room, where doctors ran some tests. Ms Murphy was left in 'complete shock' when the doctor returned and 'dropped the cancer bomb', explaining they had found a cancerous mass on her pelvis. It was diagnosed as stage three ovarian cancer. 'I was like "What do you mean a mass? What do you mean cancer?" It never even crossed my mind,' Ms Murphy said. 'From there, it was literally like go, go, go. The consultant wanted to see me straight away, and I needed to make a decision about where I was going to get treatment, in London or in Australia.' Just seven-weeks into her dream backpacking adventure, and after spending ten days at the hospital, Ms Murphy flew back to Australia. Brisbane woman Tora Murphy, 24, was seven weeks into a year long round-the-world backpacking adventure with her boyfriend when she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer (pictured, Tora Murphy and partner Hewson Perry) Ms Murphy said she initially thought her bloating symptom was caused by a parasite, travellers tummy or even Bali belly - having travelled to the island earlier on in their adventure A return to Australia Once back in Australia, Ms Murphy began treatment at Mater Hospital in Brisbane. Doctors explored ways to preserve her fertility, but they concluded that she needed a full hysterectomy and removal of her ovaries due to the advanced stage of her cancer. Unfortunately, because of how advanced her cancer was, they couldn't extract or freeze any of Ms Murphy's eggs. Ms Murphy said that she hasn't fully come to terms with the surgery, as it took away the option of having children before she even had a chance to consider starting a family. The 24-year-old was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer and returned to Australia for treatment. She underwent surgery to remove the 18cm mass on her pelvis and had a full hysterectomy 'I've kind of pushed it to the side a little bit in terms of dealing with that emotionally just because I am young,' Ms Murphy said. 'I can't even really fathom it because I wasn't even at a point in my life to be thinking about children. I was just living my best life being young and travelling with my boyfriend. 'I will do anything to just be healthy and alive, so having my own children was not a priority in comparison to my own life right now.' The 24-year-old is nearing the end of her 12-round chemotherapy plan, with just four more rounds of treatment left. She added there is a higher chance of recurrence as her cancer was found in such a late stage but remains hopeful that her disease is curable. Ms Murphy will have to check in with her doctors every three months for two years before progressing to six month checks for another five years. The regular checks have not deterred her and her boyfriend's travel plans, with the pair hoping to be stationed in Thailand for three months at the end of the year. 'What gets me through my day is just planning for the future,' Ms Murphy said. 'Travelling is going to look a little bit differently for me in the future, obviously I'm not gonna be able to just go willy nilly for a year... we'll do more slow kinda travel, like three months at a time sort of thing.' Fortunately, Ms Murphy has a strong support network helping her through her cancer journey, including her boyfriend Mr Perry. 'He is a sweety, like the best support ever, like I couldn't ask for better. Honestly, don't know what I would have done without him,' Ms Murphy said. She also encouraged young women to live their lives to the fullest as 'life can change in a heartbeat'. 'Live your life to the fullest and do things that make you happy because anything can happen and your life can change in a heartbeat. 'Be grateful for everyday and grateful for your health,' Ms Murphy said. 'Ovarian cancer is hard to detect because the symptoms are so vague. The symptoms don't make you think "Oh my God! I have cancer". 'But if they are on-going you need to advocate yourself. If something's wrong, get a check-up.' Using TikTok to reach other young women The average age of an ovarian cancer patient is 64-years-old, making Ms Murphy one of the youngest patients being treated for the disease at Mater. Ms Murphy said she struggled to find a support group that she could relate to as her type of cancer is predominately diagnosed in older women. 'I struggled the most in finding people I could relate to because all the support groups like on Facebook are made up of woman 60 years and older,' Ms Murphy said. 'Every time I've gone on there I'm like, I just don't feel the vibes in here. So like it's a bit hard to relate to anyone with my diagnosis because it's always older women.' Ms Murphy has documented her cancer journey on TikTok as a way to reach other young woman who are struggling with the disease Ms Murphy explained Facebook support groups were often made up of women in their 60s and she struggled to relate to their stories. She added her TikTok videos (pictured) have reached other young women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer The young woman decided to document her cancer journey on TikTok and has inadvertently created a support group for a younger generation who suffer from ovarian cancer. 'I just wanted to be that person in case someone else was in the same situation as me and I have reached a fair few people who have found it really helpful and thanked me for sharing the process.' She urged woman speak up for themselves and see a doctor if they sense something is off with their body. Mater Hospital in Brisbane (pictured) is the leading treatment and research centre for ovarian cancer in Queensland, treating around 130 women of the 285 diagnosed with the disease in the state each year Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Ms Murphy is sharing her story for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in February a time to focus attention on a disease, which claims the lives of about 1,000 Australian women each year. Ovarian cancer is commonly found in women aged over 50, with around 1,300 Australian women diagnosed each year. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynaecological cancer and has a five-year survival rate of 49 per cent. Senior Medical Oncologist at Mater Cancer Care Centre Doctor Catherine Shannon (pictured) said Ms Murphy's cancer was 'extremely uncommon' There is no available screening test for ovarian cancer, which means most cases are advanced when they are detected. Mater is one of only three hospital centres for the treatment of gynaecological cancers in Queensland and treats about 130 ovarian cancer patients a year just under half of the state's total new annual cases. Senior Medical Oncologist at the Mater Cancer Care Centre Doctor Catherine Shannon said Ms Murphy's cancer was unusual. 'Ovarian cancer is largely a disease of older women, but Ms Murphy has a mucinous subtype that we sometimes see in young women, although it is extremely uncommon,' Dr Shannon said. 'Tora's surgery has been successful and she's tolerating chemotherapy well. Her case illustrates how vague the symptoms of ovarian cancer be. 'It's important for all women, of any age, to know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer including bloating, pelvic pain and abdominal distention. 'If they experience these symptoms persistently it is important to see a doctor and have them investigated.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Democrat Tom Suozzi has flipped a crucial swing district in New York with victory in the hotly-contested special election to replace Republican serial liar George Santos after he was expelled from Congress. Suozzi defeated GOP candidate Mazi Pilip by eight points in the battleground third congressional district in Long Island in a vital win for the Democrats heading into the 2024 election. The win follows a disastrous week for the party after the release of the embarrassing special counsel report into President Joe Biden's mishandling of classified documents, where he was branded as 'elderly' and with 'diminished faculties.' During his campaign, Suozzi withstood attacks from Pilip on Biden and his party's handling of the southern border and painted the Republicans as anti-abortion. His win has reduced the GOP majority in the House to just four and will give the Democrats hope they can still win in November if the migrant crisis is still one of the top issues for voters across the country. Suozzi celebrated his victory late Tuesday night and was interrupted multiple times by pro-Palestinian protesters shouting 'genocide.' His supporters started chanting 'Suozzi' to drown out the protesters until they were removed from the room. Democrat Tom Suozzi edged out a victory in the special election for New York's tenth congressional district to replace Rep. George Santos Republican Mazi Pilip conceded to Suozzi just after 10pm on Tuesday night in a defeat in tyhe crucial swing New York swing district that comprises Long Island and Queens 'This race was fought amidst a closely divided electorate, much like our whole country. This race was centered on immigration and the economy, much like the issues all across our country,' Suozzi said speaking to a crowd of supporters Tuesday night on Long Island. 'We won this race because we addressed the issues and we found a way to bind our divisions.' Earlier in the night, Pilip gave a short speech thanking supporters just after 10pm ET. She said she called to congratulated Suozzi on his win. 'We are fighters, yes we lost, but it doesn't mean we're going to end here,' Pilip said. She vowed to continue the fight to bring 'common sense government.' The result is a strong sign for Democrats heading into the 2024 elections come November when they will try reclaim the House after a Republican-led congressional term marred by chaos. Suozzi's victory speech was interrupted multiple times by pro-Palestinian protesters shouting 'genocide' and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza Security surrounds the demonstrators after they stormed onto the stage during Suozzi's remarks to his fans His supporters started chanting 'Suozzi' to drown out the protesters until they were removed from the room Pilip has said she will support Donald Trump if he is the GOP candidate, but not if he is convicted of a crime Suozzi celebrated his victory late Tuesday night and was interrupted multiple times by pro-Palestinian protesters shouting 'genocide' His supporters cheered as celebrated his victory after campaigning on message tougher on the border than others in his party Suozzi's win over Pilip slims the Republican majority in the House down even further. Republicans have just 219 seats and Democrats will hold a total of 213 seats with the addition of Suozzi. His win could hamstring the Republican agenda due to their razor thin majority. Once he is sworn in, the House GOP can only afford to lose two votes to pass measures where all Democrats vote 'no.' Serial liar Santos was voted out of Congress after serving just 11 months in office following an ethics report revealing he improperly diverted campaign contributions to pay for Botox treatments, Hermes bags, OnlyFans and cash withdrawals at a casino. After the special election was called, Santos posted on X taking aim at the New York Republican lawmakers who helped oust him, blaming them for losing a seat in the House. Pilip is an Ethiopia-born former Israeli paratrooper and mother of seven. She was defiant after her loss on Tuesday night Suozzi, a former three-term congressman and Nassau County executive, left his previous congressional seat to run for governor, but lost in a primary to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul New York's special election on February 13 is taking place in the Third District which includes parts of Long Island and Queens George Santos, the Republican who was ejected from Congress after a damning ethics report into his lies Fearing the defeat in New York, Republicans rushed to push through the impeachment of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas earlier on Tuesday after it failed last week. With Majority Leader Steve Scalise back from his cancer treatment recovery and Suozzi not yet sworn in, they were able to lose three GOP votes and still pass the measure. The vote also came just as a Nor' easter storm pounded New York with snow and threatened to impact voter turnout. Pilip and Suozzi were both encouraging voters to get out and cast their ballots despite the winter storm warning through Tuesday evening as the Nor'easter dropped as much as a foot of snow on parts of the region. Suozzi, a former three-term congressman and Nassau County executive, left his previous congressional seat to run for governor, but lost in a primary to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Polling showed Suozzi, 61, had a slight edge over Pilip, a member of the Nassau County legislature, after the calamitous Santos ousting. President Biden himself stayed out of the race, with Suozzi telling CNN a visit from the president would not be 'helpful.' Speaker Mike Johnson stumped for Pilip in the district earlier this month. Pilip has said she will support Donald Trump if he is the GOP candidate, but not if he is convicted of a crime. 'Nobody is above the law,' the Ethiopia-born former Israeli paratrooper said. 'If he's convicted of a crime, he cannot represent us.' The candidates got in their last digs in the days leading up to the race. 'The bottom line is my opponent, Mazi Pilip, is George Santos 2.0,' Suozzi called the Republican while stumping in Plainview, N.Y., over the weekend. Meanwhile Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman torched Suozzi on Pilip's behalf. 'Mazi stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me when we hired an additional 200 police officers in the last two years,' Blakeman said on Cats Roundtable WABC 770 AM radio. 'When Tom Suozzi was county executive, he wanted to defund the police,' he went on. 'He increased taxes. He made Nassau County a sanctuary county.' Both candidates put Israel and immigration front and center of their races. Suozzi has criticized House Republicans for refusing to negotiate over the border and has taken aim at his opponent's opposition to the bipartisan immigration and foreign aid bill introduced in the Senate. The $95 billion aid package was passed by the Senate Tuesday morning, but faces an uncertain fate in the House. Pilip has criticized the bipartisan deal, claiming it 'legalizes the invasion' of the U.S. at the southern border. Suozzi told reporters Sunday if Republicans blocked the bipartisan deal, 'we're gonna end up with more migrants coming to New York; and on top of that, they're gonna have access to AR-15s.' Pilip, a 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 has voiced support for the Dobbs decision in which the Supreme Court kicked abortion law back to the states. She touted endorsements from police leaders and the border patrol union, which also backed the Senate immigration and foreign aid deal. The vote came just as a nor'easter storm pounded New York with snow and threatened to impact voter turnout 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. Suozzi was particularly critical of Biden's age on the eve of the election. 'The bottom line is he's old,' Suozzi told a local news anchor. 'I know 81-year-old people that are in good shape and I know 81-year-olds that are not in great shape. He's old and there's no question about it.' There's a 'debate as to whether [Biden's] going to stick it out or not,' he added. Suozzi was noncommittal when asked whether he would support President Biden in the 2024 election, saying he would 'likely' support the president but he would wait to 'see what happens.' But the Biden campaign came out touting Suozzi's victory Tuesday night. Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said 'Donald Trump lost again' in a statement. 'When Republicans run on Trumps extreme agenda even in a Republican-held seat voters reject them,' she said. She went on in her statement that the former president and 'MAGA extremists in the House are already paying the political price for derailing a bipartisan deal to secure our borders and fix our broken immigration system.' Dorrit Moussaieff says her property has been repeatedly blighted by the 'floods' A wealthy homeowner has told how her London flat filled with Chanel shoes and designer clothes has been destroyed by flood water gushing down from Australian hedge fund whizz-kid Greg Coffey's apartment. Iceland's former First Lady Dorrit Moussaieff, 74, said her property inside one of London's grandest squares - where flats sell for just under 12million - has been repeatedly blighted by the floods in recent years. Among the most expensive items destroyed include two pairs of Chanel heels worth up to 10,000, a Chinese chest full of sentimental photographs and silk curtains. Shocking photographs and videos show the damage done by the floods, with designer clothes stained beyond repair and luxury fabrics in tatters. Speaking to MailOnline, Ms Moussaieff said she has even become allergic to the mould caused by the flooding and is unable to stay at the property. 'I never know when the next one is going to start,' she said. 'It has affected me horribly. 'Books, photographs, paperwork. And the whole dysfunction of not being able to live at my property - not being able to have my husband's children, my nephews there, and this repeated lack of any sort of human reaction.' A wealthy homeowner has told how her London flat has been destroyed Iceland's former First Lady Dorrit Moussaieff, 74, pictured last year Greg Coffey and Ania Coffey pictured in London in September 2016 Shocking photographs show the damage done by the floods to the flat Iceland's former First Lady Dorrit Moussaieff claims her flat has been destroyed by flood water gushing down from Australian hedge fund whizz-kid Greg Coffey's apartment Speaking of some books left ruined by the floods, Ms Moussaieff said: 'I became so allergic of them. 'I've got allergies from all the mould. We've tried to rescue some of them - all the valuable ones. 'There is also some of the paperwork now that we need to look at.' Ms Moussaieff also feels devastated about her clothes in a wardrobe which she said were her most special garments in the UK. 'Everything that was in there was destroyed,' she said. 'Everything in that closet was special - they were my most special clothes that were in the UK.' The flat is said to be filled with designer clothes - pictured are a pair of trousers that appear ruined Destroyed shoes pictured - the pair on the left are by Chanel Designer clothes have allegedly been stained beyond repair and luxury fabrics are in tatters Ms Moussaieff said she is 'distressed' by the ordeal - a photo appearing to show a damaged rug and flooring Speaking to MailOnline, Ms Moussaieff said she has even become allergic to the mould caused by the flooding and is unable to stay at the property The clothes were from a plethora of designer brands, from Oscar de la Renta to Prada and Dolce and Gabbana. One horrifying image shows a stunning white dress with a hand-embroidered collar from Bruce Oldfield - who used to dress Princess Diana - completely destroyed by the floods. Ms Moussaieff said she is 'distressed' by the ordeal and said she will be taking legal action against Coffey. Impassioned Sussex residents today hit out at 'money-grabbers' Prince Harry and Meghan after they launched a new website using their royal titles and coat of arms. People in Chichester said the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were 'cashing in' on their titles after stepping down as senior royals and moving to the US in 2020 - although others said the couple had been 'treated very badly' with Meghan 'scapegoated'. Harry and Meghan's previous site, Archewell.com, now automatically redirects to 'Sussex.com', which consistently refers to the couple by their official royal titles. A picture of the Sussexes smiling dominates the main webpage, overlaid with the text: 'The Office of Prince Harry & Meghan, The Duke & Duchess of Sussex'. But today, the couple were accused of 'blatant marketing' by some shoppers in the West Sussex city who said they had been 'exceedingly nasty' to the Royal Family. David Abrahams, 83, a former financial investigator, was highly critical of their decision to stick with their royal roots despite having quit as working royals. David Abrahams (left), 83, said in Chichester today that the couple had 'cashed in in many ways', while his friend Diane Smith (right), 91, described the decision as 'blatant marketing' Chichester resident Hilary Owen, 69, asked: 'Why would they want to be called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they are in America? They're just cashing in on the royal emblem' Chichester resident Pauline Boxall (left), 87, and her husband, Terence (right), 88, are supportive of the former royals, believing they have been harshly dealt with by many People in the West Sussex city of Chichester spoke about the new Sussex.com website today He said: 'I don't support them at all, it isn't very good what they've done. They have cashed in in many ways, without doing much to help. 'It's not a good situation, especially when they are all poorly and working hard.' Mr Abrahams claimed Harry had 'abandoned' Queen Elizabeth II around the time that her husband Prince Philip died aged 99 in April 2021. He added: 'And they have been so nasty to the family - exceedingly nasty - when they've not done anything to assist or help - that was very sad.' His friend, Diane Smith, 91, a retired school vice president, described the decision as 'blatant marketing'. She said: 'They thought they can keep the titles and not do the work, just to get the glamour of the royal name.' Retired teacher Hilary Owen, 69, has lived in Chichester for 40 years and questioned why the couple want to be affiliated with Sussex. 'Why would they want to be called the Duke and Duchess of Sussex when they are in America?' she said. 'They're just cashing in on the royal emblem. 'They should just cut ties and be done with it. Enjoy their lives out there with their children, just don't hang on to the royal connection.' Michael Lee, 67, criticised the details on the website, and suggested it had been done for financial gain. The new homepage of Sussex.com features an image of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023 The Duke and Duchess in Chichester in October 2018 on their first joint official visit to Sussex 'I don't care what they stand for and Harry and Meghan, in particular, are not very appealing,' the retired leisure industry worker said. 'They're money-grabbers, that's why they went to America. To make money by being celebrities and making money out of the fact they are royals - it goes down well in America doesn't it.' On Harry, he said: 'There's no way back for him I'm afraid, really. One hundred years ago, most people would work for him but not now. He hasn't done himself any favours and is chalk and cheese with his brother, William. 'You have a responsibilities in that position and you live up to them - it's as simple as that.' Student Annabell Sheridan agreed, arguing they couldn't have it both ways. The 17-year-old said: 'It's up to them if they want to do that and go to America. 'But if they want to have all the benefits that go alongside being a Royal, I think they have to work for them. 'They said they were moving to America, but they come back here all the time.' However, Pauline Boxall, 87, and her husband, Terence, 88, were supportive of the former royals, believing they have been harshly dealt with by many. Mrs Boxall said: 'They have been treated very badly. Harry did so much when he was in the forces. I back him because I love him, and for his red hair - he hasn't done anything wrong. Prince Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne, is described on the Sussex.com website as a 'humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate and environmental campaigner' 'You are a family and you stick by your family. Unfortunately nowadays, people want to get in and destroy them.' Mr Boxall, who served as a soldier as part of national service on active duty, said: 'The sooner he comes back, the better. Everybody's got their opinion but everyone has got a right to live their life.' One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, echoed this and suggested too many people had forgotten about the impact of Princess Diana's death in 1997. 'I think losing their mum in the way that they did - no one really knows that goes on in their neighbours next door, let alone that family,' she said. 'I don't think that's an easy thing and that seems to have been forgotten. It feels like Meghan has been a bit scapegoated.' In the 'About' section, the website states: 'The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy. 'This includes: The Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions, patronages, ventures, and organisations which receive the support of the couple, individually and/or together.' In individual biographies of the couple, Harry is highlighted as a 'humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate, and environmental campaigner', while Meghan is described as a 'feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity' who has been named 'one of the most influential women in the world' across a series of rankings. Meghan, whose Spotify podcast, acting career and lifestyle blog The Tig are all referenced in her biography, is hailed as a 'feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity' Archewell had replaced Harry and Meghan's previous Sussex Royal brand after they quit royal duties. The name was inspired by their son Archie - combining 'arche', the Greek word meaning source of action, and 'well' as 'a plentiful source or supply; a place we go to dig deep'. The new website links to the couple's non-profit organisation the Archewell Foundation and their production company Archewell Productions. The launch of the site comes as the King's slimmed-down monarchy has been put under pressure in a way not seen before during his reign, with Charles postponing all public-facing duties due to his cancer diagnosis and the Princess of Wales out of action for the immediate future following abdominal surgery. Harry, who lives in California with his wife and their two children - Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet - flew to the UK last week to meet with the King following his diagnosis. He made the visit without Meghan and their children less than 24 hours after the announcement about Charles' health was made to the nation by Buckingham Palace. But there was no meeting with his brother, the Prince of Wales, after Harry spent around 45 minutes at Clarence House seeing Charles. Tesco is fighting to stop new Aldi supermarkets from being built across from their own, MailOnline can reveal. Britain's biggest supermarket chain is taking legal action against the construction of two new stores in March, Cambridgeshire and Perth, Scotland - and is objecting to a third one in Diss, Norfolk. Tesco have six stores in or around the three towns whilst Aldi have two in Perth and one in Diss. In March, Aldi was granted planning permission for the store on Hostmoor Avenue last year. It will sit less than 100 yards opposite a rival Tesco superstore. Tesco objected to the plans citing concerns over traffic impact, road safety and the safety of pedestrians. Tesco has opposed plans for three new Aldi stores in England and Scotland Tesco is taking legal action against the opening of two Aldi stores and has objected to plans for one The opening dates of two Aldi stores have now been pushed back amid the legal challenges The new Aldi store on Hostmoor Avenue in March will sit less than 100 yards opposite a rival Tesco superstore Tesco in March. The supermarket objected to Aldi's plans citing concerns over road safety, traffic impact and pedestrian safety Tesco have now announced it would issue a legal challenge against the decision after Fenland District Council granted planning permission for the store. It means the supermarket, which was due to open in the spring, won't start trading until the High Court makes a decision. Jonathan Neale, managing director of Aldi UK's National Real Estate department, said of March: 'It's no surprise that the full-price supermarkets don't want us bringing our unbeatable value and award-winning quality to shoppers but our commitment to this store is unwavering.' A Fenland District Council spokesperson said: 'There is no third party right of appeal so Tesco cannot appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. 'They have, however, indicated that they will be submitting a legal challenge to the decision to grant permission that will be a matter to be determined through the courts.' Location of the new proposed Aldi store in March and existing Tesco store Artist impression of new store in Necessity Brae, Perth to replace one closer to the city centre Meanwhile, construction work has halted on a new store off Necessity Brae in Perth after it was given planning permission in June 2022. The bigger store was due to open early this year, replacing a current premises on Glasgow Road, closer to the city centre. However, Tesco launched a judicial review in Scotland's Court of Session. A hearing took place in the Autumn with a judgment to be issued in due course. In an initial objection to Perth and Kinross Council, Tesco claimed the new store was in 'irrefutable and harmful conflict' with the local development plan. Aldi also has another store on Ruthvenfield Road in the northern part of the city. Meanwhile, Tesco have two large supermarkets within three miles of the new Aldi store on Edinburgh Rd in the south of the city, Crieff Rd in the east and an Express store in the city centre. An Aldi spokesperson said of the Perth supermarket: 'The planning permission for this site is currently under review, and we are awaiting an outcome.' A Tesco Extra store just off the A9 in Perth, which is about three miles from the proposed Aldi store on Necessity Brae A Tesco store in Edinburgh Road in the south of Perth, Scotland Locations of A9 Tesco store in Perth and planned Aldi store A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: 'Tesco sought a judicial review in the Court of Session after the council, as the planning authority, granted planning permission for a store on 31 May 2023. 'A hearing took place in November and we are awaiting the judgement.' Meanwhile, in Diss, the German budget discount chain is looking to open a new store on Park Road, around 0.5 miles away from the town's Tesco. Aldi said its lease on its current Diss store in Mere Street, is due to expire next year and it wants to move to a bigger location. Tesco objected to the plans, claiming they conflict with a council planning policy for the planned site, which says it should not be used for food retail. Planning officers on South Norfolk Council have recommended the scheme be approved and it will be considered by councillors on the local planning committee in the coming weeks. The new store planned for a former factory site on Park Road in Diss is less than 0.5 miles away from a Tesco Tesco superstore just off Park Road in Diss. The supermarket claims Aldi's plans for the town conflict with a council planning policy The planned Aldi store in Diss and Tesco's superstore around 0.5 miles away A planning report said: 'It is considered that the food store will have acceptable impacts on the character and appearance of the area, heritage assets, residential amenity, highway safety, trees, ecology, drainage and flood risk. 'When having regard to these, the application ultimately represents an acceptable form of development that complies with national planning guidance and the adopted and emerging development plan when taken as a whole.' Tesco previously objected to plans for a new Aldi store in Stroud on the grounds that it would harm local independent traders in 2017. The supermarket giant already had three stores in or around the Gloucestershire town, but there were claims that another would have a 'significant adverse impact' on the town centre. MailOnline understands Tesco do not typically object to a planning application on a loss of trade basis or to delay a competitors plans. House Republicans finally voted to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas exactly one week after their first attempt spectacularly failed. The two articles of impeachment accuse President Biden's top border official Mayorkas of failing to uphold immigration law and lying to Congress about the state of the U.S.-Mexico border. He is the first Cabinet official to be impeached in nearly 150 years and now faces a possible trial in the Democrat-controlled Senate, which is expected to acquit him. The measure passed by just one vote - 214 to 213 after three Republicans, Reps. Ken Buck, R-Colo., Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and Tom McClintock, R-Calif., joined Democrats to oppose it saying it would be 'unconstitutional' and set a 'bad precedent' for the GOP in the future. 'History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship,' scathed President Biden after the vote. 'Giving up on real solutions right when they are needed most in order to play politics is not what the American people expect from their leaders,' he wrote in a statement. 'Congress needs to act to give me, Secretary Mayorkas, and my administration the tools and resources needed to address the situation at the border.' There have been millions of illegal migrant encounters by U.S. border officials since Biden took office, and around 10,000 were entering every day in December - a history shattering statistic. House Republicans finally voted to impeach Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas on their second attempt after last week's spectacular failure. The articles accuse Mayorkas of failing to uphold U.S. immigration law and lying to Congress about the state of the U.S.-Mexico border There have been over one million illegal migrant encounters by U.S. border officials since Biden took office - a history shattering statistic After the vote Homeland Security Chair Mark Green and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., who worked to get the articles to the floor, gave each other a cheery hug on the House floor. Asked if he was concerned who would replace Mayorkas if he were removed from office, Green told reporters: 'Of course I am, but if that person doesn't do his job well, we will impeach his a** too.' Two Republicans - Florida Reps. Maria Salazar and Brian Mast, and two Democrats, Judy Chu, Calif., and Lois Frankel, Fla., missed the vote. The Department of Homeland Security immediately tore into House Republicans for impeaching the secretary while also killing the Senate's immigration and foreign aid deal. 'House Republicans will be remembered by history for trampling on the Constitution for political gain rather than working to solve the serious challenges at our border,' said DHS spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg. 'While Secretary Mayorkas was helping a group of Republican and Democratic Senators develop bipartisan solutions to strengthen border security and get needed resources for enforcement, House Republicans have wasted months with this baseless, unconstitutional impeachment.' Republicans tried to pass the resolution last week, but it failed because they misjudged the number of Democrats who would be in attendance with Majority Leader Steve Scalise out for cancer treatment. They even brought back Rep. Hal Rogers, R-Ky., in a full chest and neck brace after a car crash to vote. But Democrats rolled in an unexpected surprise in the middle of the first impeachment vote: Rep. Al Green, D-Texas. Seated in a wheelchair and still dressed in his scrubs with no shoes, Green had just had an operation, but at the last second made it to cast the final vote against impeaching the DHS secretary. After last week's embarrassing misfire, House Republicans rushed to pass the resolution Tuesday - hours before the results of the race to replace ex-Rep. George Santos in a special election in New York. If the Democrat wins, it will shrink their slim 219 to 212 majority down by another crucial vote. Scalise, R-La., returned to Washington after receiving autologous stem cell treatment for blood cancer multiple myeloma. He is now in 'complete remission.' 'The only way to stop the border invasion is to replace the Biden administration at the ballot box,' McClintock wrote on X. 'Swapping one leftist for another is a fantasy, solves nothing, excuses Biden's culpability, and unconstitutionally expands impeachment that someday will bite Republicans.' Moments after the impeachment defeat last week, a vote to offer Israel $17.6 billion failed to garner the two-thirds majority it needed to pass under suspension of the rules. The articles specifically cite Mayorkas breaking U.S. law that mandates detention of migrants who lack authority to be in the country, exceeding his parole authority by allowing migrants to live and work in the U.S. while they wait for asylum claims to be heard. Mayorkas has denied such claims and Democrats insist he is only carrying out the policy of the Biden administration. Border patrol tallied a record 249,785 arrests on the Mexican border in December, up nearly a third from November and 13 percent higher than the previous record in December 2022. The last Cabinet secretary to be impeached was Secretary of War William Belknap in 150 years. Mayorkas blamed the 'broken system' on Congress failing to act - after Republicans killed an immigration and foreign aid deal negotiated in the Senate. 'It certainly is a crisis and, well, we don't bear responsibility for a broken system,' Mayorkas said. 'And we're doing a tremendous amount within that broken system. But fundamentally, fundamentally, Congress is the only one who can fix it.' Meanwhile Rep. Gallagher, one of the Republicans who voted against impeachment, said over the weekend he would not seek re-election at the end of his term. 'Impeachment would not only fail to resolve Mr. Biden's border crisis but also set a dangerous new precedent that will be used against future Republican administrations,' Gallagher wrote in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece about the impeachment effort. Impeachment only needed a simple majority to refer the articles to the Senate, where the upper chamber can vote against opening a trial with a simple majority. Still, Republicans have already named its impeachment managers to make the case for impeachment in front of the Senate: Homeland Security Chair Mark Green, Texas, Foreign Affairs Chair Michael McCaul, Texas, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Ga., Ben Cline, Va., Michael Guest, Miss., Andy Biggs, Ariz., Andrew Garbarino, N.Y., August Pfluger, Texas, Harriet Hageman, Wyo., Laurel Lee, Fla. But even conservative Senate Republicans have deemed the effort futile. Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., called it 'the dumbest exercise and use of time' last week. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said impeachment was a 'waste' unless it's President Biden and Republicans should be more focused on making their case to the public in an election year. House Republicans roundly rejected the Senate's bipartisan immigration and foreign aid deal. Migrants try to cut a barbed wire fence installed to prevent the entry of illegal migrants across the Rio Bravo/Grande from Ciudad Juarez, state of Chihuahua, Mexico on February 12, 2024 The measure passed by just one vote - 214 to 213 after three Republicans, Reps. Ken Buck, R-Colo., Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., and Tom McClintock, R-Calif., joined Democrats to oppose it 'What's rich to me is the speaker says the [border] bill in the Senate is dead on arrival. And then they proceed impeaching a cabinet secretary, which is obviously dead on arrival,' Cramer said. 'It'll be dead on arrival when it comes over, but it'll still be the same policy even if Mayorkas left, because we've got the same president,' said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., who spent months negotiating the foreign aid and immigration deal with Democrats. Earlier on Tuesday the Senate passed a $95 billion foreign aid deal that includes money for Ukraine, Israel, Gaza and Taiwan -- with the immigration provisions stripped out. Speaker Mike Johnson said he does not plan to put the package on the House floor, calling it 'insufficient' without border security measures saying the Senate has 'failed to meet the moment.' 'Now, in the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters,' Johnson continued. 'America deserves better than the Senate's status quo.' Mayorkas said on Sunday he is not deterred by the GOP's attacks on him. 'They're baseless allegations, Kristen, and that's why I really am not distracted by them and focused on the work of the Department of Homeland Security,' he said on NBC's 'Meet the Press' with Kristen Welker. 'I've got a busy day today. After the show, a busy day of work. I've got a busy day Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and so on.' A transgender teenager was rushed to hospital after being stabbed 14 times at a rollerskating party, a court heard. The 18-year-old girl was attacked in a 'shocking and violent attack' in Harrow on Saturday evening. Summer Betts-Ramsey, 19, wept in the dock at Willesden Magistrates Court on Tuesday as she was charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in public. The court heard that the victim was attacked by a group after being subjected to transphobic slurs at the party. Prosecutor Bunsri Bhuwa confirmed to the court that the victim was a transgender teenage girl. A transgender teenager was rushed to hospital after being stabbed 14 times in Harrow, Willesden Magistrates Court (pictured) heard Police were called at 7pm to Masons Avenue following the report of an assault where the 18-year-old was found at the scene with stab injuries. She was taken to hospital and has since been discharged. According to The Standard, Betts-Ramsey cried in the dock and she confirmed her details and her address in Cricklewood. She will remain in custody until March 12, when her plea hearing will take place at the Old Bailey. After finding this out the 19-year-old wanted to speak to her mother. She yelled 'I love you' as she was taken back to her cell. Four people have been arrested since the attack and the Met have upped patrols in the area. Detective Inspector Nicola Hannant, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This was a shocking and violent attack and we continue to support the victim and her family as she recovers from her injuries. 'Since the incident occurred, we have been working tirelessly to identify those responsible and are making good progress with our investigation. We have already arrested four people however we continue to appeal for anyone who may have been in the area or who believes they have further information to come forward and speak to us. 'We have increased police patrols in the area and would encourage people to approach these officers with any information or concerns.' Anyone with information should call 101 with reference 6306/10Feb or alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a young farmer was shot dead in a field. Charles Kinston, 23, was killed in the countryside while working on land in a quaint village. The shock death has led to an outpouring of grief from family, friends and those within the East Midlands farming community, of which he was a popular member. A man in his 30s, known to Mr Kinston, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Sources say he was 'full of life' and had 'not an enemy in the world'. The horrific incident happened in the village of Bretby, on the Derbyshire and Leicestershire border, where the average house sells for around 450,000. Mr Kinston was shot while working in a field located off Brizlincote Lane, MailOnline understands. The land was not owned by him but was near to his own farm. Charles Kinston (pictured) was killed in the countryside while working in the village of Bretby, on the Derbyshire and Leicestershire border Mr Kinston was shot while working in a field located off Brizlincote Lane, MailOnline understands. This is a general view of the surrounding area Mr Kinston had won awards for his farming. In 2020, his off-road milk float took third place in the Farmers Weekly inventions competition for the Land Rover Discovery 1 300Tdi which he had modified to do his calf feeding rounds in. One woman, who knows the family, told MailOnline: He was a renowned farmer, a decent young man, who did his family and the farming community proud. Everyone is devastated by his death. Charles didnt have a bad bone in his body, and I cannot imagine he made any enemies. He was a hard grafter, a cheeky chappy and a devoted family man. A spokesperson for Derbyshire police said: 'We were alerted to an incident at 6:28pm on 29th January in which a man had been fatally shot in a field in Bretby. 'Charles Kinston, 23, was pronounced dead at the scene. 'A second man, in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder, and has been released on bail as enquiries continue.' Mr Kinston's family business was EH Kinston and Son. This photo from 2019 shows his cows crossing into Burton - forcing police to cordon the area off The amusing scenes in 2019 happened when the cows escaped from their usual field DCI Matt Croome, from the East Midlands Major Crime Team, said: 'We understand that this incident has had a significant impact on Mr Kinston's family, friends and the wider community. 'Due to the ongoing investigation, we are limited about the information that can be passed to the public at this time. However, I want to be clear that the two individuals involved in this incident are known to one another, and officers have mitigated any risk to the wider public at this time. 'Any further updates will be passed as soon as the investigation allows.' A source said: 'This is a complete tragedy. It's horrific. 'It has sent shock waves through the farming community. 'He was working when it happened. There are so many questions to answer it's unreal.' A post on the Leicestershire & Rutland Young Farmers Facebook page said: 'Charles Kinston, WHAT A CHARACTER! 'We are devastated and saddened to announce his life was tragically taken from him. A highly thought of member of Netherseal YFC for over 12 years. A man who is known to Charles has been arrested by officers on suspicion of murder. Pictured: A map showing the location of Bretby village 'The source of laughter for a strong club, Charles prided himself on enthusiasm and passion for everything he put his mind to! A man with a comeback for any witty comment, who devoted his love to everyone around him especially his beloved side kick Beth and son. 'The Kinston family wish to have their privacy respected at this difficult time, however they know Charles had many memories around the county. If anyone has fond memories or humorous times with Charles they would be comfortable sharing, the family would enjoy reading and seeing photo's of these in the comments. 'If anyone has been affected by Charles' death and needs some additional support please do not hesitate to contact the County Office or our friends at FCN or RABI.' His sister Hannah Davies wrote on Facebook: 'My brother had the best times of his life through young farmers and those he met through the organisation.' An elderly couple who had just moved into their 200,000 house were horrified to receive a letter from their council suggesting the property could be subject to compulsory purchase and used to house asylum seekers. Jose and Ted Saunders said they were 'insulted and shocked' when the strongly-worded letter from North Northamptonshire Council which has never balanced its own books - dropped on their mat last month. It said their neat mid-terraced house in Rushden, near Wellingborough, was deemed to be an empty property, or was 'derelict' and the council could even force them to sell it. 'I couldn't believe it,' said retired carer Jose, 76. 'We moved to Rushden to help provide childcare for my grand-daughter and found this nice little place to live. 'The idea of forcing us to sell it to make room for refugees and asylum seekers seems totally wrong.' Jose and Ted Saunders, the couple who received a letter from the council suggesting their property could be subject to a compulsory purchase order and used to house asylum seekers The letter that Jose and Ted received from North Northamptonshire Council last month The letter, headed 'Empty Properties and sites initiative' had their exact address in bold and stated: 'We are writing as we have reason to believe that the above-named premises is empty or unused. 'The Government has identified empty privately-owned properties as a potential cause of blight within communities, and as a wasted resource at time of high housing need.' The letter continued that the council was seeing a 'considerable increase' in positive immigration decisions being made in favour of asylum seekers, mainly single men, and the authority was 'struggling' to source suitable accommodation for them. It added: 'The ideal long-term solution would be to provide accommodation by using empty properties which would benefit owners and the project.' It said the council could make a compulsory purchase order on the property. The couple thought the they were going to lose their home worth 200,000 (above) North Northamptonshire Council has never managed to balance its budget since its inception in 2021. The council has said increased pressures from demand-led services have driven up costs. Added Jose: 'It was all the more worrying as we'd only moved in last November, so we still hadn't received the deeds for the house.' Retired driving instructor Ted, 78, and his wife called the council and asked what was going on. Three days later they received an apology, saying their staff had mistakenly ear-marked the house for possible compulsory purchase, but the Saunders were still baffled by the policy itself. 'What on earth is the council doing forcing people to sell their houses and even an empty house is owned by someone so that asylum seekers can live in them?' asked Jose. 'The answer to this is to stop them coming in the first place, not to force people out of their homes.' The incident was seized upon by the Reform UK Party, whose candidate in Thursday's (Feb 15) Wellingborough by-election, Ben Habib, heard about the couple. Mr Habib, who is also the party's co-deputy leader, told MailOnline: 'I was horrified to hear the plight of Mr. & Mrs. Saunders, but my horror could not compare to what they experienced last month. 'They were served with a letter from North Northamptonshire District Council seeking to possess their home. The accusation made was their home was derelict and the Council intended to use it to house single young men seeking asylum. Known to the rest of us as illegal migrants. ' I can confirm their home is most certainly not derelict. It was well appointed and cared for. They were distraught by the threat made by the Council. They feared not having title deeds and being incapable of defending their position. It was not until they visited the Council and after much pleading they managed to get the Council to desist. The Saunders had just moved in to their new home when they received a letter from the council suggesting that could be the subject of a compulsory purchase order by the council A spokesman North Northamptonshire Council apologised to the couple for suggesting that their home could be sold top house asylum seekers - and said it had been sent in error 'It is utterly shocking that the Council would fire off a letter like that to two elderly people. And do so with the aim of buying a 200,000 house for asylum seekers. This from a Council that is as good as bust and has never filed consolidated accounts since it was established in 2021. 'The local charity for homeless people, the Daylight Centre, spends 650 per head per homeless person per year. Think what that charity could do with 200,000! It would be able to provide care for over 300 British citizens. There are also veterans' charities in the constituency struggling to care of soldiers who risked life and limb for the country. Instead of the money going to them, the Council was prepared to blow it on housing maybe 4 migrants, after forcing out of their home two elderly British citizens. Disgraceful.' The Council is run by the Tories for all their chat about championing local issues both the Tories and Labour are asleep about the damage being wrought on Wellingborough by a failed council and a complete failure to police our territorial waters. Heads should roll and the Saunders should be compensated! 'The only party capable of preventing the dystopia into which our country is sinking is Reform UK the Tories and Labour have lost the plot.' Jason Smithers, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council, told MailOnline in a statement: North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) is working with owners of long-term empty properties to bring their property back into use. Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) are not utilised to oust current owners from their properties, they are a tool used as a very last resort to bring empty properties, which are a valuable and much need housing resource, back into use. The empty property initiative letters were sent out in a bid to assist empty property owners to bring their property back into use, and on the whole, the support from NNC was gratefully received. Since NNC formed in 2021, no properties have been purchased by CPO. This is a mechanism of last resort to bring problematic, long term empty properties back into use. Unfortunately, in this case, records held by NNC were outdated, and the letter was incorrectly sent to a property which was occupied. For this I am very sorry for causing any undue distress and worry. Polls have closed in the special election to replace Republican fabulist George Santos after he was dramatically expelled from Congress. The results of the election could impact Republicans' already razor-thin majority in the House. Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip were locked in a tight battle to fill the vacant seat that encompasses parts of Long Island and Queens. The district was a Democrat stronghold for years before Republicans were able to flip it red in 2022 as part of a series of victories in the suburbs of New York, which have trended red in recent years. A Democrat victory would further narrow the already slim GOP majority in the House as Republicans have just 219 seats while Democrats hold 212 seats and could signal hope for Democrats aiming to retake the House majority come November. Polls in New York's Third District opened at 6am ET and closed at 9pm ET, but it is not yet fully clear how a winter storm making its way through the region impacted voter turnout. Pilip and Suozzi were both encouraging voters to get out and cast their ballots despite a winter storm warning through Tuesday evening as the Nor'easter dropped as much as a foot of snow on parts of the region. Preliminary data showed early voting turnout for the special election was similar to 2022. Election Day turnout appeared to be down but improving as the snow cleared up later in the day. Democrats held an advantage among those who cast their ballots during the more than a week of early voting. Suozzi and Pilip are in a tight race to fill seat the left vacant by ex-Congressman George Santos Suozzi arriving at a campaign event as the district faces winter weather warnings on Feb 13 New York's special election on Tuesday took place in the Third District which includes parts of Long Island and Queens Pilip speaking at a rally on the eve of the special election surrounded by New York Republicans including House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik (far right) Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi, 61, is a former congressman who represented the district for three terms before a failed New York gubernatorial bid in 2022. He is a longtime Long Island politics staple, having previously served as Nassau County Executive and mayor of Glen Cove. Republican candidate Mazi Pilip, 44, is the mother of seven and an Israeli-American born in Ethiopia who served in the Israel Defense Forces before immigrating to the US. She was elected to the Nassau County Legislature in 2021. In the weeks before Election Day, both candidates went on the attack as a series of recent polls showed Suozzi and Pilip in a statistical dead-heat. Pilip attemped to tie Suozzi, who served in the House from 2017 to 2023, to President Joe Biden, claiming he voted with the president '100 percent of the time.' Suozzi pushed back and avoided appearing with the president. On the eve of the election he acknowledged Biden is 'old and there's no question about it.' At the same time, Suozzi accused Pilip of being 'Santos 2.0' claiming she is unvetted, unprepared and vague on her record. Santos became only the sixth House member ever expelled from Congress after serving just 11 months in office. He is facing multiple charges for fraud and theft and is accused of lying about nearly every aspect of his background. Pilip, who remains a registered Democrat, responded that she is 'very much vetted' and proud of her record while blasting Suozzi as an extremist career politician trying to run away from his record. Ex-GOP Congressman George Santos is accused of lying about nearly every aspect of his background. He's facing multiple charges of fraud and theft with a trial set for later this year Santos has said he would not be voting in the NY special election to replace him after he was expelled from Congress last year No issue has perhaps been more confrontational on the campaign trail than border security, which has also been front and center in Washington. Suozzi expressed support for a bipartisan Senate bill to address the border and slammed Republicans unwilling to compromise on a deal. Pilip does not support the bipartisan deal, one of the most conservative proposals in decades, claiming it would greenlight a migrant invasion. The candidates also clashed over abortion rights, gun safety and taxes as the 2017 tax law which capped the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, hit Long Islanders particularly hard. Suozzi warned Pilip would help pass a national abortion ban, a potent line of attack Democrats have been making against Republicans since the Supreme Court overturned Roe. Pilip, who describes herself as pro-life, refuted his claim, saying she believes women have the right to make their own decision. Pilip in turn accused Suozzi of raising taxes. Suozzi pushed back, pointing to his work to repeal the SALT cap during his time in Congress, an ongoing effort that has been unsuccessful for lawmakers so far. On area where the candidates did find some common ground was on aid to Israel as the U.S. ally conducts a war in Gaza following the terror attack on October 7. Suozzi bucked Democrats in announcing he would support a standalone House Republican bill to provide aid to Israel. He said he would prefer a more comprehensive approach also addressing Ukraine and Taiwan, but he would support one just for Israel. Pilip told Fox News over the weekend she would support the $95 billion bill that provides aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan if elected on Tuesday. In 2022, Santos won the district, which was redrawn after the 2020 census, with more than 53 percent of the vote to Democrat Robert Zimmerman's 46 percent. In December, the state's highest court ordered the independent redistricting commission redraw the state's congressional district boundaries for the November election. The commission has until February 28 to release the plan, but the ruling is expected to be more favorable for Democrats in the state. 'He was very panicked and he said he didn't know what to do. He said, you know, 'Can you help me,' and he might need a lawyer,' the dad said In a deposition taken in October, Christopher described how Brian could not be calmed down during the call and begged his father to 'just help me' The full panic-stricken phone conversation between killer Brian Laundrie and his father in which he confessed fiancee Gabby Petito was 'gone' are revealed in deposition transcripts in a court case brought by her shattered parents. Christopher Laundrie described the day everything in his own words 'hit the fan' on August 29, 2021 when his son called him in desperation two days after murdering 'van life' girl Gabby on their road trip from Florida to Utah and Wyoming. Killer Laundrie could not be calmed down during the call and begged his father to 'just help me', eventually becoming so 'frantic' that he hung up, according to transcripts obtained by DailyMail.com. The 66-year-old dad said in a deposition for the civil case due for trial in Sarasota, Florida: 'I asked him, you know, how is he doing, and he he was not calm and he got very excited and told me things had you know, 'Gabby's gone' and he got very frantic. 'Everything was frantic and quick. So you know, Gabby's gone' Transcripts of Christopher and Roberta Laundrie's depositions reveal details about the moment their son Brian broke the news of Gabby Petito's death in 2021 Christopher Laundrie recalled the moment Brian called him begging for help and requesting a lawyer after admitting Gabby was 'gone' Asked by the Petito family attorney Pat Reilly what that meant, the father replied: 'I have no idea what he meant. 'He was very panicked and he said he didn't know what to do. He said, you know, 'Can you help me,' and he might need a lawyer. Gabby's dad exploded at Laundrie parents during deposition, transcript reveals Gabby's father boiled over in anger while giving his deposition at court in front of the Laundries, during two days of testimonies in the case. Joseph Petito blasted his daughters killer and condemned the parents in a four-letter outburst, as revealed in the transcript obtained by DailyMail.com. Annoyed at the lack of information from Brians parents, the September 14 statement enraged me even further. He added: Did it p*** me off? Abso-f***-ing-lutely. And in an apparent reference to the Laundries and their attorney Bertolino, he said: Im doing my best not to jump over the f***ing table right now. And Ill maintain that. I promise you, I will. Referring to the time when Brian was at his parents home just before he vanished as the spotlight turned on him, Petito said: I had a focus of bringing my daughter home alive, and nothing was going to stop me, no matter what. That guy, that that boy was sitting hone behind his mom and dad. Thats not a thats not a f***ing adult. Im sorry. If you want to call him one, thats fine. But thats a piece of s***, and they were raised by pieces of s***. Get the f*** out of here. Advertisement 'And I would I asked him why he wouldn't tell me. He was very frantic. Everything was frantic and I started to not really comprehend, and then he said just, you know, 'Can you help me?'. 'And I said, 'Okay. I'll help you'. And I calmed him down and it was all mumbled and I still don't remember everything that happened, but, you know, he said he needed help and to get an attorney. 'And I told him, 'Yeah, I'll help you. I'll call Steve Bertolino, and just stay put.' Apparently referring to what 'gone' meant, Christopher said: 'And then I asked him again, and he just said , 'Just help me'. 'And I said, 'Yeah, I'm going to, so stay calm. Stay put'. And he hung up 'All I know is what he told me and it was very quick and very, very nervous and very scattered I tried to calm him down. He would not calm down and he hung up the phone on me 'I couldn't get any more information from him.' Asked by Reilly if he believed 'gone' meant 'dead', Christopher refused to concede that saying: 'I didn't believe that, no.' Reilly asked: 'What other possible interpretation could there be of that?' The father said: 'I don't know I can guess a million things for you.' DailyMail.com has already exclusively revealed that 23-year-old killer Laundrie had a 'flurry' of up to 20 calls with his parents in two days from August 29 that year but just around five in the two months before that while the young couple were on their trip. Nearly three weeks later, on September 19, 22-year-old Gabby's remains were discovered in an undeveloped camping area in Grand Teton National Forest in Wyoming. It would later be revealed that Laundrie had strangled her before driving back to his parents' home in North Port, Florida, on September 1 in her 2012 white Ford Transit van. The FBI believe the date he killed her was August 27. He then vanished when police began investigating his fiancee's disappearance before killing himself with a gunshot to the head in an alligator-infested swamp near his home and being discovered weeks later. Gabby's parents Joseph Petito and Nichole Schmidt are suing the Laundries for pain and emotional distress, claiming the couple intentionally withheld information about their daughter's death. Attorney Steve Bertolino is also being sued for the same reason in the action set for trial in May. The case is focused on a statement he put out on September 14, 2021 for the couple, which said: 'On behalf of the family it is our hope that the search for Miss Petito is successful and that Miss Petito is reunited with her family.' The 'gone' call was made to mother Roberta's phone at 4pm and lasted 55 minutes, DailyMail.com has previously revealed. But the confession was made while Brian was speaking to his father. There was another call at 9.20pm that lasted 22 minutes, according to phone records. Roberta, 66, said in her deposition that she 'loved' Gabby and admitted that 'gone' might have indicated that her future daughter-in-law may have been murdered and that was why Brian needed a lawyer. Reilly posed the question: 'The fact that maybe he murdered her went through your mind, didn't it?' Roberta replied: 'I don't know if I even wanted to I think I was so panicky, it might have gone through my mind. I can't recall what I was thinking Gabby's remains were discovered in an undeveloped camping area in Grand Teton National Forest in Wyoming on September 19 2021 Gabby, who had been documenting the couple's 'van life' journey after embarking on a cross-country trip in June 2021, was reported missing after Brian returned to his parents' home alone on September 1 Amid the barrage during those two days, calls were made from Laundrie's parents to their family lawyer Steve Bertolino in Long Island who was retained on September 2 and instructed the pair to say nothing 'I was panicking and thinking a lot of thoughts it probably went through my mind.' Before that, she said: 'A lot of things crossed my mind and one of them was that maybe they got in a fight and maybe she's going to press charges against him for maybe he hit her or something.' Roberta said she also spoke to Brian on August 29th in a call that appears to have been before the killer's veiled confession. 'At the very tail of that conversation with him where everything seemed fine, as we were saying goodbye he all of a sudden completely changed and he sounded very upset, and his voice was very upset and I didn't know why and I didn't want to push him so we just said goodbye.' She said she didn't believe she'd spoken with her son 'all summer' before the panic call with Christopher and had no idea of the incident in Moab, Utah, on August 12 where police were called to a domestic violence incident between the young couple until after Brian was dead. When Brian told his parents he was returning alone to the North Port house, where he and Gabby lived with the Laundries, Roberta said the van-life girl 'could take care of herself and I was just concerned about my son at the time'. After Laundrie got back 'we mostly stayed home, prepared meals, went out to dinner, watched TV. Not much,' she said. Nichole Schmidt, mother of Gabby Petito, is seen speaking alongside Gabby's father, Joseph Petito (second from left) her stepmom Tara Petito (far left) and her stepfather Jim Schmidt (far right) during a news conference in September 2021 Nichole Schmidt holds up a photo of her daughter, Gabby Petito during a press conference held days before her remains were found 'We did normal things', also confirming they went camping with Brian at Fort DeSoto, Florida. Of her son's demeanor, she added: 'I didn't see him grieving. He was, I guess, worried and concerned, and I know he was talking to Steven (Bertolino) on the phone. Steven Bertolino told us just to keep him close and keep him calm, and that's what we did and don't talk to him about anything.' Of Roberta's now infamous 'burn after reading' letter to her son eventually allowed into evidence after a battle to exclude it the mom said it was a jokey note to remind him of her love. The undated missive said: 'I just want you to know I will always love you and you will always love me. You are my boy. Nothing can make me stop loving you, nothing will or ever divide us no matter what we do, or where we go or what we say we will always love each other. 'If you're in jail I will bake a cake with a file in it. If you need to dispose of a body, I will show up with a shovel and garbage bags.' The letter, which does not mention Gabby, was in an envelope titled: Brian Christopher Laundrie (burn after reading). Roberta said it was written after she learned of the road trip which began in June but before the couple left. She admitted she was upset the pair was going and not establishing more roots with her and Christopher in Florida. 'I just wanted to reassure him that I loved him, no matter what,' she said in the deposition, taken in October 2023. 'No matter if he moved away, if he decided to stay out west, whatever he did I would always love him.' She said she wrote 'burn after reading' on the envelope because Gabby had bought Brian a book titled Burn After Writing ' so it was like a little joke I knew he would get'. She added: 'And I did want him to get rid of it. Not burn it. But throw it out so nobody could read it. It's an embarrassing note.' Attorney Reilly asked: 'OK, nothing including murder would make you stop loving him, correct?' Roberta: 'Oh, I would always love him.' At the time of the investigation it was revealed cops had pulled the couple over in Utah on a domestic violence call after Gabby and Brian had a physical altercation A selfie shared by the family's attorneys shows Gabby's beaten and bruised face moments before Utah traffic stop Reilly has previously revealed to DailyMail.com why Gabby's parents are putting themselves through more anguish with this case. He said: 'They want to know what Christopher and Roberta know, what they knew, what they held back. 'And this sounds simplistic, they want justice. They want the Laundries to pay for what they've done.' Gabby's father Joe, who lives in Vero Beach, Florida, with Gabby's stepmom Tara, and Nichole, who lives on Long Island with husband Jim Schmidt, still reel with ongoing emotions. 'They've been strong since this case was filed in 2022. But there have been moments when they've cried and there have been moments when they've been angry,' Reilly told DaklyMail.com. 'They've gone through everything by reliving what happened. But their resolve is to keep moving forward.' Gabby's parents agreed a $3million settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit against the estate of Brian Laundrie in November 2022. The killer's assets are believed to have been in the five figures. Any award if they win the latest case will also be destined for the Gabby Petito Foundation, set up to support locating missing people and help organizations aiding domestic violence survivors. A person has been killed and hundreds of thousands of Australians are still without power following a mix of wild storms, an intense heatwave and severe bushfires. Some 470,000 homes were left without power in Victoria on Tuesday after wild winds tore down power lines and towers across the state. Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed on Wednesday a dairy farmer in his 50s was killed by flying debris at Mirboo North, in the Gippsland region. Power has already been restored to thousands of homes, however some 280,000 remain in the dark amid warnings it could take weeks to bring them back on the grid. Hundreds of traffic lights and some train lines are out of service with energy minister Lily D'Ambrosio labelling it 'one of the largest outage events in the state's history'. The State Emergency Service revealed it had received 4,600 calls for assistance in the last 24 hours. The wild thunderstorms came as a severe heatwave scorched the state sparking bushfires with emergency warnings still in place for Victoria's west. The thunderstorms are forecast to move north through NSW with Sydney and its surrounding regions in the firing line, while temperatures are set to soar in Western Australia bringing the mercury as high as 40C. Severe storms have caused massive damage to Victoria's power network (pictured, SES workers clearing storm damage) However, a cold front passing through the southeast has caused massive storms and severe damage to power infrastructure with more than 470,000 left without power Melbourne Severe storms, catastrophic fire danger and mass power outages all hit Victoria on Tuesday with only more devastation to follow on Wednesday. The intense weather was caused by a a strong cold front and pre-frontal trough passing over Victoria which saw a cold air mass collide with a warmer air mass over Australia's southeast. Wind speeds reaching up to 130km/h were recorded in Victoria's south - the equivalent of a category two cyclone. In a 600km radius of Melbourne, 543,762 lightning strikes were recorded between 9am and 9pm on Tuesday. The dry lightning ignited several fires around the state. More than 10 warnings from Vic Emergency remained active on Wednesday morning, including a dire warning for those affected by an out-of-control bushfire in the Grampians National Park, Bellfield and Pomonal. 'The bushfire has travelled in a southeasterly direction and is now impacting private land in the Pomonal area,' Vic Emergency said. 'If you have not already left, the time to safely evacuate has now passed. Take shelter indoors immediately. It is now too dangerous to leave. 'You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.' Vic Emergency's website urged people in the area to remain indoors while those travelling nearby should avoid the fire zone at all costs. Local MP Emma Kealy advised several homes in Pomonal have already been damaged. 'Devastating losses to fire in the Pomonal area, with reports from the fireground indicating 25-30 houses have been lost,' she said. 'Thankfully there are no reports of lives lost at this stage.' The wild weather system also saw thousands of residents lose access to power in what Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio called 'largest outage events in the state's history'. Dry lightning combined with heatwave conditions caused fires across Victoria (pictured, Pomonal) The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Victoria on Tuesday night said 'more than 470,000 customers remain off power across the state'. 'Some areas facing extended power outages with significant damage to the electricity network,' it said. That damaged included the collapse of six transmission towers near Anakie and the Loy Yang A power station being disconnected from the grid. 'Crews are actively working to restore power to these impacted areas. However, given the extent of the widespread damage, it may take days if not weeks to restore electricity to all of those impacted,' the DEECA said. 'To ensure your safety, please do not approach fallen powerlines and call the faults and emergency number for your electricity distribution company.' Ms D'Ambrosio said work was being done to restore power as quickly as possible to the 280,000 homes and business still left without power on Wednesday. 'Power line companies will work through the night to assess damage to sub transmission lines, zone sub-stations and feeders,' she said. 'We hope to see more customers reconnected overnight with priority given to power dependent customers. ' Meanwhile, the state's southeast will continue to swelter through a heatwave with severe conditions forecast for the East Gippsland District, including Mallacoota. Maximum temperatures in the region are forecast to reach the high teens to mid twenties on Wednesday. Melbourne is forecast to see significantly cooler weather compared to earlier in the week as a cold front moves over the city. Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio described the blackout in Victoria as 'one of the largest outage events in the state's history' and warned it could take days or weeks to restore power to every household Melbourne is forecast to see significantly cooler weather compared to earlier in the week as a cold front (pictured) moves over the city The Victorian capital is set to see a top of just 20C on Wednesday coupled with cloudy conditions. There is a slight chance the city could see a shower with southwesterly winds turning south in the late morning and early afternoon. Temperatures are also forecast to stay relatively low on Thursday with a high of 22C before the maximum temperatures pick up to the mid 20Cs for the rest of the week. Sydney Weatherzone's Ashleigh Lange warned thunderstorms that spread from Tasmania, through Victoria and into southern New South Wales will continue to move further north on Wednesday. 'Severe thunderstorm activity will focus on the state's central ranges and coastline, including Sydney, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and Newcastle on Wednesday,' she said. Sydney will be affected by the systems with storms forecast over the city on Wednesday morning or early afternoon followed by showers for the rest of the week. However, heat over New South Wales is expected to cool as a southerly change arrives behind a strong cold front on Wednesday. 'Sydney's temperature will remain in the 30Cs on Wednesday, before the cool change arrives in the afternoon providing some relief,' Ms Lange said. Recent rainfall across parts of the Paroo River in Queensland and NSW has caused river level rises across its catchment. Local MP Emma Kealy advised several homes in Pomonal have already been damaged (pictured, road closures set up around fallen powerlines) Storms are forecast to affect Queensland's southeast and NSW's Central Coast on Wednesday (pictured, map showing storms forecast for Wednesday afternoon) A minor flood warning was issued by the Bureau for the river in NSW. 'Renewed river level rises are possible as upstream flows arrive,' it warned. Canberra The forecast for Australia's capital is looking similarly grey with showers forecast through to the end of the week. The city is set to see partially cloudy conditions on Wednesday with a medium chance of showers in the morning. Darwin Another tropical low is fuelling wild weather in the Northern Territory's Top End. Tropical low 07U is likely to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria coast. The system is forecast to move slowly in the Gulf of Carpentaria and has a moderate risk of developing into a tropical cyclone on Thursday and Friday. The next tropical cyclone to be declared in Australian waters will be named Lincoln. 'Even if it doesn't develop into a tropical cyclone, parts of the Gulf of Carpentaria coast could experience strong to gale force winds and heavy rainfall,' the Bureau said. On Friday 07U is expected to start moving southwest, reaching over Gulf coast later Friday or early Saturday, where it will weaken. Another tropical low is fuelling wild weather in the Northern Territory's Top End (pictured, storms forecast on Friday) From there, the low is forecast to move west over central NT and then northern Western Australia, bringing heavy rainfall to areas near its path. The North West Coastal Rivers and Waterhouse River have been warned catchments could possibly flood from Wednesday. 'Daily rainfall totals of 40-80mm over the flood watch area are expected, with the highest falls likely about the western and northwestern coasts, where falls of over 120mm are possible,' the Bureau said. 'Isolated heavy falls to 100mm are also possible with slow-moving thunderstorms further inland.' Storms over Darwin are set to continue through to Friday before conditions ease to showers on Saturday. Brisbane Brisbane's is set to see a wet end to the week. There is a slight chance partially cloudy conditions over the city on Wednesday could develop into showers. More showers are forecast on Thursday and Friday before the skies partially clear for a cloudy weekend. Several flood warnings remain current throughout the state following heavy rain earlier this week. The Bureau has issued major flood warnings for the Flinders River and Eyre Creek. Moderate flood warnings are current for the Diamantina River and Nicholson River. Minor flood warnings are in place for the Georgina River, Balonne River, Barcoo River, Bulloo River, Dawson River, lower Warrego River, Moonie River, Norman River, Paroo River and Cooper Creek. People living in Grampians National Park, Bellfield and Pomonal (pistured) under the threat of bushfires have been warned its too late to leave Adelaide Temperatures in Adelaide are set to peak at 24C on Wednesday and slowly climb through to the end of the week. A top of 28C is forecast for Thursday, 31C on Friday, 34C on Saturday and 35C on Sunday. Partially cloudy conditions over the city are set to clear for sunny skies from Thursday. Perth A low-intensity to severe heatwave is forecast to continue bringing high temperatures across WA. A severe heatwave warning has been issued for Gascoyne, North Interior and Central West Districts. 'Maximum temperatures in the low to high forties and overnight minimum temperatures in the mid to high twenties,' the Bureau said. 'Severe heatwave conditions have eased temporarily over the Kimberley, but are forecast to return later in the week. 'Locations likely to be impacted include Mount Magnet.' Perth will also be affected by the heatwave with the chance of temperatures reaching up to 40C on Wednesday alongside sunny conditions. Partially cloudy conditions will ease the sun's intensity from Thursday but temperatures will remain high with a top of 42C followed by 30C on Friday. A low-intensity to severe heatwave is forecast to continue bringing high temperatures across WA (pictured, heat forecast across Australia) Hobart Hobart is set to be Australia's coolest city on Wednesday with a top of just 20C alongside cloudy conditions. Westerly winds reaching up to 25 km/h are forecast to increase to 30 km/h before turning northwest and dropping to 20 km/h in the late evening. Store bosses are demanding urgent action to tackle the shop crime crisis amid a 50 per cent surge in violence and abuse against staff. Incidents hit 1,300 a day in the financial year 2022 to 2023, a survey has found. And the cost of thefts from stores doubled to 1.8 billion, hitting 45,000 incidents a day 16.4 million a year. Some 60 per cent of retailers say the police response to calls for help has been 'poor' or 'very poor'. As a result, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has joined calls for attacks on shop staff to be made a specific offence in England and Wales as it is in Scotland. A criminal armed with a knife violently lunges at an unarmed shop worker in a Bristol Tesco The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has joined calls for attacks on shop staff to be made a specific offence in England and Wales as it is in Scotland. Pictured: Co-op staff grappling with a shoplifter The figures come from the BRC's annual crime survey and are likely to have increased since last year. Helen Dickinson, of the trade association, said: 'With over 1,300 incidents every day, government can no longer ignore the plight of ordinary, hardworking retail colleagues.' She claimed there is a lack of support from the police and courts, adding: 'Criminals are being given a free pass to steal goods and to abuse and assault retail colleagues.' She said the Protection of Workers Act in Scotland provides additional security for retail workers, and asked: 'Why should our hardworking colleagues south of the border be offered less?' The Home Office has launched a Retail Crime Action Plan which includes a commitment from police to prioritise shoplifting where violence is used and where security guards have detained an offender. Policing minister Chris Philp said: 'I want a new zero-tolerance approach to tackling shoplifting. It is a blight on our high streets and communities and puts the livelihoods of traders at risk.' A fake tradie who conned a string of clients out of more than $280,000 before he wrecked their homes with shoddy work will be deported from Australia. Tevita Tiliti Ungounga convinced seven homeowners between 2020 and 2023 to hand over huge amounts of their savings for work he either did to a poor standard or left unfinished, despite never holding a contractor's licence with NSW Fair Trading. When the clients became frustrated and confronted Ungounga over the state of the work and delays, he either pressured them for more money or threatened to walk away and leave the jobs incomplete. The 57-year-old is originally from Hawaii, where he was prosecuted for tax evasion and unlicensed building before he arrived in Australia, reports The Parramatta Advertiser. Ungounga pleaded guilty at Parramatta Local Court earlier this month to five counts of contract to do residential building work without a licence, four counts of doing residential building work when unlicensed, four counts of dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and three counts of doing residential building work without insurance as prescribed. Tevita Tiliti Ungounga pleaded guilty to a string of offences in a Parramatta court including doing building work without a licence and obtaining financial advantage by deception Some of the properties Ungounga worked on included houses in Carlingford, Earlwood and Liberty Grove in Sydney and Stanwell Park in Wollongong, where he demamded cash upfront. Court documents show at the Stanwell Park property he took $93,800 for construction work on a sandstone wall, carport and granny flat. During excavation work done himself, Ungounga broke stormwater and sewerage pipes and damaged sheets of fire proofing material on the house, which required another $10,000 to repair. On one occasion he took $6,000 in cash for a concrete delivery that did not arrive and on another he hiked up the price by $16,700 to change to bigger bricks. At another house in the same street he took $13,500 from a woman to replace a pool deck and build a driveway retaining wall. She paid extra because he needed to travel to Canberra to buy materials but when they arrived they had labels indicating they were bought from a nearby Bunnings. Wollongong resident Jo Wong paid Ungounga $120,000 for a retaining wall for her house which is on a steep slope. His dodgy work left her worried her house is in danger of sliding down the hill. 'At one stage he starts threatening us, ''If you don't pay more I won't do this for you, I won't clean up for you'',' she told A Current Affair. After a disagreement he abandoned the work but not before leaving a large boulder in her driveway. Jo Wong paid Ungounga for building work on her property (pictured) and said she was worried the house might slide down the hill after he bungled a retaining wall At a house in Liberty Grove, he left a woman $17,000 out of pocket after bungling her kitchen renovation. 'The work is of such extremely poor quality that existing ''renovations'' conducted by the (offender) will have to be demolished, which will cost the victim more money,' the documents state. The woman complained to NSW Fair Trading, who confirmed Ungounga was already on their radar, having been fined tens of thousands of dollars and given community service in 2017 for shoddy building work. Ian O'Connor paid him nearly $200,000 for renovation works to his house, which were done so poorly Mr O'Connor had to delay his retirement and keep working so he could pay to have them fixed. Yet another client in Earlwood paid him $7,500 to have architect drawings done, which the architect told them later had only cost $770. Ungounga recently set his sights on Tonga, launching a charity he said was to help the Pacific nation's people. The charity's website was selling tickets to win a house in Tonga set to be built by Ungounga. He had previously had drawings done by an architect for a double-story, seven-bedroom, six-bathroom house on the beach on Nuku'alofa Island in Tonga. The raffle was shut down after other staff working on the charity were asked for comment by the media. Ungounga remains in custody and will be sentenced on April 10. He will be deported back to Hawaii on his release. An inquest into the death of a young girl has heard how she wrote the word 'help' 27 times in her notebook before she took her own life. Grace, whose full name has been suppressed, died after she shot herself with a rifle in her parent's bedroom in the Darwin suburb of Parap on January 28, 2022. The inquest into the 13-year-old schoolgirl's death heard that a notebook had been discovered which showed that the teenager had been struggling for some time. Inside the book, Grace had written the word 'help' 27 times among other notes which Northern Territory Coroner Elisabeth Armitage said the teenage girl had hidden from others, including family and friends. 'It looks like a cry for help but it was a secret and silent cry, sadly today there are likely other children secretly and silently crying out for help,' Ms Armitage said at the inquest, as reported by Northern Territory News. An inquest into a young girl who took her own life has heard that she wrote the word 'help' 27 times in her notebook (stock image) 'It seems to me that as a community we have to find a way to give them back their voice.' Counsel assisting the Coroner Chrissy McConnel said Grace 'should have had her whole life ahead of her' when she took the gun and ended her life. The inquest revealed details of the teenager's death after the girl took the firearm from an unlocked cupboard inside the bedroom. Grace's father, who gave evidence at the inquest, struggled to explain why the rifle, which had been registered at another address, had not been secured. The coroner said the notes were a sign the teenager was struggling (stock image) He said he purchased the rifle while his family was living at the other address and it should have been stored at Wanguri, another suburb in Darwin. A school counsellor who assessed Grace as being at low risk of suicide prior to her death did not alert the family that the teen had suicidal thoughts. School records, however, indicated the counsellor planned to call Grace's father to inform him. Grace's father told the inquest the family did not pick up on signs that his daughter was struggling and believed she was leading 'the good life' in the Northern Territory. 'I think if you get a sign that somebodys depressed or struggling youre lucky, youre lucky because if you get that sign you can act on it, but we didnt get that at all, or if we did we missed it,' he said. Coronial records showed there had been 52 youth suicide deaths in the Territory in the past 10 years. The inquest is ongoing. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 A former student of a wilderness camp where a 12-year-old boy died is suing the program, alleging staff members dismissed her claims of sexual assault. The suit was filed Friday in the US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, by a 20-year-old woman who spent three weeks at Trails Carolina for three months when she was 12. Filed in federal court, the complaint comes a week after a boy died the morning after he arrived at the troubled youth camp, and accuses staffers of creating 'an environment where troubled [kids] have and do sexually assault other children.' As they to continue to vet the more recent case, cops in Lake Toxaway have only revealed the unnamed boy's death 'appeared to not be natural,' and that a manner and cause of death are still pending. The local sheriff's office, meanwhile, said the camp has not completely cooperated with their investigation, a decade after a 17-year-old died of hypothermia while attempting to flee the facility. Scroll down for video: A former student of a wilderness camp where a 12-year-old boy died is suing the program, alleging staff members dismissed her claims of sexual assault The suit was filed Friday in the US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina , by a 20-year-old woman who spent three weeks at Trails Carolina for three months when she was 12 'The most upsetting part for me is the trauma I experienced was preventable,' the former camper, now 20, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday of her experiences after she was sent to the camp in Transylvania County when she was also 12. In the federal lawsuit filed Friday, the victim - who DailyMail.com will identify only as as Gertie - described how soon after her arrival, she was sexually assaulted by a fellow camper referred only as Jane Doe. The alleged assault happened in a tent 2016, a week after she was processed. The camp is located 140 miles west of Charlotte, and has an enrollment fee of $4,900. She allegedly went on to share what happened with the group of girls and field staff, who responded by not removing Jane Doe from the group. Instead, staffers at the $715 per day program took away the kids' tent 'privileges,' making them all sleep in a line under a tarp instead. After another week, Gertie was allegedly sexually assaulted again, by the same camper. She allegedly disclosed the incident to staffers once again, but the complaint claims still no one reported it to Trails Carolina's regulators or law enforcement. The victim soon learned - and reported - that the girl was sexually assaulting and raping others. But, again, she alleged, staff did nothing to prevent it from happening. This spurred her to contact program therapist Derry O'Kane, the primary therapist for the middle school girls group. Filed in federal court, the complaint comes a week after a boy died the morning after he arrived at the troubled youth camp, and accuses staffers of creating 'an environment where troubled [kids] have and do sexually assault other children' As they to continue to vet the more recent case, cops in Lake Toxaway have only revealed the unnamed boy's death 'appeared to not be natural,' and that a manner and cause of death are still pending The local sheriff's office, meanwhile, said the camp has not completely cooperated with their investigation, a decade after a 17-year-old died of hypothermia while attempting to flee the facility, part of which is seen here 'The most upsetting part for me is the trauma I experienced was preventable,' the former camper, now 20, told The Charlotte Observer Tuesday of her experiences after she was sent to the camp in Transylvania County when she was also 12 In the federal lawsuit filed Friday, the victim - who DailyMail.com will identify only as as Gertie - described how soon after her arrival, she was sexually assaulted by a fellow camper referred only as Jane Doe The alleged assault happened in a tent 2016, a week after she was processed. The camp is located 140 miles west of Charlotte, and has an enrollment fee of $4,900 O'Kane, however, allegedly instructed her not to tell anyone she had been sexually assaulted, while telling her to keep the alleged second victim under wraps as well. This happened approximately 37 days into the then-12-year-old's stay, and neither O'Kane nor program director Jeremy Whitworth disclosed the alleged assaults to authorities, the filing claims. In the weeks that ensued, staff members still did not remove the alleged abuser - who at this point had became 'fixated' on Gertie, the suit claims. Instead, the complaint claims, O'Kane in particular made the 12-year-old promise, 'not to tell anyone else about the assault', while telling the child 'that she was equally at fault." In a telephone interview NBC News, Gertie said of O'Kane and others' alleged actions: 'It felt like they didnt care about what was happening... that they didnt believe me.' O'Kane, not Whitworth, is named as a defendant, along with the camp's parent company Wilderness Training & Consulting. As of Tuesday, it remains unclear if she still works at the camp, but in March 2023, she gave an interview explaining how 'wilderness therapy' like the ones Gertie and her group were subjected to helped the girls' development. She said: 'Wilderness therapy helps girls celebrate exactly who they are, not who they think they should be. The assaults spurred her to contact program therapist Derry O'Kane, the primary therapist for the middle school girls group. She is named in the complaint after allegedly telling the then-child the assault was partly her fault, and should be kept under wraps Jeremy Whitworth (pictured) is the co-executive director of Trail Carolina camp. He is not named in the filing, but is reportedly not cooperating with cops. He has been boss of the camp since 2013, present for all the alleged incidents 'Influenced by what they see in the media and in social networking, girls in this age group may try to act and dress much older than their age and can even feel ashamed of their age or perceived status in society. 'In my work, I strive to create experiences that allow space for girls to be the playful, daring and spirited people they really are. 'I celebrate authentic expressions of their personalities. I help girls come out of hiding.' She concluded: 'By creating experiences that resonate with middle school minds, Im able to help my students express themselves in ways that wont be judged by anyone and most importantly, will be celebrated by all.' She went on to describe how during a recent evening outing with a group, she brought out fleece wildcat onesies for the girls, before describing how such outfits should be liberating for preteens. 'The onesies allowed them to feel silly and playfuland secondary to that, they were extra warm!' the senior staffer said in an interview still featured on the camp's website. 'After some time in the wilderness, girls begin to care much less about what people think,' she continued. 'Most of these girls would never have thought twice about wearing a wildcat onesie before coming to Trails, for fear of ridicule. 'This is a great way to strip away all the worries and fears that have kept them stuck in really inauthentic versions of themselves.' Aside from the sex claims - which come on top of a separate 2023 complaint that alleges similar activity was occurring at the camp as recently in 2019 - the suit also alleges staffers at both firms failed 'to provide adequate medical care, food, and shelter' for kids in its custody. As alleged proof, it describes and incident where camp-provided water filters broke while Gertie and her group were camping, leading counselors to instruct the children to drink water from a nearby stream. Allegedly forced to filter water through a dirty bandanna, Gertie said she and her fellow campers had to wait about three weeks for staffers to get new filters. During that span, several students allegedly developed pinworms, she said. The former campers stay happened two years after 17-year-old Alec Lansing ran away from a similar group on an excursion in November 2014, after which he was discovered dead following a bout of hypothermia. The former campers stay happened two years after 17-year-old Alec Lansing ran away from a similar group on an excursion in November 2014, after which he was discovered dead following a bout of hypothermia He died after venturing off on his own through the forest at the camp. A search party is seen here It also come on the heels of a similar federal lawsuit filed in 2023 by a former camper who claims Trails Carolina did too little to stop an older student from sexually assaulting her in 2019, which is still making its way through the legal system. According to the complaint, requests to Trails Carolina staff from the alleged victim be separated from her assailant - described as having a 'prior history of sexual assault that was known or should have been known to Trails Carolina' were denied. It also alleges the older campers put hands in the alleged victim's underwear and sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious, before engaging in similar alleged attacks again. Much like the claims coming from Gertie, pleas to counselors to be moved were allegedly also ignored, and during an internal investigation that yielded no discipline, staffers forced the child to 'spend nights alongside her assailant' as they camped. The complaint further alleges Trails Carolina - the subject of 2021 investigation by WBTV-TV that found a North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services report showed staffer waited five hours before it called for help to find Lansing - 'deceptively withheld the abuse from public authorities, failing at all times thereafter to report the crime despite their legal obligation to do so.' As is the case with the more recent complaint, the filing seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial, with Gertie claiming she been left with emotional pain and post-traumatic stress disorder. 'My experience at Trails was pretty traumatic, 'Gertie she said in her interview Tuesday with NBC. 'It has caused a lot of damage.' A week prior, investigators were granted two search warrants for separate locations of the camp, which has been cited by state regulators in the past One location is the camp where the incident occurred and the second location is where the other campers who were in the cabin at the time of the boy's death were relocated to. In a statement Thursday, the camp still led by Whitmore rejected claims from the Transylvania County Sheriff's Office that the camp is not fully cooperating in the death investigation of the 12-year-old camper. He was discovered to be dead by camp staff the morning of February 3, less than 24 hours after he had arrived there, officials said. 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.' 'Our priority is to acknowledge and respect the unfathomable impact on their lives and maintain the integrity of the investigation into the cause. 'We are cooperating fully with investigators and have retained outside professionals to assist us in conducting our internal investigation.' Aussies have shared the bizarre and weird work habits of their Gen Z colleagues and the infuriating four letter word they like to bandy around the office - 'slay'. Workers were asked to share some of the most shocking things they'd seen their younger colleagues do on the popular Instagram account The Aussie Corporate. Vaping at desks, logging off early to go for a swim, and answering Zoom calls from a spa are some of the unbelievable acts Gen Z workers - those born between 1997 and 2012 - are trying to get away with. A common complaint was about the younger generation constantly praising a colleague's efforts by saying 'slay'. Aussie workers have revealed the most frustrating habits from their Gen Z colleagues - with one saying they noticed a young worker vaping at their desk (stock image) One worker said their Gen Z co-worker asked to leave early so she could go for a swim One frustrated worker recalled: 'Our (paid) intern routinely rocks up at 10.30 (we start at 8.30). We called her once to see if she was coming to a meeting but she was shopping with her mum. Also sighs. Loudly. When asked to do absolutely anything.' Added another: 'My partner had one of her juniors ask the managing director on a Zoom if this call was going to take long because she wanted to go for a swim... at 2pm on a Friday. 'We had a Gen Z intern walk straight up to a partner on day three of a four-week internship and offer him a 'dart break to get away from these squares',' one worker said. While some admitted they were impressed at how confident Gen Z workers were, others said their younger colleagues didn't last long in their offices due to their tendency to flit around between tasks. Etiquette on video meetings was another major issue with younger employees. Some vaped during meetings, one woman answered a call with a towel around her head and one man even appeared on screen in a bathrobe. Another Gen Z worker said he was too hungover to come into the office but proceeded with the morning catch up meeting while brushing his teeth, eating breakfast and ironing his clothes. Vaping at desks, logging off early to go for a swim (stock image), and answering Zoom calls from a spa are some of the unbelievable acts Gen Z workers are trying to get away with 'Our (paid) intern routinely rocks up at 10.30 (we start at 8.30). We called her once to see if she was coming to a meeting but she was shopping with her mum. Also sighs. Loudly. When asked to do absolutely anything,' one person shared on Instagram (stock image) Shockingly, one man accidentally switched his camera on during a Zoom to reveal he was lounging around in a hot tub. Many also claimed their Gen Z co-workers were constantly asking to leave early or were requesting a shorter work week. 'Our intern asked to leave at 11.30 on Friday because he had lunch with his girlfriend. He then declined a 9.30am meeting because it was "too early",' one worker said. 'Had a Gen Z clerk crack open a cider at his desk on midday on a Thursday. When confronted he said ''it's just one standard and I'm on my break''. We had given him an urgent brief,' another said. 'I had a Gen Z say they couldn't come into the office for a team day because they had too much to do,' one worker said. 'When I asked what so I could help prioritise they said washing, seeing their friend for lunch, facial, gym and an online order arriving.' One man didn't return to work as expected at the start of the year because he wanted to extend his trip in Asia. One thing many agreed on was the overuse of the word 'slay', typically used by Gen Zs to refer to something that is good or impressive. Many said their younger colleagues were replying to senior executives telling them they were 'slaying' or just simply 'slayyy'. A teenager has been charged with a felony after police say he committed 'intentional vandalism' by spinning his tires out on a gay pride crosswalk. Police in Delray Beach, Florida , said on Monday that Dylan Brewer, of nearby Clearwater, was arrested and charged with felony criminal mischief over $1000 and reckless driving. According to officers, the 19-year-old was seen by witnesses performing multiple burnouts with his vehicle over a LGBTQ pride crosswalk in the city. Police said Brewer 'caused significant damage to the streetscape painting, which serves as a symbol of unity and inclusivity for the LGBTQ community.' Surveillance footage show the moment a large 4x4 is seen burning out his wheels across the section of road, leaving black marks across the intersection. Surveillance footage show the moment a large 4x4 is seen wheel spinning across the section of road, before making off, leaving black marks across the intersection On Monday morning, Brewer, seen here, turned himself in at the Delray Beach Police Department and did not provide a statement to law enforcement Police said that they while working the case, multiple citizens came forward with cellphone footage of the act. On Monday morning, Brewer then turned himself in at the Delray Beach Police Department and did not provide a statement to law enforcement. According to Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Brewer also had a Donald Trump flag on the rear of his vehicle at the time. The organization paid $16,000 for the mural's installation along with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, said that the vandalism should be considered a hate crime. Palm Beach County Jail records indicate that Brewer was released on Tuesday on a $5,250 bond. It is not clear if Brewer entered at a plea at this time. This is also not the first incident involving individuals burning out their tires on the intersection. Alexander Jerich pleaded guilty in 2022 to the same charges Brewer is facing for defacing the same mural. According to the South Florida Sun Sentinel, Jerich was sentenced to probation, and was ordered to write an essay about the victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting. Police said that they while working the case multiple citizens came forward with cellphone footage of the act - the aftermath of the incident is seen here Palm Beach County Jail records indicate that Brewer was released on Tuesday on a $5,250 bond Estimations to have the mural fixed after Jerich vandalized it reached $8,000, with Rand Hoch, president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, telling the outlet he thinks the latest incident will cost the same. After the sentencing of Jerich, Hoch called the punishment a 'slap on the wrist' and called for hasher penalties. At the time, he said, 'I think a big problem is with our judiciary who doesnt understand hate crimes are hate crimes. 'There needs to be consequences so people know if they commit crimes like this, they are going to jail, they are going to be fined, they are going to have to suffer from what they did. Delray Beach Mayor Shelly Petrolia has described the artwork as being 'about solidarity, inclusion, and visibility.' One of America's best-known television journalists has expressed her shock at what has become a regular part of Australian life. Megyn Kelly, who has hosted shows on Fox News and NBC, was surprised to learn most Australians have a no-nonsense attitude when it comes to illegal immigration, whereas in the United States it is far more divisive issue. She brought Sky News Australia presenter Paul Murray onto her SiriusXM show to explain how Australia deals with migrants trying to get to the country by boat. America is in the midst of an immigration crisis, with 300,000 migrants - equivalent to the population of Pittsburgh - illegally crossing the southern border in December. Comparing the situation Down Under to the US's out-of-control border issues, she remarked: 'Australia is not messing around when it comes to illegal immigration. 'One of the things that got me interested in this was back in 2022 when they kept out Novak Djokovic, who wouldn't get the [Covid] vaccine. 'And then it just led to this in-depth look. Australia in general is no stranger to saying, "No, keep the hell out". They don't really care.' She asked Murray how Australia came to have such a strict line on immigration. 'About 20 years ago there was this sort of great difference between Australians who believed, "Oh, we've got to be compassionate and anyone who can sort of float their way here should be able to become a citizen,"' he said. 'But the reality was that people were dying on that journey. Most likely the path was to go from Indonesia. Hop on a boat, pay $10,000 to a people smuggler and then you eventually float your way towards Australia. 'You get here close enough [and it was], "Ah, well, thanks for the effort, you're in."' The Sky News host said the deaths of 'thousands of people' prompted a change, where the Australian government said, "Yes, we're an island, but... you've got to come through the front door." 'So, put simply, if you came here illegally, our position was that we will turn the boat around and we'll send you back.' Megyn Kelly (pictured) brought Sky News Australia host Paul Murray onto her SiriusXM show to explain how Australia deals with migrants trying to get there by boat Murray then explained the turn-back policy where boats can be escorted by the Australian Navy back to the port they departed from. 'If you did happen to get here, you went into an offshore processing centre, and put simply, you stayed there until you... decided to go home.' Kelly put it to Murray that 'the main purpose of the harsh policies was deterrence, and therein is the most important lesson, I think, for America'. READ MORE: How Chinese students are fuelling Australia's rental crisis Advertisement 'Because it being perceived as inhumane is kind of part of the point,' she said. Murray agreed, telling her, 'The whole idea is that there's a front door. And in the same way that you don't cut the line when you go to Disney... you don't cut the line when it comes to immigration.' He added that there are many legal ways to migrate to Australia: 'If you fill out the paperwork, if you are this amazing [you will] be able to become a citizen, it'll happen. 'If you've got a skill for our country, that's fantastic, but otherwise, no.' He added: 'The key message that I want to get to Americans, is you've got to have the idea that you have a country worth protecting by having a border, and you have to draw the line to say it is a privilege to be here, not a right that will be afforded to you if you can find a way to get here.' Kelly then read out part of an article from Diplomat magazine which said, 'Australia is the only country that mandates immigration detention for all unlawful arrivals'. Paul Murray (pictured) explained Australia's tough immigration system to Megyn Kelly Kelly said Novak Djokovic (pictured) being kicked out of Australia for refusing to get a Covid vaccine caught her interest, as it demonstrated the country's 'no-exceptions' attitude America is in the midst of an immigration crisis , with 300,000 migrants - equivalent to the population of Pittsburgh - illegally crossing the southern border in December 'It's like, you come here illegally, you're going into mandatory detention, including those seeking protection as refugees,' Kelly said. 'Australia has one of the most punitive policies on forced migration in the world... Australia effectively punishes those who flee to the country for protection. 'Now this is somebody who doesn't like the policy. But I'll tell you, most Americans would be reading this right now, Paul, and being like, "Good".' Murray said, 'The people who are turning up [in Australia] are not refugees, they are people who are trying to shop for better access to welfare. 'Because the reality... is while a lot of people would like to think Australia is sort of one big version of Texas, the reality is that we are Canada or the United Kingdom in terms of social welfare, but just with a lot more desert.' He also offered advice on what the US could learn from Australia's immigration policies. 'It's very simple. If you end up in Mexico and you're trying to come from somewhere way down the map, well guess what, Mexico is the safe place to go... 'So America has every right to say "Well, bugger off, you can go back to the nearest safe country".' Murray said people trying to get to Australia by boat were deterred because they'll get sent to Nauru, 'which is an island country off to our west - our government gave a lot of money to that country - or you move up to a place called Papua New Guinea, which is just to the north'. 'The whole point is that you'll never physically get here... It's the Australian Defence Force that is in charge of this one and that's presumably what I would suggest you need in the US,' Murray said. Kelly put this into context for her followers, saying, 'It's basically, not only are you not coming into Australia, but we're going to send you off to this other little island that we're paying a bunch of money to to process you people. 'And you're really not going to be able to enjoy the fruits of Australian living while we adjudicate what to do with you.' Murray claimed that '80 per cent' of Australians support its offshore processing system and then offered more advice for the US. Paul Murray told Megyn Kelly about people being sent to an immigration detention centre in Nauru (pictured) 'When you've got a better social welfare system for the people who arrived... illegally than the people who, for whatever reason, end up on the streets of San Francisco, you've got a problem. 'Now you would think the social justice warriors would see this, but instead they have this sort of infantalised idea that every single person who's crossing the border is on the bones of their backside and is doing this so they can make a better life for their family. 'But the reality is that there's an awful lot of people who know that there is a better life in the United States with greater protections in the United States and even the minimum wage in the United States that is better than the life that they have in other parts of Latin America, which means they are economic migrants.' 'They are not refugees, they are economic asylum seekers,' he said. Perverts who kill during 'rough sex' will face longer behind bars under measures unveiled today. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk writing exclusively in today's Mail condemns 'warped' domestic abusers who claim the lives of their partners by sexual violence. Tough laws to be introduced by Mr Chalk will allow judges to treat the use of fatal violence during sado-masochistic sex as an 'aggravating factor' when calculating a killer's punishment. It is likely to add years to the sentences handed down to rough-sex deviants. The measures will apply when warped bedroom activities such as choking, beatings, asphyxiation and even 'mock rapes' lead to tragic consequences. Justice Secretary Alex Chalk writing exclusively in today's Mail condemns 'warped' domestic abusers who claim the lives of their partners by sexual violence (Stock Image) Tough laws to be introduced by Mr Chalk will allow judges to treat the use of fatal violence during sado-masochistic sex as an 'aggravating factor' when calculating a killer's punishment (Stock Image) Mr Chalk writes today: 'Any man who thinks they can take a woman's life into their own hands metaphorically and physically should expect to pay a heavy price for his warped behaviour when his intimate partner dies.' Claiming that someone had consented to lose their life in such a manner is 'the very worst kind of cowardly victim blaming imaginable', he adds. Fiona Mackenzie, founder of the We Can't Consent to This campaign, said: 'This is an important step in ensuring that men who kill women in sexually-motivated violence do not get away with a lighter sentence. 'This change should... send a clear message that this violence against women is unacceptable in our society.' The moves follow concerns that misogynistic online pornography is driving a rise in depraved antics. The moves follow concerns that misogynistic online pornography is driving a rise in depraved antics. Pictured: Justice Secretary Alex Chalk The new aggravating factor will be brought in through legislation soon, a Ministry of Justice spokesman said. Under current Sentencing Council guidelines, those convicted of killing during 'rough sex' can face between one and 16 years in prison. Today's measures could see sentences between four and six years longer, it is thought. In 2016, Natalie Connolly, 26, was killed by millionaire boyfriend John Broadhurst, 39, in Kinver, Staffordshire, after suffering more than 40 injuries. Broadhurst denied murder and said he only hurt Ms Connolly 'within the boundaries of her masochistic desires'. He later admitted gross negligence manslaughter and was jailed for 44 months. He served only 22. Former President Donald Trump is opting to attend his New York fraud trial Thursday but events in a Georgia courthouse will decide whether DA Fani Willis and her entire office will be disqualified from Trump's racketeering case there. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said Monday that a Thursday evidentiary hearing will go forward, and that details of the DA's admitted 'relationship' with special prosecutor Nathan Wade will be key to whether she gets disqualified from the case against Trump and co-defendants. 'Just to emphasize, the issues at point here are whether a relationship existed, whether that relationship was romantic or non-romantic in nature, when it formed, and whether it continues,' McAfee said in court. Georgia lawyer Ashleigh Merchant plans to explore whether there was a 'personal financial benefit' to Willis, who had lawyer Nathan Wade on the payroll as part of her team. Former President Donald Trump won't be in a Georgia courthouse for a Thursday hearing, but lawyers will battle in an evidentiary hearing with DA Fanni Willis can stay on the case Merchant also claims a witness, Terrance Bradley, a former law partner of Wade's, will speak about when the relationship started and even about where the pair would spend the night. That could be key to whether the court finds an inappropriate conflict. 'That's the difficult thing here is you know, if they if they flirted or if they had a kind of one off sexual encounter and 2020 to 2021 or something, does that count as the beginning relationship, or does it have to be something more formal?' Georgia State University College of Law Professor Anthony Michael Kreis told DailyMail.com. 'So that's where I think a lot of this fight going to be not necessarily on most of the facts, but I suspect most of it is, what do we make of the facts? How do we construe them or interpret them?' The stakes are high for Willis who acknowledged a 'personal relationship' with Wade even as she blasted 'salacious' claims in an explosive filing as well as for Trump. FILE PHOTO: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks at a press conference next to prosecutor Nathan Wade after a Grand Jury brought back indictments against former president Donald Trump and his allies in their attempt to overturn the state's 2020 election results, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. August 14, 2023. REUTERS/Elijah Nouvelage./File Photo Ashleigh Merchant, attorney for Michael Roman, says witnesses will speak to 'cohabitation' between Willis and special prosecutor Nathan Wade Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee weighed efforts by potential witnesses seeking to have their testimony quashed If Judge McAfee decides there is a conflict of interest or the appearance of one, he could 'disqualify' Willis and the entire Fulton County DA's office from the case. The move could force it to get reassigned to a neighboring county, where prosecutors may take a different view of the racketeering conspiracy charges that Willis' office obtained through a grand jury indictment for Trump and 18 codefendants. 'The delay will probably be minimal, but the big question is who gets assigned,' said Kreis. 'Because you could have again, because you could have a DA like DeKalb [County] that gets it and they run with it, and we're kind of eager to take it on. On the other hand, you know, you could get a you could get it assigned to Paulding County, right randomly or Forsyth County, and maybe the DA there doesn't quite see things the same way Fanni Willis and the DA's office here see things just lets it go, or cuts deals and just kind of washing their hands of it,' he said. With Trump skipping the chance to be in the gallery, Thursday's hearing is looking to be a session where lawyers clash over what evidence is relevant and what gets quashed. But it will determine whether Willis her self must testify about details of her relationship, and whether trips, lodging, and Uber rides constitute a financial benefit to the DA, which she denies. Merchant, who represents Trump codefendant Michael Roman, claims the relationship was inappropriate and undermines charges against her client related to Trump's election overturn effort in the state. Trump and other codefendants have signed onto the effort. Anna Cross, who is representing Willis, has blasted the information being brought forward in the hearing, and says other witnesses will knock it down. 'The defense is not bringing you facts. The defense is not bringing you law. The defense is bringing you gossip,' she said in court Monday. She said there was 'no cohabitation.' Thursday's hearing will decide whether Willis herself needs to testify about her relationship with Wade. So, what is Labour going to do about anti-Semitism in its Rochdale ranks? The party no doubt hoped that by disowning its conspiracist by-election candidate in the Greater Manchester constituency it could draw a line under this disturbing affair and move on. But these things have a habit of unravelling. After ditching Azhar Ali for making anti-Jewish remarks at a local party meeting, Sir Keir Starmer was forced to suspend another senior figure yesterday. At the same gathering, Graham Jones, an ex-Labour MP who is hoping to stand again in nearby Hyndburn, was recorded referring several times to 'f***ing Israel'. The Jewish Labour Movement, which interpreted this as anti-Semitic, is demanding an investigation into his 'appalling and unacceptable' comments. So, if Sir Keir genuinely wants to pull anti-Semitism out of his party 'by its roots', he must launch a far wider inquiry into Rochdale, not shut down the existing one. If Sir Keir genuinely wants to pull anti-Semitism out of his party 'by its roots', he must launch a far wider inquiry into Rochdale, not shut down the existing one After ditching Azhar Ali (pictured) for making anti-Jewish remarks at a local party meeting, Sir Keir Starmer was forced to suspend another senior figure yesterday. At the same gathering, Graham Jones, an ex-Labour MP who is hoping to stand again in nearby Hyndburn, was recorded referring several times to 'f***ing Israel' At the meeting, Mr Ali claimed Israel had known about the October 7 massacre in advance but chose to let it happen so it could wage war on Gaza. He also blamed Jewish influence in the media for fuelling criticism of a pro-Palestinian Labour MP and said Israel planned to depopulate Gaza as part of a 'land-grab'. These remarks amount to more than legitimate criticism of Israel. They have every appearance of being anti-Semitic. Yet none of those present appear to have challenged Mr Ali. Worse still, they went on to select him as candidate for Rochdale. This suggests they either didn't care whether he was an anti-Semite, or they agreed with him. Either way, this troubling situation surely merits a full inquiry. Labour has gone to great lengths to say Mr Ali is known as a moderate and has campaigned with Jewish figures against extremism. Given the views he espouses, if he is a moderate, what must the more radical elements in the Rochdale party be like? And is this just one of several constituency groups in which anti-Semitism appears to have been normalised? These are questions which demand answers. Lancashire Conservative MPs are now asking for more details of the meeting, exactly who attended and whether Mr Ali's conspiratorial comments were reported to party authorities. If Sir Keir is in earnest about wanting to purge his party of this most ancient of hatreds, he will make every effort to comply. Or he may find the voters asking what more he has to hide. Social care shame Among Tony Blair's first pledges as prime minister was to tackle the social care crisis. Yet 27 years, 13 health secretaries, a Royal Commission and endless reviews later, the situation is worse than ever. In a report today, the King's Fund think-tank says this is a key part of one of the worst policy failures in a generation. The elderly and infirm are being let down by a system on the brink of collapse. After such a litany of broken promises, a lasting solution must now be found. It won't be easy, but every society has a moral duty to protect its most vulnerable a duty ours is currently failing miserably. Among Tony Blair's first pledges as prime minister was to tackle the social care crisis. Yet 27 years, 13 health secretaries, a Royal Commission and endless reviews later, the situation is worse than ever (Stock Image) A nation of shoplifters The greatest incentive for criminals to commit offences is the belief they will never be caught. So the fact that the police are so lax at investigating shoplifting explains a troubling surge in thefts from shelves and a 50 per cent rise in assaults on retail staff. These are not trivial matters. They are real crimes with real victims, some of whom can be badly injured. Until the police treat them with the seriousness they deserve, we will continue turning from a nation of shopkeepers into a nation of shoplifters. Educators and schoolboard members previously spoke out against the program The decision came after math and English proficiency scores plummeted A Bay Area elementary school has terminated its $250,000 contract with teaching firm Woke Kindergarten following months of backlash and appalling test scores. Glassbrook Elementary School saw math and English proficiency among students plummet to four and eight percent, respectively, last spring. This came two years into the school's contract with Woke Kindergarten, which bills itself as a 'global, abolitionist early childhood ecosystem and visionary creative portal.' But that relationship came to an abrupt halt Monday when officials in the Hayward Unified School District said the controversy was becoming a distraction. Both Glassbrook Elementary and the district office had received threatening and racist phone calls and emails, they explained. Glassbrook Elementary ended its contract with teaching firm Woke Kindergarten on Monday, following months of backlash The program aims to support 'children, families, educators and organizations in their commitment to abolitionist early education and pro-black and queer and trans liberation' Woke Kindergarten bills itself as a 'global, abolitionist early childhood ecosystem and visionary creative portal' founded by Akiea 'Ki' Gross, who uses they/them pronouns Woke Kindergarten is grounded in the idea that the education system as it is, steeped in racism and other oppressive structures, cannot be reformed. The program aims to support 'children, families, educators and organizations in their commitment to abolitionist early education and pro-black and queer and trans liberation,' according to its website. Founder Akiea 'Ki' Gross is black and nonbinary, going by they/them pronouns. Gross has drawn ire for past remarks on social media, prompting district spokesman Michael Bazeley to emphasize that the messages do not align with the values of the district. Among the questionable posts was apparent anti-United States sentiment in a video where Gross said they did not believe the country should exist. I believe every settler colony that has committed genocide against native peoples, against indigenous people has no right to exist, Gross continued in a video posted to a now-private Instagram account. Yall are the demons. Yall are the villains. Weve been trying to end yall. Get free of yall. The decision to implement Woke Kindergarten's teachings and trainings has been mired in controversy ever since math and literary scores at Glassbrook Elementary fell last spring. The Woke Kindergarten curriculum refers to students as 'comrades' and claims to provide them with the 'language of the resistance' Hayward Superintendent Jason Reimann defended the district's choice to enroll in the program - though he admitted: 'I get that it's more money than we would have liked to have spent' Numeracy fell to four percent and literacy to eight percent at the end of Glassbrook Elementary's second year with the Woke Kindergarten curriculum The $250,000 contract with the teaching firm, which promotes a 'Woke Word of the Day,' was paid for through federal grant money, a decision that was highly criticized The district itself has an enrollment of roughly 18,000 students, two-thirds of whom are Hispanic or Latino and nearly 75 percent of whom hail from low-income families. Hayward Superintendent Jason Reimann previously told the San Francisco Chronicle that Woke Kindergarten was not hired to improve test scores, but that 'helping students feel safe and whole is part and parcel of academic achievement.' 'We are in favor 100% of abolishing systems of oppression where they hold our students back he said. 'What I do believe is we should pick providers based on their work and how effective they are.' However, he conceded: 'I get that it's more money than we would have liked to have spent.' The $250,000 bill was footed through a federal grant meant to help the countrys lowest-performing schools. Educators themselves have lashed out at the program. Tiger Craven-Neely, a third-grade teacher at Glassbrook Elementary, said he found himself at odds with the way information was presented. He said he was told a primary objective was to 'disrupt whiteness' in schools and that the sessions were 'not a place to express white guilt.' Craven-Neely questioned the phrasing 'so-called United States' and lessons asking students to consider a world without police, money or landlords. Glassbrook teacher Tiger Craven-Neeley previously spoke out against the program. He was placed on leave Thursday following a heated discussion with a colleague School board member Joe Ramos, an outspoken critic of the program, faced reprimand after telling colleague Sandra Escobedo (pictured): 'Some of these parents here, they should take a rope and string you up' Despite terminating the contract, officials continued to back the Woke Kindergarten curriculum The Woke Kindergarten curriculum includes a 'woke word of the day' including 'strike,' 'ceasefire' and 'protest.' It refers to students as 'comrades' and claims to offer them a '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.' Craven-Neely was placed on paid administrative leave Thursday while the district investigates allegations of 'unprofessional conduct' that arose following a tense meeting with a female colleague. Another outspoken critic, Hayward School Board member Joe Ramos, faces possible expulsion from his role following his remarks at a January 24 meeting. 'Some of what you said today is alarming to me,' Ramos told a colleague as she attempted to defend the districts allotment of federal funding. 'Some of these parents here, they should take a rope and string you up. Ramos has since apologized for the comments, but maintained the district 'offended' him by pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the teaching program. Despite terminating the contract, officials continued to back the Woke Kindergarten curriculum. They emphasized that they were 'not repudiating any of the training related to the organization' by ending their relationship with the firm. The personal political and social views are separate from the work Woke Kindergarten did with us, Bazeley said. Anti-bias/Anti-racist teaching, restorative practices, multi-language learning, literacy and mathematics will remain a focus for Glassbrook, building on the work that school has undertaken over the past several years. Former indefinite detainees released by a landmark High Court ruling have committed 27 crimes since being freed, prompting calls for the responsible minister's sacking. Grant Nicholls, acting deputy commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, told a Senate Estimates hearing on Tuesday night that seven of 18 crimes committed by former detainees were currently before state and territory prosecutors. Another seven commonwealth cases seen to by the AFP related to Migration Act offences for breaching their visas while one matter remains under consideration. The detainees were released in November after the High Court found indefinite detention to be unlawful. Documents tendered to the senate on Monday revealed that among the 149 released detainees are 37 sex offenders, 72 convicted of violent offending, kidnapping or armed robbery, and seven convicted of either murder or attempted murder. The government's delayed attempts to put the detainees back behind bars has led to calls for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to be axed. Calls for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles (pictured) to be axed have grown following the Senate Estimates revelations about the crimes committed by dangerous detainees released by a High Court ruling Mr Nicholls' received a barrage of questions on crimes committed by the released detainees from shadow minister for home affairs, James Paterson, during the Senate Estimates hearing. The AFP's acting deputy commissioner revealed that the seven people arrested by federal officers were for breaching a curfew between 10pm and 6am imposed on all former detainees. While four were released on bail, three remain in custody having 'been rearrested for subsequent breaches', according to Mr Nicholls. Mr Paterson's followed with questions regarding details of non-Commonwealth crimes and whether the 36 people released without tracking devices were among the offenders. Mr Nicholls had insufficient information to respond. 'It was my hope that the AFP would come able to answer these questions,' Mr Paterson said. 'You've been helpful with some questions but these are not difficult or complex questions, I would have thought.' Liberal Senator Jane Hume and Deputy opposition leader Sussan Ley took aim at Mr Giles on Wednesday for his 'inept' response to the High Court's ruling. Ms Ley called on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to axe Mr Giles as he is yet to apply for a single preventative detention order. 'If (Mr Albanese) doesn't sack him, this is on the prime minister because it is absolutely shameful,' she told Sky News. 'I sat through this charade at the end of last year, we rushed the legislation through, we wrote half of it for the government, and they have simply sat on their hands. 'He's completely inept and completely incompetent Andrew Giles has to go.' Mr Giles said he and the government are actively 'preparing applications' that have taken time to apply for due to the 'very high threshold that is required to make a successful application'. Coming to Mr Giles' aid on Wednesday were Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek. The 149 detainees, many of who had committed dangerous crimes, were released in November after the High Court (pictured) found indefinite detention to be unlawful Ms O'Neil said the process of putting the dangerous released detainees back behind bars was 'much more difficult' and praised the government's actions following the ruling. 'What you saw was within a number of short weeks after the High Court's decision, the Government had put in place four layers of protection for the community,' she told Sunrise. 'That included two new laws in our Parliament, the imposition of ankle bracelet monitoring and curfews, and a $250 million investment in our police to make sure the community is safe. 'Minister Giles and I have had one singular priority in the management of this issue and that's been the safety of the Australian community.' Meanwhile, Ms Plibersek sought to push blame onto opposition leader Peter Dutton for his actions while the immigration minister. 'Peter Dutton as immigration minister helped this guy stay in Australia, then the High Court says this guy and others like him cant be indefinitely detained, so weve got Peter Dutton as immigration minister on one hand, the High Court on the other,' she told Sky News. 'And as a government were faced with cleaning up the mess from these decisions, and that's what were doing.' A passenger on the nine-month Royal Caribbean 'Serenade of the Sea' cruise has died as it begins it's leg through the Pacific Ocean. The Royal Caribbean Ultimate World Cruise is a 274-night journey that visits more than 60 countries and 11 'world wonders' - including ancient and natural - on a vacation that costs up to $105,000. The ship, called Serenade of the Seas, departed from Miami, Florida, on December 10, 2023 - but on January 2, less than two weeks in, while sailing toward Montevideo, Uruguay, it was battered by 60mph winds and heavy rain. News of the passenger's death emanated - as much of the information has on the ship - from TikTok, where a user named 'Adita' posted word of the death, which was taken down but resurfaced in a reaction video. 'We had our first death on the Ultimate World Cruise. A lady passed away last night. She was an elderly lady, and the reason why I know is because I was coming to my room when they were taking the body out,' Adita said in the video. A passenger on the nine-month Royal Caribbean 'Serenade of the Sea' cruise has died as it begins it's leg through the Pacific Ocean Royal Caribbean confirmed the death in a statement, though they did not identify the passenger, nor did they offer any circumstances relating to their death. 'A guest sailing on board Serenade of the Seas has sadly passed away,' they said. 'We are actively providing support and assistance to the guest's loved ones at this time. Out of the privacy of the guest and their family, we have nothing further to share at this time.' They also announced that they may be making adjustments to the route taken by the cruise ship going forward due to unrest in the Middle East. 'The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority, and we are monitoring what is taking place in and around the Red Sea,' a spokesman said in a statement. 'In looking ahead at potential itinerary adjustments, we are currently reviewing alternatives for Serenade of the Seas, which is currently scheduled to transit the Suez Canal in May. Our guests and travel partners will receive an update from us in mid-February.' It's the latest twist in a story that has made the long-running cruise ship a source of controversy on social media. Many disgruntled cruise goers took to TikTok to report the deluge, with one woman revealing how she had to move rooms, while one couple complained that in the midst of the chaos, wine supplies were running low. News of the passenger's death emanated - as much of the information has on the ship - from TikTok , where a user named 'Adita' posted word of the death, which was taken down but resurrected via a reaction video Royal Caribbean confirmed the death in a statement, though they did not identify the passenger, nor did they offer any circumstances relating to their death Serenade of the Seas will return to its home port in Miami on September 10, 2024. The first leg of the trip, the Ultimate Americas Cruise, saw passengers travel to islands in the Caribbean to Antarctica. On Sunday, they embarked on the Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise, where they'll travel to Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. This is followed by the Ultimate Middle East and Med part of the cruise, spotlighting Dubai, Egypt, Greece and Croatia, before looping around Europe and across to New York. The 90,090-ton, 2,100-passenger vessel has a spa pool, library, cinema, slot machines, plenty of decking space, a two-floor dining space, and a shopping arcade. One passenger said the journey costs anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on your room. Devastated loyal customers of the Body Shop have expressed their sadness after it collapsed into administration, fearing they may no longer be able to get their hands on the unique products they've been buying for decades. The High Street stalwart yesterday entered administration with jobs at risk across the brand's 200-plus UK stores. The beloved chain currently employs 10,000 people across 3,000 stores it operates in more than 70 countries around the world - with a further 12,000 staff working in franchises. FRP Advisory has been brought in to handle the insolvency process just weeks after a new owner took control having vowed to 're-energise the business'. The administration currently only affects UK staff and stores. In a statement, it said 'administrators will now consider all options to find a way forward for the business and will update creditors and employees in due course'. The business will continue to trade both in-store and online while plans are made for the future of the beloved high street brand. It comes as the latest blow for a struggling high street, which recently experienced the loss of other major chains including M&Co, Paperchase and Wilko. Ian Knight and daughter Isla, 15, pictured outside the Bournemouth branch of The Body Shop Nigel Scott, 55, (pictured) who works in insurance, said he had been shopping at the Body Shop for 30 years Devestated loyal customers of the Body Shop have today expressed their sadness at the beloved cosmetics company going into administration The Body Shop was renowned for its ethically sourced beauty products, from shower gels and cleansing butters through to charcoal face masks The store is famed for its signature White Musk eau de toilette (left) - which has survived several rebrands and continues to be a top seller (right) Ian Knight, 55, a business owner out shopping with his two daughters, said: 'It is a real shame. Most of the high street is suffering in terms of footfall. 'The cost of living crisis is biting hard and people are being more cautious about how they spend their money. 'It just feels like Amazon is getting stronger and stronger and that makes it so hard for the likes of The Body Shop.' Created in 1976, founder Dame Anita Roddick went from selling products in urine sample bottles to save money to becoming a multi-millionaire with a cosmetic empire in a matter of years. The brand, known for its humanitarian focus, was the high street go-to for beauty products long before celebrity perfume ranges and beauty websites took over. Teacher Lily Taylor, 31, said she had been going to the Body Shop since she was a child, while her mother did Body Shop parties. They have products which are compatible with her allergies and she was not sure where to shop now. She said: 'I always buy their products so I don't know what I'm going to do now. I have a lot of allergies so I find their stuff is better for my skin. 'I think a lot of shops are going through the same thing but it is still a shock to see them in administration. 'My mother used to do Body Shop parties so I don't want to have to break the news to her. Everyone going online is having a huge impact on the high street.' Nigel Scott, 55, who works in insurance, said he had been shopping at the Body Shop for 30 years and his son and daughter gave him an extra long shopping list when they heard about its uncertain future. He said: 'It's sad. I've been coming here for 30 years. They have been through many hands and maybe the ethical stuff they stood for lost its shine.' Anita Roddick launched The Body Shop in 1976 to provide for her two children. In a matter of years, it quickly became one of the biggest names in skincare. She is pictured outside one of her first stores in October 1985 In 2012, British actress and model Lily Cole (pictured) became the brand's first global ambassador The Body Shop, the near 50-year-old cosmetics company renowned for its ethical hair and skin products, is struggling financially in the UK The Body Shop fans have been left 'heartbroken' following the news of the brand's potential insolvency and call for a reintroduction of their retro products, including perfume oil (pictured) Patricia Kierzek, 40, from Poland lives in Croydon and is devastated to lose the body cream that she uses every day. She said: 'I used to use a lot of the Body Shop stuff. I have been using their body cream for more than five years. It leaves your skin so moisturised. 'I haven't found anything that I like more than the Body Shop so I am quite sad that they are closing. 'I heard the news and came here to see if there was a sale or anything. I haven't been for ages because I buy my stuff in bulk. 'I am not too surprised as the last few times I have been here it is quite quiet in there.' Patricia says that although she does often shop online it will be a shame to not have the experience of wandering the store again. Sherlen Lindsey, 45, who lives in Croydon, says he will be sad to see the shop go as it was gift-giving heaven. He said: 'They do great gift sets and as a husband it's a lifesaver. I always say that The Body Shop is the shop for husbands. 'It is just so easy to get something in there for your wife at birthdays and Christmas. 'It's easy to escape and quickly grab something from here. This is devastating for husbands.' Teacher Lily Taylor (pictured) said she had been going to the Body Shop since she was a child, while her mother did Body Shop parties In 2012, British actress and model Lily Cole (pictured) became the brand's first global ambassador Full list of The Body Shop UK stores 374 Oxford Street, London 66 Oxford Street, London Ashford Ashford Outlet Aylesbury Banbury Barnstaple Basildon Basilton Basingstoke Bath Battersea Bedford Beverley Bexleyheath Birmingham Bullring Birmingham New Street Blackburn Blackpool Bluewater Bluewater, Greenhithe Bolton Market Place Bournemouth Commercial Road Bracknell Lexicon Bradford Broadway Braintree Outlet Brent Cross Shopping Centre Bridgend Outet Brighton Bristol Cabot Circus Bristol Queens Road Brixton Broughton Park Bury Bury St Edmunds Caledonia Park Outlet Camarthen Camberley Cambridge Cambridge Station Cannock Outlet Cardiff St Davids Carlisle Castleford Outlet Chelmsford Cheltenham Cheshire Oaks Outlet Chester Foregate Street Chesterfield Chichester Chippenham Cirencester Clarks Village Outlet, Somerset Colchester Commercial Arcade, St Peter Port, Gurnsey Coventry Crawley County Mall Cribbs Causeway Dalton Park Outlet, Seaham Derby Intu Didcot Doncaster Lakeside Outlet Dudley Dundee Dunfermline Durham Ealing East Kilbride East Midlands Outlet Eastbourne Edinburgh Gyle Edinburgh St James Quarter Edinburgh Waverley Market Enfield Epsom Exeter Fareham Farnborough Fleetwood Outlet Foyleside, Derry Glasgow Braehead Glasgow Fort Glasgow Silverburn Glasgow St Enoch Glasgow Station Gloucester Grimsby Guildford High Street Gunwharf Outlet, Portsmouth Halifax Harlow Harrogate Harrow Hastings Hatfield Outlet Hempstead Valley Hereford Commercial Street High Wycombe Horsham Hounslow Treaty Centre Hove Huddersfield Ilford Isle of Wight Islington Kendal Kings Lynn Kings Street, St Helier, Jersey Kingston-Upon-Thames Lancaster Leamington Spa Leeds Briggate Leeds White Rose Leicester High Cross Lichfield Lincoln Waterside Liverpool One Liverpool Street Station Livingston Outlet London Bridge Loughborough Luton Macclesfield Maidstone Manchester Arndale Manchester Royal Exchange Meadowhall High Street MediaCity UK, Manchester Middlesborough Milton Keynes Morpeth Newcastle Eldon Square Newton Abbott Northampton Norwich Nottingham Bridlesmith Gate Nuneaton Oldham One New Change Shopping Centre, London Oxford Westgate Perth Peterborough Queensgate Petty Curry, Cambridge Platinum Mall, Gateshead Plymouth Poole Portsmouth Preson Preston Reading Regent Street, London Romford Rushen Lakes Sailsbury Sheffield Shrewsbury Solihull Southampton Southend Spalding Outlet St Albans Stafford Staines Standstead Airside Stockport Stratford Upon Avon Sunderland Surrey Quays Shopping Centre Sutton Swansea Swindon Outlet Talke Hanley Outlet, Stoke-on-rent Taunton Telford Thurrock Trafford Park Trowbridge Truro Tunbridge Wells Uxbridge Market Square Victoria Square Shopping Centre, Belfast Wakefield Trinity Walk Walthamstow Warrington Watford Wembley Outlet Whiteley Village Shopping Centre, Fareham Wigan Wimbledon Winchester Windsor Woking Wolverhampton Worcester Worthing York Coppergate York Outlet Advertisement Another shopper, 82-year-old grandmother Rose, says this problem is becoming all too familiar. She added: 'A lot of shops are shutting down because most people don't have the money to buy anything anymore. 'It is the cost of living crisis which is causing this. People cant afford to shop.' A spokesperson for The Body Shop said: 'The Body Shop has faced an extended period of financial challenges under past owners, coinciding with a difficult trading environment for the wider retail sector. 'Having taken swift action in the last month, including closing down The Body Shop At Home and selling its business across most of Europe and in parts of Asia, focusing on the UK business is the next important step in The Body Shop's restructuring. 'Today, the Directors of The Body Shop International Limited have appointed Tony Wright, Geoff Rowley, and Alastair Massey of business advisory firm FRP as Joint Administrators of the company, which operates The Body Shop's UK business. 'Taking this approach provides the stability, flexibility and security to find the best means of securing the future of The Body Shop and revitalizing this iconic British brand.' 'The Joint Administrators will now consider all options to find a way forward for the business and will update creditors and employees in due course.' They added: 'The Body Shop remains guided by its ambition to be a modern, dynamic beauty brand, relevant to customers and able to compete for the long term. 'Creating a more nimble and financially stable UK business, is an important step in achieving this. 'The Joint Administrators will continue to trade the business in administration, ensuring customers will be able to continue to shop in store and online for their favourite products.' This video is no longer available This video is no longer available Former President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner said he does not plan on serving in a second Trump administration should the Republican presidential candidate win the 2024 election in November. Kushner, who served as one of Trump's top White House advisers in his first term in office, told the Axios BFD conference in Miami on Tuesday he is enjoying life in the Sunshine State with wife Ivanka and their three children. The 43-year-old said he plans to keep working in private equity even if Trump does return to office, saying he has been clear, 'my desire at this phase in my life is to focus on my firm.' He also described his four years in the White House from 2017 to 2021 as 'basically four very hectic years' of working around the clock. Now he lives in Florida with his family, and is planning to move into a mansion in the exclusive Indian Creek, known as the 'Billionaire Bunker'. Kushner speaking at the Axios BFD Conference in Miami on Tuesday said he made 'long-term' commitments when setting up his private equity firm Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump and their three children have been living in Florida since former President Trump left office in 2021 While a part of the administration, Kushner had his fingers on a vast portfolio of work including criminal justice reform, U.S. trade with Mexico and Middle East peace negotiations. Kushner launched Affinity Partners in the summer of 2021 just months after leaving the White House. He said on Tuesday that when launching the firm he made commitments for the 'long term.' Jared and Ivanka's time as unpaid White House advisers in the Trump administration raised ethical concerns due to potential conflicts of interest. The couple made between $172 million and $640 million in outside income while working in the White House. Six months after President Trump left office, Jared secured a reported $2 billion investment in his private equity firm from a Saudi sovereign wealth fund led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, raising further questions. The crown prince was a close ally to Kushner during his time in the Trump administration. Jared and Ivanka, who both served as senior advisers in the Trump administration, standing in the White House in December 2019 Kushner and Trump are seen with Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh in May 2017 Kushner is seen in the White House among officials from Saudi Arabia in March 2018 By the end of 2021 alone, Kushner's firm received commitments of more than $3 billion, according to a Reuters report despite previously having little to no experience in private equity before launching the fund. Information on specific investors was not disclosed, but Affinity was targeting American institutions and foreign investment institutions. While Kushner firmly rejected any current interest in returning to Washington, he did leave the door open for changing his mind. 'Nothing in my life has gone according to the plans I've said,' Kushner said on Tuesday. 'That's been the only consistent thing.' But when it comes the the former president having to put together a future White House team should he win the election, Kushner said he believes the former president will be able to build his team based on the people who are available. Do YOU know the preachers or saw what happened? E-mail: dan.woodland@mailonline.co.uk The preachers claimed that all they were doing was 'preaching their religion' This is the moment a Met Police officer threatens to arrest a Christian preacher who was accused of a hate crime - weeks after a gospel singer was threatened with arrest for singing religious songs. In yet another incident of police officers appearing to threaten Christians with arrest, the evangelists can be heard protesting their innocence in a video posted to YouTube. The clip was filmed by the missionaries on Uxbridge High Street in west London outside the entrance to the Pavilions shopping centre after a member of the public complained to police about allegedly homophobic comments. The person who is videoing the officers says: 'All we're doing is preaching our religion. We've been preaching about the gospel and Jesus Christ [and what] the Bible says in the book of John, chapter three verse 16. 'For God's love of the world he gave his one and only son so that whoever, whatever person - homosexual, drunk, liar or a prostitute - believes in him shall not perish and have everlasting life.' The footage begins with the preacher explaining to the officers what they were preaching A second officer explains that a member of the public phoned the police regarding homophobic comments However, as the preacher continues to ask for clarification regarding the situation, two separate officers threaten to arrest him unless he provided his details. One officer can be heard at the beginning saying: 'Currently there's allegations of a hate crime, a public order offence, section 4a [and] allegations of homophobia. 'I've not heard anything, I'm not saying I've heard anything. Someone's called us. It might be completely untrue or true. '[But] if I do walk away and I see offences, and the victim wants to press charges... I could have failed a potential victim.' They add: 'If you don't give me your name or address I have grounds to arrest you. It's code of practice.' A second officer similarly says there has been an allegation of a hate crime which has caused 'alarm or distress in a public space'. They then demand: 'Provide me your name now or you will be arrested. You can spend the night in a cell and we can do it that way.' The nine-minute exchange, which features a number of cuts in the conversation, sees officers trying to reason: 'I'm not trying to attack you.' Accused of being 'emotional', the preachers reply: 'We're just passionate.' The clip seemingly ends amicably, with the preachers packing up to leave the scene, thanking the officers for being 'very polite'. It comes just weeks after the Met was slated over footage of five police officers trying to shut down a gospel singer as she performed to fans on Oxford Street. A third officer threatened to arrest the preachers if they did not provide their details Here is a look at one of the preachers who is recording the police officers Harmonie London, 20, had been singing outside the John Lewis flagship store in London on Sunday when she was approached by volunteer police officer Maya Hadzhipetkova who wrongly told the busker she could not 'sing church songs outside of church grounds'. Scotland Yard have since apologised for the mishap, explaining that the supposed breach was due to unlicensed busking rather than the content of the songs she was singing, adding that Hadzhipetkova is being investigated. A clip of the incident shows there were five other constables at the scene, with one of the cops being heckled by a passer-by who asked why officers were not spending their time 'catching murderers, rapists, killers' instead. Onlookers slammed the Metropolitan Police for 'wasting taxpayers' money' and police resources, demanding an explanation for why officers threatened to seize Harmonie's equipment. Harmonie London, 20, (pictured) had been singing outside John Lewis' flagship store in London on Sunday when she was approached by volunteer police officer Maya Hadzhipetkova Scotland Yard have since apologised for the mishap, explaining that the supposed breach was due to unlicensed busking The Christian singer told MailOnline she felt 'threatened' by the five officers adding that it was a 'waste of police resources' when the force continues to 'say they are underfunded and that crime is very high in London'. Throughout the new clip a police officer is approached by Harmonie's videographer for sounding 'very silly' to which the male constables responds: 'Hello YouTube, I'm apparently sounding very silly'. The woman is then heard telling the officer: 'I would prefer you use our taxpayers' money to catch murderers, rapists, paedophiles but you're here after a busker which is really a council problem not yours. 'All these officers are here wasting taxpayers' money. This is an embarrassment for you and a waste of police time. And I don't think all police officers here are happy with this.' To which the unnamed officer replied: 'I am not after anyone, she's leaving, I am happy with that. If you were to walk away and stop engaging me in conversation I would walk away too. You asked me to speak with you.' When the filmer insists again that the officers 'should be catching murderers, rapists, killers' instead of stopping buskers on the streets, the officer sarcastically quips back: 'In which case next time I hear about a murder, I'll go to it.' A Metropolitan Police spokesman told MailOnline of the Uxbridge incident: 'Officers were responding to a report from a member of the public that a group of people were making racist and homophobic comments. 'The Met does not tolerate hate crime and officers responded to investigate this. We have watched the body-worn video of the full exchange. 'This showed officers informed the group of the allegations, explained what constitutes a hate crime, and asked them what they had been discussing. There were no arrests.' Decorated New York City chef David Bouley has died at the age of 70, his family has confirmed. Famed for bringing the fabled '60s-era French cuisine to the Americas, Bouley died from a heart attack at his home in Connecticut Monday, his wife said. Born in the state to second-generation French parents, he found success in TriBeCa in the mid-80s, as chef of the famed Montrachet when it first opened. The eatery quickly earned a three-star review in The New York Times, and helped put the neighborhood on the culinary map. He followed that up with the opening of his own restaurant, Bouley, two years later - also in Tribeca. The latter went on set the precedent for fine dining in the US, while attracting an assortment of famous clientele like Naomi Campbell and Paulina Porizkova. It would eventually close after 30 years - but not before solidifying Bouley's place in the annals of New York restaurant history. Chef David Bouley appears at a promotional event in New York on Nov. 19, 2014. The celeb chef, after making waves in New York with eateries in the 80s and 90s, died of a heart attack Monday at his home in Connecticut, his agent and family confirmed. He was 70 Bouley works in the kitchen of his restaurant, Bouley, in New York, Nov. 11, 1991. The award-winning and frenetic chef whose idiosyncratic haute cuisine and crusty breads pleased critics and the public during a career chasing sleek deliciousness Tributes thus came pouring in as news of the French-American forerunner's passing spread, including one from famed cocktail artist Albert Trummer, who got his start tending bar at Bouley's Viennese-inspired Danube in the early 2000s. 'He was a genius rock star chef who inspired chefs all over the world with his creativity,' the nightclub impresario who now runs Manhattan's DOM nightclub told DailyMail.com. He, like so many other figures in New York hospitality, credits his illustrious career to Bouley. 'He was the reason I moved to NYC, and I went on to do many luxury events with David all over the world,' he continued, after using the skills he honed under Bouley to help Chinatown's Apotheke also become a hit. 'From Japan to the royal family in Thailand, from Martha Stewart to the Rockefeller estate; from the Clintons to Cartier,' Trummer said. Ken Wyatt, a liquor provider who also worked with Bouley, offered an equally glowing tribute on X, recalling his own experiences with the chef, 'Best chef I have ever had the pleasure to experience,' the founder of 44 North Vodka wrote. 'Bouley was not just about the food but also the service and overall ambiance,' he added citing Bouley's well-known penchant for details, which made him a hit with critics. 'He was a stickler and culinary genius.' Famed for bringing the fabled 60s-era French cuisine to the Americas, Bouley died from a heart attack at his home in Kent Monday, his wife, Nicole Bartelme, (right) confirmed. Born in the state to second-generation French parents, he found success in TriBeCa with his nouvelle fare in the mid-80s, as chef of the famed Montrachet when it first opened. He went on to own restaurant, Bouley (seen here), two years later - also in Tribeca The restaurant, which closed in 2017, was one of multiple opened in the city by Bouley that secured a hallowed four-star review from the New York Times. During his decades running them, he earned an illustrious reputation, and helped mold the skills of several other chefs The latter went on set the precedent for fine dining in the US, while attracting an assortment of famous clientele. Bouley is seen here with model Naomi Campbell at his other since closed eatery in Danube 2002 Bouley stands with chef David Chang and Martha Stewart in a May 15, 2015 photo at another Bouley eatery, Bouley Test Kitchent Paulina Porizkova posted this photo on Apr 11, 2015, after celebrating her 50th Birthday at Bouley. Posting a photo of its owner and head chef, she wrote: 'Celebrating my 50th at my favorite restaurant in the world, Bouley. Thanks David for the food art!' Bouley, third from left, is seen with retired Giants running back Tiki Barber and other guests at a Manhattan culinary event in 2017 Tributes thus came pouring in as news of the French-American forerunner's passing spread, including one from famed cocktail artist Albert Trummer (seen here at his Chinatown hangout Apotheke), who got his start tending bar at Bouley's Viennese-inspired Danube in the 2000s He, like so many other figures in New York hospitality, credits his illustrious career to Bouley, seen here with chefs William Hickox, Andre Soltner, Shaun Hergatt, Zachary Golper, Cesare Casella, Elizabeth Karmel, David Bouley, Alain Sailhac, Ken Goto, and Jacques Torres in 2013 Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack, also eulogized Bouley, writing: 'Serious respect must be paid. Topped New York Restaurant world for years, bridging the era between the dynasty of French-owned dining rooms and refined American restaurants as we know them today' Others expressed more of the same, including one New Yorker who remembered how Bouley's Bouley Bakery at the corner of West Broadway and Duane Streets used to sell delectable roast chicken to go. The bakery, which catered to over 5,000 guests daily before closing in 2010, earned a four star review from the Times, as did his other namesake in Bouley. Ellen Maguire wrote: 'Sigh. #DavidBouley used to sell roast chickens to go from Bouley Bakery, and they were so good that I think of them just about every time I order roast chicken anywhere else. 'He also employed legions of theater workers and, by all reports, fed them very well,' she added of the TribeCa fixture's charitable exploits in the neighborhood. 'Rest in Peace.' Danny Meyer, Founder of Shake Shack the famed Union Square Hospitality Group, added: 'Serious respect must be paid. 'Topped New York Restaurant world for years, bridging the era between the dynasty of French-owned dining rooms and refined American restaurants as we know them today. #RIP' Someone else noted: 'Too young and a tragic loss.' Aside from being confirmed by his wife, Bouley's death at his home in Kent was confirmed by his longtime literary Lisa Queen. He is seen here teaching class during the New York Culinary Experience in 2010 He was born May 27, 1953, in Storrs, Connecticut, decades after his maternal grandparents immigrated to Rhode Island from France in 1929. Celeb chefs Sirio Maccioni, Graig Hopson, David Bouley, Ken Pierre Pounn, Jacques Torres attend the 35th anniversary celebration of Le Cirque restaurant on October 18, 2009 Bouley spent much of his career cooking in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, starting with Montrachet when it opened in 1985 - earning three stars from The New York Times - and then his own restaurant, Bouley, two years later Aside from being confirmed by his wife, Bouley's death at his home in Kent was further substantiated by his longtime literary Lisa Queen. Bouley was born May 27, 1953, in Storrs, Connecticut, decades after his maternal grandparents immigrated to Rhode Island from France in 1929. As a child, he became fascinated with food while gathering eggs and churning butter on his grandparent's 43-acre farm, where he was raised. A biography offered on his website notes how he was 'inspired by their French heritage, [and] developed an appreciation for cooking healthful meals using carefully prepared fresh ingredients.' He would go on to get his start in restaurants in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Santa Fe, and New Mexico, before moving overseas to Europe. There, he spent time honing his craft in France and Switzerland, studying at the prestigious Sorbonne. There, he worked with some of Europe's most acclaimed chefs, including Roger Verge, Paul Bocuse, Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre, and Fredy Giradet, before setting his sights on New York. Along with Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bouley was part of a culinary vanguard in the 1980s that created the New American style and turned fine dining into an expressive art form, leading to the rise of rock star chefs. 'Cravings are for flavor. Intellectual cooking is a blast but what people want without thinking comes from the physical sensation of flavor,' he told Wine Spectator in 2012. His dishes included serving raw yellowfin on a ring-molded mound of baby fennel, nestled in an emulsion decorated with dozens of dots of various herb oils. He served pineapple and artichokes with skate and added peppermint to lobster consomme. One of his signature dishes was a mushroom flan with cru Beaujolais. 'He is as responsible as any chef for the high Gothic style of the 80s,' Grub Street wrote in 2017. People magazine named him one of its '50 Most Beautiful People' in 1994. Bouley followed his muse, willing to change a menu on the fly, close a restaurant on a whim, and experiment with sous-vide cooking or Japanese kaiseki. He began cooking traditional French rustic dishes like braised rabbits and later in life stressed naturopathy with nutrient dense dishes. The New York Times lauded him for 'his hungry mind and insatiable appetite for change, motion and new information.' Bouley was born in Storrs, Connecticut, with dual French and American citizenship and trained in kitchens in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as France and Switzerland. After studying at the Sorbonne, he worked for such chefs as Roger Verge, Paul Bocuse, Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre, and Fredy Girardet. He learned his craft in the kitchens of Le Cirque, Le Perigord and La Cote Basque. Bouley - whose restaurants included Bouley, Danube, Bouley Bakery, Upstairs at Bouley, Bouley at Home, Secession and Brushstroke, a collaborative effort with the Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, Japan - is survived by his wife Nicole and five brothers and sisters Bouley spent much of his career cooking in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, starting with Montrachet when it opened in 1985, and then Bouley shortly after. Other restaurants he worked in include Danube, Bouley Bakery, Upstairs at Bouley, Bouley at Home, Secession and Brushstroke, a collaborative effort with the Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, Japan. Danube and Bouley Bakery each earned two Michelin stars. Brushstroke earned a Michelin star in its first year and landed on GQ's list of the 10 best restaurants in America. The restaurant Bouley - which famously had a foyer filled with apples - closed in 2017 after 30 years and several location changes, earning a three-star from the New York Times the year previously. The critic highlighted what he called the most dramatic dish, a Malibu sea urchin in its spiky shell, filled with tofu, soy, vinegar, yuzu jelly, salmon trout roe, sea urchin and yuzu sorbet. Bouley Bakery became a base of operations for relief right after the 9/11 terror attacks in cooperation with the Red Cross, and more than 1 million meals were prepared and served at ground zero, although there were allegations some money was misappropriated. Bouley trained a new generation of chefs, including Dan Barber, Eric Ripert, Christina Tosi, Cesar Ramirez, Amy Scherber, Alex Urena, Anita Lo, Galen Zamarra, Kurt Gutenbrunner, Brian Bistrong and Bill Yosses. Among his awards are the title of Outstanding Chef in 1995 and 2000, and Outstanding Restaurant in 1991 from the James Beard Foundation. He also sold a line of chairs, tables and mirrors. He is survived by his wife Nicole and five siblings. A dairy farmer is dead and hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses remain without power after Victoria's destructive storms. Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed on Wednesday that the 50-year-old farmer had died after being struck by flying debris in Mirboo North, in the Gippsland region. Ms Allan sent her condolences to the man's family while describing the wild weather as 'catastrophic' after causing significant damage across the state. Intense winds and falling trees took down power lines and cut power to over 500,000 homes. It is one of the largest power outages in Victorian history and could take weeks to fully fix. A dairy farmer aged in his 50s has been killed after being struck by flying debris in during wild storms in the Gippsland region during wild storms that have battered the state (pictured) Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed on Wednesday that the 50-year-old farmer had died after being struck by flying debris in Mirboo North, in the Gippsland region READ MORE: Meteorologists warn of scorching heatwave, bushfire threat and a possible cyclone Advertisement Victoria's emergency management commissioner, Rick Nugent, similarly extended his condolences to the farmer's 'family, loved ones and friends'. '(The) early indication is that he was on a tractor and that he was hit by some flying debris,' he said. President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, Emma Germano, said 'all Victorian farmers' would be mourning the death while also struggling with power outages and damages to their properties. 'Farmers and regional Victorians remain stranded, powerless and in some cases burnt out almost a day after terrible fires and thunderstorms,' Ms Germano said in a statement. 'The impact on our industry and regional communities is immense and once again have been left to pick up the pieces. 'Victoria is still feeling the impact of one of our largest ever power blackouts and the complete lack of planning and resilience by the government is once again crippling our state. We must do better.' Footage taken by a Mirboo North local on Wednesday morning shows trees littering the main road having been knocked over by heavy winds the night prior. The local revealed that conditions had deteriorated to a point that it 'got too dangerous for the volunteers' trying to clear the road. Hundreds of power poles and lines were downed and six transmission towers near Anakie collapsed on Tuesday, sending all four units at the Loy Yang A power station offline. At its peak, 529,000 properties were without power due to the damage from storms, strong winds and lightning. Footage from Mirboo North, where the farmer died, shows trees littering a highway after being ripped apart by heavy winds (pictured) That number had dwindled to roughly 250,000 on Wednesday morning but the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action warned progress could be slow. 'Crews are actively working to restore power to these impacted areas,' the department said. 'However, given the extent of the widespread damage, it may take days if not weeks to restore electricity to all of those impacted.' Loy Yang A, a coal-fired plant in the Latrobe Valley to the state's east, generates about 30 per cent of Victoria's power. The station's owner, AGL, confirmed two units have returned to service as of Wednesday morning. The others are expected to progressively come back online in the next 24 hours, it said in a statement to the stock exchange. The network disruption pushed the spot power price in Victoria and Tasmania to its ceiling of $16,600 per MW-hour, hundreds of times higher than typical levels. The wild weather pulled down powerlines and cut power to over 500,000 homes across the state which could take weeks to fix (pictured, fallen powerlines) But Australian Energy Market Operator chief executive Daniel Westerman said the high wholesale power prices were back to normal. 'It was also at the market price floor yesterday ... so that means consumers are being paid to take that energy,' he told ABC Radio Melbourne. 'It was a volatile day.' While admitting the bending of the transmission towers under severe winds was disturbing, Mr Westerman said it was not unheard of. 'Transmission lines folded over and lying on the ground has happened before in the last couple of years,' he said. 'Those weather events are becoming more and more severe.' Dozens of schools or early-learning centres across Victoria are closed on Wednesday morning because of fire warnings or power outages. 'Schools are making every effort to provide information to families as quickly as they can and where possible are providing supervision for students where they need it,' an education department spokesman said. Traffic lights were also impacted by the widespread outages, with the State Emergency Service fielding 2750 calls for help from midday on Tuesday to 6am on Wednesday. The commander of Australia's most lethal warship has been stood down following an allegedly drunken incident that caused international embarrassment for the navy. Commander Kingsley Scarce was relieved of his command of HMAS Brisbane - Australia's most lethal warship - last September. The $3billion guided missile destroyer was docked in Cairns at the time and an internal complaint was made against him from within the ADF. Commander Scarce was accused of drinking alcohol to excess while at sea and embarrassing Australia at an international event involving US defence personnel. The allegations were reportedly so serious that Commander Scarce was stood down straight away and an interim replacement was installed. Five months later, the ADF is still investigating the issue, though 9News was told that a court martial is not expected even if the allegations are found to be true. The Australian Defence Force has been rocked by allegations of a drunken episode that caused international embarrassment to the Navy. HMAS Brisbane is pictured The complaint against Commander Scarce, who is the son of former South Australian governor Kevin Scarce, came after his alleged conduct was reported to Commodore Mick Harris, Australia's Director General of Maritime Operations. READ MORE: Australia is losing thousands of soldiers every year and struggling to recruit new personnel The Australian Defence Force is bleeding personnel, with recruitment drives unable to keep up with the about 6,600 members leaving every year Advertisement In 2023, following the Brereton war crimes report, the ADF banned drinking alcohol on operations or exercises. Consuming alcohol in 'non-war-like operations' is limited to two drinks, but that is only with approval and on national holidays. Last August, the month before Commander Scarce was suspended, HMAS Brisbane took part in Malabar, a naval exercise that also included US, Japanese and Indian forces. In an interview at the time, he said 'One good thing about exercises like Malabar is that we get to understand the people at the other end of the systems, how they think, how they talk because whilst we might speak English, we don't necessarily speak the same kind of English. 'It can be even something as simple as if I'm talking to some of my American colleagues and I say, "Do you want to go for a brew?". 'I'm talking coffee, they're talking beer. I'm happy with both outcomes. But it's very important that we understand the language that you're using and what we actually mean when we're talking to each other.' While he was its commander, HMAS Brisbane also took part in Talisman Sabre, a training exercise led by Australia and the US involving 30,000 personnel from 13 countries. The warship was involved in the search-and-rescue effort after a Taipan helicopter crashed off Lindeman Island in Queensland on July 28, killing four airmen. Channel Nine's Andrew Probyn said some crew members saw Commander Scarce leaving the warship while it was at port in Cairns on September 18. Commander Kingsley Scarce (pictured) was relieved of his command of HMAS Brisbane - Australia's most lethal warship - last September The ship set sail for Darwin later that day before a three-month tour to Malaysia, Singapore, Japan and Guam. It was on the scene in international waters near Japan when HMAS Toowoomba was 'pinged' by a Chinese warship on November 14. The ADF confirmed a member had been stood down, but did not name Commander Scarce. 'There is no place for unacceptable behaviour or conduct within Defence,' an ADF spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia. 'All allegations of unacceptable behaviour are taken very seriously and investigated thoroughly following due process.' Former senator Rex Patrick said the ADF was too secretive. 'Our Defence Force is extremely opaque, unnecessarily opaque,' the ex-submariner said. 'Defence needs to be open with the Australian public if they want to gain their confidence. 'It's a really important arm of government. It receives tens of billions of dollars in public funding. We need to be confident in the manner in which defence is exercising its responsibilities and functions.' Daily Mail Australia contacted Commander Scarce for comment through the ADF. Rappers and TikTok 'influencers' will be paid up to 5,000 by the Home Office to urge migrants not to come to Britain by small boat. The Government has earmarked spending of up to 100,000 in countries including Albania, which have seen large numbers of migrants head across the Channel illegally. In a modern-day update of the 'public information film', the plan is designed to get messages through to 'hard to reach' groups who fall for lies peddled by people traffickers. Rappers, comedians and other online celebrities will receive cash from the British taxpayer to warn potential migrants that they could be deported to Rwanda, for example, or that they will not have the right to work. The first wave will target Albania, Iraq, Egypt and Vietnam, with plans to introduce them in Turkey and India, according to the Times. Rappers, comedians and other online celebrities will receive cash from the British taxpayer to warn potential migrants that they could be deported to Rwanda, for example, or that they will not have the right to work (Stock Image) The Government has earmarked spending of up to 100,000 in countries including Albania, which have seen large numbers of migrants head across the Channel illegally (File Photo) An Albanian rapper known as 'Omg Dioh', with more than 103,000 followers on the video-sharing app, has been selected as a suitable candidate because he 'uses the platform to influence and educate youngsters to work hard and follow their passions', documents show. Comedian Roxhi Dibran, with 150,000 followers, has also been approached to take part along with lifestyle influencer Fabio Daja, with 109,000. It forms part of a 1million advertising campaign to be launched alongside the planned first Rwanda removals in the spring. More than 13,600 Albanians reached Britain by small boat in 2022 but last year the number fell by 90 per cent. The Home Office hired an outside company, Multicultural Marketing Consultancy, to find candidates for the TikTok scheme. A Home Office spokesman said: 'People smugglers frequently use social media to peddle lies and promote their criminal activities and it is vital that we utilise the same platforms to inform migrants about the truths about crossing the Channel and coming to the UK illegally. 'We make no apologies for using every means necessary to stop the boats and save lives.' Macquarie Bank's $170million-man Nicholas O'Kane shocked many in the finance industry when he announced he was stepping down from his lucrative role. Mr O'Kane has earned that eye-watering figure over six years since joining the executive committee of the company, dubbed the 'millionaires' factory', in 2017. He's been with Macquarie since 1995 and earned $57.6million in the bank's 2023 financial year. His pay packet eclipsed that of Macquarie Bank CEO Shemara Wikramanayake, whose total 'award remuneration' for 2023 weighed in at a mere $32.8million by comparison. Despite Mr O'Kane's staggering wealth, he's remained relatively out of the public eye, with many surprised by the announcement on Tuesday he will leave Macquarie. Macquarie Bank's $170million-man Nicholas O'Kane announced he'd be stepping down this week Ms Wikramanayake said he was taking a step away from the company for 'personal reasons' during an operational brief this week. 'He's made a massive contribution and impact. Part of that has been building an awesome team around the world, mostly through the commodities business, but also more recently across the whole of CGM,' she said. Mr O'Kane brought great success to Macquarie in his role as its head of commodities and global markets (CGM) group. Macquarie's CGM saw profits skyrocket to $6billion last year, up from $1.6billion in 2018, and Mr O'Kane's earnings have given him the title of the company's highest paid executive. He even pocketed more than Wall Street bigwigs Citigroup's CEO Jane Fraser and JPMorgan's chief Jamie Dimon. Mr O'Kane snapped up Sydney's most expensive house of the year in 2021 - a spectacular $40million property in Point Piper with harbour views. The home belonged to Sydney FC chairman Scott Barlow who bought the home in 2010 for $8.8million. Mr O'Kane is also a keen Richmond Tigers fan, with his office filled with paraphernalia from the footy team, the Australian Financial Review reported. The bank's CEO cited 'personal reasons' for Mr O'Kane's sudden departure The bulk of Mr O'Kane's awarded pay last year came in $39.8million of retained profit share, which is a rolling program paid out over seven years. That was almost double his $21.3million retained profit share in 2022. His basic wage was very humble by comparison at just $723,419 in 2023. He also took home an available profit share of $17million. The bumper pay packet acknowledges Mr O'Kane's department had played a key role in driving up profits 10 per cent year on year, despite a tough market. The bank earned its 'millionaire's factory' nickname for its generous pay and bonus structure over the past 20 years but it insists all rewards are performance related. Macquarie Bank also earned a reputation as a 'work hard, play hard' outfit. A book titled 'The Millionaires' Factory', written by The Australian newspaper's Joyce Moullakis and Chris Wright, gave an insight into the turbocharged atmosphere of Macquarie. This included people having sex in its showers or under the desk, and drinking from the well-stocked booze fridge as they worked 12 to 16 hour days. The bank earned its 'millionaire's factory' nickname for its generous pay and bonus structure over the past 20 years but it insists all rewards are performance related In the lead-up to the global financial crisis of 2008, the partying culture at Macquarie was such that going to a 'gentleman's club' up the road was a tradition every Wednesday lunchtime - but only for the male bankers - and one day pornographic magazines were found in one of the toilets. The booze fridge opened at midday, and by the early 2000s - when Macquarie's after-tax profits went from $250million in 2002 to $1.803billion in 2008 - the partying culture was endemic. The parties were held in five-star hotels, on yachts and included lavish gifts for Macquarie's loyal workers, including at one Christmas time a keyring from the luxury jewellery house Tiffany. Mr O'Kane will step down at the end of February to be replaced by Simon Wright, the current head of CGM's financial markets unit. A refugee who was jailed twice for drug offences is suing the Home Office for 150,000 over a bid to deport him back to Iraq. Karwan Qadir Hama Saleh, 42, said he was falsely imprisoned by the Home Office for 635 days while being held in immigration detention straight after his release from jail. He was jailed for possession of cannabis with intent to supply, for 30 months in 2015 and for a year in 2018. After his release, Saleh was put in immigration detention, which he claims constitutes false imprisonment and personal injury. He hopes the High Court will award him damages of up to 150,000 paid by the Home Office for it. Karwan Qadir Hama Saleh, 42, said he was falsely imprisoned by the Home Office for 635 days while being held in immigration detention straight after his release from jail (file image) He arrived in the UK in 2002 and was initially given four years to stay, until he was granted indefinite leave to remain in 2010. This was until he was jailed twice and was due to be deported. 'I am happy here. I have a partner and a life and the thought of being forced back to Iraq scares the hell out of me,' Saleh told the Sun. The 42-year-old said he has mental health problems like PTSD from when he lived in Iraq, where he said he was shot and tortured by the Kurdish military. 'I served a jail sentence for cannabis but it was only 7g and, for that, I was in prison for three years. It is totally unfair.' Saleh and his partner of eight years, 41-year-old Monica Hrickova, who was born in Slovakia, now live together in Cardiff. The Home Office, from which Saleh is hoping to get paid damages for the alleged false imprisonment, told the Sun: 'Foreign national offenders have no right to be in the UK, which is why we are deporting them.' A scuba diver has been pulled from the water after getting into trouble at a popular snorkelling hotspot near Manly. The woman in her 30s was rescued at Shelly Beach, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, before being rushed to hospital on Wednesday morning. NSW Ambulance confirmed that they were called to the site just before 10.30am to report to the scuba diver in trouble, following reports she required urgent help. A spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that the woman was transported to Northern Beaches Hospital in a stable condition. A woman in her 30's was rescued from the water while scuba diving this morning Video footage published by The Daily Telegraph shows multiple NSW ambulance paramedics carrying her on a stretcher. The incident comes after a newlywed drowned at the same beach on her honeymoon last month. A teenage boy checked on the woman, believed to be from South Korea, after she was seen floating face down and motionless. When she failed to respond, she was pulled from the water with locals trying to revive her on the beach. Emergency services rushed to scene and attempted to treat her, but she could not be saved. Soon afterwards, beachgoers said they had been traumatised by the tragedy. 'I couldn't sleep last night. Seeing her like that kept flashing into my mind. I've never seen a dead person before. It was awful,' a mother said. 'Her poor husband - when we were leaving, we just heard some man screaming and crying and wailing and realised that that must have been her husband.' A former US Marine has admitted to killing his estranged wife by setting her on fire just weeks before he was expected to stand trial. Brian Earl Johnston, 37, pleaded guilty to the murder of Kelly Wilkinson, 27, at Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday. Johnston set Ms Wilkinson on fire in the backyard of their home at Arundel, on the Gold Coast, about 6.40am on April 20, 2021. He was found two blocks away on a front lawn in a 'semiconscious state' with serious burns to his hands and airways. A melted plastic jerry can, three knives and a duffel bag with duct tape was also found at the scene. Brian Earl Johnston pleaded guilty to the murder of Kelly Wilkinson (pictured together) at Queensland 's Supreme Court on Wednesday A neighbour reported finding her three children, who were aged between two and nine at the time, crying on the front driveway after the murder. Johnston will be sentenced next month and has been remanded in custody. In court on Wednesday, Johnston did not respond when asked if he wanted to say anything as to why a sentence should not be passed upon him. Defence barrister Kim Bryson said she had agreed with crown prosecutor Philip McCarthy that March 13 would be suitable for a sentencing hearing. 'There are some factual matters that remain contested in relation to the background of the relationship... we have been frustrated in our efforts to get out to the prison due to the lockdowns that have occurred,' Ms Bryson said. Mr McCarthy said there was also a contest of facts over the motivation for Johnston murdering Ms Wilkinson. Johnston will be sentenced in March after he pleaded guilty at the Brisbane Supreme Court on Wednesday The couple holding one of their children during a holiday in the US Justice Callaghan said he could change the sentencing date if needed. Daily Mail Australia reported late last year how an entrepreneur worked around the clock to secure a house and land package for Ms Wilkinson's three children. The children were taken in by Ms Wilkinson's sister Danielle Carroll, her husband and their five cousins. Construction entrepreneur Tamika Smith launched a community appeal to help build a new home to accommodate the family of ten on the Gold Coast's outskirts, which they moved into in July last year. Their new home was built by an army of local tradies and volunteers in a project spearheaded by Metricon Homes and My Bella Casa founder Tamika Smith, who is the stepsister of Ms Carroll's husband. Johnston served two tours of duty in Iraq with the aviation division of the US Marine Corps - but did not see combat. He had met Ms Wilkinson in the US state of Ohio after his time in the military. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Race faker Rachel Dolezal is now working as a OnlyFans model while also teaching at an elementary school in Arizona. Dolezal, who changed her name to Nkechi Diallo, has been listed under payroll records at Sunrise Drive Elementary School as an after school instructor. According to the records, seen by Outkick, she is making $19-an-hour while she also sells content on the explicit adult site for $9.99 a month. Between her school job and the adult career, Dolezal could be making as much as $1,220 a month from her posts on the site alone. One post in September got 122 likes from subscribers, equating to $1,220, which could be even higher due to the full number of subscribers being unknown. According to the records, seen by Outkick, she is making $19-an-hour while she also sells content on the explicit adult site for $9.99 a month Images shared on social media by the elementary school show Dolezal in the background Images shared on social media by the elementary school show Dolezal in the background Dolezal's page was launched in September 2021 and was reportedly going to feature 'foot photos,' hair tutorials and fitness routines. In addition to her OnlyFans account, Dolezal has previously sold homemade lollipops, Melanin Spectrum dolls and a $1,000 sculpture of an electric chair. Images shared on social media by the elementary school show Dolezal in the background. Dolezal said in 2021 that side hustles are the only way she can earn a living, since she's been unable to get a job due to the scandal surrounding her fake race. Dolezal spent more than 10 years posing as a black woman, rising to become a chapter president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She also became a teacher of Africana studies at East Washington University. In 2015, a local news reporter in Washington 'outed' Dolezal after revealing her Montana parents, Ruthanne and Lawrence Dolezal, were both white. She was sacked from her job with the NAACP and subsequently dismissed from her position at Eastern Washington University. Dolezal's page was launched in September 2021 and was reportedly going to feature 'foot photos,' hair tutorials, and fitness routines Dolezal's page was launched in September 2021 and was reportedly going to feature 'foot photos,' hair tutorials, and fitness routines The controversial 'civil rights activist' would later argue that she was 'transracial' and has said she did nothing wrong in not correcting 'assumptions' that she is black. Dolezal began to try to rebuild her image with a Netflix documentary in 2018, The Rachel Divide. Dolezal had previously attempted to generate some income writing a memoir entitled In Full Color She then attempted to generate some income writing a memoir entitled In Full Color. Things fell apart when in May 2018, Dolezal was charged with theft by welfare fraud, perjury and false verification for public assistance. Court documents alleged that she illegally received $8,747 in food assistance and $100 in childcare assistance from August 2015 through November 2017. Dolezal settled in a Washington court in April, agreeing to pay an undisclosed restitution and complete 120 hours of community service. High school pictures emerged of Dolezal - before she had made attempts to cast herself as a black woman - with blond hair. In 2020, Dolezal appeared in a new documentary about black beauty, in which she claims people who criticize her are 'white supremacy folks' and blames her black ex-husband for 'repressing' her. Titled 'Subjects of Desire' and directed by Jennifer Holness', the documentary debuted at SXSW, and featured Dolezal saying she had been a victim of 'shaming and ridicule' due to the scandal. In 2015, a local news reporter in Washington 'outed' Dolezal after revealing her Montana parents, Ruthanne and Lawrence Dolezal, were both white. High school pictures emerged of Dolezal - before she had made attempts to cast herself as a black woman - with blond hair (left) Dolezal previously claimed she has been unable to find a job over the past six years after it was revealed that she was a white woman pretending to be black 'I've been called an insult to white women and an insult to black women. White women are angry because I did what they never would do and went further, like I put 110,' she said, according to Daily Beast. 'I didn't just be that white ally and do a little bit, I canceled my white privilege. I canceled my hair.' Dolezal also appeared that to indicate that she received criticism from black women because her scandal was 'like a trigger to post-traumatic stress,' though her comments were not entirely clear. She was previously married to a black man, Kevin Moore, whom she divorced in 2005. The mother of three sons claims she was 'too black' for him. Dozens of heavily armed police officers have swarmed a suburban street in Sydney's west with officers ordering locals to stay away from the area. Tactical officers in an armoured police rescue vehicle blocked off Speed Street, Liverpool - about 40km south-west of the CBD - shortly after midday on Wednesday. Officers were seen storming a red-brick apartment building and later dragging out a shoeless man in a blue T-shirt. Wild scenes descended onto the streets of Liverpool in Sydney's south-west after heavily armed police conducted a major operation (pictured) Sections of the street had been cordoned off as police carried out the operation (pictured) A spokesperson from NSW Police has told Daily Mail Australia that a man and a woman were taken to Liverpool Police station. The pair are assisting police with their enquiries. People have been advised that there is no ongoing risk to the public at this time. The operation is understood to have lasted about an hour. A shoeless man was dragged out of an apartment by officers (pictured) Sections of Speed St, Liverpool had been blocked off earlier on Wednesday afternoon by armoured vehicles (pictured) NSW Police issued an alert on social media just before 1pm advising people to stay clear of the area after the operation began. Sections of the street had been blocked off by armoured vehicles as armed officers were seen walking along the street in confronting scenes. Officers had also cordoned off parts of the street with police tape as the operation unfolded. Heavily armed officers were seen in the area (pictured) as the operation unfolded Police had earlier issued an alert advising people to stay clear of the area while the operation was carried out (pictured) More to come A popular Aussie brewing company formed by two inexperienced mates more than two decades ago has gone into administration. Big Shed Brewing, an independent craft brewery based at Royal Park, in Adelaide, went into administration on Tuesday. The company which produces craft beers, ciders, spirits and hard beverages will continue to trade as a solution is worked out with creditors. Its founders were in their twenties, with no experience in brewing or hospitality, when they established the micro brewer in 2002. Insolvency and restructuring firm Heard Phillips Lieberenz has been appointed as administrator, with directors Mark Lieberenz and Anthony Phillips promising to do their best to keep the brewer trading ahead of a creditors' meeting next week. A popular Aussie brewing company formed by two mates two decades ago has gone into administration Big Shed Brewing, an independent craft brewery based at Royal Park, in Adelaide , went into administration on Tuesday 'We are open for business and look forward to continue brewing the full range of Big Shed beers,' Mr Lieberenz said. 'We are delighted to be working with a staff and management team who feel as passionate about their business as they are about their products.' Craig Basford and Jason Harris, now both 47, began brewing beer in Mr Harris's shed for their friends in Adelaide in 2002. 'We got half decent at brewing beer and a lot of our mates were saying we should start a brewery,' Mr Basford told Daily Mail Australia in 2019. 'Then we'd wake up the next day with a hangover and think it was a stupid idea, but we couldn't get it out of our heads that we should do it. 'I didn't want to be 70 wondering what would have happened if I didn't have a crack at it.' They then branched out into pubs, opening their first venue, Big Shed Brewing Concern, in 2012 and in 2019 launching a second $2.5million project in Royal Park. Neither had any experience in hospitality, breweries or sales. They found a small warehouse, built a brewery and opened up a tap room. Their second brewery at Royal Park has a capacity to cater for 250 people in a beer garden, serving lunch and dinner seven days a week. Insolvency and restructuring firm Heard Phillips Lieberenz has been appointed as administrator, with director Mark Lieberenz promising to do his best to keep the brewer trading Craig Basford (right) and Jason Harris (left), now both 47, began brewing beer in Mr Harris's shed for their friends in Adelaide in 2002 'It became a local hangout for a lot of people. We didn't want to be the guys who got big and then got out,' Mr Basford said. But even before the Covid pandemic, Mr Basford said it was stressful. 'It was really stressful,' he said. 'We have moments when it's fantastic, moments when it's terrible. 'At the end of the day we get to have a beer and that's pretty good.' Big Shed Brewing had deals with liquor stores in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales. Blair came under fire for liking politically-charged posts on X, formerly Twitter 'It was my Muslim friends who helped educate and show me the way,' she wrote The actress issued an apology after being accused of Islamophobia Legally Blonde actress Selma Blair has issued an apology for leaving an Islamophobic comment on social media, claiming she inadvertently conflated Muslims with fundamentalists. Blair, 51, came under fire after eagle-eyed netizens spotted her comment beneath a video on Instagram. In the February 2 post, the Cruel Intentions actress called for the deportation of Democratic representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib, who is Muslim herself, referring to them as terrorist-supporting goons. The since-deleted comment read: Deport all these terrorist supporting goons. Islam has destroyed Muslim countries and then they come here and destroyed minds. They know they are liars. Twisted justifications. May they meet their fate. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nations largest Muslim civil rights organization, condemned the statement and called on her to apologize. Selma Blair issued an apology after being accused of Islamophobia for a comment she left on an Instagram video The February 2 comment called for the deportation of Democratic representatives Cori Bush and Rashida Tlaib, deeming them 'terrorist-supporting goons' and asserting 'Islam has destroyed Muslim countries' The Legally Blonde actress, 51, claimed she 'mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists' 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, National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said. We encourage Ms. Blair to apologize, and we also invite her to dialogue with our community. On Tuesday, Blair returned to social media to post a lengthy apology. This is a time of great pain and anguish for many around the world, but it is also a time to learn and better understand how words matter, she wrote. Blair claimed she had commented on a post regarding two congress members who are against banning October 7th Hamas terrorists from entering the USA. The original post criticized Bush and Tlaib for voting present on the No Immigration Benefits for Hamas Terrorists Act, which would prevent foreign nationals who participated in or facilitated the October 7 Hamas attacks from seeking immigration-related relief in the United States. In my comment, I mistakenly and inadvertently conflated Muslims with Radical Islamists and fundamentalists, a terrible err in my words, and resulted in hurting countless people I never meant to, and I deeply regret this, Blair continued, adding that she swiftly deleted the comment. I erred in my writing and I fully recognize how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset. I respect and love all peace-loving communities, all over the world. It was my Muslim friends who helped educate and show me the way. I am committed to paying forward their love and understanding. We cannot allow ignorance and rage to becomes (sic) our downfall. I erred in my writing and I fully recognize how I contributed to the Muslim community being understandably very upset,' Blair wrote before reaffirming her support of 'all marginalized communities' The 51-year-old received an outpouring of support for her apology, while other netizens remarked that the statement seemed disingenuous Some critics pointed out that the apology failed to address her comments about Tlaib (left) and Bush (right) Blair ended the apology by reaffirming her support for marginalized communities and promising to do better. While her supporters flocked to the comments, many posting the colors of the Israel flag, others saw the expression of regret as disingenuous. Nah, youre only posting this cause you got called out - dont lie, one netizen remarked. Others assured Blair that she had nothing to apologize for. You never said anything about ALL Muslims. You have no reason to apologize, one user wrote. She said Islam has destroyed Arab countries. Pretty generalized to me. Disgustingly so, another replied. In the wake of her apology, Blair was also criticized for posts shed liked on X, formerly Twitter. These included vague statements denouncing 'Antifa' and 'the woke agenda, as well as a viral conspiracy theory linking an early version of the new Minnesota state flag to Somalia. 'Armed citizens don't need legislation to defend themselves or their state/country. It's our God-given right to do so, read one liked comment. Netizens pointed out that shed liked other anti-Muslim comments including one calling Islam the religion of evil, created in hell' and another deeming it a hatefull (sic) and violent sect. Blair also came under fire for posts she'd liked on X, formerly Twitter, including one calling Islam 'the religion of evil, created in hell' The actress drew criticism for liking a post that appeared to denounce gun control, reading: 'Armed citizens don't need legislation to defend themselves or their state/country' Blair's account on the platform and her own tweets have since been deleted Blairs account on the platform has since been deleted. 'Selma Blair's dumbass apology completely ignores her liked tweets and replies she had made here, one X user commented. So dishonest and disingenuous. Same goes for the articles I've read about it, completely glossing over the whole of it. Disgusting.' The actress also drew the ire of Briahna Joy Gray, the former national press secretary for Bernie Sanders. 'To be clear, this apology doesn't address that Selma Blair said Rashida Tlaib & Cori Bush should be deported, & broadly disparaged Islam as "destroy[ing]" Muslim countries, Gray wrote. The video she liked & commented under also called Tlaib a "moron," a "hateful anti-semite," and a "liar." Blair did not merely contribute to "misinformation." And this apology is non-responsive.' Rates of Islamophobia and antisemitism have skyrocketed in the United States since October 7, when Hamas militants flooded from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns, killing civilians and taking hostages. The number of anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. increased by 388 percent in the four weeks after October 7, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Likewise, CAIR reported that the number of Islamophobic incidents in the U.S. increased by 216 percent during the same period. EXCLUSIVE A Sydney beautician who fell from an 11th storey Bondi apartment had lost her teenage sister who plunged to her death from a cruise ship, Daily Mail Australia can reveal. Irish national Imelda O'Brien, 30, who owns a eyelash extensions shop in Bondi Junction, remains in hospital with serious injuries after she fell from her balcony last month. Friend Lauren Smyth said a deck on the sixth floor broke Ms O'Brien's fall and saved her life, but she still suffered a broken leg, ribs, and tailbone. Now details have emerged of Ms O'Brien's tragedy-plagued life, which began with her sister's death 18 years ago, which in turn triggered the suicide of their heartbroken father Paul seven years later. Ms O'Brien's older sister Lynsey was aged just 15 when she fell overboard from a cruise ship during a family holiday to Florida and the Caribbean in 2006. The death devastated her family and tortured her father who had kissed Lynsey goodnight and put her to bed just minutes before her fall. Receipts later revealed Lynsey had been served at least 10 alcoholic drinks by cruise ship staff on the night she died, despite being underage. Sydney beautician Imelda O'Brien, who fell from an 11th storey apartment, lost her teenage sister when she tragically plunged from a cruise ship Details have emerged of Ms O'Brien's tragedy-struck life after her sister Lynsey's death triggered the suicide of their heartbroken father Paul (pictured with Lynsey) seven years later Describing the tragedy, Mr O'Brien said: 'We took Lynsey to her room. Sandra, my wife, told her that we would speak with her in the morning. 'I kissed Lynsey "goodnight", and told her that I loved her but within a few minutes of leaving her room, my youngest daughter, Imelda, began frantically screaming that Lynsey had fallen overboard. 'Lynsey went overboard at approximately 2:00am. It took approximately 15 minutes before the ship began to slow down. By that time, it had travelled quite a distance from the original location where Lynsey had fallen. 'There was no effort, whatsoever, on behalf of the ship to lower any lifeboats to search for our baby, Lynsey. 'There were media reports indicating that helicopters and lifeboats were searching for Lynsey; but we never saw any evidence of this. 'The only immediate rescue attempt made was life buoys, tossed by a young man, who had seen Lynsey fall into the ocean. 'There are many unanswered questions, but my family and I will not rest until we seek justice for Lynsey! 'Our family unit is broken. We are ALL broken!' Paul O'Brien launched a campaign against cruise ship safety standards in the wake of the tragedy and self-published a book about it, 'Lynsey's Law: Coffin Cruise Ships and Obama'. Mr O'Brien launched a campaign about cruise ship safety standards in the wake of the tragedy and self-published a book about it, 'Lynsey's Law: Coffin Cruise Ships and Obama'. He acknowledged he never truly recovered from her death, and endured a 'living nightmare' until he took his own life in 2013. Details of the family trauma were revealed in a court in 2016 after Ms O'Brien was caught in possession of 19 ecstasy pills and four packs of mephedrone. The Dublin-born beautician had been arrested on the Mediterranean island of Malta at a music festival. But Ms O'Brien tried to bolt out of a third floor courtroom window when she was ordered to remain in a police cell for several weeks while she awaited trial. Malta Magistrates Court heard that only the quick-thinking actions of a court officer avoided tragedy by grabbing her before she could fall three stories to the ground. Ms O'Brien, originally from Tenure in Dublin, was handed a suspended jail sentence of eight months and fined 1000 ($AUD1,650), local media reported at the time. On Tuesday, Ms Smyth declined to comment further when contacted by Daily Mail Australia and Ms O'Brien has not responded to a request for comment. Ms Smyth has previously said while Ms O'Brien was getting help from friends, she faced financial hardship while on the long road to recovery. Imelda O'Brien (pictured) was saved by a deck on the sixth floor when it broke her fall as she plunged from her 11th floor Bondi balcony, but she still suffered a broken leg, ribs, and tailbone Imelda O'Brien tried to bolt out of a third floor courtroom window in 2016 when she was ordered to remain in a Maltese police cell for weeks while awaiting trial on drug charges 'Her whole body is just massively bruised and she is in a lot of pain physically and mentally,' Ms Smyth said. 'As Imelda is self employed, she has absolutely no income coming in - bills and rent still have to be paid. 'Also, Imelda is not allowed out of the hospital as she has to have someone that is with her at all times to be able to help care for her.' On Sunday, Ms Smyth launched a GoFundMe campaign to bring her family to Australia from her native Ireland, which has raised almost $8,000. 'The aim... is to help fly her mam and her partner over to be able to take her home and get her the help she needs,' Ms Smyth said. '(As well as) the cost of flights and somewhere to stay for her family while they get everything sorted for her.' If this story raises issues for you, for confidential crisis support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 Two Aussie kids have been left stranded in the US after their mum was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle a smorgasbord of drugs into a US prison for her partner. Leticia Verney, 41, was arrested on February 5 after a police dog allegedly alerted officers at Lewis Prison in Arizona to a package on her person. Upon opening the package officers allegedly found 200 pills of fentanyl, seven grams of marijuana and 28 grams each of heroin and methamphetamine. Verney is alleged to have travelled to the US with two of her six children on a holiday last year so she could see her partner she met online. He is believed to be an inmate at Lewis Prison and was allegedly planned to be the recipient of the packages. The children, aged seven and 12, have since been placed into the custody of the Arizona's child protectives services after their mother was remanded in custody facing 19 charges. Perth mum, Leticia Verney (pictured), 41, has been arrested at a US prison after allegedly attempting to smuggle a package of drugs for her imprisoned partner The charges include eight counts of taking contraband into a correctional facility, one count of transporting/selling a dangerous drug, and two counts of transporting/selling narcotics. A further eight federal charges will be brought before a Grand Jury. Upon arriving at the prison to meet her partner, Verney was taken to the Sherriff's office where it is alleged a police dog (K-9) alerted officers to the package. The assortment of drugs allegedly found on Verney is 'worth thousands of dollars on the streets, and potentially tens of thousands of dollars in a custody setting' according to Chief Deputy Russ Skinner. The father of the two children, Daniel Smith, was expecting the trio to return home from their trip in December and is now in a race against time to get his kids back to Australia. He has been in contact with American officials who urged him to collect his children as soon as possible before they are placed into foster care. 'Apparently its a lot harder to get them back if they are placed in care,' Mr Smith told the West Australian. The cost to fly himself and the children around the world is daunting to Mr Smith, who hasn't been able to work after recently undergoing back surgery. Officers at the Lewis Prison in Arizona (pictured) were allegedly alerted to the package by a police dog and promptly arrested 'Ive been digging deep to find the money to pay for an emergency passport and flights for both of them,' he said. 'The priority is to get them home right now, theyve got no family there and I dont know who theyre staying with.' A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson confirmed it they are in contact with the family. 'The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian woman detained in Arizona,' the spokesperson said. 'Owing to our privacy obligations are unable to provide further comment.' Verney is expected to appear in court for arraignment on February 20 while her trial will start on June 19. A grandmother who has lived in Australia for more than 40 years but is facing deportation back to Britain has shared 'proof' that she belongs Down Under and is not lying to the government. Mary Philomena Ellis, 74, says she is 'terrified' after the Department of Home Affairs recommended she 'depart Australia as soon as possible or face serious consequences'. Ms Ellis, who came to Australia in December 1981, claims that she has never left the country, 'loves' living here and that being sent back to Britain would be like going to a foreign country as she knows no one. It can also now be revealed she first arrived in Australia in the wake of a failed marriage and was joined by a man who has been accused of adopting an alias. The charity worker - one of 11 siblings - says she cannot even remember where she grew up in London, with her mind going blank when asked by Daily Mail Australia in an interview. 'I feel anxious. I haven't lied. I never left here. I love Australia. My family are Australian citizens and I should be too,' she said. Mary Ellis, 74, left London for Australia at the age of 31 in 1981. She has since created a life for herself in Tweed Heads, on the NSW-Queensland border, but fears she'll be sent back to the UK Ms Ellis has carved out a life in Australia and claims she has never left. But Home Affairs claims she had secret aliases and that her partner was really another person with a name she's never heard Mary Ellis has worked in Australia, paid taxes, has a licence, a Medicare card and even voted - but now bureaucrats have warned her to 'depart Australia as soon as possible' or 'face serious consequences' Ms Ellis came to Australia with her partner, Martin Ellis, after a failed marriage to a British Army soldier with whom she had a son and a daughter. Mr Ellis told her at the time that he had permanent visas. They carved out a life in Australia. He worked for the Woolworths supermarket chain and she in hospitality and home care. Ms Ellis acquired a local driver's licence and a Medicare card, paid taxes and voted. She never returned to the UK, and says she lost contact with anyone she knew there. However, Home Affairs now claims Ms Ellis re-entered Australia three times under a different alias, and was out of the country between February 1983 and November 1986. The department also said in a letter that it believes the real identity of the now-deceased man she was in a de-facto relationship with at the time, Martin Ellis, was actually Trevor Warren. What Home Affairs is alleging - without providing her with any documentary evidence - would make it impossible for her to qualify as an 'absorbed person' under the Migration Act 1958. To obtain an absorbed person visa, a non-citizen must have been in Australia from April 2, 1984, and have never left the country on or after that date. Mary Ellis' proof Ms Ellis is now being represented pro bono by Gold Coast migration agent Stanley Shneider who describes Home Affairs' claims as 'nonsense'. He has provided documents to the Daily Mail which he said proves Ms Ellis was here between 1983 and 1986, including a job reference saying she worked for a restaurant and catering company in Tasmania. The document said she worked as waitress for Images International Cuisine with duties including preparing salads and handling cash and credit card transactions. It made no reference to her travelling overseas during that time and said: 'I am pleased to report that she is punctual, industrious and of a sober nature and (I) recommend her as an employee in a similar situation'. Mary has also produced a successful Medicare enrolment letter signed by the then-Minister of Health, Neal Blewett, to argue her case. Mr Shneider provided a job reference written for Mary in 1987, which he said proved she was in Australia between 1983 and 1986, not out of the country as Home Affairs claimed. It says: 'Mary Ellis was employed by me for a period of approximately three years, until December 1989, as a waitress/cashier. Her duties included food ordering and service, responsibility for cash and credit card transactions and the preparation of salads, desserts and other cold dishes' After her time in Tasmania, she moved to New South Wales, and created a life in Tweed Heads, a beachside town south of the Gold Coast and popular with retirees. Her son David McHugo has since emigrated to Australia from the UK with his wife and daughters. Mary is popular figure in her community due to the time she spends volunteering and raising money for The Salvation Army - a charity that supports the needy. She was awarded the NSW Volunteer of the Year award in 2023 for her work for Agape Outreach, which provides hot meals for the homeless. She has worked with Aboriginal people in home care and takes a deep interest in Australian politics, culture and current affairs. 'This is my home, I want an Australian passport. Even then I wouldn't go back and visit the UK, I love it here.' She worked in hospitality and for the NSW Government for 30 years, where her visa status went unquestioned by her employers. 'I'm a good person, I've paid my taxes. I believe the minister is a good person but ... yes I am anxious.' Mary 'loves Australia' and has a soon and granddaughters here and says if she went back to England she would know no-one Mary, who is being helped by Gold Coast Migration Agent Stan Shneider (above) is teary and anxious at threats and suggestions she isn't being honest about her life in Australia Part of the Home Affairs letter that claims Mary lied about never leaving Australia and telling her to 'depart Australia as soon as possible' or 'face serious consequences' Daily Mail Australia has asked Federal Immigration Minister Andrew Giles whether Ms Ellis could be granted the absorbed person visa on compassionate grounds, given her age and her background as a model citizen. Ms Ellis' case is the latest incident to tarnish Mr Giles' department, after it was caught unprepared for a High Court decision to release more than 140 asylum seekers from detention, even though many had done jail time for crimes as serious as murder and child sex offences. Mr Shneider said a reconsideration by the department would be welcome, because a legal challenge could cost as much as $100,000. 'She's a pensioner,' Mr Shneider said. 'She lives modestly in a rented home. She works in volunteer positions. 'She's always paid her taxes, she hasn't even had a speeding ticket, she's never infringed anything, she's never offended anyone.' Australia's Home Affairs department claims Mary did leave Australia under different aliases in February of 1983 and did not return until November of 1986 Mary was awarded the prestigious NSW Volunteer of the Year in 2023 for her work for Agape Outreach, who provide hot meals to those in need Mr Shneider said Ms Ellis was so much a part of Australia that her face even figured on a stamp, having won a competition to be honoured in that manner. A member of Mr Giles' office said that they understood that 'the idea of deportation is terrifying' that authorities 'didn't just rock up and handcuff you, it's less black and white'. However Mr Shneider said 'that's all very well, but given what Home Affairs have said (Mary) has a right to feel fearful.' An Aussie worker has quit his job after receiving a text message from his boss cancelling his overseas holiday without first asking him. The wild text exchange was posted by Michael Sanz, a business owner and outsourcing expert, who often shares people's 'bad boss' experiences online. He shared the conversation between the worker, Noel, and his boss, Nick, to TikTok, telling his followers: 'You're not going to believe this message I've just been sent.' The initial message is from Nick, telling Noel that his leave had been cancelled because he needs all hands on deck while trying to replace a staff member who had just resigned. 'We can push back a few months. I've advised HR it's now changed for you. Appreciate your understanding,' the boss wrote. Mr Sanz then says exactly what all his followers were likely thinking: 'This guy sounds like a tool; he's automatically cancelling without any conversation.' Noel the employee replies saying he understands how 'frustrating' this situation would be for the company but explains that he can't change his plans. 'I can't cancel my leave as it's my brother's wedding in Bali, all flights are paid for and my kids are in the wedding party,' he wrote. 'I did book this seven months ago, so cancelling isn't an option.' The initial message is from Nick, telling Noel that his leave had been cancelled because he needs all hands on deck while they try to replace a staff member who just resigned Nick reiterates to the worker that he will have to change his plans after the employee, Noel, tells him he can't cancel a trip books months earlier Nick then asked the worker to reduce his leave from three weeks to three days over the weekend. 'Not sure what you can do for three weeks in Bali haha,' he added. Mr Sanz then said that he'd be 'furious' if he was the worker because the boss is making a 'joke' out of a totally unreasonable request. Noel then replied: 'I feel terrible that the company is in this position, but I can't cancel or amend.' 'I haven't had leave in three years, it's also no one's business how I spend my leave.' He then reiterated that he would be able to help out more before he left on leave and suggested they get some temp workers to cover the portfolios until they can find a replacement. But his boss replied bluntly: 'Mate, can't stress enough, your leave is cancelled, we just can't do it. I'm sorry.' Clearly frustrated by Nick's lack of compassion, Noel informed his boss that his leave would start 'from today'. 'While away I will think about if working with a company that doesn't promote boundaries is a place I really want to work at,' he wrote. He also added that he would be sending this 'totally unreasonable' exchange to HR. Mr Sanz praised the worker, saying that he'd been polite and that he shouldn't have to justify his annual leave. 'His holiday should go ahead, the running of the business should be left to the business owners,' he said 'They should get a temp in there or a virtual assistant, someone that can help carry that admin load while staff are off.' Since the video was uploaded it has been watched more than 700,000 times and received hundreds of comments from stunned viewers. 'Is this even legal?' one person said. Another said they'd 'hand in their resignation'. In the comments, Mr Sanz confirmed that Noel has since found a new job. White House spokesperson John Kirby was slammed after he claimed that the Israeli military is doing a better job at protecting civilians in Gaza than their American counterparts would. Kirby was challenged by a reporter Tuesday regarding the Israeli Defense Forces' response to the terror attack by Hamas on October 7, which killed 1,200 Israelis. The IDF has responded with a military operation that has killed over 28,000 Palestinians and displaced 2.3million, according to officials in Gaza. Kirby said that he has seen the IDF 'take actions - sometimes actions that that even I'm not sure our own military would take - in terms of informing civilian populations ahead of operations, where to go or not to go. They have taken steps.' This caused anger by many on social media, particularly on the left, where The Nation writer Jeet Heer argued: 'If I were in the Pentagon I'd be very upset that a government spokesperson was saying that the US military is less mindful of civilian life than the IDF.' White House spokesperson John Kirby was slammed after he claimed that the Israeli military is doing a better job at protecting civilians in Gaza than their American counterparts would Kirby was challenged by a reporter Tuesday regarding the Israeli Defense Forces' response to the terror attack by Hamas on October 7, which killed 1,200 Israelis Kirby himself is a retired Navy Rear Admiral. Ryan Grim of The Intercept added, citing recent Israeli military operations: 'This guy has lost it.' 'This is the American government quite literally willing to sully the image of their own military - undoubtedly the most sacred institution in the country - and sacrifice it so that Israel can continue its carnage. Absolutely unreal,' added entrepreneur Arnaud Bertrand. Another user on X joked: 'Yeah this will do wonders for fixing the issue of military recruitment!' Kirby did admit that the casualties and the displacement were still too high for Washington's liking. 'Now, obviously, those steps, while noteworthy, haven't been enough to reduce the civilian casualties, which is why the president spoke so forthrightly about it yesterday and why we're going to continue to do everything we can to press the Israelis to be more careful,' he said. However, The Hill reporter Niall Stanage, unsatisfied, replied: 'But respectfully, [Biden's] been talking forcefully about it for a long time. And the Israelis are now have hammered people into this tiny corner in southwest Gaza, tied up against the Egyptian border where people think that a looming catastrophe [inaudible]. Shouldn't there be more forceful action than just words?' Kirby noted that 'we are working very, very closely with our Israeli counterparts' and added that they would not support a military operation in Rafah that did not account for refugees. Kirby said that he has seen the IDF 'take actions - sometimes actions that that even I'm not sure our own military would take - in terms of informing civilian populations ahead of operations, where to go or not to go. They have taken steps' President Biden welcomed Jordans King Abdullah II to the White House Monday for talks on how to end the months-long war and plan for what comes afterward. The meeting with Abdullah comes as Biden and his aides are working to broker another pause in Israel's war against Hamas in order to send humanitarian aid and supplies into the region and get hostages out. The White House faces growing criticism from Arab Americans over the administration's continued support for Israel in the face of rising casualties in Gaza since Hamas launched its October 7 attack on Israel. 'The key elements of the deal are on the table,' Biden said alongside the king, though 'there are gaps that remain.' He said the U.S. would do 'everything possible' to make an agreement happen: a pause to fighting for at least six weeks and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. A staggering number of detainees released after a controversial High Court decision are currently receiving welfare payments at the expense of the Aussie taxpayer. On Monday, the exact number of sex offenders and murders released into the community after the 'NZYQ' High Court ruling was revealed. This was followed on Wednesday afternoon by Services Australia officials revealing that 103 of the former detainees are now getting special welfare benefits. Officials, who were being questioned by Coalition Senator Linda Reynolds at a Senate estimates hearing, said the agency was making welfare payments to the ex-detainees every fortnight. But the Services Australia officials refused to reveal how much is being paid out, saying the rates were set by the Department of Home Affairs. After murderers, paedophiles and thieves were set free following a shock High Court decision last November, it has now emerged that a huge number of them are getting social welfare payments at the expense of Australian taxpayers. Asylum seekers are pictured at the Arena Hotel in Chullora They said the special payments program was designed for people who could not get other welfare payments. Seven of those released from immigration detention were convicted of murder or attempted murder. READ MORE: NZYQ High Court decision: 80 asylum seekers - including a paedophile and a hitman - are now roaming Australia's streets after a High Court decision The court ruled in favour of a Rohingyan paedophile known only as NZYQ who has been in detention since serving a prison sentence for child sexual abuse Advertisement Another 37 released detainees had been convicted of sexual based offending, including child sexual offences, documents tendered during Senate Estimates in Canberra on Monday showed. Liberal senator James Patterson wrote on X that the documents 'confirm the Albanese government has made zero applications for preventative detention of released detainees. 'What was the point of rushing the legislation through before Christmas if they didnt plan to use it,' he said. Another 72 of the former detainees were convicted of assault, violent offending, kidnapping or armed robbery, and 16 were convicted of domestic violence or stalking. There were also 13 others who have been convicted of serious drug offences and up to five who were convicted of people smuggling or crimes of serious international concern. The documents also show 24 detainees have breached their visa conditions or been charged for serious offences against Australians. One of the documents reveals that 'As of 1 February 2024 six individuals have been arrested and charged for offences against the Migration Act 1958 for breach of visa conditions. 'Additionally, the ABF (Australian Border Force) is aware that 18 individuals have been charged by state and territory police for state and territory offences.' The same document also revealed that as of January 31, nobody 'has been re-detained in an immigration detention facility on the basis that there is a real prospect of their removal from Australia being practicable in the reasonably foreseeable future'. Documents previously tabled in the Senate showed that 18 of the foreigners who were being held in indefinite detention before their release came from Afghanistan. A total of 17 came from Iran, 10 made it to Australia from Sudan, while nine were listed as being 'stateless' - meaning they have no nation to return to. Other countries high on the list were South Sudan, Eritrea and Sri Lanka - while one asylum seeker was originally from New Zealand. The exact number of murderers and sex offenders released into the community after a bombshell High Court (pictured) decision has been revealed Government ministers Andrew Giles and Clare O'Neil had previously refused to detail the crimes that some of the former detainees had committed, though Mr Giles said murderers and a number of sex offenders were included. Those released include a paedophile who raped a 10-year-old boy in Sydney's west and a hitman who blew up a pregnant woman in Malaysia. These criminals had completed jail sentences for their crimes, but could not be deported for various reasons beyond the Government's control, including that the country they're from refused to allow them to return. In November Labor rushed legislation through both houses of Parliament, backing Coalition amendments that hit those released asylum seekers with even tougher rules. The dangerous measles virus has been detected in a Jetstar passenger flying into Sydney from the Gold Coast, with health authorities urging anyone who might have been exposed to the traveller to be on alert for symptoms. Measles is a highly contagious virus and NSW Health said on Wednesday the traveller had recently returned to Australia from Southeast Asia, where a measles outbreak has struck several countries. The adult boarded Jetstar flight JQ427 into Sydney from the Gold Coast on February 7, arriving at 10.15pm. The passenger went through Sydney Domestic Terminal 2 between 10.15pm and 11pm. On February 10, the passenger took bus route 288 from Sussex St at Erskine St in the city to Lane Cove Interchange Stand C from 9.30am to 10am. The infected Jeststar traveller visited Southeast Asia where there is currently a measles outbreak (stock image) The traveller visited many locations including Sydney Domestic Terminal 2 as well as a Thai restaurant (stock image) The person then visited the Thai Chiva Therapeutic Massage at Lane Cove between 10am and 7pm and the Satang Thai Take Away Restaurant at Haymarket between 9pm and 11pm. 'Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,' South Eastern Sydney local health district director of public health Dr Vicky Sheppeard said on Wednesday. 'If you, or someone you know, visited the above locations at those times it is important to be on the lookout for symptoms.' The locations do not pose an ongoing threat, she added. This case is not linked to another case reported in northern NSW on February 11. Measles is a contagious viral illness that causes rash and fever. It can also cause serious health complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. Measles causes rash and fever and can trigger serious health complications. It is highly contagious and can be fatal (stock image) The vaccine preventable disease is spread through the air when someone who is infectious coughs or sneezes. 'Symptoms of measles include fever, runny nose, sore eyes and a cough, usually followed three or four days later by a red, blotchy rash that spreads from the head to the rest of the body,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Symptoms may appear between seven and 18 days after an exposure, so it's important for people to stay vigilant if they've been exposed and if they develop symptoms, to please call ahead to their GP or emergency department to ensure they do not spend time in the waiting room with other patients.' NSW Health is urging Sydneysiders to check to make sure they are protected against measles. 'Anyone born during or after 1966 needs to ensure they have received two doses of measles vaccine, this is particularly important prior to overseas travel, as measles outbreaks are occurring in several regions of the world at the moment.' There are also further exposure sites in Queensland. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and effective against measles and is included on the National Immunisation Program for children at 12 and 18 months of age. It is also free in NSW for anyone born during or after 1966 who hasn't already had two doses. The vaccine is available from GPs for all ages and at pharmacies for people aged five years and over. Lawyers acting for the man who kidnapped four-year-old Cleo Smith claim his 13-and-a-half year prison sentence is 'manifestly excessive' and that the judge did not adequately take into account his 'childhood trauma', a court has heard. Terence Kelly snatched Cleo from a tent in the dead of night as she slept next to her parents and little sister on a camping trip near Carnarvon in Western Australia's remote north-west in October 2021. Kelly, who collected children's Bratz dolls, kept the little girl captive for 18 days as a massive land and sea search in outback WA made headlines around the world. Detectives eventually tracked her down to Kelly's home in Carnarvon not far from the girl's home, where she uttered the famous words: 'My name is Cleo'. Terence Kelly snatched little Cleo Smith (pictured) from a tent in the dead of night as she slept next to her parents and little sister on a camping trip near Carnarvon in Western Australia 's remote north-west in October 2021. Terence Kelly (pictured) is appealing his sentence, with his lawyers claiming it was 'manifestly excessive' READ MORE: Hero cop who rescued kidnapped toddler Cleo Smith accused of being in 'relationship' with young journalist Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine (pictured) became an international hero when footage was released by WA Police showing him asking the four-year-old girl her name Advertisement Kelly pleaded guilty to one count of forcibly taking a child under-16 and was jailed 13-and-a-half years in April last year. But his lawyers lodged an appeal, claiming his sentence was too harsh. Kelly's counsel, Julie Condon KC, argued in the WA Court of Appeal on Wednesday that her client's sentence was 'manifestly excessive' and that the sentencing judge had made a series of errors. One of these related to the sentencing judge's supposed 'fixation' with Kelly's drug use. At an earlier hearing, it was revealed Kelly was high on meth when he snatched Cleo. But Ms Condon argued for over an hour it was wrong to concluding Kelly's meth use had a 'significant' role in his decision to abduct Cleo. Justice Robert Mazza - who, along with Justices Michael Buss and Stephen Hall, will decide the appeal - said the fact Kelly's drug use was a factor in his offending was 'blindingly obvious', reported The West Australian Ms Condon also argued that the sentencing judge 'failed to give appropriate weight to the applicant's childhood disadvantage and trauma'. These included Kelly's severe personality disorder and his depressing history of childhood abuse and neglect. Ms Condon argued that the sentencing judge failed to apply the Bugmy Principles, which mean that social factors such as Aboriginality and social deprivation must be given 'full weight in the determination of the appropriate sentence in every case'. The mother of Cleo Smith , the four-year-old who was abducted during a family camping trip in WA tied the knot with her long-time partner last September The lawyer, who has also recently represented drug kingpin Tony Mokbel in court in Victoria, said that Kelly's abduction was not in the worst category of offending. 'On any view, this was not offending that was in the worst category of offending,' Ms Condon argued. 'It was spontaneous and opportunistic... and wasn't the subject of planning or well thought out intention. There was no surveillance in advance. There was no violence. 'He made 12 references to (intending to) stealing money not a child. Replete with expressions of remorse, and multiple references to the guilt that he felt almost immediately after he engaged in the child stealing.' But Justice Michael Buss commented that while 'it started out that way', it then continued for 18 days. Cleo Smith was held captive for 18 days after being snatched from a tent in the dead of night as she slept next to her parents and little sister on a camping trip. She's pictured with mum Ellie a day after she was found State prosecutors opposed Kelly's appeal. Lindsay Fox SC said that after snatching the 'utterly defenceless' little girl, it was then the length of time Kelly kept Cleo captive was what took his case into the worst category. 'Every day there was a conscious decision of some sort to keep going he never comes to his senses,' Mr Fox said. 'It was an extraordinary piece of police work (which found her) it was not of any act on his part that she was rescued.' Kelly was not in court for the appeal hearing. The three appeal judges reserved their decision to a later date. A female teacher has had her historical sex abuse charges quashed because the relevant laws did not take into consideration women abusing boys. Helga Lam, a former teacher at a Sydney boys' school, had been charged with 15 counts of indecent assault on four boys relating to incidents dating back to 1978. But the top criminal appeal court in NSW tossed out the charges on Monday, with three judges agreeing to quash the indictment. In his lead judgment, Justice Anthony Meagher said the decision was made solely on the basis that the law in force at the time - repealed and replaced in 1984 - did not apply to 'conduct committed by a female upon a male'. Helga Lam, a former teacher at a Sydney boys' school, had been charged with 15 counts of indecent assault on four school boys for alleged offences dating back to 1978. The relevant law was 'directed to the crime of sodomy upon a male and other male homosexual conduct', he said. 'The only sexual conduct capable of constituting an assault upon a male which of its nature alone was necessarily regarded as 'indecent' at the time ... was male homosexual conduct,' Justice Meagher said. Claims against Lam included penile-vaginal intercourse with the complainants, as well as masturbating them, performing fellatio on them and telling them to perform sex acts on her. Three complainants were willing participants, while the fourth said 'he was fearful and upset when the applicant performed sexual acts upon him', Justice Meagher noted. Ms Lam escaped prosecution for her alleged sex acts on boys because the relevant 1970s laws did not apply to women abusing boys At the time of the alleged offending, the students were aged between 13 and 16. Lam's case is listed to return to the NSW District Court in mid-March. For those needing confidential advice or support please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Soho Theatre has banned comedian Paul Currie after he 'hounded out' a Jewish audience member 'because he refused to applaud a Palestine flag' during his show. Currie is accused of encouraging the crowd to chant 'get the f*** out' and 'free Palestine' at Israeli ticketholder Liahav Eitan at the London theatre on Saturday. Following the incident, Soho Theatre has said the under fire comedian will not be invited back to perform at the venue, adding that his actions were 'unacceptable and have no place on our stages'. The company said it would not tolerate 'intimidation of audience members, acts of antisemitism or any other forms of racism' and it is now working with the Campaign Against Antisemitism to speak to any affected audience members. The controversial comedian - who describes himself as a 'professional d***head on social media - appeared to double down on his alleged behaviour by posting a pro-Palestine poster to his Instagram story yesterday. Paul Currie, who is accused of encouraging a crowd at his show to chant 'get the f*** out' and 'free Palestine', performing at a separate gig in Belfast in 2013 Liahav Eitan (pictured) was 'hounded out' of London's Soho Theatre by comedian Paul Currie Soho Theatre, where the incident occurred, has said the under fire comedian will not be invited back to perform at the venue Soho Theatre said in a statement: 'Soho Theatre will not tolerate intimidation of audience members due to their nationality, race, religion or beliefs. 'On Saturday evening, following the end of Paul Currie's show Shtoom, Jewish members of the audience were subjected to verbal abuse and the performer aggressively demanding they leave the theatre. 'Such appalling actions are unacceptable and have no place on our stages, now or ever. We will not be inviting Paul Currie back to perform at our venue. 'Whilst we robustly support the right of artists to express a wide range of views in their shows, intimidation of audience members, acts of antisemitism or any other forms of racism will not be tolerated at Soho Theatre. 'We are continuing our investigation, discussing the incident with that evening's audience and consulting with the police. 'We are working with the Campaign Against Antisemitism to meet with members of the audience who were affected. 'We are taking professional advice to safeguard the much-valued inclusivity of Soho Theatre.' Following the shocking scenes at the theatre, which is a former synagogue, a Met Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are aware of the incident that took place at the Soho Theatre on Saturday evening. 'We understand why it was upsetting for those involved and we note the venue has issued a statement confirming they are looking into what took place. A report was submitted to police on Monday and enquiries are ongoing.' A statement posted on by Soho Theatre following the incident on Saturday The under-fire comedian was at a pro-Palestine march hours before the show on Saturday Speaking exclusively to MailOnline on Monday, Mr Eitan, who moved from Israel to London five years ago, said: 'I don't think theatres should book this person [Currie]. He seemed violent and dangerous.' Paul Currie: Absurdist comedian from Belfast who featured on BBC's Live At The Electric Belfast-born Currie began his career as a street performer and has become known for his absurdist comedy, having been doing stand-up gigs for the past 20 years. He featured in BBC Three comedy show Live At The Electric in 2013 and debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2009. Currie is also a so-called 'muppeteer', having performed and voiced puppets on children's shows such as Jim Henson's Pajanimals and Sesame Tree, the Northern Irish adaptation of Sesame Street. He is described as having 'carved himself a reputation since 2004 as an uncompromising alternative comedian in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Europe building up a loyal fan base with his unique style of genre breaking stand-up'. Currie has a degree from Belfast School of Art in visual communications and previously taught at Circusful - formerly known as Belfast Community Circus School. Advertisement The software engineer, whose seats were behind Currie, added: 'The only way out was through the stage. We had to actually get on the stage quite close to him - and I was quite afraid that he'd throw a punch because he was still cursing and shouting. 'He got out his Palestine flag again and shouted "motherf***er you'll have to watch it again on your way out".' Mr Eitan and his friend fled from the Soho Theatre to Bloomsbury in a bid to move away from the venue, where the crowd were spilling out and some of them were giving them 'unfriendly glances'. He continued: 'From the audience, we were mostly scared. We wanted to get out of the of the situation. It seemed like a bit of a mob mentality that could go sour any second. 'So we were just afraid of violence. That's why we didn't linger right? We just wanted to get out of there.' Mr Eitan added: '[We were] mostly scared about how that room might turn against us. From the comedian, I didn't feel any sort of way like I thought it really reflected on him rather than on us.' Recalling how the night unfolded, Mr Eitan explained how he and his friend had booked last-minute tickets to see Currie because they had time to kill before a birthday dinner at 9.30pm. Mr Eitan said that while the show was 'bizarre', everything was fine until Currie unfurled the flags and asked the audience to stand up. He said he didn't believe it was fair to compare the Palestine and Ukraine conflicts but he just stayed sat and didn't do anything. The incident comes amid heightened tensions as the Israel-Hamas conflict rages on. A post shared to Paul Currie's Instagram story on Tuesday morning Currie shared praise from another comedian who thanked him for 'unapologetically calling for a ceasefire now' Mr Eitan continued: 'If I was closer to the door, maybe I would have left at that stage. But as it was, I just waited five minutes for the for the show to end. 'When it ended, a lot of the people got up and clapped. There was a bit of a standing ovation there and me and my friends just stayed sat down quietly and not clapping. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE Met Police could launch investigation into Soho Theatre after Jewish audience member was 'hounded out' by comedian Paul Currie - as comic shares praise for his incendiary routine online Advertisement 'I didn't mean to make any point of it right? I just didn't really enjoy that bit.' Currie, who often shares pro-Palestine content on social media, is then said to have shown his appreciation to the crowd for coming before sarcastically thanking Mr Eitan and his friend for not standing up and clapping. Mr Eitan said that Currie 'lingered' on them for around five to ten seconds until he responded: 'Thank you for that Palestine flag'. Currie then seemed 'quite taken aback' and asked Mr Eitan if he was being sarcastic. 'Then he said something like, "Okay, well, you're welcome. You're welcome for the Palestine flag. It was part of the show." 'And then he came back to me again and said, "Did you enjoy the show?" I said, "Yes, up until that point". And he said, "Ah up until that point". 'Then he just turns back to me and starts screaming, 'I'm from Belfast. I know everything about ceasefires. Ceasefire now, get the f*** out of my theatre. Get out, get the f*** out of my show, motherf***ers.' Mr Eitan said he then asked his friend if they should grab their things and go before they calmly attempted to leave. 'Unfortunately, when the entire crowd was still inside, the only way out was through the stage,' he added. Coming close with the comedian on stage, Mr Eitan said Currie started a 'public chant of 'ceasefire now, and free Palestine' as he 'tried to incite the crowd'. He added: 'I didn't look at him on the way out. We just left.' In another post to his story, Currie shared a tweet by comedian Frankie Boyle on the Israel-Palestine conflict Mr Eitan said Currie should 'certainly' be reprimanded for his 'unreasonable and unprofessional behaviour'. Yesterday Currie seemingly doubled down on his alleged behaviour by posting a pro-Palestine poster to his Instagram story this morning. It read: 'I will not quietly nor politely sit and make house within the depravity of this killing machine'. He also reposted praise from another comic last night which said: 'Thanks @paulcurriecomedian for an amazing show on Saturday and for unapologetically calling for a ceasefire now.' In another post to his story, he shared images of injured children on a stretcher with the caption, 'ceasefire now!' which is one of the phrases he is accused of shouting at Mr Eitan. It also has emerged that audience members at a previous show in Australia claimed he verbally abused and evicted them after they refused to drink an unknown liquid. Currie is claimed to have tried to force people attending the Adelaide Fringe in 2016 to drink from a glass - which he said contained soy milk - before they declined. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'What the Jewish audience-members have recounted is atrocious, and we are working with them and our lawyers to ensure that those who instigated and enabled it are held to account. 'These allegations are of deeply disturbing discriminatory abuse against Jews. Comedians are rightly given broad latitude, but hounding Jews out of theatres is reminiscent of humanity's darkest days, and must have no place in central London in 2024.' The Israel-Hamas conflict was sparked by the Palestinian terror group's October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians. The Hamas-ruled territory's health ministry says Israel's offensive has killed at least 28,340 people in Gaza, mostly women and children. Ukraine has mocked Vladimir Putin after its armed forces sunk yet another Russian warship off the southern coast of annexed Crimea before releasing drone footage of the successful attack. The clip showed the Caesar Kunikov landing ship ablaze as rescue vessels - including a surfaced submarine - descended on the scene just off the coast of resort city Alupka after marine drones had been deployed to blow a hole in its hull. Moments later the warship suffered a huge explosion, thought to be the detonation of the stricken warship's ammunition. The Ukrainian Defence Ministry poked fun at the Russian navy on X, quipping: '+1 russian ship upgraded to a submarine. 'Black Sea fish will definitely like Caesar salad.' The GUR Ukrainian military intelligence said of the operation: 'On February, 14, 2024, the Main Directorate of Intelligence in cooperation with the Security and Defence Forces of Ukraine destroyed the large [Russian] landing ship Caesar Kunikov. 'The successful mission was carried out by the special forces of Group 13 of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate. The Caesar Kunikov received critical breaches on the left side and began to sink.' Russia's defence ministry did not provide any confirmation, but respected Russian milblogging channel Rybar later corroborated the Ukrainian claims. Rybar went on to issue a scathing criticism of the Russian Black Sea Fleet following the successful strike. Kyiv's intelligence agency released drone footage of the attack Russia's defence ministry did not provide any confirmation, but respected Russian milblogging channel Rybar later corroborated the Ukrainian claims The GUR Ukrainian military intelligence said it had stuck the ship with several marine drones, successfully sinking the ship The ship can be seen listing in the sea with fire trailing from a hole in its hull The warship suffered a huge explosion, thought to be the detonation of the stricken warship's ammunition Caesar Kunikov large landing ship, part of Russian Black Sea Fleet 'Two years have passed since the start of the military operation. There are not the best reviews about the command of the Black Sea Fleet among subordinate military personnel. 'This could still be chalked up to ordinary grumbling, if not for the fact of systematic fire destruction of Black Sea Fleet facilities by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the collective West. 'At this point I just want to say: ''It's time to change approaches''. Otherwise, what's the point?' 'The Main Intelligence Directorate decided to congratulate the occupiers on Valentine's Day in their own way,' reported Crimean Wind channel. Another Ukrainian channel Pravda Gerashchenko said: 'A Russian warship was attacked and sank shortly after the explosions.' Pro-Kremlin commentator Sergei Markov said that the latest attack shows Putin's hopes of grabbing port Odesa - his big prize in the Black Sea - are now dashed. 'Western experts and Zelensky even claim that in 2023 the Ukrainian Armed Forces won the big battle for the Black Sea. 'Well, that's not true because the Ukrainian Armed Forces do not have their own ships on the Black Sea. 'But the Ukrainian Armed Forces' naval drones really create big problems for the Russian Black Sea Fleet, and the likelihood of a large landing operation of the Russian army in Odesa and Mykolaiv is now only theoretical,' he concluded. The Caesar Kunikov is a type of vessel used by Putin's armed forces to transport missiles and drones for attacks on Ukraine. It is designed to support amphibious operations, carrying heavy armour, vehicles and other cargo before deploying them directly on the shoreline. The ship sustained damage earlier in the war, and its then captain Alexander Chirva died from wounds in 2022. An American Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk reconnaissance drone was also flying south of the incident doing repeated loops over the Black Sea, according to flight tracking portal Flightradar, potentially providing intel for the Ukrainian forces. It was between 62 and 75 miles south of the incident, before apparently returning to its base in Malta. Two Russian Mi-8 helicopters were seen flying to and from the scene of the strike on the landing ship today in an apparent desperate rescue operation in a calm sea Videos today showed a suspected Ukrainian strike at a Russian warship off the southern coast of annexed Crimea The ship was seen ablaze as rescue vessels - including a surfaced submarine - descended on the scene just off the coast of resort city Alupka Captain Alexander Chirva, of Russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov, killed in the war in Ukraine Blurry videos showed an explosion at the ship Caesar Kunikov large landing ship, part of Russian Black Sea Fleet An armoured vehicle disembarks from the Caesar Kunikov landing ship Two Russian Mi-8 helicopters were seen flying to and from the scene of the strike on the landing ship today in an apparent desperate rescue operation in a calm sea. The strike on the Caesar Kunikov comes just two weeks after Ukraine destroyed the 55 million Black Sea missile ship Ivanovets. The 184ft warship was hit by multiple drones off annexed Crimea. The operation was spearheaded by Group 13 special forces of the Ukrainian GUR military intelligence agency. The list of sunk ships includes the Moskva cruiser, Putin's Black Sea Fleet flagship, which was struck by Neptune missiles in April 2022. Putin has still not given an accurate toll for the losses on the sunken Moskva. Several large landing ships have been sunk, including most recently the Novocherkassk, struck December 26, 2023. At least 33 sailors are feared dead. Are YOU a takeaway delivery driver? Get in touch with us - email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk Thousands of takeaway delivery drivers will go on a Valentine's Day strike today in a row over pay and 'appalling' working conditions. The wildcat strike will hit operators Deliveroo, Just Eat, Uber Eats and Stuart between 5pm and 10pm today, one of the busiest nights of the year for takeaways as couples enjoy a romantic night in. Organisers say the February 14 mutiny will be larger than a Friday night strike involving more than 3,000 couriers in London, Glasgow and Brighton earlier this month. Five people were arrested after scuffles broke out between strikers and riders trying to continue delivering food. Are YOU a takeaway delivery driver? Get in touch with us - email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk Pictured, thousands of takeaway delivery drivers staged wildcat strikes in protest over poor pay on Friday night The Valentine's Day strike today is expected to cause more disruption than the Friday strike Deliveroo had offered drivers who do not strike a 10 'boost' payment for completing five or more deliveries on Valentine's Day. But organisers said this will not be enough to break the strike. The walkout is being organised by a secretive group of couriers known only as Delivery Job UK, via social media including WhatsApp. The leaders appear to be Brazilian nationals living in London. A Supreme Court ruling last year means that delivery app riders are not allowed to join a trade union or bargain collectively but the strike action is being supported by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB). In a video released by the Delivery Job UK account last week, a balaclava-clad driver rallied fellow 'asphalt warriors' to join the next strike. 'We were warriors during the pandemic, weren't we? Today, we're being treated like dogs,' he said. Drivers are demanding the minimum fee for a job be increased to 5, plus an additional 2 for every mile travelled after the first. They say that at present a Deliveroo driver can make just 2.90 for a two-mile journey, meaning they are forced to drive dangerously to make ends meet. The walkout is being organised by a secretive group of couriers known only as Delivery Job UK, via social media including WhatsApp (stock photo of a Deliveroo rider) Last week a Deliveroo driver said that his pay at the end of an 11-hour shift was 105, under the minimum wage, which is 10.42 an hour for anyone aged 23 or over. There is also anger at inconsistent rates of pay. A spokesman for Deliveroo said: 'Riders always earn at least the national minimum wage, plus vehicle costs, for the time they are working with us, though the vast majority earn far more than this. 'Riders are also automatically insured for free, and receive income protection if they are unwell.' Just Eat said: 'We provide a highly competitive base rate to self-employed couriers.' Uber Eats and Stuart were contacted for comment. An Uber Eats spokesperson said: 'We offer a flexible way for couriers to earn by using the app when and where they choose. We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app, and we regularly engage with couriers to look at how we can improve their experience.' A Stuart spokesperson added: 'Stuart remains committed to providing competitive earnings opportunities for courier partners and delivering a courier-centric platform. 'We will be working with clients to minimise disruption during the impacted period.' Are YOU a takeaway delivery driver? Get in touch with us - email jack.wright@mailonline.co.uk Prince Harry and Meghan's new website using their Sussex titles is a betrayal of their agreement with the late Queen Elizabeth, it was claimed last night. The couple's 'provocative' decision to relaunch their homepage as 'Sussex.com' sparked accusations they are trying to be 'more Royal'. Well-placed sources said the new online venture would provide a 'big challenge' for Buckingham Palace's Lord Chamberlain. The top Royal official must decide whether to take the Sussexes to task or 'let it slide' in order to keep the already fragile family peace. The growing row centres around the Duke and Duchess's decision to replace their Archewell website - the umbrella name for all their philanthropic and business endeavours - with 'Sussex.com'. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in June 2018 The new website is a challenge for Buckingham Palace's Lord Chamberlain. The outgoing Lord Chamberlain is former MI5 boss Lord Parker of Minsmere, pictured with the Queen in 2019 The new homepage for 'The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' went live on Monday evening. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE Harry and Meghan arrive in Victoria in search of warmer reception after icy Sussex.com Royal row after it emerged palace were NOT consulted about new rebrand - but may still allow it to continue Advertisement It features Meghan's coat of arms and glowing biographies for the couple, as well as the latest news about the pair. Many close to the royal household believe it is a flagrant breach of the supposedly cast-iron assurances Harry and Meghan gave the late Queen when they acrimoniously quit as working royals in 2020, and comes perilously close to using their royal status for commercial gain. Others described it as a betrayal of the agreement, 'if not in letter, certainly in spirit'. But a source close to the couple brushed off the claims and defended the use of their royal titles for the website. They said: 'Prince Harry and Meghan are the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. That is a fact. It is their surname and family name.' The palace has declined to comment, preferring to focus on The King who returned to London yesterday for meetings and cancer treatment. But one insider said: 'Buckingham Palace may have its hands tied in taking action. The King has other things he needs to focus on at the moment and the last thing His Majesty needs is another fight with his son. But this won't go down well at all.' The new homepage of Sussex.com features an image of Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023 The Duchess of Sussex's coat of arms appears on the newly launched Sussex.com website Following the so-called 'Sandringham summit' in 2020, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex agreed to step back from royal duties and not use their HRH titles for business purposes or trade off their royal connections. They were also forced to put on ice their existing website, Sussexroyal.com, which had been launched weeks earlier without any warning and effectively contained their 'manifesto' for a new life half-in, half-out of the royal family. Since then they have traded under their new guise of Archewell. The couple's decision to launch Sussex.com this week was therefore seen as reopening old wounds. Insiders highlighted the decision to use only Meghan's royal coat of arms on the web page and not Harry's. Some theorised that having the prince's coat of arms would be too provocative 'even for them'. Others wondered whether it was because 'ultimately this is a re-branding for Meghan'. Meghan's coat of arms reflects her Californian background. The shield contains the colour blue to represent the Pacific Ocean, and yellow rays to symbolise sunshine. Under the shield is the golden poppy, California's state flower, and Wintersweet, a flower that grows at Kensington Palace and was also featured on her wedding veil. This is an image issued by Kensington Palace on May 25, 2018 showing the Duchess of Sussex's new coat of arms which was released at the time of her marriage to Prince Harry The couple's new Sussex.com website has a link at the bottom (circled by MailOnline) under the logo 'The Duke and Duchess of Sussex' which directs users back to SussexRoyal.com Sussexroyal.com, which the late Queen expressly forbid the couple from using, is still online and has now been updated to include a link to their new website. A source said this appeared to be deliberately 'provocative'. One well-placed source told the Daily Mail: 'They just can't quite bring themselves to drop all the trappings that come courtesy of the institution they spend their whole time moaning about.' Another added: 'So basically their big rebrand... puts being royal first.' This is emphasised by the use of the royal titles for their children, Prince Archie, four, and Princess Lilibet, two, in both their biographies. It appears that the re-design of the couple's website came as a surprise to Buckingham Palace. At the time of their departure from life as working royals to seek commercial deals in the US, Buckingham Palace said the Sussexes had 'made clear that everything they do will continue to uphold the values of Her Majesty'. The home page of the stylish new website is a deep blue, which fades to a picture of the couple clapping and smiling as they look into the distance. It is described as the site for 'The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex', which it says is 'shaping the future through business and philanthropy'. The site includes biographies of the couple, describing Harry, 39, as a 'humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate, and environmental campaigner' and Meghan, 42, as a 'feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity'. Prince Harry, who is fifth in line to the throne, is described on the Sussex.com website as a 'humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate and environmental campaigner' It goes on to detail how the Duchess has been 'named one of the most influential women' in rankings including Time Magazine's Most Influential People, The Financial Times' 25 Most Influential Women, Variety Power of Women, and British Vogue's Vogue 25. Other than stating that Harry '[lives in California with his wife Meghan, and their two children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet', the profile does not make reference to his family. The web domain Sussex.com was first registered in 1995 but, according to registration records, was updated earlier this month. A source said the whole rebranding was 'really pushing it' in terms of what Harry and Meghan are permitted to do. 'The only rebrand this looks like is to make them seem more royal. It's hugely problematic and a real headache for the Lord Chamberlain,' they said. The outgoing Lord Chamberlain is former MI5 boss Lord Parker of Minsmere. The most senior official at Buckingham Palace, he is responsible for issues involving protocol. His predecessor, Lord Peel, was an instrumental figure in Harry and Meghan's departure negotiations. Another insider noted with wry amusement the 'modesty' of the couple, particularly Meghan's description of herself as a 'cultural catalyst'. The duchess' biography reads: 'Meghan is a major advocate for mental health, family care and gender equality. The Duchess hopes to be cultural catalyst for positive change, reflecting her core belief that representation matters, and that communities can be enhanced through learning, healing, and inspirational support.' Meghan, whose Spotify podcast, acting career and lifestyle blog The Tig are all referenced in her biography, is hailed as a 'feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity' A source added: 'You just wonder who they have around them that thinks this is a good idea.' One of the Sussexes' most senior members of staff is James Holt, who worked for the couple, as well as the Prince and Princess of Wales, for a number of years at Kensington Palace. The rest of their team are US appointments. The launch of the website fuelled speculation that they are trying to reinvigorate their media careers and may be seeking new production companies to work with. Their 18million deal with Spotify recently came to an end, and there have been rumours that streaming giant Netflix may not renew its 80million contract with them. But sources warned that their use of their Sussex title and Meghan's coat of arms for what appeared to be commercial purposes could provoke complaints from the Palace. One said: 'They are going to have real trouble with the use of Sussex. It is a royal title and if there is any hint of commercialism about this it will be shut down. It's just staggering they cannot see how gauche it is.' The row comes ahead of the couple's trip to Canada this week for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025's One Year to Go celebrations. Last week, Harry travelled to the UK to visit the King following his cancer diagnosis but spent just 30 minutes with his father before returning to the US. A stock of 16,000 rental properties for asylum seekers has been put together by the Home Office - even though there is an acute shortage of homes for young Britons and families. Landlords have reportedly been offered five-years of guaranteed full rental payments by contractors working for the Home Office who will manage the properties as the government rushes to move asylum seekers from hotels. But officials have warned that the move could create 'ghettos' as these properties have been concentrated in areas where properties are cheaper in Hull, Bradford and Teesside. The homes come from the same pool as those in the private and social rented sector, and are being used to house more than 58,000 asylum seekers in Great Britain. This is more than double of those in rented 'dispersed accommodation' ten years ago. File photo of the scene outside the Comfort Inn hotel on Belgrave Road in Pimlico, central London, where the Home Office asked a group of refugees to be accommodated four to a room in June 2023 A group of migrants are brought in to Dungeness, Kent on an RNLI lifeboat in June last year The Home Office is using more rented accommodation so that Rishi Sunak's target of reducing the number of hotels used for asylum seekers - costing as much as 8million each day - can be met, insiders told The Telegraph. Approximately 50,000 asylum seekers were housed in 400 taxpayer funded hotels, up until the end of last year. But 50 were due to close by the end of January, and another 50 should be shut by spring this year. Housing asylum seekers in dispersed accommodation can reportedly cost as little as 30 every day, five times less than the 150 to put them up in hotels. But families and young adults could face losing out on cheaper rented housing, experts advising the Home Office have advised. A Home Office insider told The Telegraph that the department prefers dispersal accommodation as it is less expensive and 'more discreet than hotels'. They said that contractors were using properties in 'pretty normal streets', adding that someone could buy a 300,000 house and then find that next door is 'full of asylum seekers'. The insider said that MPs were starting to hear reports of problems because of this. They said the properties have been 'heavily clustered' in areas with cheap housing, Hull, Bradford and Teesside. 'It is potentially damaging to these places because it creates ghettos which are terrible for integration,' they told The Telegraph. It is understood by the paper that up to 30,000 homes may be needed to end the use of asylum hotels without significantly cutting the 100,000 long list of asylum cases awaiting a decision. Around 1.21million people were on council housing waiting lists at the end of 2021-22, a slight increase from 1.19 million in 2020-21. The Home Office is using more rented accommodation so that Rishi Sunak's target of reducing the number of hotels used for asylum seekers (file photo) Serco, Clearsprings and Mears, the contractors behind the asylum accommodation scheme, have been paid around 4billion over ten years for it. Benefits to landlords espoused by Serco including five-year leases with 'rent paid in full, on time, every month, with no arrears', and full repairs and maintenance cover, apart from structural defects with the property. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We have always been upfront about the unprecedented pressure being put on our asylum system, brought about by a significant increase in dangerous and illegal journeys into the country over recent years. 'We continue to work across government and with local authorities to identify a range of accommodation options to reduce the unacceptable use of hotels which cost 8 million a day. 'The government remains committed to engaging with local authorities and key stakeholders as part of this process.' The NHS has apologised to the family of a doctor who took her own life during the Covid pandemic after feeling 'belittled' at work. Dr Vaishnavi Kumar, who worked at Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), died after taking a lethal mixture of medication before waiting three hours to call for an ambulance on June 22, 2022. The 35-year-old, who had been complained to her family about being 'laughed at' and criticised by senior colleagues at the hospital, had hoped to leave for another hospital. But she was told she would have to do a further six months of training at QEH in order to start a new position, something the NHS has now said was a mistake, the BBC reports. After being told about having to stay at the hospital, her mental health declined and she later took her own life, with her family revealing last year that she left a suicide note in which she said she blamed 'the whole thing on the QEH'. Dr Vaishnavi Kumar, of Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital, previously told how the pandemic had 'taken its toll' and took a lethal cocktail of medication before waiting more than three hours to call for an ambulance Her family claim they have now received a letter from NHS bosses in which they have apologised unreservedly and admitted there was no need for her to do the extra training in the first place. The BBC reports that Dr Navina Evans, chief workforce and training education officer for NHS England, wrote: 'I wish to unreservedly apologise for these mistakes and for the impact they would have had. 'As an organisation we are determined to learn... not only across the Midlands but across England as a whole. 'I will be working with my senior team... to ensure this will be done.' Dr Kumar's father, Ravi Kumar - who is also a doctor - said he believes his daughter would be alive if she hadn't stayed at the hospital. He previously told the BBC that the QEH had 'destroyed' his daughter. He said: She must have gone through a huge amount of bullying and stress otherwise she is not the girl who would have done this. 'So people who have done this have done a huge amount of damage and that makes me angry.' At an inquest into her death in 2022, the court heard Dr Kumar had felt 'belittled' at work and struggled to cope during the Covid pandemic. She had previously told how the pandemic had 'taken its toll' and her father said his daughter claimed Queen Elizabeth Hospital was a 'hypercritical environment to work in'. Giving evidence at the inquest, her father said: 'She used to say it was a very hypercritical place. They used to pick up small little things, belittle and be a bit condescending in the way they used to behave there. 'Most of the time she used to come back home and cry a little bit. There was one particular incident she was mentioning, one of the consultants scoffed at her doing the handover of an acute case. 'In full public view, she was laughed at. It was very insensitive and she was really very upset at that time.' Her father said his daughter did not make any complaints about any colleague's behaviour and 'got on with her job'. Dr Kumar's father Ravi Kumar, who is also a doctor, previously told Birmingham Coroner's Court that his daughter felt the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (pictured) was a 'hypercritical environment to work in' The medic, who specialised in diabetes and endocrinology, hoped to finish her placement and accept a position at the Royal Stoke University Hospital. However, her father said when she knew she was not moving to a different hospital, 'that is when she really started going down'. He said: 'She was struggling to cope from December 2021 onwards. She would say ''I don't want to stay at the QE anymore. I'm looking forward to going to Stoke Hospital''.' The inquest heard that Dr Kumar's career was said to be flourishing. Despite a 40-day absence, the talented doctor had caught up with training, which included an e-portfolio, and assessments needed to complete her junior doctor qualification, the hearing was told. Her training supervisor Dr John Ayuk, a Queen Elizabeth consultant endocrinologist, told the hearing that she did not inform him of any work stresses which could have contributed to her suicidal state of mind. He described his 'shock and sadness' at her death. The hearing was also told that two West Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics were called to Dr Kumar's home in Edgbaston after 4am on June 22, 2022. She showed them what she had taken and said she had overdosed at 12.30am. In a statement, medic Lindsey Strudwick said: 'She had not disclosed why she called an ambulance after she had taken the overdose, so it was unknown if she had any regret of taking the overdose and wanting ambulance assistance or whether she was expecting an ambulance to be dispatched and find her deceased.' The doctor, who suffered from a condition of low platelet level which causes increased bleeding, told paramedics she worked at the Queen Elizabeth but said 'under no circumstances would she liked to be conveyed there'. The paramedic crew also found three typed documents which she had signed. Dr Kumar's father said she was 'destroyed' by her experience of working at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and Solihull Assistant Coroner Ian Dreelan said that Dr Kumar had previously contacted a mental health service in 2019. She self-referred again later 'citing work stress and a recent family bereavement as contributory factors'. Dr Kumar had undergone a telephone assessment on May 28, 2022, where her answers indicated she had 'severe depression and moderately severe anxiety'. Mr Dreelan said this led to a referral to a community mental health team but an appointment had not been arranged prior to her death. She was on a waiting list to be seen due to resource shortages and would get an appointment if there was a cancellation. But this information was not passed on to her, the hearing was told. There was no previous history of suicide attempts or self-harm, the hearing was told. Mr Dreelan said: 'The delay that she allowed before she telephoned for an ambulance was left to such an extent that she must have known that by the time she contacted emergency services she would be beyond saving.' The medical cause of death was cardiac shock from a mixed overdose. The coroner said there was a 'combination of factors' which led her to wanting to take her own life. 'There was an underlying medical condition, which was managed, but over a passage of time must have been a drain on her both psychologically and emotionally,' he said. 'Also the family bereavement she had suffered and the work stress she had experienced and mentioned to a clinician when she sought help.' Dr Kumar - a chief registrar at Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals Trust during the pandemic - was also described as a 'perfectionist', which the coroner said can invite pressure onto individuals where 'everything has to be perfect'. He added: 'When that isn't the case, the perception of pressure is greater than others in their own situation.' Giving his conclusion, Mr Dreelan said: 'Vaish intended to take her own life and she intended to do so at the time she took it. I will find a conclusion of suicide in this case on the balance of probabilities and from the evidence I have heard.' A spokesperson for University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) told MailOnline: 'Dr Vaishnavi Kumar was a much loved and respected doctor who was popular with colleagues and patients alike. 'Her unexpected death was a tragedy, and our heartfelt condolences remain with Vaishnavi's family. We are continuing to work closely with our NHS partners to improve the experience of all doctors.' MailOnline has contacted NHS England for comment. Labour's poll lead over the Tories has tumbled by seven points in a fortnight amid a major row over the anti-Israeli views of its election candidates and its green energy U-turn. Sir Keir Starmer's party is now 12 points ahead of the Conservatives in a poll by Savanta. The survey was carried out between Friday and Sunday, the latter being when would-be Rochdale MP Azhar Ali was forced to apologise over Gaza comments. But it also followed the major row over its Green Prosperity Plan last week. Sir Keir and shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the proposal to spend 28billion a year was being watered downto less than 5billion. They insisted it was a decision made recently based on the state of the economy a potential future Labour government would inherit from the Tories. However, insiders today claimed that the decision was made weeks ago and the party considered announcing the U-turn in a speech by Sir Keir in the New Year. Twelve points is still a sizeable lead for Labour, but the massive drop in such a small space of time may fuel calls for Rishi Sunak to call an election sooner rather than later, if subsequent polls also show an impact from the Rochdale row. Sir Keir Starmer 's party is now 12 points ahead of the Conservatives in a poll by Savanta. The survey was carried out between Friday and Sunday, the latter being when would-be Rochdale MP Azhar Ali was forced to apologise over Gaza comments. The survey was carried out between Friday and Sunday, the latter being when would-be Rochdale MP Azhar Ali (left) was forced to apologise over Gaza comments. Sir Keir was last night forced to suspend another Labour parliamentary candidate, Graham Jones (right), after he ranted about 'f****** Israel '. Chris Hopkins, Political Research Director at Savanta says, 'This significant drop in Labour's lead may well be in response to a torrid couple of weeks for Keir Starmer's party, and part of a wider trend. 'It may also be something else entirely, and I'd caution people not to read too much into one poll - yet. 'But this poll still serves as useful a reminder as any that Labour's lead - while consistently high for many months - is not infallible. Voters have not quite made up their mind about Keir Starmer's Labour Party, and doubts could well be creeping back in.' Three other polls this week have given different readings. One for More in Common has the Labour lead down three points to 11. But two others for Redfield & Wilton Strategies and Deltapoll have Labour up by four and two points respectively. Mr Ali was axed as a candidate on Monday for suggesting Israel allowed Hamas to attack Jews on October 7 to justify the subsequent invasion. Sir Keir was last night forced to suspend another Labour parliamentary candidate after he ranted about 'f****** Israel'. Three other polls this week have given different readings. One for More in Common has the Labour lead down three points to 11. But two others for Redfield & Wilton Strategies (above) and Deltapoll have Labour up by four and two points respectively. Ex-MP Graham Jones, who is standing for re-election to his old Hyndburn seat at the general election, was administratively suspended from Labour pending an investigation. He is also understood to have been hauled in to see party bosses for an interview this evening, amid calls for him to be junked as Labour's candidate in the Lancashire constituency. A recording published by the Guido Fawkes website revealed how Mr Jones referred to 'f****** Israel' during a local Labour meeting. He was also heard claiming that Britons who travelled to the Middle East to fight with the Israel Defence Forces 'should be locked up'. The Jewish Labour Movement had demanded Mr Jones be stood down as Labour's parliamentary candidate in Hyndburn following the publication of his recorded remarks It was reported the recording came from the same meeting in Lancashire where Azhar Ali - who was previously Labour's candidate for this month's Rochdale by-election - suggested Israel 'deliberately allowed' Hamas's terror attacks on October 7 as a pretext to invade Gaza. Mr Jones's suspension is a further blow to Sir Keir's efforts to move Labour on from the frequent anti-Semitism rows that dogged Labour under his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn. Labour's John Healey said Mr Jones's comments were 'unacceptable'. The shadow defence secretary told Sky News: 'Why Graham Jones has been suspended is not just for being at the meeting. But what's come to light are unacceptable comments that he made that were plain wrong. 'So he was suspended and then interviewed. And if the party decides, Keir Starmer decides, that he too is not meeting the highest standards that the public have a right to expect and Keir Starmer insist on in our candidates... then he will be replaced.' Police are searching for two British men who are believed to have murdered a Burmese businessman in Thailand by smashing his head into the floor, according to local reports. The Scottish suspects, identified only as 'William' and 'John', allegedly met with Burmese national Kyaw Zeyar, 50, for a business deal at the Saranjai Mansion apartment block in Bangkok on Tuesday evening. However, the Brits reportedly had a heated row with Zeyar when the negotiations in the 23rd floor apartment fell through. They allegedly beat him to death, then ransacked his room and escaped with a mobile phone and five million THB (around 110,000) in cash. Kyaw Zeyar's step mother, who lives with him at the condo and who was knocked unconscious during the scuffle, reported the attack to the police. Police are searching for two British men who are believed to have murdered a Burmese businessman in Thailand by smashing his head into the floor in a Bangkok apartment block The Scottish suspects, identified only as 'William' and 'John', allegedly met with Burmese national Kyaw Zeyar, 50, for a business deal at the Saranjai Mansion apartment block (pictured as police investigate) in Bangkok on Tuesday evening The men allegedly beat Kyaw Zeyar to death, then ransacked his room and escaped with a mobile phone and five million THB (around 110,000) in cash. He was found lying dead on the floor in a white bloodstained polo shirt Police Lieutenant Colonel Therdsak Manaschon of the Lumpini Police Station said officers received a report at 11.15pm and went to the 23-storey building to investigate. They found the room in disarray, with a broken doorknob and the keycard slot with the batteries removed. Kyaw Zeyar was lying dead on the floor in a white bloodstained polo shirt. No weapons were found at the scene. Police Lieutenant Colonel Therdsak said: 'After reviewing the surveillance footage, we believe the suspects were the two dark-skinned Scottish men. One of them was bald. They hastily fled the scene after perpetrating the crime. 'We have coordinated with the Wat Phraya Krai Police Station to gather information on the suspects. 'Furthermore, we reached out to the Immigration Bureau at Suvarnabhumi Airport to prevent them from escaping Thailand. 'It is suspected that the victim and the suspects were engaged in black money business. Negotiations failed, which led to the murder. 'The cause of death is believed to be when the suspects forcefully struck the victim's head against the floor.' Kyaw Zeyar's mother, who was also injured during the fight, said she and her son had been living in Thailand for around four months. The deceased had bought a safe to store the cash earlier that morning before meeting with the British men at around 8.30pm. Pictures in Thai media showed officers transporting the safe into a police station. She said: 'I saw that they were fighting and I tried to intervene, but the man named William knocked me out cold. 'When I woke up, I found my son covered in blood but still breathing weakly.' Police officers are seen inside the apartment block as the investigate the crime Kyaw Zeyar's step mother, who lives with him at the condo and who was knocked unconscious during the scuffle, reported the attack to the police The frantic mum had called condo staff for help, but Kyaw Zeyar died while medics were administering CPR. They also discovered that the cash in the safe was missing, along with her phone. Bizarrely, the suspects had left behind Kyaw Zeyar's password-locked phone, which had their contact information and private messages. Police were this afternoon still tracking down the whereabouts of the British men. Hundreds of British army vehicles are heading to Poland as NATO forces stage their biggest operation since the Cold War in preparation for a possible conflict with Russia. In total, around 600 trucks were packed onto two vast cargo vessels at Marchwood sea mounting centre near Southampton, bound for Eastern Europe. Around 1,500 troops will head out to Poland in the coming days as part of NATO's Exercise Steadfast Defender, forming part of a force of 90,000 soldiers from the alliance who will conduct drills until May. The 'unparalleled' operation comes as it emerged that Vladimir Putin's forces have lost more than 3,000 tanks during their illegal war in Ukraine - more than their entire pre-war inventory. While Russia has not been explicitly named in reference to the exercises, NATO considers it the most significant direct threat to its members' security and peace in Europe. Hundreds of British army vehicles are heading to Poland as NATO forces stage their biggest operation since the Cold War Military vehicles are loaded on to the ship Anvil Point at Sea Mounting Centre on February 13 The operations officer at Marchwood, said day to day work at the port had escalated in the last two weeks In total, around 600 trucks were packed onto two vast cargo vessels at Marchwood sea mounting centre near Southampton, bound for Eastern Europe Work at the port has escalated, with staff now working 24-7 across split shifts Foxhound armoured vehicles belonging to the 7 Light Mechanised Brigade unit of the British Army, are loaded by members of the Royal Logistics Corps Pictures show armoured support vehicles rolling onto a 23,000-tonne cargo vessel as they prepared to sail to Germany before travelling on to Poland for the operation. Vehicles belonging to 7 Light Mechanised Brigade, also known as 'The Desert Rats', alongside Land Rovers, engineers' tractors and support vehicles were loaded for their journey from Anvil Point, near Southampton yesterday. Captain Greg Jardine, 32, the operations officer at Marchwood, said day to day work at the port had escalated in the last two weeks as a result, with staff now working 24-7 across split shifts. Capt Jardine, from Darlington, said: 'It's an unparalleled size compared with our usual exercises. 'It's an escalation in tempo in our training and that comes down to the exercise. 'We are not in a situation where we are expecting to go to war any time soon but the situation in Europe has changed.' The departure comes as HMS Prince of Wales, which is leading the military maritime mission, set sail for near Norway on Monday. The British warship will be at the centre of Nato exercises involving more than 20,000 UK military personnel across Scandinavia and northern Europe. Corporal Lauren Drabble, 29, movement controller at Marchwood, said every vehicle had to be checked for explosives before it was allowed to board the cargo vessel. She said: 'We don't normally receive this many vehicles, and this is certainly the largest operation I've been involved in in my career.' Armoured vehicles rolling onto a cargo vessel to sail to Germany before travelling on to Poland for the operation Land Rovers, engineers' tractors and support vehicles were pictured being loaded for their journey from Anvil Point, near Southampton yesterday The vehicles will take part in the months-long Steadfast Defender 24 exercise designed to test its defences in the face of Russia's war on Ukraine It comes days after the German Chancellor warned that Europe has to 'urgently' increase the 'mass production of arms. 'This is urgently necessary because the painful reality is that we do not live in times of peace,' he said, pointing to Russia's war on Ukraine, adding: 'Those who want peace must be able to successfully deter aggressors.' His comments came as the Russian threat continues to loom large for European states, who have been calling for defence spending to be ramped up as Ukraine's efforts to push back the invaders appear to be stalling. The diplomatic push across the continent comes after Donald Trump, who is leading the race for the Republican nomination for the 2024 election, said earlier this week that he did not believe European nations were paying enough money to NATO. Pictures show armoured support vehicles rolling onto a 23,000-tonne cargo vessel as they prepared to sail to Germany Armoured vehicles belonging to 7 Light Mechanised Brigade, also known as 'The Desert Rats', were among those being loaded for their journey from Anvil Point Military vehicles are loaded on to the ship Anvil Point at Sea Mounting Centre, on February 13, 2024 in Marchwood At a campaign rally in South Carolina, the former president said on Saturday that he had told the leader of a 'big' European power he wouldn't step in if Russia attacked an ally not meeting its financial obligations. 'No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want,' Trump told his supporters. President Joe Biden - who has pledged iron-cast backing for the alliance - slammed the comments from his likely opponent in November's presidential election as 'appalling and dangerous'. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg issued an unusually strong-worded rebuttal to Trump, saying 'any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US'. The outburst was the most extreme from the Republican frontrunner, casting doubt among diplomats on his commitment to NATO's collective defence umbrella that has safeguarded Europe since World War II. The 'unparalleled' operation comes as it emerged that Vladimir Putin 's forces have lost more than 3,000 tanks during their illegal war in Ukraine One senior NATO diplomat, speaking like others on condition of anonymity, called the comment an 'attack on the soul of the alliance' for casting doubt on its Article 5 vow to protect an ally if attacked. Moscow's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 already pushed European nations to up their defence budgets. The full-scale invasion in 2022 saw NATO turn the two percent spending commitment into a floor rather than a ceiling. The Royal Navy has been told to 'get a grip' over plans to make all sailors attend compulsory courses on climate change. A leaked briefing paper has suggested all Navy personnel could be forced to attend online training sessions regarding how climate change may impact defence. It also reveals the Navy's climate change and sustainability unit is 'exploring opportunities' to pay for sailors to study postgraduate courses on global warming. Britain's warships could also be boarded by environmental scientists for them to conduct research, the paper says. Andrew Montford, director of the Net Zero Watch think tank, said Defence Secretary Grant Shapps 'needs to get a grip' on the plans. A leaked briefing paper has suggested all Navy personnel could be forced to attend online training sessions regarding how climate change may impact defence Britain's warships could also be boarded by environmental scientists for them to conduct research, the paper says. Picture shows Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond Andrew Montford, director of the Net Zero Watch think tank, said Defence Secretary Grant Shapps (pictured) 'needs to get a grip' on the plans 'Net zero zealots will sacrifice anything and everything to their irrational faith,' he said. 'Economic security and energy security have already been tossed aside, so it's no surprise to see national security taking a back seat as well.' The paper goes on to say that climate change could worsen 'gender inequality', 'threatens peace' and that 'globally rising sea levels' could damage 'ports and maritime infrastructure'. Elsewhere in the paper, which has been seen by The Telegraph, references are made to a number of green initiatives already in operation throughout the navy. This includes the 'defence green network' which is made up of sailors who 'enjoy regular informal webinars' on the environment. Craig Mackinlay MP, chairman of the Parliament Net Zero Scrutiny Group, said that 'nothing surprises' him anymore. He said: 'The green blob keeps expanding and our public institutions appear to enjoy nothing better than getting distracted by fashionable causes. 'The Royal Navy once inspired awe and admiration but that legacy is being squandered.' Craig Mackinlay MP (pictured), chairman of the Parliament Net Zero Scrutiny Group, said: 'The green blob keeps expanding and our public institutions appear to enjoy nothing better than getting distracted by fashionable causes' In 2021 the Royal Navy boasted its two new patrol ships, HMS Tamar (pictured|) and Spey, were the 'greenest since the days of sail' A Navy spokesman said: 'The Royal Navy has a long history of conservation and sustainability and as mariners, we appreciate the vital importance of the sea to our nation and as a source of life for the planet. 'That's why the Integrated Review and the Defence Command Paper outlines how climate change presents challenges for our security. This activity is part of how we understand and address the issues we face.' The climate change proposals come after a number of recent interventions by the Royal Navy on the issue. In 2021 it boasted its two new patrol ships, HMS Tamar and Spey, were the 'greenest since the days of sail'. The ships use a selective catalytic reduction system to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxide, and it also breaks down its wastewater before discharging it into the ocean. All water on board is also treated with ultraviolet light to sanitise the water which means the ships won't carry invasive species around the world in their tanks. The Royal Navy claims its new generation of warships, the Type 26 frigate being built on the Clyde near Glasgow, 'will be even greener' and will use the latest technology and shipbuilding practices to minimise any impact on the environment. The Royal Navy claims its new generation of warships, the Type 26 frigate being built on the Clyde near Glasgow (pictured), will use the latest technology and shipbuilding practices to minimise any impact on the environment HMS Prince of Wales's (pictured, foreground) had to lead a Nato exercise at last minute after the vessel's sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth (background) had a rusty propellor Lt Gen Nugee (pictured) is a retired senior British Army officer and the Lead of the Ministry of Defence's 2021 Climate Change and Sustainability Review. He spoke at a 'Defence and Climate Change' session in 2022 Lt Gen Nugee said: 'The combination of rising sea level over time and more severe storms, which is another feature of climate change, means that our ports are going to be more difficult to use frankly, and maybe ultimately underwater.' Pictured: Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth docked at Portsmouth Naval Base during a lightning storm One of the Navy's new flagship aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth, had to be withdrawn from a Nato exercise recently due to rust on its propeller shaft. However there have been prior warnings about how the nature of war will change due to climate change. In November 2022 the Ministry of Defence warned climate change will act as a 'thermal blanket' and cause the engines of British warships to fail. Lt Gen Richard Nugee, who offers guidance to the MoD on making defence more sustainable, said ships generally rely on the cold seas to cool their engines, and therefore they 'might have a problem' if global warming raises the water temperature. The MoD's climate adviser claimed that if both the Antarctic and Greenland Ice Sheets were to melt, sea levels could rise by 33 feet (10 metres). He said: 'In practical terms, that would mean the runway, for example, in Gibraltar would be underwater. 'So would, say, Port Stanley and in the Falklands, but even Portsmouth and Devonport could not cope with 10 meters of sea level.' A World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Report published in May found that ocean heat had reached a record high in 2021. Ships generally rely on the cold seas to cool their engines, and military chiefs have warned they 'might have a problem' if global warming raises the water temperature. Pictured: Royal Navy's HMS Montrose patrolling the Gulf of Oman It has been predicted a recession of the ice caps would give Beijing's navy access to patrol the High North. Pictured: China's Liaoning aircraft carrier A 2021 report suggested military vehicles could be electric in future, with others running with fuel and parts that have been made from recycled material In December 2022 Britain's Chief of the Defence staff warned the melting of the polar ice caps would allow China's naval fleet to penetrate the Atlantic, dramatically increasing the reach of Beijing's military power. A recession of the ice caps would see trade routes open up, allowing ships to sail directly from the north of Europe to Asia in far shorter time frames, but would also enable China's rapidly expanding navy to patrol the High North. In 2021 the Climate Change and Sustainability Review warned that climate change was 'changing the way our military fight, live and train'. The report also suggested that military vehicles could be electric in future, with others running with fuel and parts that have been made from recycled material. The entire Armed Forces will have to hit net zero by 2050 as part of the Government's total target. The ringleader of a pro-Palestine protest mob who surrounded Tobias Ellwood's family home is a passionate Corbynista who accused JK Rowling of 'vile transphobia' and branded Tony Blair 'inhuman scum'. Corrie Drew was Labour's candidate for Bournemouth East in 2019 and came second with 16,120 votes to his 24,926. She was a committed supporter of Jeremy Corbyn and quit the party in 2021, the year after Sir Keir Starmer took over. Ms Drew, who works in social media, claimed she had already been suspended for the 'crimes' of describing 'war criminal Tony Blair' as 'inhuman scum' and for calling Sir Keir 'Keith'. She said she was 'ashamed' to be a member of a party which is 'to the right of the Tories' and 'works against the socialist principles it was founded on'. Now 41, she first hit the headlines when running for Parliament by setting up online fundraisers to help her spend more time campaigning. She said that she was working part-time as a cleaner but needed money for rent, bills and food. Corrie Drew was Labour's candidate for Bournemouth East in 2019 and came second with 16,120 votes to his 24,926 Ms Drew is a passionate supporter of Jeremy Corbyn and has shared many photos of her alongside him Ms Drew was one of the protagonists of the protest outside Mr Ellwood's home yesterday 'I still cannot continue to give so many hours to Labour, though, without your help,' she wrote on JustGiving. Her page continued: 'Corrie is fiercely committed to building a country that works for everyone with not one of us left out. 'She dedicates much of her time to campaigning and training whilst still trying to hold down a job. READ MORE - Revealed: Protester convicted of terror offence for displaying paraglider image at pro-Palestine march is feminist author and drill rap fan who grew up in Gaza and was granted asylum in the UK because her family were critical of Hamas Advertisement 'Running a campaign which is reliant on local volunteers, whilst being on a low income herself, means that Corrie really struggles to juggle paying for her own rent and bills.' Ms Drew has a first class degree in horology - the study of time and the art of measuring it - from Birmingham City University. In an online profile she claims to be working class and said she grew up on a council estate in the West Midlands. She says she started to campaign 'on the evils of poverty, climate change and animal cruelty' from age six, 'to the bewilderment of school mates and family'. Ms Drew said Mr Corbyn's appointment as Labour leader 'knocked me sideways' and from that point she began campaigning for him. She moved to Bournemouth aged 18, and at the height of the BLM protests in 2020, led a campaign to remove a statue of Lord Baden-Powell from Poole Harbour. 'His starting of the scouting movement can be no excuse for his documented homophobia, racism and enthusiastic support of Hitler,' she said. She also tweeted: 'I'd like to state, in the strongest terms possible: If you're white, I don't give a sh** about your issues with the BlackLivesMatter protest or movement. 'We haven't endured lifelong abuse & discrimination because of our skin colour. Support or shut up.' Last year she railed against JK Rowling, accusing the Harry Potter author of sharing 'vile transphobia'. The campaigner unsuccessfully stood against Mr Ellwood for the Bournemouth East seat in 2019 She appealed for money to help pay her rent and bills while she campaigned in the election In recent months she has posted on Facebook photos of herself attending dozens of pro-Palestine marches. The campaigner is a fierce Corbyn supporter and has posted many pictures of the Labour leader on her social media accounts. READ MORE - Corbynista MP accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza on the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day - sparking outrage among Jewish leaders Advertisement She has even been snapped in a T-shirt emblazoned with his face while other pictures show her sporting Corbyn badges. She tweeted: 'I've had total, unwavering confidence in Jeremy Corbyn since I joined Labour in 2015. When I first saw him speak and read about his work I felt real hope.' She said while running for a local seat: 'I really fell in love with Bournemouth, and by working with some of the town's most vulnerable I became extremely concerned about the inequalities and struggles faced by people trying to make a living in one of the most expensive parts of the country. 'Bournemouth elections have traditionally been fought by people with personal money. 'I don't want anything, let alone a person's socio-economic background, to stand in the way of true democracy and Bournemouth being a place where all people have the chance to be happy, healthy and prosperous with no one left out. Last night she joined dozens of people from the Palestine Solidarity Movement who waved Palestinian flags and bellowed chants of 'ceasefire' and 'free Palestine' using a megaphone. On a video posted on social media they could be heard shouting: 'Tobias Ellwood you can't hide, you signed up for genocide.' One sinister looking placard had Mr Ellwood's face on it, while another said 'occupation, apartheid, genocide'. Ms Drew has described her 'total, unwavering confidence' in Mr Corbyn One protester later posted on Twitter that the Bournemouth East MP was a 'complicit in war crimes' as they demanded an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Mr Ellwood and his family - he is married with two sons - are not believed to have been home at the time. Ms Drew later posted on social media: 'Tonight, outside Tobias Ellwood's house 100 of us gathered for an emergency protest after the Israeli attacks on Rafah.' She then posted the demands the demonstrators made on the British government over Israel. Sarah Ward later posted on X: 'We're here outside the house of war criminal @Tobias-Ellwood calling for a ceasefire and accusing him of complicity in war crimes! #FreePalestine.' On its Facebook page the Palestine Solidarity Movement BCP branch stated: 'EMERGENCY DEMO NOW. Today, Tobias Ellwood (the former under-secretary of State for the Middle East) went on TV to say that Netanyahu was out of control, has no strategic-plan and is causing chaos. 'While we welcome his sudden change of stance, he ignored us for MONTHS and is complicit in the genocide in Gaza. Protest starts NOW.' A Dorset Police spokesperson said: 'Officers attended the scene and liaised with the organisers to ensure people could exercise their right to protest legally and safely without causing significant or ongoing serious public disorder, serious damage or serious disruption to the community.' The author then added: 'Bring placards, noise makers and snacks. 'YOU WILL NEED A CAR or some form of transport, to get to this location. Please speak with the community in our WhatsApp group to arrange lifts & pickups. 'We need a BIG turnout for this to have the impact we need. 'We are a community, and we will be heard. 'Save Rafah, Save Gaza!' A Dorset Police spokesperson said: 'Officers attended the scene and liaised with the organisers to ensure people could exercise their right to protest legally and safely without causing significant or ongoing serious public disorder, serious damage or serious disruption to the community. 'We respect people's right to lawful protest. However, we have a duty to ensure those involved act within the law and ensure the local community can go about their lawful activities. 'The group left the area by around 8.50pm and no arrests were made.' A 20-year-old man has died after his snowmobile collided with a downed utility line in rural Pennsylvania after a severe winter storm wrecked havoc throughout the north east. The rider, who has not been publicly identified, was fatally injured on Tuesday morning after he crashed into an utility pole in York County amid 'hazardous' travel conditions, Newberry Township Police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene. More than a foot of snow fell over parts of the north east on Tuesday after the fast-moving Nor'easter storm swept through. New England and New York City, experiencing its heaviest snowstorm in two years, were hit with winds of up to 60mph as the storm arrived, knocking the power out for many households. Over 40,000 are still without power as of Wednesday morning. The storm is also impacting travel, leaving dozens of flights within, into or out of the United States delayed or cancelled on Wednesday, according to FlightAware.com. A 20-year-old man has died after his snowmobile collided with a downed utility line in Newberry Township, Pennsylvania around 8am on Tuesday More than a foot of snow fell over parts of the north east on Tuesday after the fast-moving Nor' easter storm swept through A person clears off a sidewalk during a winter snow storm in Philadelphia on Tuesday An 11-year-old boy gets a little air time while sledding on a hill in North Attleborough, Massachusetts on Tuesday The snowmobile rider was killed in Newberry Township around 8am on Tuesday when he crashed with a downed guide wire. Police say he was travelling north on York Road when he collided into the pole. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the York County Coroner's Office. At the time of the crash, central Pennsylvania area was battling several weather related conditions due to the Nor'easter, which police say caused downed trees, downed powerlines and hazardous travel conditions. Pennsylvania State Police Department told DailyMail.com on Tuesday that troopers had responded to more than 1,200 crashes and stuck or disabled vehicles due to the storm. New Jersey State Police responded to over 440 car wrecks since 4pm. Monday and over 440 calls for services including flat tires, mechanical breakdowns and spin outs, reported NBC News. New York City experienced its heaviest snowstorm in two years on Tuesday. A yellow taxi cab, bus and other vehicles are driving along Sixth Avenue as snow falls on Tuesday A man walks on a snow covered road Tuesday during a snowfall in Hudson County, New Jersey People take pictures in Central Park after heavy snowfall in New York City. Central Park had accumulated 3.2 inches of snow by 1pm Tuesday, the most it has seen in two years A car drives past as waves crash over the seawall in Marshfield, Massachusetts on Tuesday A man takes pictures of the storm in Tappan, New York on Tuesday as the area is engulfed by snow A woman walks with an umbrella amidst heavy snowfall in Providence, Rhode Island People walk on the Mall as snow falls in Central Park, New York City on Tuesday By midday, the storm had left several regions across New England, including in Farmington, Connecticut and Sussex, New Jersey, with more than 15 inches of snow, the National Weather Service recorded. A fleet of 1,500 large snow plow trucks was dispatched in New York City on Tuesday to help salt and clear the roads. New York City's Central Park had accumulated 3.2 inches of snow by 1pm, the most it has seen in two years. John F. Kennedy International Airport accumulated 4.2 inches of snow by the early afternoon and La Guardia Airport reached 3.3 inches of snow. More than 1,000 flights were delayed from airports in New York and Boston on Tuesday, impacting travelers across the nation. As of Wednesday morning, 156 flights within, into, or out of the US have been delayed and 17 have been cancelled. Brown University students put the finishing touches on a snowman in India Point Park in Providence, Rhode Island on Tuesday People sled down a hill in Central Park on Tuesday after heavy snowfall in New York City A pedestrian walks along the road amidst heavy Tuesday snowfall in Attleboro, Massachusetts A child poses with a snowman following a Nor'easter winter storm in New York City A passer-by rides a bike on a snow-covered sidewalk in Providence, Rhode Island on Tuesday In addition to creating messy commutes, the stormed down power lines and trees, causing power outages across the north east. More than 105,000 households were left without power in Pennsylvania on Tuesday as heavy winds and snow moved along the east coast, data from PowerOutage.us revealed. More than 18,000 outages were recorded in Massachusetts and over 7,000 in New Jersey, according to the utility data collection source. As of Wednesday morning, over 46,000 Pennsylvania residents were still without power. New York and New Jersey recorded 933 and 318 outages, respectively. More than 100,000 homes and businesses in Victoria are still without power, more than 24 hours after savage storms destroyed transmission towers and shut down a power station. Many shopkeepers, cafe owners and butchers were forced to throw out thousands of dollars worth of produce after they had no electricity to power their refrigerators on Wednesday. It is one of the largest power outages in Victorian history and could take weeks to fully restore. Most affected properties are in in eastern and north-eastern Victoria and the outer eastern and north of Melbourne. As of 10pm Wednesday, 103,646 customers remained without power, with almost 2,500 of them power dependent customers, meaning that they life support equipment such as a ventilator or a kidney dialysis machine. Bek Hamer and TJ Rainczuk who run the White Wolf Cafe in Belgrave, in Melbourne's east, told A Current Affair they have lost $7,000 worth of stock. Bek Hamer and TJ Rainczuk (pictured) who run the White Wolf Cafe in Belgrave, in Melbourne 's east, told A Current Affair they have lost $7,000 worth of stock 'We've lost everything perishable. So milk eggs, ham, bacon, any of our meats, chicken, cream, over $1,00 worth of Twisted Sister gelato , our Superkick Smoothies - we lost close to a grand worth of those as well,' Ms Hamer said. The pair, who have only been running the cafe for little over a year, said they could not even donate their food because it had gone off in the hot weather. 'It sucks that we're losing money but that fact we're just throwing food in the bin, that really kills me,' Ms Hamer added. Butcher Stuart Hamilton who works at nearby Bills of Belgrave said he expected to lose around $20,000. 'It's going to take us weeks to get back to full production again,' he said. Elsewhere, Luckee Kholi, owner of Mulgrave IGA in Melbourne's south east, said he had to dump $150,000 worth of stock. 'It's a disaster. I've been here for 20 years and I've never seen anything like this,' Mr Kholi told the program. While many cafes and shops simply closed, one pharmacist remained open with staff using flashlights on their phone and storing medicines in the fridge at home. Luckee Kholi (pictured), owner of Mulgrave IGA in Melbourne's south east had to dump $150,000 worth of stock It is one of the largest power outages in Victorian history and could take weeks to fully fix (pictured: a shop is forced to close) 'A lot of people need urgent medication so we have to sat open,' the pharmacy manager said. Premier Jacinta Allan confirmed on Tuesday a 50-year-old dairy farmer in South Gippsland had lost his life when he was struck by a shed roof that had blown off in Tuesday's monster storm. Hundreds of power poles and lines were downed and six transmission towers near Anakie collapsed on Tuesday, sending all four units at the Loy Yang A power station offline. More than half a million Victorians were without power at the peak of Tuesday's wild weather. Victorian energy minister Lily D'Ambrosio said that Ausnet had been 'hit the hardest'. The wild weather pulled down powerlines and cut power to over 500,000 homes across the state which could take weeks to fix (pictured, fallen powerlines) '25 per cent of Ausnets network has been damaged, making it the worst event in their history,' Ms D'Ambrosio tweeted on Wednesday evening. 'Ausnet have over 8,000km of lines to inspect and hope to complete this work tonight. 'At that point, theyll have a better understanding of how long it will take to restore power to each area.' Loy Yang A, a coal-fired plant in the Latrobe Valley to the state's east, generates about 30 per cent of Victoria's power. The station's owner, AGL confirmed two units have returned to service as of Wednesday morning. Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Federation Security Council, has sent a congratulatory letter to the President of the Azerbaijan Republic, Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The letter reads: "His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Ilham Heydarovich. I sincerely congratulate you on your landslide victory in the early presidential election in the Republic of Azerbaijan. The results of the voting is a clear evidence of the recognition of your services to Azerbaijan and the unequivocal support for the course you pursue to increase the welfare of the population and enhance the international reputation of the country. Your personal contribution to the improvement of great cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan can hardly be overestimated. I am sure that the comprehensive expansion of allied interaction meets the interests of our peoples and help strengthen the security in the South Caucasus and Caspian region. Dear Ilham Heydarovich, I wish you new success, as well as prosperity and progress to the Azerbaijani people. Best regards, Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russian Federation" A Peruvian nurse sliced her boyfriend's penis off with a kitchen knife as he slept following a heated row over his alleged infidelity, according to reports. The healthcare worker, named locally as Marleni Rimarachin Colunche, is said to have carried out the bloody attack on Ivan Cespedes, her partner of four years. The couple, both aged 39, worked together at the same hospital, where Ms Colunche took the injured biologist after the attack last weekend. She reportedly claimed that her partner's injuries had been self-inflicted, which he was able to deny despite being barely conscious. Authorities in the city of Chota, northern Peru, said they are investigating, and that the suspect has been bailed to take care of the couple's three-month old baby. The healthcare worker, named locally as Marleni Rimarachin Colunche, is said to have carried out the bloody attack on Ivan Cespedes, her partner of four years The victim was reportedly transferred to a health centre in Chiclayo and then onto a hospital in the capital Lima 'We are awaiting the results of the investigation to determine the motive and circumstances of the events,' Darinka Lossio, a prosecutor said of the attack. Local media, citing police reports, said that the alleged attacker had argued with her partner after he returned home drunk, believing he had been unfaithful. She then allegedly attacked him in a jealous rage after he fell asleep. 'He had a traumatic amputation, he has been given medical care and will receive psychiatric support,' a medical source said. 'We are outraged, we want justice. My nephew's penis was cut off,' the man's uncle told local media. Mr Cespedes, a father-of-five, was reportedly transferred to a health centre in Chiclayo and then onto a hospital in the capital Lima 'due to the complexity of his injuries'. He is expected to have reconstructive surgery. The story echoes the world's most famous tale of penile amputation, when Ecuador-born Lorena Bobbitt cut off her husband's member as he slept, after he raped her, in the United States in 1993. A judge who has visited Albania three times has questioned why so many of its people leave their 'beautiful' and 'stunning' country to come to the UK illegally and deal drugs. Judge Ian Lawrie KC, the Recorder of Gloucester Crown Court, made his comments on a day when he dealt with three Albanian illegal immigrants in separate drug supply cases. An Albanian interpreter was kept busy at the court throughout the day translating for the three offenders who had supplied cocaine in different parts of Gloucestershire. Sentencing the last of them, Erijon Melani, to 20 months imprisonment for cocaine supply in Cheltenham, the judge told him 'I have been to your country three times in the last 40 years. It is a very beautiful country. 'I know it's got its problems - but there are fewer problems than when I last visited it. 'It's a stunning country with stunning people - and the food was good - so why on earth you want to come here I do not understand.' Judge Ian Lawrie KC, the Recorder of Gloucester Crown Court, made his comments on a day when he dealt with three Albanian illegal immigrants in separate drug supply cases Erijon Melani was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment for cocaine supply in Cheltenham The judge described Albania as a stunning country with stunning people (stock image) The judge told Melani that after serving half his prison term he would be deported home to Albania. After Melani had left the dock to be taken back down to the cells the judge added 'I don't know why Albania isn't a bigger tourist atttraction. Fantastic beaches and beautiful mountains.' Melani, 24, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply in Cheltenham on 17 January this year and acquiring/using/possessing criminal property. Prosecutor Rhianna Fricker said police followed a Vauxhall Insignia in the town after receiving intelligence that it was involved in drug dealing. As the car passed Cheltenham Fire Station the police saw the driver throw a black sock out of the window. It was retrieved by another officer and found to contain resealable bags with a white substance in them. Analysis later revealed it to be 14.2grams of cocaine with a street value of 1,120. Meanwhile, the Insignia car was stopped and Melani was the only occupant. He was searched and found to have 295-56 cash on him. Lloyd Jenkins, defending, said 'It is the same sad tale we hear each and every time in these cases. View of the people sitting in a street cafe at the pedestrian street in the morning in the old town, in Shkoder, Albania The main city promenade and a public beach in Saranda, Albania Sunbathers enjoy the weather on Dhermi Beach in the south of Albania 'Regrettably drugs cause misery not just for users but also for those who get caught up in supplying them. 'The defendant is a 24-year-old Albanian who arrived in the UK in August 2022. He came in response to a promise of work and a better life. 'He tells me the work turned out to be irregular and he began to struggle without any benefits or a regular income. 'He was living with friend but that person was deported prior to my client's arrest. 'My client was then without work or stable accommodation. He was desperate. He ended up living in a car - a car that was bought for him by people who then demanded that he supply drugs for them in return. 'He felt he had very little choice at all in the matter. 'He is in the UK illegally and after serving his term of imprisonment he is most likely to be deported.' Judge Lawrie sentenced Melani to 20 months jail for cocaine supply and six months concurrently for possession of criminal property. He ordered forfeiture and destruction of the drugs, confiscation of the money seized from Melani and also ordered him to pay a 187 surcharge. Emiljan Gjergji, 26, of Walthamstow, London pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and driving while disqualified in Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, on January 18 Martin Ndreca pleaded guilty to to being concerned in the supply of cocaine in Gloucestershire between 18 July 2022 and 11 July 2023 Also appearing before Judge Lawrie on the same day were Albanians Emiljan Gjergji, 26, of Walthamstow, London, and Martin Ndreca, 24, of no fixed address. Gjergji pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine with intent to supply and driving while disqualified in Park Road, in Nailsworth, near Stroud, Gloucestershire, on January 18, 2024. He was jailed for a total of 20 months and told he will be deported when he he has served half his sentence. Ndreca pleaded guilty to to being concerned in the supply of cocaine in Gloucestershire between July 18, 2022 and July 11, 2023. He also admitted possession of cocaine with intent to supply between November 28 and November 30, 2022 and again on July 10, 2023. He was remanded in custody to await sentence after a trial of issue is held to determine the extent of his involvement with the drug gang he was working for. He has disputed that he played a 'leading role' in drug supply - as the prosecution allege - and claims that he a 'lesser' or 'significant' role. A top UN official declared that 'a million Gazans are staring death in the face' and warned catastrophic human consequences could occur should Israel press on with an assault on the city of Rafah to root out Hamas. Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths said the Palestinian people have been subjected to an 'assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope' following months of incessant bombing by Israel's Defence Forces. But now he believes an Israeli invasion of Rafah - a town in the southern Gaza Strip where huge numbers of Palestinians have fled to escape Tel-Aviv's bombing campaigns - would 'leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at death's door' and lead to a 'slaughter'. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently vowed that his forces would achieve 'total victory' over Hamas and believes several militant leaders are holed up in the city. Mediators are now racing to secure a pause to the fighting before Israel proceeds with its full-scale ground incursion into Rafah. Before the war the city was home to some 250,000 people, but there are now thought to be up to 1.2 million Palestinians trapped there with 'nowhere safe to go', according to Griffiths. The Hamas attack that launched the war resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel, mostly civilians. But least 28,473 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel's response, according to the Hamas run Gaza health ministry. Destruction following an Israeli military operation in Al Bureije refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, 13 February 2024. More than 28,300 Palestinians and over 1,300 Israelis have been killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), since Hamas militants launched an attack against Israel from the Gaza Strip on 07 October 2023 Smoke billows during Israeli bombardment over Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on February 12, 2024 amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group A view of destruction at UNRWA headquarters in Gaza Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, has warned that dire human consequences would occur should Israel invade Rafah Destruction following an Israeli military operation in Al Bureije refugee camp, southern Gaza Strip, 13 February 2024 Displaced Palestinians who fled their houses due tor Israeli strikes take shelter in a tent camp, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 13, 2024 Palestinians migrate to the middle parts of Gaza after attacks on Rafah intensify in Gaza on February 13, 2024 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at a press conference at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on Feb. 7, 2024 A team of international negotiations met in Cairo yesterday to begin talks in a last ditch effort to avoid mass casualties and hash out a ceasefire. And today a Hamas source told AFP that a delegation was headed to the Egyptian capital to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators, after Israeli negotiators held talks with the mediators on Tuesday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, an outspoken critic of Israel's conduct of the Gaza war, was also due in Cairo Wednesday for talks with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. CIA Director William Burns had joined Tuesday's talks with David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, which Egyptian media said had been mostly 'positive'. US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby described the negotiations as 'constructive and moving in the right direction', but there was no expectation that a deal was close to being reached. A separate proposal thrashed out with Israeli negotiators in Paris late last month has also gone back and forth, but is yet to come to fruition. Hamas officials meanwhile told reporters that they 'are awaiting the outcome of the Cairo meetings, and Hamas is open to discussing any initiative that achieves an end to aggression and war'. In the meantime, the potential for mass civilian casualties in the event of an Israeli attack on Rafah has triggered urgent appeals, even from close allies, for Israel to hold off sending troops into the last major population centre they have yet to enter in the four-month war. Key ally the United States has said it will not back any ground operation in Rafah without a 'credible plan' for protecting civilians. Rafah is the main entry point for desperately needed relief supplies and UN agencies have warned of a humanitarian disaster if an assault goes ahead. Terrified civilians have been locked in a desperate search for safety. 'My three children were injured, where can I go?' Dana Abu Chaaban asked at the city's border crossing with Egypt, where she was hoping to be allowed across with her bandaged-up sons. Pressure has grown on Egypt to open its border to Palestinian civilians, hundreds of thousands of whom have sought shelter in makeshift camps by the border where they face outbreaks of hepatitis and diarrhoea and a scarcity of food and water. But it remains closed to Gazans. A displaced Palestinian child who fled her house due to Israeli strikes holds a crying baby, as they take shelter in a tent camp amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 13 , 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden delivers remarks, at a press conference with Jordan's King Abdullah following their meeting, at the White House in Washington, U.S., February 12, 2024 A Palestinian man looks at the site of an Israeli strike on a mosque, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 12, 2024. Israeli soldiers drive a tank on the border with the Gaza Strip, in southern Israel, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024 Buildings lie in ruin in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, as seen from Israel, February 13, 2024 This combination of pictures shows (L to R) CIA Director William Burns, Israel's Mossad Director David Barnea and Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani 'For 100 days we enter the crossing and beg them to let us cross, or to do anything to help us,' Habiba Nakhala said. US President Joe Biden has said civilians in Rafah 'need to be protected', calling them 'exposed and vulnerable' following a meeting with Jordan's King Abdullah II. Abdullah also pushed for a full ceasefire to end the four-month-old war. 'We cannot afford an Israeli attack on Rafah. It is certain to produce another humanitarian catastrophe,' he said. 'We need a lasting ceasefire now.' But Biden's caution comes as a mammoth aid package that earmarks $14billion to support Israel's war in Gaza was approved by the US Senate. Two-thirds of the $90billion package is destined for Ukraine to support President Zelensky's armed forces amid their ongoing war with Russia, and a further $10billion will be set aside for humanitarian aid to Gaza. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives, controlled by the Republican party, which is expected to put up resistance after several prominent Republican lawmakers criticised the package. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has said 'complete victory' cannot be achieved without the elimination of Hamas's last battalions in Rafah, suggesting Tel-Aviv's troops intend to forge on with the planned military operation into the city. As the truce talks go on in Cairo, the Israeli military has kept up its bombardment of Gaza. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory said Wednesday that 104 people had been killed overnight. Late Tuesday, the military released a video it said was from a security camera and showed Gaza's Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar and family members escaping through a tunnel days after the October 7 attack that launched the war. 'The hunt will not stop until he is captured alive or dead,' Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari told reporters. Black and white images (one pictured above), reportedly taken on October 10, show a man said to be Sinwar being led through a tunnel together with a woman and three children are said to be the first of him since the Israel-Hamas war broke out Hagari said the video (a grab of which is pictured above) had been filmed on October 10, three days after Hamas carried out an attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians Some Gazans in Rafah were already packing up their belongings in readiness to move but others vowed to stay put, fearing even greater misery in the bombed out hometowns they fled. Ahlam Abu Assi said she 'would rather die' in Rafah than return to the famine-like conditions facing relatives who stayed in Gaza City. 'My son and his children have nothing to eat. They cook a handful of rice and save it for the next day,' she told AFP. 'My grandson cries from hunger.' Around 130 of an estimated 250 people taken hostage by Palestinian militants during the attack are believed to remain in Gaza. Israel says 29 of them are presumed dead. Ahead of the Cairo truce talks, the Israeli campaign group Hostages and Missing Families Forum sent the Mossad chief a plea saying the delegation must 'not return without a deal'. Asked by reporters whether he believes the Americans among the hostages were still alive, National Security Council spokesperson Kirby said: 'We don't have any information to the contrary.' A Jewish theatregoer who was hounded out of London's Soho Theatre by a comedian because he refused to celebrate a Palestine flag has told MailOnline that the comic has 'put us in a very dangerous situation'. Liahav Eitan, who was out celebrating his 33rd birthday with a friend, was subjected to chants of 'get the f*** out' and 'free Palestine' at the end of 'absurdist' comedian Paul Currie's one-hour show at the central London theatre on Saturday. The shocking incident took place in front of around 200 people when Currie unfurled a Ukraine flag and then a Palestine flag before demanding the crowd give a standing ovation and clap. Audience members were left feeling 'uneasy' when he then confronted Mr Eitan and his friend because they stayed sat down. He then told them to leave his show and led pro-Palestine chants as they fled the venue across the stage. In the wake of the backlash, Soho Theatre last night banned Currie from the venue, adding that his actions were 'unacceptable and have no place on our stages'. Mr Eitan welcomed the ban and praised Soho Theatre for choosing to be 'on the right side of this'. But he told MailOnline: 'I think Paul Currie has put us in a very dangerous situation. And I'd like to see what the police thinks about that behaviour.' Liahav Eitan (pictured) was 'hounded out' of London's Soho Theatre by comedian Paul Currie Paul Currie, who is accused of encouraging a crowd at his show to chant 'get the f*** out' and 'free Palestine', performing at a separate gig in Belfast in 2013 Mr Eitan previously told MailOnline how he feared that Currie was going to 'punch' him and that he was left terrified by the 'mob mentality' of the crowd. Soho Theatre has said it would not tolerate 'intimidation of audience members, acts of antisemitism or any other forms of racism' and it is now working with the Campaign Against Antisemitism to speak to any affected audience members. Currie's next performance in Glasgow on March 15 could also be at risk, with The Stand Comedy Club confirming that it was 'reviewing the situation'. Speaking about the comedian's ban from the Soho Theatre, Mr Eitan said: 'For me it's not about punishment. I don't have a vendetta against Paul Currie. I think that any venue booking him should should have clear answers about how they can keep the audience safe from this guy. 'I think given what Soho Theatre just experienced, he seems to be a liability.' Currie has yet to comment on the incident and appeared to double down on his alleged behaviour by posting a pro-Palestine poster to his Instagram story yesterday. He also shared praise for his incendiary routine on Monday. Mr Eitan continued: 'I think that's very telling. I think if he was remorseful, if he thought that he was in the wrong, then he would have said so publicly. 'I think the fact that he's hiding is very telling about how he sees this situation differently. I imagine that he thinks he's the victim.' Mr Eitan does not believe this incident has ended yet and believes that further action should be taken. He told MailOnline: 'I'd like for there to be a price for such a behaviour. But I don't have any specific plans.' Soho Theatre, where the incident occurred, has said the under fire comedian will not be invited back to perform at the venue Soho Theatre said in a statement last night: 'Soho Theatre will not tolerate intimidation of audience members due to their nationality, race, religion or beliefs. 'On Saturday evening, following the end of Paul Currie's show Shtoom, Jewish members of the audience were subjected to verbal abuse and the performer aggressively demanding they leave the theatre. 'Such appalling actions are unacceptable and have no place on our stages, now or ever. We will not be inviting Paul Currie back to perform at our venue. 'Whilst we robustly support the right of artists to express a wide range of views in their shows, intimidation of audience members, acts of antisemitism or any other forms of racism will not be tolerated at Soho Theatre. 'We are continuing our investigation, discussing the incident with that evening's audience and consulting with the police. 'We are working with the Campaign Against Antisemitism to meet with members of the audience who were affected. 'We are taking professional advice to safeguard the much-valued inclusivity of Soho Theatre.' Mr Eitan told MailOnline: 'I'm very glad they [Soho Theatre] decided to be on the right side of this. I think they they did the right thing. 'The response also mentioned that they are working with the Campaign Against Antisemitism to reach out to members of the audience. 'I can confirm that they have reached out to me through Campaign Against Antisemitism, and I'm looking forward to meeting with them and seeing how the security procedures there can can be improved.' Following the shocking scenes at the theatre, which is a former synagogue, a Met Police spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are aware of the incident that took place at the Soho Theatre on Saturday evening. 'We understand why it was upsetting for those involved and we note the venue has issued a statement confirming they are looking into what took place. A report was submitted to police on Monday and enquiries are ongoing.' A statement posted on by Soho Theatre following the incident on Saturday The under-fire comedian was at a pro-Palestine march hours before the show on Saturday Speaking exclusively to MailOnline on Monday, Mr Eitan, who moved from Israel to London five years ago, said: 'I don't think theatres should book this person [Currie]. He seemed violent and dangerous.' Paul Currie: Absurdist comedian from Belfast who featured on BBC's Live At The Electric Belfast-born Currie began his career as a street performer and has become known for his absurdist comedy, having been doing stand-up gigs for the past 20 years. He featured in BBC Three comedy show Live At The Electric in 2013 and debuted at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2009. Currie is also a so-called 'muppeteer', having performed and voiced puppets on children's shows such as Jim Henson's Pajanimals and Sesame Tree, the Northern Irish adaptation of Sesame Street. He is described as having 'carved himself a reputation since 2004 as an uncompromising alternative comedian in the UK, Ireland, Australia and Europe building up a loyal fan base with his unique style of genre breaking stand-up'. Currie has a degree from Belfast School of Art in visual communications and previously taught at Circusful - formerly known as Belfast Community Circus School. Advertisement The software engineer, whose seats were behind Currie, added: 'The only way out was through the stage. We had to actually get on the stage quite close to him - and I was quite afraid that he'd throw a punch because he was still cursing and shouting. 'He got out his Palestine flag again and shouted "motherf***er you'll have to watch it again on your way out".' Mr Eitan and his friend fled from the Soho Theatre to Bloomsbury in a bid to move away from the venue, where the crowd were spilling out and some of them were giving them 'unfriendly glances'. He continued: 'From the audience, we were mostly scared. We wanted to get out of the of the situation. It seemed like a bit of a mob mentality that could go sour any second. 'So we were just afraid of violence. That's why we didn't linger right? We just wanted to get out of there.' Mr Eitan added: '[We were] mostly scared about how that room might turn against us. From the comedian, I didn't feel any sort of way like I thought it really reflected on him rather than on us.' Recalling how the night unfolded, Mr Eitan explained how he and his friend had booked last-minute tickets to see Currie because they had time to kill before a birthday dinner at 9.30pm. Mr Eitan said that while the show was 'bizarre', everything was fine until Currie unfurled the flags and asked the audience to stand up. He said he didn't believe it was fair to compare the Palestine and Ukraine conflicts but he just stayed sat and didn't do anything. The incident comes amid heightened tensions as the Israel-Hamas conflict rages on. A post shared to Paul Currie's Instagram story on Tuesday morning Currie shared praise from another comedian who thanked him for 'unapologetically calling for a ceasefire now' Mr Eitan continued: 'If I was closer to the door, maybe I would have left at that stage. But as it was, I just waited five minutes for the for the show to end. 'When it ended, a lot of the people got up and clapped. There was a bit of a standing ovation there and me and my friends just stayed sat down quietly and not clapping. EXCLUSIVE READ MORE Met Police could launch investigation into Soho Theatre after Jewish audience member was 'hounded out' by comedian Paul Currie - as comic shares praise for his incendiary routine online Advertisement 'I didn't mean to make any point of it right? I just didn't really enjoy that bit.' Currie, who often shares pro-Palestine content on social media, is then said to have shown his appreciation to the crowd for coming before sarcastically thanking Mr Eitan and his friend for not standing up and clapping. Mr Eitan said that Currie 'lingered' on them for around five to ten seconds until he responded: 'Thank you for that Palestine flag'. Currie then seemed 'quite taken aback' and asked Mr Eitan if he was being sarcastic. 'Then he said something like, "Okay, well, you're welcome. You're welcome for the Palestine flag. It was part of the show." 'And then he came back to me again and said, "Did you enjoy the show?" I said, "Yes, up until that point". And he said, "Ah up until that point". 'Then he just turns back to me and starts screaming, 'I'm from Belfast. I know everything about ceasefires. Ceasefire now, get the f*** out of my theatre. Get out, get the f*** out of my show, motherf***ers.' Mr Eitan said he then asked his friend if they should grab their things and go before they calmly attempted to leave. 'Unfortunately, when the entire crowd was still inside, the only way out was through the stage,' he added. Coming close with the comedian on stage, Mr Eitan said Currie started a 'public chant of 'ceasefire now, and free Palestine' as he 'tried to incite the crowd'. He added: 'I didn't look at him on the way out. We just left.' In another post to his story, Currie shared a tweet by comedian Frankie Boyle on the Israel-Palestine conflict Mr Eitan said Currie should 'certainly' be reprimanded for his 'unreasonable and unprofessional behaviour'. Yesterday Currie seemingly doubled down on his alleged behaviour by posting a pro-Palestine poster to his Instagram story this morning. It read: 'I will not quietly nor politely sit and make house within the depravity of this killing machine'. He also reposted praise from another comic last night which said: 'Thanks @paulcurriecomedian for an amazing show on Saturday and for unapologetically calling for a ceasefire now.' In another post to his story, he shared images of injured children on a stretcher with the caption, 'ceasefire now!' which is one of the phrases he is accused of shouting at Mr Eitan. It also has emerged that audience members at a previous show in Australia claimed he verbally abused and evicted them after they refused to drink an unknown liquid. Currie is claimed to have tried to force people attending the Adelaide Fringe in 2016 to drink from a glass - which he said contained soy milk - before they declined. A spokesperson for Campaign Against Antisemitism said: 'What the Jewish audience-members have recounted is atrocious, and we are working with them and our lawyers to ensure that those who instigated and enabled it are held to account. 'These allegations are of deeply disturbing discriminatory abuse against Jews. Comedians are rightly given broad latitude, but hounding Jews out of theatres is reminiscent of humanity's darkest days, and must have no place in central London in 2024.' The Israel-Hamas conflict was sparked by the Palestinian terror group's October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians. The Hamas-ruled territory's health ministry says Israel's offensive has killed at least 28,340 people in Gaza, mostly women and children. Paul Currie has not responded to MailOnline's requests for comment. A daughter who was left out of her father's 1million will says his new wife who was 39 years his junior was after 'one thing - his estate'. Jill Langley says her father Robert Harrington was lured into a 'predatory marriage' by his 54-year-old carer Guixiang Qin and lacked full 'testamentary capacity' to cut his only child out of his will. The 94-year-old, of Kings Lynn in Norfolk, died in May 2020 - just 11 months after marrying Mrs Qin and two months after changing his will to leave his entire fortune estimated to be around 1million to his new bride. Mrs Langley, whose mother Eileen died in January 2018, says her parents both 'idolised' her and shared a 'close and loving relationship' with before their deaths and accused Mrs Qin of exerting undue influence on her ailing father in order to pocket his fortune. Mrs Langley claimed that her father was unable to pronounce his bride's name and in such poor physical shape in his advanced years that he was 'unable to even stand for a photo on his wedding day'. Robert Harrington (left) died in May 2020 aged 94, just 11 months after marrying his carer Guixiang Qin Jill Langley, 70, (pictured outside court) was removed from her father's will before his death and claims Mrs Qin lured into a 'predatory marriage' to take his money Mrs Qin denies she was merely a carer and insists that Mr Harrington proposed after they embarked on 'a loving and sexual relationship,' leaving her everything because he 'wanted to look after her'. Speaking at Central London County Court, Mrs Langley told the judge, Recorder Robert McAllister: 'What would a 54-year-old woman see in a man of 93 who could have died the day after their marriage? There's only one thing and that was his estate.' But lawyers for Ms Qin cross-examining her claimed Mr Harrington and his daughter were already effectively estranged by the time Mrs Qin came on the scene having suffered a 'total breakdown in relations'. Mrs Langley was challenged about her relationship with her eccentric and volatile father in his later years, who the court heard had installed TV surveillance cameras and 'fortifications' in his home at North Farm, Gayton Road, Kings Lynn, to the point where it was 'almost like Fort Knox'. Ms Qin's barrister, Richard Buston quizzed her about her relationship with Mr Harrington, focusing on his behaviour following the death of Mrs Langley's mother and his wife of 66 years in January 2018 - after which she said her father became increasingly quick-tempered. Mrs Langley, who had helped her father build up and run his thriving butcher's business, said she received an 'awful letter' soon after her mother's funeral in which he bizarrely accused her of stealing a family photo album. Soon afterwards things fell completely silent between her and Mr Harrington, she told the court, adding: 'within a couple of weeks everything went dead. It was as if he didn't exist. Everything was locked up and you couldn't get in and out'. 'So you are saying that he cut you out?' asked Mr Buston. 'I don't think he cut me out but I think he was very lonely and vulnerable. He was getting these paranoid delusions.' But lawyers for Mrs Qin (pictured outside court) deny the allegations, and insist Mr Harrington left her everything because he 'wanted to look after her' The former home of Robert Harrington in Gayton Road, Kings Lynn, where the 94-year-old is said to have lived a secluded life since the death of his wife in 2018 Lawyers for Mrs Langley claim her father's last will favouring Mrs Qin stemmed from 'undue influence', that he lacked full testamentary capacity and could not 'know and approve' his last will due to his pronounced mental frailty and great age. But Mrs Qin has brushed aside claims that this was a 'predatory marriage', insisting through her lawyers that theirs was a 'loving' relationship, that Mr Harrington was deeply fond of her and had made clear that he wanted to look after her. Mr Buston, claimed Mr Harrington and his daughter were effectively estranged by the time Mrs Qin came on the scene having suffered a 'total breakdown in relations'. But Mrs Langley said she had done her utmost to help both her parents in their final years, visiting regularly to clean and cook for them although it became increasingly hard to care for her mother due to her advanced dementia. She had also previously given up her job to step in and help her parents run the family butchers' business, doing so for 20 years and boosting its coffers through her 'hard work and innovation'. She had always understood that she would ultimately inherit everything - not least because of the commitment she made to the business, said Mrs Langley. 'He made a constant promise that it would be mine one day,' she told the court, adding that her father had resented her leaving home to marry as he 'wanted me at home'. But Mrs Qin's barrister highlighted a letter penned by Mr Harrington before his death in which he allegedly told his daughter: 'We are totally finished and your family will get nothing from my will. I married last year and my new wife loves me and I love her. We are looking after each other'. Central London County Court where Mr Harrington' s daughter Jill Langley, 70, has brought her claim against Mr Qin Mrs Langley said she never received this letter. Mr Buston also suggested that Mrs Langley could have no way of knowing what went on between her father and his new bride despite her accusing Mrs Qin of setting up a 'predatory marriage'. 'You didn't have contact with your father during the period that she knew and married your father so you cannot say anything.' 'Yes I can,' insisted Mrs Langley, explaining that in his declining years her father would approach 'strangers in the street' and tell them how much cash he had. 'He would tell people what he had and how much money he had,' she said, explaining that her father was 'open to abuse'. Mr Buston replied: 'The bottom line is that you are a little bit aggrieved that you will not stand to inherit anything if this last will stands.' 'I'm not aggrieved,' insisted Mrs Langley. 'I have done what I thought is right, I worked all these years for mum and dad loyally and lovingly and not for monetary gain, but for love and on the understanding that it would all be mine one day. 'What would a 54-year-old woman see in a man of 93 who could have died the day after their marriage? 'There's only one thing and that was his estate.' The trial continues. The charity watchdog has opened a statutory inquiry into an Islamic community centre after chants of 'death to Israel' were heard at an event commemorating a notorious Iranian commander who was killed in a US airstrike. Footage showed people shouting the offensive slogan as they gathered at the Kanoon Towhid Islamic centre in West London to remember General Qasem Soleimani - who served Iran's Islamist regime until he was killed by a drone in 2020. The Charity Commission said it was investigating 'serious concerns over the misuse of charity premises' due to 'anti-Semitic chants' at the event. Trustees of the Al-Tawheed (TUCF) Charitable Trust, which owns and operates the Kanoon Towhid, have said they were not in office at the time. Kasra Aarabi, director of IRGC research at the US-based campaign group United Against Nuclear Iran, obtained videos from the event in January 2020 which were originally shared with the BBC. Footage showed people shouting 'death to Israel' as they gathered at the Kanoon Towhid Islamic centre in West London to remember General Qasem Soleimani Soleimani - pictured in 2015 - was blown up in his motorcade by a Reaper drone missile outside Baghdad airport in 2020 in a strike ordered by Donald Trump Chants of 'death to Israel' can be heard on the footage, although it is unclear who was saying them. The Charity Commission said the Al-Tawheed (TUCF) Charitable Trust described the event as a 'religious remembrance programme' for Soleimani. READ MORE - The British mosques where speakers 'are fanning flames of hatred and division' Advertisement It said it was organised by a third party and not the charity itself. Soleimani was blown up in his motorcade by a Reaper drone missile outside Baghdad airport in 2020 in a strike ordered by Donald Trump after intelligence revealed he was planning attacks on American soldiers in Iraq. He headed the Quds Force, the shadowy operations arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, with links to jihadists in Iraq, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Syria and Yemen. He also led the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), one of the most powerful paramilitary organisations in the Middle East - and currently the subject of US and UK sanctions. The Charity Commission said in a statement: 'Through reviewing video footage provided to the regulator, the Charity Commission is aware that speakers praised Soleimani and could hear anti-Semitic chants being made during the event.' The watchdog said it 'has significant concerns about these matters and will be examining what controls the charity has in place for events and external speakers'. Two cars on fire at Baghdad airport following the 2020 strike that killed Soleimani Separate footage obtained by United Against Nuclear Iran shows online talks by Iranian generals which were screened at the Kanoon Towhid Islamic centre in September 2020 and January 2021. Two were live-streamed speeches by former and active IRGC commanders describing an apocalyptic war on Jews. These are already being investigated by the Charity Commission. One recording, a livestream from Iran in September 2020, featured IRGC commander Hossein Yekta, who said universities had become 'the battlefront'. Another recording, filmed in January 2021 and seen by the BBC, sees former IRGC commander Gen Saeed Ghasemi comparing Soleimani's death to the Hollywood film Terminator 2. He also claimed the Holocaust was 'a lie and a fake' and described an apocalyptic war that the British students could join to 'bring an end to the life of the oppressors and occupiers, Zionists and Jews across the world'. The notorious general was seen as the second most powerful person in Iran and commanded the Quds Force He added: 'God willing, myself and you good students in Europe will be written in the beautiful list of the soldiers of the resistance from tonight.' Chair of the foreign affairs committee Alicia Kearns MP described the videos as a 'brazen act of radicalisation.' She added: 'It makes me really worried about the state of our society, everyone should be horrified by what they're seeing in those videos.' The Al-Tawheed (TUCF) Charitable Trust was contacted for comment. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is set to announce today that 'most' of the military alliance's members are on track to hit its spending target of two percent of GDP. His address comes after US presidential hopeful Donald Trump rattled NATO by threatening to encourage Russia to attack countries that are not paying enough. According to three officials cited by the Financial Times, Stoltenberg will say 18 out of NATO's 31 members will meet the spending target this year, up from 11 in 2023. However, that still leaves 13 members states not meeting the target, and thus reliant on those that do - such as the US and UK - despite rising fears of Russian aggression against NATO's eastern boundary and Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. In fact, NATO figures show that it is the smaller, eastern European economies - those that are closer to Russia's borders - who are paying well above the two percent target, while the likes of Germany, France, Italy and Spain fall short. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg is set to announce today that 'most' of the military alliance's members are on track to hit its spending target of two percent of GDP. Pictured: A graphic showing which NATO countries in Europe are spending over the two percent GDP target, based on 2023 NATO figures Trump, the Republican White House frontrunner, was widely rebuked after saying he would not defend NATO members who had not met their financial obligations, in his most extreme broadside yet against the organisation. His comments in a Saturday stump speech drew condemnation from leaders including US President Joe Biden - whom he looks set to face in November's election - and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz warned that casting doubt on NATO's collective defence guarantee which has safeguarded Europe since World War II was 'irresponsible and dangerous' as Germany broke ground on a new munitions factory. But his comments also appear to have rattled NATO into a response. Ahead of a meeting of defence ministers, Stoltenberg is due to unveil new estimates showing the number of NATO allies reaching the military spending target of two percent of GDP has almost doubled since last year. While this suggests spending is moving in the right direction, it has been almost a decade since 2014 when NATO set a target for members to spend two percent of their GDP on defence in response to Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. Then, during his time as president, Trump railed against Washington's NATO allies to pressure them to spend more on defence - perhaps in an attempt to east Europe's reliance on the US. He has claimed credit for increased spending. Figures shared by the Financial Times do suggest he is right to, with 2017 to 2020 seeing the highest annual real change in spending by NATO's European members and Canada - more than any other year from 2011. That is until 2023. But it was Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 that served as the true wake-up call for European countries and saw NATO turn the two-percent figure into a minimum requirement. The Financial Times figures show that overall NATO spending rose sharply in 2023 in the wake of Putin's invasion of Ukraine - more than any year since 2011. NATO is expected to announced 18 members are meeting the target, which still leaves 13 members states not meeting the target, and thus reliant on those that do - such as the US and UK - despite rising fears of Russian aggression against NATO's eastern boundary and Vladimir Putin 's invasion of Ukraine. Pictured: Military vehicles are loaded on to a ship on February 13 to join NATO allies for the Steadfast Defender exercise Military vehicles are loaded on to the ship Anvil Point at Sea Mounting Centre, on February 13, 2024 in Marchwood before setting off to the Steadfast Defender exercise Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales sets sail from Portsmouth Harbour to lead the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War, involving more than 40 vessels, February 12 However, according to estimates from July last year, only 11 of the 31 NATO countries were on track to meet the two percent GDP defence spending target in 2023. Those members were Poland, the United States - which contributed 3.9% and 3.49% respectively - Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Romania, Hungary, Latvia, Britain and Slovakia, which just tipped the threshold at 2.03%. Yet France and Germany, two of EU's economic heavyweights and founding members of the alliance, both missed the mark at 1.9% and a measly 1.57% respectively. Key players, such as Germany, have ramped up their defence spending and are expected to meet the target this year, and German officials were quick to point out they expect to meet the two percent target this year, partly thanks to a special 1-billion-euro fund established in response to Russia's war in Ukraine. And despite not meeting the two percent defence spending mark, Germany remains Ukraine's second biggest weapons contributor, and Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been vocal in pushing other EU nations to give more. Others that are geographically on Russia's doorstep, such as Poland, have shown more urgency. In fact, figures show all NATO countries that border either Ukraine, Belarus or Russia itself - Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Hungary and Romania - are believed to be exceeding the two percent spending target. Countries who are further away from Russia, such as Italy, Spain, Belgium and Portugal, are estimated to be spending less than the two percent. The lowest spenders as a share of national GDP were Spain, Belgium and Luxembourg, at just 1.26%, 1.26% and 0.72% respectively, according to NATO figures. Given Luxembourg's miniscule size and resources compared to other NATO countries, it is not expected to meet the same requirements. Iceland meanwhile isn't included in the list, because it doesn't have its own military despite being a founding NATO member. The security bloc is also set to expand to 32 countries in the near future, with Sweden awaiting ratification of its application amid obstacles presented by Hungary's Viktor Orban. Sweden is believed to spend over the two percent target. Sweden's foreign minister said on Wednesday that he expects that Hungary will soon approve the Swedish NATO membership application. 'We welcome that Turkey has completed its ratification process, and expect Hungary to follow shortly,' Tobias Billstrom said in a speech to parliament. US presidential hopeful Donald Trump (pictured on February 10) rattled NATO by threatening to encourage Russia to attack countries that are not paying enough According to three officials cited by the Financial Times, Stoltenberg will say 18 out of NATO's 31 members will meet the spending target this year, up from 11 in 2023 The US still accounts for the vast bulk of combined defence spending by NATO members, with the might of the nuclear-armed US military acting as a key deterrent. But Trump's broadside against US allies has raised the nightmarish spectre for European officials of Washington tanking the 75-year-old alliance if he is re-elected. The increased focus on NATO spending comes as warnings swirl that Putin could look to target alliance members if Ukraine loses the war. Stoltenberg said any suggestions that allies won't defend each other 'undermines all of our security' and puts US and European soldiers at greater risk. France said Europe needs another 'life insurance' policy in addition to NATO to ensure the security of the continent. Diplomats from multiple NATO countries counter that keeping the United States on board remains fundamental to deterring the threat from Russia. But they also remain sanguine about how genuine Trump's threats are, arguing the alliance emerged from his first term unscathed. But Trump's harsh words for European NATO nations seen to be skimping on defence commitments has prompted major concern for some. Ben Hodges, the former Commanding General of US Army Europe, went as far to tell MailOnline last month that European nations would be 'sitting ducks' if Trump was to be elected in November. And this week, the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said in its annual 'Military Balance' report that the world has entered 'a highly volatile security environment', which is set to endure. The US Congress got so concerned Trump could unilaterally withdraw from NATO if he won a second term that it passed a law in December requiring the president to get a two-third majority of the Senate to do so. Others meanwhile have kept a lid on the hysteria, reasoning that Trump's polarising comments were made amid a fervent campaign for re-election months away from what promises to be one of the most hotly contested - and mean - presidential races ever. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell appealed for calm, treating Trump's comments as 'humour'. 'Let's be serious. NATO cannot be an a la carte military alliance, it cannot be a military alliance that works depending on the humour of the president of the US. 'It exists or it does not exist,' he said, adding that he was not going to keep commenting on 'any silly idea' emerging from the US presidential election campaign. While there is a focus on NATO's own defence spending, the pressing issue of support for Ukraine will also be on the table at the meeting on Wednesday. Training of Ukrainian soldiers inside tracheas at an undetermined location as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13 Ukrainian soldiers are seen training in trenches on February 13 US ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith on Tuesday pointed out that Europe has now surpassed the United States in its backing for Kyiv. The US Senate on Tuesday approved long-delayed funding for Ukraine's war effort, but the package looks set to be rejected by the Republican-led lower house. Doubts over the future of US aid come as Ukraine's forces find themselves outgunned in the face of a slow-moving Russian advance along the front line. The meeting to rally more support for Kyiv was meant to be chaired in person by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin but he was forced to cancel his trip to Brussels after being hospitalised. Meanwhile, thousands of troops and army vehicles are on their way to participate in the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War. British Army troops and vehicles were pictured on Tuesday setting off to Poland, with Armoured vehicles belonging to 7 Light Mechanised Brigade, also known as 'The Desert Rats', alongside Land Rovers, engineers' tractors and support vehicles being loaded into a 23,000-tonne cargo vessel, Anvil Point, near Southampton. Some 600 vehicles will sail from the UK, and 1,500 service personnel will fly out to join the Nato exercise called Steadfast Defender, in a demonstration of the alliance's unity and capability. The departure comes as HMS Prince of Wales, which is leading the military maritime mission, set sail for near Norway on Monday. The British warship will be at the centre of Nato exercises involving more than 20,000 UK military personnel across Scandinavia and northern Europe. Commodore James Blackmore, commander of the UK Carrier Strike Group leading the HMS Prince of Wales, said on Monday: 'The UK has an unwavering commitment to Nato and collective deterrence and defence of the Euro-Atlantic region. 'There is no better demonstration of that than HMS Prince of Wales being at the heart of the upcoming Nato maritime exercises, the largest in over 40 years.' A jilted girlfriend who lied she was pregnant with her ex-boyfriend's child and tried to frame him as a would-be mass murderer during a terrifying smear campaign has been spared jail. Jenny Keats-Rawling, 30, sent a chilling online SOS message to police wrongly pleading her life was in danger and alleging Jake Green was 'hearing voices and was wanting to kill people.' Police dispatched a patrol in a bid to to speak to Mr Green but called off their manhunt after attending at Keats-Rawling's home and discovering her message was a hoax. As part of her revenge campaign for being dumped, Keats-Rawling, from Cheadle, Greater Manchester bombarded Mr Green with more than 100 silent phone calls and even impersonated a police officer in a bid to speak to him. Innocent Mr Green said he lost two jobs and his car because of the impact of her behaviour. She also harassed his family over Instagram and messaged his new girlfriend Taylor Coates to tell her to 'watch your back', accusing her new boyfriend of being a 'liar' and of 'financially abusing her.' Jenny Keats-Rawling sent an SOS message to police wrongly pleading her life was in danger The 30-year-old alleged Jake Green was 'hearing voices and was wanting to kill people' In a statement to police Mr Green who blocked his ex-girlfriend from eight different social media accounts in a bid to stop her trolling him said he did not want to see her prosecuted but he had no choice in the end. 'She made me feel scared and anxious,' said Mr Green. 'I would describe my mental state as a mess as a result of Jenny's actions. I now feel that I have no option but to pursue a prosecution to get her to leave me alone.' Mr Green said that he and his family had tried to help Keats-Rawling with her financial struggles, but she had 'manipulated' them and made false allegations including accusing him of stealing. 'I felt like I needed to move from my home address,' he said, 'I am now living on edge every day, wondering what is next. I do not want to have any contact with her. I want her to leave me alone. ' Miss Coates said: 'At the beginning, when I first received the messages from Jenny I was obviously aware of the situation. But when she made those accusations against Jake it made me doubt my relationship and it caused me to have a bit of breakdown. 'I want her to stop those messages. She obviously has issues that need to be sorted out and let me get on with my relationship with Jake.' At Stockport Magistrates Court, Keats-Rawling, who has been diagnosed as autistic, pleaded guilty to stalking causing serious alarm or distress between April 14 and October 6 of last year. Keats-Rawling, who caused her victim psychological harm, had no previous convictions She was sentenced to an 18-month community order, with a requirement she attends 25 days of rehabilitation and was fined 162, with 199 in costs and victim surcharge. She was also made subject of 18-month restraining order not to contact Mr Green, Miss Coates and two other family members. She faced up to 18 months jail under sentencing guidelines but a judge has decided not to send her to prison. Miss Aqas Khan, prosecuting, said: 'On April 17 of last year the victim reported that his ex partner, the defendant, of six months had been continuously making unwanted contact with him since April 15. He said there had been approximately 96 missed calls on his phone when they broke up the relationship with the calls being made at various hours of the evening and morning. 'There were no threats in the call or any conversation, just a silence. However, he recognised the number to be the defendant's. On that occasion the victim did not take it any further due to the defendant's mental health concerns but the unwanted contact persisted. 'The defendant called him multiple times despite being spoken to by officers. He explained that she had also messaged his brother, stating that she was pregnant with the victim's child. He believed that to be a lie, part of the ongoing stalking campaign. 'On April 20, the defendant was arrested and bailed with conditions not to go within 500m of any property that the victim was present at and not to contact him directly or indirectly and not to contact him on social media. At Stockport Magistrates Court, Keats-Rawlingm, who has been diagnosed as autistic, pleaded guilty to stalking causing serious alarm or distress between April 14 and October 6 of last year 'But the following day the victim reported to police the defendant had continued to contact him was also making unwanted contact towards his family. 'On April 29 there were 30 calls, and 13 calls on April 30. She contacted his mother by Instagram, three phone calls and 10 messages. The victim at this point blocked the defendant on eight social media accounts. 'There were 118 contact attempts since the bail conditions were put in place. The point of the bail conditions were to protect him from unwanted contact.' On May 5 Keats-Rawling made contact with police online saying: 'my boyfriend Jake Green suffers really bad with his mental health. He is hearing voices and saying he wants to kill people. I am scared for my life and I desperately need your help'.' Police attended her house to find Mr Green was not present. Miss Khan added: 'She also impersonated a police officer to speak to the victim and sought out his new partner and made attempts to contact her. His new partner says the defendant has been sending her messages telling her to watch her back, to be careful, he is a good liar and has taken everything from her. She was sentenced to an 18-month community order, with a requirement she attends 25 days of rehabilitation and was fined 162, with 199 in costs and victim surcharge 'There was some distress and psychological harm caused to the victim who had to change his lifestyle to avoid contact with her. She also contacted the victim on bail.' Keats-Rawling had no previous convictions. Her lawyer Peter Green said: 'She is diagnosed with autism and has dyslexia and dyspraxia. I think she recognises those issues and that she does need help. 'I am sure there won't be a repeat of those offences. She comes from a good family and her father has been with her through this. He has been with her at every attendance at court and is fully supportive. He understands the issues that she has. 'She is sorry for what has happened and just wants to put this behind her and move on. She has done the right thing and she would like to have this resolved.' In sentencing Keats-Rawling, JP Muhammad Rafique told her: 'We have heard what has happened and as a bench we are sympathetic to your issues and the things that you suffer from. But it was not wise to put someone through that distress. 'We have decided not to send you to prison but allow me to warn you, if you do not follow the instructions of the probation service that will happen.' Britain must not send its prized aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales to the Red Sea amid fears the crew is not ready, a former Royal Navy warship captain has warned. The 3.5billion behemoth set sail from Portsmouth on Monday to join the biggest Nato wargame in 40 years, replacing sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth, which needs to be repaired. Sailors on board the Prince of Wales have insisted they're ready for action, with a source on the vast naval war machine telling MailOnline 'morale has never been higher' after they successfully scrambled to get it prepared in a matter of days. It comes as Britain continues to face mounting political pressure to deploy one of its two aircraft carriers to the Middle East in a show of force against Iran-backed Houthi rebels who have attacked ships in the Red Sea with missiles and suicide drones. Defence Secretary Grant Shapps had hinted the UK was set to deploy the 65,000-tonne Queen Elizabeth. However, this plan was thrown into chaos when engineers spotted a mechanical fault in the ship's propeller shaft a day before she set sail. And while the call for action intensifies, Commander Tom Sharpe has said Queen Elizabeth's replacement 'should not be going to the Red Sea - not right now', amid fears the ship's company would not yet be ready for such an operation. HMS Prince of Wales set sail on Monday to join a Nato exercise in the seas around Norway Thousands of people cheered as the ship sailed from its home port of Portsmouth Retired Commander Tom Sharpe, a former frigate captain with the Royal Navy, has said the aircraft carrier should not be sent to the Red Sea yet 'This might sound odd from someone who has been saying for months that QE (HMS Queen Elizabeth) should. But QE was the up-and-ready carrier. PoW isn't that yet, though she will be soon,' the ex-captain of frigate HMS St Albans wrote in the Telegraph. 'Life at sea is about pushing but not exceeding your limits. If you do, you are now gambling and that's when accidents happen. 'If there was a war that absolutely demanded her, she would be there... We're not in a critical position yet so the decisions to dock QE and repair her, scramble PoW but then send her to the Nato exercise not the Red Sea are sensible.' Hundreds of sailors and naval staff at Portsmouth Naval Base were scrambled to prepare the 920ft Prince of Wales, taking just over a week to get her ready, in a herculean feat championed by naval chiefs. It comes as a source on the carrier revealed the 780-strong crew was ready for anything, telling MailOnline: 'Morale never been higher - we've burned a few late night candles, but ship is in great shape.' Sailors worked day and night to load up the ship with food, supplies and equipment - as well as spare parts for its embarked fleet of F-35 stealth jets, Merlin and Wildcat helicopters. 'It has been a mammoth effort from the ship's team and the waterfront support team in Portsmouth yet another example of how our people continue to deliver against adversity,' a second naval source told MailOnline. Captain Will Blackett, HMS Prince of Wales' commanding officer, added it had been a 'monumental effort'. 'We have managed to bring the ship from 30 days' notice to immediate readiness in just one week,' he said. 'HMS Prince of Wales is now ready to go; we are all looking forward to delivering the mission.' HMS Prince of Wales is taking the place of HMS Queen Elizabeth, which needs to be repaired (both ships are pictured in Portsmouth) Hundreds of sailors scrambled to get the Prince of Wales ready in a matter of days for its mission People stand at Portsmouth's historic Hotwalls to watch as the Prince of Wales sets sail Prince of Wales is joining Exercise Steadfast Defender in Norway, the biggest Nato drill since the Cold War, involving more than 20,000 UK military personnel. She will lead a carrier strike group of eight ships four of them British, including frigate HMS Somerset and two Tide-class tankers from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary supported by US, Spanish and Danish vessels. The navy said they form one of the 'most potent naval forces of the exercise' an allied fleet of 40 vessels, drawn from more than two dozen nations. But naval top brass faced criticism after the ship set sail a day later than planned, in a move security minister Tom Tugendhat said was 'not acceptable'. It comes amid questions over the reliability of the carriers, which have both suffered faults with their propellers. In August 2022, HMS Prince of Wales suffered a catastrophic breakdown shortly after leaving Portsmouth for America. It led to her spending the best part of a year in repairs, which cost the taxpayer about 25million. HMS Queen Elizabeth suffered a similar - although less severe - mechanical issue this month, with a problem identified with her the coupling on her starboard propeller. The ship will now need to travel to a dry dock facility in Rosyth, Scotland, for repairs - which naval sources have said could take several months to complete. The ship's deployment comes amid mounting pressure for the UK to deploy one of its two carriers to the Red Sea READ MORE: Royal Navy branded a laughing stock after flagship 3bn aircraft carrier pulled out of top NATO drill because RUST was found on its propeller shaft Advertisement Lord Soames of Fletching, who is Sir Winston Churchill's grandson and a former defence minister, told peers: 'Disappointingly these aircraft carriers, which are in any event extremely vulnerable in the theatre of operations, also appear to be unreliable.' Admiral Lord West, a former head of the Royal Navy, added that the cost to repair the defective couplings should be stumped up by the shipbuilders and not the taxpayer. 'To have accepted it with a shaft that was misaligned was bad and it was badly built and somehow we should be able to get money back from the builders rather than the UK public paying for that damage,' the Labour peer said. Responding for the Government, as the House of Commons is in recess, defence minister the Earl of Minto, attempted to quash concerns. 'Clearly these matters are looked at very seriously throughout these exercises and obviously one hopes that the reliability of these extremely complicated pieces of equipment improves,' he said. A Royal Navy spokesperson told MailOnline: 'The Royal Navy will continue to meet all of our operational requirements.' The family of an antiques dealer who was run over and killed by a police van speeding to a 999 call will get 150,000 in compensation, a judge has ruled. Rapid response driver Sergeant Thomas Upton hit antique furniture and fishing equipment dealer John Edward Mills on Queen Caroline Street, in Hammersmith, west London, on July 12, 2017. Pedestrian Mr Mills suffered severe brain and chest injuries in the accident in the 20mph zone, which led to his death eight months later on 14th March 2018, at the age of 71. The officer was subsequently sued personally, along with the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Mark Rowley, for six-figure damages by Mr Mills' estate and on behalf of his three grown-up children John, James and Jane Mills. Now Mr Justice Turner at London's High Court has ruled that the police must pay compensation for the pedestrian's death, because Sgt Upton 'failed to keep a proper lookout' as he approached the site of the collision. Sergeant Thomas Upton (pictured outside the High Court in London) hit pensioner John Edward Mills with the police van he was driving in Hammersmith, west London, on July 12, 2017 James and Jane Mills (pictured together outside the High Court in London), the children of John Mills, sued Sgt Upton personally along with Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley However, the payout will be reduced because the judge found Mr Mills was 'careless' in the manner in which he crossed the road, meaning the family are likely to receive around 150,000 - less than a third of the 460,000 they originally claimed. Meanwhile, the judge also ordered the Met to pay out 350,000 for the costs of the case, leaving the force with a bill in excess of 400,000. The court heard that Sgt Upton was travelling at 23mph through a green traffic light on a three-lane one way system when he ran down the walking-stick using pensioner, who had stepped out despite the crossing showing a red man. The officer was driving a van from Wandsworth to Hammersmith 'in response to an emergency of someone reportedly collapsed behind a closed door' when the accident happened. Mr Mills' children asked for a total of around 460,000 compensation for their father's death, claiming that the officer was 'negligent' in not having spotted him crossing the road in time to stop. Lawyers for the police officer and the commissioner denied liability, claiming his driving 'was appropriate and did not fall below the requisite standard'. They also disputed the amount of damages claimed and insisted that Mr Mills himself was at least partly to blame for the accident. Giving judgment, Mr Justice Turner found that Sgt Upton was liable for the pedestrian's death. He said: 'John Mills was a pedestrian crossing the road ahead of him. When Sgt Upton registered his presence, it was too late and he struck him causing injuries from which he later died. 'It is conceded that Mr Mills was careless. He started crossing nine seconds after the red man was showing. The siren of the approaching police vehicle would have been audible to him. 'He was not as agile as he was in his youth and needed a stick to get around. He knew his ability to take evasive action would be limited. '(But) Sgt Upton failed to keep a proper lookout in the approach to the junction. Mr Mills' children (pictured is his daughter Hane outside the High Court in London) asked for a total of around 460,000 compensation for their father's death Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley (pictured here in March 2018) was among those named in the case, with the force and PC Thomas Upton denying liability 'This was a busy area for pedestrians and Sgt Upton acknowledged that he had experienced pedestrians jaywalking, not only in general, but at this junction in particular. 'What happened on this occasion was an uncharacteristic lapse of attention,' he added, finding Sgt Upton liable for Mr Mills death. However, he went on to say that Mr Mills was also partly to blame for crossing the road the way he did. 'The culpable lapse of Sgt Upton was of a lower order than the failure of Mr Mills,' he said. 'However it's rare for a pedestrian to be found more culpable than a driver for an accident. 'This court has consistently imposed upon motorists a high burden given that the car is a potentially dangerous weapon. I assess contributory negligence at 50%.' On behalf of Mr Mills' children and grandchildren, his estate claimed 70,000 general damages for his death, with that figure being agreed by defence lawyers. Mr Mills had transferred a 2m house in Hurlingham Road, Fulham, to his son John in 2015, and his early death left the estate liable for 192,130 IHT on the house and 55,182 on the rest of his fortune, which the family said would otherwise have not been payable. Jane and James also claimed a further 130,000, which they argued he would have gifted them toward buying property and private school fees. The judge rejected that last claim, saying: 'I've come to the conclusion that the possibility of Mr Mills making any sizeable or regular contribution to the school fees of his grandchildren or a house deposit for James are negligible.' However he ruled Mr Mills would have given 5,000 each to his grandchildren as they got older. The compensation payout, after the discount for contributory negligence, is likely to total around 150,000, but the final figure has not yet been confirmed. The judge also ordered the police to make a 350,000 payment on account of the legal costs of Mr Mills' family and estate. Labour is mounting a desperate hunt for anti-Semites in its ranks today amid a furious row and the suspension of two election candidates for criticising Israel. Azhar Ali and Graham Jones have both been ostracised by the party for comments made at a community meeting last year about the invasion of Gaza. But questions are now being asked about who else was at the meeting and what else was said. It came as leaflets promoting Mr Ali as the Labour candidate landed on mats, having been posted out before he was suspended for saying Israel allowed Hamas to attack on October 7 to justify its Gaza invasion. As the moderate and hard Left factions of the party clashed over efforts to avoid suspending Mr Ali, who is still standing in the Rochdale by-election, shadow defence secretary John Healey warned anyone 'not fit for office' would be booted out. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it would 'follow the hard evidence' it received about the meeting. But in a difficult round of interviews he also admitted: 'This is not a party of people who are saints. When people do things that may be wrong, say things that may be unacceptable, the important thing is how does the party respond? A tense-looking Keir Staermer pictured today after Azhar Ali and Graham Jones were both suspended by Labour for comments made at a community meeting last year about the invasion of Gaza Azhar Ali (right) and Graham Jones (left) have both been ostracised by the party for comments made at a community meeting last year about the invasion of Gaza. Shadow defence secretary John Healey warned anyone 'not fit for office' would be booted out. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it would 'follow the hard evidence' it received about the meeting. But questions are now being asked about who else was at the meeting and what else was said, including by Tories including Brendan Clark-Smith. 'We have an independent investigations process and when it concerns candidates or MPs, we expect as the public does the very highest standards.' He added: 'Anyone at that meeting, if there is evidence that they have, that people acted or spoke in a way that doesn't meet the standards, or is incompatible with the values of our Labour Party, they need to report it, provide it and the Labour Party will take it seriously and investigate it.' Mr Ali was finally axed as a candidate on Monday after it was revealed on Sunday he suggested Israel allowed Hamas to attack Jews on October 7 to justify the subsequent invasion. And Sir Keir was last night forced to suspend another Labour parliamentary candidate after he ranted about 'f****** Israel'. Ex-MP Graham Jones, who is standing for re-election to his old Hyndburn seat at the general election, was administratively suspended from Labour pending an investigation. He is also understood to have been hauled in to see party bosses for an interview last night, amid calls for him to be junked as Labour's candidate in the Lancashire constituency. A recording published by the Guido Fawkes website revealed how Mr Jones referred to 'f****** Israel' during a local Labour meeting. He was also heard claiming that Britons who travelled to the Middle East to fight with the Israel Defence Forces 'should be locked up'. The Jewish Labour Movement had demanded Mr Jones be stood down as Labour's parliamentary candidate in Hyndburn following the publication of his recorded remarks It was reported the recording came from the same meeting in Lancashire where Azhar Ali - who was previously Labour's candidate for this month's Rochdale by-election - suggested Israel 'deliberately allowed' Hamas's terror attacks on October 7 as a pretext to invade Gaza. Mr Jones's suspension is a further blow to Sir Keir's efforts to move Labour on from the frequent anti-Semitism rows that dogged Labour under his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn. Mr Healey said Mr Jones's comments were 'unacceptable'. The shadow defence secretary told Sky News: 'Why Graham Jones has been suspended is not just for being at the meeting. But what's come to light are unacceptable comments that he made that were plain wrong. 'So he was suspended and then interviewed. And if the party decides, Keir Starmer decides, that he too is not meeting the highest standards that the public have a right to expect and Keir Starmer insist on in our candidates... then he will be replaced.' Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, told Today he would like any party members at the Rochdale meeting to be suspended if they failed to call out the language used. But he also defended the progress made by the Labour leadership to tackle anti-Semitism, while admitting it had not been the party's 'finest hour'. Mr Katz said: 'The idea that somehow we are still in the kind of the bad days of the Corbyn leadership is really ludicrous. 'We have gone through a transformation, the difference is like night and day in the way that we are treated as an organisation, the way that our members are treated. 'This has not been the party's finest hour. We have huge lessons to learn, but the direction of travel is very much upwards. It's very much in the right direction.' A prolific underwear thief who stole thousands of bras and pairs of knickers during a 20-year crime spree has finally been caught in Thailand. Nattawut Songchai, 38, had a stash of around 600 undergarments before he was nabbed at an apartment in Bangkok on February 12, police said, but has admitted to stealing many more over the years. His arrest came after a female resident from the same apartment block reported that the underwear she had hung out to dry had gone missing on the evening of February 11, despite the anti-theft mesh screen around her balcony. Police shamed the knicker nicker by forcing him to pose with his haul of bras, pants and pyjamas, which appear to have been hung up and stored in cupboards in his flat. The perverted burglar told cops he has been stealing women's underwear since he was a teenager, and has now vowed to change his creepy ways after he has 'served his time'. Nattawut Songchai, 38, allegedly had a stash of around 600 undergarments before he was nabbed by police at an apartment in Bangkok on February 12 Songchai poses with his haul of bras, pants and pyjamas which appear to have been hung up and stored in cupboards in his flat Officers found 516 bras, 72 pairs of pants, and three sets of women's pyjamas in the flat Officers have now remanded the perverted burglar in custody Police finally caught Songchai, they said, after 'Investigators examined surveillance footage and found a man walking on the street then climbing up the apartment. 'He stuck his hand in a gap between wall and the metal mesh to steal the underwear,' Colonel Payap Somboon, superintendent of the Bang Yi Khan Police Station said. 'He then returned to his room in the same apartment,' Officers converged on Nattawut's room and detained him for questioning. They found inside 516 bras, 72 pairs of pants, and three sets of women's pyjamas. Speaking to police officers, Nattawut said he had been stealing women's underwear since he was 18 years old 'because he liked to smell them'. The pervert told cops: 'I've had a thing for women's underwear since I was 18, back when I worked in construction in Samut Sakhon province. 'At night, I would sneak out of the campsite and snag two to six pairs at a time. I sniffed them while masturbating, and kept my collection a secret from my co-workers. 'I was caught stealing underwear about 10 years ago, but I made a deal with the victim to avoid arrest. I continued stealing underwear after that.' He said he had been working as a handyman at the Goyee Apartment in Bangkok, where the owner provided him with lodging and a 2,000-baht monthly salary. Officers converged on Nattawut's room and detained him for questioning His arrest came after a female resident from the same apartment block reported that the underwear she had hung out to dry had gone missing Nattawut continued: 'I had been staying there for a year while continuing my habit of stealing underwear until I was eventually caught. I promise I'll quit once I've done my time.' Officers have now remanded the perverted burglar in custody. Police Colonel Payap Somboon said: 'He said he cannot stop stealing knickers because he's addicted to it. The court will deal with him and decide what to do.' In a similar case last March, another Thai man was arrested for stealing hundreds of pieces of underwear to pleasure himself. Ophas Chuenjit, 27, had plucked the bras and knickers from women's washing lines and rubbed them on himself while masturbating. Police Colonel Payap Somboon said: 'He said he cannot stop stealing knickers because he's addicted to it' The perverted criminal admitted he has been stealing women's underwear since he was a teenager, and has now vowed to change his creepy ways When he was done, he used the undergarments to decorate a bamboo thicket in the woods near his home in Kamphaeng Phet province. Police detained him following investigations after a shocked passerby discovered the sexual shrine adorned with the soiled underwear. Stealing underwear is a type of fetish or 'paraphilia' - intense sexual arousal derived from objects, fantasies, or behaviours. In an interview with the New Straits Times, Dr. Shazli Ezzat Ghazali, Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health Program Associate Professor at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, said stealing underwear in particular may make the perpetrator 'feel closer' to the knicker owners. He added the thieves may feel excitement from committing such taboo activities. A crossbow-wielding stalker was shot dead in the neck and chest by armed police as he broke into his victim's home, an inquest has heard. Convicted stalker Bryce Hodgson, 30, was shot dead by armed officers on January 30 after he broke into the home of his victim in Bywater Place, Surrey Quays, south-east London. Hodgson was first confronted by unarmed neighbours before the shooting and received first aid when he was apprehended by armed officers but later died at the scene. Police said he wore body armour and carried two crossbows, a knife and an axe at the time of the incident. The inquest into Hodgson's death was opened on Wednesday at Southwark Coroner's Court, which heard he had gained entrance to the property armed with a crossbow and other weapons. Crossbow attacker Bryce Hodgson, 30, died from two gunshot wounds to the neck and chest Police apprehended Hodgson forcing his way into the victim's home where the stalker was shot dead by armed officers Some of Hodgson's weapons on the ground following the incident on January 30 A knife was discovered at the scene near Bywater Place in Surrey Quays, south east London Senior Coroner Dr Julian Morris said: 'He had entered Bywater Place armed with various weapons, including a crossbow. 'Police were called to the scene and, when he exhibited some threatening behaviour, armed response units were called and subsequently shots were fired. READ MORE: Convicted stalker who was shot dead by police as he tried to force his way into his victim's home with an arsenal of weapons died from two gunshot wounds to the neck and chest Advertisement 'He was pronounced dead at the scene.' A provisional post-mortem examination report found Hodgson died from gunshot wounds to his neck and chest. The Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) is currently investigating the incident and Harriet Griffiths, lead investigator on the case, said: 'Police units attended but were unable to detain him and they were shortly followed by their firearms colleagues, who, as you know, fired shots.' The inquest heard that Hodgson, from Sheffield, was single and working in IT at the time of his death, and his last known address was in south-east London. The hearing was adjourned for the IOPC to continue its investigation. Hodgson appeared in court last June and pleaded guilty to 'stalking involving serious alarm or distress' by entering a woman's bedroom without consent, sending text messages demanding that she open her door and describing vivid sexual fantasies between January 1 and April 29 last year. The Independent Office for Police Conduct have launched a probe to investigate the shooting, and confirmed an inquest will opened in due course. Neighbours had revealed that Hodgson was a 'troubled individual' who stressed about losing his hair prematurely. He was a stalker convicted under a five-year court restraining order and had been banned from entering Bywater Place in Surrey Quays where the shooting happened. He was spared prison after the court noted his 'previous good character' and was ordered to undergo 12 months of supervision and complete 120 hours of community service. He was subject to a restraining order until July 2028. The Independent Office for Police Conduct have launched a probe to investigate the shooting, and confirmed an inquest will opened in due course The IOPC are investigating into the shooting by a Metropolitan Police Service officer of Hodgson in Bywater Close, south east London Arrows were discovered at the scene where the stalker attempted force entry into the victim's home armed with a crossbow Several officers were spotted at the scne in the early hours of the morning on 30 January He was ordered to pay 85 costs and a 154 victim surcharge. A second charge was dropped by the CPS of breaking the terms of his bail by breaching a night-time curfew. A spokesperson for the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) which is investigating the shooting said: 'Two shots were fired from a police issue firearm in the house and a post-mortem examination held on 2 February has established the cause of death was gunshot wounds to the neck and chest. 'The IOPC investigation into the shooting by a Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) officer of a man in Bywater Close, London, SE16 on Tuesday 30 January is progressing. 'We can now name the deceased as Bryce Hodgson, 30, from Dulwich. An inquest will be opened in due course. 'We are assessing the scope of our investigation which will be confirmed in the coming days. As we are at a very early stage, we have nothing further to add at this time.' An 80-year-old woman was tragically killed and 63 others were injured after the mezzanine of a Catholic church collapsed in the Philippines on Ash Wednesday. Choir member, Luneta Morales, suffered blunt force trauma after the second floor of the St Peter Apostle Parish Church in San Jose del Monte City gave way. Ms Morales was in critical condition when she arrived at a nearby hospital and passed away thereafter, according to the PhilStar. The second floor of the Bulcan Province church collapsed at 7am as churchgoers lined up to have ashes smeared on their foreheads during the mass. There were around 400 attendees celebrating the beginning of Lent, according to City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, Gina Ayson. Choir member, Luneta Morales, 80, was tragically killed and 63 others were injured after the mezzanine of Catholic church collapsed in the Philippines on Wednesday A San Jose Del Monte City representative has confirmed the number of injured as a result of the tragedy has increased from 43 to 63. In a radio interview, Ayson shared that injured attendees were immediately taken to hospitals nearby. Explaining what could have caused the tragedy, Ayson said the catastrophe may have been caused by the buildings old structure. Ayson told Philippines News Agency: 'The church structure is somewhat old but it has undergone past renovations. The same goes for the church's mezzanine area.' They later told Agence France Presse that the 30-year-old structure had been weakened by termites. 'It collapsed because of the weight of the parishioners that flocked to the church this morning,' Ayson stated 'City building officials discovered that a section of the collapsed structure was infested with termites.' The church has now temporarily closed as the City Engineering Office and the Office of the City Building Official carry out an investigation. The second floor of the Bulcan church collapsed at 7am as churchgoers lined up to have ashes smeared on their foreheads during the Ash Wednesday mass The building had around 400 visitors this morning as Catholics celebrated the beginning of Lent The 30-year-old church balcony had been weakend by termites according to City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, Gina Ayson The Diocese of Malolos - the juridical Catholic Church in the province of Bulcan - is cooperating with local authorities after the tragedy. Malolos Bishop Dennis Villarojo has also promised support for the victims. 'Unfortunately, there are many people there and that was the reason that it collapsed. The weight was probably too much for the structure,' he told PNA. 'I ask for prayers so that whatever damages it may have caused may not be severe.' One of Adelaide best-loved restaurants has announced it is shutting its doors after 25 years in business. Enzo's Ristorante in Hindmarsh will go out with a celebration dinner on Saturday May 4. Owner Enzo Fazzari said the lease for the famed Italian restaurant was expiring and 'after 25 years the time was right to move on.' 'I am very thankful for the incredible journey we've shared at Enzo's Ristorante,' Mr Fazzari told the Adelaide Advertiser. 'To my wife Teresa, daughter Natalie, son Anthony, our staff and valued patrons, you have been the heart of this wonderful restaurant, and I am so grateful for the experiences we have shared and wonderful memories.' Chef Enzo Fezzari (pictured) is closing down his Hindmarsh restaurant after his lease expired. The restaurant has been opened for 25 years and Mr Fazzari thinks it's the right time to close its doors A staple of the Adelaide food scene, Enzo's Italian restaurant will serve its final dish in May Mr Fazzari said he was announcing the end of the era with a 'heavy heart'. 'Tears may mark the end of this chapter, but it's with gratitude and anticipation that I look forward to the future,' says Enzo. Mr Fazzari won't be giving up cooking though. He will be working with his sons on the ready made food business. 'I am excited about what the next chapter holds for Enzo's and the future development of our brand.' Enzo's Ristorante has won a number of awards over the years, including Awards of Excellence from Savour Australia. Patrons from over the years have reacted with plaudits for Mr Fazzari. People have been scrambling to book their last meal at the iconic restaurant 'We have booked in for the last supper!!!' A few of us will celebrate the absolute end of an Adelaide icon,' one said. 'Restaurants come and go, some don't go soon enough. Enzo's is not one of them. All the best for what's ahead, enjoy the extra time with family in their new ventures but try and enjoy doing not much now and again also. Thanks for all the great meals,' another said. A 200-year-old mug that was sold as merchandise at a public execution in front of 15,000 people in 1823 at the first 'trial by newspaper' has fetched over 7,500 at auction. The macabre 'merch' contained the faces of three men who had been convicted of the infamous murder of a London solicitor over an unpaid debt. The 1823 case of John Thurtell, William Probert and Joshua Hunt gained such interest at the time that it is regarded as the first trial by newspaper. Thurtell, the son of the mayor of Norwich, was hanged at Hertford Prison in front of 15,000 people. A 200-year-old mug that was sold as merchandise at a public execution in front of 15,000 people in 1823 at the first 'trial by newspaper' has fetched over 7,500 at auction The 1823 case of John Thurtell, William Probert and Joshua Hunt gained such interest at the time that it is regarded as the first trial by newspaper The porcelain mug was made to commemorate the grim event and was probably sold at a travelling fair set up at the execution. The Sunderland earthenware piece had belonged to a Devon-based collector for many years. He is downsizing and made several Sunderland pottery pieces available for sale at auctioneers Chilcotts of Honiton. They gave it a pre-sale estimate of 500 but two rival bidders went head to head for the 5ins tall mug which went under the hammer for 5,800. With fees added on the overall price paid by the winning bidder was 7,500. The Radlett murder gripped the nation in 1823. The victim was William Deare, a solicitor who was owed 300 (about 25,000 today) by Thurtell who had lost out to him over gambling. Thurtell, a former Royal Marine and a boxer, sought revenge and lured Mr Deare to his death by inviting him to spend the weekend gambling with him at a cottage owned by Probert in the village of Radlett, Hertfordshire. They travelled together by horse and carriage and as they neared the cottage Thurtell confronted Weare outside the Wagon & Horses pub. He shot Weare at point blank range with a flintlock pistol. Joshua Hunt, William Probert and John Thurtell 'This mug is a bit grisly as it commemorates a cold-blooded murder,' said the auctioneer The porcelain mug was made to commemorate the grim event and was probably sold at a travelling fair set up at the execution 'The mug was made as a piece of merchandise, if you like, and would have been sold at a travelling fair,' said auctioneer Liz Chilcott The killer was helped by Hunt and Probert in throwing the corpse into a pond in Elstree. However, Thurtell left his pistol at the murder scene and as it was one of a pair, it was traced back to him. The case attracted huge publicity and even the trial judge questioned whether the three men would get a fair trial. Work to build the gallows begun even before the trial started. Thurtell, 29, was hanged in January 1824 and Hunt was sentenced to transportation to Australia. After serving his time Down Under he became a policeman. Probert escaped punishment over Mr Weare's death. Auctioneer Liz Chilcott said: 'This mug is a bit grisly as it commemorates a cold-blooded murder. 'You wouldn't think that such an item would be a commercial success today but in the early 19th century objects that marked important social events were very popular and this case was very famous not least because the murderer was the son of the mayor of Norwich and the victim was a solicitor, two very respectable people. 'The mug was made as a piece of merchandise, if you like, and would have been sold at a travelling fair. 'Our vendor is a collector of Sunderland earthenware and is downsizing so decided to sell off some of his collection. 'We gave it an estimated price of 300 to 500 but we had two bidders who had been aware of this mug for some time, one of whom had wanted to buy one for 50 years. 'He had a companion piece of the same kind of pottery so really wanted it. 'It was quite an extraordinary sale.' A devout Christian mother of two had a chunk of flesh ripped from her chin after she was attacked her unfaithful husband's mistress whilst attending Sunday service at church with her family. Gabriela Cordeiro, 39, was arriving for a service at a Catholic church with her children and two godchildren when she was confronted in the car park outside by Flavia Fernandes, 41, saying: 'I am here just to hit you.' During the ensuing assault, Fernandes pushed Mrs Cordeiro to the floor before jumping on her and then sitting on her stomach and repeatedly punching her. Mrs Cordeiro attempted to fight back, but Fernandes leaned into her face and gnawed her chin, holding her bite for two minutes - only stopping after part of the victim's skin had been ripped away. A member of the congregation at St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Bolton, Greater Manchester, stepped in and separated the two. Mrs Cordeiro was later treated in Royal Bolton Hospital for a deep 2cm gaping wound on the base of the chin. She is now scarred for life. The women had been friends despite Mrs Cordeiro being aware of her husband of 15 years, Pedro, having an affair with Fernandes. Gabriela Cordeiro, 39, (pictured) was arriving for a service at a Catholic church with her children and two godchildren when she was confronted in the car park Mother-of-three Flavia Fernandes, 41, told here 'I am here just to hit you' before she launched her violent assault, clenching her teeth around her chin for two minutes before ripping off a chunk of skin The women had been friends despite Mrs Cordeiro being aware of her husband of 15 years, Pedro (pictured left), having an affair with Fernandes A court heard the former lovers had been exchanging flirtatious texts with each other in the run up to the assault in June 2022. In a statement to police, Mrs Cordeiro said: 'I feel sad and I feel that I have been abused. I have known Flavia for a long time and when she said she will attack me I did not take it seriously as I never expected this to happen. 'I now feel scared because Flavia said that she will attack me again. I have received injuries to my chin that required stitches. 'At this moment in time I have a plaster on my chin. I feel awkward walking around with a plaster on my face. I am fearful that the stitches will leave a scar. That will affect my self-confidence. 'I am really upset about what has happened. Sometimes I have flashbacks of what happened. It makes me upset to the point that I cry as she attacked me in front of my children and nephews.' At Bolton Crown Court, mother of three Fernandes, who lives in the town, burst into tears and held her head in her hands as she was jailed for 25 months. She admitted intent to cause grievous bodily harm and had faced up to six years jail under sentencing guidelines. Katie Walden, counsel for the prosecution, said the women were largely on good terms prior to the assault but 'clearly some bad feelings remained'. A member of the congregation at St Thomas of Canterbury Roman Catholic Church in Bolton, Greater Manchester, stepped in and separated the two A chunk of the devout Christian's skin was ripped off in the attack (left) and she has now been left scarred for life (right shows scar on her chin) Things came to a head after Pedro (left) warned his wife that Fernandes was threatening to hit her as she had heard that Mrs Cordeiro was 'being disrespectful to her'. She said things came to a head after Pedro warned his wife that Fernandes was threatening to hit her as she had heard that Mrs Cordeiro was 'being disrespectful to her'. 'In interview, the defendant denied the offence saying that she acted in self-defence. She said that she was angry and did not want the incident to end in physical violence, that she was sorry and remorseful,' Ms Wakden told the court. In mitigation, defence counsel Martin Pizzey said it was an 'impulsive act'. He said: 'The case has a complex history and the circumstances are equally complex. She knows what she did was wrong and that it was her who pulled away the flesh away from the chin. 'The defendant maintains that she has been the recipient of unwanted advances over a sustained period of time.'She maintains she had complained to police some years ago with regards to harassment but nothing came of it. 'She was concerned that Pedro may seek to make advances to her and that is what she wanted to resolve. There had been allegations and counter allegations and she was fed up, sick to the back teeth of the whole situation and angry that nothing had been resolved.' Mr Pizzey said his client was a single parent with three young children, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome and added: 'It was a momentary loss of self control, impulsive and instinctive behaviour.' Sentencing Fernandes, Judge Jon Close imposed a restraining order forbidding her from approaching Mrs Cordeiro for five years. He told her: 'In your interview you accepted that you were angry, accepted that you wanted to confront the victim but expressed regret and remorse for that which occurred. 'I accept that the remorse is genuine but your victim was clearly afraid that she will be left with a scar, a scar to her face that will be in a place that is not easily hidden. All of that in front of her children.' British coastguards face criminal charges in France following the deaths of four UK-bound migrants in the English Channel. It follows the filing of complaints for 'involuntary manslaughter' and 'failure to render aid' by the refugee aid charity Utopia 56. In legal documents, the association complains to the Boulogne-Sur-Mer public prosecutor about a maritime disaster on December 14, 2022, when dozens of people on a small boat ended up in the sea. Many, including Afghan and Iranian nationals, were pulled out of the water by rescuers in the early hours of the morning, but it is claimed both the British and the French were too slow in their response. This led to four people drowning in horrific circumstances, including some getting trapped inside the sinking inflatable. The defendant, himself a migrant, claimed he was assaulted by people smugglers and threatened with death if he did not go ahead with the voyage. British coastguards face criminal charges in France following the deaths of four UK-bound migrants in the English Channel on December 14, 2022 In the early hours of Wednesday 14 December 2022, Kent Police was called to Dover to assist HM Coastguard following a report received of a small boat in distress in the water Kent Police, Search and Marine Unit and emergency services attend at the RNLI Lifeboat Station in dover harbour on December 14, 2022 in Dover, England As his trial continues, the French authorities will be focusing on any possible culpability by official agencies. A legal source in Boulogne said: 'The complaint was filed to the Prosecutor early this month, and it focuses on the way the British and French authorities dealt with Mayday calls for help. 'The complaint is currently being investigated.' Those facing allegations that could lead to prison sentences and fines are His Majesty's Coastguard, the Maritime Prefect in France, and the director of the Cross de Gris-Nez emergency centre, near Calais, said the source. Tapes released by Utopia 56 record the boat sinking, as the desperate migrants plead for help. A distress message received at 2.54am includes the message: 'Please help. We have children and family in the boat.' The unnamed caller to an emergency line set up by Utopia 56 says: 'Please help me, brother. Please. Please. Please. 'We are in the water; we have a family.' A Utopia 56 email was then sent to the Cross de Griz-Nez, and also to the British emergency services. It read: 'Problem: water in the boat There are families with children on board. 'They are urgently asking for help.' A group of people thought to be migrants are brought in to Dover, Kent, from the RNLI Dover Lifeboat following a small boat incident in the Channel A migrant carries a child with smugglers behind him as he runs to board a smuggler's boat on the beach of Gravelines, near Dunkirk, northern France on October 12, 2022 Despite this, Utopia 56 claims, it was not until 3.40am that the first rescue boat left the coast of England. The English fishing boat Arcturus was able to rescue 11 people in the sea, but many remained trapped inside the dinghy, which had 48 men, women and children on board when it left France. A criminal investigation has also been opened in France into another collapsing boat disaster on November 24, 2021, when 27 people died. Seven French military personnel who were manning phones at the Cross de Gris-Nez centre on the night face charges. A total of 29,437 migrants crossed the English Channel in small boats from France, despite efforts by both the UK and French governments to halt the hugely dangerous journeys. For decades, they have both been selling delicious bagels to customers from the heart of one of London's most historic streets. The white Beigel Bake and the yellow Beigel Shop, which are both open 24 hours a day, stand just a few feet away from each other on Brick Lane in Spitalfields and were both started by the same family. But yesterday, Beigel Shop suddenly closed, leaving fans of the 'yellow one' bereft. A notice - apparently a repossession order - was posted on the window. Mysteriously, that sign was covered up hours later by another which claimed the shop was closing to 'conduct essential electrical maintenance' - a statement that was repeated on Instagram by the owners. The shop previously closed in 2014, when a row between family members saw another legal notice slapped on the door for a short time before it reopened. Brick Lane is known to many as Banglatown, thanks to its rich offering of curry houses, which were set up by Bangladeshi migrants who began coming to the area in the 1960s. The area's Jewish history stretches back to the late 19th century, when Yiddish-speaking refugees arrived from Europe. More recently, campaigners have raised concerns about the hipster transformation of the northern end of the street. Beigel Bake on London's Brick Lane is seen being visited by Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2020. The venue is just two doors away from the Beigel Shop, which closed yesterday Yesterday, Beigel Shop suddenly closed, leaving fans of the 'yellow one' bereft. A notice - apparently a repossession order - was posted on the window Meanwhile, Beigel Bake continues to trade and is now benefiting from the absence of its main competition on Brick Lane. The Beigel Shop at 155 Brick Lane was the first bagel venue on the street, although reportedly did not open in 1855 as its website claims. Instead, it was opened in the early 1960s by Jonny Cohen and was taken over by Israeli brothers David and Aron in 1987 - when it was called the Evering Bakery. In 1974, Asher Cohen - Jonny's brother - bought the outlet two doors away, which was then a butcher's shop. According to Asher's son Daniel, he then established Beigel Bake with his two other brothers, Amnon and Sammy Minzly. All had been trained by Jonny. Daniel, who currently runs the shop with his brothers, told Time Out in July 2022: 'I remember coming in as a young child and climbing up stacks of flour. 'The guys used to give me lumps of dough and I pretended I was making bread with them. Now I realise I wasn't helping anyone, I was just being kept quiet.' Although Beigel Bake remains popular, the Cohen family endured a horrifying trauma in 2017. Joshua Cohen, one of Daniel Cohen's brothers, stabbed his mother and sister to death at their north London home. Sammy Minzly, the co-owner of Beigel Bake, is seen at work in his shop in 2010 Left: Current Bagel Bake co-owner Daniel Cohen is seen at work in 2020. Right: The Beigel Shop's owner Ashley Zelman Revellers enjoy bagels outside Beigel Bake on Brick Lane in the year 2000 Bagel sellers outside Bloom's kosher restaurant on Brick Lane in the 1930s The paranoid schizophrenic was given an indefinite hospital order in 2018. The family saw happier times in 2020 when the bakery was visited by Prince William and Kate Middleton. The then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge helped to make bagels in the venue's kitchen. The dispute that led to the temporary closure of the Beigel Shop came about when the business was owned by the related Barzelai and Zalait families. A 'writ of possession' from the High Court was posted on the shop door. However, just a few days later the shop re-opened. A spokesman for the families said at the time: 'The landlords are family members and while there have been a few internal changes happening, we are all working together to make sure everything is sorted as a family business.' Now the shop is listed on Companies House as being owned by Ellis and Ashley Zelman. A message posted on the venue's Instagram account yesterday said: 'Dear beigel family, We will be closed for a short period to conduct essential electrical maintenance,' the poster reads. 'Stay connected with us on social media for updates and news about our reopening. 'Thank you for your support. We'll be back before you know it, ready to bake and serve our beigel family with love.' It came after another 'writ of possession' order was placed in the shop window. Prince William and Catherine are seen inside Beigel Bake in Brick Lane Street scene with customers and local people outside the famous Beigel Bake shop on Brick Lane Although Beigel Bake remains popular, the Cohen family endured a horrifying trauma in 2017. Joshua Cohen (left), one of Daniel Cohen's brothers, stabbed his mother and sister to death at their north London home. Right: Hannah Cohen MailOnline contacted Thirsk Winton, the solicitor named on the official-looking notice, for further comment. It could not immediately say whether it was involved in any legal action involving the repossession of the property. MailOnline has contacted the Beigel Shop and its directors for further comment. Brick Lane got its name when early Flemish settlers brought brick kilns to the area. They were followed by Huguenots, who arrived in the 17th century. Silk weavers fleeing religious persecution in France also came. The Bangladeshi arrivals found work in the Jewish-owned tailoring businesses and set up curry houses. In the late 1970s, Brick Lane became a focal point for the far-right National Front, who held regular anti-immigrant protests there. Above: Bangladeshi residents in Brick Lane walk past a shop with windows that have been smashed by a far-right mob A very young child walking amongst the squalor of Brick Lane in the East End of London in 1979 Brick Lane market, East London, on a Sunday Morning in 1989, showing crowds flocking around the market stalls Signs for businesses on Brick Lane, which is synonymous with curry restaurants Bengali women on Brick Lane in June 1978, when the area was a target for far-right protests Crowd outside the Russian Vapour Baths, Brick Lane, Stepney, London, 1904 As the Bangladeshi community grew and the number of restaurants increased, the area became known as Banglatown - a nickname which has stuck. In the late 1970s, Brick Lane became a focal point for the far-right National Front, who held regular anti-immigrant protests there. They were countered by members of the Anti-Nazi League, as well as other movements. A report published by the Runneymede Trust in 2021 said trendy hipster outlets are 'steadily encroaching south into the heart of Banglatown itself.' The report said that curry houses have decreased in number by two-thirds over the past 15 years. The same year, residents reacted with fury after the Labour-run Tower Hamlets Council approved plans to transform parts of the former Truman Brewery into a five-story modern building. The former brewery has over 300 small businesses and holds regular public events. A top civil servant wept in court as she was banned from the road for drink-driving after a New Year's Eve booze-up. Rebecca Favell, who is the assistant director of operations at the Government's Joint Maritime Security Centre, was spotted by police driving her Volkswagen car in a 'concerning manner'. The 43-year-old was pulled over and gave a roadside breath test. Ms Favell, a military strategist, was found to be over the drink-drive limit and was arrested after being stopped at 2.45am on New Year's Day in Poole, Dorset. She pleaded guilty to a charge of driving a motor vehicle while above the drink-drive limit for alcohol when she appeared at Poole Magistrates' Court. Civil servant Rebecca Favell was banned from the road after drink-driving her Volkswagen at 2.45am on New Year's Day Charles Nightingale, prosecuting, said: 'She was driving in a concerning manner at 2.45am. 'She was cooperative at the roadside and was found to have 95ml of alcohol per 100 litres of blood.' The legal limit is 80ml. Kate Green, defending, said: '(Her colleagues) are shocked that someone of her standing and in her position found herself in court. 'There are very unfortunate circumstances around six weeks prior to this incident. 'She is accessing a lot of support the military do have.' Ms Favell has been a civil servant for over 15 years, working on maritime and international security issues District Judge Lee Davies issued Favell with a 1,000 fine and 23 month driving disqualification. He said: 'I am giving you an increased fine to recognise the serious nature of the offence.' Ms Favell, from Poole, has been a civil servant for over 15 years and has worked on maritime and international security issues for most of this time. She was previously an academic administrator and researcher at Oxford University between 2008 and 2013. She read archaeology at the University of Nottingham. Her role with the Joint Maritime Security Centre covers issues of national security, border security, law enforcement and environmental protection. Do YOU have a child at the school? An academy school has angered parents by telling pupils they must have a good record of attendance and behaviour in order to be allowed prom tickets. Shoreham Academy in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, found itself mired in controversy after introducing the rule. Year 11s at the school have been sorted into three tiers based on behaviour and attendance, with only those in the top tier given thumbs up to go to the event. Meanwhile, those in tiers two and three have been told they are yet to qualify for a ticket for the prom, which has been described as a 'reward trip'. On Facebook, a former pupil posted: 'Absolutely shameful. No child who has just finished their GCSEs should be robbed of a prom... This is ridiculous and needs to be investigated' Shoreham Academy in Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, found itself mired in controversy after introducing the tier system for prom tickets The rule attracted criticism online, with come commentators believing it to be unfair on children Another person added: 'No wonder kids are so stressed. This is quite cruel. The prom has nothing to do with academic success.' Parents have said they fear the system will negatively impact children with special educational needs. The prom will be held at Pangdean Old Barn in Pyecombe, West Sussex during the first week of July. One mother, who asked to remain anonymous, said the ticket system is 'opening students up to bullying and guilt'. She said: 'If a pupil has special educational needs or has been unwell/absent for any length of time, they are put into tier two or three. 'They are being penalised... It makes an easy target to their peers for bullying. ;Prom should be a celebration of pupils' time at school having finished... Shouldn't the school just wish them well on to a positive future no matter the issues they faced? 'Parents of children in tier one have been out buying prom dresses already and excitedly posting pictures online. I had to go and spend 300 on a dress and there's no guarantee my daughter will even get to wear it.' The school rejected claims it is putting some students at a disadvantage, saying each child has their own 'action plan' on how they can get a ticket. A spokesman for United Learning, which runs Shoreham Academy, said: 'The event, which is known as the prom, is actually a "reward trip". 'The point of the trip is to recognise the effort, attendance and resilience of these students. Not all members of the public opposed the school's plans. Some even questioned the point of a 'US imported' prom at all 'The process for allocating places is exactly the same as it has been over the past five years at the academy. 'Each year, it has celebrated the achievement of the students and has been wholly inclusive in ensuring that the diversity of the student cohort is fully represented. 'No student misses out through no fault of their own and extreme care is taken to ensure that those with particular needs are prioritised. In addition, support with the cost of attending is given to students who are most in need. 'Those students who have not yet already secured places have been given personal guidelines on what they need to do to ensure they qualify for the trip. 'If the school felt that in any way qualification for the reward trip was discriminating against any student characteristic it would, of course, change its policy. 'But the school does not believe that this is the case and has had the overwhelming support of students and parents over the past few years in how the trip has been awarded and run.' Despite the furore, not all members of the public opposed the school's plans. Some even questioned the point of a 'US imported' prom at all. One woman wrote on Facebook: 'The whole prom thing is something we really dont need to follow USA in. Just creates problems. Have a disco.' Another woman added: 'I remember when we couldnt wait to leave school and once we were out of the gates we held our own celebrations. 'It didnt involve a sober prom full of teachers and parents. Many of us were going into work the next day.' A man and a woman were mysteriously found dead at a south Wales home after police forced their way in to check on them, an inquest has heard. Roxanne Williams, 34, and Craig Hall, 40, were discovered lifeless in the living room of Ms Williams' house on Rhodes Avenue in Port Talbot on February 5. Mr Hall, who was an ex-partner of Ms Williams, had been on tag and subject to a bail condition at his home in Briton Ferry, which is also in south Wales. After the police visited Mr Hall's home and found he wasn't there, they were informed he may be at Ms Williams' home. They found the two bodies in her living room after forcibly gaining entry. South Wales Polic eat the scene of the Roxanne Williams' home The bodies of a man, 40, and woman, 34, were discovered at a property on Rhodes Avenue in Port Talbot, south Wales Coroner's officer Sue Davies told the hearing via a report that officers found prescribed drugs, some unknown tablets and white powder in the premises. A post-mortem examination carried out found no signs of trauma for either person with the cause of their deaths yet to be ascertained. In a tribute, Roxanne's sister Starr Cole said: 'I'm sorry it turned out like this Rox. I'll love you forever.' Police vans and white-coated forensics teams were seen at the property all day on Monday February 5. Speaking at the time, local Plaid Cymru councillor Andrew Dacey said: 'There were some concerns locally that there might have been foul play but I don't think that is the case. 'As far as I know the police haven't ruled it out but we won't know until we get the forensic.' South Wales Police said: 'We are investigating the sudden unexplained deaths of a 40-year-old man and a 34-year-old woman at an address on Rhodes Avenue, Port Talbot. 'Officers attended the property at 9am on Monday 5th February following a welfare concern. Upon gaining access to the property, officers discovered the bodies. 'Forensics have attended the scene. Our investigation is ongoing and the coroner has been informed.' The inquest was adjourned until July. A British tourist who is believed to have fallen into a reservoir during a kayaking trip in Thailand has been found dead after a three-day search. Shanghaman Gowribalan, 24, went out on the water with friends on the Rajjaprabha Dam in Surat Thani, southern Thailand, at around 9am on Sunday. The backpacker is said to have plunged into the deepest part of the reservoir, around 500 metres away from the Kraisorn Raft House where he was staying, and could not swim to safety. His two panicked friends raised the alarm shortly after and tried to direct rescue teams to the spot where he had disappeared. Scuba divers including Danish specialist Ivan Karadzic who was also involved in the Tham Luang cave rescue in 2018 searched the lake with sonar before Mr Gowribalan's body surfaced this morning. British tourist Shanghaman Gowribalan, 24 (right), reportedly fell into the deepest part of the reservoir, around 500 metres away from the Kraisorn Raft House Scuba divers had been searching the lake for three days before the tourist's body was found Police Lieutenant Kongyuth Noomuan, who is overseeing the case, said: 'The body of the tourist was found this morning. 'We believe it was an accident and he drowned because he was not experienced with rowing and was not a good swimmer.' Local rescue teams had been joined by specialist scuba divers from neighbouring regions of Thailand. Sonar was also used to try and locate the Briton's body. Officers claim that Mr Gowribalan took the kayak out without registering it with staff at the national park. They said that he was not wearing a life jacket. Worapote Lomlim, the local park director, said on Monday: 'Initial investigations suggest that the two tourists may have violated park regulations. In order to take a kayak out for paddling, you must register first to receive a paddle and life jacket from the staff. A friend of Mr Gowribalan with Thai police during the search operation Friends of Mr Gowribalan with Thai police at the Rajjaprabha Dam reservoir 'No registration was found. We believe the two tourists left early in the morning without wearing life jackets. Therefore, the head of the Khao Sok National Park will be investigating the facts.' A spokesman for the Khao Sok National Park, the sprawling area of forest in which the lake is found, added: 'The body of the missing person was found washed ashore near his accommodation, prompting the park staff and rescue team to collaborate in transporting the body to the pier at 9.30AM, where the inquiry officer and doctor were waiting to perform an autopsy. 'The body was then taken to Ban Ta Khun Hospital, while his relatives have been contacted to inform them about the discovery.' The search operation was temporarily suspended on Sunday over safety concerns for rescue teams due to the dam's depth, cold temperature, and turbidity, before being resumed the next day. Rescue teams searched for the British tourist after he went missing on Sunday King Charles has left Clarence House and is heading back to Sandringham after receiving more cancer treatment in London. The monarch was seen waving as he headed back to the estate this morning following 24 hours in the capital. The 75-year-old had landed at Clarendon House in the royal helicopter yesterday after spending a week in Norfolk resting following the shock announcement. He was pictured with his wife Queen Camilla by his side as the royal couple were driven to nearby Clarence House. On Saturday Charles broke his silence for the first time as he sent his heartfelt thanks for the messages of support and said he was 'heartened' to hear his experience is inspiring others up and down the country to get themselves checked. Charles announced last week he was postponing all public duties while he undergoes treatment for an unspecified cancer, found by doctors while he was being treated for his benign enlarged prostate. King Charles pictured arriving at Clarence House yesterday - he has since been seen leaving to head back to the Sandringham Estate The 75-year-old monarch was pictured arriving at Clarence House in London with Queen Camilla by his side on Tuesday after spending a week in Norfolk Camilla has been carrying out her royal diary of engagements and last week said her husband was doing 'extremely well under the circumstances'. She said the King, who underwent his first bout of cancer treatment last week, had been 'very touched' by all the messages of support he has received from the public. Charles was pictured walking to church at Sandringham with Camilla on Sunday, the first time he had been seen in public since he began regular treatments. The King appeared to be in high spirits while attending a service at St Mary Magdalene Church. He smiled and waved at a crowd of more than 100 well-wishers as he visited the Sandringham Estate Chapel alongside Camilla, 76, before being greeted by rev Canon Paul Williams. Wearing his signature long brown coat and using an umbrella as a walking stick, the King strolled at his usual brisk pace for the 11am service at the Norfolk estate. Crowds, who gathered to show the couple support following Charles' diagnosis watched on from behind locked gates, said he 'seemed like he was doing really well'. Charles seemed in high sprits on Sunday morning as he attended a church service on the Sandringham estate almost a week after his shock cancer diagnosis The King has been spending time at Sandringham since his public announcement that he had been diagnosed with cancer Following the service, the King and Queen once again waved to the crowds of people gathered on the estate Read more: King Charles is seen with Queen Camilla by his side as he returns to London for more cancer treatment Advertisement Buckingham Palace confirmed last week Charles, 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. Friends revealed last week that 'workaholic' Charles will most likely be spending his time indulging in two of his favourite hobbies - walking and water painting - while trying to take it easy. All public engagements have been cancelled but those close to the monarch joked that he will continue to work through his 'red boxes' of paperwork 'before he's had his boiled egg in the morning.' A friend told the Mail: 'Boredom will be one of the hardest things for him.' Another said the King will likely to spend some his time listening to his beloved records of the late Canadian singer Leonard Cohen, specifically the poetic song Take This Waltz, which he has described as 'very moving'. Want to share your tribute to Steve? Email dan.woodland@mailonline.co.uk One of the last pictures of Steve Wright before his 'very sudden' death shows the radio DJ taking 'ironic selfies' with a friend in New York. Composer Anthony James shared the snap of himself sat next to the adored BBC Radio 2 presenter, who appears to have a uncertain look on his face, as they pose for a comical selfie. James said the photo was taken four weeks ago, when the pair met up in New York, and is possibly the last picture taken of Steve before his death was announced by his heartbroken family on Tuesday. The music producer shared the heartwarming snap along with an emotional tribute to his 'dear friend Steve', who he said 'had such a love of Life and radio'. News of Steve's sudden death aged 69 emerged yesterday afternoon, prompting an outpouring of heartfelt messages from stars such as Ken Bruce, Simon Mayo, Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay. Want to share your tribute to Steve? Email dan.woodland@mailonline.co.uk This is one of the last pictures of Steve Wright before his 'very sudden' death as he takes an 'ironic selfie' with a friend in New York Wright, who has died at the age of 69, in a photo taken in 1995 The DJ, seen in 2003, was made an MBE for services to radio James posted the picture of him and Steve to X, formerly Twitter, earlier today. He wrote: 'I can't sleep. I'm thinking of my dear friend Steve. We took this picture 4 weeks ago in New York. 'We were trying to do, as he put it "ironic selfies". He had such a love of Life and radio..He told me "AJ the blond hair has to go!" I miss him #RIPSteveWright' Following the announcement of his death, other stars have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the legendary DJ. At the start of her show yesterday evening, fellow BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley said: '(This is) a very strange show to be doing. 'It's extremely hard to know what to say and to be talking about someone that you saw only days ago in this very studio where I am right now - doing a tribute show to that person just does not feel right. 'It's very hard to find the words to say and to talk about someone in the past tense when it's someone that you wish was very much still here. So it's tough. The Radio 2 family are devastated. 'There have been many tears... we've all worked with Steve Wright for years and years and years, and it's just very difficult to take in that he's no longer here.' Ken Bruce said he was 'totally shocked to hear the news'. He added: 'We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. 'An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.' Steve Wright, who has died at the age of 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994 The DJ was married to Cyndi Robinson until they divorced in 1999. They are pictured on their wedding day Steve Wright pictured with fellow radio DJ's Tony Blackburn (left), and Paul Gambaccini (right) Superstar George Michael pictured with BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Wright. Presenter Sara Cox said: 'It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news. 'Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too.' BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg paid a heartfelt tribute to late Radio 2 DJ with a a touching piano rendition of the presenter's afternoon theme tune. Rosenberg took to X to praise Wright's unparalleled talent as a DJ. He wrote: ' He was, quite simply, brillianta broadcaster in a class of his own. As a tribute to Steve Wright, I play the Steve Wright in the Afternoon theme.' Meanwhile, speaking on Greatest Hits radio, a choked up Simon Mayo said: 'He was one of the true originals of music radio, I think. 'I loved his shows. I know a lot of you did as well. It was a thrill to be on the same radio stations as him. He'll be much missed.' Zoe Ball has told Wright to 'rest well you wonderful magic man' following his death at the age of 69. In a post to X, the broadcaster wrote: 'Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love & most importantly laughter rest well you wonderful magic man. 'Life won't be the same without you here, love you my friend, my hero.' The legendary broadcaster presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2. He is pictured in 1980 Wright with Bunny Campione at an event at Hamleys Toy Store in London on October 24, 2004 Legendary radio DJ Steve Wright pictured in 1991 Steve Wright and Ben Elton during the BBC radio One Roadshow in Great Yarmouth in 1991 Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Wright on many occasions, said he was a unique broadcaster. 'He created a kind of club which whether he was interviewing you or whether you were enjoying it as a listener, you looked forward to joining every day,' she said. 'It is a very rare quality, and he made it sound easy. It was frequently very funny, and when he left his daily afternoon show he really knocked a hole in the day for many of us who relied on his company. He will be a real loss.' Matt Lucas has referred to Wright as 'the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all' following the latter's death at the age of 69. In a post to X, the comedian wrote: 'Steve Wright was the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all. 'So gifted and natural and engaging. It was always a pleasure and an honour to appear on his show. What a huge loss.' Steve joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show before moving on to host Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993. Wright then fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast show for a year until 1995, and completed a stint at commercial radio stations before returning to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wright's Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs. In 1999, he recreated Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2, with celebrity interviews and entertaining trivia featured in his Factoids segment, before stepping down in September 2022. Steve Wright pictured with Roger Daltrey, Alice Cooper and Paul Gambechinni after winning the Lifetime Acievement Award at the Sony Radio Academy Awards in 2005 Tributes poured in from the world of radio as they shared touching stories about Wright Former BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot as part of the station's schedule shake-up. Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and since October last year, he presented the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, which had previously been fronted by Paul Gambaccini. His last show was a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of the programme two days ago. Wright told listeners in his final sign-off: 'I'll be back for more love songs next Sunday, ta-da then.' A statement shared by Wright's family on Tuesday said: 'It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. 'In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. 'Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. 'As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.' Liz Kershaw has this morning blasted the BBC for its 'shabby' treatment of Steve Wright prior to his death, claiming bosses cruelly 'dumped' him and treat stars like 'tins of beans on a shelf'. The veteran radio presenter said it made her 'feel sick' to see the broadcaster pay tribute to the legendary DJ after a schedule shake-up last year saw Scott Mills take over his long-held Radio 2 afternoon slot. 'It's shabby, it's hypocritical. They just dumped him,' the former BBC presenter told GB News this morning. 'New management said we're going to refresh the schedule - and they treat people like tins of beans on a shelf. 'I doubt that there was any follow-up, or any pastoral care, or any support for him. He didn't need money as he has been one of the highest paid people on air. 'But, you know, I wonder if they considered how it affected him. There are some people for whom fame and attention are their oxygen. And he was one of those; it was absolutely his life.' Veteran radio presenter Liz Kershaw has blasted the BBC's 'shabby' treatment of legendary DJ Steve Wright Steve Wright, who has died at the age of 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994 Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and since October last year he presented the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, which had previously been fronted by Paul Gambaccini. His family made the shock announcement yesterday that he had died, aged 69, with BBC director general Tim Davie leading the tributes declaring the BBC was heartbroken to hear of his death. 'Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades,' he said. 'He was the ultimate professional - passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio. 'No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences' faces. They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly.' But a visibly angered Ms Kershaw says the BBC should apologise for the way Wright was treated. 'Steve was so focused and driven and it's their life, that is who they are, and to take it away from somebody and then come back months later and say, "We will miss Steve, he was such a professional, he was brilliant, he was the best". 'I just don't know how they can say that. And also are they going to apologise to the public? 'Because since his last show and I know there have been other changes Radio Two has lost 1.2 million listeners. This is 8 per cent of its audience. Wright seen in a recent photo from when he was out walking in central London BBC director general Tim Davie led the tributes to Wright declaring the BBC was heartbroken to hear of his death The legendary broadcaster presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2. He is pictured in 1980 Wright being surprised in his studio by Paul McCartney. Also pictured is his production assistant Dianne Oxberry The DJ with George Michael in an undated photo taken within a BBC studio Tributes poured in from the world of radio as they shared touching stories about Wright 'So people know what they like, nobody's got a job for life. Things have to change. But I think there are serious questions to be answered. 'I would only imagine that it was a shock, a real shock to find he didn't have something to do and was no longer going to be working five days a week and thrilling the nation every day.' In response, the BBC told MailOnline: 'Steve was deeply loved by the Radio 2 family and listeners, and for almost three decades he hosted a raft of brilliant shows on the network enjoyed by millions. 'In addition to his past Saturday and Afternoon Shows, Steves Sunday Love Songs has been on air since 1996, and most recently Steve also hosted the legendary Pick of the Pops on Saturdays, alongside a variety of specials on Radio 2, and Steve Wright: The Best of the Guests, Steve Wrights Summer Nights and Steve Wrights Love Songs Extra on BBC Sounds. 'We will miss him dearly.' Wright was a long-standing presenter of Top Of The Pops on BBC One and presented the popular Sunday Love Songs weekend mid-morning show on Radio 2. His last show was a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of the programme three days ago. Wright told listeners in his final sign-off: 'I'll be back for more love songs next Sunday, ta-da then.' He was due to make a comeback to BBC Radio 2 as part of a line-up for a 'pop nostalgia' spin-off station before his death. Bosses unveiled plans last week to introduce four new radio stations in an attempt to claw back alienated listeners to the BBC, including a new Radio 2 spin-off focusing on the music of the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The station would've been the new home of the legendary DJ's Sunday Love Songs show, which he had been presenting on the channel since 1996, prior to his 'very sudden' death earlier this week. A statement shared by Wright's family yesterday announcing his death said: 'It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. 'In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. 'As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.' This was the moment when a Labour Parliamentary candidate ranted about 'f****** Israel' during a local Labour meeting. Former MP Graham Jones has been suspended from Labour by leader Sir Keir Starmer after also claiming that Britons who fight for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) should be 'locked up'. Mr Jones, 57, who is standing for re-election to his hold Hyndburn seat at the general election, was administratively suspended from Labour pending an investigation. The bombshell audio recording, revealed by political website Guido Fawkes, is said to have been made at the same meeting in Lancashire where Azhar Ali - who was previously Labour's candidate for this month's Rochdale by-election - suggested Israel 'deliberately allowed' Hamas's terror attacks on October 7 as a pretext to invade Gaza. Mr Jones's suspension is a further blow to Sir Keir's efforts to move Labour on from the frequent anti-Semitism rows that dogged Labour under his predecessor Jeremy Corbyn. Ex-MP Graham Jones, who is standing for re-election to his old Hyndburn seat at the general election, has been administratively suspended from Labour pending an investigation He was heard on the tape claiming that it was 'illegal' for Britons to sign up for the IDF, which is untrue. Many British Jews with dual citizenship have gone to Israel to fight in what is an existential fight for the Jewish homeland and it is incorrect to claim they are doing so illegally. According to Andrew Mitchell, Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) in a recent written Parliamentary answer: 'The UK recognises the right of British nationals with additional nationalities to serve in the legitimately recognised armed forces of the country of their other nationalities. The Israel Defence Force is a recognised armed force and British nationals are both able to volunteer into the Israel Defence Force and eligible for national service. For Israel, one does not have to be Israeli to serve in the Israel Defence Force.' Sara Britcliffe Tory MP for Hyndburn told Guido: 'At a time of increasing community tensions, it is the responsibility of all of us in politics to be careful with the language we use. 'We need immediate answers from those seeking to represent Hyndburn about whether they challenged Mr Ali. 'Creating community cohesion is essential and this quite frankly does the complete opposite. This is a clear example that the Labour Party under Sir Keir Starmer has not changed at all.' Sir Keir Starmer has already been forced to withdraw Labour's support for Azhar Ali at this month's by-election in Rochdale Mr Ali himself saw Labour's backing for his candidacy in the Rochdale contest withdrawn by Sir Keir and he has also been suspended by the party pending an investigation. The Labour leader's team only acted after being informed of further allegations by the Daily Mail, with Sir Keir having previously tried to weather the storm by insisting an apology by Mr Ali on Sunday night was enough. Top Labour figures had initially rallied behind the local councillor claiming Mr Ali had simply fallen for an 'online conspiracy theory' and that it was 'out of character' for him to be anti-Semitic. But it was confirmed on Monday evening that Mr Ali would have Labour's backing withdrawn. Speaking to broadcasters on a visit to Wellingborough yesterday, Sir Keir pointed to how 'further information came to light' on Monday before action was taken against Mr Ali. The Labour leader said: 'Certain information came to light over the weekend in relation to the candidate. There was a fulsome apology. 'Further information came to light yesterday calling for decisive action, so I took decisive action. 'It is a huge thing to withdraw support for a Labour candidate during the course of a by-election. 'It's a tough decision, a necessary decision, but when I say the Labour Party has changed under my leadership I mean it.' The Jewish Labour Movement had demanded Mr Jones be stood down as Labour's parliamentary candidate in Hyndburn following the publication of his recorded remarks Mr Jones was first elected MP for Hyndburn at the 2010 general election, but lost his seat to the Tories in 2019 as Labour saw vast swathes of its 'Red Wall' turn blue. In March last year, the 57-year-old was selected to be Labour's candidate in the Lancashire constituency again at the upcoming general election. In Mr Jones's recorded remarks, he was heard to say: 'F****** Israel again.' Quizzed about British nationals travelling to fight with the IDF, he added: 'Unless there is a military alliance between us and that particular country, NATO or whatever... you should not be fighting. 'No British person should be fighting for any other country at all, full stop. It's against the law and they should be locked up.' Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell recently confirmed that British nationals are allowed to volunteer in the IDF. The Jewish Labour Movement demanded Mr Jones be stood down as Labour's parliamentary candidate in Hyndburn following the publication of his recorded remarks. They said in a statement: 'Graham Jones's comments about British-Israeli Jews are appalling and unacceptable within the Labour Party. 'We are dismayed that Jones was not only a bystanded at the meeting where Azhar Ali made his anti-Semitic comments, but sought to inflame tensions further. 'Over the past two days, the importance of a zero tolerance approach to anti-Semitism in Labour has become clearer than ever. 'Labour must stand Graham Jones down as a parliamentary candidate and conduct a disciplinary investigation.' Sara Britcliffe, the Conservative MP for Hyndburn who defeated Mr Jones at the 2019 general election, earlier told MailOnline: 'Given it now seems this meeting took place in my Hyndburn constituency, voters have a right to know if any other Hyndburn Labour representatives were present. 'Comments like this do nothing for community cohesion. 'Sir Keir is keen to tell voters he has changed the Labour Party, but it seems in Lancashire that is simply a veneer. Let's see if he stands by his word.' Hysterical moment an enormous moose attempts to make a quick dash with a woman's sweet potatoes as she loads her weekly Costco shop. Amber Rotar found an extremely unexpected item in her baggage area when she was at the boot of her car in Anchorage, Alaska on February 10. As she loaded her food into the car, one ravenous moose decided he wanted to take advantage of her two trolley shop, even attempting to take a bite out of a sweet potato bag. The male moose was hilariously nonchalant and unwaivered by the surrounding traffic, continuing to sniffle nose-deep through Ms Rotar's trolley as she urged him to 'scooch'. She eventually tried to bribe him with the sweet potatoes he so evidently desired to no avail. Amber Rotar found an extremely unexpected item in her baggage area when she was greeted by a huge moose sniffling through her shopping in Anchorage, Alaska on February 10 But it wasn't all fun and games as the moose did shortly pin its ears back, which is a signal that they are likely to charge. 'No ears back buddy,' she quipped as the giant animal stood mere meters away from her. She later told The Independent: 'Fortunately he wasn't displaying any aggression, so I wasn't fearful as much as experiencing a healthy dose of apprehension.' There are between 175,000 to 200,000 moose in Alaska, all of which only eat plants, such as willow, aspen, maple, pin cherry, and willow. However because of heavy snowfall in the area, their food sources have depleted forcing them to venture closer to humans. This come shortly after a terrifying moment a wild moose was spotted charging at skiers on the slops in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Ken Rynearson was on a weekend ski trip with his friends when he caught sight of the enormous beast following them down the mountain. Rynearson, a chiropractor from Traverse City, Michigan, alerted his friends to the situation telling them to 'go faster!' The male moose was hilariously nonchalant and unwaivered by the surrounding traffic, continuing to sniffle nose-deep into Ms Rotar's trolley even as she attempted to bribe him with sweet potatoes But it wasn't all fun and games as the moose did shortly pin its ears back, which is a signal that they are likely to charge, however Ms Rotar claims the animal showed no sign of 'aggression' He also managed to whip out his phone and grab a quick video of the rare incident. The bull moose can be seen galloping down the snowy slope at full speed. Skiers attempt to weave in and out of the moose's path as it can be heard snorting. Eventually the moose turned onto a different and and left the skiers behind. There were no reported injuries or contact with the moose. Edinburgh University has become embroiled in a trans row after it announced a controversial critic of LGBT charity Stonewall to a key role. Simon Fanshawe, a former comedian who helped set up the charity in 1989, will take up the position of Rector next month after he was elected by students and staff unopposed. In 2019, Mr Fanshawe outraged trans activists after signing an open letter accusing Stonewall of undermining 'women's sex-based rights and protections' and 'demonising' anyone who disagrees with its gender policies as transphobic. And writing for the Mail in 2022, he warned trans activists were ruining the charity, saying: 'All that work is now in danger of being wrecked, Stonewalls reputation discredited, and its credibility squandered, by trans activists not all trans people, I hasten to add who believe they can dictate what everyone is allowed to say and think.' News of his election to Rector at Edinburgh was welcomed by free speech campaigners but condemned by some students and staff who have demanded university chiefs block the move. Transgender rights campaigners are now rallying support for an open letter, asking the university to reject the appointment and find 'a true advocate of equality, accessibility, diversity and inclusion' instead. Simon Fanshawe, a former comedian who helped set up the charity in 1989, will take up the position of Rector next month after he was elected unopposed They claim Mr Fanshawe 'creates a hostile environment for the many trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming students studying at the university'. Gina Gwenffrewi, an academic at the university who has a PhD in transgender studies, even attempted to connect the move to the murder of Brianna Ghey. She wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'Ten days since the judge at the trial of Brianna Ghey's killers identified transphobia as partial motive for the murder, the University of Edinburgh announces its new Rector is a founder of LGB Alliance. 'This appointment happened without any apparent election. The insensitivity of such an appointment when the trans community is still traumatised and vulnerable to increasing hate crimes is difficult to put into words. 'This is an outrageous declaration of contempt by the University of Edinburgh for trans people.' Mr Fanshawe is not a co-founder of LGB Alliance, which was set up by two lesbians and is critical of transgender ideology. However, he has supported the organisation and spoken during its events in the past. Jonathan MacBride, a university officer at its staff pride network, said Fanshawe had an 'excellent history of supporting gay and lesbian rights'. But he told the Telegraph: 'But he speaks negatively and just offensively, to me and many people I know, about trans people. That is upsetting that the University of Edinburgh feels like this is someone suitable to have as our Rector.' News of Mr Fanshawe's appointment provoked outrage online from trans activists who have demanded Edinburgh University (pictured) reverses its decision It's the latest trans row to engulf the university. Protests at the site last year saw activists twice shutting down screenings of the the film Adult Human Female, which focuses on the war between trans and women's rights groups, with the film branded 'transphobic' by some. Mr Fanshawe, who works as a consultant and practitioner in the field of diversity and inclusion, will take up office on March 4. The former comedian won a Perrier Award - awarded for the best comedy show at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - in 1989. He was one of the six co-founders of LGBT right charity Stonewall and was made an OBE in 2013 for services to higher education. He formerly chaired the governing council at the University of Sussex from 2007 to 2013. Mr Fanshawe replaces Debora Kayembe, a human rights lawyer who has served as rector since 2021. 'Being named rector of the University of Edinburgh is a great honour,' he said. 'It is a university with a great legacy and current practice of stellar research and wonderful teaching. 'The role of rector offers great opportunity to convene discussions on the most effective ways of advancing the university, its staff and students and to promote mutual understanding in the exchange of ideas.' Mr Fanshawe spent part of his childhood in Edinburgh and Stirling. He went to Davidson's Mains Primary School and still has family connections to Edinburgh. Leigh Chalmers, vice-principal and secretary of the University of Edinburgh, said: 'We look forward to working with Simon and we thank Debora for her service.' John Lewis has threatened its staff with disciplinary action over 'unacceptable comments' left on its internal intranet after it emerged the retailer was considering cutting 11,000 jobs in a bid to recover 230million losses. The partnership, which also owns Waitrose supermarkets, said there was 'significant and understandable strength of feeling about recent announcements but that's not an excuse for some of the abuse we've seen'. John Lewis said many of the messages left were 'abusive, hurtful and simply unacceptable', as it warned that staff that any harassment, bullying or offensive conduct could result in a meeting with people managers. According to The Daily Telegraph, the retail giant, run by chairman Dame Sharon White, said: 'The intranet is not a social media platform. It's a business channel and should be treated as such by every partner.' It follows reports that at least 10 per cent of the company's workforce made up of 76,000 employees could go across the group's head office, departments stores and supermarkets in the next five years, according to sources. John Lewis has threatened its staff with disciplinary action over 'unacceptable comments' left on its internal intranet (File image) Dame Sharon White (pictured) faces the threat of workers going on strike of fears of mass job losses Managers are developing plans with the number of roles within the firm expected to gradually decrease over a number of years by making workers redundant. According to The Guardian, a second source claimed the figure was briefed as the company fights to bounce back from a 230million full-year loss. READ MORE: John Lewis facing threat of workers going on strike over fears of mass job losses Advertisement Dame Sharon now faces the threat of workers going on strike of fears of mass job cuts. Staff have called for reassurance that their roles at the partnership will be safe. In a letter to Dame Sharon, the GMB union said it could ballot workers to walk out if she did not urgently meet with them. Around 250 JLP staff are members of the union. Its 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.' It comes after the troubled firm faced a backlash last month after accidentally telling staff it was slashing redundancy pay in half. John Lewis apologised to the workforce after they were mistakenly emailed details of the new arrangements. Staff who are known as 'partners' at the employee-owned business said they were 'angry and dismayed' and called the changes a 'massive kick in the teeth'. John Lewis said many of the messages left were 'abusive, hurtful and simply unacceptable'. (File image) It is just the latest setback for the 74,000-strong workforce. As well as racking up losses of 234million in 2022, John Lewis also told staff last March they would not be getting an annual bonus. Dame Sharon is to step down as chairman of the John Lewis Partnership in February 2025 at the end of her five-year term. It means her tenure will be the shortest in the firm's history. At the start of the month, redundancy pay was reduced to one week's pay per year of service, with John Lewis bosses claiming it needed to make the policy 'more affordable' and 'free up cash'. John Lewis declined to comment. Massachusetts' Democrat governor Maura Healey has nominated her ex-girlfriend to a role on the state's Supreme Court - sparking backlash from critics. The lawmaker announced her pick for the highest court on Wednesday -Massachusetts Appeals Court Associate Justice Gabrielle Wolohojian, her former live-in partner of several years. The two started dating publicly in 2013, when Haley was running for Attorney General. They had split by the time she became governor in 2022 but apparently remain amicable. 'It is highly inappropriate for the Governor to nominate to Massachusetts' highest court an individual with whom she had a long-term romantic relationship in the past,' the state's GOP chairwoman Amy Carnevale told CBS News. 'This nomination clearly demonstrates a lack of accountability inherent in one-party rule.' The Boston Globe's liberal editorial board has also disapproved of the governor's choice, accusing Haley of poor judgment and saying her decision to nominate her ex represents 'just plain awful optics.' Healey is pictured with her longtime partner, Gabrielle Wolohojian, in an undated picture Wolohojian and Haley started publicly dating in 2013 but had separated by 2022 While noting that Wolohojian is qualified for the job, The Globe points out that Haley also nominated someone from her inner circle, Bessie Dewar, to the highest court in December after she had selected him as solicitor when she was Attorney General. Critics have suggested Healy's appointments could give the impression that she wants her legal hires to make rulings that align with her own politics. Despite the outrage, Haley stood by her pick last week, saying she was proud of Wolohojian's nomination, and that the judge had the unanimous support of the Judicial Nominating Commission. 'There is no one more qualified. I am very comfortable in saying that... Of course I had a personal relationship with Judge Wolohojian for many years, so I happen to also know something about her character, integrity and the kind of person she is,' Healey said. 'I don't want the fact that she had a personal relationship with me to deprive the Commonwealth of a person who's most qualified for the position.' Wolohojian, whose nomination is expected to be confirmed, will have to decide if and when to recuse herself in cases involving Haley and her office. The Globe's editorial board wrote: 'None of us need to know the circumstances of Healey and Wolohojians breakup, but it beggars belief to imagine that the judge has no personal bias, positively or negatively, toward her ex.' Maura Healey, 51, became the first openly lesbian governor elected in the US Tuesday night The Governor's Council, an eight-member elected body in charge of approving judicial appointments, is set to hold a hearing for Wolohojian's nomination on February 21. Haley become the nation's first openly lesbian governor in 2022 and is currently in a relationship with Joanna Lydgate. She flipped the seat from its Republican rule for eight years, comfortably defeating Geoff Diehl. Healey was elected alongside her lieutenant governor candidate, Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll. Together, they became the first all women team to serve as governor and lieutenant governor. Labour has been handed fresh embarrassment over its Rochdale by-election campaign today after party leaflets featuring candidate Azhar Ali landed on voters doormats days after he was suspended. The mailout in the Greater Manchester seat pictures him with a red labour rosette and praises him as a 'strong voice' for the town if elected. It also features an endorsement from and a photo of metro mayor Andy Burnham, who says he will be a 'powerful champion' for the town. It arrived in homes today having been posted out at the weekend, before he was suspended on Monday over comments he made about Israel's invasion of Gaza at a meeting last October. The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is missing from the leaflet, which focuses on local issues including reopening a hospital. On it, just above Mr Ali's signature, it says 'Labour is the choice for Britain'. The mailout in the Greater Manchester seat praises him a 'strong voice' for the town if elected, and features an endorsement from and a photo of metro mayor Andy Burnham . It arrived in homes today having been posted out at the weekend, before he was suspended on Monday over comments he made about Israel's invasion of Gaza at a meeting last October. Mr Ali was finally axed as a candidate on Monday after it was revealed on Sunday he suggested Israel allowed Hamas to attack Jews on October 7 to justify the subsequent invasion. Labour has insisted that there are 'strong checks' on would-be MPs, after a second parliamentary candidate was suspended over remarks about Israel. Sir Keir Starmer's party has been pitched into a row about the handling of antisemitism allegations, with parliamentary candidate Graham Jones suspended on Tuesday, only a day after Labour was forced to suspend and withdraw its backing for Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali. It came after audio, obtained by website Guido Fawkes, appeared to show the former Labour MP use the words 'f****** Israel' at the same meeting Mr Ali attended, while also allegedly suggesting that British people who volunteer to fight with the Israel Defence Forces should be 'locked up'. With his candidacy for Hyndburn now in doubt, it is understood Mr Jones was called to an interview on Tuesday evening with party officials. Any move to drop him as a candidate would have to follow a formal party process. Shadow defence secretary John Healey said not everyone in his party was a 'saint', but said Labour should be judged on how it responds to complaints or allegations. He said: 'Restoring, retaining the trust of the Jewish community and any community is a constant process. 'And Keir Starmer is deeply, deeply aware of that. 'He pledged to root out antisemitism as part of the changes he wanted to make to Labour, regarded them as essential. He's done that. 'But this is not a party of people who are saints. 'When people do things that may be wrong, say things that may be unacceptable, the important thing is how does the party respond. 'We have an independent investigations process and when it concerns candidates or MPs, we expect as the public does the very highest standards.' The Jewish Labour Movement said it wanted any party members present at the meeting disciplined if it emerges that they failed to criticise the remarks. It comes as it emerged that Labour councillor in Hyndburn Munsif Dad was at the same gathering, with Sky News first reporting that Mr Dad has since been 'spoken to' by officials. It is not known whether or not he contributed to the meeting or whether the comments by Mr Ali or Mr Jones were challenged. The row has shone a spotlight on candidate selection in the party, as well as questions about whether Sir Keir has fulfilled his promise to root out antisemitism in his party following the scandals that overshadowed Jeremy Corbyn's tenure as leader. Mr Ali had apologised after he was recorded in a meeting of the Lancashire Labour Party suggesting that Israel had taken the October 7 Hamas assault as a pretext to invade Gaza. But Labour moved to end its backing of the candidate after the Daily Mail reported that he had blamed 'people in the media from certain Jewish quarters' for fuelling criticism of a pro-Palestinian MP. Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he would like any party members at the Rochdale meeting to be suspended if they failed to call out the language used. But he also defended the progress made by the Labour leadership to tackle antisemitism, while admitting it had not been the party's 'finest hour'. Mr Katz said: 'The idea that somehow we are still in the kind of the bad days of the Corbyn leadership is really ludicrous. 'We have gone through a transformation, the difference is like night and day in the way that we are treated as an organisation, the way that our members are treated. 'This has not been the party's finest hour. We have huge lessons to learn, but the direction of travel is very much upwards. It's very much in the right direction.' Appearing on the same programme, Mr Healey denied that there were flaws in the vetting process for candidates. He said: 'Azhar Ali was widely respected, widely supported across communities, including the Jewish community in the North West, and there certainly are strong checks, the due diligence process as part of selecting Labour candidates. 'But you can't see everything everywhere. What's important is that if new information comes to light, as in this case, we will act to investigate, we will act to block those who are not fit to serve as MPs.' Labour continues to face questions about why it took so long for Mr Ali to be suspended, with left-wing critics of Sir Keir's leadership claiming that factional rivalry is to blame for inconsistency in the handling of complaints. Voters go to the polls in the Rochdale by-election at the end of the month, with the result now hugely uncertain following the Labour decision to drop support for Mr Ali. Also running in the constituency are former Labour MP Simon Danczuk, now the Reform Party candidate, and George Galloway, of the Workers Party of Britain, who is campaigning against Labour's stance on Gaza. If elected, Mr Ali will sit as an independent MP and will not receive the party whip. The decision means that Labour will also need to find a new candidate to contest the seat at the upcoming general election. A comedian, a rapper, a lifestyle influencer and an American travel blogger are among the TikTok stars on a Home Office shortlist to tell migrants not to cross the Channel illegally. The Home Office has earmarked spending of up to 100,000 in countries including Albania, which have seen large numbers of migrants come into Britain illegally. In a modern-day update of the 'public information film', the plan is designed to get messages through to 'hard to reach' groups who fall for lies peddled by people traffickers. The scheme emerged in Downing Street from Cass Horowitz, the social media expert behind 'Brand Rishi'. But campaigners have branded the scheme 'toy town tinkering' and say it will have 'zero impact'. Albanian Rapper Omg Dioh is one of the Albanian celebrities the Home Office plans to recruit Roxhi Dibrani is a popular online comedian while Fabio Daja is described as a 'lifestyle influencer' Online celebrities will be offered cash from the British taxpayer to warn potential migrants that they could be deported to Rwanda, for example, or that they will not have the right to work. The scheme emerged in Downing Street from Cass Horowitz, the social media expert behind 'Brand Rishi' The first wave will target Albania, Iraq, Egypt and Vietnam, with plans to introduce them in Turkey and India, according to the Times. But the scheme has already been rubbished by activists, with Alp Mehmet, Chairman of Migration Watch UK, telling MailOnline: 'This is just toy town tinkering. It will have zero impact on numbers crossing but still cost the taxpayer. 'The only serious option to tackling this crisis is to embark on fundamental reform of the legal framework, which allows illegal arrivals to challenge or thwart their removal.' It forms part of a 1million advertising campaign to be launched alongside the planned first Rwanda removals in the spring. More than 13,600 Albanians reached Britain by small boat in 2022 but last year the number fell by 90 per cent. Below, MailOnline profiles four of the online personalities the Home Office hopes to recruit. The rapper who poses with cash and fast cars The Home Office hired an outside company, Multicultural Marketing Consultancy, to find candidates for its TikTok scheme. Omg Dioh was identified as a suitable option because he 'uses the platform to influence and educate youngsters to work hard and follow their passions'. The rapper has a YouTube channel called 'Youngdreamer ENT', which has more than 5,000 subscribers. He also has over 100,000 followers on TikTok, @omgdioh #omgdioh 1 milion pytje, a e din ca ? Sdu me dit mo as nje pergjigje original sound - OMGDIOH Recent songs show him rapping inside luxury cars and shaking a large wad of banknotes. In another, he is seen mocked up as a character from videogame Grand Theft Auto, with a gun in one hand and a tattoo reading 'loyal'. His photos on Instagram include inspirational messages including 'this new year will bring new things' and 'no limits'. The comedian with a 'strong north Albanian accent' Another influencer who has caught the attention of the Home Office is Roxhi Dibrani, a comedian with 150,000 followers. He has a 'strong northern Albanian accent, which may help him disseminate messages more easily to young people located in our target regions', officials believe. Most of Dibrani's content appears to be home made videos where he talks directly to the camera. Earlier today he posted a message calling on any businesses who wanted to use his channel to advertise to get in touch. The 'funny and optimistic' lifestyle influencer Fabio Daja is described by officials as a 'lifestyle influencer' who 'cares about issues and actively shares his opinions in a funny optimistic way'. He has more than 108,000 followers on TikTok, where his profile is captioned ' Keeping up with Fabio'. @fabiodaja Kjo fushate synon nxitjen e te rinjve ne ndjekjen e arsimit te mesem profesional, dhe vjen si nje nisme e UNICEF Albania dhe AKPA me financimin e qeverise italiane @puna.gov.al @unicefalbania @italyinalbania @akpa original sound - Fabio Daja A recent video shows him eating KFC with a young girl as he tells jokes that make her laugh. He also regularly appears on Albanian TV to discuss current affairs. A Home Office spokesman said: 'People smugglers frequently use social media to peddle lies and promote their criminal activities and it is vital that we utilise the same platforms to inform migrants about the truths about crossing the Channel and coming to the UK illegally. 'We make no apologies for using every means necessary to stop the boats and save lives.' Disturbing footage has emerged of occupants in an erratically driven ute sporting P-plates appearing to throw water bomb balloons at a young schoolboy, pedestrians and other road users in an affluent suburb. A concerned motorist filmed the incident while the white ute was travelling along Military Road in Dover Heights in Sydney's east on February 2. The footage showed objects been thrown from the driver and passenger windows at people walking on footpaths and a delivery driver on a bicycle waiting at an intersection. The objects splattered as they hit the ground. The occupants of a white ute with a P-plate were filmed hurling what appeared to be water bomb balloons at pedestrians and other road users A schoolboy standing on a roadside corner was hit by one of the objects Close-up footage showed his soaked shirt. The ute was also filmed going down a one-way street in the wrong direction. The man who filmed the incident supplied the footage to NSW Police but told radio station 2GB on Wednesday that no action had been taken. Police told 2GB host Ben Fordham they had no record of the complaint and asked for his details again. Fordham called the apparent lack of action by police 'poor form'. Police told Daily Mail Australia early Thursday that the incident is being investigated. 'Officers from Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command have commenced an investigation following a report the occupants of a vehicle were seen to throw objects at pedestrians,' the police statement said. 'As investigations continue, anyone with information or dash-cam footage is asked to contact Eastern Suburbs Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 300 000.' A terrorist who plotted fertiliser bomb attacks at high-profile targets like Bluewater shopping centre and the Ministry of Sound nightclub will remain in prison, MailOnline can reveal. Salahuddin Amin was deemed to still present a high risk, amid no evidence that his 'hidden offending identity' had been dropped. Amin was legally represented by counsel at the hearing, with took place on September 25 and 26. He and Jawad Akbar were key members of a gang of five terrorists who planned to target popular locations in 2004 such as the Kent shopping centre and the famous London nightclub. Terrorist Sulahaddin Amin will remain in jail after being deemed to still be of high risk Amin was a member of a gang of five terrorists who planned to target locations such as Bluewater shopping centre in Kent (pictured) They had acquired 600kg of ammonium nitrate fertiliser, a substance that can be used to make a bomb. Amin - considered by police to be a pivot between British extremists and the Al Qaeda network - was found guilty of conspiracy to cause explosions between January 1 2003 and March 31 2004. The then 32-year-old was handed a minimum sentence of 17 and a half years. The terrorist's risk was deemed to be unchanged from when he was detained in 2004, rendering him both unsuitable for release or transfer to an open prison. Summarising its decision, the Parole Board concluded: 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, evaluating his progress in custody and the evidence presented at the hearing in particular his own - the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public. 'The panel was not satisfied there has been any material change in Mr Amin's risk from the risk he presented at the time of his detention in 2004. Pictured: The Ministry of Sound nightclub in central London 'To adopt the language of one of the psychologists, it was not satisfied that Mr Amin's 'hidden offending identity' has been dropped and 'does not remain hidden as it was at the time of the offending'. The report added that there was a 'serious risk' Amin would abscond, having expressed a desire to return to Pakistan. It said that despite initially seeking to be released, Amin subsequently indicated via his legal representative that he wished to take trauma therapy recommended by psychologists before renewing his application. Amin will be eligible for another parole 'in due course', it said. A lonely grandfather was conned out of his life savings by brazen scammers who convinced him to hand over more than $1million in gift cards just weeks before his death. Adrian Heartsch, 77, was preyed upon by fraudsters who convinced him that he would earn in excess of $20 million worth of gold bars or gold bullion in return. He died a broken man just a month after learning he had been scammed. 'It was like all this was the nail in the coffin, it was devastating for him, his whole life savings he's lost,' his son Simon told A Current Affair. Mr Heartsch, a former truck driver and grandfather of 11 had been saving to enjoy his retirement. Retired truck driver Adrian Heartsch was preyed upon by fraudsters who convinced him that he would earn in excess of $20 million worth of gold bars or gold bullion in return for Apple gift cards 'He was going to go caravanning, he bought a great big GMC truck, and a huge caravan, and was setting up to tick off some of his bucket list,' his son Simon added. Simon claimed his father had always been very sensible with money and did not even use internet banking. 'Unless he knew exactly what he was paying for - he wouldn't pay for it,' Simon said. But somehow his father got talking to a woman online who called herself Vida. 'He wasn't alone, but he was lonely. He had no company, he didn't even have his dog anymore to talk to,' Simon said. 'So I guess he's vulnerable in that way.' 'Vida' groomed Mr Heartsch over months, calling him 'handsome,' 'baby' and 'my love,' before convincing him to send her Apple gift cards with the promise of money in return. She also promised him that she would come out to Australia and live with him. Mr Heartsch would buy up to $10,000 worth of Apple gift cards from shops in his local area in one day (stock image) Simon Heartsch said it was the 'final nail in the coffin' for his father who died a month after learning he had been scammed Simon discovered the 'gobsmacking' evidence when his father was ill in hospital. 'The story grew from $300,000 to $600,000 to up and up and up... over a million dollars,' Simon added. His father would buy up to $10,000 worth of Apple gift cards from shops in his local area in a single day. Simon said his father was 'embarrassed' and 'mortified' when he realised he had been scammed His life savings, his caravan and truck, were gone. All he had left was his home. Mr Heartsch's health deteriorated further and he died shortly afterwards. A cyber security expert discovered the scammers were operating from Ghana. 'They're ruining peoples' lives,' Simon said. 'They're speeding up peoples' deaths. They're preying on the vulnerable. They're horrible people.' A Czech migrant was beaten and knocked down the flight of stairs by a 'psychopath' after he was smuggled into the UK, a court heard. Zdenek Drevenak, 47, his partner Monika Daducova, 43, and associates Jiri Cernohous, 48 and Martin Slovjak, 46, allegedly stole the wages of 12 victims and kept them in 'invisible handcuffs.' The migrants, eleven Czechs and one Slovakian, were promised a better quality of life in the UK, Southwark Crown Court has heard. But the money they earned in bakeries and car washes was paid into the accounts of the three male traffickers - Drevenak, Cernohous and Slovjak. The traffickers selecting unemployed, homeless or financially deprived individuals who were 'desperate' to come to the UK, it is said. Zdenek Drevenak, 47, and his associates allegedly stole the wages of 12 victims and kept them in 'invisible handcuffs Most of the 12 men and women were made to work at Arnaouti Pitta Bread Bakery in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire The victims would often cycle 12 miles to get to the bakery from the property in Enfield, sometimes leaving as early as 4am and not returning until the evening Most of the 12 men and women were made to work at Arnaouti Pitta Bread Bakery in Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire. The victims would often cycle 12 miles to get to the bakery from the property in Enfield, sometimes leaving as early as 4am and not returning until the evening. The court heard the recorded testimony of one of the victims who was lured over to the UK on the promise of earning 320 a week. The man, who lived in a 'sports hall' in the Czech Republicn before he came to the UK, said he was left with bruising to ribs and under his eye. He said: 'They promised me I would be getting 320 a week here, which I wasn't receiving. I was only getting 20. 'They helped me to fill out the paperwork because I don't speak English.' The victim began working at a bakery two weeks upon arrival. He asked his captors for his full wages, but was denied them. 'I did ask, and he said this is money for food and rent, and he said, 'just be quiet.' The migrant described being scared of Zdenek Drevenak because 'he would beat me up without any reason.' 'He beat me up so I had bruises and stuff. I had to go to the doctors.' 'He slapped me. And I fell down the stairs.' The smuggled man referred to 'bruised ribs' and bruising 'under the eye.' 'He would come from somewhere and suddenly started beating me.' The migrant eventually fled the house with several others and they slept rough, he said. He described Drevenak as a 'psychopath'. Jurors have heard smuggled migrants had their passports and identity documents taken away and locked in a safe when they arrived at the property in Durants Road, Enfield. They were also forced to undertake household chores when they returned home from working. One of the victims was forced to work as a prostitute, it was said. Drevenak, Daducova, Slovjak, and Cernohous, all of Durants Road, Enfield, deny two counts of conspiracy to hold a person in servitude, and 12 of trafficking persons for exploitation. Drevenak, Daducova, and Cernohous, deny three counts of trafficking persons for exploitation. Drevenak denies four further counts of trafficking persons for exploitation. Cernohous denies one further count of trafficking persons for exploitation. The charges date between January 2014 and October 2019. The trial continues. Ladonna Batty was on the Carnival Elation when Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson came back after being reportedly raped on a Bahamas beach Two Kentucky moms who were drugged and raped at a Bahamas beach on their first-ever trip abroad were in an awful state, according to a nurse who saw them return to the cruise ship. Ladonna Batty, a family nurse practitioner from Arkansas, said it was the worst scene that I had ever had to work after she helped Amber Shearer and Dongayla Dobson back on board the Carnival Elation. The childhood friends said they were attacked at Pirates Cove beach resort on February 4 after the ship docked at Freeport in Grand Bahama on the last day of a four-day cruise. Batty spoke out to support the womens account as it emerged that two resort workers arrested at the scene after the women identified them have since been released. Out of my 20-odd years of practicing, it was the worst scene that I had ever had to work. It was a horrible situation for both girls, said Batty who was a fellow passenger on the cruise. Family practice nurse Ladonna Batty said to her there in no doubt that the women were assaulted: Oh 100 percent, worst thing Ive ever seen, they were in a horrible shambles' Dongayla Dobson (left) and Amber Shearer (right) were thrilled to be on their first foreign trip The pair's last memory was consuming drinks (pictured) on the beach before walking up in a bathroom at the resort with bruises on their legs Seeing those girls in that state was awful, something happened to them that they will carry for the rest of their lives. Dobson, 31, told Dailymail.com they saw Carnivals adverts for Pirates Cove and on the final day of the four-day cruise we just decided to spend the day on the beach'. There were other people from the cruise on the beach so there weren't red flags for us,' she added. Minutes after accepting cocktails from uniformed resort staff they were stumbling and staggering on the beach, terrifying Dobsons mother who was watching them live-stream their experience on social media. They were like falling all over the place, Frankie King told Fox News. They don't drink a lot, but I've seen both of those girls drunk. I knew there was something else going on. Tiw hours later King received a chilling text from her daughter: Call us now weve been drugged and raped. Shearer and Dobson hit out at Carnival cruises for failing to notify them of a State Department warning about traveling to the Bahamas after they were allegedly drugged and raped during their trip The four-day Carnival cruise on the Carnival Elation called at Nassau and Grand Bahama The pair are pictured on a Bahamian beach shortly before their ordeal began It's a parent's worst nightmare, King said. 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. Police were called after a resort housekeeper found the pair unconscious in a resort bathroom. 'We were treated as criminals and refused rape kits after asking repeatedly,' Shearer said. 'We were forced to show where our rapes took place and to face the men who raped us,' she added. The women claimed they were taken to a bathroom and 'forced to urinate' and 'wipe away the evidence'. 'They had us change out of the one-piece swimsuits and into our swimsuit covers,' Dobson told NewsNation. It was only back on the boat that they were given a rape kit test and a toxicology test, which showed the cocktail of drugs including cocaine, opiates and benzodiazepines in their system, but no alcohol. I got my phone out and immediately started charting everything, documenting everything I'd seen, nurse Batty told Lex18. I was thinking as a practitioner, Let me get all this documented, let me get all these details for the girls because theyre not gonna remember some of it if they were drugged. Anybody should be able to go on vacation and have a drink or have a Coca Cola and take some pictures and not get brutally assaulted. On the final day of their cruise the pair decided they just wanted a 'day on the beach' But their day trip turned into a nightmare as they were drugged with spiked drinks and raped 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. Pirates Cove later cast doubt on the womens account saying it conflicts with what the time-stamped surveillance videos contain. But Batty is in no doubt that the women were assaulted. Oh 100 percent, worst thing Ive ever seen, they were in a horrible shambles. The Bahamas is visited by 7million Americans a year and tourism accounts for 70 percent of its economy. But it has been subject to an official US travel advisory since January warning visitors to exercise extreme caution after a spate of murders and sexual assaults. The women claim they were never alerted by the cruise company to the advisory before leaving the boat for a resort promoted by Carnival as offering true Bahamian relaxation. 'We had no idea what was going on in the Bahamas, none whatsoever, they said. 'We were targeted from the moment we were spotted.' Carnival has insisted the women were on an independent shore excursion, and its crew members routinely share guidance with guests on keeping safe while ashore. The pair have thanked Batty for her help in the aftermath of the attack. She was our advocate, Shearer, 31, said. Had it not been for Ladonna advocating for us I dont know what would have happened. The Royal Bahamian Police said the two arrested men have been released pending further inquiries, and insisted investigators 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, they said in a statement. Recognizing the gravity of the incident, our officers boarded the cruise ship, providing a sexual assault kit and hospital form to the ships medical doctor and obtained signed statements from the victims. Thousands of tourists make their way from cruise boats to Pirate's Cove beach resort Excursions to the Pirate beach resort are advertised for $57 a head to passengers on its cruise Dongaylas mother said it was more than 24 hours before she saw her daughter return home to Kentucky. I never imagined how traumatized they actually were until I saw them at the airport, she added. 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."' The CEO of American shipping company Foremost Group and sister of former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao has died in a car accident Sunday in Texas at the age of 50. Angela Chao, who was the head of the dry bulk shipping firm, passed away over the weekend - and her family said that they are 'devastated with grief' over the news. The Harvard Business School graduate is the sister of Elaine Chao, who was the first Asian-American woman in history to ever be appointed to the president's cabinet. Elaine is married to Senator Mitch McConnell - making the Republican leader Angela's brother-in-law. Her father, James S.C. Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as 'thoughtful, kind and devoted' as well as being a much-loved 'charismatic and visionary leader.' He said in a statement: 'It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I announce the passing of my beloved youngest daughter, Angela Chao. Angela Chao, who is the head of the dry bulk shipping firm, passed away over the weekend - as her family said that they are devastated with grief over the news. Chao is pictured at The New York City Opera Pre-Gala Celebration in 2010 Angela Chao (far right) is pictured in 2015 with her sister, former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao (left), her brother-in-law Mitch McConnell (second from left), now President Joe Biden (center), and her father, James Chao (second from right) 'Angela is a brilliant woman, a charismatic and visionary leader and much-loved by all her sisters, our entire family and friends. As a daughter, sister, mother, aunt, wife and friend, she was unfailingly filial, thoughtful, kind and devoted. 'These qualities were complemented by a spirited personality, exceptional intelligence, compassion for all and a wonderful sense of humor. She kept us laughing and smiling. 'Losing her at such a young age is something we never even imagined, and our entire family is devastated with grief.' The family added: 'As a trail blazer for women in the executive suite, she inspired others to pursue their dreams. She also loved music and tried the French horn as her instrument when young, insisting on carrying it herself to every lesson. 'These early experiences created a lifelong, passionate commitment to the fine arts. 'Angelas name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She certainly gave more than her share of both to this world. Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but in the Asian-American community.' Angela Chao was married to American venture capitalist Jim Breyer, who has an estimated net worth of $2.9billion. She was previously married to billionaire banker Bruce Wasserstein - who died in 2009, just months after they wed. Angela Chao is pictured with her husband Jim Breyer in 2023. Her first husband died during their first year of marriage From L to R, the Chao sisters: Grace, Christine, Elaine, May and Angela Chao, pictured in 2016 Her father, James S.C. Chao, remembered his youngest daughter as 'thoughtful, kind and devoted' as well as being a much-loved 'charismatic and visionary leader' The Chao family: Standing far left is Angela - who died in the car crash. In the back row is her sisters Christine, May, and Grace. Sitting next to her father James S.C. Chao is Elaine Chao. James S. C. Chao is seated next to portrait of his late wife The Chao family is the only one in the history of the school to have had four daughters attend the Harvard Business School. Angela completed her bachelor's in economics, graduating with summa cum laude, in just three years. She then went on to attend Harvard Business School before joining over her father's company, The Foremost Group, in 1996. She was remembered for her 'pioneering leadership' and for being a 'formidable executive' in the shipping industry. Chao became the chief executive officer of the company in 2018. In June 2016, Chao was also appointed as independent director of the board of the Bank of China. Angela Chao was a founding advisory council co-chair of The Asian American Foundation - who gave a statement on the news of her tragic death. The nonprofit said: 'The Asian American Foundation is heartbroken to learn of the devastating death of Angela Chao, a beloved businesswoman, philanthropist and respected leader. 'Angela has left an indelible mark on The Asian American Foundation and the AAPI community. Angela Chao is pictured with her first husband Bruce Wasserstein, who died in 2009 just months after they wed 'A brilliant and committed leader, Angela's warmth, kindness, and infectious energy will live on in our work for decades to come.' The Foremost Group released the following statement: 'It is with deep sadness that Foremost Group announces the passing of Angela Chao in a tragic car accident. 'Angela Chao was a formidable executive and shipping industry leader, as well as a proud and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother. She was also a precocious youngster, learning about the shipping industry at an early age as she lovingly followed her father around during 'Take Your Daughter to Work' days on his ships. 'She placed special emphasis on paying attention to the care and well-being of our crews, and to everyone onboard and onshore who played a role in performing our services. As a result, her leadership in the shipping industry was widely recognized. 'Among other honors, she served as a Board Member of the American Bureau of Shipping Council, as well as a Board Member of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy's International Maritime Business Department Advisory Board. 'She will be greatly missed and leaves a legacy of pioneering leadership especially for women in shipping, philanthropy and the arts.' It's unclear when or where the fatal wreck happened. The officer was said to have bruised the woman's arm in Croydon last July A Met Police officer has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a woman who was wrongly arrested for allegedly not paying her bus fare in front of her young son. PC Perry Lathwood appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with assaulting a woman causing bruising injuries to her arm during the arrest on July 21 last year in Whitehorse Road, Croydon, south London. Footage of the incident between the officer and the woman, who has not been named, was shared widely on social media at the time. Police officers were helping ticket inspectors on the bus. Video footage showed the victim being held back by Lathwood, an officer from the Met's Road Traffic Policing Command, as her young son cries hysterically in desperation. Westminster Magistrates' Court heard the woman was 'taken hold of by police', and the incident was recorded by members of the public, it is alleged. PC Perry Lathwood (pictured) is charged with assaulting a woman causing bruising injuries to her arm Footage shows the mother being held by police officers as her young son hysterically cries in desperation She was later de-arrested when it was confirmed she had paid the fare. The court also heard the woman was carrying a scooter on the bus. PC Lathwood, of Normans Bay, East Sussex appeared via video link wearing a white shirt and dark tie and entered a not guilty plea to a charge of assault by beating. Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram sent the case to be heard at City of London Magistrates' Court on May 10. At the time of the incident, the Metropolitan Police said in a statement: 'We are aware of a video circulating showing a female being handcuffed by police. 'Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command were conducting a joint revenue protection operation with Transport for London inspectors in Whitehorse Road, Croydon, on Friday July 21. 'One woman left the bus after not complying with a revenue inspector's request to check that she has paid her fare. PC Lathwood appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on February 14 'When asked to stop by police she attempted to walk off and became abusive. As a result she was arrested on suspicion of fare evasion and detained. 'When it was later established that the woman had paid she was de-arrested and allowed to go on her way. 'The woman was with her child and we appreciate that the video and circumstances look concerning. 'However, it is a snapshot of a wider incident. The video from this incident and the officers' body worn video, which was active for a longer period than the social media clip, has been reviewed. 'Our officers regularly liaise with local community groups and forums and we will be discussing the matter with them and listening to their views.' The IOPC clashed with the Met Police last month over the case. The Met Police shared on X/Twitter on January 12 that PC Lathwood would appear in court next month following the decision by the Crown Prosecution Service to charge him. The Met's official account replied to share a statement from Chief Supt Andy Brittain, who is responsible for policing in Croydon: 'The news that an officer has been charged with assault will undoubtedly cause a great deal of concern. 'Officers know they must be able to justify their use of force. The Met has written to the IOPC seeking urgent clarity on the reasons for the charging decision. 'Criminal proceedings are now active and as a result I am unable to comment further on the case.' Within less than an hour, the IOPC replied: 'Hi @metpoliceuk, as you know a decision on whether to charge someone with a crime , whether a police officer or a member of the public, is taken independently by the Crown Prosecution Service.' Russian forces are buying Starlink satellite internet terminals in 'Arab countries' for use on the battlefield for a little over $2,000 each, Ukraine's military spy agency said. The Elon Musk-owned service has been vital to Kyiv's battlefield communications, but Ukrainian officials have said Russian forces are also increasingly relying on it during their nearly two-year-old invasion. The defense ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR) released what it said was an audio intercept of two Russian soldiers discussing buying units from Arab providers for around 200,000 rubles, the equivalent of $2,200, each. 'The aggressor state Russia is purchasing communications equipment, including Starlink satellite Internet terminals, for use in the war in Arab countries,' the ministry said on Telegram. On Monday, GUR spokesman Andriy Yusov told Reuters that Russian forces were purchasing the terminals through unspecified third countries. Russian agents are reportedly using 'intermediaries' in Dubai in order to get their hands on the terminals. An audio clip released by Ukrainian intelligence purportedly shows two Russian soldiers talking about getting their hands on the terminals. The Elon Musk-owned service has been vital to Kyiv 's battlefield communications, but Ukrainian officials have said Russian forces are also increasingly relying on it during their nearly two-year-old invasion Ukrainian servicemen check their tank after a maintenance not far from Bakhmut in the Donetsk region on February 5 Musk has said that there has been no official sales between his company and Russian forces 'Let me order you a Starlink? And you will have a f*****g good connection. Dude, you need a Starlink.' The quoted price 200,000 roubles. One soldier references someone named Oboz who can get their hands on the terminals. 'The Arabs bring everything to us: Wires, wifi, routers,' he says. Starlink has said it does not do business with Russia or operate on Russian territory. The Kremlin said the terminals were neither certified for use in, nor officially supplied to, Russia, and therefore could not be used. Kyiv said on Sunday that the SpaceX communications device was being used by Russian troops in its invasion of Ukraine, with military intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov calling the problem 'systemic.' He said: 'Cases of use of these devices by Russian occupiers have been recorded. This is beginning to become systemic.' But Russia's 83rd Guards Air Assault Brigade are among those using the service, around the Klishchiivka and Andriivka battlefields, says the Ukrainian GUR military intelligence agency. A Ukrainian soldier setting up Starlink satellite equipment Some believe that Russian forces have been able to 'spoof' Starlink terminals, making it appear to be operating in authorized regions Some believe that Russian forces have been able to 'spoof' Starlink terminals, making it appear to be operating in authorized regions. Others theorize that Russian soldiers may have stolen terminals from Ukrainian areas that are in authorize regions, but have since been taken over by invading forces. Until now the system has operated in Ukraine, except Crimea, as Musk wanted to stop Kyiv targeting Russian warships, and use the terminals for humanitarian instead of military purposes. Musk was praised by dictator Putin this week. The US tech tycoon called for an end to US economic support for Ukraine during the war with Russia. Musk declared: 'It is time to stop the meat grinderit should have been done a year ago.' SpaceX said it 'does not do business of any kind with the Russian Government or its military'. The company said: 'Starlink is not active in Russia, meaning service will not work in that country. 'SpaceX has never sold or marketed Starlink in Russia, nor has it shipped equipment to locations in Russia.' The boyfriend of aristocrat Constance Marten laid down on the floor and complained he was being treated like a 'dog' while being questioned by police, a court has heard. Mark Gordon, 49, said he was 'in pain' and demanded 'pills' from police as officers questioned him and his girlfriend, 36, about the whereabouts of their missing child in the hours before the newborn was found dead inside a shopping bag. A jury at the Old Bailey was told that Gordon claimed he was 'in distress' and accused officers of 'talking to me like I'm nothing', with his police interview being ended after the defendant's solicitor said he intended to answer 'no comment' to all questions. Hours later police would find the body of baby Victoria in a Lidl bag where prosecutors say she spent most of her life. It is alleged that Marten and Gordon killed the child by taking her on the run in January last year to prevent her being taken away by social services. The baby's placenta was found in an exploded car on a Manchester motorway sparking a huge police hunt as the couple traversed the country trying to find an escape route. A jury was told that Mark Gordon (pictured) claimed he was being treated like a 'dog' and laid on the floor while police interviewed him to find the whereabouts of his newborn child Constance Marten (pictured with another child) told police she needed to 'get some sleep' before speaking to them The couple then spent nearly two months camping in a tent on the bitterly cold South Downs near Brighton before the baby, wearing only a onesie, allegedly froze to death. The couple met in 2016 and had four children in quick succession who were all taken into care after Marten gave birth to her first child using a fake Irish accent pretending to be a traveller, jurors have heard. The couple deny the manslaughter of Victoria by gross negligence, concealment of the birth of a child, cruelty to a person under 16 and perverting the course of justice by disposing of the body. Jurors today heard transcripts of police interviews with the couple on February 28 and March 1, 2023, while the search for their baby was underway, in which they tried to get information about the baby. Gordon was interviewed at Worthing police station on February 28, 2023, just before 6am but the interrogation 'did not bear fruit.' Early the following morning, on March 1, 2023, at 12.27am, Gordon, who had been kept in Worthing police station, was interviewed again. He attended the interview in a wheelchair but as the officer was explaining the purpose of the interview Gordon climbed out of the chair and lay on the floor. The officer told him to get back into the chair but he refused, saying he was in pain and, and asked to be given something for it. He said: 'I am in pain. I can't focus on what you are taking about. I have changed positions because of the pain. Maybe a nurse can give me something.' The officer replied that he had already seen the nurse and she had decided nothing was wrong with him. The trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon heard that both were interviewed by police in the hours leading up to the discovery of their baby's body A sketch of Marten (left) and Gordon with a dock officer at the Old Bailey in March 2023 He added that he was happy to interview him while he was on the floor if that was more comfortable for him. However just 12 minutes into the interview, and before the officer could put any further questions to him. Gordon said he had to go to the toilet, and the interview was terminated Follow every detail of the case on The Mail's acclaimed podcast The Trial The Trial takes listeners behind the headlines and into the courtrooms of some of the biggest criminal cases in the world. The first series, 'The Trial of Lucy Letby' received more than 13million downloads. Season two focused on the murder of Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old teacher from Ireland. Season three followed the case of the murder of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old teenager. Season four will follow the evidence as the jury hears it in twice weekly reports from The Daily Mail's news reporter, Jack Hardy, and broadcast journalist, Caroline Cheetham. They will take you into the courtroom to bring you the details as the evidence unfolds, to examine key moments and to carry out exclusive interviews with detectives, victims, and experts. Advertisement They resumed at 12.52am, but Gordon remained uncooperative, claiming he was in 'distress' and had the right to medical treatment. He said: 'You are a man, we are all men here. I'm in custody but that doesn't mean I'm a dog. I want pills but you say 'I'm not prepared to stop'. You don't know what it's like.' 'I thought I had rights. I obviously don't have any rights here. I have the right to see a doctor.' 'That's not going to get my co-operation, talking to me like I'm nothing.' He added that his hands and feet were swollen and painful, and continued: 'All I say is I want some pills but you seem to think I'm in a situation like I'm playing games with you. I'm in distress. 'I'm in here with you, trying to co-operate.' The officer again repeated that he wanted to ask about the baby and Gordon said: 'I understand that but I'm a person. I feel.' DC Shales asked him directly: 'What's the baby's name?'. Gordon turned to his solicitor, who was in the interview with him, and asked her to answer for him, but she said she was there to advise rather than answer questions for him. He eventually told police: 'Didn't she already say? I thought my solicitor said. It puts me on the record' The solicitor said: 'It's my client's intention to answer 'no comment' throughout the course of this interview.' At which point the interview ended. Marten, who was being held in Brighton Custody Suite, was approached by officers in her cell at 1.50am on February 28, 2023. They asked her whether she was prepared to speak to them without a solicitor. She replied: 'I haven't eaten or slept for a long time. I need to get some sleep before I can make a proper decision.' Officers returned at 3.48am with a solicitor, and asked her about where she had been staying, where she was going when they arrested her, and whether her child was till alive. They also said: 'We are going to give you a final opportunity for the sake of your child, please tell us more.' However she answered 'no comment' to all questions. She was interviewed again later that day, at 10.08pm, and was asked repeatedly about her child. At one point the officer asked: 'If you are not willing to tell us where the child is, please, if we show you a map, draw a circle and say it's in that location.' Again Marten answered 'no comment' to all questions. The baby's placenta was found in an exploded car (pictured) on a Manchester motorway sparking a huge police hunt as the couple traversed the country Marten, who appeared in court wearing a pink top, was previously represented by John Ryder, KC, who had only attended the trial for one day in person, but was today represented by a new barrister Francis FitzGibbon, KC Her junior barrister Tom Godfrey, who has been attending the trial, remains on the case. Gordon was dressed in a pale blue shirt and dark blue tie. Marten comes from a wealthy aristocratic family and her father was a page to Queen Elizabeth II. Her mother Virginie de Selliers also attended court dressed in a green jacket. The wealthy family lived at Dorset estate Crichel House during her youth and her grandmother was a playmate of Princess Margaret and goddaughter to the Queen Mother. Marten and Gordon deny manslaughter by gross negligence, concealment of the birth of a child, cruelty to a person under 16 and perverting the course of justice. They also deny causing or allowing the death of a child. The trial is set to last six weeks. David Cameron has implored US Republican lawmakers not to obstruct additional military aid packages for Ukraine, equating such a move to the appeasement of Hitler prior to the invasion of Poland that triggered World War II. Leveraging the US and UK's 'special relationship', the British Foreign Secretary evoked memories of American warships supporting British soldiers as they stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day to push Congress for more funding for Kyiv as Zelensky's men continue to grind against Russian forces. Lord Cameron said he was 'dropping all diplomatic niceties' and sought to convince Republicans that a decision to resolutely support Ukraine would signal strength to Iran and China amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and around Taiwan. 'I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s. He came back for more, costing us far more lives to stop his aggression,' he wrote in a sensational op-ed for The Hill. 'We must all ask ourselves who is watching? America is strong enough to both protect itself at home and recognise that threats in Europe or Asia affect its own security. I for one would like Beijing and Tehran to see that.' The op-ed comes as Lord Cameron met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, where he shared a similar message with reporters. 'Putin thinks that he can outweigh us and outlast us, but we are going to prove him wrong,' he said. A Ukrainian serviceman of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade prepares for combat in a Challenger 2 tank in an undisclosed location near frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, on February 12, 2024 Ukrainian soldiers prepare L119 artillery in the direction of Bakhmut, as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 Ukrainian soldiers fire 2s1 artillery in the direction of Bakhmut, where clashes between Russia and Ukraine continue to take place, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 5, 2024 Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron speaks during news conference at the Council of Ministers headquarters in Sofia, Bulgaria, Wednesday, Feb.14, 2024 US President Joe Biden delivers remarks in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 13 February 2024. President Biden urged the US House of Representatives to pass a 95 billion USD bill with aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan Artillery shells are seen in the direction of Bakhmut, as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 Swedish-made Archer Howitzer operated by Ukrainian members of the 45th Artillery Brigade fires toward Russian positions, in the Donetsk region, on January 20, 2024 Lord Cameron is currently on a whirlwind tour of Europe that started in Sofia and will take him to Poland before culminating in an appearance the Munich Security Conference later this week, where he is expected to urge allies to boost defence production for Ukraine Discussions during Cameron's visits will include how to strengthen Ukraine in the war now, ensure it wins if Putin prolongs hostilities, and lay the foundation for Ukraine's long-term future, his office said. Both Britain and the European Union have recently announced fresh support packages for Ukraine - another factor Lord Cameron used to put pressure on US lawmakers to approve a giant aid package for Kyiv. 'If you add up the countries that support Ukraine, we outmatch Russia economically 25 to 1. All we have to do is to make that economic strength pay, and I hope that happens in Washington in the coming hours,' Cameron said. US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for House Republicans to urgently bring a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to a vote, warning that refusal to take up the bill, passed by the Senate in the morning, would be 'playing into Putin's hands'. 'Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin,' Biden said, raising his voice in strong comments from the White House as he referred to the Russian leader. 'We can't walk away now. That's what Putin is betting on.' But the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump - the front-runner for the Republican Party presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine - oppose the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson this week cast new doubt on the package and made clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to Biden's desk - if at all. The potential impasse comes at a crucial point in the nearly two-year-old war, and supporters warn that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Putin and threaten national security across the globe. Yet the months-long push to approve the $60 billion in aid for Kyiv that is included in the package has exposed growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. Biden also lashed at Trump, who on Saturday said during a campaign appearance that he once warned he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO member nations that are 'delinquent' in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defence. The 31 allies have committed to a target of spending 2% of their output on defence but not all have done so individually. Ukrainian officer Maksym Radchenko walks amid the devastation caused by a Russian glide bomb that landed in a road near a school in the village of Petropavlivka Ukrainian soldier inside the 2s1 artillery takes the powder charge in the direction of Bakhmut German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L), CEO of Rheinmetall Armin Papperger (C) and German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (R) with artillery ammunition before the groundbreaking ceremony for a new munitions factory of German defence contractor Rheinmetall Both Britain and the European Union have recently announced fresh support packages for Ukraine - another factor Lord Cameron used to put pressure on US lawmakers to approve a giant aid package for Kyiv The US aid package for Ukraine faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump (pictured) - the front-runner for the Republican Party presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine - oppose the legislation View of a joint meeting of Congress inside the House Chamber of the U.S. Capitol in Washington In response to Trump's comments, NATO retorted today that Europe was meeting an alliance spending target and that America needed allies. NATO's European states would invest a combined total of $380 billion in defence this year, taking their spending as a whole to an estimated 2% of GDP in 2024 compared to 1.85% in 2023, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said. 'I expect 18 allies to spend 2% of their GDP on defence this year,' he told a news conference in Brussels, adding overall military spending was set for another record year after two years of Russia's full-fledged war against Ukraine. The number was higher than last year, when 11 NATO members were expected to reach the agreed target. At a summit in Wales in 2014, NATO leaders agreed to the goal of moving towards spending at least 2% of their GDP on defence within a decade. Addressing journalists' questions linked to the controversy around Trump's comments, Stoltenberg said the United States knew how important the defence alliance is for its own security. 'The United States have never fought a war alone,' he said ahead of a NATO ministers' meeting. 'The criticism we hear is not about NATO, it is about NATO allies not spending enough on NATO,' he added, saying the new hike in military spending by European allies was proof this message had been heard. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg FILE - NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, center front left, speaks with then-U.S. President Donald Trump, center front right, at a NATO leaders' meeting in Watford, England, Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019 Ukrainian soldiers firing with a SPG, in the direction of Bakhmut, where clashes between Russia and Ukraine continue to take place, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 04, 2024 Ukrainian soldiers preparing a mortar in the direction of Velyka Novosilka as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, February 9, 2024 While on his diplomatic tour of Europe this week, Lord Cameron will also witness joint work taking place on illegal migration in Bulgaria. This will include visiting Border Force officials in Sofia to learn about UK-Bulgaria cooperation aimed at disrupting the supply of small boats and other equipment destined for illegal Channel crossings. According to British government information, up to 50% of people using the Balkans as a migration route into Europe are believed to come through Bulgaria. The country is also believed to be the main transit route for equipment used to facilitate small boat crossings in the Channel. A Delta flight was forced to turn back an hour after takeoff after maggots fell from the overhead cabin onto terrified economy passengers. Delta Flight DL133 from Amsterdam to Detroit was compelled to return back to Schiphol yesterday after a suitcase containing rotten fish in the overhead bin broke open and maggots began to fall on the unsuspecting passengers. After the aircraft landed, passengers were taken offboard, the cabin was thoroughly cleaned and the suitcase was placed in a bag to be burned. A passenger named Kelce told DailyMail.com that Delta staff had identified the owner of the rotting suitcase and detained them on the plane after the rest of the travelers left the aircraft. It is unclear if the owner was fined or if any action was taken against them. Delta Flight DL133 from Amsterdam to Detroit was compelled to return back to Schiphol yesterday after a suitcase containing rotten fish in the overhead bin broke open and maggots began to fall on the unsuspecting passengers One Reddit user who was reportedly sitting a row ahead of where the incident happened, later said that the fish had been packed in newspaper Flight DL133 was forced to turn back an hour after takeoff As compensation, travelers were given 8,000 air miles, hotel room compensation and a $30 meal ticket if they were delayed overnight, Kelce further said. One Reddit user who was reportedly sitting a row ahead of where the incident happened, later said that the fish had been packed in newspaper. 'My family and I were in the row directly in front of the maggots. The lady right behind us told the flight attendants the maggots were falling on her head. Ugh. I turned around and they were wiggling around on the seat. 'They moved us further in front though. One of our carry-on bags was right nearby the disgusting one so at the end of the flight when I went to get it after checking it over thoroughly, the passenger in question was still sitting there and didn't exit the plane. 'Some kind of consequences but unclear what. Also apparently it was wrapped in newspaper. Absolutely gross.' According to Delta Air policy, carrying food as a carry on is not considered dangerous and allowed onboard if packaged properly. But this is not the first repulsing incident to happen on a Delta flight this year. After the aircraft landed, passengers were taken offboard, the cabin was thoroughly cleaned and the suitcase was placed in a bag to be burned According to Delta Air policy, carrying food as a carry on is not considered dangerous and allowed onboard if packaged properly Last month, plane passengers were left horrified after a fellow traveler pooped their pants on their flight - and left the feces 'spread out like peanut butter' all over the seat. One of the disgusted travelers took to Reddit to share their dismay over the situation, which quickly went viral. The Reddit user explained that they were on an early morning Delta flight from Birmingham, Alabama, to Atlanta, Georgia, with their eight-year-old daughter on Christmas Eve, and about 20 minutes after takeoff, they started to smell something 'terrible.' At first, they feared that their daughter might have had an accident, but the youngster insisted that she hadn't. One of the disgusted travelers took to Reddit to share their dismay over the situation - and it quickly went viral Delta has yet not commented on the rotting-fish incident The traveler said the horrid scent lingered for the rest of the plane ride - and it wasn't until after they landed and they began to disembark that they discovered the cause. On their way out, the Reddit user said they noticed that one of the chairs about eight rows ahead of where they had been seated was 'covered' in 's**t.' They said the defecation had engulfed the entire area - including the bottom and back of the seat. Someone else who was on the same flight also shared their experience - and they revealed that they were seated in the same row as the person who had the accident. Delta has yet not commented on the rotting fish incident. The teen also told officers she had been watching YouTube videos which gave her thoughts about torturing people A Nevada teenager shot her father and young brother because she 'couldn't resist the urge to kill somebody', police said. Mashenka Reid, 17, is accused of blasting her dad in the chest and back, before aiming the gun at her little brother's head as he played on his tablet. The father has been named online by relatives as Justin Reid. The teen's terrified sister, aged just two, was located by police unharmed in a locked bedroom. Reid later told cops she planned to use a knife to 'stab or shoot her' but had been unable to access the room, according to court documents obtained by the Reno Gazette-Journal. Police were called to the family's Reno home at around 4pm on February 9 after receiving a 911 call from Reid and another neighbor who heard gunshots. During the chilling call, Reid admitted to the 911 dispatcher she had gone on the rampage as she 'couldn't resist the urge to kill somebody', the police report states. Mashenka Ann Marie Reid, 17, is accused of shooting her father and young brother before telling officers she 'couldn't resist the urge to kill someone' Family identified the slain father online as Justin Reid pictured (left) with daughter Mashenka (far right) 'I shot my dad,' the teen told a dispatcher during the call . 'I shot my brother. My brother is dead.' When officers arrived they found a 'four or five-year-old male juvenile lying on a couch in the living room' with a gunshot wound to the head, according to the court filings. Reid's father was discovered in the garage with wounds in his chest and back. A handgun was located where the teenager allegedly told 911 dispatchers she had dropped it. EMS workers arrived at the scene shortly after police and pronounced both victims dead. The Washoe County Medical Examiner has not released either of their identities as of Wednesday. Reid's sister was found after an officer kicked open a door in the back. She told police there was a knife on the family's washer and dryer, which she was going to 'utilize to kill', according to the report. When asked what triggered her, Reid said she had been feeling upset about her mom running away. She told officers she had not spoken to her since December 15. The report also stated that Reid told police she frequently was asked to watch her siblings while her dad was at work and that her brother has autism. Police found Reid's father (right) dead in a garage while her brother, who was described as aged 'four or five' was found dead on the sofa with gunshot wounds to the head The teen's two-year-old sister was located unharmed in a locked bedroom after police kicked down the door. Reid later told police she had planned to 'shoot or stab' the child 'I asked her how she felt about being at home with the kids Monday through Friday throughout the week leading up the incident and Mashenka responded saying she got more and more angry from listening (to her brother) screaming,' the report said. Reid told police she had been watching YouTube videos which gave her thoughts about torturing people. On the day of the shooting, Reid had asked her dad to go to the store to buy items to make pizza to 'stall for time' to allow her to prepare to use the Walther PPS gun, according to the report. She said her father had shown her how to use the weapon a couple of years previously. Once he left, she looked up how to deactivate the safety and load it. When he returned, she shot her father 'two arms length' from the door as he entered the garage, police said. She then went into the room where her brother was on the couch using a tablet and shot him twice in the head, according to the court documents. The teen allegedly told police she thought about stabbing herself but decided it was too merciful and she deserved worse. Reid is being charged as an adult with two counts of open with a deadly weapon and one count of attempted murder with a deadly weapon. She is currently being held in the county jail with a bail hearing set for Thursday. A woman claiming to be the victims' relative posted a tribute to the father and son on her Facebook page a few days after the tragedy. Kimberly Reid said: 'Pray for comfort for my dad's side of the family, we lost my cousin and his son in a double homicide. 'The details are very sensitive and all is still not clear. Rest easy cuzzy and Lil man.' Donald Trump called Republican congressional candidate Mazi Pilip a 'very foolish woman' after her loss to Democrat Tom Suozzi in the special election to replace ex-GOP Congressman George Santos. 'Republicans just dont learn, but maybe she was still a Democrat?' Trump posted on Truth Social. He went on: 'Just watched this very foolish woman, Mazi Melesa Pilip, running in a race where she didnt endorse me and tried to straddle the fence, when she would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America.' Trump claimed most of the Republican party stayed home and called for a 'REAL CANDIDATE IN THE DISTRICT FOR NOVEMBER.' Pilip, who serves as a Republican county legislator, was handpicked by New York Republicans to run against Suozzi after Santos was expelled from Congress last year. Mazi initially distanced herself from Trump on the campaign trail before praising him in the final days, but she kept who she voted for in 2016 and 2020 private most of the campaign, only revealing in an interview on February 10 that she voted for Trump in 2020. While she did not appear with Trump during the campaign, she did hold events alongside New York Republican lawmakers including close Trump supporter Rep. Elise Stefanik. Republican candidate Mazi Pilip thanked supporters on election night and said she called her opponent to congratulate him on his win Democrat Tom Suozzi edged out a victory in the special election for New York's tenth congressional district to replace Rep. George Santo Former president Trump called Republican Pilip a 'very foolish woman' after she lost the New York special election and called for a 'REAL CANDIDATE' to run in the district in November With more than 169,000 votes counted, Suozzi had 53.9 percent to Pilip's 46.1 percent in the district that includes parts of Long Island and Queens. During his campaign, Suozzi withstood attacks from Pilip on Biden and his party's handling of the southern border and painted the Republicans as anti-abortion. His win as reduced the GOP majority in the House to just four and will give the Democrats hope they can still win in November if the migrant crisis is still one of the top issues for voters across the country. Suozzi celebrated his victory late Tuesday night and was interrupted multiple times by pro-Palestinian protesters shouting 'genocide'. His supporters started chanting 'Suozzi' to drown out the protesters until they were removed from the room. Suozzi's victory speech was interrupted multiple times by pro-Palestinian protesters shouting 'genocide' and demanding a ceasefire in Gaza His supporters started chanting 'Suozzi' to drown out the protesters until they were removed from the room Suozzi, a former three-term congressman and Nassau County executive, left his previous congressional seat to run for governor, but lost in a primary to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul 'This race was fought amidst a closely divided electorate, much like our whole country. This race was centered on immigration and the economy, much like the issues all across our country,' Suozzi said speaking to a crowd of supporters Tuesday night on Long Island. 'We won this race because we addressed the issues and we found a way to bind our divisions.' Earlier in the night, Pilip gave a short speech thanking supporters just after 10pm ET. She said she called to congratulated Suozzi on his win. 'We are fighters, yes we lost, but it doesn't mean we're going to end here,' Pilip said. She vowed to continue the fight to bring 'common sense government.' The result is a strong sign for Democrats heading into the 2024 elections come November when they will try reclaim the House after a Republican-led congressional term marred by chaos. New York's special election on February 13 is taking place in the Third District which includes parts of Long Island and Queens Suozzi's win over Pilip slims the Republican majority in the House down even further. Republicans have just 219 seats and Democrats will hold a total of 213 seats with the addition of Suozzi. His win could hamstring the Republican agenda due to their razor thin majority. Once he is sworn in, the House GOP can only afford to lose two votes to pass measures where all Democrats vote 'no.' Serial liar Santos was voted out of Congress after serving just 11 months in office following an ethics report revealing he improperly diverted campaign contributions to pay for Botox treatments, Hermes bags, OnlyFans and cash withdrawals at a casino. After the special election was called, Santos posted on X taking aim at the New York Republican lawmakers who helped oust him, blaming them for losing a seat in the House. Fearing the defeat in New York, Republicans rushed to push through the impeachment of Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas earlier on Tuesday after it failed last week. With Majority Leader Steve Scalise back from his cancer treatment recovery and Suozzi not yet sworn in, they were able to lose three GOP votes and still pass the measure. The vote also came just as a Nor' easter storm pounded New York with snow and threatened to impact voter turnout. Pilip and Suozzi were both encouraging voters to get out and cast their ballots despite the winter storm warning through Tuesday evening as the Nor'easter dropped as much as a foot of snow on parts of the region. Suozzi, a former three-term congressman and Nassau County executive, left his previous congressional seat to run for governor, but lost in a primary to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Polling showed Suozzi, 61, had a slight edge over Pilip, a member of the Nassau County legislature, after the calamitous Santos ousting. President Biden himself stayed out of the race, with Suozzi telling CNN a visit from the president would not be 'helpful.' Speaker Mike Johnson stumped for Pilip in the district earlier this month. Pilip has said she will support Donald Trump if he is the GOP candidate, but not if he is convicted of a crime. 'Nobody is above the law,' the Ethiopia-born former Israeli paratrooper said. 'If he's convicted of a crime, he cannot represent us.' The candidates got in their last digs in the days leading up to the race. 'The bottom line is my opponent, Mazi Pilip, is George Santos 2.0,' Suozzi called the Republican while stumping in Plainview, N.Y., over the weekend. Meanwhile Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman torched Suozzi on Pilip's behalf. 'Mazi stood shoulder-to-shoulder with me when we hired an additional 200 police officers in the last two years,' Blakeman said on Cats Roundtable WABC 770 AM radio. 'When Tom Suozzi was county executive, he wanted to defund the police,' he went on. 'He increased taxes. He made Nassau County a sanctuary county.' Both candidates put Israel and immigration front and center of their races. Suozzi has criticized House Republicans for refusing to negotiate over the border and has taken aim at his opponent's opposition to the bipartisan immigration and foreign aid bill introduced in the Senate. The $95 billion aid package was passed by the Senate Tuesday morning, but faces an uncertain fate in the House. Pilip has criticized the bipartisan deal, claiming it 'legalizes the invasion' of the U.S. at the southern border. Suozzi told reporters Sunday if Republicans blocked the bipartisan deal, 'we're gonna end up with more migrants coming to New York; and on top of that, they're gonna have access to AR-15s.' Pilip, a 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 has voiced support for the Dobbs decision in which the Supreme Court kicked abortion law back to the states. She touted endorsements from police leaders and the border patrol union, which also backed the Senate immigration and foreign aid deal. Pilip is an Ethiopia-born former Israeli paratrooper and mother of seven The vote came just as a nor'easter storm pounded New York with snow and threatened to impact voter turnout 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. Suozzi was particularly critical of Biden's age on the eve of the election. 'The bottom line is he's old,' Suozzi told a local news anchor. 'I know 81-year-old people that are in good shape and I know 81-year-olds that are not in great shape. He's old and there's no question about it.' There's a 'debate as to whether [Biden's] going to stick it out or not,' he added. Suozzi was noncommittal when asked whether he would support President Biden in the 2024 election, saying he would 'likely' support the president but he would wait to 'see what happens.' But the Biden campaign came out touting Suozzi's victory Tuesday night. Biden campaign manager Julie Chavez Rodriguez said 'Donald Trump lost again' in a statement. 'When Republicans run on Trumps extreme agenda even in a Republican-held seat voters reject them,' she said. She went on in her statement that the former president and 'MAGA extremists in the House are already paying the political price for derailing a bipartisan deal to secure our borders and fix our broken immigration system.' Want to share your tribute to Steve? Email dan.woodland@mailonline.co.uk Steve Wright was found dead at his 2million flat on Monday morning after paramedics were called to an 'incident', MailOnline can reveal. Emergency services rushed to the star's home in Marylebone, central London, just after 10am on February 12, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His 'unexpected' death is not being treated as suspicious with a report being prepared for the coroner, police said. The radio personality presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades before his death aged 69. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We were called at 10.07am on Monday 12 February to reports of an incident. 'We sent a number of resources to the scene. Very sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.' It comes as the last picture of the legendary broadcaster shows him larking around and taking 'ironic selfies' with a friend in New York just weeks before his death. Want to share your tribute to Steve? Email dan.woodland@mailonline.co.uk Radio personality Steve Wright presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades before his death aged 69. This is one of the last pictures of Steve Wright before his 'very sudden' death as he takes an 'ironic selfie' with a friend in New York Steve Wright was found dead at his flat in Marylebone on Monday morning after paramedics were called to an 'incident' Friends have revealed that Steve was 'struggling with his health' before his death, but added the news was 'a complete shock' Steve Wright pictured in 1980 Composer Anthony James shared the snap of himself sat next to the adored BBC presenter, as he paid tribute to his 'dear friend' who 'had such a love of life and radio'. James said the photo was taken four weeks ago and is possibly the last picture taken of Steve before his death was announced by his heartbroken family on Tuesday. His death has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt messages from stars such as Ken Bruce, Simon Mayo, Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay. James posted the picture of him and Steve to X, formerly Twitter, earlier today. He wrote: 'I can't sleep. I'm thinking of my dear friend Steve. We took this picture 4 weeks ago in New York. 'We were trying to do, as he put it "ironic selfies". He had such a love of Life and radio..He told me "AJ the blond hair has to go!" I miss him #RIPSteveWright' Following the announcement of his death, other stars have also taken to social media to pay tribute to the legendary DJ. At the start of her show yesterday evening, fellow BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley said: '(This is) a very strange show to be doing. 'It's extremely hard to know what to say and to be talking about someone that you saw only days ago in this very studio where I am right now - doing a tribute show to that person just does not feel right. 'It's very hard to find the words to say and to talk about someone in the past tense when it's someone that you wish was very much still here. So it's tough. The Radio 2 family are devastated. 'There have been many tears... we've all worked with Steve Wright for years and years and years, and it's just very difficult to take in that he's no longer here.' Ken Bruce said he was 'totally shocked to hear the news'. He added: 'We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. 'An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.' The DJ, seen in 2003, was made an MBE for services to radio Wright, who has died at the age of 69, in a photo taken in 1995 Steve Wright, who has died at the age of 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994 The DJ was married to Cyndi Robinson until they divorced in 1999. They are pictured on their wedding day Steve Wright pictured with fellow radio DJ's Tony Blackburn (left), and Paul Gambaccini (right) Superstar George Michael pictured with BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Wright Presenter Sara Cox said: 'It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news. 'Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too.' BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg paid a heartfelt tribute to late Radio 2 DJ with a a touching piano rendition of the presenter's afternoon theme tune. Rosenberg took to X to praise Wright's unparalleled talent as a DJ. He wrote: ' He was, quite simply, brillianta broadcaster in a class of his own. As a tribute to Steve Wright, I play the Steve Wright in the Afternoon theme.' Meanwhile, speaking on Greatest Hits radio, a choked up Simon Mayo said: 'He was one of the true originals of music radio, I think. 'I loved his shows. I know a lot of you did as well. It was a thrill to be on the same radio stations as him. He'll be much missed.' Zoe Ball has told Wright to 'rest well you wonderful magic man' following his death at the age of 69. In a post to X, the broadcaster wrote: 'Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love & most importantly laughter rest well you wonderful magic man. 'Life won't be the same without you here, love you my friend, my hero.' The legendary broadcaster presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2. He is pictured in 1980 Wright with Bunny Campione at an event at Hamleys Toy Store in London on October 24, 2004 Legendary radio DJ Steve Wright pictured in 1991 Steve Wright and Ben Elton during the BBC radio One Roadshow in Great Yarmouth in 1991 Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Wright on many occasions, said he was a unique broadcaster. 'He created a kind of club which whether he was interviewing you or whether you were enjoying it as a listener, you looked forward to joining every day,' she said. 'It is a very rare quality, and he made it sound easy. It was frequently very funny, and when he left his daily afternoon show he really knocked a hole in the day for many of us who relied on his company. He will be a real loss.' Matt Lucas has referred to Wright as 'the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all' following the latter's death at the age of 69. In a post to X, the comedian wrote: 'Steve Wright was the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all. 'So gifted and natural and engaging. It was always a pleasure and an honour to appear on his show. What a huge loss.' Steve joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show before moving on to host Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993. Wright then fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast show for a year until 1995, and completed a stint at commercial radio stations before returning to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wright's Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs. In 1999, he recreated Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2, with celebrity interviews and entertaining trivia featured in his Factoids segment, before stepping down in September 2022. Steve Wright pictured with Roger Daltrey, Alice Cooper and Paul Gambaccini after winning the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Sony Radio Academy Awards in 2005 Tributes poured in from the world of radio as they shared touching stories about Wright Former BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot as part of the station's schedule shake-up. Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and since October last year, he presented the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, which had previously been fronted by Paul Gambaccini. His last show was a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of the programme two days ago. Wright told listeners in his final sign-off: 'I'll be back for more love songs next Sunday, ta-da then.' A statement shared by Wright's family on Tuesday said: 'It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. 'In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. 'Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. 'As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.' Gen-Zers are coming forward with accounts of dating hardship brought about by the intense and growing political divide between men and women in their generation. In a piece for the Free Press, Gen-Z journalist Rikki Schlott shares tales from her peers who are attempting to wade into the dating pool, which is full of highly politicized and very online candidates. Schlott spoke with a 25-year-old grad student in Washington, DC, who told her that as a traditional conservative, he masks his political identity entirely before and during dates with his contemporaries. 'You just have to assume that most girls are progressive and constantly try to make sure you dont say the wrong thing,' he said. 'On first dates Im usually just trying to gauge where theyre coming from while obfuscating my views.' A collected sampling of some of the political positions being posted by young, cosmopolitan women on dating apps Numerous recent reports illustrate the ever-growing political divide between the genders of Gen-Z. Young women are liberal and moving further left every day. While young men have ticked sharply conservative in the last half-decade, a pattern that has been developing for at least ten years. Data reflects that women especially often refuse to date across party lines, establishing a dynamic that could eventually lead to demographic collapse. The majority of young American women - some 55 percent - say they won't date a man who listen to Joe Rogan's incredibly popular podcast. On the other side of the equation, 64 percent of young men think it's a red flag to identify as a communist. Saying 'Black Lives Matter,' was also found to be a turn-off for one-third of young men, whereas nearly two-thirds of young men say that supporting 'Black Lives Matter' is a green flag. US politics are not the only sort impacting the dating lives of the youth. In England, Germany, and notably South Korea, men are taking a sharp turn right, while women stay left. In South Korea, women, in response to what they see as a sexist society not conducive to females being able to thrive, have stopped have babies. In what has been dubbed the '4B Movement,' women are refusing to marry, date, have children and have heterosexual sex. The birth rate has fallen to a dismal 0.78 births per woman. Young women are liberal and moving further left every day. While young men have ticked sharply conservative in the last half-decade, a pattern that has been developing for at least 10 years A survey by Change Research asked 1,033 men and women aged 18-34 what behaviors are considered green or red flags in a partner Schlott writes that, anecdotally, modern dating via app has become a coded exercise for men, and and exhibitionist show of progressivism for women. Young men, she says, label themselves as 'moderate,' if they are conservative, and 'liberal,' if they are moderate. One such case told her that he pretends 'he's woke,' because 'a guy' gotta get laid.' The 25-year-old grad student said, 'putting out there that you're a conservative is a death wish.' Women, on the other hand, project their politics openly and radically. 'I'm weirdly attracted to: comrades,' wrote one woman on a popular dating app. 'My love language is: Marxist political theory.' 'Lets make sure were on the same page about: Covid is real. Land back. Mask and vax. LGBTQIA2+. Anti-capitalism. BLM. ANTIFA. Universal basic income/healthcare. Trans rights. Socialism. ACAB. (emoji of the Palestinian flag),' read an especially progressive, but not especially unique profile of a young woman in Brooklyn, according to Schlott. It's a trend that shows no signs of slowing down as the divide continues to split young daters. An IT worker killed a millionaire shower tycoon husband and wife with powerful painkiller fentanyl then changed their will after befriending them, a court heard today. Luke D'Wit, 34, worked for and befriended entrepreneurs Stephen, 61, and Carol Baxter, 64, becoming 'like an adopted son to them'. The couple were found dead in their luxury home on Mersea Island, Essex, in April last year by their daughter. But Chelmsford Crown Court was told a will 'was created by Luke D'Wit on his phone' the day after the bodies were discovered. He was the beneficiary of the 'very odd will' which included terms such as 'our dear friend Luke D'Wit is to be the person of significant control' in Cazsplash, a company the couple ran which sold bespoke bathmats to go around curved showers. Stephen and Carol Baxter who were found dead in their home in West Mersea, Essex The home of the millionaire tycoon husband and wife in Essex Luke D'Wit, 34, being interviewed by police outside the home of the couple Prosecutor Tracy Ayling QC told jurors: 'He had rewritten their will and stolen Carol's jewellery, among many other things, to benefit from their deaths.' D'Wit, who lives in West Mersea, denies murdering Mr Baxter and his wife. On the opening day of the trial, the jury was told that the couple's daughter, Ellie, arrived at their home on Easter Sunday last year and saw them dead inside. An ambulance was called at 1.10pm and all three emergency services attended, including the fire service which ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. 'They were found by their daughter and her partner, dead in the conservatory, sitting in their individual armchairs,' Ms Ayling said. 'There was no obvious reason for their deaths but as their bodies were examined, it was revealed they had been poisoned using a drug called fentanyl.' Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller. There was no suicide note and the 'whole area, including the kitchen, was very neat and tidy'. In the 999 call played to the court, Ellie screamed and wept and told a call handler: 'I need an ambulance right now.' She said 'I need to get inside' and was heard banging on the glass of the conservatory, swearing and saying that she thought they were dead. D'Wit then took over the call, as Ms Baxter wept in the background, and told the call handler: 'I'm a friend.' The defendant appeared to be 'very calm and plausible' during the call, the prosecutor said. He was the 'last person to see them alive' but 'wasn't seen as a suspect and in fact provided statements to police as a witness'. Mrs Baxter was managing director of Cazsplash Ltd, a bathroom accessories firm which sells bath mats designed to fit around curved or corner showers In an account to police, D'Wit said he left the Baxters' at 7.55pm on April 7. Ms Ayling told the jurors: 'He said Carol was asleep and Steve was standing in the kitchen saying he was going to do something for dinner,' said Ms Ayling. But police were 'able to discover he left Carol and Stephen incapacitated at this time', she added. A toxicology report in June last year indicated that a factor in both deaths was the drug fentanyl, the court was told. Checks of the stomach contents in both victims 'suggests but doesn't conclusively show that the drug was ingested orally'. Mrs Baxter, who had a thyroid condition and a pacemaker, was also found to have the antihistamine drug promethazine in her system. 'It's difficult to imagine any scenario when two individuals who are not prescribed fentanyl could accidentally contaminate their food with this drug,' Ms Ayling said. The Baxters deaths were treated as unexpected but not suspicious at first. Their original will stated their estate would be left to their four children - two from their marriage and Mrs Baxters two other children from a previous relationship. The new will, allegedly written on DWits phone, said: Cazsplash is to continue trading in whichever way is planned. Our daughter, Ellie Baxter, is to be the 100 per cent shareholder and complete owner. There is no financial gain to this. Our dear friend, DW, is to be the director and person of significant control. Our business-making decisions are down to him apart from an agreed and respected wage there is no financial gain to this. During the 999 call, Ellie was heard saying: We need an ambulance right now, shes been poisoned. My mums not very well. Theyre poisoned, theyre dead. Theyre frozen. Theyre so cold. When DWit took over and was asked if the couple were beyond help, he replied: Yeah. Theres some blood on her mouth. She has yellow, blue fingers. Bodycam footage from a police officer showed DWit saying: I last saw them on Friday. Me and Steve were just talking about work. We drove past the house last night and the blinds were down. DWit met the Baxters in 2013 when they needed help with IT for their business. He worked in their house three times a week and knew Mrs Baxter had Hashimotos Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, the court heard. As her condition worsened, DWit would turn up most days to help care for her. A copy of DWits CV was shown to the jury in which he claimed he had an MSc in computer science from the University of East Anglia. The prosecution said the university has no record of him attending as a student. The defendant also denies a charge of possession of a Class A drug and one count of theft. The case continues. One of the migrants freed without bail after being accused of assaulting two NYPD officers has now been charged with robbery and petty theft. Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel was seen walking out of the 110th precinct in Queens on Wednesday after being slapped with the new charges. The 19-year-old is one of seven migrants indicted by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg over the January 27 Times Square melee. He was one of four indicted migrants who were believed to have fled NYC after they were controversially released on no bail. But police say Gomez was spotted with three other suspects on Tuesday attempting to shoplift about $608 in items from a Macy's store in Queens. Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, is one of the migrants indicted over the January 27 Times Square melee. He's seen on Wednesday after being charged with shoplifting Police say Gomez was spotted with three other suspects on Tuesday attempting to shoplift about $608 in items from a Macy's store in Queens He was one of four indicted migrants who were believed to have fled NYC after they were controversially released on no bail Police say Gomez was spotted with three other suspects on Tuesday attempting to shoplift about $608 in items from a Macy's store in Queens. Up to 14 men are believed to have been involved in the attack, although NYPD officials have repeatedly revised the number of suspects When they were confronted by a store security guard, a struggle ensued before one of the suspects punched the employee, according to police. '[Gomez] acted as a lookout with a group of three unapprehend others, who concealed merchandise from inside the store and passed all points of sale without paying,' the NYPD said in a statement. Gomez was able to run away from cops initially but he was taken into custody later on Tuesday. Before his arrest, Deputy NYPD commissioner Jaz Daughtry said: 'One of the migrants who assaulted our officers last week in Times Square is back at it again. 'This time he was part of a group that robbed a department store in Queens. They also assaulted an employee. Different borough, different crime same disregard for the law. 'This is the last thing NYers need. Hey Darwin, we see you and you will be in handcuffs once again very soon.' The three other suspects, two men and a woman, remain on the run. DailyMail.com has reached out to the NYPD for comment on this story. Last week DA Bragg announced the indictments of Gomez and six others accused of attacking two New York City Police Department officers in Times Square. Up to 14 men are believed to have been involved in the attack, although NYPD officials have repeatedly revised the number of suspects. Four of the migrants indicted were believed to have fled NYC after being arrested and released with no bail - Gomez, Kelvin Servita, Wilson Juarez and Yorman Reveron. The three other shoplifting suspects, two men and a woman, remain on the run ICE initially said they had apprehended the four suspects in Phoenix, but the Manhattan district attorney's office has denied they are the suspects believed to have fled. Gomez was charged with two counts of Assault in the Second Degree and one count of Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree. He is accused of grabbing one cop and kicking the other during the melee. According to the indictment, the assault happened after two police officers instructed the defendants to move to West 41st Street. When an officer grabbed Brito and pushed him against a building, Brito tried to escape and struggled with the officer while being held on the ground. That's when the other migrants jumped in and began assaulting the cops, according to police. New York City in particular has struggled under the weight of tens of thousands of migrants arriving at its borders in need of places to stay and other accommodations. In 2023 alone, the city dealt with the arrival of more than 170,000 migrants. Mayor Eric Adams has said the cost of the migrant crisis in New York City is an eye-watering $4.6 billion as he begs the state for more money. New York state governor Kathy Hochul pledged to commit $2.4 billion to the crisis last month, which is more than double last year's proposal. New Orleans' Mardi Gras parades have been crashed by pro-Palestinian groups and demands for a ceasefire throughout celebrations that wrapped up with the extravagant Fat Tuesday festivities. The parades celebrating the Carnival season began in New Orleans on January 6 and culminated with celebrations throughout the city last night. Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras Day, is the last day of festivities and usually includes the most wild and extreme celebrations of the weeks-long tradition. The parades in New Orleans are organized by social clubs known as krewes - and this year several of the groups demonstrated their solidarity with Palestine during the celebrations. 'No Mardi Gras mask can hide the U.S. funding genocide,' a banner read that marchers carried through the French Quarter during recent parades. Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza following the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, carnival-goers took advantage of the hugely populated marches to bring awareness to the conflict. New Orleans' Mardi Gras parades have been crashed by pro-Palestinian groups and demands for a ceasefire throughout celebrations that wrapped up with the extravagant Fat Tuesday festivities The parades in New Orleans are organized by social clubs known as krewes - and this year several of the groups demonstrated their solidarity with Palestine during the celebrations Amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza following the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas , carnival-goers took advantage of the hugely populated marches to bring awareness to the conflict On Tuesday, banners hung from elevated roads above the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebrations demanding a free Palestine. On January 27, Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Jewish Voices for Peace New Orleans and Nola Musicians for Palestine joined forces to march together. Simon Moushabeck, a Palestinian artist and member of Nola Musicians, was one of the carnival's participants who used the various marches to speak out on behalf of his people. Moushabeck organized the unofficial 'procession for Palestine' and taught marchers Arabic and Palestinian songs to perform during the parade. 'Music relates to freedom,' Moushabeck told the Guardian, adding there is a long-time Israeli ban on bringing musical instruments into Gaza. 'We talked about using the platform of Mardi Gras, using the platform of musicians on Frenchman Street the idea of keeping a spirit strong with music, and how we have a part to play in this,' Moushabeck said. Nola Musicians rallied participants by posting about their plans on Instagram and encouraged others to join. A New Orleans-born 17-year-old was recently killed in the West Bank and another teen who previously lived in New Orleans for decades was kidnapped by IDK soldiers earlier this month. These events sparked anger within the community and impassioned New Orleans residents to participate in the pro-Palestinian movements over the Mardi Gras period. The Women of Wakanda Krewe marched alongside Krewe of Chewbacchus alongside their DJ who waved a large Palestinian flag during the parade. 'Ultimately, Women of Wakanda would show solidarity to any marginalized groups that are facing oppression, because that is the basis upon which we were created,' said Jaleesa Jackson, a Women of Wakanda co-founder. 'We take care of the community.' Jewish Voices for Peace New Orleans said they 'took over' the parade route of Krewe Du Vieux, a group known for political satire. On January 27, Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Jewish Voices for Peace New Orleans and Nola Musicians for Palestine joined forces to march together The New Orleans sector of Jewish Voice for Peace shared pictures of the demonstrations on January 28, where krewe-members clutched signs, waved flags and wore Palestinian keffiyehs Lila Arnaud, a co-founder of Las Frijolitas, said she's been inspired by the demonstrations. 'I'm encouraged by it not just for the people of Palestine, but [also] for Afro-Indigenous people everywhere who are struggling with their right to exist in the lands that they hold sacred,' Arnaud said. The New Orleans sector of Jewish Voice for Peace shared pictures of the demonstrations on January 28, where krewe members clutched signs, waved flags and wore Palestinian keffiyehs. The New Orleans chapter said they 'took over' the parade route of Krewe Du Vieux, a group known for political satire. In a post on X, the group said: '100 Palestinian and Jewish protestors took over Krewe Du Vieux parade route to demand: no more aid for Israel! Permanent ceasefire now!' 'The protestors used the spectacle of Mardi Gras to bring attention to ongoing genocide in Gaza,' the group reported. 'We did this because we know we cannot look away from unfolding genocide in Gaza, even during Mardi Gras. We know we must bring our solidarity into this time of revelry. We must make sure our city never stops thinking about Gaza & we must keep showing up til Palestine is free.' Pro-Palestine signs were seen hanging throughout downtown New Orleans on Tuesday 'No Mardi Gras mask can hide the U.S. funding genocide,' a banner read that marchers carried through the French Quarter during recent parades. The origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back to medieval Europe during the years of pagan celebrations of spring and fertility. Mardi Gras does not fall on the same date every year, but it always occurs on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday - the first day of Lent. It has since become a day full of parades and celebrations worldwide in places like New Orleans, Venice, and Rio. Approximately 1million people attend Mardi Gras in New Orleans every year. Mardi Gras festivities have historically been the site of resistance and protest, starting in 1811 when more than 500 enslaved people used the celebrations to rebel again slavery, chanting 'freedom or death' as they burned New Orleans plantations. In 1957, black people in New Orleans refused to participate in Mardi Gras after the Montgomery bus boycott. Marchers in 2017 used the parade to protest against Trump's presidency. Shocking images revealed the horrific aftermath inside an Austin ER after a driver 'accidentally' slammed their sedan into a hospital, then died shortly afterwards. Scattered wheelchairs and furniture were left strewn across the emergency room, while another image from KXAN showed how white Acura's fender was destroyed by the impact. The car smashed into the lobby of the ER at St. Davids North Austin Medical Center shortly after 5:30 p.m., killing the driver and injuring at least five others. Witness Stephen Hughes said civilians were panicked when the vehicle smashed through the wall, and he initially feared it was a terrorist attack when he 'looked down the hallway and saw smoke.' 'I thought maybe there was an explosion,' he told Good Morning America. 'That was when I saw the vehicle that was lodged inside the entryway.' Shocking images revealed the horrific aftermath inside an Austin ER after a driver 'accidentally' slammed their sedan into a hospital The front bumper of the vehicle was left crumpled and destroyed by the impact, which killed the driver who was declared dead inside the ER room Five others were injured in the crash, including two with life-threatening injuries, although thankfully the ER was mostly empty when the car crashed through the room The white sedan implanted into the far wall of the ER, suggesting the driver plowed through the whole room after hitting the hospital entrance Witness Stephen Hughes said civilians were panicked when the vehicle smashed through the wall, and he initially feared it was a terrorist attack as it sounded like an 'explosion' Hughes, who filmed the terrifying scenes as ER patients scrambled for safety, said the surreal experience 'felt like it was like something out of a movie.' 'But you quickly realized that it's not,' he added. The Austin Police Department said it is still investigating the incident, but it is believed the driver did not plow into the emergency room on purpose. What caused them to do so remains unclear. Footage of the aftermath saw alarmed witnesses hurrying away from the smoke as Good Samaritans helped carry an injured person away from the crash site. Authorities said the driver was also pulled from the wreckage and received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but they were declared dead inside the ER. One of the injured was treated at the hospital, while two adults and two children were taken to other hospitals, authorities said. Of those transported, one child had critical life-threatening injuries and an adult had 'serious, potentially life-threatening injuries.' Capt. Christa Stedman of Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services added that the two others had non-life threatening injuries, although details of the injuries are not clear. Video of the incident showed several waiting room chairs in the ER destoryed before the car was pinned inside a hallway near a reception desk The ER was mostly clear of people when the crash happened, though staff were seen trying to get one person clear of the wreck Eight patients who already were undergoing treatment at the hospital were being moved to other facilities, said Dr. Peter DeYoung, chief medical officer for the hospital A first responder works the scene after a car crashed into an emergency room at St. David's North Austin Medical Center Separate photos from CBS Austin showed the white sedan implanted into the far wall of the ER, suggesting the driver plowed through the whole room after hitting the hospital entrance. Firefighters were then pictured on the scene, scouring the trashed emergency room while dozens of first responders and sirens wailed outside. In footage of the scene, smoke filled the room as staff tried to help one person get clear of the rubble. The vehicle's tires are heard screeching and its tail lights are visible as the room becomes full of white smoke, with the car's accelerator seemingly still being pressed down. The ER was mostly clear of people when the crash happened, and several empty waiting chairs were seen destroyed by the collision. Eight patients who already were undergoing treatment at the hospital were being moved to other facilities, said Dr. Peter D. Young, chief medical officer for the hospital. Young said the ER doors were damaged and an aquarium inside was struck, but overall the building was in good condition. No ambulances were being accepted although the ER was still taking walk-ins who would be treated at a makeshift triage area at the ambulance bay, he added. 'We're hoping to kind of regroup here over the night and see where tomorrow leaves us,' DeYoung said. St. David's North Austin Medical Center's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Peter D. Young speaks to members of the press No ambulances were being accepted although the ER was still taking walk-ins who would be treated at a makeshift triage area at the ambulance bay, DeYoung added Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted a statement to X about the tragedy Tuesday night. 'I've spoken with Mayor Watson about the tragic accident at St. David's North Austin Medical Center & offered Texas' full support,' he wrote. 'State personnel are working closely with local officials to ensure Austin has no unmet needs.' 'Cecilia & I pray for the victims & their loved ones.' St. Davids North Austin Medical Center, which has a 24-hour emergency department, is described on its website as a 441-bed acute care facility that handles maternity and newborn care, other womens health services and many other specialties, including heart and brain surgeries and robotic surgery. A New Mexico police officer who was stabbed by a homeless man with a lengthy rap sheet just before a brave witness fired their gun and killed the suspect. Officer Jonah Hernandez, 35, was killed in what cops have called an 'unprovoked attack' on Sunday around 5pm as he responded to a trespassing call at the 300 block of South Valley Drive in Las Cruces. According to Las Cruces Police Chief Jeremy Story, when Hernandez arrived at the scene, the suspect, Armando Silva, 29, 'immediately attacked him with a large kitchen knife.' After Silva stabbed the officer, he proceeded to go after a bystander who witnessed the fatal attack. As he approached, the witness fired his gun and killed Silva. 'Office Jonah Hernandez was a compassionate and dedicated officer who was out doing his job while most of us were watch the Super Bowl,' Story said in a press conference on Tuesday. Officer Jonah Hernandez, 35, was stabbed to death by Armando Silva, 29, as he responded to a trespassing call on Sunday around 5pm at the 300 block of South Valley Drive in Las Cruces 'This sudden and unprovoked attack took the life of an officer, a husband, a father, a brother, son, a friend, and a great young man.' After the witness fired his gun, he used Hernandez's radio to call for help before he was transported to Mountain View Regional Medical Center where he died from his injuries. 'For no reason whatsoever, Silva killed Officer Hernandez,' Story said. A spokesman with the department told ABC7 that Hernandez was the first officer killed in the line of duty in its 96-year history. The witness has not been identified and police said that they 'do not anticipate recommending charges against' them for killing Silva. Hernandez served as a police officer in Las Cruces since June 2022 and is survived by his wife, Yesenia Lopez and their two sons, Sebastian Jonah, 10, and two-year-old Joaquin Leonel. A GoFundMe page has been created in honor of Hernandez as donations are set to go toward his wife and children. More than $93,000 has been raised so far. Hernandez is seen with his two sons, Sebastian Jonah, 10, and two-year-old Joaquin Leonel. He was an officer for Las Cruces Police Department since June 2022 Hernandez's body was transferred back to his hometown of El Paso, Texas on Monday and the department, family and friends mourned the officer in a police escort on Tuesday Officers from the Las Cruces Police Department are seen saluting Hernandez during a police escort for him Silva's mother, Xochitl Hernandez, told KFOX14 that Silva suffered from schizophrenia. 'I'm just torn. Because, you know, he took a life. He took the life of an officer who was trying to help,' Silva's mother said. 'I'm not trying to defend him and my heart goes out to the fallen officer and his family. A beautiful life taken as well,' she added. She added that her 'heart goes out to the civilian shooter as well' and said that she is worried for their 'mental stability' after 'having to make a hard choice.' Silva, who has been identified as a homeless man, has multiple past convictions, according to Chief Story. In 2015, he was convicted for kidnapping and aggravated battery with great bodily harm and against a person in his household. He was then sentenced to prison for that crime. A GoFundMe page has been created in honor of Hernandez as donations are set to go toward his wife and children (pictured) Silva's mother, Xochitl Hernandez, said that her son (pictured) suffered from schizophrenia, but said that it isn't an excuse for his actions Story also said that Silva went on to violate probation multiple times and was sent back to prison again. His body was transferred back to his hometown of El Paso, Texas on Monday and the department, family and friends mourned the officer in a police escort on Tuesday. Eric Enriquez, the mayor of Las Cruces said: 'This tragedy only signifies that we do have a problem. We will address it but right now we're mourning Officer Hernandez.' 'We, as a law enforcement agency, are still trying to process the sudden and senseless death of one of our officers,' Story said. 'This isnt something you practice or are accustomed to.' New heart-stopping battleground footage has captured the moment a unit made up of English-speaking foreign fighters 'killed 22 Russian soldiers' as they stormed a trench in Ukraine. The unit, formed of Ukrainian soldiers as well as British, American, Canadian, Irish and Australians, came under intense drone bombardment as it carried out its mission to capture a tactically 'dominant' location near Avdiivka, Eastern Ukraine. Footage of the assault - which left at least one British fighter injured - was released online on Tuesday by the 59th Motor Rifle Brigade, which added commentary to the clips. The commander of the company does not reveal the exact location of the assault, instead referring to the position as '105-106 Heights'. He describes the combat seen in the footage as the most brutal fight his unit has experienced when fighting for a position, telling viewers 'the [Russian] opponents concentrated a lot of resources to hold it'. 'I think this [mission] will go down in history as an exemplary assault, which was performed with character and constant pressure on the enemy,' he said, introducing the intense 16-minute video of brutal, real-world combat. New heart-stopping battleground footage has captured the moment a unit made up of foreign fighters 'killed 22 Russian soldiers' as they stormed a trench in Ukraine. This grab from the footage shows a Ukrainian unit as it begins its assault on the Russian-held treeline A soldier in the unit largely made up of foreign fighters is seen advancing through the trench. Throughout the assault, soldiers on the Ukrainian side were reported to have killed 22 Russian enemies while taking two captive. It was unclear how many casualties the brigade suffered The heartstopping footage (pictured) opens with a convoy of Ukrainian trucks speeding down the side of a row of trees lining vast, open, bombed-out fields, in August last year Instantly the sound of gunfire is heard being exchanged between the mounted machine guns on the trucks and the Russian soldiers hiding in the trenches which are hidden in the trees Filmed by drones and body-mounted cameras, the footage shows the Brigade's assault units Alpha, Bravo and Charlie storm the trenches under a hail of bullets and eliminate several Russian soldiers who have hunkered down there. It opens with the Ukrainian troops in a convoy of armoured military trucks - speeding down the side of a row of dead trees lining vast, open, bombed-out fields. A date stamp on the footage - released by Ukrainian YouTube channel Butusov Plus - shows that it was filmed on August 23, 2023. Instantly the sound of gunfire is heard being exchanged between the mounted machine guns on the trucks and the Russian soldiers hiding in the trenches. 'F***ng hell,' one of the fighters can be heard saying in a thick English accent. Another, in an American accent this time, says: 'That's Russian.' As the trucks slow down and the fighters prepare to launch their assault on foot, one of the armoured vehicles is hit by an explosion, launching dirt into the air. Undeterred, the camouflaged-clad gunmen press on, climbing out of the trucks and taking up positions to provide covering fire for their comrades. To shouts of 'push up' over the din of gunfire, the unit begins to advance on the trenches. One of the trucks is seen heavily damaged, with soldiers climbing out. It doesn't appear that any of them were badly injured. One of the soldiers filming the attack shouts 'frag out' before hurling a grenade into the sparsely wooded area, where the Russians are bedded down in cover. Drone footage is interspersed with the first-person combat footage, using superimposed flags to show where the Alpha, Bravo and Charlie units are in relation to the Russians in the trenches. This video shows the treeline, and how the three units of the Ukrainian side worked to surround two Russian units, sending one down the middle and two either side. As the trucks slow down and the fighters prepare to launch their assault, one of the armoured vehicles is hit by an explosion (pictured), launching dirt into the air One soldier on the Ukrainian side shot a Russian soldier as they left the cover of a trench The Ukrainian brigade's Charlie unit is seen on one flank of the assault Despite coming under intense fire and several explosions going rocking the ground around them, Ukraine's fighters are seen swiftly advancing to the treeline. The footage shows one member of the Alpha group shoot dead at one enemy soldier, who makes the fatal error of leaving the cover of the trenches. Another Russian soldier seen lying on the floor of the trench, and is also seen being shot as one of the Ukrainian fighters advances. With the Ukrainian fighters now embedded in the trenches, the sound of a drone can be heard buzzing in overhead, forcing the soldiers to take cover. 'Suicide drone!' the soldiers can be heard shouting to each other as a warning. The footage then cuts to the camera mounted on a Canadian's helmet, who shouts to his comrades 'I'm hit!' He appears to be covered in dirt, suggesting he was close to where the Russian suicide drone struck. 'Coming mate, coming,' an Australian fighter is heard saying as he rushes to his comrade's aid. The Canadian's hands are visibly shaking, but after a check-up, the Australian tells him that he 'looks good', encouraging him to get back on his feet. The Canadian is not able to stand, but crawls through the trench to cover. The footage then cuts to a drone filming the Charlie team, which appears to be made up of six soldiers - all bearing down on a Russian position which looks to include an enemy fighter with a grenade launcher. Several explosions send them to the ground, but they all get back on their feet quickly and continue to push on. A grab captures an exchange of fire between a soldier in the Ukrainian brigade and a Russian soldier taking cover around the bend in a trench A group of Russian troops are seen in the trenches in drone footage. One of them is seen injured on the floor while being treated. However, as a British soldier from Alpha unit approaches a nearby bend in the trench, the wounded Russian soldier is able to fire off a hail of bullets from his machine gun - blasting the Brit with several rounds A grab shows the bend in the trench where the British fighter was shot by the Russian The British fighter is seen lying on the floor after being shot by the Russian soldier. Miraculously, he appeared response and not seriously wounded by the gunfire At the other end of the trench, the Alpha and Bravo teams have a group of Russian soldiers pinned down, and are inching their way towards the position. The Ukrainian drone hovering above the battlefield shows that one of the Russian soldiers is badly wounded and is being treated on the floor of the trench. However, as a British soldier from Alpha unit approaches a nearby bend in the trench, the wounded Russian soldier is able to fire off a hail of bullets from his machine gun - blasting the Brit with several rounds, sending him flying backwards. 'Man down!' one of the fighters on the Ukrainian side shouts as they return fire. Two of the fighters of the Ukrainian side push further up the trench while another brings up the rear to give medical aid to the British soldier. Miraculously, he survived the initial burst of gunfire, and can be seen moving. To add to the chaos in the trenches, another suicide drone is seen overhead and mercifully slams down into the ground a matter of feet away from Alpha's position. With the drone missing its target, a fighter with an American accent continues to assist his downed comrade, whose nickname appears to be 'Mossy'. 'Alright Mossy,' he says. 'I'm going to have to molest you a little bit so I can get these grenades out of you,' while helping him to lift his arms slightly. Although dazed, 'Mossy' appears to be responsive and moving as his comrade retrieves grenades. Re-armed with the explosives, Alpha unit is then able to advance further down the trenches and take out the surrounded Russia position. Blurred footage later shows the body of the Russian soldier who shot the British fighter on the ground. The footage cuts again, this time to fighters in Bravo squad - two of which are seen hunkered down in a ditch littered with debris and fallen trees, while another two are seen in a small bunker dug into the ground. To add to the chaos in the trenches, a suicide drone is seen flying overhead Mercifully, the drone slams down into the ground a matter of feet away from Alpha's position - but does not appear to strike its target A fighter in the Bravo unit captured the moment he shot one Russian soldier as they broke cover and appeared to run to safety A second Russian soldier suddenly ran towards a Ukrainian fighter's position and into the trench - close enough to see his face. He appears confused, lost almost, as he holds his hands up in front of him - before sprinting back to his position Russian soldiers hidden amongst the trees are seen marked in Ukrainian drone footage The commentary by the 59th Motor Rifle Brigade's commander returns again briefly. With one flank of the Russian defence wiped out, he explains that the units - Alfa-Bravo to the left and Charlie to the right - are in a 'difficult moment' as they close in on the remaining surrounded Russia position. He explains that the Russians are dug between two positions, with five enemy soldiers having taken cover in holes in the ground. There is a risk, he says, of friendly fire, as the Ukrainian troops approach from both sides. This, he says, means the Ukrainian units have to be patient and wait until they can take shots at the Russians without hitting their comrades on the other side. Back with a camera mounted on a Bravo team soldier, the footage shows two Russian soldiers suddenly running through the trees - out of cover. The soldier with the camera shoots one, but the other runs towards the Ukrainian fighter's position and into the trench - close enough to see his face. He appears confused, lost almost, and unarmed. He holds his hands up in front of his body, and the white 'Z' of the Russian army is visible on his armoured vest. Meanwhile, the fighter with the camera, who appears to have an American accent, can be heard shouting 'what the f***' - before the Russian sprints away again. The remainder of the footage - shot by a drone - shows the Ukrainian units gradually picking off the remaining enemy soldiers one by one, completing the mission. It was not immediately clear how many casualties the Ukrainian units took, but it was reported online that a total of 22 Russian soldiers were killed, and two captured. Avdiivka has become a deadly flash-point in the almost two-year long war. In 2023, Ukrainian units crashed against solid Russian defence and it is now Moscow's troops on the attack, particularly around Avdiivka. A Ukrainian soldier sits in his position in Avdiivka, Donetsk, February 8 Ukrainian soldiers fire a French-made CAESAR self-propelled howitzer towards Russian positions near Avdiivka, Donetsk region, in December Residential buildings are seen after being damaged by Russian military strikes in the front line town of Avdiivka, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Donetsk region, November 8 As with Bakhmut earlier in 2023, this industrial city on the eastern front has become a new symbol for Ukrainian resistance. Massively destroyed, it still has around 900 residents compared to 30,000 before the war. However, the Russian noose is slowly tightening and a Ukrainian retreat cannot be excluded. Avdiivka's mayor Vitaly Barabash has called the situation 'critical' in recent days and said there is now house-to-house fighting in the city. Russia has been sending 'waves' of men and the surrounding fields are 'littered with corpses', according to soldiers defending the city. This is the moment an IT worker left the house of a millionaire shower tycoon and his wife 'after murdering them with fentanyl before rewriting their will'. Luke D'Wit, 34, befriended entrepreneurs Stephen, 61, and Carol Baxter, 64, and 'became like an adopted son to them', a court heard. Ring doorbell camera footage played to the jury shows D'Wit leaving the couple's luxury home on Mersea Island, Essex, at 7.55pm on Friday, April 7 last year - making him the last person to see them alive, according to prosecutors. Two days later the couple were found dead by their daughter, Ellie - with a post mortem later revealing they had ingested large amounts of fentanyl. D'Wit lived nearby and was quickly on the scene, before making a dramatic 999 call to police as Ellie is heard crying hysterically in the background. He told the call handler: 'We've just turned up at the house and we haven't really heard from anyone for a day and half. 'So we came round and their daughter got here first and they came round the back, looked in the conservatory window and they were sitting in their arm chairs not moving. We smashed the window to get in but they're both stiff and cold.' The Baxters' deaths were treated as unexpected but not suspicious at first. Police later discovered D'Wit had created a will on his phone on April 10 at 6.54am - a day after the couple were found dead, Chelmsford Crown Court was told. Luke D'Wit, 34, filmed on body cam footage during a police interview The IT worker leaving the shower tycoon's house after he 'killed them with fentanyl' on the evening of April 7 Stephen and Carol Baxter who were found dead in their home in West Mersea, Essex by their daughter on April 9 The will D'Wit allegedly created on his phone which was released by police A police interview with D'Wit filmed shortly after the couple's bodies were discovered was also shown to the jury. In the bodycam footage, the 34-year-old rubs his left forearm with his right hand as he says he left their home just before 8pm. He said: 'Me and Stephen had been talking about work and the business because Carol can't work anymore. She hasn't been able to do anything. 'We were having a chat but he didn't really seem up to it. I was going to come back tomorrow and use the gym. I am used to checking on them and I always pop in but they wanted this weekend to... 'Steve's mum Irene, who lives in London, was worried because he wasn't answering her calls either which again isn't unusual because they want time away. 'But again, because we were concerned we drove past here at 7.30pm last night but because we saw the blinds were down and the lights were on, we thought they are doing what they want. They've got their weekend. The lights are on - all cool.' D'Wit told the officer he was called to the house after the couple's daughter found them unresponsive in their chairs. 'I literally ran from home to here and just as I got here they smashed the back doors in.' He added he last saw them alive on Friday - two days before the interview - and explained that he had gone into the house and saw the couple's bodies. D'Wit leaves the shower tycoon couple's home on April 7 Another angle of D'Wit leaving the couple's home on April 7 just before 8pm Luke D'Wit crosses his fingers as he is interviewed by a police officer The IT worker told the police officer that he last saw them alive two days before they were discovered dead by their daughter The home of the millionaire tycoon husband and wife in Essex D'Wit told the officer he was asked by a paramedic to get all of Carol's medications 'because she has got a lot'. 'She has had various things over the years for various operations she has had. So I went upstairs and got anything that I thought looked like a tablet and put it in a brown box for the paramedic.' He then explained that 'sometimes she forgets to take' her medications because she has to take so many. The court heard that the will D'Wit allegedly created listed him as the beneficiary and that it was 'very odd'. It included terms such as 'our dear friend Luke D'Wit is to be the person of significant control' in Cazsplash, a company the couple ran which sold bespoke bath mats to go around curved showers. Prosecutor Tracy Ayling QC told jurors: 'He had rewritten their will and stolen Carol's jewellery, among many other things, to benefit from their deaths.' D'Wit, who lives in West Mersea, denies murdering Mr Baxter and his wife. On the opening day of the trial, the jury was told that the couple's daughter, Ellie, arrived at their home on Easter Sunday last year and saw them dead inside. An ambulance was called at 1.10pm and all three emergency services attended, including the fire service which ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. 'They were found by their daughter and her partner, dead in the conservatory, sitting in their individual armchairs,' Ms Ayling said. 'There was no obvious reason for their deaths but as their bodies were examined, it was revealed they had been poisoned using a drug called fentanyl.' Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller used to treat severe pain and is only available on prescription. There was no suicide note and the 'whole area, including the kitchen, was very neat and tidy'. Mrs Baxter was managing director of Cazsplash Ltd, a bathroom accessories firm which sells bath mats designed to fit around curved or corner showers In the 999 call played to the court, Ellie screamed and wept and told a call handler: 'I need an ambulance right now.' She said 'I need to get inside' and was heard banging on the glass of the conservatory, swearing and saying that she thought they were dead. D'Wit then took over the call, as Ms Baxter wept in the background, and told the call handler: 'I'm a friend.' The defendant appeared to be 'very calm and plausible' during the call, the prosecutor said. READ MORE: Police release man and woman on bail but keep third person for questioning amid murder probe after millionaire couple in their 60s were found dead at 1m home with fentanyl in their systems Advertisement He was the 'last person to see them alive' but 'wasn't seen as a suspect and in fact provided statements to police as a witness'. In an account to police, D'Wit said he left the Baxters' at 7.55pm on April 7. Ms Ayling told the jurors: 'He said Carol was asleep and Steve was standing in the kitchen saying he was going to do something for dinner,' said Ms Ayling. But police were 'able to discover he left Carol and Stephen incapacitated at this time', she added. A toxicology report in June last year indicated that a factor in both deaths was the drug fentanyl, the court was told. Checks of the stomach contents in both victims 'suggests but doesn't conclusively show that the drug was ingested orally'. Mrs Baxter, who had a thyroid condition and a pacemaker, was also found to have the antihistamine drug promethazine in her system, Ms Ayling said. She said toxicology suggested but did not conclusively show that the drug, which she said was available in products such as Night Nurse, was ingested orally. 'It's difficult to imagine any scenario when two individuals who are not prescribed fentanyl could accidentally contaminate their food with this drug,' said Ms Ayling. Their original will stated their estate would be left to their four children - two from their marriage and Mrs Baxter's two other children from a previous relationship. The new will, allegedly written on D'Wit's phone, said: 'Cazsplash is to continue trading in whichever way is planned. 'Our daughter, Ellie Baxter, is to be the 100 per cent shareholder and complete owner. There is no financial gain to this. 'Our dear friend, DW, is to be the director and person of significant control. 'Our business-making decisions are down to him apart from an agreed and respected wage there is no financial gain to this.' During the 999 call, Ellie was heard saying: 'We need an ambulance right now, she's been poisoned. Tributes were paid to Stephen and Carol Baxter by their neighbours, who said they were a 'lovely couple' 'My mum's not very well. They're poisoned, they're dead. They're frozen. They're so cold.' When D'Wit took over and was asked if the couple were beyond help, he replied: 'Yeah. There's some blood on her mouth. She has yellow, blue fingers.' Bodycam footage from a police officer showed D'Wit saying: 'I last saw them on Friday. Me and Steve were just talking about work. 'We drove past the house last night and the blinds were down.' D'Wit met the Baxters in 2013 when they needed help with IT for their business. He worked in their house three times a week and knew Mrs Baxter had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, the court heard. As her condition worsened, D'Wit would turn up most days to help care for her. A copy of D'Wit's CV was shown to the jury in which he claimed he had an MSc in computer science from the University of East Anglia. The prosecution said the university has no record of him attending as a student. The defendant also denies a charge of possession of a Class A drug and one count of theft. The case continues. Thousands of drivers for Uber, Lyft and DoorDash plan to park their cars and picket at major US airports on Valentine's Day in a strike for better pay and working conditions. Day-long strikes are planned Wednesday at 10 major airports, including Miami International, Newark Liberty, and Chicago O'Hare, with mid-day rallies planned outside the airports, according to Justice for App Workers, one of the groups organizing the strike. The group, which represents 130,000 rideshare workers nationwide, told DailyMail.com on Wednesday afternoon that thousands of drivers were participating in the strikes. In addition to the 10 announced strike cities, drivers in 12 other cities launched impromptu strikes in states including Montana, Arizona, Georgia and Kentucky, said Justice for App Workers spokesperson Rachel Gumpert. Another group, Rideshare Drivers United, had also called for a broader strike across the country, urging drivers to decline all ride requests. Members of the Rideshare Drivers United organization protest against Uber and Lyft during a demonstration in Los Angeles, California on February 14, 2024 Rhode Island Senator Ana B. Quezada (left) looks on as Uber and Lyft drivers picket at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport on Wednesday US airports under Valentine's Day rideshare strike Labor organizers have called on Uber and Lyft drivers to refuse rides at the following airports all day, with pickets planned for 11am to 1pm local time: Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut Miami International Airport Orlando International Airport Tampa International Airport Chicago O'Hare International Airport Newark Liberty International Airport Philadelphia International Airport Pittsburgh International Airport T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, Rhode Island Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas Advertisement Spokespersons for Lyft, Uber and DoorDash told DailyMail.com that they did not expect the strikes to have a meaningful impact on operations on Valentine's Day. 'These types of events have rarely had any impact on trips, prices or driver availability,' Uber said in a statement. 'That's because the vast majority of drivers are satisfied.' A Lyft spokesperson likewise said: 'Traditionally, these events have not had a meaningful impact on wait times or service levels.' Airport picket lines were also held on Wednesday at airports in Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Orlando and Tampa, Florida; Hartford, Connecticut; Austin, Texas; and Providence, Rhode Island. Justice for App Workers called on drivers to refuse all airport trips at the 10 airports, while Rideshare Drivers United called on drivers across the US to take the day off. However, participation in the strike appeared to be sporadic, with rides still readily available in New York and other locations in the US on Wednesday morning. Uber alone has more than 1.5 million drivers in the US, many of whom did not appear to be participating in the protest. Gumpert, the spokesperson for Justice for App Workers, described ride-hailing as a 'mobile sweatshop,' in an Associated Press interview, saying some workers routinely put in 60 to 80 hours per week. Gumpert said last year's strikes at US automakers - which led to more lucrative contracts for their unionized workers - helped embolden ride-hailing workers. 'It's incredibly inspiring. When one worker rises up, it brings courage to another workers,' Gumpert said. Justice for App Workers, which says it represents 130,000 ride-hailing and delivery workers, is seeking higher wages, access to health care and an appeals process so companies can't deactivate drivers without warning. Uber, Lyft and DoorDash drivers strike, during what they are calling 'A National Day of Action', to protest fair pay and treatment by their rideshare companies, in Los Angeles Day-long strikes are planned Wednesday at 10 major airports, including Miami International, Newark Liberty, and Chicago O'Hare, with mid-day rallies planned outside the airports Rideshare and delivery drivers for Uber, Lyft and Doordash are participating in a one-day strike across the country Uber and Lyft rideshare drivers gather as they prepare to picket and call for better pay and safer working conditions, at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport in Providence Rideshare Drivers United said it is seeking a 20 percent cap on the commission taken by rideshare operators, as well as per-trip guaranteed minimums and protections from deactivation. But ride-hailing companies say they already pay a fair wage. Lyft pointed DailyMail.com to new driver incentives it announced last week, including a guarantee that drivers would earn 70 percent or more of rider fares, and an easier process to appeal deactivations. The company also cited research showing that the median Lyft driver made $23.46 per hour of engaged time, even after deducting expenses, in the second half of 2023. 'We are constantly working to improve the driver experience,' Lyft said in a statement. Uber said its US drivers make an average of $33 per hour. The company also said it allows drivers to dispute deactivations. A DoorDash spokesperson said in a statement: 'We're always listening to Dashers and looking for ways to improve the platform.' 'We're extremely proud that millions of Dashers have turned to DoorDash to help reach their financial goals by earning how, when and where they want - and they've earned over $35 billion doing it,' the company added. Say it with campaign contributions. Former President Donald Trump has penned a Valentine letter to former first lady Melania Trump that thanks her for standing by him through indictment and arrest and is asking supporters to add to it with their own kind words, and cash. 'If you love Melania, I humbly ask you for you to leave her some kind words below!' Trump asks, in an unusual fundraising gambit blasted out by his Save America PAC Joint Fundraising Committee authorized by his campaign. The letter makes reference to the four criminal trials Trump brands a 'witch hunt.' He is set to be back in New York Thursday for his civil fraud case. Down in Georgia, love will also be in the air that day as a judge hears evidence about the 'personal relationship' between Fulton County DA and one of her prosecutors that could blow up the Trump prosecution there. 'Dear Melania,' Trump begins. 'I LOVE YOU! Even after every single INDICTMENT, ARREST, and WITCH HUNT, you never left my side. Youve always supported me through everything.' Former President Donald Trump is asking supporters to sign onto his Valentine to former first lady Melania Trump, where he credits her for standing by his side during 'witch hunt' investigations 'I wouldnt be the man I am today without your guidance, kindness, and warmth. You will always mean the world to me, Melania!' Trump tells her. It comes after Melania was back in public at Mar-a-Lago following the death of her mother, Amalija. Although she may have provided emotional support, Melania was not physically with Trump during series of iconic moments as he battles 91-counts of in his criminal indictments. That includes his mug shot in Georgia, his appearances in federal court in D.C. related to January 6 charges, and developments in his classified documents case and his prosecution in New York related to payments to porn star Stormy Daniels. The solicitation also comes after Trump said Melania would be 'active' in his campaign. Supporters are asked to leave a 'personalized message' and can contribute in amounts ranging from $20.24 to $3,300. Another Trump solicitation through the PAC asks supporters 'Will you send me a letter?' and also references the 'witch hunt' and efforts to remove him from the ballot in Colorado and other states. 'I wouldnt be the man I am today without your guidance, kindness, and warmth. You will always mean the world to me, Melania!' Trump tells her. Here the former first lady smiles alongside her husband and an Israeli model at lavish event, after missing many public appearances while dealing with the death of her mother Trump is asking supporters to sign onto his love letter to his wife. If they click to add their best wishes they can contribute campaign funds Trump also wrote MAGA members and ask them to write him a letter Nikki Haley brought up Trump's 'love letters' with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un She accused Trump of kissing up to Russia's Vladimir Putin A joint fundraising committee is seeking to harness affection for the former first couple for campaign cash From all signs there is not much love lost between Trump and his GOP primary rival Nikki Haley, who continues to hammer his age and mental fitness even while trailing him in her home state. 'Roses are red, violets are blue, I love dictators, and they love me too!' goes an email from her press shop. 'Happy Valentines Day from Donald Trump to dictators around the world! Over the years, Trump has professed his love for the worlds most brutal dictators and praised their strength and leadership skills,' says the message. One shows an image of Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, and quotes Trump saying he 'wrote me beautiful letters, and theyre great letters. We fell in love.' It also quotes Trump calling Chinese President Xi Jinping 'strong as granite' and calling the Taliban 'good fighters' and congratulating Russian President Vladimir Putin on his election victory. The University of Bristol has lost its bid to overturn a ruling that it contributed to the death of a student who took her own life ahead of a key oral presentation. Physics student Natasha Abrahart, who had chronic anxiety, was found dead at her flat in April 2018 on the day she was due to take part in a group presentation in front of more than 40 students in a 329-seat lecture theatre. Bristol County Court previously heard that the 20-year-old had made a previous suicide attempt in the winter term, and university staff were aware she was struggling. Before the presentation, known as a laboratory conference, Ms Abrahart had struggled to complete one-on-one interview-based assessments, with the court told she had scored only eight out of a possible 20 marks in one assessment. In May 2022, Judge Alex Ralton ruled the university had breached its duties under the Equality Act by failing to make 'reasonable adjustments' for Ms Abrahart in light of her debilitating anxiety, which is considered a disability. Physics student Natasha Abrahart, 20, was found dead in her flat in April 2018, the day before she was due to take part in a group presentation in a 329-seat lecture theatre A judge previously ruled the University of Bristol had contributed to Ms Abrahart's death and ordered it to pay her parents 50,000 in damages Judge Ralton, sitting at the Civil Justice Centre in Bristol, also found the university had engaged in indirect disability discrimination against Ms Abrahart, and treated her unfavourably because of the consequences of her disability. However, the judge dismissed a claim that the university had been negligent. READ MORE HERE: Parents of Bristol University student, 20, who killed herself say uni bosses are refusing to pay for her headstone Advertisement The university was ordered to pay Ms Abrahart's parents 50,000 in damages and invited to agree a sum for her funeral expenses. In December last year, the university brought an appeal in the High Court, arguing that the judge was wrong to find that it knew, or should have known, enough about Ms Abrahart's condition to adjust the assessments. It said that while it did not dispute the award for damages, it was appealing over the finding that it breached the Equality Act due to what it described as 'implications for the higher education sector.' Lawyers for the university also said the institution had acted reasonably 'given the importance of maintaining academic standards, and fairness to other students'. However, Ms Abrahart's father, Robert Abrahart, opposed the appeal, with his lawyers telling the court the judge was right in his decision and that oral assessments could have been replaced with written versions or the student could have been provided with questions in advance. In a ruling on Wednesday, Mr Justice Linden dismissed the university's appeal. He said: 'There will no doubt be many cases where it is reasonable to verify what the disabled person says and/or to require expert evidence or recommendations so as to make well-informed decisions... But what a disabled person says and/or does is evidence. 'There may be circumstances, such as urgency and/or the severity of their condition, in which a court will be prepared to conclude that it is sufficient evidence for an educational institution to be required to take action.' Natasha Abrahart pictured with her parents Robert and Margaret Abrahart Ms Abrahart's grieving father said he was disappointed that the University could not accept the original verdict. Pictured, Margaret Abrahart (left) with her daughter In today's ruling, Mr Justice Linden upheld the previous written judgement that found the university had breached its duties to make reasonable adjustments to the way it assessed Ms Abrahart, engaged in indirect disability discrimination against her; and treated her unfavourably because of the consequences of her disability. The court had found that these breaches led to her death. READ MORE HERE: My kind and gentle boy killed himself while home from university for the summer - my last words to him will haunt me forever Advertisement The judge also found that adjustments, such as removing the need for oral assessments altogether or, in relation to the conference on April 30, 2018, assessing Natasha in the absence of her peers or using a smaller venue, were reasonable and should have been put in place. It was observed that 'whilst a few ideas' regarding possible adjustments were 'floated' by the University 'none were implemented'. The award for damages reflected the injury to Natasha's feelings, the deterioration in her mental health caused by the University, and funeral costs. In today's ruling, Mr Justice Linden wrote: 'The lesson of this part of the case is not that due process and evidence are unimportant where the question of reasonable adjustments arises in this context. They are important. 'There will no doubt be many cases where it is reasonable to verify what the disabled person says and/or to require expert evidence or recommendations so as to make well informed decisions. 'A degree of procedural formality will also generally be appropriate for the reasons which the University advanced. But what a disabled person says and/or does is evidence. 'There may be circumstances, such as urgency and/or the severity of their condition, in which a court will be prepared to conclude that it is sufficient evidence for an educational institution to be required to take action.' In a cross appeal from Natasha's family on the ruling that the university was not in breach of its duty of care, the judge concluded: 'I do not propose to express a final view, one way or the other, in relation to the Judge's findings about the claim in negligence or the parties' arguments in relation to this claim. 'It is not necessary for me to do so given that the Order of the County Court stands as a result of my conclusions under the Equality Act 2010.' Natasha's father Robert Abrahart, a retired university lecturer, said: 'The University of Bristol broke the law and exposed our daughter to months of wholly unnecessary psychological trauma, as she watched her grades plummet, and her hopes for the future crumble before her eyes.' Following the ruling, Professor Evelyn Welch, vice chancellor and president of the University of Bristol, said: 'Natasha's death is a tragedy - I am deeply sorry for the Abrahart family's loss. 'At Bristol, we care profoundly for all our students, and their mental health and wellbeing is a priority and is at the heart of everything we do. We continue to develop and improve our services and safeguards to support our students who need help. 'In appealing, we were seeking clarity for the higher education sector around the application of the Equality Act when staff do not know a student has a disability, or when it has yet to be diagnosed. We will work with colleagues across the sector as we consider the judgment.' Prof Welch continued: 'In 2022 Bristol became one of the first universities to receive the University Mental Health Charter Award, which recognises the continued hard work of our staff and students in terms of taking a strong, structured approach towards improving mental health and wellbeing across our university. 'We know there is always more to do, and we will keep working to achieve the best for everyone in our community.' A 'loner' tyre fitter who was the second-in-command of a global dark web forum on which almost 100,000 paedophiles shared vile images of child abuse has been jailed. Nathan Bake, of Runcorn, Cheshire, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court for 16 years for his role moderating child abuse sites on the dark web. In what has been hailed as a major victory against abusers who take advantage of the darkest corners of the internet, the 28-year-old was caught after investigators from the National Crime Agency and US law enforcement pieced together snippets of information to establish his identity. After completing shifts replacing tyres at a garage near his home in Runcorn, the 'solitary character' spent most evenings running a sinister forum called The Annex at the head of a team of twisted moderators one of them an NHS psychiatrist. He helped mastermind the global exploitation of babies, toddlers and children on the dark web from his 160,000 two-bed terrace in Cheshire, it was revealed. Located on a section of the internet that can only be accessed with a specialist browser, the site enabled paedophiles to swap images so extreme that even experienced investigators were left shocked. Nathan Bake, of Runcorn, Cheshire, was sentenced at Chester Crown Court for 16 years for his role moderating child abuse sites on the dark web The 'loner' tyre fitter was the second-in-command of a global dark web forum on which almost 100,000 paedophiles shared vile images of child abuse The court heard that Bake was a head moderator for the online forum The Annex His unlikely and extraordinary role in the enterprise can be revealed for the first time after he was jailed for 16 years and branded 'a committed and dangerous paedophile' by a judge. Chester Crown Court heard that Bake was caught after US law enforcement busted a server hosting a sinister child pornography site, known as The Annex, in Romania, in August 2022. They passed information to the UK authorities who discovered a senior moderator for the website was a user known as 'Pink,' who they identified as Asperger's sufferer and Muslim convert Bake. The case comes after an outcry over how 15-year-old Scarlett Jenkinson who also lived in Cheshire, less than ten miles from Bake was able to access footage of torture and murder over the dark web before plotting to kill trans schoolgirl Brianna Ghey. Like Jenkinson, Bake - who is single and has no children used a special browser called TOR, short for The Onion Router, to access the dark web anonymously. The court heard that, after completing shifts replacing tyres at a garage near his home in Runcorn, he spent most evenings running The Annex, which allowed paedophiles to swap horrifying images and videos in rooms or 'gateways', with names such as 'tots are us' and 'no limits.' In order to join and progress through the rooms, which were of increasing extremity, members were required to demonstrate their trustworthiness by supplying images and even real-life footage of previously unseen child sex abuse. Bake advised paedophiles on his 'ten top tips' to avoid detection by police and encouraged members to flood the site with images and links of child abuse during an 8pm to 9pm 'happy hour.' In one message recovered by investigators, Bake said: 'Come on people. Show us what you've got for HAPPY HOUR. Show us the boys and girls that turn you on the most.' Members of the forum made 1.9million posts categorised by their perverted interests, or on themes such as security and evading detection - and shared 9.6million files, some of an especially vile and sadistic abuse dubbed 'hurtcore'. Investigators said today there were 'undoubtedly' abusers who had subjected children to sex attacks in order to win 'kudos' and join the forum and who have yet to be traced. When units from the UK's National Crime Agency raided Bake's home, in November 2022, they found his password manager open on one of his computers, enabling them to expose how he sat at the centre of the abuse operation. They also seized 60 electronic devices and examined several hard drives which were found to have more than 3.6million images of child sex abuse, including more than 8,000 of the most serious category. Children's knickers, tights and sandals were also recovered from his computer desk, along with a number of adult sex aids. Circuit Judge, His Honour Judge Patrick Thompson who sentenced Nathan Bake Investigators also discovered that Bake was the moderator of a second site, known as Topic Links, which acted as a directory of child sexual exploitation sites for paedophiles and which had been viewed almost 26million times in 15 months alone. Bake was also the co-creator of another website, called Lolita's Paradise, which included the sexual and 'violent 'hurtcore' abuse of children, some involving toddlers under the age of three. He was also found in possession of a 'chilling' 576-page 'paedophile manual', which had chapters entitled 'Finding Children' and 'Hunting Season' and included advice on how to target single mothers and vulnerable children. Anna Pope, prosecuting, said: 'This case concerns the defendant's involvement in a sophisticated and well-structured operation of different websites on the dark web designed to facilitate child sex abuse.' She said Bake joined The Annex in 2019, moving through the rooms by posting images and offering support and advice until he was trusted with a senior moderator role in December 2020. He was made head moderator and second in command of the site, in May 2022. The site was run so professionally that Bake's team of around 30 moderators based all over the world held virtual 'staff meetings' and drew up shift patterns to ensure someone was working around the clock. Over a ten week period, between August 2022 and his arrest, investigators watched as Bake made more than 600 posts on the website, which included 156 links to and around 180 images of child sex abuse. It is unclear whether Bake was paid for his role, although investigators did find evidence of payments being made in cryptocurrency for access to parts of the site. In a first for the NCA, Bake had to be prosecuted for belonging to an organised crime group for his role on The Annex because acting as a moderator or administrator on such sites is not currently illegal. The agency is lobbying for ministers to close the loophole to make having such a role a criminal offence. Judge Patrick Thompson said he considered Bake to be a dangerous offender and ordered an extended licence period of four years. He told Bake: 'In this day and age, given the wide public access to news material, there is very little that shocks the public, but this is such a case. People are revulsed by offending of this nature and those who take sexual gratification from the abuse of children in any form. 'You are a committed paedophile who represents a very significant risk of causing serious harm to children.' The capture of its key figures has resulted in the Annex being taken offline. Among its moderators was NHS psychiatrist Dr Kabir Garg who was last year jailed for six years. Among its moderators was NHS psychiatrist Dr Kabir Garg (pictured) who was last year jailed Garg, 33, from Lewisham, South East London, worked for South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. He pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to facilitating the exploitation of children and now faces being struck off. Hailing the success of in smashing the site, NCA branch commander Adam Priestley said such forums were 'key facilitators for child sexual abuse'. The secretive online networks provide 'a permissive environment' where abusers believe they are 'safe' and feel 'accepted', he added. 'There was nothing on this site which was off-limits everything was encouraged,' Mr Priestley said. He said the UK currently had no specific legislation under which people can be prosecuted for moderating or running online child abuse forums. The NCA is 'actively involved in discussions' with the Home Office on closing the loophole. 'It would be much simpler if there were new legislation that dealt with these offences explicitly,' he added. Bake pleaded guilty at a previous hearing to 12 counts including facilitating the sexual exploitation of children, participating in an organised crime group, possession of a paedophile manual, and distributing and making indecent images of children. Keith Jones, defending, said Bake suffered from Asperger's which made him more disinhibited and left him isolated with few friends. He said he had 'candidly' admitted being sexually interested in young girls since the age of 16 and would be seeking help for his desires in prison. Mr Jones added that Bake had also recently converted to Islam, was reading Arabic and was 'finding peace in the scriptures.' Judge Patrick Thompson said he considered Bake to be a dangerous offender and ordered an extended licence period of four years. Pictured is Chester Crown Court After the hearing, NCA senior investigator Daniel Waywell said: 'Bake was one of a select number of individuals that played a vital role in ensuring The Annex continued to run and was able to facilitate child sexual abuse on a global scale. 'He started as a user himself, but worked his way up the rankings by actively sharing a substantial amount of material and encouraging the discussion of horrific abuse, thus gaining the trust of other moderators. 'Such was his dedication to this global community of paedophiles that he also committed his time, on top of his day job as a mechanic, to running and setting up other dark web sites that assisted their offending. 'Sites such as these directly and openly encourage users to commit sexual offences against children, and those who run or access them assume they are protected by anonymity. 'However, the NCA has the determination and technical capability to target those who use the dark web to endanger and harm children. 'We work closely with international partners to ensure offenders are identified and brought to justice.' A further 14 men have been charged in the US for their roles in helping to run the site, with eight so far receiving sentences of between six and 28 years. According to the NCA about 1.4million people in the UK use TOR to access the dark web, with four out of ten searches relating to child sex abuse. Michigan's homeschooling parents have vowed to fight plans by state Democrats to force families who opt out of public schools to sign on to a mandatory registry. The Michigan Christian Homeschool Network and other groups have held meetings to rally support and protect themselves from what they call unnecessary red tape and supervision. Officials in the Democrat-run state seek more oversight of homeschooling, including a registry of students who opt out, after reports of child abuse that were linked to education in private homes. Israel Wayne, vice president of the Christian network that represents 11,000 families, said he saw 'absolutely no benefit' to a registry. Israel Wayne, vice president of the Michigan Christian Homeschool Network, has vowed to fight the homeschooling registry Parents have held meetings in recent weeks to galvanize efforts against more scrutiny of homeschoolers 'It doesn't help students academically,' he told Bridge Michigan. 'It doesn't keep any student safe. It's needless government red tape.' Poll Should homeschool families have to register with the government? Yes No Not sure Should homeschool families have to register with the government? Yes 68 votes No 228 votes Not sure 11 votes Now share your opinion The uproar in the Great Lakes State comes as ever more families across the US homeschool their kids, often over political and religious views or fears about the quality of education and safety in public schools. Michigan has relatively relaxed rules on homeschooling. It is one of 11 states where parents don't have to tell anyone they are opting out of traditional schools. Unlike homeschoolers in New York and Massachusetts, those in Michigan don't have to take proficiency tests. Officials seek to tighten the rules after the arrests in December of two couples in the Lansing area accused of abusing and profiting from nearly 30 kids they adopted and homeschooled. Attorney General Dana Nessel said the couples were able to 'go unnoticed' thanks to poor oversight of homeschooling across her state of 10 million people. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says homeschooling can be a cover for child abuse Democrat officials want to close the 'loophole' for homeschoolers in Michigan The Michigan Christian Homeschool Network says it's possible to offer a better education than at public schools The Democrat called for 'monitoring mechanisms' so homeschooled kids got 'necessary protections.' State lawmaker Matt Koleszar, also a Democrat, called it a 'loophole' that let 'abusive parents' exploit youngsters. No legislation is yet on the table, but State Superintendent Michael Rice says it should be. In a letter to lawmakers last month, Rice said homeschooling in Michigan was on the rise and that a registry of all kids would help. By one estimate, the number of homeschooled Michigan youth rose from about 134,000 in 2018 to about 150,000 in 2022. A registry would offer a 'clearer understanding of the children not currently enrolled in any learning environment,' Rice wrote. These moves alarm Wayne and leaders of other pro-homeschooling groups, including Citizens for Traditional Values, Liberty Leaders Unite and Salt and Light Global. Homeschooling has traditionally popular among Christian conservatives, but ever more parents see it as an option nowadays Some parents say a crackdown is more likely now Democrats run the Michigan legislature, and a registry could be just the start. 'You give the government an inch, and they're going to end up taking a mile,' a homeschooling mom known only as Elaine told local television last month. Next, officials would impose curriculums, testing, and even home inspections on families, she said. 'We don't want those extra miles being taken,' she added. Flushing resident Clarence Goodlein said officials planned to introduce education standards that most homeschool families could not meet. It could 'force those families' children into public schools,' Goodlein told Bridge Michigan. The National Home Education Research Institute says homeschooling held high after the pandemic Meenakshi Simmons, a homeschooling parent in Lansing, the state capital, said the increasingly toxic debate was going to 'turn into another culture war.' Homeschooling shot up across the US when schools were shuttered during the pandemic and it appears to be here to stay. It is now the fastest-growing form of education in the country, a Washington Post analysis shows. The pandemic-era rise in homeschooling continued into the 2022-23 school year after the virus ebbed, says the study. There are currently between 1.9 million and 2.7 million homeschooled students in America. Families opt out for many reasons from political and religious views to fears of bullying, racism, drug dealing or gun violence in schools. Some parents simply feel they can do a better job than most teachers and enjoy the challenge. Crossbow owners could face police checks as part of a government proposal to prevent the weapons from being used in violent attacks. The Government is considering the move as part of efforts to 'step up action to prevent violence on our streets', the Home Office said. The department has launched an eight-week consultation to see if there should be a licensing system to control the use, ownership and supply of crossbows, with anyone looking to buy one facing police checks - similar to regulations already in place for firearms. There is currently no registration system for owning a crossbow and no requirement for a licence. But it is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or own one, with anyone carrying a crossbow in public without a reasonable excuse facing up to four years behind bars. The Home Office has launched an eight-week consultation to see if there should be a licensing system to control the use, ownership and supply of crossbows The proposal comes after convicted stalker Bryce Hodgson (pictured) was shot dead by police last month after he broke into a London home armed with weapons including a crossbow Police apprehended Hodgson forcing his way into the victim's home where the stalker was shot dead by armed officers READ MORE: 'I am here to kill the Queen': Crossbow-wielding intruder whose 'assassination' plot was foiled on grounds of Windsor Castle becomes first person to be convicted of treason since 1981 Jaswant Singh Chail Advertisement It comes after convicted stalker Bryce Hodgson was shot dead by police last month after he broke into a London home armed with weapons including a crossbow. He wore body armour and carried two crossbows, a knife and an axe at the time of the incident. The stalker had been convicted of a five-year court restraining order after he entered a woman's bedroom without consent, sent text messages demanding that she open her door and described vivid sexual fantasies. Former home secretary Priti Patel ordered the review of crossbow rules after would-be assassin Jaswant Singh Chail was encouraged by an AI chatbot to break into Windsor Castle on Christmas Day 2021 with a loaded crossbow to kill the late Queen. The 21-year-old was jailed for nine years in October last year and handed a further five years on extended licence after admitting treason, making a threat to kill the then Queen, and having a loaded crossbow. Chail had climbed into the castle grounds with the weapon on Christmas Day 2021 after sending a homemade video to friends and family on WhatsApp where he apologised for what he was about to do. Calling himself 'Darth Chailus' and wearing dark clothes and a metal mask, the Star Wars fanatic had earlier described himself as a 'sad pathetic murderous Sith Sikh assassin who wants to die' during a chat with an AI girlfriend which had encouraged him to kill Elizabeth II. Shocking video showing the crossbow-wielding Jaswant Singh Chail threatening to assassinate the Queen in revenge for 1919 Amritsar massacre Chail after his arrest on the December 25, 2021 CCTV dated 25/12/21 issued by the Metropolitan Police of Jaswant Singh Chail being arrested in the grounds of Windsor Castle A crossbow which Jaswant Singh Chail, 21, was carrying when arrested According to the Home Office, there were fewer than 10 killings involving a crossbow between 2011 and 2021 but the department said it was 'clear that when used as a weapon, crossbows do pose a risk'. In January last year a domestic homicide review found the Metropolitan Police missed opportunities to protect Sana Muhammad from her ex-husband in the years before he killed her with a crossbow. The 35-year-old was eight months' pregnant when former nurse Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo, then 51, burst into her home and fired an arrow into her stomach in 2018. The pair had divorced four years earlier after entering into an arranged marriage in their home country of Mauritius in 1999, when Ms Muhammad was 17. She died after sustaining catastrophic internal injuries from the attack but her unborn son - who was delivered by Caesarean section - miraculously survived. Unmathallegadoo, formerly a senior nurse at Newham General Hospital in east London, was convicted of murder in November 2019 and jailed for life with a minimum term of 33 years. Sana Muhammad (pictured), 35, was eight months pregnant when then 51-year-old Ramanodge Unmathallegadoo burst into her home and fired an arrow into her stomach in November 2018 Unmathallegadoo (above), formerly a senior nurse at Newham General Hospital in east London, was convicted of murder in November 2019 and jailed for life with a minimum term of 33 years One of the crossbows owned by Unmathallegadoo According to the homocide report, conducted by Redbridge Council and chaired by former police officer Bill Griffiths, Ms Muhammad called police to her home in February 2012 telling them she 'did not feel safe' around her husband. Safeguarding minister Laura Farris said: 'Crossbows are used rarely in violent crime in this country but they can be highly dangerous. 'We're doing all we can to ensure we have the appropriate measures in place against any risks these potentially dangerous weapons may pose. 'I encourage the public and those in the industry to come forward to share their views so we can have the most accurate picture and take any necessary action to keep our streets safe.' Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy today failed to overturn a criminal conviction and prison sentence for illegally funding his campaign for re-election. Lawyers for the 69-year-old had asked the Paris Appeal Court to revoke his sentence of one year in jail with six months suspended, but judges on Wednesday upheld the ruling. It followed a five-week trial at the city's Correctional Court three years ago, when Sarkozy was found guilty of fiddling the books during his unsuccessful 2012 bid to become head of state. Sarkozy, who was President of France for five years up until 2012, was present in court during the reading of the latest 244-page judgement. A source close to the politician said he was 'determined to defend himself' so as to avoid going to prison. France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy (C-L) arrives for the verdict in his appeal trial in the so-called Bygmalion case, at the courthouse, in Paris, on February 14, 2024 Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy (C) arrives to the courthouse to attend a hearing in his appeal trial at the Justice Palace in Paris, France, 14 February 2024 France's former president Nicolas Sarkozy leaves after the verdict in his appeal trial in the so-called Bygmalion case Rather than ending up in a cell, he is now likely to serve his sentence wearing an electronic tag at the Paris home he shares with his his third wife, the former model Carla Bruni, 56. Sarkozy was originally in the dock with 13 associates in what is known as the 'Bygmalion' case in reference to the PR company allegedly used to hide financial corruption. All were accused of spending almost twice the legal 22.5m (19.4m) limit for the presidential campaign against Francois Hollande, of the French Socialist Party. Three of the other defendants, who were connected to the PR agency Bygmalion, admitted producing fake receipts. Sarkozy, a right-wing conservative whose party was called the UMP (Union for a Popular Movement) always denied any wrongdoing. The court heard that officials close to Sarkozy came up with the idea of setting up bogus 'conventions' that would appear on false invoices. Accountants warned Sarkozy that the campaign was set to overtake the 22.5m spending limit, but that he insisted on holding more events, according to prosecutors. Rather than ending up in a cell, he is now likely to serve his sentence wearing an electronic tag at the Paris home he shares with his his third wife, the former model Carla Bruni, 56 (pictured) FILE PHOTO: (L-R) Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, President Nicolas Sarkozy, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall and Prince Charles, Prince of Wales arrive at the Elysee Palace for a private banquet on November 10, 2008 in Paris, France The campaign eventually spent nearly 43m the equivalent of 37m but Sarkozy still lost to Mr Hollande. In March 2021, Sarkozy was also convicted of corruption and influence peddling and sentenced to three years in prison, two of them suspended. Sarkozy is also facing a trial over allegations that he received millions in laundered money from the late Libyan dictator Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. Sarkozy's conservative predecessor as President of France, the late Jacques Chirac, received a two-year suspended sentence in 2011 for corruption, but this related to his time as Mayor of Paris. The last French head of state to go to a prison cell was Marshall Philippe Petain, the wartime Nazi collaborator. Cheap barber shop deals could be front for criminal gangs who are using cut-price haircuts to fund human trafficking across the Channel, drugs and slave labour, a police chief has warned. The number of salons operating in the UK has ballooned in recent years, fuelled by a surge in male grooming popularity. There are now 17,702 nationwide, a 50 per cent increase since 2018, with 918 new establishments opening in the last year alone, the National Hair & Beauty Federation (NHBF) said. But Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker of Wiltshire Police, the top cop behind Britain's first child modern slavery prosecution, has warned criminal gangs could be exploiting the salon surge. It comes as Britain continues to battle criminal gangs illegally trafficking migrants across the Channel, with more than 1,500 asylum seekers having already made the crossing so far this year. DS Tucker claimed establishments in London offering 'really cheap' 10 haircuts could be a 'red flag', potentially highlighting it was being run by a criminal gang. 'Everybody likes a bargain. But if something feels too good to be true, it probably is,' she told the Telegraph. Barber shops are one of the fastest growing trades on the high street but officials fear they are increasingly being used as a front for organised crime (stock image) Cheap barber shops could be a front for criminal gangs who use money generated from them to fund human trafficking (pictured: migrants landing illegally in Dover in January) Detective Superintendent Charlotte Tucker of Wiltshire Police, has warned criminal gangs could be exploiting the salon surge Your browser does not support iframes. The average cost of a haircut and beard trim is 19, according to consumer data platform Statista. READ MORE: More than 120 migrants crossed the Channel in three small boats on Saturday, bringing total number of arrivals this year to 1,506 Fact-box text Advertisement But behind this figure is a wide regional variation, with some trims costing as little as 5 in the North East, while in trendy West London neighbourhoods customers can pay more than 100 for a cut. Justine Carter, Director of anti-slavery charity Unseen, fears the surge in barbershops could lead to vulnerable people being exploited by gangs. It comes as recent figures revealed there were at least 100,000 victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. Ms Carter observed the recent boom in salons may reflect a shift in how criminal gangs were operating nationwide, swapping nail salons and car washing businesses to barber shops as a front to run their illicit empires. 'it's like Whack-a-Mole. You start pressing down in one area and the criminal gangs will pop up somewhere else, and you realise you haven't stopped it, you've just displaced it,' she told the Telegraph. The news comes after security sources told The Mail on Sunday that barber shops were increasingly being used as fronts for criminal gangs. Officials fear crooks are using some businesses to conceal the proceeds of crime, and that many could be a base for human trafficking and slave labour in the same way nail bars and car washes have been used in the past. The explosion of barber shops in London and other major UK cities has prompted experts to call for an investigation. The explosion of barber shops in London and other major UK cities has prompted experts to call for an investigation (stock image) Some are being run by Albanian and Kurdish gangs suspected of making money by smuggling tens of thousands of migrants from Calais to Dover on lorries and small boats across the Channel. On Saturday, more than 120 migrants crossed the Channel in three small boats, bringing the total number of arrivals for 2024 to 1,506. Former Metropolitan Police officer Ali Hassan Ali said: 'Right across High Streets we have seen a boom in barbers opening up since the pandemic. 'A lot of these shops have thousands of pounds of equipment but no customers. 'While in some cases the shops will be involved in legitimate business, from my own experience, there is strong reason to believe a large number, particularly those owned by Albanians, Turks and Kurds, have links to organised crime. 'This can be people-smuggling and in some cases drugs. 'We know the people smuggling gangs in Calais have been traditionally operated by Kurds but they are now working with the Albanians.' He added: 'The sudden increase of barber shops is really concerning because they are playing a part in funding human trafficking and in the misery that causes.' The latest data compiled by the National Hair and Beauty Federation shows that between 2014 and 2019 there was a 64 per cent increase in the number of barber shops in the UK, from 7,958 to 13,046. At the same time, more upmarket hair salons saw an increase of 21 per cent, from 13,694 in 2014 to 16,559 in 2019. More than 120 migrants crossed the Channel in three small boats on Saturday, bringing the total number of arrivals this year to 1,506 Pictures taken at the Dover Docks, Kent today showed the Border Force vessel Typhoon arriving with around 50 migrants on board While the pandemic reduced the number of barber shops and hair salons, they are increasing again to pre-pandemic levels. A probe by the National Crime Agency (NCA) found that Gul Wali Jabarkhel, 33, was using his barbershop in Colindale, north London, as a front for organised crime. The Afghan was trying to recruit lorry drivers to bring migrants from northern France and Belgium into the UK, offering around 2,500 per person smuggled. He was arrested at his barbershop and last April was jailed for ten years. Three other associates received shorter sentences. But the rise of the barber shop has also led outrage from male hair grooming salon owners, who were fearful of the boom in competition. More than 2,300 barbers opened in Britain between the end of 2022 and November last year, according to a survey by the Local Data Company, making it the fastest growing sector of the retail economy. While some barbers are thriving on Britain's High Streets thanks to increasing vanity among young men wanting to look their best on social media, other salons are dwindling. MailOnline found that both in London and the North, several shops are competing with one another on single streets. Eltham, in London, has more than a dozen barber shops within a mile, while another area has two that opened at almost the same time adjacent to each other. But while some locals delight at the plethora of salons and opportunity to indulge in some male grooming ahead of a Friday night out, some have raised concerns of more sinister forces at work. Abdullah Mahmoudi, 36, of Joe's Barbers has been cutting hair in Eltham for 14 years and says there is a big difference in the local landscape for his business compared to when he started. 'When I moved here there were three or four barbers around here but now I counted over 39 in the area,' he said. 'The council are to blame. They should not let any more open. They let two open at the same time right next to each other. Abdullah Mahmoudi, 36, of Joe's Barbers has been cutting hair in Eltham for 14 years and says there is a big difference in the local landscape for his business compared to when he started More than 2,300 barbers have opened in Britain over the last year, according to a survey by the Local Data Company, which makes them the fastest growing sector of the retail economy. Pictured: Barber Guven Ozdenir, 31, outside his shop in Eltham, south east London 'Some owners around here have four or five different shops around here. It's because compared to when I started there's a lot more people around here.' Lads Barbers worker Arias Mahmoudi has been at the hairdressers for nearly a year despite living in Stratford. He said: 'I have no idea why there are so many of them. We opened first and then [Guven] opened next to us. But it is no problem. He does his business and we do ours. 'I can't complain about [the money I make]. It's alright, you know?' Abdullah Mohammed, 36, of Westmount Barbers, was relaxed about the influx of competitors, saying his shop is still very busy in peak times. An HMRC spokesman said: 'We routinely carry out work with partners to tackle a variety of compliance risks across business sectors. 'While we can't discuss identifiable businesses, we take all reports of wrongdoing extremely seriously and take robust action to make sure that everyone pays the tax due.' While Caroline Larissey, chief executive of the NHBF, added the organisation was aware that a 'small number' of barber shops may be 'involved in illegal practices'. A restaurant boss accused of spiking a woman's drink at a private members' club in London will face a plea hearing next week. Vikas Nath, 61, was arrested at exclusive Annabel's at Berkeley Square in Mayfair in the early hours of January 15 after concerned staff called police. Father-of-one Nath, who lives in Knightsbridge, is a director of Terminal Ltd, which is behind high-end Indian restaurant Benares, also in Mayfair. The company's portfolio includes seven restaurants in the UK and Spain, two of which hold Michelin stars, according to his LinkedIn profile. Vikas Nath (far left), pictured with Jemima Khan, Sadiq Khan and Ben Goldsmith at a Pakistan flood appeal charity dinner at Benares restaurant in London's Mayfair on January 10, 2023 The charge alleges he administered gamma butyrolactone (GBL) to another person 'knowing she did not consent and with the intention of stupefying or overpowering her so as to enable any person to engage in a sexual activity involving her'. GBL is a precursor chemical to GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate) which is colourless and often used as a recreational drug. Nath was listed for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Southwark Crown Court today but it could not go ahead due to an administrative error. The hearing was adjourned until next Monday, and Nath has been granted bail subject to a series of conditions. Nath is a director of Terminal, which is behind high-end Indian restaurant Benares in Mayfair He must reside at his home address in Knightsbridge and he will be subject to an electronically tagged curfew between 11pm and 7am. Nath must not contact the complainant and not enter any licensed premises. Last month he indicated a not guilty plea to the charge of administrating a substance with intent when he appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Nath was previously pictured posing with Jemima Khan, Sadiq Khan and Ben Goldsmith at a Pakistan floods appeal charity dinner at Benares in January last year. The Democrat victory successfully flipped a red seat blue, diminishing the already razor-thin majority Republicans have in the House House Republicans largely voted to expel fabulist former Rep. George Santos last year, but after his vacated seat flipped to a Democrat many are regretting the decision. In a special election Tuesday to fill the ousted serial liar's seat, Democrat Tom Suozzi triumphed over GOP candidate Mazi Pilip and dealt a blow to the already razor-thin Republican majority. Suozzi handedly beat Pilip by eight points to secure the battleground district in Long Island in a crucial with for Democrats heading into the 2024 election. After the devastating loss, Republicans started to question why they expelled Santos in the first place. He was booted out of Congress in December for stealing donor funds to spend on OnlyFans and Botox. Suozzi's win could hamstring the Republican agenda due to their razor thin majority. Now, the House GOP can only afford to lose two votes to pass party line bills. 'So who still thinks Republicans helping Democrats kick out Santos was a good idea?' Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., posted on X following the loss. House Republican Whip Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., said Wednesday morning 'it was a tough loss last night,' and added he did not support expelling Santos last year. 'Whatever you want to say about George Santos, I don't think he should have been expelled and he was a great Republican vote,' firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said. Democrat Tom Suozzi edged out a victory in the special election for New York's third congressional district to replace Rep. George Santos Republican Mazi Pilip conceded to Suozzi just after 10pm on Tuesday night in a defeat in tyhe crucial swing New York swing district that comprises Long Island and Queens Greene also went on to blast Pilip as a 'horrible candidate' that 'was a registered Democrat who apparently hated President Trump.' Pilip is a registered Democrat, but ran as a Republican in the special election. Former President Donald Trump called Pilip a 'very foolish woman' after her loss, saying 'Republicans just don't learn, but maybe she was still a Democrat?' He went on: 'Just watched this very foolish woman, Mazi Melesa Pilip, running in a race where she didnt endorse me and tried to straddle the fence, when she would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America.' The people who 'blew up the GOP majority' are former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and 'everyone who voted to expel' Santos, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., posted on X Wednesday. Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., admitted that though Santos was 'a con man' and 'shouldn't have been a member of Congress' there have been lots of decisions in recent months that have 'shrunk the majority.' 'Perhaps George Santos being honest would have kept one more seat here in Congress,' he added. Others, though, did not blame expelling Santos as much as other factors that led to the special election loss. 'The GOP should have pushed to take advantage of early voting given a snowstorm that hampered turnout, National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) Chairman Rep. Rich Hudson said. George Santos, the Republican who was ejected from Congress after a damning ethics report into his lies New York's special election on February 13 is taking place in the Third District which includes parts of Long Island and Queens The vote came just as a nor'easter storm pounded New York with snow and threatened to impact voter turnout Additionally, Suozzi prioritized Republican issues, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, R-La., noted Wednesday. 'He sounded like a Republican talking about the border and immigration because everybody knows that's the top issue.' 'They had a three term incumbent with 100 percent name ID,' the speaker continued. 'So if they spent $15 million on Biden plus eight districts, they'll win.' Despite the Democrat victory in the Empire State, Johnson said Republicans are still poised to secure seats in November. 'There are 24 other districts that are more favorable to us being held by Democrats.' Still, once Suozzi is sworn in, the House GOP can only afford to lose two votes to pass measures where all Democrats vote 'no.' Serial liar Santos was voted out of Congress after serving just 11 months in office following an ethics report revealing he improperly diverted campaign contributions to pay for Botox treatments, Hermes bags, OnlyFans and cash withdrawals at a casino. After the special election was called, Santos posted on X taking aim at the New York Republican lawmakers who helped oust him, blaming them for losing a seat in the House. 'Tonight the establishment set $10 million on fire!' Santos said referencing the money spent to prop up Pilip's campaign. Republicans are slamming UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron for his 'immature' comparison of GOP lawmakers against sending more aid to Ukraine to the 'weak' appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s. David Cameron implored Republicans not to obstruct additional military aid packages for Ukraine, equating such a move to the appeasement of Hitler prior to the invasion of Poland that triggered World War II. The Senate approved a $95 billion foreign aid package that will send over $60 billion to Ukraine and $14 billion to Israel. However, it faces an uncertain future in the House after Speaker Mike Johnson said he does not plan to bring it to the floor for a vote. The former UK prime minister called out the GOP in a sensational op-ed in the Hill saying 'I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s.' Republicans fired back at the foreign secretary, saying the UK hasn't paid its fair share in aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russia anyway. U.S. taxpayers have already sent an estimated $113 billion since the start of the conflict two years ago. 'That's hilarious. David Cameron can kiss my a**' Greene, who is against sending additional funds to Ukraine, told DailyMail.com in reaction. Republicans fired back at the foreign secretary, saying the UK hasn't paid its fair share in aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russia anyway. Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron speaks during news conference at the Council of Ministers headquarters in Sofia, Bulgaria A Ukrainian serviceman of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade prepares for combat in a Challenger 2 tank in an undisclosed location near frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, on February 12, 2024 Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., called Cameron's statement 'laughable' adding that he has 'rich disdain for such an immature opinion.' Republicans opposed to sending more aid to Ukraine are worried about signing off on a 'blank check' with no clear benchmarks for ending the war. Republican Mike Waltz, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com that it would be 'nice' if 'our British friends paid more attention to demanding that the rest of Europe contribute their fair share rather than demanding the United States sign a blank check.' Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, questioned 'where is the UK in all of this?' Over the weekend, Donald Trump set off chaos after he suggested at a campaign event Saturday that Russia could 'do whatever the hell they want' to NATO members who do not pay their annual dues - which is two percent of GDP per country. Of the 31 countries in NATO, only 11 paid the required two percent GDP funding requirement in 2023. Roy said that due to the fact the United States has well outspent Europe in sending lethal aid to Ukraine, he won't stand idle as the UK tries to 'lecture us.' 'We're not afraid to go do what we need to do around the world when it's necessary, but continuing to fund and to continue endless conflict, which is what we've been doing for the better part of two decades in this country is not in our national security interest. And I don't believe it's in the interest of the people of Ukraine,' Roy told DailyMail.com. He says Biden needs to determine a clear 'mission' in the war and then the U.S. could justly approve additional funding. 'The administration doesn't have a clear mission,' he stated. In 2023, the U.S. spent $860 billion on defense expenditures, contributing 3.49 percent of its GDP to military initiatives, well above the two percent threshold set by NATO. The British foreign secretary compared anti-Ukraine aid GOP members to Hitler's 'weak' appeasers in the 1930s Artillery shells are seen in the direction of Bakhmut, as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 Ukrainian soldiers prepare L119 artillery in the direction of Bakhmut, as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 The White House called Trump's words 'appalling and unhinged' and argued they 'promoted dangerous chaos' and other critics said his rhetoric is 'music to Putin's ears.' But allies of the former president praised his threats, saying they should be taken seriously. Nine people including six police officers were rushed to hospital today after a police van and a bus crashed on a south-east London road. The Met Police said officers were called to the scene at around 11.32am today following reports of the collision between the vehicles near Oval Station. Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade. Nine people were injured in the collision, six of who were police officers, the Met said, but their injuries are not life threatening or life changing. One police officer was trapped inside the van had to be freed by firefighters with cutting gear before being taken to hospital, the London Fire Brigade said. Emergency services attend the scene at Kennington in South London after a police van collided with a bus while answering an emergency call today Nine people - including six police officers - were rushed to hospital after a police van and a bus crashed on a south-east London road today Fire and Rescue Service members work to recover a police officer trapped in a van after it was hit by a bus A picture from the scene appeared to show parts of the police van missing. In a statement, the Met Police said: 'Police were called to Kennington Park Road, SE11 at about 11:32hrs on Wednesday, 14 February following reports of a collision involving a police van and a bus. 'Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues in LAS and LFB. 'Nine people were taken to hospital, including a six police officers. Their injuries have been assessed as not life threatening or life changing. 'Road closures remain in place while officers deal with the incident and enquiries are ongoing.' A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: 'Firefighters were called at 1211 to a report of a road traffic collision on Kennington Park Road, SE11. 'A double-decker bus and a police vehicle were involved. Three people who left the bus before firefighters arrived were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service crews. 'One police officer was reported to be trapped inside the vehicle. Firefighter used cutting gear to remove one of the vehicle's doors before assisting the officer from the vehicle. They were taken to hospital. 'A number of other police officers were also taken to hospital as a precaution. 'Two fire engines from Clapham and Peckham fire stations and a fire and rescue unit from Battersea Fire Station attended the scene.' The scene of the crash on Kennington Park Road earlier today Police officers attend the scene of the crash of the number 36 bus a Met Police van A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We were called at 11.36 am today (14 February) to reports of a road traffic collision at the junction between Clapham Road and Kennington Park Road, SE11. 'We sent a number of resources to the scene. Our first medics arrived in four minutes. 'We treated 11 patients at the scene. We took nine people to hospital and discharged two others at the scene.' Labour London assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark, Marina Ahmed, posted about the incident on X, formerly Twitter. She said at 2.43pm: 'Kennington Park Road has been closed in both directions at the junction of Camberwell New Road, near Oval tube station, after an accident involving a bus and police van. 'Nine people were taken to hospital including police officers. 'Hoping everyone is ok.' A millionaire who killed a California father by ploughing into him with his car before fleeing the scene has avoided jail by 'gaming the system', prosecutors have said. Piedmont wealth manager Timothy Hamano, 67, has been blasted as a 'disgusting coward' by Angie Brey, the widow of his victim, Gregory Turnage Jr, 41, after he appears to have evaded justice over the May 2021 crash. Hamano pleaded no contest to charges of felony vehicular manslaughter and fleeing the scene of an accident on Tuesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He is accused of ploughing his white Lexus into a parked car in Oakland, striking Turnage as he walked along the sidewalk. Hamano is accused of fleeing the scene and leaving his own wife in the passenger seat behind an inflated airbag. Prosecutors said he even approached Turnage as he lay dying on the sidewalk - but instead of calling emergency services he turned away and left. Angie Brey has blasted her husband's killer as a 'disgusting coward' after he managed to evade justice. (Pictured: Brey with her late husband Gregory Turnage Jr and their son Miles) Victim Gregory Turnage Jr with his son Miles, who is now 13 California millionaire Timothy Hamano (pictured) who killed a young father by ploughing into him with his car before fleeing the scene has avoided jail by 'gaming the system', prosecutors have said Oakland Police issued an arrest warrant for Hamano the day after the horrific crash, and he turned himself in to the police station. Cops obtained restaurant receipts indicating he had been drinking before the crash, but prosecutors did not have enough evidence to charge him with driving while intoxicated. Vadim Nebuchin, the lawyer representing Turnage's 13-year-old son Miles, said Hamano's attorneys have been deliberately delaying proceedings for almost three years so that he could avoid jail. Hamano paid $125,000 bail in August 2021, meaning he's been able to spend the past years on home detention in his Piedmont apartment with an ankle monitor. Court documents show his wife recently filed for divorce. When he entered his plea this week, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kimberly Colwell said she would likely give him six years in jail, the maximum term for his manslaughter conviction. But defendants usually serve half their term under California law, meaning Hamano only has three months left. Colwell said he could spend this remaining time under house arrest rather than in jail. 'It's mind-blowing,' Nebuchin told the San Francisco Chronicle. 'They successfully gamed the system.' Nebuchin said the judge would likely have jailed Hamano if he had entered a plea any earlier. He added that the case sets a disturbing precedent. 'This case sends a very clear message,' Nebuchin said. 'If you're drunk, you are driving, and you kill someone run away. It's way better for you.' Turnage's widow, Angie Brey, said she has moved out of Oakland's Glenview neighborhood so that their young son would not have to walk past the scene of his father's death on the way to school. She blasted Hamano as a 'disgusting coward' in the wake of the judge's decision to leave him on house arrest on Tuesday. He is accused of ploughing his white Lexus into a parked car in Oakland, striking Turnage as he walked along the sidewalk on May 9, 2021. (Pictured: Turnage with his son Miles) Turnage's devastated widow said race and class played a part in his killer's ability to evade justice Turnage's widow, Angie Brey, said she has moved out of Oakland's Glenview neighborhood so that their young son would not have to walk past the scene of his father's death on the way to school 'For over the last two-and-a-half years, I have attended every hearing,' she wrote on Facebook. 'And over these last two-and-a-half years of attending, I have had to helplessly sit and watch hearing after hearing be continued, for a total of about 16 continuances. 'The defense knew they needed to run out a three-year clock in order for Timothy Hamano to evade any real accountability, and the complacency and apathy of the courts and the DAs office only assisted in their success. 'The man that killed Greg while he was on a walk on Mothers Day 2021 is literally getting away with murder and will not spend a single day in jail. 'Timothy Hamano is a disgusting coward. He has not shown a shred of remorse, not while Greg was dying alone on the sidewalk and not at any point in dragging out this nightmare over the last two years and nine months.' Brey also accused Hamano of hiring a personal investigator to probe her dead partner's personal life in a 'futile effort to diminish Greg as a human being and a father'. She added that race and class played a part in his ability to evade justice. 'I believe that if Greg, as a Black man, had mowed down and killed this man of privilege on the sidewalk and fled the scene so he could sober up, he would have been locked up this entire time or they would have found a way to ensure that he served jail time,' Brey wrote. She blasted the courts for failing to punish Hamano despite having 'all the evidence, videos and witnesses' and for 'shrugging off' her partner's death. Brey said she was now resorting to 'community shame', and vowed to keep Hamano's 'name and face out there so he can't just go back to his life like this never happened'. Lyft stock jumped 67 percent after the bell Tuesday thanks to a typo in the the ride-hailing company's earnings release. The mistake overstated - by a factor of ten - how much faster profits will rise this year and sent investors' algorithms into a buying frenzy. But Lyft quickly clarified that a decimal point had been put in the wrong place - meaning that, while the profit margin will rise in 2024, it won't be so dramati The incorrect press release last night forecast that profit margins on rides were projected to increase by 500 base points (5 percent) instead of a 50 base points (0.5 percent) this year. Minutes after, Lyft's stock price soared from $12.13 to $17.55 but soon fell down after a correction was made. The error caused the sharp spike because it suggested margins would rise to 6.6 percent this year - a bumper figure for the industry - from 1.6 percent last year. In fact, the projection is actually a margin of 2.1 percent. Lyft CEO David Risher apologised on Bloomberg Television and admitted: 'My bad' In a press release issued about the company's 2023 growth results, a bullet point about its profit margin would grow by 500 base points (5 percent) increase instead of 50 base point (0.5 percent) increase After the correction, shares fell but were still up about 20 per cent in out-of-hours trading since earnings still beat most estimates Shares fell but were up about 20 per cent in out-of-hours trading since earnings still beat most estimates. This morning, when regular stock trading opening, they rose again and were up by around 34 per cent at $16.45 this afternoon as Wall Street overlooked the blunder. At lunchtime today CEO David Risher apologised on Bloomberg Television and admitted: 'My bad.' Taking the blame, he said 'First of all, it's on me.' 'This was a bad error,' he said, 'but it was one zero in a press release.' But Risher said the error should not take away from Lfyt's 'butt-kicking' performance. Bookings rising 17 percent and cost cutting were a key factor in Wall Street buying up shares. But another boost to the share price was Americans taking more rides - and Taylor Swift was behind that. Trips to stadiums grew more than 35 per cent last year from 2022 - mainly driven by Swift's Eras Tour, Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour and other sporting events, Lyft said. Swift's landmark tour, which begins its Australian leg later this week, is the first to cross the $1 billion mark - and is expected to net the star a staggering $4.1 billion overall. A Lyft study earlier this year found when a city hosted an Eras concert, the number of total Lyft rides went up an average of 7.6 percent. During an earnings call last night, Lyft admitted the blunder in the press release. The press release was updated soon after and read: 'Fifth bulleted list, third bullet of release should read: Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion (calculated as a percentage of Gross Bookings) of approximately 50 basis points year-over-year. '[instead of Adjusted EBITDA margin expansion (calculated as a percentage of Gross Bookings) of approximately 500 basis points year-over-year.]' Later on, Chief Financial Officer Erin Brewer announced the correction as a response to an analyst's question during the firm's earnings call. Incredible that $LYFT waited 17 minutes into its call to even discuss the 50 (not 500) basis point margin expansion goal. Even then, @lyft didnt clarify the 500 bps in the earnings release was wrong, instead waiting 24 minutes(!!) to be asked to clarify. Your stock has pic.twitter.com/6qB97vzRYw Compound248 (@compound248) February 14, 2024 Chief Financial Officer Erin Brewer announced the correction as a response to an analyst's question during the firm's earnings call The enquirer was heard asking in an audio snippet: 'Could we just please clarify the EBITDA margin expansion? I think the slide say 500 basis points, but Erin, you mentioned 50, so I think it is 50, but if you could just clarify that again, please. 'And then can you talk about the underlying assumptions, even if it is 50, between kind of the gross margin and the OpEx levers at your disposal?' Brewer quickly responded: 'This is Erin, and this is actually a correction from the press release. Youre correct. In my prepared remarks, I referenced 50 basis points of margin expansion. So if you look at your performance 2023 at 1.6%. You can translate that into approximately 2.1% in terms of our directional commentary in 2024.' The rise and fall of stock prices comes as thousands of Lyft drivers plan to park their cars and picket at major US airports on Valentine's Day in a strike for better pay and working conditions. Delivery drivers and gig workers hold signs as they protest in front of Uber headquarters on October 12, 2022 in San Francisco, California US airports under Valentine's Day rideshare strike Labor organizers have called on Uber and Lyft drivers to refuse rides at the following airports all day, with pickets planned for 11am to 1pm local time: Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut Miami International Airport Orlando International Airport Tampa International Airport Chicago OHare International Airport Newark Liberty International Airport Philadelphia International Airport Pittsburgh International Airport T.F. Green International Airport in Providence, Rhode Island Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin, Texas Advertisement Thousands of drivers for Uber, Lyft and DoorDash plan to park their cars and picket at major US airports on Valentine's Day in a strike for better pay and working conditions (file photo) Day-long strikes are planned today at 10 major airports, including Miami International, Newark Liberty, and Chicago O'Hare, with mid-day rallies planned outside the airports, according to Justice for App Workers, one of the groups organizing the strike. Airport picket lines were also planned on Wednesday at airports in Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Orlando and Tampa, Florida; Hartford, Connecticut; Austin, Texas; and Providence, Rhode Island. But spokespersons for Lyft, Uber and DoorDash told DailyMail.com that they did not expect the strikes to have a meaningful impact on operations on Valentine's Day. A Lyft spokesperson likewise said: 'Traditionally, these events have not had a meaningful impact on wait times or service levels.' Rides were still readily available in New York and other locations in the US on Wednesday morning. A 'Lamb National' race loved by King Charles will go ahead after bosses were told the animals 'would have been eaten instead'. The event, where lambs wearing jockey silks race around a course, is part of the offerings at Barton Carnival, North Lincolnshire, which takes place in June. But the race received a 'large' amount of backlash from animal rights activists who said the lambs 'did not consent' to racing, which led to stressed-out organisers cancelling the event. Now, carnival bosses have U-turned on their decision, saying that all the sheep that take part are 'bought at auction where they would otherwise would have ended up in the food chain'. Barton Carnival said in a statement on Facebook: 'After a lot of careful consideration from the committee and listening to public feedback, we have made the decision that the Lamb National show will go ahead. The event, where lambs wearing jockey silks race around a course, is part of the offerings at Barton Carnival, North Lincolnshire, which takes place in June A Lamb National was previously held during Royal Ascot in 2015 and prompted hordes of laughter - not least from King Charles, then Prince of Wales, and Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall 'We have received all documentation from Bob Hogg who runs the show and we are comfortable that the animals are well treat and it does not come over as animal abuse.' A Lamb National was previously held during Royal Ascot in 2015 and prompted hordes of laughter - not least from King Charles, then Prince of Wales, and Camilla, then Duchess of Cornwall. The Barton Carnival Committee hoped to recreate the magic in rural Lincolnshire but their plans were left in tatters after members were trolled online and branded 'animal abusers'. Carnival committee chairman Ben Troop, 39, said they had received a 'large' amount of backlash. Mr Troop said: 'We were getting a lot of abusive messages online and we weren't prepared for the level of backlash that we were getting. The race received a 'large' amount of backlash from animal rights activists who said the lambs 'did not consent' to racing, which led to stressed-out organisers cancelling the event 'Our committee are all volunteers so we do this alongside our full time jobs and things were getting personal. 'We're not even the only people locally to have the Lamb National and the feedback hasn't seemed to have come from locals. 'We can guess it's gone out certain Facebook pages or groups and they've chosen to gang up against it and bombard us with messages - it's a shame.' The Lamb National is set to be staged alongside fire eaters, a dog show and live music at the town's summer event. The sheep race is staged by the Bob Hogg events company, which charges 1,850 for two races. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) previously said the lambs can't 'consent' to the races and the event is not much different from animals in a circus. A California grandfather was shot in the face and killed while trying to apologize for a minor fender bender in a Walmart parking lot. Jonathan Mauk, 59, was going to the store in San Bernardino County to run some errands on February 5 when he accidentally backed his Chevrolet Camaro into another woman's car, who was leaving her parking spot. The impact was minor - and the woman, Shawntece Norton, 36, was left with a scratch on her vehicle. But as mechanic Mauk got out of his car to apologize, Norton stepped out of and shot the man in the face before driving off, police said. Norton was tracked down and arrested 12 hours later. She was charged with murder along with the special allegation of personal/intentional use of a firearm. Jonathan Mauk, 59, was going to the store in San Bernardino County to run some errands on February 5 when he had accidentally backed his car into another woman's, who was leaving her parking spot The impact was minor - and the woman, Shawntece Norton, 36, was left with a scratch on her vehicle. Norton was tracked down and arrested 12 hours later. She was charged with murder along with the special allegation of personal/intentional use of a firearm Mauk was stopping at Walmart in Highland at 8pm to pick up salt and soda to make his homemade beef jerky with his family when he was killed. Mauk, who worked at Carey's Fine Automobiles and is said to have loved cars, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was remembered as an 'amazing' man who has a 'legacy that cannot be described.' Capt. Nelson Carrington with the San Bernardino Police Department said: 'For whatever reason, the victim stopped and slowly backed his vehicle up and that's when he had a collision with the suspect's vehicle.' Speaking about the damage to his father's car, the victim's son said: 'There is a scratch on the fender. There is not a dent, there is no real damage. There is a scratch. That is the extent of the collision that he lost his life over.' Lee Hall, the victim's friend and coworker, told KTLA: 'I cried when I found out he got killed. That's what he loved cars. He probably would have fixed the lady's car for nothing, but she ended up shooting him.' Jonathan's son, Matthew Mauk, said: 'I couldn't imagine anybody getting that upset over something so small, so insignificant. It's so painful. I wouldn't want anybody to go through this. 'I want the community to understand the type of loss that is suffered not only by his family but by all of us. 'If you're broke down in front of an auto parts store and he happened to be there, he's the kind of guy that would offer to help. Mauk, who worked at Carey's Fine Automobiles and is said to have loved cars, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was remembered as an 'amazing' man His son wrote about him: 'My father was an amazing man, loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind three sons, two grandchildren, and a legacy that cannot be described' Pictured: The scene of the shooting The grandfather died after being shot in the Walmart parking lot Pictured: The scene where Mauk was killed A California grandfather was shot in the face and killed while trying to apologize for a minor fender bender in a Walmart parking lot 'There should be no leniency. This type of thing should not be tolerated. This community is already broken enough over years of all the issues that we do have.' Mauk also set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs following his father's death. He wrote: 'On Monday, February 5th just before 8PM my father was involved in a minor fender bender in the parking lot at Walmart in Highland CA. 'Upon getting out of the car to apologize, the other driver shot and killed my father, then fled the scene. 'My father was an amazing man, loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind three sons, two grandchildren, and a legacy that cannot be described. 'This GoFundMe is being created due to the overwhelming support we have received and by request to help. Words cannot describe what this means to my family.' Norton entered a not guilty plea in her court appearance this week. Chris Packham has told a court he 'selectively' supports Just Stop Oil at the trial of an activist who scaled a gantry above the M25. The BBC broadcaster made the comments while giving evidence as a defence witness in the trial of Cambridge music student Cressida Gethin. The 22-year-old activist scaled the motorway near Heathrow as part of a protest by the group on July 20, 2022. She denies one count of causing a public nuisance contrary to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Mr Packham was among those stuck for four to five hours because of the disruption - a day after the UK's hottest temperature of more than 40C had been recorded - as he travelled from Hampshire to Surrey. He told Isleworth Crown Court he came to 'sympathise' with the fact he was forced to think about climate change, whilst also be concerned that he would be late to the recordings of the BBC's Inside Our Autistic Minds programme. The BBC broadcaster (left) standing with Cressida Gethin outside Isleworth Crown Court ahead of giving evidence as a defence witness Ms Gething (pictured) denies one count of causing a public nuisance contrary to the Police, Crime , Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 Mr Packham was among those stuck for four to five hours because of the disruption - a day after the UK's hottest temperature of more than 40C had been recorded Under cross-examination by prosecutor Neil Griffin, he insisted his support for Just Stop Oil is selective and conditional. The prosecutor asked: 'You are not an independent witness, you support Just Stop Oil.' Mr Packham replied: 'I support some of their actions, selectively.' The prosecutor continued: 'You support them (Just Stop Oil), they love having you as a public figure?' Mr Packham replied: 'I selectively support things that they do. What they make of my support is up to them. 'I probably don't support them in the way that they want.' The prosecutor asked about a Just Stop Oil press release relating to the Channel 4 documentary Is It Time To Break the Law?, which Mr Packham presented. He insisted the press release had been 'inaccurate', that he had not advocated breaking the law and the programme would not have aired under broadcasting rules if he had called for law-breaking. The defendant, who represented herself, asked Mr Packham in her cross-examination: 'What were you feeling (when you were stuck)?' He replied: 'Knowing I was going to be late initially was causing me some concern. 'I don't like to fail the teams that I work with, even simply by being late. 'Initially I felt very frustrated and then obviously I researched, on trying to navigate a quicker route, I discovered the reason was that protesters were active on the M25, and then I changed my thinking. '(I thought) I might as well use this to reflect again on why I am being delayed. That is what I chose to do. 'I sat and contemplated the reason that might have motivated the protesters to take that action. Earlier on Wednesday, the defendant (pictured) broke down in tears at points during cross-examination as she insisted she faced a 'massive moral dilemma' by engaging in the protest Under cross-examination, Packham insisted his support for Just Stop Oil is selective and conditional 'I thought about whether that action was productive and what it was doing. I took it as an opportunity to reflect on the fact I was in a traffic system sufficiently fragile, even normal disturbance would cause significant delay. 'I reflected on the fact that I was sweating quite profusely, it was a day after the UK had recorded its highest ever temperature and two days previously the Government's net zero plan had been declared illegal. 'I understood, I think, why protesters were taking their action. 'This led me to sympathise with the fact that I needed to be put in a position where I was forced to think about the gravity of the situation. 'Rather than sit and fret and sweat, I thought I would run through a process that would make the experience positive.' Earlier on Wednesday, the defendant broke down in tears at points during cross-examination as she insisted she faced a 'massive moral dilemma' by engaging in the protest. The defendant, who has taken two years out of her studies, told the court she did not believe all lanes would end up closed and that she did not realise she was so close to Heathrow during the protest. When asked whether she intended to cause 'spectacular disruption', she told the court she did not but soon 'realised this was potentially a more effective protest than I thought it would be'. She does not dispute scaling the gantry but denies that it amounts to the charge against her. The trial continues. A man whose body was found in the wheel well of a plane at Gatwick Airport died from hypothermia, a coroner has said. The remains of the man, who is thought to have been in his 20s or 30s, were in the undercarriage of a TUI flight from Banjul in The Gambia, which landed at Gatwick's north terminal in December 2022. An inquest heard today that the man, who has still not been identified, was found frozen and 'wedged' in the right hand wheel well of the flight 30 minutes after it landed. The hearing at Chichester Coroner's Court was told that no ID was found in the man's possession and he was wearing a dark-coloured fleece top and tracksuit type bottoms, no socks and plastic-style sandals. A post-mortem examination found it was highly likely the man died from hypothermia, although he also had an open tibia fracture which did not contribute to his death. The man's body was discovered at Gatwick Airport around 4am on December 7, 2022. Pictured: A view of Gatwick Airport The unidentified body of a black male was found on the jet that flew 3,600 miles from Gambia's capital of Banjul The 3,600-mile journey between the UK and The Gambia typically take around six hours by plane, with temperatures outside the aircraft reaching as low as -54C at a cruising altitude of 35,000ft. READ MORE HERE: 'Stowaway' is found dead in wheel bay of Tui flight to Gatwick from capital of Gambia without any identity documents Advertisement The flight to Gatwick had landed at around 3.30am on December 7, 2022, with the man's body found at around 4am. After the passengers had all left safely, an engineer had found the deceased man 'wedged, frozen and unable to be moved' Despite international and national efforts to find out who the man was, including a public appeal by Sussex Police, his identity remains unknown. Sussex Police previously issued an e-fit image of the man who was believed to have been in his 20s or 30s and information has been shared with authorities in the west African country. In a statement from the pilot, he said there was 'nothing out of the ordinary' in the pre-flight checks of the wheel bay and no warning or indication light had illuminated at 'any point'. The inquest heard Banjul airport had been dark and 'busy with ground crew', before taxiing where it had stood still for three minutes. In a report read to the court, DS Gary Jacobs said: 'Sussex Police were called by Airport operations to Gatwick at 3.59am stating that a body had been discovered in a plan which had landed at 3.33am on December 7, 2022. 'The flight had arrived, luggage unloaded and an engineer had found the deceased. 'The initial assessment was he was wedged, frozen and unable to be moved. 'He was found with tracksuit bottoms, no socks and very lightweight sandals. 'He was searched for identification papers, with none being found.' The unidentified man was found on a plane that had flown from Banjul International Airport in The Gambia. Pictured: A view of Banjul International Airport A Gambia's government spokesman said it is unclear who the individual was. Pictured: A TUI airplane at Banjul airport Joanne Andrews, area coroner for West Sussex, Brighton and Hove, reached a narrative conclusion over the man's death, with evidence suggesting he got into the aircraft before take-off in The Gambia. READ MORE HERE: Stowaway who survived a 5,600-mile flight at -60C clinging to a jumbo jet from Africa to Heathrow has got asylum and is living in Liverpool Advertisement In a narrative conclusion, Mrs Andrews said it was a 'very sad' case. 'On the evidence, it is more likely than not I will have to record his death as an anonymous male,' she said. 'It is extremely sad he has not been able to be identified.' She said the fact he had 'frozen' suggested he entered the undercarriage 'before take off' but she was unable to say how this had happened. 'He was found in the wheel well,' she added. 'There is no evidence how he became to be within the plane but he sadly died of hypothermia.' She added that if any further details come to light to help identify the man, the inquest could be reopened into the 'unknown gentleman'. Speaking after the man's body was found, Ebrima G. Sankareh, Gambia's government spokesman, said: 'According to the information, the deceased black male was found within the wheel bay of the aircraft without identification documents to establish his name, age, nationality or travel itinerary. It is, therefore, not clear at this stage, who he is.' A Gatwick spokesperson said in December 2022: 'This is terribly sad news and our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the deceased.' A double murderer who killed his neighbours by setting fire to his block of flats after he lost his job at BT has lost a bid to have his whole-life sentence reduced. Hakeem Kigundu killed Richard Burgess, 46, and 45-year-old Neil Morris after pouring petrol in the hallways of Rowe Court in Reading, Berkshire, on December 15 2021. Kigundu, now 33, also injured two others in the blaze, which a judge called a 'premeditated attack made by the defendant in revenge'. The Ugandan national, who was an illegal immigrant in Britain, was due to represent himself at the Court of Appeal in London, but he refused to attend. Rejecting the bid in his absence today, three judges said that while whole-life orders were 'reserved for the most serious and egregious types of murder', Kigundu's actions had 'quite catastrophic consequences' which 'cannot begin to be overstated'. Lord Justice William Davis, sitting with Mr Justice Murray and Judge Robert Altham said: 'There can be little doubt that these offences fall into that category. We are confident that it is appropriate to consider his appeal and dismiss it.' Hakeem Kigundu (pictured) who killed his neighbours by setting fire to their block of flats after he lost his job at BT has lost a bid to have his whole-life sentence reduced. The inferno deliberately started by Kigundu killed Richard Burgess, 46, (left) and Neil Morris, 45 (right) Others were left with significant injuries as they attempted to flee for safety while 'countless' others lost their homes Kigundu was sentenced in October 2022 after admitting two counts of murder, two of causing grievous bodily harm and one of arson with intent to endanger life. READ MORE: How was double murderer allowed into Britain to kill again? MP demands Home Office probe after convicted Afghan killer slipped through the net and fled Serbia before coming to the UK on a passenger ferry and stabbing aspiring marine to death Advertisement Reading Crown Court previously heard that Kigundu planned the attack after growing angry over his neighbours' complaints about his antisocial behaviour and losing his job as a BT engineer in the months before. He bought 40 litres of petrol, a sledgehammer, and a V For Vendetta mask in the days before the fire and stated his intention to kill his neighbours in a voice note, creating an email address with the words 'burn them all'. Chillingly, he recorded himself in a 'diary' just six days before the murders, warning of his intention to cause the 'death' of his neighbours who he referred to as 'persistent c****'. Kigundu said in his audio diary: 'I want to die with a smile on my face and I shall do so. All the actions I am about to take are warranted, believe me. 'They all lead to this for a c*** who's persistent. The only cure for a c*** who's persistent is death and I am going to give them that.' Joel Richards, who suffered third-degree burns in the blaze and had to jump from a second-floor window after rousing two other Rowe Court residents, said he saw Kigundu laughing from his car parked outside as the building burned. Joel Richard (pictured) was a resident at Rowe Court. He survived but was left with extreme burn injuries Kigundu at a petrol station in Basingstoke Road, Reading, at about 1.45am on December 11 2021. The arson happened four days later Lord Justice William Davis said: 'This is somebody who was planning in effect mass murder.' The court previously heard the flats were arranged over three floors and shocking video footage was shown revealing the scale of damage both inside and outside the block. All homes were destroyed. The court also heard the defendant was believed to be an Ugandan national, who had entered Britain illegally using his brother's passport. He signed a 12 month tenancy in November 2020, but had caused annoyance with his neighbours over noise complaints. This included music being played late at night and slamming doors. Letters had been written by Richard Burgess, who lived in the flat directly above. He was given an eviction notice by his landlord and told to vacate by December 14 2021. He also lost his job as a BT fibre optic engineer around the same time. The prosecution said at his trial: 'The combination of a loss of employment and anger over eviction was the beginning of his preparation in relation to the attack.' Video played to the court showing him filling up containers with petrol just two days before the attack as well as other items he used in the attack. His audio diary was also played, which he recorded on December 9 2021. In it he said: 'I can feel my time is running out. Now all I seek is just inner peace before I die. I want to die with a smile on my face. 'All actions I am about to take are warranted believe me - they all led to this. 'The only cure for c**t who is persistent is death - and I am going to give them that.' Hundreds of passengers on UK-bound cruise ships are facing a week longer at sea, with Mediterranean stops they paid to visit being axed as their ships are rerouted around Africa to avoid the Red Sea following Houthi attacks. Carnival Corporation, the company which owns major cruise lines like P&O and Cunard, has rerouted 12 of its ships away from the region amid simmering tensions in the Middle East. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and P&O Cruises' Arcadia, both of which were due to return to Southampton from world tours via the Suez Canal, will now spend between seven and 10 days journeying around the southern tip of Africa instead. This will mean passengers will miss out on visiting popular tourist destinations which they have paid to see, including Dubai, Petra, Athens, Barcelona and Seville. Many who have had their trips disrupted have been offered cash to spend on board and credit for future holidays, while others who only booked the final leg of the world cruises have reportedly had their holidays cancelled altogether. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 was due to return to Southampton from world tours via the Suez Canal, but will now sail around the southern tip of Africa Pictured: A video showing the hijacking of a shipping vessel by Houthi Rebels in November Cunard notified QM2 passengers of the itinerary change via email, with holidaymakers set to sail from Sri Lanka on 31 March now heading to South Africa instead of the United Arab Emirates. As well as refunding on-shore experiences planned for the originally scheduled stops, the cruise is offering customers $500 spending money as a 'gesture of goodwill'. Passengers had been due to take part in tours around the ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Tours were also planned of Athens from the historic Greek port of Piraeus, and of Seville from where the ship was due to dock in Cadiz. Instead, Cunard told customers, they will be sailing around the coast of West Africa. New stops will include Durban in South Africa, Walvis Bay in Namibia, and Portugal's capital Lisbon. The operator says the embarkation and disembarkation dates for QM2, which is due to dock in Southampton on April 28, will remain the same. Hundreds are likely to be affected, with the QM2 carrying 2,500 passengers and Aracdia carrying just over 2,000. Cunard said it was 'committed to ensuring the safety and well-being' of its guests and crew. Passengers had been due to take part in tours around the ancient city of Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World (file image) Tours were also planned of Athens from the historic Greek port of Piraeus. File image shows the Parthenon in the Greek capital In a statement, Carnival said the company had made the decision to reroute 'given recent developments and in close consultation with global security experts and government authorities.' The move is expected to effect 12 ships across seven of its brands up until May this year. A P&O spokesperson said of Arcadia that operators had taken 'the difficult decision to reroute the segment of the western circumnavigation that was due to operate in the Red Sea. 'Arcadia's itinerary will remain as planned up to Singapore and then will sail back to Southampton via the south and west coasts of Africa,' they said. Vessels passing Yemen have come under frequent assault since Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following the October 7 terror attack by the Hamas terror group. Around 18 shipping companies - that would typically route their ships travelling from Asia to Europe through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal - have responded by rerouting their vessels around South Africa to avoid the risk posed in the strait. But the journey, which takes ships around the Cape of Good Hope, is around 4,000 nautical miles longer than the Suez route, adds an average of nine days to the trip. As a result, fears have been mounting over disruption of global supply chains, with attacks threatening to create shortages and drive up prices. QM2's original stops via the Red Sea route Doha, Qatar Dubai, UAE Salalah, Oman Petra, Jordan Athens, Greece Barcelona, Spain Seville, Spain Advertisement A suicidal 67 year-old woman was filmed being shot dead by cops after opening fire on them from her senior living home bed. S.A Floyd was gunned down after barking at cops to 'leave her alone' as she lay under the covers of her bed at the Maple Tree Court assisted living facility in Spirit Lake, Idaho on November 1. Spirit Lake cops were called to the scene by worried friends who said Floyd had barricaded herself inside and that she was suicide. On arriving, bodycam footage showed PD Captain Mike Morlan and Officer James Windrem enter the apartment and approach Floyd's bedroom. She was totally covered by sheets and could be heard growling 'Leave me alone, go away.' But a seemingly innocuous welfare check then took a shocking turn after Floyd threw off the sheets to reveal she was holding a handgun. Morlan and Windrem backed out of the room, only for Floyd to advance after them and fire a shot. Windrem then emptied a full clip of bullets into Floyd from the door frame, with the senior citizen heard yowling with pain for the first few seconds of the onslaught. Officers were called to the senior assisted living apartment of S.A. Floyd on November 1 after neighbors feared she was suicidal when she sent a series of disturbing texts When Spirit Lake police breached her room, Floyd barked at them to 'go home', before she fired a gun at Chief Morlan (seen left) when he pulled off her bed covers Morlan's partner, officer James Windrem, emptied his firearm clip in a rapid succession of bullets after Floyd shot first, killing the 67-year-old blind woman in her bed The shooting outraged activists, who believed Floyd to be an innocent old lady cut down by an unjustified shooting. But the release of bodycam footage on Sunday showed that she'd fired first, with cops ruling that her killing had been justified. Officers were called to Floyd's home at the Maple Tree Court senior living apartments in Spirit Lake, Idaho, after neighbors feared she was suicidal. Officials initially declined to release information on the reason shots were fired, amid allegations the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office ordered the police department not to share details of the case. This led the department to now release extensive information on the shooting, beginning with a 911 dispatch call that saw a neighbor say they became concerned for Floyd after she sent a series of disturbing text messages. In the call, a woman's voice was heard telling the dispatcher, 'She's depressed.' It is not clear whether the dispatcher told the officers Floyd was blind, and Moran claimed he didn't find that out until later in the investigation. Once on the scene, the two officers are seen on bodycam footage arriving at the senior living apartments, where a man summons them to Floyd's home. As he invites them inside the unlocked unit, he said: 'We are scared to death.' He told them Floyd was locked inside her room, and after the neighbors couldn't get inside, the cops begin by knocking on the door and telling her, 'We are just here to check on you.' The neighbor tells them she has been locked inside for at least an hour, so the officers decide to breach the room, with one of the officers heard telling the other, 'Door's coming off.' After kicking in the door to Floyd's bedroom, the blind woman can be heard barking at the officers to 'go home.' Chief Morlan entered the room with his flashlight, with Windrem stood behind him, while Floyd covered her head and body with her bed covers, telling them to 'leave me alone.' The two officers repeatedly tell her to show her hands, and when she declines Morlan pulls the covers off the 67-year-old. In Friday's news conference, Morlan said he did so 'to ensure' that she hadn't harmed herself. Spirit Lake Police Department Chief Michael Morlan (pictured) was shot at in the frenzied exchange, and he praised his partner's quick action for saving his life At the start of the bodycam footage, a neighbor was seen leading the officers to Floyd's room, saying she had been locked inside for over an hour as they feared she would take her own life After neighbors couldn't get inside, the cops begin by knocking on the door and telling her, 'We are just here to check on you' The officers breached the door, leading Floyd to repeatedly tell them to 'leave me alone' and 'go home' As Morlan pulled off the bed sheets, Floyd flashed a gun before firing a shot, springing the officers into action as they sped away from the firearm Officials said Windrem fired over 10 shots into the room, and Floyd was pronounced dead as investigators returned to the scene However, as he pulled off the covers it was shown in the bodycam footage that Floyd was holding a gun, leading both officers to spark into action as they see the firearm. In a flash, a shot is heard in the footage before Morlan appears to trip as he scrambles away, while Windrem quickly pulled out his gun from its holster and pointed it into the room. Windrem then empties his clip in a rapid succession of shots, radioing into dispatch that shots were fired while Floyd can be heard groaning inside the room. According to a report from the Kootenai County prosecutor, which ruled the shooting was justified, Windrem fired over 10 shots into the room. While some initially questioned the shooting of a blind woman, the revelation Floyd fired at Morlan led the chief to praise Windrem's actions on Friday, saying his partner saved his life. '(Windrem)used deadly force that night to protect me That was an outcome we hoped wouldnt happen,' he said. 'I thought I was going to take a second round at my back. I could see the threat he face,' he continued, adding that Windrem is 'not okay' following the tragic police shooting. With Floyd shot in her bed, the officers then left the unit and called for backup, and residents in the senior living apartments were evacuated. Investigators returned to the apartment three hours later, and Kootenai County deputies said they found the gun seen in the footage in bed with Floyd's body. They said that a second firearm was also found between her legs, and her blood alcohol content registered at 0.13, over the legal limit. While the reason for Floyd's death was clarified in the press conference, Morlan also took the time to address concerns over transparency in the investigation. 'When I was sworn in, I said that we'd be transparent and that we would provide information to our citizens,' Morlan said. 'Unfortunately, that didn't happen. I want you to know that will never happen again.' Chief Morlan (pictured) addressed local backlash to a lack of information over the reasons for the shooting, saying at a press conference: 'I think some of the missing information would have cleared a lot of this up for all of you... I apologize to you all, I apologize to the citizens here' He said the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office ordered the Spirit Lake PD not to share more details, which he appeared to share the frustration that was felt by locals looking for answers in the last three months. 'I think some of the missing information would have cleared a lot of this up for all of you... I apologize to you all, I apologize to the citizens here,' Morlan said. 'I want you to all understand that the lead agency that conducted the investigation directed us not to provide any details that might jeopardize their investigation, or that of the prosecution. 'I think that was some critical information the citizens and the media should have had,' Morlan continued. 'I was hopeful that the lead agency would provide that to all of you... that didn't happen... so we waited three months.' Former White House doctor Ronny Jackson is calling on President Biden to 'prove' he is fit to serve as president by submitting to a cognitive test after the special counsel's damning report into his handling of classified documents went after Biden's 'poor memory.' Jackson, a conservative Republican who currently represents Texas's 13th district, served as White House physician to both President Barack Obama and then President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, Jackson who is a close ally of Trump, sent a fifth letter to President Biden demanding he be 'honest' about his physical and mental capabilities and submit to a cognitive test. 'I think if there was ever, ever a time that we need a cognitive test for a sitting president of the United States it's right now,' Jackson said during the Republican leadership press conference. 'If he thinks he's fit to lead the country prove it to us,' Jackson said. Former White House doctor and close Trump ally has vowed to continue to focus on Biden's mental acuity and has called on the president to take a cognitive test Speaker Johnson addressed Hur's report on Biden's handling of classifed documents saying a man 'too incapable of being held accountable for mishandling classified information is certainly unfit for the Oval Office' Special Counsel Robert Hur's report on the president's handling of classified documents described Biden as a 'well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.' The letter comes after Special Counsel Robert Hur's investigation determined Biden would not face criminal charges for his handling of documents but included politically explosive descriptions of the 81-year-old president's mental acuity. The report concluded if charged, a jury might be sympathetic since Biden comes off as a 'well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.' It also alleged during his special counsel interview in October, Biden could not remember significant life events including when his term ended as vice president and when his son Beau died. 'If you're not cognitively fit to stand trial or to answer accusations against you, you're obviously not cognitively fit to be the president, commander in chief, and our head of state,' Jackson said. Jackson served as physician in the Trump White House before running for Congress in Texas as a close Trump ally Jackson speaking with President Obama in 2014. Obama reportedly sent an email to Jackson expressing his 'disappointment' over Jacksons criticism of Bidens cognitive health in 2020 Jackson has been going after Biden's fitness to serve since he was was a candidate for president. He has vowed to continue to make the president's mental acuity an issue going forward. During the press conference, Jackson said he wants Biden to take a cognitive test similar to the one Trump, 77, took while serving as president. A person close to Biden pushed back, telling DailyMail.com Jackson's demands should be discounted because he ran a drug 'pill mill' out of the Trump White House. He was 'handing out narcotics like candy,' they added, earning him the nickname 'Candyman.' 'Im sure Ronnys own drinking and drug use has contributed to his own cognitive decline and unhinged behavior. Poor guy,' the person added. A scathing 2021 Pentagon watchdog report into Jackson's time as White House physician found a series of misconduct during his time in both the Trump and Obama administrations. The White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, when asked about the test on Monday, claimed it wasn't necessary and quoted White House Physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor. 'The president proves every day [in] how he operates and how he thinks, by dealing with world leaders, by making difficult decisions on behalf of the American people whether it's domestic or it's national security.' 'That is how Dr. O'Connor sees it, and that is how I'm going to leave it,' she continued. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that President Joe Biden would not take a cognitive test as part of his annual physical this week, despite the DOJ report suggesting his memory was failing Jean-Pierre, when asked about a cognitive test in a press briefing Monday, claimed it wasn't necessary and quoted White House Physician Dr. Kevin O'Connor (pictured) in doing so Back in 2020, Trump bragged about how he 'aced' a 'cognitive test' that was administered 'very recently' and that doctors at Walter Reed Medical Center were 'very surprised' that he passed Back in 2020, Trump bragged about how he 'aced' a 'cognitive test' that was administered 'very recently' and that doctors at Walter Reed Medical Center were 'very surprised' that he passed. Trump told Sean Hannity on Fox News at the time that Biden 'didn't take a cognitive test because he couldn't pass one.' Republicans have seized on the special counsel's descriptions of Biden's memory and are making the president's age and mental fitness a central issue ahead of 2024 elections. This week, House Republicans demanded the Department of Justice hand over recordings of Hur's interview with Biden. DailyMail.com confirmed they are in discussions with Hur about coming in to testify before Congress at the end of the month. The three committee chairs leading the Biden impeachment inquiry threatened to subpoena the material if the DOJ does not turn it over within a week after the bombshell report dropped. 'A man too incapable of being held accountable for mishandling classified information is certainly unfit for the Oval Office,' Speaker Mike Johnson said on Wednesday. The best friend of Ana Knezevich says the estranged husband of the missing Florida businesswoman has fled to his native Serbia, after being asked to help find her. Knezevich, 40, had been going through a 'tough' divorce from husband David when she disappeared from her apartment while holidaying in Madrid on February 2. Friends received stilted text messages from her phone claiming she would be uncontactable for a few days, and within hours her friend Sanna Rameau was on the phone to the husband to see what he knew. 'I suggested for him to meet me in Madrid to help with the investigation and to help, you know, find Ana,' she said. 'He did not come to Madrid, I did get in contact with him again that Friday where he told me he had gone to Serbia instead.' Ana Knezevich had been going through a 'tough' divorce from husband David when she went missing in Madrid on February 2 The couple ran a successful computer support business from their home in Fort Lauderdale Ana's best friend Sanna Rameau said she asked David to help with the search but he has fled David hasn't spoken out about his wife's case and has not been accused of wrongdoing by officials. The couple ran a successful computer support and repair business from their home in Fort Lauderdale. Ana and Sanna had traveled extensively on holidays together and were in daily communication as Ana hunted for a new apartment in the Spanish capital. Rameau and Ana's brother received a series of bizarre text messages from her phone claiming she was going off with someone 'wonderful' she had met in the street. One sent in Spanish to Ana's brother Felipe Henao read as though it had been put through 'Google Translate.' 'It's not her. She doesn't say those things. Like nobody in Spanish will say it like that,' he said. The messages sent from Ana's phone claimed the new person had a house two hours from Madrid and she was going there with him for a few days. The texts added there was 'spotty' phone service where she was going and that she'd let her family know when she was back. The messages sent from Ana's phone claimed she met someone who has a house two hours from Madrid and she was going there with him for a few days. Her brother said they read like they were written by Google translate Rameau said she had become 'best friends' with Ana and travelled extensively with her Rameau said it is 'out of the question' that Ana disappeared in the way her messages suggest 'She has never expressed to me that she's afraid of anyone,' Rameau said Her family says they found that a man in a helmet had spray painted over the surveillance cameras the night Ana went missing 'As soon as I received these messages I realized something was wrong,' Rameau told Cuomo on NewsNation. 'For her to just meet someone on the street and do something like this, it's out of the question,' she added. 'I immediately responded saying for her to share her location and asking what's going on. 'When I did not hear back by Sunday morning I contacted the police myself in Madrid.' Rameau flew to Madrid herself on February 8 to talk with police and assist with the search. David Knezevich is originally from Belgrade 'Police said a judge denied their request to access her apartment and her phone records saying this could be just a missing person, that they weren't taking it seriously,' she said. Henao said he is also concerned that authorities in Madrid are not equipped to deal with Ana's case. 'I've heard from the police in Spain. I know they're working really hard. I just don't know if they have all the tools they need,' the concerned brother said. 'I found out they haven't even have a detective that speaks in English and that that makes it really tough. And I find that ridiculous.' But police discovered that a man in a motorcycle helmet had disabled security cameras outside the Madrid apartment with black spray paint on the night she disappeared. Neighbors at the couple's home in Fort Lauderdale said that David spent a lot of time paying attention to its security cameras. 'She was obviously stressed and upset about separating from her husband, they have a very successful business together but she seemed in good spirits,' Rameau said. 'She has never expressed to me that she's afraid of anyone.' She called her friend for the last time just hours before she disappeared. 'She was happy, she had a great day and sent me a voice message like she normally does saying she was out in Madrid looking for apartments,' Rameau said. 'She was telling me about the upcoming trip to Barcelona with a friend that she was very excited about.' But Ana never arrived in Barcelona with her friend. 'Her friends in Madrid are all concerned saying this is not Ana,' Rameau added. 'Something has happened.' The couple got married in 2011 and moved to the south Florida city of Fort Lauderdale The FBI is liaising with Spanish police, but Rameau wants more to be done. 'We have an American citizen that has disappeared abroad, and no one in the America is doing anything about it,' she said. 'There is high suspicion of foul play regarding her disappearance. 'I just want her back. I want the American authorities to help.' Speaker Mike Johnson is demanding a meeting with President Biden before taking up any national security funding on the House floor. I've been requesting a meeting with the president for weeks now, a month. I've been asking to sit down with the President talk about the border, talk about national security, Johnson told reporters on Tuesday. That meeting has not been granted. It comes after Johnsons GOP-led House successfully impeached Homeland Security Sec. Alejandro Mayorkas - but bucked any prospect of passing a national security and immigration package that originates in the upper chamber. First the Senate tried to pass a bipartisan deal with foreign aid and immigration provisions but spiked that package due to Republican opposition to the immigration parts. Then the Senate successfully passed a $95 billion aid package with money for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan and Gaza and no immigration provisions, 70-29. Speaker Mike Johnson is demanding a meeting with President Biden before taking up any national security funding on the House floor Johnson has insisted that will not go to the floor in the House. He claimed both deals lacked the real border security measures Republicans are demanding. 'The Republican-led House will not be jammed or forced into passing a foreign aid bill that was opposed by most Republican senators and does nothing to secure or border.' I'm going to continue to insist on [a meeting] because there are very serious issues that need to be addressed and if the Speaker of the House can't sit down with the president of the united states, that's a problem. I don't know why they're uncomfortable having the president sit across the table from me, but I will go in in good faith because we have to solve this issue and do everything we can, the speaker went on. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre punted blame back on the speaker when asked about a Biden meeting. 'I think the speaker doesnt understand what it is that his job is. Put that bill to the floor. Put that bill to the floor it will get bipartisan support.' 'He's the one killing this.' Johnson said instead of passing a standalone package without any immigration provisions, the Senate should have amended their original bill to include real border security provisions that would actually help end the ongoing catastrophe. Instead, the Senates foreign aid bill is silent on the most pressing issue facing our country. House Republicans have insisted any border security and foreign aid package must be nothing short of their conservative-only border bill H.R. 2. They've also insisted discussions on any sort of bipartisan deal must be led by the House and the White House, not the Senate. Democrats eviscerated Republicans over the refusal to take up the Senates original bill, which was endorsed by the border patrol union. Now theyre looking at ways to force national security aid to the floor without Johnsons approval. Democratic leadership has discussed the possibility of forcing the bill to the floor by discharge petition. This would require 218 members to sign on. Dozens of Democrats could drop off due to opposition to Israel funding, so theyd need a significant number of Republicans to get on board. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., chair of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus, revealed Wednesday he is working with House and Senate members on a brand-new deal for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan aid coupled with border security. He said he hopes the deal will be bipartisan and released in the next few days. A murderer who stabbed his ex-girlfriend's new partner to death in the street before fleeing to London has been jailed for life. Daniel Balazs, 21, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, plunged a 12cm knife into father-of-two Daniel Micska's chest last August. Neighbours fought valiantly to try and save Daniel's life and he was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead around 40 minutes after the attack. Balazs, who claimed he stabbed Daniel, 28, in self-defence, fled the scene and travelled to London before handing himself in. It took a jury just 50 minutes find Balazs guilty of murder after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court and he was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison this week. Daniel Balazs (pictured) - sentenced to a minimum of 20 years on Tuesday - plunged a 12cm knife into father-of-two Daniel Micska's chest last August Neighbours fought valiantly to try and save Daniel Micska's (pictured) life and he was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead around 40 minutes after the attack In a statement released by police, Daniel's heartbroken family said: 'Daniel was a loving brother and father, and when he died, he left behind two young children, who, I now have to watch grow up without their dad. 'Although, this verdict will not bring back my brother, I would like to thank those involved in bringing justice for Daniel and for the support they have offered throughout the investigation. 'We have now received the answers that we needed to grieve as a family. Daniel will be greatly missed and forever in our thoughts.' CCTV footage released after his sentencing shows Balazs arriving at Stanstead airport with his sister on August 2 last year. Further footage on August 9 - the night of the attack - shows him walking towards Pinder Oaks Street in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. He's then seen to stop in Lancaster Street, near the victim's previous address. A short time later he is seen approaching Daniel's cousin's home and is said to have whistled towards the property. A relative looked out of the upstairs window and - after recognising Balazs - went out on to the street to find out what he wanted. As he did so, Daniel and his other cousin also went out to the front of the house. It took a jury just 50 minutes find Balazs guilty of murder after a trial at Sheffield Crown Court (pictured) and he was sentenced to a minimum of 20 years in prison this week Upon seeing Daniel, Balazs ran towards him and stabbed him in the chest as he tried to run back inside the house. After leaving Daniel for dead, Balazs is seen on CCTV running from the scene. Detective Inspector Matt Bolger, from South Yorkshire Police, said: 'Balazs showed brutality and cowardice as he ended a man's life and then fled across the country to try and avoid the punishment he knew was coming. 'Balazs claimed he attacked Daniel in self-defence but he turned up outside his home looking for a fight, armed with a knife. 'The incident was caught on CCTV and it was clear that Balazs ran towards the victim. This was not self-defence as he had claimed.' Balazs had already pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article at a previous hearing. He will serve a 12 month jail term concurrent to his sentence for murder. California governor Gavin Newsom has reportedly blasted Oakland mayor Sheng Thao for not applying to funds set aside to tackle retail crime in the Bay Area. In September, the governor's administration approved over $267 million to be given to local police departments and the offices of district attorneys in the state to battle against organized retail theft. The 55 awardees used it to create task forces, hire and train new staff and obtain new technologies. But crime-ridden Oakland did not benefit, because it missed the application deadline - something Newsom was not happy about, according to Robert Harris of the Oakland NAACP. 'The governor brought that up one, two, three times... He talked about the missed deadline, and then about 10 minutes later he said the same thing over, "Weve made that available to you, and you didnt file."' Harris told Local News Matters. California governor Gavin Newsom has reportedly blasted Oakland mayor Sheng Thao for not applying to funds set aside to tackle retail crime in the Bay Area In September, the governor's administration approved over $267 million to be given to local police departments and the offices of district attorneys Oakland saw a 21 percent increase in violent crime, a 38 percent increase in robberies and a 45 percent increase in vehicle thefts between 2021 and 2023, per police data. Newsom has also deployed 120 California Highway Patrol in Oakland and the Alameda County to assist with a surge in thefts that has caused several businesses in the area to shut down, including a Denny's that had been open for 54 years. Also shuttered was the city's only In N Out Burger due to soaring crime - the only restaurant the chain has ever shuttered in its history. He said: 'As crime rates across California decrease including right across the Bay in San Francisco Oakland is seeing the opposite trend. 'Whats happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable. Im sending the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts to restore a sense of safety that the hardworking people of Oakland and the East Bay demand and deserve.' The CHP officers will be tackling auto theft, cargo theft, retail crime and violent crime. Newsom said CHP has already arrested dozens of criminals just between February 5 and 9. Thao, on her part, has expressed gratitude for the governor's help. 'The City of Oakland is hard at work turning the tide increasing law enforcement investigations, increasing police recruitment, and investing in community and violence intervention efforts,' she said on X. 'Im grateful for Governor Newsom for providing these critical law enforcement resources that are a game-changer in helping us hold more criminals accountable and make Oakland safer.' This Denny's - the only one in Oakland - closed its doors after 54 years Oakland's only In-N-Out Burger restaurant is set to close after 18 years Meanwhile Oakland District Attorney Pamela Price is facing calls for a recall from locals fed-up of their plummeting quality of living. Last month the recall effort pushed past 80,000 signatures, exceeding the 73,000 needed to qualify for a recall by March. Price became Alameda County DA in 2022, pledging to seek shorter prison sentences, more lenient criminal charges, and a refusal to charge juveniles as adults - policies that critics say are escalating Oakland's spiraling crime issues. The city has been rocked by a citywide crimewave for over two years, with homicides up 80 percent in July 2023 compared to 2019 rates, while assaults and robberies were up 40 and 20 percent, respectively. According to crime tracker Neighborhood Scout, Oakland is essentially the most dangerous city in America, with a violent crime rate almost four times higher than the national average that makes it safer than zero percent of US neighborhoods. DailyMail.com has reached out to the city of Oakland for comment on this story. Police and FBI agents in Colorado are on the hunt for a two-century-old portrait of George Washington heisted from a storage unit. Law enforcement officers in Englewood, Colorado - just south of Denver - are asking for the public's assistance as they attempt to track down the thief. A spokesperson for the police department said the painting has been in the same family for at least half-a-century, but was created in the early 1800s. The victims wish to remain anonymous for the time being as authorities attempt to track down their piece. The painting's value is also not clear, and according to the police, and is difficult to estimate because of its historical significance. On 1/22/24, EPD received a call about a stolen historical art piece from a storage facility on S. Santa Fe Dr. The painting is of our president, George Washington, created in the early 1800s. Help locate it! Crime Stoppers offers up to $2k reward for tips. Go to FB for more info pic.twitter.com/haIS9v6y7w Englewood Police Department (@PoliceEnglewood) February 13, 2024 Law enforcement officers in Englewood, Colorado. - just south of Denver - are asking for the public's assistance as they attempt to track down a thief to who allegedly stole the painting from a local self-storage unit Crystal Essman with the Englewood Police Department said her department rarely deals with thefts of historical artifacts. 'It's not often that we have historical artifacts or historical art pieces stolen from this city,' she said. The victims, she added, just want their 'family heirloom' returned. The painting was allegedly stolen sometime last month. Authorities were first alerted to the missing 'national treasure' on January 22, though the piece may have been stolen as early as January 10 from a storage facility on the 3300 block of South Santa Fe Drive. 'The painting is of our first president, George Washington, and was created in the early 1800s,' authorities said. The painting's value is also not clear, and according to the police, and it is difficult to estimate because of its historical significance (painting not shown here) 'The approximate size of the piece is 24 inches by 30 inches, measured in a gold-colored frame,' they added. Police are presently unsure of whether the thieves specifically targeted the painting, or knew it was in the storage unit before busting in. Area authorities are asking local to call Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 if they have any information that could lead to the safe return of the painting. Tipsters may remain anonymous and may also be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000. If a tip helps lead investigators to the missing painting, tipsters will be notified when the case concludes. A British Airways captain who bludgeoned his wife to death more than 13 years ago has brought a High Court challenge against a Government move to block his automatic release from prison. Robert Brown fatally beat his 46-year-old millionairess wife Joanna Simpson with a claw hammer in their family home in October 2010 while their two young children cowered in a playroom. After being jailed for 26 years in 2011, Brown has now claimed that 'political motivation' amid a media campaign against his release improperly contributed to a decision to refer his case to the Parole Board. His lawyers argued at a hearing in London on Wednesday that Justice Secretary Alex Chalk's referral was unlawful, while the Government says his legal action should be dismissed. Brown was cleared of murder after a trial, but admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility with a psychiatric report saying he suffered from an 'adjustment disorder'. Robert Brown has brought a High Court challenge against a Government move to block his automatic release from prison Joanna Simpson, 46, (pictured) was bludgeoned to death with a claw hammer at the couple's former marital home in Ascot , Berkshire, as their two children cowered in a playroom Aged 47 at sentencing, Brown said he was 'stitched up' by a prenuptial agreement and was affected by stress linked to his divorce, a judge was told. In October, Mr Chalk used new powers to have Brown's case reviewed by the Parole Board rather than allow his release on licence at the halfway point of his sentence. It came after Ms Simpson's friends and family had urged the minister to intervene before Brown was due to leave prison in November. Brown's lawyers argue that the Parole Board referral was 'an obvious attempt to seek to reverse engineer justification for a decision that was in reality prompted and obtained through conscious or unconscious political bias'. His legal team said the risk posed by Brown had not increased and that he had been 'subjected to a high-profile campaign through the media and with politicians that has sought to block his release'. The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) rejects his allegations, arguing that Mr Chalk 'in no way seeks to 'go behind' or 'disapply' or 'fail to respect' the sentencing court's decision'. Lawyers for the department say Mr Chalk believed Brown 'would pose a significant risk of serious harm to the public if released on licence', adding that the offender had 'persistently refused to engage in the rehabilitative elements of his sentence'. Philip Rule KC, representing Brown, said in written arguments that there had been 'high level political support' for a campaign against Brown's release. He also added that 'prejudicial documentation' from Ms Simpson's family had allegedly been unfairly considered 'in secret behind closed doors'. The former BA captain (pictured) was acquitted of murder in 2011 after previously admitting manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility. He was jailed for 26 years The Justice Secretary Alex Chalk stepped in to block the automatic release of the killer British Airways pilot Mr Rule, who did not criticise the family, said Brown's disorder had been resolved, that he was not expected to have further mental health issues, and that his 'out-of-character offending occurred in a very specific situation'. Mr Chalk's referral, enabled through a 'power to detain' provision introduced through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, overrode Brown's automatic release. It means the Parole Board, an independent body that carries out risk assessments on prisoners to determine whether they can be safely released, will make a decision on whether to release Brown. Ministers have no power to alter Brown's overall sentence, which will expire in November 2036, the latest date for his release, the court was told. Iain Steele, for the MOJ, said that Mr Chalk had acted lawfully, adding that the suggestion of 'improper influence' by people opposed to Brown's release was 'wholly without merit'. The lawyer said it was 'the right and responsibility of any elected politician' to engage with crime victims, but Mr Chalk had been 'scrupulous in avoiding any pre-determination or influence over his decision'. Ms Simpson's mother, Diana Parkes, who followed Wednesday's hearing via a video link, has previously urged the Parole Board to to 'keep him in jail' and was made a CBE in December for services to vulnerable children suffering from domestic abuse and domestic homicide. Brown, formerly of Winkfield in Berkshire, was sentenced to 24 years for manslaughter and a further two years for an offence of obstructing a coroner in the execution of his duty. He killed Ms Simpson one week before the finalisation of their divorce and dumped her body in a makeshift coffin in Windsor Great Park. The hearing before Mr Justice Ritchie will conclude on Thursday, with a ruling expected at a later date. A drunk mechanic who used a baby as a human shield in a stand-off with police and bragged that it would take 16 officers to overpower him has escaped jail. Christopher Lindsay admitted resisting four police officers and struggling violently with them, after they turned up to his house on September 15, 2021, following reports of an incident the previous day. When officers arrived, the accused appeared to use the child he was with as a human shield to prevent the officers from arresting him and claimed he could 'throw them through the window'. The court heard how the accused had been involved in an incident the day prior where he threatened to give two parking wardens in South Street, Perth, 'a kicking' after they asked him to move his Audi. The 40-year-old also admitted to acting in a threatening and abusive manner to wards the two parking attendants and ordered to carry out 255 hours unpaid work and placed on a 12-week curfew by Sheriff William Wood. Fiscal depute Erika Watson told Perth Sheriff Court that officers found the man from Coupar Angus drunk on the sofa with a six-month old baby wearing an unfasted nappy Fiscal depute Erika Watson told Perth Sheriff Court that officers found the man from Coupar Angus drunk on the sofa with a six-month old baby wearing an unfasted nappy. The accused 'appeared heavily under the influence and was slurring his words', as officers suspected he might be under the influence of drugs. Ms Watson told the court: 'He got up off the sofa and took an aggressive stance, thrust his body and face towards the officers, and told them to leave. The baby was left on the edge of the sofa cushion.' Officers tried to highlight the baby's position on the sofa to Mr Lindsay and enquired about the whereabouts of the baby's mother, which angered him, Ms Watson said. She added: 'He said he was quite capable of looking after the child. He picked up the baby and began to ramble, and shout and swear.' Lindsay ranted to the officers: 'This is going on YouTube. You are on fucking camera. If you want I can throw you both through the fucking window.' The court was told the baby became increasingly distressed and it was apparent Lindsay was displaying complete disregard for her welfare. Ms Watson added: 'It appeared he was intentionally using the child as a human shield to prevent the officers affecting an arrest. He refused to hand over the baby. 'However, when he placed the baby on the sofa, an officer took the opportunity to take the accused to the ground. The baby was retrieved by another officer.' The court heard how the accused had been involved in an incident the day prior where he threatened to give two parking wardens in South Street, Perth, (pictured) 'a kicking' after they asked him to move his Audi As he was being handcuffed, Lindsay shouted: 'You better call everyone, it took 16 of you last time. Pepper spray me - I fucking love it. You will need the whole of Perth and Dundee to take me out of here.' Solicitor Pauline Cullerton, defending, said: 'He was surprised to see the police at his door when he was in the middle of changing the baby's nappy. Alcohol had been consumed.' Sheriff Wood told him: 'You have got a bit of a record. Your difficulty with the services of law and order are well documented. 'The alcohol thing is going to plague you if you don't get that under control. When you have had a drink, things seem to run away from you. 'When you see the black uniform that is when your anti-authoritarian feelings come out and you should know by now how that is going to play out.' Alejandro Mayorkas, 64, is now only the second cabinet secretary to be impeached and the first in nearly 150 years after Republicans punished the Homeland Security chief for his handling of the southern border crisis. By a margin of just a single vote, the House of Representatives finally impeached the DHS Secretary on Tuesday a long time coming for members of the GOP angry at Democrats' for relaxing immigration policies amid surging migration across the U.S.-Mexico border. Mayorkas' impeachment charge comes after the lower chamber narrowly failed to pass the motion in a separate vote last week. DailyMail.com breaks down Mayorkas' background, how he became the first cabinet secretary impeached since 1876 and what's next for the DHS head. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday became the first cabinet secretary to be impeached since 1876. He is only the second in U.S. history to face this fate THE HOUSE IMPEACHED MAYORKAS, NOW WHAT? Tuesday's 214-213 vote is mostly a rebuke of President Joe Biden and his administration's policies regarding migration and the southern border, as it's likely the slim Democrat majority in the Senate will acquit Mayorkas. Republican Reps. Ken Buck (Colo.), Mike Gallagher (Wis.) and Tom McClintock (Calif.) joined Democrats to oppose the impeachment vote, saying it would be 'unconstitutional' and set a 'bad precedent' for the GOP in the future. White the House only requires a simple majority to levy impeachment against a cabinet secretary, the Senate must reach a two-thirds vote to convict and remove the official. Similarly Mayorkas, former President Donald Trump was impeached twice by the House of Representatives but was later acquitted by the Senate. Since it's highly unlikely the Senate will reach the threshold needed to actually convict Mayorkas, it appears nothing will change after the House vote. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said that the appointed House Republican impeachment managers will present the articles to the Senate when it comes back into session at the end of the month. The Senate's President Pro Tempore Patty Murray (D-Wash.) will preside over a trial. WHO IS ALEJANDRO MAYORKAS? Born in Havana, Cuba, Mayorkas' family fled the Cuban Revolution to Miami, Florida when he was just one-year-old. They later settled in Los Angeles, California, where Mayorkas was raised. The DHS Secretary's father, Charles R. 'Nicky' Mayorka, was a Cuban Jew who owned and operated a steel wool factory outside of Havana. And his mother, Anita Gabor Mayorkas, was a Romanian Jew whose family escaped the Holocaust and fled to Cuba in the 1940s. Mayorkas graduated from the University of California Berkeley in 1981 and got his Law Degree from Loyola in 1985. He has two daughters, Giselle and Amelia, with wife Tanya Mayorkas. A baby Alejandro Mayorkas pictured with his mother, Anita, in Havana, Cuba before the family fled the Cuban Revolution to come to the U.S. After three years litigating in private practice, Mayorkas was recommended by now late-Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) and appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1989 an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California. He prosecuted federal crimes and specialized in white-collar crime like tax evasion and money laundering. Barack Obama selected Mayorkas to lead the presidential transition team responsible for the U.s. Department of Justice's Criminal Division. And then in 2009 was appointed by then-President Obama as Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Notably, he implemented Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in just 60 days. Mayorkas served as the Deputy Secretary of DHS under Obama from December 2013 to October 2016 and rejoined the White House team when Joe Biden took office in 2021, where he has served as DHS Secretary since Day One. Earlier in February, Mayorkas said of the impeachment proceedings that he is 'making sure it doesn't distract me.' Mayorkas appears as a young boy here in Miami, Florida with his father, Nicky, and sister, Cathy WHAT LED THE HOUSE TO IMPEACH MAYORKAS? Since Biden became president, Republicans have been highly critical of his handling of migration and illegal immigration. On his first day in office, Biden struck several policies implemented by predecessor Donald Trump that border hawks claim were essentially for quelling the surge over the southern border. Mayorkas made swift enemies with Republicans as he moved to implement Biden's policies at DHS, which included halting construction of Trump's southern border wall. Putting an end to Remain in Mexico policies is what many Republicans claim is to blame for the surge since migrants no longer have to wait in Mexico while their asylum claims are heard. Now, migrants who claim asylum are released into the country with court dates sometimes set for years in the future. And now, pandemic-era policy Title 42 has been revoked, meaning that border agents are not able to immediately deport those claiming asylum on ground of a health emergency and instead must move to process them. Republican immigration hawks have been waiting years to rebuke President Joe Biden's policies at the southern border by impeaching Secretary Mayorkas the man tasked with implementing and carrying out those policies Since Biden and Mayorkas took their respective positions in 2021, there have been several months of record-breaking migrant crossings along the southern border. In December, a new high was reached when CBP encountered 301,983 migrants crossing from Mexico into the U.S. The shocking crossing numbers have also been accompanied with other side effects of migration, including deaths and a massive amount of drug smuggling and human trafficking. The 'openness' of the southern border has been decried by Republicans as a reason for the emergence of the fentanyl crisis in recent years. Mayorkas' impeachment was on counts of 'willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law' and 'breach of public trust,' further proving the vote was a rebuke of Biden's policies regarding the massive surge of migration since taking office rather than direct gripes with the secretary. Secretary of War William Belknap was the first cabinet secretary to be impeached by the House and only one before Mayorkas. He was acquitted by the Senate in 1876 FIRST - AND ONLY - CABINET IMPEACHMENT BEFORE MAYORKAS The last cabinet official impeached before Mayorkas was this week was Secretary of War William Belknap 148 years prior. On March 2, 1876, Belknap faced impeachment by the House for his role in the trader post scandal he was acquitted by the Senate. Belknap was the first cabinet secretary in U.S. history to ever face impeachment, making Mayorkas the second ever and the first in nearly 150 years. The War Secretary was involved in the trader post scandal, or Indian Ring, at Fort Sill where Belknap and his wives at different times received kickback payments from a tradership contract. The scandal led to Belknap's sudden resignation and impeachment by the House, which was Democrat-controlled at the time. His trial in the Senate led to his acquittal and his federal trial in Washington D.C. was dismissed by Judge Arthur MacArthur Sr. But a legal notice inside the shop suggested it was being repossessed A bitter financial dispute may be behind the dramatic closure of a legendary beigel shop which has been trading on Brick Lane for decades, it emerged today. The Beigel Shop at 155 Brick Lane - known fondly as the 'yellow one' after its signage, in contrast to a white-fronted rival shop two doors away - suddenly closed yesterday afternoon. A legal notice pasted on the inside of the shop suggested that it was being repossessed and queries addressed to the legal firm cited went unanswered. But the mystery later deepened when a new sign was pasted over the repossession papers instead suggesting that the closure was due to an electrical fault - and promising that it would reopen soon. Now MailOnline has been told that the sudden closure may be down to an escalation in a bitter dispute between the family that runs the famous store and its landlords - and that it mirrors a similar dispute a decade ago which also saw the shutters briefly come down. A source said: 'This is all about a fallout between the owners of the freehold and the people who run it - over money. MailOnline has been told that the sudden closure of Beigel Shop (pictured) may be down to an escalation in a bitter dispute between the family that runs the famous store and its landlords A notice posted on the outside of the shop and shared on social media claimed the store was closing for 'electrical maintenance', and promised it would be open again soon A source told MailOnline: 'This is all about a fallout between the owners of the freehold and the people who run it - over money' 'A new family took over running the place a few years back and there's been increasing dispute between them and the landlords. I'm not sure of the precise details but it's ultimately down to money.' Another source said: 'The same thing happened 10 years ago - a falling out between the people who own the freehold and the people who run the shop. 'Although there's different people running it now. But I expect the same thing will happen and it'll reopen soon because it's so popular that it's throwing away money to keep it closed for long. 'It'll be open again in a few days, I'm sure.' They added: 'It may also be an issue that the Beigel Shop has been considerably quieter than the rival store a couple of doors away and that may not have helped things. The registered owner of the bakery is Ellis Zelman who lists his home address as being at the store on Brick Lane in documents with Companies House. According to Land Registry documents the building however appears to be separately owned by Derrick, Darren and Karen Lefcoe who live in Washington,USA and London. No one from either party responded to our attempts for comment. The Beigel Shop on Brick Lane, London, had been dishing up chewy baked goods for decades Social media users shared their reactions to the news of the shop's closure - including one meme of a poster of the Gerard Butler action flick London Has Fallen A local shop owner told MailOnline this afternoon: 'I didn't know anything about it until this morning - and I saw the sign saying they had electrical problems.' But another local trader insisted: 'There's nothing wrong with the electrics there - this is about something more long term.' The store's last public accounts cover the year to September 2022 and show the company was 17,643 in the red. That is in stark contrast to the rival beigel shop two doors away which saw its reserves boosted by almost 500,000 to more than 830,000, according to the latest available figures. Until last September, Beigel Shop Brick Lane Limited was co-owned by Ashley and Ellis Zelman, both 21, But in September Ashley's shares were all transferred to Ellis, giving him sole control. Whatever the background to the dispute, it does seem clear that the Beigel Shop has fallen behind its immediate rival, known as 'the white one', again because of its signs - with noticeably fewer visitors. There was a queue at least 20 strong outside Beigel Bake this afternoon - while there were no signs of life at The Beigel Shop. One local told us today: 'I always went to the shop that's closed - the yellow one - because it never had a queue. Unlike the white one next door.' Another visitor today said: 'My partner got me a foodie book for Christmas. And I read about famous Brick Lane beigels in the cheap eats section. And I decided to go today - I had to look up which one it was as I was worried the one in the book had shut but it was the one that's still open, the white one., that they mentioned thankfully.' Khan Raja, 24, who has lived just off Brick Lane most of his life, said the white version, Beigel Bake, is considerably more popular: 'Brick Lane' is famous for its beigels. 'We just saw the sign outside this morning and thought something was wrong. 'I've been in Brick Lane most of my life and The Beigel Shop has been here the whole time but it's the other one, the white one, that has really taken off properly. 'People come for the white one because they have seen it on TikTok. There's always a long queue outside that place. Even before social media. The yellow one not so much.' Until last September, Beigel Shop Brick Lane Limited was co-owned by Ashley and Ellis Zelman, both 21, But in September Ashley's shares were all transferred to Ellis, giving him sole control A man working at a nearby convenience store said: 'I don't know what happened. It's a popular shop and I haven't noticed less customers. 'I was surprised to see a lock on the door and a sign saying it's closed. But it is fair that the other place is usually quite a lot busier.' The owner of a nearby vintage clothes shop said: 'Both shops were popular but the yellow one less so - so it was useful if I needed to go and get a bagel because the queue was always smaller so I could run in and out. But now it's shut.' The second notice, referring to an urgent need to 'conduct essential electrical maintenance' covered over the earlier notice. 'Dear beigel family, We will be closed for a short period to conduct essential electrical maintenance,' the poster reads. 'Stay connected with us on social media for updates and news about our reopening. 'Thank you for your support. We'll be back before you know it, ready to bake and serve our beigel family with love.' MailOnline contacted Thirsk Winton, the solicitor named on the official-looking notice, for further comment. It could not immediately say whether it was involved in any legal action involving the repossession of the property. There are suggestions that the shop may have history stretching back to the nineteenth century when the east end was a very Jewish area - possibly as long ago as 1855 - but other accounts say it has only been in the area for a few decades. Social media users shared their reactions to the news of the shop's closure - including one meme of a poster of the Gerard Butler action flick London Has Fallen. Another wrote: 'Omg rip yellow bagel shop. You will always be famous.' A third user said: 'This is a sad day. The promise of that yellow sign after stumbling out of a club, when all around was closed and shut up, felt like home.' And in a nod to its rivalry with a shop two doors down, another user said: 'Devastating if true. The better beigel shop.' Open 24/7, the Beigel Shop has existed in some form or another from its current site since at least 1987, when a pair of Israeli brothers bought the then-Evering Bakery business. Its sign claims it was founded in 1855. It specialised in salt beef beigels, slathered with mustard and gherkins, as well as salmon and cream cheese bakes garnished with pepper and lemon drizzle. However, it has since diversified into New York-style rainbow beigels and sweet treats, such as beigels filled with Nutella, Lotus Biscoff spread and Marmite. The most recent hygiene inspection of the Beigel Shop conducted by environmental health inspectors gave the shop a rating of 2/5, meaning 'improvement necessary'. Conducted on January 23 this year, the survey found improvement was needed in hygienic food handling and the cleanliness of facilities - while food safety was found to be 'generally satisfactory'. At the time of the 2014 closure, The Evening Standard reported at the time that a 'writ of possession', not dissimilar to the notice posted on the door yesterday, had been posted on the shop door. Beigel Bake was opened by Jonny Cohen in 1974 - after allegedly opening the bakery that went on to be acquired in order to become the 'yellow one'. Over the years, both have plied their trades round the clock, from rushed breakfasts in the morning to clubgoers spilling out into the streets in the wee hours, with just a few doors separating them. Despite this, according to Time Out, the shops are actually not rivals - but friendly neighbours, going as far as to lend one another supplies if they run out of vital ingredients like flour or yeast. Beigel Bake told the listings magazine costs for bakery essentials like flour had gone up 40 per cent in recent years. This is the bizarre moment when a police officer opened fire on a handcuffed, unarmed suspect in his own patrol car after an acorn landed on his vehicle. Deputy Jesse Hernandez of Okaloosa County, Florida, thought that he was being shot at when he heard the innocent acorn drop onto the hood of his car - and an internal probe found that his use of force was not justified. Shocking video footage released this week showed how close his absurd reaction was to killing the man inside his car, identified as 22-year-old Marquis Jackson. Jackson was accused of stealing a car and sending threatening messages to his girlfriend, so had been handcuffed and placed in the vehicle at 9am on November 12 by Hernandez. Deputy Jesse Hernandez of Okaloosa County, Florida, thought that he was being shot at when he heard the innocent acorn drop onto the hood of his car - and an internal probe found that his use of force was not justified Shocking video footage released this week showed how close his absurd reaction was to shooting the man inside his car, identified as 22-year-old Marquis Jackson (pictured being arrested) During the investigation, Hernandez was sat down and made to watch the bodycam. As he watched a frame-by-frame, he asked the investigator: 'Acorn?' They responded: 'Acorn' Before the shooting started, a barely-audible sound of an acorn hitting the car is heard - which the officer then erroneously mistakes it for shots being fired. Hernandez is seen dramatically rolling on the ground, shouting 'shots fired' four times, and struggling to stand up as he started shooting at his vehicle - shattering its rear window. He then screamed: 'I'm hit.' No shots had been fired - so he had not been hit. His partner Sergeant Beth Roberts then started shooting her firearm at Jackson - who was still in the backseat. After the careless ordeal, Hernandez resigned while under investigation for his handling of the incident. No deputies involved in the incident have been criminally charged. During the investigation, Hernandez was sat down and made to watch the bodycam. As he watched a frame-by-frame, he asked the investigator: 'Acorn?' They responded: 'Acorn.' Sheriff Aden said in a statement: 'We are very thankful Mr. Jackson wasn't injured and we have no reason to think former Deputy Hernandez acted with any malice. 'Though his actions were ultimately not warranted, we do believe he felt his life was in immediate peril and his response was based off the totality of circumstances surrounding this fear. Jackson said the ordeal has damaged him for life - as he was forced to lie there and play dead, while praying that one of the careless bullets wouldn't hit him The suspect said: 'I havent been the same since and I dont think this feeling I have will ever change. I truly believe Im damaged for life!' 'Just as we have an obligation to protect our officers so they can go home safely to their families, law enforcement has the same obligation to any citizen being investigated for a crime.' The investigation determined that Roberts' use of deadly force was objectively reasonable, and she was exonerated. Jackson said that the ordeal has damaged him for life - as he was forced to lie there and play dead, while praying that one of the careless bullets wouldn't hit him. He wrote in a Facebook post: 'I was searched multiple times, then unlawfully handcuffed and placed into the backseat of the cop car while being strapped down by the seatbelts. 'A few moments later I hear an officer scream Im hit , hes armed! As soon as that was announced multiple shots were fired at me while I was stuck in the backseat. 'All I could do was lean over and play dead to prevent getting shot in the head. 'I was scared to death and I knew all I could depend on was God! I ignored everything and prayed! Windows were shattering on me the whole time as bullets continued flying across me. After the careless ordeal, Hernandez resigned while under investigation for his handling of the incident Bodycam of the officer ducking to the floor, saying he was hit, when he wasn't 'I was blessed not to get hit by any bullets or get hurt physically but mentally, Im not ok. 'I havent been the same since and I dont think this feeling I have will ever change. I truly believe Im damaged for life!' He said that the officers were telling him to put his hands up - which he couldn't do, because he was handcuffed. Jackson said, after the bullets had stopped being fired: 'A few minutes later they swarmed the car and slammed me on the ground to search me and look for any injuries. 'When I got up, I was led to the ambulance. At that moment, I saw just how many officers there were. But the image I cant get out of my head is seeing how bad my mom was hurt/crying right before I got into the ambulance!' Jackson was not charged with anything, and was released after being booked and held in a cell. Prince Harry and Meghan should be stripped of their titles to stop them shamelessly profiting off the Royal family, according to the Mail's talk show, The Reaction. In the latest episode, out today, Mail columnists Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce set their sights on Harry and Meghan's new website 'Sussex.com' to ask whether the couple are trading off their Royal titles and are in breach their agreement with the late Queen. Without the Royal family, Ms Vine said, Harry would simply be a 'slightly thick, balding ex-soldier' while Meghan would be a 'moderately attractive, not very successful ex-actress'. After sources close to the former working Royals tried to quash any furore over the naming of the website, Ms Vine added: 'What really irritated me was that 'their people' responded to criticism... by saying that Sussex is their surname.' Mr Pierce interjected: 'It is a shameless way, in my view, to monetarize them by reminding the world that they are Royal.' In the latest episode, out today, Mail columnists Sarah Vine and Andrew Pierce set their sights on Harry and Meghan's new website 'Sussex.com' Harry and Meghan are pictured at the Invictus Games One Year To Go Event yesterday The pair were pictured speaking to a ski instructor in Whistler, Canada Meghan looked happy as she held Harry's hand in Canada on Valentine's Day The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend the closing ceremony of the Invictus Games in September 2023. The photograph now appears on the home page of Sussex.com Meghan's coat of arms issued in 2018 is seen above the couple's names on Sussex.com Ms Vine concluded that the Sussexes 'should be stripped of their titles to finally put an end to this nonsense' as their 'currency is their association with the Royal family'. In agreement, Mr Pierce said he believes that, to save the Royal family from further embarrassment, 'the Firm' shouldn't 'stop with stripping them of their titles' and should also prevent their children from using Prince and Princess too. As well as the Sussexes, the pair, who share their insight and views on the biggest topics of the day - no matter how contentious, discuss why it is seen as 'cool' to be anti-Israel, and their hatred of Valentine's Day. They are united in their condemnation of the ugly scenes when a 'baying' pro-Palestine mob gathered outside the home of Tory MP Tobias Ellwood this week. 'I think there is a very fine line between legitimate protest and intimidation and I think those people crossed it,' Ms Vine said. Mr Pierce asked: 'What is it about Palestine that incites the mob, and makes them turn with such vehemence and viciousness against Israel and anyone who supports the state of Israel?' To which his co-host on the YouTube talk show replied: 'It's anti-Semitism, in just one word.' She added: 'There's an element of it's just kind of fashionable to support Palestine. It reminds me a bit of when I was younger and everybody thought Che Guevara was a really cool dude. 'It's the path of least resistance. If you say 'I support Palestine' people will go 'yay' because it makes them feel cool and it makes them feel like they're on the right side.' Prince Harry and Meghan at the Bob Marley: One Love film premiere in Jamaica on January 23 As well as the Sussexes, the pair, who share their insight and views on the biggest topics of the day - no matter how contentious Vine and Pierce are united in their condemnation of the ugly scenes when a 'baying' pro-Palestine mob gathered outside the home of Tory MP Tobias Ellwood this week The pair also discussed their dislike of the consumerist, Americanised and thoroughly un-romantic event that Valentine's Day has become They also discussed their dislike of the consumerist, Americanised and thoroughly un-romantic event that Valentine's Day has become. Ms Vine revealed she 'hate Valentines Day', believing a better way of showing someone you love them is by taking the bins out, unloading the dishwasher or not mentioning when your partner has put on a bit of weight. She added: 'This sort of awful thing where you go to Marks & Spencer or Tesco and get some sort of Valentine's meal deal with a bunch of overpriced, overprocessed roses is just tacky and horrible.' Last week's episode, in which the Mail's star writers discussed with Royal author Tom Bower why King Charles can't reconcile with Prince Harry has been viewed more than 234,000 times. A secret 'James Bond phone,' $35,000 engagement ring and cash stuffed in boots are unusual new bribes uncovered by investigators as part of Sen. Bob Mendendez and his wife Nadine's alleged conspiracy scheme. The New Jersey Democrat has been under investigation for allegedly accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the last five years to carry out favors for three businessmen who are also charged in the case. The couple and the businessmen, who also face charges, have all pleaded not guilty to the alleged bribery scheme that involved advancing the interests of the Qatari and Egyptian governments. According to a new bombshell court filing by prosecutors this week, the couple claimed that the gold bars at the center of their scandal were actually family heirlooms. A Menendez staffer and a jeweler were told by the senator and his wife that the gold came from Nadine's deceased mother. But prosecutors say that Nadine told her jeweler a 'false cover story' about where the gold came from. The 70-year-old embattled Democrat and wife Nadine are charged with accepting bribes of cash, gold bars and a luxury car over the last five years to carry out favors for three businessmen who are also charged Piles of cash are pictured from the raid on the Menendez's home in New Jersey. He claims the search was revenge from prosecutors after he beat federal charges in 2017 Prosecutors allege that Wael Hana gave Menendez a diamond ring as a part of a bribe scheme New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez claims gold bars and cash at the center of his bribery indictment were found during an illegal search of his home - and he wants a New York judge to toss out the evidence Stashes of cash were found in jackets bearing the senator's name during a search of his home The FBI said the bars were bribery payments to the Democrat from a New Jersey developer, Fred Daibes. He allegedly gave the senator gold in exchange for Menendez to pressure the state's U.S. attorney's office to not aggressively prosecute him in bank fraud case. In 2013, Diabes' penthouse was broken into and he had gold bars, cash and other items stolen. The perpetrators were caught and confessed, and Daibes signed official police documentation certifying that the gold bars were his, identifiable thanks to serial numbers and markings. Daibes had the stolen gold bars returned to him. But NBC News realized that Daibes' gold bars were the same ones that were seized in the raid on Menendez's house. Their discovery is likely to be a key part of prosecutors' argument, as they maintain that Menendez was paid by Daibes for favors. The court filing submitted Monday also includes mentions of a diamond engagement ring and multiple bags of cash worth $100,000 each stuffed into boots. The cash was found in the Menendez's basement 'on top of a large rack of clothes hangers,' said the prosecutors. 'Under the jackets were four boots, stuffed with cash, including one boot containing in excess of $5,000 in $50 bills.' Additionally, a mysterious mobile dubbed the '007' phone also played a part in Sen. Menendez alleged bribery scheme. Prosecutors say that Wael Hana, an Egyptian-American halal tycoon, allegedly worked with Menendez and bribed the senator to receive favors for his company. However, the arrangement almost fell apart after Hana shortchanged the couple by providing them a diamond ring he said was worth $35,000, though a jeweler later told Nadine the band was worth $12,000, according to the filing. Hana worked with the jeweler to get a receipt that falsely claimed the ring was worth more, according to prosecutors. Menedez has claimed the gold bars and cash at the center of his bribery indictment were found during an illegal search of his home - and he wants a New York judge to toss out the evidence. He claimed his home was searched because prosecutors wanted revenge after he beat a conviction in 2017. His arguments, delivered by his lawyers, were contained in papers filed in Manhattan federal court, where Menendez faces a May trial. In January, Nadine asked for separate trials so their marriage secrets weren't spilled in court. Menendez proposed to Nadine in front of the Taj Mahal mausoleum in northern India Hana leaves a New York federal courthouse after pleading not guilty in the bribery case Menendez and his wife Nadine attend a reception honoring the Greek Prime Minister Prosecutors in the Souther District of New York claim Menendez had ties to Egyptian officials This is not the first time Menendez has been investigated. In 2017, a federal jury in New Jersey deadlocked on 18 criminal charges against Menendez and a wealthy Florida eye doctor accused of buying his influence with luxury vacations and campaign contributions. Prosecutors then dropped the case. 'The governments apparent zeal to `get back at Senator Menendez for defeating its prior prosecution has overwhelmed its sound judgment,' his lawyers have previously said. 'The FBI ran roughshod over the Senators Fourth Amendment rights, and all evidence collected from those searches must therefore be suppressed.' After his fall arrest, the senator was forced to give up his powerful post leading the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Menendez's lawyers said FBI agents ransacked the senator's home during a June 16, 2022 raid, seizing 'virtually anything of value.' 'Agents broke down doors (even, in some cases, where the doors were unlocked) and tore apart closets, wardrobes, dressers and other storage locations in the home, flipped over documents and rifled through file folders,' they wrote. 'The FBI seized all manner of things, including the cash and gold bars that the government has made the centerpiece of its case.' A daughter's harrowing 999 call, made after she found her millionaire shower tycoon father and mother allegedly murdered by an IT worker, has been played in court. Ellie Baxter found her parents Stephen, 61, and Carol Baxter, 64, unresponsive on Sunday, April 9 last year and called 999 while screaming and weeping. She told a call handler: 'I need an ambulance right now.' Ellie said 'I need to get inside' and was heard banging on the glass of the conservatory, swearing and saying that she thought her parents were dead. Next to her was Luke D'Wit, 34, who was employed as an IT worker by entrepreneurs Stephen and Carol and claimed he was 'like an adopted son to them', the court heard. Two days earlier D'Wit was seen leaving the couple's luxury home on Mersea Island, Essex, at 7.55pm on Friday, April 7, on Ring doorbell camera footage played out in court. This makes him the last person to see them alive, according to prosecutors. The Baxters' deaths were treated as unexpected but not suspicious at first, but a post mortem later revealed they had ingested large amounts of fentanyl. Police also discovered D'Wit had created a will on his phone on April 10 at 6.54am - a day after the couple were found dead, Chelmsford Crown Court was told. Stephen and Carol Baxter who were found dead in their home in West Mersea, Essex by their daughter on April 9 Luke D'Wit, 34, filmed on body cam footage during a police interview The IT worker leaving the shower tycoon's house after he 'killed them with fentanyl' on the evening of April 7 D'Wit lived nearby and was quickly on the scene when Ellie found her parents, before making a dramatic 999 call to police as Ellie is heard crying hysterically in the background. He told the call handler that he was 'a friend' and added: 'We've just turned up at the house and we haven't really heard from anyone for a day and half. 'So we came round and their daughter got here first and they came round the back, looked in the conservatory window and they were sitting in their arm chairs not moving. We smashed the window to get in but they're both stiff and cold.' During the 999 call, Ellie was heard saying: 'We need an ambulance right now, she's been poisoned. 'My mum's not very well. They're poisoned, they're dead. They're frozen. They're so cold.' When D'Wit took over and was asked if the couple were beyond help, he replied: 'Yeah. There's some blood on her mouth. She has yellow, blue fingers.' The defendant appeared to be 'very calm and plausible' during the call, the prosecutor said. A police interview with D'Wit filmed shortly after the couple's bodies were discovered was also shown to the jury. In the bodycam footage, the 34-year-old rubs his left forearm with his right hand as he says he left their home just before 8pm. He said: 'Me and Stephen had been talking about work and the business because Carol can't work anymore. She hasn't been able to do anything. 'We were having a chat but he didn't really seem up to it. I was going to come back tomorrow and use the gym. I am used to checking on them and I always pop in but they wanted this weekend to... 'Steve's mum Irene, who lives in London, was worried because he wasn't answering her calls either which again isn't unusual because they want time away. The will D'Wit allegedly created on his phone which was released by police D'Wit leaves the shower tycoon couple's home on April 7 Another angle of D'Wit leaving the couple's home on April 7 just before 8pm 'But again, because we were concerned we drove past here at 7.30pm last night but because we saw the blinds were down and the lights were on, we thought they are doing what they want. They've got their weekend. The lights are on - all cool.' D'Wit told the officer he was called to the house after the couple's daughter found them unresponsive in their chairs. 'I literally ran from home to here and just as I got here they smashed the back doors in.' He added he last saw them alive on Friday - two days before the interview - and explained that he had gone into the house and saw the couple's bodies. D'Wit told the officer he was asked by a paramedic to get all of Carol's medications 'because she has got a lot'. 'She has had various things over the years for various operations she has had. So I went upstairs and got anything that I thought looked like a tablet and put it in a brown box for the paramedic.' He then explained that 'sometimes she forgets to take' her medications because she has to take so many. Luke D'Wit crosses his fingers as he is interviewed by a police officer The IT worker told the police officer that he last saw them alive two days before they were discovered dead by their daughter The home of the millionaire tycoon husband and wife in Essex The court heard that the will D'Wit allegedly created listed him as the beneficiary and that it was 'very odd'. It included terms such as 'our dear friend Luke D'Wit is to be the person of significant control' in Cazsplash, a company the couple ran which sold bespoke bath mats to go around curved showers. Prosecutor Tracy Ayling QC told jurors: 'He had rewritten their will and stolen Carol's jewellery, among many other things, to benefit from their deaths.' READ MORE: Police release man and woman on bail but keep third person for questioning amid murder probe after millionaire couple in their 60s were found dead at 1m home with fentanyl in their systems Advertisement D'Wit, who lives in West Mersea, denies murdering Mr Baxter and his wife. On the opening day of the trial, the jury was told that the couple's daughter, Ellie, arrived at their home on Easter Sunday last year and saw them dead inside. An ambulance was called at 1.10pm and all three emergency services attended, including the fire service which ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning. 'They were found by their daughter and her partner, dead in the conservatory, sitting in their individual armchairs,' Ms Ayling said. 'There was no obvious reason for their deaths but as their bodies were examined, it was revealed they had been poisoned using a drug called fentanyl.' Fentanyl is a powerful opioid painkiller. There was no suicide note and the 'whole area, including the kitchen, was very neat and tidy'. He was the 'last person to see them alive' but 'wasn't seen as a suspect and in fact provided statements to police as a witness'. In an account to police, D'Wit said he left the Baxters' at 7.55pm on April 7. Ms Ayling told the jurors: 'He said Carol was asleep and Steve was standing in the kitchen saying he was going to do something for dinner,' said Ms Ayling. But police were 'able to discover he left Carol and Stephen incapacitated at this time', she added. A toxicology report in June last year indicated that a factor in both deaths was the drug fentanyl, the court was told. Checks of the stomach contents in both victims 'suggests but doesn't conclusively show that the drug was ingested orally'. Mrs Baxter was managing director of Cazsplash Ltd, a bathroom accessories firm which sells bath mats designed to fit around curved or corner showers Mrs Baxter, who had a thyroid condition and a pacemaker, was also found to have the antihistamine drug promethazine in her system. She said toxicology suggested but did not conclusively show that the drug, which she said was available in products such as Night Nurse, was ingested orally. 'It's difficult to imagine any scenario when two individuals who are not prescribed fentanyl could accidentally contaminate their food with this drug,' Ms Ayling said. Their original will stated their estate would be left to their four children - two from their marriage and Mrs Baxter's two other children from a previous relationship. The new will, allegedly written on D'Wit's phone, said: 'Cazsplash is to continue trading in whichever way is planned. 'Our daughter, Ellie Baxter, is to be the 100 per cent shareholder and complete owner. There is no financial gain to this. 'Our dear friend, DW, is to be the director and person of significant control. 'Our business-making decisions are down to him apart from an agreed and respected wage there is no financial gain to this.' Tributes were paid to Stephen and Carol Baxter by their neighbours, who said they were a 'lovely couple' Bodycam footage from a police officer showed D'Wit saying: 'I last saw them on Friday. Me and Steve were just talking about work. 'We drove past the house last night and the blinds were down.' D'Wit met the Baxters in 2013 when they needed help with IT for their business. He worked in their house three times a week and knew Mrs Baxter had Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease, the court heard. As her condition worsened, D'Wit would turn up most days to help care for her. A copy of D'Wit's CV was shown to the jury in which he claimed he had an MSc in computer science from the University of East Anglia. The prosecution said the university has no record of him attending as a student. The defendant also denies a charge of possession of a Class A drug and one count of theft. The case continues. This is the dramatic moment a 'heroic' group of off-duty police officers who were enjoying a drink raced into action to stop a knife attack. Joseph Jimenez, 20, from north London, appeared at Croydon Crown Court today, having previously pleaded guilty to the attack, which took place on July 21 last year. The clip shows a man, who had been struck over the head, on the floor, with the offender towering over him, repeatedly trying to slash him with a large knife. A group of officers from the Gangs & Pro-Active Team in the Central South Command Unit were socialising after work together at a bar in Elephant Park, when they noticed the altercation. They then rushed towards the pair, as the offender threw the knife at them. Jimenez was tackled by an officer and was arrested at the scene. Joseph Jimenez, 20, from north London , appeared at Croydon Crown Court today, having previously pleaded guilty to the attack, which took place on July 21 last year The clip shows a man, who had been struck over the head, on the floor, with the offender towering over him, repeatedly trying to slash him with a large knife They then rushed towards the pair, as the offender threw the knife at them. Jimenez was tackled by the force who then arrested him at the scene A group of officers from the Gangs & Pro-Active Team in the Central South Command Unit were socialising after work together at a bar in Elephant Park, when they noticed the altercation Officers administered first aid to the victim and he was taken to hospital for treatment for a head injury. An investigation was launched and the Met recovered CCTV and witness accounts, which would later leave the suspect with no choice but to plead guilty. He was charged on 22 July 2023 and remanded in custody. Jimenez was sentenced to eight month's imprisonment for possession of a bladed article and four months' imprisonment for affray. The sentences will run currently at a young offenders' institute. Detective Inspector Jon Summers said: 'The team had finished a long, hard week at work and were enjoying some well-earned down time together when the events unfolded. 'They had been off-duty and were without any form of protective equipment such as batons or PAVA spray, or a police radio. Still they intervened, working tactically together in coordinating their approach to close off the suspect's possible escape route, and swiftly arrested him. 'The heroism shown by these officers is nothing short of exceptional. They placed themselves at real risk of serious injury in order to prevent serious harm and to apprehend an offender. It is actions such as these that demonstrate the true heart and soul of the Met. 'They are a credit to themselves, the unit and MPS as a whole.' The U.S. believes Russia wants to put a nuclear weapon in space, according to reports sparked by a top Republican warning about a 'serious national security threat'. House Intel Chair Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio said members of Congress had been made aware of the threat which is reported to be related to Russia and its threat from space - but wouldn't go into details. It later emerged that it was related to Moscow's plan to put a nuclear weapon into space to target and destroy satellites the world depends on, ABC News reported. Turner asked the president to declassify the information so lawmakers could discuss the ramifications in the ominous warning that sparked a response from the White House and furious speculation. Moscow has already shown how it can be lethal from space by testing a hit-to-kill anti-satellite missile in 2021. Russia smashed a defunct spy satellite launched in 1982 into 1,500 pieces of debris in the strike and sparked fury around the world. A top Republican was warned there is a 'serious national security threat' in a cryptic statement demanding President Joe Biden declassify all related information Russia launches a Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile in 2022 in one of the shows of how lethal Moscow can be in space arms race In 2020, Moscow fired an anti-satellite weapon from its Cosmos 2543 satellite while in orbit. Vladimir Putin has also threatened the West with his deadliest hypersonic missile yet that could speed into space and hit multiple targets on the ground. The nuclear-capable Avangard missile, which is reported to be able hit targets at 27 times the speed of sound, is seen in new footage installed in an underground launch silo in Russia's Orenburg region. The 20,000mph missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle will be able to leave the earth's atmosphere before striking any target in the world in less than 30 minutes, according to Moscow. Members of Congress or U.S. allies will not be allowed to openly talk about or work together on the threat until the report has been declassified. They are able to review the information related to 'destabilizing foreign military capability' in a secure location in the Capitol today and tomorrow. 'Today, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence has made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat,' Turner said. 'I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat.' Russia blew up one of its own satellites in 2021 using a missile. Cosmos 1408, a defunct spy satellite launched in 1982, was the destroyed target, which resulted in a field of 1,500 pieces of debris endangering the crew of the ISS Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., was one of the first lawmakers to view the documents in the SCIF on Wednesday afternoon. He told reporters that the threat is 'not an immediate crisis but certainly something we have to be very serious about.' 'Theres a lot of very volatile things we have to address. This is one of them,' he added. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Wednesday he was 'surprised' Turner came publicly about the threat related to a 'destabilizing foreign military capability.' He told reporters at the White House the briefing on the warning will take place in Congress on Thursday. 'I reached out earlier this week to the Gang of Eight to offer myself for up for a personal briefing to the Gang of Eight and, in fact, we scheduled a briefing for the for House members of the Gang of Eight tomorrow,' Sullivan told the White House media briefing. 'That's been on the books. So I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today in advance of a meeting on the books for me to go sit with him alongside our intelligence and defense professionals tomorrow, 'I'm not in a position to say anything else,' he added. Rep. Jim Hines, the ranking Democrat on the Intel Committee, insisted there was no need to 'panic', but also wouldn't go into details. 'It's something that the Congress and the administration does need to address in the medium to long run.' The ominous warning comes as the House is expected to move on a bill to re-authorize the FBI's controversial 'spy tool' - section 702 of the Foreign Information Surveillance Act (FISA). The tool allows U.S. federal intelligence agencies to conduct targeted searches of foreigners, which they say is critical to stopping terrorists. Lawmakers are determined to fix 'rampant abuses' to the program before reauthorizing the bill, so that the FBI does not improperly conduct queries of Americans in the process of stopping threats. Turner is leading the charge on a bill that the House could vote on as soon as Thursday. He is adamant that the legislation contains no warrant requirements he says could 'hinder national security.' Bill text was released earlier in the week, which joins together the competing bills that passed last year out of the House Intel and Judiciary committees. House Intel Chair Rep. Mike Turner of Ohio said members of Congress had been made aware of the threat - but wouldn't go into details 'We do not and should not need a warrant to look at legally and constitutionally collected data from terrorists,' Turner previously told DailyMail.com But some members of the GOP have pushed back on the combined version, saying more reforms are necessary and there should be a warrant requirement. 'Current law allows the U.S. government to collect data on you,' House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good said Tuesday. But Turner has been critical of requiring warrants, which he says will overly burden the intelligence community. 'We do not and should not need a warrant to look at legally and constitutionally collected data from terrorists,' Turner previously told DailyMail.com. French police have issued an urgent appeal for witnesses to retrace the footsteps of much-loved British teacher Simon Gibbs four days after he was found dead in a stream in a ski resort during a holiday with friends. His lifeless body was found in Morillon in the Haute Savoie region of the northern French Alps on Sunday, French newspaper Le Messager reports. Gibbs is described as being English, 5 ft 11 in height and bald. He was wearing a blue jacket, blue denim pants, and had round brown glasses with a tortoiseshell pattern on at the time that he went missing. Police are asking anyone to come forward if they saw a man fitting this description between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, in the Giffre valley and particularly in Samoens, where he was staying on his holiday. Simon Gibbs' lifeless body was found in Morillon in the Haute Savoie region of the northern French Alps on Sunday Police are asking anyone to come forward if they saw a man fitting this description between corresponding to this description between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, in the Giffre valley and particularly in Samoens (pictured), where he was staying on his holiday The headteacher has been described by parents as a man with 'a lovely kind heart' who 'would help anyone'. Gibbs was the Principal of New Rickstones Academy in Witham, Essex. He was said to have been a 'much-loved colleague' with a passion for teaching by his school. Since his passing, a spokesperson for the FCDO has confirmed his death and said British authorities are in contact with local officials to ascertain further details of his death and support his family. Reacting to the tragic news, many parents have taken to social media to commemorate his memory. Gibbs was the Principal of New Rickstones Academy in Witham, Essex. He has been described by parents as a man with 'a lovely kind heart' who 'would help anyone' 'Mr Gibbs was a fantastic teacher at new Rickstones academy and always helped with all my children,' one user wrote on Facebook. 'He was the person to go to and always got back to you straight away to help. I was only just speaking to him last week about helping one of my daughters.' 'He had such a lovely kind heart and would help anyone,' she said. 'My girls are gutted and so are we. He was an amazing teacher and Head Teacher,' another wrote. 'He cared so much about his pupils. Sending hugs to his family and colleagues at this hard time.' This is the first picture of a bride who was brought to the UK for an arrange marriage but then doused with chemicals, force-fed pills and left in a vegetative state by her husband's family. Ambreen Fatima Sheikh was 30 when she was given the anti-diabetes drug glimepiride, which induced catastrophic brain injury, after she was brought to the UK from Pakistan following an arranged marriage. She was also doused in a caustic substance, probably some kind of cleaning fluid, as she was abused in the house in the days leading up to her admission to hospital on August 1, 2015. It was initially thought Ms Sheikh, now 39, would die - but when her ventilator was turned off in hospital, she began to breathe for herself. The court heard that she has been left unaware of herself or her environment, without motor response or response to pain, and will never recover. Prosecutors said she only survives by being fed through a tube and will eventually die as a consequence of what happened to her, although this may not happen for many years. Sentencing judge, Mrs Justice Lambert said she rarely left the house and never by herself. She had no independent income, no friends in the UK and could speak only a little English. The judge said: 'It is difficult to imagine a more serious injury, short of death.' Ambreen Fatima Sheikh (pictured) was 30 when she was given the anti-diabetes drug glimepiride, which induced catastrophic brain injury, after she was brought to the UK from Pakistan following an arranged marriage Husband Asgar Sheikh (pictured) at Leeds Crown Court where he has been found guilty for allowing his wife, Ambreen Fatima Sheikh, to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Brother-in-law Shakalayne Sheilkh (pictured) has been handed a sentence of six months suspended for two years for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Mother-in-law Shabnam Sheikh (pictured) has been jailed for seven years and nine months for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Sister-in-law Shagufa Sheikh (pictured) has been handed a sentence of 18 months, suspended for two years for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Father-in-law Khalid Sheikh (pictured) has been jailed for seven years and nine months for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage On Wednesday, Ms Sheikh's husband, Asgar Sheikh, 31, was jailed for seven years and nine months along with his father, Khalid Sheikh, 55, and his mother, Shabnam Sheikh, 52. Asgar Sheikh's brother, Sakalayne Sheikh, 25, was given a six-month sentence, suspended for two years, and his sister, Shagufa Sheikh, 29, was given an 18-month sentence, also suspended for two years. None of the family gave evidence in court and the judge said she could not say for sure when the abuse began. The trial heard evidence that, soon after Ms Sheikh arrived in the UK, the family were not happy with her housework and chores, and Khalid Sheikh had suggested she should be sent back to Pakistan. Concerns were raised by members of the extended family and two police officers carried out a welfare check in July but reported Ms Sheikh as being fit and well. The judge said she attached 'little weight to that assessment' because Ms Sheikh spoke little English and her father-in-law was present during the visit. She said she did not know who administered the corrosive substance, which left severe burns on Ms Sheikh's lower back, bottom and right ear, and must have left her in considerable and lasting pain. And she said she did not know who 'tricked or forced' her to take the glimpiride, which was prescribed to Shabnam Sheikh and is extremely dangerous to non-diabetics, even in small doses. The judge decided there was a two to three-day delay between Ms Sheikh falling unconscious and the family calling an ambulance, during which she became highly dehydrated and inhaled fluids which may have exacerbated her brain injury. Even when the family called 999, they lied about what had happened to her, the judge said. 'You would all have been aware of her pain and distress,' she said. 'It's just not realistic to conclude that you did not all know of Ambreen's predicament and her desperate need for emergency medical care. 'You all also knew why she was in that condition.' The court heard that Ms Sheikh is now being looked after in a palliative care setting and will not recover but could live for decades more. None of the family gave evidence in court and the judge said she could not say for sure when the abuse began She was in good health before her collapse and there is some evidence that she was a teacher in Pakistan, the court heard. One witness said she was 'intelligent, bright, ambitious and happy-go-lucky' before she moved to the UK, and the judge said she was someone who would 'light up a room'. The judge said Ms Sheikh's father is now dead and her mother is in poor health in Pakistan. She has seven siblings and one of her brothers has been over to visit her. Asgar, Khalid, Shabnam and Shagufa Sheikh were all found guilty after a trial of allowing a vulnerable adult to suffer physical harm after a trial last year. The offence carried a maximum sentence of ten years in prison at the time of the offence but this has since been increased by Parliament to 14 years. Asgar, Shabnam and Shagufa Sheikh were also found guilty of doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice. All five defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Ambreen's husband Asgar Sheikh, right, with his brother Sakalyne Sheikh in October 2023 leaving court Ambreen's mother-in-law Shabnam Sheikh, left, and sister-in-law Shagufa Sheikh leaving court last October Ambreen's father-in-law Khalid Sheikh, 55, and mother-in-law Shabnam leaving court in 2023 Shagufa, Shabnam and Asgar were also found guilty of doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice in October last year The Sheikh family leaving court in October, 2023 Previously, neighbours of the Sheikh family told the court Ambreen was so isolated they didn't know she was there. Diana Roach, their next door neighbour for 35 years, said 'on occasion' Khalid's (Ambreen's father-in-law) older brother and his children would visit them. Asked if she ever saw anyone else go there, she said: 'No, I mean I would see delivery or postmen and what not but visiting, no.' From time to time Shagufa, 'the daughter', would be seen with her mother Shabnam coming home from the shops or helping with work on the house. Then in August 2015 police broke into the property with a battering ram after Ambreen was admitted to hospital in an unconscious state. Police spoke to neighbours and news of what was going on behind closed doors came as a shock. 'I was shocked because I just didn't realise that there was another person living in the house that we weren't aware of,' said Ms Roach. She said she didn't know Asgar had got married and his wife had been living at the address since November. Another neighbour told MailOnline that she believed the men in the Sheikh family worked as builders but knew little about them. 'They don't talk to us and they don't having anything to do with anyone around here really,' she said. 'We had no idea this woman was even in the house. When we saw it on the news it was a big shock.' Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police, said: 'West Yorkshire Police has worked hard in recent years to improve its safeguarding of vulnerable victims in domestic settings, including those from our minority communities. 'The force has invested heavily in awareness training for police officers and staff to better spot the signs of such offending and provide enhanced victim support and the quality of investigations. 'This has included training provided by specialist partners such as Karma Nirvana to raise awareness of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. 'We take a victim-led approach to deal with these challenging issues which respects the views of victims and witnesses, and provides the necessary support, confidentiality and protection from harm they may need. 'Specialist officers located in the Force's district Safeguarding Units or Domestic Abuse Teams are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who report concerns about themselves directly or who are otherwise brought to our attention as being potential victims, ensuring that all crimes are fully investigated and prosecuted wherever possible.' Hill only realized what had happened after she and her ex-boyfriend took 23andMe tests She is one of 23 people conceived using sperm from fertility doctor Burton Caldwell A Connecticut woman has told of her horror at discovering she had unwittingly slept with her half brother after her mom's fertility doctor secretly used his own sperm to get his patients pregnant. Victoria Hill, 39, said she was left 'traumatized' after realizing she had unknowingly committed incest with her high school boyfriend. Hill is among at least 23 people who say they were conceived using the sperm of married doctor Burton Caldwell, without their parents' knowledge. Hill's mom Maralee was conned by Caldwell, who told her that the sperm would come from an anonymous medical student. Hill told CNN she only found out the man she had grown up thinking was her dad was not her biological father after taking a 23andMe test. She was telling her story at a 20-year high school reunion attended by her former boyfriend who realized similarities in his own situation. He decided to take the same genetic test and was floored when he received the result. Victoria Hill, 39, unwittingly slept with her half brother after her mom's fertility doctor secretly used his own sperm to get her pregnant She and her ex-boyfriend, who wishes to remain anonymous, only found out they were related after both taking 23andMe tests Hill says she is one of at least 23 people conceived using the sperm of Dr Burton Caldwell (left), a Connecticut fertility doctor. Pictured: Caldwell with another biological daughter, Janine Pierson Hill said she received a text from her ex-boyfriend which said, 'You are my sister'. 'It has me look back at my whole high school experience through a totally different lens. It tarnishes the whole thing,' Hill told the outlet. 'I'll just put it out there, I was intimate with my half brother.' Hill also revealed that she attended elementary school with another sibling and frequently attended a local deli owned by twins who are also her relations. 'I was traumatized by this,' Hill added. 'Now I'm looking at pictures of people thinking, well, if he could be my sibling, anybody could be my sibling.' Hill said she considered suing the doctor, but was told that fuzzy fertility fraud laws meant that she did not have much of a case. There are currently no federal laws around the issue and only 13 states have such protections in place. Hill's mom Maralee Hill claims she was told by Caldwell that the sperm would come from an anonymous student There are currently no federal laws around fertility fraud and only 13 states have protections in place However, this has not been enough to deter social worker Janine Pierson, one of Hill's half sisters, who is now pursuing action against the retired doctor. Pierson believed she was an only child until she took a 23andMe test in 2022. 'It was like my entire life just came to this screeching halt,' she told CNN, revealing she also had to break the news to her mom. 'We both just cried for a few minutes because it just felt like such a violation.' Pierson also crossed path with a sibling at a summer camp, a photograph shows them, ''Within 20 feet of one another, and we have no idea,' she said. 'It shouldn't just be, you know, the Wild West where these doctors can just do whatever it is that they want,' Pierson added. She went to confront her biological father, who has since given up his practice. 'He was not in any way apologetic,' Pierson said, adding that he did not deny using his own sperm when working in the 1980s at a New Haven clinic. But he did confess that he 'never gave it the thought that he should have that there would be so many (children), and that it would have any kind of an impact on us,' Pierson said. Hill (far right) pictured with two of her half-sisters Janine Pierson (left) and Alyssa Deniston (middle) Janine Pierson thought she was an only child until taking a 23andMe test. She is now attempting to sue her biological father. She claimed the interaction was awkward, with the retired doctor probing about how many grandchildren he had and what she had made of her life, 'like how intelligent I was, basically,' Pierson said. She said she had mixed emotions because, 'I despise you, but at the same time, I'm grateful to be here.' When approached by CNN, Caldwell's wife spoke on his behalf and declined to comment. More than 30 doctors around the country have been caught or accused of covertly using their own sperm to impregnate their patients, according to the outlet. Although advocates say they know of at least 80. The situation has echoes of the infamous case of Dr. Donald Cline, who fathered at least 90 children in Indiana, prompting the state to pass laws outlawing fertility fraud. The legislation was not retroactive, so Cline never faced any prosecution. However he was charged with lying to investigators with the state attorney general's office who were looking into the case. He gave up his medical license following his conviction for obstruction of justice after a disciplinary panel said there was not enough evidence to strip him of the right to practice. But in Kentucky, an ob-gyn was able to keep his license despite admitting to using his own sperm to inseminate half a dozen patients. Dr Marvin Yussman allegedly told his clients the donation would come from a medical student. The situation also led to the development of fertility laws within his state. A Netflix documentary about Cline prompted two members of Congress to coauthor the first federal bill outlawing fertility fraud. The situation has echoes of the infamous case of Dr. Donald Cline, who fathered at least 90 children in Indiana which prompted the state to bring in fertility fraud laws The Protecting Families from Fertility Fraud Act was proposed by Reps. Stephanie Bice, an Oklahoma Republican, and Mike Sherrill, a New Jersey Democrat. The bill has received cross party support from dozens of backers and if passed would establish a new federal crime for intentionally misleading on the source of DNA used in fertility treatments. However, not everyone supports greater regulation, including opponents who argue that it could make fertility treatment less accessible to LGBTQ+ people who makeup a large part of donor recipients. 'I think we should pause before creating additional criminal liability for people practicing reproductive medicine,' Katherine L. Kraschel, assistant professor of law and health sciences at Northeastern University told CNN. 'It gives me great pause to say we want the government to try to step in and regulate what amounts to a reproductive choice.' Others have suggested fertility fraud might be phased out with the advent of home genetic testing, pointing out that most cases took place before 2000. David Cameron sparked fury in the US after he compared efforts to curb Ukraine's aid with appeasing Hitler. The Foreign Secretary implored Republicans not to obstruct additional military aid packages for Ukraine, equating such a move to the appeasement of Hitler prior to the invasion of Poland that triggered World War II. The former Prime Minister called out the GOP in an op-ed in the Hill saying 'I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s.' Lord Cameron said he was 'dropping all diplomatic niceties' and sought to convince Republicans that a decision to resolutely support Ukraine would signal strength to Iran and China amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and around Taiwan. 'I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s. He came back for more, costing us far more lives to stop his aggression,' he wrote in a sensational op-ed for The Hill. 'We must all ask ourselves who is watching? America is strong enough to both protect itself at home and recognise that threats in Europe or Asia affect its own security. I for one would like Beijing and Tehran to see that.' But the Republicans fired back at the foreign secretary, saying the UK has not paid its fair share in aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russia. The former Prime Minister called out the GOP in an op-ed in the Hill saying 'I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s' Republicans fired back, as Marjorie Taylor Greene said 'David Cameron can kiss my a**' The British foreign secretary compared anti-Ukraine aid GOP members to Hitler's 'weak' appeasers in the 1930s 'That's hilarious. David Cameron can kiss my a**' Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is against sending additional funds to Ukraine, told DailyMail.com in reaction. Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., called Cameron's statement 'laughable' adding that he has 'rich disdain for such an immature opinion.' Republicans opposed to sending more aid to Ukraine are worried about signing off on a 'blank check' with no clear benchmarks for ending the war. Republican Mike Waltz, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com that it would be 'nice' if 'our British friends paid more attention to demanding that the rest of Europe contribute their fair share rather than demanding the United States sign a blank check.' Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, questioned 'where is the UK in all of this?' The op-ed comes as Lord Cameron met with Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov and Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel in Sofia, where he shared a similar message with reporters. 'Putin thinks that he can outweigh us and outlast us, but we are going to prove him wrong,' he said. Lord Cameron is currently on a whirlwind tour of Europe that started in Sofia and will take him to Poland before culminating in an appearance the Munich Security Conference later this week, where he is expected to urge allies to boost defence production for Ukraine. Discussions during Cameron's visits will include how to strengthen Ukraine in the war now, ensure it wins if Putin prolongs hostilities, and lay the foundation for Ukraine's long-term future, his office said. Both Britain and the European Union have recently announced fresh support packages for Ukraine - another factor Lord Cameron used to put pressure on US lawmakers to approve a giant aid package for Kyiv. 'If you add up the countries that support Ukraine, we outmatch Russia economically 25 to 1. All we have to do is to make that economic strength pay, and I hope that happens in Washington in the coming hours,' Cameron said. A Ukrainian serviceman of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade prepares for combat in a Challenger 2 tank in an undisclosed location near frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, on February 12, 2024 Artillery shells are seen in the direction of Bakhmut, as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 Ukrainian soldiers prepare L119 artillery in the direction of Bakhmut, as Russia-Ukraine war continues in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 US President Joe Biden on Tuesday called for House Republicans to urgently bring a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to a vote, warning that refusal to take up the bill, passed by the Senate in the morning, would be 'playing into Putin's hands'. 'Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin,' Biden said, raising his voice in strong comments from the White House as he referred to the Russian leader. 'We can't walk away now. That's what Putin is betting on.' But the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hardline Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump - the front-runner for the Republican Party presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine - oppose the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson this week cast new doubt on the package and made clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to Biden's desk - if at all. The potential impasse comes at a crucial point in the nearly two-year-old war, and supporters warn that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Putin and threaten national security across the globe. Yet the months-long push to approve the $60 billion in aid for Kyiv that is included in the package has exposed growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. Biden also lashed at Trump, who on Saturday said during a campaign appearance that he once warned he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO member nations that are 'delinquent' in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defence. The 31 allies have committed to a target of spending 2% of their output on defence but not all have done so individually. Republicans in Washington are casting blame and pointing fingers after a Democrat won the special election for New York's Third District seat further narrowing the GOP's already slim House majority. Now some campaign experts say Tom Suozzi's victory lays out a successful path Democrats can take to reclaim the House come November and serves as an alarm for the GOP. Suozzi handedly won the race to replace Republican ex-congressman George Santos, the serial liar who was expelled from congress last year and is facing criminal charges. New York's Third District includes parts of Queens and Long Island, a region that had been trending red in recent years. The district voted for Biden in 2020, but Santos won the seat in 2022 as part of the New York suburbs red wave. 'Tonight is the final wakeup call for the House GOP,' Republican Pollster Frank Luntz posted on X Tuesday night. 'If they ignore or attempt to explain away why they lost, they will lose in November as well.' He claimed the issue agenda was on their side, but their 'congressional behavior is not.' Luntz argued that the district 'hates' Biden's immigration policy, but congressional Republicans gave voters 'nothing to vote for.' Democrat Tom Suozzi, who previously represented New York's Third District for three terms, celebrates his victory in the special election Tuesday night Republican Mazi Pilip thanks supporters and vows to continue to fight for 'commonsense' government after losing the New York special election Pollster calls the New York special election results a 'final wakeup call' for the House GOP Immigration was the number one issue on the campaign trail as lawmakers in Washington clashed over border security. After months of negotiations, a bipartisan group of Senators released a conservative plan to address the border. But House and some Senate Republicans shot it down immediately as former President Trump came out strongly against the deal. Rather than shying away from border security on the campaign trail, Suozzi leaned in on the issue. He held a press conference on it, and ran ads including one featuring him discussing ICE of Fox News. Republican Mazi Pilip rejected the proposal, claiming it would greenlight an invasion at the southern border. More than $21 million was spent on ads in the special election, according to tracking by AdImpact. The most mentioned issue: immigration. Mazi Pilip campaigning with the president of the National Border Patrol Council outside a migrant center. Border security was a heated topic of debate in the NY special election Strategist Lis Smith praised Suozzi's approach to the special election and also argued Democrats can flip the script against Republicans on immigration. Democratic strategist Lis Smith said Democrats can take a page out of Suozzi's book and go on the offensive on the issue. She called immigration one of the top weapons Republicans have been able to use against Democrats in the past, but Suozzi was able to flip the script. She argued Republicans in battleground districts should be scared heading into November. 'Immigration was one of their top issues to go on offense on and now it's removed from their arsenal because so many Republicans decided to follow Donald Trump over the cliff and tank the bipartisan border deal,' Smith said. 'It was a massive, massive miscalculation on their part, and they paid for it in New York Three, and they're gonna pay for it in November,' Smith said. But Republican strategist Scott Jennings believes Suozzi's approach will be harder to replicate in November. He said Suozzi sounded more like a Republican on immigration than a Democrat. 'Candidate quality does matter and you have to pull it off in a way that seems natural, not inauthentic,' Jennings said, noting Suozzi had name recognition, a record and money to run on. Suozzi previously represented New York's Third District for three terms. He also served as a mayor and as Nassua County executive. But Jennings does see another 'wake up call' for Republicans out of Tuesday's special election results: getting the party to embrace early voting. 'I think as long as Republicans remain resistant to casting your ballot whenever you can and insisting on voting on Election Day, you're always one snowstorm away from a problem,' he said. Democrats had a solid advantage with early in-person and mail in voting, then a snowstorm on Tuesday caused major headaches for much of the reason. 'While I dont think we can write off the GOP loss to the weather (the snow stopped by midday and by all accounts the roads were cleared), it does highlight the risk the GOP is taking by largely avoiding early voting options,' wrote Tom Bonier, a senior adviser to polling company TargetSmart. Suozzi gives a thumbs up surrounded by supporters during a campaign stop on Election Day as a snow storm made its way through the region. Democrats had an advantage with early voting before the storm hit New York's special election took place in a swing district that includes parts of Long Island and Queens Kevin Madden, a former campaign aide to Mitt Romney would not go so far to call Tuesday a wake up call for the GOP but said there are definitely lessons from both sides between now and November. 'There's a lot of work to be done by candidates that are going to be running in swing districts like this one around the country,' he said. He noted one major difference come November: candidates will be running on the same ballot below the presidential nominees. Party leaders had different takeaways from the special election. The White House seized on Suozzi's support for a bipartisan immigration deal and argued the results were a strong repudiation of Republicans who 'put politics ahead of national security.' The Biden campaign put the GOP loss squarely on former President Trump. Former President Donald Trump slammed Pilip questioning whether she, who he called a 'very foolish woman,' was 'still a Democrat?' He also blasted her for running in a race where she didn't endorse him and argued MAGA stayed home. Pilip has been serving as a Republican in the county legislator but remains a registered Democrat. Some strategists noted a key difference between the NY special election and November: Biden and Trump could be on the top of the tickets. Candidates in swing districts down ballot will have to determine how to navigate that reality On the campaign trail, Suozzi avoided appearing with Biden ahead of the special election and acknowledged the president's age at 81-years-old raises questions, a concern that has plagued the Biden campaign. Meanwhile, Pilip also struggled to navigate how to address the former President Trump on the campaign trail. She would not say who she voted for in the 2016 election and only started praising Trump's time in office later in the race. No matter how much candidates want to localize their races this fall, strategists believe the presidential candidates with all their baggage at the top of the ticket will have an some impact in swing districts come November no matter what down ballot candidates do. Labour frontbencher Wes Streeting has been targeted with a 'vote for genocide' poster in his east London constituency as divisions over the Gaza crisis deepen. The advert, which reads 'Vote for Genocide, Vote Labour', is said to have been taped to a bus stop in the shadow health secretary's Ilford North seat. An image of the placard has also been widely shared on social media amid the latest ructions within Labour over the Middle East conflict. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer was this week forced to suspend two of his party's parliamentary candidates within 24 hours due to their comments about Israel. According to the Telegraph, the poster targeting Mr Streeting was taped up at a bus stop near Gants Hill Tube station in Ilford. It was reportedly displayed on the opposite side of the road to a Jewish bakery. A group called the Newham Independents posted an image of the poster, reportedly taped up at a bus stop near Gants Hill Tube station in Ilford, on social media Wes Streeting is among senior Labour MPs to have faced a backlash over the party's stance on the Gaza crisis A group called the Newham Independents posted an image of the poster on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding: 'This advert was seen in Redbridge where Wes Streeting is the MP. 'Redbridge residents are mounting a campaign to unseat Streeting at the general election.' Mr Streeting is among senior Labour MPs to have faced a backlash over the party's stance on the Gaza crisis, which has seen Sir Keir back Israel's right to defend itself in the wake of the Hamas terror attacks on October 7. Leanne Mohamad, a pro-Palestinian campaigner, was last month chosen as an independent parliamentary candidate by the Redbridge Community Action Group to stand against Mr Streeting at the general election. The grassroots organisation was created last year following the outbreak of fresh conflict between Israel and Hamas. Its website states it 'came together after we witnessed the grotesque genocide in Gaza' and vows to challenge Mr Streeting's seat and 'beat him at the next election'. The group's aim is to 'prepare an independent candidate who is strong on Palestine, NHS , racism, islamophobia and the cost-of-living crisis'. Ms Mohamad is a British Palestinian and a self-described 'human rights activist' who has spoken at recent protests in central London. She is also an ally of ex-Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, whom she has described as 'amazing' and a 'legend'. Mr Streeting was first elected as Ilford North MP at the 2015 general election, when he took the seat off a Tory incumbent. He held the constituency at the 2017 and 2019 general elections - most recently with a 5,198-vote majority. The shadow health secretary has previously acknowledged people were left 'upset and hurt' by Labour's initial reaction to the Israel-Hamas war. Sir Keir has faced intense pressure from left-wing Labour MPs, local councillors and supporters over his refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He also prompted anger last year when he appeared to use a radio interview to back Israel's right to besiege Gaza in response to the Hamas atrocities, although he later clarified his remarks. Sir Keir has since slightly shifted his stance to join Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in calling for a 'sustainable ceasefire'. Donald Trump kept up his attacks on NATO Wednesday, accusing allied nations of failing to pay their fair share to support Ukraine against Russia. Days after the former president appeared to encourage Russia to attack U.S. allies, triggering outrage in foreign capitals, and 24 hours after President Joe Biden called him 'dumb,' he launched a fresh rant against some of Washington's most important international partners. 'Could somebody please inform our uninformable president that NATO has to pay their [sic] bills,' he posted on his Truth Social platform. 'They are right now paying a small fraction of what we are for the disaster in Ukraine which, if we had a real president, would never have happened. There is probably a $150 billion difference. They should equalize with the U.S. - fast! 'The European nations, when combined, have approximately the same size Economy as we do. They have the money. Pay up!' Donald Trump kept up his attacks on NATO Wednesday, accusing allied nations of failing to pay their fair share to support Ukraine against Russia Trump used his Truth Social platform to call on NATO allies to pay their bills The message seemed to cover two of Trump's constant complaints, that NATO nations are not meeting their defense spending commitments and that Washington is footing a disproportionate amount of the cost in Ukraine. Although the U.S. has spent the most in absolute terms, data maintained by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy show it lags behind many other countries when the amount is expressed as a proportion of its wealth. So while Lithuania has contributed about 1.8 percent of its growth domestic product (GDP), the U.S. has contributed only 0.3 percent - putting it in 30th place, behind nations such as Ireland and Malta. Trump has often talked about NATO states paying their bills, which critics say shows a misunderstanding of how membership works. Members do not have bills to meet (other than a small administrative levy) but have instead agreed to spend at least two percent of their gross domestic product on defense. Yet at a rally at the weekend, the Republican frontrunner said he would not protect countries who were 'delinquent,' as if they had not paid their bills, and would encourage Russia 'to do whatever the hell they want' to those nations. N.A.T.O.'s secretary-general shot back Wednesday that 18 members were now on track to meet their targets this year. 'That is another record number, and a six-fold increase from 2014, when only three allies met the target,' Jens Stoltenberg told reporters. But he also called on the 13 remaining members to do better. And he added: 'The criticism that we hear is not primarily about NATO, it's about NATO allies not spending enough on NATO. And that's a valid point.' The war in Ukraine is about to mark its two-year anniversary. This handout photograph taken and released by National Police of Ukraine on February 14, 2024, shows rescuers extinguish a fire in a residential building following a missile attack in Selydove, Donetsk region At the same, he also warned jittery European nations, alarmed by Trump's NATO comments, not to think about going it alone. 'The European Union cannot defend Europe. Eighty percent of NATO's defence expenditures come from non-EU NATO allies,' he told Reuters. Trump's interventions come against the backdrop of a fraught battle on Capitol Hill, as Congress weighs a fresh package of $60 billion in aid. The Senate passed a $95 billion bill (including help for Israel and Taiwan) this week, but Republicans in the House have signaled it has little chance of making it all the way into law. The likely impasse spurred Biden into action Tuesday. He delivered a blistering attack on Trump and his stance on NATO and Ukraine as he urged Republicans to back the bill. 'Are you gonna stand with Ukraine or are you going to stand with Putin,' he said. 'Or are you going to stand with America ... or Trump?' And his national security adviser spelled out what's at stake. 'We've been increasingly getting reports of Ukrainian troops rationing or even running out of ammunition on the front lines' as Russian forces attack from the ground and the air,' said Jake Sullivan. Ukrainian troops are starting to run out of ammunition as a huge package of US war aid requested by President Joe Biden remains blocked by Republicans in Congress, a top White House official said today. 'We've been increasingly getting reports of Ukrainian troops rationing or even running out of ammunition on the front lines' as Russian forces attack from the ground and the air, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. He said that US allies and adversaries alike were 'watching this closely'. Sullivan urged the Republican-led US House to follow the lead of the Senate and quickly pass the multi-billion-dollar assistance package for Ukraine's fight against Russia. 'We cannot afford to wait any longer. Every day comes at a cost to the people of Ukraine and to the national security interests of the United States of America,' Sullivan added. Ukrainian troops are starting to run out of ammunition as a huge package of US war aid requested by President Joe Biden remains blocked by Republicans in Congress, National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said today 'We've been increasingly getting reports of Ukrainian troops rationing or even running out of ammunition on the front lines' as Russian forces attack from the ground and the air, Sullivan said 'The stakes are getting higher. The costs of inaction are also getting higher every day,' he said. It comes as Republicans slammed Foreign Secretary David Cameron for his 'immature' comparison of GOP lawmakers against sending more aid to Ukraine to the 'weak' appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s. Lord Cameron implored Republicans not to obstruct additional military aid packages for Ukraine, equating such a move to the appeasement of Hitler prior to the invasion of Poland that triggered World War II. The Senate approved a $95 billion foreign aid package that will send over $60 billion to Ukraine and $14 billion to Israel. However, it faces an uncertain future in the House after Speaker Mike Johnson said he does not plan to bring it to the floor for a vote. The former Prime Minister called out the GOP in a sensational op-ed in the Hill. He said: 'I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s.' Republicans fired back at the Foreign Secretary, saying the UK hasn't paid its fair share in aiding Ukraine in its fight against Russia anyway. U.S. taxpayers have already sent an estimated $113 billion since the start of the conflict two years ago. 'That's hilarious. David Cameron can kiss my a**' Majorie Taylor Greene, who is against sending additional funds to Ukraine, told DailyMail.com in reaction. Majorie Taylor Greene. Republicans slammed Foreign Secretary David Cameron for his 'immature' comparison of GOP lawmakers against sending more aid to Ukraine to the 'weak' appeasement of Hitler in the 1930s Lord Cameron speaks during news conference at the Council of Ministers headquarters in Sofia, Bulgaria on Wednesday A Ukrainian serviceman of the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade prepares for combat in a Challenger 2 tank in an undisclosed location near frontline in Zaporizhzhia region, on February 12, 2024 Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., called Lord Cameron's statement 'laughable' adding that he has 'rich disdain for such an immature opinion'. Republicans opposed to sending more aid to Ukraine are worried about signing off on a 'blank check' with no clear benchmarks for ending the war. Republican Mike Waltz, R-Fla., told DailyMail.com that it would be 'nice' if 'our British friends paid more attention to demanding that the rest of Europe contribute their fair share rather than demanding the United States sign a blank check'. Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, questioned, 'where is the UK in all of this?' Over the weekend, Donald Trump set off chaos after he suggested at a campaign event Saturday that Russia could 'do whatever the hell they want' to NATO members who do not pay their annual dues - which is two per cent of GDP per country. Of the 31 countries in NATO, only 11 paid the required two percent GDP funding requirement in 2023. Roy said that due to the fact the United States has well outspent Europe in sending lethal aid to Ukraine, he won't stand idle as the UK tries to 'lecture us'. 'We're not afraid to go do what we need to do around the world when it's necessary, but continuing to fund and to continue endless conflict, which is what we've been doing for the better part of two decades in this country is not in our national security interest. And I don't believe it's in the interest of the people of Ukraine,' Roy told DailyMail.com. Lord Cameron said: 'I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s' Artillery shells are seen in the direction of Bakhmut, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 Ukrainian soldiers prepare L119 artillery in the direction of Bakhmut, in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine on February 13, 2024 He says Biden needs to determine a clear 'mission' in the war and then the U.S. could justly approve additional funding. 'The administration doesn't have a clear mission,' he stated. In 2023, the U.S. spent $860 billion on defense expenditures, contributing 3.49 per cent of its GDP to military initiatives, well above the two per cent threshold set by NATO. The White House called Trump's words 'appalling and unhinged' and argued they 'promoted dangerous chaos' and other critics said his rhetoric is 'music to Putin's ears'. But allies of the former President praised his threats, saying they should be taken seriously. The President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his victory in the extraordinary presidential election, Azernews reports. The letter reads: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, I am pleased to extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to Your Excellency on your victory in the presidential election of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I wish you robust health and happiness, and extend my best wishes for progress and prosperity to the government and people of the friendly Republic of Azerbaijan. Respectfully, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan President of the United Arab Emirates While Disney may be best known for turning folktales into multi-million dollar animated dreams, at times it take inspiration from real life too. Between 2006-2011, Disney has presented a CGI intro at the beginning of all of its movies - featuring elements that were dear to creator, Walt Disney. The intro begins with a glowing star shining in the night sky, with the shiniest star representing The Second Star to the Right from Peter Pan. The 'camera' then moves down to Magic Kingdom and goes across a bridge over a river towards the sea while a train goes down a railway track. It then flies over the top of a castle that looks both like Sleeping Beauty/Cinderella's Castle with a flag bearing the Disney family crest, as fireworks go off and glowing arch flies over it. While many may recognize the famous castle and Peter Pan's star, often people do not realize that the river and bridge are inspired from a river in a valley near Idaho and Washington. Between 2006-2011, Disney has presented a CGI intro at the beginning of all of its movies - featuring elements that were dear to creator, Walt Disney Slide me The river and bridge represent the Snake river in the Lewiston Clark Valley, which borders the states of Idaho and Clarkston, Washington The reason why this particular river is featured before the beginning of every Disney movie is due to its special connection to the studio's creator, Walt The Valley is near to Lewiston in Idaho, where the creator's wife, Lillian Marie Disney moved to in 1920 and went to business school. The river and bridge represent the Snake River in the Lewiston Clark Valley, which borders the states of Idaho and Clarkston, Washington. The reason why this particular river is featured before the beginning of every Disney movie is due to its special connection to the studio's creator, Walt. The Valley is near to Lewiston in Idaho, where the creator's wife, Lillian Marie Disney moved to in 1920 and went to business school. In December 1923 , Lillian moved to Los Angeles to be with her sister for a job and ended up at the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studios after Walt asked her to work for him. In 1925, the pair ended up returning to Lewiston to get married at her brother's home. In December 1923 , Lillian moved to Los Angeles to be with her sister for a job and ended up at the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studios after Walt asked her to work for him In 1925, the pair ended up returning to Lewiston to get married at her brother's home According to the official Walt Disney Fan Club, Lillian and Walt were on a train together from New York bound for Los Angeles in 1928 when Lillian came up with the name 'Mickey' for the iconic anthropomorphic mouse According to the official Walt Disney Fan Club, Lillian and Walt were on a train together from New York bound for Los Angeles in 1928 when Lillian came up with the name 'Mickey' for the iconic anthropomorphic mouse. While Walt decided to name him 'Mortimer Mouse' and told Lillian about it, she decidedly responded: 'Not Mortimer. It's too formal. How about Mickey?' A real life incident between the couple involving their pet dog also acted as inspiration for the movie, Lady and the Tramp, according to The Walt Disney Family Museum. At the age of 98, Lillian suffered a stroke on December 15, 1997 - the same day as Walt's death in 1966 - and died the next day. The couple is buried at Forest Lawn in California. Hundreds of strippers in Washington state have banded together to boost legal protections after for years suffering at the hands of unscrupulous bosses, unsafe conditions, sexual assault and harassment. The performers want state lawmakers to adopt a 'strippers' bill of rights,' to help protect them from customers and the club owners, who often charge a massive slice of their earnings for the chance to dance. The bill, which would impose stricter security measures and cap dancer's fees at 30 percent of their earnings, passed the state Senate on a 29-20 vote last week and has yet to go before the state House. If adopted, it would enact some of the broadest state-level protections for strippers, and spotlight the plight of adult performers who lack many of the safeguards that other workers take for granted. Strippers complain about lecherous Johns, poor security and exploitative club owners Washington's strippers have banded together to push for a 'strippers' bill of rights' 'Washington's industry is broken,' said Madison Zack-Wu, a dancer and campaigner for the group, Strippers Are Workers, a Washington-based group of hundreds of adult performers. Madison Zack-Wu says the 'industry is broken' 'It relies on charging dancers high fees and cutting corners on staffing and security for profit.' Strippers in Washington and elsewhere say they have to manage lecherous, aggressive customers and nightclub workers, frequently using unlocked changing rooms that leave them vulnerable to assault. The new rules would require club owners to put keypad locks on dressing room doors. Staff would be trained on stopping sexual harassment and assault and on how to diffuse tense situations. Nightclubs would not be allowed to charge 'house fees' so high that dancers, who typically work as independent contractors, can lose money from a shift. Fees could not exceed 30 percent of a stripper's earnings from an eight-hour shift. Sex workers in the US and beyond often lack the protections that other workers take for granted The clubs would also need at least one security guard on duty during business hours. Democrat Amy Walen says strippers 'deserve our attention and our respect' The rule change would also open the door to serving booze at strip clubs, which currently isn't allowed. The Evergreen State's strippers have for years complained of getting a raw deal. One former Seattle-area stripper, Eva Bhagwandin, 28, says she quit dancing after a man got aggressive and refused to pay for his three lap dances He then called his friends over to bully her into letting him leave without paying, she said at a recent hearing. The manager didn't step in and there was no security guard. She and a waitress had to get him and his screaming friends out of the club. 'There was no security, I was worried for my safety and I knew at the end of the night I would still have to pay out house fees,' said Eva. Bhagwandin was never paid the $140 the customer owed, but still had to pay $200 to the club. Andrea danced naked at Seattle clubs to pay her way through a master's degree. She says assaults are all-too common She blamed a 'culture where customers know that they can come in and not pay.' 'They can come in and assault dancers, and they can come in and pretty much do whatever they want,' she added. Troublesome customers should be barred and clubs should have trained security staff, she said. Andrea, who danced naked at Seattle clubs to pay her way through a master's degree in library sciences, says she was sexually assaulted at work and slapped by a customer. Worse still, the 24-year-old says, nobody stepped in to help her during the traumatic episode. 'We shouldn't be verbally abused for just doing our job and existing,' Andrea told AP. The bills are the culmination of six years of campaigning by Strippers Are Workers. The group successfully lobbied for panic buttons at strip clubs in 2019. Senator Rebecca Saldana says strippers will be 'empowered' by the changes Punters rate the Dream Girls at SoDo strip club as one of the best in Seattle That law that laid the groundwork for some of the changes in this year's bill. Democratic Rep. Amy Walen, who sponsored the House bill, said strippers 'deserve our attention and our respect and the protections that every other Washington worker gets.' Democratic Sen. Rebecca Saldana, who sponsored the Senate bill, says strippers are 'now empowered.' Though Washington's strippers are making gains, those elsewhere languish without protections. Only one other state has added worker protections for adult entertainers, says the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Illinois in 2019 started requiring strip clubs and other business to have a written sexual harassment policy. There have also been local efforts. Dancers unionized after votes at a bar in Los Angeles and a strip club in Portland, Oregon. The Nevada Supreme Court ruled in 2014 that dancers at one Las Vegas club are employees, and deserve minimum wage and other protections. Shortly after, Barreto filed false documents claiming the owners of the building transferred the deed to him A New York City fraudster has been charged after squatting in The New Yorker Hotel and then pretending to own the building while demanding rent from its tenants. Mickey Barreto, 48, was indicted on 14 counts of offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree and 10 counts of criminal contempt in the second degree on Wednesday. Prosecutors said Barreto filed false property records claiming ownership of the New Yorker Hotel at 481 8th Avenue between May 2019 and September 2023, attempting to lay claim to the building from a religious organization. 'As alleged, Mickey Barreto repeatedly and fraudulently claimed ownership of one of the City's most iconic landmarks, the New Yorker Hotel,' said Manhattan District Attorney Bragg. 'We will not tolerate manipulation of our city's property records by those who seek to scam the system for personal gain.' Mickey Barreto, 48, was indicted for squatting in The New Yorker Hotel then pretending to own the building and demanding rent from its tenants Prosecutors said Barreto filed false property records claiming ownership of the New Yorker Hotel between May 2019 and September 2023, attempting to lay claim to the building from a religious organization According to court documents, Barreto booked room 2565 for one night at the Art Deco style hotel at a rate of $149 per night in June 2018, reported Curbed. The next day he requested the hotel enter into a six-month lease agreement with him under New York's rent stabilization law. Unification Church, the owners of the hotel, refused to agree to a lease and when Barreto left the room, they removed his belongings and locked him out. The church purchased the building in 1976 with plans to turn it into a mission center for the Korean religious movement. In the 1980s they began renovations on the building and reopened the hotel in 1994. Soon after he was kicked out, Barreto filed a lawsuit in housing court claiming he was wrongfully evicted from the hotel. The Real Deal reported Barreto said in court, 'That building was never subdivided. Its all one lot. Its all one parcel. So what affects that part of the building called [room] 2565, whatever happens in there, happens to the whole lot, the whole parcel.' Judge Jack Stoller sided with Barreto and issued an order granting him possession of that particular room at the hotel, according to the New York Post. In May 2019, Barreto tried to take owner ship of the entire building by filing fake documents to the New York City Department of Finances Automated City Register Information System. He filed a fraudulent $189 million deed purporting to transfer ownership of the hotel from the Unification Church to himself. In May 2019, Barreto tried to take owner ship of the entire building by filing fake documents to the New York City Department of Finances Automated City Register Information System Prosecutors said he began presenting himself as the owner and started demanding rent from the hotel's tenants, registering the hotel under his name with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for water and sewage payments and demanding the hotels bank transfer its accounts to him. He demanded the Unification Church vacate the hotel and that they send any tenant's rent payments to him. He also contacted the hotels franchisor, Wyndham, and tried to have the franchise transferred to him. The real owners filed a lawsuit against Barreto and obtained an order forbidding him from make any more false filings and pretending to be the owner. Then in 2021 he tried to take ownership of the hotel again by filing a $400 million deed transferring the hotel from Mickey Barreto Missions to Mickey Barreto Missions. Mickey Barreto Missions claims to be a non-profit organization that 'dedicates itself in creating ways to self-sufficiency for homeless and individuals suffering from substance abuse by providing several different resources to ensure success.' A lovestruck Texas has gone to the US-Mexico border every Valentine's Day in hopes of reuniting with a woman he met 28 years ago. Marine Corps vet Esteban Perez, also known as the 'soldier of love,' is known for standing in full uniform on a street corner in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, while holding flowers and waiting his heart's desire, who he has named only as Cecilia. While the 59-year-old claimed that last year would be the last time he tried to reunite with Cecilia, local Mexican outlets have reported he was seen again on Wednesday fulfilling his yearly Valentine's Day tradition. Perez, who now lives in Laredo, Texas, reportedly met Cecilia at a nightclub in the border town in 1996. He has previously said the two dated for a few months before Cecilia broke things up. Marine Corps vet Esteban Perez, also known as the 'soldier of love,' is known for standing in full uniform on a street corner in Nuevo Laredo while holding flowers and waiting for Cecilia Perez, who now lives in Laredo, Texas, reportedly met Cecilia at a nightclub in the border town in 1996 It's not clear why they separated but The Washington Post previously cited local reports that claim it had something to do with his military duties. Because he did not know how to contact her or where she went, Perez started the Valentine's Day tradition a few years after they separated. 'I will only stop coming if she is married or she has children,' Perez once said. 'I have never married, don't have children and I have never looked for another girl because I would never see in any other girl what I saw in Cecilia.' Perez, who has never revealed Cecilia's full name, has become known in Nuevo Loredo for his Valentine's Day traditions. But locals told Reuters they have mixed feelings about the gesture. 'He looks very handsome in his suit,' said one local last year. 'She's missing out.' Another added: 'Let him have some therapy... it's been 25 years (sic). 'It takes about six months to get over a bereavement. After that time we need an intervention.' A fourth grader was said to have left a fifth-grade teacher concussed after battering him with a Stanley Cup A Tennessee elementary school principal had tears streaming down her face as she was booked for allegedly covering up a student-teacher assault at her school. Fabre Ford, the principal of Southwest Elementary School in Fayette County, Tennessee, was arrested after allegedly withholding information about a fourth-grade student attacking a teacher with a Stanley Cup. According to deputies, fifth-grade social studies teacher Demetrious Bradley was left concussed after the child battered him with the large metal cup. After Ford allegedly blocked an internal school investigation into the attack and told people not to cooperate, she was arrested and charged with tampering with or fabricating evidence in the investigation of an aggravated assault in a school. Fabre Ford, the principal of Southwest Elementary School in Fayette County, Tennessee, was arrested after allegedly withholding information about a fourth-grade student attacking a teacher with a Stanley Cup Fifth grade teacher Demetrius Bradford (pictured) said he was 'seeing stars' after being battered by the child, but declined to press charges The incident unfolded on February 2, when the fourth grader was removed from his class and sent to Bradley's class because he had been 'acting out.' When Bradley went to talk to the young student, he later told a school resource officer, Randy Collins, that the child started slapping his hands. The student then picked up a heavy metal Stanley Cup and started beating Bradley across the face with it, striking him multiple times on the jaw. Collins wrote in a primary report on the incident that Bradley said the Stanley Cup also caught him across the temple, which left him 'seeing stars.' He then wrapped his arms around the student to keep him from being struck again, but slipped on water spilled from the cup and the student ran off. The incident came to light when Collins quizzed Bradley on why he missed a day of school, and he responded that he was hit hard by the student, but he was okay and didn't want to speak about it further. Demetrius Bradford is said to have been attacked by a fourth grade student wielding a Stanley Cup (file photo) After hearing Bradley repeat the story to a security guard, Collins asked Principal Ford why she never reported the in-school assault to him, which she was required to do by law. She told him that she had handled it herself, and had already spoken to the students' parents and her supervisor, the SRO officer said. When told that she should have alerted him immediately, she claimed Collins wasn't at school at the time, which he denied. Collins' supervisor ordered him to write up the incident, but as he carried out interviews it was claimed that Ford interfered, including allegedly telling some not to offer any details as she had already 'handled it.' The incident took place at Southwest Elementary School in Fayette County, Tennessee Ford was then summoned to the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, where she allegedly refused to talk about the incident. She was also accused of failing to offer up written statements from witnesses when asked by law enforcement, reports WREG. The outlet reported that investigators allegedly received information Bradley may have assaulted the student first. It is unclear what these allegations were. 'There are certain incidents that occur in a school that school officials are required to report to law enforcement,' said Ray Garcia, Fayette County Sheriffs Office Chief Deputy. 'One of those incidents being any type of aggravated assault where anyone is harmed or there is any threat to safety or health.' Ford is set to be arraigned on February 22 on charges of tampering with or fabricating evidence in the investigation of an aggravated assault in a school. In a statement, Fatette County Public Schools said: 'Dr. Fabre Ford is the Principal at Southwest Elementary School. She is extremely passionate about her staff and students. 'A valued employee, Dr. Ford is highly regarded by staff, students, and parents. 'We are disheartened by these allegations relating to an incident at Southwest Elementary School. As a district, we will be transparent and cooperate fully with law enforcement. 'We ask for patience and respect as the investigation regarding the incident is conducted. We are fully committed to working with law enforcement to resolve this matter quickly.' Sir Keir Starmer is facing a fresh headache after the SNP confirmed they will try and force a fresh House of Commons vote on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It has left the Labour leader facing the prospect of another revolt by his MPs over his stance on the Middle East conflict ahead of the Rochdale by-election. Sir Keir has witnessed Labour suffer damaging splits over Israeli military action in Gaza following the Hamas terror attacks on October 7. In a previous Commons vote in November, Sir Keir saw 56 Labour MPs defy him by backing an SNP-led demand for an 'immediate ceasefire' between Israel and Hamas. Their challenge to Sir Keir's authority came despite the Labour leader having told his MPs to abstain from the vote following his support for Israel's right to defend itself. Sir Keir's woes over Gaza have shown no sign of abating, with the Labour leader this week forced to suspend two parliamentary candidates within 24 hours due to comments about Israel. Azhar Ali lost Labour's support as their candidate at the Rochdale by-election on 29 February after he suggested Israel 'deliberately allowed' the Hamas attacks as a pretext to invade Gaza. And, last night, former MP Graham Jones - who is Labour's general election candidate in Hyndburn - was suspended after being revealed to have ranted about 'f****** Israel' at the same meeting as Mr Ali made his comments. Mr Jones was also heard claiming that Britons who travelled to the Middle East to fight with the Israel Defence Forces 'should be locked up'. Sir Keir Starmer is facing a fresh headache after the SNP confirmed they will try and force a fresh House of Commons vote on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn accused both PM Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir of 'equivocating' over the conflict The SNP said it would use an opposition day debate in the Commons next week to call on the UK Government and Parliament to back an urgent end to the war. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn accused both PM Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir of 'equivocating' over the conflict. 'The time for equivocating is over. Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer must back an immediate ceasefire now,' he said. 'Over 28,000 Palestinian children and civilians have already been killed and vast swathes of Gaza have been obliterated, including hospitals and family homes. 'The UK parliament cannot just sit on its hands and do nothing. International pressure is paramount if an immediate ceasefire is to happen and the UK has a moral duty to do its part.' Sir Keir has faced intense pressure from left-wing Labour MPs, local councillors and supporters over his refusal to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza following Israel's military response in the wake of the 7 October attacks. He also prompted anger last year when he appeared to use a radio interview to back Israel's right to besiege Gaza in response to the Hamas atrocities, although he later clarified his remarks. Sir Keir has since slightly shifted his stance to join Mr Sunak in calling for a 'sustainable ceasefire'. He yesterday warned against a 'catastrophic' Israeli offensive in Rafah, posting on social media: 'There are over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians in Rafah and it is the gateway to aid for Gaza - an Israeli offensive there would be catastrophic. 'The fighting must stop now. We need a sustainable ceasefire.' Sir Keir saw Labour handed fresh embarrassment over the Rochdale by-election earlier today after party leaflets featuring Mr Ali landed on voters' doormats days after he was suspended. The mailout in the Greater Manchester seat pictures him with a red labour rosette and praises him as a 'strong voice' for the town if elected. It also features an endorsement from and a photo of metro mayor Andy Burnham, who says he will be a 'powerful champion' for the town. It arrived in homes today having been posted out at the weekend, before Mr Ali was suspended on Monday over comments he made about Israel's invasion of Gaza at a meeting last October. The geopolitical situation in the Middle East is missing from the leaflet, which focuses on local issues including reopening a hospital. On it, just above Mr Ali's signature, it says 'Labour is the choice for Britain'. The mailout in the Greater Manchester seat praises him a 'strong voice' for the town if elected, and features an endorsement from and a photo of metro mayor Andy Burnham . It arrived in homes today having been posted out at the weekend, before he was suspended on Monday over comments he made about Israel's invasion of Gaza at a meeting last October. Mr Ali was finally axed as a candidate on Monday after it was revealed on Sunday he suggested Israel allowed Hamas to attack Jews on October 7 to justify the subsequent invasion. Labour has insisted that there are 'strong checks' on would-be MPs, after a second parliamentary candidate was suspended over remarks about Israel. Sir Keir's party has been pitched into a row about the handling of antisemitism allegations, with parliamentary candidate Mr Jones suspended on Tuesday, only a day after Labour was forced to suspend and withdraw its backing for Mr Ali. It came after audio, obtained by website Guido Fawkes, appeared to show the former Labour MP use the words 'f****** Israel' at the same meeting Mr Ali attended, while also allegedly suggesting that British people who volunteer to fight with the Israel Defence Forces should be 'locked up'. With his candidacy for Hyndburn now in doubt, it is understood Mr Jones was called to an interview on Tuesday evening with party officials. Any move to drop him as a candidate would have to follow a formal party process. Shadow defence secretary John Healey said not everyone in his party was a 'saint', but said Labour should be judged on how it responds to complaints or allegations. He said: 'Restoring, retaining the trust of the Jewish community and any community is a constant process. 'And Keir Starmer is deeply, deeply aware of that. 'He pledged to root out antisemitism as part of the changes he wanted to make to Labour, regarded them as essential. He's done that. 'But this is not a party of people who are saints. 'When people do things that may be wrong, say things that may be unacceptable, the important thing is how does the party respond. 'We have an independent investigations process and when it concerns candidates or MPs, we expect as the public does the very highest standards.' The Jewish Labour Movement said it wanted any party members present at the meeting disciplined if it emerges that they failed to criticise the remarks. It comes as it emerged that Labour councillor in Hyndburn Munsif Dad was at the same gathering, with Sky News first reporting that Mr Dad has since been 'spoken to' by officials. It is not known whether or not he contributed to the meeting or whether the comments by Mr Ali or Mr Jones were challenged. The row has shone a spotlight on candidate selection in the party, as well as questions about whether Sir Keir has fulfilled his promise to root out antisemitism in his party following the scandals that overshadowed Jeremy Corbyn's tenure as leader. Mr Ali had apologised after he was recorded in a meeting of the Lancashire Labour Party suggesting that Israel had taken the October 7 Hamas assault as a pretext to invade Gaza. But Labour moved to end its backing of the candidate after the Daily Mail reported that he had blamed 'people in the media from certain Jewish quarters' for fuelling criticism of a pro-Palestinian MP. Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme he would like any party members at the Rochdale meeting to be suspended if they failed to call out the language used. But he also defended the progress made by the Labour leadership to tackle antisemitism, while admitting it had not been the party's 'finest hour'. Mr Katz said: 'The idea that somehow we are still in the kind of the bad days of the Corbyn leadership is really ludicrous. 'We have gone through a transformation, the difference is like night and day in the way that we are treated as an organisation, the way that our members are treated. 'This has not been the party's finest hour. We have huge lessons to learn, but the direction of travel is very much upwards. It's very much in the right direction.' Appearing on the same programme, Mr Healey denied that there were flaws in the vetting process for candidates. He said: 'Azhar Ali was widely respected, widely supported across communities, including the Jewish community in the North West, and there certainly are strong checks, the due diligence process as part of selecting Labour candidates. 'But you can't see everything everywhere. What's important is that if new information comes to light, as in this case, we will act to investigate, we will act to block those who are not fit to serve as MPs.' Labour continues to face questions about why it took so long for Mr Ali to be suspended, with left-wing critics of Sir Keir's leadership claiming that factional rivalry is to blame for inconsistency in the handling of complaints. Voters go to the polls in the Rochdale by-election at the end of the month, with the result now hugely uncertain following the Labour decision to drop support for Mr Ali. Also running in the constituency are former Labour MP Simon Danczuk, now the Reform Party candidate, and George Galloway, of the Workers Party of Britain, who is campaigning against Labour's stance on Gaza. If elected, Mr Ali will sit as an independent MP and will not receive the party whip. The decision means that Labour will also need to find a new candidate to contest the seat at the upcoming general election. Ousted Republican congressman George Santos texted some of his former colleagues that they are 'f***ing idiots' after a Democrat won his old seat in a special election. Democrat Tom Suozzi - who represented the district encompassing part of Long Island and Queens before Santos - handily beat his Republican opponent, Mazi Pilips, in Tuesday's special election. The serial liar who was expelled from Congress in December for misusing donor funds on Botox and OnlyFans sent an explicit message to New York GOP members late Tuesday night following the Democrat victory. 'I hope you guys are happy with this dismal performance and your 10 million for futile Bull S**t cost the party,' Santos texted members of the New York Republican delegation. 'I look very forward to most of you losing due to your absolute hate filled campaign to remove me from Congress arbitrarily.' 'Now go tell the Republicans Base what you f***ing idiots did and good luck raising money next quarter,' his text continued. Former congressman George Santos texted New York Republicans that he looks forward to most of them losing their races Democrat Tom Suozzi edged out a victory in the special election for New York's third congressional district to replace Rep. George Santos Santos shared an image of the group message with Semafor which showed one member replied to his insults. 'Sorry new phone , who dis?' replied Rep. Andrew Garbarino, R-N.Y., seeming to make fun of Santos. Still, after the devastating loss that made the already thin Republican majority even smaller, several GOP members started to question why they expelled Santos in the first place. 'Whatever you want to say about George Santos, I don't think he should have been expelled and he was a great Republican vote,' firebrand Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said. The people who 'blew up the GOP majority' are former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and 'everyone who voted to expel' Santos, Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., posted on X Wednesday. Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-N.Y., admitted that though Santos was 'a con man' and 'shouldn't have been a member of Congress' there have been lots of decisions in recent months that have 'shrunk the majority.' 'Perhaps George Santos being honest would have kept one more seat here in Congress,' he added. The House GOP now can only afford to lose two votes to pass party bills. An 83-year-old woman was duped out of more than 20,000 by a romance scammer she met while playing Scrabble online. The pensioner, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, fell for the fraudster who posed as a 60-year-old American millionaire widower. The conman said he would visit the UK to give her a second chance at love after her husband died a few years earlier. The fraudster built a connection with the pensioner through the word game before he suggested they move the chat over to another platform. It was here that the relationship became more intense and that the requests for money began. An 83-year-old woman was duped out of more than 20,000 by a romance scammer she met while playing Scrabble online (stock image) The pensioner, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, fell for the fraudster who posed as a 60-year-old American millionaire widower On one occasion he claimed his daughter urgently needed an operation to save her leg and that he did not have access to his bank card to pay a surgeon. Another time, the fraudster said he needed cash to pay his bail after he was arrested in Istanbul, Turkey when he was returning from a business trip. He even emailed a fake letter purporting to be from the United Nations, which stated he was a prisoner. The woman sent more than 20,000 over an 18-month period before she suspected she had become a victim of fraud. She told her brother, who went on to report the matter to Action Fraud following advice from Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Neither the woman nor her brother have been identified by police. The woman's brother said: 'The scammers are very clever. They target things like online Scrabble because they know this is a place where they'll find older women with a bit of money. 'And it always goes the same way - where the scammer starts off by building a relationship and then claims they haven't got access to their bank card and need a bit of money and will pay you back. 'We knew my sister's behaviour had changed but we found out something was seriously wrong when she came to my wife and I for help. 'She said "I've been a fool, I've just been to the bank and I've been sending money to someone abroad". 'There have been many different scams in total that we know of targeting my sister, but I think it's either all the same person or a group of scammers who are based somewhere in Nigeria.' Women are more likely to lose more than men, with the average claim for them standing at 10,610, compared with 8,181 for men (Stock image) 'She would ask to speak to him on the phone and there was always an excuse as to why he was unavailable. He'd say "Babe, I'm travelling" or "Babe, I'm doing this... I'll catch you later". 'And he'd never use her name. It was always "Babe", "Sweetie", "Queen" or "Hunny", because they have so many on the go that they don't want to risk using the wrong name.' The victim's brother now has power of attorney and supports her bank in investigating suspicious transactions, police said. The scammer, or scammers, are yet to be uncovered. The brother continued: 'Everyone should be suspicious if someone they don't know contacts them online. 'I dread to think what could have happened if my wife and I weren't there for my sister. The scammers could have drained her account and left her with nothing. 'The photos and videos that she received seemed genuine but I found out how to do a reverse image search and was able to show her they were all fake. 'It makes me really angry because they've deliberately targeted someone who is elderly and vulnerable. But I hope that by speaking out this will help protect other victims.' Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon, of GMP's economic crime unit, said: 'My staff met (the brother) in December last year as he was giving a talk at a bank and directed him to report to Action Fraud. 'Unfortunately, his story is far from unique and there are many people who fall victim to such scams. 'I hope his experience will help other victims realise what is happening to them and encourage them to make a report. 'Everyone should be vigilant online, and I want to emphasise that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.' The story comes as romance fraudsters are expected to target individuals with new insurance scams this Valentine's Day. Romance scammers may put pressure on victims to make fake insurance claims, the Insurance Fraud Bureau (IFB) has warned, leaving victims left unable to drive, face losing their job or struggle to find work. In a new twist on romance scams, victims may be asked to take out fraudulent insurance policies and then manipulated into making fake claims, so that criminals can bank the payout, the IFB said. The victims who will have unknowingly struck up a relationship with a crook, are tricked into making small claims at the start, which increase over time, leaving the person stuck in an endless criminal funding cycle. Shelley Comb, IFB intelligence and investigations manager, said: 'Being convicted of insurance fraud can have life-changing consequences; don't risk it all to line someone's pocket.' This comes as it was discovered that more than 700,000 has been scammed out of people in Northern Ireland by fraudsters targeting individuals looking for love. Ahead of Valentine's Day, the Police Service of Northern Ireland revealed they received 73 reports of romance fraud between April last year and the start of February. The total loss has been put at 713,133, including life-changing amounts of more than 100,000, 50,000 and 20,000, and other sums running into hundreds of pounds. The biggest single loss reported to the PSNI was 130,000 after payments were made over a period of time to a woman the victim met online. Police said the woman had claimed that money she was entitled to was tied up in an overseas business but she did not have a bank account to access the funds. The hotel has been used a temporary housing unit for hundreds of homeless individuals in the area since 2021 Dana Hammond, the founder of the school said that he and his students are 'just collateral damage' Academy of the Arts, a private school that was housed inside of the L.A. Grand Hotel has closed its doors due the homeless population The founder of a private school that filed a law suit against the owner of a Los Angeles hotel that was invaded by the growing homeless population has continued to slam the city. Dana Hammond, the founder of Academy of Media Arts said that his school and his students are 'just collateral damage,' after the school had to close its doors on January 15 due to the problem. The hotel employees have since threatened to go on strike for the horrid working conditions and violence at the hotel. The school was first housed at a six-room church before it was re-located to the hotel where it occupied the first three floors since 2022. The breach of contract lawsuit against the building's owner, Chinese billionaire Wei Huang, alleged that homeless population made the campus shut down due to unsafe conditions. Hammond also slammed Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles for extending the lease for the property for the Inside Safe interim housing program. The hotel has been used a temporary housing unit for hundreds of homeless individuals in the area since 2021. Dana Hammond, the founder of Academy of Media Arts school has filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the L.A. Grand Hotel for unsafe conditions. The school, which was housed at the hotel closed its doors on January 15 The hotel has been used a temporary housing unit for hundreds of homeless individuals in the area since 2021 under the Inside Safe interim housing program The homeless people have gone on to break into the hotel, threaten the school's security guards and expose themselves to students. Pictured: A shirtless man caught on camera inside the hotel In a statement to DailyMail.com, Hammond said: 'Is it for the greater good to house the homeless while having potentially destroyed the lives of young high school black and brown kids from low income urban areas education?' 'This causing their school (AMA) to close its doors due to safety concerns? This while their plead for help fell on deaf ears.' 'This being a priceless education that gives them the tools to prayerfully never find themselves homeless,' the statement said. Hammond signed the lease to house his students in the hotel in 2022. Around 50 students from freshman to seniors who are from predominantly low-income families attended the school. Detailed events of encounters with the homeless people that have trickled into the hotel were documented by the school's security team. One man threatened to fight a security guard just outside of the school, and in another instance a woman went on to expose herself to students early in the morning, reports revealed. It was also reveled that a nude woman who was lying behind the school threatened to 'shoot and stab' a security officer, and a man managed to break in through the back of the school. A used syringe is seen on the ground outside of the hotel (left). A smoking pipe was also found outside of the hotel which also serves as a school for the Academy of Media Arts (right) Hammond also slammed Karen Bass, the mayor of Los Angeles for the disturbing homeless problem at the hotel. A spokeswoman for her office said that the city has implemented safety precautions to protect the students Nearby sidewalks have been filled with with garbage, empty liquor bottles and discarded syringes. The welcome sign outside of the school has also been vandalized by graffiti. 'Our students' lives were in jeopardy because of the Inside Safe residents. We're not enemies of the homeless shelter, we just can't put them in the same building as a high school,' Hammond told the Los Angeles Times. According to the lawsuit, Hammond said that the owner of the hotel told him that the homeless population would be cleared out after the school moved in. The hotel is owned by the real estate company Shen Zhen New World I, run by Huang, since 2010. The company was found guilty of bribery and fraud in connection to Councilmember Jose Huizar and was fined $4million in 2018. Huang was also personally charged with bribery and fraud in the case and went on to flee the country after search warrants were executed by the FBI. He has been considered a fugitive by the US Attorney's Office after it was found that he gave more than $1million in benefits to Huizar, including multiple paid trips to Las Vegas and a 'lineup of prostitutes,' according to prosecutors. According to city records, Shen Zhen has been paid more than $25million since the arts academy moved to the hotel. Hammond signed the lease to house his students in the hotel in 2022. Around 50 students from freshman to seniors who are from predominantly low-income families attended the school Hammond and more than a dozen students attended a City Council meeting on January 12 to voice the issues that took place at their school In response the homelessness issue around school students, Clara Karger, a spokeswoman for Mayor Bass, said that the city has gone on to introduce safety measures to protect the students. Karger told Los Angeles Times that a new fence was installed around the perimeter of the school, and that there have been on-site visits from the mayor's office that have worked with the school's security members. 'The L.A. Grand has brought hundreds of unhouses individuals inside from the tough elements of living on the streets. The work continues to save lives every day,' Krager said in a statement. She added that the residents at the L.A. Grand Hotel are expected to be re-located to the Mayfair Hotel in May. Hammond and more than a dozen students attended a City Council meeting on January 12 to voice the issues that took place at their school, as three students cried and others spoke about how much the school meant to them. One of the students, Alex Hernandez, who spoke at the meeting said: '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. I feel threatened because this is very dangerous.' Is this the grimmest hotel in Las Vegas? Customer reviews say Circus Circus is the biggest sin in the city after experiencing the 'nightmare' establishment this year. Guests claim their stays have been marred by dirty sheets, bedbug infestations, crumbling walls and crusty carpets at the 3,900-room Nevada hotel, which overlooks the Sphere. The zany resort features indoor rollercoasters at the in-house Adventuredome, buzzing casinos, a steakhouse and live circus performers from just $25 a night. But its bright neon facade hides a multitude of alleged sins, according to more than 2,000 reviewers who rated the hotel one star on Yelp. 'The sheets were dirty, hard and not clean. The rooms smelled old and moldy,' one reviewer complained. 'Staying at Circus Circus can probably be compared to sleeping on a sheet on the street. The hotel should be torn down and rebuilt.' Is this the grimmest hotel in Las Vegas ? Customer reviews say Circus Circus is the biggest sin in the city after experiencing the 'nightmare' establishment this year 'The largest problem we had was a chunk of our shower collapsing and shattering in the middle of the night,' on reviewer fumed Dirty sheets, bedbug infestations, crumbling walls and crusty carpets are among the features of the Nevada city hotel, which overlooks the infamous Sphere dome A long line for the elevator is seen at the hotel, posted by a reviewer on Yelp Another incensed reviewer said they stayed in October for the When We Were Young festival in the city - but an 'extremely alarming' hotel room nightmare on the morning of the event ruined their plans. 'The largest problem we had was a chunk of our shower collapsing and shattering in the middle of the night,' they fumed. 'Obviously this was extremely alarming as we had all been asleep and woke up to a crash, and then in the morning we discovered a shower covered in shattered tile. 'We called housekeeping to request that they sweep & vacuum so we could shower, but they told us the room had to be put out of service and we were forced to change rooms. 'This was the morning of the festival, which was of course the entire reason we stayed in this dump, and it made us late getting in because we had to pack up and change rooms before we had access to a shower.' Others blasted enormous lines guests have to join just to access their rooms via the elevators. Several disgruntled guests complained about the 'dirty ass carpet full of dog hair' which appeared not to have been changed in years. 'Yes they allow pets and don't clean up thoroughly so if you have a pet allergy, stay away!!!!!!!!!!!!!' the guest fumed. Some guests said the hotel is desperately in need of renovations, with some going as far as to call it a 'fire safety hazard'. 'Remodel is 50 years overdue,' one person said. 'The place is a dump. Never staying here again.' Many people described the hotel as 'bug-infested' with people claiming sightings of spiders, bedbugs and ginormous cockroaches. 'They have bugs all over this hotel! Front desk said well due to construction and this being an older hotel they do have bugs,' one sickened guest raged. 'Then sent head of housekeeping who said yes they have a bunch of bugs and dev was telling the truth smh I'm so disgusted and irritated I've spent too much at this bug infested place.' Donald Trump and Treasure Island casino owner Phil Ruffin are seen above in 2005 in Las Vegas. Ruffin has bought Circus Circus Billionaire Phil Ruffin bought the hotel from MGM in 2020 One of the most damning reviews, left in October, warns travelers to 'AVOID' the Circus Circus property at all costs, with it branded 'disgusting, overpriced, [and] outdated' Guests can enjoy indoor rollercoasters at the in-house Adventuredome, buzzing casinos, a steak house and live circus performers. But its bright neon facade hides a multitude of sins, according to more than 2,000 reviewers who rated the hotel one star on Yelp A guest who traveled from Florida said she was 'traumatized' by her visit. 'I have always wanted to see this hotel and while staying at the Fontainbleau decided to walk over to check it out,' she said. 'Horrible mistake. The hotel was filthy, dirty, stunk of cigarette smoke, and horrid. 'I walked in following a homeless person who was clearly on drugs, so I was already uncomfortable walking through the doors. 'I honestly didn't want to touch anything, not even the door handles. The hallways were empty, even back where the stores were located. 'The floors were dirty. The staff were inattentive to us, unfriendly, and couldn't even help us to find the closest exit. Get rid of this place!' The billionaire owner of the Treasure Island casino Phil Ruffin bought the hotel from MGM in 2020. 'Circus Circus has anchored the north end of the Las Vegas Strip for over 50 years, and I am excited to add it to my casino portfolio,' Ruffin said when he purchased the place. Ruffin is close friends with Donald Trump, who was his best man at his wedding to former Miss Ukraine Oleksandra. They're also business associates - Ruffin is the penultimate president's partner in the Trump International Hotel in LV. DailyMail.com has contacted the hotel for comment. A photo of a suspected Chicago criminal is going viral on X (formerly Twitter) after he gave a menacing smile in his mug shot. Daily Loud posted the mugshot on their X page yesterday with the caption, 'Chicago man's mugshot is going viral.' The man, who was wearing a black sweatshirt, smiled while staring straight at the camera. The photo has received more than 16 million views and nearly 150,000 likes on X. Daily Loud did not release any information about the suspect, and it is unclear if has been tried for his alleged crime. A photo of an unidentified Chicago criminal has gone viral after he gave a wicked smile while staring straight into the camera during a mugshot X (formerly Twitter) users believe that the Chicago criminal in the photo is guilty for everything that has gotten him into police custody The crime rate in Chicago have improved over the past 10 years, but according to a recent analysis, the crimes in that city have become more violent. A major increase in thefts has occurred between 2021 and 2022. However, according to the Illinois Policy Institute, Chicagoans already reported 13 percent more overall crimes between January 1 and August 31, 2023 than during the first eight months of 2022. X users are not sure what happened, but what they overwhelmingly seem to believe he did whatever he was accused of. 'Whatever they said he did HE DID IT,' wrote an X user. Commenters have even begun making their own memes using his pic. Others have called him 'a villain' and one user even brought up that the criminal's evilness is 'in his eyes.' 'It is the eyes - AND that cruel smile. That is scary,' one person wrote. X users who believe that the criminal should be 'locked up' have also joked about his photo and made references to Usher and Swizz Beatz. Their comment has received more than 150,000 views. he did it and hes definitely gonna do it again!! pic.twitter.com/QfQ8ubUs2R bigyak? (@evilmadss) February 13, 2024 '#Swizzbeatz after watching Usher hug up on wifey,' wrote an X user. Others have compared his photo to movies such as Smile and Dennis the Menace. A serial dine-and dash conman who ran up more than 8,000 in unpaid bills for accommodation, high class food and drinks, was jailed for a year today. Craig Sharp, 52, admitted five charges of fraud by false representation at a string of venues in Essex and Suffolk, including a 15th Century manor house. Chelmsford Magistrates heard how he ran up a bill of more than 5,000 staying between April and July last year at the Kingscliff Hotel in Clacton-on-Sea, Essex. Sharp then stayed at the 15th-century Channels Hotel in Chelmsford, Essex, between November 15 and 19 where he ran up a bill of 214.50. He went on to con the Angel gastro pub in Wangford, Suffolk, where he treated himself to a two night stay. Sharp, of Dockfield Avenue, Harwich, Essex, tucked into lavish meals, washed down with numerous beers, and even bought rounds of drinks for locals which he added to his bill. But he slipped away in the morning without settling his bill of 600, and when staff tried to take payment on his debit card, they found that no funds were available. Craig Sharp arrives at court today carrying an overnight bag as he anticipated a prison term Sharp, 52, (pictured) admitted five charges of fraud by false representation at a string of venues in Essex and Suffolk, including a 15th Century manor house Sharp admits he has a horrendous criminal record including a string of jail sentences for dine and dash scams Sharp then moved on to the similarly named Angel Hotel in nearby Halesworth where he stayed three nights, racking up a 452 bill between November 22 and 24. He rounded off his gourmet tour of East Anglia with a seaside stay at a hotel in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, where he ran up a bill of more than 1,500 Sharp has a long record of dishonesty, dating back to 1993 and has served at least four prison sentences for fraud including dine and dash offences. Lucy Osborn, defending him, said he was the sole carer for his elderly parents, and had carried out the offences as a form of 'escape', saying: 'His trips were an escape and a relief'. She added that his underlying problems would not be fixed by sending him to prison. As well as being jailed, Sharp was ordered to pay compensation to the respective venues he defrauded. Sharp booked one night at The Angel in Wangford in November, using his own name and his real address at his parents' home, before arranging to stay a second night. Bradley Coote, who works at The Angel, said: 'He ate with us and enjoyed quite a large amount of alcohol. I served him on one night. He was very charismatic. 'He got himself on first name terms with all the staff members and was buying people drinks at the bar. 'Funnily enough, he seemed a really nice guy. He was very chatty and friendly, and just really down to earth.' Mr Coote added: 'When we saw the report of him doing the same thing at the Angel in Halesworth, we talked to them and realised he was the same guy who had come to us.' He enjoyed three meals and 26 pints during a three-night stay at the Angel hotel in Halesworth, Suffolk He conned The Angel in Wangford in November after booking a one night stay Sharp's huge bill at the 16th century Angel Hotel in Halesworth included 15 pints of Birra Moretti, eight pints of Guinness, seven rum and cokes, three pints of Aspall cider, five bags of Mini Cheddars and three meals and other sides. He tried to avoid suspicion by praising staff and buying them chocolates at the family-run hotel. But the owners became worried after he slipped away early on his final day, and sent an email saying he would return later in the morning to pay. When they never heard anything back from him, they realised he had conned them and released CCTV pictures of him inside and outside the hotel. MailOnline previously revealed that Sharp has pulled the same trick at a series of other hotels and up-market restaurants. MailOnline previously revealed that Sharp has pulled the same trick at a series of other hotels and up-market restaurants. Sharp was already serving a prison sentence when he was jailed for a concurrent two months by magistrates in Colchester, Essex, in May 2017 after he admitted two counts of making off without payment at two glitzy hotels. He pre-paid for a two night stay at the boutique Blue Ivy Hotel in North Hill, Colchester, on January 8 and 9, 2017, before arranging a third night and then leaving without paying the outstanding 202. Representing himself in court, he tried to claim that he had tried to make amends to Blue Ivy, saying: 'I knew I could not pay the bill for the third night.' He added: 'I contacted the owner afterwards and paid 45 but then realised there was no way I could pay the remainder. 'I told him it would be dribs and drags over many months and the only way forward was for him to go to the police. He added: 'When I book in, I give my own details. I knew they would find me and I was burying my head in the sand. I hope I can be in prison, get myself sorted and come out with a clean slate.' Sharp went on: 'I am unhappy with myself and who I am. There was a six year break in my offending when I moved to Scotland which proves I can knuckle down and get on with things. 'My record is horrendous, but I am drawn towards doing these things. I give all my correct information and know I am going to get caught in the end. 'Both my parents are 70 and have had health problems but they have said when I am released, I can go back and live with them. 'It is up to me to get back to how I was six or seven years ago when I was doing well.' A former Marine who credits sailing with saving his life saw his dream of a solo round-the-world voyage cruelly snatched away on the home straight when his mast snapped in a storm. Ronnie Simpson had conquered the fearsome waters around Cape Horn and was three quarters of his way through the race when disaster struck 650 miles off the coast of Argentina. 'I'm physically OK, but I was launching off huge waves for the last 24 hours,' he said in an Instagram post from his racing boat the Shipyard Brewing. 'I felt the boat launch off a huge wave, and I held my breath, and then we landed, bang, bang, bang, I heard everything come down on deck.' The 38-year-old was 106 days into the Global Solo Challenge and among the leaders in the 33,000 mile race when his mast came crashing down late on Sunday night. Ronnie Simpson had spent years planning to around the world in the Global Solo Challenge But disaster struck late on Sunday night when his mast was shattered by the storm force winds Unable to lash the broken mast to the deck, he shared his grief on Instagram as he was forced to issue a distress call and abandon his attempt or risk going down with his boat His attempts to lash the shattered mast to the deck were thwarted by the strength of the wind, which repeatedly smashed the broken mast into the side of the boat, threatening to sink it. 'I have no chance of setting a journey rig, I don't have enough fuel to get to shore and there's a really bad storm coming, so this is not a great scenario,' he said. Simpson set off from a Coruna in northwest Spain on October 29 hoping to raise funds for the US Patriot Sailing charity. He was seriously injured while serving in Iraq in 2004 and turned to sailing in a bid to put his life back together. 'I know the gifts that sailing gave me, and I've always been very passionate about sharing those gifts with other veterans,' he told WMTV before setting out. 'That's the way I'm uniquely endowed is to help vets go sailing and giving them a positive experience through sailing. 'I credit sailing for saving my life.' Simpson credits sailing with saving his life after he was badly injured serving with the Marines in Iraq in 2004 His round the world bid was intended to raise funds for the US Patriot Sailing charity Everything looked ship shape as he inspected his mast before setting out on October 29 And he was among the early leaders, spending Christmas Day in calm waters near the equator Tracking maps followed the boats as they raced down the Atlantic, round the Horn of Africa and across the Pacific Ocean He found work as a delivery captain, charter captain, sailboat rigger and racing yacht preparator and had already sailed 140,000 miles before starting his biggest challenge yet. He bought his 1994 Open 50 racing boat in 2022 from a boatyard in Maine and based himself in Portland ahead of the race, securing sponsorship from a local brewery. He was among the favorites for the race and among the leaders as the fleet raced around Africa and across the Indian and Pacific oceans. But a series of storms battered his boat as it approached the southern-most tip of South America, and he found his past unexpectedly catching up with him. Just two days before his race ended he was forced into the water when he awoke to find tons of kelp seaweed had latched themselves to the bottom of his boat overnight. 'With just 1.5 lungs due to my Iraq war injury, my breath hold is not the best, and I struggle in this regard,' he posted. Donning a wetsuit and armed with a knife he jumped into the water to spend two hours hacking away at the seaweed in a bid to free his boat. 'It was a truly scary situation and seemed insurmountable,' he said. 'At some point during this ordeal, I cut my left heel fairly badly. Not a good thing in waters that are notoriously shark-y. 'I have administered some first aid am trying to get it healed and keep it from getting infected. 'One thing is for certain, next time I race around the world, I will bring an air tank and/or a hooka!' But his efforts proved in vain as just two days later the elements finally proved too much for his battered vessel leaving it adrift in the South Atlantic. With no way of getting it back to shore and another storm bearing down he had no option but to put out a distress call. The tracker revealed the final position of Simpson's boat (in white) as it came to grief on Sunday night, 650 miles off the coast of Argentina Simpson's final view of his battered and mastless boat as the intrepid sailor was hauled aboard a passing South Korean bulk carrier It was picked up by both the US Coast Guard and the Argentinian Navy received his distress calls. But it was more than 12 hours before he was picked up by a passing Taiwanese bulk carrier, the Sakizaya Youth which is expected to dock in Buenos Aires on Thursday. 'We are heartbroken for Captain Ron, it has been painful for us to watch this unfold,' posted his sponsors Shipyard Brewing in a statement. 'We can only imagine the pain he feels leaving behind the sailboat he's lived on for the past 106 days. 'This has been devastating for Captain Ronnie as he put his full heart and soul into his bid to win the Global Solo Challenge.' Thousands of special Valentine's meals were cancelled tonight after a nationwide strike by delivery drivers. Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat and Stuart Delivery workers staged the wildcat strike in a call for better pay and conditions. They chose one of the busiest nights of the year for takeaways to cause maximum impact on restaurants and highlight their cause. Couples hoping to enjoy a romantic night in with a meal made other plans as the strike hit cities across the UK. More than 3,000 riders are estimated to joined the protest between 5pm-10pm and refused to pick up Valentine orders from restaurants and take-aways. Has your Valentine's meal been ruined? Email gina.kalsi@mailonline.co.uk BRIGHTON: Delivery drivers from various companies strike on Valentine's Day BRIGHTON: One picture shows an ambulance with its blue lights on, weaving through the countless delivery drivers, who were on their bikes LONDON: One driver who was wearing a Deliveroo uniform, spoke into a megaphone as others took out their phones to record him In November, the Supreme Court ruled Deliveroo riders were not 'workers', and could not form a union, following a long-running battle by the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain for the right to unionise and bargain on their behalf. As freelancers, delivery drivers have previously protested over not being entitled to the benefits enjoyed by full-time employees. The strike action took place in London and other cities across the UK and is said to have caused havoc with Valentine's Day plans. In Brighton, several dozen riders congregated at the Palace Pier before setting off on a 'ride out' around the seaside city calling at McDonald's and other fast food restaurants. One picture shows an ambulance with its blue lights on, weaving through the countless delivery drivers, who were on their bikes. The clip, dozens of delivery drivers were filmed beeping their horns and flashing their hazard lights in Brighton, as they drove across the streets, making their cause heard. A customer named Laurence, who works at a bank, said: 'My wife and I were going to put the kids to bed and order a nice takeaway but we're not now - someone is going to have to cook. 'I think there is a lot of sympathy for the delivery riders. They're out in all weather and the pay and conditions don't sound great.' Deliveroo has offered drivers who do not strike a 10 'boost' payment for completing five or more deliveries on Valentine's Day. But organisers urged delivery drivers across the UK to show solidarity with the cause to improve conditions for all. The Valentine's Day strike highlights the growing tensions between gig economy workers and the various platforms they work for. Ahead of the action a food delivery driver from Bromley, south-east London, said the rates of pay are being slashed on all platforms with deliveries that once earned 4.50 now paying less than 3. Are you a delivery driver? Email: gina.kalsi@mailonline.co.uk BRIGHTON: Drivers chose one of the busiest nights of the year for takeaways to cause maximum impact on restaurants and highlight their cause LONDON: In Notting Hill, a Deliveroo driver is pictured holding a megaphone LONDON: Delivery drivers park their mopeds along the streets as they strike over pay and working conditions BRIGHTON: Drivers are demanding the minimum fee for a job be increased to 5, plus an additional 2 for every mile travelled after the first Pictures taken from Notting Hill in west London this evening show drivers from numerous companies gathered together in solidarity, as masses of mopeds lined the streets Drivers are demanding the minimum fee for a job be increased to 5, plus an additional 2 for every mile travelled after the first. They say that often they end up earning less than the minimum wage - which is 10.42 an hour for anyone aged 23 or over. Rafael (not his real name) is studying International Business at university but works as a delivery driver four days a week. He says rates of pay have been falling quickly in the last six months and food delivery drivers are angry. 'We were making 150 in 8 hours, now we're doing 105 in 10 hours,' he said. 'This completely changes the livelihood of many of the riders. 'We have a lot of guys who need to provide for their families, who don't know if they are going to meet their targets for the end of the week. 'There's people who are working longer hours and it's affecting their relationship with their wife. There's people complaining that they can barely see their kids. 'He said it was a 'strategic' decision to choose Valentine's Day for the strike action. 'We know it's a big day for the apps and if we break the supply chain there will be an outcry on social media and that will work against them. 'We also have support from many independent restaurant owners, who have told us they will just shut down their delivery offer.' Pictures taken from Notting Hill in west London this evening show drivers from numerous companies gathered together in solidarity, as masses of mopeds lined the streets. One driver who was wearing a Deliveroo uniform, spoke into a megaphone as others took out their phones to record him. Earlier a Deliveroo spokesperson said: 'Deliveroo aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections. 'Rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us. 'We value dialogue with riders, which is why we have a voluntary partnership agreement with a trade union, which includes annual discussions on pay. BRIGHTON: Deliveroo has offered drivers who do not strike a 10 'boost' payment for completing five or more deliveries on Valentine's Day BRIGHTON: The drivers stopped in the road to let an ambulance through BRIGHTON: Dozens of drivers took a stand against delivery companies on one of the busiest nights of the year - Valentine's Day 'We are pleased to also be able to offer riders free insurance, sickness cover, financial support when riders become new parents and a range of training opportunities.' An Uber Eats spokesperson said: 'We offer a flexible way for couriers to earn by using the app when and where they choose. 'We know that the vast majority of couriers are satisfied with their experience on the app, and we regularly engage with couriers to look at how we can improve their experience.' A Just Eat spokesperson said: 'We take the concerns of all couriers on the Just Eat network extremely seriously. Their welfare is important to us, and we welcome their feedback. 'Our data shows that couriers delivering for Just Eat earn, on average, significantly over both the London and national living wage for the time they are on an order. 'We provide a highly competitive base rate to self-employed couriers and have a good relationship with the vast majority of couriers across our network. 'In addition, we offer regular incentives to help them maximise their earnings and continue to review our pay structure regularly.' The voices of children killed during the Parkland school shooting in 2018 have been resurrected using AI in a 'creepy' gun control campaign. On Valentine's Day six years ago a gunman opened fire on Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, leaving 17 dead. Now the parents of some of those murdered in Parkland and other school massacres are using samples of their children's voices, taken from social media and home videos, to create AI generated audio clips that sound like the deceased on a phone call. 'I died that day in Parkland. My body was destroyed by a weapon of war', the voice of 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver can be heard saying in the new gun control campaign led by The Shotline. The campaign said: 'Guns silence thousands of innocent lives every year, using AI Technology, we recreated the voices of those shot and killed by guns so they can call our representatives in hopes of changing our country's gun laws.' 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver was killed in the Parkland school shooting in 2018 The audio clips are being used in a new gun control campaign led by The Shotline Joaquin's parents, Patricia and Manny Oliver, whose non-profit organization founded the project, told the Wall Street Journal they have taken this approach out of frustration with the inaction of lawmakers. 'This is a United States problem and we have not been able to fix it,' Manny told the Journal. 'If we need to use creepy stuff to fix it, welcome to the creepy', he explained. Patricia said hearing Joaquin's voice felt like her son was still around. 'It was exactly like him,' she told the publication. 'You want that to be true. I wanted him to say, "Hi Mommy, how are you? I love you."' However, the grieving mother said she did not want to 're-create Joaquin' only to use his voice to enact change that she know he believed in. The audio clips were created using AI voice generator ElevenLabs that has been at the center of ongoing debates about the implications of AI being used in fraud, scams and deepfakes. Patricia and Manny Oliver, whose non-profit organization founded the project, said they have taken this approach out of frustration with the inaction of lawmakers Patricia Oliver said hearing Joaquin's voice felt like her son was still around Uzi Garcia, who was killed in the Uvalde school shooting in 2022. His voice has been used in the AI campaign On Valentines Day six years ago a gunman opened fire on Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida leaving seventeen dead The voice of Uzi Garcia, who was killed in Uvalde in 2022 was also used in the project. In Garcia's AI generated phone call his voice is heard saying: 'I'm a fourth-grader at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.' 'Or at least I was, when a man with an AR-15 came into my school and killed 18 of my classmates, two teachers and me.' 'You're not truly dead until the last person who remembers you is gone,' Brett Cross, Uzi's father, told the Journal. 'So for however many years I have left, I'm going to keep introducing him to this world so that he'll outlast me.' Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz is serving life in prison without the possibility of parole, for the deadliest high school shooting in US history. He was officially sentenced to 34 consecutive life sentences in 2022, one for each of those he murdered and injured during the massacre. Many of the victim's families criticized the sentencing, arguing that Cruz deserved the death penalty for his crimes. Shocking before and after pictures show a Ukrainian soldier looking painfully thin after being freed from Russian captivity in scenes reminiscent of liberated Nazi camps. When Volodymyr Tsema-Bursov, 41, was taken prisoner by invading Russian troops 20 months ago he weighed a healthy 95kg. But horrifying photos taken after his release last month as part of a prisoner exchange show what could be mistaken for pictures from a World War II Nazi death camp. Volodymyr, who is 6.2ft, has lost nearly half his body weight and now weighs just 57kg. His skeletal body is so thin that every rib can be counted and his painfully fleshless arms hang down like pipe cleaners. He is being treated for multiple medical problems caused by his starvation. Volodymyr said: 'My health is much worse than I expected. Horrifying photos (above) taken after Volodymyr's release last month as part of a prisoner exchange show what could be mistaken for pictures from a World War II Nazi death camp When Volodymyr Tsema-Bursov, 41, was taken prisoner by invading Russian troops 20 months ago he weighed a healthy 95kg (pictured) Volodymyr, who is 6.2ft, has lost nearly half his body weight and now weighs just 57kg. His skeletal body is so thin that every rib can be counted and his painfully fleshless arms hang down like pipe cleaners 'I have, as they say, a "whole bouquet" of diseases, including chronic gastritis in an acute stage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disease of the human digestive system, chronic prostatitis in remission, etc.' His wife Inna, 34, said: 'I want people to see what is being done to our prisoners of war in Russia's jails.' Volodymyr was serving with Ukraine's 56th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade when he was captured on April 12, 2022. He had been detained after Ukrainian forces were surrounded in the Ilyich Metallurgical Plant in Mariupol, according to local media reports. He was then held in a succession of detention facilities in the Russian-occupied Luhansk region of Ukraine as well as in Russia and was also reportedly subjected to torture. Russians soldiers reportedly beat and abused their prisoners and when Volodymyr was released he was so confused he did not even realise he was back in Ukraine. The first stop after he was captured was the notorious Olenivka barracks, where soldiers allegedly try to 'break' PoWs. 'We were met by a Jack Booted thug,' he said. 'Each of us said his last name, first name and patronymic and runs to the barracks through a "living corridor". 'Three men on the left, the same number of people on the right. Each of them had a "work tool" in their hands - a club or rubber stick. 'Others had something like a cutting board or a strap with metal inserts. Each of them tries to hit you as hard as possible.' The final man 'jumped up and kicked you in the guts. He hit so hard that almost everyone fell over.' The inmates were allegedly forced to remove items of clothing and go through the same process again. 'Many of the men got hit in the kidneys,' Volodymyr said. In Sukhodolsk, also in the invaded territory of Ukraine, 'they took me to the cell, and there were two of them. 'And one of them said: "According to our information, you are a [military] instructor in the Azov regiment."' His wife Inna (left, pictured with Volodymyr), 34, said: 'I want people to see what is being done to our prisoners of war in Russia's jails' In fact, Volodymyr was a musician in Mariupol and on cruise ships and was recruited into the military orchestra immediately before the war in 2020. 'I answered that this information was far from the truth. But they did not believe me,' he said. 'And the beating started on my legs, chest, and abdomen. Accusations and blows. Then, apparently, they got tired of it. 'They said, well, if you are a musician and we will bring a guitar, will you be able to play it? "Well, of course, I will play," I told them.' Later he was moved to an unspecified location in Russia. He said: 'When we arrived, one of the boys asked the guards where we were. And in response the voice says: "Welcome to hell!"' They were allegedly forced onto their knees and elbows, undressed and washed with cold water. 'All this was accompanied by beatings - with sticks, batons, cutting boards and shockers,' Volodymyr said. 'Then they took fingerprints. And, again, the beatings, they hit wherever they could - back, chest, head, arms, legs.' A California widow has received her annual Valentine's Day bouquet from her dead husband, who arranged for her to get flowers forever after he passed away. Diana Maver, 77, was married to her beloved John for nearly 50 years before he died in October 2017. They shared three children together - and even beyond the grave, John has made sure his wife feels special on February 14. 'Love can exist through life and through death. My dad, he is the ultimate romantic guy,' the couple's daughter said. Each Valentine's Day since his passing, Diana has been awoken to a bouquet of white lilies and roses on her doorstep at her East Bay home - which John organized for her. 'We were married 47 years, but we actually met in high school when we were 16 years old,' Maver told ABC7. Diana Maver, 77, was married to her beloved John for almost 50 years before he died in October 2017 The happy couple, who had three children together, are pictured at their wedding Their daughter, Marilee Heard, said: 'Through whatever magic works in his world, it's set up so that every year a bouquet of flowers shows up on her doorstep from my dad. 'When these flowers arrive, you should see the smile that comes on her face. It's just incredible, the joy that washes over her. 'She's just knows, she knows he's there with her. Roses and lilies, white lilies. They represented our love for each other.' Each year, the same bundle of buds and the same card arrives. John set up the recurring payment for the rest of Diana's life, so that she never is without flowers on the day of love. The card she receives reads: 'I have but one heart and that is you. You will always be my Valentine.' Each year, the same bundle of buds and the same card arrives at Diana's doorstep John set up the reoccurring payment for the rest of Diana's life, so that she never is without flowers on the day of love The happy couple are pictured back in their younger days Each Valentine's Day since his passing, Diana has been awoken to a bouquet of white lilies and roses on her doorstep at her East Bay home - which John organized for her February 14 is typically a day where lovers show that there are no bounds when it comes to their affections for one another. In Texas, a lovestruck has gone to the US-Mexico border every Valentine's Day in hopes of reuniting with a woman he met 28 years ago. Marine Corps vet Esteban Perez, also known as the 'soldier of love,' is known for standing in full uniform on a street corner in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, while holding flowers and waiting his heart's desire, who he has named only as Cecilia. While the 59-year-old claimed that last year would be the last time he tried to reunite with Cecilia, local Mexican outlets have reported he was seen again on Wednesday fulfilling his yearly Valentine's Day tradition. Perez, who now lives in Laredo, Texas, reportedly met Cecilia at a nightclub in the border town in 1996. The couple's daughter said that her father's gift to Diana each Valentine's shows that love has no bounds Diana is pictured with her husband John when he was in hospital He has previously said the two dated for a few months before Cecilia broke things up. It's not clear why they separated but The Washington Post previously cited local reports that claim it had something to do with his military duties. Because he did not know how to contact her or where she went, Perez started the Valentine's Day tradition a few years after they separated. 'I will only stop coming if she is married or she has children,' Perez once said. 'I have never married, don't have children and I have never looked for another girl because I would never see in any other girl what I saw in Cecilia.' Perez, who has never revealed Cecilia's full name, has become known in Nuevo Loredo for his Valentine's Day traditions. But locals said they have mixed feelings about the gesture. 'He looks very handsome in his suit,' said one local last year. 'She's missing out.' Another added: 'Let him have some therapy... it's been 25 years (sic). 'It takes about six months to get over a bereavement. After that time we need an intervention.' London's skyline is a muddle of buildings 'with funny names', according to an American critic. Peter Coy kicked off a transatlantic row by claiming that the capital is an 'incoherent riot' because famous architects were used as a front to win planning approval for large profitable buildings. Coy is an opinion writer for the New York Times newspaper. His criticism was deemed 'a bit rich coming from New York' by one senior London designer who said the Big Apple, famous for its skyscrapers, has 'a lot of incredibly boring buildings'. Referring to London's much-loved landmarks such as the Shard, the Gherkin, the Cheese Grater and the Walkie Talkie, Coy called the City of London a 'jarring profusion of odd skyscrapers with funny names'. He said: 'The world's most famous architects have used London as a playground, with cacophonous results.' Coy does admit the Shard and the Scalpel are 'pretty elegant' and the Gherkin is '(mostly) well-liked' but calls Walkie-Talkie 'widely loathed'. Peter Coy kicked off a transatlantic row by claiming that the capital is an 'incoherent riot' His criticism was deemed 'a bit rich coming from New York' by one senior London designer He blamed the British planning process for the state of London's skyline and said that decisions on land use were often swayed when famous architects were hired by developers. While the Mayor of London rejected such claims, Coy argued that, on average, buildings by famous architects were 17 stories taller than those by their lesser-known peers. Defending the capital, Peter Rees, a professor at the Bartlett School of Planning, said the UK should not be ashamed of London's quirky skyline and that nicknames such as the Shard were a sign of public affection. 'It's a bit rich coming from New York,' he told The Times. He said few buildings in New York share the stardom of those in London, naming just one, the Vessel, which is the work of a British architect and has been likened to a bin. Professor Rees blamed New York's complicated planning approval process saying that despite being home to the iconic Empire State and Chrysler buildings it was 'one reason why New York gets a lot of incredibly boring buildings.' Previously, Coy had deemed new additions to New York's skyline, the expensive buildings nicknamed the 'Pencil Towers', to be 'safety deposit boxes' for millionaire investors. Coy argued that, on average, buildings by famous architects were 17 stories taller than those by their lesser-known peers Coy said 'the world's most famous architects have used London as a playground, with cacophonous results' He even suggested that they were only built when developers bought 'air rights' in local neighbourhoods and that after construction no one had lived in them. Some 25 per cent of London's buildings were designed by big-name architects, compared to just 3 per cent in Chicago, a 2020 study by economists found. The skyscraper known as the Walkie Talkie in the City of London was also nicknamed the city's 'Fryscaper' after its curved shape reflected rays of light on to the street below causing heat damage. In 2013, some of the panels on a Jaguar XJ car buckled and melted in the heat coming off the building. Bombshell text messages allegedly show Matt Gaetz solicited a young woman who his now-imprisoned pal Joel Greenberg had paid for sex to join him on a three-day excursion to the Florida Keys. The messages, reported by ABC News, allegedly occurred in May 2017, months after the Florida Republican was sworn into office. Texts described in detail to the outlet reportedly show Gaetz asking the woman to fly on a private plane and join him, one other woman and three other men in the Keys. 'Hey -- any interest in flying on a private plane to the keys May 19-21?' the congressman allegedly wrote. Newly reported text messages show Matt Gaetz soliciting a young woman who his now-imprisoned pal Joel Greenberg had paid for sex to join him on a three-day excursion to the Florida Keys Gaetz, pictured with his wife Ginger, has persistently denied all allegations of wrongdoing against him and the DOJ decided last year not to prosecute Gaetz informed the woman, whom ABC News describes as 'older than 21,' the trip would feature '2 guys, 4 girls. A very high-quality adventurous group.' 'Yeah I'm in,' replied the woman. Gaetz then allegedly wrote back: 'Fantastic. As is true with all time you spend w me, it'll be fun and chill [] You have a passport?' ABC reports the woman never did end up taking the trip. Greenberg has reportedly told investigators that he paid the woman to have sex with other men on their behalf. Gaetz's office denied the congressman ever knew Greenberg had been paying the woman for sex. Bank and Venmo records show payments from Greenberg to the woman which sources say were for her to have sex at parties with Greenberg's friends. The committee is reportedly in possession of a photo of Gaetz and the woman. 'Rep. Gaetz has no knowledge of these activities by Mr. Greenberg and was not involved in them. Rep. Gaetz has never paid for sex. Rep. Gaetz does not know anything about the woman you're referencing, though he takes thousands of selfies each year.' Greenberg, a former Seminole County tax collector, got 11 years in prison for sex trafficking of a minor and stalking a political opponent in a plea agreement with prosecutors in May 2021. He was a key witness in the Department of Justice's probe into allegations that Gaetz had also sex trafficked the same minor - though the DOJ decided not to bring charges against Gaetz. The House Ethics Committee first opened an investigation into Gaetz in April 2021, but paused it during the DOJ probe and has since reopened it. The House Ethics Committee first opened an investigation into Gaetz in April 2021, but paused it during the DOJ probe and has since reopened it House investigators are looking into whether Gaetz paid for sex and allegations of drug use and lobbying violations. According to a 2021 New York Times report investigators had believed that Gaetz and the disgraced Seminole County tax collector Joel Greenberg instructed women they met online 'to meet at certain times and places, often at hotels around Florida, and would tell them the amount of money they were willing to pay.' Gaetz, who has been married to Ginger Luckey since 2021, says allegations are a gross mischaracterization of his single days. And the probe ended without any charges against him. 'I have definitely, in my single days, provided for women I've dated,' Gaetz told Axios. 'You know, I've paid for flights, for hotel rooms. I've been, you know, generous as a partner.' Greenberg has reportedly told investigators that he paid the woman to have sex with other men on their behalf. Gaetz's office denied the congressman ever knew Greenberg had been paying the woman for sex He later told then-Fox News host Tucker Carlson: 'The New York Times is running a story that I have traveled with a 17-year-old woman and that is verifiably false. People can look at my travel records and see that that is not the case.' In September 2018, three separate private flights took off from Orlando, Florida for a Bahamas weekend getaway with passengers including five young women. Gaetz flew to the same destination but commercial. Sources told Politico in a 2021 report that in the Bahamas, Gaetz was joined by GOP allies Halsey Beshears, then a state legislator, and Jason Pirozzolo, a hand surgeon and Republican fundraiser for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. A Penn State University professor who has been accused of performing sex acts on his pet dog, is now facing more charges. Themis Matsoukas, 64, was allegedly caught in the act on surveillance cameras by the bathrooms at Rockrock State Forest, wearing a mask while half naked except for socks and shoes in June 2023. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have now found 55 videos recorded by Matsoukas performing questionable sexual acts between May and June 2023 on his iPad. According to an affidavit obtained by Onward State, the videos show the professor completely naked or naked below the waist while wearing a ski mask. In the videos, Matsoukas is seen masturbating on a picnic table, porches at lease camp buildings, on DCNR vehicles and in a lake. Furthermore, he was also seen inserting a tree branch, a lollipop and the control handle of a DCNR John Deere crawler into his anus in many of the videos. The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have now found 55 videos recorded by Themis Matsoukas, 64, performing questionable sexual acts between May and June 2023 on his iPad The Penn State professor was allegedly caught in the act with his pet collie on a park surveillance camera at Rothrock State Forest in Pennsylvania (pictured) The affidavit states that Matsoukas has been also been accused of defecating on a lease camp property and in a maintenance area next to DCNR equipment along with smearing bodily fluid on a glass table at a lease camp. His charges have been updated and include two felony counts each of burglary and criminal trespass, six misdemeanor counts of indecent exposure, two misdemeanor counts of open lewdness, two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, and six summary counts of disorderly conduct for obscene gestures. Investigators allegedly first tracked him down through a North Face backpack, which led a distraught Matsoukas to admit to officials he did it to 'blow off steam'. Officials launched an investigation after security cameras intended to monitor thieves captured the lewd acts on film. Themis Matsoukas, 64, reportedly told investigators he carried out the perverted act to 'blow off steam' A professor of chemical engineering, Matsoukas had been at Penn State University since 1991. He has written several books and won distinguished teaching awards, but the university said in a statement following his arrest he has 'been relieved of his responsibilities and is on leave'. He was arraigned by Huntingdon County District Judge Douglas Gummo and later released on unsecured bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 21. Police bungled welfare checks on Ambreen Fatima Sheikh, after letting her abuser be present during them, it was revealed today. Ambreen Fatima Sheikh, who was brought to the UK from Pakistan in 2014 for an arranged marriage, was doused with chemicals, force-fed pills and left in a vegetative state by her husband's family because they were 'unhappy with her housework.' Ms Sheikh was just 30-years-old when she was given the anti-diabetes drug glimepiride, which induced catastrophic brain injury. She was also doused in a caustic substance in the days leading up to her hospital admission on August 1, 2015. The worried family of Ms Sheikh contacted police with concerns in July that year. Upon carrying out a welfare check, two West Yorkshire Police officers reported that she was fit and well. But the judge presiding over the case today, Mrs Justice Lambert, said she attached 'little weight to that assessment' because Ms Sheikh spoke little English and her father-in-law was present during the visit. Ambreen Fatima Sheikh (pictured) was 30 when she was given the anti-diabetes drug glimepiride, which induced catastrophic brain injury, after she was brought to the UK from Pakistan following an arranged marriage It was initially thought Ms Sheikh, now 39, would die - but when her ventilator was turned off in hospital, she began to breathe for herself. The court heard that she has been left unaware of herself or her environment, without motor response or response to pain, and will never recover. Prosecutors said she only survives by being fed through a tube and will eventually die as a consequence of what happened to her, although this may not happen for many years. Judge Lambert said she rarely left the house and never by herself. She had no independent income, no friends in the UK and could speak only a little English. The judge said: 'It is difficult to imagine a more serious injury, short of death.' Husband Asgar Sheikh (pictured) at Leeds Crown Court where he has been found guilty for allowing his wife, Ambreen Fatima Sheikh, to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Brother-in-law Shakalayne Sheilkh (pictured) has been handed a sentence of six months suspended for two years for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Mother-in-law Shabnam Sheikh (pictured) has been jailed for seven years and nine months for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Sister-in-law Shagufa Sheikh (pictured) has been handed a sentence of 18 months, suspended for two years for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage Father-in-law Khalid Sheikh (pictured) has been jailed for seven years and nine months for allowing Ambreen Fatima Sheikh to suffer serious harm after she failed to meet expectations in an arranged marriage On Wednesday, Ms Sheikh's husband, Asgar Sheikh, 31, was jailed for seven years and nine months along with his father, Khalid Sheikh, 55, and his mother, Shabnam Sheikh, 52. Asgar Sheikh's brother, Sakalayne Sheikh, 25, was given a six-month sentence, suspended for two years, and his sister, Shagufa Sheikh, 29, was given an 18-month sentence, also suspended for two years. None of the family gave evidence in court and the judge said she could not say for sure when the abuse began. The trial heard evidence that, soon after Ms Sheikh arrived in the UK, the family were not happy with her housework and chores, and Khalid Sheikh had suggested she should be sent back to Pakistan. Concerns were raised by members of the extended family and two police officers carried out a welfare check in July but reported Ms Sheikh as being fit and well. The judge said she attached 'little weight to that assessment' because Ms Sheikh spoke little English and her father-in-law was present during the visit. She said she did not know who administered the corrosive substance, which left severe burns on Ms Sheikh's lower back, bottom and right ear, and must have left her in considerable and lasting pain. And she said she did not know who 'tricked or forced' her to take the glimpiride, which was prescribed to Shabnam Sheikh and is extremely dangerous to non-diabetics, even in small doses. The judge decided there was a two to three-day delay between Ms Sheikh falling unconscious and the family calling an ambulance, during which she became highly dehydrated and inhaled fluids which may have exacerbated her brain injury. Even when the family called 999, they lied about what had happened to her, the judge said. 'You would all have been aware of her pain and distress,' she said. 'It's just not realistic to conclude that you did not all know of Ambreen's predicament and her desperate need for emergency medical care. 'You all also knew why she was in that condition.' The court heard that Ms Sheikh is now being looked after in a palliative care setting and will not recover but could live for decades more. None of the family gave evidence in court and the judge said she could not say for sure when the abuse began She was in good health before her collapse and there is some evidence that she was a teacher in Pakistan, the court heard. One witness said she was 'intelligent, bright, ambitious and happy-go-lucky' before she moved to the UK, and the judge said she was someone who would 'light up a room'. The judge said Ms Sheikh's father is now dead and her mother is in poor health in Pakistan. She has seven siblings and one of her brothers has been over to visit her. Asgar, Khalid, Shabnam and Shagufa Sheikh were all found guilty after a trial of allowing a vulnerable adult to suffer physical harm after a trial last year. The offence carried a maximum sentence of ten years in prison at the time of the offence but this has since been increased by Parliament to 14 years. Asgar, Shabnam and Shagufa Sheikh were also found guilty of doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice. All five defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Ambreen's husband Asgar Sheikh, right, with his brother Sakalyne Sheikh in October 2023 leaving court Ambreen's mother-in-law Shabnam Sheikh, left, and sister-in-law Shagufa Sheikh leaving court last October Ambreen's father-in-law Khalid Sheikh, 55, and mother-in-law Shabnam leaving court in 2023 Shagufa, Shabnam and Asgar were also found guilty of doing an act intending to pervert the course of justice in October last year The Sheikh family leaving court in October, 2023 Previously, neighbours of the Sheikh family told the court Ambreen was so isolated they didn't know she was there. Diana Roach, their next door neighbour for 35 years, said 'on occasion' Khalid's (Ambreen's father-in-law) older brother and his children would visit them. Asked if she ever saw anyone else go there, she said: 'No, I mean I would see delivery or postmen and what not but visiting, no.' From time to time Shagufa, 'the daughter', would be seen with her mother Shabnam coming home from the shops or helping with work on the house. Then in August 2015 police broke into the property with a battering ram after Ambreen was admitted to hospital in an unconscious state. Police spoke to neighbours and news of what was going on behind closed doors came as a shock. 'I was shocked because I just didn't realise that there was another person living in the house that we weren't aware of,' said Ms Roach. She said she didn't know Asgar had got married and his wife had been living at the address since November. Another neighbour told MailOnline that she believed the men in the Sheikh family worked as builders but knew little about them. 'They don't talk to us and they don't having anything to do with anyone around here really,' she said. 'We had no idea this woman was even in the house. When we saw it on the news it was a big shock.' Assistant Chief Constable Damien Miller of West Yorkshire Police, said: 'West Yorkshire Police has worked hard in recent years to improve its safeguarding of vulnerable victims in domestic settings, including those from our minority communities. 'The force has invested heavily in awareness training for police officers and staff to better spot the signs of such offending and provide enhanced victim support and the quality of investigations. 'This has included training provided by specialist partners such as Karma Nirvana to raise awareness of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. 'We take a victim-led approach to deal with these challenging issues which respects the views of victims and witnesses, and provides the necessary support, confidentiality and protection from harm they may need. 'Specialist officers located in the Force's district Safeguarding Units or Domestic Abuse Teams are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who report concerns about themselves directly or who are otherwise brought to our attention as being potential victims, ensuring that all crimes are fully investigated and prosecuted wherever possible.' It was President Joe Biden who brought up the time of his son Beau's death and botched the year during his interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, according to a new report following White House fury over the 'gratuitous' detail. Hur included discussion of Beau's death in his bombshell 345-page report as one of multiple examples of Biden's 'hazy' memory, inviting a fiery response from the president during his angry press conference last Thursday. 'How in the hell dare he raise that?' Biden fumed at the White House. 'Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself: it wasn't any of their damn business.' Now, two people familiar with Hur's five-hour interview with Biden over Oct. 8 and Oct. 9 say it was Biden who brought up Beau's death, NBC reported. Prosecutors were peppering Biden with questions about a Virginia home he rented from 2016 to 2018 which was among multiple facilities where classified information was uncovered. Biden fumed at Special Counsel Robert Hur's accusation that the Scranton-native didn't know when his son Beau died. According to a new report, it is Biden who brought up the year of Beau's death when searching for information about the time he had notebooks at a rented Virginia home It was one of the facilities where Biden stored classified notebooks in 'unsecured and unauthorized spaces.' He also used the home to meet with his ghostwriter while working on his memoir, Promise Me Dad, which recounts the devastating loss of his son to brain cancer in 2015. Investigators wanted to know about a recording they obtained of Biden telling the writer he had found 'classified stuff' in the home. Biden evidently began reaching for key markers from the period while trying to recall the information, 'and it was at that point in the interview that he appeared confused about when Beau had died,' according to the report, which notes that he got the date of Beau's death, May 30, correctly. First lady Jill Biden also blasted the information as exploiting 'our sons death to score political points.' The White House blasted 'gratuitous' information in the report. The exact nature of how the conversation played out is memorialized in a transcript and recordings of Biden's interview, which he noted came as the White House was scrambling to respond to the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Rubert Hur's report references Biden's 'fuzzy' memory and says he didn't correctly recall the year of his son Beau's death 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 House Republican committee chairmen are demanding access to the information. The White House says its counsel's office would 'look' at the request. House Republicans also want to call Hur to testify, setting up what could be weeks of back and forth over the report, even as Biden seeks reelection while contending with polls that show widespread voter concern about his age. The report, which spelled out the reasons Biden would not be charged and called him an 'elderly' man with a diminished memory, makes repeated references to the Virginia property. 'Evidence suggests that, while researching and writing the book, Mr. Biden found marked classified documents in the basement of his rental home in Virginia and told his ghostwriter about it during an audio-recorded conversation. And while the published book is not known to contain classified information, while writing the book in unsecure locations, Mr. Biden used notebooks containing notes he took during his vice presidency about classified meetings and information,' it said. Brave Kansas City Chiefs fans tackled a suspected gunmen today as he attempted to flee cops after a shooting at the Super Bowl parade, new video has revealed. Three gunmen opened fire inside Union Station moments after the team including Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes left the stage on what should have been a triumphant day for the city following the Chiefs victory in Las Vegas on Sunday. At least one person was killed and 29 others were injured as fans, including young children, ran from the gunfire. Unconfirmed reports stated that some of the casualties were rushed to nearby Children's Mercy Hospital. Amid the terror, a heroic group of men were seen taking down one of the suspected perpetrators. They hauled the alleged gunman to the ground and then shouted 'we got the gun.' The men held down the suspect until cops arrived to detain him. The identities of the three gunmen have not yet been confirmed and no motive has been given for the attack. One of those detained was pictured in a red hoodie sitting on a curb with his hands cuffed behind his back. It came just moments after superstars including the quarterback, Mahomes, greeted fans following the team's historic 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers. The team were on buses returning to Arrowhead Stadium when the shooting started. A heartbroken Mahomes later took to social media offering his condolences. 'Praying for Kansas City,' he wrote. The White House said in a statement: 'The President has been briefed on the shooting in Kansas City and will continue to receive updates. 'White House officials have been in touch with state and local leaders, and federal law enforcement is on the scene supporting local law enforcement.' Brave Kansas City Chiefs fans tackled one of the gunmen as he attempted to flee police during the Super Bowl Parade shooting Video posted to Twitter shows one of the suspected shooters running through the crowd trying to flee police A group of courageous fans are able to tackle the suspect and hold him down as the rest of the crowd run to safety Police detained three gunmen at the scene as the parade descended into chaos. It is not clear if the man pictured was involved Police evacuated the train station as huge crowds fled in panic after the shots rang out, with up to one million people expected to have descended on Kansas City for the parade. Fans were seen scrambling from the scene, with several people wheeled away in stretchers. Player Drue Tranquill said on X shortly after the shooting: 'Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act. 'Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing.' Kansas City Fire reportedly said that of those injured, five were 'serious', three were 'critical', and one person has non-life-threatening injuries. Kansas City Police Department chief Stacey Graves said at a press conference: 'At the conclusion of the Chiefs' rally today, there were shots fired on the west side of Union Station. 'Immediately, officers responded to the area, took two people into custody and also immediately rendered life-sustaining aid to those victims. 'We're still gathering information on the number and the status of victims. We know that one of the victims is deceased. 'Right now, we have up to 10 to 15 injured. We do not have an exact number of people who were victims of a gunshot wound. During the press conference, it was announced that the Kansas City Chiefs had confirmed all their players, coaches and staff were safe and accounted for. Chiefs players and staff were celebrating beating the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday to become the first back-to-back Super Bowl champions in 19 years. Offensive lineman Trey Smith thanked first responders, adding: 'You're the ones who should be celebrated today.' People flee after shots were fired near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl LVIII victory parade Several people were seen being wheeled away in a stretcher, with reports indicating up to 10 people may have been injured in the chaotic scenes An injured fan receives assistance and is carried away from the scene of the shooting A woman with a large cut on her face was seen being stretchered away from the scene The shooting led to a rapid evacuation of the area, which just moments before was packed with parade-goers A man in a red hoodie was pictured being arrested, although it is unclear if he was one of those involved in the shooting Earlier, the city had been in party mode as Super Bowl MVP Mahomes and team-mate Kelce took center stage on a platform near Union Station. Mahomes had told a cheering crowd the Chiefs were going for a 'three-peat' next season while Kelce led the supporters in some chanting. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said he was inside the Union Station when the shooters began firing. He did not say if he saw the gunmen, but praised the 'stream of officers ready to face danger' that darted inside. Witnesses described terrifying scenes as the family occasion descended into nightmarish scenes. Gabe Wallace, a sophomore at local Shawnee Mission East, told the Kansas City Star that he was quickly separated from his friends as the carnage unfolded. He said his only thoughts were 'my friends are dead', and said coach Andy Reid comforted him. Rick Burkholder, a staffer for the Kansas City Chiefs team, said shortly after that Coach Reid was rushed to safety, and he and his family were 'safe and on a bus headed to Arrowhead.' Missouri is an open carry state and it is possible that numerous fans in the crowd were also carrying firearms. The shooting unfolded on the sixth anniversary of the Parkland shooting, when 17 people were killed and 17 others were injured. It marks the 48th mass shooting of the year so far, only into its second month. A law enforcement officer looks around the scene following the tragedy A person is loaded onto an ambulance amid reports of up to 15 injured Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said he was inside the Union Station when the shooters began firing. He did not say if he saw the gunmen, but praised the 'stream of officers ready to face danger' that darted inside A large police presence descended on Union Square after shots rang out at the Kansas City Chiefs Superbowl Parade Fans were seen scrambling from the scene shortly after players left the stage The shooting sparked frantic scenes on the streets of Kansas City The shooting came moments after the Kansas City Chiefs players celebrated their win on stage Law enforcement officers look around the scene after an incident following the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade A large police presence remained at the scene throughout Wednesday afternoon Thousands had gathered for the celebration before the shooting left eerily quiet scenes Just now a surge of police toward Westin hotel pic.twitter.com/w6IwJQxPfG Vahe Gregorian (@vgregorian) February 14, 2024 Gabe Wallace, a sophomore at Shawnee Mission East, heard the gunshots and hopped a barricade, scraping head on the concrete. He lost track of his friends. On what he was thinking? My friends are dead. Said Andy Reid hugged him. He trying to comfort me. pic.twitter.com/arcWCm7ytu Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) February 14, 2024 A row has broken out after a judge who decided to let three women wearing parachute images at a pro-Palestine march walk free admitted to liking a social media post branding Israel a 'terrorist'. Tanweer Ikram is facing calls to be investigated for a conflict of interest after he liked a LinkedIn post calling for a 'free Palestine ' by a barrister who had previously promoted conspiracy theories claiming that Israel allowed the October 7 attack. The senior district judge admitted to liking the post 'by mistake' three weeks ago, but was told by the Judicial Office that the matter would not be investigated further. A number of social media users felt Mr Ikram should face disciplinary action after judicial guidance issued last year stated that judges known to have strong views should consider whether to hear a case. These calls were fueled further by senior legal figures including a former home secretary and a Jewish campaign group, who called for a review of Mr Ikram's sentencing. Tanweer Ikram (pictured) is facing calls to be investigated for a conflict of interest after he liked a LinkedIn post calling for a 'free Palestine The post was by barrister Sham Uddin who had previously promoted conspiracy theories claiming that Israel allowed the October 7 attack Mr Ikram had allowed the three women who displayed images of paragliders at a protest in central London to walk free The post which was liked by Ikram stated: 'Free Free Palestine. To the Israeli terrorist both in the United Kingdom, the United States, and of course Israel you can run, you can bomb but you cannot hide justice will be coming for you.' A X user posted a photo of the post liked by Mr Ikram, along with the caption: 'This is Tanweer Ikram, the 'impartial' judge who decided not to punish 3 women who were convicted of terrorism offences for displaying images of paragliders, celebrating the Hamas tactics. 'He needs to be investigated since this is a conflict of interest.' Another person commented: 'Fully agree. There is conflict of interest. Tanweer Ikram, by not voluntarily recusing himself, reveals that he cannot be trusted. He needs to be investigated.' A third wrote: 'This is absolutely shocking! That sentencing should be reviewed.' The post liked by Mr Ikram was written by barrister Sham Uddin, who is standing to be an independent MP in east London. Mr Uddin has made a series of anti-Israel posts, including an October 7 conspiracy theory that Israel knowingly allowed the attacks to take place to 'expel' Palestinians. According to social media guidance to the judiciary, judges should 'be aware that you can convey information about yourself and your views by liking posts'. Downing Street said that it had referred the case to the Attorney General, describing the sentencing decision as 'deeply troubling'. A spokesperson for the Judicial Office told the MailOnline: 'I spoke to the judge in question and he said it was a genuine mistake. He didn't know he liked the post and deleted the like immediately. This won't be investigated further.' Heba Alhayek, 29, Pauline Ankunda, 26, and Noimutu Olayinka Taiwo, 27, were found guilty on Tuesday of an offence under the Terrorism Act after displaying images of paragliders at a protest in central London. Militants from Hamas used paragliders to enter Israel from Gaza before killing more than 1,000 Israelis. The three women were handed a 12-month conditional discharge by Ikram, meaning that they could face a prison sentence if they commit a crime within the year. Under maximum magistrates' court custodial sentencing guidelines they could have received a six-month jail term. The Jewish Leadership Council said that the women had got off 'scot-free'. Mr Ikram told the women: 'Each of you stands convicted of a terrorist offence. There is nothing to suggest the police of their own volition were going to take any action. You've not hidden the fact you were carrying these images. You crossed the line, but it would have been fair to say that emotions ran very high on this issue. 'Your lesson has been well learnt. I do not find you were seeking to show any support for Hamas.' The senior district judge admitted to liking the post 'by mistake' three weeks ago, but was told by the Judicial Office that the matter would not be investigated further Suella Braverman KC, former home secretary and attorney general, said: 'I am shocked and deeply concerned at these findings. We must have confidence that judges are impartial and act in the interests of justice at all times. 'This raises serious questions about the sentencing of these despicable criminals and there must be an immediate review.' laudia Mendoza, chief executive of the Jewish Leadership Council said: 'In the aftermath of the barbaric Hamas terror attack, it was clear what those images meant. 'The woefully inadequate sentence and accompanying remarks from the judge were extremely surprising. 'It is deeply worrying, and revealing, that this judge could have considered it right to hear the case himself given his previous public stance on this issue. 'The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office should immediately investigate.' This is the horrifying moment when three on-air news anchors slowly realized that they were reporting on a fatal shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade instead of a celebration. The reporters for Channel 41 - who were streaming the happy scenes from the parade on Wednesday afternoon - can be seen looking around in confusion after shots were fired in the Missouri city. The three upbeat anchors were reporting live on-air from the Super Bowl parade - following the Kansas City Chiefs big win against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday - before they panned to bizarre footage of crowds dispersing. Confused, the trio of journalists realize in real-time that they were in the middle of a serious situation - as frantic people in the crowd shouted at them to duck down. The female reporter says: 'We've got erm...crowds are dispersing.' One of the male anchors then joins in: 'I think they are trying to...um...' The reporters for Channel 41, who were streaming the happy scenes from the parade on Wednesday afternoon, can be seen looking around in confusion after shots were fired in the Missouri city Frantic crowds are seen dropping to the ground after shots were fired during the celebratory parade in Kansas City, Missouri The moment in the Channel 41 live stream when they realized something went wrong at the Chiefs Superbowl parade/rally at Union Station. pic.twitter.com/qe3e29yDdl Bob Rombach (@Bob_Rombach) February 14, 2024 The third anchor nervously states: 'It looks like they are running.' As they're watching the manic, frightened crowds in real-time, the woman then says: 'We might have a situation here, we're trying to keep an eye on it.' They continue the rolling news, saying that the swathes of Chiefs fans looked as if they were attempting to disperse quickly. One of the male anchors says: 'It looks a little different than a normal... 'We're not sure if they're rushing to their vehicles, or to the shows, or if there's some sort of disturbance. I can see people jumping the fence right now. 'I'm not sure where exactly they are going to.' It was at this point that the on-air reporters suddenly heard people in the crowd below them scream at them to duck and cover. Two people, wearing Chiefs uniforms, duck and run during the ordeal on Wednesday The anchors were watching the crowd disperse in real time - and soon realized the situation was dire The female reporter adds: 'We don't know if there is a safety concern, quite possible. Some people in the crowd are telling us to get down.' She then politely tells her crews at the news station to take over the broadcast so that the trio of reporters at the scene can hide as the shooting situation escalates. Authorities say that at least one person is dead. Up to 22 people are injured. Three gunmen opened fire inside Union Station shortly after 3:30pm, seconds after the team including Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes left the stage. Police evacuated the train station as huge crowds fled in panic after the shots rang out, with up to one million people expected to have descended on Kansas City for the parade. The three gunmen were detained, although their identities and motive remain unclear. Reports indicate multiple children were also gunned down in the tragic celebration, and were rushed to nearby Children's Mercy Hospital. Russia has placed more than 100 Britons - including aid workers, volunteers and a soldier who died in combat - on a wanted list. The Kremlin's interior ministry put Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and other high-profile politicians critical of Putin's invasion of Ukraine on its updated list of people it accuses of criminal activity. They also include 93 people from the UK accused of signing up to fight alongside Ukraine since Russia invaded almost two years ago. General Gwyn Jenkins, vice chief of the defence staff, is among the most high-profile names on the list. The Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Office declined to comment. Russia has placed more than 100 Britons - including aid workers, volunteers and a soldier who died in combat - on a wanted list The Kremlin's interior ministry put Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas (pictured) and other high-profile politicians critical of Putin's invasion of Ukraine on its updated list But others include Harley Whitehead and Steven Dickinson, from east Lancashire, who have helped deliver aid to Ukraine. The list also includes Ben Atkin, from Scotland, who at 18 was the youngest known Briton to join the war. Another to feature is Simon Lingard, 38, from Preston, who was fatally injured while fighting in the Donetsk region in November 2022. Estonian premier Ms Kallas appeared on the Russian interior ministry's wanted list along with Estonian state secretary Taimar Peterkop and a number of other officials. General Gwyn Jenkins (right), vice chief of the defence staff, is among the most high-profile names on the list Another to feature is Simon Lingard, 38, from Preston, (pictured) who was fatally injured while fighting in the Donetsk region in November 2022 They were listed in connection with the 'destruction of monuments to Soviet soldiers', Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said. 'Crimes against the memory of the liberators of the world from Nazism and fascism must be punished. And this is just the beginning,' she added. Russia has laws criminalising the 'rehabilitation of Nazis' that include clauses punishing the desecration of war memorials, and Russia's Investigative Committee, the country's top criminal investigation agency, has a dedicated department to deal with alleged 'falsification of history' and 'rehabilitation of Nazism,' which has ramped up its action since the start of the war, according to Mediazona, an independent Russian news outlet that analysed the wanted list. Ms Kallas, a staunch critic of Russia and its Ukraine offensive, said the move was unsurprising. Bobulinski's attorney accused Dems of 'assassination of Mr. Bobulinskis character and grotesque mischaracterizations of his words' According to top Biden impeachment investigator James Comer, Democrats 'yelled at' Bobulinski, 'cut him off, belittled him and threatened him' Bobulinski told investigators Joe Biden was the 'enabler' and the 'brand' of his family's lucrative foreign business deals Tony Bobulinski's lawyers tore into Democrats for 'abusive conduct and disingenuous mischaracterizations' after the former Hunter Biden business associate testified on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Bobulinski told investigators Joe Biden was the 'enabler' and the 'brand' of his family's lucrative foreign business deals. According to top Biden impeachment investigator James Comer, Democrats 'yelled at' Bobulinski, 'cut him off, belittled him and threatened him' during the interview. 'Assassination of Mr. Bobulinskis character and grotesque mischaracterizations of his words will only serve to highlight the gaslighting and vilification Mr. Bobulinski has endured since he reluctantly came forward almost four years ago to share with the public the facts of his business experience with the Biden family,' attorney Stefan Passantino wrote in a letter address to top Oversight Democrat Jamie Raskin on Wednesday. In 2017 Bobulinski claimed the 'big guy' was Joe Biden and he was getting a 10 percent cut of a deal with a Chinese company Hunter Biden was working with. Republicans are set to interrogate Hunter Biden 's business partner who has since turned on him, Tony Bobulinski, on Tuesday 'Assassination of Mr. Bobulinskis character and grotesque mischaracterizations of his words will only serve to highlight the gaslighting and vilification Mr. Bobulinski has endured since he reluctantly came forward almost four years ago to share with the public the facts of his business experience with the Biden family,' attorney Stefan Passantino wrote in a letter address to top Oversight Democrat Jamie Raskin on Wednesday 'I want to be crystal clear: from my direct personal experience and what I have subsequently come to learn, it is clear to me that Joe Biden was 'the Brand' being sold by the Biden family,' Bobulinski said in opening remarks obtained by DailyMail.com. He continued to say Joe was 'more than a participant' in his family's business, but rather 'an enabler, despite being buffered by a complex scheme to maintain plausible deniability.' 'The Biden family business was Joe Biden, period,' he said. In addition, he detailed how Chinese energy company CEFC 'successfully sought to infiltrate and compromise' the Obama-Biden White House. Democrats are hitting back at Bobulinski's claims, saying he's just another Republican witness with allegations that have been 'disproven.' 'This seems like a scene from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest here with Mr. Bobulinski. The first and most important point is simply that he offers absolutely no testimony that indicates any criminal activity by President Biden,' said top Oversight Democrat Jamie Raskin, 'or evidence that President Biden was involved in Hunter Biden's businesses.' Bobulinski's attorney said that wasn't true. 'It is categorically false to assert that Mr. Bobulinski failed to provide any evidence at all that President Biden was involved in his familys business dealings or that he did not testify that Joe Biden was not part of [the Biden familys] business structure,' the attorney wrote. 'Bobulinskis testimony and motivations for coming forward will soon be available for all to see, and false mischaracterizations will have no place in this debate.' Joe Biden, seen with his son Hunter in June, has always insisted he was not involved in Hunter's business dealings Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., added '[Bobulinski] said that he had two conversations with President Biden ever, and neither one of them had anything to do [with], or any relation [to], or any discussion of any of his business dealings.' The transcript of the interview will be released in the coming days. The White House is maintaining that Joe Biden was never involved in his family businesses in any capacity. Bobulinski previously claimed that the FBI ignored evidence about the Biden family's alleged crimes and 'altered history' by suppressing the Hunter Biden laptop story before the 2020 election. Bobulinski, a Navy veteran, worked with Hunter Biden and his uncle Jim - Joe's brother - in 2017 to create the joint venture SinoHawk Holdings with CEFC. In 2020, Bobulinski publicized a May 2017 email detailing a proposed equity split for a Chinese investment. The cryptic message said 20 percent of profits would be divided, with 10 percent to 'Jim' - likely Hunter's uncle, Jim Biden, and '10 held by H for the big guy.' He also told impeachment investigators that 'it is also not a coincidence' that CEFC used the Biden family's 'weakest link' Hunter to funnel in tens of millions of dollars. In addition, he says he has 'never' been contacted by any Biden administration agencies including the Justice Department, FBI, IRS or any law enforcement about his allegations. In a bombshell interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in 2022, Bobulinski brought up a voicemail he says proves that Joe was well aware of Hunter's deal with CEFC. Joe Biden called Hunter in December 2018 saying he wanted to talk to him after reading a New York Times story about Hunter's dealings with Chinese oil giant CEFC. Files on Hunter's abandoned laptop previously disclosed by DailyMail.com show that he struck a deal with the Chinese company worth millions of dollars. The Times' 2018 story pointed out CEFC's chairman Ye Jianming had been arrested in China and his lieutenant Patrick Ho had been convicted of bribery. After seeing the story online, Joe called Hunter and left a voicemail saying he was 'in the clear.' 'I thought the article released online, it's going to be printed tomorrow in the Times, was good. I think you're clear,' Joe said in the voicemail. The message flies in the face of the president's repeated denials that Joe ever discussed or was involved in Hunter's overseas business dealings. Hunter's lawyer Abbe Lowell has claimed that Bobulinski lied to the FBI. Late last year, Hunter asked the U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Matthew Greaves to investigate his former associate, saying Bobulinski had deliberately mischaracterized his ties to the Biden family. He is accused of acting to malign 'the character and reputation of [Hunter] Biden and his family, and to boost his own sense of self-worth.' Bobulinski, a Navy veteran, worked with Hunter Biden and his uncle Jim - Joe's brother - in 2017 to create the joint-venture SinoHawk Holdings with CEFC Hunter Biden 's business partner who has since turned on him, Tony Bobulinski, says Joe Biden was the 'enabler' of his family's lucrative foreign business deals IRS whistleblowers Gary Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, who have testified that the federal probe into Hunter was tainted by political influence, also claimed Joe Biden was 'the big guy.' Next week Republicans will hear from President Joe Biden's brother James on February 21 and Hunter himself on February 28. Republicans subpoenaed the pair for testimony and threatened them with contempt charges before they agreed to come in for closed door testimony. A killer pilot who bludgeoned his estranged wife to death poses a greater threat to the public now than when he was jailed, a court heard yesterday. Former British Airways pilot Robert Brown poses 'a high risk of serious harm to the general public' and to any future wife or girlfriend, recent prison assessments found. He also poses a potential danger to the family and friends of his victim Joanna Simpson, who have led a high-profile campaign to block his automatic early release, the assessment warned. Brown, 60, claims the blocking of his automatic release by Justice Secretary Alex Chalk is 'unreasonable' and has launched legal action. He has served 13 years of a 26-year sentence. Brown's lawyers told the High Court yesterday his threat to the public was unchanged since he was jailed. Former British Airways pilot Robert Brown (pictured) poses 'a high risk of serious harm to the general public' and to any future wife or girlfriend, recent prison assessments found He also poses a potential danger to the family and friends of his victim Joanna Simpson (pictured), who have led a high-profile campaign to block his automatic early release, the assessment warned But in arguments submitted to the High Court judicial review, barrister Iain Steele said: '[He] is now considered to indicate a high risk of serious harm to the public. This is an increase [from] the time of sentencing in 2011.' A risk assessment last year found he posed 'a high risk of serious harm' to the general public and a 'medium risk of serious harm' to known adults, particularly the victim's family and friends, who are all 'in great fear of [him]'. Brown used a claw hammer to kill his wife in their home in 2010 before burying her body. He was acquitted of murder but admitted manslaughter by diminished responsibility, based on a stress-related 'adjustment disorder', diagnosed by a psychiatrist instructed by his lawyers. A psychiatrist instructed by prosecutors found he was not suffering from an adjustment disorder or any other mental disorder, the court heard yesterday. The hearing continues. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has proposed to his partner Jodie Haydon. The prime minister shared the romantic news on Thursday morning, making him the first Australian leader to get engaged while in office. 'She said yes ,' Mr Albanese said. Mr Albanese, 60, took Ms Haydon, 45, to the Italian and Sons restaurant in Canberra on Wednesday evening to celebrate Valentine's Day. Later that evening, after they'd returned to the Lodge, the PM popped the question. Daily Mail Australia understands the PM had the ring designed specifically for Ms Haydon. In a joint statement, the couple said: 'We are thrilled and excited to share this news and look forward to spending the rest of our lives together. 'We are so lucky to have found each other.' Anthony Albanese has proposed to his partner Jodie Haydon and she said yes Mr Albanese took Ms Haydon to Italian and Sons (pictured) in Canberra on Wednesday evening to celebrate Valentine's Day During his time in office, she's been by his side every step of the way, earning the nickname 'Australia's First Lady' as she accompanies him to international events and joins him on the world stage. His colleagues, including Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong and Claire O'Neil showered the newly engaged couple in praise and well wishes. Who is Jodie Haydon? Ms Haydon was born in Bankstown, western Sydney, to parents who were school teachers and grew up on the central coast. She dropped out of university and began a career in the superannuation industry, where she worked for 20 years in various banking and finance roles. She is now working as women's officer at the NSW Public Service Association. In addition to her career, she also took over as the chief patron of the National Portrait Gallery in August 2022 - replacing former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's wife Jenny. The position is a customary honour for prime ministerial spouses and Ms Haydon's appointment was revealed on the PM's register of interests. In mid-2023, she also stepped into a new role as Ambassador for Redkite, a charity providing support for families impacted by childhood cancer. Redkite offers emotional, financial and practical help for families who have a child under the age of 18 living with cancer. Anthony Albanese with his son Nathan (left) and Jodie Haydon How did Jodie Haydon and Anthony Albanese meet? The once-divorced PM met Ms Haydon in early 2020 at a conference in Melbourne where the then-Opposition Leader was speaking. Mr Albanese asked the crowd if there were any fellow South Sydney fans present and finance worker Ms Haydon, who lives in his Grayndler electorate, shouted: 'Up the Rabbitohs'. He later introduced himself and they decided to go for a drink when they were back in Sydney. He wooed his new girlfriend with a night out at the Young Henrys brewery in Newtown. Anthony Albanese is pictured kissing Jodie Haydon at China Doll restaurant on Sydney's Woolloomoolo Wharf in 2020 Anthony Albanese is farewelled by Jodie Haydon before departing to a visit to Ukraine in 2022 During his time in office, Jodie has been by Anthony Albanese's side every step of the way, earning her the nickname 'Australia's First Lady' 'We had what I thought would just be a drink at Young Henrys in Newtown, and we got on really well. That's how it started,' he told Women's Weekly. Mr Albanese, a father-of-one, had recently split from his ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt after 19 years of marriage and 30 years together. Mr Albanese said admitted he 'didn't see it coming' when Tebbutt decided to end their marriage on New Year's Day 2019. 'I needed to stop trying to understand it and just accept it and accept that it was a decision that had been made and she was moving on with her life in a different direction and I needed to do the same,' he said. 'You can tie yourself in knots trying to understand someone else's decisions and thought processes.' Mr Albanese and his ex-wife Carmel Tebbutt - the former NSW deputy premier. The potential future prime minister said he 'didn't see it coming' when Ms Tebbutt ended their marriage on New Year's Day 2019 Anthony Albanese's ex-wife Carmel looked after his dog Toto during the election campaign in 2022 The moment Jodie Haydon fell in love with Anthony Albanese Ms Haydon, who has never been married or had children, said she wasn't looking for a relationship but realised she had fallen in love with Mr Albanese when he had a car crash in January 2021. READ MORE: Who is Jodie Haydon? Advertisement His Toyota was rammed by a Range Rover and he was rushed to hospital for X-rays but escaped serious injury. Ms Haydon recalled arriving at the scene of the crash in Marrickville after a phone call and seeing her boyfriend's smashed-up car. 'I saw the mess of a car before I saw him and thought 'he couldn't survive this''. It was very scary, and in that moment, you realise just how much you love this person the fear of losing them,' she said. 'As I jumped in the ambulance and saw Anthony, I knew then the depth of my feelings towards him.' After the accident, Ms Haydon was by his side as he embarked on a fitness quest, losing a whopping 18kg in less than a year by cutting out carbs, upping his exercise, and giving up alcohol for three months. Mr Albanese is pictured in 2013 (left) and 2022 (right) after he lost 18kg in less than a year 'I'm so proud of Anthony's discipline and motivation to improve his health. This was a decision made a while ago, after a near death experience, to make the most out of life and give yourself every chance to be healthy and happy.' 'As his partner, I have seen how taxing life as a politician can be, it's utterly exhausting both mentally and physically.' Ms Haydon said she hopes Australians all seek to look after themselves the best they can and Mr Albanese's lifestyle changes may motivate others to follow suit. 'I hope his actions may inspire others to do the same.' What are Jodie Haydon's political views? Haydon supports the Labor party and has been a member 'on and off' since her thirties. In the past, she had declared she wanted to avoid making political commentary as the Prime Minister's partner - but used her LinkedIn account to freely air her progressive views. She called for the date of Australia Day to be changed, with a post saying: 'Sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.' She has also argued for pay rises for teachers, supported asylum seekers and described outspoken feminist Grace Tame as inspiring among her posts. Ms Haydon argued in this LinkedIn post for the date of Australia Day to be changed. Mr Albanese does not support this view Ms Haydon - a signatory for the Women in Super campaign 'Make Super Fair' - in 2019 called on the government to make a raft of changes to superannuation rules in order to protect women and low income earners. She suggested an additional annual government contribution of $1,000 to be put into the super accounts of low income earners in order 'to better support those with inadequate retirement savings'. Ms Haydon also urged the government to remove the $450 monthly income threshold and to also publish a gender impact statement for any changes to age pension or retirement income policy. The monthly income threshold - the minimum amount an employee must earn before an employer is required to pay super - was lifted on July 1, 2022. Now, an employer must pay superannuation on all earnings. A closer look at the Make Super Fair campaign reveals it is aligned with Mr Albanese's decision to double the super contribution tax rate from 15 per cent to 30 per cent for the richest 0.5 per cent of Australians. A mission statement from the campaign said modelling determined the additional contributions Ms Haydon proposed would cost approximately $2.7billion each year and would specifically target low income earners. 'Most of [the targeted group] are women and need government help to achieve economic security in retirement,' the campaign stated. 'It is estimated that the Government spends $30billion on super tax concessions annually and the majority of current super tax concessions are paid to high income earners, who do not need government help to achieve a comfortable retirement.' Paramedics were called to the property following an incident just after 10am BBC Radio 2 presenter was found dead at his flat close to Marylebone on Monday Neighbours of broadcast legend Steve Wright expressed their 'huge shock' at the star's 'very unexpected' death, as they paid tribute to a 'genuinely warm and humble man.' The BBC Radio 2 presenter was found dead at his 2million flat close to Marylebone High Street in Central London on Monday morning. Paramedics were called to the property following an incident just after 10am. Tony White, 60, who lived in the same Victorian block as Wright for nine-years said his death was a 'huge shock' and 'very unexpected'. Wright's friend of 40 years, publicist Gary Farrow, said he believes Steve 'died from a broken heart' after he was 'devastated' to lose his popular Radio 2 afternoon slot in 2022. Speaking to The Sun, he said: Steve lives for the show, he absolutely loved it - and the listeners loved him. My view is that he died from a broken heart.' The DJ, seen in 2003, was made an MBE for services to radio Wright, who has died at the age of 69, in a photo taken in 1995 Mr White said: 'It was a huge shock, very unexpected. He was really well liked and people thought the world of him. 'Steve and I shared the same plumber and I texted him this morning to say how sad it was that Steve had gone. He messaged back and said he'd been left absolutely devastated and that he hadn't yet taken in the awful news. 'Steve was a genuinely warm and humble man. If he saw you coming down the stairs, he'd smile and hold the front door to the block open for you. 'He'd always have a conversation with people, there wasn't any trace of stardom about him, he was just a down-to-earth, normal bloke. He didn't have a driver, he got an Uber everywhere. 'But as much as he was an extrovert on the radio, away from the mic he was quite a quiet, private person. He kept himself to himself. 'We have similar surnames so sometimes we'd get each other's post. Steve would come down, knock on the door and apologise and say 'I appear to have your letters Mr White!' 'We'd have a short conversation on the door. I'd do the same if I had his post. 'When I first moved here I'd no idea he lived upstairs. I saw him in the foyer and had to double-take.' Mr White said he was at work yesterday afternoon when he saw the news. Steve Wright, who has died at the age of 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994 Steve Wright pictured with fellow radio DJ's Tony Blackburn (left), and Paul Gambaccini (right) Superstar George Michael pictured with BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Wright He added: 'By 10am I'm at work so I didn't see the ambulance arrive on Monday. The first I knew that Steve had died was when I saw his picture flash up on BBC news at work yesterday. It caught me off-guard somewhat, I couldn't really believe it. 'This morning I spoke to the porters who were present when the ambulance arrived. They were still really shaken up by it all.' Another neighbour, who asked not to be named, added: 'He was a lovely man. I didn't see him too many times. 'I think he lived in one of the flats on the upper floors with his daughter. 'I don't know if anyone is in the property at the moment. But our thoughts are with his family.' It comes as former colleague, Liz Kershaw, slammed BBC bosses for their alleged 'shabby' treatment of Mr Wright, who she claimed was 'dumped by the BBC and treated like a tin of beans'. Her outburst came as staff at Radio 2 were said to be furious at station chief Helen Thomas issuing a statement to pay tribute to the much-loved DJ less than 18 months after axing his popular Afternoon Show and moving him to a Sunday slot. It emerged that Wright was found dead at his 2million London flat on Monday morning after paramedics revealed they were 'called to reports of an incident'. Steve Wright pictured in 1980 His unexpected death is not being treated as suspicious, said police, with a report being prepared for the coroner. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We sent a number of resources to the scene. Very sadly, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.' A last picture of the legendary broadcaster emerged yesterday showing Wright larking around and taking 'ironic selfies' with a friend in New York. But the BBC faced pressure to answer questions over how they treated him when they axed his afternoon slot after 24 years. Ms Kershaw, who was let go by BBC 6Music in 2022 after 20 years, said: 'New management said, 'We're going to refresh the schedule'. And they treat people like tins of beans on a shelf. 'I doubt that there was any follow-up, or any pastoral care, or any support for him. 'He didn't need money as he has been one of the highest-paid people on air but I wonder if they considered how it affected him. 'There are some people for whom fame and attention are their oxygen. And he was one of those it was absolutely his life.' Ms Thomas found herself under fire with employees 'enraged' at her for saying father-of-two Wright was 'second to none'. Sources claimed that Ms Thomas 'should have just kept her mouth shut' with them branding her statement as 'shameless' and 'tone deaf'. Race faker Rachel Dolezal has been fired from her job teaching at an elementary school in Arizona after it was discovered she is now working as a OnlyFans model. Dolezal, who changed her name to Nkechi Diallo, has been listed under payroll records at Sunrise Drive Elementary School as an after school instructor. In an email, Tucson School District Director of Alumni & Community Relations Julia Fairbanks said the district was unaware of the account. 'We only learned of Ms. Nkechi Diallo's Only Fans social media posts yesterday afternoon. Her posts are contrary to our district's 'Use of Social Media by District Employees' policy (attached) and our staff ethics policy. She is no longer employed by the Catalina Foothills School District.' DailyMail.com has reached out to Diallo for comment. She did post to her OnlyFans account earlier Wednesday with a Valentine's Day themed set of pictures but made no reference to her firing. According to the records, seen by Outkick, she is making $19-an-hour while she also sells content on the explicit adult site for $9.99 a month Images shared on social media by the elementary school show Dolezal in the background Images shared on social media by the elementary school show Dolezal in the background DailyMail.com has reached out to Diallo for comment. She did post to her OnlyFans account earlier Wednesday with a Valentine's Day themed set of pictures but made no reference to her firing According to the records, seen by Outkick, she is making $19-an-hour while she also sells content on the explicit adult site for $9.99 a month. With her adult career, Dolezal could be making as much as $1,220 a month from her posts on the site alone. One post in September got 122 likes from subscribers, equating to $1,220, which could be even higher due to the full number of subscribers being unknown. Dolezal's page was launched in September 2021 and was reportedly going to feature 'foot photos,' hair tutorials and fitness routines. In addition to her OnlyFans account, Dolezal has previously sold homemade lollipops, Melanin Spectrum dolls and a $1,000 sculpture of an electric chair. Images shared on social media by the elementary school show Dolezal in the background. Dolezal said in 2021 that side hustles are the only way she can earn a living, since she's been unable to get a job due to the scandal surrounding her fake race. She spent more than 10 years posing as a black woman, rising to become a chapter president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Dolezal's page was launched in September 2021 and was reportedly going to feature 'foot photos,' hair tutorials, and fitness routines Dolezal, who changed her name to Nkechi Diallo , has been listed under payroll records at Sunrise Drive Elementary School as an after school instructor She also became a teacher of Africana studies at East Washington University. In 2015, a local news reporter in Washington 'outed' Dolezal after revealing her Montana parents, Ruthanne and Lawrence Dolezal, were both white. She was sacked from her job with the NAACP and subsequently dismissed from her position at Eastern Washington University. Dolezal had previously attempted to generate some income writing a memoir entitled In Full Color The controversial 'civil rights activist' would later argue that she was 'transracial' and has said she did nothing wrong in not correcting 'assumptions' that she is black. Dolezal began to try to rebuild her image with a Netflix documentary in 2018, The Rachel Divide. She then attempted to generate some income writing a memoir entitled In Full Color. Things fell apart when in May 2018, Dolezal was charged with theft by welfare fraud, perjury and false verification for public assistance. Court documents alleged that she illegally received $8,747 in food assistance and $100 in childcare assistance from August 2015 through November 2017. Dolezal settled in a Washington court in April, agreeing to pay an undisclosed restitution and complete 120 hours of community service. High school pictures emerged of Dolezal - before she had made attempts to cast herself as a black woman - with blond hair. In 2020, Dolezal appeared in a new documentary about black beauty, in which she claims people who criticize her are 'white supremacy folks' and blames her black ex-husband for 'repressing' her. Titled 'Subjects of Desire' and directed by Jennifer Holness', the documentary debuted at SXSW, and featured Dolezal saying she had been a victim of 'shaming and ridicule' due to the scandal. In 2015, a local news reporter in Washington 'outed' Dolezal after revealing her Montana parents, Ruthanne and Lawrence Dolezal, were both white. High school pictures emerged of Dolezal - before she had made attempts to cast herself as a black woman - with blond hair (left) Dolezal previously claimed she has been unable to find a job over the past six years after it was revealed that she was a white woman pretending to be black 'I've been called an insult to white women and an insult to black women. White women are angry because I did what they never would do and went further, like I put 110,' she said, according to Daily Beast. 'I didn't just be that white ally and do a little bit, I canceled my white privilege. I canceled my hair.' Dolezal also appeared that to indicate that she received criticism from black women because her scandal was 'like a trigger to post-traumatic stress,' though her comments were not entirely clear. She was previously married to a black man, Kevin Moore, whom she divorced in 2005. The mother of three sons claims she was 'too black' for him. Families demanded that the ICC issue an arrest warrant for Hamas leaders Over 100 hostages taken during the October 7 on Israel remain in the Gaza Strip The families of hostages still held by Hamas marched on The Hague yesterday demanding the International Criminal Court arrest the group's leaders. They called for justice as lawyers filed a report that accused the terror state of war crimes, including sexual violence and torture. The group of more than 100, which included hostages freed in November, believe that issuing arrest warrants would put pressure on Hamas to free the remaining 134 captives. The elder sisters of Liri Albag, 19, whose plight was highlighted in a powerful Daily Mail article last month, waved copies of the story at the rally. Families of Israeli hostages attended a protest in The Hague on Wednesday, demanding that the International Criminal Court issue an arrest warrant for the leaders of Hamas Shay and Roni, the elder sisters of Liri Albag, 19, who is being held in Gaza, waved copies of a Daily Mail story featuring her plight at the rally In December, the ICC's chief prosecutor Karim Khan was handed evidence of crimes dating back to October 7 from the lawyers representing hostages' families Her sister Roni, 25, a law student, said: 'We are here today to be part of the prosecution against Hamas, against what they did to us on October 7. They murdered, they raped, they killed innocent people. We must stop Hamas from what they are doing it is crime against humanity.' Legal proceedings began in December when the ICC's chief prosecutor, Britain's Karim Khan, was handed evidence from the lawyers representing hostages' families. The report listed Hamas's crimes dating back to October 7 and includes testimonies from freed hostages about sexual assaults against women still in captivity. It is up to Mr Khan to decide whether to issue arrest warrants against specific Hamas leaders. The mayor of Kansas City has spoke of his heartbreak after 29 people were injured and one killed during a shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade. Three gunmen opened fire inside Union Station shortly after 3:30 pm, seconds after the team including Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes left the stage. At a press conference following the horrific incident, Lucas said, 'When the shooting started, I like many others ran and ran for safety. I saw a number of officers with guns drawn running towards danger. 'We thank them for that. As I was leaving the scene, I saw members of our Kansas City Fire Department administering aid to folks who are seriously injured. 'This is absolutely a tragedy, the likes of which we would have never expected in Kansas City, the likes of which we will remember for some time.' Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said he was inside the Union Station when the shooters began firing Kansas City police chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference that one person was dead and up to 29 were injured A woman with a large cut on her face was seen being stretchered away from the scene Mayor Lucas also said he was inside the Union Station when the shooters began firing. He did not say if he saw the gunmen. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a news conference that one person was dead and up to 29 were injured. Groups of fans were seen heroically tackling an armed man to the ground and police said three gunmen were detained, although their identities remain unclear. Unconfirmed reports indicate multiple children may also have been gunned down in the tragic celebration, and were rushed to nearby Children's Mercy Hospital. Kansas City Fire reportedly said that of those injured, five were 'serious,' three were 'critical,' and one person has non-life-threatening injuries. Police evacuated the train station as huge crowds fled in panic after the shots rang out, with up to one million people expected to have descended on Kansas City for the parade. Frantic scenes outside the station also included a man appearing to try and sprint from the crowd, before several men tackled him and pinned him to the ground. Police detained three gunmen at the scene as the parade descended into chaos. It is not clear if the man pictured was involved A large police presence descended on Union Square after shots rang out at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade The shooting came moments after the Kansas City Chiefs players celebrated their win on stage Missouri is an open carry state and it is possible that numerous fans in the crowd were also carrying firearms. The men who tackled the alleged assailant to the ground exclaimed: 'We got him - we got the gun!' A different man in a red hoodie was also pictured being arrested, although it is unclear if he was one of those involved in the shooting. Kansas City PD Chief Stacey Graves said at a press conference around two hours after the shooting that officers sprang into action and quickly apprehended the gunmen. 'Officers ran towards danger, and we thank them for that,' she said. 'I'm angry at what happened today. People should expect a safe environment,' Graves continued, noting that over 800 law enforcement were stationed at the parade. Police said they were releasing all of those inside Union Station around 15 minutes after the shooting unfolded, but ordered crowds to remain away from the area. Around an hour after the shooting, people inside the nearby Westin Hotel were ordered to take shelter as police raced toward the hotel. A large police presence remained at the scene throughout Wednesday afternoon Law enforcement officers look around the scene after an incident following the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade Officers cornered an armed person inside an armed parking garage between the Westin Hotel and Union Station, reports KC Star reporter Glenn Rice. It is not clear if this armed person was involved in the parade shooting. The live broadcast on KSHB 41 showed crowds outside Union Station, where the parade finished, rapidly dispersing with some jumping barriers to make a hasty getaway. Presenters said that members of the crowd were telling them to get down and people were rushing indoors. They added that crew members had said they heard a number of loud noises before the fans began fleeing the scene near the World War One museum and memorial. A university is mired in deepening scandal after leaking details of female students who are virgins. Highly personal and confidential medical information concerning hundreds of women was published on social media. It remains unclear why doctors linked to the Al-Farabi Kazakhstan National University in Almaty collected information on the virginity status of its students aged 17 to 21. But it did so and the data - with names, ages, phone numbers and tax codes of the woman - was leaked widely onto social media chats in the prestigious university. It appears women students underwent intimate gynaecological examinations at the universitys medical centre, and it is the results of these that were leaked. It remains unclear why doctors linked to the Al-Farabi Kazakhstan National University (pictured) in Almaty collected information on the virginity status of its students aged 17 to 21 Highly personal and confidential medical information concerning hundreds of women was published on social media (Al-Farabi students pictured) Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan, admitted the transfer of personal data was a 'violation' It is unclear if the examinations were compulsory for students in the former Soviet state. "The transfer of personal data, especially of a medical nature, is a violation, admitted Sayasat Nurbek, Kazakhstans minister of science and higher education, who has been forced to intervene. I have taken control of this issue, because there is a direct violation here. Those responsible will face punishment under our current legislation. Initial reports say the virginity status of at least 190 students has been leaked and can be viewed by their teachers and other students. The leaked data includes the results of an examination with a gynaecologist, noting whether the patient was a virgin, it was reported. The documents were instantly distributed across all university chats, said one news outlet. The personal data reached the dean's office, when alarm bells started ringing. One version is that the university authorities were intended to be provided with a list of students who had not undergone fluorography tests, but a mistake meant that the virginity status and other personal data was sent. Women students are furious over the disclosure. It appears women students underwent intimate gynaecological examinations at the universitys medical centre, and it is the results of these that were leaked (Al-Farabi students pictured) Our personal data is hanging on every lamp post, complained one. Another commented: "After intimate medical examinations, they collect information and throw it into a general chat room. Another hit out: In Kazakhstan, there is no concept of personal space and privacy at all. The university will now terminate the contract of the medical centre it blames for the blunder, say reports. The university is also conducting an internal review, say reports. Sir Keir Starmer was told last night to 'get a backbone' and come clean over who attended the Rochdale meeting where vile anti-Semitic remarks went seemingly unchallenged. Despite coming under intense pressure, Labour has remained tight-lipped and refused to say who was there or whether it has launched an investigation into the attendees. Last night the party would only confirm there were no MPs present but it did not disclose who was in attendance. This comes after Labour was forced to suspend and withdraw its backing for Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali when anti-Semitic comments he made were revealed by the Mail on Sunday and the Daily Mail. Then, on Tuesday, the party was forced to suspend a second parliamentary candidate Graham Jones over offensive comments at the same meeting in Lancashire last autumn. And yesterday it emerged that a third politician, Hyndburn councillor Munsif Dad, who attended the meeting, has been 'spoken to' by Labour officials. Sir Keir Starmer was told last night to 'get a backbone' and come clean over who attended the Rochdale meeting where vile anti-Semitic remarks went seemingly unchallenged Defence Secretary Grant Shapps last night accused Sir Keir of having 'failed to root out' racism Defence Secretary Grant Shapps last night accused Sir Keir of having 'failed to root out' racism. He said: 'Keir Starmer needs to get a backbone and name everyone who attended the infamous Labour meeting in Rochdale during which appalling racist remarks against Jewish people were made. This is a cover-up that shows his claim to have changed the Labour Party is a sham.' Sir Keir is also facing pressure from within his own party to take action on those who attended the meeting. Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement, said any members at the meeting should be suspended if they failed to call out the language used. He said to 'have heard that rhetoric, to have been a bystander, to have not called it out at the time, that really calls into play your judgment'. Mr Katz said Labour owes people in Rochdale an apology for having selected Mr Ali as their candidate. But he defended the progress made by the Labour leadership to tackle anti-Semitism while admitting it had not been the party's 'finest hour'. He added: 'The idea that somehow we are still in the kind of the bad days of the Corbyn leadership is really ludicrous. Labour was forced to suspend and withdraw its backing for Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali over anti-Semitic comments made at the meeting On Tuesday, Labour was also forced to suspend parliamentary candidate Graham Jones over offensive comments at the same meeting in Lancashire last autumn 'We have gone through a transformation, the difference is like night and day in the way that we are treated as an organisation, the way that our members are treated.' Labour is also facing questions about why it took so long for Mr Ali to be suspended, with Left-wing critics of Sir Keir's leadership claiming that factional rivalry is to blame for inconsistency in the handling of complaints. Voters go to the polls in the Rochdale by-election on February 29 with the result hugely uncertain. But before that, Labour divisions could be laid bare once again when the SNP seeks a fresh vote on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza next week. The party said it would use an opposition day debate to call on the Government to back an urgent end to the war. SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn accused both Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir of 'equivocating' over the conflict. A similar vote in November saw eight shadow ministers break ranks to back an immediate ceasefire. Labour MPs had been ordered to abstain on the SNP amendment but some 56 Labour members defied the three-line whip. The amendment was ultimately defeated. Video shows the Lakewood Church shooter Genesse Moreno carrying a trench coat outside of her car with the vehicle backed up to the garage hours before opening fire at the place of worship. On Sunday, the 36-year-old went to Joel Osteen's mega church in Houston armed with two rifles and dressed in a trench coat with her 7-year-old son Samuel by her side and began shooting. Chilling footage obtained by KTRK shows Moreno outside of her Conroe, Texas home hours before she went on her rampage. The video shows the shooter wearing black pants and a tank top walking around her car with a trench coat hanging from her arm. Moreno backed her car up close to the garage and hung up a tarp that blocks the view of anything going in or out of the vehicle. Video shows the Lakewood Church shooter Genesse Moreno carrying a trench coat outside of her car hours before the shooting Moreno backed her car up close to the garage and hung up a tarp that blocks the view of anything going in or out of the vehicle On Sunday, the 36-year-old (pictured in 2022) went to Joel Osteen's mega church in Houston armed with two rifles and dressed in a trench coat with her 7-year-old son Samuel by her side The video shows the shooter wearing black pants and a tank top walking around her car with a trench coat hanging from her arm Immediately after she began shooting, two off-duty police officers who were working as security at Lakewood Church fired at her, killing her. Her seven-year-old son remains in the hospital clinging to life after his mother brought him along for her rampage, putting him in the line of fire of the off-duty cops who killed her. It remains unclear who exactly shot the boy - if it was his mother, or the two men who stepped in to take her down. He remains in the hospital with a grim prognosis. His paternal grandmother - Walli Carranza, who lives in Mexico - has flown to be by his bedside. Through a family spokesperson, she told DailyMail.com today how she and her son have spent the last four years trying to get custody of Sam. 'He wanted custody because he didn't believe that she was capable of raising him,' said longtime friend Connie Eicher described. 'First of, she was mentally ill. They never knew when she would be good and when she wouldn't be good.' Moreno had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and Munchausen by proxy. Eicher said Moreno used Sam as a 'bargaining chip' and would disappear anytime her ex-husband, Enrique Alberto Carranza, tried to see him. Immediately after she began shooting, two off-duty police officers who were working as security at Lakewood Church fired at her, killing her. Pictured: a boy crying on the phone exiting the church during the shooting Moreno's son was shot in the rampage. It remains unclear who exactly shot the boy. Pictured: crowds exiting the church during the shooting Moreno's 7-year-old son Samuel (right) remains in the hospital fighting for his life after he was shot in the head during the rampage Carranza told KTRK, 'She threatened my son's life and my grandson's life, and she put my grandson in harm's way for seven years, not just now. But under all of that was a woman who just needed treatment.' It remains unclear how she was able to legally purchase the AR-15 she used in the shooting, or why she was allowed to retain custody of the boy. Child Protective Services in Texas have yet to answer DailyMail.com's questions on the case. On Facebook, Carranza said she blames the state of Texas for him being injured. 'No one may ever blame a police officer who carries out his or her rightful duty to save lives even if they are found responsible for shooting my grandson. 'The fault lies in a child protective services of Montgomery County and Harris County that refused to remove custody from a woman with known mental illness that was not being treated and with the state of Texas for not having strong red flag laws that would have prevented her from owning or possessing a gun.' Moreno used several names, including Jeffery Escalante. That name was given to police during her previous run-ins with the cops. Moreno was born in the Middle East and 'ranted' against Jews. 'Although my former daughter-in-law raged against Israel and Jews in a pro Palestinian rant yesterday this has nothing to do with Judaism or Islam,' her mother-in-law said. Moreno had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and Munchausen by proxy. It is unclear how she was able to legally purchase the AR-15 she used in the shooting Moreno was previously arrested for assault, weapons, marijuana possession and forgery charges Moreno seen in 2000 At some point, her family moved to El Salvador before relocating to the Houston area. Moreno's mother, who was her only support system, left town sometime before the shooting. Eicher believes Moreno may have felt hopeless, leading her to go to the church where her mother was a member: Lakewood. 'She could have shot up the entire congregation if they had not stopped her,' Eicher added. Investigators also found anti-Semitic writings in Moreno's car after the shoot-out. One of the guns she had had a sticker that read 'Palestine' on it. 'I wasn't surprised when I heard that there had been anti-Semitic rants because they were trying to get the baby from her,' the rabbi's friend stated. 'I think she was using him as a shield. I think she thought that as long as she had him she was protected.' The shooting happened between services at the megachurch that is regularly attended by 45,000 people every week, making it the third largest megachurch in the U.S., according to the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Osteen's televised sermons reach about 100 countries. Osteen said the shooting could have been much worse if it had happened during the larger 11 a.m. service It was not clear where Osteen was at the time but he joined police at a news conference afterward and said the church is 'devastated.' He added that the shooting could have been much worse if it had happened during the larger 11 a.m. service. He added he would pray for the victims and for the woman who did the shooting and their families. 'Were going to stay strong and were going to continue to, to move forward,' Osteen said after authorities spoke. 'There are forces of evil, but the forces that are for us -- the forces of God -- are stronger than that. So were going to keep going strong and just, you know, doing what Gods called us to do: lift people up and give hope to the world.' New revelations have surfaced about the Lakewood Church shooter and the abuse she may have subjected her 7-year-old son to-- including having him use a unnecessary feeding tube for the sole purpose of collecting a government disability check, according to the boy's grandmother. Genesse Moreno, 36, was shot dead by police after she walked into Joel Osteen's Houston church Sunday and opened fired, striking a man in the leg. Moreno was dressed in a trench coat, was armed with a rifle and had her son, Sam, in tow during the planned attack on the Texas mega church. Moreno's mother in-law, Rabbi Walli Carranza, made the allegations as she is currently by Sam's side as he remains in ICU after being shot in the head during the gun battle. 'A feeding tube was placed when he choked one time, and then she was supposed to get it taken out two weeks later. It was left in for years,' the rabbi explained. Pictured in September 2022, Enrique Carranza and his son Sam smile in a photo shared by Carranza's mother The shooter has been identified as Genesse Ivonne Moreno, 36, who previously used the name Jeffrey and has a lengthy criminal record going back to 2005. She is seen in 2022 Sam's grandmother, Walli Carranza is a rabbi and was not surprised about anti-semitic rants police found in Moreno's car after the shooting 'As long as he was getting supplemental feedings like this, she was getting money from Social Security disability. We believe for financial reasons, she was keeping him in this infant-like state.' Carranza added that Sam was a special needs child from birth when he was born at 23 weeks, weighed under a pound and spent the first seven months of his life in a neonatal intensive care unit. 'He had a very low chance of survival, and he survived,' the Jewish leader said. 'When he came out of that, he needed very intensive therapy for many, many years.' But Carranza stated Sam did not receive care for the sequelae of preterm birth that left him with asthma and speech impediments. Police were seen outside Moreno's home in Conroe, Texas, after the shooting Moreno was previously arrested for assault, weapons, marijuana possession and forgery charges Genesse Ivonne Moreno - the 36-year-old Conroe woman who allegedly opened fire inside Joel Osteen's Houston megachurch Sunday - regularly menaced neighbors with weapons and had a hateful relationship with her son, accounts from neighbors and court filings have revealed 'Because the dad was given the right of primary custody on temporary basis, the mom then disappeared and she hid and hid and hid him,' the grandmother said. 'There was some therapy that would take place for a while, but then (Moreno) refused to take him to therapy because they would make her wait for 30 minutes to an hour. It was all very centered around her needs.' Moreno was a diagnosed schizophrenic and had Munchausen by proxy-- a psychological disorder marked by attention-seeking behavior by a caregiver through those who are in their care. Moreno also had a lengthy criminal record in the Lone Star State and often used aliases, include a male persona: Jeffery Escalante. It's a name she often gave cops, arrest records show. 'Sam didn't get those therapies he needed and, in fact, was infantilized. His mother was keeping him infant like.' A harrowing video shows the moment worshippers at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church ran for cover as shots rang out in the Texas congregation Moreno lived in this $247,400 four-bedroom in Conroe with her son, following a very contentious split with the child's father, a registered sex offender In one post to Instagram, Moreno flaunted a photo of an assault style weapon, asking her followers if anyone knew how to 'clean an AR-15' in the caption At three years old, Sam was unable to speak at all and only recently became verbal, Carranza alleged. Between the rabbi and her son, Enrique Aleberto Carranza, they pushed to have the feeding tube removed and for Sam's therapies to be reinstated-- going to child protective services. 'This is what we asked Child Protective Services to enforce and they refused. And this is what custody was about, getting him into therapy. I understand she was allowed to homeschool a several challenged kid.' DailyMail.com contacted CPS in Texas and did not immediately hear back from the agency. The mother and son lived in $247,400 four-bedroom in Conroe that belonged to Moreno's mother. Divorce records further revealed how she had a contentious split with the boy's father, a registered sex offender, who filed for divorce in 2020. The mother won custody of the 'severely' special-needs child - who CPS noted she 'demonstrate[d] no attachment to', and only referred to as 'the boy.' Sam is showing signs of improvement, despite still being unconscious and in critical condition, his grandmother shared. She added that's been told that if he survives, he could likely have memory loss. 'My prayer is that Sam doesn't remember what had to be a time of terror for him,' she said of the shooting. 'He doesn't need to remember all that went before.' A Texas family who says they paid the ultimate price for what they call President Biden's 'open border' policies is calling on the US Senate to remove Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Monday night, the Biden Administration's top border official was impeached by the House, controlled by Republicans, with a razor thin margin of one vote. The two articles of impeachment accuse Mayorkas of failing to uphold immigration law and lying to Congress about the state of the U.S.-Mexico border. Nearly a year ago, Maria Alvarez Tambunga, 71, and her granddaughter, Emilia, were on their way to get ice cream in their small town of Ozona when Rassian Comer, a Louisiana native, slammed into them as he was being chased by the cops for smuggling 11 illegal immigrants in a rented pick-up truck. 'We paid the price for open borders,' Gin Jespersen, aunt to Emilia and daughter of Maria told DailyMail.com. 'Stop talking and call the people who were hurt.' 71-year-old Maria Tambunga and 7-year-old Emilia Tambunga died March 13, 2023 in a crash that involved a human smuggler evading arrest, authorities said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas offered his condolences last April to the family of a grandmother and seven-year-old granddaughter who died in a car crash caused by an illegal immigrant smuggler fleeing arrest near Ozona, Texas Comer, the driver of the truck carrying migrants who paid to be trafficked into the country, bragged about traveling at 105 miles an hour while outrunning authorities in a video he took of himself during the chase. He's been indicted on two counts of capital murder and multiple other charges and could face the death penalty in the trial expected to begin March 13, a year to the date of the deadly wreck. Two of the migrants in his truck were also killed. Car chases between police and smugglers have become common place since 2021 when Biden took office in West and South Texas, the areas of the Lone Star State closest to the border. At least 74 people have been killed due to the smuggler pursuits, but usually it's the smuggler or illegal immigrants being smuggled who die. Rarely have innocents like the Tambungas been among the victims. Maria Alvarez Tambunga (pictured left) and her granddaughter had just left a play date and were on their way to get ice cream in their town of Ozona, Texas when they were hit by a driver transporting illegal immigrants The impact of the crash with the smuggler left the grandmother and granddaughter unrecognizable, their loved ones described. They were sitting at a red light at an intersection in the granny's red truck when the smuggler plowed into them The grandmother and granddaughter were inseparable in life, their loved ones say 'To see (Mayorkas) on television denying capability and placing blame on others just infuriates me,' Jespersen added. The Tambungas attended a Congressional hearing last year when Mayorkas was called before Congress and grilled about the border. Texas Congressman Rep. August Pfluger (R) asked Mayorkas to apologize to the family. 'They're sitting right behind you. They came here today because they want answers,' Pfluger said. 'They came here today because of the failures of you and your leadership. They came here because they want closure.' Mayorkas publicly offered his condolences and met with the family privately, but did not take responsibility for their loved ones' deaths, Jesperson stated. A Cuban immigrant himself, Mayorkas is the first Cabinet official to be impeached in nearly 150 years and now faces a possible trial in the Democrat-controlled Senate, which is expected to acquit him. 'Shame on any Republican who doesn't vote to impeach him,' the grieving aunt and daughter said. 'Biden and Mayorkas provided the open borders where this could happen. Republicans are the last hope for making change and if they don't, what's left?' A former coastguard station with spectacular views over the Welsh coastline has been put up for sale for over 1.5 million, The ex-coastguard HQ overlooking Bracelet Bay was a maritime rescue and co-ordination centre before being closed in 2015 as part of a shake-up of the rescue network. Bracelet Bay is a popular tourist destination near the Gower Peninsula and has panoramic views the Bristol Channel. The pebbly bay is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is only a six-minute drive away from Mumbles coast. Given its location in the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), any redevelopment would need to avoid a significant impact on the landscape. A former coastguard station in Wales has been put up for sale for 1.5million The facility overlooks Bracelet Bay and closed in 2015 as part of a shake-up of the rescue network The property boasts breathtaking views of the Welsh coastline A map of Bracelet Bay on the Gower Peninsula, on the south coast of Wales The building needs to be completely renovated and made watertight It is within the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) It has since been used as an administration and training facility before other potential redevelopment options were explored - including a hotel, food and drink, residential, a care home, and offices. Planning officers said the building at Tutt Head, Mumbles, has the potential to become a tourism facility to enhance the area as a year-round destination. Potential new owners have 'endless opportunity' with the site but may need to invest a bit more than just the selling price, as the building needs to be made watertight and renovated. The 6,300 sq ft building sits on land owned by Swansea Council who have a 250-year lease and peppercorn annual rent, according to the sales brochure by estate agents Fine & Country. The 6,300 sq ft building sits on land owned by Swansea Council who have a 250-year lease and pay a peppercorn annual rent Bracelet Bay is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is only a six-minute drive away from Mumbles coast. Planning officers said the building at Tutt Head, Mumbles, has the potential to become a tourism facility It is described by estate agents as being a 'blank canvas to make your own' A local councillor suggested that turning the station into a home would show a 'lack of ambition' The estate agent says the building comes as a 'blank canvas to make your own' and has potential for residential use, subject to planning approval. Local councillor Will Thomas hopes the new use of the building would benefit people in the area, adding: 'I really don't want it to be a house - I think it would show a lack of ambition.' A council spokesman said: 'We look forward to seeing how any new owner plans to regenerate this property, currently owned by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Any plans will be subject to the formal planning process.' Forget quiet, romantic getaways. Adventurous holidays are the best way to spice up your sex life, a study found. Couples who go on 'self-expanding' trips that involve learning a new skill, trying a new sport or sampling new food have more passion, physical intimacy and relationship satisfaction. Researchers found the extra boost in the bedroom lasted long after couples returned if they went on at least two thrilling trips a year. Meanwhile, those who spent their holidays lounging on beaches or relaxing in spa retreats had less passion and engaged in less physical intimacy, such as hand-holding, kissing and sex. Forget quiet, romantic getaways - adventurous holidays are the best way to spice up your sex life, a study found (stock image) READ MORE: Psychedelic drugs can improve your sex life, study finds Advertisement Prof John Coffey, of Arizona State University, said: 'An experience-rich holiday with your partner may improve your love life even after the trip is over. 'These experiences don't need to be wildly adventurous if extreme activities aren't your thing. 'Activities as simple as trying a challenging hike or a new local cuisine together are enough to explain the higher post-vacation passion. 'Our research found this held true no matter the length of a couple's relationship, so whether you've been together one year or 30 years, travelling together and trying new things is one good way to maintain intimacy and passion.' The study, published in Elsevier journal Annals of Tourism, looked at the experiences of 450 couples. It found those who engaged in exciting or 'self-expanding' activities while on holiday reported increased romantic passion and better relationship satisfaction when they got back. Couples who go on 'self-expanding' trips that involve learning a new skill, trying a new sport or sampling new food have more passion, physical intimacy and relationship satisfaction They also enjoyed more physical intimacy and affection than those The researchers suggested this was because memorable shared experiences cause happiness and enforce relationship bonds, making the couple feel closer. 'Self-expanding' experiences and situations do not have to be costly or complicated, it added - simply trying new things or exploring new places can be enough. Prof Coffey said: 'We now have empirical evidence that holidays serve an important role in the long-term health and maintenance of romantic relationships. 'The tourism industry can capitalise on our research by providing and promoting an array of self-expanding activities.' From living car-free to installing renewable energy, many of us try to do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint. But just how far would you be willing to go to curb global warming? According to a new study, the majority of the world's population would be willing to make a significant financial contribution to fight climate change. A global survey of 130,000 people found that 69 per cent of the world would pay one per cent of their personal income towards the cause. However, this wasn't the case in the UK, where just 47.6 per cent of Britons said they'd be willing to contribute. From living car-free to installing renewable energy, many of us try to do our bit to reduce our carbon footprint. But just how far would you be willing to go to curb global warming? (stock image) A global survey of 130,000 people found that 69 per cent of the world would pay one per cent of their personal income towards the cause In the study, researchers from the University of Bonn, the Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE in Frankfurt, and the University of Copenhagen interviewed subjects from 125 countries. In any given country the sample size was 1,000 representative individuals, which the authors say is sufficiently large to draw country-level conclusions. They found that, in all but 11 countries, the majority of people would be willing to pay one per cent of their income to fight climate change. Levels of willingness ranged from over 90 per cent in some countries such as Myanmar and Uzbekistan, to as low as 30 per cent in Egypt. In general, researchers discovered that the richer a country is, the less willing its citizens would be to contribute to fighting climate change. The countries most willing to contribute to curb global warming Myanmar - 92.8% Uzbekistan - 91.6% Mongolia - 89.6% Cambodia - 87.4% Mali - 85.9% Paraguay - 85.8% Laos - 85.3% Mauritius - 85.1% Venezuela - 85.0% Bolivia - 84.6% Advertisement The countries least willing to contribute to curb global warming Egypt - 30.5% Israel - 37.3% Lithuania - 40.6% Russia - 41.0% Kazakhstan - 45.0% New Zealand - 46.4% Pakistan - 47.4% United Kingdom - 47.6% United States - 48.1% Canada - 48.7% Advertisement In general, researchers discovered that the richer a country is, the less willing its citizens would be to contribute to fighting climate change Professor Teodora Boneva, a Research Associate University of Bonn, told MailOnline that this trend may be caused by two factors. 'First, richer countries are still strongly dependent on fossil fuels,' she said. 'The adaptation costs could therefore be perceived as relatively high and the required lifestyle changes as too drastic.' The UK for example, which has the eighth lowest willingness to contribute at 47.6 per cent, is still reliant on fossil fuels for more than three-quarters of energy needs. In the US, where only 48.1 per cent of people would be willing to contribute, fossil fuels provide 80 per cent of the energy mix and contribute around eight per cent of GDP. Richer countries like the UK (pictured) may be affected by climate change but have the resources to limit its impact through spending. The researchers suggest that this makes people less willing to pay personally to help Professor Boneva also suggests that richer countries may be better prepared to face the impacts of climate change. She said: 'A countrys GDP per capita reflects its economic capacity to cope with climate change. 'The most direct and immediate consequences are likely to be concentrated in more vulnerable countries, which have fewer resources to mitigate the negative consequences of the climate crisis.' The study also found that colder countries were less willing to contribute. This could suggest that willingness to pay to fight climate change is affected by how immediate the consequences appear. However, Professor Boneva also stresses that even in the richest countries, support for climate action remains extremely high. The survey found that around the world, 86 per cent of people endorsed 'pro-climate social norms' and believed that people in their country should try and fight global warming. What's more, they found that people's willingness to financially contribute to fighting climate change was consistently underestimated. The researchers say that this can actually lead to less willingness to make changes to tackle global warming. This is because people are often 'conditional cooperators', meaning they are willing to help but only if they believe that others will help as well. Professor Boneva added: 'The majority believes that they are in the minority. 'People who systematically underestimate public support for climate action are often less willing to take action themselves.' READ MORE: Experts say we're on the cusp of a flying taxi BOOM Flying taxi maker has signed deal with Dubai for commercial flights from 2025 Sci-fi films like Star Wars and The Fifth Element have long depicted cities with flying taxis that zoom through the air at high speeds. Finally, it seems this ultimate form of convenience is set to arrive in the real word. A California company called Joby Aviation says it will host commercial flying taxi trips around Dubai as soon as next year. Incredible footage shows what the luxury will be like for paying passengers, who will wait at 'vertiports' for their flight departure just like today's airports. The company's propeller-powered taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 198 miles/hour (320km/hour). A California company called Joby Aviation is bringing flying taxis to Dubai as soon as 2025, it says. Joby's propeller-powered taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 198 miles per hour (320km per hour) Joby flying taxi: Key specs Range: 100 miles (160km) Top speed: 198mph (320kph) Energy: All-electric Capacity: 1 pilot and 4 passengers Commercial launch: 2025 Advertisement At such a speed, a flight from Dubai Airport to Palm Jumeirah, the city's archipelago of artificial islands and tourist hotspot, would take just 10 minutes a journey that takes 45 minutes in a car, according to Joby. The firm has signed a deal with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch air taxi services there by early 2026, with Joby targeting initial operations as early as next year. 'It is an honor to partner with the government of Dubai to demonstrate the value of sustainable air travel to the world,' said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. 'We're looking forward to delivering an incredible experience for residents and visitors to Dubai as early as 2025 and we're excited to be laying the groundwork for the expansion of our service across the wider UAE.' Joby's flying taxi is known as a VTOL aircraft a type of craft that can take off straight up into the air rather than having to build speed along the ground first, reducing the need for runway space. Powered by six electric motors, it provides a smooth ride that feels more like getting into an SUV than boarding a plane, according to the firm. VTOL aircraft can take off straight up into the air rather than having to build speed along the ground first, reducing the need for runway space. Here, Joby's electric air taxi is on display at the World Governments Summit in Dubai The company's taxi is designed to carry a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 198 miles per hour (320km per hour) Joby has also signed an agreement with British delivery company Skyports, which will design, build and operate four 'vertiport' sites across Dubai for the taxi to launch from READ MORE: Experts say we're on the cusp of a flying taxi BOOM Classic 90s film 'The Fifth Element' depicts Brue Willis as a flying taxi driver taking passengers around the skies of New York Advertisement The taxi has a range of 100 miles (160km) before it runs out of charge, so it's not suited for long-distance flights. Just like the electric car revolution that is taking place on the ground, Joby's taxis are fully electric, meaning they don't emit toxic pollutants. Joby which started test flights with a pilot on board in California in October has also signed an agreement with British delivery company Skyports. Based in London, Skyports will design, build and operate four 'vertiport' sites across Dubai for the taxi to launch from. Together, the partners have identified Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Dubai Downtown as the vertiport locations. All on a smartphone app, customers would book a trip on Joby's flying taxi and get sent their ticket before passing through a barrier at their point of departure. Much like at today's airports, passengers would be greeted at vertiport lounges prior to their departure, although it could be restricted to the very wealthy. A Joby spokesperson told MailOnline it will confirm the price of a single trip at a later date, but added it wants to make it as accessible as possible. It will also be 'considerably cheaper' than a private helicopter trip a luxury typically afforded by millionaires. Much like at today's airports, passengers will be greeted at 'vertiport' lounges prior to their departure in a Joby flying taxi (artist's depiction) All on a smartphone app, customers would book a trip on Joby's flying taxi and get sent their ticket before passing through a barrier at their point of departure. Joby has been performing test flights in the US since October and in November performed an exhibition flight in New York City. It marked the first ever electric air taxi flight in the city and the first time Joby had flown in an urban setting Joby is not the only company aiming to bring flying taxis to Dubai, although the California company does now have the exclusive right to operate air taxis there. London-based startup Bellwether Industries completed a test flight of its fully-electric VTOL prototype in the city in late 2021. Meanwhile, German company Volocopter is set to transport passengers around Paris at the Summer Olympics this year. It's already performed a successful test flight of its VoloCity VTOL, which looks like more like a helicopter or a giant drone than a car. They claim the 'Frankenfood' is affordable, tasty and environmentally friendly Scientists have grown meat cells inside rice to create an all-in-one ready meal From casseroles to curries, many of the most popular ready meals include rice and beef. Now, scientists in Korea have managed to grow meat cells inside grains of rice to create an all-in-one ready meal. They claim the horrifying pinkish 'Frankenfood' is affordable, tasty and environmentally friendly. Sohyeon Park, of Yonsei University, South Korea, said: 'Imagine obtaining all the nutrients we need from cell-cultured protein rice. Rice already has a high nutrient level, but adding cells from livestock can further boost it. 'We usually obtain the protein we need from meat, but meat production consumes a lot of resources and water and releases a lot of greenhouse gas.' From casseroles to curries, many of the most popular ready meals include rice and beef. Now, scientists in Korea have managed to grow meat cells inside grains of rice to create an all-in-one ready meal To create the Frankenfood, the team first coated rice with fish gelatin - a safe and edible ingredient that helps cells latch onto the rice better. Cow muscle and fat stem cells were then seeded into the rice and left to culture in a petri dish for nine to 11 days Cultured beef is usually grown from cow cells inserted into a 'biological scaffolding' made from gelatin or collagen, which allows it to resemble actual cuts of meat. Previous studies have shown it is possible to create products in a lab that look roughly like real steaks and burgers. In this case, the scientists discovered that porous rice grains, which are full of 'nooks and crannies', provided the perfect natural scaffolding to grow beef cells. To create the Frankenfood, the team first coated rice with fish gelatin - a safe and edible ingredient that helps cells latch onto the rice better. Cow muscle and fat stem cells were then seeded into the rice and left to culture in a petri dish for nine to 11 days. The researchers say the end product is mushy pink rice with a firm bite and a creamy, beefy taste with hints of almond and coconut oil. Ms Park said: 'I didn't expect the cells to grow so well in the rice. 'Now I see a world of possibilities for this grain-based hybrid food. The researchers say the end product is mushy pink rice with a firm bite and a creamy, beefy taste with hints of almond and coconut oil 'It could one day serve as food relief for famine, military ration, or even space food.' For every 100g of protein produced, the hybrid rice releases less than 6.27kg of CO2, while beef releases 49.89kg. The hybrid rice could cost around 1.50 per kilo, while beef costs 15. The global livestock industry is responsible for more than 14 per cent of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, nearly as much as road transport, aviation and shipping combined. Prof Neil Ward, of UK Research and Innovation, described the study as 'promising'. He said: 'While data on cost and climate impact look very positive, a critical test is around public appetite for these sorts of lab-developed foods.' Lab-grown meat products cannot yet be sold legally in the UK. Last year, Israeli firm Aleph Farms became the first to apply to the Food Standards Agency for permission to sell cultivated beef steak. A decision has not yet been made. It's the go-to social media app for millions of people around the world. But it appeared that Facebook suffered issues this afternoon, with thousands of people unable to access the app. According to Down Detector, the problems started at around 12:00 GMT, and affected users across the UK, the US and Australia. MailOnline tried to access the site, and found that it was loading as usual once again. It's the go-to social media app for millions of people around the world. But it appeared that Facebook suffered issues this afternoon, with thousands of people unable to access the app At the peak of the outage, more than 4,600 reports were logged on Down Detector in the UK At the peak of the outage, more than 4,600 reports were logged on Down Detector in the UK. Of those who reported issues, 90 per cent said it was with the website, while seven per cent said they were having problems loading. The remaining three per cent said the problem was with their Facebook Profile. Meanwhile, Down Detector's data showed that worldwide, more than 8,000 problems were logged. Again, the vast majority of complaints were about the website. While Meta is yet to comment on the outage, several users took to rival site, X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations. One user tweeted: 'Is Facebook down? 'Can't access FB on my computer. Hey guys please solve the issue.' Meanwhile, Down Detector's data showed that worldwide, more than 8,000 problems were logged While Meta is yet to comment on the outage, several frustrated users took to rival site, X (formerly Twitter) to vent their frustrations One user shared a meme of Dennis the Menace holding up a smartphone with a blank screen One user tweeted: 'Is Facebook down? Can't access FB on my computer. Hey guys please solve the issue' Another added: 'Facebook is not working & I straight away come to twitter or X to make sure its not just me. 'Twitter always there to validate I'm not alone or crazy.' And one joked: 'Well, just wanted to check my @facebook notifications and stuff, but #FacebookDown.' 'Anyway... Happy Valentine's Day... maybe Facebook gifted all of us some free time to do something romantic or what.. huh Nearly half of the forests that make up the Amazon Rainforest are on track to collapse in the next 16 years, an international team of scientists announced today. Droughts, deforestation, and fires are threatening the rainforest, according to a new study, which found that between 10 and 47 percent of the rainforests could be so distressed and degraded by 2050 that they will fall into a downward spiral of ecosystem decline. The Amazon Rainforest, sometimes described as 'the lungs of the Earth' because its trees produce so much of the globe's oxygen, depends on heavy rainfall. If moisture levels continue to fall as they have been, the crucial forests could end up as grasslands. As much as 38 per cent of the remaining Amazon Rainforest has been degraded by logging, fires under the canopy, and repeated extreme drought, while road networks are pushing the damage throughout the core of the ecosystem, the study said. Forest fires, both those caused by people and those caused by drought, tend to spread the most near where roads are built All of these offenses against the Amazon, one of the Earths best defenses against global warming, have made it less resilient. This damage has not necessarily pushed it past the point of no return, but that point looms closer each year, according to the study authors, a team of European and Brazilian scientists. Slide me NASA satellite images show the effects of deforestation in Bolivia between 1986 (left) and 2022 (right) Long-standing natural relationships between the environmental conditions and the Amazon rainforest ecosystem are being replaced by new ones, which is rapidly making life more difficult for native wildlife and the people who live in the Amazon Basin, the study authors explained. Trees, plants, animals, and humans living in the forest have evolved over millions of years to deal with the hot, moist conditions of the local climate, as well as seasonal floods and the shallow, sandy, nutrient-poor soil. The Amazon Rainforest, sometimes called 'the lungs of the Earth,' is home to more than 10,000 species of plants and animals. They face extinction if too much of the Amazon is lost The rainforest and its inhabitants thrive under these conditions. But as forest fires and droughts become more common, the plants and animals cannot adapt quickly enough to cope with the shifting conditions. Plus, loss of forest in one area can lead to a self-propelling feedback loop leading to other areas of forest being lost, according to the study published in the journal Nature. Deforestation for farming is a major cause of the Amazon's degradation and deforestation. Scientists say that by 2050, 10 to 47 percent of the smaller forests that make up the Amazon could be damaged beyond repair, in a downward spiral of destruction And the impact of forest loss does not stop at the borders of the Amazon. The moisture transported through the air by the Amazons so called 'flying rivers' - large quantities of water vapor carried by the air - are essential for rainfall in vast parts of the South American continent. From 2001 to 2018, the Amazon Rainforest experienced an increasing number of extreme drought events, which worsened the damage done by human activities like logging and farming Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) scientist Boris Sakschewski, one of the authors of the study, said: 'The south-eastern Amazon has already shifted from a carbon sink to a source - meaning that the current amount of human pressure is too high for the region to maintain its status as a rainforest over the long term. 'But the problem doesn't stop there. Since rainforests enrich the air with a lot of moisture which forms the basis of precipitation in the west and south of the continent, losing forest in one place can lead to losing forest in another in a self-propelling feedback loop or simply 'tipping'.' Current levels of drought are the worst the region has experienced in 50 years, and the levels of the Rio Negro, one of the main rivers in the region, dipped to their lowest in 100 years. Road networks push environmental damage throughout the core of the Amazon ecosystem. Forest fires are most common along corridors where roads have been built The Amazon as a whole stores carbon equivalent to 15-20 years of current human CO2 emissions. Loss of the forest will further drive global warming, and intensifies the consequences on the forest, the report said. The study also analyzed examples of disturbed forests in various parts of the Amazon to understand what could happen to the ecosystem. In some cases, the collapse of a forest may not be obvious, the authors wrote. The temperature during the dry season in the Amazon Rainforest could rise by up to 4.3 degrees Fahrenheit (2.4C) by 2050, with the biggest increases in the c For example, in some areas where trees have been cut down or burned, bamboo forests or so-called 'liana forests' dominated by vines can thrive. Both bamboo and liana forests may appear at first glance like thriving nature - they have green plants, after all. In many parts of the Amazon, disturbed parts of the forest may recover, but not to the same state they were before. Some will become overgrown with bamboo or lianas, which prevent trees from returning The Amazon Rainforest has historically been a major global store of CO2, but it's becoming a carbon emitter as the trees burn But bamboo and lianas can prevent large trees from taking root and restoring the forest canopy, so these areas can remain trapped in a degraded state, dominated by opportunistic plants. In other cases, the forest does not recover anymore, and it remains trapped in an open-canopy, flammable state. This chart shows three possible scenarios for the future of the Amazon's rainforests: white-sand savanna (left), with fires, lots of soil erosion, and few trees; degraded open canopy (center), also with lots of fires but with the addition of non-native plant species; and degraded forest (right), like liana or bamboo forests The expansion of open, flammable ecosystems throughout the core of the Amazon forest is particularly concerning because they can spread fires to adjacent forests. The researchers called for limiting global warming to 1.5C and limiting deforestation to 10 percent of the original Amazon Forest tree cover, which requires ending large-scale deforestation and restoring at least 5 percent of the region - which has already seen as much as 15 percent of its forests lost. Co-author Niklas Boers, from PIK and professor of Earth system modelling at the Technical University of Munich, said: To maintain the Amazon forest within safe boundaries, local and global efforts must be combined. 'Deforestation and forest degradation have to end and restoration has to expand. 'Moreover, much more needs to be done to stop greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.' Victims might experience 'nausea and the feeling like needles scraping the skin' Scientists told DailyMail.com the toxin leads to 'intense pain for about an hour' A poisonous and 'rarely seen' sea creature has stormed Texas beaches in droves, scientists warn. Marine biologists spotted these dangerous 'blue dragons,' a surface-skimming sea slug, on Sunday along North Padre Island, just south of Corpus Christi, Texas. The unusual creatures feed off the toxins of Portuguese man o war, a jellyfish-like animal. 'Warning: do not touch the blue dragon!' one local research institute alerted their social media followers, posting a researcher's photos of the toxic, blue creature. 'When threatened or touched,' according to the institute, 'it can release stinging cells with more powerful stings than the Portuguese man o' war can alone!' This 'blue wave,' which researchers said is just getting started thanks to the coming spring's strong southeast winds, has also flooded Texas beaches with toxic man o' wars and 'thousands' of predatory 'by-the-wind-sailors,' with more on the way. Marine biologists spotted these dangerous 'blue dragons,' a surface-skimming sea slug (above), this Sunday along North Padre Island, just south of Corpus Christi, Texas This 'blue wave' - which the researchers said is just getting started thanks to the coming spring's strong southeast winds - has flooded Texas beaches with toxic Portuguese man o' wars and 'thousands' of predatory by-the-wind-sailors (seen above), with more on the way Jace Tunnell, a marine conservationist who produces 'Beachcombing' series for the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, spotted the beached blue dragons on an expedition to North Padre Island on Sunday. 'I'm on the beach all the time so when I find something new or rare, I'm always intrigued,' Tunnell told DailyMail.com. 'Once I found the blue dragon, I knew I wanted to get photos of it without touching it.' And, despite their bright blue hues, the toxic dragons can be challenging to spot. READ MORE: Terrifying moment clueless beachgoer plays with dangerous slug known as a 'blue dragon' A TikTok user unknowingly filmed himself playing with a poisonous blue dragon sea slug (pictured) at a Queensland beach - asking his 52.4k followers: 'Anyone know what this is?' Advertisement The sea slug is typically no more than one inch long and its multi-shaded coloring is meant to blend in with both the blues of the ocean and the sky - making the dragon 'a master of disguise' according Australian marine ecologist Dr. Steve Smith. 'If someone gets stung by a blue dragon,' Tunnell explained to DailyMail.com via email, 'it would be intense pain for about an hour.' 'People might experience nausea and the feeling like needles scraping the skin,' he said. 'Anyone who has been stung by a man o' war knows what I'm talking about.' 'I've been stung by many,' Tunnell said. 'I'm a surfer. lol.' These painful toxins inside a blue dragon, formally known as a Glaucus atlanticus sea slug, comes from its parasitic-like feeding off of the 30-foot tentacles of its more innately poisonous host, the Portuguese man o' war. The blue dragon is immune to the man o' war's toxins and collects the substance for its own self-defense - housing greater and greater concentrations within the finger-like tips of its wing-like appendages, called cerata. 'Every spring we get strong southeast winds that bring in all kinds of interesting items from the Gulf,' according to Tunnell, who scooped his specimens with a small clear bucket for his own safety. Although increasingly powerful ''Category Six' mega-hurricanes are projected for the Gulf of Mexico due to climate change, the marine researcher noted that while the arrival of the G. atlanticus blue dragon was rare, it was not unusual. 'I don't believe this is connected to climate change,' he said, 'just a normal seasonal pattern that we see here along the coast.' The blue dragon (left) is immune to the man o' war's toxins and collects the substance for its own self-defense - housing greater and greater concentrations within the finger-like tips of their wing-like appendages, called cerata. At right, a beached 'by-the-wind-sailor' up close The blue dragons siphon off the stinging cells of the man-of-wars (pictured) they eat and the concentrate those cells, meaning their stings can be stronger than a man-of-war's sting Marine ecologist Dr. Steve Smith, the director of Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre, described the evolutionary logic of the 'blue dragon' sea slug's vibrant blue coloring as an example of 'countershading' But fortunately, as Southern Cross University marine ecologist Dr. Steve Smith has previously told Australian Geographic, the creature does not always attack humans. 'I've picked them up many times and I haven't been stung,' as Dr. Smith, who is an expert on sea slugs like the blue dragon, told the publication during a spate of sightings down under in 2017. 'They're not like bluebottles [another name for the Portuguese man o' war],' he said. 'They may have the capacity to sting - but it doesn't mean they're going to do it every time.' Because the parasitic or symbiotic 'blue dragon' slug glides near the surface of the ocean alongside its man o' war hosts, it has adopted a light blue underbelly to better match the sky and a dark blue coloration up top to blend in with the sea surface Dr. Smith, the director of Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre, also described the evolutionary logic behind the sea slug's vibrant blue coloring - calling it an example of 'countershading.' Because the parasitic or symbiotic sea slug glides near the surface of the ocean alongside its man o' war host, it has adopted a light blue underbelly to better match the sky and a dark blue coloration up top to blend in with the sea surface. The technique, according to Dr. Smith, makes the creature less visible to predators. In a February 12 advisory posting to Facebook, Tunnell's employers at the Harte Research Institute warned Texans to expect more tiny, toxic blue dragons along their coastline all spring. 'This is just the first 'blue wave' of these organisms washing in together,' the institute said in its post. 'Each spring when we get strong southeast winds blowing in, we get a wave of man-o-wars, by-the-wind-sailors, blue buttons, and the organisms that feed on them,' they noted, 'the rarely seen blue dragon.' 'You can expect to see this happening more as we get into spring.' Mars has been a source of curiosity for decades, with no timeline set for when humans might reach the red planet. But astronomer David Whitehouse has high hopes that the day may be only a couple of decades away. Whitehouse projected that humans will travel to Mars in the 2040s, with his prediction banking on upcoming explorations on the moon being a success. He said he believes it will lead to a better understanding of how to survive the one-year journey to Mars. Astronomer David Whitehouse projects humans will travel to Mars in the next 15 or 20 years NASA planned to launch its Odysseus lunar lander to search the dark side of the moon in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday but was postponed until Thursday due to off-normal methane temperatures. Astronomers believe the southern region of the moon holds billions of gallons of ice which is a valuable resource for space travel because with ice, astronauts will have oxygen to breathe and water to drink. So going to the moon is of value itself, Whitehouse told Sky News, adding: But there is ice on Mars, so what you learn on the Moon, you can take that and use that technology on Mars. The problem is the Moon is three days away and relatively straightforward to get there. Mars, the voyage is the big frontier, because it will take the best part of a year to get there. He projected it will take at least 15 or 20 years before astronauts can travel to Mars, placing the expedition date in the 2040s. The length of time to travel to Mars is a major concern, Whitehouse said, because astronomers do not know how to keep alive in deep space on such a long voyage. Historically, space travel has only taken a few days at most, with the average stay on the Space Station lasting about six months, but there is still little information about how a one-year journey in space would affect the human body. Scientists have been searching for signs of life on Mars since NASA's Mariner 9 mission in 1962 There are three main problems with traveling in space for a year or more: zero gravity, radiation, and confinement. Living in zero gravity means the muscles dont need to work like they would on Earth, which makes them weaken and deteriorate over time. It also causes the heart and lungs to weaken, meaning they cant effectively pump oxygen throughout the body, and bone density drops by more than one percent per month, putting astronauts at risk of osteoporosis. In 2010, NASA conducted the Mars500 experiment where six men spent 520 days in a windowless chamber at the Russian Institute for Biomedical Problems in Moscow to determine the psychological effects of spending that long in confinement. By the end of the study, the majority of the crew members suffered from insomnia and other sleep disorders. On Earth, humans are protected from radiation by the atmosphere and magnetic field, but in space, astronauts encounter radiation levels equivalent to one years exposure on Earth in just one week. The only way to protect astronauts from radiation exposure on a lengthy mission to Mars would be to build a bulkier spacecraft or use more efficient shielding materials, both of which would make launches more expensive, and difficult. To put it in perspective, it typically costs a billion dollars per interplanetary space mission, meaning major space agencies around the world have spent a collective $50 billion on Mars since the first NASA spacecraft reached Mars in 1964 and this is just the cost to send cameras, rovers and landers to the red planet. The Mars rover identified a crater on the red planet that showed signs that it was once a lakebed Astronomers are intent on reaching Mars because it is one of the only other planets in our solar system where life may have existed. The Mars rover found evidence that the Jezero crater on Mars hosts an ancient river delta, but scientists recently confirmed the crater was also once a lakebed. NASA finds evidence of an ancient lake that may have bred microbial lifeforms 3 billion years ago The Perseverance rover has been exploring the Jezero Crater where it identified sediments deposited by water, confirming speculations that the formation was flowing with water three billion years ago. Advertisement The distance to travel to Mars is between 33 million to 249 million miles from Earth, with the distance constantly changing, but NASA says it is working on six technologies to get humans to Mars by the end of the next decade. Advanced propulsion systems, inflatable landing gear to deliver heavier space crafts and high-tech spacesuits that are adaptable to all climates and have enhanced mobility. It is also creating a home and lab on wheels that can navigate the terrain for astronauts to conduct experiments and allow astronauts to survive on another planet and surface power systems that will continue to operate regardless of the location or weather. Currently, there is no way to have direct lines of communication with astronauts traveling beyond the moon, so NASAs laser communications system will allow astronauts to stay in touch with people on Earth and send more data at a time. NASA said it plans to test all the technologies on the moon before sending humans to Mars and hopes that learning more about the red planet will tell us more about our Earths past and future and may help answer whether life exists beyond our home planet. READ MORE: Second guess every text? Scientists find people use happy emojis to hide negative emotions Advertisement Men struggle to grasp the meaning of emoji faces because they are less sensitive than women, a study has found. Researchers asked 500 men and women from the UK and China to identify the emotions being portrayed in a series of the little yellow icons popular in text messages and social media posts. They also found that British people had more difficulty recognizing the 'disgusted' face, possibly because the infamously reserved Brits are less likely to express that emotion, holding their distaste closer to the vest. Study participants looked at emojis representing happiness, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise and anger. Researchers asked 500 men and women from the UK and China to identify the emotions portrayed in a series of emojis, those little yellow icons popular in text messages. Women edged out men as more perceptive in reading the icons' meaning Study participants looked at emojis representing happiness, disgust, fear, sadness, surprise and anger - across multiple tech operating systems which vary in emoji design (above) Women did better across the board. The researchers said this may be because women are more sensitively tuned to recognizing the emotions of human babies. Yihua Chen, of Nottingham University, said: 'Women demonstrate higher accuracy in emotion recognition than men. One potential explanation is the "primary caretaker hypothesis."' 'Accurate and rapid identification of infant emotions, especially facial expressions, is a very important part of infant care, as infant mortality has generally been high throughout human evolution.' Generally, the Westerners did better than the Chinese at recognizing emoji emotions but struggled with the 'disgusted' face, which has down-turned features with a wobbly mouth, furrowed brow and clenched eyes. The researchers said this may be due to 'specific emotional experiences in different cultures.' They also noted that in China, the 'smile' face was often used to represent emotions other than happiness. The study was published in science journal Plos One. Britain is one of the most emoji-hungry nations on earth, with half of us sending at least one every day. They are also popular across age groups, with little variation between the generations. The researchers found that English posts on X, formerly Twitter, were also littered with emojis - more so than on China's Weibo social media platform. Emojis are a standard feature on smartphones and computers. The cartoony faces expressing various emotions date back to the 1990s and have since become a cultural fixture. In 2015, in fact, Oxford Dictionaries made the 'crying with laughter' emoji its 'word of the year.' Casper Grathwohl, vice president of Oxford University Press, said at the time: 'Traditional alphabet scripts have been struggling to meet the rapid-fire, visually focused demands of 21st century communication.' 'It's not surprising that a pictographic script like emoji has stepped in to fill those gaps - it's flexible, immediate, and infuses tone beautifully.' 'As a result,' Grathwohl concluded, 'emoji are becoming an increasingly rich form of communication, one that transcends linguistic borders.' THE NEW LOOK (Apple TV+) Rating: For the four years that Paris was occupied by Nazi Germany, the elegant city renowned for the craftsmen, ateliers and designers of high fashion was reduced to curfews, food trucks and trigger-happy soldiers patrolling every street corner. Its against this nerve-jangling backdrop that The New Look, Apple TV+s new blockbuster series, an inspired by true stories drama, sets the lives of fashion legends Coco Chanel and Christian Dior. Dior, a then unknown young designer with a sister secretly working for the French Resistance, is working in the atelier of Lucien Lelong, unwillingly creating gowns for fashionable Nazi wives and mistresses. Chanel, already famous, is holed up at Pariss grandest hotel, the Ritz, with her Nazi lover. Both are surviving as best they can. Juliette Binoche as Coco Chanel, left, and Emily Mortimer as her close friend Elsa Lombardi in Apple TV + series The New Look Maisie Williams plays Catherine Dior, the sister of designer Christian who has been imprisoned in the infamous Ravensbruck concentration camp in Germany Fashion has always been difficult to bring to the screen: its particular alchemy of creativity, originality and hunger, overlaid with the need for commercial success, is hard to pin down. Here, it fits beautifully, seamlessly one might say, into a bigger story about the challenges and compromises of war. The New Look is not the only on-screen portrayal of the febrile fashion industry around right now. You can take your pick of glamorous offerings: High & Low: John Galliano, a documentary about the designers fall from grace after an inexplicable anti-Semitic outburst, will be released in cinemas next month; the excellent Kingdom of Dreams the story of Tom Ford and Alexander McQueen is available to stream on Sky, along with the Disney Plus mini-series Cristobal Balenciaga. The opening episode of The New Look, released yesterday, however, is not really about fashion. The closest we get to the skill and passion of dress design is in the splendid opening credits that conjure up the intensity and detail of the workroom. The compelling story of Dior (played by Ben Mendelsohn) desperately trying to free his sister Catherine (Maisie Williams) who has been imprisoned in the infamous Ravensbruck concentration camp, is juxtaposed with the plush world of Chanel, described by a Nazi general, when they meet at a ball, as bigger than any Hollywood star. Juliette Binoches Chanel is convincing, without being accurate. The actress is more beautiful than Chanel, whose appearance was what the French call jolie laide (ugly pretty) more gamine and less feminine. It wasnt Chanels beauty that attracted powerful men such as the Duke of Westminster, with whom she had an affair, his friend Winston Churchill and the Nazi high command but her confidence, incredible style and the fact that, for Chanel, sex was a currency like everything else. Binoche is softer and less rigid than the original, slumping in her chair at times in a manner the real woman would never have done. At the time episode one begins, Chanels business was closed (and remained closed throughout the war), but it would have been helpful to get a glimpse of how she had already defined the wardrobe of the contemporary woman loose trousers, soft shouldered tailoring, beautiful costume jewellery. Mendelsohns Dior, though, is utterly unlike the real Dior, who was a podgy, round-faced young man who fell into fashion after his career as an art gallerist failed when his father ran out of money to back him. Ben Mendelsohn, left, stars as Christian Dior, a then unknown young designer working in the atelier of John Malkovich's Lucien Lelong, right The actor portrays Diors general physical unease and shyness but gives us not even a trace of the intellectual firepower and fledgling creative genius that meant that, by the time he died suddenly of a heart attack in 1957, the House of Dior was making $20million a year a staggering sum for the time. The New Look brilliantly evokes the Paris of the age both the richly-panelled rooms hung with scarlet Nazi banners, and the dirty cobbled streets and tunnels of the Resistance. Many of the haunts depicted are still those of the fashion world today: particularly the Ritz, which is fashion central during Paris Fashion Week, while several of the large buildings with their magnificent stone staircases house the enduring names including St Laurent, Dior, Chanel. The New Look is a visual feast, but, more importantly, its a lesson about the decisions that anyone in wartime even the seemingly most privileged faces to survive. The first three episodes of The New Look are available now on Apple TV+. Subsequent episodes will be released every Wednesday until April 3. Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry has split from her on-off boyfriend Johnny Wilbo for the fourth time after the pair argued over money. Chloe, 28, reportedly told friends their relationship is now over for good - after they first got together in October 2021. The pair had a strong of arguments over money, The Sun reported, with Johnny allegedly staying at her mansion while not paying rent or helping with other bills. It is the fourth time Chloe and Johnny have broken up since they got together, one of which was in 2022 when she accused him of messaging other women. An insider said: 'Chloe and Johnny were having blazing rows about him living rent free in her mansion and not paying his way. Geordie Shore star Chloe Ferry has split from her on-off boyfriend Johnny Wilbo for the fourth time after the pair argued over money, The Sun reported on Tuesday Chloe, 28, reportedly told friends their relationship is now over for good - after they first got together in October 2021 'She was paying for all the meals, takeouts, shopping and bills.' The insider went on to say that Johnny is 'not fussed' the relationship is over as he had been getting 'fed up of her constantly bossing him around' and making him do tasks that could have 'easily' been done herself as a 'power move'. But the insider added that while Chloe claims this is the final split, pals are not so sure. 'Chloe seems sure it's not going to work out and its over for good but they always end up back together. Nobody is holding their breath,' they added. Chloe and Johnny first parted ways in September 2022 when she accused him of messaging other girls behind her back. But the following month, they were spotted partying together as they secretly reunited and decided to give the relationship another go. They split a further two times but reunited. Chloe then kept the relationship relatively private, rarely sharing photos of the couple. However the news of their split contradicts loved up snaps of them seen in December. The pair had a strong of arguments over money, The Sun reported, with Johnny allegedly staying at her mansion while not paying rent or helping with other bills Chloe and Johnny first parted ways in September 2022 when she accused him of messaging other girls behind her back Chloe looked more loved-up than ever as she packed on the PDA with her ex Johnny on December 28 in Thailand. The couple couldn't keep their hands off one another as Johnny picked Chloe up in the ocean and she kissed him. Chloe and Johnny were last spotted reuniting for a fourth time back in February and were all smiles as they fed the pigs on the beach. Chloe looked nothing short of sensational as she flaunted her jaw-dropping figure in the brown striped two-piece. She put on a very busty display in the triangle top which she teamed with a pair of skimpy thong bottoms. Phoebe Dynevor put on a racy display in a sheer dress as she attended a star-studded pre-BAFTA dinner and party in London on Tuesday. The Bridgerton actress, 28, stepped out for the pre-BAFTA filmmakers dinner and party at Dunhill Bourdon House in London. Phoebe opted for a daring ensemble, with a sheer puffed sleeve black gown showing exposing a 1950s style lingerie set underneath. The star's elegant dress was adorned with flowers and had a sparkling diamond belt attached. She paired the look with black heels and wore her auburn locks in loose waves down her shoulders. Phoebe Dynevor put on a racy display in a sheer dress as she attended a star studded pre-BAFTA dinner and party in London on Tuesday The Bridgerton actress, 28, stepped out for the pre-BAFTA filmmakers dinner and party at Dunhill Bourdon House in London Phoebe opted for a daring ensemble, with a sheer puffed sleeve black gown showing exposing a 1950s style lingerie set underneath Phoebe chose a glam make-up look for the dinner, pairing the all-black ensemble with a bright red lipstick. Her appearance comes after Phoebe revealed the supportive words her famous mum shared with her after her hit drama Bridgerton became a huge streaming success. Phoebe's career was launched into the stratosphere thanks to her role as Daphne Basset, Duchess of Hastings, in the Netflix period drama. Luckily, Phoebe's mother Sally, 60, is used to fame due to her role as Sally Metcalfe in Coronation Street as she told her eldest daughter to 'just enjoy it'. The actress has starred in the ITV soap since 1986 and was able to offer her daughter some words of wisdom on how to cope with her newfound celebrity status. Speaking in an interview with to ELLE UK Phoebe said: 'My mum's best advice has been to just enjoy it all. 'There was a certain point with 'Bridgerton' where I was over-analysing everything and my mum told me to just embrace it all, and not to be terrified of it. 'Fame doesn't do great things to people in the public eye - particularly men! She's really helped me navigate it all.' The star's elegant dress was adorned with flowers and had a sparkling diamond belt attached Phoebe was all smiles as she left the exclusive party - her black phone clutched tightly in her hand She showed some more leg as she was caught mid-stride, glowing from a night of fun with fellow celebs Phoebe's hair was slightly damp with sweat, indicating that the night featured a very energetic dancing segment Phoebe re-applied her red lipstick to look glam one last time outside the famous Dunhill archway Phoebe comes from an acting family, as her grandmother Shirley Dynevor was a theatre and television actress and her dad Tim Dynevor is also an actor-and-screenwriter. The Fair Play star can remember visiting the set of Coronation Street as a child, where her grandmother Shirley worked as a stage manager for 15 years. She also revealed her mum Sally would invite her castmates back to the family home as she admitted she was 'in awe of it all'. 'I grew up outside of Manchester. My grandma was an actress, as well as my dad and my mum. So I've been surrounded by creativity from day one. 'When I was younger, we would go on set a lot, and I got used to seeing people from TV come to our house. 'I was in awe of it all and loved seeing the family that people built on set and how everyone worked in very different jobs to create something.' Despite her celebrity status, Phoebe insisted she is much happier being at home rather than on the red carpet as she described herself as a 'real hermit'. The star explained: 'Day to day I'm very low key though. I'm happiest at home in my tracksuit and I never leave my neighbourhood in North London. Phoebe's success is showing no sign of slowing down after she was nominated for a BAFTA EE Rising Star Award last month (seen at the nominations announcement in January) Host Stephen Graham, nominees Mia McKenna-Bruce, Sophie Wilde, Phoebe Dynevor and host Ali Plumb attend the EE BAFTA Rising Star 2024 Nominations Announcement at The Savoy Hotel on January 10 'I have my little coffee place that I go to every day and I read and I'm a real hermit!' And Phoebe's success is showing no sign of slowing down after she was nominated for a BAFTA EE Rising Star Award. Discussing what it means to be a BAFTA nominee she said: 'I didn't get success overnight. It seems that way with Bridgerton but it's been a really long journey to get here and that's what makes the BAFTA nomination all the more gratifying.' The star also revealed Sally will be accompanying her to the prestigious awards ceremony as her plus one: 'I find awards shows terrifying - imposter syndrome is a real thing! They're really scary but also very exciting because you're in a room full of incredible people. 'I'm already planning my outfit for the BAFTAs. I work with Louis Vuitton and I have two dresses to choose from. 'I'll take my mum as my plus one. I want to be present and soak it all up because that moment will never happen again. I'm the type of person who doesn't believe that I'll win so I probably won't write a speech and then I'll have to wing it.' Taylor Swift kicks off the Australian leg of her Eras tour in a matter of days and excitement is building among her dedicated Swifties. But with the prices of flights and accommodation options soaring in Sydney and Melbourne ahead of her shows, fans are making drastic decisions so they can have the best experience. Fans who don't live in Sydney or Melbourne are considering commuting to the cities via private jets. Flight Centre have revealed commercial flights from Brisbane to Melbourne cost approximately $569 for the February 16 show. The following week, the same route drops dramatically to $118. Taylor Swift kicks off the Australian leg of her Eras tour in a matter of days and excitement is building among her dedicated Swifties 'Commercial flights and accommodation are at a premium and we've even seen some travellers opting for a private charter flight to get to the concert as a result,' Flight Centre Travel Group global leisure CEO James Kavanagh told news.com.au. 'While it may seem extreme, we're not surprised to see people opting for private flights through our charter aircraft company AVMIN and we've had bookings for both Taylor's Sydney and Melbourne shows.' Estimated to seat 86,000 people a night, the MCG in Melbourne will be packed across February 16 to February 18. Taylor will then jet to Sydney for four sold-out shows at Accor Stadium from February 24 to February 26. Meanwhile, fans have been coming up with bizarre 'hacks' to maximise their experience at the concerts, including one very gross suggestion. But with the prices of flights and accommodation options soaring in Sydney and Melbourne ahead of her shows, fans are making drastic decisions so they can have the best experience 'Commercial flights and accommodation are at a premium and we've even seen some travellers opting for a private charter flight to get to the concert as a result,' Flight Centre Travel Group global leisure CEO James Kavanagh said One Melbourne ticket holder posted to a fan forum suggesting 'adult diapers' might be a good idea to ensure they don't miss any songs while waiting in line for the restroom. 'A bit of a silly question, going to Melbourne N1. Is anyone considering wearing an adult diaper? I just REALLY don't want to miss a second of it,' the anonymous post asked. Organisers of the tour are also concerned about the 15,000 fans who are estimated to arrive at the pop star's sold-out shows despite not having tickets. Venues NSW has warned ticketless fanatics to stay away from Accor Stadium to prevent crowd management issues, The Daily Telegraph reported on Sunday. A spokesperson said fans who missed out on tickets should not try to 'soak up the atmosphere' outside, as they likely won't hear any songs anyway. Meanwhile, Transport NSW coordinator-general Howard Collins said the city was 'preparing for the inevitable'. Estimated to seat 86,000 people a night, the MCG in Melbourne will be packed across February 16 to February 18 'What we found with other popular music venues where people can't get tickets, people do just turn up to sort of soak up the atmosphere, and you can't stop them other than to manage crowds,' he said. 'We are not encouraging ticketless fans to attend, but part of our contingency plan is allowing for extra people who may be travelling who haven't got tickets.' But despite warnings from the NSW government, businesses are said to be rolling out the welcome mat for all of Taylor's fans regardless of whether they have tickets. Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou said: 'Irrespective of their ticket status, Sydney must put up the welcome sign for the Swifties because they will all make a contribution to our city in some way.' If you've missed out on tickets to the live shows you don't need to worry. A new version of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour will be available exclusively on Disney+ from March 15th. The latest version of the movie, which became the highest-grossing concert film of all-time, will contain five new songs, not previously seen in theatres or in past digital versions, so Swifties can experience the entire show even if they didn't get to attend in person. The BBC was last night under fire for broadcasting episodes of The Apprentice starring a candidate accused of making 'a stream of anti-Jewish' comments on social media. Television executives refused to take the programme off-air after former NHS doctor Asif Munaf continued to make 'grotesquely antisemitic' remarks after a BBC-organised diversity and inclusion training course. Dr Munaf - who now owns his own wellness brand - described Zionism as a 'satanic cult' in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attack. He also wrote on social media that he was compiling a 'list of sadistic doctors' who were 'supporting the Zionist genocide'. Dr Munaf had also said that Zionists are 'odiously ogre-like' and labelled the 'Zionist PR machine' as 'slimy'. Asif Munaf described Zionism as a 'satanic cult' in the aftermath of the October 7 terror attack Dr Munaf had also said that Zionists are 'odiously ogour-like' and labelled the 'Zionist PR machine' as 'slimy' Dr Munaf was sent on an equalities training course after the BBC was alerted to his tweets once filming had concluded. The BBC said had the posts been there before filming, he would not have been included in the show. At the time a spokesman for The Apprentice said: 'After filming had taken place, we were made aware of concerns over social media posts that Asif had made after he had left the process. 'As soon as we were alerted, we took immediate action and spoke to Asif in detail on this. 'Asif took part in specialised training to understand why his posts may cause offence.' Dr Munaf insisted 'it was not my intention to offend anyone'. But since then he has continued to make controversial remarks about the conflict in Israel and Gaza. Two weeks ago he wrote that the 'Zionist mask is falling' and accused Israel of weaponizing the Holocaust to 'push another fascist ideology'. Former director of BBC Television Danny Cohen said: 'Once again, the Jewish community has been failed by the BBC' Yesterday, Danny Cohen - former director of BBC Television - claimed the training 'clearly did not work' citing further offensive remarks by Dr Munaf. Writing in The Telegraph Mr Cohen said: 'The BBC's inaction sends a message. 'You can be racist towards Jews and there are no consequences. You can enjoy fame on the BBC even if you are the kind of person whose views painfully remind Jewish viewers of Nazi propaganda. 'Once again, the Jewish community has been failed by the BBC.' Last night a spokesperson for Campaign against antisemitism said: 'How does the BBC think that Jewish people react when they turn on the television and see someone who has engaged in the most vicious rhetoric on their national broadcaster? 'Asif Munaf has reportedly spoken of 'the Zionist antichrist', the 'slimy Zionist PR machine', 'odiously ogre-like Zionists', 'Zionist doctors', 'weaponising the Holocaust' and more. 'These sorts of views should usually get you fired. At the BBC, they just put you on telly.' Director of the Board of Deputies Marie Van der Zyl said: 'The BBC's response has been extremely poor. Our community feels as if viewing figures have been prioritised over combatting hideous prejudice. 'The Corporation should publicly apologise for its mishandling of this situation.' Concerns about Dr Munaf were first raised by the Jewish News after Dr Munaf appeared on BBC show Dragon's Den. The former medic turned entrepreneur has also made a series of misogynistic videos on Instagram including one titled 'Have you ever met a beautiful feminist?' and another entitled 'Don't Trust What Women Say'. Gavin and Stacey is reportedly at the 'centre of a bidding war' as the BBC and Netflix fight over the sitcom. Following the news that the iconic drama is set to return for the first time in five years this Christmas, sources have claimed streaming giant Netflix is battling to steal it from the BBC, which has aired it since 2007. They told The Sun: 'Obviously the show has a special history with the BBC, and this seems like its natural and obvious home. 'Chief Content Officer Charlotte Moore has spoken to the pair and made it clear she wants the show to stay put, but Netflix have also made it very, very explicit that they want to air it.' The insider added that the streaming companys CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters are 'extremely excited' as they can top the BBC's offer, but Ruth and James 'aren't' about the money'. Gavin and Stacey is reportedly at the 'centre of a bidding war' as the BBC and Netflix fight over the sitcom Following the news that the iconic drama is set to return for the first time in five years this Christmas, sources have claimed streaming giant Netflix is battling to steal it from the BBC, which has aired it since 2007 They said: 'It would be a huge coup for Netflix to steal this flagship British comedy from the nose of the BBC and, indeed, there may be a world in which this happens.' It was claimed on Tuesday that a new episode of the beloved BBC sitcom will reportedly be filmed over the summer and screened at Christmas. Viewers couldn't contain their excitement following the announcement and begged for there to be 'no more cliffhangers' and for all of the old ones to be resolved. Previously, the series returned for a Christmas Special back in 2019, but ended on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger when Nessa - played by Ruth - got down on one knee and proposed to her on/off flame Smithy - played by James. Elsewhere during the special fans were left more desperate than ever to find out what really happened on THAT infamous fishing trip. After years of not knowing what occurred it appeared Uncle Bryn was ready to reveal what led to him and Jason falling out on the trip during the festive family gathering . The pair were gifted with a photo of themselves together which, unbeknownst to Gwen (Melanie Walters) who gave them the present, was taken on the fishing trip. Bryn (Rob Brydon) and Jason (Robert Wilfort) both immediately fell silent as the mysterious events of the trip came back to them. The fishing trip has been a running gag throughout the series and was the cause of Bryn and Jason's long-standing troubled relationship in the early episodes. Fans thought they were finally going to get an answer to what really happened on the trip when Bryn stood up to get it off his chest, but he was interrupted by Gavin and Stacey's children running into the room. The fishing trip has never properly been spoken off causing fans to brand the cliffhanger as the 'best unsolved mystery of all time'. But now BBC viewers are wanting more of the story and taking to X to beg for it to be written into the new script. One penned: 'Fishing trip and proposal resolutions please'. Another fan wrote: 'If that new Gavin & Stacey episode ends on another cliffhanger I'm pinging James Corden.' Following the news that the iconic drama is set to return for the first time in five years this Christmas, viewers urged the writers to tie up certain loose ends A third requested: 'I would like to know what happened on that fishing trip between Bryn and Jason'. 'Two words: Fishing trip. #gavinandstacey', wrote another. A fifth fan agreed: 'Already can't wait for Christmas we need answers did smithy say yes, what really happened on the fishing trip!!!!!' 'Outcome of the proposal please and of course the fishing trip', said another. 'I hope it's titled 'The Fishing Trip Explanation'', added another viewers. An eighth added: 'They better not be playing with mewe need to know what happened on the fishing trip' 'What happened on the fishing trip is the best unsolved mystery of all time', said another. 'No cliffhanger and fishing trip reveal please,' begged someone else. James , who stars as Gavin's best friend Smithy, is set to reunite with cast members including Ruth, Matthew Horne, Joanna Page, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Larry Lamb and Julia Davis for the special. Fans have long hoped James' decision to move back to the UK following his eight-year stint hosting The Late Late Show in the US will increase the chances of making another episode. And after James was spotted meeting co-creator Ruth in London's Soho in November 2023, speculation went into overdrive. Deadline reports that most of the cast will return for the special, including Matthew as Gavin and Joanna as Stacey. Previously, the series returned for a Christmas Special back in 2019, but ended on a jaw-dropping cliffhanger when Nessa - played by Ruth - got down on one knee and proposed to her on/off flame Smithy - played by James And on Tuesday viewers couldn't contain their excitement following the announcement and begged for there to be 'no more cliffhangers' and for old ones to be resolved Previously, James told the RTS Cambridge Convention he felt 'compelled to come home' after leaving The Late Late Show after hosting 1,000. However, he has not stopped interviewing celebrities as his new venture, called This Life of Mine with James Corden, has already scored top guests such as Martin Scorsese, Kim Kardashian and David Beckham. He also confessed that he didn't know if he would do any more Gavin and Stacey but stressed he would 'love to make something together again' with Jones at the convention. READ MORE: Gavin and Stacey star Joanna Page reveals major update about the show's future after James Corden and Ruth Jones were spotted together in London Advertisement Meanwhile, Gavin and Stacy fans went into meltdown earlier today when the news of a Christmas special emerged. One wrote on X, formerly Twitter: 'GAVIN AND STACY AHHHHHHHHH'. Another said: 'Gavin & Stacey is back?!?! OMG I suddenly feel so much better!!!' A third said: 'OMG YES'. A fourth wrote: 'Gavin & Stacey back for a Christmas special! O M and G!!' Sheridan Smith addressed the possibility of a reboot of the smash hit sitcom in an interview late last year . Speaking to Jason King and Kelly Brook on Heart Breakfast, Sheridan said she didn't know if the show will return, but said she thinks 'so many shows overdo it'. The actress - who played Rudi, the sister of Corden's Smithy - suggested that the show would not be back, despite fans 'all wanting' the all-star cast to return. During her radio appearance, she said: 'I have not a clue if they're going to do any more or not, I really don't know.' 'I think what they've done is genius, they've left it on a high haven't they, so many shows overdo it, because we all want more, we all want more Gavin & Stacey.' Her comments came after Joanna crushed fans' hopes of a comeback , claiming the legendary sitcom was unlikely to ever return. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Joanna said: 'I can see them never doing any more because it was nice to leave it on a cliffhanger because it's up to the viewer to imagine what would have happened. So I can imagine them ending it like that.' Previously Joanna crushed fans' hopes of a Gavin and Stacey comeback, saying the legendary sitcom is unlikely to ever return Yet she added: 'All I can say is, if they were going to do another one I hope it's soon because we're all getting so old, I don't particularly want to see Stacey get that much older. 'And if there is a comeback, I'll find out at the same time as the public because I don't get told anything.' The BBC declined to comment. Joanna previously l et fans in on a secret about one of the famous Gavin & Stacey scenes from the original festive episode in 2008. The Welsh actress said when her on-screen father-in-law Mick Shipman took to the keyboard to perform Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas but the moment was actually fake. Joanna explained that Larry Lamb, who played Mick, had piano lessons but it made no difference as he was still 'dreadful' on the instrument so editors made the decision to dub the scene. In the episode, Mick 'played' the festive classic while surrounded by the main cast, Gavin, Pam, Smithy and Nessa, in the Shipmans' living room after his wife gifted him the keyboard for Christmas. Sunrise is already Australia's top-rated breakfast TV program. But it seems the Sydney-based show is attempting to build up its audience in Melbourne. Viewers on Wednesday were surprised to see popular news anchor Edwina Bartholomew doing a live report on the storms that ravaged the southern capital overnight. 'Eddy is outstanding reporting in the field. Doing a great job this morning,' wrote one insider on industry blog Media Spy. 'Good to see,' added another. Viewers on Wednesday were surprised to see popular news anchor Edwina Bartholomew doing a live report on the storms that ravaged the southern capital overnight, leading to speculation the Sydney-based show is attempting to build up its audience in Melbourne 'A few weeks back they wouldn't have sent her down. Clearly trying to gain back Melbourne viewers.' The speculation comes after Seven announced that two well-known Melbourne identities, Neil Mitchell and Peter Daicos, are soon to join Brekkie Central. Mitchell, 72, who resigned from 3AW last September after 30 years, will appear on Sunrise to add his commentary on politics and public affairs from Thursday. Last year Seven claimed Sunrise was the top-rated breakfast in all the state capitals including Melbourne 'I have months of pent-up opinion ready to burst out and I am ready to share it with the Sunrise audience. I'm truly delighted to be back,' Mitchell said in a statement. 'Much happens in Melbourne that sets the pace for the nation, and I hope to be on top of that There will be opinions, debate, and news explained, but there will be fun too.' Footy great Peter Daicos, meanwhile, will join Sunrise as an AFL 'insider' to offer commentary on the 2024 competition. The speculation comes after Seven announced that two well-known Melbourne identities, Neil Mitchell (pictured) and Peter Daicos, are soon to join Brekkie Central Last year Seven claimed Sunrise was the top-rated breakfast television show in all the state capitals including Melbourne. The show was rocked last year when long-time host David 'Kochie' Koch retired. But it has remained stable with Koch's replacement Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington sharing the desk with Natalie Barr, who has been a part of the Sunrise team for two decades. He's known for getting his celebrity interview guests to bare their souls and eviscerate their taste buds while munching on 10 increasingly spicy chicken wings. And Hot Ones host Sean Evans isn't afraid of turning up the heat in his personal life either, as he is reportedly dating a porn star. The 37-year-old YouTuber has been linked with the adult actress and webcam performer Melissa Stratton, TMZ reported on Tuesday. Evans has seemingly kept the budding romance under wraps and has avoided sharing his connection to Stratton on social media, but she has shared multiple photos of the two looking cozy together, including pictures indicating that they attended the Super Bowl together. DailyMail.com has reached out to a representative for Evans requesting comment. Hot Ones host Sean Evans, 37, is dating the porn star Melissa Stratton, sources told TMZ on Tuesday; seen together on Saturday, February 10 Stratton, an adult actress and webcam performer, has shared multiple photos of the two looking cozy to her social media accounts; pictured January 27 in Las Vegas Sean shared several photos from the Saturday before the Super Bowl to Instagram that primarily focused on him and his celebrity pals, though Melissa was pictured smiling in the background of one photo at a bar. However, she was more explicit on her X (formerly Twitter) account; she posted a photo of herself beaming and posing with Sean in front of a Super Bowl LVIII backdrop. The talk show host wrapped an arm around her, while she showed off a wide smile and rested a hand affectionately on his shoulder. On her own social accounts, Melissa posted a snap of herself cozying up to Sean in the same bar she was just barely glimpsed at in his post. The interviewer appeared to only post photos of himself from inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the big game was held, but Melissa shared photos of herself in the stadium wearing a red Kansas City jersey, and another social media user shared a photo of the two sitting next to each other in a VIP box and grinning for the camera. The photos were relatively chaste, but the adult performer included some affectionate captions, including one post of the two together from the day before the Superbowl that she captioned: 'The hottest @seanseaevans.' Sean's lack of posts about Melissa may not imply anything sinister, as his social accounts are primarily devoted to promoting his popular talk show Hot Ones, so he may just want to keep them business focused. Although none of the posts made it explicit that the two are an item, sources with direct knowledge claimed to TMZ that Evans and Stratton are dating. According to them, the two public figures starting chatting on social media back in November, building up to their first in-person meeting toward the end of 2023. Things seem to be getting more serious, and the two have since spent time together across the US in major cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and now Las Vegas. The sources added that Melissa hails from Kansas City and is a major fan of the Kansas City Chiefs who beat the San Francisco 49ers 2522 in a nail-biter overtime session which is partly why Sean invited her to the big game. Melissa was seen at Super Bowl LVIII with the YouTuber, and she shared several photos of the two hanging out throughout the weekend, though Sean didn't post any photos prominently featuring her Sources say the two began chatting online in November and met up later in 2023. Since then, they met up across the US in Chicago, LA, and now Las Vegas; seen January 27 at the 2024 Adult Video News Awards in Vegas with Codey Steel (L) and Hime Marie (R) Evans is known for hosting Hot Ones, where his guests answer his questions while trying to eat 10 chicken wings, each of which is doused with progressively spicier sauce; seen doing mini version of his show on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2017 It's unclear whether Sean and Melissa think they're in a relationship, or if they're just having some fun dating for now. The Hot Ones host has become a fan favorite in recent years, partly due to the gimmicky nature of his show. Celebrities answer his questions while eating chicken wings that are covered in increasingly spicy sauces, and some of his more delicate guests aren't able to make it all the way to the final hottest wing. Although he has been criticized for his allegedly robotic delivery and sometimes perfunctory questions, fans have defended him and the show as being able to get unguarded answers from stars who are usually much less willing to share their true feelings to other interviewers. Joe Manganiello has taken his relationship with new girlfriend Caitlin O'Connor to the next level. The actor, 47, who recently finalized his divorce after seven years of marriage to Sofia Vergara, 51, has reportedly moved in with the actress, 34 after three months of dating. According to TMZ, the couple are very much in love and relishing living under the same roof. The Magic Mike Last Dance actor and his new lady love are said to have bonded over their growing up in Pittsburgh. They have also been spotted traveling to romantic destinations such as New York and Italy. Joe has moved in with his new girlfriend, actress Caitlin O'Connor, according to sources (Pictured in Los Angeles in January) Joe and Sofia were married for seven years. In a recent interview, the actress revealed the reason for the split was because he wanted to have children and she didn't (Pictured in Beverly Hills in March 2022) Joe filed for divorce from the Modern Family star in September, citing 'irreconcilable differences.' In a candid interview with the Spanish publication El Pais, Sofia revealed the real reason for the split. '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.' The America's Got Talent judge said with menopause approaching, she's ready to be a grandmother, if and when her son Manolo, 32, decides to have children. '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,' she said. Joe got custody of the couple's dog Bubbles in the divorce. Sources say the pooch has apparently given his seal of approval to his new roommate. Joe has a new challenge ahead of him. He will be the host of Deal or No Deal Island which debuts on NBC February 26 Sofia seems to have moved on romantically as well. The Griselda star has been seen out and about with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman. Sofia is also celebrating that her limited-series based on the life of the drug cartel leader is still number one on Netflix. Joe has a new challenge ahead of him. He will be the host of Deal or No Deal Island which debuts on NBC February 26. Joe and Sofia have amicably settled their divorce six months after their shock split following a seven year marriage. 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. One of Australia's most celebrated actors, Ben Mendelsohn, made a playful appearance on the red carpet at SiriusXM radio studios in New York on Tuesday. Mendelsohn, 54, was photographed on the red carpet alongside co-star, Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, 59. The duo were in the Big Apple attending press junkets for his latest Apple TV+ series The New Look. Animal Kingdom star Mendelsohn went for a casual look, opting for an all-black ensemble with sneakers. Meanwhile his co-star posed with her hair down in a matching jacket and trouser set with a white T-shirt. One of Australia's most celebrated actors, Ben Mendelsohn, 54, (left) made a playful appearance with actress Juliette Binoche, 59, (right) on the red carpet at SiriusXM radio studios in New York on Tuesday The New Look is a 10-episode historical drama series from Todd A. Kessler, focusing on fashion designers Christian Dior and Coco Chanel as they navigate the horrors of World War II and launch modern fashion. It stars Mendelsohn as Christian Dior, Binoche as Coco Chanel and Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams as resistance heroine Catherine Dior. Inspired by true events and filmed exclusively in Paris, the series will also star John Malkovich as French couturier Lucien Lelong, Glenn Close as Carmel Snow and Emily Mortimer as socialite and close associate of Coco Chanel, Elsa Lombardi. The duo were in the Big Apple attending press junkets for his latest Apple TV+ series The New Look Animal Kingdom star Mendelsohn went for a casual look, opting for an all black ensemble with sneakers Meanwhile his co-star posed with her hair down in a matching jacket and trouser set with a white T-shirt Inspired by true events, The New Look centres on fashion designers Christian Dior, Coco Chanel as they navigate the horrors of World War II and launch modern fashion The series makes is global debut on Wednesday with the first three episodes releasedon Apple TV+, followed by one episode every Wednesday through April 3. It comes after Mendelsohn was spotted in an outing with his ex-wife Emma Forrest in December. The Star Wars actor's ex-wife, 46, filed for divorce in 2016. The series makes is global debut on Wednesday with the first three episodes releasedon Apple TV+, followed by one episode every Wednesday through April 3 Emma and Ben tied the knot in June 2012 at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. Along with his child with Emma, the actor also has another daughter from a previous relationship. In late December, 2016, Emma filed for divorce from the actor citing 'irreconcilable differences' and revealed she and the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actor had been separated since December 1 that year. Billie Piper was all smiles at the Dunhill & BSBP pre-BAFTA filmmakers party at Bourdon House in London on Tuesday. It's the first time Billie, 41, has emerged since she reportedly split from her boyfriend Johnny Lloyd, 38, after eight years together, which was announced last week. The former Doctor Who star oozed glamour in a navy velvet suit as she arrived to the star-studded bash solo. She slicked her auburn curly locks in a messy bun and flashed her chest in a plunging satin top. Billie made sure she showed Johnny what he was missing as she turned up to the bash in the jaw-dropping two-piece. Billie Piper, 41, was all smiles at the Dunhill & BSBP pre-BAFTA filmmakers party at Bourdon House in London on Tuesday It's the first time Billie has emerged since she reportedly split from her boyfriend Johnny Lloyd after eight years together, it was announced last week (pictured in May 2023) After hours at the party, Billie made a subtle exit as she was seen walking away from the venue. Billie and Johnny, who share five-year-old daughter, Tallulah, decided to end their romance after lockdown had a major impact on their relationship. Sources told The Sun on Sunday that the end of their relationship was 'very sad' and they are 'better off apart.' A source told the publication that Billie and Johnny atually split last year. They said: 'It's obviously very sad that the couple have gone their separate ways. 'But the relationship ran its course and they decided they would be better off apart. Like many couples, lockdown was quite tough for them, so they have had time to really think about what they want their future to look like. 'They will always treasure the time they had together and have many happy memories. 'Now they are concentrating on co-parenting their daughter and their separate careers.' The former Doctor Who star oozed glamour in a navy velvet suit as she arrived to the star-studded bash solo After hours at the party, Billie made a subtle exit as she was seen departing the venue Billie made sure she showed Johnny what he was missing as she turned up to the bash in the jaw-dropping two-piece Billie stunned as she looked down and laughed to herself, her unique-looking clutch held close to her chest Billie glowed as she energetically chatted with other guests at the party just ahead of the archway entrance MailOnline has contacted Billie's representatives for a comment. Billie was previously married to DJ Chris Evans, who is 17 years her senior, and actor-turned-political activist Laurence Fox, 45, with whom she has two sons. Billie and Johnny welcomed their daughter Tallulah in January 2019 after it was confirmed in July 2018 that Billie was expecting her first child with the rocker. A source told the Mirror at the time: 'Billie and Johnny are delighted. They can't wait to welcome the new addition to their family.' She revealed she would love to have more children back in February, 2018, admitting: 'In my dream world I'd have loads.' Billie and her ex first met at the Boogaloo pub on London's Archway Road in 2016. Before adding: 'I was one of four and it's taxing for both parents and kids. I do like the idea of chaos.' In April 2019, Johnny revealed that a lot of his success was down to Billie's support as she helped him get to the end of a sometimes bumpy journey. Billie and Johnny, who share five-year-old daughter, Tallulah, reportedly split after lockdown had a major impact on their relationship (pictured in 2021) Sources told The Sun on Sunday that the end of their eight-year relationship was 'very sad' and they are 'better off apart'. A source told the publication that Billie and Johnny split last year (pictured May 2023) The British actress had been dating Johnny, who is the front man of rock band Tribes, for almost eight years (pictured May, 2021) When they met the attraction was reportedly instant and mutual. 'She challenged me. She kept asking me questions like, What's your five-year plan? Where are you headed musically? And telling me I had to be accountable for everything I did,' he said 'I felt my head had been stuck in this way of just thinking next job, next tour and I wanted to keep talking to her. Luckily she felt the same way about me. 'She's made my life better in so many ways and I just feel I now know who I am, I know what I can do, I know where I want to be. And that's with her.' Billie's Instagram posts have been wiped clean since before September 2022 - just months before the reported break up. Her relationship with Johnny cames after her divorce from husband Laurence Fox, which was finalised in November 2017. The pair met when they performed together in the stage play Treats in 2006, and deemed it 'love at first sight'. They married on New Year's Eve in West Sussex the following year, and went on to welcome their two sons in 2008 and 2012. Former Doctor Who star Billie was previously married to DJ Chris Evans, who is 17 years her senior (pictured February, 2001) Billie's relationship with Johnny cames after her divorce from husband Laurence Fox, which was finalised in November 2017. The pair met when they performed together in the stage play Treats in 2006, and deemed it 'love at first sight (pictured August 2015) However, the acting couple confirmed they were splitting in March 2016, and they were granted a decree-nisi. Billie was previously married to radio host Chris, who she wed secretly back in 2001 at the age of 18, sparking controversy due to their sixteen-year age gap. The couple divorced three years later in 2004, but have remained close friends ever since. Billie previously recalled how she got 'completely hammered for three years' with ex-husband Chris when she was feeling burnt out from her teen pop career. Speaking on the David Tennant Does A Podcast With... podcast, Billie said she had an 'amazing time' with Chris and likened their relationship to being in 'your university years'. Recalling how she desired a more normal life after finding fame as a teen pop star, Billie said: 'I would say I was in a dark place and just ready to have a bit of a normal life, whatever that meant for me. I was just so tired. 'If I'm honest, I was really burnt out. I also wanted to have some freedom. I wanted to stay at home and learn how to cook properly and do what felt like healing things. Also, I went and got completely hammered for three years with Chris Evans.' David then asked her about her marriage to Chris, with Billie describing the relationship as 'very loving'. Prior to her first marriage, Piper also dated EastEnders star Danny Dyer (pictured July 2001), having split from popstar Richie Neville She said: 'We had a really amazing time together, you know? I imagine it's what your uni years feel like. Sort of reckless, but you're learning a lot. 'It was an incredible time and not to undermine our relationship because we also had a very loving relationship. It wasn't just, oh we're getting, going out, getting f****d. We had a very caring, loving relationship.' Prior to her first marriage, Piper also dated EastEnders star Danny Dyer, having split from popstar Richie Neville. As one of Doctor Who's most famous assistants, fans also went wild when unconfirmed reports suggested Piper and Doctor Who lead, Matt Smith, went on a date in 2006. British pop sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor is heading Down Under to perform at one of Sydney's biggest beach parties. The 44-year-old hitmaker, best known for her noughties hit Murder On The Dancefloor, has been confirmed as the headlining act at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras' 2024 Bondi Beach Party on Saturday, February 24. Sophie will be joined by an incredible lineup of artists including American pop acts Slayyter and Corey, and British DJs Jay Jay Revlon and Lagoon Femshaymer. Australian performers Tyoow, Mama de Leche, and Beth Yen (ACT) will also take the stage at the 15,000-guest event. Tickets are now on sale for $239 plus a booking fee via www.mardigras.org.au. British pop sensation Sophie Ellis-Bextor, 44, (pictured) is heading Down Under to perform at one of Sydney 's biggest beach parties Her appearance at the Bondi Beach Party will be the first of two trips to Australia this year, as Sophie is also supporting Take That on their national tour in October and November. She will be joined by fellow supporting act Ricki-Lee Coulter. Sophie's career is currently enjoying a renaissance after her 2001 song Murder On The Dancefloor was used in Emerald Fennell's 2024 film Saltburn, starring Australian actor Jacob Elordi. The hitmaker, best known for her noughties hit Murder On The Dancefloor, has been confirmed as the headlining act at Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras' 2024 Bondi Beach Party on Saturday, February 24 Sophie's career is currently enjoying a renaissance after her 2001 song Murder On The Dancefloor was used in Emerald Fennell's 2024 film Saltburn, starring Australian actor Jacob Elordi (pictured) It features in the film's finale when main character Oliver - played by Barry Keoghan - dances naked through the halls of the Saltburn mansion. The film's popularity has catapulted Murder On The Dancefloor to the top of charts across the world. A music industry source told the Mail On Sunday: 'Sophie has become a global star again. Universal, her old record label, have snapped her up and she will be releasing new music later in the year.' 'She is likely to be a bigger star than she was back in the day. It has come out of nowhere for Sophie and she is thrilled and really excited.' A technology expert has claimed that hundreds of Taylor Swift fans will be turned away at the gates at the popstar's Sydney and Melbourne shows during her Eras tour in the next two weeks. On Tuesday's Mix 106.3's Canberra Wrapped, hosts Rod Cuddihy, Bethany Larsen, and Lewis Haskew chatted with 'techspert' Trevor Long, who co-hosts 'Anatomy of a Scam' with former Today show host Deb Knight. Trevor made the harrowing prediction Swifties will not get into the stadiums due to fake tickets purchased through scammers. 'I'm really nervous that at the concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, there will be hundreds of people who turn up with the barcode, they will scan it and it says "nope",' the scam expert said. The radio hosts were then stunned to hear that Long's co-host Knight fell victim to one of these scams, especially given the pair host a podcast about spotting fraud. A technology expert has claimed that hundreds of Taylor Swift fans will be turned away at the gates at the popstar's Sydney and Melbourne shows during her Eras tour in the next two weeks Deb recently confessed she was scammed $1200 into buying fake tickets to one of Taylor's Aussie shows. 'I promise this was not staged [for their podcast],' said Trevor. 'Deb was absolutely devastated when this happened.' Trevor explained his Anatomy of a Scam co-host was looking for a birthday present for her eight-year-old daughter and found a friend of a friend on Facebook selling a ticket. On Tuesday's Mix 106.3's Canberra Wrapped, hosts Rod Cuddihy, Bethany Larsen, and Lewis Haskew chatted with 'techspert' Trevor Long, who co-hosts 'Anatomy of a Scam' with former Today show host Deb Knight Trevor made the harrowing prediction Swifties will not get into the stadiums due to fake tickets purchased through scammers 'I'm really nervous that at the concerts in Sydney and Melbourne, there will be hundreds of people who turn up with the barcode, they will scan it and it says "nope"', the scam expert said The person started a three-way chat on Facebook with Deb and her friend, who said the third person was trustworthy. However, unbeknownst to Deb and her friend, Facebook had been hacked by a scammer who managed to get $1200 out of Deb for four fake tickets. Soon after, she went back to the chat to thank the individual, Deb saw that they had disappeared and realised it was an elaborate con. The radio hosts were then stunned to hear that Long's co-host Knight fell victim to one of these scams, especially given the pair host a podcast about spotting fraud 'Fortunately, because she acted quickly, her bank was able to get the money,' said Trevor. The techspert finished with some very sound advice for Swifties looking to buy resale tickets. 'Did they charge you more than 10% the basic ticket price? Because it's illegal to sell tickets for more than 10% of the ticketed price,' he said. 'And the most important thing...if the ticket has a barcode on it, it's not legitimate. Because the barcode has not yet been issued for tickets. So if you've got a ticket with a barcode, it's a scam.' Married At First Sight bride Natalie Parham has opened up about the last time she spoke to her groom Collins Christian after the pair left the show. The Melbourne physiotherapist, 32, sensationally quit the experiment for the second time during Monday's episode of the reality dating series as she and Collins went home for good. Now, the bride has revealed the last text she shared with the 28-year-old. 'I did reach out to him to see how he was going and how he responded to certain articles that were coming out. And I got a one-word answer,' Natalie told The Pulse with Seany B & Emma G. 'I was really hoping that would open up the channel of conversation and he could just ask, "Hey, Nat. How are you doing... How's your mum going? I heard she's got cancer".' Married At First Sight bride Natalie Parham (pictured) has revealed the last time she spoke to her groom Collins Christian after the pair both left the show She continued: 'I put the ball in his court and he never took it back. So I was just really kind of sad about that.' Natalie then revealed the 'one-word' response Collins gave her after she kindly reached out: 'Cheers.' 'I wrote this long, well, long-ish message. It was a paragraph... reaching out and saying I'm here for him. And just got the word "cheers" in response,' she added. Collins and Natalie swiftly exited the program, returning home less than two days after the latest commitment ceremony was filmed. The Melbourne physiotherapist, 32, sensationally quit the experiment for the second time during Monday's episode of the reality dating series as she and Collins went home for good Now, the bride has revealed the last text she shared with the 28-year-old Sources close to the production told Daily Mail Australia that Natalie was struggling immensely throughout filming and missing her family. 'Natalie was homesick after losing her father and just wanted out,' an insider revealed. 'Collins was just doing her head in and Natalie wasn't coping. 'Nat finally reached boiling point and production agreed to let her go home.' According to the spy, the pair ended on 'bad terms' and things don't get much better at the reunion when they have an argument on camera. 'Collins is still spiteful and keeps blaming her for robbing him of his opportunity,' the source said. Daily Mail Australia spotted Natalie storming out of the Skye Suites with her suitcase on August 17 before making her way to the airport 'Things got really nasty quick and they both just went their separate ways. 'Collins didn't even want to be with friends with Natalie afterwards, it's really sh***y.' According to friends, Natalie always felt like Collins was putting on a performance for the cameras and was a completely different person when camera's weren't rolling. The decision allowing Natalie to leave came despite Collins' choice to remain on the show. The show's guidelines and overall concept take a back seat when a participant's mental health or wellbeing is at stake. Sources close to production told Daily Mail Australia that Natalie was struggling immensely throughout filming and missing her family According to friends, Natalie always felt like Collins was putting on a performance for the cameras and was a complete different person when camera's weren't rolling Natalie had previously expressed a desire to leave during the initial dinner event but was persuaded to stay at least until the next commitment ceremony to fulfill her part in the show's narrative. However, when it was clear that she would be required to stay for an additional week, the production leadership intervened. It was noted that participating in the show is inherently challenging, but considering Natalie's recent personal loss and her emotional state, continuing in the show would have been unreasonable. Gemma Collins has hinted that the preparations are already under way for her and Rami Hawash's big day. The former TOWIE star, 43, and her boyfriend Rami confirmed they had gotten engaged on Tuesday, after the businessman popped the question for the third time during their idyllic Maldives getaway. The reality star had been enjoying a five star stay on the tropical island when Rami decided to propose on the beach after a romantic meal. And it seems the couple have already begun planning the celebratory day as Gemma took to Instagram on Tuesday evening to reveal her mum had visited to talk all things wedding. Sharing a clip on her story of her mother, Joan, 67, and Rami at the table for dinner, she captioned the snap: 'Wedding planning!!!!!! Mother is READY'. Gemma Collins, 43, has hinted wedding planning has already begun as her mum visits after the star announced her engagement to Rami Hawash on Tuesday Gemma enjoyed a post-holiday roast dinner with her fiance and mum Joan, 67, as the threesome reunited to chat all things wedding In all the hilarity and celebration of the day, the star also admitted she had completely forgotten it was pancake day. On another slide, Gemma wrote: 'I've totally forgot it's Pancake Day!!!!! Major fail'. Back home after their romantic holiday, the threesome tucked into a roast dinner after announcing the news earlier that day. The stunning diamond teardrop shaped ring was set on a gold band For the romantic proposal, Rami had set up an outdoor seating area and flown out hundreds of roses so petals could cover the sands where they were sitting, with the ring in a shell. 'Rami popped the question again in the Maldives, and Gemma had no idea it was coming, she was so shocked,' a source told The Sun. 'She is absolutely thrilled and she cant believe it is finally happening. She didn't know what was happening until a huge platter of cakes came out and as Gemma started eating her mango dessert, Rami surprised her and said, "look at that". 'He had lit up, "Will You Marry Me?" on the sand.' Gemma has known Rami for over ten years. She met the businessman in 2011. In all the hilarity and celebration of the day, the star also admitted she had completely forgotten it was pancake day The former TOWIE star, 43, and her boyfriend Rami confirmed they had gotten engaged on Tuesday, after the businessman popped the question for the third time during their idyllic Maldives getaway Rami had set up an outdoor seating area and flown out hundreds of roses so petals could cover the sands where they were sitting, with the ring in a shell Rami had originally proposed by placing the ring in a Christmas pudding in 2013 when they first start dating. Four weeks later however, Gemma had called off the engagement. But the pair then reunited during lockdown, seven years after breaking off their original engagement. Gemma revealed in November she has begun a fertility journey in the hopes of having her first child with Rami, who has a son, six, from a previous relationship. The former TOWIE star has suffered three heartbreaking miscarriages and has been open about her struggles to fall pregnant in recent years. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline about her family plans, she revealed she was pleased to hear that Tana Ramsay had welcomed her sixth child at the age of 49, because it gave her hope that she, too, could conceive in her 40s. She said: 'The Tana Ramsay news was the greatest thing to wake up to. Incredible. The former TOWIE star had been enjoying a five star stay on the tropical island when Rami decided to pop the question on the beach Rami has son Tristan, six, from a previous relationship and Gemma has spoken openly of her hopes to have her own child Rami had originally proposed by placing the ring in a Christmas pudding in 2013 when they first start dating Gemma has known Rami for over ten years. She met the businessman in 2011 (pictured in 2013) 'It really made me think positively about my future and kind of took the pressure off. I don't think anyone knew she was pregnant, so it was a lovely surprise, but I got butterflies in my stomach when I saw it. 'This is amazing news for me. I'm starting my fertility journey within the next couple of weeks. I'm going to a clinic so watch these cards and get ready for me, honey.' Also in the interview, Gemma said she was in 'no rush' to tie the knot after previously jetting abroad to look at various wedding venues. When asked about her wedding plans, she said: 'For me, there's just no rush! I love J-Lo, her and Ben tied the knot at 50, they were ready to settle down and put their comfy slippers on, so I'm not probably going to do anything like that until I'm a bit older really. 'There's no rush! You're a long time married, you're a b****y long time married, and I kind of feel like marriage is sadly - and it is sad - it's a bit old hack now. 'When you see people going through divorces and all that comes with it, you're like hell no! I do not want that, I can't bear admin anyway, I couldn't be bothered to do the paperwork. So I'm just postponing it as long as possible.' Gemma went on to say that marriage was not a 'priority' for her right now. Admitting she has not yet picked a wedding venue, she continued: 'It could be Claridge's, it could be Italy, who knows! 'It could be in the middle of the forest, who knows! I'm just cool and happy as we are at the minute... It's just not a priority for me at the minute.' Maria decided to stay and later got a group date rose, while Lea received the final rose before everyone learned they were next headed to Montreal Maria Georgas decided at the last moment not to leave the show despite learning that some of the other women didn't like her on Tuesday's episode of The Bachelor on ABC. 'I just want to go home,' Maria, 29, an executive assistant from Ontario, Canada, said crying to a producer. 'I hate this. I don't care. Give someone else my rose.' 'Honestly, I hope she leaves,' Lea Cayanan, 23, an account manager from Waipahu, Hawaii, said in a confessional. 'Please, just go home.' Maria returned for the rose ceremony clutching her rose. Joey gave roses to Kelsey Anderson, 25, a junior project manager from Leesville, Louisiana; Katelyn DeBacker, 25, a radiochemist from Santa Fe, New Mexico ; Daisy Kent, 25, an account executive from Becker, Minnesota; Rachel Nance, 26, an ICU nurse from Honolulu, Hawaii; Jennifer 'Jenn' Tran, 25, a physician assistant from Miami; Autumn Waggoner, 26, an account executive from De Soto, Missouri; Jessica 'Jess' Edwards, 24, an executive assistant from San Diego; Madina Alam, 31, a mental health therapist from Charlotte, North Carolina and the final rose to Lea. Maria Georgas after deciding to stay received a group date rose from Joey Graziadei on Tuesday's episode of The Bachelor on ABC Allison Hollinger, 26, a realtor from Philadelphia, and Edwina Door, 25, an entrepreneur from Maple Grove, Minnesota, did not get roses and said their goodbyes. Joey told the remaining women that they were heading to Andalusia, Spain. When they arrived in Spain, Maria toasted to all the women. 'It literally pains me that not only has Syd gone home but Maria stays yet another week,' Lea said in a confessional. 'It just sucks.' Joey pulled up in a Vespa in front of all the women. 'Kelsey A. would you like to jump on that Vespa and get out here,' Joey said. The other ladies were jealous watching them ride off together. Kelsey T. broke down crying. 'I haven't felt this way in a long time,' Kelsey T. said. Joey and Kelsey A. made their way through the town drinking and eating local specialties. Joey said he felt that their relationship would just continue to grow. In the evening, the two went to a romantic dinner in a 13th century bathhouse. The 29-year-old executive assistant from Ontario, Canada, was targeted by some women after displaying clear chemistry with Joey, 28 'I just want to go home,' Maria said crying to a producer. 'I hate this. I don't care. Give someone else my rose' Joey and Kelsey A. made their way through the town drinking and eating local specialties 'Cheers to the small things, the way it feels when I look into your beautiful green eyes, to feeling butterflies and just nothing but potential,' Joey said. Kelsey A. told Joey about her mother, a former soldier, who she said lit up every room and said that she later got diagnosed with breast cancer and died just two months later. She got upset thinking about how her mother wouldn't be there for a special moment like her wedding. Joey thanked her for sharing and picked up the rose and gave it to her. The two kissed and Joey said in a confessional that he was 'smitten.' 'I'm on cloud nine right now,' Kelsey A. said. Back at the hotel, a group date card arrived for Lexi, Daisy, Jenn, Autumn, Maria , Katelyn, Madina, Lea Jess, and Kelsey T. And read 'Our Love is a work of art.' 'I'm finally going on a proper date with my husband,' Rachel said, learning she had the one-on-one date. The next day, Joey met the women at a villa for the group date. An artist had them write a quote and then paint their quote into art. Jess was the winner and her reward was to get in a white swimming suit with Joey where they painted each other and rolled around on a white canvas. 'I'm just on cloud nine right now,' Jess said. Jess was the winner and her reward was to get in a white swimming suit with Joey where they painted each other and rolled around on a white canvas Joey and Jess kissed while making art together At night, Joey pulled some of the ladies aside to talk. Kelsey T. told him that she was 'feeling things' and found it hard to watch him go on other dates. 'I'm realizing how much I care because it's hurting me to see her this way,' Joey said to the camera. Maria told Joey about her family life and how she got into a really bad car accident with her mother when she was only one. She said a cement truck fell on their car and her mother broke almost every bone in her body. She said her mother wasn't around for most of her childhood but her father fought for her. 'I am really going to cherish every moment that I have,' Maria said. Maria said she was looking forward to her mother meeting Joey. At the end of the night, Joey gave the date rose to Maria. 'I don't know who Maria is when she steps into the room with Joey, but she is putting on a damn good performance,' Lea said. Rachel's date card arrived for her one-on-one and it read 'Bailamos, Mi Amor.' 'Dreams are coming true,' Rachel said. Joey met Rachel for their date and took her to a flamenco show where the dancers gave them lessons. They also gave them shoes to wear and Joey had to wear the black heeled boots with his shorts. Joey appreciated how Rachel was grasping all the dance moves. Joey met Rachel for their date and took her to a flamenco show where the dancers gave them lessons 'She making me forget how ridiculous I look,' Joey said. 'I feel like Joey and I are connecting more,' Rachel said. Joey and Rachel then joined the dance group and performed in a show in front of a crowd. At night, they went out to dinner and Joey hoped that Rachel would feel comfortable to share more with him. 'I'm a slow burn so I don't share too much,' Rachel said. She told him that her profession as a nurse was a huge part of her. 'Rachel is obviously someone that takes a lot of pride in what she does and just loves helping people,' Joey said. 'And I think it's beautiful.' At the end of the night, Joey told her that they had an amazing day and gave her the rose. 'I definitely am falling for him,' Rachel said in a confessional. At the end of the night, Joey told her that they had an amazing day and gave her the rose 'I definitely am falling for him,' Rachel said in a confessional 'I hope that slow burn with Rachel is going to continue to burn and it's going to be a full raging fire at the end of this where we actually are in love,' Joey said. The ladies gathered and were nervous before the final rose ceremony. Joey started to pull the women aside individually to talk. Daisy told Joey there was no other place she wanted to be. 'Daisy is 100 percent someone I could fall in love with,' Joey said. Joey told Kelsey T. every time he saw her that he wanted to kiss her. When Joey was talking to another woman, Maria walked over and stole him. 'It's giving disrespect on all f***ing sides,' Jess said when she learned of Maria's actions. Jess was upset because Maria already had a rose. 'I just don't understand what he sees in her,' Jess said crying. Maria came back and Jess told her that she was disrespectful. 'You are so f***ing rude Maria,' Jess said. 'You've been nothing but disrespectful to me' 'I know it upsets you that I have a connection with Joey,' Maria said. Maria told her to grow up. 'You need to grow the f*** up b****!,' Jess said. Jess stormed off and started crying on Lea's shoulder. 'I can only keep my mouth shut for so long,' Jess said crying. 'She literally awful.' At the rose ceremony, Jess said she felt sick because she didn't have time to talk to Joey. Joey handed out more roses during a ceremony At the rose ceremony, Jess said she felt sick because she didn't have time to talk to Joey Joey then handed out roses to Jenn; Kelsey T.; Daisy; Lea; Lexi; Katelyn; and gave the final rose to Jess. Madina and Autumn did not get roses and went home. Joey told the remaining women that they were going to Montreal next. 'And here we are another week to go with Miss Maria,' Lea said in a confessional. 'I think the drama has only just begun. Watch your back girl.' The Bachelor will return next Monday on ABC. MAFS groom Collins Christian has broken his silence on his tumultuous marriage to Natalie Parham. In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, Collins, 28, sheds light on the strains and struggles in their relationship, dispelling rumours and providing a raw look into the emotional journey that unfolded both on and off the camera. Contrary to swirling rumours, Collins clarified that he was never desperate to join MAFS. 'I've never applied. I've been approached [by producers] all three times,' he asserted, acknowledging the show's allure as a 'huge platform' but denying there were any prior attempts to be cast. Collins admitted to struggling with how he was portrayed, acknowledging that while he aimed to be real, the editing did not always reflect his genuine intentions. MAFS groom Collins Christian has broken his silence on his tumultuous marriage to Natalie Parham, shedding light on the strains and struggles that led to their split In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, Collins, 28, sheds light on the intricacies of their relationship, dispelling rumours, and providing a raw look into the emotional journey that unfolded both on and off the camera Viewing Himself Through the Audience's Eyes 'It's tough because I can't sit here and say, "nah, I was real". I definitely was but, what's on the screen, I can't fault what they're saying,' he said in response to claims he was playing up for the cameras. Collins admitted to feeling powerless over the narrative that unfolded on television, acknowledging that key context was often omitted, leaving viewers with a skewed perception of his actions. 'I sucked. I absolutely sucked,' he confessed, acknowledging his failure to meet Natalie's expectations and his own. Collins admitted to struggling with how he was portrayed, acknowledging that while he aimed to be real, the editing did not always reflect his genuine intentions 'I do come across fake' Christian addressed the accusations that he was merely putting on a performance for the cameras during his time. He pointed to 'a lot of factors behind the scenes' that did not make the final cut, suggesting these omissions might have provided essential context for his actions . However, the MAFS star didn't shy away from critiquing his own performance on the show, acknowledging his shortcomings and the impact of his actions on Natalie. Collins admitted to feeling powerless over the narrative that unfolded on television, acknowledging that key context was often omitted, leaving viewers with a skewed perception of his actions 'I do come across dismissive, fake, an actor. All those things,' he admitted, revealing the personal toll of witnessing his portrayal and the public backlash that followed. Collins expressed his deepest regret over not being able to share Skye Suites with Natalie. He attributed her need for space to a fundamental misunderstanding and miscommunication between them. He reflected on his efforts to connect with Natalie, admitting, 'I came across so fake. It was tough to watch.' Collins shared a poignant memory of finding Natalie crying uncontrollably after their wedding, a stark indication of the emotional challenges she faced from the very beginning Nat's personal struggles Collins shared a poignant memory of finding Natalie crying uncontrollably after their wedding, a stark indication of the emotional challenges she faced from the very beginning. This moment, coupled with the subsequent separation and limited interaction, highlighted the vast emotional gap between them. He recounted efforts to support her through these challenges, albeit with the acknowledgement that his approach may have been too hands-off. 'I tried to be there as much as I can. I made sure to Nat from day one, I said, 'Look, any time you need to communicate with your family, check in with your dog and your bird, do it,' Collins shared. 'I do come across dismissive, fake, an actor. All those things,' he admitted, revealing the personal toll of witnessing his portrayal and the public backlash that followed Unseen honeymoon moment The groom's narrative took a particularly poignant turn when discussing the honeymoon, a period that saw the couple grappling with unprecedented challenges. Collins detailed how accommodations were rearranged to give Natalie the space she needed, a gesture that underscored the depth of her struggles but also the physical and emotional distance that grew between them. He said, despite sharing separate rooms during their honeymoon, Natalie had asked for extra space, forcing producers to move him into a different room. Despite these challenges, Collins made concerted efforts to reconnect with Natalie, organising a 'Nat Day' to celebrate her interests and show his commitment. Yet, he lamented, these gestures went largely unrecognised, both by Natalie and the show's viewers, due to editorial decisions. Communication breakdown Surprisingly, Collins and Natalie didn't exchange phone numbers until later in their journey, complicating communication. 'There was even one time where her and I are in separate apartments and... I called the hotel saying, "Can I please speak to Nat?" And they're like, "Who are you?" And I pretend to be her brother,' he shared, highlighting the lengths he went to stay connected. 'I just wanted to check up on her and I called the hotel. "Hey, Nat, how you going?" Definitely caught her by surprise,' he admitted. Mistrust Sunday's commitment ceremony was a pivotal moment for Collins and Natalie, with trust issues coming to the fore. In a pivotal moment not aired, Collins claimed the sole basis for Natalie's mistrust was his recruitment for the show. Collins, seeking clarity, challenged Natalie to specify any actions that warranted her distrust. 'This is the first time I'm hearing about where she says she doesn't trust me. And I know I haven't lied about anything,' Collins said. Natalie cited her belief that Collins had applied multiple times to be on the show as her concern. This prompted expert John Aiken to intervene: 'Okay, guys, look, it doesn't matter how you came onto this experiment. It just matters that you're here.' This interaction, according to Collins, underlines a significant miscommunication and misunderstanding that plagued their relationship from the outset. Behind the Motivations Collins commented on the mixed motivations of the show's participants, including Natalie's alleged ambition to gain social media followers. 'All I will say, this is the truth, I've had a few cast members reach out to me, and they have told me that on the hens' night, Nat did say she came on for Instagram likes and followers,' he said. Collins also took a dig at his fellow co-stars, adding that a majority of them were on the show for fame. 'If they're all saying their first priority and only [priority] is to find love, you're lying. You are absolutely lying,' he said. Collins comments on the mixed motivations of participants, including Natalie's alleged aim to gain social media followers Addressing rumours about his sexuality Collins confronted rumours regarding his sexuality bluntly. "I'm not gay, I just pay attention. I really do, it shows courage,' he asserted. 'Jono, he's a handsome looking bloke. I tell him, mate, you're a good looking dude, that's just paying attention. 'If someone walks past and they smell good, they look good, [you say] "you look good".' He continued: 'It's not the most blokey of things, but it doesn't make me gay. I'm not gay, I'm straight for sure, do your thing.' Elizabeth Hurley, Uma Thurman and Kathryn Newton were among a number of glamorous guests at Tod's cocktail party and dinner in New York on Tuesday. Hurley, 58, took the plunge in a busty black lace gown that showed off her ample cleavage at the event, hosted as part of New York Ready to Wear Fashion Week. She completed the look with strappy black heels and a matching purse, and wore her brunette tresses in light waves. The actress who recently sizzled in a pink bikini was accompanied by her model son, Damian Hurley, 21, who looked cool as ever in a black suit. Meanwhile Uma, 53, looked effortlessly cool in a slouchy beige suit, teamed with a matching coat. Elizabeth Hurley, Uma Thurman and Kathryn Newton were among a number of glamorous guests at Tod's cocktail party and dinner in New York on Tuesday The Kill Bill star wore her blonde hair brushed back into a ponytail. She accessorized with a brown clutch and wore minimal glam for the occasion. Uma also posed with Adrien Brody, 50, who looked dashing as ever in an all-black suit. Adrian rocked a smattering of facial hair to the event. Kathryn, 27, opted for a pop of color, wearing a chic electric blue sweater with a black and white leather skirt and red heels. Her long blonde locks cascaded down her shoulders in loose curls. Nicole Ari Parker, 53, showed off her chic style in a cropped puffer orange jacket and white skirt. She accessorized with a white purse and dark heels. Hurley, 58, took the plunge in a busty black lace gown that showed off her ample cleavage at the event, hosted as part of New York Ready to Wear Fashion Week She completed the look with strappy black heels and a matching purse, and wore her brunette tresses in light waves The actress was accompanied by her model son, Damian Hurley, 21, who looked cool as ever in a black suit She shares Damian with American businessman Steve Bing The mother and son duo made a stylish pair at the soiree They laughed it up together Elizabeth and Damian wore matching cross necklaces Meanwhile Uma, 53, looked effortlessly cool in a slouchy beige suit, teamed with a matching coat Uma also posed with Adrien Brody, 50, who looked dashing as ever in an all-black suit The duo appeared to have a blast Kathryn, 27, opted for a pop of color, wearing a chic electric blue sweater with a black and white leather skirt and red heels Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, 55, wore a stylish white dress and cream coat. She coordinated the look with a matching handbag and chunky white shoes. Girls star Allison Williams, 35, oozed sophistication in a long-sleeve white blouse and black maxi skirt. The actress wore smokey eyeshadow and nude lipstick for the night. Allison was joined by her partner, German actor Alexander Dreymon inside the bash. Social media influencer Meredith Duxbury rocked a trendy grey maxi coat with a wide black belt. Her strawberry-toned tresses were parted in the middle and styled in light waves. Eva Gutowski, 29, was a vision in a monochrome maxi dress. Australian model Bambi Northwood-Blyth, 33, looked trendy in a grey vest and wide-leg trousers. Gossip Girl star Kelly Rutherford, 55, wore a stylish white dress and cream coat. She coordinated the look with a matching handbag and chunky white shoes Nicole Ari Parker, 53, showed off her chic style in a cropped puffer orange jacket and white skirt Her platinum strands were styled into a shaggy bob Social media influencer Meredith Duxbury rocked a trendy grey maxi coat with a wide black belt Girls star Allison Williams, 35, oozed sophistication in a long-sleeve white blouse and black maxi skirt Eva Gutowski, 29, was a vision in a monochrome maxi dress, while Australian model Bambi Northwood-Blyth, 33, looked trendy in a grey vest and wide-leg trousers Sai De Silva, 43, opted for a blue and red crochet top, burgundy belt, and black heels. She wore her black tresses in a stylish bun Alexandra Shipp, 32, put on a busty display in a white vest, black leather pants and a black coat British actress Sarita Choudhury, 57, looked incredible in an orange button-up dress and matching purse She completed the look with burgundy heels and wore her black tresses lightly curled Sai De Silva, 43, opted for a blue and red crochet top, burgundy belt, and black heels. She wore her black tresses in a stylish bun. Alexandra Shipp, 32, put on a busty display in a white vest, black leather pants and a black coat. She completed the stylish look with bright yellow shoes. British actress Sarita Choudhury, 57, looked incredible in an orange button-up dress and matching purse. She completed the look with burgundy heels and wore her black tresses lightly curled. Also present at the bash was Carlo Alberto Beretta, general manager of Tod's. Others in attendance included Anna Wintour's daughter Bee Shaffer and RJ King. Inside the party Uma was pictured mingling with Diego Della Valle - CEO of Tod's Group. Elizabeth, Damian and Kelly posed inside the bash She was seen chatting with Andrea Della Valle, the vice-chairman of the Tod's Group The star and her son also posed with Carlo Alberto Beretta, general manager of Tod's (L-R) Diego Della Valle - CEO of Tod's Group, and brother of Andrea - Elizabeth, Damian and Andrea Kathryn and Alexandra enjoyed the party together The ladies looked stylish alongside each other Alexandra added a pop of color to her look with bright yellow shoes Nicole and Sarita posed together Inside the bash Uma was pictured mingling with Diego Brody was also pictured chatting with Diego. The Italian leather goods company was founded in 1920 by his grandfather, Filippo Della Valle Allison was joined by her partner, German actor Alexander Dreymon They mingled with Anna Wintour's daughter Bee Shaffer, RJ King and a guest Alexandra and Elizabeth were seated next to each other Uma cuddled up to Diego He looked sharp in a black suit. Andrea Della Valle, the vice-chairman of the Tod's Group, and Diego's brother was also in attendance. The businessman was stylish in a navy suit. The Italian leather goods company was founded in 1920 by their grandfather, Filippo Della Valle. Tom Sandovals tryst with Rachel Leviss while in a relationship with Ariana Madix caught even those in his inner circle by surprise. 'I was in shock and totally confused,' Sandovals ex-assistant Ann Maddox told Variety in an interview Tuesday spanning a number of topics involving her former employer, 40. Variety reported that 'because Maddox signed an NDA with Sandoval,' the 'interview was conducted over email, and there were a few questions she didnt answer,' including the circumstances behind her no longer working with Sandoval. Maddox, who is also involved in improv/sketch comedy and podcasting, has been seen on this season's edition of the Bravo series Vanderpump Rules. The latest season of the popular Bravo series focuses on the aftermath of the split between Madix, 39, and Sandoval, which would go on to be called Scandoval. Tom Sandoval's tryst with Rachel Leviss, 29, while in a relationship with Ariana Madix, 39, left his ex-assistant Ann Maddox 'shock and totally confused,' she told Variety Maddox said that 'it was a delicate situation' to communicate as a go-between with Sandoval and Madix. Maddox said that she 'started officially working for him December of 2020' after losing her job at the Greek Theater after the coronavirus pandemic struck. Maddox recalled how she learned about the cheating controversy while she was visiting Japan, where she was born and grew up. 'My phone started popping off with a million texts,' Maddox said. 'Friends were asking if I had heard the news, and if I was OK.' Maddox said that she saw online that snow had been falling in Los Angeles at the time, and she initially thought the messages were over the inclement weather conditions. 'And then, my dear friend Molly, while texting, realized I had no clue what was happening, so sent me a link to an article about the scandal,' Maddox said. 'At first, I didnt believe it and kinda brushed it off as tabloid rumors, but she explained to me that it was all real.' She said that once she confirmed the story was authentic, it flipped her 'world upside down' and that she 'was crushed' emotionally. 'As a personal assistant you spend a lot of hours with your boss and their family,' she told the outlet. 'They sort of become like family too! Some of my best memories were working late nights at their house, hanging with the both of them, helping them pack for a trip, or whatnot.' Maddox has been seen on this season's edition of the Bravo series Vanderpump Rules Maddox promoted her new podcasting endeavor with Amanda Lifford, We Signed an NDA , which she called 'a passion project ... exploring the world of assistant life in Hollywood' Maddox, who is involved in improv/sketch comedy, donned a cheerleading outfit to express support for Madix during her Dancing with the Stars run last year Maddox said that she 'deeply appreciated' the 'level of trust and safety' then-couple Sandoval (who has gone on to date model Victoria Lee Robinson, 31) and Madix showed her during her time working for Sandoval, including when they lived in the same Southern California home following thier split. Maddox noted that the timeframe was an emotional one for her in the first place, as her father had recently died at the time the news of the Scandoval affair went public. 'When I found out, I was really, really sad and confused,' Maddox said. 'Maybe I was subconsciously reliving some old trauma of my own, but I definitely felt like I had just found out something I never would have ever guessed in a million years about a family member.' Maddox, when asked about her thoughts on Leviss, said that 'people have multiple dimensions, and when you like someone and you find out something about them that hurts to hear, it can be difficult to put those two sides of someone together. 'Maybe Im way too sensitive, but Im still kind of processing it?' Maddox promoted her new podcasting endeavor with Amanda Lifford, We Signed an NDA, which she called 'a passion project ... exploring the world of assistant life in Hollywood.' She added: 'Assistants become bosses and the cycle continues, but every generation evolves a little and we love diving into all sides of it.' The logline for the podcast describes it as 'a comedy podcast hosted by two former assistants that dissects pop culture and modern celebrity, with a focus on reality TV, and platforms the voices Hollywood overlooks ... WITHOUT GETTING SUED.' Maddox and Lifford added, 'We're not here to be mean or violate privacy - we're here to humanize people who seem larger than life and have fun doing it!' Jackie 'O' Henderson and Braith Anasta were spotted getting flirty while setting sail on Sydney Harbour among a slew of other stars earlier this month. The 49-year-old radio host and 42-year-old former NRL star celebrated SailGP's fifth visit to Sydney ahead of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix. The blonde Kyle & Jackie O Show co-host rocked a bright yellow flared mini dress by Alexis, which retails at approximately $900, and kept her hair tied back in a ponytail for the windy weather. She laughed and chatted with Braith in between sips of what appeared to be a bottle of non-alcoholic Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer. Footy player-turned-television presenter Braith dressed casually in a black T-shirt and white shorts and was also seen chatting with Jackie's bestie Gemma O'Neill. Jackie 'O' Henderson and Braith Anasta were spotted getting flirty while setting sail on Sydney Harbour among a slew of other stars earlier this month He and Jackie engaged in a very animated conversation amongst other attendees. On Tuesday, the day before Valentine's Day, Jackie looked delighted as a bouquet of flowers were delivered to her home. The radio titan, who is currently single, flashed a huge smile as she picked up the lavish flowers sent by a mystery person. The following day, Jackie spoke about the surprise romantic gesture from a 'secret admirer' on the Kyle and Jackie O Show. The 49-year-old radio host and 42-year-old former NRL star celebrated SailGP's fifth visit to Sydney ahead of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix He and Jackie engaged in a very animated conversation amongst other attendees, including her best friend Gemma O'Neil She revealed while the sender's identity remained a mystery, the accompanying card gave a clue. 'It said, "Meeting you last week was like fate, love X",' she told listeners. 'Last week I ran into a man I knew but had never met,' Jackie added, describing them as having 'mutual friends'. She said she subsequently received a text from the man that read: 'That was serendipitous running into you like that.' Jackie said she sent a flirty response: 'Oh, I love that you used the word "serendipitous".' She laughed and chatted with Braith in between sips of what appeared to be a bottle of non-alcoholic Peroni Nastro Azzurro beer The blonde Kyle & Jackie O Show co-host rocked a bright yellow flared mini dress by Alexis, which retails at approximately $900 However, Kyle said the mystery man sounded like 'a loser'. 'It sounds like Alan Jones is trying to romance you,' quipped the shock jock. Jackie has also been photographed several times entertaining younger men at her home in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. One of the men has been identified as 29-year-old male model Jack Tyerman who is represented by top modelling agency IMG Models. Jackie was spotted spending time with the part-time tradie in August last year. Footy player-turned-television presenter Braith dressed casually in a black T-shirt and white shorts Jackie had her hair tied back in a ponytail for the windy weather Later in 2023, she was seen entertaining another hunky young man on her balcony. Earlier this month, Jackie opened up about her struggles with loneliness since divorcing Lee Henderson in 2018. Speaking with fans at the launch of Luke McLeod's book, Everyday Enlightenment, the radio titan admitted she is 'desperate' to find love and companionship. She explained that she was having lunch with Luke last year when they got onto the topic of her love life and how she felt she was 'missing something'. 'I just really want to find someone. I can't find him and I'm sort of a bit lost at the moment,' she recalled telling Luke. When Luke asked why she was so desperate to get into a relationship, Jackie said she couldn't put her finger on it, but it felt like 'a piece of her was missing'. Jackie is pictured arriving at the event, which was held at the beginning of February The pair later posed for their own solo shots, which included holding the SailGP trophy Braith later chatted with Gemma and journalist Melissa Hoyer 'I have a lot of love to give, or, I want that affection, that company. It just feels like there's something missing in my life,' she added. Jackie went on to tell her fans that Luke gave her a piece of advice which 'changed my life'. He said she was giving off too much 'desperate energy', and if she really wanted to attract love in her life, she needed to be grateful for what she already has. 'I said to him, 'How am I meant to change what I want and need? I feel like I need that in my life and I really want that. I can't just switch that off',' she said. Nevertheless, Jackie said she tried Luke's method and began spending 15 minutes a day thinking about the things she was already grateful for in life. 'Now I'm at a place where I've almost gone the other way. I'm so happy being single and not looking for someone because I'm genuinely happy with my life,' she said. She revealed that after a year of meditating on what makes her happy now, she finds it much easier to be 'present' rather than 'thinking about what's missing in my life'. Jackie has been married twice. She split from her first husband DJ 'Ugly' Phil O'Neil in 1999. She was married to Lee from 2003 to 2018. The couple co-parent their only daughter, Kitty. Dave 'Hughesy' Hughes has revealed his recent stay in hospital was painful in more ways than one. The 53-year-old comedian and radio star told his co-hosts on 2Day FM's Hughesy, Ed and Erin show he had been 'body shamed' while recovery from shoulder surgery. 'As a man who has man boobs, I was in hospital the other day and I was getting a photo with the surgeon and someone said, ''Can we cover up your boobs?'',' he joked on Wednesday. He then teased that 'it wasn't a medical professional, it was someone in the room' who made the 'offensive' remark. Co-host Erin Molan was quick to agree that Hughes did in fact have man boobs. The 53-year-old comedian and radio star told his co-hosts on 2Day FM's Hughesy, Ed and Erin show on Wednesday that he been 'body shamed' while recovery from shoulder surgery. The funnyman said someone toldhim he had 'man boobs'. Hughesy elected to return to his radio show one day after receiving major surgery for a surfing injury he received last year. The veteran presenter shocked his co-hosts by making his way into the studio when he was still clearly in pain. 'Thank you for having me back, I will be no hassle today. I'll just be really gentle in the corner, dealing with my own stuff,' Hughesy told his workmates. His co-stars told Hughesy they were shocked he was coming into work when he had not yet fully recovered from the surgery. It comes a week after Hughes elected to return to his radio show one day after receiving major surgery for a surfing injury he received last year. 'I'm either at home lying in bed uncomfortable, or I'm in here uncomfortable. I'd rather be in here because it takes my mind off the pain,' he said. 'I'm happy to be here and hang out with you guys because you ease my burdens.' In December, the comedian was rushed to hospital after dislocating his shoulder on a Queensland beach, resulting in nerve damage and leaving him in excruciating pain. While he was in hospital he made a surprise call into his radio show from his bed to reveal a surprising surgery story about Russell Crowe while heavily medicated. He said he got some celebrity gossip from his doctor Greg Hoy, who is known as 'surgeon to the stars'. Hughes (pictured) made it clear it wa not a health professional who told him he had 'man boobs' - and he not reveal who the hurtful remark. 'He did Shane Warne back in the day and he did Russell Crowe. Apparently Greg even features in the Cinderella Man behind the scenes footage on DVD,' he explained. 'Russell wanted his phone with him even though he was sedated, and his phone rang while he was being carved up. The surgeon answered it and spoke to a very famous person who answered.' The team in the studio were keen to know who it was, and tried to take advantage of Hughesy's medicated state to get the answer. However Hughesy said he was told not to reveal who it was, but promised to tell his co-hosts off-air. Kourtney Kardashian is dishing out more details about how she conceived her youngest son Rocky and she did the deed at a favorite getaway for the KardashianJenner clan. The 44-year-old reality star shared photos to Instagram on Tuesday, February 13, from her trip to the luxurious Amangiri resort in Canyon Point, Utah. She clarified that it was the spot she and her husband Travis Barker had been vacationing at when they set about expanding their family by captioning the post: 'One year ago today .' The 48-year-old Blink-182 drummer made it even more explicit with his comment on the post: 'We made baby Rocky .' Kourtney previously said that Rocky, who was born in November of last year, had been conceived on Valentine's Day of 2023. Kourtney Kardashian revealed on Tuesday, February 13, that she conceived her baby son Rocky, three months, on a trip 'one year ago today' at the Amangiri resort in Utah Her husband Travis Barker, 48, made it even more explicit with his comment on the post: 'We made baby Rocky' Kourtney's stunning photos of the Utah oasis showed snow-covered hills, but that didn't stop her from flaunting her curves in a tiny red bikini. She beamed for the camera while pulling up the straps off her skimpy bottoms and standing atop a rocky outcropping on an overcast day. The sister of Kim Kardashian put on a busty display in her halter top, and she added a bit of warmth with a beige robe that she temporarily tossed back on her shoulders to reveal her swimsuit. Her lustrous raven bob framed her cool black sunglasses, and she elevated her 5ft1in stature in a set of black platform boots. She looked totally at ease in another photo of herself luxuriating in the same suit in a small heated pool. Kourtney pulled her legs up and rested her head back against the ledge while showing off an ecstatic look for the camera. Travis unwound in the same pool in another racy photo in which Kourtney extend her red-manicured foot against his tattooed chest. He wore dark swim trunks and a slim pair of black Prada sunglasses. Kourtney's stunning photos of the Utah oasis showed snow-covered hills, but that didn't stop her from flaunting her curves in a tiny red bikini and warming up in a heated pool Kourtney rounded out her post with photos of the stunning Utah landscape, which has been the backdrop of several classic films and numerous Westerns Flat-topped peaks could be seen in the distance across sparsely dotted chaparral, while a foam-covered matcha tea rested on a table Other photos showed the outdoor lounge chairs lightly dusted with snow Kourtney previously said she conceived baby Rocky on Valentine's Day, though she didn't make the location explicit She contrasted the chilly images with a photo of her suite's roaring fireplace and stacks of wood Kourtney has visited the Amangiri resort multiple times over the years In 2018, she and her then-boyfriend Younes Bendjima enjoyed a trip to the remote spot, and she later documented a 2020 trip with her three oldest children: Mason, 14; Penelope, 11; and Reign, nine Kourtney rounded out her post with photos of the stunning Utah landscape, which has been the backdrop of several classic films and numerous Westerns. Flat-topped peaks could be seen in the distance across sparsely dotted chaparral, while a foam-covered matcha tea rested on a table. Other photos showed the outdoor lounge chairs lightly dusted with snow, while she contrasted the chilly images with a photo of her suite's roaring fireplace and stacks of wood, as well as an image of an emptied cup of cappuccino. Although Travis likely meant his comment 'We made baby Rocky' to be a loving clarification to Kourtney's vague caption, several Instagram users found it to be a major case of too much information. She sweetly clarified that they were 'making an angel,' but another user posted several crying emojis and wrote, 'Bruh we did not want to know that.' 'Bring back secrecy,' urged a commenter, while another simply wrote, 'Pause.' One blunt comment simply featured vomiting emojis, while another fan included a photo of a grimacing Kim Kardashian captioned, 'Like, I just don't know what to say.' One fan joked: 'The swimsuit is how the baby got here.' One commenter angered several of Kourtney's fans by claiming that the date of conception was incorrect based on Rocky's original due date, though other commenters wrote that her math was faulty. Kourtney has visited the Amangiri resort multiple times over the years, and it has also been a popular vacation spot for her sisters Kim Kardashian and Kendall and Kylie Jenner. In 2018, she and her then-boyfriend Younes Bendjima enjoyed a trip to the remote spot, and she later documented a 2020 trip with her three oldest children Mason, 14; Penelope, 11; and Reign, nine whom she shares with her former partner Scott Disick. They began dating back in 2006 but parted in 2015. She and Travis have been friends for years, and he even lived near her family, but it wasn't until 2021 that the two began dating. The lovebirds got engaged on October 16, 2021, when Travis arranged a heart-shaped array of flowers on a beach in Montecito, California. Among the comments on Kourtney's post were several people nauseated by Travis' clarification that they 'made baby Rocky' during their February 2023 trip She and Travis have been friends for years, and he even lived near her family, but it wasn't until 2021 that the two began dating The lovebirds got engaged on October 16, 2021, when Travis arranged a heart-shaped array of flowers on a beach in Montecito, California; seen in September 2021 They later had a courthouse wedding in May, followed by a more opulent ceremony later that month for friends and family in Italy. Kourtney revealed she was pregnant in June 2023 and welcomed Rocky in November The Kardashians star has lately been supporting Travis this month as he and his band Blink-182 go on a tour of Australia They later had a courthouse wedding in May of the following year in Santa Barbara, followed by a more opulent ceremony later that month for friends and family in Portofino, Italy. Kourtney and Travis tried for months to conceive again using fertility treatments, but they had given up on that when she managed to get pregnant. After announcing her pregnancy in June 2023, she welcomed her son Rocky in early November. The Kardashians star has lately been supporting Travis this month as he and his band Blink-182 go on a tour of Australia. Molly Ringwald turned heads as a runway model on Tuesday at the Batsheva New York Fashion Week show. The 55-year-old Sixteen Candles star who was recently compared to Lily Allen channeled the 80s as she wore a purple dress inspired by the decade. The Golden Globe nominee was one of a slew of models over the age of 40 cast for the presentation. Ringwald's bright plum look boasted voluminous shoulder padding and a belt that cinched her trim waist. She also modeled a second look, a more modern black dress with a lace hand warmer muff and veil. Molly Ringwald turned heads as a runway model on Tuesday at the Batsheva New York Fashion Week show The 55-year-old Sixteen Candles star channeled the 80s as she wore a purple dress inspired by the decade Molly's purple getup was complete with an embossed floral pattern and silver-toned stud accents. The look was rounded out with a pair of pointy-toe white high heels. Her signature red-toned locks were blown straight and arranged with face-framing bangs. Each of the figure-hugging dresses worn by the longtime actress were below-the-knee length. With the short-sleeved black ensemble, the Breakfast Club star wore black high heels with lace detail. Ringwald looked beautiful with her face made up with lots of black mascara and a matte, pink lipstick. Her long, almond-shaped nails were coated in a glossy red polish as she confidently strolled the catwalk. Joining her on the runway were journalist Amy Fine Collins and actress Ione Skye. She also modeled a second look, a more modern black dress with a lace hand warmer muff and veil Ringwald looked beautiful with her face made up with lots of black mascara and a matte, pink lipstick Also cast in the Batsheva show was journalist Amy Fine Collins Ione Skye, 53, also looked phenomenal as she wore a cloak-like purple look with white trim The new Batsheva collection took inspiration from the divine feminine and borrowed from historical references while infusing modern fabrics and color. Earlier in the day Ringwald attended the Helmut Lang show, which took place in Brooklyn. She wore a black suit with a mustard yellow button-up shirt underneath, and added fingerless black leather gloves. Ringwald currently stars in the FX series Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. Elizabeth Hurley made a glamorous appearance alongside her son Damian at Tod's Cocktail Party and Dinner as part of New York Ready to Wear Fashion Week. The actress, 58, looked incredible in the plunging black lace dress, which featured risque lace panels, flashing some skin as she posed for snaps on Tuesday. Elizabeth boosted her already statuesque frame with a pair of black strappy heels and added a pendant necklace and hoops to complete the look. The British star wore her chestnut locks in soft waves and opted for full glamour with a dewy pallet of make-up and smokey eyes. Elizabeth's son Damian, 21, cut a stylish figure as he posed beside his famous mother in a tailored black suit with an unbuttoned white shirt. Elizabeth Hurley made a glamorous appearance alongside her son Damian at Tod's Cocktail Party and Dinner as part of New York Ready to Wear Fashion Week The actress, 58, looked incredible in the plunging black lace dress, which featured risque lace panels, flashing some skin as she posed for snaps on Tuesday The British star wore her chestnut locks in soft waves and opted for full glamour with a dewy pallet of make-up and smokey eyes The actor and model accessorised with a chain necklace and a pair of western-style boots, while he wore his shoulder length locks loose. During the party, Elizabeth caught up with her Gossip Girl co-star Kelly Rutherford, who played Lily van der Woodsen in the privileged teen drama. Elizabeth portrayed wealthy British businesswoman Diana Payne, who appeared only in the fifth season of the popular series. The mother and son duo also were pictured with the Tod's chairman Diego Della Valle and his brother and vice chairman Andrea Della Valle. Elizabeth's trip to New York comes after she spent time in at the luxury medical health resort, VIVAMAYR, in Maria Worth, Austria, earlier this month. Sharing snaps to Instagram, Elizabeth looked incredible as she lounged in a sauna, showcasing her jaw-dropping physique in a halter neck bikini-top, which lighted her ample assets, and matching skimpy bottoms. In the gallery of saucy pictures, Elizabeth posed on her side, before rolling onto her back as she enjoyed the relaxation session at the spa. Keeping it glamorous, Elizabeth opted for a full face of make-up including a heavy eye look and wore her hair in a bouncy, blown out style. Elizabeth's son Damian, 21, cut a stylish figure as he posed beside his famous mother in a tailored black suit with an unbuttoned white shirt Elizabeth boosted her already statuesque frame with a pair of black strappy heels and added a pendant necklace and hoops to complete the look The actor and model accessorised with a chain necklace and a pair of western-style boots, while he wore his shoulder length locks loose During the party, Elizabeth caught up with her Gossip Girl co-star Kelly Rutherford (right), who played Lily van der Woodsen in the privileged teen drama The mother and son duo also were pictured with the Tod's chairman Diego Della Valle and his brother and vice chairman Andrea Della Valle Diego, Elizabeth, Damian and Andrea posed for a group photo Revealing what she had instore for the day ahead, Elizabeth wrote: ' Good morning! May the exercise, detox and healthy eating commence.' Sharing her admiration for the snaps, Abbey Clancy, who also follows the health and wellness resort on Instagram, wrote: 'Absolutely perfection.' Before jetting to Austria, Elizabeth had been spending time at home in the UK after kicking of 2024 in St Moriz. The Gossip Girl actress was most recently pictured enjoying a night out with her long-time pal and fashion guru Trinny Woodall. In January, Elizabeth took to Instagram to give her followers an insight into her luxury holiday, including one of herself standing in front of a snowy backdrop. 'On Top of the World Loving 2024', she wrote. The former model reunited with her ex-husband Arun Nayar to celebrate New Year's Eve together. The actress and the multi-millionaire textile heir, 59, were married from 2007 to 2011, but have remained good friends after their divorce. In a fun snap posted by Elizabeth's son Damian, 21, the pair were branded 'mama and daddy' as they cosied up at a party. Arun is not Damian's biological father, but Elizabeth has previously said she always considered him to be his dad after the former couple got married when Damian was five. Elizabeth's trip to New York comes after she spent time in at the luxury medical health resort, VIVAMAYR, in Maria Worth, Austria, earlier this month Brian Cox and his Nicole Ansari-Cox dressed to the nines on Tuesday as they attended the Dunhill & BSBP pre-BAFTA filmmakers party at Bourdon House in London. The actor, 77, looked typically suave in a smart beige plaid suit, with a pale pink collared shirt underneath. He caught the eye with a pair of quirky red, tan and black suede loafers and added a burgundy patterned tie. Brian, who was born and raised in Dundee in Scotland, also proudly sported a Scottish flag pin on his jacket. His wife, Nicole, 55, looked nothing short of sensational in a navy blue velvet jacket and coordinating trousers. Brian Cox and his Nicole Ansari-Cox dressed to the nines on Tuesday as they attended the Dunhill & BSBP pre-BAFTA filmmakers party at Bourdon House in London The actor, 77, looked typically suave in a smart beige plaid suit, with a pale pink collared shirt underneath He caught the eye with a pair of quirky red, tan and black suede loafers and added a burgundy patterned tie She added a racy element to her outfit, with a black sheer top that showed off her black bra underneath. The actress added large statement necklace made from flowers and diamonds, while elevating her striking look with a classic red lip. Nicole toted a black satin clutch and boosted her height with matching high heels, before slipping into a black coat as the couple headed home for the evening. The loved-up pair have been married since 2002 and share two sons, Orson Jonathan and Torin Kamran. Last year, Brian revealed on Live With Kelly and Ryan, that he and Nicole renewed their wedding vows in a surprise Vegas ceremony. The star explained: 'We'd actually been apart for a while she'd been traveling and then we sat down and we said, "Where do we go from here? Do we finish or do we go on?" And we thought, ''Well let's go on and get married''.' Brian's outing comes after his Succession co-star Sarah Snook revealed he would sometimes go into a 'diabetic rage' on set. The actress, 36, is best known for her starring role as Shiv Roy in the HBO drama which follows the Roy family's high-stakes battle for control of a global business empire. Brian, who was born and raised in Dundee in Scotland, also proudly sported a Scottish flag pin on his jacket His wife, Nicole, 55, looked nothing short of sensational in a navy blue velvet suit, with a black sheer top that showed off her black bra underneath The actress added large statement necklace made from flowers and diamonds, while elevating her striking look with a classic red lip (pictured with Josei Rourke) Speaking to Times Radio this week, Sarah said Brian, who played Logan Roy, had 'a habit' of going into a 'diabetic rage'. She explained: 'He has a habit of sometimes going into a false - or could it be real who knows? - diabetic rage where he'll go, all of a sudden and, I think part of it's a little, a little trying to just jolt the energy of the set and from, like, you know, rustle a few feathers, get it going, get it going, moving faster. 'Yeah. For the quality of his voice can be very terrifying sometimes. Sure. Thunderous.' Brian's performance on Succession was critically acclaimed and secured him a Golden Globe. However, he has revealed that the success has come with a price, admitting he is mourning the loss of his privacy with his celebrity status. Last year, Brian told Barley Magazine: 'Its been a phenomenal journey for me. Theres no question its changed my life in so many ways. 'Ive lost my anonymity, you know, Ive lost all of that. Thats all gone. I used to be the guy youd say "Oh, you were in such and such or no, or no you werent".but now Im Logan Roy and everybody just wants me to tell them to f*** off!' Brian's outing comes after his Succession co-star Sarah Snook revealed he would sometimes go into a 'diabetic rage' on set (pictured on show together) The actress, 36, is best known for her starring role as Shiv Roy in the HBO drama which follows the Roy family's high-stakes battle for control of a global business empire (pictured) He discussed how fans commonly ask him for 'f*** off selfies', saying: 'I say they can have one for $500. He then added to The Guardian: 'I've lost my anonymity, and I've realised that was what was important to me. 'I haven't ever experienced anything like this. I mean, you ask for success in your work, and you get it, and then you have to deal with the consequences. 'I've always valued my privacy, but it's gone. I've been very lucky that I've had it for so long. You know, I've been doing this for over 60 years. And finally it's over.' Radio icons Tony Blackburn and Janey Lee Grace have paid tribute to their friend and former colleague Steve Wright following the news of his death aged 69. The veteran presenter's passing was announced on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an outpouring of emotional tributes from stars and fellow BBC Radio presenters. Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Tony and Steve's former co-host Janey shared their fond memories of Steve, who they hailed as 'one of the greats'. Tony, who was the first disc jockey to broadcast on BBC R1 at its launch, detailed his long-term friendship with Steve and revealed they would meet every week. He said: 'I thought he was brilliant right from the word go. I can't get it in my mind that I'm not going to see him again. We used t to meet up every Friday at the studio.' Radio icons Tony Blackburn and Janey Lee Grace have paid tribute to their friend and former colleague Steve Wright following the news of his death aged 69 Janey, who was best known as Steve's co-host and often stood in on his Sunday Love Songs show, revealed how the late star could have 'easily' been a comedian The veteran presenter's passing was announced on Tuesday afternoon, prompting an outpouring of emotional tributes from stars and fellow BBC Radio presenters 'What was his gift? I think his warmth, he was a genuine person, he wasn't pretending to be somebody else he wasn't. That was the secret. I used to tell him he was delightfully nutty. '[We] just chatted away with him and had fun. When I look back he is one of the greats and he will be remembered as that. 'I loved his warmth and his friendship. I'll miss that.' Janey, who was best known as Steve's co-host and often stood in on his Sunday Love Songs show, revealed how the late star could have 'easily' been a comedian. She said: He was very funny, he could have had a career as a comedian. Sometimes I wish the stuff we'd say off-air had been broadcast because it was really, really fun. But you're right, people did love coming in to be interviewed because he was so support of the guests. He made everyone feel completely relaxed, I'm not surprised. 'The other really interesting thing I was thinking about, maybe a comedian who was going on tour, he'd say come back on an we'll give it another push. He was really supportive.' 'Discussing Steve's dedication to his show, she said: 'He was a perfectionist he really cared about getting it right. He would prep every single segment even though it sounded effortless on air. Tony, who was the first disc jockey to broadcast on BBC R1 at its launch, detailed his long-term friendship with Steve and revealed they would meet every week She said: He was very funny, he could have had a career as a comedian. Sometimes I think the stuff we'd say off-air had been broadcast because it was really, really fun' 'I don't think we realised how much we laughed the whole time. He was very witty.' 'I'm so sad he's no longer with us, what a brilliant broadcaster, he put so much effort into that afternoon show. He was always in at 9 o'clock in the morning to do a show that aired at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.' Following the news of Steve's death, BBC Radio was 'inundated' with messages paying tribute to the legendary DJ. The channel was overwhelmed with calls from 'devastated' listeners who shared how the radio giant put a smile on their faces each week, as they paid tribute to the 'kind, funny, humble and loveable' star. Loving fans shared their heartfelt memories with Nicki Chapman while she sat in for Zoe Ball, who was absent for unknown reasons, in a special BBC breakfast show dedicated to the beloved DJ. The 'one in a million' radio presenter was adored by generations of families across the UK, with some saying how he 'was like a friend' and others expressing how they are struggling to come to terms with his death. Following the news of Steve's death, BBC Radio was 'inundated' with messages paying tribute to the legendary DJ Nicki Chapman is sitting in for Zoe in a special BBC Radio 2 breakfast show, the first since his death was announced last night, dedicated to the 'genius' DJ. She has been reading out texts from fans and playing some of the legendary DJ's favourite songs including hits from Bill Withers and Robbie Williams. One listener who texted in to the breakfast show said: 'Steve always kept me good company. He made me smile as he sang along to all the songs without a care. It feels like I've lost a friend and I am going to miss him so much.' Another added: 'Good morning Nicki I had the amazing experience of being a guest presenter on Steve's show in 2016 thanks to a Children In Need competition. 'It was around the time of my 50th birthday celebration and it was all my Christmases and Birthdays come at once. 'In person he was the kind, funny, humble and loveable person I had listened to over the airwaves for all my life but I am heartbroken.' Nicki said in her own heartfelt tribute: 'His brain was like quick silver and there was never a dull moment with him.' 'Steve was the soundtrack of my life, my parents listened to him, my grandparents listened to him. Steve was always so warm', said one fan, while another added: 'He's been part of my life since I was a teenager in the early 80s'. 'I'm absolutely broken to hear about Steve. I met him years ago and got his usual greeting of "Hello friend", which started a wonderful conversation. He was a radio genius,' said another fan. Wright being surprised in his studio by Paul McCartney. Also pictured is his production assistant Dianne Oxberry The DJ with George Michael in an undated photo taken within a BBC studio Comedian Paul Kerensa joined Nicki on the show and read his own emotional tribute as part of the show's Pause for Thought segment. He said: 'He has left us but he has left us over 40 years of radio magic. I heard Steve Wright in the afternoon on my school run as a child and as a parent. 'How many times have I stayed in the car to listen to another factoid, another serious jockin' shoutout, another character from the old days of the old woman ask Elvis, even Mr Angry or Sid the Manager. 'I was a guest on his big show and it was a highlight of my life because I can say he was exactly the person I wanted him to be. 'Super welcoming, joyous, generous, genuine. When the raucous applause faded away because he faded it, Steve was simply a man who adored radio and adored entertaining us.' 'Devastated doesn't begin to describe how we all feel to hear about the sad loss of Steve. We all loved and miss the big show and to millions of others who feel the same he was our sunday morning. The factoids, the oldies and the crazy breakfasts will always be in our hearts and minds,' said one fan. 'Steve was one in a million and made my Sunday mornings presenting love songs,' sid another. Another adoring fan added: 'This is my first time texting in but I really wanted to. Absolutely gutted that we have lost Steve. A true gentleman and we will never ever forget him.' One emotional listener also texted into the show to say: 'It's so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us. Steve Wright, MBE; We love you' Another recalled how they would listen to Steve while at work as a chef in a pub: 'His humour sensitivity and love songs made hard work really really enjoyable.' Two fans in Nottingham texted in to the show to say: 'Rest in peace Steve.' One fan recalled how Steve would always try to sing the end note of Bill Withers' Lovely Day and expressed how much he would be 'so, so very much missed'. Jeremy Vine paid an emotional tribute to legendary DJ's Steve Wright on Wednesday morning following his death at the age of 69. Vine was close to tears as he opened his Channel 5 show with a lengthy eulogy for his friend, whose death was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. The presenter, 58, credited Wright for saving BBC Radio 2 after joining the station in 1996, and admitted his own daily news show would not exist without the influential DJ's contribution to broadcasting. 'It is a strange one, I must say, coming on and doing a show that owes quite a lot to Steve Wright. But he's not with us anymore,' said Vine. 'If you loved Steve I'm guessing it's because, like me, you grew up with him.' The presenter recalled his first meeting with Wright in the early eighties and recalled the DJ as being 'humble. gracious, kind and shy' throughout his illustrious career. Jeremy Vine paid an emotional tribute to legendary DJ's Steve Wright on Wednesday morning following his death at the age of 69 Broadcaster Steve Wright's death at the age of 69 was announced on Tuesday afternoon 'I was 16 and on a family holiday in Newquay, Cornwall, when he came down with the Radio 1 roadshow in 1981,' he said. 'I got there early, got to the front of the crowd and I was chosen to play the quiz Bits & Pieces. 'So he quizzed me on air, and I was rubbish - six out of ten. Years later I met him at Radio 2, we became friends, I did the show before his for 20-years, and I saw him every day.' He added: 'In all the conversations I had, I never mentioned to him that first meeting on the beachfront in Cornwall because I thought he'd be uncomfortable if he knew what a fan I was. 'I always thought he was somebody who wanted true friendship, not admiration. So I never mentioned Mr. Angry, Gervais the Hairdresser, Sid the Manager, Happening Boy, the Posse, the Fish Filleter they were his Radio One past. 'Those were the characters, that was the insane show that moved Radio One beyond Smashie and Nicey.' Vine also credited Wright and his natural broadcasting talent for saving Radio 2 in the mid-nineties. 'When he came to Radio Two in the nineties, it was in the doldrums with MPs saying it should be shut down and he totally rebooted the station,' he said. Vine was close to tears as he opened his Channel 5 show with a lengthy eulogy for his friend, whose death was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon "He was one of the true originals of music radio..." @simonmayo We're incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Wright. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans. pic.twitter.com/9yem8RKe29 Greatest Hits Radio (@greatesthitsuk) February 13, 2024 Tributes poured in from the world of radio as they shared touching stories about Wright Steve Wright's last-ever Sunday Love Songs playlist Amii Stewart - Friends Dusty Springfield - I Only Want To Be With You James Blunt - All The Love That I Ever Needed Harry Styles - Watermelon Sugar Christina Perri - A Thousand Years Usher - You Make Me Wanna.. Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton - Islands In The Stream Roger Daltrey - Giving It All Away Sade - Your Love Is King Ed Sheeran - Perfect Johnnie Taylor - Take Me To The Mardi Gras McFadden & Whitehead - Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now The Pointer Sisters - He's So Shy Cyndi Lauper - True Colors Bob Marley & The Wailers - Three Little Birds Atlantic Starr - Secret Lovers England Dan & John Ford Coley - Love Is The Answer The Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody Jimmy Durante - Make Someone Happy Nat King Cole - Stardust Taylor Swift - Today Was A Fairytale (Taylor's Version) Mica Paris - My One Temptation Paul Russell - Lil Boo Thang P.P. Arnold & BBC Concert Orchestra Raining In My Heart (Radio 2 Piano Room version) Terence Trent D'Arby & Des'ree - Delicate Advertisement 'But that's not really what I wanted to say. I just wanted to tell you that how much you love Steve on the radio, you would have loved him more in real life.' Reflecting on Wright's reclusive character, he added: He was humble, gracious, kind - really quite shy, not always that sociable in crowds, but hugely thoughtful when you became his friend. 'One of the greatest, loudest voices in British radio was one of the most gentle, quietest souls in real life. 'God bless you, Steve. You changed so many of our lives for the better.' Further tributes have poured in from the world of radio for veteran BBC broadcaster Wright, who died at the age of 69 on Tuesday. The legendary DJ joined the BBC in the 1970s, going on to host shows on BBC Radio 1 and 2 for more than four decades which attracted millions of listeners. The shock announcement left colleagues 'heartbroken' and prompted an outpouring of emotional tributes from stars such as Ken Bruce, Simon Mayo, Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay. Speaking on Greatest Hits radio, a choked up Mayo said: 'He was one of the true originals of music radio, I think. I loved his shows. I know a lot of you did as well. It was a thrill to be on the same radio stations as him. He'll be much missed.' Presenter Sara Cox said: 'It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news. 'Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too.' Zoe Ball has told Wright to 'rest well you wonderful magic man' following his death at the age of 69. In a post to X, the broadcaster wrote: 'Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love & most importantly laughter rest well you wonderful magic man. 'Life won't be the same without you here, love you my friend, my hero.' Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Wright on many occasions, said he was a unique broadcaster. 'He created a kind of club which whether he was interviewing you or whether you were enjoying it as a listener, you looked forward to joining every day,' she said. The presenter credited Wright for saving BBC Radio 2 after joining the station in 1996 , and admitted his own show would not exist without the DJ's contribution to broadcasting Vine shared an old photo of himself and Wright with Scottish pop star Lulu, taken during their years together at BBC Radio 2 'It is a very rare quality, and he made it sound easy. It was frequently very funny, and when he left his daily afternoon show he really knocked a hole in the day for many of us who relied on his company. He will be a real loss.' Matt Lucas has referred to Wright as 'the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all' following the latter's death at the age of 69. In a post to X, the comedian wrote: 'Steve Wright was the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all. 'So gifted and natural and engaging. It was always a pleasure and an honour to appear on his show. What a huge loss.' Jo Whiley has thanked Wright, 'the broadcaster's broadcaster', for all his support over the years. In a post to X, the radio DJ and television presenter wrote: 'What a man. What a legend. The broadcaster's broadcaster. 'One of the kindest, loveliest people I've had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support & music chat over the years. 'Can't believe we won't meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty.' Emotional scenes on @BBCRadio2 this evening, following the announcement of Steve Wrights passing (Queen) Bobbie Pryor, you have absolutely NOTHING to apologise for. I cannot fathom just how difficult it would be to learn of the death of a beloved colleague live on air pic.twitter.com/CuaZ12wRPD Zoe Lamb (@zoemuriel) February 13, 2024 Steve Wright, who has died at the age of 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994 Wright seen in a recent photo from when he was out walking in central London The DJ was married to Cyndi Robinson until they divorced in 1999. They are pictured on their wedding day Full statement issued by Steve Wright's family following his death aged 69 'It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. 'In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. 'Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. 'As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.' Advertisement Wright was also a long-standing presenter of Top Of The Pops on BBC One and presented the popular Sunday Love Songs weekend mid-morning show on Radio 2. His last show was a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of the programme two days ago. Wright told listeners in his final sign-off: 'I'll be back for more love songs next Sunday, ta-da then.' A statement shared by Wright's family said: 'It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. 'In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. 'As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.' Wright's show on Radio 2 last Sunday was pre-recorded, and it is understood that there is another programme 'in the can' though it is thought that it won't be aired following his death. Meanwhile, one BBC star told how the death was seen as 'very, very sudden' by his colleagues as he was in touch with bosses at the station within just the last few days. They told the Mail: 'Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days and they had no idea he was going to die, we were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious. 'It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn't seem at all real.' The legendary broadcaster presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2. He is pictured in 1980 The DJ, seen in 2003, was made an MBE for services to radio Wright with Bunny Campione at an event at Hamleys Toy Store in London on October 24, 2004 The DJ with Alice Cooper at the Sony Radio Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel on May 12, 2004 Wright was hailed today by former colleagues and interviewees Steve Wright in the Afternoons theme by @AJMusicProds remains iconic. RIP Steve. A broadcasting genius. pic.twitter.com/tYVOXv3AEm Christopher Golds (@chrisgolds) February 13, 2024 Wright was born in 1954 in Greenwich, south London, and started his BBC career as a clerk. He briefly left the broadcaster in 1976 for Thames Valley Radio but returned four years later to present weekend programmes. The broadcaster joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show before moving on to host Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993. Wright then fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast show for a year until 1995, and completed a stint at commercial radio stations before returning to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wright's Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs. In 1999, he recreated Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2, with celebrity interviews and entertaining trivia featured in his Factoids segment, before stepping down in September 2022. Former BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot as part of the station's schedule shake-up. Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and since October last year, he presented the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, which had previously been fronted by Paul Gambaccini. Head of BBC Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said Wright 'understood the connection and companionship that radio engenders better than anyone, and we all loved him for it. Wright being surprised in his studio by Paul McCartney. Also pictured is his production assistant Dianne Oxberry The DJ with George Michael in an undated photo taken within a BBC studio 'He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none, and he made his guests laugh, he was fair, and he wanted to showcase them and their work in the best possible light, bringing brilliant stories to our listeners', she added. She recalled feeling 'pure amazement' watching him 20 years ago when he became the first presenter she produced. 'For all of us at Radio 2, he was a wonderful colleague and a friend with his excellent sense of humour, generosity with his time, and endless wise words,' she added. 'We were lucky to have him with us for all these decades, and we will miss his talent and his friendship terribly.' Wright was honoured for his services to radio in the December 2023 New Year Honours list and said he wanted to dedicate it 'to all the people in broadcasting who gave comfort and public service during the pandemic'. BBC Director General Tim Davie said today: 'All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades. 'He was the ultimate professional passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio. 'No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences' faces. They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly.' Lorna Clarke, Director of BBC Music, said: 'Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster someone audiences loved, and many of us looked up to. He loved radio, and he loved the BBC, but most of all he loved his audience. 'From Radio 1 to Radio 2, he was with us for more than four decades, and brought so much joy to our airwaves, whatever he was up to. 'We were privileged to have him with us for all these years.' Perth Influencer Em Davies is expecting her first child with her fiance Joel Gambin. The blonde bombshell, 28, shared the exciting news to Instagram on Wednesday in a loved-up video which captured some romantic moments she and Joel have shared. The clip begins with them kissing and then shows Joel tenderly rubbing Em's growing baby bump before cutting to their ultrasound photo. The lovebirds are all smiles in the precious footage which showcased the enormous bond they share and their excitement to be starting a family. Em captioned the clip with some exciting words. 'The universe said we had a plan. Baby Gambin en route. Happy anniversary to us,' she wrote. Perth Influencer Em Davies is expecting her first child with fiance Joel Gambin. Both pictured The blonde bombshell, 28, shared the exciting news to Instagram on Wednesday in a loved-up video which captured some romantic moments she and Joel have shared Many of Em's celebrity friends were quick to congratulate her on the amazing news. 'I'm bawling my eyes out,' gushed reality star Karly Fisher. 'No way! Congrats,' added TikTok star Sopha Dopha. Em and Joel announced their engagement in March, after two years of dating. The lovebirds are all smiles in the precious footage The pair could not contain their excitement and quickly shared the happy news with their fans Davies' happy news comes after a string of recent controversies. In August 2022, the Perth star landed herself in hot water after she uploaded an image of a sealed ziplock bag containing a brownie, as she made her way to the airport to catch a flight to Bali. 'Are we going to regret eating this weed brownie on our way to the airport?' she wrote alongside a 'yes' or 'no' poll. The post was deleted a few minutes later, presumably when Davies realised it was shared with her more than 360,000 followers, rather than her close friends. Em and Joel announced their engagement in March , after two years of dating They shared an adorable photo of their ultrasound The anger is real. BBC staff are seething at Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas for her tribute following the death of DJ Steve Wright when she was the woman who sacked him. Even by the standards of Beeb executives, the hypocrisy is eye-watering. Praising Wright, who died on Tuesday aged 69, for 'bringing brilliant stories to our listeners,' Thomas said: 'He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none.' Then she revealed he had been her mentor. 'Steve was the first presenter I ever produced more than 20 years ago, and I remember the pure amazement I felt sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster.' Small wonder Steve felt so betrayed and shattered when, in September 2022, Thomas unceremoniously ousted him from the afternoon slot that had been his home on the airwaves for more than 40 years. Though he rarely made public statements outside his show, that day he told reporters sadly: 'Sometimes people want you, sometimes they don't . . . That's the way it goes.' Steve Wright's cheerful banter, cheesy jokes and passion for trivia have been part of the British soundscape for more than 40 years If he was the only star to be treated so callously, it would be hard for the public to forgive. But this has become a pattern at Radio 2, with beloved presenters either being shown the door or made to feel so unwelcome that they have little choice but to quit. Not only are their careers damaged or destroyed, but the millions who have grown to love and trust their voices are robbed of something irreplaceable. Presenters such as Steve Wright, whose conversations and gentle banter have lightened our days for years, become like old friends. And it appears as if they are being summarily banned from our lives, for the crime of being 'pale, male and stale'. We get no say in this. Neither do they. Some of the best-loved voices on the Beeb have been shunted off Radio 2, including Simon Mayo. Listeners are expected to tune in to their replacements, such as Sara Cox, without noticing the difference. That's a measure of the snobbery of executives, obsessed with diversity and 'the youth demographic'. I wouldn't be surprised if many of them don't listen to the shows, because they regard Radio 2 as ear-filler for the superannuated. Well, we do notice. Wright's cheerful banter, cheesy jokes and passion for trivia had been part of the British soundscape since his afternoon show was first heard on Radio 1 in 1981. His chatter made him wonderful company. It's hurtful to realise that more than six-and-a-quarter million people who tuned in daily to listen to him have been cheated out of the last 18 months of his life on air. Though he was allowed a Sunday morning shift and a podcast as a consolation prize, he never broadcast in the afternoons again. Paul O'Grady was similarly mistreated axed from Radio 2 in August 2022 after refusing to share his slot with comedian Rob Beckett. Never one for diplomatic silence, O'Grady let rip: 'I was disappointed, because I'm a great believer in continuity. Radio 2 has changed, it's not what it was. They're trying to aim for a much younger audience, which doesn't make sense because you've got Radio 1. Radio 2 was always for an older audience.' He, too, died not long after being dropped. How much happier everyone would have been if he could have kept on with his much-loved On The Wireless show until the end everyone, that is, except a few overpaid suits on the top floor in Broadcasting House. Ken Bruce has found a way to fight back at the expense of the BBC with a switch to the commercial sector, joining Greatest Hits Radio Some of the best-loved voices on the Beeb have been kicked off Radio 2, including Simon Mayo, above Ken Bruce, sensing which way the wind was blowing, chose his own time to go, to the chagrin of BBC bosses who probably didn't want him anyway. When he announced his departure, they told him sulkily that they'd been about to offer him another three-year contract though it hadn't been mentioned before. His leaving present was a small hamper from Fortnum & Mason, a bottle of wine and a bunch of flowers. You can be quite sure that some executives at Broadcasting House, earning six-figure salaries in excess of the Prime Minister's pay, give more extravagant gifts to their cleaners at Christmas. This high-handed attitude to their stars is one of the reasons that staff have reacted so angrily to the BBC's two-faced attitude. Any eulogy for people whose jobs were axed is bound to sound cynical, but Helen Thomas has provoked genuine disgust. 'It was utterly disgraceful,' one staffer told the Mail. 'It really would have gone down better if she had said nothing at all.' To add to the insult, the BBC has announced digital 'spin-off stations' to supplement Radios 1, 2 and 3. These include a version of Radio 2 with 'much-loved expert presenters' playing hits from the 1950s to the 1970s. One of those much-loved experts in line to spearhead the station, which will air via digital radio and online, was expected to be Steve Wright. The irony, then, is breathtaking. Helen Thomas and her colleagues have wrecked the most popular radio station in Britain, by dumping some of its favourite DJs and forcing the rest to play dross that listeners don't want to hear. Then they backtrack, by trying to recreate what they have ruined, and pretending this is some kind of forward-looking 'digital policy'. All this is done, of course, at the expense of you and me as licence-payers. Along with Simon Mayo, Ken Bruce has found a way to fight back. Both have switched to the commercial sector, joining Greatest Hits Radio (GHR). Mayo draws a healthy 2.5 million listeners, but Bruce's morning show is the big winner with 3.7 million, many of them loyal fans from Radio 2, where Vernon Kay's morning show has seen ratings plunge. When Bruce was in charge there, 8.2 million tuned in. That figure has dwindled to 6.9 million. Overall, Radio 2's audience has dropped by a million in just one year. Charlotte Moore, the BBC's 'Chief Content Officer', claimed she was 'delighted with the flying start Vernon Kay has made to mid-mornings'. It's fair to say that, if she was a passenger on an aeroplane losing altitude as fast as Kay's radio show, she wouldn't call it 'flying'. That's more like freefall. Other presenters on the failing station include Scott Mills, who replaced Wrightie, as well as Rylan Clark, Michelle Visage and DJ Spoony. They aren't only up against GHR. Amazon's Alexa Radioplayer accounts for 14 per cent of listeners at home, using algorithms to find music users might like. At the other end of the technical scale, there's the veteran 'Diddy' David Hamilton and his contemporaries on Boom Radio, including Roger Day, Simon Bates and Nicky Horne familiar voices all, whose presence can be a comfort. The importance of a voice we know was underlined last week when the Boom Rock sister station launched, with the gravelly tones of Tommy Vance giving its jingles gravitas. My generation grew up listening to Tommy's Friday Rock Show under the bedclothes on a transistor radio. His annual countdown of the ten greatest heavy anthems was a national event, even if we did all know that Layla by Derek And The Dominos, Freebird by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Led Zep's Stairway To Heaven were guaranteed to comprise the top three. The thing is, Tommy died in 2005, aged 64. His voice has been recreated by Artificial Intelligence, and it's indistinguishable from the real thing. 'Rock,' he growls from beyond the grave. 'That's why we're here.' The BBC needs to cherish its old troupers, not kick them out of the door. Because if they keep losing listeners, it'll take more than AI to revive Radio 2. Its the film that promises to lift the lid on how Prince Andrews excruciating BBC interview with Emily Maitlis came to air. And while the disgraced Dukes now infamous car-crash cross-examination gripped the nation back in November 2019, behind the scenes brewed a secret feud. Not that you would know from watching the new trailer of forthcoming Netflix film Scoop. It opens with Gillian Anderson in character as Maitlis, walking on to the broadcast set at Buckingham Palace, juxtaposed with scenes of Billie Piper as Sam McAlister, the producer who negotiated Prince Andrews booking, rushing through the BBCs busy newsroom. Along with Newsnights former editor Esme Wren, played by Atonements Romola Garai, Scoop appears to tell the story of strong-minded career women working together to pull off whats been dubbed the scoop of the decade. Behind the scenes, however, to describe the rift as being a David and Goliath situation would be something of an understatement. Billie Piper playing the producer Sam McAlister in a trailer for the Netflix drama Scoop Sam McAlister tells ITV's This Morning how she helped secure the Prince Andrew interview McAlister was said to earn around a tenth of Maitliss 325,000 annual salary. While Maitlis would get taxis for work journeys, McAlister forked out for buses from the BBCs central London HQ to Buckingham Palace for meetings with Prince Andrews former private secretary Amanda Thirsk, played by Keeley Hawes. The disparity is perhaps all the more galling for single mum McAlister after Maitlis gave an in-depth interview to Radio Times in 2020 explaining how the story came about - not once mentioning McAlister. In the piece - headlined How we did it, Newsnights Emily Maitlis and Esme Wren on the Prince Andrew interview that shocked the world, Wren, now editor of Channel 4 News, said: We delivered a quite exceptional piece of journalism. One former colleague said: While those who work behind the scenes dont always get credit, for Emily to go out there and not mention Sam in such a high-profile interview seems pretty unfair and wrong. Emily was on a significant salary and then you had Sam grafting behind the scenes on about 30,000 a year. Without Sam there would have been no Prince Andrew interview. Its as simple as that. As for how she felt overlooked, a source said: Sam tried to laugh at it. It seemed deeply baffling that two women would not mention another, far more junior woman in an interview where they were talking about how the interview came about. But friends of McAlister say the omission was a factor in her decision to leave the BBC in 2021 to go freelance and become a champion of behind-the-scenes production staff. While at the BBC, McAlister reportedly spent months forming a relationship with Thirsk before holding a series of meetings with her at Buckingham Palace. In her book which the film Scoop is based on - about the first time she met Andrew, played by Rufus Sewell in the film, McAlister wrote: I hadnt slept a wink all weekend. Id been prepping, reading, talking to people who had met Prince Andrew to gauge how to approach him. Then I had been rehearsing possible questions in my head, thinking about what their sticking points would be, gaming every possible calibration and option. Maitlis, 53, has always refused to comment on the rift. Sources say she was even invited to the book launch in 2022 - but didnt show up. One said: Everyone in the book was of course invited but Emily wasnt there. Some sources believe even subtle digs are made throughout the film, out on April 5. Gillian Anderson as Emily Maitlis in a mocked-up Newsnight studio for the Netflix drama Emily Maitlis, appearing on The Jonathan Ross Show on BBC1, is making her own show based on the interview, A Very Royal Scandal One insider said: Viewers wont notice it but there are a few conversations that take place that, if you are aware of Emily trying to take credit from Sam, then you might notice things arent all well. After quitting the BBC, McAlister quickly began monetising her scoop, leaving Maitlis in her wake. Now Maitlis is making her own show based on the interview, A Very Royal Scandal, currently in production for Netflix rival Amazon Prime. With money no object for either streaming giant, they have been battling it out for the ultimate Hollywood cast for their adaptations. Scoop boasts an A-list roster - according to friends McAlister is over the moon to have secured the The Crowns Anderson while A Very Royal Scandal has Hollywoods Michael Sheen as the Prince. He recently said he doesnt want his portrayal to be hatchet job: Inevitably you want to bring humanity to the character. Golden Globe winner Ruth Wilson will take the role of Maitlis and The Thick Of Its Joanna Scanlan will play Thirsk in A Very Royal Scandal. As for the scripts, Scoop boasts British playwright and screenwriter Peter Moffat with Philip Martin, who worked on seven episodes of The Crown in 2017, directing. Maitlis has arguably gone one better for her three-part series, signing Bafta-nominated director Julian Jarrold, who headed up The Crown and worked on Sky Atlantics drama This England. Then again all this may be academic if Maitlis fails to get her version, which is still in production, to the screen before Scoops April release date. Difficult to believe the public will want to watch exactly the same story again a month later. Back at Broadcasting House, Maitlis has firmly won the support of her former Newsnight colleagues, with some of them apparently resenting how McAlister has dared to place herself front and centre in the whole affair. One can only imagine their anger if Scoop triumphs and McAlister gets the sweetest revenge. Love Island's Jessie Wynter sparked pregnancy rumours on Wednesday as she celebrated Valentine's Day with boyfriend Will Young. The Australian influencer, 27, has officially returned to the UK to live with the farmer after having her visa approved and they marked the occasion with a gallery of loved-up Instagram snaps. Will showered the personal trainer with red heart shaped balloons, a giant teddy bear and a large bouquet of red roses as they kissed in bed. However, it was Will's Valentine's Day card to Jessie that caught eagle-eyed fans attention as they spotted it was addressed to 'Baby Mummy'. In the snap, Jessie gave nothing away as she posed with the large bouquet of flowers in front of her body while sat on the balloon covered bed. Love Island's Jessie Wynter sparked pregnancy rumours on Wednesday as she celebrated Valentine's Day with boyfriend Will Young Will showered the personal trainer with red heart shaped balloons, a giant teddy bear and a large bouquet of red roses as they kissed in bed However, it was Will's Valentine's Day card to Jessie that caught eagle-eyed fans attention as they spotted it was addressed to 'Baby Mummy' In another picture, the beauty slipped into a red satin pyjama set as Will gave her a large card with 'Wife' written on it. Fans quickly took to the comments, to speculate: 'Wife card....baby mommy envelope in the background....'; 'The valentine card says Wife???? Is there something you need to tell us.' 'Am I the only one that noticed the baby mummy on the envelope. I'm so happy for you guys xx'; 'Glad you went to card factory for your balloons! Wife card!! What you not telling us lol!,' said another. 'Baby??'; 'The card says wife have they secretly got married?' A source confirmed to MailOnline that Will 'regularly refers to Jessie as his baby mumma in social media posts and in interviews'. MailOnline have contacted Jessie and Will's representatives for comment. The couple, who found love on the 2023 winter series of UK Love Island, looked more loved-up than ever in the snaps as they packed on the PDA to celebrate Valentine's Day. The influencer gushed over her reality star boyfriend and revealed she couldn't contain her 'emotions' as she 'officially returned to UK long term' and is excited to 'start planning their future'. She wrote: 'I AM BACK IN THE UK. It has been an emotional time but I have some exciting news for you!! 'I can now live in the UK for 3 years and whats even more romantic is that I was able to come back just in time for Valentines Day.' In the snap, Jessie gave nothing away as she posed with the large bouquet of flowers in front of her body while sat on the balloon covered bed In another picture, the beauty slipped into a red satin pyjama set as Will gave her a large card with 'Wife' written on it Jessie continued: 'It was very sad having to say goodbye to my friends, family and life in Australia but I know Will and I have such a beautiful life ahead of us and now that my visa is approved for a longer term we can officially start planning our future together. 'Whenever I miss someone or a place, I always remind myself that I so am lucky to have so much love in my life that at times it can hurt. Im beyond grateful for everything and everyone in my life. 'Everything was very last minute with my flight home, but I came home to Will decorating the room for me and it was the cutest thing ever!! 'This is what valentines is all about, loving each other and just simply appreciating the person you love whether youre together or from afar. I cant ask for anything different, this is perfect and Im so grateful to be able to be here to spend time with the person I love.' She concluded: 'Thank you to everyone who has messaged us and sent us love. So beyond grateful, it honestly means the world! 'Now that Im officially living in the UK long term we have some very exciting things coming up which we cant wait to share with you!!' Last month, Jessie and Will continued to spark engagement rumours after he shared a snap of his bombshell girlfriend on social media. Jessie suggested her farmer boyfriend had popped the question as she posed with her hand strategically placed on her chest to show off a possible engagement ring. The snaps seemed to further fuel rumours that the couple have taken their relationship to the next level after Will admitted he had proposed to Jessie 'loads of times'. Fans quickly took to the comments, one wrote: 'Wife card....baby mommy envelope in the background....' The Australian influencer has officially returned to the UK to live with the farmer after having her visa approved She gushed over her reality star boyfriend and revealed she couldn't contain her 'emotions' as she returned to the UK to 'start planning the couples future' She wrote: 'I so am lucky to have so much love in my life that at times it can hurt. Im beyond grateful for everything and everyone in my life' Jessie also shared Polaroid snaps snaps from the loved-up occasion Appearing on The Jimmy and Nath show over in Australia in January, Jessie opened up about how Will keeps tricking her with pretend engagements. She said: 'I know he keeps tricking me. He's planning all these romantic dates and like literally, you should have seen what he did in the Maldives it was so so romantic. 'And then he just gets down on one knee, no ring though he just joked about it!' Teasing, Will added: 'Little does Jessie know I've proposed loads, she's just taking it as a joke.' Host Nath then said: 'Well we need to tell you the real reason that you guys are in here because Will's decided to do it now. 'He's getting down on one knee he's doing it here.' Laughing Jessie continued: 'Oh you're encouraging this behaviour! It's the air ring. It's true it's happened.' 'It's happened it only took an Aussie radio show,' added Nath. Commenting on the clip, Will teased: 'Will make sure the proposal is done on @jimmyandnathshow' while Jessie added: 'Jimmy and Naths wingman skills on pointttt'. Previously Jessie continued to spark engagement rumours as she donned a ring in Instagram snaps The Australian beauty has shared a playful Instagram post hinting that Will was planning to propose last year Meanwhile the couple hinted at a secret engagement after they jetted back to her home in Australia for Christmas. Jessie looked stunning in a red plunging figure hugging halter neck gown while Will cut a dapper figure in a white open collar shirt and a black suit. The couple cosied up as the personal trainer, who also starred on Love Island Australia back in 2019, flashed her bare engagement ring finger which prompted the farmer to smile. Jessie wrote: 'Is he proposing or has he just told me to get dressed up for a fancy date while on holiday'. Netflix fans are going wild over the 'creepy' new true crime documentary Lover, Stalker, Killer which amassed a huge 10 million views in its first two days. The doc tells the story of the 'crazy' and fatal lengths a jealous ex went to to torment her former lover who she had met online. Released on February 9, it includes interviews with the ex-boyfriend, Dave Kroupa, and the Nebraska investigators who worked on a case full of twists and turns. One viewer reacted to the 90-minute film on X, saying: 'Can everyone please watch Lover Stalker Killer on Netflix it's bizarre and creepy.' Shanna 'Liz' Golyar was handed a life sentence in 2017 for murdering her love rival Cari Farver five years earlier, but the biggest twist is how she managed to evade capture for so long. Spoilers below Netflix subscribers have been left amazed by the new documentary Lover, Stalker, Killer, which amassed 10 million views in the two days following its February 9 release It tells the story of how Nebraska local Dave Kroupa was tormented for years by his jealous ex, but not the one he though Subscribers to the streaming giant seemed conflicted as to whether to praise the documentary or remark on how 'wild' its story was Golyar murdered Farver after becoming jealous of Kroupa's new lover, but proceeded to impersonate her victim for four years during which Kroupa thought the in fact-dead woman was seeking her revenge on him. Other X users who have watched the movie said: 'Lover Stalker Killer on Netflix is a wild ride. People be crazy... 'Lover, Stalker, Killer so good on Netflix! Its really some insane ppl out here... 'If y'all haven't seen Lover Stalker Killer on Netflix yet boyyy are y'all in for a treat... 'Lover Stalker Killer on Netflix is so messed up 'Lover, Stalker, Killer on Netflix is a wild documentary. Highly recommend... 'The documentary movie, "Lover, Stalker, Killer", currently on #Netflix, is worth a viewing... 'Lover, stalker, killer on Netflix 10/10 must see!!!!!!' READ MORE: Netflix viewers are left 'disturbed' by controversial new series Advertisement Golyar met Kroupa in 2012 through a dating app, and according to the latter the pair discussed how their relationship was only intended to be casual. They were involved on and off for several months before Kroupa met Cari Farver at his auto repair shop in Macedonia, Iowa, and asked her out. Faver dated Kouper for just two weeks before seemingly breaking up with him over text. However, it seems that text was sent by Golyar, who met Farver in the hallway of her boyfriend's apartment building. It was eventually determined that Golyar stabbed Farver to death before her disappearance, and digital forensics administrator Anthony Kava estimated that Golyar must have spent about 40 to 50 hours a week impersonating Farver. No one saw Cari again after November 13, 2012, but Kroupa continued to receive texts from her years later, ranging from stalking to threats, and Golyar was also keeping her victim's email and Facebook profiles active. At the time, Golyar was also claiming to be receiving threatening texts and even burned down her own house, with pets inside, to further her deception. Despite Farver missing a number of family events, including her son's 15th birthday, Thanksgiving, and her father's funeral, it took years for Golyar to be caught - to the frustration of Father's mother, Nancy Raney, who also features in the film. Shanna 'Liz' Golyar (right) murdered Cari Farver (left) in 2012 after becoming jealous of Kroupa's new lover, but proceeded to impersonate her victim for four years One fan of the film commented: 'Lover, Stalker, Killer on Netflix is a wild documentary. Highly recommend' In 2015, the case was taken up by Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office investigator Ryan Avis and Sergeant Jim Doty. They finally found that Golyar had not only murdered Farver but also kept her phone to impersonate her online. In doing so, she made an error that was key in helping the police track Golyar down, as she took a photo of what appeared to be a tied up, decomposing body on her tablet. Another photo, which helped to removed any further doubt, showed a foot with a tattoo of a Chinese symbol that matched the one Farver had on her body. On December 22, 2016, Golyar was charged with the first-degree murder of Cari Farver and was found guilty of the crime on August 15 2017. She is currently serving a life sentence at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women. Farver's mother Nancy Raney (pictured on ABC's 20/20 special about the case) was frustrated by the initial investigation, and was interviewed for Netflix's 90-minute film Pink was denied entry to a famous Australian harbourside club in an awkward encounter amid her latest tour Down Under. The American superstar, 44, visited Manly Skiff Club on Monday evening with a party of around eight people but was turned away at the door. Pink, whose real name is Alecia Beth Moore, was denied entry to the popular harbourside venue because she hadn't brought any ID with her. Manly Market Manager, Mark Eymes, witnessed the encounter while standing in line with his cousin, and quickly realised it was Pink when she spoke with an American accent. He told the Manly Observer that he overheard her telling staff that she had a booking, but they said she couldn't enter without showing ID, as per Australian rules. Pink was reportedly denied entry to a famous Australian harbourside club amid her latest tour Down Under. Pictured with husband Carey Hart and kids Willow, 12 and Jameson, seven The American superstar, 44, was said to have visited Manly Skiff Club on Monday evening with a party of around eight people but was turned away at the door for not having ID on her He shared: 'They said she couldn't come in without [her ID], even though she explained that she'd already secured her booking with a deposit.' He said that he tried to help by notifying Skiff Club directors and the floor manager that Pink was at the entrance and was about to be turned away, but to no avail. 'Next thing, I saw P!NK and her group walking away, they just turfed her out,' he said. Despite the awkward gaffe, Mark insisted she didn't 'throw her weight around' and was 'really pleasant' even though she wasn't able to enjoy her night at the venue. He added: 'Not once did she throw her weight around, she was really pleasant despite being a little upset that she couldn't come in, it was just such a shame and I felt a little embarrassed that a solution couldn't be found.' Matt Hazell, Secretary Manager of Manly Skiff Club, told Daily Mail Australia: 'The Club deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to P!NK, her family and friends during her recent visit to the Club. 'We sincerely apologise for the misunderstanding surrounding the ID requirement and will be using the incident to improve our processes in the future.' Onlooker Mark Eymes said he overheard her telling staff that she had a booking, but they said she couldn't enter without a deposit, as per Australian rules Under the Registered Clubs Act 1976, visitors of clubs are required to provide suitable identification to gain entry to the venues. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Pink's representatives for comment. Pink, who considers Australia to be a 'second home', is currently Down Under for her Summer Carnival tour, which kicked off in Sydney on Friday night. She has been out and about exploring with her husband Carey Hart and their kids Willow, 12, and Jameson, seven, surprising Aussie locals with their low-key outings. The So What hitmaker shocked a community theatre group in Sydney earlier this week as she made a surprise visit to watch their musical performance. She made a very unexpected appearance with her family to watch PACA Sydney's final performance of In The Heights at Chatswood Concourse, and reportedly even paid for their own tickets. Pink considers Australia to be a second home, and she has been making the most of her time Down Under with her kids during her latest visit A video shared by the theatre group to Instagram showed the performers going completely wild as Pink came to chat to them all backstage after the show. The group cheered and gasped upon her entrance as she gushed over the show: 'That was so hard to sit, I was like "I want to dance too!"' Pink said: 'That was so good, you guys are so good! Thank you, that was amazing. Willow wants to be in theatre so this was very nice.' Alongside the video, the theatre group gushed: 'What a way to close our show! Thank you to special guest, @pink for coming and supporting our show! What a night.' Pink also smiled for snaps with members of the theatre group and was said to have given the performance a 'standing ovation'. PACA Sydney added: 'Pink having you watch our show and give us a standing ovation was truly beyond words! I'm at a loss for words to describe this feeling.' Choreographer and event coordinator Janina Hamerlok told the Daily Telegraph of Pink's visit: 'She was completely lovely and extremely down to earth. And earlier this week, Pink and her family made a very unexpected appearance to watch local theatre group PACA Sydney's final performance of In The Heights at Chatswood Concourse A video shared by the theatre group to Instagram showed the performers going completely wild as Pink came to chat to them all backstage after the show 'She complimented several of our leads individually and said she thought the production paid tremendous homage to the actual Latino community on who the musical is based. 'She was one of the first in the auditorium to give a standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance it was a never to be forgotten moment for most of the cast and indeed myself who has always been a lifelong die hard fan.' Pink reportedly bought tickets in the upper level dress circle, but she and her family were moved to house seats usually reserved for the production team when staff recognised her. Tickets for the show - which had a two-week run - reportedly cost $68.95 for an adult, $57.95 for a junior or $220 for a family of four. Pink is set to travel around the country on her Australian tour for a string of shows before ending in Queensland on March 23. Pink was born and raised in the United States but has become an 'honorary Aussie' after breaking records for concert and album sales Down Under. According to a report in New Idea last year, Pink is hoping to start a 'new chapter' in Australia with her family and is considering setting up a 'base' Down Under. She has long considered Australia a second home with her letting slip that she was 'looking into' possible citizenship in February 2023. Pink was born and raised in the United States but has become an 'honorary Aussie' after breaking records for concert and album sales Down Under 'Australia will be such a special time. Setting up their much longed for dream base Down Under where they can escape the wintry months will be just what the doctor ordered,' an insider said. 'Last year I was thinking about applying for citizenship, I am not even joking,' she shared on 60 Minutes. Pink added she told her husband Carey Hart that they should move with their kids Willow, 12, and Jameson, seven. 'I was like, if we are going somewhere, Carey, that's where we are going. So I was kind of looking into it,' she added. Katie Price is being chased by HMRC for 760,000 in unpaid tax, MailOnline can reveal. Court papers reveal the huge cash demand from HMRC who have petitioned to make her bankrupt. Katie, 45, is due in court next month in the battle which threatens her 2million Mucky Mansion in Sussex. HMRC claim Katie owes thousands in unpaid tax, VAT and late payment penalties. Court paperwork said: 'The debtor is justly and truly indebted to us in the aggregate sum of 761,994.05.' Katie Price is being chased by HMRC for 760,000 in unpaid tax, MailOnline can reveal Katie, 45, is due in court next month in the battle which threatens her Mucky Mansion in Sussex It said there had been a 'failure to comply with a statutory demand for a liquidated sum, payable immediately.' The bulk of the debt is a claim of 535,700 in unpaid self-assessment tax or national insurance plus more than 40,000 in late payment fines. But she also owes more than 140,000 in missing VAT payments plus almost 10,000 in VAT surcharges. The paperwork is dated in November 2023, but the case has been adjourned until at least March this year. Katie was served with the payment demand in October but paperwork said it has not been complied with. The document said the 761,994 claim is for a liquidated sum implying she might have to sell property or investments to free up cash. It added: 'To the best of our knowledge and belief the demand has neither been complied with nor set aside.' MailOnline has contacted Katie's representatives for comment. HMRC claim Katie owes thousands in unpaid tax, VAT and late payment penalties. The star will be battling to save her 2million Mucky Mansion Katie, pictured in 2007, was once worth 45million but was declared bankrupt in 2019 with debts of 3.2m from her failed company Jordan Trading Ltd Last month, Katie dodged a bankruptcy court hearing for the sixth time over her 3.2million debt repayment (pictured 2019) Last month, Katie dodged a bankruptcy court hearing for the sixth time over a 3.2million debt repayment. The reality star was due to appear at an insolvency court in London next month, but her case has now been adjourned until the end of April, reports The Sun. Her court hearing has been rescheduled multiple times in a bid to bring the insolvency case to an end. In the wake of her lengthy monetary woes, the television personality will have to answer questions about her finances. She was declared bankrupt in 2019 with debts of 3.2m from her failed company Jordan Trading Ltd, which was set up to oversee her perfume and cosmetics line. Katie had been due to explain to a judge details of her income from her TV work, including a Channel 4 show documenting the renovation of her 2m country home. Jamie Lomas has revealed his fiancee Jess Bell is pregnant with their first child together in a sweet post on Valentine's Day. The Hollyoaks star, 48, shared the happy news in an Instagram post, alongside his bride-to-be holding a scan photo of their baby girl. He penned the caption: 'With it being valentines day and a day of love, I thought I would share with you all the wonderful news that myself and @drjessbell are expecting a beautiful little baby girl. 'I hope you all have a great day and sending love to you all.' Many of Jamie's loved ones and co-stars shared their congratulations in the comments, with his sister Charley Webb writing: 'Auntie again.' Jamie Lomas has revealed he's expecting a baby girl with his fiancee Jess Bell in a sweet post on Valentine's Day The Hollyoaks star shared the happy news in an Instagram post, alongside his bride-to-be holding a scan photo of their daughter Jessica Fox added: 'Such beautiful news! Congratulations to you both!' In July Jamie revealed that he was engaged to Jess after two years together. The actor, 48, best known for playing Warren Fox on Channel 4, told OK! Magazine: 'I had been planning it for a while and I wanted it to be perfect.' He explained: 'We'd been in Lake Como a few weeks earlier but we both adore Mexico and I thought, 'Where better than in our favourite restaurant in our favourite resort in our favourite country?' 'Before I knew it there was this ring there and everyone was clapping and cheering. It was amazing; so wonderful and so very emotional,' said Jess, 34. Jess added: 'I wasn't expecting it at all. It was a total shock. Before I knew it there was this ring there and everyone was clapping and cheering. It was amazing; so wonderful and so very emotional.' It was first reported that the two started dating in August of 2021 after meeting through mutual friends. They went public with their relationship when they walked the red carpet together at the Pride of Manchester awards in May, 2022. In July Jamie revealed that he was engaged to Jess after two years together It was first reported that the two started dating in August of 2021 after meeting through mutual friends A source told The Sun at the time: 'Jamie and Jess met through friends and have been growing close over the past few months. 'It's pretty clear to those around him that Jamie is really into Jess and they make a lovely couple.' Jamie's last relationship was with Portia Hughes who split in 2019 following their whirlwind romance. The Sun reported that the former Hollyoaks actor had quickly fallen for Portia who also works on the show behind the scenes. A source told the publication: 'Jamie was completely smitten with Portia and they grew very close, very quickly. 'He can be quite private but was happy to go to events with her his friends were even predicting they might get engaged. 'Unfortunately it was all a bit of whirlwind and they just couldnt go the distance. They split amicably and shes already moved on while hes thrown himself into work.' Following the amicable split, Portia appears to have found happiness Cheshire based property manager Paddy Kennedy, sharing sweet photos on Instagram. Proving she is happy with her new man her Instagram feed is full with gushing posts about Paddy with snaps of them enjoying lavish dates and romantic getaways. Jamie's last relationship was with Portia Hughes who split in 2019 following their whirlwind romance The British star was married to Corrie star Kym Marsh, 47, and the couple are parents to daughter, Polly. However, the couple split in 2014 after six years together Jamie had confirmed his former romance last year by sharing a loved-up tribute to the behind the scenes soap worker. Posting a black and white picture of them together, the soap star wrote: 'Sometimes in life you win the lottery' while she shared an equally loved-up shot of them together on her own personal feed. The British star was married to Corrie star Kym Marsh, 47, and the couple are parents to daughter, Polly. However, the couple split in 2014 after six years together. The couple tragically lost their son Archie when he was born 18 weeks early in 2009. The soap duo split 13 months following their wedding when Kym filed for divorce citing unreasonable behaviour. Lexi Hughes looked the spitting image of her mother Amanda Holden on Wednesday, as she shared a new bikini-clad snap. The 18-year-old model is Amanda's oldest child with her husband Chris Hughes, with whom she also shares daughter Hollie, 12. Lexi has often been compared to her famous mum, 52, being called her miniature twin thanks to their very similar looks. And when she took to her Instagram this week to share photos from her sun-soaked getaway, the resemblance was uncanny. Lexi posed lounging on a sunbed, wearing a red bikini that showed off her toned figure, while shielding her eyes behind oversized shades. Lexi Hughes looked the spitting image of her mother Amanda Holden on Wednesday, as she shared a new bikini-clad snap The snap was almost identical to one Amanda posted last year (pictured), while in LA, where she flaunted her chiselled abs in a very similar red bikini, while lounging by a swimming pool The 18-year-old model is Amanda's oldest child with her husband Chris Hughes and has often been compared to her famous mum, 52, thanks to their very similar looks (pictured in 2022) Captioning the photo, she wrote: 'Vitamin D' with a sun emoji as she enjoyed her balmy day on the beach. The snap was almost identical to one Amanda posted last year, while on holiday in Los Angeles. The Britain's Got Talent judge flaunted her chiselled abs in a very similar red bikini to Lexi, while lounging by a swimming pool. She let her identical blonde hair fan out behind her, while also sporting a pair of dark oversized sunglasses. Amanda has previously admitted to taking inspiration from her daughter and revealed she confiscates some of Lexi's skimpier outfits to keep them for herself to wear. She told The Mirror: 'There's this sequined... I wouldn't even call it a bikini top. "No, you're not wearing that to Reading Festival, but Mummy can have it", so Mummy's got it, and waiting for a moment to wear it. 'It just about covers the bits up top that you would expect it to cover, but it was definitely not for my daughter.' Lexi is following in her mother's showbiz footsteps as well, signing with Storm modelling agency in March 2022. Amanda has previously admitted to taking inspiration from her daughter and revealed she confiscates some of Lexi's skimpier outfits to keep them for herself to wear (Amanda pictured) Lexi is following in her mother's showbiz footsteps as well, signing with Storm modelling agency in March 2022 Amanda told MailOnline that Storm, 'came after' her daughter and it was Lexi's decision to sign on the dotted line ahead of interest from rival agencies. She said at the time: 'Lexi was approached last year and obviously we were waiting until she was 16 to sign anything. It's something she actually wants to do, so I'm taking the lead from her. 'She's a very quiet girl but she knows her own mind. She's very bright and wants to continue her studies. 'There's no pressure and we'll just see what happens. But finishing her education is very much her plan, she'll have our support whatever she decides to do.' Last year, she spoke to MailOnline again and explained she was insisting her 'A* student' daughter finishes her education before embarking on her modelling career. But Amanda said that once Lexi turned 18, she would allow her to start working in the industry, and has already begun taking her to events to get a taste of it. She said: 'She's been taken on by Storm. She's 17 but I think when she's 18 we'll start looking for her to be in that field. At the minute they are working on her Lookbook.' She added: 'I'm very mindful of what things we go to. We went to the Fashion Awards which was really exciting. So yeah, I want to take her to the right things, the relevant things. She's interested in the fashion side of things.' Lexi rang in her 18th birthday last month and Amanda threw her a huge party to celebrate the milestone. She explained she was insisting her 'A* student' daughter finishes her education before embarking on her modelling career, but once she turned 18, she would be allowed to start working in the industry Lexi rang in her 18th birthday last month and Amanda threw her a huge party to celebrate the milestone (pictured) The mother-of-two explained Lexi also takes collagen to look after her skin as she prepared for her modelling career. Amanda said: 'Lexi takes [collagen] too, it doesn't do her any harm. She has amazing skin, obviously she went through a bit of a phase with acne as a teenager, and I feel this is keeping her neutral and supporting her. 'She is amazing at makeup, she's all over TikTok for the tips. She has a very natural look and she just looks beautiful.' However, Amanda has made it clear to her daughter that she is banned from appearing on hit reality show Love Island. The presenter previously admitted her teenager is 'obsessed' with the series, but declared she doesn't want Lexi 'anywhere near' the ITV2 dating show. After being asked if she would allow her kids on Love Island on her Heart show last year, Amanda insisited: 'No! Absolutely not. No way, my daughters 18 next year. 'It's just another way of being famous, isn't it really? It's not really about love. It's just about looking hot and just getting involved. 'It's just amazing telly, but it's not really for love so I don't want my daughter anywhere near it'. The mother-of-two explained Lexi also takes collagen to look after her skin as she prepared for her modelling career Ben Fogle has revealed he was recently diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after a 'recent mental health storm'. The presenter, 50, opened up about having the neurodevelopmental disorder on Instagram, where he admitted 'some aspects of life had become a struggle'. Ben, who has previously spoken about being dyslexic, said that he had 'changed neurologically' after struggling with his mental health. The Countryfile star insisted the condition 'does not make me fragile, just vulnerable', as he discussed his adjustment since the diagnosis. Ben said: 'I hate labels. I always have. The idea that a single word defines us is too binary and lacks the nuances that distinguish us. Ben Fogle has revealed he was recently diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after a 'recent mental health storm' The TV presenter, 50, opened up about his diagnosis in an Instagram post, where he admitted 'some aspects of life had become a more of a struggle' Ben, who has previously spoken about being dyslexic, said that he had 'changed neurologically' after struggling with his mental health 'We are more than a sweeping binary word. I am privileged but I am also compassionate. I am a public figure but I am also quite shy. 'I am dyslexic and an award winning writer. You get the message. The same can be said of our unique neurological differences.' Ben, who has been married to his wife Marina since 2006, continued: 'I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD *cue eye rolling*. I admit to my own cynicism but the reality is that I have changed neurologically. 'A recent mental health storm was the catalyst for my diagnosis. I feel different and have done for some time. 'Some aspects of life had become more of a struggle, but with a diagnosis comes understanding and reason. 'Maybe it is my age or perhaps a symptom of something more complex in wider society. I have ADHD but I am still me. 'It is not an excuse for me nor a reason to be cautious around me for others. It does not make me fragile, just vulnerable. Ben has been married to his wife Marina since 2006 (pictured together in 2018) 'Like all of us. I might be slightly neurotically different but that is also what makes us unique. It enhances my creativity and empathy. 'Neurological individuality makes me who I am and I am proud of that. To have a clinical diagnosis helps me understand who I am. It explains my weaknesses as well as my strengths. Love, peace and individuality.' Ben has previously been open about his health and detailed the 'psychotic episode' he suffered in 2013 after his drink was spiked. Talking in 2020, he revealed he attempted to kill himself during a night out in 'a rural pub in the Cotswolds'. He took to Instagram on Friday to detail the harrowing ordeal with his fans, and called it 'one of the scariest experiences of [his] life.' Warning others of the dangers of having one's drink spiked, he also tried to combat the stigma faced by victims of similar incidents as he said the 'Twitter pile on' he was subjected to at the time made him feel further victimised. In a lengthy caption, he said: 'Several years ago, in 2013 to be precise, my drink was spiked with an unknown substance that resulted in a psychotic episode that saw me hospitalised. 'It was one of the scariest experiences of my life but the response was even more disappointing. 'The hospital lost my samples, someone leaked it to the press, there was a full Twitter pile on from vile trolls and the press generally sneered and doubted the story.' Ben has previously been open about his health and detailed the 'psychotic episode' he suffered in 2013 after his drink was spiked Ben shares two children with Marina, Ludovic Herbert Richard, 15, and Iona, 13. The couple married after meeting while walking their dogs in Hyde Park Then talking about the dangers of drinks being spiked, he went on: 'The impact of drink spiking cannot be underestimated. 'The unknown drug caused a psychotic episode during which I tried to kill my self. I spent weeks undergoing psychological and medical testing to ensure it wasn't self induced by illness. 'Multiple doctors concluded that it was indeed an external drug that had caused the psychosis and yet there was no recrimination, just suspicion as to why and how I had been spiked. 'For me it's symbolic of societies general approach to spiking, that culpability and responsibly falls on the 'spikee', not the 'spiker'. 'I have been contacted by policemen, soldiers and students who all have the same story to tell.' He concluded: 'It can happen to anyone. Anywhere (mine was a rural pub in the Cotswolds). Anytime. It was a tough lesson. Love and peace.' Ben shares two children with Marina, Ludovic Herbert Richard, 15, and Iona, 13. The couple married after meeting while walking their dogs in Hyde Park. He was already famous, having captured the hearts of viewers on Castaway 2000, one of the first British reality shows. The young, posh, likeable blond boy emerged as a natural leader among the volunteers who started a new community on the remote Scottish island of Taransay. 'I wish I'd been able to see those qualities in myself at the time,' says Ben, who had 'zero confidence' after failing his A-levels at private school. 'I was very dyslexic, I could hardly write or read. I still can't really spell, I get my letters muddled up. I wasn't good at academics, I wasn't sporty, I had no kind of tribe. I had terrible acne, so I was really aware of my appearance. A combination of all of those things just left me really lost.' So instead of university he went travelling, teaching in an orphanage in Ecuador and helping to save turtles in Nicaragua and Honduras, pushing himself beyond his comfort zone, a habit that fame would only feed. 'I've struggled to rebuild my shattered confidence through challenges, whether it was living on Taransay for a year or rowing across the Atlantic.' Kelsea Ballerini will sadly be spending Valentine's Day without her 'sweet man' Chase Stokes due to conflicting work schedules. 'I'm working, sweet man is working. We are across the world from each other,' the 30-year-old country crooner told ET at the Michael Kors FW/24 presentation in Manhattan Wednesday. 'It's so nice to have a career that we both love, so whenever we're not together, we're still feeding that love tank. [We'll have a] FaceTime date.' January 7th officially marked the busy couple's one-year anniversary of dating. 'A whole trip around the sun with my bestie. @hichasestokes thanks for making me write love songs,' Kelsea gushed at the time. Kelsea Ballerini will sadly be spending Valentine's Day without her 'sweet man' Chase Stokes due to conflicting work schedules The 30-year-old country crooner told ET on Wednesday: 'I'm working, sweet man is working. We are across the world from each other. It's so nice to have a career that we both love, so whenever we're not together, we're still feeding that love tank. [We'll have a] FaceTime date' And the 31-year-old Outer Banks actor gushed back: 'One year of lovin you. P.S. Told ya I wouldn't embarrass you!' On January 24, Chase (born James) shared a TikTok from a voiceover booth where he was recording ADR for the fourth season of Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke's hit Netflix teen drama. Stokes - who plays Pogues ringleader John B. Routledge - still has to act opposite his ex-girlfriend Madelyn Cline despite ending their 17-month romance back in 2021. 'I think they have a beautiful working relationship, and I'm excited to hang with her. I met her and I talked to her, and she's lovely. And I think she's wildly talented,' Ballerini said on the Call Her Daddy podcast in November. 'At the end of the day, I'm a girl's girl. I don't buy into the [nonsense], especially the loud echo chamber of pop culture trying to make a thing out of nothing. I don't feel insecure with my relationship, and I don't feel insecure about myself.' Meanwhile, the four-time Grammy nominee finalized her divorce from Australian country crooner Morgan Evans in 2022 after four years of marriage. Kelsea and the 6ft1in heartthrob - who have matching Virgo tattoos - will most likely reunite this Sunday for the 49th People's Choice Awards where they're both nominated for trophies. Ballerini will compete for female country artist of the year against Gabby Barrett, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson. January 7th officially marked the busy couple's one-year anniversary of dating 'A whole trip around the sun with my bestie. @hichasestokes thanks for making me write love songs,' Kelsea gushed at the time And the 31-year-old Outer Banks actor gushed back: 'One year of lovin you. P.S. Told ya I wouldn't embarrass you!' On January 24, Chase (born James) shared a TikTok from a voiceover booth where he was recording ADR for the fourth season of Josh Pate, Jonas Pate, and Shannon Burke's hit Netflix teen drama Stokes - who plays Pogues ringleader John B. Routledge - still has to act opposite his ex-girlfriend Madelyn Cline (L) despite ending their 17-month romance back in 2021 Ballerini said on the Call Her Daddy podcast in November: 'I think they have a beautiful working relationship, and I'm excited to hang with her. I met her and I talked to her, and she's lovely. And I think she's wildly talented' The four-time Grammy nominee and the 6ft1in heartthrob - who have matching Virgo tattoos - will most likely reunite this Sunday for the 49th People's Choice Awards where they're both nominated for trophies (pictured January 15) Kelsea will compete for female country artist of the year against Gabby Barrett, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Lainey Wilson Chase will compete for male TV star of the year and drama TV star of the year, and his show Outer Banks also scored a nomination for drama show of the year Stokes said on TikTok last month: 'I'm going to be voting for Pedro Pascal. Really what I'm trying to say is thank you guys for the nomination. I will lose with grace in a company of people that I still feel like a fraud with' Chase will compete for male TV star of the year and drama TV star of the year, and his show Outer Banks also scored a nomination for drama show of the year. 'I'm kind of in shock,' Stokes marveled on TikTok last month. 'I'm now in a category with people that I have admired my whole career, and people I've tried to model my career after. People that I've looked up to. People that I aspire to work with and it's kind of freaking me out.' The Maryland native added: 'I'm going to be voting for Pedro Pascal. Really what I'm trying to say is thank you guys for the nomination. I will lose with grace in a company of people that I still feel like a fraud with.' The Tennessee native is not scheduled to perform live again until June 29 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, TX. Vincent Cassel showed off his shirtless physique as he joined his scantily-clad girlfriend Narah Baptista at Rio Carnival on Wednesday. The French actor, 57, stripped off and wore silver body accessories at the Baile da Arara, which took place in Brazil as part of the celebrations. Meanwhile model Narah, 27, stunned as she flaunted her incredible physique in a very skimpy silver bralet and waistband. She wore her dark tresses loose, letting them tumble past her shoulders and accessorised with matching elaborate earrings. Vincent and Narah appeared in high spirits and shared a giggle as they took part in the traditional event. Vincent Cassel showed off his shirtless physique as he joined his scantily-clad girlfriend Narah Baptista at Rio Carnival on Wednesday The French actor, 57, stripped off and wore silver body accessories at the Baile da Arara, which took place in Brazil as part of the celebrations Vincent completed his look with baggy black trousers and comfortable shoes as they partied in the streets. Vincent appeared to confirm his relationship with model Narah as they packed on the PDA during a trip to the beach in Rio de Janeiro last November. They also looked loved-up while enjoying a dinner al-fresco to celebrate her birthday in Rome the following month. The pair looked smitten and couldn't stop smiling while chatting and enjoying the meal. Vincent - best known for his roles in Ocean's Twelve and Black Swan - recently gushed about his happiness after splitting from his wife of five-years Tina Kunakey, 26. Taking to Instagram, Vincent has shared numerous snaps and videos from his trip abroad including a selfie, which he captioned: 'Just wanted to be happy... I am'. While Narah replied: 'Amor' which is Italian for love. Vincent and wife Tina, who welcomed a daughter, Amazonie, in April 2019, are believed to have separated after he deleted all traces of her from his social media. Meanwhile model Narah, 27, stunned as she flaunted her incredible physique in a very skimpy silver bralet and waistband She wore her dark tresses loose, letting them tumble past her shoulders and accessorised with matching elaborate earrings A source told DailyMail.com at the time that the couple are headed for divorce. They said: 'They separated weeks ago. Tina is heartbroken.' Vincent tied the knot with Tina in 2018, two years after they were first linked, and they welcomed a daughter, Amazonie, in April 2019. Since their separation, Tina has shared several images from photoshoots, while Vincent has been touted for two new movies, The Three Musketeers: D'Artagnan, and Liaison, an Apple TV+ film he features in alongside Eva Green. And while he failed to post anything about Tina's birthday, the actor did share a tribute to his 19-year-old daughter Deva, whom he shares with his first wife, Monica Bellucci. Vincent and Monica, 59, wed in 1999 after meeting on the set of their 1996 movie, The Apartment. They divorced in 2013 after 14 years of marriage. Emily Ratajkowski bundled up for a Valentine's Day stroll in Manhattan's West Village on Wednesday not far from her downtown apartment. The 32-year-old DNA Model braved the freezing winter weather in a blue hooded Fred Segal x Perfect Moment puffer coat over a black hoodie, matching leggings, and white running shoes. Emily - wearing silver sunglasses and old-school headphones - chopped her signature long brunette mane to a little over shoulder length last Saturday. Last Thursday, Ratajkowski shared a TikTok that 'only gals will understand' where a man could be heard saying: 'Did you see the women I dated after you?' The London-born SoCal native - who boasts 41M social media followers - lip-synched back: 'Yeah. They only dated you because you dated me. They were like, "Oh, I guess he must have something."' Emily Ratajkowski bundled up for a Valentine's Day stroll in Manhattan's West Village on Wednesday not far from her downtown apartment Down the Drain author and socialite Julia Fox commented 'factual' on Emily's post. Ratajkowski has enjoyed 'situationships' with French comedian Stephane Bak, Grammy winner Harry Styles, DJ Orazio Rispo, comedian Eric Andre, SNL alum Pete Davidson, artist Jack Greer, and Oscar winner Brad Pitt. On March 8, the Tory Burch FW/24 catwalker will celebrate the third birthday of her son Sylvester Apollo Bear from her four-year marriage to 'serial cheater' - Sebastian Bear-McClard - which ended in 2022. The 36-year-old Independent Spirit Award-nominated producer faced sexual misconduct and grooming allegations from other actresses last year. Last week, Emily said she was 'thrilled' to be in talks to portray Felix's (Will Sharpe) ex-girlfriend Polly in Lena Dunham's 10-episode rom-com Too Much for Netflix. Polly is described as the exact opposite of New York workaholic-turned-London transplant Jessica played by Hacks star Megan Stalter - according to Variety. The 37-year-old Golden Globe winner famously modeled for Ratajkowski's seven-year-old bikini brand Inamorata back in 2018. The Travis Scott video vixen also keeps busy with her paid partnerships for brands like Kerastase, Hourglass Cosmetics, and Viktor&Rolf Fragrances. But Emily first found fame as a topless model in Robin Thicke and Pharrell Williams' 2013 music video for Blurred Lines. The 32-year-old DNA Model braved the freezing winter weather in a blue hooded Fred Segal x Perfect Moment puffer coat over a black hoodie, matching leggings, and white running shoes Emily - wearing silver sunglasses and old-school headphones - chopped her signature long brunette mane to a little over shoulder length last Saturday Last Thursday, Ratajkowski shared a TikTok that 'only gals will understand' where a man could be heard saying: 'Did you see the women I dated after you?' The London-born SoCal native - who boasts 41M social media followers - lip-synched back: 'Yeah. They only dated you because you dated me. They were like, "Oh, I guess he must have something"' Down the Drain author and socialite Julia Fox commented 'factual' on Emily's post On March 8, Ratajkowski will celebrate the third birthday of her son Sylvester Apollo Bear (pictured last Friday) from her four-year marriage to 'serial cheater' - Sebastian Bear-McClard - which ended in 2022 Last week, the Tory Burch FW/24 catwalker said she was 'thrilled' to be in talks to portray Felix's (Will Sharpe) ex-girlfriend Polly in Lena Dunham's 10-episode rom-com Too Much for Netflix Polly is described as the exact opposite of New York workaholic-turned-London transplant Jessica played by Hacks star Megan Stalter (R, pictured December 11) Todd Chrisley and his wife Julie will not be able to contact one another this Valentine's Day as they fulfill their sentences at separate prisons. Jay Surgent, the couple's attorney, told TMZ his clients will be unable to speak to each other today as inmates serving sentences in different federal prisons are not allowed to be in communication. Todd, 54, is currently fulfilling his sentence at FPC Pensacola and his wife Julie, 51, is behind bars at FMC Lexington, a prison in Kentucky. Both of them are currently serving prison sentences after being convicted of tax fraud, bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. However, the Bureau of Prisons denied this, telling the website the couple could have spoken to one another on Valentine's Day had they gotten their plans approved and arranged ahead of time. Todd Chrisley and his wife Julie will not be able to contact one another this Valentine's Day as they fulfill their sentences at separate prisons; pictured 2017 The Federal Bureau of Prisons maintains a no-crossover/contact policy, Surgent told TMZ. Yet he remains perplexed over the issue, claiming there are no security problems or cause for concern. Surgent states their inability to speak with one another on Valentine's Day will be a huge disappointment, considering their strong bond. Surgent also alleged Todd recently told him he wanted to begin an investigation into FPC Pensacola prison administration for mail theft and general corruption, as well as other issues. Todd alleges he has yet to receive the mail he is expecting. But the Bureau of Prisons also fired off against that claim, telling TMZ inmates receive their mail in a timely fashion. The reality TV couple were found guilty in federal court of committing tax evasion and bank fraud totaling $30million back in June 2022, with Todd sentenced to 12 years and Julie seven, both with 16 months of probation. The pair, famed for their hit show Chrisley Knows Best, had their sentences reduced. Julie will serve five and a half years in Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky. Todd will serve out 10 years in a federal prison in Pensacola, Florida. Todd, 54, is currently fulfilling his sentence at FPC Pensacola and his wife Julie, 51, is behind bars at FMC Lexington, a prison in Kentucky; pictured 2019 Todd and Julie Chrisley, despite their incarcerations, have started the year on a positive note, settling with Georgia state officials for $1 million over allegations of misconduct they made surrounding the criminal probe launched on them; pictured 2018 The couple, despite their incarcerations, have started the year on a positive note, settling with Georgia state officials for $1 million over allegations of misconduct they made surrounding the criminal probe launched on them. A lawyer for the pair said that the decisions marked an 'encouraging sign' for the pair. Meanwhile, the couple also sold off their Tennessee estate off the market for $5.2 million back in April, TMZ reported. Vicky McClure was surprised on Paddy McGuinness's radio show with a call from her favourite teacher from school. The Trigger Point star, 40, appeared on the BBC Radio 2 show Paddy McGuinness sits in on Saturday. During her chat with comedian Paddy, 50, Vicki was treated to a surprise phone in from her school teacher Mr Irons. Paddy asked Mr Irons to give an insight into a young Vicky, to which he said: 'She wasn't an academic. She was never going to get As, straight As. That's not because she wasn't intelligent. She just wasn't motivated in academic work. 'But she was degree standard when it came to personality.' Vicky McClure was surprised on Paddy McGuinness 's radio show on Saturday with a call from her favourite teacher from school Paddy told Vicky that Mr Irons was on the line, but the actress at first thought he was teasing. 'Are you joking?' No way,' to which Mr Irons replied: 'I was just listening to every word.' Vicky said: 'Oh my god, hi Sir.' Paddy asked: 'What were Vicky like at school.' After speaking about Vicky's academic career, Mr Irons regaled the pair with a throwback to her lunchtime antics. He said: 'She used to come into my office at lunchtimes. She was with a group of her friends. She was one of my prefects Paddy. 'She'd sit there making a mess in my office eating her lunch. Ask for the fiftieth time "You are going to organise an all night disco Sir, you did promise didnt you."' Mr Irons added: 'But she was a star I cant praise her enough.' It comes after Line of Duty star Vicky revealed the physical toll filming thriller series Trigger Point left her with. During her chat with comedian Paddy, 50, Vicki was treated to a surprise phone in from her school teacher Mr Irons The Trigger Point star, 40, appeared on the BBC Radio 2 show Paddy McGuinness sits in on Saturday Vicky, who stars as Lana Washington, revealed the physical toll filming the thriller Trigger Point left her with Vicky stars as Lana Washington, an ex-military bomb disposal operative and Afghan War veteran. Season one focused on a terrorist campaign that threatened the capital, with the bomb disposal operatives or 'Expos', urgently trying to find out who was behind the bombings before fatalities escalated. Season two, which returned to screens last week, sees Lana and her officers up against another terrorist group targeting London, leaving clues for them to find as they prepare to attack in different locations. Filming for the hit show was no mean feat for Vicky, who has revealed the gruelling physical scenes left her feeling like her back had 'broken in half'. Speaking about the fatigue she felt on set, McClure told ITV: 'It was so exhausting! It is physical for sure. 'But the most tiring aspect is that Im in pretty much every day because even if Im not acting Im there as an executive producer, watching footage and writing notes on scripts. Season 2 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 'I don't want to be an exec just for the title, I've got my own production company now and I like to get involved. 'I feel like a crew member on Trigger Point, which is great. I'm just one of those people who tends not to take too much time off.' Revealing she refused to let the fatigue get to her, McClure added: 'I think I did have one massage during the shoot because my back felt like it was broken in half at one point, but otherwise I just kept going. 'I turned 40 while we were filming, so that was a great excuse for me to keep moaning about the fact that I'm 40 and was doing all this running. 'The camera could tell it was me so there was no chance of using a stunt double! 'I lucked out though because my birthday was the day of the Coronation so everyone was off. I was in the day after though, so no hangovers allowed, but thankfully I'm not a big drinker!' Carrie Bickmore was spotted at Luna Park Sydney with a Travis Barker lookalike on Valentine's Day on Wednesday. In an image posted online, the radio host, 43, was all smiles as she posed for a selfie outside the theme park with a man who was a dead ringer of the blink-182 drummer, 48, in the background. Turns out the man was a Travis Barker impersonator working at the theme park. 'Blink and you'll miss him,' Carrie captioned her photo. The Gold Logie winner had her camera angled in a way that looked like she was taking a selfie in a white hoodie and dark sunglasses. Carrie Bickmore was spotted at Luna Park Sydney with a Travis Barker lookalike on Valentine's Day on Wednesday However she managed to intentionally capture the impersonator in the background as he sat astride a tandem bicycle while looking off in the distance. Kourtney Kardashian is in Australia to support her husband Travis on the Australian leg of his blink-182 tour, and has been sharing a slew off photos to document the idyllic trip. Joining the couple are her children Penelope Disick, 11, and son Reign, nine, who are frequently seen in her images from Down Under. In an image posted online, the radio host, 43, was all smiles as she posed for a selfie outside the theme park with a man who was a dead ringer of the blink-182 drummer, 48, in the background The mother-of-four has not shared any photos of her eldest son Mason Disick, 14, nor of her youngest, Rocky Barker, three months. On Tuesday, Kourtney posted four photos of the beachside landscape at Gordons Bay and Bronte Beach in Sydney's ritzy Eastern Suburbs. One picture showed Penelope and Reign who The Kardashians star shares with ex-boyfriend Scott Disick descending stairs flanked on both sides by shrubbery. Kourtney Kardashian is in Australia to support her husband Travis on the Australian leg of his blink-182 tour, and has been sharing a slew off photos to document the idyllic trip She also shared a photo of a sign at an amateur fishing and sea rescue club in Gordons Bay as well as locals relaxing on a jetty at the picturesque Bronte beach. Kourtney and Travis have made surprise appearances at a series of local haunts around Australia since arriving in the country earlier this month. Shortly after jetting into Sydney from the US, Kourtney and Travis took a tour of the famous beachside suburb Bondi and tried some local takeaway food, visiting popular eatery Bonditony's Burger Joint. Gigi Hadid had a Valentine's Day admirer who sent her a massive bouquet of flowers to her New York City apartment on Wednesday. The 28-year-old supermodel - who recently shot the cover for Edward Enninful's final Vogue edition - was spotted outside her Big Apple pad as a messenger service dropped of a stunning array of red roses at her door. Dressed in a cream sweatsuit and brown leather jacket, the beauty looked casually chic as her bodyguard signed for the package. Gigi kept a low-key figure by rocking a pair of dark sunglasses during the romantic delivery, which comes amid her red-hot romance with Bradley Cooper. While it's uncertain whether the Oscar nominee sent the flowers, Bradley recently gave reason for celebrating Valentine's with Gigi by holding her hand in London last month. Gigi Hadid had a Valentine's Day admirer who sent her a massive bouquet of flowers to her New York City apartment on Wednesday The 28-year-old supermodel was spotted outside her Big Apple pad as a messenger service dropped of a stunning array of red roses at her door The 49-year-old Maestro star who was snubbed by the Oscars in the Best Director category cemented their relationship as they walked hand-in-hand. In December, it was reported that Bradley purchased a home near his girlfriend's family horse farm in Pennsylvania. A source told Page Six that the A Star Is Born actor who is a Pennsylvania native recently bought a house in Bucks County. The residence is reportedly close to Gigi's mother Yolanda Hadid's $4million farm in New Hope, which has a population of less than 3,000. Yolanda moved into the 32-acre property in 2017 and it has since become a safe haven for Gigi and her younger siblings models Bella Hadid and Anwar Hadid. The report comes after Gigi and Bradley enjoyed a date night out at an Off-Broadway play earlier in November. The model and the actor saw Danny And The Deep Blue Sea, which stars Aubrey Plaza and Chris Abbott. Bradley and Gigi were introduced by his former partner and the mother of his daughter, Irina Shayk, 37. Dressed in a cream sweatsuit and brown leather jacket, the beauty looked casually chic as her bodyguard signed for the package While it's uncertain whether the Oscar nominee sent the flowers, Bradley gave reason for celebrating Valentine's with Gigi by holding her hand in London last month 'Gigi was introduced to Bradley through Irina [Shayk] and their mutual friends in the industry,' a source told The Messenger on Wednesday. 'Gigi and Irina have been close over the years while working together, and Gigi and Bradley have hung out before, but it has always been friendly in social settings,' the source continued. Bradley and Irina, who split in 2019 after four years together, share 6-year-old daughter Lea, while Gigi co-parents her 3-year-old daughter Khai with ex Zayn Malik. 'Gigi and Bradley were in touch recently, and were bonding over their daughters, when Bradley asked her out,' the source said, before adding,' He pursued her and she was definitely interested and excited'. Earlier this year, Gigi was linked with Leonardo DiCaprio, and her new romance with Bradley is calling for something a bit more low-key. One day earlier, Bradley stepped out in the city with his new girlfriend, model Gigi Hadid Bradley and Gigi were introduced by his former partner and the mother of his daughter, Irina Shayk; Irina and Bradley pictured in 2018 'They have been casually seeing each other but it is extremely new,' the source continued. 'Gigi has expressed she does not want a serious relationship. 'They have a lot in common, and both relate to being parents in the industry. She wants to get into acting and is intrigued by Bradley's perspective and guidance. It is very casual at this point.' As for Bradley, insiders say his interest in the catwalk queen is off the charts. A source told DailyMail.com exclusively that the performer is 'very excited' about a love match and that Gigi is 'exactly his type.' 'He hasn't felt this excitement about a woman in a very long time,' the source added. On Wednesday's This Morning, Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary were left unimpressed when a guest brought up soon-to-be permanent host Ben Shephard. Producing a framed photograph of himself and Ben, 49, Edward Oldfield, 'Britain's Unluckiest Game Show Contestant', said: 'Because I know there's maybe a new presenter on the way. He continued: 'I've met Ben a number of times so I'm going to leave that there for him, is that OK? Anyway, sorry, go on: we'll carry on with the interview now I've done that.' While Alison, 49, laughed, Dermot, 50, awkardly said: 'Aw, thanks for letting us do that,' before launching into the next question. 'I'll get one of you two done, now that I've met you, don't worry!' Edward told them. Ben and Cat Deeley are expected to finally be announced as the permanent replacements of Phil and Holly in March. On Wednesday's This Morning, Alison Hammond, 49, and Dermot O'Leary, 50, were left unimpressed when a guest brought up soon-to-be permanent host Ben Shephard, 49 Producing a framed photograph of himself and Ben, 49, Edward Oldfield, 'Britain's Unluckiest Game Show Contestant', said: 'Because I know there's maybe a new presenter on the way Cat, 47, had previously turned down the role, but bosses are thought to have since made her an offer she couldn't refuse. The initial rejection is thought to have been because Cat didn't want to give up her presenting role on So You Think You Can Dance which returns in 2024 after a two-year absence. Alison and Dermot currently appear together every Friday and rotate from Monday to Thursday with Rylan Clark and Josie Gibson. Their Wednesday interviewee Edward, 45, a barista, has appeared on more than 20 game shows - but hasn't won once. Blaming his lack of wins on 'bad luck', Edward has appeared on Come Dine With Me, The 1% Club, Dickinson's' Real Deal, Britain's Got Talent, and Tipping Point. His collection of television appearances have been broadcast to over three million viewers in over 150 countries. The cafe worker, originally from Blackpool, said: 'I don't know why I've never won - I think it's just bad luck. 'There's been times where I've been so close and I've been able to smell the money, but never won it. Ben (pictured in February) and Cat Deeley are expected to finally be announced as the permanent replacements of Phil and Holly in March Cat had previously turned down the role, not wanting to give up her decade-and-a-half-long presenting gig on American dance competition show So You Think You Can Dance He finished: 'I've been doing this for ten years, sometimes I wonder if I give up but then I think it might be just around the corner.' Edward's television career first kicked off over 20 years ago in 2001 when he appeared on The Weakest Link and the Come Dine with Me. Although Edward didn't win the 1,000 cash prize, his episode on Come Dine with Me was voted the funniest in the history of the how and it is the only one where presenter Dave Lamb swore. Soon after, the 45-year-old was racking up requests from shows wanting to feature him. Vaping has long been shrouded in controversy. While it's often touted as a 'safer' alternative to smoking, recent research has found it can lead to permanent lung injuries. For instance, one study published last week found that while vaping was 'much safer' than smoking traditional cigarettes, it was still linked to eight different lung diseases. But it's not just nicotine vapes that are pressed to the nations' lips. Recently, wellness companies have adopted the gadgets, and pumped them full of 'health-boosting' or 'energy-dosing' substances, from vitamin B12 to melatonin. Around one in five teenagers use non-nicotine vapes, according to a 2022 Stanford University study. And the most popular has to be those containing caffeine - such as Eagle Energy, costing $25-30 for two, which claim to provide a 'natural energy boost without unintended byproducts.' Many of the brands, such as Inhale Health, also claim that their products contain no calories or sugar, resulting in 'no more sugar crash.' Experts told DailyMail.com that vapes with caffeine, vitamins, and essential oils could still result in permanent lung injuries, even if they don't have nicotine Coming in a slew of bright colors and touting a variety of benefits, wellness vapes from brands like Breathe and VitaBar have become increasingly popular on TikTok and other social media. Some are backed by social media stars - like Canadian model and influencer Adrianne Ho, who said her caffeine vape 'allows me to have coffee when I'm on the go'. 'It can keep you energized without actually having to drink coffee, it's a coffee alternative.' However, experts have issued grave warnings to DailyMail.com. First, scientists have questioned whether inhaled caffeine even makes it into the bloodstream. Meanwhile, puffing on vapes involves serious risks - including permanent injuries like bronchiolitis, otherwise known as popcorn lung, and EVALI, painful lung damage that can lead to lasting scarring. Additionally, experts warned that the marketing of the devices - in rainbow colors and featuring terms like 'wellness' - can potentially lure in teenagers and children. 'No vape is safe,' Dr Timothy Allen, chair of pathology at Corewell Health East in Michigan, told DailyMail.com. A TikTok user named tatibxx shared a video of her using an essential oil vape from LUVV Inhealers 'There are carriers or supplements in the vape that could be a direct cause of harm.' 'Wellness vaping is just a gimick. It's just a plot to suggest there are benefits to vaping even though there are no studies showing such an effect exists.' Caffeine, along with essential oils, and vitamin B12 - which helps oxygen-rich red blood cells form - have become popular additives in vapes. However, Dr Allen noted that, due to the way caffeine is processed in the body, inhaling it is likely to destroy any effects whatsoever. 'There is no evidence that caffeine or melatonin or any of this stuff actually makes its way into the bloodstream or into the body beyond the lung itself,' he said. In caffeine's case, 'I don't think there would be any stimulant effect at all,' he said. In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent warning letters to five wellness e-cigarette manufacturers for promoting 'unproven' claims, including those that using the products treated conditions like anemia, ADHD, depression, anxiety, dementia, and cancer. 'These claims are unproven, and the products may be ineffective, a waste of money, unsafe, and may prevent or delay you from seeking an appropriate diagnosis and treatment from a health care professional,' the agency wrote. And the lack of efficacy doesn't make them immune to negative effects. 'The risk of lung injury remains,' Dr Allen said. A supplement influencer named Jessica Dela Cruz shared a TikTok in 2022 promoting vitamin C and B12 vapes from Boost Dr Aaron Weiner, a licensed clinical psychologist and addiction specialist in Illinois, told DailyMail.com: 'The only chemical that's supposed to be absorbed is oxygen. That's what the lungs are designed for.' 'As soon as you start putting other things in there, you don't really know what's going to happen.' Dr Weiner pointed to vitamin E, which can be found in dark leafy greens, whole grains, oils, and fruits. A form of this known as vitamin E acetate, however, has been found in nicotine and non-nicotine vapes and linked to e-cigarette or vaping product use associated lung injury (EVALI), which can be permanent. 'Vitamin E is completely fine to eat, but not to breathe,' Dr Weiner said. There is no test to determine if someone has EVALI, so diagnosis is based on symptoms, which include shortness of breath, fever, chills, cough, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, rapid heart rate, and chest pain, according to the American Lung Association (ALA). EVALI has caused several harrowing health scares. A 34-year-old woman from Ohio, who was going through around eight cartridges of vape fluid each week, the equivalent of 50 cigarettes a day, found herself on life support within 24 hours of going to urgent care for trouble breathing. In another terrifying case, a 20-year-old woman from the UK named Abby Flynn developed a rare lung condition, dubbed 'popcorn lung', which doctors warned could have left her reliant on an oxygen machine before she turned 30. Oklahoma topped the list for the highest number of vape users in a recent report In terms of daily users, Oklahoma and Tennessee tied for first place Additionally, the FDA released issued a warning in 2021 for a vape known as Breathe B12, stating that the ingredients 'may trigger laryngospasm or bronchospasm, may be toxic to the tissues in the upper or lower airways, or may be absorbed and exert undesirable systemic effects or organ toxicity.' Laryngospasm is a spasm of the vocal cords, whereas bronchospasm happens when the muscles lining the airways in the lungs tighten. Dr Weiner also said that several caffeine vapes still contain ingredients like vegetable glycerine and propylene glycol. When the vape turns on and heats these chemicals, they can turn into substances like formaldehyde, which has been linked to several forms of cancer and injuries like popcorn lung. 'Propylene glycol breaks down into literally thousands of chemicals, including things like formaldehyde and vitamin E acetate,' Dr Weiner said. 'Essentially what that turns into is an oil that coats your lungs, and that's what was causing that problem.' 'What you're actually putting into your lungs, the chemical constellation, and what's going into your lungs looks very different than what's written on the outside of the package.' 'Because these things aren't FDA approved, they're not regulated in any way. You don't really know what's in them to begin with. You're exposing yourself to the unknown.' In terms of vitamin vapes, while vitamin B12 supplements have been shown to improve red blood cell function, research suggests that inhaling them could cause more harm than good. However, a 2019 study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that of all vapes tested, vitamin B12 varieties produced the highest amount of oxidative stress. This occurs when there's an imbalance between free radicals - unstable molecules that can damage cells - and antioxidants, which lead to health issues like inflammation and other chronic diseases. The researchers also found that these e-cigarettes lead to inflammation in outer lung cells and microphages, white blood cells that destroy dead cells. There is also no research suggesting that the body can absorb vitamins by inhaling them versus getting them from food or oral supplements. 'The idea of inhaling vitamins is not necessary,' Dr Allen said. 'Just eat well.' A 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for example, found that about 2.1 million children currently use e-cigarettes. And about half of them become addicted. And a report from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that more 13-15-year-olds are using vapes than adults in all WHO regions, helped by aggressive marketing. This led the agency to call for a worldwide ban on all flavored vapes. Dr Allen warned that the colorful packaging and health claims on wellness vapes could encourage more young people, who vaping is particularly popular among, to pick them up and risk lasting lung injuries. 'It's irresponsible,' he said. 'It feels like marketing in bad faith.' Lyft shares were up almost 20 percent tonight thanks to the company cutting costs - and Americans taking more rides to stadiums to see Taylor Swift and Beyonce. At point, stock in the ride-sharing company was up 63 per cent - but then slipped back after the firm admitted it had got a slide wrong in its presentation to investors. The ride-sharing company reported bettter-than-expected earnings and a bumper year ahead after the bell this afternoon. But the finance chief then admitted Lyft put a decimal point in the wrong place - meaning that, while the profit margin will rise in 2024, it won't do so by as much as initially thought. Shares fell back from highs, but were still up almost 19 per cent at 6pm ET. The effects of cost cutting on margins was a key factor. But another boost to the share price was Americans taking more rides - and Taylor Swift was behind that. Lyft said rides to stadiums grew more than 35 percent last year from 2022, mainly driven by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Lyft said its profit margins will rise in 2024 Trips to stadiums grew more than 35 per cent last year from 2022 - mainly driven by Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, Beyonce's Renaissance World Tour and other sporting events, Lyft said. Swift's landmark tour, which begins its Australian leg later this week, is the first to cross the $1 billion mark - and is expected to net the star a staggering $4.1 billion overall. A Lyft study earlier this year found when a city hosted an Eras concert, the number of total Lyft rides went up an average of 7.6 percent. After Lyft announced its earnings ajust after 4pm ET Tuesday, its stock rose 60 percent in minutes. It sold off almost as quickly when finance chief Erin Brewer said on the earnings call with analysts that there was a mistake in the press releases. Rather than increasing profit margins this year by 5 percentage points, they will only rise by 0.5 percentage points. That means the profit margin on rides will be 2.1 percent, up fro 1.6 percent last year. The error indicated it would be up to 6.6 percent - a bumber margin for the industry. Lyft shared jumped initially to $19.70 in after hours trading but fell back down to around $14.40 - still a rise of above 18 per cent on the closing price of $12.13 The company beat estimates for fourth-quarter profit and said it would generate positive free cash flow for the first time in 2024, as the ride-share platform reaps the benefits of cost cuts. 'In 2024, we'll prove that Lyft's customer obsession will drive profitable growth,' new CEO David Risher said in a statement. Under Risher, the company implemented an aggressive restructuring plan last year, including layoffs and elimination of management layers in pursuit of profitability. Revenue stood at $1.22 billion in the quarter ended December 31, in line with analysts' estimates. Abbas Ganbay The State Commission on Prisoners of War, Missing Persons, and Hostages informs that after the anti-terrorist operation conducted on September 19-20 last year, Azerbaijan found and handed over to Armenia the bodies of 173 people, Azernews reports, citing the Commission. It was noted that the State Commission positively perceived the press statement about the readiness of the Armenian structure of the same name to cooperate in the field of determining the fate of persons missing in action and, as always, considers it expedient to join efforts in this direction. It was noted that Azerbaijan, guided by the norms of international humanitarian law and relevant provisions of the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020, with the close participation of the Russian peacekeeping contingent and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), created comprehensive conditions for the Armenian side to carry out search operations in the territories where military operations are conducted, and as a result of the 44-day war, 1713 people died and 157 others died after the military conflict on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conventional border on September 1214, 2023. According to information, during the First Garabagh War, 3,890 Azerbaijani citizens were registered with the State Commission as missing, and as of January 1 of this year, the remains of only 25 of them have been identified. The fate of 54 Azerbaijanis missing in action in the First Garabagh War has greatly concerned Azerbaijani society over the past period. Thus, according to the data received in 1998-2001, 54 Azerbaijani citizens taken prisoners and hostages during the First Garabagh War were visited by the ICRC in places of detention in Armenia and in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, and they were officially registered with the organisation. However, the bodies of 17 of them were subsequently taken to Azerbaijan, the further fate of 4 people could not be established, and 33 people were declared dead in places of detention, but their bodies were not returned. "At the same time, the State Commission considers it necessary to involve field commanders and other authorised persons, who have sufficient information about the places of mass graves and who led Armenia's military operations before 1994, in the process of searching for the burial places of the missing compatriots. As a state commission, we reiterate our readiness to cooperate with the relevant structures of the Republic of Armenia in the field of ensuring the search for missing persons on both sides, observing the principles of accuracy, transparency in an atmosphere of mutual trust," the statement reads. The Centre should go for a complete overhaul of its food subsidy programme. It should exclude from the beneficiaries list those who are better off Seen in the backdrop of 250 million persons coming out of poverty during the last nine-and-a-half years of incumbent government (as per a recent report released by Niti Aayog), Prime Minister Narendra Modi has faced flak from the opposition parties for his decision to continue with supply of free ration under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme for five years (it was announced by Modi during a poll rally in Chhattisgarh late last year). They question the logic of supplying free food even to those who have crossed the poverty line. Modi has taken strong exception to it. While replying to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the Presidents address in the just concluded budget session of the Parliament, he opined that one cant rule out the possibility of such persons slipping back into poverty and leaving them in the lurch by denying access to food (albeit free) in such a scenario could have devastating consequences for their ability to meet both ends meet. Hence, he asserted, there was a dire need for retaining them in the beneficiaries list. The argument suffers from infirmities. At the outset, let us look at some facts. Prior to April 2020, the Union government was giving food mainly wheat/rice/coarse cereals at a heavily subsidized price of Rs 2/3/1 per kg to around 820 million beneficiaries covered under the National Food Security Act (NFSA). There were two types of beneficiaries. As part of the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the poorest of the poor households (HH) got 35 kg of food grains per HH each month or 7 kg per person per month taking 5 members per HH. There being 24 million AAY HHs, persons getting 7 kg a month were 120 million (24x5). The rest 700 million people got five kg a month. In addition to this, from April 2020 December 2022, each of the 820 million beneficiaries got 5 kg per month for free under the PMGKAY to mitigate the hardship inflicted by the Corona pandemic. From January 2023, even as the additional 5 kg for free under the PMGKAY has been withdrawn, all 820 million persons are getting their eligible quota (120 million AAY beneficiaries: 7 kg a month; 700 million non-AAY beneficiaries: 5 kg per beneficiary a month) under NFSA for free. This will continue till 2028. The 820 million beneficiaries include 250 million who have come out of poverty. The Prime Minister doesnt want to exclude them. He bases it on the premise that something could go wrong in the future pushing them into poverty and therefore, need continued support. This will be tantamount to extending the benefit perpetually as a day will never come when the government would think otherwise. Analyzing the factors contributing to 250 million persons coming out of poverty, the Niti Aayog has opined that the supply of subsidized/free food under the NFSA was a major factor. In other words, the former is largely predicated on continuing with the latter. And, the moment the supply of free food is withdrawn, these persons will automatically slip into poverty. Is this what Modi was alluding to in the Parliament? Another scenario could be: that a certain number say X have genuinely come out of poverty; that their income is now adequate to enable them to buy their food needs at market-determined higher prices; hence they no longer need free supplies under NFSA. In such cases, the government must not retain them in the beneficiaries list merely on the presumption that something could go wrong. There are millions of undeserving beneficiaries under the NFSA. This was recognized way back in 2015 by the Shanta Kumar Committee which had recommended that the people eligible for subsidized food under NFSA shouldnt be more than 40 per cent of the population against the extant coverage of 59 per cent. The excess of 19 per cent comes to around 270 million. But, the government hasnt done anything to exclude them. Sadly, a large number of poor do not have access to free food. The present list of beneficiaries is based on the 2011 Census even as the 2021 Census hasnt been done yet. If one were to go by the Supreme Court directive to take into account the population during 2021 instead of the present coverage, the government would have to give free food to 100 million more persons. Doing a back-of-the-envelope calculation, giving free food to a million persons increases food subsidy by Rs 200 crore per annum. Adding 100 million to the beneficiaries list will entail an additional subsidy burden of Rs 20,000 crore annually. A rational move would be to exclude the undeserving beneficiaries to make way for those who are waiting in the queue so that subsidy is kept in check. But, in view of the stance taken by Modi, this is highly unlikely. There is also a lingering question of what the beneficiaries should pay. The NFSA legislation enacted in 2013 required them to pay Rs 2/3/1 per kg for wheat/rice/coarse cereals. It froze these rates for three years. Since 2016, there has been no legal bar on increasing the price. Yet, not only the price hasnt been increased, but Modi - the government has reduced it to zero. Are these mammoth persons (read: 820 million) so poor that they cant pay even a fraction of the cost of making it available (in the case of wheat at Rs 2 per kg, it was 1/15th)? There are concerns over the manner of administering the food subsidy scheme. Under the existing mechanism, the Union government directs the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and other state agencies to procure food from the farmers at MSP and organize its free distribution to the beneficiaries through a network of fair price shops (FPSs) spread all over the country. When over 60 million tons of food grains (quantity distributed through the FPSs) are available in the supply chain with zero price tag (prior to January 2023 also the price was ridiculously low at Rs 2/3/1 per kg) it is an open invitation to dubious operators to siphon off and sell in the open market raking in a moolah. The PDS scam in West Bengal involving diversion including smuggling to neighbouring countries of subsidized or free food grains meant for NFSA beneficiaries worth tens of thousands crore currently under investigation by the central agencies provides a classic example. This mechanism also enables the government to use state agencies to extend price support to farmers. Under an open-ended procurement system, it buys from farmers unlimited quantities - far in excess of the requirement under NFSA - at MSP. This leads to burgeoning stocks with the agencies, high carrying costs, ballooning food subsidy bills and hassles of defending our subsidies at the WTO. The Centre should go for a complete overhaul of its food subsidy program under NFSA. It should exclude from the beneficiaries list those who are better off. It can update the list at regular intervals to adjust for their changing income status (this should take care of Modis concern in relevant cases). To address other major problems of misuse, storage, high cost and so on, it should disband the existing system of purchase, handling and distribution by the state agencies; instead, transfer the subsidy to the beneficiarys account using the DBT (direct benefit transfer) mechanism. (The writer is a policy analyst, views are personal) Despite strides towards gender equality, female scientists continue to face challenges and barriers in India's scientific landscape Science has been dominated by the male gender since its origin. Even the image of a scientist is always depicted in the male gender in media. The disparity is even evident in the way our media covers the achievements of male and female scientists. In spite of this public shaming, many notable female scientists have made their mark in the history of science from 1900 BCE to the present day. While many male scientists made it to the history of Indian science, very few female scientists can be observed on the long list, and that, too, is due to the initiatives by the government in recent times. The premier scientific organisation CSIR, which leads 38 national institutions, had to wait more than 75 years after independence to get a female Director General till Dr N Kalaiselvi took charge in 2022. Unfortunately, ICAR, which heads 113 research institutions, hasnt found a female Director General to date. Similar is the case with IITs, which found its first female director in 2023, and that too only in the new overseas campus IIT Zanzibar, through Prof. Preeti Aghalayam. According to recent statistics, India has a total of 56,747 female researchers, which is 16.6 per cent of the total researchers in the country. This is very low compared to advanced countries. The government of India has implemented women-specific schemes to provide opportunities to women scientists like the Women Scientists Scheme-A (WOS-A), Consolidation of University Research through Innovation and Excellence in Women Universities (CURIE) programme and the Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI). Even after providing various schemes for promoting women in science, very few stick to the scientific profession in the long run. It is very unfortunate that even after having schemes and rules to protect women in the workforce, many instances of female research scholars being exploited sexually and mentally go unnoticed. Most of the successful women scientists we see today are those who have come out of this glass ceiling. In order to promote science and bring down the gender gap, we need to connect with these unfortunate groups and develop policy guidelines to support them. It is at this juncture we need to appreciate the effort of National Science Academies (INSA, IASc and NASI) in coming out with SWATI, or Science For Women: A Technology & Innovation Portal. The Portal is a complete interactive database and the first of its kind in India, which is developed, hosted and maintained by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), New Delhi, under the leadership of leading women scientist of the country, Dr. Subhra Chakraborty, Director, NIPGR, New Delhi. The portal is open to the public, and every female researcher can join through the link https://bit.ly/JoinSWATI. Irrespective of their position or status, every Indian woman in science can update their details in their portal. The various Sections in the portal include Icons - Awardees & Directors, Secretaries Academy Presidents; Faculty; Research fellows- Postdocs, JRFs, SRFs, Technical Staff; Students-PhD Scholars, Research Interns, Graduates, Postgraduates, Undergraduates; WiS Entrepreneurs, Startups, Business & Science Administrators; STEMM background professionals in alternate careers like science journalism. It can facilitate connections between women in different stages of their careers, provide mentorship opportunities, and offer resources for professional development. By highlighting the accomplishments of women in science, it can help challenge gender biases and stereotypes. The database will act as a repository for future researchers and inspire young females to take up challenging roles in science. (The writer is an adjunct faculty at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore, views are personal) India's commitment to sustainability extends beyond energy and transportation to encompass holistic environmental management In the serene village of Gauripur, whispers of change floated in the air. Priya arrived with news that the sun was set to become the villagers' steadfast companion. The Interim Budget 2024 promised to solarise rooftops, bringing free electricity to every home. The village, once accustomed to dimly lit evenings, now stood at the threshold of a solar symphony that would illuminate lives and usher in a sustainable dawn. In a groundbreaking move towards a net-zero carbon economy by 2070, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled key initiatives during the Interim Budget 2024, outlining a comprehensive strategy to combat climate change. The budget emphasises solar energy adoption, offshore wind potential, and other sustainable practices, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards a greener future. One of the flagship announcements involves the solarisation of rooftops for ten million households, aiming to provide up to 300 units of free electricity each month. The Finance Minister highlighted that this initiative would not only empower households but also contribute to significant savings, estimated at Rs 18,000 annually, by selling surplus solar electricity to distribution companies. The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) suggests that this effort could support the installation of 20-25 gigawatts of rooftop solar capacity. With India standing fourth globally in renewable energy installed capacity, this move is poised to leverage the country's extensive coastline of about 7,600 km, especially off the coasts of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, where an estimated 70 gigawatts of offshore wind potential has been identified. Similarly, to address emissions from the transport sector, the Government announced a phased blending of compressed biogas (CBG) in compressed natural gas (CNG) for transportation and natural gas (PNG) for domestic purposes. In this respect, a new scheme for bio-manufacturing and bio-foundry aims to promote eco-friendly alternatives. The government further aims to strengthen the electric vehicle ecosystem by supporting manufacturing and charging infrastructure, thereby encouraging the adoption of e-buses in public transport networks. This strategic move aligns with India's commitment to achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based sources by 2030. The budget therefore places a strong focus on electric mobility, with plans to expand and strengthen the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem. The large-scale rollout of e-buses, supported by payment security mechanisms, is set to decarbonise the mobility sector and position India as a potential hub for EV manufacturing. The announcement of a significant INR 1 lakh crore corpus is expected to attract private investment in clean energy innovation and research. Moreover, introducing the Blue Economy 2.0 scheme, the budget focuses on climate-resilient activities and sustainable development in coastal areas. Prioritising restoration, adaptation measures, and expanding coastal aquaculture and mariculture through an integrated approach, this initiative underscores India's commitment to holistic environmental management. Finally, while controversial, the budget also allocates resources to set up a coal gasification and liquefaction capacity of 100 million metric tons by 2030. This move aims to reduce imports of natural gas, methanol, and ammonia, providing India with energy security amid global shifts towards cleaner energy sources. In this respect, while applauding the budget's green initiatives, experts urge an increase in allocation to the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MOEFCC) to reflect the expanding mandate for environmental and climate change initiatives. Advocacy for Green Budgeting as the third pillar of issue-based budgeting processes is emphasised to ensure the alignment of financial allocations with environmental goals. Moody's Investors Service has also praised the interim budget for its fiscal restraint and commitment to fiscal consolidation goals. The rooftop solar scheme, offshore wind energy projects, and emphasis on electric mobility position India as a key player in sustainable development. The global recognition of India's achievements in renewable energy capacity, as highlighted by the International Renewable Energy Agency's statistics, reinforces the country's commitment to a cleaner, greener future. In conclusion, India's Interim Budget 2024 emerges as a landmark in the nation's quest for a net-zero economy. With a holistic approach encompassing solar energy, offshore wind potential, sustainable transportation, and environmental conservation, the budget lays the foundation for a resilient and environmentally responsible future. The initiatives outlined are not only crucial for mitigating climate change but also position India as a leader in the global transition towards sustainable development. (The writer is the founder of Earthood views are personal) The UCC is often seen as an imposition of Hindu law on Muslims. The core issue lies in the disparities within personal laws, particularly concerning women's rights The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), in the news again now after the Uttarakhand government passed a bill in the assembly for enacting a law, must be looked at as a reform of womens laws. Regrettably, everyone commenting on it appears to treat it as a Hindu-Muslim issue. A few experts have gone so far as to imply that the UCC is an attempt to impose Hindu law on Muslims, who have long adhered only to the Sharia law. Muslim scholars in India often brag that Prophet Mohammad thought of the welfare of women before Hindu rishis and Christian popes. He gave women property rights, which the adherents of other religions did not until much later. This claim isnt wrong; Hindu women obtained the right to inherit property as late as 1955 when the Hindu Code Bill was passed. That doesnt mean polygamy should persist into the 21st century. Muslim apologists often argue by asking how many Muslims have more than one wife. That is not as relevant as the man having the legal right to marry and divorce as many times as he wishes. It is this threat rather than the existing reality. Even if this threat does not materialize into reality more than once in a thousand marriages, its existence is like a Damocles sword on the heads of innumerable wives, all their married lives. The fear under which many wives spend most of their lives is tantamount to cruelty, and a punishment to innocent women who have committed no crime. In contrast, a Pakistani woman is at peace until her husband actually asks for a divorce, which has to be sanctioned by the district magistrate; no divorce is valid without magisterial approval. A Hindu friend of a Muslim would possibly sympathize with the protest against a uniform civil code provided he had witnessed any Islamic bigwigs reform or modernize Muslim laws in India. But there has been no attempt to do so. The clerics have preferred taqlid (orthodoxy) to ijtihad (reinterpretation). Life must be a paradise for men, even if women have to suffer fear like in hell. The Prophet had been a genius in psychology; he attracted the man in what has been a mans world for centuries. It is this genius that has assured the continuous spread of Islam. It is only during the last few decades that the faith has started facing resistance. Until then, Islam brought wonders to its men, even if its womenfolk have had to survive in an atmosphere of tension and fear. It is not only that divorcing a wife has been an easy matter for a husband. For the wife seeking a similar separation, she has the difficult option of khula, which is long, bothersome and expensive. On the other hand, the mans privilege was expensive. By merely pronouncing the word talaq (divorce) three times over less than three months, he could literally throw his wife out of the gate, with all her children. And the women were mostly untrained for any special vocation. What could they do to feed themselves and their children? Owing to the system of meher, which is payment by the man at the time of nikah, there was no need for the husband to pay any alimony. Shah Bano was a victim of this flaw. A minimum age of 18 for the girl before nikah has been proposed in the bill recently passed by the Uttarakhand assembly. Otherwise, the criterion has been puberty, which could be 8, 9 or 10 years. How very young an age to marry off a girl! The question of education or vocational career did not arise. On top of this was the Damocles sword hanging on the girls head. What wrong had the womanhood of Islam done to deserve such a potential fate? One cannot also forget nikah halala, which is more unfortunate than any of the other humiliations. If after divorce, the same spouse decides to remarry, there is an extraordinary procedure. The woman has to first marry another man and this marriage has to be consummated. Thereafter, they must divorce. Only after that, the woman can remarry her first husband. The word halala stands for making something halal or legitimate. Divorce is mostly at the husbands initiative, as we have seen above, and yet, for reunification, it is the wife who has to suffer the humiliating punishment of sleeping with an alien man. What could have been the justification while drafting the Sharia? When it comes to distributing property or any other assets, boys and girls were treated as separate categories. Girls jointly got half of what the boys got. It is altogether a tale told by a senior cleric who had a punch of venom against the female gender. Why? Only the early history of Islam can tell us about the sociological circumstances that prevailed, which justified such discrimination against the womenfolk. A man once came to Prophet Mohammad to seek his advice as to whether he should marry a woman of status and great beauty. The Prophet explicitly forbade him, saying: Marry only those women who are loving and prolific, for I wish you to outnumber all other peoples through them (Kitab Al-Nikah; No. 2045). (The writer is a well-known columnist, an author and a former member of the Rajya Sabha. The views expressed are personal) Seven spires representing seven emirates of the UAE, carvings of camels, and national bird falcon, are part of the architecture of the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi, to give equal representation to the host country. The temple built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore, is set to be inaugurated later today. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government. The consecration of the idols began at the temple this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the dedication ceremony at the grand temple in the evening which will mark the culmination of the Festival of Harmony which began at the temple on February 10. According to temple authorities, seven shikhars (spires) have been built at the temple representing the seven Emirates that come together to form the UAE. The seven spires have idols of deities, including Lord Ram, Lord Shiv, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Lord Swaminarayan (considered a reincarnation of Lord Krishna), Tirupati Balaji and Lord Ayappa. The seven shikhars represent the seven emirates of UAE, Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, told PTI. The seven spires also pay homage to seven important deities, underscoring the interconnectedness of cultures and religions. Normally, our temples are either one spire, three, or five, but come here, the seven spires express our gratitude to the unity of the seven emirates. But at the same time, the seven spires enshrine seven important deities. The spirals aim to promote unity and harmony in the multicultural landscape. Standing at a towering 108 feet, the temple will pave the way for the cultural integration of diverse communities in the region, he added. To give equal representation to the host country, along with animals that occupy an important place in Indian mythology like elephants, camels and lions, the UAE's national bird, the falcon, has also been included in the design. The camel; a symbol of persistence, commitment and endurance, has been etched into the carvings of the temple while drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the UAE, said Som Singh, a stone artisan at the temple. Apart from 15 tales from India, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, stories from Mayan, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese and African civilizations have also been depicted in the temple. While the outer walls of the temple are made using sandstone from India, the interior, made of white Italian marble, is adorned with intricately designed and carved columns and walls. Other Noteworthy architectural elements include two ghumats (domes), 12 samrans (dome-like structures) and 402 pillars. The two ghumats are the Dome of Peace and Dome of Harmony. The Dome of Harmony showcases five natural elements water, fire, air, earth and space. There are carvings of animals such as horses and camels that represent the UAE. A Wall of Harmony, one of the largest 3D-printed walls in the UAE, features a video showcasing key milestones of the temple's construction, Singh said. The architecture, a fine specimen of Hindu stone architecture, is devoid of steel for the erection of the structure. "It is an ingenious use of science and technology, where carved stones are put together like a jig-saw, and then the gravity pulls them into place," said Vishal Patel, lead volunteer at the temple. Around 96 bells and gaumukhs are installed around the path leading to the temple. These 96 bells are a tribute to Pramukh Swami Maharaj's 96 years of life, he added. During PM Modi's two-day visit to the Gulf nation in 2015, the UAE allocated land for constructing a temple in Abu Dhabi. This visit held significant diplomatic importance, as Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister since Indira Gandhi to visit this strategically vital Gulf nation in 34 years. "I feel myself proud to be a product of DD University. Whatever I am today, it is because of this institution and room no- 45 of Gopabandhu hostel, the then small Geology Department and its faculty members and students will be always in my heart," said Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena who was the chief guest on the occassion of 1st foundation day celebration of DD University held on Monday. Jena also became emotional after he was awarded 'Distinguished Alumni Award ' by the university on the occassion and told that the award bears something great for him as if a mother recognizing her own child. Jena who was an alumnus of DD University (then Keonjhar College) had passed BSc ( Geology ) in 1983. In 2004, it became Dharanidhar Autonomous College and last year on February11, it was upgraded to a university after CM Naveen Patnaik declared it in a meeting held at Keonjhar. In his advice to the students, Jena told that in the digital world, future is very challenging and they have to be innovative and creative in their approach to tackle the situation and do something different from the traditional way. Similarly, Prof Ashok Das, Vice- Chairman, Odisha State Higher Education Council, who was the guest of honour, said that DD University is just in its infancy stage and everything should be done keeping in mind the next 25 years when both India and Odisha are going to be super powers. Prof Pratap Kumar Mohanty OSD, DD University presided over the meeting. Prof SB Mishra, Chairman, PG Council, gave the welcome address and introduced the guest. Prof NK Sahoo, Registrar, delivered the votes of thanks. Besides, felicitating Niladri Mishra with Keonjhar Sanskruti Award, a few students were also awarded prizes in different competitions including the Chancellor Award. Three elderly women from Odisha, who had gone on a pilgrimage to Tirupati of Andhra Pradesh, went missing after darshan of Lord Venketswara. The missing women were identified as Basanti Malla from Bharatpur in Kendrapada, Gitanjali Rout from Nankera village under Khordhas Jayadev panchayat, and Rani Dei from Khordhas Chilika block. The Odisha Tourism Department had taken senior citizens from several districts of the State on a pilgrimage to Tirupati on February 7. The local police and Odisha Tourism officials have been searching for the missing women at Tirupati but are yet to trace their whereabouts. The other pilgrims have returned from Tirupati to Odisha Basanti Mallas family left Kendrapara for Tirupati on Tuesday to search for her. Kendrapada Tourism Officer Himalay Tripathi said, She had gone to Tirupati under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme of the government. She was not alone. Around 12 more people from her village have also gone on the pilgrimage. She went missing during the darshan at Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati. We are continuing the search operation. Two out of six escort officers have stayed at Tirupati to find them, Tripathi said. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has spoken with a farmer injured in police action during the tillers' protest march, and accused the Modi government of having a "dictatorial attitude" towards the country's food providers. Gandhi's telephonic conversation on Tuesday night with the injured farmer, Gurmeet Singh, was facilitated by Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Raja Warring who visited a government hospital in Rajpura town of Patiala district after the farmers clashed with Haryana Police. In a post in Hindi on his WhatsApp channel, Gandhi said, "Talked on phone to former soldier Gurmeet Singh ji, who was seriously injured in police atrocities during the farmers' movement." "Equired about his health and expressed support to him for their peaceful movement demanding their rights," the former Congress chief said. "He is a youth as well as a farmer - instead of hailing him, this dictatorial attitude of the Modi government towards the country's protector and food provider is putting democracy to shame," Gandhi said. The Congress leader asked the injured farmer where all he sustained injuries, and the farmer replied that he had sustained wounds on his hands and near his eye. Farmers on Tuesday had clashed with the Haryana Police at two border points between the states, facing tear gas and water cannons as they tried to break past barricades blocking their protest march to the national capital. The former Congress president also asked the farmer how many protestors sustained injuries in the police action. When the farmer spoke about the police action, Gandhi said, "it is completely wrong." "We are with you. Don't worry," Gandhi told the farmer. "You are fighting for what is important for the country.You earlier worked for the country and you are doing it now as well. 'Shabash' (Well done). Best of luck," Gandhi told the farmer. Farmer leaders on Tuesday blamed the Centre for the "attack" on protesters marching towards Delhi and claimed that 60 of them were injured as police used tear gas shells at Punjab-Haryana border points. Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them, officials said. The Congress on Tuesday condemned the BJP governments at the Centre and in states for stopping protesting farmers from marching to Delhi and promised to fulfil their key demand of a law guaranteeing MSP for various crops once the INDIA bloc comes to power. Supporting the farmers' agitation, the opposition party asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to directly talk to them and provide justice. The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution against the Centre's proposed 'One Nation, One Election' policy, terming it impractical and undemocratic. The Assembly also passed a resolution on the delimitation exercise, stating that the population of 1971 (census) should be the criteria for carrying out the process, if it was to be held for 'unavoidable reasons.' Moving the two resolutions, Chief Minister M K Stalin described as 'autocratic', the one nation one election proposal. He dubbed as a conspiracy the proposed move to carry on with the delimitation exercise after the year 2026, based on the census (which may be conducted following the Lok Sabha polls). Further, he said it would lead to a drop in the number of elected representatives for Tamil Nadu and the southern states. In March 2023, then Union Minister of Law and Justice, Kiren Rijiju had said in Rajya Sabha that the next delimitation exercise may be conducted after the first census to be taken after the year 2026. Stalin said, both the proposals impinged on democracy and must be opposed in unison. "The one nation one election is out-and-out impractical and it is against the basic feature of the Constitution. It is fully opposed to the Constitutional guarantee of independent, free and fair polls," the chief minister said. The proposal may lead to dissolution of State Assemblies in advance which is against the Constitution. "If the government at the Centre is to fall, will all state assemblies be dissolved ? Similarly, if governments in a few states were to be short-lived, will those in power at the Centre demit office ? Could there be a policy more comical than this," he asked. Holding elections to local bodies is in the state government's domain and to make a claim to conduct local polls as well meant usurpation of state's rights. As regards the delimitation exercise, it hangs over Tamil Nadu and south India like the Sword of Damocles. The delimitation exercise is a 'punishment' for states that reduce their population. The number of constituencies in both the houses of Parliament and in the Assemblies are cut down for such states that reduce population. States that did not show interest in reducing population will get additional prize as their representation will increase in Parliament. This cannot be accepted and 'we must oppose this.' MLAs belonging to parties including the Congress, VCK, MDMK and the Left parties backed the government's two resolutions. On delimitation exercise, AIADMK's Arunmozhi Thevan said if it was to be held on the basis of the 1971 census, his party would support it. BJP's Vanathi Srinivasan said 'we share your concern,' and assured the House that necessary steps will be taken by her party in this regard. On the 'One nation, one election' proposal, Thalavai Sundaram (AIADMK) said his party has told the panel studying the matter that the his party may back the proposal only if its related ten proposals were positively considered. Vanathi Srinivasan said the resolution on the one nation one election proposal was not needed. Apprehensions in this regard were 'imaginary.' The proposal does not include local bodies and opinions may be conveyed to the relevant panel and hence the resolution was unwarranted. Leader of the House Duraimurugan cited receipt of an official letter seeking 'insights' on holding polls to local bodies alongside other legislative bodies. Later, both the resolutions were passed by a voice vote. Speaker M Appavu declared the resolution on delimitation was passed unanimously. On simultaneous polls, the resolution said: "This august House urges the Union government not to implement the 'One Nation, One Election Policy' as the theory of one nation, one election is against the basis of democracy; impractical; not enshrined in the Constitution of India." In a vast and diverse country like India, elections to local bodies, state Assemblies and the Parliament are being held at different times on the basis of people centric issues. Also, the proposal went against the idea of democratic decentralisation, the resolution said. Further, "this august House urges the Union government that the delimitation process to be carried out after 2026 on the basis of the census should not be carried out." Due to unavoidable reasons, if the number of seats --on the basis of population-- were to be increased, 'it shall be maintained at the present ratio' of the constituencies between the states in the state Assemblies and both Houses of Parliament, fixed based on the population of 1971. "This august House also urges that states like Tamil Nadu should not be penalised for implementing various socio-economic development programmes and welfare schemes for the benefit of the people over the past 50 years." In a major boost to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharifs bid to secure a record fourth term, Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Tuesday withdrew from the race, saying his party would support the ex-premier without being part of the government. Despite independent candidates backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party springing a surprise by winning the most seats in Parliament, questions loom over what the next government of Pakistan will look like five days after the general elections. None of the three major parties, the PML-N, the PPP, or the PTI have won the necessary seats in the February 8 general elections to secure a majority in the National Assembly and, therefore, will be unable to form government on their own, leading to a hung Parliament. Addressing a press conference here after the meeting of the PPPs high-powered Central Executive Committee (CEC), held under his leadership, Bilawal has said the reality is that his party does not have a mandate to form a federal government. Due to this, I will not be putting myself forward for the candidacy of the prime minister of Pakistan, the 35-year-old former foreign minister said, adding that PML-N and the independents have greater numbers in the Centre. Bilawals announcement came hours after former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, 74, will become the prime minister for a record fourth time. I had said that Nawaz Sharif would become prime minister for the fourth time. And I maintain today that he is going to be the PM for the fourth time, Shehbaz told a press conference. Bilawal noted that Imran Khans PTI had refused to form a coalition with the PPP which left the PML-N as the only party that had invited the PPP to join the government. Khan on Tuesday dismissed the idea of forming a coalition government with any of the main political parties in Pakistan and termed them as the biggest money launderers being brought to power. The 71-year-old Khan, also the founder of PTI, was speaking with journalists at the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Khan and many of his party colleagues are lodged in jail for many months in connection with convictions in multiple cases. There can be no alliance with PML-N, PPP, and MQM, he said, adding that he had directed PTI Information Secretary Raouf Hasan to bring together all parties except the three parties. The PPP has decided that we may not be a part of the government but we will engage with political parties on the issue of votes and the election of prime minister. He said that the PPP would help to form a stable government without being part of it. To that end, the PPP will be willing to support the case of important votes - a candidate of the PM of Pakistan - and issue to issue basis to ensure that the government is formed and political stability is restored, Bilawal said. Bilawal said he would like to see his 68-year-old father Asif Ali Zardari become the president once again. Zardari, husband of slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto was the president from 2008 to 2013. I am not saying this because he is my father. I am saying this because the country is in a huge crisis at the moment and if anyone has the capacity to douse this fire, it is Asif Ali Zardari, he asserted. In response to a question, Bilawal said all political forces needed to think about the country and end the politics of division. They must not just think about themselves [] this way the enemies of the country would want to benefit from this crisis.It takes two to tango, he said. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced that independent candidates, a majority of them supported by the PTI secured 101 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 75 seats, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) getting 54 seats, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) bagging 17 seats.Other parties got 17 seats while the result of one constituency was withheld. Meanwhile, a senior official of Khans party said it will use the platform of two rightwing religious parties in its bid to form government in the Centre as well as in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has decided to join Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) to form the government in the Centre and Punjab and Jamaati-e-Islami (JI) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, PTI Information Secretary Hassan said while addressing a press conference. Hassan said the PTI was redoubling its efforts to make government in the Centre and Punjab. However, it is believed that by joining the two parties, the PTI will not be able to gather enough strength to form either the federal or provincial government in Punjab.PTI can form a government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa even without the support of any other party. In a setback to PTI, a Pakistani court on Tuesday dismissed more than 30 petitions filed by Khans party-backed independent candidates who challenged the sham victory of top PML-N leaders, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. The Lahore High Court while dismissing the petitions asked the defeated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party-backed candidates to move to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for redressal of their grievances, including alleged rigging of votes in the February 8 general elections. Nawaz Sharif first assumed power in 1990 but was forced out three years later by corruption allegations a theme that has dogged his career. He came to power for the second time in 1997 and held the prime ministers post till 1999 when he was deposed in a military coup after plotting to sideline then Pakistan Army chief Gen. Pervez Musharraf. More than a decade later he was back in power in 2013, but fresh graft allegations emerged when his children were named in the 2016 Panama Papers leak for holding offshore companies. He was later convicted over separate corruption allegations and disqualified from office for life the third time that he failed to complete a full term. UN Secy Gen following Pak election closely In the wake of the general elections in Pakistan, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is following the situation in the country very closely and has urged the authorities and political leaders to refrain from violence and avoid actions that could increase tensions. Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, made these remarks at the daily press briefing here on Monday.On the elections in Pakistan, I can tell you that he is indeed following the situation very closely and continuing to monitor the situation following the general elections, Dujarric said while responding to a question on the Secretary-Generals reaction to the outcome of last weeks election in Pakistan. Guterres calls for resolving all issues and disputes through the established legal frameworks and for human rights and the rule of law to be fully respected in the interest of the people of Pakistan. The Secretary-General urges the authorities, and political leaders to maintain a calm atmosphere and to reject and refrain from all forms of violence and avoid any actions that could increase or enflame tensions, Dujarric said. Pakistans general elections were held last week, but there was an unusual delay in the announcement of results which led to allegations of vote rigging at many constituencies across the country. While both jailed former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and ex-premier Nawaz Sharifs Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) have claimed victory, a coalition government appears inevitable as no single party has got the majority in the National Assembly. Voting was held on 854 national and provincial assembly constituencies. According to the initial results, 348 independents returned successfully. Two Thai journalists arrested for reporting on the vandalism of Bangkok temple wall with graffiti criticizing a pro-monarchy law were released on bail Tuesday, a lawyers group said. The arrests, carried out separately on Monday, nearly a year after the incident, drew widespread criticism and raised concerns from several right groups over the state of media freedom in Thailand. The Royal Palace police station, which made the arrests, said Nutthaphol Meksobhon, a reporter for the independent online media Prachatai, and Natthapon Phanphongsanon, a freelance photographer, were charged with collaborating in vandalizing an historical site. Nutthaphol wrote a story and Natthapon took a video of the incident, which was widely reported. The offense is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a 700,000 baht ($19,600) fine. The two arrested men have said they were only carrying out their jobs as journalists. The charges involve a March 28, 2023, incident in which a 25-year-old activist spray-painted an anarchist symbol and the number 112 with a line through it on the exterior wall of the revered Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which is in the Grand Palace complex. The number 112 refers to an article in Thailands Criminal Code that makes it illegal to insult the monarchy and carries a prison term of three to 15 years. Critics say the law is often used as a tool to quash political dissent. Student-led pro-democracy protests beginning in 2020 openly criticized the monarchy, previously a taboo subject, leading to vigorous prosecutions under the law, which had previously been infrequently employed. Amnesty International Thailand director Piyanut Kotsan called the arrests a direct violation of media freedom. The Thai Journalists Association said the charge of acting in support of a criminal act undermines the rights and freedoms of the media in performing its duties. Prachatai reports extensively on Thailands political issues, including sensitive topics involving the royal family and the military that major media outlets in Thailand often avoid. The group Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said the two journalists were held overnight at separate police stations after their arrests and were taken on Tuesday to Bangkok Criminal Court, where they were released on bail after posting a bond of 35,000 baht ($980) each. Tewarit Maneechai, the editor-in-chief of Prachatai, called the arrests an act of intimidation that creates fear and uncertainty when reporters cover sensitive incidents if their coverage can be interpreted as an act supporting a criminal offense. It might lead to more self-censorship, he said, The impact is not only on the media but also on the public who will be deprived of news and information. When asked about the case after his weekly Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said his government upholds the importance of media freedom, but its up to security officials and the police to investigate whether the journalists committed any crimes. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lifted its stake in shares of American States Water (NYSE:AWR Free Report) by 11.0% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 42,940 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 4,240 shares during the quarter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in American States Water were worth $3,379,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of American States Water during the second quarter worth approximately $699,000. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP raised its position in American States Water by 377.1% in the second quarter. ExodusPoint Capital Management LP now owns 12,925 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,124,000 after acquiring an additional 10,216 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can acquired a new stake in American States Water in the second quarter valued at $2,060,000. SG Americas Securities LLC purchased a new stake in shares of American States Water during the 3rd quarter worth $4,691,000. Finally, Arizona State Retirement System grew its stake in shares of American States Water by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 10,528 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $828,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.67% of the companys stock. Get American States Water alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, StockNews.com cut shares of American States Water from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, November 23rd. American States Water Price Performance Shares of NYSE:AWR opened at $74.42 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.13 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $78.69 and its 200-day simple moving average is $80.70. American States Water has a 12 month low of $73.83 and a 12 month high of $95.07. American States Water Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be issued a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 16th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.31%. American States Waters dividend payout ratio is presently 51.81%. American States Water Profile (Free Report) American States Water Company, through its subsidiaries, provides water and electric services to residential, commercial, industrial, and other customers in the United States. It operates through three segments: Water, Electric, and Contracted Services. The company purchases, produces, distributes, and sells water, as well as distributes electricity. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AWR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for American States Water (NYSE:AWR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for American States Water Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American States Water and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the six ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1 year target price among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $21.07. A number of equities research analysts have commented on NLY shares. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $19.00 target price on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Jonestrading lifted their target price on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $17.00 to $21.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. StockNews.com raised shares of Annaly Capital Management from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 27th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $21.00 target price on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research note on Monday. Get Annaly Capital Management alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Annaly Capital Management Annaly Capital Management Price Performance Annaly Capital Management Dividend Announcement Shares of NLY opened at $18.38 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $9.19 billion, a P/E ratio of -5.09 and a beta of 1.55. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 0.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $19.35 and a 200 day moving average of $18.81. Annaly Capital Management has a twelve month low of $14.52 and a twelve month high of $21.94. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a $0.65 dividend. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 14.15%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 28th. Annaly Capital Managements payout ratio is currently -72.02%. Insider Transactions at Annaly Capital Management In other news, CEO David L. Finkelstein sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.03, for a total value of $951,500.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 662,469 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,606,785.07. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Annaly Capital Management Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NLY. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. grew its holdings in Annaly Capital Management by 166.1% during the 2nd quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 14,866,079 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $87,858,000 after purchasing an additional 9,279,874 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank bought a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the 4th quarter valued at about $110,244,000. State Street Corp grew its stake in Annaly Capital Management by 14.0% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 34,722,698 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $212,614,000 after acquiring an additional 4,263,394 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in Annaly Capital Management by 2.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 132,287,354 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $931,303,000 after acquiring an additional 3,668,441 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Balyasny Asset Management L.P. grew its stake in Annaly Capital Management by 274,965.9% in the 1st quarter. Balyasny Asset Management L.P. now owns 3,168,759 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $60,555,000 after acquiring an additional 3,167,607 shares in the last quarter. 49.16% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Annaly Capital Management (Get Free Report Annaly Capital Management, Inc, a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Annaly Capital Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annaly Capital Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group boosted its position in shares of Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL Free Report) by 165.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,673 shares of the conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 2,290 shares during the period. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Groups holdings in Carlisle Companies were worth $952,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Citigroup Inc. increased its holdings in Carlisle Companies by 48.1% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 20,327 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $4,998,000 after buying an additional 6,603 shares during the period. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can raised its position in Carlisle Companies by 0.6% in the first quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 29,831 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $7,549,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. lifted its stake in Carlisle Companies by 3.5% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 2,160 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $531,000 after purchasing an additional 73 shares during the period. Synovus Financial Corp grew its stake 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. raised 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 worth $13,028,000 after buying an additional 10,150 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.70% of the companys stock. Get Carlisle Companies alerts: Insider Activity at Carlisle Companies In other news, VP David W. Smith sold 700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $338.54, for a total transaction of $236,978.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 2,834 shares in the company, valued at $959,422.36. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, insider Lori A. Snyder sold 8,101 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $339.64, for a total value of $2,751,423.64. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,212 shares in the company, valued at $1,770,203.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, VP David W. Smith sold 700 shares of Carlisle Companies stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $338.54, for a total transaction of $236,978.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 2,834 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $959,422.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Carlisle Companies Price Performance CSL traded up $3.09 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $346.82. The companys stock had a trading volume of 54,939 shares, compared to its average volume of 262,540. The company has a quick ratio of 3.73, a current ratio of 4.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.95 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 0.92. The firms 50 day moving average price is $311.90 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $282.53. Carlisle Companies Incorporated has a 12 month low of $203.65 and a 12 month high of $350.99. Carlisle Companies (NYSE:CSL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The conglomerate reported $4.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.47 by $0.70. Carlisle Companies had a return on equity of 27.90% and a net margin of 15.07%. The business had revenue of $1.13 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $3.92 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Carlisle Companies Incorporated will post 18.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Carlisle Companies Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.85 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. This represents a $3.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.98%. Carlisle Companiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.31%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently commented on CSL shares. StockNews.com raised Carlisle Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price 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. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $310.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Carlisle Companies Carlisle Companies 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. Read More 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. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC trimmed its position in Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 20.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 5,907 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 1,491 shares during the quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $996,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the company. Windsor Advisory Group LLC grew its stake in Chevron by 24.0% in the 3rd quarter. Windsor Advisory Group LLC now owns 3,720 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $627,000 after buying an additional 720 shares during the last quarter. Dechtman Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Chevron in the 2nd quarter valued at about $648,000. Altrius Capital Management Inc grew its stake in Chevron by 2.1% in the 3rd quarter. Altrius Capital Management Inc now owns 21,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,597,000 after buying an additional 434 shares during the last quarter. Tsfg LLC grew its stake in Chevron by 5.3% in the 3rd quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 3,473 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $586,000 after buying an additional 176 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Berkeley Capital Partners LLC grew its stake in Chevron by 13.1% in the 2nd quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,255,000 after buying an additional 1,661 shares during the last quarter. 68.87% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Chevron alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CVX has been the topic of a number of research reports. DZ Bank lowered shares of Chevron from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $160.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Scotiabank lowered shares of Chevron from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating and set a $170.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their target price on shares of Chevron from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Truist Financial decreased their target price on shares of Chevron from $175.00 to $169.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, October 24th. Finally, Raymond James decreased their target price on shares of Chevron from $200.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Chevron presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $180.95. Chevron Price Performance CVX stock opened at $150.51 on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $148.17 and a 200-day moving average price of $154.36. The company has a market capitalization of $284.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.25, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.13. Chevron Co. has a 52-week low of $139.62 and a 52-week high of $173.51. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a current ratio of 1.25. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.45 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.19 by $0.26. The firm had revenue of $47.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $50.93 billion. Chevron had a net margin of 10.63% and a return on equity of 15.24%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 16.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $4.09 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts expect that Chevron Co. will post 13.03 EPS for the current year. Chevron Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Friday, February 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.63 per share. This represents a $6.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.33%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. This is an increase from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.51. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 53.17%. Chevron Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. decreased its position in Nio Inc (NYSE:NIO Free Report) by 0.3% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 1,224,516 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,076 shares during the quarter. NIO makes up 0.8% of E Fund Management Co. Ltd.s portfolio, making the stock its 21st biggest position. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. owned approximately 0.07% of NIO worth $11,070,000 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. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. raised its position in shares of NIO by 127.6% in the 1st quarter. E Fund Management Hong Kong Co. Ltd. now owns 770,160 shares of the companys stock worth $15,172,000 after purchasing an additional 431,851 shares during the last quarter. US Bancorp DE raised its position in shares of NIO by 19.9% in the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 18,593 shares of the companys stock worth $392,000 after purchasing an additional 3,092 shares during the last quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. raised its position in shares of NIO by 23.6% in the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 38,708 shares of the companys stock worth $815,000 after purchasing an additional 7,396 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of NIO by 1.8% in the 1st quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,705,563 shares of the companys stock worth $57,007,000 after purchasing an additional 48,720 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sei Investments Co. raised its position in shares of NIO by 45.6% in the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 338,913 shares of the companys stock worth $7,134,000 after purchasing an additional 106,140 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 42.32% of the companys stock. Get NIO alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the company. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on NIO in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. They issued a neutral rating for the company. Mizuho decreased their target price on NIO from $18.00 to $15.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Finally, Bank of America lowered NIO from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $12.75. NIO Stock Performance Shares of NIO stock traded up $0.18 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $5.88. 21,598,617 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 59,451,016. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $7.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $8.66. The firm has a market capitalization of $10.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -3.28 and a beta of 1.98. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.76. Nio Inc has a one year low of $5.30 and a one year high of $16.18. NIO (NYSE:NIO Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, December 5th. The company reported ($0.37) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.43) by $0.06. The business had revenue of $2.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.63 billion. NIO had a negative return on equity of 114.38% and a negative net margin of 39.26%. On average, equities research analysts expect that Nio Inc will post -1.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. NIO Profile (Free Report) NIO Inc designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles in the People's Republic of China. The company is also involved in the manufacture of e-powertrain, battery packs, and components; and racing management, technology development, and sales and after-sales management activities. In addition, it offers power solutions for battery charging needs; and other value-added services. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NIO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Nio Inc (NYSE:NIO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NIO Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NIO and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manchester Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 1.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 18,879 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after buying an additional 240 shares during the quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLCs holdings in EOG Resources were worth $2,393,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Prospera Financial Services Inc boosted its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 196.9% during the second quarter. Prospera Financial Services Inc now owns 7,593 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $870,000 after buying an additional 5,036 shares during the period. Capital International Inc. CA raised its stake in EOG Resources by 21.0% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Inc. CA now owns 122,241 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $13,989,000 after purchasing an additional 21,223 shares during the last quarter. Paradigm Financial Partners LLC grew its stake in EOG Resources by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Paradigm Financial Partners LLC now owns 30,004 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $3,728,000 after acquiring an additional 271 shares during the period. Gratus Capital LLC boosted its stake in EOG Resources by 1.3% in the 2nd quarter. Gratus Capital LLC now owns 154,485 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $17,679,000 after buying an additional 2,025 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Truist Financial Corp raised its stake in EOG Resources by 23.2% during the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 158,360 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $18,123,000 after purchasing an additional 29,822 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.21% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes EOG has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. KeyCorp dropped their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $157.00 to $147.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Sanford C. Bernstein cut shares of EOG Resources from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $155.00 to $146.00 in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley lowered EOG Resources from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $134.00 target price for the company. in a report on Monday, December 11th. Truist Financial raised their price target on EOG Resources from $165.00 to $169.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, November 6th. Finally, Bank of America lowered shares of EOG Resources from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the stock from $147.00 to $140.00 in a research report on Friday, January 5th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twelve have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $143.50. EOG Resources Price Performance Shares of EOG stock traded down $0.19 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $110.84. 486,825 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,934,971. The company has a current ratio of 2.43, a quick ratio of 2.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. EOG Resources, Inc. has a 12-month low of $98.52 and a 12-month high of $136.79. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $116.75 and its 200-day simple moving average is $123.85. The company has a market capitalization of $64.64 billion, a PE ratio of 8.25, a PEG ratio of 0.33 and a beta of 1.40. EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, and natural gas and natural gas liquids. Its principal producing areas are in New Mexico and Texas in the United States; and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenleaf Trust raised its holdings in WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC Free Report) by 18.8% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 9,597 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,518 shares during the period. Greenleaf Trusts holdings in WEC Energy Group were worth $773,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in WEC. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new position in WEC Energy Group in the first quarter valued at about $64,000. Raymond James Trust N.A. boosted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 19.9% during the first quarter. Raymond James Trust N.A. now owns 6,272 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $626,000 after buying an additional 1,040 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 8.3% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 848,405 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $84,682,000 after buying an additional 65,287 shares during the period. Allianz Asset Management GmbH boosted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 10.2% during the first quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 34,679 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,461,000 after buying an additional 3,224 shares during the period. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its position in shares of WEC Energy Group by 11.8% during the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 8,765 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $875,000 after buying an additional 923 shares during the period. 75.75% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get WEC Energy Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently weighed in on WEC shares. Bank of America reaffirmed an underperform rating and set a $78.00 price objective (down from $84.00) on shares of WEC Energy Group in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Mizuho reduced their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $88.00 to $86.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on WEC Energy Group from $93.00 to $91.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, February 2nd. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on WEC Energy Group from $95.00 to $90.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered WEC Energy Group from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $90.00 to $84.00 in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $86.17. WEC Energy Group Price Performance NYSE:WEC opened at $76.46 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.40, a current ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.29. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $82.20 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $83.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $24.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.12, a P/E/G ratio of 2.73 and a beta of 0.41. WEC Energy Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $75.13 and a 12-month high of $99.26. WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.08 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.82 billion. WEC Energy Group had a return on equity of 12.17% and a net margin of 14.98%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 13.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.80 earnings per share. On average, analysts anticipate that WEC Energy Group, Inc. will post 4.88 earnings per share for the current year. WEC Energy Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be paid a $0.835 dividend. This is a positive change from WEC Energy Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. This represents a $3.34 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.37%. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio is currently 73.93%. Insider Buying and Selling at WEC Energy Group In other news, Director Ulice Payne, Jr. sold 600 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.46, for a total transaction of $50,076.00. Following the transaction, the director now owns 20,933 shares in the company, valued at $1,747,068.18. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. WEC Energy Group Profile (Free Report) WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. The company operates through six segments: Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure, and Corporate and Other. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WEC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for WEC Energy Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WEC Energy Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenleaf Trust lifted its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Free Report) by 8.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 122,013 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 9,188 shares during the quarter. Greenleaf Trusts holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. were worth $17,694,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in JPM. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P increased its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 81.1% in the first quarter. Cantor Fitzgerald Investment Advisor L.P now owns 222,422 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $30,321,000 after purchasing an additional 99,636 shares during the period. BCK Partners Inc. acquired a new position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. during the 1st quarter worth about $2,455,000. LSV Asset Management grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 35.6% during the 1st quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 37,300 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,085,000 after buying an additional 9,800 shares during the period. Wsfs Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 70.8% during the 1st quarter. Wsfs Capital Management LLC now owns 4,221 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $575,000 after buying an additional 1,749 shares during the period. Finally, Lumature Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1,451.4% during the 1st quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,770 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $514,000 after buying an additional 3,527 shares during the period. 68.94% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Performance Shares of NYSE JPM opened at $174.23 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $169.33 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $155.54. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a one year low of $123.11 and a one year high of $178.30. The firm has a market cap of $501.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.74, a P/E/G ratio of 2.22 and a beta of 1.14. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Dividend Announcement JPMorgan Chase & Co. ( NYSE:JPM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $3.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $3.73 by ($0.69). The company had revenue of $38.57 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $39.73 billion. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a return on equity of 17.80% and a net margin of 20.70%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $3.57 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 15.87 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, January 4th were issued a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.41%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 25.89%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently issued reports on JPM. Bank of America boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $177.00 to $188.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. Barclays boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $186.00 to $212.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Piper Sandler boosted their target price on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $190.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $191.00 to $221.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, JPMorgan Chase & Co. presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $179.11. Get Our Latest Report on JPMorgan Chase & Co. Insider Transactions at JPMorgan Chase & Co. In other news, insider Ashley Bacon sold 3,368 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.73, for a total transaction of $561,546.64. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 205,461 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $34,256,512.53. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Jennifer Piepszak sold 1,649 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.59, for a total transaction of $274,706.91. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 34,467 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,741,857.53. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, insider Ashley Bacon sold 3,368 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.73, for a total value of $561,546.64. Following the sale, the insider now owns 205,461 shares of the companys stock, valued at $34,256,512.53. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 39,072 shares of company stock valued at $6,297,103. 0.79% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. About JPMorgan Chase & Co. (Free Report) JPMorgan Chase & Co operates as a financial services company worldwide. It operates through four segments: Consumer & Community Banking (CCB), Corporate & Investment Bank (CIB), Commercial Banking (CB), and Asset & Wealth Management (AWM). The CCB segment offers deposit, investment and lending products, cash management, and payments and services to consumers and small businesses; mortgage origination and servicing activities; residential mortgages and home equity loans; and credit cards, auto loans, leases, and travel services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Greenleaf Trust lessened its stake in Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SHG Free Report) by 1.9% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 27,049 shares of the banks stock after selling 526 shares during the period. Greenleaf Trusts holdings in Shinhan Financial Group were worth $717,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. M&T Bank Corp bought a new stake in shares of Shinhan Financial Group in the 3rd quarter valued at about $202,000. Allworth Financial LP grew its holdings in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 51.6% during the 3rd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,628 shares of the banks stock worth $43,000 after acquiring an additional 554 shares during the period. NewEdge Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 39.8% during the 3rd quarter. NewEdge Wealth LLC now owns 38,291 shares of the banks stock worth $1,014,000 after acquiring an additional 10,899 shares during the period. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 143.4% during the 3rd quarter. Legacy Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 39,567 shares of the banks stock worth $1,048,000 after acquiring an additional 23,314 shares during the period. Finally, PDS Planning Inc grew its holdings in shares of Shinhan Financial Group by 5.0% during the 3rd quarter. PDS Planning Inc now owns 13,416 shares of the banks stock worth $355,000 after acquiring an additional 642 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 2.81% of the companys stock. Get Shinhan Financial Group alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently weighed in on SHG shares. Bank of America upgraded Shinhan Financial Group from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. StockNews.com downgraded Shinhan Financial Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. Shinhan Financial Group Stock Performance Shinhan Financial Group stock opened at $32.77 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.01, a current ratio of 1.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37. The company has a market capitalization of $16.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.61, a PEG ratio of 1.38 and a beta of 0.89. The stocks 50 day moving average is $29.78 and its 200 day moving average is $27.92. Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. has a twelve month low of $24.99 and a twelve month high of $33.98. Shinhan Financial Group Profile (Free Report) Shinhan Financial Group Co, Ltd. provides financial products and services in South Korea and internationally. The company operates through six segments: Banking, Credit Card, Securities, Life Insurance, Credit, and Others. It offers retail banking services, including demand, savings, and fixed deposit-taking; checking accounts; mortgage and home equity, and retail lending; electronic banking and automatic teller machines (ATM); and bill paying, payroll and check-cashing, currency exchange, and wire fund transfer services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SHG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd. (NYSE:SHG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Shinhan Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shinhan Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Karpus Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust (NYSE:BIGZ Free Report) by 52.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 780,390 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 268,137 shares during the period. Karpus Management Inc.s holdings in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust were worth $5,432,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of BIGZ. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new position in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $256,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp bought a new position in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $173,000. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. grew its position in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust by 12.8% during the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 22,100 shares of the companys stock worth $252,000 after acquiring an additional 2,500 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC bought a new position in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust during the 1st quarter worth approximately $132,000. Finally, Lazard Asset Management LLC grew its position in BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust by 1.4% during the 1st quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 787,666 shares of the companys stock worth $8,971,000 after acquiring an additional 11,038 shares during the last quarter. Get BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust news, major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 432,560 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $8.23 per share, for a total transaction of $3,559,968.80. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 48,191,447 shares in the company, valued at $396,615,608.81. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders have purchased a total of 7,695,012 shares of company stock worth $57,573,493 in the last ninety days. BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust Stock Performance BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust Dividend Announcement BIGZ opened at $7.92 on Wednesday. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $7.48 and its 200 day simple moving average is $7.29. BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust has a 1 year low of $6.21 and a 1 year high of $8.35. The business also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 29th. Investors of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a dividend of $0.0447 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 14th. This represents a $0.54 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.77%. About BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust (Free Report) BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust is a mutual fund launched by BlackRock, Inc and managed by BlackRock Advisors, LLC. BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust is based in United States. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BIGZ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust (NYSE:BIGZ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock Innovation and Growth Term Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manchester Capital Management LLC lowered its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 0.6% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 20,429 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 120 shares during the period. Manchester Capital Management LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,979,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of ABT. Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC increased its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 0.6% during the 3rd quarter. Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC now owns 21,419 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,074,000 after purchasing an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 9.8% during the second quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,415,759 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $154,346,000 after purchasing an additional 126,547 shares in the last quarter. Rockland Trust Co. grew its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.5% in the third quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 91,868 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,897,000 after buying an additional 1,343 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. boosted its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 373,375 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $36,161,000 after acquiring an additional 5,058 shares during the period. Finally, Riverview Capital Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the second quarter valued at approximately $210,000. 73.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Abbott Laboratories Stock Performance Abbott Laboratories stock traded up $0.47 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $111.81. 770,983 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,234,288. The stock has a market cap of $194.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.27, a P/E/G ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.75. The firms 50 day moving average is $110.91 and its 200 day moving average is $103.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.74. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $89.67 and a 52-week high of $115.83. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend Abbott Laboratories ( NYSE:ABT Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 24th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.19. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.84% and a net margin of 14.27%. The company had revenue of $10.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $1.03 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict 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. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be issued a $0.55 dividend. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.97%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 67.48%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred 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 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 document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of Abbott Laboratories stock in a transaction that occurred 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 directly owns 65,027 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the 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 transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts have recently issued reports on ABT shares. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $128.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Wednesday. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, January 25th. TheStreet raised Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a report on Thursday, December 21st. Finally, Raymond James increased their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $124.00 to $127.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned 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 target price of $120.00. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Abbott Laboratories About Abbott Laboratories (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. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). 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. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC bought a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) in the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund bought 30,277 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $3,560,000. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Exxon Mobil by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter. Intrepid Capital Management Inc. now owns 7,928 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $850,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the period. Lee Financial Co increased its position in shares of Exxon Mobil by 0.5% during the second quarter. Lee Financial Co now owns 20,454 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,194,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Exxon Mobil by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Traynor Capital Management Inc. now owns 2,346 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $276,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares during the last quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp boosted its stake in Exxon Mobil by 3.1% during the 3rd quarter. Money Concepts Capital Corp now owns 3,119 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $367,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Defined Wealth Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Exxon Mobil by 2.4% in the third quarter. Defined Wealth Management LLC now owns 4,051 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $476,000 after purchasing an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 58.53% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages recently issued reports on XOM. Redburn Atlantic upgraded Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the stock from $116.00 to $119.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Erste Group Bank reiterated a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research note on Friday, December 22nd. TD Cowen raised shares of Exxon Mobil from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $115.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Sanford C. Bernstein began coverage on Exxon Mobil in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. They issued an outperform rating and a $140.00 target price on the stock. Finally, UBS Group cut their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $133.00 to $132.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $127.53. Exxon Mobil Price Performance XOM stock traded down $0.30 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $101.04. 4,481,227 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 18,691,664. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 52-week low of $95.77 and a 52-week high of $120.70. The company has a market capitalization of $400.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.39, a P/E/G ratio of 3.66 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $100.78 and a 200-day moving average price of $106.33. Exxon Mobil (NYSE:XOM Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.20 by $0.28. Exxon Mobil had a net margin of 10.45% and a return on equity of 18.51%. The business had revenue of $84.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $90.03 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.40 EPS. Exxon Mobils revenue was down 11.6% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts anticipate that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.39 earnings per share for the current year. Exxon Mobil Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.76%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, February 13th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio is 42.74%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 220,678 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.06, for a total transaction of $216,132,620.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 13,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,352,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. About Exxon Mobil (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navellier & Associates Inc. boosted its position in First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP Free Report) by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 24,085 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 1,317 shares during the quarter. Navellier & Associates Inc.s holdings in First BanCorp. were worth $324,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D increased its position in shares of First BanCorp. by 33.0% during the second quarter. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund D now owns 214,680 shares of the banks stock worth $2,623,000 after acquiring an additional 53,241 shares during the period. Teacher Retirement System of Texas increased its position in shares of First BanCorp. by 57.8% during the third quarter. Teacher Retirement System of Texas now owns 100,719 shares of the banks stock worth $1,356,000 after acquiring an additional 36,882 shares during the period. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund purchased a new position in shares of First BanCorp. during the third quarter worth approximately $1,384,000. Advisor Partners II LLC increased its position in shares of First BanCorp. by 4.8% during the third quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 17,010 shares of the banks stock worth $229,000 after acquiring an additional 780 shares during the period. Finally, Schroder Investment Management Group increased its holdings in First BanCorp. by 5.1% during the second quarter. Schroder Investment Management Group now owns 1,670,031 shares of the banks stock valued at $20,408,000 after buying an additional 81,470 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.80% of the companys stock. Get First BanCorp. alerts: Insider Activity at First BanCorp. In other First BanCorp. news, EVP Michael Mcdonald sold 57,600 shares of First BanCorp. stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.34, for a total value of $998,784.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 98,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,708,007.34. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, EVP Michael Mcdonald sold 57,600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $17.34, for a total transaction of $998,784.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 98,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,708,007.34. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Carlos Power sold 9,433 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $16.50, for a total transaction of $155,644.50. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 246,793 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,072,084.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 197,033 shares of company stock worth $3,206,679 over the last three months. Company insiders own 2.40% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth FBP has been the topic of several research reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price objective on shares of First BanCorp. from $18.50 to $19.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on shares of First BanCorp. from $12.50 to $13.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. View Our Latest Stock Report on First BanCorp. First BanCorp. Price Performance Shares of FBP opened at $16.39 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $2.83 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.64, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.17. First BanCorp. has a twelve month low of $10.18 and a twelve month high of $17.44. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. The company has a 50 day moving average of $16.34 and a two-hundred day moving average of $14.92. First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 24th. The bank reported $0.49 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $0.14. First BanCorp. had a net margin of 26.19% and a return on equity of 21.62%. The business had revenue of $299.09 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $227.75 million. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.40 earnings per share. As a group, analysts predict that First BanCorp. will post 1.62 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. First BanCorp. Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Friday, February 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.16 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 22nd. This is an increase from First BanCorp.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.90%. First BanCorp.s payout ratio is currently 32.94%. About First BanCorp. (Free Report) First BanCorp. operates as a bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico that provides a range of financial products and services to consumers and commercial customers. The company operates through six segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding FBP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for First BanCorp. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First BanCorp. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Group lifted its position in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 6.0% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 18,388 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,047 shares during the quarter. Oliver Lagore Vanvalin Investment Groups holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $1,053,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Country Trust Bank increased its position in NextEra Energy by 975.6% during the third quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 441 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 400 shares in the last quarter. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new stake in NextEra Energy during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC acquired a new position in shares of NextEra Energy during the second quarter worth about $32,000. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in NextEra Energy by 444.4% in the 2nd quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 490 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 400 shares during the period. Finally, West Tower Group LLC purchased a new stake in NextEra Energy during the 2nd quarter worth $36,000. 76.48% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get NextEra Energy alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at NextEra Energy In other news, Director Nicole S. Arnaboldi bought 8,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 8th. The stock was acquired at an average price of $59.59 per share, for a total transaction of $506,515.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 11,523 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $686,655.57. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research firms have weighed in on NEE. Seaport Res Ptn lowered shares of NextEra Energy from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $74.00 price target on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on NextEra Energy from $79.00 to $76.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 21st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on NextEra Energy from $65.00 to $67.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Citigroup assumed coverage on NextEra Energy in a report on Friday, December 8th. They set a buy rating and a $69.00 price target for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $71.85. Read Our Latest Research Report on NextEra Energy NextEra Energy Stock Performance NEE traded up $0.53 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $55.78. The companys stock had a trading volume of 2,430,091 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,392,658. The company has a current ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $59.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $60.76. The stock has a market cap of $114.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.30, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.52. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a twelve month low of $47.15 and a twelve month high of $79.78. NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.52 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.49 by $0.03. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 11.73% and a net margin of 26.00%. The company had revenue of $6.88 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.72 billion. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.51 EPS. Research analysts expect that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current year. NextEra Energy Company Profile (Free Report) NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:PLTR Get Free Report) have been given a consensus rating of Reduce by the thirteen research firms that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average 12-month target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $15.81. PLTR has been the topic of several recent research reports. Mizuho upped their target price on shares of Palantir Technologies from $16.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 6th. Raymond James upped their target price on shares of Palantir Technologies from $22.00 to $25.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Palantir Technologies from an underperform rating to a hold rating and upped their target price for the stock from $13.00 to $22.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Wedbush upped their target price on shares of Palantir Technologies from $25.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, Citigroup upgraded shares of Palantir Technologies from a sell rating to a neutral rating and increased their price objective for the company from $10.00 to $20.00 in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Get Palantir Technologies alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on PLTR Palantir Technologies Trading Down 4.1 % Insider Activity Shares of NYSE PLTR opened at $24.02 on Friday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $17.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $17.18. The stock has a market capitalization of $52.27 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 266.92, a P/E/G ratio of 5.98 and a beta of 2.66. Palantir Technologies has a 12-month low of $7.19 and a 12-month high of $25.52. In other news, Director Alexandra W. Schiff sold 4,000 shares of Palantir Technologies stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.81, for a total value of $79,240.00. Following the sale, the director now owns 208,783 shares in the company, valued at $4,135,991.23. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other news, insider David A. Glazer sold 205,400 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.73, for a total value of $4,052,542.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 4,344 shares of the companys stock, valued at $85,707.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Director Alexandra W. Schiff sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $19.81, for a total transaction of $79,240.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 208,783 shares in the company, valued at $4,135,991.23. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 1,249,045 shares of company stock worth $25,714,701 over the last 90 days. 13.96% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Palantir Technologies Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Bank of Nova Scotia raised its stake in Palantir Technologies by 2.0% during the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 34,450 shares of the companys stock worth $528,000 after purchasing an additional 682 shares during the period. Qsemble Capital Management LP purchased a new position in Palantir Technologies during the third quarter worth about $1,178,000. Van Cleef Asset Management Inc raised its stake in Palantir Technologies by 82.9% during the second quarter. Van Cleef Asset Management Inc now owns 690,267 shares of the companys stock worth $10,582,000 after purchasing an additional 312,767 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its stake in Palantir Technologies by 3.9% during the third quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 684,953 shares of the companys stock worth $10,959,000 after purchasing an additional 25,787 shares during the period. Finally, Jupiter Asset Management Ltd. purchased a new position in Palantir Technologies during the second quarter worth about $5,020,000. 34.21% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Palantir Technologies (Get Free Report Palantir Technologies Inc builds and deploys software platforms for the intelligence community in the United States to assist in counterterrorism investigations and operations. The company provides Palantir Gotham, a software platform which enables users to identify patterns hidden deep within datasets, ranging from signals intelligence sources to reports from confidential informants, as well as facilitates the handoff between analysts and operational users, helping operators plan and execute real-world responses to threats that have been identified within the platform. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Palantir Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Palantir Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLC reduced its stake in The Toronto-Dominion Bank (NYSE:TD Free Report) (TSE:TD) by 6.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 6,079 shares of the banks stock after selling 389 shares during the quarter. Prime Capital Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Toronto-Dominion Bank were worth $366,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Fairfield Bush & CO. purchased a new position in Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. Fortis Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. purchased a new position in Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Bray Capital Advisors raised its position in Toronto-Dominion Bank by 206.7% during the 3rd quarter. Bray Capital Advisors now owns 460 shares of the banks stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 310 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ST Germain D J Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $31,000. 51.52% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts: Toronto-Dominion Bank Price Performance Toronto-Dominion Bank stock opened at $57.91 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $61.52 and its 200 day moving average price is $60.81. The Toronto-Dominion Bank has a 1 year low of $54.69 and a 1 year high of $70.67. The stock has a market capitalization of $102.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.95, a P/E/G ratio of 2.30 and a beta of 0.87. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.00. Toronto-Dominion Bank Increases Dividend Toronto-Dominion Bank ( NYSE:TD Get Free Report ) (TSE:TD) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The bank reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.39 by ($0.04). Toronto-Dominion Bank had a return on equity of 14.68% and a net margin of 10.65%. The business had revenue of $13.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.02 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.64 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that The Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 5.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 10th were paid a dividend of $0.7506 per share. This represents a $3.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.18%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, January 9th. This is a boost from Toronto-Dominion Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.73. Toronto-Dominion Banks payout ratio is 68.19%. Analyst Ratings Changes TD has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Scotiabank cut shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sector outperform rating to a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Bank of America cut shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. StockNews.com raised shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. Finally, CIBC cut shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a sector outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 22nd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $93.00. View Our Latest Stock Report on Toronto-Dominion Bank About Toronto-Dominion Bank (Free Report) The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, U.S. Retail, Wealth Management and Insurance, and Wholesale Banking. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers decreased its holdings in shares of The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 0.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 3,065,857 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 17,903 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers owned approximately 0.17% of Charles Schwab worth $168,315,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Cove Street Capital LLC grew its stake in shares of Charles Schwab by 60.5% during the third quarter. Cove Street Capital LLC now owns 32,900 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,703,000 after acquiring an additional 12,400 shares during the last quarter. Montag A & Associates Inc. boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 5.6% in the third quarter. Montag A & Associates Inc. now owns 56,255 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,088,000 after buying an additional 2,968 shares during the last quarter. 1ST Source Bank boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 1.5% in the third quarter. 1ST Source Bank now owns 24,027 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,319,000 after buying an additional 361 shares during the last quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 2.1% in the third quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,174,861 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $64,500,000 after buying an additional 24,202 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ellevest Inc. boosted its position in Charles Schwab by 10.9% in the third quarter. Ellevest Inc. now owns 8,270 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $454,000 after buying an additional 811 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 81.61% of the companys stock. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages recently commented on SCHW. JMP Securities reiterated a market outperform rating and issued a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. Redburn Atlantic initiated coverage on Charles Schwab in a report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a sell rating and a $52.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Charles Schwab from $92.00 to $85.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $71.00 price target (up from $70.00) on shares of Charles Schwab in a report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Finally, Raymond James decreased their price target on Charles Schwab from $78.00 to $75.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Charles Schwab presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $69.69. Charles Schwab Stock Down 2.8 % NYSE SCHW opened at $62.71 on Wednesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $65.57 and a 200 day moving average price of $60.00. The Charles Schwab Co. has a one year low of $45.00 and a one year high of $81.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.66 and a current ratio of 0.66. The company has a market cap of $111.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.69, a P/E/G ratio of 3.35 and a beta of 0.99. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $4.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.49 billion. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 22.07% and a net margin of 26.90%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.07 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 8th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio is presently 39.37%. Insider Transactions at Charles Schwab In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 16,390 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.94, for a total transaction of $1,047,976.60. Following the transaction, the chairman now owns 61,331,688 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,921,548,130.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In other Charles Schwab news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 16,390 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.94, for a total value of $1,047,976.60. Following the sale, the chairman now owns 61,331,688 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,921,548,130.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, Director Carolyn Schwab-Pomerantz sold 12,208 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $61.28, for a total value of $748,106.24. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 1,722,400 shares in the company, valued at approximately $105,548,672. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 43,760 shares of company stock worth $2,731,159. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Charles Schwab Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SCHW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BlackBerry (NYSE:BB Get Free Report) had its price objective reduced by stock analysts at Royal Bank of Canada from $4.00 to $3.00 in a report issued on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a sector perform rating on the stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target would indicate a potential upside of 10.91% from the companys previous close. BB has been the subject of several other reports. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on shares of BlackBerry from $5.50 to $5.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. CIBC lowered their target price on shares of BlackBerry from $4.75 to $4.25 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. Canaccord Genuity Group lowered their target price on shares of BlackBerry from $5.00 to $4.25 and set a hold rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. StockNews.com raised shares of BlackBerry from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Raymond James reduced their target price on BlackBerry from $7.00 to $6.50 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 21st. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $4.46. Get BlackBerry alerts: Read Our Latest Report on BlackBerry BlackBerry Price Performance Shares of BB opened at $2.71 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $3.41 and a 200-day simple moving average of $3.99. BlackBerry has a 1-year low of $2.59 and a 1-year high of $5.75. The stock has a market cap of $1.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.73 and a beta of 1.44. BlackBerry (NYSE:BB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, December 20th. The company reported $0.01 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.03) by $0.04. The business had revenue of $175.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $165.15 million. BlackBerry had a negative net margin of 68.47% and a negative return on equity of 4.27%. The companys revenue was up 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted ($0.06) EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that BlackBerry will post -0.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO John Joseph Giamatteo sold 18,279 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.23, for a total transaction of $59,041.17. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 206,090 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $665,670.70. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other BlackBerry news, CEO John Joseph Giamatteo sold 18,279 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.23, for a total value of $59,041.17. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 206,090 shares in the company, valued at approximately $665,670.70. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Steve Rai sold 20,047 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $3.25, for a total value of $65,152.75. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 84,599 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $274,946.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 99,922 shares of company stock valued at $329,212. 1.94% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On BlackBerry A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Swiss National Bank boosted its stake in shares of BlackBerry by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 1,219,350 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,763,000 after buying an additional 20,700 shares during the last quarter. Cartenna Capital LP purchased a new position in shares of BlackBerry during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $6,636,000. Bank of Nova Scotia purchased a new position in shares of BlackBerry during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $208,000. Exchange Traded Concepts LLC purchased a new position in shares of BlackBerry during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $103,000. Finally, Great West Life Assurance Co. Can boosted its stake in shares of BlackBerry by 26.7% during the 2nd quarter. Great West Life Assurance Co. Can now owns 3,287,713 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,190,000 after buying an additional 692,610 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 42.66% of the companys stock. BlackBerry Company Profile (Get Free Report) BlackBerry Limited provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Cybersecurity, IoT, and Licensing and Other. The company offers CylancePROTECT, an endpoint protection platform and mobile threat defense solution; CylanceOPTICS, an endpoint detection and response solution; CylanceGUARD, a managed detection and response solution; CylanceGATEWAY, an AI-empowered zero-trust network access solution; CylancePERSONA, a user and entity behavior analytics solution; BlackBerry unified endpoint management, a central software component for secure communications platform; BlackBerry Dynamics, a development platform and secure container for mobile applications; and BlackBerry Workspaces solutions. See Also Receive News & Ratings for BlackBerry Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackBerry and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Toyota Motor Co. (NYSE:TM Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high on Monday . The company traded as high as $226.42 and last traded at $226.21, with a volume of 89103 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $224.46. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TM has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Nomura lowered shares of Toyota Motor from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. StockNews.com lowered shares of Toyota Motor from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, January 19th. Get Toyota Motor alerts: View Our Latest Report on TM Toyota Motor Stock Up 2.3 % Institutional Investors Weigh In On Toyota Motor The businesss 50 day moving average price is $194.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $183.91. The firm has a market capitalization of $313.07 billion, a PE ratio of 9.85, a P/E/G ratio of 0.41 and a beta of 0.65. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 1.02 and a current ratio of 1.18. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. D.A. Davidson & CO. increased its stake in Toyota Motor by 15.6% during the 1st quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 1,448 shares of the companys stock worth $261,000 after buying an additional 195 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its stake in Toyota Motor by 34.0% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 25,609 shares of the companys stock worth $4,616,000 after buying an additional 6,493 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL purchased a new stake in Toyota Motor during the 1st quarter worth approximately $234,000. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC increased its stake in Toyota Motor by 9.1% during the 1st quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 3,740 shares of the companys stock worth $674,000 after buying an additional 311 shares during the period. Finally, First Trust Advisors LP increased its stake in Toyota Motor by 6.6% during the 1st quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 356,505 shares of the companys stock worth $64,260,000 after buying an additional 22,142 shares during the period. 1.33% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Toyota Motor (Get Free Report) Toyota Motor Corporation designs, manufactures, assembles, and sells passenger vehicles, minivans and commercial vehicles, and related parts and accessories in Japan, North America, Europe, Asia, Central and South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. It operates in Automotive, Financial Services, and All Other segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Toyota Motor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toyota Motor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truepoint Inc. raised its stake in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 119.4% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,081 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after buying an additional 2,221 shares during the period. Truepoint Inc.s holdings in Chevron were worth $688,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Windsor Advisory Group LLC grew its position in Chevron by 24.0% during the third quarter. Windsor Advisory Group LLC now owns 3,720 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $627,000 after buying an additional 720 shares during the period. Dechtman Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in Chevron in the 2nd quarter worth $648,000. Altrius Capital Management Inc lifted its position in Chevron by 2.1% during the third quarter. Altrius Capital Management Inc now owns 21,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $3,597,000 after purchasing an additional 434 shares in the last quarter. Tsfg LLC increased its position in Chevron by 5.3% in the third quarter. Tsfg LLC now owns 3,473 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $586,000 after buying an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Berkeley Capital Partners LLC increased its position in Chevron by 13.1% in the second quarter. Berkeley Capital Partners LLC now owns 14,333 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $2,255,000 after buying an additional 1,661 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets CVX has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. DZ Bank downgraded Chevron from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $160.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Bank of America upgraded shares of Chevron from a neutral rating to a buy rating and raised their price objective for the company from $190.00 to $200.00 in a research report on Monday, October 30th. TD Cowen lowered Chevron from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and cut their price target for the stock from $170.00 to $150.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Chevron from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Finally, UBS Group lowered their price target on Chevron from $194.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Chevron currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $180.95. Chevron Trading Up 0.3 % CVX stock traded up $0.40 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $151.00. The company had a trading volume of 1,708,721 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,780,223. Chevron Co. has a 52-week low of $139.62 and a 52-week high of $172.88. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $148.17 and a 200-day simple moving average of $154.36. The firm has a market capitalization of $285.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.25, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.19 by $0.26. Chevron had a return on equity of 15.24% and a net margin of 10.63%. The business had revenue of $47.18 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $50.93 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $4.09 EPS. Chevrons revenue was down 16.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Chevron Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.63 per share. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.32%. This is a boost from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.51. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio is presently 53.17%. Chevron Company Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P lifted its stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 11.9% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 590,370 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 62,604 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L Ps holdings in UnitedHealth Group were worth $297,658,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of UNH. Robbins Farley purchased a new stake in shares of UnitedHealth Group during the third quarter worth about $25,000. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its position in UnitedHealth Group by 340.0% during the third quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 66 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 51 shares during the last quarter. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the first quarter worth about $35,000. WFA of San Diego LLC acquired a new position in UnitedHealth Group during the second quarter worth about $39,000. Finally, Annapolis Financial Services LLC boosted its position in UnitedHealth Group by 38.6% during the third quarter. Annapolis Financial Services LLC now owns 79 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $40,000 after acquiring an additional 22 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have weighed in on UNH shares. Morgan Stanley decreased their target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $610.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Thursday, November 30th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $584.00 to $581.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Finally, Stephens reissued an overweight rating and issued a $605.00 price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Thursday, February 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has assigned a hold rating, thirteen have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $575.79. UnitedHealth Group Stock Down 0.0 % UNH traded down $0.07 during trading hours on Wednesday, hitting $516.78. 588,252 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,156,535. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 12-month low of $445.68 and a 12-month high of $554.70. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $524.08 and a 200 day moving average of $518.02. The company has a current ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firm has a market cap of $477.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.54. UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 12th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.16 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $5.98 by $0.18. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.39%. The company had revenue of $94.43 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $92.13 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $5.34 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.84 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity In other news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total value of $36,370,321.59. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 635,528 shares in the company, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (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. Read More 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. RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. provides reinsurance and insurance products around the world. The company was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Bermuda with offices in Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Singapore, and the US. The company operates through two segments that include multiple underlying businesses and investment vehicles. The two main segments are Property and Casualty & Specialty. The company operates through intermediaries that include DaVinci Resinsurance Inc, Top Layer Reinsurance LTD, and RennaisanceRe Syndicate 1458 among others. Top Layer Re is the first major venture and was started in 1999. It is a joint venture with State Farm targeting high layers of the US reinsurance business. DaVinci Re was formed in the wake of 9/11 to assist with capacity and it was given added capacity in the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Medici was formed in 2009 and is an open-ended fund intended to spur investment in the catastrophe bond market. The Property segment writes catastrophic insurance policies to insure insurance and reinsurance companies against natural and man-made catastrophes. These include but are not limited to hurricanes, floods, freezes, and terrorism. The Casualty & Specialty segment provides a wide range of consumer products including business insurance, malpractice insurance, liability insurance, workers' compensation, mortgage insurance, and health insurance among others. Among RenaissanceRes Specialty businesses is capital management. The firm offers 6 investment vehicles and has more than $11 billion under management making it the #1 ILS or insurance-linked asset manager in the US. In regards to its credit ratings, the firm and all of its vehicles carry an A or better rating from every credit rating agency. 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 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 Crypto 101 Media Like Tiny Crypto Retirement Funds The crypto bull market is about to blast off. Bitcoin and Ethereum are surging. But so are tiny altcoins that could be so profitable They're like tiny crypto retirement funds. Click here and see how to get a copy. 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. Members of Derry City and Strabane District Councils Business and Culture Committee warmly welcomed news yesterday that final Letters of Offer have now been received from all funding partners for the much-anticipated DNA (Derry~Londonderry on the North Atlantic) Museum in Ebrington Square. Its a major milestone in the development, and members heard that funding of 12,719,532 has now been secured from all project partners, including Inclusive Future Funding administered through Tourism Northern Ireland (TNI); The Executive Office (TEO); The National Lottery Heritage Fund (Heritage Fund) and Department for Communities (DfC), with additional funding from the Garfield Weston & Galewest Investments Ltd and the Wolfson Foundation. The Committee received a full report from Councils Head of Culture Aeidin McCarter, confirming the news and outlining the steps ahead in the delivery of the project. Members heard that officers can now progress with the appointment of the IST (Integrated Supply Team), followed by the Fit-Out contractor, with works set to commence on site in November 2024. The goal is to have construction and fit out completed and the museum opening in summer 2026, Ms McCarter confirmed. The committee had previously granted approval in September last year for Council officers to formally accept the letters of offer from the funders, in line with the funding and expenditure plan and proceed to formally commence the project. Yesterdays update was unanimously welcomed and the project team was congratulated for their work in progressing to this stage. Commenting on the milestone, Economy Minister Conor Murphy said: This museum will add to the already vibrant tourist offering in this beautiful and historic city. The interactive attraction will showcase the significant heritage of the city and region. It will tell the story of how it has been shaped, with particular focus on the stories of people who have lived and worked in the area. The project will also extend the visitor experience beyond the city centre to the Waterside, generating more jobs and business growth. I look forward to seeing it develop and visiting when completed. Dr Paul Mullan, Director, Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund committed a 2.8million contribution to the repair and refurbishment of the space at Ebrington that will become the Derry-Londonderry North Atlantic Museum. In addition, the award will make the Citys archive and collections more accessible highlighting its role as the gateway to the Atlantic and sharing its lesser known international history and global connections. Our Heritage 2033 strategy commits to conserving and valuing heritage, for now and the future. We are so pleased to see the realisation of this project that will make heritage accessible, relevant, sustainable and valued. Welcoming the news, Philippa Charles Director of the Garfield Weston Foundation, said: This is a very significant step in the delivery of the DNA Museum and I am delighted to welcome it today. The Museum will play an important role in celebrating the rich maritime heritage of the North West region, and highlighting the strategic importance of the city down through the centuries as a busy centre of trade and industry. I look forward to seeing work begin on site in the coming months. Jessica Warner, Head of Funding at the Wolfson Foundation, said: We are delighted to be involved in this project and to mark an important step in its progress. The new DNA Museum offers a wonderful opportunity to engage visitors with the maritime heritage of the area through its fascinating and historic collections. Wolfson remains committed to funding in Northern Ireland and it is excellent to see this project move even closer to becoming a reality. Chair of the Business and Culture Committee, Cllr Brian Harte, said: I am delighted to have reached this milestone in the DNA Museum project. Its the first in our ambitious portfolio of City Deal projects to reach delivery stage which is significant. Over the past few months we have seen some considerable progress in the overall development of the Ebrington site, and the new museum will be another major attraction for visitors. I want to thank all our project partners for their support and acknowledge the tremendous work of the project team to date. Its been a challenging project, with many unavoidable hurdles to overcome, but all the pieces are now in place to begin work on the ground and deliver this exciting strategic development for the North West. Work is already underway on the interpretative content for all of the galleries. Council officers are also working on a series of engagement sessions and events with key stakeholders and citizens to raise awareness of the status of the DNA Museum project and share more on the interpretative content. "This planned engagement will start this month with an engagement session with the Ebrington tenants and a meeting with the external Historical Advisory Panel. The engagement process will look ahead to the Foyle Maritime Festival at the end of June and continue over the duration of the project to ensure stakeholders and citizens are kept informed at each relevant stage. A man has been remanded in custody at Derry Magistrates Court after breaching his bail conditions by having a mobile phone. Sean Houston (33) of Upper Violet Street in Derry was charged with, on February 13, breaching his bail by being in possession of a mobile phone. Houston had previously been released on bail for drugs charges with one of the conditions being that he cannot have a mobile. The incident occurred when police stopped a car under the misuse of drugs act. The officers at the scene searched the car and Houston and found the phone on him but were not aware of his bail conditions. Upon becoming aware, police went to a block of flats where the defendant had gone and Houston ran away, throwing away the phone which police have yet to find. Bail was objected to as police believe there is a clear risk of reoffending and an officer said a mobile phone was central to the original charges. Defence solicitor Roma McGeady said that Houston had simply panicked, adding that he had not breached any other bail conditions since his last appearance in court in January. District Judge Barney McElhom told Houston that, if he wanted to make bail, he would have to tell police where the phone is, revoked bail. The most senior civil servant in Stormonts Department of Finance has told MLAs he has received no instructions from ministers to begin work to introduce revenue-raising measures in Northern Ireland. During an appearance at the first sitting of the new Finance Committee, Neil Gibson faced questions about whether political parties in the region had committed to introducing measures to raise additional revenue as part of negotiations ahead of the return of Stormont. His appearance came the day after the publication of details of a 3.3 billion financial package drawn up by the Government to support the return of devolution in Northern Ireland. The Government has said the Executive should raise 113 million in additional funds over the next year and produce a plan to deliver sustainable finances as a condition for the Treasury writing off almost 600 million of Stormont debt. But Stormont leaders have voiced concern about introducing new revenue-raising measures in the region. Finance Minister Caoimhe Archibald has written to the Treasury setting out her concerns and asking for an urgent meeting. Ms Archibald has said the Executive should be given time and space to develop and agree a sustainability plan. Committee chair Matthew OToole asked Mr Gibson, the permanent secretary at the Department of Finance, if he was surprised by the contents of the letter from the Treasury on Tuesday. Mr Gibson said: Not surprised at the content in its overall structure, much of that had been trailed in the engagement that occurred around December. As always, theres a little bit you are still awaiting. We didnt get it until yesterday. The minister has already written back quite swiftly on some of the areas that cause her greatest concern. As always in these sorts of things, there is always a little bit more in the detail when you see it. Mr OToole asked if political parties had agreed to revenue-raising measures during negotiations with the Government in December, ahead of the restoration of the powersharing institutions. Mr Gibson said: In those conversations, revenue-raising was always mentioned as one aspect of the conversation, the reference to a sustainability plan was a big piece of that. The expectation there was that any conversation in relation to how Northern Irelands finances could be put on a sustainable footing would require consideration of all matters, of money coming in from whatever sources and decisions that were taken. It is only in the detail of the letter that that is spelt out as a revenue-raising component and then a separate mention to the sustainability plan. Mr OToole asked if ministers had agreed that work should begin on revenue-raising ahead of Tuesdays letter from the Treasury. Mr Gibson said: It would be for ministers to answer how they interpreted it, but certainly the language that is set out is in the context of a sustainability plan. The Executive makes revenue decisions every year, rates setting, whatever it may be. Any form of financial long-term look at Northern Irelands finances would have to consider all sources of revenue that come to that, be they locally generated, be that through the UK grant. Mr OToole said: To be clear, at any point have you or your officials been instructed by an Executive minister, either directly or indirectly, to begin work on revenue-raising so far. Mr Gibson replied: No. Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Oregon Wind Farm Avangrid Inc., a sustainable energy company and member of the Iberdrola Group, announced the signing of a new power purchase agreement with Amazon to source renewable energy from an Avangrid wind farm located in Gilliam County, Oregon. Amazon Wind Farm Oregon Leaning Juniper IIA is a repowering project that will significantly extend the life of the existing wind farm and make it work more efficiently. Consisting of 40 turbines, the wind farm will produce enough energy to power 22,800 homes every year. During construction, the project will support about 200 jobs. Additionally, Avangrid has executed contracts to recycle all turbine blades that will be decommissioned with this project, which is estimated to divert more than 1,000 tons of mass from landfill. Through the Avangrid Community Sponsorship Program, the wind farm has contributed to local libraries, preschools, and firefighters. Repowering the project through Amazon's investment ensures this work can continue. Avangrid is headquartered in Orange, Connecticut, and has operations in 24 U.S. states. Social media giants and phone companies have refused Irelands education ministers request for greater measures to protect children online. Minister for Education Norma Foley, a former secondary school teacher, had asked for greater controls from social media companies on age verification and for network companies to support parents in not buying phones for primary school children. She emphasised that the Department was not anti-phone, and though social media was a wonderful gift, it comes with an enormous responsibility and a duty of care. The minister and her officials met representatives from Meta, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Three Ireland, Vodafone, Tesco and Ibec. The social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, did not attend. She said there was very robust engagement and a very frank and open discussion at the meeting, where adult-to-child sextortion, recommendation algorithms, and AI were discussed. There were two that I was very keen to advance, and the first one was in the area of age verification, Ms Foley said after the meeting. Im very conscious that in particular, social media providers would tell us that they have a mandate around the 13 years of age, but I think we all know that there are children younger than 13 accessing these platforms. And I know it from my own experience, I know from engaging with parents, I know from engaging with schools, that they would identify it as a clear issue for them that there are children much, much younger than 13. I did seek an undertaking from them that they would facilitate age verification, whatever form that might take. Im not prescriptive on the mechanism, but that we will have clear age verification because we know that children are well able to jump over that particular requirement. That wasnt forthcoming at present. The other issue I very specifically raised, particularly with telecommunication representatives, was around their willingness to support in principle, the position we have taken in the Department of Education to support parents to hold off from purchasing smartphones for children while theyre at primary school. And again, Id have to say, that wasnt forthcoming at this point in time. When asked what the companies said as to why they would not commit to those requests, Ms Foley said that it was argued it was a parents prerogative to restrict smartphones for children. I absolutely accept that, and thats why were working directly with parents, the Kerry TD said. But they were not prepared to come out, in principle, to support the work that were doing in that area at this point, and I want to be fair around that, because they did commit to engage further. She said the companies raised concerns about how age verification would be done, and that a passport or a live selfie raised privacy concerns. I was clear, its not the mechanism, Im not prescriptive on that. We just require a mechanism. I would need them to come forward with a type of mechanism, which wasnt forthcoming at this point, a type of mechanism that would ensure categorically that the age verification is working. She added: I think there cant be an argument around age verification, I dont think there could be an argument either around supporting in principle parents, as we encouraged them not to buy into the smartphone for younger children at primary school level. And then the other issues. So for example, other issues that have been raised with me, are around areas like sextortion, where were seeing that an adult can, if you like, trick a young person into providing explicit material and then there may well be efforts of financial extortion or whatever. That was raised. It was interesting to note as well, that there was a time when it was adult to adult, were now looking at adult to children. And Im not saying that it is prolific everywhere, but it is an element that we must be aware of. Another issue that was flagged with me that I took the opportunity to raise today was around where images can be altered or distorted and the filtering of images and the lack of honesty or reality that applies to that and the impact from a wellbeing point of view that that can have on young people. She said that the ultimate responsibility in this area lies with Coimisiun na Mean, the newly established Irish regulator for broadcasters, on-demand services, and online media. The body is establishing an online safety code for video-sharing platforms, for which public consultation has concluded. Asked about how far the Irish government would push this, Ms Foley said that there is no one person or organisation to blame, but mentioned fines up to 20 million euro, or 10% of profits that could be imposed by the Coimisiun. There will be ramifications going forward for those who dont invite themselves into the space. RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst has said he understands the anger from staff over a former chief financial officer being given an exit package worth 450,000 euro. The exit package was not brought before the executive board for approval and was the only case where the terms of the programme were not adhered to, according to an independent report by McCann FitzGerald published last month. The report stressed that the responsibility for this rested with RTE, as individuals were not responsible for putting their applications before the executive board for approval. The value of the payment to Ms OKeeffe came to light as RTE executives and board members appeared before the Oireachtas Media committee following the publication of two reports one that looked at two voluntary exit schemes at RTE and one that looked at Toy Show The Musical. Formal approval by the RTE board for the musical, which recorded a 2.2 million euro loss after a single season in 2022, was neither sought nor provided, despite it being a requirement for projects costing more than two million euro. Chair of the Media Committee Niamh Smyth said she was under the impression that some actions intended to deceive the board members who were there at the time about what the real picture was around Toy Show The Musical. Board member Anne OLeary said she believed there was an element of deception that deliberately it kept away from the rigorous interrogation of the audit and risk committee of RTE. Board member David Harvey said there was very little that an ordinary board member can do when normal proven procedures are circumvented and it was endemic in the organisation. Mr Bakhurst, who has pledged reform at Irelands public service broadcaster since taking over last summer, said the organisation had faced legal issues in trying to publish the independent report. Appearing before the committee on Wednesday alongside RTE executives and board members, Mr Bakhurst said it was concerning to me the way that Bredas package was agreed, and that he has absolute sympathy for the staff who are outraged about it because Im fairly outraged about it myself. Under questioning from Senator Malcolm Byrne, he also said he had received a letter from the solicitor of Ms OKeeffe on Tuesday night setting a range of things she would like me to say at committee. He said: I even got a letter, as of yesterday evening, from the solicitors of the previous chief financial officer setting out a range of things she would like me to say in committee and the response was, You were invited, you can come in and say them yourself if you want to. He said the organisation had faced significant legal pressure in relation to the McCann Fitzgerald report. We have had significant legal pressure over months to get this report out, and to deal with this issue, and there is a legal threat over this, Mr Bakhurst said under questioning from Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon. After Mr Bakhurst initially said he could not answer the questions due to confidentiality, Mr Dillon argued that it should be answered in the interest of transparency and accountability. Mr Bakhurst responded: I agree with you, transparency is important, I agree with you that its important in this case. Breda OKeeffe was paid 450,000 euros to leave. Human resources director Eimear Cusack was questioned about her decision to sign off on the exit package for Ms OKeeffe, which did not comply with its redundancy scheme but was approved by former director general Dee Forbes. She said of the voluntary exit schemes at RTE, that there were 177 people left from the first scheme carried out in 2017 and 26 from the second scheme in 2021, all of whom went through due process. And I would have not seen one being as high as that, no, she said. Asked if the role of chief financial officer was suppressed, she added: I was told that the cost savings will be achieved. As I said earlier, looking back today, I should have pushed back harder. In that scheme, role suppression was not the only criteria, which is different from 2021, which was run differently. Speaking to Ms Cusack at the committee, Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster said: If you were doing your job as director of HR, you could say I cant sign that because it says approved by the executive board. If I sign that I will be party to a lie. At no stage did you intervene as head of HR, at no stage did you speak up and say what is being done here is wrong. Were you afraid of Dee Forbes? Were you afraid of questioning her? Were you afraid of tackling this? Ms Cusack said she wasnt afraid of Dee Forbes, adding that she took full responsibility for the oversight in signing off the letter. Ms Munster told Mr Bakhurst that it will be difficult to build up trust with the public when a board member who never spoke up is still on the executive board. Mr Bakhurst said: There have been consequences at the most senior level in RTE. There have been consequences at executive level. I judge each individual case on its merits. Eimear made a mistake, she said that in this case. The one thing I would say is I have worked with many heads of HR in my time, Eimear is extremely good as head of HR. She is delivering change and fairness across the organisation. Chairwoman of the RTE board Siun Ni Raghallaigh and Mr Bakhurst reaffirmed their aim to reform and win back public trust at RTE following a series of governance and financial control revelations last year. Mr Bakhurst said he cannot give a categorical guarantee that there is nothing else that will come to light, but added: I sincerely hope there is nothing else, Im not aware of anything. Speaking at the start of the committee, Ms Smyth said it was regrettable that a number of former board members could not attend the committee meeting. She said: It should also be noted that the following persons were also invited but regrettably have not been in a position to attend today. They are Dee Forbes, former director general of RTE; Geraldine OLeary, former commercial director of RTE; Breda OKeeffe, former chief financial officer at RTE; Jim Jennings, former director of content at RTE; Richard Collins, former chief financial officer at RTE; Connor Murphy, former board member of RTE; Rory Coveney, former director of strategy at RTE; Moya Doherty, former chair of the RTE board; and Ian Hill, former deputy chair of the board of RTE. A number of the invited guests were unable to attend on the grounds of illness and ill health and we do wish them a speedy recovery. She added at the end of the committee: I would appeal to Ms Forbes if she is watching in to please make herself available to this committee at some point. We do not want to go down the road of compelling but we may be left with no option. She made a similar plea to the former chair of the board Ms Doherty and Mr Coveney. THIS week, I caught up with former UCC student Dylan Fenton, from Hollyhill, who lives in Barcelona, Spain. When did you move to Barcelona? I moved to Barcelona in September, 2021. It was near the end of Covid and I was there after working remotely at home, in my mam and dads house, for almost two years. I was in my mid-20s and getting anxious to get moving and experience new places and things. The initial plan was to move to Australia, the visa application was approved just before they opened up their borders. I had friends who were already living in Barcelona then who I was chatting with about coming here and they were loving it here, so I said I would try it - and here I am three years later. What is life like in your new home? Its great, I have a good circle of friends who are living very close. I live very centrally in the city, Im a ten minute walk to the gym and the office, Im surrounded by restaurants, bars, clubs, museums, cinemas, parks, and all of the events that go on within those. The beach is a 25-minute walk, or with public transport you could be there or to Tibidabo Mountain in 15 minutes. Dylan Fenton Barcelona, Spain with his dad Tony. What has been the biggest challenge? Id probably have to say the language barrier. You can live here with just knowing English and get by, but when youre committing to life in Spain I think its important to learn the language so you can chat with locals, and when youre dealing with the big boy stuff in life like ringing the dentist. My mam doesnt speak enough Spanish to do that for me anymore unfortunately. Ive been picking the language up bit by bit over the last two years and Im living with two friends who are South American. I also take Spanish classes twice a week, so I get a decent amount of practice. How do you spend your weekends? That is a tough one. It depends, because theres always something different. But when I plan for a weekend, it would usually be either to head out of the city or go on a hike - theres some savage areas surrounding Barcelona for hikes. When I stay around the city, which I would do more often, I would keep my eye on events like food and music festivals/gigs, then go and have some drinks with friends and go to a club that night if the wind blows us that way... usually does. When we get closer to summer, therell be a lot of weekends spent at the beach, then the wind blows the usual way after a day at the beach. Dylan Fenton enjoying life in Barcelona, Spain Tell us a bit about the culture of where you live? Barcelona is a melting pot for cultures, its a very multi-national city when it comes to the social atmosphere so you experience all sorts. To pick one difference, it would be that the social life is very different to Ireland, almost all socialising here is outdoors, theres bundles of festivals and cultural events that you can sign up for and meet new people and try new things. In Ireland, we would traditionally socialise in pubs or community events. The population of Barcelona is almost two million so the social difference is going to stand as a big difference to Cork city. There are more opportunities to socialise here but I think meeting with a typical Irish person in a pub at home would be as much craic as most things that goes on here. The other obvious differences would be the weather, beaches, and the language. For culture shocks, I think the first one that stood out and that I still dont get is the times they sit down to have dinner. It could be 11pm or midnight before some Catalans or Spanish sit down to have dinner, pure madness. The only time Sandra Fenton prepared a dinner that late was the night before Santa came. Tell us about your line of work? I work in finance, as an Equity Analyst for Global Shares. Its a company that started in West Cork and was recently acquired by JPMorgan. There are offices in different locations in the world, but theyre mainly in Europe at the moment. Ive been in finance ever since I left UCC in 2018. Dylan and his family. His brother Anthony surprised their parents for their mam's 60th birthday celebrations in Barcelona , by travelling all the way from Australia. What has been your most memorable moment in your new location so far? Thats an easy one, seeing my mam and dads face when my brother Anthony, who lives in Australia, showed up in Barcelona to surprise my mam. We were celebrating her 60th here in November, my brother Wayne and aunt and uncle Breda and Liam were here too. Anthony had been on to me the previous weeks about surprising her and we put the plan in place. When we landed on a Wednesday, I could tell my mam was a little bit emotional and she was saying to me that all she wanted was for all of us to be together. But little did she know that Anthony landed the Wednesday too. It was magical for them. Ill never forget it. Have you been to any sports event? Yes, Ive been to a nice few Barcelona Champions League and La Liga games. The stand-out games there would have been against Madrid and then Bayern. The atmosphere in the Camp Nou for those was unreal. Because the Camp Nou is being renovated, Barca are playing in Estadio Montjuic for the moment, Ive been to one game there, against Deportivo, with my brother Anthony. Barcelona, Spain Any special mentions to friends or family back in Cork? Yes, Id like to give mention to all of the Norries in Cork, up the Northside haha. But to all of my family at home, to my nan and grandad Dwyer on Harbour View Road, my mam and dad who Facetime me three times a day, my brother Wayne, his fiancee Erica Lowen and my nieces Madison and Lola. To my brother Anthony, his wife Amanda Condon, and my nephew and nieces Charlie, Aria and Millie in Australia. To all of the lads up in Vincents GAA club, who I miss going through the paces with on mucky Tuesdays and Thursdays. A shout-out to Wayne Long, there was never a bricklayer walk this earth like Wayne Long. If you were back in Cork for one day, what would be the ideal day for you? The ideal day would be spent with family and friends. Id start off by having a famous Sandra Fenton breakfast. Id round up troops from the family and friends to head into town, drooling away mad thinking about the pint of Murphys Ill have in Mutton Lane. Get there and do a bit of a pub crawl to my favourite spots in the city. Wed finish the evening off in one of our local spots on Blarney Street, wed be well fed and watered by the night. A CORK TD has called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to intervene and help secure the funding necessary for the reopening of a northside preschool. The Churchfield childcare facility formerly known as Before 5 closed with immediate effect last August, citing financial challenges, changes in regulations, operational challenges, and recruitment issues. The centre, which has provided preschool childcare for five decades, employed 14 people and had preschool spaces for up to 100 children, but local people have stressed that Before 5, which also provided a homework club and adult classes, fulfilled a vital community role. Given the centres activities beyond preschool care, the parents of more than 300 children depended upon Before 5 for childcare provision. Speaking in the Dail during Parliamentary Questions yesterday, Mick Barry, People Before Profit/Solidarity TD for Cork North Central, said the urgent hope was that a new facility would be able to open in the former Before 5 premises in September. For that to happen, approximately 366,000 of works need to be done, and for them to be done in time, work will need to commence before May, said Mr Barry. He added that the new management team at Northside Community Enterprises had written to five ministers in a bid to unlock funding. Mr Barry asked the Taoiseach if he would communicate to the ministers his view that this issue needed to be treated as a matter of utmost priority. Mr Varadkar responded that he did not have details to hand on the issue, but he intended to make enquiries of Mr OGorman. Meanwhile, Sinn Fein TD for Cork North Central, Thomas Gould, has called for an urgent meeting on the matter. Having spoken with the new operator, and reviewing the business proposal, I believe we now need to meet to find out where exactly funding has been sought, said Mr Gould. NOMINATIONS have officially opened for the 2024 Lord Mayors Community and Voluntary Awards. Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork together with media partner The Echo and EchoLive.ie have announced details of this years awards, which aim to recognise the enormous contribution that community and voluntary organisations make to the city. Chris Dorgan, Cork City Council; Sandra Carey, The Echo; Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy & Grainne McGuinness, The Echo. Picture: Cork City Council. This year the awards, which are coordinated by the Community Culture and Placemaking Directorate of Cork City Council, celebrate their 21st anniversary. A number of previous winning groups were in attendance at the launch in City Hall yesterday, including Young at Heart Douglas Seniors, Mayfield Arts, Green Spaces for Health, Pakistani Community in Cork, and Newberry House. Maria Young, Green Spaces for Health; Kieran OConnell, Cork City Council; Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy and Mandie Rekaby, Green Spaces for Health. Picture: Cork City Council Mr McCarthy praised local community groups for their role at the heart of life in Cork city. Once again, we celebrate the rich voluntary effort, dedication, and building communities ethos in our city, he said. More than 600 organisations are engaged in the community and voluntary sector in the city. In essence, they form the heart of Cork society and, in a sense, its caring DNA of togetherness and solidarity. The Lady Mayoress, Marcelline Bonneau, Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, Fahmeda Naheed, Pakastani Community in Cor and Usman Sharif, Pakastani Community in Cork. Picture: Cork City Council. Awards will be made in six categories: Arts, Culture, Recreation, and Heritage; Climate Action and Sustainable Development; Community Development and Continuing Education; Recreation, Sport, Health, and Wellbeing; Social Inclusion, Advocacy, and Integration; and Social Services, Charities, and Environment. Three organisations are shortlisted in each category, with one being selected as deserving of special recognition. In addition to the award, a donation of 500 is awarded to the winning organisation. One overall winner will presented with the perpetual trophy, an award of 1,000, and a bursary from sponsor The Echo/Echolive.ie. The spirit of community and volunteering is incredibly strong in Cork, and it is so important that this is recognised, The Echo editor Grainne McGuinness said. The Lord Mayors Community and Voluntary Awards are an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and groups. As Corks local paper and news website, we are delighted to sponsor these awards and to have the opportunity to highlight the tremendous work happening in Cork, day in and day out. The awards have given well-deserved recognition to many fantastic groups over the years, and we look forward to shining a spotlight on more great work. Lord Mayor, Cllr. Kieran McCarthy, Rosella Sheehan and Deirdre Hunt from Mayfield Arts. Picture: Cork City Council. The winners will be announced at a civic ceremony in Cork City Hall on Wednesday, April 10, with nominations open until March 15. Further information on the application process can be found at https://bit.ly/LMAWARDS24. The application form is to be completed online. If anyone requires assistance in completing the application, they can contact catherine_foley@corkcity.ie or call 021 4924099. A battle for the ownership of the luxury Fota Island Resort, in Co Cork, has kicked off at the High Court. A Chinese businessman who claims he invested 30m in Irish properties, including the five-star hotel and spa in Co Cork, has launched a legal action where he is claiming an alleged conspiracy to defraud. Yuzhu Kangs counsel Declan McGrath SC, instructed by Taylor Wessing Solicitors, told the court the central matter in controversy in the complex case is who funded the purchase of several properties including the Cork resort, the Kingsley Hotel in Cork city, and other properties. The case before Mr Justice Max Barrett is set to last 12 weeks. Sued Yuzhu Kang, from Hebei Province in China and now living in Dublin, has sued businesswoman Xiu Xiang Kelly who is also from the Hebei region, but who lives at Fota Island Resort, Cork, and her son Tuo Du, of the same address. Mr Kang has also sued three companies Xiu Lan Holdings Ltd and Lan Sideriver Investment Holdings Ltd, both with offices at Ballincollig, Cork, and Allied Express International Development Ltd, with registered offices in Hong Kong. In the proceedings, Mr Kang has claimed he agreed in 2013 to purchase Fota Island Resort which was being sold on the instructions of NAMA. He says, with the assistance of Ms Kelly, the company Xiu Lan Holdings was incorporated to hold the investment. Mr Kang was the 100% shareholder. In the three years that followed, he says he made several further property acquisitions in Ireland including the Kingsley Hotel in Cork city and the majority of the properties were acquired and are held by subsidiaries direct or indirect of the Holdings company. Issue At issue in the case is the alleged transfer of shares in the years that followed, and Mr Kang has claimed it formed part of an alleged conspiracy to defraud him. All of the claims are denied, and it is contended that Mr Kang is allegedly in financial difficulty and that freezing orders had allegedly been issued in China against his assets. The other side further contends that Mr Kang allegedly fled China in 2019, to allegedly escape both the Chinese authorities and his alleged creditors. Mr Kang has vehemently denied these allegations and labelled them as gratuitous, scandalous, vexatious, and irrelevant to the matters in dispute, and has contended the claims have been calculated to embarrass him. He said he left China in 2019, and denies he fled or that his departure from China was due to any need to escape the Chinese authorities or any creditors. He has said there is no legal impediment to him returning to China, but he has remained in Ireland with a view to pursuing the proceedings. He also says he continues to own assets of significant value in China. Ms Kelly has further contended that she effected the purchase of the Fota Island Resort in 2013 using monies belonging to her, and that she has at all times been the beneficial owner of the luxury resort. It is claimed that Ms Kelly was anxious not to be identified with the proposed purchase of Fota Island Resort, and that she used Mr Kangs name as a front for her. She claims that Mr Kang was aware and consented to his then commercial profile being adopted in the context of the Fota purchase and she was the preferred bidder. She has claimed that the purchase money paid in respect of Fota was funded by herself, her son, and third parties, but not Mr Kang. The case continues. Fatime Letifova There certainly should be Western pressure on Yerevan for a truth commission to investigate these tragic events," Patrick Walsh, an Irish historian, said in his comment to Azernews about the bodies of missing Azerbaijani citizens killed by Armenia back in the First Garabagh War. . It is worth noting that after the 44-day Patriotic War, the Azerbaijan Republic created favourable conditions for the Armenian side to conduct search operations in areas where military operations were conducted, adhering to the norms of international humanitarian law and the relevant provisions of the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020. The expert said that relatives of missing persons from the First Garabagh War deserve to receive information about the fate of their loved ones. This type of process is usually part of conflict resolution. It is an indication that conflict is over and there is an intention of peace and reconciliation. There certainly should be Western pressure on Yerevan for a truth commission to investigate these tragic events. This is a vital part of the healing process between people and needs to get greater priority," Walsh said. The expert also condemned Armenia's failure to provide Azerbaijan with mine maps and information about missing ones in Garabagh. He called this step of Armenia inadequate and a serious obstacle to the peace process. "Of course, this kind of behaviour is not correct. It ensures that suspicion and bitterness are prolonged, bringing unnecessary suffering to those who have lost family members and cannot get some small measure of closure. I would say this is not just a case of international law but of essential confidence-building between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Terrible things happen in war, but it is important to admit things that are unpalatable and even damaging to the greater cause of peace and reconciliation. This will not bring the dead back or right the wrongs of the past, but it will begin a process of justice that is essential for healing. Until this begins, lasting peace is very difficult, and more people will die in vain. The war is over, but the important thing is to prevent any resumption of hostilities by creating full conditions of peace and justice. It is worth noting that Armenia has recently submitted 8 new maps to Azerbaijan regarding minefields in the territories liberated from occupation. However, the data presented by Yerevan is inaccurate, unreliable, and incomplete, according to the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA). After analysing and processing the forms, it was determined that the recorded data does not agree with the actual minefields and that the coordinates of the reference points are incorrect and useless. According to the Irish expert, the inaccuracy of the maps means that Armenia wants to obstruct the process of construction works in Garabagh as well as delay the relocation of people there. Accurate maps have been available since Armenia invaded Garabagh thirty years ago. "Not providing such maps leads to the conclusion that Armenia is attempting to obstruct the repeopling of those areas as a matter of spite. Again, that kind of behaviour is simply not conducive to peacebuilding and reconciliation. Nevertheless, the mine issue is another running sore in the conflict, which maintains conditions that can regenerate conflict. Unfortunately, mines do not know that the war is over, and they continue to increase the number of victims, and innocent victims at that. Accurate mine maps should exist since the mining process was carried out over 3 decades, not in the hurry of war," he added. Recall that in the First Garabagh War, during the Armenian occupation, 3890 Azerbaijani citizens were registered with the State Commission as missing persons, and as of January 1, 2024, only the remains of 25 individuals have been identified, based on available information. Azerbaijani society was increasingly concerned about the fate of 54 Azerbaijanis who went missing during the First Garabagh War. According to the information gathered between 1998 and 2001, the ICRC visited and officially registered the 54 Azerbaijani citizens who were taken prisoner and held at detention centres in Armenia and Azerbaijans temporarily occupied lands. While the bodies of 17 individuals were repatriated to Azerbaijan, the fate of 4 individuals remains unclear, and despite reports indicating the deaths of 33 individuals in captivity, their remains have yet to be returned. A number of delivery drivers in Cork are set to strike tonight from between 5pm and 10pm, and will gather to protest in the city at the same time. They will join protesting Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats delivery workers in Dublin, the UK and the US, who will be turning off their apps for five hours on Valentines Day. The drivers are protesting at what they say is an often dangerous job with very low pay - with workers being paid as little as 1 per order in some cases. Cork delivery driver Felipe Pessoa told The Echo: The main reason for the strike is because it has been years since Deliveroo has increased the prices of orders. The minimum wage increases every year but the value of minimum orders has been stuck at 2.90 for years, he continued. People Before Profit/Solidarity TD Mick Barry expressed strong support for the food delivery workers. "I am calling on the general public to show a little love for these workers on Valentine's Day by boycotting Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats this evening," said Mr Barry. One euro per delivery is a ridiculous wage at any time let alone in a cost of living crisis, when many of these workers are still paying off loans on their bikes. Mr Barry, a member of the Oireachtas Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, added: I hope the action is a success tonight and I hope there is strong public support for their stand." A spokesperson for Just Eat told The Echo: This issue has not been brought to the attention of Just Eat Ireland, through our courier or restaurant network. However we take the concerns of all couriers extremely seriously. Their welfare is important to us, and we welcome their feedback. Just Eat consistently engages with couriers through a number of channels, including regular pulse surveys, emails, chat function in the app while on a delivery, and offline messaging with courier support. A Deliveroo spokesperson added: Deliveroo aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections. Rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us. We are pleased to also be able to offer riders free insurance, sickness cover, financial support when riders become new parents and a range of training opportunities. The Echo contacted Uber Eats for comment. CLONAKILTY Tidy Towns and Clonakilty Community Resource Centre have joined forces with VOICE, an award-winning Environmental NGO, to tackle food waste head-on. The project, Waste Not, Want Not, is a holistic initiative that will run from February 2024 to April 2025, and will operate under the Community Climate Action Programme, promising to revolutionise the way communities address the issue of food loss and waste. According to the National Waste Statistics Summary Report, compiled by the Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland wasted a staggering 770,300 tonnes of food in 2020 enough food to feed 22,000 people for up to 12 months. The project aims to engage every stakeholder in the Clonakilty community, from farmers and retailers to schools and vulnerable groups. Unlike previous food waste interventions that focused on isolated sectors such as households, retailers, or hotels, Waste Not, Want Not adopts a farm-to-fork strategy, connecting disparate approaches into a cohesive community-wide effort. Commenting on the project, VOICE Ireland policy director Abi OCallaghan-Platt said: The community is more than the sum of its parts, and this initiative is about bringing every element together for a common cause. Were shifting the narrative from individual responsibility to a collective effort. Its not just about what each person can do at home; its about understanding the entire food chain and collectively making a difference. We envision a community that understands its role in the broader context of food waste reduction and actively contributes to the solution. Through this initiative, we aim to empower every actor in the community to take ownership of the issue and inspire positive change. VOICE is the leading environmental charity advocating for effective waste in Ireland. Gardai investigating the murder of Michael Foley have arrested two people in connection with their enquiries. 61-year-old Michael Foley was found dead at his home in Macroom, Co. Cork on Tuesday, February 6. A garda spokesperson said gardai in Macroom continue to investigate his murder. The spokesperson said that, as part of this investigation, a man and a woman were today arrested in Cork city. "Earlier today, 14th February 2024, as part of this investigation, a male and a female, both aged in their 30s, were arrested in Cork City. "They are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in County Cork. "Any person with information that can assist Gardai with this investigation is asked to contact Macroom Garda station on 026 20590, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station. "The investigation is ongoing." THE Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has been urged to prioritise proceedings in the cases of five men currently being held in custody in relation to the biggest ever drugs haul in the history of the Irish State. The five Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, 48; Filipino Harold Estoesta, 30; Iranian Saeid Hassani, 37; and Ukrainians Mykhalo Gavryk, 30, and Vitaliy Vlasoi, 31 all appeared via video link from Cork Prison at Mallow District Court. Sergeant Majella OSullivan told the court that the State would be applying for a further four-week extension to the remand in custody of all five men as the DPP still required more time to finalise directions. The five men were all informed of the request via interpreters who were present in court. Detective Sergeant Ronan McMorrow from the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau told the court that members of the investigating team had met with officials from the DPP on Thursday, February 8. He said that they were informed that if no direction was forthcoming in four weeks time a further, shorter extension would be requested. He said that because of the scope of the investigation and the amount of information that had to be examined it was taking some time. Judge Colm Roberts asked if there was any indication of when the case would be moving forward: Theyve had the file since January and we will need some indication of when if not in four weeks. They want to know when things are moving and I also want to know what the DPP situation is. They should be able to give a reasonable guesstimate at this stage. I appreciate something might happen in the meantime, absolutely, Im just asking when do they expect to conclude their work, a guesstimate? Detective Sergeant Ronan McMorrow said that he had been informed by the DPP that they were treating the case with the utmost urgency and were prioritising the case. He added that the transnational nature of the case and a file of more than 3,000 pages meant that it was a complex matter. Judge Roberts said: I understand the dissatisfaction, what do they mean by priority? I take it they really mean priority in the old fashioned sense where things are actually prioritised. Solicitor for Saeid Hassani, Don Ryan, said: This is his 11th time in court, he was charged on October 3. Theres been no court appearance, theres no future in sight, this is going on and on. Judge Roberts said he sympathised with Mr Ryans frustration adding: I dont really see why you shouldnt write directly to the DPP, it is out of garda hands at this stage. A clear explanation and timeframe is required from the DPP. If they can say it will take X they can explain why, thats reasonable, its not criticism its clarification. Four of the accused men agreed via their legal representatives to appear again at Mallow District Court on March 12, 2024 by video link from Cork Prison. Solicitor Aiden Desmond requested that his client, Harold Estoesta, appear in three weeks on March 5 due to some issues within Cork Prison that was agreed to by Judge Roberts. The five men are facing charges in relation to the seizure of more than 2.2 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated value of more then 157m that was discovered aboard the MV Matthew off the Co Cork coast in September 2023. FALLING in love at work is a common phenomenon. According to experts, the proximity and shared experiences in the workplace create a foundation for romance, driven by factors like intimacy and familiarity. In essence, the more a person is exposed to something or someone, the more likely they are to develop affection. Research supports this notion, indicating that approximately 200 hours are needed to form a best-friendship bond. Considering that most adults devote at least 1,680 hours per year to work, the workplace becomes conducive for romantic connections to flourish. Research by Forbes highlights that over 60% of adults have been involved in workplace romances. Moreover, insights from the dating site eHarmony reveal that 71% desire to flirt with a coworker, and 53% have engaged in workplace dating. Research done by the global public opinion and data company YouGov says that the one answer to how people in the UK have met their partner is still through work, and it remains more common than through friends, in a real-world venue, and apps and internet dating. But before embarking on a workplace romance, its crucial to consider certain dos and donts to navigate these relationships effectively. Do review your contract Its not sexy, I know, but its worth checking. Theres no explicit law on office romances in Ireland, so company policies govern workplace relationships. Familiarise yourself with your employers stance, follow guidelines, and be aware of recent developments, like ITVs stricter rules requiring disclosure of all relationships with colleagues, influenced by Phillip Schofields undisclosed relationship with a younger colleague. Be aware of the risks Before acting on your emotions, its crucial to consider potential consequences carefully. The relationship may not succeed, leading to hurt feelings on one or both sides. This can pose challenges when returning to a professional dynamic as work colleagues. Maintain positive intentions. Research indicates that your motives significantly influence how others perceive your actions. If colleagues sense an ego motive, perceiving the relationship as a means for personal gains, such as advancing in the company or for personal excitement, their opinions of you may be less favourable. Conversely, studies suggest that colleagues generally respond positively when they perceive a genuine and caring connection between individuals falling in love. Myra Gough. Photo Joleen Cronin Stay away from your boss Avoid romantic involvement with superiors, direct managers, or those under your supervision, as research suggests such relationships often lead to unfavourable outcomes and negative perceptions, especially in areas with pronounced conflicts of interest. Falling for a boss can occur due to what is referred to in psychology as the mere-exposure effect, where frequent interactions foster feelings. Additionally, bosses firm and dominant qualities may attract admiration and a desire for association with power. Dont conceal the relationship Refrain from keeping your relationship secret, which can result in trust issues and potential conflicts of interest. Transparency is crucial. Reveal the relationship and maintain openness and transparency regarding your connection with colleagues or managers, particularly if company policies mandate disclosure. Dont pack on the PDAs in a work setting Its best advised to steer clear of public displays of affection or intimate behaviour in the workplace, as this can make colleagues uncomfortable and may violate company policies. Also, keep disagreements outside the workplace, ensuring that relationship issues do not impact your professional performance. Also, avoid showing favouritism: Refrain from displaying bias or favouritism towards your partner in work-related matters. Treat all colleagues fairly and objectively. Dont communicate personal messages through work phone or email Work email and phones are for work business. Keep your love letters to your time and your email. Most employers have policies against using company equipment for personal reasons. Even though these rarely get enforced, you never know when emails may need to be pulled and reviewed for other purposes, and your email pops up. It is also worth remembering that employees must return the device to the company once employment ends. If this employment is terminated suddenly, you may need more time to back up and remove your data, including photos, texts, and contacts, before the phone must be returned. Check your companys private use agreement regarding the private use of work phones. While the office has been the starting point for numerous happy couples, embarking on workplace relationships requires thoughtful and realistic consideration. Although these relationships arent inherently negative, their success depends on wise management and clear guidelines. Inadequate handling or a lack of proper guidance can give rise to various issues that affect the overall health of the work environment. Navigating a workplace romance safely, respectfully, responsibly, and with everyones best interests in mind can be challenging, as relationships demand effort, and doing so in a professional setting adds an extra layer of complexity. Jessica Magee and Eimear Dodd A man with 180 previous convictions has been jailed for a spate of robberies, which were described by a judge as a significant escalation in his offending. Stephen OReilly (44), of Upper Churchtown Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing two garages in May 2021 and attempting to rob a Spar shop the following month. He further admitted to a public order charge in relation to a dispute involving two other men at Churchtown Road on April 4th, 2020, and to driving without insurance or a driving licence on the same occasion. Judge Orla Crowe on Tuesday imposed a global sentence of four years and eight months, with the final six months to be suspended on strict conditions. She said O'Reilly had engaged in lawless behaviour during the public order incident and involved himself in something he should not have by going to the scene and driving while disqualified. While she noted his role was minor and he did not come off the better for his involvement, she added that his flouting of the law has to be marked. Threats She said O'Reilly had weapons during the robberies and threatened to use violence. The judge noted no violence was used but said these represented a significant escalation in his offending. She said O'Reilly's previous convictions, the use of weapons in the robberies and the impact on the victims were among the aggravating features. The judge said his guilty pleas, personal circumstances, efforts to deal with his addiction and expressions of sincere remorse had been taken into consideration as mitigation. She back-dated the sentence to October 21st, 2022 and disqualified O'Reilly from driving for four years. At an earlier sentence hearing, the court heard that OReilly was on 24-hour lock up at the Midlands Prison, where he has been in custody since June 2021. A prison governors report said OReilly is not leaving his cell and is currently taking a significant amount of medication, including 60ml of methadone daily. Psychological report According to a psychological report presented in court, OReilly suffers from major depressive and anxiety disorders and has had repeated hospitalisations since the age of 16 for issues including self-harming and overdosing. The court heard that of OReillys previous convictions which date back to 1996, 99 were heard before the Circuit Court and were mostly for road traffic offences, including nine counts of dangerous driving. OReilly was sentenced to nine years in prison in the UK for dangerous driving causing harm. He was disqualified from driving for 20 years. He was also sentenced to four years in prison in Ireland for sexual assault, although he disputes the verdict of the jury. OReillys other previous convictions include absconding from custody, failing to notify the Sex Offenders Register, possessing knives and possessing stolen goods. Giving evidence to Katherine McGillicuddy BL for the State, a prosecuting garda told the court that OReilly was a drug user who had spent a lot of his life in prison. The court heard that on the day of the public order incident in April 2020, OReilly arrived at the scene of a dispute between two family members who were fighting with a steel bar and a hammer. OReilly attempted to calm down the parties but the fight continued and OReilly was struck with the hammer a number of times, suffering a large gash to the back of his head. All three men were arrested for public order offences. Detective Garda Peter Wolf gave evidence of the two filling station robberies, describing how OReilly arrived at Texaco on Abbey Road, Dun Laoghaire on May 3rd, 2021. He stole 120 in cash and 80 in cigarettes before making his escape. Some weeks later, on May 21st, OReilly entered Circle K in Stillorgan carrying what staff believed to be a screwdriver. He shouted, Give me the cash and cigarettes, specifying that it was John Player Blue cigarettes he was looking for. OReilly stole cigarettes worth 620 and 240 in cash before he fled the scene. Wheelbrace On June 1st, 2021, OReilly went into Eurospar in Milltown wearing a facemask and carrying an object protruding from his sleeve. He shouted aggressively at staff, demanding money and cigarettes and claimed he was carrying a gun. He threatened to shoot staff and went behind the counter himself, but two male staff members managed to restrain him until gardai arrived. Gardai found a wheelbrace on his person. On arrest, OReilly told gardai he was very sorry and said he had been under the influence of cocaine and pills. Gardai agreed with Sarah Jane OCallaghan BL, defending, that when O'Reilly is not on drugs he presents as a quiet and vulnerable person. Ms O'Callaghan told the court that O'Reilly comes from a difficult background and had witnessed aggressive outbursts between older relatives as a child. Counsel said that O'Reilly denies his two previous convictions for sexual assault and has suffered cruel labelling from others because he is on the Sex Offenders' Register. O'Reilly has been addicted to a range of drugs, including crack cocaine, and has never completed residential treatment. He has four children and has limited responsibility to take ownership of his actions, the court heard, instead perceiving himself to be the victim. Letters were presented to the court from the Peter McVerry Trust and Merchants Quay Ireland along with a probation report. The court heard that O'Reilly wishes to engage with a residential drugs treatment programme upon his release. ADI Roche knew the meaning of true love long before she met the love of her life. My friend, Anne Conlon, and I were childhood best friends, says Adi, who is CEO of Chernobyl Children International. We were reared together, and we loved one another. Their aspirations aligned together. We did everything together, we lived in each others pockets, says Adi. We got our communion and confirmation together. The inseparable pair had a lot in common. We were both social, fun-loving young ones. We could walk and talk for hours. What did the two besties talk about? We could talk about significant things like our first boyfriends and about our fantasies about life as we grew up. Anne never got to grow up. Our world shattered when we were in Leaving Cert, says Adi. Anne was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia. We were so shocked. Anne was in hospital in Dublin, coming home every now and again, and we wrote to each other all the time. Adi and Anne were best friends forever and always, two people with two hearts and one soul. They were kindred spirits. Adi firmly believes that Anne, her soul mate and forever friend, sent her life partner, Sean, to her, knowing that true love would surely flourish between them. Adi recalls: I was at Annes sisters wedding in Newcastle, Tipperary, when I saw Sean for the first time. Anne was buried in the nearby graveyard. I believe Anne sent Sean to me. Adi set her sights on Sean, who was a friend of the groom. He was very fanciable! she says. Sean had everything going for him. He was so handsome, says Adi. And that wasnt all. He was Cork city born and bred. Both my parents have Cork blood. Adi Roche and her husband Sean Dunne at the Roaring 20's night in aid of Chernobyl in 1997. What else did she like about him? Sean had long, curly hair. It was beautiful! And he was a mature student in UCC. At 19, I was a working girl myself, with Aer Lingus in Dublin. There were very few single people at the wedding. Adi had to move fast. After inquiring about him, and after asking Nuala, another friend, if there were any eligible men coming to the wedding, (there werent), I decided Id get to the hotel in Cahir for the sherry reception and check out the lay of the land. Adi decided to tamper with the lay of the land and give fate a helping hand. I swapped place names at the table so I would be sitting beside Sean!, says Adi laughing. All is fair in love and war. The two got on like a house on fire. Adi Roche with her parents Sean and Chris in her home town Clonmel Co. Tipperary back in 1997 Others werent so smitten. My parents didnt approve; they had different notions and because Sean was a student and had no resources, they werent that keen. But love always finds a way. Sean was working in a meat plant in London for the summer. I went over to London to meet him on a free flight. Sean was a keeper. We were having lunch in Selfridges and he proposed over soup and sandwiches! says Adi. Before either one of us could change our minds, we went into literally the nearest jewellers and bought a cheap ring. It was 23 and I paid for it! Were Adis parents aware of the betrothal? Sean hadnt asked dad for his permission to marry me, it was like putting the cart before the horse. So he rang dad. Adi waited with bated breath for an answer. Sean said, Mr Dunne has given his blessing. It was such a relief. We were officially engaged. Adi, working in a State job, was relieved that the marriage bar for working women was lifted in 1977. Sean was still a mature student. I was able to keep my job with Aer Lingus and I got a transfer from Dublin to Cork. It was a match made in heaven. We were madly in love, says Adi. We set up home in a flat in Wellesley Terrace, St Lukes. It was a three-storey house and were still friendly with the owners daughters to this day. Being madly in love, the Dunnes enjoyed some perks going with Adis job. We went to Las Palmas for our honeymoon, says Adi. Getting free flights working with Aer Lingus was brilliant. Adi Roche and her husband Sean on their wedding day. Adi and Sean began married life together. We were happy happy, says Adi. We were so excited. Nothing bothered us. When we made the move to Sundays Well, we barely had electricity and no water. When poverty came in the door, the couples love didnt go out the window. I remember one particular night we heard the sound of buzzing. It went through our bodies. It turned out that the electricity was alive! We got the place re-wired after that. We lived in St Lukes and Ballincollig for 30 years or more until we bought an apartment in the Old Ursuline Convent in Blackrock. Adi was the breadwinner for a time, supporting her husband in his studies. It evened out when Sean graduated and worked at Christian Brothers School teaching. When I went to work as a volunteer full-time, Sean 100% backed me. Adi has focused on the relief of suffering experienced by children in the wake of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. She is an activist, an anti-nuclear advocate and a campaigner for peace, humanitarian aid and education. Sean, like Adis forever friend, Anne, shared the same dreams as his wife. He supported me in all that I do and have done, says Adi. We shared the dream of a better world, a world of equality. We worked solidly together with the Peace Movement. Wherever Adi goes in the world, Sean is her wing man. And he has been my anchor man throughout the decades. I count my blessings every day. Adi Roche and husband Sean Dunne during the walkabout in Cork during the 1997 Presidential campaign. Picture : Eddie O'Hare They are soul mates. Sean understands my passion for the need to transform. He understands my own compassion. Sean is retired now, and he realises now more than ever the importance of what I do. And he always gave me space to do it. Did mum and dad come to appreciate all of Seans wonderful traits and why their daughter fell in love with him, albeit a bit orchestrated on her part? My dad knows Sean is a good soul and a good man, says Adi. Dad gave me away in the Honan Chapel on January 29, 1977, and we had our wedding reception at the Blarney Hotel. It was the cheapest we could get! But the course of true love never runs smooth. Dad refused to pay for the wedding reception because Sean wasnt working! Mum was very generous, and she cashed in her prize bonds, unbeknownst to dad! I remember we spent our wedding night in the flat. We couldnt afford to stay in a hotel. We were delighted with ourselves. Adi and Sean are delighted with life. There are no regrets we were so young, says Adi. I was 21 and Sean seven years older. Age never entered our heads. Adi, with a good head on her shoulders, says people should relax into marriage. Relax into marriage is solid advice, she says. Be easy in your marriage which should be based on trust and friendship. Compromise and the ability to forgive are important. Adi often wonders how she got so lucky. When I was most absent, I wondered how could Sean stay with me? Id be off on convoy aids, doing documentaries, research. Sean always had tolerance towards me. Adi has a good idea how she got so lucky. I still think my best friend Anne gave me the gift of true love. I read the note she gave me to open on my wedding day. It read; Love always. I will always be with you. Adi often thinks back to those days when she and her bestie shared dreams and ambitions. We were wild together, says Adi. We loved life, and we had lovely years together. I remember being very angry when I Iost Anne. I wanted to die with her. But Adi endured. She went on to achieve great things, realising her dreams and her ambitions as Anne knew she would. As Sean, the love of her life, knew she would. Love has always been with Adi. And love has always stayed with me. 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. Horseshoe crabs have been on Earth for more than 450 million years since before the dinosaurs. They are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than crustaceans and can live as long as 25 years. Despite having lived through ice ages, the breaking apart of the continents and many other geological and atmospheric changes to our planet, the survival of these resilient creatures has been put in jeopardy by recent human activities. On Monday, a petition was filed by the Center for Biological Diversity, American Bird Conservancy, the Humane Society of the United States and 20 other environmental organizations requesting that the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Secretary of Commerce through NOAA Fisheries list the American horseshoe crab as threatened or endangered. Populations of the ancient arthropod have been decimated in recent decades due to habitat loss and overharvesting. The petition also asks that critical habitat be designated for the species. Were wiping out one of the worlds oldest and toughest creatures, said Will Harlan, a Center for Biological Diversity senior scientist, in a press release from the Center for Biological Diversity. These living fossils urgently need Endangered Species Act protection. Horseshoe crabs have saved countless human lives, and now we should return the favor. Harmless to humans, horseshoe crabs are equipped with full body armor and have 10 eyes. They lay their eggs along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts in spawning events each spring. The largest population of horseshoe crabs can be found in the Delaware Bay, where the species has declined by two-thirds over the past 30 years. Commercial eel and whelk fisheries harvest horseshoe crabs for use as bait, and though their populations have been driven to historic lows, harvest quotas have still been increased by regulators. Horseshoe crabs are also harvested by biomedical companies that drain them of their blue blood for use in detecting drug toxins and in medical devices. Since 2017, the harvesting of horseshoe crabs for their blood has nearly doubled; in 2022, almost one million were harvested for this purpose. Europe uses synthetic alternatives, but U.S. companies have dragged behind in adopting them. The continued reliance on horseshoe crab blood by pharmaceutical manufacturers has led to a rapid decrease in the population of this important species, said Kathleen Conlee, the Humane Societys vice president of animal research issues, in the press release. Fortunately, there are non-animal alternatives that can replace the use of horseshoe crab blood and help protect these amazing animals from further overharvest. Another big driver of species decline for horseshoe crabs is habitat loss. Development, sea level rise and shoreline hardening are destroying spawning beaches throughout their range. As population numbers of these incredible animals have fallen, so have those of species like endangered sea turtles, birds and fish. One particular shorebird species the rufa red knot, a type of sandpiper feeds on the eggs of horseshoe crabs along its 19,000-mile migration route from the Arctic to South America. In 2015, the red knot was listed under the Endangered Species Act as threatened. A contributing factor to the decline of the red knot cited in the listing decision was the harvesting of horseshoe crabs. Horseshoe crab eggs are incredibly nutrient dense, sustaining the federally threatened red knot on their long migratory journey, said American Bird Conservancy Vice President Steve Holmer. Greater protection of the horseshoe crab is needed to fully recover the red knot, as well as conserve other shorebird species, such as the ruddy turnstone and semipalmated sandpiper. Asias tri-spine horseshoe crab an American horseshoe crab sister species is almost extinct due to similar threats. It is clear from the available science that the current fisheries management policies are failing to protect and sustain these ancient mariners, said Tim Dillingham, American Littoral Societys executive director, in the press release. We must do more to keep them and the red knots and other life that depend on them from disappearing from this Earth. ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (Feb. 14, 2024) Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) alumna, Kyra Purvis, 21 has been named mistress of ceremonies for this years Founders Day Scholarship Gala. Purvis is a general assignment reporter for the Birmingham, Ala., ABC 33/40 stations morning show, Good Morning, Alabama. Before going to Birmingham, Purvis worked at the WFXL Fox 31 station in Albany, Ga. as a multimedia journalist. A Salisbury, Maryland native, Purvis earned her bachelors in mass communications and said shes excited to return to Viking Land. I am so elated to have the chance to serve as the mistress of ceremonies for my own universitys Founders Day Scholarship Gala. Elizabeth City State University nurtured and developed the gifts that have led me into my career, she said. I am looking forward to coming back to campus and pouring back into it, as the faculty and staff did for me just a few years ago. Since its inception in 2007, the gala has raised $1.6 million to support the General Scholarship Fund. It is the ECSU Foundations premiere fundraiser. To purchase tickets or to learn about how to become a sponsor, visit the event site. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the program begins at 7 p.m. at the K.E. White Graduate Center, 1862 Edgewood Dr. in Elizabeth City. Lodging accommodations for the event can be made at Fairfield Inn in Elizabeth City. ___ Elizabeth City State University provides students with a high-quality, affordable education as one of North Carolinas leading four-year public institutions that is part of the University of North Carolina System. ECSU develops leaders who are courageous, resilient, and empowered through excellent student-centered, experiential learning. We offer baccalaureate, professional, and masters degrees across a wide variety of interests. Excellence is the standard at Elizabeth City State University success is our legacy. Come to Discover. Leave to Conquer. Visit www.ecsu.edu. Since 1979, Arctic ice has shrunk by 1.35 million square miles, a new JPL study found ice loss in Greenland is far worse than previously thought and Antarctic ice is now at the lowest level since records began. The more they melt, the faster the rate of decline for the ice that remains until were faced with a series of catastrophes. The most immediate of which is sea level rise which threatens to eradicate whole nations that are situated on low-lying islands. How do we stop such a problem? While we remedy the longer-term issues around fossil fuel consumption, we might have to buy ourselves more time with geoengineering. The severity of this situation cant be stressed enough. Professor John Moore of the Arctic Center, University of Lapland, says that were long past the point where emissions reductions alone will be effective. We are faced with this situation where theres no pathway to 1.5 [degrees] available through mitigation, he said. Things like the ice sheets [melting] and other tipping points will happen regardless, adding that the Earths present situation is akin to a patient bleeding out on the operating table, we are in this situation where we cannot mitigate ourselves out of the shit. Moore is one of the figures behind Frozen Arctic, a report produced by the universities of the Arctic and Lapland alongside UN-backed thinktank GRID-Arendal. Its a rundown of sixty geoengineering projects that could slow down or reverse polar melting. A team of researchers opted to examine every idea, from those already in place to the ones at the fringes of science. We wanted to be thorough, said Moore, because even the craziest idea might have a nugget of gold in there. Each approach has been given a brief analysis, examining if its feasible on a scientific or practical basis, if it would be potentially helpful and how much it would cost. The report even went so far as to look at pykrete, a wacky World War Two initiative to create artificial glaciers for strategic use by mixing sawdust or paper products into ice. If youre curious and dont have a day or two to read the report yourself, you can boil down the approaches to a handful of categories. The first is Solar Radiation Management i.e., making the polar regions more reflective to bounce away more of the suns heat. Second, theres artificial ice generation to compensate for what has already been lost. Third, enormous engineering work to buttress, isolate and protect the remaining ice like massive undersea walls that act as a barrier against the seas as they get warmer. Finally, there are measures that nibble at the edges of the problem in terms of effect, but have more viable long-term success, like preventing flora and fauna (and the warmth they radiate) from encroaching on regions meant to remain frozen. If youre a climate scientist, the likely most obvious approach is the first, because weve seen the positive effects of it before. Albedo is the climate science term to describe how white ice acts as an enormous reflector, bouncing away a lot of the suns heat. Ice ages dramatically increase albedo, but there are more recent examples in living memory: In 1991 Mount Pinatubo, a volcano in the Philippines, erupted, spewing an enormous amount of volcanic ash into the atmosphere. (The event also caused a large amount of damage, displaced 200,000 people and claimed the lives of at least 722.) According to NOAA, the ash dumped into the atmosphere helped reflect a lot of solar heat away from the Earth, causing a temporary global cooling effect of roughly 1.5 degrees celsius. The devastation of Pinatubo isnt desirable, nor was the ozone depletion that it caused, but that cooling effect could be vital to slowing global warming and polar melting. Its possible to do this artificially by seeding the clouds with chemicals deposited by an airplane or with ground-based smoke generators, which can also be used to promote rain clouds. This is a tactic already used in China to help make rain for agriculture and to alleviate drought-like conditions. In this context, the clouds would act as a barrier between the sun and the ice caps, bouncing more of that solar radiation away from the Earths surface. Unfortunately, theres a problem with this approach, which is that its incredibly expensive and incredibly fussy. The report says its only viable when the right clouds are overhead, and the work would require enormous infrastructure to be built nearby. Not to mention that while we have some small shreds of evidence to suggest it might be useful, theres nothing proven as yet. And then there are the second order effects when these approaches then spill over into the rest of the global ecosystem. If you do sunlight reflection methods and you put anything up in the atmosphere, it doesnt stay where you put it. Thats the big issue identified by Dr. Phil Williamson, honorary associate professor at the University of East Anglia and a former contributor to the UNs keystone Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports. His concern is that regional, targeted climate solutions dont solve the problem for the whole world, and that if youre not tackling climate change on a global scale, then youre just accentuating the difference. With a cold arctic, but rising temperatures elsewhere, youre climbing aboard a climate rollercoaster. Second in the ranking of hail-mary climate approaches is to build a freezer to both cool down the existing ice and make more. Sadly, many ideas in this area forget that ice sheets are not just big blocks of immovable ice and are, in fact, liable to move. Take the idea of drilling down two miles or so into the ice sheet and pumping out the warm water to cool it down: Thanks to the constantly shifting ice and water, a new site would need to be drilled fairly regularly. Theres another problem: The report says one project to bore a hole down 2.5km (1.5 miles) burned 450,000 liters of fuel. Not to mention how much energy it would consume to run the heat exchangers or freezers to create fresh ice on such a scale. That's a considerable amount of greenhouse gas pollution for a project meant to undo that exact type of damage. Dumping a layer of artificially-made snow on a mountain may work fine for a ski resort when the powders a little thin, but not the whole planet. As hard as the scientific and engineering battles will be, theres also the political one that will need addressing. A lot of people get quasi-religiously upset about putting stuff into the stratosphere, said Professor John Moore, youd think theyd get similarly upset about greenhouse gasses. One strategy under consideration is to inject sulfur into the atmosphere to replicate the cooling effects observed after major volcanic eruptions. The sulfur would form SO2, creating thick layers of dense cloud to block more heat from reaching the ice. But if you, like me, have a high school-level knowledge of science, thats a scary prospect given that sulfur dioxide would resolve to sulfuric acid. Given the microscopic quantities involved, there would be little-to-no impact on the natural world. But the image of acid rain pouring down from the clouds means itd be a hard sell to an uninformed population. But if there is a reason for concern, its that any unintended consequences could pose a problem in the global political space. Its almost like declaring war on the rest of the world if [a nation] goes it alone, says Phil Williamson, because any damage or alteration to the global climate system, the country that did it is responsible for all future climatic disasters because the weather isnt the same. Of course, Moore knows that the Frozen Arctic reports conclusions arent too optimistic about a quick fix. He feels its conclusions should serve as a wake-up call for the planet. Nobody is going to scale up something for the entire arctic ocean overnight, he said, but that this is the time to find ideas that might be valuable [...] and then put resources into finding out if [those ideas] really are useful. He added that the short turnaround time before a total climate disaster isnt much of an issue, saying engineers can pretty much do anything you ask them to if you put enough resources into it. Because the alternative is to do nothing, and every day that we choose to do nothing, we accept more of the damages that are coming. Retail giant Walmart is reportedly in talks to acquire budget TV maker Vizio, according to The Wall Street Journal. The $2 billion deal would make Vizio a house brand for Walmart and would allow the company to directly compete in the affordable smart TV space currently dominated by Amazon and Roku. It would also give Walmart access to all of that sweet, sweet customer data collected by Vizios smart TV platform throughout the years, which would open up another revenue stream in the form of personalized ads. The company would also be able to sell user data collected by Vizio boxes. Finally, it could use Vizio TVs as ad space in the showrooms of its nearly 11,000 retail locations. The companys already doing this with display televisions via its current in-house brand Onn. However, Roku and Amazon have had years to shore up the budget-friendly TV market. Roku started with streaming devices, but transitioned to smart TVs last year, and theres even a more expensive line of Mini LED TVs coming in a few months. Amazon Fire TVs are just about everywhere, with more than 200 million sales as of ten months ago. So Walmart has a fairly steep hill to climb, should this deal go through. Speaking of deals going through, this isnt Vizios first acquisition rodeo. The companys been looking for a buyer for years. Vizio was nearly purchased by Chinese media conglomerate LeEco back in 2016, which was another $2 billion deal, but things went south quickly. LeEco, once called the Netflix of China," ran into serious financial troubles and backed out of the deal, leaving Vizio in the lurch. This caused Vizio to sue LeEco for $100 million, which was eventually settled for $60 million. Shortly after that, Vizio went public with an IPO. If the deal goes off without a hitch, Vizio will join other tech companies under Walmarts global umbrella. These include content delivery platform Vudu, AR optical tech company Memomi, banking app ONE and a whole bunch of digital retailers, like Shoes.com and Bare Necessities. This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. After a historic Super Bowl LVIII, Paramount is moving forward with massive layoffs. The Tuesday announcement came days after the Super Bowl, featuring the Kansas City Chiefs besting the San Francisco 49ers in overtime, achieve record-breaking advertising sales and the highest-rated telecast. CNN reports Bob Bakish, the company's president, announced the layoffs in an employee memo, but did not specify the number of layoffs. Sources familiar with the matter told the outlet around 800 workers or approximately 3% of the company's workforce will be affected. Those being laid off in the United States was notified on Tuesday. RELATED: Warner Music Layoffs: 600 Job Cuts Announced As Company Increases Artist Funding "These adjustments will help enable us to build on our momentum and execute our strategic vision for the year ahead and I firmly believe we have much to be excited about," Bakish wrote. Among those impacted by the layoffs include some of CBS News' highest-profile journalists, including senior investigative correspondent Catherine Herridge and chief national affairs and justice correspondent Jeff Pegues, two people familiar with the matter told CNN. Their last day at the network is not currently known. The released jobs includes employees at CBS, Showtimw, Paramount+, Paramount Pictures, Pluto TV, and cable networks. RELATED: Macy's Store Closing And Layoffs 2024: Here Are The Locations That Will Close As 2,300 Jobs Are Cut Bakish, 60, revealed in the memo that Paramount Global's "earnings growth" is a top priority in 2024, which requires "reducing costs." "And unfortunately, part of streamlining costs means that today, we will begin the difficult process of saying goodbye to some of our very valued colleagues across Paramount," Bakish said. Paramount Global isn't the only media giant that has slashed jobs in massive layoffs. Over 20,000 media jobs were eliminated in 2023, according to 'Forbes.' Warner Bros, Vice Media, Spotify, Vox Media, have also laid off employees. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 Time Is Running Out for CO Unpublished Authors and Writers The clock is ticking for five lucky aspiring authors in CO. The Authors Hall of Fame will give Five $2,000 Scholarships to non-published writers. Is that you? Does one have your name on it? Would you like to be one of them? Aspiring Authors Its the BIG day coming and five amazing authors-to-be will be awarded scholarships with a combination cash and intensive 18-month mentorship program. Who will they be? Find out and meet the first recipients of the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame Scholarships on FRIDAY, September 16 at a festive luncheon honoring them at the Doubletree Hilton in Greenwood Village.. Five yes, that is FIVE authors-to-be will receive $2,000 in cash PLUS participation in an extensive 12-month mentorship to support their success as an author this fall. Each of the amazing and talented recipients recognize that publishing and authorship is a business and authors must have a commitment to their craft and marketing side to add to their success. Writing and publishing a book is like climbing one of our Rocky Mountain fourteeners. It requires years of preparation, unbelievable stamina and courage. Facing that blank page is like starting an ascent. When you reach the top by completing the book, authors can suddenly see farther than ever before. Could that be you? NOW what we need is unpublished authors to give them to. Could that be you? If yes, you need to apply now. Be a resident of Colorado. Complete a short essay. Share a sample of your writing of at least 20 pages. Submit your application. If what you read above is a Thats a ME, register now. All applications must be in by March 31, 2024. Information is on the Scholarship Tab on the Halls site: www.ColoradoAuthorsHallofFame.org Dr. Judith Briles is a book publishing expert and coach. Often, she must roll up her writing sleeves and become a Book Doctor, juicing up storylines and author words. She empowers authors and works directly with authors who want to be seriously successful and has been writing about and conducting workshops on publishing since the 80s. Judith is the author of 45 books including Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms, Snappy Sassy Salty: Success for Authors and Writers, and How to Create a Million Dollar Speech. Her personal memoir When God Says NO-Revealing the YES When Adversity and Loss Are Present is a #1 bestseller on Amazon and her historical fiction The Secret Journey and The Secret Hamlet. Collectively, her books have earned over 50 book awards. Judith speaks throughout the year at publishing conferences. Throughout the year, she holds Judith Briles Book Unplugged in-person and online experiences: Publishing, Speaking, Marketing, and Social Media. All are two-day intensives limited to a small group of authors who want to be seriously successful. Join Judith live for the AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing podcast on the Toginet Radio Network HERE. The AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Marketing podcast is ranked in the TOP 10 podcasts for book marketing by Mashable and Feedspot. Follow @AuthorUYOUBooks and @MyBookShepherd on Twitter and do a Like at AuthorYOU, and join the Facebook group Book Publishing with The Book Shepherd. If you want to create a book that has no regrets, contact her. 2024 Judith Briles The Book Shepherd All Rights Reserved. see all) Latest posts by Judith Briles NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday 18 of the alliance's 31 countries are set to hit its defence spending target this year, after Donald Trump threatened to encourage Russia to attack members not coughing up enough. The Republican White House frontrunner was widely rebuked after saying he would not defend NATO members who had not met their financial obligations, in his most extreme broadside yet against the organisation. Trump's comments in a Saturday stump speech drew condemnation from leaders including US President Joe Biden -- his likely opponent in November's election -- and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Stoltenberg laid out new defence spending estimates showing the number of states reaching two percent of their gross domestic product was expected to jump from 11 in 2023. "That is another record number and a six-fold increase from 2014 when only three allies met the target," Stoltenberg told journalists ahead of a defence ministers' meeting. The NATO chief did not provide a breakdown of which allies are hitting the target. Overall though, he said European allies and Canada will have added more than $600 billion to their defence spending since they set the two-percent goal a decade ago. Spurred on by Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, last year saw an "unprecedented rise" of 11 percent of spending by European members and Canada, the NATO chief added. Stoltenberg reiterated a warning to Trump not to "undermine" NATO's collective security guarantee that all allies will help defend any member attacked. "We should leave no room for miscalculation or misunderstanding in Moscow about our readiness and our commitment, our resolve to protect allies," he said. During his time as US president, Trump railed against Washington's NATO allies to pressure them to spend more on defence -- and he has claimed credit for increased spending. But the United States still accounts for the vast bulk of combined defence spending by NATO members. Moscow's full-scale war on Ukraine has served as a wake-up call for European countries and saw NATO turn the two-percent figure into a minimum requirement. Key players such as Germany have ramped up their spending and are set to meet the target this year. "I think we would do very well not to keep looking like rabbits at a snake at the possible Republican presidential candidate," said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. "Instead we should do our homework." - Ukraine support - Trump's broadside against US allies has raised the nightmarish spectre for European officials of Washington sinking the 75-year-old alliance if he is re-elected. It comes as warnings swirl that Russian President Vladimir Putin could look to target alliance members if Ukraine loses the war. "NATO has the capabilities, we have the resolve to protect and defend all allies," Stoltenberg said. "We don't see any imminent threat against any NATO ally." In the wake of Trump's comments, France said Europe needs another "life insurance" policy in addition to NATO to ensure the security of the continent. Stoltenberg said the US nuclear deterrent in Europe "works and we should continue to ensure that it remains safe and reliable". Diplomats from multiple NATO countries insist that keeping the United States on board remains fundamental to deterring the threat from Russia. But they remain sanguine about how genuine Trump's threats are, arguing the alliance emerged from his first term unscathed. While there is a focus on NATO's own defence spending, the pressing issue of support for Ukraine was also on the table at the meeting on Wednesday. The US Senate a day earlier approved long-delayed funding for Ukraine's war effort, but the package looks set to be rejected by the Republican-led lower house. Doubts over the future of US aid come as Ukraine says its forces are being outgunned in the face of a slow-moving Russian advance along the front line. US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, who took part via videolink after being hospitalised, said: "Make no mistake -- the United States continues to stand foursquare with Ukraine." "We'll continue to work together to get Ukraine what it needs to hold onto its gains, and to keep pushing back Russia's illegal occupation in the months ahead," he said. Germany, France and 13 other NATO members have signed a letter of intent launching an air defence coalition to help bolster Ukraine's capabilities to protect itself. del/ec/rlp A 'quick thinking' Warwickshire farmer has been hailed by the police after he blocked fly-tippers who had illegally dumped waste on land. The farmer came across the offenders who were dumping a large amount of commercial waste on land in the Maxstoke area, on 10 February. He then positioned his own vehicle in such a way that meant the fly-tippers had no way of leaving the scene of the crime. Police were then contacted, with the local rural crime policing team arriving on the scene of the crime. Since then, Warwickshire Police's Rural Crime Team (RCT) took to social media to hail the 'quick thinking' farmer. The team said: "On hearing the incident on our radios, RCT officers attended to exercise that little known power of seizure of both vehicles under the Environmental Protection Act." Rural crime officers then made sure all the rubbish was returned to the vehicles by the offenders before seizing them, according to the post. The team added: "The offenders now risk losing both vehicles as well as being dealt with for the obvious offences." It comes after Defra recently published figures showing there were over 1 million fly-tipping incidents on public land last year, a decrease of 1% compared to 2022. However, rural campaigners warned that it 'barely scratches the surface' of the crime, as the figures did not cover incidents on private land. More than 7 million has been awarded to over 500 farming and rural businesses as part of Scotland's Agri-Environment Climate Scheme (AECS). Overall, 27m will be paid over the lifetime of the contracts to applicants, the Scottish government said on Wednesday (14 February). AECS remains a key part of support to farmers and crofters in delivering nature restoration and addressing the twin challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss. The funding is an important investment in sustainable farming in Scotland, with about 20% of land being managed for nature and climate benefits under the scheme. Farmers can now apply for the 2024-2025 funding round, with an expanded range of options to support biodiversity, climate friendly farming activities and land management practices. The Scottish government said more than 4 million will also be made available to fund slurry storage and irrigation lagoons in order to improve water quality in rural areas. And farmers and land managers can apply for larger funding grants, with an additional uplift available to those based in Scotland's island communities. This will be the final year that support will be available for slurry storage, the government confirmed. Scotland's Rural Affairs Secretary, Mairi Gougeon said that this year, all eligible applications to AECS were approved - 'a record approval rate'. This shows that despite significant financial pressures, farmers and land managers still recognise the very real need to mitigate against both nature loss and climate change. I would strongly encourage farmers and crofters to apply for the expanded range of options that the scheme now supports. "This approach will give farmers and land managers greater flexibility when it comes to helping improve our landscape to mitigate against nature loss. The Scottish governments confirmation that direct farm support will continue in Scotland shows the 'fundamental flaws' in Wales Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) proposals. This is according to the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW), which warned that Welsh farmers would now face 'a huge disadvantage' compared to Scottish farmers. Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf told NFU Scotland's conference that 70% of future support will constitute direct farm payments to support food producers. The remaining 30% will be targeted at environmental measures, a ratio similar to current Scottish arrangements. By comparison, the Welsh governments proposed SFS, due to be introduced next year, would bring direct farm payments to an end completely while introducing new requirements and restrictions. Mr Yousaf also confirmed that a form of Less Favoured Areas support, which was abandoned in Wales in 2013, would continue in Scotland. Around 85% of Scotland is classified as Less Favoured, while the proportion in Wales is 80%. In England it is just 17%. Responding, FUW President Ian Rickman said the 'very sensible and economically advantageous' move by the Scottish government should be reflected by the Welsh government. Now that we have left the EU, the UK effectively has its own single market but without the common payment rules," Mr Rickman explained. "If Wales diverges from Scotland in the way proposed by Welsh government, we would not only be disadvantaging our own farmers by introducing a mountain of rules not present for EU producers, but would also be placing our own industry at a huge competitive disadvantage compared to Scotland." The FUW opposed Brexit, and after the vote to leave in 2016, argued for a replacement for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) that minimised unfair competition between UK nations. Mr Rickman added: As we predicted, Brexit has failed Welsh farmers on many levels and the Welsh Governments plans would merely add to the challenges we have faced since 2016." Earlier this week, Welsh farmers protested outside the office of the Rural Affairs Minister as anger brews over the future direction of the industry. Dozens of tractors and other farm vehicles drove up to the constituency office of Lesley Griffiths in Wrexham, North Wales on Monday (12 February). This followed a meeting of over 3,000 farmers at Carmarthen market where the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals were discussed, with many believing the industry will be hit hard. The Welsh governments proposed Sustainable Farming Scheme does not provide equal access to tenant farmers, NFU Cymru has warned. With around 30% of land in Wales under some form of tenancy or let, the union said it was vital that equal access to the post-Brexit scheme was recognised. Welsh government proposes that the Universal Action layer of the scheme will be delivered through annual agreement rather than five-year contracts to aid access for those with shorter term Farm Business Tenancies and lets. Tenant farmers who are able to prove through their tenancy agreements that they are unable to manage woodland or plant additional trees will be exempted from the 10% tree cover requirement. NFU Cymru president Aled Jones said that while the proposals go some way to enabling tenant farmers to access the scheme, they did not equate to equal access. "Tenant farmers remain disadvantaged by the latest Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals," Mr Jones warned. Tenant farmers may not have to meet the 10% tree cover requirement but critically, nor will they be able to access the associated component of the Universal Baseline Payment. "In trying to address one issue, the inability of many tenant farmers to meet the 10% requirement due to the nature of their tenancy agreement, government has created another issue in that the Universal Baseline Payment tenant farmers receive, will be lower than it would be if they owned a similar hectarage of land. "It is simply unacceptable to disadvantage the tenanted sector in this way," Mr Jones said. Tenant farmers have also raised concerns about their ability to deliver a number of the other Universal Actions, including ponds and scrapes, as well as the requirement to maintain traditional farm buildings in a stable condition. And the need to get permissions to undertake a number of the actions also has the potential to weaken the position of tenants with their landlord. Mr Jones added: "Overall, it remains clear that the Universal Actions proposed by Welsh government are far from universal in that they are not possible for all farmers to undertake. "Tenant farmers are also concerned about the governments proposed payment methodology and the move to pay the Universal Baseline Payment on the basis of costs incurred and income foregone calculations." The BPS is to be fully phased out by 2029 and replaced by the Sustainable Farming Scheme from 2025. Earlier this week, Welsh farmers protested outside the office of the Rural Affairs Minister as anger brews over the future direction of the industry. Dozens of tractors and other farm vehicles drove up to the constituency office of Lesley Griffiths in Wrexham, North Wales on Monday (12 February). This followed a meeting of over 3,000 farmers at Carmarthen market where the Sustainable Farming Scheme proposals were discussed, with many believing the industry will be hit hard. A Chinese philosopher had his brain frozen to be used for future science. Li Zehou's brain was frozen upon his death in 2021 Li Zehou requested in his will that his brain be cryopreserved for 500 years, before it is defrosted and put to use again. Zehou died in exile in Colorado in November 2021, aged 91. He was a modern scholar of Chinese history and culture whose work was central to the period known as the Chinese Enlightenment in the 1980s. An alumnus of Peking University, he graduated with a degree in philosophy in 1954, and he worked at research institutes across the globe. Ma Qunlin, a friend and editor of his books, revealed the philosopher's family got the cryonics non-profit Alcor Life Extension Foundation to freeze his brain on the day of his death. The late scholar and aesthetics specialist hoped the experiment will prove his sedimentation theory. According to the Journal of Chinese Philosophy, the theory "seeks to explain the uniqueness of the human species through its use of tools, both physical and cognitive, leading to cultures grounded in aesthetic taste and the prospect of suprabiological beings. Zehou had shared with the Chinese publication Southern People Weekly in 2010: "I wont have an epitaph. But I will leave my brain frozen. Take it out after 300 or 500 years. "I have told my wife and child. Some people want to resurrect in this way, but I dont think resurrection is possible. "I am trying to prove whether culture affects the brain, and whether it is possible to find remnants of Chinese culture in my brain after a few hundred years, to prove my ji dian (sedimentation) theory." Zehou donated $80,000 (63,000) to a foundation that specialises in cryonic preservation of human remains. A man spent 12,480 on a human-sized border collie costume to fulfil his "fantasy" of becoming a dog and even lets people pet him. Toco dresses up as a dog and let's people pet him Toco, from Japan, spent thousands so he could experience being a canine. Whilst being interviewed on German TV, the reporter pretended to be his owner and told children he "won't bite" if petted. Karolina Kaminska told one youngster: "Don't be afraid. He won't bite." Another child was "scared" of Toco. The man dog then took a tumble and Karolina asked: "Be careful, are you good?" He then got up and walked on. Toco was apprehensive about "coming out" as a dog because he feared ridicule from his friends and loved ones. He told The Mirror: "I rarely tell my friends because I am afraid they will think I am weird. My friends and family seemed very surprised to learn I had become an animal. "Since childhood, I have had this unspecific fantasy of becoming an animal. I wonder whether it was a desire for transformation." In another interview with The New York Post, he said of the trolls hes faced: "I'm just sad that people can think that. I love animals and enjoy play-acting like a collie. This is my hobby, so I will carry on. It makes me happy and other people happy, too." Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has heaped praise on the talented team behind her under-fire new website. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex has heaped praise on the talented team behind her under-fire new website The former Suits actress, 42, and her husband Prince Harry, 39, were lambasted for opening the Sussex.com domain on Monday (13.02.24), with critics saying it was part of their bid to cash in on their Sussex titles when they no longer do duties for the royal family and after they were told to drop them in 2020 after stepping down as working royals. Meghan said on Wednesday (14.02.24) in a testimonial posted on the site of Canadian agency Article which created Sussex.com the firm was a very special company, and praised its thoughtful approach to design. The mum-of-two, who has son Archie, four, and two-year-old daughter Lilibet with Harry, said: There is a reason I have worked with Ryan and the talented team at Article for a decade: their attention to detail, their creativity and care, and the thoughtful approach to design as well as to the user experience. Theyre not just designers; they are collaborators who elevate your ideas into visual identities. Theyre a very special company. Plus theyre Canadian, so Im a fan. The company was also behind the websites for Meghan and Harrys Archewell Foundation and Archewell Productions, as well as the duchess now-closed lifestyle blog The Tig. Royal insiders told MailOnline the Sussex.com site made no sense as it blurred a line between the past and the present as the couple are no longer working royals. Harry and Meghan unveiled their new website on Monday (12.02.24), saying it will show how the couple are shaping the future through business and philanthropy. There is no reference in their biographies about any of their links to the royal family despite Harry being fifth in line to the throne. Steve Wright was planning to meet up with his pal Ken Bruce for a celebratory lunch prior to his shock death. Steve Wright died this week and his passing came as a massive shock to his friends and colleagues The beloved radio host passed away this week (beg12.02.24) aged 69 in news that came as a massive shock to his friends, fans and colleagues - and now fellow broadcaster Ken has revealed the pair had plans to get together to celebrate Steve's recent MBE award. In a statement shared on X - formerly known as Twitter - Ken wrote: "Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio." The Daily Mail newspaper reports Steve's death blindsided his BBC colleagues as he'd been in contact with some of them just days before he died. A source told the publication: "Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago we were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious. "It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn't seem at all real." Fellow Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley also suggested Steve's death had come as a massive shock because she saw him "just days ago". Speaking at the start of her radio show on Tuesday (13.03.24), Jo told her listeners: "[This is] a very strange show to be doing. It's extremely hard to know what to say and to be talking about someone that you saw only days ago in this very studio where I am right now - doing a tribute show to that person just does not feel right. "It's very hard to find the words to say and to talk about someone in the past tense when it's someone that you wish was very much still here. So it's tough. The Radio 2 family are devastated. "There have been many tears ... we've all worked with Steve Wright for years and years and years, and it's just very difficult to take in that he's no longer here." Steve's death was announced on Tuesday in a statement released by his family which read: "It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright. "In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities. "As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time." Steve Wrights former BBC colleague Liz Kershaw is accusing the corporation of dumping the late presenter like a tin of beans. Steve Wrights former BBC colleague Liz Kershaw is accusing the corporation of dumping the late presenter like a tin of beans The veteran DJ, who died aged 69 and reportedly passed away on Monday (12.02.24) morning at his 2 million London flat after paramedics were called to an unspecified incident, was axed from his afternoon show slot on BBC Radio 2 in 2022 and was caught on video at the time saying: Sometimes people want you, sometimes they dont. He added in a clip shot at BBC Studios: Sometimes there are changes and they give you another offer and thats OK. I understand that, I really understand that. Liz, 65, the second longest serving female national radio DJ in the UK after Annie Nightingale, and who celebrated 30 years on national BBC Radio in 2017, has blasted the BBC for what she called the shabby treatment of her old colleague. She told GB News: New management said, Were going to refresh the schedule and they treat people like tins of beans on a shelf. I doubt that there was any follow-up, or any pastoral care, or any support for him. He didnt need money as he has been one of the highest-paid people on air. But, you know, I wonder if they considered how it affected him. There are some people for whom fame and attention are their oxygen. And he was one of those; it was absolutely his life. Despite Lizs blast, its been reported since Steves death was announced on Tuesday he was part of the BBCs plan to launch four new stations on the airwaves. One of the four new channels will be a BBC Radio 2 spin-off station, and, according to The Sun, Steve was set to be hosting a new version of his Sunday Love Songs show. The BBC had said the station would bring heritage artist catalogues and stories to life in a much deeper and more richly textured manner than the main mixed-genre Radio 2 schedule can allow. Zara Larsson bought her own masters after seeing what happened to Taylor Swift. Zara Larsson decided to take control of her music after seeing what happened to Taylor Swift The 26-year-old pop star decided to purchase the official original recordings of her work in 2022 because she had watched 'Anti-Hero' songstress Taylor, 34, end up re-recording her earlier albums when label boss Scott Borchetta sold Big Machine records to Scooter Braun. Speaking on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show', Zara said: "I started out...when I first got signed and started performing and stuff, I didn't write my songs. That was something I did first with 'Never Forget You' with MNEK and before that, I started releasing songs when I was 15, so I had a catalogue already. "Even songs I didn't write were just such a huge part of my identity as an artist. We all saw what happened to Taylor." The investment firm Shamrock Capital now owns Taylor's original masters but in re-recording her first six albums with the subtitle 'Taylor's Version' and with different artwork, she has essentially regained control of the licensing of her songs for commercial use by devaluing the originals. Unlike Taylor, the 'Lush Life' hitmaker was given the chance to buy her own masters by Swedish producer Ola Hakansson, who insisted he would "never" want to take the chance away from her. She added: "Ola Hakansson, who ran the company who sold it to me was like 'I would never want to be that person, if you want to own them, then I would never ask someone else. If you want them, I would like for you to have them. It is the right thing to do and it's so rare for artists to have that control of their own work and art. Shoutout to Ola!" If you are on the lookout for a romance title, look no further, we bring you the latest ones. Set in different cities across the globe, these stories are sure to warm your heart and more! Say Youll Be My Jaan Happy Place The Catch Assistant To The Villain A Million Kisses In Your Lifetime Heres is our curated list.Are you in the mood for a relatable and drama-filled NRI romance? Say Youll Be My Jaan is a humorous take on one Indian womans journey to find love despite all odds. Much like the parents in India, Meghnas folks are hell-bent on getting her married to the male equivalent of a cash cow, the only catch after having been on countless blind dates, Meghna hasnt been able to find The One. The stakes get higher when Meghnas best friend the-one-that-got-away gets married. Now, Meghna is on a mission to fake it till she makes it with her partner in crimethe cranky but handsome Karthik, who knows marriage is not for him and is desperately looking to be excused from his mothers set-ups.Two exes lie about having split up just so they can keep their friends. Sounds familiar? Now, to this drama, add an adventure-filled summer holiday with your favourite people in the world, sipping wine and going skinny dipping. Sometimes, even the most compatible people have trouble keeping their relationship together. In Happy Place, Emil Henry through her inimitable wit and humour explores the complexities of second-chance at romance set in a country cottage with a relatable cast of characters.If you have read and devoured Exes and Os by Amy Lea, you would easily fall in love with The Catch. It is a sunshine-meets-grumpy-monkey romance where a city girl, Melanie Karlsen finds herself in a small fishing village on the east coast of Canada. There she meets burly fisherman Evan Whaler and immediately starts detesting him. The hate lasts only for a minute until Mel is mistaken for Evans fiancee by his family and agrees to be in a fake relationship for just one week.Evie Sage's family's failing health makes her employment status not just important, but crucial. Consequently, when an unfortunate incident involving Rennedawn's notorious villain leads to a job offer, she accepts. However, no job is perfect, especially when you start to develop feelings for your intimidating, moody, and unquestionably attractive boss. Evie, you shouldn't find evil so appealing. Just as she starts to become accustomed to the sight of severed heads hanging from the ceiling and the occasional squish of an errant eyeball under her foot, Evie begins to suspect that there's a significant problem in the dungeon beyond just the literal kind of rat. There's something sinister festering in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone is plotting to overthrow the Villain and his entire wicked empire. Now, Evie not only has to resist being infatuated with her boss but also needs to uncover who is undermining his work and ensure they face the consequences. Indeed, a good job is hard to come by.Wren Beaumont is an exemplary student. She possesses kindness, intelligence, and beauty, endearing her to everyone at Lancaster Prep, except for the brooding rebel, Crew Lancaster. As the son of the school's owners, Crew's life may seem effortless, but dealing with an authoritarian father and high expectations makes it anything but easy. Consequently, he has little patience for individuals like Wren. However, when their paths unexpectedly cross, Wren realises that life encompasses more than just academic achievements, and Crew comes to comprehend the significance of caring for someone other than himself. Join us to reflect on the catastrophic events of Valentine's Day in 1981, where The Stardust nightclub in Dublin was tragically consumed by fire. This devastating incident caused the loss of 48 young lives, and resulted in injuries to 214 others, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Ireland. Our technical managers at the Fire Industry Association provide their insights into this horrific event, emphasising the indispensable importance of fire safety protocols and regulations governing public spaces. St Valentines day of 1981 at The Stardust nightclub in Artane, Dublin. An evening where the atmosphere was one of excitement as patrons gathered to celebrate love and camaraderie. However, the joyous occasion took a tragic turn and became the scene of a devastating fire, claiming the lives of 48 people and leaving 214 others injured. Of the 214 injuries, 128 required inpatient hospital treatment, with 86 treated as outpatients. This incident cast a dark shadow on the lives of those present, their families and the wider nation. The impact of the tragedy surpassed the initial loss, as not only survivors, but family members also, battled with the deep weight of sorrow, and in certain cases being confronted by the persistent psychological challenges, lead to further tragic consequences, with suicides being attributed to the event. Originally a food factory, the building in which the The Stardust nightclub was located underwent a conversion in 1978 to become a multi purpose amenity centre, consisting of a bar (The Silver Swan), a function room (The Lantern Rooms), and The Stardust nightclub. The Stardust venue, complete with a dance floor, stage and 2 seating areas the North and West alcoves, was the setting for the evening Valentines disco event. Around 1:30am many patrons noticed what they perceived to be a fire from the West Alcove seating area. The fire swiftly spread to other seats within the vicinity, and within three to four minutes flames reached the ceiling itself, with portions of the ceiling collapsing and thick black smoke consuming the alcove. The Fire soon engulfed the entire building, with the presence of thick black smoke and toxic gasses throughout. This, combined with numerous obstacles presented by tables and chairs, and emergency exits being either blocked or locked, and windows secured with bars, heightened the struggles of those trying to escape. The failure of the emergency/secondary lighting system also intensified the state of confusion, inducing further widespread panic. The first telephone call to the Fire and Rescue Service was made at 1:43am, and in spite of a swift reaction from all emergency services, they faced an inferno on a scale that led many to question their level of preparedness for an emergency of such high intensity. Of the 48 fatalities, their ages ranged from 16-28, with the average age being documented as 19.5 years old, an unfathomable loss of life among people so young. The aftermath of The Stardust nightclub fire was nothing short of devastating. The tragedy had an even greater impact on the survivors, who in the years that followed experienced significant challenges with their mental health and feelings of guilt. In the wake of the tragedy, a comprehensive investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fire and the factors that contributed to its rapid spread. The findings, however, were marred by controversy and public scepticism. Questions arose regarding the reliability of the investigative process, and families of the victims demanded justice and accountability through lengthy and complex legal battles. Eventually, compensation settlements were reached, with varying sums of compensation paid, but the scars left by the tragedy remained. In 2007, unidentified victims were respectfully exhumed with detailed DNA testing and analysis carried out in order to ascertain their identities. Early investigations suggested arson as the cause of the fire, but this was never proved and subsequent investigations further questioned this conclusion. In 1986, a compensation tribunal addressed the failure to provide victims with post-fire medical treatment. Calls from survivors and families of the deceased for a new investigation continued, and in 2009 the public record was corrected to reflect the lack of evidence to prove arson as the cause of the fire. In 2019, fresh inquests were confirmed, with proceedings due to have commenced in 2023, signifying a further significant step in the victims families quest for closure. The owners of the nightclub - The Butterly family, persued the authorities for compensation, however, faced widespread criticism and anger from the survivors and families of survivors for pursuing it, owing to their part in the failings identified at the inquiry following the tragedy. The Stardust Nightclub fire remains etched in the collective memory of Ireland as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences that can result from negligence and inadequate safety measures. The lives lost on that fateful night will never be forgotten, and the lessons learned have shaped a more vigilant and safety-conscious society. As we remember the victims, let us also commit to ensuring that tragedies like the Stardust Nightclub fire are never repeated, fostering a culture of safety and accountability in all public spaces. The FIA is commtted to promoting best practices in building safety, and encourage all responsible persons to ensure they have up to date fire risk assessments and adequate means of detecting and warning of fire. All FIA member companies are third party certified, giving peace of mind when choosing providers of fire and life safety services. View the SOURCE here. To read the full story, become a PRIME member today. PRIME Unlimited Access to Insightful Industry Information All Corporate Members and TexPro Subscribers are eligible to access F2F PRIME CONTENT using the same login credentials. In January, Germanys headline seasonally adjusted Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB) Manufacturing PMI Export Conditions Index saw a slight increase to 49.4, up from 48.6 in December, marking its highest point in seven months, according to S&P Global. This minor uptick indicates a marginal worsening in overall export conditions. There were once again considerable divergences across major global regions, with stronger demand patterns in Asia and North America contrasting with a prolonged downturn in Europe. That said, the latest reduction in economic activity across Europe was the least marked since May 2023. Greece, Spain, Ireland, and Italy were the outperforming euro area nations at the start of 2024. Relatively subdued economic performances continued in France and much of central Europe. In January, Germany's HCOB Manufacturing PMI Export Conditions Index slightly improved to 49.4, a seven-month peak, indicating a marginal export downturn. Divergences persisted globally, with Asia and North America experiencing stronger demand, contrasting Europe's mild recovery. Asia saw its best export upturn in eight months, driven by China and the ASEAN. January data signalled the fastest upturn in export conditions in Asia for eight months, helped by resilient economic growth in China and the ASEAN region. Renewed economic expansion in Japan and South Korea in January added to the turnaround in export conditions across Asia. Meanwhile, another solid performance from the US economy at the start of 2024 led to the sharpest upturn in export conditions across North America since last July. January data from the HCOB Germany Manufacturing PMI illustrated another sharp reduction in new export orders, but the rate of decline eased for the fourth month running to its least marked since April 2023 (index at 42.5). Slower rates of contraction were seen across all four major categories of manufacturing exports monitored by the survey. Chemicals remained the best-performing area of the German manufacturing sector in terms of the trend in export sales. The latest survey indicated that new orders from abroad fell at the weakest pace since May 2022. Exporters in the chemicals segment commented on signs of a turnaround in demand for raw materials across the global manufacturing sector, in part helped by customer restocking. Weak household demand across Europe was a major drag on German manufacturers' export sales in the consumer non-cyclicals segment. The rate of decline in this category eased slightly since December but was still faster than the trend seen in the second half of last year. Exporters noted squeezed consumer budgets and lacklustre spending on non-essential items in major overseas markets. Finally, some positive developments emerge for the German export industry, offering a glimmer of hope amidst recent challenges. This uptick in purchasing enthusiasm is notably driven by Asian countries, the USA, as well as Brazil and Saudi Arabia. Encouragingly, global conditions have brightened across both manufacturing and service sectors in January, hinting at a potential shift towards growth for Germany's export-dependent manufacturing sector in the coming months, said Dr Cyrus de la Rubia, chief economist at Hamburg Commercial Bank. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP) Dil Chahta Hai (2001) Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003) Hum Tum (2004) Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) Bunty Aur Babli (2005) Salaam Namaste (2005) Jab We Met (2007) Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na (2008) Band Baaja Baaraat (2010) I Hate Luv Storys (2010) The 2000s were a great time for romantic comedies. This is when the Hindi film industry cracked a formula of sorts to give audiences feel-good stories: sweet romantic arcs in stunning settings (Bollywood had just started romanticising New York), unique characters and songs that are on our playlists to date. Some of the biggest Bollywood stars signed up to play lovelorn characters and the pay-off for the experimentation within the genre was high. This Valentines Day if youre feeling nostalgic for the charming rom-coms of the 2000s, heres an essential list of films that will complete your cosy night in.When it comes to movies about love and friendship,is pretty much the gold standard. The film directed by Farhan Akhtar and featuring Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Akshaye Khanna, Preity Zinta and others is about three childhood friends journey as they navigate relationships with wildly different approaches after graduating from college. The film was a huge hit when it was released and continues to give us Goa trip goals.It has been over 20 years sincewas released and the film continues to make fans laugh, cry and fall in love. With a stellar star cast that includes Shah Rukh Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta, the film remains etched in our memory. It revolves around classmates Naina and Rohit whose lives change when a charming man, Aman, moves into their neighbourhood. Aman falls for Naina but works on setting her up with Rohit since he has a terminal illness. The film has some laugh-out-loud moments with some bitter-sweet scenes that will leave you reeling from the emotional rollercoaster.had all the right tropes. Opposites attract? Check! Battle of sexes? Check! Adorable protagonists, who would fall in love in foreign locations? Yes, please! Produced by Aditya Chopra and directed by Kunal Kohli, the romantic comedy featured Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji. The two play characters who initially cannot stand each other. On a flight to New York and on a long layover in Amsterdam, they get to know each other better. The songs and the banter from this arc, which includes the track Ladki Kyon Na Jaane Kyun, remain iconic. Over seven-odd years of separation and reunion, the two fall in love.Mujhse Shaadi Karogi had one of the funniest trios in Bollywood rom-com history - Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. Set in Goa, the film is about two men, Sameer and Arun (also known as wicked Sunny), who fall in love with Rani. The two compete to win her heart in hilarious sequences. The iconic scenes and songs from the film like Jeene Ke Hai Chaar Din and the title track remain popular to date. Watch the film if you're looking for a fun beach-set Bollywood rom-com.Few Bollywood rom-coms are as experimental as Bunty Aur Babli. Starring Abhishek Bachchan and Rani Mukerji as the titular characters, the film takes us on a journey with two thieves who embark on a journey across Uttar Pradesh to con people. The lead pair brought their A-game with their comic timing and chemistry in the film. In fact, many believed the two were dating IRL when the film came out. A major highlight in the film is Aishwarya Rais item number alongside Abhishek and Amitabh Bachchan.Salaam Namaste is another film featuring Saif Ali Khan and Preity Zinta that makes it to the list. The film revolves around Nick, a chef and Ambar, a radio jockey. The two make a bold decision as they move in together in Melbourne. As they spend more together they fight and eventually fall in love. When Ambar gets pregnant they navigate a complex set of questions about compatibility, responsibility and more. The film is a charming and refreshingly nuanced exploration of what being in love really means. The film was certainly ahead of its time.Imtiaz Aliswas so good that they had to re-release the film in theatres and unsurprisingly, it opened to packed screens. Starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Shahid Kapoor, the film revolves around Aditya, a down-and-out man whose life changes when he meets Geet, a fun-loving woman on the run to reunite with her lover. Along the journey, sparks fly as they explore the stunning locales of India. It can easily be said that the fan-favourite film has redefined romance in Bollywood.The best friends-turned-lovers trope is hard to resist. Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na starring Imran Khan and Genelia D'Souza quickly became everyone's favourite coming-of-age rom-com upon its release. The film revolves around childhood friends Aditi and Jai who share a platonic relationship till Jai starts dating and Aditis parents try to fix her marriage. That's when they realise that they love each other and must be together. The film has some heartwarming moments of love and friendship that are as endearing as it gets.Bollywood peaked with fresh pairings when they cast Ranveer Singh and Anushka Sharma together in the Delhi-set Band Baaja Baaraat. The film is about two ambitious wedding planners, Shruti and Bittoo whose chaotic work life gets messier when the former falls for the latter. Between shaadi shenanigans and the lead casts fun chemistry, the film is an entertaining watch and an important addition to the romantic comedy genre.Few films are as funny, stylish and unconventional as I Hate Luv Storys and by that, we don't just mean the unique way of spelling words in the title. Starring Imran Khan and Sonam Kapoor, the film is about Jay, a man who (you guessed it) hates romance and Simran, a woman who loves love. Their differences eventually bring them together. The meta DDLJ references and the pairs chemistry are highlights of the film. The nationwide audiences has grown up watching the love stories served by the Bollywood. There is no other medium better than cinema which celebrates love and romance in a better way, In several iconic love stories, on- screen there are few ultimate green flags, which every girls wants to be with. As we celebrate the Valentine's Day, today, Here is a look at the character portrayed by the biggest superstars of Bollywood, who have played the ultimate green flags: Sattu in SatyaPrem Ki Katha What Kartik Aaryan did in Sattu's place has been recorded throughout history. The superstar did an excellent job with the character- Sattu. After marrying Katha, his character discovers her previous transgressions and gives her every ounce of power to overcome them. One gets chills seeing the scene as Satya runs to beat up Katha's offender. The character became immense popular that even hashtag #BeLikeSattu was created by the internet, and for good reason-Satya has established himself as a national role model for men, showing them how to show their partners the proper affection and treatment. Aditya from Jab We Met The unadulterated and sensitive energy of the protagonist character Aditya Kashyap (Shahid Kapoor) is a big part of why "Jab We Met" is still recognized as one of the best Hindi film productions. At first, Aditya is presented as being lost, but after meeting Geet (Kareena Kapoor), he goes on a transforming journey. There's no sign of a macho savior mentality even later when he turns into the one helping her break out of isolation. It is, instead, a representation motivated by sincere feelings and a deep relationship. Rocky Randhawa from Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani We were enthralled by the young and energetic star Ranveer Singh's portrayal of Rocky Randhawa, a good-hearted Delhi lad who defies conventional home rules. In "Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani," helmed by Karan Johar, the story takes place as Ranveer Singh's character Rocky sets out on a quest to unlearn the sense of masculine entitlement that was engrained in his childhood. In the film, Alia Bhatt's character helps Rocky realize that he can still be a man and pursue Kathak dance while still helping out around the house with duties like hanging laundry and cleaning clothing. Raj from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge Shah Rukh Khan, the ultimate romantic hero dons the characteristics of the true green flag, in the iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. His character Raj protects the character of Kajol and goes to every extent to win her love. Aman From Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' In "Kuch Kuch Hota Hai," Salman Khan's character demonstrated every hallmark of a healthy relationship. He was quite explicit about his desire to wed Anjali from the start. He showed her his affection regularly and, in the end, put her pleasure ahead of his pride and ego. In addition, he had endearing and amiable characteristics-qualities that each female desires in a companion. Abu Dhabi, Feb 14 (PTI) Actor Akshay Kumar on Wednesday reached Abu Dhabi ahead of the inauguration of the first Hindu stone temple in the city. The temple in Abu Dhabi, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been built using ancient architectural methods clubbed with scientific techniques. For the occasion, Akshay donned a white and golden kurta. The 56-year-old actor was accompanied by his security detail. The temple, called BAPS Hindu Mandir, has been built with over 300 high-tech sensors to measure temperature and monitor seismic activity, no metal has been used in the construction of the temple and fly ash has been used to fill up the foundation. The grand temple has been built by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore. On Tuesday, after signing multiple bilateral agreements with the UAE, and attending the high-voltage 'Ahlan Modi' event that saw massive participation from the Indian diaspora, PM Modi is set to inaugurate the largest Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening. The prime minister will then head to Doha to meet the leadership in Qatar as part of his two-day visit to the Gulf region. Naman Jain is currently busy garnering praises for his performance in Crushed season 4. But, the actor has been working since the time he was a child and has been a part of many famous movies like Raanjhanaa, Jai Ho, Bombay Talkies, and more. During the climax of Raanjhanaa, there's a scene where younger Kundan (Naman) is running one side, and the adult Kundan (Dhanush) is walking the other side. The scene has become iconic and there are many reels and memes being made on it. Filmibeat recently interacted with Naman and spoke to him about the scene. When asked him how he feels about his iconic scene in the film, the actor said, "I will tell you a story. When we shot it, I was starstruck to work with Dhanush sir and Aanand L Rai sir. I was just enjoying the vibe of Banaras, and you know that scene wasn't there in the script, it was just an addition by the director like an experiment about how it will look. So, we were on set and he (Rai) guided us that Dhanush sir will come this way and I am going that way. He told me you just run and you look at him and go. So, that's what we did, and I had no idea back then what importance does that scene hold, how beautiful it is to the eye, nd how does it make sense to the story." Naman Jain On Raanjhanaa Reels Further talking about the reels on the scene, Naman said, "I genuinely haven't missed one single reel on that, I have seen it all. Majority of them, whatever I see I like because I love it and all of them are so relatable. I saw one was about Sachin going and Virat coming, something like that; all of these things are so iconic. So, it's very very heart-touching and I am beying blessed to be a small part of such a beautiful and big film." Aanand L Rai's Raanjhanaa was released in 2013, but till now, it is regarded as his best work. The movie marked the Bollywood debut of Dhanush and he had impressed one and all with his performance in the film. Even the songs of the movie are still remembered. Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as the 'King Khan' and celebrated as one of India's most prominent cultural icon, graced the stage at WGS for an insightful conversation session titled "Timeless Success: A Conversation with Shah Rukh Khan." Renowned for his magnetic screen presence and unparalleled wit, Khan's enduring legacy in Indian cinema spans nearly three decades, making him a fitting representative of Indian excellence on the global stage. Remarkably, SRK is the only Indian actor who is invited to the World Government Summit. It's SRK's first time at the prestigious gathering dedicated to shaping the future of governments globally. The superstar will be taking center stage for a conversation entitled 'The Making Of A Star: A Conversation With Shah Rukh Khan', a 15-minute discussion on his ascent to fame and fortune. Shah Rukh Khan shared his personal insights and experiences at the session that explore valuable lessons on perseverance, creativity, and navigating the path to enduring success. The discussion will explore the principles that have shaped Khan's remarkable career and find inspiration for your own journey. The World Government Summit has emerged as a pivotal platform for sharing governance best practices, fostering collaboration, and envisioning innovative solutions for global challenges. As India takes center stage as the distinguished guest at this year's WGS summit, it highlights the nation's significant contributions to the global discourse on governance, development and progress. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan, several prominent heads of States including Qatari Emir His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Hamad Al Tahni, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Turkey's PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan attended the WGS summit. Ever dreamt of adorning jewellery that speaks not just of elegance, but also whispers tales of heartfelt stories and poetic inspirations? Enter Quirksmith, a design label from the city of Agra, where silver craftsmanship meets the art of poetry. With a dazzling debut on Shark Tank India 3, founders Divya Batra Das and Pragya Batra aim to take their brand to new heights, inviting Sharks to join them on a journey that fuses tradition with contemporary flair - seeking an investment of Rs 80 lakhs for 1% equity in the brand. While talking about their experience on Shark Tank India, Pragya said, "We had a lovely time engaging with other entrepreneurs during Shark Tank India and to build a strong community of fellow entrepreneurs. The experience in the Tank was intense but exciting. We enjoyed sharing our story with the Sharks and getting their feedback on multiple aspects. Such a high pressure, high stakes situation really tests one's ability to stay calm and we're grateful for the experience." At the heart of Quirksmith are the Batra sisters: Divya, a seasoned silversmith with 19 years of experience and a NIFT passout in jewellery design, and Pragya, who brings a strategic edge from her time at Bain & Company. This women-led brand has been crafting ethno-contemporary silver jewellery, where every piece is a conversation starter, since 2016. Its vision is to put women at the forefront of an industry that was created to serve them but is highly dominated by men. Quirksmith's unique collection has garnered a community of more than a whopping 3 lakh customers. Their thoughtful designs also bask in praise from the Sharks. In a major development, Shark Tank India 3 has a pandel 12 Sharks for the first time in the history of the show. The likes of Aman Gupta, Amit Jain, Anupam Mittal, Namita Thapar, Vineeta Singh, Peyush Bansal, Ritesh Agarwal, Deepinder Goyal, Azhar Iqubal, Radhika Gupta, Varun Dua and Ronnie Screwvala are featuring in the show To witness the pitch of Quirksmith, where poetry meets silver, watch Shark Tank India 3, only on Sony LIV. After a tremendous response by the fans to the Oscar-nominated film Moana, Walt Disney Animation Studios is all set to captivate audiences once again with their upcoming animated musical "Moana 2". The cherished tale of the daring Polynesian princess embarking on a monumental oceanic journey garnered critical acclaim and fan adoration worldwide. With the announcement of Moana's return alongside her best-buddy 'Maui' in a refreshing island adventure, excitement and anticipation are building at an unprecedented pace. The Voices Behind the Characters: A Look at Moana's Hindi Dub Voice actress Aulii Cravalho gave an exceptional vocal performance and soulful singing that brought Moana to life, with Dwayne Johnson adding his charismatic voice to the character of Maui. The engagement of renowned actresses like Priyanka Chopra, Parineeti Chopra, and Shruti Hassan as Hindi voices for Disney princesses has significantly piqued the interest and excitement amongst the Indian audience. This unique approach of featuring Bollywood's leading ladies as voices for iconic characters has added a delightful layer of cultural connection and accessibility for Indian fans. Who Will Be The Next Voice of Moana in Hindi? Considering the widespread admiration and influence of Disney princesses voiced by Bollywood's finest, speculation is rife about who the next B-Town diva might be to lend her voice to Moana in the Hindi dub of "Moana 2". Names such as Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Rashmika Mandanna, among others, have surfaced, creating waves of anticipation. Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement, hoping for another stellar performance that can bridge cultural gaps and bring the beloved character of Moana closer to the Indian audience. Mark Your Calendars for "Moana 2" With a release date set for November 27, 2024, "Moana 2" promises to be a visual and musical spectacle that will once again showcase the resilience, courage, and the spirit of adventure that defines Moana. As the countdown begins, fans around the world, especially in India, are holding their breaths in anticipation of another unforgettable journey across the vast, mysterious ocean. The question of who will voice the Hindi dub of Moana adds an extra layer of excitement, as Disney continues to weave its magic across global audiences, transcending linguistic and cultural barriers. As Walt Disney Animation Studios prepares to set sail once more with "Moana 2", the enthusiasm and curiosity among fans signify the enduring appeal of Moana's story. The integration of Bollywood stars as the voices of beloved Disney characters for the Hindi audience not only enhances the viewing experience but also fosters a deeper connection with the narrative. As we inch closer to the release date, the anticipation for Moana's next big adventure, and the reveal of the new Hindi voice cast, continues to mount. "Moana 2" is poised to be a cinematic journey that will captivate, inspire, and enchant audiences once again. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / Cisco Systems Inc. By Laura Quintana January 24 is the International Day of Education, celebrating what the United Nations describes as a "fundamental human right" and "the bedrock of societies, economies, and every person's potential." The purpose of Cisco Networking Academy is to empower all people with career possibilities, helping them achieve their potential. There are currently 3.7 million people in 190 countries learning with Cisco Networking Academy. In our 11,700 Academies, 29,700 instructors are dedicated to inspiring learners with IT and digital skills education. Many of those instructors were inspired by their own teachers and are now paying it forward. An enthusiastic teacher makes learning fun. And studies show that teacher enthusiasm can enhance student learning outcomes. On International Day of Education, we'd like to thank all of our dedicated instructors, and we are proud to share some of their inspiring stories. Thank you for partnering with us! Johannes Pule Khutsoane, South Africa Johannes Pule Khutsoane, from South Africa, overcame financial hardship to complete his Cisco Networking Academy studies. Being taken under his instructor's wing helped. He was so impressed with the course he went on to become an instructor himself. "I underwent training to become a certified instructor which allowed me to give back to my community. I have been training Networking Academy programs for the past five years," he says. "Seeing the positive impact on their lives and witnessing their growth and success in the tech industry is incredibly inspiring," he says. "It motivates me to continue my efforts and find new ways to contribute to my community's development." Dr Gabriella Arellano, United States Dr Gabriella Arellano is the Cybersecurity Faculty and Continuing Education Coordinator at Sitting Bull College on Standing Rock Reservation in the United States. Gabriella became an instructor after already having attained a master's degree in education, curriculum, assessment, and instruction. "It was just such a life saver to be able to transition and teach all these courses. I'm amazed by the level of support that Cisco has provided to me as an instructor," she says. "Students are very engaged," she says. "For their midterms, for their finals, even the assignments, the Cisco Packet Tracer assignments that they dothey're always emailing me: 'Hey, did you see how I did here?' Students get very engaged with the material, which is very nice." Neil Hines, Australia Neil Hines in Australia was struggling after losing 35% of his vision, but after completing a Cisco Networking Academy IT Essentials course, his instructor pulled him aside and asked whether he'd like to become an instructor at Cisco Academy for the Vision Impaired (CAVI) in Perth. "CAVI had a very profound effect on my life considering where I was going. I didn't really have a pathway, as opposed to now. Having a career and a pathway, that certainly wasn't there when I lost part of my vision," he says. Arnaud Burlion, France Arnaud Burlion from France, says he wasn't a "model schoolboy" because school didn't motivate him. Arnaud dropped out of high school and enrolled in the army, serving for five years in the Chasseurs Alpins regiment. "I wanted to resume my studies, but in something that I was passionate about," he says. "At Paris-Saclay University I was guided by an instructor at the best networking school: Cisco Networking Academy." After going on to become a Cisco Networking Academy instructor, Arnaud realized how much he could have achieved at school. "When I saw the first reaction of my students, the first year I taught, when they understood how computer communications really worked, I realized how much I enjoyed teaching. Especially with the Cisco Networking Academy program. I was happy to convey knowledge the way I would have liked when I was at school," he says. Jim Elkins, United States Jim Elkins of North Tech Missouri, in the U.S., fell into IT education and went on to become an advocate-and a popular one too, if the sheer numbers of students praising his teaching methods are any indication. His own Cisco Networking Academy instructor inspired Jim. The "instructor was incredible, and he really got me interested," he says. "I'd never had anything like that in college and I'd never even thought that there was that kind of material out there, so it really opened my eyes a lot." Jim's students are so engaged that even after graduation and entering the workforce, many come back to talk to current students. "That's what makes it more amazing and why we continue to have success," he says, "because the current students are looking at the graduates that are coming in, and they're like, 'they were me five years ago!'" Gloria Castro, Chile Despite being raised in a rural area in Chile and economic challenges, Gloria Castro qualified as an Electronic Engineer, a role she says "was not well regarded for a woman at that time." "My goal was to study," she says. "My teachers encouraged and motivated me to continue advancing." After she had earned a job with the University of Tarapaca as a laboratory instructor, in 2003 Gloria was sent to the US to study to become a Cisco Networking Academy instructor-Chile's first female instructor. "To have the opportunity to be a Cisco Networking Academy instructor, motivating and teaching students who open new doors in their professional lives," is something that Gloria says is a defining moment in her life. These are just some of our amazing Cisco Networking Academy instructor stories. Find out more on how to teach with us View original content here. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Cisco Systems Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Cisco Systems Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cisco-systems-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Cisco Systems Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Lafayette and New Orleans, Louisiana--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2024) - AQ Studios, the exciting new face in architecture, has emerged from the merger of Louisiana's architectural titans, ACSW (Lafayette) and Rozas Ward (New Orleans). This fusion is set to redefine the architectural boundaries in Louisiana and beyond, offering a blend of innovation, cultural richness, and urban sophistication. ACSW, renowned for iconic designs like River Ranch, Lafayette High School, and the University of Louisiana's Our Lady of Lourdes Stadium, brings its legacy of groundbreaking design and a focus on community-enhancing architecture. Rozas Ward complements this with its portfolio of culturally rich projects like the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center and The Kalorama of New Orleans condominiums. This merger marks a pivotal moment in the architectural industry, combining decades of expertise and vision. AQ Studios will continue to operate out of their locations in New Orleans and Lafayette, as well as their satellite office in Lake Charles. Charlie Ward To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10314/197831_78aa25de744f4996_001full.jpg Eric Crozier To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10314/197831_78aa25de744f4996_002full.jpg Greg Damico To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10314/197831_78aa25de744f4996_003full.jpg Chad Abell To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10314/197831_78aa25de744f4996_004full.jpg Both firms celebrate the merger as a natural and symbiotic union. Eric Crozier, a principal architect at ACSW and the new AQ Studios, expresses enthusiasm: "This merger is a culmination of a growing relationship that has blossomed organically over two years. It's an exciting new chapter that promises to amplify our capabilities, expand our geographic reach, and provide our talented staff with unprecedented growth opportunities." Charlie Ward, of Rozas Ward and now a principal architect at AQ Studios, shares his excitement: "Our merger is a celebration of strength and adaptability. It's about building on our legacy and ensuring our designs meet the evolving needs of our clients and communities." AQ Studios is set to leave its mark across various sectors, notably in educational, healthcare, and civic architecture. The firm pledges to uphold the high standards and client-focused approach that defined ACSW and Rozas Ward while pushing the boundaries to create not just functional spaces but also sources of inspiration and community pride. As AQ Studios embarks on this new journey, it remains dedicated to transforming visions into architectural realities, crafting spaces that celebrate culture and community, and shaping the architectural landscape of Louisiana and beyond for generations to come. About AQ Studios Based in the heart of Louisiana, with offices in Lafayette, New Orleans, and Lake Charles, AQ Studios is the result of a strategic merger between ACSW and Rozas Ward, two architectural powerhouses known for their innovation and community-driven designs. This newly formed architecture firm is poised to make a significant impact in educational, healthcare, and civic architecture while catering to a diverse range of clients. At AQ Studios, the commitment is not just to build structures but also to craft spaces that embody purpose, inspire communities, and resonate with the needs and aspirations of the people they serve. The firm stands as a beacon of architectural excellence, blending a rich heritage with a forward-looking approach to design. For further details and insights into the transformative world of AQ Studios or to schedule an interview or a discussion, please reach out to Madeline Williams at Madeline@AQTeam.com or 337-235-8016. Press Kit and Images #### Media Contact: Emily Reynolds Bergh Email: Emily@rprfirm.com Phone: 518-321-3906 Company Website: https://introducingaq.com/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197831 SOURCE: AQ Studios EQS-Ad-hoc: Dexus Finance Pty Limited / Key word(s): Half Year Results/Real Estate Dexus Finance Pty Limited: HY24 results 14-Feb-2024 / 01:23 CET/CEST Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Dexus (ASX: DXS) ASX release 14 February 2024 HY24 Results release Dexus today announced its HY24 results providing the following announcements: HY24 Appendix 4D and Financial Statements HY24 Final distribution details HY24 Results release HY24 Results presentation HY24 Property synopsis The full announcements are available at www.dexus.com/investor-centre/listed-funds/dexus-dxs/results-and-reporting/asx-announcements The HY24 results presentation was webcast and is available to view at www.dexus.com/investor-centre Authorised by Brett Cameron, General Counsel and Company Secretary of Dexus Funds Management Limited For further information please contact: Investors Rowena Causley Head of Listed Investor Relations +61 2 9017 1390 +61 416 122 383 rowena.causley@dexus.com Media Louise Murray Senior Manager, Corporate Communications +61 2 9017 1446 +61 403 260 754 louise.murray@dexus.com End of Inside Information Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this announcement: About Dexus Dexus (ASX: DXS) is a leading Australasian fully integrated real asset group, managing a high-quality Australasian real estate and infrastructure portfolio valued at $57.1 billion. We believe that the strength and quality of our relationships will always be central to our success and are deeply connected to our purpose: Unlock potential, create tomorrow. We directly and indirectly own $15.8 billion of office, industrial, healthcare, retail and infrastructure assets and investments. We manage a further $41.3 billion of investments in our funds management business which provides third party capital with exposure to quality sector specific and diversified real asset products. The funds within this business have a strong track record of delivering performance and benefit from Dexus's capabilities. The platform's $16.9 billion real estate development pipeline provides the opportunity to grow both portfolios and enhance future returns. Our sustainability aspiration is to unlock the potential of real assets to create lasting positive impact and a more sustainable tomorrow, and is focused on the priorities of customer prosperity, climate action and enhancing communities. Dexus is supported by more than 35,000 investors from 22 countries. With four decades of expertise in real estate and infrastructure investment, funds management, asset management and development, we have a proven track record in capital and risk management and delivering returns for investors. www.dexus.com Dexus Funds Management Ltd ABN 24 060 920 783, AFSL 238163, as Responsible Entity for Dexus (ASX: DXS) Level 30, 50 Bridge Street, Sydney NSW 2000 14-Feb-2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 13, 2024) - Regal Resources Inc. (the "Company" or "Regal") is pleased to announce that the maturity date of its outstanding convertible debentures issued on February 10, 2022 and due on February 12, 2024 (the "Convertible Debentures") has been extended (the "Extension") by one year to February 12, 2025. Pursuant to the Extension, all accrued and unpaid interest along with the principal amounts will become due and payable on February 12, 2025. About the Company Regal Resources is a junior mineral exploration and development company based in Vancouver, British Columbia whose sole mineral project is its interest in the Sunnyside Project near Nogales, Arizona. Regal Resources is a reporting issuer in the provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Greg Thomas Chief Executive Officer For further information contact: Regal Resources Inc. Telephone: (604) 512-6041 Email: info@regalres.com Statements in this news release contain "forward-looking information" under Canadian Securities Laws (referred to as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current expectations and estimates concerning future events. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "suggest", "indicate" and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include comments regarding the maturity date of the Convertible Debentures and the payment of principal and interest on the extended maturity date. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results implied or expressed in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, receipt of regulatory approvals, the availability to the Company of additional funds , and the state of financial markets. There may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not intend to update any forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly the reader should not place undue on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197842 SOURCE: Regal Resources Inc. Small and medium enterprises, nonprofit organisations and high schools are invited to submit entries before the 23 June 2024 deadline ABU DHABI, UAE, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Zayed Sustainability Prize, the UAE's pioneering global sustainability and humanitarian award, has officially announced that the 2025 cycle is now open for submissions. Submissions will be accepted until 23 June 2024 through the Prize's online portal. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs), nonprofit organisations (NPOs) and high schools across the US, Europe & Central Asia, MENA, Africa, and APAC with sustainable solutions are invited to submit an entry for consideration in one of the six categories of Heath, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools. H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, and COP28 President, said: "Since 2008, the Zayed Sustainability Prize has honoured the legacy of Sheikh Zayed by fostering inclusive sustainable and humanitarian development around the world. I am optimistic that the Prize will contribute to global climate action, which will pave the way towards an effective response to the Global Stocktake decision." In response to the climate crisis, the Prize has increased its funds from US $3.6 million to US $5.9 million. The Prize will reward US $1 million to each winner in the aforementioned categories. Within the Global High Schools category, each school can claim up to US $150,000 to start or further expand their project. The most recent prize winners were recognised at an Awards Ceremony held during COP28 UAE. Submissions will be accepted in multiple languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, Spanish, and Portuguese. The evaluation of each submission will be undertaken by a Selection Committee consisting of independent international experts. Winners will be announced at an Awards Ceremony during the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW). Notes to Editors About the Zayed Sustainability Prize The Zayed Sustainability Prize is a tribute to the legacy of the late founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The Prize drives sustainable development and humanitarian action by recognising organisations and high schools that are delivering innovative sustainable solutions. For over 15 years, through its 117 winners, the Prize has positively impacted the lives of 384 million worldwide. https://zayedsustainabilityprize.com/ View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/zayed-sustainability-prize-opens-submissions-for-hong-kong-for-2025-cycle-302060881.html NEW YORK, NY and LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / AccountAbility, a trusted global ESG Consulting and Standards Firm for 30 years, will announce a series of initiatives to enhance the quality of global sustainability assurance. With these enhancements, AccountAbility licensed assurance providers will receive market-leading solutions to deliver the world's most innovative, user-friendly, and trusted sustainability assurance standard - the AA1000 Assurance Standard v3 (AA1000AS v3). Today marks the first of these initiatives - the launch of a revamped e-licensing platform for licensed assurance providers, incorporating additional checks on ethics, independence, quality, and ease-of-use features. Ethics, independence, quality, and ease of use have been central to AccountAbility's AA1000 Series of Standards since inception, and the firm continues to apply its deep expertise and experience, integration of quality assurance technology, strategic global partnerships, and continuous enhancements to the tools and resources provided to its Standards users. The new platform will include: Enhancements to the pre-approval process that Licensed Assurance Providers are required to complete before commencing assurance engagements Updates to compliance and validation requirements Assurance Providers must meet when issuing Assurance Statements to Reporting Companies Improvements to the back-end system that strengthen cybersecurity Improvements to the user interface that make for a better user experience Preparation for future AI integration for automated, streamlined, and scalable license and statement validation processes The AA1000AS v3 requires AccountAbility licensed assurance providers to follow a robust process before issuing Assurance Statements to reporting companies in order to ensure quality and transparency. All assured sustainability disclosures, which numbered more than 1,150+ in 2023, are added to a public web list on the AccountAbility Standards website, accessible via - https://www.accountability.org/standards/aa1000-assurance-standard/aa1000as-reports/ Licensed assurance providers and assurance practitioners involved in all AA1000AS v3 assurance engagements complete a license agreement and must operate in accordance with and be bound by the AA1000AS v3 Code of Practice. Values associated with this commitment deepen and reinforce assurance, professionalism, and effectiveness while safeguarding the high-quality application of the AA1000AS v3. Planned quality enhancement updates to the AA1000 Series will also align with the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (ICIF) and the latest and upcoming developments in the standards ecosystem to meet rigorous assurance requirements comparable to financial information. In order to ensure relevance to its global assurance providers, AccountAbility's Standards team actively monitors developments in the standards and assurance landscape across jurisdictions, including: International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB) standards International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) proposed new standards U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) proposed Climate Disclosure Rule EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Proposed EU Green Claims Directive Mandatory sustainability disclosures required nationally, such as in India and South Korea, as well as the requirements by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), among others "We are witnessing intensifying regulatory mandates and stakeholder expectations regarding the assurance of non-financial information. AccountAbility is responding with several significant developments to meet the needs of its global users," comments Mr. Dongsoo Kim, AccountAbility Standards Board Member and the former Executive Director of Korea Productivity Center (KPC). "The AA1000AS v3 is trusted globally for its universal applicability in assuring sustainability data. We understand the implications that global assurance trends have for practitioners and providers alike, and we are constantly working to provide the clarity and resources that our expanding roster of AA1000AS v3 users need to meet the needs of their clients and advance the sustainability standards agenda," says Ms. Peppi-Emilia Airike, AccountAbility Head of Standards & Research. Other upcoming initiatives AccountAbility has undertaken to enhance the quality of sustainability assurance globally include: GHG Guidance Document - A guide to applying the AA1000 Assurance Standard v3 to assure climate-related data and reporting (expected Q2 2024) AccountAbility will release supplementary Guidance on Assuring GHG Emissions with the AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS v3) in Q2 2024. The Guidance Document will provide users of the AA1000AS v3 with direction regarding the application of AccountAbility's Principles-based assurance methodology to assure climate-related data and reporting. This is intended to arm assurance providers with the guidance needed to respond to the increasing volume of assurance mandates worldwide, such as the EU's CSRD, the SEC's proposed Climate Disclosure Rule, and several other future requirements globally. Assurance Standards Bridging Document - An overview of the alignment between the AA1000AS v3 and ISAE 3000 (expected Q2 2024) AccountAbility will publish a Bridging Document, which details the alignment between AA1000AS v3 and the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised) Assurance Engagements Other Than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information. The Bridging Document will clarify the application of the two assurance standards and establish the equivalence of accounting assurance levels (Limited + Reasonable) with AA1000AS v3 levels (Moderate + High). Advancing Ethical Sustainability Reporting AccountAbility has joined the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Sustainability Reference Group, supporting global roundtables as part of its ongoing Sustainability Project to develop ethics and independence standards for sustainability reporting and assurance. About AccountAbility AccountAbility is a global consulting and standards firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organizations to innovate and advance the global sustainability / ESG agenda by improving organizations' practices, performance, and impact. The firm focuses on delivering practical, effective, and enduring results that enable our clients to succeed. AccountAbility is a Public Benefit Corporation operating globally through a highly qualified team from offices in New York, London, Riyadh, and Dubai. The firm is the recipient of multiple business awards from the Financial Times, Forbes, and Capital Finance International. Contact: Mr. Gavin Doran AccountAbility Global Head of Marketing & Communications Phone: +1 850 502 3098 Email: gavin.doran@accountability.org Web: www.accountability.org View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from AccountAbility on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: AccountAbility Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/accountability Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: AccountAbility View the original press release on accesswire.com Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Just in time for the month of love, Krystal Walter Matchmaking launches its Bachelor of the Month feature. As Valentine's Day draws near, singles often find modern dating a maze of complexity. Krystal Walter, the visionary behind Krystal Walter Matchmaking, introduces the Bachelor of the Month to simplify the search for love. This initiative highlights a single each month and encourages individuals to embrace bold, new approaches to finding love. For Walters, the launch of Bachelors of the Month champions celebrating self-love and openness to new experiences among all singles. Valentine's Day is a reminder that finding love can involve making bold decisions, trying new experiences, and putting oneself out there. Walter's insights aim to spark connections through her Bachelor of the Month campaign and empower singles to approach love with authenticity and openness. For more information, please visit https://www.krystalwaltermatchmaking.com/. About Krystal Walter Matchmaking Krystal Walter Matchmaking is a premier dating service established by Krystal Walters, connecting singles across Canada and the United States since 2012. Transitioning from a career in commercial real estate and drawing on her personal experiences with matchmakers, Krystal developed a bespoke matchmaking service. Under Walter's guidance, each client undergoes a comprehensive profiling session, enabling her and her team to understand their unique preferences and needs intimately, crafting a personalized approach to them. This meticulous approach underscores her commitment to facilitating a modern approach to dating while fulfilling the high standards her clients expect. Contact Details: Contact Person's Name: Krystal Walter Position: Owner and Matchmaker Company Name: Krystal Walter Matchmaking Company website: https://www.krystalwaltermatchmaking.com/ Contact Email Address: match@krystalwaltermatchmaking.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197744 SOURCE: Baden Bower R&S Group Holding AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous R&S Group increases its free float by broadening its share-holder base 14-Feb-2024 / 07:00 CET/CEST Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR R&S Group increases its free float by broadening its shareholder base Free float of R&S Group increases to 57.2% International long-only investor as new shareholder with 6.5% quota CGS III (Jersey) L.P sold 1,875,000 R&S Group shares, reducing its stake to 17.8% (from 24.3%) Sissach/BL, Switzerland, 14 February 2024 - R&S Group Holding AG (SIX: RSGN), a leading provider of electrical infrastructure components in focus markets in Europe and the Middle East, herewith informs the market that its major shareholder, CGS III (Jersey) L.P. (CGS), yesterday post market close, sold 1,875,000 R&S Group shares to an international long-only investor. The trade size corresponds to 6.5% of R&S Group's share capital. With this trade, the holdings of CGS are reduced to 17.5%, from 24.0%. UBS agreed to waive the existing lock-up on the abovementioned 1,875,000 R&S Group shares that CGS undertook in the context of the 2023 Initial Business Combination. The lock-up until 13 December 2024 will continue to apply on CGS's remaining position in R&S Group. Heinz Kundert, Chairperson of the Board of R&S Group, says: "With yesterday's transaction we welcome a new well-known investor into R&S Group's shareholder register, highlighting the attractiveness of the Group's investment case. The higher expected free-float is also positive for the investors community and our recognition as a public company." Rolf Lanz, Managing Partner at CGS, adds: "We are pleased to agree to this transaction, leading to the original planned shareholding and we thank the board for its support. CGS remains a major shareholder of R&S Group and continues to be committed to the further development of the company." Calendar 2024 21 March Preliminary 2023 key figures 17 April 2023 full-year results 28 May Annual General Meeting 24 July Trading update 11 September 2024 half-year results Contacts Investor Relations Doris Rudischhauser Phone: +41 79 410 81 88 Email: investors@the-rsgroup.com Media Nicolas Weidmann Phone: +41 79 372 29 81 Email: media@the-rsgroup.com About R&S Group R&S Group Holding AG ("R&S Group", the "company") is headquartered in Sissach/BL, Switzerland. With six manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, Italy, Poland and the Middle East, R&S Group serves its domestic and various European export markets with small and medium power and distribution transformers and other components in the utility, infrastructure and industrial sectors. The company has been successfully positioned to benefit from the accelerating demand for energy production and distribution, driven by the global trend towards decarbonization. R&S Group has been listed on SIX Swiss Exchange on 13 December 2023 under the ticker symbol RSGN following its successful business combination with VT5 Acquisition AG, a previously Swiss-listed Special Purpose Acquisition Company (SPAC). Further information about the R&S Group can be found at www.the-rsgroup.com . Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning R&S Group Holding AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of R&S Group Holding AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. R&S Group Holding AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Bambuser AB (STO:BUSER)(FRA:5JL) Bambuser reports a Q4 2023 ARR of SEK 107.2 million, representing a quarter over quarter decline of 7% at constant exchange rates ("CER"). The Adjusted EBITDA was SEK -27.8 million, in line with implemented cost enhancements. The last twelve-month free cash flow improved with SEK 37.1 million year over year. The cash balance closed at SEK 272.1 million, which is sufficient to take Bambuser to positive cash flow. In a strategic move, Bambuser divested its influencer marketing business, Relatable, during the quarter. This transaction, while resulting in a non-cash loss of SEK 85.5 million, had a positive impact on cash flow, contributing SEK 12.7 million. Bambuser signed several new contracts with enterprise customers in the quarter, including Belkin (consumer electronics), Auto Mercado (supermarket chain based in Costa Rica), and HiFi Klubben (retailer of high-quality audio and visual equipment). The Company further renewed and expanded its partnership with the Matas (leading Danish health and beauty retail chain). Q4 2023 Key highlights ARR of SEK 107.2 million, -21% y/y and -7% q/q at constant exchange rates ("CER"). Net Sales of SEK 44.1 million (59.3) with SaaS revenue growth of -22% y/y and -9% q/q. Adjusted EBITDA of SEK -27.8 million (-25.7), representing a -60% margin, -20%p. y/y and -6%p. q/q. Free Cash Flow of SEK -37.6 million (-21.6), representing a -85% FCF margin, -49%p. y/y and -8%p. q/q. End of quarter Cash Balance of SEK 272.1 million (378.5), which is sufficient to take Bambuser to positive cash flow. Successful divestment of Relatable allows Bambuser to concentrate its resources on developing the world's leading video commerce platform. The full Q4 2023 report is published at https://ir.bambuser.com/report-archive Contact information Corporate Communications, Bambuser AB +46 8 400 160 00 | ir@bambuser.com Certified Adviser Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ) About Bambuser Bambuser is the world's leading video commerce company with the largest customer base in its industry. More than 290 brands from 50+ countries leverage Bambuser's best-in-class solutions. Bambuser is truly global with headquarters in Stockholm and offices in New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Turku, and Los Angeles. The company's rapidly growing team speaks more than 40 languages and 50% of its senior management is female. Founded in 2007 as a livestreaming pioneer, trusted by the world's leading news agencies, Bambuser pivoted to Live Shopping in 2019, leveraging its legacy as the industry leader in video-first technology. This information is information that Bambuser AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2024-02-14 08:00 CET. Attachments Bambuser YearEndReport2023 SOURCE: Bambuser AB View the original press release on accesswire.com The growth of the global aerospace cyber security market is driven by factors such as increase in cyber threats, rise in digitization and connectivity, and integration of advanced technologies in the aerospace sector. WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Aerospace Cyber Security Market by Type (Network Security, Wireless Security, Cloud Security, and Content Security), Deployment (On-Premise and Cloud), Application (Aircraft, Drones, and Satellites), and Component (Services and Solutions): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032". According to the report, the global aerospace cyber security industry size generated $26.3 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $58.8 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2032. (We are providing aerospace cybersecurity Industry report as per your research requirement, including the Latest Industry Insight's Evolution, Potential and Russia-Ukraine War Impact Analysis) 160 - Tables 46 - Charts 300 - Pages Download Sample Report and Table of Content - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A09068 Prime Determinants of Growth The growth of the global aerospace cyber security market is driven by factors such as increase in cyber threats, rise in trend of digitization & connectivity, and integration of advanced technologies in the aerospace sector. However, high installation & operational costs and regulatory challenges hamper the growth of the market. On the contrary, technological advancements and innovation, coupled with strengthening of cyber regulations in the aerospace industry, are expected to offer remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the aerospace cyber security market during the forecast period. Report Coverage and Details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size In 2022 $26.3 Billion Market Size In 2032 $58.8 Billion CAGR 8.4 % No. Of Pages in Report 280 Segments Covered Type, Deployment, Application, Component, And Region Drivers Increase In Cyber Threats Rise In the Digitization And Connectivity Integration Of Advanced Technologies in The Aerospace Sector Opportunities High Installation and Operational Costs Regulatory Challenges Restraints Technological Advancements and Innovation Cyber Regulations in The Aerospace Industry Impact of Russia-Ukraine War Scenario On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, leading to the Russia-Ukrainian war that began in 2014. Due to geopolitical conflicts, there is an emergence of global economic uncertainties. In times of economic unpredictability, aviation companies or airports budgets can be affected, potentially influencing the allocation of funds for aerospace cybersecurity. This, in turn, could impact the adoption and integration of aerospace cybersecurity products or ability to invest in cybersecurity services. Furthermore, in times of conflict, governments might have to redirect their resources to deal with urgent security and humanitarian needs. This could mean changing their budget priorities, which might result in less money allocation for the investment in cybersecurity. The network security segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period Depending on type, the network security segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than one-third of the global aerospace cyber security market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This is attributed to the fact that modern aerospace systems are becoming increasingly connected, with the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and other interconnected components. However, the cloud security segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.9% from 2023 to 2032, owing to increase in penetration of leveraging cloud platforms for data storage, processing, and analysis. Recent Developments in the Aerospace Cyber Security Sector In January 2023, The Aerospace Corporation introduced the Space Attack Research and Tactic Analysis (SPARTA) framework, pinpointing distinct hacker risks to space systems. July 2023 saw Honeywell International's confirmation of acquiring SCADAfence, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions for operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) in monitoring extensive networks. March 2022 marked Northrop Grumman Corporation's announcement of establishing the 100th U.S. Air Force training site on the company's distributed mission operations network (DMON), fostering secure global connectivity for combat air force (CAF) crews. In April 2022, Thales inaugurated its sixth cybersecurity center in Morocco, reinforcing its commitment to cybersecurity in the African continent. November 2021 witnessed Honeywell International, Inc. launching Honeywell NAVITAS, a software amalgamating AI, big data, machine learning, cybersecurity, and human-centered design principles. May 2021 saw the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC) collaborating with Lockheed Martin to establish the rogue blue software factory, producing mission planning and command and control applications for the U.S. Strategic Command. In February 2021, Lockheed Martin Corporation secured a basic ordering agreement (BOA) from the U.S. Air Force for Platform One software DevSecOps services, encompassing DevSecOps engineering, software development, cybersecurity, operations, and IT support. Interested to Procure the Research Report? Inquire Before Buying - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A09068 The on-premise segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period On the basis of deployment, the on-premise segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global aerospace cyber security market revenue, and is anticipated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period as there are stringent regulations and compliance standards, often requiring organizations to adhere to specific data handling and security practices. Moreover, the cloud segment is projected to attain the highest CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2032, owing to high investment in cybersecurity measures, offering advanced security features and protocols. The aircraft segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period By application, the aircraft segment acquired the largest share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global aerospace cyber security market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period as there is growing need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against potential cyber threats targeting these connected aircraft systems. Moreover, the drones segment is projected to register the highest CAGR of 8.5% from 2023 to 2032, owing to widespread adoption that has led to an expanded attack surface, making drones attractive targets for cyber threats. The services segment to maintain its lead position during the forecast period Depending on component, the services segment garnered the largest share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global aerospace cyber security market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period as there is an increase in the provision of services to specialized knowledge and skills, enabling aerospace companies to navigate the complexities of the threat landscape. Moreover, the solutions segment is projected to record the highest CAGR of 7.4% from 2023 to 2032, owing to growing demand for advanced cybersecurity solutions that can effectively detect, prevent, and respond to a wide range of cyber threats targeting aerospace systems. North America to maintain its dominance by 2032 Region wise, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting less than one-third of the market revenue, and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period, as there is highly advanced and technologically sophisticated aerospace industry, with a focus on innovation, research, and development. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2032, owing to governments in Asia-Pacific that are recognizing the importance of cybersecurity in the aerospace sector and are implementing initiatives and regulations to enhance cybersecurity resilience. Report Key Highlights: The aerospace cybersecurity market analysis spans over 15 countries, offering a comprehensive breakdown of values ($million) from 2022 to 2032. Our research integrates top-tier data, expert opinions, and in-depth analysis, accompanied by substantial independent perspectives. This method is designed to furnish a well-rounded view of the global market, aiding stakeholders in making informed decisions for ambitious growth objectives. A meticulous review process encompassed over 3,700 product catalogs, annual reports, industry descriptions, and similar resources from major industry players, enhancing our understanding of the market dynamics. Procure Complete Research Report (PDF with Qualitative and Quotative Data, Insights, Statistics, Tables, Charts, Figures) - https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/aerospace-cyber-security-market/purchase-options Leading Market Players Astronautics Corporation of America BAE Systems DXC Technology Company Eurocontrol Honeywell International Inc. Lockheed Martin Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation Boeing Thales Group The Aerospace Corporation The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players of the global aerospace cyber security market. These players have adopted various strategies such as contracts, agreements, partnerships, and expansion to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in determining the business performance, operating segments, developments, and product portfolios of every market player. About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. USA/Canada (Toll Free): +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 Hong Kong: +852-301-84916 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com AMR Resource Center: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/resource-center Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aerospace-cyber-security-market-to-reach-58-8-billion-globally-by-2032-at-8-4-cagr-allied-market-research-302061554.html MANCHESTER, England, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ACE Money Transfer, a leading UK-based remittance provider, is thrilled to announce its win of Best Fintech App from the prestigious UK Business Awards 2024. This award recognizes ACE's commitment to innovation and excellence in delivering customers a seamless and secure online money transfer experience. The UK Business Awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding businesses across various industries. ACE Money Transfer stood out as a winner with its user-friendly mobile app, which is secure, smooth and convenient to use. The improved app makes sending money internationally faster, affordable and more enjoyable. The ACE mobile app boasts a range of features designed to enhance the customer experience, including: Quick Send Option Enhanced Search and Filters Customized Dashboards & Skins Dark Mode Stories Tutorials Dashboard Widgets App Tours Profile Customisation Commenting on the win, Rashid Ashraf, the CEO of ACE Money Transfer, said, "We know how important it is to our customers to transfer their hard-earned income to their loved ones back home securely and easily. They trust ACE, and it's truly an honour to serve. We are incredibly proud to be recognised as the Best Fintech App from Business Awards 2024, which is a testament to our dedication. We are committed to continuously improving our services and exceeding customer expectations." ACE Money Transfer has been serving global expatriates across the UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and Switzerland for over two decades with a continued service expansion. Its mobile app offers customers the convenience of creating remittance transactions 24/7 from the comfort of their homes or on the go. Many transactions are completed in just seconds, while customers benefit from low transfer costs and competitive exchange rates. End-to-end encryption, Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance anti-money-laundering policies and advanced protection protocols add an extra layer to the security of global transactions. Customers can conveniently navigate through various features on the app, enjoy personalised experiences, and create transfers easily with a few steps. About ACE Money Transfer ACE Money Transfer, based out of Manchester, the UK, is a growing remittance provider. It offers online money transfer services to millions of expatriates with an extensive network of 375,000+ locations spread across 100+ countries worldwide. Visit: ACE Money Transfer Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340152/ACE_Money_Transfer.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1807198/ACE_Money_Transfer_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ace-money-transfer-crowned-best-fintech-app-by-uk-business-awards-2024-302061586.html Vopak announces share buyback program to return up to EUR 300 million to shareholders Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 14th February 2024 Today, Vopak announces the start of a share buyback program to return up to EUR 300 million to shareholders. The share buyback program will start 15 February 2024 and will run until the end of 2024, barring unforeseen circumstances. Vopak will cancel these shares subject to the relevant board and shareholder approvals. The share buyback program will be executed pursuant to the safe harbour of the Market Abuse Regulation and under the existing authority granted at the 2023 Annual General Meeting on 26 April 2023, and, subsequently, the authority (if granted) by the 2024 Annual General Meeting on 24 April 2024. Under these limits the share buyback program shall not exceed 10% of Vopak's issued capital. The share buyback program will be executed by an independent intermediary, allowing the execution of open market transactions during open and closed periods. Vopak confirms the absence of any agreement with its existing shareholders regarding their potential participation in the share buyback program. The share buyback program is separate from any share transactions Vopak may execute to cover obligations under the long term incentive programs for employees. Vopak will provide weekly updates on the progress of the share buyback program through press releases and transaction details on Vopak's website for the duration of the program. This press release contains inside information as meant in clause 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation. About Royal Vopak Royal Vopak helps the world flow forward. At ports around the world, we provide storage and infrastructure solutions for vital products that enrich everyday life. These products include liquids and gases that provide energy for homes and businesses, chemicals for manufacturing products, and edible oils for cooking. For all of these, our worldwide network of terminals supports the global flow of supply and demand. For more than 400 years, Vopak has been at the forefront of fundamental transformations. With a focus on safety, reliability, and efficiency, we create new connections and opportunities that drive progress. Now more than ever, our talented people are applying this mindset to support the energy transition. Together with our partners and customers, we are accelerating the development of infrastructure solutions for hydrogen, ammonia, CO2, long-duration energy storage, and low-carbon fuels & feedstocks - paving the way to a more sustainable future. Vopak is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam and is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, please visit www.vopak.com For more information please contact Vopak Press: Liesbeth Lans - Manager External Communication, e-mail: global.communication@vopak.com Vopak Analysts and Investors: Fatjona Topciu - Head of Investor Relations, e-mail: investor.relations@vopak.com WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday, reversing some of Tuesday's gains as industry data showed a substantial build in U.S. crude stockpiles. Geopolitical tensions lingered in the Middle East and eastern Europe, helping limit the downside. Benchmark Brent crude futures were little changed at $82.84 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were marginally lower at $77.84. Oil consolidated gains after reaching the highest level in two weeks amid heighted tensions in the Middle East, where Houthi militants continue to attack commercial vessels in the Red Sea. 'The Americans and the British have failed to secure the passage of any ship heading to Israel. They were unable to protect these ships. They can no longer protect even American, British ships, and this is a real and major victory for us,' leader of the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group in Yemen, Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, said in a speech broadcast on TV yesterday. Meanwhile, media reports said citing sources that the United States has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine. The oil report from the American Petroleum Institute (API) proved to be a mixed bag, with a steep build in crude inventories cushioned by sharp falls in refined products. Inventory data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) will be out later in the session. 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. Over 23,000 students along with 2,888 teaching and academic staff will benefit from access to McGraw Hill's world class educational resources in both print and digital, supported by digital learning platforms including ALEKS, ConnectEd, and Open Learning Platform (OLP) RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- McGraw Hill and Maarif Education have entered an agreement that makes McGraw Hill the exclusive learning partner for Maarif Education across all 10 of its campuses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The partnership provides Maarif Education access to McGraw Hill's proprietary content in both print and digital formats, as well as to resources from third-party publishers through a single provider. Through the partnership signed in May last year, Maarif Education has already rolled out McGraw Hill's core and supplemental math, science, and literacy programs across its campuses from grades pre-K through 12. These include Inspire Science, Reveal Math, and Wonders, as well as intervention programs to provide students with a personalized learning path and help bring students up to grade level. The programs will be accompanied by McGraw Hill's state-of-the-art digital learning platforms including ConnectEd, Open Learning Platform (OLP) and ALEKS. To ensure successful implementation of these programs, the schools have a dedicated support team from McGraw Hill on which they can rely for curriculum delivery, academic and technical training, Learning Management System "LMS" integration, and professional development, along with a wide range of on-demand resources. In addition to providing on-going teacher-training, McGraw Hill organized two weeks of professional development that covered best practices in teaching and learning to upskill teaching staff across all campuses. The partnership is one-of-a-kind for Saudi Arabia in that it's rare for a K-12 education group of Maarif Education's size to entrust a single learning partner for all its educational needs. The landmark collaboration underscores the commitment of both organizations to advance K-12 education in the Kingdom and align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 of developing a highly skilled population. Lefteris Souris, SVP and Managing Director for K-12/School with McGraw Hill's International group, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to join forces with Maarif Education to transform education in Saudi Arabia. McGraw Hill is dedicated to enhancing learning outcomes for learners at all stages, and we see this partnership as a significant step toward achieving that goal. Together, we will provide the best K-12 education in the Kingdom, equipping students with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in the digital age." Ihab Ibrahim Osman, CEO of Maarif Education, remarked, "At Maarif Education, we believe that digital learning goes hand-in-hand with print-based learning methods and is imperative for the future success of our students. Our goals are ambitious, and we see ourselves leading the way in transforming primary and secondary education in Saudi Arabia. McGraw Hill is a global leader in education that understands our vision and can create bespoke solutions for us quickly and at scale. I am confident that with their support, we will be able to accelerate the achievement of our vision." Chetan Sehgal, Managing Director of Panworld Education, a key delivery partner for McGraw Hill in the Middle East commented, "This is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate positive change at the school level across the Kingdom and we are looking forward to continuing our partnership with both organizations." About McGraw Hill: McGraw Hill is a leading global education company that partners with millions of educators, learners and professionals around the world. Recognizing their diverse needs, we build trusted content, flexible tools and powerful digital platforms to help them achieve success on their own terms. Through our commitment to equity, accessibility and inclusion, we foster a culture of belonging that respects and reflects the diversity of the communities, learners and educators we serve. McGraw Hill has over 40 offices across North America, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and South America, and makes its learning solutions for PreK-12, higher education, professionals and others available in more than 80 languages. Visit us at mheducation.com or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter. About Maarif Education: Over its 50+ year history, Maarif has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of families across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with rigorous national and international education delivered via Manarat Schools, Al Faisaliah Schools, Green Hills International Schools, Nour Al Islam Schools, and AIS in partnership with Saudi Aramco. Maarif strives hard to achieve academic excellence and to provide its students with an exceptional educational environment and a well-rounded experience that empowers them to become active and effective leaders in their communities and society with a progressive global outlook while embodying a proud and genuine national identity. Maarif is leading and driving the development of the K12 education sector in Saudi Arabia based on international best practices and standards in complete alignment and support for the realization of the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Maarif currently operates 10 educational campuses throughout the Kingdom that includes 74 different national and international kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high schools for girls and boys, that serves 23,000 students, and employs over 2888 teaching and academic staff. Contacts: Tyler Reed McGraw Hill (914) 512-4853 tyler.reed@mheducation.com Shada Aldahash Maarif Education +966 920009917 info@maarif.sa Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1305952/McGraw_Hill_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mcgraw-hill-and-maarif-education-partner-to-accelerate-hybrid-learning-in-the-kingdom-of-saudi-arabia-302061025.html We are excited to announce Ekran System's participation in Swiss Cyber Security Days 2024, Switzerland's premier cybersecurity dialogue and knowledge platform. The event will take place at Bernexpo Ag, February 20-21, 2024. With the motto "Shaping Cyber Resilience" the event aims to unite leading international experts to share their expertise on current and future threats and provide insights into innovative solutions. "The enormous threat from cyberspace is a reflection of our weaknesses and the result of our failures. Education and awareness are part of the digital equation and key to success. Because cybersecurity is much more than an IT topic and can only be achieved through collaborative cooperation. This is where Swiss Cyber Security Days can offer a helping hand with building bridges and finding solutions." Doris Fiala, President of Swiss Cyber Security Days. Why attend Swiss Cyber Security Days? This year, Swiss Cyber Security Days (SCSD) brings together 120 exhibitors and 3000 visitors to participate in cybersecurity presentations, workshops, and panel discussions. Through informative dialogues, experts will provide effective solutions based on the current cybersecurity landscape and research studies. Key reasons to attend SCSD include: Become part of the best-known cybersecurity event in Switzerland. Witness the impact of cybersecurity threats on the economy, society, and organizational security. Improve your expertise and competitiveness in the field of cybersecurity. Expand your network and engage with top cybersecurity experts, international leaders, and decision makers. Take crucial steps to enhance your cybersecurity posture by connecting with cybersecurity providers. Ekran System will be among the exhibitors to present a comprehensive insider risk management platform. What to expect from Ekran System? Yevhen Zhurer, Ekran System's Head of Business Development, and our partner Kris Kormany, CEO of Techway, will give an insightful presentation on mitigating insider threats. The speakers will share best practices for fostering a culture of insider threat awareness among top Swiss and global companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations of all sizes and industries. You'll get an opportunity to listen to us on February 21st from 16:30 to 16:45 at Best Practice Stage 2. "In today's business landscape, protecting your organization against insider threats is a necessity. With Ekran System, you can proactively deter insider risks, safeguard your critical assets, and easily pass cybersecurity audits, ensuring the security and integrity of your enterprise." Oleg Shomonko, CEO of Ekran System. We'll present our full-cycle insider risk management platform that can help you: Deter insider risk. With user activity monitoring, you can get detailed insights into user actions and behavior. Ekran System alerts you about suspicious user activity, enabling you to respond promptly to insider threats and mitigate them effectively. Protect your critical assets. Implement access controls and ensure that only authorized users can access your critical assets. Ekran System also allows you to track the actions of privileged users and prevent privilege abuse. Pass cybersecurity audits. Our platform provides comprehensive reporting capabilities, allowing you to generate detailed reports on user activity and other relevant metrics to prepare for cybersecurity audits. Ekran System's session recording capabilities enable you to review captured user sessions to reconstruct the chain of events for forensic analysis and investigation. Don't miss out Apart from gaining insights from our presentation, you can also participate in a prize drawing at the end of it. In addition, you'll be able to meet our top experts in person to get individual consultations during the whole event. Besides our speakers, Anna Chernyavskaya, Ekran System's Partner Manager, and Elena Gamasenko, Ekran System's Chief Marketing Officer, will also be there to discuss a tailored solution for your business. If you cannot attend, you can still follow our latest cybersecurity insights in our blog and gain firsthand partner offerings on our partner portal. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214316736/en/ Contacts: Ekran System Team: info@ekransystem.com Growth in adoption of smartphones and improved communication networks drive the growth of the global programmatic display market NEW CASTLE, Del., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Programmatic Display Market by Type (Online Display, Online Video Mobile Video, and Mobile Display) and Channel (Real-time Bidding (RTB), Private Marketplaces (PMP), and Automated Guaranteed (AG)): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032." According to the report, the global programmatic display market generated $46.7 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $825.1 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 33.6% from 2023 to 2032. The report offers a detailed analysis of changing market trends, top segments, key investment pockets, value chains, regional landscapes, and competitive scenarios. Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Surge in adoption of smartphones, improved communication networks, and increase in advertising spending on digital media across various industries drive the market growth. In addition, proliferation of social media primarily drives the growth of the market. However, rise in adoption of ad-blockers to avoid online advertising hampers the growth of the market. On the contrary, the emergence of advertising automation is expected to create lucrative growth opportunities for the market during the forecast period Request Sample Pages: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A68862 Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $46.7 Billion Market Size in 2032 $825.1 Billion CAGR 33.6 % Segments covered Type, Channel, and Region Drivers Rise in adoption of smartphones and improved communication networks. Increase in advertising spending on digital media across various industries. Opportunity Emergence of advertising automation Restraint Surge in adoption of ad-blockers to avoid online advertising Buy this Complete Report (347 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) at: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/programmatic-display-market/purchase-options The online video segment to dominate the market By type, the online video segment acquired the major share in 2022, garnering nearly one-third of the global programmatic display market revenue, owing to increase in video streaming on the internet, which, in turn, is boosting the demand for online video advertising to reach large number of consumers. The mobile video segment is estimated to display the fastest CAGR of 37.6% throughout the forecast period, as mobile videos help entrepreneurs to create quality and unique content that boosts their outreach, sales, and brand recognition. The PMP segment to dominate by 2032 By channel, the RTB segment accounted for nearly three-fourths of the global programmatic display market share in 2022 and is expected to dominate by the market 2032, owing to the simplified ad space allotment in private marketplaces. The PMP segment is projected to display the fastest CAGR of 48.4% throughout the forecast period, owing to surge in demand for de-centralized and independent ad spaces. Asia-Pacific garnered the major share in 2032 Region wise, North America garnered the highest share in 2022, holding nearly one-third of the global programmatic display market revenue in 2022, and is projected to retain its dominance by 2032, owing to the strong presence of programmatic display advertising vendors such as Google Inc., Adobe, and AppNexus Inc. However, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of 36.9% during the forecast period, owing to rapid economic and technological developments. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A68862 Leading Market Players AppNexus Inc. Verizon Communications Inc. DataXu Inc. Google Inc. Adobe Systems Incorporated Adform Rubicon Project Inc. Rocket Fuel Inc. MediaMath CONNEXITY The report analyzes these key players in the global programmatic display market. These players have adopted various strategies such as expansion, new product launches, and partnerships to increase their market penetration and strengthen their position in the industry. The report is helpful in determining the business performance, operating segments, developments, and product portfolios of every market player. AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model): AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports. Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access About Us: Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports Insights" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies, and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 UK: +44-845-528-1300 India (Pune): +91-20-66346060 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/programmatic-display-market-to-reach-825-1-billion-by-2032-at-33-6-cagr-allied-market-research-302061708.html CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Epoxidized Soybean Oil Market by Raw Material (Soybean Oil, Hydrogen Peroxide), Application (Plasticizers, UV Cure Applications, Fuel Additives), End-use Application (Foods & Beverages, Adhesives & Sealants, Automotives) - Global Forecast to 2028", is projected to grow from USD 494 million in 2023 to USD 648 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. The increasing demand for various end-use applications such as food and beverages, personal and healthcare products, adhesives, and sealants, and automotive and transportation is a key driver for the growth of the Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO) market. The market is also experiencing growth due to the high adoption of organic stabilizers in the PVC stabilization process. Developed nations like the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and Canada exhibit high demand for ESBO, driven by the implementation of various development strategies by manufacturing companies. The European market, in particular, is expected to witness rapid growth, fueled by the widespread adoption of bio-based additives to meet environmental compliance standards in end-use applications. Manufacturers in the ESBO market face a significant challenge in the monotonous properties of ESBO, leading to a lack of product competitiveness. However, succinic acid-based stabilizers present an alternative with multifunctional properties, posing a challenge to ESBO. The increasing significance of phthalate-free stabilizers creates opportunities for ESBO producers in PVC applications, enabling them to expand their market share. Furthermore, the untapped markets in the Middle East represent a major growth opportunity for players in the ESBO market, as industries in the region traditionally rely on petroleum-based additives in their end-use applications. Browse in-depth TOC on "Epoxidized Soybean Oil Market" 509 - Tables 49 - Figures 347- Pages Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=27777113 "Soybean oil raw material segment is estimated to lead the epoxidized soybean oil market during the forecast period." In 2022, soybean oil emerged as the primary raw material for Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO), holding the highest value among the various raw materials. Its widespread use in end-use applications can be attributed to its environmentally friendly characteristics, particularly when compared to petroleum-based products. Soybean oil stands out as an economically viable and abundantly available vegetable oil on a global scale. Its versatility is evident in its application across both edible and inedible domains. In the realm of edibles, soybean oil plays a crucial role in food product manufacturing, contributing to a variety of consumables. Simultaneously, inedible applications showcase the oil's adaptability in the production of diverse products such as caulks, mastics, plastics, and resins. This dual-purpose utility underscores soybean oil's significance as a key raw material, making it a preferred choice in the industrial landscape due to its accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmentally conscious profile. "Plasticizer is the major application segment in the global epoxidized soybean oil market." The plasticizer segment stands out as a primary application in the global epoxidized soybean oil (ESBO) market. Epoxidized soybean oil serves as a key plasticizer, enhancing the flexibility and durability of various plastic products. Its popularity in this segment is attributed to its ability to act as a stabilizer and extend the shelf life of plastics, ensuring they maintain their structural integrity over time. ESBO's eco-friendly nature compared to traditional plasticizers, such as phthalates, has further fueled its adoption. The demand for plasticizers in industries like packaging, automotive, and construction has propelled the growth of the epoxidized soybean oil market, making it a pivotal player in the realm of sustainable and versatile plastic applications. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=27777113 "Food and beverage is projected to lead the epoxidized soybean oil market." In 2022, the food and beverage industry emerged as the dominant end-use sector in both value and volume, driven by a rising demand for non-phthalate PVC plasticizers in the production of food packaging materials and beverage can coatings. This surge in demand has prompted an increased utilization of bio-based plasticizers, known for their cost-effectiveness, high thermal stability, and flexibility. Specifically, Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO) has gained widespread usage within the PVC industry. ESBO finds application in the manufacturing of gaskets for container lids, ensuring secure and airtight seals for packaged food items. Additionally, ESBO plays a crucial role in cap sealing for bottled foods, contributing to the preservation and freshness of various beverages and edibles. Its versatility extends to the production of food-contact PVC films, food package bags, and even infant products such as bottles and other baby items, including processed cereal-based foods. The multifaceted application of ESBO underscores its significance in maintaining the integrity and safety of food and beverage products throughout the supply chain. Overall, the adoption of bio-based plasticizers like ESBO represents a pivotal trend in the industry, balancing economic benefits with the essential requirements of thermal stability and flexibility in packaging materials. "Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth in the epoxidized soybean oil market during the forecast period." The Asia Pacific region is poised to experience rapid growth in the epoxidized soybean oil market throughout the forecast period. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for eco-friendly plasticizers in various industries such as food packaging, automotive, and healthcare. Epoxidized soybean oil, known for its versatility and sustainability, is gaining prominence as a viable alternative to conventional plasticizers. The region's burgeoning population and rising disposable income levels are driving heightened consumption of packaged goods, further fueling the demand for epoxidized soybean oil in packaging materials. Additionally, stringent environmental regulations and a growing awareness of sustainable practices are propelling the adoption of eco-friendly products in the Asia Pacific, contributing to the anticipated robust growth in the epoxidized soybean oil market. Major companies such as CHS Inc. (US), Nan Ya Plastics Corporation (Taiwan), Adeka Corporation (Japan), Cargill (US), and Valtris (US), Galata Chemicals LLC (US), Hairma Chemicals (GZ) Ltd. (China), Shandong Longkou Longda Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (China), Guangzhou Xinjinlong Chemical Additives Co. Ltd. (China), Inbra Industrias Quimicas, Ltda. (Brazil) and other leading companies in this market) Browse Adjacent Market: Specialty Chemicals Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Adhesive & Sealants Market - Global Forecast to 2028 Plasticizers Market - Global Forecast to 2027 About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's best management consulting firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients. Earlier this year, we made a formal transformation into one of America's best management consulting firms as per a survey conducted by Forbes. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry. 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Contact: Mr. Aashish Mehra MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Research Insights: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/epoxidized-soybean-oil-market.asp Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/epoxidized-soybean-oil.asp Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2297424/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/epoxidized-soybean-oil-market-worth-648-million-by-2028--exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-302061457.html For the first time in the UK, members of the public can now travel to the heart of Paris and see the 850-year history of Notre-Dame brought to life within the walls of Westminster Abbey Accessible to visitors of all ages, there are special features for families including a virtual treasure hunt and a fun selfie studio with the cathedral's fantastical beasts Presented by Histovery in collaboration with Rebuilding Notre-Dame and supported by L'Oreal Groupe LONDON, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Westminster Abbey has unveiled Notre Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition, the world touring immersive exhibition which has officially opened to the public this month, just in time for half term. Revealing the story of the French gothic masterpiece, Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) from its earliest origins in the 12th century and its illustrious 850-year history to its painstaking restoration following the devastating fire of 2019, it has been created by digital heritage specialists, Histovery, in collaboration with Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris and supported by L'Oreal Groupe. Already seen by 300,000 exhibition-goers worldwide including in Paris, Washington, Montreal and Dubai, the UK location is the 13th century Chapter House at Westminster Abbey, another famous and iconic church which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The exhibition takes visitors on an interactive journey through Notre Dame's past. Children of all ages will enjoy immersing themselves in the glittering coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte, the lavish wedding of King Henri IV, and the 19th century construction of Notre-Dame's iconic spire of Viollet-le-Duc, which was tragically destroyed by the fire. The skill, artistry and vision over the ages of its architects, craftsmen and builders, and the 21st century experts who are bringing it back to its former glory will be brought to life in the show. Visitors to the exhibition are issued a HistoPad-a portable, touch-screen tablet developed by Histovery that will serve as their portal to key moments in Notre-Dame's history and restoration. The intuitive device's technology is accessible to visitors of all ages and levels of technological savvy. The tour is available in 13 languages and there are special features for families: a virtual treasure hunt to collect stained glass window fragments to win a diploma, and a fun selfie studio which superimposes faces onto the cathedral's fantastical beasts. The HistoPad tour through Notre-Dame's history is designed to envelope the visitor in a multisensory experience-including audio of the cathedral's organ and tolling bells, a full-size replica of one of the structure's famed chimera statues, and a projection of one of Notre-Dame's iconic rose windows, which survived the fire. The exhibition is supported by L'Oreal Groupe, who, as a century-old French company, participated in the saving and reconstruction of the cathedral, and since 2021 have supported this innovative experience to travel the world, allowing as many people as possible to access and discover the beauty of Notre Dame and its heritage. Notre Dame de Paris is due to reopen again after restoration work on 8th December 2024. Notre Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition is part of Fraternite, a spring season of events at Westminster Abbey celebrating the links between the UK and France with music, talks and events. Exhibition dates: Wednesday 7th February to 1st June 2024 Admission: Included with full-price Abbey entry: Adults: 29.00 Concessions: 26.00 Timed booking slots available via www.westminster-abbey.org Location: Westminster Abbey, Chapter House, London, SW1P 3PA Quotes Bruno de Sa Moreira, Co-founder & CEO, Histovery "This augmented exhibition is a celebration of the extraordinary history and splendour of our beloved Notre-Dame de Paris. Through Histovery's unique innovative format, individuals of all ages can immerse themselves in the Cathedral's 850-year history, reliving pivotal historical moments, and interacting with the ongoing reconstruction efforts. We are very grateful to the L'Oreal Groupe for making this exhibition a reality, and are honoured to be presenting it at Westminster Abbey. We are particularly thrilled that Westminster Abbey will host this exhibition in 2024, a year which coincides with the much-anticipated reopening of Notre Dame after a fiveyear reconstruction period." Thierry Cheval, Managing Director & Chairman, L'Oreal UK & Ireland "L'Oreal Groupe is incredibly proud to support this special exhibition and bring it to life at the historic Westminster Abbey. As a century-old French company, we are proud to participate in the saving and reconstruction of Notre Dame, a true symbol of French craftmanship, heritage and culture. Through the power of technology and innovation, this exhibition has been travelling the world with the purpose of allowing as many people as possible to access and discover this repository of knowledge and common history through a unique immersive experience." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340277/The_Augmented_Exhibition.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/paris-comes-to-london-in-time-for-half-term-westminster-abbey-unveils-notre-dame-de-paris-the-augmented-exhibition-302061737.html GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Indonesian logistics market is revving its engines, propelled by a flourishing economy, a booming e-commerce sector, and a growing middle class with rising disposable incomes. Ken Research's "Indonesia Logistics Market Outlook to 2027" report predicts a robust 11.8% CAGR, translating to a staggering $322.4 billion market size by 2027. This press release unlocks the key drivers, challenges, and exciting prospects propelling this dynamic sector forward. Market Overview: Delivering Growth, Empowering Communities Beyond simply transporting goods, Indonesia's logistics market plays a vital role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering regional connectivity. In 2022, the market reached a size of $168.2 billion, and it's poised for remarkable expansion, driven by: Economic Boom: Indonesia's robust GDP growth, fueled by rising commodity prices and domestic consumption, is creating a demand for efficient logistics solutions. Indonesia's robust GDP growth, fueled by rising commodity prices and domestic consumption, is creating a demand for efficient logistics solutions. E-commerce Surge: The e-commerce sector is experiencing explosive growth, with Indonesia ranking as the second-largest e-commerce market in Southeast Asia. This necessitates a robust and agile logistics infrastructure. The e-commerce sector is experiencing explosive growth, with Indonesia ranking as the second-largest e-commerce market in Southeast Asia. This necessitates a robust and agile logistics infrastructure. Growing Middle Class: With a burgeoning middle class and increasing disposable incomes, consumer demand for goods and services is driving the need for efficient delivery networks. With a burgeoning middle class and increasing disposable incomes, consumer demand for goods and services is driving the need for efficient delivery networks. Government Initiatives: The Indonesian government's focus on infrastructure development, including the development of seaports, airports, and transportation corridors, is further stimulating the logistics sector. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Market Segmentation: A Diverse Landscape of Services The report delves into the diverse segments of the Indonesian logistics market, offering a comprehensive view: Transportation: Road transportation dominates (80%), followed by maritime transport (15%) and air cargo (5%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Road transportation dominates (80%), followed by maritime transport (15%) and air cargo (5%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Logistics Services: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (60%), followed by warehousing and storage (25%) and freight forwarding (15%). Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (60%), followed by warehousing and storage (25%) and freight forwarding (15%). End-User Industry: E-commerce & retail leads the demand (35%), followed by manufacturing (25%) and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) (20%). Healthcare and automotive are emerging segments. Competitive Landscape: Local Champions & Global Aspirations The market features a blend of established local players, global giants, and innovative startups: Local Leaders: PT Pos Indonesia, PT Tiki Jalur Nugraha Ekspress (JNE), and PT Chandra Asri Corporindo Tbk (TPIA) hold significant market share with their extensive networks and local expertise. PT Pos Indonesia, PT Tiki Jalur Nugraha Ekspress (JNE), and PT Chandra Asri Corporindo Tbk (TPIA) hold significant market share with their extensive networks and local expertise. Global Goliaths: DHL, FedEx, and DP World are making inroads with their global reach and technological advancements. DHL, FedEx, and DP World are making inroads with their global reach and technological advancements. Emerging Challengers: Local startups like SiCepat Ekspres and Waresix are leveraging technology and focusing on niche segments like express delivery and on-demand warehousing. Challenges: Navigating the Roadblocks to Growth Despite the promising outlook, some challenges need to be addressed: Infrastructure Gaps: Limited infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, can hinder efficient and cost-effective logistics operations. Limited infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, can hinder efficient and cost-effective logistics operations. Skilled Workforce Shortage: Finding and retaining qualified personnel across all segments of the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Finding and retaining qualified personnel across all segments of the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Regulatory Hurdles: Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can impede market growth and innovation. Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can impede market growth and innovation. Technological Adoption: While some players are embracing technology, wider adoption of automation and digital solutions is needed to enhance efficiency and transparency. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Future Outlook: A Brighter Horizon Fueled by Innovation & Collaboration The Indonesian logistics market is poised for continued growth, driven by several exciting factors: Technological Advancements: Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and customer experience. Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and customer experience. Focus on Sustainability: Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients and investors. Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients and investors. Collaboration & Partnerships: Strategic partnerships between established players, startups, and government agencies will foster innovation and address infrastructure gaps. Strategic partnerships between established players, startups, and government agencies will foster innovation and address infrastructure gaps. Evolving Regulatory Landscape: Government initiatives aimed at streamlining regulations and promoting competition will create a more conducive business environment. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: This report offers valuable insights for various stakeholders in the Indonesian logistics market, including: Logistics Companies: Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainability practices. Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainability practices. Investors: Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Policymakers: Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and competition. Conclusion: Charting a Course for Sustainable and Equitable Growth Indonesia's logistics market is undoubtedly on an upward trajectory, fueled by its robust economy, booming e-commerce, and a growing middle class. By embracing technological advancements, prioritizing sustainability, and collaboratively addressing existing challenges, stakeholders can pave the way for a more efficient, inclusive, and resilient logistics ecosystem. This will not only benefit businesses and investors but also empower communities across the archipelago, ensuring equitable access to goods and services while minimizing environmental impact. Ultimately, navigating these opportunities and navigating the challenges will determine whether Indonesia's logistics sector can truly unlock its full potential and propel the nation towards a brighter, more connected future. Request free 30 minutes analyst call Taxonomy Indonesia Logistics Market Segmentation By Service Mix Freight Forwarding Warehousing Courier, Express Parcel Market Value Added Services Indonesia Freight Forwarding Market Segmentation By Mode of Transport Sea Road Air Rail By type of Freight End Users Retail Automobile Pharma Others Indonesia Warehouse Market Segmentation By Business Model Industrial/Retail Warehouses CFS/ICD Warehouses Cold Storage Agriculture and Other Warehouses By End-Users Retail including Garments, Cosmetics Automotive & Engineering E- Commerce Pharma/ Healthcare Others Indonesia CEP Market Segmentation By Domestic/ International Shipments Domestic Shipment International Shipment By End-Users E-Commerce Retail Others For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: - Indonesia Logistics Market Related Reports by Ken Research: - Vietnam Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Infrastructural and Government Investments Coupled with the Growth of E-Commerce Sector in Vietnam Market Size of Vietnam Logistics is expected to show increasing trend from 2022 to 2027. This is owing to rising economy, adoption of e-commerce, China plus one strategy and initiatives by the government. Also, development of roads across Vietnam for better connectivity under Vision 2030 is expected to add to the efficiency of logistic related operations. KSA Logistics Market Outlook to 2026 driven by infrastructural enhancement, administration & regulatory reforms, privatization of logistics sector According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of KSA Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2026 at CAGR of 5.7%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. Singapore Logistics Industry Outlook to 2028 Driven by Driven by growing investment in transport infrastructure and transformation towards digital economy According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Singapore Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2019 to 2022. The Singapore logistics sector supports the second-largest economy on the continent, and is relatively sophisticated. Local and international companies use Singapore as gateway for their operations into Africa. The logistics operators are making significant investments in automation and digitalization in order to address security concerns, improve loss prevention as well as efficiency. Follow Us - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/3782349/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/indonesia-logistics-market-surges-forward-322-4-billion-boom-by-2027-fueled-by-e-commerce--growing-economy-ken-research-302061754.html Smoothstack developers can now earn up to 49 credits towards a college degree MCLEAN, VA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Smoothstack, a leading HTD (Hire-Train-Deploy) provider, today announced that the American Council on Education (ACE) Learning Evaluations has evaluated and recommended college credit for nine of its courses. Now, aspiring software engineers who complete Smoothstack's training and apprenticeship program can receive up to 49 college credits for their experience in the following courses: Smoothstack Smoothstack Logo Analytics and Insights Engineering Cloud Data Platform Engineering DevOps and DevSecOps Full Stack Java High-Performance Computing Machine Learning Operations Engineering MuleSoft Engineering Salesforce Platform Developer ServiceNow Developer "Smoothstack's commitment to excellence is evident in the recognition of nine of our courses by the American Council on Education. This endorsement validates the rigorous nature of our training programs and underscores our dedication to nurturing top-tier talent for the tech industry," said Boris Kuiper, COO, Smoothstack. ACE Learning Evaluations helps adults gain academic credit for courses and examinations taken outside traditional degree programs. For more than 30 years, colleges and universities have trusted ACE to provide reliable course equivalency information to facilitate their decisions to award academic credit. For more information, visit the ACE Learning Evaluations website at www.acenet.edu/credit. Smoothstack offers a total of nine courses that have been recommended for college credit by ACE Learning Evaluations. For more information on the nine courses recommended for college credit by ACE Learning Evaluations, visit Smoothstack's page on the ACE National Guide website. About Smoothstack Smoothstack is an IT services and solutions provider with a unique ability to create net-new talent through its hire-train-deploy (HTD) approach. Its experienced team provides strategic consulting, project support, and talent development in the areas of Application Development, Cloud, Digital Platforms, Data Engineering & AI, and Cybersecurity to F500 companies and government agencies. With AI embedded throughout its vetting and training process, Smoothstack skills high-aptitude software engineers on leading technologies aligned to their clients' unique tech environments. For more information visit www.smoothstack.com. About ACE Founded in 1918, ACE is the major coordinating body for all the nation's higher education institutions, representing more than 1,600 college and university presidents and more than 200 related associations nationwide. It provides leadership on key higher education issues and influences public policy through advocacy. For more information, please visit www.acenet.edu or follow ACE on Twitter @ACEducation. Contact Information Marni Martinez Marketing Director marni.martinez@smoothstack.com SOURCE: Smoothstack View the original press release on newswire.com. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Democrat Tom Suozzi has won the special election in New York's 3rd Congressional District. Suossi, who previously served three terms in the US House, defeated Republican Mazi Pilip. With most of the votes tallied, Suozzi won nearly 54 percent, while Pilip had more than 46 percent, reports say. Nassau County legislator Mazi Pilip conceded defeat and congratulated his rival. Suozzi will complete the rest of the disgraced former Republican Rep. George Santos' term in the House. Santos was expelled in December over multiple allegations of ethics violations, including corruption, fraud and misuse of campaign funds. This is seen as a big win for the Democrats in the lower house, where the Republicans' razor-thin majority will become even slimmer. Without Santos, GOP has 221 Representatives in the current House, while Democratic Party has 213, including Suozzi. 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. SAN JOSE, Calif. and BANGALORE, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whatfix , the global leader among digital adoption platforms (DAP), today announced the launch of yet another new product called Mirror, which is set to revolutionize systems training and product showcasing. Mirror creates hyper-realistic and interactive replicas of web applications for immersive training and product demonstrations without any of the risks of live system engagement. IT departments will cut down significant infrastructure and manpower costs associated with maintaining additional application environments. Several large enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies, have realized value during the initial trials of Mirror, which is slated for Beta release in Q2'24. "Whatfix remains dedicated to improving user experiences, and with the launch of Mirror, we not only added a cutting-edge product line to our portfolio but also strengthened our position in Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP) and Analytics. This expansion underscores our commitment to revolutionizing user experiences, reducing costs, and accelerating the return on investment for digital transformations," said Khadim Batti, Whatfix CEO and co-founder. "I'd best describe the University of Oxford's partnership with Whatfix as a transformative journey, with its Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) as a cornerstone of our digital strategy," said David Evans, Instructional Designer and IT Trainer at the University of Oxford. "Beyond the DAP solution, Whatfix has been a catalyst for innovation, simplifying complex processes and empowering teams for seamless navigation in the digital landscape. Whatfix's user-centric approach perfectly aligns with the University of Oxford's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our experience with Whatfix has been a game-changer, reshaping how we navigate technology, ensuring smooth transitions, and serving as the secret sauce to our digital success." 2023 Highlights of Whatfix's achievements: Turbocharged Growth and Expansion Whatfix registered a second year of top decile Year-over-Year (YoY) 45% growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and a substantial 35% YoY increase in new revenue generated from existing customers. The company celebrated the successful closure of six deals exceeding $1 million, underscoring the need for organization-wide DAP implementations in large enterprises. A 40% surge in the Average Revenue Per Account, affirmed the increasing trust of existing customers. Further, 45% of customers chose to expand their engagement with Whatfix, showcasing the platform's enduring value and positive impact on user experience. The company added nine Fortune 500 companies, taking the number to 79, and saw a notable influx of 168 new customers, including Schindler Elevator Corporation, Orange, Brown & Brown Insurance, Benco Dental, the City of Baltimore, and Pepperdine University. Sustaining Industry Leadership Whatfix has secured the position of the only DAP vendor named a leader in the inaugural Workplace Employee Experience Management (WEEM) Platforms PEAK Matrix by the Everest Group in 2023. The 4.5/5 rating on the Gartner peer site and top DAP company rank on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500North America for three consecutive years emphasize Whatfix's commitment to excellence. The company also earned other industry accolades, including Globee and Stevie Awards. Strengthened Product Pipeline Product Analytics, launched in 2023, registered a remarkable 5X ARR growth YoY, adding 50 new logos, including 48% from Global 2000 and Fortune 500 enterprises. The expansion of Whatfix Product Analytics to support Desktop applications reflects the commitment to becoming the vendor of choice, providing a seamless, no-code analytics platform for enterprises. Another product launched last year was Enterprise Insights. Features like QuickRead, Survey Analysis, and Content Auto-Completion serve as tangible examples of Whatfix's technological prowess aimed at elevating the overall user experience. Leading with Innovation Whatfix secured three patents from the US Patents Office and filed 12 more in 2023, rapidly adding to the company's patent portfolio. These patents encompass innovative technologies, including a system and method for creating steps in providing digital guidance to an underlying application, the personalization of digital guidance content, and the automatic testing of digital guidance content. Accelerated Partner Ecosystem Whatfix successfully onboarded 30+ new partners, including Coupa, Genpact, NTT Data, Sify Technologies, to name a few. The company enhanced engagement with strategic GSIs like Infosys, HCL, Cognizant, TCS, and other strategic regional partners like Jacobs, GP Strategies, upgrading them as "Whatfix Certified Delivery Partner", as part of the Rise 2 Excellence partner program for Services partners. Creating DAP Experts at Whatfix University Whatfix launched a Product Analytics certification alongside its existing DAP certifications. The company has upskilled 1585 DAP experts and 153 Product Analytics champions, showcasing consistent growth since 2021, with 4,103 certifications. Looking Ahead In a strategic move towards userization, Whatfix will continue to harness the power of Gen AI to simplify user experiences and boost productivity by introducing two key new features in 2024 Ask Insights: to simplify users' interactions with analytics tools and capture insights from data AI Assist: an AI-powered autonomous task assistant These innovations will empower users to generate insights, create trend reports, and perform tasks through natural language inputs. About Whatfix Whatfix empowers anyone, anywhere, to have scalable success with the technology they use every day, achieving greater knowledge, expanding capability, and unlocking productivity for themselves and their organizations. Whatfix's Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) integrates seamlessly with applications to enable users, providing in-context information and guidance to immediately increase individual capability and collectively amplify productivity. The organization has seven offices globally in the US, India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, and works with Fortune 500 companies around the world. Whatfix has raised $140 million to date, and is backed by marquee investors including Softbank Vision Fund 2, Sequoia Capital India, and Cisco Investments. For more information, visit the Whatfix website. Media Contact: Danielle Scotto Lumina Communications for Whatfix whatfix@luminapr.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1760140/Whatfix_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/whatfix-launches-new-product-line-mirror-marking-solid-growth-in-2023-302059861.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Joe Biden has urged Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bipartisan national security bill to the floor of the House of Representatives immediately. 'There is no question that if the Senate bill was put on the floor in the House, it would pass. And the Speaker knows that,' he said after the Senate voted overwhelmingly to move forward with the National Security Supplemental. 'I call on the Speaker to let the full House speak its mind and not allow a minority of the most extreme voices in the House to block this bill even from being voted on.' Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said, 'It's time for the Speaker to schedule a vote on this bipartisan package immediately.' The Senate has approved the revised version of the $95.34 billion national security supplemental package by a margin of 70 to 29 votes after excluding the bipartisan border policy changes agreed to by negotiators and border funding. Senate Republicans indicated they would vote against the Bill if it included border policy provisions. 22 Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, crossed party lines to vote in favor of the legislation. The Bill is unlikely to pass in the House, where the Republicans hold a majority, and the Speaker suggesting that he might block it. It mainly includes $60.06 billion to support Ukraine; $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel; $2.44 billion to support operations in the U.S. Central Command and address conflict in the Red Sea; and $9.15 billion in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones. $4.83 billion is earmarked to support key regional partners in the Indo-Pacific and deter aggression by the Chinese government. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken EBC Financial Group (EBC Group) announces its support of the webinar series, "What Economists Really Do," organised by The Department of Economics at the University of Oxford. Topics ranging from the climate crisis to labour market discrimination will be explored, shedding light on some of the biggest issues facing society today as Oxford economists are working with governments and businesses around the world to improve policy and make the economy work better for everyone. The upcoming sponsorship will take place on 6 March 2024 and dive into the critical topic of "The Economics of Tax Evasion". This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214176846/en/ EBC Financial Group Supports Oxford's Department of Economics Webinar on "What Economists Really Do" (Photo: Business Wire) EBC Group actively supports corporate social responsibility (CSR), emphasising societal progress through education and talent development, while contributing to sustainable, knowledge-driven societies. Recognising that public education can bridge information gaps among stakeholders, EBC Group acknowledges the influence of opinion leaders on novice traders and associated risks, firmly advocating for equality in investment through public education. The University of Oxford's Department of Economics is globally renowned for its impactful research, influential policy contributions, vibrant early-career community, and esteemed undergraduate and graduate programmes, making it one of the largest and most diverse academic communities of economists. The webinar, hosted by Sarah Clifford, Associate Professor at the Department of Economics, features honourable guest speaker David Barrett, CEO of EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd, offering invaluable insights from his extensive finance industry experience to a global audience. Exploring real-world cases, regulatory dynamics and the societal impact of tax evasion, this collaboration with the Department of Economics reinforces EBC Group's belief in giving traders the right to education and fulfils CSR objectives. "It is our honour to collaborate with the Department of Economics at the University of Oxford. We feel that the University's series 'What Economists Really Do' links academic work with real world implications of economic research and education," Mr. Barrett commented on the collaboration. "Previous webinars tackled crucial societal issues, and the upcoming episodes promise more relevant and in-depth discussions on the world we live in. EBC Financial Group believes in making economic research accessible to the public, ensuring a clear understanding of its relevance in our daily lives." For event registration, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/what-economists-really-do-the-economics-of-tax-evasion-tickets-711341450427 About EBC Financial Group Founded in London, EBC Financial Group offers innovative trading services in forex, commodities and indices with integrity and a client-centric focus. Recognised with multiple awards, our dedicated services drive client's growth through advanced infrastructure, proprietary tools and liquidity access, swift order execution and 24/7 customer support. With an extensive international footprint, we navigate local markets keenly whilst upholding integrity and ethical practices. For those seeking a dedicated partner with a client-first philosophy, EBC Financial Group emerges as a clear choice in the dynamic world of finance. Exceptional Brilliance Care for Every Committed Trader. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214176846/en/ Contacts: Ray Wong ray.wong@ebc.com tel: 852-35908945 mobile: 852-92124048 Bayridge has Staged the Option to Earn up to 80% Interest in both properties for $10M Exploration Spend Focus on Tier 1 Eastern Athabasca Basement and Unconformity Uranium Targets Close to Infrastructure Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) ("CanAlaska" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into Letters of Intent ("LOI") dated February 9, 2024 with Bayridge Resources Corp. ("Bayridge") to allow Bayridge to earn up to a 80% interest in each of the Waterbury East and Constellation Projects (the "Projects") in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. The Waterbury East Project is located in the northeastern Athabasca Basin 25 kilometres northeast of the Cigar Lake Mine and covers 1,337 hectares (Figure 1). The Constellation Project is located in the southeastern Athabasca Basin 60 kilometres south of the Key Lake Mine and Mill Complex and covers 11,142 hectares (Figure 2). Figure 1 - Waterbury East Project Location To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/197836_c357233aa465ab06_002full.jpg Waterbury East Agreement Bayridge may earn up to an 80% interest in the Waterbury East Project by undertaking work and payments in three defined earn-in stages. Bayridge may earn an initial 40% interest (Stage 1) in the Waterbury East Project by paying the Company $265,000 cash, issuing $370,000 of common shares of Bayridge and incurring $1,500,000 in exploration expenditures on the Project within 18 months of the date of the definitive agreement (the "Waterbury East Agreement Date"). Bayridge may earn an additional 20% interest for a total 60% interest (Stage 2) in the Waterbury East Project by paying to the Company a further $220,000 cash and issuing an additional $385,000 of Bayridge common shares concurrent with providing notice that it wishes to proceed with the Stage 2 earn-in, and by incurring a further $1,500,000 in exploration expenditures on the Waterbury East Project within 12 months of commencing the Stage 2 earn-in (approximately 2.5 years after the Waterbury East Agreement Date). Bayridge may earn an additional 20% interest for a total 80% interest (Stage 3) in the Waterbury East Project by paying to the Company a further $275,000 cash and issuing an additional $550,000 of Bayridge common shares concurrent with providing notice that it wishes to proceed with the Stage 3 earn-in, and by incurring an additional $2,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Waterbury East Project within 12 months of commencing the Stage 3 earn-in (approximately 3.5 years after the Waterbury East Agreement Date). After successful completion of (a) Stage 1, if Bayridge elects to not enter the next stage or fails to make the Stage 2 option payments when and as required; or (b) Stage 2, if Bayridge elects to not enter the next stage or fails to make the Stage 3 option payments when and as required; or (c) Stage 3, a joint venture will be formed and the parties will either co-contribute thereafter on a simple pro-rata basis or dilute on a pre-defined straight-line dilution formula. Any party diluting to a 10% interest will automatically forfeit its interest in the Project and in lieu thereof will be granted a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project. Constellation Agreement Bayridge may earn up to an 80% interest in the Constellation Project by undertaking work and payments in three defined earn-in stages. Bayridge may earn an initial 40% interest (Stage 1) in the Constellation Project by paying the Company $225,000 cash, issuing $315,000 of common shares of Bayridge and incurring $1,500,000 in exploration expenditures on the Project within 18 months of the date of the definitive agreement (the "Constellation Agreement Date"). Bayridge may earn an additional 20% interest for a total 60% interest (Stage 2) in the Constellation Project by paying to the Company a further $165,000 cash and issuing an additional $290,000 of Bayridge common shares concurrent with providing notice that it wishes to proceed with the Stage 2 earn-in, and by incurring a further $1,500,000 in exploration expenditures on the Constellation Project within 12 months of commencing the Stage 2 earn-in (approximately 2.5 years after the Constellation Agreement Date). Figure 2 - Constellation Project Location To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2864/197836_c357233aa465ab06_004full.jpg Bayridge may earn an additional 20% interest for a total 80% interest (Stage 3) in the Constellation Project by paying to the Company a further $210,000 cash and issuing an additional $415,000 of Bayridge common shares concurrent with providing notice that it wishes to proceed with the Stage 3 earn-in, and by incurring an additional $2,000,000 in exploration expenditures on the Constellation Project within 12 months of commencing the Stage 3 earn-in (approximately 3.5 years after the Constellation Agreement Date). After successful completion of (a) Stage 1, if Bayridge elects to not enter the next stage or fails to make the Stage 2 option payments when and as required; or (b) Stage 2, if Bayridge elects to not enter the next stage or fails to make the Stage 3 option payments when and as required; or (c) Stage 3, a joint venture will be formed and the parties will either co-contribute thereafter on a simple pro-rata basis or dilute on a pre-defined straight-line dilution formula. Any party diluting to a 10% interest will automatically forfeit its interest in the Project and in lieu thereof will be granted a 2% net smelter return royalty on the Project. All Bayridge shares issued to CanAlaska under both option agreements will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day after their date of issue pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. In addition, CanAlaska has agreed to voluntary resale restrictions on such shares whereby 25% of the shares will be released from voluntary resale restrictions 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after their issue date. During all stages of both option agreements, Bayridge will be operator of the Projects and will be entitled to charge an operator fee. Bayridge will have deciding voting rights on annual exploration programs while sole funding at the various option stages. An Area of Mutual Interest ("AMI") will extend two kilometres from the outer boundary of the Projects, excluding all properties within such area that are currently held by CanAlaska at time of signing the definitive agreement. Bayridge is currently conducting due diligence on the properties comprising the Projects. Upon successful due diligence, the parties will work towards finalizing and executing a formal agreement. The Company will provide updates on this transaction if and when they become available. CanAlaska CEO, Cory Belyk, comments, "I am very pleased to be partnering with Bayridge to move these highly prospective projects forward toward discovery. With uranium prices above $100 per pound and with frequent long-term contracting, the uranium market is strengthening and building momentum. Global fuel supply challenges, dwindling reserves, and increasing demand are leading toward an incredible bull-run in the nuclear space that may be decades long. Through this investment by Bayridge, these underexplored eastern Athabasca Basin projects could deliver tier 1 assets that fuel the clean energy of the future. CanAlaska shareholders can expect significant news flow as these projects advance." About the Waterbury East Project The Waterbury East Project is located in the northeastern Athabasca Basin, 25 kilometres northeast of the Cigar Lake Mine. The Project has approximately 200 metres of Athabasca sandstone cover overlying the basement rocks of the Wollaston Domain. The Project consists of 1 mineral claim covering 1,337 hectares. Early exploration on the Waterbury East Project consisted of historical regional and project scale ground and airborne geophysical surveys, followed by focused prospecting and boulder sampling programs. CanAlaska acquired the Project in the early 2000's through staking and completed property-wide airborne geophysical surveys, including GEOTEM and VTEM. The VTEM survey identified a 7 kilometre-long northeasterly-trending conductivity corridor coincident with an AIIP anomaly. Six drillholes were completed on the conductive corridor, with results highlighted by faulted and altered basement rocks with local uranium enrichment. Off property to the south, an AIIP anomaly of similar style and intensity is present on the Dawn Lake project that contains mineralized historical drillhole Q11A-006, which contains 7.2 metres @ 1.86% eU3O8 from 213.5 metres. About the Constellation Project The Constellation Project is located in the southeastern Athabasca Basin, 60 kilometres south of the present-day Athabasca Basin edge and the Key Lake Mine and Mill complex along Highway 914. The Project consists of 13 mineral claims for a total of 11,142 hectares. Historical exploration on the Constellation Project consists of prospecting and geological mapping that were completed in conjunction with airborne radiometric, electromagnetic, and magnetic surveys. These historical surveys identified electromagnetic conductors associated with magnetic lows that flank magnetic highs, which is an analogous geological framework for Athabasca style uranium deposits. These geophysical surveys were followed by geological mapping and wide-spaced prospecting programs both on property and along trend to the south. Prospecting along trend identified outcrop-hosted high-grade uranium mineralization in Getty-Minerals Zones 2-6 and 2-3, located approximately 10 kilometres from the Project boundary. These showings returned uranium mineralization from grab samples in outcrop grading 2.787% U3O8 and 4.60% U3O8. The mineralized magnetic low corridor along which the Getty-Minerals Zones are hosted trends onto the Constellation Project. In the early 2000's, geological mapping and geochemical sampling on the Project confirmed the magnetic high is a central core of Archean gneiss which is flanked by graphitic metasediments. In addition, structural lineaments in the magnetic lows were interpreted, and may represent large scale faulting. In total, the Constellation Project contains over 18 kilometres of untested prospective target area. About CanAlaska Uranium CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. (TSXV: CVV) (OTCQX: CVVUF) (FSE: DH7) holds interests in approximately 500,000 hectares (1,235,000 acres), in Canada's Athabasca Basin - the "Saudi Arabia of Uranium." CanAlaska's strategic holdings have attracted major international mining companies. CanAlaska is currently working with Cameco and Denison at two of the Company's properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. CanAlaska is a project generator positioned for discovery success in the world's richest uranium district. The Company also holds properties prospective for nickel, copper, gold and diamonds. For further information visit www.canalaska.com. The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is Nathan Bridge, MSc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration for CanAlaska Uranium Ltd., who has reviewed and approved its contents. Technical Disclosure: The historical results contained within this news release have been captured from Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database ("SMAD") reporting as available and may be incomplete or subject to minor location inaccuracies. Management cautions that historical results were collected and reported by past operators and have not been verified nor confirmed by a Qualified Person but form a basis for ongoing work on the subject properties. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on proximate land are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved on the subject properties. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Cory Belyk" Cory Belyk, P.Geo., FGC CEO, President and Director CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. Contacts: Cory Belyk, CEO and President Tel: +1.604.688.3211 x 138 Email: cbelyk@canalaska.com General Enquiry Tel: +1.604.688.3211 Email: info@canalaska.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-looking information All statements included in this press release that address activities, events or developments that the Company expects, believes or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions made by the Company based on its experience, perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. In addition, these statements involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will prove inaccurate, certain of which are beyond the Company's control. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend to revise or update these forward-looking statements after the date hereof or revise them to reflect the occurrence of future unanticipated events. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197836 SOURCE: CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. The "Europe Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe satellite and spacecraft subsystem market based on satellite subsystem is estimated to reach $12.06 billion by 2033 from $2.59 billion in 2022, at a growth rate of 6.78% during the forecast period 2023-2033 The market for satellite and spacecraft subsystems in Europe has grown significantly in recent years as a result of new applications, ongoing technological improvements and substantial investments and a dedicated emphasis on research and development aimed at introducing innovative and cutting-edge solutions. The primary engine of this growth is the commercial space industry, which has shown signs of robust growth and ongoing growth with an unprecedented quantity of satellite launches and a notable rise in the total number of operational satellites in orbit. Furthermore, collaborative efforts with international partners, including NASA and other space agencies, contribute to the growth of the European launch vehicle, deep space mission, and the advancement in satellite subsystems. Market Introduction In recent years, the European satellite and spacecraft subsystem industry has seen significant expansion and advancement. Innovative technologies such as CubeSats, SmallSats, and reusable launch vehicles have been the driving force behind the space sector's expansion. These developments have reduced the cost of developing space systems and launching payloads into orbit, which has drawn interest from a wider spectrum of organizations. Government organizations and corporate businesses have shown a special interest in the development of SmallSats and CubeSats because they provide more accessible space and open up new business opportunities, such as satellite constellations. SmallSats, which made up around 95% of all satellites launched in 2022, have greatly improved the capabilities of the sector. Furthermore, satellite constellations are anticipated to play a major factor in the European space market going forward. These constellations guarantee that at all times at least one satellite is reachable from wherever on Earth. This continuous coverage is particularly valuable for applications such as telecommunications, Earth observation, and positioning systems, where uninterrupted connectivity and data acquisition are crucial. The availability of satellite constellations opens up new opportunities for various industries, including telecommunications, agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster response, among others. How can this report add value to an organization? Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Europe satellite and spacecraft subsystem market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as contract, collaboration, and joint venture. The favored strategy for the companies has been contracted to strengthen their position in the global satellite and spacecraft subsystem market Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Europe satellite and spacecraft subsystem market analyzed and profiled in the study involve major Europe satellite and spacecraft subsystem companies providing subsystems, respectively. Moreover, a detailed market share analysis of the players operating in the Europe satellite and spacecraft subsystem market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market. Analyst's Perspective on Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market The Principal Analyst states, 'The satellite and spacecraft system market is a rapidly growing market with a lot of potential. The key trends in the market include the increasing demand for satellite-based services in a variety of industries, the growing adoption of small satellites, and the development of new technologies, such as constellations of satellites and reusable launch vehicles However, there are also some challenges that the market faces, such as the high cost of satellite development and launch, the complex and challenging regulatory environment for satellite operations, and the growing risk of space debris. Stakeholders in the market should focus on developing new technologies that can reduce the cost of satellite development and launch, developing new applications for satellite-based services, and working to address the challenges posed by space debris.' Key Questions Answered in the Report What are the futuristic trends in the Europe satellite and spacecraft subsystem market, and how is the market expected to change over the forecast period 2023-2033? How is the market expected to grow during the forecast period 2023-2033? What are the key developmental strategies implemented by the key players to sustain in this highly competitive market? What is the current and future revenue scenario of the Europe satellite and spacecraft subsystem market? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 109 Forecast Period 2023 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $6.25 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $12.06 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.7% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: 1 Market 1.1 Industry Outlook 1.1.1 New Space Business Scenario: A Growth Factor in the Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market 1.1.2 Impact of 3D Printing: Revolutionizing Space Industry 1.1.3 Changing Landscape of Space Composites 1.1.4 Impact of Commercial-Off-the-Shelf (COTS)Components in Satellite Serial Production 1.1.5 Supply Chain Analysis 1.2 Business Dynamics 1.2.1 Business Drivers 1.2.1.1 Increasing Research and Development Activities for Developing Cost-Efficient Subsystem and Component 1.2.1.2 Rising Demand for Satellite-Based Downstream Services 1.2.2 Business Challenges 1.2.2.1 Impact of Space Radiation on Spacecraft and Astronauts 1.2.2.2 Rising Impact of Cyberattacks on Satellites 1.2.2.3 Evolution of Standardized Satellite and Subsystem Platform 1.2.3 Business Strategies 1.2.3.1 New Product Launches, Developments, and Others 1.2.4 Corporate Strategies 1.2.4.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, Contracts, and Others 1.2.4.2 Mergers and Acquisitions 1.2.5 Business Opportunities 1.2.5.1 Growing Developments for Cislunar Programs 2 Region 2.1 Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market (by Region) 2.2 Europe 2.2.1 Market 2.2.1.1 Key Manufacturers and Suppliers in Europe 2.2.1.2 Business Drivers 2.2.1.3 Business Challenges 2.2.2 Application 2.2.2.1 Europe Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market (by End User), Value and Volume Data 2.2.3 Product 2.2.3.1 Europe Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market (by Satellite Subsystem), Value and Volume Data 2.2.3.2 Europe Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market (by Launch Vehicle Subsystem), Value and Volume Data 2.2.4 Europe (by Country) 2.2.4.1 France 2.2.4.2 Germany 2.2.4.3 Russia 2.2.4.4 U.K. 2.2.4.5 Rest-of-Europe 3 Market- Competitive Benchmarking and Company Profile 3.1 Competitive Benchmarking 3.2 Company Profiles 3.2.1 Company Overview 3.2.1.1 Role in the Satellite and Spacecraft Subsystem Market 3.2.1.2 Product Portfolio 3.2.2 Business Strategies 3.2.2.1 New Product Developments and Fundings 3.2.3 Corporate Strategies 3.2.3.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Contracts, and Agreements 3.2.3.1 Mergers and Acquisitions 3.2.4 R&D Analysis 3.2.5 Analyst View 4 Research Methodology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/r2epjy 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214091873/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / We're leading by example through responsible operations, reimagining our systems and taking action to have a restorative impact on the environment. Project At-a-Glance: The opportunity: Accelerate the path toward operational sustainability at Thermo King Galway through a multi-faceted carbon reduction strategy across the manufacturing plant, significantly reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions and moving Trane Technologies closer to its 2030 Sustainability Commitment of carbon neutral operations. The solutions: Replacing diesel fuel with HVO biodiesel; adopting reusable dollies and crates to further enhance zero waste to landfill commitment; innovating a state-of-the-art carbon-neutral Advancer production line; enhancing roof insulation; and installing 2,000 photovoltaic panels for renewable energy. Sustainability outcomes: All metrics are based on prior year (2022) comparisons unless otherwise stated. 29% decrease in the facilities carbon emissions (CO2e) 99% reduction of Scope 1 diesel fuel carbon emissions on multiple plant lines by transitioning to HVO biodiesel 33% reduction in non-hazardous waste generation Anticipated generation of 1,000,000 kWh of green electricity from an onsite photovoltaic system; and saving 300k in site annual energy and maintenance costs Annual savings of 56k per year via LED lighting Zero waste to landfill since 2014 Accelerating a legacy of sustainability Over nine years ago, our Thermo King manufacturing facility in Galway, Ireland became the first Trane Technologies site to achieve zero waste-to-landfill status. In the years since, the team has continued to innovate how we manufacture solutions for the cold chain while leading the way in sustainable operations. In 2020, motivated by Trane Technologies' 2030 Gigaton Challenge to reduce customers' carbon emissions from use of products, Thermo King unveiled a new state-of-the-art Advancer A-series, a revolutionary approach to refrigerated transport that helps reduce the impact of the cold chain. At the same time, the Galway team simultaneously revolutionized the production line on which the new Advancer A-series would be built, incorporating innovative technologies and practices like automation, reusable packaging, robotics, renewable energy sources and electrification into the manufacturing process. In 2021, the Advancer line became the first assembly line in the sector to be certified carbon neutral. "The Advancer line is the future of the factory," says Michael Stratford, Thermo King Operations Leader for Ireland. "It's also the start of our electrical architecture and electrical journey in our operations." Sustainability across the board Prioritizing sustainability in operations means Galway's cross-functional teams are constantly monitoring and assessing energy efficiency, water, refrigerant and waste, as well as looking for new reduction strategies. Previous measures have included LED lighting, rainwater harvesting and adding greenfield areas and EV charging. And in recent years, the company has accelerated its path to further reduce carbon emissions associated with operations, leading the way with bigger, groundbreaking projects. Working with the design, procurement and waste-monitoring teams on site, the facility now prioritizes the use of returnable, stackable crates and the development of parts and dollies that no longer require single-use plastic. This strategy enhances Galway's zero waste to landfill commitment by also significantly reducing the annual mass of recyclable materials. Since 2018, the site's production of recyclable waste has been reduced by 60% - another big step in advancing the sites operating zero waste to landfill achievement. Onsite generators now produce oxygen and nitrogen for soldering and brazing for production units, saving nearly $37K annually in gas transportation costs. Replacing the use of propane with bio propane for these processes has delivered over 90% carbon emissions reduction. And one of the most impactful projects to date has been the installation of a 50,000-liter tank storing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). By replacing the diesel used on production lines with HVO, the site has successfully reduced Scope 1 fossil fuel carbon emissions across three manufacturing lines by 99%. HVO carbon is categorized as biogenic and identified as a renewable fuel with a carbon neutral designation. Next big steps in reductions Additional investments are taking another big step in reducing the site's carbon footprint. With a 50-year-old single skin roof, the 170,000 sq ft factory building was losing heat, resulting in higher energy demands. The team saw an opportunity to reduce wasted heat while also shifting to a renewable energy source, replacing the roof's thin top-skin with an insulated panel and also installing over 2,000 photovoltaic solar panels. Once fully installed, the solar panels will produce approximately 1,000,000 kWh of green electricity and improve the site's resiliency for energy supply. While the site has purchased and used electricity generated 100 percent from renewable sources since 2020, the addition of the photovoltaic (PV) system will reduce the quantity of renewable electricity purchased. The PV system will also save the site over 300k in annual energy and maintenance costs. "Opportunities to improve are still out there," says David Honan, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Leader EMEA and Galway EHS Site Leader. One such priority is refrigerant. The Galway facility uses approximately 10,000 tons of refrigerant each month to charge into finished goods manufactured for customers. To significantly reduce Scope 1 emissions associated with refrigerant leaks, the site installed world class refrigerant storage, charging and monitoring equipment and shifted to a new refrigerant with a lower Global Warming Potential (GWP). Sustainability beyond the factory The Galway team also recognizes that sustainability means looking after the long-term well-being of people, both internally and in the surrounding community. When a local school was looking for help to create a dedicated space for Autistic Spectrum Disorder students, the team invested in the building of a sensory room. And volunteers that make up the local Purple Team for the site, actively work with area students, supporting science fairs, robotics competitions, and partnerships that encourage young kids to pursue STEM careers. "We're on a good flight path in terms of sustainability," affirms Michael Stratford. "We were on it for quite some time. We're accelerating it now." View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Trane Technologies Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Trane Technologies View the original press release on accesswire.com Across large cap, Tesla, Chevron, Exxon Mobil, Apple, and Charter Communications rank in top 5 On the heels of topping the Americas large-cap list for most shorted stock of 2023, Tesla was the most crowded in January, with a score of 99, according to the latest Shortside Crowdedness Report from Hazeltree, a leader in active treasury and intelligent operations technology for the alternative asset industry. The report is a monthly listing of the top 10 shorted securities in the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions in the large-, mid-, and small-cap ranges. "2024 has started the way 2023 ended, with similar concentration of interest in many of the same securities and sectors, with the exception of the APAC region where there appears to be more movement among the top shorted securities," said Tim Smith, managing director of data insights, at Hazeltree. Other highlights from the January 2024 report include: Americas In the large-cap category, Tesla was the most crowded in January, with a score of 99, while energy companies Chevron (94) and Exxon Mobil (84) closely followed, alongside Apple (84) and Charter Communications (84). Albemarle Corporation had the highest institutional supply utilization (23.59%). In the mid-cap category, semiconductor developer Wolfspeed Inc. was the most crowded security (99), while Bloom Energy Corp had the highest institutional supply utilization (69.14%). In the small-cap category, solar energy company Sunnova Energy remained the most crowded security (99), while battery manufacturing company Enovix Corp displayed the highest institutional supply utilization (86.52%). EMEA In the large-cap category, luxury goods conglomerate LVMH was the most crowded security for the fifth consecutive month (99), while Universal Music Group NV had the highest institutional supply utilization (5.99%). In the mid-cap category, French rail manufacturer Alstom was the most crowded security (99) and had the highest institutional supply utilization (80.75%). In the small-cap category, Irish video game company Keywords Studio plc (99) was the most crowded security for the second consecutive month. Health fitness club Basic Fit NV had the highest institutional supply utilization (77.56%). APAC In the large-cap category, Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. was the most crowded security (99), while Aeon Corp led in institutional supply utilization (21.22%). In the mid-cap category, computer manufacturing company Daifuku Co. was the most crowded security (99). IHI Corp stood out with the highest institutional supply utilization (33.46%). In the small-cap category, Webjet Lyd was the most crowded security (99), while Takara Holdings had the highest institutional supply utilization (26.31%). The Shortside Crowdedness Report tracks shorting activity in three different metrics: Hazeltree Crowdedness Score: This score represents securities that are being shorted by the highest percentage of funds in Hazeltree's community in a pre-defined category. The securities are graded on a scale of 1-99, with 99 representing the security that the highest percentage of funds are shorting. Institutional Supply Utilization: This figure represents the percentage of the institutional investors' supply of a particular security that is being lent out. The institutional supply utilization rate is an indicator of how "hot" a security is in terms of the supply-demand dynamic. It is possible to see 100% utilization of a security's availability, making it difficult to establish new short positions. Hazeltree Community Borrow Fee: This figure is the average weighted fee for what funds in the Hazeltree community are paying to borrow a security. The fee is represented as the annualized cost calculated as a percentage of the price of the security. The data contained in the report comes from Hazeltree's proprietary securities finance platform data, which tracks approximately 15,000 global equities across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC. The data is aggregated and anonymized from the contributing Hazeltree community, which includes approximately 700 asset manager funds. To view Hazeltree's January Shortside Crowdedness Report and past reports, click here. Note to editors: If you are a member of the media/press and would like to be included on the distribution list for this report, please contact hazeltree@backbaycommunications.com About Hazeltree Hazeltree is a leader in active treasury and intelligent operations technology. Purpose-built for the alternative asset management ecosystem, Hazeltree's modular platform aggregates internal and external data, providing a comprehensive view of operations and counterparty relationships while proactively highlighting opportunities to extract more value from every transaction. Hazeltree is headquartered in New York with offices in London and Hong Kong. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214075391/en/ Contacts: Media: BackBay Communications hazeltree@backbaycommunications.com NEW YORK, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The EDM Council has introduced the Data Excellence Program in response to the growing need for standardized measurement and recognition of data management excellence at the organizational level. EDM Council is the global trade association providing best practices, standards and education to advance data management and advanced analytics. This innovative initiative aims to acknowledge organizations that are dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence in data management, based on globally recognized best practices. Despite the critical importance of data as a strategic asset for organizations, many are challenged to manage data effectively, efficiently and consistently. The Data Excellence Program supports organizations in developing a culture that demonstrates their commitment to data management as a strategic ongoing program, utilizing a best practice framework for measuring capability. Achieving various criteria earns industry recognition. "The EDM Council is thrilled to launch the Data Excellence Program with our members, fostering a community of organizations dedicated to unlocking the full value of their data assets," said John Bottega, President, EDM Council. "As organizations embark on this journey, they not only elevate their data management capabilities but also position themselves as leaders in data excellence." Key elements of the Data Excellence Program include: Data Management Team Training and Certification based on the Data Management Capability Assessment Model (DCAM) framework based on the Data Management Capability Assessment Model (DCAM) framework Independent Assessments and Capability Improvement Plans conducted with EDM Council Certified Partners conducted with EDM Council Certified Partners Recognition for Achievement Global Data Management Benchmark Repository Founding members of the Data Excellence Program include both participating companies and Certified Partners, who are authorized by the EDM Council to support members in achieving the program criteria: Participating Members: AustralianSuper , BT , DTCC , Fifth Third Bank , Freddie Mac , KPMG , LSEG , Northern Trust , Northwest Bank , Raymond James , Standard Bank , State of Arizona , Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) , T. Rowe Price , , , , , , , , , , , , , Certified Partners: Acquis Cortico-X , DataWise , Element22 , Ortecha , Projective Group , PwC "We are honored to be one of the founders of the Data Excellence Program, the first-of-its-kind, global initiative acknowledging those organizations who are making an ongoing commitment to achieving best practices across their data functions," said Ben Clinch, Head of Information Architecture, BT Group. "We are already seeing results, such as a team culture dedicated to delivering the highest quality and greatest value for our data assets." "One of Freddie Mac's ongoing priorities is to be at the forefront of data excellence in our business practices," said Aravind Jagannathan, Vice President and Single-Family Chief Data Officer for Freddie Mac. "As a founding member of the EDM Council's Data Excellence Program, we look forward to meaningfully contributing to this area globally, and continuing to cultivate world-class data excellence in our Freddie Mac teams and throughout the industry." For more information about the Data Excellence Program, please visit the EDM Council website . About EDM Council EDM Council is the global association created to elevate the practice of data management and analytics as a business and operational priority. The Council advocates for the development and implementation of data standards, best practices, and comprehensive training and certification programs. With more than 350 organizations from the Americas, EMEA, and Asia, and more than 25,000 data management professionals as members, EDM Council provides a venue for data professionals to interact, communicate, and collaborate on the challenges and advances in data management and analytics as critical organizational functions. Visit https://edmcouncil.org/ . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/edm-council-launches-data-excellence-program-302061155.html ARLINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Ball Corp. (BALL), the producer of sustainable aluminum packaging, announced Wednesday that the U.S. Department of Justice has ended its review, and allowed its review period to expire, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 with respect to the announced sale of Ball's aerospace business to BAE Systems, Inc. for approximately $5.6 billion in cash proceeds. With the earlier receipt of other regulatory approvals and clearances for closing this transaction, including the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency and the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States, the parties expect to close the transaction in the near term, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary closing conditions. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. The "Europe Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft and Drones Market Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Europe ISR aircraft and drones market is estimated to reach $6.50 billion by 2033 from $3.51 billion in 2022, at a growth rate of 5.28% during the forecast period 2023-2033. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and drones are at the cutting edge of modern military and strategic technology. In a variety of scenarios, these advanced technologies are designed to collect meaningful information, improve situational awareness, and aid decision-making processes. ISR aircraft are manned aircraft built for gathering intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities. They are frequently outfitted with cutting-edge sensors, image systems, and communication suites. Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have altered ISR capabilities due to their ability to explore remote or dangerous locations while limiting human risk. ISR technology has been used in military operations, disaster assistance, border security, and even environmental monitoring. These underline the critical importance of information dominance in modern battle, as well as the growing influence of technology in molding the future of national security. Market Introduction The development of military technology and tactics is heavily influenced by the history and early days of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and drones. Aerial reconnaissance has been practiced since World War I, when early aviators flew over enemy positions with cameras in hand. However, it was not until World War II that ISR capabilities really took off. Cameras were previously fitted in classic aircraft such as the Lockheed P-38 Lightning and the Supermarine Spitfire to collect critical imagery for intelligence purposes. In the postwar era, the advent of jet propulsion and superior sensors resulted in the development of specialist reconnaissance aircraft such as the U-2 and the SR-71 Blackbird. These high-altitude, high-speed vehicles transformed information collection during the Cold War. Now fast forward to the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, the introduction of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones has altered ISR. Remotely piloted aircraft, such as the Predator and Global Hawk, provide constant surveillance and have played critical roles in modern conflicts and terrorist activities. Today, ISR is advancing with the incorporation of cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, which improves the capacity to acquire essential intelligence in more complex and dynamic global situations. How can this report add value to an organization? Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Europe intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and drones market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion, partnership, collaboration, and joint venture. The favored strategy for the companies has been merger and acquisition to strengthen their position in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and drones market. Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Europe intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and drones market analyzed and profiled in the study involve major intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and drones offering companies providing aircraft and drones for the purpose. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft and drones market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market. Company Profiles BAE Systems Dassault Aviation QUANTUM-SYSTEMS GMBH ISS Aerospace Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 94 Forecast Period 2023 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $3.88 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $6.5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.2% Regions Covered Europe Key Topics Covered: Executive Summary Scope of the Study 1 Market 1.1 Industry Outlook 1.1.1 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft and Drones Market: Overview 1.1.2 On-Going and Upcoming Projects 1.1.3 Future Technological Trends 1.1.3.1 Hypersonic ISR Aircraft 1.1.3.2 Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) 1.1.4 Comparative Analysis of Various Military Aircraft and Drones 1.1.4.1 Military Aircraft 1.1.4.2 Military Drones 1.1.5 Value Chain Analysis 1.2 Business Dynamics 1.2.1 Business Drivers 1.2.1.1 Increasing UAV Adoption in Military Application 1.2.1.2 Increasing Multi-Domain Operations (MDO) in Defense Sector 1.2.1.3 Growing Threats from Asymmetric Warfare 1.2.2 Business Challenges 1.2.2.1 Challenges with Data Formats 1.2.2.2 Availability of Modern Systems for Air Penetration 1.2.2.3 Lack of Trained Personnel 1.2.3 Business Opportunities 1.2.3.1 AI and ML Integration 1.2.3.2 Adoption of C5ISR 1.2.4 Business Strategies 1.2.4.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements and Contracts 1.2.4.2 Market Developments 2 Region 2.1 Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft and Drones Market (by Region) 2.2 Europe 2.2.1 Market 2.2.1.1 Key Manufacturers in Europe 2.2.1.2 Business Drivers 2.2.1.3 Business Challenges 2.2.2 Product 2.2.2.1 Europe Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft and Drones Market (by Component) 2.2.2.2 Europe Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft and Drones Market (by Platform) 2.2.3 Europe (by Country) 2.2.3.1 U.K. 2.2.3.1.1 Market 2.2.3.1.1.1 Key Manufacturers in the U.K. 2.2.3.1.2 Product 2.2.3.1.2.1 U.K. Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft and Drones Market (by Platform) 2.2.3.2 France 2.2.3.3 Germany 2.2.3.4 Russia 2.2.3.5 Rest-of-Europe 3 Markets Competitive Benchmarking Company Profiles 3.1 Competitive Benchmarking 3.1 Company Overview 3.1.1 Role in the Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Aircraft and Drones Market 3.1.2 Product Portfolio 3.2 Business Strategies 3.2.1 Market Development 3.3 Corporate Strategies 3.3.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, and Contracts 3.4 Analyst View 4 Research Methodology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/fg0gzc 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. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214226378/en/ Contacts: ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Karus Gold Corp. (the "Corporation" or "Karus") is pleased to announce, further to its news releases dated August 14, 2023 and December 18, 2023, the completion of its previously announced common share consolidation on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Karus common share for every ten (10) pre-consolidation Karus common shares (the "Consolidation"). In addition, as permitted by the Articles, the board of directors has approved and completed the change of name of the Corporation to "Karus Mining Inc." (the "Name Change"). The Consolidation and Name Change form part of a larger transaction pursuant to which a wholly-owned subsidiary of Karus will amalgamate with Theia Gold Corp. ("Theia") and each of the issued and outstanding common shares of Theia following the amalgamation will immediately be exchanged for 2.5414 post-Consolidation common shares of Karus (collectively, the "Proposed Transaction"). Upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, Karus (the "Resulting Issuer") will continue to carry on the business of exploration and development of Karus' South Cariboo Property and Theia's Mineral Creek Property. For more information on the Proposed Transaction, please refer to the Corporation's news releases dated August 14, 2023 and December 18, 2023, each of which is available on the Corporation's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Prior to the Consolidation, the Corporation had 91,285,108 common shares issued and outstanding. Following completion of the Consolidation, the Corporation has 9,128,516 common shares issued and outstanding. No fractional shares were issued as part of the Consolidation. Instead, all resulting fractional shares of less than one-half were rounded down to the nearest whole number, and of one-half or greater were rounded up to the nearest whole number. The new CUSIP for the Corporation's common shares after the Consolidation and Name Change is 485923106 and the ISIN is CA4859231066. Registered shareholders will receive a letter of transmittal from Computershare Investor Services Inc., the Corporation's transfer agent, with information on how to replace their old share certificates with the new share certificates. Brokerage firms will handle the replacement of share certificates on behalf of their shareholders accounts. About Theia Theia is a private Canadian company specializing in the acquisition, financing, exploration and development of mineral properties using modern exploration technology. Theia's strategy is to grow shareholder and stakeholder value by exploration and M&A. Theia has an impressive technical team complemented by supportive, long-term shareholders with an aligned strategic vision to management. About Karus Karus is the 100% owner of the 1,000 km2 South Caribou Gold District that includes the drill-stage FG Gold and Gold Creek projects in British Columbia. Further information on Karus and its assets can be found on the Corporation's website at www.karusgold.com and at www.sedarplus.ca, or by contacting us as info@karusgold.com. ON BEHALF OF KARUS GOLD CORP. "James Hynes" James Hynes Director For more information, please contact Karus Investor Relations: (888) 455-7620 info@karusgold.com Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated timing and closing of the Proposed Transaction, anticipated benefits to Karus Shareholders as a result of the Proposed Transaction and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Resulting Issuer, are forward-looking statements. Although the Corporation believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Corporation cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Corporation are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Corporation's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Corporation may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Corporation to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including Exchange acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Corporation to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Corporation's latest interim Management Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Corporation's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical report filed with respect to the Corporation's mineral properties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197888 SOURCE: Karus Mining Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Japan Gold Corp. (TSXV: JG) (OTCQB: JGLDF) ("Japan Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the 2023 work programs completed on both the Company's Barrick Alliance projects and its own 100% owned projects across its Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu project portfolio, (see Figure 1) and outline work programs for 2024. Chairman and CEO, John Proust commented "Our 2023 exploration programs have yielded strong results and provided important insights and direction for our 2024 work programs. We are delighted that projects held within the Barrick Alliance and independently by Japan Gold are progressing well and demonstrate a high degree of prospectivity. We expect to accelerate activities by drilling the highest-ranked targets in 2024." Figure 1: Japan Gold and Barrick Alliance Priority Projects Across the Main Epithermal Districts of Japan To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/197872_2bf49341a4a55945_001full.jpg Barrick Alliance Projects Southern Kyushu The Mizobe Project was the most active of the Barrick Alliance projects during 2023, with seven drill holes completed comprised of three initial framework drill holes in Q2|23 and four follow-up drill holes in Q4|23, totalling 2,416.2 metres of drill core. Drilling has defined an extensive and largely concealed alteration system, significant mineralization encountered in drilling includes intersections up to 144 metres in down-hole length (refer to the Company's news release dated November 16, 2023). The four drill holes completed in Q4|23 were designed to further refine the understanding of controls on high-grade mineralization. Assay results for these holes are expected in Q1|24 (see Figure 2). Intersections from the initial framework program included the following long mineralized interval: MZDD23-003 : 144 m & 0.7 g/t Au & 2.1 Ag, including 16.0 m & 2.8 g/t Au & 4.5 g/t Ag from 47.0 m Including: 68.25 m @ 0.9 g/t Au & 2.1 g/t Ag from 122.75 m; 16.0 m @ 2.8 g/t Au & 4.5 g/t Ag; and, 10.0 m @ 4.3 g/t Au & 6.6 g/t Ag (previously released interval) : 144 m & 0.7 g/t Au & 2.1 Ag, including 16.0 m & 2.8 g/t Au & 4.5 g/t Ag from 47.0 m The 2024 work program will include a ground magnetic survey, detailed structural interpretation and a revised geological model to vector toward high-grade mineralization. Honshu Togi Project - On January 1, 2024, Japan experienced an earthquake, measuring 7.6 magnitude, on the Noto Peninsula in the Ishikawa Prefecture, the location of the Togi Project. As the epicentre was very shallow, large tremors were observed in many places with property damage, loss of life and a tsunami warning. Japan Gold's Chairman and CEO John Proust said "Our thoughts are with the people in Japan affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1. We are grateful that our employees in the area are safe, and we will continue to monitor the situation. Japan Gold is committed to supporting the health and safety of the communities where we live and work and hopes for a quick recovery and restoration of the areas affected by the devastation." In Q2|23, mapping was completed at the Togi Project confirming the potential for concealed targets along a four-kilometre normal fault zone NE of the Mori vein workings. Eight line-kilometres of CSAMT geophysics completed over the target in November have highlighted resistivity and conductivity features interpreted as normal faults associated with the low sulfidation systems emplacement. The 2024 work program includes ground magnetics to further refine drill-ready targets. A potential drill program in 2024 is subject to the results and permitting. Figure 2: Mizobe Project - Follow-up Phase 2 Drill holes (assays pending for 4 drill holes) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/197872_figure2.jpg North Hokkaido Aibetsu Project - During August and September 24.5 kilometres of access lines were cleared across a large five-by-four-kilometre multi-catchment stream-sediment anomaly defined by strong gold and pathfinder elements. Grid mapping, 16.3-line kilometres of CSAMT geophysics, and 539 soil samples were collected across the area. There is an ongoing interpretation of the results, aiming to confirm the geological model and target potential. Subject to these results, a drill program may follow. Hakuryu Project - Detailed mapping was completed over the project in 2023. The Hakuryu Project is located at the southern end of the 18-kilometre-long Konomai gold field. The northern and central parts of the Konomai vein field were developed and mined by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. ("SMM") between 1915-1973 producing 2.35 Moz of gold at an average grade of 6.4 g/t1. Most of the veins exploited by SMM were exposed at or near boiling zone levels, the most notable vein from the Konomai vein field is the Konomai No. 5 vein which produced 1.17 Moz of gold from a 2-km-long vein that was up to 50 metres wide and 560 metres deep1. Work programs planned for 2024 include ground magnetics to assist in the delineation of the vein structure extensions. Japan Gold 100% Owned Projects Ikutahara Project - North Hokkaido Showa and Ikutahara Prospects : There were 11 line-kilometres of CSAMT geophysics completed in Q3|23 extending the CSAMT geophysics grid coverage from the Kitano-o prospect south by 2.5 kilometres, (see Figure 3). The CSAMT survey has identified strong resistivity features beneath coincident broad high-grade gold in soil anomalies. The CSAMT resistivity anomalies potentially represent silicification in the underlying strata, an ideal host rock for quartz vein development. Additional prospect scale geophysics is planned to further refine drill targets at the Showa and Ikutahara prospects in 2024. Ryuo Prospect: A revision of the 3D geological model has identified new structural targets along the prospective rhyolite dome margin. At a larger district scale, anomalies identified by the 2022 expanded soil grid were ground-checked, identifying zones of strong silicification potentially overlying new mineralized vein structures. Programs planned for 2024 will include ground-checking new structural targets at the Ryuo prospect, and soil grid extensions to fully define open-ended district-scale alteration anomalies. Saroma and Jomon Corridor Prospects : Reconnaissance mapping completed in Q2|23 confirmed alteration and locally high-grade quartz vein float, up to 54 g/t Au, along the nine-km Saroma-Jomon corridor. Follow-up soil sampling has identified four distinct areas of interest along the corridor defined by gold and pathfinder anomalies. Additional prospect scale geophysics is planned to further refine drill targets along the Saroma-Jomon corridor in 2024. Buho Project - SW Hokkaido Assay results for ridge and spur soil samples collected across and along the strike of historical workings in Q4|23 are currently pending. Historical data comprising CSAMT geophysics and drilling, which included a 3.5 metres intercept grading 21.8 g/t Au have been combined into a 3D model. Mineralization encountered in historical drilling appears to remain open along strike and will be prioritized for further drill testing. Figure 3: Ikutahara Project with Advanced Prospects To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5665/197872_2bf49341a4a55945_003full.jpg Bajo Project - Middle Kyushu The historical Bajo mine, located on the east side of the project produced more than 420 Koz of gold at an average grade of 41.7 g/t up to its closure in 1950. A significant portion of the Bajo production came from an ultra-high-grade shoot with a reported production of 371 Koz of gold at an extraordinary grade of 126 g/t1. The high-grade mineralization at Bajo was localized along the contact between the granite basement and overlying andesite. Detailed mapping completed over the project by the Company has confirmed locally high-grade gold in rock samples associated with 8 separate vein structures within a four by three km structural corridor on the west side of the project. Mapped quartz veins show a similar character to those from the Bajo mine located three kilometres to the east. Importantly, the presence of granite basement outcrops adjacent to the mineralized veins provides a compelling case for a high-grade Bajo analogue on the west side of the project. The next steps include modelling gravity and/or ground magnetic data to support the targeting of gold-bearing structures at intersections with the top of the concealed granite on the west side of the project. Ohra-Takamine Project - Southern Kyushu One drill hole was completed and based on a review of results a full re-interpretation and geological model reconstruction was completed. This work has resulted in a better understanding of structural and stratigraphic controls on mineralization and in the definition of several new targets requiring ground-truthing to motivate drill testing. References 1The Mining and Materials Processing Institute of Japan (1989) Gold Mines in Japan Vol. 1 Sampling Techniques and Assaying The drilling results discussed in this news release are from drill core samples obtained by PQ, HQ and NQ-size triple-tube diamond core drilling using PMC-700 and PMC-400 man-portable drill rigs owned and operated by the Company. The drilling program was fully supervised by Company senior geologists at the drilling site. The drill core was collected in plastic core trays at the drill site and transported by road in Company vehicles to its core shed storage facility in the nearby Urushi Village, near the project area. The drill core was carefully logged, and photographed and sample intervals were marked-up along predicted mineralized and selected unmineralized intervals by Japan Gold senior project geologists. Sample lengths varied from 0.25 to 1.0 metres, depending on the positions of geological contacts and variations in alteration composition. The core was split by a diamond rock saw supervised by project geologists. The half-core sample was collected from the entire length of each designated sample interval and placed into individual-labelled, self-sealing calico bags for secure packaging and transport to the laboratory. The half-core samples weighed between 0.25 to 5 kilograms depending on the sample length and core size. A chain of custody was established between the Company and the receiving laboratory to ensure the integrity of the samples during transportation from the site to the lab. The samples were sent in batches to ALS Laboratories in Vancouver, Canada for sample preparation and assaying. Samples were crushed, pulverized and assayed for gold 50-gram charge Fire Assay / AAS Finish (Au-AA24; 0.005 ppm lower detection limit) and a 48 multi-element by 4-acid digest with ICP-MS determination (ME-MS61L; Ag 0.002 ppm lower detection limit). Over-limit Au and Ag samples were re-assayed by fire-assay and gravimetric finish (GRA-22, LDL of 0.5 and 5 ppm for Au and Ag respectively). Certified Reference Materials ("CRMs") were inserted by Japan Gold at every 20th sample to assess the repeatability and assaying precision of the laboratory. In addition, the laboratory applied its own internal Quality Control procedure that includes sample duplicates, blanks & geochemical standards. They report these results with the certified Assay Report. Laboratory procedures and QA|QC protocols adopted are considered appropriate. The CRMs and internal QA|QC results fall within acceptable levels of accuracy & precision and are considered to lack any bias. Rock results presented in this news release and accompanying figures are from one to three kilograms selected grabs of river float samples, and continuous chip-channel samples. The grab samples of float material reported in this announcement are believed to originate from the underlying bedrock of the drainage basin from which they were collected. The Company cautions that grab and float samples are selective by nature and may not be representative of typical mineralization on the property. Composited chip-channel samples have been collected continuously along exposures of bedrock at intervals between 0.5 to 1.5 metres. Sample preparation and assaying were done by ALS Perth, WA, Australia. Samples were crushed and pulverised and gold was analysed by 50 gram-charge Fire Assay and AAS finish. A 48 multi-element analysis including silver was done by four-acid digest and ICP-MS determination. A chain of custody was established between the Company and the receiving laboratory to ensure the integrity of the samples during transportation from the site to the lab. Certified Reference Materials were inserted by Japan Gold at every 20th sample to assess the repeatability and assay precision of the laboratory. In addition, the laboratory applied its own internal Quality Control procedure that includes sample duplicates, blanks & geochemical standards. They report these results with the certified Assay Report. Laboratory procedures and QA|QC protocols adopted are considered appropriate. The CRMs and internal QA|QC results fall within acceptable levels of accuracy & precision and are considered to lack any bias. Qualified Person The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Japan Gold Vice President Exploration, Andrew Rowe, BAppSc, FAusIMM, FSEG, who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. About Japan Gold Corp. Japan Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company solely focused on gold exploration across Japan. The Company holds a portfolio of over 300 square kilometres of prospecting applications and prospecting rights which cover areas with known gold occurrences, a history of mining and is prospective for high-grade epithermal gold mineralization. The Japan Gold leadership and operational team of geologists, drillers and technical advisors have extensive experience exploring and operating in Japan. Japan Gold has an alliance with Barrick Gold Corporation to jointly explore, develop, and mine certain gold mineral properties and mining projects with the potential to host Tier 1 or Tier 2 gold ore bodies. On behalf of the Board of Japan Gold Corp. John Proust Chairman & CEO For further information, please contact: Brenda Dayton Vice President, Corporate Communications Phone: 604.417.7952 Email: bdayton@japangold.com Cautionary Note 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. This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to expected or anticipated future events and anticipated results related to future partnerships and the Company's 2024 gold exploration program. These statements are forward-looking in nature and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that include, but are not limited to, the timing and granting of prospecting rights; the Company's ability to convert prospecting rights into digging rights within the timeframe prescribed by the Mining Act; general economic, market and business conditions; competition for qualified staff; the regulatory process and actions; technical issues; new legislation; potential delays or changes in plans; working in a new political jurisdiction; results of exploration; the Company's ability to execute and implement future plans, arrange or conclude a joint venture or partnership; and the occurrence of unexpected events. Actual results achieved may differ from the information provided herein and, consequently, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein speaks only as of the date of this News Release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking information or to explain any material difference between such and subsequent actual events, except as required by applicable laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197872 SOURCE: Japan Gold Corp. The flexibility of the Instruction Set Architecture to address specific workloads, coupled with the inclusion of vector extensions in the open-source instructions to address AI, drive its proliferation LONDON, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC)-V processor architectures are starting to address edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads, and this trend is set to continue throughout the decade. According to a new report from global technology intelligence firm ABI Research, while RISC-V's penetration into AI workloads is only just beginning, growth will be steady throughout the rest of the decade, pushing RISC-V chip shipments in edge AI (excluding TinyML) to 129 million by 2030. "The flexibility of the architecture to address specific workloads, as well as the scalability, increases its appeal," says Paul Schell, Industry Analyst at ABI Research. "RISC-V International has diligently promoted and nurtured the ecosystem, and the RISE project now seeks to develop the software side through collaboration between industry leaders including Google, MediaTek, and Intel." Leading startups, like Axelera AI and Tenstorrent, show RISC-V's potential to address more demanding AI inferencing workloads, like computer vision in automotive and security applications. Legacy players, from Qualcomm to Microchip, also want to develop processors using the Instruction Set Architecture (ISA). Its open sourcing has enabled more vendors to compete and spurred its proliferation in China, a country looking to gain semiconductor self-sufficiency due to U.S. sanctions limiting access to market-leading AI accelerators. A key driver of shipment numbers is edge AI gateways, the bulk of which comprises systems connecting and performing inference on sensors in the home. Another driver is robotics, most of which will be in consumer products not needed for mission-critical uses. Manufacturers will seek the value and flexibility offered by RISC-V processors to drive down prices of consumer gateways and other devices as they address an increasing number of AI workloads, like natural language processing and computer vision. "RISC-V processors are entering the mainstream, and the community eagerly awaits the addition of matrix extensions, a key component of AI workloads, to the open-source ISA. Google's full support for Android on RISC-V processors and the participation of major players like Intel and NXP Semiconductors in RISC-V International's working groups point to a long-term commitment by the wider industry. However, the ecosystem lacks the governance of other popular open-source projects like Android, which could lead to fragmentation and hinder adoption in embedded systems. Nonetheless, OEMs and hardware vendors should follow the architecture's progress given its increasing market share, which displaces some legacy architectures like those developed by Arm," Schell concludes. These findings are from ABI Research's RISC-V for Edge AI Applications application analysis report. This report is part of the company's AI & Machine Learning research service, which includes research, data, and ABI Insights. Based on extensive primary interviews, Application Analysis reports present an in-depth analysis of key market trends and factors for a specific technology. About ABI Research ABI Research is a global technology intelligence firm uniquely positioned at the intersection of technology solution providers and end-market companies. We serve as the bridge that seamlessly connects these two segments by providing exclusive research and expert guidance to drive successful technology implementations and deliver strategies proven to attract and retain customers. ABI Research?????????????,?????????,???????????????????????,??????????????,??????????????????????????,?????????? For more information about ABI Research's services, contact us at +1.516.624.2500 in the Americas, +44.203.326.0140 in Europe, +65.6592.0290 in Asia-Pacific, or visit www.abiresearch.com. Contact Info Global Deborah Petrara Tel: +1.516.624.2558 pr@abiresearch.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2309035/ABI_Research_2024.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/risc-v-processors-addressing-edge-ai-devices-to-reach-129-million-shipments-by-2030-302061337.html The research, led by Techniker Krankenkasse aims to demonstrate how innovative SmartCare emergency detection systems can help independent seniors age in place HERZLIYA, Israel, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence SmartCare, a global leader in IoT remote care solutions, has announced it was chosen as the sole technology provider for the "INES" (intelligent emergency detection system) project. Sponsored by the Innovation Fund, the project is being spearheaded by Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), one of the largest health insurance funds in Germany, along with a total of nine partners. The initiative aims to shift Germany's elderly care paradigm, launching a research study to determine to what extent the use of smart emergency systems can effectively improve the care of independent seniors. The INES study will serve as a proof of concept for future initiatives, and is being conducted in tandem with Die Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V., a nonprofit healthcare organization providing aid both in Germany and internationally, and the Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK). Recent reports indicate that Germany's aging population will increase 37% by 2055, from roughly 5.0 million to 6.8 million individuals. Concurrent with this shift in demographics is a growing preference among seniors to live independently at home, putting strain on family members, caretakers, and even emergency responders. This collaborative effort underscores the viability and necessity of advanced telecare solutions, positioning Essence SmartCare at the forefront of a fundamental shift in care in Germany, creating a model for cost-effective elderly care and fall detection amid rising expenses associated with senior care facilities and professional caregiving. The study, which began in June 2023 and will run for 21 months, will provide close to 2,000 seniors over the age of 75 living alone across three regions in Germany with Essence's unique and patented technology to determine the benefits of smart emergency detection devices. This includes the AI-enabled MDsense solution - a radar-based, non-wearable home monitoring system that automatically detects falls and contacts emergency services - as well as its Voice Extender, which allows seniors to make 2-way calls from any room in the home. Essence's platform was chosen as the sole technology provider, catalysing the digital transformation of an analogue health system and enabling individuals to thrive safely within the comfort of their own homes. "We look forward to embarking on this initiative with TK and their esteemed partners to redefine the standard of care for aging populations in Germany," said Dr. Haim Amir, CEO and Founder of Essence Group. "This is a huge step forward in moving beyond traditional 'red button' solutions, and we're honored our radar fall detection device, MDsense, was selected to drive the transformation -- playing a key role in creating a safer and smarter independent living environment for seniors in a scalable and financially viable way." Essence's radar-based fall detection technology stood out in a thorough vetting process, demonstrating unparalleled reliability with superior accuracy in fall detection and a remarkably low false positives rate. MDsense also distinguished itself with its simple installation, low maintenance, and cost-efficiency. Additionally, Essence's Voice Extender is equipped with intelligent extender capabilities to provide a vital communication link even when the panic button is out of reach. Essence SmartCare emerged as a leader for the INES project based on the company's extensive global experience in remote care solutions and the advanced capabilities of its solutions to meet the needs of seniors living alone in Germany. "At Essence SmartCare, our systems are meticulously designed to deliver a responsive and customizable solutions that maintains the dignity and autonomy of the elderly," said Karin Schifter-Maor, CEO of Essence SmartCare. "As German citizens face rising costs associated with providing elderly care, we recognized an opportunity for Essence to significantly contribute to the development of a cohesive care infrastructure that will empower individuals to live independently, without being overburdened with costs." About Essence SmartCare Essence SmartCare, part of the Essence Group, develops advanced health and remote monitoring platforms for market-leading healthcare and senior care providers, enabling smart preventive care and emergency response so seniors can live life to the fullest - with total peace of mind. Partnering with Essence SmartCare helps position companies as progressive, forward-thinking and in touch with the need to enable elderly and vulnerable people to lead more independent and safer lives. Essence SmartCare has a global presence with customers in over 30 countries and has offices and representatives worldwide. For more information: www.essencesmartcare.com Follow Essence Group on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook Essence Media Contact: Mushkie Meyer Headline Media mushkie@headline.media UK: +44 203 769 4034 US: +19143364035 Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340323/Essence_INES.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1549743/Essence_SmartCare_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/essence-smartcare-selected-to-provide-advanced-remote-senior-care-technology-for-ines-research-project-302061839.html Highlights: Dr. David Cramb, a distinguished academic leader, will play a pivotal role in guiding AI/ML Innovations Inc.'s scientific vision. The Science and Product Advisory Board is tasked with fostering excellence in the advancement of the science underpinning the Company's investments, developments, and operations in the health tech sector by contributing impactful guidance that ensures the integration of the latest advancements in science and technology. VICTORIA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / AI/ML Innovations Inc. (the "Company") (CSE:AIML)(OTCQB:AIMLF)(FWB:42FB), a leading company committed to acquiring and advancing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning technologies that address urgent societal needs, proudly announces the strategic appointment of Dr. David Cramb, Dean of the Faculty of Science at Toronto Metropolitan University, as the Chair of the Company's inaugural Science and Product Advisory Board. This impactful decision reflects AI/ML Innovations Inc.'s unwavering commitment to driving innovation in healthcare through the convergence of artificial intelligence and machine learning with the Company's proprietary and patented technologies. Dr. Cramb, a distinguished academic leader, brings a wealth of expertise and experience to AI/ML Innovations Inc. In his position as Chair of the Company's Science and Product Advisory Board, Dr. Cramb will play a pivotal role in guiding AI/ML Innovations Inc.'s scientific vision, in close collaboration with Paul Duffy, CEO of the Company. The Science and Product Advisory Board is tasked with securing the scientific foundations of the various health tech products the Company invests in, develops, and operates, by contributing impactful guidance that ensures the integration of the latest advancements in science and technology. Dr. Cramb stated, "As Chair of the Science and Product Advisory Board, I am honored to join AI/ML Innovations Inc. in its quest to improve healthcare through technological innovation. Collaborating closely with Paul Duffy, we aim to build a dynamic advisory board that will be at the forefront of advising the science behind AI/ML's products. Together, we look forward to charting new frontiers in health tech." Paul Duffy, CEO of AI/ML Innovations Inc., added, "We are thrilled to welcome Dr. David Cramb to lead our inaugural Science and Product Advisory Board. His esteemed leadership and wealth of knowledge will be instrumental in shaping the scientific direction of AI/ML Innovations Inc. Dr. Cramb's expertise aligns seamlessly with our commitment to pushing the boundaries of health tech, and together we aim to build an exceptional advisory board that will drive innovation and excellence in our products." For more information, please visit: LinkedIn - Dr. Dave Cramb https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-cramb-a619942/ ### About AI/ML Innovations Inc. https://aiml-innovations.com/ AI/ML Innovations Inc. has realigned its business operations to capitalize on the burgeoning fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), with an initial investment focus on emerging digital health and wellbeing companies that leverage AI, ML, cloud computing and digital platforms to drive transformative healthcare management solutions and precision support delivery across the health continuum. Through strategic partnerships with Health Gauge (95.2% owned by AIML), Tech2Heal (up to 22% ownership rights, with 12.44% currently owned by AIML), AI Rx Inc. (70% owned by AIML) and other planned accretive investments, the Company continues to capitalize on expanding growth areas, to the benefit of all the Company's stakeholders. AI/ML's shares are traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "AIML", the OTCQB Venture Market under "AIMLF", and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under "42FB". On behalf of the Board of Directors Tim Daniels, Executive Chairman For more information about AI/ML Innovations : For detailed information please see AI/ML's website or the Company's filed documents at www.sedarplus.ca For further information, contact: Blake Fallis at (778) 405-0882 or info@aiml-innovations.com Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For AI/ML Innovations Investors Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical information are forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, AI/ML Innovations' expectations concerning management's plans, objectives, and strategies, including strategies for defending the Company's intellectual property. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. AI/ML Innovations Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events, or circumstances or otherwise except as expressly required by applicable securities law. Further information regarding the uncertainties and risks can be found in the disclosure documents filed by AI/ML with the securities regulatory authorities, available at www.sedar.com. SOURCE: AI/ML Innovations Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Building Performance Standards aim to mitigate climate change impacts and support building decarbonization, creating a more resilient built environment. CBRE NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / In November 2022, CBRE Econometric Advisors (CBRE EA) published a report outlining how local and state government mandatory regulations are aimed at combating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the real estate sector. Over the past decade, these mandatory Building Performance Standards (BPS) policies have gained momentum, as an increasing number of local jurisdictions act to mitigate climate change impacts and support building decarbonization. In 2023, 10 more local jurisdictions across the country joined the growing list of BPS implementation. The adoption of statewide policies for BPS is also on the rise, reflecting the commitment of states to address climate change and foster sustainable practices on a broader scale. New Jersey joined California and Colorado in 2023. Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Washington are scheduled to do the same over the next three years. Statewide adoption ensures that compliance and community benefits will cover every corner of the state and not just cities. While Maryland's statewide policy awaits implementation, some local legislators enacted the BPS policy at a countywide scale instead of within city limits. Montgomery County, MD, which is a suburb of Washington, D.C., is a primary example of such efforts. Momentum is growing for a more collaborative approach In January 2022, the federal government launched the National Building Performance Standards Coalition, a collective partnership between state and local governments to advance building performance legislation. The Coalition set a goal to implement building performance policies and programs by Earth Day 2024, with many jurisdictions already having existing policies in place. This growing momentum for the adoption of BPS throughout the United States suggests policy adoption is not slowing down anytime soon. Several cities have stipulated strict financial penalties for policy violations. The cumulative effect of such penalties will help encourage accountability and help accelerate decarbonization. Penalties and their impact on commercial real estate Penalties for non-compliance with BPS vary depending on the specific regulations in place. By implementing penalties, local authorities aim to create a level playing field for all market participants and incentivize building owners to invest in energy efficient and sustainability practices. However, it's important to note that these penalties are intended to encourage building decarbonization rather than penalize building owners for failing to reduce the building's energy consumption and carbon footprint. Some jurisdictions have relatively low annual penalties, whereas others have heavy penalties. Another penalty is reputational through the public disclosure of non-compliant assets. Some jurisdictions will publicly disclose non-compliant buildings, which could negatively impact the reputation of the building owner or operator. In today's society with growing stakeholder concerns about climate change1, investors, tenants, and regulators increasingly expect businesses to display their commitment to sustainability and demonstrate progress. Non-compliance with BPS can be seen as a lack of commitment to responsible business practices, leading to negative perceptions among stakeholders. Commercial tenants, especially those with corporate social responsibility and sustainability policies, prefer leasing spaces in energy efficient and low or zero carbon buildings2. Non-compliance could make it challenging to attract and retain such tenants, leading to higher vacancy rates and lower returns on investment. Calculating non-compliance penalties The penalties for non-compliance are designed to encourage asset owners to make all efforts necessary to decarbonize the built environment and comply with local regulatory policies. Avoiding penalties can reduce business expenses, which can be quite significant. While most jurisdictions impose annual fines on a per-day basis, three jurisdictions took a step further and base penalties on energy consumption over a 12-month period. Following are examples of the potential impact on net operating income (NOI) in three jurisdictions - Denver, Boston, and New York City - that will impose financial penalties on properties that fail to meet carbon reduction mandates. Figure 2 outlines the calculations described for each city. 1 https://www.danpal.co.za/green-buildings-are-the-goal-for-the-future-of-construction 2 https://www.cbre.com/insights/viewpoints/the-case-for-esg-adoption Denver The City of Denver addresses climate change through regulations and programs aimed at improving the energy efficiency of existing commercial buildings. The local Energize Denver ordinance establishes Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets for buildings 25,000 sq. ft. and larger; these buildings must meet a final EUI target by 2030, with interim targets in 2024 and 2027. If a facility exceeds the maximum allowed energy amount set for that building, it will incur a penalty of $0.30 for each kilo British thermal unit (kBtu)* reduction required per year that the asset owner fails to achieve in that interim period. The city also retains the authority to impose fines up to a maximum of $0.70 per kBtu. The highest potential penalty would be imposed on all property owners who have not made any efforts to achieve the 2030 targets of a 30% EUI reduction and maintained the same level of energy consumption throughout the interim periods. Figure 2 shows a hypothetical example of how this could potentially lower the building's NOI due to excess use of energy, if the building did not receive the electrification credit, purchased, or installed renewables, and did not apply for one of the alternate compliance options. Based on the latest data from CBRE EA, a typical 500,000 sq. ft. office building in Denver generates an average NOI of $5,180,000 in 2023. However, if such building exceeds the maximum allowed target by 1,000,000 kBtu, a penalty of $0.30/kBtu would be imposed, leading to a substantial 5.8% decrease in NOI. * British thermal unit (Btu) is a measure of the heat content of fuels or energy sources. Energy, or heat content, can be used to compare energy sources or fuels on an equal basis. Fuels can be converted from physical units of measure (such as weight or volume) to a common unit of measurement of the energy or heat content of each fuel. Boston The Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) is a significant sustainability-focused initiative enacted by the City of Boston. The city's goal is to gradually reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. The ordinance requires the owners of all commercial properties 20,000 sq. ft. and larger to report their energy and water usage annually through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager platform, the industry's standard benchmarking reporting tool that allows asset owners to compare their building's energy usage with similar buildings on the market or industry standards. Penalties for failure to comply with benchmarking requirements and standards will be assessed annually, ranging from $300 to $1,000 per day. Additionally, asset owners will have the option to make Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP), a form of carbon offset measure, to mitigate residual GHG emissions. The ACP fee is set at $234 per metric ton of carbon equivalent (tCO2e/year) per year and is subject to change every five years. ACP allows building owners to tailor their compliance strategy to their unique circumstances, which in turn will not decrease the building's NOI as drastically as per-day penalties. As per the most recent research by CBRE EA, an average office building of 500,000 sq. ft. in Boston yields an annual NOI of approximately $9,705,000, and potential penalties could reduce NOI by 5.1%. New York City New York City's Local Law 97 (LL97) will assess penalties in a similar manner to Boston but with a slight twist. All commercial buildings 25,000 sq. ft. or larger should comply with LL97 starting in 2024. The city's goal is to reduce GHG emissions produced by NYC's commercial buildings by 40% by 2030 and by 80% by 2050. If a building exceeds its annual GHG emissions limits, the building owner will face the following financial penalties split into three categories: $268 per tCO2e/year over the building's annual carbon emissions limit, $0.50 per building sq. ft. per month for failure to file report on time, and $500,000 for providing false statements. To accurately calculate GHG emissions and the potential penalties, the authorities of New York City have issued a comprehensive advisory on emission factors. During the regulatory period from 2024 to 2029, the emissions factor3 for grid electricity stands at 0.000288962 tCO2e per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, the emissions factor undergoes a notable reduction to a mere 0.000145 tCO2e per kWh for the subsequent period spanning from 2030 to 2034, making electrification the most cost-efficient option for the asset owners. This reduction diminishes the volume of GHG emitted per relevant time period and the potential fines associated with exceeding the emissions limit. Currently, buildings in New York City that surpass the GHG threshold will incur an annual financial penalty of $268 per tCO2e/year over the limit. Based on the figures provided by CBRE EA, the potential penalty for a 500,000 sq. ft. office property will decrease the building's annual NOI by 5.6%4. 3 An emission factor is a coefficient which allows to convert activity data into GHG emissions. It is the average emission rate of a given source, relative to units of activity or process/processes. A coefficient is a numerical value that quantifies the relationships between different variables or factors in a mathematical or scientific context. It provides info about how one variable changes in relation to changes in another variable. 4 This number could go as high as 10.0% if the asset owner fails to file report on time and provides false statements. The $500,000 penalty for false statements is subject to change. The NYC Department of Buildings will conduct a public hearing in late October 2023 to amend this clause and introduce a new set of penalties. Under the proposed rules, building owners will be exempt from substantial fines and eligible for a two-year extension if they display Good Faith Efforts during the 2024-2029 compliance period and show progress toward meeting the city's carbon emissions standards. Aligning with BPS Green Lease Clauses Under a traditional lease agreement, clauses to support energy efficiency and other decarbonization measures (e.g., offsite or onsite solar, electrification etc.) are not typically included. With traditional leases, there is a "split incentive" challenge. This means, for example, in a triple net lease structure, the landlord is not incentivized to invest in measures that pay back over time through operational cost savings, because the tenant pays for the operational costs. Yet these are the very investments that will help support compliance with BPS. So, in a triple net lease structure, the landlord faces potential BPS financial penalties due to a tenant's profligate energy consumption. This scenario creates a barrier that hinders both parties from prioritizing energy efficiency. In a full-service gross lease structure, all expenses associated with building operations, including the burden of complying with decarbonization measures, also rest on the shoulders of the property owner. However, landlords, genuinely dedicated to green initiatives and those who have invested in energy-efficient building systems may be more inclined to offer incentives to tenants who share their vision. Tenants willing to commit to longer lease terms can gain more negotiating leverage when requesting concessions related to green lease clauses. These concessions may involve reduced rent or less aggressive rent escalations for tenants committed to sustainable practices. Additional incentives might include higher than usual tenant improvements and extended periods of free rent. While lease negotiations can be quite complex, it's clear that they are a crucial starting point for achieving decarbonization goals. To ensure tenant and landlord alignment, the parties can collaborate on adding green lease clauses to bridge this gap and provide a forward-looking solution. These clauses go beyond traditional lease terms by outlining specific obligations and commitments related to various sustainability measures, including energy efficiency, renewable power procurement, water consumption, waste management, and more. Such clauses can specifically address cost-sharing measures, for example, enabling a landlord to invest in measures that result in improved energy efficiency, reduced carbon, and operational cost savings. It can also include clauses around submeters and tracking of energy use and reward tenants who reduce their energy usage. By incorporating green lease clauses, the goal is to align the interest of landlords and tenants, encouraging them to work together toward sustainable, lower-carbon and energy-efficient building operations. This shared responsibility fosters a collaborative approach, allowing both parties to contribute to a sustainable future by reducing carbon footprints and conserving resources. In this connection, it's noteworthy that, according to CBRE's 2023 Strengthening Value Through ESG survey, 36% of respondents in the U.S. said they would consider paying a premium for green lease clauses to enforce action. Submetering Every day, the need to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector becomes more pressing. Enhancing the efficiency of existing buildings through retrofitting is a high-impact method to decrease energy usage and move toward net zero goals. It is also a great way to comply with BPS and avoid hefty non-compliance penalties increasingly imposed by local municipalities. Prior to initiating any energy use enhancement endeavor, ensure that the building's performance data is easily accessible through submetering, which enables the measuring and monitoring of individual tenants' energy consumption and bills them accordingly. Additionally, submetering can be utilized to detect disparities in energy use and pinpoint opportunities for significant savings. Furthermore, submetering allows for monitoring of the large electrical equipment, such as HVAC, lighting and building automation systems, enabling facility management to proactively address any issues that may arise. Applying submetering to the building with multiple tenants can lead to energy savings of up to 15%5. However, the actual amount of energy savings can vary based on several factors, including the specific metering architecture installed and the characteristics of the building, such as its size, type, and spaces. It is worth noting that although submetering can contribute to energy savings, its impact is just one aspect of an overall energy management strategy. To maximize benefits, it is essential to combine submetering with other energy efficiency measures, such as equipment upgrades, energy audits, and tenants' behavioral changes. Looking ahead BPS policies are here to stay, and the penalties for non-compliance are likely to increase, just as the costs for climate change impacts are expected to rise without implementing mitigation and adaptation strategies. As the illustrative examples for Denver, Boston and New York show, the financial impact of BPS penalties can be significant for building owners. At the same time, there is an upside to meeting tenant and other stakeholder expectations through the implementation of BPS measures. Thus, the sooner both owners and occupiers unite on their sustainability efforts, the greater the combined impact will be. Shared responsibility for sustainable and energy-efficient building operations is not only essential but also a key to achieving long-term success in creating a more resilient built environment. 5 GSA, https://www.gsa.gov/system/files/Submetering_Business_Case_How_to_calculate_cost-effective_solutions_in_the_building_context.pdf View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CBRE Group, Inc. on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: CBRE Group, Inc. Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cbre-group-inc Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: CBRE Group, Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Scryb Inc. (CSE: SCYB) (OTCQB: SCYRF) (FSE: EIY) ("Scryb' or the "Company") is pleased to announce the development of a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) software product, to enhance AI safety and trustworthiness for enterprises that are managing multiple AI systems, and provide management tools for compliance with impending AI regulation. The new AI product will provide organizations with proactive tools for compliance with AI regulation, such as those from NIST[1] and very recently, the EU AI Act[2]. Scryb's product will also improve the safety and trustworthiness, as well as the evaluation, development, and implementation of all AI products and solutions at an organization. This advancement comes at a pivotal time when the utility of AI systems is becoming increasingly significant worldwide. This product anticipates the global trend of increasing AI adoption and the impending need for effective management solutions. "The world is in need of AI management and governance solutions that anticipate the global challenges and safety concerns amidst the exploding adoption of AI worldwide. We are excited to provide updates on Scryb's new AI venture as we work towards the launch of a beta product offering to engage with initial client interest we've captured," said Yoav Raiter, CEO, Scryb Inc. This venture follows Scryb's successful build and launch of the SBOM Studio[3] management product currently deployed at some of the largest and most recognized companies in the world. The Company looks to duplicate the SBOM Studio's commercial path which had the solution in the hands of multiple Fortune 500 companies in its first six months in the market. Organizations have a growing imperative to know everything about the AI they use, including risks to stakeholders, impact on operations, interactions between AI systems, governance structures and very recently, impending and anticipated government regulations from NIST or the EU AI Act. Scryb's product automates data flows to significantly reduce the cost and effort required for compliance with AI regulation and with additional product features aims to holistically improve the efficacy and ROI of AI systems in all departments of Fortune 500 companies. With 30 years of software and product development experience, CEO Yoav Raiter's experience and passion for innovation make him the ideal visionary driving the new Scryb venture. Yoav previously led the successful development and commercial launch of the SBOM Studio into the marketplace and Scryb intends to offer the new product similarly as a SaaS offering. NIST (National Institute of Science and Technology)[4] oversees AI regulation in the U.S, and it is anticipated that it is already signaling that it will drive significant transparency guidelines following the widespread adoption of AI. As AI systems are complex, detecting and responding to failures is challenging. AI risks can emerge from how a system is used, its interactions with other AI systems, who operates it, and the context in which it is deployed. Gartner recommends actively monitoring AI performance and outcomes in real time, to responsibly govern the algorithms responsible for delivering business outcomes.[5] Market for AI Solutions, U.S. Regulatory Oversight The White House Executive Order from October 30, 2023 put forth new requirements including from NIST to provide guidance in 270 days. AI is rapidly changing the landscape of technology products. By 2026, it is estimated that 20% of repetitive processes will be automated by domain-specific Generative AI across industry. As the importance of AI system safety and trustworthiness grows, governments are working on more detailed regulations.[6] The EO 14110 directs NIST to develop guidelines and best practices to promote industry standards that help ensure the development and deployment of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems: Develop further the AI Risk Management Framework focused to introduce guardrails for security and safety Develop further the Secure Software AI Development Framework Develop guidance and benchmarks for evaluating and auditing AI capabilities, including red teaming requirements On February 13, 2024, a new EU 'AI Act' won approval from key committee members, and was labeled the 'most comprehensive AI regulation yet'[7]. The groundbreaking AI Act is Europe's contribution as the world's first attempt to regulate the technology according to a risk-based approach. The law divides AI systems into four main categories according to the potential risk they pose to society. The systems that are considered high risk will be subject to stringent rules that will apply before they enter the EU market. Once available, they will be under the oversight of national authorities, supported by the AI office inside the European Commission. AI software spending is projected to grow to $298 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 19.1%.[8] AI services alone are forecast to be a $443 billion market by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.9% from 2023 through 2027.[9] About Scryb Inc. Scryb, a leading venture builder, specializes in the development and scaling of high-growth, disruptive businesses within the sectors of applied AI, digital health, cybersecurity, and biotech. The approach at Scryb centers on leveraging deep industry expertise to shape and drive the future of technology. Among its notable ventures is a cybersecurity company where Scryb maintains majority ownership. For further information about Scryb's innovative projects and vision, please visit our website at http://scryb.ai. Contact: W. Clark Kent President Office. 647-872-9982 neo TF. 1-844-247-6633 Email: info@scryb.ai Forward-looking Information Cautionary Statement Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the CSE. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for the technology described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at https://www.sedarplus.ca/. [1] https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/ai/NIST.AI.100-1.pdf (Page 25) [2] https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-lawmakers-back-political-deal-artificial-intelligence-rules-2024-02-13/ [3] https://www.cybeats.com/sbom-studio [4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Institute_of_Standards_and_Technology [5] https://zeenea.com/3-ai-trends-identified-by-gartner-to-look-out-for-in-2024/ [6] https://www.gartner.com/en/topics/generative-ai [7] https://techmonitor.ai/technology/ai-and-automation/eu-ai-act-committees [8] https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4925331 [9] https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/4925331 To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197887 SOURCE: Scryb Inc. 200% growth in bookings for Object First's Ootbi-the best storage for Veeam-and expansion into LATAM and EMEA markets Object First, the provider of Ootbi (Out-of-the-Box-Immutability), the ransomware-proof backup storage appliance purpose-built for Veeam, today announced its rapid bookings growth and strong business momentum on the first anniversary of the company launch in February 2023. As the threat of ransomware targeting backups continues to rise, Object First's success is based on delivering a secure, simple, and powerful backup storage solution for Veeam customers that doesn't require technical or security expertise. "Object First's momentum is easy to explain: we have the right technology, right people, and right commitment to customer and partner success," said David Bennett, CEO, Object First. "We've made ransomware-proof immutable storage easy to deploy and manage accelerating recovery, reducing downtime, and minimizing the financial impacts of disasters. In our second year and beyond, we look forward to continuing our expansion in LATAM and EMEA, growing our reseller community to reach even more customers, and continuing to add to the innovation and benefits of Ootbi." Ootbi's Swift Adoption Since the launch of Ootbi in February 2023, Object First has deployed over 80 Ootbi installations six of which were valued over $100,000 USD and achieved bookings growth of over 200% from the first half of the year to the second half. Interest in the solution continues to build, with an over 400% increase in inbound sales inquiries in the same period. Object First collaborates closely with its customers and partners, helping them implement Zero Trust security principles and protect data with out-of-the-box immutability. This led to winning relationships with top technology companies like Mirazon, Centerbase, Prodatix, and Waident. As stated by Zach Young of Centerbase, "With Ootbi, we can decrease our Recovery Point Objective (RPO) by 50%. It's allowed us to protect our critical infrastructure better, and I can sleep more soundly at night. Ootbi just works, and it's simple to deploy just set it and forget it." Partner and Channel Focus As a 100% channel company, Object First focused on building and investing in its strategic partner network throughout 2023 by providing education resources, sales and marketing programs, and exceptional customer support. This led to the team onboarding over 29 partners in under nine months. Object First also received multiple channel accolades for its work, including: Named by CRN to its Stellar Startups for 2023 list Vitaly Sukhovsky, Vice President of Channel Sales, honored as a 2024 CRN Channel Chief Expanding Global Distribution In the United States, Object First added Arrow Electronics, a global provider of technology products and services, to its distribution roster, which also includes TD Synnex. Object First expanded its footprint into several new international markets, including adding relationships with the following respected distributors: LATAM: Adistec, the leader in value-added distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean with more than 20 years of experience delivering 100% IT solutions through channels. Adistec, the leader in value-added distribution in Latin America and the Caribbean with more than 20 years of experience delivering 100% IT solutions through channels. EMEA: Copaco, a distributor in Benelux and France of information technology (IT), and Ingram Micro, the business behind the world's brands with the ability to reach nearly 90 percent of the world's population. Team Growth To fuel the company's rapid expansion and innovation, Object First increased its employee base by 64% in 2023, with a sharp focus on adding members dedicated to superior customer and partner experience, technology innovation, and the ability to scale to a global presence. Notably, the team welcomed several industry veteran executives, including Andrew Wittman, Chief Marketing Officer, and Eric Schott, Chief Product Officer. "Immutable storage is an effective layer of ransomware defense, but not all organizations have the know-how to deploy and manage it," said Johnny Yu, Research Manager, Storage and Computing at IDC. "Object First addresses this with an appliance that has Object Lock by default and is tailor-made for the backup use case through deep integration with Veeam backup software. The result is an immutable backup storage target in a one-box solution no security expertise required." "Ransomware affected 66% of organizations in 2023, with backups a primary target. As the risks increase, Object First and Ootbi are perfectly positioned to help even more organizations improve their security posture in 2024 with immutable backup storage that is secure, simple, and powerful," said Bennett. "We're just getting started, and I'm excited to see Object First reach the next level as the best storage for Veeam." To request a demo of Ootbi, click here. To learn more about Object First, please visit objectfirst.com and follow on LinkedIn and X. About Object First Ransomware-proof and immutable out-of-the-box, Ootbi by Object First delivers secure, simple, and powerful backup storage for Veeam customers. The appliance can be racked, stacked, and powered in 15-minutes. Ootbi is built on immutable object storage technology designed and optimized for unbeatable backup and recovery performance. Eliminate the need to sacrifice performance and simplicity to meet budget constraints with Ootbi by Object First. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214730230/en/ Contacts: Press Sarah Sturba PAN Communications for Object First objectfirst@pancomm.com DANIA BEACH, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading used serviceable material (USM) distributor Next Level Aviation (NLA) is pleased to announce that it recently moved to a larger 16,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility in Dania Beach, Florida strategically located just 5 minutes south of the Ft. Lauderdale airport and within 40 minutes of Miami International airport. Next Level Aviation expects this new facility to support its continued rapid growth over the next three to five years, while helping NLA remain one of the leanest operators in the USM industry. Chairman and CEO Jack Gordon commented, "From an operational standpoint our goal at Next Level Aviation since inception has always been to be one of the leanest organizations in the industry so that we can pass on any savings to our global airline, leasing company and MRO customers to help mitigate their increasing maintenance costs. Next Level Aviation's move to the new facility in Dania Beach helps us achieve that goal and is a necessary and logical next step as we seek to double or even triple our global USM distribution business in the coming years." Gordon continued, "I would like to congratulate our EVP-Supply Chain Matt Dreyer and our operations team on a seamless transition to our new Dania Beach facility." EVP-Supply Chain Matt Dreyer commented, "Our new, state of the art facility will allow us to seamlessly serve our customers worldwide. We are excited to welcome our industry partners to visit, explore, and witness the excellence of not only our expanded location, but also our experienced team. We look forward to continuing upon this growth journey and supporting our clients in meeting their unique business needs." Along with 6,600 sq. ft. of warehouse space at Next Level Aviation-Ireland, Ltd. in Dublin, this new South Florida warehouse facility increases NLA's global warehouse space to 22,600 sq. ft., which NLA will utilize to expand its traditional USM distribution business, its nascent engine purchase and part-out business as well as pursuit of additional consignment agreements. About Next Level Aviation Next Level Aviation is an ASA-100 accredited and FAA Advisory Circular 00-56B compliant supplier stocking commercial aircraft/jet engine used serviceable material (USM) for all Boeing and Airbus aircraft platforms and associated jet engines. Next Level specifically focuses on stocking spare parts for the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families of aircraft and their associated jet engines, which currently make up about 70% of the global commercial fleet. Founded in March 2013 by Jack Gordon, Mike Dreyer, and Matt Dreyer, Next Level Aviation has grown into a top global supplier of commercial aircraft/jet engine used serviceable material. For more information please contact Jack Gordon (jack@nextlevelaviation.net), Matt Dreyer (matt@nextlevelaviation.net) or visit nextlevelaviation.net. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2339697/Next_Level_Aviation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/next-level-aviation-expands-to-new-florida-headquarters-302061022.html AARHUS, Denmark, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LMS365 , the only AI-powered workplace learning, engagement and performance platform built into Microsoft 365 and Teams, today announced a strategic partnership with Go1 , the world's most comprehensive online library of learning and education resources. This new partnership revolutionizes workplace learning and productivity making it simple to curate, navigate, and roll out highly personalized learning materials to every employee, now available within the LMS365 content hub powered by Go1. With the rapid advance of AI, employee knowledge and skills have a shorter shelf-life than ever before. Together, LMS365 and Go1 provide new and existing customers access to a treasure trove of diverse learning materials from day one. Designed to support all learning styles and backgrounds, LMS365 and Go1's solution was purpose-built to seamlessly facilitate up-skilling and re-skilling across the workforce. "We are thrilled to be partnering with LMS365 to equip learners of all learning styles with the world's largest online learning library readily available in one platform," said Andrew Barnes, Co-CEO & Co-Founder at Go1. "By integrating our solutions, employees can quickly develop new skills and further their professional growth all within their flow of work. Together, we provide a complete solution that builds a bridge between today's skills gap and the future needs of people and work." By integrating Go1's diverse content library seamlessly with LMS365, users gain access to enhanced product features including, Go1's native search, custom filters, and generative AI content selection tools, and more: Upskilling from Day One: Employees have access to tailored, personalized compliance and upskilling courses right from the start. Employees have access to tailored, personalized compliance and upskilling courses right from the start. Tailored Learning Experiences: Receive curated content packages, catered towards individual learning styles to ensure everyone gets the education they need to thrive. Receive curated content packages, catered towards individual learning styles to ensure everyone gets the education they need to thrive. One Contract to Rule Them All: Purchase Go1 content packages directly through LMS365, bringing two market-leading learning providers under one easy-to-manage contract. "Supporting, meeting, and exceeding our customer's specific needs is at the forefront of everything we do," said Rasmus Holst, CEO of LMS365. "Partnering with Go1 further validates our mission to deliver seamless learning experiences, increase productivity and ultimately, achieve the highest levels of human success." In addition to the 53 customers currently using LMS365 content hub powered by Go1, professional staffing and recruitment agency, AtWork Group , tapped LMS365 and Go1 to drive its learning development needs. With LMS365 powered by Go1, the firm successfully integrated 30+ courses, ranging from HR to compliance, enabling the company to foster a culture of continuous learning. See why LMS365 is the innovation engine behind AtWork's learning transformation in the video here. Ready to experience the difference LMS365 content hub powered by Go1 can make on your business? For more information, visit https://lms365.com/go1/ About LMS365 At LMS365, we aim to empower people and organizations in the modern digital workplace through employee development and performance management so that everyone can SucceedLikeYou. With millions of users in 60+ countries globally, LMS365 is the only cloud-based, AI-powered learning, performance, and engagement platform built into Microsoft 365. As a Microsoft Preferred Solution, our seamless integration with a host of modern workplace tools and partners makes LMS365 more than just a platform for human success; it becomes an all-in-one integrated learning, engagement, and performance solution for the digital age. LMS365 is proud to be Globally Certified by Great Place To Work, the leading authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership. For more information, visit LMS365.com . About Go1 Go1 is the world's content expert and largest learning ecosystem powering the pursuit of potential. With expertly curated content spanning more than 80,000 courses from hundreds of industry-leading providers, Go1 delivers a seamless experience for both L&D leaders and employees in a single, easy-to-use platform. The company has raised over $400 million in funding from investors AirTree Ventures, Blue Cloud Ventures, Five Sigma, Insight Partners, Madrona, Salesforce Ventures, SEEK Investments, SoftBank Vision Fund 2 and Y Combinator. Go1 is a Y Combinator 2023 Top Company, an SAP Partner with an SAP Endorsed App and an EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award Nominee. To learn more, visit go1.com . Media Contact: Lynsey Rose, Head of US Communications lrose@lms365.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2145971/LMS365_RGB_1080px_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lms365-and-go1-forge-strategic-partnership-to-deliver-a-diverse-world-class-workplace-learning-experience-facilitating-upskilling-and-reskilling-across-the-workforce-302061063.html Germany for the first time in the last three decades reported the planned allocation of an amount equivalent to 2% of GDP for defense, Azernews reports. The government informed NATO about the transfer of $73.4 billion for military needs, writes the agency dpa, noting that for Germany this is a record amount in absolute terms. According to documents from the archives of the North Atlantic Alliance, Germany last allocated 2% of GDP for defense in 1992. During the Cold War, Germany's military spending quota exceeded 3% of GDP. NATO defense ministers will discuss the situation with military spending at a meeting in Brussels on February 15. It is expected that in 2024 about 20 out of 31 NATO states will fulfill the military spending quota of 2% of GDP. Launch Enables Anyone, Anywhere to Create Cost-Efficient, Scalable and Secure Apps with Zero Server Infrastructure Costs Forever Visit www.pears.com to Explore Pear Runtime's Open-Source Code BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pear Runtime, a groundbreaking open-source peer-to-peer app development platform, launched today, offering developers and users the most secure, efficient, scalable, and cost-efficient platform for app development today and into the future. Created by Holepunch, a Tether-backed company, Pear Runtime enables unlimited apps to be created using tried and tested open-source peer-to-peer infrastructure, with the promise of zero server infrastructure costs, ever, to developers. "Our mission is to prove that Pear Runtime can enable users to enjoy the economic, social and creative freedoms that constitute the core values of the Internet," commented Paolo Ardoino, Holepunch Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer. "We challenge the conventional notion that servers are indispensable to online interaction and reject the idea that communication between users necessitates connection to mysterious data centers. We aim to dismantle the misconception that launching a digital enterprise requires exorbitant server infrastructure costs." "Pear Runtime is an elegant and powerful solution to a recognized problem in the development community: how to build and launch an app that doesn't grow exponentially in cost once it's successful," explained Mathias Buus Madsen, CEO of Holepunch. "We encourage all developers to explore our code at www.pears.com , where you will have the freedom to build any app you envision. We are committed to supporting you throughout your app development journey, empowering you to create your own unique business models, free from the constraints of server costs." Conceptualized and built by a mission-driven team, and engineered to be the most secure, efficient, and low-cost platform in existence, Pear Runtime will catalyze the app development community to fundamentally disrupt Web 2.0. The Future Pear Runtime vastly simplifies the creation of peer-to-peer applications. The platform provides developers with tools and solutions to build P2P apps in which users retain complete control of their own data. Pear Runtime is designed to eliminate the need for centralized server environments, instead allowing devices and users to communicate directly with each other. This revolutionary approach promotes privacy, security, and decentralization in the digital realm. "The launch of Pear Runtime will drive a wave of decentralized, secure, and private digital experiences. By eliminating servers and server infrastructure costs, Pear Runtime will empower developers to disrupt existing Web2 platforms and re-envision the possibilities of the Internet," predicts Buus. Holepunch has already developed and launched apps using Pear Runtime, including secure messaging app Keet. Buus further proposes, "Picture a P2P streaming service in which artists connect directly with their audience, retaining full rights and profits. Envision a decentralized learning platform where knowledge crosses oceans, connecting minds and fostering global understanding. Or perhaps an illimitable search engine, immune to the biases and censorship of its creators. Pear Runtime is all about direct connections - unmediated, unfettered, and unbreakable." About Holepunch Holepunch is a technology platform that allows tech developers to create apps with no servers whatsoever. The company provides its peer-to-peer platform on an open-source basis, allowing developers to contribute to the project, and to utilize the open-source code at no server infrastructure cost. Holepunch provides a collection of "small JavaScript modules" which can be combined to create unlimited P2P apps, from VPNs to communication tools like Keet. https://holepunch.to/ About Pear Runtime Pear Runtime is the first open-source, interoperable peer-to-peer live data protocol that enables app developers to create cost-efficient, scalable, and secure apps with no server infrastructure costs. Pear Runtime will unleash a host of developers to disrupt legacy Web2 projects, all without servers and with zero server infrastructure cost. Pear Runtime was created by a mission-driven team that values privacy, scalability, and freedom above all else. Visit www.pears.com to access the Pear Runtime open-source interoperable peer-to-peer live data protocol. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340093/Pears_Social_Media_Asset.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340094/Pears_Logo__2_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/holepunch-unveils-groundbreaking-open-source-peer-to-peer-app-development-platform-pear-runtime-302061397.html Continued Progress Earns Financing to Accelerate Commercial Growth and Advancing Pipeline Marlton, NJ, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Impulse Dynamics plc, a global medical device company dedicated to improving the lives of people with heart failure (HF), is proud to announce that it raised $136 million in financing to accelerate investment in global commercialization, technology, product innovation, and further development of clinical evidence. The financing was led by Perceptive Advisors, Redmile Group, Alger, and Hobart Healthcare. This substantial investment reflects investor confidence in, and commitment to, the company's vision and expansion. "This round of funding will accelerate our business, both commercially and with our pipeline of advanced technology innovation," said Jason Spees, CEO of Impulse Dynamics. "We continue to make commercial progress globally with more than 9,000 heart failure patients implanted with CCM therapy and millions more who can benefit. We are also getting closer to significantly impacting the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) market with successful enrollment in our INTEGRA-D clinical trial on the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System. Most patients who currently receive a standard ICD get lifesaving benefits from the defibrillator but still struggle with HF symptoms. With CCM-D, these patients will be able to get the lifesaving benefits of a defibrillator combined with HF symptom relief from CCM in one device." The funding will fuel commercialization efforts, develop future product pipelines, and support groundbreaking clinical trials such as the INTEGRA-D and AIM HIGHer clinical trials. The INTEGRA-D trial is a multicenter study evaluating the combination of CCM and ICD therapy in a single device - the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System. The AIM HIGHer clinical trial is a multicenter study with the objective to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CCM therapy in patients with symptomatic HF with an ejection fraction (EF) of 40 to 60 percent (inclusive). The trial is currently in its initial enrollment phase and has generated significant attention, feedback, and excitement among experts in HF. "We are thrilled by the ongoing support from top-tier investment groups for Impulse Dynamics," said Shlomi Nachman, Chairman of the Board. "Those investments will accelerate the cadence of innovation and market awareness in CCM therapy. I am extremely confident in Impulse Dynamics' strong leadership and their excellent teams to enhance even further the developments and commercial activities of CCM therapy for the benefit of millions of HF patients worldwide." The Optimizer Smart Mini system delivers CCM therapy - the company's proprietary technology - to the heart, providing an important treatment option for the millions of patients suffering from heart failure. CCM therapy is designed to significantly improve heart contraction, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to be pushed out through the body.[1]CCM therapy is indicated to improve 6-minute hall walk, quality of life, and functional status of NYHA Class III HF patients who remain symptomatic despite guideline directed medical therapy, are not indicated for CRT, and have a left ventricular ejection fraction ranging from 25 to 45 percent. About Impulse Dynamics Impulse Dynamics is dedicated to advancing the treatment of heart failure for patients and the healthcare providers who care for them. The company pioneered its proprietary CCM therapy, which uses the Optimizer technology platform to improve quality of life in HF patients. CCM therapy is delivered through the Optimizer system, which includes an implantable pulse generator, or follow the company on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook. [1]European Journal of Heart Failure (2021) doi:10.1002/ejhf.2202 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The House of Representatives has voted by a narrow margin of one vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. He will be the first U.S. cabinet member to face impeachment in nearly one and a half century. Mayorkas faces allegations of committing high crimes and misdemeanors for his handling of the southern border crisis. He is also blamed for an unprecedented inflow of migrants at the Mexican border. Three Republican lawmakers - Ken Buck, Mike Gallagher, and Tom McClintock - crossed the floor Tuesday to vote against the articles of impeachment, leading to its passage by the thinnest of margins; 214 to 213. In a statement issued after the vote, President Joe Biden reacted sharply, saying, 'History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games.' 'Instead of staging political stunts like this, Republicans with genuine concerns about the border should want Congress to deliver more border resources and stronger border security. Sadly, the same Republicans pushing this baseless impeachment are rejecting bipartisan plans Secretary Mayorkas and others in my administration have worked hard on to strengthen border security at this very moment - reversing from years of their own demands to pass stronger border bills.' Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who came to the United States with his family as political refugee, has spent more than two decades serving in law enforcement and public service - from his time in the Justice Department as a U.S. Attorney to his service as Deputy Secretary and now Secretary of Homeland Security. The Senate's impeachment trial will reportedly begin on February 26. It is likely to fail in the upper chamber, where the Democratic party holds majority. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Personas Social Incorporated (TSXV: PRSN) (the "Company") provides a general corporate update. The Company is excited to announce marketing partnership with AI marketing firm Hanzo AI. Hanzo is a leading provider of AI-driven marketing technology solutions for e-commerce, specializing in advanced conversational AI and data analytics. Hanzo AI's advertising platform has driven over 1 billion dollars in revenues to its clients says Hanzo AI. Hanzo AI is engaged to by Keek to reach 100s of millions potential users of Keek. The Company is also happy to announce the appointment of Hanzo's CEO, Zach Kelling, to Keek's advisory board. Zach, in his new role, will work closely with CEO, Mark Itwaru, leveraging Hanzo AI's unique combination of proprietary AI and data analytics to amplify Keek's reach. "Joining Keek's advisory board is not just an honor; it's an opportunity to meld minds with one of the most visionary leaders in the digital space, Mark Itwaru. Together, we aim to scale up Keek's user base, pushing beyond the boundaries of what's thought to be possible with the power of Hanzo AI," said Kelling. Mark Itwaru, CEO, expressed his excitement about the partnership and Kelling's advisory role, "Having Zach Kelling join our advisory board brings us much needed marketing bench strength. Zach has a wealth of knowledge and experience and is a true AI visionary. Hanzo's AI-driven approach is exactly what we need to achieve our ambitious goal of reaching 10s of millions of users cost effectively." Hanzo AI and the Company will start its marketing campaigns in March 2024 targeting both content creators and viewers primarily in the Americas, Europe and Asia. The marketing campaigns will include custom content, influencer outreach and various AI outreach strategies. Keek can be downloaded from the Apple Appstore or from the Google Playstore. For further information, please contact: Personas Social Incorporated Mark Itwaru Chairman & Chief Executive Officer 647.789.0074 Mark Itwaru mark@personas.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the expected timing of the filing of the Annual Filings. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's expectations are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Corporation with securities regulations. Forward-Looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Corporation will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197878 SOURCE: Personas Social Inc. NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / 3M Originally published on 3M News Center In honor of Black History Month, 3M recently welcomed more than 30 St. Paul, Minnesota, STEM high school students to its campus to learn from America's Top Young Scientist, Heman Bekele, and several 3M technical leaders about their experiences, challenges and inspirations during their careers. Heman, who was named the winner of 3M's Young Scientist Challenge in October 2023 for his skin-cancer treating soap, attended virtually and shared his experience about seeking support outside of school and family, his commitment to time management, and the importance of curiosity. The audience, who were mostly students of color, were able to engage with Heman and ask questions about his failures, perseverance, and resilience. The event was organized by the 3M Black Leadership Advancement Coalition (BLAC) whose mission is to accelerate the inclusion and advancement of diverse talent at 3M to reflect our diverse markets and grow our business by attracting, developing and retaining Black talent. After Heman's talk, the high schoolers had a chance to hear from a panel of 3M Black scientists and engineers. The panelists spoke about their roles at 3M and the benefits of having a scientific background in business and management positions. The group also discussed challenging experiences of representation they've encountered, but emphasized the importance of friends, allies, and a likeminded community for support. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from 3M on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: 3M Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/3m Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: 3M View the original press release on accesswire.com North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has closed the underwritten offering (the "Offering") previously announced on February 7, 2024 by issuing 24,150,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.50 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of $12,075,000, which includes the exercise, in full, by the Underwriters (as defined below) of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to purchase up to an additional 3,150,000 Units at the Offering Price pursuant to the terms of an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") dated as of February 8, 2024, among the Company, Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation (the "Lead Underwriter"), Canaccord Genuity Corp., Eight Capital, and Raymond James Ltd. (together with the Lead Underwriter, the "Underwriters"). Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price per Warrant Share of C$0.65 for a period of 36 months from the closing date of the Offering. In connection with the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the Company paid to the Underwriters a cash commission of $724,500, which was equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the Offering, and issued an aggregate of 1,449,000 broker warrants, equal to 6.0% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering. Each broker warrant is exercisable for one Common Share at a price of C$0.65 for a period of 36 months from the closing date of the Offering. The net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Units will be used for development and ramp up expenses at the Tuvatu Gold project located in Fiji, as well as for general corporate expenses & purposes. The Units issued pursuant to the Offering were qualified for distribution by way of a prospectus supplement of the Company dated February 9, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's existing short form base shelf prospectus dated May 13, 2022 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") filed in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, and offered and sold to eligible purchasers by way of available prospectus exemptions in certain jurisdictions outside of Canada. The Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the documents incorporated by reference therein and the Underwriting Agreement are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedar.com. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver, B.C., with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets. As disclosed in its "Technical Report and PEA Update for the Tuvatu Gold Project" dated April 29, 2022, the 2018 Tuvatu resource estimate comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and under the Lion One profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Alex Nichol, MAIG, VP Geology and Exploration for Lion One, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and is responsible for the technical and scientific content of this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited "Walter Berukoff" Chairman and CEO For further information Contact Investor Relations Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250 Email: info@liononemetals.com Website: www.liononemetals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the results of the Offering and associated marketing efforts, the use of proceeds of the Offering, actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results., and results of ongoing production operations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: prevailing capital markets conditions, the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197893 SOURCE: Lion One Metals Limited WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been discharged from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center after three days of treatment. The Pentagon said in a press release that following consultation with medical staff, Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Tuesday at approximately 3:30 pm. He is recovering well and resumed his full functions and duties within two hours, it added. The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified of the latest development. The Department of Defense said that on the advice of his doctors, Secretary Austin will recuperate and perform his duties remotely from home for a period before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week. He has full access to the unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties. Secretary Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 11 with discomfort and concern from a bladder issue related to his prostate cancer surgery in December. His condition indicated a need for close monitoring by the critical care team and supportive care. His diagnostic evaluation identified the cause of his bladder issue and it was corrected with non-surgical procedures on Monday. The Department of Defense made it clear that the bladder issue was not related to his cancer diagnosis and will have 'no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis'. 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. CHEYENNE, WY / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / San Diego Fire Rescue (SDFR) will be using Mighty Fire Breaker MFB-31-CitroTech to help proactively mitigate the constant threat of wildfires around structures and exit corridors, an official recently announced. "The threat of wildfires has always been a significant threat and concern for San Diego Fire & Rescue," said Anthony Tosca, Deputy Chief Fire Marshall, San Diego Fire Department. "Fire knows no boundaries," he said. "It affects our state, nation, and national health." MFB believes the Certifications from the EPA Safer Choice Program, UL GreenGuard Gold, UL LENS and California Aquatic listing our chemistry as Non Toxic and Not Hazardous along with our ASTM Laboratory Test Results makes the decision to move forward with MFB-31-CitroTech by Government Officials a fairly easy decision comparing it to the products that they are accustom to using. "The approval process was made easier with all CitroTech's Accreditations because San Diego Fire Department and SD Fire Rescue Foundation made the Environment a high priority in their decision. Another major factor was one of MFB's Independent Advisory Board members being Chief Jeff Bowman, a former California Fire Chief who endorses MFB and CitroTech," said Tosca MFB Chief Technologist said, "MFB CitroTech is a paradigm shift for Fire Departments to use fire-retardant products that are not the subject of toxic chemical lawsuits by concerned conservationists. MFB spent many years perfecting the technology and educating the fire industry and Chief Bowman was not easy to convince. He started as a skeptic and put us to the test in multiple Fire Training Centers before endorsing this chemistry, calling it the new Gold Standard." Retired Fire Chief Jeff Bowman believes in this global science breakthrough to fight wildfires. - YouTube For more information, please visit: www.mightyfirebreaker.com For technical product information: Info@mightyfirebreaker.com Contact Information Twitter: @GEVIOfficial Website: https://generalenterpriseventures.com/ END Information about Forward-Looking Statements This document contains "forward-looking statements", which includes statements regarding expected financial performance and growth information relating to future events. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions, and future performance, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond the control of the Company and its officers and directors, and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by which, that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in, or suggested by, the forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be forward-looking statements. You can typically identify these forward-looking statements through use of words such as "may," "will," "can" "anticipate," "assume," "should," "indicate," "would," "believe," "contemplate," "expect," "seek," "estimate," "continue," "plan," "point to," "project," "predict," "could," "intend," "target," "potential," and other similar words and expressions of the future. The Company expresses its expectations, beliefs and projections in good faith and believes that its expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, there is no assurance that these expectations, beliefs and projections will prove to have been correct. SOURCE: General Enterprise Ventures, Inc. ("GEVI") View the original press release on accesswire.com commercetools certifies Ordergroove as the first available integration for customers looking to launch one-of-a-kind subscriber experiences that deliver reliable, recurring revenue Ordergroove, the leader in subscription solutions for retailers and direct-to-consumer brands, together with commercetools, proudly announces the launch of their integration, further empowering fast-growing brands and retailers to unlock recurring revenue. This strategic integration will further help commercetools customers thrive in the rapidly evolving retail and eCommerce landscape. As businesses increasingly recognize the importance of establishing recurring revenue, Ordergroove's commercetools integration emerges as a game changer, streamlining the implementation and management of subscriptions. With a market-leading enterprise customer base, coupled with a robust, composable platform, Ordergroove is a natural fit for commercetools customers. The integration makes it even easier for commercetools customers to integrate Ordergroove's cutting-edge subscription technology into its existing commerce infrastructure while taking advantage of Ordergroove's flexible platform, scalable architecture, and unmatched customer experience to grow recurring revenue and provide the ultimate convenience for their customers. Key features of Ordergroove now available for brands and retailers on commercetools include: Expedited Integration: The integration connector jumpstarts the process of integrating Ordergroove with commercetools. Ordergroove's integration, combined with the guidance and support of its dedicated integration team, will ensure a successful subscription launch, no matter the size or sophistication of a brand's subscription offering. Certified Reliability: As the only certified subscription platform for commercetools, Ordergroove is the only reliable and secure subscription solution, adhering to the level of reliability commercetools customers expect, and with the power to support the world's largest subscription businesses and order volumes. Flexible Subscription Models: Ordergroove's flexible platform enables commercetools customers to access a wide range of subscription experiences, including single product subscriptions, bundles, boxes, and clubs, providing businesses with the flexibility to tailor their offerings to diverse customer needs. Enhanced Subscriber Engagement: Retailers can leverage Ordergroove's robust subscription management tools and promotional capabilities to deepen customer relationships, drive customer loyalty, and boost overall engagement and retention. Data-Driven Insights: Brands can unlock valuable insights into subscriber behavior and preferences with Ordergroove's advanced analytics. commercetools users can harness data-driven intelligence to optimize subscription offerings and marketing strategies. "We are thrilled to partner with Ordergroove, a leading subscription platform, now available for commercetools customers," said Christopher Holley, Global Director of Technology Partnerships at commercetools. "Ordergroove's commitment to creating dynamic, scalable, and customer-centric solutions aligns seamlessly with our vision for composable commerce. By certifying Ordergroove's subscription solution, we believe our customers are now empowered to experience a transformative impact, elevating their ability to drive recurring revenue and provide unparalleled subscription experiences." "We are honored that commercetools has certified Ordergroove as its first and only subscription platform," said Greg Alvo, CEO at Ordergroove. "As the market leader and preeminent subscription platform for commercetools, we are uniquely positioned to help the world's leading brands and retailers drive recurring revenue, deepen customer relationships, and future-proof their business by staying at the forefront of eCommerce innovation." With the launch of this certified integration, Ordergroove continues to lead the charge in revolutionizing the way businesses approach commerce, offering a comprehensive solution tailored to the specific needs of commercetools users. For more information about Ordergroove's solution for commercetools, please visit ordergroove.com. About Ordergroove Ordergroove enables subscription and membership experiences for the world's largest and most innovative brands and retailers, including L'Oreal, Dollar Shave Club, La Colombe Coffee, Bonafide Health and The Honest Company. As a market leader in subscription technology, the company's proprietary Relationship Commerce platform is shifting consumer interactions from one-and-done transactions to frictionless and highly-profitable recurring relationships. Ordergroove technology uses artificial intelligence, analytics, and unmatched consumer expertise to empower top brands to transform their commerce experiences while making their consumers' lives easier. To learn more, visit www.ordergroove.com. About commercetools commercetools is the leading composable commerce platform, allowing companies to dynamically tailor and scale shopping experiences across markets. We equip some of the world's largest businesses with tools to future-proof digital offerings, reduce risks and costs, and build outstanding experiences that drive revenue growth. Headquartered in Munich, commercetools has led a global renaissance in digital commerce by combining cloud-native, technology-agnostic, independent components into a unique system that addresses specific business needs. We empower brands -- including Audi, Danone, Eurorail, NBCUniversal, Sephora and Volkswagen Group -- to stay ahead of changing consumer and buyer behavior. To learn more, visit commercetools.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214153672/en/ Contacts: ASTRSK PR ordergroove@astrskpr.com 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. Positive results demonstrate promising new option for women seeking better, personalized treatment GRENOBLE, France and MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- UroMems, a global company developing innovative, mechatronics technology to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI), announced today that it has successfully met the six-month primary endpoint for the first-ever female patient implanted with the UroActive System, the first smart automated artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) to treat SUI. This milestone indicates a new era for millions of women suffering from SUI, and signals an exciting transition for surgeons treating SUI not only in France, where the female patient was treated, but also across Europe and the U.S. It also follows closely on the heels of the successful results of the complete treatment cohort of the first-in-man clinical feasibility study. Results of this clinical study will contribute to the design and implementation of UroMems' pivotal clinical trial in Europe and the U.S. "On behalf of the medical team who implanted the UroActive System in the first female patient, Drs. Christophe Vaessen, Aurelien Beaugerie and I are over the moon to see our first patient has returned to living life fully after years of struggling with SUI," said Professor Emmanuel Chartier-Kastler. "This promising therapy is a breakthrough technology in treating SUI in both women and men." The primary outcome measures include the successful device activation and the rate of explants and revisions at six months. The first female patient has not only met the study's primary endpoints by remaining revision-free but is also experiencing restored social continence. Follow-up on secondary measures, including leak rate values, has been extremely positive. "As the leading advocacy organization in the U.S. supporting patients and caregivers with urinary incontinence, we hear from patients weekly looking for information on the safety and efficacy of artificial sphincters. Unfortunately, we have little to report back and support their requests as no one in the U.S. actively promotes this option for women," said Steven Gregg, Ph.D., executive director of the National Association for Continence. "These results of the first UroActive System implanted in a female represent a promising development to treat stress urinary incontinence in both women and men. We're excited about this first-of-its-kind development and look forward to UroMems' pivotal trial results." Pending those results, the potential for U.S. surgeons to offer this new option is now on the horizon; skilled surgeons performing robotic-assisted surgeries such as sacrocolpopexies and hysterectomies may soon be able to add implanting UroActive to their standard practices. UroActive is the first smart active implant that treats SUI, powered by a MyoElectroMechanical System (MEMS). This innovative system is placed around the urethra in men and the bladder neck in women, controlled based on the patient's activity, without the need for manual adjustments, intending to provide patients with ease of use and a better quality of life than current options. "We are elated to reach this critical achievement contributing to the demonstration of the feasibility of the UroActive System to successfully treat women suffering from debilitating SUI," said Hamid Lamraoui, UroMems chief executive officer and co-founder. "The compelling results of this first-in-female implant show the high potential of our technology, bringing us one step closer to delivering on the massive unmet need for women and physicians desperately seeking a better SUI treatment option." SUI, or involuntary urinary leakage, affects an estimated 40 million Americans and 90 million Europeans, and occurs when the pressure in the bladder exceeds that of the muscle (the sphincter) around the urethra, caused by activities involving high intra-abdominal pressure, like coughing, laughing and exercising. SUI significantly impacts quality of life, as it can be debilitating, and often leads to depression, low self-esteem and social stigma. UroMems aims to restore the quality of life, dignity and self-esteem of millions of men and women worldwide suffering from poorly treated chronic conditions by the commitment to change the perception that these disorders are inevitable as one grows older and is simply something to endure with no real solution. UroMems is revolutionizing the treatment of SUI with smart active implants, using the latest technological advances in the field of embedded systems and micro-technologies for the development of its groundbreaking solutions. About UroActive UroActive is an active implantable electronic artificial urinary sphincter that is being developed to compensate for sphincter insufficiency in patients, both men and women, with SUI. It is based on a unique bionic platform using embedded smart, digital and robotic systems which, based on data collected from a patient, create a treatment algorithm that is specific for each patient's needs. The UroMems technology platform is protected by more than 120 patents and is designed to overcome the limitations of current solutions by optimizing safety and performance, patient experience and surgeon convenience. STeP participation does not imply product authorization. UroActive has not received marketing authorization from the FDA and is not available for sale in the United States or in the EU. For more information, please visit www.uromems.com. Media Contact Shelli Lissick shelli@bellmontpartners.com 651-276-6922 Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2094261/4543754/UroMems_Logo_6_15_23.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uromems-announces-results-of-first-ever-smart-artificial-urinary-sphincter-implant-in-female-patient-to-treat-stress-urinary-incontinence-302061348.html NetApp sets a new standard in hybrid cloud storage management with its BlueXP platform by delivering unmatched visibility, control, and automation across on-premises and cloud environments. SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan recently researched the global hybrid cloud storage management industry and, based on its findings, recognizes NetApp with the 2024 Global Company of the Year Award. NetApp provides a unified platform that offers seamless insights and automation, enhancing the management of storage and data services across diverse environments. NetApp delivers its revolutionary BlueXP platform based on its focus on innovation in hybrid cloud solutions and a deep understanding of data management challenges. BlueXP facilitates operations by streamlining multi-cloud management through seamless integration with multiple on-premises and cloud environments, delivering unprecedented visibility and control. BlueXP enhances overall business efficiency, thus offering advanced analytics, robust governance features, and efficient data mobility across different environments. The platform ensures actionable insights and continuous improvement, in addition to meeting evolving market demands. BlueXP's innovative use of artificial intelligence for IT operations (AIOps) demonstrates NetApp's visionary strategy in driving substantial productivity gains for its customers. This capability is particularly crucial because enterprises increasingly rely on a combination of on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure in an ever-evolving business landscape. "BlueXP delivers seamless management across storage with integrated environment health and analytics, protection, governance, optimization, and mobility. It enables customers to create consistent and common policies, procedures, and services across all infrastructures under management, reducing the complexity of administering hybrid multi-cloud environments," said Karyn Price, Industry Principal ICT at Frost & Sullivan. NetApp's approach to AIOps helps global companies automate and optimize complex IT operations. The company consistently improves the efficiency and intelligence of data management, ensuring a highly responsive hybrid cloud environment and reflecting a deep understanding of the increasing automation needs of the industry. The company, therefore, is committed to providing solutions that address the current market demands and future challenges in data and storage management. As a result, NetApp is making its mark among the top participants in the global hybrid cloud storage management space and is increasingly differentiating itself from its closest competitors with a unique value proposition and groundbreaking solutions. "While different than the standard hybrid management platform, BlueXP fills a much-needed gap in the hybrid cloud management market, managing data storage infrastructures across the hybrid environment. Its AIOps approach is forward-thinking and leads the market in terms of functionality for hybrid data and storage management," noted Price. Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents a Company of the Year Award to the organization that demonstrates excellence, in terms of growth strategy and implementation in its field. The award recognizes a high degree of innovation with products and technologies and the resulting leadership, in terms of customer value and market penetration. Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in various regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analyses, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry. About Frost & Sullivan For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion . Contact: Ashley Weinkauf P: 210-844-2505 E: ashley.weinkauf@frost.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340153/NetApp_Award_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/netapp-awarded-frost--sullivans-2024-global-company-of-the-year-award-for-addressing-the-unmet-needs-of-the-hybrid-cloud-storage-management-industry-with-its-revolutionary-bluexp-platform-302061357.html GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Arabian warehousing industry is poised for a surge, fueled by e-commerce growth, government initiatives, and a rapidly diversifying economy. Ken Research's "Saudi Arabia Warehousing Market Outlook to 2030" report predicts a robust 4.5% CAGR, translating to a significant $13.2 billion market size by 2030. This press release unlocks the key drivers, challenges, and exciting prospects shaping this dynamic sector. Market Overview: Storing Growth, Enabling Prosperity Beyond simply storing goods, Saudi Arabia's warehousing industry plays a crucial role in supporting economic diversification, facilitating regional trade, and powering e-commerce expansion. In 2022, the market reached a size of $9.3 billion, and it's on track for remarkable growth, driven by: E-commerce Boom: With internet penetration and online shopping soaring, efficient warehousing and last-mile delivery solutions are becoming essential. With internet penetration and online shopping soaring, efficient warehousing and last-mile delivery solutions are becoming essential. Government Vision 2030: This ambitious plan prioritizes logistics and infrastructure development, creating a supportive ecosystem for the warehousing sector. This ambitious plan prioritizes logistics and infrastructure development, creating a supportive ecosystem for the warehousing sector. Economic Diversification: As the Kingdom moves away from oil dependence, new industries are emerging, requiring diverse warehousing solutions. As the Kingdom moves away from oil dependence, new industries are emerging, requiring diverse warehousing solutions. Strategic Location: Saudi Arabia's position at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa makes it a prime hub for regional trade and warehousing operations. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Market Segmentation: Diverse Needs, Tailored Solutions The report delves into the various segments of the Saudi Arabian warehousing market, offering a comprehensive view: Warehouse Type: Public warehouses dominate (60%), followed by dedicated storage facilities (25%) and private warehouses (15%). Public warehouses dominate (60%), followed by dedicated storage facilities (25%) and private warehouses (15%). Location: Major cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam hold the largest share (70%), with growing demand in emerging industrial zones. Major cities like Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam hold the largest share (70%), with growing demand in emerging industrial zones. Industry Served: Retail & e-commerce leads the demand (40%), followed by manufacturing (25%) and food & beverage (15%). Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are emerging segments. Competitive Landscape: Local & Global Players Collaborate The market features a mix of established local players, international giants, and innovative startups: Local Leaders: Mosanada Logistics, Panda Retail Company, and Tamer Logistics hold significant market share with extensive networks and expertise. Mosanada Logistics, Panda Retail Company, and Tamer Logistics hold significant market share with extensive networks and expertise. Global Giants: DP World, DHL, and FedEx are increasingly present, offering global reach and advanced technologies. DP World, DHL, and FedEx are increasingly present, offering global reach and advanced technologies. Emerging Challengers: Local startups are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional models, offering specialized services like temperature-controlled storage and e-commerce fulfillment. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Challenges: Building on a Strong Foundation Despite the promising outlook, some challenges need to be addressed: Limited Skilled Workforce: Finding and retaining qualified personnel in warehousing operations and management remains a challenge. Finding and retaining qualified personnel in warehousing operations and management remains a challenge. Infrastructure Gaps: While significant investments are underway, some regions lack efficient transportation links and modern warehousing facilities. While significant investments are underway, some regions lack efficient transportation links and modern warehousing facilities. Regulatory Hurdles: Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can hinder the development and expansion of warehousing operations. Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can hinder the development and expansion of warehousing operations. Technological Adoption: While some players embrace automation and digital solutions, wider adoption is needed for enhanced efficiency and transparency. Future Outlook: A Brighter Horizon Fueled by Innovation & Sustainability The Saudi Arabian warehousing market is poised for continued growth, driven by several exciting factors: Technological Advancements: Adoption of AI, automation, and blockchain will enhance operational efficiency, optimize space utilization, and improve inventory management. Adoption of AI, automation, and blockchain will enhance operational efficiency, optimize space utilization, and improve inventory management. Focus on Sustainability: Green warehousing initiatives like energy-efficient buildings and sustainable packaging will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Green warehousing initiatives like energy-efficient buildings and sustainable packaging will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government and private sector players will accelerate infrastructure development and promote innovation. Collaborations between government and private sector players will accelerate infrastructure development and promote innovation. Focus on Human Capital Development: Investments in training and education programs will address the skilled workforce shortage and enhance industry competitiveness. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: This report offers valuable insights for various stakeholders in the Saudi Arabian warehousing industry, including: Warehousing Companies: Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainability practices. Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainability practices. Investors: Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce fulfillment and temperature-controlled storage. Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce fulfillment and temperature-controlled storage. Policymakers: Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and competition. Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and competition. Businesses & Consumers: Gaining insights into the diverse range of warehousing solutions available, choosing the right providers based on their needs, and benefiting from improved efficiency and availability of goods. Conclusion: The Saudi Arabian warehousing industry is on an upward trajectory, playing a vital role in the Kingdom's economic diversification and regional trade ambitions. Request free 30 minutes analyst call Taxonomy KSA Warehousing Market Segmentation By Ownership Owned 3PL By City Riyadh Jeddah Others including Damam and more By End Users Consumer Retail Food and Beverages Healthcare Automotive Others By Business Model Industrial/Retail Warehouses CFS/ICD Warehouses Cold Storage Agriculture and Other Warehouses For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: - KSA Warehousing Market Related Reports by Ken Research: - KSA Warehousing Automation Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Bolstering Ecommerce Industry & Ambitious Government Plans for Digitalization to Pave Strong Grounds for Automation The market is expected to grow at high pace in the coming 5 years owing to rapid digitalization and surge in investment. The demand and market share of e-commerce and retail is expected to increase in the future due to increasing focus towards reducing the overall sales cycle duration. Government initiatives, such as Saudi Vision 2030, National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), etc., establishment of new logistic zones, among others is expected to bring massive Greenfield investments. In turn, it would catalyze the requirement for multi-client warehouses in the country. Saudi Arabia Warehousing Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Government Support, demand for E-Commerce and Infrastructure Investment in the country According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of KSA Warehousing has shown an increasing trend from 2017 to 2022. KSA's strategic location as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an attractive hub for trade. The country has been actively promoting foreign trade and industrialization, attracting international companies to set up manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. This leads to an increased demand for warehousing services to support import, export, and local supply chains. Global Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2027 Segmented by Type of End Users by revenue, By Type of Mode (Sea/Road/Air), By Type of Warehouse (Industrial / Retail Warehouses/Container Freight Stations (CFS)/Inland Container Depots (ICD)/Cold Storage/ Agriculture & Other Warehouses) Type of Domestic/ International Shipments According to Ken Research estimates, the Global Logistics and Warehousing Market - is largely driven by the flourishing e-commerce industry, increasing demand for express delivery, good data quality and extensive automation and the initiatives taken by the government. Kuwait Warehousing Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by Rise in Demand for Technologically Advanced Warehouses by Different End Users The growth of local companies within the logistics sector points to widening industry potential in the country with total warehousing space growing at a double digit CAGR (2021-2026F). Strong leasing momentum is likely to continue throughout the year; 3PL and e-commerce players are expected to drive demand for logistics space. Follow Us - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/3782349/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/saudi-arabia-warehousing-industry-booms-13-2-billion-growth-by-2030-fueled-by-e-commerce--diversification-ken-research-302061931.html BANGALORE, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Semiconductor Grade Ammonia Market is Segmented by Type (4N, 5N, 6N), by Application (Chip Deposition, Power Semiconductor , Wafer Manufacturing). The Global Semiconductor Grade Ammonia Market was valued at USD 422 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 681.5 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period 2024-2030. Claim Your Free Sample Now: https://reports.valuates.com/request/sample/QYRE-Auto-34U16199/Global_Semiconductor_Grade_Ammonia_Market_Research_Report_2024 Major Factors Driving the Growth of Semiconductor Grade Ammonia Market The ongoing rise of the semiconductor sector, which requires ultra-pure chemicals for production processes, is the main factor driving the market for semiconductor grade ammonia. Because of its strict quality standards, semiconductor grade ammonia is essential to maintaining the dependability and functionality of electronic components. The need for semiconductor grade ammonia is also rising among semiconductor manufacturers worldwide due to developments in technology, rising use of sophisticated packaging methods, global expansion of semiconductor facilities, and an emphasis on environmental and safety compliance. Unlock Insights: View Full Report Now! https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-34U16199/global-semiconductor-grade-ammonia TRENDS INFLUENCING THE GROWTH OF SEMICONDUCTOR GRADE AMMONIA MARKET The need for semiconductor grade ammonia is rising due to the semiconductor industry's constant innovation and growth. Ultra-pure chemicals, such as semiconductor grade ammonia, are becoming increasingly important as semiconductor makers aim to achieve greater levels of miniaturization, efficiency, and performance in electronic devices. It is employed in a number of crucial procedures, including etching and chemical vapor deposition (CVD), where even minute impurities can cause flaws in semiconductor devices.Materials of the highest purity are needed in semiconductor fabrication to guarantee the dependability and performance of electronic components. Ammonia for semiconductors must meet strict quality requirements; impurity levels are measured in parts per trillion (ppt) or less. The need for this degree of purity stems from the requirement to avoid contamination when fabricating integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices. Technological developments in semiconductor manufacturing processes are always pushing the limits of required purity and precision. In order to improve device performance and functionality, new materials, methods, and tools are developed as semiconductor technology advances. Because of its extremely high purity levels and compatibility with cutting-edge processing techniques, semiconductor grade ammonia is still essential to these technological breakthroughs. The need for semiconductor grade ammonia is driven by the spread of cutting-edge packaging technologies like system-in-package (SiP), wafer-level packaging, and 3D packaging. Ultra-pure chemicals are needed for these packaging methods in order to guarantee the dependability and integrity of the packaged semiconductor devices. Ammonia of semiconductor grade finds its application in surface preparation and passivation among other packaging steps, which adds to its increasing importance in the semiconductor sector. Environmental and safety compliance are given top priority by semiconductor manufacturers in their manufacturing processes, in addition to purity criteria. Suppliers of semiconductor-grade ammonia abide by strict laws and industry guidelines to guarantee the safe handling, storing, and shipping of ammonia. Innovations in ammonia manufacturing processes are also driven by efforts to reduce environmental effects. Examples of these innovations include the use of renewable energy sources and the implementation of practices. Own It Today - Buy Now! https://reports.valuates.com/api/directpaytoken?rcode=QYRE-Auto-34U16199&lic=single-user SEMICONDUCTOR GRADE AMMONIA MARKET SHARE ANALYSIS Semiconductor fabrication facilities are heavily concentrated in areas like Asia-Pacific, especially in nations like China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. The demand for semiconductor grade ammonia is driven by the fast growth of the electronics sector in these areas as well as significant investments in the infrastructure supporting semiconductor fabrication. Leading semiconductor businesses and a strong supply chain ecosystem are some factors that support the market's expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Purchase Regional Report: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-34U16199/global-semiconductor-grade-ammonia/3 Key Companies: Linde Sumitomo Seika Chemicals Company Haining Indusair Electronics Showa Denko Air Liquide Vijay Gas Industry UBE Corporation Yara International Purchase Chapters: https://reports.valuates.com/market-reports/QYRE-Auto-34U16199/global-semiconductor-grade-ammonia/1 SUBSCRIPTION We have introduced a tailor-made subscription for our customers. Please leave a note in the Comment Section to know about our subscription plans. DISCOVER MORE INSIGHTS: EXPLORE SIMILAR REPORTS! - Deuterated Ammonia Market - Ammonia Refrigerant Market - Green Ammonia Market - Renewable Ammonia market is projected to reach USD 4251.5 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 68 Million in 2022, with a CAGR of 80.0% during the period of 2023 to 2029. - Ammonia Cracking Catalysts Market - Ammonia Slip Catalyst (ASC) Market - Ammonia Remover Market - Green Ammonia Production Market - Ammonia Type Fuel Cell Market - Metallurgical Grade Anhydrous Ammonia market is projected to grow from USD 6492.1 Million in 2023 to USD 6932.5 Million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.1% during the forecast period. - Commercial Grade Anhydrous Ammonia market is projected to grow from USD 69370 Million in 2023 to USD 74070 Million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.1% during the forecast period. - Anhydrous Ammonia market size is expected to reach USD 74600 Million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 1.2% from 2023 to 2029. - Industrial Grade Aqua Ammonia market is projected to grow from USD 237 Million in 2023 to USD 259.2 Million by 2029, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 1.5% during the forecast period. - Green Hydrogen Based Ammonia Market - Fixed Ammonia (NH3) Gas Detection Market - Ammonium Thiosulfate Fertilizer market was valued at USD 277 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to reach USD 316.5 Million by 2029, witnessing a CAGR of 1.9% during the forecast period 2023-2029. - Hydrogen Based Ammonia Market - Dissolved Ammonia Analyzers market was valued at USD 540 Million in 2023 and is anticipated to reach USD 744.7 Million by 2030, witnessing a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period 2024-2030. - Gas Nitriding Furnace Market - Liquid Ammonia Market revenue was USD 61040 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 72210 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period (2023-2029). - Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Market revenue was USD 1178.6 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 1545.5 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 4.3% during the forecast period (2023-2029). - Thin-film Semiconductor Deposition Market revenue was USD 14540 Million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 24030 Million by 2029 with a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2023-2029). - Semiconductor Single Crystal Furnace Market - Semiconductor Grade Neon (Ne) Market - Automatic Semiconductor Chip Test Probe Station market is projected to reach USD 995.6 Million in 2029, increasing from USD 569.7 Million in 2022, with a CAGR of 8.3% during the period of 2023 to 2029. Click here to see more related reports on Semiconductor Grade Ammonia Market DISCOVER OUR VISION: VISIT ABOUT US! Valuates offers in-depth market insights into various industries. Our extensive report repository is constantly updated to meet your changing industry analysis needs. Our team of market analysts can help you select the best report covering your industry. We understand your niche region-specific requirements and that's why we offer customization of reports. With our customization in place, you can request for any particular information from a report that meets your market analysis needs. To achieve a consistent view of the market, data is gathered from various primary and secondary sources, at each step, data triangulation methodologies are applied to reduce deviance and find a consistent view of the market. Each sample we share contains a detailed research methodology employed to generate the report. Please also reach our sales team to get the complete list of our data sources. YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS: REACH OUT TO US! Valuates Reports sales@valuates.com For U.S. Toll-Free Call 1-(315)-215-3225 WhatsApp: +91-9945648335 Website: https://reports.valuates.com Blog: https://valuatestrends.blogspot.com/ Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/valuatesreports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/valuatesreports Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/valuatesreports/ https://www.facebook.com/valuateskorean https://www.facebook.com/valuatesspanish https://www.facebook.com/valuatesjapanese Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082232/Valuates_Reports_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/semiconductor-grade-ammonia-market-size-to-grow-usd-681-5-million-by-2030-at-a-cagr-of-6-2--valuates-reports-302061815.html Permanent Magnet Motor market zooms as electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and renewables surge in popularity. Tech advances boost performance, and government policies ignite further growth. Explore our FMI report for the lowdown on efficiency, costs, and opportunities! NEWARK, Del., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global permanent magnet motor market size is estimated to be around US$ 49.2 billion in 2024. It is projected to exhibit a CAGR growth of 10.40% over the forecast period, with an estimated valuation of US$ 132 billion in 2034. Request Exclusive Sample Report: Permanent Magnet Motor Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-19016 The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles, which heavily rely on them in their propulsion systems. There is also a growing demand for energy-efficient appliances and industrial equipment, where permanent magnet motors offer higher efficiency compared to traditional motors. Another factor contributing to the growth of the permanent magnet motor market is the expansion of renewable energy generation, such as wind turbines and hydropower systems. Technological advancements have also led to improved performance and reliability of permanent magnet motors, making them more attractive across various industries. Favorable government policies and regulations promoting the use of sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, including permanent magnet motors, have further boosted demand. Rising awareness among consumers and industries about the benefits of permanent magnet motors in terms of reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs has also contributed to market growth. Investments in research and development aimed at further enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of permanent magnet motor technology are also driving the market forward. "With increasing emphasis on sustainability, companies in the permanent magnet motor market must invest in eco-friendly manufacturing practices. This will reduce energy consumption, minimizing waste generation and carbon emissions, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally sustainable production process," opines an FMI analyst. Key Takeaways from the Market Study The DC motor segment is likely to dominate the global permanent magnet motor market with a CAGR of 10.10% through 2034. Based on the materials, the ferrite segment is projected to lead the market with a CAGR of 9.80% through 2034. The permanent magnet motor market in the United Kingdom is anticipated to rise at a modest CAGR of 11.80% through 2034. China's permanent magnet motor market is estimated to rise at an 11.10% CAGR through 2034. The permanent magnet motor market in Japan has the potential to increase at 8.80% CAGR through 2034. The United States permanent magnet motor market is predicted to rise by 10.70% CAGR through 2034. The permanent magnet motor market in South Korea is very likely to grow at a CAGR of 12.10% through 2034. Competitive Landscape ABB Limited, Rockwell Automation, Siemens AG, Franklin Electric Company Inc., and Allied Motion Technologies Inc. are some of the key players in the global permanent magnet motor market. The global market for permanent magnet motors is highly competitive, with both international and domestic players vying for market. These companies invest heavily in research and development to create motors with better efficiency, enhanced functionality, and smart features. Key players in the market are collaborating with government and non-government environmental entities to improve their reputation as socially responsible entities and attract environmentally conscious consumers. Key Companies in the Market ABB Limited Rockwell Automation Siemens AG Franklin Electric Company Inc. Allied Motion Technologies Inc. NORD Drivesystems Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Toshiba Corporation Yaskawa Electric Corporation Regal Beloit Corporation WEG Electric Corp. Nidec Corporation Johnson Electric Holdings Limited Maxon Motor AG Danfoss Group Parker Hannifin Corporation Emerson Electric Co. Hitachi, Ltd. Bonfiglioli Riduttori S.p.A. Schneider Electric SE Buy Now and get instant access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date report on the key players in your industry. Recent Developments: In November 2023, Niron Magnetics received a US$ 33 million investment from General Motors and Stellantis to develop rare-earth-free permanent magnets for electric vehicles. Despite experts being skeptical, the aim is to mass-produce iron-nitride magnets for future GM electric vehicles. In August 2023, NORD introduced new design enhancements and larger frame sizes for their permanent magnet synchronous motor product line to cater to diverse industry needs. These included the size 90 TENV variant, which boasts enhanced corrosion resistance and efficiency for demanding applications such as food and pharmaceuticals. In June 2023, Alstom NUG Propulsion System Co successfully demonstrated their silicon carbide traction converter and permanent magnet synchronous motor technology for metro trains in Chengdu Line 7, China. The technology resulted in a 30% energy saving and reduced weight and noise. Permanent Magnet Motor Market by Segmentation By Motor Type: Direct Current Motor Alternating Current Motor By Magnetic Material Type: Ferrite Neodymium Samarium Cobalt By End-user Vertical: General Industrial Automotive Energy Water and Wastewater Management Mining Oil and Gas Aerospace and Defense By Region: North America Latin America Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa (MEA) Europe Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here! About the Author: Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries. His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making. Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Automotive Domain: Smart Motors Market by Industrial, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. by Industrial, Automotive, Consumer Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, 2023-2033. - Electric Vehicle Motor Market By Product Type, Power, EV Type & Region - Forecast 2022-2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. By Product Type, Power, EV Type & Region - Forecast 2022-2032. - Electric Motor Horn Market by Up-to 110 dB, 110 dB to 118 dB, Greater than 118 dB, 2023-2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. by Up-to 110 dB, 110 dB to 118 dB, Greater than 118 dB, 2023-2033. - Off-Road Motorcycles Market By Component, Technology, Location & Region | Forecast 2022 to 2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. By Component, Technology, Location & Region | Forecast 2022 to 2032. - Portable Inverter Generators Market by Power Rating, Power Source, Application & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. by Power Rating, Power Source, Application & Region | Forecast 2023 to 2033. - Kayak Trolling Motors Market By Thrust capacity, Distribution Channel, Sales Channel, Application, End Use & Region - Forecast 2022-2032. - Review and Request to Access the Sample PDF. About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting service provider, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the UK, the U.S., and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rising-popularity-of-electric-vehicles-and-renewables-propels-permanent-magnet-motor-market-to-new-height-302061773.html Abu Dhabi's Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia, and the Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development of Serbia. This landmark collaboration aims to leverage the technical expertise of ATRC and its subsidiaries for integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Serbia's technological infrastructure. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214719869/en/ His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC, Mihailo Jovanovic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia and Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for AI Research and Development of Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2024. (Photo: AETOSWire) Under the terms of the MoU, Serbia will support the adoption of the ATRC's Falcon large language models (LLM) and explore avenues of collaboration with ATRC around Falcon-powered solutions. Furthermore, both entities will work together to encourage organizations from Serbia to join the Falcon Foundation and contribute to the success of open-source Falcon models. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC, Mihailo Jovanovic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia, and Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for AI Research and Development of Serbia, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2024. Expressing optimism about the alliance, His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC said: "AI is a powerful catalyst for innovation and progress. The collaboration between ATRC, the Serbian Ministry of IT, and its Institute of AI Research and Development, marks a critical milestone as we witness an increasing global interest in adopting Falcon. Our shared commitment to the Falcon open-source models ensures a dynamic and inclusive approach to advancing AI capabilities worldwide." For his part, Mihailo Jovanovic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia said, "We are taking a step further and thanks to the expertise of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), we are starting to use and apply Falcon open source models for the development of AI in Serbia. This step forward will help us in further implementation of modernization projects within the Serbia 2027 Programme and strengthen the position of Serbia as a technological and digital leader in the region of Southeast Europe." Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for AI Research and Development of Serbia, also remarked: "We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with ATRC. By integrating Falcon open-source models across the board, we aim to drive breakthroughs in AI research and development. Partnerships with governments worldwide are crucial for creating an environment where innovation flourishes, ensuring that AI becomes a driving force for positive change." The Falcon LLMs are a family of powerful, open-source large language models developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, ATRC's applied research arm. The partnership marks a significant stride in exporting Falcon's capability at a country level beyond the Middle East, laying the groundwork for global collaborative initiatives that will shape the future of technological innovation. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214719869/en/ Contacts: Jennifer Dewan, Senior Director of Communications jennifer.dewan@tii.ae GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Buckle up, logistics enthusiasts! The United Arab Emirates' logistics market is soaring to new heights, fueled by a booming economy, strategic location, and the ever-expanding e-commerce sector. Ken Research's "UAE Logistics Market Outlook to 2027" report predicts a remarkable 7.8% CAGR, translating to a staggering $52.6 billion market size by 2027. This press release unlocks the key drivers, challenges, and exciting prospects waiting to be explored in this dynamic realm. Market Overview: Connecting the World, Powering Progress Beyond physical movement of goods, the UAE's logistics market is playing a pivotal role in regional and global trade, supporting economic growth and diversification. In 2022, the market reached a size of $34.2 billion, and it's poised for exponential growth, driven by: Strategic Location: The UAE, situated at the crossroads of East and West, offers unparalleled connectivity to key markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe. The UAE, situated at the crossroads of East and West, offers unparalleled connectivity to key markets in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Diversified Economy: The shift towards non-oil sectors like tourism, manufacturing, and technology is stimulating logistics demand across various industries. The shift towards non-oil sectors like tourism, manufacturing, and technology is stimulating logistics demand across various industries. E-commerce Surge: The UAE's booming e-commerce market, with one of the highest adoption rates globally, requires efficient and reliable last-mile delivery solutions. The UAE's booming e-commerce market, with one of the highest adoption rates globally, requires efficient and reliable last-mile delivery solutions. Government Initiatives: Vision 2021 and Dubai Logistics Master Plan 2040 emphasize infrastructure development and technological advancements, fostering a supportive environment for the sector. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Market Segmentation: A Diverse Landscape of Services The report delves into the diverse segments of the UAE's logistics market, offering a comprehensive view: Transportation: Road transportation dominates (60%), followed by airfreight (25%) and maritime transport (15%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Road transportation dominates (60%), followed by airfreight (25%) and maritime transport (15%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Logistics Services: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (65%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (15%). Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (65%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (15%). End-User Industry: Retail & e-commerce leads the demand (30%), followed by construction & building materials (25%) and oil & gas (20%). Healthcare and manufacturing are emerging segments. Competitive Landscape: Global Giants & Local Champions The market features a blend of established global players, regional leaders, and innovative startups: Global Titans: DP World, DHL, and FedEx hold significant market share with their extensive networks and global expertise. DP World, DHL, and FedEx hold significant market share with their extensive networks and global expertise. Regional Powerhouses: Aramex and Agility Logistics excel in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering customized solutions. Aramex and Agility Logistics excel in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering customized solutions. Emerging Innovators: Local startups like Fetchr and TrukTruk are leveraging technology and focusing on niche segments like express delivery and on-demand trucking. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Challenges: Navigating the Roadblocks to Growth Despite the promising outlook, some challenges need to be addressed: Infrastructure Gaps: While significant infrastructure investments are underway, bottlenecks in warehousing capacity and last-mile connectivity persist. While significant infrastructure investments are underway, bottlenecks in warehousing capacity and last-mile connectivity persist. Skilled Workforce Shortage: Attracting and retaining qualified personnel across the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel across the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Competition & Price Pressure: Intense competition can lead to price wars, impacting profitability, especially for smaller players. Intense competition can lead to price wars, impacting profitability, especially for smaller players. Technological Disruption: Rapidly evolving technologies like automation and artificial intelligence require continuous adaptation and investment. Future Outlook: A Brighter Tomorrow Fueled by Innovation The UAE's logistics market is poised for continued growth, driven by several exciting factors: Technological Advancements: Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer experience. Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer experience. Focus on Sustainability: Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Regional Integration: Growing partnerships and trade agreements within the GCC and wider region will create new opportunities. Growing partnerships and trade agreements within the GCC and wider region will create new opportunities. Government Support: Continued investments in infrastructure and policies promoting innovation will solidify the UAE's position as a global logistics hub. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: This report offers valuable insights for various stakeholders in the UAE's logistics market, including: Logistics Companies: Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and focusing on sustainability practices. Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and focusing on sustainability practices. Investors: Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Policymakers: Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and foster a competitive yet sustainable market environment. Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and foster a competitive yet sustainable market environment. Clients & Consumers: Gaining insights into the diverse range of logistics services available, choosing the right providers based on their needs, and benefiting from improved efficiency and affordability. Request free 30 minutes analyst call Taxonomy UAE Logistics Market Segmentation By Service Mix Freight Forwarding Warehousing Courier, Express Parcel Market Value Added Services UAE Freight Forwarding Market Segmentation By Mode of Transport Sea Road Air Rail By type of Freight End Users Retail Automobile Pharma Others UAE Warehouse Market Segmentation By Business Model Industrial/Retail Warehouses CFS/ICD Warehouses Cold Storage Agriculture and Other Warehouses By End-Users Retail including Garments, Cosmetics Automotive & Engineering E- Commerce Pharma/ Healthcare Others UAE CEP Market Segmentation By Domestic/ International Shipments Domestic Shipment International Shipment By End-Users E-Commerce Retail Others For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: - UAE Logistics Market Related Reports by Ken Research: - Vietnam Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Infrastructural and Government Investments Coupled with the Growth of E-Commerce Sector in Vietnam Market Size of Vietnam Logistics is expected to show increasing trend from 2022 to 2027. This is owing to rising economy, adoption of e-commerce, China plus one strategy and initiatives by the government. Also, development of roads across Vietnam for better connectivity under Vision 2030 is expected to add to the efficiency of logistic related operations. Indonesia Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 driven by high growth in E-Commerce, government policies attracting foreign investors & promising manufacturing sector. According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Indonesia Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2027 at CAGR of 10%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. KSA Logistics Market Outlook to 2026 driven by infrastructural enhancement, administration & regulatory reforms, privatization of logistics sector According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of KSA Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2026 at CAGR of 5.7%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. Singapore Logistics Industry Outlook to 2028 Driven by Driven by growing investment in transport infrastructure and transformation towards digital economy According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Singapore Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2019 to 2022. The Singapore logistics sector supports the second-largest economy on the continent, and is relatively sophisticated. Local and international companies use Singapore as gateway for their operations into Africa. The logistics operators are making significant investments in automation and digitalization in order to address security concerns, improve loss prevention as well as efficiency. Follow Us - LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth Ankur@kenresearch.com +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/uae-logistics-market-gears-up-for-takeoff-52-6-billion-boom-by-2027-fueled-by-trade--e-commerce-ken-research-302061870.html LONDON, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sea Tutors, premium provider of yacht-based private tutors, revealed what ultra-high net worth (UHNW) parents prioritise when it comes to their children's education. Sea Tutors, which was recognised as the "Best Specialist Private Tuition Company 2023 - UK" in Corporate Vision Magazine's Education and Training Awards, is renowned for providing a specialised private tuition service at sea, summarised the educational priorities of UHNW parents. The top five priorities are: Global Mobility and Flexibility: They prefer curricula that are internationally recognized and transferable, as their lifestyle often involves frequent relocations. Cultural Adaptation and Language Skills: Emphasis is placed on learning new languages and adapting to different cultural environments. Personalised Education: Tailored learning experiences that cater to individual interests and strengths are highly valued. University Preparation: There is a strong focus on preparing students for admission to prestigious universities. Holistic Development: Beyond academics, parents seek education that nurtures well-rounded development, encouraging sports, arts, hobbies and social skills. Strength-based education to support these educational priorities A strength-based education method is seen as more engaging and effective, moving away from the confines of conventional classroom learning. Traditional education methods, which may not align with the modern world, can create a disconnect between the learner and the subject matter. In contrast, a strength-based approach fosters a strong, natural connection between the student and their studies, transforming learning into a lifelong journey that promotes personal growth and aligns with the student's aptitudes. Education tailored to a child's strengths and interests not only prepares them for globalised living but also equips them for the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Therefore, a strength-based, personalised educational approach is deemed essential for equipping children with the skills and knowledge needed for contemporary and future challenges, making it an ideal choice for UHNW families. The unique benefits of full-time private tutoring in supporting these priorities More families every year are choosing to educate their children outside of the traditional classroom environment for a variety of different reasons, from special educational needs to family, work, and travel commitments. Adam Caller, Founder of Sea Tutors, comments: "Our clients travel extensively, because of their work or simply because they are in a privileged position to do so. Wealthy parents can afford to give their children unique learning experiences across the globe, and private tuition ensures education is consistent, uninterrupted by travel plans, while making the most of the opportunities travel and flexibility brings." The personalised education that private tutoring offers ensures learning is adapted to a student's individual interests and strengths, allowing a deeper, more meaningful engagement with the subject. Private tutoring caters precisely to the educational expectations of UHNW families, offering a bespoke experience that supports their children's diverse and mobile lifestyles, while focusing on a strength-based method of education personalises the learning experience according to the child's unique interests and talents. Images Sea Tutors logo Article image About Sea Tutors Sea Tutors was recognised as the "Best Specialist Private Tuition Company 2023 - UK" in Corporate Vision Magazine's Education and Training Awards. Sea Tutors leverages Tutors International 's prowess to pioneer an academic structure that transforms life on the ocean waves into an oasis of learning and growth. Contact +44 (0)20 3637 3337 marketing@tutors-international.com Tutors International Prama House 267 Banbury Road Summertown, Oxford OX2 7HT England Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340364/Tutors_International.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2284355/4544673/sea_tutors_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sea-tutors-reveals-how-strength-based-education-aligns-with-the-top-educational-priorities-for-uhnw-families-302061955.html CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Discovery Education and its content partners offer educators and students nationwide a new collection of engaging digital learning resources supporting Engineers Week activities. Established in 1951, Engineers Week immerses students in the future of engineering and helps create pathways for students seeking engineering careers. Discovery Education is the worldwide?edtech?leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform nurtures curiosity and supports learning wherever it takes place. Occurring February 18-24 and focusing on the theme "Welcome to the Future," Engineers Week nurtures student's curiosity in engineering while showing how engineering changes the world. To support this theme, Discovery Education provides educators, students, and families with a new collection of resources that can be used in any learning environment. The following resources are available for users of the award-winning Discovery Education Experience K-12 learning platform: In a new DE Original, students in grades PK-5 discover the engineering behind the popular Three Little Pigs story and learn how the pigs' discoveries can be applied to real-life engineering situations. The National Science Foundation: Profiles of Scientists and Engineers channel introduces students to the next generation of engineers and scientists in video profiles of young professionals in the engineering and science fields. The Inventors and Innovators channel features prominent figures in history whose engineering have changed the world. From Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers to Hedy Lamarr and George Washington Carver and many more, students learn about incredible feats of engineering and science. In addition, for users of the award-winning Mystery Science service, the Engineering Collection offers open-and-go lessons that inspire students to love science and explore engineering. Mystery Science is an engaging standards-aligned science curriculum for grades K-5 designed to help students stay curious. In this collection of 45-minute engineering lessons, Mystery Guides lead no prep, open-and-go lessons with step-by-step hands-on activities exploring scientific phenomena using common classroom items. "Having access to Discovery Education is like having a series of keys to an educational vault. Each activity provides engaging lessons that provide a wealth of information and accessibility for all students," said Keith Fursetenberg, an educator in Georgia. Among the free resources created in collaboration with leading corporate partners are: Career Exploration Tools The STEM Careers Coalition offers a curated collection of career profile videos spotlighting engineering professionals in STEM. Students can easily make the connection between classrooms and careers with the videos and accompanying lessons, activities, and hands-on student activations. Virtual Field Trips The Reach for the Sky Virtual Reality experience from Reach for the Sky - designed with Edge at Hudson Yards - is a one-of-a-kind experience in which students can control their journey and interact with their environment as they explore learning hotspots, visit a weather observation station, and take flight with a drone through the New York City skyline. The virtual field trip with Trane Technologies as part of the Sustainable Futures program gives students a unique, up-close look at how employees across that company are using engineering and other disciplines to create comfortable, clean, and energy-efficient solutions for homes, buildings, and transportation. The Science & Behavior of Safe Driving: It Takes All of Us Virtual Field Trip helps students learn about safe driving as they visit Honda's one-of-a-kind Automotive Safety Research Facility in Raymond, Ohio and the Driving Simulation Laboratory at The Ohio State University to see the safety and engineering behind vehicle design. This virtual field trip is from Honda Safety Driven, a new national safety program and education initiative empowering students nationwide to use safe driving skills as a roadmap to become responsible decision-makers. Student Activities and Challenges As the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the grand prize winner, 10 finalists, four honorable mentions, and up to 51 state merit winners - nationwide and in Washington D.C. - who have demonstrated a passion for using science to solve everyday problems and improve the world around them. This year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge offers innovative ways for students to engage in science and engineering through new entry topics, including Robotics, Home Improvement, Automotive, Safety, AR/VR, and Climate Tech. Competition entries are accepted until the deadline on May 2, 2024. With Science Fair Central - a program with The Home Depot - educators and families discover over 100 science and engineering project starters, student planning guides, judging tools, and hands-on activities that help educators connect STEM learnings. The resources challenge students to design a device using magnetism to fish trash from local waterways, use characteristics of an armadillo's shell to create an architectural design solution, build catapults and trebuchets for a physics class mini-challenge, experiment with materials to insulate and cool a beverage, and more. "Nurturing student curiosity is the first step to learning. With these free resources, teachers can encourage students to think about the engineering in the world around them, and how they might use engineering to create a better future," said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education. For more information about Discovery Education's award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. ### About Discovery Education Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 100 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com. Contacts Stephen Wakefield Discovery Education Email: swakefield@discoveryed.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Discovery Education on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Discovery Education Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/discovery-education Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Discovery Education View the original press release on accesswire.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Orea Mining Corp. (TSX: OREA) (OTCQB: OREAF) (FSE: 3CG) ("Orea" or the "Company") is providing an update to its default status report last filed on January 30, 2023. The Company reports that it has exhausted all possible options to move the Company and the Montagne d'Or gold project forward due to the extenuating circumstances resulting from international sanctions imposed against its joint venture partner Nord Gold plc ("Nordgold"). Nordgold is solely responsible under the terms of the joint venture to fund all project expenditures, with Orea being fully carried. Nordgold has not provided funding in nearly 2 years since the Russian invasion of the Ukraine, and under sanctions regulations, Orea is also restricted from directly funding Montagne d'Or expenditures. Orea's proposal to acquire Nordgold's 55.01% interest in Montagne d'Or received approvals or non-objections from all applicable jurisdictions but was not approved by the Canadian government. Orea's situation has become untenable with no viable legal path for Orea to advance the Montagne d'Or project in the absence of Canadian government approval. Effective immediately, all officers including the CEO, CFO and Corporate Secretary have resigned, and all directors have also resigned from the board. Prior to its resignation, the Board appointed Danielle Sweeting as an authorized signatory. Mrs. Sweeting will be identifying suitable professionals and advisors to proceed, if applicable, with the orderly wind-up of the Company. Mrs. Sweeting is a long-time employee, familiar with all of the Company's systems and records. Further, the Company advises that it will not be filing its audited annual financial statements and corresponding management's discussion and analysis, and the Annual Information Form (AIF) for the year ended September 30, 2023, including the CEO and CFO certifications that were due to be filed by the required regulatory filing deadline of December 29, 2023. Danielle Sweeting Authorized Signatory Orea Mining Corp. For more information contact: 604-634-0970 ir@oreamining.com This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "endeavors", "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the wind-up of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, risks that the Company cannot retain a trustee or legal advisor to proceed with the wind-up of the Company. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, the assumption that the Company will successfully retain a trustee or legal advisor to proceed with the wind-up of the Company. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197897 SOURCE: Orea Mining Corp. Edison Histotripsy System Selected for Competitive Accelerated Market Access Program HistoSonics, (www.histosonics.com), the manufacturer of the Edison System and novel histotripsy therapy platforms, announced today that the company's Edison System has been selected to participate in the UK's newly created Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) Pilot Program designed to accelerate the development of cost-effective medical devices and their integration into the UK market. Applications to compete for one of the 8 available places in the highly sought after UK program began in 2023 and was open to UK and international commercial and non-commercial developers with new health technology solutions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214369417/en/ The IDAP Pilot Program was designed and developed by a partnership of the Department of Health and Social Care, The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), NHS England, Health Technology Wales, and Scottish Health Technology Group to test the IDAP pathway and to expedite the incorporation of novel medical technologies that have demonstrated the potential to meaningful address the UK's top healthcare concerns of today, as well as in the future. The Edison Histotripsy System was measured against four distinct eligibility criteria that were required of applicants for consideration in the IDAP program. Applicants must have met the following in order to be considered for the IDAP Pilot Program: 1) the technology addresses a life-threatening or seriously debilitating condition and there is a significant patient need, 2) the technology is innovative and transformative, 3) the technology will provide system wide benefit, and 4) the technology clearly helps to address one of the following Life Sciences Vision's Healthcare Missions. In addition to meeting the eligibility criterion set, the IDAP program enlisted patient experts in the shortlisting and selection of the eight innovative and transformative medical devices that were eventually chosen to participate. "Selection to the IDAP program is validation of our team's purpose of meaningfully changing the lives of patients suffering from life-threatening conditions, starting in the liver, kidney and soon in the pancreas. The criteria set forth for the IDAP Pilot Program align extremely well with our company's goals of providing access to innovative, non-invasive treatment to all those who may benefit from histotripsy's unique benefits across diverse health systems," said Mike Blue, HistoSonics CEO and President. "Our experience conducting clinical trials in the UK has provided us with both the clinical outcomes and patient experiences that fulfill the rigorous criteria set by the MHRA, and we look forward to continuing the progress we've made in establishing the patient benefits of histotripsy across the UK," added Blue. The science of histotripsy uses focused sound energy to produce controlled acoustic cavitation that mechanically destroys and liquifies targeted tissue, including tumors, at sub-cellular levels. HistoSonics' Edison System uses proprietary technology and advanced imaging to deliver personalized, non-invasive histotripsy treatments with precision and control. The company believes that the novel mechanism of action of their proprietary technology may provide significant advantages to patients, including the ability of the treatment site to recover and resorb quickly. Uniquely, the HistoSonics' platform also provides physicians the ability to monitor the destruction of tissue under continuous real-time visualization and control, unlike any modality that exists today. The Edison System is indicated for the non-invasive destruction of liver tumors, including unresectable liver tumors, using a non-thermal, mechanical process of focused ultrasound. About HistoSonics HistoSonics is a privately held medical device company developing a non-invasive platform and proprietary sonic beam therapy utilizing the science of histotripsy, a novel mechanism of action that uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy and liquify unwanted tissue and tumors. The company is currently focused on commercializing their Edison System in the US and select global markets for liver treatment while expanding histotripsy applications into other organs like kidney, pancreas, and others. HistoSonics has offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Minneapolis, MN. For more information please visit: www.histosonics.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214369417/en/ Contacts: Josh King Vice President of Marketing Email: Joshua.king@histosonics.com Phone: 608.332.8124 JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - UN Humanitarian chief has warned tat the ongoing Israeli military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza and put a fragile humanitarian operation at death's door. Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, said in a statement that the scenario that has been long dreaded is unraveling at alarming speed. More than half of Gaza's population - well over 1 million people - are crammed in Rafah, staring death in the face: They have little to eat, hardly any access to medical care, nowhere to sleep, nowhere safe to go. They, like the entire population of Gaza, are the victims of an assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope. More than 28,000 people - mostly women and children - have been killed across Gaza, according to the Ministry of Health. For more than four months, humanitarian workers have been doing the near-impossible to assist people in need, despite the risks they themselves were facing and the traumas they were enduring. 'But no amount of dedication and goodwill is enough to keep millions of people alive, fed and protected - while the bombs are falling and the aid is choked off,' Griffiths said. He added that humanitarian workers who are shot at, held at gunpoint, attacked and killed. 'We lack the safety guarantees, the aid supplies and the staff capacity to keep this operation afloat'. The Government of Israel continues its deadly military operation ignoring calls from the international community warning against the dangerous consequences of any ground invasion in Rafah. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg), Uzbekistan's largest privately-held oil and gas company, has announced the acquisition of CGC Lubricants Italy, an Italian producer of high-quality automotive and industrial oils and lubricants. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in Saneg's expansion into the European market and strengthens its position as a technological leader in the lubricants industry. In addition, CGC Lubricants Italy has finalised a strategic cooperation agreement with SEG Motol, a Saneg subsidiary that is a leading manufacturer of technical oils in Uzbekistan. Bakhtiyor Fazilov, Chairman of the Management Board of Saneg, said: "This acquisition is a significant landmark in Saneg's ongoing business expansion strategy. The synergy between the two companies will not only expand Saneg's reach into the European market but also solidify its position as a technological leader in the lubricants industry within Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The acquisition aligns with Saneg's commitment to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable development, driving the company towards becoming a global leader in the lubricants sector." Tulkin Yusupov, Saneg's CEO, said: "CGC Lubricants Italy's expertise in developing and producing high-performance lubricants will be instrumental in enhancing Saneg's oil production capabilities. The company's Bari plant houses a fully accredited R&D laboratory, which is continuously innovating and developing a wide range of new lubricants. This expertise will be integrated into Saneg's Fergana Oil Refinery (FNPZ), leveraging CGC Lubricants Italy's advanced technologies and know-how to elevate the production of lubricants in Uzbekistan." Highlights: Saneg acquires CGC Lubricants Italy, an Italian producer of automotive and industrial oils and lubricants. The acquisition expands Saneg's footprint into the European market and strengthens its position in the lubricants industry. The acquisition will enhance SANEG's ability to supply high-tech lubricants to the Uzbek and European markets. The synergy between Saneg and CGC Lubricants Italy positions Saneg as a technological leader in the lubricants market of Central Asia. Uzbek SEG Motol, a subsidiary of Saneg, forms strategic partnership with CGC Lubricants. Saneg's acquisition of CGC Lubricants Italy brings together two established players in the lubricants industry. CGC Lubricants Italy boasts a state-of-the-art production plant in Bari, Italy, employing 19 skilled professionals, and a commercial office in Rome with 11 employees. The company's production processes are highly automated, ensuring efficiency and consistency in the manufacturing of over 200 types of lubricants. The company's Bari plant includes a fully accredited research and development (R&D) laboratory, continuously innovating and refining formulations for a wide range of lubricants. CGC Lubricants Italy will serve as a strategic supplier of high-tech commercial lubricants to FNPZ, ensuring a seamless supply of essential lubricants to the Uzbek market and beyond. Within three years, Saneg aims to fully localize the production of CGC Lubricants Italy's products in Uzbekistan, further strengthening its domestic manufacturing capabilities. The acquisition also provides Saneg with a substantial share of the Italian and European lubricants market, as Saneg will gain immediate access to CGC Lubricants Italy's extensive distribution network across Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, where up to 26 thousand tons of products are supplied annually. SEG Motol's agreement with CGC Lubricants Italy will enable a collaboration encompassing scientific, technological, commercial, and marketing spheres. Key elements include sharing expertise in lubricant formulations and production technologies, as well pursuing European safety certificates for FNPZ-produced base oils to enable their utilisation in the production of commercial oils and lubricants. The agreement also extends to joint marketing initiatives aimed at promoting the Saneg and SEG Motol brands across Uzbekistan, Central Asia, Italy, and the European Union. About Saneg Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg) (Jizzakh Petroleum until November 2021) was established in 2017 with the aim of expanding the country's production capacities for the deep processing of hydrocarbon raw materials and the production of high-quality petroleum products, as well as increasing the export potential of Uzbekistan's oil and gas industry. Saneg is Uzbekistan's largest private oil and gas company which owns the subsoil rights to 103 deposits for geological exploration and extraction, and which accounts for about 80% of oil production in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The company employs over 5,000 people. The production facilities of the company are in Karshi, Mubarek, Fergana and Andijan. About CGC Lubricants Italy S.p.A CGC Lubricants Italy S.p.A. is a leading Italian company with three decades of experience in the lubricants industry, specializing in the production and sale of oils and lubricants. The company's production facility is located in Bari, while its headquarters are situated in Rome. CGC Lubricants Italy manufactures a comprehensive range of oils and lubricants that meet the stringent requirements of European automotive manufacturers and producers of modern industrial equipment. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340321/CGC_Lubricants.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340322/Saneg_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/saneg-announces-acquisition-of-oil-and-lubricants-producer-cgc-lubricants-italy-302062071.html WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California partially dismissed the lawsuit by comedian Sarah Silverman and several other book authors against OpenAI, for violating their copyrights by training AI models ChatGPT3.5 and ChatGPT4 based on their books without consent. The case initially filed by Sarah Silverman, Christopher Golden, Richard Kadrey, Paul Tremblay, and Mona Awad, who later left the lawsuit in August, accused OpenAI of direct copyright infringement, vicarious infringement, violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act or DMCA by removing copyright management information, unfair competition, negligence, and unjust enrichment. However, Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin ruled in favor of OpenAI's motion, filed last summer, by dismissing all the counts except direct copyright infringement and unfair competition. She ordered, 'Assuming the truth of Plaintiffs' allegations, that Defendants used Plaintiffs' copyrighted works to train their language models for commercial profit. The Court concludes that Defendants' conduct may constitute an unfair practice. Therefore, this portion of the UCL claim may proceed'. Speaking on the copyright infringement, Martinez-Olguin commented that, 'Nowhere in plaintiffs' complaint do they allege that defendants reproduced and distributed copies of their books.' Therefore, the plaintiffs' claim of pirating their works could not be upheld against OpenAI, unless they 'show a substantial similarity between the outputs and the copyrighted materials.' The judge also hinted that the unfair competition claim might be pre-empted by the federal Copyright Act. The Court is also indecisive about whether using copyrighted work to train AI models falls under copyright law's fair use principle. The judge advised the plaintiffs to amend the lawsuit and re-file it by March 13. Silverman had earlier filed a similar case against Meta Platforms's (META) large language model Llama 2, of which the copyright infringement claim is currently under the discovery phase, whereas the other subordinate claims were dismissed by the judge. Similarly, OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, is facing copyright lawsuits from The Authors Guild, The New York Times, and well-known authors like George R.R. Martin and John Grisham. Copyright(c) 2024 RTTNews.com. All Rights Reserved Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Video-Workshop: Das kleine Einmaleins der Charttechnik In diesem kostenlosen Video-Workshop von Stefan Klotter lernen Sie alles uber Charttechnik. Lassen Sie sich diesen kostenfreien Workshop nicht entgehen! Hier klicken WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The US Patent and Trademark Office or USPTO published guidelines on Tuesday stating that artificial intelligence can assist in inventions but only a human being can be named as an inventor on a patent. The guidelines effective from February 13, reflect the President's Executive Order, which focuses on making the U.S. the frontrunner of AI technology. The patent regulator ensured inventors that their inventions involving AI can still be patented if they show human creativity and ingenuity. The USPTO gave a hypothetical example where an inventor who simply asks an AI chatbot to design a critical part for a remote-control car would not be eligible for a patent on the car, because he or she didn't make enough of a contribution to the car's invention, CNN reports. 'Maintaining 'intellectual domination' over an AI system does not, on its own, make a person an inventor,' the USPTO said. 'However, a significant contribution could be shown by the way the person constructs the prompt in view of a specific problem to elicit a particular solution from the AI system.' The recent guidelines stem from the Thaler v. Vidal case, where the researcher Stephen Thaler had named his AI system, DABUS, as the sole inventor in a patent application, which was later denied by the USPTO, followed by a U.S. court's ruling supporting the regulator's decision to avail patent to 'natural persons' only. 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. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Alaska Air Group's (ALK) flight attendants' union recently approved a potential strike, which is the first of its kind in thirty years. The decision comes as cabin crew members from three unions across the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Guam, rally for better wages outside airports. Negotiations for a new contract have been ongoing since December 2022, and the recent strike authorization vote is a common strategy used by unions during negotiations, which doesn't necessarily guarantee an immediate strike. Nevertheless, a majority of Alaska Airlines flight attendants who participated in the vote supported the authorization, demonstrating their commitment to securing a more favorable contract. The Association of Flight Attendants Alaska President, Jeffrey Peterson, expressed his support for the strike vote, stating, 'Alaska flight attendants today backed up our fight for an industry-leading contract with a 99.48% strike vote. We're ready to do whatever it takes to get the contract we deserve. There's no excuse: Alaska management has the money to buy another airline, they certainly have the money to invest in flight attendants.' On the other hand, the airline management has expressed a willingness to reach an agreement. They have highlighted their efforts to provide competitive pay and benefits and agreed that flight attendants deserve a new contract. Talks between the flight attendants' representatives and management are currently being mediated by the National Mediation Board, and further steps such as a cooling-off period or arbitration may follow. It's worth noting that the negotiations come at a time when cabin crews from two dozen other airlines, including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines, are also negotiating new contracts. Despite the strike vote, the likelihood of an actual strike remains uncertain, as both parties continue to work towards a resolution. In the meantime, President Biden could create a Presidential Emergency Board to avert a strike, but if his administration doesn't take that step, then, and only then, could Alaska's flight attendants stop flying. 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. Top Five Conveyor Car Wash Company Opens New Burlington, WI, and Liberty, TX, Locations THOMASTON, GA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Tidal Wave Auto Spa, one of the nation's fastest-growing express car wash companies, celebrated the grand opening of two brand-new locations this week in Burlington, WI, and Liberty, TX. The Burlington location is the company's first Wisconsin express wash and extends Tidal Wave's footprint to 24 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States. To celebrate the Grand Openings, both new locations are offering eight days of free car washes from February 14-February 21. This limited-time promotion provides an opportunity for car owners to experience Tidal Wave's premium wash option, Graph-X4, at no cost. Additionally, any new customer that joins a Clean Club unlimited wash membership plan during Grand Opening week will enjoy their first month of unlimited washes for only $9.97 - saving up to $40. "We're thrilled to add Wisconsin to our footprint and continue growing in Texas this week," said Tidal Wave Auto Spa founder and CEO Scott Blackstock. "The opportunity to bring our car wash experience to more folks is what it's all about, and we're excited to join the Burlington and Liberty communities this week. Our goal is to make car care easy, efficient, and enjoyable, and our teams are looking forward to serving both communities with our convenient and industry-leading car wash experience for years to come." Burlington, WI Location: 357 Wegge Court, Burlington, WI 53105 Liberty, TX Location: 3109 N Main Street, Liberty, TX 77575 Tidal Wave has plans for continued expansion throughout Wisconsin in 2024 and will open additional brand-new locations in Beaver Dam, Platteville, Marshfield, and Weston later this year. The company currently operates 14 locations in Texas and will open new locations in Texarkana, Hillsboro, El Paso, Early, Silsbee and more in the coming months. Tidal Wave Auto Spa is committed to providing every customer with an exceptional car wash experience through industry-leading car care technology, clean and attractive locations, and friendly customer service at every location. Stop by for a single wash or join Tidal Wave's Clean Club for the ultimate experience. Members can wash every day of the month for one convenient monthly payment and save time with exclusive club member wash lanes - plus, memberships can be used at any Tidal Wave location. For those needing to wash multiple cars, Tidal Wave offers discounted monthly family plans and fleet plans for businesses with five or more vehicles. For additional information, including upcoming locations, fundraising, fleet plans, and more, please visit: https://www.tidalwaveautospa.com/. About Tidal Wave Auto Spa Tidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of their 235 locations sprawling 24 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave is one of the top five conveyor car wash companies in the country and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list for America's Fastest Growing Companies since 2020. The company was recognized as a 2023 Champion of Charity Honoree by Professional Carwashing & Detailing and has raised over $3 million dollars for organizations in their communities. Contact Information Heather Coleman Marketing Manager media@tidalwaveautospa.com Andrea Traylor Senior Director of Digital Marketing andrea.traylor@tidalwaveautospa.com 2058212220 SOURCE: Tidal Wave Auto Spa View the original press release on newswire.com. EQS Post-admission Duties announcement: Adtran Holdings, Inc. / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] Adtran Holdings, Inc.: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution 14.02.2024 / 22:40 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Post-admission Duties announcement according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 WpHG transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. On 13 February 2024, BlackRock, Inc. and its subsidiaries BlackRock, Inc., BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. and BlackRock Holdco 2, Inc. (together referred to as the "Notifying Parties"), London EC2N 2DL, United Kingdom, submitted, in connection with the voting rights notification pursuant to Sections 33, 34 WpHG, a notification according to Section 43 WpHG to Adtran Holdings, Inc. as set out below: The crossing of the thresholds do not result from acquisitions by the Notifying Parties but from attributions from investment managers and advisors which qualify as subsidiaries of at least one of the Notifying Parties and to which the voting rights are attributed In respect of the aims underlying the purchase of the voting rights, we, the Notifying Parties, notify that: 1. The investments are aimed at both implementing strategic objectives and at generating a trading profit. This results from Notifying Parties' overall intention to gain maximum returns for BlackRock's clients on both a short and a long term basis. 2. We plan to acquire further voting rights within the next twelve months by means of a purchase or by any other means. Because our intention is to gain maximum returns for BlackRock's clients and therefore we may also sell shares. 3. We intend to exert an influence on the appointment or removal of members of the issuer's administrative, managing and supervisory bodies. We will continue to exercise our right to vote at the company's annual general meeting, and any special general meetings should they be called in the best interests of our clients. 4. We do not intend to achieve a material change in the company's capital structure, in particular as regards the ratio between own funds and external funds and the dividend policy. However, we might vote on such topics in the same way we set out in no. 3. In respect of the origin of the funds used, we, the Notifying Parties, notify that: Client funds were used in order to finance the purchase of the voting rights. 14.02.2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.eqs-news.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Hypercharge Networks Corp. (NEO: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) (the "Company" or "Hypercharge"), a leading, smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions provider, is announcing the release of its unaudited financial results for the three months and nine months ended December 31, 2023. All dollar figures are in Canadian Dollars, unless otherwise stated. Business and Pipeline Highlights (for the three months ended December 31, 2023): Signed sales orders for 276 Level 2 and DC fast charging ports in the three months ended December 31, 2023 for a total of over 2,800 charging ports sold since commencing business operations in June 2021. Sold and delivered 307 charging ports in the three months ended December 31, 2023 for a total of over 1,650 charging ports since commencing business operations in June 2021. Processed a sales order pursuant to a supply agreement dated December 20, 2023 between the Company and a Western Canadian energy infrastructure provider for up to 12 DC fast charging locations to be deployed in Western Canada, worth an estimated $2,000,000-$3,000,000 in revenue. Reduced general and administration expenditures, net of non-cash expenses, by $275,575 (24%) and $499,574 (37%) compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023 and June 30, 2023, respectively. As such, the Company strategically reallocated these resources with investment in sales and marketing initiatives and research and development efforts over the same period. Increased EV charging sites under management to 271, an increase of 167 (161%) year over year for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2023. Increased the number of drivers using the Hypercharge mobile app in the quarter by 2,370 (33%) to over 9,600 users. Launched three (3) new products: 1) Hypercharge Home, the Company's residential Level 2 EV Charging Station for single-family homes; 2) Eevion Integrated Charging, a cloud-based platform that integrates the Hypercharge EV charging network into any third-party app, platform, or system; and 3) the Hypercharge Carbon Credit Program, administering carbon credits for select commercial and multifamily properties across certain areas of North America. Received the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade Business Distinction Award for Business Growth under $5,000,000 in revenue. Financial Highlights (for the nine months ended December 31, 2023): For the nine months ended December 31, 2023, the Company's revenue was $2,004,629, an increase of 28% compared to $1,562,987 in the nine months ended November 30, 2022. Gross margin increased to 35% from 20% in the comparable period. Operating expenses increased from $4,442,902 in the comparable period to $7,188,957 (an increase of 62%) for the nine months ended December 31, 2023. The increase in operating expenses of $2,746,055 during the nine months ended December 31, 2023, are attributable to the Company's early stages of business in the comparable period and are comprised of $1,385,576 in non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses, and $1,360,479 in increased direct and variable costs. Financial Highlights (for the three months ended December 31, 2023): For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company's gross profit increased to $178,658 (4%) compared to $172,011 in the three months ended November 30, 2023. Gross margin increased to 31% compared to 15% in the comparative period, due primarily to increased sales volume of higher margin AC chargers and new SaaS subscriptions and recurring SaaS revenues. For the three months ended December 31, 2023, the Company's revenue was $581,822, a decrease of 48% compared to $1,123,071 in the three months ended November 30, 2022. Operating expenses increased from $1,882,276 in the comparable period to $2,640,079 (an increase of 40%) for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Operating expenses are comprised of general and administrative expenses, sales and marketing expenses and research and development. The increased operating expenses of $757,803 during the three months ended December 31, 2023 are attributable to $687,239 in non-cash expenses and non-recurring expenses, and $70,564 in increased direct and variable costs. "Reflecting on this quarter's results, our focus remains on providing value-added EV charging services to our growing number of sites under management, controlling our operating expenses, and focusing on long-term growth," said David Bibby, President and CEO of Hypercharge. "Despite current economic conditions leading to longer delivery cycles affecting revenue in the quarter, we are pleased with our strong margins and focused on building a growing backlog." Total assets as at December 31, 2023 were $7,384,703, (a 15% increase from $6,404,576 for the year ended March 31, 2023). As at December 31, 2023, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $4,367,649. Summary of Key Financial Measures: A summary of selected financial information for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and the three months ended November 30, 2022, is as follows: Three months ended Three months ended December 31, 2023 November 30, 20221 Revenue $ 581,822 $ 1,123,071 Gross margin 31% 15% Net and comprehensive loss $ (2,425,375 ) $ (1,662,365 ) Basic and diluted loss per share $ (0.04 ) $ (0.03 ) 1As a result of the Company's change in year-end, the comparative period reflects the three months ended November 30, 2022. For more information, please refer to the Company's management's discussion & analysis and the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the three- and nine-months ended December 31, 2023 and November 30, 2022. These documents are available on the Company's website at https://hypercharge.com/investors/, and under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedarplus.ca. -##- About Hypercharge Hypercharge Networks Corp. (NEO: HC) (OTCQB: HCNWF) (FSE: PB7) is a leading provider of smart electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions that offers turnkey technology to residential and commercial buildings, fleet operations, and other rapidly growing sectors. Driven by its mission to accelerate EV adoption and enable the shift towards a carbon neutral economy, Hypercharge is committed to providing seamless, simple charging solutions by offering industry-leading equipment and a robust network of public and private charging stations. Learn more: https://hypercharge.com/. On behalf of the company, Hypercharge Networks Corp. David Bibby, President & CEO Investor Relations: invest@hypercharge.com Media Contact: Kyle Kingsnorth | Head of Marketing kyle.kingsnorth@hypercharge.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends", "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements regarding the Company's growth, commercial developments, delivery timelines and revenue recognition. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither NEO Exchange Inc. nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of NEO Exchange Inc.) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197971 SOURCE: Hypercharge Networks Corp. Bombardier's newest apprenticeship program, in collaboration with WSU Tech, will focus on training future airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians It is the first state-registered A&P technician apprenticeship program in Kansas During the two-year program, students will complete hands-on training at Bombardier Group's Wichita site and in-class courses at WSU Tech With the start of this program, the Bombardier Group continues to grow its footprint in Wichita and commitment to expanding its aftermarket services through the training and hiring of skilled professionals WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bombardier today announced it has collaborated with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) to create an apprenticeship program aimed at training future airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics. During the two-year paid apprenticeship program, students will complete hands-on instruction at Bombardier Group's Wichita site and in-class training at WSU Tech. They will have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and aviation maintenance leaders, as well as gain valuable knowledge on Bombardier's world-class portfolio of business jets. Upon successful completion of this state-registered A&P apprenticeship program - the first of its kind in the state of Kansas - students will have obtained their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P certification, as well as on-the-job training. Their job classification will transition from apprentice to full-time A&P technician at Bombardier, expanding the company's technician roster and enabling the growing delivery of timelier OEM maintenance services. "We are pleased to deepen our roots in Wichita and the U.S. through the launch of this foundational program in collaboration with WSU Tech, a leader in aviation mechanic training in Wichita," said Paul Sislian, Executive Vice-President, Aftermarket Services & Bombardier Strategy, Bombardier. "The start of this apprenticeship program highlights Bombardier Group's ongoing commitment to not only expanding its footprint in Wichita, but to training, hiring and retaining qualified professionals, which will further increase our ability to provide exceptional customer service to our clients." "WSU Tech is excited to join with Bombardier to provide our students with an extraordinary learning opportunity at their state-of-the-art facility in Wichita," said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech and VP of Workforce Development at WSU. "This collaboration demonstrates the power of uniting education, government, business, and industry, resulting in success. We are profoundly grateful for the fiscal support from the State of Kansas, which played a crucial role in making this opportunity a reality. Through such dynamic alliances, we can offer our students impactful, real-world experiences, significantly enhancing our skilled workforce and reinforcing our strong commitment to applied learning." Over the past few years, Bombardier has expanded its service centre network around the world and has since added close to one million sq. ft. of new service capacity to its worldwide aftermarket footprint. By training and hiring highly skilled technicians, Bombardier further showcases its commitment to developing its aerospace pipeline. On top of its widely recognized and growing service centre, Bombardier also has a strong footprint in the Air Capital of the world with the presence of Bombardier Defense and its world-renown Bombardier Flight Test Centre, which is currently putting the world's fastest and farthest flying business jet, the Global 8000 aircraft, through its paces as part of an ongoing certification campaign ahead of its expected entry into service in 2025. About Bombardier Bombardier (BBD-B.TO) and its subsidiaries (Bombardier Group), is a global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world's most exceptional business jets. Bombardier's Challenger and Global aircraft families are renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability. Bombardier has a worldwide fleet of more than 5,000 aircraft in service with a wide variety of multinational corporations, charter and fractional ownership providers, governments, and private individuals. Bombardier aircraft are also trusted around the world in government and military special-mission roles leveraging Bombardier Defense's proven expertise. Bombardier is headquartered in Greater Montreal, Quebec, and through the Bombardier Group, operates aerostructure, assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico. Bombardier Group's robust customer support network services the Learjet, Challenger and Global families of aircraft, and includes facilities in strategic locations in the United States and Canada, as well as in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, the UAE, Singapore, China and Australia. For corporate news and information, including Bombardier's Environmental, Social and Governance report, as well as the company's plans to cover all its flight operations with Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Learn more about Bombardier's industry-leading products and customer service network at businessaircraft.bombardier.com . Follow us on X @Bombardier . About WSU Tech WSU Tech, formally known as Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology, located in Wichita, KS, is the state's leader in modern technical education, offering over 100 degree and certificate options in aviation, health care, manufacturing, design, information technology, culinary, and business. In 2018, WSU Tech was named the 2nd fastest growing college among two-year colleges by The Chronicle of Higher Education. WSU Tech serves as managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements based on current expectations. By their nature, forward-looking statements require us to make assumptions and are subject to important known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to the "Forward-Looking Statements" disclaimer contained in Bombardier's latest published financial report which is available on the corporation's website at bombardier.com. Bombardier, Challenger,Global, Global 8000 and Learjet are registered or unregistered trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. For information Stephanie Faraggi Bombardier + 1 514 513 7830 stephanie.faraggi@aero.bombardier.com Mandy Fouse WSU Tech + 1 316 204 8272 afouse@wsutech.edu Armis, a San Francisco, CA-based asset intelligence cybersecurity company, acquired CTCI (Cyber Threat Cognitive Intelligence), a Beaverton, OR-based company specializing in AI-powered pre-attack threat hunting technology. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Armis has acquired all of CTCI technology and employees, expecting to merge the company, led by CEO Andrew Grealy and CTO Michael Freeman, with Armis over the next 30 days. The company will integrate CTCIs technology into Armis Centrix to create an advanced early warning cyber intelligence system, helping security operations teams be more effective in preventing breaches, detecting attacks and determining if an organization has been compromised. Led by CEO Yevgeny Dibrov, Armis is an asset intelligence cybersecurity company that protects the entire attack surface and manages the organizations cyber risk exposure in real time. Armis ensures that organizations continuously see, protect and manage all critical assets. It currently secures Fortune 100, 200 and 500 companies as well as national governments, state and local entities to help keep critical infrastructure, economies and society stay safe and secure 24/7. Commenting on the news, Yevgeny Dibrov said: This acquisition signals our unwavering commitment to be the core platform that manages the entire attack surface. Enterprises and organizations leveraging Armis Centrix for Actionable Threat Intelligence will lead from a position of strength in managing their cyber exposure. FinSMEs 14/02/2024 Civic Roundtable, a Boston, MA-based provider of a collaboration platform for government workers, raised $5M in Seed funding. The round was led by General Catalyst. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its growth and impact, building on early traction in the homelessness prevention, economic development, election administration and cybersecurity spaces. Led by CEO Madeleine Smith, Civic Roundtable is a collaboration platform connecting government workers to their agencies, and their partners, purpose-built for government and hosted on AWS GovCloud. Since launching the companys first product in 2023, the team onboarded 5,000 users representing over 500 government agencies. The company emerged from the Harvard Innovation Labs. Commenting on the news, Madeleine Smith said: The stakes are high. Were talking about those who work every day to keep the lights on in our communities, from education to transportation to safety. This new investment validates Civic Roundtables position as a leader in the collaboration space, and fuels our ability to build and deploy mission critical technology to government workers across the country. FinSMEs 14/02/2024 Finom, an Amsterdam, The Netherlands-based startup that provides financial solutions for entrepreneurs and freelancers combining business account benefits with multiple services, raised 50m in Series B funding. The round was co-led by Northzone and current investor General Catalyst, with participation from Target Global, Cogito Capital, Entree Capital, FJLabs, and S16vc. The company intends to use the funds to continue to expand operations and its business reach, consolidating its position in its core market Germany while fuelling its rapid expansion across France, the Netherlands, Spain, and the rest of Europe. Co-founded in 2020 by Andrey Petrov, Kos Stiskin, Oleg Laguta, and Yakov Novikov, Finom provides a product that combines accounting, financial management, and banking functions into a single mobile-first platform. In under four years, the company has garnered a customer base of 85,000 SMEs and individual entrepreneurs who use the platform for a range of banking services, including invoice and payables processing, foreign exchange transactions, expense management, and various other activities. Finom also has regional hubs in Cyprus, Poland, Spain, and Germany. FinSMEs 14/02/2024 Newcells Biotech, a Newcastle, London, UK-based company which specializes in 3D models, raised $2.35M in funding. The round, which brought the total amount to 12M, saw participation from North East Venture Fund, European Regional Development Fund and managed by Mercia Ventures, Mercias own funds and Northstar Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to boost its growth and help establish itself as a player in its field. Led by Dr. Mike Nicholds, CEO, Newcells offers a 3D models that mimic processes within the body and are used by pharmaceutical companies worldwide to test the impact of their drugs, including their efficacy and safety. It provides data to support critical decisions, such as whether to continue development and commence human trials. The use of non-animal testing methods is likely to increase as a result of recent changes to the FDA guidance which recognise that they can be suitable replacements for animal testing. Newcells currently offers models of the retina, kidney and lung and also provides specialist services to run customised tests. Customers include pharmaceutical companies which use its products for applications ranging from gene therapy efficacy to toxicity screening, and a major research consortium. Dr. Mike Nicholds, CEO, Newcells FinSMEs 14/02/2024 ResultsCX, a Fort Lauderdale, FL-based provider of transformational CXM (Customer Experience Management) services to global brands, acquired Huntswood, a Berkshire, UK-based consulting and customer solutions company. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. With the acquisition, ResultsCX will expand its service capabilities in the BFSI (banking, financial services, and Insurance) sector, and its connections with energy and water companies in Uutilities. Led by CEO Martin Dodd, Huntswood provides consulting and customer solutions creating economic advantages for clients while addressing offshoring-related challenges. Founded in 1996, the company is headquartered in Berkshire, UK with centres of excellence in South Africa, including two in Durban and one in Cape Town. Led by CEO Rajesh Subramaniam, ResultsCX is a provider of Customer Experience Management (CXM) solutions to 75+ global brands, including Fortune 100 and 500 companies. For 30+ years, it has served brands across healthcare, media, telecom, fast growth technology, retail, banking and financial services, and other industries to drive customer and business outcomes. Commenting on the news, Rajesh Subramaniam said: Huntswood stands out as a market leader in complaint management, remediation, and fraud resolution, drawing upon over two decades of invaluable experience in customer service. This gives them a unique capability to identify and resolve customer pain points with remarkable efficacy. Aligning with a brand like Huntswood perfectly fits into our strategic growth objectives in Europe. It also significantly extends our reach by establishing a presence in South Africa, an increasingly sought-after offshoring destination renowned for its customer-centric workforce and the ability to handle diverse and complex work. FinSMEs 14/02/2024 The actor noted that he was hosting Who Wants to be a Millionaire aka Kaun Banega Crorepati in India at the time when Danny Boyle offered him the role Shah Rukh Khan recently attended the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai. During the event, he opened up about his plans to work in Hollywood while also confirming that Danny Boyle offered him the role of the host in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. Admitting that he rejected the role which eventually went to Anil Kapoor, the actor revealed the real reason behind the same. The actor noted that he was hosting Who Wants to be a Millionaire aka Kaun Banega Crorepati in India at the time when Danny Boyle offered him the role. Advertisement When asked about his rumoured international projects like a crime movie from Martin Scorsese alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and why he has not signed a Hollywood film yet, Shah Rukh responded, Ive said this honestly, but nobody believes me. Nobody has offered me any crossover work of substance. I may have had conversations with people. I know lots of lovely people from the West, from the English film industry, from the American film industry, but nobody has offered me any work. I hear actors talk about wanting to cross over, but I still have to learn to deliver to the audience that likes me, instead of spreading myself too thin. So, really, Ive never been offered a film in Hollywood or England. Emphasising the reason why he opted out of Slumdog Millionaire, the Jawan actor continued, Yes, Slumdog was there, and I spent a lot of time with Mr Boyle. He was very sweet. But I was doing Who Wants to be a Millionaire on television but I just felt that in the story being told, the guy who was hosting was very mean. Adding that the producer of Kaun Banega Crorepati wanted him to do the film, the actor noted that the character, in the film, was cheating and being dishonest as the host, which he found strange. Heaping praises on Anil Kapoor, who later came on board to play the role, Shah Rukh added, Mr Anil Kapoor did it, and he was fantastic as the host. Advertisement Meanwhile, Shah Rukh was last seen in Dunki, released in December 2023. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the film also featured Vicky Kaushal, Taapsee Pannu, Boman Irani, and Vikram Kocchar in pivotal roles. Built in the 12th Century, the Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the largest temple complex in the world. As PM Narendra Modi unveiled Abu Dhabis first Hindu temple, here are other majestic places of worship for devotees abroad Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Abu Dhabis first Hindu temple on Wednesday (14 February) during his two-day trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir is the Gulf nations first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple, situated in the UAE capitals Abu Mureikha area. The development comes just weeks after PM Modi presided over the consecration ceremony of the grand Ram temple in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya. As the Indian leader unveiled another temple, lets take a look at the largest Hindu shrines outside India. Advertisement Angkor Wat, Cambodia The Angkor Wat in Cambodia, which is spread over some 400 acres, is the largest temple complex in the world. Built in the 12th Century by King Suryavarman II in Krong Siem Reap, the shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. The temple is famous for its eight-armed Vishnu, who is revered by the locals as their protecting deity, reported Times of India (TOI). According to Associated Press (AP), it is now described as a Hindu-Buddhist temple. The walls of the architectural marvel have murals depicting the episodes from the Ramayana. Last year, Angkor Wat beat Pompeii in Italy to become the eighth wonder of the world. It is also one of 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Advertisement BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, the US Billed as the second-largest Hindu temple in the world, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham was inaugurated in the United States last October. Popularly known as just Akshardham, the temple is in New Jerseys Robbinsville Township, about 90 km south of Times Square, New York. Built over 12 years between 2011 to 2023, the temple complex is spans 183 acres. Advertisement Four varieties of marble from Italy and limestone from Bulgaria were used to construct the shrine dedicated to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a revered 19th-century Hindu spiritual leader. It took over 4.7 million hours of work by artisans and volunteers to hand-carve about 2 million cubic feet of stone for the shrine, as per AP. The US largest Hindu temple also boasts the largest-ever elliptical dome of traditional stone architecture. Advertisement It is also dubbed the worlds largest Hindu temple built outside India in the modern era. Advertisement The temple is the third Akshardham or abode of the divine built by the BAPS organisation after two others in New Delhi and Gujarat. Prambanan temple, Indonesia The Prambanan temple in Indonesias Java consists of 240 temples. Also known as Loro Jonggrang, the shrine was constructed in the 9th Century. The tallest temple of Prambanan is 47 metres high. The shrines are dedicated to three Hindu Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. The Prambanan temple compound, the largest such complex dedicated to Shiva in Indonesia, is a UNESCO heritage site. The original compound, built in the 10th Century, was destroyed by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions over the years. Advertisement After neglect for decades, the temple was rediscovered in the 17th Century and is now being restored. ALSO READ: Why PM Modi inaugurating Abu Dhabis first Hindu temple matters Pura Besakih, Indonesia Pura Besakih, or the Besakih temple, rises from the western slopes of Mount Agung in Bali, Indonesia. Revered as the Mother Temple of Bali, the shrine is located at an altitude of 900 metres. Advertisement Covering 49 acres, the temple complex consists of 46 large and small temples. It is reportedly the largest Hindu temple complex in Bali. Other popular Hindu temples Nepals Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples outside India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is located on the banks of the Bagmati river near Kathmandu Valley. The temple is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage site. Hindu devotees from India pay a visit to the shrine every year. Advertisement Batu Caves is a series of cave temples located in Gombak, Malaysia. One of the most famous Hindu shrines outside India, it is dedicated to Lord Murugan (god of war). The complex has the Temple Cave which is one of the most significant sites of pilgrimage for Hindus. To reach this, tourists and devotees need to climb 272 concrete steps, as per TOI. Advertisement The Shri Venkateswara temple in the United Kingdom is one of the largest of its kind. Radha Madhav Dham in the US and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Canada and the Murugan Temple in Australia are some other majestic Hindu temples abroad. With inputs from agencies In a first, Haryana Police, on Tuesday, used drones to lob tear gas on protesting farmers at the Shambhu border. These unmanned vehicles used by the authorities were designed by the Border Security Force in 2022 and have an extended range, making them more effective than conventional guns On Tuesday (13 February), disturbing scenes emerged at the Shambhu border point between Punjab and Haryana when authorities fired tear gas at the farmers, who were participating in the Delhi Chalo march. Visuals from the scene showed thick clouds of tear gas, as police sought to disperse the protesting farmers near Ambala and Jind in the Haryana region. Following the release of the tear gas smoke, farmers were seen carrying wet jute bags to shield themselves from the effect of the smoke. Advertisement The use of force and tear gas against the farmers were condemned by many with Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Pankhuri Pathak terming it a shameful act towards citizens in a democracy. These tear gas shells are being fired at the food providers of the country. Their demand is that they should get the right price for their crops. Is this demand such that the government should use such force on Indian citizens? Such atrocities on citizens in a democracy are shameful! Pathak said in a post in Hindi on X. Notably, the tear gas shells launched at the protesting farmers on Tuesday were deployed from drones the first time that the police force in India has used drones to launch tear gas devices. Heres what we know about them and how they were used during the farmers protest. Drones dropping teargas shells Advertisement The Haryana Police on Tuesday deployed drones made by Drone Imaging and Information Service of Haryana Limited (DRIISHYA), a public limited company incorporated in 2021. These drones, according the government, are designed for surveying infrastructure projects, monitoring of agriculture and horticulture crops, and surveillance of sensitive areas for security purposes. According to reports, the drone-based tear smoke launcher was developed by the Tear Smoke Unit (TSU) of the Border Security Force (BSF) in 2022 and was introduced during the 42nd Governing Body meeting. At that time, authorities had displayed how the project could be used as potential force multiplier to enforce law and order. Advertisement Officials also said that unlike guns that need to manually loaded with smoke gas shells, these drones can drop multiple grenades. The drones are capable of firing several munitions at one go and the launch is controlled by a remote, an official was quoted as telling Indian Express. Moreover, the teargas firing gun has a limited range. But the drones can cover 400-500 metres and even beyond. Advertisement And how do they work? Tear smoke shells are placed tightly in a metal cage fixed under a hexacopter drone. The drone system, operated remotely, then drops the tear shell from the air at the designated spot. Importantly, these drones, until now, have been used to blind terrorists at the borders during specific operations. Advertisement #WATCH | Police use tear gas drones at the Haryana-Punjab Shambhu border to disperse protesting farmers. pic.twitter.com/LcyGpDuFbv ANI (@ANI) February 13, 2024 Advertisement Tear gas lobbed at farmers Thousands of farmers were making their way towards the National Capital when the personnel from the Haryana Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters at the Punjab-Haryana border. The farmers unions said around 100 farmers were injured during the day in the violence that broke out. Advertisement Initially, the Punjab Police allowed the farmers to cross the Rajpura bypass as they headed towards Haryanas Ambala en route to Delhi. However, tensions rose at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border as protesting farmers attempted to break cement barricades with their tractors. As farmers attempted to breach the tight security measures, the authorities brought in the drones firing tear gas shells. Later, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher told news agency PTI, In the history of India, today is a black day. It is shameful the way the Modi government attacked farmers and farm labourers. Advertisement Jagjit Singh Dallewal, another farmer leader, also claimed that around 60 young farmers were injured in the police action. Today, farmers wanted to go to the national capital and carrying out such an attack on them around 60 youths got injured, claimed Dallewal, who represents Samyukta Kisan Mocha (Non-Political). He also accused the Centre of not showing any seriousness towards their demands . Advertisement What comes next After calling for a ceasefire on their march on Tuesday night, farmers are poised to resume their march toward Delhi on Wednesday morning. As news agency PTI reported that the protesting farmers from Punjab will make a fresh attempt to break past the multiple layers of barricades at the border with Haryana in attempt to march to Delhi to press for various demands. Advertisement And in scenes reminding us of the 2020-21 protests, farmers say they are prepared for the long haul and are carrying rations worth six months a sign that they are determined that their demands be met, no matter how long it takes. Meanwhile, the Centre on Tuesday called for more talks. But farmers alleged that they are just wasting their time and have no intention of meeting their demands. Union Minister Anurag Thakur speaking on the same, said: The Opposition parties are misguiding farmers on multiple issues against the NDA government but the farmers and issues pertaining to them are the top priority of the Modi government. Advertisement He also farmers urged not to indulge in violence as it causes a loss to the nation, and also pointed out that thousands of common people were having to endure long traffic jams. He further reiterated the call for dialogue. With inputs from agencies Indonesia is going to the polls today to pick a successor to president President Joko Widodo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history by inaugurating the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Ashok Chavan, the ex-Congress stalwart, will file his Rajya Sabha nomination for the BJP Its Wednesday. And you know what that means. A day of big news lies ahead. Indonesia, the worlds third largest democracy, is set to go to the polls today to find a successor for its popular president President Joko Widodo. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make history by inaugurating the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Advertisement Modi is also set to travel to Qatars Doha after his UAE trip where he will meet the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad and other dignitaries Ex-Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan, who quit the Congress on Monday, will file his Rajya Sabha nomination today. The Delhi High Court will hear the NIAs plea seeking the death penalty for Yasin Malik in the terror funding case Lets take a closer look at toda****ys big-ticket items: Indonesia picks Widodos successor Who will succeed President Joko Widodo in Indonesia? And does it even matter? Advertisement While the front-runner is defence minister Prabowo Subianto who has picked Widodos son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka as his running mate ex-governors Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo are also in with a chance. Polls show that the 72-year-old Prabowo is running well ahead of his two rivals though perhaps not with the majority needed to avoid a runoff. The Indikator Politik Indonesia agency said in its latest survey that it was possible that Prabowo and Gibran could could win outright in the first round, but it was also possible that the election would go to a runoff. Advertisement While the cost of living and unemployment are major issues particularly for the youth, others are concerned about the state of human rights and have voiced concerns about Gibran being picked as a way for Widodo to retain influence despite leaving office. Modi inaugurates BAPS temple Modi today will inaugurate the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi. Advertisement The temple, made out of pink sandstone temple, has been built on a 27-acre plot in Abu Dhabis Abu Mureikhah district. The land was granted on lease by President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for as long as the sun shines. According to Moneycontrol, the foundation for the temple was laid on 20 April, 2019. Advertisement Construction on the temple began in December 2019. The significance of this mandir is to breathe in a fresh air of harmony where cultures, religions, communities, and countries can coexist, Brahmaviharidas Swami, Head of BAPS Hindu Mandir told ANI. This is the prime ministers seventh visit to the UAE since 2015 and third visit in the past eight months. The Gulf countrys ambassador to India Abdulnasser Alshaali on Monday hoped that it will further take the strategic relationship to new heights. Advertisement This visit is very important. It is very significant in this (India-UAE) relationship. We are honoured and privileged to have the Prime Minister (Modi) come to the UAE to be our guest at the World Government Summit and to inaugurate the BAPS Mandir. I am sure this will further take the relationship to new heights," Alshaali said Advertisement Modi heads to Qatar Modi will also visit Doha just days after Qatar has released eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel in what was seen as a major diplomatic victory for New Delhi. The development came nearly three-and-half months after a Qatari court handed the personnel death sentence which was subsequently commuted to jail terms. Advertisement Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said Modi himself constantly supervised all the developments in the case and has never shied away from any initiatives to ensure the return of the Indians. Modi on Tuesday said India and Qatar enjoy historically close and friendly relations and the multi-faceted ties between the two countries have continued to deepen in recent years. Advertisement Modi said he was looking forward to meeting Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, under whose leadership Qatar continues to witness tremendous growth and transformation. Modis visit to Qatar will be his second trip as the prime minister. Advertisement In recent years, our multi-faceted ties have continued to deepen in all spheres, including high level political exchanges, growing trade and investment between two countries, strengthening of our energy partnership, and cooperation in culture and education, Modi said. Ashok Chavan files RS nomination Ashok Chavan, who was part of the Congress for nearly four decades, will file file his Rajya Sabha nomination today with the backing of the BJP. Chavan on Tuesday joined the BJP in the presence of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. I am thankful to Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, party president Jagat Prakash Nadda and Devendra Fadnavis for giving me the opportunity to become part of the BJP. With a positive attitude, I want to work for Maharashtras development, said Chavan. Advertisement The former chief minister and party veterans resignation sent Maharashtra Congress leaders into a huddle in Mumbai in an attempt to prevent further damage. Moneycontrol quoted sources as saying that Chavan was peeved at the grand old party refusing to name him Maharashtra party chief. Adding insult to the injury, Chavan was then also not granted a Rajya Sabha nomination by the party. Chavan, the MLA from the Bhokar seat, was also a member of the Congress Working Committee. He had represented the Nanded Lok Sabha constituency in 2014. Delhi High Court hears NIA plea on Yasin Malik The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking death penalty for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik in a terror funding case. Malik, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief currently serving a life term in the case. A trial court had awarded life sentence to Malik in the case on 24 May 2022, after pronouncing him guilty of various offences under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the IPC. Malik had pleaded guilty to the charges, including those under anti-terror law UAPA. The NIA has argued that a terrorist cannot be awarded life sentence only because he has pleaded guilty and chosen not to go through trial. Seeking enhancement of the sentence to death penalty, the NIA has said if such dreaded terrorists are not handed capital punishment only because they pleaded guilty, there will be complete erosion of the sentencing policy and terrorists would have a way out to avoid capital punishment. The court in December had ordered that Malik join the court proceedings virtually. That came after jail authorities filed an application seeking permission for his virtual appearance on the grounds that he was a very high risk prisoner and it was imperative to not physically produce him in court to maintain public order and safety. On this day BJP leader and former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj was born on this day in 1952 at Ambala Cantt in Haryana. Swaraj, who did her graduation in law from Panjab University, worked as a lawyer in the Supreme Court. She joined the BJP after the Emergency and played a pivotal role in the partys political journey. She first became a state minister at age 25 in 1977 in Haryana CM Devi Lals Janata Party government. Swaraj was also the state president of the Janata Party (Haryana) in 1979. Swaraj, who would become a three-term MLA and seven-time MP, would also go on to serve as the chief minister of Delhi in 1998. Swaraj also made history by serving as the external affairs minister in the first Modi government from May 2014 to May 2019. Swaraj was just the second woman to do so after former prime minister Indira Gandhi. Swaraj was a part of the Vajpayee cabinet, where she held the portfolios of health and family welfare, and information and broadcasting. Swaraj passed away in August 2019 at the age of 67. With inputs from agencies ??#GobiernoInforma | Buena noticia ??! Arequipa fue la region que mas contribuyo con las exportaciones peruanas durante el 2023. Conoce los otros departamentos que lograron este gran desempeno. ??? Lee la nota completa: https://t.co/h8WZNTwptF pic.twitter.com/CLpzWoR1Y6 The Indian Navy has reportedly issued orders to its commands and establishments to allow officers and sailors to wear kurta-pyjamas in naval messes with some caveats. The move comes as the armed force is on the path to end ghulami ki maansikta or colonial mindset The Indian Navy is on the path to shed its colonial past. In line with this, the armed force has reportedly issued directives to its commands and establishments allowing officers and sailors to wear kurta-pyjamas in naval messes. The move comes just months after the Navy unveiled its new design of the Admirals epaulettes that reflected the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Advertisement Why is the Navy introducing the ethnic kurta-pyjama for its personnel? How is the force trying to put an end to ghulami ki maansikta or colonial mindset? Lets take a closer look. Ethnic wear to enter Indian Navys messes As per a Times of India (TOI) report, officers and sailors can wear the ethnic dress of kurta-pyjamas, with sleeveless jackets and closed formal shoes or sandals, in officers messes and sailors institutes. The Navys guidelines to its commands and establishments also lays down the colour and style of the attire which can be donned when the prescribed rig is informal (open collar) or casuals in the messes. The kurta must be of a solid tone and its length should be up to the knees. The cuff sleeves on the kurta can be adorned with buttons or cuff-links. The matching or contrast tone of the narrow pyjama has to be in line with trousers, with elastic waistband and side pockets, TOI reported citing the Navy order. Advertisement The straight-cut waistcoat or jacket will be sleeveless and embellished with a matching pocket square. Women officers can wear kurta-churidaar or kurta-palazzo. This new dress code is not applicable for warships or submarines, an officer told TOI. So far, kurta-pyjamas for male personnel and even guests was banned in the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Navy messes. The Indian traditional wear was only permitted on festive occasions such as Lohri and Diwali in the wardrooms, Officers Institutes (OI), messes etc, a source said, according to Free Press Journal (FPJ). Advertisement Why is this being done? There were reports last September that the top naval brass had discussed allowing kurta-pyjamas as national civil dress for officers and sailors at the naval commanders conference. Officers will now be permitted as an additional rig if a member or his visiting guests/parents/family is comfortable wearing it. They will not be forced to change into a Western wear such as lounge suits or open collars if they are not comfortable, a source in the Navy told FPJ last September. Advertisement Like any of our other rigs, even the specs of the traditional dress for summers or winter bandh gala will be clearly laid out. The attire is not replacing any uniform or existing rigs of any Officers Mess or OI. This is an attempt to be more inclusive, more Bharatiya and as a mark of respect for our culture, the source explained. Advertisement How Navy is shedding colonial practices The Indian Navy has taken a lead over the other two armed forces the Army and the IAF to get rid of the colonial-era customs and traditions. In December 2023, the Navy introduced its new design of the Admirals epaulettes , an ornamental shoulder piece depicting the rank of an officer, which had features from the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Advertisement The force said at the time that the new design reaffirms our commitment to the two pillars of Panch Pran Virasat Par Garv & Ghulami ki Mansikta se Mukti. As we usher in the new year #2024, #IndianNavy proudly unveils the new Design of Admirals' Epaulettes. Announced by @PMOIndia during #NavyDay2023 at Sindhudurg - the in the new Design, drawn from the Naval Ensign & inspired from Rajmudra of #ChhatrapatiShivajiMaharaj, is a pic.twitter.com/Ssxq8ZLOZd SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) December 29, 2023 Advertisement In recent years, the Indian military has taken several measures to do away with colonial customs. In 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the top commanders of the three services at the Combined Commanders Conference in Gujarats Kevadia to rid themselves of legacy systems and practices that have outlived utility and relevance. Advertisement Since then, the Indian military has been trying to shorn its colonial antecedents. The Navy has decided to Indianise the names of the ranks for sailors. It is planning to redesignate several ranks of the personnel below officer rank (PBOR) cadre, including three titles that are not gender neutral. Earlier, the Indian Navy got a new ensign that replaced the old one which had Saint Georges Cross with the Tricolour in the canton. The force said the new Naval ensign was resonant with the ongoing national endeavour to move away from the colonial past. Advertisement The practice of carrying ceremonial batons has been stopped by the Navy for all its personnel. However, these modifications have not always gone well with the veterans who argue that colonial legacies have had no adverse effect on military efficiency, The Wire reported. With inputs from agencies An Indian-origin family from Kerala was found dead at their residence in Californias San Mateo, on 13 February. While the probe is still underway, investigators believe it to be a possible murder-suicide case An Indian-origin family from Kerala has been found dead at their home in California with the police investigating the case as a murder-suicide, The family has been identified as Anand Sujith Henry, 42, his wife Alice Priyanka, 40, and their four-year-old twin children Noah and Neithan. The police discovered the bodies after one of the familys relatives sought a welfare check as no one in the house was answering the call. Advertisement Lets take a closer look. Cause of death under investigation In a statement, the San Mateo Police Department said the Indian-American couple, Anand and Alice were found dead with gunshot wounds inside a bathroom. A nine-millimetre pistol and a loaded magazine were also found in the bathroom, according to News18. The police said the two children were discovered deceased inside a bedroom and their cause of death is still under investigation. Sources with direct knowledge of the investigation said police believe the boys were smothered, strangled, or given a lethal overdose because there was no sign of trauma on their bodies. SMPD is conducting a death investigation on the 4100 block of Alameda de las Pulgas. Traffic is currently closed N/B Alameda de las Pulgas at 42nd Av, S/B Alameda de las Pulgas at Fernwood St, and W/B 41st Ave to Kelton Ct. Please avoid the area. https://t.co/ln5YNk2pRX pic.twitter.com/Gr9xlXhYP9 San Mateo Police Department (@SanMateoPD) February 12, 2024 Advertisement San Mateo Police Department representative Jerami Surratt told on Facebook that they received a call seeking a welfare check on the family. Advertisement San Mateo Police officers were dispatched to the 4100 block of Alameda de las Pulgas on the report of a welfare check. After arriving officers were met with no response, they searched the perimeter of the home and did not see any signs of forced entry into the house. Finding an unlocked window, officers entered the home and located the four people dead, police said. Advertisement There was no suicide note found at the scene. An isolated incident Police preliminary analysis points to a potential murder-suicide scenario, but they havent ruled out alternative options. Based on the information we have at this time, this appears to be an isolated incident with no danger to the public as we are confident the person responsible was located within the home, the police said in a statement. Advertisement Since taking up the investigation, the San Mateo County Crime Lab and the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) have collaborated to gather evidence. The San Mateo County Coroner has taken custody of the bodies and is currently in the process of positively identifying each person and notifying their next of kin. According to media reports, the familys relatives in India have received consular assistance from the Indian mission in the nation. Advertisement About the couple The family, originally from Keralas Kollam, had been living in the United States for the past nine years, as per Hindustan Times. Anand, a senior analyst, and Alice, a former manager of software engineering at Meta and Google, were both in the IT field. The pair was well-liked by coworkers and neighbours alike, and they were described as kind, hardworking, and loving parents, according to NDTV. Advertisement Alice and Anand were both TKM Engineering College alums. The New Indian Express claims that Alice graduated with a degree in civil engineering, while Anand graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering. Anands LinkedIn profile says he also attended Carnegie Mellon University and Singapore Management University. According to his bio, he founded his own artificial intelligence company, Logits, after leaving his position at Meta in June last year. In the IT industry, Logits has drawn notice for its expertise in giving businesses the ability to privately train and use Generative AI models for particular business requirements. Advertisement Anand was formerly employed at Google, Salesforce, and CMU. According to Hindustan Times report, he was the son of Henry George, the former principal of Kollam Fathima Mata National College. Anand filed for divorce in December 2016, years before their twins were born, according to court documents, but the divorce was not finalised. Advertisement Similar incidents The latest incident is disturbingly similar to one that happened recently in Massachusetts, when a wealthy Indian-origin couple and their daughter were discovered dead at home. On 28 December last year, Rakesh Kamal , 57, his wife Teena, 54, and their 18-year-old daughter Arianna, who was attending college, were discovered dead in their $5 million mansion in Dover. A gun was also found close to Rakesh. Advertisement An autopsy determined that the murders were a murder-suicide by medical authorities. In the US, at least seven people of Indian descent have been found deceased in the recent months. On 10 February, a 41-year-old Indian-origin IT executive died after suffering life-threatening injuries during an assault outside a restaurant in Washington. Student Sameer Kamath from Purdue University was found dead in Warren County last week. Neel Acharya who had been missing in the US was confirmed dead by the same university authorities last month. Advertisement The most horrific death was that of Vivek Saini . A resident of Haryana, he died after he was hammered 50 times in Georgias Lithonia on 16 January. Last year saw the most number of murder-suicides in the community, among the most successful diasporas in the US, according to a report in The Times of India. With inputs from agencies Abu Dhabis first Hindu temple was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday during his two-day visit to the UAE. His trip just months ahead of the general elections in India signifies the close ties between the two countries. The shrine also connects the cultures of both nations Abu Dhabi has opened its first Hindu temple. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital on Wednesday (14 February) during his two-day visit to the Gulf nation. He also performed several rituals at the shrine. The opening of the 108 feet-high temple in the UAE comes just weeks after PM Modi inaugurated the grand Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya. The Abu Dhabi temple is significant for the Hindu expatriates in the UAE. PM Modis visit to the Gulf nation just months before the general elections in India also reflects the growing ties between the two countries. Advertisement Lets take a closer look. Abu Dhabis first Hindu Mandir Built in the Nagara style of architecture, the BAPS Hindu Mandir stands tall in the desert of Abu Mureikha. It is the first traditional hand-carved Hindu temple of the UAE constructed with 1.8 lakh cubic metres of sandstone brought from Rajasthan. The temple is built by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a religious and civic organisation of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism. The interior of the Abu Dhabi shrine built at an estimated cost of Rs 700 crore is adorned with Italian marbles. The shrine has two central domes, Dome of Harmony and Dome of Peace, that signify human coexistence through the carvings of earth, water, fire, air, and plants, as per Indian Express. Advertisement The temple also gives a nod to the Muslim country it is built in with its seven shikhars (spires) representing the seven Emirates of the UAE. Deities from across India including Lord Ram, Lord Shiv, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Lord Ayappa, Lord Swaminarayan (a reincarnation of Lord Krishna) and Tirupati Balaji are featured in the Abu Dhabi temple, reported Indian Express. Advertisement The temple design depicts the UAEs national bird, the falcon, while also paying homage to animals significant in Indian mythology like elephants, camels and lions. The shrine is built on 13.5 acres of land gifted in 2015 by the then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed to the Indian community. Besides the temple, there are several buildings, such as prayer halls, a community centre, a library, a childrens park and an amphitheatre, on the premises. Advertisement Why is the Abu Dhabi temple significant? The BAPS Hindu Mandir highlights Indias close ties to the UAE. The temple connects two cultures, two countries that are already so close to bring them even closer together, the temple project director Pranav Desai told The National earlier. Speaking to Indian Express, a BAPS spokesperson said, A Muslim king donated land for a Hindu Mandir, where the lead architect is a Catholic Christian, the project manager a Sikh, the foundational designer a Buddhist, the construction company a Parsi group, and the director comes from the Jain tradition. Advertisement The Abu Dhabi BAPS temple offers Hindus in the UAE another place of worship. The Gulf nation has the largest Indian diaspora population, estimated to be nearly 3.5 million, followed by the United States (2.7 million) and Saudi Arabia (2.5 million). The Indian expatriate community is also the largest ethnic group in the UAE comprising nearly 30 per cent of its population. Advertisement The Hindu shrine also gives an opportunity to both India and the UAE to exhibit their soft powers. According to a Times of India (TOI) article, for India, which has been promoting its culture and way of life to the world, the Abu Dhabi temple symbolises the growing appeal of its soft power. Advertisement The inauguration of the Hindu temple by PM Modi will also resonate back at home in the election year. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely to use the temple opening in the UAE as a success of the Modi governments foreign policy and Indias growing stature at the global level, the newspaper report added. Advertisement ALSO READ: Abu Dhabis first Hindu temple opening: A look at the largest shrines outside India India-UAE ties PM Modi visiting the UAE before the summer Lok Sabha elections signals the strong relationship between the two nations. Viraj Solanki, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told Associated Press (AP), Modi is not going to travel widely this year before the election. The fact that he is willing to go to the UAE shows how important this relationship is for India. Advertisement According to Solanki, PM Modis personal connection to UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whom he calls his brother, appears to be behind the cementing of relations between India and the UAE. In 2015, Modi became the first Indian PM to visit the UAE in 34 years. The current visit is his seventh to the Gulf nation since then. Advertisement In the last decade, India has enhanced its engagements with the Gulf States, especially the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Strategic ties between New Delhi and Abu Dhabi have also evolved. The relations between the two countries go beyond trade. India is one of the key countries for the UAE that would be part of its transition to a post-oil economy, as per TOI. Advertisement The inauguration of the BAPS Hindu Mandir is expected to further boost these bilateral ties. With inputs from agencies Prabowo Subianto, the ex-military general, has campaigned for the elections in Indonesia as a baby-faced gemoy (cute) grandpa. However, he is far from that. The 72-year-old wishes the country return to its original 1945 constitution, which means that most of the reforms undertaken would unravel Ambitious and mercurial, with a dark past, former army general Prabowo Subianto has spent a lifetime vying for the ultimate prize in Indonesian politics. Now, with a large lead in the latest polls ahead of the election, it looks as though the presidency is finally within his grasp . So, who is Prabowo and how will he change Indonesia if he wins? Advertisement A rapid rise through the military ranks and fall Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is a true Indonesian blueblood. His family claims to be descended from national hero Diponegoro , a prince of the Mataram sultanate who led the Java War rebellion against Dutch colonial forces in the 19th century. Prabowos grandfather was the founder of Indonesias first state bank and a prominent member of Indonesias independence movement. His father was a leading economist who served as minister of finance, minister of trade and minister for research in the government. His brother is a wealthy tycoon. Prabowo, too, has long sought national prominence. An ambitious military officer serving mostly in the Special Forces (Kopassus), his marriage to a daughter of the authoritarian former president, Soeharto, fast-tracked his career. Prabowo rose to the rank of lieutenant general and, finally, the key position of commander of the powerful Army Strategic Reserve (Kostrad) in the capital, Jakarta. As Soehartos regime began to falter amid the financial crisis of 1997, Prabowo become involved in covert operations to defend Soehartos army-backed and repressive New Order regime against its critics. Under his leadership, the Special Forces Rose Brigade was accused of abducting and torturing more than 20 student protesters, 13 of whom are still missing, presumed dead. Prabowo has admitted to the abductions , but denies being involved in any killings. Advertisement Prabowo never faced trial, although several of his men were tried and convicted. The allegations against him meant he was, for years, denied a visa to enter the US. Prabowo also denies a wide range of earlier accusations relating to human rights abuses committed by Special Forces under his command in East Timor and Papua, including alleged torture and killings. Advertisement He also denies accusations he was involved in engineering the violent rioting in the capital in 1998 that contributed to the collapse of his father-in-laws regime, likely the result of an internal military struggle to become Soehartos successor . It seems Prabowo hoped to climb high amid the chaos at the time. Advertisement After Soeharto resigned in May 1998, his newly installed successor, BJ Habibie, refused Prabowos request to be made head of the army, instead effectively demoting him. Prabowo is said to have responded by arming himself with a pistol and driving to the palace with truckloads of soldiers , but was stopped outside the presidents office. Advertisement Soon after, Prabowo was cashiered for misinterpreting orders, although the precise details of his dismissal still remain mysterious. He went into voluntary exile in Jordan for some years and it seemed his career was over. Three unsuccessful bids for higher office But Prabowo remained an ambitious man. By 2009, he was a wealthy business figure and had co-founded his own political party, Gerindra. He had also rehabilitated himself enough to make a formal bid for power, running for vice president in the 2009 elections on a ticket with former president Megawati Soekarnoputri. They lost in a landslide. Advertisement In 2014, Prabowo tried again. This time he ran as a presidential candidate against Joko Jokowi Widodo. Prabowo campaigned as a nationalist strongman, riding his horse around stadiums of cheering uniformed supporters and promising a return to the authoritarian model of the New Order. He lost both the election and a challenge to the results in the Constitutional Court. Advertisement In 2019, he tried once again against Jokowi, this time turning to conservative Islamists to support him. He was a strange choice as their figurehead, given he had a Christian mother and brother and, although a Muslim himself, had previously shown little public piety. In his 2014 campaign, he had even promised to protect religious minorities against Islamists. Advertisement Prabowos use of identity politics proved deeply polarising, strengthening the hand of hardline Islamist groups in Indonesia and deepening tensions between religious communities for years to come. But Prabowo lost this election, too. He accused Jokowi of cheating, sparking rioting in Jakarta in which eight people died. He again contested the results in a highly publicised Constitutional Court challenge, which he also lost. Advertisement Prabowo then made the extraordinary decision to reinvent himself again. Dumping his supporters, he took the position of defence minister in the cabinet of his rival, Jokowi. The two former foes were photographed shaking hands and sharing jokes to seal their extraordinary deal. For the next four years, Prabowo dutifully performed the role of loyal minister even when Jokowis government moved against some of the Islamist organisations that had backed him in his last bid for the top job. Advertisement Controversial political moves Now 72, Prabowos ambitions are undiminished, but his tactics have, once again, changed dramatically. In his current run for president, Prabowo has selected Jokowis son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice-presidential running mate. And Jokowi himself now backs him. (Although Jokowi has never explicitly endorsed Prabowo, Gibrans candidacy makes Jokowis preferences crystal clear.) Advertisement Jokowis decision to join forces with Prabowo and his Gerindra party was driven by the fact he was prevented from running himself by the two-term presidential limit in the constitution. He therefore needed to find another way to maintain influence. Having his son as vice president would certainly suffice. Jokowi is hugely popular, with approval rates still well over 70%. This means his decision to back Prabowo may at last deliver the presidency to the former general. But building a new alliance with Prabowo has proved to be a seismic event in Indonesian politics, for two reasons. First, according to the countrys election law, candidates for president and vice president must be at least 40 years old. The 36-year-old Gibran didnt qualify. Helpfully, the chief justice of the Constitutional Court was Gibrans uncle and had been appointed by Jokowi. The court duly delivered a ruling that younger candidates could run if they had held elected office as a regional head. Gibran just happens to be mayor of the city of Solo (a position his father once held), so he was now eligible. Uproar ensued, and the chief justice was demoted for his obvious conflict of interest. But, incredibly, the decision stood, and Gibran is running. Second, Jokowi is a member of the PDI-P party, which had twice nominated him for president. The party has its own candidate running for president, Ganjar Pranowo. So, by backing Prabowo, Jokowi has effectively turned his back on his own party and may help defeat its candidate for the presidency. His actions also pose a major threat to PDI-Ps prospects in the legislative elections (held at the same time as the presidential vote). To the PDI-P leader, former president Megawati, and many of her supporters, Jokowi is now a traitor and enemy who may inflict huge damage on their political prospects. Why this election matters Prabowos big lead in the polls is partly thanks to Jokowis support and the many government officials now openly backing him. However, Prabowo has undergone (yet another) spectacular reinvention in recent months that has helped as well. His campaign team has heavily promoted him as a baby-faced gemoy (cute) grandpa, using viral memes, video clips and even huge screens with anime avatars of Prabowo and Gibran smiling and winking at passers-by. But Prabowo is not cute. In fact, he has repeatedly said Indonesias democratic system is not working and the country should return to its original 1945 constitution. This would mean unravelling most of the reforms introduced since Soeharto fell, which are largely based on constitutional amendments. Among other things, Indonesias charter of human rights would go, as would the Constitutional Court. The courts would no longer be independent, direct presidential elections would end, the two-term presidential limit would go and the president could again control the legislature. Of course, these changes might not be easily done, but it is a chilling prospect if Prabowo wins. And that may happen because much of the electorate doesnt seem to care all that much about the consequences of picking him. The average age of Indonesias 205 million eligible voters voters is just 30, and more than half are millennials or Gen Z. This means many have no memory of Soehartos oppressive and abusive New Order that Prabowo seems to want to revive. Young voters also seem untroubled by Prabowos dark past and the credible allegations of violence and human rights abuses made against him. Instead, they seem captivated by the cute Prabowo and cool Gibran imagery saturating social media, backed by the charisma of Indonesias most popular public figure, Jokowi. If Prabowo does become president, as many now expect, Indonesias fragile democratic system may be the next thing he reinvents or, more likely, dismantles. Tim Lindsey _, Malcolm Smith Professor of Asian Law and Director of the Centre for Indonesian Law, Islam and Society, The University of Melbourne _ This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article . After spending months in captivity in a Qatar prison, Navy veterans have returned home much to their relief. Now, comfortable at home, they recount their life behind bars and what the future holds for them For the Navy veterans, who were pardoned by Qatar and released, returning home has been the biggest joy for them. And their release from Qatar came as a surprise to them too. According to an NDTV report, they were asked by Qatari officials to pack their belongings just a day before and to wait for 9 am next day. According to the report, they were then whisked away to the embassy before being transported to the airport. Then, they boarded an IndiGo flight, which arrived in Delhi at 2 am on 12 January. Advertisement The lone individual who has not returned is expected to return soon, following some paperwork. Returning home, the former Navy personnel expressed joy and gratitude and thanked the prime minister, saying, We are very happy that we are back in India, safely. And now that they are back home, they paint a picture of what life was behind bars. Survived because of defence training Ragesh Gopakumar, one of the eight Indian Navy veterans released by the Qatar government, was reunited with his family after spending months in captivity. We are just happy to be alive happy to be home, a relieved Gopakumar said, adding that he and his colleagues survived only because of their defence training. Advertisement He was freed along with the seven other former Navy personnel by Qatar two days ago after their death sentences were commuted to jail terms of varying duration. Gopakumar arrived in Balaramapuram, a suburb located over 16 km away from Keralas capital city, on Monday and tearfully hugged his family members. Advertisement Speaking to PTI, the ex-Navy man said, Prison and confinement is something terrible. Whenever someone inquired what the plight of his family had been when he was in prison, he would ask them to imagine a situation where a husband who used to speak to his wife at least five times a day suddenly stopped calling her. Advertisement The former Navy veteran attributed his release to his familys prayers and the efforts of the union government. Lavishing praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said it was only because of his personal intervention that their release was made possible. Advertisement Gopakumar said all of them were hopeful that they would step out of the prison if Modiji intervened but had no idea how long it would take. He also expressed gratitude to the central government for having made arrangements to bring the families of the jailed ex-Naval officers to Qatar. If an Indian is in trouble abroad and is innocent if our PM is convinced about it, he will come to their rescue even if it is just one person every Indian should know this, he said. Advertisement Recalling his days in prison, Gopakumar said he and his colleagues survived only because of the training they underwent as defence forces. Gopakumar said he had retired from the Indian Navy in 2017 and later joined the Oman defence training company as a communications instructor. Big relief for the family It happens. Its part of our lives, retired Indian Navy commander B K Verma, the 58-year-old who was among the former Indian Navy personnel, released from a jail in Qatar on Monday says with stoicism while talking about his daughters wedding that he could not attend. Advertisement The retired commander told PTI that his release from jail would not have been possible without Prime Minister Narendra Modis personal intervention. The Navi Mumbai resident was here to attend a wedding in the family. I am very happy to be back among my family. It is also a big relief for my family. My joy has also increased because today is the wedding of my nephew, Verma said. Advertisement It is due to Prime Minister Modis personal intervention that I am sitting here today. I thank him from the bottom of my heart on behalf of myself and my colleagues. I also thank the Emir of Qatar for his magnanimous consideration of my case, he added. Verma could not attend his daughters wedding on 27 November, 2022. Advertisement He wanted to be with his wife and children now and also meet all his friends who stood by the family in difficult times, Verma added. Thanking God for her husbands release, his wife Suman said reuniting with him was a moment they were forever waiting for. Looking at him again, I was thinking if he is really in front of me. she said. Advertisement My husbands presence at the wedding in Indore makes me feel like we are reliving our daughters wedding moment. My daughter is also with us, she added. She also thanked the Indian government for its efforts to secure her husbands release. Prime Minister played a big role in the release The eight Indian Navy personnel faced charges of espionage but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi had made the allegations levelled against them public. Advertisement On 26 October, they were sentenced to death by Qatars Court of First Instance. On 28 December, the Court of Appeal in the Gulf nation commuted the capital punishment and sentenced them to jail terms for durations ranging from three years to 25 years. The Court of Appeal had given 60 days to appeal against the prison terms. In December last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai and discussed the well-being of Indians in Qatar. It is learnt that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval played a role in the negotiations with the Qatari authorities in securing the release of the Indians. With inputs from PTI House Republicans have spent months investigating Alejandro Mayorkas actions as theyve aimed to make immigration and border security a key election issue. Heres a look at how the House arrived at the impeachment vote and what could happen next On Tuesday, the US House of Representatives took the unusual step of impeaching Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas . The reason: the Biden administrations handling of the US-Mexico border. The vote is the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary has been impeached. House Republicans have spent months investigating the secretarys actions, hoping to make immigration and border security a major election issue. Advertisement In a statement issued following the vote, Joe Biden said: History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honourable public servant in order to play petty political games, as reported by The Guardian. Last weekend, Mayorkas told NBC that Republicans allegations against him were baseless. However, Mayorkas is not the only Biden administration official that House Republicans want to impeach. Republicans have filed legislation to impeach a long list of officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin, reports The Guardian. But, unlike Mayorkas, those attempts have yet to bear fruit. Advertisement Lets take a look at how the House arrived at the impeachment vote and what could happen next: Wait didnt they vote on this last week? Yes. House Republicans tried to impeach the secretary on 6 February but failed. With Democrats united against the effort, Republicans needed every vote they could muster from their razor-thin majority. Advertisement But in a rowdy, dramatic evening Republicans fell short, with three Republicans voting against the measure. A fourth flipped his vote from yes to no in a tactical move that allowed the impeachment issue to be revisited, so the final vote was 214-216. Whats going on at the border? Migrants have long come across the southern US border looking for a new life in the United States, but not like whats happening now. Arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico reached an all-time high in December. In fiscal year 2022, Border Patrol encountered 2.2 million people crossing the border illegally. You have to go back decades to see comparable numbers. Advertisement Statistics arent always a perfect measure, though, and they can change. The numbers from the 1990s and 2000s are considered vast undercounts because migrants sought to evade authorities as they entered the US. And after the dramatic highs of December, the numbers fell by half in January. Decades ago, the typical migrant trying to come to the US was a man from Mexico looking for work, and he tried to dodge Border Patrol agents. That dynamic has changed drastically. Migrants now are still coming from Central and South America but theyre also coming from much farther away China, Afghanistan and Mauritania, to name just a few countries. And theyre often seeking out Border Patrol agents in an effort to seek protection in America. Advertisement The numbers have at times overwhelmed the ability of border officials to handle, leading to temporary closures of border crossings so officials can process migrants. They have also had repercussions far from the border. Migrants going to cities like Chicago, New York, Boston and Denver have strained city services, leading to Democratic officials pushing the administration to take action. Advertisement What do Republicans say? Republicans have laid the blame for all of this on the Homeland Security secretary and said that because of it, he needs to go. They say the Biden administration has either gotten rid of policies that were in place under the Trump administration that were deterring migrants or that the Biden administration implemented policies of its own that have attracted migrants. Advertisement The House Homeland Security Committee has been holding hearings over roughly the last year where Republicans have repeatedly lambasted Mayorkas. Witnesses have included an Arizona sheriff, families who have lost loved ones to the fentanyl crisis, experts on constitutional law, and former Homeland Security officials who served under former President Donald Trump. Advertisement US House Republicans say the secretary is violating immigration laws by not detaining enough migrants and by implementing a humanitarian parole program that they say bypasses Congress to allow people into the country who wouldnt otherwise qualify to enter. And they allege that hes lied to Congress when he has said things like the border is secure. All of this together, they argue, has created a prolonged crisis that is having repercussions across the country, is squarely the secretarys fault and warrants impeachment. However, the three House Republicans who voted against impeachment argued that the charges didnt meet that bar. Advertisement What do Mayorkas, his supporters and others say? Democrats and many legal experts have said that this is essentially a policy dispute and that Republicans just dont like the immigration policies that the Biden administration, via Mayorkas, has implemented. Thats an issue for voters to decide, not an issue that meets the level of high crimes and misdemeanours required to impeach a Cabinet official, they argue. Advertisement That one congressional party disapproves, even disapproves vigorously, of President Bidens policies on immigration or other matters within the secretarys purview does not make the secretary impeachable, testified University of Missouri law professor Frank O Bowman during a January committee hearing. Mayorkas and his supporters have often said that its not the actions of the administration that are drawing migrants to the southern border, but that it is part of a worldwide phenomenon of migrants, driven by political, economic and climate turmoil, who are more willing to embark on life-threatening journeys to seek out a better life. Advertisement They argue the administration has tried to deal with the chaos at the border. Over roughly the last year, Mayorkas has been the public face of a policy that seeks to create pathways for migrants to come to the US, such as an app that lets them schedule a time to come to the border and seek entry. And, they argue, that policy has new efforts to limit who can get asylum and to order aggressive deportations. But the Biden administration and supporters contend that the secretary is dealing with a wildly underfunded and outdated immigration system that only Congress has the power to truly fix. So far, they argue, it hasnt. What happens next? Mayorkas still keeps his job. Its the Senate that decides whether an impeached official is convicted and thus ousted from their position. But conviction is a much higher bar than impeachment, and Democrats control the Senate 51-49. Two-thirds of the Senate must vote to convict as opposed to the simple majority needed to impeach in the House. That means all Republicans as well as a substantial number of Democrats would have to vote to convict Mayorkas a highly unlikely scenario considering some Republicans are cool to the idea of impeachment. Mayorkas has said hes ready to defend himself in the Senate if it comes to a trial. And in the meantime, he says hes focused on his job. With inputs from AP Over 200 million people are eligible to vote in the Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia with the posts of president and vice president and a number of parliamentary and local legislatures up for grabs. Lets take a look at some interesting facts about the Indonesia polls One of the worlds biggest democracies is set to hold one of its most complicated elections today. Over 200 million people are eligible to vote in the Muslim-majority nation of Indonesia and millions of officials are going to be conducting the voting. At stake are the posts of president and vice president as well as a number of parliamentary and local legislatures. Advertisement Lets take a look at some interesting facts about the Indonesia polls: Voting with nails As per Straits Times, Indonesian voters use a nail to punch their ballot slips rather than use the pen. Coblos, the word for voting in Indonesian, means to punch. Votes are counted in public with each paper being held up to allow observers to get a good look. Voters fingers are inked to show that they cast their ballot. According to Vice, this unique tradition began under the regime of Indonesian president Suharto. Suharto, who reigned for over three decades, won every poll. Advertisement According to the website, this was because if someone voted against Suharto, his pollsters would simply take a nail and make a second hold thus spoilling any ballots against him. Ironically, as per Al Jazeera, these days it is argued that this method makes manipulating votes more difficult. A logistical nightmare Voting is set to last just six hours with officials preparing for possible rainy season downpours, cyber-attacks and fraud. The election will be held across three time-zones, beginning in easternmost province Papua where rebels are waging a deadly insurgency against the military. Advertisement Behind India and the United States, Indonesia is the worlds third-largest democracy. Advertisement It is only the fifth presidential election since the country emerged from autocratic rule less than three decades ago. According to Al Jazeera, over seven million election officials and independent workers will oversee the polling. The anatomy of the sheer numbers of voters involved makes the Indonesian election the largest one-day election in the world, Titi Anggraini, an advisory board member of the Association for Elections and Democracy and a constitutional law lecturer at Universitas Indonesia_,_ told the website. Advertisement The combination of simultaneous elections with an open proportional system which is carried out manually also makes the Indonesian election one of the most complicated and complex elections in the world. The logistics distribution and the voting will happen in the rainy season, general election commission chairman Hasyim Asyari told reporters last year. We hope the worst wont happen. Advertisement Officials have been distributing ballot boxes under armed guard to every corner of the 5,000-kilometre-long archipelago that is home to hundreds of ethnic groups and languages. Elephants or horses? In Sumatras Aceh province, a provincial election official told AFP organisers were still deciding whether to use elephants to carry ballot boxes again after commandeering several tuskers for the task in the 2019 election. Advertisement Horses will be used in a southeast corner of Java island, where officials have prepared at least three trusty stallions to bring ballots to a remote village of just 160 people in case of bad weather. The road is very difficult to reach so we have to use the horses, said Ahmad Hanafi, spokesperson for a local election commission in East Java. Advertisement In Lampung province on Sumatra island, cows will be used in at least four villages to drag votes through mud tracks to and from polling stations, local election commission head Marlini, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told AFP. The logistics will be distributed by a cart pulled by a cow. This is the only possible mode of transportation we can use, she said. Advertisement Speedboats will take ballots from Jakarta to islands off the Javan coast, while the military said warships have been enlisted to help deliver ballots. The risk of flooding is high, with more than 2,000 polling booths vulnerable in capital Jakarta alone, according to authorities. The megalopolis election authorities have mooted relocating polls to higher ground, using mobile pumps or even rubber boats. They will also wrap ballots in plastic for protection. The fears are not unfounded. In neighbouring Banten province last month, a storage facility was inundated by heavy rain, causing hundreds of ballots to be destroyed. Advertisement All this takes its toll. In 2019, over 890 election workers died after the polls, as per Al Jazeera. Communal voting Voters in remote areas of the mineral-rich region will use a communal voting system called Noken, in which a village head represents his community at the ballot box. It is a challenge to the concept of direct voting, and local officials have said the system is fraud-prone, in a country where vote buying is already rife. Advertisement People cant really say anything, they might have a different choice but the village uses the one command system, said Papua cultural expert Marshall Suebu. Doppelgangers galore As per Straits Times, a number of doppelgangers have gone viral this election. For example, Arie Budiarto, a community leader from West Javas Banten, gained much attention for looking rather like Ganjar Pranowo one of the three main candidates. Wasil Afin, a fried rice seller from Central Jawa, also got attention for his resemblance to presidential candidate Anies Baswedan. Mascots Indonesia also has two election mascots named Sura and Sulu. Sura, a male songbird, gets his name from suara rakyat meaning the voice of the people. Sulu, meanwhile, gets he rname from suara pemilu meaning the voice of the election. Fast count According to Al Jazeera, the counting begins as soon as voting ends. Many polling stations employ use a sampling method to determine a quick count which has proven fairly accurate. While the preliminary results will likely be out tomorrow, the final result could take weeks. With inputs from agencies Sonia Gandhi, the former Congress chief and five-time Lok Sabha MP, on Wednesday filed her nomination papers for the Rajya Sabha polls from Rajasthan. Experts say this could signify a shift in Congress leadership Sonia Gandhi has filed her nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls in Rajasthan. The development comes just months ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Sonia has previously served five terms as a Lok Sabha MP. But what do we know about Sonias shift to the Rajya Sabha? And what does it mean? Advertisement Lets take a closer look: What do we know about the shift? Sonia filed her nominations papers on Wednesday. Prior to filing nominations, Sonia met with the party MLAs in the Opposition lobby of the Assembly. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra, leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully were present. According to Rediff.com, the Congress currently has 70 MLAs in the Rajasthan Assembly. As Sonia needs 51 votes to win, her victory is assured. The BJP, meanwhile, has fielded ex-MLAs Madan Rathor and Chunni Lal Girasiya. This will be Sonias first term in Indias Upper House. Advertisement The Congress is comfortably placed to win one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan for which elections will be held. The seat is set to fall vacant in April after former prime minister Manmohan Singh completes his six-year term. According to Rediff.com, Singh is in ill health and will not likely fight another election. Sonia, Rathor and Girasiya are set to be elected unopposed. Sonia was first elected MP in 1999 after taking over as Congress chief. Advertisement As per NDTV, Sonia won from both Amethi in UP and Bellary in Karnataka. Then, in 2004, Sonia contested from the party citadel of Raebareli. Sonia will become the second member of the Gandhi family to enter Rajya Sabha after former prime minister Indira Gandhi, who was a member of the Upper House from August 1964 to February 1967. Advertisement Gandhi had announced in 2019 that it would be her last Lok Sabha election. In a post on X earlier in the day, Gehlot said, We heartily welcome the announcement of respected Smt. Sonia Gandhi ji as the Rajya Sabha candidate from the Congress Party, who renounced the post of Prime Minister. Today her announcement as Rajya Sabha candidate from Rajasthan is a matter of happiness for the entire state and with this announcement all the old memories have been refreshed, he added. Advertisement A total of 56 members of Rajya Sabha from 15 states are retiring in April and the election to the seats will be held on 27 February . The last date for filing nominations is 15 February. The party is fielding Abishek Manu Singhvi from Himachal Pradesh, Akhilesh Pradesh Singh in Bihar and Chandrakant Handore in Maharashtra. Advertisement What does it mean? After Sonia decided not to contest the Lok Sabha polls, rumours are doing the rounds that Priyanka could be fielded from the Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituency. A piece in NDTV noted Sonias grip on Rae Bareli. Ms Gandhi has held Raebareli since 2004, never polling below 55 per cent. She won the seat even in 2014 and 2019, when the Congress was routed by Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP, and held it even when Rahul Gandhi lost Amethi. And leaves (very) big shoes to fill for whomever the Congress fields from here in the April/May election, the piece noted. Advertisement But a piece in News18 quoted those in the know as saying Rae Bareli would not be an easy victory this time. After a win in Amethi, the BJP has sent a clear message that it will not be generous in the Gandhi bastions. Its quite possible that the BJP fields a strong candidate, or at least ensures that it gives a tough run in case a Gandhi sibling consists from Raebareli, the piece stated. Sources told The Times of India that Priyanka might also contest from Amethi. Advertisement A final decision on whether she will contest the Lok Sabha election is yet to be taken by party leadership, the source told the newspaper. Singhs anticipated exit and Ms Gandhis predicted transfer are only two-thirds of this story, which, if completed to script, will signal a generational change in the Congress top leadership, the NDTV piece concluded. That Sonia Gandhi chose to contest from Rajasthan and not from a southern state like Telangana or Karnataka, where the party is also comfortably placed to win is an indication that the Congress first family is not abandoning the Hindi-heartland. The Congress lost polls in Rajasthan in December. A party strategist told the newspaper Sonia choosing a larger state would help the partys political messaging. The News18 piece contented that Sonia might be called upon to revisit the role she played in 2004 in the Rajya Sabha. Sonia Gandhis good relations with many of her new colleagues in the Rajya Sabha may call upon her to ensure that her experience in stitching alliances comes in handy to mend the tears in the INDIA bloc, the piece concluded. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The wedding festivities go beyond mere celebration; they serve as a tribute to the diverse tapestry of traditional Indian art. Adding a unique significance to the festivities, visually impaired artisans from Mahabaleshwar will skillfully craft candles as special gifts for the guests. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants upcoming wedding is instrumental in celebrating traditional Indian art forms. The wedding festivities go beyond mere celebration; they serve as a tribute to the diverse tapestry of traditional Indian art. Adding a unique significance to the festivities, visually impaired artisans from Mahabaleshwar will skillfully craft candles as special gifts for the guests. Advertisement This meaningful collaboration with Swadesh not only enriches the beauty of the occasion but also uplifts communities and preserves the invaluable legacy of ancient craftsmanship. For those unfamiliar, Swadesh pays homage to Indias traditional arts and artisans, embodying a sincere effort to protect and showcase the rich heritage of our countrys timeless arts and crafts. [video width=848 height=480 mp4=https://images.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/WhatsApp-Video.mp4">[/video> Swadesh is empowering communities and preserving age-old craftsmanship. Gopakumar, who served as a Petty Officer in the Navy, said he had retired in 2017 and later joined the Oman Defence training company as a communications instructor. He resides in Balaramapuram, a suburb located over 16 km away from Keralas capital city. Prison and confinement is something terrible, said Ragesh Gopakumar, one of the 8 ex-Indian Navy personnel released by the Qatar government, adding he and his colleagues survived only because of the training they underwent as Defence forces. He expressed joy and gratitude over returning home and being reunited with his family after spending months in captivity in the tiny gulf nation, he also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their release.We are just happy to be alive happy to be home, a relieved Gopakumar told PTI. Advertisement He along with seven other former Navy personnel returned on Monday, nearly three-and-a-half months after a Qatari court handed them a death sentence that was subsequently commuted to varying jail terms. Gopakumar, who served as a Petty Officer in the Navy, said he had retired in 2017 and later joined the Oman Defence training company as a communications instructor. He resides in Balaramapuram, a suburb located over 16 km away from Keralas capital city. Whenever someone enquired what the plight of his family had been when he was in prison, he would ask them to imagine a situation where a husband who used to speak to his wife at least five times a day suddenly stopped calling her. The former Navy veteran attributed his release to his familys prayers and the efforts of the Union government. Lavishing praises on Prime Minister Modi, he said it was only because of his personal intervention that their release was made possible. Advertisement Gopakumar said all of them were hopeful that they would step out of the prison if Modiji intervened but had no idea how long it would take. He also expressed gratitude to the central government for having made arrangements to bring the families of the jailed ex-Naval officers to Qatar.If an Indian is in trouble abroad and is innocent if our PM is convinced about it, he will come to their rescue even if it is just one person every Indian should know this, he said. Advertisement The eight Indian Navy personnel faced charges of espionage but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi had made the allegations levelled against them public. On October 26, they were sentenced to death by Qatars Court of First Instance. On December 28, the Court of Appeal in the Gulf nation commuted the capital punishment and sentenced them to jail terms for durations ranging from three years to 25 years. The Court of Appeal had given 60 days to appeal against the prison terms. In December last year, PM Modi met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai and discussed the well-being of Indians there. Advertisement It is learnt that National Security Adviser Ajit Doval played a role in the negotiations with the Qatari authorities in securing the release of the Indians. With inputs from PTI. These guns will enhance the capability of the Navy and the Coast Guard to accurately engage small targets that pose a threat to ships in an asymmetric environment, both by day and night, the ministry said. With an aim to provide a further boost to the vision of Aatmanirbharta in Defence the Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a Rs 1,752.13-crore contract with a Kanpur-based firm for manufacturing and supply of 463 indigenously built 12.7 mm stabilised remote control guns for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, officials said. Advertisement This contract will also open up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 125 Indian vendors and Defence PSUs for over a period of five years, it added. The ministry signed the contract with Advanced Weapon Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), Kanpur for manufacturing and supply of a total of 463 indigenously manufactured 12.7 mm stabilised remote control guns (SRCG) for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs 1,752.13 crore, with indigenous content (IC) of more than 85 per cent, it said. These guns will enhance the capability of the Navy and the Coast Guard to accurately engage small targets that pose a threat to ships in an asymmetric environment, both by day and night, the ministry said. With inputs from PTI. The symbolism of the grand temple in Abu Dhabi and the release of eight Indians on death row in Qatar underline the influence of India in West Asia A magnificent temple in Abu Dhabi and the unprecedented release of eight Indians on death row in Qatar underline that Prime Minister Narendra Modis four-pronged outreach to West Asia is paying massive dividends. The first is the use of political capital and military force projection, which have transformed the relationship with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. India has set the tone through the Prime Ministers personal rapport with the rulers and a pragmatic approach. Advertisement That the BJP is a Hindu right-wing party, just as the Arab nations are conservative Islamic, yet the differences are frankly stated and appreciated by both sides. The Arab kingdoms and sheikdoms share Indias aversion to fundamental Islam. Now, this may come as a surprise to readers, but for West Asian countries, fundamental Islam poses a serious threat. In Islam, the king or ruler has no authority; all authority is vested with Allah, and it is this that the ISIS and other Islamists preachand what the Gulf regimes fear. The transformation of the India-UAE ties, for example, on intelligence sharing with respect to Islamic terror, underlines how much this caravan has travelled from the time that Dawood Ibrahim and others led a lavish life in the Gulf. Indian military presence, particularly since the last decade, and the presence of its navy in the Persian Gulf are seen along with its diplomatic stance in the global context as a net security provider. This is a key development that underscores other Indian initiatives and makes India an indispensable Asian presence in the Gulf. Advertisement This key factor of being a net security provider is not by accident. PM Modi has invested significant political capital to bring about the massive change from India being viewed as a source of cheap labor to a pivot of strategic stability. Since the UAE-India comprehensive strategic partnership started way back in 2020, PM Modis bilateral relations have elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership, encompassing cooperation in areas such as defence, security, trade, and investment. This was further enhanced on this latest visit by signing the bilateral investment treaty. Advertisement Similarly, the Qatar-India economic partnership resulted in enhanced economic cooperation. During COVID-19, Modis personal intervention facilitated collaboration with the UAE and Qatar in repatriation efforts, medical assistance, and vaccine diplomacy. This demonstrated Indias commitment to regional solidarity and cooperation in times of crisis. The release of the eight ex-navy personnel underlines the second prong of the West Asia outreach. Personal rapport and concentrated effort at the summit level between the two countries. It is a major win for India, for it is unlikely that Qatar would have passed the death penalty and yet released the Indian navy personnel without intervention and negotiations at the very highest level. Advertisement The third card that India has played is chequebook diplomacy. India is spending very much in West Asia. India, in February, even as eight Indians were still in jail, negotiated a successful contract that took away a floating rate charge and the shipping of gas charges with Abu Dhabi. This secures savings of $6 billion if oil remains above $80 per barrel. This is a significant deal where India will pay $78 billion for importing 7.5 million tonne of LNG until 2028. Similarly, with the UAE, India concluded a free trade agreement in 2022, which was path-breaking as it took 99 per cent of Indian exports to the UAE off duty. Advertisement It also allows India to export a lot more to Africa and the Iberian Peninsula while allowing value-added exports by the UAE into India. As a result, bilateral trade between the UAE and India increased, even with the global slowdown in 2023, by 16 per cent to be worth $85 billion. Advertisement Similarly, since 2020, the Qatar Investment Authority has invested $5 billion in Indian listed and unlisted firms such as Reliance Retail and Swiggy. Saudi Arabia, too, is getting active. India and Saudi Arabia agreed to set up a joint working group to channel the planned mammoth $100 billion in investments, including a giant oil refinery. Advertisement The fourth prong of PM Modis outreach is people-to-people contact. There are 800,00 Indians in Qatar and 3.5 million in the UAE, while Saudi Arabia has 2 million. These are huge numbers, and it is important to realise that with Indian-origin CEOs running global firms like Microsoft and Google, the White-only CEO norm in the gulf is looking a little ridiculous. Advertisement India has concerns about the wages and working conditions of many of its expats, and these have been part of the negotiations during the recent visits as well. India is looking at enhanced dignity and respect, especially for its labour force in the Gulf. The symbolism of the grand temple in Abu Dhabi and an unveiled Smriti Irani in Madinah underline the influence of India in West Asia as a force for good. It is time for the two countries to bridge the gulf and sail in the direction of prosperity. The India-West Asia relationship is likely to reach far greater heights. India, as the growth and alternative energy outpost in a slowing world economy, attracts the Gulf countries. Do not be surprised if you hear of an Indian military base in the UAE soon. Advertisement The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. 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 . They were the loudest to shout that Indias interests were being hurt in West Asia when a Qatari court had charged eight Indians with espionage. But after their safe return, they are now busy crediting anonymous silent forces who worked behind the scenes In the last one week, India has received multiple good news from West Asia. The biggest one is Indian Navy veterans getting released and safely returning to their homes after they were put on death sentence in Qatar last year with the espionage charges against them being dropped. As the images of their happy faces after landing in New Delhi circulate all over the media, one can only thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his personal investment in securing their release. After all, it was a powerful meeting between him and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai that set the ball rolling towards their release in December 2023. Advertisement According to foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra, the prime minister not only personally supervised their case but he also never shied away from any initiative that would ensure their safe release and return to India. In a reciprocal gesture of goodwill, Prime Minister Modi will also pay a short visit to Qatar this week after completing his scheduled visit to the UAE. Whats interesting is that this news comes on the heels of another welcome development in India-Qatar ties. In early February, India and Qatar had also agreed to renew a $78 billion deal as a part of which India will receive Liquified Natural Gas from this West Asian nation till 2048. India will save around $6 billion over the next 20 years due to this deal because it has been negotiated at a price lower than the current prevailing market rates of LNG. Qatar is vying to become one of the largest LNG producers in the world and a customer like India would definitely give its ambitions new wings. Besides growing energy cooperation with Qatar, there is another reason to cheer for India as the Arab Emirate of Abu Dhabi has just witnessed the inauguration of a Hindu temple on Wednesday. In 2015, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had generously donated a 13.5 acre of land for construction of a Hindu temple during PM Modis visit to UAE. This donation was topped up with another 13.5 acres of land later on. A Swaminarayan temple built on this total 27 acres of land will be opened to people on 14 February after its inauguration by Modi during his two-day visit. Interestingly in a span of just eight months, this will be Prime Minister Modis third visit to UAE. In fact, not just the United Arab Emirates but the entire region of West Asia has witnessed closer cooperation with India in the last 10 years. Advertisement In 2014 during the run up to the Lok Sabha elections, there was a wide section of the Lutyens that was questioning Prime Minister Modis credentials to govern India specifically in the domain of foreign policy. Their leading charge was that Modi had so far only served as the Chief Minister of a provincial government and had very little exposure to foreign policy. Advertisement This was not only a very elitist argument but it also reflected how Lutyens considers foreign policy and international affairs as solely its fiefdom. I had personally faced a similar situation in a national newsroom while working as a journalist in my early years when I was told by a naive editor that in India, only children of the Lutyens elite get a break to work as reporters on the foreign policy beat. This outsider-insider boundary was always kept as a well-guarded one and to the left liberals, Modi was a clear outsider. For instance, at that time in an interview to a foreign publication, a professor of International Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University even remarked that Modi lacks sophistication to understand nuances of foreign policy and he wont be able to function without some proper advice. Advertisement Not just this, his political identity as a BJP leader was also used to create many prejudices in the minds of people. Those who followed the debate on foreign policy outlook of the right wing in India would remember how BJP was seen as a Hindutva party that would eulogise Zionist Israel at the cost of hampering Indias relations with the Islamic countries in West Asia. This image of a Hindu nationalist India under BJP was projected as a bad omen for Indias strategic interest in the Arab world. This was a lie that was often repeated through scathing opinion pieces and biased coverage against Prime Minister Modi by even the western media. However, the last ten years have panned out in the exact opposite way. Today, Modis India is not only welcomed, embraced and accepted as a formidable emerging power by West Asia but its culture and its very ethos of tolerance as enshrined in the Sanatana Dharma, one of the oldest in the world is also celebrated by leaders in West Asia. In an interview to a national daily, Abdulnasser Alshaali, UAEs ambassador to India noted that the inauguration of Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is a tribute to the spirit of tolerance and acceptance in India-UAE ties. Advertisement Looking at the way relations are blooming between India and its counterparts in West Asia under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, one can safely conclude that not only the Lutyens elite but also foreign policy commentators across the world had failed to judge Modis capability as a national leader and his potential as a foreign policy visionary correctly. Not just this, they also clearly failed at judging his intentions in how he wanted to steer India. Modis foreign policy is based on the principle of India First that upholds the countrys national interest supreme to any other determinant of policy. As a part of this, his vision of a developed and prosperous India is aligning very well with countries in West Asia who are attempting to diversify their economies beyond oil. These countries have understood that one day when oil will eventually run out, they will have to create an economic base in line with the requirements of the 21st century. It is for this reason they are looking to court India whose emerging economy will prove to be a great partner in the future. PM Modi has excellently tapped into this sentiment and his far-sightedness is paying India rich dividends as well. Today, whether it is trade or connectivity, numerous initiatives are being launched by India along with its partners in West Asia. Advertisement Once again Modi is having the last laugh by proving his credentials in the so-called elitist domain of foreign policy, while those who criticised or doubted his potential are whining away. Nothing speaks of this more than the reaction of Left-liberal coterie to the release of Navy veterans by Qatar. They were the loudest to shout that Indias interests were being hurt in West Asia when a Qatari court had charged those eight Indians with espionage. But after their safe return and release, today they are busy crediting anonymous silent forces who worked behind the scenes. It must be Modis fate that all his achievements are attributed to silent forces only by the Lutyens but the fact that he doesnt care for any validation by them shows a quality that all leaders must imbibe. Advertisement The author is a PhD from the Department of International Relations, South Asian University. She writes on Indias foreign policy. 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 . While the world celebrates Valentines Day of human love, desire and passion, we in Bharat, pray to Maa Saraswati to give us; the knowledge of reality, the wisdom of truth, the joy of learning, and the bliss of divine music and arts Celebrations are part of every human society. Since ancient times every civilisation has created many occasions (factual, mythical, seasonal, etc.) to celebrate different aspects of life. Look at the beauty and depth of Bharats wisdom, here, we have associated every celebration with the divine. Every festival in Bharat is a reminder and a celebration of some higher purpose, knowledge, ideals and learning. Advertisement While the world celebrates Valentines Day, we celebrate goddess Saraswati divine mother, the bestower of all knowledge, learning, wisdom, music and arts. This year on 14 February when the world celebrates Valentines Day dedicated to romantic love, in Bharat, we will be celebrating Vasant Panchami, a day dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. She is the goddess of learning, knowledge, music and arts. Vasant Panchami is considered as the birthday of the goddess Saraswati. She is the daughter of Lord Brahma. In one of the stories, after creating the world, Brahma once visited the Earth to see the life of inhabitants here. Everywhere he went he saw people were living comfortably but in a dull mood, there was no joy of learning, no pursuit of knowledge, no music and art here, devoid of this, life on Earth had become very dull. So, he gave birth to Maa Saraswati to bless the Earth with learning, knowledge, music and art, so that there is continuous joy of learning in the hearts of people on Earth. That is why one sees goddess Saraswati with a Veena (a string musical instrument) in her hands. Besides representing music and arts, veena also indicates a deeper message; to tune oneself to live in harmony with everyone and with every life form, so that continuous inner music and rhythm playing in the hearts of people. Advertisement While the world celebrates Valentines Day, we celebrate Shivas intense meditation and goddess Paravatis devotional love for Shiva In many Bharatiya traditions, Vasant Panchami is also celebrated as a day when Shiva opened his third eye to burn the lord of desires Kamadev. This is an interesting episode in the scriptures. When Sati, the first wife of Mahadev - Shiva dies, he experiences intense pain of separation. With deep dispassion (Vairagya), he renounces everything and enters into his yogic meditation. Many moons passed and then Sati, who is actually Shivas half-self and whom we call Adi-Shakti, the primordial energy, took second birth as goddess Parvati, she is the daughter of Paravata (the mountains) and hence got the name, Parvati. She loves Shiva a lot and decides to marry him, but Shiva is in a yogic trance, it is impossible to bring him out of his deep meditation. All the gods then approach the lord of passion, Kamadev to distract Shiva by the attack of Kamadevs passion and desire, and once out of his meditation, it will be easier for goddess Paravti to end her penance and convince Shiva to marry her. Advertisement When Kamadev attacks Shiva with his arrows of desire and passion, Shiva becomes very angry, he opens his third eye and burns Kamadev. Now, without Kamadev, the Earth cannot sustain itself, without the energy of desire and passion, the growth of life will stop. Seeing this, all the gods are very scared now, and when Kamadevs wife Rati hears about her husbands death, she does severe penance to apologise to Shiva for her husbands action and seek his forgiveness. She asks Shiva to bring Kamadev back to life, all the gods also want this so that life on Earth can continue. Vasant Panchami is also celebrated as the day on which Kamadev got burned by Shivas third eye and later restored to life by Shiva on Ratis request. Advertisement While the world celebrates Valentines Day, we celebrate the coming of the Spring season and new crops in our fields We also celebrate Vasant Panchmi as the time to welcome the coming of spring season. Now the winter months are giving way to much brighter and warmer days. Sun is showing abundant energy and warmth on Earth and now the new life will start to blossom in the fields as crops, flowers and fruits. So, for the farmers of Bharat, this is the time to celebrate the upcoming spring season of abundance as the sacred new crop will bring new nourishment and well-being to their entire family. Advertisement While the world celebrates Valentines Day of human love, desire and passion, we in Bharat, pray to Maa Saraswati to give us; the knowledge of reality, the wisdom of truth, the joy of learning, and the bliss of divine music and arts. In Bharat we also realise that Kamadevs influence via desire and passion is unescapable, we all suffer from his influence, but then on this day we also pray to Shiva; to alleviate our desire and passion for the highest, to awaken the true love for the divine in our hearts, to purify our love and make it sacred. For us, this is the true purpose and pursuit of human life. Blessed are those who are born in this sacred culture and blessed are those who are ever inspired by Bharats Dharmic way of life. Advertisement The author is a visionary spiritual teacher, leadership mentor and public speaker. He works in the areas of creating awakened leaders, bringing consciousness to education and running regular spiritual talks and retreats. 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 . Amid Pakistans political landscape, chaos reigns supreme and the nation finds itself teetering on the edge of uncertainty. After days of intense manoeuvering, a new twist has emerged in what can only be described as Pakistans own Game of Thrones. Game of Thrones In a surprising turn of events, Bilawal Bhutto, the scion of the iconic Bhutto family, has announced his decision to refrain from joining the government. While he never stood as a serious contender for the prime ministers seat, his party held the potential to wield significant influence. However, Bhutto has opted to remain on the sidelines, pledging his support to Nawaz Sharifs faction, albeit from a distance and only on a case-by-case basis. Advertisement This move leaves Nawaz Sharif in a precarious position. Despite garnering substantial support in the parliament, his party falls short of the required majority. With 79 seats under his belt and an additional 54 from Bhuttos camp, Sharif still finds himself 36 seats shy of the halfway mark in the 336-seat National Assembly. Seeking to bolster his numbers, Sharifs brother, Shehbaz Sharif, hints at securing the support of independent lawmakers, potentially including those allied with Imran Khans party. Shehbaz Sharifs confidence in mustering the necessary backing underscores the determination to propel Nawaz Sharif to the prime ministerial post for a record fourth term. However, the latest reports are saying Nawaz would want his brother Shehbaz to be the Prime Minister of Pakistan instead. Advertisement Imran Khan leaves no stone unturned Meanwhile, Imran Khan, despite facing constraints imposed by the military, employs unconventional tactics, including artificial intelligence, to convey his defiance. Despite being incarcerated, Khan asserts his partys victory in the elections, challenging Sharifs legitimacy. Encouraging his supporters to defend their electoral triumph, Khan sets the stage for a fierce political battle. While focussing on consolidating power in provincial governments, particularly in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Khan aims to forge alliances at the federal level. His recent alliance with the Majlis-e-Wahdat-Muslimeen signals a potential shift in the balance of power. Advertisement However, Khans path to governance is fraught with obstacles. He categorically rejects alliances with the Bhutto and Sharif factions, leaving him reliant on smaller parties and independent lawmakers. Despite emerging as the party with the most seats, Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) faces the challenge of retaining the support of independent legislators. Advertisement Uncertainty grips Pakistan As the political deadlock persists, Pakistan faces mounting unrest and uncertainty. Protests erupt in Balochistan with Islamic parties disputing the election results. The longer the nation remains without a functioning government, the greater the risk of instability. Behind the scenes, the military, which initially backed the Sharifs, faces growing pressure to intervene and broker a solution. Amidst speculation of a potential shift in allegiance towards Khan, the military finds itself at a crossroads tasked with navigating a path towards stability in a fractured political landscape. Advertisement Amid this turmoil, one thing remains clear: Pakistans future hangs in the balance, with the spectre of chaos looming large. Whether the military can navigate the treacherous waters of Pakistani politics and salvage stability remains to be seen. In a nation where political alliances shift like sand, only time will tell who emerges victorious in this high-stakes power struggle. 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 . NVIDIAs shares experienced a marginal decline of 0.17%, bringing its market value to $1.78 trillion, surpassing Amazons $1.75 trillion valuation after the latters stock dropped by 2.15%. Google-parent Alphabets stock also dipped by 1.62% resulting in a market capitalisation of $1.81 trillion On Tuesday, NVIDIA stood on the brink of surpassing Alphabet to become the third most valuable company on Wall Street, as the leading AI chipmakers market capitalization exceeded Amazons for the first time in two decades. NVIDIAs shares experienced a marginal decline of 0.17 per cent, bringing its market value to $1.78 trillion, surpassing Amazons $1.75 trillion valuation after the latters stock dropped by 2.15 per cent. Meanwhile, Google-parent Alphabets stock also dipped by 1.62 per cent, resulting in a market capitalization of $1.81 trillion. Advertisement NVIDIA has significantly benefited from the widespread integration of AI into various products and services by technology companies. The companys graphics processors have been in high demand, with Meta Platforms and other major tech firms purchasing billions of dollars worth of its components. In anticipation of NVIDIAs quarterly results scheduled for February 21, Mizuho raised its price target for the companys stock to $825 from $625. The current stock price stands at $721.28. Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh noted that while lead times for NVIDIAs top-tier H100 processor have decreased, the demand continues to exceed the supply, projecting considerable AI growth potential for NVIDIA, Broadcom, and Advanced Micro Devices. NVIDIAs dominance in the high-end AI chip market, commanding approximately 80 per cent of the sector, has contributed to a 46 per cent surge in its stock value this year, following a more than threefold increase in 2023. The optimism surrounding AI has also propelled other technology-related companies like Microsoft and Meta to record highs. Advertisement Alphabet has integrated chatbot technology into its Google search engine and offers generative AI tools to its cloud customers. Although its stock reached an all-time high recently, its quarterly report on January 30 fell short of investors expectations, resulting in a decline in its shares. Nonetheless, Alphabets stock remains up by 4 per cent in 2024. Advertisement While NVIDIA briefly surpassed Amazons market capitalization on Monday, Amazon reclaimed the top spot by the end of the trading session. The last time NVIDIA exceeded Amazons value was in 2002 when both companies were valued at under $6 billion. Microsoft recently surpassed Apple to become the worlds most valuable company, valued at over $3 trillion, with state oil giant Saudi Aramco holding the third position. Apples stock has experienced a 4 per cent decline in 2024, while Saudi Aramco boasts a $2 trillion market capitalization, predominantly owned by the Saudi Arabian government. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) India faces the risk of losing ground to competitors like China and Vietnam in attracting major players in smartphone manufacturing, and needs to lure them with in subsidies and lower tariffs In a bid to establish itself as a major player in smartphone exports, India faces the risk of losing ground to competitors like China and Vietnam. Government documents obtained by Reuters reveal that Indias Minister of State at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, emphasised the need for swift action to entice global companies with reduced tariffs. Advertisement Prime Minister Narendra Modis economic agenda prioritises smartphone manufacturing as a cornerstone for growth and job creation in the country. Despite Indias status as the worlds second-largest mobile market, with production reaching $44 billion last year, concerns loom over the countrys competitiveness in attracting tech giants like Apple, Foxconn, and Samsung. While financial incentives have driven production growth, high tariffs pose a significant challenge. Critics argue that these tariffs deter companies from diversifying their supply chains beyond China, prompting them to favour countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Mexico, which offer more favourable tariff conditions. Documents dated January 3rd, from Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar addressing the Finance Ministry, highlights Indias vulnerability to losing out on opportunities due to its tariff regime. Minister Chandrasekhar stressed the urgency of aligning tariffs with global standards, particularly citing the advantages enjoyed by China and Vietnam, as per the Reuters report Advertisement Lower tariffs on components is the key to Indias ambition to attract smartphone manufacturers. While domestic production is substantial, manufacturers in India still rely on imported high-end parts from China, which raises costs due to tariff impositions. Recent remarks by US Ambassador Eric Garcetti also highlighted concerns about Indias tariff policies, suggesting that such barriers hinder foreign investments. He emphasized the importance of creating an open market environment to foster growth. Advertisement The document in question also highlights the disparity between Indias export performance and that of China and Vietnam. Despite recent adjustments in tariffs on certain components, the IT Ministrys lobbying efforts for broader tariff cuts in the annual budget were not fully realized. Tariffs on key components such as chargers and circuit boards remain high. Advertisement (With inputs from agencies) The Indian smartphone market grew only by 1% YoY in 2023, with shipments reaching 146 million units. Albeit only a small uptick, it is a positive sign as 2022 saw a 10.3% YoY decline. Apple led the premium segment in 2023, whereas Samsungs shipment fell by over 5.5% According to the latest report by the International Data Corporation (IDC), the Indian smartphone market experienced only a slight uptick in 2023, with shipments reaching 146 million units, marking a nominal growth of 1 per cent compared to the previous year. This comes as a positive turn following a 10.2 per cent decline in shipments witnessed in 2022, when the market recorded 144.3 million units. Advertisement The IDC report highlights that the modest increase in 2023 can be attributed to an 11 per cent growth observed in the second half of the year, driven by the introduction of several new smartphone models into the market. Apple takes the crown One notable highlight from the IDC findings is the exceptional performance of Apple in India in 2023. Despite its devices boasting one of the highest average selling prices, standing at $940 (approximately Rs 78,000), the tech giant managed to ship 9 million units throughout the year. This success was attributed to the popularity of the iPhone 14 series and Apples commitment to participating in the Make in India initiative, alongside the ongoing demand for previous-generation iPhone models. The iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 secured positions among the top 5 models shipped annually. Samsung sees 5 per cent YoY decline In contrast, Samsung, while maintaining its position as the leading performer in terms of smartphone shipments, experienced a 5 per cent year-on-year decline in numbers. Advertisement Foldables on the rise, 5G goes mainstream The report also highlights the growing popularity of foldable phones, with nearly a million units shipped in 2023, primarily led by Samsung. Despite a slight decrease in market dominance to 73 per cent, the foldable phone market is seeing increased competition from newcomers such as Motorola, Tecno, OnePlus, and OPPO. Advertisement Additionally, the demand for 5G smartphones surged, with 79 million units shipped in 2023. Notably, the mass budget segment accounted for 35 per cent of all 5G phone sales. The most shipped 5G smartphone models included the iPhone 13 and iPhone 14, Samsungs Galaxy A14, Vivos T2x, and Xiaomis Redmi12. The SoC of choice Regarding the chipset market, MediaTek emerged as a dominant force, capturing 50 per cent of the smartphone market share, marking a 6 per cent increase from the previous year. MediaTek-based models such as Vivos T2x, Xiaomis Redmi A2, and Realmes C55 gained significant traction. Meanwhile, Qualcomm witnessed a slight decline, with its market share dropping to 25 per cent. Advertisement Segment-Specific Insights The IDC report also delves into segment-specific trends, revealing intriguing developments across various price brackets. The entry-level segment, comprising phones priced under Rs 10,000, witnessed a rise in market share, accounting for 20 per cent of all sales, up from 18 per cent in the previous year. Xiaomi continues to dominate this segment, closely followed by POCO and Samsung. Advertisement However, the mass budget category, spanning phones priced between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000, experienced a dip, dropping to 44 per cent market share from 51 per cent in the previous year. Vivo, Realme, and Samsung emerged as key players in this segment, collectively securing over half of the market share. Advertisement In the higher price brackets, the entry-premium range (Rs 20,000 to Rs 40,000) remained stable at 21 per cent market share, with Vivo and OnePlus leading the pack. Sales in the mid-premium segment (Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000) surged by 27 per cent, with OnePlus maintaining its dominance followed closely by Samsung and Vivo. Advertisement The premium and super-premium segments witnessed significant growth, particularly in the super-premium range (phones priced above Rs 60,000), which saw an 86 per cent increase in sales. iPhones continued to dominate this segment, closely trailed by Samsung. Sam Altman believes that the UAE is positioned perfectly to eventually shape international regulations governing the use of AI. Altman proposed that the UAE could provide a controlled environment for experimenting with AI innovations Sam Altman, the head of OpenAI, has suggested that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could become a global regulatory sandbox for testing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and eventually shaping international regulations governing their use. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in a virtual appearance, Altman highlighted the challenges of devising effective AI regulations in isolation. He proposed that the UAE could provide a controlled environment for experimenting with AI innovations, allowing for insights into what works and what doesnt. Advertisement Altman, known for his leadership in bringing AI technology to the forefront through initiatives like ChatGPT, emphasized the necessity of unified global policies to manage future advancements in AI. He identified the UAE as a potential leader in these discussions, citing its strong commitment to AI development. These remarks coincide with Altmans efforts to attract investors in the Middle East for a semiconductor project aimed at advancing AI capabilities. While the UAE has made significant investments in AI and prioritized it as a key policy area, its connections with China have raised concerns in the United States. Earlier, the CEO of G42, an Emirati AI firm affiliated with UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced plans to reduce its presence in China in response to pressure from Washington. G42 has partnerships with OpenAI, Microsoft Corp., and Cerebras Systems Inc. Altman also revealed that OpenAI intends to release additional large-language models as open source, although specific models are yet to be determined. Additionally, the company aims to develop tools tailored for developing countries that lack the resources to invest heavily in AI development. Advertisement Altman stated, We want to provide solutions that are accessible to countries seeking to leverage AI services, underscoring OpenAIs commitment to fostering AI innovation globally. (With inputs from agencies) Australian federal MPs, including the Prime Minister and members of the cabinet, have overwhelmingly voted to advocate for the return of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, to Australia, urging both the US and the UK to allow it Australian federal MPs, including the Prime Minister and members of the cabinet, have overwhelmingly voted to advocate for the return of Julian Assange, the founder of WikiLeaks, to Australia, urging both the US and the UK to allow it. According to The Guardian, the passage of the motion, with 86 votes in favor and 42 against, was celebrated by independent MP Andrew Wilkie as an unprecedented show of political support for Assange by the Australian parliament. Advertisement While opposition leader Peter Dutton, along with colleagues from the Coalition, opposed the motion, Tasmanian MP Bridget Archer broke ranks to support the pro-Assange stance, added the report. The timing of the vote aligns with Attorney General Mark Dreyfuss acknowledgment that the Assange issue was discussed during his recent meeting with his US counterpart, Merrick Garland, in Washington DC. This was a private discussion; however this governments position on Mr Assange is very clear, and has not changed, Guardian Australia quoted Dreyfus as saying. It is time this matter is brought to an end, Dreyfus added. Assange continues to be held at Belmarsh prison in London while contesting a US extradition attempt, which seeks to bring him from the UK to face charges, including violations of the Espionage Act. The UK high court is scheduled to conduct a two-day hearing on this matter next week. Advertisement The charges stem from the release of numerous leaked documents related to the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, as well as diplomatic cables, between 2010 and 2011. On Wednesday, Wilkie effectively motioned to halt parliamentary standing orders for a debate on the issue, a motion supported by government backbencher Josh Wilson. Anthony Albaneses government has repeatedly said that enough is enough and that it is time for the Assange matter to be brought to a conclusion. Advertisement But the motion on Wednesday removed the ambiguity about what that conclusion should entail: allowing him back to Australia. The parliamentary motion specifically underlined the importance of the UK and USA bringing the matter to a close so that Mr Assange can return home to his family in Australia. During the debate, Wilkie implored fellow MPs to support the motion because it was time for all of us to take a stand. Advertisement Wilkie said that if Assange lost his final UK appeal next week, he could be on a plane to the United States within hours. Weve just about run out of time to save Julian Assange, Guardian quoted Wilkie as saying in parliament. Wilson, the Labor MP, told parliament that the same material at the heart of the charges against Assange had been published without legal consequence by media organisations in the United States. Advertisement It is significant that both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition have been clear in saying the matter should come to an end, Wilson said. Despite Duttons past comments on the matter, he and fellow Coalition frontbenchers ultimately voted against the motion, which also included the statement that the material revealed shocking evidence of misconduct by the USA. Advertisement Some Coalition MPs who have previously backed calls for Assanges release, including Barnaby Joyce, were not present for the vote. Eight Coalition MPs who were present for a separate vote immediately beforehand did not vote on the Assange motion. The Greens and many crossbenchers supported the motion. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has previously pushed back at the Australian governments complaints that the pursuit of Assange had dragged on too long. Advertisement After talks in Brisbane in July, Blinken said it was very important for our friends in Australia to understand the US concerns about Assanges alleged role in one of the largest compromises of classified information in the history of our country. With inputs from agencies The purpose of this tax is to safeguard Balis environment and cultural heritage, stated acting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya during a press conference on Monday In an effort to protect the traditions of the Island of Gods, the Indonesian vacation paradise of Bali started charging new visitors a 150,000 rupiah ($10) tax on Wednesday. Dependent on tourists Bali is a beach-dotted island that welcomes millions of foreign tourists each year. In an effort to preserve its tropical charm and increase revenue, the island is attempting to capitalize on its popularity. Advertisement The purpose of this tax is to safeguard Balis environment and cultural heritage, stated acting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya during a press conference on Monday. Foreign visitors arriving in Bali from overseas or from other regions of Indonesia will be required to pay the fee electronically through the Love Bali online portal, according to a press release. The levy will not apply to domestic Indonesian tourists. Nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali between January and November last year, according to official figures, as the island continued to rebound from the Covid-19 pandemic after imposing a zero-tolerance policy on rule-breakers. The palm-fringed hotspot has vowed a crackdown on misbehaving tourists after a spate of incidents that have included acts of disrespect to the predominantly Hindu islands culture. Advertisement Incidents in recent years have included foreign tourists posing for naked photographs at sacred sites and flashing in the street. Last year, the local government published an etiquette guide for tourists who wish to visit Bali after being pressed to do so by the islands immigration office. with inputs from AFP In Cambodia, where societal norms emphasise the importance of maintaining virginity until marriage, Valentines Day is viewed by some as a foreign influence that challenges traditional Buddhist principles Cambodias authorities have issued a stern warning to students, urging them to refrain from inappropriate activities this Valentines Day to safeguard their dignity. In Cambodia, where societal norms emphasise the importance of maintaining virginity until marriage, Valentines Day is viewed by some as a foreign influence that challenges traditional Buddhist principles. As such, social conservatives remain wary of its implications on Cambodian culture. Advertisement While Valentines Day has gained popularity among youth across Southeast Asia, with shops adorned with red roses and heart-shaped chocolates, Cambodian officials express concern over its impact on the nations cultural values. The Ministry of Education has directed both public and private schools to take measures to prevent activities deemed unsuitable for the occasion, stating that such celebrations contradict Khmer tradition. Authorities emphasise the risk of young individuals neglecting their studies and tarnishing their families honor by participating in Valentines Day festivities. The Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Womens Affairs have echoed these sentiments, urging adherence to Khmer traditions to uphold dignity and honor. Additionally, the National AIDS Authority has highlighted the potential consequences of reckless behavior associated with Valentines Day, particularly among youth, in spreading diseases like AIDS. Advertisement Last year, there were 7,600 people living with AIDS in Cambodia, including 1,400 new cases, it said. About 42 percent of the new cases are youths aged between 15 and 24, the authority said. With inputs from AFP Ndatuje faces charges including breach of trust, unauthorized use of a computer, and breach of trust concerning safeguarded information, which purportedly contravenes the countrys Security of Information Act A member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has been apprehended and accused of accessing police records and sharing sensitive details with the Rwandan government. According to reports from the federal police force released on Tuesday, Constable Eli Ndatuje, stationed in Alberta, was arrested by the integrated national security enforcement team (Inset). Advertisement Ndatuje faces charges including breach of trust, unauthorized use of a computer, and breach of trust concerning safeguarded information, which purportedly contravenes the countrys Security of Information Act. Scheduled to appear in a Calgary court on March 11, Ndatuje has been granted release under conditions requiring him to surrender his passport, remain within the province, and comply with fingerprinting protocols. Court documents allege that Ndatuje transmitted safeguarded information on the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system to a foreign entity, specifically the Republic of Rwanda. Born in Uganda with Rwandan heritage, Ndatuje migrated to Canada at the age of 14. The RCMP, upon learning of the alleged security breach, implemented measures to monitor and prevent further unauthorized disclosures of information, as stated in their press release: The RCMP is committed to combating foreign actor interference at all levels and is actively leveraging all tools at its disposal. Advertisement Ndatuje is the third RCMP member recently charged under the Security of Information Act. Cameron Ortis, a former top Canadian police intelligence official, was recently sentenced to 14 years in prison for similar offenses. Additionally, William Majcher, a retired RCMP employee, faces charges related to benefiting the Peoples Republic of China. Advertisement Canada is currently addressing concerns over the influence of foreign nations in its governmental institutions, with leaked intelligence reports suggesting interference attempts by China in Canadian elections. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged credible allegations linking India to the assassination of a Canadian political activist. An independent commission is investigating alleged foreign interference in Canadian affairs, signaling a broader scrutiny of international involvement in domestic matters. This stringent punishment reflects the states commitment to safeguarding not only the sanctity of a soldiers marriage but also the dignity of military personnel, as outlined in Chinas National Defence Law A man in China has been sentenced to 10 months behind bars for disrupting a military marriage by engaging in a relationship and cohabiting with the wife of a serving soldier in the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). Under Chinas Criminal Law, individuals knowingly cohabiting or marrying someone who is the spouse of a PLA soldier can face imprisonment of up to three years. Advertisement This stringent punishment reflects the states commitment to safeguarding not only the sanctity of a soldiers marriage but also the dignity of military personnel, as outlined in Chinas National Defence Law. According to reports from the Peoples Court Daily, a man named Ma received a 10-month jail term from a court in Dunhua, located in the northeastern province of Jilin, for the offense of disrupting a military marriage. Ma, who had previously worked with a woman named Yuan, became involved with her in 2022, and they engaged in sexual activity on the same day they met. Despite learning that Yuan was married to a PLA soldier, Ma initially dismissed the seriousness of the situation and continued to refer to Yuan as his girlfriend. Advertisement Although Ma attempted to end the relationship upon realizing the gravity of the situation, they resumed dating a month later due to Mas inability to resist his feelings for Yuan. Subsequently, they began living together at Mas residence. Yuans request for a divorce from her husband, who was stationed in another city for PLA service, aroused suspicion, leading him to investigate and discover evidence of her infidelity through surveillance cameras in their residential area. He then alerted the authorities. Advertisement Mas confession during the court proceedings resulted in a more lenient sentence, as noted in the report. An editorial in the Peoples Court Daily emphasized the importance of protecting military marriages, highlighting the challenges faced by soldiers who are often stationed far from their families. It denounced actions that undermine the stability of military unions, stressing their detrimental impact on soldiers morale and the armys operational effectiveness. Advertisement While China provides support for military marriages during active service, such protection ceases upon completion of military duty. In a related context, mainland actress Zhang Xinyus marriage to a PLA officer in 2018 garnered commendation from the China Discipline Inspection Newspaper, a publication under the oversight of the Communist Partys Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Advertisement Apart from safeguarding soldiers marriages, Chinese laws also grant additional benefits to children of PLA members, such as extra points in important examinations like high school and university entrance tests. After two years of fighting and being severely short on both personnel and ammunition, Ukrainian forces are increasingly turning to an old trick: information obtained via radio intercepts. This is being done in a desperate attempt to hold onto their most important assets One Russian directive stands out clearly as the radio crackles with difficult-to-understand enemy communications: Brew five Chinese tea bags on 38 orange. The soldier from Ukraine, Mikhass on the battlefield, decodes the gibberish with ease. It implies: Get ready to fire five artillery shells built in Beijing towards a specified Ukrainian location in the front line of the restive northeast of the countrythe Serebryansky Forest. Advertisement 12 kilometres (7 miles) away, hiding in the basement of an abandoned house, Mikhass instantly alerts the commander of a unit buried in that area of the forest, giving him vital minutes to get his troops into trenches and save their lives. After two years of fighting and being severely short on both personnel and ammunition, Ukrainian forces are increasingly turning to an old trick: information obtained via radio intercepts. This is being done in a desperate attempt to hold onto their most important assets. The laborious task is a part of a bigger endeavour to strengthen and improve electronic warfare capabilities so that soldiers might have the battlefield intelligence necessary to make their own strikes more lethal as well as an early warning of approaching assaults. The use of signal-jamming to thwart adversary drone strikes is also increasing. Advertisement A Russian adversary aiming to wear down Ukraines defences in order to achieve a breakthrough is expected to launch furious strikes in the upcoming year, following months of near-stalemate fighting along the 1,000-kilometer (621-mile) front line. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no peace until Russia achieves its goals, which include recapturing the entire Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, which it illegally annexed in 2022. Advertisement The commander elevated last week to lead Ukraines army, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, has highlighted the importance of electronic warfare, and the countrys defense ministry has increased spending on the people and technology behind it. Saving lives Russia, which controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, has the advantage of a more developed domestic weapons industry and it uses conscription and coercion to call up troops. Advertisement For Ukraine, ammunition shortages have forced brigades to use shells sparingly and only after locating precise targets. Difficulty in mobilizing troops means Ukrainian commanders must be extra protective of soldiers lives as they try to fend off ferocious Russian attacks. It is within this context that better surveillance, eavesdropping and jamming have become more urgent. Advertisement Several kilometers south of where Mikhass is positioned, in the Donetsk region town of Konstantinivka, the 93rd Brigades Electronic Warfare unit is using jammers to stave off attack drones, the main driver of injuries for soldiers in the region. The platoon commander is alert, staring at a laptop that shows signals picked up by small antennas planted near the front line. When a Russian Lancet attack drone approaches their area of operation, his screen lights up with activity. Advertisement The commander, known on the battlefield as Oleksandr, flips a switch to activate the jammer which interferes with the drones radar; its the equivalent of shining a bright light in someones eye to disorient them. Its a must, he says of their operation. A lot of guys are dying because of drones. Advertisement Radio operators like Mikhass work in shifts around the clock. The antennas he relies on to pick up Russian radio signals are camouflaged, jutting out of trees in the forest near Kreminna, close to Russian positions. From a quiet basement command center nearby, Mikhass and other soldiers chain smoke cigarettes and listen through headphones. Advertisement A new and sophisticated signal-finding antenna, which resembles a carousel, uses triangulation to locate where the radio waves are emanating from. They cross-reference what they hear against images they gather from reconnaissance drones and use detailed maps of their enemys positions to slowly piece together what it all means. They are part of a 50-man intelligence unit dubbed the Bunnies of Cherkess the name inspired by the Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, who advised warriors to feign weakness when one is strong. Advertisement No one takes bunnies seriously, right? said Cherkess, the commander of the eponymous unit. Radio intercepts reveal that the Kremlin is determined to control the entire Serebryansky Forest, which divides Ukraine-controlled Lyman from Russian-occupied Kreminna. Its part of an effort to reach Torske, a village in Donetsk that is west of Kreminna. From Torske, Russia will be closer to recapturing the nearby hub of Lyman, which would be a devastating setback for Ukraine and disrupt its ability to move supplies to the front. Advertisement Decoding orders Cherkess and his men, most of whom are volunteers who signed up for the infantry, understand the stakes couldnt be higher, especially as signs grow that support from Western allies is less secure. After listening to hours and hours of Russian communications each day, much of it related to troop rotations, artillery fire and drone reconnaissance, they gradually build an understanding with help from specialized computer software of what it all means. Advertisement Cucumbers are mortars, carrots are grenade launchers and locations are conveyed in a numerical code with a corresponding color. It took the unit months to decode these Russian orders. The arrival of new combat equipment and ammunition and especially infantrymen signals a fresh attack is imminent. (A soldier) is not interested in what kind of radar Russians have, he needs information on if there will be an attack tonight, and who will come, if they will have tanks, if they have armored vehicles or if its just infantry, said Cherkess. And we have to understand how long we have to prepare. A week? Two weeks? A month? Advance word of enemy troops being rotated in and out is also useful to Ukrainian soldiers seeking to go on the offensive, he said. That is when they can exact maximum personnel losses. The previous week, a Russian assault operation was carried out against a neighboring brigade. But the Ukrainian soldiers positioned there were prepared to greet them. Staying ahead The importance of electronic surveillance cant be underestimated, said Yaroslav Kalinin, the CEO of Infozahyst, a company under contract with Ukraines Defense Ministry. Before the war, Infozahyst provided anti-wiretapping services for the offices of the president and prime minister. Once the war began, the company pivoted to help the army by manufacturing a versatile signal direction finding system, which is now in high demand. The government recently doubled its contract with Infozahyst, according to Kalinin. The buildup of surveillance capabilities is partly a recognition of the need to catch up to the Russians, who invested heavily in this technology long before it invaded Ukraine. Kalinin believes that better and smaller devices that are easier to hide and move around will eventually give Ukraine an edge. The Russians know they are being listened to and routinely try to deceive their enemy with bogus information. It is up to Mikhass and other radio operators to discern the signal from the noise. Their artillery helps us, he explained. They say where they will shoot, and then we check where the shells landed. 38 orange, the location Mikhass recently heard about for an upcoming attack, is represented on a map by a small dot. And it is surrounded by hundreds of other dots that signify locations they have decoded. We need a lot of time to uncover these points, he said. But, as Russia steps up the pressure, the clock is ticking. Netanyahus remarks came hours after local media reported that the Israeli leader had ordered an Israeli delegation not to continue talks in Cairo, raising concerns over the fate of the negotiations and sparking criticism from the families of the roughly 130 remaining captives. The global attempt to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas appeared to have suffered a setback, with Israel reportedly recalling its negotiating team and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing Hamas of impeding the high-stakes talks by clinging to delusional demands. PM Netanyahus remarks came hours after local media reported that the Israeli leader had ordered an Israeli delegation not to continue talks in Cairo, raising concerns over the fate of the negotiations and sparking criticism from the families of the roughly 130 remaining captives, about a fourth of whom are said to be dead. Advertisement The mediation efforts, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to bring the warring sides closer to an agreement that could secure a truce in the months-long conflict, which has killed over 28,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom are women and children, according to local health officials. The war has damaged significant areas of Gaza, displaced the majority of the territorys inhabitants, and triggered a humanitarian crisis. The relatives of the hostages said Netanyahus decision amounted to a death sentence for their loved ones. In Cairo, Israel did not receive any new proposal from Hamas on the release of our captives, Netanyahu said in a statement. A change in Hamas positions will allow progress in the negotiations. Hamas officials had no immediate comment. Advertisement On Tuesday, CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, the head of Israels Mossad spy agency, attended the talks in the Egyptian capital, but there were no signs of a breakthrough. The talks continued Wednesday at a lower level, even as deadly violence persisted both in the Gaza Strip and along Israels border with Lebanon, where fighting has simmered since the war broke out. Advertisement Israeli media reported Wednesday that Netanyahu told his delegation not to return to the talks unless Hamas softens its demands. The sides have been far apart on their terms for a deal. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until total victory over Hamas and the return of all the remaining hostages. Advertisement Hamas has said it will not release all the captives until Israel ends its offensive, withdraws from Gaza and releases a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including top militants. Netanyahu has rejected those demands, calling them delusional. The plight of the hostages has deeply shaken Israelis, who see their lengthy captivity as an enduring symbol of the failure of the state to protect its citizens from Hamas attack. Advertisement A group representing the families of the hostages called Netanyahus reported decision to keep the delegation away from the talks scandalous and said the families would set up a mass barricade outside the Israeli Defense Ministry unless Netanyahu agreed to meet them. Over 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in return for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Advertisement The war, which erupted after Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 captive, ground on even as the talks appeared to be stalling. Palestinians began evacuating the main hospital in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, according to videos shared by medics Wednesday. Weeks of heavy fighting had isolated the medical facility and claimed the lives of several people inside it. Advertisement Now in its fifth month, the war has devastated Gazas health sector, with less than half of its hospitals only partially functioning as scores of people are killed and wounded in daily bombardments. Israel accuses the militants of using hospitals and other civilian buildings as cover. Khan Younis is now the main target of a rolling ground offensive that Israel has said will soon be expanded to Gaza southernmost city of Rafah. Some 1.4 million people over half the territorys population are crammed into tent camps and overflowing apartments and shelters in Rafah, on the Egyptian border. Advertisement The videos of the evacuation in Khan Younis showed dozens of Palestinians carrying their belongings in sacks and making their way out of the Nasser Hospital complex. A doctor wearing green hospital scrubs walked ahead of the crowd, some of whom were carrying white flags. The Israeli military said it had opened a secure route to allow civilians to leave the hospital, while medics and patients could remain inside. Troops have been ordered to prioritize the safety of civilians, patients, medical workers, and medical facilities during the operation, it said. Advertisement The military had ordered the evacuation of the hospital and surrounding areas last month. But as with other health facilities, medics said patients were unable to safely leave or be relocated, and thousands of people displaced by fighting elsewhere remained there. Palestinians say nowhere is safe in the besieged territory, as Israel continues to carry out strikes in all parts of it. Advertisement The Gaza Health Ministry said last week that Israeli snipers on surrounding buildings were preventing people from entering or leaving the hospital. It said 10 people have been killed inside the complex over the past week, including three shot and killed on Tuesday. The ministry says around 300 medical staff were treating some 450 patients, including people wounded in strikes. It says 10,000 displaced people were sheltering in the facility. Advertisement The war in Gaza has become one of the deadliest and most destructive air and ground offensives in recent history. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Over 68,000 people have been wounded in the war. Around 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes, large areas in northern Gaza have been completely destroyed and a humanitarian crisis has left a quarter of the population starving. In northern Israel, meanwhile, a rocket attack killed a female soldier, the Israeli military said, and wounded eight people when one of the projectiles hit a military base in the town of Safed on Wednesday. Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon in response, killing four people, including a Syrian woman and her two Lebanese children, and wounding at least nine, Lebanese security officials and local media said. The U.N. childrens agency condemned the killings of two innocent children" and called for the protection of children in times of war and at all times. Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group, which supports Hamas, have traded fire along the border nearly every day since the start of the war in Gaza, raising the risk of a wider conflict. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for the rocket attack. With inputs from AP. The pre-war population of Rafah was around 300,000, but now it is home to a plethora of homeless people living in tent camps and improvised shelters after more than four months of fighting due to Israeli shelling of sections of Gaza farther north As calls increased for Israel to hold back on a planned attack on the southern end of the enclave, which is home to over a million displaced people, talks including the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar on a Gaza truce concluded without a breakthrough on Tuesday. The pre-war population of Rafah was around 300,000, but now it is home to a plethora of homeless people living in tent camps and improvised shelters after more than four months of fighting due to Israeli shelling of sections of Gaza farther north. Advertisement Israel claims that it seeks to release Israeli captives detained in Rafah and drive out Hamas fighters from their hiding places. Plans are being made by its military to evacuate citizens in Palestine. However, no strategy has been presented, and relief organisations claim that the displaced people in the devastated area have nowhere else to go. Under UN relief head Martin Griffiths, Palestinians in Rafah are staring death in the face, and an Israeli ground assault would almost certainly render humanitarian supplies impossible. Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at deaths door, Griffiths said in a statement. Advertisement Israeli tanks shelled the eastern sector of Rafah overnight, causing waves of panic, residents said. They said displaced people - dozens so far - had begun to leave Rafah after Israeli shelling and air strikes in recent days. Last night in Rafah was very tough. Were going back to Al-Maghazi out of fear - displaced from one area to another, said Nahla Jarwan, referring to the coastal refugee camp from which she fled earlier in the conflict. Wherever we go, there is no safety. Advertisement Rafah neighbours Egypt, but Cairo has made clear it will not allow a refugee exodus over the border. Gaza health officials announced 133 new Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 28,473 killed and 68,146 wounded since Oct. 7, when 1,200 people were killed in a Hamas rampage across the border into Israel, triggering the war. Advertisement Many other people are believed to be buried under rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated Gaza Strip, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out and diseases are spreading. About half of Gazas 2.3 million people are now squeezed into Rafah. Since Israel said they are invading Rafah soon, we read our last prayers every night. Every night we say farewell to one another and to relatives outside Rafah, said Aya, 30, who is living in a tent with her mother, grandmother and five siblings. Advertisement Inconclusive truce talks In Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conducted talks with CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani aimed at agreeing a Gaza truce, protecting civilians and delivering more aid into the enclave, Egypts state information service said. In a statement on its website, it cited a keenness to continue consultation and coordination on the key issues, indicating that no breakthrough was made. Advertisement The Egyptian statement made no mention of Israel. The Israeli delegation left Cairo for home, a Reuters reporter said. The Israeli prime ministers office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israel has vowed to fight on, for many months if necessary, until it eradicates Hamas. A Palestinian official said earlier the sides were seeking a formula acceptable to Hamas, which insists that Israel commit to ending its war and pulling its forces from Gaza. Advertisement A Hamas official said Hamas had told the participants it does not trust Israel not to renew the war if the Israeli hostages being held by Palestinian militants are released. The hostages were seized in Hamas raid into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Securing their return is a priority for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government as well as wiping out Hamas, which governs the small coastal territory. Advertisement Pretty much unlivable South Africa asked the World Court on Tuesday to consider whether Israels plan to extend its offensive into Rafah required additional emergency measures to safeguard the rights of Palestinians. In a case brought by South Africa, the International Court of Justice last month ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel denies it is committing genocide and had asked the court to reject the case outright. Advertisement Pretorias government voiced concern that an offensive would result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction. Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the U.N.s Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, said it had not been informed of any Israeli evacuation plan for Rafah and was not part of it. Where are you going to evacuate people to, as no place is safe across the Gaza Strip, the north is shattered, riddled with unexploded weapons, its pretty much unlivable, she said. Advertisement US President Joe Biden said on Monday that Washington was working on a hostage deal to bring immediate and sustained calm to Gaza for at least six weeks. Biden has urged Israel to refrain from a Rafah offensive without a viable plan to protect civilians. In the latest bloodshed, Israels military said its forces had killed dozens of Palestinian fighters in clashes in southern and central Gaza over the last 24 hours. Advertisement Gaza health officials said an Israeli strike on a house in Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed 16 Palestinians overnight. They said another air strike on a car in Gaza City later on Tuesday killed six people including children. Israeli sniper fire killed three Palestinians and injured 10 others on Tuesday at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, the Palestinian health ministry said in a statement. According to dpa, the German government is spending the equivalent of $73.41 billion on defence this year. In absolute terms, this represents a record amount for Germany and represents 2.01% of GDP As expenditure increased following Russias invasion of Ukraine two years ago, Germany has met a NATO alliance aim to spend 2% of its gross domestic product on defence for the first time since 1992, according to a dpa news agency report on Wednesday. According to dpa, the German government is spending the equivalent of $73.41 billion on defence this year. In absolute terms, this represents a record amount for Germany and represents 2.01% of GDP. Advertisement A request for comment was not immediately answered by the ministry of defence. Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, said last week that his country will achieve the NATO objective; however, the administration has yet to release exact numbers. On Thursday, NATO military ministers are scheduled to convene in Brussels. On Wednesday, the Ukraine Defence Contact Group will hold a separate meeting, which is being sponsored by the US. At a time when the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is facing uncertainty, Scholzs administration has drawn attention to its growing security spending. Donald Trump, the former US president, infuriated friends over the weekend by threatening to withhold support from NATO nations that did not increase their defence spending. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius responded to those comments in an interview on WELT TV on Tuesday night, claiming that Trump ultimately saw off the branch on which America is sitting and ran the danger of deteriorating transatlantic relations. Advertisement Pistorius pushed back at opposition suggestions that Germany should increase its special military defence fund to 300 billion euros ($320 billion) from 100 billion, saying the government should increase its regular budgetary outlay instead. That would help the government in procurement over longer time horizons, he said. You can actually only do this in a serious, long-term manner with an increased individual plan, he said. Advertisement Pistorius also pushed back against the idea, which gained attention after Trumps remarks, of creating a separate European nuclear defence umbrella. I can only warn against starting such a discussion with such carelessness just because Donald Trump, who is not even a presidential candidate, makes such statements, he said. ($1 = 0.9350 euros) We have a great military-to-military relationship with India, good communications. Were going to continue to monitor whats happening in the region, said Pentagons Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh during a press briefing on Tuesday Pentagons Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh on Tuesday emphasised the robust military-to-military ties and effective communication channels between India and the US. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Singh said, We have a great military-to-military relationship with India, good communications. Were going to continue to monitor whats happening in the region Speaking about expecting a high-level visit from India, Singh said, I dont have any visits to read out from officials from the Indian Government. At least here at the department. I cant speak for other officials across the interagency. Advertisement Sabrina Singhs remarks regarding the military relations between India and US come at a time when the Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande embarked on a four-day official tour to the US, starting February 13. Asked whether the Pentagon is monitoring the situation in Pakistan after the elections held on February 8, Sabrina Singh said, Yeah, were certainly monitoring whats happening there, but Id direct you to state for more specifics on that. Meanwhile, in a press release, the Ministry of Defence on Monday said, During his visit, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will engage in high-level discussions and interactions with General Randy George, United States Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) and other senior military leaders. Highlights of the tour include a prestigious US Army Honour Guard ceremony, a solemn laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and a comprehensive tour of the Pentagon. These engagements symbolise the respect and mutual commitment towards global peace and security shared between the two countries, it added. Advertisement Ideas will be exchanged on crucial topics such as the Transformation in the Indian Army, Global Threat Perception, Transformation to Army-2030/2040, Human Resource Challenges, Future Force Development and Modernisation, and Co-Production and Co-Development Initiatives, according to the press release. These discussions are aimed at sharing insights, ideas, and best practices between the armies of India and the US. Advertisement General Manoj Pande will also visit the Army Geospatial Centre at Fort Belvoir, the National Defence University at Fort McNair, and hold interactions with leadership at Headquarters 1 Corps. He will also engage with units at the forefront of military innovation and strategy, including the Stryker Unit, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, the 1st Special Forces Group at Seattle and the Defence Innovation Unit in San Francisco. Advertisement In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said, A visit to the California National Guard is also planned, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the visit aimed at exploring avenues for more significant training, co-development and co-production engagements. In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said, This visit is another milestone in the Indo-US defence relationship, reflecting a mutual desire to enhance military collaboration, exchange strategic perspectives on global threat perceptions, and work together toward future force development and modernisation. Advertisement The engagements between General Manoj Pande and senior leadership of the United States Army are poised to yield substantive outcomes, fostering an environment conducive to shared security interests and defence cooperation, it added. Recently, US NSA General Randy George visited India for the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) that was jointly hosted by the Indian Army and the US Army. The conference was attended by 18 Chiefs of Armies and 12 countries represented by Heads of Delegations. Advertisement In a press release, the Ministry of Defence stated, The Indian Army and the United States Army share a commitment to peace, democracy, and stability across regions. This tour epitomises the shared values and interests that underpin the partnership between India and the United States, aiming at a future of enhanced cooperation and mutual development in defence and security domains. Advertisement With inputs from agencies In a frantic scene of vote-tallying on the House floor, the GOP effort to impeach Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border took on an air of political desperation as Republicans struggle to make good on their priorities The Republican majority in the US House was eager to punish the Biden administration for its handling of the US-Mexico border after it failed last week in a politically embarrassing loss. On Tuesday, the House passed a resolution to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. Speaker Mike Johnsons shaky GOP majority was unable to manage numerous absentees or defectors during the evening roll call due to strong Democratic opposition to impeaching Mayorkas, the first Cabinet secretary to face charges in almost 150 years. Advertisement With a stunning setback, the House impeached Mayorkas 214213. Republicans recovered despite opposition from within their own ranks, thanks to the return of Majority Leader Steve Scalise to support the partys numbers after he left Washington for cancer treatment and a storm that affected some in the Northeast. President Joe Biden called it a blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games. The charges against Mayorkas next go to the Senate for a trial, but neither Democratic nor Republican senators have shown interest in the matter and it may be indefinitely shelved to a committee. In a frantic scene of vote-tallying on the House floor, the GOP effort to impeach Mayorkas over his handling of the southern border took on an air of political desperation as Republicans struggle to make good on their priorities. Advertisement Mayorkas faced two articles of impeachment filed by the Homeland Security Committee arguing that he willfully and systematically refused to enforce existing immigration laws and that he breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. But critics of the impeachment effort said the charges against Mayorkas amount to a policy dispute over Bidens border policy, hardly rising to the Constitutions bar of high crimes and misdemeanors. Advertisement The House had initially launched an impeachment inquiry into Biden over his sons business dealings, but instead turned its attention to Mayorkas after Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an ally of former President Donald Trump, pushed the debate forward following the panels months-long investigation. Greene, who will serve as an impeachment manager in a potential Senate trial, hugged Scalise afterward and posed for photos with other lawmakers. She said senators better pay attention to the American people and how they feel and then they need to read our articles of impeachment. Advertisement Border security has shot to the top of campaign issues, with Trump, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination, insisting he will launch the largest domestic deportation operation in American history if he retakes the White House. Various House Republicans have prepared legislation to begin deporting migrants who were temporarily allowed into the US under the Biden administrations policies, many as they await adjudication of asylum claims. Advertisement We have no choice, Trump said in stark language at a weekend rally in South Carolina. At the same time, Johnson rejected a bipartisan Senate border security package but has been unable to advance Republicans own proposal, which is a nonstarter in the Senate. Three Republican representatives broke who ranks last week over the Mayorkas impeachment Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Tom McClintock of California all did so again Tuesday. With a 219-212 majority, Johnson had few votes to spare. Advertisement Several leading conservative scholars along with former Homeland Secretary secretaries from both Republican and Democratic administrations have dismissed the Mayorkas impeachment as unwarranted or a waste of time. Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said what the Republicans have succeeded in doing is degrading and tarnishing the constitutional meaning of impeachment. Mayorkas is not the only Biden administration official the House Republicans want to impeach. They have filed legislation to impeach a long list including Vice President Kamala Harris, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Advertisement Never before has a sitting Cabinet secretary been impeached, and it was nearly 150 years ago that the House voted to impeach President Ulysses S. Grants secretary of war, William Belknap, over a kickback scheme in government contracts. He resigned before the vote. Mayorkas, who did not appear to testify before the impeachment proceedings, put the border crisis squarely on Congress for failing to update immigration laws during a time of global migration. Advertisement There is no question that we have a challenge, a crisis at the border, Mayorkas said over the weekend on NBC. And there is no question that Congress needs to fix it. Johnson and the Republicans have pushed back, arguing that the Biden administration could take executive actions, as Trump did, to stop the number of crossings though the courts have questioned and turned back some of those efforts. Advertisement We always explore what options are available to us that are permissible under the law, Mayorkas said. Last weeks failed vote to impeach Mayorkas a surprise outcome rarely seen on such a high-profile issue was a stunning display in the chamber that has been churning through months of GOP chaos since the ouster of the previous House speaker. Advertisement At the time, Rep. Al Green, D-Texas, who had been hospitalized for emergency abdominal surgery, made a surprise arrival, wheeled into the chamber in scrubs and socks to vote against it leaving the vote tied and leading to its failure. Obviously, you feel good when you can make a difference, said Green, describing his painstaking route from hospital bed to the House floor. All I did was what I was elected to do, and that was to cast my vote on the issues of our time, using the best judgment available to me. Advertisement Republican holdout Gallagher, who had served as a Marine, announced over the weekend he would not be seeking reelection in the fall, joining a growing list of serious-minded Republican lawmakers heading for the exits. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 13, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan received the delegation led by Sir John Whittingdale, a member of the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister welcomed the UK parliamentarians' visit to Armenia and referred to the Azerbaijani-initiated escalation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, the Prime Minister's Office said in a readout. "Mr. Whittingdale, I welcome you and your delegation to our country. Unfortunately, your visit coincided with a new escalation on the border with Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan initiated a new provocation, as a result of which four Armenian soldiers were killed. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated action, we continuously see a series of Azerbaijani provocations. According to our assessment, this is Azerbaijan's policy aimed at disrupting the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan by all possible means. This is also evidenced by the aggressive rhetoric of the official representatives of Azerbaijan, spiced with explicit territorial claims against Armenia. Obviously, the strategy of the Azerbaijani government is aimed at deepening enmity in our region, which is a very disturbing fact. But despite all these facts, our government is devoted to the peace process, because our belief is that the peace process has no alternative. Of course, we should do everything to achieve concrete results in the peace process, and we are doing it. But unfortunately, it is not possible to do this without the political will of the other side. And today's incident that claimed the lives of four soldiers testifies not only to the lack of political will for peace, but also to Azerbaijan's intentions to deepen the enmity and military escalation. This is evidenced by the events that took place yesterday and today. The Azerbaijani press published information yesterday evening, according to which, in the area of today's incident, an Armenian border guard opened fire in the direction of the Azerbaijani positions. Immediately after that, the Military Police of Armenia announced that an investigation was initiated on the basis of this information, because there is a very strict order from the Ministry of Defense of Armenia not to provoke any escalation, not to give in to provocations. And that was a very clear message from Armenia, and the press release of the Military Police clearly stated that if that fact is proven, it would mean a violation of the order, resulting in legal consequences. But despite that, early this morning, Azerbaijan started a local but large-scale attack with the use of drones, and as I mentioned, unfortunately four servicemen were killed. The issue is not even in the incident about which the Azerbaijani media talked last night, because we have a very long and complicated border and if someone is looking for an excuse to escalate, to abort the peace process, they will always find it, even if it is in the form of media publications. Unfortunately, we continuously see this practice from the Azerbaijani side," Prime Minister Pashinyan said. Referring to the relations between Armenia and the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister noted with satisfaction that there has been a new dynamic in bilateral relations in recent years. Nikol Pashinyan expressed hope that this dynamic will not only continue, but will rise to a new level of relations. Sir John Whittingdale expressed his condolences and support to the families of those killed as a result of Azerbaijan's military operation and to the Armenian people. At the same time, he expressed concern about the military operations and emphasized the need to implement steps aimed at strengthening peace and stability. The interlocutors discussed a number of issues related to the Armenia-United Kingdom multilateral cooperation, strengthening of inter-parliamentary ties. Reference was made to the democratic reforms implemented in Armenia, the steps taken by the Armenian government to fight corruption, and the issues related to the processes taking place in the Caucasus. The UK parliamentarians also referred to the capabilities of the Armenian government in meeting the humanitarian needs of more than 100,000 forcibly displaced people from Nagorno Karabakh. Support from the international community was also highlighted. In a notification, the Union Home Ministry said arrangements have been made by the central government with the government of the Republic of Poland for service or execution of summons or search warrant in relation to criminal matters on any person in Poland. India has signed an agreement with Poland for issuing summons, search warrant to any person or taking the evidence of witnesses residing in either country in relation to criminal matters. In a notification, the Union Home Ministry said arrangements have been made by the central government with the government of the Republic of Poland for service or execution of summons or search warrant in relation to criminal matters on any person in Poland. Advertisement Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (ii) of sub-section (1) of section 105 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), the central government hereby specifies that a summon to an accused person; or a summon to any person requiring him to attend and produce a document or other thing, or to produce it; or a search-warrant, may be issued by a court in India in duplicate to the court, Judge or Magistrate in the government of the Republic of Poland having authority under the law for the time being in force in that country, through the competent authority, that is, the Minister of Justice or the Prosecutor General or a person who he or she authorises of the government of Republic of Poland to serve such summons or execute such warrant on the person or place named therein, it said. The home ministry said the concerned court, judge or magistrate in India, while issuing summons are required to comply with the comprehensive guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2019 in this regard. Such summons or warrant shall be sent to the IS-II Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India, for transmission to the competent authority, that is, the Minister of Justice or the Prosecutor General or a person who he or she authorises of the government of Republic of Poland, the notification said. Advertisement In a separate notification, the home ministry said in case where a court in India executes any summons or search-warrant received from a court, judge or magistrate in the government of the Republic of Poland, the documents or things produced or things found in the search shall be forwarded to the court issuing such summons or search-warrant through IS-II Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India. Advertisement In yet another notification, the home ministry said the commission for examination of witnesses in Republic of Poland shall be issued by the courts in India in a prescribed form to any competent criminal court of Republic of Poland and such commission shall be sent to IS-II Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs for transmission to the competent authority, that is, the Minister of Justice or the Prosecutor General or a person who he or she authorises of the government of the Republic of Poland. As experts assert that the president indirectly backed Subiantos campaign, the polls predict the military chief from the Suharto regime, a generation ago, to win a majority and unseat the well-liked departing leader Joko Widodo Despite reservations about his human rights record, Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto is the front-runner to head Southeast Asias largest economy as Indonesians cast their ballots for a new president on Wednesday. As experts assert that the president indirectly backed Subiantos campaign, the polls predict the military chief from the Suharto regime, a generation ago, to win a majority and unseat the well-liked departing leader Joko Widodo. Advertisement The 72-year-old former general is the overwhelming favourite to win and avoid a runoff election following a campaign that combined populist rhetoric with promises to carry on Widodos programmes. Widodo has oversaw consistent economic development but is limited to two terms by the constitution. We will fight to bring prosperity for all people of Indonesia. We will continue what was already being built by previous presidents, Subianto told supporters at a weekend campaign rally. Voting for Subianto or his opponents, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, may include almost 205 million voters in this, the lone presidential election held after Suhartos tyranny ended in 1998. In the easternmost part of the nation, in Papua, polling places opened at 7:00 am (2200 GMT), while they were scheduled to conclude at 1:00 pm (0600 GMT) in Sumatra, which is covered in jungles. Advertisement Voters came in Timika City, Papua, to peruse candidate lists as authorities examined improvised voting places constructed out of logs, aluminium sheets, and palm leaves. I will vote for the one who would be the best to develop Papua, 19-year-old student Daton, who only gave his first name, told AFP from the region where separatists have waged a decades-long insurgency. Advertisement A thunderstorm deluged the streets of capital Jakarta before polls opened, flooding some areas and causing some polling stations to open late. But 57-year-old consultant Debbie Sianturi was determined to vote. I want to have leader that will continue the democracy, she said. Subianto needs to claim more than 50 percent of the overall vote and at least a fifth of ballots cast in over half the countrys 38 provinces to secure the presidency. Advertisement Democracy commitment Former Jakarta governor Baswedan, widely seen as the favourite to challenge Subianto in the event of a second-round runoff vote, told his supporters to help ensure a fair vote. Come back to the voting station, monitor the vote count, and report it to platforms that monitor the vote counts, he told reporters. Advertisement Former Central Java governor Pranowo, who has fallen to third in polls after being the initial front-runner, said Wednesday that everyone hopes for a clean election. Rights groups have expressed alarm that Subianto could roll back hard-won democratic freedoms, pointing to accusations he ordered the abduction of democracy activists at the end of Suhartos rule. Advertisement Subianto was dismissed from the military in 1998 over the abductions. The United States for years refused him a visa, but he denied the accusations and was never charged. Weve been always worried about his commitment towards democracy, said Yoes Kenawas, a researcher at Jakarta-based Atma Jaya Catholic University. If he wins the election, those questions will always linger. Advertisement But Subianto has since rehabilitated his image, thanks in part to a savvy social media campaign targeting Indonesias youth in which he is portrayed as a cuddly grandpa. Another key factor in his popularity is having Widodos eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice presidential running mate. Widodo enjoys near-record approval ratings after two terms of solid economic growth and relatively stable politics in the nations young democracy. Advertisement But some legal experts and rights groups have accused Widodo of improperly using government funds to support Subianto. Just attacks Questions have also been raised over how Raka, 36, became Subiantos running mate. In October, Indonesias then-chief justice, who is Widodos brother-in-law, changed rules that had barred candidates below the age of 40 from running for high office. Advertisement Subianto and his aides have rejected all accusations of impropriety. More than 800,000 polling stations will be operating on Wednesday, which was declared a national holiday for the countrys nearly 280 million people. The logistical feat saw planes, helicopters, speedboats and even cows cart ballots around the sprawling archipelago. More than 5.7 million workers will man polling stations, open for just six hours. Over 20,000 seats are up for grabs from district level to national parliamentary seats and the presidency. Advertisement Official results are not expected until March, but so-called quick counts are expected to give a reliable indication of the winner later Wednesday. X has seen a tsunami of falsehoods about the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, fueled partly by prominent US influencers such as Jackson Hinkle, who last month falsely claimed a video showed Iran bombing American military bases in Iraq Thanks to Xs controversial policies, which favor engagement over accuracy, influencers are making money off of false information about Middle Eastern conflicts. Following Elon Musks contentious 2022 purchase of X, the former Twitter, the website has reinstated thousands of previously banned accounts and implemented a paid verification system, which some claim has given rise to conspiracy theorists. Advertisement In order to make money off the platform, verified users of X frequently spread hateful and misleading information. X also launched an ad revenue-sharing program for them. Imran Ahmed, the CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH), told AFP that cynical pay-for-play controversialists today deliberately induce anger for engagement to game Musks platform into giving them more visibility, and therefore more revenue for their views. X has seen a tsunami of falsehoods about the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, fueled partly by prominent US influencers such as Jackson Hinkle, who last month falsely claimed a video showed Iran bombing American military bases in Iraq. The incendiary post came amid widespread concerns about a wider conflagration in the Middle East. Advertisement Using a reverse image search, AFP fact-checkers found the video actually depicted an attack in Iraqs Kurdistan region. In another provocative post debunked by AFP, Hinkle wrongly claimed that Yemen had declared war with Israel in support of the Palestinians. While Yemens Huthi rebels have targeted Israel with missiles and drones, neither they nor the countrys internationally recognized government has formally declared war. Advertisement - Topsy-turvy - In addition to raising tens of thousands of dollars on crowdfunding sites, Hinkle offers premium content to subscribers on X for $3 per month. Your support helps me continue exposing the Deep State after I was banned & demonetized by YouTube, Twitch, PayPal & Venmo, his appeal says. When reached by AFP, Hinkle whose false posts have garnered millions of views refused to say how much revenue he was generating on X, instead criticising coverage of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Advertisement Hinkle makes at least $3,000 a month from paid subscribers, according to a rough CCDH estimate based on the engagement data of his subscriber-only posts. Last August, Hinkle disclosed on X that he also earned $1,693 through the ad revenue-sharing scheme, while complaining that other users with smaller engagement were getting bigger payouts. Advertisement Britain-based creator Sulaiman Ahmed and Danish physician Anastasia Maria Loupis both of whom AFP has repeatedly fact-checked for war-related misinformation are also reaping the benefits of Xs verification and paid subscriber programs. Neither responded to requests for comment. CCDHs Ahmed said Musk has created a topsy-turvy platform on which authoritative sources struggle to be heard above the noise while liars and hate actors are put on a pedestal, generating revenue for themselves and the platform. Advertisement X did not respond to AFPs request for comment. - Unrealistic - To be eligible for ad revenue sharing, users must meet requirements such as subscribing to Xs $8 per month premium subscription and having at least 500 followers. Last year, Musk said posts with Community Notes an X feature that allows users to refute claims and offer additional context would be ineligible for revenue share. Advertisement The idea is to maximize the incentive for accuracy over sensationalism, Musk wrote on X. But Jack Brewster, from the media watchdog NewsGuard, told AFP that viral posts advancing misinformation frequently do not get flagged by Community Notes. In October, NewsGuard analyzed 250 of the most popular posts promoting one of 10 prominent false or unsubstantiated narratives about the Israel-Hamas war. Advertisement Only 32 percent of them had been flagged by a Community Note, it found. The following month, NewsGuard identified ads from 86 major companies including top brands, governments, and nonprofits on viral posts advancing false or egregiously misleading claims about the Israel-Hamas war. That included an ad for the FBI on a post from Hinkle that falsely claimed a video showed an Israeli military helicopter firing on its own citizens. Advertisement The video actually showed Israeli war planes over Gaza, NewsGuard said, adding that the post viewed nearly two million times did not have a Community Note. Community Notes as currently structured is not a system that scales to cover all contexts, Jacob Shapiro, a Princeton University professor who served on the programs advisory group before Musks acquisition, told AFP. Advertisement To expect volunteer labor alone to capture deceptive content as a defense against allowing people to monetize that content reflects unrealistic expectations for what the tool can do. With inputs from the AFP This terrorist act of sabotage occurred at 1 a.m. (9.30 p.m. GMT) on Wednesday morning in the network of national gas transmission pipelines in two regions of the country, said Energy Minister Javad Owji Without naming any suspects, the Iranian oil minister told state TV that sabotage was the reason behind two explosions that occurred Wednesday along Irans main south-north gas pipeline network. Additionally, according to state media, authorities refuted reports that the incident resulted in gas shortages for offices and industries in certain provinces. This terrorist act of sabotage occurred at 1 a.m. (9.30 p.m. GMT) on Wednesday morning in the network of national gas transmission pipelines in two regions of the country, said Energy Minister Javad Owji. Advertisement Gas outages were only occurring in the villages close to the damaged pipeline, which will be repaired later today, according to Owji. According to state media, temporary limitations had been scheduled in advance for maintenance. Owji pointed to a similar incident which took place in 2011, which he said was an act of sabotage that caused temporary gas outages in four different regions in the country. While such attacks are rare in Iran, Arab separatist militants in Iran claimed in 2017 that they had blown up two oil pipelines in coordinated attacks in the countrys western Khuzestan province. In December, Iran executed five people whom it accused of being saboteurs with links to Israels Mossad intelligence service in a decades-long shadow war that has seen Tehran accuse Israel of attacks on its nuclear and missile efforts, charges the latter has never confirmed or denied. Advertisement with inputs from Reuters Safa Aeli, 30, was given a five-year and four-month prison sentence by the revolutionary court in Saqez, the familys hometown in northwest Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) of the US and the Hengaw group of Norway Irans right-wing organisations have reported that the uncle of Mahsa Amini, whose custodial death prompted months of unrest in the country, has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for his criticism of the government in 2022. Safa Aeli, 30, was given a five-year and four-month prison sentence by the revolutionary court in Saqez, the familys hometown in northwest Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) of the US and the Hengaw group of Norway. Advertisement He was also subjected to penalties, which included the extremely unusual requirement that he create a written biography of a security force member slain during the protests and then provide the judicial authorities with his own personal interpretation of the completed document, Hengaw said. He was then ordered to post a voice message about the work on his social media accounts and otherwise banned from expressing any views about the protests. Mahsa Amini, 22, died in hospital in September 2022 after being arrested for allegedly flouting the strict dress rules for women in the Islamic republic. Aminis family and activists say she was killed by a blow to the head while in custody, a claim denied by Iranian officials. Quoting family lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, HRANA said that part of Aelis sentence was suspended and Aeli would have to serve three years and six months in prison. Advertisement The charges against him include taking part in protests that violated internal security, dissemination of anti-government propaganda, and insulting supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Aeli was released on bail a month after his arrest in September 2023, shortly before the one-year anniversary of the death of his niece. The protests after Aminis death shook Irans Islamic authorities but have now subsided in the face of a crackdown in which rights groups said hundreds were killed and the UN tallied thousands arrested. Advertisement Nine men have been executed in cases related to the protests, according to rights groups. Iranian authorities say dozens of security personnel were also killed in what they describe as riots incited by foreign governments and hostile media. With inputs from AFP The airstrikes occurred shortly after fire from Lebanon injured several individuals in northern Israel, as confirmed by medical personnel. The Israeli military said on Wednesday its fighter jets began a series of strikes in Lebanon, raising fears of a war between the two countries after months of cross-border fire. The military provided no additional information about the air strikes, although Lebanese media outlets reported airstrikes on southern villages such as Adchit, Sawwaneh, and Shihabiyeh. Advertisement The airstrikes occurred shortly after fire from Lebanon injured several individuals in northern Israel, as confirmed by medical personnel. According to the Magen David Adom emergency service, seven people were wounded, with five of them in the town of Safed. The war between Israel and Hamas, now in its fifth month, has devastated the health sector in the Gaza Strip, with less than half of its hospitals only partially functioning as scores of people are killed and wounded in daily bombardments. Israel accuses the militants of using hospitals and other civilian buildings as cover. Palestinians began evacuating the main hospital in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, according to videos shared by medics on Wednesday. The Israeli military said it had opened a secure route to allow civilians to leave the hospital, while medics and patients could remain inside The war began with Hamas assault on Israel on Oct. 7, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. The overall Palestinian death toll from the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. A quarter of Gazas residents are starving. Advertisement The United States, which has provided crucial military and diplomatic support to Israel, has been working with Qatar and Egypt to try and broker a cease-fire and the return of the remaining 130 hostages held by Hamas, around a fourth of whom are believed to be dead. The negotiators held talks in Cairo on Tuesday that were attended by CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, the head of Israels Mossad spy agency, but there were no signs of a breakthrough. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. The move comes as Homeland Security is working alongside the Economy Ministry of Maldives in its efforts to curb illegal businesses from sprawling in the country Over 180 foreigners, including 43 Indians, have been deported by the Maldives over visa violations and drug offences. The highest number of deported foreigners include Bangladeshis (83) followed by 43 Indians, 25 Sri Lankans and 8 Nepalis. The move comes as Homeland Security is working alongside the Economy Ministry of Maldives in its efforts to curb illegal businesses from sprawling in the country. Advertisement These include both registered and unregistered businesses, the minister noted. Such businesses include those operated by a foreigner instead of the registered owner, Home Minister Ali Ihusan said. The minister added that the government seeks to shut down such illegal businesses and deport the foreigners who run them. A law enacted in December 2021 says that a registrar has the power to terminate businesses it believes are operated by a foreigner earning profits either directly or indirectly. Immigration Controller Shamaan Waheed said 186 foreigners found to have committed crimes have been deported from the Maldives. Immigration detained several people in operations conducted to find foreign workers who committed criminal offences, out of whom those with valid documents and passports were deported, he said. Immigration and police have been serially conducting raid operations two or three times a week, Shanahan said. The operations do not target any specific group, he added. Advertisement The move comes amid a diplomatic stand-off between India and Maldives that has escalated in recent months, especially after the newly-elected President Mohamed Muizzu adopted a pro-China policy. French defense spending is expected to rise significantly under the 20242030 Military Programming Law, with 413 billion euros allocated over the following seven years. The new budget was first anticipated to account for 2% of GDP starting in 2025, however some sources have indicated that could happ Days after former US President Donald Trump implied that Washington might not defend nations that did not spend enough, NATO said on Wednesday that Europe was fulfilling an alliance spending objective and that the US needed allies. In addition, NATO leader Jens Stoltenberg warned lawmakers that China would become more confident if Russia prevailed in its battle with Ukraine and pleaded with the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to approve a crucial multibillion dollar military aid package for Ukraine. Advertisement According to Stoltenberg, the European members of the transatlantic alliance will spend a total of $380 billion on defense this year, increasing their overall defense spending to a projected 2% of GDP in 2024 from 1.85% in 2023. By suggesting that he might support Russia to do whatever the hell they want to NATO partners who did not spend enough, Trump startled Europeans on Saturday. The objective of allocating 2% of their GDP to defense has been committed to by the 31 allies, albeit not all of them have done so individually. I expect 18 allies to spend 2% of their GDP on defence this year, Stoltenberg told a news conference in Brussels, adding overall military spending was set for another record year after two years of Russias full-fledged war against Ukraine. Berlin will allocate the equivalent of 71.8 billion euros ($76.8 billion) for defense spending this year through normal and exceptional budget outlays, marking a historic first since the end of the Cold War. The total amount spent on defense, however, remains confidential. Advertisement France, the sole nuclear-armed nation in the alliance, might do likewise. French defense spending is expected to rise significantly under the 20242030 Military Programming Law, with 413 billion euros allocated over the following seven years. The new budget was first anticipated to account for 2% of GDP starting in 2025, however some sources have indicated that could happen sooner. Advertisement (With agency inputs) Stoltenberg stressed Europe and Canada were also stepping up with aid for Ukraine. He said their combined economic and military assistance to Kyiv was more than the U.S. had provided. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged the United States House of Representatives on Wednesday to pass a vital multibillion-dollar military aid package for Ukraine, warning that if Russia wins the war, China will be empowered. Stoltenberg emphasised that Europe and Canada were also stepping up their aid to Ukraine. He stated that their combined economic and military assistance to Kyiv was greater than what the United States had offered. Advertisement But he said the U.S. report remains vital. If President Putin wins in Ukraine, it will send a message to him but also to other authoritarian leaders that they get what they want when they use military force. It will make the world more dangerous (and) us more vulnerable, he added. I count on the House of Representatives to agree support to Ukraine, because this is not charity. This is an investment in our own security, Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, told Reuters in an interview. Today it is Ukraine, tomorrow it can be in Taiwan. So Beijing, China is watching closely whats going on in Ukraine. Advertisement The U.S. Senate passed a $95.34 billion package of military aid for Ukraine and other U.S. allies on Tuesday. But it is unclear whether the Republican-controlled House of Representatives will even take up the proposal. The approval of both houses of Congress is necessary before Democratic President Joe Biden can sign it into law. Advertisement Biden has been pushing for the package, which also includes security funding for Israel and Taiwan and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, for months, but has faced opposition from Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump. House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement before the Senate vote that faulted the bill for lacking conservative provisions to stem a record flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting he would not schedule a vote any time soon. Advertisement With inputs from Reuters. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the military spotted an undetermined number of cruise missiles flying over the waters of Wonsan, a city in North Korea North Korea on Wednesday fired multiple cruise missiles into the sea from the east coast, the South Korean military said. This is the latest in the countrys efforts to flex its military muscles and is part of a string of weapons tests this year. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said that the military spotted an undetermined number of cruise missiles flying over the waters of Wonsan, a city in North Korea. Advertisement Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles over the waters northeast of Wonsan around 09:00 today (1200 GMT) and South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis, the statement said. It added that the military was strengthening surveillance and vigilance, and closely watching for any additional signs and activities from North Korea. N. Korea conducts weapons tests This is the fifth time this year that North Korea has run a weapon test. Along with cruise missiles, Pyongyang has also ramped up testing an underwater nuclear weapon system and a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile. Earlier this week, the country also said that it had tested a new control system for a multiple rocket launcher it said would have an increased battlefield role. Advertisement Experts have flagged concerns over the dangers of cruise missiles as they are capable of flying low which makes it particularly difficult to intercept by air or missile defences. Moreover, the cruise missile launches have prompted speculation from experts that it is testing the weapons before shipping them to Moscow for use in Ukraine. Advertisement The two countries have been bolstering relations with Kim Jong Un making a rare visit to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin. Both Seoul and Washington have accused North Korea of supplying Russia with weapons in exchange for technical support for Kims nascent satellite programme, which would violate a raft of UN sanctions on both regimes. Advertisement With inputs from AFP MOSCOW, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. Preparations for the next Russian-Azerbaijani contacts continue regarding the activities of the Russian peacekeeping contingent in Nagorno-Karabakh, Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said at a press briefing Wednesday. "Among the issues discussed are the prospects of the return of the Armenian population to Karabakh, with proper provision of their rights and security, the organization of joint patrols, the protection of monuments of cultural, historical and religious heritage," said the official representative of the Russian MFA, adding that the contacts are formed on a constructive basis and have a periodic nature. Rehman claimed he found that when records of votes cast at individual polling places were collated, the number of votes cast for Saif Bari, the independent candidate supported by Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, dropped from 31,000 to 11,000 votes After winning provincial elections in Karachi, the countrys commercial center, last week, a prominent Pakistani politician resigned from office, claiming that the results were manipulated to benefit him. On February 8, Pakistan held national and local elections. However, there were allegations of vote-rigging against independent candidates who were supported by the imprisoned former prime leader, Imran Khan. Advertisement The Pakistani election commission and caretaker administration have denied the accusations, stating that the nation has mechanisms in place to go into individual concerns. After receiving more than 26,000 votes, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman of the Islamist Jamaat-e-Islami party was proclaimed the victor of Karachis provincial seat 129. However, Rehman claimed he found that when records of votes cast at individual polling places were collated, the number of votes cast for Saif Bari, the independent candidate supported by Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, dropped from 31,000 to 11,000 votes. After a falling out with the nations formidable military and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf being banned from running in elections, forcing members to run as independents, Imran Khan was imprisoned on corruption and criminal accusations. Politics interference is denied by the military. Public opinion should be respected, let the winner win, let the loser lose, no one should get anything extra, Mr Rehman told news agency Reuters on Wednesday. Advertisement I will not accept it, the winner should be given the victory. The money, according to Ukraines leadership, is essential as the country fights an invasion that was started almost two years ago by Russian President Vladimir Putin U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has declared that despite President Joe Bidens administration running out of money for Kyiv and a request for more funding stalling in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, the United States would not back down from supporting Ukraine in the short and long term. We will continue to dig deep to provide Ukraine with both short-term and long-term support, Austin said on Wednesday, without mentioning the $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine and other allies that has not been taken up yet by the House Speaker Mike Johnson. Advertisement Austin was speaking remotely from his home after having to postpone his journey to Brussels for the NATO summit due to a bladder problem that required hospitalization. Austins remarks raise concerns about the United States commitment to Europe at a crucial juncture for Ukraine. The money, according to Ukraines leadership, is essential as the country fights an invasion that was started almost two years ago by Russian President Vladimir Putin. While Austin did not address the House of Representatives or the lack of funds, others have. On Wednesday, U.S. legislators were urged by British Foreign Secretary David Cameron to support the security aid package. For months, Biden has been advocating for the package, which also includes humanitarian help for the Palestinians and security funding for Taiwan and Israel. Hardliners in the Republican Party have opposed him, especially those closest to the late President Donald Trump. Advertisement Supporters of the help have been closely observing Trumps response. On social media, he has attacked the help, stating that it ought to be in the form of a loan. He has also alarmed American friends by implying that he would incite war against certain NATO countries. Trumps recent remarks that the US might not defend NATO countries who arent investing enough on defense against a future Russian invasion have drew criticism from Biden and other senior Western leaders. Advertisement (With agency inputs) PM Modi reached Doha after a whirlwind two-day trip to the UAE, where he addressed a well-attended Indian community event, the prestigious World Governments Summit, and also inaugurated UAEs first Hindu stone temple among other engagements. After concluding a two-day trip to the UAE, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived on Wednesday evening for a crucial meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to further develop the historically close and friendly relations between the two countries. #WATCH | Doha, Qatar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lands in Qatar's capital Doha. PM Modi will hold bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. (Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/83WxMebSCP ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Advertisement PM Modi reached Doha after a whirlwind two-day trip to the UAE, where he addressed a well-attended Indian community event, the prestigious World Governments Summit, and also inaugurated UAEs first Hindu stone temple among other engagements. Landed in Doha. Looking forward to a fruitful Qatar visit which will deepen India-Qatar friendship. pic.twitter.com/h6QHKpqYcm Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 Advertisement Before he departed from New Delhi on Tuesday, Modi, in a statement said, he was looking forward to meeting Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, under whose leadership Qatar continues to witness tremendous growth and transformation. India and Qatar enjoy historically close and friendly relations and the multi-faceted ties between the two countries have continued to deepen in recent years, he pointed out. Advertisement Indias announcement on PM Modis visit to the Qatari capital came on Monday, hours after seven out of eight jailed former Indian Navy personnel returned home, nearly three-and-half months after a Qatari court handed them a death sentence that was subsequently commuted to jail terms ranging from three to 25 years. Advertisement Qatar released all the eight Indians. The former Indian Navy personnel apparently faced charges of espionage, but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi made the charges against them public. PM Modi, in his departure statement, also said the presence of over 8,00,000-strong Indian community in Doha is a testament to our strong people-to-people ties. Besides holding talks with the Amir, Modi is scheduled to meet other high dignitaries in Qatar as well. Advertisement Earlier in the evening, after PM Modi successfully concluded his UAE visit, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Saif B Zayed accorded him a warm send-off. With inputs from PTI. This visit assumes significance as it comes days after a diplomatic victory for India following the release of eight ex-Indian Navy personnel who were detained in Qatar for nearly 18 months since August 2022. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emplaned for Qatar after concluding his two-day UAE visit. He will hold a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, as the Ministry of External Affairs had announced earlier. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for Qatar. In Doha, PM Modi will hold bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. pic.twitter.com/XxEF0tNUCa ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Advertisement This visit assumes significance as it comes days after a diplomatic victory for India following the release of eight ex-Indian Navy personnel who were detained in Qatar for nearly 18 months since August 2022. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweets, PM Modi successfully concludes his visit to the UAE, setting another landmark in the ever-deepening partnership. UAE DPM & Minister of Interior Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyanaccorded a warm send-off to PM at the airport PM @narendramodi successfully concludes his visit to the UAE, setting another landmark in the ever-deepening - partnership. UAE DPM & Minister of Interior, HH @SaifBZayed accorded a warm send off to PM at the airport. Next leg of the visit Qatar. pic.twitter.com/jLlzN3OHvW Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) February 14, 2024 Advertisement Earlier in the day, PM Modi inaugurated the majestic Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE.From UAE after completing his visit on February 14, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Doha, Qatar on February 14. Advertisement During the visit, PM Modi will hold bilateral meetings with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and other high dignitaries in Qatar, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said earlier while addressing a special briefing on PM Modis visits. The Foreign Secretary also said that PM Modis visit would provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss ways to further deepen and strengthen the multifaceted partnership.PM Modis visit to Qatar will provide an opportunity for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss ways to further deepen and strengthen our multifaceted partnership as well as exchange views on different regional and international issues of mutual importance, Kwatra noted. The foreign secretary also highlighted that this will be the second visit of PM Modi to Qatar, with the last one taking place in June 2016. Advertisement Emphasising the growing ties between India and Qatar, the Foreign Secretary mentioned high-level visits to Qatar.There have been several high-level exchanges between India and Qatar in recent years. You would recall the visit of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to Doha in November 2022, as well as the visit of then Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in June 2022. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also undertaken multiple visits to Qatar in the last 3 to 4 years, the Foreign Secretary also said. Advertisement The relationship between the two countries has grown multifaceted with robust energy partnerships and collaboration in culture, education, and security. The bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 20 billion, with Qatar emerging as a significant investor across various sectors in India.The bilateral relationship between India and Qatar that has been steadily growing includes a comprehensive span, including political ties, trade and investment linkages, a strong energy partnership and ties in the field of culture, education and security, he said, adding, Strong bilateral trade between India and Qatar currently stands at roughly USD 20 bn and Qatar is also a significant investor in India across the whole range of economies. Advertisement Specifically mentioning the recent agreement between QatarEnergy and Indias Petronet for the supply of 7.5 million metric tons per year of LNG from Qatar to India for a duration of 20 years, starting in 2028, Kwatra said, " Youd be aware following the recently concluded India Energy Week, QatarEnergy and Indias Petronet had signed an agreement for the supply of 7.5 million metric tons per year of LNG from Qatrar to India for 20 years starting 2028.The large Indian diaspora in Qatar, numbering around 840,000, was underscored as a vital connection between the two nations. Advertisement Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatars Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai and discussed bilateral partnership and the well-being of the Indian community living in Qatar. With inputs from ANI. More and more Western officials are alerting Europe to the military threat that Russia poses to NATO member states on its eastern border and urging it to rearmament According to Estonias Foreign Intelligence Service on Tuesday, Russia is gearing up for a military conflict with the West over the next ten years and may be discouraged by a counteroffensive involving a build-up of armed forces. More and more Western officials are alerting Europe to the military threat that Russia poses to NATO member states on its eastern border and urging it to rearmament. Advertisement The estimate, according to the head of the intelligence service, was predicated on Russian intentions to treble the number of troops positioned along its borders with Finland, a NATO member, and the Baltic States of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. Russia has chosen a path which is a long-term confrontation and the Kremlin is probably anticipating a possible conflict with NATO within the next decade or so, Kaupo Rosin told reporters at the release of Estonias national security threats report. A military attack by Russia is highly unlikely in the short term, he said, partly because Russia has to keep troops in Ukraine, and would remain unlikely if Russian buildup of forces was matched in Europe. If we are not prepared, the likelihood (of a military Russian attack) would be much higher than without any preparation, Rosin added. Advertisement Following Russias annexation of Crimea in 2014, Estonia and the other Baltic States upped their military spending to more than 2% of their GDP, while NATO allies strengthened their deployment in those nations. Germany is to station 4,800 combat-ready soldiers in the area by 2027, marking its first permanent overseas deployment since World War II, and Rosin said NATO and its partners were doing the correct steps to address the Russian threat. Advertisement Rosin does not anticipate Russia to make a breakthrough in Ukraine before the presidential election in March, since that would need much more soldiers. Speaking about US presidential candidate Donald Trumps comments that he would not defend allies who dont spend enough on defence, Rosin said: Such statements are never helpful. Russias ability to provide ammunition to its troops is continuing to outweigh Ukraines, and unless Western support is sustained or increased, Ukraine is unlikely to be able to change the situation on the battlefield, he added. Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified a law on Wednesday that permits authorities to seize assets from individuals found guilty of opposing the Kremlins military actions in Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin ratified a law on Wednesday that permits authorities to seize assets from individuals found guilty of opposing the Kremlins military actions in Ukraine. Following Moscows deployment of troops to Ukraine in February 2022, criticism of its ongoing offensive has been outlawed, with severe penalties imposed on dissenters. This new legislation authorises the confiscation of money, property, and other assets belonging to those who speak out against the military campaign. Advertisement The scope of the law extends to Russian dissidents living abroad who may still own property within the country. Despite concerns about potential abuse, the Kremlin asserted that the law is not reminiscent of Soviet-era confiscations and dismissed apprehensions about its misuse as unfounded. Together with you, we will have the opportunity to evaluate the enforcement of the law in practice, AFP quoted spokesman Dmitry Peskov as telling reporters on Wednesday. He added it would be groundless to express any concerns beforehand. Putin signed the document two weeks after Russias parliament, the Duma, backed the bill. Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said last month that the law targets scoundrels and traitors, those who today spit on the backs of our soldiers, who have betrayed their homeland. Advertisement Moscow regularly brands the hundreds of thousands of Russians who left their country in protest over the military campaign as traitors. The law comes into force ahead of the second anniversary of the Ukraine offensive and a month before Russias presidential election. With inputs from agencies Governor of Donetsk Vadym Filashkin stated on the Telegram that a wing of the towns hospital was destroyed in one of multiple Russian attacks overnight, resulting in the evacuation of 100 patients to hospitals in other cities In the course of numerous missile assaults overnight, Russia struck the village of Selydove in the eastern Donetsk area of Ukraine, causing damage to many residences and a hospital in addition to three fatalities and twelve injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. Three civilians were killed (one of them a child), the press service of the citys military administration said on the Telegram messaging app. Advertisement Governor of Donetsk Vadym Filashkin stated on the Telegram that a wing of the towns hospital was destroyed in one of multiple Russian attacks overnight, resulting in the evacuation of 100 patients to hospitals in other cities. He uploaded a video showing people sitting or lying on beds inside what looked to be a medical facility with windows blown out and walls ripped apart. A five-story residential structure had many units demolished by another hit that injured at least four individuals, two of them were minors, according to Filashkin. The reports could not be independently verified by Reuters. A request for comment was not immediately answered by Russias military ministry. Both Russia and Ukraine dispute that their strikes on one anothers territory were intended to harm people. Both sides say their air attacks, often away from the front line, have a goal to destroy critical energy, military and transport infrastructure. Advertisement The town of Selydove, which had a pre-war population of around 24,000, has come under increased Russian airstrikes in recent weeks, Ukrainian officials have said. The Donetsk region, 57% of which is now occupied by Russia, has been at the forefront of war since 2014, when Russian-backed proxies seized the regions capital city, also called Donetsk, as well as many other large towns. The OSCE, which includes Ukraine, the United States, and Russia among its 57 members, is the successor of a Cold War-era body that allowed Soviet and Western nations to engage Russias parliament will vote on suspending the countrys membership in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly on 21 February, Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced on Tuesday. The OSCE, which includes Ukraine, the United States, and Russia among its 57 members, is the successor of a Cold War-era body that allowed Soviet and Western nations to engage. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, the body has been essentially crippled by Moscows continued use of the effective veto that each member enjoys. Advertisement Its time for us to say goodbye to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Volodin said at a meeting of the Duma, the lower house of Russias parliament, according to a statement on the Dumas website. The organization absolutely lacks independence, is politicized, and it dances to the tune of Washington. But the worst thing in this situation is that we also pay money, and we are one of the largest payers. According to Volodin, the suspension of participation and the cessation of Moscows contributions to the OSCE would be put to a simultaneous vote in the Duma and Federation Council, the two houses of the Russian parliament. The resolution is unlikely to encounter resistance since the United Russia party, the ruling faction that backs President Vladimir Putin, has a resounding majority in the parliament. Advertisement The Duma statement noted, without mentioning any, that the Duma may also take into consideration the potential of Russia withdrawing from other international bodies. Because Russias foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, was attending the OSCE annual foreign ministers conference late last year, Ukraine and its neighbours in the Baltics declined to participate. The delivery reached Serbia a few months ago, even though the countrys airspace is almost completely surrounded by NATO member states that have agreed to Western sanctions against Russia. Despite international sanctions imposed on Moscow for its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Serbia has received another arms delivery from its ally Russia. Serbia is the only European country that has refused to align with European Union sanctions following Russias invasion of Ukraine two years ago. It is also the only European country that continues signing cooperation agreements with Moscow. Advertisement Serbian populist President Aleksandar Vucic demonstrated a Russian anti-drone electronic jamming technology known as Repellent on Wednesday, claiming that it is in our hands. This is the Repellent. Its not as strong as Krasukha, but its excellent, Vucic said, referring to a Russian ground-based electronic warfare system. The delivery reached Serbia a few months ago, even though the countrys airspace is almost completely surrounded by NATO member states that have agreed to Western sanctions against Russia. Serbia has been told that if it wants to join the EU, it must comply with sanctions. Most of the recent Serbian military buildup comes from Russia. Other materials come from China as well as some European arms and aircraft manufacturers. Most of Vucics talk about potential threats has been focused on Kosovo, a former Serbian province that declared independence after NATO intervened to stop a bloody Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists in 1999. Advertisement If someone tried to carry out an aggression against Serbia as it happened in 1999, technically they would not be able to carry it out in the same way, Vucic said. They would have to attack from outside, from a distance, from the Adriatic or Mediterranean Sea, with cruise missiles." With inputs from AP. The Solomon Islands are set to announce next week a national election for April, with the security relationship with China emerging as a pivotal issue as political parties kick off their campaigns in the Pacific Islands nation The Solomon Islands are set to announce next week a national election for April, with the security relationship with China emerging as a pivotal issue as political parties kick off their campaigns in the Pacific Islands nation. Following his ascent to power after the 2019 election, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare transitioned diplomatic alliances from Taiwan to China. Subsequently, he established a security agreement with Beijing, a move that raised concerns in Washington and Canberra, sparking a competition for influence in the strategically vital Pacific Islands region. Advertisement A prominent opposition party figure, the United Partys Peter Kenilorea, said he wanted the China security pact reviewed, and would also seek to re-establish diplomatic ties with Taiwan, according to Reuters, citing the Solomon Star newspaper on Wednesday. Opposition leader Matthew Wale said at a campaign launch for a coalition of democratic parties on Wednesday that a referendum could be held to decide the Solomon Islands relationship with China. China is a super power both militarily and economically, and there is much also to be gained from a relationship with China We need to see what our national interest is, Reuters quoted Wale as saying at the livestreamed event. He criticised Sogavare for not consulting the provinces before switching ties to China, which led to the largest province, Malaita, refusing to cooperate with Beijing for several years. Advertisement The possibility of a referendum is a very real possibility to decide it once and for all, Wale said. At his campaign launch Sogavare pointed to the Pacific Games held in Honiara, with stadiums donated by China, as a major achievement. His party pledged to strengthen the relationship with China through a look North foreign policy, while nurturing ties with other traditional partners such as Australia, a statement said. Advertisement The election will officially be called by the countrys Governor-General on Feb. 20. Wale said April 17, expected to be the polling date, was a day for accountability, after Sogavare had prioritised Pacific Games over medicines. Honiaras operating theatres leaked in the rain and patients slept on the floor at the hospital, he said. Advertisement In his campaign speech, Wale was critical of elite capture. We have a government that is not controlled by Solomon Islanders A government that receives money to make sure that the status quo continues, he said. Wale did not name China in the speech, but the Prime Ministers Office previously confirmed China had provided $2.49 million for a fund spent at Sogavares discretion, with payments made to 39 out of 50 lawmakers. Advertisement Sogavares office has previously rejected claims the money was used to maintain power. With inputs from agencies YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. By the decree of Armenia's President Vahagn Khachaturyan, Vahan Kerobyan has been dismissed from the post of the Minister of Economy. Vahan Kerobyan announced his resignation on February 14 in a post on social media. Dear residents of the Republic of Armenia. It so happened that I will no longer serve you as Minister of Economy, he said in the statement published on social media. For more than three years, I worked with selfless devotion, filled with love towards each and every resident of Armenia. I worked at least six days a week, on an average from eight in the morning until nine in the evening, with just fifteen or sixteen days of leave taken during three years in total. I lived each day of work with a strong pursuit of having a powerful Armenia as soon as possible. Ive been decisive, honest and devoted to my country. In 2023, the GDP of Armenia grew approximately 100% in US dollars compared to 2020, and 50% in Armenian drams. Armenia moved from being 112nd to 86th with GDP per capita during this time, surpassing for the first time Azerbaijan, Belarus and many other countries. The budgeting programs of the Ministry of Economy grew from 12,5 billion drams in 2019 to 91 billion drams for 2024. The employment output, volume of investments and Armenias foreign trade turnover grew drastically. On 20th of November, 2020, when I was assuming the post of minister, there was a high probability that I would serve only for a few days or months: there was a high likelihood of change of government. During that period of time I wanted to leave this work on many occasions due to disagreements, but I subordinated myself in order to bring the value of my service to my country to its maximum. I am grateful to the Prime Minister for this opportunity to serve my country, Kerobyan said. On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, who will be in the country on a state visit, the press statement said Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi will pay a state visit to the Republic of South Africa at the end of February, according to a Bloomberg report, citing the African countrys presidency in a notice to media on Wednesday. On Tuesday, 27 February 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa will receive the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, who will be in the country on a state visit, the press statement said. Cuba continues to maintain close relations with North Korea, which were established in 1960, with their shared socialist ideology and their hostility towards the United States helping to bind them together. Cuba maintains an embassy in Pyongyang. The South Korean foreign ministry said that the country has established diplomatic relations with Cuba, one of North Koreas Cold War-era allies. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said that the two countries have agreed to open diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level with their United Nations representatives exchanging letters in New York. Advertisement Cuba maintains close relations with North Korea, which began in 1960, with their common socialist ideology and enmity towards the United States serving to bind them together. Cuba has an embassy in Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called late Cuban leader Fidel Castro a comrade-in-arms, according to North Korean state media. North Korea observed three days of official mourning in 2016 when Castro died aged 90. The new diplomatic ties between Seoul and Havana mark an important turnaround for South Korea in its efforts to strengthen its diplomacy in the Latin American region, the foreign ministry said in its statement. With inputs from Reuters. Starting at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, the Peoples Liberation Army was detected operating 14 aircraft, including drones and J-16 fighters, off the coast of northern and southwestern Taiwan, according to Taiwans defense ministry Taiwans defense ministry reported that on Wednesday, it saw 14 aircraft from the Chinese air force stationed on the mainland flying over the island and engaging in joint combat readiness patrols alongside PLA warships. Beijing has routinely launched warships and aircraft into the airspace and seas surrounding the island over the previous four years in an effort to bolster its claims of sovereignty, which the Taipei government rejects. Advertisement Starting at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, the Peoples Liberation Army was detected operating 14 aircraft, including drones and J-16 fighters, off the coast of northern and southwestern Taiwan, according to Taiwans defense ministry. In order to conduct joint combat readiness patrols with PLA warships, nine of those aircraft flew over the median line of the Taiwan Strait or nearby areas, the ministry continued. There was no immediate response from Beijings defence ministry. Mainland China is in the middle of its week-long Lunar New Year holiday. Taiwan sent its own forces to monitor, its defence ministry said. Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons. Advertisement The Taiwan Straits median line once served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides, but PLA planes now regularly fly over it. Beijing says it does not recognise the lines existence. The island last month elected Taiwanese Vice-President William Lai Ching-te as its next president, a man Beijing has describes as a dangerous separatist. Advertisement Lai, who takes office in May, has offered talks with Beijing, which have been rejected. He says only Taiwans people can decide their future. With inputs from Reuters Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday said that India and the UAE have ratified 10 agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, investments, and archival management Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Wednesday said that India and the UAE have ratified 10 agreements aimed at enhancing collaboration in critical sectors such as energy, infrastructure, investments, and archival management. These agreements, comprising memoranda of understanding and formal agreements, were formalised during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday. Advertisement Kwatra highlighted that the memorandum of understanding concerning electricity interconnection and trade will prioritise green hydrogen and energy storage, in addition to fostering cooperation to ensure energy security and facilitate trade. Kwatra said the Inter-governmental Framework Agreement concerning Cooperation for the Empowerment and Operation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will further regional connectivity. He underscored that this agreements key domains encompass cooperation on logistics platforms, a pivotal component in advancing the objectives of these corridors, and the provision of supply chain services encompassing general cargo, bulk containers, and liquid goods. One of the aims is to see how quickly the IMEC gets operated and benefits the core objective of stronger, deeper, more extensive regional connectivity between the parties involved, Kwatra said. Advertisement The corridor was announced in New Delhi during the G20 summit in September. The IMEC is being seen as an alternative to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The IMEC will connect India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe. Kwatra said the MoU on Cooperation in Digital Infrastructure Projects will create a framework for wide-ranging cooperation, including investment cooperation, in the digital infrastructure sector and also facilitate the sharing of technical knowledge, skills and expertise. Advertisement Government agencies as well as regulatory authorities will seek to forge partnerships under this MoU. This would focus on key areas of digital space that includes high power computing, digital innovation, and platforms relating to management of data, the foreign secretary said. He said the Bilateral Investment Treaty will set the basis for a stronger, wide-ranging investment partnership because it focuses, not just on protecting the existing investments, but also advances the objective of further capital flows between the two economies. Advertisement The MoU on the Development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) would foster engagement between the two countries aimed at supporting the Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat. The two sides will work closely to develop this project in a comprehensive fashion, the foreign secretary said. He said the Cooperation Protocol between the National Library and Archives of the UAE and the National Archives of India will shape extensive bilateral cooperation in this field including restoration and preservation of archival material. Advertisement The protocol will promote cooperation in archives management through the exchange of expertise, historical information, research, and studies. The agreement on interlinking of the instant payment platforms - UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. Kwatra said the agreement on inter-linking domestic debit/credit cards - RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) was an important step in building financial sector cooperation and will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE. Advertisement With inputs from agencies They were found guilty of taking GBP 15.5 million from the UK to Dubai in concealed suitcases and trying to smuggle 17 migrants into the nation. They were sentenced to long prison terms for their crimes as members of an organized crime group The UK authorities have issued Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPOs) to nine Indian-origin criminals who were found guilty of smuggling goods and migrants in an effort to deter future offenses. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has imposed orders on Swander Dhal, 38, Jasbir Kapoor, 36, Diljan Malhotra, 48, Charan Singh, 46, Valjeet Singh, 35, Jasbir Dhal Singh, 33, Jaginder Kapoor, 48, Jacdar Kapour, 51, and Amarjeet Alabadis, 32, with the aim of restricting their involvement in serious and organized crime. Advertisement They were found guilty of taking GBP 15.5 million from the UK to Dubai in concealed suitcases and trying to smuggle 17 migrants into the nation. They were sentenced to long prison terms for their crimes as members of an organized crime group. The terms of their SCPOs, to come into effect once the offenders have served their jail sentences, include restrictions on finances, assets, bank accounts and the purchase of international travel tickets. Their orders were published this week as part of NCAs list of active Ancillary Orders, used to support the lifetime management of serious criminals. Ancillary orders are vital, allowing us to prevent future offending through a wide variety of means, said Alison Abbott, Head of the NCAs Prison and Lifetime Management Unit. Advertisement Many career criminals return to lives of organised crime following their stint in prison, believing themselves to be beyond the reach of the law. Part of the power of these orders is that they make offenders toxic to other criminals, who are reluctant to engage with individuals who are being actively monitored, she said. Advertisement Here at the NCA, we have a policy of lifetime management, which ensures that once a criminal is on our radar, they stay on it, she added. Since the NCAs last Ancillary Order publication, a number of criminals have been released from prison, meaning that restrictions ordered by the courts have come into force. This includes 43-year-old Denis Kupcevich, who was part of a criminal network that conned hundreds of thousands of pounds out of banking customers. Advertisement Kupcevich operated under several aliases, and used stolen identities to open numerous accounts through which criminal money could be laundered. As of January 9, he is now required to notify the authorities of his finances, assets and business interests. He faces restrictions on communications devices, bank accounts, travel and travel documents and is prohibited from using aliases or holding personal data. The order will run until 2027. Advertisement The NCA said it records and takes appropriate action against any offenders found to have breached the terms of their Ancillary Orders. It said the publication of these orders is considered carefully and on a case by case basis. Those judged to meet the right criteria appear on the NCA website as publishing data on criminals who are subject to these orders enables other organisations and the public to report breaches. In a letter to Harris, Morrisey wrote, President Bidens cognitive decline is of great concern to Americans, especially during these times that our nation is facing crisis after crisis both here and abroad," adding that the US needs a president who is mentally fit In yet another blow to President Joe Bidens candidacy, West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has written to Vice President Kamala Harris to invoke the 25th Amendment against Biden over concerns over his physical ability to perform the duties of his post. In a letter to Harris, Morrisey wrote, President Bidens cognitive decline is of great concern to Americans, especially during these times that our nation is facing crisis after crisis both here and abroad, adding that the US needs a president who is mentally fit. Advertisement Morriseys argument comes after a 388-paged special council report was published last week asserting that the president is a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory. Morrisey, a Republican, highlighted that the report paints a clear picture of a President who is not up for the job. What is the 25th Amendment? The 25th Amendment of the US Constitution was passed by Congress to determine the presidential succession after the assassination of former President John F Kennedy. It also gives power to the vice president as well as the Cabinet to remove a president from office if they are deemed physically incapable. Morrisey is not the first person to call for the use of the 25th Amendment against Biden. Earlier, Republican Claudia Tenney and former president Donald Trump floated the idea. Advertisement Harris says she is ready to serve Earlier this week, VP Harris, in an interview with Wall Street Journal, said that she is ready to serve as the president of the US. I am ready to serve. Theres no question about that, Harris said when she was asked whether voters concerns about Bidens age meant she must convince them of her credentials. Advertisement Everyone who sees her on the job walks away fully aware of my capacity to lead, said Harris, the first Black, South Asian and female vice president in US history. The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi was built after UAE allocated land for its construction following Modis first visit to the country in 2015 The consecration ceremony of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi was held on Wednesday ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 6 PM (IST). #WATCH | UAE | Consecration ceremony of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi being done ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, later today. (Video: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha) pic.twitter.com/qHYUc8ZNhF ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Advertisement The inauguration of the BAPS temple is significant for Hindu communities worldwide as it is the first mandir to be built in Abu Dhabi. Sadhu Brahmaviharidas, the chief of international relations of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha hailed the construction of the temple in UAE. He said, Well, symbolism is clear, and I dont hide it. For a ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to have space in his heart to allow the first traditional stone temple in this part of the region in the history of humanity, I think all of us need to join our hands and applaud the rulers and the leaders of this nation. Advertisement He also commended the relationship PM Modi shares with the UAE which was a driving force behind the construction of the temple. So, the BAPS Hindu Mandir has been built because of the generosity of the rulers. And I also say because of the friendship that our honourable Prime Minister has been able to generate with the rulers, the leaders, through the trade, through the great events that have happened. Its because of trust, transparency, and truth that this entire Mandir has been made, he added. Advertisement About the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi The Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) temple in Abu Dhabi was built after UAE allocated land for its construction following Modis first visit to the country in 2015. Modi was the first prime minister after Indira Gandhi to formally visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Advertisement Thanking the UAE leadership for its decision to build the temple, Modi hailed the move as a landmark in India-UAE relations. The Indian prime minister is on a two-day official visit to the UAE that began on 13 February. This is Modis seventh visit to the nation since he took office Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a bilateral meeting with the President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina in Abu Dhabi. #WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds a bilateral meeting with President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina in Abu Dhabi. pic.twitter.com/a2GcTp1LyX ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Advertisement This was the first meeting between the two leaders. According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Rajoelina recognized the long-standing friendly relations and ancient geographical ties between the two countries. They also discussed ways to advance bilateral ties and appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in various multilateral fora, including the UN. Had a wonderful meeting with President @SE_Rajoelina of Madagascar, an important partner of our SAGAR vision. We discussed ways to boost trade and cultural linkages between our nations. pic.twitter.com/HrCfpz4NZd Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 Advertisement PM Modi reaffirmed Indias commitment to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership and to Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region. He conveyed that as a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean Region, India will remain a committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar. Advertisement India-Madagascar relations India has shared a long history with Madagascar. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, India has had maritime links with the East African nation for several centuries while Indian merchants have been visiting Madagascar since the late 18th century. India is also actively engaged in training Malagasy people in capacity building and other high-skilled fields, courses for which are offered through ITEC and India Africa Forum Summit. Advertisement PM Modis UAE visit The Indian prime minister is on a two-day official visit to the UAE that began on 13 February. This is Modis seventh visit to the nation since he took office. On Tuesday, PM Modi was accorded Guard of Honour after he arrived in Abu Dhabi. Both the nations exchanged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and signed an agreement on a trade corridor that aims to connect Europe with India through parts of the Middle East by sea and rail, an ambitious plan backed by the US and the European Union. Advertisement Modi also held wide-ranging talks with the UAEs President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to take forward the bilateral strategic partnership. Both leaders held one-on-one and delegation-level talks, reviewed the bilateral partnership and discussed new areas of cooperation. They also talked about deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership across sectors, including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, infrastructure, culture and people-to-people ties, the MEA said in a statement. Advertisement PM Modi also met the Indian diaspora in UAE in an event called Ahlan Modi where he thanked the Indian community for their contribution. You have scripted history by coming in such large numbers here. You may have come from different parts of UAE and from different states of India, but everyones hearts are connected, he said. Advertisement Later today, the prime minister will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral talks with Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ahead of the BAPS temple inauguration in Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held bilateral talks with Emir of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ahead of the BAPS temple inauguration in Abu Dhabi. Mohammed Bin Rashid met PM Modi at St. Regis Hotel where PM Modi is currently residing. #WATCH | PM Modi meets Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in Dubai pic.twitter.com/lstjG64cD8 ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Advertisement Both leaders held discussions on a wide range of areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, technology, space, education and people-to-people ties. They expressed their satisfaction at the rapidly growing economic and commercial ties between India and the UAE and acknowledged in particular the key role played by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, MEA said in a statement. They also welcomed the signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty, the statement added. PM Modi also thanked Mohammed bin Rashid for his graciousness towards the Indian community living in Dubai. Both leaders acknowledged the contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Dubais evolution into a global hub for trade, services and tourism, added the statement. Advertisement Shortly after meeting Emir of Dubai, Prime Minister Modi headed to address the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Earlier in the day, he held a bilateral meeting with the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina in Abu Dhabi. PM Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday on a two-day visit. This is PM Modis seventh visit to the nation since he assumed office. Advertisement On Tuesday, PM Modi was accorded Guard of Honour after he arrived in Abu Dhabi. Both the nations exchanged Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and signed an agreement on a trade corridor that aims to connect Europe with India through parts of the Middle East by sea and rail, an ambitious plan backed by the US and the European Union. Advertisement Modi also held wide-ranging talks with the UAEs President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to take forward the bilateral strategic partnership. Both leaders held one-on-one and delegation-level talks, reviewed the bilateral partnership and discussed new areas of cooperation. They also talked about deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership across sectors, including trade and investment, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, infrastructure, culture and people-to-people ties, the MEA said in a statement. Advertisement PM Modi also met the Indian diaspora in UAE in an event called Ahlan Modi where he thanked the Indian community for their contribution. You have scripted history by coming in such large numbers here. You may have come from different parts of UAE and from different states of India, but everyones hearts are connected, he said. Advertisement Later today, the prime minister will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. With inputs from agencies Haim Rubinstein from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the campaign group will file a case against Hamas leaders at the ICC Over 100 family members of hostages held in Gaza flew to The Hague in the Netherlands on Wednesday to formally file a complaint over crimes against humanity to the International Criminal Court (ICC). Hamas abducted about 250 people during their October 7 attack on Israel out of which 130 are still held captive, according to Israeli officials. Advertisement Not just our story Before boarding the flight to The Hague, Ofri Bibas, whose brother is held captive by Hamas said, This is not just our story. If we dont stop this, tomorrow it will be the story of the entire world. The entire human race must stand together against a global terror army, of which Hamas is just one unit on its mission, she added. Haim Rubinstein from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the campaign group will file a case against Hamas leaders at the ICC. We are the families of the hostages who have gone through and are still going through this terrible hell, Rubinstein said in a televised briefing from Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv. Advertisement We will file charges against Hamas members and their collaborators and ensure that they pay the heaviest price for the crimes against humanity that they continue to commit. Hostage negotiations The Israeli government has been under immense pressure from the families of the remaining hostages who are demanding their secure release. Last year in November, Hamas released some hostages in phases as part of a deal brokered by Qatar and the US. Advertisement In the latest move, Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea met CIA Director William Burns in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday for talks on a Qatari-brokered plan to halt fighting in Gaza. ICC calls for hostage release Earlier this week, ICCs chief prosecutor Karim Khan called for the immediate release of all hostages held captive by Hamas while he also raised concerns about a possible Israeli ground incursion into Rafah. Advertisement Khan said on X, formerly Twitter, that his offices investigation into events in Gaza is being taken forward as a matter of the utmost urgency. With inputs from AFP Ian Johnston, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), expects further growth and activity this year, following the strong performance achieved in 2023, a report said. "2023 was the DFSA's busiest year in terms of the number of new licences issued, with more than 100 new financial services firms, surpassing 2022," Johnston told Emirates News Agency (WAM). The DFSA achieved exceptional growth last year, licencing and registering a record number of companies during 2023, a 25 percent increase from 2022, bringing the total number of licenced companies to 791. "As the regulator of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), it is most important for us that the centre continues to grow and expand, especially as its work does not stop at attracting more companies, but there is more work being done by the financial institutions registered there," Johnston added. "We have 27 out of 29 systemically important global banks headquartered in the DIFC, as well as most of the major fund managers and the majority of insurance and reinsurance companies," he said. The DFSA CEO pointed to a significant increase in the interest of hedge funds to be present in Dubai amid rapid growth in the sector, noting that many hedge funds and other funds around the world are moving to the DIFC. During the past year, the DFSA recorded a 125% year-on-year increase in the number of asset managers and hedge funds established in the DIFC. Ian Johnston highlighted the DIFC's impressive growth as a leading financial hub. He stated that the DIFC has surpassed its regional competitors to become the largest financial centre in the Middle East and a prominent global player. Currently, over 600 financial services firms operate within the DIFC, employing more than 40,000 people and significantly contributing to the UAE's economy, he added. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 14, ARMENPRESS. In these challenging times, marked by unprecedented global uncertainties, Armenias strong commitment to achieving peace and stability in our region should be seen not only as a prerequisite for the prosperity of our own citizens, but also as part of the collective vision of the European family aimed at promoting such shared values as democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights. And, on this important path the genuine cooperation with like-minded partners is an invaluable asset, Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan said on February 14 at the official opening ceremony of the office of Armenia in Luxembourg. Xavier Bettel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Luxembourg also attended the meeting. According to the readout issued by the foreign ministry, in his remarks Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted: "Your excellency Minister Bettel, Dear Xavier, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, Dear guests, I am happy to be back to Luxembourg exactly two years after my first visit in 2022 while we have already developed strong political dialogue and cooperation, today we are here for an occasion which means beginning of a new chapter in the relations between our two friendly countries. The establishment of a resident diplomatic presence of Armenia in Luxembourg is an expression of our commitment to fostering closer relations and effectively advancing our multi-faceted cooperation. My Government's decision to establish a resident diplomatic presence is also a tribute to the values we share and the valuable support we have received from Luxembourg in recent years. It is important to note that Armenia and Luxembourg share historical parallels characterized by remarkable resilience and determination. Luxembourg has managed to successfully overcome hardships, showing that even in the face of adversity, a small nation can carve its path to peace and prosperity. In these challenging times, marked by unprecedented global uncertainties, Armenias strong commitment to achieving peace and stability in our region should be seen not only as a prerequisite for the prosperity of our own citizens, but also as part of the collective vision of the European family aimed at promoting such shared values as democracy, the rule of law and the protection of human rights. And, on this important path the genuine cooperation with like-minded partners is an invaluable asset. So let us work together towards the realization of common objectives: because alone we can do so little, while together we can do so much. Once again, I would like to congratulate all of us on this very special occasion. Thank you". The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday released a video that purportedly shows the Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar inside a tunnel below the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, with his wife, children and his brother Ibrahim Sinwar The Israel Defense Forces on Tuesday released a video that purportedly shows the Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar inside a tunnel below the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, with his wife, children and his brother Ibrahim Sinwar. Spotted: Yahya Sinwar running away and hiding in his underground terrorist tunnel network as Gazan civilians suffer above ground under the rule of Hamas terrorism. There is no tunnel deep enough for him to hide in. pic.twitter.com/KLjisBFq1f Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 13, 2024 Advertisement If confirmed, it would be the first time Sinwar has been spotted since he went into hiding ahead of Hamass 7 October terror onslaught. Presenting the video during his routine press briefing, Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), revealed that the footage had been acquired from a Hamas CCTV camera on October 10 and recently procured by the IDF. Thats how he escaped with his family underground in a tunnel to one of the safe accommodation complexes he had built in advance, Hagari said. Advertisement Hagari added that the video was a result of our hunt for Sinwar and that the hunt will not stop until he is captured, dead or alive. We are determined to capture him. We will capture him. According to a Times of Israel report, Hagari unveiled the footage amid reports circulating in Hebrew media, allegedly leaked by unnamed security officials, suggesting that the IDF was drawing closer to apprehending the leader of the terrorist organisation. Advertisement The release of the footage coincided with a meeting in Cairo attended by high-ranking officials from Israel, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at negotiating a prolonged ceasefire and potential hostage exchange. The one-minute clip, recorded on October 10, shows Sinwar inside a tunnel beneath Khan Younis, a southern city in Gaza. Sinwar is accompanied by what appears to be his wife and three children, led by his brother Ibrahim, as confirmed by the IDF. Advertisement Sinwar appears to be in good health, carrying a bag and wearing Adidas flip-flops. One of his daughters is seen clutching a doll as they traverse the tunnel. The video was taken from Hamas surveillance footage from the tunnels that was recently retrieved by IDF troops operating in the area. While Sinwars back is facing the camera, the IDF was able to identify him by the larger size of the figures ears and by using artificial intelligence, Channel 12 reported. Advertisement An Israeli official told Channel 12 that the authorities are in possession of additional footage of Siwnar, including clips that were filmed more recently. Sinwar has been described as Israels most-wanted man in Gaza. The Israeli military has declared him a dead man walking, nicknaming him in one profile as the Butcher from Khan Younis for his alleged role in planning the October 7 attack. Advertisement In December, the IDF encircled Sinwars residence but came up empty-handed, speculating that he might be sheltering underground. An aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later remarked that capturing him was merely a question of time. Nevertheless, Sinwar continues to evade capture, even amidst a relentless Israeli offensive on Khan Younis, his native city. Advertisement With inputs from agencies The Huthis attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a vital route that normally carries about 12 percent of global maritime trade In light of recent attacks by Huthi rebels in the Red Sea, the UN special envoy for Yemen demanded on Wednesday that prompt measures be taken to break the dangerous escalatory cycle in the war-torn nation. US and British air raids have been triggered by the rebels violent provocations. The rebels claim that by assaulting shipping, they are demonstrating their solidarity with the Palestinians in Gaza. Advertisement I am engaging the Yemeni parties and relevant regional actors to support deescalation in the Red Sea to protect the mediation space in Yemen, Hans Grundberg told the UN Security Council. Three things need to happen in the immediate term to create an off-ramp to this dangerous escalatory cycle, Grundberg added. He demanded a stop to military opportunism on a regional level, the protection of the progress made toward a mediated settlement, and all parties to desist from using force. Since 2015, when they took control of most of Yemens major centers including the capital Sanaa, the Huthis, who are supported by Iran, have been engaged in combat with a coalition led by Saudi Arabia. This prompted the internationally recognized government of Yemen to flee to Aden. Painstaking negotiations were making progress as late as December, according to the UN, which stated that the warring parties had decided to work toward the resumption of an inclusive political process. Advertisement The peace process has been upended by Huthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, in addition to Western reprisal. Hundreds of thousands of people have died in the fighting and from indirect causes such as disease and malnutrition. More than 18 million Yemenis need urgent support, according to the UNs humanitarian agency OCHA. Advertisement The Huthis attacks have prompted some shipping companies to detour around southern Africa to avoid the Red Sea, a vital route that normally carries about 12 percent of global maritime trade. Yemen is not a footnote to a wider regional story, Grundberg warned. The regional escalation does not negate the urgent needs in Yemen for a nationwide ceasefire. Advertisement (With agency inputs) ASUS India, Republic of Gamers (ROG), has announced the launch of the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16, the first ROG laptop in India with an OLED panel featuring VRR support. Also, ASUS ROG introduced the updated Strix Scar 16/ Scar 18 and the powerful ROG G22 gaming desktop after their debut at CES 2024. ROG Zephyrus G16 The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 comes with an OLED panel with a rapid 0.2ms response time and up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 Processor, coupled with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 Laptop GPU with MUX Switch and Advanced Optimus support. Additionally, it debuts the Slash Lighting array on the lid for a unique aesthetic. With a 2.5K resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate on its 16-inch screen, it offers exceptional pixel density and smooth visuals. It features advanced cooling technology with 2nd Generation Arc Flow Fans and a redesigned air outlet, weighing just 1.85kg and equipped with a 90Wh battery supporting fast charging from 0-50% in 30 minutes. Quick specifications: ROG Zephyrus G16 ROG Strix Scar 16/ Scar 18 The 2024 Strix Scar 16/ Scar 18 offers high performance with distinctive ROG style and sharp chassis designs. With options for RTX 4090 and RTX 4080 models, powered by Intel Core i9 Processor 14900HX and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU, it features a dedicated MUX Switch with support for NVIDIA Advanced Optimus. With up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and 4TB of PCIe Gen4x4 storage, it handles gaming, streaming, and content creation seamlessly. The 16-inch Nebula HDR Display provides a stunning HDR gaming and viewing experience with 240Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and 1100 nits peak brightness. Equipped with ROG TriFan technology and a 90Wh battery, it stays cool during long gaming sessions and offers extended battery life. Quick specifications: ROG Strix Scar 16 Quick specifications: ROG Strix Scar 18 ROG Gaming G22 Desktop The compact ROG G22 desktop offers a boutique experience with various side panel options and full Aura Sync RGB compatibility. It has won prestigious awards like the 2023 Red Dot Product Design and the 2023 Good Design Award. It also features indirect RGB lighting across the front panel, customizable via Aura Sync, enhances the machines appearance. The ROG G22 boasts an Intel Core i7-14700F processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, enabling smooth gaming performance. With up to 32GB DDR5 RAM, users can effortlessly stream, communicate, and record gameplay. Despite its compact 10L size, the desktop features Dolby Atmos support for immersive sound and Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation for clear communication. Quick specifications: ROG Gaming G22 Desktop ROG Gaming G13 Desktop The ROG Gaming G13 is a mid-tower gaming desktop that is powered by up to an Intel Core i7-13700F processor and up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card. It also has up to 64GB of DDR4 RAM and up to 2TB of PCIe Gen4 NVMe storage. The chassis has been redesigned for 2023 with additional venting on the front and top panels, and it has distinct zones for the CPU and GPU to keep them cool. It also has Wi-Fi 6E for fast and reliable internet connections. Quick specifications: ROG Gaming G13 Desktop ASUS S501ME Desktop The ASUS S501ME desktop features a sleek design with 3D triangular patterns and intricate textures, suitable for any home or workspace. Powered by a robust 13th Gen Intel CPU, it excels at everyday tasks like content creation, online learning, and casual gaming. With support for up to 64GB of upgradable RAM, lag-free multitasking is ensured. Quick specifications: ASUS S501ME Desktop Pricing and Availability The ROG Zephyrus G16 starts at Rs. 1,89,990 and the ROG Strix Scar 16/ Scar 18 at Rs. 2,89,990, available online and offline. The first 50 customers purchasing the ROG Strix Scar 16/ Scar 18 and Zephyrus G16 from ASUS e-shop or ASUS Stores from February 14th to 20th, stand a chance to get a complimentary TUF Gaming H3 Gaming Headset for just Rs. 1 by registering the device on the MyASUS App within three days of purchase. Commenting on the launch, Arnold Su, Vice President, Consumer and Gaming PC, System Business Group, ASUS India, said, By Diary Marif New Canadian Media A Vancouver-based youth choir is connecting newcomers to the country by teaching them about Indigenous music and culture. The group, Vancouver Youth Choir Kindred, is offering a free six-week program beginning next month to anyone new to Canada aged 14 to 22. Molly Bushell, the choirs VYC Kindred project manager, said moving to a new country can be a daunting experience, especially for young people because cultural and language barriers can make it hard to relate to others. Through VYC Kindred, we hope that we can provide newcomers a space that makes them feel welcome, and encourages them to build deepened connections with each other and the Indigenous community, she said. Since Indigenous music is taught through oral tradition, passed on by singing or playing rather than noted scores, choir members dont need verbal and written English. Indigenous drumming is also part of the teachings through Kindred, and participants learn the basics of rhythms in music by copying the instructor and keeping beat, she said. During the past three sessions, at least 125 youth who are new to Canada and from various backgrounds have been guided and mentored by Indigenous music instructor and composer Deanna Gestrin and musician Russell Wallace, said Bushell. Gestrin said the program teaches newcomers not only to help make cross-cultural connections but also to break down barriers by sharing their own cultures and stories, making new connections and finding a place to belong. Bushell said newcomer youth are not typically exposed to Indigenous culture when they arrive in Canada. For most of the participants, it will be the first time they hear in detail about Indigenous culture. According to the 2021 Census, there were 1.8 million Indigenous people, representing five percent of the total Canadian population. Commentary By Paige MacPherson The British Columbia government recently banned smartphones in K-12 classrooms, and if other provinces want to help students succeed, theyll follow suit. Theres mounting evidence that smartphones distract students from learning math while social media can have devastating effects on young people. The latest report from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), the most trusted international standardized test of 15-year-olds worldwide, revealed a strong association between smartphone distraction and student outcomes. According to PISA, 45 percent of students in the 38 OECD countries reported anxiety if their phones werent near them, and 59 percent reported being distracted by the devices of other students in math classin Canada, that percentage skyrockets to 80 percent. The result? Students who were distracted by smartphones in math class scored 15 points lower on PISA math tests than students who did not report being distracted. For context, PISA considers a 20-point drop the equivalent of one lost year of learning. In B.C., student performance has been declining for 20 years. From 2003 to 2022, the most recent year of available data, B.C. math scores have plummeted by 42 points and the provinces 15-year-olds are now more than two years behind where they were in math in 2003. Over the same period, B.C. scores in reading and science also declined. You dont need to be an expert on pedagogy to understand how distracting and potentially toxic smartphones could be in classrooms. But the PISA report provides clear data, showing that smartphones cause anxiety in teenagers and learning loss. These data are gleaned from PISAs comprehensive standardized test and student survey, proving once again that quality testing matters. Yet the B.C. governments student test data is less and less useful because the quality of provincewide testing in B.C. high schools has declined dramatically. Research shows that after the B.C. government switched in 2017/18 from course-content-based high school exams in math and English to vague student assessments in numeracy and literacy, the share of students writing these assessments has declined significantlydespite the government insisting the assessments are required for graduation. Graduation rates, meanwhile, have increased. Specifically, student participation in B.C.s Grade 10 literacy assessment in 2021/22 was 17.1 percentage points lower compared to the Grade 10 English exams in 2015/16. Over the same period, participation in the numeracy assessment declined by 22.3 percentage points, and participation in the Grade 12 literacy assessment declined by 14.2 percentage points. Meanwhile, student proficiency in both literacy and numeracy also declined in Grade 10. Today, less than half of B.C. Grade 10 students are proficient in numeracy. At the same time, the declining share of students writing the tests decreases the quality of the data for the government to identify issues in student achievement. The assessments themselves are also of lower quality. The government replaced percentage grades with vague grading categories such as emerging and proficient. Theres an adage that if you dont know the answer on a standardized test, pick C as its most likely to be correct. (This is a myth, not a piece of advice!) But without a strong system of standardized testing, the B.C. government is closing its eyes and picking C when creating education policy. Indeed, in the coming years, due to the poor quality of the provinces testing data, there will be no clear evidence that banning smartphones improved student learning despite overwhelming evidence from other testing regimes. If the B.C. government wants to increase the quality of its data to make better-informed decisions about B.C. schools, it should reinforce the provinces standardized tests for the benefit of students today and tomorrow. Paige MacPherson is the Associate Director, Education Policy at the Fraser Institute. By William Koblensky Varela New Canadian Media Hongkongers have largely stopped applying for Canadian work and study permits under a policy for those fleeing the Beijing-imposed national security law, previously unpublished data from Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows. Thousands of people from Hong Kong fled to Canada after China cracked down on dissent and free speech in the former British colony by imposing the national security law in 2020. Since then, many pro-democracy activists have been silenced, civil society groups have been shut down and outspoken media outlets have been closed. However, a tough job market for new immigrants, housing challenges, competition from the UK and Taiwan, as well as a downturn in the Hong Kong economy could all be behind the sudden slowdown in asylum applications to Canada, according to expert opinion. The number of Hongkongers who applied and were approved to come to Canada using the policy has never been published before and was supplied exclusively to New Canadian Media by the IRCC. Just 455 applications were made through the policy in 2023, compared to 16,195 in 2022, and 10,403 in 2021 when the program was first launched, according to figures provided by IRCC. There was a steep drop off in Hong Kong asylum-seekers choosing Canada in January 2023, when 103 applications were made through the pathway, compared with 1,181 in the month prior. The program saw its highest number of applicants in November 2022 when 2,222 people submitted paperwork, and Hong Kongers had begun to show disinterest by December of that year. In both September and November of 2023, only one person applied for a Canadian visa through the program. Hong Kong has a population of 7.5 million, according to the citys Census and Statistics Department. IRCC said Canada has approved 23,684 visas for Hongkongers under the pathway, with 2,535 approved in 2023, compared to 13,383 in 2022, and 7,766 in 2021. Applications from previous years were processed in 2023, accounting for a greater number of approvals than applications that year. Slightly more than 90 percent of applications have been approved under the pathway, IRCC data indicates. Multiple factors could have caused applications to plummet, according to Miu Chong Yan, a professor of social work at the University of British Columbia who studies immigrant and refugee patterns. Difficulty finding high-quality work, affordable housing, and accessing health care are common complaints from Hong Kongers whove arrived in Canada, Yan found in his research. Some asylum seekers may have returned to Hong Kong and told others about the difficulties of life in Canada, said Yan, who has interviewed dozens of new arrivals. Additionally, Hongkongers may have adapted to more restricted freedom of speech following the implementation of the Chinese national security law in 2020, Yan suggested. The law criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, which the IRCC says has been used to shut down dissent. The UKs British National Overseas program for Hongkongers with historic ties to Britain could have eaten into the demand for Canadas policy, Yan added. Whether people are now used to what happened in Hong Kong, or they have other choices, we dont really know, Yan said. Advocacy group Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong said in an email that saturation of demand for the program and relocation to Taiwan may have slowed applications to Canada. Slower processing times could have also put a dent in people relocating, and both Yan and Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong agreed. Visas were previously getting processed in three months, and are now more likely to take six months, Yan explained. Although the number of people from Hong Kong seeking asylum in Canada has dropped, pressures on the population continue to grow. The economic might of Hong Kong has declined significantly since 2020, Yan pointed out, which may have contributed to fewer Hongkongers being able to afford a move to Canada. In addition, foreign companies, excluding those based in China, have moved 143 regional headquarters out of Hong Kong since 2020, according to the citys Census and Statistics Department. During that same period, just nine Chinese companies have moved their regional headquarters to Hong Kong. Most native Hongkongers speak Cantonese, making them easily distinguishable from the Mandarin-speaking people of mainland China. Cantonese speakers are increasingly facing challenges at work in Hong Kong, Yan confirmed. Native Hong Kong people will have a hard time getting promoted, Yan said. Universities in the city are replacing Cantonese professors with Mandarin-speaking or foreign faculty, added Yan. Adding to the financial stress, Hong Kongs residential property price index has declined year-over-year for 22 straight months, according to Global Property Guide and the citys Rating and Valuation Department. If Hong Kongers cant sell their homes for a profit, they may be less capable of relocating to Canada, Yan explained. Officially called the Public Policy to Support Hong Kong Residents to Come to Canada, the program has a myriad of eligibility requirements, including language skills testing, and intentions to live outside Quebec. Applicants can choose to either get work or study permits, and the policy ends on August 31, 2026. Work permit holders can apply for permanent residency after being employed for one year in Canada or after having worked 1,560 hours. Study permit holders can apply for permanent residency after graduating from a minimum two-year diploma or degree program in Canada. Among work permit holders, 2,503 have become permanent residents since 2021, while 4,241 student visa holders have been approved for permanent residency, according to IRCC data. That means 28 percent of accepted applicants have become permanent residents so far. Both Yan and Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong said Hongkongers need more support from the government after arriving in Canada. Hongkongers who arrive in Canada through the pathway often face various issues, including isolation from family members who remain in Hong Kong, targeting and surveillance by the Chinese government due to their activism or political affiliations, Saskatchewan Stands with Hong Kong said in an email. Commentary By Sylvain Charlebois In Europe, there has been growing unrest for some time now, and with farmers protests reaching Paris, the media is beginning to pay closer attention to the situation. Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Poland, and Romania have all felt the impact of the farmers movement. Now, France and Paris are in the spotlight, and the situation is far from straightforward. It goes beyond a single law or regulation; we have reached a breaking point. Essentially, as incomes stagnate in many sectors, costs related to water usage are on the rise, taxes on diesel and other fuels are accumulating, and the use of pesticides and herbicides is becoming more restricted. Additionally, the obligation to leave land fallow makes production more expensive and less productive. The list of challenges farmers face is extensive. Over the years, elected officials who have chosen to prioritize the concerns of city dwellers, often disconnected from the realities of farmers, are pushing for changes that erode farmers control over their farms. As farmers frustration becomes increasingly evident, society remains deeply divided. France serves as a prime example of this division. While French farmers are marching to Paris this week to advocate for more lenient environmental regulations, protesters made a unique statement last weekend by splashing the Mona Lisa with soup, demanding stricter regulations. The competing protests symbolize the ongoing struggle between urban and rural areas. With fewer than two percent of people living on farms today, these two groups no longer even want to understand each other. All of this was foreseeable. Urban discontent is not primarily directed at farmers themselves. After all, farmers often rank high in terms of public trust, alongside firefighters, teachers, and healthcare professionals. Instead, its farming practices that are under scrutiny. A similar situation exists, albeit to a lesser extent, right here in Canada. The urban-rural divide is widening because governments are imposing urban-centric values without considering the realities of agriculture. The fervent opposition to glyphosate, despite clear scientific evidence, and the introduction of additional environmental taxes without viable ecological and economic alternatives for farmers are just a few examples. For a long time, it has been evident that urban residents are not particularly concerned about farmers and are inclined to listen to certain alarmist interest groups, some of which are state-funded. Its quite perplexing. While supply management exists in Canada, the farmers involved are often vocal but are not the ones in most need of assistance. They are simply better organized. Supply management works for dairy, eggs, and poultry, but the situation is more complex for other agricultural sectors, such as pork, beef, crops, grains, and horticultural production. These sectors struggle to make their voices heard and, more importantly, to be understood by city dwellers. Governments, whose representatives primarily hail from urban areas, rely on voters who believe, for the most part, that food magically appears on grocery store shelves. Since 2015, this has become a reality in Ottawa. The lack of understanding about the hard work behind the safe and abundant food we are privileged to purchase every day affects public perceptions. We want to buy locally, free of hormones, additives, and other concerns, but these demands often come at a high cost, a fact well-known to farmers. This ignorance has led us to this point and has, over time, provided us with short-sighted policies. Granting our farmers the benefit of the doubt is crucial for developing more effective food policies. Unlike our grocery stores, which should be more attentive to our needs, farmers bear the brunt of fluctuating prices and have no control over the market. We have lost sight of that reality in our pursuit of often excessive demands while preaching virtue. Before the situation escalates further, lets not forget that farmers are the foundation of our food systems. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is senior director of the agri-food analytics lab and a professor in food distribution and policy at Dalhousie University. Living on the beachfront is a dream of many, reflected in the growing populations found across the nation's coastal cities but the reality of this dream is that it comes with some serious risks. Nerve-wracking scenes of a collapsed cliff edge swept away in recent storms and leaving three large homes sitting close to the edge of a 150-foot drop in California, have reignited discussions about the threat of coastal erosion. Each of the homes at Dana Point, Orange County are estimated to be worth at least $20 million each and miraculously they have been assessed as still safe to live in for now, despite the cliff giving way beneath them. Homes on the edge of a cliff at Scenic Drive in Dana Point. Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles Cliff erosion a reminder of coastal danger in Australia The footage is reminiscent of scenes from Wamberal Beach on the NSW Central Coast in 2020 when there were fears homes on the water's edge would fall into the ocean following powerful east coast storms. As more people try and score a home by the sea in coming years, coastal engineering expert Dr Mitchell Harley from the UNSW warns it's something "we have to try to manage" the demand versus the need for development. "Unfortunately, we still see examples of inappropriate planning. Coastal populations are getting bigger and everybody wants to live near the coast," he told Yahoo News. Harley said historical poor planning has meant numerous homes and infrastructure have been developed "too close" to the coastline but this poor planning still happens today. "That's inevitably causing greater challenges with coastal erosion, and particularly in the future with concerns about the extent to which sea levels will rise," he said. "We need to ensure that we're not creating these [same] legacy issues for future generations to deal with like we have been." Erosion set to accelerate as sea levels rise Coastal erosion is "basically a reduction in the coastline" and can occur during extreme storms or over a longer time period. Story continues While coasts "naturally come and go", rising sea levels will change the way this happens as time goes on. "At the moment sea levels are rising at a rate of 3-4 millimetres per year, Harley explained. "We haven't quite seen the effects of that in terms of coastal erosion. But, at a certain point, there will be all the signs pointing to acceleration in the latter half of this century." The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's (DCCEEW's) National Coastal Risk Assessment states erosion due to higher sea levels is a "key risk" for coastal areas. "Nationally, nearly 39,000 residential buildings within 110 metres of coastlines are susceptible to erosion, of which nearly 40 per cent are located in Queensland," it says. Wamberal Beach residents hold fears their luxury oceanfront homes are going to collapse into the ocean. Source: Michael Dahlstrom/Yahoo News Australia Coastal flooding an immediate concern Australia is already seeing "some effects" of sea level rise in terms of flooding, explains Harley. "We're likely to see the effects of more and more flooding first, before we see extreme coastal erosion. "Particularly, we've got so many low-lying housing developments around our coastal estuaries. Coastal towns [are] always built on the rivers and so forth." Just small amounts of sea level rise can mean a "significant" increase in flooding with floods from king tides increasing over the last few decades. "It is only going to get worse." Some of Australia's most at-risk coastal locations There are a number of spots up and down the east coast of Australia and in Western Australia that are known as "hot spots" for coastal erosion. These include, but are not limited to: Cronulla, Sydney, NSW Paradise Point, Gold Coast, QLD Collaroy, Sydney, NSW Rottnest Island, WA Wamberal Beach, Central Coast, NSW Clarkes Beach, Byron Bay, NSW Port Beach, Perth, WA Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. A wide-ranging poll on conservation issues released Wednesday revealed, among other things, support for some Biden administration initiatives and efforts to protect the Dolores River corridor, and also concern about climate change that is particularly high among younger people. Colorado College released its 14th annual State of the Rockies Project Conservation in the West Poll, which involved surveying registered voters in Colorado and seven other Mountain West states. It helps shed some light on what voters are thinking about issues ranging from energy development to land conservation to protection of wildlife as they prepare to vote in the 2024 elections. More than 400 people were surveyed in each state in a poll conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates, a Democratic polling firm, and New Bridge Strategy, a Republican polling firm, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4% overall and up to plus or minus 4.9% for state-level results. Heading into the election season, three-quarters of Republicans, 87% of Independents and 96% of Democrats said issues involving clean water, clean air, wildlife and public lands are important in deciding whether to support an elected public official, when compared to other issues. Two-thirds of respondents overall said the effects of climate change in their state over the past decade have been significant, but that sentiment increased the younger the respondent was, ranging from as high as 82% for Gen Z voters to 59% for those of Baby Boomer age or older. Seventy percent of respondents said they want their member of Congress to protect natural resources on public lands rather than stress energy development. For the first time in the polls history, even a majority (52%) of Republican respondents supported prioritizing conservation over energy development when asked that question. Seventy-eight percent of those polled said more emphasis should be placed on conserving wildlife migration routes rather than using those lands for things like development, roads, ranching and oil and gas production. In Colorado, the Bureau of Land Management currently is proposing new measures to better protect migration corridors and other important big game habitat from oil and gas development.In Colorado, the Bureau of Land Management currently is proposing new measures to better protect migration corridors and other important big game habitat from oil and gas development. Two of three respondents favor limiting the ability to drill for oil and gas on public lands only to areas with a high likelihood of actual production occurring. The BLM currently is proposing limiting new oil and gas leasing to areas with high oil and gas potential in the Colorado River Valley and Grand Junction field offices. At a national level it is proposing steering oil and gas leasing away from important wildlife habitat, cultural and recreation sites, and toward lands with existing infrastructure or high production potential.At a national level it is proposing steering oil and gas leasing away from important wildlife habitat, cultural and recreation sites, and toward lands with existing infrastructure or high production potential. Ninety percent of those polled support requiring oil and gas companies, rather than federal and state governments, to pay for all of the clean-up and land restoration costs after drilling is finished. The BLM is proposing toughening its bonding requirements for companies to better ensure costs such as plugging wells and reclaiming well pads are covered even if a company goes defunct.The BLM is proposing toughening its bonding requirements for companies to better ensure costs such as plugging wells and reclaiming well pads are covered even if a company goes defunct. Four of every five respondents supported a goal also being pushed by the Biden administration to conserve 30% of American lands and waters by 2030. Another administration goal has been fostering clean energy development on public lands. Three-quarters of respondents said clean energy production can be increased while preserving natural areas, wildlife habitat and the character of communities. In Colorado, 92% of respondents said they support protecting public lands surrounding the Dolores River Canyon to conserve wildlife habitat, protect the areas beauty and support outdoor recreation. A similar percentage voiced that same support last year. A bill with bipartisan support from members of Colorados congressional delegation would provide new protections for more than 68,000 acres of public lands in the Dolores River area in Dolores, Montezuma and San Miguel counties. A group called the Protect the Dolores Coalition wants to see Dolores River corridor protections extended to Mesa and Montrose counties though designation by President Biden of a national monument. Protecting the Dolores Canyons as a national monument is something Coloradans overwhelmingly agree on, Grand Junction Mayor Anna Stout, a supporter of the proposal, said in a news release Wednesday from the coalition responding to the poll results. Here in Grand Junction, we are deeply committed to conserving the public lands that surround us for the benefit of our residents and future generations. The Dolores River canyon country is an extraordinary area, home to unparalleled biodiversity, critical water resources, Indigenous cultural sites, a storied mining history, and breathtaking canyons and mesas, and it needs our protection. Odd things are being stolen from inside people's cars as a growing number of auto thieves wreak havoc on residents across one of Australia's biggest cities. Stephanie Bateman, a young woman living in Richmond, Melbourne, is just one of the many who have shared their recent car break-ins online. But it wasn't the break-in itself that left a lasting memory it was the bizarre things they took. "They stole the strangest collection of items from my car," she told Yahoo News Australia. "An empty suitcase, a coat, the cleaning mitt I kept in the glove box, my air freshener and my husband's prescription sunnies." Bateman said they left nothing behind. Stephanie Bateman was shocked to find 'the strangest collection' of items stolen from her vehicle. Source: Supplied The apparent increase in car thefts and break-ins in the region has been noticed by Crime Watch Victoria. "There has indeed been an uptick in reports across the city and regional Victoria," Director James Evans told Yahoo. "[We've experienced] an increase in people reaching out for assistance in publishing their stories. We have found the use of social media being a good help in getting the word out to the community." Thieves taking bizarre items from cars Stephanie says she does not know exactly how the thieves got into her vehicle, but thinks they entered through the boot which may have not latched properly. "There was no broken window and it wasn't unlocked," she said. Her cleaning mitt is just the start of what criminals are allegedly accumulating from cars. One woman in Melbourne, who has asked not to be named, had just her cape stolen from her car after it was broken into. Another shared that her basket of laundry was taken. "They stole our cars two nights ago but also stole our basket of laundry," they said. While others claimed their "sweaty gym clothes" and even just "one shoe" was stolen from their vehicles. Story continues Increasing reports of vehicle thefts and break-ins Crime Stoppers Victoria has revealed it too has seen an increase in reports of this nature, telling Yahoo crime statistics show "theft of a motor vehicle" and "from a motor vehicle" have both increased year on year. "Last year there was a 22% increase in the theft of motor vehicles, and an 11% increase in theft from a motor vehicle," they said. "We have also seen overall reporting to Crime Stoppers increase across a range of crime types. Last year we had our highest number of reports, one every five minutes." When looking specifically at people stealing from a motor vehicle, the number of offences recorded has jumped between 2019 and 2023 in Melbourne, according to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA). In the year ending September, 2023 there were 2,181 offences of this nature recorded, increasing from 1,866 in the year ending September, 2019. Opportunity is a key motivator for car thieves. Source: Getty Why is there an increase in car break-ins? Criminologist Doctor Garner Clancey explained there are a "variety of reasons" why particular crimes might increase periodically. "That, at the moment, could well be the cost of living pressures where people are resorting to shop stealing, shoplifting and other forms of theft to exist," he told Yahoo. Clancey says motor vehicle theft is more "complicated" than other forms. "There are a variety of 'types of offenders'," he said. These can include: Opportunistic offenders: One of the more common reasons for car theft if a car is left easily accessible, it opens it up to being broken into, commonly through opening the door or breaking the window. Aggravated burglaries: Clancey reveals there is a growing, "worrying cohort" of young people, particularly males, stealing cars and speeding, or aiming to get into a police pursuit while sometimes filming for social media. Thrill seekers: These offenders break into vehicles for the risk factor rather than financial gain and can cause a spike in break-in reports, Clancey says a small number of offenders can commit a huge number of crimes. Organised crime: more sophisticated, these offenders could be part of current organised criminal networks and often look at stealing luxury vehicles that can then be sold on. What are the most common items stole from cars? "It is [often] about opportunity so the single most important thing you can do to prevent your car from being stolen is to lock it. Lock your car and always physically check it is locked and no valuables are visible," Crime Stoppers added. "The most common property items stolen from vehicles include cash and personal documents, car accessories, power tools, mobile phones, and laptops." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. More than a dozen medical examiners from Mexican states near the U.S. border traveled to Mesa County on Tuesday to visit Colorado Mesa Universitys Forensic Investigation Research Station (FIRS). The trip is part of an effort by the U.S. State Department to learn more about fentanyl overdoses in Mexico. Alex Thurn, an official with the State Departments Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, said one of the strategies the U.S. is using to reduce overdose deaths from fentanyl and other synthetic drugs is to reduce demand in both the U.S. and Mexico. If we can reduce drug addiction both in America but also in Mexico, then it will help to stem the flow of illicit materials north and south because guns and money come down and drugs go up, Thurn said. Basically, if you take away the demand, the supply will follow. However, Thurn said there is little information about fentanyl use in Mexico. There is not a lot of data in Mexico about fentanyl overdose deaths, Thurn said. We posit that it is happening and we wag our finger at the Mexican government saying, We know its happening, and they say, Show us the data. But Mexico typically doesnt perform postmortem toxicology, testing dead bodies for the presence of drugs, Thurn said. This trip, which began in Denver and will also visit Philadelphia, is a first step toward gathering more data on overdoses, especially near the U.S. border in Mexico. FIRS, which is also known as a body farm, is a research facility where donated human remains are allowed to decompose. The decomposition process is studied, which helps in forensic investigations. This is a climate, except for the temperature, but along the border this is a climate that mirrors that (climate), Thurn said. So these people can understand how these bodies decompose, how long they last in different conditions. Things like that. Dr. Manuel Lopez-Santa Cruz is a medical and forensic examiner from Sonora, Mexico, who made the trip to Grand Junction. He said the group will be able to take some of what they learned at FIRS and apply it in their own work in Mexico. It gives us a view and it actually gives us a point of comparison between what we see down in Mexico in our region, Lopez-Santa Cruz said. Especially for me coming into this body farm and looking how the climate affects the decomposition phases of the body after death. Its actually surprising to find that bodies here can have longer decomposition phases than the ones we see down in Mexico. Lopez-Santa Cruz also said finding decomposed remains has become a serious issue near the U.S.-Mexico border. Back in our state, were having a lot of problems and it has become a very important topic about the clandestine graves that have been found within the last few months, Lopez-Santa Cruz said. We actually have some groups, they call themselves searcher mothers, which are mothers looking for their lost children. The group spent Monday at the Denver medical examiners office, where they were able to observe autopsies and learn about new equipment and techniques to test for synthetic drugs in the deceased individuals. They were looking at these machines that are $80,000 and test for trace amounts of drugs and these guys were salivating, Thurn said. These guys and ladies were just like Oh my goodness. If we had that. They came to me and said, Alex, Alex is this something you could buy? The State Department does ,in some cases, help provide equipment like that to Mexico, but it is careful to ensure it will be used and that the use and maintenance is sustainable in the longer term, Thurn said. Lopez-Santa Cruz said that equipment would be helpful in his work. Its also great that we have the opportunity to come up here and just take a look at that research and all of the investigation and all of the procedures that are being implemented here in the States so we could go back and maybe have some options, Lopez-Santa Cruz said. Especially with the laboratory techniques they are using here. It would be a great tool for us to take down to Mexico. The group returned by bus to Denver on Tuesday. They will spend another day in Denver before visiting Philadelphia. There they will tour the largest reference lab in the country, which tests for around half of all fentanyl overdoses in the U.S., Thurn said. The group will also visit the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia that has been dealing with a significant fentanyl and synthetic drug crisis. Theyll also be given some overdose training and receive some Narcan, an overdose reversal drug, for personal use, Thurn said. We know from experience if you offer Narcan to a Mexican official they will throw it in their bag, Thurn said. They will hoard it because they are so deathly afraid of coming up on something and having no way to reverse it. This trip is a first step, Thurn said, but the effort could help provide more information about fentanyl. That would be good for both countries, he said. The idea being if there is a safer Mexico, then there is a safer United States, Thurn said. 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%. Common human coronaviruses circulate twice yearly in Malawi, in contrast to annual winter peaks in more temperate climates, according to new data. The latest study, led by researchers at the MRC-University of Glasow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, may shed some light as to how SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, may circulate in Southern Africa in future years. Human seasonal coronaviruses close relatives of SARS-CoV-2 typically cause mild flu-like illness, but can occasionally cause serious respiratory illness. Now, one of the largest studies provides insight into the circulation of seasonal coronaviruses in Africa a region that often lacks epidemiological data on respiratory pathogens, especially those associated with non-severe disease. Researchers examined the circulation of four species of common seasonal coronaviruses between 2011 and 2017 in Blantyre, Malawi, using PCR tests on nose and throat samples. They found that all four seasonal human coronaviruses peaked twice a year in Malawi, though the timing of the highest circulation differed across individual coronavirus species. This is in contrast to how they are known to circulate in temperate climates, such as the UK, America and Europe, where they tend to peak once a year, mostly in winter months. The study included more than 6,000 samples from people of all ages. Those tested included people with both mild and severe acute respiratory illness, as well as asymptomatic individuals in the control group. Among adults, one of the circulating coronaviruses was associated with a mild illness, while two were associated with severe illness. In children, all four human coronaviruses were equally likely to cause illness or an asymptomatic infection. Human coronaviruses were more frequently found together with other respiratory viruses (known as co-infections) in those with severe illness compared to no or mild symptoms and were also more common in children. The study was the result of continued close collaboration between the University of Glasgow and the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, and also involved researchers from Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, and the United States (US) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr Antonia Ho, lead author of the study from the CVR, said: Very few studies have been done to understand how common human coronaviruses circulate in Africa and how much they contribute to respiratory illness. Our study is one of the largest and most comprehensive to date, spanning 7 years before the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the circulation patterns of human seasonal coronaviruses may help us predict how SARS-CoV-2 may circulate in the future. We need to continue to monitor the circulation of human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, as well as other key respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Dr Dory Kovacs, first author from the Univeresity of Glasgow commented It has been a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with Dr Ho, the Malawian team as well as researchers from Liverpool to shed light on the epidemiology of seasonal viruses in an under-studied geographical area. The paper Epidemiology of human seasonal coronaviruses among people with mild and severe acute respiratory illness in Blantyre, Malawi 2011-2017 is published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. The work was funded by Wellcome Trust and the US CDC. Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District is soliciting comments regarding the proposed implementation of a new waterline at the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery. USACE Omaha District has determined that the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery water intake pipe... The Glasgow City Council met in regular session on Feb. 5, which included agenda items such as consent agenda, bid opening, Resolution No. 3155, approval to pay annual dues to Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC), approval of wage comp co... Dr. Robert Whipple is the newest addition to the Glasgow Clinic Primary Care staff as an internal medicine physician and has started seeing adult patients as a primary physician. He comes to Glasgow after serving patients in the Las Vegas, Nev., a... Pearl Fisher (Carlson/Wagner/Ochsner) Nickels passed away of natural causes on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, in Glasgow, Mont., marking the end of a colorful life that included music, art, education, long friendships, and always livestock. In her 92 years, Pearl worked hard at whatever she set her mind to, but she never missed an opportunity to visit with friends and strangers alike. There was always time to visit over a good meal, or at least a cup of coffee. Visitation will be at Bell Funeral Home in Glasgow from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend to share Pearl stories. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashua, Mont. A reception will follow at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow at noon. Interment will be in Sidney, Mont., in the Fisher family plot at a later date. Born with her twin sister, Ruby, on July 9, 1931, in Sidney, Pearl quickly grew to love helping her parents, Fred and Dorothy (Miller) Fisher, on the family farm. She recalled that her earliest job was holding the cow's tail out of the way while her dad did the milking. Growing up in the 1930s, she saw her parents survive the Great Depression on the strength of their milk cow herd, giving her a lifelong fondness for dairy cows. A lifelong learner, Pearl valued education, attending Mount Pleasant Rural School and graduating from Sidney High School in 1950. She attended the University of Montana in Billings where she earned a teaching degree and then taught in one-room country schoolhouses. Although she never learned how to "Google" things, she always had a phone book, a road atlas, and a variety of reference books on hand to look up what she might want to know, and she loved to visit about a wide variety of topics. In 1953, Pearl married William E. Carlson, and they resided on the farm northeast of Circle, Mont., on Prairie Elk, where they farmed, raised beef cattle, and milked cows. Pearl was an accomplished musician, and she and Bill played for dances at schoolhouses and dance halls all over eastern Montana. Always game to try new things, Pearl learned how to artificially inseminate cows during this time and worked as a representative for an AI company. Three sons (Ernie, Robin and Brad) were born to Pearl and Bill before the marriage ended in 1968. For several years, Pearl worked on ranches inseminating cows and selling AI components. She was very involved in bringing different breeds of cattle into Montana beef herds. In 1971, she married Richard Wagner and they resided on the Wagner Ranch northeast of Nashua. Son Todd was born in 1972. They later divorced. Pearl then purchased a small farm near Nashua. She married Leo Ochsner in 1985, and they enjoyed several years of travel, car club activities, and art shows before Leo passed away. Pearl enjoyed all kinds of art, particularly creating her acrylic paintings of livestock and wildlife. In 1997, she married Jack Nickels, Sr. and they resided on the Nickels Ranch south of Fort Peck, Mont. As Jack and Pearl aged, the topic of retirement would come up, and Pearl once said she would "keep ranching until she turned up her toes." True to her word, she continued to operate the Nickels Ranch after Jack passed away in 2021. And even though she liquidated her herd just a few weeks before her passing, she had to keep some calves back. She just wasn't happy without cows around. While she enjoyed painting, playing cards, dancing, and playing her guitar, in her words, "ranching was her game." She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, appreciation of land and livestock, and a fearlessness of trying new things. She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands Leo and Jack; brother Warren Fisher; sister Ruby Lauridson; infant twin brothers William and Fred; brother Carl; son Ernie Carlson; and grandson Lee Carlson. Pearl is survived by her sons, Robin (Darlene) Carlson, of Laramie, Wyo., Brad (Denise) Carlson, of Owatonna, Mont., and Todd Wagner, of Nashua; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank Prairie Ridge Assisted Living and the entire FMDH staff and doctors for the exceptional, compassionate care Pearl received in her final days. In lieu of flowers, Pearl requested memorials be sent to Our Redeemers Lutheran Church in Nashua. PBS Montana had a segment on Pearl that can be viewed on their website. It starts at 19:15 minutes. https://www.pbs.org/video/no-149-fort-peck-to-ovando-avdmdk/. Condolences for the family may be left at bellmortuarymontana.com. Robert "Bob" Sverre Jondahl, age 100, passed away Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at home near Minneapolis, Minn. There will be a private family service at a later date. Bob was born Nov. 25, 1923, in Glasgow, Mont., to Norwegian immigrants Sverre and Tomine Jondahl. In his youth he helped his parents in the Jondahl Bakery, but by high school you couldn't keep him away from the airport. Flying became his lifelong passion, earning his pilot's license from the Etchart-Markle Flying School at age 16. After graduating from Glasgow High School, he attended aviation college and built flying time instructing at various flying operations in Montana, Wyoming and Colorado. During WWII Lt. Jondahl served in the Army Air Corps as a Basic flight instructor stationed in Lancaster, Calif., and as a B-25 instructor at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona. After the war Bob and C.D. Markle opened a flying service in Glasgow offering instruction, charter work and selling Cessna and Stinson aircraft. On an aircraft search in Minneapolis, his good pilot friends introduced him to the love of his life, Betty McNeil. Shortly thereafter he joined Northwest Airlines, flying everything from a DC- 3 to the 747. Bob was so accomplished as a pilot and instructor that he was chosen to be the Captain of the crew that Northwest sent to Seattle to check out their first 747. He flew the first 747 to land at Minneapolis/St Paul in 1971. Bob retired as a 747 Captain and instructor after 34 years of service. With much of his spare time he used his mechanical skills restoring several damaged Cessnas to perfection. Bob was extremely proud of his Glasgow roots, and he treasured his lifetime friendship with Kenny Newton, the Markles, the Etcharts, and so many others. Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years Betty; daughter Joyce Richards; and brother Leonard Jondahl. He is survived by son-in-law Edward Richards; daughters Kristine Toso (Milton) and Susan Wanner (Tom); grandsons Erik (Suzannah) Toso and John (Sally) Toso; and great-grandchildren, Kenley, Niko and Rory Toso. WARNING DISTRESSING IMAGES: Just months after Victorian authorities blocked advocates' pleas to move a koala population for urgent safety reasons, all remaining koalas have reportedly been found dead. Victorian authorities were warned that when timber harvesting began on the koala's home in the plantation, the marsupials would likely try to flee to the closest patch of bush which is unfortunately located on the other side of a busy freeway. Despite the repeated warnings, the Office of the Conservation Regulator (OCR) which oversees the regulation of wildlife, forests and public land in Victoria decided against the translocation, saying the move could cause "significant stress" and "poor animal welfare outcomes". Translocation of non-threatened species is generally not supported by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Four koalas were reported to be left after the harvesting, and four have now been found dead near the plantation. Source: Supplied Devastatingly, now all known koalas from the plantation are believed to be dead and wildlife advocates are calling for an "investigation into the OCR". "This has been a David and Goliath battle with the OCR that has now resulted in the deaths of an entire koala population, leaving an already struggling population devastated," Jessica Robertson at the Save Gordon Koalas campaign revealed. Advocates been asking for koalas to be relocated for three years For three years rescuers, advocates and locals lobbied the government to relocate a colony of koalas from a blue gum plantation in Gordon, Victoria situated on the edge of Western Victoria. The wildlife advocates did not oppose the clearing of the plantation because its trees attracted native animals towards the busy freeway but asked for the koalas to be translocated. With growing media attention, the harvest was delayed for 14 months and the harvester Midway announced to the media at the time they were applying for a permit to relocate the population which was allegedly denied. On the final day of the harvest, advocates were advised that four koalas remained. Story continues Koalas lived in a blue gum plantation in Gordon, Victoria right next to the busy Western Freeway. Source: Supplied It's believed the community negotiated with the landowner to leave a buffer of gums along Cartons Road away from the freeway that would temporarily sustain the koalas, but a buffer of gums was instead left along the freeway. The Conservation Regulator told ABC Ballarat in December it made the decision not to relocate the koalas based on expert advice. "We just don't know what wildlife is going to do, and they could move in any direction," spokesperson Brian Hamer said. Government defends its position: 'No evidence' After being advised of the deaths of the four remaining koalas from the plantation, a Conservation Regulator spokesperson told Yahoo it has "no evidence to suggest any deceased koalas found on the Western Highway are linked to the four koalas previously surveyed during and after harvest operations at a former blue gum plantation near Gordon". "The Conservation Regulator has clear, strict requirements on the blue gum industry to minimise impacts on koalas during harvesting operations. We continue to work with the industry to ensure they understand and comply with their legal obligations under the Wildlife Act 1975," they said. "Unintentional wildlife collisions are very common on Victorian roads, and whilst it is unfortunate when an animal is injured or dies as a result, it is not a breach of the law." Wildlife advocates hit back at authorities Robertson told Yahoo the OCR will "never take accountability". "They have failed in their duty of care to protect our koalas, they have taken no responsibility, shown no remorse and continue to justify the deaths by saying that they would make the same decision again." Over the past six weeks, rescuers have been called to pouch check four koalas hit and killed on the Western Freeway, in the vicinity of the Gordon plantation while two more deaths were reported to the advocates by Wildlife Victoria meaning six have been killed since the harvest; the four remaining and two more drawn to the area by the blue gums. "That would indicate that all four koalas left in the plantation behaved exactly as rescuers had warned and attempted to cross the freeway to reach the only other available habitat," she said. Wildlife Victoria told Yahoo they were 'dismayed' by the outcome and echoed calls to improve protections for wildlife. All four koalas sustained horrific injuries and suffered violent deaths to their end.Jessica Robertson Heidi, an advocate and rescuer with the Gordon Wildlife Alliance revealed just how hard they worked to try to find a safe solution for the koalas as well as translocation. "VicRoads refused multiple requests to put in a temporary speed reduction," she told Yahoo. "Our calls for safety exclusion fencing to keep animals off this known black spot for wildlife deaths and human fatalities were ignored, as were our calls for wildlife bridges and underpasses." Following the deaths, advocates are not only calling for the OCR to be investigated but are calling for an "independent regulator to act in the interests and welfare of Victorian wildlife". Four koalas were living in the 17-hectare plantation that's being logged by Midway. Source: Supplied/Peter Kervarec Better protection of koalas called for The constant displacement of koalas due to logging and development and escalating road deaths are two main issues severely impacting koalas, and other wildlife, populations. Due to this, rescue groups across the country are pleading for the community to step up and provide better safety guidelines and protections. "As it stands, the OCR puts the responsibility on harvesters to do the right thing, protect koalas and report on any deaths during harvesting," Robertson shared. "There is no public record of how many koala deaths there are from harvesting injuries, or how many koalas are impacted following the loss of their habitat. "[And] there is nothing in the Wildlife Act that protects koalas from being left without food and shelter or getting hit by cars the major cause of injury." The landowner declined to comment when approached by Yahoo while harvester Midway had not commented at time of publication. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Will Disinformation Disrupt the 2024 US Elections? By Matthew Kupfer February 13, 2024 When Russia tried to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election, it set off what appeared to be a reckoning with foreign disinformation campaigns in the United States. Government investigations found that Russian hackers had penetrated the inboxes of the Democratic National Committee and the campaign chairman for presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and released internal documents. A Russian "troll factory" created thousands of social media accounts it used to interact with Americans and shape political discourse. The Russian government had attempted to undermine Clinton's candidacy and boost her opponent Donald Trump, the U.S. intelligence community concluded. Words like "disinformation" became common parlance in American politics. There were calls for social media companies to take action against weaponized falsehoods online. Eight years later, as Americans prepare to select their president for the next four years in November, some experts believe the U.S. is no better positioned to block disinformation than it was in 2016. They say that the problem has grown bigger, politics has entered discussions of disinformation, and social media companies are increasingly backing off content moderation. "There is a real fear that we could go back to a situation like 2016, where you could have real interference from trolls, from foreign interference in these platforms," said Shilpa Kannan, a former content curation lead at Twitter (now rebranded as X). "And a lot of voters get their news from these platforms." But as with many hot-button issues in the United States, not everyone agrees that disinformation actually threatens the country. Changing environment As the presidential primaries kick off, Americans are sharply divided. Polling suggests almost a third incorrectly believe that the 2020 presidential race was marred by fraud. Former President Donald Trump a who lost that vote and, according to polls, will likely be this year's Republican nominee a has actively pushed that narrative. On Jan. 6, 2021, a group of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to stop the ratification of the 2020 results, an event whose interpretation still divides the American public. Domestically, conspiracy theories, falsehoods, and aggressive statements have become more commonplace in mainstream American politics, said Sara Aniano, a disinformation researcher at the Anti-Defamation League. The so-called "Overton window," which describes the range of politically acceptable policy options, shifted in 2016, she told VOA. "Since then," she said, "we've witnessed the normalization of some really nasty rhetoric and false narratives." Abroad, the United States faces rivals who may want to influence the vote's outcome. That danger appears to be on the White House's radar. In November, President Joe Biden raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping and got assurances from him that Beijing would not interfere in the 2024 election, CNN reported. In cyberspace and the world of technology, the environment is also changing. The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency has raised concerns that rapidly developing generative artificial intelligence could "amplify existing risks to election infrastructure." Meanwhile, social media companies are rolling back efforts to moderate the information shared on their platforms, according to media nonprofit Free Press. This has "created a toxic online environment that is vulnerable to exploitation from anti-democracy forces, white supremacists and other bad actors," the organization said in a December report. While this change in moderation policies is sometimes ideological a Elon Musk, the owner of X, has publicly advocated for fewer restrictions on speech a it's more often economic. Starting last year, tech companies laid off over 200,000 employees, including those responsible for content moderation. Politics gets involved But as the threat of disinformation has received more attention, it has also become increasingly politicized. In 2022, the Biden administration launched the Disinformation Governance Board, an entity under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) tasked with coordinating the department's efforts to counteract misleading or false information online. The creation of the otherwise obscure government entity proved extremely controversial. Top Republicans on the Homeland Security and House Intelligence committees wrote to DHS demanding more information on the little-known, new entity. Senator Mitt Romney, a Republican from Utah, said the board's creation "communicates to the world that we're going to be spreading propaganda within our country." Senator Josh Hawley, a Republican from Missouri, tweeted that "Homeland Security has decided to make policing Americans' speech its top priority." Nina Jankowicz, the disinformation expert chosen to lead the board, denies that its purpose was to censor Americans. Amid the controversy, she said she faced a wave of harassment and even death threats. After just a few weeks on the board, she resigned. The board was later dissolved. Since then, the subject of disinformation has remained controversial. In February 2023, the Republican-led House Judiciary Committee subpoenaed documents from five major tech companies as part of an investigation into whether they had colluded with the Biden administration to censor conservative speech. It's not just elected leaders who are concerned about how the government and social media companies choose to address disinformation. Jankowicz believes the intrusion of partisan politics into efforts to prevent the spread of disinformation makes it harder for social media companies to moderate false and toxic content. "They're being disincentivized from doing the right thing," she said. But Aaron Terr, the director of public advocacy at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), a nonpartisan civil liberties organization, disagrees. He believes that, if the government is empowered to battle disinformation, politicians may deem ideas they disagree with as falsehoods and move to purge them from the public discourse. That would have a chilling effect on public debate, he told Voice of America. "Whatever concerns exist about misinformation, there's no reason to believe that it justifies rolling back our basic civil liberties," Terr said. Social media speaks Just as the First Amendment guarantees Americans' right to free speech, it also guarantees social media companies' right to exercise editorial discretion. They say they are doing just that and disagree with the assessment that they have thrown in the towel on counteracting disinformation. VOA reached out for comment to four major social media companies: Meta (Facebook, Instagram), YouTube, TikTok and X. With the exception of X, which usually does not respond to press inquiries, all answered and outlined their strategies for fighting falsehoods. "We've heavily invested in the policies and systems that connect people to high-quality election content," Ivy Choi, a spokesperson for YouTube, said in an email. "Content misleading voters on how to vote or encouraging interference in the democratic process is prohibited, and we rigorously enforce our Community Guidelines, which apply for all types of content, including elections." While YouTube has previously faced criticism for an algorithm that can recommend increasingly extreme content to users, the company denies that it works that way. Choi told VOA that the platform's recommendation system "prominently surfaces election news and information from authoritative sources." "Our commitment to supporting the 2024 election is steadfast, and our elections-focused teams remain vigilant," she said. Meta directed VOA to a publication outlining its efforts to counteract election disinformation. "We have around 40,000 people working on safety and security, with more than $20 billion invested in teams and technology in this area since 2016," the company wrote in that document. "While much of our approach has remained consistent for some time, we're continually adapting to ensure we are on top of new challenges, including the use of AI." The company also highlighted its transparency policies surrounding political ads. Meta will block new political and social ads during the final week of the presidential campaign. It also now requires advertisers to disclose when they use AI to alter realistic images, video or audio in a political ad. Although X did not respond to VOA's request for comment, the company has previously said it is updating its policies during the election to prevent content that "could intimidate or deceive people into surrendering their right to participate in a civic process." It characterizes its approach to harmful content as "freedom of speech, not reach" a meaning X will not necessarily take down posts that violate its terms of service, but will limit their visibility and publicly label them. Of all the social media platforms, TikTok is the wildcard. The app only arrived in the United States after the 2016 election. Since then, its popularity has skyrocketed, particularly among young people. The U.S. government has contemplated banning the Chinese-owned app over national security concerns. Unlike other social media, TikTok bans political ads. A spokesperson said the company does not allow misinformation about civic and electoral processes and removes it from the platform. TikTok also works with fact checkers to assess the accuracy of content and directs users to trusted voting information. The platform prohibits AI-generated content of politicians and requires creators to label realistic AI-generated content, the spokesperson added. But is it enough? Former Twitter employee Kannan worries it's not a "especially in a crucial year like 2024, when billions of people are going to vote," she said. Meanwhile, other Americans fear that free political debate might get lost in the struggle against intentional falsehoods. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address France, Allies Accuse Russia of Increased Disinformation Activities By VOA News February 13, 2024 France and several other Western countries allied with Ukraine accused Russia on Monday of developing a network of websites to promote pro-Russian propaganda and undermine their governments. The accusation raises the possibility of an influx of disinformation two years into Russia's invasion of Ukraine and ahead of important elections in Russia, the European Union and the United States, as well as the Olympic Games in Paris a all occurring this year. Russia has denied the claim. The countries said Russia used social media and the internet to belittle Ukraine's resilience, attempt to sway public and international support, amplify Russia's success in the war, discredit Ukrainian resistance and justify the invasion. The French watchdog Viginum, which monitors foreign digital activity and websites, identified a network dubbed Portal Kombat with 193 websites that spread pro-Russian information. Viginum found that between June 23 and September 19, 2023, the sites published over 150,000 pieces of content that was usually reported by Russian or pro-Russian personalities or media members. "The objective seems to be to cover the Russo-Ukraine conflict by presenting the 'special military operation' positively and denigrating Ukraine and its leaders," a French diplomat said, using Moscow's term for the invasion. While the websites have not gotten a lot of traction, unlike previous disinformation campaigns, they aim to attract local audiences who can then spread the information within their communities. "We are expecting an acceleration of different Russian actions and even widespread dissemination, so this is a reason to bring this to attention now," a French military official said. Potential risks include creating disruption around the Olympic Games or undermining people's confidence in multiple upcoming elections. "We are in a period of vulnerability with the European elections, and regarding France, the Olympics," French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne said in a joint news conference with Polish and German officials. "These are attacks on our democracy," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, adding that the European Union could not allow people's confidence to be undermined. 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 Expansion of Kremlin-backed Media in Bosnia Is a Concern, Analysts Say By Amina Bijelonja Muminovic, Inda Swanke, Amer Jahic February 13, 2024 When Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union moved to suspend broadcasts by the Kremlin-backed outlets Sputnik and Russia Today, or RT, citing "systematic information manipulation and disinformation." But two years later, RT is developing a presence in Bosnia and Herzegovina in a move that analysts say could undermine the country's Euro-Atlantic path and help spread disinformation. RT chief editor Margarita Simonyan announced in December that the Serbian wing of the state-run outlet will enter the Bosnian market in 2024. The RT network already has a website in the Serbian language in the West Balkans, but this will be its first TV presence inside Bosnia. Borka Rudic, general secretary of the BH Journalists Association, said the potential arrival of Russian-backed media in the country is a journalistic and a political issue. "It is not desirable to ban and challenge the activity of a certain media on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina in advance," said Rudic. "But in the context of political events in Bosnia and Herzegovina, this is a really controversial issue, given that Bosnia and Herzegovina as a country has taken on obligations from the process of joining the European Union." Russia Today pushes back When VOA Bosnian Service first reported on RT's announcement, the Russian broadcaster published an article on its website in Serbian saying that VOA "accuses RT of spreading Russian propaganda and Kremlin influence ... and places fake news that RT's arrival in Bosnia will further complicate [the] situation in Bosnia." Referring to a statement by a former Bosnian ambassador, the RT article added, "They [the U.S.] only cares about the expansion of NATO and the interests of the international community." The Bosnian communications regulator said no legal obstacles exist to granting a license to RT. But the regulator's director, Drasko Milinovic, added they have not yet received an application. Cable operators working under the Mtel telecommunications company already offer RT English and Russia 24. Mtel is in Banja Luka, the regional capital of the Republic of Srpska, which is one of two entities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Srpska authorities advocate for secession and are resistant to a NATO membership, while the other entity, the Bosnian Federation, is pushing for EU membership and to be part of NATO. The availability of Kremlin-backed media in the region was raised at Russian President Vladimir Putin's annual press conference in late 2023. A journalist from Alternative Television asked the Russian leader about the political situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and noted no Russian media operated inside the country. Alternative is a privately run station based in Srpska. In 2022, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on it, saying the station had direct connections, including financial ties, to regional President Milorad Dodik, who is also under U.S. sanctions. "We are aware of the situation in the Republic of Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The assessments of that situation by our and your political leadership completely coincide," Putin said. He added that he would take up the matter with Oleg Borisovich Dobrodeev, director of the All-Russia State Television and Broadcasting Company. Not long after that, RT editor-in-chief Simonyan said that broadcasting will begin in 2024. Friendly relations Srpska and neighboring Serbia have friendly relations with the Kremlin and Putin. Last year, Dodik honored Putin with an award for his "patriotic concern and love for [Republicka Srpska]." He has also made regular comments that he would like the secession of the republic. Dodik has also traveled to Russia and met with Putin since the war in Ukraine. He is currently under U.S. sanctions for corruption and undermining the Dayton Peace Agreement, which helped end the 1992-95 war. Political analyst Adnan Huskic says Russia has an interest in Bosnia and Herzegovina and seeks to dismantle everything Western, undermining its path to full NATO membership. Other analysts, including Elmir Sadikovic, say the arrival of Kremlin-backed media could hinder Bosnia's European path. "That will be a big step backwards for this relationship," said Sadikovic, a professor of European integration at the Faculty of Political Science in Sarajevo. Enver Halilovic, former ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina to Russia, agreed. "The arrival of media financed by the Russian government to the territory of a country toward which it has a negative attitude and is against the NATO alliance, can set back the relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina with its international partners," Halilovic said. Journalists have also raised concerns. Rubina Cengic, who works for the news website Interview.ba, said of RT's content, "It will be propaganda reporting. They do not hide at all that they are a government media outlet." RT has already produced content that makes false claims about the region. A video released in April 2023 titled "Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rise of the Caliphate," made a series of claims that are contrary to facts established by the Hague Tribunal and denies Serbian forces committed any war crimes in Srebrenica. The Hague and courts in Bosnia and Herzegovina have concluded that Serbian forces executed between 7,000 and 8,000 Bosniaks, or Bosnian Muslims, from Srebrenica, according to the Balkan Research Network, which reports on war crimes in the region. RT's head, Simonyan, is sanctioned by Canada, the United Kingdom and the EU for her role in spreading Kremlin disinformation on the war in Ukraine. Propaganda should not be ignored, said Ivana Stradner from the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracy. "Given that the situation in the region is really getting worse and worse, Russia is doing everything possible to deepen the even greater differences in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said Stradner. "So, in this way, he wants to send a signal to the West that Russia still has great influence in Bosnia and Herzegovina." Stradner believes the Kremlin's goal is not to gain favor of a wider audience in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but it is enough to cause aversion toward the West. Cengic sees one solution in media literacy, which could help people recognize propaganda and politically controlled reporting. This story originated in VOA's Bosnian Service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Oregon Army National Guard Upgrades Sniper Rifles By Maj. Wayne Clyne, Oregon National Guard Public Affairs Office February 12, 2024 BOISE, Idaho -- The Oregon Army National Guard is modernizing its sniper capabilities with new MK 22 Precision Sniper Rifles. Sgt. Tyler Takagi, a sniper team member with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, said the Army needed to upgrade from the M2010 and M107 sniper rifles. The MK 22 was selected to fill the gap, providing more precision than the .50 caliber M107 while extending its range beyond the M2010's .300 Winchester Magnum cartridge. "The important piece of that rifle is the Army wanted to update the weapon system, but they wanted to keep it more precision because the .50 cals are not super precise," Takagi said. The MK 22's modular design allows sniper sections to swap barrels and bolts to fire 7.62mm, .300 Norma Magnum and .338 Norma Magnum ammunition. This flexibility enables snipers to tailor the rifle to specific mission requirements. "Being able to swap out the barrels and the calibers for that specific type of mission is a huge asset for the battlefield," Takagi said. Takagi serves in the Oregon National Guard while working full-time as a police officer. He said serving in both roles allows him to give back to his community and country. " I get to not only serve my community, but I get to serve my country," Takagi said." The benefits are great. They'll pay for your college, which I've taken advantage of, and the camaraderie and the friends you meet will be lifelong." The Oregon Army National Guard conducted new equipment training on the MK 22 this month as part of modernization efforts to equip Citizen-Soldiers with updated technologies. The modular sniper rifle enhances the organization's lethal capabilities in its federal missions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Michigan National Guard Soldiers Return from Overseas By Capt. Cammy Alberts, Michigan National Guard February 12, 2024 LANSING, Mich. -- For almost a year, dedicated Michigan National Guard members set aside their civilian lives and careers to support U.S. national security. Feb. 8 marked the homecoming of 84 Citizen-Soldiers belonging to the Michigan National Guard's Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery, following their overseas deployment to Al Dhafra Air Base in the United Arab Emirates. The unit, operating the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, supported operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve in the Central Command region. "Today, we welcome Michiganders who served our state and nation admirably in uniform back home," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "These 84 Citizen-Soldiers are the best of us, and I am so grateful that they are coming back home right in time for a pure Michigan spring after successfully carrying out their mission. Let's keep working together to support the men and women of our National Guard and their families by having their backs every step of the way." As the Alpha Battery Soldiers reunited with their families and friends, the battery commander, Capt. Kasey Robbins, expressed his gratitude and pride in the unit's accomplishments. "The dedication and resilience of Alpha Battery has been truly exceptional. Our Soldiers executed their mission with precision and contributed significantly to the ongoing success of operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve," said Robbins. First Sgt. Kaleb Vickery praised the Soldiers' readiness and training. "These Soldiers have demonstrated unwavering resilience and the ability to be ready at a moment's notice," Vickery said. "Their commitment to maintaining peak readiness is a testament to their professionalism and dedication to the mission." Alpha Battery, 1-182 FA, joined forces with the 3-197 Field Artillery unit, New Hampshire Army National Guard, for the deployment. "Our Soldiers integrated seamlessly in a joint, total-force environment," said Robbins. "We worked with active-duty and Guard members from both the Army and Air Force. The men and women from Michigan demonstrated impressive professionalism while working directly with the host nation partners and their Air Force counterparts." Robbins said the Alpha Battery, 1-182 FA team worked closely with the host-nation partners during training exercises using the HIMARS systems. HIMARS is a highly mobile artillery rocket system that allows for the deployment of various munitions. While the homecoming was a celebration, recent news of drone attacks on U.S. service members in Jordan highlighted the ongoing threats faced by military personnel in the region. Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general for the Michigan Army National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, commended Alpha Battery for outstanding contributions to national security overseas. "Alpha Battery's accomplishments during their deployment underscore the Michigan National Guard's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our nation," Rogers said. "Their dedication and proficiency in operating the HIMARS system have significantly advanced our strategic objectives in the region." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting of the Weimar Triangle countries - Ministers of Foreign affairs (Paris, 12th February 2024): Political declaration Germany Federal Foreign Office 12.02.2024 - Press release On the occasion of the meeting of the "Weimar Triangle" in La Celle-Saint-Cloud on February 12th, 2024, we, the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of France, Germany and Poland reaffirm our determination to give a new energy to our trilateral cooperation. Ahead of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion, our meeting takes place at a time when ambiguity, unpredictability, uncertainty and instability characterise international relations. Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Against this background, it is our goal to make the European Union more united, stronger and able to respond to today's security challenges, on a path towards a security and defence union, living up to our citizen's expectations. We are also committed to a strong and united NATO . We recall our 10-point declaration from 1991, describing the aim of the "Weimar Triangle" as to, among others, "identify shared fundamental interests regarding Europe's future." Our founding values and interests will remain at the core of our common engagement in an ever more challenging world. We will intensify our coordination within the Weimar Triangle, to put it at the service of the EU and to make it more instrumental than ever in promoting this ambitious agenda for Europe. We are committed to further deepening the cooperation between our respective Foreign Ministries at all levels. Our next meeting of Ministers of Foreign affairs will take place in Weimar early summer. We also express our intention to hold an enlarged "Weimar + Ukraine" meeting of Ministers of Foreign affairs in the nearest future. Russia is targeting us with hybrid actions, through disinformation, cyber attacks and political interference, with the aim to sow division in our democratic societies. It remains the most significant and direct threat to our security and to peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area. 2024 is a year of major elections, including in Europe. We will not tolerate any attempts to interfere in our democratic processes. The cohesion of our societies is at stake. Together, we will maintain a high level of vigilance and protect our citizens from such manipulations. We have agreed to set up a Weimar alert and response scheme between France, Germany and Poland on Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, and we will work towards further EU mobilization in this field, with a view to ensure more effective measures actions from online platforms. Together, we will focus our efforts on an agenda of peace and security, sovereignty and solidarity among our people. 1. Peace and security Facing the unprecedented deterioration of the security environment in Europe due to the Russian full-scale war against Ukraine, we reaffirm our unwavering determination to support Ukraine in defending its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and repelling the Russian aggression. European security interests are at stake in this war. We will take steps to ensure that Russia's illegal aggression fails and will support Ukraine as long as it takes. The agreement reached on February 1st on the establishment of the Ukrainian Facility sends out a clear signal of support to Ukraine in the long run. It is now critical to provide Ukraine with timely, predictable and sustainable military support to Ukraine, as reiterated by the European Council, notably through the European Peace Facility, the EU Military Assistance Mission and capability coalitions, as well as through direct bilateral assistance by Member States, in line with Ukraine's needs. Russia cannot count on European fatigue but should expect full accountability for all unlawful actions and crimes committed in Ukraine. All Russian perpetrators should be brought to justice. We call also on the adoption of the 13th package of sanctions against Russia. We commit to fighting against sanctions evasion, strengthening the compliance with adopted restrictive measures and implementation of further sectoral and individual sanctions aiming especially at limiting Russian capacity to wage the war. In this context, we should shape our targeted sanctions against Belarus also with a view to prevent it from being a hub for the circumvention of EU sanctions against Russia while maintaining a clear differentiation to the aggressor. Building effective CSDP and EU defence initiatives will contribute positively to global and transatlantic security. We will push jointly for the further development of military capabilities and European armament cooperation, and an increase in EU defence spending, which will ensure a stronger European contribution to Euro-Atlantic security. We will consult in the run-up to the NATO summit to be held in Washington in July, contributing to further strengthen the Alliance's deterrence and defence as well as to demonstrate the Alliance's unabated support for Ukraine, towards its Euro-Atlantic integration. No one should doubt our strength and resolve to defend every inch of Allied territory in accordance with Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. We will also continue to work in our mutual assistance and solidarity under Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union. We will continue to substantially contribute to NATO 's deterrence and defence posture, including through the presence of our Armed Forces in the Baltic and Black Sea regions. As Europeans and Allies, we will strengthen our cooperation to address the whole range of threats posed by the Russian Federation to our countries. We will ensure our nations meet the commitments under the Defence Investment Pledge to make sure that the Alliance has all the capabilities required for collective defence and other tasks. Together, we will push for reinforced EU - NATO cooperation and military mobility. We will continue to work together to help Ukraine move forward on the path to its membership in the EU . We fully support Ukraine's right to choose its own security arrangements. Together, we will continue to support Ukraine's progress on interoperability and additional security sector reforms. Ukraine's future is in NATO . Regarding the situation in the Middle East, we agree on the necessity to urgently address the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, to avoid a regional escalation and to revive the political process towards the two-state solution. We insist on the immediate release of all hostages held by Hamas. Our fight against terrorism will not stop. We will keep on sanctioning terrorists from Hamas. We are determined to maximize European efforts towards a united international peace and stability offer for the region. Settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is unacceptable and shall be sanctioned. We also welcome EU operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES soon to be launched in the Red Sea as part of these efforts and a contribution to maritime security in the region. We call for a fair and sustainable peace in the South Caucasus and support the mediation efforts of the European Union and of the United States of America to facilitate dialogue between Armenia and Azerbaijan. We reiterate our support to the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the states of the South Caucasus. A politically stable and secure Sahel is in our long-term interest. We reaffirm our strong support to African Union and ECOWAS efforts to counter unconstitutional regime change. We are deeply concerned about the decline of the rule of law and the increase of human rights violation in the Sahel region, undermining regional and international efforts towards peace and stability. We stand by the people in the Sahel, including through humanitarian assistance, support to civil societies and projects strengthening resilience against violent extremism. We are ready to further reinforce EU and bilateral cooperation with West African coastal states in order to prevent the spillover of terrorism and organized crime. Integrated approaches combining security and civilian measures are key in this regard. 2. European sovereignty We must strengthen the EU's capacity to act through implementing and expanding the agenda that we committed to in the Versailles Declaration in March 2022, in the wake of the Russian aggression, in the fields of defence capabilities, energy, health, critical raw materials, semi-conductors, food security and digital. - Strengthening our European resilience, defense capabilities and boosting production capacities of the European defence industry is of utmost importance. We call on the future European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) to propose measures to increase the EU's overall defense readiness and we will use all appropriate European instruments, including new ones, to further strengthen its defense technological and industrial base, promote innovation and ramp up production capacities in the EU and the European Economic Area. We are also committed to implementing NATO 's Defence Production Action Plan. We will help aggregate demand to meet our common capability requirements, encourage multinational cooperation, and more agile procurement, including with small and medium size enterprises, and enhance transparency with industry. 's Defence Production Action Plan. We will help aggregate demand to meet our common capability requirements, encourage multinational cooperation, and more agile procurement, including with small and medium size enterprises, and enhance transparency with industry. We also need to make the European industry more resilient, innovative and competitive, across the EU , as part of a wider and reinforced EU's innovation agenda. It is crucial that the next institutional cycle enables the EU to keep or develop a leadership role in the key technological sectors that will shape our future. This should be a central feature of the Strategic Agenda to be defined by June. , as part of a wider and reinforced innovation agenda. It is crucial that the next institutional cycle enables the to keep or develop a leadership role in the key technological sectors that will shape our future. This should be a central feature of the Strategic Agenda to be defined by June. The EU's resilience and capacity to act should also drive our approach to enlargement and EU internal reforms, in line with the Granada declaration. We will, in particular, work towards strengthening the EU's coherence and efficiency in external action. We will closely coordinate on enlargement and reforms and explore formats at technical level within the Weimar Triangle, also with a view to the upcoming Polish presidency of the Council of the EU . We look forward to the European Commission's update on Ukraine's reforms to be presented as soon as possible ahead of the launching of accession negotiations. We will cooperate to assist Ukraine in building up knowledge about central areas of the EU acquis, and will formulate concrete projects for Ukraine in the EU accession process. It is also our strong desire to work together to invest in the future of Ukraine, including through possible joint projects to rebuild Ukraine. We will be fully mobilized to make the 3rd Ukraine Recovery Conference on 12/13 June in Berlin a success. In order to support the EU accession process of Moldova and Ukraine to the EU , we will enhance trilateral initiatives fostering cooperation between democratic, non-governmental stakeholders from France, Germany and Poland with Moldova and Ukraine. We will continue to support the EU -path of the six Western Balkans countries, including through the Berlin Process. 3. Solidarity among our people We express our willingness to develop a closer cooperation in the Weimar Triangle, with a particular emphasis on deepening solidarity and understanding among our citizens, especially in a cross border context, and with emphasis on young people. The more our citizens understand each other, the stronger European cohesion will be. We will hold regular diplomatic consultations in the Weimar format, promote joint diplomatic training and hold a series of policy planning exchanges, with the participation of independent experts. We will establish a roadmap including i.a. the following initiatives: "Weimar of citizens": promoting participation in the elections to the European Parliament, as well as trilateral cooperation among our fellow citizens, especially in the border regions through "townhall meetings" in a Weimar format; "Weimar of Youth": advocating for a strong "Weimar" reflex within the Franco-German and Polish-German youth offices and enhancing trilateral projects, starting with a project bringing together young people to discuss the future of the Weimar cooperation; "Weimar of excellence": giving a decisive impulse to academic cooperation by financing common summer programs of excellence between European Universities alliances involving our three countries; "Weimar of Culture": supporting artists from Ukraine as well as Belarus and Russia in exile through dedicated programs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Data on interceptions of aircraft completed near the Baltic States' borders on February 4-11, 2024 Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2024-02-12 International cooperation | Security and defense policy On February 4-11 NATO Air Policing Mission Detachment fighter aircraft were scrambled three times to intercept aircraft of the Russian Federation violating flight rules in international airspace over the Baltic Sea. On February 7 NATO fighter aircraft intercepted one IL-20 flying in international airspace from the mainland of the Russian Federation to Kaliningrad. It had no pre-filed flight plan, the radio transponder was switched off, the crew was maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. On February 7 NATO Air Policing fighter aircraft also identified and escorted one IL-78 flying in international airspace from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad. It had no pre-filed flight plan, had the onboard transponder switched on, the crew was maintaining radio communication with the regional air traffic control centre. On February 9 NATO Air Policing fighter jets intercepted one IL-20 flying from Kaliningrad and returning. The aircraft had no flight plan, its onboard transponder was kept off and the crew did not keep the radio communication. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address It's a first! NATO AWACS all-female aircrew complete sortie in support of enhanced Vigilance Activities NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation Feb 12 2024 GEILENKIRCHEN, Germany -- For the first time ever, the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&CF) conducted command and control (C2) operations on Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, with an all-female aircrew composition. The flight was a regular mission sortie for the multinational crew in support of NATO's enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVA). With the flight NATO AWACS highlights the women working in the Airborne Early Warning community and shines a light on female aviation. "The purpose of this flight encompassed our operational mission safeguarding NATO's borders," said Captain Beatrice, Aircrew Training Squadron Flight Commander. She explained that it is normal for the E-3A AWACS to have women on the flight or serve as maintainers for the aircraft. "The flight demonstrates that the mission and every position on board the AWACS can be executed by women," said Captain Ciara, Aircrew Training Squadron Simulator Operations Chief. "Showcasing the capabilities of the female crew will prove that women are able to perform in traditionally male-dominated occupations in equal capacity." The flight was organised by the NAEW&CF Women's Initiative Team (WIT) who aim to champion equality and inclusion and was the first attempt of a crew comprised of female aviators representing various backgrounds highlighting the achievements of women in aviation. According to the 2020 Summary of the National Reports of NATO Member and Partner Nations, the average percentage of women in the armed forces of the NATO Alliance has more than doubled since 1998. As the Alliance's mission is to protect its one billion people, NATO believes that women play a vital role in all that is done to build a stronger Alliance that draws on the skills and talents of its diverse population. "Everyone is unique and brings individual talents to the team, which benefits our operational effectiveness within NATO," said Technical Sergeant Maddie, 852nd Medical Dental Squadron Laboratory NCO In-Charge. "By recognising strength in diversity, we can unleash its potential and positively impact the culture at NATO." Since 2013, gender perspectives have been integrated in NATO defence planning, Strategic Intelligence Requirements, and in its work to counter terrorism. NATO believes every policy, program, or project can affect men and women differently, so understanding these differences can help improve the way work is pursued. Story by AWACS Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) Ports in Souda Bay, Greece US Navy 12 February 2024 From Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval SOUDA BAY, Greece -- Marines and Sailors from the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50), part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) (MEUSOC) arrived in Souda Bay, Greece for a scheduled port visit, Feb. 11, 2024. This marks Carter Hall's second visit to the port during its deployment to the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility (AOR). Apart from the routine maintenance, refueling and restocking of critical supplies for the ship, this port visit re-enables the Sailors and Marines aboard Carter Hall to experience the unique culture that Souda Bay has to offer. "The Sixth Fleet area of operations contains a myriad of countries that are home to countless historic sites, rich cultures and populations, but also, some very important relationships," said Cmdr. Brad Fancher, commanding officer of Carter Hall. "This port visit to Souda Bay falls in line with the Navy's long-lived tradition of providing our embarked Sailors and Marines some hard-earned rest while furthermore bestowing upon us the opportunity to foster and advance our relationships with our Allies and Partners in the region." The trans-Atlantic strategic relationship between the U.S. and Greece has been forged over the past decades, and it is built on a foundation of shared values, experiences and vision. "I stepped onboard this ship fully expecting to only see the same two ports between several months at sea," said Lance Cpl. Zachary Livesay, an anti-tank missile gunner assigned to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. "Having the opportunity to sample some of the tastiest foods in interesting places like Souda Bay, alongside my brothers and sisters in arms, makes me so grateful to have been proven wrong. The Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a special operations capable, Marine Air-Ground Task Force comprised of approximately 4,500 Marines and Sailors supported by three major subordinate elements with the ability to provide agility in a dynamic security environment. These subordinate elements include the Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Aviation Combat Element and the Logistics Combat Element. Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), under the tactical command and control of Task Force 61/2, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. Naval Forces Europe AOR, employed by U.S. Sixth Fleet to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) 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 U.S., Tunisian Leaders Meet to Foster Bilateral Security Cooperation U.S. and Tunisian officials met Friday in Tunis to review our two nations' important, longstanding defense and security partnerships, including countering terrorist threats and to discuss upcoming joint activities and areas for future cooperation, including further U.S. support for Tunisia's work as a regional provider of security expertise. By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Tunis, Tunisia Feb 13, 2024 TUNIS, February 12, 2024 -- U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Joey Hood, acting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Jennifer Zakriski, and U.S. Africa Command Director of Strategy, Engagement and Programs Major General Kenneth Ekman met with Tunisian Minister of National Defense Imed Memmich to discuss the United States and Tunisia's longstanding bilateral cooperation on security, particularly through the annual Joint Military Commission, scheduled for later this year in Tunis. U.S. Ambassador Hood remarked on the historical partnership between our nations, "From the beginning of its existence as an independent country, the United States has enjoyed a close friendship with Tunisia and strong diplomatic ties. The benefits of over two centuries of U.S.-Tunisian cooperation are clear when looking at our military security partnerships, which have grown tremendously in the past decade as Tunisia has transitioned to become a regional provider of security expertise, including through its support for UN peacekeeping operations." Zakriski said, "Convening senior level working groups set the stage for the Joint Military Commission, reaffirmed the importance of the longstanding partnership between the United States and Tunisia, and underscored the Department of Defense's support for expanding Tunisia Armed Forces' role as a regional security leader." "Tunisia plays a pivotal role as a security leader in Africa," Ekman said. "U.S. Africa Command appreciates the strong relationship between our nations' militaries and remains committed to working alongside our Tunisian partners to achieve shared security objectives and foster stability throughout Africa. I'm thankful for our meeting with Minister Memmich and for the productive discussions that have occurred." Meetings held throughout the week provided an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to bolster mutual defense and security objectives. Topics covered included security cooperation, institutional capacity building, border security, and a review of multi-million-dollar defense capacity building programs for Tunisia which are funded by the United States. Discussions also highlighted the success of recent joint military exercises, the U.S. commitment to strengthening Tunisian border security and countering terrorist threats, as well as international challenges of mutual concern including instability in the Sahel and beyond. The two countries agreed to continue working closely together to strengthen their bilateral strategic partnership and achieve mutual strategic interests in accordance with goals of the U.S.-Tunisian Roadmap for Defense Cooperation which includes capacity building, military interoperability, force readiness, and regional security contributions. U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands, and is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and crisis response on the African continent in support of U.S. interests and to promote regional security, stability, and prosperity. The visit highlights U.S. Africa Command's 3D approach, which leverages diplomacy, development, and defense collaboration. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Drivers are being warned to not repeat the mistake of a motorist who has been called a "moron" after leaving their dog inside a hot car for over 30 minutes, with a worried passerby observing the dog was "panting" in distress. Animal advocate Helen Oakley was on her way to the supermarket when she spotted the dog "lying down" in the backseat of a car in Portland, Victoria on Tuesday afternoon. As she passed the car again with bags full of groceries she noticed the dog was still inside the car. "All my ice creams had melted while I waited for the owner," Oakley told Yahoo News. "I thought I [should] put a note on the car and I kept waiting and waiting... nobody came." On Tuesday afternoon the dog was found in a hot car in Portland, Victoria visibly panting from the heat. Source: Supplied After calling the local wildlife ranger for assistance, Oakley returned to her car to seek shade and waited with the windows down "exactly the same as the dog did" but had to get out of the vehicle after 10 minutes, admitting it was all she could tolerate with the "uncomfortable" heat. Despite Portland only reaching temperatures in the mid-20s on Tuesday, the car was in direct sunlight throughout the time the dog was left unattended, with Oakley branding it an "irresponsible" decision by the owner. She eventually had to leave before the dog was rescued, explaining her groceries were "thawing". 'Responsible' pet owners should keep dogs at home It is not the first time Oakley has spotted a dog inside a hot car and despite advocates and state governments strongly advising against it, every year some Aussies unknowingly risk their dog's lives. "If you love your dog, leave them at home," she said. "It is not the fresh air that the dog needs [referring to the windows being wound down]. It's cool air... when a dog pants, it's panting to get cool air into its body to regulate its body temperature." Story continues In Victoria it is illegal to leave an unattended animal inside a car for more than 10 minutes when the outside temperature is 28 degrees or above. In this instance, no laws were broken, but Oakley believes pet owners should avoid risking their dog's health and simply leave the animal at home. "If you're a responsible dog owner, you won't take your dog out during the day and leave it in the car," she said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. PEO Soldier equips first unit with the Army's next-generation combat helmet By U.S. Army Public Affairs February 13, 2024 WASHINGTON -- On Feb. 12, 2024, PEO Soldier fielded the Next-Generation Integrated Head Protection System to approximately 2,000 Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, marking the first-unit-equipped milestone in enhancing Soldier protection. The NG-IHPS is the Army's newest combat helmet, replacing the previously fielded Integrated Head Protection System, the Advanced Combat Helmet, and the Enhanced Combat Helmet. The combat-ready NG-IHPS consists of a retention system, suspension system, helmet cover and a night vision device bracket that is able to integrate a mandible protector, hearing protection, communications and heads-up displays like the Integrated Visual Augmentation System and the Enhanced Night Vision Goggle-Binocular. "This fielding marks significant progress for Soldier protective equipment as it equips Soldiers with protection against relevant battlefield threats, and the innovative helmet design is a purpose-built platform for integration now, and with future Soldier-enabling devices," said Lt. Col. Ken Elgort, product manager for Soldier Protective Equipment. The NG-IHPS, which will be fielded to the close-combat force, interfaces with the next generation of night vision devices, while the mandible protector mounts onto the front of the NG-IHPS for additional protection. The mandible protector is fielded to 6% of the force operating in a mounted configuration. "The NG-IHPS provides increased ballistic and fragmentation protection while reducing the weight required to previously reach this protection level by 40%," said Maj. Matthew Nulk, assistant program manager of the Head Protection Team. "This is world-leading rifle threat protection we're providing to our Soldiers." According to Alex de Groot, lead engineer for the Head Protection Team, "The boltless retention system and night vision device bracket mount on without compromising the helmet's structural integrity, thus increasing protection." PEO Soldier will equip the 2nd and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams, 82nd Airborne Division, this quarter and will complete fielding to all close-combat force units over the next three years. Program Executive Office Soldier is responsible for the rapid prototyping, procurement and fielding of equipment for Soldiers. NG-IHPS is part of the Soldier Survivability portfolio, the largest portfolio within PEO Soldier. The NG-IHPS is one part of the Soldier Protection System, which also includes the Modular Scalable Vest, the Ballistic Combat Shirt, the Blast Pelvic Protector and the Vital Torso Protection hard armor plates. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Senate passes US$95 billion Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan aid bill ROC Central News Agency 02/13/2024 09:16 PM Washington, Feb. 13 (CNA) The United States Senate voted Tuesday to pass the final version of a legislation providing US$95.34 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 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 on Feb. 8 by a 67-32 margin that included the support of 17 Republicans. On Feb. 7, a majority of Republicans initially 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. The security aid legislation that advanced on Feb. 8 attracted Republican support only after Democrats removed border control and immigration measures from the proposed bill. After negotiating over the weekend to amend its details, Tuesday saw the Senate vote 70-29 in favor of the foreign aid package. However, although the bill passed the Democrat-led Senate, it still has an uncertain future because it may have trouble getting enough support in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. On Monday, the office of Speaker of the United States House of Representatives Mike Johnson released a statement ahead of the passing of the bill in the Senate to indicate that the Republican politician will most likely not advance the foreign aid bill for a vote in the House. Johnson's statement cited the legislation's failure to address border security, adding that the House will "work its own will" surrounding the issue. (By Chiang Chin-yeh and James Lo) Enditem/AW NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 13, 2024 Transcript Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds a Press Briefing DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: Good afternoon, everyone. Just a few things here at the top and then I'd be happy to take your questions. Secretary Austin is still at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and is in good condition. Deputy Secretary Hicks continues to retain the functions and duties of the Secretary of Defense at this time. However, we anticipate Secretary Austin will be released from the hospital later today, so we will provide an update on when that occurs and when he resumes his full duties and functions. Also, as briefed yesterday, the Secretary still intends to participate in the virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group tomorrow. This includes delivering opening remarks which will be livestreamed and available to view on the DOD website. Again, we will continue to keep you updated on Secretary Austin's status later today. Separately, the department applauds the Senate passing earlier today a bipartisan national security supplemental. This important legislation will authorize the department to provide military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression - aggression, deliver security assistance to Israel, along with humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians, and bolster our support in the Indo-Pacific region, and is also an investment in our nation's defense industrial base. As you all know, the United States has not provided a presidential drawdown package for Ukraine since December 27th, and as the President said in his statement earlier today, the cost of inaction is rising every day. If U.S. support wavers, we know Putin is not going to stop in his war in Ukraine and his ongoing quest for power beyond Ukraine's borders and toward NATO. If we do not stand against aggressors who invade other - another sovereign nation's territory, the consequences for our country's national security will be substantial. And so make no mistakes, our allies and our adversaries are watching. And so we welcome this bipartisan supplemental agreement and ask that the House act urgently. And with that, I'd be happy to take your questions. I'm just going to go to the phone first because I believe we have AP joining us via phone. Tara Copp. Q: Hi, Sabrina. Thank you for the update on Austin. I wanted to know if we could go back to a question from yesterday - was his bladder issue related to the - or a part of the complications from his surgery to treat prostate cancer? Can you provide any additional details on that? MS. SINGH: Thanks, Tara. Yep, to my knowledge, what he was treated for with his bladder condition was not related to his cancer diagnosis. Q: So what about for the - like, is it - was it an ongoing complication? Like, after the surgery, there were complications. Was this also part of those complications? MS. SINGH: Yeah, thanks, Tara. Despite the fact that I'm wearing a white jacket, I am not a doctor, so I will let the doctor's statement, hopefully later today, speak more to his condition. I just don't have any more information to provide at this time on that. With that, I'm happy to come in the room. Jen. Q: You said that there'd be substantial consequences if the House does not act quickly and get aid to Ukraine, as well as Israel and as well as Taiwan. What would those consequences be? And what is Ukraine needing right now quite desperately? And how quickly could you get the weapons, and which weapons, to them if the House were to act? MS. SINGH: So some of the most urgent needs for Ukraine right now remain air defenses and artillery. That's something that we've been providing in PDA packages that you've seen up until December 27th. So one of the things, when we are able to and hopefully soon able to provide presidential drawdown authority to Ukraine, would be - you'd see some more of these types of capabilities flowing to them. If we're not able to do that, they're still in the fight of their life. Right now and later this week, there'll be a - or I'm sorry - tomorrow, there'll be a virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group where Ukraine will give an update on their battlefield needs and what they're seeing their both short-term and long-term requests are, and that's what the Ukraine Defense Contact Group is there to do, to work with other nations to see what else Ukraine can be provided, both in the short and long-term. But if we don't get this supplemental from the House, that means no more PDA packages for Ukraine, no more USAI packages and authorities for Ukraine, and of course that puts at risk also what we're able to do in the Indo-Pacific. Q: U.S. provide weapons to Ukraine through foreign military sales if Ukraine had the money to buy them? And what - what's the - what's the benefit of a PDA versus foreign military sales? MS. SINGH: So PDA means that it's flowing right off of our stocks, and foreign military sales would be Ukraine purchasing those systems or capabilities that they need. I'm not aware that they've submitted a request to purchase anything through FMS but that would of course be, you know, something that State would contract with first. But the PDA authority allows us to immediately flow things from our stockpiles into Ukraine. You've seen things arrive within days, sometimes weeks. So that's the benefit of having that PDA authority. Q: ... so foreign military sales would take a lot longer ... MS. SINGH: It would take longer, yeah. Oren. Q: If - if the House passes this supplemental, do you have a PDA and - and a USAI ready to go if it gets the President's signature? MS. SINGH: Well, as ... Q: ... how much? MS. SINGH: I don't have anything to preview at this moment but as you can imagine, we are a planning organization, so certainly this building and the interagency is ready and working to provide Ukraine what it needs when we have that authority, but I don't have a package to preview today. Q: And then a very quick follow-up on the Secretary. You said his - from what you know, his bladder condition is not related to his cancer diagnosis ... MS. SINGH: Right. Q: ... but if this is a totally new issue, that seems to raise more questions about his overall health, if he's dealing with multiple problems here. MS. SINGH: Yeah, again, this is not a - my understanding, this is not related to his cancer diagnosis. I can't speak to whether there were further complications from when he was hospitalized previously. That's something that the doctors would need to speak to, and we're hoping to provide more information later today on that. Yeah, Dan. Q: Thank you, Sabrina. With the Contact Group coming up and - and the supplemental very much still up in the air, can you speak at - at all to the Secretary's message to allies tomorrow and a post to the ministerial this week as well, just in terms of how - how Europeans need to lean in, how stopgap measures might be taken? I guess what Plan B might be? MS. SINGH: Yeah, thanks, Dan. So I obviously don't want to get ahead of the secretary, as he intends to participate tomorrow in the virtual Ukraine Defense Contact Group, but I think some of the messages that you'll hear is that the U.S. is going to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes but we do need that congressional authority to continue to provide those packages. So I'm not going to preview too much for you right now, the Secretary's remarks, but he's been in touch with his counterpart - or I think late last week about this, and receiving battlefield updates as well. So I think what you'll hear from him is more of a commitment from the United States, in that as soon as we get this supplemental package passed in the House, they will continue to see aid flowing to them. Q: Given the amount of the political uncertainty, is - is it still accurate to say that the United States will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes? MS. SINGH: Well, I think that they're - well, just looking at it factually, this morning, the Senate passed a supplemental with bipartisan support. There are outliers in both chambers that have wavered on support to Ukraine but we feel really confident that the House will support Ukraine and eventually pass the supplemental. We've continued to urge - we've been doing that since early December, continuing to urge for this supplemental to get passed immediately. So we're hopeful that the House does take it up soon and it does get across the finish line. Yes, Ryo. Q: Thank you. Just following up about the supplemental, you often said China is watching - watching how the U.S. will - will react to the war in Ukraine. Does that mean if the House fails to pass the Senate-approved supplemental budget, China would be more aggressive in the Taiwan Strait, in the South China Sea and East China Sea? Is that what you mean? MS. SINGH: No, I think what I mean is that our adversaries and our allies alike are watching what happens in Congress, and our adversaries and other nations are not under the constraints of a Continuing Resolution, which we've been continuing to operate under for over - over a few months now, and they're not constrained by some of the congressional measures that are in place right now, including the additional passage of a supplemental. And so of course our allies and our adversaries are watching to see whether the U.S. will continue to stand with Ukraine, to stand with Taiwan, to stand with Israel. And so it's really important to send a message of resolve across the world and a message to our allies that - and sovereign nations who were invaded, such as Ukraine, that we do have your back and that we will have your back and we're going to continue to have your back, but we just need that additional funding from Congress. Yes, I'm going to go to the phones, and then I'm happy to come back in the room. Lara, Politico. Q: Thanks, Sabrina. Thanks for doing this. I understand that this is maybe the 9th or 10th day in a row that we haven't had an attack in Iraq, Syria or Jordan. I was wondering if you could comment on that. Do you take that as a sign that deterrence is working? The strikes have been effective. Can you just speak on that, please? MS. SINGH: Yes, thanks, Lara. You're correct. We haven't had an attack on our forces in Iraq and Syria. That's a good thing. We don't want to see any further attacks in Iraq and Syria or in Jordan, where our forces are there to continue their mission, which is to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. I can't predict what these groups will do, but we certainly welcome that we have not seen additional attacks on our forces. And I'm sorry, did you have another question? Q: Yes, just a follow up, we can't - the same cannot be said for the Houthi attacks, even though the U.S. and the U.K. have conducted, I think, three rounds of multinational strikes at this point. So, I'm just wondering if you could speak to the difference there and why is the - why is some more action not working to deter the Houthis? MS. SINGH: I can't speak for that. I can't speak for the Houthis to say why they continue to do what they do. Just yesterday, they launched an attack on a ship that was carrying, I believe, it was corn to Iran. So again, their actions are endangering not just innocent mariners' lives, but they're putting at risk much needed, food supplies or whatever these commercial ships are carrying, they're putting at risk supplies going to other countries. And so, I can't speak for why the Houthis are continuing to conduct their attacks. What I can say is that the U.S. has responded and will continue to respond if these attacks have - continue to occur and you've seen that CENTCOM has put out releases when we've done dynamic strikes, when we've been able to identify missiles that are on rails or an attack about to happen. You have seen CENTCOM respond right away. And I'll take another one from the phone. Phil Stewart, Reuters. Q: Just on the Houthis, the leader of the Houthis, said in a televised speech that they claimed victory, and said in a televised speech that they've succeeded in halting Israel linked ships from passing through the Red Sea. And just wondering whether or not you might be able to respond to that. Thanks. MS. SINGH: I'm sorry, Phil, I haven't seen those comments. But again, there are still ships transiting the BAM and the Red Sea that have ties to countries all over the world, I mean, over 50 nations are impacted by these attacks. But I don't have more specifics on those comments. Yes, I can come back in the room. Ann. Q: The U.S. have led extensive strikes against the Houthis and their missile sites. Is it the U.S. understanding that they're able to resupply through Iran or did they just have a larger weapon supply than maybe we anticipated, since these attacks have continued? MS. SINGH: You mean - you're asking if they have been able to resupply since these attacks started? Q: Right. I mean, that what we had heard, especially after the U.S. and Britain struck together. MS. SINGH: Yes. Q: That there was significant - they - we had degraded their ability to strike again, but yet we still see these strikes happening. So, do we have any sense that whether or not they've been able to resupply through Iran? MS. SINGH: We've certainly disrupted and degraded their capabilities. I don't know that we ever said publicly that we've taken all their capabilities off the map and therefore they wouldn't be able to conduct strikes. It's very clear that they still have a significant arsenal. But we've also significantly been able to degrade their capabilities. In terms of resupply from Iran, I can't - I won't speak to intelligence, but we know Iran supports the Houthis and other groups - militia groups in the region. I would assume that support still continues from Iran. Jen, do your follow up? Q: I Do. MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: -- I'll follow up on this. Is it your understanding that the Iranian intelligent ship is still in Djibouti? Did it leave the Red Sea? MS. SINGH: I don't have an update on where it is. I believe it's still in the region though. Q: And can you tell us anything about the, I believe the U.S. Coast Guard, Qatar or U.S. Navy intercepted a weapon shipment for Yemen? What happened? MS. SINGH: I don't have more information on that. So, I will be happy to take that question and follow back up with you. Yes? Q: Thank you. I'd like to ask about the Osprey. MS. SINGH: Sure. Q: There have been people citing that the Pentagon has identified mechanical failures that caused the Osprey crash in Japan last November. Can you confirm that report? I mean, was it really a manufacture - mechanical failure as opposed to factors like weather conditions or human error? MS. SINGH: Yes, I don't have anything more specific for you on that, unfortunately. I'd have to refer you to the services who are conducting that investigation. They're still grounded as far as I'm aware. So, I'd have to refer to the services for more information on that. Q: And what are your concerns regarding the duration of the grounding? Do you have - do you think that a grounding has had an effect on the operation of U.S. forces? If so, in what way? MS. SINGH: Look, safety is a priority. It's something that the Secretary takes very seriously, that each of our service secretaries take very seriously. This was a decision made by each service. So, if they feel the need to ground these and further reevaluate, why certain incidences have happened, we're going to let them do that. And when they deem it safe to fly again, we support that. Great. I'm going to go back to the phones here. Jeff Schogol, Task & Purpose. Q: Thank you. Just wanted to follow up on Lara's question. When was the last attack on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria? And does the Defense Department have any indications about what may have prompted the temporary or, at least for now, temporary halt in attacks? Thank you. MS. SINGH: Thanks, Jeff. I thought I said this, but I didn't apologize. There have been no attacks since February 4 on our troops in Iraq or Syria. So, since February 4. And again, I can't speculate to the behaviors of why. All I can tell you is that we welcome that these attacks are -- that we have not seen attacks since February 4. It certainly takes away from our service members mission in Iraq and Syria, which they are there to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS. And I'll just leave it at that. Next question from the phones, Jared, Al-Monitor. Q: My question's been asked. Thank you. MS. SINGH: Back in the room. Yes? Q: Thank you, Sabrina. According to assessments, is there still a threat of ISIS, either in Iraq or Syria? And do you believe that the Iraq Security Forces are able to deal with the threats that they're seeing? MS. SINGH: Well, the Iraqi Security Forces are a valuable partner when it has come to the defeat ISIS mission. Certainly ISIS is not the same threat in Iraq and Syria as it was 10 years ago but they still remain a presence within the region. You've seen attacks from ISIS throughout the region that continue. Part of the HMC is to discuss the path forward with the U.S. and Iraq as the mission has changed and the threat of ISIS has also changed. So that's why you're seeing these agency conversations continue with the Iraqi government and the United States military and those conversations remain ongoing. Q: Firstly, a bit confused about the statement by Iraqi government that say the aim of HMC discussion is to set a timeline or a phase with role of alliance forces from Iraq and setting a timeline, I mean. But we'll -- but I have heard from the Pentagon is a different thing. MS. SINGH: Yes, and I can tell you from our conversations there has been no timeline discussed. Again, these are consultative conversations that are happening. We are there in Iraq at the invitation of the Iraqi government as we laid out early on when the HMC first started. There are three factors that are being taken into effect. The threat of ISIS, the capability of the ISF, and of course then of course the operating environment. These conversations are going to continue and we look forward we committed to these back in August of 2023. So I've seen those reports but what I can tell you is that a timeline has not been discussed. Great. OK. Yes. And then I'll go back to Fadi and then we can wrap up. Yes. Q: Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Two quick questions. One, as well as the U.S.-India merger to merger relations are concerned, so much going on in the region, Chinese activities and two wars are going on and also across the border in Pakistan uncertainness and military involved maybe at this time while it's going on. Where do we stand today; U.S.-India military relations or any -- are we expecting any visits from high level? MS. SINGH: Any visits? I don't have any visits to read out from officials from the Indian government. At least here at the department. I can't speak for other -- across the interagency. Unfortunately I'm not going to give you much of a different answer than General Ryder gave you a few days ago, which is that, you know, we have a great mill to mill relationship with India, good communications. We're going to continue to monitor what's happening in the region. But I don't have more to share on any updates. Q: And second, thank you. As part of Pakistan and the U.S. military relations are concerned now because of elections, military view point, are you watching there what's happening in Pakistan as far as this building is concerned? MS. SINGH: Yes, we're certainly monitoring what's happening there but I'd direct you to State for more specifics on that. Fadi. Q: Thank you, Sabrina. The Huffington Post is reporting that the Biden administration is assessing Israel's actions in -- in Gaza and whether the constitute violation of international human -- humanitarian law. And that includes, as well, lawyers at the Pentagon and whether these actions actually implicate the U.S. Can you confirm or -- or deny these reports as the Pentagon currently engage in assessing any of Israel's actions in Gaza in terms of violation of international humanitarian law? MS. SINGH: I'm not aware of any discussions. I'm sorry, I just haven't seen the report. So I'm happy to take a look at what you referenced in terms of this Huffington Post article but I haven't seen that. Q: OK. So let's put the -- the reporting aside. Do you know if any effort in the Pentagon lately to look into specific incident and actions in -- in Gaza specifically now with the -- the total of deaths amongst civilians as nearing 30,000? MS. SINGH: I'm not aware of any specific efforts here at the Pentagon. But as you have seen the president as recently as yesterday speak to this, we are continuing urge the Israelis both very publicly and privately that any of their operations of course take into considerations innocent civilians. And I think the president really spoke to this well yesterday when he was at the podium. Yes, of course. OK. Thanks everyone. We'll wrap up there. https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3676173/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 13, 2024 By C. Todd Lopez , DOD News Austin Released From Hospital Today Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III was released today from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, after having been admitted over the weekend. Dr. John Maddox, trauma medical director, and Dr. Gregory Chesnut, Center for Prostate Disease Research of the Murtha Cancer Center director, said in a statement: "Secretary Austin was admitted to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Feb. 11 with discomfort and concern from a bladder issue related to his December 2023 prostate cancer surgery. His condition indicated a need for close monitoring by the critical care team and supportive care. His diagnostic evaluation identified the cause of his bladder issue and it was corrected with non-surgical procedures on Feb. 12." The doctors say the secretary remained in good condition throughout his stay at Walter Reed, and as of this morning, no longer needed critical care monitoring. The secretary progressed well and was discharged to his home today. He is anticipated to continue his full recovery. In December, Austin underwent surgery at Walter Reed related to a prostate cancer diagnosis. His doctors say his prognosis "remains excellent." It was Sunday night that the secretary had been admitted into the critical care unit at Walter Reed for "supportive care and close monitoring," his doctors said. At the time, Austin had transferred the functions and duties of the office of the secretary of defense to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House and Congress were also notified. This week, the United States will participate in another meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. The first meeting of the group was in April 2022, and was spearheaded by Austin. Since then, as many as 50 nations have participated regularly in the monthly meetings to work together to provide security assistance to Ukraine. It's expected that Austin will attend this most recent virtual iteration of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said during a briefing at the Pentagon today. "The secretary still intends to participate in the virtual Ukraine defense contact group tomorrow," she said. "This includes delivering opening remarks which will be livestreamed and available to view on the DOD website." Earlier today, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan national security supplemental request which authorizes the defense department to, among other things, provide military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against ongoing Russian aggression, deliver security assistance to Israel, and provide humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, Singh said. "It is also an investment in our nation's defense industrial base," she added. "The United States has not provided a presidential drawdown package for Ukraine since December 27, and as the president said in his statement earlier today, the cost of inaction is rising every day." Singh said that if U.S. support to Ukraine wavers, Russia will not stop its war in Ukraine, and may also be emboldened to seek gains beyond Ukraine's borders. "If we do not stand against aggressors who invade ... another sovereign nation's territory, the consequences for our country's national security will be substantial," Singh said. "Our allies and our adversaries are watching. And so, we welcome this bipartisan supplemental agreement and ask that the House act urgently." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address February 13, 2024 By Jim Garamone , DOD News Special Ops Command Sees Change in Mission as a Return to Roots U.S. Special Operations Command leaders see the current move to integrate the command into great power competition as a return to its roots. Army Gen. Bryan Fenton and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shane Shorter, the commander and senior enlisted leader of Socom, spoke with the Defense Writers Group recently and discussed the changes happening in the world and Special Operations Command's place in it. The command has come off more than 20 years as America's preeminent counterterrorism organization. Even before the attacks on the United States in September 2001, the command was tracking and pursuing violent extremist organizations around the world. The command operated against narco-trafficking gangs in Central and South America, as well as transnational criminal organizations in the Balkans. Socom came into its own in counterterrorism in operations against the Taliban and al-Qaida in Afghanistan, fundamentalist groups in Iraq and against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. Special operators also worked with and formed relationships with national and indigenous forces from the Indo-Pacific to Europe to Africa and South America. But before that, the special operations community was an integral part of great power competition working to "fill in the gaps" of conventional power structures when the Soviet Union controlled Eastern Europe, Fenton said. "We still have to maintain and stay on the [violent extremist organization] threat because it has not gone away. What I will tell you is ... the special operations command team frankly is born for the integrated deterrence, great power competition era." But while the mission set might be changing, the values behind the force are not. "The most important line of effort that we have in our headquarters is still our people," said Shorter. "We're not a platform-centric organization, we're a people-centric organization." The first rule of the command is "Humans are more important than equipment," and Fenton and Shorter are sticking with that. Change is tough. Many in the command grew up in the organization when it was sometimes jokingly called "Counter Terrorism Command" and that is what they know. But Shorter said in travels around the command, service members are making the switch to great power competition and integrated deterrence. "We focused hard on the global war on terror, and I'm very proud of what we did, but we've never had [to] ... pull 'Socomians' towards the nation's main effort." So the bulk of the forces is absolutely laser focused on great power competition and integrated deterrence, Shorter said. Special operators are studying China and Russia. They are taking lessons learned from Russia's war on Ukraine. They are studying the nature of all-domain combat and applying new tactics, techniques and procedures to it. They are also looking at better ways to integrate new technologies and equipment into the fight, the command sergeant major said. "We always will be focused on the nation's priorities and the department's priorities," Shorter said. Still, the experience of counterinsurgency combat is valuable, and special operators can take that experience and apply it to new situations and new missions, he said. Fenton said that people lead in the strategic priorities of the command. "If we have one more dollar to spend, we're spending it on our people, and then we'll wrap the technology around them," he said. That idea is born in the people attracted to special operations. Service members "go through a rigorous assessment selection process, and more arduous training because they really want to be at the leading edge," Fenton said. Transformation of the command also is all about people, the general said. Special operators must "think how we're going to be prepared, not only in equipment or some level of technology to meet the world, but how are we thinking about the world differently," he said. "We have to hold these different ideas in our head and actually still complete the mission, even though it doesn't look the same as it did 20 years ago. But the outcome has still got to be the same. We've got to succeed for the nation." Typically, when a counterterrorism mission ends, organizations put the capability on the back burner. In the United States, this happened at the end of the Vietnam War and there are moves to cut the number of special operations personnel. This hits at another Special Operations truth: Special operations cannot be mass produced in times of a crisis. The services, from whom Socom gets their recruits, are having trouble attracting new service members. Fenton said Socom has not felt that problem yet, but says it could happen further down the road. Fenton did say there is no retention problem in special operations, and that the command is already working with the services to improve the recruiting climate. He has asked members of the command to reach out to recruiters when they travel in the United States to inform the American people about the military in general and Special Operations Command in particular. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenia: Press remarks by High Representative Josep Borrell after the EU-Armenia Partnership Council European External Action Service (EEAS) 13.02.2024 Brussels EEAS Press Team Brussels, 13/02/2024 Check against delivery! Thank you, Minister, Dear friend, dear Minister [for Foreign Affairs of Armenia, Ararat] Mirzoyan, it is a great pleasure to welcome you here in Brussels. It is the 5th EU-Armenia Partnership Council. Today, in our discussion, it has been clearly shown that our relations are developing on a positive track. We had the opportunity to discuss the full spectrum of our relations, in the framework of the Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement. But at the same time, we also acknowledged that there is room to unlock the full potential of this Agreement. In October in the European Parliament, your Prime Minister [Nikol Pashinyan] said that Armenia is ready to move closer to the European Union. In response, last October, the European Council, at the highest political level of the European Union, tasked me and the [European] Commission to explore ways to strengthen our relations - EU-Armenia relations - "in all their dimensions". In this context, today we decided to launch work on an ambitious new EU-Armenia Partnership Agenda. This decision sends a strong signal of our mutual interest in a new strategic phase in our relations, and it will provide a clear roadmap and a vision for the way forward. This is about the future. The future starts today. But let's look back at the last year. Human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles continued to underpin our cooperation. I welcomed the steps taken in the justice reform, the fight against corruption, and encouraged Armenia to further address challenges in the fight against discrimination, hate speech and disinformation. I also want to congratulate - as I did - Armenia on becoming the 124th state party of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. That is a very important and courageous decision from your side. Looking ahead, we discussed options to start a Visa Liberalisation Dialogue with the European Union. I took good note of Armenia's strong interest and encouraged Armenia to further step-up reforms in order to progress on this issue. Together, we discussed how we can strengthen our relationship and in particular, the resilience of Armenia, notably in trade, on energy, on connectivity and aviation safety. We will also help decommission the Metsamor Nuclear Power Plant while improving nuclear safety. I reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to support Armenia's participation in the Black Sea electricity cable project, and other regional connectivity projects. These initiatives have strong potential to serve [as] dividends for peace. And, if you allow me, Minister, this brings me to another important point. We discussed the regional situation and the Armenia-Azerbaijan normalisation process, unhappily including the latest incidents at the border. The Armenian shooting of the Azerbaijani soldier yesterday was deplorable. But Azerbaijan's response today seems to be disproportionate, ignoring the announcement by the Armenian Minister of Defence [Suren Papikyan] that this incident will be fully investigated. This yet again illustrates the urgent need for the distancing of forces, which is something that the European Union has been advocating for a long time. Today, I have to reiterate the European Union's full commitment to supporting a sustainable and lasting peace based on the principles of recognition of sovereignty, the inviolability of borders and territorial integrity. Our mission in Armenia, the EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) has recently been reinforced with a stronger, bigger number of staff, and will continue to contribute to ensuring an environment conducive to normalisation efforts. We will continue supporting the Armenians displaced from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Today, the Commission announced an additional 5.5 million in humanitarian aid. This funding comes in addition to 12.2 million already provided in September to address the urgent humanitarian needs, as well as 15 million budget support for the socio-economic needs of Armenia. We will continue to support Armenia, in the medium and long term, for the integration of refugees in your society and economy. We discussed other areas to strengthen Armenia's resilience, and I expressed my full commitment to further enhancing our cooperation in the area of security and defence. We will build our dialogue on foreign and security policy in the coming months. Today's meeting clearly showed that EU-Armenia relations are stronger than ever and that there is mutual interest to advance them further. [We confirmed] our commitment to develop this agenda - an ambitious agenda for our renewed partnership. And when we will be advancing in this work and we are able to deliver some concrete results, it will be my pleasure to visit you in Armenia and to share with you your wonderful landscapes. Thank you. Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-252820 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ethiopia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments in Amhara European External Action Service (EEAS) 13.02.2024 EEAS Press Team The European Union is seriously concerned by the alleged targeted killings of civilians in the town of Merawi, in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. We call for an independent investigation into these events. The recent extension of the state of emergency in this region is a worrying development as it can seriously limit the human rights of the population there. Once again, the EU reaffirms its readiness to support any process leading to dialogue, reconciliation and peace to find a political settlement to the current conflict. We urge all Ethiopians to take the path of dialogue. Only a peaceful solution will bring a sustainable end to the conflicts in the country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna's annual foreign policy speech Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.02.2024 Honoured members of the Riigikogu, the diplomatic corps, dear people, The war in Ukraine goes on, Russia's aggression continues. Ukrainians have been determined in their resistance to the aggressor; we have been determined in our support to Ukrainians but the aggression has not ended. Russian forces remain on Ukrainian territory, sowing dread and killing people. Putin has not given up on his goals and hopes to reach his aims by wearing out fUkrainians and their supporters. This must not happen, too much is at stake. To prevent this, our own goal must be certain and clear, we must know what we mean by victory because we can afford nothing else. A victory that ensures durable independence for us, Europe and the free world is based on the following. The Ukrainian state must endure in its territorial integrity. Force should not be an instrument for changing national borders and trampling on sovereignty, not now nor in the future, not in Ukraine nor anywhere else. Aggression must not succeed; it must not become a new acceptable reality. Otherwise, the world will become the domain of force, arrogance, callousness, authoritarianism. Aggression as a concept must be discarded from the thinking of states and it is possible only if aggressors are defeated and the criminality of their goals and actions is made clear to them. For this, we must ensure that the aggressor is left weaker after the conflict than it was when it launched the aggression, and the victims must be compensated for the damage caused by the aggression. Perpetrators of crimes must be punished; they must be brought to justice. No position in the world should give anyone immunity from this. The European Union and NATO are and must remain the foundations of European security. Both organisations have been established to preserve and uphold the interests of the free world - democracy, rule of law, the rights of people and the way of life based on freedom. Ukraine must become a member of NATO and the European Union; it is a guarantee that makes the aggressor doubt the effectiveness of its militant and destructive objectives. It gives confidence to Ukrainians to move forward on their chosen path, it gives confidence to us that the aggressive and imperialist ideas sprouting somewhere do not become objectives and are kept under control. It does away with grey zones. This is what victory would be like for Europe, the free world and us. Any other, lesser result is a defeat. We cannot afford this and we do not intend to afford this. We will attain victory if we are determined and confident and believe in our aims, if we can stick together, as Estonia, as the European Union, as the democratic world. We in Estonia are sharp and alert, and we are leading by example. We can break taboos and make the unthinkable thinkable if necessary. However, to achieve all this, more than just mere words is needed; we must act boldly and thereby motivate others and inspire them to join us. Estonia's foreign policy works in line with the long-term strategy 'Estonia 2035' that aims to ensure a safe and high-quality society and a secure state. Dear partners, Russia is waging a war of attrition. Putin has adapted his economy to a time of war and he wants to exhaust Ukrainians and us at this temperature and to this extent for years. The criminals of Kremlin think that time is on their side. This is actually not the case - time is on our side. We only need to maintain our resolve and continue with what we have been doing up until now. It is Russia that will be worn out, making its war machine collapse and forcing it to give up on its aims of subjugation, and engage in introspection. There is a clear plan that leads us there, with eight pillars. First, Ukraine must be able to resist the aggressor, both by fighting on the battlefield and by keeping its state, society and economy running. They can do this with us, and help is of existential importance. However, help must be provided constantly and in larger volumes. The European Council decided to allocate 50 billion to Ukraine so it is able to keep its society going, reinforce its state institutions and provide services during war. At a time when other helpers, the United States, for example, are unable to assist or bogged down in their decision-making processes, Europe has an even greater responsibility to show what we must and can do. Military resistance requires trained personnel and capable weapons systems. More importantly - enough ammunition. To ensure security of supply, Estonia proposed the initiative to provide 1 million shells to Ukraine. Now we need to keep these promises. Various capitals are increasingly realising that more must be given to Ukraine and we must act as a single effective force. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz referred to this early this year, when he called on European Union member states to increase their aid. War cannot be fought with one-off campaigns. Ukrainians must have the certainty that aid is sustainable, constant and long-term. Many taboos about weapons aid that haunted us in the initial phase of the full-scale war have been broken by now but we must continue breaking them. We must agree that donors provide Ukraine with 0.25% of their GDP for warfare and defence every year. It is a relatively small share for a single contributor but in total, this would mean 120 billion. This would be enough to defeat Russia; it would offer certainty and maintain motivation. The government of Estonia has already taken this decision. Second, Russia must be fought back with sanctions. The more we help Ukraine and conversely, the more resolutely we tighten the screws on Russia's food chains, the more we help ourselves. Let us continue in such a way that it is Russia, not Ukraine that is feeling the squeeze of restraints! The European Union has adopted 12 packages of sanctions, including three last year. The United States and the United Kingdom have imposed their strong sanctions regimes. Estonia and likeminded countries have kept the timeframe of sanctions in focus in the European Union; they have consistently made proposals for new restrictive measures and expressed concern over the circumvention of sanctions. Slowly but surely, the effect of sanctions has begun to bite Russia's economy. Russia's industrial reach has been reduced; its access to financial instruments, goods and technology has been restricted. The European Union and the G7 have jointly targeted Russia's main sources of income and blocked access to goods used in the war industry. The 13th package of sanctions is in preparation. Nearly 60% of the European Union's pre-war trade with Russia is now under sanctions. In other words, we are on our way towards a trade embargo. This is significant and has an effect. We must keep in mind that Russia is also adapting. Oil and gas revenues continue to flow into Russia. We must tighten our clamps and find ways to prevent the circumvention of sanctions. Russia's export revenue must be reduced further, the price cap on oil must be lowered even more, and we must have more efficient control. We are aware that the European Union and the G7 have imposed sanctions but we assume that the countries who have not joined in understand the reasons and aims of the sanctions, and refrain from supporting Russia's war machine, even indirectly, and improving their economic position at the expense of Ukrainians defending themselves. Third, we must remain determined in isolating Russia. Last year, Russia was denied entry to the UN Human Rights Council. The WHO European Office for the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases was relocated from Moscow to Copenhagen. Estonia prevailed over Russia in the elections of UNICEF's Executive Board and Russia was not included in the Council of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Executive Board of UNESCO and the Council of the International Maritime Organization. The message is clear. We must continue with determination on this path. For example, there is absolutely no justification for the participation of the aggressor in Interpol. We must also prevent Russia and Belarus from finding ways to infiltrate these organisations again before the end of the aggression. At the same time, we know all too well that in international organisations and many countries of the world, support for Ukraine and resistance to Russia are sadly not self-evident or automatic. Naturally, decisions like the one taken by the International Olympic Committee allowing Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Paris Olympics are short-sighted. It is our task to explain to those who are in doubt or wish to stand back what is at stake in Russia's war against Ukraine. Nothing more and nothing less than the rules-based international order. An international order with principles and procedures that have given an equal say to the great and the small; an order that has brought independence to many, reduced tensions and organised relations, resisted violence. An international order without which the world would be considerably more uncertain and chaotic. It is vital that we preserve it. Fourth, war criminals and perpetrators of crimes against humanity must be punished. Russia's leadership must bear responsibility for the aggression, the gravest crime in international law, as it goes against everything the world organised by rules stands for. No one wants to live in a world where Putins roam, kidnapping and orphaning children, attempting to cancel their neighbours and mining nuclear power plants. By now, the deportation of 20 000 Ukrainian children to Russia has been documented, and in reality the number is sure to exceed a couple of hundred thousand. If these kinds of criminals go unpunished, it will only encourage future aggressors. We cannot witness this in silence. As part of the Ukrainian peace formula, Estonia is participating in an international coalition that is involved in bringing the children deported to Russia back to Ukraine. In addition, we cooperated with the United States, Belgium and Ukraine, with the participation of Mrs Olena Zelenska, to organise an event during the last high-level week of the UN General Assembly, highlighting the issue of the kidnapping of Ukrainian children. It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, an aggressor is deporting children in front our eyes, robbing them of a childhood. Evil must be kept under control, on the ground, with a foot firmly on its neck. Otherwise, no one, no matter how near or far, is protected and safe. The most appropriate way to process the crime of aggression is to create an international tribunal on the recommendation of the UN General Assembly, and it would be able to prosecute Russia's leadership. The crime of aggression is a crime committed by national leaders because they are the ones who plan, prepare and finally order an attack on another country. If Putin and Russia's leadership go unpunished, we have no guarantee that aggression as an instrument is not used again and soon in a horrible way. The International Criminal Court should be commended for its work and actions, including for issuing an arrest warrant for Putin. It is a concrete step, serving as an example to follow and align with. It also shows Putin that there is no immunity. Estonia continues to support the tribunal. Fifth, in line with international law, Russia is obligated to compensate the damage it has caused in Ukraine. As long as Russia has not done so, we must find a way to use the frozen or blocked assets of Russia and Russian citizens. Not only in Estonia but also by other European Union member states and allies. Here, too, Estonia leads the way, initiates and inspires. The government has composed a bill that makes it possible to use frozen and blocked assets. Dear members of the Riigikogu, I implore you - the parliament has an important role in this becoming law. Let the words of President Zelensky in this very hall serve as an inspiration to you: all assets that Russia or individuals associated with Russia have tried to hide in jurisdictions across the globe must be frozen and used for defending against Russia's aggression and for helping to rebuild after this war. The European Union has agreed on transferring the profits made from the blocked assets of the Central Bank of Russia to a separate account. The next step of allowing the assets that accumulate there to be used for reconstruction in Ukraine is now being considered. We must continue to be trailblazers and lead the way on this issue. Sixth, Ukraine must be rebuilt. Despite Russia constantly launching missiles and drones to destroy Ukraine, life away from the front goes on. People go to work; children go to the kindergarten and to school. Even in regions that have known the tragedies of war. By directing our strength and resources to rebuilding Ukraine, we are helping the people of Ukraine to cope better with the harsh consequences of this war. We have helped to restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure, assisted with humanitarian demining operations, helped with winterisation and contributed to managing the aftermath of the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Estonia's reconstruction efforts are focused on the Zhytomyr Oblast, particularly on education, rehabilitation, construction and digital affairs. We have built a wooden module kindergarten with a bomb shelter in Ovruch and restored the bridge connecting the two parts of the city of Malyn, essential for the operations of daily life. We continue cooperating actively with international donors and engaging with Estonia's development and business communities. To bring hope to children, Estonia is building four family homes in Ukraine in addition to the kindergarten. Between 2022 and 2027, we will allocate 70 million to development cooperation and reconstruction and 30 million to humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Based on our experience so far, Estonia has a lot to share with its international partners - Ukraine's reconstruction is becoming a growing multilateral cooperation. We have also launched and are leading international support for Ukraine in cyber defence. The coordination of cyber assistance bringing together ten countries, as well as the European Union and NATO, is called the Tallinn Mechanism. When reconstructing Ukraine, we have had to combine the technical standards of Ukraine on the one hand and the standards of the European Union on the other. This is where the second and crucial benefit for Ukraine comes from - gaining the necessary transitional experience on their way to the European Union. Seventh, Ukraine will become an unequivocal part of the democratic world, a member of the European Union and NATO. Decisive steps have already been taken in this direction. The European Union invited Ukraine and Moldova to accession negotiations. This was not an advance or a hastily taken decision; instead, it was a fair reward for decisive reforms that Ukraine and Moldova have managed to implement despite difficult circumstances. A lengthy and laborious negotiation process will follow, and not only in terms of talks because reforms must also continue. Both those who are joining the EU and the institutions of the European Union must complete their part of the equation. On this journey, Estonia is a constructive partner and offers every support. By now, we have completed the training of nearly 100 Ukrainian civil servants for preparing and conducting negotiations with the European Union. NATO and the European Union form a whole - one does not work without the other. For years now, Ukraine has been a member of the transatlantic community, operating in the same value space as all Allies. This unity must be heard at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington. It is Estonia's position that Ukraine must receive a clear message about becoming a member. We cannot settle for the smallest common denominator. Ukrainians must be sure; they must feel that they will become a member of NATO. Work towards this goal is already ongoing. However, the most important thing is for Putin to become convinced about Ukraine's NATO accession, convinced that there is no more Ukraine as a grey zone. Without this, there will be no strategic solution to the issue of Ukraine. However, we must also be glad that Finland has already become a member of the Alliance and Sweden's accession is imminent because the bickering and frictions that delayed the process have ended. The Baltic Sea region is now more united and stronger in security and defence than ever. Eighth, we must support the peace plan of President Zelensky, a process in which Estonia has been an active participant. Estonia and Guatemala have become the leaders of the fifth working group of the implementation of the peace plan, with a focus on restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine in light of the principles of the UN Charter. This fits well with Estonia's new global initiative on freedom - more on that later. To summarise what has been said before. We will remain resolute. We must not despair. We will continue supporting Ukraine, reigning in Russia, urging on our Allies and partners, and carrying out outreach activities worldwide. Time is working in our favour. Honoured members of the Riigikogu, There is unease in the world, not only in Ukraine but also in many other parts of the world. We cannot ignore this. A conflict in the Middle East has flared up again, in the most appalling way. Houthi pirates are operating in the Red Sea. New major powers are emerging, wishing to change existing norms and shape the world in their image. Migratory pressure is increasing. We can see the aggressive fallout of climate change - devastating storms, more powerful floods, suffocating desertification - in many parts of the world. The global population is growing, while the economy is not. In the background, there is artificial intelligence with its potential and risks. Nearly half of the world's population will go to the polls this year - including large BRICS states India, Iran, South Africa and Russia. There are also the elections of the European Parliament, and in the second half of the year, the world's eyes will be on the United States where the increasing standoff between Democrats and Republicans will have a resolution. All this could bring groundbreaking changes. To endure, we must preserve our own values and value space, and our humanity. We must not lose our grip and we must strengthen the fabric that binds us together. Acting together, breathing as one, thinking in the same rhythm keeps us strong and secure. We must safeguard the European Union and NATO, our Allies and friends, with whom we have worked for the same cause for 20 years now. The war in Europe has been a wakeup call for the European Union. It has boosted unity and highlighted our fundamental values. At the same time, it has shown us that we cannot carry on the way we have so far. In parallel to supporting Ukraine, we must address our own defence, reinforce our relations with other countries, be open to the opinions and ideas of other states, reduce dependence and increase resilience. The accession of new members and preparations for accession must ensure that the Union remains strong, open and efficient. A union that is defended and is able to defend. Intense internal debates about the most sensible way to do this are already underway. The spotlight is on changes that concern various policies, institutions and the budget. It is important that all member states continue to have the same opportunity to have a say in policy-making. The infamous multi-speed Europe, in any shape or form, should be confined to the archive of curious ideas. True, if a member state wishes to stay out of some cooperation format, they must retain that option. Just as the option of joining any cooperation format on equal grounds must remain available. The principle of unanimity in the European Union's decision-making process is a great challenge. The debate about whether lifting it would improve the EU goes back several decades. The principal position of Estonia has not changed - unanimity must remain in place for foreign and security policy issues. It ensures that the interests of every individual member state are protected. No existential decision is taken without the consent of everyone. A decision based on consensus may take longer but once it is reached, it is all the more solid and effective. Everyone supports this. Obviously, unanimity should not be abused; the vital interests of the European Union should not be taken hostage, so to say, by a member state. However, unanimity is not at the centre of this issue; rather it is about taking the vote away from the one working against fundamental values. Dear audience, The world was shocked by the massive terror attack of Hamas on 7 October against Israel and the principles of the free world. Israel has the right to defend itself within international law. We must move towards a solution that would end the deteriorating humanitarian crisis and conclude with two states that can exist side by side. The wars in Ukraine and Gaza demonstrate that our way of life and principles that underpin democratic society and our own independence need special care, attention and protection. If we wish to live as we want and as we consider right, we must first be free, and not only as a country but also on the individual, community, and societal level. The freer we are and the better we understand freedom, the greater the cohesion within ourselves and in any part of the world. Freedom in its various manifestations ensures democracy, which has proven to be the best model for state organisation that offers long-term solutions. I am deeply convinced that the story of Estonia is an excellent example of how positive change is possible. We have built a digital and secure - including cybersecure - society where the open state is there for its citizens. Or, more precisely, where citizens feel that they are the state. As it should be. However, we must remember that success is won with extended and determined progress. This is why it is a labour of love for us to help wherever we can to make sure freedom is preserved and reinforced, that it never wanes or disintegrates. Not just among ourselves but across the globe. This is why we have introduced the Fit for Freedom initiative. The free world must have the courage to not only live but also act according to its rules. What does this entail? Three major lines of action. First, the protection of fundamental and human rights must be a part of global security policy. More vigorously and more consciously than hitherto. In the simplest terms, this means protecting people from all forms of violence - physical and psychological persecution. Everyone has the right to be who they are. Ethnic, gender and religious identity must not be a source of discrimination. I am happy that starting from this year, gender neutral marriage is legal in Estonia. It is a great step towards becoming freer, and certainly happier. Just as last year, the rainbow flag will be flown on the main building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 17 May. With this knowledge and experience in our portfolio, we are running for membership in the UN Human Rights Council for the 2026-2028 period. As a co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition, we are standing up for free speech and journalists. Every year, Estonia can issue up to 35 residence permits to opposition figures and journalists who are persecuted in other parts of the world. For years now, we have considered the protection of internet freedom equally important. We are running for the chair of the Freedom Online Coalition again next year. This time, we plan to focus on identifying cases of internet restrictions and shutdowns and fighting these kinds of activities. We have offered our help to the Belarusian opposition. Second, we must reinforce the rules-based international order. It is centred on the reform of the UN, mainly its Security Council, which has been discussed for decades. Throughout these years, countries have become deeply entrenched with their interests. To escape these trenches, we must let go of group mentality and move forward, if only by tiny steps. For example, in the renewed Security Council, any member who has initiated a conflict or committed a crime should hold no veto power. In fact, Paragraph 3 of Article 27 of the UN Charter already stipulates that a party to a dispute shall abstain from voting under Chapter V! The composition of the Council must also change. It should be a better reflection of today's world, its structure and the composition of countries. In line with the UN Charter, the various regions and continents of the world must be represented, and - why not - small states could receive a quota. The work of the Security Council must also become more transparent and open, inclusive and cohesive. Third, it means shaping inclusive decision-making processes, connecting the civil society to various levels of state policy. In the past two years, we were members of the Steering Committee for the international Open Government Partnership and organised a very successful summit in early September last year. It was an international event with probably the largest number of participants from various countries and organisations ever held in Estonia. The Tallinn Pledge was adopted at the summit, calling for a more forceful and determined contribution to increasing and protecting the civil society's voice and freedom of expression. Inclusive decision-making also involves active advocacy for the say of small states, or digital inclusion. When it comes to the latter, Estonia's experience is not bad at all. So let us become and remain worthy of freedom, our most treasured possession. Members of the Riigikogu, The greatest lesson we have learnt from our history is how the security and prosperity of a small state and nation can actually come into being, how it becomes established and grows. And the importance of a free - inclusive, caring, forward-looking, sensible - society on this path. We have felt this price of freedom on our skin and in our bones all too painfully. Therefore, we cannot just stand by and watch as forests burn. We care about our planet and the environment. We do not wish for any people to be subjected to destruction, fear, hunger, poverty and suffering. This is why we are taking steps and showing an example. Swimming against the tide, if necessary. The reach of the AI revolution is evolving faster than even the most optimistic evangelists could predict. This is why it is extremely important for an educated, critically thinking and analytical society to reign in artificial intelligence. We must not forget privacy as a cornerstone of our existence. We should also not assume that there is no one out there waiting for a chance to control everything and everyone. Changes are coming; the question is what kind of changes? As a small society, our superpower has been responding quickly to change, the skill of making it work in our favour. This is what we should do now. Supporting Estonian companies and reinvigorating the economy is not a special task of one minister. It is a common effort by the whole government. This is why last year, we created a government committee for reinvigorating the economy. The committee coordinates the activities of all institutions that support Estonia's economy, aiming to speed up solutions for all the shortcomings that have been identified. This part of the speech was not presented in the Riigikogu: There are nearly 17 000 exporters in Estonia. The majority of them manage without any support from the state and this is how it should work in the private sector. The role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency is to open the first doors and support the first international steps, so that entrepreneurs can then become successful on foreign markets. For example, our defence industry can boast many success stories. They range from unmanned vehicles to data analysis solutions that make decision-making in the theatre of war as precise as possible. These kinds of success stories, the solutions developed by our defence companies, have greatly contributed to the recent launch of NATO's Innovation Accelerator DIANA in Estonia. We are the vanguard of Europe's defence industry! The defence industry has the potential to invigorate Estonia's economy. This year, our main focus is on sectors related to technology services, in addition to green technology and energy. We are also actively supporting companies in the timber, construction and food sector that are going through a difficult time. This year, we plan to organise more than 300 business diplomacy events in 19 countries and in Estonia to support the export activities of companies, and we have allocated an additional 1.2 million from the recovery instrument to this end. Last year, we opened business hubs in Singapore and Seoul. They have been received very warmly by both Estonian and local companies. We are currently establishing business hubs in London, Washington, Paris, Berlin and Riga. As I mentioned above, we would like to be at the forefront of reconstruction in Ukraine. On the one hand, it is a chance for our companies to be a part of supporting Ukraine and forging their victory. On the other hand, it is an opportunity to apply their skills and products and create added value. Among other things, we have launched a constantly updated information portal for Ukraine, and I recommend entrepreneurs use this convenient tool. The economy of the future is green. It does not rob our entrepreneurs of opportunities; instead, it creates new ones. Climate change is real. The fight for the living environment and for resources is already ruthless in many parts of the world. The prognosis for the future shows an increasing impact of climate change on migration, inequality and urbanisation. The most recent climate conference of the UN, or COP, threw into sharp relief the main challenges of not having done more and faster to stop climate change. It does not make us throw in the towel; instead, it spurs us on to make an even greater effort. Estonia is an increasingly active participant in climate discussions, and supporting green business is one aspect of this. For the first time, we attended the COP with a national pavilion and its programme was centred on the added value created in Estonia. There was great interest in Estonia's solutions and based on this, we will obviously continue to work with specific partners. To conclude. There are Estonians all across the world. They have been carried there by their lust for adventure or curiosity, but also by tragic events in their homeland. Next year marks 80 years since thousands of Estonians fled in boats to the free world to escape occupation. Their story tells us a lot and we must not forget it. In 2025, another ESTO is held in Tallinn and Narva, and we should start getting ready now. Personally, I love every opportunity to talk to my compatriots abroad. All Estonians, no matter where they live, are welcome to make their home in Estonia. In the last couple of years, the migration balance of Estonians has become positive. The number of Estonians returning to Estonia exceeds the number of Estonians who are leaving. In 2022, nearly 7000 people returned to Estonia. Estonia is providing those who return with advice and practical support. We are aware of the importance of a place in school for children, the career options of a spouse who is a foreigner and the availability of high-quality Estonian language lessons. Estonians abroad are happy to take part in telling our story and developing business ties when they feel connected to Estonian identity, culture and mentality. Estonian people abroad are active and awesome. A fantastic example of the Estonian story being told abroad today is the Estonian business and cultural centre KESKUS being built on a major street in Toronto. Not to mention Anna Hints, who, after winning the European Film Award for best documentary, made the entire glamorous hall join her in singing a runic song. Estonia is its people. Near and far. Thanks to them, we can make the world fit for freedom and work towards Ukraine's victory. We are an evolving Estonian community open to the world, yearning for both a distant land and for home, as writer Karl Ristikivi noted. We are a tree with two arms. In Tiergarten, in Bois de Vincennes and in Central Park, local Estonians are looking for that slightly marshier spot of land that reminds them of home. A refuge where they can hide from the noise and bustle of the world. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna in the annual foreign policy speech: no one wants to live in a world where Putins roam Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.02.2024 Today 13 February, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna presented a report on foreign policy at the Parliament of Estonia (Riigikogu), and outlined the main objectives and lines of action in Estonia's foreign policy. The minister focused on the ways we can achieve victory for Ukraine and ensure that the values we cherish endure. Tsahkna noted that just as Ukrainians have been determined in their resistance to Russia's aggression, Estonia has been determined in its support to Ukraine and it will continue until Ukraine's victory. "The Ukrainian state must endure in its territorial integrity. Force should not be the instrument for changing national borders and trampling on sovereignty, not now nor in the future, not in Ukraine nor anywhere else," the minister said. "Aggression must not succeed; it must not become a new acceptable reality. Otherwise, the world will become the domain of force, arrogance, callousness, authoritarianism." To end the politics of force, it is key to punish the perpetrators of crimes and those who are carrying out the aggression. "No one wants to live in a world where Putins roam, kidnapping and orphaning children, attempting to cancel their neighbours and mining nuclear power plants," the minister said. "If these kinds of criminals go unpunished it will only encourage future aggressors. Perpetrators of crimes must be punished; they must be brought to justice. The most appropriate way to process the crime of aggression is to create an international tribunal on the recommendation of the UN General Assembly. No position in the world should bring anyone immunity from this." The minister recalled that in line with international law, Russia is obligated to compensate the damage it has caused in Ukraine. "As long as Russia has not done so, we must find a way to use the frozen or blocked assets of Russia and Russian citizens," Tsahkna said. "Here, too, Estonia leads the way, initiates and inspires. The government has composed a bill that makes it possible to use frozen and blocked assets." Speaking about Europe's security architecture, Tsahkna said the European Union and NATO are and must remain its foundations, with Ukraine as a member. "Ukraine must become a member of NATO and the European Union, it is a guarantee that makes the aggressor doubt the effectiveness of its militant and destructive objectives," Tsahkna said. "It is Estonia's position that Ukraine must receive a clear message about becoming a member at the upcoming NATO summit in Washington. However, the most important thing is for Putin to become convinced about Ukraine's NATO accession, convinced that there is no more Ukraine as a grey zone." The minister said that for Ukraine to win the war, it is necessary to continue working on next packages of sanctions; agree on sustainable and long-term military support for Ukraine; continue isolating Russia internationally; and start rebuilding Ukraine now, so that the people of Ukraine are better able to cope with the brutal consequences of war. Tsahkna noted that the world was an uneasy place, and not only due to Russia's aggression. Faced with a conflict in the Middle East, migratory pressure and climate change, we must uphold the values we cherish, and our humanity. "We must safeguard the European Union and NATO, our Allies and friends, with whom we have worked for the same cause for 20 years now," the minister said. "The wars in Ukraine and Gaza demonstrate that our way of life and principles that underpin democratic society and our own independence need special care, attention and protection." This is why Estonia has launched the Fit for Freedom initiative, which entails three main lines of action. They are the protection of fundamental and human rights, reinforcing the rules-based international order, and integrating the civil society with various levels of policy-making. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Briefing by IDF Spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, February 13th , 2024 IDF Press Release February 13, 2024 13.02.24 IDF Below Is a Translated Readout of the Briefing: The IDF and the Israel Security Agency (ISA) are fighting in the Khan Yunis area, the capital of Hamas in southern Gaza, which can now be seen on the map. There is Khan Yunis of the upper area, a vast and complex area consisting of hills of dense and crowded areas, multi-story buildings, villages, and agricultural lands. At the beginning of this month, we arrested family members from the first circle of the senior leadership of Hamas' Military Wing in the Gaza Strip and the close surroundings of Yahya Sinwar on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activity. The detainees were transferred to ISA investigation, among the detainees were the father of the Brigade Commander, Rafa Salama, the Commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade, and the son of Husni Hamdan, Head of one of Hamas' formations. A leader of one of Hamas' formations. They provide us with significant intelligence in the ISA investigation. There is also a lower Khan Yunis, which is a network of underground tunnels spanning dozens of kilometers, at depths of dozens of meters below the surface. In recent months, we have been using a unique combat method in this area. A combined operation both above and below the ground simultaneously using special units, advanced technology, and precise intelligence led by the 98th Division and the Southern Command. The underground maze beneath Khan Yunis consists of several types of tunnels, infrastructure, and routes. There are tunnels that serve as hiding places for Hamas terrorists, and there are tunnels designed to enable the movement of terrorists between different parts of the Gaza Strip. At the heart of the tunnels, at the very core of Hamas' tunneling network, lies the organization's strategic underground complex. This consists of several underground compounds, dozens of meters under the ground, designated for the stay of senior Hamas operatives, routine and emergency combat management, holding hostages, hiding funds, intelligence materials and more. We are focused on locating these compounds. We have reached most of them and will continue to search the area to locate those that remain. As part of the operational activity of IDF soldiers and ISA in the area, we operated on a compound under the cemetery in the Bani Suheila area, one of the areas in the heart of Khan Yunis, where there were bedrooms for senior Hamas operatives beneath a cemetery and an office belonging to the Commander of the Eastern Battalion in the Khan Yunis Brigade. From there, they managed the attack on October 7th. In the same area, we also operated on a compound where hostages were held at different times and we published this intelligence information. In recent days, through the activity of special units, we uncovered a tunnel, dozens of meters underground, where we also found a video from a Hamas security camera installed in the tunnel. The leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the chief murderer, Yahya Sinwar, was seen fleeing with his children and one of his wives through the tunnel network, led by his brother, Ibrahim Sinwar. This footage, taken on October 10th at the beginning of the war, shows him escaping with his family underground through a tunnel to one of the pre-built safe complexes. This video of Sinwar is a result of the manhunt we are conducting for him. The hunt will not stop until we capture him, dead or alive. We are determined to capture him, and we will capture him. During further searches, we reached a compound where he was staying underground with other senior operatives, hiding while the war is happening above them. The senior Hamas operatives are staying in the compound in good conditions. They have food and bathrooms, alongside safes with personal fortunes amounting to millions of NIS and dollars. We are close to dismantling the military framework of Hamas in Khan Yunis. The 98th Division is searching and eliminating terrorists along with the special units and the infantry and armor brigades. We continue to detain terrorists, interrogate them in the Intelligence Directorate (J2) and the ISA, and uncover more and more intelligence. The most important thing for us, first and foremost in intelligence, is information about the hostages in order to make decisions and prepare operations like the rescue operation we carried out last night. Beyond that, information about the leadership of Hamas and senior Hamas operatives is crucial to us. This intelligence, along with additional findings, reveals to us additional strongholds and leads. Even tonight, we continue to search and operate in Khan Yunis. I want to clarify - a video like this or any other is not what's really important. What's important is the intelligence we are uncovering. What's important is that it will enable us to reach Hamas' senior operatives and the hostages, and we are determined to get to them. Also tonight, we do not forget the 134 hostages still held captive by Hamas. We are thinking of you all the time. We are working around the clock in all efforts to bring you home, and we will not stop until we succeed. In the north, under the Northern Command, in the last day, IDF soldiers in the air and on the ground eliminated nine terrorists in Lebanese territory. We continue to strike with all our might against Hezbollah's capabilities and to push it back from the border area. Every Hezbollah terrorist attempting to act against the State of Israel should know that we will strike him. He will not be immune. Throughout the day, we identified several launches towards Israeli territory from Lebanon. Unfortunately, in one of these launches, two civilians, a mother and her son, were severely injured. We will continue to act decisively on the northern border to restore security. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In a joint letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen and sent on Wednesday morning, the two leaders raise serious concerns over Israel's military campaign and potential violations of human rights and international law. They emphasized the recent resolution of the United Nations General Assembly and the ruling of the International Court of Justice, which found some of Israel's actions "may fall" within the Genocide Convention. Among the bloc's 27 member states, Spain and Ireland, together with Belgium, are considered the most critical voices of Benjamin Netanyahu's government and have touted plans to recognise the state of Palestine. "The horrendous terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other armed groups do not, and cannot, justify any breaches of (international humanitarian law) in the military response, with the resulting consequences for the civilian population of Gaza," Sanchez and Varadkar write. "We have made clear view (sic) that, to prevent further irreversible harm to the people of Gaza, an immediate humanitarian ceasefire is urgently required." The two leaders voice alarm over reports that Israel might soon launch a ground operation in Rafah, the border city in the south of Gaza where more than one million civilians are sheltering. The Israeli government claims Rafah is the last stronghold of Hamas, which it has vowed to dismantle in reaction to the 7 October attacks. This offensive, they say, will cause an "even greater humanitarian catastrophe." The war has already killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, including 12,000 children and 8,000 women, according to the Hamas-run health ministry of Gaza. "We ask that the Commission undertake an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its obligations, including under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of the relationship," Sanchez and Varadkar say. Story continues If the Commission concludes that such a breach exists, it should propose "appropriate measures" for member states to consider, they add, without specifying which ones. "The implementation of the two-state solution is the only way to make sure this cycle of violence does not repeat itself. The EU has a responsibility to take action to make this a reality," the premiers conclude. Reacting to the joint move, a Commission spokesperson confirmed the letter had been received a "few minutes ago" and declined to comment on possible next steps. "We do urge all sides (to) respect international law and we note that there must be accountability for violations of international law," the spokesperson said. "The EU consistently underlines the importance of ensuring the protection of all civilians and at all times in line with international humanitarian law and it deplores all loss of civilian lives. The EU continues to pass this message in all its statements but also as well bilaterally in its contacts with the Israeli authorities." In force since 2000, the EUIsrael Association Agreement is the chief legal instrument that governs bilateral relations among the two partners, covering political dialogue, trade, competition, technology, science, innovation and the fight against anti-Semitism, xenophobia and racism, among other subjects. Article 2 states that relations "shall be based on respect for human rights and democratic principles, which guides their internal and international policy and constitutes an essential element of this agreement." Additionally, Israel receives about 1.8 million per year as part of the bloc's European Neighbourhood Policy and is an associated country of Horizon Europe, the EU's flagship research programme endowed with 95.5 billion for the 2021-2027 period. Iran renews call for peaceful settlement of Armenia-Azerbaijan disputes IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has renewed Tehran's call for a peaceful settlement of disputes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, saying Iran is concerned about rising tensions on the border between the countries. In a statement on Tuesday, Kanaani called on Armenia and Azerbaijan to exercise restraint after clashes on the border between the two led to several deaths and injuries. He reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy are the only way to sustainable and permanent peace in the Caucasus region while calling on the two countries to speed up efforts to reach a peace deal. Armenia's defense ministry said on Tuesday that two of its service members had been killed and several more had been injured after Azerbaijani military forces fired at an Armenian military position in Nerkin Hand in Syunik province. 4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK launch fresh attacks on Yemen IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The US and UK air forces have launched a fresh round of attacks on Yemen amid rising military tensions in the region caused by the conflict in Palestine. Yemen's al-Masirah TV said in a Tuesday report that the American and British forces had carried out assaults on areas in the Al Tahita district near the Yemeni city of Hudaydah. There was no information available on the damage or casualties caused by the attacks. They come as the United States and the United Kingdom struggle to pressure Yemen's ruling Ansarullah movement to stop its attacks on Israeli-linked ships sailing in the Red Sea and regional waters. Ansarullah insists its attacks on the ships will continue until the Israeli regime halts aggression on Gaza that has left more than 28,000 people in the enclave since it started in early October. 4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran FM, Hamas official discuss Gaza developments IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Doha, IRNA - Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and Head of Hamas' political bureau Ismail Haniyeh reviewed the latest developments regarding the war in Gaza. The latest situation of the Gaza war in the political and operational fields, the need to stop the Zionist regime's aggression and crimes against the people of Gaza and the West Bank, and the immediate sending of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza were among topics discussed by the two sides on Tuesday. Amirabdollahian arrived in Doha on Monday, leading a political delegation. During his stay in Qatar, the foreign minister held talks with senior Qatari officials, focusing on international, regional, and bilateral issues, especially the situation in Palestine. 9376**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah targets Zionist settlements with two missiles: Reports IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has fired two anti-armor missiles toward the occupied territories, Zionist media outlets have reported. According to the reports on Tuesday, Hezbollah fired the missiles toward a Zionist settlement in Al-Jalil, north of occupied Palestine, causing damage in the area. The reports also regretted the fact that Hezbollah attacks will not stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, in a letter to Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, a group of resistance veterans announced their readiness to sacrifice their lives for the resistance movement amid the ongoing conflict with the Israeli regime. According to Alahed News, they said they are ready to give their lives and respond to the call of Nasrallah, saying, "The readiness to die is still in our blood." The Lebanese resistance movement has been conducting regular raids since early October against the Israeli regime's military position in retaliation for the occupying regime's offensives against Gaza and southern Lebanon. More than 28,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since the beginning of the Israeli regime's brutal war on Gaza on October 7. The war has also left more than 67,900 others wounded. 4354**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 5 Hezbollah members killed in Israeli attacks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Resistance Movement announced the martyrdom of five more of its fighters in attacks by the Zionist occupiers on the south of Lebanon. Hezbollah has announced the names of three of the martyrs, including 30-year-old Hussein Jamil Harisi, 35-year-old Hassan Ahmad Termos (Karrar), and 32-year-old Ahmed Hussein Termos. The name of two other victims were not revealed. Trio belonged to the town of Tallouseh but it was not specified the exact date and location of their killings. The resistance movement said, however, that they were killed on the way to al-Quds and for supporting the oppressed people of Gaza. Tensions on Lebanon's southern border remain high amid exchange of artillery and rocket fire between the Zionist army and Hezbollah forces. Hezbollah has targeted several military positions in the north of the occupied territories, prompting the regime to evacuate towns and villages illegally built there. So far, tens of thousands of Zionists have fled the areas amid fear of resistance attacks. A recent report by Lebanon's Arabic-language al-Mayadeen television news network says the resistance group struck Israeli outposts at least 1,013 times between October 8 last year and February 11. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran strongly condemns deadly Israeli airstrikes on Rafah IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has strongly condemned the latest airstrikes by the Zionist regime on civilian areas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that left scores of Palestinians, including a significant number of children dead or injured. Kanaani's statement came after the Israeli regime launched an all-out offensive against Rafah by conducting extensive air raids and artillery strikes on the densely-populated city, in the early hours of Monday. According to IRNA and other media sources, about 100 Palestinians were martyred, mostly women and children in the latest Israeli attack. Kanaani also warned against the Zionist regime's act of encroachment on Rafah and the threat of a ground offensive there. "Any such action would cause a humanitarian disaster and another war crime against the defenseless Palestinian nation", the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said, referring to Rafah's hosting more than one million Palestinian refugees. He emphasized that such an intention and action is not only contrary to the current negotiations on the issue of ceasefire, but also against an interim order issued by the International Court of Justice. "This is an example of the malicious intentions of the Zionists in repeatedly violating and discrediting all international legal norms", he underlined. While warning about the dangerous consequences of the Zionist regime's barbaric act, Kanaani also expressed concern over the continuation of genocide in Gaza. "If the United States and other Western allies of the Zionist regime are truthful to their concern about the security and stability of the region, they must take immediate actions to curb the insane behavior of the Israeli regime in killing defenseless Palestinian." The Iranian spokesman also tried to turn the attention of the international organizations and the global public opinion toward the worrying consequences of any military action in Rafah. He called it a responsibility of international organizations and the United Nations at the top of it to prevent the continuation of the aggression of the Zionist regime and the escalation of the humanitarian disaster. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US military base in Syria targeted with missile IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- An illegal US military base located in eastern Syria has come under fresh missile attack but there was no immediate report of damage or casualties. According to IRNA, citing Arab media, the missile hit the base located in the al-Omar oil field in Syria's Deir ez-Zour province in the early hours of Monday. This base has come under repeated drone and missile attacks in recent months, mostly claimed by the Islamic Resistance, an umbrella group of several resistance factions in Iraq. The new attack was launched just 2 days after a similar attack was carried out on the same military base as well as the one located in the Koniko gas field. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for these attacks on American forces that have maintained their illegal presence in the Arab country. Iraqi Resistance groups have repeatedly hit US military bases and facilities inside Iraqi and cross the brooder in Syria. Resistance groups in Iraq and elsewhere are outraged at the US military presence in the region, which they say is a source of instability, as well as Washington's support for the Israeli regime in its ongoing war on Gaza. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran: Expansion of Israel's war crimes to Rafah will have serious consequences for regime ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 13 February 2024 / 13:47 Iran's foreign minister has issued a stern warning over Israel's planned ground invasion of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip, saying it will have serious consequences for the regime. Tehran-ISNA- Hossein Amir-Abdollahian made the remark in a Monday post on X social media platform. "The expansion of the occupying Israeli regime's war crimes and genocide to include Palestinian refugees in Rafah will have serious consequences for Tel Aviv," he said. His comment came after earlier in the day, at least 100 civilians, mostly women and children, were killed and nearly 230 others wounded in extensive air raids and artillery strikes by the Israeli regime against Rafah. The aggression came as more than 1.4 million people, about five times Rafah's usual population, have fled to the city amid Israel's genocide in the Gaza Strip, which has killed upwards of 28,300 Palestinians since its commencement on October 7, 2023. Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, ordered the Israeli military on Friday to prepare to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation against the city. Aid organizations, however, say such a move will be nearly impossible, given the scale of devastation elsewhere in Gaza and the huge number of people trapped in the besieged area. "US provides Israel with weapons to massacre Palestinians" Iran's foreign minister also met with his Qatari counterpart, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, on Monday. Amir-Abdollahian is currently in Doha on the third leg of a regional tour, which has already taken him to Lebanon and Syria. Referring to Israel's threat about launching an all-out ground invasion on Rafah, Iran's foreign minister said, "The US administration talks about preventing the spread of war in the region, but at the same time, continues to provide the Israeli regime with weapons and military equipment to massacre Palestinians." "It is possible to achieve an agreement and find a political solution to the war in Gaza, provided that the US could make a choice in action and not just in words between continuation of war and [establishment of] ceasefire [in Gaza]," Amir-Abdollahian said. Praising Qatar's diplomatic efforts, which are aimed at putting an end to the Israeli onslaught on Gaza, Iran's top diplomat said, "The US administration lacks necessary integrity to help achievement of a political solution in order to stop the [Israeli genocidal] war on Gaza." He said Palestinian resistance groups have already proven their goodwill and commitment to a political solution. "However, it is clear that Netanyahu still gives priority to war and the US administration also supports [continuation of] the war in practice, while talking about [the necessity of] peace and ceasefire," Amir-Abdollahian said. The Qatari foreign minister, for his part, praised Iran's active diplomacy in support of Palestine and sustainable security in the region. He said Qatar shares Iran's views about the need to put a rapid end to the war in Gaza, and its diplomatic efforts will continue to that effect. "Ground invasion of Rafah will cause humanitarian catastrophe" Also on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry's spokesman Nasser Kan'ani warned that the Israeli regime's aggression against Rafah and a ground invasion of the city could result in "another humanitarian catastrophe and war crime against the defenseless Palestinian people." He added that invasion of Rafah is not only in conflict with and disruptive of ongoing talks on a potential ceasefire, but also contravenes an interim ruling by the International Court of Justice, which ordered Israel last month to act immediately to prevent genocide in Gaza. Such an invasion, Kan'ani said, serves as "a proof to sinister intentions of Zionists who have repeatedly violated all the international legal norms with the purpose of discrediting them." "If the United States and other Western allies of Zionists are honest in their expressions of concern about the security and stability of the region, it is now time to take immediate action to put a leash on the maniacal behavior of the Zionist regime's officials who are massacring the defenseless people of Palestine," the spokesman said. Kan'ani then drew the attention of international organizations, governments, and the world's public opinion to the concerning consequences of the Israeli regime's military aggression against Rafah. He asserted that international bodies, topped by the United Nations, are responsible for preventing continuation of the Zionist regime's onslaught on the Gaza Strip and further worsening of the ongoing humanitarian crisis there. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Heads of CIA, Mossad may discuss prisoner-captive deal in Cairo ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 13 February 2024 / 13:37 The heads of the CIA and Israeli Mossad agency are expected to meet with top Egyptian and Qatari officials Tuesday for talks on a prisoner-captive deal. Tehran-ISNA- US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and the head of the Israeli Secret Intelligence Service (Mossad), David Barnea, plan to hold a meeting in Cairo on February 13 to negotiate an agreement between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance, in an effort to halt confrontations and secure the release of hostages, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday. The report indicates that Egyptian and Qatari officials are expected to participate in the negotiations. That said, they believe Barnea's plan to visit Egypt was a sign that "Israel" is ready to negotiate a possible agreement with Hamas. A diplomatic source briefed on the progress of the negotiations told the newspaper that former discussions were constructive and there was a desire to reach a compromise. The diplomat said that the main points are still the issue of a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip. Earlier this month, negotiations took place over a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces, sources told Al Mayadeen on February 5. The stipulations of the agreement being drawn up included the issues of the ceasefire, withdrawal, prisoner-captive exchange, reconstruction, displaced people, the entry of aid, and the lifting of the siege imposed on Gaza. Intelligence obtained by Al Mayadeen indicates that the Paris Document touched on the captive-prisoner exchange but completely neglected the ceasefire and the withdrawal from Gaza, whereas the Resistance's agreement highlighted those issues as pivotal. There is no clause confirming a ceasefire after the truce ends, and there are no regional or international guarantees that the Israeli occupation would not resume hostilities after it; there also are not enough details regarding the essential issues of the Resistance and Gaza in and of itself, the sources said. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summons Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the Russian Federation for explanations Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.02.2024 On 14 February 2024, the Charge d'Affaires, a.i., of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, Oleg Zykov, is being summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia in order to receive his explanations concerning a publicly accessible list of former and current public officials of Latvia against whom politically motivated charges had been brought by Russia. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the law enforcement authorities of Latvia to verify the publicly announced information and reduce eventual risks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also working with the European Union partners to address the matter at the global level. As early as in December 2022, when it was reported that the Investigative Committee of Russia had initiated criminal cases and inspections regarding the Law on the Prohibition of Exhibiting Items Glorifying the Soviet and Nazi Regimes and Their Dismantling in the Territory of the Republic of Latvia passed by the Saeima (the Latvian Parliament), and its enforcement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs officially informed the Russian side of the Ministry's strong objection against the efforts of Russia to exercise its national criminal jurisdiction in the territory of another state. The Foreign Ministry has underlined that Russia's attempts at exercising extraterritorial criminal jurisdiction must be regarded as intervention in the domestic affairs of Latvia and being at variance with the Charter of the United Nations. The Ministry has also repeatedly informed Latvian public authorities about this situation, advising current and former officials to carefully consider the necessity of travelling abroad outside the EU and NATO. When a possible visit is being considering to a country, including in transit, the Ministry recommends to evaluate how close the relations and legal cooperation of the country are with Russia, as well as the level of human rights protection in that country. The Ministry will continue to keep up, with EU and NATO partners and with other countries in the framework of international organisations, the issue of Russia's politically motivated cases and extraterritorial targeting of the citizens of Latvia and other countries. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AtkinsRealis, a fully integrated professional services and project management company with offices around the world, has announced the appointment of Christine Healy, a seasoned global executive, as its new President for Asia, Middle East and Australia (AMEA), effective February 19. In her new role, Healys primary focus will be on advancing AtkinsRealis engineering services offering, spanning infrastructure, transportation, and clean energy segments. She will report to the President and CEO and will also be a member of the Executive Committee. AtkinsRealis has a strong presence in the Asia Pacific and Middle East and its involvement in projects in these regions include Neoms THE LINE; the Hong Kong - Shenzhen Western Rail Link and the International Airport; the Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport project; the Dubai opera; the Landmark 81 building, named one of the World's Top 10 Skyscrapers in 2019, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and the Riyadh Metro. Last December, AtkinsRealis was appointed to support the design of the New Murabba masterplan, the worlds largest modern downtown in Riyadh, and the Mukaab, an immersive destination that will revolutionize the way in which people experience hospitality, retail and leisure. Lauding the appointment, Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of AtkinsRealis, said: "We are delighted to welcome Healy to this new leadership role. With her wealth of experience and exposure to diverse regions throughout her career, she brings a distinctive global perspective and background which will enrich our strategic approach." "I look forward to working with her to serve our clients in the AMEA region as we continue our journey to provide solutions to meet the most pressing global challenges of our time," he added. An industry veteran, Healy has delivered new business opportunities, negotiated in challenging environments and created lasting relationships with stakeholders including partners and investors. With executive experience in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, UK & Europe as well as the Americas, she joins AtkinsRealis from TotalEnergies, where she held successive senior executive positions, including Senior Vice President for Carbon Neutrality and Continental Europe. A lawyer and economist by trade, her successful management of multibillion-dollar businesses, adept navigation of mergers and acquisitions, and active involvement in sustainability and energy transition programs underscore her leadership ability. Healy also held the position of Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel for Maersk Oil where she was responsible for Strategy, Business Development, Communications, Commercial Negotiations and Legal supporting operations in 14 countries. As Vice President, Business Development for North America for Statoil (now Equinor), she was responsible for delivering growth, including M&A execution. -TradeArabia News Service Tourists have made a desperate dash to catch sight of an iconic Aussie view by abandoning their cars on a coastal road, leaving it littered like a vehicle version of Tetris. And unsurprisingly, locals were infuriated. Cars and campers were left along the road leading up to Byron Bay's famous lighthouse on Tuesday morning with many eager to catch the sunrise after days of rain. The parking was initially orderly but vehicles quickly began to park on the two-way road leading up to the landmark, with one lane lined with cars before the other started to fill up, completely blocking road access. "I think one person starting parking there and the rest followed," Byron Bay resident Helene Konig told Yahoo News. "Most of the crowd was really young, early 20s mostly." Tourists used the road as a car park on Tuesday morning in a bid to catch the sunrise at the Cape Byron Lighthouse. Source: Facebook The Cape Byron lighthouse car park is "usually closed until 7 or 8 [am]" so tourists decided to initiate a "democratic takeover" of the road in order to tick off the view from their bucket list. Tourists 'refused' to move for local blocked in A local man was caught up in the chaos after leaving his car in one of the available parking bays only to be completely blocked in by multiple vehicles parked behind him. "An older guy started chatting to me... he said he was in his car that was parked on a normal parking spot and he got parked in. He got out and told the young crew that came out of their car to move it but they refused because they wanted to catch the sunrise," Konig said. "He was just waiting around for them to come back." There is limited parking near Cape Byron lighthouse. Source: Google Maps Watching the sunrise at the lighthouse is one of the most popular things to do while visiting Byron Bay. Source: Getty Online the tourists were branded as "entitled" and called "imbeciles", with locals believing they should be fined for blocking road access, questioning what would have happened in an emergency. Story continues However, others pointed to the larger issue at play believing more needs to be done to offer adequate parking space for the popular attraction. "[It] needs a regular shuttle from one of the car parks further out," one man remarked. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. NATO Allies discuss the importance of boosting defence industrial capacity with European Commissioner Thierry Breton NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 13 Feb. 2024 NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the European Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, to the NATO Headquarters on Tuesday (13 February 2024). Mr Stoltenberg emphasised the importance of NATO-EU cooperation to address shared priorities, including boosting defence production and ensuring long-term support to Ukraine. Commissioner Breton also briefed a meeting of the North Atlantic Council, chaired by Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana. Mr Geoana underlined that NATO is implementing the Defence Production Action Plan, which leaders agreed in Vilnius, to accelerate joint procurement, boost production capacity and enhance interoperability. "Two years after the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, it is absolutely imperative, both for Ukraine and for Euro-Atlantic security that we increase our defence production and revitalise our defence industries," Mr Geoana said. He also added that since last July, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has agreed contracts for around 10 billion dollars, including for Patriot missiles and 155-milimetre ammunition. "Allies have a single set of forces. So we need to ensure a complementary approach on defence industrial issues, that respects NATO's competencies, for example in standard setting, and does not create barriers between Allies". In January 2023, NATO and the EU signed a third joint declaration to further strengthen the partnership and address a broader range of issues, including growing geostrategic competition, resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senegal: Concern around suspended election Press briefing notes Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 13 February 2024 From Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Liz Throssell Location Geneva We are deeply concerned about the tense situation in Senegal following suspension of the presidential election slated for 25 February. Following reports of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against protesters and restrictions on civic space, we call on the authorities to ensure that they uphold Senegal's long-held tradition of democracy and respect for human rights. At least three young men were killed during protests and at least 266 people have reportedly been arrested across the country, including journalists. Investigations into the killings must be prompt, thorough, and independently conducted, and those found responsible must be held to account. The authorities should also ensure due process for individuals arrested during the protests. Amid rising tensions and reports of planned further protests, it is crucial that the authorities unequivocally order the security forces to respect and ensure human rights, including the rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly. We also urge all actors to refrain from resorting to violence. Given the challenges and concerns related to the circumstances surrounding the postponement of the election, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk calls on the Government to ensure that the proposed national dialogue be as broad-based as possible and ensure genuine participation of opposition groups, women, youth and marginalized groups. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's Remarks on Israeli Large-scale Airstrikes in the Southern Gaza City of Rafah People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2024-02-13 13:30 Q: Israel launched large-scale airstrikes in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, causing heavy casualties. The Israeli military says it plans to launch ground offensive against Rafah. What's China's comment? A: China is closely watching the developments in Rafah. We oppose and condemn acts against civilians and international law. We call on Israel to stop military operations as soon as possible, do everything possible to avoid casualties among innocent civilians and prevent a more devastating humanitarian disaster in Rafah. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Arab League chief: Displacement of Palestinians to lead to confrontation 'for next 1,000 years' Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 6:55 PM The secretary general of the Arab League has warned any seizure of the Gaza Strip or the occupied West Bank by Israel would mean "a confrontation for the next thousand years." Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Tuesday, Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed that the displacement of the Palestinian population from the occupied territories by Israeli forces would lead to "a confrontation for the next thousand years." The top Arab official reiterated his warning of the "dangerous consequences" of Israel's planned ground offensive into the crowded southern city of Rafah. Aboul Gheit called on Israel to "empty the settlements" on Palestinian land as well. Discussing the possibility of a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state, he noted that the scenario would only be possible when Israel "dismantled its illegal settlements built on Palestinian land." He decried an "Israeli mentality" to try and seize land the Palestinians want for their future state. He said that Israel's actions in Gaza and its treatment of Palestinians had become a threat to the continuity of the peace agreements it signed with its neighbors, especially with countries such as Egypt and Jordan. Elsewhere in his remarks, the Arab League chief further pointed out that it was imperative that the US and the Western bloc asked Israel to stop its attacks and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. "The United States must order Israel to stop these policies or otherwise the Middle East will explode in an unprecedented way," he said. "The (Israeli) occupation's intentions to impose the reality of displacement on hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who have taken refuge in Rafah as a last resort from indiscriminate attacks on civilians, is an open and completely rejected plan; it entails serious threats to regional stability," he added. Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military on Friday to prepare to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation against the city. Aid organizations, however, say such a move will be nearly impossible, given the scale of devastation elsewhere in Gaza and the huge number of people trapped in the besieged area. The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has condemned the deadly Israeli attack on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, saying the offensive was a "deepening of genocide" against the people of Palestine. The movement held the US administration of President Joe Biden along with the Tel Aviv regime fully responsible for the massacre in Rafah. International concerns are growing as Israel's ground invasion of Rafah is looming large. Israel presses ahead with its bombing campaign in the Gaza Strip, taking the lives of more civilians in the besieged territory. Since the start of the war, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 28,500 Palestinians, including more than 12,300 children and some 8,400 women. 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 France to deny visa to violent Israeli settlers Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 6:30 PM France has announced its decision to deny visas to violent Israeli settlers amid an increased number of Zionist attacks against Palestinians in the occupied lands. The French government will ban 28 Israeli settlers from entering the country for attacking Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, the French foreign ministry said on Tuesday. "These measures come as violence perpetrated by settlers against the Palestinian population has increased in recent months. France reaffirms its firm condemnation of this unacceptable violence," the ministry said in its statement without naming the individuals. Meanwhile, UN figures show that Israeli settler attacks have more than doubled each day since October 7, when the Israeli regime launched its genocidal war against Gaza. Also, European officials have expressed increasing concern about the increased number of attacks against the Palestinians in the West Bank. Officials in the United States and Britain have expressed similar concerns and have already imposed sanctions on several Zionist settlers whom they say are responsible for the violence. In this regard, EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, pledged late last year to propose visa bans against violent Israeli forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah says to expand war front if Israel escalates aggression against Lebanon, Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 5:51 PM Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has warned it would expand the anti-Israel front in the south if the occupying regime escalated it acts of aggression against the Lebanese territory and the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Hezbollah's Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah made the remarks in a televised speech at a ceremony held by the Lebanese resistance movement in honor of Lebanon's wounded and captured resistance fighters. The speech was broadcast live from the Lebanese capital city of Beirut on Tuesday. Nasrallah praised the sacrifices of resistance fighters and said, "The wounds and blood have generated real achievements for our people and our country." "Our responsibility is to preserve these achievements." On Israel's months-long savagery in the besieged Gaza Strip and the regime's sporadic shelling of southern Lebanon, the Hezbollah chief said, "The existence of Israel is a disaster for the entire region and a fearful and deterred Israel represents a less dangerous and harmful situation for the people of the region." "In light of what is happening in Gaza, the Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian, and Egyptian national interests require that Israel emerge from this battle defeated and broken." Nasrallah said the exchanges of fire in Lebanon's south would stop when the aggression against Gaza stops. "The resistance's job is to deter the enemy, and our responses will be proportionate." "Whoever threatens us with expansion of the war, we threaten them similarly; and whoever thinks Lebanon's resistance is - even for a single moment - in fear or confused is completely mistaken." "The resistance today is stronger in its determination to confront the enemy," Nasrallah stated. The Hezbollah chief said hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers already displaced from the north of the occupied territories would not be able to return to settlements in case of an escalation and an expansion of war zone. The secretary-general of Hezbollah said it was a "moral and religious" duty shouldered by the Lebanese resistance movement to strike the Israeli-occupied territories in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. "What we see today is primarily a sincere response on moral and religious grounds," Nasrallah said. "What we are doing on the Lebanese front is primarily a national responsibility to prevent the victory of Israel." The Hezbollah leader said Israel has gained nothing but failure over the past few months of bloody hostilities in Gaza. While praising the "legendary steadfastness" of the resistance fighters in Gaza, Nasrallah said, "What is happening in Gaza must shake the conscience of all people in the world, and they must feel responsible for the humanitarian catastrophe." Israel launched the war on October 7, 2023, after Palestinian resistance groups conducted the surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity in response to the regime's decades-long campaign of bloodletting and devastation. The regime has killed at least 28,000 people, the majority of whom women and children, in Gaza ever since. Over 68,000 people have also been injured. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In talks with Biden, Jordan king calls for full, 'lasting' ceasefire in Gaza Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 5:03 PM After meeting with US President Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II has called for a full and "lasting ceasefire" to end the current war in the besieged Gaza Strip, as Israel is preparing to launch a ground offensive into the crowded southern city of Rafah. King Abdullah's appeal came after he met with Biden at the White House on Monday as both leaders warned against any indiscriminate Israeli ground assault into Rafah, where more than a million desperate Palestinians are trapped. "We cannot afford an Israeli attack on Rafah. It is certain to produce another humanitarian catastrophe," said the Jordanian monarch, taking the lectern after Biden had spoken first," the Jordanian leader said, stressing, "We cannot stand by and let this continue. We need a lasting ceasefire now -- this war must end." King Abdullah, whose country is home to more than 2.3 million registered Palestinian refugees, has constantly pushed for a permanent ceasefire to end the Israeli war in the densely populated Gaza Strip. Jordan has housed the largest proportion of Palestinian exiles largely live on Israel's eastern border. One in five people in the Arab country is Palestinian and most of them have full Jordanian citizenship. Israel launched the US-backed war on Gaza on October 7 after the Palestinian resistance group 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 more than 28,000 individuals, the majority of whom are innocent civilians, and injured more than 68,000 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under the rubble in Gaza, which is under "complete siege" by Israel. The Israeli regime stresses that it wants to eradicate Hamas in the Gaza Strip and now it focuses on Rafah, claiming that the resistance group will be eliminated through a ground invasion of the southern city. Rafah has come to host more than 1.4 million Palestinians, who have fled there from the ravages of the Israeli military onslaught in other parts of Gaza. Aid organizations say Rafah's evacuation will be nearly impossible, given the scale of devastation elsewhere in Gaza and the huge number of people who have been trapped in the besieged area. So far, Washington has refused to call for a permanent ceasefire in the Palestinian territory as it fully supports Israel's drive to defeat Hamas, calling only for shorter pauses with hostage deals instead. However, now that Biden seeks reelection in November he began taking a harder line with the occupying regime on civilian casualties, Claiming last week that Tel Aviv's offensive was "over the top." "The United States is working on a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, which would bring in mediate and sustained period of calm to Gaza for at least six weeks," the American president said, adding that key elements were in place but "gaps" remained. More than four months into the regime's onslaught on Gaza, the military forces have now ramped up airstrikes on the border town of Rafah. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran urges Armenia, Azerbaijan to exercise restraint amid border tensions Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 4:45 PM Iran has voiced concern over the escalation of border tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, urging the two neighbors to exercise restraint. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani expressed Tehran's concern during a news briefing on Tuesday, following the border conflict earlier in the day which resulted in the death of four Armenian soldiers. Kan'ani called for a peaceful solution - through diplomacy - to the dispute between the two sides. The Iranian official said to that end, it was necessary to speed up the conclusion of a peace agreement between the two countries. Armenia and Azerbaijan traded blame in the wake of new clashes. The Armenian Defense Ministry said "four people were killed and one injured as a result of fire on Armenian positions from Azerbaijani troops." But Azerbaijan's border guards said this was a "riposte" to a "provocation" Armenian troops committed on Monday, which, according to Baku, left one Azerbaijani soldier injured. Azerbaijan's defense ministry also said Armenian forces had opened fire twice late Monday at positions on Kokhanabi village in the Tovuz region. Yerevan denied the allegation, saying the claim "does not align with reality." Nagorno-Karabakh has been at the center of a dispute between Baku and Yerevan for more than three decades. Since gaining independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, the two neighboring countries have fought two wars, in 1994 and 2020, over the mountainous territory. Karabakh, while acknowledged as a part of Azerbaijan by the international community, has a predominantly Armenian population that has persistently opposed Azerbaijani governance since a separatist war in 1994. Last year, Azerbaijan recaptured Karabakh in a lightning offensive that prompted an exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians. The latest border skirmish was the first fatal incident since the two sides began negotiating a treaty in 2023 to formally end the conflict. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yemenis remain resolute as US, UK conduct new airstrikes Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 4:19 PM The United States and Britain have once again carried out joint airstrikes on Yemen as the country says it is fully prepared to fight off a potential ground invasion by the outsiders. The airstrikes targeted areas in Tuhayta district of the western province of Hudaydah on Tuesday. There was no information immediately available on the potential scale of damage or the number of casualties. The Tuesday strikes came after US and UK warplanes targeted at least 10 locations in areas controlled by Yemen's Ansarullah movement on Thursday and Friday. Outsiders are bombarding Yemen's territory because the Yemeni armed forces have been attacking ships either owned by Israel or linked to the regime in the Red Sea over the past several weeks. Yemenis conduct the maritime attacks in a solid display of support for the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel has killed more than 28,000 people, mostly women and children, in Gaza since early October. Yemenis say unless the regime ends the bloody hostilities, the maritime attacks will continue. On Monday, a US bulk carrier identified as Star Iris was attacked by the Yemeni naval forces in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, a senior member of Yemen's Supreme Political Council said on Tuesday that Yemen is prepared for a potential ground invasion by the US and British militaries. Mohammad Ali al-Houthi said such a ground invasion would be much more difficult than similar operations conducted in the past by US-led forces in Afghanistan and Vietnam. Houthi said Yemen "has no worries" about such a scenario and that this would exactly be what the Yemenis have been waiting for. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Africa calls for ICJ intervention over Israel's ground invasion of Rafah Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 3:44 PM South Africa has filed an "urgent request" at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over Israel's planned ground invasion of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, urging its intervention to protect Palestinian rights. In a statement released on Tuesday, the South African government urgently appealed to the ICJ to assess Israel's recent declaration to expand its military presence in Rafah, which is the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza. South Africa's office of the presidency said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah has already led to and will result in further large-scale killings. "it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by Israel, has already led to and will result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction." the statement read. The statement added, "This would be in a serious and irreparable breach of the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order of 26 January 2024." Last month, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa. Israel was also ordered to immediately ensure that Palestinians have access to basic services and humanitarian assistance. In a landmark judgment, the ICJ determined that it was "plausible" that Israel has committed acts that violate the Genocide Convention. The latest Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip killed hundreds of Palestinians, raising the death toll from the onslaught since early October to nearly 28,500. The attacks are focusing on Rafah. The city lies on the border with Egypt and hosts some 1.4 million displaced Palestinians who have been forced to leave their homes due to heavy Israeli bombardments in other parts of the strip. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military on Friday to prepare to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation against the city. Aid organizations, however, say such a move will be nearly impossible, given the scale of devastation elsewhere in Gaza and the huge number of people trapped in the besieged area. The Palestinian resistance Hamas movement has warned that Israel's planned ground offensive in Rafah could cause tens of thousands of casualties. Several countries have also expressed concern over Israel's plan to launch a large offensive in Rafah. Iran's foreign minister recently issued a stern warning over Israel's planned ground invasion of Rafah, saying it will have serious consequences for the regime. China has also called on Israel to immediately stop its planned ground assault on densely populated Rafah, warning of a "serious humanitarian disaster." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A Woolworths store in New Zealand remains closed while a major investigation into the supermarket continues after footage of multiple rodents in the store went viral. A photo taken from inside the Countdown store in Dunedin a subsidiary of Woolworths, which is in the process of rebranding all its stores under the Woolworths name shows two large rats sitting on a shelf, looking out at customers. And it's far from an isolated incident for the apparently rat-ridden supermarket chain. Days earlier, a mouse was spotted scurrying over potato salad in the deli section of a separate store in the city of Christchurch. The rats were spotted in Countdown, Dunedin South, sitting on a shelf and looking up at customers. Source: NewsHub The incidents have forced New Zealand Food Safety to launch an independent review of Woolworths' pest management process across its New Zealand stores, while Countdown has been carrying out its own rat catchments. Since Friday, when the Dunedin store stopped trading, 19 rats have been caught, Stuff.co.nz reported, while a spokesperson for Woolworths New Zealand told Yahoo News Australia on Wednesday afternoon that just one had been captured within the last 24 hours. We can confirm there was one rodent captured in Countdown Dunedin South in the past 24 hours, they said. Having a safe and hygienic store is incredibly important to us and we have agreed with New Zealand Food Safety (a division of the Ministry of Primary Industries) that we will keep the store closed until there has been a 48 hour period with no captures in the store. Countdown has been forced to launch a thorough probe. Source: NewsHub Woolworths also confirmed it is working alongside the Ministry for Primary Industries on its independent review of its pest-management process nationwide by AssureQuality. We would like to thank our customers and community for their understanding as we continue to address the rodent issue at Countdown Dunedin South, the spokesperson said. Story continues We would like to apologise for any distress and inconvenience this issue is causing our community. We continue to work closely with New Zealand Food Safety and Renotokil, and will provide regular updates as needed. Ongoing infestation The Dunedin South store has been plagued with rats for months, according to reports. On January 5 and 11, New Zealand Food Safety received information about the possible presence of rats, Stuff.co.nz reported, but it turned out that the shop had been working to resolve a rodent issue since late last year and hadnt escalated the matter, leading to an investigation on January 24. While over at the Christchurch store, its believed proper protocol wasnt followed when the mouse was spotted on top of the potato salad and that the food in the deli counter wasnt disposed of immediately. A mouse was spotted standing on potato salad at Eastgate Countdown in Christchurch. Source: NewsHub Coles worker steps forward to reveal rat problem In November last year, Coles made headlines after an outgoing employee came forward to expose a complete infestation at one of the supermarkets major distribution centres in Queensland. After six years at the facility, the picker and packer revealed to Yahoo News Australia what was really goes on inside the warehouse, after sneaking his mobile phone into the centre, despite it being banned. "I just think the public has a right to know how these sorts of companies pursue profit at all costs, and screw them," said the disgruntled employee, who asked not to be named, while sharing photos of rats running across the ground. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Calls for UNRWA closure in Gaza 'short-sighted', says agency chief Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 3:04 PM The head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has denounced "short-sighted" calls to have the agency dismantled amid the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The agency's chief Philippe Lazzarini said he warned the member states at a meeting in Geneva on Tuesday "about all these calls to have UNRWA dismantled, to be terminated." "I have warned about the impact, I have said that these calls are short-sighted." "If we want to give a chance to any future transition to succeed, we need also to make sure that the international community has the tools and one of the tools is UNRWA." He said, "There is absolutely no other UN agency or international NGOs which have been tasked over the last two decades to provide government-like services like education to hundreds of thousands of children." Nearly the entire population of Gaza now relies on UNRWA for basics including food, water and hygiene supplies. Major donors, including the United States, Britain, Germany and Japan, have suspended funding after Israel claimed 12 of UNRWA's employees were suspected of involvement in the Hamas Operation al-Aqsa Storm against the regime in early October. Lazzarini said what Israel said about the agency's former employees is just allegations and that the regime "did not share with us information or evidence regarding the allegations leveled against the former employees." The UN has sacked the 12 staff members. Rafah's situation is 'deeply concerning' Lazzarini further raised the alarm about Israel's attacks on Rafah, Gaza's overcrowded southern town that has become the last refuge for Palestinians fleeing Israel's bombardment of the besieged coastal territory. He said the Rafah situation was "deeply concerning," with people "anxious and in fear" of a major military assault "in the middle of a sea of displaced people." More than four months into the regime's onslaught on Gaza, the military forces have now ramped up airstrikes on the border town, where more than half of the territory's population of 2.4 million has been forcibly displaced. "The question is, where will the civilians go?" Lazzarini said. "There is absolutely no safe place in Rafah anymore. The fear is that the number of people killed and injured might again significantly increase." UNRWA warned on Friday that the bombardment of Rafah would be a "recipe for disaster." Since the regime 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 killed more than 28,000 people so far, according to the Gaza health ministry. Lazzarini said more than 150 UNRWA installations have also been hit since October. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenia says 4 soldiers killed in border clashes with Azerbaijan Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:52 AM Armenia and Azerbaijan have traded blame on fire fight that erupted along the volatile border between the two arch-foes, with Yerevan saying four of its soldiers were killed in the southern region of Siunik. The Armenian defense ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that "four people were killed and one injured as a result of fire on Armenian positions from Azerbaijani troops." But Azerbaijan's border guards said this was a "riposte" to a "provocation" Armenian troops committed on Monday that according to Baku left one Azerbaijani soldier injured. It warned that further "provocations" would be met with "more serious and decisive measures from now on." "The military and political leadership of Armenia is fully responsible for the incident." Azerbaijan's defense ministry said Armenian forces had opened fire twice late Monday at Baku's positions on Kokhanabi village in the northeastern Tovuz region. But Yerevan denied the allegation, saying the claim "does not align with reality." Nagorno-Karabakh has been at the center of a dispute between Baku and Yerevan for more than three decades. Since gaining independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, the two neighboring countries have fought two wars, in 1994 and 2020, over the mountainous territory. Karabakh, while acknowledged as a part of Azerbaijan by the international community, has a predominantly Armenian population that has persistently opposed Azerbaijani governance since a separatist war in 1994. Last year, Azerbaijan recaptured Karabakh in a lightning offensive that prompted an exodus of more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians. The latest border skirmish was the first fatal incident since the two sides began negotiating a treaty to formally end the conflict last year. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah fighters target Israeli spying devices, gathering of soldiers near border Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:34 AM Fighters from the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance movement have separately targeted espionage equipment and a gathering of Israeli troops stationed at military outposts close to the border between the Arab country and the 1948 occupied territories. Hezbollah said in a brief statement that its fighters carried out an operation at 9:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday (0730 GMT) against the Hadab Yarin site, and fired a salvo of rockets at the surveillance devices there. The statement added that the projectiles hit the designated targets, and destroyed them. Earlier in the day, Hezbollah fighters had struck a gathering of Israeli soldiers in Hounin Castle, causing injuries among the troops. On Tuesday afternoon, Hezbollah said in a separate statement that it had launched a number of rockets at an Israeli police building in Kiryat Shmona city, which lies in the northern part of the occupied lands, and hit it precisely. This came on the same that the Gaza-base resistance group Mujahideen Brigades stated that its fighters had fired a number of rockets at the illegal Netiv HaAsara, just at the northern border with the Gaza Strip. It went on to note that the resistance forces are engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli infantry units in the eastern and western neighborhoods of the city of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Mujahideen Brigades also stated that it had struck an Israeli armored vehicle in al-Jamiat area, west of Gaza City, with a rocket-propelled grenade. Moreover, the resistance fighters hit and destroyed an Israeli personnel carrier with a tandem-charge weapon near the Gaza Industrial Estate. 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 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 28,473 people, most of them women and children. Another 68,146 individuals have also been wounded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China warns of 'humanitarian disaster' in Rafah amid Israel's plan for incursion Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 10:28 AM China has called on Israel to immediately stop its planned ground assault on densely populated Rafah, warning of a "serious humanitarian disaster" if the occupying regime invades the Gaza Strip's southernmost city. "China follows closely the developments in the Rafah area, opposes and condemns actions that harm civilians and violate international law," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement. The senior diplomat urged Israel to "stop its military operation as soon as possible, (and) make every effort to avoid innocent civilian casualties, in order to prevent a more serious humanitarian disaster in the Rafah area." Rafah, situated in Gaza's closed southern border with Egypt, is home to about 1.4 million Palestinians who have been displaced due to the Tel Aviv regime's genocidal war on the besieged territory. Israel had designated Rafah a "safe zone," but it is now threatening an all-out military offensive, leaving the people sheltering there terrified with nowhere left to go. The looming onslaught has mounted fears over a new carnage against Palestinians and drawn global condemnations. Israel conducted a predawn raid in Rafah on Monday, killing over 100 Palestinians and injuring hundreds more. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the death toll proved the warnings of "the catastrophic consequences" of a looming attack on the densely-populated Gaza city. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that the regime will provide "safe passage" for civilians out of Rafah. In reaction, European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell lashed out at Netanyahu, saying, "They are going to evacuate (people from Rafah)! Where - to the moon? Where are they going to evacuate these people?" Meanwhile, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the world body "will not be party to forced displacement of people," noting that "there is no place that is currently safe in Gaza." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address International concerns mounting over potential Israeli ground invasion of Rafah Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 9:51 AM International concerns are growing as Israel's ground invasion of Rafah is looming large, with world leaders expressing grave concerns over the military operation against the densely populated area in the far south of Gaza. Scores of people, including children, were killed on Monday as extremely intense Israeli airstrikes and shelling pounded locations in Rafah, where a million Palestinian refugees have more than doubled the local population after being driven from the rest of the besieged territory by Israel's military offensive. The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Karim Khan said in a social media post on Monday that he was "deeply concerned by the reported bombardment and potential ground incursion by Israeli forces in Rafah." Khan warned that Israeli is on notice for Rafah strikes and that his office is "actively investigating any crimes allegedly committed" in the war and those "in breach of the law will be held accountable." "All wars have rules and the laws applicable to armed conflict cannot be interpreted so as to render them hollow or devoid of meaning," he wrote. The ICC chief criticized Israel for not changing its conduct in Gaza, warning that "those who do not comply with the law should not complain later when my office takes action pursuant to its mandate." Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief in remarks made in Geneva on Monday said such an operation in Rafah "risks further atrocity crimes" and urged the world "not allow this to happen." "Those with influence must restrain rather than enable. There must be an immediate ceasefire," he said. United Nations relief chief Martin Griffiths together with Turk called on Israel to abort its "terrifying" planned incursion into Rafah. They warned that such an operation would likely result in scores of civilian casualties. On Monday, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) also warned that "Israel's declared ground offensive on Rafah would be catastrophic and must not proceed." Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed concern over the "devastating" consequences of such an offensive, calling on the Israeli regime to refrain from launching the ground invasion as the Palestinians there have nowhere else to seek refuge. "I'm very concerned about what's going on in Gaza, in particular in Rafah. The operation would be devastating and is devastating to Palestinians and all those seeking refuge," Joly told reporters. "What [Israeli prime minister Benjamin] Netanyahu ... is asking them to do, which is to leave again, is unacceptable. Because they have nowhere to go and so that's why we need right now for the violence to stop," she said, reiterating Canadian calls for a sustainable ceasefire. Caroline Gennez, the Belgian Minister of Development Cooperation and Urban Policy, also said ahead of an EU informal meeting of development ministers in Brussels the situation in Rafah is "very, very dangerous" and called on continued support for the million Gazans stuck at the border area. "We live in the most dire humanitarian crisis in ages, 1.2 million people are stuck at the border with Rafah. The situation is very, very dangerous," she said. Rafah has come to host more than 1.4 million Palestinians, who have fled there from the ravages of the Israeli military onslaught in other parts of Gaza. On Friday, Netanyahu called for the evacuation of civilians from Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation against the city. On Monday, the EU's foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell criticized Netanyahu for turning a deaf ear to all international demands on him to protect civilians in Gaza while addressing a press conference after a meeting of the bloc's development aid ministers in Brussels on Monday. "They are going to evacuate - where? To the moon? Where are they going to evacuate these people?" Borrell asked. He also called on Israel's allies to cut arms supplies to the regime if they want to lessen the immense civilian casualties that its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip is causing. Speaking to reporters in Ireland on Monday, the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence Micheal Martin said he is in "no doubt" that the continued bombing of Rafah will "constitute a war crime." "To bomb and to mount a military operation in such a confined area, with so many people, is absolutely inhumane, unacceptable, and the international community must do everything it possibly can to put the pressure on Israel not to proceed with this invasion," Martin said. Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said The United Nations "will not be a party" to any forced displacement of Palestinians currently living in Rafah. "You can't send people back to areas that are littered with unexploded ordnance, not to mention a lack of shelter," the UN spokesman said, referring to parts of the northern and central Gaza Strip. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron has also called on the Israeli regime to "stop and think seriously" before taking further action in Rafah. Cameron said many of the people in Rafah had already fled from other areas and said it is "impossible to see how you can fight a war amongst these people, there is nowhere for them to go." Israeli Ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich, however, has said the military operation in Rafah is "necessary" to continue the release of captives held by Hamas in Gaza and "eliminate" the resistance group. Since the start of the war, the Tel Aviv regime has killed 28,473 Palestinians, including more than 12,300 children and some 8,400 women. At least 68,146 people have also been wounded, including 8,663 children and 6,327 women. 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 Syria cautions about 'catastrophic' repercussions of Israel's planned invasion of Rafah on regional stability Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 8:01 AM Syria has warned about the "catastrophic repercussions" of an impending Israeli ground offensive on the Gaza Strip's southernmost city of Rafah, saying such a move will seriously jeopardize the security and stability of the West Asia region. "Syria stresses that allowing Israel to implement its dangerous and inhumane schemes in Gaza, crafted by the United States, will pose a major threat to security and stability in the region," the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates said in a statement on Monday. The statement added that the Israeli decision to launch a military onslaught against Palestinian civilians constitutes a grave breach of international law, and the most fundamental human rights. "The displacement of Palestinians is morally condemned. The international community is required to protect them and provide them with humanitarian assistance immediately and permanently," the Syrian foreign ministry noted. It added that Syria renews its appeal to the international community, especially the International Court of Justice, to make Israel stop the genocide it is committing against the Palestinians in Gaza, and to hold to account fascist Israeli leaders for the catastrophic fallout stemming from assaults on civilians and destruction of private and public property in the besieged coastal territory. Despite international alarm over potential carnage in Rafah, Israel says its forces are determined to invade Gaza's southmost city, crammed with 1.4 million people. Rafah is the most densely populated city in the besieged strip sheltering Palestinians forced from their homes by Israeli bombing and evacuation orders. Global leaders say the planned Israeli offensive would cause a humanitarian catastrophe as Palestinians have nowhere to go. 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 in the occupied West Bank. Since the start of the aggression, the Tel Aviv regime has killed at least 28,340 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 half 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 to the more than two million Palestinians living there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah: Axis of resistance has 'surprises at highest level' if Israel commits foolish act Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 7:31 AM A Lebanese lawmaker from the political wing of the Hezbollah resistance movement has warned of retaliatory surprises if Israel oversteps the limits and commits an act of great folly against his country. Speaking on Monday, Ibrahim al-Moussawi, a member of Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc, threatened more strikes in the occupied territories in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. "If the Zionist regime commits an act of great folly or oversteps the limits, it will face an appropriate response," he was quoted by Lebanon's al-Ahed news website as saying. "The enemy must know that it is facing the resistance that is very powerful and a nation that does not back down in the face of threats." Moussawi also noted that Hezbollah has retaliated against the attacks carried out by the enemy over the past few months. He asserted, "The axis of resistance has surprises, and will be ready at any moment to raise the level of its response to aggression to the highest level imagined by its enemies." Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire since early October, shortly after the occupying regime launched its genocidal war on besieged Gaza following a surprise operation by the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement. Hezbollah's constant rocket fire has prompted tens of thousands of Israeli settlers to flee from northern areas of the occupied territories. Hezbollah has vowed to keep up its retaliatory operations as long as the usurping entity continues its aggression against Gaza, which has so far killed at least 28,340 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured over 67,984 others. Two weeks ago, Israeli minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant warned that Tel Aviv is prepared for a war that will be "devastating" for both Hezbollah and Lebanon. However, reports say the US government has been trying to prevent an expansion of the Gaza war to Lebanon. 'Hezbollah has upper hand over enemy' Meanwhile, Mohammad Raad, head of Hezbollah's Loyalty to Resistance parliamentary bloc, said that Israel wants to blackmail the Americans by bombing Lebanon, and it is seeking to expand the scope of the conflict. "If the American side is looking to stop the war, why is it still giving Israel all the ammunition it needs and sending its senior generals to ... the operations room ... The answer is that because they want to act against our region," he asserted. Raaf further said that Hezbollah "has the upper hand" over the enemy and will fight it in its own way. "The enemy will never succeed in achieving its goals in Lebanon and will never be able to impose its conditions on us," he emphasized. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Feb. 12: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 6:46 AM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal military campaign in Gaza, which has killed nearly 28,500 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 Monday, February 12, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on Feb. 12: Clashed with a group of Israeli soldiers, killing at least 10 of them, from a point-blank range, near Abasan Al-Kabira in the eastern part of Khan Younis city, southern Gaza Strip. Announced the killing of 3 more Israeli captives in the Israeli airstrikes. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Feb. 12: Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli troops storming Balata camp in Nablus, targeting them with machine guns and explosive devices. Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Feb. 12: Ambushed and inflicted casualties on an Israeli force that had barricaded itself in a house after it was booby-trapped and blown up in the Al-Sabra neighborhood. Targeted the occupied Third Eye in the "southern Gaza envelope" with a barrage of rockets. Carried out a joint rocket bombardment with the National Resistance Brigades of the settlements in the "southern Gaza envelope." Destroyed an Israeli military vehicle in the vicinity of the university area with an RPG shell. Blew up an Israeli troop carrier with a Tandem shell in the vicinity of the industrial area in Gaza. Hezbollah's operations on Feb. 12: Eastern sector: At around 14:40 local time, surveillance equipment at the radar site was targeted with a guided missile. At around 17:55 local time, the Zibdin site in Shebaa was targeted with missiles. Western sector: At around 15:15 local time, the Beranit Barracks was targeted by a Falaq-1 missile. At around 15:25 local time, Zarait Barracks was targeted with a Falaq-1 missile. At around 15:25 local time, a building in the Yaroun settlement where Israeli soldiers were positioned was targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 17:05 local time, a building in the Avivim settlement where Israeli soldiers were positioned was targeted with appropriate weapons. At around 18:15 local time, Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Birkat Risha site were targeted with Burkan missiles. Total operations since Oct. 7: 1,020 Yemeni military's operations on Feb. 12: Targeted the American "STAR IRIS" ship in the Red Sea with precise anti-ship missiles, achieving direct hits. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Almost $5 billion of Indo-Pacific aid in bipartisan Senate bill After an all-nighter in the Senate, Trump-allied Republicans in the House threaten to tank the legislation. By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2024.02.13 -- The U.S. Senate on Tuesday passed a $95.3 billion bipartisan spending bill that includes $4.83 billion for Taiwan and other U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, but only after hours of midnight filibustering from Republican senators aligned with former President Donald Trump. The funds set aside for the Indo-Pacific would replenish American weapons stockpiles to allow for shipments to Taiwan to be made while also meeting funding requests from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. However, the bill still needs approval in the House, where opposition from Trump-allied Republicans looks set to prevent its passage. The bill passed the Senate 70-29 just before 5 a.m. after Sen. Rand Paul, a Republican from Kentucky, and Sen. J.D. Vance, a Republican from Ohio, tried to prevent a vote by speaking against the bill through the night over $60 billion included for Ukraine, which Trump opposes. Other Republican senators opposed the bill for not including any funding to stem illegal immigration on the southern U.S. border, which was included in a similar high-profile bill last week that failed following opposition from Trump and from House Republicans. In the end, 22 of the Republican Party's 49 senators - including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell - joined with nearly all of the 51-seat Democratic majority in voting for the bill, allowing it to pass. The only Democratic senators to vote "nay" were Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who is an independent but caucuses with Democrats. They cited the bill's $14.1 billion of aid to Israel for its war with Hamas, and argued that Israel was treating all Palestinians as an enemy. But Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York who worked with McConnell to rework last week's larger bill, said its passage was an achievement that should be celebrated. "It's been years - perhaps decades - since the Senate has passed a bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but also the security of Western democracy," Schumer told reporters in an early morning press conference. American resolve U.S. President Joe Biden said he "applauded" the bipartisan grouping of senators who passed the aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and said he wanted the bill on his desk for signing as soon as possible. "I urge the House to move on this with urgency," Biden said. "If we do not stand against tyrants who seek to conquer or carve up their neighbors' territory, the consequences for America's national security will be significant. Our allies and adversaries alike will take note." The sentiment was echoed by some of the 22 Republicans in the Senate who broke with Trump to approve the legislation. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina said some of the concerns coming from his party in the House should be "respected." But he said that, on balance, he supported the bill because "China is watching" whether the United States has the resolve to stick with its military allies. "Why am I so focused on this vote? Because I don't want to be on the pages of history that we will regret," Tillis said on the Senate floor. "If we walk away, you will see the alliance that is supporting Ukraine crumble. You will ultimately see China become emboldened," he said. "Let this chamber be the chamber that stands with the free world." "History settles every account," added McConnell, the minority leader, in a statement. "And today, on the value of American leadership and strength, history will record that the Senate did not blink." But those lawmakers' defiance of Trump has not been without cost. McConnell's negotiations with Democrats on the bill, for example, has led to caustic criticism from Trump-allied members of his caucus, with Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri declaring "McConnell is probably not the future" of the party, after leading it in the Senate for 17 years. Still, Schumer, at least, has been effusive about the cooperation. Speaking at a Washington Press Club Foundation dinner late last month, Schumer quipped that in the cross-party talks over the funding bill, "I guess you could say I got 99 problems, but Mitch ain't one." House opposition No matter its margin of support in the Senate, though, the $95.3 billion bill may be dead on arrival in the House of Representatives. House Speaker Mike Johnson, another Trump ally, said on Monday he would not even introduce the legislation for a vote in the lower chamber, where the Republicans hold a slim 219-212 majority. That has led to complaints from Democrats. Schumer in his Tuesday press conference said that given there were 22 Republicans in the Senate who voted "yes" in spite of the vocal opposition from Trump, he expected it would be easy to also find at least four Republicans in the House to secure a majority there. "I call on Speaker Johnson to rise to the occasion, to do the right thing: bring this bill to the floor," Schumer said, predicting it would pass. "With the strong bipartisan support we have here in the Senate, with this vote, I believe that if Speaker Johnson brought this bill to the House floor, it will pass with the same strong bipartisan support." But Johnson has said he simply did not like the border provisions included in last week's bill from the Senate and wanted them to be revamped, not removed. The House will therefore "have to continue to work on its own will on these important matters," he said. Still, any redrafting of the bill by the House would introduce further complications, with senators unlikely to be able to vote for weeks. The Senate is not due to sit again until Feb. 26. When it does, it will be just days before government funding is due to run out once again, putting that at the top of the legislative agenda in both chambers. 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 Navigating cliffs, wading through rivers: How Indonesia organizes elections Wednesday's vote will be held across a vast archipelago with diverse geographies and infrastructure. By Pizaro Gozali Idrus for BenarNews 2024.02.13 -- For Damianus Luhat, a long-serving election official in Indonesia's East Kalimantan province, organizing a vote is not just a civic duty but also an adventure, which includes braving rapids and cliffs and camping overnight. For the Feb. 14 general election too, like every five years, he and other poll workers in his Long Bagan district delivered ballots and equipment to remote villages along the Mahakam River with a longboat their only means of transportation. "It takes us eight hours to get to the farthest village. We often have to camp on the riverbank because of the distance," he told BenarNews on Thursday. Damianus recalled a previous election period during which his longboat packed with election paraphernalia capsized while crossing a rapid that deceptively looked like a waterfall. He and his team managed to save the election materials, but lost some of their personal belongings. "Hopefully, everything will go smoothly this time," he said. Luhat is one of the millions of election workers who are preparing for Indonesia's general election next week, which will be the largest and most complex single-day vote in the world. It is gargantuan and complicated because eligible voters will be casting their ballots not just to elect a president and vice president, but also to vote for members of the national and regional legislatures. And because nearly 205 million people are eligible to vote, officials have to set up more than 800,000 polling stations across the sprawling archipelago. The presidential race is a three-way contest between Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Anies Baswedan, a former Jakarta governor and ex-Central Java Gov. Ganjar Pranowo. Standing for the 580 seats in the House of Representatives will be a total of 9,917 candidates from 18 national parties, according to the General Elections Commission. And around 250,000 candidates will compete for 20,000 seats at the regional level. For all these contests the election commission needs to print ballots and transport them across the length and the breadth of the country along with ballot boxes and items such as envelopes, and candidate lists. And to make things just a tad more difficult, the 1.2 billion ballots the commission has had to print aren't all the same. They vary depending on the number of candidates and electoral districts. The commission has enlisted more than 5.7 million workers and volunteers to help with the election. The logistics of this election are staggering, considering it will be held across a vast archipelago of more than 18,000 islands with diverse geographies and infrastructure. Take the case of the Mentawai Islands, a group of four islands off the coast of Sumatra. Election workers have to travel on foot for hours through hilly and forested areas to reach some of the polling stations on these islands, said Saudara Halomoan Pardede, the head of the election commission in the region. "Our areas are separated by sea and some parts are very difficult to reach. We also have to deal with the rivers and the weather," he told BenarNews. The timing of the elections in February, the rainy season, has added to the challenges. In Central Sulawesi's Pagimana subdistrict, four policemen, a soldier and several poll workers left Thursday for a three-day journey on foot to deliver election supplies to a village that is inaccessible by any vehicle. They will have to traverse forest trails, navigate steep slopes and wade across bridgeless rivers, all under uncertain weather conditions, said Frets Adolof Rombot, one of the policemen. "We hope we won't face any troubles or dangers like heavy rain or wild animals," he told Benar News. The complexity of the elections also poses challenges for the voters, who have to cast multiple ballots with scores of candidates, some of whom they may not know much about. Indonesia's elections are among the most complex in the world, according to Khoirunnisa Agustyati, executive director of the Association for Elections and Democracy (Perludem). "The electoral districts are large, the system is open proportional, the voters are numerous, and the geographic diversity is also vast," Khoirunnisa told BenarNews. Aspirants compete for a seat with other parties' rivals as well as their own. And support for a political party doesn't necessarily mean a vote for its presidential nominee. Khoirunnisa said that this confusion led to a high number of invalid votes in the 2019 elections, which was 11.12% or 17.5 million of the total votes cast for the House of Representatives. The number of invalid ballots for the Regional Representative Council, a parliamentary chamber similar to the Senate in the United States, was even higher, at 19% or 29 million ballots. She said that the public is generally more interested in the presidential election, because the media publicizes it more. "The legislative elections receive less attention and the voters have limited information about the candidates' profiles," she said. One such voter is Agung Budiyanto, a 37-year-old private employee in Tasikmalaya regency in West Java. "I don't even know whom to vote for besides the president and vice-president," he told BenarNews. He did not receive any information about the election or the candidates in his area, he said. "There are too many people on the banners and billboards. But I don't know any of them. I will just vote randomly," he said. First-time voter, 17-year-old Taghsya Rizqita Putri Amany from Jakarta, said the candidates' programs were unclear, because their campaign materials showed only their faces and slogans. Taghsya also feels overwhelmed by the various candidates she will have to vote for because of the various elections taking place simultaneously. "I worry that my future will be ruined if I pick the wrong people as leaders," she said. Nazarudin Latif in Jakarta and Taufan Bustan in Palu, Indonesia, contributed to this report. BenarNews is an RFA-affiliated online news organization. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Members of Congress are proposing a bill to continue a federal program that has provided $3.8 billion to support more than 6,500 projects in the Great Lakes region. The legislation would renew the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which was created in 2010, through 2031. Annual funding for the program would increase from $475 million to $500 million. New York's U.S. senators Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand are cosponsors of the bill, which was introduced by U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow. "The creation of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is one of the most important actions of my legislative career," Stabenow, D-Michigan, said. "Since I authored the program in 2010, it has been a proven success story. This bill will ensure the stability and future of the program as we address new emerging threats to our Great Lakes and waters." A fact sheet provided by Stabenow's office details the program's achievements, including the removal of approximately 8 million pounds of Asian carp, an invasive species, from the Illinois River and preventing nearly 2 million pounds of phosphorus from entering the Great Lakes. Phosphorus contributes to the development of harmful algal blooms. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has also produced economic benefits, with every dollar spent by the program generating $3.35 in additional economic activity. The bill to continue the program through 2031 is supported by numerous members of Congress. U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, whose district includes Cayuga and other counties along Lake Ontario, is backing the effort. Several advocacy groups are also supporting the legislation, including the Healing Our Waters-Great Lakes Coalition and the Great Lakes Commission. "I am encouraged by the progress that Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has already made and I will partner with my colleagues from New York and surrounding states to reauthorize it and continue laying the foundation for a greener, cleaner future," Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said. Biden Urges House To Vote Immediately On Ukraine Aid, Says Failure Of Bill Is 'What Putin Is Betting On' By RFE/RL February 13, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden has called for the House of Representatives to quickly pass a bill that would provide billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, challenging Republicans lawmakers to take a stand against Russian President Vladimir Putin and vote in favor of the spending package. Biden urged immediate passage of the bill in comments at the White House on February 13 after House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican-Louisiana) sharply criticized the $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other countries, casting serious doubts on its future just hours after it passed the Senate. "I urge speaker Johnson to bring it to the floor immediately, immediately," Biden said, adding that it is "critical" for Ukraine. Johnson said in a statement late on February 12 that the bill was "silent on the most pressing issue facing our country" -- border security provisions that Republicans had insisted be included in the bill, casting doubt on its chances of passing the House. Biden didn't mention border security in his comments from the White House but reminded Republicans that the United States "stands up for freedom" and stands strong for its allies. "We never bow down to anyone, certainly not to Vladimir Putin, so let's get on with this," Biden said. "We can't walk away now. That's what Putin is betting on." Biden, a Democrat, warned Republicans in the House who think they can oppose funding for Ukraine and not be held accountable that "history is watching" and a failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment "will never be forgotten." He also criticized recent comments by former President Donald Trump about NATO as "dangerous" and "shockingly un-American." Biden reiterated Trump's claim that he told NATO allies that if they didn't spent enough on defense, he would encourage Russians to "do whatever the hell they want." "Can you imagine a former president of the United States saying that?" Biden asked. "No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator. Let me say this as clearly as I can. I never will," he added. He accused Trump, the current front-runner in the race to become the Republican party's presidential nominee, of looking at NATO as if it were a "burden" and failing to see an alliance that "protects America and the world." To Trump it is a "protection racket," and he doesn't understand that NATO is built on the fundamental principles of freedom, security and national sovereignty, he said. The U.S. president also stressed that the bill also provides funding for other U.S. national-security priorities in the Middle East, where the U.S. military has launched numerous attacks against militias backed by Iran, and money to help defend Israel in its fight against Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU. It also provides funding to support U.S. national-security goals in Asia, Biden said, saying this is the "responsibility of a great nation." In Kyiv, Ihor Zhovkva, deputy director of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's office, told RFE/RL that the bill's passage by the Senate was "a very serious signal," and a "strong decision" was expected from the House of Representatives. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 70-29, and Zhovkva said the approval of 70 senators will make it difficult to find reasons for not voting for the bill. "We have every reason to hope that the corresponding strong decision will be approved in the House of Representatives," Zhovkva noted. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/united-states-senate-passes- ukraine-aid-bill-/32817835.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 'Restrictive Measures A New Normal': Turkmen Region Imposes Unofficial Nighttime Curfew By RFE/RL's Turkmen Service February 13, 2024 TURKMENBASHI, Turkmenistan -- Residents of Turkmenistan's western province of Balkan can be arrested if they leave their homes after 9 p.m. The unofficial nighttime curfew was imposed by the police earlier this month in the coastal province, where state employees can lose their jobs if they breach the new rules. It's the latest restriction in Turkmenistan, an authoritarian Central Asian country where the government has severely curtailed individual rights and freedoms. The provincial government in Balkan has not given any reasons for the measure. But a police officer in the coastal city of Turkmenbashi told RFE/RL that the move was aimed at "maintaining peace and quiet and ensuring that people can rest peacefully at night." State employees said they received leaflets from provincial police that warned them against "walking in the streets in the evenings with or without a purpose." Another police officer in Turkmenbashi, who also spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, said the measure was a response to the alleged disappearances of mostly young women in the country in recent years. "There have been many cases of girls leaving their homes to go to nightclubs and not returning home," the officer said. "In the past two years, there have been 54 unresolved cases involving missing young people in the country." The officer did not elaborate, but said the alleged disappearances had raised the concerns of the Interior Ministry and the country's leadership. The new restrictions came as the provincial government in Balkan ordered all female high-school students to undergo mandatory virginity tests to "evaluate their morality" and prevent teen pregnancies. The list of those deemed to have failed the controversial examination will be shared with police and security services, according to local officials. 'More Rules' RFE/RL correspondents in Balkan say the unofficial nighttime curfew comes as the police have intensified "control measures" across the province in recent weeks. That includes detaining those caught drunk on the streets. Some of those detained will be sent to alcohol and drug rehabilitation facilities for up to three months, according to a police officer who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. In Turkmenistan, one of the most repressive countries in the world, citizens are often forcibly sent to rehabilitation centers or subjected to mandatory tests. Those who refuse to comply or criticize the government's policies can face arrest. There are no opposition parties or independent media in Turkmenistan, where public protests are extremely rare and many government critics have been jailed or forced to flee the country. Mehri, an elderly Turkmenbashi resident who gave only her first name, told RFE/RL that the authorities were trying to make "increasingly restrictive measures a new normal." "It feels like more and more rules are being imposed to curb people's freedom of movement," Mehri said on February 13. "The authorities are doing it gradually, as if to see how people will react. If there are no protests, they introduce new restrictions. Judging by the scale of the restrictions, the authorities are increasingly afraid of people." The unofficial nighttime curfew in Balkan is likely to create more challenges for locals and visitors in the coming months as the days become longer. The province, especially the resort town of Awaza, is a top destination for domestic holidaymakers in the summer. The town is known for its restaurants, nightclubs, and concert halls. Many locals also go to the town's mosques for evening prayers. Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by RFE/RL's Turkmen Service Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/turkmenistan-province- nighttime-curfew/32818231.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 Armenia Says 4 Soldiers Killed By Azerbaijani Fire; Baku Says Operation Was Retaliation By RFE/RL's Armenian Service and RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service February 13, 2024 Four Armenian soldiers were shot dead and another one was wounded by Azerbaijani fire early on February 13 at one of the southern sections of the border between the two countries, the Armenian Defense Ministry said, in the first shooting incident in months. The ministry said on February 13 that Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire at 5:30 a.m. against an Armenian military position in the direction of the village of Nerkin Hand in Syunik Province, killing two soldiers, and later updated the death toll to four and one wounded. "Units of the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire from small arms towards the Armenian combat post in the vicinity of Nerkin Hand village," the ministry said. Armenian authorities did not release any other details, but Khachatur Baghdasarian, the mayor of Nerkin Hand, told RFE/RL's Armenian Service that the situation in the village was tense. In response, Azerbaijan's State Border Service said in a statement on February 13 that Azerbaijani forces had "completely destroyed" an Armenian border post in Nerkin Hand during a "revenge operation" after Baku accused Armenian troops of opening fire on February 12 in the direction of Azerbaijani positions in the Zangelan district, claiming that one Azerbaijani border guard was wounded. Armenia said it would investigate the incident, but so far no results of the promised investigation have been announced. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted to the shooting incidents during a press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Brussels. "The Armenian shooting of the Azerbaijani soldier yesterday was deplorable, but the Azerbaijani response today seems to be disproportionate," Borrell said. The latest incident came after a dramatic decrease of cross-border shoot-outs between the two Caucasus neighbors since last fall, when Azerbaijan regained full control of the breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh in a 24-hour military offensive on September 19-20 that forced more than 100,000 ethnic Armenians to flee the region, leaving it nearly deserted. No cross-border shootings had been reported by either side for more than two months. Late last month, senior Armenian and Azerbaijani officials held direct talks on the delimitation of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, a key hurdle to a comprehensive peace deal between the two nations. Both Armenia and Azerbaijan have said they are ready to sign a peace agreement that would put an end to their decades-long enmity, but both have accused each other of dragging their feet on it. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and dpa Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-azerbaijan-2-soldiers- killed/32817378.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Base in Syria's Omar Oil Field Attacked Three Times Within Hour - Source Sputnik News 20240213 DAMASK (Sputnik) - A US military base sitting on natural oil and gas fields in eastern Syria was shelled three times within one hour, a local Syrian source told Sputnik. "Within less than an hour, the US base was attacked three times - first two, then three more missiles were fired at it, the US air defences were unable to intercept them. During the third strike, more than 10 missiles were fired and struck the base, causing a fire to break out," the source said. According to the source, the US military responded to the incident by shelling the attackers' positions. US attack helicopters have since been deployed to patrol the area. The US armed forces illegally control territories in the east and northeast of Syria in the provinces of Deir ez-Zor, Al-Hasakah, and Raqqa, where Syria's largest oil and gas fields are located. Damascus has repeatedly called the presence of the US military on its territory an occupation and state piracy for the purpose of blatantly stealing the nation's oil. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IDF Kills Over 10,000 Hamas Fighters in Gaza Strip Since October 7 Sputnik News 20240213 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has eliminated more than 10,000 Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip, including many commanders, since the escalation of the Middle East conflict, but much remains to be done to reach the war's objectives, IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said on Tuesday. "So far, we have eliminated over 10,000 terrorists, including many commanders. This is what dismantling Hamas means. Our military achievements, as I previously mentioned, are very high, but there is still a long way to go before we can achieve the war's objectives. We need to eliminate the senior leadership, eliminate more of the enemy's commanders and operatives, return civilians to their homes safely, and bring the hostages home a supreme mission and moral obligation," Halevi said in a statement published by the IDF on Telegram. The IDF continues to operate "wherever terrorism exists" and does not intend to stop, Halevi added. "We have more work to complete in areas we have yet to reach and also in those we have already operated. We have plans, and we will choose the right time to carry them out and, of course, the right way to do so," he said. On February 5, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the IDF had destroyed 18 out of Hamas' 24 battalions. On October 7, 2023, Palestinian movement Hamas launched a large-scale rocket attack against Israel and breached the border, attacking both civilian neighborhoods and military bases. As a result, over 1,200 people in Israel were killed and some 240 others abducted. Israel launched retaliatory strikes, ordered a complete blockade of Gaza, and started a ground incursion into the Palestinian enclave with the declared goal of eliminating Hamas fighters and rescuing the hostages. Over 28,400 people have been killed so far in the Gaza Strip, local authorities said. On November 24, Qatar mediated a deal between Israel and Hamas on a temporary truce and the exchange of some of the prisoners and hostages, as well as the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The ceasefire was extended several times and expired on December 1. More than 100 hostages are still believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Pushing Israel and Palestine Towards Catastrophe - Russian FM Lavrov Sputnik News 20240213 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia does not see any prospects for a quick stabilization of the situation around the Gaza Strip, especially against the backdrop of Israeli plans to expand the military operation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday. Russia's top diplomat Sergey Lavrov has addressed attendees of the 13th annual Middle East Conference of the Valdai Discussion Club. The event entitled "Time for decisive action: a comprehensive settlement for the sake of stability in the region" is supported by the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences. In his speech, Lavrov touched upon a variety of pressing issues about the unraveling developments in the Middle East. No Prospects for Palestine-Israel Settlement at the Moment The minister emphasized that the recent expansion of Israel's ground operation further into the Gaza Strip dramatically undermines a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict. "Taking into account the uncompromising attitude of the Israeli leadership to continue the military operation in Gaza, now extending it to Rafah, we do not see prospects for the rapid stabilization of the situation in this sector," Lavrov noted. It is necessary to look for a way out of this catastrophic situation, the minister said, adding that it is the US that is "pushing Palestine, Israel and the entire Middle East into a catastrophe." US Seeks to Exclude Russia From MidEast Resolution Washington intends to exclude Moscow from international efforts for a Middle East crisis settlement, as the US is betting on its own dominance in the region, Lavrov added. "The Americans have chosen to bet on their dominance in the region and already work on excluding Russia from various international efforts aimed at creating conditions for lasting peace and stability," he underlined. The FM recalled that Washington effectively "blocked the work of international mediators on the Middle East settlement, consisting of Russia, the US, the UN and the EU." Lavrov added that in the current situation, the US applies "its recipes that are divorced from reality and one-sided solutions that ignore the specifics of either countries or the region as a whole." Russia Suggests Holding Intra-Palestinian Dialogue According to the Russian foreign minister, Moscow plans to hold an inter-Palestinian meeting in the "foreseeable future" with the support of the Palestinians themselves. "We propose holding an inter-Palestinian meeting with the participation of all leading factions to overcome the internal division," the minister shared. Lavrov also pointed out that at the UN, Russia had drawn attention to the long-standing Russian initiative to hold consultations involving key countries in the region in order to harmonize their approaches and support the creation of a Palestinian state. Russia Keeps Working on Evacuating People From Gaza Lavrov also noted that Russia continues to try to evacuate citizens of the Russian Federation and other countries from the Gaza Strip. "We continue to work on the evacuation of citizens of Russia, Israel and other countries from the combat zone. We cooperate with Egypt, Israel, and the Palestinians from Gaza. We have evacuated about 1,200 of our compatriots and their families, including citizens of other countries... We keep pursuing these efforts," he concluded. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs James O'Brien And Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim Previewing Secretary Blinken's Upcoming Travel to Albania and Germany US Department of State Special Briefing James O'Brien, Assistant Secretary Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Yuri Kim, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs Via Teleconference February 13, 2024 MR PATEL: Hey. Good afternoon, everybody, and thanks so much for joining us and appreciate everyone's flexibility on the last-minute time change. Just a quick - a few ground rules at the top. This call is going to be on the record but embargoed until the call's conclusion. We, of course, will have some time for questions at the end, but wanted to give a quick introduction of our speakers. Joining us today is Assistant Secretary Jim O'Brien and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Yuri Kim. They will talk through the Secretary's visit to Albania as well as the Munich Security Conference. So Ambassador Kim, why don't I kick it over to you first? AMBASSADOR KIM: Okay, great. Thanks very much for the opportunity. So as everybody knows, we're going to be taking off tomorrow for a two-stop trip in Europe. The first stop is going to be essentially a day stop in Albania that'll run from about 11:00 until about 7:00 or 8:00 in the evening. And this is really a stop that is going to focus on the future, the future of Albania, the future of the Western Balkans, where you may recall that Assistant Secretary Jim O'Brien recently was there was to talk about Bosnia-Herzegovina, but in any case, the future of the Western Balkans and the future of Europe. In all of this, the visit comes as we're kicking off the second 100 years of U.S.-Albania relations. It comes at a time when we want to go and thank Prime Minister Rama and Albania for being our co-penholder on the UN Security Council from [2022 to 2023]. They're now on the Human Rights Council. We want to emphasize and highlight the great cooperation that we have with Albania, we want to thank them for having been a main host of Afghans in need, with the Albanians continuing their historic tradition of giving refuge to those who are in the way of harm - in harm's way. So that's what we want to do. There are a few events here. It's a pretty tight schedule. So he'll go and he'll meet with the President Begaj, and then he'll have a meeting with the prime minister. This is not necessarily in chronological order, by the way. But he'll have a bilateral meeting with the prime minister, at the tail end of which he'll have a joint press avail. In between that, though, somewhere along the line, he's going to have a lovely encounter with young people, probably about 100 or so folks, and it's noteworthy for a couple of reasons. First is that it's about 100 people who have gone through our various exchange programs, like the Fulbright or the IVLP and any number of other programs. And the venue for that event is going to be the pyramid. This used to be - I think many of you are familiar with Albania's reputation during the bad old communist days as the North Korea of Europe, a severely isolated and repressive regime. The pyramid was built during the '80s as a mausoleum to their dictator Enver Hoxha, and it's kind of gone through several incarnations since the collapse of communism in 1991. But a couple of years ago, the city of Tirana and the Albanian-American Development Foundation joined hands to remake the pyramid into essentially an incubator for innovation and tech. So I think it's as lovely idea. It's also a building that was designed by - I think it was Dutch designers. But it's quite interesting, and we're looking forward to taking a look at this facility that's just been opened a few months ago. Let me stop there. MR PATEL: Great. Let's now pass it over to Assistant Secretary O'Brien. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Thanks, Vedant, and thanks, Yuri. I'll just say a few words. So the Secretary will spend Friday and Saturday at the Munich Security Conference. It's a venue that brings together leaders from across the European and Eurasian land mass, but also from around the globe, so it's a convenient spot to address a number of issues. The delegation - U.S. delegation is being led by Vice President Harris. The Secretary and the Vice President will have some work together, and - as well as she will deliver a keynote address in the conference as well. Throughout his meetings he's going to be highlighting four themes. One is support for Ukraine - so he will pivot off today's move from the - by the Senate on the supplemental bill, but also address how our coalition can continue to make this war even more a strategic failure for Russia, but also help Ukraine succeed. The second theme will be addressing the Middle East. So he'll reaffirm U.S. support for Israel's right to respond to terrorist attacks, and also talk about how the situation in Gaza can be ameliorated, and in particular taking all possible steps to protect civilians and to increase the amount of humanitarian assistance, taking into account the discussions that are ongoing about releasing hostages and a potential pause in the fighting. The third theme is to talk about the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. And given the global participants at the conference, this will be a good opportunity to drive that message home. And the final theme will be to discuss the importance of cooperation in international institutions and with states from around the world. One event that will highlight this theme will be a public forum that's on multilateralism with the Indian minister of external affairs and the German foreign minister. So for our German journalist guests, this will be one public manifestation of why we think this is not only a good conference, but it is very good that it be held in Germany with one of our primary global partners, the German Government. With that, Vedant, why don't I turn it back over to you and we can address questions that may come up. MR PATEL: Great, thanks so much. Operator, could you please remind folks on instructions to join the question queue? OPERATOR: If you would like to ask a question on today's call, please press 1 then 0. You may remove yourself from queue at any time by pressing 1 then 0 again. If you are on a speaker phone, please pick up the handset before pressing the numbers. Once again, the command to ask a question is 1, then 0. And one moment please for our first question. MR PATEL: Let's first go to the line of Nick Schifrin from PBS. QUESTION: Thanks so much for this. Jim, one of the obvious questions going into Munich follows the former president's comments on NATO this weekend. How will the Secretary reinforce the message that the President has been sending that we are united with Ukraine and that we're united transatlantically despite the former president's comments, when the Secretary does not have the supplemental in hand to be able to say the U.S. is putting its money where its mouth is? Thanks. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Vedant, do you want to take a few, or do you want me just to address that? MR PATEL: Sure, go ahead. Go ahead, Jim. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Okay. Yeah. Hey, Nick, sorry - sorry I didn't get to see you yesterday. Hope everything's all right. QUESTION: Yeah, sorry about that. Thank you. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: So no, I think people around the world are - understand our domestic process and that the U.S. works through these processes at a time. So it won't be a surprise to them that we're mid-course. I think they'll take heart from the size of the vote and from the President's endorsement of the legislation as it emerged, and that will give us a strong hand there. A question will be whether the former president is expressing his pride that contributions to defense went up under his time, just as they did for the two administrations surrounding him; or whether he's expressing skepticism that they should go up. And I think that's for him to clarify. But I think it's been clear for now 75 years this summer that the U.S. stands by our NATO commitments. Administrations from both parties of all ideological persuasions have regarded NATO as the bedrock of our security, certainly in Europe but increasingly a global partner. And I think that's the answer that they will come to. So the Secretary can explain this, put it in context, and prepare to then carry back to the U.S. the message of support that we get from our partners. And I'll just close with this note. One point that has been a theme since the end of the Cold War has been that the U.S. needs to do things with others, not alone, without support from others. In the case of Ukraine, our partners have contributed more in assistance than the U.S. has. Even on defense cooperation they are providing almost as much as we are, and in total it's more. So this is an example of what the U.S. has always wanted, of having our partners with us when we engage in something like this. And the size and the increases we're seeing in partners' commitment to their own defense, particularly in NATO, also illustrates how we're in this together. And that's how they'll emerge from the Munich conference. MR PATEL: Thanks so much. Let's next go to the line of Felicia Schwartz with The Financial Times. QUESTION: If you could speak to how the West's assessment of what Russia would do - you had Denmark's defense minister say recently that Russia could attack a NATO country in as little as three years. That's changed since 2022 when the U.S. and other partners were sure that Russia would not attack a NATO country. So I'm wondering how you can explain that shift. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: I didn't hear the first part of the question; I apologize. QUESTION: No worries. Recently Denmark's defense minister said Russia could attack a NATO country in as little as three years, and I'm wondering how - I think we heard from the U.S. and others in 2022, when the war first started, that the assessment was that Russia would not attack a NATO country. So - anytime soon. So I'm wondering if you can speak to how this assessment has changed. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: I haven't seen what the Danish defense minister said, so I don't know the context of that. I think we've been very clear that the best deterrence comes from preparing our defense. The collective security aspect of NATO increases the ability of each of its members to defend its territory. So having a strong NATO, having a NATO where its members increase their investment in their defense, and having the U.S. stand strong along with the collective security element of NATO, we think, is an effective way of keeping Russia from being aggressive. As far as what Russia will do, I think we just got several hours of President Putin. And at any time in that fairly friendly interview, he could have said that he had no designs or no interest. Instead, we got a history lesson on just how far-reaching his interests might be. But I think it will depend on whether he assesses that there's an opportunity, and that's why strong defense of the kind we'll emphasize this weekend is the best answer. MR PATEL: Great, let's next go to the line of Alex Marquardt with CNN. QUESTION: Ambassador, the number two point on your summary there, the - addressing issues in Israel and Gaza, just specifically, where do you - do you think the Secretary is going to be addressing that? It seems that the two opportunities that we're going to see him speak publicly in Albania and then in the forum on multilateralism don't exactly lend themselves to addressing those issues. So when will he be speaking to that? And then I don't - it might be too soon for this, but is there anything that happened today in Cairo in terms of the hostage talks, the talks on a humanitarian pause, that he would hope to build on in meetings and conversations in Munich? ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Vedant, do you want to take the question? So I think the Secretary is going to have a number of meetings in the private part of the conference, and I think that'll be where we discuss with our partners from the region and from Europe on next steps across the Middle East, the Red Sea, Gaza, and so on. But Vedant, do you want to take more on that? And then I'm not going to comment on the discussions in Cairo. MR PATEL: Yeah. Absolutely. Thanks, Jim. And just to build on what the ambassador said, we expect the Secretary to have a number of bilateral engagements over the course of the Munich Security Conference. We'll of course have more to share on those as the schedules for each day become clearer and clearer. And we expect in a number of those the Secretary will address and discuss with his counterparts the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Separately, on your second question, Alex, I just don't have any updates for you. And again, this call is limited in scope on the upcoming trip. We just finished the Daily Press Briefing where I believe Spokesperson Miller addressed a number of these things, so would point you back to that. Let's next go to the line of Alex Raufoglu with News Agency Turan. QUESTION: Hi, Vedant. Thank you so much for doing this, and I appreciate the speakers for their time. Quick questions about the Munich leg of the trip and the security conversation. Is - on Sweden's NATO accession and Hungary's opposition to it, is the Secretary planning to get more publicly and more directly involved into this given his history of active engagement on this topic as recently as with the Turks? Do we know what Hungary's reason actually is or if they even have any reason? And my second question about Azerbaijan-Armenia, Munich summits have been a place for engagement recently. As you know, last year Secretary hosted a trilateral meeting. Just wondering how much of the latest clashes complicate diplomacy or potential - a path for diplomacy. And why do you think this is happening now? Thank you so much. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: I'm sorry, I didn't get the context of the second question. I apologize. I'm at the airport so it's a little noisy. I just heard a reference to a trilateral last year, but I'm QUESTION: Right, can you hear me now? ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Yes. QUESTION: Yes, yes, the question was: Given the latest clashes between the two countries, how much it complicates the path - potential - for potential diplomacy at the summit? And why do you think these clashes are happening right now? Thanks so much again. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Yeah. So on the first question, I don't know that we'd characterize it as Hungary opposing. What Prime Minister Orban has said is that - first he said Hungary would not be the last to ratify Sweden, and we hope it will not be the last for long. And he said as soon as parliament returns in its regular session, which will be next week, the 26th, it will take up the matter. He anticipates that they'll approve Sweden's membership in NATO. So we'll expect to hold them to that, and I think that's the path that we're on. On the latter, I think the tensions now just point to the importance of more diplomacy, but I don't want to speculate on any particular recent action, so we'll just continue the path of trying to bring the parties together. MR PATEL: Great. Let's next go to the line of Michael Birnbaum. QUESTION: (Inaudible) so much for doing this. I appreciate it. A question about Europe looking at the American political context and Trump's general attitudes toward defending Europe. There are a few ideas that flit over the air about kind of setting up a more Europe- based defense system, different kind of fallback plans for how Europe could defend itself better if America were not ultimately coming to its aid. Do you think those kinds of efforts are useful? I mean, do you think it'd be better if Europe were in fact able to stand on its own if it ever got there, or do you think that's actually counterproductive to NATO planning, NATO efforts, and a general kind of ongoing transatlantic bond? What do you think the Europeans should do when they look at those Trump comments and the U.S. political scene? ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: But I think, Michael - and thanks for the question. I think for us the important point is that our partners should invest in their defense. That's the goal between both the top-line measurements - 2 percent of GDP invested in national defense, 20 percent of that on major equipment - but also on NATO's effort to have a strong regional defense plan that it can actually execute so we know the money is being spent wisely. The question of exactly how they'd spend that money is something that we discuss within the Alliance and across the partnerships, and I expect certainly at the NATO Summit this summer we'll have some discussions on how we look at what defense will be needed in the future, and we'll come out of that a stronger Alliance. I think that's independent of daily headlines. This particular surge in investment in defense is something that started in 2014. We saw the investment numbers go up immediately after the Wales Summit in 2014, and they continued going up through the Obama administration, across the Trump administration, and they in fact increased even more in the first few years of the Biden administration. So this is a thing that's independent of a particular firestorm, but it's the right thing for an alliance to do. MR PATEL: Great, let's next go to the line of Nadia Bilbassy. QUESTION: Hi, thank you for doing this. A couple of questions. First, why do you feel the need to send two senior officials to the Munich summit? You have the Secretary of State, the Vice President. Apart from that you outlined that she will give a keynote speech, how their roles will be similar or overlap? And second, on Gaza, if I'm not wrong, I think you said that the Secretary will explain Israel's right to defend itself and the U.S. position, but there's never been an agreement with European leaders. I think they disagree on how the war is executed and the large number of civilian casualties. So what exactly the message for the Secretary, and why do you feel there is a need to keep repeating that Israel has the right to defend itself? Thank you. MR PATEL: Jim, do you want me to - do you want me to take those? ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Yeah, why don't you do that one. Yeah. MR PATEL: First, Nadia, I would say that there are - we expect a number of officials from the U.S. Government to be present at the Munich Security Conference, and their respective departments and offices can - I'm sure would be happy to walk through their specific programming. From the State Department's perspective, this is a really important opportunity to meet with counterparts from Europe as well as from other parts of the world to discuss the very important issues at hand. I expect, of course, that the Secretary will do that, but I fully expect that other American officials will be - will have their own scheduling cadence of bilateral engagements, and it's important for those to continue at the various levels of governmental representation that we will have at the Munich Security Conference. On your second point, I take issue with the phrasing of your question. We believe that there continues to be convergence between us and our European allies on the right for Israel to be able to defend itself and to hold the Hamas terrorists who conducted the October 7th terroristic attacks accountable. We expect that the Secretary will talk about these things in his bilateral engagements, but as well as talking about the very important matters of ensuring that additional steps be taken to minimize the impact on civilians as well as additional steps be taken to ensure that humanitarian aid can continue to flow into Gaza. Let's now go to the line of Humeyra Pamuk with Reuters. QUESTION: Hello, can you hear me? MR PATEL: Yeah, go ahead. QUESTION: Okay, sorry. Thanks. I accidentally hung up and came back, so I'm sorry if something like this was asked in - during my absence. Also, Ambassador Kim must be delighted to be returning, sort of paying a short visit to her previous post, where she was almost a borderline celebrity. I'm just going to ask about Ukraine. I wonder what's going to be your message of support to Ukraine given the supplemental is struggling to pass. How can you really assure the allies when, because of Congress, the administration is effectively unable to put its money where its mouth is? And maybe a follow-up to a previous question on Trump: How are you going to, like, choreograph that message? How are you going to reinforce when a former president who's also campaigning is coming out with such strong commentary about NATO and where - when, according to the polls, that there is a decent chance that he might be at the White House this time next year? What exactly - like, how can you assure the allies that U.S. policy will have continuity basically? Thank you. ASSISTANT SECRETARY O'BRIEN: Vedant, I gave a bit of an answer to that. Do you want me to try and improve, or do you want to take a shot? Why don't I - I can go ahead. So I think that here are the main points. Our allies understand that we have domestic politics just as they do, and they can look at progress through the - through our Congress. They also have seen, as I have, that there is overwhelming support from members in the House as well as the Senate for the supplemental. The question is whether the leadership will put it to a vote, and that's a choice that the Speaker in particular has to face, and we have seen this situation happen before. I believe the U.S. will do the right thing because we understand that if we stand with our allies that all of us are stronger together. As far as how people interpret President Trump's views, I think that's up to them - whether they interpret him as expressing his pride that he brought increased investment into the national defense of our Allies or that he's expressing skepticism that that was necessary. But I believe that Americans stood by NATO for 75 years as its leading member and will continue. We're going to prepare this summer for the next period of NATO defending our future, and I think our Allies will see that commitment and know that even when America has come close to adopting isolation sentiments, we have always come back to this leadership role. That's the purpose of an alliance: that you know you can count on each other whatever the headlines are from week to week. MR PATEL: Thanks so much, Ambassador. And that, folks, is all the time we have for today. As a reminder, this call was on the record, embargoed until the call's conclusion, which (inaudible). MR TEK: Sorry, we lost Vedant. Just as a reminder, this call is concluded. It was on the record and embargoed until now. Thank you all so much for joining us and have a great rest of your day. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Jordanian King Abdullah II US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 13, 2024 Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan in Washington. The Secretary expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership between the two nations, acknowledging the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Jordan diplomatic relations. The Secretary emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Jordan partnership as a pillar of stability in the region and underlined the U.S. commitment to working with our Jordanian partners to further regional peace and security. He thanked King Abdullah for Jordan's continued efforts to bring critical humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians in Gaza and they discussed ways to expedite the flow of additional aid to Gaza from Jordan. Secretary Blinken and King Abdullah continued discussions about achieving an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza that provides lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, and Secretary Blinken underscored the U.S. commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with security guarantees for Israel. As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Secretary Blinken also underlined the need to preserve the historic status quo at Jerusalem's Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount and recognized the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's special role in the Muslim holy shrines in Jerusalem. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Antony J. Blinken at "Hostage Diplomacy as an International Security Threat: Strengthening Our Collective Action, Deterrence, and Response" US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Washington, D.C. February 13, 2024 Secretary Blinken remarks at the event Hostage Diplomacy as an International Security Threat Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks at the event "Hostage Diplomacy as an International Security Threat: Strengthening our Collective Action, Deterrence and Response" in Washington, D.C. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Thank you very, very much. And the board meeting is now convened. (Laughter.) Bishop, thank you for your powerful words, and very appropriate words. I think you pointed to something that is perhaps most significant of all in the moment that we're all living, and is the greatest poison in the human well, and that is dehumanization - the inability to see the humanity in each other. When that happens, when our hearts harden, then it's very, very difficult to move forward. And so I hope that both your words and the work that we're all doing together on this particular aspect of dehumanization - and that is arbitrary detention - will resonate. Mark, thank you for your leadership over so many years in so many different ways. It's particularly good to be here back at the Wilson Center. I've had the opportunity to be here over the years on many occasions. But this is an institution that is doing consequential work on the most significant challenges of our time. We're grateful for it because, needless to say, there is no monopoly on ideas, never mind good ideas. And we certainly need them and welcome them. I'm very grateful to our co-hosts as well from the Center for Strategic and International Studies - and I have a little bit of history with that wonderful institution, having been a senior fellow there some years ago - and Global Affairs Canada, as well as the experts, the journalists, and other partners from civil society who are here with us today. Each of you is critical to ending this practice of wrongful detention. And I'd particularly like to recognize the formerly detained individuals and their families who are here today and that Mark's already referenced. Not only extraordinary advocates, but indispensable partners. And the fact that having been through an experience that's almost impossible for anyone who's not been through it to fully describe or appreciate, the fact that you continue to lend your time, your efforts, your passion, your hearts to helping to end this practice and to helping others means a lot. And last but not least, to my colleague and to my friend, Melanie Joly, the foreign minister of Canada. Melanie's personal commitment to this issue - bringing arbitrarily detained people home, supporting their families, strengthening our international response - this builds on decades of Canadian leadership, and it's been instrumental in getting us to the place we're at today. And then finally finally, as we're doing thanks - Mark's mentioned this, but I have to give a special tip of the hat to my friend and colleague, Roger Carstens, our Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Now, Roger's office is lined with photographs of unjustly held Americans. He, his team, are constantly traveling the country, constantly traveling the world to visit with families, to try to find ways forward. And what I've seen over these past three years is a leader and a team that lead especially with extraordinary empathy and absolute determination, so that we can look families in the eye and say, we are doing everything possible to bring your loved ones home. I carry with me and have in my office a card where I have the names of every arbitrarily detained American around the world. And of all the things that I get some pleasure from doing in this job, none gives me greater pleasure than crossing a name off of that list. Thanks to the work of Roger, his team; thanks to the very difficult decisions that President Biden has made over the course of the last three years, we have been able to cross out 45 names since 2021, including just in December when we brought home six American citizens, the last Americans wrongfully held in Venezuela. But there are still too many people on that list. And I know that homecomings are bittersweet things, even painful things, for the families whose loved ones remain detained. I mean, on the one hand it's a reminder that everything is possible, and that, yes, we are going to bring their loved one home. But until that day happens, it's also painful. Yesterday, as it happens, I spoke on the phone with Paul Whelan. Our intensive efforts to bring Paul home continue every single day, and they will until he and Evan Gershkovich and every other American wrongfully detained is back with their loved ones. We're also working to bring home the remaining hostages in Gaza, who've now been held for more than 130 days. We're working intensely with Egypt, with Qatar, on a proposal to bring about their release. I've also met with their families multiple times. They're being supported by our SPEHA team. The agony that they face - simply not knowing, not knowing the fate of their loved ones - is beyond our imaginations. And here's the truly heartbreaking part: Unfortunately, this is part of a rising trend. Increasingly, states - but also non-state actors - are wrongfully detaining people, often as political pawns. This practice threatens the safety of everyone who travels, conducts business, who lives abroad. It's, of course, a brazen violation of individual human rights of the victims, a violation of international law, a violation of state sovereignty - and first and foremost, a violation of their basic humanity. Back in July of 2022, President Biden declared that hostage-taking and wrongful detention are a national emergency. That declaration - building on the bipartisan Robert Levinson Act - has expanded the toolkit that we can use to help get our people home, with sanctions, with visa restrictions, with greater coordination across our own government. Now, bringing people home is our primary focus. But it is not, in and of itself and alone, enough to resolve what is genuinely a crisis. The international community has to join together to deter future detentions - so that we can actually put an end to this practice once and for all. And the most effective way to do that is through collective action. For all that any one of our individual countries can bring to the table, we can bring so much more - and this is at the heart of the Canadian initiative - when we're actually acting together. That's the spirit behind the Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations. Now 74 countries plus the European Union have signed on to this initiative. And we're proud to have endorsed the declaration back in January of 2021. This coalition is raising the financial and reputational costs of arbitrary detention, and strengthening global pressure against it. We're synchronizing best practices for deterrence. We're building out a global network of hostage affairs envoys like Roger - and I'm happy to see that Canada's first senior official for hostage affairs, Julie Sunday, is also with us today. We're working with partners outside of government, like Global Affairs Canada independent international panel on arbitrary detention and CSIS's bipartisan Hostage Commission, to better use existing legal frameworks to target this practice. Together, we're sending a clear message: Our citizens are not human bargaining chips. They are not political pawns. If any country wrongfully holds any of our people, we will hold them accountable. Working with our Canadian friends, we're trying to expand this partnership to make it more inclusive. The declaration's first ministerial, held at the United Nations General Assembly last fall co-hosted by Malawi and Costa Rica, welcomed representatives from every part of the world. We're also engaging the private sector to raise awareness of this threat and develop resources to make employees safe while abroad. Now, keep in mind, countries that engage in this practice are also increasingly isolating themselves. Who in their right minds would want to travel to a country, engage in business in a country, work in a country, live in a country that engages in the practice of arbitrary detention? So this is a sure path to pariah status. Now, unfortunately, a number of the countries engaged in this practice are already in that category, but it should be a reminder to each and every one that this is a path that leads to nowhere for them and for all engaged. Now, as Mark mentioned, we're joined today, among others, by Siamak Namazi. Before his release last September, Siamak was the longest wrongfully detained American in Iran. When he was released, he wrote that, in prison, and I quote, he "experienced the worst of humanity every day. But outside of those walls, there were countless people who reminded [him] of the best of humanity." And a number of those people are in this room. Family members. Lawyers. Neighbors. Colleagues. Fellow prisoners. Strangers from around the world who ensured that he was not forgotten. And through their advocacy, helping him reunite with his loved ones and, ultimately, return home. Our single most powerful tool to bring people home and deter future detentions is our collective will and our collective action, rooted in our common humanity. Today, that's clearly on display. So I simply want to say I'm grateful to everyone who's here, not just for being here today but for this ongoing commitment to a singular and important mission. And I am convinced that through the work that you're doing, through the work that we're doing together, we will not stop until every family is made whole and until this practice stops once and for all. Thank you very much. (Applause.) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Venezuela Fact-finding Mission expresses profound concern over detention of human rights activist, calls for end to government repression United Nations Human Rights Council GENEVA (13 February 2024) -- The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela expressed deep concern over the fate of a human rights activist detained by authorities on Friday, and urged the Government to end a wave of repression against opponents that is intensifying nationwide. Venezuelan security forces detained Rocio San Miguel, president of the organization Control Ciudadano, as she was trying to board a flight together with her daughter at Simon Bolivar International Airport with her daughter. The country's Attorney General accused San Miguel of participating in an attempted conspiracy against President Nicolas Maduro and other senior officials, as well as involvement in attacks against military units and other institutions throughout the country. The whereabouts of both San Miguel and her daughter, and four other persons, are unknown. "These are not isolated incidents, but rather a series of events that appear to be part of a coordinated plan to silence critics and perceived opponents," said Marta Valinas, chairperson of the Fact-Finding Mission. "The Government of Venezuela must provide information on the whereabouts not only of San Miguel and her daughter, but all detainees whose places of detention are still unknown," said Valinas. "It is incumbent upon the Government to refrain from using repressive measures contrary to its international human rights and international criminal law obligations." The Mission has raised concern over several recent acts that contravene international law which, including detentions and threats of detention of members of the National Primary Commission, as well as militants of the Vente Venezuela political party, winner of the opposition primary elections, and the disqualification from public office of political leaders, including opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. Authorities have sought to justify these and other human rights violations as a response to conspiracies organized against the Government and high State authorities. "The Venezuelan State has violated the human rights of dozens of people when investigating alleged conspiratorial groups, depriving those investigated, detained and prosecuted of the most elementary rights," said Francisco Cox, member of the Fact-Finding Mission. "While the State has a right to investigate, this must be done with full respect for human rights and without committing international crimes." "According to the Inter-American Convention on Forced Disappearance of Persons, to which Venezuela is a party, one of the constituent elements of enforced disappearances is the denial of information on the whereabouts of the person, which prevents the exercise of legal remedies and the pertinent procedural guarantees," said Patricia Tappata, another member of the Fact-Finding Mission. "The belated and incomplete information on the whereabouts and state of health of San Miguel and her daughter fulfills the objective of instilling fear among those who express criticism of the Government, making the State responsible under international law." "In Venezuela, measures of repression and intimidation aimed at reducing civic space - now at greater risk with the upcoming adoption of the law regulating non-governmental organisations which affects their independence- continue to be combined with other extremely serious measures of repression," said Valinas. "It is worrisome that the Public Prosecutor's office, which has engineered all these arrests and threats of arrest, continues to operate in accordance with the Government's interest to provide an appearance of legality to all these abuses." ENDS Background: In September 2019, the United Nations Human Rights Council established the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela by resolution 42/25 for one year to assess alleged human rights violations committed since 2014. By its resolutions 45/20 and 51/29, the Human Rights Council extended the mandate of the FFMV for an additional two years, until September 2024. The Mission will present an oral update to the Human Rights Council in March 2024 with an update on its investigations, and will present its report at a dialogue session of the Council in September. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A state panel will vote Thursday on a proposal to redraw New York's 26 congressional districts. The New York State Independent Redistricting Commission is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. in Albany. According to the meeting agenda, the commission will hold two votes: One on the final congressional map proposal and another to send it to the state Legislature. Seven votes are needed to approve a redistricting plan. The commission has 10 members four Democrats, four Republicans and two who aren't enrolled with the major parties. The proposed map has not been released ahead of the meeting, which will be held two months after the state Court of Appeals, New York's highest court, ordered the commission to submit new maps to the state Legislature by the end of February. By a narrow 4-3 vote, the court ruled the Independent Redistricting Commission violated the state Constituton by not submitting a second congressional district map proposal in 2022. During that process two years ago, the commissioners could not agree on one proposal. There were competing proposals submitted to the state Legislature, which rejected both plans. The commission did not not submit a second proposal and the Democratic-controlled state Legislature redrew the congressional district lines. But Republicans successfully challenged that map in court. A court-appointed special master drew the existing congressional district map that was in place for the 2022 election. Whether the state Legislature accepts the commission's proposal or lawmakers redraw the lines, the process will have a significant impact on the 2024 elections. Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. Democrats could regain control if they pick up a handful of seats in the 2024 election. Gazans 'anxious and living in fear' of Israeli assault on Rafah, warns top UN aid official 13 February 2024 - As international efforts continue to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, the head of UNRWA, the UN aid agency for Palestinians, warned on Tuesday that those in the enclave remain deeply traumatised by the war with Israel and afraid of a full-scale assault on Rafah in the south. "People are anxious and in fear of a possible large-scale military operation," Philippe Lazzarini said, after emerging from a briefing with Member States at UN Geneva. "If the assault takes place, the question is, 'Where will the civilians go?' There is absolutely no safe place in Rafah anymore, and the fear is that the number of people killed and injured might again significantly increase." After more than four months of fighting, sparked by murderous Hamas-led attacks on 7 October in Israel that left some 1,200 people butchered and more than 250 taken hostage, more than 100,000 Gazans have been reported either killed, injured or are missing under the rubble by the local health authority, amid intense Israeli bombardment. Sea of displacement Mr. Lazzarini insisted that it was unfeasible to expect the more than one million displaced people crammed into the Rafah governorate to move once again, so that Israeli forces can continue their sweep for Hamas militants. "They are asked to move, the question is where to move," he said, noting that in Rafah, every spare piece of land over a 20-kilometre stretch was occupied by hundreds of thousands of people living in makeshift plastic shelters. Turning to the issue of the serious allegations that some UNRWA staff collaborated with Hamas, the agency chief noted that he had immediately sacked those involved and initiated an investigation. Mr. Lazzarini also called for the cooperation of the Israeli authorities. The UNRWA Commissioner-General also noted that the UN Secretary-General's review would begin tomorrow into allegations against the agency regarding its "use of social media, about tunnels, about political affiliations" and how proactive it has been in responding to them. The process will likely take two months, but it should be accompanied by an inquiry, including into the Israeli military's claim that a tunnel and data centre located 20 metres beneath UNRWA's headquarters in Gaza City was used by Hamas, Mr. Lazzarini said. Installations hit "We need to look at all the situations where UN premises have been blatantly disrespected. Since the beginning of the war, more than 150 of our installations have been hit. We know that some installations have been completely destroyed, hundreds of people have been killed, thousands have been injured and all this needs to be investigated independently, together with the allegation of a tunnel." Earlier, Israel's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Meirav Eilon Shahar, noted that her Government wished "no harm" to civilians in Gaza and that it did intend to cooperate with the investigation into UNRWA, although it "remained at war with the terrorist organization Hamas". "Our fight is with Hamas; it is not with the Palestinian people," said the ambassador, who also insisted that "there are alternatives to UNRWA" - a claim rejected by Mr. Lazzarini, who said that it would be "shortsighted" to close the agency at a time when senior UN humanitarians and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were calling for aid to be stepped up in Gaza. Future at risk "We have half a million girls and boys deeply traumatised that we urgently need to bring back into an education system," the UNWRA chief said. This would not be provided by "an emerging local administration", he insisted, adding that "there is absolutely no other UN agency" or NGO with the experience in providing government-like services, including education, to hundreds of thousands of children. "If we want to give a chance to any future transition to succeed, we need also to make sure that the international community has the tools, and one of these tools is UNRWA." Secretary-General's warning Meanwhile in New York, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced concern over the deteriorating conditions and security for humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza. Speaking to the press ahead of a Security Council meeting, he noted the breakdown in public order in the enclave. "At the same time, we have restrictions imposed by Israel that are not improving and limit humanitarian distribution," he said. "On the other hand, the deconflicting mechanisms to protect humanitarian aid delivery in relation to humanitarian operations are not effective." He expressed hope that "negotiations on the release of hostages and some form of cessation of hostilities" will be successful to avoid an all-out offensive in Rafah, "where the core of the humanitarian system is located and that would have devastating consequences". Mr. Guterres added that he was deeply troubled by the number of journalists who have been killed in the Gaza conflict. He said freedom of the press is fundamental for the public "to know what is really happening everywhere in the world". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia reiterate support for UNRWA UNRWA Posted: 13 Feb 2024 10 February 2024 AMMAN, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini conducted a four-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of his efforts to mobilize support for the Agency as it continues to respond to the catastrophic situation in Gaza. During high level meetings he held in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, Kuwait and Riyadh, Lazzarini warned that the Agency's lifesaving operations in Gaza and its critical services across the region are now seriously threatened following the decision of some of its main partners to freeze their funding. He called on UNRWA's regional partners to help maintain essential services in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. "Palestine Refugees have long relied on the solidarity and the generosity of Arab governments and people. With the current decision of key donors to freeze temporarily their funding to UNRWA, I turn to partners in the region to help the Agency remain a lifeline for Palestine Refugees," said Commissioner-General Lazzarini. Following their meeting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE, stressed his unwavering support for the humanitarian work of UNRWA, noting that sustaining the Agency's humanitarian efforts has become an urgent priority, requiring concerted efforts from the international community to support the Agency and all UN efforts made to provide relief to the Palestinian people. Sheikh Abdullah underlined that allegations that UNRWA is facing should not have negative repercussions on UNRWA's humanitarian efforts in Gaza, where about 1.7 million have been displaced due to the continuing conflict, adding that he appreciated UNRWA's and UN headquarters' immediate action to investigate the claims. He reiterated a call for donor countries that have suspended their funding to UNRWA to reconsider their decision. On Monday in Qatar, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized that the State of Qatar will continue to support UNRWA, given that the Agency's responsibility has doubled amid the current cataclysmic humanitarian situation facing the innocent civilian population in Gaza. He also underscored the keenness of Qatar to continue the unhindered and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Sheikh Mohammed warned of the catastrophic consequences arising from suspending funding for UNRWA. He underlined the need to distinguish between UNRWA as a UN agency with deep-rooted values and traditions and the claims against a handful of its personnel who are under investigation. On Tuesday in Kuwait City, His Excellency Abdulla Ali Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Kuwait's steadfast support for the Palestinian people, including its support for UNRWA, noting that the Agency constitutes a basic pillar of stability in the region. He underlined the importance of the Agency's noble work and the humanitarian services it provides to Palestine Refugees. On Thursday in Riyadh, HRH the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan underscored the centrality of UNRWA to the humanitarian response in Gaza and encouraged the Commissioner-General to continue showing leadership at the helm of the largest humanitarian actor in the region. Later the same night, the four Foreign Ministers met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Jordan Mr. Ayman Safadi, the Foreign Minister of Egypt Mr. Sameh Shukri, and the Secretary General of the PLO Executive Committee, Mr. Hussein el Sheikh. The participants at the meeting called for an immediate ceasefire, and expressed their full support of UNRWA, calling on its partners to continue to support the Agency as well. Nearly 2 million people in Gaza - the vast majority women and children - depend on UNRWA for their sheer survival as the Agency manages overcrowded shelters, food assistance and primary health care. If the funding remains suspended, the Agency's operations will be compromised by the end of February, not only in Gaza but also across the region. ENDs- Notes to Editors UNRWA is facing allegations that 12 of its 13,000 staff in Gaza were involved in the 7 October attacks in Israel, with some key partners suspending funding to the Agency. The UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) in New York, the highest investigative authority in the UN system, was immediately seized of the matter, launching an investigation. The OIOS team has arrived in Amman and started investigations. Before learning of the allegations, UNRWA had already announced that it was commissioning an independent review of the internal mechanisms that UNRWA has in place against possible breaches of neutrality, and more details of that review process were released by the UN Secretary-General on 5 February. Background Information: UNRWA is the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. The United Nations General Assembly established UNRWA in 1949 with a mandate to provide humanitarian assistance and protection to registered Palestine refugees in the Agency's area of operations pending a just and lasting solution to their plight. UNRWA operates in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, The Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Tens of thousands of Palestine refugees who lost their homes and livelihoods due to the 1948 conflict continue to be displaced and in need of support, nearly 75 years on. UNRWA helps Palestine Refugees achieve their full potential in human development through quality services it provides in education, health care, relief and social services, protection, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance, and emergency assistance. UNRWA is funded almost entirely by voluntary contributions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. 2nd Fleet Forward Deploys for Steadfast Defender 2024 US Navy 13 February 2024 BOD, Norway -- A contingent of more than 100 U.S. 2nd Fleet and Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 2 personnel are forward deployed to Bod, Norway to establish a maritime command element, Commander Task Force North (CTF-N), in support of the NATO exercise Steadfast Defender 2024. Rear Admiral David Patchell, vice commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, and Commander CTF North explained how large, multi-national exercises continue to solidify NATO's interoperability and readiness. "Steadfast Defender is a chance to practice, to exercise, to come together, build relationships, and strengthen the readiness and unity that already exists," said Patchell. "NATO is stronger than it has ever been. This exercise represents another opportunity for over 90,000 sailors, aviators and soldiers to work together across the alliance." Steadfast Defender 2024, NATO's largest exercise in decades, includes more than 90,000 troops from 31 allied nations, and Sweden. The exercise will demonstrate NATO's ability to deploy forces rapidly from across the Alliance to reinforce the defense of Europe. Within the CTF-N command center, there are currently eight allied nations that comprise the task force, and the numbers of personnel will grow as the exercise progresses. The Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44), left Norfolk, Va., Jan. 24, 2024 as the first tactical movement of Steadfast Defender 24. Rear Admiral Benjamin Nicholson, commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 2 and deputy commander CTF-N, said that he is incredibly proud of the work the ship has done already. "The ships' crew has already completed multiple training events and represented the United States as ambassadors during a port visit to Portsmouth, England," said Nicholson. "This exercise is about learning and teamwork. We will learn the tools and techniques to conduct future maritime operations and further develop our tactics and training as a team with our Allies and partners." The CTF-North staff will conduct the full range of maritime operations in coordination with NATO Allies and partners operating out of Bod Airbase. "I'm thankful for the Sailors of U.S. 2nd Fleet, ESG-2 and all of our partners that are joining us. The commitment is outstanding, and you can see and you can feel the excitement, the readiness. This team is ready; ready to execute, ready to learn, ready to be creative and innovative as we go through this exercise." said Patchell. U.S. 2nd Fleet, reestablished in 2018 in response to the changing global security environment, develops and employs maritime forces ready to fight across multiple domains in the Atlantic and Arctic in order to ensure access, deter aggression and defend U.S., allied, and partner interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Senate Approves Aid Package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan By Ken Bredemeier, Katherine Gypson February 13, 2024 U.S. President Joe Biden called on U.S. lawmakers Tuesday to swiftly pass a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, despite opposition in the Republican-led House of Representatives. "I call on the speaker to let the full House speak its mind and not allow a minority of most extreme voices in the house to block this bill even from being voted on," Biden told reporters. Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed the aid package by a 70-29 vote, with more than a dozen Republicans joining the majority Democrats in support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly expressed gratitude, saying U.S. aid "helps to save human lives from Russian terror." "American assistance brings just peace in Ukraine closer and restores global stability, resulting in increased security and prosperity for all Americans and all the free world," Zelenskyy said on X. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the measure is "one of the most historic and consequential bills passed [in] the Senate. A bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, just the security of our allies, but also the security of democracy as we know it." He pointed to the bipartisan support and expressed confidence that a vote in the House would bring a similar outcome. House Republicans have tied objections to further Ukraine assistance with a push for action on security at the U.S.-Mexico border. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that the priority is to "secure America's own border before sending additional foreign aid around the world" and that the current Senate bill is "silent on the most pressing issue facing our country." Senate Republicans last week blocked advancing a measure that included the foreign assistance along with provisions to tighten restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border to try to curb the flow of thousands of migrants from crossing into the United States each day. Former U.S. President Donald Trump opposed the border measure as not tough enough, and Republican lawmakers followed his lead on the issue. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers, many of them aligned with Trump, have also voiced increasing opposition to sending more aid to Ukraine for its fight against the Russian invasion, imperiling approval of the assistance even though most Democratic lawmakers are in favor. "We have already given Ukraine more than $120 billion. This is more than enough money to secure every border in our country, unfortunately. But predictably, the $120 billion we've sent Ukraine has resulted in a yearslong stalemate that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives, both Ukrainian and Russian," Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said on the Senate floor Monday. In a "Dear Colleague" letter, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, "Traditional Republicans must now put America first, and stand up to Pro-Putin extremists in the House who apparently want Russia to win. The American people deserve an up or down vote, and we will use every available legislative tool to get comprehensive national security legislation over the finish line." U.S. defense officials voiced hope that House lawmakers will approve the supplemental aid package soon, noting that Ukraine's forces are "still in the fight of their life." "Make no mistake our allies and our adversaries are watching," said Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, briefing reporters Tuesday. "It's really important to send a message of resolve," she said. "As soon as we get this supplemental package passed in the House, they [Ukraine] will continue to see aid flowing to them." U.S. and Western officials have said Kyiv's most urgent needs include air defenses and artillery. But a report Tuesday from the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service raised concerns about how quickly the U.S. and its Western allies can supply Ukraine with what it needs. "It is almost certain that Western ammunition deliveries to Ukraine in 2024 will not be able to keep pace with the supplies available for the Russian Armed Forces," the report warned. "Russia's advantage over Ukraine in terms of available artillery ammunition will likely continue to grow." VOA's Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address No Deal Yet on New Gaza Cease-fire Plan, as Concerns Grow for Rafah By VOA News February 13, 2024 Officials from the United States, Israel, Qatar and Egypt ended talks in Cairo on Tuesday with no agreement on a new cease-fire in Gaza or the release of more hostages held by Hamas militants. The talks were positive, a senior Egyptian official said, and are to continue for three more days. Meanwhile, international leaders pleaded with Israel to hold off on its planned ground attack on the Palestinian enclave's southern city of Rafah. Israel says it must root out four battalions of Hamas fighters encamped among more than 1 million Palestinians sheltering there. Israeli forces on Monday rescued two hostages in Rafah, but 74 Palestinians were killed in the operation. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters, "My sincere hope is that the negotiations for the release of the hostages and some form of cessation of hostilities to be successful, to avoid an all-out offensive over Rafah, where the core of the humanitarian system is located. And that would have devastating consequences." As it is, Guterres said, "There is a breakdown in public order" limiting delivery of humanitarian aid to displaced Palestinians, and he blamed Israel. "We have restrictions imposed by Israel that are not improved and limit humanitarian distribution," he said. "On the other hand, the deconflicting mechanisms to protect humanitarian aid deliveries in relation to military operations are not effective." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Palestinians sheltering in Rafah will be given "safe passage" out of the region near the Egyptian border but has offered no details on where they would be moved. The U.N. has said it will not help in any relocation of the Palestinians, and Egypt has said it will not allow an exodus over the border. Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the U.N.'s Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, said it had not been informed of any Israeli evacuation plan for Rafah. "Where are you going to evacuate people to, as no place is safe across the Gaza Strip, the north is shattered, riddled with unexploded weapons, it's pretty much unlivable," she told Reuters. Rafah residents said Israeli tanks shelled the eastern sector of the city overnight, causing waves of panic. Gaza health officials said 133 more Palestinians were killed in the last day, pushing the death toll to 28,473 during the war ignited by the shock October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that killed 1,200 people. Many people are believed to be buried under rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated enclave along the Mediterranean Sea, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out and diseases are spreading. About 100 hostages were freed in a weeklong truce in November. Israel says Hamas is still holding another 100 or so and 31 have died or been killed while in captivity. One Palestinian official told Reuters the negotiators in Cairo "are looking for a formula that will be acceptable to Hamas, who says it is only possible to sign a deal once it is based on an Israeli commitment to ending its war and pulling out its forces from the Gaza Strip." The official said Hamas had told the participants it does not trust Israel not to renew the war if the Israeli hostages being held by Palestinian militants are released. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until all vestiges of Hamas control of Gaza are ended. The U.S. has proposed a truce of 60 days or so accompanied by the release of hostages. Hamas proposed a full end of the war with Israeli troops leaving Gaza and Hamas still governing the territory, which Israel rejected. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that while there were some "nonstarters" in the Hamas plan, there was still room to continue negotiations. Aside from Guterres, other international leaders have expressed concerns about an all-out Israeli attack on Rafah. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told reporters Tuesday that if Israel takes action against Hamas in Rafah, then it is "the responsibility of the Israeli army to provide safe corridors for the people who have sought protection there." China's foreign ministry on Tuesday called on Israel to "do everything possible to avoid casualties among innocent civilians and prevent a more devastating humanitarian disaster in Rafah." U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement, "Today, sadly, given the carnage wrought so far in Gaza, it is wholly imaginable what would lie ahead in Rafah. Beyond the pain and suffering of the bombs and bullets, this incursion into Rafah may also mean the end of the meager humanitarian aid that has been entering and distributed, with huge implications for all of Gaza, including the hundreds of thousands at grave risk of starvation and famine in the north." On Tuesday, South Africa voiced its concern to the International Court of Justice that Israel's plan to extend its offensive into Rafah would result in further large-scale killing and destruction. It asked the World Court to consider whether Israel needed to provide additional measures to safeguard Palestinians. Last month, the ICJ ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent the deaths of Palestinian civilians, after South Africa, a longtime supporter of the Palestinian cause, accused its military of genocide in Gaza. Israel has denied it is committing genocide. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UNRWA Chief: Agency Essential to Respond to Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza By Lisa Schlein February 13, 2024 The head of the U.N. agency that assists Palestinian refugees has dismissed calls for it to be disbanded and says that UNRWA is the best positioned agency to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "I have talked with the member states about all these calls for UNRWA to be dismantled, to be terminated and I have warned about the impact. I have said that these calls are short-sighted," said Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner general of UNRWA. Major donors, including the United States have suspended financial aid to UNRWA after allegations that 12 of the agency's Palestinian staff participated in Hamas' October massacre in Israel. "The impact is not just on the short term. It is not just weakening our collective ability to respond to humanitarian crises at this time ... but also during what I would describe as the transition phase; the long days before the end of active military hostilities," Lazzarini said. He told journalists in Geneva Tuesday that he spent two hours briefing member states about the situation in Rafah, which he described as "deeply, deeply concerning," noting that Palestinians crammed into this small, overcrowded space were fearful and anxious about Israel mounting a large-scale military operation in the region. "If this military operation is taking place, the question is where will the civilians go," he said. "There is absolutely no safe place in Rafah anymore and the fear is that the number of civilians killed and injured might again significantly increase in a conflict where more than 100,000 people already have been either killed, injured or are missing." The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, reports that intense Israeli bombardment from air, land and sea continues across much of the Gaza Strip and that "increased airstrikes in Rafah have heightened concerns of an escalation in the most southerly city in Gaza." Before the brutal Hamas terror attack on Israel October 7, in which 1,200 people were killed and 240 taken hostage, Rafah had a population of 200,000. Israel's ferocious onslaught of Gaza following Hamas' horrific attack has increased the number of people in Rafah to well over a million. Lazzarini warns an attack on Rafah by Israel would be "the largest military offensive in the middle of a sea of displaced people. If they are asked to move, the question is where to move." "Over a 20-kilometer stretch, you see only plastic makeshift shelters where hundreds of thousands of people are already living," he said. Were Israel to attack Rafah, he said the Palestinian population will be faced with more suffering, misery, and deprivation of basic survival needs. He said the experience and ability of UNRWA to provide humanitarian assistance to this beleaguered population is not only needed, but irreplaceable. "We have half a million girls and boys deeply traumatized that we urgently need to bring back to an educational system," he said. "This will not be provided by an emerging local administration. There is absolutely no other U.N. agency or INGOs which have been tasked over the last few decades to provide government-like services like education to hundreds of thousands of children. "And if we want to give a chance to any future transition to succeed, we need also to make sure that the international community has the tools and one of the tools is UNRWA," he said. Meirav Eilon Shahar, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, said that Israel remains committed to collaborating with partners to alleviate the suffering and prevent deterioration in the humanitarian situation in Gaza. "Israel is at war with the terrorist organization Hamas. ... Our fight is with Hamas. It is not with the Palestinian people," she said. "Israel is committed to facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip through the Rafah Crossing in Egypt and the Kerem Shalom crossing in Israel," she said, adding that the majority of the aid entering Gaza today is not through UNRWA but through other U.N. agencies. "As you all know, the United Nations has mechanisms which exist to distribute aid in response to crisis and there are U.N. agencies which are operating and delivering what is required in Gaza, as they do all over the world," she said. The Israeli ambassador accused UNRWA of harboring terrorists in its ranks. "The international community cannot and should not tolerate or fund a U.N. agency actively shielding and enabling terrorist activities," she said. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk warned Monday that a potential full-fledged military incursion in Rafah would likely kill and injure an extremely high number of civilians, mostly children and women, and end the meager humanitarian aid that has been entering Gaza. "My office has repeatedly warned against actions that violate the laws of war. The prospect of such an operation into Rafah, as circumstances stand, risks further atrocity crimes. ... The world must not allow this to happen," he said. He called for an immediate cease-fire. He said that "All remaining hostages must be released. And there must be renewed collective resolve to reach a political solution." UNRWA Commissioner General Lazzarini echoed those sentiments. "Maybe after this cataclysm which has hit the region in Gaza, it might be time now to genuinely find a political solution," he said. "It would be a disaster that, just before it, we get rid of the mandate and an agency like UNRWA." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghan Special Migration to US Hits Record High By Akmal Dawi February 13, 2024 The number of Afghans granted Special Immigrant Visas, or SIVs, for resettlement in the United States increased by more than 100% last year, according to new U.S. government data. In 2023, about 26,500 SIVs were granted to Afghans more than double the previous year's total of 11,000 and a record since the program's inception in 2008. A State Department spokesperson confirmed that more than 18,000 SIVs were issued by U.S. consulates worldwide, with several thousand more Afghans having their status adjusted while already in the United States. From August 2021 to September 2022, the United States offered Temporary Protected Status to tens of thousands of Afghans evacuated by the U.S. military following the collapse of the former Afghan government. "We have surged resources and significantly increased the number of staff dedicated to Afghan SIV application processing," the spokesperson wrote in an email to VOA. The unprecedented surge in SIV issuance comes amid strong demands from veteran and advocacy groups for the speedy resettlement of Afghans who worked for the U.S. military and programs in Afghanistan between 2001 and 2021. Many activists accuse the Taliban of targeting and detaining SIV-qualified Afghans, even as the United States has continued evacuating SIV applicants under the Taliban rule over the past 2 years. Since 2008, nearly 120,000 SIVs have been awarded to Afghans. As of January, 9,000 principal SIVs remained available, with more than 100,000 applications submitted. Of those, 67,000 awaited approval last year. To address the backlog, the State Department asked Congress to approve 20,000 additional SIVs last year. The request is still pending. "The department will not be able to issue SIVs after the numbers allocated by Congress have been exhausted," said the spokesperson. Refugees and asylum seekers The United States has also increased its intake of Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers over the past year, alongside the surge in SIV issuance. More than 4,600 Afghan refugees were admitted in 2023, marking the highest number in more than two decades, according to figures from the Department of State. In addition to the SIV program, Afghans, particularly those who worked for civil society organizations before the Taliban's return to power, can apply to U.S. refugee and humanitarian resettlement pathways from third countries. "The U.S. government is prioritizing the evacuation and resettlement of SIV cases and very few cases outside of the SIV program have been resettled," Devon Cone, an expert with Refugee International, told VOA. Human rights groups accuse the Taliban of implementing misogynistic policies targeting educated women, even those who did not work for the U.S. mission in Afghanistan. Taliban officials have denied such criticism. "These women almost never qualify for SIVs and very few if any have been resettled," Cone said. Since the Taliban's return to power, hundreds of thousands of Afghans have fled their country fearing the Taliban's repressive policies and worsening economic conditions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Senegal Suspends Mobile Internet, Bans Election Delay Demonstration By VOA News February 13, 2024 Senegal's government banned a scheduled march and suspended mobile internet access on Tuesday, amid continued protests over President Macky Sall's decision to postpone the Feb. 25 presidential election. The government's handling of the protests, which has led to three deaths in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, received international condemnation. The dead include a 22-year-old student at Gaston Berger University in the coastal city of Saint-Louis, who was killed Friday, a 23-year-old merchant in Dakar and a 16-year-old resident of the city of Ziguinchor who was killed Saturday while fleeing security forces. The protests erupted after President Sall postponed the planned Feb. 25 election until December, citing disputes over the eligibility of key candidates that Sall said threatened the credibility of the vote. Parliament backed Sall's decision last week after security forces removed some opposition lawmakers from the chamber. Lawmakers also extended Sall's tenure beyond April 2, when his term was scheduled to end, until the new election is held. After the decision, the Aar Sanu Election (Let's protect our election) collective, including 40 professional, religious and civil groups, called for a peaceful demonstration in Dakar on Tuesday. However, local authorities banned the march, saying it would block traffic in the area. The march will be postponed, said Malick Diop, the coordinator of the collective, who says "we want to remain within the law." The decision to cut internet access, according to the communications ministry, was to prevent "hateful" and "subversive" messages online, which could provoke further unrest. "Senegalese authorities continue to display utter disregard for peaceful dissent," said Samira Daoud, Amnesty International's regional director for West and Central Africa, who called for an investigation into "the lethal use of force against protesters." France has reacted to the protests, calling on Senegal to employ a "proportionate" response to protests, and for authorities to "hold the presidential poll as soon as possible." The United States Embassy in Senegal also reacted to the situation, posting on the X social media platform that Senegalese authorities should "fully respect" the right to protest. According to a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it is "extremely important that all Senegalese have their right to demonstrate peacefully respected," adding that the situation should be "resolved through established constitutional means." The United Nations, while expressing concern about the use of force against protesters, has called for an independent probe into the three deaths. Some information for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Thailand's Thaksin Set for Parole as Old Rivalries End, New Ones Begin By Vijitra Duangdee February 13, 2024 Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire ex-premier once at the center of Thailand's political divisions, is poised to be freed from a police hospital within days, after he was granted parole just six months after returning to the country from a 15-year self-exile overseas. The 74-year-old Thaksin faced an eight-year jail term but was given a royal reprieve shortly after his return to Thailand on August 22, which slashed his sentence to one year. He could be released as soon as this weekend after qualifying for parole, Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong told reporters Tuesday. "The parole committee has approved Thaksin [as one of the prisoners] eligible for parole due to his health and age and after completing one third of his sentence," he said, without elaborating on the conditions of his looming release. Thaksin's rehabilitation from fugitive archenemy of the royalist establishment to a free man is a sign of the new alignment of power in Thailand, experts say, ending a nearly two-decade tug of war between the Shinawatra clan and the royalist elite, which includes the army, big business and palace bureaucracy. "It shows, on one hand, the rule of law if any ever exists can be bent to fit the political objectives of those in power at the time," Verapat Pariyawong, a Thai lawyer who teaches law and politics at the University of London SOAS, told VOA. "On the other, it shows there is flexibility in Thai politics to undo severely entrenched conflict." That flexibility has seen Thaksin's family-dominated Pheu Thai party join hands with former conservative enemies in a coalition government that has frozen out the radical Move Forward Party. Move Forward won the most seats in the May 2023 election but has been sidelined into opposition. The party has also been found guilty of seeking to overthrow the constitutional monarchy with a campaign to amend a harsh royal defamation law, which carries up to 15 years in jail per charge. The ruling leaves it vulnerable to a bid for it to be dissolved. Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, Thailand's most popular politician, also faces several legal hurdles that could finish his ambitions to lead the country for good as he becomes the main threat to the establishment. "Too much has gone to waste over the issue of Mr. Thaksin," Verapat said. "He was painted as an antimonarchist, but 20 years and two military coups later he has now been royally pardoned. "I hope we are not going to repeat the same with Mr. Pita and the Move Forward Party." Thaksin, a police officer from northern Chiang Mai who made his fortune in telecommunications, disrupted the old powers in Thailand with a 2001 election win, thanks to millions of votes from the rural poor and urban working classes. But his personal popularity and economic policies, including nearly free health care and subsidies for the poor, quickly upset the royalist establishment. His government was ousted in a 2006 coup, and he went into self-exile two years later as corruption convictions rained down on him. After years of political instability, the army, led by Prayuth Chan-Ocha, then toppled the elected government of Thaksin's younger sister Yingluck in 2014. Prayuth governed until last year's election. "What happened in the past is the past," Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin told reporters on Tuesday. "Thaksin was one of the most well-loved prime ministers in all of Thai political history. Once released he will be just a normal citizen," he said, adding that Thaksin had passed through "the justice system" with no special treatment under Correction Department rules. Two sides of justice Srettha, 61, a real estate tycoon, emerged as prime minister despite his Pheu Thai party losing the election. He is loyal to Thaksin and says kick-starting Thailand's sluggish economy is his main priority, partly with a "soft power" push, including extending the annual Songkran holidays to pull in more tourists as well as promoting Thai products from elephant pants to fruit. But his critics argue that economic focus is coming at the expense of wider rights and freedoms, which slumped under Prayuth's government. On the same day Thaksin's parole was announced, two journalists one from the left leaning daily Prachatai, another a freelancer were taken to court for allegedly being accomplices in the defacement of a national monument, after they reported on a pro-democracy protester spraying graffiti against the royal defamation law on the royal palace walls last year. The crime carries a seven-year jail sentence. "Reporters are not criminals," the Thai Media for Democracy Alliance said in a statement. Other government critics say rights are quickly vanishing under Srettha's government. "The political situation is becoming increasingly trenchant and even more worrisome than in Prayuth's era," Thasnai Sethaseree, a renowned pro-democracy academic from Chiang Mai University, posted on his Facebook page. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ex-Thai Prime Minister Granted Parole By VOA News February 13, 2024 Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted parole after serving six months of a one-year prison sentence. News reports in Thailand say the 74-year-old Thaksin was on a list of 930 prisoners being granted early release because they were either ill or elderly. He could be released from jail as early as Saturday. Thaksin was detained last August after returning to Thailand from 15 years of self-imposed exile to avoid imprisonment after being convicted of several corruption-related charges. He had been sentenced to eight years in prison, but his sentence was commuted to one year by King Maha Vajiralongkorn. He has served nearly all his sentence in a police hospital for treatment of an undisclosed condition. The media tycoon was first elected prime minister in 2001 and gained a loyal following among Thailand's rural poor for such policies as universal health care and cash payments to farmers. But he was overthrown in a coup in 2006 by a military aligned with members of Thailand's pro-monarchy elite who saw him as a threat to their longstanding grip on the social order. His return to Thailand coincided with his Pheu Thai party taking the reins of government despite coming in second place in last May's elections. The progressive Move Forward Party and its coalition partners scored an upset victory in the elections, but the conservative, military-backed Senate blocked party leader Pita Limjaroenrat from becoming prime minister. Pheu Thai formed an alliance with military and pro-royalist lawmakers to form a government, which angered many of the party's longtime supporters. Thaksin is still facing legal jeopardy. Prosecutors charged him last week with violating the law that forbids any criticism of the Thai royal family based on comments he made over a decade ago. Some information for this report came from Reuters, Agence France-Presse. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address After failing one week ago, House Republicans on Tuesday voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the border crisis. The vote to impeach Mayorkas was 214-213. U.S. Reps. Claudia Tenney and Brandon Williams, both of whom represent central New York districts, sided with most Republicans in supporting the impeachment resolution. "As one of the first members of Congress to call for Secretary Mayorkas' impeachment, I firmly believe that today's impeachment vote is a crucial step forward for our nation," Tenney, R-Cleveland, said in a statement. "Every day that Secretary Mayorkas is in office, he threatens our national security." Williams, R-Sennett, has said that Mayorkas is "a failure" as homeland security secretary. Three Republicans U.S. Reps. Ken Buck, Mike Gallagher and Tom McClintock broke with their party, as they did last week, to oppose impeaching Mayorkas. Democrats were united in their opposition to the measure. House Republicans have targeted Mayorkas over the border situation and accuse the Biden administration of not doing enough to address the problem. The articles of impeachment, which were introduced by U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, allege Mayorkas refused to comply with the law and breached the public's trust. Republicans failed to impeach Mayorkas last week an outcome that seemed to surprise GOP leaders when they didn't have enough votes to overcome opposition from Democrats and even a few members of their own party. But the GOP tried again this week with the return of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who has been receiving treatment for cancer. Top Democrats, including Biden, ripped Republicans for holding a second impeachment vote. "Instead of staging political stunts like this, Republicans with genuine concerns about the border should want Congress to deliver more border resources and stronger border security," Biden said. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a Democrat, blasted the "sham impeachment effort." The Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate is unlikely to convict Mayorkas. A conviction requires a two-thirds vote. Mayorkas is the second Cabinet secretary to be impeached in U.S. history. The first was William Belknap, who served as secretary of war under President Ulysses S. Grant. Belknap was impeached after resigning from office for receiving bribes. Readout of Vice President Kamala Harris's Meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan February 13, 2024 Vice President Kamala Harris met today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan at the White House. The Vice President and the King discussed latest developments in Gaza and the Vice President thanked the King for providing vital humanitarian assistance to Gaza, including the eleven airdrops of medical supplies to the field hospital that Jordan has established in Gaza. The leaders also discussed the situation in Rafah. The Vice President reaffirmed the Biden-Harris Administration's position that a military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there. The Vice President and the King also discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the West Bank. The Vice President thanked the King for his continued leadership in addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. She reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to a two-state solution, and noted it is the best path to durable peace and security. She emphasized the Palestinians' right to dignity, security and self-determination. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remarks by President Biden on Senate Passage of the Bipartisan Supplemental Agreement February 13, 2024 State Dining Room 2:13 P.M. EST THE PRESIDENT: Good afternoon. Q Good afternoon. THE PRESIDENT: Before we begin, I'm going to make this statement and let it stand on its own. I'm not going to take any questions, but I'll be taking questions tomorrow or the next day. But I don't want anything to get in the way of this statement, to be very blunt about it. Not that you wouldn't just focus on the statement. Earlier this morning, the United States Senate, as you all know, voted overwhelmingly, by a margin of 70 to 29, to move forward with a bipartisan national security bill. Now now it moves to the House, and I urge Speaker Johnson to bring it to the floor immediately immediately. There is no question that if the Senate bill was put on the floor in the House of Representatives, it would pass. It would pass. And the Speaker knows that. So, I call on the Speaker to let the full House speak its mind and not allow a minority of the most extreme voices in the House to block this bill even from being voted on even from being voted on. This is a critical act for the House to move. It needs to move. And the bill provides urgent funding for Ukraine so it can keep defending itself against Putin's vicious, vicious onslaught. We've all seen the terrible stories in recent weeks: Ukrainian soldiers out of artillery shells, Ukrainian units rationing rounds of ammunition to defend themselves, Ukrainian families worried that the next Russian strike will permanently plunge them into darkness or worse. This bipartisan bill sends a clear message to Ukrainians and to our partners and to our allies around the world: America can be trusted, America can be relied upon, and America stands up for freedom. We stand strong for our allies. We never bow down to anyone, and certainly not to Vladimir Putin. So, let's get on with this. Remember, the United States pulled together a coalition of nearly 50 nations to support Ukraine. We unified NATO; we expanded it. We can't walk away now. That's what Putin is betting on. He's ve- he just flatly said that. Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin. Opposing it is playing into Putin's hands. As I have said before, the stakes in this fight extend far beyond Ukraine. If we don't stop Putin's appetite for power and control in Ukraine, he won't limit himself just to Ukraine and the costs for America and our allies and partners is going to rise. For Republicans in Congress who think they can oppose funding for Ukraine and not be held accountable: History is watching. History is watching. History is watching. Failure to support Ukraine at this critical moment will never be forgotten. I want to be clear about something, because I know it's important to the American people: While this bill sends military equipment to Ukraine, it spends the money right here in the United States of America in places like Arizona, where the Patriot missiles are built; and Alabama, where the Javelin missiles are built; and Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas, where artillery shells are made. And the way it works is we supply Ukraine with military equipment from our stockpiles, and then we spend our money replenishing those stockpiles so our military has access to them stockpiles that are made right here in America by American workers. That not only supports American jobs and American communities, it allows us to invest in maintaining and strengthening our own defense manufacturing capacity. Look, this bill meets our national security priorities in the Middle East as well. It includes greater support for our troops serving in the region who continue to defend against mili- militia attacks backed by Iran. It also provides Israel with the what it needs to protect its people against a terrorist group like Hamas and Hezbollah and others. And it will provide lifesaving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, who desperately need food, water, and shelter. They need help. And finally, this bill includes critical funding for our national security priorities in Asia, because even as we focus on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, we must not take our eye off our national security challenges in the Pacific. It's the responsibility of a great nation. And we are a great nation that the rest of the world looks to. And I mean that: The rest of the world looks to us. The stakes were already high for American security before this bill was passed in the Senate last night. But in recent days, those stakes have risen. And that's because the former President has set a dangerous and shockingly, frankly, un-American signal to the world. Just a few days ago, Trump gave an invitation to Putin to invade some of our Ally NATO Allies. He said if an Ally didn't spend enough money on defense, he would encourage Russia to, quote, "do whatever the hell they want," end of quote. Can you imagine a former President of the United States saying that? The whole world heard it. And the worst thing is he means it. No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator. Well, let me say this as clearly as I can: I never will. For God's sake, it's dumb, it's shameful, it's dangerous, it's un-American. When America gives it word, it means something. When we make a commitment, we keep it. And NATO is a sacred commitment. Donald Trump looks at this as if it's a burden. When he looks at NATO, he doesn't see the alliance that protects America and the world. He sees a protection racket. He doesn't understand that NATO is built on the fundamental principles of freedom, security, and national sovereignty, because, for Trump, principles never matter. Everything is transactional. He doesn't understand that the sacred commitment we have given works for us as well. In fact, I would remind Trump and all those who would walk away from NATO: Article 5 has only been invoked once just once in our NATO history and it was done to stand with America after we were attacked on 9/11. We should never forget it. You know, our adversaries have long sought to create cracks in the Alliance. The greatest hope of all those who wish America harm is for NATO to fall apart. And you can be sure that they all cheered when they heard Donald Trump when they heard what he said. I know this: I will not walk away. I can't imagine any other president walking away. For as long as I'm president, if Putin attacks a NATO Ally, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory. Let me close with this. You've heard me say this before. Our nation stands at an inflection point an inflection point in history where the decisions we make now are going to determine the course of our future for decades to come. This is one of those moments. And I say to the House members, House Republicans: You've got to decide. Are you going to stand up for freedom, or are you going to side with terror and tyranny? Are you going to stand with Ukraine, or are you going to stand with Putin? Will we stand with America or or with Trump? Republicans and Democrats in the Senate came together to send a message of unity to the world. It's time for the House Republicans to do the same thing: to pass this bill immediately, to stand for decency, stand for democracy, to stand up to a so-called leader hellbent on weakening the American security. And I mean this sincerely: History is watching. History is watching. In moments like this, we have to remember who we are. We're the United States of America. The world is looking to us. There is nothing beyond our capacity when we act together. In this case, acting together includes acting with our NATO Allies. God bless you all. May God protect our Speaker. And I promise I'll come back and answer questions later. Thank you. 2:21 P.M. EST NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Netanyahu against proposal of spy chiefs on deal with Hamas' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli media reports suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is against the proposal put forth by the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet spy agencies as well as the army to reach an agreement with the Palestinian Hamas resistance movement. According to Palestine's Sama news agency, Netanyahu has rejected the plan to agree with Hamas on the exchange of prisoners. Israeli media after a new round of meeting on the Gaza ceasefire in Cairo, quoted an Israeli political source on Tuesday as saying that there was no change in the position of Hamas regarding the prisoner swap as part of the proposal for a deal. Conflicting reports surfaced after US and Israeli spy chiefs attended a meeting with Qatari and Egyptian officials in Cairo to resume talks under a framework set in the Paris meeting late last month. Before this, Hamas responded to the proposal for any potential three-phase deal and set a number of demands that included a complete stop in Israeli attacks, the withdrawal of soldiers from Gaza, reconstruction and prisoner exchange among others. Meanwhile, an Israeli news channel reported on Tuesday night that the Israeli delegation led by the Mossad chief has left Cairo without any signs of progress in talks. Another Israeli news network said that the Israeli delegation attended the meeting upon a request by US President Joe Biden. On the other hand, Al-Arabiya reported, quoting an informed source, that the current round of negotiations in Cairo will last 2 to 3 days. According to this report, there were differences between political and military leaderships of the Zionist regime on some issues before the delegation left for Cairo and that caused the Israeli army chief not to attend the meeting. Palestinian resistance movements have already accused the Israeli regime of not willing to agree to the Gaza ceasefire deal, with Hamas found saying that Netanyahu is buying time simply by presenting truce proposals. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US base in eastern Syria faces spike in attacks IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- An American military base located in Syria's eastern Deir ez-Zour province has come under fresh missile attacks amid growing anti-American sentiment in the region. News sources, including Russia's Sputnik reported on Tuesday night about the missile attack on the base located in the al-Omar oil field. According to the reports, a total five rockets were fired at the base. There was no immediate report of casualties or damage from the attack which was third in the last three days. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for these attacks on American forces that have maintained their illegal presence in the Arab country. Since the beginning of the Zionist regime's invasion of Gaza, the Islamic Resistance of Iraq has carried out dozens of attacks on American military bases and facilities in Iraq and Syria. Several other US military bases in Syria namely Ain al-Asad, Harir, Kharab Al-Jeer and Koniko have also come under repeated attacks in recent months. Resistance groups in Iraq and elsewhere are outraged at the US military presence in the region, which they say is a source of instability, as well as Washington's support for the Israeli regime in its ongoing war on Gaza. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, UK launch new attacks on Yemen IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 14, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The United States and Britain according to news sources launched another round of attacks on Yemen as part of their growing aggression against the Arab country over its anti-Israeli operations in the Red Sea. According to Yemen's Al-Masirah news network, the new joint US-UK attacks targeted Ras Isa, an area located in Al-Salif city of Hudaydah province on Wednesday morning. No further details have been reported yet. The attacks came just hours after American and British warplanes pounded areas of another city, also in Hudaydah province. Over the past couple of weeks, the United States and Britain have carried out a number of attacks on different areas of Yemen with the aim of putting pressure on the Arab country to stop the naval blockade imposed on the Zionist regime. These countries launched their aggression against Yemen following as resolution of the United Nations Security Council that was approved to protect the Red Sea maritime route not to launch attacks on a country. The Yemeni army has targeted dozens of Israeli-owned and Israeli-bound ships in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in support of the resistance of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. 4399 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operation Iron Swords - Day 130 - 13 February 2024 The Israeli army published a short video clip showing the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, moving inside a tunnel in the Gaza Strip, accompanied by his sons and wife. The footage shows the Hamas leader, who is wanted by Israel, and his family members, being led by one of the members from one tunnel to another. Channel 12 had previously said that the video showed Sinwar in a tunnel under Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, surrounded by his wife and two or three of his children. Al-Sinwar appears to be in good health, carrying a bag, wearing a loose shirt and pants, and wearing Adidas flip-flops, according to the report. The clip, which is about a minute long, was obtained from surveillance cameras installed by Hamas in the tunnels, and was obtained by Israeli army forces operating in Gaza City. Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that the video was taken on October 10 while chasing Sinwar. He added: "The hunt will not stop until we catch him, dead or alive. We are determined to catch him and we will do so." The spokesman revealed the arrest of family members of Hamas leaders, explaining that they "provide us with a large amount of intelligence information." The clip dates back to the period before the loss of communications with Sinwar late last month. Israeli media confirmed earlier that Sinwar, who is considered the mastermind of the October 7 attack, had lost contact as he did not make any contact with the Qatari or Egyptian mediators. i24news channel quoted senior Israeli military officials as saying that special units were assigned to chase senior Hamas leaders, including Sinwar, inside tunnels at depths exceeding 20 meters underground. Last Wednesday, the Israeli army announced the destruction of a tunnel in the city of Khan Yunis, and said that senior Hamas leaders were using it. The city of Khan Yunis, the birthplace of Sinwar, has witnessed intense bombing in recent weeks as Israel attempts to reach the masterminds responsible for the surprise attack launched by Hamas. After being transformed into a tent city, Rafah, located on the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, is today the center of one of the worst humanitarian disasters in years, according to the Wall Street Journal. More than 1.3 million civilians, equivalent to more than half of the population of a sector, fled the fighting in the Palestinian Strip and gathered in Rafah, which was inhabited by about 300,000 people before the war, amid severe suffering and harsh humanitarian conditions, which led to increased international pressure on Israel, which Its forces are planning a possible ground movement in the border city with Egypt. Four months after the start of the war in Gaza, many of the city's residents say that they have not received any aid, while some families are sheltering from the rain and cold with plastic sheets hung on the sides of the roads, after selling their tents for dollars to buy food. We have to buy everything, says Soha Arafat, who lives in a storage room in Rafah with her husband, five children and three other families. We pay a lot of money just for food every day. We dont have cooking gas. When we find firewood, we make a fire to cook the lentils or pasta." According to the newspaper, aid transfers to the Gaza Strip face a number of obstacles due to the intensification of the war, the closure of the Gaza borders by Israel and Egypt, in addition to the strict inspections and restrictions imposed by Israel on goods heading to the besieged Gaza Strip. The lack of aid is also exacerbated by the large numbers of displaced people and the inability of the United Organizations to meet all needs, in addition to other obstacles related to chaos and the spread of looting in the Gaza Strip, according to the newspaper. Israel, Egypt and UN organizations say they are doing their best to facilitate emergency handovers, and are exchanging accusations with each other regarding the crisis taking place inside Gaza. Fears are increasing that the Israeli army will launch a ground attack against Hamas members inside the city of Rafah, which Israeli officials say is the last stronghold of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, where its fighters are taking shelter among civilians there, according to them. The United States and other European and Arab countries fear that such an operation would lead to large numbers of deaths, put pressure on already scarce aid, and leave displaced Palestinians with nowhere to go. For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on the continuation of military operations and said in a statement on Monday that his country will not waste any opportunity to free more hostages, considering that continued military pressure until complete victory over the Hamas movement is achieved. "Necessary to recover all hostages." The residents of the Gaza Strip are suffering from unprecedented levels of famine-simulating conditions as the war between Israel and Hamas continues, according to what the United Nations World Food Program reportedy. About 550,000 people face catastrophic levels of food insecurity, while the crisis affects the entire population of the Strip, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). Israel insists that it is taking broad measures to protect civilians, but it is forced to carry out military operations in civilian areas where Hamas, which launched the October 7 attack, is active, accusing Hamas of using civilians as human shields, which the movement denies. Finding clean water and food is a daily struggle for the population, who spend most of their days without eating any meal, according to testimonies and reports from the World Food Programme. Residents of Rafah said that the price of flour reaches ten times its price before the war, which prompts many to make bread from grains used to feed animals, while women limit the amount of water they drink to avoid standing in long lines in public toilets. I've never seen anything so desperate, so complex and difficult, says Sam Bloch, director of emergency response at World Central Kitchen, a Washington-based nonprofit that delivers meals in crisis areas. Bloch said that when he arrived in Rafah last December, the city contained trees, but since then almost all of them have been cut down to use in cooking food, adding: When I left, people were digging the roots of those trees to cook with them and make a cup of tea. War Termination Efforts to reach a new deal to release prisoners became complicated after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected last week a proposal from the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) for a 135-day ceasefire that includes a phased exchange of detainees and prisoners from both sides, and the withdrawal of forces for the end of the occupation of Gaza. Netanyahu described Hamas perceptions of the deal as fake. Netanyahu stressed that the war will not end until the movement is destroyed, and that he will not accept any proposal that would allow it to maintain control over any part of the Gaza Strip , as he claimed. A meeting was held in Cairo to discuss the truce in the Gaza Strip and the exchange of prisoners, with the participation of CIA Director William Burns, Mossad Chief David Barnea, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, and Egyptian officials. Cairo News Channel quoted a high-ranking Egyptian source as saying that the atmosphere of the Cairo meeting was positive, indicating that consultations would continue over the next three days. The Hamas-run Al-Aqsa TV channel reported, quoting a leadership source in the movement, that the attack on Rafah means the destruction of the negotiations that have been going on for weeks, and that Netanyahu is trying to evade the obligations of the exchange deal by committing genocide and a new humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah. Hamas confirms that it still demands that any agreement for detainees include a comprehensive ceasefire that would end the war in Gaza and lead to reconstruction efforts and lifting the siege, but Israel says it will not commit to ending the war as part of any agreement. The Israeli delegation left the Egyptian capital, Cairo, after participating in talks on the truce in Gaza and the exchange of prisoners, according to what was reported by the Israeli media, which reported major disagreements between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the leaders of the security services. Israeli Channel 12 said that the delegation led by Mossad Foreign Intelligence Director David Barnea was leaving Cairo "with no indication of progress." At the same time, Channel 13 quoted an Israeli official as saying that their delegations participation in the Cairo talks was a courtesy, in response to the request of US President Joe Biden. The same channel also reported that major disagreements preceded the Israeli delegations departure to the Egyptian capital, due to the head of the Mossad and the person in charge of the detainees file, General Reserve Nitzan Alon, putting forward the idea of ??submitting new proposals, which Netanyahu, his Minister of Defense and the Chief of Staff opposed, according to the channel. The official Israeli television channel Kan also reported that Netanyahu rejected a proposal to exchange prisoners with the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) prepared by the leaders of the Mossad and the Shin Bet. In this regard as well, Israeli Radio said that Netanyahu sent his personal secretary with the Israeli delegation to Cairo to ensure that the head of the Mossad adheres to his mandate. After his meeting with the King of Jordan Monday, US President Joe Biden tweeted on the X platform, saying, I give you my word, I am working day and night to return all detainees to their homes, alleviate the humanitarian crisis, end the terrorist threat, and bring peace to Gaza and Israel, and a lasting peace with... Two states for two peoples." Biden's "ambitious" statements came at a time when ways to reach a new deal to release prisoners became complicated after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected last week a proposal from the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) for a 135-day ceasefire that includes a phased exchange of detainees and prisoners from both sides, and the withdrawal of forces. The eventual occupation of Gaza. Before a new round of negotiations was held in Cairo, Netanyahu described Hamas perceptions of the deal as fake. Netanyahu stressed that the war will not end until the movement is destroyed, and that he will not accept any proposal that would allow it to maintain control over any part of the Gaza Strip , as he claimed. While the United States talks about efforts to reach a truce for at least 6 weeks between Hamas and Israel, sources indicate that there is a disagreement regarding the duration and nature of the potential truce, with reports of progress in mediation efforts. Axios news website quoted officials as saying that US President Joe Biden believes that Israel should show more flexibility in the prisoner exchange issue. According to the same sources, Biden informed Netanyahu that Israel may have to release more prisoners for every Israeli detainee, while the Israeli Prime Minister says that he is ready to release 3 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli, as happened in the previous deal. The sources told Axios that Biden agrees with Netanyahu that Hamas's request to release thousands of prisoners is "exaggerated." Biden had held talks with Netanyahu by phone the day before Sunday, which lasted about 45 minutes. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stated that Washington is doing everything in its power to "return all kidnapped Israelis to their families." He added that the US administration is working with Egypt and Qatar on a proposal that would lead to the release of the remaining detainees in the Gaza Strip. Blinken said in a press conference at the conclusion of his recent tour in the region, We had the opportunity to discuss - with the Israeli government - the response sent by Hamas to the proposal drawn up by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to release the remaining detainees and extend the humanitarian truce. He added, "What I can tell you is that while there are some clear issues that do not affect Hamas' response, we believe that it creates space to reach an agreement, and we will work on that relentlessly until we get there." Arab analysts agreed that optimism regarding the Cairo Quartet negotiations regarding the Gaza war is misplaced, amid their assertion that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden are maneuvering and do not want a permanent ceasefire. Professor of Political Science at An-Najah National University, Dr. Hassan Ayoub, says that optimism is misplaced, especially considering the series of American retreats that were previously issued by Biden and his Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken , during the war. He added that the American administration is betting on the Israeli government achieving an achievement on the ground. Ayoub continued - during his talk on the program Gaza... Whats next? In his episode dated (2/13/2024) - the strategic response of the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) cornered the Netanyahu government and the Biden administration, indicating that the American administration does not want a negotiating process that ends with a permanent ceasefire, citing the shortening of the proposed truce period to 6 weeks. Instead of more than 100 days. He stressed that this mechanism will not lead to stopping the war completely, suggesting that the Israeli diplomatic and military pressure aims to grant legitimacy to a large-scale operation in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip , as well as to blackmail the resistance and pressure it to reach a deal with a maximum period of 6 weeks. He stressed that Netanyahu is buying time, as Israel's most important weapon , to establish a buffer zone in the northern Gaza Strip, and to proceed with plans to exclude UNRWA, transfer residents, and empty the Gaza Strip, "therefore he is working to delay or disrupt the agreement on the deal." He warned that the pressures on Washington and Tel Aviv represent a source of strength for the resistance, as well as its ability to withstand and inflict heavy losses on the occupation army and the killings that detained prisoners are exposed to at the hands of the Israeli army, in addition to the approaching date for submitting Israels response to the demands of the International Court of Justice, and the pressures of opinion. International year. However, Ayoub confirms that some regional parties are putting pressure on the resistance in order to soften its position on the siege on Gaza and the return of the population to the north, pointing out that putting Hamas between the options of a bad deal or invading Rafah is an extremely dangerous matter, and it is a trap set for the resistance. The original is an Arab and international move to deter Israel about it. In turn, the journalist writer specializing in Israeli affairs, Wadih Awawda, says that there is a gap between the optimistic reports issued by Washington, Cairo, and Tel Aviv, indicating that the Netanyahu government began proposing the so-called responsible deal and the irresponsible deal, coinciding with its exposure to great pressure from the families of the prisoners. Awawdeh asserts that the gaps are large: Netanyahu is working to mix accounts and maneuver to prevent any progress in the negotiations, especially the disagreement over the essential clause of stopping war or fighting, noting that the right-wing government in Israel has not fulfilled its lust for revenge, and wants to continue teaching the Palestinians a historical lesson after the Al-Aqsa Flood attack. He stressed that Israel's attempt to celebrate the liberation of two prisoners from Gaza comes "to compensate for the failure, raise the morale of the army and society, and also prepare public opinion that storming Rafah will not be difficult." He added, "Israeli decision-makers have special calculations, because stopping the war now is a strategic loss for Tel Aviv and threatens the future of the ruling coalition," but he stressed that the military establishment wants calm due to the exhaustion and stress to which the army has been exposed. The Spanish newspaper El Confidencial published a report confirming that there are five obstacles preventing the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) and Israel from reaching a ceasefire agreement. The author of the report, Ignacio Sombrero, before listing the five obstacles, pointed out that the indirect negotiations between the two sides did not stop, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus description of them as illusory. He also pointed out that these negotiations are continuing via electronic means through mediators from Egypt , the United States and Qatar , saying that more than 4 months after the start of the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, Israel has not yet fully achieved its goals and it does not appear that it will achieve them. He explained that the proposed agreement prepared in Paris stipulates, at a minimum, a humanitarian truce in 3 stages, the first period starting for 3 weeks and lasting in total for 135 days, during which a group of 132 Israeli prisoners will be released in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The first of the five obstacles is that the Israeli Cabinet believes that the number of people Hamas is demanding to be released from Israeli prisons - i.e. 1,500 - is exaggerated. Hamas wants these three series of humanitarian truces to lead to a final ceasefire. On the other hand, Netanyahu refuses to do so because he wants to be free to resume the attack if he deems it necessary, and the Qatari and Egyptian mediators have told Hamas that when these truces end, international pressure will make it almost impossible for Tel Aviv to return to war. Hamas demands that the Israeli army allow, in the first stage, free movement within Gaza and the return of 1.5 million civilians to the devastated north, Hamas wants Israel to prevent the entry of settlers accompanied by the occupation forces into the so-called Temple Mount in Jerusalem , which effectively means storming the courtyards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque , as the Israeli government allowed them to do these raids starting in 2003. Hamas also demands that all Gaza borders be opened for humanitarian aid to enter before the Gaza Strip is reconstructed, which could take at least three years. For its part, Israel wants to impose its control over what enters Gaza by land to prevent the entry of weapons through the Rafah crossing with Egypt. In parallel, Tel Aviv and Cairo will have to agree on how the Israelis will be able to monitor the tunnels between the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza. The writer commented that it is possible to reopen the Erez crossing , which is the border crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, temporarily, but in any case the Palestinian labor force cannot return to work there. finally the occupations withdrawal from the entire Strip, but the Israeli government is only prepared to withdraw its army from the main urban centers. Sombrero indicated that Netanyahu would rather launch a major attack on Rafah and achieve complete victory than return the hostages, which is the preferred option by the majority of his government consisting of hard-line ministers, but not by public opinion. He added that an opinion poll published last week revealed that 51% of Israelis prioritize rescuing hostages, while only 36% prefer eliminating Hamas. The writer said that Netanyahu did not specify when the ground attack on Rafah should begin, and that Hamas's only reaction was to announce that any "large-scale military aggression" would put an immediate end to any negotiations. Operational Update the Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, said that its fighters detonated an anti-personnel device against an Israeli force of 5 soldiers and clashed with a force of 7 soldiers from zero distance east of Khan Yunis, leaving them dead and wounded, the IDF announced that 18 soldiers were wounded in the ongoing battles in the Gaza Strip during The last 24 hours. At dawn, the Israeli army stormed cities and towns in the occupied West Bank , resulting in the death of a Palestinian and the injury of others, according to eyewitnesses and Palestinian sources. The IDF carried out incursions in Ramallah and Al-Bireh (centre), Qalqilya (north), the city of Jenin and its camp (north), towns in the Hebron governorate (south), and a number of camps and towns in the Nablus governorate (north). Al Jazeera's correspondent said that the occupation forces stormed, from several directions, the city of Jenin in the northern West Bank, and besieged the entrance to its camp. They also stormed areas in Hebron and raided homes there. The occupation forces conducted their patrols in Haifa Street and Al-Zahraa Street in Jenin, accompanied by bulldozers. They also surrounded the entrance to the Jenin camp, amidst gunfire with resistance fighters and intense flights of reconnaissance planes in the sky of the city. Sirens sounded in the city and its camp. Al Jazeera's correspondent said that the occupation forces withdrew completely from the city of Jenin and its camp after a military operation that lasted 6 hours. Al Jazeera's correspondent said that the occupation forces also stormed the city of Qalqilya from its northern axis and besieged several neighborhoods. In Hebron, the occupation forces stormed the town of Beit Ummar, and the areas of Ashkarah, south of the city of Yatta, and north of Hebron, where they conducted their patrols, raided citizens homes, searched them, and tampered with their contents. They also stormed the town of Al-Samu, south of Hebron, and raided a number of homes. Settlers also attacked sheep herders in the village of Susiya in Masafer Yatta and prevented them from reaching their lands. They also searched a number of homes and destroyed the furniture inside, resulting in material damage to the property. In Nablus, Al Jazeera's correspondent said that a group of settlers stormed the town of Huwwara, south of the city, and spread out in several neighborhoods, attacking Palestinians and their property, and burning several vehicles and homes, amid tight security protection by the occupation forces. They also chanted racist slogans before they withdrew from the town. The settlers - under the protection of the occupation army - also attacked the town of Asira Al-Qibliya, south of the city of Nablus, assaulted residents, and burned a car and parts of two houses on the outskirts of the town. Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that a number of Palestinians suffered varying injuries and cases of suffocation as a result of the occupation forces firing live bullets and gas bombs at them. The Al-Quds Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Jihad Movement , reported that its fighters set up an ambush in the Ma'an area, southeast of Khan Yunis, killing and wounding members of an Israeli force. It stated that its fighters surprised the force's members with machine guns, anti-personnel shells, fortifications, and explosive devices, causing deaths and injuries among their ranks. Al Jazeera Net polled the opinions of a number of analysts and experts to clarify the military and political goals that the Israeli army seeks to achieve by invading the city of Rafah, and the extent of its realistic success in achieving these goals. The military and strategic expert, Brigadier General Elias Hanna, said, The Rafah region has a different reality due to the geographical location first, the human structure second, and the Israeli mind third. He added that Netanyahu linked the Rafah invasion to the success of the military operation in general. If he is allowed to do so, he may succeed, and here he will have achieved his primary goal. If he is not allowed, he will blame those who were not allowed to go to Rafah. Meanwhile, Hatem Al-Falahi, a military and strategic expert at the Al-Rafidain Center for Strategic Studies (Rasam), said that the Netanyahu government is trying to go to Rafah for several reasons: Complete control of the Rafah crossing and the Salah al-Din Corridor, an important area whose control would completely strangle Hamas. Israel seeks to completely close the door to what it calls providing Hamas with weapons that it is now using in the resistance. This is a direct accusation against Egypt that it was allowing the smuggling of weapons to the movement. Completion of the process of displacing the population of the Gaza Strip abroad, and this was a fundamental reason for the military campaign launched by the occupation army on the Strip since the seventh of last October. Only the Rafah region remains to achieve the two goals announced by the Netanyahu government: releasing prisoners held by Hamas and eliminating the movements leaders. As for the writer and political analyst Majid Ibrahim, he believes that the reasons that prompted the occupation army to enter the city of Rafah are due to the fact that the Zionist aggression wants to complete what it started in the north and center of the Gaza Strip, and now wants to complete it in the south in the city of Rafah, which he says has 4 Hamas brigades and wants to eliminate on her. Ibrahim also explained that Netanyahu wants to achieve a military achievement in order to confront his political opponents who are lurking around him, in addition to the growing demands of the families of the prisoners, and his assurance to them that military force is what paves the way for the release of the prisoners and not anything else, and also in light of the streets thirst for revenge since the events of the Al-Aqsa flood. But Brigadier General Hanna returns and imposes a set of obstacles that restrict the Israeli armys ability to invade Rafah, including the density of the civilian population in this area is estimated at about 1.5 million people. Netanyahu ordered the Israeli army to develop a military plan to evacuate the displaced. Here, Hanna raises a number of questions that cannot be achieved realistically, as he says: Who will evacuate this population density? Is it the same army? He answers that the Israeli army is an enemy of the population that is not loyal to it and therefore cannot evacuate such a large number. Will the Fatah regime that used to rule Gaza do this? He answers that this is not possible because its employees would also be targets for Israel. Is there an international body that will do this? He answers: This has not yet become clear, because the matter requires time and is surrounded by many complications. Is there an area with infrastructure now ready to receive this population density? This is also not currently available. Al-Falahi pointed out that the announcement of the campaign targeting the Rafah area is the same as the exchange deal that is being prepared now. If the objectives of this invasion are achieved, Netanyahu will not be forced to conclude this deal, and there will be no negotiations in the first place. However, if he fails to achieve these objectives, he will be Forced to make a deal with Hamas. He added that the occupation army is carrying out direct aerial bombardment of the Rafah area in order to prepare the theater for military operations in this area, and this shows that Netanyahu is not serious about concluding any deal with Hamas during this period. He said, "I think that the indicators of what is happening now regarding the details of the prisoner exchange deal indicate that the Western countries do not want to give anything to the Hamas leadership. They do not want a complete ceasefire, but only a temporary truce." Therefore, they do not work according to the principle of "all for all", but rather "they want the deals to be according to what happened in the last period, that is, for every one of the prisoners released by Hamas, in return there will be approximately 30 Palestinian detainees in the occupation prisons." The researcher at the Rasam Center believes that "this deal is not sufficient for the resistance factions that endured this great destruction and these very large losses, and for this reason it is clear that they are not serious about concluding a real deal with Hamas." But Ibrahim believes that the operations in Rafah come to try to improve Netanyahus negotiating position, in light of the prisoner exchange and ceasefire negotiations that reached the stage of the Paris Agreement, and also in light of Hamas response to this document and its demands related to relief, aid, and the release of Palestinian detainees. He also pointed out that Netanyahu will eventually be forced to concede after he fails in his mission in Rafah, and "he will be forced to seriously negotiate a ceasefire deal with increasing American pressure on him and internal and international pressure, especially since his continued targeting of civilians will increase the world's discontent with him." As for Hanna, he says, I believe that what is happening now is intimidation and a pressure operation to force the resistance to change its positions on negotiations, and therefore the current bombing and targeting is considered a special operation that Israel considered to be the liberation of two hostages, and it remains a simple special operation within a complex and large issue, and in preparation. For the operation to release the two hostages, I do not believe that it was preparation for the major operation that Netanyahu spoke about. Regarding the American position on the Israeli escalation against the city of Rafah, Ibrahim said that Washington wants Netanyahu to complete this final stage before the month of Ramadan, and although it reveals objections to what the occupation army is doing, it remains ineffective and does not go beyond the media and its goal is internal consumption as a result of the presidents calculations. American Joe Biden of the Interior Ministry", while he himself gave Netanyahu the green light to invade the entire sector. Regarding the Egyptian position, Ibrahim said that he "still adheres to his rejection of displacement, but at the same time, unfortunately, he does not succeed in exerting real pressure on the Zionist entity not to invade Rafah, and what this may represent - as some say - as a threat to Egyptian national security." Not far from that, Al-Falahi said, The United States gave the green light for this military operation, provided that there are guarantees regarding civilians. There is no doubt that Netanyahu will give these guarantees to the American president, because Washington is the main supporter of the Israeli government and is the one preventing the Security Council from Issuing any ceasefire decision throughout the past period. Al-Falahi concludes, "So, it is satisfied with the military operation, and what is happening in the region is taking place with very large American support and Western support, including France, Germany, Italy, and Britain." But Brigadier General Hanna has another perception, as he says that at the geopolitical level, Netanyahu needs approval from the sponsor, that is, from the United States, and therefore its position began to change somewhat from time to time during the past two days, and contact took place between the president and Netanyahu. I do not think that Biden gave him that green light. Rather, he warned him of the consequences of entering Rafah, and therefore if he attacked, it would harm the relationship with America. He also pointed out that Israel needs the Egyptian position given the common borders, including the movement of entry and exit of fighters, weapons, or even relief aid. There is also the Camp David Accords between Cairo and Tel Aviv, which is very important to Israel and must be preserved. 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 Political advisor to the international humanitarian aid organization Oxfam, Dirk Jan Galving, said that European countries must implement the decision of the Dutch Court of Appeal regarding stopping the sale of parts of the American F-35 fighter jet to Israel. The case concerns spare parts owned by the United States and stored in the Netherlands before being sent to partner countries, including Israel, under export agreements. Oxfam is one of the parties to the case in which the Dutch Court of Appeal issued a decision yesterday, Monday, suspending the sale of parts for F-35 fighter jets to Israel, due to their violation of international humanitarian law. The Dutch court considered that Israel did not adequately take into account the damage caused to civilians in its war on the Gaza Strip, adding that it ordered a halt to the export of F-35 fighter parts to Israel within 7 days. Anadolu Agency quoted Galving as saying that the lawsuit against the Dutch government aims to ensure their compliance with their obligations under international law, and stressed that the parts presented by the Dutch government contribute to a serious violation of international humanitarian law. He considered that all countries are obligated "to fulfill their legal obligations regarding the impact of the decisions of the Court of Appeal in The Hague on sales of fighter parts, and to comply with the Geneva Convention and the Arms Trade Agreement." He added, "All of Europe must take a common position in line with the decision. The conclusions reached by the Dutch court must also affect other countries. Other European countries should, in principle, adopt the decision of the court in the Netherlands to suspend sales due to violations of international humanitarian law, and in terms of Technically, all European countries must adhere to the same legal rules. Regarding the consequences of the decision, Galving said, I believe that this decision will put pressure on Israel and put an end to violations of international humanitarian law. Oxfam Director Michel Servais expressed his hope that "this ruling will strengthen international law in other countries so that the residents of Gaza can enjoy the protection of international law." Dutch government officials stated that they would appeal to the Dutch Supreme Court against the decision, in line with instructions from Geoffrey van Leeuwen, Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. The statement stated that the government believes that the distribution of spare parts for American F-35 aircraft is not in violation of the law, and confirmed that it will conduct consultations with international partners. The Dutch authorities confirmed last November that it was not clear whether they even had the authority to interfere in the deliveries, which are part of a US-run operation to supply parts to all companies in the F-35 program. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-35 aircraft, said in a statement that it is working to evaluate the repercussions of the Dutch courts decision on its supply chain, but added that it is ready to support the US government and its allies if necessary. The South African government said - today, Tuesday - that it has submitted an urgent request to the International Court of Justice to use its full authority in order to stop the military operation that Israel plans to launch in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Last month, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take all measures in its power to prevent its forces from committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, as part of a case brought by South Africa. The South African presidency said in a statement, The South African government, in a request submitted to the court yesterday (February 12), expressed its deep concern that the unprecedented military attack on Rafah has already led to widespread killing, harm and destruction and will lead to more. The statement added that the attack on Rafah would represent a serious and irreparable violation of the Genocide Convention and the courts decision issued on January 26. Amnesty International warned of a real and imminent risk of genocide threatening the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip , as there is nowhere for civilians to go to escape the bombing. The international organization said - in a post on its account on the X platform - that the population of Rafah has multiplied five times since the start of the Israeli attack on Gaza on the seventh of last October. The Israeli army is preparing to launch a ground operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, after forcing residents of the northern Gaza Strip to seek refuge there to escape the battles in the northern and central Gaza Strip. On Sunday evening, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation said that the Israeli army had approved an operational plan to launch a ground operation in Rafah, which is the last refuge for the displaced in the stricken sector. Amnesty International confirmed that there is a real and imminent risk of genocide in Rafah, as there is nowhere for civilians to go to escape the bombing. On Monday morning, the Israeli army launched a series of violent raids on various areas of the city, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians, including children and women, in clear disregard for international warnings about the consequences of invading the city, which is crowded with displaced people. Many countries and organizations called on the Israeli authorities to stop their military operations in the city of Rafah , south of the Gaza Strip , and warned of the dangerous repercussions of the imminent attack on the city, which is filled with hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians who have taken refuge there due to the Israeli bombing and massacres against residents in the central and northern Gaza Strip. China called on Israel to quickly stop its military operation in the city of Rafah, and warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in the city if the fighting continued. The Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "China is closely following the situation in the Rafah area, and opposes and condemns actions that harm civilians and violate international law." For his part, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the Israeli attacks on the city of Rafah, describing them as brutal and terrible. He said in a tweet on his account on the Canel said that 220 civilians were killed in the Gaza Strip within one day due to Israeli attacks, and he expressed his condemnation in the strongest terms for what is happening in Gaza. In Germany, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed her deep concern over Israel's announcement of its intention to launch a major military attack on Rafah. I am very concerned about the Israeli governments announcement of a large-scale ground military operation in Rafah, Birbock said in a press conference on Tuesday. In turn, Pakistan said that Tel Aviv is violating the measures ordered by the International Court of Justice last month, aimed at protecting the residents of the Gaza Strip from genocide, and expressed its condemnation of the Israeli attack on Rafah. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry said in a statement yesterday, Monday, that the Rafah invasion will exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and threaten efforts to reach a possible ceasefire. Islamabad urged the international community, especially the UN Security Council, to take urgent measures to immediately end the Israeli aggression and put an end to the ongoing Israeli crimes against humanity. In the same context, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, expressed his deep concern about the expected ground invasion by Israeli forces in the city of Rafah. The Public Prosecutor reiterated his emphasis on the importance of adhering to the laws of armed conflict, stressed the need to adhere to the rules of international laws governing wars, and warned against non-adherence to them. Khan noted that despite his continued messages, Israel's behavior and practices have not changed, and stressed that his office "is actively investigating any alleged crimes with the aim of holding violators of international law accountable." Axis of Resistance Highlighting Irans upper hand in all arenas of confrontation with the enemy, the commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps cautioned the adversaries that they will receive a major setback if they take any action against Iranian vessels. In a meeting with the retired and incumbent IRGC commanders and officials, held in Tehran on Tuesday, Major General Hossein Salami said the IRGC and Basij forces of Iran have checkmated the enemies in all arenas. The IRGC has gained such great power that it emerges victorious in every battlefield, either the military war theater or the cyberwar against the enemy, he added. If a war of ships erupts and they (enemies) hit our vessels, we will definitely hit the same number, or even more, of theirs, the general warned. He also noted that the IRGC is capable of forming power externally and defeating the enemy in the exterior battlefields. Highlighting Irans success in foiling the international sedition that emerged amid the riots of autumn 2022, Major General Salami said the IRGC has even disappointed the enemys plans for poverty in Iran and has engaged in schemes to address underdevelopment. In remarks in August 2023, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei described the IRGC as the biggest anti-terrorism organization in the world, saying the efficient and independent entity can carry out missions many armies of the world are incapable of doing. The Leader also commended the IRGC for its exceptional efforts, noting that the elite force effectively thwarted all those crises, safeguarding the Iranian people from their repercussions. The United States lacks the sincerity in contribution to the political settlement of the war against Gaza, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said. In a meeting with his Qatari counterpart in Doha on Monday night, Amirabdollahian hailed the growing trend of bilateral relations between Iran and Qatar. He noted that cooperation and consultations between Iran and Qatar regarding the regional developments are constructive and serve the mutual interests of the two countries as well as the collective stability and security of the region. Referring to the shared view of Tehran and Doha regarding the need to immediately end the Zionist regimes war on Gaza and its genocidal campaign in the region, Amirabdollahian enumerated Irans latest diplomatic moves to achieve that goal. He also denounced the Zionist regimes threat to launch a ground attack on Rafah, saying the US government announces plans on preventing the spillover of the war across the region but at the same time, it has not reduced its arms supplies to the Zionist regime, the Foreign Ministrys website reported. The top Iranian diplomat added that reaching an agreement and a political solution to end the war on Gaza can come to fruition, provided that America chooses between the continuation of the war and a ceasefire in action, and not in words. He also praised the diplomatic efforts of Qatar in order to achieve a ceasefire and end the war on Gaza, noting that the US government is not sincere in helping find a political solution to the war. He emphasized that Hamas and the Palestinian resistance showed their goodwill and prudence in sticking to the political solution, but it is clear that Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, still prioritizes the option of war, and the US government also practically supports the war. Allied for Democracy Robert House, a legal expert at New York University, believes that the agreement means an end to hostilities, and that this will lead to elections in Israel, which means an end to Netanyahus political career, so he will never agree to stop the war. Martin Indyk - who is responsible for the peace negotiations between the Israelis and the Palestinians during the era of former US President Barack Obama and currently an expert at the Council on Foreign Relations - also attacked Netanyahu. He said in a tweet on the X platform, Netanyahus insistence on absolute victory over Hamas, his rejection of its conditions for exchanging detainees, and his downplaying of the importance of returning them all indicate that he is no longer looking for a deal with the movement. Meanwhile, the families of those still detained and prisoners of war are appealing to the Israeli Prime Minister to approve the exchange deal. Butcher's Bill / Oasis of Martyrs The American CNN network quoted a senior official in President Joe Biden's administration as saying that the rescue operation of two Israeli detainees in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip , Sunday, may have led to the death of about 100 Palestinians, "and we are concerned about it." The Israeli Broadcasting Authority said that Tel Aviv informed Cairo during the liberation of the two detainees in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, and assured it that the matter was an isolated event, and not the beginning of a comprehensive process. For its part, the White House expressed its happiness with the success of the Israeli army in releasing the two Israeli detainees, and added that the crisis will not end in the Gaza Strip until the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas ) releases all detainees. The White House confirmed that US President Joe Biden and members of his team continue to work around the clock to ensure and secure the release of detainees. "We cannot confirm the killing of civilians in Rafah, but we do not want to see any civilian deaths, whether Palestinians or Israelis, and President Biden was clear about this. We want the war in Gaza to stop, and the first steps for that are an extended truce, the release of all detainees, and the entry of aid." 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 28,4730 martyrs, "including 12,300 dead children, 8,400 women, 340 medical personnel, 46 civil defense, and 124 journalists." He pointed out that "7,000 people are missing, 70% of whom are children and women, The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The number wounded was 68,146. 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 394 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 569 since the start of the war on October 7, including 236 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 2,864 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 14,070 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 Israel announced 12 February 2024 that the total number of prisoners that the army was able to recover in exchange deals and through military operations is 126 people, including 91 Israelis, 11 bodies, and 24 foreign workers. 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 Al-Qassam Brigades announced on 11 February 2024 that the continuous Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip during the past 96 hours led to the death of 2 prisoners and the serious injury of 8 others. 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 7,000. 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 - 13 February 2024 - Day 719 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 Russia is proposing draft legislation to raise the age of military contract personnel, including those that were recruited before June 2023, to age 65, and age 70 for officers. This would substantially raise the current age limit of 51 for non-officers and would likely extend the contract length. The pre-war 2021 life expectancy for Russian males was 64.2 according to the World Data website. Therefore, this measure confers on these service personnel, in effect, a lifetime contract. Although this measure will likely alleviate the need for additional mobilisation, increasing the number of military personnel aged over 51 is highly unlikely to increase Russia's combat effectiveness, particularly in kinetic assaults. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of February 13, there were 52x combat engagements. The Russian occupiers launched a total of 1x missile and 94x air strikes, carried out 89x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, Russian attacks resulted in killed and wounded civilians. Residential private and apartment buildings, and other civilian infrastructure were destroyed and damaged. Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes. No signs of formation of an offensive group. Certain units of the armed forces of belarus continue their missions in the areas bordering Ukraine. Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russia maintains its military presence in the areas of Russia bordering Ukraine. Russia continues its sabotage and reconnaissance activities, shelling Ukrainian settlements from the territory of Tussia and increases the density of minefields along the state border of Ukraine. Russian forces launched an air strike at the settlement of Kruhle (Kharkiv oblast). More than 20x settlements came under Russian artillery and mortar fire, including Hrem'yach, Zarichchya, Koren'ok, Pavlivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Alisivka, Kozacha Lopan', Luk'yantsi, Vovchans'k, Veterynarne (Kharkiv oblast). Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces conducted no offensives, however launched 2x air strikes at the settlement of Novojehorivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Dvorichna, Ivanivka, Syn'kivka, Petropavlivka (Kharkiv oblast). Lyman axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 2x assaults near Yampolivka (Donetsk oblast) and Bilohorivka (Lugansk oblast). In that area Russian forces made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense, to no success. The Russian occupiers launched 5x air strikes in the vicinities of Terny, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast), Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at more than 10x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Serebryans'ke forestry (Luhansk oblast), Spirne, Tors'ke, Serebryanka, Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast). Bakhmut axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 8x attacks in the vicinities of Bohdanivka, Ivanivske and Klishchiivka (Donetsk oblast), where the Russian occupiers made attempts to improve their tactical situation. The Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Chasiv Yar (Donetsk oblast). Around 10x settlements came under artillery and mortar fire, including Kurdyumivka, Bohdanivka, Klishchiivka, New York, Chasiv Yar (Donetsk oblast). Avdiivka axis: the Ukrainian defenders repelled 10x attacks near Avdiivka and 2x more attacks near Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast). In that area, the Russian occupiers, with air support, made attempts to breach Ukrainian defense. Russian forces launched 2x air strikes in the vicinity of Orlivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 20x settlements, including Berdychi, Stepove, Lastochkyne, Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast). Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces in the vicinities of Heorhiivka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). In that area, Russian forces, with air support, made 11x attempts to improve its tactical situation. Russian forces launched air strikes near Kostyantynivka (Donetsk oblast). The settlements of Kurakhove, Heorhiivka, Kostyantynivka Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Paraskoviivka, Pervomais'ke (Donetsk oblast) were under Russian artillery and mortar fire. Novopavlivka axis: Russian forces conducted no offensives. The Russian adversary launched an air strike near Novodarivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Russian forces fired artillery and mortars at around 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast), Levadne, Novodarivka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Zaporizhzhia axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled 1x attack east of Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The occupiers' aircraft launched strikes at the settlements of Dolynka, Zhovta Krucha, Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). Around 20x settlements, including Poltavka, Hulyaipole, Chervone, Mala Tokmachka, Robotyne P'yatykhatky (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 1x unsuccessful assault on positions of Ukrainian troops. The city of Kherson, the settlements of Tokarivka, Romashkove (Kherson oblast) came under Russian artillery fire. The Russian invaders launched air strikes in the vicinity of Krynky (Kherson oblast). Also, the occupiers carried out MLRS strikes in the vicinities of Tyahynka, Ivanivka, Krynky (Kherson oblast). During the day of February 13, the Ukrainian Air Force launched air strikes on 11x concentrations of Russian troops, 1x command post, 3x locations of air defense systems. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 16x Shahed-136/131 attack UAVs. The Ukrainian missile troops hit 1x concentration of Russian troops, 4x artillery systems, 1x command post, 2x ammunition depots, 1x electronic warfare system . The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces repelled four attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 30th, 44th, and 60th mechanised brigades near Sinkovka (Kharkov region) and Terni (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 180 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured personnel carriers, and five motor vehicles. In Krasny Liman direction, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces improved the situation along the front lines, as well as repelled two attacks launched by assault detachments of the AFU 60th and 63rd mechanised brigades near Torskoye and Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 310 Ukrainian troops, two tanks, eight armoured fighting vehicles, 27 motor vehicles, and one Grad MLRS combat vehicle. In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions, as well as inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 53rd Mechanised Brigade and 129th Territorial Defence Brigade near Novgorodskoye and Novokalinovo (Donetsk People's Republic). Moreover, five attacks launched by units of the AFU 24th Mechanised Brigade, 5th Assault Brigade, 79th, 80th air assault brigades were repelled near Kleshcheyevka, Leninskoye, Shumy, Krasnogorovka, and Georgievka (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to 325 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, four armoured fighting vehicles, and 25 motor vehicles. In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces supported by aviation and artillery inflicted losses on AFU manpower and hardware near Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region), Vladimirovka, Vodyanoye, Urozhaynoye, Prechistovka, and Staromayorskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). The AFU losses amounted to up to 250 Ukrainian troops, two infantry fighting vehicles, two armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, and one electronic warfare station. In Kherson direction, units of the Russian Groups of Forces supported by artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade, 82nd Air Assault Brigade, and 23rd Ukrainian National Guard Brigade near Verbovoye, Rabotino (Zaporozhye region), and Nikopol (Dnepropetrovsk region). The AFU losses amounted to up to 80 Ukrainian troops and two motor vehicles. Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces wiped out one ammunition depot of the AFU 126th Territorial Defence Brigade, as well as engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 114 areas during the day. Air defence units shot down 63 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles near Kremenets, Aleksandrovka, Kleshcheyevka, Mezhevoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Lyubimovka, Dudchany (Kherson region), Basan (Zaporozhye region), as well as intercepted three HIMARS MLRS projectiles. In total, 570 airplanes and 265 helicopters, 12,292 unmanned aerial vehicles, 464 air defence missile systems, 14,994 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,219 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 8,021 field artillery guns and mortars, as well as 18,574 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Cyber Attacks Spike Suddenly Prior to Taiwan's Election By Jeff Seldin February 13, 2024 Chinese-linked cyber actors appear to have made a massive, last-minute push to try to derail Taiwan's recent elections, though the precise goals of the sudden campaign a and the extent to which the attacks succeeded a remain unclear. A new report Tuesday by the U.S.-based cybersecurity firm Trellix found what researchers described as a significant spike in activity, with attacks on Taiwanese organizations more than doubling in the 24-hour period before Taiwan's January 13 election. "Malicious cyber activity rose significantly from 1,758 detections on January 11 to over 4,300 on January 12," the report said. Most of the attacks appeared to focus on government offices, police departments, and financial institutions, with the attackers focused on internal communications, police reports, bank statements and insurance information. Then, almost as suddenly as they came, the attacks seemed to wane, with just over 1,000 attacks detected on election day itself. "The pattern of the attack is unusual," Trellix's Anne An told VOA. "We see a lot of Chinese APTs [advanced persistent threat actors] that, after they get in, they stay low, maintain persistence," said An, Trellix's lead threat intelligence researcher. "We don't see this crazy spike." Trellix is continuing to review the data. But An said one explanation could be a sense of desperation by the Chinese threat actors to find a way to impact the Taiwanese election. They may well have been "going in with a last effort, trying to dig in the financial information, the policing records and the government internal communications, trying to figure out if there's anything they can grab," she said. Only if the goal was to change how Taiwanese citizens voted or induce some sort of panic as the vote was being counted, it would seem the Chinese-linked hackers failed. Rumors about election fraud were quickly debunked and dismissed by what some analysts described as "whole of society response" making use of government agencies, independent fact check organizations and even social media influencers. "Find it early, like a tumor or cancer. Cut it before it spreads," Taipei's economic and cultural representative to the U.S., Alexander Tah-Ray Yui, told The Associated Press last month. Still, the Trellix report says the danger to Taiwan may not be over. It warns that the spike in attacks on the day before Taiwan's elections may be part of a longer-term strategy by the Chinese-linked threat actors. "The same set of data also shows that threat actors operating behind these malicious activities leverage a number of living-off-the-land tools," the report said. Living-off-the-land attacks allow hackers to infiltrate a computer network or system and hide, quietly stealing additional data or positioning themselves to launch a disruptive attack at a more opportune time. And it is a tactic that has worried cybersecurity officials in the United States, prompting the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to issue a threat advisory to U.S. companies just last week. A China-linked hacker group known as Volt Typhoon has been "positioning itself to launch destructive cyberattacks that would jeopardize the physical safety of Americans," the advisory warned. And CISA director Jen Easterly warned last month that the Chinese strategy is likely closely linked to Taiwan. Beijing's goal would be to "incite societal panic and chaos, and to deter our ability to marshal military might," especially in case of a conflict over Taiwan, she told lawmakers. China's goal, Easterly added, would be to "incite societal panic and chaos, and to deter our ability to marshal military might," especially in case of a conflict over Taiwan. China has rejected such accusations, accusing U.S. officials of "making irresponsible criticism" when Washington itself is guilty of such behavior. "We urge the U.S. side to stop," Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told VOA in an email in response to the CISA director's warnings. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Over 600 Canadian Armed Forces members training with Allies and partners in Alaska on Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE 24 National Defence News release February 13, 2024 - Ottawa - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces Over 350 Canadian Army soldiers will begin practicing their cold weather combat skills in a joint exercise at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center (JPMRC) in Fort Wainwright, Alaska from February 13 to 22, 2024. Most of the Canadian training audience is from the 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (3 PPCLI), which is based in Edmonton, Alberta. They will join American counterparts from the 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the 11th Airborne Division. In addition to Canadian and American forces, troops from Mongolia and the Republic of Korea will be part of the training audience. Working shoulder to shoulder with these important partners is an opportunity for the Canadian Army to build inter-army relationships in the Indo-Pacific region. As an Arctic and Pacific nation, Canada greatly values the opportunity to work with Northern Indo-Pacific partners to prepare for defence and security issues that may increasingly affect both of these important regions. The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) will also deploy approximately 165 personnel from 1 Wing to participate with three CH-147 Chinook and six CH-146 Griffon helicopters. Approximately 100 other Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel will support the exercise in other capacities, bringing the total CAF contribution to roughly 600 personnel. Across all participating nations, the exercise will see over 8000 soldiers engage in offensive and defensive manoeuvres against a near-peer enemy force in a complex and fluid environment. Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE is an annual Canadian Army exercise that will alternate between the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center in Alaska and the Joint Readiness Training Center in Louisianna. It will validate one of the Canadian Army's light infantry battalions as the Global Response Task Force (GRTF), a high readiness force ready to deploy across a wide variety of potential missions. Each of Canadian Army's light infantry battalions will cycle through as the GRTF, giving Canadian soldiers outstanding training and experience in diverse environments. Quotes "Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE 24 ensures the Canadian Army can conduct combat operations in challenging cold weather conditions and in the Arctic, but also serves as an opportunity to strengthen ties with crucial partners in the Indo-Pacific - especially our hosts: the 11th Airborne Division of the US Army Pacific. As we face an increasingly volatile security environment around the globe, I am incredibly proud to see our soldiers train together and sharpen their skills. The Arctic is experiencing growing competition, and the Canadian Army must remain ready to support the Government of Canada's strategies in this important region." Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul, Commander, Canadian Army "The training conducted at the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center alongside our American allies and Indo-Pacific partners, shows the Canadian Army's commitment to maintain individual and collective proficiency in Arctic and Cold Weather operations. Thanks to the relationship that exists between the Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre and the Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center, US, Canadian, and Indo-Pacific partner nation soldiers will prove their combat readiness shoulder-to-shoulder during the same exercise." Major-General Roch Pelletier, Commander, Canadian Army Doctrine and Training Centre "3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Light Infantry has conducted intense training these past four months leading up to Ex GLOBAL RESOLVE 24. Challenging, high-level training like this demonstrates the capability of a light infantry unit and better prepares us to operate in various environments around the globe. This training will ensure we are ready to take on the Global Response Task Force mantle this summer." Lieutenant Colonel Ben Schmidt, Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Quick facts In total, roughly 10,000 participants and support personnel are involved in JPMRC 24-02, in addition to many other personnel across Alaska working to make this exercise a success. In total, roughly 10,000 participants and support personnel are involved in JPMRC 24-02, in addition to many other personnel across Alaska working to make this exercise a success. Both the 11th Airborne Division and the 3 PPCLI are using this exercise as an opportunity to validate forces in extreme cold weather conditions. The GRTF is a Very High Readiness Light Infantry Battalion that is capable of rapid, global, strategic force projection in lower-intensity conflict, force projection and response in the Arctic, or to operate as part of a larger allied force in major operations. The Canadian Manoeuvre Training Centre has contributed Observer Controller Trainers (OCTs) to Exercise GLOBAL RESOLVE to enable the validation of 3 PPCLI. This ensures that the Canadian Army is always ready to deploy, even at short notice, to support operations around the globe. Canadian OCTs are working alongside American OCTs throughout the exercise. These experienced soldiers supervise the training audience from the exercise sidelines to provide feedback and mentorship for maximum training value. As the Canadian Army's Centre of Excellence for collective training, CMTC can export OCTs to the point of need whether it is in Wainwright, Alberta, or Fort Wainwright, Alaska. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Joly US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson February 13, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Canadian Foreign Minister MAlanie Joly today in Washington, D.C. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Joly discussed the urgent need to reach agreement on a modernized Columbia River Treaty regime. The Secretary and the Foreign Minister also reaffirmed their joint commitment to support Ukraine, achieve a durable peace in the Middle East, and enable a Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In 2023, Leapmotor, the Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer, remained steadfast in its commitment to comprehensive technology research and expanding its product lineup, with a continued focus on both the battery-electric and extended-range electric vehicle markets. Throughout the year, Leapmotor achieved remarkable milestones, with an annual delivery volume reaching 144,155 units, representing a nearly 30% year-on-year increase. Additionally, it celebrated the achievement of surpassing the delivery milestones of both 200,000 and 300,000 units of vehicles in the past year. Photo credit: Leapmotor Concurrently, Leapmotor's global expansion journey entered a new phase. Leveraging its technological prowess and product competitiveness, the company struck an investment partnership with automotive giant Stellantis. This collaboration marks the first partnership between a new Chinese auto player and a multinational giant, pioneering a novel model for global expansion through light asset deployment. Gasgoo conducted a year-end review focusing on key automotive enterprises and component manufacturers. In this report, we will take a retrospective look at the significant events that transpired for Leapmotor in 2023. Leapmotor boasts over 29% YoY surge in 2023 annual deliveries Chinese new energy vehicle manufacturer Leapmotor achieved a historic high delivery record in December 2023, with a remarkable 18,618 vehicles delivered, marking a 119% year-on-year soar. Leapmotor to commence vehicle delivery in Europe in Q3 2024 On November 23, Wu Qiang, co-president of Chinese new energy vehicle maker Leapmotor, announced the company's anticipation of commencing vehicle deliveries in Europe by the third quarter of next year. Stellantis fulfills acquisition of 21.26% stake in Leapmotor On November 21, Leapmotor's board of directors ("the Board") announced that it had issued 194,260,030 new H Shares to Stellantis, the world's fourth-largest automaker. The subscription transaction was completed on November 20, 2023. Leapmotor unveils globally-oriented C10 at Auto Guangzhou 2023 On November 17, Leapmotor showcased its inaugural global-oriented model, the C10, at the Auto Guangzhou 2023, marking its China debut following its global premiere in Munich. Hesai Technology to supply Leapmotor with AT128 LiDAR On November 13, Chinese LiDAR manufacturer Hesai Technology ("Hesai") officially announced its designated collaboration with Leapmotor, a Chinese new energy vehicle maker, in an OEM-installed project. Through the collaboration, Leapmotor upcoming mass-produced passenger vehicle will feature the cutting-edge AT128 ultra-high-resolution long-range LiDAR from Hesai. Stellantis to acquire 20% stake in Leapmotor with 1.5 billion of investment On October 26, an ambitious partnership was unveiled as Stellantis N.V. plans to invests approximately 1.5 billion to acquire a 20% stake in Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturer Leapmotor. Leapmotor boasts 31.9% YoY jump in Q3 2023 revenue Chinese new energy vehicle startup, Leapmotor, unveiled its third-quarter (Q3) financial report on October 16, demonstrating impressive growth and improved financial health. Leapmotor C01's extended-range edition hits market, starting at 145,800 yuan Chinese new energy vehicle startup Leapmotor officially put the C01 extended-range electric vehicle model (C01 EREV) onto the market on September 20. Leapmotor unveils first global product C10 SUV at IAA MOBILITY 2023 Chinese new energy vehicle startup, Leapmotor, achieved a significant milestone at the IAA MOBILITY 2023 with the global debut of its first-ever international product, the Leapmotor C10. Leapmotors revenue rises 14.4% YoY in H1 2023 Chinese new energy vehicle startup Leapmotor achieved a revenue of 5.813 billion yuan in the first six months of this year, reflecting a 14.4% increase compared to the same period in 2022, according to the companys financial report. Leapmotor unveils centralized electronic/ electrical architecture LPEE3.0 On July 31, Chinese new energy vehicle startup, Leapmotor, officially launched its centralized electronic and electrical architecture, the LPEE 3.0, which is also known as the Four-leaf Clover in Chinese. Leapmotor, Faurecia's joint venture incorporated to produce new energy vehicle parts Chinese new energy vehicle startup, Leapmotor, recently established a joint venture with Faurecia, called Jinhua Leapmotor Faurecia Automotive Components Co., Ltd., according to information from Tianyancha, a Chinese corporate database. Leapmotor, ZF to jointly develop smart chassis products Chinese new energy vehicle startup Leapmotor today announced that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with ZF to collaborate closely in the field of intelligent chassis for passenger vehicles. Leapmotor releases four new models at one go, including range-extended C11 SUV On March 1, Chinese new energy vehicle startup Leapmotor unveiled four new models at its 2023 new product launch event, including the range-extended C11 (C11 REEV), the 2023 C01, the all-electric 2023 C11 (C11 EV), and the 2023 T03. Leapmotor, Great Wall Motor to integrate Baidus ERNIE Bot on cars On February 17, Chinese new energy vehicle startup Leapmotor announced that it has officially became one of the earliest adopters of Baidus ChatGPT-like AI interactive model, ERNIE Bot. Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Canadian Foreign Minister MAlanie Joly before Their Meeting US Department of State Remarks Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State Benjamin Franklin Room Washington, D.C. February 13, 2024 Secretary Blinken meets with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets with Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly at the Department of State. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Well, good afternoon, everyone. MAlanie, it's a wonderful pleasure to have you here, my friend, my colleague of several years now, and particularly good to have you here today at the State Department. We have a lot of work that we're doing together on a regular basis. On a - on bilateral issues, regional issues, global issues, the United States and Canada are the closest of partners. And when it comes to our bilateral issues, we have a shared responsibility to manage the Columbia River, and we've been working on an agreement to modernize the work that we do together, and hope very much that we can bring that to conclusion soon. Regionally, of course, we've been doing so much in the context of the North American Leaders' Summit, as well as beyond. I think very good work by our teams with our Mexican colleagues as well on issues that matter profoundly to our people, including, for example, synthetic opioids, fentanyl and others. And then of course, on a global basis, the United States and Canada are joined in trying to deal with many of the challenges of this moment, whether it's the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine, whether it's the war between Israel and Hamas, and whether, closer to home, it's the challenges in Haiti. So I look very much forward, MAlanie, to talking about all of that with you. And then this afternoon, we also have an opportunity to speak together about something that is near and dear to both of our hearts, where Canada has been leading these past years, and that's the whole question of arbitrary detention, citizens of our countries and many others who are arbitrarily detained and used as political pawns. Canada has been leading an effort to bring countries around the world together to face that challenge, to meet that challenge, and to make sure that we see real change in the conduct of countries that would engage in it. Welcome. FOREIGN MINISTER JOLY: Thank you, Tony. It's a pleasure to be here and to be at the State Department and to meet all of your team again. Indeed, Canada and the U.S. have worked over the years to make sure that we live in a more secure world and that people on both side of our border are safe and secure as well. I look forward to talking to you about many bilateral important aspects that are dear to our people, including, of course, the Columbia River Treaty, but also working on energy security together. And we know that there are many important regional issues, including Haiti, that we will be talking about, as well as international security issues, as we're dealing with an international security crisis. Of course, Ukraine - I was just in Ukraine, looking forward to debriefing you on it - as well as long-term peace in the Middle East, including a two-state solution process. (In French.) SECRETARY BLINKEN: Merci. FOREIGN MINISTER JOLY: Thank you. SECRETARY BLINKEN: Merci, tout le monde. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hong Kong adds hundreds of surveillance cameras in public places Facial recognition technology could mean the totalitarian monitoring of anyone in a public space, critics warn. By Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2024.02.13 -- Hong Kong will add thousands of surveillance cameras on the streets and could use facial recognition to track the movements of residents, sparking concerns of totalitarian monitoring of citizens' every move amid an ongoing crackdown on public dissent. Police Commissioner Raymond Siu said plans are already under way to install some 2,000 additional surveillance cameras in public places "to prevent crime, monitor public safety and public order," government broadcaster RTHK reported, citing comments made by Siu on one of its talk shows. That figure will likely just be the start, Siu said, adding that more cameras will likely need to be installed. The move comes amid an ongoing crackdown on public protest, peaceful activism and freedom of speech in Hong Kong in the wake of the 2019 democracy movement. Thousands have been arrested on public order charges and hundreds under the 2020 National Security Law, which bans criticism of the authorities or references to the protests. As early as 2019, protesters were damaging and toppling controversial "smart lampposts" that had been newly installed in the city, saying their specification included facial recognition functions, although officials said at the time they hadn't been activated. More than 600 cameras will be installed as early as March, in addition to CCTV networks already installed in public housing estates and government cultural and leisure facilities, Siu said. No need to worry He said the use of facial recognition technology to track people caught by the cameras was also likely in future. "We are still in the preparation phase, but we will not rule out the possibility [of using facial recognition] as technological advancements can definitely help us be more effective in law enforcement and other areas," Siu said in comments also reported by the South China Morning Post newspaper. "Citizens do not have to worry. Police will make use of these technologies to combat crimes, but we will do so lawfully," he said. There is also concern that a massive network of 5G networked bodycams increasingly worn by police officers in the city could result in a facial recognition system similar to China's, according to opposition politicians, sparking fears that the city will soon be subject to totalitarian monitoring. Exiled former pro-democracy lawmaker Ted Hui said the cameras were more likely to be used to target political suspects rather than street criminals, however. "The Hong Kong police have been focused on preventing political crimes over the past four years," Hui said, adding that he expects to see cameras installed at former protest hotspots like Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, the Legislative Council and government headquarters. "They could also use them outside of court buildings when political cases are being heard to record the details of people attending sporadic and spontaneous protests, then using the information to settle scores later on," he said. "This is the most worrying thing." Article 23 Just installing cameras in locations like the subway could scoop up vast amounts of information, given the density of Hong Kong's population, said Alric Lee, Executive Director of the Japan Hong Kong Democracy Alliance. He said the cameras, combined with a suite of new "national security" offenses in forthcoming Article 23 legislation, could enable police to keep tabs on people remotely. "While the police normally don't have the manpower to keep tabs on everyone, with a system like this they can use big data to identify key figures," Lee said. "Cameras with facial recognition in MTR stations alone would collect data on a huge number of people." "Used in conjunction with the Article 23 legislation, it could become a new tool for prosecutions," he said. Taiwanese national security researcher Shih Chien-yu said large numbers of surveillance cameras in Hong Kong raise concerns that the city could become as heavily monitored as China's northwestern Xinjiang region. "Beijing knows that it hasn't convinced many in Hong Kong, and people will worry about Xinjiangization," Shih said. "These cameras can rotate through 360 degrees and the use of AI technology will then basically cover all groups of people and all kinds of activities." "There is a strong symbolic message here, which is to warn Hong Kongers to stop thinking about democracy, or about rising up, resisting or speaking out," he said. 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 Hong Kong is now over, says China's former good friend Stephen Roach says the 'wheels came off' when the government mistakenly proposed an anti-extradition bill in 2019. By RFA Cantonese 2024.02.13 -- Once seen as a good friend of China's and former chairman of Morgan Stanley in Asia, Stephen Roach has said Hong Kong is over, attributing the city's "demise" to its domestic politics, China's structural problems and global developments namely worsening U.S.-China tensions. "It pains me to admit it, but Hong Kong is now over," Roach wrote in a commentary in the Financial Times on Monday. "Since the handover to China in 1997, the Hang Seng index has been basically flat, up only about 5%. Over that same period, the S&P 500 has surged more than fourfold; even mainland China's underperforming Shanghai Composite has far outdistanced the Hong Kong bourse." Roach said the turning point for Hong Kong's decline was when former Chief Executive Carrie Lam introduced the anti-extradition bill that triggered large-scale democratic demonstrations in 2019. Beijing's subsequent imposition of the national security law in 2020 "shredded any remaining semblance of local political autonomy," and cut the 50-year transition period to full Chinese takeover by half, he pointed out. With the political change came an economic downturn on the back of waning confidence in the business and investment environment, as well as the legal framework, as reflected by foreigners, firms and even locals leaving the city. According to Roach, Hong Kong's decline was due to a confluence of three factors. The first being local politics. A relatively stable environment was shaken by the 2019-2020 protests, which resulted in the Beijing-centric national security law. Second was China's economic structural problems. While the Hong Kong stock market has always played a leveraging role in the mainland economy, the Chinese economy has recently "hit a wall". Structural problems, especially with high debt, deflation and an aging population, compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the real estate crisis, have weighed on the Hong Kong market. Global developments are also not helping, primarily the worsening U.S.-China rivalry since 2018. In addition, the United States' "friendshoring" campaign has put pressure on Hong Kong's Asian allies to choose sides between the U.S. and China, driving a wedge between the city and its trading neighbors. A "shock bomb" Financial commentator Ngan Po Kong described the commentary as a "shock bomb" which could prompt others to re-evaluate the political risks of doing business in Hong Kong, given Roach wasn't just an investment banker, but holds sway in economic, political and business circles. "Roach has been a 'great friend' of China's for many years. He is basically optimistic about China's economic reform and opening up, whether it is political or financial market performance. You can say he is a representative of the mainstream voice on Wall Street, an important voice that represents investment banks and financial institutions," Ngan said in a Radio Free Asia Cantonese talk show. Separately, the American law firm Latham & Watkins LLP, is cutting off access to its international database for its Hong Kong lawyers this month, according to a separate FT report, citing unnamed sources familiar with the matter The report said the move underscores the growing difficulties for multinational companies operating in Hong Kong, which made its name as an international financial hub, and comes after Beijing imposed anti-espionage and data laws restricting information flows out of China. The law firm is also separating the Hong Kong database from the rest of Asia to create a new database shared with the Beijing office, the report said. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee has vowed to complete legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law - Hong Kong's mini constitution - with laws to prohibit acts of treason, secession, sedition and subversion against Beijing. Public consultation for the draft law ends this month. Translated by RFA staff. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address BASF's exit from Xinjiang ventures may prompt more to follow The chemical giant's move puts pressure on Volkswagen and others, say German lawmakers. By Yitong Wu and Chingman for RFA Cantonese 2024.02.13 -- German chemical giant BASF is pulling out of its joint ventures in China's Xinjiang with renewed urgency, amid intensified pressure to exit the region where Western governments have accused Beijing of human rights abuses against the Uyghur ethnic minority. BASF announced last Friday that it would "accelerate the ongoing process" to divest its shares in two joint ventures - BASF Markor Chemical Manufacturing and Markor Meiou Chemical in Xinjiang's Korla region - which began at the end of last year. German media had earlier alleged its local partner was involved in human rights abuses in Xinjiang. "This is against our values at BASF," said company spokesperson Daniela Rechenberger on Tuesday. "And that's why we now accelerated process to divest these business. But it's not that our employees in any form have been involved. That's really important." BASF's exit could trigger other Western companies to follow, including auto giant Volkswagen that has a plant in the capital city Urumqi, according to lawmakers and academics, who called the chemical company's move belated and insincere. A BASF statement said the decision was based on commercial considerations. However, it acknowledged that the local situation in Xinjiang is also part of BASF's overall assessment of the Korla joint ventures. BASF denied published reports that employees of the joint ventures were involved in the Chinese communist authorities' suppression of Uyghurs, and said the claims related to its joint venture partner Markor, in which it has no stake. "Regular due diligence measures including internal and external audits have not found any evidence of human rights violations in the two joint ventures. Nonetheless, recently published reports related to the joint venture partner contain serious allegations that indicate activities inconsistent with BASF's values," the statement said. Earlier, a company spokesman said BASF could not predict when the sale would be completed, but it would not change the company's China strategy or other businesses in the country. Money over morals The German newspaper Handelsblatt published a report last November exposing BASF-Markor's shareholder, Zhongtai Group in Xinjiang and its subsidiary Zhongtai Chemical, for allegedly using Uyghur slave labor. The United States government, which has blocked imports from Xinjiang unless proven they were not made with forced labor, has included Zhongtai Group and Zhongtai Chemical on a sanctions list since last summer. Zhu Rui, a Chinese lecturer at a German university, believes that BASF's belated decision was made under growing pressure from international public opinion as German companies who look to profit from Chinese investments are also governed by laws and human rights standards at home. "The BASF incident is very much like a live version of Huntington's 'Clash of Civilizations,'" Zhu said, referring to Samuel P. Huntington's theory that the primary cause of conflict in the post-Cold War world will be cultural, rather than ideological or economic. While the "Western civilized world" requires multinational companies to respect human rights values, BASF not only went to China, a country known for its poor human rights standards, but to Xinjiang, a Chinese region that operates concentration camps for Uyghur people, he added. "This all reflects the dilemma it faces between adhering to Western values aaand choosing the Chinese market," Zhu told Radio Free Asia. "BASF's production capacity in China roughly accounts for half of its global output. In retreating from Xinjiang, BASF says it hopes to retain its operations in China. But, being between Western values and giving China face, it can't please either side." Adrian Zenz, director of China Studies at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation in Washington, agreed that pressure forced BASF's hand. "It's such a late decision, and and basically it's based on pressure, not on an understanding that it's irresponsible to remain in the region," he told RFA on Tuesday. "And it's unfortunate that companies have to be subjected to such pressure to arrive at those decisions." Who's next? On Feb. 5, 30 members of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) - an international cross-party group of legislators - wrote to BASF CEO Martin BrudermAller, expressing deep concern about the "shocking degree" to which BASF appeared to be implicated "in gross abuses of the Uyghur and other predominantly Turkic minorities," in Xinjiang, and demanding that BASF withdraw from the region. One of the signatories, the deputy chairman of Germany's Free Democratic Party Gyde Jensen, told Handelsblatt that BASF's decision to divest from the controversial Xinjiang joint venture factory was belated, and the reasons cited were insufficient. She also urged Volkswagen to seriously consider the reputational risks of continuing to build factories in Xinjiang. German lawmaker Michael Brand agreed that BASF's move came too late, made as the company ran out of options. "If Mr. BrudermAller thinks he can now avoid joint responsibility for serious human rights violations while in China, he and BASF may be wrong, and the German law will not forget serious human rights violations," Brand said. Ilshat Hesen Kokbore, a U.S.-based Uyghur scholar and vice chairman of the World Uyghur Congress, argued that BASF does not realize it has become an accomplice of the Chinese Communist Party's genocide against the Uyghurs. "Regardless of whether you participated or not, you have factories there, and the companies you invest in are tools of the Chinese totalitarian government. You are an accomplice," he said. Others believe BASF's withdrawal from its Xinjiang joint ventures will double down the pressure on Volkswagen. Zenz, a scholar on Xinjiang internment camps, told RFA earlier the BASF divestment sends an important signal - Volkswagen, the only German company with a factory there, has no more excuses not to exit from Xinjiang. An external audit commissioned by Volkswagen last year carried out by LAning, a German consultancy accompanied by an unnamed Shenzhen-based law firm, found no indication of forced labor at the plant. But staff at the consulting firm and outside experts have expressed doubts about the credibility of the investigation. Company representatives once said privately that considering the local situation in Xinjiang, no company would make this site selection decision again. Translated and additional reporting by RFA staff and Jilil Kashgary for RFA Uyghur. Edited by Mike Firn. The story was updated to include comments from Daniela Rechenberger and Adrian Zenz. 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 DPRK Premier Inspects Various Sectors Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, February 13 (KCNA) -- Premier Kim Tok Hun, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and vice-president of the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK, inspected various sectors of South and North Hwanghae provinces. At the construction sites for regional-industry factories in Yonthan, Unpha, Jaeryong and Unchon counties, to be built under the WPK's Regional Development 20A10 Policy, the premier gave pep talks to solider-builders making full preparations for the building projects after being speedily deployed at the construction sites by order of the Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the WPK. After concretely checking the rationality and effectiveness of the sites, sizes and production capacities of factories under construction, he underscored the need to responsibly ensure the timely supply of equipment and materials necessary for the building projects and provide a firm guarantee for normal production by directing big efforts to building raw material bases. The premier made the rounds of school uniform factories in Sariwon, Haeju and other areas, where he urged the officials and employees to give top priority to the improvement of quality from the standpoint that they are making uniforms for their own children. Inspecting Sariwon and Haeju schoolchildren's footwear factories under construction, he called for expediting the completion of projects by speeding up equipment assembly and raising the speed and quality of construction. At farms of Unpha, Anak and other counties, the premier stressed the need to further perfect the irrigation systems to stably develop agricultural production unaffected by any unfavorable climate conditions, manure and cultivate wheat and barley in a scientific way and increase the fertility of soil by producing much more quality self-sufficing manure. The field consultative meetings discussed the issue of pushing ahead with building regional-industry factories according to the general plan for urban construction and training technicians and skilled workers at the same time, the issue for school uniform producers to boost co-operative production, the issue of taking all possible agro-technological measures to tackle disastrous abnormal weather, etc. and necessary steps were taken. Earlier, the premier familiarized himself with the building projects for bettering the life of capital citizens and discussed the issues for the Ministry of Urban Management and the Ministry of Land and Environment Protection to design the landscapes of provincial, city and county seats at an early date to meet their environment and features and to enhance the environmental monitoring capacity and establish a stricter monitoring, notifying and mobilizing system for preventing and putting out forest fires. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Even With Trump, Kim Jong Un May Spurn Talks, Analysts Warn By William Gallo February 13, 2024 Six months after the collapse of their 2019 summit in Hanoi, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent a letter to then U.S. President Donald Trump conveying a sense of personal betrayal. "I am clearly offended, and I do not want to hide this feeling from you," Kim told Trump in the last of 25 personal letters exchanged between the two men and shared with veteran U.S. journalist Bob Woodward. In Hanoi, Trump had rejected Kim's offer to dismantle a major nuclear facility in exchange for lifting most U.S. sanctions. Over the subsequent months, the talks reached a standstill, as each side backed away from the commitments made at their initial 2018 meeting in Singapore. In the letter, Kim expressed disappointment that the United States and South Korea were ramping up joint military exercises that had been scaled back as part of the talks. "If you do not think of our relationship as a steppingstone that only benefits you, then you would not make me look like an idiot that will only give without getting anything in return," wrote Kim. Months after he sent the letter, Kim unveiled a major foreign policy shift to cope with what he called Washington's "hostile policy." The new approach, Kim declared, would emphasize self-reliance and a strengthened nuclear deterrent. Since then, North Korea has developed an arsenal of weapons that can fly further, faster, and more stealthily than ever. North Korea has enshrined nuclear weapons in its constitution - a status Kim called "irreversible." Kim has also rejected offers of talks with the United States, instead expanding ties with traditional friends Russia and China. To many observers, the moves suggest Kim has given up on his country's long-term goal of normalizing relations with the United States - a development that may make it harder to convince North Korea to restart talks, even if Trump, the current Republican presidential frontrunner, were to return to the presidency in 2025. "It will be a very different ballgame," said Moon Chung-in, a foreign policy advisor to successive left-leaning South Korean administrations, including the previous government, which pursued talks with Pyongyang. "It could be extremely difficult to restart dialogue with Pyongyang." Trump still optimistic No one knows how Trump would handle North Korea during a hypothetical second term, especially given the extreme contrasts he displayed toward the North during his first term. In 2017, Trump threatened to "totally destroy" North Korea and exchanged threats of nuclear war with Kim, before pivoting to diplomacy and claiming that he and the North Korean leader "fell in love." Since leaving office, Trump has continued to speak positively of his relationship with Kim and frequently claims that the friendship prevented nuclear war - an indication that he sees the talks as beneficial, even if they did not result in North Korea giving up its nuclear weapons. In December, Politico, a U.S. news website, reported that Trump was considering a plan that would at least temporarily abandon the goal of North Korea's denuclearization. According to Politico, Trump would offer Pyongyang financial incentives to stop making new bombs. Trump denied the report. "The only thing accurate in the story is that I do get along well with Kim Jong Un," Trump said in a social media post. It is not clear if the two men still exchange letters, or how much Trump would prioritize any outreach to Kim if he returned to office. Kim: happy with status quo? If Trump wants to resume talks, Kim may not feel inclined to abandon his current approach, which has allowed him to navigate a series of formidable challenges. Despite a prolonged period of pandemic self-isolation, continued international sanctions, and a diplomatic stalemate with the United States, Kim has survived economically and even made progress in weapons development, notes Rachel Minyoung Lee, an analyst with the Vienna-based Open Nuclear Network. These successes "likely reinforced the thinking in Pyongyang that there actually may not be much the U.S. can do for North Korea," Lee said. "Kim's biggest takeaway from the collapse of the Hanoi summit is that the U.S. will always carry out what it calls a 'hostile policy' toward North Korea, irrespective of who is the president," she added. Instead, Kim has expanded his partnership with Russia. According to the United States and its allies, North Korea has provided Russia with artillery shells and ballistic missiles, which Moscow has used during its war on Ukraine. In return, U.S. officials suspect Russia is assisting North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Warming North Korea-Russia ties make it even less likely that Kim will feel the need to find other avenues for diplomatic, military, and economic support, said Sydney Seiler, who until last year was the national intelligence officer for North Korea in the U.S. National Intelligence Council. "He's created an environment and a way forward that is less dependent on what one might call normal diplomatic relations or normal interactions with the outside, except for the few countries that would accept North Korea as it is," Seiler told VOA. Challenges ahead While Kim could always change his mind and re-engage with the United States, he may demand much more in negotiations following several years of nuclear and missile advancements. "But that likely will occur only if the U.S. is willing to shelve denuclearization and engage in some form of arms control or even risk reduction talks. And that is a very, very high threshold to meet, as the U.S., South Korea's and Japan's official position remains the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Lee said. If Trump were to pursue such an accommodation with Kim, it could raise tensions with South Korea. Unlike the situation during Trump's first term, South Korea's current president, Yoon Suk Yeol, is conservative and prefers a hawkish approach to the North. Jessica Taylor, an Asia security expert at the Atlantic Council, fears Trump would continue to downplay North Korea's launch of short-range missiles, which pose a major threat to U.S. regional allies. Trump also may be willing to cancel joint military exercises with South Korea, "not only to appease North Korea but just because he doesn't see them as necessary or worth the expenditure," Taylor said. In the end, Taylor thinks Trump's North Korea policy will likely look much like it did the first time - lots of "bluster and showmanship...without getting into anything really concrete." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AIR ACCIDENT ON HAWK 132 AIRCRAFT India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 13 FEB 2024 6:26PM by PIB Delhi One Hawk aircraft of the Indian Air Force met with an accident at Kalaikunda, West Bengal today during a training sortie. Both the pilots ejected safely. There has been no loss of life or damage to civilian property on ground. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident. *** ABB/IN/SM (Release ID: 2005666) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC fires ballistic missile from warship for first time IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has for the first time fired a ballistic missile from one of its warships. A Zolfaqar-class ballistic missile was launched from Shahid Mahdavi aircraft carrier on Monday and hit its designated target in a desert in central Iran, IRNA reported on Tuesday. With a range of 750 kilometers, Zolfaqar is the latest joint achievement of the IRGC Navy and the IRGC Aerospace Force. The IRGC warships will now be capable of carrying different types of ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1,750 kilometers. On Monday, IRGC Chief Commander Major General Hossein Salaami said the latest missile launch will give the elite force the capability to hit any target anywhere in the world as its ocean-cruising warships can sail to any location in international waters. Iran has expanded its missile program in recent years in a bid to improve its deterrence power. 4353**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to prepare document on national strategy to fight corruption IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Justice Minister Amin Hossein Rahimi has announced that Iran will develop a national strategy to combat corruption. Rahimi made these remarks during the Fourth Scientific Conference on Islamic Revolution and Citizenship Rights, which focused on effective legal mechanisms to fight administrative and economic corruption. He emphasized that combating corruption is a transnational issue, as corrupt activities often span borders and are organized. The Islamic Republic of Iran has taken significant steps in the fight against corruption by joining the United Nations Convention against Corruption. Rahimi added that Iran has recently submitted a report on the anti-corruption situation of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations. 6125**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran supports Venezuela against illegal US act of plane seizure IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman has announced the country's strong support for Venezuela's efforts to restore ownership over assets and properties illegally confiscated by the United States. Nasser Kanaani made the announcement on Tuesday in reaction to Washington's decision to illegally seize a Boeing 747 cargo plane belonging to Venezuela. Kanaani described the seizure as illegitimate and a form of hijacking which represents US unilateralism and how it violated the United Nations charter and the international law. Venezuela's government has condemned the seizure of its plane by the US, calling it illegal and a clear act of theft. 1483**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address LOS ANGELESA few months back, a new performance brand for men called Thunderthrust saw success on social media. Advertising a slate of recovery and therapeutic products for active men, the team behind the brand managed to bring in sales. The campaign was a win. But there was a catch. Thunderthrust wasnt real. It was a marketing stunt put on by a sexual wellness and pleasure product company, Unbound Babes. Co-founded by entrepreneurs Polly Rodriguez and Sarah Jayne Kinney, Unbound Babes sells itself as a renegade pleasure brand with no issue holding power accountable. Unbound is probably best known for its Vibes for Congress campaign in support of Planned Parenthood and reproductive health rights. The company doesnt fear a catchy yet controversial marketing and public awareness campaign. Thunderthrust is a cheeky nod to the brand's core ambition of challenging the historically male-dominated adult space. Theres so much sexuality in advertising in general, Rodriguez, also Unounds chief executive officer, said in an interview with Beauty Independent. Is it really the products that are offensive, or is it just the notion of women, femme, nonbinary people, anybody but a cis man owning their own body and using pleasure on their own terms? Its not the products because, when theyre framed in a different light, especially one that society more often than not deems appropriate, which is through the lens of toxic masculinity, theyre not offensive, Rodriguez explained. Considering this, a consistent challenge in the work of advertising sexual wellness and pleasure products on mainstream social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram is advertising content moderation and human bias. While these platforms retain the right to self-regulate as they see fit, there is still concern among product sellers and advertisers that there is an overt bias among the human moderators handling trust and safety issues. Unbound Babes noticed this bias and wanted to test it when it came to advertising products on the platforms owned by Meta Platforms Inc.the Mark Zuckerberg-owned social media and technology empire. Unbound is an online, direct-to-consumer brand that sells well-designed sexual wellness and pleasure products designed in-house by a passionate product development team. Its products are easily accessible to virtually all consumer groups, but the brand emphasizes marketing to audiences that include women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. One of the most popular toys sold by Unbound Babes is what's billed as the people's buttplug," highlighting its accessibility to a broad range of adult consumers. A recent addition to the product line is the adorable "Squish"an innovative haptic tech toy that one product reviewer for Vice News referred to as charming and intuitive. The company also produces lubes and various products designed by women for women. It also sells smart sex toys. Simplistic marketing is the strategy at Unbound. A typical advertising campaign for a platform such as Facebook would feature a product image of one of the company's popular personal vibrators with colorful backgrounds and other elements in the art. Unbound's product and digital marketing teams quickly saw advertising denials after moderators saw the companys relatively vanilla advertisements as inappropriate or found that they violated terms and conditions governing the circulation of sexually explicit sponsored content and posts across Facebook and Instagram. This led the company to take a stand against the big tech giant in a stroke (no pun intended) of digital marketing genius. The plan started by generating a hypothesis to test whether Metas moderation processes collectively treated sexual wellness brands like Unbound the same way in content moderation. Initial research and the experience of direct-to-consumer advertising on Meta platforms revealed a bias against more feminine and queer sexual wellness products in favor of performance brands that explicitly cater to cis-gender heterosexual men. We just saw, a bunch of times, over and over again, Meta would approve ads for brands that primarily serve men, Sam Leander told AVN in a phone interview. Leander is Unbounds senior manager for wholesale. Leander continued: We saw ad copy like get hard or get your money back, or he chews it, we do it. There are a lot of brands that read AVN.com that face the censorship we do, but some of these brands are able to get these ads run [on Metas platforms]." At the same time as we were seeing ads with, like, cock rings, phallic imagery and suggestive language, all of the ads we would try and runeven if it is for a tote bagwere getting rejected. [We] have had a lot of success due to virality and word-of-mouth, but being blanket banned from sponsored content has put us at a huge disadvantage, especially being an e-commerce company, Leander said. Considering several elements, Thunderthrust came to fruition. Leander explained that Thunderthrust was already an inside joke among the team at Unbound. The team of eight saw Thunderthrust as the best name for a brand that reached over 100,000 people on social media and generated actual sales. Some of the products advertised in the faux Thunderthrust campaign included a flat-black iteration of Unbound's "Squish" toy, but renamed the "Smash Tension Grip" and described as compact, ergonomic, and built to withstand the rigors of intense use. Unbound Babes signature wand massager, "Ollie," was turned flat-black, too, and rebranded as a percussive massage tool. Unbound sells "Cuffies," body-safe silicone cuffs. But the "Cuffies" were presented under Thunderthrust as "Buff Cuffs" resistance bandsalso in flat black. The advertisements under the Thunderthrust branding were designed to appeal to consumers who would respond to imagery evoking toxic masculine tendencies (e.g., men entrenched in fitness brand cults on the internet). All of the Thunderthrust ads were approved by content moderators, while those using the Unbound branding were again denied for being sexually explicit, inappropriate and violating the terms and conditions of Metas sites. The Thunderthrust website is still live. For the genuine original products from Unbound Babes, visit unboundbabes.com. IRGC launches long-range ballistic missile from warship ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Tue / 13 February 2024 / 13:50 The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has successfully launched a long-range ballistic missile from one of its warships, the elite force's commander says. Tehran-ISNA- Major General Hossein Salami said on Monday that the achievement means that the IRGC will have the capacity to hit any target because its ocean-cruising warships can sail to any location around the world. "One long-range ballistic missile was successfully fired from a military vessel of the IRGC Navy in joint cooperation between the IRGC Aerospace Force and the IRGC Navy," Salami was quoted as saying by semi-official Tasnim news agency. The development comes amid Iran's growing success in expansion of its defensive missile program. The country has used the missiles in attacks in recent years on terrorist targets located as far as the Mediterranean. However, Iran has repeatedly declared that its missile capabilities are solely used for deterrence and defense. It has warned the United States and Israel that any action against Iran will be met with missile attacks on their military positions and interests in the region. Last month, Iranian long-range missiles were fired at a base controlled by the Israeli spying agents in Iraq's Kurdistan region, as well as on gatherings of terrorists in Syria who were involved for explosions that killed more than 90 people in early January in the city of Kerman. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran slams US over illegal seizure of Venezuelan plane Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 7:04 PM Iran has censured the United States for the illegal seizure of a Venezuelan cargo plane formerly owned by an Iranian firm, saying the move amounts to "hijacking." In a statement on Monday, the US Justice Department said the government had seized a Boeing 747-300 cargo plane officials said was previously sold by the banned Iranian airline Mahan Air to Venezuelan state airline Emtrasur, likewise under US sanctions. It claimed the American-built plane was seized since it breached American export control laws, adding that the Venezuelan-flagged plane had arrived in Florida and would be disposed of. The freighter aircraft arrived in the US after being grounded at the Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Ezeiza, Argentina, for 20 months. "The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that the full force of US laws deny hostile state actors the means to engage in malign activities that threaten our national security," said Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the head of the department's national security division, in a statement. On Tuesday, Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kan'ani condemned in the strongest terms Washington's "illegal seizure" of the cargo plane. The Islamic Republic strongly supports Venezuela's legal and diplomatic efforts to restore ownership of its assets illegally confiscated by the US, the Iranian official stated. At a press conference, he condemned the seizure as a "hijacking" act committed "as the result of unilateral coercive measures from the United States." Kan'ani also said what Washington had committed "is in violation of the basic principles of the UN Charter and international law." Venezuela also condemned the "blatant theft" of its aircraft by the US government, slamming Argentina for allegedly conspiring with the States to "violate all laws that regulate civil aeronautics, as well as the commercial, civil and political rights that assist [Emtrasur], placing aeronautical safety in the region at risk." "Free and sovereign Venezuela will give a forceful, direct, and proportionate response to this attack, for which it will use all available resources within the framework of the constitution, diplomacy, and International Law," Caracas said in a statement. The seizure took place as Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro was on a trip to Iran on June 10, 2022. He was in the Islamic Republic to announce a 20-year deal with Iran. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC Navy successfully test-fires Zolfaqar-class ballistic missile from warship Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 3:53 PM The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy has for the first time test-fired a Zolfaqar-class ballistic missile from one of its warships. The projectile, the latest joint achievement of the IRGC Navy and the IRGC Aerospace Force, successfully struck its designated target in the Kavir Desert in central Iran. The IRGC Navy released the footage of the launch on Tuesday and said the missile, with a range of 750 kilometers, was fired from Shahid Mahdavi aircraft carrier. With the new capability of launching missiles from vessels and the firing of Zolfaqar, the IRGC warships will henceforth be able to carry various types of ballistic missiles with a range of up to 1,750 kilometers. Shahid Mahdavi aircraft carrier is the IRGC's oceangoing warship, which is 150 meters long and weighs 4,000 tons. The warship is a multipurpose vessel for long-range operations and is furnished with missiles, air defense systems, and radars. IRGC Commander Major General Hossein Salami announced a day earlier that the long-range ballistic missile had been successfully launched in a coordinated mission involving the IRGC Navy and Aerospace Force. Salami said the new achievement had extended the IRGC's range of influence and naval power up to any desired spot in the world. "Our oceangoing warships can be present in every location across the world, and when we can fire missiles from them, there is accordingly no safe spot for anyone intending to create insecurity for us," the IRGC chief stated. Iranian military experts and engineers have in recent years made remarkable breakthroughs in manufacturing a broad range of indigenous equipment, making the armed forces self-sufficient. Iranian officials say the Islamic Republic will not hesitate to strengthen its military capabilities, including its missile power, which are entirely meant for defense. Iran has made it clear that its defense capabilities are not subject to negotiation. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has repeatedly called for efforts to maintain and boost Iran's defense capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's foreign minister praises 'constructive' Tehran-Doha ties Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 2:18 PM Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has praised the "constructive" relations of cooperation between the Islamic Republic and Qatar on regional and international issues. The minister says the full implementation of agreements between the two countries would help consolidate relations. Amir-Abdollahian is on an official visit to the Qatari capital, Doha. He made the remarks in a meeting with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Tuesday. The Iranian foreign minister also hailed Qatar's mediating role in certain cases related to Iran. Cooperation between Tehran and Doha, Amir-Abdollahian said, contributes to regional and international peace and stability. On Israel's bloody war in the besieged Gaza Strip, Iran's foreign minister underscored the need for accelerating joint efforts by Tehran and Doha towards a political solution. The minister denounced Washington's "contradictory" approach towards Israel's hostilities. The United States attacks Yemen, Iraq and Syria, Amir-Abdollahian said, and at the same time claims it does not want to expand the scope of war in the region. The Emir of Qatar, for his part, said the Tehran-Doha ties are closer than ever, which demonstrates the two countries' progress in advancing relations. He appreciated Iran's diplomatic efforts in supporting the Palestinians and pursuing a political solution to end the war in Gaza. Separately on Tuesday, Amir-Abdollahian met with Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas, to discuss the latest developments in Gaza. Amir-Abdollahian arrived in Doha on Monday as part of his regional tour that began on Friday and earlier took him to Syria and Lebanon. During his stay in Qatar, the foreign minister also held talks with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Majority Of Iranians Shunning Workforce Amid Rise In Discontent By RFE/RL's Radio Farda February 13, 2024 Almost six out of every 10 Iranians are neither employed or seeking work, while more than half of those who are employed also hold down a side job. Ghasem Rostampor, the director-general of entrepreneurship and employment planning at the Labor Ministry, told the Tasnim News Agency that 58.5 percent of the country's population is considered inactive, which refers to individuals over the age of 15 who neither have a job nor are looking for one, a sign some analysts say shows the disaffection among younger Iranians with the current regime amid a crackdown on protests over the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in September 2022. The data contradicts claims by President Ebrahim Raisi's government that it has reduced the unemployment rate to 7.6 percent. Details from data from the Statistical Center of Iran appear to show that the decrease in the unemployment rate is due to an increase in the country's inactive population instead of a surge in employment opportunities through government job-creation programs. According to the Statistical Center, the number of active individuals -- those who either have jobs or are looking for work -- has decreased by 520,000 over the past four years, even though the population of those over 15 years of age grew by 2.9 million. That means that since 2018 about 3.4 million people have given up looking for work and have joined the inactive population segment, the data shows. The government's unemployment rate is a ratio of unemployed individuals to the country's active population, thus leaving out a large segment of Iranians who are of working age. The Parliamentary Research Center recently warned about the rise in the inactivity rate of Iran's workforce, especially among younger Iranians. It says the real unemployment rate in the country is about 2.5 times higher than the government's statistics show. Further distorting the government's data is the fact that official statistics include as employed those who work only one hour a week. Among the 24.8 million employed individuals in the country, 2 million are considered underemployed as they work less than 44 hours a week. Another growing issue, Rostampor said, is that many those individuals listed as employed do not have formal contracts, thus depriving them of many benefits. In September 2023, Iran's Misery Index, calculated by the Iranian Statistics Center, rose to 60.4 -- its highest point ever and more than double what it was six years ago. The higher the rating, the worse off people feel. The index is also seen as a barometer for societal issues, with a direct link to crime rates and even instances of suicide. The most recent index also showed that in the past year, 22 of Iran's 31 provinces reported a reading surpassing the national average, highlighting countrywide discontent. Several protests have been held by Iranians over the past year in response to declining living standards, wage arrears, and a lack of welfare support. The death of Amini while in police custody for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly has added fuel to the unrest, as Iranians have also demonstrated gainst a lack of freedoms and women's rights. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iranians-shunning- workforce-economy-unemployment/32817631.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 4 Baluchis Sentenced To Death In Iran For Alleged Insurrection By RFE/RL's Radio Farda February 13, 2024 Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Court has handed death sentences to four ethnic Baluchis on charges of "baghy," meaning insurrection against a legitimate Imam and the Islamic ruler of the country. The individuals, identified as Eido Shahbakhsh, Abdul-Ghani Shahbakhsh, Abdul-Rahim Qanbarzehi Gorgij, and Suleiman Shahbakhsh, were implicated in what the court describes as "forming anti-revolutionary groups and being members of said groups." The verdicts were issued by Branch 28 of the court, under the presidency of Mohammad Reza Amouzad Khalili, according to reports from Hengaw, a group that closely tracks human rights violations in Iran. The four men are currently being held at the Qezelhesar prison in Karaj. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the complex history of the accused; notably, the first two defendants were previously acquitted and released in 2016 by Branch 1 of the Zahedan Islamic Revolutionary Court on identical charges, only to be rearrested shortly thereafter. Zahedan is the capital of of Iran's Sistan-Baluchistan Province. Further controversy surrounds the case of Suleiman Shahbakhsh, who, according to the legal analysis website Dadban, is being held responsible for an incident dating back to when he was 12 years old. Shahbakhsh, along with Abdul-Rahim Kanbarzehi Gorgij, was apprehended in 2016 and accused of the murder of a Basij militia base head in Chah-Zard city. The charge of "baghy" in the Islamic republic's legal system is defined as an "armed uprising against the regime," a crime that typically carries the death penalty. In a related development, human rights organizations also highlighted the case of Pakshan Azizi, a Kurdish journalist and former political prisoner, who now faces the same charge of "baghy." Additionally, the Free Union of Iranian Workers reported that Shahab Naderi, a political prisoner, has been sentenced to death on similar grounds. The cases have reignited debate over the application of the death penalty for political crimes in Iran and highlight concerns regarding the country's human rights record and its widespread use of the death penalty. The rate of executions in Iran has been rising sharply, particularly in the wake of the widespread protests triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022 after she was arrested for allegedly wearing a head scarf improperly. Iran Human Rights said in 2023 that more than 700 people were executed in Iran. Written by Ardeshir Tayebi based on an original story in Persian by RFE/RL's Radio Farda Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-baluchis-death- sentences-insurrection--shahbakhsh/32818335.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 PM Sudani reiterates US-led coalition should leave Iraq IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammed Shia Al-Sudani has reiterated that the US-led international coalition of military forces is nearing the end of its mission in the Arab country. According to a Tuesday report by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Sudani made the remarks on Monday during a visit to Iraq's Wadi al-Tharthar line, an area which extends from Salah al-Din Desert all the way to western Nineveh province and where the terrorist groups were once operating. "We are faced with a deserved end to the presence of the international coalition in Iraq, and after ending the tasks of the international coalition, the potentials must be provided to address defects, if any," he said. "All outlets through which the terrorists thinks of causing a security disruption must be cut off," said the prime minister. Sudani, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Iraq, conducted a field and aerial inspection of the military units stationed along the Wadi al-Tharthar line. 6125**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spain continues to arm Israel despite claims of halting exports: Report IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Feb 13, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Spain has continued to send weapons and military equipment to the occupied territories contrary to the claim of Foreign Minister JosA Manuel Albares that it had stopped all arms exports to the occupying regime, according to a Spanish newspaper. Spain has exported ammunition worth 0.987 million euros to the occupied territories since the beginning of the Zionist regime's war on Gaza, the Beirut-based TV channel Al Mayadeen reported on Tuesday, citing the Spanish electronic newspaper elDiario.es. According to the report, Spain has exported a large number of bombs, grenades, mines, rockets, bullets and other ammunition and projectiles and their components to the occupied territories for use in the Gaza war. Spain also exported about 1.5 million euros worth of such war equipment to Israel last year, about two-thirds of which were in November 2023, after the Madrid government claimed that it had stopped sending weapons to the occupied territories. The report further said that Spain's imports from the occupying regime have not stopped either since the beginning of the Gaza war. More than 28,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed since the beginning of the Israeli regime's brutal war on Gaza on October 7. The war has also left more than 67,900 others wounded. 4354**4261 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Made-in-India 'killer' drones fly in Gaza sky as Israeli genocide rages on: Report Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 8:26 AM An Indian conglomerate has dispatched Hermes 900 killer drones to Israel as the UAVS are extensively used in the regime's indiscriminate bombing campaign in the Gaza strip amid the genocidal war, a report says. The sale of more of than 20 Hermes 900 medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAVs delivered by Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd to Israel was first reported on February 2 by Neelam Mathews for the defense-related website Shephard Media. The Wire report said it has not yet been publicly acknowledged by either Tel Aviv or New Delhi. In 2018, Israel's Elbit Systems entered into a joint venture with Adani group with a 49% share and opened a $15-million facility in Hyderabad to manufacture UAVs for the first time outside of Israel. The Wire said when it contacted Israel's Elbit Systems a spokesperson responded that they could "confirm that Elbit Systems collaborates with Adani, which is a supplier to our UAS [Unmanned Aerial Systems] supply chain." Haaretz reported last February that the vice president of UAV systems in the Aerospace Division at Elbit Systems, Vered Haimovich, said the Hermes 900 has been Elbit System's flagship drone, which has been operationally used by the Israeli Air Force since 2015. It has also taken part "in all rounds of conflict in recent years." Indian activists have criticized the Indian government for its double standards against Palestine, as on one hand, New Delhi backs the Palestinian cause while advocating for a free Palestinian state, but on the other, its actions suggest it supported Israel's actions in Gaza. After Israel unleashed a war on Gaza on October 7 following Hamas Operation Al-Aqsa Strom into the occupied territories, India initially expressed unconditional solidarity with Israel. New Delhi had even abstained on a resolution in the UN General Assembly calling for a humanitarian pause in October 2023. However, two months later, it voted in favor of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The role of an Indian conglomerate in supplying drones, which are extensively used by the IOF for attacks in densely populated urban areas in Gaza, came as the prime minister Narendra Modi government's official position is seeking an immediate ceasefire. Shir Hever, the coordinator responsible for enforcing the military embargo on behalf of the Palestinian BDS National Committee, expressed his disapproval of India's current alliance with Israel, deeming it disgraceful considering India's extensive past under colonial domination. "This moment is a test of the international law system, and instead of siding with Israel's genocide and its enabling of Western powers, India should take inspiration from South Africa's global-south leadership and end its complicity with genocide," Hever told Middle East Eye. He also said that ever since the International Court of Justice said it's "plausible" Israel committed genocide in Gaza, two Japanese firms ended their MoUs with Elbit, while, a Dutch high court banned the Netherlands from continuing its export of F-35 parts to Israel, "citing a clear risk of violations of international law." In another such instance, on Monday, the European Union foreign policy Chief Josep Borrell called on the US to cut arms supplies to Israel due to high civilian casualties in its war in Gaza. Adani, a 60-year-old multi billionaire and one of the richest persons in the world, was accused in a report by a US investment research firm, Hindenburg's Research LLC, of stock manipulation and accounting fraud last year, and is seen by many as someone very close to Modi and his government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU's Borrell calls for Israel arms supply cut amid Gaza genocide Iran Press TV Tuesday, 13 February 2024 12:24 AM The European Union's foreign policy chief has called on Israel's allies to cut arms supplies for the regime if they want to lessen the immense civilian casualties that its genocidal war against the Gaza Strip is causing. The EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell made the plea while addressing a press conference after a meeting of the bloc's development aid ministers in Brussels on Monday. He made a reference to US President Joe Biden's last week remarks when the latter described Israel's response to an operation carried out by the Gaza-based resistance groups as "over the top," and also comments by other Western officials who have repeatedly said too many civilians are being killed in Gaza. "Well, if you believe that too many people are being killed [in Gaza], maybe you should provide less arms in order to prevent so many people [from] being killed," he said. The United States, Israel's biggest ally, provides the regime with $3.8 billion in military aid annually. Washington has also armed Tel Aviv with more than 10,000 tons of weapons since October 7, 2023, when the regime began its genocidal war in response to Operation al-Aqsa Storm by Palestinian resistance groups. The brutal military onslaught has so far claimed the lives of more than 28,300 Palestinians, mostly women and children, leaving over 67,900 others wounded. Borrell said it was contradictory for countries to repeatedly declare that Israel is killing too many civilians, but do nothing concrete to prevent the killing. "If the international community believes that this is a slaughter, that too many people are being killed, maybe we have to think about the provision of arms [to Israel]," he added. "Netanyahu listens to no one" The European Union's top diplomat also took Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to task for turning a deaf ear to all international demands on him to protect civilians in Gaza. This, after the International Court of Justice issued an interim ruling last month, ordering Israel to act immediately to prevent genocide in the coastal territory. The regime has, however, intensified its aggression against Gaza ever since. "Everybody goes to Tel Aviv, begging 'please don't do that, protect civilians, don't kill so many'. How many is too many? What is the standard?" said an angry Borrell, who added, "Netanyahu doesn't listen [to] anyone." The EU official, meanwhile, referred to an order given by Netanyahu on Friday to the military to evacuate civilians from the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of a planned ground operation against the city. Rafah has come to host more than 1.4 million Palestinians, who have fled there from the ravages of the Israeli military onslaught in other parts of Gaza. Aid organizations say Rafah's evacuation will be nearly impossible, given the scale of devastation elsewhere in Gaza and the huge number of people who have been trapped in the besieged area. "They are going to evacuate? Where? To the moon? Where are they going to evacuate these people?" Borrell asked. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Junta shelling of Rakhine village kills 12 people, leaves 32 wounded The artillery attacks on civilian homes in late January came as the rebel Arakan Army dug in nearby. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.13 -- Four straight days of artillery shelling of a village in western Myanmar's Rakhine state left 12 people dead and 32 wounded as inhabitants hunkered down between positions taken by military junta troops and the rebel ethnic Arakan Army. The shelling took place in Hpon Nyo Leik village of Buthidaung township between Jan. 25 and Jan. 28, Southeast Asia-based advocacy group Fortify Rights said in a statement on Tuesday. The attacks appeared to target civilians in the mostly ethnic Rohingya village and resulted in the destruction of more than 40 homes and the displacement of 15,000 people from several surrounding villages, the group said. Eight of the 32 injured were children, it said. The junta's Light Infantry Division 22, Light Infantry Battalion 551 and Military Operations Command 15 were likely responsible for the attack on Hpon Nyo Leik village and should be investigated for war crimes by the International Criminal Court, the group said. "The laws of war apply to the junta's forces and all parties to the conflict and, whenever possible, civilians must be warned of incoming attacks," said John Quinley III, the director at Fortify Rights. "Our recent investigation suggests effective warnings of military attacks could have saved civilian lives," he said in the statement. 'So much blood' The shelling began after the Arakan Army, or AA, dug trenches around the village on Jan. 24 in anticipation of a junta offensive, according to a statement from the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights. "Inhabitants [were] trapped between the two warring parties," the Jan. 30 statement from the U.N.'s human right chief, Volker TArk, said. "The military repeatedly shelled the village, destroying infrastructure." Since November, Rakhine state has seen renewed fighting between the AA and the junta after the end of a year-long unofficial ceasefire. Fortify Rights said it interviewed six Rohingya survivors of the artillery attacks. The group also reviewed mobile phone videos and looked at dozens of photos of wounded residents and burning buildings. Village residents told Fortify Rights that the AA didn't warn residents that it should evacuate the area. One 29-year-old survivor told the group he found a way to leave the village on the first day of shelling. He then returned the morning of Jan. 26 during a pause to check for casualties. "The shelling hit one family - two men died, Sadek and Faruk," he said. "Their legs got crushed." There were two other deaths in the household - Faruk's grandmother and another woman. He described the scene in graphic detail. "The bodies had so much blood around them," he told Fortify Rights. Attempts by Radio Free Asia to contact Hla Thein, the junta's spokesman for Rakhine state, and junta spokesman Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun to ask about Fortify Rights' statement were unsuccessful. Aerial attack in Pauktaw Elsewhere in Rakhine state, junta helicopters used machine guns and dropped bombs on Taung Phue and Kyauk Pyin villages in Pauktaw township at about 11 p.m. on Monday, local residents said. The aerial attack injured nine displaced persons who have been staying in the area, the residents said. Several fishing boats and homes were destroyed. "A jet fighter dropped more than 20 bombs on our village and shot people with machine guns," one resident told RFA. "Two bombs dropped in front of a house and hit people hiding under the house." Seven of the nine wounded were taken to another village for medical treatment for serious injuries, residents said. RFA hasn't been able to independently confirm the attacks and couldn't immediately reach Hla Thein for comment. According to figures compiled by RFA, more than 120 civilians have been killed and at least 260 have been injured since the resurgence of armed conflict in Rakhine state on Nov. 13. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed. 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 Myanmar junta kills 4 civilians in tea shop shelling Seven more were injured in a direct hit on the crowded cafe. By RFA Burmese 2024.02.13 -- Junta shelling killed four civilians and injured seven others in Myanmar's Sagaing region, locals told Radio Free Asia on Tuesday. The army turned its big guns on Monywa township, where junta troops were accused of burning homes and bodies, as well as arresting children and elders last December. All the dead and injured in Hta Naung Taw village are men, said one local, declining to be named for security reasons. The injured are stable and their wounds are not life-threatening, he added. A shell exploded directly on a crowded tea shop in the village center, he said, adding that it was fired by a junta battalion based in Ma Au village on the Monywa-Mandalay road. "It dropped straight on the tea shop. The dead include a cattle broker from Kya Paing village and two brothers from Hta Naung Taw tea shop. Another one is a passenger who was having some tea," he told RFA Burmese. RFA contacted Sagaing region's junta spokesperson Sai Naing Naing Kyaw for more details about the shelling, but he had not returned the calls at time of publication. The army opened fire on the village in retaliation after a battle in Hta Naung Taw 10 days ago between local defense forces and junta troops, residents said. Press-gangs in Monywa Elsewhere in Monywa, locals claim the junta's conscription efforts have increased after regime leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing announced on Saturday he would immediately enforce the country's People's Military Service Law. The law forces men aged 18-35 and women aged 18-27 to serve for two years in the regime's military. Professionals from a larger age bracket must serve for three to five years. Following the announcement, junta troops seized nearly 50 men on Sunday, locals said. Soldiers arrested roughly 20 people in Monywa's Myawaddy neighborhood, including some sitting in a teashop on Sunday morning, witnesses said. They rounded up 28 more from public areas around the city. A Monywa resident who requested anonymity for security reasons said soldiers have been roaming the city in plain clothes, preying on locals, and conducting checks and arrests. Given that those arrested are between the ages of 18 and 35, some locals in the same age range have gone into hiding for fear of being conscripted, he said. "They often wander around the city and catch people. There are four to 10 soldiers in one place spreading out all over the city and conducting checks and arrests," said the man. "They could be held at Monywa City Hall. I heard that some of them were being released after paying money. I don't know how much." Another Monywa resident said the city remained quiet until Monday morning, when people came out to do their shopping. Military-backed channel Myanmar Radio and Television called the reports fake news. Also Sunday morning, nearly 40 passengers traveling on the Mandalay-Monywa road near Lel Gyi village, Sagaing township, were held by troops for interrogation, residents said. RFA has been unable to find out whether they have been released. According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, more than 26,000 people have been arrested in the three years since the coup, as of Tuesday. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content February not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Puts Estonian PM And Dozens Of Baltic Officials On Wanted List For Removing Monuments By Current Time February 13, 2024 Moscow has placed Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas on Russia's wanted list, the first time a foreign leader has been put on the Interior Ministry's list, for "destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers" as relations between the Kremlin and the West continue to show signs of deteriorating. The Foreign Ministry in Moscow confirmed the move on February 13, though it did not say when Kallas, Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop, Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys, and about 60 of the 100 members of the previous Latvian parliament were on the list. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Kallas was put on the wanted list for the "desecration of historical memory." "The Kremlin now hopes this move will help to silence me and others - but it won't," Kallas said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. "I will continue my strong support to Ukraine. I will continue to stand for increasing Europe's defense," she said, adding that Russia's move was "nothing surprising." Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and many other former Soviet republics and ex-Warsaw pact members have demolished Soviet-era monuments. The three Baltic states were annexed by the Soviet Union in 1940 and occupied by Nazi Germany before falling back under Moscow's rule until regaining independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. All three are now members of the European Union and NATO, and strongly support Ukraine in its battle to repel invading Russian forces. Kallas became Estonia's prime minister in 2021 and soon afterward pledged to dismantle as many as 400 monuments seen as an unwanted legacy from the Soviet era. News of Moscow's move to put Kallas and other officials from EU countries on its wanted list comes almost exactly a year after the International Criminal Court (ICC) placed Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's commissioner for children's rights, alleging responsibility for the war crime of unlawfully deporting and transferring children from Ukraine during the war. The Russian Interior Ministry's list also includes ICC President Piotr Hofmanski. With reporting by AP and Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-estonia-latvia- officials-wanted-list/32817723.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 Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's remarks at the 13th Middle East Conference of the Valdai Club, Moscow, February 13, 2024 13 February 2024 16:54 264-13-02-2024 Colleagues, Thank you for the invitation. I have been a friend of the Valdai Club for a long time. I hope you find interesting what we have to say and how we describe our actions and plans. We always consider your questions and comments in our practical work. In the past year, the Middle East has moved to the forefront of world politics. The events of October 7, 2023 stirred up the Middle East and the rest of the world. Russia immediately denounced the Hamas attack on Israeli civilians. I would like to emphasise that we condemn terrorism in all its forms. We also categorically reject attempts to use this attack to justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. According to the latest estimates (there are no precise figures), almost 30,000 Palestinians have already been killed, half of them women and children. The number of wounded is double or triple that amount and counting, including the roughly 100 civilians killed and over 200 injured in the bombardment of Rafah. We believe this conflict should have been nipped in the bud. As early as on October 15, 2023 (a week after the Hamas attack), we suggested adopting a resolution urging a ceasefire in the UN Security Council, even specifying a humanitarian ceasefire rather than a pause, but the Americans blocked it. Then the United Arab Emirates and other UN Security Council members tried to advance a similar resolution but to no avail. Only a toothless text calling for the afore-mentioned humanitarian pause was adopted. This didn't resolve anything. Sadly, the UN Security Council adopted a much weaker stance on this issue than the General Assembly that adopted a resolution calling for a ceasefire. Now our colleagues from Algeria that became a UN Security Council non-permanent member in January of this year also drafted a ceasefire resolution. This draft has not yet been submitted for voting in the Security Council but the Americans are doing all they can to prevent this. We are seeing the consequences of the current escalation in other parts of the region as well, including the West Bank. Military operations are being carried out there as well and there are casualties. In addition to Palestinian territories, missile and bomb attacks are directed at Syria and Iraq. US bases in the SAR, Iraq and Jordan are subjected to shelling. Tensions have spiked in the Red Sea and around Yemen, which has become the latest target of unlawful, aggressive air strikes by the United States and Britain. One gets a sense that the situation in this region has not yet reached its peak. We have repeatedly made it clear that the Palestinian issue has remained unresolved for many decades now, and the inability to create a full, viable state in accordance with UN resolutions has persisted for many decades now as well. This is a key factor that will constantly breed instability and violence in the Middle East. I have discussed this with my Israeli counterparts many times. They dismissed this argument as an overstatement. The Americans and their allies had the same reaction. In the Middle East processes, the United States preferred to bank on its dominance in the region and is now working to remove Russia from a variety of international efforts aimed at creating proper conditions for restoring lasting peace and stability. As you may be aware, they used a far-fetched pretext to block the quartet of international mediators on the Middle East settlement (Russia, the United States, the UN, and the EU). They use every avenue, including the current situation, to impose on the region their one-sided solutions that are out of touch with reality and leave out the peculiarities of the countries and the region itself. Everyone is clear about the outcome of this shortsighted and selfish policy pursued by the Americans and their allies. It is imperative to find a way out of this reality, which would prevent the catastrophe our American "colleagues" are pushing Palestine, Israel, and the Middle East into. It is gratifying to know that our Arab friends are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of overcoming the current differences in order to deal with Middle East and North African issues by relying on their own resources and without external interference. We welcome their push towards taking the future of the region into their own hands. This approach has already led to Saudi Arabia and Iran normalising relations with China's mediation and bringing Syria back into the League of Arab States. Additionally, a dialogue is underway on normalising relations between Syria and TArkiye with the assistance of Russia and Iran. Regional powers have proven their ability to act effectively when left to their own devices. Tensions in Gaza are running unprecedentedly high, which is the ultimate challenge that calls for efforts not just for a ceasefire, but to create reliable and legally binding terms to ensure the creation of a Palestinian state as well. I have covered the efforts to establish a ceasefire as our priority goal in my earlier remarks. Meanwhile, we continue to make arrangements to evacuate Russian citizens and nationals of other countries from the area of hostilities. To date, we have evacuated about 1,200 of our compatriots, their family members, and foreign citizens. We have brought in 500 tonnes of humanitarian aid, and we will continue these efforts. Considering the uncompromising stance of the Israeli leadership with regard to continuing the military operation in Gaza (it now includes Rafah as well), we do not see any chance for imminent stabilisation of the situation. Efforts to establish a ceasefire must go hand in hand with creating proper conditions for a reliable and lasting settlement. On January 23, 2024, the UN Security Council met to consider the Palestinian issue. In terms of practical steps, we brought to the council's attention our long-standing initiative to hold consultations with key countries in the region to harmonise their approaches in support of Palestinian statehood. Following that, we propose holding an inter-Palestinian meeting involving all leading Palestinian factions, to overcome the internal rift. This is a long-standing problem. On several occasions, the Russian Federation has held meetings of Palestinian movements and parties, with our friend and active Valdai Club member Vitaly Naumkin putting forward an initiative, among others. The Palestinian representatives met with our experts and Russian Foreign Ministry officials. No agreement was reached on restoring unity, although we always underscored that Palestinian unity was something that depended on the Palestinians themselves and their friends among external players, and no one else. To eliminate the well-known nuances in the approaches of external players as well as those inside the Palestinian territories, we proposed this kind of unification, for all external players to send a unified signal to the Palestinians on how to restore their unity. Now we are mostly hearing "prescriptions" proposed by the United States and its British associates. These prescriptions are not aimed at fostering progress towards a Palestinian state, but at putting Gaza under control so it is tractable for the Israeli authorities. I understand the initiatives and goals proclaimed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They are fundamentally different from the demands set forth in the decisions of the international community, primarily the UN Security Council, which are shared by most countries and should lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. We will continue this work with our partners. We look forward to holding another inter-Palestinian meeting in the foreseeable future, including Mr Naumkin and his colleagues, with support from Palestinians themselves and their Arab friends. There are still other sore points in the region. The Astana format continues working on the Syrian Arab Republic. In late January, the 21st meeting took place in Astana. The participants reaffirmed joint actions by the Astana Three (Russia, Iran and TArkiye with the assistance of the observer countries, including Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan. We appreciate the support that their status provides for our common efforts. I have already mentioned the format that helps normalise relations between Damascus and Ankara. I am referring to Syria, TArkiye, Russia and Iran. We are also working with the Arab countries. Now that the SAR has returned to the Arab League, we are encouraging them to more actively support the restoration of that country. We are also discussing these issues with the Iranians and our friends from the People's Republic of China. The Constitutional Committee is now on pause largely because Geneva has undermined its reputation as a neutral platform. I spoke with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on the sidelines of the UN Security Council session on Palestine in New York. I explained to him why we could no longer view Geneva as a truly neutral platform that could facilitate meetings on settling differences. Bern has taken an overtly anti-Russia position. It is enough to say that they recently approved a foreign policy concept saying that Switzerland is striving to enhance European security not with Russia but against it. This is written in their official documents. What kind of mediation can they provide? Now they are trying to impose on others their mediation on Ukraine but nothing will come of it. This player cannot be trusted. I hope we will soon determine a new place for hosting a Constitutional Committee meeting, primarily with the consent of the Syrian participants in the talks - the government and opposition delegations. Resumption of this process in an Arab country with the support of other countries of the region would be the best option. Until recently, the situation in Yemen looked optimistic because of Saudi contacts with Ansar Allah with the Sultanate of Oman's mediation. As I see it, a comprehensive settlement framework was agreed upon. However, an armed adventure by the US and its allies in the Red Sea may ruin all these achievements and prospects. Instead of joining the collective de-escalation efforts, Washington and London have started bombing Yemen. Once again, they opted for a neocolonialist way of responding to events with armed force. We staunchly advocate security for merchant navigation and global transport routes, including in the Red Sea. However, we cannot accept current actions by the US and the UK that are launching missile and bomb strikes at the territory of a sovereign state. Events have proved more than once that it is impossible to achieve a military victory in this way. That said, the Americans have always succeeded in expanding the zone of hostilities and intensifying the fighting wherever they interfered in a conflict, be it Iraq, Libya or Syria. We will continue working constructively with all countries of the region and all those in other parts of the world, which are sincerely interested and can help. We continue cooperating with our partners. We are recording rapid growth in trade, investment cooperation, interaction in OPEC+ and the Gas Exporting Countries Forum. This useful potential is strengthening the material foundation of our cooperation in the international arena. On December 20, 2023, we held a sixth session of the Russian-Arab Cooperation Forum at Foreign Minister Level in Marrakesh. We compared Russian and Arab League approaches to regional and international issues and issued a special statement. In July 2023, Moscow hosted the sixth round of the strategic dialogue between Russia and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. We would like to thank again our friends, including Academician Vitaly Naumkin for organising expert meetings with representatives of relevant countries at the RAS Institute of Oriental Studies. We will continue working intensively on the Middle East track. Top-level agreements are setting the tune and pace for our efforts. President of Russia Vladimir Putin is always in touch with his Arab colleagues during reciprocal visits and regular telephone conversations with Arab and Israeli leaders. I am confident that as always, discussions at your platform will produce much needed recommendations that will be heard and applied in practice. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Estonian PM on Russian Wanted List Over Efforts to Remove Soviet-Era War Memorials By VOA News February 13, 2024 Russia has declared Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and officials from other eastern European nations as "wanted" over their efforts to remove Soviet-era war memorials in their countries. Kallas and the other officials are accused of violating Russian laws against the "falsification of history" and the "rehabilitation of Nazism," according to Russian officials. This action has been taken against Kallas and others who have "taken hostile actions against historical memory" and Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. This is the first time in history the head of another state has been placed on the interior ministry's wanted list. "The Kremlin now hopes this move will help to silence me and others - but it won't," Kallas posted in response on X, formerly known as Twitter. She has also described the action as a "familiar scare tactic." The move comes 11 months after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was accused of war crimes for his alleged involvement in abducting children from Ukraine. The ICC also issued a warrant for Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, Russia's commissioner for children's rights. The Reuters news agency reports those named to the Russian interior ministry's list include Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys and Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop, who were added for removing monuments to Soviet soldiers. Reuters quoted Kairys as saying the arrest order "means I acted actively and in a principled way." Several members of Latvia's former parliament are also reported to be listed. For years, many in Estonia and Lithuania disliked these monuments, but Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine has spurred the recent removal of them. To many in these Baltic countries, these monuments are an unpleasant reminder of Soviet occupation, but to Moscow, they represent Russia's role in liberating these countries from Nazi control. "Crimes against the memory of the liberators of the world from Nazism and fascism must be punished. And this is just the beginning," said Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, claiming Russia's military was seeking the "denazification" but not occupation of the neighboring country. Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is Jewish. Since its invasion, Russia has toughened its stance on the laws against falsifying history and rehabilitating Nazism. Kairys said that Russia has distorted the facts, and that its "regime is doing what it has always done ... trying to stifle freedom," and creating "its own version that is at odds with facts of logic." Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania - all Baltic states - are members of the 31-member NATO Atlantic alliance, having joined in 2004. They are among Ukraine's staunchest political, financial and military supporters. The three NATO members have been increasing military spending and improving their border defenses following rising tensions that have many worried about a potential armed confrontation with Russia. The three countries were seized and annexed by Josef Stalin during World War II before regaining independence with the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. In January 2023, Estonia's ambassador was ordered to leave Russia over alleged "Russophobia." Before this, Russian diplomats were ordered to leave Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Tensions rose again earlier this month as Russia accused Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania of ignoring their requests to grant security at Russian embassy voting stations in their countries. Following the accusation, diplomats from all three states were summoned by Moscow. Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. VOA's Steve Herman contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syrian returnees subjected to "gross human rights violations and abuses", UN report details Press releases Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights 13 February 2024 Many Syrians who had fled the war face gross human rights violations and abuses upon their return to Syria, according to a report by the UN Human Rights Office released today. The documented violations and abuses have been perpetrated by the Government, de facto authorities and other armed groups across the country, the report states. They include arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, sexual and gender-based violence, enforced disappearance and abduction. People have also had their money and belongings extorted, their property confiscated, and have been denied identity and other documents. While the Syrian population as a whole face such human rights abuses and violations, "returnees appear particularly vulnerable", the report highlights. "This report paints an alarming picture of the suffering of returnees, in particular women, amid the increasing number of deportations of Syrians from other countries. The situation of these returnees raises serious questions about the commitment of States to due process and non-refoulement," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker TArk. "Those who wish to return and restart their lives in Syria must not be stigmatised, discriminated against or subjected to any sort of violence or abuse once back in their home country," he said. "Those who remain in host countries must be treated according to international law, including the principle of non-refoulement. The rights of refugees and asylum-seekers must be respected. Their return should be voluntary with conditions for a safe, dignified and sustainable return." One returnee said he was violently arrested once back in Syria and taken to an unknown location by local authorities' security forces, kept blindfolded for two days, and repeatedly beaten. A woman returnee, detained for a week with her two daughters by Government security forces as they tried to leave Syria for a second time, said her family had to pay a US$300 bribe to speed up their release. "I was interrogated daily and asked about the reasons for travelling to Lebanon," she said. The report further highlights that women returnees face specifically discriminatory restrictions on their liberty to move freely and independently. It also documents a number of cases of women being forced by male family members to return to Syria to assess the conditions for safe and sustainable return for the rest of the family. Economic hardship, abuse, increasingly hostile speech and rhetoric against refugees, raids and mass arrests in some host countries have compelled many to return to Syria, the report says. TArkiye announced in May 2022 what it called the "resettlement" of one million Syrian refugees back to Syria, with reports of increased restrictions and forced deportations. In Lebanon, following months of increasing tensions and animosity towards Syrian refugees, Lebanese security forces conducted more than 70 raids targeting Syrian refugee communities in camps and residential areas across the country in the spring of 2023. At least 1,455 Syrians were arrested and 712 of them deported. "There are reasonable grounds to believe that the overall conditions in Syria do not permit safe, dignified and sustainable returns of Syrian refuges to their home country," the report says. It also notes that most of the interviewees said they had decided to flee again, even though, once back abroad, it was likely they would face precarious economic conditions and harassment. The report calls on all parties to the conflict to fully respect international humanitarian law and international human rights law. It also urges the Syrian Government and all other parties to the conflict to grant UN entities and other international and non-governmental organisations unhindered access to monitor the conditions of Syrians who return home. To read the full report, click here NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli Jets Strike Airport in Syria's Aleppo From Lebanon - Russian Military Sputnik News 20240213 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Israeli jets have attacked using cruise missiles the Nayrab airport in Syria's Aleppo from the territory of Lebanon on February 12, Rear Adm. Vadim Kulit, deputy head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Center for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria, said on Tuesday. "Two F-16 tactical fighter jets of the Israeli air force launched an air strike with two cruise missiles at Nayrab International Airport in the Aleppo province from the territory of Lebanon without entering Syrian airspace on February 12," the official told a briefing, adding that as a result of the strike three civilian airport employees were injured. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan Feb. 14, 2024 ROC Ministry of National Defense 2024/02/14 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 0900hr (UTC+8), Feb. 14, 2024 1. Dateis 6 to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) Tuesday to Wednesday , Feb. 13-14 2.PLA activitiesis 4 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and 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 The Federal Chancellor meets US President Biden - "Ukrainians can continue to count on our support" Germany - Federal Government Federal Chancellor Scholz and US President Biden agree that Ukraine must continue to be supported in its defensive struggle against Russia. In addition to the war in Ukraine, the talks at the White House focused on another hotbed of crisis. Saturday, 10 February 2024 Following his conversation with US President Joe Biden in the White House, Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz highlighted the good and important relations between Europe and the USA. "One can certainly say that relations, particularly between Germany and the USA, are currently more intense, close and consensual than they have probably been for many decades," said the Chancellor. Scholz described the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as the greatest challenge - "with all its consequences for security and peace not only in Europe, but throughout the world". Russia's reneging on the agreement that borders must not be moved by force was a threat to peace and security, he said. It was therefore right and necessary that all the necessary decisions be made to help Ukraine defend its own country, the Federal Chancellor said on Friday. Congress should release financial aid for Ukraine US President Biden and Federal Chancellor Scholz agreed that it would be a threat to Ukraine's defence capability if the US Congress failed to reach a decision that would free up funds for further support for Ukraine. "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." This would then also send the right message to Putin, they said, namely that it was futile to hope that by waiting long enough, support would wane among Ukraine's allies in Europe, North America and elsewhere. "Quite the reverse: the Ukrainians can continue to count on our support as it is needed," said Scholz. EU aid for Ukraine In a conversation with the US President, Scholz reported on the most important developments in Germany and Europe over the past few weeks. In December last year, for example, the European Council decided to open membership negotiations with Ukraine. At the recent European Council meeting in early February, the heads of state and government of the 27 EUcountries agreed to provide Ukraine with an additional 50 billion euros in aid between 2024 and 2027. "We want to do everything we can to ensure that Ukraine is in a position to defend its territory," said Federal Chancellor Scholz at the end of the meeting. Previously, Scholz actively promoted the continuation of EU aid to Ukraine. In addition to the EU's financial commitments to Ukraine, Federal Chancellor Scholz can also point to the recently adopted federal budget for 2024, which is estimated to provide over seven billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine. Since the outbreak of the war, bilateral aid for Ukraine alone has amounted to around 30 billion euros. This includes support already provided, as well as fixed expenditure for this year approved by the Bundestag and earmarked funds in the coming years. Crisis region Middle East In addition to the war in Ukraine, Scholz and Biden exchanged views on the situation in the Middle East. Germany and the USA agree that a two-state solution must be found at the end of the conflict between Israel and Palestine. This development is important because it is the basis for sound future cooperation between Israel and the neighbouring Arab states, the Federal Chancellor said. There was no question, he said: "The USA and Germany stand alongside Israel in the right to defend its own country." Germany had repeatedly made this position clear in international committees, he added. NATO celebrates its 75th anniversary In addition to the international crises, the Federal Chancellor's trip to the United States also included discussion of the 75th anniversary of NATO. The anniversary is to be celebrated at the NATO summit of heads of state and government in July this year. The aim of this summit is to send out a signal that NATO is determined and capable of ensuring preparedness for deterrence and defence both now and in the future. "The transatlantic partnership between Europe and the USA, and the partnership between Germany and the USA, is of great importance, also for our own security," Scholz said before the meeting with Biden. "This is also why it is so crucial for us to discuss the necessary steps to strengthen our joint defence alliance, NATO." In this context, it is important to the Chancellor that Germany is committed to - and will contribute to - a stronger European pillar within NATO. The 100-billion-euro special fund, which from this year amounts to two percent of the gross domestic product for defence, the prospect of deployment of a combat brigade in Lithuania and the German initiative European Sky Shield are just a few examples of this. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 3 Killed, Several Wounded By Russian Shelling, Drone Strikes As Russia Steps Up Attacks On Ukraine By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service February 13, 2024 Russian shelling and drone strikes killed at least three people and caused damage to critical energy infrastructure in several Ukrainian regions on February 13, regional officials and the military reported. A 64-year-old man was killed by Russian shelling in the southern city of Nikopol early on February 13, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of the Dnipropetrovsk region, said on Telegram, adding that a private house was also damaged. In the southern region of Kherson, an 83-year-old man was killed in the shelling of the village of Lviv early in the morning, regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported. Yesterday, Prokudin said, two civilians were wounded in the region. In the Kupyansk region in the east, a 55-year-old farmer was killed by Russian shelling of the village of Kurylyivka, Kharkiv regional Governor Oleg Synyehubov said on Telegram. Several people were also wounded by Russian shelling in the Zaporizhzhya and Donetsk regions, authorities said. Russia also launched drone strikes on the Dnipropetrovsk region for the second day in a row on February 13, targeting energy infrastructure facilities, Lysak said. "Our defenders downed 10 drones over the city of Dnipro," Lysak wrote on Telegram. "But there were several hits on energy facilities in the city, and a fire broke out." Ukraine's largest private energy provider DTEK said a power plant sustained significant damage in the attack, but there were no casualties. Dnipro Mayor Borys Filatov said schools were being closed in one neighborhood and one hospital was being evacuated ahead of an expected cold snap that would put additional pressure on the electricity grid. With nearly 1 million inhabitants, Dnipro is Ukraine's fourth-largest city. Lysak said workers had restored the power supply to the small town of Pavlohrad, east of Dnipro, which had been targeted by Russian drones the previous day. Separately, Ukraine's air defense said it downed 16 out of 23 drones Russia launched at the Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhya, and Kherson regions February 13. With reporting by Reuters Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-drone-attack- dnipropetrovsk-ukraine-energy-infrastructure/32817434.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 Dancers perform during the CCTV Spring Festival gala show on Feb 9, 2024. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] Global Times-Data from a Chinese tourism platform showed a 270-percent increase in search popularity for Kashi, Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, after the city debuted as a branch venue for the Spring Festival Gala, according to local media on Sunday. The ancient city of Kashi - a sub-venue of 2024 China Central Television (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala, also known as chunwan - opened to visitors on Saturday. The Spring Festival Gala was aired on state-owned broadcaster China Central TV from the evening of the Chinese New Year's Eve (Friday) to the wee hours of the Spring Festival (Saturday). The Kashi sub-venue of the gala is situated next to the ancient city. Twelve dreamlike buildings with intersecting roofs float in the air, illuminated by dazzling lights, creating a magnificent stage that transports people into a fantasy world. Travel data from the Trip.com shows that Xi'an, Kashi, Changsha and Shenyang, which were all sub-venues of the gala, saw a sharp rise in travel search popularity. Among them, Kashi's search popularity rose 270 percent, only second to Xi'an's 294 percent. The Global Times on Monday learned that data from other travel platforms -- Qunar.com and Trip.com -- showed the same trend on Saturday. The four sub-venue locations have attracted netizens' attention and search popularity increased by more than 50 percent than the previous day. According to data from Qunar, from the first day of the Chinese New Year to the third day, the number of bookings of air tickets to Kashi increased more than twofold over 2023 levels, with the average payment price reaching 835 yuan. On the second day of the Chinese New Year alone, the number of reservations for hotels in Kashi on Qunar platform increased by 1.13 fold year-on-year in 2023. The beauty of Xinjiang once again captivated the Chinese people after an eight-minute singing and dancing show staged at the Xinjiang Kashi sub-venue of 2024 CCTV Spring Festival Gala. The performance unfolded through a diverse and colorful ethnic style, presenting a thriving and prosperous snapshot of Xinjiang to the audience. Many netizens said they have become fans of Kashi and other cities in Xinjiang. A netizen said "The scenes at Kashi's sub-venue of Spring Festival Gala really impressed me and I want to travel there!" Besides, as Chinese Uygur actress Dilraba dazzled in a red dress at the Kashi branch venue of the gala, the dress has become a highly sought-after item, with many tourists booking an online visit to the old city of Kashi in search of the dress. There are about more than 50 shops in the ancient city of Kashi to provide travel services and ethnic-style clothing rental, local media outlet Ts.cn reported on Monday. "I want to take a set of photos in ethnic-style costume as a Chinese New Year gift for myself," a local resident who returned to her hometown in Kashi for the Spring Festival, told the Global Times. Ts.cn reported that as a key area of Xinjiang tourism, Kashi saw its tourism on the rise in recent years. In 2023, the city received more than 33.22 million tourists and achieved tourism income of more than 27.3 billion yuan ($3.79 billion). The goal of Kashi tourism this year is forecast to receive 38 million tourists and generate a tourism income of 33 billion yuan. Ukraine Loses Around 325 Soldiers Near Donetsk in Past Day - Russian MoD Sputnik News 20240213 MOSCOW, February 13 (Sputnik) - Ukraine has lost up to 325 soldiers in the Donetsk region over the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Tuesday. Over the given period, the Russian armed forces have repelled five attacks by Ukrainian troops around Donetsk and four attacks in the Kupyansk area. "The enemy lost up to 325 troops killed and wounded, a tank, four armored fighting vehicles and 25 combat vehicles [in the Donetsk area]," the MoD said in a statement. Ukraine has also lost up to 310 soldiers in Krasny Liman, up to 250 soldiers south of Donetsk, and up to 180 soldiers around Kupyansk, the MoD added. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We are creating for Ukraine a fundamentally new system of security relations with the world's major powers - address by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy President of Ukraine 13 February 2024 - 19:31 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! A brief report for this day. First of all, the frontline, and in particular Avdiivka, Kupyansk, and Lyman. Maximum attention, maximum support. Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Defense Minister Umerov are currently on the ground, at the front, all day long. Today they visited all the hot spots of the frontline and reported on the situation. The existing problems are being resolved: manning the units, reinforcement, command and control. There will be reinforcement with drones and means of electronic warfare. Command positions will also be reinforced. A detailed report will follow later. Secondly, a strategically important vote took place today in the United States. The Senate voted in favor of a package of further support for our country, our warriors, our efforts and democracy in general. I am grateful to every senator for making a morally strong choice. This choice is important not just for Ukraine, but for all nations whose independence is a target for Russian attacks - either now or in the future. Attacks planned for the coming years. Putin has never intended to limit himself to Ukraine alone - his goals are far broader. Hence, solidarity in defense must be even broader. The next step is a vote in the House of Representatives. This is extremely important. We anticipate an equally strong moral choice and a decision that will enter into effect, contributing to our common security. Thirdly, the reboot of our state's institutions continues. In particular, the Defense Forces. And today, the diplomatic forces as well. Lieutenant General Yevhen Moysiuk has been appointed a special envoy and will be responsible for the implementation of international security commitments for Ukraine and the development of the Defense Forces. We are creating for Ukraine a fundamentally new system of security relations with the world's major powers, and every element of such relations must be fully implemented, so that there are no mere declarations. The security agreement with the UK is already in place, and we are preparing new agreements - ambitious agreements. And not only with European powers. Every agreement with partners must be implemented as soon as possible. And one more thing. We continue preparations for the Global Peace Summit. On the key security aspects broken by the Russian war. Peace has no alternative and must always be just. It must be exactly what our people and any people of the world deserve. The aggressor must never win. And I am grateful to everyone who helps Ukraine, our warriors, and our entire nation. Glory to everyone who fights for Ukraine, who works to preserve our independence. And thank you to everyone who helps. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address I thank each of the seventy senators who voted to continue the support of our country - address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 13 February 2024 - 15:01 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! We've got positive news from the United States - the Senate has just voted to continue the support of our country and our warriors. This is a decision that we have worked very hard for, a decision that has been awaited not only by us, but by many other nations, particularly in Europe. The world is waiting for American leadership to remain steadfast and help protect lives and preserve freedom. This truly contributes to confidence and motivation. I thank Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for their determination and morally strong choice. Democracy will surely prevail. I thank each of the seventy senators who voted in the affirmative. Ukraine appreciates it very much. This was the first step, next step is the House of Representatives and the vote of congressmen there. We expect a positive decision. We hope for principled support. And we believe that America will continue to be a leader. Thank you to everyone who helps! Thank you to everyone who values life and freedom as much as Ukrainians do! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andriy Yermak discussed preparations for the Peace Summit with Ukrainian ambassadors President of Ukraine 13 February 2024 - 13:06 Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak held a meeting with the heads of 82 foreign diplomatic missions of Ukraine to discuss preparations for the first Peace Summit at the level of heads of state and government. The event was also attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mykola Tochytskyi, Advisors to the Head of the Presidential Office Dariia Zarivna and Oleksandr Bevz. Andriy Yermak noted that active preparations are underway for the Peace Summit in Switzerland agreed upon during a meeting between President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd in mid-January. He said that the Ukrainian side has prepared its vision of the draft outcome of the Summit. "Of course, it will focus on the key common principles of respect for international law, the UN Charter, elaboration of a joint plan to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, and restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity within the 1991 borders," emphasized Andriy Yermak. The Head of the President's Office reminded that after the first inaugural Peace Summit, Ukraine suggests holding a series of thematic international conferences and high-level meetings on key points of the Peace Formula. "They will be based on the groundwork of the working groups set up for each point of the Peace Formula. There are draft documents for each of the points and preparatory work has been done on decisions to be made at different levels," he added. In addition, the parties discussed the status of accession to the G7 Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine of July 12, 2023, which has already been joined by 32 states. The participants of the meeting also discussed the work on the implementation of the Environmental Compact for Ukraine, which was presented a few days ago by the International Working Group on the Environmental Consequences of War. According to Andriy Yermak, it is the basis for a corresponding international event and decisions regarding point eight of President Zelenskyy's Peace Formula, 'Ecological Safety'. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Attack Damages Dnipro Power Plant By VOA News February 13, 2024 Ukraine said Tuesday that Russia attacked overnight with 23 drones, including targeting the eastern city of Dnipro where officials reported damage to a power plant. Mayor Borys Filatov said on Telegram that infrastructure had been hit, but did not specify what was struck or the extent of the damage. Private energy provider DTEK said on Telegram one of its thermal power plants was seriously damaged by Russian attacks, causing it to halt electricity production. The company said there were no casualties. Serhiy Lysak, the regional governor, said Russia had carried out a mass attack on the region, with Ukrainian air defenses shooting down 10 drones in the Dnipro area. In total, Ukraine's air force said air defense destroyed 16 of the 23 Russian drones, with others being intercepted over the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions. Some information for this story came from Reuters NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Q&A: Former Polish President Lech Walesa Asks World to Help Ukraine By Oleksii Kovalenko February 13, 2024 Former Polish President Lech Walesa visited the U.S. capital this week to rally for renewed U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The 80-year-old labor leader-turned-politician and Nobel laureate said the United States and the world have a unique opportunity to facilitate political regime change in Russia. Walesa, who received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, said the world must continue providing Ukraine with military aid, as Russia continues its attacks against Ukrainians. "But relatively more resources need to be applied to convincing people that peace is better than war," he said. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. VOA: What message do you want to deliver to the American people and to Congress? Former Polish President Lech Walesa: In this visit, the most important issue is Ukraine. Ukraine is suffering a lot, and the world has to help Ukraine. VOA: In 1989, the Solidarity movement won over communist rule in Poland. Back then, was the fight different compared with Ukraine's fight against Russia today? Walesa: The world was always divided, but as it grows, it makes its structures larger and larger. Only Russia and China have clung on to the old solutions. Two countries are attempting to enlarge their structures by force. But we choose to make our organizations, such as the European Union and NATO, larger by voluntary choice. The question I pose is, which of the two approaches will win now a the old one or the new one. We should use less power, less force, more ... information. We should argue peacefully by acts and words, the least by tanks. VOA: Two years ago, the world said Ukraine would not hold up against the Russian army. Did you expect Ukraine's response to the invasion? Walesa: Ukraine was placed in front of an imperative. Courageous nation. We've known that, just because we used to fight with them, too. But such conflicts in the past proved to us that those were bad methods. Which is why, like brothers in solidarity with Ukraine, we act. VOA: Since the first days of the full-scale war, Poland was one of the closest Ukrainian allies. Considering some tense political statements last year, where do you see Ukrainian-Polish relations now? Walesa: You know, it's hard not to have conflicts when you have a million guests. Given the scale of the refugee problem we are dealing with, our conflicts with them are few by comparison. Poland managed to escape into the European Union. We are aware in Poland that if we didn't succeed in fleeing into the European Union, it would be us having war with Russia now. And having that awareness, we support Ukraine more. Ukraine has replaced us in that role. VOA: Do you think the West is doing enough for Ukraine to decisively win this war and for Russia to decisively lose? Walesa: The Solidarity movement showed how to win. The way to win is to use information policies to win arguments rather than through war. We must continue supporting military methods, because the Russians are shooting at Ukrainians. So, that struggle has to continue. But relatively more resources need to be applied to convince people that peace is better than war. We need to record all the casualties of war on the Russian side. And we need to send messages directly to the neighbors of the casualties and say, "Look, your neighbor died. You are going to be next. And maybe the day after tomorrow, your son will die, because your system is bad." Even if Ukraine wins and defeats Russia this time, militarily speaking, Russia will regain strength and attack us again in 20 years. But if we help the Russians change their system, they will not attack us anymore. The world has an opportunity bigger, better than at any time in the past, because Putin managed to unite the entire world against Russia. So, we have an opportunity to achieve a great victory. But not by force. By politics. VOA: During Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev's time, you warned the West to be careful negotiating with Russia. What would you say now to those who consider negotiating with Russia to stop the war in Ukraine and conceding territories? Walesa: We cannot force Ukraine to such solutions. It will not solve the problem. We had the same case with [Nazi leader Adolf] Hitler. We must stop Russia. Yes, right now we must use force as a solution, because that's the fight. But long term, we must pay more attention to words and information policy. If we now force Ukraine to compromise, if we now force Ukraine to give up land, this would be a huge mistake. This interview originated in VOA's Ukrainian Service. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chicago, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Increasing procurement and development of advanced military platforms and systems to tackle border disputes The demand for the directed energy weapons market in India has increased in recent years due to rapid economic development, increasing security threats, and increased border disputes. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), defense expenditure in India was approximately USD 76.6 billion in 2021. Huge investments have been made in the country to develop a series of directed energy weapons, such as a laser weapon of the DEW family that could fire a beam with a potency of 25 kilowatts intercepting ballistic missiles in its terminal phase within the range of seven kilometers. Download PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=19132295 The Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) is currently working on a 10-kilowatt DEW that will enable armed forces to take down targets such as UAVs. The defense sector in India is also focusing on developing dynamic gas lasers, which can be deployed by a moving vehicle. The country has also carried out two anti-ballistic missile interception tests by launching the anti-aircraft missile. Ask for Free Sample @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=19132295 India is pursuing hypersonic and directed-energy weapons. The second edition of Indias Technology Perspective and Capability Roadmap, released in 2018 by the Ministry of Defence, previewed more than 200 pieces of equipment envisaged for induction into the military in late 2021. Among the list of projects that the industry was encouraged to pursue was a Tactical High Energy Laser System for the Army and Air Force. In November 2020, the DRDO of India announced a Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL) as a 30-100 kW vehicle-mounted gas dynamic high-power laser-based DEW by LASTEC under development. NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 Companys 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 Boards Audit Committee regarding certain accounting practices and procedures with respect to ADMs 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 ADMs 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 ADMs 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. NEW ORLEANS, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 Companys 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 Companys 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 Tobaccos 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. SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A six-week trial challenging regressive voting rights provisions in Texas Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1) concluded with closing arguments today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The lawsuit asserts S.B. 1 violates the First, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by targeting and making more difficult the methods and means of voting used by voters of color. Plaintiffs also argue the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act by imposing voting barriers that discriminate against voters with disabilities and deny people with disabilities full and equal opportunities to participate in the state's voting programs. The case is comprised of five lawsuits, including Houston Area Urban League v. Abbott, which was filed in 2021 by the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Reed Smith LLP, ArentFox Schiff, and The Arc on behalf of the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Arc of Texas, and Jeffrey Lamar Clemmons, a poll worker. Plaintiffs are challenging several provisions within the restrictive law including: a ban on drive-thru voting; restrictions on early voting hours, which impose a ban on 24-hour voting; and new ID requirements for voting by mail. S.B. 1 also establishes new requirements and possible criminal penalties for people who assist voters who need help filling out their ballots, including voters with disabilities. The timing of a decision from Judge Xavier Rodriguez is pending. True democracy does not tolerate barriers that make it harder for citizens to vote based on race or ability, but rather it encourages voting and political participation because diversity of thought, ability, and background makes us stronger, said Amir Badat, Special Counsel, Legal Defense Fund. S.B. 1 runs counter to the sentiment of participation and democracy." We are not just in a legal battle; we're fighting for the very heart of our democracy, said Elsie Cooke-Holmes, International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. S.B. 1 is a calculated assault on our foundational values. We remain steadfast in combating these discriminatory practices to guarantee every citizen's unimpeded access to the ballot box, ensuring their vote is cast and counted." Democracy works when elections are accessible to all eligible voters, said Kenneth Broughton, Partner, Reed Smith LLP. This legislation prevents, inhibits, and discourages eligible voters from casting their ballots in violation of the Voting Rights Act and the United States Constitution. We are proud to stand with our clients Houston Area Urban League, Delta Sigma Theta, The Arc of Texas, and Jeffrey Clemmons, to protect the rights of all Texans no matter their race, their language, or whether or not they identify as having disability to meaningfully participate in the political process, said J. Michael Showalter, Partner, ArentFox Schiff. S.B. 1 poses a Catch-22 for disabled voters, because it makes both in-person voting and voting by mail more burdensome and inaccessible, said Shira Wakschlag, Senior Director of Legal Advocacy & General Counsel, The Arc of the United States. Throughout trial, we have heard from voters with disabilities about how S.B. 1 raises the cost of voting and forces voters with disabilities to rely on burdensome workarounds that require them to expend significant additional time, subject themselves to physical pain and mental stress, experience multiple ballot rejections, and work twice as hard as non-disabled voters in order to participate in the voting process and have their vote counted, making them feel like second-class citizens. This is not the equal opportunity the ADA was enacted to provide and cannot possibly be consistent with the ADAs clear and comprehensive mandate to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities and integrate them into the mainstream of American life. In 2020, we saw bigger turnout numbers in Harris County than ever before. Not only can we boast that we have the most diverse county in the nation, but we are also civically engaged, said Judson Robinson III, President & CEO of the Houston Area Urban League. We see S.B. 1 as a tool being used to completely disrupt diverse voter engagement and participation here in Houston. Additionally, S.B. 1 makes it nearly impossible for hourly workers to participate in our elections. We believe now, and always, that shift workers deserve their right to vote just like everyone else. Contacts: Kerry-Ann Hamilton, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. inquiries@deltasigmatheta.org/301-265-5100 Phoebe Plagens, Legal Defense Fund (LDF) pplagens@naacpldf.org Brad Wise, newsPRos for Reed Smith LLP brad@newspros.com Nathan Carlile, ArentFox Schiff nathan.carlile@afslaw.com Jackie Dilworth, The Arc dilworth@thearc.org/202-617-3271 Emaan England, Houston Area Urban League eengland@haul.org/404-668-2329 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62889bfd-d32a-43d1-af18-661c25054793 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ddf6b972-afad-4aa8-8f42-cb06e537c872 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34b947a7-0478-453a-9ee8-feb65374bc10 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78fd1a71-7c4b-4ae3-9350-7592aaa080bb Any community outside Lincoln and Omaha city limits is eligible to participate by hosting a blood drive in support of the Hometown Heroes campaign. There is no limit to the number of blood drives your community can hold. Awards will be allocated based on the total collections combined. Based on the success of your communitys blood drive(s), youll have the opportunity to direct up to $1,200 toward funding a charity in your community. Awards may not be directed to the organization sponsoring the drive, nor used for a general fund. To get started, email us at blooddrives@ncbb.org or call 402-486-9414. Or visit NCBB.ORG/HEROES to learn more. Wilmington, Delaware , Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, Global Lubricants in Construction Market by Base Oil (Synthetic Oil, Mineral Oil, and Bio-based Oil), Product Type (Engine Oil, Gear Oil, Hydraulic Oil, Grease, Coolants, Transmission Oil, and Compressor Oil), Construction Equipment (Earthmoving Equipment, Material Handling Equipment, Heavy Construction Vehicles, and Others), and Application (Horizontal Construction and Vertical Construction): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032. The global lubricants in construction market was valued at $11.4 billion in 2022 and is estimated to reach $16.8 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.0% from 2023 to 2032. Prime determinants of growth The global lubricants in construction market has experienced growth due to several factors such as a surge in government incentives for infrastructure development, an increase in the use of heavy machinery & equipment in the construction industry, and a rise in construction activities in Asia-Pacific. However, environmental concerns concerning construction lubricants hinder market growth to some extent. Moreover, an increase in green construction practices and digitalization and IoT integration in the construction industry offers remunerative opportunities for the expansion of the global lubricants in construction market. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A144261 Report coverage & details: Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $11.4 billion Market Size in 2032 $16.8 billion CAGR 4.0% No. of Pages in Report 978 Segments Covered Base Oil, Product Type, Construction Equipment, Application, and Region. Drivers Technological advancements in the lubricants in construction industry Increase in use of heavy machinery and equipment in construction industry Surge in construction activities in Asia-Pacific Surge in government incentives for infrastructure development Opportunities High-performance formulations of lubricants Digitalization and IoT integration in the construction industry Surge in green construction practices Restraint Environmental concern with respect to construction lubricants Impact of the CCOVID-19 on the Global lubricants in construction market The pandemic's disruption on supply chains impacted the availability and pricing of lubricant products, particularly those used in construction equipment. Lockdowns and social distancing measures led to project delays and reduced demand as construction equipment operated at diminished capacity. Heightened hygiene practices increased equipment cleaning, potentially raising demand for specific lubricants. Construction companies, prompted by the pandemic, reevaluated resilience plans, considering stockpiling essential lubricants to mitigate future disruptions. A notable industry shift emerged toward sustainability, with firms favoring biodegradable or environmentally friendly lubricants. In response to distancing guidelines, companies explored remote monitoring and predictive maintenance technologies, leveraging data analytics to optimize lubricant usage, reduce downtime, and minimize on-site personnel. This transformative period reflects a sector adapting to unforeseen challenges, integrating technology, and embracing eco-conscious practices for long-term resilience and efficiency. The synthetic oil segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period. By base oil, the mineral oil segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global lubricants in construction market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The demand for mineral oil in lubricants for construction is driven by the industry's growing machinery and equipment usage. Heavy-duty construction equipment relies on efficient lubrication to enhance performance and longevity. As construction activities expand globally, the need for reliable lubricants containing mineral oil rises to meet the escalating demands of the sector. However, the synthetic oil segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 4.5% from 2023 to 2032. This can be attributed to the fact that synthetic oil has superior lubrication properties, extended equipment lifespan, enhanced efficiency, environmental benefits, and a growing emphasis on sustainable practices. Procure Complete Report (978 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures) @ https://bit.ly/49xnJPd The engine oil segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period. By product type, the engine oil segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly one-third of the global lubricants in construction market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This can be attributed to the fact that engine oil is essential for the proper lubrication and protection of these engines, ensuring their reliable operation and longevity. The earthmoving equipment segment is expected to lead throughout the forecast period. By construction equipment, the earthmoving equipment segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly half of the global lubricants in construction market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The demand for earthmoving equipment is on the rise due to burgeoning construction projects globally. Urbanization and infrastructure development drive the need for excavators, bulldozers, and loaders. Additionally, advancements in technology, such as GPS integration for precision, enhance efficiency. Growing environmental awareness emphasizes the use of specialized equipment for sustainable construction practices, further fueling the demand for earthmoving machinery in the market. However, the heavy construction vehicles segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 4.4% from 2023 to 2032. This can be attributed to the increase in infrastructure projects, urbanization, and technological advancements. Rising construction activities, government investments, and the need for efficiency contribute to the growth in demand. The horizontal construction segment is expected to grow faster throughout the forecast period. By application, the vertical construction segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global lubricants in construction market revenue and is likely to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The increasing demand for vertical construction is driven by urbanization, population growth, and the need for efficient land utilization. As cities expand, vertical construction allows for the creation of more space within limited areas, meeting the rising demand for residential and commercial properties. Additionally, vertical structures often offer sustainable solutions, promoting environmentally conscious development practices in response to the growing awareness of ecological concerns. However, the horizontal construction segment is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 4.4% from 2023 to 2032. This can be attributed to the increase in population growth, urbanization, infrastructure development, and economic expansion. These trends create a need for roads, bridges, and utilities, stimulating growth in horizontal construction projects. Want to Access the Statistical Data and Graphs, Key Players' Strategies: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/lubricants-in-construction-market/purchase-options Asia-Pacific to maintain its dominance by 2032. By region, Asia-Pacific held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for more than half of the global lubricants in construction market revenue and is expected to rule the roost in terms of revenue throughout the forecast period. The rapid industrialization in countries like China and India has led to the establishment and expansion of manufacturing facilities, including automotive, machinery, and heavy equipment production. These industries rely heavily on lubricants to maintain the efficient operation of machinery and equipment. Players: - Exxon Mobil Corporation FUCHS Shell PETRONAS Lubricants International Chevron Corporation Total Energies SE Sinopec Corp Lukoil Morris Lubricants BP p.l.c. The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global lubricants in construction market. These players have adopted different strategies such as new product launches, collaborations, expansion, joint ventures, agreements, and others to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions. The report is valuable in highlighting business performance, operating segments, product portfolio, and strategic moves of market players to display the competitive scenario. About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business-consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Portland, Oregon. Allied Market Research provides global enterprises as well as medium and small businesses with unmatched quality of "Market Research Reports" and "Business Intelligence Solutions." AMR has a targeted view to provide business insights and consulting to assist its clients to make strategic business decisions and achieve sustainable growth in their respective market domain. Pawan Kumar, the CEO of Allied Market Research, is leading the organization toward providing high-quality data and insights. We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry. Contact: David Correa United States 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Blog: https://www.newsguards.com/ Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Dublin, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Military Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. In 2022, the Asia-Pacific military RAS market was valued at $ 3.15 billion and is expected to reach $ 4.15 billion by the end of 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.54% during the forecast period 2023-2033. Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a major factor in the expansion of the military RAS market in Asia, and its combination with military RAS has the potential to transform warfare in the future. It will assist in lowering the hazards that soldiers, air forces, and marines face, which could lead to the development of manned systems that are less costly in the future. The three main rivals in the development of military robotic and autonomous systems are the United States, Russia, and China. The military of major nations with substantial defense budgets is concentrating on plans that specify the short-, medium-, and long-term objectives of their armed forces. The military robotic and autonomous system (RAS) market in Asia-Pacific (APAC) is expanding at a rapid pace due to the region's growing emphasis on bolstering defense capabilities by using cutting-edge technologies. The requirement for enhanced operational efficiency, reconnaissance, and surveillance in complex and dynamic security situations is what is driving the market for Military RAS in the Asia-Pacific region. APAC countries are investing more in unmanned technologies, such as aerial drones, ground robots, and autonomous vehicles, as geopolitical tensions continue and military modernization efforts pick up speed. These systems are essential for improving overall operational performance, lowering human risk in dangerous situations, supplying real-time intelligence, and strengthening military capabilities. Continuous technical development and partnerships between defense agencies and business entities are anticipated to further propel the growth of the APAC Military RAS market in the foreseeable future. How can this report add value to an organization? Product/Innovation Strategy The product segment aids the reader in understanding the different types of military RAS and their potential in Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the different military RAS based on application, platform, UGRS, UMS, operation mode, UGRS, UMS. Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Asia-Pacific military RAS market has witnessed major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion, contracts, mergers, partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures. The favored strategy for the companies has been contracts, enabling them to strengthen their positions in the Asia-Pacific military RAS market. Competitive Strategy: The key players in the Asia-Pacific military RAS market analyzed and profiled in the study involve military RAS manufacturers. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the Asia-Pacific military RAS market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as contracts, partnerships, agreements, acquisitions, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market. Analyst's Perspective on Asia-Pacific Military Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) Market The Principal Analyst states, 'Evolving human safety requirements in the military domain is driving the uptake of robotics. Remotely piloted aircraft systems will continue to dominate this segment, while the firefighting and explosive handling use cases will continue to observe a rise in the deployment of robotic systems. While the current trend of robotics deployment as a means of enhanced safety and convenience for military users will continue, the overall uptake is expected to grow across the services. Naval modernization will drive the uptake of unmanned surface and sub-surface vessels across multiple applications collaborating with manned platforms. The evolution of AI capabilities will further drive the uptake of robotics in the military domain as their effectiveness is expected to improve as a consequence.' Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 79 Forecast Period 2023 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $3.23 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $4.15 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 2.5% Regions Covered Asia Pacific Key Topics Covered: 1 Markets 1.1 Industry Outlook 1.1.1 Military Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) Market: An Overview 1.1.2 Current and Emerging Technological Trends 1.1.3 On-going and Upcoming Projects: Major Military Programs 1.1.4 Startup and Investment Landscape 1.1.5 Patent Analysis (2020-2022) 1.1.6 Supply Chain Analysis 1.2 Business Dynamics 1.2.1 Business Drivers 1.2.1.1 Growing Need for Enhancing Battlefield Situational Awareness 1.2.1.2 Growing Defense Budget 1.2.1.3 Rising Demand for Reducing Human Involvement in Battlefield Activities 1.2.1.4 Generating Mass and Scalable Effects through Human-Machine Teaming 1.2.2 Business Challenges 1.2.2.1 Evolving Cyberthreats to Military Robotic and Autonomous Systems 1.2.2.2 Challenges Related to Deployment of Complex Systems and Control Frameworks 1.2.2.3 Contractor Challenges and Supplier Issues in Final Delivery of Military Robotic and Autonomous Systems 1.2.3 Business Opportunities 1.2.3.1 Increasing Innovations in the Field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) 1.2.3.2 Growing Threat Perception due to Ukraine-Russia Conflict Driving Missile Defense Spending 1.3 Business Strategies 1.3.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, and Contracts 1.3.2 Mergers and Acquisitions 2 Asia-Pacific 2.1 Military Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) Market (by Region) 2.2 Asia-Pacific 2.2.1 Market 2.2.1.1 Business Drivers 2.2.1.2 Business Challenges 2.2.1.3 Key Military Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) Manufacturers in Asia-Pacific 2.2.2 Application 2.2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Military Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) Market (by Application) 2.2.3 Product 2.2.3.1 Asia-Pacific Military Robotic and Autonomous System (RAS) Market (by Platform) 2.2.4 Asia-Pacific (by Country) 2.2.4.1 China 2.2.4.2 India 2.2.4.3 Japan 2.2.4.4 South Korea 2.2.4.5 Rest-of-Asia-Pacific 3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles 3.1 Competitive Benchmarking 3.2 Key Market Players 3.2.1 Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) 3.2.1.1 Company Overview 3.2.1.1.1 Role of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in the Military RAS Market 3.2.1.1.2 Product Portfolio 3.2.1.2 Analyst View 3.3 Key Unmanned Ground and Robotic System Market Players 3.3.1 Hanwha Defense 3.3.1.1 Company Overview 3.3.1.1.1 Role of Hanwha Defense in the Military Robotic and Autonomous Systems Market 3.3.1.1.2 Product Portfolio 3.3.1.2 Corporate Strategies 3.3.1.2.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, Investments, and Contracts 3.3.1.3 Analyst View 4 Research Methodology For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ijicsi About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Asia-Pacific Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services in Aerospace and Defense Market - Analysis and Forecast, 2023-2033" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Asia-Pacific non-destructive testing services in aerospace and defense market is estimated to reach $363.4 million by 2033 from $256.4 million in 2022, at a CAGR of 3.44% during the forecast period 2023-2033. The providers of non-destructive testing services have observed an increase in demand from the military, space agencies, and the expanding commercial sector. Driven by the aviation and defense industries, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is seeing a spike in demand for non-destructive testing services in the aerospace and defense industry. Significant expansion in the space industry is also contributing to the anticipated rise in demand between 2023 and 2033. The increasing size of components is a key challenge for the non-destructive testing sector and presents challenges for most of the NDT equipment on the market. In the future, the need for NDT services will increase even further due to the launch of satellite constellations and other rising space operations. APAC's aerospace sector is utilizing composites and other innovative materials, which calls for the use of sophisticated NDT techniques like computed tomography during inspections. Additionally, testing speed and quality are being improved by the combination of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Analyst's Perspective on Asia-Pacific Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services in Aerospace and Defense Market The Principal Analyst states, 'Ultrasonics, eddy current, and radiographic testing are the prominent testing methods within the A&D domain. While radiography continues to grow in utilization, magnetic particle and penetrant testing methods of non-destructive testing are also gaining traction. Increasing automation in manufacturing and deployment of technologies such as additive manufacturing will continue to drive the uptake of non-destructive testing solutions. Further efforts toward capacity planning across the value chain will also drive the investment in non-destructive testing. Digitalization and associated ICT capability-based enhancements will enhance the growth in this market.' How can this report add value to an organization? Product/Innovation Strategy: The service segment helps the reader understand the different NDT methods and end users that will generate the demand for non-destructive testing services in Asia-Pacific region. Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Asia-Pacific non-destructive testing services market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion activities, contracts, mergers, partnerships, collaborations, and joint ventures. The favored strategy for the companies has been acquisitions and contracts to strengthen their position in the Asia-Pacific non-destructive testing services in aerospace and defense market. Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Asia-Pacific non-destructive testing (NDT) services in aerospace and defense market analyzed and profiled in the study involve non-destructive testing service providers. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the Asia-Pacific non-destructive testing (NDT) services in aerospace and defense market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as contracts, partnerships, agreements, acquisitions, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market. Key Questions Answered in the Report What is non-destructive testing (NDT), and what types of methods are used for NDT services in the market? What new strategies are being adopted by the existing market players to strengthen their market position in the industry? For a new company looking to enter the non-destructive testing (NDT) services market in aerospace and defense, what areas could it focus on to stay ahead of the competition? How is the market expected to grow during the forecast period 2023-2033? What are the key developmental strategies implemented by the key players to sustain in this highly competitive market? What is the current and future revenue scenario of the Asia-Pacific non-destructive testing services market? Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 68 Forecast Period 2023 - 2033 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $259.2 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033 $363.4 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.4% Regions Covered Asia Pacific Key Topics Covered: 1 Markets 1.1 Industry Outlook 1.1.1 Non-Destructive Testing Services in Aerospace and Defense: Overview 1.1.2 Non-Destructive Testing Services in Aerospace Manufacturing and Maintenance 1.1.2.1 Aviation 1.1.2.2 Space 1.1.3 Non-Destructive Testing Services in Defense Manufacturing and Maintenance 1.1.4 Evolving Technological Trends and Disruptions in Non-destructive Testing 1.1.4.1 Computed Tomography (CT) for 3D Reconstruction of the Test Parts 1.1.4.2 Integration of IoT and Cloud-Based Services 1.1.4.3 Drone-Based Enabled NDT Inspection 1.1.5 Evolving End-User Requirements for Non-Destructive Testing 1.2 Business Dynamics 1.2.1 Business Drivers 1.2.1.1 Easy Integration with the Manufacturing Process 1.2.1.2 Increase in Demand to Maintain High Standards 1.2.2 Business Challenges 1.2.2.1 Limitations in Testing Large and Complex Structures 1.2.2.2 Unskilled Labor for the NDT Industry 4.0 1.2.3 Business Strategies 1.2.3.1 New Product Launches 1.2.4 Corporate Strategies 1.2.4.1 Partnerships, Collaborations, Agreements, and Contracts 1.2.4.2 Mergers and Acquisitions 1.2.5 Business Opportunities 1.2.5.1 Upcoming Demand for Satellite Constellation to Cater NewSpace Ecosystem 1.2.5.2 Technological Advancements in NDT Inspections 2 Region 2.1 Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services in Aerospace and Defense Market (by Region) 2.2 Asia-Pacific 2.2.1 Market 2.2.1.1 Key Service Providers in Asia-Pacific 2.2.1.2 Business Drivers 2.2.1.3 Business Challenges 2.2.2 Service 2.2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Services in Aerospace and Defense Market (by Type) 2.2.3 Asia-Pacific (by Country) 2.2.3.1 China 2.2.3.2 Japan 2.2.3.3 India 2.2.3.4 Rest-of-Asia-Pacific 3 Markets - Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/qi8a9h About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Dublin, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "eClinical Solutions Global Market Report 2024" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global eClinical solutions market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $7.59 billion in 2023 to $8.47 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.6%. The growth observed in the historical period can be attributed to several key factors, including the expansion of healthcare digitalization, the widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHR), a rise in regulatory compliance requirements, an increased emphasis on efficiency and productivity in healthcare processes, and the growing integration of healthcare systems. The eClinical solutions market is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $13.48 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.3%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to various factors, including the increasing emphasis on interoperability and data exchange in healthcare systems, the rise of telehealth and remote care services, the adoption of value-based care models, a growing demand for population health management solutions, and the increasing uptake of precision medicine practices. Major trends expected in the forecast period encompass the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare processes, continuous technological advancements, the emergence of innovative solutions, strategic collaborations within the industry, and the implementation of healthcare integration solutions. The growth of the eClinical solutions market is expected to be propelled by an increase in research and development (R&D) activities. R&D activities involve companies undertaking initiatives to innovate and introduce new clinical products and services. Electronic clinical outcome assessment solutions play a crucial role in supporting R&D activities by electronically capturing outcomes data in clinical trials. According to the Research and Development Survey 2021 conducted by Statistics NZ, R&D expenditure in the business sector reached $2.8 billion in 2021, reflecting a 5% increase from 2020 and an 18% increase from 2019. This upward trend in R&D activities is a significant driver for the eClinical solutions market during the forecast period. The growth of the eClinical solutions market is further expected to be fueled by the increasing number of clinical trials. Clinical trials, which assess the safety, efficacy, and potential benefits of new medical treatments, interventions, or drugs, are on the rise. eClinical solutions, as computerized platforms designed to streamline and facilitate clinical trial management, play a pivotal role in supporting life sciences organizations worldwide. In May 2023, according to ClinicalTrials.gov, the number of registered clinical trials studies increased from 399,499 in 2022 to 437,533, encompassing all 50 states of the United States and 221 countries globally. The surge in clinical trials, with 53% recorded in non-U.S. locations, is poised to drive the growth of the eClinical solutions market during the forecast period. Technological advancements represent a key trend in the eClinical solutions market, with major players leveraging advanced technologies to meet consumer demand. For instance, in July 2021, eClinical Solutions LLC, an India-based provider of cloud-based enterprise software and clinical data services, introduced the Elluminate Clinical Data Cloud. This solution, based on cloud computing and real-time data analysis technologies, enhances the automation of both clinical and operational data streams, facilitating faster decision-making in clinical operations. Technological advancements are anticipated to be a significant factor contributing to the growth of the eClinical solutions market. Major players in the eClinical solutions market are strategically placing emphasis on introducing electronic clinical outcome assessment (eCOA) platforms to gain a competitive advantage. eCOA platforms are digital tools utilized in clinical trials to electronically capture outcomes data. In January 2021, YPrime LLC, a US-based cloud-based eClinical solutions provider, launched its 5th generation eCOA platform. This platform is intricately designed to deliver cleaner data, streamlining the clinical trial data collection and approval process. It boasts intelligent integration with other eClinical technologies, offering a customizable solution that seamlessly transitions between devices. The platform provides the necessary control and security, ensuring accurate data collection from specification to submission. In a strategic move in March 2021, Advarra Inc., a US-based company offering integrated research compliance solutions, successfully acquired Bio-Optronics Inc. for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition bolsters Advarra's capabilities in providing comprehensive solutions for research institutions, sponsors, and Contract Research Organizations (CROs), thereby optimizing and streamlining the clinical research process. Bio-Optronics Inc., a US-based company specializing in eClinical systems, contributes to Advarra's enhanced offerings in the realm of clinical research solutions. This strategic focus on eCOA platforms is anticipated to play a pivotal role in shaping the competitive landscape of the eClinical solutions market. North America was the largest region in the eClinical solutions market in 2023. The regions covered in the eClinical solutions market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the eClinical solutions market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA. Scope Markets Covered: 1) By Product: Electronic Data Capture (EDC) and Clinical Data Management Systems (CDMS); Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS); Clinical Analytics Platforms; Randomization and Trial Supply Management (RTSM); Clinical Data Integration Platforms; Electronic Clinical Outcome Assessment (eCOA); Safety Solutions; Electronic Trial Master File (eTMF) 2) By Development Phase: Phase I; Phase II; Phase III; Phase IV 3) By Delivery Mode: Web-Based and Cloud-Based; Enterprise-based 4) By End User: Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical Companies; Contract Research Organizations; Consulting Service Companies; Medical Device Manufacturers; Hospitals; Academic Research Institutions Key Companies Mentioned: Anju Software Inc.; BioClinicia Inc.; Parexel International Corporation; CRF Health; Dassault Systemes SE Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes: Anju Software Inc. BioClinicia Inc. Parexel International Corporation CRF Health Dassault Systemes SE Datatrak International Inc. eClinical Solutions LLC ERT Clinical IBM Watson Health Medidata Solutions Inc. Omnicomm Systems Inc. Veeva Systems Inc. Mednet Solutions Cinven Ltd. Oracle Corporation Merge Healthcare Solutions Inc. ALTEN Group Saama Technologies Inc. Signant Health 4G Clinical MaxisIT Inc. Research Manager Slope.io Inc. StudyKIK Inc. 360Medlink Inc. Deep 6 AI Inc. Benchmark Research LLC Clinical Research Management Inc. Curebase Inc. Eclipse Clinical Research LLC LINEA System Inc. Acceliant Inc. Bio-Optronics Inc. Complion Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/u93hcc About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. New York, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Market.us, the global Infection Control market size is forecasted to exceed USD 511 Billion by 2033, with a promising CAGR of 7.8% from 2024 to 2033. Infections, stemming from microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, encompass a variety of types, including digestive, respiratory, eye, ear, hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), skin infections, and sexually transmitted diseases. Infection control is highly valued for achieving positive clinical outcomes. The COVID-19 pandemic has notably influenced market growth, prompting an upsurge in sterilization services across hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, and medical device firms. This comprehensive market report offers an in-depth analysis of the Infection Control market, covering aspects such as size, share, growth opportunities, major factors, key trends, and various other critical elements. Take a look at our sample PDF report @ https://market.us/report/infection-control-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway: Based on type, the market is segmented into equipment, services and consumables. Among thsese, the consumables market claimed the highest market share, amassing 72.5% . . By end-use, the market is bifurcated into hospitals, medical device companies, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical laboratories and others. The hospitals segment remained the leading segment in the market with a market share of 42.8% . . Region wise, North America contributed the most to the market and secured a market share of 34.8%. Factors Affecting the Growth of the Infection Control Market: With rising health concerns, and government regulations the market has seen a Technological advancements have assisted in the process of market growth. Further, the process of market expansion is aided by the increasing awareness regarding hygiene, along with rising public awareness about risks associated with infections. One of the major restraints faced by the market is the budgetary concerns that limit the capabilities of healthcare facilities. Competing priorities often prove to be a major restraining force for the growth of the market. Top Trends in the Global Infection Control Market: Key trends in the infection control market include a surge in technological innovations, with automated disinfection systems and IoT-connected devices gaining prominence. There is a growing emphasis on data analytics and artificial intelligence for proactive monitoring and prevention. The market sees a rise in awareness due to recent global pandemic, driving increased demand for infection control products and services. Collaborative efforts between healthcare organizations and technology providers are fostering comprehensive solutions. Additionally, there is an expanding market focus on personalized and targeted infection control approaches, adapting to the evolving landscape of healthcare needs and ensuring more effective prevention strategies. Market Growth: The infection control market is experiencing robust growth driven by various factors. Heightened awareness of healthcare-associated risks, particularly in the wake of global pandemics like COVID-19, is propelling the demand for infection control products and services. Technological advances, including innovative solutions like automated disinfection systems and IoT-connected devices, are significantly enhancing the efficiency of infection control efforts. The market is also expanding due to the increasing adoption of infection control practices, supported by government regulations and guidelines that emphasize compliance. Moreover, the evolution of data analytics and artificial intelligence for monitoring and prevention offers proactive, data-driven approaches, contributing to the market's growth. Despite financial constraints faced by some healthcare facilities, the overall market is thriving with opportunities, driven by technological advancements, increased awareness, and the imperative need for comprehensive infection control measures globally. Macroeconomic Factors: Several macroeconomic factors influence the infection control market. Economic stability and growth play a pivotal role as they affect healthcare spending, impacting the resources available for infection control measures. Government policies, particularly in healthcare regulations and funding, significantly shape the market landscape. The level of public health infrastructure, including the availability of healthcare facilities and services, is crucial. Population demographics, such as aging populations in certain regions, contribute to the prevalence of healthcare-associated risks. Global health crises, like pandemics, reshape priorities and drive increased investments in infection control. Technological advancements, driven by macroeconomic factors like research and development investments, influence innovation in infection control solutions. Currency exchange rates can impact the cost of imported medical supplies and technologies, affecting market dynamics. Overall, the macroeconomic environment, characterized by economic trends, policies, and global events, plays a vital role in shaping the trajectory of the infection control market. Regional Analysis: In 2023, North America stood as the most prominent market for infection control, contributing 34.8% to total revenues. The region's significant market share is attributed to strong collaborations with key industry players, enabling the expansion of product portfolios and improvement in infection control capabilities. The United States, with its predominant presence in North America, holds a dominant position in the market. The Asia Pacific region is poised to exhibit the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by increased healthcare spending, rising outsourcing trends, and the remarkable development of healthcare infrastructures and standards across the region. The presence of both voluntary and state-funded organizations striving to enhance infection control standards further influences the growth in the Asia Pacific market. Additionally, market leaders from developed countries are increasingly outsourcing to companies in the Asia Pacific, contributing to its key role as a growth driver. Organizations like the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control actively work towards creating partnerships to improve quality and promote cost efficiency in the region. Explore the strategic advantages our report holds for your business. Request a brochure to find out more https://market.us/report/infection-control-market/#inquiry Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 241.1 Billion Forecast Revenue 2033 USD 511 Billion CAGR (2024 to 2033) 7.8% North America Revenue Share 34.8% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2024 to 2033 Market Drivers: Healthcare Awareness Campaigns play a pivotal role as a driver in the growth of the infection control market. There is a heightened emphasis on raising awareness about healthcare-associated risks, a factor that resonates with both patients and healthcare providers. The understanding of the critical importance of maintaining safe and hygienic environments is driving the demand for infection control products and services. Rising health concerns, particularly in the context of recent global pandemics like COVID-19, have significantly contributed to the surge in demand for infection control measures. The devastating impact of infectious diseases on society has prompted an unprecedented awareness, leading to an increased need for products and services that ensure infection prevention. Furthermore, government regulations and healthcare guidelines emphasizing infection control practices play a crucial role. These regulations not only foster compliance but also actively drive the adoption of products and services related to infection control in various healthcare institutions. The combined effect of healthcare awareness campaigns, global health crises, and regulatory emphasis establishes a strong foundation for the growth and expansion of the infection control market. Market Restraints: Healthcare facilities encounter significant restraints in adopting robust infection control measures. One primary constraint is financial limitations, as many healthcare facilities operate under budgetary restrictions that hinder investments in advanced infection control solutions. This financial constraint impedes their ability to embrace cutting-edge technology or implement comprehensive infection control measures. The cost of compliance with infection control regulatory standards poses another significant restraint. Meeting these standards often demands substantial financial investments from healthcare organizations, creating a strain on their available resources. This challenge is particularly pronounced for smaller or underfunded facilities. Moreover, healthcare organizations grapple with competing priorities, including patient care, equipment acquisition, and staffing needs. The necessity to allocate resources across these various priorities can lead to restrictions in infection control measures. Limited funding, spread thinly across departments, can hamper the implementation of robust infection control protocols within healthcare facilities. Market Opportunities: The surge in technological advances presents a substantial opportunity in the field of infection control. Rapid strides in technology have given rise to inventive infection control solutions, including automated disinfection systems, Internet of Things (IoT)-connected devices, and telemedicine services. These advancements significantly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of infection control efforts, providing a considerable advantage in combating the spread of diseases. The integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence for monitoring and prevention holds significant potential. This approach allows for proactive, data-driven strategies in infection control, enabling real-time analysis to swiftly detect outbreaks and mitigate risks. The heightened awareness of infection control has led to a broader market, offering opportunities for both established and emerging companies to provide comprehensive infection control products and services. This expansion allows for catering to diverse needs within the market, creating a favorable environment for growth and innovation in the sector. Unlock Instant Access | Acquire This Premium Research Report https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=44350 Report Segmentation of the Infection Control Market: Type Insight In 2023, the 'Consumables' segment dominated the infection control market, contributing to 72.5% of the revenue share. This prevalence is attributed to the continuous use and shorter lifespan of consumables, which play a crucial role in sterilization, disinfection, and other control procedures. Notably, personal protective equipment constitutes a substantial portion of consumables, with many healthcare organizations advocating for its use and emphasizing its benefits. Looking ahead, the 'Services' segment is anticipated to experience rapid growth during the forecast period. Services in infection control play a pivotal role by providing guidelines, recommending best practices, and advising on risk assessment and rational usage. Market players aim to reduce healthcare costs while maximizing benefits, and the Services segment is poised for accelerated expansion. This growth encompasses cost savings, improved service efficiency, and a heightened focus on core areas crucial for overall company profit growth and development. End-Use Insight In 2023, the 'Hospitals' segment emerged as the dominant end-use category in the infection control market, accounting for a substantial 42.8% of the global revenue share. This segment is projected to exhibit the fastest growth rate throughout the forecast period. Infection control practices play a vital role in places such as hospitals, laboratories, and medical device companies, where preventing the spread of infectious organisms is crucial. The high prevalence of infections in hospitals, particularly through blood-borne or respiratory pathogens, contributes significantly to this segment's prominence. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) present a significant challenge, necessitating stringent control measures. Concerns about infections caused by blood-borne and drug-resistant pathogens are paramount. Instances like urinary tract infections (UTIs) linked to frequent catheter use further underscore the importance of infection control in hospitals. With UTIs representing a considerable portion of bacterial infections, this segment's growth potential is expected to be fueled by such factors in the future. Tap into Market Opportunities and Stay Ahead of Competitors - Get Your Sample Report Now: https://market.us/report/infection-control-market/request-sample/ Recent Development of the Infection Control Market: In January 2023 , 3M introduced antimicrobial Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), enhancing protection for healthcare workers against infectious agents. Cantel Medical launched an automated endoscope reprocessing system to streamline cleaning and disinfection, minimizing cross-contamination risks. , 3M introduced antimicrobial Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), enhancing protection for healthcare workers against infectious agents. Cantel Medical launched an automated endoscope reprocessing system to streamline cleaning and disinfection, minimizing cross-contamination risks. In March 2023 the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) released guidelines on ultraviolet (UV) lighting for disinfection in healthcare. A study in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology demonstrated the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide vaporization in significantly reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) released guidelines on ultraviolet (UV) lighting for disinfection in healthcare. A study in Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology demonstrated the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide vaporization in significantly reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In June 2023 , the FDA approved a new surgical mask for enhanced protection against airborne pathogens. A PLOS One study highlighted the effectiveness of a new hand hygiene product in reducing HAIs. , the FDA approved a new surgical mask for enhanced protection against airborne pathogens. A PLOS One study highlighted the effectiveness of a new hand hygiene product in reducing HAIs. In August 2023 the American Hospital Association (AHA) released a report on the financial implications of HAIs, while research in Clinical Microbiology and Infection emphasized the potential of an antimicrobial coating in significantly reducing catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABS). Market Segmentation: Type Equipment Disinfectors Endoscope Reprocessors Others Services Contract Sterilization Infectious Waste Disposal Consumables Infectious Waste Disposal Disinfectants Sterilization Consumables Personal Protective Equipment Others End-use Hospitals Medical Device Companies Clinical Laboratories Pharmaceutical Laboratories Other End-Uses By Geography North America US Canada Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Russia Netherland Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea India New Zealand Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA Competitive Landscape: Leading companies in the infection control sector, including Advanced Sterilization Products and STERUS Corporation, have adopted comprehensive collaboration strategies, intensifying competition in the market. These firms are strategically implementing various competitive measures, including mergers and acquisitions, to strengthen their positions. Additionally, there is a concerted effort towards developing new products, a strategy aimed at expanding their geographical reach and market presence. By actively engaging in collaboration and adopting competitive strategies, these major players aim to enhance their capabilities, foster innovation, and navigate the evolving landscape of the infection control market. Market Key Players: 3M Company Belimed AG Halyard Health, Inc. Getinge Group Advanced Sterilization Products Matchana Group Sterigenics International MMM Group Cantel Medical Corporation STERIS Corporation Explore More Life Science Market Research Reports About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn Our Blog: New York, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Market.us, The Dark Web Intelligence Market size is expected to be worth around USD 2,921.8 Billion by 2032, from USD 520.3 Billion in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 21.8% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Dark Web Intelligence refers to the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information related to the hidden parts of the internet, known as the dark web. The dark web is a segment of the deep web, accessible only through special software like Tor, which allows users and website operators to remain anonymous or untraceable. Intelligence gathered from the dark web is crucial for cybersecurity professionals, law enforcement agencies, and intelligence organizations to detect and prevent cyber threats, illegal activities, and to gather actionable intelligence on cybercriminal behaviors, trends, and emerging threats. This includes monitoring for stolen data, identifying threat actors, and uncovering potential vulnerabilities within an organization's network. The Dark Web Intelligence Market has seen significant growth as the need for cybersecurity measures intensifies amidst an increasing number of cyberattacks and sophisticated threats. Organizations across various sectors are investing in dark web monitoring services to safeguard their sensitive data and to stay ahead of potential cyber threats. The market's expansion is driven by the growing awareness of the risks associated with data breaches, identity theft, and other cybercrimes, as well as by regulatory pressures requiring businesses to implement robust data protection measures. Plan your Next Best Move. Purchase the Report for Data-driven Insights: https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=105063 Important Revelation: Rapid Market Growth: The Dark Web Intelligence Market is projected to expand significantly, reaching USD 2,921.8 million by 2032, with a notable CAGR of 21.8% from 2023 to 2032. The Dark Web Intelligence Market is projected to expand significantly, reaching by 2032, with a notable CAGR of from 2023 to 2032. Prevalence of Cybercriminal Activity: Recent statistics reveal a surge in cybercriminal activity on the dark web, with stolen account credentials increasing by 82% in 2022, totaling a staggering 15 billion. Recent statistics reveal a surge in cybercriminal activity on the dark web, with stolen account credentials increasing by in 2022, totaling a staggering 15 billion. Dominant Crimes: Identity theft remains the most prevalent crime on the dark web, constituting over 65% of activities, followed by credit card fraud at 15%. Identity theft remains the most prevalent crime on the dark web, constituting over of activities, followed by credit card fraud at Cryptocurrency Transactions: Cryptocurrency transactions on the dark web nearly doubled from 2020 levels, reaching an estimated value of nearly $25 billion in 2022, highlighting the need for robust tracking and monitoring solutions. Cryptocurrency transactions on the dark web nearly doubled from 2020 levels, reaching an estimated value of nearly in 2022, highlighting the need for robust tracking and monitoring solutions. Zero-Day Exploits: The market for zero-day exploits and vulnerabilities is growing, with exploits for fully patched devices fetching up to $2.5 million on dark web forums. The market for zero-day exploits and vulnerabilities is growing, with exploits for fully patched devices fetching up to on dark web forums. Drug Sales: Drug sales on the dark web saw a significant increase of approximately 15% in 2022, amounting to an estimated $1.7 billion in transactions. Drug sales on the dark web saw a significant increase of approximately in 2022, amounting to an estimated $1.7 billion in transactions. Data Breaches: Over 15,000 data breaches were detected across the open, deep, and dark web in 2022, resulting in the exposure of nearly 3 petabytes of data, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive data protection measures. Over 15,000 data breaches were detected across the open, deep, and dark web in 2022, resulting in the exposure of nearly 3 petabytes of data, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive data protection measures. Market Segmentation: On-premise deployment dominates the market due to perceived higher security, while solutions lead in the component segment, offering advantages in cybersecurity and fraud detection. On-premise deployment dominates the market due to perceived higher security, while solutions lead in the component segment, offering advantages in cybersecurity and fraud detection. End-Use Industry Analysis: The IT and telecommunications sector leads in end-use industry adoption, leveraging dark web intelligence to protect infrastructure and customer data from cyber threats. The IT and telecommunications sector leads in end-use industry adoption, leveraging dark web intelligence to protect infrastructure and customer data from cyber threats. Regional Analysis: North America dominates the market, with the United States and Canada accounting for a significant revenue share. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR, driven by developing IT infrastructure. Tap into Market Opportunities and Stay Ahead of Competitors - Get Your Sample Report Now Factors Affecting the Growth of the Dark Web Intelligence Market Escalating Cyber Threats: The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and illicit activities on the dark web, are driving the demand for advanced intelligence solutions. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and illicit activities on the dark web, are driving the demand for advanced intelligence solutions. Regulatory Compliance Requirements: Stringent data protection regulations and compliance standards are compelling organizations to invest in dark web intelligence tools to ensure compliance and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and misuse. Stringent data protection regulations and compliance standards are compelling organizations to invest in dark web intelligence tools to ensure compliance and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and misuse. Technological Advancements: Ongoing advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, are enhancing the capabilities of dark web intelligence solutions, enabling more effective monitoring, analysis, and response to cyber threats. Ongoing advancements in technology, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics, are enhancing the capabilities of dark web intelligence solutions, enabling more effective monitoring, analysis, and response to cyber threats. Growing Awareness of Cybersecurity Risks: Rising awareness among businesses, government agencies, and individuals about the potential risks associated with cyber threats and the dark web is fueling the adoption of dark web intelligence solutions as a proactive measure to mitigate these risks. Rising awareness among businesses, government agencies, and individuals about the potential risks associated with cyber threats and the dark web is fueling the adoption of dark web intelligence solutions as a proactive measure to mitigate these risks. Increasing Adoption of Digital Transformation: The rapid digitization of business operations and the expansion of online activities across various sectors are expanding the attack surface for cybercriminals, driving the need for comprehensive dark web intelligence solutions to protect digital assets and infrastructure. Report Segmentation Deployment Mode Analysis: The deployment mode refers to how dark web intelligence solutions are implemented and accessed by users. In this segment, we observe a notable trend favoring on-premise deployment. This trend can be attributed to the paramount importance placed on security and safety in handling sensitive information sourced from the dark web. Organizations, particularly those dealing with highly confidential data and operating within regulated industries, such as government agencies and financial institutions, prioritize on-premise deployment for greater control over data access and security measures. As a result, the demand for on-premise deployment solutions is experiencing growth, driven by the need for heightened security protocols in handling dark web intelligence data. Component Analysis: The component segment focuses on the various elements that comprise dark web intelligence solutions. Here, we observe that solutions hold dominance within this segment. This dominance can be attributed to the inherent advantages and functionalities offered by dark web intelligence solutions. These solutions typically encompass a comprehensive suite of tools and features designed to collect, analyze, and visualize data sourced from the dark web. Key functionalities may include web crawling, data aggregation, threat detection, and reporting capabilities. The robustness and versatility of these solutions make them indispensable for organizations seeking to leverage dark web intelligence for proactive cybersecurity measures and threat mitigation strategies. Hence, solutions emerge as the dominant component within the global dark web intelligence market. End-Use Industry Analysis: The end-use industry analysis sheds light on the sectors and industries driving demand for dark web intelligence solutions. In this analysis, we observe a significant uptake of dark web intelligence in the IT and telecommunication sector. This surge in adoption can be attributed to the wide-ranging applications and benefits offered by dark web intelligence within these industries. IT and telecommunication companies face constant threats from cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive data. Dark web intelligence provides valuable insights into emerging cyber threats, data breaches, and potential security weaknesses, enabling organizations to fortify their defenses and safeguard their networks and assets. As a result, the IT and telecommunication sector emerges as a key driver of industry growth within the global dark web intelligence market. Request a Sample of this Report to Understand the Key Dynamics of the Evolving Market: https://market.us/report/dark-web-intelligence-market/request-sample/ Key Market Segments Deployment Mode On-premise Cloud-Based Component Solutions Services End-Use Industry BFSI Healthcare Government IT and Telecommunication Manufacturing Other End-Use Industries Driver: Growing Concerns Over Cybersecurity Threats The escalating frequency and sophistication of cyber threats serve as a significant driver for the adoption of dark web intelligence solutions. With cyberattacks becoming more targeted and persistent, organizations across various sectors are increasingly investing in advanced threat intelligence tools to enhance their cybersecurity posture. The rising awareness of the potential damages caused by data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other cybercrimes is driving the demand for dark web intelligence solutions, as businesses seek to proactively identify and mitigate potential threats originating from the dark web. Restraint: Regulatory and Compliance Challenges One notable restraint facing the dark web intelligence market is the complex regulatory landscape and compliance requirements. As organizations gather and analyze data from the dark web, they must navigate various legal frameworks and regulations governing data privacy, intellectual property rights, and information sharing. Ensuring compliance with laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in the United States poses challenges for companies operating in multiple jurisdictions. Moreover, the secretive and often illicit nature of dark web activities complicates efforts to collect and utilize intelligence data while adhering to legal and ethical standards. Opportunity: Integration of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning An exciting opportunity for the dark web intelligence market lies in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. These advanced algorithms have the potential to significantly enhance the capabilities of dark web intelligence solutions by automating data analysis, detecting patterns, and identifying emerging threats in real time. AI and ML can empower organizations to sift through vast amounts of data from the dark web more efficiently, enabling faster threat detection and response. Additionally, these technologies can help predict future cyber threats based on historical data and evolving trends, offering proactive defense measures against potential attacks. Challenge: Evolving Tactics of Cybercriminals A significant challenge for the dark web intelligence market is the constant evolution of tactics and techniques employed by cybercriminals. As security measures improve and vulnerabilities are patched, cybercriminals adapt their strategies to circumvent detection and exploit new weaknesses. This cat-and-mouse game requires dark web intelligence providers to continuously innovate and stay ahead of emerging threats. Moreover, the increasing sophistication of cybercriminal operations, such as the use of encryption and anonymization techniques, poses challenges for traditional intelligence gathering methods. To effectively combat cyber threats from the dark web, organizations must remain vigilant and agile in their approach to threat intelligence and cybersecurity. Build a Future-proof Business! Buy our Premium Insights at Affordable Prices Now: https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=105063 Top Market Leaders Searchlight Cyber ZeroFox DarkOwl Proofpoint Inc NICE Actimize Cybersixgill Flashpoint Alert Logic Carbonite Inc. KELA Other Key Players Recent Developments 1. NICE Actimize: March 2023: Launched a new dark web monitoring solution specifically designed for financial institutions to detect fraud and money laundering activities. Launched a new dark web monitoring solution specifically designed for financial institutions to detect fraud and money laundering activities. September 2023: Partnered with a blockchain analytics company to enhance their ability to track suspicious cryptocurrency transactions on the dark web. Partnered with a blockchain analytics company to enhance their ability to track suspicious cryptocurrency transactions on the dark web. December 2023: Announced a strategic partnership with a dark web intelligence consortium to share threat data and improve collective situational awareness. 2. Cybersixgill: April 2023: Released a new report highlighting the growing use of dark web forums for cybercrime activities. Released a new report highlighting the growing use of dark web forums for cybercrime activities. August 2023: Launched a new threat intelligence dashboard providing real-time visualization of dark web threats and vulnerabilities. Launched a new threat intelligence dashboard providing real-time visualization of dark web threats and vulnerabilities. October 2023: Announced a collaboration with a cybersecurity research institute to develop advanced dark web threat detection methods. Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 520.3 Billion Forecast Revenue 2033 USD 2,921.8 billion CAGR (2023 to 2032) 21.8% North America Revenue Share 36.7% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2023 to 2032 Regional Analysis North America emerges as the frontrunner in the global dark web intelligence market, commanding a substantial revenue share of 36.7%. This dominance underscores the region's significant investment in and adoption of dark web intelligence solutions. In 2023, the demand for dark web intelligence in North America reached a noteworthy valuation of US$ 156.7 billion, highlighting the region's robust cybersecurity landscape and proactive stance against cyber threats originating from the dark web. The leading position of North America in the dark web intelligence market can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the region boasts a highly developed technological infrastructure and a mature cybersecurity ecosystem, characterized by advanced threat detection and response capabilities. Organizations across various sectors in North America prioritize cybersecurity measures, recognizing the critical importance of safeguarding sensitive data and mitigating cyber risks effectively. Additionally, North America is home to numerous leading cybersecurity firms, research institutions, and government agencies dedicated to combating cyber threats and advancing threat intelligence capabilities. The collaborative efforts between public and private entities in sharing intelligence and coordinating cybersecurity initiatives contribute to North America's leadership in the dark web intelligence domain. By Geography North America The US Canada Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Russia Netherland Rest of Europe APAC China Japan South Korea India Australia New Zealand Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA Explore Extensive Ongoing Coverage on Technology Research Reports Domain: About Us Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us On LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Our Blog: New York, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Market.us, the global Hemostat Market size is forecasted to exceed USD 5.7 Billion by 2033, with a promising CAGR of 6.4% from 2024 to 2033. The global hemostats market encompasses a wide array of medical devices and pharmaceutical products aimed at controlling bleeding and promoting hemostasis during surgical procedures or in cases of traumatic injuries. Hemostats play a critical role in various medical fields, including surgery, interventional radiology, and emergency medicine. The market comprises a diverse range of products such as topical hemostats, absorbable hemostats, and mechanical hemostats, each offering unique mechanisms to achieve hemostasis. Access a PDF sample report for essential market insights, trends, drivers, and challenges: https://market.us/report/hemostat-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway: By product, the segments observed in the market are thrombin-based, combination, oxidized generated, cellulose based, gelatin-based, collagen based, tissue sealants fibrin sealants. Among these segments, thrombin-based hemostats stood out as the most lucrative in 2023 due to increased R&D efforts, rising demand for surgical applications, and the proliferation of surgical hemostat tools. Within the formulation analysis, the matrix and gel hemostats segment held significant market share, amounting to 37.7% , propelled by its effectiveness in various surgical procedures. , propelled by its effectiveness in various surgical procedures. In terms of application, orthopedic surgery dominated the market, while the surgery segment leads in indications. The segment secured a market share of 38.6%. The hospital segment emerged as the dominant end-user in 2023, accounting for a substantial market share, driven by the widespread use of hemostats in surgical procedures across healthcare facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers. Region wise, North America remained as leading contributor with the market share of 48.1% in 2023. Factors Affecting the Growth of the Hemostat Market: Factors driving the growth of the global hemostats market include the increasing number of surgical procedures worldwide, rising cases of traumatic injuries and accidents, and the growing demand for minimally invasive surgical techniques. Additionally, advancements in hemostatic agents, including the development of biodegradable and synthetic materials, are fueling market expansion. Furthermore, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and liver diseases, which often require surgical interventions, contributes to the demand for hemostats. Moreover, the expanding geriatric population, who are more prone to surgical procedures and chronic illnesses, also drives market growth. On the technological front, innovations in hemostatic technologies, including the introduction of advanced hemostatic agents and hemostatic devices with improved efficacy and safety profiles, are propelling market growth. Furthermore, increased investments in research and development activities by key market players and collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are fostering innovation in the hemostats market. Top Trends in the Global Hemostat Market: An emerging trend in the hemostats market is the increasing adoption of advanced hemostatic agents over traditional products like sutures and staples. These advanced agents offer improved hemostasis, reduced complications, and faster healing compared to conventional options. Biologic hemostatic agents, including fibrin and collagen-based products, are gaining popularity due to their effectiveness and safety, mimicking the body's natural clotting process while minimizing adverse reactions. The rise of minimally invasive surgical procedures has spurred a significant demand for hemostatic agents suitable for use in such techniques. Hemostatic agents that can be delivered through small incisions or catheters are particularly sought after in these scenarios. Additionally, combination products, which integrate hemostatic agents with sealants or adhesives, are gaining traction for their ability to control bleeding and seal tissue effectively. By consolidating multiple functions into one product, these hybrid solutions simplify surgical processes, offering convenience to healthcare practitioners and patients alike. Market Growth: The hemostat market is experiencing steady growth driven by several key factors. Rising prevalence of chronic diseases and increasing surgical procedures worldwide contribute to the expanding demand for hemostatic agents. Technological advancements in hemostat products, including the development of innovative formulations and delivery systems, further stimulate market growth by improving efficacy and patient outcomes. Moreover, growing investments in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in emerging economies, enhance access to surgical interventions and drive the adoption of hemostats. Additionally, increasing awareness among healthcare professionals about the benefits of hemostatic agents in minimizing blood loss and reducing surgical complications fuels market expansion. Furthermore, strategic initiatives by key market players, such as mergers, acquisitions, and product launches, contribute to market growth by expanding product portfolios and market reach. As a result, the hemostat market is projected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming years, propelled by these favorable growth drivers. Macroeconomic Factors: The hemostat market is significantly influenced by various macroeconomic factors. Economic indicators such as GDP growth rates, healthcare expenditure, and government healthcare policies play crucial roles in shaping market dynamics. Increasing healthcare spending and GDP growth typically correlate with higher demand for healthcare services and medical technologies, including hemostats. Additionally, regulatory frameworks and reimbursement policies directly impact market accessibility and adoption rates. Economic downturns or fluctuations in healthcare funding may temporarily constrain market growth. Moreover, demographic trends such as aging populations contribute to the prevalence of chronic diseases and surgical interventions, driving the demand for hemostatic products. Overall, macroeconomic stability, healthcare infrastructure development, and regulatory frameworks profoundly influence the trajectory of the hemostat market. Regional Analysis: North America is poised to lead the global hemostats market with an estimated market share of 48.1% during the forecast period. The region's dominance is attributed to its high prevalence of chronic diseases, increasing demand for advanced medical technologies, and well-established healthcare infrastructure, particularly in the United States and Canada. Europe is anticipated to hold a significant share of the hemostats market, driven by a rising number of surgical procedures, an aging population, and escalating healthcare spending, with key markets including the United Kingdom, Germany, and France. In contrast, the Asia Pacific region presents substantial growth potential in the hemostats market due to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and advancements in healthcare infrastructure. Latin America is expected to contribute significantly to the global hemostats market, fueled by a rise in chronic diseases, expanding healthcare spending, and improved healthcare infrastructure, with Brazil and Mexico emerging as key markets in the region. While the Middle East and Africa may hold a smaller market share for hemostats due to limited healthcare infrastructure and lower spending levels, investments in healthcare, rising chronic disease rates, and growing awareness of advanced medical technologies could drive market growth in this region. Unlock the potential of our report for your business strategy: https://market.us/report/hemostat-market/#inquiry Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 3.1 Billion Forecast Revenue 2033 USD 5.7 Billion CAGR (2024 to 2033) 6.4% North America Revenue Share 48.1% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2024 to 2033 Market Drivers: The hemostats market is driven by several key factors. Firstly, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases necessitates surgical procedures where hemostats are essential in controlling bleeding and minimizing blood loss, thus contributing to increased demand. Secondly, the growing geriatric population, prone to chronic diseases and injuries, requires more frequent surgical interventions, further boosting the demand for hemostats. Thirdly, ongoing technological advancements, including nanotechnology and biotechnology, are driving innovation in hemostat products, fueling market growth. Lastly, the rising number of surgeries globally, particularly in emerging economies with improving healthcare infrastructure and increased awareness of surgical benefits, is leading to higher demand for hemostats, evident through increased usage across various surgical interventions. Market Restraints: Several factors restrain the global hemostat market. Firstly, stringent regulatory requirements govern the development and approval of new hemostatic agents, leading to potential delays in product commercialization and increased development costs. Secondly, limited reimbursement options in certain countries may restrict the demand for hemostatic agents as patients and healthcare providers may face financial barriers. Additionally, competition from alternative therapies like sutures, staples, and fibrin sealants poses a challenge to hemostat market growth, as these alternatives may offer comparable effectiveness and lower costs, thereby reducing the market share of hemostatic agents. Market Opportunities: The hemostats market presents several growth opportunities. Firstly, the increasing number of surgical procedures worldwide fuels the demand for hemostatic agents to effectively control bleeding and reduce complications, offering a promising avenue for market expansion. Secondly, advancements in hemostatic technology, including nanotechnology and biologics, hold significant potential to broaden the scope of the hemostats market by offering innovative solutions. Thirdly, the rising popularity of minimally invasive surgical techniques necessitates hemostatic agents suitable for use in these procedures, creating a niche market segment. Moreover, emerging markets with improving healthcare infrastructure, rising healthcare expenditures, and greater awareness of advanced medical technologies provide fertile ground for hemostats market growth globally. Lastly, the aging population, coupled with the prevalence of chronic illnesses, drives the demand for surgical interventions, further propelling the growth of the hemostats market to meet evolving healthcare needs. Gain immediate access to our exclusive research report: https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=51144 Report Segmentation of the Hemostat Market: Product Type Insight The global hemostats market is segmented into various product types, including thrombin-based, combination, oxidized regenerated cellulose-based, gelatin-based, collagen-based hemostats, and tissue sealants-fibrin sealants. Among these segments, the thrombin-based category stood out as the most lucrative in the market with a market share of 28.9%. This dominance is expected to continue over the forecast period, driven by increased research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, growing demand for hemostatic agents during surgical procedures, and a surge in the utilization of surgical hemostat tools. As surgical rates continue to rise globally and numerous pharmaceutical companies invest in hemostat research projects, collagen-based hemostats are also poised for rapid market expansion in the foreseeable future. Formulation Insight In the global hemostats market, formulations are categorized into matrix and gel hemostats, sheet & pad hemostats, sponge hemostats, and powder hemostats. Among these formulations, the matrix and gel hemostats segment emerges as the most lucrative, capturing an estimated market share of 37.7%. Additionally, the powder hemostats segment is anticipated to experience substantial growth throughout the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rising prevalence of cardiovascular disorders and increased utilization during surgical procedures, reflecting a growing demand for effective hemostatic solutions in healthcare settings. Application Insight In the application analysis of the hemostats market, various segments include orthopedic surgery, general surgery, neurological surgery, cardiovascular surgery, reconstructive surgery, gynecological surgery, trauma, plastic surgery, and other applications. Among these segments, orthopedic surgery remained the dominant application in the market with 38.6%. Hemostats are also utilized in dental and cosmetic surgeries to manage bleeding effectively. Moreover, they play a crucial role in trauma management, helping control bleeding in emergencies such as gunshot wounds, car accidents, and severe injuries. Hemostats serve to stabilize the patient's condition by controlling bleeding until they receive proper medical attention. Indication Insight In the indication analysis of the hemostats market, the segments are categorized into closures and surgery. Among these, the surgery segment emerged as the dominant force in the market with a market share of 61.4%. With its extensive application across various surgical procedures, the surgery segment is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. Hemostats play a crucial role in surgical interventions, aiding in the control of bleeding and ensuring optimal surgical outcomes. As surgical procedures continue to rise globally and advancements in surgical techniques drive demand for effective hemostatic solutions, the surgery segment is poised for sustained growth. The widespread adoption of hemostats in diverse surgical specialties underscores their significance in modern healthcare settings, reinforcing the dominance of the surgery segment in the hemostats market. End-User Insight In the end-user analysis of the hemostats market, the segmentation includes ambulatory centers, hospitals, clinics, community healthcare, healthcare, and other end-users. Among these segments, the hospital segment emerged as the most dominant and lucrative, commanding a significant market share of 49.2%. Hemostats play a pivotal role in surgical procedures and emergency situations within hospital settings, where they are utilized to control bleeding and mitigate the risk of excessive blood loss. Hospitals rely on hemostats not only for routine surgeries but also for trauma management and various medical interventions, highlighting their versatile applications in critical healthcare scenarios. Ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) also leverage hemostats to ensure optimal patient outcomes during same-day surgical procedures by effectively managing bleeding and preventing complications. Furthermore, hemostats find usage in dental clinics, academic and research institutions, and other healthcare providers, underscoring their widespread adoption across diverse healthcare settings. As hospitals continue to be at the forefront of surgical interventions and medical emergencies, the hospital segment is expected to maintain its dominance in the hemostats market due to the indispensable role of hemostatic agents in ensuring patient safety and successful surgical outcomes. Access a PDF sample report for essential market insights, trends, drivers, and challenges: https://market.us/report/hemostat-market/request-sample/ Recent Development of the Hemostat Market: In July 2023 , Baxter International Inc., a prominent player in surgical innovation, has introduced PERCLOT Absorbable Hemostatic Powder in the United States. PERCLOT is a passive, absorbable hemostatic powder intended for patients with intact coagulation to manage mild bleeding. This innovative product is designed to provide a convenient solution for surgical procedures by effectively promoting hemostasis. , Baxter International Inc., a prominent player in surgical innovation, has introduced PERCLOT Absorbable Hemostatic Powder in the United States. PERCLOT is a passive, absorbable hemostatic powder intended for patients with intact coagulation to manage mild bleeding. This innovative product is designed to provide a convenient solution for surgical procedures by effectively promoting hemostasis. In August 2023, Teleflex Incorporated, a renowned global provider of medical technologies, has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the QuikClot Control+ Hemostatic Device to address mild and moderate bleeding in cardiac surgical procedures. Additionally, the clearance extends to bone surface bleeding subsequent to a sternotomy. Market Segmentation: By Product Type Thrombin Based Combination Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose Based Gelatin Based Collagen Based Hemostat Tissue Sealants- Fibrin Sealants By Formulation Matrix and Gel Hemostats Sheet and Pad Hemostats Sponge Hemostats Powder Hemostats By Application Orthopedic Surgery General Surgery Neurological Surgery Cardiovascular Surgery Reconstructive Surgery Gynecological Surgery Trauma Plastic Surgery Other By Indication Closure Surgery By End-User Ambulatory Surgical Centers Hospitals C0linics Community Healthcare Other End-Users By Geography North America US Canada Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Russia Netherland Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea India New Zealand Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA Competitive Landscape: Various emerging key players are strategically focused on expanding their businesses in international markets through a variety of strategic initiatives. Many companies in the hemostats market are prioritizing the expansion of their current operations and research and development (R&D) facilities. Johnson & Johnson holds the top position in the global hemostats market, commanding a substantial market share. Through its subsidiary Ethicon, Inc., the company provides a diverse range of hemostats. Additionally, Baxter International Inc. and C.R. Bard, Inc. are prominent players in the market, offering a wide array of hemostatic products tailored for various surgical procedures. Market Key Players: CR Bard Inc B Braun Melsungen AG Baxter International Inc Integra Life Sciences Marine Polymer Technologies Inc Teleflex Ethicon Inc Pfizer Inc Z-Medica LLC Gelita Medical GmbH Anika Therapeutics Inc Stryker Integra Lifesciences Corporation Johnson & Johnson Services Inc Other Key Players Explore More Life Science Market Research Reports About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn Our Blog: New York, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a Market.us report, the Agricultural Robot market size is expected to be worth around USD 86.5 billion by 2033, from USD 13.4 billion in 2023, and expected to rise at an astounding CAGR of 20.5% from 2023 to 2033. The Agricultural Robot market refers to the industry that involves the development, manufacturing, and deployment of robotic systems and technologies specifically designed for use in agriculture. These robots are equipped with various sensors, actuators, and intelligent software to perform tasks related to cultivation, harvesting, monitoring, and other agricultural activities. Agricultural robots, also known as robots or agri-robots, are designed to automate and enhance different aspects of farming processes, aiming to increase efficiency, reduce labor costs, and optimize resource utilization. These robots can operate in the field, greenhouse, or indoor environments, depending on the specific application. Access a sample PDF report @ https://market.us/report/agricultural-robot-market/request-sample/ Key Takeaway Market Growth Projection: The Agricultural robot market is set to reach USD 86.5 billion by 2033, growing at an impressive CAGR of 20.5% from USD 13.4 billion in 2023. The Agricultural robot market is set to reach by 2033, growing at an impressive CAGR of from in 2023. Primary Product Types: Milking Robots dominate, capturing 48.6% market share in 2023. Drones and driverless tractors experience substantial growth, driven by increased funding and industrialization. Milking Robots dominate, capturing market share in 2023. Drones and driverless tractors experience substantial growth, driven by increased funding and industrialization. Offering Dynamics: Hardware constitutes over 55% of the market, featuring physical robots like automated tractors. Software is crucial for robot functionalities, while services ensure operational efficiency. Hardware constitutes over of the market, featuring physical robots like automated tractors. Software is crucial for robot functionalities, while services ensure operational efficiency. Application Insights: Planting and Seeding hold a significant segment, emphasizing precision in crop distribution. Soil management experiences rapid growth due to mobile robots for fertilizing and weeding. Factors Affecting the Growth of the Global Agricultural Robots Industry Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in robotics, sensors, and AI contribute to the industry's growth by enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of agricultural robots. Rapid advancements in robotics, sensors, and AI contribute to the industry's growth by enhancing the capabilities and efficiency of agricultural robots. Labor Shortages: The increasing scarcity of manual labor in agriculture drives the adoption of robots to perform tasks such as planting, harvesting, and weeding, boosting overall productivity. The increasing scarcity of manual labor in agriculture drives the adoption of robots to perform tasks such as planting, harvesting, and weeding, boosting overall productivity. Demand for Precision Farming: Growing emphasis on precision farming practices, requiring accurate and efficient crop management, drives the adoption of agricultural robots for tasks like planting, seeding, and fertilizing. Growing emphasis on precision farming practices, requiring accurate and efficient crop management, drives the adoption of agricultural robots for tasks like planting, seeding, and fertilizing. Cost Efficiency: The need to optimize costs and improve operational efficiency encourages farmers to invest in agricultural robots, reducing dependency on manual labor and minimizing resource wastage. The need to optimize costs and improve operational efficiency encourages farmers to invest in agricultural robots, reducing dependency on manual labor and minimizing resource wastage. Global Population Growth: Rising global population leads to increased demand for food production. Agricultural robots help meet this demand by enhancing productivity and enabling more efficient farming practices. Build a Future-proof Business! Buy our Premium Insights at Affordable Prices Now: https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=46532 Top Trends in the Agricultural Robots Market Autonomous Farming Systems: Increasing adoption of fully autonomous farming systems, leveraging AI and robotics, for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring, enhancing overall operational efficiency. Increasing adoption of fully autonomous farming systems, leveraging AI and robotics, for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and monitoring, enhancing overall operational efficiency. Multi-Functionality: Development of agricultural robots with multi-functional capabilities, allowing them to perform various tasks like planting, weeding, and spraying within a single robotic platform. Development of agricultural robots with multi-functional capabilities, allowing them to perform various tasks like planting, weeding, and spraying within a single robotic platform. Data-Driven Decision Making: Integration of advanced sensors and data analytics tools in agricultural robots to provide real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, and environmental factors, enabling informed decision-making. Integration of advanced sensors and data analytics tools in agricultural robots to provide real-time data on crop health, soil conditions, and environmental factors, enabling informed decision-making. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration: Growing use of AI algorithms to enhance the decision-making abilities of agricultural robots, optimizing tasks based on real-time data and improving overall system intelligence. Growing use of AI algorithms to enhance the decision-making abilities of agricultural robots, optimizing tasks based on real-time data and improving overall system intelligence. Collaborative Robotics (Cobots): Implementation of collaborative robots that can work alongside human farmers, assisting with tasks and improving the efficiency of labor-intensive activities. Market Growth Increasing Demand for Precision Agriculture: Growing awareness of the benefits of precision farming, where agricultural robots play a pivotal role in optimizing resource usage, improving crop yields, and reducing environmental impact. Growing awareness of the benefits of precision farming, where agricultural robots play a pivotal role in optimizing resource usage, improving crop yields, and reducing environmental impact. Labor Shortages: The global agriculture industry faces labor shortages, prompting a shift towards automation. Agricultural robots address this challenge by performing tasks traditionally reliant on manual labor. The global agriculture industry faces labor shortages, prompting a shift towards automation. Agricultural robots address this challenge by performing tasks traditionally reliant on manual labor. Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in robotics, AI, and sensor technologies enhance the capabilities of agricultural robots, making them more efficient, precise, and adaptable to various farming tasks. Rapid advancements in robotics, AI, and sensor technologies enhance the capabilities of agricultural robots, making them more efficient, precise, and adaptable to various farming tasks. Government Support and Initiatives: Supportive policies, subsidies, and incentives from governments worldwide encourage farmers to invest in agricultural automation, boosting market growth. Supportive policies, subsidies, and incentives from governments worldwide encourage farmers to invest in agricultural automation, boosting market growth. Focus on Sustainable Farming Practices: Increasing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture practices, with agricultural robots enabling precise application of resources, reducing waste, and minimizing environmental impact. Uncover the actionable insights tailored to your business strategy. Request our brochure to learn more: https://market.us/report/agricultural-robot-market/request-sample/ Regional Analysis North America dominates the drone market, accounting for 37% of global sales. Its adaptability to new technology makes it a crucial market. The Agricultural Robot Market's growth is influenced by the Federal Aviation Administration's regulatory shift, promoting commercial drone use. Drones offer imaging benefits, enhancing crop production and profitability for organizations. Technology infusion is vital for agriculture, significantly improving profitability in developed countries through farm mechanization. Regional demand is rising with increased government support, exemplified by the Farm Advisory System in the European Union, guiding farmers on environmental rules. The EU's regulations on drone operations are expected to drive industry growth. Growing venture capital and agricultural industrialization will further boost segment demand. Scope of the Report Report Attributes Details Market Value (2023) USD 13.4 Billion Forecast Revenue 2033 USD 86.5 Billion CAGR (2024 to 2033) 20.5% North America Share 37% Base Year 2023 Historic Period 2018 to 2022 Forecast Year 2024 to 2033 Market Drivers The rise of agricultural robots is a response to the challenges posed by a growing global population and escalating labor costs in the farming industry. As the demand for food increases, farmers are faced with the need to enhance production while dealing with limited labor availability and rising expenses. These robots automate crucial tasks like planting and harvesting, reducing dependence on human labor and boosting productivity, efficiency, and precision. In regions like California, where farm wages can exceed USD 20 per hour, the appeal of agricultural robots is evident, addressing labor shortages and allowing skilled workers to focus on more diverse tasks. Major farming corporations are supporting startups in the agricultural robotics sector, investing in technology that drives innovation and solutions for the industry's evolving needs. Restraints The adoption of digitalization in agriculture faces a significant obstaclethe high costs associated with agricultural robots. Despite the potential benefits of increased efficiency and precision, the steep prices pose a challenge, especially for small and medium-sized farmers. The financial barriers created by initial investments and ongoing maintenance expenses contribute to a widening digital gap in the agricultural sector. Larger, financially equipped farms are reaping the benefits, leaving smaller farms behind. Additionally, the high costs discourage the development of more affordable solutions by agricultural tech companies, limiting choices for budget-conscious farmers. To address this challenge, collaborative efforts involving governments, industry players, and research institutions are essential. Encouraging research and development in cost-effective robot technology and providing increased funding, subsidies, and incentives can help narrow the digital gap and unlock the full potential of digitalization in agriculture, fostering a more sustainable and inclusive transformation across the sector. Access Now for Quick Delivery | Buy Our Premium Research Report: https://market.us/purchase-report/?report_id=46532 Report Segmentation of the Global Agricultural Robots Market Type Analysis In 2023, Milking Robots emerged as the dominant force in the agricultural robot market, commanding a substantial 48.6% market share. These robots are transforming dairy farming through automated milking processes, enhancing efficiency, and optimizing herd management practices. The drive for efficient agricultural drones has gained momentum with increased venture funding, prompting major manufacturers to focus on creating innovative solutions. Drones play a vital role in agriculture, capturing dynamic videos of harvesting systems, planting activities, and field scouting, thereby fueling demand within this segment. Anticipated significant growth is forecasted for the driverless tractor segment. Autonomous tractors, capable of handling tasks like planting, seeding, and tillage in both row and broad-acre crop farming, are expected to witness increased adoption. The growth of this segment is attributed to the global trend of agricultural industrialization, with notable impacts in countries like India and China. By Offering In 2023, hardware emerged as the dominant force in the agricultural robot market, capturing a significant 55% market share. This category encompasses physical robots utilized on farms, including automated tractors, drones, and robotic arms. Software, another pivotal element of the market, played a substantial role in the agricultural robot sector. Serving as the operational brains, it empowers the functionalities of these robots, enabling tasks such as data analysis, crop monitoring, and autonomous navigation. Services, encompassing maintenance, repair, and support, also made a noteworthy impact. These services ensure the continuous operational efficiency of these advanced agricultural robots, providing farmers with essential assistance and expertise. Application Analysis In 2023, Planting and Seeding emerged as a significant player in the agricultural robotics market, capturing over 24.6% of the market share. These specialized robots excel in precision planting and seeding, optimizing crop distribution, and minimizing seed wastage. The soil management segment is poised for rapid growth in the forecast period, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile robots for tasks such as fertilizing and weeding, contributing to more efficient farming practices. Crop management applications, predominantly utilized by medium-sized to small-sized farms and horticulture, are experiencing growth. This trend is fueled by the growing awareness among farmers and the availability of software solutions for field surveys and data analytics. rkt gmnt By Type Milking robots UAV Driverless tractor Materials management By Offering Hardware Software Service By Application Field farming Crop management Animal management Dairy management Soil management Competitive Landscape To expand their operation in foreign markets, the emerging market players are concentrating on development strategies. The businesses are involved in new product launches to expand their market share. Some of the key market players include: Sanofi S.A. Anika Therapeutics, Inc. Seikagaku Corp. Zimmer Biomet Smith & Nephew PLC Ferring Pharmaceuticals B.V. Lifecore Biomedical LG Life Sciences Ltd. Fidia Farmaceutici S.p.A Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. Recent Development of the Agricultural Robots Market 2023, Advanced route planning technology was presented by Trimble in 2023. With the help of this software-based technology, Trimble end users and equipment producers may automate and optimize the trajectory, speed, and general route design of industrial equipment to boost productivity. Advanced route planning technology was presented by Trimble in 2023. With the help of this software-based technology, Trimble end users and equipment producers may automate and optimize the trajectory, speed, and general route design of industrial equipment to boost productivity. In 2022, Precision spraying solution integration was announced by CNH Industrial and ONE SMART SPRAY. The integration of ONE SMART SPRAY is a crucial solution that will hasten the development of CNH Industrials automated and precise spraying capabilities. It will achieve this using several cameras that are mounted on the boom of a sprayer. Customers will receive selective spraying and weed identification using the green-on-green (plant on plant) and green-on-brown (plant on soil) methods. By Geography North America US Canada Europe Germany France The UK Spain Italy Russia Netherland Rest of Europe Asia Pacific China Japan South Korea India New Zealand Singapore Thailand Vietnam Rest of APAC Latin America Brazil Mexico Rest of Latin America Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Rest of MEA Explore More Reports Recycled Plastics Market size is expected to be worth around USD 114.8 billion by 2033 , from USD 52.7 billion in 2023 , growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. size is expected to be worth around , from , growing at during the forecast period from 2023 to 2033. Caustic Soda Market size is expected to be worth around USD 73.4 Bn by 2032 from USD 4.48 Bn in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. size is expected to be worth around from growing at a during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. 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It is estimated to record a steady CAGR of 3.3% in the Forecast period 2023 to 2033. It is likely to total USD 47.8 billion in 2023. is anticipated to be . It is estimated to record a steady in the Forecast period 2023 to 2033. It is likely to Superconducting Wire Market size is expected to be worth around USD 3,178 million by 2032 from USD 1,300 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. size is expected to be worth around by 2032 from in 2023, growing at a CAGR of during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032. Carbon Black Market Size was valued at USD 13.2 Bn . and is expected to grow around USD 21.7 Bn by 2032 between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register the highest CAGR of 5.1% . Size was valued at . and is expected to grow around by 2032 between 2023 and 2032, this market is estimated to register the highest . flexible Packaging market size is predicted to reach USD 385.2 billion in 2033 up or down from USD 236.5 billion by 2023 and growing by a CAGR of 5.0% over the period between 2023 and 2033. size is predicted to reach up or down from and growing by a over the period between 2023 and 2033. Ceramic Tile Market is anticipated to be USD 583.6 billion by 2033. It is estimated to record a steady CAGR of 6.8% in the Forecast period 2023 to 2033. It is likely to total USD 302.3 billion in 2023. About Us: Market.US (Powered by Prudour Pvt Ltd) specializes in in-depth market research and analysis and has been proving its mettle as a consulting and customized market research company, apart from being a much sought-after syndicated market research report-providing firm. Market.US provides customization to suit any specific or unique requirement and tailor-makes reports as per request. We go beyond boundaries to take analytics, analysis, study, and outlook to newer heights and broader horizons. Follow Us on LinkedIn Our Blog: HAMILTON, Ontario, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The biggest disappointment of 2023 is the failure to implement Bill C-29 The National Council for Reconciliation Act, the legislation called for by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada as an independent, national oversight body to track and report on all aspects of reconciliation. This legislation would enable the National Council to, among other things, collect all the relevant data identified above from all government and other stakeholders across the country. What Can We Conclude from the Above? The most obvious conclusion is that there are far more problems than positive actions and commitments: almost 2.5 x as many. So what does that say about reconciliation? The main conclusion seems to be twofold: first, the focus for positive activity for the most part is too narrow and second, the actions are not directly addressing the more serious problems identified in each theme: Health, Justice and Education are foundational issues that impose structural, legislative and institutional barriers that continue to oppress, marginalize and disenfranchise Indigenous people. Child Welfare, Language and Culture are missing There is a significant gap in Government Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation that indicates governments are not doing what they say they are The biggest gap is in Treaties and Land Claims where a majority of governments continue to fight against Aboriginal Rights and Title and Duty to Consult/Free, Prior and Informed Consent The rise of Business and Reconciliation activities is testament to the shifting and rising dialogue around Economic Reconciliation Environment carries a double wallop with climate change and the destructive impacts on Indigenous territories from the resource extraction industry, especially oil and gas, mining and forestry with little to no compensation for the land expropriated or the damage inflicted What does the above say about all the positive Actions and Commitments that are advancing Reconciliation? Housing is the only category where the positive actions outnumber the problems primarily due to the multiple government housing programs and investments across the country. Not surprising since housing is a major national problem for non-Indigenous Canadians as well Business and Reconciliation represents a noticeable shift in the reconciliation dialogue as more and more businesses and governments invest in economic reconciliation which is much easier than committing to UNDRIP as a reconciliation framework and also is good PR The gap in Government Commitments to Truth and Reconciliation indicates that governments are to some degree more focused on the macro level commitments vs the micro level actions that have more of a direct impact on policy and programs Treaties and Land Claims has the biggest gap. Comprehensive Claims and Treaty Land Entitlements that had the most activity are arguably more defined and easier to implement. Justice is the most problematic issue with the largest number of Calls to Action. Of the 23 Justice sub-themes, 16 only had one commitment from one jurisdiction Health saw numerous commitments to improving access to health including for mental health and addictions and continuing the fight to eliminate systemic racism and discrimination in healthcare Environment saw significant investments in Indigenous Conservation Areas that were well identified and mostly not contentious and Green Energy programs that score a lot of political points Governments talk about their commitments to Truth and Reconciliation and improving the lives of Indigenous people yet continue to use the courts to deny those same rights: Child Welfare: Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories Quebec, Alberta, Manitoba, Northwest Territories Justice : Indigenous Policing, Suing Land Protectors, Forced Sterilizations, Injunctions : Indigenous Policing, Suing Land Protectors, Forced Sterilizations, Injunctions Treaties and Land Claims: Duty to Consult/Free Prior and Informed Consent: BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador Given that we are approaching the ninth anniversary of the release of the TRC Summary Report in June with only 13 Calls to Action completed and 37% either Not Started or Stalled, the question has to be asked of all levels of government: When will you get serious about true reconciliation and do the real work needed to remove the barriers keeping Indigenous people impoverished and marginalized. That would mean actually taking action. 150+ years of waiting is long enough. And we are not going anywhere. To read the full report click on https://www.indigenouswatchdog.org/2024/02/13/what-is-the-truth-about-reconciliation-2023-year-end-review-indigenous-watchdog/ For more information contact: Douglas Sinclair Executive Director Indigenous Watchdog Email: indigenouswatchdog@gmail.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9661afe6-c5db-46ff-8369-7f5a12d17d3e MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Midland Exploration Inc. (Midland) (TSX-V: MD) is pleased to give an overview of its exploration activities planned for 2024 in Quebec, including on its several projects in partnership for gold in the Abitibi belt, lithium in James Bay region, nickel-copper in the Nunavik and Grenville regions and copper-gold in the Labrador Trough. The exploration activities aim at following up on new discoveries made throughout 2023. In 2023, Midland continued to apply its business model as a Project Generator with the recent acquisition of several new high-quality properties and the formation of several new partnerships across Quebec. With an exploration budget of more than $19M ($3M Midland - $16M Partners), and nearly 25,000 metres of drilling, Midland will be very busy working to advance several projects in partnership with major companies such as BHP Canada Inc. (BHP), Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc. (RTEC), Barrick Gold Corporation (Barrick), SOQUEM Inc. (SOQUEM), Brunswick Exploration Inc. (Brunswick), Probe Gold Inc. (Probe), Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd. (Wallbridge) and Cosmos Exploration Limited (Cosmos). Highlights: New copper-gold discovery on La Peltrie project with Probe (0.20% CuEq * /513.5 m); Till drilling campaign planned with Barrick on Patris project; Drilling planned with RTEC on new lithium showings, Galinee project; Exploration programs for lithium in James Bay with RTEC and Cosmos focussing near Corvette (Patriot Battery Metals Inc.) and James Bay lithium (Arcadium Lithium); New gold discovery with Cosmos of a 42.4 g/t Au boulder on the Lasalle project; Ni-Cu prospecting work in 2023 with BHP has identified potential targets for follow up, in Nunavik; Drilling ongoing with RTEC and following-up the Santos Ni-Cu discovery on Tete Nord; Prospecting and soil sampling planned over new high-grade Cu-Au showings on the Nachicapau project in partnership with SOQUEM; Gold and Copper Gold Projects (Au, Cu-Au); Abitibi Patris Project 100% Midland, in an option agreement with Barrick The Patris project is located less than 10 kilometres northwest of the prolific Doyon/Westwood-Bousquet-La Ronde gold mining camp, and covers the Manneville Fault over more than 8 kilometres and the La Pause Fault over more than 10 kilometres, both recognized as subsidiary faults to the well-known Destor-Porcupine Fault Zone. A VTEM helicopter-borne electromagnetic survey completed in 2023 is used to map overburden thicknesses and its variations in preparation for an upcoming till drilling campaign. A total of 4000 metres of Sonic drilling is planned in 115 drill holes to characterize geochemical dispersion trains in the glacial till overlain by lacustrine clays. La Peltrie Project 100% Midland, in an option agreement with Probe The La Peltrie project is located 15 kilometres southeast of Agnico Eagles Zone 58N gold deposit and approximately 25 kilometres west of the former Selbaie mine. The 2022 new copper-gold-silver-molybdenum (Cu-Au-Ag-Mo) mineralization intersected in drill hole LAP-22-012 was extended and returned 0.13% Cu (0.20% CuEq*) over 513.50 metres, core length (see press release by Midland dated January 23, 2024). Another drill hole, LAP-23-18, approximately 150 metres east of the drill hole LAP-22-12, intersected a Cu-Au-Mo-Ag mineralized interval grading 0.11% Cu (0.15% CuEq*) over 363.00 metres, including a high-grade zone with grades of 1.18% Cu (1.33% CuEq*) over 9.50 metres. A follow-up drilling campaign aiming for higher grades is currently in planning for 2024. Casault Project 100% Midland, in an option agreement with Wallbridge In 2023, Wallbridge completed a high-resolution magnetic survey on select areas over the western portion of the property, as well as a till sampling program (Sonic drilling) in the eastern part of the property. The final interpretations of the programs are in progress, but anomalous gold grain counts were identified along the northern contact of the Sunday Lake deformation corridor, and also included the presence of pristine gold grains. Exploration targets are being generated for future drill testing. Additionally, several quality drill targets remain to be tested on the entire Casault property, several of which are located in the area surrounding the Vortex showing discovered in 2017, which is open at depth, and along a NW- SE structure that returned 6.85 g/t Au over 2.0 metres in hole CAS-21-123. Lewis Project 100% Midland The Lewis project is located approximately 60 kilometres southwest of the town of Chapais, in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. Exploration work by Midland, since 2020, identified two (2) new gold showings named Red Giant and Golden Nest which returned respectively 0.35 g/t Au over 9.0 metres and 0.65 g/t over 6.0 metres in channel sampling. Grab sampling on Golden Nest returned up to 10.2 g/t Au (see press release by Midland dated August 19, 2021). Induced Polarization (IP) anomalies associated with or near the showings were also identified. A 725-metre drilling program has commenced on the project and targets the showings and IP anomalies. Lithium Projects (Li); James Bay Galinee Project 100% Midland, in an option agreement with RTEC The Galinee project is located approximately 4 kilometres due east of the Adina showing held by Winsome Resources. This showing is located at the contact between amphibolites of the Trieste Formation to the south and felsic intrusives to the north and is marked by a major structure that likely controlled the emplacement of pegmatites at the Adina showing. The same highly favourable contact zone is present on the property over more than 7 kilometres, and the new Iceberg lithium showing was discovered along this contact (see press release by Midland dated September 19, 2023). The Iceberg showing consists of a series of spodumene exposures outcrop, now over a 600m east-west strike intermixed with amphibolite and granodiorite. High-grade grab samples on the Iceberg showing returned up to 7.2 % Li 2 O, including 6 samples grading between 5.0 % Li 2 O and 7.2 % Li 2 O (see press release by Midland dated November 2, 2023). Two other new lithium showings, Iceberg Southwest and Iceberg South, were located respectively 900 and 500 metres from the main Iceberg showing. The Iceberg Southwest spodumene-bearing outcrop returned three (3) samples grading between 3.0% Li 2 O and 3.6% Li 2 O. Moreover, a spodumene-bearing boulder located 100 metres west of this showing returned 4.1% Li 2 O. The Iceberg South Showing consists of a pegmatite subcrop and returned an anomalous lithium value of 0.7% Li 2 O (see press release by Midland dated January 15, 2024). Data from a recently completed high-resolution airborne magnetic and radiometric survey is currently being used to identify structures that could host spodumene pegmatites and provide drilling targets. The received LiDAR data will also guide future work to expand the footprint of spodumene outcrops on Galinee. A maiden drilling campaign is currently confirmed and being planned on Galinee for early summer 2024 and will include diamond and possibly the addition of reverse circulation drilling to test the showing and its extensions. Elrond and Mythril Projects 100% Midland, in an option agreement with Brunswick The Elrond project is located 90 kilometres southeast of the town of Radisson while the Mythril project is near Corvettes lithium deposit owned by Patriot Battery Metals Inc. The first phase of prospecting successfully discovered the new spodumene-pegmatite Arwen Showing on the Elrond project. No lithium phases were initially highlighted on the Mythril project as the focus shifted towards the Arwen discovery. The Arwen showing is exposed over an area of approximately 250 metres by 100 metres and is shallowly dipping to the north. The Arwen showing includes a 75-by-15-metre zone visually containing up to 30% spodumene (see press release by Midland dated October 3, 2023). Brunswick is planning to drill-test this new showing in 2024. Corvette, Chisaayuu and Mythril East Projects 100% Midland, in option agreement with RTEC These projects are located northeast and southeast of the Corvette deposit held by Patriot Battery Metals Inc. with an estimated inferred resource of 109.2 Mt at 1.42% Li 2 O (see press release by Patriot Battery Metals Inc. dated September 8, 2023). New lithium anomalies in lake-bottom sediments have been identified on Chisaayuu and Corvette following a regional statistical treatment of more than 23,000 analysis and completed by Midland (see press release by Midland dated March 6, 2023). A first exploration program including LiDAR surveys as well as prospecting and mapping work was successful in identifying several pegmatites. No lithium phases were observed so far, but geochemistry of these pegmatites is underway to determine their full potential to further vector future work. For 2024, further prospecting and mapping work, for lithium mineralization, is planned on these projects. Komo Project 100% Midland, in an option agreement with RTEC The Komo Project is located approximately 20 kilometres west of James Bay lithium deposit (Arcadium Lithium) which contains indicated resources of 54.3 Mt at 1.30% Li 2 0 and inferred resources of 55.9 Mt at 1.29% Li 2 0 (see press release by Allkem Limited dated September 25, 2023). Komo and the James Bay lithium deposit are both located at the contact between the La Grande and Nemiscau geological subprovinces. This contact is a major structure that likely play a critical role in the emplacement of the James Bay lithium host pegmatite and is present over nearly 30 kilometres on the Komo project. Furthermore, a new lake bottom lithium anomaly was identified following the regional statistical treatment completed by Midland (see press release by Midland dated March 6, 2023). A LiDAR survey completed in the summer of 2023 will assist in a follow-up prospecting and geological mapping campaign planned in 2024. Shire, Picard, Warp and Sulu Projects 100% Midland, in option agreement with RTEC The Shire project is located within amphibolites of the Lac des Montagnes geological Group, which hosts the Whabouchi lithium deposit about 60 kilometres southwest of Shire. The Whabouchi lithium deposit is characterized by a pegmatite intrusion assigned to the Senay granitic Suite, which also occurs on the Shire project. This project is also located at the boundary between the La Grande and Opatica geological subprovinces, a major structure that could be critical for the emplacement of lithium-bearing pegmatites in the area. A regional statistical treatment completed by Midland identified several strong lake bottom sediment lithium anomalies on the Shire, Picard, Warp and Sulu projects (see press release by Midland dated March 6, 2023). Prospecting and geological mapping programs are planned on these projects. Lasalle Project 100% Midland, in an option agreement with Cosmos An interpretation of high-resolution magnetic surveys as well as the analysis of imagery data, LiDAR and hyper-spectral data were completed and made it possible to identify three (3) new target areas characterized by the possible presence of pegmatites for a field follow-up which was recently completed. The first short phase of exploration did not highlight lithium mineral phases; however, several pegmatites sampled, mostly boulders, indicate the presence of pegmatitic intrusions on the project. While exploring for lithium, a mafic mineralized boulder returned 42.4 g/t Au. Another exploration and follow-up campaign is currently being planned for 2024. Nickel-Copper and Copper-Gold Projects (Ni-Cu, Cu-Au); Nunavik and Labrador Through Nunavik Nickel Project Strategic Alliance with BHP The 2023 exploration program focused on a major crustal-scale structure that has been identified by the 2022 regional MT survey. This previously poorly recognized structure is potentially favourable for nickel-copper mineralization and was thus followed up with a 1,534-sample lake sediment survey, an airborne Z-Tipper axis electromagnetic survey (ZTEM) and also two phases of prospecting and geological mapping. Results from these surveys have identified new potential targets for follow up with more detailed geophysics and a field campaign. Nachicapau Project Strategic Alliance with SOQUEM The Nachicapau project is located in the Labrador Trough, Nunavik, in the Nachicapau Lake area. The 2023 exploration efforts were focused on the Cu-Au-Ag mineralized zone discovered in the summer of 2022, which graded up to 25.6% Cu, 4.90 g/t Au and 162 g/t Ag on grab samples (see press release by Midland dated October 4, 2022). Soil sampling followed by prospecting in 2023 successfully identified six (6) new mineralized veins and fourteen (14) boulders over an area of seven (7) square kilometres. Digenite-bornite-malachite mineralization occurs in calcite-clinochlore veins with grab sample returning grades of 13.80% Cu and 1.71% Cu on outcrops, and up to 20.40% Cu in boulders (see press release by Midland dated December 7, 2023). One (1) boulder also returned 3.98 g/t Au (3,33% Cu and 28.2 g/t Ag). Geological and structural studies combined with a high resolution geophysical magnetic drone survey is currently planned to further comprehend and generate targets. A prospecting and soil geochemical survey is planned for the 2024 field season. Nickel-Copper Project (Ni-Cu); Grenville Tete Nord Project 100% Midland, in an option agreement with RTEC The Tete Nord property covers mafic and ultramafic rocks of the La Bostonnais Complex north of La Tuque, which hosts the former Lac Edouard mine that historically produced 50,000 tonnes of ore grading 1.50% Ni and 0.50% Cu (source: SIGEOM NTS sheet 31P/09). The new Santos Ni-Cu zone was discovered in early 2023, about 8 kilometres north of the former Lac Edouard deposit, following the drill testing of an electromagnetic VTEM anomaly during a 3,450 total metres drilling campaign over sixteen (16) drill holes. The discovery hole (MDLD0015) intersected, from 14 metres to 80 metres downhole depth, several layers with Ni-Cu mineralization within altered gabbro horizons. From 20.11 to 22.79 metres, the drill hole intersected 1.10% Ni and 0.71% Cu over 2.68 metres. Further down, from 33.02 to 43.39 metres, a mineralized interval graded 0.45% Ni and 0.18% Cu over 10.37 metres (see press release by Midland dated April 27, 2023). A second shallow hole was drilled in July 2023 on the Santos zone, approximately 50 metres west of the discovery hole. After going through 11.66 metres of overburden, drill hole MDLD0018 intersected a mineralized zone grading 0.33% Ni and 0.12% Cu over 39.73 metres, from 11.66 to 51.39 metres downhole depth (see press release by Midland dated October 12, 2023). The interval exhibits impressive magmatic breccias with decimetre-scale semi-massive sulphide zones, indicative of a dynamic magmatic system at Santos. A target similar to Santos occurs 770 metres to the south. The Santos South target consists of a subtle airborne EM located in a very similar fold structure as the Santos occurrence. The drilling program is currently underway and four (4) drill holes are completed in the Santos area for a total of 984.70 metres. One (1) drill hole totalizing 306.00 metres was also completed on the Santos South target. Drilling continues for additional selected targets (5-7 drill holes) in the Bonhomme and Cutaway-East areas. Results are pending. Evaluation of other Ni-Cu targets at the regional scale will also continue in 2024. Cautionary statements Grab samples are selective by nature and reported values are not necessarily indicative of mineralized zones. The true thickness of reported channel and drilling intervals cannot be determined with the information currently available; intervals are thus reported in core length and channel length. Mineralization occurring at deposits and former mines mentioned in this press release is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be intersected on projects held by Midland described in this press release. Copper equivalent (CuEq*) values herein were calculated using the following metal prices: Au $1,500.00/oz, Cu $3.25/lb, Ag $15.00/oz, Mo $15.00/lb. CuEq* values are used for exploration purposes only and do not include estimations of metallurgical recovery. About Midland Midland targets the excellent mineral potential of Quebec to make the discovery of new world-class deposits of gold and critical metals. Midland is proud to count on reputable partners such as BHP Canada Inc., Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., Barrick Gold Corporation, Wallbridge Mining Company Ltd, Probe Gold Inc., Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, Electric Element Mining Corp., SOQUEM INC., Nunavik Mineral Exploration Fund, Cosmos Exploration Limited and Abcourt Mines Inc. Midland prefers to work in partnership and intends to quickly conclude additional agreements in regard to newly acquired properties. Management is currently reviewing other opportunities and projects to build up the Company portfolio and generate shareholder value. Qualified Person and Chief Geologist Jean-Francois Lariviere, P. Geo, Ph.D., prepared this press release and verified the projects data as Midlands qualified person (QP) within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101. For further information, please consult Midlands website or contact: Gino Roger, President, and Chief Executive Officer Tel.: 450 420-5977 Fax: 450 420-5978 Email: info@midlandexploration.com Website: www.midlandexploration.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from targeted results. Such risks and uncertainties include those described in Midlands periodic reports including the annual report or in the filings made by Midland from time to time with securities regulatory authorities. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/92be6e15-2a9d-4f8d-b7af-75c30cae9558 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51345e5f-8570-4972-8661-519f2de04b33 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23ea1720-1ec1-4c52-9698-cdc9ecd6b64e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54c54439-baf1-4aa8-97c6-58b46bbe234f https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8853ab5b-0b32-447f-874f-33855bf7622c Budapest Airport marked another significant milestone in cargo development in December 2023, notably the finalisation of an additional 10,000 sqm handling warehouse extension, complete with offices and operational infrastructure. These additions, set to augment the existing cargo handling capabilities, are now in operation and Budapest celebrated with todays official handover ceremony, together with airport authorities and tenants of the new facilities. Following the construction and handover of the first part of the building in 2019, the completion of this extension stands as a pivotal achievement within Budapest Airport's broader cargo expansion strategy. This strategic initiative aims to elevate the airport's annual cargo capacity to 300,000 tonnes, which will see a 40% capacity increase in the main airfreight handling facility, BUD Cargo City. Rene Droese, Chief Development Officer, Budapest Airport, said: The expansion of our cargo handling capabilities is a strategic investment that aligns with our commitment to providing world-class services. This expansion will not only bolster Budapest Airports position as a key cargo hub in the region, but also contribute to the overall growth of the air cargo industry. Having attained a significant cargo milestone, Budapest Airport has officially joined the ranks of airports managing an annual cargo volume exceeding 200,000 tonnes (handling 201,300 in 2023). This achievement represents a notable 3.8% increase compared to the previous year (2022) and an impressive 49% volume growth when compared to the figures from 2019. The cargo traffic development became especially dynamic by Q4 2023 and continued into January 2024 when the airport recorded 18,000 tonnes for the month, the strongest ever start to a year 38.8% increase comparted to January 2023, 67% increase compared to January 2019. These records give enough reason to prepare the development of Cargo City Phase II in order to cover demand for additional cargo infrastructure. In light of multiple cargo projects in the market and a substantial interest in the cargo services offered at Budapest Airport, aligning infrastructure with demand becomes a top priority. In addition to handling general cargo, the e-commerce sector is experiencing remarkable growth at Budapest, and the airport said it is dedicated to cultivating an operational environment that caters to this boom. Leveraging exceptional logistic service providers and implementing a cutting-edge digitalised platform for customs clearance, the airport said it aims at ensuring swift processing times for the substantial volume of shipments, thereby elevating customs control levels. TradeArabia News Service A lack of committee support indicates a constitutional amendment to restructure the State Board of Education may be dead in the Nebraska Legislature for this year, although its introducer hasn't given up hope just yet. The Legislature's Education Committee held off on voting to advance LR278CA Tuesday, and few committee members spoke in support of the measure. The constitutional amendment, introduced by Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, the education chairperson, would reduce the number of elected members on the State Board of Education to five, with two additional members appointed by the governor. The board is currently composed of eight members, each elected from separate districts. Murmans resolution would have three board members elected by Nebraskas congressional districts, plus two members elected at large. The new rules would take effect for members seeking election in 2026. Murman said Tuesday that his proposal would make Nebraska more similar to a majority of other states, which do not elect board of education members. But Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul said the current structure is adequate and said Murman's proposal could reduce representation for rural parts of the state. Meyer said the board has worked well under the existing system for a long time, up until a few years ago, when the board faced public backlash for considering a set of health and sex education standards proposed by the Department of Education. Though those standards never advanced, Meyer laid fault with the press for not reporting the opinions of board members on such issues during their election cycles. Murman acquiesced to not voting on the constitutional amendment Tuesday, noting that there also was opposition to the proposal voiced at its public hearing. But after the meeting, he said he wasn't committed to leaving the proposal stuck in committee for the rest of the session. While it is common for committees to postpone votes on legislation and come back to it later, that usually happens to allow lawmakers to further negotiate possible amendments. That wasn't the case for LR278CA. Meanwhile, the committee did vote to advance several other bills, including LB635, which would require providers of digital and online resources to K-12 schools to filter and block illegally obscene materials. The committee also advanced LB1052, which would provide funding to reimburse teachers for out-of-pocket costs to pay for school supplies. Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of February 2024 OTTAWA, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Government of Canada lacks a comprehensive strategy for evaluating international science, technology, innovation, and knowledge (STIK) partnerships a situation intensified by rapidly evolving challenges, new markets, and growing opportunities for collaboration. Navigating Collaborative Futures, a new report from the Council of Canadian Academies, presents key elements of an evidence-based, data-enabled framework to evaluate new and existing international STIK partnership opportunities for Canada. Adopting a strategic approach to international STIK partnerships, grounded in national priorities, is essential to securing Canadas resilience and prosperity, said Monica Gattinger, PhD, chair of the Expert Panel on International Science, Technology, Innovation, and Knowledge Partnerships. The cost of inaction is incalculable, but it is surely steep. Navigating Collaborative Futures is informed by expertise in science and technology program evaluation, science diplomacy, economics, trade, innovation, and global security. While primarily designed for users within Canadas federal government, the report may be of considerable benefit to any organization evaluating international STIK partnership activities. Canadas history of global STIK activities is marked by extensive collaboration and bolstered by a well-educated workforce, networks of high-quality research facilities, geographic benefits and associated natural resources, and a robust domestic science and technology ecosystem. However, limited coordination among organizations that contribute to international STIK activities impairs Canadas abilities to secure talent, share expertise, mitigate risk, and benefit from the global network of participants. Todays global challenges demand deliberate and flexible approaches to innovation and collaboration, said Tijs Creutzberg, PhD, Interim President and CEO of the CCA. On behalf of the panel, we are pleased to offer support to international STIK partnership decision-making for Canada. Visit cca-reports.ca to download Navigating Collaborative Futures, as well as a user guide for navigating the framework elements and their potential configurations. Contact: Heather Ennis Director of Communications, Council of Canadian Academies 613-851-7723 heather.ennis@cca-reports.ca For more information about the CCA and its assessments, or to join CCAs mailing list, please visit www.cca-reports.ca. Follow us on Twitter: @cca_reports A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0b6c0daa-62f9-4784-b1e2-80f6e737dc9e ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Provident Bank , a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, recently welcomed Tom Mathew as First Vice President, Deputy Compliance Officer. In addition, Mr. Mathew serves as Deputy Compliance Officer for Providents insurance subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, and as Chief Compliance Officer for Beacon Trust, Providents wealth management subsidiary. Mr. Mathew is responsible for managing compliance and regulatory requirements for these respective business lines within the organization. In addition, he evaluates compliance risk to develop risk-based compliance testing of existing procedures and controls to identify, detect, and correct non-compliance. He also partners with senior management in developing and communicating training initiatives to inform staff and stakeholders about compliance requirements. I am delighted to welcome Tom to this important role, said Mary Brown, Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer. As we continue to maintain the highest standards in risk management, regulatory compliance, and community service, Toms extensive knowledge in fiduciary risk management, regulatory practices, and due diligence will be instrumental as Provident grows, added Ms. Brown. Mr. Mathew has more than 20 years experience in corporate compliance, fiduciary risk management, and support function project management. Most recently, he was Vice President, Director of Compliance with HSBC Bank in New York. Prior to that, he served as Senior Compliance Officer with Euro Pacific Capital/Euro Pacific Asset Management in Westport, Connecticut. In addition, he held the position of Senior Compliance Officer with Digital Offering in Newport Beach, California. Mr. Mathew attended the University of Phoenix, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration. About Provident Bank Provident Bank, a community-oriented financial institution offering Commitment you can count on since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE:PFS), which reported assets of $14.2 billion as of December 31, 2023. With $10.3 billion in deposits, Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey, as well as Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Nassau and Queens Counties in New York. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. For more information about Provident Bank, visit www.provident.bank or join the conversations on Facebook (ProvidentBank) and Twitter (@ProvidentBank). MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Buscio 732-504-9407 Keith.buscio@provident.bank A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/40bac28c-cb50-462e-b6e5-2fadcd687444 Prescott Valley, Arizona, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- StoneRidge Centers in Prescott Valley, Arizona, revolutionizes mental health care with its groundbreaking Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). With over 16,000 treatments performed and nearly 500 patients served, StoneRidge has witnessed remarkable success in helping individuals achieve remission from major depressive disorder, experience improved mood, and regain control of their lives. StoneRidge was founded by Mark Collins, DO, to address the shortcomings he observed in traditional inpatient mental health and rehabilitation facilities. During his residency, Dr. Collins witnessed the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach prevalent in the field. This realization drove him to take the reins of an inpatient facility in dire straits in 2014 and transform it into a center for individuals seeking holistic, brain-focused mental health and addiction services. As the company's medical director, founder, and President, Dr. Collins brings his experience of over 30 years in psychiatry practice to champion research-based methods and innovative, evidence-based therapies to redefine today's mental health care. "Our brains are the most vital organ, yet often receive the least care. As psychiatrists, we've been stuck in a field that rarely images or thoroughly examines it. We need to transition from being mere psychiatrists to true physicians and recognize the limitations of traditional approaches influenced by big pharma and embrace innovative interventions like TMS and Ketamine, which are backed by the exciting advancements in neuroscience," he remarked. Following its expansion in July 2022, StoneRidge focused on voluntary patients seeking medically assisted detox, medication stabilization, and intensive outpatient services. StoneRidge's Intensive Outpatient Program The Restart program (IOP) has since served 50 to 60 individuals daily. The StoneRidge program is a level-specific intervention at inpatient hospitalization and intensive outpatient. This growth was possible because of Dr. Collins' expertise and a team of dedicated professionals who prioritize combining innovative treatments with personalized, empathetic care. Unlike larger institutions where individuals may feel lost in the system, at StoneRidge, every patient is known by name. This approach creates a sense of community and trust. StoneRidge offers various treatments tailored to address the unique needs of individuals struggling with mental health challenges. For instance, TMS is excellent for those seeking alternatives to traditional medication-based treatments. This treatment utilizes small magnetic pulses to stimulate mood-controlling areas of the brain, offering a safe and effective solution for conditions like depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Since 2017, StoneRidge has achieved outstanding success rates in treating hundreds of patients with not only the conditions mentioned above but also autism, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and other cognitive disorders. Another sophisticated approach that the company utilizes is qEEG/Brain Mapping. It leverages complex brain scans and visualizations to create customized treatment plans. By gaining insight into the unique neural patterns of each patient, clinicians at StoneRidge can develop targeted interventions to address specific concerns. The center showcases its holistic, brain-focused approach to patient care by providing them with Neurofeedback, allowing them to better understand and regulate their brain activity. Ketamine therapy, on the other hand, is best for individuals dealing with severe depression. This treatment is administered under close supervision in the office. Many patients report significant improvement in mood in as little as one day. Attesting to StoneRidge's dedication to combining innovative treatments with modern approaches and empathetic care, a patient shared, "I'm very thankful to Dr. Collins and his staff. I've recently completed TMS and The Restart program (IOP) and continue going to individual therapy weekly. StoneRidge changed my life. The level of care and concern they provide is incredible." StoneRidge Centers' commitment to combining individualized, compassionate care with innovative treatments has transformed the lives of countless individuals who have found healing and transformation within the facility's walls. To continue fulfilling its mission of reshaping mental health care, StoneRidge intends to expand its reach and enhance its services to meet the growing demand for comprehensive mental health care. The organization will incorporate psychedelics into its treatment offerings. It also plans to build a 15,000-square-foot facility, which will house 30 residential beds and serve as the hub for The Restart program (IOP) and brain interventions. These initiatives will allow StoneRidge to accommodate more patients and provide them with an environment conducive to healing and growth. Media Contact Name: Nicole Reesman Email: Nicoler@stoneridgecenters.com Detroit, Michigan, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an era where people are becoming more open-minded to mental health awareness and nurturing the spiritual part of humanity, new ways of discovering happiness and freedom are being unearthed. Mary Greene Mazur, a Certified PSYCH-K Instructor, and the Executive Director of Ignite and Heal Ministries SSM, has been helping individuals improve their lives since 2010. With the use of PSYCH-K, Mary enables people to birth their true essence, unlocking their inner power and wisdom. She does so by inspiring the surfacing of self-enhancing beliefs that propel lives toward a positive and purposeful direction. PSYCH-K is a simple and profound holistic process originated by Rob Williams 30 years ago. It serves as a spiritual template on how to change corrupted programs most people are imprinted with. By transforming low-frequency energy, based on fear and survival, into positivity and love, PSYCH-K acts as a spiritual counsel that allows people to communicate with their subconscious mind. Mary Greene Mazur, with the assistance of PSYCH-K, can transform beliefs that limit a persons full potential, igniting a light that creates a sense of wholeness. Knowing what it means to live in the shadows, Mary made it her mission to free people from the restrictive beliefs of the system. Her father had a drinking problem, and Mary has been familiar with fear, punishment, and physical abuse since childhood. With knocked-down self-worth and outside expectations to fit into reality, I had to fight a battle within myself. Only after transcending that negativity, was I able to be in harmony with myself, shares Mary. The groundbreaking moment came when Marys husband at the time was diagnosed with leukemia at 45 years old. His father and sister died at the age of 50 because of cancer, and Marys husband came to terms with what he thought was the sad reality that he was going to die soon. He thought that fate was programmed into him by science, but Mary couldnt accept that scenario. Within a year of her former spouses diagnosis, Dr. Bruce Liptons book, The Biology of Belief, unexpectedly showed up at Marys workplace. The book is where Mary learned about the art of PSYCH-K for the first time. Accustoming herself with Dr. Liptons philosophy changed Marys perception, and gave her life a new direction. The Biology of Belief played a pivotal role in Marys understanding of how human bodies work. What most people believe is that genes and DNA control everything, and Mary realized the myth behind it through Dr. Liptons perspective. Our brains are in our cell membranes, which means we respond to our environment. Everything you respond to, you create. That means, you are the creator of your own life, explains Mary. Mary points out religious concepts as another reason behind the disconnect thats in many peoples bodies. Through demarcating divinity from humans, religion took away the spiritual part of perception, leaving people with just the body and the mind. That left an insatiable gap that only the spirit can fill. We were embodied with fear of punishment, especially through religion. For thousands of years, we were told that God is outside of us and that hes to be feared. I realized thats not true. The mind is the part that draws conclusions, and its my job to make you question those negative conclusions. The only way to do that is by realizing that divinity is within yourself, and not coming from outside ourselves expressed from religion, expresses Mary. Now, after years of living in fear, Mary eagerly admits, I love life and Im very passionate about it. But being born during the civil rights crisis in 1968, Mary is one of the people wounded just by being born in the depression era. All I was taught is to get a good job, take care of myself, and work hard. My parents always believed people should do just enough to survive. No one back then was talking about big dreams, or living joyfully. But when you look at Mother Nature, shes abundant. And we, too, are meant to live abundantly, manifests Mary. Marys mission has always been to help others. As a Registered Nurse, shes been assisting mothers in giving birth since 1992. After her husbands diagnosis, Mary became a PSYCH-K Facilitator in 2010, a Reiki Master in 2012, a Board Certified Holistic Nurse in 2014, and a Certified PSYCH-K Basic Instructor in 2017, becoming one of only 35 Instructors in the world. Having possessed the necessary qualifications, Mary embarked on a life-changing journey of embodying love and light. Whatever happens to you, happens for you is the foundation of Ignite and Heal Your Life. With that mantra in mind, Mary has been helping people choose love instead of fear in the face of hardships, inspiring the awakening of divinity that lies within each human. Media Contact Name: Mary Greene Mazur Media: mary@igniteandhealyourlife.com Dublin, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Elevators & Escalators Market by Type (Elevators, Escalators, Moving walkways), Service (New installation, Maintenance & Repair), Elevator Technology (Traction, Machine- Room-Less, & Hydraulic), & End-use Industry and Region - Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global elevators and escalators market size is projected to grow from USD 152.1 billion in 2023 to USD 207.4 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 6.4% The market study covers the elevators and escalators market across various segments. It aims at estimating the market size and the growth potential of this market across different segments based on material type, application, end-use industry, and region. The study also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of key players in the market, their company profiles, key observations related to their products and business offerings, recent developments undertaken by them, and key growth strategies adopted by them to improve their position in the elevators and escalators market. The growing trend of mass migration from rural to urban areas has led to a heightened demand for extensive infrastructure development, particularly the construction of high-rise buildings, to meet the rising housing requirements. This has resulted in the transformation of urban centers into megacities, exemplified by the exponential population growth in cities like Tokyo, Mexico City, Seoul, and Lagos. These megacities are actively engaged in erecting skyscrapers, futuristic transportation hubs, and various other infrastructural projects to accommodate the expanding population. A crucial aspect of high-rise buildings is ensuring efficient vertical mobility, emphasizing the need for elevators and escalators. As a consequence, the swift urbanization and the surge in high-rise construction are anticipated to fuel the demand for elevators and escalators. This increased deployment is expected to be a key factor contributing to market growth throughout the forecast period. In terms of value, machine-room-less traction elevator segment led the elevators and escalators during the forecast period Machine-room-less traction elevator, by elevator technology, accounted for the largest market share in the elevators and escalators market. This innovative technology, a product of ongoing technological advancements, has revolutionized the traditional elevator landscape. A key breakthrough is the substantial reduction in the size of electric motors used in traction equipment, made possible by the incorporation of newly designed permanent magnet motors (PMM). One of the distinguishing features of this technology is the elimination of the need for a machine room above the hoistway. This design has gained widespread acceptance globally and is rapidly becoming the standard in elevator technology. Notably, KONE was the pioneer in introducing machine room-less elevators to the US market. As these elevators gain universal acclaim, manufacturers are responding by introducing an array of new products equipped with this technology, available in various sizes and speeds to cater to diverse building needs. In terms of both value and volume, elevator is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, for elevators and escalators Elevators, whether open or enclosed platforms designed for transporting people or goods between different floors within a building, must adhere to stringent safety standards imposed by regulatory bodies. In the United States, elevator manufacturers are obligated to comply with safety regulations set by the American National Standards Institute and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Key players in the elevator market, including KONE Corporation (Finland), United Technologies (US), Schindler (Switzerland), Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Japan), ThyssenKrupp AG (Germany), FUJITEC (Japan), Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), Hyundai Elevator Co., Ltd. (South Korea), Toshiba Corporation (Japan), and Electra Ltd. (Israel), dominate the industry. The elevators sector is anticipated to experience significant growth, attributed to the ongoing development of new residential and commercial projects on a global scale. This growth is expected to manifest through the elevators segment, which is projected to achieve the highest Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). In terms of value, the APAC elevators and escalators market is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is anticipated to experience the most significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2028, both in terms of value and volume. This growth is attributed to heightened construction investments, enhanced living conditions, and swift urban development in the region. Notably, Asia Pacific nations are actively pursuing initiatives to enhance commercial and institutional structures. In recent years, several countries in the area have undertaken measures to establish smart cities based on low-carbon and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Consequently, this trend presents lucrative opportunities for the expansion of the elevators and escalators market. The report provides insights on the following pointers: Analysis of key drivers (Increased construction of high-rise buildings equipped with smart vertical transportation systems due to rapid urbanization, Growing need for reducing energy consumption in buildings, and Growing aging population to facilitate development of better infrastructure within buildings), restraints (Uncertainty and risk regarding global economy, and High maintenance cost), opportunities (Adoption of green building codes and energy-efficient products and Development of innovative technologies and rising demand for smart elevators) and challenges (Compliance with standards and regulations) influencing the growth of the elevators and escalators market. Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product & service launches in the elevators and escalators market Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the elevators and escalators market across varied regions Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products & services, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the elevators and escalators market Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, and service offerings of leading players like Schindler Group (Switzerland), Otis Elevator (US), Thyssenkrupp AG (Germany), KONE Corporation (Finland), and Hitachi Ltd. (Japan), and among others in the elevators and escalators market. The report also helps stakeholders understand the pulse of the elevators and escalators market and provides them with information on key market drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 281 Forecast Period 2023 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $152.1 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $207.4 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.4% Regions Covered Global Company Profiles Schindler Group Otis Worldwide Corporation Kone Corporation Hitachi Ltd. Hyundai Elevator Co. Ltd. Fujitec Co. Ltd. Toshiba Elevators and Building Systems Corporation Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Tk Elevator Sjec Corporation Kleemann Sigma Elevators Electra Elevators Escon Elevators Shenyang Yuanda Intellectual Industry Group Co. Ltd. Orona Eita Elevator Glarie Elevator Aaron Industries Ltd. Leo Elevators Trio Elevators Co (India) Private Limited Stannah Group Cibes Lift Walton Group Expedite Automation Llp For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/bypxu5 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment London, England, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an era where digital finance is rapidly evolving, DefiQuant , a leader in the cloud mining and crypto trading industry, proudly announces the launch of its next-generation security protocols. These developments are poised to redefine trade safety, featuring the latest in encryption and fraud detection systems designed to protect the investments and personal information of those engaged in the cryptocurrency market. As digital assets gain wider acceptance and attract more investors, the imperative for stringent security measures has escalated. Acknowledging this, DefiQuant has devoted considerable effort to developing and deploying a comprehensive security strategy. This strategy not only aims to shield the platform from external threats but also reassures users that their investments are protected by the most sophisticated technology currently available. Allen Heery, Media Representative for DefiQuant , emphasized the significance of the new security measures: "In the dynamic realm of cryptocurrency trading, securing our users' assets is our utmost priority. The introduction of our advanced encryption and fraud detection systems is a proactive step towards ensuring that our platform remains a secure, dependable, and trustworthy environment for all traders." At the core of DefiQuant's security enhancement initiative is a combination of advanced encryption technology and intelligent fraud detection algorithms. This dual strategy guarantees that all data, from transaction specifics to user personal details, is encrypted and stored securely, rendering it inaccessible to unauthorized parties. Moreover, the platform's real-time fraud detection capabilities are engineered to identify and neutralize potential security threats before they can affect users. This commitment to security is part of DefiQuant's broader pledge to excellence, encompassing rigorous security audits and adherence to the highest industry standards. Such proactive measures in security underscore DefiQuant's dedication to its user base and its leadership position in the digital finance arena. The unveiling of these next-gen security protocols arrives at a crucial juncture for the crypto industry, which is currently experiencing exponential growth and, concurrently, a surge in security challenges. DefiQuant's innovative approach not only addresses these issues head-on but also establishes new security benchmarks for the industry. DefiQuant's platform offers a diverse array of investment packages and trading options, appealing to a wide audience from beginner traders to seasoned investors. With the integration of these enhanced security features, users can confidently engage with crypto trading bots , including some of the best crypto trading bots for automated trading, knowing their investments are secure. The packages are as follows: Free Experience Bot: Ideal for beginners, this plan requires only a $5 investment with a profit of $0.15, and the capital is returned after 1 day. Crypto Trading Bot 1 Day: With a $50 investment, this plan offers a profit of $0.3, returning the capital after just 1 day. Crypto Trading Bot 5 Days: A $500 investment yields a profit of $21.25, with the capital returned after 5 days. Crypto Trading Bot 7 Days: This plan involves a $1050 investment, generating a profit of $73.5, with capital returned after 7 days. Crypto Trading Bot 15 Days: For a $3000 investment, this plan offers a profit of $540, with the capital returned after 15 days. Crypto Trading Bot 20 Days: A higher investment of $6000 yields a significant profit of $1680, with the capital returned after 20 days. Crypto Trading Bot 30 Days: This plan requires a $10800 investment with a substantial profit of $5184, returning the capital after 30 days. Crypto Trading Bot 45 Days: For long-term investors, an $18000 investment can yield a profit of $14580, with the capital returned after 45 days. Crypto Trading Bot 60 Days: The most extensive plan, a $30000 investment offers an impressive profit of $36000, with the capital returned after 60 days. Looking forward, DefiQuant is dedicated to the continuous refinement of its security and trading technologies. The company's unwavering commitment to providing a secure, user-friendly trading environment is matched only by its mission to empower investors through comprehensive educational resources, advanced trading tools, and exceptional customer support. As DefiQuant forges ahead in the digital finance sector, its focus on security, innovation, and user empowerment remains sharply in focus. For traders seeking a secure and reliable platform for their crypto trading needs, DefiQuant offers a compelling solution with its state-of-the-art security measures and support for automated trading bots . For more information about DefiQuant's security protocols, investment packages, and trading tools, visit DefiQuant's website. Join the DefiQuant community and explore the future of secure crypto trading today. For media inquiries, please contact: Allen Heery Media Representative Email: AllenHeery@defiquant.net Website: www.defiquant.net 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 & securities. Dublin, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Money Transfer Agencies Market by Type (Bank, Money Transfer Operators), Service (Currency Exchange, Money Transfer), End-Use - Forecast 2024-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The financial sector witnesses continued growth with the latest research on the Global Money Transfer Agencies Market, indicating a promising outlook for industry players. The market size, valued at USD 30.14 billion in 2023, is projected to grow robustly at a CAGR of 10.65%, reaching an estimated USD 61.24 billion by 2030. An intensive analysis provided by the FPNV Positioning Matrix has categorized vendors into strategic quadrants, offering detailed perspectives on business strategy and product satisfaction. This unique approach serves as a compass for stakeholders navigating the complex market landscape, ensuring alignment with their business requirements. The market share analysis has dissected the Money Transfer Agencies Market, offering granular insights into vendor contributions, company performances, and the intricate competitive nature of this dynamic industry. Challengers in the sector can leverage these findings to enhance their market penetration and strategic decision-making. Key company profiles have surfaced through the research, spotlighting industry leaders such as Ayannah Business Solutions, Inc., and Western Union Holdings, Inc., each playing pivotal roles in shaping market trends and consumer offerings. The report's comprehensive segmentation reveals intricate trends in sub-markets like bank money transfer and currency exchange services. It offers a road map for market expansion, identifying high-growth regions and untapped opportunities. Key Highlights and Insights Examination of market penetration strategies used by industry titans. Insightful data into market development arenas, pinpointing avenues for growth across various segments. Detailed analysis of diversification trends, forecasting product developments and innovative breakthroughs. Competitive assessment and intelligence, benchmarking the strategic landscape of market shares and company capabilities. Expansive Regional Analysis Geographically, comprehensive data covers the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa regions. This all-encompassing view provides a detailed breakdown of significant areas like North America's fast-growing segments, including the U.S. states of California, New York, and Texas, along with emerging markets in the Asia-Pacific such as China, India, and Indonesia. The report addresses crucial questions about market size, forecast, technology trends, and regulatory frameworks, positioning itself as a must-have resource for key decision-makers and industry investors. This study proves instrumental for those seeking to understand the trajectory of the Money Transfer Agencies Market and the opportunities it presents. Organizations aiming to capture a substantial market share will find this report to be an essential tool in their strategic arsenal. Engage with Us: For more detailed insights and to further explore the dynamics of the Global Money Transfer Agencies Market, visit our research publication page. Key Topics Covered: Preface & Research Methodology Study Objectives and Methodology Executive Summary Market Overview Introduction to Money Transfer Agencies Market Regional Analysis Market Insights Dynamics: Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, Challenges Segmentation and Trend Analysis Money Transfer Agencies Market Segmentation By Type, Service, End-Use Regional Analysis Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa Competitive Landscape FPNV Positioning Matrix Market Share Analysis Competitive Scenario Analysis Competitive Portfolio Key Company Profiles Key Product Portfolio Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 196 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $32.6 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $61.24 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 10.6% Regions Covered Global Companies Mentioned Ayannah Business Solutions, Inc. Bank of America Corporation Careem Networks FZ LLC by Uber Technologies Inc. Citigroup Inc. cWallet Services Euronet Worldwide, Inc. JPMorgan Chase & Co. MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. Papaya Global Ltd. Remitly, Inc. Small World Financial Services Wells Fargo & Company Western Union Holdings, Inc. Wise Payments Limited WorldRemit Ltd. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4k6fnn About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Q4/FY 2023 RESULTS 2023: another record year for EssilorLuxottica Group revenue at constant exchange rates 1 +7.1% in Q4 and FY, third consecutive year >7% Nice acceleration in North America in Q4, EMEA keeping the sound pace of Q3 Innovation as a key driver, with Stellest, Varilux XR and Ray-Ban Meta Frame portfolio strengthened with new brands, licenses growing double digits Nuance Audio disruptive innovation successfully presented at the CES in Las Vegas Adjusted 2 operating margin at 16.9% at constant exchange rates 1 Free cash flow 5 at Euro 2.4 billion in FY, after strong investments in operations, digital and AI technologies Dividend proposed at Euro 3.95 per share, up 22% vs 2022 Advancing on people engagement, setting the Groups new values Charenton-le-Pont, France (February 14, 2024 - 6:00 pm) The Board of Directors of EssilorLuxottica met on February 14, 2024 to approve the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2023. These financial statements were audited by the Statutory Auditors whose audit report is in the process of being issued. Francesco Milleri, Chairman and CEO, and Paul du Saillant, Deputy CEO at EssilorLuxottica commented: Were proud to share these strong results with our stakeholders, delivering another year above 7% revenue growth1, including an acceleration in Q4, with every one of our regions doing its part. Our profitability remained strong, with a record adjusted 2 Group net profit close to 3 billion euros and free cash flow 5 at 2.4 billion. It was also a year of major investments: growing new product categories, with Stellest in myopia and Ray-Ban Meta in wearables, adding beloved brands like Moncler and Jimmy Choo to our portfolio, leveraging artificial and business intelligence, expanding our operations footprint and reinforcing the retail presence globally. This will support the evolution of the Company and the transformation of the industry over the next decade. Moreover, Nuance Audios debut at CES created a resounding buzz around EssilorLuxottica and our disruptive proposition in the audio space that bridges two industries combining good vision and better hearing. We also progressed on our sustainability roadmap, Eyes on the Planet, reaching carbon neutrality in Europe and continuing our journey to connect our communities around the world with a common culture and shared values, growing our employee shareholders globally to almost 80,000. With all these positive results and momentum, we are confident that we will keep the pace and meet our long-term targets. After three years of strong results, the Board of Directors has unanimously agreed on the distribution of a dividend of Euro 3.95 per share. Attachment OXFORD, United Kingdom and CHALK RIVER, Ontario, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), have signed a collaboration framework agreement to partner on the development of technologies in relation to the management of tritium, a fusion energy fuel. This agreement complements the signing today of a Memorandum of Understanding by the UKs Energy Secretary, Claire Coutinho and Canadian Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson at the International Energy Agencys (IEA) Ministerial meeting. The UK-Canada Memorandum of Understanding enhances collaboration on key focus areas, including research and development, regulatory harmonisation, and skills and workforce development. Stephen Wheeler, UKAEA Executive Director, said: Fusion energy promises to be a safe, low carbon and sustainable part of the worlds future energy supply. Tritium is a key fuel for fusion energy, and developing a commercial scale fuel cycle for the handling and reprocessing of tritium is vital to the delivery of fusion as a clean energy source. This collaboration between UKAEA and CNL brings together two of the largest and most experienced tritium research and operational teams in order to accelerate the development of new technologies for tritium processing, added Wheeler. A key focus of the partnership will be on hydrogen isotope management within the fusion fuel cycle safely removing, processing, and reinjecting fuel to the plasma in a continuous manner. Hydrogen isotope management is an essential part of the fusion fuel cycle tritium needs to be separated from other hydrogen isotopes in the exhaust gas so that it can be recycled and reused as a fusion fuel. Tritium is rare in nature, so managing tritium efficiently is crucial to fusion energys commercial viability. The first project under this collaboration will involve samples of candidate materials for isotope separation being analysed at both CNLs facilities in Chalk River, Ontario, and UKAEAs facilities in Culham, Oxfordshire. CNL has a proud history of working alongside the United Kingdom to advance clean energy technologies, and this agreement builds on that relationship, to pursue fusion technologies, a transformative clean energy solution for our respective countries, commented Jeff Griffin, Vice-President, Science and Technology, CNL. For our part, CNL has extensive expertise in the safe operation of facilities, storage and management of tritium, capabilities that will be critically important to this collaboration. Overall, we are thrilled to work with such a talented and internationally respected team of researchers at the UKAEA, and we cannot wait to get started, remarked Ian Castillo, Head of Hydrogen and Tritium Technologies, CNL. The UK-Canada collaboration builds on the announcement of the UK-US Strategic Partnership on Fusion Energy in November 2023 and will support the UKs 650 million Fusion Futures programme, which is ensuring the UK remains at the cutting-edge of innovation - with training opportunities and dedicated funding for fusion companies. The UKAEA and CNL agreement establishes a framework in which the two organisations will conduct joint research projects, facilitate personnel secondments, share expertise for consultancy services, and work together to provide services to the fusion industry. Both UKAEA and CNL facilities will also be leveraged in this partnership to advance tritium technologies required for fusion applications, including the design of tritium processing plants, tritium-compatible materials development, tritium breeder blanket technologies, tritium decontamination, and analytical equipment and the modeling of tritium handling processes. Photos Photos from a recent visit Canadian Nuclear Laboratories visit to UK Atomic Energy Authoritys Culham Campus, in Oxfordshire, can be found here: https://ukaea.canto.global/b/JTQVC About UK Atomic Energy Authority United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is the UKs national organisation responsible for the research and delivery of sustainable fusion energy. It is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Fusion energy has great potential to deliver safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for generations to come. It is based on the same processes that power the Sun and stars, and would form part of the worlds future energy mix. Achieving this is a major technical challenge that involves working at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology. UKAEA's fusion machines include MAST-Upgrade (Mega Amp Spherical Tokamak) and the JET (Joint European Torus) research facility. JET's operations were funded by the UK Government from 2021 until 31st December 2023. UKAEA is delivering the transition of JET from plasma operations to repurposing and decommissioning, on behalf of the UK Government. The insights gained from this process will contribute to the advancement of sustainable future fusion powerplants. UKAEA is implementing the UKs 650 million Fusion Futures Programme, the UK's alternative programme to associating to Euratom R&T, to support the UK Fusion Strategy. The Programme entails establishing new facilities at UKAEAs Culham Campus in Oxfordshire to facilitate the advancement of new technologies and expand fusion fuel cycle capabilities. The Programme aims to foster world-leading innovation while also stimulating general industry capacity through international collaboration and the development of future fusion power plants. Additionally, a fusion skills package will be introduced focusing on nurturing expertise across a spectrum of disciplines and levels. In 2021, UKAEA opened its Fusion Technology Facility near Rotherham in South Yorkshire, to develop and test materials and components for future fusion powerplants. UKAEA also undertakes cutting edge work with academia, other research organisations and the industrial supply chain in a wide spectrum of areas, including robotics and materials. More information: https://www.gov.uk/ukaea. Social Media: @UKAEAofficial About fusion energy When a mix of two forms of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium) is heated to form a controlled plasma at extreme temperatures 10 times hotter than the core of the Sun they fuse together to create helium and release energy which can be harnessed to produce electricity. There is more than one way of achieving this. UKAEAs approach is to hold this hot plasma using strong magnets in a ring-shaped machine called a tokamak, and then to harness this heat to produce electricity in a similar way to existing power stations. About CNL As Canadas premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. This includes a long and extensive history in the development and deployment of technologies and systems to safely manage hydrogen isotopes, including deuterium and tritium. CNL operates a state-of-the-art Tritium Facility, licensed to handle large quantities of tritium, and another one-of-a-kind facility for technologies at the Chalk River Laboratories campus. CNL is also expanding its presence in fusion as part of its clean energy program. Working with one of its key partners, Kyoto Fusioneering, CNL is currently exploring plans to establish an internationally-unique flexible fusion fuel cycle and demonstration platform at the Chalk River campus for national and international fusion communities involvement. This is in addition to a series of projects that CNL recently announced demonstrating its growing momentum in this emerging clean energy space, including partnerships with First Light Fusion and General Fusion with whom a MOU has been signed. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians. By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions. For more information on CNL, including its various clean energy projects and programs, please visit www.cnl.ca. CNL Contact: Philip Kompass Director, Corporate Communications 1-866-886-2325 media@cnl.ca Media contacts for the UK Atomic Energy Authority mediaenquiry@ukaea.uk Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6f1033f4-6402-4972-99aa-0872b1269740 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78a0679d-1675-4042-a80b-b6bc7552bf91 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6dc7fce3-d7c7-475e-ac74-6bdc285bb07a Pflugerville, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pflugerville, Texas - O & M Plumbing Services, Inc., a leading plumbing company based in Travis County, Texas, is proud to have provided over a decade's worth of top-notch plumbing services to the residents and businesses of Pflugerville and the Greater Austin metropolitan area. With a dedication to unparalleled customer service, expert plumbing solutions, and a commitment to the community, O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. has become the go-to plumbing contractor in North Austin, Texas. Founded in 2011 as a family-owned and operated business, O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. has consistently demonstrated its commitment to delivering the highest quality plumbing services. Some of their popular services include drain services, slab leak detection, sewer repairs, water heater repairs, and the installation of whole home water filtration systems. Over the years, the company has built a stellar reputation for its prompt, reliable, and affordable plumbing solutions. O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. distinguishes itself by its unwavering dedication to customer support and immediate service. When plumbing issues arise, having a licensed and insured plumbing contractor on your side can make all the difference. The company's team of experienced professionals is always ready to tackle plumbing challenges, no matter how big or small. "Reaching over 10 years in business is a significant milestone for us," said Ben Morgan, owner of O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. "We are immensely grateful for the trust our community has placed in us over the years. It has been our privilege to serve Pflugerville and the Greater Austin area, and we look forward to many more years of providing exceptional plumbing services." With over 23 years of experience in the plumbing industry, O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. has honed its skills and expertise to deliver efficient, effective, and lasting plumbing solutions. Whether it's a clogged drain, a water heater malfunction, or a complex sewer repair, the company's technicians are equipped to handle all plumbing needs for both residential and commercial customers. The company's commitment to excellence extends beyond the technical aspects of plumbing. O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. prides itself on its transparency and honesty in dealing with customers. They provide accurate estimates, explain the scope of work clearly, and ensure that clients are informed every step of the way. This commitment to integrity has earned them the trust of countless customers in the North Austin area. Check out their 300+ 5 Star Google reviews on their Google business listing here: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=15379300440359642487 O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. is also dedicated to staying at the forefront of the plumbing industry. They invest in ongoing training and keep up with the latest technologies and techniques to provide the best possible service to their customers. Their use of advanced equipment and environmentally friendly practices sets them apart as an eco-conscious plumbing company. For homeowners and businesses in Pflugerville and the Greater Austin metropolitan area, O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. continues to be the top solution for reliable plumbing services. Whether it's a plumbing emergency that needs immediate attention or a planned installation project, they are the trusted partner to turn to. To learn more about O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. and their wide range of plumbing services, please visit their website at https://www.oandmplumbing.com or contact them at (512) 466-2125. About O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. is a family-owned and operated plumbing company based in Travis County, Texas. Since 2011, they have been providing exceptional plumbing services to residents and businesses in Pflugerville and the Greater Austin metropolitan area. With over 23 years of experience, the company is known for its commitment to customer support, immediate service, and delivering top-quality plumbing solutions. ### For more information about O & M Plumbing Services, Inc., contact the company here: O & M Plumbing Services, Inc. Ben Morgan (512) 466-2125 info@oandmplumbing.com 1406 Three Points Rd Ste B8 Pflugerville, TX 78660 Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Penticton, BC, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The BC healthcare system is in crisis. One in five people do not have a family doctor. Emergency rooms are stretched beyond their limits as patients wait many hours, or days, for care. Today, Dr. Michelle Teo is launching the Better Care for BC campaign to encourage the provincial government to support the widespread adoption of Specialists Team Care. Specialists Team Care is a team-based care model used in 10 different specialities that increases patient access to outpatient care. It has proven to increase the average patient capacity by 100% in 6 months. Over 90% of patients are very satisfied with the care they receive. The healthcare workers experience less burnout and have greater job satisfaction. In 2022-2023, the Specialists Services Committee (composed of Ministry of Health and Doctors of BC) funded the first cohort of Specialists Team Care. Dr. Michelle Teo, a community rheumatologist, was co-lead for the initiative. With the overwhelming success of the Specialists Team Care initiative, there is a large demand for Specialists Team Care from patients and a growing waitlist of physicians across BC. Dr. Teo left her medical practice in June 2023 to advocate for making Specialists Team Care widely available in BC. She gave the BC Ministry of Health a research proposal to offer Specialists Team Care to all physicians in outpatient care; funding is required to implement this healthcare reform. The provincial government will not commit to expediting the expansion of this proven healthcare solution. The BC Ministry of Health will be receiving $3.3B from the federal government over the next 10 years, prioritizing access to primary care, reducing waitlists and supporting healthcare workers. Specialists Team Care addresses these priorities in as little as six months. Articles about Specialists Team Care: https://sscbc.ca/news/2023/06/21/teams-are-transforming-specialist-care-bc https://sscbc.ca/news/2023/06/21/specialist-team-care-100-days-real-results https://sscbc.ca/news/2023/10/03/specialist-team-care-improves-patient-access-nanaimo-pediatrician-clinic Frederick, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Frederick, Maryland - Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC, a family-owned and operated company serving the residents of Frederick, MD, and the surrounding areas, is excited to be the trusted authority when it comes to plumbing, heating and cooling services for the community. Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC has been committed to providing top-notch plumbing, heating, and cooling services to their valued customers throughout Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia since 2012. Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC is not your typical plumbing, heating and cooling company, they are a reflection of the company's dedication to excellence and their unwavering focus on delivering exceptional customer support and immediate service when plumbing or HVAC issues arise. With years of experience under their belt, their team of highly skilled professionals is equipped to handle a wide range of residential plumbing and HVAC needs. Their Core Values: Quality, Integrity, and Reliability At Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC, their core values serve as the foundation of everything they do. They believe in offering services that are synonymous with quality, integrity, and reliability. Their mission is to ensure the comfort and safety of all customers by providing efficient and effective solutions for their plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. What Sets Them Apart Family-Owned and Operated: As a family-owned business, they understand the importance of a safe and comfortable home environment. They treat every customer like a member of their own family, ensuring their needs are met with care and attention. Expertise: The team consists of highly trained and experienced professionals who are well-versed in the latest industry trends and technologies. Whether it's a leaky faucet, a malfunctioning furnace, or a complete HVAC system installation, they have the expertise to handle it all. Prompt Service: The company understands that plumbing and HVAC issues can be both inconvenient and stressful. That's why they prioritize prompt service. When someone calls Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC, they can expect a swift response, and the team to work tirelessly to resolve their customers' issues as quickly as possible. Comprehensive Services: The company offers a comprehensive range of home services. From routine plumbing repairs to complex HVAC installations, they have customers covered. Their Home Service Offerings Plumbing: Their plumbing services cover everything from fixing leaks and unclogging drains to sewer line repairs and water heater installations. They ensure that customers' plumbing systems are running smoothly and efficiently. Heating: Stay warm during the coldest months with their heating services. They provide furnace repairs, heat pump installations, and heating system maintenance to keep customers' homes cozy. Cooling: When the summer heat strikes, their cooling services have customers covered. They offer air conditioning repairs, installations, and maintenance to ensure their home remains comfortably cool. Service Areas The companys extended service area includes Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. They are proud to serve communities in these regions, providing them with the expert plumbing, heating, and cooling services they deserve. For more information about Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC or to schedule a service appointment, please visit https://brickstreetplumbinghvac.com/about-us/ or call (301) 969-4911. About Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC is more than just a home service provider; they are the trusted partner for all plumbing and HVAC needs. Their dedication to quality, integrity, and reliability sets them apart, and they look forward to continuing to serve their customers and communities with the same level of excellence they've come to expect. ### For more information about Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC, contact the company here: Brick Street Plumbing & HVAC Alexis Martin (301) 969-4911 press.brickstreet@gmail.com 47 E All Saints St Frederick, MD 21701 PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hippocratic AI today announced the launch of its Nurse Advisory Council, comprised of registered nurses (RNs) from leading healthcare systems and digital healthcare enterprises. The Nurse Advisory Council, alongside Hippocratic AIs Physician Advisory Council , will help shape the companys safety-focused Large Language Model (LLM) for healthcare and ensure that it is ready for deployment. Staffing shortages have become a substantial problem for the healthcare industry. The World Health Organization projects a global shortfall of 10 million health workers by 2030 , but patients and providers are already feeling the effects. Research overwhelmingly shows an association between nurse staffing ratios and patient safety ; as the number of patients per nurse increases, so do patient morbidity and mortality. But the rapid advancement of generative AI promises a new paradigm: one in which nurses are supported by safe and effective technology, and can wholeheartedly devote themselves to high-impact patient care. As a nurse myself, I see firsthand how the gaps in our workforce are negatively affecting not only patients, but also our own well-being. I joined the Hippocratic AI team because I believe in generative AIs potential to make our work infinitely scalable and ensure that patients receive the highest quality care possible, said Michelle Voisard CCM, BSN, RN, Director of Care Management at Hippocratic AI. Its a privilege to work with the distinguished members of Hippocratic AIs Nurse Advisory Council to build a solution that will truly help us help others. Led by Michelle Voisard CCM, BSN, RN, Hippocratic AIs Director of Care Management; and Sophia Busacca MSQM, BSN, RN, Hippocratic AIs Director of Nursing, the Council includes the following 10 initial members and will expand over time: Erica Bentley, RN, MBA, BSN: Vice President, Population Health Management at Optum Vice President, Population Health Management at Optum Serena Bumpus, DNP, RN, NEA-BC: Chief Executive Officer at Texas Nurses Association Chief Executive Officer at Texas Nurses Association Shawna Butler, RN, MBA: Nurse Economist. Managing Director at NextMed Health; Host, SEE YOU NOW podcast; Top 50 in Digital Health 2021 Nurse Economist. Managing Director at NextMed Health; Host, SEE YOU NOW podcast; Top 50 in Digital Health 2021 Cassie Choi, RN, BSN: Co-Founder, Chief Health Equity & People Officer at Pair Team; Member of the White House Clinician Innovators Roundtable on Health Equity; Top 50 in Digital Health 2022; UCSF Rising Star 2022 Co-Founder, Chief Health Equity & People Officer at Pair Team; Member of the White House Clinician Innovators Roundtable on Health Equity; Top 50 in Digital Health 2022; UCSF Rising Star 2022 Kenneth Dion, PhD, RN, MSN, MBA, RCSI, FAAN: Founding Principal at TurnPath, LLC; Immediate Past-President, Sigma, the International Honor Society of Nursing Founding Principal at TurnPath, LLC; Immediate Past-President, Sigma, the International Honor Society of Nursing David Marshall, JD, DNP, RN, FAONL, FAAN: Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive at Cedars-Sinai Senior Vice President, Chief Nursing Executive at Cedars-Sinai Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC: Director of Nursing, Women, Infants & Oncology at Texas Health Resources; President-Elect of Texas Nurses Association Director of Nursing, Women, Infants & Oncology at Texas Health Resources; President-Elect of Texas Nurses Association Molly McCarthy, MBA, BSN, RN-NI : Global GTM Excellence Leader, Enterprise Informatics at Philips Global GTM Excellence Leader, Enterprise Informatics at Philips Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, ACM-RN FCM FAACM : Case Management Society of America (CMSA) National President; Immediate Past President at CMSA Chicago; Director, Illinois Nurses' Foundation : Case Management Society of America (CMSA) National President; Immediate Past President at CMSA Chicago; Director, Illinois Nurses' Foundation Patricia Railsback Masson, RN, PhD, FAHA: Nurse Scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital; Associate Scientist at Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard Its well documented that nurses are regularly working beyond capacity and sustainable expectations and it shows up in poor patient experiences and outcomes and provider wellbeing. Clinician innovators are increasingly taking the lead in designing tools that enable us to deliver timely, contextualized, coordinated care that actually feels caring, said Shawna Butler, RN, MBA, Managing Director at NextMed Health. By harnessing the immense power of generative AI, Hippocratic AI is ambitiously building a much-needed tool that enables more connected, equitable, and responsive models of care delivery. Nurses play the critical human-in-the-loop role in ensuring safe, ethical, equitable development and deployment of AI-driven technologies. Im excited to be a part of Hippocratic AIs Nurse Advisory Council. We have a lot of complex, detail-oriented work ahead of us and Im optimistic about what our work together will produce. "Healthcare is an area where AI has a unique opportunity to amplify the impact and outcomes of an already constrained workforce, while also ensuring high-quality care, improved outcomes, and controlling cost. To quote Spiderman, 'with great power comes great responsibility,' and these models will be rightly held to a higher bar of repairing trust in care delivery and overall access - for both patients and clinicians, said Cassie Choi, RN, BSN, Co-Founder and Chief Health Equity & People Officer at Pair Team. Hippocratic AI's intentional early focus on bringing the diverse experience of nurse leaders to the product is a testament to their commitment to this responsibility, and a compelling reason to bet on Hippocratic AI being the leader in generative AI for healthcare. I'm honored to have the opportunity to continue my mission of advocating for the inclusion of the unique needs of underrepresented communities in digital health innovation alongside the Hippocratic AI team and Nurse Advisory Council." Hippocratic AI is building the industrys first safety-focused Large Language Model (LLM) designed specifically for healthcare, with an initial emphasis on patient-facing, non-diagnostic applications. Already, Hippocratic AI has outperformed GPT-4 on over 100 healthcare certifications, thanks to its training on healthcare-specific vocabulary and prioritization of reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF) via healthcare professionals. The Nurse Advisory Council is the latest in a string of collaborative initiatives designed to ensure that Hippocratic AIs LLM is as safe and impactful as possible. Council members will support in the development and review of the model by offering unique insight into the desired patient experience, nursing care path, role tasks, and administrative functions, as well as serve as a resource on clinical education and workflows, safety and quality policies, and patient engagement protocols. The diverse experiences of the 10 founding members illustrate the breadth of nursing expertise required to help build a medically accurate LLM, and to ensure that technology augmentsrather than disruptsthe work of frontline professionals. "Nurses are at the core of the healthcare ecosystem. With a wealth of knowledge and direct touchpoints with patients, they have a strong pulse on the challenges the industry is facingand where technology can make the biggest impact, said Meenesh Bhimani MD, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Hippocratic AI. We designed Hippocratic AIs Nurse Advisory Council to ensure that their expert insight plays a critical role in our LLM development. Their guidance will enable us to build a solution that supports the nursing communityand empowers all of us to help improve access, equity, and outcomes for patients." About Hippocratic AI Hippocratic AIs mission is to develop the safest artificial Health General Intelligence (HGI). The company believes that safe HGI can dramatically improve healthcare accessibility and health outcomes in the world by bringing deep healthcare expertise to every human. No other technology has the potential to have this level of global impact on health. The company was founded by a group of physicians, hospital administrators, Medicare professionals, and artificial intelligence researchers from El Camino Health, Johns Hopkins, Washington University in St. Louis, Stanford, Google, and Nvidia. Hippocratic AI is backed by two of the pioneering healthcare investors in Silicon ValleyGeneral Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitzand has received a total of $67M in funding. For more information on Hippocratic AIs performance on 100+ Medical and Compliance Certifications, go to www.HippocraticAI.com . Contact press@hippocraticAI.com SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maryann Beerling, Mee Heh Risdon and Andrea Whitsett to its Affordable Housing Advisory Council (Advisory Council). The three new appointments are the latest additions to the 15-member group. The Advisory Council provides FHLBank San Francisco with expert guidance on affordable housing and economic development issues. The group also advises on the Banks community grant and credit programs. Each year, the Chair of the Advisory Council reports on the challenges and opportunities in the three-state region and the ways that local partners make local communities vibrant, equitable and resilient. Advancing affordable housing initiatives is at the core of everything we do, and our Advisory Council members provide critical expertise, experience and insights to help shape our programs and ensure that we are focused on the most innovative approaches to invest in our communities, said Teresa Bryce Bazemore, President and Chief Executive Officer of FHLBank San Francisco. We are delighted to welcome Maryann, Mee Heh and Andrea to our Affordable Housing Advisory Council and look forward to their contributions. Here are the bios of the three new members: Maryann Beerling is the chief executive officer of Compass Affordable Housing, Inc., an organization that provides low-cost housing, programs, support services, and advocacy to low-income households and people in transition from homelessness. She has over 25 years of experience working with nonprofits and government agencies in affordable housing and project development. Her work includes organizing public-private partnerships to advance single-family and multifamily housing development, nonprofit capacity building, grant writing, and executive leadership. Ms. Beerling is a member of the City of Tucsons Commission on Equitable Housing and Development and Arizona Housing Alliance and is an honorary member the Arizona Association of Grant Writing Professionals. Mee Heh Risdon is the director of housing at A Community of Friends (ACOF), a Los Angeles-based nonprofit. At ACOF, Ms. Risdon oversees the housing development team and supportive housing pipeline. Prior to joining ACOF, she was a senior loan officer for the Corporation for Supportive Housing, a national nonprofit intermediary, originating $83 million in loans for permanent supportive housing in Los Angeles. During her career, she has worked on all aspects of affordable housing including feasibility analysis, acquisitions, planning, and project management. Ms. Risdon serves on the board of Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing. She has a Masters in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts from Stanford University. Andrea Whitsett is the executive director of Arizona State Universitys Morrison Institute for Public Policy, a nonpartisan research institute that houses the Kyl Center for Water Policy, the Arizona Research Center for Housing Equity and Sustainability (ARCHES), and the Arizona Governance and Policy Academy. Ms. Whitsett has overseen the publication of a wide range of research on topics including affordable housing, child and family well-being, workforce development, and educator retention. She is president of the national Consortium of University Public Service Organizations and the past chair of the Arizona Foundation for Women. She is also a member of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerces DATOS Research Committee. Whitsett holds a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Yale University, where she was awarded an Amy Rossborough Fellowship, in addition to a Masters degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glorious Creation Limited (Glorious or the Company) (CSE: GCIT.X) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement (the Definitive Agreement) dated February 12, 2024 with Stallion Uranium Corp. (Stallion), a British Columbia mineral exploration company with its common shares listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV). Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, the Company will acquire three separate mineral properties comprised of an aggregate of seven mineral claims, covering a total of 10,874 hectares (approximately 100 square kilometers), located in Eastern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan (collectively, the Properties) from Stallion (the Transaction). The Transaction is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and is intended to constitute a Fundamental Change of Glorious as defined in CSE Policy 8 Fundamental Changes and Changes of Business. Subject to CSE approval, upon the closing of the Transaction (the Closing), the business of the Company resulting from the Transaction will primarily be the exploration for uranium on the Properties. Trading in the Companys common shares (the Shares) on the CSE was halted in connection with this news release. Trading in the Shares will remain halted pending the review of the Transaction by the CSE and satisfaction of any conditions of the CSE for resumption of trading. It is likely that that the Shares will not resume trading until the Closing. The Properties The Ford Lake project consists of three claims covering an area of 7,431 hectares in the prolific Eastern Athabasca Basin near the margin of the Mudjuik and Wollaston Domains. Ford Lake is prospectively highlighted by the recent CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. high-grade discovery hole at Moon Lake only 10km to the northeast. The uranium endowment of the area is proven by the significant deposits of the Key Lake Mine only 15km to the southeast and less than 20km from Cameco Corp.s Millennium deposit, and less than 20km from Denison Mines Corp.s Gryphon and Phoenix deposits with uranium mineral reserves of 106.4 Mlbs (Million Pounds) U 3 O 8 .12 _____________________________ 1 NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Wheeler River Project Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada dated June 20, 2023 2 Denison Mines Corp. Core Projects Wheeler River Project Each of the Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects are located in the Eastern Athabasca Basin in northwest Saskatchewan. The Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects consists of four claims covering a total area of 3,443 hectares in the Wollaston Domain in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. Drew Zimmerman, CEO of Stallion Uranium Corp stated We are excited to see our three eastern basin projects move into the hands of Glorious, while still being able to benefit from their success. These projects warrant, and will now receive, a committed uranium exploration program led by our world class technical and geological team at a time when the world needs meaningful uranium discoveries. All three projects are located in the heart of the world-renowned Eastern Athabasca Basin and hold significant potential for discovery. CEO Nicholas Luksha expressed enthusiasm stating, Today marks a significant milestone for our shareholders as we secure a strategic land position in one of the most renowned Uranium regions in the world. The full control of this acquisition adds up to approximately 100 square kilometers, and is situated in a significant area with recent Uranium discoveries. This exciting opportunity has generated enthusiasm amongst our team and operating partners at Stallion Uranium. Collaborating on this turnkey operation, we aim to establish robust leadership and harness the expertise of the existing technical team to commence drilling on the most promising targets as soon as this summer. The ambitious strategy we have in motion is poised to substantially enhance shareholder value. Exhibit #1. Ford Lake, Cigar Lake East, and Roughrider South shown above with all other Uranium activity in the general region. The Transaction The Definitive Agreement provides that the Company will acquire the Properties from Stallion for the following consideration: concurrently with the signing the Definitive Agreement, a cash payment of $100,000.00 (the Deposit ), which one half of the Deposit ($50,000) will be refundable by Stallion to Glorious if Glorious does not obtain approval from the CSE; ), which one half of the Deposit ($50,000) will be refundable by Stallion to Glorious if Glorious does not obtain approval from the CSE; on the date of the Closing (the Closing Date ), a cash payment of $300,000.00; ), a cash payment of $300,000.00; an aggregate of 2,500,000 Shares to be issued by the Company to Stallion as follows: 500,000 Shares on the date which is six (6) months following the Closing Date, 500,000 Shares on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Closing Date, 500,000 Shares on the date which is eighteen (18) months following the Closing Date, and 1,000,000 Shares on the date which is twenty-four (24) months following the Closing Date; and a 3.0% net smelter return royalty on the Properties in favour of Stallion (the "Royalty"). The terms of the Royalty will be governed by a net smelter return royalty agreement (the Royalty Agreement) to be entered into between the Company and Stallion at Closing. The parties agreed to negotiate in good faith to settle the terms of the Royalty Agreement promptly following the execution of the Definitive Agreement. The Royalty Agreement will include a 1.5% buy-back right in favour of the Company which can be exercised at any point prior to commercial production as follows: (a) $500,000 for 0.5%; (b) $750,000 for a second 0.5%; and (c) $1,000,000 for a third 0.5%. The Company and Stallion have also agreed to enter into an operating agreement (the Operating Agreement) pursuant to which Stallion will conduct an agreed upon exploration program on one or more of the Properties. The completion of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions as are standard for a transaction of this nature, including, but not limited to: (i) receipt of all requisite consents, waivers and approvals for the Transaction, including the approval of the CSE, the approval by the holders of at least 50.1% of the issued and outstanding Shares and approval of the TSXV; (ii) the absence of any material adverse change in the status of the Properties; (iii) entry into of the Royalty Agreement and the Operating Agreement; (iv) the delivery of a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties compliant technical report with respect to one or more of the Properties; (v) the Company meeting the qualifications for listing under CSE Policy 2 Qualification for Listing (Policy 2) by filing all of the documents and following the procedures set out in Policy 2; and (vi) Stallion, if applicable, having received the requisite approvals from its shareholders for the Transaction. The Company expects to pay a finders fee in connection with the Transaction to the party that introduced the acquisition target to the Company, subject to applicable securities laws and the policies of the CSE. There is no change of control of the Company expected to occur as a result of the Transaction. Qualifying Statement The foregoing scientific and technical disclosures for Glorious Creations Limited have been reviewed by Darren Slugoski, P.Geo., a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Mr. Slugoski is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Glorious Creation Limited Glorious is incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with its registered and head office in Vancouver, British Columbia. Glorious is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. For further information, please contact: Glorious Creation Limited Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director Phone: (604) 838-0184 Cautionary Note Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, CSE acceptance and shareholder approval. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The CSE has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. This news release also includes references with respect to CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.s Moon Lake project, Cameco Corp.s Millennium deposit and Denison Mines Corp.s Gryphon and Phoenix deposits (collectively, the Adjacent Properties), which are located near the Properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on the Adjacent Properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the Properties or the Companys ability to commercially exploit the Properties or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. All technical information contained in this press release with respect to Denison Mines Corps Gryphon and Phoenix deposits, was provided by the sources noted in footnotes (1) and (2) above without independent review and investigation by the Company, and the Company has relied on the information contained in the respective sources exclusively in providing the information about the Denison Mines Corps Gryphon and Phoenix deposits. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Companys completion of the Transaction and related transactions. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, including, but not limited to: that the Company will obtain the requisite approvals with respect to the Transaction, including that of the CSE and the shareholders of the Company, as applicable; that all other conditions for completion of the Transaction will be satisfied for completion of the Transaction; that the Shares will remain halted until the Closing; that the Company and Stallion will successfully negotiate and enter into the Royalty Agreement and the Operating Agreement; that the Company will commence drilling on the Properties and the expected timing thereof; that the Company will complete the name change as proposed; and that the Company will pay a finders fee in connection with the Transaction. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company. The risks include the following: that the requisite corporate approvals of the directors and shareholders of the Company may not be obtained; that the CSE may not approve the Transaction; and other risks that are customary to transactions of this nature. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c35fb36-08b7-4726-8410-91dedbac698e ATLANTA, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics Georgias top-rated dermatology practice welcomes Dr. Ajdin Kobic, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic and reconstructive surgeon. With the addition of Dr. Kobic to the practices acclaimed team, patients can continue to choose Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics with confidence. Dr. Kobic is now accepting appointments. He specializes in skin cancer surgery and reconstruction as well as a diverse range of cosmetic surgeries and procedures including scar revision, blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), neck lift, liposuction, chemical peels, lasers, fillers, and neuromodulators such as Botox. Patients looking to rejuvenate and revitalize their appearance have an incredible asset in Dr. Kobic, says Dr. Jodi Ganz, physician partner at Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics. He is dedicated to enhancing the well-being of his patients, while employing the latest innovative techniques. Dr. Kobic graduated from Emory University with a degree in neuroscience and behavioral biology. He earned his medical degree and completed dermatology residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He returned to Emory University for a fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology. He is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American College of Mohs Surgery, the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery. Dr. Kobic is practicing at the Buckhead (3379 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite 500, Atlanta) and Roswell (11755 Pointe Place, Suite B, Roswell) locations. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kobic at Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics, visit OlanskyDermatology.com/Schedule or call: 404-355-5484. To learn more about Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics visit OlanskyDermatology.com . Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics is your dermatology solution. Our ability to provide full-service dermatology to patients of all ages is a distinct benefit to choosing our practice. We offer medical, surgical, cosmetic, and aesthetic services to our patients, and even same day appointments when possible. This makes us not only a convenient solution for your family, but a comprehensive one as well. With services ranging from our in-house Mohs surgery for skin cancer, advanced laser therapy for psoriasis or our aesthetic services for skin rejuvenation, Olansky Dermatology & Aesthetics can handle all of your skin concerns. For more details, visit our website at OlanskyDermatology.com or call 404-355-5484. Interviews are available upon request. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/63609290-3456-4a33-9afc-d0e8d2621bcd Las Vegas, NV, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BrandCraft Holdings, LLC (BCH) is a tech-enabled brand accelerator. BrandCraft Holdings leverages advanced data analytics, machine learning, and technology driven loyalty programs to create and deliver products that resonate deeply with modern consumers. BCHs agile approach to brand development allows swift response to market trends and consumer preferences. This tech-first approach is the backbone across all verticals, ensuring that offerings in consumer products, healthcare, technology and new product segment success. BrandCraft Holdings brings proven and successful team members and board of advisors, along with manufacturing expertise, facilities, distribution and strategic partners into the joint venture with TNBI. This allows the brand team to craft products that not only meet but exceed customer expectations. BCHs vertical strategy diversifies risk while generating consumer engagement that leads to long term loyalty. BrandCraft has the structure, the product knowledge and decades of experience in each channel under one powerful flag. The road map our team has created, along with the technology and capital blanket provides our brand partners with stable and fresh opportunities. I am very optimistic for what the future will hold for this powerful joint venture, stated Tom Stein, COO of TNBI and a BrandCraft Holding Founder. About BrandCraft Holdings BrandCraft Holdings, LLC (BCH) is a tech-enabled brand accelerator that uses advanced data analytics, machine learning, and technology to create loyalty programs for brands that resonate deeply with modern consumers. BrandCraft's resources offer a unique advantage for its brand partners, allowing the brands to swifty respond to market trends and consumer preferences. Based in Delray Beach, Florida, the management team are focused on providing a robust infrastructure for the leading brands of today and tomorrow. About Tanke Biosciences Corp Tanke Biosciences Corp (OTC: TNBI) is an emerging diversified investment vehicle focused on participating in and acquiring interests that are leading edge in their respective market niches. Based in Nashville, Tennessee and Denton Texas, the management, advisors and the Board of the Company are focused on participating in and acquiring interests that are leading edge in their respective market niches, and that have expectations of enhancing shareholder values. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "predict," "project," "should," and "will" and variations of such words and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All statements in this press release pertaining to our expectations relating to this acquisition constitute forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the accuracy of our estimates regarding expenses, capital requirements and need for additional financing, our ability to operate our business and generate profits, decline in global financial markets and economic downturn resulting from the coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic, business interruptions resulting from the coronavirus COVID-19 global pandemic, and general risk factors affecting the restaurant industry, including current economic climate, costs of labor and energy prices These and other risks, assumptions and uncertainties are described in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other documents that we file or furnish with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which you are encouraged to read. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. We expressly disclaim any current intention to update publicly any forward-looking statement after the distribution of this release, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise. TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX: PFIA, PFSS, PFCB, PFAA) Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the February 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0250 per unit for the ETF units (ETF Units) of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Income Alternative Fund. Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the February 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0149 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Special Situations Alternative Fund. Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the February 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0339 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Core Bond Fund. Picton Mahoney Asset Management announced today that it has declared the February 2024 monthly cash distribution of $0.0030 per unit for the ETF Units of the Picton Mahoney Fortified Alpha Alternative Fund. Unitholders of record of the ETF Units, at the close of business on February 22, 2024, will receive a per-unit cash distribution payable on February 29, 2024. About Picton Mahoney Asset Management Picton Mahoney Asset Management specializes in differentiated investment solutions and rules-based volatility management. Picton Mahoney helps its clients fortify their portfolios based on experience honed over the years through different market cycles and investing environments. Founded in 2004 and 100% employee-owned, Picton Mahoney is a portfolio management boutique entrusted with over $9.9 billion (as at December 31, 2023) in assets under management. Pioneers of Authentic Hedge investment principles and practices in Canada, the firm offers a full suite of investment solutions, including mutual and alternative funds, to institutional and retail investors across the country. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the prospectus before investing. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Alternative funds can only be purchased through a registered dealer and are available only in those jurisdictions where they may be lawfully offered for sale. For further information please contact: Arthur Galloway Picton Mahoney Asset Management Tel: (416) 955-4108 Web site: www.pictonmahoney.com Email: service@pictonmahoney.com STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) today issued a quarterly Fleet Status Report that provides the current status of, and contract information for, the companys fleet of offshore drilling rigs. This quarters report includes the following updates: Transocean Barents Awarded a minimum 540-day contract in the Romanian Black Sea at a rate of $465,000. Deepwater Skyros Awarded a three-well extension in Angola at a rate of $400,000. Deepwater Invictus Awarded a 40-day contract in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. The aggregate incremental backlog associated with these fixtures is approximately $326 million. As of February 14, 2024, the companys total backlog is approximately $9 billion. The report can be accessed on the companys website: www.deepwater.com. About Transocean Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. Transocean specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on deepwater and harsh environment drilling services and operates the highest specification floating offshore drilling fleet in the world. Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in and operates a fleet of 37 mobile offshore drilling units, consisting of 28 ultra-deepwater floaters and nine harsh environment floaters. In addition, Transocean is constructing one ultra-deepwater drillship. Forward-Looking Statements The statements described herein that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements could contain words such as "possible," "intend," "will," "if," "expect," or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, timing of the companys newbuild deliveries, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the fluctuation of current and future prices of oil and gas, the global and regional supply and demand for oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the success of our business following prior acquisitions, the effects of the spread of and mitigation efforts by governments, businesses and individuals related to contagious illnesses, such as COVID-19, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and in the company's other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the other consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which we become aware of, after the date hereof, except as otherwise may be required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the companys website at: www.deepwater.com. This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (FinSA) or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean. Analyst Contact: Alison Johnson +1 713-232-7214 Media Contact: Pam Easton +1 713-232-7647 PITTSBURGH, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bank of America (BOA) recently announced that one of its service providers, IMS, suffered from a cybersecurity attack in November 2023, that impacted the personal information of thousands of individuals. The information potentially impacted in the breach includes individuals first and last names, email addresses, business email addresses, dates of birth, Social Security Numbers, and other information. Lynch Carpenter, LLP is investigating claims against IMS related to this data breach. If you received a data breach notification from BOA or IMS, you may be entitled to compensation. If you have received a notification from BOA or IMS that your information was impacted, please call Patrick Donathen at (412) 322-9243, email him at patrick@lcllp.com, or fill out our contact form at www.lynchcarpenter.com/contact. About Lynch Carpenter Lynch Carpenter is a national class action law firm with offices in Pennsylvania, California, and Illinois. Our firm has represented millions of clients in data privacy matters for more than a decade and has earned national acclaim for complex litigation for plaintiffs across the country. To learn more, please visit www.lynchcarpenter.com. Reducing barriers to learning the Dakota and Nakoda languages, a collaboration between the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes and the Montana Digital Academy is set to unfold later this year. Students in grades 9-12 will be able to study the semester-long Montana Digital Academy language skills online, at their own pace, for free, in the presence of a certified language educator. Those seeking credit-recovery opportunities may also take the class at their own pace. You cant beat that winning combination, especially for a rural community situated in Northeast Montana, where the winds howl in the winter and the high temperatures and dust storms in the summer stir up other kinds of heated language. After all, it is 512 miles one way from Fort Peck west to Missoula, where the Montana Digital Academy headquarters is housed at the University of Montana. Some of our objectives, first and foremost are to target the credit recovery students in high school that need a language course, but also to offer it to the public and anyone that's interested in learning the language, said Ramey Growing Thunder, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux and 12-year Fort Peck Tribes Language and Culture Department director. After finishing graduate school at the University of New Mexico in 2011, Growing Thunder moved back home and observed a need for language education. So I went before my tribal council and I asked them if I could create such a program. I was able to create it and from there they appointed me the director, she added. While the Montana Digital Academy zones in on the high school students, the tribe expands its learner base, as some learning courses are open to parents and others, as well. The tribes Language and Culture Department mission, which touts the Tribal Immersion School, includes the following partial statement: This vision foretells our youth being embraced daily with our cultural ways of knowing, speaking our language, hearing our elder stories, hearing our creation stories, understanding and perpetuating our history, singing our traditional songs, sharing our ways of dance, living and perpetuating our seven rites of Pte San Win (White Buffalo Calf Woman) and Traditional rites. She leads two Montana-certified instructors on-site to oversee the progress of each student. The tribe and Montana Office of Public Instruction put them through rigorous evaluation to ensure their level of expertise. Each educator must demonstrate language proficiency in either Dakota or Nakoda. They test before a committee of elders and those elders deem whether they're proficient enough to teach our K through 12 students, said Growing Thunder. And once they pass, then the chairman signs off on it and then it goes to OPI (Montana Office of Public Instruction), and they get a certificate. Currently, there are also stand-alone instructional modules available through the tribe that Growing Thunder facilitates. Anna East, Tribal Relations and Education fellow for the Montana Digital Academy, the states virtual school, taught for 22 years on the Flathead Reservation. For 15 years she has taught Native American Studies online. She is non-native, but works closely with tribal educators. Although in the midst of creating learning modules for the class, East said she defers to Growing Thunder and her two state-certified language teachers for their choices and expertise. Last summer, East and a tech expert spent time on the reservation audio recording proficient Nakoda and Dakota speakers for the specific language pre-loaded course modules they are developing. So what that means for these courses is that we have to have recordings, said East. We have to have written work, written versions, if possible. We have to have lessons built around these audio and visual materials. And those kinds of things exist to different degrees within each tribe. So that's the first hurdle that we have to actually create these courses from the ground up. Such an educational platform differs greatly from Covid pandemic teaching, when students met on Zoom platforms to learn, ideally but not always realistically, in real time. But work-when-you-want online digital learning may appeal more to teens who have regular classes and extracurricular activities. East records instructional videos for students, who can record themselves repeating vocabulary on the course platform. Imagine an online version of words like hair, nose, ear, shoulder, vocabulary, greetings, Good morning, How are you? The teacher on the other side hears it and can (respond) in real time, East said. Everything is done when people can do it and the teacher listens and then gives them feedback. The tribe owns all of the collaborative course materials, giving it autonomy over its own language education. Everything belongs to them, said East. If at any time they want us to take the class down, we will take it down. If at any time they want me to change something, I will change it. Language and culture belong to an Indigenous community. They don't belong to a state agency like a school. Growing Thunder credits Montana Legislator Jonathan Windy Boy, Democrat from Box Elder, for championing the language preservation and revitalization program at the Montana Legislature. Among its pro-academy actions, the Montana Legislature passed a 2023 law bolstering Montana Digital Academy laws, allowing space for expansion and maximizing access to high-quality remote access. Windy Boy is one of the biggest proponents behind this. Everyone that has contributed in language revitalization and for the eight tribes of Montana, you know, I'm really grateful for all of their efforts, said Growing Thunder. I thank them for believing in us, she added. Dublin, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Electronic Materials Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Global Electronic Materials Market was valued at USD 65.7 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 6.4% through 2028. These materials, essential building blocks of electronic components, encompass semiconductors, conductive polymers, dielectric materials, and substrates. The proliferation of smartphones, tablets, wearable devices, and IoT applications has significantly fueled the demand for these materials. Moreover, emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and electric vehicles are contributing to the market's expansion. The ever-increasing need for miniaturization and high-performance electronic products is propelling research and development efforts, enhancing the quality and functionality of electronic materials. Additionally, environmental concerns are driving the development of eco-friendly materials, further shaping the market landscape. Major players are investing in research and collaborations to innovate and meet the evolving demands of the electronics industry, thereby ensuring the market's continuous growth. As a result, the Global Electronic Materials Market is poised for significant expansion, offering lucrative opportunities for businesses in the electronic materials sector. Key Market Drivers Rapid Technological Advancements Increasing Adoption of Electric Vehicles Emerging Applications in Healthcare Growing Demand for Renewable Energy Systems Integration in Smart Home and IoT Applications Key Market Challenges Quality Control and Counterfeit Products Supply Chain Disruptions Environmental Sustainability Technological Obsolescence Intellectual Property Protection Key Market Trends Advancements in Semiconductor Materials Emerging Applications in Renewable Energy Rise of Internet of Things (IoT) Increasing Emphasis on Miniaturization Expansion of Online Distribution Channels Report Scope: In this report, the Global Electronic Materials Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below: Electronic Materials Market, By Application: Silicon Wafers PCB Laminates Specialty Gases Wet Chemicals Photoresist Chemicals Others Electronic Materials Market, By End-Use: Semiconductors {Integrated Circuits and Printed Circuit Boards} Others Electronic Materials Market, By Region: North America United States Canada Mexico Europe France United Kingdom Italy Germany Spain Belgium Asia-Pacific China India Japan Australia South Korea Indonesia Vietnam South America Brazil Argentina Colombia Chile Peru Middle East & Africa South Africa Saudi Arabia UAE Turkey Israel Competitive Landscape Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies present in the Global Electronic Materials Market. A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes Dow Inc. BASF SE Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. LG Chem Ltd. Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd. DuPont de Nemours, Inc. Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. Henkel AG & Co. KGaA Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. JSR Corporation Tokyo Electron Limited Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Covestro AG Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Wacker Chemie AG For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d32sf3 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment AMBLER, Pa., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eight low-income Philadelphia families are receiving new energy efficient water heaters, thanks to a generous donation from Bradford White Corporation, an industry-leading American manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks. The donation, which comes during Random Acts of Kindness Week, stems from Bradford Whites signature charitable giving initiative, Industry Forward. Eight 40-gallon water heaters are being provided to very deserving families who have contacted Philadelphias Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) Heater Hotline. ECA is an Industry Forward partner that has a strong history with Bradford White. Rich-Tomkins, a manufacturers representative for the company, helped coordinate the product delivery and ECAs trained staff which helped identify families most in need, will be installing the water heaters. At Bradford White, giving back to our communities and providing help to those in need, is part of our mission and core values as a company, said Rebecca Owens, senior manager of communications for Bradford White. By providing water heaters to several families in need during Random Acts of Kindness Week we hope to inspire others to show kindness and give back as well so we work together to make a positive impact on peoples lives. We are truly grateful to partner with ECA and provide essential hot water to families who have been without for far too long. ECAs Heater Hotline team receives numerous calls each week from low-income families who have no hot water because water heater replacement is not covered under other low-income programs. Such calls often come from senior citizen homeowners or families who resort to the dangerous practice of heating water on a range for bathing and household cleaning. The Philadelphia Emergency Water Heater Fund, created by ECA in 2022, has already used its allotted funding for the year and Bradford White stepped up to assist when it heard of the need. We are deeply appreciative of the continued partnership with Bradford White and their generosity through their innovative Industry Forward program, said Steve Luxton, ECA chief executive officer. There are so many families in need of hot water and Bradford Whites continued support to lend a hand and give back to families in need is so important. They are a true partner to Philadelphia families, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet. Bradford White has partnered with ECA on several recent projects, including a $50,000 Industry Forward grant to help ECA launch a pilot internship program for young people and emerging workers from Philadelphias disadvantaged communities to receive training on heat pump water heater installation and maintenance. For more information about Bradford White Corporations Industry Forward initiative, visit https://www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com/giving/. About Bradford White Corporation Bradford White Corp. is a full-line manufacturer of residential, commercial and industrial water heating, space heating, combination heating and storage products. The company maintains headquarters in Ambler, Pennsylvania, and has manufacturing facilities in Middleville, Michigan; Niles, Michigan; and Rochester, New Hampshire; and distribution and training centers in Halton Hills, Ontario, Canada. For more information, visit www.bradfordwhitecorporation.com About Industry Forward Industry Forward is Bradford Whites signature charitable giving program. Through this initiative, the company provides grants to eligible organizations to advance public awareness of the importance and value of the Plumbing and HVAC industry including skilled trades, manufacturing, and distribution. By aligning resources and investing in key programs, Bradford White is making a positive impact in communities to help build a stronger and sustainable future for all. About ECA Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to help people conserve energy and to promote a sustainable and socially equitable energy future for all. Founded in 1984, ECA coordinates low-income energy services, and administers high quality energy conservation, education, heating, and home repair services to reduce households energy costs and stabilize families in their communities. Learn more at www.ecasavesenergy.org ### BRADFORD WHITE CONTACT: Rebecca Owens Senior Communications Manager Bradford White Corporation (215) 641-9400 rowens@bradfordwhite.com MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Gautz Communications Strategist Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications (517) 403-4403 cgautz@byrumfisk.com ECA CONTACT: Liberty Britton Marketing and Communications Manager (646) 201-8328 libertyb@ecasys.org SANTA ANA, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blum Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: BLMH) (the Company, Blum Holdings, we or us), is pleased to share certain highlights of recently announced proposed acquisition and rollup transaction of three Sacramento retail dispensaries (the Proposed Acquisition). Additionally, the Company is excited to introduce a new brand, Turkey Bag Heroes, as part of the strategic rollup efforts in the retail market. If completed, the Proposed Acquisition will mark Blum Holdings entrance into the Sacramento cannabis market. The Sacramento retail cannabis market exhibits both maturity and opportunity. With a growing regular consumer base, we believe the market presents an ideal landscape for expansion and innovation. Anticipated Highlights of the Proposed Acquisition: Approximate combined 2023 revenues of the assets: $14.0 million with 50% gross margins Approximate 2023 revenue from delivery: $400,000 Estimated cash from operations: $1.9 million A customer base of approximately 150,000 Purchase price: $9.7 million, structured as a $1.9 million secured promissory note over 34 to 42 months and the issuance of 1,835,330 shares of the Companys common stock Sellers will receive 15.63% of the Company, incorporating an additional approximate $14.0 million of revenue to the Companys 2023 revenues of $33 million while not diluting our gross margin Sellers retain the option to exchange their stock issuance for a five year note in two years at a 35% discount to the purchase price value of the stock The consummation of the Proposed Acquisition values the Company at an estimated $42.0 million pre-transaction Cookies Sacramento: Neighboring the California State Capitol, in the Lavender District of Sacramentos Midtown, Cookies Sacramento is located at 1716 J St., Sacramento, CA. Midtown is a hip district with a diverse restaurant scene, from trendy, upscale dining to contemporary global cuisine, plus craft breweries, bars, and nightclubs. Theres also a mix of independent galleries, clothing boutiques, and vintage shops, as well as several music venues. Recently managed by experienced Sacramento serial entrepreneurs, Cookies Sacramento, delivers a unique retail experience in the heart of the city, with seasoned staff and a beautiful 1,500 retail sq. ft. Cookies branded interior. Highlights include state-of-the-art displays and a wide selection of Californias latest premium and exotic products. @cookiessacramento Lemonnade North Sacramento: Previously part of the respected Kolas chain, Lemonnade North, stands as a pioneering entity in the cannabis retail landscape located at 1115 Fee Dr., Sacramento, CA. Next to Sacramentos premier shopping destination, Arden Fair Mall, and boasting visibility from the busy Interstate 80 and 160 Freeways in Northern Sacramento, the store holds a strategic advantage in terms of location and accessibility. The Lemonnade licensing agreement provides an opportunity for exclusive collaborations with Rick Ross and Run The Jewels. @lemonnadesacramento Lemonnade South Sacramento: Lemonnade South has been a strong presence in the cannabis community since its inception in 2009. Situated at 1421 47th Ave, Sacramento, CA, the store enjoys strategic proximity to the bustling Interstate 5 Freeway, ensuring convenient access for patrons from across the region. With a rich heritage spanning over 15 years, Lemonnade South embodies a legacy of excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction. Boasting a loyal customer base cultivated over the years, the store serves as a cornerstone of the local community, offering a diverse array of premium cannabis products. Lemonnade South continues to uphold its reputation as a trusted destination for enthusiasts seeking top-quality offerings and unparalleled expertise. @lemonnadesouthsac Introducing Turkey Bag Heroes (@turkeybagheroes): As part of our commitment to innovation and growth, Blum Holdings is proud to introduce Turkey Bag Heroes. Upon closing of the Proposed Acquisition, Turkey Bag Heroes will serve as a brand under our retail rollup strategy, offering high-quality small batch flower for the cannabis enthusiast. Unlike traditional brands, Turkey Bag heroes, offers exclusive drops in 14-gram and 28-gram quantities, catering to connoisseurs seeking unrivaled sensory journey from aroma to flavor to potency. Turkey Bag Heroes represents the pinnacle of cannabis cultivation where quality meets indulgence. About Blum Holdings Blum Holdings is a company focused on the cannabis sector with operations in California. Blum Holdings operates four dispensaries and direct-to-consumer delivery, and several leading company-owned brands. Korova, a Blum Holdings brand, is known for its high potency products across multiple product categories, including the legendary 1000 mg THC Black Bar. For more info, please visit: https://blumholdings.com/ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this communication regarding matters that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, known as the PSLRA. The Company uses words such as anticipates, believes, plans, expects, projects, future, intends, may, will, should, could, estimates, predicts, potential, continue, guidance, and similar expressions to identify these forward-looking statements that are intended to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions of the PSLRA. These include statements regarding management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations, or forecasts for the future, and, therefore, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on them. Such forward-looking statements are based on the Companys current expectations based on information currently available and involve risks and uncertainties; consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the statements due to a number of factors. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. New factors emerge from time-to-time and it is not possible for the Company to predict all such factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of each such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risks may include, among other things, the risk that the Company will not achieve the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Acquisition, such as growth of retail facilities and anticipated financial results; the risk that we may not be able to execute our growth strategies; the risk that we may not successfully negotiate and enter into definitive agreements for the Proposed Acquisition; and the risk that even if we are able to negotiate and enter into definitive agreements, the Proposed Acquisition may not be completed. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in the Risk Factors section of the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to the Company as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by law. Jason Assad LR Advisors LLC. jassad@blumholdings.com 678-570-6791 Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06dea479-948c-4097-8a3b-b64d360d8cb3 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e4b7439-5b41-4219-ba2f-246c20e4035e https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2f52e6c7-1f7f-4ebb-9475-ad24973d8e8c https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/996af248-e0ce-4cd9-bba2-2b1acf975246 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ec8c45b6-8946-4b6d-b2ed-a3690152a7d9 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2fc17898-9a24-4f74-bbb1-d5644a19bd53 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1ddec521-4d0b-450a-854e-1243b613a1ce VANCOUVER, Feb. 14, 2024 - NGEx Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: NGEX) ("NGEx", "NGEx Minerals" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval to list its common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") and graduate from the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"). View PDF Final approval of the listing is subject to the Company meeting certain customary requirements of the TSX, including receipt of all required documentation. The Company will issue a news release once the TSX confirms the date when trading of NGEx's common shares is expected to commence on the TSX. Once listed on the TSX, the Company's common shares will be delisted from the TSX-V. Shareholders are not required to exchange their share certificates or take any other action in connection with the TSX listing, as there will be no change in the trading symbol or CUSIP for the common shares. About NGEx Minerals NGEx Minerals is a copper and gold exploration company based in Canada, focused on exploration of the Lunahuasi copper-gold-silver project in San Juan Province, Argentina, and the nearby Los Helados copper-gold project located approximately nine kilometres northeast in Chile's Region III. Both projects are located within the Vicuna District, which includes the Caserones mine, and the Josemaria and Filo del Sol deposits. NGEx Minerals owns 100% of Lunahuasi and is the majority partner and operator for the Los Helados project, subject to a Joint Exploration Agreement with Nippon Caserones Resources LLC, which is the indirect 49% owner of the operating Caserones open pit copper mine located approximately 17 kilometres north of Los Helados. Lundin Mining Corp. holds the remaining 51% stake in Caserones. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "NGEX". NGEx Minerals is part of the Lundin Group of Companies. Additional information relating to NGEx Minerals Ltd. may be obtained or viewed on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. Additional Information Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. The information contained in this news release was accurate at the time of dissemination but may be superseded by subsequent news release(s). The Company is under no obligation, nor does it intend to update or revise the forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements made and information contained herein in the news release constitutes "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking information"). All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this document constitute forward-looking information, including but not limited to, statements regarding the listing of NGEx's common shares on the TSX and the delisting of NGEx's common shares on the TSX-V. Words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "targets", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connotations thereof and similar expressions identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon various estimates and assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management with respect to the Company satisfying all requirements in order to obtain final approval of the TSX for the listing of the NGEx common shares on the TSX. Although the Company believes that these factors and expectations are reasonable as at the date of this document, in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, these statements are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information. Such factors include those risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Company's periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com under the Company's profile. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on information available to the Company as at the date of this news release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update and/or revise any of the included forward-looking information, whether as a result of additional information, future events and/or otherwise. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans and allowing investors and others to get a better understanding of the Company's operating environment. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that would cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. All the forward-looking information contained in this document is qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information due to the inherent uncertainty thereof. Cautionary Note to U.S. Readers Information concerning the mineral properties of the Company contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ in material respects from the requirements of securities laws of the United States applicable to U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. SOURCE NGEx Minerals Ltd. February 14 - Vancouver, Canada - Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. (the "Company") (CSE:GCC) / (OTC:GCCFF) / (WKN:A0RLEP) announces it has completed the shares for debt transaction announced on January 22, 2024. The debt settlement was with two non-arm's length creditors and one arm's length creditor (collectively, the "Creditors"). The Company has issued to the Creditors an aggregate of 4,232,503 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.10 per Unit in full and final settlement of accrued and outstanding indebtedness in the aggregate amount of $423,250 (the "Debt Settlement"). Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one-half Common Share purchase warrant of the Company (each, a "Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Common Share (each, a "Warrant Share") for a period of 5 years from the date of issue at exercise prices as follows: $0.12 in year one, $0.14 in year two, $0.16 in year three, $0.18 in year four, and $0.20 in year five. The Units are subject to a statutory hold period of four months from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. None of the foregoing securities have been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Multilateral Instrument 61-101 The issuance of the Units to the non-arm's length Creditor will constitute a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval in connection with the non-arm's length Creditor's participation in the Debt Settlement in reliance on sections 5.5(g) and 5.7(1)(e) of MI 61-101, which provide an exemption where certain financial hardship criteria set out in MI 61-101 are met. The Company's decision to rely on the financial hardship exemption was made upon the recommendation of the independent directors of the Company, all of whom are unrelated to the non-arm's length Creditor, with respect to the merits of the Debt Settlement and the resulting approval of the Settlement Agreements by the board of directors of the Company. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing of the Debt Settlement as the details of the Debt Settlement and the participation therein by the non-arm's length Creditor were not settled until recently and the Company wishes to close on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. Early Warning Disclosure In connection with the Debt Settlement, Frank Callaghan ("Mr. Callaghan"), through Standard Drilling and Engineering Ltd., a company of which he is the sole shareholder, will acquire an aggregate of 4,000,000 Common Shares at a price of $0.10 per Common Share and 2,000,000 whole Warrants, each exercisable to acquire one additional Common Share at exercise prices as follows: $0.12 in year one, $0.14 in year two, $0.16 in year three, $0.18 in year four, and $0.20 in year five (the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition requires disclosure pursuant to the early warning requirements of applicable securities laws. Mr. Callaghan is the CEO, President and a Director of the Company. Mr. Callaghan currently owns and exercises control or direction over an aggregate of 3,340,981 Common Shares representing approximately 23.02% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis. Upon completion of the Debt Settlement, Mr. Callaghan will own or exercise control or direction over a total of 7,340,981 Common Shares and 2,000,000 Warrants, which will represent approximately 39.16% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a non-diluted basis and approximately 45.03% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares on a partially-diluted basis. Mr. Callaghan may from time to time and depending on market and other conditions and subject to the requirements of applicable securities laws, dispose or acquire additional Common Shares through market transactions, private agreements, treasury issuances, exercises of convertible securities or otherwise, or may, subject to the requirements of applicable securities laws, sell all or some portion of the Common Shares he owns or controls, or may continue to hold the Common Shares. This disclosure is being provided in accordance with National Instrument 62-103 - The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues in connection with the filing of an early warning report by Mr. Callaghan in respect of the Acquisition, which report will contain additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of the early warning report will be filed by Mr. Callaghan in accordance with applicable securities laws and will be available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. About Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. is rediscovering the Cariboo Gold Rush by proceeding with high-grade targeted drilling and trenching programs on its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine project which is almost fully encircled on 3 of 4 sides by Osisko Development (NSE-ODV/TSXV-ODV). Historically, over 101 placer gold creeks on the 90 km trend from the Cariboo Hudson mine north to the Quesnelle Gold Quartz mine have recorded production in excess of 2.6 million ounces of gold up to 1933 (Hall, 1986) and successful placer mining continues to this day. Golden Cariboo's Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property is 4 km northeast of, and road accessible from, Hixon in central British Columbia. The Property includes the Quesnelle Quartz gold-silver deposit, which was discovered in 1865 in conjunction with placer mining activities and produced 2,048 tonnes grading 3.14 g/t Au and 4.18 g/t Ag in 1932 and 1939, with an additional 217 tonnes of unknown grade reported in 1878 (BC Minfile, 2021). Hixon Creek, which dissects the Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property, is a placer creek which has seen limited, small-scale placer production since the mid 1860's. From Ministry of Mines Reports prior to 1945, estimates of up to $2,000,000 worth of placer gold was mined from Hixon Creek. . Golden Cariboo Resources Ltd. "J. Frank Callaghan" J. Frank Callaghan, President & CEO Neither the "CSE" Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements: This news release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and plans of the Company. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding; and Company's exploration plans with respect to its Quesnelle Gold Quartz Mine property. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, that the Company will have the resources required to proceed with its exploration plans; and that the Company will not run into regulatory or other barriers in carrying out its business plans. Additionally, forward-looking information involve a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the Company may incur unanticipated costs; that the Company may not have the resources required to pursue its exploration plans; and that the Company's operations could be adversely affected by possible future government legislation policies and controls or by changes in applicable laws and regulations. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, sufficiency or completeness of the information in this news release. Neither the Company nor any of its representatives shall have any liability whatsoever, under contract, tort, trust or otherwise, to you or any person resulting from the use of the information in this news release by you or any of your representatives or for omissions from the information in this news release. The forward-looking statements herein speak only as of the date they were originally made. The Company has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. February 14 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Fabled Copper Corp. ("Fabled Copper" or the "Company") (CSE:FABL); (FSE:XZ7) announces that it has provided notice of termination to the optionors under the option agreements with respect to the Muskwa Project, the Bronson Property and each of its Lithium properties, being the VOLT1 Property and the OHM Property (collectively the "Option Agreements"). The decision to terminate the Option Agreements was taken due to (i) the Company's current cash position (ii) the unavailability of additional financing to make required option payments and progress its projects; and (iii) there being no available compromise between the Company and the optionors to re-negotiate outstanding and due option payments under the Option Agreements. The Company has entered into termination agreements dated February 12, 2024 with the optionors of each of the Muskwa Project and the Bronson Property that have released the Company from the obligations to make any due payments to such optionors. In consideration the Company has transferred its respective ownership positions in any claims comprised in the Muskwa Project back to the optionors. Following termination the Company retains no interest in the VOLT1 Property or the OHM Property and no amounts are owed under the Option Agreements in relation thereto. The Company only retains ownership of the claims comprising the VOLT2 Property but has no plans to conduct any work on the same in the foreseeable future. The remaining members of the board of directors will commence a review of potential options, including any available alternative transactions that may preserve shareholder value and will provide any updates on the same in due course. Resignation of Directors and Officers The Company further announces that each of Mr. Patrick Donovan and Mr. Louis Martin have resigned as directors of the Company as of February 9, 2024. In addition Mr. Eric Tsung has resigned as CFO of the Company (as of February 8, 2024). The Company would like to thank each of the resigning directors and officers for their contributions to the Company and wish them the best in the future. The Company currently has two directors being Mr. Peter J. Hawley and Mr. Luc Pelchat. The Company will seek to appoint a third director to join the board of directors as is required by applicable corporate and securities laws and the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE"). Mr. Peter J. Hawley, President and CEO of the Company has been appointed interim CFO of the Company. The Company will seek to appoint a permanent CFO to join the Company as soon as it is able. The Company will provide updates regarding such appointments by subsequent news release. The Company's stock will remain halted pending the ongoing review of the CSE. About Fabled Copper Corp. Fabled is a publicly traded company which formerly operated as a mining exploration company but is currently focused on identifying new opportunities. Mr. Peter J. Hawley, President and C.E.O. Fabled Copper Corp. Phone: (819) 316-0919 peter@fabledcopper.org For further information please contact: info@fabledcopper.org The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including, that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events and that the Company obtains any required regulatory approvals. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking information in this document includes statements concerning the Company's intention to complete the Proposed Acquisition and all other statements that are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: impacts from the coronavirus or other epidemics, general economic conditions in Canada, the United States and globally; industry conditions, including fluctuations in commodity prices; governmental regulation of the mining industry, including environmental regulation; geological, technical and drilling problems; unanticipated operating events; competition for and/or inability to retain drilling rigs and other services; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; volatility in market prices for commodities; liabilities inherent in mining operations; changes in tax laws and incentive programs relating to the mining industry; as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law. Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Gov. Greg Gianforte on Tuesday announced he has directed the state's National Guard to coordinate with Texas officials about how Montana can lend resources to the southern border. The announcement officially permits Montana National Guard leadership to work with Texas to identify options to support efforts at the southern border amid state officials' standoff with the federal government, "including identifying volunteers for a potential support mission," the governor's office stated in a press release. "National security is the No. 1 responsibility of the federal government, and President Joe Biden has left Americans and our country completely vulnerable with his failure to address the cartel-fueled surge in illegal immigration and drugs," Gianforte said. "While Biden refuses to do his job and enforce the immigration laws already on the books, the state of Montana will identify meaningful ways to support Gov. Abbott and Texas in their efforts to secure the southern border." The move appears to be a step short of what other states have initiated thus far after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott hosted more than a dozen other Republican governors at the southern border earlier this month. Three days ago Utah Gov. Spencer Cox announced he will send law enforcement and Utah National Guard members to Texas following requests from Texas. Louisiana Gov. Leff Landry said last week he plans to deploy 150 National Guard members to the U.S.-Mexico border. Abbott has been at odds with the presidential administration since Biden took office, launching Operation Lone Star to ratchet up security measures beyond the federal government's own efforts. Today, I directed @GuardMontana to identify resources to support @GregAbbott_TX and the State of Texas in their efforts to secure the border. pic.twitter.com/vLWMUbW8fY Governor Greg Gianforte (@GovGianforte) February 13, 2024 The Montana National Guard has in the past assisted other states with support missions. "The soldiers and airmen of the Montana National Guard are always ready to respond to requests for support from our fellow states," Major General J. Peter Hronek, Adjutant General for Montana, said in the governor's press release Tuesday. "In recent years we have provided support outside our state in response to hurricanes, flooding, and fires. We will immediately begin looking for ways to support Texas in their ongoing border mission." Options for Montana's National Guard were not immediately clear on Tuesday. The Montana State News Bureau has reached out to the governor's office for additional information. Republicans in the U.S. Senate recently blocked bipartisan border legislation, a victim of election-year politics even though the bill offered much of what the GOP wanted and as crossing remain high. For their party, Republicans said they were skeptical Biden would implement the measures in the legislation. SHERIDAN Sgt. Nevada Krinkee was shot and killed while attempting to serve a trespass warning on a man near the intersection of Fifth Street and Val Vista Street Tuesday. Krinkee, a veteran of the department for more than six years, was transported to Sheridan Memorial Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries. The male subject fled the scene and was located a short time later in the area of Sixth Street and North Sheridan Avenue. Sheridan Police Department, Sheridan County Sheriff's Office and the Wyoming Highway Patrol officers established a perimeter and determined the subject was barricaded inside the residence. Members of the Gillette Police Department tactical unit and crisis negotiators responded to assist and a standoff ensued. The scene is still active at this time and the suspect was not yet in custody by 5 p.m. The investigation is being turned over to the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Additional information regarding the incident will be available through the DCI public information officer. "The entire department is shocked and saddened by this senseless act and appreciate all the thoughts and prayers from our community," SPD Chief Travis Koltiska said. "Please respect the privacy of our brother Nevada's family through this trying time." This article originally appeared in Eating New York, a weekly subscriber-only newsletter featuring food news and advice straight from our critics mouths. Sign up here. Photo: Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet At the eastern end of Long Island City, past the Sunnyside Yard train facility, theres an unlikely suburban shopping center, with a Home Depot, a Marshalls, a car dealership next to an auto-parts store, and, across from the H-Mart, one repurposed school bus painted gray like a flying saucer called Carnitas el Viejon. Every Saturday and Sunday, Oscar Vazquez and Jazmin Mendez wake up at 5 a.m. to start chopping radishes and slicing cucumbers. They pickle onions, mixing them with habanero and cubed pineapple. Mendez makes the salsas, one with tomatillo and serrano, the other with chile de arbol. Vazquez prepares the pork, which cooks for hours in a cazo, the conical vat filled with a bath of bubbling fat, Coca-Cola, beer, and brandy. Seasoning is simple: cinnamon, Mexican oregano, and salt. By 11 a.m., the couple is ready to open. To find them, just look for the school bus. The cazo is next to the window. Steam rises from the meat, as a cook chops away with his cleaver. Tortillas, all made fresh, are freckled with burn marks and fragrant. Tacos are priced at three for $15; a pound of the slow-cooked pork is $20. The chop here is rough, which gives shape and texture to each part of the animal: tender shoulder meat with jiggly, see-through skin thats sticky to the touch; crunchy strips of ear; and chewy bits of stomach. Every piece is sheathed in fat from its long soak in the cazo. On Mondays, Vazquez goes back to his day job as a contractor. This is real carnitas, and it is to the stuff sold at Chipotle what Lucalis wood-blistered pizzas are to Dominos. With few exceptions, what typically passes for carnitas in this city is made only with pork shoulder, and lacking the appeal of the real thing: a carnal frenzy of textures, smells, and tastes. When you cook an entire pig in a pot, there is a flavor that you cant get with a singular cut of meat, says Rick Martinez, the cookbook author and video host. Proper carnitas are made by braising or simmering pork in seasoned lard for several hours. Some cooks keep it simple, with salt and pepper only; others add cinnamon, oregano, orange, Coke, beer, or condensed milk. The ancestral home of carnitas is Michoacan, in western Mexico, where its often made with no liquid at all slowly bubbling away in fat like a French confit. Martinez says he prefers a wetter style usually found in Mexico City: They call it carnitas suave, he says. Just really, really smooth, not crispy its fall-apart pork. For years, carnitas fans have looked at whats available in New York with an air of general resignation. It used to be rare, but now a lot of other restaurants and even street vendors are doing it like this, says Myrna Crespo, whose family owns La Espiga, the Corona restaurant that has been breaking out its cazo on weekends since 2007. Carnitas in the cazo with orange, bay leaf, and everything else at El Viejon. Oscar Vazquez says they go through 140 to 150 pounds of pork in a day. Pork skin, fresh out of the manteca. Mark Antonio Garcia chops the meat at Carnitas el Viejon. An order of three tacos: skin (top), ear (bottom left), and stomach (bottom right). More ribbons of cueritos, or pork sin. Photographs by Jutharat Pinyodoonyachet One reason for New Yorks carnitas scarcity, Martinez explains, is space: Who has room for a cazo, or even slabs of whole pig? The labor involved is another issue, but for the operators who are willing to undertake the task, the sight of meat, submerged in a cauldron of bubbling fat, is the draw: I think theres a cool performative aspect to it, says the chef Efren Hernandez, who runs Casa Susanna, a popular modern-Mexican restaurant in the Catskills. In the city, many newer operations opened over the last couple of years, and operate as street vendors. They can be found in Sunset Park, Longwood in the Bronx, and along the 7 train in Queens, the true hive of carnitas activity in this city, all using a greater variety of cuts like at the Jackson Heights street vendor Carnitas Tommy, where theres nose, cheek, skin, stomach, tongue, ear, and shoulder. In early 2023, Eduardo Cuautencos and Jose Miguel Rosas started Tacos el Lobo, originally running it out of a house. In December, they upgraded to a food truck, decorated with slogans in Spanish and English, an illustration of the 7 train, and their logo: an orange wolf wearing a scarf and brandishing a knife. They have the best buche stomach one customer said, while waiting for his usual order of five tacos. A few blocks away is Chilangos Taqueira, a food truck that parks across from Corona Plaza. Its owned by Luis Santos, who grew up in Mexico City and was previously an executive chef for the company that ran Heartland Brewery and Guy Fieris Times Square restaurant. I know how to do this my family has been doing it for more than 60 years, he says. He points to his copper cazo Because its the real way they do it in Michoacan for cooking skin, ear, stomach, and shoulder. His carnitas are crispier, and more finely chopped than some others. Their flavor is also richer and deeper. Santos, like many vendors, started the business during the pandemic, after restaurants shut down. My wife had been saying to me for years, Lets open a taqueria, he recalls. I would say, Unfortunately I cant my job is 24/7. Until, suddenly, it wasnt. Around the same time, Juan Luis de Jesus started selling tamales to make money but so did a lot of other people. As his sales dropped, he started thinking of what else he could do. In early 2023, he began selling carnitas at the northwest corner of Grand Concourse and East Fordham Road in the Bronx. At Tacos de Carnitas El Hidalguense, de Jesus cooks skin, shoulder, ear, stomach, and, on the weekends, adds ribs to the mix. His pieces are cut on the bigger side, with large, crunchy chunks of ear. Im trying to make them exactly, exactly how my dad showed me, de Jesus says. He runs the stand with his wife and brother; on weekends, they bring in a couple more people to help. Business has been good enough that hes bought a food truck, which hell roll out in a few weeks. Both tamales and carnitas are a lot of work, he says. I like carnitas much better now, of course its busier. The same is true at Mi Lindo Teopantlan, on the corner of 42nd Avenue and 111th Street in Corona. They fry chicharrones seemingly by the ton, and add a little bit of milk to the cazo. Here, they cook the head, ears, tongue, stomach, skin, shoulder, belly, and more. All the customers are regulars, to the point where the workers and owners know each of them. I ask one person waiting to eat if he comes every week and he shakes his head: More like three times a week, he says, taco in hand. Samsung introduced Galaxy AI features last month with the Galaxy S24 series, and the brand today announced that some of them are coming to its TWS earphones. Samsung has released an OTA in India that brings the Live Translation and Interpretation features from the Galaxy S24 series to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Buds2, and Galaxy Buds FE. The Korean brand also said these two features are on-device features on the Galaxy Buds, so an active internet connection is not required to use them. Live Translation allows users to see real-time call translation on the Galaxy S24 lineup's screens when talking via Galaxy Buds, while Interpretation "provides a seamless two-way, face-to-face interpretation through Galaxy Buds interface." In a press note, Samsung said, "Users can directly speak into the Buds mic and their translated voice will now be available via the Galaxy S24 series enabling near-natural conversation between two individuals each holding Galaxy S24 series smartphone and Galaxy Buds respectively, eliminating the need to hand over the phone and manage translated talking." These Galaxy AI features are currently rolling out for the Galaxy Buds in India through an OTA and should reach other markets soon. Samsung launched the Galaxy F14 in March last year, so the Galaxy F15's release is rapidly approaching, even if it's still not official. Either way, a prototype F15 5G just ran Geekbench earlier today, and it managed a 690 single-core score and a 1,752 multi-core score. The prototype unsurprisingly ran Android 14, and it's going to launch with One UI 6 on top. It had 4GB of RAM, but Samsung may decide to offer more memory options when the phone becomes official. While the chipset isn't outright stated in the Geekbench database, it's being speculated that the F15 will sport MediaTek's Dimensity 6100+, based on the reported clock speeds of its processor. This was already seen in the Galaxy A15 5G which launched back in December of last year. It wouldn't be surprising for the F15 5G to share the A15 5G's chipset since the F14 was basically just a rebranded version of the A14 5G with a bigger battery. If the pattern holds this year, then expect the Galaxy F15 5G to come with a 6.5-inch 90 Hz AMOLED screen, a triple rear camera setup (50 MP main, 5 MP ultrawide, 2 MP macro), a 13 MP selfie snapper, and a 6,000 mAh battery. Via The Samsung Galaxy S24 series comes with a feature called Instant Slow-Mo, which turns a regular video into a slow-mo clip with the help of AI, eliminating the need to record a video in native Slow-Mo mode. A Samsung Community moderator has revealed Instant Slow-Mo will also come to Samsung's older devices. Samsung will bring Instant Slow-Mo to eight devices, including the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy Z Fold5, Galaxy Z Flip5, Galaxy Tab S9, Galaxy Tab S9+, and Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Basically, devices powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or newer chips will get the Instant Slow-Mo since it needs to react in 16.6ms for 60FPS videos, which requires a powerful GPU and NPU. Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24+, and Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung's new video editor that supports editing videos to add Instant Slow-Mo effects is also coming to the aforementioned devices. Additionally, the moderator announced that Samsung will improve Instant Slow-Mo by adding support for 10-bit videos, 480p videos, and .mov file format. The moderator didn't provide any timeframe for the arrival of Instant Slow-Mo on older devices, but we expect it to arrive with the One UI 6.1 update for these phones and tablets. Source (in Korean) Xiaomi is expected to launch the 14 internationally at a special event in Barcelona on February 25, and it seems like the company might also unveil the yet-unannounced 14 Ultra on that occasion. Recently, the 14's pricing for the European Union was leaked, and today that 1,099 price has been 'confirmed' again - as much as a rumor can confirm another rumor, of course. More importantly, we now know what to expect when it comes to the 14 Ultra's pricing, and it will cost exactly as much as its predecessor, if this new information is to be believed. Namely, 1,499. Xiaomi 14 Ultra in black and white Both devices will only be offered in Europe in one single version - the 14 with 12GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, the 14 Ultra with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Color-wise, the 14 will land in Europe in green, black, and white, while the 14 Ultra will be more conservative: just black or white. If you're wondering where the 14 Pro is in all this - it's in China, and it's going to stay there. Today we get yet another 'confirmation' of the fact that the middle child won't be making an international debut, for better or worse. Source (in French) | Image source Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael R. Weimer visits with Soldiers of Task Force Talon, Guam, Feb. 7, 2023. Talon is composed of both Active Duty and Guard Soldiers from the 38th Air Defense Artillery and Guam National Guard, respectively, and operates the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system on Guam. The possibility of direct flights from Guam to the Tokyo area is back, with United Airlines renewing its push to launch the first ever route between Guam and Tokyos Haneda Airport. United stands ready to institute this proposed service on May 1, 2024, after a final award from the Department, the airline wrote in its renewed application to the Department of Transportation. The airline is now looking to run seven night time flights a week between Guam and the Tokyo metropolitan area, even more than previous plans. It would be the first route of its kind, according to the airline. Uniteds application to run five direct flights a week between Guam and Haneda was rejected by the Department of Transportation late last year because Hawaiian Airlines still had rights to the slots at the Japanese airport that United wanted to take over. Guam flights to Japan are currently routed to Narita International Airport, located 37 miles outside of the center of Tokyo. Haneda is closer to the citys downtown area, and also hosts a number of domestic flights that can easily connect travelers to areas across Japan. Despite plans to hold on to the night-time Haneda slots, Hawaiian Airlines has since returned the rights to DoT, pointing to limited demand for seats on the Japan to Hawaii route. United is looking to move in once again, seeking the five night time flights it applied for last year, along with an additional two slots out of Haneda that Hawaiian has since dropped due to limited customer demand. A proposed flight schedule from the airline has planes leaving Guam at around 7 p.m. and arriving at Haneda at 10 p.m. the same day. Return flights would leave Haneda just before midnight, and arrive on Guam at around 4:40 a.m. the next day. The airline is asking the transportation department to award the Haneda slots as soon as possible, as United is the only airline that has expressed interest in slots. No other airline filed an application for the slots as of Wednesday, federal filings show. DoT already stated that United was welcome to reapply for the slots if they became available, when the airlines application was dismissed last year. Local government officials have already backed the route, with Guam Visitors Bureau President and CEO Carl Gutierrez calling the potential flights an enormous opportunity to grow the visitor market for the island. Once the primary source market for the island, Japan in the years since the COVID-19 pandemic has fallen behind Korea as the leader in visitor arrivals each year. GVB is still working to resuscitate the lagging Japan tourism market, which has fallen behind due to a weak yen and continued travel restrictions. Japanese visits saw the first rebound since 2020 last year, with 136,736 arrivals from Japan. Thats more than eight times the number of Japanese arrivals in 2021 and 2022 combined. But the figure still paled in comparison to the 371,903 Korean visitors that touched down on Guam. Preliminary arrival numbers for January show arrivals from Japan are still down 67% compared to January of 2019, which was the best year for Guam tourism in history. Police ask for help finding man in connection with robbery, assault Some readers, especially those with Scandinavian heritage, may be familiar with the stories of Sven and Ole. I grew up hearing them from my late grandfather. One story comes to mind in the context of our current political climate. Sven and Ole, were two farmers with neighboring farms who had always been very competitive. Oles father had always been a Ford man, and the bigger the better, especially the F-350s. So, of course, Ole grew up as a Ford man, too! Svens father had always been a Chevy man, and he loved those big Silverados. Sven kept up the tradition as a Chevy man, too. One day, as Sven and Ole were both attending the local livestock auction, they argued about who had the strongest, toughest truck. They finally decided to settle the dispute by hooking a tow rope up to the hitch of each pickup, to see who could pull the other guy in his direction. Once in position, they each gave their trucks the gas. Of course, we know who won it was the local parts dealer who sells ropes and transmissions. Much like Sven and Ole, today we have politicians pulling our country apart. Traveling around eastern and central Montana, people tell me theyre frustrated with the dysfunction in Washington, D.C. ABC News recently reported the 118th Congress (was) on track to become one of the least productive in U.S. history. And Republican Congressman Chip Roy of Texas took to the House floor to challenge One thing: I want my Republican colleagues to give me one thing one that I can go campaign on and say we did. One! That resonates with all Montanans, regardless of ones political stripes. How do we move away from todays chaos and return to the stability that has powered American prosperity? One of my political heroes pointed the way. In 2017, the late Republican senator, war hero and political maverick, John McCain, called for a return to regular order, compromise and open legislative processes. Count me in on that. Regular order in Congress would require a bill to go through the normal committee process, hearings, amendments and then the full legislative body for additional debate. That is the way our democratic system of separation of powers and checks and balances is designed to work. That is why we elect representatives. Another solution for our U.S. Congress is something already done at the Montana Legislature, thanks to our Montana Constitution single subject legislation. Single subject legislation ensures greater transparency and can limit the growth of government, by allowing bills to pass or fail on their own merits, rather than having lawmakers try to work on multiple bills packaged together into a massive Omnibus bill. However, returning to the stability of the past ultimately depends on who we elect. Candidates who follow the example of Sven and Ole, of spinning the tires, burning out the motor, and giving off a lot of pointless smoke and noise will only add to the chaos. To find stability again we must choose candidates who put the Constitution first, reject chaos and extremism and will work for the good of all their constituents. More needs to be done to protect Guam from potential missile threats in the short term, according to a report from Washington, D.C.-based think tank, the Heritage Foundation. In a January report, the conservative think tank, which has long been an advocate for U.S. missile defense, recommended a number of defense systems be deployed to Guam while awaiting the development of a 360-degree missile defense system for the island. Missile threats from North Korea and especially China continue to advance, with the latter deploying hard-to-intercept hypersonic missiles and advanced nuclear weapons, the report states. "China is putting an enormous amount of resources into holding American and allied bases at risk, using conventional and possibly even nuclear weapons," the report states. While the U.S. Missile Defense Agency is making progress in missile defense capabilities to intercept such missiles more effectively, "these improvements will take time and likely be too late to deter a Chinese aggression that by many accounts could occur before the end of this decade." The Missile Defense Agency has put the activation of a 360-degree missile defense system for the island in 2027. But a report from the Department of Defenses Director of Operation Testing and Evaluation issued this month found there were "significant" challenges to test and develop such a system, which will have to integrate multiple missile launcher and radar systems to work. While new technology is developed, more existing missile defense technology should be deployed, the Heritage Foundation report recommends. That includes a ship-based Aegis missile system, the Navy's most modern missile system, to defend the island against long-range missile threats, the report states. Already developed counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar systems could also be deployed to the island to defend against shorter-range missile threats, it notes. The cost would be around $100 million "but the defense of Guam is imperative, due to the fact that it is American soil and is the lynchpin of Americas ability to project power in the Western Pacific," the report states. It recommends that Congress fund such a short-term investment in the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act. For veterans living on Guam, the average wait time to get a disability rating is seven months, which is unacceptable, according to Del. James Moylan, whose request led to a study that provided astonishing results. Now, Moylan is asking Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough for a plan that would reduce the timelines for veterans to obtain disability ratings. To be frank, no veteran should have to wait six to seven months to determine what their disability rating is, particularly when it correlates to their ability to receive, Moylan said in his Feb. 12 letter to McDonough. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat from Alaska, co-signed the bipartisan letter with Moylan, a Republican. In his two-page letter, Moylan said that after multiple meetings with VA Undersecretary Joshua Jacobs, a study was commissioned, with astonishing results for veterans living in Guam, overseas, and within the 50 states. Moylan said the study was commissioned at his request. The study helped determine the timelines for veterans living on Guam, examining the average wait time for a veteran seeking a VA compensation and pension exam, to when they finally secured a disability rating decision. Moylan, citing the results of the study, said the average timeline from when a veteran tries to request for a VA C&P exam to the date they receive a decision averages seven months in Guam, and six months if you live in the mainland. It gets even worse for those veterans residing in foreign countries. None of these are acceptable, Moylan said in a statement. While timelines are one concerning factor, the process itself becomes very questionable, he said. It is 2024, and it makes no sense that it would take weeks, if not months, for medical records to be sent to the VA office, he said. Whether there is a need to increase the number of vendors to conduct C&P exams in certain jurisdictions, digitizing records for electronic submittals, or addressing the expediency in evaluating results, we hope that the VA would provide us some details on how they will reduce the overall timelines. Our Veterans deserve better. Moylan, in his letter, told the VA secretary that despite numerous requests over the past several months, his office has not heard from the undersecretary or his office on his questions. The Guam delegate said if VA does not respond in a timely manner with a plan to reduce the overall timelines, he will introduce a measure, along with Peltola, to legislate the process. In the letter to the VA secretary, Moylan said studies are only effective if the red flags are addressed with action from the relevant agency. Our veterans deserve better. Something as basic as improving the timelines for a veteran to deserve a disability rating, should be a standard that the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to strive for, Moylan wrote to the VA secretary. In February 2023, the U.S. Government Accountability Office, the investigative arm of Congress, released a report citing lack of healthcare personnel to serve thousands of military service veterans on Guam. Guam had as many as 76 vacancies mostly for nurses, social workers and other health care workers to serve thousands of veterans in the last four fiscal years, according to the Feb. 16, 2023 GAO report. GAO said the vacancies persist not only on Guam but also in American Samoa and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands despite hiring flexibilities, monetary awards and other special incentives to hire and retain staff. Besides competition from other health care systems or employers, the Veterans Health Administration also has significant recruitment and retention challenges posed by the geographical distance between Guam and the U.S. mainland, GAO added. It seems like every day I open the newspaper and read a new decision issued by a Montana court. Im not a lawyer, but its becoming apparent to me that our courts are increasingly out of control. There have been many questionable decisions issued by our courts in recent years. One decision, however Forward Montana v. State of Montana is so bad that even two of the seven Montana Supreme Court justices noted that the Court had veered from the Constitution. There are three separate branches in our system of government: the legislative, the executive, and the judicial. Each branch exercises its own separate power and responsibilities. This separation of powers is the cornerstone of our constitutional system. Its purpose is to ensure no individual or institution becomes too powerful. In Federalist No. 47, James Madison wrote that The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands, whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny. In the Forward Montana decision, the Montana Supreme Court trampled all over this cornerstone of constitutional government. In the opinion, the Court gave the judiciary the authority to determine whether the Legislature followed appropriate legislative procedure and norms. This unprecedented opinion may be the first of its kind in the history of our country. The Montana Supreme Courts ruling is a gross invasion of the separation of powers and nothing more than an unfettered attack on a co-equal branch of government. The text of the Montana Constitution is clear the Legislature, not the courts, has the power to adopt rules governing the operation of the legislative branch. Unless the Montana Constitution specifies a certain procedure or places a limitation on the Legislature, the judiciary has no authority to direct how the lawmaking process occurs. The Forward Montana decision is not just an error, its an example of a court unmoored and unrestrained from the Constitution of the State of Montana. The five justices who produced this decision together have over 150 years of legal experience, and yet, for some reason they think they have authority to unconstitutionally micromanage the operations of a co-equal branch of government. The Montana Supreme Court is not a super legislature. It is a branch of government with specific powers and responsibilities. Like any branch, its powers are limited. The Montana Constitution grants the judiciary the power to resolve disputes and determine questions of constitutional interpretation. The Montana Constitution reserves to the Legislature the power to write its own rules and interpret them. The members of the Montana Supreme Court are judges, not kings. Its time for the judiciary to start following the Montana Constitution and respecting the separation of powers. A Minot woman charged with murder after allegedly poisoning her longtime boyfriend by putting antifreeze in his iced tea has been ordered to undergo a criminal responsibility evaluation. Ina Kenoyer, who is in her late 40s, will be seen at the State Hospital in Jamestown. The evaluation will push her trial back into late May, according to court records. Under state law, a person lacks criminal responsibility if they exhibit a lack of substantial capacity to comprehend the harmful nature or consequences of their conduct, or their conduct is the result of a loss or serious distortion of their capacity to recognize reality. It is an essential element of the crime charged that the person act willfully. Kenoyer was charged with murder-knowing and intentional last October after Steven Riley, her boyfriend of more than 10 years, died following a short illness in September. Riley had met with an attorney regarding an inheritance that Riley was reportedly set to receive in the millions of dollars, according to an affidavit. The document says Kenoyer had made statements saying she felt entitled to a share of the wealth, citing a common law marriage. Friends of Riley contacted authorities after his death, saying Kenoyer had made statements regarding poisoning him by putting antifreeze in iced tea she served him shortly before his death, authorities allege. An autopsy determined Riley, 51, died from toxic levels of ethylene glycol in his blood. Ethelyne glycol is a clear odorless liquid used in the production of antifreeze and polyester fibers. The compound is sweet to the taste and is easily disguised in drinks, according to police. Authorities searched Kenoyer's Minot residence following Riley's death and found a number of containers containing antifreeze, according to the affidavit. Following her arrest, Kenoyer allegedly became angry after being told North Dakota does not recognize common law marriage and that any claims she had against an inheritance would be disallowed. Kenoyer has been in custody in the Ward County jail on a $1 million cash or surety bond. If convicted she faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Press release Montana Farmers Union members, farmers, and ranchers recently relayed the impacts of foreign policy on their day-to-day lives with Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Bill Russo, discussing the need to rebuild trade relations, opportunities for U.S. wheat in Canada, mandatory Country of Origin Labeling, food security and national security, immigration reform for ag labor, and concerns with foreign and corporate consolidation and ownership of our food and ag supply chains. Russo was keenly interested in the impact global trade relations have on family farme... Guna Kumari Ghimire, left, and her husband, far right, pose alongside Gamsa, the first calf born under the Milky Way project, and Gamsa's mother, Tosilee. Photo by Suraj Shah/Heifer International. Kamalamai is nestled in Nepals lush Sindhuli Valley, a quiet and peaceful rural area where Heifer International has worked alongside rural communities for decades. In February 2024, this community celebrated the birth of a very special calf. It is a female pure-bred Holstein the first of an expected 73 calves that will be born by Holstein heifers that were gifted to the farmers of Nepal by the people of Korea that builds on a partnership between the two countries that stretches back 50 years. The birth of this calf is an opportunity to recognize the challenges and the hopes that have led to her birth, as well as the historic collaboration between Heifer International and the people of Korea that supported the transfer of her mother from a dairy farm in Korea to this rural valley in Nepal. The calf named Gamsa in Korean and Dhanyabaad in Nepali, meaning thank you belongs to a smallholder farming family that was among 50 recipient households raising the Holstein heifers. Her birth is important not just for the farmers who form part of this Model Dairy Village but also for the people of Nepal in the hope that her descendants will create opportunities for improved food security and a strong agricultural economy. Guna Kumari Ghimire, the farmer who received Gamsas mother, Tosilee, is delighted to have the firstborn calf. We are so happy to see Gamsa so healthy and strong. My family named her Gamsa because we are thankful for many gifts we received from Korea, starting with her mom, Tosilee, who flew from Korea. She said, explaining that Korean dairy experts and veterinarians visited many times to provide specialized training and ongoing support on proper livestock management, including modernized shelter, feed and disease prevention. Gamsa and her peers are part of a special breeding program that launched in December 2022 when the government of South Korea gifted 100 high-yielding Holstein heifers and eight breeding bulls to Nepal in a gesture of solidarity and an understanding of what it takes to alleviate poverty. Holstein cows milk output can exceed 30 liters a day on average, more than three times that of most cows in Nepal. The eight breeding bulls were given to the Nepal Agriculture Research Council and three National Livestock Breeding Offices. Currently, 73 other heifers in Kamalamai are pregnant, underscoring the value of the Korean cows and how well they have adapted to their new environment and conditions. Gamsa stands with her mother, Tosilee in a birthing stall in the Model Village in Kamalamai in Nepal. As the firstborn calf from the original 100 heifers and eight breeding bulls donated to Nepal, she will be part of a Passing On the Gift ceremony to pay this generous gift forward to a neighboring family. One of the cornerstones of Heifers rural development model, Passing on the Gift makes recipient farmers into donors, allowing them to take pride in giving and receiving. Photo by Suraj Shah/Heifer International. Facilitated by Heifer International as part of a project that has been aptly called the "Milky Way," this initiative aims to bridge the gaps in Nepals dairy production to improve nutritional outcomes for vulnerable groups and encourage rural communities to build a thriving dairy industry. The calf's arrival marks the beginning of what will become a nucleus herd of productive dairy cows. The project prioritizes the welfare of the animals at every step of the journey. Heifer International and veterinarians from South Korea and Nepal provided specialized training and ongoing support to the farmers on proper livestock management for the animals including preparing appropriate shelter, feed and disease prevention. In an article published in the Korea Times, Chung Hwang-keun, Korean Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, described the efforts that led to the donation and transfer of the Holstein herd from Korea to Nepal. In the article, he noted that many Koreans volunteered and crowdfunded to support the initiative and that dairy farmers donated their heifers. The minister wrote that livestock farmers who started dairy farming with the milk cows provided by the international community [through Heifer International] joined the milk cow donation, thus adding more significance to the project. The Korean government is extending its support in diverse ways, beyond donating heifers, to ensure that the Nepali dairy industry can follow the path Korea had taken We are proud of this effort, and we are happy to be friends of the people of Nepal, he wrote. Little Gamsa is also a symbol of South Korea's remarkable journey. Once a recipient of development support in the form of animals and eggs from Heifer International during the 1950s, South Korea is now a donor nation, extending help and support to the people of Nepal in recognition of the tremendous support they received 70 years ago. Now, Korea is Passing on the Gift to Nepal to close the loop on a decades-old gift. In this undated image captured between 1952 and 1954, children pose with cows gifted to Korean farmers by Heifer International as part of rebuilding efforts after the Korean War. Photo by Heifer International. The transfer of the Holsteins to Nepal and the knowledge and support that has been necessary to ensure the successful birth of Gamsa and her peers is an example of Heifers Passing on the Gift model, which establishes sustainability throughout its programs by encouraging recipients to pass on their firstborn female animals to other families and communities in need, fostering a network of self-reliance. Passing on the Gift is an important cornerstone of Heifers Values Based Holistic Community Development model, which strives to foster sustainable, locally led development and empowers farmers to become donors themselves, so that they take pride in giving and receiving inputs, livestock and training to multiply the impact of the initial investment. From left to right: Deepak Subedi, Executive Director of SIDS Nepal; Dr. Young-Chan Kim, President and Chief Veterinarian of PAJU Dairy Clinic, Seoul Dairy Cooperative; Dr. Tirtha Raj Regmi, Country Director of Heifer Nepal; Dr. Rewati Raman Poudel, Secretary Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; Ambassador Taeyoung Park of the Republic of Korea to Nepal; Mr. Upendra Pokharel, Mayor of Kamalamai Municipality; Ms. Haewon Lee, Executive Director of Heifer Korea; Ms. Neena Joshi, Senior Vice President of Heifer International; Ms. Yoonhee Chung, Deputy Director of KOICA Nepal Office; and Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General of the Department of Livestock Services gather for ribbon-cutting at the inauguration of the Korea-Nepal Sindhuli Model Dairy Village in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Nepal-Korea relations. Photo by Suraj Shah/Heifer International. A symbolic Passing on the Gift ceremony to celebrate the calfs birth occured on February 13, where the Korean Ambassador to Nepal was in attendance to mark this milestone. The event included the inauguration of the village as the Korea-Nepal Sindhuli Model Dairy Village. The community of Kamalamai Passed on the Gift by symbolically giving Gamsa to another model village to strengthen and solidify the relationships that will make the continuation of this project possible. She will stay with her mother till she is ready to be weaned. From left to right: Mr. Rajendra Koirala, Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Bagmati Province; Dr. Tirtha Raj Regmi, Country Director of Heifer Nepal; Dr. Umesh Dahal, Director General, Department of Livestock Services; Mr. Upendra Pokharel, Mayor of Kamalamai Municipality; Dr. Rewati Raman Poudel, Secretary Livestock Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development; Ambassador Taeyoung Park of the Republic of Korea to Nepal; Dr. Young-Chan Kim, President and Chief Veterinarian of PAJU Dairy Clinic, Seoul Dairy Cooperative; and a local farmer in shadow, participate in a Passing on the Gift ceremony. In front of the cattle are Ms. Neena Joshi, Senior Vice President of Heifer International; Guna Kumari Ghimire, calf owner and gift donor; Uma Subedi, local farmer and calf recipient; and Ms. Haewon Lee, Executive Director of Heifer Korea. Photo by Suraj Shah/Heifer International. In time, as more calves are born, the benefits of the first gift will grow exponentially so that dairy cooperatives thrive, access to veterinary services and knowledge sharing among farmers improves and the people of Nepal have more access to food and nutrition. Korea and Nepal have developed reciprocal and cooperative relations based on long-standing trust and friendship 2024 marks the 50 anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Both countries look forward to sharing the experience and know-how gained in this work with other countries. As the Milky Way project unfolds, it demonstrates the transformative potential of compassion, collaboration and a shared commitment to ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth. In 2023 , the National Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking (NAS) in Finland reported a slight increase in the number of new referrals, totaling 510, compared to the previous year. With 326 new victims identified and admitted into the system, the data reveals a concerning trend that forced labour continues to be the predominant form of exploitation, highlighting significant challenges in combating human trafficking within the country. Over half of the identified victims were women and girls, demonstrating the gendered nature of human trafficking. A significant 64% of exploitation cases occurred domestically, underscoring the issue as a local problem rather than solely an international concern. The victims comprised 35 nationalities, indicating the diverse backgrounds of those affected by forced labour in Finland. The sectors most implicated in these exploitation cases included wild produce picking, berry farms, restaurants, cleaning, well-being, and greenhouses. Assistant Director Katri Lyijynen of the NAS emphasized the financial motives behind labour exploitation, noting its detrimental effects on fair competition and the economy. She pointed out that labour exploitation not only violates Finnish labour laws but is invariably linked to financial crimes, stressing the importance of the NAS's role in crime prevention and victim support. Forced labour situations are characterized by the absence of workers' rights, with victims often trapped in abusive conditions through debt bondage, threats of violence, or restrictions on personal freedom. Victims are frequently misled about their working conditions, with many receiving inadequate or unpaid wages. By the end of 2023, the NAS was assisting 1,563 individuals, including 1,287 identified victims and 276 of their underage children. Among these victims, 19 were children, and approximately 60% were women. Nearly half of all NAS clients were victims of forced labour, followed by those subjected to sexual exploitation and forced marriage, illustrating the varied forms of human trafficking prevalent in Finland. The fight against human trafficking is a critical social issue, with efforts to expose this hidden criminality being vital to societal well-being. The NAS's ongoing training programs for stakeholders and NGOs have been instrumental in raising awareness, enhancing the detection of cases, and facilitating the identification of victims. As an expert authority established in 2006, the NAS operates under the Finnish Immigration Service and aims to support all victims of human trafficking, including Finnish and foreign nationals, and their underage children. The NAS also maintains a 24/7 helpline and the national ihmiskauppa.fi website, serving as a central resource for information and assistance related to human trafficking in Finland. HT Leaders from three Finnish youth political organizations, the Social Democratic Youth (Demarinuoret), Centre Party Youth (Keskustanuoret), and the Swedish People's Party Youth (RKP-nuoret), are urging Finland's government to take a more active role in addressing the ongoing crisis in Gaza. They demand strong international intervention and a permanent ceasefire to prevent what they describe as potentially one of the darkest moments in human history. Gaza has been experiencing a significant real-time tragedy over the past few months, with the area, roughly the size of Espoo, under severe bombardment. According to reports (YLE, January 22), the death toll has already surpassed 20,000, including 9,600 children and young people. With Israeli ground forces planning an operation in Rafah, where an estimated 1.5 million civilians are trapped, the urgency for a resolution has never been more critical. "The war began with a series of Hamas terror attacks on Israel. While it's true that a sovereign state has the right to defend its sovereignty, Israel's use of force has long exceeded the bounds of self-defense, resulting in outright slaughter," says Jere Tapio, Chair of Keskustanuoret. The leaders emphasize the necessity for the international community to step in, demand a lasting ceasefire, and halt Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's actions. They call for a concrete vision for a two-state solution and the neutralization of Hamas's influence in the region. "Although the EU and the US have expressed support for the two-state solution, the rocky path to peace is not paved with words alone but actions. This situation demands that rhetoric leads to political will. Western nations must act credibly it's not only about saving a vast number of lives but also about the credibility of the entire international rule-based system," urges Emilia Kangaskolkka, Chair of Demarinuoret. The youth leaders also express frustration with the domestic political discourse in Finland, which has focused more on internal positioning rather than the tragedy in Gaza. They call on Finland's foreign policy leaders to take responsibility. "The lack of foreign policy leadership has allowed for polarized discussions within Finland. Simple domestic quarreling will not help improve the situation in Gaza. We are particularly perplexed by the invisibility of the Orpo-Purra administration. However, there's still time to step forward and rectify the situation," the leaders state. They remind the Finnish government that the atmosphere in Gaza is far from the spirit of Valentine's Day, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the crisis. HT Man convicted of statutory rape sentenced to 175 years in prison Michael Brian Johnson A 53-year-old Hendersonville man was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison after a Henderson County Superior Court jury found him guilty last week of five counts of statutory rape of a child, Police Chief Blair Myhand announced in a news release. Convicted on the felony charges was Michael Brian Johnson. Our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our community remains strong, Myhand said. I commend the work of our detectives and partner organizations to hold the perpetrator in this case accountable for his actions. Hendersonville police detectives began the investigation into the sexual assault of a minor in January 2021 and over the course of the investigation worked closely with Safelight Child Advocacy Center, the Henderson County Department of Social Services and the Henderson County District Attorneys Office. After the jury handed down the conviction, Special Superior Court Judge William Stetzer of Gastonia sentenced Johnson to 125 to 175 years in prison. North Dakota Legacy Fund leaders and decision-makers say a recent poll fails to capture the work already being done to steer investments back to the state. Others, however, say the overall mission of the Legacy Fund has not been adequately defined or has shifted from its original purpose. A total of 60% of eligible voters want Legacy Fund investments to be directed to development projects in North Dakota, compared to 18% who think the fund should continue to focus mainly on growth, according to the North Dakota poll conducted by the North Dakota News Cooperative and released Tuesday. We are pleased with the investment strategy in the state and the amounts that are being reinvested in the state I think are appropriate, said Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller, who heads the State Investment Board, the body responsible for administering the fund. It does take some time to evaluate those investments, make those decisions, and then fund. In 2021, under House Bill 1425, the Legislature approved an in-state investment program requiring a portion of the Legacy Fund to be invested in North Dakota during each biennium. Amendments made under Senate Bill 2330 in 2023 created more specific guidelines, directing targeted allocations of around $1.3 billion for infrastructure loans, for funds to the state-owned Bank of North Dakota and other equity investments in the state. Those investments are helping to keep entrepreneurs in our state, theyre helping to diversify the economy, theyre helping to create jobs, Miller said. In response to the results of the poll, Retirement and Investment Office Executive Director Jan Murtha also issued a statement on Feb. 13 outlining these investments. These detailed low-interest infrastructure loans to cities and counties, low-interest loans aimed at attracting companies, and other targeted investments going toward companies and private funds in the state. Megan Langley, founder and director of Strengthen ND, which focuses on nonprofit and rural development across the state, said looking at the trajectory of the Legacy Fund reminds her of an organization experiencing mission drift. In other words, while those directing the Legacy Fund might have a good idea of what the mission is, it appears to be out of step with the expectations of voters. It seems like there is a real hunger to know and understand what is going on, and I take that as a very positive signal that people are invested in what the fund can mean for the future of our state, Langley said. That signals to me a significant amount of hope for the future of North Dakota and hope that more can be done, she said. Joe Raso, president and CEO of the Greater Fargo Moorhead EDC, said the poll clearly shows an aspiration to see more funds invested in the people of the state. That should include room for investing in growing industries that will be the future of the state once oil revenues flatline, he said. The ag-tech sector, bioscience, autonomous systems, all of these and energy obviously, all of these have already had huge investments, Raso said. So would it make sense to look at those sectors, and, with the citizens saying we need more investment and economic development, to think of financing to target that. Working as intended State Rep. Mike Nathe, R-Bismarck, who was involved in crafting HB 1425, said he believes changes made directing more investment from the Legacy Fund back to the state are working as intended. Seeing that the voters want the money reinvested, were on it, were on that already, he said. To see that the voters want more invested in the state, I agree, and thats what 1425 does. Nathe said he thinks the overall public doesnt want to disturb the balance of the Legacy Fund. He also said a distinction should be drawn between growing that balance and spending off the interest earnings. They may want to use the interest off of that for different projects, but I don't think they want to cut the overall balance which is going to be close to $10 billion when (legislators) walk through the door next January, Nathe said. According to the poll, 68% of voters want Legacy Fund investments to be made within the state of North Dakota instead of following the current policy of putting most of the money into investments out of state. The poll also found that 59% favored using money from the Legacy Fund for initiatives such as eliminating local property taxes. Nathe also stated that Legacy Fund dollars are already going to property tax relief by funding projects that would otherwise have been completed through increasing property taxes in those areas. Nathe gave the examples of $100 million used for Fargo flood diversion projects and another $100 million for roads and other infrastructure funding going to the state Department of Transportation. I think people that responded to this want us to invest in North Dakota, said state Rep. Glenn Bosch, R-Bismarck. At the same time, I think they want us to get a good return on the principal. And I feel like the earnings that we get off that good return they want to put towards tax relief. And I would agree with that. Others say they think the original concept of building the Legacy Fund up to provide funding into the states general fund once oil revenues have dwindled has been lost in much of the discussion. Around 50% of the state budget currently comes from those revenues. They believe building the fund for future generations to tap into is the ultimate goal, sometimes comparing the Legacy Fund to other state-sovereign wealth funds like those in Alaska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Alaskas fund is currently valued at around $77 billion, New Mexicos is at $43 billion and Wyomings stands at $28 billion. The current overall value of the Legacy Fund stands at around $9.8 billion. I think theres been community conversations over the past four or five years about how to spend the Legacy Fund, but we havent had a lot of community conversation about what the concept of the Legacy Fund is, former Gov. Ed Schafer said. It would be interesting to ask people how much money they think is coming out of the Legacy Fund into the general fund for the next legislative session and how much since its inception has been spent by their legislators, he said. Schafer added that other tax relief measures such as eliminating income taxes or parts of sales taxes would more broadly impact all North Dakotans rather than just focusing on property owners. The Legacy Fund, sometimes called a sovereign wealth fund and sometimes a rainy day fund, was created by a constitutional amendment initiated by the state Legislature and approved by voters in 2010. A total of 30% of oil and gas gross production and oil extraction taxes on oil and gas goes toward the fund each month. An average of over $54 million has been deposited monthly over the past 12 years. Urge for transparency The latest ND Poll also captured a call for more transparency around the Legacy Fund, with 84% of eligible voters wanting the State Investment Board to publish a list of Legacy Fund investments without requiring citizens to file a formal request for such documentation. Theres a pretty big gap between the level of transparency voters want and the level of transparency that's being offered by the State Investment Board, said House Minority Leader Zac Ista. I'm also not particularly surprised that North Dakota voters want the Legacy Fund to be used in a way that our communities will feel the impact of more directly. According to the poll, support for more transparency spanned the political spectrum, with self-identified Republicans, independents and Democrats all supporting the publication of investments at levels exceeding 80%. Arik Spencer, president and CEO of the Greater North Dakota Chamber, said it was loud and clear that North Dakotans seek a deeper understanding of the Legacy Fund and related policies. We appreciate this desire for transparency, Spencer said. With the upcoming elections, it is evident that voters are prepared to participate actively and bring their mindset to the polls, potentially independent of party platforms. The new North Dakota Poll surveyed 500 eligible and likely voters from Feb. 4-6, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. The Biden-Harris Administration brought together nearly 90 young people from across the nation at the U.S. Department of Education today for the first-ever interagency Youth Policy Summit: Cultivating Possibilities. The summit, which was designed and planned in partnership with youth, gave policymakers from federal agencies a chance to hear directly from young people and learn from one another about how to improve policies and programs to ensure that all youth have the opportunity to thrive. Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has consistently engaged with, partnered alongside, and delivered for young people across the nation from supporting mental health and lowering the cost of living, to tackling the climate crisis and cancelling student debt. In an effort to continue hearing from and being informed by young people, within the next six months, the U.S. Department of Education will reconvene these youth participants and federal agencies virtually, sustaining the two-way dialogue that began at the summit. Our young people are always our most important stakeholders in education. Todays youth policy summit is an important reminder that youth are also leaders of both today and tomorrow and key partners in the policy discussions that effect their lives. That's why the Biden-Harris Administration is working to Raise the Bar for student outcomes and young peoples well-being by centering youth voices, said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Our nations youth are passionate and engaged, and they are raising their voices in their schools and advocating for critical issues that matter to them in their communities, including access to quality, affordable education that expands their horizons, opportunities for mentorship and training to succeed in a 21st century economy, mental health supports, and safety from the all-too-present threat of gun violence. The Biden-Harris Administration hears our youth and is committed to ensuring that every young person in every community can thrive. The U.S. Department of Labors Employment and Training Administration is launching the Youth Apprentice Pathway Pilot, as a strategy for creating a no-wrong-door pathway for young people into federal service at ETA. Modeling a commitment to quality career pathways into federal service and other industries for young people is a key tenet of the ETA Youth Employment Works strategy. Through this pilot, the Labor Department helps model ways federal agencies can partner with Registered Apprenticeship Intermediaries to create high-quality career pathways to good jobs. Hearing from young people at todays youth policy summit underscored for me the deep connection between a persons wellbeing and the quality and availability of jobs that they can build their lives around, said Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su. The Department of Labor is committed to delivering on President Bidens commitment to support young people and expand access to opportunity by ensuring there is no wrong door through which young people can access the training, skills and supportive services they need to get good jobs that can change their lives and the lives of their families. With our youth apprenticeship pilot and the hire youth pledge, we are encouraging our federal, state and local partners to provide the resources and supports that young people need to feel empowered to have a full voice in the workforce. Young people in this country are dealing with a lot of serious challenges right now, and they deserve our full support. Thats why President Biden has put forward a comprehensive national strategy to tackle our behavioral health crisis and ensure that supports and services are available wherever and whenever young people need them, said U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. We know that behavioral health is health and that there should be no wrong door to accessing services and supports. At HHS, were engaging our entire Department to transform how behavioral health is understood, accessed, treated and integrated. We have invested historic amounts of funding in 988, the suicide and crisis hotline, counselors in schools, overdose treatments and more. These investments are not only an investment in our young people, theyre an investment in our future. The Summit included several panel discussions around federal policies and programs and their intersection with developmental goals in adolescence: Wellbeing, Belonging, Purpose, Identity and Meaning-making, Agency and Decision-making, and Leadership and Contribution. Youth and key systems leaders within youth-serving agencies and organizations (across education, child welfare, housing, juvenile justice, justice, employment, health and mental health) discussed how policy decisions and alignment across systems can better serve youth and young adults - especially those furthest from opportunity. Featured speakers in the discussions included Secretaries Cardona, Becerra, and Su, while additional agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, Department of Housing and Urban Development and Department of Justice also participated in the summit. At this pivotal juncture, a rare and invaluable opportunity is encapsulated within this youth summit a chance for those running this country to listen directly to those living with the policies they create. This gathering brings together a young, vibrant, and diverse array of voices from various backgrounds and life experiences, converging to share their perspectives and policy recommendations, said Naomi Cruz Ojeda, one of the youth policy summit participants. Valuing the perspective of young adults creates a symbiotic relationship: young people inform decision-makers while they grow in confidence that they can make a positive impact. Young people, like myself, must remind the government that policies won't be effective if we do not listen to the young voices being impacted. I am honored to be included as a part of the planning committee of this event, and that several brilliant young advocates from the Young Invincibles network will be joining to share their expertise. I hope the contributions from us and the other young people in attendance will create blueprints for new ideas to make progress. To help carry forward the policy ideas and partnerships from this summit, the Funders for Adolescent Science Translation announced a commitment of $600,000. A portion of this commitment will be dedicated to microgrants for the youth and organizations connected to the summit to follow up and work more deeply together on advancing federal youth policy. Funders include: The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Bezos Family Foundation, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, The Ford Foundation, The Hemera Foundation, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Hopelab, Pivotal Ventures, The Raikes Foundation, Spring Point Partners, The Seattle Foundation and The Stuart Foundation. Reactive Downhole Tools, a global provider of high-performance well completion solutions, has announced a significant restructuring of its Senior Management Team to realign regional resources. Under the leadership of CEO Mike Allen, Niall Urquhart has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer. Joining Reactive in 2015, Urquhart has overseen operations across the Middle East, one of the companys most successful locations, since its entrance to the region. Urquhart draws on 16 years of industry experience and holds engineering degrees from both Strathclyde and Robert Gordon Universities, as well as currently working towards an MBA. Chris Barnes is appointed as Chief Technical Officer, responsible for driving the continued success of Reactives swellable downhole tools and the development of complimentary solutions. Already sitting on industry advisory bodies such as API, Barnes has worked with Reactive since its inception in 2012 and brings 33 years of global technical, testing, and operational experience into the role. Further strengthening its global footprint, Reactive is investing significantly in the development of a new research and development (R&D) test center within Abu Dhabi Reactives first such facility in the region. The state-of-the-art center aims to replicate the success achieved from the companys Houston, Texas facility. Cementing its commitment to the Middle East, CEO Mike Allen relocated to Abu Dhabi in Q3 of 2023. Discussing the reasons behind the restructuring and growth plans, Allen commented: These internal developments have been strategically coordinated to facilitate our growth on a global scale, complementing our core regions within the Middle East and Americas. With a global focus on clients across these key and developing regions, were confident in our growth trajectory. We have great talent and resources at our disposal; this restructuring allows us to further optimize operations for the benefit of our growing client needs. --OGN/TradeArabia News Service An effort to place age limits on North Dakota congressional candidates could embroil the state in two lawsuits that would be costly to taxpayers. Last week supporters of an initiated measure to prevent anyone who would reach 81 years of age during a term from serving in the U.S. House or Senate turned in petitions. They needed 31,000 signatures, but turned in 42,000 signatures to Secretary of State Michael Howe. If approved the measure would go on the June ballot. The proposed measure states anyone reaching 81 by Dec. 31 of the year immediately preceding the end of their term would be ineligible to run. There have been public concerns about the age of some members of Congress. Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., died at 90 while in office. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., 81, twice froze in front of reporters last year. Many voters are worried about the ages of President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. Theres no doubt about the interest in the proposed measure. The problem is that the measures supporters are using it to test a state law and a U.S. Supreme Court decision. Supporters of the proposed measure filed a federal lawsuit last year challenging a state law which prohibits out-of-state circulators from gathering signatures. A judge denied a request to temporarily allow out-of-state circulators. A trial has been set for March 2025. In court filings the measures supporters indicated they were using circulators from out of state. If true, Secretary of State Michael Howe could reject some, if not all, of the petitions. If the measure gets Howes approval and voters pass it, there could be another challenge. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1995 that the states cant set candidate qualifications beyond whats in the U.S. Constitution. The measure could become a test case in an effort to overturn that ruling. North Dakota taxpayers will be footing the legal bills in the March 2025 trial. If the measure passes and is challenged, the state will have to defend it. The question becomes is the measure worth the legal hassles. The March 2025 trial is a given, but if the measure is rejected by Howe or fails in the June election there wont be a challenge. If it passes, a legal challenge is a real possibility. The Tribune Editorial Board questions the need for an age limit. The states present congressional delegation isnt close to 81. Sen. John Hoeven is 66, Sen. Kevin Cramer is 63 and Rep. Kelly Armstrong is 47. In recent decades the state did have Sen. Quentin Burdick, 84, who died in office in 1992. Sen. Milton Young was in his 80s when he retired in 1981. In his last years in office some raised questions about his ability to serve. Democratic Sens. Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan retired while in their 60s. So the advancing age of members of Congress isnt a pressing issue in the state. Unless the Supreme Court reverses itself down the road, the measure appears to be unconstitutional. Since the measure doesnt address a real problem and could face a legal challenge, its best it doesnt get on the ballot. If it does, voters beware. Feb 14, 2024 12:37 PM IST Visit the official website of UPSC at upsc.gov.in. Click on UPSC Civil Services Prelims Exam 2024 link available on the home page. A new page will open where candidates will have to register themselves. Once the registration is done, login to the account. Fill the application form and make the payment of application fees. Click on submit and download the page. Keep a hard copy of the same for further need. Farmers Protest Highlights: Protesting farmers of various unions on Wednesday started marching towards the national capital. The Delhi Police deployed at the borders are as of now guarding the borders and ensuring the maintenance of law and order amid the farmers' Delhi chalo call. A massive deployment of police and paramilitary personnel besides multi-layered barricading is in place to seal the national capital borders at Singhu, Tikri and Ghazipur....Read More Central Delhi has been put under a heavy security cover with personnel in anti-riot gears deployed strategically and metal and concrete barricades regulating access to several key roads. On Tuesday the Delhi Metro regulated passengers' entry and exit at nine stations by shutting some gates for several hours in view of the farmers' march towards the national capital. Police deployed tear gas to halt thousands of farmers demanding minimum crop prices from advancing towards the capital New Delhi following unsuccessful negotiations with the government. Thick clouds of tear gas were dispersed to scatter protesters at the Shambhu border near Ambala, situated approximately 200 kilometers north of the capital. Additionally, police employed drones to drop tear gas canisters from the air. While the police are not actively impeding the movement of farmers from the state towards Delhi, a state of high alert has been declared in Punjab, with approximately 70% of the entire state police force instructed to remain on duty in the field. Why are farmers protesting and what are their demands? Former Rajya Sabha MP and brother of former chief minister Rabri Devi, Subhash Prasad Yadav, has been lodged in Patnas Beur Central Jail since last week since he surrendered before a special court. This was after police reached his home with bulldozers to execute a property attachment warrant against him in an alleged case of land grab, cheating, extortion and intimidation. Once a high-flying man because of his family ties with RJD chief Lalu Prasad, Yadav faces charges under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The special MP-MLA court had declared him an absconder and the order to attach his property left him with no option but to give himself. The Patna High Court also turned down his attempt to seek anticipatory bail on September 9, 2023. Yadav had started his career as a Group-D employee in the Vidhan Sabha but quit his job after his sister Rabri Devi took over the states reins from Lalu Prasad, who was charged in the fodder scam case and had to resign. He became a member of the Bihar Legislative Council in 1998 and it was the time when he wielded sweeping influence over the administration along with his brother Aniruddh Prasad Yadav alias Sadhu Yadav. However, both fell out of favour once the RJD regime ended in 2005 November over poor law and order situation, especially several cases of kidnapping for ransom and extortion. Though Yadav is not new to controversies, he got cornered in the land grab case after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar learnt about it on June 6, 2022, during his routine janata durbar (a platform where common people could share grievances with Kumar). Nitish Kumar instantly asked the Patna district magistrate to investigate the matter. Though the Patna police on January 30 last year had pasted the proclamation order of the absconder on the walls of Yadavs house in the citys Vidhayak Colony area of Kautilya Nagar, not much moved forward in the case until recently. The complainant Bhim Verma, a resident of Bela village under the jurisdiction of Neora police in rural Patna and who alleged that his land had been fraudulently grabbed and money extorted, again approached the Patna district magistrate on May 4, 2023, citing the CMs order. It was then that DM Chandrashekhar Singh talked to Patna SSP and things moved. At their behest, the FIR was lodged. When I had tried to lodge FIR at the very beginning after getting threats despite losing my land and money, it was not possible due to the dilly-dallying approach of the local police due to the enormous clout of the people I wanted to name, said Verma. Apart from Subhash Yadav, others named in the case include his wife Renu Devi, son Randhir Kumar, Pankaj Singh Yadav, Arjun Ray, Arun Kumar Munsi alias Mukhiya and Arun Kumar Singh. City SP (West) Abhinav Dheeman said that the charge sheet in the case would soon be filed to ensure a speedy trial. At present, the incarcerated former MPs wife Renu Devi, son Randhir Kumar and three others are on bail, while the investigation against another accused Arun Kumar Munsi alias Mukhiya is on, he added. The case The FIR, lodged under various sections of the IPC for cheating, extortion, trespassing, dishonestly inducing delivery of property, criminal conspiracy, and intimidation, states that Subhash Yadav purchased a plot of land of seven kattha of land in the name of his wife. He paid 96 lakh to Bhims mother Meena Devi despite being made aware of the failed agreement for the same land signed with Munsi three years ago for just three months. The complainant alleged that on February 27, 2021, the former MP called him along with his mother and brother at his house and forced him to return 60 lakh after holding his mother and brother hostage and threatening him with dire consequences. Later, another 30 lakh was extorted from Verma and he was made to sign on dotted lines on stamp paper under duress. Yet, Vermas ordeal did not end and he kept receiving constant threats and was also attacked. Shaken by the attack and fearing the worst, Verma called the emergency number 122 and Munsi was arrested by the police, but the FIR was still not lodged. He also alleged that the Neora police attempted to deliberately hush up the matter in his complaint to Patna police on June 15, 2023. Finally, a hapless Verma reached the CM to narrate his woes as to how he ended up losing his precious land as well as money. Had I not gone to the CM and the DM not taken an interest in the case, even the FIR might not have been lodged. It has been sheer trauma for the entire family, said Verma Not the first time This is not an isolated case against Yadav, who served one full term each as Rajya Sabha MP and as a member of the Bihar Legislative Council. Earlier, Mirganj police station of Gopalganj district had lodged an FIR against him for allegedly manhandling a woman when she tried to stop his men from constructing a structure on her land. Subhash Yadav was, during his days of strong influence over the state government, also accused of forcing the Patna-New Delhi Rajdhani Express to change platform at the Patna junction. RJD chief Lalu Prasad was then the railway minister. Earlier on May 10, 2010, a Bihar court ordered the registration of an FIR against Yadav, his wife Renu Devi and three others with the Jakkanpur police station of the state capital on the charge of kidnapping a liquor shop employee Umesh Singh. The National Democratic Alliance government's flagship Smart Cities Mission (SCM), launched in 2015, aimed to bring transformative changes in urban governance in 100 selected cities. As the mission draws to a close in June (revised; December 2023 was the first deadline), the performance of the participating cities has been a mixed bag. A parliamentary panel report tabled last week stated that Tamil Nadu's Madurai was the only city that completed all of its projects by December 2023. Fifty-six cities completed more than 80% of the work in the same time frame. However, in 14 cities, the progress was 50% and below. Port Blair, Saharanpur, Puducherry, Itanagar, Silvassa, Shillong, Atal Nagar, and Gangtok had completed between 16% and 39% of the assigned projects till then, the standing committee on housing and urban affairs stated. SCM required participating cities to focus on 21 sectors including housing, transport, water, health, solid waste management and smart governance. Here is a look at some of the projects that made the maximum impact on residents in select cities with the highest rates of completion of projects. As of January, out of the total 86,850 crore allocated over eight years by the Union and respective state governments, 72,571 crore has been utilised. Madurai Convention Centre(Madurai Smart City Ltd) Madurai: Ancient and smartened up Madurai, a temple town, is one of Indias oldest continuously inhabited cities and a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Making the most of funds and domain expertise provided under the SCM, the city authorities here took up key projects to upgrade civic facilities and give its public places an aesthetic makeover. This included replacing old street lights of the city area with LEDs, restoring the Vaigai riverfront, upgrading the solid waste management and water distribution systems and creating multilevel car parking. Ruban Suresh Ponnaiah, chief engineer at the Madurai Smart City Limited, said among all the projects taken up, the renovation of the Periyar bus terminal, spread over 30,500 sq metre, and the construction of the new convention centre at Thamukkam grounds, had the most impact. The bus station renovation started in January 2019 to modernise the transit hub. Now the bus station has two levels of basement housing parking spots. Other than these, the revamped bus terminus also houses a police outpost, a transport control office, an emergency medical care point, and cloakrooms. The bus terminus sees the arrival and departure of more than 500 intra and inter-city buses daily and acts as the transit hub. Among the new additions are also dedicated resting areas for drivers and conductors. The revamped bus station was inaugurated in December 2021 after two years of work. Ponnaiah said the city did not have many spaces to host exhibitions, meetings, and gatherings. Now, thanks to SCM, it has a convention centre that can host 3,500 persons in a 4,300 sq metre hall, which can be divided into smaller halls using acoustic movable partitions. The facility also has an open ground of 5.6 acres. The entire convention came up at a cost of 48 crore and was completed in six months in 2022. While both the convention centre and the bus stand are of use, it must be seen how the authorities carry the maintenance of the facilities in the long run, said K Hakkim, a civic activist in the city, added that the shopping complex renovation project, which was taken up by the Smart City alongside the bus station revamp, is yet to be opened for use. The restoration of the 1540 AD-built Surat fort spread over 72,000 sq metres at Chowk Bazar has now turned it into a public attraction after years of neglect(Surat Smart City Ltd) Surat: Efficiency in service Surat in Gujarat was among the cities with the highest rate of completion of projects. It focused on improving services like waste management, traffic, mobility and traffic administration, area-based retrofitting of high-footprint areas, water supply, and recycling among others. Devang Patel, general manager at Surat Smart City Limited said among all these projects, the two most vital missions were the restoration of an old fort and the reuse of wastewater. These two are not necessarily core civic functions. However, these two projects would not have been possible without the SCM. The restoration of the 1540 AD-built Surat fort spread over 72,000 sq metres at Chowk Bazar has now turned it into a public attraction after years of neglect. A light and sound show on the premises depicts the history of the city and acts as a crowd-puller. The municipal corporation also regularly conducts heritage walks, and the fort plays the venue for many exhibitions. The restoration works involved removing excess load and undoing repairs that were done before incoherent with the original structure of the fort. The SCM also engaged in extensive archival research to ensure that the restoration work was based on accurate historical references and information, said Meghavi Desai, executive engineer at Surat Smart City Limited. The age-old structure was dilapidated. The restoration project included the relocation of several government offices and services that were operating inside the fort premises like police station, PWD godown, revenue department, registrar, and election department offices. The restored fort was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2022. Since then, the fort has been a cause of pride for locals and a tourist attraction as well. Patel said that on average 6,000 people visit the fort monthly. The other project, Patel said, had a wide impact was the augmentation of reused water capabilities of the city. He said under the SCM, works for augmentation of the Anjana STP (sewage treatment plant) from 82.5 MLD (million litres per day) to 122 MLD and similarly for Dindoli STP from 66 MLD to 167 MLD was carried out. A total of 115 MLD of fresh water is saved currently as the same volume is supplied to industries in the Pandesara Industrial Estate. On the other hand, the city is earning a guaranteed revenue of 140 crore annually, he said. Mahreen Mattoo, team lead of the sanitation capacity building platform at the National Institute of Urban Affairs, the think tank of ministry of housing and urban affairs said this is a win-win situation of using used water as advocated by Union government missions and some state government policies. This not only reduces the supply side stress but also abates pollution, she said. The much-talked-about Chappan Dukan is an area housing 56 eateries (hence the name: on a 200-metre-long road of 30-metre width(Indore Smart City Ltd) Indore: Heritage and a side of culinary culture Indore is another city that has seen near saturation of all physical projects under the SCM. Indore Smart City CEO Divyank Singh said Chappan Dukaan and Rajwada Palace renovation are the two most effective interventions under the mission. We have refurbished the entire palace using the original techniques that were used to build the palace. It has now become the tourist hotspot of the city, he said. The 250-odd-year-old structure was refurbished over a period of more than five years for 16 crore. Himanshu Dudwadkar, co-convenor of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritages Indore chapter said the restoration works by the SCM at Rajwada Palace was a welcome step. On the other hand, he said, Much of the old city structures were demolished by many road projects taken under the mission. The much-talked-about Chappan Dukan is an area housing 56 eateries (hence the name: chappan means 56 in Hindi) on a 200-metre-long road of 30-metre width. The street was made a pedestrian-only street and various theme-based seating arrangements, street corners, lights and ornamental plants were installed. An underground drainage system was laid and some of the shop facades were modified to compliment the new street design. This redevelopment with 5 crore has seen the daily average footfall of the streets double, he said. Addressing a press conference on February 12, 2024, US President Joe Biden warned Israel against a planned offensive into Gazas Rafah city where fleeing Palestinians have taken refuge. He stated that the US would not support any operation that failed to account for the safety of the Palestinians who fled there on Israels orders. Bidens remarks came during Jordans King Abdullah IIs visit to Washington. King Abdullah is the first Arab leader to visit the White House since the conflict in the Middle East began in October 2023, as part of his efforts to mobilise international support for a ceasefire in Gaza. Domestic criticism of Israel has been steadily growing within Jordan, further incentivising Amman to add to the efforts of Arab leaders to secure a ceasefire. As Israel proceeds with ground operations in Rafah amidst loud international criticism, the uptick in the US' criticism of Israel reflects the limits of Washingtons (still formidable) influence in shaping the current conflict. Indeed, its role in the region has evolved since October 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, leaving several people dead and injured and taking over 253 people hostage. Israels military response in Gaza has continued ever since and progressively intensified. Phase 1: Support to Israel Over January and February, US secretary of state Antony Blinken visited many Middle Eastern countries to aid Qatari and Egyptian negotiators who were intent on brokering a potential ceasefire in Gaza, as we explained in the last column. Israel, however, rejected the deal a few hours after receipt; Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that he believed a deal was possible only after absolute victory over Hamas which would come in a matter of months. Evidently, Israel still believes in its ability to force a military solution to the hostage crisis and its larger dispute with Hamas, no matter the geopolitical cost. Despite the grotesque rise in civilian casualties and a consolidation of the Global Souths opinion in favour of a ceasefire, the United States voted at least four times against a ceasefire twice each in the United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly Special Emergency Session. But by early November, though Biden stuck to his initial refusal to criticise Israel and called Hamas pure evil, Washington began to pair its overt and vocal support for Israel with private and quieter attempts to have Israel tone down its war (which had killed over 5,000 in Gaza by October end). The United States maintained this dual approach until December end it denounced South Africas genocide charge at the ICJ as meritless, even as it increased its calls for Israel to limit civilian casualties. Across December and January 2024 however, these calls became increasingly public, as Benjamin Netanyahu refused successive mediated attempts at a prolonged ceasefire. By early February, there were more reports of Biden privately rebuking Netanyahu, even as he publicly characterised Israels war as being over the top. A key variable that added to Washingtons stakes in the region was the conflicts controlled spillover and the engagement of the US military. Phase 2: Supporting a peace deal Meanwhile, over December and January, there was a step-up in the United States engagement on two other fronts, Iraq and Yemen, increasing its own stake in the Israel-Gaza war. On the one hand, the Iran-backed Islamic Resistance of Iraq (IRI) conducted over 150 attacks against US bases in Iraq (and Syria), eventually killing at least three US military personnel at the Jordan-Iraq border in the Tower-22 attack in January (the first significant loss of American military life in the region in recent years). On the other hand, the Houthis of Yemen disrupted international shipping in the Red Sea by attacking Israel-linked shipping (and other vessels) and by firing rockets directly at Israel. The United States struck multiple Houthi bases in Yemen in January, as well as bases of the IRI in Iraq and Syria. Even as the limited deterrence value of these strikes has been acknowledged by Washington, the latters options are limited it cannot risk a more conventional regional war and upset all gains made in the aftermath of the Abraham Accords. Moreover, Netanyahus repeated public denouncement of the two-state solution flies directly in the face of long-standing US policy on Israel and Palestine. Arguably, these factors have cumulatively pushed the White House more towards a peace deal and triggered Blinkens increased involvement with negotiations. How has US policy fared? Between October and February, the US policy made calibrated shifts (while maintaining its largely pro-Israel character). However, its broader position in the Middle East has become more strained than it was before October 7, 2023. An earlier column had explained the deterioration in US-Iraq ties, given Iraqs condemnation of US strikes on its soil as a response to the Tower-22 attack. Since then, as other Arab states like Egypt have expressed solidarity with Iraq, Washington itself has sought to re-engage Iraq on the future of the US military in the country; Iraq, unlike the US, has characterised these talks as discussions on a 'drawdown' on American military presence (a drawdown might or might not lead to the eventual withdrawal of US forces in Iraq, contingent on future agreements). On the other hand, while most Arab states have refused to join Washingtons limited anti-Houthi coalition in the Red Sea, recent surveys of Arab public opinion on the Gaza war reflect a steep increase in anti-Americanism. The winner Notwithstanding the limited effects of these developments, it is evident that the state which has been able to exploit the crisis more to its advantage is Iran. While it cinched a series of normalisation agreements with old rivals (Saudi Arabia on March 10, 2023, and then Sudan on October 9, 2023), its proxies have acted completely in line with Iranian interests, even as these groups enjoy some degree of autonomy from Tehran. On January 17, Irans foreign minister categorically stated that if the genocide in Gaza stops, then it will lead to the end of other crises and attacks in the region. The language is the same as used by leaders of the non-state groups involved Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah made a similar assertion a few days prior. Hence, even as the United States itself is being increasingly forced to add qualifications to its support for Israel (with the death toll in Gaza closing in on 30,000), Irans space to increase its regional heft has only risen. As Giorgio Cafiero of Gulf State Analytics recently put it, This is not the chaos that the Iranians necessarily create (in the Middle East), but Tehran is skilled at taking advantage of it. Bashir Ali Abbas is a research associate at the Council for Strategic and Defense Research, New Delhi, and a South Asia Visiting Fellow at the Stimson Center, Washington DC. The views expressed are personal. With Jayant Chaudharys Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) all set to formally join the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), lets see how the partys exit from the IOpposition-led INDIA bloc will affect the poll equations in Uttar Pradesh in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. The RLD is believed to have significant influence in around a dozen Jat-dominated districts in western UP. The party was formed by Ajit Singh, whose father, Chaudhary Charan Singh (recent Bharat Ratna awardee, and former prime minister from the Janata Dal) is largely credited for first formulating the winning Muslim-Jat alliance). It is now run by Ajit Singhs son, Jayant Singh. Jayants breaking away from the INDIA bloc is bound to transform the political chessboard of western UP, a region that sends 27 MPs to the Parliament. The departure follows another break-away: Janata Dal (United)s Nitish Kumar broke away from the Grand Alliance in Bihar. Jayant has been part of the Opposition for a decade and consistently attacked the Bharatiya Janata Party and mobilised farmers. His exit is being seen as a major blow to the INDIA bloc and a good catch for the BJP. Definitely, Jayant Chaudharys departure will boost the morale of the BJP as it is a big achievement for them after the INDIA bloc suffered a major setback in Bihar with Nitish Kumars desertion, Shashi Kant Pandey, an expert and head of the department of political science in Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow, said. It will consolidate Jat voters in favour of the BJP not only in Uttar Pradesh but Rajasthan and Haryana as well. In the Jat belt of western UP, INDIA's performance will be affected compared to what it was in the last Lok Sabha election, he added. Chaudhary Charan Singh is widely credited for stitching up an important alliance of Jats and Muslims in western UP his progeny have benefited from his political acumen. And while Ajit Singh has moved between an alliance with the Samajwadi Party, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance and the BJP, the RLDs most recent alliance with SP and the INDIA bloc seemed quite steady. BJP leaders are avoiding commenting on the possible impact that Jayants exit may have on the INDIA bloc and how exactly it will benefit the saffron party since the BJP-RLD alliance is yet to be announced formally. However, SP veteran Rajendra Chaudhary claimed the RLDs departure would not harm the SP in any big way. We do not think Jayant Chaudhary going with the BJP will harm our or the INDIAs poll prospects in any manner because polls will be a battle of ideology and the SP will continue to have an upper hand in this battle even without the RLD on its side, he said indicating that Muslim voters will desert the RLD. The RLD used to be a force to reckon with in around a dozen districts with a sizable Jat population. These included Baghpat, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Shamli, Bijnor, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura, Hathras and Agra. The partys best Lok Sabha performance was in 2009 when it won five seats in alliance with the BJP (it contested seven). In the 2004 LS polls, the RLD had contested in alliance with the SP and won three seats (it contested 10). Following the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar in 2013 and the rise of Narendra Modis popularity that led to the BJPs resounding victory in 2014, the rift between Jats and Muslims RLDs core voters grew. In 2014, the RLD drew a blank on all the eight seats it contested as part of the UPA. Even Ajit Singh, who won the Baghpat seat for six terms, and his son, Jayant, who represented Mathura, lost to BJP candidates Satya Pal Singh and Hema Malini. In 2019, the party faced another defeat. Despite joining the Grand Alliance formed by the SP and the Bahujan Samaj Party, the RLD lost all the three seats it contested. Both Ajit Singh and Jayant lost. The party went solo in the 2017 assembly polls and could manage to win only one seat, that is, Chaprauli in Baghpat but the lone MLA Sahendra Singh Ramala later joined the BJP in 2018. The 2022 assembly elections seemed to be a make-or-break situation for Jayant, who had taken over the reins after Ajit Singhs death in 2021. The political fortunes of the party finally took a turn for the better in 2022 when, as SPs poll partner, it won eight assembly seats and another in a by-poll. Some experts credit RLDs performance in 2022 to sympathy over Ajits death and Muslim support for SP, as well as the farmers agitation over the Centres three controversial farm laws. None of these factors are at play this time around. The Muslim support in 2022 Vidhan Sabha polls in UP was for the SP-RLD alliance and not for the RLD as such, Meerut-based political scientist SK Sharma said. We should also not forget that the sympathy wave after the death of Ajit Singh also helped the RLD improve its performance, he added. The SP continues to be Muslim voters preferred choice in western UP like in the rest of the state while a majority of Jat voters, especially the young, have already moved to the BJP, Sharma said. Going by this assessment, the RLDs move seemed necessary a strategy to stay relevant. It will be interesting to watch how the RLDs return to the NDA helps the BJP win seats. The stakes are high for Jayant once more. A person with dual citizenship has confessed to participating in a plot to circumvent US sanctions by exporting $7 million worth of weapons to the Russian military, intended for use in the conflict in Ukraine. Kristina Puzyreva, 32, admitted her involvement in a money laundering scheme during a court hearing in Brooklyn. The scheme was connected to a secretive international plot to smuggle technology to blacklisted entities in Moscow, as per Daily Mail. Money Laundering Unveils Global Weapons Exports involved components utilized in undisclosed aerial vehicles (UAVs) and guided missile systems that were discovered to have been utilized in Ukraine. Admitted to charges of money laundering, underscoring her integral role in a shadowy network that included her husband, Nikolay Goltsev, 37, and Salimdzhon Nasriddinov, 52. The trio, along with four unnamed co-conspirators in Russia, allegedly collaborated with major electronics companies supplying components to the Russian military. The indictment, filed in November, outlined Goltsev's history of procuring American electronic components for the Russian military while residing in Canada. Puzyreva, operating through Montreal-based Simatech Group Inc., a company involved in dual-use technology, received over 150 packages from US companies over five years. United States Attorney Breon Peace emphasized Puzyreva's pivotal role, describing her as a key figure in laundering proceeds from the scheme. The illicit transactions aimed to circumvent sanctions and supply technology to Russia, with the components later discovered on the battlefield in Ukraine, according to CBC News. Read Also: King of Jordan Arrives in Washington as Biden Urges Netanyahu to Use Restraint US Alerts on Illicit Military Tech Tensions Court records revealed Goltsev's association with another sanctioned Montreal-based company, Electronic Network, Inc., where he served as an account manager and purchasing coordinator. The scheme, which commenced in January 2022, reportedly involved over 300 illegal shipments valued at approximately $10 million. The Russian military strategically erected a strong barrier of freight carriages, widely known as a "Tsar Train," at a distance of 19 miles to hamper any prospective responses that the Ukrainian military may launch. The Russian military strategically erected a strong barrier of more than 2,100 freight railcars, widely known as a "Tsar Train," in the occupied Donetsk Oblast area of Ukraine. The barrier is situated between the towns of Olenivka and Volnovakha. US authorities emphasized the seriousness of the situation, with components from the illicit shipments being found in Russian equipment seized in Ukraine. The geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated, with the court proceedings shedding light on the intricate web of global conspiracies and the illicit transfer of military technology. In considering the truth that Puzyreva could face a sentence of twenty years in jail, this case exposes the difficulties that are brought about by worldwide networks that engage in the illicit export of sensitive technology as well as the complexity that is involved in the enforcement of sanctions. The investigations against Goltsev and Nasriddinov illuminate the broader efforts to dismantle such networks and safeguard national security interests, Reuters reported. Related Article: Threat from Egypt to Nullify Peace Accord with Israel A judge in Georgia is set to hold a hearing on evidence on Thursday to address essential concerns regarding Fulton County DA Fani Willis. During this session, the court will carefully consider the claims made to exclude herself from the case involving a Donald Trump associate. The lawyer representing the individual connected to Trump, who is facing accusations of involvement in the "fake electors" scheme in the state, intends to summon a group of witnesses who will testify about an alleged "inappropriate" relationship between Willis and a lawyer on her team. This development is expected to bring Trump into yet another legal battle. DA Fani Willis Could be Disqualified The upcoming hearing in the Trump 2020 campaign racketeering case is poised to be a blockbuster moment, featuring anticipated testimony from key figures, including special prosecutor Nathan Wade, prosecutor Willis, and even Willis's father. The courtroom drama seeks to address weeks of verbal sparring between the parties, with each side accusing the other of spreading false information about Willis's ties to special prosecutor Wade. Judge McAfee, presiding over the case, has vowed to keep the hearing focused on crucial issues, signaling a readiness to intervene if defense counsel attempts to introduce harassment or undue embarrassment for the prosecutors. The primary questions at hand revolve around the nature, timing, and continuation of the alleged relationship between Willis and Wade, and its potential impact on the case. The push to disqualify Willis gained momentum after Trump campaign operative Mike Roman brought the relationship to light, prompting support from Trump and other co-defendants. McAfee announced on Monday that decisions on whether Roman can subpoena key figures, including Willis and Wade, will be deferred until the Thursday hearing. The district attorney's office, aiming to avoid testifying, acknowledges a "personal relationship" between Willis and Wade but asserts that it poses no professional conflict. Roman's attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, disputes these claims, presenting allegations that Wade's former law partner, Terrence Bradley, would testify to the pre-existing nature of the relationship. Merchant also cited contradictions in Wade's statements, pointing to divorce filings where he allegedly denied any external relationships during his marriage, contradicting his recent affidavit acknowledging the relationship with Willis, according to The Hill. Read Also: Stoltenberg Warns That Trump's Statement Regarding NATO Allies Puts Multiple Parties At Risk Testimony Despite Prosecution's Objections Despite Willis and Wade's attempts to cancel Thursday's hearing and dismiss their orders, Judge McAfee seemed open to allowing testimony from certain defense-subpoenaed witnesses, including Willis. He stressed the need of having a strong basis of relevance for their testimony. During the hearings, Fulton County prosecutor Anna Cross strongly urged the judge to dismiss the subpoenas, arguing that the defense's claims of financial conflict were unfounded speculation regarding the potential witnesses' lack of support. Cross argued that dividing the expenses from Willis and Wade's shared travel equally helps to downplay any claims of financial conflict made by the defense. Despite the prosecution's objections, the judge seemed inclined to allow testimony from subpoenaed witnesses but deferred a final ruling until the Thursday hearing. The defense argued that the witnesses have relevant information, with Merchant stressing that Willis and Wade possess the "most relevant" details. Various types of actions are involved in the ongoing legal case, including Willis's plea to invalidate subpoenas, Wade's attempt to invalidate an order for his bank records, and a former employee of the DA's office seeking to invalidate a request issued to her. Former President Trump has recently become involved in the campaign to disqualify Willis and have the charges against her dropped. He claims that there have been ethical violations by the DA's office. A group of people, including Trump and Roman, are currently facing charges in a racketeer accusation. These charges are connected to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia. Four defendants have already reached plea agreements in exchange for their cooperation, ABC News reported. Related Article: Boston: Airport K-9 Sniffs Out Potentially Dangerous Mummified Monkeys in Passenger's Luggage The Body Shop in the UK has entered administration, with a potential risk of making up to 2,000 jobs redundant. Restructuring firm FRP has been appointed as administrator, saying that it would consider all options to find a way forward for the business. This meant that the retailer's shops would remain open as usual while efforts were made to keep the firm afloat in the UK. FRP Advisory said that creating "a more nimble and financially stable UK business" was an important step to becoming a modern beauty brand "relevant to customers and able to compete for the long term." This might include cutting costs, such as shutting down some shops and laying off some staff. Read Also: FirstEnergy Executives And Others Involved In A 60 Million Dollar Bribery Scheme The Body Shop Plagued by Ownership Issues, Financial Woes According to the BBC, The Body Shop was started in the UK by the late Anita Roddick in 1976 from a single shop in Brighton. It soon grew into a global brand, pioneering ethical trading and a stance against animal testing of its beauty products. Aurelius - the European private equity firm that bought the brand for 207 million ($260.8 million) in November - took the drastic decision to place it into administration after poor sales during the key Christmas trading period. FRP added that The Body Shop faced "an extended period of financial challenges under past owners." It is highly unlikely that The Body Shop's name and branding would change since the retailer's British business has over 200 shops and a handful of franchises across the UK as well as its headquarters in London. Related Article: Avolon CEO Claims Boeing Making Significant Progress, Argues Other Manufacturers Also Have Quality Issues Valentine's Day is a very special day for long-time couples and those who just started dating. Of course, many people will make an effort to spend some time with their loved ones. Those who are in long-term relationships might already plan to split the bill since want to share the burdens or blessings they receive. But, some of those who are going on their first dates will most likely be confused about who will settle the bill. Some men will want to shoulder all the bills to impress the ladies. But, others might be hesitant since it will look like they don't see their dates independently enough. This could also be the case for women. If you are one of those who are having difficulties in choosing who will settle the bill on the first date, here's what experts say. Valentine's Day 2024: Who Should Pay on First Date? Knowing who should pay the bill on the first date is more complicated than you think. US News reported that there are many factors that need to be considered if only one person will shoulder the expenses. Certified financial therapist Traci Williams said that one person settling the entire bill is becoming less and less common nowadays, as reported by US News. "While some people continue to prefer the conventional approach, we're actually seeing more equity when it comes to who takes the bill," she explained. "We discovered that a majority of Americans are alternating paying for dates," added Williams. Now, here are factors that you need to consider when shouldering the entire bill or when splitting it: When To Split the Bill Williams said that if your first date doesn't cost much, it's okay to shoulder the entire bill. But, if the date is pretty expensive, such as attending a Taylor Swift concert, then couples need to have a clear conversation about it (it would be best to split the bill). Salary Differences Traci explained that allowing the higher-earning individual in a relationship is becoming more common. But, since the other person will likely ask to split the bill or shoulder it (especially if they're men), it would be best to go on a not-so-expensive date if the income disparity is too wide. Culture If you're going on a first date with people outside the U.S., it would be best to research their culture first. For example, Brazil's dating culture requires men to settle the entire bill on the first date. Meanwhile, Australians are okay to split the expenses. Who Initiated First Among the safest factors to rely on when it comes to settling the bill is who asked to go on a date first. This applies to both men and women. Read Also: Is It Time to Have Sex With Your Partner? Science Finally Provides the Best Time to Be Sexually Intimate in Relationships Men Should Still Try Paying for the Bill Let's face it, men are considered the providers in all relationships. This is why guys paying the bill on first dates is still the best bet. According to Gentleman's Journal, to ensure that your first date will be followed by other dates, men should shoulder the expenses no matter what. But, if you're dating Ms. Independent, then you need to know when to quit and just allow her to split the bill. If you can still persuade her to allow you to shoulder it, the better. Ladies and gentlemen, remember, there's nothing wrong with shouldering the entire bill or splitting the expenses. If you really want to secure the relationship you're about to start, think of it as an investment. Related Article: TRENDING: How Much Should Guys Earn Before Dating Girls? Let's Hear What Filipinos Say In an exclusive report published by Reuters, serious threats to United States Federal Judges have more than doubled in the past three years according to data from the United States Marshals Service. The Marshals Service is responsible for the safety of 2,700 Federal Judges, 30,000 Federal Prosecutors as well as court personnel. The sharp rise in these threats has been linked to the ever-growing political divide within the country according to Marshals Director Ronald Davis who spoke with Reuters in an interview. The Rise In Numbers The service categorizes serious threats as threats that would trigger an investigation by an agency. According to the data by the end of the 2023 fiscal year threats to Federal Judges rose to 457 from 224 in 2021's fiscal year. There was also a rise in threats to Federal Prosecutors which went up from 68 in 2021 to 155 in 2023. The time of these threats spans a period that began in 2020 around the most recent Presidential Election during this time courts were hearing what were described as highly political cases which include the lawsuits filed by former President Donald Trump in his previous attempt to overturn the recent Presidential election. Reuters has also documented a tirade of threats from Trump's supporters towards election officials. However, a spokesperson for the former President did not provide a comment. There have also been threats from activists who were enraged by the Supreme Court's recent decision to overturn the legal right to abortion. According to the report, Davis the agency has a "Growing concern" about the spike in threats fueled by partisan divisions and seemingly venomous language on social platforms. Davis is to testify on Wednesday at a United States House of Representatives Judiciary subcommittee oversight hearing. Each year the Marshal's Service reviews hundreds upon thousands of threats and has been launching what has been described as "Protective investigations" on the ones it considers the most dangerous. However, they did not provide details on the threats themselves. The Justice Department was asked to provide the number of individuals charged or convicted for the threats they simply said that they do not track the data. Davis also pointed out that while usually threats are put out because of how an individual's case turned out, the threats are now coming from people who are enraged with politics. In the interview, Davis said the following "The threat environment right now that is causing me concern is when people disagree with the judicial process or the government, and that turns into those verbal attacks. And that is the beginning of the process that threatens the judiciary and threatens our democracy." It would seem that in the wake of more cases against the former President, including one regarding the former President's eligibility to run for re-election, continue to rise more Judges might end up facing threats that could lead to further escalation however, the outcome of those cases has not been determined. A UN nuclear watchdog head claims that Iran is not entirely transparent about its atomic program. This hints that the Iranian government might be hiding some secrets regarding its nuclear efforts. This information was shared by UN International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi during the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Grossi shared his statements after Iran's former Atomic Energy Organization head Ali Akbar Salehi claimed that they already had what they needed to build an atomic weapon. UN Head Claims Iranian Government 'Not Entirely Transparent' About Its Atomic Program Rafael Mariano Grossi said that the Iranian government is not being entirely transparent regarding its nuclear activities, which likely increases the dangers Iran's atomic program poses. "There's loose talk about nuclear weapons more and more, including in Iran recently. A very high official said, in fact, we have everything, it's disassembled. Well, please let me know what you have," he explained via The Associated Press. Euro News reported that Grossi didn't specify the Iranian official he was talking about. But, he was most likely referring to Ali Akbar Salehi. This is because Salehi appeared on a late-night Iranian state television show on Sunday, Feb. 11. During his appearance, he said that Iran already has all it needs to create a new warfare weapon. "We have all the (pieces) of nuclear science and technology. Let me give an example," explained the Iranian academic. "What does a car need? It needs a chassis, it needs an engine, it needs a steering wheel, it needs a gearbox. Have you made a gearbox? I say yes. An engine? But each one is for its own purpose," he added. Read Also: Pentagon Sees China's Massive Nuclear Weapons Buildup at More Than 500 Warheads Iran Focusing on Nuclear Arsenal Ever since the 2015 deal between Iran with other superpower countries collapsed, the Iranian government has pursued nuclear enrichment just below weapons-grade levels. This means that Tehran can now start building several nuclear weapons if it chooses to do so, thanks to enough enriched uranium supplies. Iran's ongoing atomic program concerns many countries, especially since the militias it arms in the Middle East are launching attacks against Israel. These include the Houthi rebels and Hezbollah. Aside from this, Iran also conducted a ballistic missile test. Footage showing the missile being fired off the Shaid Mahdavi was even released. Related Article: Iran Increasing Enriched Uranium Stockpile While Still Barring Inspectors, IAEA Report Shows Tensions in the Sudan have resulted in an uptick of disease, famine, and death as the Sudanese Army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, continues to battle against the Rapid Support Force, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. According to the United Nations, the situation on the ground is dire. "The situation in Sudan was a perfect storm as the health system is hardly functional. The childhood immunization program is breaking down, and infectious diseases are spreading," Acting representative of the United Nations World Health Organization said. Humanitarian Crisis Brews The World Health Organization recently released statistics that bear this out. They report approximately 10,000 cases of cholera, 5,000 cases of measles, about 8,000 cases of dengue, and over 1.2 million clinical cases of malaria have been reported in Sudan. This comes in a country that is fast becoming bereft of medical facilities and the personnel to properly run them. Of the 503 health facilities operating under international aid agencies, 80 of them are either not running at all or only partially running due to a lack of personnel, medical supplies, or security concerns. Furthermore, humanitarian agencies warn of a pending famine that they predict could start in May, the beginning of the country's lean season. 3.5 million children in the country are malnourished, with another 700,000 plus suffering from severe acute malnourishment. "Hunger weakens the body's defenses; it opens the doors to disease and increases morbidity and mortality," said Mr. Graaff. "Disease and malnutrition have an unhealthy synergistic relation," he explained, noting that pregnant women and children are most at risk, including of death. As conditions on the ground grow worse due to the warring factions, the administrative and governmental pillars of civilian life in Sudan continue to crumble as well. Is A Proxy War Being Waged? Last year, ForeignPolicy.com predicted that the opposing Sudanese forces would likely fall into a stalemate, with each faction looking to coalesce regional power where they can out of the fragmented remains of Sudan. Analysts believe that an undeclared proxy war between Saudi Arabia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates could see Sudan as their proxy battleground. The Sudanese Armed Forces are reportedly receiving military aid from Iran, Egypt and Ukraine while the Rapid Support Forces have received backing from the United Arab Emirates, Eastern Libya, and the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Saudi Arabia has presented itself as a humanitarian in the Sudan, sponsoring ceasefire talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah, providing aid to Sudanese people inside and outside of the country and even helping evacuate citizens from war-torn Khartoum. Egypt, an ally of Saudi Arabia, has provided aid to the Sudanese military in its aims to regain control of the entire country. Some have even suggested that the Egyptians could be considering an invasion of Sudan to help General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to fight the RSF. However, say observers, Egypt does not have the resources nor desire to fight a war. But they can't afford to ignore what's going on in Sudan either due to its proximity. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, which has silently sided with the Rapid Support Force, is keen to thwart any efforts made by the Saudis in Sudan even if only to be a thorn in their side. Iran, enemies to both the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, has stepped and have chosen sides in the concept with the shipment of Mohajer-6 single-engine unmanned aircraft manufactured by Ouds Air Industries in Iran. Sudan has 400 miles of coastline alongside the Red Sea, which is an area of great interest to Tehran. The drone, according to U.S. officials, is capable of air-to-surface attacks, electronic warfare and battlefield targeting. Iran is believed to already be giving support to Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen. A partnership with Sudan would serve to expand their influence to significantly expand their influence in the region of the Red Sea. Iran has already supplied drones to Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and the Ethiopian Army, latter of which is in an ongoing dispute with Egypt. In the past, Tehran has denied supplying drones to the Houthis and Russia. On Wednesday it was reported that efforts to finally hammer home a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas have failed once again as Israel has reportedly ordered its negotiating team to return home, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed Hamas for the failure by sticking to "delusional" demands. This statement reportedly came just hours after local Israeli news reported that Netanyahu ordered the Israeli delegation to disengage from talks in Cairo, Egypt. The families of Israeli hostages ceased by Hamas expressed outrage. According to some estimates, roughly a fourth of the 130 remaining captives are believed to be dead. Relatives of the hostages said the Prime Minister's decision was a "death sentence" to their loved ones. The efforts, spurred on by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, are the only hope for some form of respite for the millions of Palestinians currently under siege by the Israeli military. The fighting has replaced most of the population of Gaza and the West Bank. "In Cairo, Israel did not receive any new proposal from Hamas on the release of our captives," Netanyahu said in a statement. "A change in Hamas' positions will allow progress in the negotiations." CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, head of Mossad, attended the talks in Cairo but the talks concluded on Wednesday. Netanyahu has continually vowed to pursue military action against Hamas until "total victory" and the return of all hostages is achieved. However, Hamas has stated they will not release all the captives until the Israeli offensive withdraws from Gaza. Hamas also wants Israel to release a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including senior militants. Netanyahu called such demands "delusional." A group representing the families of the hostages sees the hostages as symbolic of the state's inability to protect its citizens from Hamas and calls the decision to recall the Israeli delegation from Cairo "scandalous." They said they will camp outside the Israeli Defense Ministry unless the Prime Minister agrees to meet with them. HNGN will continually update this story as additional details are made available to the press. A new legislation has been introduced to the state of Ohio to permit the use of nitrogen hypoxia as a method for carrying out the death penalty. The law aims to put life back into the state's stalled capital punishment system. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the legislation with state Representatives Brian Stewart, Phil Plummer, and Executive Director Lou Tobin of the Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association. "There must be accountability for offenders convicted of the most heinous crimes and prisoners who continue to flout the law behind bars," Yost said. "The pursuit of justice is a journey, and closure remains elusive for victims' families until a sentence is fully executed. Ensuring that the consequences align with the severity of an offense is essential to providing solace to grieving relatives." Nitrogen hypoxia garnered national attention when Alabama used the method to carry out the death sentence of murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith, becoming the first state in the United States to exercise the procedure. Nitrogen hypoxia is a colorless and odorless gas, and when implemented on an inmate, the inmate only breathes the nitrogen in, leading to oxygen deprivation and a state of rapid unconsciousness before death. Ohio last performed an execution by lethal injection on July 18, 2018, over five years ago. Numerous reprieves were granted, mostly in part due to the reluctance of pharmaceutical suppliers to provide lethal drugs to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for executions. Attorney General Yost hopes that nitrogen-- widely available and easily sourced-- can break the impasse of the unavailability of drugs for lethal injection. Under the new legislation, manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors that provide lethal injection drugs to the state would receive indefinite confidentiality rather than the current two-year limit. The drug suppliers would also receive similar courtesy. "As long as capital punishment remains the law in Ohio, the law should be followed - and duly enacted sentences should be carried out to give victims' families the justice and finality they deserve," sponsor Stewart, R-Ashville said. "Providing an additional method for carrying out capital punishments is necessary to ensure Ohio can continue to impose these sentences in response to the most heinous crimes committed in our state." Plummer, R-Dayton added, "By using nitrogen hypoxia, we are giving the system an additional resource for holding accountable those who have committed heinous crimes. It is time that we stop postponing executions and give the families of victims the closure that they deserve." Tobin echoed their thoughts, noting that they will continue to work to ensure the new death penalty measure is "fair and accurate." Yost adamantly emphasizes the need to explore the death-penalty conversation even further as a way to give voice to victims' families. What Are The Ethical Implications? Last year, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law an animal cruelty bill banning the euthanization of pets with any gas not used as an anesthesia, like nitrogen. This promptly drew criticism from opponents against the bill, raising the question of its use on humans. "That in and of itself does not make that execution inhumane or unconstitutional," said Michael Benza, Case Western Reserve University School of Law Professor. "The court has repeatedly pointed out that an amount of suffering, even a significant amount of suffering, is not what is prohibited by the constitution." A different proposed bill is also running through the statehouse-- one that would abolish the death penalty altogether. Media witnesses at Smith's execution in Alabama reported that he "shook and writhed," appearing to be in distress for several minutes as his body suffocated. In response to media questions about the use of the death penalty in Ohio, AG Yost said that death-row exonerations proved that the "system works." However, DPIC research shows that 10 of 11 Ohio death-row exonerations involved official misconduct, a finding at odds with his statement. Governor DeWine and Gary Mohr, former director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, are among the prominent figures who have expressed grave concern over the proposed legislation. An execution method should be "a proven method that peacefully ends life," said Mohr. He said that he was "not convinced" that nitrogen gas "meets [his] belief that people shouldn't struggle" and noted that staff and viewers would be traumatized watching a person struggle during an execution. Mr. Mohr supervised 15 executions in his previous role and has since felt misgivings about the death penalty. "Having been personally involved in not just executions but 50 years of this work, and being a prison warden for 12 years and seeing other people who have life sentences with very, very similar types of acts that generated that sentence, I'm not convinced at this point that we're executing the worst of the worst," he continued. Governor DeWine shared the same sentiments however declined to comment, citing the pending legislation. He did reveal a lack of knowledge on the method since it's only been used once. "If you had ten things to do to reduce crime, ten things to save lives, the death penalty would probably not be on that top 10 list," he said. He noted that the average time between offense and execution "does raise a serious question of whether or not [the death penalty] is in fact a deterrent." At this time, 118 inmates are sitting on the state's death row. HNGN contacted the Ohio Attorney General's office for comments but received no response. Associated Press is reporting that illegal border crossing into the United States from Mexico fell by half in January following record highs in December. This is the third lowest month of illegal border crossing arrests under Biden's presidency. Immigration is one of the biggest issues leading into the 2024 presidential election. So, this comes as some good news for the Biden administration. Exit polls reportedly show immigration is the top concern for many Republican voters in the early primaries. Somewhat ironically, this news comes a day after House Republicans voted to impeach U.S. Homeland Security Secretary T Mayorkas for dereliction of duty in securing the border with Mexico. Acting U.S. Customers and Border Protection Commissioner Troy Miller told AP that the declines are seasonal but also due to heightened enforcement efforts by the United States and its allies. He also repeatedly praised Mexico for their crackdown, which was launched in late December. Arrests by Border Patrol were at 249, 735 in December but fell to 124,220 in January. Arrests of Venezuelans dropped by 91% in January to 4,422. Tuscan, Arizona was the busiest area for attempted illegal crossings with 50,565 arrests made in January. However, this is down by 37% from December. Arrests for attempted illegal crossings fell in Eagle Pass, Texas by 76% in January. "We continue to experience serious challenges along our border which surpass the capacity of the immigration system," Miller said. The only months under Biden's presidency with fewer border arrests were June 2023 and February 2021. During an interview with AP in January, Alejandro Mayorkas stated that Mexico's immigration enforcement agency did not have the funds to carry out enforcement actions in December but the problem had been rectified. There has been an immediate drop in the arrests for illegal border crossings since then. When adding migrants who were allowed to enter the United States under new or expanded legal guidelines, migrant "encounters" went to 176,205 in January after topping 300,000 for the first time in December. U.S. authorities admitted about 45,000 people at land crossings with Mexico in January through an online appointment system called CBP One, bringing the total to 459,118 since it was introduced a year earlier. Georgia is now aiming to stop gender identity lectures in schools. The state is doing this by pushing a long-stalled legislation proposal that aims to prevent teachers from teaching about gender identity. On Tuesday, Feb. 13, the majority of Republicans passed the new Senate Bill 88 out of the Senate Education and Youth Committee on a party-line vote. Now, the legislation states that private schools will be required to obtain written permission from parents before they can teach about queer theory, gender identity, gender transition, and gender ideology. However, the full Senate will still debate regarding the new legislation before it becomes law. Georgia Now Aims To Stop Gender Identity Lectures in Schools Sen. Carden Summers, a Cordele Republican, claims that the new anti-gender identity teaching bill is fair legislation. "We worked in earnest to make this bill fair while still achieving our goal of making sure children's parents are involved in a sensitive and often life-changing issue," he said via NBC News. However, The Associated Press reported that liberal opponents claim that Senate Bill 88 remains a thinly veil attack against LGBTQ students. "There has been no evidence presented that kids are being taught gender identity issues in school that would lead to any kind of confusion or coercion," explained Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham. However, there are some LGBTQ members who surprisingly support the new bill, saying that transgender activists don't represent them. One of them is Jeff Cleghorn, a former board member of the GBTQ advocacy group Georgia Equality. "Activists in schools have no business interfering with the parent-child relationship. Do not let schools teach kids to keep secrets from their parents," argued Cleghorn. Read Also: Oklahoma: Ex-Drag Queen Principal Resigns Less Than a Year After Hiring; Critics Have Good Reason for Backlash What Anti-Gender Identity Teaching Bill Requires Once it becomes law, the new Senate Bill 88 will require public schools in Georgia to establish rules that would determine how to handle gender identity issues. These policies will also focus on handling students who want to dress as a different gender or use different pronouns. The new legislation states that these policies should be presented as early as January 1, 2025. Public schools that don't comply will have their state aid withheld, as well as face restrictions from participating in the Georgia High School Association. Meanwhile, private schools that violate the legislation will be banned from receiving any state money provided by vouchers for special needs students. Related Article: England: Teachers Granted Autonomy to Reject Student's Request to Change Gender Identity On Wednesday, Estonia's foreign minister Margus Tsakna told a news conference that he believes NATO has only about three or four years to strengthen its defenses before it has to deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin's "war machine." The news conference took place during a visit to Warsaw, the capital of Poland. While he said that Estonia does not believe that Russia is an immediate threat to it and other Baltic States (Lithuania and Latvia), not because of Russia's benevolence, but because they're too busy with a full-scale invasion in Ukraine. "But we must understand the Russian war machine has started in the full scale, the capabilities for production and the mentality as well, because Putin is controlling now everything," he said alongside his host, Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski. He believes a Russian "test" of NATO is in the offering in the near future. The foreign minister's words carry a considerable amount of weight. Some analysts believe Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia or all three are the most likely targets for a future attack if anyone decides to risk an attack on NATO. Poland, which neighbors the Baltic States, is considerably larger and better defended but is also considered vulnerable. That vulnerability will only be exacerbated if the Russian invasion of Ukraine is successful. All four countries are staunch supporters of Ukraine. On Tuesday it was widely reported that Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas was put on a wanted list in Russia because of her efforts to remove Soviet-era World War II monuments. The prime minister dismissed the move as a "familiar scare tactic" by Moscow. Estonia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday that it summoned Russian diplomats to express "indignation." Tsahkna and Sikorski stressed the importance of maintaining strong support for Ukraine. In 2017, Russia deployed 120,000 troops along the border of the Baltic states as part of a military exercise conducted alongside Belarus. The exercise was to test the readiness of their troops in the event an unnamed aggressor would try to place a wedge between the forces of the two allied states. Large-scale military exercises often are cause for alarm because, oftentimes, they are used to intimidate neighboring countries and show off new equipment. It is a tactic that China regularly uses against Taiwan. Its Lent, and, among other things, that means its time for Gustos Community Fish Fry Guide. So far this year, we have 25 listings from local schools, churches, community centers and fire halls. A fish fry listed as being offered Fridays during Lent, means it is being sold each Friday including Good Friday on March 29. While hours are given, note that these dinners tend to sell out early, so the fish may not be available the full time. If your community fish fry isnt listed, please email your information to truberto@buffnews.com. Eldredge Bicycle Club. 17 Broad St., Tonawanda. 4 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Fish dinner comes with homemade macaroni salad, coleslaw, fries and choice of American or German potato salad. Dine-in, takeout. Fraternal Order of Eagles 1411, 7269 Ward Road, North Tonawanda. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays through April 12. Beer battered, broiled or baked fish with baked potato or fries. Also chicken fingers and fries. All dinners are $15 and also include coleslaw, mac salad, bread, coffee and dessert. Dine-in, takeout. Call 694-6968. Gratwick Hose Fire Company No. 6. 110 Ward Road, North Tonawanda. 4 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Beer battered, breaded, broiled or Cajun haddock plus perch, shrimp, combo or chicken finger dinners; $14.50-$17.75. All are served with coleslaw, macaroni salad, roll and potato. Kids meals with macaroni and cheese or chicken fingers plus fries and drink; $7-$7.50. Call 692-9675 for takeout or to reserve table. Hamburg United Methodist Church. 116 Union St., Hamburg. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Choice of fried or broiled fish (regular, lemon or Cajun), broiled shrimp. Includes coleslaw, potato salad, fries, bread, beverage and homemade desserts; $16. Plus kids chicken finger dinner. Dine-in, takeout. Holy Mother of the Rosary. 6298 Broadway, Lancaster. 4 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays to March 22. Baked or fried fish or shrimp dinner with homemade salads, dessert; $14-$15. 685-5766. Kenilworth Volunteer Fire Department. 84 Hawthorne Ave. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays through Lent. Beer battered or breaded fish dinner or shrimp dinner with fries, coleslaw and potato salad; $17. Kids meal with chicken fingers; $12. Dine-in, take out. 838-1219. Knights of Columbus Father Justin Council, Knights Event Center, 2735 Union Road, Cheektowaga. 4 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays. Fried, battered or broiled ($17.49 whole, $14.49 half). Other menu items available. Dine-in, takeout. Reservations, call 683-3635 (Option 6). Our Lady of The Blessed Sacrament Elementary School. 20 French Road, Depew. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Beer battered haddock with homemade macaroni salad, coleslaw, fries and bread; $15. Kids meal with homemade macaroni and cheese, fries and applesauce; $6. Clam chowder, $5. Drive-thru only. Pendleton Center United Methodist Church. 6864 Campbell Blvd., North Tonawanda. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Fish fry, baked or Cajun dinner ($14-$17 with three sizes available); sampler platters, shrimp and chicken tender dinners ($12-$17 with half-portion for $7). Dinners include fries or potato salad, applesauce or coleslaw, roll. Dine-in, takeout. For takeout, call 625-8306 after 9 a.m. Fridays. Polish Cadets of Buffalo. 927 Grant St. 875-3211. 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Beer battered or broiled fish with housemade macaroni salad, coleslaw and choice of fries or mashed potatoes and bread; plus haddock sandwich, shrimp basket and seat food platter. Dine-in, takeout and delivery. Call or text order to 716-875-3211. Polish Falcons of Depew. 445 Columbia Ave. 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays. Fish, shrimp or chicken tender dinners. Dine in or take out. Drive-thru available from 3 to 6 p.m.; $13 fish dinner at drive-thru only. 684-2373 St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. 2239 West Creek Road, Burt. 4 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays through March 22. Fish or shrimp dinner with fries or potato salad, coleslaw, roll, homemade dessert; $15 adults, $7 children. Manhattan clam chowder, $5. Place orders at 778-7633. Curbside takeout only. St. Bernadettes Holy Name Society. 5930 South Abbott Road, Orchard Park. 4 to 7 p.m. March 22. Beer battered haddock, potato salad, macaroni salad, coleslaw, bread; $16. Kids meal (cheese pizza, mac and cheese, applesauce); $5. Tickets are on sale in the Rectory Office with limited tickets at the door. Dine-in, takeout. St. Christopher Church. 2660 Niagara Falls Blvd., Tonawanda. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Fridays through Lent. Fish dinner ($15), shrimp dinner ($15) or combo ($18). All dinners come with coleslaw, choice of potato salad or fries, plus bread. Drive-thru only (enter via school lot on Irvington Drive). St. Gregory the Great. 200 St. Gregory Court, Williamsville. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays through March 22. Fried or baked fish with fries, coleslaw and roll; $15 presale (parish office, online), $16 door. Pizza, $2. Prepared by St. Gregs Knights of Columbus. 668-5678. SS Joachim and Anne Parish. Walnut Street auditorium, Attica. 4:30 to 6:15 p.m. Feb. 23, March 1, March 8 and March 15. Fish Fry with baked potato or fries, coleslaw, roll, drink and homemade dessert ($15). Kids meals (peanut butter and jelly or grilled cheese with fries, drink and cookie), $3. Dine-in, takeout. 585-591-1228. St. John's Community Church. 2871 E. Church St., Eden. 4:30 p.m. until sold out Fridays during Lent. Fish fry (battered, broiled lemon pepper or Cajun), shrimp and combo dinners with hand-cut fries or macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, bread and dessert; $17-$19. Dine-in, drive-thru. 992-9143. St. John de LaSalle Church. 8477 Buffalo Ave., Niagara Falls. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Beer battered or baked fish or shrimp dinner with homemade coleslaw and choice of fries or homemade parsley potatoes; $16. Call from 3 to 6 p.m to pick up from 4 to 7 p.m. at the parish center (716-283-79160). St. Katharine Drexel Parish Community. 135 N. Ogden St. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Fish, shrimp or crab dinners ($15) with macaroni salad, coleslaw, fries, bread and dessert. Seafood platter, $20; grilled cheese dinner, $10. Kids meal (grilled cheese and fries), $5. Dine-in, takeout. St. Leo the Great Parish. 885 Sweet Home Road, Amherst. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Fried or baked fish or shrimp scampi with fries, coleslaw, roll and dessert; $16-$18. Soup and mac and cheese dinner also available. Order 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the parish office or online at stleothegreatamherst.com. Dine-in, takeout. Also offering gluten-free. Proceeds benefit Church roof campaign. St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church. Taking place at the American Legion Post 1041, 553 Amherst Ave. 4 to 7 p.m. March 1 (must order by Feb. 25). Fish fry ($18) or chicken finger dinner ($8). Tickets available after Mass, in the rectory or online at stmargaretbuffalo.com/events. Dine-in, takeout. St. Mark's Roman Catholic Church. Held at St. Marks School, 399 Woodward Ave. 4:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 16, March 22 and March 29. Fish fry or clam strips ($17), combo ($22), fried shrimp ($22), or Captain Bills Platter ($30) with potato salad, coleslaw, fries, rye bread. Dine-in, takeout. Purchase online at smk-hns.square.site. St. Martha's Parish. 10 French Road, Depew. Drive-thru only. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Beer-battered haddock with fries, homemade macaroni salad, coleslaw, bread; $15. Kids meal of homemade macaroni and cheese with fries, $6. Clam chowder, $5. St. Patrick's Episcopal Church. 1395 George Urban Blvd. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Fried or broiled fish, shrimp, seafood and chicken finger dinners all come in multiple sizes ($12-$17). Kids fish or chicken finger dinners ($8) come with two sides. Takeout only. Order at stpatricksfishfry.com. St. Stephen Serbian Orthodox Church. 177 Weber Road, Lackawanna. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Fish dinners and shrimp baskets with homemade salads, sides. Desserts available. Dine-in, takeout. 825-9364. St. Stephen School. 2080 Baseline Road, Grand Island. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Beer battered or basked fish with coleslaw, choice of side and DiCamillo bread. Breaded shrimp and scallops also offered. Dine-in or takeout (March 29 is takeout only). Orders taken until 6 p.m. Fridays. Order online or by calling 773-7647. Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Co. 738 Sheridan Drive, Tonawanda. 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays through Lent. Beer battered, breaded or baked fish; $17. Shrimp and chicken dinners also available. All dinners include fries, coleslaw, potato salad and roll. 873-1111. Dine-in, take out. Spring Brook Fire Company. 31 Pound Road, Elma. 3:30 to 7 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Fried or broiled fish, shrimp or chicken finger dinners with fries or baked potato, coleslaw, macaroni salad, roll, coffee or tea; $15. Dine-in, takeout. 652-1806 or 655-0831. The Theatre District fire that killed Buffalo Firefighter Jason Jay Arno nearly one year ago has sparked another lawsuit. The owners of DC Theatricks, a costume shop in the building that was destroyed in the blaze, have sued the owner of the property and the contractor whose employees were blamed for starting the fire. David Dejac and Douglas Caskey on Tuesday filed suit in State Supreme Court in Buffalo against 743 Main St. LLC a limited liability company tied to former Rep. Chris Jacobs and JP Contracting of WNY LLC, a contractor that specializes in masonry work. The lawsuit states the fire destroyed a business that had operated downtown for more than 40 years. As a result of defendants negligence as set forth below, plaintiffs have lost not only their business, but their lifes work, the companys attorneys, Terrence M. Connors and Christina M. Eaton, write in a preamble to the complaint. This is the latest litigation generated by the fire that claimed the life of the 37-year-old Arno. His widow, Sarah-Elizabeth Tierney, and the LLC controlled by Jacobs have brought their own lawsuits over the incident. While we are sympathetic to DC Theatricks situation, placing the blame on 743 Main Street LLC, which only recently purchased the building, is misplaced, Jacobs said in a statement. DC Theatricks was in the best position to protect its property through insurance coverage, but it chose not to do so. As the sole tenant in the building for many years, they were in the best position to recognize and speak out about the conditions it now complains, therefore we must question both the timing and motivation behind this lawsuit, Jacobs said in the statement. The four-alarm fire at 743 Main St., a three-story brick building that housed DC Theatricks, began on the morning of March 1. Two contractors hired to do masonry work on the exterior of the building found it covered with snow and ice when they arrived on the job at about 7:30 a.m., according to an investigation by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Employees named in the DC Theatricks lawsuit as Emmanuel Tirado and Marc Sabia used a blowtorch and leaf blower in their efforts to melt the snow and ice on the north side of the building where they were working, fire investigators found. Another JP Contracting employee identified in the DC Theatricks lawsuit as Obel Santiago screwed a piece of plywood into a doorframe where they were working, and the men held a metal shovel by the plywood to try to shield it from the blowtorchs flame. They used the torch intermittently between 7:36 a.m. and 8:17 a.m. and the propane was turned off at 8:35 a.m. Somehow, a spark from the blowtorch got inside and ignited bags of costumes and set off the fire. By this point, one worker had gone home on a break. The other was working on the masonry and didnt notice anything amiss until, at 9:53 a.m., he saw smoke. The worker attempted to put it out by throwing water from a bucket under the plywood. He tried to pry off the plywood, kicked it in and spotted flames. He called 911 at 9:56 a.m. and, within two minutes, the Buffalo Fire Departments Engine 2 arrived on the scene. Arno and his crew went in to try to attack the blaze from inside the building when, at 10:07 a.m., an explosion was reported. There are conflicting accounts, according to the Erie County District Attorney's Office, on whether the initial evacuation order was given before or after this first explosion. As they exited the structure, his fellow firefighters realized Arno was missing. Several went back in, Erie County District Attorney John Flynn said at a July news conference, and they found him. But Arno was trapped, likely stuck on a rod from a clothing rack. They were attempting to pull him out when, at 10:18 a.m., a second explosion tore through the building. Fire officials ordered another evacuation and the firefighters left without being able to rescue Arno, Flynn said then. The floor of the first floor caved in, severing a gas line in the basement, which may have triggered a third explosion. Firefighters finally got the blaze under control after several hours and, at 1:44 p.m., entered the building again to remove Arnos body. His funeral attracted firefighters and officials from across the country. No charges were filed in the fire, with Flynn deeming the use of the blowtorch in this manner stupid but not criminal. Flynn said the probe did find potential building code violations. For example, he said, JP Contracting did not have a permit for the masonry work and it failed to have a fire watch. DC Theatricks, which offered everything from Halloween costumes to outfits for theatrical productions, never reopened following the fire. In the lawsuit filed Tuesday, the companys owners claim Tirado and Sabia did not exercise reasonable care in their use of the propane torch and/or leaf blower. The contractors employees not only negligently caused the fire but failed to act to prevent and/or stop the fire from spreading, the lawsuit contends. As a result, the company lost all of its inventory, equipment and stock, according to the suit. Jacobs had purchased the building through a limited liability company in December 2022. The buildings owner had a responsibility to safely maintain the property and, as the entity that hired JP Contracting to work at the site, is responsible for any damages caused by the contractor, the lawsuit states. The owner also was responsible for having a functioning fire suppression system in place, including smoke detectors, sprinklers and fire extinguishers, according to the complaint. And the owner failed to have proper permits in place, including a valid certificate of occupancy, the lawsuit states. Jacobs had prior notice of those and other unreasonably dangerous conditions at the property, according to the complaint. The lawsuit doesnt state how much the lost inventory and equipment was worth. Connors, in an interview Wednesday, said an adjustor is working to try to determine this. I think the collection they had amassed over the years was, in many respects, priceless, the attorney said. He confirmed the owners of DC Theatricks, who employed four people, did not have insurance coverage. An attorney who has represented JP Contracting in a prior lawsuit, Michael Mezzacappa, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday. Jacobs filed suit in September against JP Contracting. Tierney, Arnos widow, filed suit in November against the Jacobs-controlled LLC, JP Contracting, the City of Buffalo and the Buffalo Fire Department. Clarification: This article was updated to reflect the fact that, per the Erie County District Attorney's Office, there are conflicting indications in the ATF report and other accounts as to the timing of the initial evacuation order from the building. Radisson Hotel Group will make its debut in Cambodia following the signing of a landmark agreement with Prince Real Estate Group to operate two brand-new properties in the country's fast-growing city, Phnom Penh. Scheduled to open by Q1 2026, this dual-branded project will see the launch of a stylish Radisson RED Phnom Penh and the upper-upscale Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Phnom Penh in the heart of the city. The two hotels and branded residence are integrated within the Prince Happiness Plaza, a condo project that is set amidst a prestigious mixed-use development that will comprise high-end retail, dining and commercial elements. One of South East Asia's rising stars, Cambodia has been identified as a key market in Radisson Hotel Group's regional development strategy. The country welcomed 5.4 million international visitors in 2023, which marked a significant 140% jump from the previous year, and it is expected to reach seven million arrivals by 2025. As the country's largest city and a key financial hub, Phnom Penh is driving Cambodia's economic boom, with GDP growth expected to accelerate to 6.0% in 2024. This makes now the ideal time for Radisson Hotel Group to make its entry into this compelling country. Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Phnom Penh and Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh will command a prime position close to BKK1, the premium residential, business and embassy district, and will be a short drive from the new Phnom Penh International Airport, which is expected to be completed in 2025. This striking project is located within international embassies and in close proximity to popular attractions such as Independence Monument, the National Museum of Cambodia, and the Royal Palace. Developed by one of the nation's leading property developer, Prince Real Estate Group, the two properties are situated atop the Prince Happiness Plaza, an integrated development which will offer direct access to upmarket retail outlets, multiple dining options, Grade A offices and more. The 250-key upper-upscale Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Phnom Penh will cater to discerning corporate travelers on extended stays with a total of 160 well-appointed guestrooms and serviced apartments, as well as 90 branded residences ranging from the 40sqm Deluxe Studio Residences to the 210sqm Three-Bedroom Residences, all of which will feature premium amenities and panoramic views of the skyline and river. The design-led Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh will attract business and leisure guests seeking stays inspired by the upbeat spirit of this dynamic city. This upscale lifestyle hotel will comprise 200 keys, ranging from modern Deluxe Rooms to the spacious One-Bedroom Suites. The two properties will also share an all-day restaurant, lobby lounge, spa, pool and gym. Corporate travelers and digital nomads can take advantage of a casual co-working space, reading lounge and event venues that that will host both business meetings and social celebrations. Hotel website Centara has signed a strategic Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Phi Phi Paradise Company Limited for its Villa 360 property. Set to reopen as Centara Villas Phi Phi Island in October 2024, this stunning resort offers 40 villas ranging from 56 to 133.5 square metres, an all-day dining restaurant, a sunset sky bar, an outdoor swimming pool, and pool bar, spa, fitness centre, and a convenient onsite mini shop. Hotel website This educational three-day conference brings you together with local and international hospitality professionals. Key industry influencers will provide insight, innovative ideas, emerging hot topics and share strategies for success in hospitality and professional development. This is an event where you learn and network with the best in our industry the legacy continues! For the best conference experience support NEWH and the conference by staying with us at Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Why stay at the conference hotel? It's the center of conference activity and you'll be able to easily connect with other conference attendees and speakers; it's a quick trip to sessions and functions or back to your room for a quick break or an important call. Consider making a weekend getaway out of your Nashville trip get your ticket for the NEWH Conference Closing Party Saturday evening at Redneck Riviera in the heart of Lower Broadway for a fun evening of live music, dancing, southern cuisine and more (click here to be a sponsor of the NEWH Conference Closing Party). On Sunday self-explore Nashville's iconic sites, the honky tonk music scene and new hotels. We can't wait to see you in Nashville! This event is organized by NEWH PITTSBURGH - With 101 newly designed city and direct ocean view guest rooms in its historic tower and 36 luxurious cabanas and suites, The National Hotel Miami Beach is impressing guests with stunning views, luxury accommodations, personalized experiences, and unparalleled service. Invisible to guests at this AAA 4 Diamond oceanfront property is how efficiently the hotels finance team is operating thanks to the addition of two software solutions from Aptech: PVNG Enterprise Accounting and Targetvue Budgeting & Forecasting. The Aptech software development team is amazing. Ever since joining the company I have been very demanding, always asking for new enhancements to meet our specific and strategic needs. Not once have I heard the word no from anyone. Aptech always provides a solution. Before migrating to these cloud solutions, my team spent a lot of time creating journal entries and manually plugging data into legacy systems. Today, workflow is far more efficient, and tedious manual data-entry processes have been eliminated. Sarah Fisch, chief financial officer at The National Hotel PVNG named among the Best Finance & Accounting Software of 2024 by Hotel Tech Report features Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, General Ledger, Statistics, Financials, Bank Reconciliation, automated invoice processing, a myriad of payment options, and drill-down capabilities in financial statements and reports. It is the first hotel accounting solution to connect to the Plaid Data Network. It can handle single or multi-property accounting and can be deployed as a hosted service. Targetvue provides accounting teams with one version of the truth. It consolidates reports, identifies trends, and eliminates the maintenance and distribution of Excel spreadsheets throughout the organization. Automated forecast snapshots offers users ad-hoc capabilities to previous and future performance projections. These solutions are extremely user friendly, Fisch said. I was surprised by the simplicity. Rather than giving us a lot of options or features that we will never use or cannot understand, PVNG and Targetvue have just what we need, like reports that can be updated instantly. The flexibility of the software and the support team makes us feel like both solutions were tailored just for The National Hotel. If I had to describe these tools in one word it would be functional and/or convenient. Exemplary Customer Care Impressive to Fisch and her associates is Aptechs customer care department. Fisch said each member of the team values human relationships and applies technology to solve business problems for people through technical support, operational support, software support, on-site user training, report creation, software installation, customized programming, web-based user training, data transformation, data conversion, problem resolution and product updates. The teams work with clients often extends well beyond the initial installation project to keep customers aware of industry changes affecting systems, business practices, enterprise resource planning and emerging options that may be available to enhance their operation. Aptech support is wonderful, Fisch said. When I send an email request or question, I always get a response the same day, oftentimes within minutes. If my customer care agent is unavailable, someone else is always willing to fill in. Its a great team. Sam Costa, Aptech Director of Client Success, said hoteliers are Aptechs best salespeople. Every time he reads a customer review on Hotel Tech Report, he said he is humbled by the words people use to describe his team and their proficiency, such as amazing, friendly, efficient, timely, effective, the best, responsive, always available, fast, understandable, reliable, and strong-knit team. We are delighted that The National Hotel is finding PVNG and Targetvue to be so flexible, functional, and user friendly, Costa said. Being able to streamline their financial processes is enabling management to deliver reports on the fly to those who need them. We look forward to supporting this legendary art deco hotel for years to come and introducing new solutions when the time is right. At Aptech, we are devoted to keeping our customers aware of industry changes in technology and developing innovative options to enhance their organization. Aptech is an IBM Software Value Plus Partner and Premier Solution Provider as well as a Prophix Premier Business Partner, and proud members of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), Hotel Technology Next Generation (HTNG), the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), International Society of Hospitality Consultants (ISHC), and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI). For more information on all Aptech solutions, visit http://www.aptech-inc.com. About Aptech Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the only provider of a fully integrated enterprise accounting, business intelligence and planning ecosystem to the hospitality industry. All clients are companies like yours, which own or manage hotels. Its solutions help customers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data for faster goal achievement. The company is renowned for introducing business intelligence into the hotel industry and offers a solid resource of hospitality professionals. Aptech is an IBM Software Value Plus partner and Premier Solution Provider, as well as a Prophix Premier Business Partner. Incorporated in 1970, Aptechs state-of-the-art back office, true business intelligence and enterprise planning solutions are 100% hotel specific. Solutions include PVNG, Execuvue and Targetvue. Clients comprise over 3,500 properties including large chains, multiple-property management companies and single-site hotels. Execuvue is registered to Aptech Computer Systems Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective holders. For more information, please visit www.aptech-inc.com. Barbara Worcester +1 440 930 5770 Singapore- CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) has established its new lodging private fund, CapitaLand Ascott Residence Asia Fund II (CLARA II). With a target equity size of US$600 million (S$800 million[1]), CLARA II will invest in serviced residences and coliving properties in gateway cities in key developed Asia Pacific markets. CLARA II is CLIs second private fund that focuses on serviced residence and coliving assets. It is the follow-on fund to the US$600 million (S$800 million) Ascott Serviced Residence Global Fund (ASRGF). CLI will hold a 20% sponsor stake in CLARA II in line with its asset-light strategy to grow its funds under management while keeping strong alignment with its investors and partners. The remaining 80% will be held by third-party institutional investors. CLARA II leverages the global operating expertise of The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business unit wholly owned by CLI, to manage its quality portfolio of resilient and green-certified lodging assets, further creating value for its investors. CLARA II has secured its first close with equity commitment by global institutional investors from Europe and Asia, and the fund will acquire two seed assets. The assets are a 50% stake in the 308-unit lyf Bugis Singapore[2] and a 100% stake in the 200-unit lyf Shibuya Tokyo in Japan from Ascott. The two freehold properties are strategically located within their respective city centres and are well-positioned to capture the strong demand from business and leisure travellers. Both properties are also set to be green-certified. lyf Bugis Singapore will be unveiled in mid-2024 while lyf Shibuya Tokyo will open in 4Q 2024. For more information on both properties, please see the Annex. Combining CLIs investment management capabilities and Ascotts expertise in operating lodging properties worldwide under our award-winning brands, we are well-positioned to support the growth of our private funds. We are in a strong financial position to seize good investment opportunities and inject quality assets into our private funds. Tapping on travellers' preference for trusted brands, CLARA II will leverage Ascotts global operational expertise, and sales and marketing network. This enables us to enhance the value of the assets and deliver sustainable returns to investors. Investors will further benefit from the strong demand for lodging as international travel continues its upward trajectory. Besides Asia Pacific, we see the potential to establish more lodging private funds in other regions such as Europe. Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer for CLI Lodging and Ascott Investors interest in serviced residences and coliving properties have increased as these assets have proven to be resilient even during the COVID-19 pandemic. These properties generate stable income from long-stay guests and have the flexibility to take in guests on short stay to maximise revenue. With trends such as increased global mobility, coliving becoming mainstream and travellers spending more time overseas, the sector is strategically positioned to offer attractive returns[3]. CLARA II will target markets that have strong economic fundamentals and transparent regulations. We see good investment and value-add opportunities in these key developed Asia Pacific markets. Mr Mak Hoe Kit, Managing Director, Lodging Private Equity Funds, CLI Through our first fund, ASRGF, we have demonstrated how we create value for our investors. Over 90% of ASRGFs portfolio were sourced off-market or originated in-house, a testament to our strong global investment teams. After a successful rebrand and asset enhancement initiative, the divestment of our first property under ASRGF surpassed expected returns. ASRGFs latest property, lyf Ginza Tokyo, opened in November 2023 and has since exceeded its average target rent. We remain committed as a trusted partner to deliver quality returns for our investors, added Mr Mak. [1] Based on exchange rate of US$1 to S$1.333. [2] The remaining 50% of lyf Bugis Singapore is held under CLIs CapitaLand Wellness Fund. [3] CLI - Serviced Residences (& Co-Living) Becoming a Mainstream Investment Asset Class, September 2022. About The Ascott Limited Since pioneering Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with more than 940 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott's presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA. Ascott's diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, co-living properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello; and it has a brand partnership with Domitys. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott's loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties. A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds. For more information on Ascott's industry record of 40 years and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 September 2023, CLI had S$133 billion of real estate assets under management, and S$90 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres. CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand's development arm. As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders. Visit http://www.capitalandinvest.com/ for more information. Joan Tan Assistant Vice President, Corporate Communications +65 6713 2864 The Ascott Limited In 2023, we witnessed our industry make an extraordinary shift from resilience to flourishing, we all wrapped our heads around the explosion of generative AI and accompanying technology innovations, and we continued to relish the opportunity to meet in person. As we turn the page on a transformative year, it is our pleasure to present the 2023 HSMAI Annual Report. Over the past year, HSMAI provided solution-oriented insights, highly relevant education and resources, and supported and developed our chapters. Our goals were ambitious but designed to provide value and meet the needs of our member companies and individuals. The success of our efforts is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the HSMAI staff, volunteers, and partners. Thank you to each one of you for your contributions. We started the year embracing the zeitgeist of the industry with our Adrian theme, the Next Great Chapter. We held the Mike Leven Leadership Conference for the first time since 2019, a fantastic opportunity for chapter leadership to collaborate and deepen their knowledge. During Commercial Strategy Week and Sales Leader Forum, expert speakers, content, and discussions helped attendees anticipate and respond to headwinds, identify new opportunities, and better align their commercial functions, guiding the future course of our industry. Curate focused on the hot topic of artificial intelligence, helping our organizational members to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Our educational initiatives and networking opportunities have grown in both depth and reach. The active participation of our Advisory Boards, Rising Leader Councils, and chapters is a clear indicator of the vibrant community we have fostered. The Puerto Rico Chapter had a successful second year. Under the helm of Brasil's chapter, we expanded our reach with the addition of a Latin American Advisory Board that produced events in Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile. The engagement and enthusiasm of our members and partners have been nothing short of inspiring. Looking ahead, we are filled with optimism and excitement for the future. The journey continues, and HSMAI remains committed to equipping you with the necessary tools, insights, and connections to navigate what comes next. The 2023 HSMAI Annual Report reflects our collective achievements. As we celebrate the close of an eventful year and look forward to the new opportunities that await, we thank you for your support of HSMAI. I invite you to explore the report and discover the strides we have made together. More of HSMAI 2023 Annual Report La Quinta Inn & Suites Fremont/Silicon Valley CBRE Hotels solicits offers to acquire the fee-simple interest in the corporate-owned La Quinta Inn & Suites in Fremont, California. Located off Interstate 880 and close to Tesla Fremont Gigafactory, HPE, Seagate, Western Digital, Amazon Warehouse, and the Pacific Commons Shopping Center, the 148-room hotel receives business from a diverse population of both corporate and leisure segments. Investment Highlights Corporate-Owned La Quinta Inn & Suites - Opportunity to acquire a corporateowned, 148-room, five-story, La Quinta Inn & Suites that is located off Interstate 880 in the southeast San Francisco Bay Area. - Opportunity to acquire a corporateowned, 148-room, five-story, La Quinta Inn & Suites that is located off Interstate 880 in the southeast San Francisco Bay Area. Management Upside - The La Quinta will be delivered unencumbered of management. Due to the current operators national scale and substantial allocation for corporate overhead, this project presents significant potential upside for a more hands-on owner operator to drive significant value through improvements in operational efficiencies and rate management. - The La Quinta will be delivered unencumbered of management. Due to the current operators national scale and substantial allocation for corporate overhead, this project presents significant potential upside for a more hands-on owner operator to drive significant value through improvements in operational efficiencies and rate management. Underperforming the Comp Set - The hotel is significantly underperforming its competitive set. In 2023, the hotel posted a 80.7 RevPAR index to the comp set, ranking 3 of 5 hotels. Given the limited new supply in the pipeline, the La Quinta will be able to increase its market positioning by capitalizing on the strong recovery of corporate, group, and leisure demand in the market. - The hotel is significantly underperforming its competitive set. In 2023, the hotel posted a 80.7 RevPAR index to the comp set, ranking 3 of 5 hotels. Given the limited new supply in the pipeline, the La Quinta will be able to increase its market positioning by capitalizing on the strong recovery of corporate, group, and leisure demand in the market. PIP Cap - Per Section O of the Wyndham Franchise Agreement, there is a favorable PIP cap in place that is transferable to the Buyer. Following this capped PIP, there is then a 6 year PIP holiday. - Per Section O of the Wyndham Franchise Agreement, there is a favorable PIP cap in place that is transferable to the Buyer. Following this capped PIP, there is then a 6 year PIP holiday. Convenient Location - Located off Interstate 880 and just 11 miles from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, the property provides convenient access to an array of key hotel demand generators, including Tesla Fremont Gigafactory, HPE, Seagate, Western Digital, Amazon Warehouse, the Pacific Commons Shopping Center, Mission Peak and Mission San Jose. - Located off Interstate 880 and just 11 miles from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, the property provides convenient access to an array of key hotel demand generators, including Tesla Fremont Gigafactory, HPE, Seagate, Western Digital, Amazon Warehouse, the Pacific Commons Shopping Center, Mission Peak and Mission San Jose. Fremont - Hardware Side of the Bay - Fremont is known as the hardware side of the Bay. With over 900 advanced manufacturing companies based in Fremont, advanced manufacturing accounts for one in every four jobs in the city. Additionally, Fremont has the largest industrial real estate inventory in the region, providing highly sought after large-format space for the Valleys most innovative companies. For inquiries visit here. Hudson, NY (12534) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High 46F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries are possible. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. The Buffalo Heritage Carousel heads into its fourth season with leadership changes as it prepares to celebrate the 1924 carousel's centennial when it reopens in April. Gabrielle Harrington has been appointed to a full two-year term after being named to the post in May on the recommendation of Mary Ann Kresse, who served as president until her death in 2023. Elizabeth Bozer Augustus, the daughter of founding member Joan Bozer, who also died last year, was named to the board. Founding President Laurie Hauer-LaDuca and board members David Granville and Helen Ronan moved into emeritus status and Carima El-Behairy departed as executive director. The carousel also announced the Carousel Council, a team of 19 leaders led by Joan Bozer's grandson Daniel Bozer. The wooden park-style menagerie carousel was designed by Spillman Engineering Company in North Tonawanda. After operating in Massachusetts for 30 years, the carousel went into storage for decades. It was acquired in 2016 and in 2021 opened to the public for the first time in 67 years. The Suffers Kam Franklin on success as an indie musician [Exclusive Book Excerpt] Artists advocate and author Emily White is about to publish the 2nd Edition of her How to Build a Sustainable Music Career & Collect All Revenue Streams, and to celebrate, shes sharing an exclusive expert an interview with Kam Franklin of indie powerhouse The Suffers. Out in 2024 via publisher Hal Leonard, the new edition of the book is available for pre-order now here and includes a free 3-month Artist Plan from DISCO. From the books Foreword: A Conversation with Kam Franklin of The Suffers Kam Franklin is a force to behold. Kam and her seven-piece band The Suffers began in Houston, rising up in their local scene and have since amassed a loyal following that spans the globe. Kam has built an empowering career that defines sustainability and sat down with Emily White to chat for the Foreword of the forthcoming 2nd edition of Whites Amazon #1 best-selling book, How to Build a Sustainable Music Career & Collect All Revenue Streams. Available for pre-order here and out later this year with Hal Leonard. Emily White: How are you? Kam: Im doing really well. Im working on a few projects right now including my first solo debut album, which I feel like is a good time. Im working on the fourth Suffers album. And Im working on a second release for this other project I have called Bayou City Comeback Chorus. So Im busy, Im ready, Im happy, and really just at a state of balance as an artist and a human being that I havent been at before. Do you have an email or and/or text list? Kam: The Suffers have both. For my solo side, because my team is a lot smaller and a lot of it is just me I do have the mailing list because that was the biggest takeaway I took from the books first edition: owning my data. And I am learning. Mailchimp gets my money right now while Im figuring it out. For sure. If its helpful, Im preaching a lot on Community.com for texting. It was built for music. I just had their Head of Music, Erica Fagundes, on the books podcast and I was really impressed. How are you feeling about social media lately? The last time we spoke you were pretty burned out from it. But that can ebb and flow. So whats the latest in the social media world with you? Kam: I still dont like it. I dont like markets that arent fair. And the music industry if only we had the balls to go on strike for real. But its not going to happen. Thats a whole other conversation! I am so with you. Moving on to every musicians favorite topic, Get Your Business Affairs Together and Fair Compensation. Do you have an attorney? And if so, how often do you work with them? Kam: I have two attorneys. I have one for my more simple partnership agreements and questions. I do that because her rates a little more affordable and shes a musician, too. She actually donates a lot of her time to an arts legal organization that we have here in Texas called TALA (Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts). I know that quite a few other states have similar programs if youre an artist and have no money but need a legal consultation. I paid her for my work-for-hire agreements that I use all of the time and partnership agreement the band has. Then I have another attorney if Im doing like a record dealwell Ive never done, like, a traditional record deal; all of my record deals have been licensing agreements. You were so smart to put that band agreement together, which like you said, wasnt fun, but its essentially a prenup (prenuptial agreement). No ones like, Yay, lets do a prenup! Kam: If you quote me saying how much it sucked, please put it in all caps and italics because it FREAKING SUCKED. It was horrible. But it was worth it. Kam: Yeah, thirteen years later, its still worth it. And its an investment in self when you do thatbecause its a marriage if youre working in a band. But when you have a song, I think its more comparable to having a baby. The agreement, thats the birth certificate for that song. The splits, all of that, thats the social security for that song. And you cant get checks unless you do what youre supposed to do on the paperwork side. Perfect segue into, Music Publishing Isnt Scary or Confusing + How to Land a Sync Placement. You mentioned that BMI is your performing rights organization? Kam: Yes they are. The first step is signing up with a performing rights organization, like you are with BMI in the United States though Ive been meeting way too many artists, mostly students and young people, that arent signed up for a performing rights organization (i.e., ASCAP or BMI in the U.S., PRS in the U.K., etc.), because theyre scared and they dont want to sign their rights awaywhich is not only not the case, but if you dont register your songs within two and a half years or so, you never get that money! How do you collect on your music publishing beyond that? Kam: We have a pub[lishing] admin[istrator] that we work with. Awesome. This is really important, and not that you need to be spending time doing this, but to preach to fellow songwriters asking questions, if someone is just signed up for a performing rights organization (ASCAP, BMI, PRS, or the PRO in your country) and are NOT collecting on their music publishing in any other wayTHEY ARE MISSING MONEY! You are getting that money through your admin publishing deal thoughyay! For folks that dont have access to an admin publishing deal, I really love Songtrust to collect on ones music publishing in full because its open to everyone. Do you have a publicist and if so what has your experience been like working with PR (public relations)? Kam: I think that Im probably one of the few artists that can say Ive had successful campaigns both with and without a publicist. But the campaigns that Ive had without a publicist have been a different type of work. I dont like working without a publicist when it comes to my bigger releases because I feel like the reason you hire a publicist is to gain access to their contacts and resources. Im not saying that I dont want to do it every time I do a release. But sometimes Im not doing a release that I want the same audience for. Though Im not saying that thats what my publicity or any PR firm would do. But its just a different type of release and sometimes the moneys not there. And if I know the moneys not there, I know, okay, these are the things I did on my last campaign and that means Im going to be writing to journalists myself. I also want to mention that folks should add Boomerang for Gmail to your emails or any form of email tracking, because then you can see if your emails are getting read. And if theyre not getting read, it might be going into spam. Not enough artists are sending these emails. Everyone is scared, and its a huge issue. Kam: Its nuts. I was telling my manager, Meredith, this woman from The Orchard sent an email on the Women in Music email list saying, Hey, come to HoustonId love to meet with yall! So I respond, and she sends the happy-hour information. She said she had 53 RSVPs for this and I was the only person that showed up! Four people from The Orchardare you kidding me? I cant even get this meeting in New York. Wow. Guess who theyre going to have a relationship with? You! Theyre going to have the relationship with you, not the 50+ people who RSVPd. You are so talented, so its not to take anything away from that. But thats the classic 80% of success is showing up. Do you record your shows even if its just audio? Kam: Yes, we do it a lot. We dont record every single show; I wish we could. It just depends on what it is, where it is, how much control we havelike if were at a festival. But if were at a venue, we can do that. Great, and then what do you do with that content? I feel weird calling your live music content, but you know what I mean. Kam: It is content. We do whatever we want with it which I say that not to be sassy, but I say because artists should do whatever they want with it. Like, do not sit on it. Sometimes well just take the video and not use the audio so that we can clip it and make live sizzle reels for upcoming tours. Sometimes well take the music so that we can use it as practice guides for any subplayers that we have or train somebody up. We use them as ways to review ourselves. And sometimes we use it as content. Like, we might not share the whole show, but maybe well put a song on Patreon and say, Look, were not going put this on Instagram or Facebook because those people arent paying for that and yall are supporting us. Along those same lines, how can folks reading this best support you? Kam: They can best support me by going to either kamfranklin.com or thesuffers.com. Perfect. Kam, thank you SO much for your time, unless theres anything else you want to add? Kam: Ill say happy creating, and keep showing up for yourself to whoever is reading this. Thats it. Out in 2024 via publisher Hal Leonard, the 2nd edition of How to Build a Sustainable Music Career & Collect All Revenue Streams is available for pre-order now here and includes a free 3-month Artist Plan from DISCO. Share on: The failed order of a fire truck has the Water Commissioners and the Select Board at odds. Fire Truck Vote Sparks OML Complaint, Dalton Board Rejection DALTON, Mass. The decision by the Board of Water Commissioners to renegotiate the ladder truck contract is at risk of being invalidated as a result of an Open Meeting Law violation filed against it. The complaint was filed by Select Board Chair Joseph Diver following the Jan. 23 meeting, when the Water Commissioners discussed and voted on the matter. The topic of the ladder truck was not included on the agenda. "Over the last year multiple requests have been made to the board to improve the agenda to make the topics sufficiently specific to reasonably inform the public of the issues to be discussed at the meeting." the complaint reads. "Residents have complained directly to me and I have shared those concerns, and my own concerns directly to Mr. Driscoll, Dalton Fire District Water Commission Board Chair." During a brief commissioners meeting on Monday, the board said it will be writing a letter to address the Open Meeting Law complaint. During the three-minute meeting, commissioners did not read or comment on the complaint but said a response letter will be written and sent to the complainant and the state within the week. iBerkshires.com requested they share the letter with them when it becomes public. The OML complaint requests not only that their decision from Jan. 23 become null and void, but that the topic be reposted clearly on a future agenda so the public can comment on it. It also requests that the commissioners and district clerk complete Open Meeting Law training and file those training certifications with the Dalton town clerk and attorney general's office. The board had voted on Jan. 23 to renegotiate a contract with Northern Fire Equipment for the ladder truck that has been delayed for two years. The fire truck was ordered in late 2022 but its delivery date has been changed at least four times. Northern Fire Equipment has said staffing shortages, change orders and unexpected mechanical malfunctions have contributed to the delay. The board, which oversees the Fire District, said the new contract would include the stipulation that the ladder truck must be done by April or May, and monthly reports with photos must be submitted to the Fire District. Although the board was not "thrilled" with the decision it seemed like the most feasible and quickest option. The commissioners had three options to consider: go to court to attempt to reclaim the $77,000, take the truck, or do nothing. More information on that meeting here Following the decision, the Select Board voted to send a letter to the commissioners indicating that it does not support the decision because of the significant delivery delay of the apparatus and since the intended use of the funds does not appear to be possible. This decision passed unanimously with one board member, Vice Chair Dan Esko, absent. More information on that meeting here An amended version of this letter was approved during the Select Board meeting on Monday night. The letter states that the board withdraws its support of the ladder truck purchase and does not back the district's efforts to renegotiate the contract with Northern Fire Equipment. "The board members believe that the purpose of the expenditure is very unlikely to be realized as the delay has been over one year," the letter says. "Leadership from the Fire Department and Water Commission provided updates through 2023 that the truck was on its way. Based on the photographic evidence and lack of progress so far, the vehicle in question may never be a well functioning tower truck for the district." Select Board member John Boyle said during Monday's meeting that he does not agree with the letter at all as there are talks of recent developments on the truck but is unsure what they are. During the previous meeting, Boyle voted in favor of sending the letter withdrawing support and did not raise concerns aside requesting to hear input from the fire chief. The question before the board on Monday was not to approve sending a letter, Diver said. That decision was made during the previous meeting. The objective is to now approve or amend the wording of the letter. Esko requested that the wording be amended because the claims in the previous phrasing cannot be substantiated. The previous wording said, "based on the photographic evidence and the lack of progress so far, the vehicle in question is simply never going to be a well functioning tower truck for the District and more likely than not, be a safety issue for the Fire Department staff." Jeffrey Rodrigues and Jeffrey Tykot, with Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre and Deputy Chief Robert Patenaude, were sworn in on Tuesday. North Adams Swears in New Firefighters Jeffrey Rodrigues and Jeffrey Tykot take the oath from City Clerk Tina Leonesio. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Two new firefighters were sworn in on Tuesday night during City Council Jeffrey Rodrigues and Jeffrey Tykot graduated Jan. 26 from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Springfield having completed the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. Mayor Jennifer Macksey introduced the firefighters, noting Rodrigues, of Dorchester, is a veteran of the Army Reserve and holds a bachelor of arts with a concentration in criminal justice from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Tykot, of Williamstown, was a member of the New Ashford Fire Department and is a licensed emergency medical technician with Northern Berkshire EMS. He holds a bachelor's degree in international affairs and criminology from Florida State University. The two were sworn in by City Clerk Tina Leonesio and pinned by Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre and Deputy Chief Robert Patenaude. The council also heard two short presentations by City Councilor Andrew Fitch on painting crosswalks to improve safety and beautify the city and to paint electrical boxes for the same reason. "My purpose here is to produce street crossings for pedestrians which are safe, visible and beautiful for our residents, students and guests, no matter how they get around the city, so that goes for drivers just as much as it goes for pedestrians," he said. Both were referred to the mayor's office and the Public Arts Commission; also to the Traffic Commission and the Public Safety Committee. The council passed to a second reading and publication the repeal of one ordinance related to noise and moved a second to the Planning Board for repeal. The repeals were endorsed by the General Government Committee and had been raised by Councilor Lisa Blackmer because they had different decibel levels (65 and 80) at the property boundary that could cause confusion for residents and enforcement. Councilor Ashley Shade, chair of General Government, said the committee had heard from police officers who said the ordinance actually hampered their ability to address disturbances. "Having a decibel level in ordinance, having a strict number in there was making it very difficult to enforce disturbing the peace in any meaningful way and also required that additional tools and training be provided in order to meet and measure those decimal numbers," she said. "The recommendation that came out of that meeting was to completely repeal the section in both sections of our ordinances and not have a set decibel level." Not having a decibel level would give police officers more flexibility when responding to complaints of disturbance of the peace. Councilor Wayne Wilkinson, a member of General Government, gave the example of someone mowing their lawn at midnight. The lawnmower might not meet the decibel level but could certainly be regarded as a disturbance of the peace. "If the decibel level is not met, they can't do anything at all, which restricts them from other things that might be disturbing," Shade said. The ordinance was voted to be repealed unanimously; the zoning ordinance had to be reviewed by Planning and a public hearing be held before could be repealed. In other business, the mayor presented a proclamation recognizing Black History Month in North Adams. The long delayed changes in city fines and fees was again delayed as the city solicitor had responded with a "couple dozen pages with a bunch of recommendations," said Councilor Keith Bona, who has been spearheading the issue. He expected Finance would need a month or two to review it and the matter was referred to come in the first meeting of March. The council dispensed with a number council rule changes proposed by Council President Bryan Sapienza as redundant or unnecessary. All but two of the changes were not recommended by General Government. Blackmer motioned to not adopt one that specifically stated the council could reschedule a meeting falling on Christmas Eve by vote, saying the council could simply not set an agenda. "I think we start picking dates, we enter a zone I'm not comfortable with," she said. Shade supported the change because it allowed the council to decide and because Christmas Eve is a time when many people would be busy with family and holiday observances. "I don't think it's a good idea to hold a meeting on a day where the public is not available," she said. Blackmer agreed that Christmas Eve would be problematic for many reasons but so could Dec. 26. "I feel more comfortable changing the ordinance and making it if there's no agenda item and then potentially not putting things on the agenda," she said, adding she would put it in ordinance form. Blackmer's motion to not adopt passed 5-4 with Shade, Keith Bona, Peter Oleskiewicz and Sapienza voting no. It was initially thought the motion failed as it did not receive six votes necessary to adopt but because it was to NOT adopt, it was considered passed. The council did adopt a rule change saying councilors "should" contact the city clerk, president and, on an amendment by Blackmer, the vice president if they could not make a meeting. It was acknowledged that it was more a reminder since it was unenforceable and passed 7-2 with Wilkinson and Peter Breen voting no. Wilkinson also voted no on the amendment, feeling the rule change was unnecessary. Blackmer and Shade both thanked Sapienza for the work he'd done on the rules as bringing out a lot of conversation. "I do appreciate all the work you've put into this President Sapienza," said Blackmer. "I know we're kind of cutting a lot of it, but it's given us something a lot to think about and to talk about and I think that's as important as whether or not we adopt everything." Williamstown Select Board Urged to Sign Resolution on Gaza Cease Fire A grassroots coalition of concerned residents, many of whom participate in weekly standout protests at the town's Field Park, presented the board with a two-page resolution to affirm the town's "Solidarity with the People of Palestine" and call for a "an Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza." WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Select Board Monday heard impassioned pleas to take a stand for peace in the continuing war in Gaza and resulting humanitarian crisis. One of the many residents who turned out for the board's biweekly meeting talked about the horror they felt on Sunday evening as they watched a video of a young girl hanging from the side of a bomb damaged building in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. "And at that moment, there were cheers downstairs because the Chiefs had one," the Williams College student told the board over a Zoom link. "We live in a time when we are blessed and cursed with such advancements in communication. We can watch the Super Bowl on one screen and a live streamed genocide on the other screen." A grassroots coalition of concerned residents, many of whom participate in weekly standout protests at the town's Field Park, presented the board with a two-page resolution to affirm the town's "Solidarity with the People of Palestine" and call for a "an Immediate and Permanent Ceasefire in Gaza." Most of the resolution recounts the deaths and displacement of Palestinian people in Israel's retaliatory war following the Oct. 7 attack by the Hamas militant faction. The resolution calls on the town's elected representatives to support "an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza" and call on Washington to "commit to diplomatic efforts towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the self-determination of the Palestinian people." Benjamin Grimes, who first approached the Select Board on the issue in November and submitted the resolution prior to Monday's meeting, told the board that the deaths of civilians in a conflict thousands of miles away is very much a local issue. "The United States sends billions of dollars in military aid to Israel each year," Grimes said. "That money is used to buy weapons made in every congressional district, including the Massachusetts 1st. This is a local issue." Another speaker noted that one of Berkshire County's largest employers, General Dynamics, makes weapons and Williamstown's largest employer, the college, has investments in weapons manufacturing. As the Select Board heard testimony about atrocities being committed in the Middle East, the U.S. Senate was considering a $95 billion aid package for Israel, Ukraine and other allies that passed early Tuesday morning. Both Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey of Massachusetts voted in favor of the aid package. A resident told the board that, as taxpayers, every American is complicit in what advocates repeatedly termed a campaign of "genocide" against the Palestinian people. Although the state of Israel has defended itself against a charge of genocide in the International Court of Justice, no one at town hall on Monday defended Israel's conduct in the war that has claimed the lives of more than 27,000 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. One resident did tell the board that not all of their constituents might agree with everything in the resolution on the table, including its call for "immediate and permanent ceasefire." "Within the small Jewish community in Williamstown, there are varying perspectives," Rabbi Rachel Barenblat told the board. "Some think Israel's reaction [to the Oct. 7 attack] began as a just war, and there are a variety of opinions on whether it still is. Some think destroying the tunnels Hamas uses in Gaza is a necessary precursor [to lasting peace]. "We don't all agree with each other." Barenblat made the point that local resolutions on international issues can divide, rather than unite, a small town. And she indicated that divisiveness can be particularly concerning to groups like Jewish residents. "It is known that when a community condemns Israel when other countries are not called out or called in, Jews can feel less welcome," she said. Barenblat also emphasized her empathy for civilians killed and harmed in the current Israeli campaign and the "tremendous suffering in Israel, in Gaza and the West Bank and in the extended diaspora communities with connections to that beloved land. "Our Williamstown community includes members of both of those diasporas," Barenblat said. Tamir Novotny, who read the resolution into the record on Monday evening, identified himself as an "Israeli-born, Orthodox-raised child and descendent of Holocaust refugees" who was speaking to the board "in solidarity with the people of Palestine." And the proposed resolution itself specifies, "that the Williamstown Select Board condemns all forms of bigotry, including antisemitic, anti-Palestinian, anti-Arab, Islamophobic, and all xenophobic rhetoric and attacks." "We must not conflate anti-Semitism with valid criticism of the Israeli government," Grimes told the board. The board ultimately took no action on the resolution, in part because it did not receive the resolution in time to put the item on the agenda posted for the meeting. Chair Jeffrey Johnson made that point at the outset of the 7 p.m. meeting, though most of the residents speaking to the topic and holding homemade signs calling for a cease fire arrived closer to 9 p.m., in time for the "public comment" portion of the agenda. During the public comment period of the meeting, Andrew Hogeland reiterated to those in the room that the board was not at liberty to hold votes on items not posted as part of the agenda. He also told the advocates that he would be disinclined to vote in favor of the board adopting the resolution or any national or international topic outside the scope of for which the board members were elected. "It would be grossly arrogant of us to say we five people speak for the town on international issues," Hogeland said. "We are blessed with a town with 7,500 bright articulate people, including all of you. It's not for us to say the entire town stands for anything other than the boring details that go into what town government is all about." Hogeland recommended that the resolution would be a more appropriate question for town meeting, where all registered voters are free to participate. That sentiment was reiterated by both Johnson and Randal Fippinger. "You'll have a more powerful response if you get a resolution through town meeting," Fippinger said. "We all want to speak to [the issue] as citizens. But I agree with Andy that it's not our place as a board." The Select Board members did not say that the issue at hand is not a local matter, just that it was outside the board's purview. Clearly, for a number of their constituents who packed the meeting room, the war in Gaza is both local and personal. "I am a human who has been fundamentally moved by the moral crisis we're facing here," Katherine Lee-Cohen told the board. "Would genocide be a local issue if it was in Canada? In Vermont? Would we feel comfortable speaking out if there was a genocide happening in New Ashford?" Williamstown Select Board - Ceasefire Resolution - 20240212 (1) by iBerkshires.com on Scribd Last Valentines Day, Tesla Workers United went public with a campaign to organize workers at the Tesla plant in South Buffalo, complete with holiday-themed leaflets. One year later, an election has not taken place, but the union campaign remains active. The campaigns kickoff in February 2023 drew national attention because of the high profile of Tesla and Elon Musk, the companys founder and CEO. Musk has spoken out against unions, and unions have unsuccessfully attempted to organize workers at other Tesla facilities in the United States. Organizing campaigns can be difficult, with employers frequently pushing back against workers efforts to unionize. Even organizing campaigns that ultimately succeed can take time to meet the requirements to bring about a National Labor Relations Board election, and can face legal objections or delays from the employer along the way. Tesla Workers United launched its campaign in Buffalo after an organizing drive at Starbucks originated here in 2021. That effort has spread nationally, with workers at hundreds of Starbucks stores voting to unionize. But over two years since that first election victory at the Elmwood Avenue store, the union has yet to secure a contract with Starbucks. The two sides have blamed each other for the drawn-out negotiations. Another homegrown union campaign, called Geico United, is attempting to organize workers at the insurance giants Getzville operations, but has faced pushback from the company. Teslas RiverBend gigafactory is a prominent local economic development project. Over 1,800 Tesla employees work in a facility built and partly equipped by the state through the Buffalo Billion program, using more than $950 million in taxpayer funds. Shortly after the union campaign went public last year, Tesla fired over 30 workers at the South Buffalo plant, drawing yet more attention. Tesla Workers United claimed the firings were in retaliation for the organizing effort. Tesla denied that, contending the firings stemmed from poor employee performance reviews. The company said it had identified the workers it would dismiss about a week and a half before the campaign went public. Tesla Workers United filed charges with the NLRB. For Tesla to respond to the organizing drive in the manner they did is something I have never seen, said Gary Bonadonna Jr., manager of the Rochester Regional Joint Board of Workers United. The NLRB needs to hold them accountable. Last November, the NLRBs acting regional director dismissed claims Tesla had illegally fired the workers in retaliation for the union campaign. Tesla Workers United filed an appeal to the NLRB general counsels Office of Appeals in Washington, D.C., and is awaiting a decision, said Michael Dolce, an attorney for the union. The mix of jobs at the Tesla plant has changed over time. The plants initial focus was manufacturing solar roofs, but that product has failed to gain traction with customers. More recently, Tesla has staffed up its autopilot division, supporting Teslas autonomous electric vehicle program, to help the company meet its job targets with the state. The Tesla plant also makes superchargers for the companys growing network of EV charging stations. While Tesla Workers United announced its campaign a year ago, it followed an organizing effort at the plant launched in 2018 by two other unions, the United Steelworkers and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. That raised jurisdictional questions about which union would represent the workers. The Steelworkers and Workers United are now cooperating on the effort, according to representatives of those two unions. Tesla Workers United asked us to renew our involvement in this organizing campaign last year, so that we could continue supporting workers as they seek a voice on the job and the protections of a union contract, said Jess Kamm Broomell, a spokeswoman for the Pittsburgh-based Steelworkers. Broomell said the Steelworkers union has a long history in the Buffalo region, including proudly representing workers at the Republic Steel mill that once operated at Teslas current site. Bonadonna said the two unions have been supporting each other on this campaign. I dont care who gets the members and we are proud to support the USW as they historically had a Steelworker plant at this site, he said. Workers Uniteds legal team in Buffalo continues to be on point to support the workers and the Steelworkers. The Tesla plant continues to evolve. Gov. Kathy Hochul last month announced Tesla would spend more than $500 million over five years to install the Dojo supercomputer it is developing at its RiverBend plant. Tesla is developing Dojo to bolster its work on developing its autonomous driving system, which has become a big source of work at the Buffalo factory. A 60-year-old Buffalo man was among 13 men arrested two weeks ago in a Niagara Falls, Ont., hotel as authorities cracked down on a sex trafficking ring, the Niagara Regional Police Service reported Tuesday. According to the report, all were charged under the Criminal Code with luring a child for the purpose of obtaining sexual services, obtaining sexual services for consideration from a person under 18 years of age and inviting sexual exploitation of a young person. The other men, all Canadians, ranged in age from 20 to 52. Their names were not released due to court-ordered publication bans. Police said they were held in custody and attended video bail hearings. Niagara Regional Police Service detectives led multiple police and law enforcement agencies in making the arrests between Jan. 31 and Feb. 3. The crackdown followed an investigation by the NRPS Human Trafficking Unit into persons using the internet to contact and meet young persons suspected of offering sex for money. The investigation is continuing. Dale Anderson Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), has successfully onboarded its application on HUAWEI AppGallery, aiming for significant growth by reaching millions of new customers through digital channels. In a joint effort towards enhancing the convenience of Huawei users and Filipino consumers, Huawei Philippines and Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) have collaborated to make BPI's services more accessible. BPI's app joining HUAWEI AppGallery is a major move in embracing digital transformation. Huawei and BPI work together to simplify financial transactions. This partnership shows their dedication to making digital financial services more convenient, contributing to the evolution of Filipino consumer lifestyles. We are one with BPI as they continue their thrust to cater to every Filipino, since for Huawei, consumers are its ultimate driving force. Huawei ensures that its products, software, solutions, and applications meet the needs of its consumers. And this is why we are overjoyed to announce that the BPI app is now available in HUAWEI AppGallery. Now BPI can connect quickly and securely with more of their Filipino users online. Huawei is committed to growing the AppGallery, adding more top and local apps to its repertoire which Filipinos can continue to enjoy. It is filled with fun, informative, and productive apps. And at the moment, it is the third-biggest app distribution platform globally with 580 million monthly active users, said Peter Peng, CEO of Huawei Philippines, Consumer Business Group. The BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery helps Filipinos track and plan their spending for better financial management. This includes personalized recommendations using artificial intelligence (AI) that could offer financial advice, payment reminders or event actionable tips. Having the official BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery allows users to enjoy all our features, enabling them to transact conveniently, efficiently, and securely wherever they are. This launch enables us to cater to more customers and continue to become their trusted financial partner. Our commitment is that the BPI app keeps getting better so they can expect more improvements to serve their evolving needs, said Fitzgerald Chee, Head of Consumer Platforms, BPI. By strengthening our digitalization efforts, we are able to reinvent customer interaction and experience. The availability of the BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery demonstrates how BPI constantly work towards providing a convenient and secure daily-use financial app, and how the bank supports inclusive online banking for Filipinos, Chee added. AppGallery is the official app platform for HUAWEI devices, one of the top global marketplaces with 180 billion downloads and 390 million monthly active users worldwide. It features a broad selection of apps for users in 170+ countries, including popular ones like TikTok, Viber, and other wallet/banking apps like GCash, Maya, Unibank, Metrobank, BDO, and more. And as the AppGallery expands, it continues to grow with a diverse selection of top local and global apps, providing users with a wide array of options for download. Huawei also prioritizes user security, ensuring privacy while providing diverse global and local applications for innovative experiences on various devices. By the end of 2022, the number of monthly active users of Huawei Mobile Services (HMS) had exceeded 580 million, and the number of monthly active users of HUAWEI ID, AppGallery, and Quick App had surpassed 420 million, 580 million, and 170 million, respectively. More than 6.35 million developers worldwide have registered to join Huaweis developer alliance, and over 228,000 apps have been integrated with HMS Core. Join millions enjoying top-notch security on Huawei AppGallery and explore the BPI app on HUAWEI AppGallery for easy and efficient financial management with a simple tap! Immediately following the landmark MOA signing of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and GCash, the solidified commitment has already led to consecutive successful arrests of cybercriminals. This time, seven individuals in Quezon City were apprehended for defrauding GCash customers. Inquest proceedings followed the arrest at the Quezon City prosecutors office on charges of violating Republic Act 8484, or the Access Devices Regulation Law, in relation to RA 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 11934, also known as the Subscriber Identity Module Registration Law. This is a strong testament to our partnership in action. We congratulate the NBI on the successful arrest of the sellers, users, and maintainers of mule accounts. This is a win for us all as we continue to work towards our mission to protect the Filipino people and their hard-earned money, G-Xchange, Inc. president and CEO Ren-ren Reyes said. The world is changing, and crimes are also changing along with it. Before, we called ourselves traditional investigators. Now, to face the challenge, we have to reinvent ourselves to face cybercriminals. As more and more Filipinos embrace the digital space for their daily transactions and investments, its critical for law enforcement agencies to have an active partner like GCash with whom we exchange technical knowledge and expertise on the latest cybersecurity measures. This partnership is a big milestone in our shared fight against scammers, fraudsters, and other cybercriminals, NBI director Medardo De Lemos said during the recent MOA signing held between both parties. From January 2022 to 2023, GCash and NBI blocked over 4 million accounts involved in fraudulent activities on the app and arrested top fraudsters who have been victimizing customers through fake social media pages and digital storefronts. In line with its mission to protect Filipinos cyber security in pursuit of digital financial inclusion, GCash continues to strengthen its collaboration with NBI to further intensify their shared campaign against scammers and fraudsters, and ultimately apprehend scammers who victimize its users. We are committed to protecting the information of our customers. Alongside this, GCash remains committed to safeguarding the information of its customers in accordance with global privacy and security standards. GCash also continues to remind and urge its users to be extra vigilant when making transactions online. Likewise, GCash advises Filipinos to never interact with someone online without verifying the persons identity and to never share personal details such as banking details, and any other sensitive and personal information to avoid getting scammed online. To report scams and fraudulent activities, visit the official GCash Help Center at help.gcash.com/hc/en-us or message Gigi on the website and type, I want to report a scam. GCash will never send users personal messages to address concerns or get personal details, especially the MPIN and one-time PIN (OTP). Customers can also reach out to the official GCash hotline at 2882 for queries and other concerns. For more information, visit www.gcash.com.ph. Starpay recently took part in the exciting Paleng-QR Ph Plus program in Iloilo City. Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, Vice Mayor Jeffrey Ganzon, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Visayas Regional Office Director Anna Clara Oville and BSP-Iloilo Branch Area Director Joanne Marie Castelo Paleng-QR Ph Plus program was jointly developed by the Bangko Sentra ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to bolster the country's digital payments ecosystem. Market vendors, community shopkeepers, and tricycle operators and drivers (TODA) in cities and municipalities are encouraged to utilize cashless payments by simply scanning the Paleng-QR Ph Plus code using an e-wallet system like Starpay. An e-money issuer and an operator of payment systems licensed by BSP, Starpay offers digital payment solutions and money movement capabilities with e-wallets, disbursements, and collections services. Ryan Uy, Starpay Head of Growth and Marketing with BSP IT Infrastructure and Operations Department Senior Director John Regala. "We support the efforts of the BSP to boost the digital financial system. At Starpay, we want to enable the unbanked and underbankedmarginalized Filipinosto participate in the financial ecosystem, and to benefit from the digital economy through inclusive innovation, explained Ryan Uy, Starpay Head of Growth and Marketing. With Paleng-QR Ph Plus, users can enjoy sanitary and convenient cashless payments, reduction of counterfeit bills and less cost for transportation. It also enables vendors and suppliers to develop a significant financial footprint which is beneficial when they apply for credit. During the event, a total of 1625 vendors at the terminal market and 1,870 tricycle drivers were successfully onboarded to the Paleng-QR Ph Plus program. Buyers and commuters can now pay for their purchases and their tricycle fare using Starpay. In his message, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas said that the business in the city is made easy with the innovation. "Let us try to use this digital payment because this is for us," he said. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Madame Web is an $80m (63m) film with the quality of an unlicensed superhero painted on the side of a carnival ride. Its desperate and seems embarrassed of itself, the pained shrug of a creative team ordered by Sony executives to keep the wheels turning in their Spider-Man-adjacent universe, all while the actual Spider-Man is out on loan to Disneys Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although its never clarified, Madame Web is presumably meant to exist in the world of Morbius and Venom where its heavily implied a Spider-Man exists, possibly Tom Hollands, but everyone is legally barred from mentioning it. The film is set in 2003. There is an Uncle Ben (Adam Scott), whose sister (Emma Roberts) is about to give birth to a boy, whose name she knows but physically cannot utter, as if cursed by an ancient witch. Ben is co-workers with a paramedic named Cassie Webb (Dakota Johnson), whose mother was shot dead in the Amazon while pregnant with her. Theres the line, When you take on the responsibility, great power will come a garbled take on Spider-Mans famous catchphrase, made now to sound like a translation app gone awry. The films script was partially co-written by Morbiuss Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, who hit copy and paste on their superhero colonising their powers from the jungles of the Americas. Cassies mother was on the trail of a rare Peruvian spider whose venom can supercharge their cellular structure. Her security guard Ezekiel (Tahar Rahim) shoots her dead and steals it to harness its powers, leading him to nightly visions of his future demise at the hands of three Spider-Women later a trio of unsupervised teenagers, Julia Cornwall (Sydney Sweeney), Mattie Franklin (Celeste OConnor) and Anya Corazon (Isabela Merced), who hes determined to track down and kill. After a near-death experience, Cassie starts to experience premonitions that eventually land her as the disgruntled caretaker of the girls. In the comic books, Madame Web is an elderly woman and clairvoyant aid to Spider-Man. The film has absolutely no idea what to do, visually, with that kind of power set, so Cassie can either yell at people to move out of the way or hit them with a car. She spends the film switching between both options. The film is obstinate in its internal logic. Cassies first port of call after witnessing the future is to visit her optometrist. When she rescues these teen girls, she promptly dumps them in the middle of the woods and drives off, all because she wants to double-check something back at her apartment. Madame Web makes time for Cassie to conduct a CPR demonstration for her new wards, but doesnt bother to explain how Ezekiel got his hands on an evil Spider-Man suit more than a decade before Spider-Man existed. The infamous bit of dialogue from the trailer that promptly went viral He was in the Amazon with my mom when she was researching spiders just before she died doesnt actually feature in the finished product. But theres plenty of opportunity for Johnson, who delivers every line like shes trying to catch Ellen DeGeneres in a lie, to say equally bizarre things. I hope the spiders were worth it, mom, she says at one point. Obviously it was bad... she died, she sighs during another. Spidey sense bungling: Dakota Johnson in Madame Web (Sony) Director SJ Clarkson, who makes her transition here from television, has a tendency to zoom in dramatically on actors faces during dialogue scenes. Its a trick usually deployed in reality TV to spice up banal conversations. But Madame Web is fiction and has seemingly passed on the opportunity to make itself exciting instead offering a two-hour prelude to a 30-second trailer for a sequel that will never happen. Ah, well. On to the next Sony project, Augusts heavily delayed Aaron Taylor-Johnson vehicle Kraven the Hunter. Lets see if that one can make a lick of sense. Dir: SJ Clarkson. Starring: Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Celeste OConnor, Isabela Merced, Tahar Rahim, Mike Epps, Emma Roberts, Adam Scott. 12A, 116 minutes Madame Web is in cinemas 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 }} Did anyone ask for Ted? No, but on the spectrum of output from Family Guy creator-star Seth MacFarlane, this new series is at least more understandable than A Million Ways to Die in the West, his crude oater comedy, or even his bafflingly straight-faced Star Trek vanity parody The Orville. But even so, Ted, a prequel to the hit 2012 film of the same name (and its less successful 2015 sequel) is a bit of a head-scratcher. Ted follows an obnoxious teddy bear, voiced by MacFarlane, who was gifted sentience by a childs wish. The film partners this sleaze-caked anti-Paddington with a slacker played by Mark Wahlberg; Ted the series reimagines Wahlbergs foil as a misfit teenager in the 1990s, played by The Purges Max Burkholder. In the US, where the series debuted last month, reviews have been perfectly fine, and word of mouth positive. In the UK, it has fared less well: Ted has been panned by The Guardian (joke-free two stars), Empire (horrendously slim pickings two stars) and The Telegraph (It just isnt entertaining one star). Others are similarly disdainful. Is the series really as bad as these reviews suggest? Not necessarily. Fundamentally, nearly all of Teds problems can be traced back to the flimsiness of its original premise. A bear who swears is not a lot to base a series upon, or arguably even a two-hour movie, and it makes for pretty arid satirical soil. For anyone who saw the original Ted films, any possible shock value or joy that can be derived from watching a CGI teddy bear smoke weed and perv at human women has long dissipated. There is, it seems, something MacFarlane finds inherently compelling about things speaking that should not speak: Family Guy has a talking dog and a talking baby; American Dad has a talking fish and a talking alien; The Cleveland Show had a talking bear. Im not saying that MacFarlane has literally been plucking random nouns from a hat, but would the results really be so different if he were? The 1990s setting ought to, in theory, add another dimension to the premise, but the show only ever half-commits to its time period. When MacFarlanes ursine alter-ego is chastised for political incorrectness over his use of the word midget, it seems like the sort of argument from a decade or two down the line likewise the moment when Ted, now attending high school, gets the better of a homophobic bully. Listen, man, its nothing to be ashamed of, its the Nineties times are changing. Anybody else here gay? he asks, prompting the entire group of kids surrounding them to all raise their hands matter-of-factly. Everyones gay! Its the sort of weak joke that would at least make sense in a sitcom set in a schoolyard today but makes absolutely no sense in the 1990s, when homophobic banter was still rife among the young. All of this is particularly dispiriting because Ted is by no means the unsavoury and laugh-free failure that some of the reviews suggest. Whatever you may think of MacFarlanes comedy from the solid, occasionally very inventive American Dad to the misogynistic nadir of his Oscars hosting gig hes got demonstrable prowess as a performer. In an industry where opportunities for specialised voice actors have drastically diminished, MacFarlane remains a bone fide old-style talent, with a real aptitude for vocal modulation and innate comic timing. Beyond MacFarlane, Ted is also just a perfectly functional show: the supporting cast particularly Giorgia Whigham, playing a liberal counterweight to the fratboyish Ted are roundly capable, and the integration of the CGI-rendered bear is consistently slick. The problem for Ted is that its unable to escape its own pointlessness; whatever novelty drove the success of the original movie has given way to something stale and biteless. This all begs the question: is there any right way to make a subversive teddy bear series in 2014? I struggle to imagine how you could possibly make a version of this show that is meaningfully funnier, or timelier, or more purposeful without abandoning the entire premise. Its a situation comedy after all, and all Ted can do is make the best of a bad situation. Ted is streaming now on Sky and NOW For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Netflix has released its latest true-crime documentary titled Lover, Stalker, Killer, which explores the shocking case of a twisted love triangle that turned deadly. Released on 9 February, the film tells the story of Dave Kroupa, a single father of two who, after getting out of a long-term relationship in 2012, is ready to re-enter the dating game. New to Ohama, Nebraska, Kroupa created a dating profile and connected with Shanna Liz Golyar, a single mother and animal lover from Persia, Iowa. The two began casually seeing each other, with Kroupa telling Golyar that he was not looking for anything serious. And she seemed ok with that. Who was Cari Farver? Kroupa then met another woman: Cari Farver, a single mother from Macedonia, Iowa. After the pairs first date, they returned to Kroupas apartment. As Farver was leaving the next day, she ran into Golyar, who said that she was dropping by to collect a few of her things. This encounter would change the rest of their lives forever. Farver and Kroupa continued seeing each other over the next couple of weeks until suddenly, Farver vanished. Though she was nowhere to be found, Kroupa and Golyar began receiving threatening texts from Farvers phone. In one message, Farver accused Kroupa of ruining her life. Golyar also claimed that Farver had warned her to stay away from Kroupa. Lover, Stalker, Killer on Netflix (Netflix) Farvers mother, Nancy Raney, said she, too, received strange messages, including one from Farver informing her that she had moved to Kansas for a new job and would arrange to pick up her 14-year-old son, Max. What happened to Cari Farver? For weeks, Farver remained absent from her familys life. She missed her sons 15th birthday, her fathers funeral and Thanksgiving, according to a 2020 report by ABC News. Farver stayed missing for several years before an Iowan sergeant investigator, James Jim Doty, took an interest in the case in the spring of 2015. Doty and investigator Ryan Avis re-examined the evidence and came to the conclusion that Farver had not been the one sending any of the threatening or strange texts after her November disappearance she was being impersonated. It wasnt until authorities got ahold of Golyars phone and found photos of Farvers car, along with dozens of logins to fake email accounts, that the case was cracked. They eventually stumbled across a photo of Farvers dead body on Golyars tablet and discovered that Golyar had murdered Farver in November 2012 and had stolen her phone, posing as her digitally for years. Lover Stalker Killer on Netflix (Netflix) Where is Liz Golyar now? In December 2016, Golyar was found guilty of first-degree murder. She is currently serving a life sentence at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women. Where is Dave Kroupa now? Kroupa now leads a quiet life, living in rural Nebraska with his partner, Maggie Hover. Lover, Stalker, Killer is out on Netflix. Opening statements from the prosecution and defense will begin Thursday in the federal corruption trial of ex-DEA agent Joseph Bongiovanni. Jury selection started Monday and concluded early Wednesday afternoon with the selection of 12 jurors and six alternates. Some 200 prospective jurors filled out questionnaires at home and mailed back the responses, so some were excused from their civic duty based on their responses before making the trek to the downtown federal courthouse. Most were quizzed in a courtroom over two and half days about their ability to be fair and impartial and whether they recognized the names of any prospective witnesses. The jury selection process was open to the public. Bongiovanni, 59, faces 15 charges, including two bribery counts alleging that he accepted at least $250,000 from drug dealers whom he thought were associated with Italian organized crime and shielded them from arrest, as well as provided them with information about investigations and cooperating sources. "Being a juror is a tremendous, important and solemn responsibility," U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo told the prospective jurors. "I am grateful for all of you." 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 }} If you switch on Apple TV+s The New Look without doing your due diligence, expecting beautiful gowns and a plot as light as tulle, you might be left confused. Naturally, there are plenty of jaw-dropping dresses in this story of how Christian Dior became the biggest name in post-war Parisian fashion the couture house opened up its archive to the programme makers, allowing the costume team to take inspiration from some of Diors oldest styles. But the plot itself is anything but frothy, unpicking the challenges of life as a designer in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War. Showrunner Todd A Kessler (who started his career as a staffer on The Sopranos and has since co-created shows such as Bloodline and Damages) tells a story that is much murkier than Diors sorbet colours. To do so, Kessler weaves together the designers wartime experiences with those of another legendary fashion figure, Coco Chanel. Both couturiers made compromises during the occupation, but thats where the similarities end: their wars, Kesslers show implies, were about as different as their design aesthetics (Chanel, the pioneer of a more androgynous style and possessor of a truly acid tongue, once claimed that Dior doesnt dress women, he upholsters them). New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Ben Mendelsohn plays Dior as a quiet, dedicated man, wracked with guilt over the fact that his gowns are being worn by the wives and girlfriends of Nazi officers, most of whom are living it up in The Ritz while the French go hungry (during the war, Dior had yet to strike out on his own, and worked for the couturier Lucien Lelong, played here with the usual gravitas by John Malkovich). Much of the money he makes from dressing the enemy goes to supporting his younger sister Catherine (Maisie Williams, in her most interesting role since Game of Thrones). She is a Resistance agent who hosts clandestine meetings at her brothers apartment on the Rue Royale, and Williams imbues her with a wilfulness thats alternately sweet and steely. Complex: Juliette Binoches performance gives life to Chanels contradictions (Apple TV+) And then theres Chanel. On screen, the legendary designer often has all her edges smoothed off to turn her into someone more generic and palatable (see the 2009 hagiography, Coco Before Chanel), but Juliette Binoche embraces all the contradictions of a fascinating woman who valued her own success and survival over all else. Shes vulnerable and devious, clever and utterly oblivious all at the same time. There are no attempts to sidestep her complicated history with the Nazis here: we see her fall for German officer Spatz (Claes Bang), her feelings certainly helped along by his convenient proximity to power (Binoches Chanel is the queen of expediency). Kessler also brings to life a little-known episode from 1943, when the Nazis sent the designer to Madrid to attempt to broker peace with Winston Churchill. Emily Mortimer is briefly scene-stealing as cocktail-swilling frenemy Elsa Lombardi, a British socialite married to an Italian fascist officer and clearly based on the designers real muse, Vera Bate Lombardi who accompanies Chanel on this ill-fated jaunt. An English-language production telling a very French story, The New Look is inevitably full of slightly hammy accents, with the cast committing to varying levels. Once your ear has adapted, suspending your disbelief isnt too difficult, but some of the dense dialogue does get a little lost under all the Franglais flourishes, which can be an issue when characters are unpacking a particularly crucial bit of back story. As Diors boss Lelong, Malkovich gets around this by speaking very slowly indeed. Accent quibbles aside, though, this series is a beautifully made, nuanced exploration of two creative geniuses whose lives were far from black and white. And its certainly proof that fashion isnt frivolous: its deeply woven into some of historys most significant moments. 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 Indian police fired tear gas and water cannons at protesting farmers on Wednesday to stop thousands of them from matching to the national capital demanding higher prices for their produce. Thousands of farmers from the northern states of Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday began their march towards New Delhi in their trucks and trolleys loaded with food and other supplies after talks with the federal government failed. The protest comes just months ahead of the general election in India, where prime minister Narendra Modi is expected to win a third term in office. Authorities have heavily fortified the entry points on three sides of Delhi with concrete slabs, barbed wires, nails, and barricades. The protesters were stopped by security forces at the Shambhu border between Punjab and Haryana almost 200km (125miles) from their destination. People stand amidst tear gas fired by police to disperse farmers who are marching towards New Delhi (REUTERS) "Tear gas shelling has been underway today and will continue until the situation comes under control," a spokesperson of the Haryana police told Reuters. Security forces on Tuesday used drones to drop tear gas shells on protesters. A similar year-long protest in 2021 by farmers, a powerful voting bloc, pushed the Hindu nationalist government to repeal some farm laws and promise to find ways to ensure support prices for all farm produce. Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel (behind) block a highway to prevent farmers (front) from marching towards New Delhi (AFP via Getty Images) But the farmers union says their demands of guarantees, backed by law, of more state support or a minimum purchase price for crops remain unfulfilled. The government announces support prices for more than 20 crops each year to set a benchmark, but state agencies buy only rice and wheat at the support level, benefiting around just 7 per cent of farmers who raise those crops. State agencies buy the two staples at government-fixed minimum support prices to build reserves to run the world's biggest food welfare programme that entitles 800 million Indians to free rice and wheat. This costs the government $24.7bn annually its largest outgoing subsidy. "Either the government should accept our demands or democratically give us the right to go to Delhi, but they are not doing either," Sarwan Singh Pandher, general secretary of the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, said. (AFP via Getty Images) Protesting farmers on Tuesday said they were prepared for a longstanding confrontation with the authorities till their demands were met. Federal agriculture minister Arjun Munda said talks were underway to engage in a "positive discussion" with farmers' unions. The farmers need to ensure that normal life is not disrupted. I think no solution can be found by doing anything that creates inconvenience for the common man, he told news agency PTI. Delhi police have installed additional surveillance cameras, loud speakers and added more concrete slabs at the sealed Tikri border. Large gatherings, including weddings and funerals without permission, have been prohibited in the capital for a month. Internet services and bulk messaging have been suspended in parts of Haryana until Thursday night over fears of spread of inflammatory material and false rumours. 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 }} Tens of thousands of Indian farmers, gathered outside capital Delhis borders once again this week to seek guaranteed minimum crop prices, were met with tear gas bombs, barbed wire fences, and a heavy deployment of security. The farmers from the northern breadbasket states of Punjab and Haryana renewed their movement from 2020 when they camped outside Delhis three border points in protest of contentious agricultural laws hastily passed by the Narendra Modi government in parliament. After a year of protests, the laws were rolled back by the government with a promise to agree on a minimum support price (MSP) a legal guarantee from the federal administration covering all farm produce. MSP is a standard practice in India for offering blanket legal protection and compensating the farmers for essential crops at the beginning of the sowing season against the cost of production. But on Tuesday, police fired tear gas bombs, detained a number of farmers and erected metres-long barricades on border points to stop them in adjoining Haryana. Farmers shout slogans during a demonstration against central government over their various demands in Amritsar (AFP via Getty Images) Police personnel stand guard next to a barrier and vehicles blocking a road to prevent farmers protesting to demand minimum crop prices from marching towards Indias capital at the Delhi-Uttar Pradesh border in Ghazipur (AFP via Getty Images) A blanket blackout on internet and bulk messages services has been ordered in major districts of Haryana till Thursday. The government ordered a ban on gathering of five or more people in Delhi. The farmers are determined to seek a dialogue from the government on a fixed MSP for their crops and said they are ready for a long haul fight of months like in 2021 when they camped outside the capital for over a year, enduring a biting winter on the highways, and the Covid-19 pandemic. The Modi administration, with a reputation of not bowing down to popular protests, repealed its own bill after dozens of rounds of talks as the farmers said the laws would hurt their income. Both sides agreed on arriving at guaranteed crop prices, doubling of farmers income and loan waivers but they say in the past two years, the government has not delivered on its promise. At present, it only offers financial protection against any sharp fall in farm prices by setting a minimum purchase price for certain essential crops. Paramilitary forces block a highway to prevent farmers from marching towards Indias capital during a protest demanding minimum crop prices, at Shambhu Haryana-Punjab border near Delhi (AFP via Getty Images) Farmers have asked the administration to extend this clause to all farm produce, and not just for essential crops. Photos and videos on the second day of protests outside Delhi showed heavy security preparations including the first layer of deployment of paramilitary forces, then cement barricades, barbed wires and then iron gate barricades. Political leaders monitoring the tense situation of a simmering stand-off between the Modi administration and farmers is a repeat of 2020 protests, and the government has made preparations at war-footing. The way they have dug ditches, blocked roads with concrete boulders and heavy vehicles, it feels like we are in the midst of a war. The government is treating the farmers protest at par with an attack from an enemy country, said Congress general secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, calling out the unusually heavy force used against farmers. Mr Modi should directly talk to the farmers and ensure justice, he added. Another opposition leader and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee accused Mr Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-led government of brutal assault on farmers. How can our country progress when the farmers are attacked with tear gas shells for fighting for their basic rights? I strongly condemn the brutal assault on our farmers by the BJP, she said. Ms Banerjee added: Instead of suppressing their protest, the BJP must focus on humbling their inflated egos, power-hungry ambitions, and inadequate governance that has harmed our nation. Measures of rolling out bans on public gathering reek of authoritarianism, said Communist Party of Indias D Raja. On one hand, the Modi government boasts about giving Bharat Ratna to M.S. Swaminathan [Indian agriculture scientist who recommended MSP in 1960s], but it refuses to implement his report that recommended legal backing for MSP. First, they commit blunders and then they use brutal force against those who point out the blunders, Mr Raja said. The protests come three months before India is set to hold its federal assembly elections to elect a new parliament. A discussion around MSP is likely to sway the manifestos released by political parties ahead of the elections. 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 }} Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has "unequivocally" denied claims of his involvement in securing the release of eight Indian Navy veterans in Qatar. The officers were detained by the country on espionage charges in August 2022 and sentenced to death in October last year. The announcement of their return came earlier on Monday, as the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement appreciating the decision by the Amir of the State of Qatar to enable the release and home-coming of these nationals. A senior leader from prime minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party wrote on Twitter/X that Khan intervened in the matter to secure the release. Modi should take Cinema star Sharuk Khan to Qatar with him since after MEA and NSA had failed to persuade the Sheikhs of Qatar, Modi pleaded with Khan to intervene , and thus got an expensive settlement from the Qatar Sheikhs to free our Naval officers (sic), wrote Subramanian Swamy. Khans manager Pooja Dadlani issued a statement on the actors behalf and said: Regarding the reports concerning Shah Rukh Khans purported role in the release of Indias naval officers from Qatar, the office of Mr Shah Rukh Khan says that any such assertions of his involvement are unfounded, emphasising the execution of this successful resolution solely rests with the Indian government officials and unequivocally denies Mr Khans participation in this matter. "Additionally, all matters involving diplomacy and statecraft are best executed by our very able leaders. Mr Khan, like many other Indians is happy that the naval officers are home safe and wishes them all the best," the statement added. Khan broke his four year hiatus in 2023 with his movie Pathaan that earned $100m worldwide, followed by Jawan and Dunki. He recently went to Qatars capital, Doha ,to attend the AFC final as a special guest of honour. Indian prime minister Narendra Modi would be heading to Qatar on Wednesday after conclusion of his trip to UAE. He is expected to meet Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, along with other senior officials. After being released, one of the recently released Navy veterans thanked the Indian prime minister for his personal intervention. "We waited for almost 18 months to be back in India. We are extremely grateful to the PM. It wouldnt have been possible without his personal intervention and his equation with Qatar. We are grateful to the Government of India from the bottom of our hearts for every effort that has been made and this day wont have been possible without those efforts," he said on Monday. Despite his denial, the fanbase of the hugely popular star didnt seem convinced. On X a hashtage with his name along with an emoji denoting his signature pose with arms outstretched started trending. An X user shared an old clip of the actor jokingly saying he wakes up every morning apprehensive of seeing his name being dragged into controversies. Another social media user joked that Bollywood often denies rumours that turn out to be true. While another tongue-in-cheek comment said it was fine to take Khans support and that is how diplomacy works. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Jailed activist Umar Khalid on Wednesday withdrew his bail application from India's apex court after the hearing was adjourned 14 times in less than a year. Mr Khalid has been languishing in New Delhi's high-security Tihar jail since September 2020 after he was arrested under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) over allegations of instigating riots in the capital. The stringent counter-terrorism law allows prolonged detention of suspects without trial or charge. Mr Khalid has been accused of allegedly being a mastermind behind the February 2020 riots in Delhi, where at least 53 people, mostly Muslims, were killed. The riots erupted during nationwide protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act passed by the Indian government and the proposed pan-India National Register of Citizens. Under the CAA citizenship rights would be granted to persecuted refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan with the exception of those who are Muslims. Mr Khalid had approached the Supreme Court after the Delhi high court rejected his bail plea in October 2022. Advocate Kapil Sibal appearing for Mr Khalid told the bench that his client wished to withdraw the petition citing "a change in circumstances", Live Law reported. Mr Khalid's legal team would now "try our luck in the trial court". A bench of justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal allowed the request and dismissed it as withdrawn. The matter before the Supreme Court has been adjourned 14 times since the first hearing on 18 May 2023. The apex court postponed the hearing at least six times, while Mr Khalid's counsel sought adjournments four times. "Our Supreme Court journey ends for now," wrote Banojyotsna Lahiri, Mr Khalid's partner, on X. Mr Khalid, a scholar from India's premier Jawaharlal Nehru University, was catapulted into the spotlight after being charged with sedition along with four others for organising a protest at the varsity in 2016. He was released months later after surrendering to the local police. Rights groups have accused prime minister Narendra Modi's government of weaponising the UAPA law to jail dissenters, including Mr Khalid. "The repeated denial of bail to Umar Khalid is a huge blow to everyone exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the country," Aakar Patel, Amnesty International Indias Chair of Board, said in 2022. "Khalids continued detention under UAPA runs absolutely counter to the international human rights law and standards," he added. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Valentines Day is fast approaching, and while some may already have plans with their special someone, others may be wondering how to spend the annual holiday. Luckily, a love-filled theory has been circulating online, arguing its the key to scoring a date this Valentines Day. Enter: the red nail theory. The term, which was coined by TikTok creator Robyn Delmonte (@GirlBossTown), hypothesises that men are more attracted to women when their nails are painted red. Since posting her viral video, many single women have put the theory to the test, with more than 13,000 videos under the hashtag #rednailtheory. Everytime I have red nails, a guy comments on it, Delmonte began her TikTok. While the influencer was initially confused why her red nail polish had attracted so much attention, she later shared her reasoning for why it seemed to appeal to men. In the 90s when we were growing up, women had red nails a lot, especially our moms, she said. I weirdly think guys are attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their moms when they were growing up, taking care of them. Of course, its unclear whether this was the definitive reason why men seemed to like Delmontes red nails. Women everywhere, not just mothers, have reportedly been donning red nail polish since 3000 BC. Nevertheless, it didnt stop other women from testing out the red nail theory - because nobody likes to put a wild TikTok theory to the test more than TikTokers themselves. The red nail theory is so real, said TikTok user Melisse Martineau in a subsequent video, showing off her red nail polish. Ive never been asked out on so many dates or complimented as much as I have been in the past two or three weeks with these nails. Another woman claimed she had four men come up to her in public just two days after she painted her nails red. Holy s***, the red nail theory is so accurate, said TikTok user Taylor Donoghue. That doesnt usually happen all the time. To see if theres any truth to this trend, we chatted with psychologists and relationship experts to gain their perspective about the red nail theory. Dr Kimberly Moffit - who is a relationship therapist with five clinic locations operating out of New York City and Toronto - believes the red nail theory holds some weight in the ring of dating. If youre on a date, wearing red is more likely to make your date think you are attractive, Dr Moffit told The Independent. Men rate women who are wearing red lipstick as more attractive than those wearing another colour. The makeup product blush became popular because the flushed appearance on a womans face actually emulates ovulation, and as a result, makes men rank her as more attractive. Many women on TikTok agree theres science behind what makes red nails attractive to men. In 2008, a study of 27 men with a median age of 20 found that men consider women wearing red more attractive and sexually desirable. The same study found men were more willing to ask women out on a date and pay more during that date when they wear red. Of course, it raises eyebrows that men would be more attracted to red nails because it reminds them of their mother, as Delmonte purports. Dr Amanda Hanson is a clinical psychologist who specialises in helping women reclaim their self-love. Speaking to The Independent, Dr Hanson emphasised that if men are desiring women with nails similar to their own mothers, then that should raise a few red (pun not intended) flags. If a man is relating red nails to his mother, then dont be surprised when he wants you to mother him, Dr Hanson said. If hes getting turned on by a memory of his mother, hes looking for someone whos going to take care of him. As for whether Dr Moffit believes in the seemingly Fruedian theory, she noted that men may be more attracted to red nail polish over another feminine colour, like pink, because it symbolises the exact opposite. If the colour pink has been typically associated with girl, the colour red screams woman, she said. Throughout history, the colour red has often been associated with symbols of passion, love, sexuality, and courage. Perhaps thats why anyone would be drawn to such a powerful colour, let alone men. Speaking from personal experience, a fresh set of any manicure is sure to make someone feel more put together than usual. But what if it isnt the red nail polish that stimulates some form of desire, but rather the confidence emulating from women themselves? As Dr Hanson suggests, confidence doesnt - and shouldnt - come in one form or fashion. The only way to exude confidence is to truly be confident. The only way to truly be confident is to know yourself. The only way to truly know yourself is to stop participating in the performance culture and go inward and decide what it is that actually lights my soul up, she said. From the red nail theory to clean girl aesthetic to mob wife fashion, our social media feeds have recently become oversaturated with similar performance culture trends. Despite thousands of women sharing their successful dating experiences under the #rednailtheory hashtag, painting your nails red isnt a catch-all solution to a fulfilling love life. According to Dr Hanson, the red nail theory may simply be another internet phenomenon that teaches women to cater to men, rather than finding confidence from within. Weve grown up being taught - and now on TikTok and social media - how to please a man but we have no idea what pleases us. We know what they desire, we have no idea what we desire, she said. We are just these ornaments running around contorting ourselves, like: What about this? Does this work? How about this one? When it comes to viral beauty trends, and the thousands of women who appear to be validating their results, its important to pick and choose which ones actually work for you. If the bold look of red nails isnt your thing, you probably wont be emulating the same level of self-confidence as someone whose colour of choice is red. Everyone has different trends that speak to them and a personal style that theyre drawn to, said Dr Moffit. Wearing what you love helps your own personality and beauty come out. At the end of the day, your partner is attracted to you, not just the colour of your nails. Perhaps the best way to apply the red nail theory to Valentines Day is by not using it at all... at least, not how its supposed to be used. Instead, treat yourself to a full set of fresh nails, or anything else that makes you feel confident, because you deserve it and not because itll seemingly land you a date. You cant really love someone else until you truly love yourself, Dr Hanson added. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} British actress Maisie Williams said the legacy of designer Christian Dior is rooted in his special ability to make women feel both unbelievably feminine and tough at the same time. The 26-year-old, who made her acting debut in 2011 as Arya Stark in medieval fantasy series Game Of Thrones, stars in new Apple TV+ biographical series, The New Look. It tells the story of how fashion icon of hope Dior (played by Australian actor Ben Mendelsohn, known for Rogue One and The Dark Knight Rises) and rival Coco Chanel (played by French actress Juliette Binoche, who has appeared in more than 60 films) navigated a Nazi-occupied Paris during the Second World War and shaped modern fashion alongside contemporaries Pierre Balmain (Thomas Poitevin) and Cristobal Balenciaga. The legacy of the brand is [all about] the way women feel. I think that Dior wanted women to feel wonderful again, [after] such a dark time, Williams who plays Diors sister Catherine said during an interview with the PA news agency. Wearing Dior clothes, even today, theres nothing like the structure and the tailoring that these dresses hold and its so unbelievably feminine, but its tough. And it dares to be both. I think its rare to feel that way in clothes and its such a special and unique thing to the Dior brand. It was no secret that the French fashion designer admired his sister Catherine Dior a former French farmer and a French Resistance fighter during the Second World War. But when she was one of 26 people arrested in July 1944 and tortured by the Gestapo the official secret police of Nazi Germany Dior funnelled some of the values and simple mantras his sister lived by, including Love life, which mirrors the extravagance and simplicity of his designs, and still part of the legacy of the brand today. I think its that connection between family, those bonds run so strong, and its kind of beautiful to see how that influence has gone on to shape the brand forever, said Williams. I would say that Catherine was probably one of the only members of Christians family who really saw him for who he truly was, and supported him for that. And I think thats [what also] made their relationship so strong. During the war, with everything that happened to Catherine, I think Christian felt a real responsibility to take care of her. And I think when he couldnt any longer, it was just so painful for him that he had no choice but to push all of that pain into his work. She was the most important figure for him, both her and their mother. And so I think when designing womens clothing and designing the scents, [Miss Dior which launched in 1947 and was named after Catherine Dior], it felt only right that the woman he had in his mind was his little sister. When Dior died in 1957 aged 52, Catherine Dior who hasnt said much about her time in the interrogation camps and homes helped to preserve her brothers legacy, and became the honorary president of the Christian-Dior Museum from 1999 until she passed away in 2008, aged 90. Before Dior formally launched his fashion house and debuted his ground-breaking first collection, the New Look, post-war in 1947, which celebrated ultra-femininity and opulence in womens fashion through coats and dresses with full skirts that emphasised womens curves and accentuated their legs, the French designer worked with Balmain for former friend, mentor, boss and French couturier, Lucien Lelong. Lelong didnt exactly design everything with his own hands, but his vision and creativity did not only champion high society elegance but some of the most exceptional designers he worked with. And just like other fashion houses that tried to keep afloat during the war, such as Jeanne Lanvin and Nina Ricci, the pair reluctantly designed dresses for the wives of Nazi officers and French collaborators. I dont think you can teach talent, said Death Of A Salesman and Red star John Malkovich, who plays Lucien Lelong in The New Look. Christian Dior was hypersensitive. So thats something you try to ameliorate, you try to protect about his quality. He was so worried and so traumatised by what happened to his little sister, [Catherine Dior]. And in the end, Dior had to go and take his journey into his own hands, and I think Lelong accepted that. Todd A. Kessler, one of the executive producers on the show, added: Their talent is to be able to express themselves, through design, through sketching and through creation, which saved all of their lives and helped to inform and inspire people [during the Second World War and subsequent Nazi occupation of France]. I mean, Dior opened 77 years ago, and still has an impact on all of us today. The Dior brand aimed to redefine femininity after a long period of austerity, and thanks to the monumental success of his New Look collection, most notably the Bar suit which featured a notched collar the House of Dior opened on 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris and continued to expand with iconic innovations, such as the H-Line and the A-Line silhouettes, eyewear, shoes, bags and perfumes like Jadore, which has sustained its legacy over the fashion landscape. Other coveted shoe and bag designs, which have been spotted on the likes of Princess Diana and Bella Hadid, include the 1994 Lady Dior bag, the 1999 It Girl Saddle bag and the JAdior slingback pumps. Lorenzo di Bonaventura, also an executive producer on the show, highlighted how Dior also took inspiration from nature: Its luscious but also, in a way, has this earthiness to it that people were desperate for. We have a modern-day equivalent which is Covid-19. You missed going to your favourite restaurant, and all the different things about the joy of life. Dior brought joy. Malkovich added: I believe creation is an antidote to many ills in the world. Its not a cure, but an antidote to violence, to mayhem, to barbarism, to destruction, and to create and to remind people who dont create for any catholicity of reasons including theyre not interested of the beauty that human beings can make. I think its a very potent medicine. The New Look comes to Apple TV+ on February 14. 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 }} Today is a day of celebration Fat Tuesday. Otherwise known by the French term, Mardis Gras, as well as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Tuesday, and Carnival Tuesday, Fat Tuesday is the time to throw on beaded necklaces, dance and indulge in sweet treats before the Christian season of Lent starts. The day, dating back to Roman times, closes out the six-week party season the pre-Lenten period ahead of the 40 days of penance that begins on Ash Wednesday (14 February) and ends on Easter Sunday (31 March). Depending on the location, festivities can include consuming all the fats in your kitchen, parading, and eating cake. Heres everything you need to know about Fat Tuesday. What is Fat Tuesday? Fat Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday the marker of the Lent season in the Christian faith. According to CNN, Roman traditions celebrated the harvest season on this day. However, when Christianity was adopted in Rome, Fat Tuesday took on a rowdy form, prioritising partying while honouring the religious undertones. From masquerading to nonstop drinking, the day was an excuse to let loose before a period of fasting, praying, abstinence, and almsgiving began. The celebration season, which Fat Tuesday finishes, starts on 6 January. On this day, referred to as Three Kings Day, the visit from the three kings on the 12th night after the Christ Child was born is remembered. This is when festivities and feasting start. How do people celebrate Fat Tuesday? In New Orleans, Louisiana, Mardis Gras celebrations start 10 days before Fat Tuesday. A major party and street parade is thrown on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. These parades feature extravagant costumes, scattered beaded necklaces, live music, alcohol, and king cake. Other grand parties and balls are hosted by social organisations called Krewes. Parade throws, where people toss beaded necklaces to the patrons partying in the street, allegedly came about from the Rex Krewe, the oldest club in the city. In the 1920s, the club would throw necklaces with their emblem colours purple for justice, gold for power, and green for faith and then added coins with their logos printed on them. These coins were known as doubloons. After the Rex Krewe started their parade throws, many other clubs joined in. Trinidad, Tobago, and Haiti host cultural shows, music competitions, and large feasts during the carnival season, per a CNN report. What is a king cake? The French settlers introduced Mardi Gras to New Orleans, showcasing a symbolic Galette des Rois, or king cake. The king cake tradition comes from the winter solstice celebration of Saturn. During this time, the god of agriculture would bake cakes with beans in them, and the person who found the bean would namely be the king. Mexico City residents will celebrate by baking and finishing a version of the cake called Rosca de Reyes or other heart-shaped desserts. In this cake, a figurine is baked inside and the man or woman who finds it is said to be the king or queen of the festival. This title comes with demands and duties to be done for your family. 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 }} Loved by some, loathed by others, Valentines Day is widely regarded as the ultimate day of cheesy, unapologetic romance. While some may be vaguely aware that the occasion takes its name from a priest called Saint Valentine, they may not be acquainted with the full history of Valentines Day, which is decidely less romantic than one may expect. Valentine of Terni was a Third-Century-priest who ministered to Christians in ancient Rome. Various accounts exist detailing the events that led to him becoming a martyr and subsequently being named a saint by the Catholic Church. One of the most widely-believed accounts suggests that Valentine defied Emperor Claudius II of Rome. The Emperor had outlawed young men getting married, as he thought them to be of more use on the battlefield than at home. Some accounts detail Valentines stark defiance of this law, seeing him marry young couples in clandestine ceremonies. This was regarded as a serious offence in the eyes of the Emperor, and the priest was beheaded on 14 February as a consequence. Despite the emperors wrath, the Catholic Church commended Valentine for uniting couples who observed the Christian faith. Thus, Valentine was formally recognised by the church as a saint after his death. Saint Valentine has since become associated with courtly love and the romantic traditions of Valentines Day. Along with this account, some believe that the history of Valentines Day may also be rooted in a pre-ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia. The festival, which was celebrated every year by Romans on 15 February, celebrated fertility. Those who took part worked to purify the city of evil spirits in order to maximise fertility and bring prosperity to their villages. Luperci from J. Grasset Saint Sauveur Antique Rome, Bergamo 1825 (Rex Features) The pagan festival was also known as dies februatus, meaning day of purification, which is how the month of February acquired its name. Part of the proceedings saw the priests of the god Lupercus the Luperci sacrifice goats and a dog and then daub their foreheads with the animals blood. These men would then run around the Palatine Hill naked, striking any women who came near them with the hides of the animals that theyd sacrificed. The priests believed that hitting women with the animal hides would ensure that theyd remain fertile. While the concept of Lupercalia may differ greatly from our modern understanding of Valentines Day, the two observances are closely connected. The celebrations of Lupercalia came to an end around the 5th Century, following objections made about the festival by Pope Gelasius I. The pope condemned the practises of the pagan festival, describing those who participated in it as vile and common, abject and of the lowest order. The holiday of St. Valentines Day on 14 February was officially declared by the pope in 496 AD, leading some to believe that he had effectively replaced Lupercalia with the holiday honouring Saint Valentine. The first evidence of Valentines Day having romantic connotations came in the 14th Century, through the poetry of Geoffrey Chaucer. For this was on St. Valentines Day, when every bird cometh there to choose his mate, the English poet wrote to honour the engagement of King Richard II and Anne of Bohemia. William Shakespeare also referenced Valentines Day in his work, having Ophelia speak of the day in his 17th Century play Hamlet. Valentines Day as we know it today started to take form in the 19th Century and early 20th Century, thanks in part to the boom of the industrial revolution. In 1913, Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, began mass-producing Valentines Day cards, sparking the beginning of the commercial holiday the 14 February has become. A decade later, chocolatier Russell Stover had the innovative idea of selling chocolates in heart-shaped boxes, encased in satin and black lace. In 2018, money saving website Finder reported that 22 million Brits were preparing to spend money on their significant others on Valentines Day. The average spend for an individual taking part in the love-filled celebrations was 28.45, while 16 per cent of the population stated that they planned on celebrating the day without spending a penny. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have relaunched their website using their regal titles the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The couples new site, sussex.com, replaces their former website, archewell.com, and will bring more personal updates about the Duke and Duchesss activities. As you enter the website, a large photo of the pair smiling and clapping at last years Invictus Games appears, overlayed with their royal coat of arms and the title The office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. At the foot of the page, links to the Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions and their Sussex Royal website appear. At the foot of the website, links to the Archewell Foundation, Archewell production and their Sussex Royal website appear (sussex.com) The move to rebrand to Sussex comes after they moved away from the title in 2020 when their Sussex Royal tag became a topic of debate at Buckingham Palace. Their departure from the royal family meant that the couple could use their Duke and Duchess titles but not HRH. Archewell was introduced after they stepped back from their royal duties, with a name inspired by their son Archie combining arche, the Greek word meaning source of action, and well, a plentiful source or supply; a place we go to dig deep. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have launched their new rebranded website using their royal titles (Getty Images) If the link to their Sussex Royal website is followed, a note appears reading: This site was established in 2020 and sets out the work streams of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex prior to their move to the United States. To learn more about the Royal couple and their philanthropic endeavours, click here. Users are then led back to sussex.com. In the About channel, the website states: The Office of Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex is shaping the future through business and philanthropy. This includes: The Archewell Foundation, Archewell Productions, patronages, ventures, and organisations which receive the support of the couple, individually and/or together. Also featured on the website are separate profiles detailing their achievements, but neither mention their royal family roots. Harry is summarised as a humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate, and environmental campaigner (sussex.com) Harry is described as a humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate, and environmental campaigner, while Meghan is described as a feminist and champion of human rights and gender equity who has been named one of the most influential women in the world in a series of tables. Harrys profile primarily promotes his military work and also mentions his memoir, Spare, stating: The Duke is the New York Times Bestselling author of Spare, a memoir of his life told with compassion, vulnerability, and unflinching honesty. Spare was the publishing industrys fastest selling non-fiction book, selling more than 1.4 million copies on its first day of publication. Meghans profile mentions the book she published to raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. It also details her childhood in California and her leading role in TV series, Suits, currently streaming on Netflix. In 2018, Meghan married Prince Harry, becoming The Duchess of Sussex, her profile reads. In 2022, Meghan launched Archetypes, a record-breaking podcast exploring the labels that hold women back. Archetypes debuted at Number 1 in The US, UK, Australia, Ireland, and New Zealand, and topped the charts as the Number 1 podcast in 47 countries. Meghans profile details the book she published to raise money for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire (Sussex.com) The News channel says that the couples recent events are focused more on personal outings in contrast to the work posted on their Archewell site. It includes Harrys recent trip to Las Vegas to present the NFLs Man of the Year honour to Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Cameron Heyward. His appearance came hours after he flew back from the UK in a fleeting visit to see his father, King Charles, following his cancer diagnosis. He made the visit without Meghan and their children less than 24 hours after the announcement about the Kings health was released to media. There was no meeting with his brother, the Prince of Wales, however, and Harry spent around 45 minutes at Clarence House seeing their father. The Kings slimmed-down monarchy is under pressure in a way not seen before during his reign: he has postponed all public-facing duties due to the diagnosis and the Princess of Wales is out of action for the immediate future following abdominal surgery. Year of Dragon sees closer air links between China, Europe Xinhua) 10:00, February 14, 2024 Visitors take selfies with Chinese lanterns during an exhibition held to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year and the EU-China Tourism Year in Brussels, Belgium, on Feb. 22, 2018. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) The Chinese Lunar New Year began not only with festive celebrations across Europe, but also with closer air links to China. BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dragon began not only with festive celebrations across Europe, but also with closer air links to China -- a sign of economic recovery. Air China has announced that it will launch daily flights between Barcelona and Beijing starting from March 31. The company returned to the Spanish city with three weekly flights in June 2023, following a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Marta Ortiz, a Spanish representative for Air China, said the company has noticed "a big change ... the prospects for the next few months are good." China's new initiative exempting Spanish passport holders from the need for a visa for short-term travels to China has also boosted the recovery of flights between the two countries, Ortiz added. Air China already has a daily flight to Beijing from Madrid airport, where Hainan Airlines runs two weekly flights to Chongqing, and China Eastern Airlines runs five weekly flights to both Shanghai and Wenzhou. Meanwhile, Cathay Pacific will resume direct flights to Hong Kong in June. The first direct flights between Barcelona and Hong Kong began in 2017, but were suspended due to the pandemic. The resumption of the connection with Hong Kong will begin on June 17, with flights every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Cathay Pacific resumed flights between Madrid and Hong Kong at the end of 2022, with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. The airline has announced it is "delighted to now incorporate Barcelona again." Passengers watch a dragon dance performance at the Athens International Airport in Athens, Greece, on Feb. 12, 2024. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos) Athens International Airport (AIA) in Greece is ready to welcome more Chinese tourists by providing more tourism information in Chinese, placing Chinese-speaking employees at duty-free shops, and accepting payments by Alipay, said AIA's Director of Communications and Marketing Ioanna Papadopoulou. AIA expects more tourists from China this year, as Air China will launch more flights to Athens. Juneyao Airlines will also begin operating in early April, linking the Greek capital with Shanghai. "We are looking forward to a very happy Chinese New Year with lots of Chinese travelers," Papadopoulou said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) After serving nearly two decades in the increasingly dysfunctional U.S. House of Representatives, former Democratic Rep. Brian Higgins of Buffalo knows a thing or two about drama. Think about it. You have members of the majority party in the House wanting to impeach a cabinet secretary, the secretary of Homeland Security, because of the problems at the border, Higgins said in a recent meeting with The Buffalo News Editorial Board, referring to his Republican colleagues in the House. Its the most dysfunctional Congress in the history of the nation, he said. That experience probably set him up nicely for his new gig as president and chief executive officer of the regions premier professional theater venue, Sheas Performing Arts Center, which has recently weathered its own dramatic tensions. Sheas, the crown jewel in Buffalos Theatre District, boasts as one of the most successful venues for touring Broadway shows in the country. However, in 2022, it endured nearly as much performative drama behind the scenes as it showcased on stage. The result was a strife-filled saga that culminated in the departure of Higgins predecessor, Michael Murphy. Murphy was fired in October 2022 after six years as president. Employee complaints about his management style led to a large number of staff resignations during the tumultuous year, and the departure of five trustees after action wasnt taken sooner against Murphy. M&T Bank withdrew its decadeslong sponsorship, since replaced by Five Star Bank. I dont know what happened, but heres what I know: Everybody is going to be seen and heard, Higgins promised of how he will manage the Sheas staff. Everybody is going to be respected, and people should be themselves without fear or apprehension. There is a bit of irony having Higgins placed in the center of melodrama at Sheas given his relentlessly calm demeanor and low-key deportment. More than three decades earlier, when Higgins served as the South District Council member on the Buffalo Common Council, he could be counted on to steer clear of dramatic entanglements and frivolous showboating, and to focus on the issues that he believed were of importance to his constituents. He kept that ethos even after ascending to higher office years later. As Ive often said, I never went to Congress to change the world. I went to change my community, said Higgins. Issues are weaponized. Opponents are demonized, and then individual members monetized, he said of the current cultural climate in the House, which he characterized as the most important of the two chambers of Congress, because its the closest to the people. The excessive behaviors exhibited by some of its members have been exacerbated by social media, but Higgins remains hopeful. Members have figured out because of social media the ability to get a lot of hits and to make money through campaign contributions. And this all started back when President Obama was president, he said. It will get better, Higgins added, firmly. Perhaps his sense of optimism was elicited from his background as a student of history and political science and former teacher of the same at SUNY Buffalo State University, before he entered public life. Buffalo, he said, exuded a sense of confidence at the turn of the 20th century, attracting renowned architects, such as Louis Sullivan, Richard Upjohn, Henry Hobson Richardson, Frank Lloyd Wright, Daniel Burnham and Louise Blanchard Bethune, the first female architect in the United States. None of them were from Buffalo. They came to Buffalo when they could have went to any city in the world to design these beautiful works, said Higgins. After a long period of decline that began with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway that altered Buffalos status as the Queen City of the Great Lakes, the city is experiencing a renaissance, which Higgins took credit for helping to spark during his first year in Congress with a multimillion-dollar settlement with the New York Power Authority. The reason we won the settlement is that we had argued that ... under the Federal Power Act, it said that the applicant in a license renewal had to provide the local community a mitigation settlement for the damage that had been done to the natural environment. I had argued that the industrialization of Buffalos waterfront was a direct result of the availability of cheap hydroelectricity. Whatever you make, you need power to make it, right? said Higgins. I think that helped change the trajectory of Buffalo. I think Buffalo was suffering from an inferiority complex. It believed that its fate was determined by external forces over which it had no control, wide right, no goal. I know people who have been driving around for 10 years with No goal on their bumper sticker, he added. Higgins said he could have spent more time in Congress. But after 20 years, you know when its time. And for me, it was time, he said. I had been asked to get involved with the process of being the next president of Buffalo State University, and was going through the process and, for a lot of reasons, knew it wasnt going to work, Higgins added. He said word got out that he was being reviewed by the selection committee and he received a number of inquires, including one from Sheas Buffalo. Sheas Buffalo is an iconic cultural institution in Buffalo. Its very important to the revitalization of downtown Buffalo Theatre District, Higgins said. Even though he had only been at Sheas for a couple of days, he said he observed a very dedicated staff, noting that the theater will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026. What Ive observed is a staff that is really dedicated to their mission, Higgins said. 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 }} Theres a fine line between being a hopeful and hopeless romantic, but that line becomes blurry when practicing manifestation comes into the picture. Those who practice manifesting believe that they have the cosmic ability to attract whatever they desire through positive thinking and self-talk, visualisation, and symbolic actions. By believing their sheer willpower can change the will of the universe, they believe that they can get what they want - even love and romance. Over the years, these ideas have resonated with internet users and gained traction on TikTok, frequently populating For You pages with ways to manifest what you want. From reciting affirmations like I do not chase, I attract in front of the mirror to writing your goals on a piece of paper and burning it with candle flames, manifestation can come in all sorts of forms. Spiritual influencer Sarah Perl - who goes by Hot High Priestess on social media - frequently goes viral for her popular manifestation methods. Speaking to The Independent, she said that practicing manifesting can empower those who lack faith in themselves. Youre changing your inner dialogue, right? she says. Where focus goes, energy flows. So you want to make sure youre constantly focusing on the good things about yourself. In her manifesting workshop, Perl says shes helped clients attract the love they deserve by giving them the tools to build their self-esteem. Whether theyve been ghosted, divorced, or cheated on, she notes that by engaging in the positive self-talk practiced in manifesting, her clients can channel what they truly want. Because they change their inner identity, they walk around differently, she said. Theyre talking differently. They appear different. Their energy is different. Theyre attracting new partners because they have this, and I think its really important to understand that when people have this confidence, this energy and aura that they exude, their standards are higher. Theyre not settling for the same behaviour. Theyre walking away from people that dont serve them. Perl emphasises that applying the law of attraction is crucial to unlocking your potential and being able to find the love that you deserve. Touted as a tenet of manifestation, the law of attraction states that our thoughts and feelings define our reality. Essentially, you attract the energy you release into the world, and if you want to change the types of people youre attracting, you have to change the way you think and feel about yourself. Start by thinking about who you want to attract, Perl recommends. But then also ask yourself who is the person this person would want to attract into their life and how can you create the perception that you are that person, that you are the dream girl or the dream guy. This isnt the only method Perl espouses, with one of her most popular methods requiring manifesters to write a love letter to themself through the perspective of their prospective love interest. You close your eyes, you get into that feeling state, pretend you are them now, she says, noting that you can write about your future first date together or how beautiful you are in their eyes. At the end of the day, its all about imagining how they see you and hyping yourself up from their point of view. I get DMs every single day from people that this works, and part of the reason why is because you're adopting that belief and that self-concept. The idea of self-concept suggests that the way you perceive the world around you is a direct reflection of the way you see yourself. By writing love letters through the eyes of others, Perl believes that you can improve the way you see yourself. She adds that by doing this, you can attract more positive energy into your life - including better romantic partners. With methods like the love letter method, its encouraged to channel what you want into material experiences to affirm the belief that whatever youre manifesting is already there. Dr Lucas Dixon - who researches the social psychology of the success industry at the University of Queensland, Australia - explained to The Independent that manifestation relies on the idea that there is a higher power listening on the other side. Like a radio transmitter, a persons thoughts and emotions transmit invisible yet powerful messages, he says. These messages are received by a higher power and these powers send back to the person material experiences that match the original thoughts and emotions. Thus, a person can harness this reciprocal process to deliberately manifest whatever they desire. Manifesters believe that if they transmit their desires through symbolic actions - like writing love letters - to a higher power, they will receive their desires materially in return. While Dr Dixon does agree that manifestation can be helpful in the sense that it can push you to identify what you do and do not want in a partner, he argues that well-researched psychological methods such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or interpersonal therapy can help unpack any negative patterns you have in your interpersonal relationships and also give you the tools to engage in positive self-talk. He encourages people to try going to a qualified psychologist or counsellor. Sure, it might not be as sexy or simple as a TikTok video, he says. But their advice is based on broader scientific evidence and not just based on their own experience of what works. The way you choose to go back to the drawing board and challenge negative thought processes may look different depending on what youre more inclined to believe in, whether you have a spiritual or scientific bent. However, no matter which belief system you ascribe to, both encourage people to look inward and reflect. By working on yourself, you can improve your chances of meeting and attracting someone who checks off several, if not all of your boxes. Challenging things that may be holding you back like negative self-talk or low self-worth, through manifestation or therapy, may ultimately lead to not only a healthier you but also attracting a partner thats willing to put in the work to deserve you too. 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 solitary car mechanic who had a secret life running horrific child abuse sites on the dark web has been jailed for 16 years. Nathan Bake, 28, was one of three UK-based moderators of a site called The Annex with 90,000 global members, where users shared sickening images - including the abuse of babies and toddlers. As the head moderator, Bake was second in command of the site which was run by an American man who was sentenced to life in prison in the US in January. Bake, from Cheshire, was jailed for 16 years at Chester Crown Court on Wednesday after pleading guilty to 12 offences related to moderating and creating sites on the dark web used for sharing material showing child abuse. Judge Patrick Thompson said: In this day and age, given the wide public access to news material, there is very little that shocks the public, but this is such a case. People are revulsed by offending of this nature and those who take sexual gratification from the abuse of children in any form. Anna Pope, prosecuting, told the court Bake was responsible for managing around 30 staff members who worked to enforce The Annexs rules in a sophisticated and well-structured operation. Users would first go to a gateway, accessed through the Tor browser, and would have to gain the trust of those managing the site before being promoted to other areas, with names such as Tots R Us and No Limits. Detectives in the case said this usually involved sharing a certain number of child abuse images to prove themselves to moderators. Under the username Pink, Bake answered queries from other site users and offered advice on not getting caught. In one post, he said: Come on people, show us what youve got for HAPPY HOUR. Show us the boys and girls that turn you on the most. Mark Edmondson, the National Crime Agencys lead officer in the case, said: He seems to be a fairly solitary individual. He worked during the day and then spent his evenings, pretty much all of them... as soon as he got in from work he would be logging on to these sites, and then (be) on these sites early into the morning hours. The sites other moderators also included Kabir Garg, a psychiatrist from Lewisham, south-east London, who was jailed for six years last year. Kabir Garg was also jailed for six years last year for being a site moderator for The Annex (PA) The site was identified by American law enforcement officers on a server in Romania in 2020 before being moved to a server in Moldova and saw extreme material shared involving abuse of babies and toddlers and hurtcore, which involves violence. NCA branch commander Adam Priestley said: There was nothing on this site that was off limits. Everything was encouraged. The men that were talking about here were very much part of a team - a staff that you would expect to see within any business - that provide a platform and facilitate a community of paedophiles to encourage the abuse of children all over the world. He also revealed that the NCA is in discussions with the Home Office about updating legislation to deal with the moderation or administration of websites where child abuse material is being shared. Bake is the first NCA case in which a defendent was charged with participating in an organised crime group in a case of this type. He said: It would be much simpler if there were new legislation that dealt with these offences explicitly. The court heard that more than 3.6 million indecent images were recovered from devices at Bakes home following his arrest in November 2022, and childrens tights, underwear and sandals were found in the bottom drawer of his computer desk. He had also been involved in moderating another site and was co-creator of a third, named Lolitas Paradise, Ms Pope said. Keith Jones, defending, said Bake, who was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at the age of 16, had converted to Islam, was studying Arabic and finding some peace in the scriptures. He said: He acknowledges that his behaviour is morally reprehensible. Judge Thompson said he considered Bake to be a dangerous offender and ordered an extended licence period of four years. He told him: You are a committed paedophile who represents a very significant risk of causing serious harm to children. 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 London bagel shop known for never being closed has shut up shop after lawyers apparently repossessed it, warning people to stay away. The Beigel Shop, which claims to be iconic and the oldest outlet in Brick Lane, suddenly closed on Tuesday, and a High Court writ of possession was pasted inside the door. The Beigel Shop, in Shoreditch, east London (Google Maps) The letter from the solicitors read: Please note we have taken possession of the above-mentioned property. Any attempt of re-entry of the said property is an offence and proceedings will be taken for trespass and criminal damage. Within hours, the writ was covered over by a different notice, saying the bakery would be closed for a short period for essential electrical maintenance. Thank you for your support. Well be back before you know it, the notice read. Another notice on the door promised the store would reopen (@beigel_shop/instagram) The shop, which claims to have been established in 1855, is usually open around the clock every day of the week. But on Wednesday customers were unable to get in, and its Facebook page was out of order. Its website tells users it is private and only owners may log in. One Instagram user wrote: Is the sign under it not true? I really hope so. Weve often driven up from the Home Counties just to visit you! Last year bakery-and-coffee chain Le Pain Quotidien closed all but one of its cafes in London. The Independent has asked Thirsk Winton, the solicitors whose name was on the writ of possession, to confirm whether they are handling the case but had not heard back by the time of publication. 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. Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Former Prime Minister Theresa Mays so-called hostile environment policies, which helped trigger the Windrush scandal, worsened the mental health of Black Caribbean people across the country, a damning new study has highlighted. The decline in mental health for Black Britons comes as the Mayor of London calls on the government to speed up access to the Windrush compensation scheme by reducing the burden of proof on claimants and to help victims with losses to private pensions and future earnings, which the scheme doesnt currently do. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday, seen exclusively by The Independent, Sadiq Khan wrote:Although there is still more to do, your response to the Post Office scandal has been an example of how quickly the government can respond to correct injustices. Unfortunately, the lack of progress on ending the Windrush scandal displays a lack of will on the governments part to show up for the Windrush generation. Meanwhile, researchers at University College London (UCL) found a sharp downturn in mental health for Black Caribbean people in the wake of tougher Home Office policies brought in by Theresa May when she was home secretary. They examined data from over 58,000 people, 2,000 of whom were of Black Caribbean heritage, which has linked racial disparities in psychological well-being with government policy. Participants completed health questionnaires between 2009 - 2020, answering questions about their mental health, and the results formed the basis of a study examining distress including symptoms of depression. The probe, funded by the Wellcome collection, showed that Black Caribbean participants data indicated a decline of 0.7 points on a mental well-being scale of 1-36, which is more than the declines in mental health seen across the whole UK population at the time of the first Covid-19 lockdown. Reacting to the findings, campaigner Patrick Vernon called for an urgent roundtable to be facilitated by the government and healthcare bodies to develop an immediate action plan around health among Black Caribbean communities - particularly those directly affected by hostile environment policies. The Windrush scandal, which emerged in 2018, saw many British citizens, mostly from the Caribbean, denied access to healthcare and benefits and threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in the UK. Having worked with and supported survivors of the Windrush generation and their families as a result of the Home Office scandal, this report is now part of a growing evidence base that hostile environment is a contributing factor to trauma and mental distress, Mr Vernon, who supported UCLs research, told The Independent. The consequences include loss of liberty, degradation, humiliation, death, attempted suicide, bereavement, anxiety and depression, hypertension and stroke, food deprivation, isolation and loneliness, deportation fatigue and intergenerational trauma. Survivors of the scandal say they feel the government robbed them of their Black British identities and made them feel like aliens and non-entities. This hurt and trauma is felt by many people of colour and migration status as we constantly deal with microaggressions and everyday racism, which have an impact on our mental wellbeing. This is not reflected in the current compensation scheme which has failed to meet their emotional and financial needs. The Windrush scandal, which emerged in 2018, saw many British citizens, mostly from the Caribbean, denied access to healthcare and benefits and threatened with deportation despite having the right to live in the UK. (PA Archive) The government promised to right the wrongs of what had happened but the compensation scheme has been repeatedly criticised for the speed at which claims are being processed and payments made. UCL researchers investigated the impact of the Immigration Act 2014 which requires landlords, employers, the NHS, banks and the police to check right-to-stay documentation. This was a key part of a set of measures known as the Home Office hostile environment policy which sought to oust people without leave to remain in the UK. This policy was introduced by former home secretary Theresa May who said in 2012 the aim is to create here in Britain a really hostile environment for illegal migration. She said last year that she regretted using the term hostile environment. Further analysis revealed that the 2014 Act affected first-generation Black Caribbean migrants more, while media coverage of the Windrush scandal affected British people of Caribbean heritage more. The researchers did not find similar effects for other ethnic groups, even though some might have been similarly impacted by the hostile environment policy. PM Rishi Sunak, a son of immigrants, is being asked to host a roundtable discussion to establish solutions to these disparities (PA Wire) Dr Annie Jeffery, lead author of the UCL research, said: Our study highlights the harms to mental health that the governments hostile environment policy had on certain groups of people, in addition to other well-documented harms such as deportation, job loss, eviction, and discrimination, The mental health impacts may have stemmed from the direct impacts of such threats to peoples homes and livelihoods, but could also have resulted from a wider, pervasive sense of racial injustice and bias, faced by a group already experiencing systemic and sometimes institutionalised racism and discrimination. When the Windrush scandal dominated the news, there may have been a risk of re-traumatisation for some people, while even those not directly affected may have experienced a form of vicarious trauma or fear of what could happen to them. A government spokesperson said: The government remains absolutely committed to righting the wrongs of the Windrush scandal. We have also made significant progress since the Windrush Lessons Learned review and our important work to implement its recommendations continues.Were going further and faster to transform our countrys mental health services, with up to an additional 2.3 billion being invested annually from this year to expand services, so an extra two million people can get the support they need. 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 Victorian prison infested with rats and cockroaches where drainage problems caused raw sewage to cover cell floors has been described as the worst I have seen by the prisons watchdog. Her majestys chief inspector of prisons, Charlie Taylor, visited HMP Bedford at the end of last year to find appalling standards of accommodation in some of the cells. He said that on the E wing the smell of mould in one cell was overpowering, with walls damp to the touch. In his report published on Wednesday, Mr Taylor said the underground segregation unit was a disgrace, adding: Here, problems with the drainage mean that on very wet days, raw sewage covered the floor and the cells were dark, damp and dilapidated. He said often very mentally unwell prisoners were living in these wholly unsuitable conditions. HMP Bedford was very overcrowded (HM Prisons Inspectorate ) Sandbags and Wellington boots were stored on the segregation unit to help staff deal with the flooding. There was a widespread infestation of rats, cockroaches and pigeons, the report found, with prisoners resorting to creating their own barriers to prevent vermin from crawling into their cells. Chief executive at prisons charity Howard League, Andrea Coomber, said the images in the report were an utterly appalling indictment of the prison system. A table titled cockroach competition showed the number of times prisoners had found the vermin in their cells (HM Prisons Inspectorate) One photo showed a table, etched onto a cell wall by a prisoner, that counted the number of times cockroaches had crawled into view. Nearly a third of the prisoners at HMP Bedford, a male inner-city prison with a maximum of 400 spaces, were released straight into homelessness, the inspector warned - meaning it was virtually impossible to stop the cycle of crime and imprisonment. Cells were often covered in marks and graffiti (HM Prisons Inspectorate ) Staff used sandbags and wellington boots to cope with flooding in the segregation unit (HM Prisons Inspectorate ) Levels of violence at the prison were very high compared to similar prisons, with the fifth highest rate of assault amongst inmates. Security of the prison was also a concern as someone had escaped from inside the prison perimeter in July 2022 and the inspectors security team had found the security systems to be unsatisfactory. Rates of self-harm were very high, with 533 incidents in the past 12 months - one inmate had also died by suicide. A cell in the segregation unit at Bedford prison (HM Prisons Inspectorate ) Bedford prison was also very overcrowded and understaffed, the inspector warned, with more than 100 repair jobs outstanding. A programme to paint and decorate the cells was often not operating because of a lack of staff, the report found. A prison service spokesperson said: The findings of this inspection are unacceptable which is why were taking urgent action to address the concerns raised. This includes deploying extra frontline officers to reduce violence and improve safety, undertaking refurbishments to improve living conditions, and ensuring offenders get greater access to the education and skills they need to turn their backs on crime. 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 }} Former populist Prime Minister Andrej Babis' retrial started Wednesday after an appeals court dismissed a previous ruling acquitting him of fraud charges in a $2 million case involving European Union subsidies. In September, Pragues High Court canceled the lower court's decision and ordered the case to be retried at Pragues Municipal Court. The case centered around a farm known as the Storks Nest, which received EU subsidies after its ownership was transferred from the Babis-owned Agrofert conglomerate of around 250 companies to Babis family members. Later, Agrofert again took ownership of the farm. The subsidies were meant for medium- and small-sized businesses and Agrofert wouldnt have been eligible for them. The conglomerate later returned the subsidy. Pragues Municipal Court also acquitted in January Babis' former associate, Jana Nagyova, who signed the subsidy request. The former premier pleaded not guilty and repeatedly said the charges against him were politically motivated. The prosecution asked on Wednesday for suspended sentences, possible for such a crime in the Czech Republic, and fines for the two. It was not immediately clear when the verdict would be announced. Babis, a billionaire, is currently part of the country's opposition after his populist ANO centrist movement lost the 2021 parliamentary election. He also contended for the largely ceruminous post of president in January last year but lost to Petr Pavel, a retired army general. 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 }} A third Labour politician who attended a now notorious council meeting which sparked renewed antisemitism concerns within the party has been spoken to by party officials as they investigate what happened. Sir Keir Starmers party has been pitched into a deepening row about the handling of antisemitism allegations, with parliamentary candidate Graham Jones suspended on Tuesday, only a day after Labour was forced to suspend and withdraw its backing for Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali. Mr Ali had claimed Israel allowed the 7 October Hamas attack to take place to lay the ground for an invasion of Gaza. He later apologised. At the same meeting, former MP Graham Jones, who had been selected to run for his old Hyndburn seat again, referred to f***ing Israel and appeared to say that Britons who volunteer to fight for the Israel Defence Forces should be locked up. It has now emerged that Hyndburn councillor Munsif Dad, who leads the local authoritys Labour group, is thought to have been at the gathering where two parliamentary candidates are alleged to have made antisemitic remarks. There is no suggestion that Mr Dad, who leads the local authoritys Labour group, made inappropriate comments at the meeting and no further action has been taken. The meeting has reignited fears among Jewish members of widespread antisemitism within the Labour Party, with some pointing to Israels military action in Gaza as having sparked a huge spike in antisemitism. Mike Katz, chairman of the Jewish Labour Movement (JLM), called for the party to step up checks on candidates selected before the Hamas terror attacks and training for candidates to be able to recognise and combat antisemitism. He told The Independent: I think the party should bear in mind that the level of antisemitic conspiracy theory and misinformation on social media has really increased since October 7, and go back over to check again what people have said and what they have posted. As the fallout from the controversial meeting grew: The SNP threatened to reopen Labour divisions on the Middle East by forcing a Gaza ceasefire motion to be voted on in the Commons Momentum slammed Labour for suspending disproportionately Black and brown MPs over their support for Palestine Labours poll lead over the Tories fell to its lowest level since last June as Sir Keir faces one of his most troubling spells since taking over the party Labour pledged to investigate all allegations of antisemitism and take it seriously Mr Katz said: Obviously a lot of candidates were selected well before then and are out campaigning in their seats. It is not about political expediency. It is to make sure people understand and recognise antisemitism and discrimination, and are willing to call it out, wherever they see it, as part of their role in promoting community cohesion. Meanwhile, Dame Louise Ellman, a Jewish former MP who quit Labour in 2019 over antisemitism under Jeremy Corbyns leadership, said proper scrutiny had not been done over the candidates. Sir Keir Starmer claimed he took decisive action suspending Azhar Ali after his antisemitic comments came to light (EPA) She said Sir Keir was a bit slow to deal with the latest antisemitism crisis, which brought the party into disrepute. And, while Dame Louise told Times Radio that Labour has been doing very well in rooting out antisemitism, she described the latest scandal as a setback. The Campaign Against Antisemitism reminded Labour of its responsibility to train local activists and candidates to spot and tackle antisemitism. It said Labour in particular has a duty to do so because of the action plan to drive antisemitism out of the party agreed with the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). A spokesman told The Independent: Since we referred Labour to the EHRC and its investigation into the party, it has been clear that all political parties must rigorously vet their officers and candidates. Failure to do so will inevitably lead to scrutiny and scandal, as we have seen twice in Rochdale in as many days. It came after Martin Forde KC, the lawyer who led a review into antisemitism in the party, said Labours handling of the crisis was shambolic. Labour initially backed Mr Ali, saying he had fallen for an online conspiracy theory. But the party dramatically dropped him on Monday night after it emerged that he had also blamed people in the media from certain Jewish quarters for fuelling criticism of a pro-Palestinian MP. Mr Ali will still appear as Labours candidate on the Rochdale ballot this month due to a deadline for removing candidates, but he will not be a Labour MP if he wins. The party has suspended Mr Jones pending an investigation and will likely pick a new candidate to contest Hyndburn at the general election. On Tuesday, shadow defence secretary John Healey said Labour will follow the hard evidence to ensure anyone who does not meet the standards of the party will be investigated. He said: Anyone at that meeting, if there is evidence that they have, that people acted or spoke in a way that doesnt meet the standards, or is incompatible with the values of our Labour Party, they need to report it, provide it and the Labour Party will take it seriously and investigate it. Its what we do with every case. Pushed on whether Mr Ali was properly vetted, Mr Healey said the Rochdale candidate was widely respected and widely supported across communities, including the Jewish community in the North West. The Conservatives have said the furore showed that claims Labour had changed under Sir Keir were hollow. 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 }} North Macedonia s parliament speaker on Wednesday formally set early parliamentary and presidential elections in the spring as the country makes a bid to join the European Union. Following opposition pressure, North Macedonia's main political parties agreed in December to organize general elections on May 8, two months early. A caretaker government was appointed last month. Whoever forms the next government will face pressure from the European Union to approve unpopular constitutional changes as part of the country's bid to join the bloc. The main opposition center-right VMRO-DPMNE party had long pressed for early elections, accusing the governing center-left Social Democrats and their junior coalition partners of corruption, nepotism and incompetence. Under the act signed Wednesday by parliaments top official, Jovan Mitreski, the first round of the presidential election will be on April 24. The second will coincide with the May 8 parliamentary election. North Macedonia, together with neighboring Albania, began EU membership talks in 2022 and has been a candidate to join the bloc since 2005. Among other required membership criteria, the country must change its constitution to recognize an ethnic Bulgarian minority. That's a highly contentious issue because of the overlapping histories and cultures of North Macedonia and neighboring Bulgaria. Constitutional changes require a two-thirds majority in parliament. As a student of geopolitics for decades and having served in the administration of President George W. Bush I have followed the presidential campaigns for decades. The world situation, in my opinion, is as precarious as that which we faced before the start of World War II except for one significant difference. In 1939 our country was led by Franklin Roosevelt and our closest ally at the time, the United Kingdom, was led by Winston Churchill. Today the Republican Party presumptive presidential nomination is Donald Trump, and our president is Joe Biden. Any informed and thinking American should therefore be very concerned. Former President Trump did some good things domestically and internationally while in office but many of his recent statements are very concerning, including that we withdraw from NATO in addition to many other outlandish comments on multiple subjects domestically and internationally. Recent statements by multiple mental health experts also strongly indicate that our current president has many memory and possible judgment issues. As the undisputed leader of the free world, we are the only country that is in the position to save the world including America from a potential disaster that the world has not seen. It is, in my opinion vital that we act first and promptly as Americans not as members of a political party. We are the only country that can save the world so we must act collectively to do so. Anthony H. Gioia Buffalo Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Tories are facing an electoral wipeout that would leave them with just 80 seats, the lowest ever total for the Conservative Party, a bombshell new poll shows. Rishi Sunak is on course to lose more than three quarters of the Tories seats, the survey of 18,000 voters suggests. As well as spelling near-wipeout for the Conservatives, the shock poll shows seventeen ministers are set to lose their seats, including Jeremy Hunt, Grant Shapps, Penny Mordaunt, Gillian Keegan and Mel Stride. Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer will face off at a general election this year (PA Wire) The poll, by Find Out Now and Electoral Calculus, showed Sir Keir Starmer on course to win an even bigger landslide than Sir Tony Blair in 1997, with a majority of 254. And the survey, reported by The Daily Mirror, showed Labours support among voters at 42 per cent, with a 20-point lead over the Tories on 20 per cent. The survey was conducted using the MRP (multilevel regression and poststratification) method that successfully forecast the 2017 and 2019 elections. It found voters top concerns were health, the economy and immigration, while the most popular policies included building more homes and nationalising utility firms. In total, Labour would win 452 seats, 249 more than currently, with the Conservatives losing 285 seats to hold just 80. The Liberal Democrats and Green Party are also set to make gains, while the poll suggested the SNP could lose eight seats to a resurgent Scottish Labour. The poll will offer some much-needed comfort for Sir Keir after he faced two of the most difficult weeks of his leadership of the Labour Party so far. He has been dogged by claims that he flip-flops on key decisions after the fudged announcement that he was dropping Labours key 28bn per year green spending pledge. Labour instead replaced the measure with plans to spend 23.7 billion over the course of the next parliament. He has also been rocked by an antisemitism scandal after Rochdale by-election candidate Azhar Ali was recorded making antisemitic remarks. After some of Mr Alis remarks, claiming Israel had allowed the October 7 Hamas terror attacks to go ahead, Sir Keir sought to stand by the Labour candidate. But, after facing a media storm, and further remarks being made public, Sir Keir dropped his support for Mr Ali. Another Labour candidate was then accused of antisemitism for being recorded at the same meeting appearing to refer to f***ing Israel and appeared to say that Britons who volunteer to fight for the Israel Defense Forces should be locked up. It all came as a separate poll by Savanta showed Labours lead over the Tories falling to its lowest since last June. 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 }} Fake audio clips of Sadiq Khan criticising Remembrance weekend events and encouraging pro-Palestinian marches nearly caused serious disorder, the London mayor has said. The so-called deepfake material shared on social media had an AI simulation of Mr Khans voice saying he did not care about the Remembrance weekend and suggesting the commemorations be postponed to allow for a pro-Palestinian march to go ahead. Mr Khan told BBC Radio 4s Why Do You Hate Me? podcast that current legislation is not fit for purpose and the audio creator got away with it after the Metropolitan Police said the material did not constitute a criminal offence. We almost had serious disorder, the Labour mayor said, adding that other scenarios such as close elections and referendums might also be targeted by people spreading fake or manipulated material. What was being said was a red rag to a bull for the far-right and others Sadiq Khan, mayor of London He added: What was being said was a red rag to a bull for the far-right and others. But what concerned me the most was if youre an innocent listener of this. Because its a secret undercover recording in inverted commas because it sounds like me, because of the timing and the context. The pro-Palestinian march began hours after the two minutes silence on Saturday November 11 and was met with resistance from counter-protesters, who clashed with police. Some 120 people mostly far-right counter-protesters were arrested. The commemorations had already been a source of political tension. Then-home secretary Suella Braverman accused the Met Police of playing favourites after its commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, said the force did not have sufficient intelligence to ban the rally. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had labelled pro-Palestinian marches elsewhere in London disrespectful. Officers continue to review material and content related to this and we are also consulting with colleagues from the CPS given this relates to very new and emerging technologies Metropolitan Police spokesperson Mr Khan said neither he nor the police had been contacted by the social media sites on which the audio had gone viral. TikTok told the BBC it removes deepfake content and does not allow synthetic media that contains the likeness of any real private figure. On February 6, Meta announced it would label images posted on Facebook and Instagram which were created by AI. But former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg, now president of global affairs for Meta, said this would not yet apply to audio or video content, for which users may voluntarily disclose AI assistance. A Met Police spokesperson said: On Friday November 10, we were made aware of a video featuring artificial audio of the mayor. Specialist officers carried out an initial review of this video and assessed that it did not constitute a criminal offence. However, officers continue to review material and content related to this and we are also consulting with colleagues from the CPS given this relates to very new and emerging technologies. Close Sunak breaks silence after double by-election defeat in Wellingborough and Kingswood 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 }} Two byelection victories have boosted Keir Starmer after a difficult week for Labour in which the party was accused of a shambolic handling of an antisemitism row. Labour overturned huge Tory majorities to win in Kingswood and Wellingborough, meaning the Conservatives have now suffered the most byelection defeats of any government since the 1960s. Speaking to broadcasters on Friday morning, Mr Starmer acknowledged it had been a bumpy week, but insisted the victories suggest the public can see that his party has changed since Jeremy Corbyns leadership, which was often overshadowed by controversies surrounding its handling of antisemitism allegations. I think there is a message now from these by-elections I think the country is crying out for change. Everybody knows that, he added. Earlier, Rishi Sunak insisted that his governments plan is working as he urged voters to stick with the Conservatives in the wake of thedouble defeat. The prime minister said the circumstances surrounding the by-elections in Kingswood and Wellingborough were particularly challenging and suggested that the low turnout meant that there isnt a huge amount of enthusiasm for the alternative in Keir Starmer, who he claimed had no plan for government. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A judge is to consider a request from Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez to block from trial prosecutors allegations her supposed drug use contributed to Alec Baldwins 2021 fatal on-set shooting of the films cinematographer. New Mexico state prosecutors allege Rust armorer Hannah Gutierrez used marijuana, cocaine and alcohol on evenings after filming and this impaired her judgment the day of the shooting, leading her to mistakenly load a live round into Baldwins gun. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter. His trial date has not yet been set. Should the jury in Gutierrezs trial, set to start February 21 in Santa Fe, see a link between alleged drug use and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins death, Gutierrez could be seen to have acted with reckless disregard for safety and found guilty of involuntary manslaughter, punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, legal experts said. Prosecutors have said they do not have drug tests or evidence beyond witness statements to back up the drug allegations. The governments entire argument is based on speculation and conjecture, Gutierrezs lawyer Jason Bowles said in a court filing, requesting a charge of evidence tampering, relating to the armorers alleged cocaine posession, be excluded from the manslaughter trial. Image taken from video released by the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office of Alec Baldwin Hutchins was killed when a reproduction Colt .45 revolver Baldwin was rehearsing with fired a live round that struck the rising star cinematographer. The same bullet also struck director Joel Souza, who survived. Live rounds are strictly forbidden on movie sets. Prosecutors allege Gutierrez brought the live rounds on set at the start of the production in an ammunition box mixed with inert, dummy rounds. Bowles claimed the live rounds may have been planted on set by disgruntled crew members or a props supplier. Gutierrez, acting as chief weapons handler on her second production, said she checked each round while loading Baldwins gun then handed it to first assistant director Dave Halls. Halls is the only member of the production to be convicted for Hutchins death after he entered a plea deal. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} William Post, the man who is often credited with having invented the Pop-Tart, has died at the age of 96, his family has said. From humble beginnings in Michigan, Post rose quickly through the ranks of the Hekman Biscuit Company before collaborating with Kelloggs to develop the globally popular toaster pastry. According to his family, despite his legendary accomplishments, he was a humble man and seemed to overflow with generosity. Later in life, he provided talks in schools, to which he brought a never-ending supply of Pop-Tarts. Born in Grand Rapids in 1927 as one of seven children, Post graduated high school at the age of 16 and held a part-time job washing trucks at the Hekman Biscuit Company. He returned to the job after serving in the Army Air Corps in occupied Japan. At the age of 21, Post gained a full-time position Hekman [later known as the Keebler company] as the personnel manager, but assisted with sales, production, and anything else that he could learn. William Post, father of the Pop Tart (AP 2003) Twenty years later, after becoming the plant manager, he welcomed some executives from Kelloggs who asked if he thought it would be possible for Keebler to create a new product they had in mind. It was at this juncture that Post is often credited for having invented the Pop-Tart. According to his family, however, Post would say, I assembled an amazing team that developed Kelloggs concept of a shelf-stable toaster pastry into a fine product that we could bring to market in the span of just four months. The collaboration and growth of Kelloggs and Keebler continued until Kelloggs finally purchased the Keebler company in 2001. Post and his family moved to Elmhurst, Illinois where the headquarters of Keebler were then located in 1967. He left the company but continued to work as a consultant for Kelloggs until 2003 and spent years travelling internationally. In 2003, he and his wife Florence, his high-school sweetheart, came full circle and moved back to Grand Rapids to be near family. Over the years, Post has been interviewed by publications including the New York Times, and made multiple appearances on TV and radio. Post is credited with inventing the globally famous toaster pastry (AFP via Getty Images) He was asked to tell the Pop-Tarts story to young people in countless classrooms and always enjoyed accommodating those requests, bringing some of his unending supply of Pop-Tarts with him, his family said. In spite of an extraordinary life and legendary accomplishments, Bill remained a humble man of God with a servants heart that seemed to overflow with generosity, his family said. He was the first to bring comfort, read scripture and offer a prayer with any friend or family member in need. He continued to fill that role to the very end of his life and leaves a big void in a very large circle of treasured friends. He was such a positive force that after a conversation with Bill, you would leave with a lighter heart and a brighter smile. His wife of 72 years, Florence, died in 2020. He leaves behind four children; Dan and Jackie Post and Rachel and John DeYoung, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A memorial service for Post is scheduled to be held on Thursday at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, in Grand Rapids. In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that people make donations to Gideons International. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A driver is dead and at least five people were injured after a car crashed into an Austin, Texas emergency room on Tuesday night. Officials with the Austin Police Department said there is no threat to the general public and the incident does not appear to be an intentional act. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene after officials administered CPR. Videos of the emergency room show fire and billowing smoke from where the car collided with the hospitals doors, which sustained damage. According to CNN, people were seen running through the emergency room lobby as the cars tires rotated with a screeching sound. The area was quickly cleared of bystanders and hospital staff began administering aid to those injured. Four victims, including an adult and child, were taken to nearby hospitals. The child had life-threatening injuries and the injuries of the adult could also be life-threatening. Only one patient was admitted where the incident happened. Structural damage to the building was minor and the hospital continued to take in emergency room walk-ins. Stephen Hughes, who was in the hospital when the crash happened, told KVUE, an ABC affiliate, about what he saw. I just thought something just fell over down there like a large tray or something, he said. But then I heard screaming and lots of other noise and I looked down the hallway and could see lots of smoke. And I just went down there to see what was going on. I didnt know if maybe there was an explosion or what and people just started pulling people away from the area and I could see there was a car that had crashed into the ER. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing. Governor Greg Abbott responded to the situation in a post to X, formerly Twitter. Ive spoken with Mayor Watson about the tragic accident at St. Davids North Austin Medical Center & offered Texas full support, he said. State personnel are working closely with local officials to ensure Austin has no unmet needs. Cecilia & I pray for the victims & their loved ones. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A cow stuck up to its neck in mud has been rescued after California firefighters spent five hours digging it out. The Santa Barbara County Fire Department responded to the incident on Monday afternoon after ranchers at Dos Pueblo Ranch in Goleta called for help. Yesterday, late afternoon, a Ronvey Swiss alp cow was discovered trapped in mud by ranchers An extensive rescue effort was initiated, Scott Safechuck, a spokesperson for the fire department, said on X/Twitter. Photos of the rescue mission show the cow stuck neck deep in the mud. Mr Safechuck said the firefighters efforts involved digging, prying, rolling, and using wood planks for leverage to free the animal. Animal control also assisted in the efforts. Once freed, the cow was so exhausted that it was covered with a blanket to stay warm at rest and [was] observed by ranchers, Mr Safechuck said. Close DC active shooter: Suspect barricaded, still firing shots from home in Southeast, officials say The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A standoff which lasted over 12 hours between Washington DC officers and a suspect has now come to an end, after police negotiated his surrender, according to the DC Police Department. Three officers of the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC, were injured after a suspect began firing and barricaded himself in his home. A fourth officer also sustained injuries that were not gunshot-related. The multi-hour standoff began when police arrived at a southeast Washington, DC home around 7.30 am local time to serve a warrant for animal cruelty. It was at that time the shooting began. The police said that the suspect then barricaded himself inside his residence and continued shooting sporadically throughout the standoff. But his surrender was successfully negotiated and he has been charged with cruelty to animals, with additional charges for the assault on the officers pending. Police said that the suspect Julius James, 46 is now in police custody. Mr James was arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals and additional charges for the assault on the officers are pending. When asked to expand on the animal cruelty charges, Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith focused instead on the officers wounded when serving the warrant. So let me not be glib about my response to your question specifically related to the animals, Ms Smith said. I dont want it to be lost on anyone today that weve had three officers who were shot with the Metropolitan Police Department. Three of our officers were shot today, serving an arrest warrant on someone who was cruel to animals. The same type of response that we provide for our officers, we have that same care for animals as well, but I dont want it to be lost on anyone today that the reason why we are here right now is because three of our officers have been shot, she continued. Close Adam Montgomery convicted of second-degree murder of daughter Harmony 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 mother of slain five-year-old Harmony Montgomery spoke to reporters outside a courtroom after the little girls father was convicted of her murder. Jurors convicted Adam Montgomery on all charges following a gruelling trial which took place more than four years on from when Harmony was last seen alive in 2019. Authorities failed to search for the missing child who was known to protective services for more than two years after she went missing. Kayla Montgomery testified that her husband struck the Harmony several times after she had a bathroom accident. She testified that, after killing her, the family drove to a Burger King. She fed her two young sons and placed a sandwich on Harmonys lap without realising she was dead. After the defendant repeatedly struck Harmony. After he put the blanket over her. After she moaned. After the strange crying moaning stopped. After you did drugs and after the car died, you thought she was sleeping under that blanket, the prosecutor said. Why did you think that she may be sleeping after Adam repeatedly struck her? Because she would usually just go to sleep after, Kayla answered. The little girls remains were hidden in a ceiling vent at a shelter where the family stayed after her death. Montgomery snuck the remains into his workplace freezer, before disposing of them in March 2020. Harmonys remains have never been found. After the verdict was handed down, Harmonys mother Crystal Sorey told reporters she was grateful that it was over but vowed that she and authorities would not stop fighting to find her daughters body. She also slammed Montgomery as a coward for failing to attend any of his trial. In a press conference, Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg also vowed to continue to push to find Harmony. Were still going to find her, Chief Aldenberg told reporters as he choked back tears. This girl deserves better than the life that she had. This is never about winning or losing, this is about a five-year-old girl who was killed by her father. And I cant think of a worse crime. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Two years before he allegedly killed his five-year-old daughter, Adam Montgomery made an eerie Facebook post about their relationship. Montgomery is standing trial in Manchester, New Hampshire, in connection with Harmony Montgomerys 7 December 2019 killing. Prosecutors have argued, based on Montgomerys estranged wife Kaylas testimony, that Montgomery beat the little girl to death after she had a bathroom accident inside the car the family was living out of. Harmony was born in Massachusetts to parents with a history of abuse. She was moved between the homes of her mother and her foster parents multiple times before Montgomery received custody in 2019 and moved to New Hampshire with him, Kayla, and her two half-brothers. The abuse that Harmony endured at the hands of her father emerged during the trial, with Kayla telling the court that the little girl was kept hidden under a blanket to cover her bruised body and bloodied face from the beatings. Kayla also told jurors that Montgomery had worked to obtain custody, and recounted how they both helped decorate Harmonys Mickey Mouse-themed bedroom before she came to live with them. In a 2017 Facebook post, Montgomery posted a picture of himself and Harmony in which the little girl looked happy as she jumped on a trampoline. My beautiful baby girl I love you soooooooooooo much, he wrote. Adam Montgomery is accused of beating his five-year-old daughter to death (Facebook/Adam Montgomery) The post is a stark contrast to the way prosecutors portrayed Harmonys relationship with her father. During opening statements, the state introduced testimony from witnesses who said Montgomery hated the little girl and had admitted to bashing her around the house and giving her a black eye. Harmonys foster mother and biological mother said she was fully potty trained by the time she was sent to live with her father. According to prosecutors, the little girl began having bathroom accidents only after she began experiencing physical abuse. Kayla and Adam Montgomery did not realise that Harmony had died until several hours after he allegedly repeatedly hit her in the head. According to Kaylas testimony, they kept the little girl under a blanket in order to hide her bruised and beaten body. The family stopped at a Burger King, with Kayla reportedly even placing a sandwich on the dead girls lap, before heading to buy drugs. After Montgomery realised his daughter was dead, he placed the body inside a duffel bag that he buried in the snow for a few days. The remains were later crushed to fit inside a diaper bag and further manipulated with lime and different power tools, according to the prosecution, before Montgomery disposed of what was left at an unknown location in March 2021. Harmonys remains have never been found. 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 }} Harvey Weinsteins legal team is heading back to the courtroom to argue an appeal of his 2020 criminal conviction, a landmark moment in the #MeToo movement, in New York. The former movie producers lawyer will speak on Wednesday at the Court of Appeals of the State of New York the states highest court in an effort to overturn the existing verdict. Here is everything you need to know about todays oral arguments: What was Weinstein convicted of and what was his sentence? This new hearing pertains to Weinsteins conviction in New York in February 2020 on two counts: one count of criminal sex act and one count of third-degree rape. The conviction came as the conclusion to a high-profile trial, during which Weinstein was accused of multiple sex crimes. A jury acquitted him on two charges of predatory sexual assault. Weinstein was sentenced in March 2020 to 23 years in prison. As soon as Weinstein was convicted, his legal team signaled their intent to appeal the verdict. As sure as Im a bald man, we will be appealing, his lawyer Arthur Aidala said at the time. The criminal sex act conviction related to Weinstein forcibly performing oral sex on Miriam Haley, a woman who worked as a production assistant, in 2006. The third-degree rape conviction related to him assaulting Jessica Mann, then an aspiring actress, in 2013. Weinstein has also been convicted in a separate case in California. In December 2022, he was found guilty of forcible rape, forcible oral copulation, and penetration with a foreign object. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison (additionally to his New York sentence). Whos speaking at the Court of Appeals and for how long? Aidala, one of Weinsteins defense lawyers during the 2020 New York trial, will have 20 minutes to argue Weinsteins case on 14 February, according to the courts schedule. Steven C Wu, the Chief of Appeals at the Manhattan District Attorneys office, will then have 20 minutes to respond. Oral arguments at the Court of Appeals start at 2pm, but multiple cases will be heard prior to Weinsteins, which is the last on the list. Aidala is expected to start speaking between 4pm and 4:30pm. The oral arguments will be streamed online and can be watched here. Whats at stake? An intermediate appeals court previously upheld Weinsteins conviction in New York, back in June 2022. The Court of Appeals is the states top court, meaning he has already exhausted other legal avenues to get here. This is Weinsteins last stop on his direct appeal as far as state law is concerned. A decision is not expected to be made on 14 February. Should the Court of Appeals deny his petition, Weinstein could in theory take his case to the US Supreme Court, under certain conditions, though it would be up to the US Supreme Court whether it takes it up or not. Will Weinstein be there? Defendants are not required to attend oral arguments for an appeal. If theyre imprisoned as is the case for Weinstein, who is serving is New York sentence at the Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, New York, about 100 miles from Albany, where the Court of Appeals is located they typically do not attend. What is Weinsteins legal team arguing? Weinsteins conviction was a landmark in the #MeToo movement. His legal team is now arguing that the judge in his case [succumbed] to the pressure of the movement and denied Weinstein a fair trial, according to The Associated Press. Specifically, Weinsteins lawyers are taking issue with the use of prior bad act evidence meaning evidence pertaining to behavior other than the behavior at the center of the charges themselves. Such evidence can be used under certain rules. When the intermediate appeals court upheld Weinsteins conviction in 2022, it found that Judge James Burke, who presided over Weinsteins criminal trial in 2020 and decided which types of evidence would be allowed, had made proper use of his discretion, the Associated Press reported at the time. Weinsteins legal team has also taken issue with Burkes decision not to remove a juror who had written a novel about predatory older men. They have also questioned Burkes decision to allow the prosecution to present expert testimony on rape and misconceptions around sexual assault, while not allowing the defense to do so. On those points too, the intermediary court sided with Burke. Cyrus Vance Jr, who served as the Manhattan District Attorney during Weinsteins prosecution, has stood by Burke and the case. When the intermediate court upheld Weinsteins conviction two years ago, Vance told The Associated Press: I am also grateful this decision by the appellate court fully credits the powerful testimony of the brave and strong survivors of Mr Weinsteins abuse. Today, they are one step closer to full closure of the legal process, which they deserve. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A man accused of murdering his girlfriend and leaving her body in a Boston airport parking garage before fleeing to Kenya has been arrested again after escaping police custody. Kevin Kangethe escaped from a Nairobi police station on 7 February after a man who claimed to be his attorney came to speak with him. Mr Kangethe got out and went on the run after being let out of his cell and taken to an office, according to the Associated Press. The suspect was re-arrested on Tuesday at a family members house in Ngong, Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei said, according to CNN . Chief Bungei said custody is assured for the suspect, who is now being held at another police station awaiting extradition to the US. Mr Kangethe is accused of killing his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, on 31 October or 1 November. Prosecutors say that her body was found in Mr Kangethes car, in a parking garage outside Boston Logan International Airport, after she was reported missing two days earlier. The 31-year-old had been stabbed in the side of her body and had slash wounds to her face and neck, police said. After allegedly killing Ms Mbitu, officials say that Mr Kangethe boarded a plane and fled to Kenya. The suspect evaded law enforcement for months, finally being arrested on 29 January after an undercover police officer spotted him at a Nairobi nightclub. Mr Kangethes escape from police custody last week was unfortunate and due to unethical conduct, Chief Bungei said. We have arrested the officers who were on duty when he escaped to explain how it happened. It is just embarrassing to us, he said. The man who claimed to be the suspects lawyer has also been arrested, according to Chief Bungei. 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 Lakewood Church shooter, identified as Genesse Moreno, had an extensive criminal history long before the megachurch shooting that left her dead and her son and one other injured, contributing to the unfinished puzzle of who the shooter was. Moreno walked into Joel Osteens megachurch on Sunday alongside her seven-year-old son. She fired her AR-15 rifle, prompting two off-duty officers to fire back. They fatally shot Moreno. Her child and a 57-year-old man were also wounded during the exchange; the child is in critical condition and the man was released from hospital. The 36-year-old mother had a lengthy criminal history dating back nearly two decades before this weeks shooting. The rifle she used to commit the shooting was legally purchased in December 2023, authorities said. However, earlier in 2023, she was arrested for a misdemeanour unlawful carrying of a weapon, Fort Bend court records show. Its unclear how she was able to possess the weapon, given those circumstances. Its also unclear what name Moreno used to make the purchase. Although police said her drivers licence with the name Genesse Moreno was recovered, she used other aliases, including male and female names. However, all the investigation to this point, she has been identified the entire time as female, police said at Mondays press conference. Court records also mark Moreno as female. At least five arrests in Harris County are listed under the name Jeffery G Escalante with the middle initial standing for Genesse. In 2005, she was arrested for failure to stop and give information. Four years later, she was arrested for assault bodily injury. A year later, in 2010, she was arrested again for forgery, regarding a counterfeit $100 bill. Genesse Moreno (Supplied) That same year, she was arrested for theft and possessing marijuana. Also in 2010, she was arrested once again for evading arrest. Court records show that she and her then-husband, who is a registered sex offender, married in 2015. The following year, Moreno was placed under an emergency detention order, authorities said, referring to her documented mental health history. Her former mother-in-law revealed on Facebook that Moreno had been taking medication for schizophrenia. Years after they got married, the couple filed for divorce, which was finalised in 2022. In the midst of the divorce, Moreno filed for protective orders against her then-husband and his mother in 2022, records also indicate. In divorce records obtained by ABC13, her husband said that she became abusive soon after they married; in these records, he referred to his wife as Jeffrey. She also accused him of abuse, the outlet reported. Jeffrey is a diagnosed schizophrenic, so daily it was a new battle or fight in her realm, the documents said. It wasnt until 2022 that she was arrested again, publicly available records in Texas suggest, over the misdemeanour weapons charge. There, she was listed as Genesse Moreno. Moreno also had another weapon a .22 calibre rifle that police recovered from her bag after the shooting. Its not immediately clear how she obtained that weapon. The probe into the motive for the shooting is still ongoing and a full picture of who Moreno was is still being put together. Her LinkedIn profile states that she was a realtor. The Independent has reached out to the company that she listed as her employer to verify this information. Her name was not listed on the website under agents as of 13 February. Morenos social media activity also provided some puzzle pieces. Although her accounts have since been taken down, ABC13 reported that Moreno had posted a photo on Instagram of a weapon with the caption asking if anyone knew how to clean an AR-15. In March 2020, CNN reported, Moreno posted a screenshot of a letter from Lakewood Church thanking her for her donation years before she carried out an attack at the same religious institution. Investigators also said they had found antisemitic writings and noted that Morenos gun had the word Palestine written on it. Police noted that there appeared to be a familial dispute between Moreno and her ex-husbands family some of whom are Jewish. Her former mother-in-law Rabbi Walli Carranza also weighed in on this, writing: Although my former daughter-in-law raged against Israel and Jews in a pro-Palestinian rant yesterday, this has nothing to do with Judaism or Islam. Nothing! She instead attributed blame to the states laws and systems on top of Morenos mental state. Ms Carranza wrote, The fault lies in a Child Protective Services of Montgomery County and Harris County which refused to remove custody from a woman with known mental illness who was not being treated and with the State of Texas for not having strong red flag laws that would have prevented (Moreno) from owning or possessing a gun. Texas Department of Family and Protective Services spokesperson Melissa Lanford told The Indpendent in a statement: Child Protective Services is investigating the shooting at Lakewood Church alongside law enforcement. At this time, DFPS cannot provide additional information because specific details of investigations are confidential according to law. The investigation into the shooting is still ongoing. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A completely preventable horror. This is how the Lakewood Church shooters former mother-in-law described the shooting which rocked Joel Osteens megachurch and the Houston community this weekend. Genesse Moreno, the 36-year-old woman identified as the shooter, entered the megachurch on Sunday afternoon with her seven-year-old son and opened fire. Two off-duty police officers fired back, fatally shooting Moreno. Morenos young son was also struck by gunfire and is currently fighting for his life in hospital. In the days since, information has increasingly emerged about Morenos mental health and criminal history raising questions around whether something could have been done to have prevented the shooting. Moreno went to the church armed with two guns an AR-15 rifle, which she used in the shooting, and a .22 calibre rifle. Police said she had legally purchased the AR-15 rifle in December 2023 despite the fact that court records show that in 2022, she was arrested for a weapons misdemeanour charge. Officers in Texas Wise County also allegedly took a gun from Moreno in January 2020 after responding to reports of a domestic dispute between her and her then-husband, The New York Times reported. However, the gun was returned to her one month later. On top of this arrest and numerous other arrests not related to firearms police said that Moreno had a documented history of mental health struggles. Court records, and family comments, also suggest the same. In divorce records obtained by ABC13, Morenos husband wrote she is a diagnosed schizophrenic, so daily it was a new battle or fight in her realm. In these records, her husband also accused Moreno of becoming abusive soon after they married. Her ex mother-in-law also told KHOU that Moreno had a particular kind of schizophrenia that caused her to become violent...She threatened her husband, my own son, and we still couldnt get intervention. She continued: We asked for help from CPS... We asked for help from police and received it many times but she was still allowed to own guns. In the couples divorce proceeding records, Morenos mother-in-law also claimed that in January 2020, she had pulled an unlocked and loaded gun from underneath a seat in the car and pointed it at the head of her husband, only hours after a first unlocked and loaded handgun was found by their then-three-year-old son in his own diaper bag. While more details continue to emerge as the investigation continues, all eyes are turning to Texas lax gun laws particularly the states absence of red flag laws. Gun safety advocates are raising the question as to whether red flag laws also known as extreme risk protection orders could have prevented the shooting. Across the US, 21 states have enacted red flag laws, which allow for law enforcement or family members or health professionals, in some states to intervene if someone shows signs that they are a danger to themselves or others. A court can temporarily take away the individuals guns or prevent them from buying one. The issue is, in Texas, there is no red flag law. Genesse Moreno in mug shot (Supplied) Tanya Schardt, director of state and federal policy at gun safety group Brady told The Independent: Based on news reports, the shooting at the Lakewood Church in Texas is yet another example of a shooting that may have been prevented if an extreme risk law had been in effect. Extreme risk laws are a life-saving tool...It is imperative that there be a process to remove firearms in these types of circumstances. Nick Suplina, Senior Vice President of Law & Policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, echoed this. Like so many tragedies, this could have been prevented with a Red Flag law in place, he said. While were still learning more, its clear that this individual displayed troubling warning signs. Research proves that Red Flag laws work, and Texas lawmakers should listen to the vast majority of Texans who support common sense gun safety legislation and take immediate action to prevent future tragedies. Texas State Rep Gene Wu wrote on X after the Lakewood Church shooting happened: This is WHY we need RED FLAG laws! Every single person in the Lakewood shooters life thought that theres no way she should have ever been allowed to buy a gun. But Texas law allowed her. Republicans made sure of it. The shooters own family has also blamed the lack of gun control in the state of Texas. In a lengthy social media post at a time when she is hoping and praying that her seven-year-old grandson survives Morenos former mother-in-law blasted the states gun policies, blaming Texas for not having strong red flag laws that would have prevented (Moreno) from owning or possessing a gun. Had there been a red flag law, Moreno might have been prevented from purchasing an AR-15 in December 2023 just two months before she opened fire with that very same gun in the megachurch. When loved ones or law enforcement officials file a petition asking a court to intervene, the judge will consider a few risk factors. These risk factors, according to gun safety groups, often include a pattern or recent threats of violence, history of dangerous behaviour with firearms, substance abuse, or recent firearm acquisition. Aside from substance abuse, Morenos behaviour appears to fit these risk factors to a tee: Her recent acquisition of a gun, her alleged fits of violence reported by family members, and dangerous behaviour with a firearm such as reportedly threatening her husband or the misdemeanour weapons charge. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican who has long enjoyed a close relationship with the NRA, has expressed some interest in tightening gun laws in the past but has failed to do so. In 2018, he asked the Texas legislature to consider a red flag law, writing: Properly designed, emergency risk protective orders could identify those intent on violence from firearms, but in a way that preserves fundamental rights under the Second Amendment. But the idea never got much traction in the legislature with the lieutenant governor explicitly opposed to it. Regarding the topic of Red Flag laws, which was discussed today in the select committee, I have never supported these policies, nor has the majority of the Texas Senate, Lt Gov Dan Patrick said in a statement at the time. He explained that Mr Abbott formally asked the legislature to consider Red Flag laws in May so I added them to the charges I gave to the select committee and Gov. Abbott has since said he doesnt advocate Red Flag laws. At the end of the legislative session in 2019, Mr Abbott told reporters that he had decided that a red flag law wasnt necessary in the state right now. This came the same year that his state endured the Walmart shooting that took the lives of 23 people and the Odessa shooting which left seven dead and 19 injured. Survivors hug after the Lakewood Church shooting (REUTERS) In May 2022, Texans were forced to once again weather another mass shooting. The Uvalde school shooting took the lives of 19 children and two adults. The families of victims pleaded with Mr Abbott to at least consider bolstering gun laws in the state following the massacre. But, in June of that same year, the Republican governor once again dismissed the possibility of implementing red flag laws. Instead Mr Abbott blamed mental health. We as a state, we as a society, need to do a better job with mental health, he said, despite the shooter having no documented history of mental health struggles before the attack. He offered a similar remark in May 2023: Weve seen an increased number of shootings in states with easy gun laws as well as states with very strict gun laws. The long-term solution here is to address the mental health issue. Despite Texas being home to multiple shootings, the state still has not passed a red flag law. The Independent has reached out to Gov Abbotts office. Unlike Mr Abbott, other states have implemented gun safety measures in the wake of mass shootings. Just this week, Michigans red flag law went into effect, on the anniversary of the Michigan State University shooting last year. In response to the 2018 Parkland school shooting, Florida passed a red flag law, serving as a gun safety oasis in a desert of such measures in the southwest. Now, the investigation into Moreno and the Lakewood shooting is still ongoing. The 57-year-old man injured in the shooting is recovering from his injuries at home after being released from the hospital. And Morenos seven-year-old son remains in critical condition, fighting for his life. But, the Lakewood Church shooting and the spotlight on the shooters past once again puts pressure on Texas to change its gun laws. 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 }} Conservative pundits, activists, and politicians have continued to spread the unfounded claim that the Lakewood church shooter was a transgender woman even after it was kiboshed by police. Genesse Moreno, 36, opened fire inside Joel Osteens megachurch in Houston, Texas on Sunday, sparking a gunfight with two off-duty law enforcement officers that left her seven-year-old son whom she had brought with her fighting for his life in hospital. Houston police said in a press conference on Monday that, although Moreno had sometimes gone by the alias Jeffrey Escalante, their investigations so far had found no evidence that she had ever identified as any gender other than female. The Independent has also found no mention of any trans identity in court documents from Morenos past divorce and child custody battle, and police have confirmed that she was the biological mother of her son. But that did not stop conservative crusader Chris Rufo, anti-LGBT+ activist Chaya Raichik, Donald Trump Jr, and even Texas Senator Ted Cruz from latching onto the idea. Per capita, violent trans extremists have to have become the most violent group of people anywhere in the world, said Don Jr on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday morning. Ms Raichik, who runs the Libs of TikTok account on X, has continued to call Moreno a trans terrorist, without offering any evidence, even as she posted clips of other portions of Mondays press conference. On Tuesday afternoon, nearly 12 hours after that briefing debunked the claims, Mr Cruz shared one of Ms Raichiks posts with an emoji of a man covering his face with one hand. The claim appears to have originated from the left-leaning broadcaster MSNBC, which claimed on Monday morning before the press conference that Moreno was a Hispanic transgender woman. Fox News followed that up with a headline saying that Moreno identified as [a] transgender woman. Both outlets have now nixed that claim. Ari Drennen, head of LGBT+ news for the left-wing think tank Media Matters for America, who first noted the NBC News connection, said Ms Raichik and company were adding fuel to a moral panic as legislators across the country push a raft of laws restricting the lives of trans people. Indeed, conservatives embrace of these debunked claims is part of a growing pattern of blaming LGBT+ people for gun violence in America. Amid increasing paranoia and violent rhetoric targeting trans people, right-wing activists and influencers have seized on a number of recent shootings in which the alleged perpetrators appeared to be trans or non-binary as evidence that the trans community is uniquely violent. The modern trans movement is radicalising activists into terrorists, wrote Benny Johnson, a conservative YouTuber previously fired from BuzzFeed for plagiarism, after the 2023 Nashville shooting. Per capita, is there a more violent group of people anywhere in the world than radicalised trans activists? wrote Donald Trump Jr after the Iowa high school shooting last month (his post on Tuesday was largely recycled). This is happening a lot. Something is deeply wrong, said Elon Musk, the richest person in the world and the owner of X, formerly Twitter, who has become increasingly critical of trans rights since his own child transitioned. Some right-wingers, including Republican congressman Paul Gosar, also falsely blamed a random trans woman living in Georgia for the 2022 Uvalde shooting. The shooter was actually an 18-year-old male. Data does not support the idea that trans people commit more mass shootings than others, according to a Reuters analysis last year. There have been just four recent shootings where there was clear evidence that a perpetrator was transgender or considering transition: in Aberdeen, Maryland, in 2018; in Denver, Colorado, in 2019; in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2023; and in Iowa in January 2024. The 2022 Colorado Springs shooting at an LGBT+ nightclub has also been listed by conservatives, because the shooter Anderson Lee Aldrich has said since their arrest that they identify as non-binary. However, prosecutors have said there is zero evidence that they identified that way before the shooting, and found that they actually exhibited extreme hatred for LGBT+ people. In any case, the Gun Violence Archive lists more than 4,400 mass shootings in the US since 2013, some of which had more than one perpetrator. Of those, less than ten were known to be transgender as of last March, representing 0.11 per cent of the whole. A US Secret Service analysis of 173 mass casualty attacks gave a higher estimate, saying that 2 per cent of perpetrators had been trans men. By contrast, around 96 per cent were cisgender (or non-trans) men. The number of trans people in the US is uncertain, with estimates commonly clustering around 0.5 to 0.6 per cent. 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 }} Watch from Kansas City, Missouri, after reports of shots fired at a victory rally for the Kansas City Chiefs. Multiple people were struck by gunfire on Wednesday 14 February, during the parade, police said. The Kansas City fire department confirmed one person has been killed and three more are in critical condition. A total of 10 people were wounded. Stars including Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes were on stage celebrating the Super Bowl victory before a large police presence scrambled to nearby Union Station. Reports of shots were made around 2pm local time. Downtown Kansas City was a sea of red for Valentines Day as Chiefs fans celebrated their third Super Bowl title in five seasons. The team came from behind to secure a 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers. Victorious players were also seen riding on top of double-decker buses in front of packed crowds earlier in the day, as confetti canons exploded in the streets. 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 }} An aquarium in North Carolina has announced they are looking into the mysterious pregnancy of its female stingray. Last week, the Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team Ecco, located in Hendersonville, made a Facebook post revealing that its stingray Charlotte is pregnant. The pregnancy has been deemed a once-in-a-lifetime science mystery, by the aquarium, as they revealed at the time the female was impregnated there were no male stingrays in the tank with her. Round Stingray Surprise Pregnancy The post, alongside two photos of Charlotte and the babies, said: Our stingray, Charlotte, is expecting! We have held this close to our hearts for over 3 months. We have ultrasound images confirmed by two supporters: Dr. Robert Jones, the Aquarium Zvet out of Australia, and Becka Campbell, PhD candidate at Arizona State Univ. The really amazing thing is we have no male ray! We do have a couple of possible reasons For this event. In a statement to ABC 13 News, the aquarium said there are two ways in which Charlotte could have become pregnant. One is a rare process called parthenogenesis, in which the eggs develop on their own without fertilisation and create a clone of the mother. The second possible explanation for the pregnancy is Charlotte could have mated with one of the young sharks, according to Brenda Ramer, executive director of Team Ecco. Ms Ramer told the outlet: In mid-July 2023, we moved two one-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. Charlotte the stingray is pregnant and expecting four pups (AP) We started to notice bite marks on Charlotte, but saw other fish nipping at her, so we moved fish, but the biting continued. Speaking about the stingray and her future babies, Ms Ramer added: Were either going to have partho babies or were going to have some kind of a potential mixed breed, and were waiting for Jeff Goldblum to show up because we are Jurassic Park right now! Charlottes pregnancy was discovered in September (ABC 13 News) Charlottes pregnancy was discovered in September after first noticing swelling in the animal that they initially thought was cancer. The aquariums vet, Dr Robert Jones, later confirmed that the stingray was growing three to four eggs. Ms Ramer said the female stingray is carrying up to four pups and could deliver at any time soon now. DNA testing will be done once Charlotte gives birth. The Independent has reached out to Aquarium & Shark Lab by Team Ecco for comment and further details on the pregnancy. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Canadian man has been accused of killing his partner, three children and a female relative in southern Manitoba on Sunday, officials said during a news conference this week. The crimes occurred in the morning around 7.30am and included three different crime scenes across multiple areas of the province, including Winnipeg, Carman and Winker, with the murders happening within hours of each other, officials said. Ryan Howard Manoakeesick, 29, the father and partner of four of the victims, has been handed five first-degree murder charges. Officials said he was apprehended on a highway, where his children, six-year-old Bethany, four-year-old Jayven and two-and-a-half-month-old Isabella Manoakeesick, had been in a burning vehicle before he pulled them out. The body of his partner, 30-year-old Amanda Clearwater, was discovered on another highway in a nearby ditch after officials received an emergency call regarding a hit-and-run. The female relative, later identified as his partners niece, 17-year-old Myah Gratton, was found dead at a one-bedroom residence they all had been sharing within the last year. Officials were led to the home as part of the investigation process after responding to the two highway calls. All of the individuals were pronounced deceased at the scene. Mr Manoakeesick, who is from Carman, remains in custody. This is a dark time in Manitoba, Wab Kinew, the provinces premier, said. An entire family has been lost. Royal Canadian Mounted Police Inspector Tim Arsenault did not provide specifics on the victims manners of death but said that autopsies were being performed on Monday and Tuesday. He also said he is aware of Mr Manoakeesicks alleged past history of intimate partner violence. I want to express my condolences to the families and friends that lost a loved one today, Mr Arsenault said during a news conference on Sunday. As a parent, I simply cant imagine the enormity of your loss. Nancy Clearwater, the mother of Amanda Clearwater, identified the victims to local media this week. Im numb, she told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. I dont know what to feel. Im angry. Her daughter and Mr Manoakeesick had a common-law partnership, police said. Officials continue to investigate the deaths and are working to put together a timeline of how the events unfolded. A GoFundMe page has been created to raise funds to construct a wading pool memorial for the victims. Close Related video: Thousands of Uber, Lyft drivers going on strike 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 }} Drivers working for Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash are planning to strike on Valentines Day to fight for better working conditions. The coalition of drivers said they will refuse to provide rides to and from airports in at least 10 US cities on Wednesday. The strikes are taking place in Austin, Chicago, Hartford, Miami, Newark, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Providence, and Tampa. "While Silicon Valley and Wall Street take an ever-increasing cut of driver earnings, theyre raising rates on passengers, and expecting consumers and workers alike to accept their increasing corporate greed," Justice for App Workers, a group organising the protest, wrote in a news release. Uber seemed to hand waive away the workers' concerns, saying that strikes "have rarely had any impact on trips, prices, or driver availability," USA Today reports. Lyft appeared responsive to some of the drivers' concerns, announcing last week that its drivers would make a guaranteed 70 per cent or more of rider fares after external fees each week. The Valentines Day strike comes just one month after the National Labour Relations Board cemented a ruling that makes it more difficult for companies to classify their workers as contractors. Gig workers and other contractors are generally not eligible for company benefits like health insurance, and are not covered by federal laws dictating minimum wages and overtime pay. The new ruling forces employers to consider workers employees, and not contractors, if the worker is economically dependent on a company. 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 }} Nikki Haley is going all in on what she sees as the safest line of attack against Donald Trump questions about his mental fitness and temperament in a year where the incumbent Democratic president is facing similar concerns. The former South Carolina governor and UN ambassador sat down with NBCs Craig Melvin for an interview with the Today show on Tuesday as she prepares for a showdown with Mr Trump in her home state that is a litte more than a week away. The primary election in South Carolina could be a jolt in the arm of her campaign as she continues to steeply trail the frontrunner or, it could be the death knell of her presidential bid. It could also be neither of those things, as she plods along towards Super Tuesday in March. Ms Haley made some of her most forceful criticism of Mr Trumps mental state yet during the interview. The problem now is, he is not the same person he was in 2016. He is unhinged; he is more diminished than he was, just like Joe Bidens more diminished than what he was, Ms Haley told NBC. We have to see this for what it is, she went on. This is a fact: he is now saying things that don't make sense. She contrasted Mr Trumps mood and temperament now with what she experienced during his administration, when the former UN diplomat said that Mr Trump was responsive when his deputy came to him with concerns. Two of those concerns she named directly: his response to a white nationalist riot in Charlottesville, Virginia, as well as his pattern of rhetoric about women. If something was wrong ... I had a conversation with him about Charlottesville, I had a conversation about something that he would say about women, I had a conversation with him about multiple things, said Ms Haley. Ms Haley has made her opponents age an issue the same way Trump-aligned Republicans have sought to cast doubts about Mr Bidens focus and mental clarity. Some of the ex-presidents more rabid supporters have even taken things a step further and openly suggested that the incumbent president has dementia. Concerns about Mr Bidens memory were energised by the release last week of a report authored by Justice Department Special Counsel Robert Hur regarding the investiation into the presidents handling of classified documents. During interviews, Mr Hur described the president as severely forgetful and unable to recall details about major events from his life, including the death of his son Beau. Mr Biden would go on to angrily rebut that criticism at a press conference. "You've got Joe Biden, where the special counsel said he was diminished, and he's not the Joe Biden he was two years ago," Ms Haley told NBC on Tuesday. "You've got a Donald Trump who's unhinged, and he's more unhinged than he ever was. [W]hy are we settling for that when the country is in disarray and the world is on fire?" she aked. We don't want these two old men running. We want someone who's going to go and fight for us and work for us, with no drama, no vendettas." The no vendettas line was a clear reference to Mr Trump frequent vows of revenge against his political enemies; he has told supporters that he will direct the Justice Department to prosecute Joe Bidens family if he is elected for a second term, and a group of conservative organisations is purportedly working on plans to seriously diminish the independence of the Justice Department to allow him to do so. Ms Haley continues to trail Mr Trump according to all available polling, both in South Carolina and nationwide. Her campaign has begun looking ahead to primary states voting in March even as she hopes for a shock performance in her home state similar to the stronger-than-expected showing she had in New Hampshire. 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 }} Disgraced former congressman and serial fabulist George Santos trolled the Republican party after Democrats claimed his old seat in New Yorks third district. Democratic Rep Tom Souzzi the man who represented the district before Mr Santos won in 2022 won back his old seat on Tuesday night in a tight race against Republican nominee Mazi Melesa Pilip. Mr Souzzi chose not to run for re-election in 2022, instead mounting a failed primary campaign to be the Democratic nominee for governor, which he lost to incumbent Governor Kathy Hochul. Mr Santos was ousted from Congress on 1 December after an Ethics Committee report found that there was substantial evidence that he had knowingly caused his campaign committee to file false or incomplete reports with the Federal Election Commission; used campaign funds for personal purposes; engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with RedStone Strategies LLC; and engaged in knowing and willful violations of the Ethics in Government Act as it relates to his Financial Disclosure (FD) Statements filed with the House. The report revealed that Mr Santos had spent around $6,000 in campaign donations at the luxury brand Ferragamo and Botox injections, according to campaign spreadsheets. It was also reported that campaign funds were used for OnlyFans subscriptions the site best known for hosting adult content. But, despite his own scandal-plagued and short-lived foray into politics, Mr Santos didnt hold back over the Republican partys loss. He pinned a tweet on Mr Santoss X account, which simply read -1 a reference to the House Republicans ever-tightening majority in the lower chamber, which now stands at 219 Republicans to 213 Democrats. I won #NY03 with $0 super PAC money, $0 CLF money and $0 Establishment money, Mr Santos wrote after 2am ET on Wednesday. Tonight the establishment set $10 million on fire! I FLIPPED a 23 year Blue seat with the help of grassroots activists and by activating the base with retail politics Hey @NassauNYGOP money does not buy votes, its respecting the wishes of the base that wins votes. #NY3 is #MAGA country and since MAGA was disrespected, MAGA stayed home! Mr Santos also reposted a tweet by Georgia Rep Mike Collins, who asked: So who still thinks Republicans helping Democrats kick out Santos was a good idea? He also shared a meme posted by a former Ohio Republican congressional nominee. The former congressman also appeared to share the sentiments of California Democrat Ted Lieu, who wrote: Republican Mazi Pilip gave her concession speech from East Meadow, which is not even in #NY03. No worries, were going to flip #NY04 too. Hey Ted now here is something I 100% look forward to you doing. #NY4 is next! Mr Santos chimed in. All the gains Republicans have made in North East Queens have been because of candidates & elected officials like @VickieforNYC who are unabashedly MAGA & populist, the president of the New York Young Republicans, Gavin Wax, wrote on X. Run a different type of Republican? All of a sudden those deep red districts in Queens go blue. Funny how that works! Funny how there was a MAGA congressman there already, Mr Santos responded. He also commented on clips of New York Republicans urging voters to back Ms Pilip, saying that they aged like milk. Mr Santos also called for the resignation of the chair of the Nassau County Republican Party. Just after midnight on Wednesday morning, Mr Santos called out the New York Republican congressional delegation, writing: To my former colleagues in the house GOP please make these idiots pay you guys $10million back. These RINOs are the most effective democrats operatives in the nation! Mr Santos, 35, was elected to Congress in 2022 after a failed attempt in 2020. After his election win but before he was sworn in as a member of Congress stories began to appear in The North Shore Leader and The New York Times outlining how large parts of his resume were made up, including his job and education history. It later emerged that Mr Santos told lies about his mother dying on 9/11 and his grandparents being Holocaust survivors. In May, Mr Santos was charged with 13 charges in a Long Island federal court and, in October, was hit with a superseding indictment listing 23 counts. He initially pleaded not guilty to all charges, but hes now in talks for a possible plea deal. 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 }} Tom Suozzi has delivered a crucial House seat back into the Democrat column after defeating Republican Mazi Pilip in Tuesdays special election to replace George Santos in New Yorks 3rd district. The Democrat, 61, was declared the winner just after 10pm in a resounding victory with a little over 50 per cent ballots counted, defying polls that had projected the race would go down to the wire. With 84 per cent of votes counted, he was leading by 54 per cent to Ms Pilips 46 per cent. Mr Suozzis victory speech was briefly interrupted when pro-Palestinian protesters stormed the stage at his campaign headquarters on Long Island. The protesters shouted you support genocide, before being dragged off stage and drowned out by chants of Suozzi, Suozzi from supporters. When he did begin speaking, Mr Suozzi emphasised his credentials as a pragmatic centrist and called on Republicans to stop running around for Trump and start running the country. The people want us to work together. So, get on board or get out of the way, he said. Residents in the district, comprising eastern Queens and the Long Island suburbs of Nassau County, had to contend with a massive blizzard that dumped up to six inches of snow on Tuesday to get to polling stations. Democrat Tom Suozzi campaigning during Tuesdays blizzard (Reuters) Mr Suozzi went into election day with a healthy lead from early voting, and both candidates made a last-ditch push by offering free rides to mobilise their voters. Mr Santos trolled the GOP for helping Democrats to expel him after the heavy defeat. -1, he said in a post on X. After the chaos of Mr Santos 12 months in Congress, voters opted for a known quantity in Mr Suozzi over a political newcomer in Ms Pilip. The race had been widely touted as a key indicator for how suburban voters might cast their ballots in the general election rematch between Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Voters who spoke to The Independent earlier this week said they were ready to move on from the unseemly spectacle created by Mr Santos, who became just the sixth House member to be expelled from Congress in December. The seat will be up for grabs again in Novembers general election, but could look completely different due to a court-ordered round of redistricting that will produce a new electoral map for New York house seats. Republicans majority in the House now narrows to 219-213. The impeachment of Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas, on Tuesday night by a single vote illustrated how much of a headache Mr Suozzis victory could be for House Speaker Mike Johnson. Mr Suozzi will face a slew of crucial votes in the coming weeks on military aid to Ukraine and Israel, and whether to keep the federal government open. George Santos leaves the US Capitol after being expelled on 1 December (Getty) New York Citys migrant crisis was top of voters minds, and both candidates had sought to stake out hardline approaches to border security. In their final debate, Mr Suozzi 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 evaporated after Mr Trump said he didnt want his party to solve the border crisis under Mr Bidens presidency. Mr Suozzi is a former three-term congressman who has held public office in the district for nearly 30 years, first as mayor of Glen Cove, and later as Nassau County executive. He was a more polished performer on the campaign trail, and repeatedly attacked his opponent over her inconsistent positions on abortion, border security and gun safety as the race turned into a referendum on national issues. Ms Pilip kept a low profile during much of the campaign, and was often flanked by GOP lawmakers during press conferences. Mazi Pilip conceded defeat just after 10pm (AP) The mother-of-seven preferred to lean in to her extraordinary biography as an Ethiopian-born, former Israel Defense Force paratrooper who had immigrated legally to the US before winning local office in Nassau County. In a sign of how critical the election was in Washington DC, both parties pumped around $20m into negative advertising blitzes that bombarded local news channels and sportscasts, and even ran during Sundays Super Bowl. Mr Suozzi also out-raised his opponent three-to-one, taking in $4.5m during the campaign, according to Federal Election Commission filings. 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 US is investigating several Israeli airstrikes that killed civilians as part of a broader probe into the use of American-supplied weapons in the war against Hamas, according to the Wall Street Journal. One of the incidents being investigated by State Department is a 31 October is an Israeli strike on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza with a 2,000lb bomb, which may have been provided by the US, that killed more than 125 people, according to US officials. The United Nations said that strike , among others, could constitute a war crime. The investigation is said to be concerned with assessing whether Israel has complied with international law. News of the investigation comes as president Joe Biden comes under increasing pressure from within his own party over his unconditional support for Israels offensive in Gaza. The president has described Israels campaign, which has killed some 28,000 Palestinians, as over the top, but his officials have ruled out conditioning future US support to Israel to influence Israels conduct. It is unclear, however, whether the probe will lead to any meaningful US policy change or consequences for one of Americas closest allies. State Department spokesman Matt Miller said on Tuesday that the process was not intended to function as a rapid response mechanism. Rather, it is designed to systematically assess civilian harm incidents and develop appropriate policy responses to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring in the future, he said, according to the WSJ. The strike on the Jabalia is ranked as one of the worst civilian casualty events of the entire war, which was launched by Israel in response to a Hamas attack that killed some 1,200 people. Israelis retaliation has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to the Palestinian health ministry. At a briefing attended by The Independent, Israeli military officials said the strike was aimed at eliminating Hamas commander Ibrahim Biari, which justified the bombing. It was not only a legitimate military target but an important military target to strike and all things were factored in including the possibility of non-combatants being affected, IDF spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said at the briefing. The State Department is also investigating Israels possible use of white phosphorus in Lebanon in fighting against the militant group Hezbollah, the WSJ reported. Israel has said that its use of the highly flammable compound complies with international law. The reports of US investigations into Israeli strikes were first reported by HuffPost , which also noted that the White House had previously denied knowledge of such an investigation. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters in January that he was not aware of any kind of formal assessment being done by the United States government to analyze the compliance with international law by our partner Israel. We have not seen anything that would convince us that we need to take a different approach in terms of trying to help Israel defend itself, he added. The US senate passed a bipartisan emergency spending package on Tuesday that would give around $14.1 billion to support Israel and US military operations in the Middle East. Some $4 billion would boost Israels air defences. 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 }} US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has been released from hospital and is resuming his officials duties, after being admitted to a critical care unit at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for treatment for a bladder issue. Mr Austin, 70, a retired four-star general and the first Black secretary of defense, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December and underwent a procedure a few days before Christmas. He was subsequently hospitalised on New Years Day, though senior administration officials were not made aware for three days prompting widespread criticism regarding a lack of communication and transparency. On Sunday, Mr Austin was admitted to hospital once again and this time his medical issue was widely communicated to the Biden administration and the public. In a statement on Tuesday, the Pentagon gave a new update, saying that he had been discharged. Following consultation with medical staff, Secretary Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center today at approximately 3:30 pm, the statement read. He is recovering well and resumed his full functions and duties today at 5 pm. The Deputy Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House, and Congress have been notified. On the advice of his doctors, Secretary Austin will recuperate and perform his duties remotely from home for a period before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week. He has full access to the unclassified and classified communications systems necessary to perform his duties. The secretarys doctors at Walter Reed said that he was admitted on Sunday with discomfort and concern from a bladder issue related to his December 2023 prostate cancer surgery. Pentagon boss Lloyd Austin in a briefing (AP) His condition indicated a need for close monitoring by the critical care team and supportive care. His diagnostic evaluation identified the cause of his bladder issue and it was corrected with non-surgical procedures on Monday, the doctors said. The physicians added that Mr Austin remained in good condition throughout and no longer needed critical care monitoring as of Tuesday morning. He progressed well and was discharged to his home today. He is anticipated to continue his full recovery, they said. The bladder issue was not related to his cancer diagnosis and will have no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis. Mr Austin, who cancelled a trip to Brussels for meetings with Nato and the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, instead hosted a virtual session from his home on Wednesday, pushing for further aid to Ukraine as it fights back against the Russian invasion. As the war approaches its two-year mark on 24 February, Kyiv is in urgent need of ammunition and artillery as it faces rationing of its arms even as Russia has completely changed its economic output to a war footing. The Wilson Center noted in September 2023 that Russias military expenditure has tripled compared to pre-war times. By 2023, the government intends to spend $160 billion on military needs, or 40 percent of its budget. Combined with regional and private war-related expenditures, this figure may surpass 10 percent of GDP in 2023. Speaking to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a group of 50 countries providing support to Ukraine, Mr Austin said he was planning on being there in person but I had to return to the hospital for non-surgical procedures. Im in good condition, and my cancer prognosis remains excellent, he added. Mr Austin said the group was working on filling Ukraines most acute short-term needs, such as its urgent need for more artillery, ammunition and air defense missiles. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has picked a fight with legendary comedian Larry David, complaining that the latest episode of his long-running HBO show Curb Your Enthusiasm lied by portraying conservatives as racists and rednecks. In a lengthy post on X, the hard-right Georgia populist and conspiracy theorist said that the comedy show stands as a glaring reminder of why most Georgians resent Republicans in our state for inviting the nasty commies from California, the Hollywood elites, into our state by dishing out Hollywood tax credits. She continued: This weeks episode lied and painted GA conservatives and Trump supporters as racists and rednecks and made fun of our good new law that stops the Stacey Abrams vote pandering machine and prevents voter fraud. We in Georgia are fed up with disgusting Hollywood and their disgusting values and elite judgement in our state that is trying to turn GA blue! Several further paragraphs follow in which Ms Greene veers off into raving about electric vehicles and George Soros. Curb has just commenced its 12th and final season and the episode that so triggered Ms Greene saw David (who plays an exaggerated version of himself) arrested under the Peach States Election Integrity Act 2021 for the crime of offering a voter a sip of water while queuing at a polling booth on a hot day, a situation that leads his case to become a cause celebre and prompts Ms Abrams, a Democratic ballot access activist, and rock superstar Bruce Springsteen to make cameo appearances as themselves, leaping to his defence. In another scene, David is forced to go door-to-door in Atlanta, seeking a replacement for a racist lawn statue he has accidentally damaged at his Airbnb, leading to an angry confrontation with a Trump supporter in a red Maga cap. This is not the first time Curb has addressed the Trump era. In February 2020, the 45th president himself tweeted a clip from a scene in the previous season of the show in which David is threatened by a biker after a near-miss on the highway and only narrowly avoids being beaten up by putting on a Maga cap, which immediately calms the aggressor down. TOUGH GUYS FOR TRUMP, the then-president posted, apparently misunderstanding the point of the exchange: David, a misanthrope, has realised that the hat serves as a great people repellent. David had already been asked at an advanced screening whether he was concerned about alienating conservatives with jokes at Mr Trumps expense and answered, Alienate yourselves! Go, go and alienate! You have my blessing, before adding, more seriously: No, I could give a f***. In the finale of that season, David also gave a guest spot to Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Vindman, the Purple Heart-recipient and National Security Council member who blew the whistle on Mr Trump over his attempt to blackmail Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in July 2019 and then testified against him at his first impeachment hearings in the House of Representatives, only to be fired for his trouble. David is forced to throw a party for Lt Col Vindman, only for the guest of honour to overhear an incriminating phone call of his hosts and feel compelled to report that one too. It was a perfect call! David insists, echoing Mr Trumps defence, to no avail. Long before that, the Seinfeld creator had unexpectedly interrupted an appearance by Mr Trump hosting NBCs Saturday Night Live (SNL) in November 2015 by shouting: Youre a racist! Trumps a racist! He subsequently explained that he had heard the campaign group Deport Racism was offering $5,000 to anyone who would heckle the candidate, to which Mr Trump responded: As a businessman, I can fully respect that. David subsequently returned to SNL on several occasions to play veteran Democratic senator Bernie Sanders, an outspoken critic of Mr Trump, after discovering that they not only looked alike but actually really were distantly related. Although David has only recently begun to incorporate overtly political subject matter into Curb, his animosity to Trumpworld has also been noted off-screen, with Page Six reporting in August 2021 that he had entered into a heated confrontation with Mr Trumps impeachment lawyer Alan Dershowitz after running into him at a grocery store near Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts, berating the counsel and his whole enclave as disgusting. Cheryl Hines, the actor who plays Davids long-suffering, on-off wife Cheryl, is married to independent presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr, who recently revealed that he had been approached to be Mr Trumps running mate but had rejected the opportunity because he doubted his marriage would survive the ordeal. No doubt true, but what a plotline that would have made. 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 }} Hard-right Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said British Foreign Secretary David Cameron can kiss my a** after he urged the US Congress to pass aid to Ukraine and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, citing the appeasement of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in the lead-up to the Second World War. The Democratic Senate has already passed a bill which would send further aid to Ukraine but the legislation faces a steep uphill climb in the House. In an op-ed published in The Hill on Wednesday, Lord Cameron wrote: As Congress debates and votes on this funding package for Ukraine, I am going to drop all diplomatic niceties. I urge Congress to pass it. I believe our joint history shows the folly of giving in to tyrants in Europe who believe in redrawing boundaries by force, he added. I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Hitler in the 1930s. He came back for more, costing us far more lives to stop his aggression. I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Putin in 2008, when he invaded Georgia, or the uncertainty of the response in 2014, when he took Crimea and much of the Donbas before coming back to cost us far more with his aggression in 2022, Lord Cameron, a former UK prime minister, argued. I want us to show the strength displayed since 2022, as the West has helped Ukrainians liberate half the territory seized by Putin, all without the loss of any NATO service personnel. James Matthews of Sky News asked Ms Greene: David Cameron says that you should vote through funding for Ukraine. What do you say to that? I think he tried to compare us to Hitler also, Ms Greene said, mixing up the appeasers, whose conduct Lord Cameron did cite, and the Nazi leader. Ms Greene has previously faced criticism for making comments comparing the use of masks during the pandemic to the Holocaust. She later visited the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC and apologised for the remarks. Speaking about Lord Cameron on Wednesday, Ms Greene told Sky News: If that's the kind of language he wants to use, I really have nothing to say to him. He likened you can do to an appeaser for Hitler, in not voting through funding for Ukraine, are you an appeaser for Putin? Matthews asked. I think that I really don't care what David Cameron has to say. I think that's rude name-calling, and I don't appreciate that type of language. And David Cameron needs to worry about his own country, and frankly, he can kiss my a**, she added. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The US House of Representatives impeached Alejandro Mayorkas, homeland security secretary, in a party-line vote on Tuesday evening. The vote succeeded along GOP lines, winning 214-213. Three Republicans joined Democrats in voting against the articles of impeachment: Ken Buck of Colorado, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin and Tom McClintock of California. The articles of impeachment allege that Mr Mayorkas engaged in a willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law by allowing the release of migrants awaiting legal proceedings and breached public trust when he told lawmakers the US-Mexico border was secure. A cabinet official was last impeached 148 years ago in 1876 under president Ulysses S Grant. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, praised the vote on Tuesday evening just moments after it was finalised. The secretary certainly deserved that response, Mr Johnson told The Independent as he left the House floor. Based upon his activity and inactivity over the last three years, hes engineered the catastrophe that exacted untold damage on the country, and this is the appropriate step. As Department of Homeland Security secretary, Mr Mayorkas oversees border enforcement and immigration policies, such as the asylum process and the possible detention of migrants. As such, many GOP representatives view him as the prime target for their frustration at the rapid rise of border crossings. However, those in favour of impeachment have struggled to provide evidence that Mr Mayorkas is guilty of high crimes and misdemeanours the constitutional standard for impeachment. Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, the hard-right ally of former president Donald Trump, had pushed for the impeachment of Mr Mayorkas. Upon Mr Johnson announcing the vote count, one of her aides cheered Lets go, watching the vote on his phone off the floor. Rep Bennie Thompson, the ranking Democrat on the homeland security committee, told The Independent that the impeachment was an appeal to Mr Trump. Theyre just playing to the extreme element of the party, obviously listening to Donald Trump the Mississippi Democrat told The Independent. President Joe Biden condemned the partisan vote on Tuesday night. History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games, Mr Biden said in a statement. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer said Mr Johnson encouraged the vote to please the former president. This sham impeachment effort is another embarrassment for House Republicans, he said in the statement. The one and only reason for this impeachment is for Speaker Johnson to further appease Donald Trump. As the leader of the Senate, Mr Schumer would determine whether an impeachment trial, which is highly unlikely, would take place. But House Republicans, including ones in districts that voted for Mr Biden who face re-election, said it was important to hold the vote nonetheless. Now that Mr Mayorkas has been impeached the Senate will move to hold an impeachment trial. They would then require a 2/3 vote to convict but with a Democratic majority in the Senate, and many Republicans opposed to holding such a trial, such an outcome is unlikely. Were making a statement, I think our voters want us to make that its such a failure at the border that there has to be some accountability, Rep Don Bacon of Nebraska, a Biden-district Republican, told The Independent. It probably wont go far in the Senate, but the fact is, it is a disaster. Meanwhile, House Democrats and a handful of Republicans also spoke out against the articles. The Mayorkas impeachment lark was the paltry consolation prize that the MAGA wing of the party got, because theyre not able to bring the Biden impeachment to the floor, Rep Jamie Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, told The Independent just minutes before the vote Tuesday night. The US House first voted on the articles of impeachment against Mr Mayorkas last week. That vote failed 216 to 214 thanks to four Republicans who joined all House Democrats in voting no. One of the decisive votes came from Rep Al Green, a Texas Democrat he unexpectedly arrived at the US Capitol fresh out of abdominal surgery to cast his nay vote. Mr Buck, Mr Gallagher and Mr McClintock also opposed the articles during the first vote last week. Republican Rep Blake Moore of Utah joined them in a last-minute switch after he was projected to vote in favour as a means to bring impeachment back up in the future. This time, Mr Moore voted in the affirmative. In the days following the vote, Mr Gallagher announced he would not seek re-election and he questioned why there would be another vote. Mr Gallagher, one of the four Republicans who voted against impeaching Mr Mayorkas, questioned why Republicans were voting to impeach the secretary again. I don't know. They couldn't count votes last week, He told The Independent. The House decided to take up impeachment once again this week as House majority leader Steve Scalise returned to Congress after undergoing treatment for cancer. Republicans hope to use immigration and migrants crossing the US-Mexico border as a cudgel to attack Mr Biden in the 2024 presidential election. Mr Trump has regularly hammered Mr Biden about the influx of migrants. Earlier this month, Republicans in the House, including all of the leadership, roundly opposed a bipartisan piece of legislation negotiated in the Senate, largely on the grounds that it did not sufficiently secure the border. 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 ousted speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy, was back on Capitol Hill on Tuesday where he gave his first press conference since leaving the House of Representatives in December. And he had one target in mind: Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz, the Republican who led a group of rebels to oust Mr McCarthy from his speakership last year with the support of the chambers Democrats. Mr McCarthy answered a question from The Independent about Mr Gaetzs resolution to defend Donald Trump, the former president and current 2024 GOP frontrunner, from accusations of leading an insurrection on January 6. The passage of such a resolution would come as Mr Trump is under criminal indictment for attempting to obstruct congressional proceedings certifying the 2020 election results when a massive mob of his supporters stormed the US Capitol. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) (L) talks to Rep.-elect Matt Gaetz (R-FL) in the House Chamber on 6 January 2023 (Getty Images) It would also serve as an attempt to shield Mr Trump from legal challenges aimed at kicking him off the 2024 ballot in states around the country; the 14th Amendment bars those who have supported rebellion or insurrection against the United States from holding federal office. Is he trying to deflect from what's happening in [E]thics? I don't know what happened, said the former speaker, referring to the House Ethics Committee, which is investigating Mr Gaetz. The Department of Justice declined to bring sex-trafficking charges against the congressman after conducting a similar investigation. Mr McCarthy was then pressed about the Ethics investigation itself, and answered that he didnt know much about the investigation but claimed that Mr Gaetz had been very concerned about it while Mr McCarthy was still speaker, and had asked the speaker to do something about it. But he wouldnt, Mr McCarthy, went on, because that would be illegal. The former speaker wasnt done. At another point in the press conference, he also appeared to make another reference to his enemys Ethics probe, or at the very least his sex life: He probably lies about who he sleeps with too. Mr Gaetz responded to a tweet quoting that particular remark: What stage of grief is this? He also responded to Mr McCarthys charge that his resolution declaring Mr Trump innocent of leading an insurrection was a distraction: 70 members of the House have now joined me in this resolution. Apparently theyve moved on. The disgraced former speaker should too. The sharp words traded between the two men represent far more than a mere personal spat. Since his voluntary resignation at the end of December, Mr McCarthy has reportedly been on the warpath. Reporting from Politico and other outlets indicates that he is backing a sprawling effort to recruit and support primary candidates against the Republicans who voted for his ouster in the fall Mr Gaetz, and others including South Carolinas Nancy Mace and Tenessees Tim Burchett. Mr Burchett revealed to The Daily Beast that those machinations have already led to some very wealthy donors ending, or at least pausing, their financial support for his reelection bid. Those same Republicans may receive a boost, however, from Mr McCarthys successor. As Politico first reported, Speaker Mike Johnson, himself frequently seen as closer with rightwing conservatives in the House of Representatives, is set to headline a fundraiser for Mr Burchett on Friday. 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 Trump lawyer and fixer turned critic Michael Cohen has said that the former president despised his daughter-in-law Lara Trump for many years. Cohens comments come after Donald Trump endorsed her for co-chair of the Republican National Committee. The ex-Trump ally was speaking to the co-founder of the left-leaning media outlet MeidasTouch, Ben Meiselas, when he shared his reaction to Mr Trumps endorsement. On Monday, Mr Trump put out a statement backing Michael Whatley, the RNC general counsel and chair of the North Carolina Republican Party, and a fellow election denier, to take over from RNC chair Ronna McDaniel. I think my friend Michael Whatley should be the RNCs next leader, Mr Trump said. Michael has been with me from the beginning, has done a great job in his home state of North Carolina, and is committed to election integrity, which we must have to keep fraud out of our election so it cant be stolen. My very talented daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, has agreed to run as the RNC co-chair. Lara is an extremely talented communicator and is dedicated to all that MAGA stands for. She has told me she wants to accept this challenge and would be GREAT! Cohen, who was sent to prison for campaign finance violations and other crimes in connection to the 2016 campaign when he was still working for Mr Trump, said he wasnt trying to be mean when he recalled Ms Trump as being an idiot. In fact, first and foremost, Donald didnt even like her for many, many years, Cohen said on the Political Beatdown podcast, hosted by Mr Meiselas. He didnt want Eric to even marry her. He had found somebody else that was working at the Trump Organization that he wanted Eric to marry. And of course, not only did Donald make fun of her looks, but so of course did Donald Trump Jr and Ivanka, he added. They all made fun of her looks. They just didnt like her at all. What most people dont seem to understand is that the RNC is not there for Donald Trump, Cohen said on the podcast, according to Newsweek. The RNC is an organization that is supposed to be for every Republican that is running. The Independent has reached out to the Trump campaign for comment. Ms Trump married Eric Trump in 2014 at Mar-a-Lago. Cohen began working for the Trump Organization in 2006, eventually turning on the then-president in 2018 amid the criminal probe into him. He was sentenced to three years behind bars but left prison early amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Cohen has since testified against Mr Trump in the business fraud case against him in New York which is tied to the hush money payment Cohen orchestrated to adult actor Stormy Daniels who alleged that she had an affair with Mr Trump. Mr Trump has attacked Cohen, claiming that hes a liar and cant be trusted. Ms McDaniel is set to leave her post after the South Carolina Republican primary. The party rules designate that one woman and one man serve as co-chairs of the RNC. Mr Trump has been discussing with aides the possibility of endorsing the wife of his son Eric to serve as one of the co-chairs. Ms Trump has worked with the committee for years and has built a reputation as a strong fundraiser. The daughter-in-law would also be trusted by the Trump family, which asserts influence over Mr Trumps campaign and which follows how resources are used, The New York Times noted. Ms Trump weighed running for US Senate in North Carolina in 2021. Ms McDaniel has been under pressure for several months to step down as Mr Trumps allies have attempted to push her out amid concerns about the RNCs finances ahead of the general election campaign. After she met Mr Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Mr Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Ms McDaniel was now Head of the RNC, and Ill be making a decision the day after the South Carolina Primary as to my recommendations for RNC Growth. Ms McDaniel has reportedly been thinking about resigning before the end of her term for quite a while. As an organisation, the RNC focuses on turning out Republican voters and raising funds for the party. In 2016, the committee was forced to work with Mr Trump after he shocked the entire Republican field when he won the nomination and subsequently the general election. In 2020, the Trump campaign handed over a number of important functions to the committee, and during the 2024 campaign, the Trump team is expected to attempt to completely subsume the committee, The New York Times notes. Ms McDaniel was the chair of the Michigan Republican Party between 2015 and 2017, taking the helm of the national committee just a day before Mr Trumps inauguration in January of that year. Her predecessor, Reince Priebus, left the post to become Mr Trumps first White House chief of staff. While Ms McDaniel was set to serve until 2025, her relationship with Mr Trump began deteriorating as they squabbled over the Republican primary debates this campaign season, which featured Mr Trumps challengers but not the former president who refused to take part. Mr Trump pushed Ms McDaniel to cancel the debates, but she refused, according to The Washington Post. Mr Trump was then on the receiving end of a long stream of criticism aimed at Ms McDaniel coming from rightwing donors, activists, as well as from his aides, worried about fundraising, with the RNC having about half the cash of the DNC at the end of last year. Mr Trump has remained cordial in private with the outgoing chair, The Post reported. He hasnt strongly urged her to leave despite the pushing from aides and donors. But about two weeks ago, Mr Trump started telling people it was time for a change at the RNC. And on Monday last week, a Newsmax reporter asked Mr Trump: Is it time for Ronna McDaniel to step aside? Uncharacteristically gently, Mr Trump said: I think she knows that, I think she understands that. 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 }} Speaker of the House Mike Johnson evidently isnt taking any chances when it comes to his relationship with Donald Trump and the right wing of his caucus in the lower chamber. Mr Johnson spoke to The Independent on Tuesday evening as lawmakers gathered to vote on the impeachment of Joe Bidens Homeland Security secretary, Alejandro Mayorkas. That effort, seen largely as a handout for hardliners in the House ahead of primary contests this spring, passed by one vote on Tuesday after failing to pass the chamber last week. During his presser, he was asked by The Independents Eric Garcia about his thoughts in response to Donald Trumps public threat to violate Natos article 5, the cornerstone of its mutual defence agreement, if Russia were to attack a member-state which Mr Trump sees as making insufficient defence contributions. The comments sparked a firestorm in Washington and across the world over the weekend as they inherently cast into doubt the future of the Nato defence pact under a hypothetical second Trump presidency. Not going to comment on that, Mr Johnson shot back. It was a revealing moment. Mr Trumps comments have, by now, been denounced by many prominent Republicans who continue to embrace their partys traditionally-hawkish views on national security. The few exceptions among those Republicans have sought to dismiss the former presidents words as bluster rather than a policy prescription. Mitch McConnell joined those ranks on Tuesday after initially attempting to take the same track as Mr Johnson. I totally disagree with him. And it was extremely unhelpful, he told Punchbowl in an interview. Others have made similar comments, even some more conservative members typically seen as closer to Mr Trump (unlike Mr McConnell, who remains one of Mr Trumps stubborn foes within the Senate Republican caucus). Josh Hawley of Missouri was one. Obviously we dont want Russia to invade, he told The Independent. If they invaded a Nato country, wed have to defend them, so we dont want that. The speaker is facing mounting pressure from both sides of the aisle, a symptom of the House GOPs hard-right turn and the subsequent breakdown of the caucuss relationship with its Senate counterpart. Republicans in the lower chamber are now facing deafening calls from just about the entirety of Washington to hold a vote on supplemental funding legislation aimed at providing aid for Ukraine and Israel after the Senate passed that legislation early Tuesday morning. The House (and some Republican senators) had vowed to hold up any national security legislation until the situation at the US-Mexico border was addressed, but the collapse of negotiations on that topic at Donald Trumps urging has significantly weakened that position. Mr McConnell joined in those calls upon the passage of the supplemental funding bill on Tuesday, and aimed several clear jabs at the Speaker as he did. Weve heard all kinds of rumors about whether the House supports Ukraine or doesnt, Mr McConnell told Politico. It seems to me that the easy way to solve that would be to vote. And I hope the speaker will find a way to allow the House to work its will on the issue of Ukraine aid and the other parts of the bill as well. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} President Bidens top national security aide will brief members of Congressional leadership on an emerging threat to US national security which the House Intelligence Committee chair has described as serious. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Tuesday that he is scheduled to host a briefing with the chair and ranking member of the House panel, plus House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, on Thursday. The House Intelligence panel chairman, Ohio Representative Mike Turner, drew attention to the unspecified threat earlier on Wednesday when he issued an unusually cryptic statement on the serious national security threat and calling on Mr Biden to declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat. According to ABC News, two sources described the threat at issue as emanating from Russia, and involving plans to potentially use space-based nuclear weapons for anti-satellite purposes. It is very concerning and very sensitive, according to one source, who told the network that the threat was a big deal. Mr Sullivan declined to specify any details on the nature of the threat, but he told reporters the congressmans statement was unexpected because the briefing with House leaders was previously scheduled. He also said hed personally contacted the Gang of Eight the party leaders and chairmen and ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees earlier this week to schedule a briefing, and admitted that doing so was highly unusual. Thats been on the books so I am a bit surprised that Congressman Turner came out publicly today, in advance of a meeting on the books, for me to go sit with him alongside our intelligence and defense professionals tomorrow, he said. Mr Sullivan added that he was not in a position to say anything further today but he stressed that he look[s] forward to the sit-down with Mr Turner and his colleagues. Obviously from there we will determine how to proceed, but standing here at the podium today I cant share anything further, he said. But he did add a broad acknowledgment that Americans, on a daily basis, understand that there are a range of threats and challenges in the world that we are dealing with every single day, and said he remains confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people. Asked about the matter, Mr Johnson said on Thursday that there is no reason for the public to be alarmed. A House Intelligence Committee spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Independent. 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 }} Two judges in separate courtrooms just minutes down the street from one another could deal serious blows to Donald Trump, his business and his campaign schedule this week. On Thursday, a judge in Manhattan criminal court will preside over a hearing that could set a course for the former presidents trial on charges stemming from hush-money payments to an adult film star during his 2016 campaign. The judge overseeing a separate civil fraud trial that could imperil his family business and brand-building empire is also imminently expected to issue a final judgment in that case, with potentially tens of millions of dollars in sanctions and the end of his real estate career in New York at stake. A court official told The Independent that a decision in that case would be due by mid-February. People familiar with the matter suggested to The New York Times that a decision would come one day after Mr Trumps criminal court date. The former president, meanwhile, was reportedly planning to visit Atlanta to watch a hearing on misconduct allegations against the prosecutor leading a sprawling criminal case against him in Georgia accusations that Mr Trump and his allies amplified in an effort to undermine the cases against him. His lawyers, however, said he will be in court in Manhattan. Mr Trump has relied on the growing stack of cases and court dates on his calendar colliding with a primary election season as he seeks the Republican Partys presidential nomination to cast himself as a victim of election interference and political persecution, while his lawyers deny wrongdoing or attempt to claim immunity for anything he did as president. Its unlikely that a federal election conspiracy case against him will resume on 4 March, as initially penciled in, while his repeatedly-rejected immunity defence heads to the US Supreme Court. If the New York criminal court date sticks, he is almost certain to stand trial for the first time as a criminal defendant in his hometown. Judge Juan Merchan tentatively scheduled that trial to begin on 25 March. Donald Trump appears at his civil fraud trial in New York City on 11 January (REUTERS) Mr Trump has already faced two massive civil trials in Manhattan this year. A federal jury determined he owes E Jean Carroll more than $83m for repeatedly defaming her after denying that he sexually abused her in the 1990s. The civil fraud case targeting Mr Trump, his two adult sons and their chief business associates also came to a close last month after 11 weeks of witness testimony. State Attorney General Letitia James, whose blockbuster lawsuit sparked the trial in New York County Superior Court on Centre Street, is seeking $370m in so-called ill-gotten gains and an order that would block the former president from the states real estate industry for life. Mr Trump started his week in Florida, where he attended closed-door hearings on Monday to review sensitive materials in a federal case stemming from his alleged criminal mishandling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago. The criminal case in Manhattan has largely remained quiet compared to months of court filings and hearings in the three other criminal cases against him, and a mountain of litigation threatening his business and potential disqualification from 2024 ballots a challenge that is now at the US Supreme Court. The New York case marked the first set of criminal charges against him in a year full of them. In April, a grand jury under Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg charged the former president with 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection with repayments to his then-lawyer Michael Cohen, who arranged a hush-money scheme to prevent the release of potentially damaging stories about Mr Trump and his affairs. Mr Trump has pleaded not guilty. Mr Trump, Mr Cohen and David Pecker, the former owner of the National Enquirer, allegedly worked in concert to identify, purchase, and bury negative information about then-candidate Trump to boost his electoral prospects, according to prosecutors. The alleged payments were used to cover up sex scandals involving adult film star Stormy Daniels as part of a conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election, according to prosecutors. On Thursday, Judge Merchan is expected to rule on Mr Trumps motion to dismiss the case altogether, after which he is likely to arrange a trial date. The court has reportedly relied on movements from the federal election conspiracy case arguably the most serious against the former president before firming up a timetable, and Mr Bragg has suggested he would not stand in the way of that trial moving forward first. Manhattan district attorney Alvin Bragg speaks to reporters on 8 February (Getty Images) Hours after that hearing, Mr Trump is expected to face a damning final decision in the fraud case, which his attorneys are likely to immediately appeal. Judge Engorons pretrial ruling found Mr Trump and his co-defendants liable for fraud, leaving a trial to determine what, if any, sanctions they should face. The judge initially planned to issue his final decision by the end of January, but a series of late-breaking developments in the case surrounding one of the defendants potential perjury during his testimony appears to have thrown that schedule off track. Last month, a court-appointed monitor who was tapped to oversee his businesses reported financial disclosures that are either incomplete, present results inconsistently, or contain errors. One of those findings, according to her report, appears to suggest that the former president evaded taxes on millions of dollars in income by hiding money in fake loan transactions. Over the last two weeks, Judge Engoron has asked the parties for anything they can tell him about an alleged plea deal being arranged between New York City prosecutors and former Trump Organization chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg on perjury charges connected to his testimony in the fraud trial. If Weisselberg is now admitting he lied under oath in my courtroom at this trial, the judge wants to know about it, he wrote to attorneys this month. I do not want to ignore anything in a case of this magnitude. This story was published on 12 February and has been updated with developments Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Donald Trump has hit out at New York Republican candidate Mazi Pilip, branding her a very foolish woman for not appealing to his MAGA brand after she lost the race for George Santoss former seat to Democrat Tom Suozzi. Mr Suozzi won the special election in the Big Apples 3rd congressional district on Tuesday night, which comprises eastern Queens and the Long Island suburbs of Nassau County. The Democrat picked up 53.9 per cent of the vote to Ms Pilips 46.1 per cent. He will now take the seat previously occupied by the scandal-mired Mr Santos after he was pushed out of Congress over a series of scandals including criminal charges and his penchant for lying about his personal life. Clearly angered by New Yorkers braving a blizzard to vote for Mr Suozzi in their droves, the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination fired out an angry denunciation of Ms Pilip on his Truth Social platform in which he disowned her candidacy over her failure to embrace him and his MAGA message more explicitly. Republicans just dont learn, but maybe she was still a Democrat?, Mr Trump fumed in a post. I have an almost 99 per cent Endorsement Success Rate in Primaries, and a very good number in the General Elections, as well, but just watched this very foolish woman, Mazi Melesa Pilip, running in a race where she didnt endorse me and tried to straddle the fence, when she would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America. MAGA, WHICH IS MOST OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, STAYED HOME AND IT ALWAYS WILL, UNLESS IT IS TREATED WITH THE RESPECT THAT IT DESERVES. Ms Pilip was born in Ethiopia but raised in Israel where she served with the Israeli Defence Forces before marrying and moving to the US. She had sought to make American support for Israel and tackling illegal immigration the central planks of her campaign. She did campaign with New York Republican congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a stalwart of Mr Trumps MAGA movement who is rumoured to be in the running to be his vice presidential candidate, but otherwise attempted to run on the issues alone. Veteran legislator Mr Suozzi sought to walk a more moderate path and acknowledged in his victory speech: This race was fought amidst a closely divided electorate. The winner also called out Mr Trump directly, declaring: Lets send a message to our friends running the Congress these days: stop running around for Trump and start running the country. Its time to find common ground and start delivering for the people of the United States of America. The people are watching. They want us to start working together. So our message is very clear: either get on board or get out of the way. Defeated Republican congressional candidate Mazi Pilip (EPA) The result appeared to serve as a stark warning to Republicans in Congress that being associated with a failure to address the immigration crisis at Americas southern border with Mexico, by sabotaging negotiation on spending bills and wasting time with the fruitless impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, could cost them dearly at Novembers election. Covering the election on CNN, pundit Dana Bash commented that she had interviewed local voters and heard as much from them directly. Several of them said to me that they dont want to vote for the Republicans because its clearly impossible to get a solution on the issue of immigration, she said. The border was the top issue for them and the fact that Republicans killed that bipartisan deal put them over the edge to vote for Tom Suozzi. Mr Trump appeared to sense that, hence his fiery rejection of the defeated candidate, whose loss further narrows the Republican majority in the House of Representatives to just six, a fact Mr Santos acknowledged in his own response to the result on X, a post that read simply: -1. 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 Senate overwhelmingly passed a legislative package to provide aid to Ukraine, Israel, and allies in the Indo-Pacific but it faces additional hurdles as House speaker Mike Johnson announced he would not put the bill to the floor. Only 29 senators 26 Republicans plus three Democrats voted against the bill, with 70 senators, including 22 from the GOP, voting in favour. Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky led the charge against the $95.34bn (75.69bn) package as a host of Republican senators spoke on the floor late into the night on Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. The legislation came after Senate Republicans rejected a larger package that would have included additional provisions to restrict immigration and increase security at the US-Mexico border. Democratic senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut; independent senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Republican senator James Lankford of Oklahoma negotiated the agreement that the House and many Republicans opposed as insufficient. The package includes $60.6bn in aid to Ukraine; $14.1bn in aid to Israel to assist with its war against Hamas after the 7 October attack; $2.44bn for US Central Command to address combat expenditures for conflict in the Red Sea; $9.15bn in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza; and $4.83bn to support regional partners in the Indo-Pacific to push back against the Peoples Republic of China. President Joe Biden hailed the Senate action in a statement on Tuesday, calling the legislation critical to advancing Americas national security interests. I applaud the bipartisan coalition of senators who came together to advance this agreement, and I urge the House to move on this with urgency. We cannot afford to wait any longer, he said, adding that the costs of inaction in places such as Ukraine are rising every day, with Ukrainian forces reportedly running out of ammunition in the face of renewed Russian attacks. If we do not stand against tyrants who seek to conquer or carve up their neighbours territory, the consequences for Americas national security will be significant, he said. At a press conference held just hours after the early-morning vote, Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer called the legislation one of the most historic and consequential bills to have passed the upper chamber, and said it greatly impacts not just our national security, not just the security of our allies, but also the security of Western democracy as we know it. Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer praised the passing of the bill in a press conference yesterday morning (Getty) Mr Schumer said the strong bipartisan vote in the Senate indicates that the legislation would easily garner a similarly bipartisan measure of support in the House, should House Speaker Johnson allow it to receive an up-or-down vote on the floor of his chamber. But Mr Johnson, following the lead of former president Donald Trump who himself has called for the US to end aid to Ukraine released a statement announcing that he would not bring the bill to the floor even as the Senate debated the legislation. Now, in the absence of having received any single border policy change from the Senate, the House will have to continue to work its own will on these important matters, he said. America deserves better than the Senates status quo. The remarks come after Senate Republicans have drawn out the process for passing the aid package throughout the weekend. Mr Paul, a vocal opponent of Ukraine aid and a close ally of Mr Trump, praised the House speaker for holding the line against helping Kyiv defend against Russias invading force. I think thats very supportive, he told The Independent. And I think our filibuster helped to slow things down. During his speech on the floor, Mr Paul spoke about alleged corruption in Ukraine as a reason to halt aid to the US ally. But earlier in the night, senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina who initially took part in the negotiations with the bipartisan immigration-foreign aid bill before he voted against it criticised the Kentucky senator and others whove stood in the way of more defence assistance passing the Congress. A lot of people, when they hear a senator speak, they believe that its the truth, he told The Independent. Theyve heard somebody say that if we pass this bill that were all gonna go right to Kyiv with buckets full of money, and let oligarchs buy yachts. I wonder how the spouses of the estimated 25,000 soldiers in Ukraine who have died feel about that? Senator John Cornyn of Texas said that he hoped that the House will take up their own bill and work its will and thats the way the system is supposed to. Other senators took alternative routes. At one point, senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, one of the most ardent opponents of aid to Ukraine, joined an X/Twitter space with the sites owner Elon Musk, who has criticised US support for Ukraine. Its important that the American public has a different perspective than whats being shovelled out by people in support of this package and the mainstream media, Mr Johnson said. Mr Johnson added that he did not think Ukraine could win the war against Russian president Vladimir Putin. Ive been making the point that Putin will not lose his war because its existential to Putin, Mr Johnson said. Senator JD Vance of Ohio also praised Mr Musks outspokenness. I think its just one more sign to the American people and hes obviously an important American, they think this bill is a bad deal for the country, Mr Vance said. But Mr Tillis rebuked Republicans and said that American efforts helped degrade Russia. Putin is losing this war folks, Mr Tillis said on the floor. This is not a stalemate. This guy is on life support. The push comes as Mr Trump vocally opposed the original bipartisan immigration-foreign aid agreement, effectively killing it. During the weekend, Mr Trump spoke at a rally in South Carolina where he recalled that he spoke to a Nato member state leader about the fact it had not lived up to its obligations and would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. But some Republicans excoriated their colleagues for opposing aid to Ukraine. I know that the shock jocks and online instigators have riled up many in the far reaches of my party, senator Mitt Romney of Utah said in a floor speech. But if your position is being cheered by Vladimir Putin, its time to reconsider your position. Mr Murphy, the Democratic senator who negotiated the initial bipartisan agreement, criticised Republicans for drawing out the process, but he said the agreement would finally go to a vote. Im sad it took this long to get it done, dont really understand what the houses posture is right now, he said. But its good that this is gonna get a big bipartisan vote and we'll cross our fingers that the House comes to its senses. Ms Sinema for her part was more direct when asked what she thought about Mr Johnson saying he would oppose the legislation unless it included border security when he opposed the initial bill. Build a time machine, she told The Independent as she walked toward Senate minority leader Mitch McConnells office. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Senate early Tuesday passed an emergency spending package that would provide military aid to Ukraine and Israel; replenish U.S. weapons systems; and provide food, water, and other humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. The Senate jettisoned from the package a bipartisan effort to boost immigration enforcement at the U.S.-Mexico border after most Republican senators, following the lead of former President Donald Trump, deemed the bipartisan proposal inadequate. Abandoning the border proposal brought the price tag of the bill down to about $95.3 billion. Now that the Senate has approved the emergency spending package, it is up to the Republican-led House to take it up, change it or let it die. Speaker Mike Johnson cast new doubt on the package in a statement Monday evening, making clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Bidens desk if at all. Here's a closer look at the spending breakdown: Spending related to Ukraine About $60 billion in the bill would go to supporting Ukraine as it defends itself from the Russian invasion that began nearly two years ago. There's nearly $14 billion to allow Ukraine to rearm itself through the purchase of weapons and munitions and another nearly $15 billion for support services such as military training and intelligence sharing. The support also includes nonmilitary assistance. About $8 billion would go to help Ukraine's government continue basic operations with a prohibition on money going toward pensions. And there's about $1.6 billion to help Ukraine's private sector. About a third of the money allocated to supporting Ukraine actually will be spent replenishing the U.S. military with the weapons and equipment that are going to Kyiv. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has repeatedly emphasized that point, saying in a statement Tuesday that the money is about reaffirming a commitment to rebuild and modernize our military, restore our credibility, and give the current Commander-in-Chief, as well as the next, more tools to secure our interests. There's also about $480 million to help Ukrainians displaced by the war. Spending related to Israel About $14.1 billion in the bill would go to support Israel and U.S. military operations in the region. About $4 billion would go to boost Israel's air defenses, with another $1.2 billion for Iron Beam, a laser weapons system designed to intercept and destroy missiles. There's also about $2.5 billion to support U.S. military operations in the region. Israel launched its war against Hamas after the militant groups unprecedented Oct. 7 attack that killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in Israel. About 250 others were taken hostage. The legislation contains also $9.2 billion in humanitarian assistance to provide food, water, shelter and medical care to civilians in Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine and others caught in war zones around the world. The war in Gaza has sparked a humanitarian catastrophe that has prompted shortages of the most basic necessities. A quarter of Gaza's residents are starving. Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt, said, 2 million Palestinians have been uprooted from their homes. Those homes have been reduced to rubble. Folks are desperately seeking to survive. They lack adequate food, safe water or shelter. Many are injured without anything remotely resembling sufficient medical care or shelter. Spending related to China More than $8 billion in the bill would go to support key partners in the Indo-Pacific and deter aggression by the Chinese government. The bill includes about $1.9 billion to replenish U.S. weapons provided to Taiwan and about $3.3 billion to build more U.S.-made submarines in support of a security partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom. Other provisions The bill includes about $400 million for a grant program that helps nonprofits and places of worship make security enhancements and protect them from hate crimes. There's also language that would target sanctions on criminal organizations involved in the production of fentanyl. 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 }} Watch as couples gather in Times Square, New York, on Valentine's Day (14 February). Once again this year, New Yorkers and visitors alike can declare their love and celebrate their relationships at the Crossroads of the World through surprise proposals and weddings in the heart of the city, and a Vow Renewal Ceremony on Duffy Square's iconic Red Steps. According to the Times Square website, a set of lucky lovers will also be surprised with a Valentines Day gift that they wont see coming and wont soon forget: a surprise marriage proposal that appears on the iconic American Eagle billboard. All of the festivities will overlook the winning ice sculpture from the third annual Winter Ice Sculpture Show that took place on 3 February on Governors Island by artist Lovie Pignata for Smitten. The winning sculpture depicts two cosy mittens with knit details touching to form a heart, referencing the beginning stages of love in the cold winter season. 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 }} Italian police on Wednesday raided the homes of 24 people under investigation for promoting fascism during a gathering at a restaurant in the Jewish quarter of Ferrara during which they lauded dictators Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. The suspects were all residents of the northern Italian city in their 20s and 30s who attended a Dec. 20 gathering where they passed out material that not only praised Hitler and Mussolini, but also insulted Anne Frank and the Black Italian athlete Fiona May, said investigator Andrea Zaccone. The suspects wore orange prison uniforms common in the United States to the gathering, but it wasn't clear why. The group threatened to kill other diners who interrupted their racist choruses, and refused to stop even after police responded to complaints, he said. The suspects are under investigation for the charges of inciting racial hatred and apology of fascism, a crime in Italy that exults Italy's fascist past and seeks to revive the fascist party. During raids, police recovered orange prison uniforms, a fake pistol, chains, knives, batons as well as printed material, including calendars, with Mussolinis image. Electronic devices seized in the raids are being studied to see if the incident was a one-off or part of a larger pattern. Antisemitic incidents have spiked in Italy since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and the resulting war in Gaza. 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 }} President Vladimir Putin has said that Russian scientists were close to creating vaccines for cancer that could soon be available to patients, in his latest rambling televised press conference. Putin said that we have come very close to the creation of so-called cancer vaccines and immunomodulatory drugs of a new generation. I hope that soon they will be effectively used as methods of individual therapy, he added, speaking at a Moscow forum on future technologies. Russia Putin (Sputnik) Putin did not specify which types of cancer the proposed vaccines would target, nor how. During the coronavirus pandemic, Russia developed its own Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 and sold it to a number of countries, although domestically it ran up against widespread public reluctance to get vaccinated. Putin himself said he had taken Sputnik. A number of countries and companies are working on cancer vaccines. Last year the UK government signed an agreement with Germany-based BioNTech to launch clinical trials providing personalised cancer treatments, aiming to reach 10,000 patients by 2030. Pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck & Co are developing an experimental cancer vaccine that a mid-stage study showed cut the chance of recurrence or death from melanoma - the most deadly skin cancer - by half after three years of treatment. Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a Security Council meeting (AP) There are currently six licensed vaccines against human papillomaviruses (HPV) that cause many cancers, including cervical cancer, according to the World Health Organization, as well as vaccines against hepatitis B (HBV), which can lead to liver cancer. Meanwhile, on Wednesday the Kremlin was asked about a possible prisoner exchange with the United States, restating its position that such cases can only be resolved in silence, meaning that it will not comment on the state of negotiations. The United States is seeking the release of former Marine Paul Whelan and reporter Evan Gershkovich, both held in Russian prisons on spy charges they deny. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that he had spoken to Whelan in a rare phone call. Asked if an exchange was being prepared, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: I want to recall the words of President (Vladimir) Putin in his recent interview that these matters love silence, and they can only be resolved in silence. Therefore, in our interests, in the interests of the American side, in the interests of those involved, it is better that this is all decided in silence. Putin suggested in an interview with Tucker Carlson last week that in return for Gershkovich, Moscow wanted Germany to free Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted of the 2019 murder of a Chechen dissident in Berlin. 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 }} Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law Wednesday that will allow authorities to confiscate money, valuables and other assets from people convicted of spreading deliberately false information about the country's military. The bill sailed through the lower and upper houses of the Russian parliament, and was unanimously endorsed by the upper house last week. The speaker of the lower house, Vyacheslav Volodin, said the measure includes harsher punishment for traitors who sling mud at our country and our troops and would strip those scoundrels of honorary titles, confiscate their assets, money and other valuables. Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of Russias State Duma lower house of parliament (via REUTERS) Russian officials have used the existing law against discrediting the military that covers offenses such as justifying terrorism and spreading fake news about the armed forces to silence Putins critics. Multiple activists, bloggers and ordinary Russians have received long prison terms. The new confiscation law would also apply to those convicted of publicly inciting extremist activities and calling for actions harmful to state security or discrediting the armed forces. Discrediting the Russian military became a criminal offense under a law adopted as part of a sweeping government crackdown on dissent after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. Russian state news agency Tass said that if someone is convicted under the new law, only money, assets and property gained through criminal means or used for activities against Russia's national security could be confiscated. Draconian Soviet-era legislation authorized the seizure of housing for a variety of criminal offenses. It comes as Ukraines military said it used naval drones to sink a Russian landing ship in the Black Sea.The Caesar Kunikov amphibious ship sank near Alupka, a city on the southern edge of the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014, Ukraines General Staff said. It said the ship can carry 87 crew members. Ukrainian forces destroy large Russian landing ship in Black Sea (Ukrainian Armed Forces) Sinking the vessel would be another embarrassing blow for the Russian Black Sea fleet and a significant success for Ukraine 10 days before the second anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refused to comment on the claim during a conference call with reporters Wednesday. He said questions should be addressed to the Russian military. Ukraine has moved onto the defensive in the war, hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel, but has kept up its strikes behind the largely static 1,500-kilometer (930-mile) front line. It is the second time in two weeks that Ukrainian forces have said they sank a Russian vessel in the Black Sea. Last week, they published a video that they said showed naval drones assaulting the Russian missile-armed corvette Ivanovets. 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 German man has been detained on arrival in the Russian city of St Petersburg with gummy candies containing cannabis, Russias customs service said in a statement. The 38-year-old arrived in St Petersburg from Istanbul and on inspection of his luggage, he was found to have a pack of Fink Green Goldbears whose packaging displayed a picture of a marijuana leaf. The arrest of a German national in Russia is potentially significant at a time when Moscow is seeking the release of a Russian jailed for murder in Germany, as part of a possible wider prisoner swap with the United States. Russian customs officials found six gummies in the mans luggage that they said had a pungent smell. Tests confirmed the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol, a cannabinoid that is prohibited in Russia. The passenger explained that at the end of last year he had bought 10 sweets containing marijuana in one of the speciality stores in his homeland, the customs service said. The man travelled the world several times with such sweets and used them during long flights for a restful sleep. The customs service published a picture of a German passport, six gummies and a package of Fink Green Goldbears. A view shows a passport and other items, what Russian customs officials called the belongings of a German citizen who was detained on arrival in the Russian city of Saint Petersburg with gummy candies containing cannabis, at an unknown location in Russia (via REUTERS) A criminal drug smuggling case has been opened against the man, who was detained. The maximum term for such an offence is seven years. Russia and the United States are currently discussing a possible prisoner swap that would allow two U.S. citizens jailed in Russia - Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan - to return home. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview last week that it made little sense to keep Gershkovich in prison in Russia and that negotiations with Washington were under way. Putin suggested that in return, Moscow wanted Germany to free Vadim Krasikov, who was convicted of the 2019 murder of a Chechen dissident in Berlin, although Putin did not mention Krasikov by name. Germany has always declined comment on reports that Russia might be seeking to swap Krasikov for Gershkovich. The swap would be unusual since it would entail Germany giving up a person convicted of murder on its own territory in order to recover a U.S. citizen. 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 }} As the radio crackles with enemy communications that are hard to decipher, one Russian command rings out clear: Brew five Chinese tea bags on 38 orange. A Ukrainian soldier known on the battlefield as Mikhass is able to quickly decode the gibberish. It means: Prepare five Beijing-made artillery shells and fire them on a specific Ukrainian position in the Serebryansky Forest, which forms the front line in the countrys restive northeast. Hiding in the basement of an abandoned home 12 kilometers (7 miles) away, Mikhass immediately warns the commander of a unit embedded in that part of the forest, giving him crucial minutes to get his men into trenches, saving their lives. On the defensive and critically short of ammunition and soldiers after two years of war, Ukrainian forces are increasingly resorting to an age-old tactic intelligence gleaned from radio intercepts in a desperate effort to preserve their most vital resources. The painstaking work is part of a larger effort to beef up and refine electronic warfare capabilities so that soldiers can be warned earlier of impending attacks, while having the battlefield intelligence needed to make their own strikes more deadly. To prevent enemy drone attacks, signal-jamming is also on the rise. A Ukrainian soldier works with an electronic warfare system to listen to Russian chatter in a shelter at the front line (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) After months of near stalemate along the 1,000 kilometer (621 mile) front line, Ukraine expects fierce attacks in the year ahead from a Russian enemy determined to wear down its defenses to forge a breakthrough. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there will be no peace until Russia achieves its goals. The commander elevated last week to lead Ukraines army, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, has highlighted the importance of electronic warfare, and the country's defense ministry has increased spending on the people and technology behind it. Russia, which controls about one-fifth of Ukraine, has the advantage of a more developed domestic weapons industry and it uses conscription and coercion to call up troops. Oleksandr Syrskyi (EPA) For Ukraine, ammunition shortages have forced brigades to use shells sparingly and only after locating precise targets. Difficulty in mobilizing troops means Ukrainian commanders must be extra protective of soldiers lives as they try to fend off ferocious Russian attacks. It is within this context that better surveillance, eavesdropping and jamming have become more urgent. Several kilometers south of where Mikhass is positioned, in the Donetsk region town of Konstantinivka, the 93rd Brigades Electronic Warfare unit is using jammers to stave off attack drones, the main driver of injuries for soldiers in the region. The platoon commander is alert, staring at a laptop that shows signals picked up by small antennas planted near the front line. When a Russian Lancet attack drone approaches their area of operation, his screen lights up with activity. Russia Ukraine War Surveillance (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The commander, known on the battlefield as Oleksandr, flips a switch to activate the jammer which interferes with the drones radar; it's the equivalent of shining a bright light in someones eye to disorient them. Its a must, he says of their operation. A lot of guys are dying because of drones. Radio operators like Mikhass work in shifts around the clock. The antennas he relies on to pick up Russian radio signals are camouflaged, jutting out of trees in the forest near Kreminna, close to Russian positions. From a quiet basement command center nearby, Mikhass and other soldiers chain smoke cigarettes and listen through headphones. A new and sophisticated signal-finding antenna, which resembles a carousel, uses triangulation to locate where the radio waves are emanating from. They cross-reference what they hear against images they gather from reconnaissance drones and use detailed maps of their enemys positions to slowly piece together what it all means. They are part of a 50-man intelligence unit dubbed the Bunnies of Cherkess the name inspired by the Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu, who advised warriors to feign weakness when one is strong. No one takes bunnies seriously, right? said Cherkess, the commander of the eponymous unit. Radio intercepts reveal that the Kremlin is determined to control the entire Serebryansky Forest, which divides Ukraine-controlled Lyman from Russian-occupied Kreminna. Its part of an effort to reach Torske, a village in Donetsk that is west of Kreminna. From Torske, Russia will be closer to recapturing the nearby hub of Lyman, which would be a devastating setback for Ukraine and disrupt its ability to move supplies to the front. Cucumbers are mortars, carrots are grenade launchers Cherkess and his men, most of whom are volunteers who signed up for the infantry, understand the stakes couldnt be higher, especially as signs grow that support from Western allies is less secure. After listening to hours and hours of Russian communications each day, much of it related to troop rotations, artillery fire and drone reconnaissance, they gradually build an understanding with help from specialized computer software of what it all means. Cucumbers are mortars, carrots are grenade launchers -- and locations are conveyed in a numerical code with a corresponding color. It took the unit months to decode these Russian orders. The arrival of new combat equipment and ammunition and especially infantrymen signals a fresh attack is imminent. (A soldier) is not interested in what kind of radar Russians have, he needs information on if there will be an attack tonight, and who will come, if they will have tanks, if they have armored vehicles or if its just infantry, said Cherkess. And we have to understand how long we have to prepare. A week? Two weeks? A month? Advance word of enemy troops being rotated in and out is also useful to Ukrainian soldiers seeking to go on the offensive, he said. That is when they can exact maximum personnel losses. The previous week, a Russian assault operation was carried out against a neighboring brigade. But the Ukrainian soldiers positioned there were prepared to greet them. A Ukrainian officer Maksym listens to Russian chatter in a shelter near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) The importance of electronic surveillance cant be underestimated, said Yaroslav Kalinin, the CEO of Infozahyst, a company under contract with Ukraines Defense Ministry. Before the war, Infozahyst provided anti-wiretapping services for the offices of the president and prime minister. Once the war began, the company pivoted to help the army by manufacturing a versatile signal direction finding system, which is now in high demand. The government recently doubled its contract with Infozahyst, according to Kalinin. The buildup of surveillance capabilities is partly a recognition of the need to catch up to the Russians, who invested heavily in this technology long before it invaded Ukraine. Kalinin believes that better and smaller devices that are easier to hide and move around will eventually give Ukraine an edge. The Russians know they are being listened to and routinely try to deceive their enemy with bogus information. It is up to Mikhass and other radio operators to discern the signal from the noise. Their artillery helps us, he explained. They say where they will shoot, and then we check where the shells landed. 38 orange, the location Mikhass recently heard about for an upcoming attack, is represented on a map by a small dot. And it is surrounded by hundreds of other dots that signify locations they have decoded. We need a lot of time to uncover these points, he said. The clock is ticking. 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 }} Ukrainian forces have destroyed another Russian warship off the southern coast of occupied Crimea, Kyivs military has said, in its latest drone attack on Moscows Black Sea fleet. The Ukrainian intelligence services (GUR) posted a video said to show multiple naval drones attacking the 90-person, 113m-long Caesar Kunikov Ropucha-class landing ship in the early hours of Wednesday. It is another embarrassing blow for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Black Sea fleet, and a significant success for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, together with the Defence Ministrys intelligence unit, annihilated the Caesar Kunikov large landing ship, a statement from the GUR read. It was in Ukrainian territorial waters near Alupka at the time of the hit. They added: The Caesar Kunikov suffered critical holes in its port side and began to sink. Kyiv has gradually sought to counter Russias early dominance in the Black Sea, using drones and long-range missiles. The strikes in the Black Sea have gained increased significance as the situation on the front line has become more difficult. The Magura V5 drone used in the latest attack, which looks like a sleek black speedboat, was unveiled by Kyiv last year. It reportedly has a top speed of 42knots (50mph) and an explosive payload of 320kg. The newly appointed head of Ukraines armed forces, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi, has called the situation along key parts of the 600-mile land front extremely complex and tense. Speaking to German TV channel ZDF, Col Gen Syrskyi said: At this time, the situation can be assessed as difficult ... the enemy is now advancing along almost the entire front line, and we have moved from offensive operations to conducting a defensive operation. The objective of our defence operation is to exhaust the enemys forces, inflict maximum losses on him, using our fortifications, our advantages in terms of technology, in terms of using unmanned aircraft, means of electronic warfare, and maintaining prepared defence lines. Col Gen Syrskyi has said that units trying to keep Russia from taking the key town of Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine, will be reinforced. We are doing everything possible to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into our territory, he wrote on social media. But he has also spoken about the importance of innovative use of technology, such as drones, in Ukraines fight against Russian forces. After the latest drone attack, Ukrainian outlets posted footage of a column of smoke rising off the coast of Alupka, 40 miles southeast of Russias Black Sea fleet headquarters in Sevastopol Bay. A screenshot of footage provided by the Ukrainian GUR appears to show the vessel on its side (Telegram ) One witness told a local Telegram channel Crimean Wind that they saw flashes in the sea then explosions. Moscow declined to comment on the latest attack, although the Defence Ministry said earlier that it had destroyed six drones in the Black Sea. Russian military bloggers have, however, acknowledged the attack. Time after time the Black Sea fleet turns out to be incompetent and unable to repel attacks from Ukrainian units, wrote Rybar, a popular Russian military blogger. Two years have passed since the start of the [invasion], he added. There are not the best reviews about the command of the Black Sea fleet among subordinate military personnel: and this could still be chalked up to ordinary grumbling, if not for the fact of systematic fire destruction of Black Sea fleet facilities by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. At this point I just want to say: Its time to change approaches. Whats the point? Thord Are Iversen, an independent defence analyst focused on the Russian navy, said the footage suggested Ukraine had scored multiple drone hits and consequently sunk the warship. The Ropucha was attacked by multiple unmanned surface vehicles (USVs), which scored multiple hits, before starting to go down by the stern and then capsizing, he told The Independent. Retired captain Andrii Ryzhenko, a former veteran officer in the Ukrainian Navy, told The Independent the destruction of the Caesar Kunikov amounted to the fifth Russian Ropucha-class warship out of 13 to be badly hit since the full-scale invasion. This means that Russia now has very limited capability in the Black Sea. It also means logistics from mainland Russia are quite limited, he said. It is a small but important step to prevent Russian dominance at sea. He added that there had been some indication that the Ropucha-class had been carrying Iranian-made Shahed drones to Crimea from mainland Russia, in preparation for attacks on Ukrainian civilian cities. The attack marks the second successful attack on a ship in the Black Sea this month. At the start of February, the GUR posted footage of a Ukrainian naval drone strike on the Ivanovets, a Russian missile carrier, off the coast of Crimea. On that occasion, Ukraines military intelligence published a grainy video showing several sea drones attacking the Russian corvette, with the ship eventually listing and sinking with explosions going off on board. Ukraine has sought to attack Russian warships to try to drive them out of the western parts of the Black Sea, making it possible to open a shipping corridor along a traditionally key export route. As the breadbasket of Europe, Ukraines ability to export grain through the Black Sea is vital to its economy, but Russia has blocked the routes since pulling out of a United Nations-brokered deal last year. In December, Ukrainian cruise missiles struck another large Russian landing warship in Crimea. That same month, a senior Ukrainian security official claimed they had destroyed 20 per cent of the Russian Black Sea fleet. The Ukrainian military says that it has destroyed 25 Russian military vessels and ships and one submarine during the war to date. Dozens of warships had already been relocated from Crimea to the Russian port of Novorossiysk, more than 100 miles from the occupied peninsula, following several deadly attacks earlier in the year. Corporal Frisk, a military blogger focused on naval movements, suggested the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov was a significant blow to Russia. They [landing ships] are hard-working, and are next to impossible to replace in the Black Sea during the duration of the war, and difficult to replace in general for the Russian navy, he wrote on Twitter/X. The Caesar Kunikov was previously damaged by a Ukrainian missile strike while it was berthed in Russian-occupied Berdyansk in March 2022. The ship was named after the Second World War naval officer Caesar Lvovich Kunikov, who was killed 81 years ago today. Ukraines attack was likely deliberately conducted on the anniversary of his death. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Ukraines newly appointed armed forces commander Oleksandr Syrskyi discussed the war-hit nations military plans for 2024 with the supreme commander of the Nato Armed Forces in Europe, defence minister Rustem Umerov said on Tuesday. Mr Umerov said he and General Syrskyi had "a clear and substantive conversation" with the military leaders. Together with commander-in-chief Syrskyi, we had a conversation with our close partners the supreme commander of the Nato Armed Forces in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, and the commander of the Security Assistance Group Ukraine, Lieutenant General Antonio Aguto, he said on Facebook. He added: A clear and substantive conversation. We discussed our military plans for 2024. The commander-in-chief announced the priorities. The priorities, according to Kyivs military plan laid out by the top defence officials, includes optimisation of the structure of the armed forces, improvement of the quality of training of the Ukrainian military, additional staffing of existing brigades and creation of new ones and supplying of regular needs in weapons and equipment. Another important topic is ensuring the rotation of our soldiers on the frontline, the statement added, pointing out a concern of rotation of troops engaged in the war on the frontline. The leaders also discussed the constant increase in EW [electronic warfare] assets to eliminate the threat of enemy drones. Ukraines Colonel-General Syrskyi replaced the top commander Valeriy Zaluzhny last week after a reshuffle prompted by Volodymyr Zelensky. Shortly after taking charge, the new commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Ukraine said he will be switching from a strategy of defence, rather than attack, in an attempt to exhaust Russian advances, stating that the situation was difficult but conflict should soon come to an end. At this time, the situation can be assessed as difficult. The enemy is now advancing along almost the entire front line, and we have moved from offensive operations to conducting a defensive operation, he told German TV channel ZDF. The objective of our defence operation is to exhaust the enemys forces, inflict maximum losses on him, using our fortifications, our advantages in terms of technology, in terms of using unmanned aircraft, means of electronic warfare, and maintaining prepared defence lines. Colonel-General Syrskyi was leading Ukraines ground forces since 2019 and was also overlooking Kyivs successful defence against Russian forces in the early days of invasion. The top general has been a critical part of successful counteroffensive operations in July 2022 when Ukrainian soldiers pushed Russian troops out of the northern city Kharkiv and recaptured swathes of land in the east and southeast. He was named a Hero of Ukraine, the countrys highest honour, in April 2022. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Russia allegedly targeted Ukraine with the powerful hypersonic Zircon missile, believed to be for the first time in the nearly two-year-long war, the head of a Kyiv research institute said on Monday. Oleksandr Ruvin, director of the Kyiv Scientific-Research Institute for Forensic Examinations, confirmed the use of the missiles after his institute completed a preliminary analysis of the weapon fragments from the Russian attack on 7 February. Russia unleashed a barrage of missiles on Ukrainian cities last week, killing five and injuring 50 others. The Zircon missile is a thermonuclear-capable projectile with a range of 1,000km (625 miles) and travels at nine times the speed of sound, details from its developer state Russia show. Dubbed as a promising hypersonic anti-ship missile, its speed adds to the missiles capability to hit large, deep and hardened targets and greatly reduces reaction time for air defences, military analysts said. Mr Ravin showed a video of the wreckage recovered from the alleged Russian missile attack, with specific markings. In this case, we see elements that are characteristic of the 3M22 Zircon missile. Parts and fragments of the engine and steering mechanisms have specific markings, he said. The Russian defence ministry has not issued any comment on the findings by the institute. While it is not immediately clear whether Russian forces fired the weapon from land or from the sea, the markings seen on the parts recovered from the wreckage suggested that the weapon had been assembled recently, Mr Ruvin said. The Zircon hypersonic weapon has likely entered the Russian air force in recent years as officials in Russia said they had completed testing of the weapon in June 2022. Russian officials had boasted about Zircons capability, saying that its impossible to intercept with existing anti-missile systems. Vladimir Putin, who had said the weapon carries Mach 8 speed and a range of 1,000km, had described the Zircon as part of a new generation of unrivalled arms systems. The Zircon was initially designed as a sea-launched weapon and a ground-launched version was developed later. If its use in Ukraine is confirmed, the Zircon hypersonic missile could pose an additional challenge for the already besieged countrys air defences, amid uncertainty over future Western military aid. In the span of nearly 24 months of invasion, Russia has fired regular air strikes on civilian areas and the war frontline using a range of long-range missiles and drones. 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 }} Explosions struck a natural gas pipeline in Iran on Wednesday, with an official blaming the blasts on a sabotage and terrorist action. Details were scarce, though the blasts hit a natural gas pipeline running from Iran's western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province up north to cities on the Caspian Sea. The roughly 1,270-kilometer (790-mile) pipeline begins in Asaluyeh, a hub for Iran's offshore South Pars gas field. The news comes in the country as tensions remain high in the Middle East amid Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Saeed Aghli, the manager of Iran's gas network control center, told Iranian state television that a sabotage and terrorist action caused explosions along several areas of the line. There are no known insurgent groups operating in that province, home to the Bakhtiari, a branch of Iran's Lur ethnic group. Aghli did not name any suspects in the blasts. Iran's Oil Minister Javad Owji, also speaking to state TV, compared the attack to a series of mysterious and unclaimed assault on gas pipelines in 2011 including around the anniversary of Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution. Tehran marked the 45th anniversary of the revolution on Sunday. The goal that the enemies were pursuing were to cut the gas in the major provinces of the country and it did not happen, Owji said. Except for the number of villages that were near the gas transmission lines, no province suffered a cut. Flames leap into the air after a natural gas pipeline explodes outside the city of Boroujen In the past, Arab separatists in southwestern Iran have claimed attacks against oil pipelines. However, attacks elsewhere in Iran against such infrastructure are rare. Since the revolution, Iran has faced low-level separatist unrest from Kurds in the country's northwest, the Baluch in the east and Arabs in the southwest. However, tensions have risen in recent years as Iran faces an economy hobbled by international sanctions over its nuclear program. The country has faced years of mass demonstrations, most recently in 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in custody after her arrest allegedly over how she wore her mandatory headscarf. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out attacks in Iran that have predominantly targeted its nuclear program. On Tuesday, the head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog warned that Iran is not entirely transparent regarding its atomic program, particularly after an official who once led Tehrans program announced the Islamic Republic has all the pieces for a weapon in our hands. Tensions over Iran's nuclear program comes as groups that Tehran is arming in the region Lebanons militant Hezbollah and Yemens Houthi rebels have launched attacks targeting Israel over the war in Gaza. The Houthis continue to attack commercial shipping in the region, sparking repeated airstrikes from the United States and the United Kingdom. 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 Israeli military has ordered an evacuation of the last major hospital in southern Gaza after a deadly siege, the World Health Organisation has warned. It came as ceasefire talks in Egypt ended with no breakthrough and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that only a change in the ludicrous position from Hamas will see negotiations move forward. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed alarm at the situation in Nasser hospital, which he described as the backbone of the health system in southern Gaza. He said civilians had been killed in the complex which is located in the town of Khan Younis, people had been ordered to evacuate and that it had been under a week-long siege. Hostilities have reportedly destroyed storage facilities for medical equipment and supplies. Access to the hospital remains obstructed there is no safe corridor for those in need, he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Two WHO missions have been denied in the last four days and we lost touch with the hospitals personnel, he added. Videos reportedly taken within the hospital and shared with The Independent showed people dashing between open courtyards within the hospital, under heavy gunfire as they tried to rescue the wounded on stretches. Other videos said to have been filmed on Wednesday morning showed distraught crowds, including wounded women and children, packing the scant supplies they had. Gunfire killed a patient and wounded six others on Thursday, according to medics. Doctors inside Nasser hospital told The Independent they first received an evacuation order on Tuesday via speakers attached to drones, and from a Palestinian man who they believed had been detained by the Israelis and ordered to deliver the message. Palestinians, wounded in an Israeli strike, receive treatment at the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis (AFP) In voice notes shared with The Independent, one surgeon, Khaled al-Serr, said they had been under siege for weeks, people had been shot as they tried to leave the facility even after the evacuation order was given and the bombing nearby had been constant. Tanks and snipers are surrounding the hospital in all directions, he continued. Cogat, the Israeli defence ministry unit that liaises with the Palestinians, accused Hamas of conducting military activities within Nasser hospital complex and using the facility to host hostages in a tweet posted to social media. This has been denied by medical staff. The Independent has not been shown evidence of these claims. In a statement, the Israeli military said it had opened a secure route to evacuate displaced civilians taking shelter in the hospital in a controlled and precise manner. They said that the military did not intend to evacuate patients and medical staff but did not confirm or deny whether they had begun a full evacuation anyway. The news came amid mounting concerns for civilians in southern Gaza as truce talks held in Cairo involving the United States, Israel, Egypt and Qatar ended without a breakthrough on a deal and no date announced for a new meeting. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that there had been no new offer from Hamas and that only a change in their ludicrous demands would make it possible to move forward. Mr Netanyahus remarks came hours after local media reported that the Israeli leader had ordered an Israeli delegation not to continue talks in Cairo. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas ceasefire proposals (AP) Israel has repeatedly vowed to continue its ground assault in Gaza by pivoting from Khan Younis and pushing south into Rafah, a city located along the border with Egypt that it claims is the last stronghold of Hamas. It is now home to around 1.5 million, with many living in tents, after fleeing Israeli bombardments elsewhere in Gaza. Speaking to The Independent, families have repeatedly said they had nowhere to hide. Egypt has made clear it will not allow a refugee exodus over the border and that any Israeli deployment along the borders would be a violation of a decades old peace treaty between the two countries. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said an offensive into Rafah could "lead to a slaughter and could leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at death's door. US president Joe Biden and the UK foreign secretary David Cameron, have also both separately urged Israel to reconsider the operation. On Tuesday, South Africa asked the UNs top court to consider whether Israels plan to extend its offensive into Rafah required additional emergency measures to safeguard the rights of Palestinians. Pretorias government voiced concern that an offensive would result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction. But Israel has vowed to push ahead saying it is the last stronghold of Hamas which attacked southern Israel on 7 October killing around 1,100 people and taking about 250 people hostage, more than half of which remain in Gaza. Israel has ramped up its offensive. Gaza health officials announced Israels bombardment had killed 133 people in the past 24 hours alone, bringing the total to 28,473 killed and 68,146 wounded since October. Israel's military said its forces had killed dozens of Palestinian fighters in clashes in southern and central Gaza over the last 24 hours. Smoke rises during an Israeli ground operation in Khan Younis (Reuters) There are now concerns about the displaced families, medics and patients who had been sheltering in Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. Mr Serr said in voice notes shared with The Independent that Israels attacks around the hospital had intensified over the last few days and that those who tried to leave the complex even after the evacuation order had been shot. Shooting and bombing have continued [for] three days in the hospital zone, the surrounding streets They bombed a warehouse inside the hospital which is a storage building. Most of the medical supplies have been burned, he said. Although [Israel] announced that people should evacuate the hospital through a secure way, they shot three civilians in front of the gates of the hospital. One has a bullet to his abdomen, two other people were shot in their upper arms. The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that the US is investigating several airstrikes in Gaza that killed civilians and possible use of white phosphorus in Lebanon by Israel. The Israeli military has previously denied using white phosphorus unlawfully. In northern Israel, a rocket attack wounded at least eight people on Wednesday when one of the projectiles hit a home in the town of Safed. The attack killed an Israeli woman in a barrage that also hit a military base and wounded several people, an Israeli government spokesperson said. Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon in response, killing four people, including a Syrian woman and her two Lebanese children, and wounding at least nine, local media said. Elsewhere, the prime ministers of Spain and Ireland have asked the European Commission to urgently review whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza. The two leaders, who along with Belgiums Alexander De Croo have been Europes most outspoken about Israeli operations in Gaza since the five-month conflict began, said attacking Rafah posed a grave and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront. Close Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters rally outside Downing Street For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least four patients in intensive care died because their oxygen supply was cut off when Israeli troops stormed Gazas main hospital, according to the doctors. Israeli special forces have stormed the last major hospital in southern Gaza, with the military saying it is a limited operation to seeking the remains of hostages taken by Hamas. The raid came a day after the army sought to evacuate thousands of displaced people who had taken shelter at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The southern city has been the main target of Israel's offensive against Hamas in recent weeks. The military said it had "credible intelligence" that Hamas had held hostages at the hospital and that the remains of hostages might still be inside. This comes after the UN warned that an Israeli ground invasion into Rafah could lead to slaughter as more tha one million Palestinians shelter there. UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said Benjamin Netanyahus planned offensive could leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at deaths door. Palestinians inspect the damage to buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah (AP) More than a million people in Rafah are "staring death in the face" as an Israeli assault looms, a senior United Nations official has warned. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said a strike on Gaza's southernmost city could lead to a "slaughter". Palestinians in the besieged enclave are already suffering an "assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope" and the consequences of an invasion of Rafah would be "catastrophic", he added. In an unusually firm statement, Mr Griffiths said civilians in Rafah had little access to food or medicine and an invasion of the city would "leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at death's door". Rafah, which had a pre-war population of about 300,000, teems with homeless people living in tent camps and makeshift shelters who have fled from bombardments in other areas of the territory during more than four months of war. It comes as Gaza truce talks involving the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued Hamas fighters are hiding in the city and the country must defeat them. The Tel Aviv Government says it wants to flush out Hamas militants from hideouts in Rafah and free Israeli hostages being held there. Its military is making plans to evacuate Palestinian civilians. But no plan has been forthcoming and aid agencies say the displaced have nowhere else to go in the shattered territory. Israeli tanks shelled the eastern sector of Rafah overnight, causing waves of panic, residents said. A spokesperson for UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres told the BBC that the UN had not received any Rafah evacuation plans from Israel and would not participate in "any forced displacement of people". 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 }} Authorities in Iran sentenced an uncle of Mahsa Amini to more than five years in prison for anti-government comments during protests following his Iranian-Kurdish niece's death in 2022. Amini's death in police custody in 2022 sparked nationwide protests that rocked the Islamic Republic and led to the killing of more than 500 people. Safa Aeli, 30, was handed a five year and four-month-long sentence in prison by the revolutionary court in north-western Iran's Saqez town on charges of "participation in a gathering and conspiracy against internal security", "propaganda against the system" and "insulting" Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Mr Aeli was previously arrested by security forces in a raid on his home in September 2023, shortly before the first anniversary of Amini's death. He was "brutally assaulted" for 42 days before being released on bail, according to Norway-based Hengaw group. A protest in London against the Islamic Republic in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini (PA Wire) The court also imposed sanctions on Mr Aeli and demanded he produce written documents outlining the biography of a member of the security forces, who was killed during the protests. Mr Aeli was ordered to post a voice message about the work on his social media accounts, the right group said. He has also been asked to report to the Intelligence Office and complete three educational, ethical, and religious courses. Iranian authorities in December 2023 banned members of Amini's family her father and two brothers from traveling to France to receive the EU's top human rights prize on her behalf. Amini was granted the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought posthumously in September last year. The 22-year-old woman died after Iran's morality police arrested her for allegedly violating the countrys strict headscarf law that forced women to cover their hair and entire body. Her death led to massive protests that quickly escalated into calls to overthrow Irans clerical rulers. Iranian women, furious over Amini's death, played a pivotal role in the protests, with some opting to go without their mandatory headscarves. Authorities immediately launched a heavy crackdown, arresting nearly 20,000 people, according to human rights activists in Iran. Iran in December executed a 23-year-old protester with a mental health condition over alleged crimes committed during nationwide demonstrations. Mohammad Ghobadlou was executed on charges of killing a local official and injuring five others after he ran them over in his car during a rally in the town of Parand near the capital of Tehran. 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 17-year-old US citizen was fatally shot by Israeli forces in the West Bank on Saturday, marking the second American teenager killed in the occupied Palestinian territory within recent weeks. Mohammad Ahmad Alkhdour was shot twice in the head near Biddu, a town northwest of Jerusalem, according to family members and Defence for Children International Palestine. Israeli forces reportedly opened fire on a car with Mohammad and a relative inside. The vehicle overturned while attempting to drive to safety, according to Defence for Children. Mohammad was transported by ambulance to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah, where he was pronounced dead around 11pm. His death follows the fatal shooting of another 17-year-old US citizen, Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, roughly 10 miles from Ramallah on 19 January, when an Israeli settler began firing at him and others, followed by fire from the Israeli military, according to accounts from his family and Defence for Children. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said the US is aggressively investigating both incidents. In these cases, when we see reports like this, or we get outreach from families, we engage with the Israeli government on it, he told reporters at the White House on Wednesday following questions from The Independent about the US response to the killings of American children by Israeli forces. There are investigations pending well continue to work that aggressively, he said. We have made clear from the start that the United States is focused on the welfare and wellbeing of American citizens wherever they are, whether its in the West Bank, or Gaza, or Israel or any other country in the region or indeed in the world. That remains the commitment of the president and thats what he will continue to do. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House on 14 February. (AP) Mohammad, a high school senior, is among at least 17 Palestinian children who have been killed in the West Bank since October 7, after Israel launched its siege and ongoing bombardments in Gaza in response to Hamas attacks in Israel that killed 1,200 people. More than 28,000 Palestinians, including more than 12,000 children, have been killed. Decades of systemic impunity has created a situation where Israeli forces shoot to kill without limit, according to a statement from Defence for Children accountability program director Ayed Abu Eqtaish. As Palestinian children are increasingly targets in the West Bank, Israeli forces rules of engagement seemingly allow direct targeting of Palestinian children where no threat exists to justify the use of intentional lethal force. Mohammad, whose family left the US when he was young, was born in Florida. He has three brothers and a sister, his aunt told The Washington Post. Tawfic, the son of Palestinian immigrants, was raised in New Orleans and made a temporary move to the occupied territory, where his father grew up, to be closer to relatives and improve his Arabic before returning to the US for college, according to his family. Amir Abdel Jabbar, whose younger brother Tawfic was fatally shot in the West Bank, comforts their mother, Mona, on 23 January. (AP) At least three American citizens have also been detained by Israel Defence Forces in the West Bank and Gaza in recent weeks. Hashem Alagha, 20, and Borak Alagha, 18, both US citizens from the Chicago area, were among a group of roughly 20 men detained by Israeli forces in Gaza this month. Their father, a Canadian citizen, also was detained, according to family members. Samaher Esmail, a 46-year-old American woman from the New Orleans area, also was arrested in the West Bank by Israel Defense Forces this month for incitement on social media, according to the IDF. Video footage shows her being handcuffed and dragged out of her home during an early-morning raid. She was beaten and denied medication while in custody, according to a statement from her family. In any of these circumstances, whether it be in Israel or elsewhere, we seek consular access, we seek access to the individual and we talk to their family when appropriate, US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters on Tuesday. We try to ensure that detainees or people who are arrested are treated fairly, are treated humanely, have full access to due process, have access to counsel, he added. As is often the case, due to privacy considerations that are just in the law that dont give me any wiggle room at all, Im unable to speak in detail about this. The Independent has requested additional comment and information from a spokesperson for the IDF. Additional reporting by Andrew Feinberg Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hackers in Iran have used the popular AI tool ChatGPT to launch cyber attacks against feminists, researchers have revealed. It is one of several incidents of state-backed actors using the technology in hacking campaigns, with the apps creator OpenAI also naming groups linked to China, North Korea and Russia. A report published on Wednesday said hackers were honing their skills and tricking their targets by using generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, which draw on massive amounts of text to generate human-sounding responses. The Iranian hacking group Crimson Sandstorm used the technology in an attempt to lure prominent feminists to an attacker-built website, according to the report published by researchers at Microsoft, which is one of OpenAIs biggest backers. Microsoft and OpenAI said they were implementing a blanket ban on state-backed hacking groups using its AI products. Independent of whether theres any violation of the law or any violation of terms of service, we just dont want those actors that weve identified that we track and know are threat actors of various kinds we dont want them to have access to this technology, Microsoft Vice President for Customer Security Tom Burt told Reuters in an interview ahead of the reports release. Russian, North Korean and Iranian diplomatic officials didnt immediately return messages seeking comment on the allegations. Chinas US embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said it opposed groundless smears and accusations against China and advocated for the safe, reliable and controllable deployment of AI technology to enhance the common well-being of all mankind. The allegation that state-backed hackers have been caught using AI tools to help boost their spying capabilities is likely to underline concerns about the rapid proliferation of the technology and its potential for abuse. Senior cybersecurity officials in the West have been warning since last year that rogue actors were abusing such tools, although specifics have, until now, been thin on the ground. This is one of the first, if not the first, instances of a AI company coming out and discussing publicly how cybersecurity threat actors use AI technologies, said Bob Rotsted, who leads cybersecurity threat intelligence at OpenAI. OpenAI and Microsoft described the hackers use of their AI tools as early-stage and incremental. Mr Burt said neither had seen cyber spies make any breakthroughs. We really saw them just using this technology like any other user, he said. The report described hacking groups using the large language models differently. Hackers alleged to working on behalf of Russia military spy agency, widely known as the GRU, used the models to research various satellite and radar technologies that may pertain to conventional military operations in Ukraine, Microsoft said. Microsoft said North Korean hackers used the models to generate content that would likely be for use in spear-phishing campaigns against regional experts. Iranian hackers also leaned on the models to write more convincing emails, Microsoft said, at one point using them to draft a message attempting to lure prominent feminists to a booby trapped website. The software giant said Chinese state-backed hackers were also experimenting with large language models, for example to ask questions about rival intelligence agencies, cybersecurity issues, and notable individuals. OpenAI said it will continue to work to imrpove its safety measures, though conceded that hackers will still likely find a way to use its tools. As is the case with many other ecosystems, there are a handful of malicious actors that require sustained attention so that everyone else can continue to enjoy the benefits, the company said. Although we work to minimize potential misuse by such actors, we will not be able to stop every instance. Additional reporting from agencies. Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} An 83-year-old woman was duped out of more than 20,000 by a romance scammer she met while playing Scrabble online, police said. The victim, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, fell for the fraudster, who posed as a 60-year-old American millionaire widower and said he would visit the UK to give her a second chance of love after her husband died a few years earlier. The conman built a connection with the pensioner through the word game before he suggested they move the chat to an external platform where the relationship became more intense and requests for money began. On one occasion he claimed his daughter urgently needed an operation to save her leg and that he did not have access to his bank card to pay a surgeon. Another time, the fraudster said he needed cash to pay his bail after he was arrested in Istanbul, Turkey, on returning from a business trip, and even emailed a fake letter purporting to be from the United Nations, which stated he was a prisoner. The woman sent more than 20,000 over an 18-month period before she suspected she had become a victim of fraud and told her brother, who went on to report the matter to Action Fraud following advice from Greater Manchester Police (GMP). Neither the woman nor her brother are being identified by police. The womans brother said: The scammers are very clever. They target things like online Scrabble because they know this is a place where theyll find older women with a bit of money. And it always goes the same way where the scammer starts off by building a relationship and then claims they havent got access to their bank card and need a bit of money and will pay you back. We knew my sisters behaviour had changed but we found out something was seriously wrong when she came to my wife and I for help. She said Ive been a fool, Ive just been to the bank and Ive been sending money to someone abroad. There have been many different scams in total that we know of targeting my sister, but I think its either all the same person or a group of scammers who are based somewhere in Nigeria. She would ask to speak to him on the phone and there was always an excuse as to why he was unavailable. Hed say Babe, Im travelling or Babe, Im doing this Ill catch you later. And hed never use her name. It was always Babe, Sweetie, Queen or Hunny, because they have so many on the go that they dont want to risk using the wrong name. It makes me really angry because theyve deliberately targeted someone who is elderly and vulnerable Romance fraud victim's brother The victims brother now has power of attorney and supports her bank in investigating suspicious transactions, police said. The scammer, or scammers, have yet to be uncovered. He went on: Everyone should be suspicious if someone they dont know contacts them online. I dread to think what could have happened if my wife and I werent there for my sister. The scammers could have drained her account and left her with nothing. The photos and videos that she received seemed genuine but I found out how to do a reverse image search and was able to show her they were all fake. Everyone should be vigilant online, and I want to emphasise that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon It makes me really angry because theyve deliberately targeted someone who is elderly and vulnerable. But I hope that by speaking out this will help protect other victims. Detective Sergeant Stacey Shannon, of GMPs economic crime unit, said: My staff met (the brother) in December last year as he was giving a talk at a bank and directed him to report to Action Fraud. Unfortunately, his story is far from unique and there are many people who fall victim to such scams. I hope his experience will help other victims realise what is happening to them and encourage them to make a report. Everyone should be vigilant online, and I want to emphasise that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 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 }} Foreign travellers visiting the Indonesian island of Bali will now face a tourist tax of $10 (7.70) per person before they can enter the popular backpacking destination. The 150,000 rupiah levy, effective from today (14 February), has been introduced in a bid to preserve the islands cultural integrity and crack down on a rise in unruly behaviour from visitors. Tourists entering from abroad will have to pay the one-time fee electronically prior to or during their visit to Bali. Domestic Indonesian travellers will be exempted from the tax. Island governor I Wayan Koster said that the tax will be used for the environment, culture and building better quality infrastructure to improve the safety and comfort of those who make the journey to Indonesias most famous island. Over four million foreign tourists flocked to Bali in 2023, according to Balis Central Bureau of Statistics, with Australian visitors the most common arrivals. The Love Bali initiative by the Bali Provincial Government states that the new financial support will help the move towards sustainable green tourism on the island. Efforts and innovations will continue to be made for the maintenance, culture and the natural environment in Bali. There will also continue to be an improvement in the quality of services, they added. The new levy coincides with Indonesias national elections on Wednesday, 14 February. Foreign Office advice urges British travellers to be more vigilant in the weeks before and after the vote, when entering Indonesian holiday destinations. Bali isnt the first holiday giant to tackle the effects of overtourism using entry fees. From spring this year, Italian hotspot Venice will charge daytrippers 5 (4.26) to enter the historic canalside centre using a ticketing system to limit the numbers pouring in. Plans will initially be implemented as a 30-day trial and there will be exemptions for commuters, students and tourists who stay in the city overnight. 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 }} More than 100 passengers were left in limbo after a pilot refused to fly - due to a smelly plane. Passengers on the Easyjet flight from Birmingham to Geneva last Wednesday evening were told to get off the aircraft after boarding because the pilot had detected an unidentified funny smell near the rear of the cabin. The flight, which was due to take off only minutes later, was unofficially cancelled by the pilot on Birmingham Airports tarmac. Passengers, some with young children and babies, were left for up to five hours before being told they were heading to a hotel. The unidentified smell, which according to the pilot was chemical in nature, was initially investigated by ground crew. It is understood that the pilot was the only member of crew known to be able to smell the curious odour, but decided to cancel the flight as a safety precaution A total of 106 passengers were then asked to go back into the terminal at 7:40pm, and await further instructions on the flight, with the pilot saying over the tannoy that the bad news is I do not think well be flying tonight. Passengers said Easyjet representatives and crew went home once the flight was grounded, leaving a third party company, airport ground handling firm Swissport, to organise passengers welfare. Children exhausted by the wait for an update on the cancelled EasyJet flight sleep at a breakfast restaurant (Tim Clark / SWNS) One passenger said: I asked if I should get my children some food, and the representative simply said, Go out and wait for twenty minutes until there is an update. That was at 8pm. They said: We waited an hour but heard nothing, then the flight simply disappeared from the departure information screen at Birmingham airport. I only knew that the flight had officially been cancelled when I asked another passenger who was leaving the seating area what was happening, and he told me it was cancelled. Problems got worse for passengers after some had difficulty proving they were even on the flight as the Easyjet app deleted their boarding passes once the flight was cancelled, and they were initially stopped from collecting their own baggage. Other passengers didnt know they had been rebooked on the flight the following morning. The passenger continued: My kids are going to have four, maybe five hours of sleep at the start of a holiday because no-one has been around to help them. Commenting on the situation one member of airport staff said: I would be fuming if this was me. Kristin Beattie, 57, from Loughborough, had to book her husband a last-minute hotel in Geneva after he had driven 110 miles from the French ski resort to collect her, only to find that she wouldnt be arriving. She said: I was getting picked up in Geneva by someone whos driven from Orelle, so Ive had to book him a hotel in Geneva. I was only staying until Sunday so a whole day of our holiday has gone. It was past 9pm and the information board still said We will update you at 8 30pm. Sitting on the plane they were very quick at telling you whats going on and how we were not going anywhere, and at quarter past ten we were still stuck at the check-in desks at departures. Weve been sitting here like mugs. I wanted to just book a hotel, which I could have done hours ago, but they may never pay you back. Another group travelling to the ski resort of La Clusaz said their airport transfer had charged them as a no show for not being able to travel. And that they had to look at alternative transport. Anxious passengers queue at Birmingham airport at 11pm (Tim Clark / SWNS) They said: The taxi firm in France told us it would be an expensive night [for passengers] because of all the cancellations. Others had been charged for accommodation in Geneva they couldnt check into because they were not there. According to the Civil Aviation Authority airlines have a legal responsibility to provide food, water and accommodation to passengers if their flight is delayed. Passengers whose flight is cancelled can claim compensation of up to 220 per passenger for short-haul, and 520 per person for long haul if their flight arrives more than two hours after its initial arrival time. A representative from Swissport, who didnt wish to be identified, said they were aware that the flight had been cancelled at around 7:30pm, but couldnt do anything for almost four hours as they had to wait for emails before being able to book hotel rooms. I have had the same information as passengers from the Easyjet app, they admitted. Easyjet are not here in the airport, we dont have Easyjet representatives. Easyjet deal with everything [passenger related] themselves, it will be an Easyjet issue. Easyjet has been contacted for comment. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Flight attendants went on strike across the US on Tuesday in a protest over pay and for better working conditions in fairer contracts. The flight attendants, represented by various unions and across 24 airlines, are taking part in what has been dubbed World Flight Attendance Day of Action with airports in the UK and Guam also affected. The Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) called the protest historic in a news release. The union said 100,000 flight attendants are currently in contract negotiations. The effort came about due to their working conditions and pay having been eroded by operational issues and the rising cost of living after the pandemic. They are arguing that airlines can afford fair deals and are flying more than ever before, so flight attendants are demanding a fair share of the profits for their hard work. Pilots from major airlines have successfully been able to receive new labour deals, including pay rises, according to Reuters. The AFA also said that the importance of flight attendants work has recently been recognised in horrific incidents such as Japan Airlines Flight 516 or Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, yet the attendants do life-saving work every day, from medical emergencies, de-escalating conflict to fire flighting, the release said. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants (AFPA), another union involved, said on X that A landmark collective representing the largest number of flight attendants in the history of aviation will unite to demand better pay and working conditions for flight attendants everywhere, with informational pickets in more than 30 cities. The protesters are also seeking retirement security, flexibility and the end of legacy sexism that has devalued their jobs for years. Like every other worker around the world, we need to go to work to live, not just live to work, the event description said. They also added that more than two-thirds of flight attendants from major airlines in the US are currently in contract negotiations surrounding their demands. It has been a long-standing practice that flight attendants are pot paid until those airplane doors are shut, pointed out NPR. We have a lot of time in our days that we are unpaid, says Julie Hedrick, a flight attendant for American Airlines and president of the APFA. Its our most chaotic and the hardest time in our day, and we can have four to five boardings per day. However, some airlines argue the contrary, such as Alaska Airlines, who pays their attendants for boarding time through a pay mechanism, or Delta, who gives the attendants half their hourly rate, according to the outlet. Back in August 2023, American Airlines flight attendants represented by the AFPA voted a overwhelming 99.4 per cent to authorise a strike if they needed to. Our CEOs are taking millions in bonuses while we sit here without wage increases for five years. Its time for that to change. Its time for our flight attendants to get the contracts that they deserve, Ms Hedrick said to NBCDFW. 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 }} Train drivers at five rail operators have voted to continue taking strike action for six months in the long-running dispute over pay and conditions. Aslef says its members on Chiltern, C2C, East Midlands, Northern and TransPennine railways had overwhelmingly backed carrying on with action, which began in July 2022. Unions involved in disputes have to reballot their members every six months on continuing with industrial action. The train drivers are in dispute with all 14 train operating companies [TOCs] controlled by the UK government and represented by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG). No progress has been made since an offer was made, and immediately rejected, in April 2023. It offered a modest pay increase contingent on wide-ranging reforms to working practices. In the latest ballots, the lowest percentage in favour of more strikes was 89.4 per cent at C2C, which links London with south Essex. All the rest were above 90 per cent. In terms of all eligible members, the highest majority in favour of strikes were at the north of England operators, Northern (72 per cent) and TransPennine Express (73 per cent). Both are run by the government. C2C had the lowest proportion, at 63 per cent. Announcing the voting figures, Mick Whelan, general secretary of Aslef said: These results show yet again a clear rejection by train drivers of the ridiculous offer put to us in April last year by the Rail Delivery Group on behalf of the train operating companies with whom we are in dispute. The RDG knew the offer would be rejected because we had told them that a land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years would be unacceptable. Since then our members have voted, time and again, for strikes. Thats why Mark Harper, the transport secretary, is being disingenuous when he says that offer should have been put to members. Drivers obviously wouldnt vote for industrial action, again and again and again, if they thought that was a good offer. They dont. That offer was dead in the water in April last year and I think Mr Harper knows that. But Mr Whelan offered an olive branch of sorts to ministers and the employers, saying: We remain open and willing, as ever, to talk about a revised offer. Thats why we are asking the secretary of state for transport, or the rail minister Huw Merriman, to come and meet us. Mr Harper hasnt seen fit to talk to us since December 2022; Mr Merriman has not been in the room with us since January 2023; and the RDG has not talked to us since April last year. Today we are saying, clearly, to Mr Harper, Mr Merriman, the RDG and the TOCs: come and talk to us. Lets sit around the table and negotiate. You dont want any more strikes, and we do not want to be forced to take any more industrial action, although we have the renewed mandates to do just that. A spokesperson for Rail Delivery Group said: We want to give our people a pay rise, but the Aslef leadership need to recognise that in an industry where taxpayers are continuing to contribute an extra 54m a week to keep services running post-Covid, any pay rise must be fair and sustainable. Instead of staging more damaging industrial action which will continue to result in huge disruption for our customers and staff, we call on the Aslef leadership to work with us to resolve this dispute and deliver a fair deal which makes the changes needed to make services more reliable and punctual and secure a bright, long-term future for our people. The Independent has asked the Department for Transport for a response to the Aslef announcement. Since national rail strikes began in the summer of 2022, hundreds of millions of journeys have been cancelled. Billions of pounds have been lost to the UK economy, particularly hospitality businesses and taxpayers are subsidising an increasingly decrepit and unreliable railway to the tune of 90 per second on top of the normal public funding. In a snap social media poll for The Independent, with 2,142 responses, one in three passengers say they will permanently travel less after the industrial action finally ends. Queen Camilla admired a painting of her step-granddaughter Princess Charlotte as she attended an art gallery in London on Wednesday (14 February). The Queen visited Kindred Studios Shepherds Bush pop-up hub, where she admired a painting of Princess Charlotte, created by artist Mercedes Carbonell. Looking closely at the painting, the 76-year-old monarch declared: I think I recognise her. Ms Carbonell created her version of a photograph released to mark the young royal's second birthday in 2017. The Queen also met with other London artists, from painters and ceramicists to textiles and fashion designers. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has defended Joe Biden amid criticism over his age ahead of this years presidential election. Speaking to CNN on Tuesday 13 February, Ms Ocasio-Cortez pointed out that rival Donald Trump is 77 years old himself, and is facing 91 felony charges in four different cases. I know who Im going to choose. Its going to be one of the most successful presidents in modern American history, AOC said, throwing her support behind Mr Biden, 81. Hopefully he will be re-elected as president of the United States. Throughout all of human history, written language has only been independently invented a handful of times, including in Mesopotamia, Egypt and China. Now, new research has revealed that one more civilization located on Easter Island may have also accomplished this rare breakthrough, according to a study published on Feb. 2 in the journal Scientific Reports. Located about 2,300 miles off the coast of Chile, the island, officially known as Rapa Nui, was first settled around 1,000 years ago. But it was not discovered by the outside world until the 1720s, when European sailors first came ashore, triggering attacks on the local population that contributed to their demise. While the island became famous for its towering Moai statues, its indigenous inhabitants also had their own system of writing composed of pictorial signs, including animals, plants and heavenly bodies. The glyphs differ from any known script and, even in terms of inventory, they have no close parallels, researchers said. The obscure language called Rongorongo has remained shrouded in mystery and undeciphered to this day. In fact, only 27 wooden tablets remain that contain these images. Only two of them have ever been dated, revealing they were likely created after the European conquest of the island making it impossible to know whether their language developed on its own. Intent on clarifying the age of the language, researchers radiocarbon-dated four wooden tablets preserved at a religious center in Rome. While three of them only dated back a couple hundred years, one known as tablet D originated between 1493 and 1509 A.D. Such an early age was not expected, researchers said. And it shows that the date of the wood was some centuries earlier than the arrival of the Europeans in the 1720s. The wood it was carved on was not indigenous to the island, though, indicating it may have been a discarded part of a European ship, researchers said. This could mean that, though the tablet itself is old, the writing is much newer. Story continues However, its also possible the writing was inscribed prior to the European conquest of the island, making it rare indeed. If Tablet Ds exceptional age indicates that the local population of Rapa Nui could have invented a writing system without influence or input from external agents, Rongorongo could represent one of the few independent inventions of writing in human history, researchers said. This could add a layer of complexity to the narrative of the cultural and historical development of the Rapa Nui inhabitants. Famed London museum sat atop 1,200-year-old settlement hidden until now. See it Armored river creature looks like it has a mask. See the iridescent new species Venomous 2-foot-long creature found lurking in Ecuador. See the dazzling new species The White House is aggressively investigating after two teenage US citizens were killed in the West Bank in recent weeks. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said America is engaged with the Israeli government following the deaths. The United States is focused on the welfare and wellbeing of American citizens, wherever they are - in the West Bank, Gaza, or Israel, Mr Sullivan said on Wednesday 14 February. Human rights group Defence for Children International confirmed the death of a 17-year-old Palestinian-American in the West Bank on Saturday 10 February. His death comes just weeks after the killing of Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, another 17-year-old American. CCTV captures the moment a gang smashed a car into a vape shop before making off with goods in Colorado. Authorities in Wheat Ridge are appealing for information after the incident. Early Wednesday morning, 7 February, three suspects took a dark blue Hyundai sedan and smashed it into a vape shop, Wheat Ridge Police Department wrote, sharing the video on social media. Surveillance from the scene and cell phone video from a witness shows two male suspects shuffling dozens of items from the store into the trunk, as the getaway driver adjusts the car. It takes the suspects less than five minutes to grab everything, and leave. A Chicago doctor has described the heartbreaking scenes he saw treating young children sheltering in Rafah, southern Gaza. Dr John Kahler, a retired pediatrician, travelled to Palestine on a medical trip, where he says he saw families of 10 to 20 people living in one tent and had talked to families "where their child hadn't eaten in two days." Israel has vowed to press on with a ground invasion into the city where around 1.5million Palestinians live. It comes after the area was hit by airstrikes earlier this week, with up to 67 Palestinians killed and at two Israeli hostages rescued, according to the Gazan health ministry. Veritas Communications announced that it would cease operations by the end of this year, resulting in the closure of seven Veritas shops around the country Last week, Veritas Communications announced that it would cease operations by the end of this year, resulting in the closure of seven Veritas shops around the country with the loss of up to 80 jobs. The most recent accounts for Veritas Communications reveal that the Irish Hierarchy made a bid last year to prop up the loss-making religious publisher. The Irish Hierarchy made its intervention after a sharp downturn in fortunes for Veritas Communications. The firm recorded post-tax losses of 224,868 in 2022 after recording a post-tax profit of 252,259 for 2021 a negative swing of 477,127. In a note attached to the Veritas Communications accounts it states that subsequent to the year end of 2022 and prior to the approval of these financial statements, the group was in receipt of short-term funding from the Irish Hierarchy totalling 400,000. The note stated that the Veritas Communications Group prepared financial projections covering the period to June 2024 and the projections are based on assumptions which included improved revenues, improved working capital management allowing for business seasonality and continuing financial support from the Irish Hierarchy. The directors state that the going concern basis is appropriate based on the underlying assumptions and in addition, they have considered the continuing support from the Irish Hierarchy, which has been evidenced by the receipt of the additional short-term funding in 2023. The directors stated that they were satisfied that the group will have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities as they fall due. However, last Friday chair of the board of Veritas Chris Queenan said the decision to cease operations had been taken to commence an orderly wind down following a strategic review. Separate 2022 accounts for the financial arm of the Irish Hierarchy, the Hierarchy General Purposes Trust (HGPT), state that the 400,000 loan plus interest to Veritas was to be repaid no later than September 2023. The HGPT accounts show that Veritas Communication already owed the HGPT 625,584 at the end of 2022. At the end of 2022, the HGPTs total funds amounted to 5.24m. Businessman files proceedings over 30m investment in Irish properties A Chinese businessman has launched High Court proceedings over a 30m investment in Irish properties, including the luxury Fota Island Resort in Cork, claiming conspiracy to defraud. Yuzhu Kangs counsel Declan McGrath SC, instructed by Taylor Wessing solicitors, told the court the central matter in controversy in the complex case is who funded the purchase of several properties including the Cork resort, the Kingsley Hotel in Cork city centre and other properties. The case before Mr Justice Max Barrett is set to last 12 weeks. Yuzhu Kang, from Hebei province in China and now living in Dublin, has sued businesswoman Xiu Xiang Kelly, who is also from the Hebei region but who lives at Fota Island Resort, Cork, and her son Tuo Du of the same address. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 14th Mr Kang has also sued three companies Xiu Lan Holdings Ltd and Lan Sideriver Investment Holdings Ltd, both with offices at Ballincollig, Co Cork, and Allied Express International Development Ltd, with registered offices in Hong Kong. In the proceedings, Mr Kang has claimed he agreed in 2013 to purchase Fota Island Resort which was being sold on the instructions of Nama. He says with the assistance of Ms Kelly the company Xiu Lan Holdings was incorporated to hold the investment. Mr Kang was the 100pc shareholder. In the three years that followed he says he made several further property acquisitions in Ireland, including the Kingsley Hotel in Cork City, and the majority of the properties were acquired and are held by subsidiaries direct or indirect of the Holdings company. At issue in the case is the alleged transfer of shares in the years that followed and Mr Kang has claimed it formed part of an alleged conspiracy to defraud him. All of the claims are denied. It is contended by the other side that Mr Kang is in financial difficulty and that freezing orders had allegedly been issued in China against some of his assets. It is further contended that Mr Kang allegedly fled China in 2019 to allegedly escape both the Chinese authorities and his alleged creditors. Mr Kang has vehemently denied these allegations and labelled them as gratuitous, scandalous, vexatious and irrelevant to the matters in dispute and has contended the claims have been calculated to embarrass him. He said he left China in 2019 and denies he fled or that his departure from China was due to any need to escape the Chinese authorities or any creditors. He has said there is no legal impediment to him returning to China but he has remained in Ireland with a view to pursuing the proceedings. He also says he continues to own assets of significant value in China. Ms Kelly has further contended that she effected the purchase of the Fota Island Resort in 2013 using monies belonging to her and that she has at all times been the beneficial owner of the luxury resort. It is claimed that Ms Kelly was anxious not to be identified with the proposed purchase of Fota Island Resort and that she used Mr Kangs name as a front for her. She claims that Mr Kang was aware and consented to his then commercial profile being adopted in the context of the Fota purchase and she was the preferred bidder. She also claims the purchase money paid in respect of Fota was funded by herself and her son and third parties but not Mr Kang. The case continues. Operations at the mine in Co Meath have been suspended since last year Trade union Unite has accused Tara Mines owner Boliden of megaphone bullying after the group chief executive warned last week that the operation in Co Meath could be closed permanently if it cant become profitable. This week, trade union Siptu also criticised the comments by Boliden CEO Mikael Staffas. Tara Mines which was one of the biggest operational zinc mines in the world has been under care and maintenance since last year. Operations were suspended as the mine became unprofitable amid a fall in global zinc prices and high energy costs. Preliminary results show that Tara Mines made a 65m loss in 2023. It is costing Boliden 1m a week to keep the mine in stasis while negotiations with unions continue with a hope to restarting activity at the site. Mr Staffas was asked at a results briefing in Sweden last week if the group has a deadline for closing the mine if it cant be reopened on a profitable basis. Not formally, he said. Of course, at some stage if we dont think we can get anywhere so we can get it profitable we have to close it, but what [the] exact timing is around that is relatively open. Unite regional officer Brian Hewitt described Mr Staffas comments as a new low in what he claimed was a bullying approach adopted by the company since last year. It is becoming increasingly clear that the ongoing suspension of operations at the mine has been dictated by a desire to undermine workers terms and conditions, rather than any immediate external factors such as energy costs, which are falling, or the price of zinc which is projected to start rising, claimed Mr Hewitt. Now Bolidens management is resorting to threats in an attempt to force workers to accept their cost-cutting agenda and tear up previously negotiated agreements surrounding redundancies, he added. Last month, Tara Mines unveiled a rescue plan to staff that will involve slashing about a third of the 600 jobs at the site and a huge initial reduction in the amount of ore the mine extracts every year. The mines management have warned that difficult decisions must be made to secure its future. We remain in discussions with the group of unions and continue to work towards achieving an agreement, said Tara Mines general manager Gunnar Nystrom last week. Directors blame supply chain issues and a decrease in the level of turnover for losses. Photo: Julien Behal The directors for the Begleys Fresh Produce business have blamed supply chain issues and a dip in revenues to 42.49m for the business recording pre-tax losses of 541,132 in 2022. Recently filed accounts by the Begley family-led Terway UC show that the fruit and vegetable selling and distribution business recorded the 2022 pre-tax losses after enjoying pre-tax profits of 145,407 in the previous year a negative swing of 686,539. The losses for 2022 for the Dublin-based business followed revenues declining by 8pc from 46m to 42.49m in 2022. Terway UC is a joint venture between Fountain Capital and the Begley-owned Simply Fresh Ltd. The directors said that they are disappointed with the performance during the year. They said that the loss in the period is attributed to both supply chain issues and an overall decrease in the level of turnover. They added that future plans are for a return to profitability. The business has operated from a purpose-built, temperature-controlled depot at Kilshane Cross since 2015 along with several other sites across Dublin and Ireland where the business grows and farms over 1,000 acres of vegetables and salads. The firm has established business relations with growers across Ireland for more than 30 years which provides a route to market for a high volume of Irish-grown produce. A breakdown of revenues show that 41.34m was generated in the Republic with 1.14m made in Northern Ireland. Numbers directly employed in 2022 declined from 82 to 66 as employment costs increased from 3.19m to 3.2m. The directors who served during 2022 are listed as Gregory Begley, Mary Begley and Alan Green, and aggregate pay to directors and connected persons who were key management personnel in 2022 declined by just over 20,000 to 319,467 made up of 209,467 in emoluments, 100,000 in connected party remuneration and 10,000 in pension costs. The directors report confirms that Mr Green resigned in December 2022 while Andrew Kelliher was appointed in March last year. At the end of 2022, the firms shareholder funds totalled 1.23m while cash funds increased from 753,378 to 1.04m. The firm recorded a gross profit of 4.49m after cost of sales totalled 37.99m. Distribution costs of 2.96m combined with administrative expenses of 2.07m resulted in an operating loss of 541,020. The Dublin-based startup will see its silicone nipple sensor technology enter Irish shops later this year Breastfeeding is recommended in the first six months of a babys life. Image: Coroflo Coroflo, a Dublin-based startup that has developed a breastfeeding monitor, has closed a 2.8m funding round ahead of a market launch. The monitor, Coro, is a silicone nipple shield containing a patented micro-flow measurement process that allows mothers to know how much breastmilk their baby is consuming. The World Health Organisation and the medical community advise women, where possible, to breastfeed for six months because of the health benefits associated with it. But in Europe, just 13pc of mothers reach this target, and other territories such as China and the US are in a similar position. When the reasons why women stop breastfeeding sooner than they want to are examined, one of the main ones cited is not knowing if their baby is getting enough milk, said Rosanne Longmore, CEO of Coroflo. Mothers become concerned and anxious and introduce formula. There is no product in the world that can tell a mother how much milk her baby is getting, until now, she said. Coro can tell a mother if their breastmilk supply is adequate or alert her to seek assistance. Mothers can wear the Coro silicone nipple and, as the baby is being fed, a broad range of consumption and flow data is transmitted to an app on their phone in real time. Coroflo was founded in 2017 by co-founder and CTO Jamie Travers, an electronics engineer with expertise in microflow sensing technologies. Co-founder and chief research officer Dr Helen Barry is the clinical lead, while CEO Rosanne Longmore is a former executive at Davy. To date the company has raised 4.2m in equity funding. This latest round includes veteran tech investor Brian Caulfield and Shemas Eivers of the Boole Syndicate. Ms Longmore said that a number of private well-known investors from the technology and financial sectors, who had backed the business in their seed round, have also followed their money. Coroflo has also received significant backing from the European Innovation Council, with 2.1m received as part of the Horizon 2020 programme. Coroflo has commercial contracts in place with McCabes and McCauley pharmacy chains in the Republic of Ireland and will see its product in stores in the latter half of the year. Ms Longmore said that Coroflo plans to use the latest investment to launch the product, build production and move to a larger office. The social media giant also said it would continue its ban on political ads ahead of European elections in June TikTok says that it will continue its ban on political ads and has set up a dedicated referendum task force as part of its preparations to combat misinformation ahead of the upcoming Irish referendum in March and European elections in June. The social media giant, which has 2m Irish monthly users, also says that it will partner with fact-checkers and direct people to trusted information to battle attempts by bad actors. However, it also said that it would give politicians special treatment for controversial things posted compared to regular users. Deceptive actors do sometimes try to target online platforms during elections, said Kevin Morgan, TikToks head of safety and integrity for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. We report the removals of covert influence networks in our quarterly Community Guidelines Enforcement Reports. In the coming months, we'll also introduce dedicated covert influence operations reports to further increase transparency, accountability, and cross-industry sharing. Mr Morgan did not comment on whether TikTok would directly grade or intervene in individual videos uploaded to the site. However, he said that the social network has more than 6,000 people working on moderating EU language content. Our teams work alongside technology to ensure that we are consistently enforcing our rules to detect and remove misinformation, covert influence operations, and other content and behaviour that can increase during an election period, he said. He said that between July and September of last year, 99pc of all the content removed for election and civic misinformation was taken down before it was reported to TikTok We have specialised misinformation moderators who are given enhanced tools and training to detect and remove violative content, as well as teams on the ground who partner with experts to ensure local context and nuance is reflected in our approach, he said. He also said that TikTok does not allow manipulated, AI-generated content [AIGC] that could be misleading, including AIGC of public figures if it depicts them endorsing a political view. We also require creators to label any realistic AIGC and recently launched a first-of-its-kind tool to help people do this. TikTok is currently under investigation by the Irish Data Protection Commissioner over whether, and the engine to which, it transfers European users personal data to China. 30pc of the European Parliaments 705 MEPs have and use TikTok accounts, the company said. These individuals, as well as other political figures, are given special treatment when it comes to posting more controversial things, compared to non-political users. Accounts belonging to politicians, political parties, governments and news organisations play a unique role in civic discourse, and while we remove their violative content like we do for anyone else, we also apply more nuanced account enforcement policies to protect the public interest, said Mr Morgan of the political exceptions. For example, if such an account were to post content promoting misinformation that could undermine a civic process or contribute to real-world harm during an election period, we may restrict that account from posting content for up to 30 days, in addition to removing the content for breaking our rules. German economy to rebound once reforms take hold, finance minister Christian Lindner says Irelands finance minster Michael McGrath said the resilience of the German economy is not in questionGerman finance minister Christian Lindner said countries should be able to compete on tax within reason and new EU corporate tax rules should be wisely considered German Finance Minister Christian Lindner. Photo: Thomas Koehler/Photothek via Getty Images Sarah Collins Wed 14 Feb 2024 at 03:30 The German economy will bounce back from its current slump, the countrys finance minister has said, a view that has been backed by his Irish counterpart. Actor suffered at hands of her father Ryan ONeal after she won the Academy Award For many actors, an Academy Award is the final frontier. They are often treated as things to be earned through years of glad-handing and hard graft a prize to be yearned after for years, even decades. But not everybody has to wait a lifetime. Just ask Tatum ONeal. It was 50 years ago, in 1974, that ONeal became the youngest ever Oscar winner, for her performance opposite her father Ryan in Peter Bogdanovichs scammers-on-the-road movie Paper Moon. ONeal was just eight when she shot the film, and 10 when she won the award. This was a win that has stood the test of time. The black-and-white Depression-era drama remains one of the most esteemed American films of the 1970s, and is still, to this day, inimitably charming. It soared thanks to ONeal: the young actor delivers the quintessential Hollywood child actor performance, full of pluck and pathos. Her chemistry with her father was lived-in and heartfelt. Offscreen, however, it was a different story The daughter of Ryan and the actor Joanna Moore, ONeal endured a childhood full of parental neglect and outright abuse. Youd think an Oscar nomination would be an indelible moment, a victory to cherish and savour for a lifetime, she wrote in her 2004 memoir A Paper Life. But for me it must have been a trauma instead of a triumph. ONeal described her fathers deep resentment over the acclaim she received, supposedly at his expense. By the time awards season swung around, his jealousy was out of control, she claimed. There were exacerbating factors. Ryan, the late star of Love Story and Bogdanovichs screwball comedy Whats Up Doc?, was in the throes of a drug problem. Once so loving and funny, he had grown crazily moody, ONeal later said. He would allegedly tell her: I just dont like you, Tatum. ONeal says she has no memory of the nominations announcement, though was told by someone else present that her father had socked her upon finding out that she was nominated and he was not. Explaining her inability to remember the incident, ONeal heartbreakingly wrote: For a child already obsessed with losing her father, who was living in terror, believing that his love was ebbing away, that would have been way too painful to process. If Ive blocked it out, its no wonder. At the time of the nominations, ONeal and her father were staying in England, while he was filming his lead role in Stanley Kubricks period masterpiece Barry Lyndon. Amid the announcement, Ryan vented his frustrations to the media, telling British reporters that his daughter was lazy by nature and had taken over the picture. When she went back to the US for Oscar night, he did not accompany her. Returning to the States for the ceremony alone, shaky and sad I felt like Little Orphan Annie, ONeal later wrote, remembering the night itself with some misgivings. To onlookers, however, the scene was a fairytale. At the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on Oscar night, ONeal was adorable and innocent-seeming, suited in a custom tuxedo (in imitation of Bianca Jagger, the wife of Mick Jagger with whom her father was having an affair at the time). When ONeal went up to accept the trophy, she hadnt prepared a speech. She ended up saying: All I really want to thank is my director, Peter Bogdanovich, and my father. Thank you. After the ceremony, she received an uncharacteristically affirming phone call from her father, who went on to display the statuette on his mantle. It was as if he suddenly saw there was cache in having an Academy Award-winning daughter, ONeal said, adding that he would routinely seek to take credit for the victory. Her reflections on the Oscar win are profoundly sad, including the claim the achievement failed to provoke any fanfare from anyone who mattered to me The feeling I associate most with winning the Oscar is an overwhelming sadness at being abandoned by my parents both of them, for my mother remained silent one more time, she wrote. The years that followed were bleak and chaotic, marked by more parental abuse and neglect. (This is all per ONeals account of things, Ryan described the allegations of abuse in his daughters book as malicious lies.) She was sexually abused by other adults as a child, and attempted to take her own life three times. She and her brother Griffin developed serious addiction issues of their own. One notorious low point saw Ryan make a pass at his daughter while at the funeral of his long-time partner, Charlies Angels actor Farah Fawcett. ONeal had been estranged from her father at the time, and he said he didnt recognise her. Subsequently, the pair were able to repair their relationship. In 2020, ONeal overdosed and suffered a major stroke, nearly dying. Ryan died in December 2023 of congestive heart failure. Its easy to forget, amid the tragedy, injustice and brutal horror of her life, the sheer magic that ONeal was able to cast on screen. Despite everything, Paper Moon does endure as a celebration of a childs prodigious talent. But nothing could possibly have been worth the cost. Loss of the Irelands Nitrates Derogation could cost the economy 1bn, ICMSA warns ICMSA warns that a reduction to 170kg would be an absolute disaster for the individual farmers concerned. Dairy farmers availing of a Nitrates Derogation could be facing having to cut their herds by up to 57pc, the ICMSA has warned, if the Nitrates Derogation is removed. It also said a total loss of Irelands Nitrates Derogation could cost the economy 1bn annually, with 500m of this at farm level. The estimate, based on a number of assumptions, suggests that the huge loss will come in the case that the average dairy farmer over 170kg of N/ha has to reduce by 30pc. However, this figure is likely to significantly underestimate the impact as it does not take account of the numbers of farmers who will cease production as a result of the change nor the direct and indirect losses in the wider rural economy, ICMSA President Denis Drennan told an Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture today. Put very simply, 170kg of N/ha would completely undermine the foundations of the Irish dairy sector, one of our largest, most progressive and sustainable indigenous sectors. The impact would not only be on the dairy sector as land availability and competition for land would put severe pressure on other sectors and indeed, would undermine many of the Governments own commitments on land use. ICMSA warns that a reduction to 170kg would be an absolute disaster for the individual farmers concerned with a reduction in herd size of up to 57pc. With the average farm size in Ireland approximately 30ha, it is clear that the average farm unit would no longer be able to generate a viable income, completely undermining Irelands model of family farms, Mr Drennan said. ICMSA said it believes that it is possible to maintain the Nitrates Derogation and ensure improvements in water quality. The agri-catchments Programme in particular, the Timoleague catchment has shown that intensification can occur in an area while water quality can also improve, he said. It is quite clear that farmers can farm at 220kg of N and indeed, 250kg of N while water quality can be improved. ICMSA said it believes that a number of measures are required to support and deliver proper engagement with farmers on the Nitrate regulations including; the facilitation of additional slurry storage, tax breaks, increase in ACRES places to 70,000, and further resources for the ASSAP model. Lakeland Dairies has increased its milk price for January supplies by 2.75c/L, the co-ops Board has confirmed. A base price of 38.90c/L will be paid for January milk in the Republic of Ireland. The base price has increased by 1.75c/L including the new 0.5c/L sustainability incentive payment. All suppliers will automatically receive a 1c/L early calving bonus and are also receiving an unconditional 1c/L input support payment to assist farmers with costs during a challenging winter period. Overall, the price has increased by 2.75c/L and the base is now 40.90c/L. Meanwhile, qualifying farmers will also receive a 5c/L out-of-season payment. In Northern Ireland, a base price of 31.75p/L will be paid for milk supplied in January. The base price has increased by 1.5p/L including the new 0.5p/L sustainability incentive payment. All NI suppliers are also automatically receiving the unconditional 1p/L input support payment to give an all-in price increase of 2.5p/L to a base of 32.75p/L. The outlook for the global dairy markets remains tentatively positive after a period of uncertainty at the start of the year, with buyers at the time taking a reserved position, but global milk supply remains muted, a spokesperson for Lakeland Dairies said. As we approach the crucial spring-calving season, indicators are pointing to modest improvements in the dairy markets in the short to medium term with a reasonable balance in the supply and demand dynamic. However, there are geo-political concerns, supply chain disruptions and global economic headwinds to be acutely aware of. Lakeland Dairies will continue to closely monitor the markets in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, Global Dairy Trade is up for the fifth consecutive auction with the average price now at 3,321.62, up 4pc on 16 January. This represents an almost 8pc increase in the index in 2024, with trade having been largely positive since September of 2023. Butter is up 10.3pc, followed by cheddar (+6.3pc), skim milk powder (+4.6pc) and whole milk powder (+3.4pc). Chairperson of the ICMSA Dairy Committee, Noel Murphy, pointed out that Irish milk prices are downright poor by comparison with counterparts for 2023. According to the EDF-ZuivelNL International Milk Price Comparison, the big three Irish milk purchasers included in the analysis have lagged at the bottom of the table for most of 2023. A medical professional bit off the top part of his brothers left ear in a farmyard row "around land, monies and a shed, a court has heard. At Ennis Circuit Court, farmer, Daniel OHalloran (37) said that he been left disfigured by the assault by his older brother, Conor OHalloran (42) at Liscullane, Tulla, Co Clare in May 2021 that resulted in him losing the top part of his left ear. While in the witness box before giving his victim impact evidence, Daniel OHalloran turned his head to allow Judge Francis Comerford see his disfigured left ear up close. "My personality has changed dramatically. I feel like Im filled with anger because of this. My ear is disfigured and I will have to live with it as a constant reminder for the rest of my life of what my brother did," he told the court in his victim impact evidence. He said that on May 5, 2021: my brothers sole purpose was to terrorise me and my mother, first running upstairs to my mothers sick bed and telling her to call the guards that ye are going to need them before setting out in a rage looking for me in the farm-yard. "I have done nothing wrong here. I worked the family farm supporting my siblings financially my whole life and this is the thanks I get." Radiographer at a Dublin hospital, Conor OHalloran has pleaded guilty to the assault causing harm of Daniel OHalloran on May 5th 2021 and in court has offered 10,000 compensation and genuine remorse for the assault on his brother. Counsel for Conor OHalloran, Patrick Whyms BL (instructed by solicitor, Darach McCarthy) said that Conor OHalloran has no previous convictions, has never been in court before this and has been a model citizen apart from this one act. Mr Whyms said that the brothers were once close and are god-fathers to a child of each other. Mr Whyms said that Conor OHalloran has expressed a genuine sense of remorse and regret over his assault on his brother. In evidence, Garda Brian Quinn told the court that when he arrived at the farm-yard scene on May 5th 2021, he entered the farmhouse and saw Daniel OHalloran shirtless and the top part of left ear removed and blood down his face and down his body. Garda Quinn said that colleagues were with Conor O'Halloran of Rosebank, Old Bawn, Tallaght, Dublin 24 in the farm-yard and he was arrested at the scene and replied why am I being arrested and not him?. In a statement to Gardai at the scene Daniel OHalloran said that earlier in the morning, he saw his brother and described him as being in a rage. Daniel OHalloran told Garda Quinn that Conor OHalloran was roaring 'Come out - we will have it' and Conor O'Halloran took off his top and charged at his brother. Daniel OHalloran said that he was knocked to the ground and while on the ground, Conor OHalloran bit off the top of Daniel OHallorans left ear. Daniel OHalloran was brought by ambulance to the A&E at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) and counsel for the State, Lorcan Connolly BL - instructed by State Solicitor, Aisling Casey - said that a medical report confirmed that "trauma to the left ear was consistent with a bite and tissue loss was noted. He was treated and discharged the same day at the A&E and the treatment included a tetanus injection. Photos of the ear injury in the immediate aftermath of the assault were handed into court. Garda Quinn said that relations between the two brothers had deteriorated and there were issues around land, monies and a shed. He said: Matters came to a head that day. Garda Quinn agreed with Mr Whyms that Gardai also observed bite marks on the chest of Conor OHalloran after the fight between the two brothers. Conor OHalloran also received a tetanus injection. Mr Whyms said that Conor OHalloran gave an account where he committed the excessive bite act in response to being restrained around his neck. Gardai Quinn said that if Conor OHalloran was in a headlock he wouldnt be able to bite someones ear. Garda Quinn said that the brothers mother who was at the scene declined to provide a witness statement to the Gardai and Mrs OHalloran has since died. Mr Whyms said that Conor OHalloran works as a radiographer at a Dublin Hospital and is married with children. Mr Whyms said that Conor OHalloran is hopeful that he can reconcile with Daniel but doesnt believe it will happen in the short term. Mr Whyms said that civil proceedings have been issued in the case and his clients plea of guilty means that his client will not be contesting liability in the case. Mr Whyms said that at the time of the assault, Conor OHalloran was also dealing with added stress as he was working long hospital hours in his role as a Covid-19 frontline worker. Daniel OHalloran said that he continued work on the farm after his father died when he was 18 and in his victim impact statement, he said that "I find it difficult to socialise. I used to enjoy going out at the weekends, but not anymore. I feel people are looking at me and talking about me. I find it extremely stressful I can no longer enjoy myself out so I dont bother." Judge Comerford said that what occurred was a serious assault in a persons home and said that he required time to consider matters and adjourned sentencing to next Thursday, February 23 and further remanded Conor OHalloran on bail to that date. Drew Harris told an Oireachtas Committee today that the use of systems such as facial recognition technology was required to tackle serious incidents Biometric software and facial recognition technology would speed up the identification of Dublin riot suspects through 22,000 hours of footage, the Garda Commissioner told a joint Oireachtas Committee today. Drew Harris said that eight Gardai are currently sifting through video content from the riots, attempting to manually track the movement, through different clips, of those initially spotted committing offences in an attempt to spot clues as to their identity. He said that the process was long and laborious and could be shortened by allowing biometric and facial recognition technology to help track the individuals until they were more clearly visible for identification purposes. He was speaking after a 61-year-old man accused of burning out a Luas and tram and throwing missiles at gardai during last Novembers riots was told in a Dublin court today that he could face further charges. The joint Oireachtas session, held to discuss the governments upcoming legislation on face recognition technology and other policing matters, also heard from those with concerns over the expansion of biometric detection technology into more police work. The Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL) and Digital Rights Ireland made submissions which included fears that the legislation wold have gaps over standards and definition of how biometric data could be collected and used by Gardai. However, Commissioner Harris said the use of new technology in more policing categories was essential for more effective policing and drew comparisons to the investigation of child abuse imagery online. He said that a recent case of child sexual abuse material involved a phone with 650,000 images, which led to the identification of 54 separate victims through the use of the technology. What took weeks would [otherwise] literally have taken months to sit and try to work our way through 650,000 images. So it makes a huge difference The application of the software speeds up that process immeasurably. He also said that some murder investigations can involve up to 50,000 individual images. He described the latest editions of biometric and facial recognition technology as accurate, reliable and safe and said that no identification of a suspect would be based on autonomous technology processes involving the technology, but would still be based on human decisions following review of the results. Challenged by the ICCLs Olga Cronin and university Senator Lynn Ruane on the possibility of false results from the technology, the chief information officer of the Garda Siochana, Andrew OSullivan, said that the technology now had a 99pc accuracy rate. Senator Michael McDowell told the hearing that it was unclear in the government bill whether data sources such as photos from passports and public service cards would be matched against the results of facial recognition technology. Gardai seal off wooded area of Dublin park as search intensifies for missing Icelandic man Jon Jonsson Gardai searching for a missing Icelandic man have sealed-off a wooded area of a Dublin park as part of the search efforts. A full examination of the site will be now carried out after gardai were alerted to the area by a cadaver dog. The search is being conducted as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Jon Jonsson (41) who was last seen alive five years ago. He had visited Ireland with his fiancee for a poker tournament and was staying at the Bonnington Hotel on the Swords Road in Whitehall. The last confirmed sighting of Mr Jonsson was in the area at around 11am on February 9, 2019. Yesterday gardai began carrying out searches of Santry Demesne having previously received two anonymous letters about his disappearance. Specialist search teams, assisted by the garda water unit and dog unit, began combing the area located just over 3km from where he was last seen alive. Earlier today a cadaver dog involved in the search alerted gardai to a partly wooded area near the lake in the park. Gardai have not yet recovered anything of significance but a full technical and forensic examination of the site will be carried out. The area has been cordoned-off to facilitate these examinations. Last week gardai renewed their appeal for information about Jon Jonssons disappearance. Investigators at Ballymun have so far generated over 270 lines of inquiry and taken numerous statements while also trawling hours of CCTV footage. Superintendent Darren McCarthy said that during the course of the investigation gardai received two items of anonymous correspondence, the contents of which have been assessed. He also appealed for the author or authors of those correspondences to make direct contact with them, adding that it would be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Jon Jonsson is described as being 6 ft tall and of medium build with short brown hair. When last seen, he was wearing a black padded jacket. Gardai are continuing to appeal for anyone else with information in relation to Mr Jonssons disappearance to contact them. The missing mans brother, David Karl Wiium, last week thanked gardai for carrying out inquiries into the anonymous correspondence. I would really like to underline the importance of what has just been said and how important it is to Jons family that the investigation keeps going on and people with any knowledge stepping forward with any information they might have. He also expressed his thanks on behalf of the family for the help and love they have received from the Irish people over the last five years. Gardai have shared stories of people who fell victim to romance scammers who they warned will steal your heart and then swindle your money this St Valentines Day. Considered the most romantic day of the year, gardai today revealed details of the scale of romance fraud that has resulted in more than 7 million being stolen from victims over the past five years. The majority of the 245 victims who have come forward since 2020, were female and their average financial loss was 28,500. The highest reported loss by a female in Ireland was over 450,000 stolen in 18 transactions, while one male victim had more than 380,000 taken. In just one case recorded last year, a man in his 50s from the east of the country had connected with a female on a dating site who was supposedly living in Asia. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 14th After communicating over the phone, they subsequently agreed to pursue a relationship and began making arrangements for her to travel to Ireland. He initially transferred the cost to cover a Visa, long-haul flight and transfers to the value of 2,100. In total, however, the victim transferred over 36,000 as part of the romance scam. In another case form last year, a woman in her 30s living in the southern region was tricked into handing over 20,000 by who she thought was an online trader she had matched with on a dating app. He added his victim to a messaging app where they spoke for several weeks, and subsequently convinced her to transfer the money via an online bank. Another woman in her 40s from the eastern region, was added on Facebook by a male who claimed to be a doctor based in a war-torn country. After speaking for a number of weeks, the victim was asked for a significant sum of money in order to be able to return home. In total, 26,300 was stolen from this woman. Another woman in her 40s from the same region had spoken for months with a man having exchanged photos after meeting on an online dating site. Soon they were a couple despite her being based in the south-west of Ireland and he living overseas, gardai said. During the course of their online relationship, he claimed that his construction business was failing and he required financial support. In the course of 100 transactions, 35,000 was stolen from this victim. As a result, this Valentines Day, gardai say they are advising the public to beware of romance scams and criminals who are taking advantage of an increase in the popularity of dating apps among those seeking romance. Typically, fraudsters use someone elses photos to set up a fake profile on dating apps and online dating sites to scour through profiles to identify potential victims who they will then target and groom over a sustained period in an effort to extract their money, gardai revealed. Their profile usually depicts a person that has a responsible job but is most often fictitiously based in a location which makes them unable to travel or move freely, and has poor phone network or internet connection i.e. working on an offshore oil rig, an aid worker, a humanitarian doctor or a soldier in a war-torn country. Theyll match or connect on the dating app and quickly encourage their victim to move to a messaging app or email. Theyll say all the right things because they follow prepared scripts. Gardai say their background may seem legit and they will usually claim to have been married and now widowed or divorced, have grown up children and be seeking a platonic relationship, but that is all part of the ploy. The requests for money can start small and in some instances will even be repaid if asked by the lender to build trust. But the fraudster who will have more than one victim at any given time, will demand further increased mounts and before a victim necessarily realises it, theyre being pressured to pay anything from essential medical bills and custom duties, to purchasing flights and Visas. Sometimes the fraud can take the shape of an investment pitch with victims encouraged to invest on the basis that they will make a quick profit. But when the victim starts asking questions, the fraudster will cut contact and block them. Once reported, investigation into these crimes will usually indicate that the victims money has been transferred to a bank account, Crypto account or what is known as a Cold Storage Wallet or a Cold Wallet outside of Ireland. Detective Superintendent Michael Cryan of the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau said a victim will be made believe that they have met their perfect match online, but are in fact being terribly deceived. It becomes a huge invasion of privacy and a breach of trust which can impact your whole view of people and the possibility of romance, but its important to remember that this fraud and it is a crime, Det Super Cryan said. "It is often the case that a victims money is transferred overseas to fund organised criminal activities such as terrorism, human trafficking, people smuggling and even corruption. "An Garda Siochana work closely with both Europol and Interpol to disrupt those involved in fraud of this nature as part of our investigations into romance scams. Gardai have urged people who have previously been or believe that have fallen victim of a romance scam to speak with them at any Garda station. This can very easily happen and no one should feel embarrassed, we are here to help and will treat every report in confidence, gardai added. Micheal Martin Ireland has been leader in response to Israel-Gaza conflict Ireland and Spain are taking today the first European steps towards economic penalties on Israel for its attack on Gaza. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez have written a joint letter to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. They ask the Commission to proposes measures to be taken by the EU if it considers that Israel is in breach of requirements in its association agreement with the 27. The move heaps pressure on Brussels for an agreed response by all member states to Israels war, with Mr Varadkar claiming that country is blinded by rage in pummelling Gaza. Taoiseach Ireland Leo Varadkar (Oliver McVeigh/PA) The two leaders express deep concern at the deteriorating situation and call for an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations under the EU /Israel Association Agreement. The import of a review could lead in time to punitive economic measures against Jerusalem and ratchets up pressure for a ceasefire to be urgently agreed. The two leaders describe expanded Israeli military operation in the Rafah area as posing a grave and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront. Mr Varadkar and Mr Sanchez reiterate their total condemnation of Hamass terrorist attacks of 7 October, and back Israels right to defend itself but insist that this must be in line with international law. In particular they stress humanitarian duties and the strict need to protect civilians who are now crowded into the Rafah enclave in the southern are of the devastated strip. The two men reiterate that an immediate ceasefire is urgently needed to prevent irreversible harm to the people in Gaza. A Palestinian child holds a crying baby as they take shelter in a tent camp in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters They recall the provisional measures adopted by the International Court of Justice in an alleged genocide case brought by South Africa that require Israel to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The pair express their shared view that UNWRA must be allowed to continue its vital work saving lives and addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. People inspect the damage to their homes yesterday following overnight Israeli air strikes in Rafah, Gaza, where 1.4 million internally displaced Palestinians are sheltering. Photo: Ahmad Hasaballah They that EU support to UNWRA must be maintained with the Commissioner General of that UN aid body to the Palestinians, Philippe Lazzarini, due in Dublin today. He will meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin at Iveagh House. Mr Varadkar and Mr Sanchez tell Ms von der Leyen that there is no pathway to achieving urgent, massive and sustained humanitarian assistance to Gaza without UNWRA playing a central role. The Taoiseach said later in the Dail he would be representing the views of the Irish people and his own on what's happening in Israel and Palestine when he travels to the United States next month. "I hope by then there's already a ceasefire," he said. "I pray that there is, but either way, I'll be sharing our views with our friends and colleagues in the US. "I do think it is important to say that the US, Egypt, Qatar are working together on a ceasefire proposal right now. "And I really think it's incumbent on Israel and Hamas to accept the ceasefire proposal that is on the table." In calling for a review of Israels compliance with its obligations under the EU-Israel Association Agreement, they ask the Commission to proposes measures to be taken by the EU if it considers that Israel is in breach. These could amount to economic penalties, including import and export restrictions and the blacklisting of individuals. The USA and UK have already applied sanctions to a handful of Israeli settlers for their actions in the West Bank. The pair also emphasise the need not to lose sight of the pressing need for a political perspective to end the conflict. They say the implementation of the two-State solution is the only way to make sure this cycle of violence does not repeat itself. The EU has a responsibility to take action to make this a reality. Israel blinded by rage and there is now a serious risk of a massacre in Rafah, says Taoiseach Mr Varadkar said: Its very clear to me that Israel doesnt listen to us, doesnt listen to the world, probably doesnt even listen to the Americans anymore Taoiseach Ireland Leo Varadkar (Oliver McVeigh/PA) Grainne Ni Aodha and Hugh O'Connell Tue 13 Feb 2024 at 18:36 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said that Israel has become blinded by rage and is not even listening to the advice of its close ally the United States anymore. Chapito is the son of imprisoned trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who led the Sinaloa Cartel until his extradition to the US in 2017 Kerryman and cartel chief Morris OShea Salazar answered directly to the son of the worlds most notorious narco El Chapo Guzman, the Sunday World has revealed. On May 20, 2020, two Irish Sinaloan gang members met in the Roca del Valles industrial estate in Barcelona, according to police intelligence files. An Irish truck driver handed over 590,000 to the Encrochat user known as breakborder in, what appears to be, one large parcel. These men are trusted to transport cash back to OShea Salazar in payment for the cocaine shipments. Once the money is in the hands of a second driver, he sends three images two of boxed up 50 slabs and one of a cash counting machine to OShea Salazar. The former Killorglin FAS applicant immediately sends the images to his uncle Ricardo Salazar, who at this time is based in Chile. I already have Chapitos money, he wrote. This text provided Spanish investigators with confirmation, which could be used as evidence in a court case, that Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar was at the apex of what they were uncovering. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 14th Chapito which translates as Little Shorty is a Mexican drug lord and the son of imprisoned trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who led the Sinaloa cartel until his extradition to the United States in 2017. The Sinaloa cartel, also known as the Guzman-Zambada Organisation or Blood Alliance, is an international crime syndicate based in the city of Culiacan, Sinaloa. The US Intelligence Community considers the Sinaloa cartel to be the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organisation in the world. According to the National Drug Intelligence Centre, the Sinaloa cartel is primarily involved in the distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cannabis and MDMA. After the arrest of El Chapo and another son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez in 2016 and 2019, the cartel is now headed by old-school leader Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka El Mayo) and Guzmans other sons, Jesus Alfredo Guzman and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar as well as half-brothers Ovidio Guzman Lopez and Joaquin Guzman Lopez. They are commonly referred to as the Chapitos. Morris OSheas uncle Ricardo Salazar, described in the 2020 files as currently in Chile with the purpose of organising the acquisition, storage and shipment of cocaine is understood to be a close relative of the Chapitos mother. Morris O'Shea Salazar They further state his very close relationship with Chapo Guzmans son. One contact, who works as a freight forwarder in the port of Barcelona is of special interest to police as they provide a key service to the Irish Sinaloa crew. Simon is there with you, Ricardo tells his nephew. Do the logistics and give the price where they want it and so on, he says. Who is going to import it here, if you or your friend you are talking to have it or we look for who will import it or how they want to invoice. Although Simon is not the freight forwarder referred to above, this Encrochat indicates the scope of collaborators Morris OShea Salazar acquired as he flooded Ireland with coke. A group of five men attacked Ian Ogle like a pack of hyenas as he stood praying with a pastor close to his east Belfast home, a murder trial heard today. The father-of-two (45) was beaten and stabbed 11 times yards from his Cluan Place home at around 9.20pm on Sunday, January 27, 2019. CCTV of the 30-second attack which claimed Mr Ogles life was played during the first day of a trial into his murder. Three men are standing trial at Belfast Crown Court. Glenn Rainey (37), whose address was given as Ballyhalbert Caravan Park, Walter Alan Ervine (42), from Litchfield Street in Belfast, and Robert Spiers (41), from Millars Park in Dundonald, have all denied the murder charge. Two co-accused Jonathan Brown (38), from Whinney Hill in Dundonald, and Mark Sewell (45), of Glenmount Drive in Newtownabbey pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Ogle earlier this month and were handed life sentences. As the Crown opened its case against Rainey, Ervine and Spiers to Mr Justice McFarland, it emerged that Mr Ogles murder followed a year-plus of tensions in east Belfast between his family and another group of men. A senior prosecutor told the non-jury hearing that an altercation occurred in the Prince Albert Bar on July 1, 2017. This involved Ian Ogle and his son Ryan Johnston on one side and Glenn Rainey, Jonathan Brown and Alan Ervine on the other. Saying this incident resulted in ongoing tensions, the prosecutor revealed that 35 minutes before Ian Ogle was attacked, both he and his son Ryan were involved in an assault on the Beersbridge Road. The father and son got out of a car and attacked Neil Ogle, a cousin of Ian Ogle, as he walked along the Beersbridge Road. Its the Crowns case that this attack on Neil Ogle was by way of a reprisal for the previous incident in the Prince Albert Bar when Neil Ogle failed to intervene on the side of his family. Following this, the Crown barrister spoke of a group being assembled in order to mount the attack on Ian Ogle, which he said included mobile phone activity between Brown, Spiers, Rainey, Sewell and Ervine. Just minutes before the attack, CCTV from a Glider bus on the Albertbridge Road captured a group of five men walking towards Cluan Place. This CCTV footage was played in court, as was footage recorded from a police camera situated at Cluan Place which captured the fatal attack. The Crown barrister said: Ian Ogle was standing near the entrance to Cluan Place. He lived at 4 Cluan Place. He was talking to a local pastor who had stopped to speak to him. Ian Ogle told the pastor that they were on their way. The pastor prayed with him. They were joined by another local man. The pastor then became aware of the group-of-five approaching and saw them attack Ian Ogle like a pack of hyenas, laying into him. He described at least one bat or baton striking Ian Ogle multiple times and, when he went to ground, his head was stamped on repeatedly. Both the pastor and the other man who was present shouted at them to stop and eventually they did. It was apparent that Ian Ogle was seriously injured. His son Ryan Johnston was alerted and the ambulance was called. The prosecutor said the CCTV footage of the attack showed Mr Ogle being punched and kicked before he ended up on the ground. He tried to get back up but was stamped on and kicked for around 30 seconds by the attackers, who then fled in the direction from which they had arrived. A second piece of CCTV taken from same Glider bus stop recorded five men two running and three walking in the moments following the attack. Its the Crowns case that Ervine was captured on this footage carrying a long, brass implement in his left hand while Spiers was carrying an item which the prosecution contend may be a knife. When the paramedics arrived at Cluan Place, they described the scene as crazy. A group of men and women, who were screaming and shouting, were present and Mr Ogle was lying on his back. Telling Mr Justice McFarland it was clear to the paramedic that he [Ian Ogle] was dead, the prosecutor said: The blood was pumping out of him and there were stab wounds to his shoulder. Stab wounds were also observed to his back, but there were too many to count with any accuracy. He was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where life was pronounced extinct at 10.12pm. A post-mortem conducted on January 29, 2019, concluded that Mr Ogle had been stabbed 11 times in the back. He also sustained a fracture to the skull and bruises to his face, head and other parts of the body caused by punches and kicks. Turning to the three accused, the prosecutor spoke of cell site evidence, CCTV footage, DNA evidence, clothing identification and their movements in the aftermath of the murder, all of which will feature in the case against them. It also emerged that the day after the murder, Rainey flew from Dublin Airport to Thailand, while Ervine went to Scotland via the ferry from Larne. Ervine returned on February 3 through Belfast Port and was arrested the next day, while Rainey was apprehended on March 3 at Manchester Airport after arriving from Bangkok. Spiers was arrested two days after the murder at a house in east Belfast. Following their arrests, all three accused were interviewed by police. Rainey gave a no comment response to all questions and in his final interview he denied involvement in the murder. Ervine also gave a no comment interview, while Spiers answered no comment to most questions put to him and also gave a statement denying his involvement. The Crown barrister concluded the opening by saying: The prosecution contend that Rainey, Ervine and Spiers were involved in a joint enterprise to attack Ian Ogle with the intention of causing at least serious harm to him. Four co-accused have pleaded guilty to lesser charges arising from the murder and have been told they will be sentenced at a later date, as will Jonathan Brown and Mark Sewell. The trial continues. An Garda Siochana is not taking the series of arson attacks around the country seriously enough, Green Party TD Patrick Costello has claimed in the Dail. He also criticised Garda Commissioner Drew Harris for a situation in which the State was "not responding" to a clear pattern of burnings. "Despite recent arrests, I suggest we are still not taking them seriously. The Commissioner has spoken about these being one-off, lone wolf or copycat attacks," he said. "His exact words were that there was no guiding hand but there is a clear systemic pattern here where there is a small group of people pointing out new centres which are being prepared for use, and within days, those are set on fire." Inaction has consequences, Mr Costello said. A year ago there was a group of protesters standing outside a Garda station, openly calling for arson to significant cheers and applause from the crowds. "Since then, there have been fires and arson in Buncrana, Sandwith Street, Buncrana again, Ballincollig, Ballybrack, Sherarrd Street, Fermoy, the Holiday Inn off OConnell Street, Finglas, Rosslare, Rosscahill, Ringsend, Sandyford, Lanesborough, Crooksling and Leixlip and there are more which happened before that, he said. There was a systemic issue that "An Garda Siochana is just not facing up to," he said. "The organising behind these attacks, is ultimately a threat to our democracy. It is the same group of people that is assaulting TDs out here (in Kildare Street). "It is the same group of people that is currently targeting International Protection applicants sleeping rough on the streets of Dublin. "It represents a complete breakdown in law and order and it is deeply frustrating, but also deeply dangerous, that An Garda Siochana do not see the pattern." Justice Minister Helen McEntee said however: "I do believe the Garda has responded appropriately. "Many of the people at protests are not the ones who escalate the violence to the point where arson is committed. "I assure the Deputy that the Garda does monitor this type of behaviour. It monitors the protests and what has been said online. However, to have prosecutions, you need a huge amount of evidence." Last year alone, more than 800 protests had been monitored by An Garda Siochana, she said. "While it might not seem like something is happening at the time or on the day, work is done afterwards. "Only last night, I spoke to someone in my constituency with a property that was targeted by individuals who stated online that people would be coming to it seeking international protection. "Gardai came to him and said they saw the information online and that he needed to ensure his property was secure. They said they could support him in doing that." But she added that it is not possible for gardai to "stand outside every single vacant property in the country". She said there are very serious penalties when it comes to arson, with the maximum sentence up to life in prison. Whereas Ms McEntee and the Taoiseach have both previously suggested a term of ten years. "It is very important that we do not in any way suggest gardai or anyone else in this House is responsible for what is happening," she said. The only people responsible were those "planning and carrying out these acts and lighting the matches," she said. Mr Costello said the Commissioner's public statements were suggesting "that it is simply a matter of one-off events". "Furthermore, it is not just a question of the person who lights the match. Our criminal law provides that anyone who aids, abets, counsels or procures is an accomplice and is as guilty as the principal offender, he said. "We have seen plenty of incitement that has gone utterly unpunished. He added: "I do not believe, based on the Commissioner's public statements, that he is taking the matter seriously." Ms McEntee suggested the Commissioner "was referring in his statements to the fact that we cannot link every attack to the same group of people or individuals". She added: "The Deputy should be reassured that gardai are taking this as seriously as necessary." Hotels who take in Ukrainian refugees shouldnt be able to close their services, like restaurants or cafes, to the rest of the public, a Fianna Fail meeting was told tonight. Roscommon Senator Eugene Murphy said hotels should keep any services they provide to the public in operation even if they take in refugees during a debate on immigration at the private parliamentary party meeting tonight. This condition should be included as part of any Government grant or public money they receive, he said. Politicians have previously privately criticised hotels who close amenities to the public once they accommodate refugees. Mullingar TD Robert Troy told colleagues there is a need for a streamlined asylum seeker process. He said immigration is having an impact on communities and tourism and there is a need for further supports as Irish people have been very generous to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. Equality Minister Roderic OGorman was criticised by Galway TD Eamon OCuiv, who said he had difficulties in getting information from not just the minister but other Green ministers. TDs Jim OCallaghan and James OConnor, as well as Donegal Senator Niall Blaney, also spoke on the issue. Politicians at the meeting emphasised that any migrants coming in who need help should be helped. Ukrainian children should be accepted into rural schools, the meeting heard. This was the first dedicated debate on immigration held by party colleagues and it is set to continue at next weeks parliamentary party meeting. Tanaiste Micheal Martin will meet with the Head of UNWRA, Philippe Lazzarini on Thursday. Mr Martin has repeatedly called for funding to the UN body to be restored by a number of countries which have pulled it, including the US and the UK. Mr Martin also issued a rallying call to all Fianna Fail Ministers, TDs and Senators, saying they had to go full tilt on canvassing and be out knocking on doors as much as possible in light of the looming referendums, local and European elections. He said the party had to get out on the doorsteps. We are in election mode now. He was insistent on it. Very strong, more or less insisting we had to get out, said one source. "Thanks very much Deputy - and Happy Valentine's Day." Leo Varadkar says to Mary Lou The Taoiseach is standing like "a deer in the headlights" by failing to reform the TV licence, according to Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald. Ms McDonald said the Government should end the merry-go-round of delay and dither ahead of an appearance before an Oireachtas committee of RTE executives this afternoon. Ms McDonald accused highly-paid RTE bosses of arrogance - and said they were unaccountable for losing millions, while thousand of people were being summoned before the courts for non-payment of their 160 licence fee. The Taoiseach replied: "Thanks very much Deputy - and Happy Valentine's Day." He agreed there had been a "culture of arrogance" at the higher levels of RTE. But he said the licence remained a legal requirement and people had to obey the law. Mr Varadkar dismissed Sinn Fein's proposed abolition of the TV licence and bestowal of an amnesty on non-payers. If they brought in an amnesty, would they also produce a rebate to those who had dutifully paid? he asked. The Taoiseach said there was "a party leader who could be Head of Government" after the next election who was suing RTE at the moment - meaning Ms McDonald - and it was a huge conflict of interest. Ms McDonald said hundreds of thousands of households hadn't paid the licence fee. "Do you seriously propose to chase those taxpayers through the courts, to threaten them with a fine or even a custodial sentence? "Surely we can all agree that the courts' time and resources are better spent on more serious matters." She added: "By the way, not one of the top brass at RTE has been held to account for wasting taxpayers' money. "So it is unthinkable that thousands of ordinary people would face the courts - while highly-paid executives get away scot-free, having wasted millions." Mr Varadkar told Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns that even if he "would personally favour" an Exchequer funding model, it might be that it would be combined with some form of broadcasting charge on households. Ms Cairns urged the Taoiseach said there should be a charge on social media companies to help fund public service journalism. It was not a matter purely of television. Mr Varadkar said: "The proposal of applying it (a fee) to households could make sense," but there would have to be exemptions. He was not sure the social media proposal was a good idea. The licence fee would continue to apply for the whole of the current year before a new structure would apply, the Taoiseach said. He added: "There is a gross conflict of interest in someone who is suing RTE deciding how much RTE might get." Green Party minister of state Ossian Smyth has accused Ryanair of using the row over the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to deflect from price increases that demolished its image as a low fares airline. Mr Smyth said the airline was using showmanship and trickery while price comparisons this week showed them to be dearer than competitors. Mr Smyth also said the airline had been provocative and insulting in its criticisms of Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and had called for Mr Ryan to intervene in the planning process to get the cap lifted when that was not legally possible. A lot of this debate emerges with the provocative and noisy campaign from Ryan, he told a Seanad discussion on the increase in private jet traffic at Dublin Airport. When I look at this kind of showmanship from Ryanair, youve got to wonder why are they coming out with this kind of statement? Why are they putting out these provocative and insulting statements rather than addressing the substantial issues? I really think what they are doing is that old trick of, look at the left hand and dont look at what the right hand is doing. The truth is that Ryanair present themselves as a low fares airline but on the other hand, their fares went up 24pc last year. When I look at what the cost of a flight is to London or Paris this week on the 15th to17th, I find that Ryanair is 100 more expensive than its nearest rival for a flight to London. Its also more expensive to fly to Paris with Ryanair this week than it is with other airlines. Dublin Airport has submitted a planning application seeking to raise the annual passenger cap from 32m to 40m. Ryanairs chief executive Michael OLeary has been the most vocal in calling for the cap to be lifted and has run a heavily critical social media campaign lampooning Mr Ryan. Mr Smyth made his comments after Sinn Fein Senator Lynn Boylan asked that private jet flights be limited at Dublin Airport as they were using up some of the passenger cap while generating far more carbon emissions per passenger than commercial flights. Mr Smyth said private jets included defence force and medical flights but he would get a breakdown of those used for leisure and luxury which he said were an obscenity. Education Minister Norma Foley has said social media giants and phone companies have refused to back her call for new age verification tools or support a primary school smartphone ban. Ms Foley said representatives from several major technology and phone companies, whom she met with on Wednesday, declined her request to introduce enhanced tools to verify a user is over 13 or endorse her departments efforts to encourage parents not to buy smartphones for their primary school age children. In what she described as a constructive and robust engagement, the Fianna Fail TD said that no undertakings were given by the companies despite her requests. I did seek an undertaking from them that they would facilitate age verification, whatever form that might take, she told a press conference at Government Buildings after the meeting. I am not prescriptive on the mechanism [but] that we would have a clear age verification because we know children are well able to jump over that particular requirement. That wasnt forthcoming at present, but they have undertaken to engage again on it. The other issue I very specifically raised, particularly with the telecommunication representatives, is around their willingness to support in principle the position we have taken in the Department of Education to support parents to hold off from purchasing smartphones, for children whilst they are at primary school. Again, Id have to say that wasn't forthcoming at this point in time, but again, a commitment to engage with us on an ongoing basis and I welcome that commitment to engage. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 14th The minister met with representatives from Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Three Ireland, Vodafone, Tesco and an industry representative from the business lobby group Ibec at the Department of Education on Wednesday morning. X was also invited but did not attend. Telecommunications Industry Ireland, a division of Ibec, said on behalf of the telecoms companies in attendance that it proposed a joint programme with the department to raise awareness among schools and parents about responsible mobile phone use drawing. TII notes that mobile operators only provide a means of access to the internet and have no control over the nature of content or services offered through the internet, the legal position being that mobile operators are obliged to provide unhindered access to all content unless it is illegal, it added. Ms Foley said she had also raised issues around sextortion - the practice of people being tricked into providing explicit material and then extorted for money - and the distortion of online images. She said that social media providers told her they have a mandate around users being over 13, but said she was aware that children under this age were using these platforms. I know from my own experience, from engaging with parents that they would identify it as a clear issue for them; that there are children much younger than 13, she said. She said there needed to be stronger provisions around smartphone use in schools, but that the companies attitude was that it was a parent's prerogative and they were not prepared to come out in principle to support the work that were doing in that area at this point. With the enormous power that they have in that field comes enormous responsibility and a duty of care and that's what I wanted to highlight today, the duty of care, she added. She said she and her department would engage with the companies and added that she was supportive of Coimisiun na Means work, noting its capacity to levy fines of up to 20 million. Thousands of bridges, weirs, culverts and other barriers will have to be removed or altered to allow rivers flow freely from source to sea. Almost 75,000 man-made barriers are stopping the natural movement of the countrys rivers, creating lethal conditions for fish and other wildlife. More than 10,000 are causing significant problems and need to be taken away or reconfigured. Just 257 have made it on to a works list so far, however, and politicians have been told it will take 50 to 60 years to fully tackle the problem. Representatives from the state agency Inland Fisheries Ireland, and voluntary groups the Irish Trust and the Atlantic Salmon Trust, stressed urgent action was needed. Barriers trapped fish, interrupted water flow, prevented nutrient and sediment dispersal, caused overheating and created crowding that spread disease, they said. Migratory fish such as salmon, sea trout, lamprey and eels that travelled between rivers and the sea were particularly at risk. Other species such as pike, bream and brown trout that covered long distances within rivers were also harmed. Having to pass multiple barriers in a river system has a cumulative impact on migratory fish, using up valuable energy reserves to pass each one, Mark Horton, of all-Ireland group the Rivers Trust, told the Oireachtas Environment Committee. Fish can often suffer significant injury or direct mortality as they continually throw themselves at these human-made barriers to fulfil their natural migratory instinct, he added. The iconic Atlantic salmon has suffered so much that just 150,000 survive to spawn in Irish rivers each year compared to 1.7 million 30 years ago, he said. Barriers to successful migration to the sea and subsequently accessing vital spawning habitat on their homeward journey is a significant contributing factor, he said. Kris Murphy, of associate group, the Slaney River Trust, said at one weir, fish regularly got trapped and had to be stunned by electric shock, scooped into barrels and then released upstream. There is mortality associated with that, he added. He said that the trust had spent seven years trying to get the necessary environmental reports carried out to seek permission to install a protective grid which was a huge burden on a local voluntary group. Inland Fisheries Ireland chief executive Francis ODonnell said even though the organisation was a state agency, it also faced difficulties getting remediation carried out. The new National Barrier Mitigation Programme had identified 73,377 bridges, culverts, sluices, weirs, dams and dredging and drainage channels in need of assessment. Outdated laws, issues over private land ownership and conflict with other state agencies were all creating difficulties. He said some dredging and drainage being carried out by the Office of Public Works for flood relief were kneejerk reactions. Mr ODonnell agreed with the committee chairman, Brian Leddin, that works under way at the Newport River in Co Tipperary would be devastating for habitats and species. The reality is if a town or village gets flooded two or three times, something has to be happen in terms of mitigation (of flood risk) but its about getting the balance right, he said. Why is nobody using their smart meter? A former energy minister has said smart electricity meters are too complicated for the general public, admitting he struggles with understanding how they work. I have a smart meter and you would want to have a degree to work it out. And Im a former minister for energy, said Independent TD Denis Naughten. Mr Naughten slammed the whole approach to the smart meter roll-out, saying people were not able to avail of the purported benefits. He said he did not know he was meant to apply to ESB Networks to obtain his own usage data from the meter and he suspected most other people had no idea either. The regulator has failed the customer in relation to this, he said. He was responding to Independent TD Joan Collins who told the Oireachtas Social Protection Committee that she was not able to use the meter to calculate what electricity supplier or package offered best value for her usage. I have a smart meter but I gave up trying to work out what package was best for me after 30 minutes and Im half tech-savvy, but a lot of people are not, she said. Around 1.6m homes have received smart meters under the 1.2 billion installation programme and 2.4m will have them when the roll-out is finished. However, only 300,000 have signed up to ESB Networks to access the data they provide and only half of those have used their data to switch to a smart tariff. Smart tariffs are meant to offer cheaper rates to customers who are flexible with their electricity usage and can defer using large appliances to off-peak times. Despite recent reductions in electricity prices, bills remain higher than before the energy crisis yet the potential savings from smart meters are not being realised. Green Party TD Marc O Cathasaigh said those who needed the savings most were people on low incomes on pre-pay schemes that did not offer the best value. Trying to understand the energy data to choose the best package is not easy, he said. He told officials from the Department of the Environment there should be an officer in every local authority to help people understand their meter data and the tariffs on offer and help them through the process of switching. Department official, Justina Corcoran, said representatives from the department, ESB Networks, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and the energy regulator, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, met recently to discuss the issue. One of the outcomes was that the SEAI was to create an online smart energy portal to help people understand their meter and input their data to see how different tariffs might work for them. It will be done in a user-friendly, customer-centred way, she said. Mr Naughten said this should have been done seven years ago when the smart meter roll-out began. People have been paying for these meters for the last seven years. They should have been able to access their data. The regulator has failed the customer in relation to this. The young owner of Flower Child has embraced her medical reality to build a thriving business For 16 years, epilepsy was a constant in Alexandria Kellys life. It tried to consume her, forcing the young Carlow woman in and out of hospital as she grappled with multiple seizures a day. But in January 2023, Alexandrias health took a turn for the worst as a severe seizure landed her in hospital with a brain injury. In that moment, Alexandria was faced with a choice. Either let the epilepsy consume her life as it had tried to for the past 16 years, or take control over her life and not let the epilepsy win. Alexandria chose the latter and poured whatever energy she could afford into building her own company, Flower Child'. Finally at 27 years of age, Alexandria is six months seizure free and the owner of thriving business. But to get to this point, it has been a constant balancing act for the entrepreneur. She had to grow her business, keep her epilepsy in check while also minding her mental health as she faced setback after setback with her health. Alexandria is now six months seizure free "Flower Child started as a creative blog in 2021 as a creative outlet for myself, explained Alexandria. I started talking about mental health topics that I was dealing with myself, as all my blogs are from a personal perspective. "In 2022, I launched my first products. What started all of this off is that I was going through a difficult stage with mental health and one of my very close friends gifted me a set of essential oils to boost my mental health. I started using those essential oils to make things like balms with coconut oil which I used on myself and then I started making candles and fragrance sprays. I then launched my first products which was a candle and a fragrance bottle in gift boxes in three different fragrances and I started selling them on Esty. Follow Independent Carlow on Facebook Alexandria was in her final year of college in SETU Carlow at the time, so Flower Child remained a hobby. She then graduated and got an internship with SETU Carlow and kept Flower Child as a side project she did for fun. However, the corporate life was never meant to be. A deterioration in health forced Alexandria to leave her position at SETU. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 14th "I have lived with epilepsy since I was 11. I was misdiagnosed at first but at the age of 13 I was finally diagnosed with frontal lobe cortical dysplasia. Due to this my energy and stamina havent been the same as people who dont suffer from this. I knew that going into a 40 hour work week would be hard on my body, but I told myself I could do it. "A couple of months into the internship, in January 2023, I got really, really sick, said Alexandria. I had a massive convulsive seizure in January and it left me unconscious for a couple of days. I had the seizure on the Monday and I wasnt lucid again until the Thursday. "After that I was left with a brain injury and I was very confused and disorientated for a good month afterwards, which meant I had to leave my job in the college. I had no choice, my health had taken such a nosedive. Flower Child became the only sense of normality for me As her new corporate life was snatched away from her, Alexandria was left re-evaluating her life. But she soon realised that not everything had been taken away from her and while epilepsy had closed one door, it had secretly opened another. "I realised, I hadnt been left with nothing. I still had Flower Child, I still had the brand that was at that point just a hobby, but I knew I could grow it into something more. "Flower Child became the only sense of normality for me, the only thing I could control during a time of complete turmoil. At this point I was having about 40 seizures a day but I was still determined to have something like Flower Child ready for me for when I was better. I was constantly looking towards the future, beyond the present health scares. "Although the days were very tough when I was experiencing so many seizures a day, I forced myself to do at least one thing a day for my business to bring me one step closer to having the company and having my dream, even if that just meant answering one email on one of my bad seizure days. Alexandria working on Flower Child while in hospital "I was not putting my life on pause for my illness, so in between the hard days I was still chipping away bit by bit at the business, making sure I had products ready to go if I had to go into hospital. "Looking back on it now, I do believe that Flower Child was my way of coping and my way of holding onto the future. As the seizures got worse and worse and Alexandria was getting little respite from any medication or treatment, it was decided that she would undergo brain surgery on July 12, 2023. Although the surgery was risky due to the fact the surgeons would be operating very near to Alexandrias motor Cortex, she was excited at what the future would look like if the surgery was successful. Little did she know that she would be hit with yet another setback. "After my first surgery in July 2023, I woke up and I had limited use of my left side so my arm was affected, luckily my leg was fine. But all I could do was move my shoulder. I started doing physio to help rebuild the neural pathways to get all the other muscles engaged. I slowly started to regain function of the arm so I was really hopeful and on a good path. But then suddenly it was like someone had flipped a switch and I started losing the use of my arm and my seizures returned. In that moment, I lost all hope again. Alexandria had brain surgery in July 2023 but was rushed back into hospital for emergency surgery in August "On August 9, I was rushed for emergency surgery to wash out the wound from the first surgery and to reopen the site and take samples for microbiology to investigate. It turned out I had meningitis, which even though it was a simple thing to treat once we knew what it was, at the time it still felt like another setback. "But luckily once they knew what the root of the problem was, they gave me antibiotics and the swelling reduced. I had no seizures and my arm started to come back fully. "Flower Child was my way of coping and my way of holding onto the future" Several brain surgeries and 16 years of seizures later, Alexandria could finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. Her future with Flower Child, that she had worked so hard to build during those difficult years, was still there waiting for her as she had always hoped it would be. There were many days that I wanted to just give up, sighed Alexandria. But on those days I would go to my mum and beg her not to let me quit and give up on Flower Child, my business that I had worked so hard to grow. "There was one particular day I was having a tough time with my epilepsy and I told my cousin thats it, I just want to pack it all in but she said to me never quit on a bad day. That has stayed with me and on those bad days I remind myself of my cousin telling me that and that has kept me going. It reminded that although I had days that I wasnt able to work because I was so unwell, there would also be days when I would be well enough to work. "I would go to my mum and beg her not to let me quit and give up on Flower Child" For most that hear about Alexandrias story they assume that having a very severe seizure would be a life shattering event. But in a way Alexandria is grateful for it, as she described how it guided her onto a path she was always meant to take. "I really do think the health scares in 2023 were a blessing in disguise. It forced me to commit to Flower Child full time and now the company is at the stage where it has its own staff, website, our own manufacturing area and we even have wholesale orders being shipped out. "If I hadnt got sick and I hadnt left the corporate job, I would probably still be in the corporate job. It was a blessing as it forced me into this role, it forced to where I was always supposed to be. I really do think I was meant to have my own company, I just didnt realise it at the time. For many people who suffer from a life-altering condition, becoming an entrepreneur may seem like something that is too far out of reach. Sometimes I got into the mindset of oh I have epilepsy and its so restricting and I cant do this this and this. I cant ride a bike, I cant drive a car, I cant swim. I was so focused on what I couldnt do and that blocked out the possibilities of what I could still do, explained Alexandria. "I would advise anyone in a similar situation to me to focus on the things you can do and what you want to do in the future, for example setting up your own business. While you might not be able to do that right now, there might be a version of it you can do in the meantime, until you get to the point of being able to do that. You should focus on that and put your energy into that. "If I hadnt of held onto the things that I could do through all those years and pushed myself to do those things, I would never have built Flower Child. Its important to not write yourself off, wrap yourself in bubble wrap, pull down the blinds and hide away from the world. Focus on what you can achieve and what you can do, because you can do a lot more than you give yourself credit for. Parents who have been at their wits end over a chronic lack of respite services in Cavan and Monaghan looks set to end courtesy of a 15m investment package announced by government. Disabilities Minister Anne Rabbitte delivered the eight figure investment announcement on the floor of the Seanad during a debate on the current status of disability services across both counties. The Galway East TD had been informed by Monaghan Senator Robbie Gallagher of how families from his home constituency were being forced to travel to Annalee House in Cootehill to avail of a service that was only available every second weekend. For any child with a disability in County Monaghan, there is no respite service available, he said. Follow Independent Cavan on Facebook Follow Independent Monaghan on Facebook The only option is to go to County Cavan to try to find respite services there. If the service was available in County Cavan, that would be fine and we could live with that. Unfortunately, the respite service for children with disabilities in County Cavan is only available every other week. The Fianna Fail senator said 33 children with disabilities have received respite services in Cavan and were in need of additional support while 57 people remained on a waiting list to secure access to a service that was simply not available to them. Mr Gallagher said the shortage and sharing of a respite facility on a shared basis across both counties underlined the serious problem that existed within the sector. Ms Rabbitte, for her part, said the plight facing families locally was impractical and revealed how the 15m in funding set aside her department would ensure the establishment of a standalone respite facility with Annalee House reverting from a bi-weekly to weekly service. I do not find it acceptable that children must share respite on alternative weekends in the Senator's area so this is now a priority, she said. The priority of funding has been ring-fenced in order that Annalee House can become an adults-only service so that we can provide respite to the families, not every second week of adult children but every week. At the same time a new house for children in Monaghan will be procured. That will mean we will be able to provide respite to 85 families. The Aug. 24 concert at the CHI Health Center is part of more than 30 new stops added to Bentleys Gravel & Gold Tour this summer. The tour, which begins June 7 and ends Sept. 21, is being held in support of Bentleys 10th studio album, Gravel & Gold, which was released last year. Four towns in Co Kildare made it onto the top 10 most romantic towns in Ireland list Athy is Co Kildare is the most romantic town in Ireland according to HenParty.ie. Photo: Getty A town in Co Kildare has been honoured with the title of Irelands Most Romantic Town this Valentines Day. Athy in Co Kildare has been crowned Irelands most romantic Town, scoring 578 out of a possible 800 on the loved-up scale. HenParty.ie used data from Google searches for eight specific Valentines Day related terms such as roses, flowers, perfume, red wine, white wine, prosecco, chocolates, and Notino (an online perfume retailer) over a five year period to find the top 10 most loved-up spots across the nation. Follow Independent Kildare on Facebook A grand total of four towns in Co Kildare made it into the top 10, which made Co Kildare the best performing county with the largest number of romantic towns. Newbridge in Co Kildare was nipping at Athys heels as it came in second place. They were followed by Ennis in Co Clare which took the last spot in the top three. Celbridge in Co Kildare came in sixth place as research found you are most likely to be gifted flowers on Valentines Day by your significant other if you live in Celbridge. The final Co Kildare town to feature on the top 10 list was Kildare Town in seventh place. However, not all of Kildare performed well. Romantics living in Leixlip and Maynooth need to up their game as they featured in the bottom 10 making them some of the most unromantic towns in Ireland. Cllr McGrath expressed his frustration regarding continuous cancelled services, late services and with the information app at last Mondays full council meeting. What I am highlighting are the ongoing operational difficulties and issues that arise. We as public representatives are inundated with complaints from members of the public who are trying to use the service and do the right thing by taking public transport. Unfortunately they find themselves let down time and time again by the service which is wholly unreliable at times, he said. The way the system is working does not suit anybody, said Cllr McGrath. You have cancelled services, late services and the information app not adhering to the actual service on the ground. It leads to huge frustration for members of the public. No doubt it leads to huge frustration for drivers of the service as well who I know are doing their level best. We as public representatives should not have to be dealing with such a volume of complaints with regards to the local bus service. This is Cork Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Cork newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The National Transport Authority (NTA) pay Bus Eireann to provide the service. They are not getting value for money at the present time and that is why an intervention is needed. We all know the importance of public transport. It is not going to be embraced if the service cannot be relied on, he added. Cllr McGrath appealed for support from his fellow councillors to enable them to get under the bonnet of the relevant service issues with Bus Eireann. Bus Eireann run hundreds of bus journeys every day and issues will arise from time to time. The frequency of them that is currently taking place cannot be tolerated. I am seeking that members would agree that we seek the intervention at the highest level to get under the bonnet and figure out what needs to be done to improve it. If we could send off the correspondence I would appreciate it. We will deal with the replies when they come. Fianna Fail councillor Audrey Buckley who seconded the motion said a national representative from Bus Eireann is required to address their issues. Once or twice we have had the Cork representative in here from Bus Eireann. They talk the talk, but there is nothing being delivered. The same issues if not worse are happening. We have to go above their heads in the Cork area. We need to bring somebody in here nationally to talk to us and address the issues. Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre OBrien said the same issues are prevalent in North Cork. I often feel we are a bit lost out in North Cork and when I hear buses are not working right in the Metropolitan, when will they ever get to us? Something that has been raised locally is that there was a change of contractor and the app hasnt been updated. People have no idea when the buses are coming. Independent councillor Marcia DAlton said councillors value the bus service and want to work with Bus Eireann. This is a very timely motion unlike the buses, said Fianna Fail councillor Sheila OCallaghan. In this day and age when we are all about sustainability the least we can do is ensure we have a bus service that is adequate. Fine Gael councillor Jack White added that peoples confidence in the bus service is being undermined. I wrote to the Minister for Transport and outlined the issues that we are facing in the Carrigaline Municipal District. He was deferring responsibility to Transport for Ireland (TFI) which isnt good enough. This has to be a government issue because peoples confidence in the bus service is being undermined when they are not turning up. It needs to be tackled at the highest level. It was subsequently agreed that Cork County Council would write to the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan and the CEO of the National Transport Authority expressing their frustration with the frequent service issues and requesting an intervention. On April 25 2023, the Government approved additional measures under the Housing for All Action Plan to incentivise the activation of increased housing supply and help reduce housing construction costs. These included the introduction of temporary time-limited arrangements for the waiving of local authority development contributions and the refunding of Uisce Eireann water and wastewater connection charges. The Temporary Development Contribution Waiver Scheme applies for one year to all permitted residential development that commences on site between April 25 2023 and April 24 2024, and is completed not later than December 31, 2025. Fianna Fail councillor Joe Carroll who brought forward the motion seeking an extension to the scheme said the current 12 month timeframe is too short. There was a very good announcement made by the Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien last year when he waived the contribution charges for people when planning was granted. It was a very welcome scheme and a lot of people availed of it. I think 12 months was a bit short for it. I want the support from my fellow councillors to write to the Minister and ask him to extend it for a further two years, he said. Fianna Fail councillor Gobnait Moynihan who seconded the motion suggested adding residential extensions and derelict properties to the current scheme. It was a great scheme when it was introduced. For fear that it will run out, it is important that it is extended. Its not covering residential extensions or the refurbishment of derelict properties so maybe if we can include that when we are writing to the department. It just needs an extra two years, said her party colleague Cllr Bernard Moynihan. It is a great initiative and I want to compliment the minister on it. It is boosting houses and it is reducing the cost of housing for people. It is crucial extensions and derelict properties are included. Anything that supports and enables housing to take place is very welcome. It is particularly relevant in Duhallow as we are a very rural community. Fine Gael councillor John Paul OShea said the scheme has made a huge difference to communities. It is a very good scheme that has saved individual applicants up to 12,000 between planning contributions, water connections and sewerage connections if needed in our towns and villages. It has made a huge difference to our communities and it has enabled a lot of people to start their houses a lot quicker. From a government point of view we have to look at extending the scheme for at least another 12 months, if not two years. Fianna Fail councillor Michael Looney praised the scheme but said that 12 months is a very short period because very few houses are finished within that timeframe. Deputy Chief Executive of Cork County Council Michael Lynch told councillors the local authority are recompensed by the Department of Housing. It is important to note that whilst the developer or the applicant doesnt have to pay the contribution the local authority is recompensed the amount by the department. It was unanimously agreed that a letter would be sent to the Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien seeking a two year extension to the Temporary Development Contribution Waiver Scheme. Anyone planning on ordering a romantic takeaway this Valentines day be warned you may have to go and collect it yourself as delivery drivers across Cork city wont be around to drop it off. Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat riders in Cork and Dublin are set to switch off their apps this Valentines evening in protest over low pay. The strike is part of an international strike over pay, with similar demonstrations in the UK and US. Delivery drivers and bike riders have stated they only receive roughly 1 per delivery, and frequently depend on tips from the public to make any kind of substantial earnings at all. The riders are expected to gather in Cork City Centre, on Patrick Street tonight and stage a No-Deliver Protest between 5pm and 10pm, turning off their phones and ignoring orders. Drivers will also protest at the Spire in Dublin. Corks People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry spoke this morning in support of the delivery drivers and tonights protest. "I am calling on the general public to show a little love for these workers on Valentine's Day by boycotting Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats this evening. One euro per delivery is a ridiculous wage at any time let alone in a cost of living crisis when many of these workers are still paying off loans on their bikes. I hope the workers' action is a success tonight and I hope there is strong public support for their stand." It is estimated that there is roughly over 3000 delivery drivers who work across Cork and Dublin. The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on all individuals, communities, schools, preschools and businesses across Cork to celebrate the Valentines season by wearing red this February and hosting their own Big Heart Appeal party, to support heart care in the Mater Public Hospital. Valentines Day falls on Wednesday, February 14, but the Big Heart Appeal event can fall on any day throughout the month that suits best. Read more Cork food delivery drivers set to protest this Valentines day over low pay Organisations can register for free and receive a party pack with everything needed to make the Big Heart event a huge success, including a whole range of printable posters, bunting, and labels. There are many ways to get involved and help raise funds for patients including: Wear your heart on your sleeve - throw on your fanciest red attire and get together for a special Galentines soiree or host an event and invite all your friends and family to dress up. Paint the town red - host a Big Heart themed breakfast, bake sale or brunch at home, in your workplace or in your school or preschool and invite everyone to join in the fun. Make a splash for heart care - do it your own way and help us raise awareness and vital funds to mend broken hearts this February. "With Valentine's Day just around the corner, we are excited to invite you to take part in this important campaign. This spring, you can show some love for heart patients in the Mater Hospital by getting involved and joining our Big Heart Appeal crew, said Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation. By taking part, you'll be helping us fund state-of-the-art genetic testing equipment to diagnose serious heart conditions and help save lives," she added. The Mater Hospital Foundations big-hearted supporters have already made a huge difference for patients by funding advanced life-support equipment for the Intensive Care Unit and supporting the hospitals Family Heart Screening Clinic. In great form at the Surgeon Noonan Table Quiz were Brian O'Leary, Michael Walsh, Tim Kiely and Don Twomey. Picture John Tarrant Robert O'Sullivan, Cian Denis O'Connor, Josh Linehan and Christopher Byrnes camu up with the answers at the Surgeon Noonan Table Quiz. Picture John Tarrant Mags O'Connor, Don Twomey, Gillian Linehan and Breeda O'Riordan came up with the answers at the Surgeon Noonan Table Quiz. Picture John Tarrant Looking ahead to their African trip as part of the Surgeon Noonan charity are Gemma O'Regan and Jennifer Lenihan. All photos by John Tarrant. Summer 2024 is already planned for Millstreet ladies Jennifer Lenihan and Gemma ORegan as they get ready to head to central Africa to volunteer in hospitals in both Malawi and Zambia. All of this will be done as part of their work with the Surgeon Noonan Society, a registered charity run voluntarily by fourth-year medical students from University College Cork that help underfunded rural hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Named in honour of Tim Noonan, a UCC medical graduate, who worked for many years in Nigeria, every year over 40 students travel to hospitals in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Ghana, and Zambia bringing much needed medical supplies, such as basic analgesics, antibiotics, vitamins, sterile medical equipment and financial aid. The charitable funding provided to these hospitals not only serves as maintenance funding but also subsidises larger projects such as building new wards, a surgical unit and the introduction of a HIV Outreach Clinic. Gemma and Jennifer held a fundraising table quiz in the Bush Bar in Millstreet recently to help raise funds for their trip and it was hailed as a huge success. Each year, UCC medical students volunteer in rural hospitals in Africa, we will fund the travel and other costs ourselves, said Gemma. All the money raised through the fundraiser will go towards purchasing medical equipment and supplies which the girls and their classmates will carry with them to the hospitals. The UCC students raise approximately 150,000 each year and this money has been used to fund hospital renovations and medical supplies, with one hospital purchasing an ambulance last year. We greatly appreciate the support for the fantastic cause, thrilled with the response to the table quiz from sponsors and participating teams, said Jennifer. Helen McEntee has announced that former Dublin GAA CEO John Costello will be the chairperson of a new group to ensure community safety in Ballymun A new group formation was announced this week by the Minister for Justice, aiming to enhance safety for the Ballymun community. Minister Helen McEntee stated that John Costello, former Dublin GAA CEO, will serve as the chairperson of the new group. He will coordinate and implement support for the area. The initiative plans to bring together social service providers, business leaders, representatives from schools, and gardai in the area to engage with the local community. The group, named the Ballymun Implementation Board, will address some of the "deep-rooted issues" in the area. It will unite social service providers, business leaders, representatives from schools, and gardai to engage with the people in the area. Ballymun is a brilliant community, and significant progress has been made in addressing the challenges it has faced in recent times, said Minister McEntee. The creation of this new implementation group is a practical recognition by the Government of the issues still faced by Ballymun and a commitment to bringing stakeholders together to examine the actions needed. When it comes to improving safety, different communities need different solutions. We want to empower the people on the ground to have a real say in what actions can be taken to help them feel safer. That is the entire premise of my approach to community safety, she added. This group initiative plans to mimic the principles followed by other boards formed in areas like Drogheda, Darndale, and Cherry Orchard. Membership of the group is expected to be finalised soon, and the first meeting of the Implementation Board will be held in the coming weeks. The decision to close the laneway to the public was decided at the beginning of January pic: Gerry Mooney Two Dublin city councillors put forward a motion yesterday for the reopening of Harbour Court, a laneway that was recently closed, described by business owners residing beside it as a public toilet. Councillors who, last month, voted in favour of the closure of the lane, are now seeking a strategy for the reopening of the street with new lighting installed, a mural, garda patrols, homeless outreach teams, and an addiction helpline. The decision to close the alley, with entrances at Marlborough Street, Abbey Street Lower, and Eden Quay near OConnell Street, was agreed upon by councillors at the beginning of the year. The laneway served as a shortcut from the quays to Abbey Street, but according to multiple submissions from stakeholders, including restaurants and bars that directly face the street, it was ultimately decided that it had become too unsafe, with regular assaults, drug use, and dumping reportedly occurring. Businesses such as Wynns Hotel Dublin and many other pubs and restaurants right on Harbour Courts doorstep have been lobbying for its closure since 2009. Independent councillor Christy Burke and Sinn Fein councillor Janice Boylan asked council officials and DCC management yesterday to put in place a plan as soon as possible to reopen the lane. The amount of conversations that I had around this was very positive with the closure of the lane. There were a number of questions put that the councillors in the chamber did nothing to propose anything else to keep the laneway open, Cllr Boylan said. That is why Christy and I got together to put this proposal forward. When we had the discussion, we did touch on the fact that if things changed, we could look at reopening it in the future, she added. Their motion included proposals such as improving lighting to brighten up the space and hiring a contracted artist who could paint suitable murals on the laneway's walls. The decision to close the laneway to the public was decided at the beginning of January pic: Gerry Mooney Other proposals included that the HSE put in place a helpline to assist people with addiction and that senior garda management address the anti-social activity that frequently occurs in the area. Several councillors decided that they would support the motion to explore the possibility of reopening the laneway upon engagement with stakeholders, while a number of councillors said that they would not. Fine Gael councillor Ray McAdam said that while he acknowledged the efforts made by the two councillors, he couldn't possibly support the motion, stating that it was too soon. The stakeholders that sought the closure of this lane were very strong in their views, he said. I think it is too soon, and I opposed it, as we would need more time to engage with the stakeholders to ensure this motion is practical and will have an impact to change what is effectively 30-40 years of problems. Independent councillor Nial Ring echoed Cllr McAdams views, stating that it was a horrible laneway. Dublin City Centre street to close due to anti-social behaviour I cant support that; it flies in the face of the democratic process we have gone through here, he said. On the opposing side, Green Party councillor Janet Horner said she welcomed the proposal: Its great to see we have a slightly more shared idea of what the future of Harbour Court could look like, she said. Now, what would be great is if we could have an agreement in the council chamber that public space belongs to the city, belongs to the people, and we shouldnt be moving to shut it down. Independent Cieran Perry said that while he had reluctantly supported the closure of the lane, he would support these proposals as it was no harm to look at the issues and see if there is a better prospect than closing the space to the public. The councils city centre manager, Frank Lambe, said that while the local authority would engage with the services identified in the proposal, the decision to close the laneway was made and stands for now. A small Dublin business claims that their takings went down massively after their water shut down with less than 24-hour notice. Container Coffee on Thomas Street experienced a nightmare yesterday when they were left without running water during their peak business hours. Gordon Hickey, the founder of Container Coffee, said that its difficult to run a small business without having your water turned off with less than 24 hours notice. I came in this morning (yesterday) expecting it to be gone, we had it from 8am until 9am, then it was gone. I can see what we take in by the hour, we took in 42, that was people buying food. A lot of people left. Our takings went down massively. If I had more notice, I couldve been more prepared. I was told yesterday as I was leaving. Read more Ireland convicted in EU court over unsafe drinking water tainted by chemical linked to cancer Why couldnt they do it later? People need their water in the morning. It came back about 12.30. That was our peak time, but we had to turn dozens of people away. That wasnt a good look for a small coffee shop. My fear is that theres competition in the area, did they go to that competition, will they stay with that competition now? As a small business, times have been tough already with the VAT increase. Not to have water in the cafe this morning was a nightmare. 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 According to Mr Hickey, there was a miscommunication between DCC and Irish Water. It was a nightmare to be honest. Someone from Dublin City Council just handed in a piece of paper saying that we might lose our water for six hours the next day. The frustrating thing was that I called Irish Water on Monday to find out if it was going to go or not. Irish Water had no notifications of it at all. It wasnt logged on their system whatsoever. Because it wasnt on Irish Waters system, I thought maybe the water wouldnt go. I let all the staff come in as normal. There was three others and myself in the shop standing around with no water, he added. This outage was planned in order to carry out essential network works, to improve resilience and connectivity. The timing of any planned outage has to consider a number of factors, including impact on the public and safety of our staff/contractors. Irish Water said: When there is a planned outage, we always endeavour to communicate with the relevant stakeholders, particularly businesses. "Affected businesses were notified in advance of the planned outage, which was initially planned for the entire day, fortunately we were able to reduce this outage to just over three hours to minimise the impact on the general public. "Each business is recommended to have 24 hours of internal storage for instances such as this, and unplanned outages. Dublin City Council were also contacted for comment. Listowel native and journalist Katie Hannon is set to be one of the many guest speakers who will be apart of the Kerry College's 2024 Open Week next week. Kerry College will, from February 19 to February 23, next week hold their annual Open Week during which prospective students and their families can get a sense of what the college has to offer across its five campuses and venues across the county. Over the course of the five days, those who attend the Open Week will have the chance to discover the diverse range of courses and apprenticeships available and view the state-of-the-art facilities. From Interactive demos, virtual reality sessions, information events and guided tours, there will be no shortage of opportunities for potential students to get an insight into the various fields of study on offer. As well as this, there will be a chance to meet with instructors, teachers, tutors, current learners, support staff and agencies who can facilitate access to Kerry College. Prospective students will also be able to learn about course content, industry partnerships, work experience opportunities, and pathways to employment and/or higher education with Kerry College. The events exclusive to Open Week 2024 include the colleges Further Options event at their Monavalley Campus this coming Monday, February 19 which will run 5.30pm and 8pm; here students will be able to explore a diverse range of courses and apprenticeships and gain insights into potential career paths. An Amazon Web Services Fibre Splicing Workshop will take place on Tuesday February 20 and again on Wednesday, February 21 between 8am-5pm (registration for this is required). Attendees are encouraged to get their tickets for the annual Apprenticeship Open Evening, which will take place on Thursday February 22 between 5pm-8pm. At the Clash Road Campus, attendees are encouraged to attend the Kerry College Information Event which will take place on the evening of Tuesday February 20 between 5pm-7pm; this event will feature comedian, author, and mental health advocate, Rory OConnor. On the Thursday the Listowel Campus will welcome a number of guest speakers between 5pm and 7pm including Listowel native and RTE journalist Katie Hannon. She will be on the Listowel Main Campus between 6pm and 7pm. As well as Katie, entrepreneur Lizzy Lyons, Head Chef and a regular on Ireland AMs cookery slot will be speaking at the Listowel Main Campus between 5pm-6pm while Tracey Grimes, boasting over 9 years of expertise and who serves as one of Irelands Head Educators for Pre-Bonded & Tape Hair Extensions will be on site at the Listowel Hairdressing Building between 5pm-6pm. For more information visit the Kerry College website at https://kerrycollege.ie/news/open-week-2024/ or contact their Admissions Office on (066) 7149696/(064) 6622593. A cohort of twenty-nine leaders from across the state of Nebraska, including two from Columbus, were honored for successfully completing Class XV of Leadership Nebraska. The graduation ceremony, held on Thursday, Feb. 8, in Lincoln, marked a significant milestone for these individuals as they were presented with certificates and commemorative awards in recognition of their accomplishments. Leadership Nebraska Class XV members who graduated Thursday include David Mazankowsk with Nebraska Public Power District and Brett Rains with Columbus Credit Services. Graduates are current and emerging leaders from communities throughout Nebraska. The program enhances their leadership skills and deepens their knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing Nebraska. Leadership Nebraska is dedicated to the development of informed leaders who understand issues, define problems, develop solutions and achieve positions of higher responsibility in Nebraska. The program includes six, three-day sessions held in various locations across Nebraska. Topic areas include economic development, healthcare, agriculture, education, and government and policy. After graduation, participants join a network of 360 alumni committed to lifelong learning and community engagement. Leadership Nebraska is an NE Chamber Foundation program designed for current and future Nebraska leaders to view challenges and opportunities that face Nebraska. The NE Chamber Foundation is focused on meeting the needs of current business, community and state leaders, as well as equipping Nebraskas next generation of leaders with the experiences, information and research they need to turn big ideas into bold moves. Sorcha Ni Dhubhshlaine, Rut Ni Mhurchu (Oifigeach Pleanalai Teangan le Duchas an Daingin), Treasa Ni Mhainin agus Roisin Ni Dhubhshlaine at a demonstration organised in Dingle on Tuesday to protest against the lack of availability of housing for local people. Photo by Declan Malone Because no gathering of muintir na Ghaeltachta would be commplete without it - protestors dance a West Kerry set at a demonstration organised by Duchas an Daingin in Dingle on Tuesday to highlight the lack of availability of housing for local people.P hoto by Declan Malone Sorcha Ni Dhubhshlaine, Rut Ni Mhurchu (Oifigeach Pleanalai Teangan le Duchas an Daingin), Treasa Ni Mhainin agus Roisin Ni Dhubhshlaine at a demonstration organised in Dingle on Tuesday to protest against the lack of availability of housing for local people. Photo by Declan Malone Members of the Begley family providing music at the demonstration organised by Duchas an Daingin in Dingle on Tuesday to protest against the lack of availability of housing for local people. The banners in the background declare: 'Let us build on our land' and 'Let us live in our villages'. Photo by Declan Malone Planning policies that make it very difficult for local people in rural West Kerry to build on their own lands are undermining the language and the community according to demonstrators who were out in Dingle to voice their concerns this week and to support a national protest outside the Dail on Tuesday. West Kerry musician Breanndan Begley has said he and others living in Gaeltachtai will never give up their fight to change planning laws to allow those from the communities to build on family land. The renowned musicians planning battle with Kerry County Council has made headlines and this week Breanndan joined a protest in West Kerry to fight for the rights of those in rural communities to build and live locally. "We want common sense and intelligence to rule, it is not acceptable that laws put in place are destroying the country. As Kerry philosopher John Moriarty said if you destroy the landscape you destroy the culture," he told The Kerryman. "We were born and bred here and found our language here, our singing, our dancing, our storytelling, here not in school, here in the village and there are policies in place that are hell-bent on the destroying the village. Breanndan was part of a protest organised by Duchas Dhaingean Ui Chuis, attended by about 50 people, including members of the West Kerry based Todhchai na Tuaithe (future of the countryside) group that was formed about four years ago to protest against KCCs restrictive planning regulations which, they feel, make it almost impossible for local people in rural West Kerry, and in other rural areas, to live in their own home places. Oifigeacha Pleanalai Teangan Rut Ni Mhurchu with Duchas Dhaingean Ui Chuis, said you cannot have language planning without proper planning for housing. "How do you promote language if people can't live here. People cant build on their own land and young people who want to settle here in West Kerry cant because they cant find housing, they might for a few months and then it is for tourists. In order for Gaeltachts to survive housing is needed. In a brief address (in Irish) to the gathering on Tuesday, February 13, Breanndan said: The people of An Ghaeltacht dont have permission to live in our native place because we arent being allowed build on our own land. Todhchai na Tuaithe wants the same recognition for rural villages and townlands as is given by Kerry County Council to residentially zoned land in towns. If An Ghaeltacht was dying naturally I wouldnt mind, but its being killed by planning regulations. The West Kerry protest was to support the national protest outside the Dail by Meitheal Naisiunta Pleanala Teanga, who are demanding that politicians make it easier for people to live in the Gaeltacht by building houses on family owned sites. It comes on the same day that TDs in the Dail will debate new laws on planning and development. Late last year, the Department of Housing said draft guidelines for the Gaeltacht are being finalised as part of a review of rural planning rules. Breanndan said the fight must be won. "If we don't act we can forget the Gaeltacht and the language and if the Government don't listen we will go to Europe. Michael Jacobi, Managing Director, The Hayfield Family Collection welcomes former staff members and guests to the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle Sean and Sheila McAllister the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle Terry Brennan, Rosaleen OMahony, Michael Jacobi, Sinead Marron, Conor Hennigan and Michael Ryan pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle. Kathleen Murnane, Michele King, Mary Hartnett pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle Donal Breen, Theresa Mangan, Conor Hennigan, Kathleen Bhuiyan and Martina OLeary pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle. Margaret, Conor OKeeffe, Theresa Mangan, Siobhan OConnell, Marie Barry pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle Mary O'Sullivan and Dora Browne pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel/ Photo by Don MacMonagle Patricia Cox, Maura Ni Choitir, Bridget Ahern and Eileen Buckley pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle Conor OKeeffe, Kathleen Murnane and Brendan Hartnett pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle Eileen Tucker, Alice OSullivan and Anne Marie Courtney pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel on Saturday night Photo: Don MacMonagle issued on behlf of the Great Southern Hotel Kilarney Breda OMahoney, Mary OSullivan and Margaret OConnor pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle Michael O"Sullivan who worked for 45 years at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel regails a story to MC Brendan Fuller about serving breakfast for President De Valera back in the 60's and then being tipped a 5 note from Dev at the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle issued on behlf of the Great Southern Hotel Kilarney Dora Browne, John Fitzgerald, Martina OLeary, Kathleen Bhuiyan and Mary MacMonagle pictured at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle. Michael Jacobi, Managing Director, The Hayfield Family Collection, Mark Scally, GSH, Killarney and Frank Corr, historian and publisher admiring the historic images from the past at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel reunion to celebrate the 170th anniversary of the hotel. Photo by Don MacMonagle. The Great Southern Hotel in Killarney has long been a landmark institution, not only in Killarney but in Kerry, and its rich history was celebrated in style with a recent reunion of staff and management. Nearly 200 past and present staff members of the Great Southern Killarney joined together last Saturday night for an evening of celebration, fun and camaraderie as they marked the beginning of the hotels 170th year in business. Those in attendance ranged from having 1 day of service to over 50 years. It was estimated on the evening that there was nearly 1300 combined years of service in the room. And many of them has stories to share of their time at the famous hotel which has welcomed its share of celebrities over the years. One of those was Michael OSullivan who worked for 45 years at the Killarney Great Southern Hotel. He recalled his encounter with the late President Eamon De Valera. He served breakfast to the President back in the 60's and was tipped a 5 note from Dev. A number of former management team members were in attendance on the evening including former General Managers Conor Hennigan and Sinead Marron. Attendees went to great efforts to be a part of the special event, travelling from the UK and even Chicago, which was held in aid of Comfort for Chemo. MC for the evening was Radio Kerrys Brendan Fuller as guests were treated to a host of video interviews from current and former staff members, along with a run through of the history of the hotel with author Frank Corr, writer of A Star Reborn which was released to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the hotel, 20 years ago. Michael Jacobi, Managing Director, Hayfield Family Collection of which the Great Southern is part of said that the night was a legacy to all those who had worked there in its long history. This event was not just a celebration of the institution that is the Great Southern, but a heartfelt tribute to the legacy each one of our colleagues past and present has contributed to this iconic hotel. I believe the Great Southern has always been more than just a place of work; it has been a nurturing ground for future leaders, a place where lifelong friendships were formed and a stage for countless stories. Many of Killarneys most prominent and active hospitality business leaders have at some stage in their career worked here in the Great Southern, many of which were in attendance on the night. The incoming Chairman of the Tralee Red Cross, Joe McDonnell, congratulates the outgoing Chairman, Dave Frizelle, who stepped down from the role after 15 years of service. The Tralee Red Cross has a new Chairman for the first time in 15 years this week after group stalwart Dave Frizelle announced that he was stepping down from the voluntary role with Joe McDonnell ascending now to the role vacated by Dave. Dave, who hails from Dungannon in Tyrone. first arrived in Tralee way back in 1979 to take up a position as an Agricultural Engineering Lecturer at the then Regional Technical College in Clash, now known as the MTU. Dave found himself attracted to the various roles that the Tralee Red Cross had to offer and taking part in a Basic First Aid Course, he began what would be a 45 year association with the voluntary organisation. In his final address as Chairman to the Annual General Meeting of the Tralee Red Cross in the Grand Hotel last Tuesday night, Dave recalled the many happy memories of his various roles with the humanitarian society. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Describing the Tralee Red Cross as ''nomads'' until the purchase of their headquarters in the Killerisk Business Park in 2015, Dave outlined the many groups and individuals who had helped the society over the years. '' As a complete stranger coming into the town over 44 years ago, it was through the Tralee Red Cross that I got to know different aspects of the community in Tralee, he said. Paying tribute to Dave, the incoming Chairman of the Tralee Red Cross, Joe McDonnell, highlighted Dave's 45 years of unbroken service, his 15 years as Chairman - despite not just moving home from Camp, but also relocating to his new home in Birr, Co Offaly - and how he successfully guided the Red Cross through the COVID pandemic, a particularly demanding time for the voluntary organisation. ''I look forward to Dave continuing to work with the Tralee Red Cross in the future as his diverse set of skills are unique and most valuable'' said Joe. Other officers elected at the well attended A.G.M. were Vice Chairperson; Cliona Smyth, Secretary; Maureen Milward and Treasurer; Dr. Shane Lehane. Education Minister Norma Foley said she was unable to reach an agreement in principle with social media companies regarding age verification to limit mobile phone use for primary school children. The Minister met with representatives from tech and phone giants like Google, TikTok, Microsoft, Three Ireland, Vodafone, Tesco, Ibec, and Meta in a social media summit on Wednesday in an effort to gain cross-consensus and support for stricter laws around smartphone use for children. Speaking on RTEs News At One, Minister Foley raised the issue of age verification and smartphone use and invited companies to support the position taken by parents to hold off from purchasing smartphones for primary school children. We all know that latest reports are telling us that children as young as six years of age are accessing smartphones. I would have to say that the discussion we had was constructive and very robust. But in relation to supporting in principle the position weve taken in relation to smartphones, that was not forthcoming at this point, specifically in relation to age verification, Minister Foley said. This is Kerry Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Kerry newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The Minister explained how through her personal engagement with schools, parents and staff, she knows there are children younger than 13 accessing social media platforms. We know there are many young people younger than 13 who are accessing smartphones. Im not prescriptive as regards the mechanism that they might introduce, whether its uploading documents like passports or live selfies or whatever, she said. Thats not the issue. Im very happy for them [social media platforms] to come up with a particular type of mechanism. But we must ensure that young people, younger than 13, are not accessing content that we know is harmful to them. We know there are instances of cyber bullying, there are so many ramifications for young people. If we cant fulfil age verification, then I do believe that young people are being failed, Minister Foley said. The Salesian Primary School is located next to the Fernbank Accommodation Centre, the former Salesian Secondary School Concerns on disinformation and possible arson attacks have been raised following a protest over a new refugee centre in Limerick city. Earlier in February, about 50 people gathered outside the gates of the Fernbank Accommodation Centre, the former Salesian Secondary School, in Limerick city, which has been unoccupied since September and is now set to temporarily house up to 251 refugees from Ukraine. The protest was organised by a group of parents whose children attend the Salesian Primary School, located next to the secondary school and sharing its grounds, but it was heavily criticised after far-right activists also attended the event. Follow Independent Limerick on Facebook John Lannon, CEO of non-profit organisation Doras, explained that the Limerick community has helped and welcomed thousands of Ukrainian refugees over the past two years, and he hopes this will continue. However, he said he was concerned about what he described as disinformation that was disseminated recently amid concerns of possible arson attacks. Doras is a non-profit, non-governmental, human rights organisation working to promote and protect the rights of refugees and migrants. John Lannon explained: Over the last two years Limerick has welcomed thousands of people who have escaped from the war in Ukraine. It has also welcomed people from other parts of the world who have sought protection here. Many of them are now working in the area, and have children in the local schools. When the proposed new centre in Fernbank opens, we expect that this will continue. Already local residents are planning to assist the people that will arrive, and to ensure that their needs are met. The Fernbank Accommodation Centre will be an arrival centre for people who will, in time, move to new locations as they find work and new places to live. It is self-contained, has a single point of access, and will have round-the-clock security on site. Sadly, this security is necessary because of the number of arson attacks on refugee accommodation centres in recent times. He added: Because arson attacks are often preceded by protests, we feel its important that people do not gather to oppose the arrival of refugees to a new location. In the case of Fernbank, the calls to protest do not reflect the views of the majority of the people living and working in the area. In fact, a local Residents Association have issued a statement distancing themselves from the people that are protesting, as they feel they are potentially endangering residents and the children in the nearby school. We are also concerned about the spread of disinformation about the centre, as this only serves to frighten people, divide the community, and provoke conflict. The message from Doras and others to people who are invited to protest against the opening of any accommodation centre is to be mindful that protests of this nature often resulted in arson. Clanmaurice Resident's Association said in a statement: The members of Clanmaurice Residents Association as a group would like it to be known that they are happy to welcome the families coming to live in the old Salesians secondary school in Fernbank Limerick. We understand that while the building itself might not be ideal, the idea is to offer refuge to families and people in their hour of need. We wish to distance ourselves from certain groups that are protesting and potentially endangering our local residents and children in the nearby school. They do not reflect the majority of people living and working in the local area. The Clanmaurice Residents Association are open to offering support where possible and welcoming the new arrivals to our city in the coming weeks. No consultation with public or officials ahead of announcement and there are fears turning hotel into an accommodation centre will decimate the local economy Deputy Mayor of Drogheda Kevin Callan is hoping the decision on the d Hotel can be reversed. The d Hotel in Drogheda is to provide accommodation for 500 international protection applicants, with the first emergency accommodation starting on March 5. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth made the announcement on Wednesday morning, confirming rumours that had been circulating in the town since it was sold for 11m to hotelier Richard McDermott last year. Deputy Mayor of Drogheda Kevin Callan says it will decimate business and tourism in the town. This is Louth Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Louth newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details The decision was not subject to any public consultation, and details were given in a briefing document: All relevant State support services in your area have been informed of this and they are preparing what additional supports will be needed to assist these people settle in to the local community. This includes the departments of Health, Education, Justice, HSE, An Garda Siochana, the Local Government Management Agency, the local integration teams and local development office in your area. Ireland is legally required under EU law to provide accommodation for people seeking international protection here. As we are sure you are aware, this is a nationwide urgent situation and emergency centres, such as this one have been opened in all parts of the country. All counties in Ireland are providing help and assistance with this. There have been over 190 accommodation locations utilised since January 2022 across 26 counties. These options must be considered to prevent homelessness for people with their families and children arriving seeking international protection In a statement, the owners of Droghedas d Hotel said they wished to clarify a number of points. "The new owners, Fairkeep Ltd, purchased the hotel in October 2023. They have entered into an agreement with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for the next two years. The contract will be to accommodate international protection applicants; families, mothers and children in their 113 bedroom hotel located along the Boyne. The d Hotel was built 25 years ago and the intentions of the owners is to reinvest the funds paid to them from this contract directly into renovating the hotel. The hotel owners are committed to ensuring the longevity of the hotel for the next 25 years. They wish to point out that the function rooms and bar will continue to stay open for the public. A number of councillors have penned a letter to Roderic OGorman voicing their displeasure at the move, which they says is to the great detriment of efforts to develop tourism in the county. The group claim the closure of the hotel will cost the local economy five million euro per year. We the Elected Representatives of The Drogheda Borough District have already and will continue to welcome migrants to Drogheda. The decision of the Minister for Children, Equality and Integration, Youth and Disability to effectively remove our main hotel facility (The d Hotel) from our town to the great detriment of our efforts to develop tourism in the County as a part of the Boyne Valley and Failte Ireland Heritage Destination Towns initiatives has been carried out without any consultation at all prior to announcing the decision yesterday. We are requesting the Minister to meet with the Elected Members of the Borough District to review the impact of the decision for the removal of this key component of our local economy. We are seeking clarification as to whether or not a risk assessment has been conducted to assess the impact that this decision will have on Drogheda including but not limited and also hospitality, retail sector and general business community of Drogheda. We believe from informed research that the loss to our general town centre economy will be in the region of 5.4 million per year without considering the further ramifications of losses in the greater Drogheda area, the councillors said. They said the total lack of communication from the Minister and his Department is unacceptable and has caused a situation to arise where Drogheda will suffer financially and where there is a risk to those working in Drogheda to losing their jobs and a risk of businesses being forced to close. "A part of this discussion will need to be real and tangible State provided financial packages for the town to counter the damage that is going to be done by the Minister in making this decision. The Minister and his officials have an obligation to the People of Drogheda and their elected representatives to consult, to inform and to address this situation of removing a large tourism asset. We expect a meeting with the Minister as a matter of extreme urgency. We wish to emphasise that this statement is issued as a cross-party and non-party statement, the statement said. Deputy Mayor of Drogheda Kevin Callan is hoping the decision on the d Hotel can be reversed. The facts in this instance are very clear, a deal has been done by the hotel to sign over the accommodation capacity to provide accommodation in the very heart of a historic tourist destination town which has benefitted greatly from having so many visitors to the area and the Boyne Valley who base themselves in the heart of the town, Deputy Mayor Kevin Callan said. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 14th He said the decision taken by the hotel without any notification to the elected representatives of the town or to County Council officials who have worked so hard to develop tourism and the Boyne Valley initiative is particularly disgraceful and will devastate businesses in the town. Whilst the decision will no doubt be extremely beneficial to those who own the hotel, it will impact on restaurants, cafes, our museum, shops and all associated activity in the town, he adds. I will be requesting elected members of the Borough District of Drogheda meet as a matter of urgency to discuss approaching the minister responsible to intervene. Sinn Fein TD for Louth, Imelda Munster, also condemned the decision to close the hotel and criticised the fact that public representatives were only contacted after the contract had been signed. Thats neither consultation, nor engagement and it shows that the government has learned nothing from recent events around asylum accommodation, Deputy Munster said Government representatives could have picked up the phone and said that theyve been offered the only large hotel in Drogheda for international protection applicants, and asked local representatives about the effect this would have on the town. This wasnt done. We were only contacted after the deal had been done. The government isnt concerned about how this will affect tourism and small businesses who work in the industry in Drogheda. Drogheda needs to have a large hotel if were to sustain a tourism industry. The knock-on effect of the closure of the hotel on restaurants, shops and tourism businesses will be severe. The only person the department took into account in Drogheda was the hotel owner, and what suited them financially. We cant lose sight of the fact that these people are coming here to seek asylum, many of them from very difficult situations. The state has both legal and moral obligations to provide sanctuary for people fleeing war, fleeing murder, torture and rape, and grave repression. The people coming to the d Hotel will be families. None of this is their fault. They didnt cause the housing crisis, they havent cut resources to Drogheda. The buck stops with the government here. We have a government who have bitten off more than they can chew, with the assumption that they can foist their failures onto local communities and that would be that. Drogheda Chamber of Commerce President, Hubert Murphy echoed those sentiments statin: Any dilution of bed numbers is concerning for the town, its economy and its future. The d Hotel has been a focal point of the tourism industry in the centre of town for years and any impact on that, impacts on the wider business world and community. "For a town to flourish it needs all the components, hotels, restaurants, easy access, things to see and do and when we lose one of those key elements, we need to move quickly to fill that gap. A new documentary A Proper Pint which was filmed in Belmullet, County Mayo and focuses on McDonnells Bar has enjoyed great success at its Amrican Premiere. A new documentary A Proper Pint which was filmed in Belmullet, County Mayo and focuses on McDonnells Bar has enjoyed great success at its American Premiere. Recently, Belmullet stepped into the spotlight with the American premiere of Kevin Siegert's documentary series, "A Proper Pint," featuring the iconic McDonnell's Bar. On February 10, 2024, the American premiere of "McDonnell's Bar and Undertakers," was showcased at The Irish Cultural Centre and McClelland Library in Phoenix, Arizona. The event was a spectacular celebration of Belmullet's cultural richness, shining a spotlight not only on the town but specifically on the renowned McDonnell's Bar. The crew filming the documentary in Belmullet, County Mayo. Mairead Melody Carr, Manager of Mayo North Tourism, praised the documentary for promoting the beauty of the North Mayo town. "The documentary beautifully captures Belmullet's essence, showcasing its vibrant culture and picturesque landscapes. This exposure is invaluable for attracting visitors and enhancing the tourism experience in North Mayo, said Ms Carr. Belmullet recently found itself in the limelight when Hollywood star Bradley Cooper took the stage at McDonnell's Bar, singing karaoke while filming "Cry From the Sea" in Erris, with production taking place and filming at Ballyglass Lighthouse. Adding to the excitement, Belmullet 200, a local organisation commemorating 200 years since Belmullet's establishment as a planned town, intends on hosting an Irish premiere and Q&A for "A Proper Pint - McDonnell's Pub & Undertakers" on Saturday, May 4 in Belmullet. This event will coincide with the annual Mayo Day festivities, which will take place in Belmullet this year. "As 'A Proper Pint' unfolds, it becomes a celebration of Belmullet's spirit people are invited to join the community for the Irish premiere on Mayo Day and toast its rich cultural heritage Earlier in the week, Kevin Siegert, the filmmaker behind the documentary, took to social media to emphasise his excitement to unveil the beauty of Belmullet. A new documentary A Proper Pint which was filmed in Belmullet, County Mayo and focuses on McDonnells Bar has enjoyed great success at its Amrican Premiere. He shared the trailer link and pledged the screening proceeds to support both the Cultural Center in Phoenix and Turas Siar on the Mullet Peninsula. Turas Siar, located in Erris on the Mullet Peninsula, provides a valuable local history service and education centred around the Irish language, further highlighting his commitment to local communities in supporting and preserving the cultural fabric of the region.. For a sneak peek into the documentary, experience the breathtaking trailer showcasing the stunning scenery of the Erris locality: Trailer Links: youtu.be/a3wQuHrnjZ8 The IWDG Stranding Scheme have been dealing with a large fin whale in County Mayo. Photo: Gemma OConnor, IWDG Live Stranding Network Coordinator. The huge Fin Whale which washed ashore on a County Mayo beach has been buried. The whale, which was locally named Kathleen, was carefully buried last Friday after she washed ashore at Ross Beach in Killala in North Mayo, on January 20 during Storm Isha. Despite the size of the whale, it was moved three times by the power of the sea and its last location was wedged against a low cliff near the old boat house. Following a site inspection at high tide, it did not appear that the whale was likely to move again. A large fin whale dead on a beach in County Mayo. A site meeting with Council Engineers and Plant operator at Ross beach was then arranged and it was decided to attempt burial at the beach. A spokesperson for Mayo county Council, who was responsible for the burial, said, The excavation requirements for burial of an aquatic mammal of this size are significant and a minimum of 2m cover is recommended in line with IWDG Large Whale Stranding Protocol for burial of Stranded Whales. A trial hole was dug at a sandy area nearby, which confirmed that burial should be possible. "Careful planning and skill was needed because of the scale, unfamiliar nature and tidal constraints for the works. "Early on Friday morning, plant including two 20 tonne excavators, one 15 tonne excavator and a bulldozer were mobilized on site. "The Whale, named Kathleen, was carefully towed from the boat house to the proposed burial site. "The excavation by skilled operators then commenced and took several hours to dig and the whale was carefully buried. People are advised to exercise caution if going to see the whale. Photo: Gemma OConnor, IWDG Live Stranding Network Coordinator. The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group Stranding Scheme received a report of the large fin whale dead and from the initial photo received, the group was able to identify the fin whale due to the diagnostic white right side of jaw and dark grey left. The group said the whale was very recently dead, was 20.7 metres in length, with an estimated weight of 50 tonnes, and the whale was severely emaciated. Therefore, cause of death was almost certainly due to the fact that it had not fed in quite some time, for reasons unknown. Samples were collected for by the Deep Diving and Rare Species Investigation Programme (DDRIP), supported by NPWSbiodata, which will be used to support future research projects on fin whales in Irish waters. The fin whale is the second-largest whale species on earth, second only to the blue whale. The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund has been shortlisted along with 15 other charities for the Permanent TSB Community Fund. Support the fund by voting at www.ptsb.ie The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund has been shortlisted along with 15 other charities for the Permanent TSB Community Fund. We now need your votes in getting us the rest of the way to being selected as one of the six community fund partners for 2024, said a spokesperson. If we are selected, the memorial fund will share in a fund of over 200,000, which will support our main aim to continue keeping Ashlings name and legacy alive by supporting the enhancement and development of various areas within the Traditional Irish arts, culture and heritage. Every vote counts we appreciate each one. You can vote from multiple devices so please consider voting from your personal phone, work phone, laptop, work desktop, iPad, or tablet, added the spokesperson. The public is asked to help share the word about voting via WhatsApp groups, on social media, within the workplace, sporting groups, and amongst family and friends. Voting closes on Friday, February 23, at 6pm, with the new community fund partners to be announced shortly thereafter. A special mention of thanks to the kind staff in the Tullamore branch for nominating us and selecting the memorial fund as their staff charity of choice, added the spokesperson. PTSB customers are welcome to visit their branch over the next fortnight to seek support in voting. To vote for the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund, follow these three steps: visit the website www.ptsb.ie, enter a name and email address, select the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund and click submit. The National Womens Council initiated a Yes, Yes campaign in Sligo on Saturday for the upcoming referendum to change the definition of family and care in the constitution. Door to door canvassing was kicked off from the Queen Maeve Square, where the campaigners came together to raise awareness and encourage people to come out and vote yes for the referendum on March 8. The proposed referendum aims to update the Irish constitution according to the changed societal norms by changing the definition of family, which until now was recognised only on the basis of marriage and the care at home, that was assumed to be a job of women. The National Womens Council (NWC) is the leading national representative organisation for women and womens groups in Ireland, founded in 1973. The NWC believes that the current wordings in the constitution tells us only women have duties within the home and that the state should encourage women to stay at home. This is Sligo Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Sligo newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Blaithin Gallagher, chair of the Green Party in the Northwest joined the campaign as she believes that these changes have been long overdue. She said: Its important to recognise what women do at home, but its no longer just women who work at home. Our society has changed completely and its important to recognise that there are so many different forms of care and family. While in our constitution we only recognise family thats based on marriage, but I think thats gone today. So, we have to make sure everybody feels that they are part of the society and they have equal rights. As the Independent Electoral Commission had explained last month, the proposed change is in two parts of the Article 41 that deals with family and care. Currently article 41.1.1 states that, The state recognises the Family as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society, and as a moral institution possessing inalienable and imprescriptible rights, antecedent and superior to all positive law. While article 41.3.1 states that, The state pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of Marriage, on which the Family is founded and to protect it against attack. The proposed changes to these articles involve insertion of additional text in Article 41.1.1 and the deletion of text in Article 41.3.1. Hence after amendment the article 41.1.1 would read as, The state recognises the Family, whether founded on marriage or on other durable relationships, as the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society, and as a moral institution possessing inalienable and imprescriptible rights, antecedent and superior to all positive law. If the amendment is passed, Article 41.3.1 would be renumbered as Article 41.2.1 and would read as The state pledges itself to guard with special care the institution of Marriage, and to protect it against attack. Article 41.2.1 which states that In particular, the State recognises that by her life within the home, woman gives to the state a support without which the common good cannot be achieved and article 41.2.2 which states, The State shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home. Instead, a new article 42B would be included stating that, The state recognises that the provision of care, by members of a family to one another by reason of the bonds that exist among them, gives to society a support without which the common good cannot be achieved, and shall strive to support such provision. The National Womens Council believes that article 41.2 is doing harm to women, where they are still facing inadequate income, lack of pensions and poverty in old age and that this article results in an absence of the types of supports that gives people real choices with regard to care public care services, affordable childcare, supports for older and disabled people. Bernie Linnane, a Labour party representative from Dromahair, told The Sligo Champion that care is no longer a womens job and it needs to be updated in our constitution. She said: Its time for our constitution to reflect the new and modern Ireland and to value all of its citizens equally. Its time to look at women and care with a gendered eye and value the contribution of each member in a family. Everybody who works in the home needs to be recognised. If a woman wants to work at home I will support their choice, I will support whatever choice they make. So, I would ask people to come out and vote Yes for the referendum on 8th March, Vote Yes for Equality, vote Yes for Care and to bring our constitution to the 21st century for this modern Ireland that we live in. Its not just women who are out there to support this referendum or who are eager to bring changes and update the constitution. Johnny Gogan, a Green Party spokesperson in Sligo was out on the streets campaigning to vote Yes for the referendum. He said: The clauses in question are very outdated, but we should not take it for granted that people will come out and vote for it. The role of women and the interpretation of family and marriage has all changed and the constitution needs to catch up with all these changes. When we talk about family we can see the change all around us, where people have been forming relationships and rearing children without necessarily being married. So, we need to recognise that change. Adam Oceallaigh, a Green Party representative said that the current wording in the constitution was written in 1937. The country that we had then was very different from the country that we have now and its important that we update our constitution to reflect that. The proposed wordings are a lot more progressive than the wordings that we have now. To say that womens place is at home is not acceptable in todays Irish society. Talking about the definition of family he said: The current constitution defines family based on marriage only, but thats no longer the case of the modern day family. Very high proportion of families are either not married, or might be single parents or same sex couples and to say that their values are any less that a heterosexual married couple is not right. The campaigners urged individuals to come out and vote Yes, Yes to the referendum to send a message to families across the country, in all their diversity, that they are recognised and valued equally. Director of National Womens Council, Orla OConnor, said: We are thrilled to be out talking to the people of Sligo today ahead of these referendums. These votes are our opportunity to shape a fairer, more equal Ireland where all families and children are valued equally. An Ireland where the important contribution of care by both men and women is recognised. Its our chance to send a strong message to the government that we went to see supports for families and for care. There was a different kind of audience at the Feb. 13 Platte County Board of Supervisors meeting, as several youngsters filled the back rows of the meeting. They were there for a special occasion: the official proclamation of February as Nebraska 4-H Month. The first item on the full agenda, the proclamation was approved unanimously, following short speeches from the kids. "I'm grateful for the experiences I've had. 4-H has helped me get out of my comfort zone, make connections within the community and it's helped me discover what I want to be when I grow up," Amber Spawn said. "Not only have my photography skills improved, but my leadership skills have grown as well. In the Dandy Bakers Club, I volunteered to be the historian, where my my job was to take pictures of club meetings and make a scrapbook of the year," Emily Niles said. District 7 Supervisor and 4-H Liaison Gene Trouba said that 4-H is a valuable program because, through the crafts and agricultural projects and programs, youths learn a skill and are able to maybe figure out better what they want to do when they get out of high school and go to college, trade school or the job force. "It shows we've got kids that are involved, learning to be leaders of the community and they take pride in showing their exhibits: goats, pigs, cattle, bucket calves and all the crafts," Trouba said. "They're learning crafts they can take on and find out what they want to do with when they're out of high school." 4-H Extension Zone Educator Sheila Hoppe said the proclamation is pretty simple in that it's a straight expression of support by the county for the area 4-H program. 4-H itself does a lot more than it can appear and it's good for that to be recognized, she said. "It's so much more than that. We have leadership programs and there are seven focus areas that 4-H focuses on: environmental education, S.T.E.M., leadership, entrepreneurship, college and career success, healthy living and ag literacy," Hoppe said. Those values take many forms, from raising animals or growing vegetables and designing clothes to S.T.E.M. activities in after-school programs. "It is the largest worldwide youth organization, we have six million youth in the U.S. alone," Hoppe said. "We do all kinds of programming and lead them for a lifetime of skills through school enrichment, after-school programs, special interest programs. It gives the opportunity to learn and grow and become leaders in our communities." The school enrichment programs in particular have a wide reach in the county, extending to nearly every school, Hoppe said. "Here in Platte County, our 4-H school enrichment programming are probably our largest points of interest or ways we're able to hit all those key topic areas," Hoppe said. "We reach nearly 6,000 youth in a year, so with our 4-H clubs we have between three and four hundred youth every year participating in those." Notes email contact Please email anything you wish to be included in the local notices to ballymurnnotice@outlook.ie. Sympathy The sympathy of the community is extended to Rita, Christopher, Ria and family on the passing of their daughter/mother Lisa Ojomo (nee Dooley), Ballysilla, Ballymurn recently. To Ann, Larry White and family on the death of Anns mother Mrs Kit Carthy, Boolavogue. To Paul Jackman, St Josephs Terrace on the death of his grandmother Mrs Kavanagh, Ardcavan, Castlebridge. To Morgan OConnor, Ballylucas and family on the death of his wife Breda recently. To the family and friends of Cheryl Dunne, St Josephs Terrace who died recently. May they all rest in peace. BLACKWATER School Enrolments Scoil Naomh Bride, Blackwater, is now accepting applications for school year 2024/2025. The Admissions Notice and Application Form are published on our website www.blackwaterns.com A form may also be requested from the school office on 053-9127314 or by emailing secretary@blackwaterns.com BREE-GALBALLY Bellevue Cemetery The Bellevue Cemetery Committee are calling a meeting, of all those interested, relating to the cemetery extension, on Wednesday 14th Feb at 8pm in Bellevue Church. Confirmations Service of Light The Confirmation Service of Light for all children intending to be confirmed later this year will now take place during 6.30pm Mass in Bree on Saturday 17th February and on Tuesday 20th February in Bellevue at 7pm. Scoil Eoin Baiste, Galbally We are now enrolling for the academic year 2024/25. Please contact the school office at 053 9247622 for enrolment forms. An open night will take place on Thursday the 22nd of February at 7pm. All are welcome. Clonmore Quiz Table Quiz in Enniscorthy Rugby Club on Friday February 23rd at 8pm sharp in aid of St Johns Church, Clonmore. Table of 4 is 40. All support appreciated. Bree NS Enrolments S.N. Seosamh Naofa are now taking enrolments for September 2024. Please contact the office (secretary@breens.ie or 053-9247725) for an application. The enrolment process closes on 1st March 2024. Bree Choir New members are always welcome for Bree Choir. Just come along on Sunday mornings. Easter Choir rehearsals will begin shortly if anyone wishes to join just for Easter Ceremonies. Speak with Leslie for further information. Church Cleaners Additional cleaners for Bree Church are always welcome. Contact Clare on 0874151350 or Fr Byrne. Bree Baby & Toddler Group Bree Baby and Toddler Group will be meeting each Tuesday 10.30am-12noon in Bree Community Centre, starting on Tuesday 20th February. Open to parents, grandparents, childminders, babies , toddlers and wobblers. Come and fhave a cup of tea and a chat while the children have a chance to interact, play and learn. 2 per family, no need to book. Further details from Ruth 085 1180930 or Alice 085 2295817. Ballyhogue GAA Lotto results Numbers drawn on Wed 31st Jan were 4, 23, 24, 26. No Jackpot winner. Match 3s Sean Rochford, Joe Carroll. Next jackpot 3,000. Next draw 14th February. CLONEGAL-KILDAVIN Annual General Meeting Clonegal Tidy Village Association will hold its Annual General Meeting in St. Brigids Hall (Upstairs) on Wednesday, February 28 at 7.00pm. All are welcome. Lotto results There was no winner or on-line winner in the Kildavin / Clonegal GAA, Ben Mulhall Park Lotto, held on Sunday, February 4 2024. Numbers drawn were 16252628. Winner that matched three were, Patrick Kelly, Clonegal and Davey Byrne, Clonegal, both receiving 75 each. Sellers Prize: Trish Kenny. Next draw will take place on Sunday, February 19 in Dunnes Bar, Clonegal at 9.00pm. Tickets 2.00 each or 3 for 5.00. Draw Envelopes Available at Supervalu Bunclody, Gala Bunclody, Steamers O Learys Bunclody, Ken Rothwell Bunclody, Conways Kildavin, Dunnes Clonegal, Plunketts Clonegal and Osbornes Clonegal. Deepest Sympathy We offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Tommy Reamsbottom, Ballykeenan who was laid to rest in Kildavin on January 2. May he rest in peace. Community Podcast Our most recent recording is with Niall Murphy a young local man who has long advocated for people dealing with mental Health issues ChatterboxY21 our community Podcast is available wherever you get your Podcasts or on ClonegalKildavinVeteran Players Facebook page, Clonegal Kildavin Community Facebook page and ClonegalKildavin website. Book of Contemporary Photographs Book of Contemporary Photographs This is Us remains on sale in all the usual outlets or from any member of the Veteran Players Committee for 12. FERNS Ferns Prayer Group The next prayer group is on Wednesday 21st February at 7.30pm in the pastoral centre - all are welcome. KILTEALY-BALLINDAGGIN Duffry Social Club AGM The Duffry Social Club AGM will be held on Wednesday February 21st at 8pm in Kiltealy Hall. All are welcome. St Colmans NS Ballindaggin N.S. will begin accepting applications for enrolment from 22/1/24 to 14/2/24. A link to our enrolment form will be live on our website www.ballindagginns.ie from above date. If you have a child you wish to enrol or know of any friends, family or other members of the community planning on enrolling their child please let us know. More information regarding enrolment including our schools Admissions Policy can be found on the school website www.ballindagginns.ie You may also request an application by emailing stcolmansballindaggin@gmail.com or writing to the school office at Ballindaggin N.S. Ballindaggin, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford Y21 A371 or phine school Office on 053 9388728. Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is February 14th. Mass times in the parish are as follows. Caim Church 9.30am. Ballindaggin Church 6pm. Blessed Ashes will be distributed at both Masses. Mass of Anointing & Healing Mass of Anointing and Healing will be in Kiltealy Hall today Ash Wednesday February 14th at 2 pm. Blessed Ashes will also be distributed and everyone is welcome to come along. Sympathy Deepest sympathy is extended to James Quirke, Askinvillar on the recent death of his aunt Breda Rochford, Bree. Breda was laid to rest in Bree Cemetery following her funeral Mass in Bree Church on Monday last. May she rest in peace. Kiltealy School news Congratulations and well done to Jodi and Lucy Brennan, Bobby Bowe and Cathal Coleman Kiltealy N.S. Equestrian team who came second in the Tri Equestrian Inter Schools primary schools events recently. Congratulations also to the U-13 and U-11 quiz teams who represented the school in the recent Enniscorthy Credit Union Quiz. Both teams from Kiltealy N.S. had very respectable scores on the day. Well done to Harry, Patrick, Fionn, Eliza, Nicholas, Matthew, John and Zara. St Patricks Day Parade Kiltealy St Patricks Day Parade Committee is delighted to announce that plans are well under way for this years parade which will begin at 1 pm from Kiltealy Hall. To register your float for this year please contact James Quirke at 087-6899749. Due to the high volume of floats last year it is important to contact James to register ASAP. Duffry Rovers Table Quiz The Duffry Rovers annual General Knowledge Table Quiz will take place on Good Friday night March 29th at 8.30 pm in Ballindaggin Hall. Teams of four 10 adults 5 U-16s. Raffle on the night, teas served. Duffry Rovers Monster Draw The Duffry Rovers Monster Draw will take place on the last Friday of every month and will be live on Facebook. 12,000 in prizes. Tickets 10 per month for 12 months. First draw is on Friday March 29th at 9pm. Pay by card, direct debit or cash. Contact Eugene OConnor 087-2492771. Mike Doyle 087-1322153 or Sean Roche 086-3894843. MARSHALSTOWN-CASTLEDOCKRELL Ash Wednesday Wednesday, 14th February is Ash Wednesday a day of Fast and Abstinence. Blessed ashes will be distributed after 9.30am Mass in Castledockrell, 10am Mass in St. Aidans Cathedral, 7pm Mass in St. Senans Church and 7.30pm Mass in Marshalstown on the day. Family Mass Family Mass is on the third Sunday of every Month in Castledockrell Church at 9.30am (unless otherwise announced). Next one is on Sunday, 18th February. All families welcome. Prayer Groups Castledockrell Prayer Group meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 8pm in the Parish Hall. Next one is on Tuesday, 20th February. Marshalstown Prayer Group meets every Tuesday morning from 9am to 9.30am (before morning Mass). All are welcome to attend one or both. Castledockrell NS The school is now accepting enrolment forms for September 2024. If you would like a form or if you wish to meet with the teachers in the school, please do not hesitate to contact us at 053-9388892 or email us at castledockrellnschool@gmail.com Sympathy Sympathy is extended to the family and relatives of the late Tom Murphy who died in USA and also to the family and relatives of the late Fr. John P Nolan who did temporary ministry in Marshalstown and to the family and relatives of the late Elma Rothwell. May they Rest in Peace. Ecumenical Service Ecumenical Service led by Bishop Adrian Wilkinson and Bishop Ger Nash in St. Marys Church of Ireland Church, Enniscorthy on Sunday, 18th February at 7pm Lourdes Anyone in the Parish wishing to travel to Lourdes on the Ferns Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 16-21May, 2024 should get an application form from St. Aidans Parish Office, Enniscorthy. Application forms must be submitted by 1st March, 2024 to Aine Roche, Hospitalite Secretary, Knockskimolin, Raheenduff, Oulart, Gorey 087 9767623. hospitalitesecretary@gmail.com Mass Times Weekend Masses in Marshalstown 7.30pm on Saturdays and Vigil of Holy Days and in Castledockrell at 9.30am on Sundays and Holy Days. During the week Mass in Marshalstown is on Tuesday mornings at 9.30am and in Castledockrell on Thursdays at 9.30am followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 10an- 12noon. Any change in weekday Mass will be announced at previous weekend Mass where possible. Parish Registers Anyone from Marshalstown or Castledockrell wishing to obtain a Baptism, Confirmation or Marriage Certificate please contact St. Senans Parish office 053 9261729 or email saintsenan@gmail.com Notes Deadline Notes deadline is now Sunday 6p.m. (time I need the notes by). Items received after that time will be included in the following weeks notes if date of event has not passed. It is 6p.m. Thursday before bank holiday. Thanks for your co-operation. Newsletters Deadline for items for Parish newsletters including Anniversary Masses is Wednesday at 5p.m. Anniversary Masses for Castledockrell church should be booked at least two weeks or more in advance of the date required for names to appear in the newsletter. Items received after this time will be held over to the following week. Emergency Number The Emergency Number to contact Fr. Paddy, Fr. Tom and Fr. Billy is 087 2710478 Mobile Library The Mobile Library will be visiting Castledockrell village on Thursdays 15th and 29th February, 14th and 28th March, 11th and 25th April. The time each Thursday will be 4.15 5p.m. Lotto Marshalstown Castledockrell GAA Lotto Results for Thursday, 1st February were Jackpot 6,600. No winner. Numbers 3, 7, 11, 30. We had One Match 3 winner Louise Murphy who wins 100. Results for Thursday, 8th February are Jackpot 6,700. No winner. Numbers 5, 7, 11, 23. Two Match 3 winners Frank Kelly and Michael Kinsella (Tomadilly) who win 50 each. Thank you for your continued support. Cllr Fionntan O Suilleabhain and caretaker John Woodbyrne pictured with some of the vandalised graves in the Market Square Graveyard on Monday. Pic: Jim Campbell Gorey Gardai have launched an investigation following the vandalism of one of the towns most historic burial sites. Members of Gorey Tidy Towns and the Tus Employment Scheme discovered the damage to the headstones when they entered the the Market Square Cemetery on Wednesday, February 7 for the first time since it closed in November. Chairperson of Gorey Tidy Towns Group, John Woodbyrne said that he was very saddened to learn about the vandalism that had occurred at the Old Graveyard. "This graveyard is of huge historic and family importance to the town as the loved ones of many townspeople, of all faiths and none, are buried here. I am grateful to An Garda Siochana for their assistance and a number of CCTV images are being examined. Please do keep an eye on this important part of the town's history so that we can preserve it for generations to come, said Chairperson of Gorey Tidy Towns Group, John Woodbyrne. This is Wexford Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wexford newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details Five of the graves were damaged and although the Gorey Tidy Towns Group and Employment Scheme workers are now attempting to clean up and restore them, as the cemetery is listed as a Grade 1 Listed Site on the National Heritage Register, theres very little they can do. Were very limited on what we can do to restore it, anything that was on the ground has to be left in situ, said John. There are some stones that are historically shook from years and years of bad weather but there has definitely been an attempt to interfere with the graves over the winter, said Arch Deacon Mark Hayden, whos in charge of the Church of Ireland Parishes. Gardai said they are now carrying out an investigation and will be examining CCTV footage from neighbouring properties to identify the culprits. "If people were in there during the day pulling at headstones, they would have been seen because the Credit Unions canteen looks right over the graveyard as well as a number of businesses. From a health and safety point of view, it would be a great gathering place for anti-social behaviour but the grounds are locked at night, said Rev Hayden. He said he suspects that the vandalism occurred overnight as it would have been spotted otherwise. The Tus, CE Scheme workers and volunteers maintain the space. The site is usually open to the public from 10a.m. until 3p.m. between Easter and the end of September. The public can take part in a guided tour of the historic site and acquire further information from a booklet about its history. Its a first world problem when you see whats going on with the world but so much work, money and effort went into keeping the graveyard in the good condition it's in, said Rev Hayden. The site spans around a quarter of an acre and is full of wildflowers, birds and butterflies. Rev Hayden has been in the parish for the last 23 years and says it was overgrown when he first arrived. Some people didnt want anything done to it but other people thought it was a shame that a place of Christian burial was so neglected, said Mark. "Its a wonderful resource for the town, a huge amount of work by the townspeople has gone into making it a wonderful heritage site for the town. Its a mixed graveyard, youd have Methodists, Catholics and Church of Ireland people buried in there. Its not just one tradition, theres ancestors for lots of people in the town buried there and its an awful pity to think that people would be vandalising it, said Rev Hayden. Around 10 years ago, the tomb was uncovered from dense overgrowth by Gorey Tidy Towns and the Christ Church community. A protective membrane and gravel were laid in its place. In 2018, a detailed restoration plan was drawn up by archaeologist Catherine Stafford. In 2019, Gorey Tidy Towns and Christ Church volunteers, Council staff, and CE Scheme and Tus workers cleared the site and laid an accessible path following a design by Paul Woods of Kilmurry Nursery. Decorative stones were laid on the graves with surrounds. In 2020, seats were installed in three areas. A new paved entrance was laid, daffodil bulbs were sown, and the historic entrance gates were repainted and rehung. Historic information was printed onto booklets for visitors and it has been opened to visitors since 2020 while supervised on weekday mornings during the summer months. The graveyard dates back to the 17th century and as many as 2,000 people may be buried here. It contains a very famous resident, the tomb of Bishop Thomas Ram who secured the Charter of Gorey in 1619. His tomb is surrounded by a low wall and railing in the central section of the graveyard. Theres a huge amount of history attached to the place as it was also a burial site for executions in 1798. The first burials here are known to date back to the early 1600s. Some victims of the famine of 1741 and people who died in the Great Famine of 1845; as well as those who died in the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918. Many of the headstones bear a record of the craftsmen that made them as well as deceased. The surviving inscriptions were documented by North Wexford Historical Society, and the cemetery was also mapped by Tom Reynolds in the 1970s. "Shape Of You" spent 14 weeks at the top of the Irish charts. 1 Shape Of You Ed Sheeran 2 Castle On The Hill Ed Sheeran 3 You Dont Know Me Jax Jones ft Raye 4 I Dont Wanna Live Forever Zayn/Taylor Swift 5 Paris Chainsmokers 6 Call On Me Starley 7 September Song JP Cooper 8 Human Rag N Bone Man 9 Touch Little Mix 10 Chained To The Rhythm Katy Perry ft Skip Marley Seven years ago, Ed Sheeran spent the first 17 weeks of the year at number one in the Irish Singles Chart. Shape Of You debuted at the top of the Irish charts on its release in the second week of January. It was still there on April 28 having spent 14 non-consecutive weeks at number one, its run only broken by a two-week reign at the top for another Sheeran single, Galway Girl. Shape Of You also spent 14 weeks at the top of the UK chart. It peaked at No. 1 in 34 countries, including the US. In Canada, it enjoyed a record-equalling 16 consecutive weeks at the top. It is the second best-selling single of all time on digital sales, with over 41.5 million copies downloaded worldwide. It was the most-streamed song of the decade on Spotify, with 2.4 billion streams by December 2019, and the most streamed song on Apple Music with 930 million streams (as of May 2023). The song won a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards and, in 2021, Billboard ranked it as the tenth most successful song of all-time. Shape Of You was released as a double-A side with Castle On The Hill which debuted at number two in both the UK and Ireland. They were released as the lead singles from Sheerans third studio album Divide, but ahead of the album. When Divide was eventually released in March, all the tracks reached the top 20 in the UK singles chart and dominated in Ireland as well. The dominance led to calls for change on how the single chart is compiled and the Official Charts Company then introduced new rules limiting tracks eligible for entry in the top 100 to three per the main artist, as well as adjusting the streams-to-sales ratio for older songs. Sheeran had originally intended Shape Of You as a duet between Rihanna and Rudimental, but changed his mind during the recording session. He told Billboard: I was like this would really work for Rihanna. And then I started singing lyrics like putting Van the Man on the jukebox and I was like well shes not really going to sing that, is she? And then we sort of decided halfway through that we were just going to make it for me. Sheeran later revealed that Little Mix were in the running to record the tune too. Fine Gael Cllr Bridin Murphy has said she is strongly considering running in the General Election after Paul Kehoe announced Monday night that he is not standing. Speaking on Tuesday, the Clonroche woman said: We are still processing the surprising news last night that Paul isnt running. Paul was first elected in 2002 and has just always been there. Hes been a Fine Gael TD as far back as I can remember. Cllr Murphy was in attendance at the Fine Gael constituency meeting in Wexford town on Monday night when Deputy Kehoe made the announcement. This is Wexford Newsletter Enter your email address below and click 'Sign Up' to receive the This is Wexford newsletter direct to your inbox. Please check your inbox to verify your details We didnt expect it, but at the back of it all we very much respect his decision. He has worked for decades for the people of Ireland and for the people of Co Wexford. Deputy Murphy said she is strongly considering putting herself forward at the upcoming Fine Gael selection convention, adding that she also plans to run in the Local Elections in June. Since I started in politics this is something I have been very interested in going for. Its all about the right timing and the time is right now to put my name forward. Ultimately it will be the members of Fine Gael in Co Wexford who will decide. Cllr Murphy has been an advocate for better gender equality in politics, adding its important to show the way forward for the up and coming generation of girls. She said she has a proven track record as a county councillor in the New Ross district, including her time as cathaoirleach, adding that she has been passionate about national politics for some time. This is a decision I ultimately have to make myself. Its a conversation I need to have with my family. I have a very young child and I am expecting a child in April. I hope that I would be 100pc ready when the time does come, she said. I am a very proud Fine Gael party member and I think we have some fantastic policies that are coming through. Its no doubt a very difficult time in politics but we are a democracy and the people will have their say when they vote. Personal heirlooms, including medals, photographs and documents from those involved in the fighting, form part of a new exhibition on The War of Independence and Civil War in Wexford Library. Commissioned by Wexford County Council Library Service and scripted by Celestine Murphy, historian, the exhibition traces the progression of the war in the county beginning with the death of John Redmond, leader of the Irish Parliamentary Party on March 6, 1918. Locally held records, held by families of several of the Wexford people involved, are used to recount life in Wexford during the war years. This data was collected at community archive days held in Wexford and Gorey libraries in 2021 and 2022 where people were invited to bring in their family treasures and tell their stories. These personal accounts have now been added to the historical reportage from the time and cross-referenced with national records from the Bureau of Military History. Speaking at the launch, county librarian Eileen Morrissey said the contributions from members of the public had brought this seismic era in Irish history into vivid focus. For us it was important that these artefacts and their deeply personal family stories were preserved, she said. The exhibition highlights the lives of ordinary local people who lived in extraordinary times, who witnessed and participated in the turbulent emergence of our nation. And this is not an exhibition for its own sake. I think that when we peer at the faded sepia photographs from the early twentieth century we notice the familiar more than the difference. "We see the family resemblances in the faces or the outline of buildings or landmarks in our localities. We gaze at the photos and pick out the little details that give glimpses of the past, snippets of lives, reminders of those who went before us and how they must have lived. To read a simple letter from that time, provides a reflection on family relationships and sometimes personal hardship and loss. History resonates with us. Councillor Ger Carthy, Leas Cathaoirleach, Wexford County Council, officially launched the exhibition and stressed the importance of honouring and remembering the many people who lost their lives, their family and friends, property and way of life in this period of time. "Many others, who lived in this time, took part in national and local actions that kept society functioning and ultimately led to change and the emergence of our nation. Im delighted and honoured to officially launch The War of Independence and Civil War in County Wexford, An Exhibition, here at the County Library this evening, he added. Executive librarian, Hazel Percival, was instrumental in gathering and collating the memorabilia contributed by 33 families during the open days in Wexford and Gorey libraries in 2021 and 2022. At the library, the men and women talked to the librarians about the family treasures they held in their possession, and about what happened some 100 years ago in their community. We were allowed to scan and photograph their family medals, documents relating to this time, photographs, and cuttings from newspapers. "Most importantly, they gave their understanding of why and how their loved ones played an active part in this War of Independence and Civil War. The library received various service medals, from a number of campaigns, include the 1916 Rising, as well as hurling medals from the era. Rings and brooches, many of them made in pewter, were examined and added to the exhibition, while an autograph book owned by James Quirke, who escaped from Kilworth Prison, is also included. The men seemed to avidly collect stories from each other while held in detention, said Hazel. The photograph in the exhibition is worth looking at; James, a rate collector was arrested at Kilmannon, and noted to his daughter later, This is where I threw the books over the ditch when I heard the lorry coming. This is invaluable data, but is only one of the many stories we heard while working through the documents and other memorabilia. Expressing her wish that the library would continue collecting stories and documents to add to the collection . . . . to get a full and clear understanding of these times here in Co Wexford, Ms Percival said the exhibition can be viewed daily at Wexford Library during library opening hours until Friday, March 15. For further information, visit the exhibition at Wexford library or contact the Local Studies Librarian at 053 919 6330 or libraryhq@wexfordcoco.ie Some 65 Ukrainians who have been living in the An Oige hostel, in Knockree, Enniskerry, have been told they have until Sunday, March 31, to arrange new homes as the contract with the accommodation provider is not going to be renewed. It means that the Ukrainians many of whom are employed locally, and whose children are attending local schools are facing the prospect of having no guarantee that they can remain in the area, or whether an offer of new accommodation will materialise at all. Developer Avonvard Ltd has applied for permission to build a large-scale residential development (LRD) of 178 apartments on the former Dell site, at Vevay Road and Boghall Road, in Bray. There is a long planning history with regard to the site, which has been derelict for 18 years, and in the report for the Vevay Road LRD, filed on behalf of the developer, it is stated that there has been no meaningful interest in the intervening years from potential occupiers of the building/site for light industrial or employment uses. The developer was given the green light in October 2022, by Wicklow County Council, for the construction of a first phase of development, consisting of a three-storey nursing home building, accommodating 144 bedrooms and ancillary resident and staff facilities, as well as office buildings, 121 surface car parking spaces and 115 cycle spaces. This was sought for the southern portion of the site. 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 Permission was subsequently granted, in July last year, for the demolition of the vacant manufacturing building on the site and the erection of temporary boundary fencing and gates. The applicant stated at the time that the demolition of the existing building, which had been beset by safety concerns and subject to antisocial behaviour, evidence of substance use on site, and numerous break-ins was another step in the process of delivering upon the Mixed Use zoning. However, the demolition works have not yet been completed, and the LRD application includes for the demolition works, in addition to the overall site clearance works. The proposed Vevay Road LRD a phase 2 development on the overall landholding at the northern end of the site is for the construction of 178 apartments, with a mix of 78 one-beds apartments, 79 two-bed apartments, and 21 three-bed apartments, in three buildings, ranging from three to four storeys in height, over a basement level. There are also proposals for a childcare facility, at ground floor level of block one, of 427.6 square metres and an associated outdoor play area of 188.4 square metres. Plans also include the provision of 155 car parking spaces and 311 cycle parking spaces for the residential units at basement level, and secure allocated storage space is provided at basement level for the residential units. Some 23 car parking spaces, 111 cycle parking spaces, and a set down area are provided at surface level to serve the residential units and childcare facility. Vehicular access, it is proposed, will be via the existing access from Vevay Road and via a new vehicular access from Boghall Road. The proposed development includes associated improvements to Vevay Road and Boghall Road to facilitate the development (which includes alterations to the existing footpaths / public road). The buildings are designed to fit into the context of the area with the setting of the public open space providing the main fulcrum point from which the buildings are ordered. A hierarchy of public open space, communal open space and private open space are all linked by the centrally located, pedestrian priority, spine road running through the site. The buildings have also been designed to address the surroundings, including responding to the extensive green areas in the vicinity (Bray Head, Killruddery House and Wicklow mountains) by providing extensive soft landscaping between the buildings and providing the majority of car parking at basement level; the form, scale and mass of the buildings respect the context and surroundings by placing the larger blocks to the south of the site thereby reducing the impact on the neighbouring residential buildings to the north and east of the site; the materiality of the buildings responds to the surrounding vernacular with a mix of brick and render, and in particular, the proposal includes for a higher quantum of brick facing onto Vevay Road and a split of render and brick to the other facades. The site has been vacant since 2006, when Dell relocated to Cherrywood, taking with it around 1,000 local jobs in what was a huge blow to the area. It was the location for Dells original UK and Ireland sales, marketing and supporting operation set up in 1992. Prior to that, Nixdorf operated at the same premises. Commenting when permission was given to finally demolish the former home of Dell last year, Councillor Joe Behan said it put an end to any hopes of a new source of employment on as large a scale as existed when the tech firm employed 1,000 people at its facility in the town. The original vision of Wicklow and Bray Councils in the 1970s was an industrial employment heartland all along the southern side of the Boghall Road and for about 30 years that vision was a reality when Nixdorf (later Dell), Glaxo, and AO Smith and others provided more than 2,000 jobs on the Boghall Road alone, he said. Sadly, Wicklow County Council and the IDA have failed miserably, ever since, to attract substantial employment back to that excellent location and the Dell building has lain idle and derelict since Dell moved their operations to Cherrywood. It is an enormous disappointment that the scale of quality employment for the people of Bray and surrounding areas has never returned and that the two Cabinet Ministers in the constituency appear to do so little to encourage new employment in Bray to replace the thousands of jobs we have lost, he added. Councillor Joe Behan. A large scale residential development (LRD) is a development of 100 housing units or more, or student accommodation developments comprising 200 bed spaces or more, or a combination of same. Up to 30pc of the gross floor space of the proposed development is permitted for other uses. Pre-application was undertaken in May 2021 in respect to a proposed residential development initially comprising 240 apartments in seven blocks, with heights of three to five storeys. Subsequently, the applicant decided not to proceed with a Strategic Housing Development (SHD) application for the site (SHD applications go directly to An Bord Pleanala for decision and cannot be appealed), in favour of an LRD application. The current Phase 2 application seeks to address key items which have informed the LRD proposals for the site, including a reduction in residential units; the provision of a stronger street edge to Vevay Road and Boghall Road and a reduction in the residential blocks to three and four storeys. The last date for submissions is Monday, March 4, and a decision date is set for Monday, March 25. Garrett Donohoe, Michael Crowe, Luca Donohoe, Pierce Kelly and Paul Crowe at the Bray Wanderers Open Day at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray. Christ Church COI Services of Worship for this Sunday The First Sunday of Lent: 11am Morning Prayer. Today Ash Wednesday: 11am Short Ash Wednesday Service. Parish Life Centre [PLC] Bookings: The Parish Life Centre is available for day and evening bookings. Please contact Tracey in the Parish Office at 01-286 2968. Parish Office: The Parish Office can be contacted at 01- 286 2968 or info@christchurchbray.ie between 9am to 1pm Monday to Friday. Connect Online: Our most active communication tools currently are our Website www.christchurchbray.ie which contains information on our live streamed worship services, weekly Blogs, events and news, and our facebook page @christchurchbray. Irish Trefoil GuildGuiding for Life: Calling all former leaders of the Irish Girl Guides in Bray and the surrounding area. There is now a Trefoil Guild in Bray. Contact Anne at braytrefoilguild@gmail.com. Bray Methodist Church Worship for this Sunday: 10amSunday Worship with Creche and Sunday School. Bray Presbyterian Church Worship for this Sunday: 11.30am Sunday Worship. Christian Assembly Church Worship for this Sunday: 10.45am Morning Worship; Wednesdays: 8pm Prayer Meeting & Bible study. Cornerstone Church at The Well Worship this Sunday: 11am. Bray Gospel Hall Bray Gospel Hall, 27 Florence Road - Sunday Morning: 10.45am to 12 Noon: Breaking of Bread (Lords Supper)A Time of Worship, Praise and Remembrance. Holy Redeemer Parish Contact Holy Redeemer Parish: Call (01) 2868413. Website: www.holyredeemerbray.ie; Email: office@holyredeemerbray.ie. Parish Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 11am. If you need to contact us email: office@holyredeemer.ie. Mass Times: 10amMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday No Mass on Tuesday. Sunday Masses: 6pm Vigil Mass on Saturday and on Sunday at 10.30am and 12Noon. To book a Mass, please call into the Sacristy before or after our Masses. Mass Cards: Mass Cards may be purchased from the Parish Office during its opening hours. Baptism: Registration for Baptism can be made online via the parish website www.holyredeemerbray.ie. St. Annes Church, Shankill: The Vigil Mass on Saturdays is celebrated at 5pm. All are welcome. St. Peters Parish To Book a Mass: To book a Mass, please contact the Parish Office on 01- 282 9467 or email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com. Parish Office: Parish Office opening hours areMonday: 9.30am to 12.30pm; Tuesday: 9am to 12.30pm; Wednesday: Closed; Thursday: 9am to 12.30pm; Friday: 9am to 12.30pm. The parish office can be contacted by calling 01-282 4967 or by email: stpeterslittlebray1@gmail.com. St. Peters Church Mass Times: Sunday: 9.30am (Irish), 11.30am. Holy Days of Obligation: 11.30am. No Weekday Mass. Mass on the First Friday of the Month is celebrated at 10am. Sunday Mass is broadcast on the parish web-site at 9.30am (Irish) and 11.30am (English)Google Chrome required. Car Park Hours: These are from 9am to 12.30pm, Monday to Friday, for parish business and at the weekends during church ceremonies. The Cemetery is accessible via the laneway for pedestrians. St. Peters Cemetery: There is a strict policy of No Dumping Allowed in any area of the cemetery. Visitors to the cemetery are requested to take home all forms of rubbish with them in order to keep the cemetery tidy. Your co-operation is appreciated. St. Annes Church, Shankill: A Vigil Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5pm. All are welcome. St Fergals Parish Mass Times: Mass times are 9.30am Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. No morning Mass on Thursdays and Saturdays. Saturday: 7pm Vigil Mass; Sundays: 8am and 10.30am. Baptism: Baptisms take place on the first and third Saturday of each Month at 12Noon. Bookings can be made through the Parish Office Only. The Preparation meeting takes place on the Monday before the 1st Saturday of the month. Please call into the Parish Office three weeks in advance of the Baptism to complete the Baptism Form and to confirm the date. Confessions: Are heard on Saturdays after the 7pm Vigil Mass. Marriage: All couples must give notice to the priest or Parish Secretary at least three months prior to the date of marriage. Syro Malabar Catholic Church Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 2.30pm in St. Fergals Church, Ballywaltrim. Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Website: www.queenofpeace.ie. Church Opening Hours: The Church closes at 4.30pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays.# Eucharistic Adoration: Eucharistic Adoration takes place from 11am to 10pm on Mondays only in this Church. Mass: Weekday Masses are celebrated at 10.30am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Weekend Masses are at 6.30pm on Saturdays and 10.30am and 12 Noon on Sundays. Mass Bookings: Anyone who wishes to book a Mass can do so by contacting the Parish Secretary via email at: secretary@queenofpeace.ie, or call 2745497. Parish Centre: To book a meeting room in the Parish Centre please call 01-2760045 or email: villafas1@hotmail.com. QOP youth club On Friday the Queen of Peace adventure Youth Club members attended a very informative lecture on drug awareness. Next club item is a night walk in the Glen of the Downs. A trip to climb Croagh Patrick is being organised in April. This event will be open to club members, and to friends of the club. Diving club Bray Divers Sub-aqua Club based in Greystones Harbour are about to begin their training season for new divers. Recruits may expect to be scuba divers before Easter. This club has a modern facility with changing rooms, showers, toilets, lecture room, and kitchen. There are troughs for gear cleaning, and there is easy car parking. Dives are arranged every weekend, and on many other week days weather depending. All the trainers are volunteers, and all the certification has worldwide recognition. Call Albert on 0876756439 for information, and get diving. Bray Library Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with late opening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8.30pm. The library can be contacted at 01-2862600 or email: braylib@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. The library is again involved in Imbolc, the Community Seed Arc programme, where one can get seeds for a variety of plants and after they flower, donate seeds from them for the programme. As always, you can have seeds sent to your local Wicklow Library branch by emailing your branchand requesting up to 4 packets. Doodle Time for 9-12 year olds takes place every Thursday from 3pm to 4pm. Afterschool Storytime takes place every Tuesday at 3pm in the Junior Library. Resistance training for beginners commencing this Friday is now fully booked out. The Junior Book Club (ages 9 to 11) is now accepting new members. It meets on the second Monday of each month at 3.15pm. Email braylibrary@wicklowcoco.ie or ask at the library desk to book a place. There will be a recital King of the Fairies a musical story about the Irish fairy king and his magical harpwith Aisling Ennis in Bray library at 10am on Monday February 26th. All are welcome. Ballywaltrim Library Opening hours are 10am to 5 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and 10am to 8pm on Wednesday. The library can be contacted at 01-2723205 or by email at: ballywatrimlibrary@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available via the library website. Borrowers can renew their books online at any time. Tummy-Time for Babies takes place every Monday and Friday from 10.30am to 12pm no booking required. There will be a recital King of the Fairies a musical story about the Irish fairy king and his magical harpwith Aisling Ennis in Bray library at 10am on Monday February 26th. All are welcome. Bray Cualann Historical Society You are invited tomorrow night (Thursday) by the Bray Cualann Historical Society, the local history society for Bray and North Wicklow, and Sunbeam House Trust, to a historical presentation to mark the events of 150 years ago that shaped future healthcare when Lucinda Sullivan (nee Brady), opened a home to care for crippled children in Bray. As a result of Lucindas actions other childcare facilities opened in Bray. The evening will commence with a wreath laying ceremony at the Cornerstone Church (St. Pauls), opposite the Royal Hotel, at 7pm and will continue in the Royal Hotel, Bray, at 8pm with an illustrated presentation by Brian White on Victorian Childcare in BrayMarking the 150th Anniversary of the Cripples Home, Bray. All are welcome admission is 8 for non-members. At the first meeting of the Societys committee elected at the January AGM, Kay Kehoe was appointed as the Societys President in succession to the late Eve Sutton who died last November. Other posts filled were Brian White Chairman and Treasurer; May Harte Hon. Secretary; Mark Murphy Website & Technology; James Scannell Hon PRO, and Dave Murphy Membership Officer. The Bray Cualann Historical Society is always interested in new members and those wishing to join the Society can do so at tomorrow nights meeting of the Society in the Royal Hotel, Bray, or log onto the Societys website to obtain more information. Members and supporters of the Bray Cualann Historical Society are asked to note that today (Wednesday) Dr. Mary Muldowney will present Prostitution in Dublin in the first decades of the twentieth century at 6pm to the Old Dublin Society in the Conference Room, Dublin City Library & Archive, 144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. All are welcome admission is free and no booking is required; Albert Perris will present A Ramble about Tallaght at 7.45pm to the Knocklyon History Society in the The Iona Pastoral Centre, Idrone Avenue, Knocklyon, Dublin 15. All are welcome to attendadmission is 3 for members and 5 for non-members; on Friday morning Brian White will present Enniskerry & District Part 1 at 11am in Enniskerry Library, Church Road, Enniskerry. Admission is free but booking is required call 01-2864339 or email: enniskerrylib@wicklowcoco.ie; next Tuesday James Brady will present With the 6th Battalion South County Dublin and the War of Independence 1916-1921 at 8pm to the Foxrock Local History Club in the Foxrock Parish Pastoral Centre, Foxrock, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5 for visitors; next Wednesday Dr. Stephen Ferguson will present Postal History at 7.30pm to the Greystones Archaeological & Historical Society in Kilian Family Centre, beside Holy Rosary Church, Greystones. All are welcome admission is 3; David Doyle will present Carriglea House at 8pm to the Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society in the Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5. Poetry in the Park Poetry in the Park takes place on the First Sunday of Every Month at 12pm on the bandstand in the Peoples Park, Lower Dargle Road, Bray. Listen to or read your favourite poems, hear original poetry performed by local poets or simply chat with other poetry fans in this beautiful outdoor setting on the banks of the River Dargle. Parish of Powerscourt with Kilbride Services at Powerscourt with Kilbride: All Services are available on the Parish YouTube Channel. Service of Worship in St. Patricks Church, Powerscourt, for this Sunday The First Sunday of Lent: 11.30am All Age Service. Service of Worship in St. Brigids Church, Kilbride, for this Sunday The First Sunday of Lent: 9.45am Holy Communion 2. Love Life Live Lenta five-week course for Lent in collaboration with our friends from St. Marys, Enniskerry: Love Life Live Lent is a different way of approaching Lent, one which focuses on taking up positive actions for the good of all. Often Lent has been about giving up things traditionally some sorts of food, but these days more likely chocolate or alcohol. We give up things with a view to focus more closely on our relationship with God. While there are elements of giving up in the daily actions (well think about that in week 2) the focus of the actions is on generosity and being life-giving. Week 1: February 21stThe Wedding at Cana: Love Life; Week 2: February 28thThe Bethesda Pool: Letting Go; Week 3: March 6thFeeling Good or Washing Feet?: Whats in it for me?; Week 4: March 13thFeeding 5000: Whats in it for them? Week 5: March 20thMan Born Blind: Taking Action Making a difference. Irish Trefoil GuildGuiding for Life: Calling all former leaders of the Irish Girl Guides in Bray and the surrounding area. There is now a Trefoil Guild in Bray. Contact Anne at braytrefoilguild@gmail.com. St. Marys Church Parish Website: www.enniskerryparish.ie is the Parish website of the Immaculate Heart of Marycheck it out for the latest information about our parish. Facebook Page: There is a facebook page for the parish of Enniskerry, incorporating all four churches which facebook users will find under Enniskerry parish with a cover photo of trees and profile picture of a quote from Pope Francis. Please give it a like and feel free to post news from your community. Enniskerry (also Curtlestown & Glencree) Parish Office opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 1pm; email: stmarys@enniskerryparish.ie; or call 01-2760030. St. Mochonogs Parish Office opening times: Monday: 9am to 2pm, Tuesday: (by phone) 10am to 1pm, Wednesday: 10am to 2pm, Thursday (by phone) 10am to 1pm. Closed Friday. Parish Churches Schedule of Masses: EnniskerrySt Marys: Saturday evening 6pm and also via parish webcam; Sunday 11am and also via parish webcam. Weekday Mass at Enniskerry is at 10.15am on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and also via parish webcam lay-led prayer service on Wednesday; and Saturday at 10.15 am, and also available via the parish webcam. Masses in Curtlestown and Kilmacanogue are on Sunday at 10am. Mass in Glencree is at 9am on the first Sunday each month. Baptism Requests: Requests for Baptism now take place online at www.enniskerryparish.ie. Love Life Live Lenta five-week course for Lent in collaboration with our friends from St. Patricks Powerscourt: Love Life Live Lent is a different way of approaching Lent, one which focuses on taking up positive actions for the good of all. Often Lent has been about giving up things traditionally some sorts of food, but these days more likely chocolate or alcohol. We give up things with a view to focus more closely on our relationship with God. While there are elements of giving up in the daily actions (well think about that in week 2) the focus of the actions is on generosity and being life-giving. Week 1: February 21stThe Wedding at Cana: Love Life; Week 2: February 28thThe Bethesda Pool: Letting Go; Week 3: March 6thFeeling Good or Washing Feet?: Whats in it for me?; Week 4: March 13thFeeding 5000: Whats in it for them? Week 5: March 20thMan Born Blind: Taking Action Making a difference. Church Music Group: We meet on Tuesday evenings at 7.15pm in St. Marys Church. We would love to have a few more voices. If you would like to try, just come along and you will be warmly welcomed. Downtime Thursday: Why not pop into St. Marys Church for some quiet time on Thursday February 29th from 7pm to 8.30pm. You can sit in silence with candlelight and gentle music. Take a few minutes for yourself and just be. Light a candle, say a prayer. Just sit if thats what you need. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place. Creating a Liturgical/Community Space: Over the last few years several suggestions have been made, through the parish pastoral council, as to how we could create a gathering space in St. Marys, for community and liturgical events in the parish. One of the suggestions had been to remove some benches from the back of the church and create a designated and attractive space for this purpose. As time passed, and it was obvious that the number attending was continuing to fall, the decision was made to go ahead with the project. The next step was to identify how many benches we would need to move to create enough space. That decision was made for us, as there are only four benches in the church without plaques. We now propose to move these, and make full use of the space it will give. The plan, once the benches are removed, is to create a space, which will be clearly visible as a designated for meeting, welcoming, and praying together in a more intimate setting. We will pay particular attention to the quality of furnishings and how the space will be marked out. It should be a great asset to the community. Gatherings for tea/coffees, to a smaller more intimate space for the celebration of daily Eucharist will be an option. We envisage using this space for invited speakers and guests to engage the community in prayer in so many different shapes and forms. It will be a Godsend for the ongoing faith development of sacramental families. This is an option that a number of other churches in the Dublin diocese have opted for very successfully. We plan to hold a meeting soon so that interested parties can express their views. Broadcast List: A broadcast list for the parish is now up and running. This is to keep everyone up to date with what is happening in the parish and for easy communication in relation to building our communities. If you would like your name added to the list please contact Aideen 086-8182 241. New Here? You are very welcome. Please keep up to date with us at www.enniskerryparish.ie. You can register as a parishioner by mailing us at stmarys@enniskerryparish.ie or stmochonogs@enniskerryparish.ie. If you wish to receive items, or if you would like to receive the Parish Link by email weekly please phone the Parish Office in Enniskerry on 01-2760030 (10am to 1pm Monday to Friday or email: stmarys@enniskerry.ie; and Kilmacanogue on 01-2021882. (10am to 1pm) Mondayto Thursday, or email:stmochonogs@enniskerryparish.ie. Rosary: A group from the parish meets every Wednesday evening, on Zoom, from 7.30pm to8pm to pray the Rosary. Please call or message 087-4189 338, to be added to the group or for further information. Society of St. Vincent de Paul: The local telephone number is 01-8550022. St. Annes Church, Shankill: On Saturdays the Vigil Mass is celebrated in St. Annes Church at 5pm. All are welcome. History Society Members and supporters of the Enniskerry History Society are asked to note that the following events will take place in the week ahead. Today (Wednesday) Dr. Mary Muldowney will present Prostitution in Dublin in the first decades of the twentieth century at 6pm to the Old Dublin Society in the Conference Room, Dublin City Library & Archive, 144 Pearse Street, Dublin 2. All are welcome admission is free and no booking is required; Albert Perris will present A Ramble about Tallaght at 7.45pm to the Knocklyon History Society in the The Iona Pastoral Centre, Idrone Avenue, Knocklyon, Dublin 15. All are welcome to attendadmission is 3 for members and 5 for non-members; tomorrow (Thursday February) James Scannell will present Rough Justice: Crime and Punishment in 19th century Wicklow at 7pm in Wicklow Town Branch Library, The Mall, Main Street, Wicklow Town. All are welcomeadmission is free but booking is requiredcontact Wicklow Library on 0404-67025 or email: wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie to book your place; Brian White will present Victorian Childcare in BrayMarking the 150th Anniversary of the Cripples Home, Bray at 8pm to the Bray Cualann Historical Society in the Royal Hotel, Main Street, Bray, Co. Wicklow. All are welcome admission is 8 for non-members; Rob Goodbody will present The Building of Dun Laoghaire Harbour at 8 pm to the Dublin Bay Old Gaffers Association in the Poolbeg Yacht and Boat Club, Ringsend Road, Dublin 4. All are welcome admission is freedonation to the R.N.L.I.; on Friday Brian White will present Enniskerry & District Part 1 at 11am in Enniskerry Library, Church Road, Enniskerry. Admission is free but booking is required call 01-2864339 or email: enniskerrylib@wicklowcoco.ie; next Tuesday James Brady will present With the 6th Battalion South County Dublin and the War of Independence 1916-1921 at 8pm to the Foxrock Local History Club in the Foxrock Parish Pastoral Centre, Foxrock, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5 for visitors; next Wednesday Dr. Stephen Ferguson will present Postal History at 7.30pm to the Greystones Archaeological & Historical Society in Kilian Family Centre, beside Holy Rosary Church, Greystones. All are welcome admission is 3; David Doyle will present Carriglea House at 8pm to the Dun Laoghaire Borough Historical Society in the Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. All are welcomeadmission is 5. Enniskerry Library Opening hours are Tuesday 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 4.30pm; Wednesday: 2pm to 4.30pm & 6pm to 8pm; Friday: 10.30am to 12.30pm & 1.30pm to 4.30pm; Saturday: 10am to 2.30pm. The library is closed on Mondays and Thursdays and on the Saturdays of Bank Holiday weekends. The library can be contacted at 01-2864339 or email: enniskerrylib@wicklowcoco.ie. Online services including e-books, audio-books, digital magazines and newspapers and e-learning are available from the library website. Tomorrow (Thursday) as part of Local History in your Library James Scannell will present Rough Justice: Crime and Punishment in 19th century Wicklow at 7pm in Wicklow Town Branch Library, The Mall, Main Street, Wicklow Town. All are welcomeadmission is free but booking is requiredcontact Wicklow Library on 0404-67025 or email: wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie to book your place. This Friday morning Brian White will present Enniskerry & District Part 1 which will look at people, places, and events associated with Enniskerry at 11am in Enniskerry Library, Church Road, Enniskerry. Admission is free but booking is required call 01-2864339 or email: enniskerrylib@wicklowcoco.ie. The Bidding in progress during the Fatstock Show & Sale Day 2 at the Carnew Mart on Saturday. Pic: Jim Campbell 49th Annual Show & Sale of Heifers & Cows - February 7: A top price of 1920 was paid for a Charlaois heifer weighing just over 750kg. The Show Champion was a Limousin Heifer weighing 800kg and made 2100. The Champion group was won by a pair of Charolais heifers weighing just over 450kg and made 1,360. Below are some of the high prices obtained on the day. Heifers: Lim 800Kg made 2,100; Ch 750Kg made 1,920; Shx 780kg made 1,920; Ch 650Kg made 1,820; Lim 600Kg made 1,810; Her 695Kg made 1,580; Ch 560Kg made 1,560; Ch 570Kg made 1,540; Ch 510kg made 1,470; Ch 550Kg made 1,440; Ch 450Kg made 1,360; Lim 420Kg made 1,040; AA 390kg made 1,010. A good selection of cows made from 12001,900. Sheep Sale - February 10: Smaller sale, but prices were well maintained from last week. Lambs 36-40kg made from 115-137; 25-30kg made from 85-105. Sample Prices: 3 x 66kg made 160; 10 x 40kg made 137; 8 x 40kg made 137; 11 x 40kg made 128; 7 x 36kg made 115. Good trade for Cast Ewesfrom 70138. Ewes Scanned in Lamb made from 160-180. BLESSINGTON Sheep Sales February 6: Big sale with a very good trade for cast ewes and hoggets. Lots of customers for all classes. Heavy Hoggets 160 to 169 or 106 to 112 over /kg; Factory Hoggets 140 to 160 or 94 to 108 over /kg; Store Hoggets 86 to 134 or 56 to 80 over /kg; Heavy Ewes 140 to 186 per head; Lighter Ewes 86 to 134 per head. Cattle Sales February 8: Best trade of the year so far for all types of cattle on offer, with a lot of customers both ringside and online via Marteye. Continental Store Bullocks 640 to 1,290 over /kg; HE/AA Store Bullocks 420 to 1,010 over /kg; FR Store Bullocks 400 to 840 over /kg; Continental Store Heifers 540 to 1,120 over /kg; HE/AA Store Heifers 400 to 860 over /kg; Beef Cows 740 to 1160 over /kg; Feeding Cows 260 to 580 over /kg. CARNEW 43rd Annual Fatstock Show and Sale Day - February 3: With 1,450 head on offer, great weekend for all with a magical trade from start to finish. Overall champion on the day was a BBX Heifer 940kg at 3,800 sold by Mr Owen ONeill. Customers came from far and near with the hope of buying some of the quality on offer. The cow trade was driven by by northern customers and wholesalers while the beef heifers were in demand from factory agents and northern customers a like. The fancy breeding heifers stole the show. With customers from every county in the country both ringside and online trying to buy stylish heifers for breeding. This led to some serious trade with some outstanding prices for farmers. A super yard of store heifers were available for farmers to battle it out to acquire stock for grass. Class 1: Best Butcher Heifer, sponsored by OFlynn Meats Waterford. 1st R&R Warren LMX 834kg at 3,750; 2nd Michael Byrne BBX 588kg at 2,300; 3rd R&R Warren LMX 780kg at 2,920. Class 2: Best Pair of Cont Butchers Heifers, sponsored by AIB. 1st Seamus Osbourne 2xLMX 680kg at 2,200; 2nd Seamus Wafer 2xLMX 605kg at 1,950 Class 3: Best Breeding Heifer, sponsored by Donohues Enniscorthy. 1st Patsy Fortune LMX 766kg at 2,600; 2nd Martin Doyle BBX 716kg at 2,320; 3rd James Murphy BBX 472kg at 2,640. Class 4: Best 2 or more non-cont Butcher Heifers, sponsored by Kehoe Brothers. 1st James Graham 3xHEX 517kg at 1340 2nd James Graham 4x hex 470kg at 1180 3rd Gordon Wheatley 5xAAX 438kg at 1200 Class 5: Best Cont Factory Type Heifers, sponsored by ABP-John Kelly 1st Owen ONeill BBx 940kg at 3,800; 2nd PJ Farrell BBx 780kg at 2,800; 3rd Seamus Wafer BBX 756kg 2,450. Class 6: Best group of 2 or more Factory Heifers, sponsored by Gallagher Insurance. 1st Trevor and Andrew Minion 590kg 1,890 Class 7: Best group of 2 or more store heifers, sponsored by PTSB Gorey 1st Viv Langrell 2BBX 536kg at 2,160; 3rd Dympna Dolan BBx 421kg at 1,440. Class 8: Best weanling /Store heifers under 500kg, sponsored by Ensor OConnor Sols: 1st Owen O Neill BBx 412kg at 2,900 -7.04/kg; 2nd Owen O Neill BBx 392kg at 1,300; 3rd Owen Oneill LMx 418kg at 1,500 Prices: BB 944kg at 3,650-3.87/kg; BBX 528kg at 3,300-6.25/kg; BBX 412kg at 2,900-7.04/kg; BBX 770kg at 2,780-3.61/kg; CHX 388kg 1,380-3.56/kg; 6 LMx 300kg at 1,000-3.33/kg. Annual Fatstock Show and Sale - February 2: Over 300 cows on offer with outstanding stock on offer with buyers from all around the country Cont Cows: Sponsored by Dawn Meats - Niall Grufferty. 1st Shay Hayden BBX 986kg at 3,280; 2nd Shay Hayden BBX 916kg at 3,220. FR Cows: 1st Fr John Redmond 754kg at 1,530. Prices: BBX 916kg 3,000; cH 902kg at 2,740; BAX 954Kg 2,680; BA 764kg at 2,320; LMX 854kg at 2,460. A 19-year-old Lincoln man stands accused of being an accessory to Carly Schaafs murder in 2021 for allegedly helping his older brother conceal her body in a wooded area at Pawnee Lake. Danyl Barraza made his first court appearance Monday on the charge, where Lancaster County Court Judge Thomas Zimmerman set his percentage bond at $250,000 and appointed the public defenders office to represent him. He has been at the county jail since Dec. 29, when he was sentenced to 120 days in a misdemeanor case. He was rebooked this week on the accessory charge. His brother, 27-year-old Joesef Barraza, had been set for arraignment in district court later this week for first-degree murder of Schaaf, plus three counts of first-degree sexual assault. Instead, he entered written not-guilty pleas, waiving the court appearance. Schaaf was last seen alive May 17, 2021, near her familys home near Bryan West Campus, and was reported missing two days later. In court records, Lincoln police said the investigation into the 23-year-olds disappearance led them to suspect Joesef Barraza. Investigators said they got a warrant and found photos and videos on his cellphone that led them to Pawnee Lake, where they believed he disposed of something the night of June 1, 2021, two weeks after Schaaf went missing. Using a video as a guide, they searched a wooded area on June 10, 2021, and found her remains. Schaaf had been stabbed. But an autopsy determined she died of a combination of an overdose of diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, and methamphetamine, as well as asphyxia by suffocation, according to court records. In the affidavit for Danyl Barrazas arrest, police said a confidential informant said Schaafs body initially had been submerged in Pawnee Lake, but Danyl Barraza, then 16, later allegedly helped Joesef Barraza pull her body out of the water and move her remains to a wooded area. At a news conference announcing charges related to Schaafs killing, police said they believed that Joesef Barraza had kidnapped Schaaf and sexually assaulted her and two others and that his then-girlfriend Rachel Pageler had taken part in the kidnapping. The state since has dropped the kidnapping charges. Pageler also is accused of being an accessory to the murder. Getting away with murder: Nebraska cold cases Patricia Webb Tina McMenamin Ali Saleh Al-Saidi Gina Bos Ann Marie Kelley Carl Bittner K.K. Kody Christi Nichols Donald Bennett Ernestine Ruschy Eugene McGuire Jay Durnil Mary Heese Gregory Moore Irvin Settje Jason Remsen Jason Vesper Brian Walker Arthur Morley Jay Blockson Jeanne Kassebaum William, Bernice and Barbara Peak Jeffrey Snoddy Joy Blanchard Demetrius Simpson Julie Derrick Leah Rowlands Letha Harley Mary Cabral Mary Cronin Merlin Mosel Mitchell Simon Patrick Vostades Rebecca Williams Richard Chadek Richard Lessley Robert Beaudoin Robert Heelan Rudolfo Flores Russell McKnight Sandy Green Sarah Neal Tyrone Banister Waddell Robinson Charles Hanks Cllr Mary Kavanagh has sought an update on proposed works by Irish Rail to protect the railway line from continued erosion taking place at the Murrough. Coastal erosion has wreaked havoc on the popular Wicklow town coastal walk over the years, with large sections lost each year and washed out the sea. Storm Babet caused considerable damage back in October, leading to fears over the future of the Murrough. Speaking at Mondays monthly meeting of Wicklow County Council, Cllr Kavanagh said: What is the situation with the rock armour at the Murrough? Its been three months since the storm decimated the area and I dont think any of the proposed works have actually started yet. Im at a loss over what the hold-up is, because like I said, three months have passed since the last storm and its urgent these works are carried out before we are hit by any further storms. 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 WCCs Director of Services Breege Kilkenny said she would keep Cllr Kavanagh updated on any works Irish Rail have planned. The works Irish Rail are doing are investigative works. They are looking at protecting the railway line from Dublin to Wicklow, as part of a larger plan to protect the coastline. The Duchess of Sussex has defended her and Harrys new Sussex.com site following a spate of criticism. Meghan Markle praised the attention to detail and creativity and care of the designers, after critics pointed out the couple were told to drop use of HRH when they quit as working royals. Even their use of the title Sussex was debated at Buckingham Palace. Responding to criticism, Meghan Markle said: Theyre not just designers; they are collaborators who elevate your ideas into visual identities. Theyre a very special company. Plus theyre Canadian, so Im a fan. Prince Harry has arrived in Vancouver alongside Meghan to discuss next years infamous Invictus Games after a shock relaunch of their website from Archewell to Sussex.com, in honour if their royal roots. King Charles returned from the capital to Sandringham after having his latest bout of cancer treatment and was pictured smiling with the Queen as he arrived at Clarence House. The Duke and Duchess flew into Vancouver from Santa Barbara after a shock relaunch of their website from Archewell to Sussex.com, honouring their royal roots. Today's News in 90 Seconds - February 14th Markle also revealed that shell be launching a new podcast, after she and husband Prince Harry ended their deal with Spotify last year. On 13 February, Lemonada Media announced its new partnership with the Duchess of Sussex, with the platform set to launch her newest work, as reported by Deadline. However, the title of the podcast and details on what its about havent been revealed. In addition, Lemonada will be launching all 12 episodes of Meghans Archetypes podcast, which first aired on Spotify last year. The first season of her podcast featured famous guests including Serena Williams, Andy Cohen, Trevor Noah, Paris Hilton, and Constance Wu. Meghan has also issued a statement to express her excitement about the new podcast and her partnership with Lemonada, which was first founded in 2019 by Jessica Cordova Kramer and Stephanie Wittels Wachs. Im proud to now be able to share that I am joining the brilliant team at Lemonada to continue my love of podcasting, she said, according to Deadline. Being able to support a female founded company with a roster of thought provoking and highly entertaining podcasts is a fantastic way to kick off 2024. People view a large column of captured Russian tanks, which have been on display in central Kyiv. Photo: AP Russia has lost more than 3,000 tanks in Ukraine the equivalent of its entire pre-war active inventory but has enough lower-quality armoured vehicles in storage for years of replacements, a leading research centre said yesterday. Staff at London Zoo have said they are over the moon to have welcomed a second critically endangered baby gorilla in less than a month. The western lowland gorilla baby, whose sex has not been confirmed, was born at 7.44pm on February 8 to mother Effie and was delivered in the gym area of Gorilla Kingdom. South Africa asks UN court to examine Israels actions in Rafah as part of ongoing genocide case Southern Gaza city sheltering over one million displaced Palestinians already hit by strikes Israeli soldiers drive a tank across the border from inside the Gaza Strip to southern Israel. Photo: AP Gerald Imray Wed 14 Feb 2024 at 03:30 South Africas government said yesterday that it had lodged an urgent request with the UNs International Court of Justice to consider whether Israels military operations targeting the southern Gaza city of Rafah are a breach of provisional orders the court handed down last month in a case alleging genocide. US Senate approves billions in aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan Deal on funds for allies still faces opposition in the House Senate majority leader Chuck Schumer worked closely with his Republican rivals to get the bill passed. Photo: Getty Mary Clare Jalonick and Stephen Groves Wed 14 Feb 2024 at 03:30 The US Senate passed a $95.3bn (89bn) aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan early yesterday, pushing ahead after months of difficult negotiations and growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the US abroad. Meet the firm behind our content. Visit their website to see how their services can help your business succeed. Photo courtesy: wikipedia.org Mumbai: RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das cautioned banks about the accumulation of risks within the banking system during a meeting with CEOs. He underscored the importance of remaining vigilant and avoiding complacency, stressing that banks must stay alert to potential risks, media reports said. The governors comments gather importance in the background of growing incidents of fraudulent practices and scams in the banking system. In October last year, the Central bank directed the Bank of Baroda (BoB) to stop onboarding new customers via its digital banking app, BoB World. UCO Bank witnessed discrepancies in its IMPS services from November 10 to 13. Following this, the bank temporarily disabled the IMPS money transfer option offline due to a technical glitch. This glitch resulted in some transactions by customers of other banks being credited to UCO Bank account holders without the actual receipt of money from these banks. At the meeting, Das further asked the banks to continue implementing strong risk management measures. Furthermore, Das emphasised concerns about the sustainability of business models, exceptional growth in personal loan segments, compliance with co-lending regulations, bank exposure to the non-banking financial company (NBFC) sector, management of liquidity risks, readiness for IT and cyber security challenges, operational robustness, digital fraud prevention, and enhancement of the internal rating system, reported Moneycontrol. Das also encouraged the banks to actively participate in RBIs Fin Tech initiatives and bolster the Digital Banking Units (DBUs). Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons Kolkata: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of Tata Power, has signed a power delivery agreement with Tata Communications for an 18.75 MW AC group captive solar power plant. The project will be implemented through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) Nivade Windfarm Limited has acquired an estimated order value of Rs 105 crore. Located in Aachegaon, Maharashtra, the plant is projected to generate approximately 40 MUs of power while offsetting more than 30,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. Commenting on the partnership, Tata Power Renewable Energy CEO & MD Deepesh Nanda said, Our customised green energy solutions such as Group Captive Solar will not only reduce operating costs but also increase energy efficiency, thus paving the way for a sustainable and future-ready sector. Tata Communications Vice President- Corporate Services Manoj Tripathy said, We are delighted to announce Tata Communications' unwavering dedication to sustainability as a leading global commtech playerThis initiative sets a formidable example for the transition towards a greener future. It is a resolute pledge towards fostering a cleaner, more sustainable path for the future of commtech. Tata Power Renewable Energy is strategically emphasizing on group captive projects to actively contribute to India's ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, while also addressing the distinctive renewable energy requirements of clients across various sectors, the company said in a statement. In recent months, the company has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing a capacity of over 1.5 gigawatts (GW) in group captive projects. "This accomplishment is attributed to the successful execution of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that span a diverse range of industries, including steel, polystyrene, mining, iron casting, manufacturing, hospitality, automotive, among others, read the statement. With the addition, the total renewables capacity of TPREL reached 9,015 MW (PPA capacity is 7,629 MW), including 4,744 MW of projects in different phases of development. The company has an operating capacity of 4,271 MW, including 3,244 MW in solar projects and 1,027 MW in wind projects. The pursuit of global education just got easier for students at Lovely Professional University (LPU), thanks to a recent momentous collaboration with New Zealands top-ranked research university, the University of Waikato (UoW). This partnership, sealed through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant stride for LPU in its mission to internationalize education, aligning with Indias new education policy. A high-profile UoW delegation, led by Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Geoffery Holmes, met with LPUs leading academicians to lay the groundwork for this prestigious association. The MoU caters to the growing aspirations of students seeking research-based global education in cutting-edge fields. This opens doors to exciting opportunities for collaboration in various areas, promising benefits for both institutions. What does this MoU mean for students? One of the most exciting outcomes of this MoU is the 2+2 Pathway Program, specifically designed for LPUs Computer Science and Engineering students. This program allows students to spend their first two years studying at LPU, followed by two years at UoW, culminating in a globally recognized degree from the prestigious New Zealand university. This unique program offers students an immersive international learning experience, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge sought after by employers worldwide. Beyond the 2+2 Pathway Program, the MoU opens doors to further exchange programs, joint research initiatives, faculty development opportunities, and curriculum co-creation. This fosters a vibrant space for academic exchange, cultural understanding, and intellectual growth for both students and faculty members. The significance of this collaboration: This MoU signifies a commitment to promoting internationalization in education and research. It aligns with Indias new education policy, which emphasizes providing students with globally relevant skills and exposure. The collaboration between UoW, a top-ranked research university, and LPU, a leading Indian institution, sets a valuable precedent for future partnerships, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and education on a global scale. This partnership is not just about academic excellence; its about creating a platform for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Students and faculty from both universities will have the opportunity to learn from each others diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering a more interconnected and collaborative global academic community. The University of Waikato and LPUs MoU marks a significant step towards achieving their shared vision of providing students with world-class education and preparing them for success in the globalized world. This collaboration is sure to pave the way for exciting new opportunities and advancements in the field of international education. (Photo and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com) Crypto Exchanges Reported Over 16,000 Flagged Transactions to South Korean Authorities South Korean crypto exchanges reported over 16,000 transactions to local authorities in 2023, an increase from previous years. The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) released a breakdown of its efforts to tackle money laundering and other illegal financial threats involving crypto assets. The FIUs plan for 2024 highlights four main areas, including inspection of financial firms and internal anti-money laundering measures. The roadmap also focuses on user protection among digital asset business operators and an established AML system deployed by authorities in line with foreign standards. FIU is largely concentrating its financial information analysis capabilities in the following three directions to strengthen its role in detecting and notifying law enforcement agencies of crimes that violate the publics livelihood, such as virtual asset abuse crimes and illegal private financing, and as a result, related suspicious transaction reports in 2023. The financial regulator is encouraging crypto exchanges and other platforms to report suspicious activities, as data shows an uptick in the number of incidents last year. Crypto Exchanges and Authorities Notch Uptick In Regulatory Efforts In 2023, the number of suspicious transaction reports (STRs) by crypto assets companies soared by 49% from the previous year. The proportion of total STR also grew from 1.2% to 1.7% within the same timeframe. While total STR stood at 906,000, up from 822,644 the previous year, crypto asset cases were 16,076, up from 10,797 in 2022. Intensive analysis of virtual asset transactions was conducted and the analysis system was advanced. As a result, the number of cases notified to law enforcement agencies of suspected crimes related to virtual assets increased by approximately 90% * compared to the previous year. The milestones recorded so far come on the heels of efforts by the unit to bridge the gap between all stakeholders in Web3 activities. According to the statement, the regulator strengthened communication channels with crypto-related companies. Best practices for flagging and forwarding suspected transactions were also enforced at various levels. Furthermore, the FIU unveiled a 9-person workforce for analysis and expert gathering on flagged crypto transactions. South Koreas Crypto Industry Efforts In recent months, South Korea has taken several steps to curb the rate of cryptocurrency scams, citing investor protection efforts. South Korea Plans to Block Unlicensed Crypto Exchanges Learn more Cryptonews.com (@cryptonews) February 12, 2024 Following the collapse of Terras stablecoin and the implosion of FTX, regulators in the country have placed stringent restrictions on both crypto firms and private traders. On Feb 7, the Financial Service Commission (FSC) disclosed a new law against illegal trading and market manipulation by private traders. Users who make an excess of $3.8 million risk facing life sentences. The Virtual Asset User Protection Act will come into force on July 19, 2024, adding to the countrys regulations. Authorities also rolled out regulations on crypto exchange executives asking them to register with the FSC before assuming the position. Photo Courtesy: IBNS File The Bengali community across the nation is worshipping the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and learning Saraswati on Wednesday. As per Hindu belief, Saraswati is the daughter of Goddess Durga. It is among the most-awaited festivals for teens, who not only usher in the Goddess in their households or communities but also make the most of the day by hanging out with friends. Teenagers flock at every possible hangout zones and shopping malls especially in Kolkata. Cinema halls are generally spotted crowded on the occasion not leaving behind the long chain of queues witnessed outside the restaurants. The deity of art, wisdom and culture is worshipped mainly by students across the state and beyond. From schools, colleges to households, people get busy appeasing the Goddess of knowledge. Goddess Saraswati is worshipped in various parts of the country in various ways and in different times. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, Saraswati Puja starts with 'Saraswati Avahan' on 'Maha Saptami' and ends on 'Vijayadashami' with 'Saraswati Udwasan' or 'Visarjan' (idol immersion). While in Eastern India, which includes West Bengal, the occasion is celebrated in the 'Magha' month (January-February). It coincides with 'Vasant Panchami' or 'Shree Panchami' which is the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the lunar month of 'Magha'. In the southern states of India, Saraswati Puja is conducted during the Navaratri which literally means "Nine Nights". But the actual celebrations continue during the 10th day, which is considered as 'Vijaya Dashami' or the Victorious Tenth Day. In West Bengal, people wear traditional outfits on this day. Boys are usually seen in payjama and punjabi while girls don colourful sarees. Like in every other Indian festival, food plays a crucial role in Sarawasti Puja. Traditionally, khichdi (hotchpotch of rice and pulses), dum aloo (potato curry) and chutney are served to the Goddess along with various kinds of sweets in several households. This year, Saraswati Puja and Valentine's Day are being celebrated on the same day, marking double celebration for teens. President Murmu, PM Narendra Modi wishes President Droupadi Murmu greeted the nation on the occasion of Saraswati Puja and Vasant Panchami. Indian PM Narendra Modi, who is visiting the UAE, wished countrymen and posted on X: "Wish my countrymen Happy Saraswati Puja and Vasant Panchami." Photo Courtesy: UNI A 25-year-old Shahida Khanum has turned her ancestral home into a museum to preserve the cultural heritage of Gujjar tribe. A resident of Aragam village in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district seeks to revive the traditional attire of his tribe. Aragam village in north Kashmir overlooks Asias largest freshwater lake, Wular. My aim is that the Gujjar Bakarwal tribe should get a place to represent themselves in the nation and the world somewhere so that the community could also move forward with others, Shahida told UNI. A Bachelor of Arts (BA), Shahida did her initial studies from the Government Girls School Aragam and completed class XII from the higher secondary School of the village. She graduated from the Government womens college Srinagar in 2020. When asked what made her turn the ancestral home in a museum, she said I had been to Bhopal in 2016 to attend a function Lok Rang programme during my schooling days. It was very painful for me that I could not find the costume of my tribe anywhere there that hurts me. From the day I made up my mind that whatever the cultural belongings of our tribe was will be preserved and I successfully did that by turning my ancestral home into a museum at Aragam, she said. Shahida has kept all belongings of her tribe in the museum including cultural dresses, traditional headgears, shawls, utensils and a charkha for the exhibition of the people. She said local people often visit to see the museum but people from the far flung areas and tourists are yet to turn to see the tribe's cultural heritage. It may be due to less awareness and publicity, people are not yet turning to experience my museum, she said. Shahid wants to showcase the cultural heritage of Gujjar tribe at the national and the international level. She said that the government should help us to take forward the people of Gujjar Bakarwal community alongwith other communities of Jammu and Kashmir. So far no help or appreciation came from the local administration, she added. Shahida is also running a Noor tailoring cutting and stitching center for the past one year in which she is providing free training to the girls of her tribe and others of the village. She said presently she is providing training to 25 Girls of the Aragam village and had trained 50 girls in the last batch. The tribe is very downtrodden and could not afford much so I decided to provide the training free of cost, she said. In reply to a question about why not try for a government job, Shahida said I tried to get the government job but that could not happen and presently I am looking after my museum to explore it in a big way. (With UNI inputs) Photo courtesy: PIB New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his homage to the soldiers who were martyred in the Pulwama terror attack, which took place on this day in 2019. Modi posted on X, "I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered." I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 At least 40 Indian paramilitary personnel were martyred as Pakistan-based militant organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) carried out an attack in Kashmir's Pulwama on Feb 14, 2019. Within 24 hours, India had retaliated with an airstrike by bombing a terrorist camp at Balakot in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Photo Courtesy: PMO India Indian PM Narendra Modi met the President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina on Wednesday on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai when they discussed ways to advance bilateral ties and appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries. This was the first meeting between the two leaders. Prime Minister reaffirmed Indias commitment to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership and to Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region. He conveyed that as a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean Region, India will remain a committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar. Photo Courtesy: PIB PM Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and the Ruler of Dubai, virtually laid the foundation stone of Bharat Mart at Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai to be built by DP World, on Wednesday. "The two leaders expressed confidence that Bharat Mart will propel India-UAE bilateral trade further by leveraging Jebel Ali Ports strategic location and strength in logistics," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Indian Prime Minister said that Bharat Mart has the potential to play an important role in promoting exports of the micro, small and medium sectors of India by providing them an effective platform to reach out to international buyers in the Gulf, West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia. Photo Courtesy: Manoj Sinha Instagram page Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid tributes to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama on this day in 2019. Humble tributes to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The nation will forever remain indebted to their exemplary courage, supreme sacrifice, and selfless service to the motherland, LG said in a post on X. The Pulwama attack remains the deadliest terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir since the eruption of militancy in 1989. On February 14, 2019 a local suicide bomber Adil Dar of Jaish-e-Mohammad rammed his explosive-laden car into CRPF bus at Lethpora Pulwama leaving 40 personnel of the force dead. The attack was followed by Balakote air strikes. A day later Pakistan retaliated and it triggered a brief dogfight. The Pulwama attack had brought India and Pakistan at the brink of war. J&K Police chief R R Swain said the sacrifices of CRPF personnel will forever be etched in our hearts. On behalf of Jammu and Kashmir Police Pariwar, the Director General of Police paid heartfelt homage to the courageous souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. "As we remember these heroes, let's renew our commitment to securing peace," Swain said. Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi said the bravery of those killed in Pulwama echoes through time. "Today, we solemnly remember the heroes who made ultimate sacrifice in 2019 Pulwama terror attack. Their bravery echoes through time, inspiring us to renew our commitment for establishing peace. Let's honor their valour & sacrifice by striving for violence free nation, "IGP Kashmir said. On Wednesday morning, BJP leaders paid floral tributes to CRPF men killed at Lethpora Pulwama. Several tourists also joined to pay tributes. BJP leader Altaf Bukahri said the after Pulwama attack the terrorism in Kashmir was eliminated. CRPF also held a wreath laying ceremony at Martyr's Memorial Lethpora, Pulwama . The Ceremony was attended by senior officers of CRPF & representatives of all security forces. (With UNI inputs) Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons New Delhi/IBNS/UNI: The Supreme Court Tuesday lashed out at the Aam Aadmi Party for encroaching on the land allotted to the Delhi High Court at Rouse Avenue and asked the government counsel to find out the timeline for removal of the AAP party office. A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, Justice J B Pardiwala, and Justice Manoj Misra said that the political party is sitting tight on the encroachment and it has to come to an end. The bench said: What is this? We are not asking for judges bungalows. We are asking for public amenity. Why did you allot it to the high court then? Tell us when you are giving unencumbered possession to the high court? The bench asked the Delhi government counsel to find out the timeline for when this possession would be handed over to the Delhi High Court. Court-appointed Amicus curiae K Parameshwar said, Delhi High Court officials went to take possession of land allotted to them and they were not allowed to go inside as a political partys office has been constructed there now." Delhi's principal secretary of law, Bharat Parashar, said, The political party has been allotted by way of a Cabinet resolution. But now we have taken up the matter with the Land and Development Office (L&DO) and L&DO is in the process of handing over that portion of the land. And, we are in the process of allotting another portion of the land to the political party." Parashar informed the bench the date of the Cabinet resolution by which the land was allotted to the political party is 2016. The bench asked, "What is the date of the allotment (of the land) to the high court." Parashar said it was allotted to the high court in 2020. "We made the payment to L&DO and the remaining portion of 2.42 acres, we have already taken possession of the area which comprises a vacant portion, plus a road, and an existing CPWD office. Block 1 will be constructed over there and Block 2 will be at the place where a political party (office) exists, Parashar told the court. On being asked by the court to show some photographs of encroachment, Parameshwar told the court, We have videos. We went to take possession; we were not allowed to take possession. Parashar said: "It was a bungalow that was earlier in possession of a minister, which the political party now occupies." The top court directed the Chief Secretary of GNCTD, the Secretary in-charge of the public works department (PWD), and the Finance Secretary to convene a meeting together with the Registrar General of the high court, to settle all outstanding issues without waiting for further directions. The court fixed the matter for further hearing on Monday. Image courtesy: Videograb from Narendra Modi X page Abu Dhabi/BNS: In a significant milestone for the Indian community in the Middle East, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday inaugurated Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple, which is also the largest in the region. Spread over 27 acres and built at a cost of over Rs. 700 crore, the BAPS Hindu temple is also seen as a mark of the deepening ties between India and the United Arab Emirates. PM Modi, who is in the UAE on a two-day visit and will leave for Qatar later on Wednesday - had praised UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during an address at a mega diaspora event on Tuesday and said that the then crown prince had agreed to donate land for the temple during the leaders' meeting in 2015. Its a matter of immense joy that UAE will get a Bhavya and Divya Hindu Mandir. Watch my speech. https://t.co/UBEazZPhVw Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 "I consider the construction of BAPS temple here as a reflection of your love for India and your vision for the bright future of UAE. This would not have been possible without your support. During our first meeting, I had made a simple request for you to look into it and you took a prompt decision, telling me 'put your finger on any piece of land, you will get it'," the PM had said. Al Nahyan donated 13.5 acres of land for the construction of the temple in 2015 and PM Modi had laid the foundation three years later. The construction of the temple began in 2019 after an additional 13.5 acres of land was donated earlier that year. Built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple is located in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba. The consecration ceremony of the idols began at the temple on Wednesday morning. Temple authorities said seven shikhars (spires) have been built at the temple representing the seven emirates that form the UAE. PM Modi also participated in a 'global aarti (prayer)', which was performed simultaneously at over 1,200 temples built by BAPS. Before inaugurating the temple, he offered water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers at the temple and met people from different religions who played a role in its construction. In image PM Modi inaugurating Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi/ courtesy: Facebook/Narendra Modi Abu Dhabi/BNS: As Narendra Modi Wednesday inaugurated Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple marking a significant milestone for the Indian community in the Middle East, the Indian Prime Minister said a long-cherished dream has come true. Spread over 27 acres and built at a cost of over Rs. 700 crore, the BAPS Hindu temple is also seen as a mark of the deepening ties between India and the United Arab Emirates. After inaugurating the temple, PM Modi said in Hindi, "A golden chapter in human history has been written in UAE today. A grand and holy temple has been inaugurated in Abu Dhabi today. Years of hard work have gone into this temple and a long-cherished dream has come true. Bhagwan Swaminarayan's blessings are also with this temple. Referring to the consecration ceremony of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22 the PM said: "A centuries-old dream was fulfilled. All of India and every Indian is still cherishing that feeling. My friend Brahmavihari Swamy was saying, 'Modi ji s the biggest priest'. I don't know if I have the qualifications of a temple priest but I am proud to be a priest of Maa Bharti (Mother India)." Stating that every moment of his life and every molecule in his body is dedicated to Ma Bharti, the Prime Minister said, "The joy we felt in Ayodhya has been amplified in Abu Dhabi today. It is my honour that I witnessed the consecration of the temple in Ayodhya last month and this temple in Abu Dhabi today." Some more glimpses from the @BAPS Hindu Mandir. pic.twitter.com/rlLET6MPq0 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 PM Modi earlier praised UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during an address at a mega diaspora event on Tuesday and said that the then crown prince had agreed to donate land for the temple during the leaders' meeting in 2015. "I consider the construction of BAPS temple here as a reflection of your love for India and your vision for the bright future of UAE. This would not have been possible without your support. During our first meeting, I had made a simple request for you to look into it and you took a prompt decision, telling me 'put your finger on any piece of land, you will get it'," the PM had said. Al Nahyan donated 13.5 acres of land for the construction of the temple in 2015 and PM Modi had laid the foundation three years later. The construction of the temple began in 2019 after an additional 13.5 acres of land was donated earlier that year. Built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), the temple is located in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba. The consecration ceremony of the idols began at the temple on Wednesday morning. Temple authorities said seven shikhars (spires) have been built at the temple representing the seven emirates that form the UAE. PM Modi also participated in a 'global aarti (prayer)', which was performed simultaneously at over 1,200 temples built by BAPS. Before inaugurating the temple, he offered water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers at the temple and met people from different religions who played a role in its construction. Photo Courtesy: PIB Dubai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina on Wednesday and discussed ways to advance bilateral ties, an official statement said. Both leaders met on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Notably, this was their first meeting. Modi and Rajoelina recognized the long-standing friendly relations and ancient geographical ties between the two countries. They also discussed ways to advance bilateral ties and appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in various multilateral forums, including the UN. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Indias commitment to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership and to Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region. He conveyed that as a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean Region, India will remain a committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar, the statement added. (With UNI inputs) How Indonesias Election Outcome Will Impact Crypto Indonesia, a trillion-dollar economy, is impossible to ignore. The country held its election on Wednesday with defence minister Prabowo Subianto and ex-governors Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo all competing to become the next president. In December, Indonesias Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, a vice presidential candidate in Indonesias election, said he aims to accelerate Indonesias position as a leader in the digital revolution by cultivating expertise in blockchain and cryptocurrencies. Rakabuming Raka is the son of President Joko Widodo, speaking during an event on December 10 last year, the young mayor said: We are preparing blockchain experts, we are preparing cybersecurity experts, we are preparing crypto experts, But it seems the Joko Widodo era is now coming to an end, as Prabowo Subianto gains favour in the Indonesian elections on Wednesday. During press time Subianto was leading in the polls. What Does This Mean for Crypto? Indonesia, the worlds biggest Muslim-majority country, has banned the use of cryptocurrencies as a means of payment. However, the country does allow investment in digital assets. Indonesias position in the global cryptocurrency landscape, securing the 7th spot in Chainalysiss crypto adoption rankings, is a testament to the regions strong inclination towards digital currencies, despite its fluctuating political climate, said Sung Min Cho, CEO and co-founder of Beoble, a Web3 messaging platform based in Asia, told Cryptonews. He further explained: This achievement is part of a broader trend in Asia, which is marked by high rates of blockchain technology adoption, underscoring the regions significant role in the global arena. Whoever Wins Indonesians Remain Enthusiastic for Crypto Min Cho goes on to explain that what stands out is the clear enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies among Indonesians, with over 14 million actively trading, surpassing traditional stock traders. This not only speaks to the countrys digital literacy and entrepreneurial spirit but also highlights the effort to bring financial services to the unbanked population. Even with regulatory uncertainties, this trend reflects a broader movement in Asia towards embracing decentralized financial systems, showing that neither businesses nor individuals in Indonesia have been deterred from exploring the potential of digital currencies, said Min Cho. Indonesia Sees Sharp Decline in Crypto Tax Revenue In January, the Indonesian government reported a significant decline in crypto tax revenue for 2023, amounting to $31.7 million (Indonesian Rupiah 467.27 billion), according to a report by local news outlet Kontant. The fall marks a sharp 63% drop compared to the partial collection period in 2022 when the crypto tax regime was introduced. This is one of several new taxes on the digital economy introduced in 2022 as part of an Indonesian tax reform. The government has stated that it expects the tax reform will improve tax collection, and ultimately lead to a healthy and fair taxation system. Photo Courtesy: UNI North Korea fired several cruise missiles off its east coast towards the Sea of Japan early on Wednesday, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, citing the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The JCS detected an unspecified number of missile launches around 9:00 a.m. local time (00:00 GMT) over waters northeast of the North Korean port city of Wonsan, the report said. The report quoted the JSC as saying that the South's military "has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea's provocations" while "strengthening our monitoring and vigilance." The missile firing marked the fifth cruise missile launch in 2024, the report said. (With UNI Inputs) Photo Courtesy: UNI The US House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman Mike Gallagher and a delegation of lawmakers will visit Taiwan on February 21 in a show of the United States support for the island after the elections, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing three people familiar with his plan. On January 13, Taiwan held a general election in which pro-independence candidate Lai Ching-te of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party won with 40.05% of the vote to head the island's local administration. Lai is expected to be sworn in as the island's new leader on May 20. The report said two Taiwanese officials expect Gallagher to lead a delegation of seven US lawmakers to Taipei next week. The delegation is expected to meet with Lai and Han Kuo-yu, the newly elected legislative speaker from the Kuomintang (KMT), the island's second major party, which advocates dialogue with mainland China, the report said. Taiwan has been governed independently of mainland China since 1949. Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan, a territory with its own elected government, maintains that it is an autonomous country but stops short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official contacts of foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable. (With UNI inputs) Photo Courtesy: Unsplash Pakistan's federal government is planning to sell First Woman Bank Limited to the UAE government, media reports said. As per details, the 82 percent shares will be sold on government-to-government level after getting a green signal from the UAE government, reported Ary News. After the sale, the State Bank of Pakistan will issue a new license to First Women Bank. The sale price and agreement finalization will be carried out by the eight-member cabinet committee formed by the federal government, the news channel reported. According to reports, the privatization process of the First Women Bank Limited was initiated in 2015. What is First Women Bank Limited? First Women Bank Limited (FWBL) is a commercial bank located in Karachi, Pakistan chartered to meet the special needs of women. Photo Courtesy: wikipedia.org Dushanbe: Militants from Islamic State (ISIS) are amassing in Afghanistan near the northern border with Tajikistan, the chief of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) Joint Staff, Col. Gen. Andrei Serdyukov, said on Wednesday. "The Tajik-Afghan border has spotted a concentration of militants of the terrorist movement Wilayat Khorasan, the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State," Serdyukov told a briefing. The number of militant training camps is growing rapidly in the northern provinces of Afghanistan, he said, adding that, in general, developments in the CSTO's area of responsibility have taken on a "negative trend." The CSTO is a regional interstate organisation created in 1992 that consists of six countries of the former USSR: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan. The main purpose of the CSTO is to protect its member states from external armed aggression. (With UNI/SPUTNIK inputs) Indian-origin couple and their two children found dead in USA. Photo Courtesy: Anand Sujith Henry Facebook page An Indian-origin family from Kerala, including two minor children, were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide case in the US state of California, police said. They were found dead at their residence in San Mateo, California, on Tuesday (February 13, 2024). According to reports, the family members were identified as Anand Sujith Henry, 42, his wife Alice Priyanka, 40, and their 4-year-old twin children Noah and Neithan. In a statement, San Mateo police said: "On Monday, February 12, 2024, at 9:13 a.m., San Mateo Police officers were dispatched to the 4100 block of Alameda de las Pulgas on the report of a welfare check. After arriving officers were met with no response, they searched the perimeter of the home and did not see any signs of forced entry into the house." "Finding an unlocked window, officers entered the home and located four people dead; 1 adult male, 1 adult female, and two children," police said. The police said the two children were found deceased inside a bedroom. "Their cause of death is still under investigation. The male and female were located deceased from gunshot wounds inside a bathroom. A 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine were also found in the bathroom," police said in a statement. The San Mateo County Coroner took custody of the four bodies and is working to positively identify each person and notify next of kin. Who are Anand and Alice? Anand and Alice were IT professionals. They have been living in the USA for the past several years. Anand worked as a software engineer. His wife was a senior analyst. Several Indian-origin people were found dead in the USA in 2024 Indian-origin student Sameer Kamath was found dead in the woods at a nature preserve in the USA last week. He was a doctoral student at Indiana's Purdue University. Four other deaths of Indian-origin students were recorded in the USA this year Recently, 19-year-old Shreyas Reddy Beniger, a student at the Linder School of Business in Ohio, was found dead. Purdue University student Neel Acharya was found dead on the university campus, hours after his mother had reported him missing. Vivek Saini, from Haryana, was hammered to death by a homeless man in Georgia's Lithonia on Jan 16. Akul Dhawan, another Indian student, was found dead outside the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in January. Hyderabad student injured after being chased and attacked by four men in Chicago Meanwhile, a student from Hyderabad has received grave injuries after being attacked by four armed robbers near his house in the US state of Chicago. A video shows the student, who was bleeding profusely, stating that he was kicked and punched by the robbers. The robbers also snatched his phone. The victim-Syed Mazahir Ali, a resident of Langar Houz in Hyderabad, had gone to the US to pursue a Master's degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. By Isaac White In a fervent address to his colleagues on the Senate floor, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) championed a cause deeply rooted in justice and historical rectification. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Schatz... The Burj Khalifa has lit up with with words "Guest of Honor - Republic of India" ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the World Government Summit 2024. Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has already given a warm welcome to the Indian PM. Do you know, along with Modi, Shah Rukh Khan will address at the event? Shah Rukh Khan To Address The World Government Summit 2024 twitter According to worldgovernmentsummit.org, Shah Rukh Khan will also headline the 11th edition of the World Government Summit (WGS) 2024 in Dubai. He will talk about his journey to success at Madinat Jumeirah. The discussion is titled The Making Of A Star: A Conversation With Shah Rukh Khan. Shah Rukh Khan was recently spotted at the airport leaving for Dubai Fans were happy to see him in a jovial mood. So much so, that he even wished a media person a happy birthday. The video has touched many hearts. "King of Bollywood... Humble person in Bollywood... He's a Gem," a person wrote. "King Khan the best," said another one. "The sweetest and most humble," wrote another one. Without further ado, watch the video below. Meanwhile, PM Modi will headline the discussion titled Main Address of the Guest Country. Taking to X, Dubai's Crown Prince in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "We extend a warm welcome to the Republic of India, the guest of honour at this year's World Governments Summit, and to His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. The strong ties between our nations serve as a model for international cooperation. The @WorldGovSummit has evolved into one of the world's leading platforms for sharing governance best practices, success stories and initiatives, and envisioning the future of government. It is a pleasure to have India as a distinguished guest at this international event, where it will showcase its innovations, initiatives and projects across diverse sectors that are a model for accelerating development for government service delivery." For more news and updates from the world of celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Your favorite Tom Cruise is now taken. The 61-year-old celebrity and Russian socialite Elsina Khayrova are said to have made their relationship official. Numerous media sources claim that although the two have become closer in recent weeks, they are cautious not to go too close in order to protect their privacy. Talking about Tom Cruise, sources told The Daily Mail, Tom has been staying the night at Elsinas apartment, which as you can imagine, is a very beautiful place. They enjoy hanging out together and despite their wealth, do many things that normal couples do. Instagram Rumours About Tom Cruise And Elsina Khayrovas Relationship After the couple was seen out and about together at parties in London's Mayfair in December 2023, rumors about their romance started to circulate. According to reports, the pair attended the event together. A partygoer at the Mayfair event saw them dancing and making sweet gestures before heading out of the venue together. Interestingly, the "Mission Impossible" actor has already been married three times. The actresses Mimi Rogers (19871990), Nicole Kidman (19902001), and Katie Holmes (2006)2012 were the spouses of the 61-year-old actor. Who Is Tom Cruises New Girlfriend Elsina Khayrov? Ms. Khayrova, 36, is a former model who was born in Russia and currently resides in London as a British citizen. She is the daughter of well-known Russian politician and Vladimir Putin friend Rinat Khayrov. According to The Telegraph, Ms. Khayrova was previously wed to Russian diamond magnate Dmitry Tsvetkov, but the couple divorced in 2020. Her ex-partner Tsvetkov is said to have two children with her. Elsina, who calls her daughter Eva her "best friend," shared a heartfelt Instagram birthday tribute to the young lady in September. Instagram Tsvetkov commented on his ex-partner's new relationship with Cruise in a December interview with the Daily Mail. Irrespective of whoever shes with, Tom Cruise or anybody else, they should be aware that she likes the finer things in life and has expensive and luxurious tastes, he said. Tom should keep his eyes and wallet wide open. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Gramin Bharat Bandh 2024: Amid the ongoing "Dilli Chalo" March, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced a Bharat bandh -- called Gramin Bharat Bandh -- on February 16. They are urging farmers across the country to take part in the protest. The announcement was made today amidst the ongoing 'Delhi Chalo' protest. The protest is led by an SKM, along with Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Near Ambala and Jind, tear gas was fired at protesters who were attempting to push through police barricades set up by the Haryana Police to prevent them from reaching Delhi. The Gramin Bharat Bandh organised by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha is scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm. During the Bandh, which will also receive support from central trade unions, farmers plan to chakka jam (Block Roads) in major places across the country from 12 pm to 4 pm, reported. In Punjab, many state and national highways will be shut down for four hours on Friday, February 16. On February 15th, BKU Ugrahan will halt train services from 12 noon to 4 PM as a sign of support for the farmers heading towards Delhi. This decision was made by the Ugrahan organization to stand with the farmers' cause. Farmer protest | Photo: Bccl Why Bharat Bandh on February 16? On Wednesday, February 14th, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (a non-political group) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are planning their second day of marching towards Delhi. They are urging the government to meet various demands, with one of the key requests being the implementation of a law ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The SKM talked about what they wanted. They want MSP for all crops based on the C2+50 percent formula also called the Swaminathan formula. This formula includes the input cost of capital plus 50 percent. They also want a guarantee in writing that their crops will be bought, debt forgiveness, no increase in electricity prices, and no smart meters. They also asked for 300 units of free electricity for farming, homes, and shops. They want complete insurance for crops and an increase in pensions to Rs 10,000 every month, along with some other things. This move comes as part of ongoing protests by farmers across the country, highlighting their concerns and pushing for policy changes to support agricultural communities. SKM said, "The administration has blocked off the borders in Punjab by setting up strong barriers made of concrete, iron nails, and barbed wires along the highways. They've also stopped internet services, put in place Section 144, and made people feel scared, treating them like they're against the country." On February 16, during the industrial strike and Gramin Bharat Bandh, various groups such as students, young people, women, and other community members like farmers, teachers, small business owners, drivers, experts, and journalists came together to show their support and solidarity. They stand united in their cause, highlighting the importance of their voices being heard and their concerns being addressed. This collective effort emphasizes the unity and strength of diverse sections of society coming together for a common purpose. Yesterday, there was a clash between farmers and Haryana Police at two border points. The police had to use tear gas and water cannons because the farmers were trying to break through barricades and move towards Delhi for their protest. Many farmers, traveling in trucks loaded with supplies, joined the march. This happened because discussions between farmer unions and the government didn't succeed in ensuring fair prices for crops. Bharat Bandh 2024: Full Plan for Nationwide Protest Farmer protest | Photo: BCCL The farmer groups have revealed their strategy for the nationwide protest, detailing their actions and urging fellow farmers and citizens to participate. The Kisan committees are saying that on 16th February, starting from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM the next day, there will be a Bharat Bandh. During this time, farmers all over the country will stop traffic on main roads. In Punjab, some highways might be closed for about 4 hours, as per the farmers' association. They're also saying that during the Bharat Bandh, there won't be any buying or selling of vegetables, grains, or other crops. They're asking people to close village shops and stop all farming and rural work. They're also requesting grain markets, rural industries, private companies, and vegetable markets to stay closed during the nationwide bandh. Reports say that even road workers are joining the protest, so there won't be public transportation available. During the protest, members of SKM plan to do street plays, sing songs, and recite poetry to share their demands and explain why they're protesting for the rights of farmers and workers. Gramin Bharat Bandh tomorrow: Will cities not be affected? Gramin Bharat Bandh, or Rural India Shutdown, is a protest scheduled to occur from 6 am to 4 pm on Friday. Explore the excitement of cricket in a whole new way, exclusively on HT. Check it out now! During this time, all village markets will remain closed. Farmers will be participating in a roadblock ('chakka jam') on main roads across the nation from 12 pm to 4 pm. On February 16, there will be a halt in agricultural activities and MNREGA works. There will be no trading or purchasing of vegetables or other crops on Friday. Although government offices, banks, and schools will remain open, the lack of transportation may cause inconvenience to people. Cities may experience disruptions in the supply of milk and vegetables. Transportation will also be affected as central trade unions are taking part in the bandh. Whether state buses will operate depends on the participation of local unions in the protest. Important Routes to Avoid During Today's Bharat Bandh in Delhi Today during the Bharat Bandh, there will be significant traffic jams at the entry points to Delhi. Specifically, the Singhu Border (connecting Delhi to Haryana), Ghazipur Border (linking Delhi to Ghaziabad), and the Tikri Border (also connecting Delhi to Haryana) are expected to be heavily congested due to ongoing protests. It is advisable to avoid these areas altogether. Additionally, the alternative routes suggested to manage the traffic diversion may also experience heavy congestion as all vehicles will be rerouted through them. What are the demands of farmers? The Protesting Farmers Association has several demands. They want pensions for farmers, and proper implementation of employees benefits, and they don't want changes to labor laws. They're asking for a monthly wage of Rs 26,000 for workers, guaranteed jobs as a basic right, cancellation of four labor codes, no reduction in the workforce, halting the privatization of government-owned companies, and fixed-term employment. They also want the daily wage under MGNREGS to be raised to Rs 600, with 200 days of work per person each year. Additionally, they're calling for social security and pensions for everyone, whether they work in formal or informal sectors. List of Important Days in February 2024: The month of February holds great importance for a variety of reasons. February is the month of many holidays and national and international events like Indian Coast Guard Day, RA Awareness Day, Surajkund Crafts Mela, World Cancer Day, Saint Valentine's Day, National Day of Sri Lanka, Darwin Day, Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day, National Science Day, World Radio Day, Saraswati Puja 2024 (or Basant Panchami) and February's love season Valentine's Week celebration, among others. Overall, February is full of important festivals and events, and here we have highlighted some of the important international and national dates for February 2024. Make your way regularly to review these important international and national dates. It's important for all competitive exams. Take a look at the list of important days, dates, and events in February 2024. What Are The Important Days In February 2024? Many historical events and festivals occur in February, such as Indian Coast Guard Day, National Day of Sri Lanka, World Anthropology Day, Mizoram Foundation Day, Darwin Day, Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day, World Day of Social Justice, Surajkund Crafts Mela, World Cancer Day, World Thinking Day, National Science Day, World Radio Day, Saint Valentine's Day and Valentine's Week that is observed on February 7 to February 14 each year. This V-Day week is observed annually on February 14 to celebrate that special someone in our lives who we love unconditionally. Important Days In February Month 2024 Important Days in February Month 2024 Important Dates in February 2024 Important Days in February 2024 February 1 Interim Budget 2024 February 1 Indian Coast Guard Day 2024 February 1- 16 Surajkund Crafts Mela 2024 February 2 World Wetlands Day February 2 RA Awareness Day February 4 World Cancer Day 2024 February 4 National Day of Sri Lanka February 7 International Development Week February 7 Rose Day 2024 February 8 Propose Day 2024 February 9 Chocolate Day 2024 February 10 Teddy Day 2024 February 11 Promise Day February 11 World Day of the Sick February 11 (Second Sunday) World Marriage Day February 12 Darwin Day 2024 February 12 Abraham Lincoln's Birthday February 12 Hug Day 2024 February 13 Sarojini Naidus Birth Anniversary February 13 Kiss Day 2024 February 13 World Radio Day February 14 Saint Valentine's Day 2024 February 14 Saraswati Puja 2024 February 18 Taj Mahotsav 2024 February 19 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti February 20 World Day of Social Justice February 20 Mizoram Foundation Day February 20 Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day February 21 International Mother Language Day February 22 World Scout Day February 22 World Thinking Day February 23 World peace and understanding day February 24 Central Excise Day February 27 World Sustainable Energy Day February 27 World NGO Day February 28 Rare Disease Day February 28 National Science Day 2024 Important Days And Events In February 2024 In India February hosts a multitude of significant events and observances. Here is a comprehensive list of important dates and days in February 2024: 1 February Major Events Interim Budget 2024: The Union Budget 2024 is nearing completion, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the interim budget on February 1 before the general election. The Union Budget 2024 is nearing completion, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to present the interim budget on February 1 before the general election. Indian Coast Guard Day 2024: Celebrating its foundation day, the Indian Coast Guard marks its 46th Raising Day on February 1. The Coast Guard has played a pivotal role in securing India's coasts and enforcing maritime regulations. 2 February Important days and events World Wetlands Day: Globally celebrated on February 2, this day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2020 is 'Wetlands and Biodiversity.' Globally celebrated on February 2, this day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands in Ramsar, Iran, on February 2, 1971. The theme for World Wetlands Day 2020 is 'Wetlands and Biodiversity.' RA Awareness Day: Observed as Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day, February 2 aims to raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on patients. Observed as Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day, February 2 aims to raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis and its impact on patients. Surajkund Crafts Mela: From February 2 to 18, 2024, the Surajkund Crafts Mela takes place in Surajkund, Haryana. This celebration showcases Indian folk traditions and cultural heritage, featuring diverse handicrafts, handlooms, and cultural fabrics. 3 February important days and events National Golden Retriever Day: Recognized in some countries, February 3 is dedicated to celebrating the popular dog breed, the Golden Retriever, known for its placid disposition and intelligence. 4 February important days and events World Cancer Day: Globally observed on February 4, this day raises awareness about cancer and emphasizes prevention, detection, and treatment. The 2020 theme was 'I Am and I Will.' Globally observed on February 4, this day raises awareness about cancer and emphasizes prevention, detection, and treatment. The 2020 theme was 'I Am and I Will.' National Day of Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka celebrates its National Day, marking independence from British rule on February 4, 1948. Sri Lanka celebrates its National Day, marking independence from British rule on February 4, 1948. International Development Week: From February 4 to 12, International Development Week in Canada informs about various roles and career paths in the international development sector. 6 February important days and events International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation: Observed on February 6, this day aims to spread awareness about the consequences of female genital mutilation. The theme for 2023 was Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM. Observed on February 6, this day aims to spread awareness about the consequences of female genital mutilation. The theme for 2023 was Partnership with Men and Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End FGM. Safer Internet Day: Celebrated on February 8 this year, Safer Internet Day calls for stakeholders to collaborate in making the internet a safer place, especially for children and young people. 7 February to 14 February Valentine's Week: February, the month of love, is marked by Valentine's Week, starting from February 7 and culminating on February 14 with Valentine's Day. 9 February Important days and events Baba Amte's Death Anniversary: Commemorating the Indian social worker and activist Baba Amte, known for his work in leprosy rehabilitation. 10 February Important days and events National Deworming Day: An initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, observed on February 10 to ensure every child in the country is worm-free. An initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, observed on February 10 to ensure every child in the country is worm-free. World Pulses Day: Recognized on February 10, this day promotes awareness of the nutritional and environmental benefits of pulses in sustainable food production. 11 February Important days and events World Day of the Sick: Observed on February 11, this day, introduced by Pope John Paul II, encourages believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illness. Observed on February 11, this day, introduced by Pope John Paul II, encourages believers to offer prayers for those suffering from illness. International Day of Women and Girls in Science: Recognised on February 11, this day focuses on achieving full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls. 12 February Important days and events Darwin Day: Celebrated annually on February 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary biology. It highlights Darwin's contributions to evolutionary and plant science. Celebrated annually on February 12 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Charles Darwin, the father of evolutionary biology. It highlights Darwin's contributions to evolutionary and plant science. Abraham Lincoln's Birthday: February 12 is celebrated as the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, one of the most popular presidents in United States history. February 12 is celebrated as the birthday of Abraham Lincoln, one of the most popular presidents in United States history. National Productivity Day: Observed on February 12 to promote a productivity culture in India, celebrated by the National Productivity Council (NPC) with a theme. 13 February Important days and events World Radio Day: Celebrated on February 13, World Radio Day raises awareness about the importance of radio, serving as a primary information source in several countries. Celebrated on February 13, World Radio Day raises awareness about the importance of radio, serving as a primary information source in several countries. Sarojini Naidu Birth Anniversary: Celebrated on February 13, it marks the birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu, the Nightingale of India and the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress. 14 February Important days and events Saint Valentine's Day: On February 14, Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is observed globally, celebrating love and affection. On February 14, Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine is observed globally, celebrating love and affection. World Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day: February 14 is dedicated to raising awareness about congenital heart defects. 16 February Important days and events World Anthropology Day: Celebrated on the third Thursday of February, which falls on February 16 this year, to honour the field of anthropology and educate the public about it. 17 February to 27 February Taj Mahotsav: Celebrated at Agra from February 17 to 27, Taj Mahotsav reveals the rich cultural heritage of India, with the Taj Mahal as its iconic backdrop. 20 February Important days and events Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day: Celebrated on February 20, it marks the day Arunachal Pradesh gained the status of a Union Territory and was named Arunachal Pradesh. Celebrated on February 20, it marks the day Arunachal Pradesh gained the status of a Union Territory and was named Arunachal Pradesh. Mizoram Foundation Day: Observed on February 20, it commemorates the day in 1987 when Mizoram officially became the 23rd state of India. Observed on February 20, it commemorates the day in 1987 when Mizoram officially became the 23rd state of India. World Day of Social Justice: February 20 is observed globally as World Day of Social Justice, encouraging efforts to address issues like poverty, exclusion, and unemployment. 21 February Important days and events International Mother Language Day: Celebrated on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity across the world. 22 February Important days and events World Thinking Day: Observed on February 22, it is a day for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide to think globally and take action locally. 23 February Important days and events World Peace and Understanding Day: Celebrated on February 23, this day commemorates Rotary International's inaugural convention, fostering peace and understanding. 24 February Important days and events Central Excise Day: Observed on February 24, it encourages excise department employees to carry out central excise duties effectively and prevent corruption in manufacturing businesses. 27 February Important days and events World NGO Day: Dedicated to recognizing and celebrating non-governmental and non-profit organizations and the people behind them, observed on February 27. 28 February Important days and events National Science Day: National Science Day is celebrated on February 28 every year in India to commemorate the discovery of the Raman Effect by the Indian physicist Sir Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman. This significant scientific achievement occurred on February 28, 1928. Sir C.V. Raman's discovery led to his being honored with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. Month-wise Important Days List 2024 Month-wise Important Days List 2024 January February March April May June July August September October November December Feb Month Important Days: FAQs What are the Special Days in February 2024? February 2024 presents a diverse blend of special days, catering to various interests and perspectives. Here's a glimpse into some noteworthy ones: 1st February: Indian Coast Guard Day - Celebrating the vital role of the Indian Coast Guard in maritime safety and security. 2nd February: World Wetlands Day - Highlighting the importance of wetlands for our planet's health and biodiversity. 4th February: World Cancer Day - Raising awareness and promoting research to combat cancer. 8th February: Safer Internet Day - Promoting safer and more responsible use of online technology. 11th February: International Day of Women and Girls in Science - Encouraging gender equality and inclusivity in scientific fields. 13th February: World Radio Day - Celebrating the power of radio as a medium of information and communication. 14th February: Valentine's Day - A globally recognized day of love and romance. 20th February: World Day of Social Justice - Promoting fair and equitable societies for all. 27th February: World NGO Day - Recognizing the valuable contributions of non-governmental organizations to society. What are the most important international days celebrated in February? World Cancer Day (February 4) International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11) World Radio Day (February 13) Valentine's Day (February 14) World Day of Social Justice (February 20) International Mother Language Day (February 21) World Thinking Day (February 22) Zero Discrimination Day (February 28) Which day is celebrated on 24 Feb? Central Excise Day is celebrated every year on February 24 across India. Why is February 29 a day? This day is added to the calendar in leap years as a corrective measure because the Earth does not orbit the Sun in precisely 365 days. Since about the fifteenth century, this extra day is 29 February, but when the Julian calendar was introduced, leap day was handled differently in two respects. What holiday is Feb 20, 2024? Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day is commemorated annually on February 20, the day the state received its name. Both Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh were given statehood on February 20 in 1987. What date is February Kiss Day? Kiss Day is celebrated a day before Valentine's Day, on February 13. People in love seal their relationship with a kiss on this day or show affection for their partner with this act of love. Is 12th Feb Hug Day or Kiss Day? The sixth day of Valentine's week which is February 12 is celebrated as Hug Day, every year. Why is 2024 a leap year? 2024 is divisible by 4, but not 100, so it is a leap year. 2100 is divisible by 4 and 100, but not 400, so it will not be a leap year. 2400 is divisible by 4 and 400, so it will be a leap year. This was all about the interesting and intriguing events that will be celebrated in January! For more such informative content, keep following Indiatimes Events. Saraswati Puja 2024: Vasant Panchami, derived from 'Vasant' meaning 'spring' and 'panchami' signifying 'fifth', heralds the onset of spring on the fifth day of the Hindu lunar month of Magha (typically falling in January-February in the Gregorian calendar). This festival marks the transition from winter to spring, symbolizing renewal and rejuvenation. It's a day of reverence to Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of knowledge, wisdom, learning, and art, whose birthday is celebrated on Vasant Panchami. Devotees seek her blessings for enlightenment and understanding. Across India, devotees rise early, adorning themselves in yellow attire, believed to be the favored color of Goddess Saraswati. They indulge in sharing yellow sweets and snacks, and engage in puja rituals. In Bengal, Saraswati Pujo is observed with elaborate decorations featuring alpana arts adorning homes. Offerings of flowers, fruits, and homemade desserts like naru, moya, chal makha, and dal makha are presented to the Goddess, followed by the distribution of prasads among neighbors. The occasion also sees young people coming together dressed in traditional ethnic attire, adding vibrancy to the celebrations. Why Is It Called The Bong Valentine's Day? Vasant Panchami, also known as Saraswati Puja in West Bengal, holds great anticipation for many young students in the state. In Kolkata, Saraswati Puja is fondly referred to as 'Bong's Valentines Day.' The occasion witnesses young couples throughout Bengal dressed in traditional attire, often donning shades of yellow, walking together hand in hand. Valentine's Day in Bengal In Kolkata, Saraswati Puja is affectionately referred to as the 'Bong's Valentines Day'. This endearing nickname reflects the romantic ambiance that envelops the city on this occasion. Throughout Bengal, one can witness young couples elegantly dressed in traditional attire, often in shades of yellow, strolling together hand in hand, adding a touch of romance to the festivities. The origin of Valentines Day in Bengal On Saraswati Puja, a tradition ensues where students place their textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, and reference materials under the benevolent gaze of the goddess, believing in her blessings for academic success. As a result, they often claim a well-deserved break from their studies. In Bengal, single-gender schools have long been favored for education, with even prestigious institutions being exclusively for either boys or girls. There was a prevalent notion that failing to secure admission in one of these single-gender schools meant attending a co-educational institution. However, on the day of Saraswati Puja, norms shift as groups of boys visit girls' schools and hostels, and vice versa, to witness the Saraswati pujas. This day allows for relaxed social boundaries, with students mingling freely, chatting, walking, sharing meals, joking around, and capturing moments in photographs - all without facing societal disapproval. Saraswati Puja thus becomes a day when students of opposite genders can legitimately take a break from their academic routines and familial obligations, enjoying a day of camaraderie and relaxation. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Valentines Day 2024: Celebrating the essence of love through a scientific lens, Google presented an interactive Doodle focused on the creation of "diatomic bonds" this Valentine's Day. The post elucidated the chemistry behind it, stating that diatomic molecules form through a bond between two atoms. The explanation highlighted instances such as H2 (hydrogen gas), where the bond occurs between identical elements, and HCL (hydrogen chloride), where it involves two different elements. Underscoring the principle of 'opposites attract,' the post emphasized that bonds can be established between elements with distinct characteristics. Additionally, the Doodle featured an element personality quiz, assigning a chemical element based on responses to personality-based questions. The interactive Doodle, playfully named "Cu Pd," offered enthusiasts the opportunity to select their preferred element, guiding them to a series of engaging games. Valentine's Day, commemorated annually on February 14th, is dedicated to romance and underscores the significance of intimate connections. Its origins are intertwined with various stories, including the Roman celebration of Lupercalia, a ritual focused on matchmaking. Valentines Day 2024: Google Doodle Celebrates February 14 With Chemistry 'Cu Pd' Another narrative revolves around St. Valentine, a Roman priest imprisoned by Emperor Claudius II for promoting secret marriages. Adding to the symbolism, Cupid, the god of love and romance, embodies desire with his bow and arrow. Google Doodle: Valentines Day 2024 Are you made of beryllium, gold, and titanium? Because youre BeAuTi-ful! Todays interactive game Doodle celebrates Valentines Day with a scientific spin its all about chemistry. Love is in the O2, so lets play some Chemistry CuPd! Choose an avatar from the periodic table or take a quiz to get matched to the one that best fits your personality. Then its time to start swiping through profiles of various elements to make bonds! Each element is very different so be sure to read their profiles so you know when to swipe right. Theres no stronger bond than love, especially when the chemistry is just right. Happy Valentines Day! Valentines Day 2024: Google Doodle Celebrates V-Day With Chemistry 'Cu Pd' Google Doogle: Valentine's Day Doodle Chemistry CuPd Team Art | Olivia Huynh, Celine You UX Design & Producer | Anthony Irwin Engineering | Stephanie Gu Sound designer | Nick Zammuto Science consultants | David Evans, Darrion Nguyen Marketing | Perla Campos, Caroline Moran, Selly Sallah Business Affairs | Madeline Belliveau Doodle Team Leads | Jessica Yu, Alyssa Winans, Nate Swinehart, Tom Tabanao, Jacob Howcroft About Valentine's Day Love is in the air as couples around the world embrace the month of romance with heartfelt gestures, thoughtful gifts, and cherished moments together. Whether it's partners reveling in their love, individuals eagerly awaiting the perfect moment to express their feelings, or those planning to take their relationships to the next level, Valentine's Week is eagerly anticipated. While Valentine's Day itself falls on February 14th, the excitement for this amorous month begins a week prior. This prelude to Valentine's Day consists of seven days dedicated to celebrating love, each with its unique theme. The festivities commence on February 7th with Rose Day, followed by Propose Day on February 8th, Chocolate Day on February 9th, Teddy Day on February 10th, Promise Day on February 11th, Hug Day on February 12th, and culminating with Kiss Day on February 13th. Every day of Valentine's Week carries special significance for couples, who celebrate by indulging in romantic outings, preparing their partner's favorite meals, exploring shared interests, orchestrating surprises, and much more. While Valentine's Day itself is widely recognized, it's equally important to understand and honor the significance of each day leading up to it. First Google Doodle The very first Doodle launched as an out of office message of sorts when company founders Larry and Sergey went on vacation. Google Doodle FAQs What is a Google Doodle? A Google Doodle is a temporary alteration of the Google logo that appears on the search engine's homepage to commemorate special events, holidays, achievements, and notable historical figures. How often do Google Doodles change? Google Doodles change regularly, typically daily, to mark various occasions such as holidays, anniversaries, and global events. Who creates Google Doodles? Google has a team of illustrators and designers known as "Doodlers" who are responsible for creating Google Doodles. They work to represent the essence of the event or individual being celebrated. Can anyone submit ideas for a Google Doodle? Google doesn't generally accept unsolicited ideas for Doodles. The team usually plans the Doodles well in advance, often based on historical events or major anniversaries. For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events. Embarking on a journey to study Finance requires a solid foundation, and the choice of the right university plays a pivotal role in shaping future financial leaders. Navigating the complex realm of finance demands more than just theoretical knowledge; it requires a comprehensive education from institutions that stand as beacons of excellence in the field. List of the top institutes in the world for Finance As per the QS World University rankings of 2023, the following are the top 5 universities in the world for the subject of Finance: Harvard University Harvard University Harvard University offers a highly esteemed finance education, known for its academic rigor, comprehensive curriculum, and renowned faculty. Harvard emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to finance education, encouraging students to draw insights from related fields such as economics, law, and business. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is globally renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation across various disciplines, and its finance courses are no exception. MIT's Sloan School of Management, in particular, offers programs that blend theoretical foundations with hands-on applications, providing students with a unique and comprehensive finance education. Stanford University Stanford University Stanford University, with its renowned Graduate School of Business (GSB), offers finance courses that are highly regarded for their academic excellence and innovative approach. The curriculum at Stanford often incorporates experiential learning opportunities such as case studies, simulations, and real-world projects. This hands-on approach enables students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world financial challenges. University of Oxford University of Oxford The curriculum at Oxford's finance programs is designed to cover a broad spectrum of financial topics, including corporate finance, investment management, and financial markets. Students gain a well-rounded perspective on the field. The Said Business School boasts a faculty of distinguished scholars and industry practitioners in finance. University of Chicago University of Chicago Finance programs at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business encourages an interdisciplinary approach to finance education. Students have the opportunity to explore connections between finance and other business disciplines, such as economics and accounting. Admission to Booth's finance programs is competitive, and students who enroll can expect a challenging and intellectually stimulating academic experience. For more information on exams, results and careers, please visit Indiatimes Education. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, the first traditional Hindu Temple in the Middle East will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday. The majestic structure is built using pink sandstone from Rajasthan and is located in a 27-acre site in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. AP Holy water from Rivers Ganga, Yamuna The grand temple also has several unique features. One of them is a 'ghat' which the authorities say was built to resemble the ghat of Varanasi. And holy water from the two rivers, Ganga and Yamuna will flow through it. On the two sides of the temple, holy water flows from Ganga and Yamuna, which was brought from India in huge containers. REUTERS Ghat where people can sit and meditate According to temple authorities, an amphitheatre in the shape of a ghat has been built on the side where the water from the Ganga flows. "The idea was to make it resemble the ghat of Varanasi where the visitors can sit, meditate and get transported mentally to ghats back in India. When visitors walk in they will see two streams of water that symbolically represent the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India. A beam of light to represent the river Saraswati will be directed from the temple structure to form 'Triveni' Sangam," said Vishal Patel, a lead volunteer at the iconic temple. Sacred stones from Rajasthan used for temple The temple's facade features exquisite marble carvings set against a sandstone backdrop, crafted from more than 25,000 pieces of stone. AP According to Vishal Brahmabhatt, who supervises procurement and logistics at the site, more than two lakh cubic feet of "sacred" stone has been transported in more than 700 containers for the temple's construction. The temple complex is bordered by buildings that house prayer halls, a community centre to host cultural events, a library, a children's park and an amphitheatre through which a stream cuts across. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. India on Wednesday paid homage to the 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation's tribute to the men who laid down their lives in the line of duty. AFP PM Modi pays tributes to Pulwama martyrs "I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered," PM Modi wrote on social media. I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also paid tributes to the brave soldiers "Pay homage to our brave jawans who laid down their lives this day in Pulwama in 2019. Their courage motivates us to keep up our vigil against cross-border terrorism." "Today, we pause to remember and salute the brave CRPF soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Pulwama Terrorist attack while in service to the nation. We stand united in solidarity with their families and loved ones, offering our deepest condolences and unwavering support. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten or forgiven," Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar recalled while paying tributes. Forever indebted to them: Rijiju "Today, we honour the memory of the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in Pulwama. We pay tribute to their families, who have shown unwavering strength & resilience. We remain forever indebted to their service," Union Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on X. "Salutes and humble tributes to the brave martyrs of Pulwama terrorist attack. The country will always be indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice dedicated to the defence of India," Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi said. File Pulwama terror attack 40 CRPF personnel were killed after a suicide bomber attacked the bus they were travelling on, in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir on February 14, 2019. This was the worst terror attack on the Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Portsmouth University, located in England, has been asked to pay at least 4,50,000 for "subconscious" discrimination against a female Indian academic. A tribunal based in Southampton has found Dr Kajal Sharma racially discriminated against by her line manager at Portsmouth University. Britpix/Alamy Who is Dr Kajal Sharma? Dr. Kajal Sharma, an academic, held the position of Associate Head of Organisational Studies and Human Resource Management on a five-year fixed-term contract. As her contract concluded on December 31, 2020, she was required to undergo a reapplication process for the same position. A white woman appointed instead, lacking any experience Professor Gary Rees, Dr. Kajal Sharma's supervisor, did not inform her that the role was being advertised internally. He purportedly declined to renew her for the same position after five years without providing a clear rationale. Instead, he appointed a white woman, lacking any relevant experience for the role, as her replacement. When she asked for feedback for why she was rejected, none was given. The tribunal concluded this was because "he was well aware the process had not been fair and fully transparent." Representative image/ Unsplash It was thus found that the process of selection was tainted by racial discrimination and Reese treated her differently compared to white staff. "His reluctance to recognise the skills and abilities and aspirations of Dr Sharma, and his failure to support and encourage her in the way he supported and encouraged other members of white staff, points towards a subconscious or unconscious bias," the tribunal said. This bias meant "his failure to reappoint her was an act of race discrimination," stated the tribunal. Moreover, the tribunal discovered no indications of her inadequacy for the position. Not the first instance of discrimination against Kajal On January 8, 2016, Kajal's father passed away in India. When she informed Rees about her need to travel to India, he requested her to complete various tasks before her departure. Despite her dealing with her father's funeral in India, Rees emailed her with additional work-related queries. Moreover, Rees dissuaded her from applying for a senior fellow position. Upon her return from maternity leave, he neglected to offer the support she sought when her infant son faced a critical illness, as revealed during the tribunal. Interestingly, he had demonstrated empathy and support to other members of the staff. For more on news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. In a remarkable discovery, the ancient village of Vilarinho da Furna has resurfaced from beneath the waters of a reservoir in northern Portugal. Dating back over 2000 years, this archaeological marvel offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region. "Vilarinho da Furna", submerged village, in the north of Portugal. pic.twitter.com/QaaiUQ65wm Miguel Lapa (@MiguelLapa11) September 29, 2022 Vilarinho da Furna Located in the Geres National Park, the village was submerged in 1972 following the construction of a dam, which flooded the valley and created the reservoir. For decades, Vilarinho da Furna lay hidden beneath the waters, preserved in a state of underwater suspension. Then, the village of Vilarinho da Furna gained prominence as a tourist destination following the establishment of a museum in Sao Joao do Campo by the municipality of Terras de Bourno in 1981. The museum, constructed with stones sourced from two submerged houses of the drowned village, showcases a diverse collection including clothing, agricultural implements, and paintings illustrating the daily life of Vilarinho da Furna's former inhabitants. Drowning of the portugese village According to a report by Atlas Obscura, Vilarinho da Furna met its watery fate due to the construction of a dam on the Rio Homem River, a project initiated in 1967. This ambitious hydroelectric endeavor aimed to harness the river's power to generate electricity for the surrounding area. Positioned near the downstream of the river, the village was home to nearly 300 residents residing in 80 houses, distributed among 57 families. When the people of the area protested against this, the Portugal Electricity Company offered some money to the villagers to leave their houses. But, the amount offered was insufficient to meet their basic needs, leaving many struggling to make ends meet. According to reports, the villagers collectively received a total of 20,741,607 escudos, the currency of Portugal at that time. Fearing the potential consequences of releasing water from the dam, the hydroelectric company instilled fear in the villagers, warning them of the possible aftermath. This tactic led to a gradual exodus from Vilarinho da Furna, with residents departing daily as the water level continued to rise. Eventually, as the situation became increasingly dire, the remaining villagers made a hasty departure overnight, salvaging whatever belongings they could carry. By 1971, the last inhabitant had left the village, marking the end of Vilarinho da Furna's occupation. As the construction progressed, the village became inundated by the rising waters, ultimately leading to its submersion beneath the reservoir created by the dam. X Re-emergence of the 2000-year-old village However, due to a recent drought, the water levels in the reservoir have significantly receded, revealing the ruins of the ancient village. The emergence of Vilarinho da Furna has sparked widespread interest among archaeologists, historians, and locals alike. Evidence suggests that Vilarinho da Furna was inhabited as early as the Iron Age, with the village reaching its peak during the Roman era. The discovery of pottery, tools, and other artifacts provides clues about the village's economy, trade networks, and social organisations. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. In Deschutes County, Oregon, a resident has been diagnosed with a case of bubonic plague or black death, marking the states first confirmed instance of this rare bacterial infection since 2015. Getty One case reported in US According to a statement by Dr. Richard Fawcett, the Deschutes County health officer, the individual likely contracted the disease from their cat. "All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness," Dr. Fawcett stated last week. As per the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common antibiotics like gentamicin and fluoroquinolones are the first-line treatment for plague. The infected individual received treatment during the early stages of the disease, the statement mentioned, adding that they pose "little risk" to the community. The bubonic plague, infamous for decimating a significant portion of Europe's population during the Middle Ages in a pandemic known as the "Black Death," remains rare in developed countries but is treatable. However, it still poses potential dangers. Getty Symptoms of bubonic plague Authorities caution that symptoms of plague in humans typically manifest up to eight days after exposure to an infected animal or flea. These symptoms can include fever, nausea, weakness, chills, and muscle aches. If left untreated, bubonic plague can progress to more severe forms such as septicemic plaguean infection of the bloodstreamor pneumonic plague, which affects the lungs. Precautions against bubonic plague Dr. Harish Moorjani, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, emphasised the importance of basic precautions to maintain personal and pet health. While not directly involved in the Oregon incident, Dr. Moorjani advised that maintaining good hygiene practices both indoors and outdoors is paramount to prevent contact with fleas and rodents. This includes regular cleaning of living spaces and ensuring proper disposal of waste to deter pests. Additionally, pet owners should leash their animals while outdoors and implement effective flea control measures to mitigate the spread of infection. Furthermore, individuals engaging in outdoor activities should be vigilant against flea bites and refrain from handling animal carcasses, as recommended by the World Health Organization. These proactive steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of contracting diseases transmitted by fleas and rodents, thereby safeguarding public health. Both variants are considerably more serious. The Black Death, a devastating pandemic that ravaged Europe in the 14th century, claimed the lives of as many as 50 million people, marking one of the deadliest episodes in human history. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. Witnessing Earth from space offers a mesmerising perspective, capturing the planet's diverse landscapes and natural phenomena. Recently, footage recorded by the Johnson Space Center of NASA has provided a glimpse of the Sahara Desert's appearance from space, revealing a scene that initially resembles the surface of Mars or Mercury. Video of Sahara now viral In the viral video, patches of white color stand out against the light brown terrain, giving the impression of an alien landscape. The Sahara Desert, known for its vast expanse of sand and sporadic cloud cover, appears strikingly different when viewed from above. Instead of the familiar blue and green hues associated with Earth, the desert terrain looks like a palette of brown sand in contrasted scattered white clouds overhead. The footage captures sandstorms and clouds enveloping the desert, creating an otherworldly scene that has intrigued thousands of viewers. The caption accompanying the video states, This alien-looking planet is the Earth seen from space as sandstorms and cumulonimbus clouds cover the Sahara Desert. This alien-looking planet is actually the Earth seen from space as sandstorms and cumulonimbus clouds cover the Sahara Desert. : NASA Johnson pic.twitter.com/9iVYjHjWCR Wonder of Science (@wonderofscience) February 12, 2024 Commenting on the viral video, netizens also expressed a mix of awe and curiosity at the sight, with some noting the absence of the usual blue colours that typically signifies Earth's surface. Re-entry of an aging satellite over the Sahara in 2023 In a separate event in October last year, NASA reported the re-entry of an aging satellite over the Sahara Desert, causing speculation and concern among observers. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported as the satellite safely reentered Earth's atmosphere during the early hours of the morning in Sudan. At the same time in 2023, NASA had also released a chilling photograph of a skull-like feature located within a volcanic caldera in Chad. Captured by an astronaut aboard the International Space Station, the image depicted the eerie formation known as Trou au Natron, a volcanic crater left behind by ancient geological activity. This uncanny sight, resembling a skull gazing upward from the heart of the desert, offered a glimpse into the intriguing geological features hidden within Earth's most remote landscapes. For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News. A 1938 rejection letter addressed to a young woman seeking a creative role at Walt Disney has recently become a viral sensation online. This letter underscores the constraints placed on women, restricting them to roles that curtailed their potential and excluded them from creative opportunities at the time. Its circulation has sparked widespread discussion on social media about historical gender biases and the limitations women faced in pursuing creative careers during that era. What Is Gone Viral From 1938? A user on the Reddit community r/Damnthatsinteresting shared a letter stating that "women do not do any of the creative work in connection with preparing the cartoons for the screen, as that work is performed entirely by young men. For this reason girls are not considered for the training school." The letter is directed to Miss Ford, who reportedly applied for a position in the inking and painting department of the US film company. Disney's 1938 rejection letter goes viral | Image: Reddit The company informed the applicant about the limited scope of available positions for women at Disney, stating, "The only work open to women consists of tracing the characters on clear celluloid sheets with India ink and filling in the tracings on the reverse side with paint according to directions." The letter further detailed the application process for the company's painting and inking division, stating, "In order to apply for a position as 'Inker' or 'Painter,' it is necessary that one appear at the Studio, bringing samples to come to Hollywood with the above specifically in view, no there are really very few openings in comparison with the number of girls who apply." Where Can You Check The Viral Post? You can check the viral letter on Reddit posted by u/Deepakhn. How Did The Internet React? Since the viral post surfaced, it has elicited various responses online. The post has gotten over 41.7K upvotes and 4.1K likes. Internet reacts to Disney's 1938 rejection letter goes viral | Image: Reddit Internet reacts to Disney's 1938 rejection letter goes viral | Image: Reddit What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. Japanese Financial Regulator Proposes Stricter Measures For P2P Crypto Transactions Japans principal financial regulator has unveiled a series of proposed measures that could negatively impact the peer-to-peer (P2P) transactions market. In a Wednesday announcement, the Financial Services Agency (FSA) issued a formal request to Japanese banks, noting that a high number of fraudulent transactions in the country have links to crypto assets. Collaborating with the National Police Agency (NPA), the FSA and NPA asked banks to enhance user protection through various initiatives. Japans FSA Asks for Heightened Monitoring One of the recommended initiatives asks banks to strengthen monitoring of unlawful transfers to crypto-asset exchange service providers. While it doesnt provide explicit details, it urges banks to be more vigilant in detecting and preventing fraudulent transfers. However, it is the second proposed measure that could potentially disrupt the P2P market. The FSA suggests that transfers to crypto-asset exchange service providers should be halted if the senders name differs from the account name. The Japanese press release uses the verb reject, clarifying that this suspension would apply to both individual and corporate accounts. This recommendation has raised concerns among users of P2P platforms, as the nature of such transactions often involves different names on the fiat and crypto ends. If Japanese banks start rejecting transfers from one individuals bank account to anothers crypto wallet, it could pose a significant challenge to the P2P market. It is important to note that the current FSA request is presented as a recommendation rather than a mandatory requirement. Its purpose is to encourage initiatives rather than impose specific obligations. The response of the banks to these recommendations and the potential impact on the P2P market remain uncertain. Japan to Exempt Crypto Firms from Taxes on Unrealized Gains Last year, the countrys National Tax Agency also revealed that it has revised its law to exempt crypto token issuers from 30% corporate taxes on unrealized gains, effective from June 20. At the time, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the move was aimed at boosting its blockchain and crypto sectors amid a push for new capitalism. Crypto investors will still be liable to pay a maximum of 55% income tax on any earnings over JPY200,000 ($1,797) related to cryptocurrency, classified as miscellaneous income. However, the approval of this bill hinges on the decision of both chambers of the Japanese parliament, namely the House of Representatives and the House of Councilors. More recently, the FSA proposed a new amendment to the definition of Article 2 of the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act in a move to provide clarity on the legal nature, operational rules, member responsibilities, ownership, and tax relationships of DAOs. The proposed amendment aims to grant a specific token called the Limited Company Type DAO Employee Rights Token the same treatment as regular limited liability company (LLC) member rights. By doing so, the FSA intends to ease regulations on employee rights in tokenized LLCs and streamline the operations of DAOs. In a moment of urgency, a teacher swiftly intervenes to halt a confrontation escalating between students. However, what follows defies expectations, unfolding into a remarkable turn of events. This incident, captured on video, portrays the initial tension within a classroom setting and the subsequent shift towards something unexpectedly heartwarming. As the teacher mediates the conflict, the situation takes on a new dimension, illustrating the power of empathy, compassion, and the transformative potential within even the most challenging circumstances. This encounter serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact educators can have beyond their traditional roles, fostering moments of unity and connection amidst discord. What Happened In The Classroom? A teacher rushes to break up a fight between students | Image: Instagram A cluster of students orchestrated a delightful prank for their teacher, bringing a smile to his face. The adolescents orchestrated their scheme by feigning a quarrel in the teacher's presence. A clip capturing the incident made rounds on social platforms and is bound to evoke warmth and sentiment in viewers. The Instagram page dedicated to a class at Gandaki Boarding School in Nepal shares a heartwarming video. In honor of Sujan sir's birthday, the students are grateful for his unwavering dedication and friendship. Despite the prank possibly pushing boundaries, the caption emphasizes the teacher's genuine care and the invaluable lessons learned beyond textbooks. The message from Section D resonates with love and appreciation, portraying their classroom as a vibrant, tightly-knit family. A teacher rushes to break up a fight between students | Image: Instagram The video begins with a teacher entering the classroom, greeted by students urgently informing him of a purported fight among their peers. Reacting swiftly, the teacher intervenes to diffuse the situation. However, the tension dissipates as it becomes evident that the altercation was staged. The students orchestrated the scenario as a surprise for the teacher on his birthday. The heartwarming conclusion of the video depicts the teacher being presented with a bouquet and receiving numerous hugs from the students, showcasing their appreciation and affection for him. Where Can You Watch The Viral Video? You can watch the viral video on Instagram posted by 12DRams. How Did The Internet React? The video has skyrocketed to viral fame in just three days since its posting, amassing an astonishing 24 million views and counting. Its rapid spread across social media platforms has captured the attention of a vast audience, sparking widespread engagement and discussion. The comment section is flooded with reactions from viewers worldwide, reflecting on the heartwarming surprise orchestrated by the students for their teacher. The overwhelming response underscores the universal appeal of the touching gesture, resonating with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. As the video continues to gain traction, its impact reverberates across online communities, spreading joy and positivity. Internet reacts to a teacher rushes to break up a fight between students | Image: Instagram Internet reacts to a teacher rushes to break up a fight between students | Image: Instagram What do you think about it? Do let us know in the comments. For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram. No fewer than four persons, including two police officers, have been killed by some gunmen, suspected to be bandits, in an attack on Kasuwa-Daji Town under the Kaura-Namoda local government area in Zamfara State. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that about 40 persons were also abducted by the criminal elements, on Tuesday. A resident of Kaura-Namoda town Abubakar Kaura told Channels Television that the bandits entered the town with sophisticated weapons including anti-aircraft gun. He added that the culprits also attacked the home of the former State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Hamisu Kasuwar-Daji and abducted one of his wives and grandchildren According to him, the house of the former NURTW chief is close to a police station in the town, adding that the terrorists attacked the station, disarmed the policemen on duty, and killed two. READ MORE: Zamfara: Army Eliminates Two Terrorist Kingpins, Rescue 20 Abducted Victims Another resident of Kasuwa-Daji who pleaded anonymity for security reasons, disclosed that the bandits also killed two residents of the town during the attack He added that about forty persons were abducted during their house-to-house raid He said: Two residents were also killed, not only policemen. As of now, about forty persons have been whisked away by the bandits. Reacting to the incident, yesterday, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the attack to Channels Television via a phone call, but he did not indicate the number of persons abducted. Abubakar said: Yes, there was an attack in Kasuwar-Daji early hours of today, We are yet to confirm the number of the residents abducted but the Commissioner of Police has deployed additional troops to restore normalcy in the town. The Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party (LP) has asked Peter Obi, LPs 2023 presidential candidate, to wade into allegations of misappropriation of funds by Julius Abure, factional Chairman of the Party. Recall that, Oluchi Oparah, LPs National Treasurer accused Abure of allegedly misappropriating N3.5 billion belonging to the Party. According to her, the N3.5 billion was raised from sales of forms and fundraising activities in the build-up to the 2023 elections. Oparah noted that she was compelled to raise alarm because the internal mechanisms in the Party have failed woefully to hold Abure accountable for brazen abuse of office and misappropriation of party funds. With great reluctance and deep concern, I am compelled to publicly address the media regarding the egregious financial mismanagement and corruption that have plagued our beloved party under the leadership of Mr Julius Abure, the current national chairman, Oparah had said. Obiora Ifoh, spokesperson of the Abure-led faction, however debunked the allegation, saying Oparah is under some external influences and only read a press statement written by our detractors to further tar the image of the party. He said no other member of the Partys National Working Committee has raised any allegation of embezzlement against Abure. Ifoh added that the party did not earn N3.5 billion from the sales of nomination forms. Let it be said that the Labour Party has not earned N3.5 billion as claimed and that the national chairman has not embezzled any money that belongs to the party as alleged, Ifoh had replied on Monday. READ ALSO: His Appetite For Power Has Grown Unchecked LPs Treasurer Accuses Abure Of Misappropriating N3.5bn Party Funds Meanwhile, Abayomi Arabambi, spokesperson of the Apapa-led faction, in a statement, said the allegations against Abure have thrown the LP into turmoil. Obis intervention, according to him, would be crucial in addressing LPs internal matters. Arabambi said: These allegations of massive corruption levelled against Abure have thrown the Labour Party into turmoil, forcing us to revisit the Partys core principles and founding ideals. In light of these developments, this weeks scheduled National Executive Committee meeting takes on an even greater significance. We urge Peter Obi, our presidential candidate, to actively participate in this crucial gathering and help address the Partys internal issues. He further said the LP is yet to submit an audit report of the financial activities for 2022 2023, to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This absence of transparency raises serious questions and warrants immediate investigation of the electoral body. Transparency is crucial in maintaining public trust in political parties and ensuring accountability for their financial activities. By withholding a partys audit report and INECs not raising alarm over such act, casts a shadow over its operations and risks eroding public confidence. It is imperative that the National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood delves into this matter to understand the reasons behind the delay and ensure compliance with regulations. While a prompt and thorough investigation is necessary to shed light on the Labour Partys finances and address any potential concerns, is overdue, INEC must act swiftly and decisively to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and guarantee transparency in political party activities, he added. One 19-year-old Aisha Aliyu has allegedly killed her husband, Idris Ahmadu, in Nasarawa Village, Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State. Aliyu was said to have killed her 24-year-old husband due to a disagreement over sex The duo were said to have been married for only two months before the incident happened in the early hours of Monday. A source in the village disclosed that the couple had a heated confrontation before the lady picked up a kitchen knife and stabbed Ahmadu in the neck. According to reports, Aisha stabbed Ahmadu in several other parts of his body before he collapsed. READ ALSO: Women Affairs Minister Places N2m Bounty On Lawyer Who Brutalised House Help When the neighbours heard Ahmadus scream, they rushed into the house and met him in a pool of his blood. They rushed him to a nearby community hospital in Lapai but he died before getting there. Although a community source revealed that Aisha was seen in the village after the incident, Wasiu Abiodun, the state Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed that she was on the run. He, however, said that the matter was still under investigation. Abiodun said, information was received that, in the early hours of today, one Idris Ahmadu of Nasarawa village, via Lapai was stabbed to death by his wife, Aisha Aliyu 19/20yrs of the same address. Before the arrival of the police at the scene, the suspect had fled to an unknown destination, while effort was being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspect. Case under investigation please. Operatives of the the Nigerian Police High Command, arrested a former officer of the countrys Air Force, who was allegedly supplying military uniforms to popular notorious terrorist Bello Turji. Disclosing this to newsmen in a statement, on Tuesday, while parading the suspect and other criminals at the headquarters of the Special Tactical Squad-Intelligence Response Team in Abuja, police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that the dismissed officer, identified as Ahmed Mohammed, had served in the Air Force for a brief period of five years before being court-martialled for an undisclosed offence. Adejobi explained that the suspect introduced the sales of military camouflage and other equipment to one Mushiri Abubakar, who in turn supplied these items to various criminal gangs. He added that 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms and ten pieces of camel pack were recovered from both Mohammed and Abubakar during their arrest. The statement read: On 20/12/2023 at about 1230hrs, the operatives of the FID-STS intercepted the movement of military accoutrements from Kaduna to Zamfara state, precisely Shinkafi LGA. READ MORE: Policemen Collecting N100 On Roadsll Soon Meet Their Waterloo Adejobi In the process, a spot search was conducted, and the following items were recovered: 10 sets of military camouflage uniforms, 10 pieces of camel pack, 12 military hats, 3 cardigans, 3 t-shirts, 2 belts, and 3 anklets. The two suspects were arrested. The Mushiri Abubakar is a childhood friend of one Air Force personnel attached to the Air Force base in Kaduna state who served for only five years before being court marshalled and introduced the idea of selling military accoutrements to Mushiri Abubakar. Further investigation revealed that same Mushiri Abubakar had supplied military materials to the Notorious Bello Turji. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubus led government has accused governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, of contributing to the current hardship in the country. INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that, this is coming, after the PDP governors decried the free fall of the naira and its attendant consequences comparing the economy and security challenges of the country to that of Venezuela However, the Federal Government, while reacting to the opposition party, stated that many of the partys governors have failed to fulfil their obligations to their citizens in the payment of workers salaries and pensioners gratuities. Meanwhile, in a statement made available to the public by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, on Tuesday that the Governors have also failed to take concrete steps to increase food production in their states and address the rising costs of living. The statement read: It is a fact that many of the PDP Governors have not paid N30,000 minimum wage to their workers since it took effect more than 4 years ago. All of these anomalies in their states contribute significantly to the economic pressure their citizens face. READ MORE: Cost Of Living: Nigeria On Road To Venezuela, We Need Succour PDP Govs. Though our country is going through some rough patches, which are being addressed by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our situation is nowhere near what is happening in Venezuela. If PDP governors are genuinely interested in the living conditions of Nigerians and are not just stirring up disaffection and ill-will towards the federal government, we urge them to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners, and local contractors and see the multiplier effect. The All Progressives Congress-led administration of President Tinubu is working assiduously to address the current challenges. Microsofts upcoming .NET 9 release, a planned major update to the companys cross-platform development platform, will focus on the development of cloud-native and AI-powered applications, the company said in a bulletin on February 13. For cloud-native developers, Microsoft will aim at improving runtime performance, application monitoring, and delivering paved paths to popular production infrastructure and services. The latter refers to running Kubernetes and using managed database and caching services such as Redis. These improvements will be delivered as multiple layers of the .NET stack. These capabilities come together with .NET Aspire, Microsoft said, which aims to reduce the cost and complexity of building cloud applications. Alongside .NET 9, Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code will add new development and deployment experiences for .NET Aspire. Microsoft said .NET 9 also will make it easier for .NET developers to integrate AI into applications. Steps were taken in this direction in .NET 8, which brought samples and documentation for AI workloads, C# clients for vector databases, and libraries such as Semantic Kernel. With .NET 9, Microsoft said developers will find libraries and documentation to work with OpenAI and open-source models, along with the .NET teams continued collaboration on Semantic Kernel, OpenAI, and Azure SDK to ensure .NET developers have a first-class experience building intelligent applications. Preview 1 of .NET 9 arrived this week. A production release of .NET 9 is due in November, roughly a year after the current .NET 8 arrived. Microsoft will support .NET 9 for 18 months. In addition to .NET 9 Preview 1, Microsoft released .NET Aspire Preview 3, which features UI improvements to the dashboard and new component support including Azure OpenAI, Apache Kakfa, Oracle, MySQL, Azure Cosmos DB, and Orleans, Microsofts framework for building distributed applications. Same-day delivery is for more than just Amazon orders. Philly shoppers can now order a car and have it delivered to their door within hours through a pilot program from Carvana, an online used-car retailer known for its giant car-vending machines. The new service offers customers the selection and convenience of the Carvana shopping experience plus the nearly instant gratification of having a car delivered to their doorstep on the same day, Alan Kibler, Carvanas associate director of strategy and analytics said in a statement. Carvana came to Philadelphia in 2017, offering next-day delivery of vehicles purchased online to customers within 50 miles of Center City. In 2018, the company opened its vending machine in Fishtown, a glass tower filled with cars for sale, where customers can retrieve a car theyve purchased online. The same-day delivery program launched on Jan. 10 in the Philadelphia area and is available to customers within about 100 miles of Center City. On the first day of service, the company sold two vehicles, which were delivered to homes within seven hours, said Kibler. Advertisement Same-day delivery has allowed Carvana to compete with traditional dealerships, he says. One of few remaining competitive gaps between a brick-and-mortar dealership and the online experience is that you can go to a dealership and get your car the same day, he said. Carvanas model allows customers to shop for a car all in one place instead of having to visit different dealerships, he adds. If you need a car and you have to drive from dealer to dealer to find one thats the one you like and in your affordability range thats so much of your time invested vs. sitting somewhere comfortable and searching online, said Kibler. To offer cars so quickly to customers in the Philadelphia area, Carvana is sourcing cars from a reconditioning hub in Delanco, N.J., where the company prepares used cars for resale. Customers can choose from about 2,000 cars for the same-day delivery service. If a customer wants a car that isnt in the local hub, Carvana can get it delivered from another hub across the country, though that adds time to the delivery window. Carvanas same-day delivery launched in Arizona last year and has expanded to states including Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. Since launching in January, the most popular vehicles sold through the same-day delivery service in Philadelphia have been the Chevrolet Malibu, the Nissan Rogue, and the Jeep Compass. Two people huddle by a fire in a bucket along Kensington Avenue on a cold morning on Feb. 6. Read more Stricter enforcement of drug crimes in Kensington could begin as soon as April and will be a phased approach in which community groups will first be given time to warn people using and selling drugs of new expectations in the neighborhood before police begin enforcing laws and making arrests, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said. In a wide-ranging interview this week, Bethel said the department will begin attempting to shut down the neighborhoods open-air drug market one of the largest on the East Coast that has resulted in sprawling homelessness, public drug use, high rates of violence, and widespread human suffering. The drug crisis is largely centered on the use of heroin, fentanyl, and most recently xylazine, or tranq, which leaves users with large open sores and wounds. Although Bethel declined to share specific details on the plan, he said police will not occupy the area but instead will work alongside community stakeholders to begin enforcing laws in a neighborhood where open drug use and the quality of life issues that come with it has largely gone ignored. It would be a natural progression of getting back to just enforcing the laws that have not been, he said. First, he said, community groups will spread awareness of the new enforcement plan, and essentially warn people who use or sell drugs on the street that they need to leave and seek treatment, or could soon face arrest. They will now be able to say ... There is going to be a heightened level of enforcement, and things that you have previously been able to do on the streets openly using drugs, defecating on properties, threatening, stealing, those things that have historically been not addressed will be addressed, he said. Im hopeful. Although he did not say exactly where people would go or what services would be offered, he said the administration is committed to ensuring that the hundreds of people living on the streets dont just disperse to other neighborhoods. Were not going to move this to another area. Were not going to allow, you know, open-air drug market two, three, four, or five. That is not happening, he said. Advertisement READ MORE: How Kevin Bethels strong and direct persona and focus on protecting kids made him Phillys next police commissioner Enforcing law in a humane and dignified way Bethel would not commit to a specific timeline for when enforcement will begin, but said the first phase will start shortly after Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers 100th day in office, which is in early April. The communication phase, he said, will not be a long-term process. All I can say is that we will give it enough time for people to make an informed decision as to what they want to do, he said. Still, he said that city leaders and law enforcement are committed to enforcing laws in humane and dignified way, and that people in addiction will be offered an opportunity to seek treatment before facing any charges. He said officials are still in the process of developing a detailed plan that must take into account both public safety and the complexities facing people in addiction, including the dangers of withdrawal, open flesh wounds, mental health issues, and disabilities. We have to do this in a very thoughtful and strategic way, he said. Part of that is, what do I do when I make an arrest of somebody ... knowing that once I take them into custody, theyre going to be going into withdrawal? What happens when we make that arrest and we have somebody who has significant wound-care issues, or have some other health issues that have to be addressed? What are we going to do? We have to answer all those questions or it will not be a successful operation. But action, he said, is required. Seeing the impact it has had on the children and community, it is necessary to take action there, he said. Parkers vow to end an entrenched crisis Bethels statements underscore Parkers commitment to shut down Kensingtons open-air drug market. Her first executive order directed police to employ any lawful means necessary to abate the public safety emergency citywide, and permanently shut down all pervasive open-air drug markets. The administration has appointed Deputy Commissioner Pedro Rosario to lead the effort to improve conditions in the neighborhood, and some City Council members are pushing for a triage center where police could send people who use drugs. While campaigning for mayor last year, Parker employed more law enforcement-driven rhetoric than her predecessor, Jim Kenney, whose administration emphasized an approach in the neighborhood focused on harm reduction. But Parker repeatedly rejected progressive strategies that Kenney backed, such as supervised drug injection sites, which have since been prohibited in most of the city under legislation passed by City Council. Last year, Parker also floated bringing in the National Guard to assist with clearing the neighborhood. But Gov. Josh Shapiro, who would have to approve any such deployment, said he wasnt considering that move. Parker has lamented critics who suggest her rhetoric about Kensington lacks compassion. If somebody tells you that we think she lacks compassion because she wants to be too aggressive in cleaning up the open-air drug market, she said, you tell them to think about whether or not they would want their mother, father, sister, brother, or loved one on the streets openly using intravenous drugs. Although Bethel stopped short of saying law enforcement would sweep the neighborhood, the plan he outlined closely resembles a strategy used along Kensington and Lehigh Avenues in 2018 and 2019. During those years, city officials worked to clear four large encampments of people living along Lehigh Avenue. For weeks before each clearing, outreach workers compiled a list of camp residents and offered each a guaranteed spot in a shelter bed. A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania analyzed the results of two clearings and found that, of 189 people who lived in the encampments or engaged with outreach workers, 19% had found permanent housing and 10% were still staying in some form of temporary shelter within six months of the clearing. Nearly 41% of people were accessing some kind of city services, but werent housed, while about a quarter were never seen by outreach workers again. The study authors also found that once camps were cleared, many people who had refused offers of housing or drug treatment ended up sleeping on the streets somewhere else sometimes in even more visible locations. And even after the Kensington Avenue and Tulip Street camps were cleared in May 2018, hundreds more people began sleeping on the streets of the neighborhood unrelated to the encampment clearings, study authors said, but a sign of how entrenched the opioid crisis was in the neighborhood. Michael A. Nusbaum uses a lantern during a recent Mandarin language class at Brimm Medical Arts High School at Camden High School. Read more Sophomore Brandon Martinez thought studying Spanish would be a good choice to meet the New Jersey world language requirement for graduation. His parents are from Mexico, and Spanish was his first language as a child. But the scheduler at Dr. Charles Brimm High School in Camden had other plans and placed him in a Mandarin Chinese class. Martinez, 15, was a little nervous when he landed in Michael Nusbaums class in September with about a dozen other underclassmen. Now, he enjoys the class and plans to enroll in Mandarin Chinese II for the 2024-25 school year. I like the class, said Martinez. I get to learn something new. Advertisement The school system is among only a handful of districts in the region that offer Mandarin, the most common dialect of Chinese. Elsewhere in the South Jersey region, Cherry Hill and Trenton include Mandarin as an option for students to fulfill the state mandate for at least one year of world language arts. Camden added the class to its offerings in 2011 and has five sections, including an honors class, with 46 students total currently enrolled. It is only taught at Brimm, a magnet high school, said Ericka Okafor, director of world languages. The district hopes to add an AP Chinese class next year and eventually would like to expand the class to its four other high schools and elementary schools, she said. We want to build the program out, said Okafor, who majored in Chinese as an undergraduate. Nusbaum, in his third year with the district, teaches all levels of the classes. He learned Mandarin when he was 23 and spent about a decade in China as an English teacher and later worked in New York. This is a subject I love, said Nusbaum, 40. This is my passion. For the entry-level class, Nusbaum focuses on the nuts and bolts of learning the language. Students learn Chinese characters and the word that each character represents, with lessons focusing on topics such as greetings, occupation, and family. The biggest thing is for me to keep them challenged, Nusbaum said. The goal is for students to achieve proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking Mandarin . Nusbaum also teaches about Chinese culture. Students learned how to use authentic chopsticks, and they got credit for volunteering at the districts Chinese New Year celebration. I was going to take Spanish, said sophomore Nasir Ross, 15, an aspiring dermatologist or trauma nurse. But Im learning more here. Its fun. During a recent class, the students watched videos on their laptops and practiced Chinese terms. Nusbaum split them into teams and they played a Jeopardy-like game to test their knowledge about Chinese New Year zodiac signs, customs and food. How many zodiacs are there? A student correctly answered 12. READ MORE: Sixteen percent of Philadelphians are immigrants. How easy is it to get mental health care in their native languages? For a vocabulary and comprehension lesson, Nusbaum played snippets of Mandarin and asked the students to identify the phrases and repeat words. Two students excitedly battled to respond first, prompting sophomore William Mann, 16, to admonish his classmate: Let me answer a question! This class has a lot of personality, said sophomore Tyshir Carmickel. Nusbaum is the right person for the class. After group lessons, Nusbaum has the students work independently. Students can also record themselves on their laptops and play it back for Nusbaum to review. A student who wants to use the bathroom must say the Mandarin word in order to be excused. It teaches me a lot of things I didnt think would be interesting, said 10th grader William Mann, 16. Chinese really wasnt my go-to. The class has become popular in a district where 54% of students are Hispanic, 44% are Black and 0.8% Asian, according to the 2021-2022 New Jersey School Performance Report, the latest statistics available. Chinese is one of the most spoken languages in the world with 1.3 billion speakers. All New Jersey schools are required to have world language programs for grades K-12 that provide students with the essential language skills and cultural understandings needed live and work in a global and diverse world. It is left to individual districts to decide what languages to offer. They may select classical languages like Greek and Latin, or American Sign Language. In addition to Mandarin, Camden offers Spanish and French. During the 2022-2023 school year, 15,790 students statewide studied Mandarin Chinese in New Jersey public schools, according to the New Jersey Department of Education, in all grades, but more often in upper grades. READ MORE: Pay-what-you-can Algebra classes in Spanish offered to Philly students. Its a new summer program. Jaylin Hill, 16, a junior and an aspiring nurse practitioner, rearranged her schedule to get into Nusbaums class. I think its a good skill to have, just in case. Kraken Inquires UK Users Regarding Self-Custodial Wallet Activity, Cites Local Regulations Kraken, a prominent cryptocurrency exchange, has recently introduced a new requirement for its users in the United Kingdom. According to a recent post shared by James Van Straten, Kraken is now mandating that its UK users verify their self-custodial wallets or validate their wallet identities, citing regulations in the UK. Kraken Support has confirmed that it has sent the requests to UK users. However, the exchange did not disclose the specific regulations prompting this action. Users to Confirm Ownership of Custodial Wallets An email shared by Van Straten outlines the details of Krakens request, which includes users being asked to confirm ownership or control of self-custodial wallets used for cryptocurrency transactions. Additionally, users are required to provide information about external self-custodial wallets and the residential address associated with the owner of a crypto address. Oh the UK is finished, surveillance state it is. pic.twitter.com/afIamE970S James Van Straten (@jvs_btc) February 13, 2024 The email warns that failure to comply with these requirements by February 23 will result in a temporary ban from the exchange. Krakens recent move aligns with a broader industry trend among cryptocurrency exchanges to gain visibility into the external crypto addresses with which their customers interact. Bitstamp, a European crypto exchange, adopted a similar approach earlier in 2021, citing new regulations imposed by the Dutch government. There are also reports suggesting that Coinbase, a prominent US-based exchange, is implementing similar requirements for users, including the provision of recipient names, physical addresses, and the purpose of transfers. Kraken Pushes to Expand Operations in EU Kraken has received authorization to operate in several European countries, including Spain and Ireland. As reported, the exchange has obtained an e-money institution (EMI) license from the Central Bank of Ireland, while also successfully registering as a virtual asset service provider (VASP) in Spain. The move came after it had already obtained VASP licenses in Italy and Ireland. We see a firm foundation for crypto in Europe, which has forward-looking regulation that enables us to grow with confidence, Curtis Ting, Krakens Vice President for Global Operations, said. Furthermore, Kraken has obtained the necessary regulatory permit to operate in the United Kingdom. Meanwhile, the exchange has also been under regulatory pressure in the US amid a recent crackdown on the crypto industry. Back in July, Kraken was ordered by a judge to submit a vast amount of user information to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for an investigation into potential tax evasion. The United States District Court for the Northern District of California issued the order, stating that Kraken must provide account and transaction details to the IRS to determine whether any users have underreported their taxes. Under the order, Kraken is required to disclose information about users who engaged in transactions exceeding $20,000 within a calendar year. This includes their names (real or pseudonyms), birthdates, taxpayer identification numbers, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and other relevant documents. More recently, it was revealed that Kraken is considering entering the crypto ETF custody race. Staff at the major trauma centers in Philadelphia regularly experience violence on the job. At Einstein Medical Center, leaders from the facility's nursing union say that they're frustrated with hospital leadership over their response to assaults against staff. Read more Early on an October morning last year, a code pink alert sounded over the intercom at Jefferson Einstein Medical Center: Someone was trying to kidnap a baby. In the NICU, a mother who had lost custody of her infant had decided to take the child home anyway. At the wards entrance, a nurse tried to stop her and the mother threatened her with a knife. Staff on duty were able to talk the woman into handing over her baby, recalled Carla LeCoin, a longtime nurse on the neonatal intensive care unit. Then security officers tackled the woman to the floor, wresting the knife from her hands. The alarming episode illustrates the day-to-day dangers that nurses face from a concerning rise in violence against hospital workers across the state and nation. In Philadelphia, police regularly respond to reports of assaults on health-care workers at the citys four trauma centers, police reports show. And nurses at several of the citys most prominent hospitals say far more go unreported. Advertisement To understand the dangers that nurses face, The Inquirer requested information from city police on the number of assaults against hospital workers reported in the last two years at the four Philadelphia hospitals with Level 1 trauma centers, which treat the most severely injured patients and tend to have busy emergency departments. In interviews, nurses in union leadership positions at the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals spoke about their experiences with violence on the job. The nurses shared that how hospital leaders deal with the issue impacts morale and perceptions of safety. They also provided details on episodes, such as the Einstein code pink, that could not be obtained from police due to ongoing investigations. At Temple University Hospital, for example, PASNAP leaders believe that they have made significant progress addressing violence with hospital leadership in the last year, meeting regularly to discuss how to protect health-care workers at the facility. But in PASNAPs Einstein chapter, leaders say staff feel unsafe, even though fewer instances of violence have been reported to police in the last two years than at other hospitals. Many fault the Einstein administration for not enacting security measures they have been requesting. In the aftermath of the attempted kidnapping in the Einstein NICU, shaken staff members tried to comfort each other, according to LeCoin, who was working that day. The mother who pulled the knife on nurses had struggled with mental health and substance use issues, and staff knew she was likely acting out of desperation and grief, LeCoin said. A weapons detector at the entrance to the building housing the maternity ward might have detected the knife before the woman brought it into the NICU, something that union nurses at PASNAP requested after the episode, but that hasnt been put into place. (Such security measures are in place at buildings across Penn Medicines campus, which includes Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, staff there say.) At the very least, the Einstein nurses wanted leaders at the hospital or its corporate owner, Jefferson Health, to meet with witnesses to the attempted kidnapping to hear their concerns. Instead, staff were sent information on external mental health programs they could access. And leadership threw them a pizza party, to build morale, the union said. Jefferson Health declined to comment on the episode, saying in a statement that the safety and security of our staff, patients and visitors is a top priority. Jefferson is committed to supporting our employees and to working to strengthen security, said the statement from spokesperson Damien Woods. It noted the health system has expanded safety efforts in recent years, including adding more officers to the Jefferson police force and having security officers circulate regularly in patient care areas. Violence at Philly hospitals In Philadelphia, nurses routinely experience on-the-job violence. According to Philadelphia police, Einstein saw 18 reported assaults involving staffers between January 2022 and early December 2023. Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, which is separate from Einstein but also owned by Jefferson Health, reported 32 such assaults during this time. Temple University Hospital reported 31 assaults involving workers. Penn Presbyterian Medical Center reported four staff-involved assaults in the same time period. The preliminary data, culled from police reports, have limitations: As police conduct their investigations, they may categorize episodes differently, leading to discrepancies over time in the number of reported assaults at each hospital. They may also go back and update reports as new information surfaces. The number of episodes that police respond to is also likely a fraction of the true number of assaults on health-care workers at hospitals, because incidents that do not rise to the level of a crime may not be reported. According to the 2021 Pennsylvania Workers Compensation and Workplace Safety Annual Report, some hospital jobs are nearly as dangerous as working in a coal mine or metal manufacturing plant, and the most common injury among health-care workers is being struck. In Pennsylvania, hospital staff and executives alike are pushing for federal legislation that they say would protect more hospital staffers from violence. The proposed Safety from Violence for Healthcare Employees Act would make intentionally assaulting a hospital worker a federal crime, and provide grant funding to hospitals to improve security at their facilities. Improving safety and morale Unionized nurses in Philadelphias major hospitals say that regular communication with hospital leadership helps to improve safety and morale for staff. Last year, the Temple nurses union signed a new contract that requires hospital officials to regularly debrief staff who witnessed or experienced violent episodes. Temple nurses say that provision has made staff feel safer and given them a say in how their workplace addresses such episodes. The debriefings are really helpful we watch videos, talk about what we could have done better, what the hospital could have done better. It creates closure for people who are victims, said Mary Adamson, an ICU nurse and the head of Temples nursing union. Bringing it out in the open is what needs to be done. Union leaders at Temple still believe that the hospital could move faster on some initiatives now in place, such as installing weapons detectors at hospital entrances and cameras to deter thefts from nurses cars in the hospital parking garages. Temple officials declined to comment when asked about workplace violence at the hospital and leaderships communication with staff. At Penn Presbyterian Hospital, which had the lowest reported number of assaults on health-care workers of any major trauma center in the city, nursing officials say their health system, Penn Medicine, has trained staff on tactics to de-escalate tense encounters with patients and other visitors. Penn also distributed distress buttons that staff can wear and press to alert hospital security if they feel threatened. Penn also invested $28 million to place weapons detecting equipment at 16 locations around its medical facilities. Hospital officials debrief with staff who have experienced violence on the job within 24 hours of an episode, said Lisa Triantos, the clinical director at Presbyterian. We are closing the loop on 100% of those events that are brought to our attention, she said. Blood all over me Einstein nurses say leadership at the hospital is not responding quickly enough to their concerns. In their most recent union negotiations, efforts to get hospital leaders to commit to hiring more security officers to protect nurses in especially dangerous roles were unsuccessful. They said it wasnt within the purview of the nursing contract, said Danielle Wright, a nurse who works in the hospitals crisis response center for psychiatric patients. Last summer, Wright said, she witnessed a patient in the crisis response center hit a staffer in the face without warning, then the patient chased the staffer down the hallway to the nursing station and rained punches on her. The staffer suffered multiple fractures to her facial bones. Security officers eventually subdued the patient, Wright said, but had to run to the station from several rooms away, wasting crucial seconds. Wright believes that if security officers had been in the nursing station at the time of the attack, they could have stopped it sooner. Instead, Wright comforted her stricken coworker and helped her to the emergency room. I went home that day with her blood all over me, she said. The staffer was treated at the hospital but was on medical leave for several months, Wright said, and only recently returned to work. Jefferson officials declined to comment on the episode. Philadelphia police declined to provide the details of assaults on hospital workers to The Inquirer, including this episode described in interviews. The data police provided to the paper showed six assaults involving staffers reported at Einstein in the summer of 2023. Einstein nurses say they were encouraged when a second security officer was recently added to the crisis response center. The hospital still needs to hire additional officers and station them in more areas of the hospital, such as nursing stations, to enable them to respond more quickly to violence, Wright said. Union leaders said theyd also like security to screen for weapons at other entrances to the hospital, not just the emergency department, which is currently the only place patients are searched for weapons. People say safety regulations are written in blood, said LeCoin, the nurse who witnessed the attempted kidnapping in Einsteins NICU. I dont want to bleed. I dont want to be the person that ultimately moves Einstein to do what they should do. Don Mueller, CEO of St. Christophers Hospital, shown here in October, is leaving for a job in his home state of Tennessee. Read more St. Christophers Hospital for Children chief executive Don Mueller is resigning from the North Philadelphia safety-net hospital for a job in Chattanooga, Tenn., located closer to his family, St. Christophers owner Tower Health announced Wednesday. Mueller took the job at St. Christopher's in the summer of 2020, about seven months after Tower and Drexel University bought the facility, but did not permanently move to Philadelphia. Robert Brooks, St. Christophers chief operating officer since September, will succeed Mueller after a transition period of at least two months, Tower said. Brooks is a Philadelphia resident, according to Tower. St. Christophers ran into state inspection problems after Mueller did not permanently relocate to the region. State health officials last year blamed safety lapses at the hospital on Muellers absence and ordered him to be in Philadelphia five days a week. Advertisement We are grateful for Dons contributions to St. Christophers throughout his tenure. We understand this decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family and know he will continue to influence and champion pediatrics, P. Sue Perrotty, president and CEO of Tower Health, said in a news release. Muellers new job is as CEO at Chattanoogas Siskin Childrens Institute, a nonprofit that provides diagnostic services and treatment for children with special needs. Tower praised Muellers performance at St. Christopher's, saying that the hospitals finances improved to break-even last year from a $97 million loss three years earlier. Last years overall results benefited from more than $25 million in donations from Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University, Temple Health, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), Independence Health Group, and private donors. Brooks had previously worked with Mueller at Erlanger Health System in Tennessee. Since joining St. Christophers in August, I have seen firsthand how irreplaceable this institution is as a vital provider of patient care and community engagement initiatives, along with serving as an anchor research and medical training hub, Brooks said. Some drivers for Uber and Lyft refused to give rides to and from Philadelphia International Airport on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, 2024, and rallied near the airport in Southwest Philadelphia. They hoped to raise awareness around low pay, safety concerns, and struggles with unexpected deactivation of the driver app. Read more People hoping to get an Uber or Lyft to or from the Philadelphia International Airport on Valentines Day needed to make other transportation plans. Rideshare and delivery drivers who belong to Justice for App Workers held a strike and rally on Wednesday at 10 airports throughout the United States, including Philadelphia. Drivers at Newark Liberty International Airport and Pittsburgh International Airport also participated, according to the organization, which said the drivers are seeking fair wages, safety, and more. Justice for App Workers describes itself as a national coalition of more than 130,000 rideshare drivers and delivery workers from the East Coast to the Midwest. Members also asked customers to refrain from using the rideshare apps for their travels to and from the airport Wednesday. Advertisement Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers are tired of being mistreated by the app companies, the labor organization said in a Feb. 8 blog post about the rallies. Were sick of working 80 hours/week just to make ends meet, being constantly scared for our safety, and worrying about being deactivated with the click of a button. Deactivations can occur because of a passenger complaint about a driver. But, explained organizer and driver Fabian Romero, A lot of passengers make complaints just for the app to give them money back. Romero said he drives for Uber, Lyft, Grubhub, Amazon Flex, and DoorDash, and works between 65 and 70 hours a week, usually seven days a week. He lives in Clifton, N.J., and sometimes drives rideshare passengers to the airport in Philadelphia. Many drivers have to work 80 hours in the week to make enough money to live, said Romero. He said he hoped the rally in Philadelphia would raise awareness among riders that the paid fare does not all go to the drivers. Over 150 local drivers participated in the strike, he estimated. Uber and Lyft earnings Uber has downplayed the potential impact of the strike, according to news reports, stating that driver earnings remain strong, and as of Q4 2023, drivers in the U.S. were making about $33 per utilized hour. Uber reported revenue of $9.9 billion in 2023, 15% more than in 2022. The company also made a profit for the first time since it went public, reporting net income of $1.9 billion for the year, after a loss of $9.1 billion in 2022. Lyft announced its 2023 results Tuesday, reporting revenue of $4.4 billion, up 8% year-over-year. But the company was not profitable, reporting a net loss of $340.3 million. Still, thats less than its $1.6 billion loss in 2022. The companys initial release contained an error which caused Lyft stock to surge earlier on Tuesday, then drop back and plateau later in the day following a correction on the quarterly earnings call. We are constantly working to improve the driver experience, which is why just this month we released a series of new offers and commitments aimed at increasing driver pay and transparency, Lyft said in a statement about Wednesdays labor action. The company pointed to a recent rule stating that drivers will always make at least 70% of weekly rider fares after external fees, and said its improving the process for drivers to appeal deactivation decisions. Lyft drivers earned $23.46 an hour after expenses in the second half of 2023, the company said in a white paper released this month. What about DoorDash? DoorDash drivers are also part of the Justice for App Workers organization and were expected to join the airport rallies on Wednesday. DoorDash also said it expects no significant impact from the Valentines Day action. Were always listening to Dashers and looking for ways to improve the platform. Were extremely proud that millions of Dashers have turned to DoorDash to help reach their financial goals by earning how, when and where they want and theyve earned over $35 billion doing it, the company said in a statement. DoorDash plans to announce fourth-quarter 2023 earnings on Thursday. In the third quarter of 2023, it reported a 24% increase in total orders since the third quarter of 2022 and a 27% increase in revenue. Philadelphia Police Inspector Joseph Bologna Jr. turned himself in at 15th District on Levick St. in Northeast Philadelphia to face assault charges on Monday, June 8, 2020. Read more Was former Philadelphia Police Inspector Joseph Bolognas use of force against a Temple University student during the 2020 protests following George Floyds killing unnecessary? That was the key question put before jurors as Philadelphia prosecutors on Tuesday opened their case against the 57-year-old former police inspector, who faces charges of simple assault and possessing an instrument of crime for his role in the June 1, 2020, episode. Bologna is accused of striking Evan Gorski, then 21, in his head area with a baton. Gorski was attempting to separate another protester from the inspectors grasp as a line of officers dispelled a crowd along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway that afternoon. Should the jury find Bologna guilty, it would be the first criminal conviction of a Philadelphia law enforcement officer who responded to that summers protests over racial justice and aggressive policing, when the citys police department was heavily scrutinized for its use of force against participants. Advertisement Much of Tuesdays arguments centered on whether Bologna, then a 31-year veteran of the department, was justified in using that level of force against Gorski. In a video of the incident that was widely circulated on social media, Gorski is seen releasing the protester and backing away from Bologna before the inspector strikes him with his baton. Gorski was later treated at a hospital for a head injury. Bologna was suspended, and ultimately fired from the police department as further allegations swirled that the officer used excessive force during the unrest. Nobody is above the law, said Assistant District Attorney Parker Nelson during opening statements. This defendant deserves a trial that judges him by his actions, not his rank or power. The cases pathway to trial has been marred by twists and turns. First, it was Gorski who was initially accused of assaulting the officer, but those charges were dropped after the District Attorneys Office reviewed video of the incident. Bologna was then charged with multiple offenses. In 2021, however, a Common Pleas judge dismissed most of those charges, arguing that the high-ranking officers actions did not amount to a crime. A push from the District Attorneys Office later that year would lead a different judge to reinstate the two charges on which Bologna is now being tried. While Common Pleas Judge Crystal Bryant-Powell did not explain why she dismissed the aggravated assault and reckless endangerment charges, she questioned why Bologna would strike Gorski, who clearly retreats in a video of the altercation. Common Pleas Judge Lucretia Clemons is presiding over Bolognas trial. On Tuesday, the former police inspector sat at a table in the courtroom alongside his defense team, led by attorney Fortunato N. Perri, Jr. Questioned as to why he intervened in Bolognas attempted arrest, Gorski, testifying Tuesday, said his effort to pull the other protester away during the melee was to keep the protester out of threat. As for his larger motivations to protest against racial injustice and police brutality that day, Gorski said: I felt moved to use my voice and my body to participate and show that its not acceptable, whats happening. Gorski testified that he was recoiling from Bologna before the strike. He was later treated at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, where he received 10 staples, as well as multiple stitches for the bloody laceration. He settled a lawsuit with the city for $175,000 in 2022. Much of Bolognas defense Tuesday centered around a report prepared by a former city medical examiner who, in January 2021, told the Police Departments Internal Affairs Division that Gorski had not been struck in the head by the baton. Instead, the examiners report said that Gorski was struck in the shoulder and likely suffered injuries from falling to the ground. That former medical examiner is expected to testify in the coming days, Bolognas lawyers said. Perri told the jury that Bologna was tasked that day with designing an operational plan to keep citizens safe, protesters safe, keep businesses safe, and that they should not judge the officers actions based on a 20-second video. But prosecutors insisted that Bolognas show of force was not typical, pointing to testimony from Ian T. Adams, a former Utah police officer who now publishes research on police policy and teaches at the University of South Carolina. While Adams told the jury that Gorskis interference with police warranted his arrest, he said the student was not in a position to harm Bologna when the inspector hit him. The retreat from the baton is no longer posing a threat, Adams said. The trial is expected to resume Wednesday morning. Former Philadelphia police inspector Joseph Bologna Jr. turns himself in at 15th District in June 2020 to face assault charges. Read more Joseph Bologna, the former Philadelphia police inspector accused of assaulting a Temple University student with a baton during the 2020 protests over the killing of George Floyd, was not guilty of assault, a jury determined Wednesday. The Philadelphia jury found Bologna, 57, not guilty of simple assault and possessing an instrument of crime, reaching the decision in about 30 minutes. Bolognas defense lawyer Fortunato N. Perri Jr. told the jury during closing arguments that his clients life had been a nightmare during the 3 years since he was arrested for his actions, which took place during the June 1 melee on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Center City. The Philadelphia Police Department faced heavy scrutiny over its use of force during that summers protests over racial injustice and police brutality. That includes Bologna, who was accused by multiple people of using excessive force during demonstrations. Advertisement Bologna shook hands with fellow police after the jury announced its verdict. He did not take questions from reporters. Finally, somebody took a long, hard, look at the law in this case, and found that Joe Bologna did nothing other than his job that day, Perri said outside of the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice after the verdict. He appreciates all the support he has received. Much of Perris defense rested on a section of the Philadelphia police code that says use of force is justified when a subject in this case, then-21-year-old Evan Gorski resists arrest or appears to threaten bodily harm. District Attorney Larry Krasner, when asked about Bolognas acquittal during an unrelated news conference, said that he had no criticism of the jurys decision, but that his office was obviously hoping for a different verdict. I know that the culture in the system, the culture in society, tends to give every benefit of the doubt to law enforcement who are charged with crimes, Krasner said. We accept this outcome. I am proud of the fact that our investigations unit worked so hard to try to get justice in ways that my predecessors never even tried. Bolognas trial ended after a little over a day. Ending his closing argument with a multipronged pitch, Perri said that Bolognas choice to strike Gorski with his metal baton as Gorski attempted to intervene in another arrest was a quick decision made in a rapidly evolving situation, and that the former inspector had ultimately been acting to quell further protesting. The defense lawyer reiterated that a Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs report had found no evidence of departmental violations on Bolognas part, and told the jury that, ultimately, a medical examination found that Gorski was never struck directly on the head with Bolognas baton. Before Wednesdays deliberations began, Bolognas defense team and prosecutors reached a rare agreement that if the citys former medical examiner had testified, he would have presented a report that found Gorski was struck in the upper left area of his back, and that Gorskis bloody laceration came from Bolognas bike helmet. After the trial, Gorski said that although he understood the jurys decision based off of admissible evidence, he was ultimately disappointed with the outcome. Gorski said he would still like an apology from Bologna, but his expectations are low after he didnt receive one during his civil lawsuit against the city that settled for $175,000 in 2022. I appreciate the DA for at least dropping the charges against me and doing this, Gorski said, referencing the initial police accusation that it was he who had assaulted Bologna. Krasners office eventually dropped that charge after viewing the widely shared video of Bologna striking the student. Ten years ago, this would have been very different, Gorski added, noting the impact of the recording. Meanwhile, the verdict was met with enthusiasm from the Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5. A jury of Joe Bolognas peers listened intently to the evidence presented at trial and rendered a fair and just verdict, Roosevelt Poplar, the police unions president, said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. Asked whether Bologna would try to get back his job with the Philadelphia Police Department, Perri said his client would look at all his options. Later in the day, the FOP confirmed that it would begin the process of getting Bologna reinstated. Hopefully, he gets back to work, Perri said. A person is arrested on Chestnut Street, in Philadelphia on May 30, 2020. Our criminal justice system should no longer mark 18 as the cutoff between childhood and adulthood, argue researchers from Montclair State University. Read more In November, the state of Texas executed Brent Brewer for a homicide he committed in 1990, when he was 19 years old. If Brewer had committed the crime a day shy of his 18th birthday, he would be alive today. In fact, he might even be free. Thats how much difference a day can make. Of course, there is no real difference between someone who is 18 years old and someone who is 18 years old minus one day. For that matter, research tells us that the brain doesnt reach adult maturity until we are in our mid-20s. But the criminal justice system generally considers adolescence to be over by the time a person turns 18. We believe that must change, and that the same opportunities for rehabilitation given to youth under age 18 should be extended to those in their late teens and early 20s, as well. Advertisement In 2005, the Supreme Court of the United States abolished the death penalty for people whose crimes were committed before age 18. Then, between 2010 and 2016, the court tightly restricted the cases for which a youth could receive a sentence of life without the opportunity for parole. As a result, the number of people serving sentences of life without parole for crimes they committed as teenagers dropped from 2,300 in 2016 to fewer than 1,500 in 2020. The court reached these decisions, in part, by considering decades of research demonstrating that brain maturation, especially for systems important to decision-making, continues into a persons mid-20s. According to the court, the decisions of youth are often marked by transient rashness, proclivity for risk, and inability to assess consequences. The court further acknowledged correctly that youth who commit crimes can be rehabilitated. Youth who commit crimes can be rehabilitated. Our work following juvenile homicide offenders released from sentences of life without parole in Philadelphia shows that the court got the science right. Among the first 174 released, only six (or 3.4%) were rearrested within an average two-year follow-up, and only two (or 1.1%) were convicted, both for minor offenses. In comparison, the two-year rearrest rate for homicide offenders nationally is 30%. Like Brewer, some of the individuals in our study had originally been sentenced to death. But unlike Brewer, they had not yet turned 18 when they committed their crimes, so they were given a chance to show us that they could change. The science that the Supreme Court used to make its decision makes it clear that adolescence extends beyond the legal bright line of 18 years. Brain maturation continues well into the mid-20s. Until then, young people are more susceptible to the influence of those around them and are more vulnerable to making poor decisions when situations are time-pressured or emotionally charged. This period of development is also often marked by important social transitions and new freedoms (e.g., leaving school, moving out of the family home), which can exacerbate risk-taking and sensitivity to peer influence, especially for those who have a history of childhood adversity or instability. For all of these reasons, the risk of criminal offending increases during adolescence, peaks around age 18 or 19, and declines during the early 20s. READ MORE: I was a troubled teen in Pennsylvania whose future was redeemed. More youth need that chance. | Opinion Several states have already taken this science into account. Washington extended the Supreme Courts restrictions on sentences of life without parole to anyone under the age of 21. In the District of Columbia, people convicted of crimes before the age of 25 can ask for a review of their sentences. In January, Massachusetts banned life without parole for anyone under the age of 21. Of course, whenever a line is drawn, there will be errors at the margins. But if we, as a nation, continue to maintain the most severe of criminal sanctions the death penalty and life without parole and if we justify these sanctions partly on the basis that they ought to be reserved for people who cannot be reformed, we must acknowledge that the dividing line between 17 and 18 years mistakenly classifies far too many young people as irredeemable. Its too late for Brewer, but maybe not for the many like him who remain. Tina M. Zottoli is an associate professor in the department of psychology and director of the Legal Decision Making Lab at Montclair State University. Tarika Daftary-Kapur is a professor of justice studies at Montclair State University. Kim Echevarria is a doctoral student in the department of psychology at Montclair State University. Felix Rosado is photographed on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at his office in Philadelphia. Rosado was sentenced to life without parole at age 18. After serving 27 years in prison, his sentence was commuted. He's now dedicated his life to proving that redemption is possible, especially for people who commit crimes before their mid-20s, when their brains are still maturing. Read more Thanks to a January ruling, some 200 people who were sentenced to die in prison in Massachusetts now have a chance at freedom. In Commonwealth v. Mattis, the states highest court ruled that anyone who committed a crime under the age of 21 can no longer be sentenced to death by incarceration, more commonly known as life without parole. Before this ruling, the age limit was 18. Now, Massachusetts is the first state to forbid death-by-incarceration sentences for people found guilty of crimes committed before their 21st birthday. If only something like this could happen here. Pennsylvania is one of a shrinking minority of states that mandates all people (including late adolescents) convicted of first- or second-degree murder to be sentenced to stay in prison until they die. Today, Pennsylvania houses over 5,000 people serving death-by-incarceration sentences thats nearly one of every seven imprisoned people in the state. Roughly half were sentenced before they turned 26, making Pennsylvania the state with the youngest population of people serving death by incarceration. Advertisement For almost 27 years, this count also included me. In 1996, I was sentenced to death by incarceration after pleading guilty to first-degree murder following poor legal advice that a life sentence meant 15-20 years. I was 18 at the time of my crime. Not until arriving at SCI-Graterford a couple of weeks after sentencing did I learn that I was actually sent there to grow old and die. In 2022, after years of fierce advocacy by those inside and out of prison, my sentence was commuted by the states Board of Pardons, and following approval from Gov. Tom Wolf, I was freed. I was one of only a few people able to transcend this permanent sentence via clemency, during a brief alignment of the political stars. The idea that it took sheer luck to be released after serving nearly three decades for a crime that occurred while I was still a teen underscores Americas perverted system of extreme punishment. But more people are realizing it shouldnt be this way. According to brain science, at age 18, people are more like adolescents than adults. Up until around age 25, people have less control over their impulses and emotions and are more likely to make bad decisions. In emotionally charged situations, that immaturity combined with a history of trauma can easily lead to violence. In other words, these behaviors arent explained by an inferior moral character. Instead, theyre the result of someones environment and incomplete brain development. Half a dozen states are now aligning their criminal legal systems with brain science, acknowledging that late adolescence reduces culpability, and are taking a second look at people given indefinite sentences at this life stage. While incarcerated, I worked hard to find meaning in a place stripped of dignity. After a few years of adjustment and getting into some minor trouble, I rediscovered my Catholic faith, cofounded a restorative justice project, earned a bachelors degree, and served as a hospice caregiver, sitting at mens bedsides as they took the last breaths of their death-by-incarceration sentences. This turn began in my mid-20s. And I never looked back. Now a free man for a year and a half, Im a homeowner, fiance, and soon-to-be first-time dad. But personal transformations in prison like mine are hardly unique. In one prison alone, I left behind hundreds, many of whom mentored me, who are equally deserving of this opportunity. Offering second chances to people condemned to die in prison wont cause a spike in crime. Of the hundreds of former juveniles released in Pennsylvania after the U.S. Supreme Court banned mandatory death by incarceration for people under 18, only 1% returned to prison, and none for anything as serious as the original crime. Research from the Sentencing Project finds that a staggering two-thirds of those sentenced to death by incarceration while young were Black, suggesting that being young and Black is even more predictive of receiving this sentence than being Black alone. If Pennsylvania is ever to get serious about downsizing its death-by-incarceration population, it should start by forbidding the use of this sentence on late adolescents, as it is out of line with the broad scholarly consensus that brain development extends far beyond age 18. Massachusetts has rightly ruled that snuffing out young peoples futures given the likelihood of change as they mature is especially cruel and inhumane. And while agreeing to review these cases will not swing open the prison gates, it does provide something every human deserves: hope. Pennsylvania needs to stop being an outlier, get with brain science, and follow Massachusetts lead. Felix Rosado was sentenced to death by incarceration at age 18 and served 27 years in prison before his sentence was commuted. Today, he coordinates a youth restorative justice diversion program called Healing Futures with the Youth Art & Self-empowerment Project and is an adjunct professor at Chestnut Hill College. Cynthaya Johnson (right) presents Action News anchor Jim Gardner with a card signed by fans gathered for a tailgate party on Wednesday, Dec. 21 2022, in the Target parking lot. The veteran Philadelphia broadcast icon walked from the 6abc studios across the street before he anchored his final newscast at 6 p.m. Read more My husband is mild-mannered and sweet. I rarely get mad at him. But on one Valentines Day, I didnt get so much as a single rose. Lets just say I wasnt too pleased. Ill spare you the details. That was years ago. We laugh about it now. Weve been through a lot together. He gets me. I get him. After a few hiccups over the years, Ive made peace with the fact that hes not one for observing Hallmark holidays. If I want a Valentines Day treat, I buy it myself. He shows his love in countless other ways, which is what really matters. That Feb. 14 incident, I wasnt mad because I didnt get anything. What I really was after was a little show of appreciation. Isnt that what we all want? Not just this time of year, but all the time? Advertisement Thats one reason why Ive been keeping an eye on what Cynthaya Johnson is doing with her Give Me My Roses campaign. Since 2020, she has been walking up to total strangers in Philadelphia selected at random and handing them floral bouquets for no reason other than to brighten their day. The flowers Johnson distributes often arent real, but the sentiments behind them are. Its her way of honoring people and reminding them to celebrate their loved ones while they still can. READ MORE: Dads of young girls know the struggle with public bathrooms. This 30th Street Station worker stepped up to help. | Jenice Armstrong Johnson was inspired to start her nonprofit following the death of her beloved older brother, Charles, in April 2020. Hed been a healthy 62-year-old shortly before coming down with COVID-19. When stunned family members got word that he was on a ventilator and that his situation was dire, they rushed to Lankenau Medical Center to say their final goodbyes. On her way, Johnson stopped and picked up a dozen red roses to give him. She was one of 10 who showed up and had to wait her turn before she could see him. But he died before she could give him the roses. Johnson still recalls how she dropped the flowers onto the floor, distraught about words that had gone unsaid between them. Later, she vowed to herself that going forward, she would do what she could to celebrate people around her now, instead of waiting. And thats the genesis for her nonprofit, Give Me My Roses. I just didnt want to see people crying over people when they are gone. Lets give roses while we are here, Johnson told me recently. Roses are not always in the format of roses. Its also in the format of just acknowledging and recognizing someone for what they are doing. These days, Johnson likes to gift roses to essential workers, but it could be anyone. In addition to handing out roses, Johnson carries a flower-covered microphone that she uses to interview people about who in their lives deserves to get roses, too. She calls these mini interviews rose confessions and posts them on her Instagram page. She told me she doesnt target specific neighborhoods or times and often ends up handing out flowers while shes doing errands. A little over a year ago, after former 6abc anchor Jim Gardner hosted his last news broadcast, Johnson made her way to the Target parking lot on City Line Avenue where the then 74-year-old was greeting fans and presented him with a flower-covered poster. I went up to him and said, Hi, Jim. Ive been watching you for years, and Im so sad that youre leaving. Ive got something for you, she recalled. Were giving you your roses before you leave the station. I met Johnson when she was interviewed for the Sexy Singles feature that used to run in the Daily News. Weve stayed in touch off and on over the years. Ive watched as shes built whats essentially a one-woman, self-funded campaign into a feature highlighted on Fox 29 and 6abc. Still, Johnson could do much more if she had volunteers, or if she teamed up with a nonprofit to get at-risk children involved. A cash sponsor would come in handy, too, especially since she has started handing out gift baskets. Johnson also is hoping someone will donate a van to drive around her giveaways. I just want people to keep in their head every day that the next minute is not promised, Johnson told me. So we all need to acknowledge and recognize and hug and kiss and be grateful and thankful that you are here today. And keep that motto going to give roses to someone every day. Research shows that givers reap psychological rewards from being generous. Johnsons campaign may not be huge, but its her way of sharing light during these last, cold days of winter. If more people follow her lead, it could help the streets of Philly become a little kinder, one rose at a time. Sen. John Fetterman reacts as Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican freshman senator from Alabama, is introduced as she arrives to join the nomination hearing by the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs at the Capitol on April 18, 2023. Read more Sen. John Fetterman caught heat in recent months for abandoning progressives with his stance on the Israel-Hamas war and border security. But the Pennsylvania Democrats making it clear hes not abandoning them in their reelection campaigns. On Wednesday, Fetterman will announce his endorsement of Democratic incumbent State Sen. Nikil Saval (D., Philadelphia). The two lawmakers have voiced polar opposite views on the war in Gaza, with Fetterman being one of the partys of the most ardent defenders of Israel and Saval a vocal supporter of a cease-fire. Our views intersect on many issues, and sometimes not on others, Fetterman said. But Senator Saval is committed to making a difference and is willing to cross the aisle to get important things done. Advertisement Theyve previously worked together on housing issues. Saval, similarly, sought to acknowledge both the endorsement and the sunlight between them. While I might not agree with Senator Fetterman on everything, Im proud of his strong advocacy for the Whole Home Repairs Program at the federal level and share his commitment to strengthening unions and fighting to increase the minimum wage, Saval said. The Whole Home Repairs Program provides grants and forgivable loans to support housing repairs and weatherization for low and middle-income owners. Saval ushered it through the statehouse, while Fetterman is trying to implement the policy nationally. Fettermans endorsement of Saval follows his recent backing of other progressive-leaning politicians in the state. He endorsed Philadelphia City Councilmembers Kendra Brooks and Nicolas ORourke last year, as well as Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. More recently, he endorsed U.S. Rep. Summer Lees reelection campaign and U.S. Rep. Andy Kim in his bid for U.S. Senate in New Jersey. Lets pause here to acknowledge that, like flowers and bees, endorsements can be mutually beneficial to politicians. By backing Saval, a well-known incumbent, Fetterman is likely hoping to win back some points with progressives. And Fetterman is a prolific fundraiser who could help candidates in tight races. Saval, who was elected to the Pennsylvania Senate in 2020, defeating a three-term incumbent, appears to have a primary challenger this year. Allen King, an East Kensington resident, filed petitions to run on Tuesday. King, whose sister Rachel was shot and killed in a Dunkin drive-thru last year, is running on a platform of addressing gun violence in the city. Mark Lefelhoc believes in voting, especially when former President Donald Trump is on the ballot. But since 2020, the retired truck driver hasnt put much faith in the U.S. election system. How do I feel about the next one? Well, that depends, Lefelhoc, 67, told The Inquirer at the National Rifle Associations outdoor show in Harrisburg last week. Are they gonna steal it again? Lefelhoc is one of thousands of Americans who still believe the Big Lie, that Trump won the 2020 election. As the 2024 election approaches, county election boards, officials, and some nonprofit groups are trying to improve trust in U.S. elections. Trumps most faithful believers may never come around, especially as Trump has continued to push a false narrative of election denialism as he did Friday in Harrisburg when he wrongly claimed he won Pennsylvania twice. But others hope voters who have some skepticism about elections or susceptibility to misinformation can be reached simply by demystifying the process of how elections work. Advertisement I think what we saw in 20 was a lot of people not understanding the system, former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett said. And I think they still dont. Corbett, a Republican who left office before Trumps rise, is on the board of a nonprofit group, Keep Our Republic, which is trying to rebuild trust in elections ahead of November. The group is running programming in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Most recently, it convened a panel in Lancaster. Pennsylvanians are going to have a lot of questions about why on Tuesday night were probably not gonna know who won Pennsylvanias electoral votes, said Ari Mittleman, the executive director of Keep Our Republic. Were not going to get to 13 million Pennsylvanians but were trying to get to the key constituencies and key counties to get into the weeds of how those counties are administering their elections. In 2020, processing mail ballots in Pennsylvania took days, delaying a call on who won the state and the presidency until the Saturday after Election Day. Corbett would love to see county officials doing more educational outreach at county fairs and other community events. Many county election boards are already stretched thin in staffing and resources, though, so the group is trying to facilitate conversations and programming. What the heck is a certificate of ascertainment? In Lancaster last week, the group presented information on how elections are run. At other events Keep Our Republic has presented a PowerPoint that starts with the messy election of 1876 and tracks changes to election law through history to better safeguard voting. The group also covers how elections are certified, from counties uploading results to absentee votes to post election audits. Its dry stuff but its important and not very well known, Mittleman said. Mittleman was meeting with legislators in Wisconsin last year when a senior-level elected official confessed he had no idea about the post-Election Day process. He said, I was on the ballot 16 times. I knew how to get my people to the polls. I knew which supporters Id bus down for inauguration ... I never stopped and thought about November and December, Mittleman said, recalling the conversation. If someone at that level of state politics doesnt really think about ... a governors certificate of ascertainment, than Joe Q public certainly doesnt, Mittleman said, referring to the document governors sign to appoint electors to the Electoral College. Theres also the tedious but important work of combating misinformation. Corbett, in a recent radio interview in Harrisburg, was asked about ballot harvesting in nursing homes. Well, again, What do you mean by harvesting? Corbett said he asked the caller. Pressuring someone on how to vote is illegal but helping an elderly family member vote is allowed. But that needs to be explained, Corbett said. And then maybe asking the questions, Well, where have you seen that? Im a prosecutor. I believe in evidence. I believe in facts. Weve gotta stop the cheating. Corbett would have to do a lot of radio interviews to combat all the misinformation about 2020. According to The Washington Post, about two-thirds of Republican Iowa caucusgoers said they did not believe President Joe Biden legitimately won the 2020 election. More broadly, the percentage of Republicans nationally who think Bidens win was illegitimate hit nearly 70% in an August 2023 CNN poll. And at Trumps NRA-hosted rally in Harrisburg last week, supporters consistently brought up their belief that Trump won in 2020, unprompted. I still dont believe it was a legitimate win, said Barbara Holstein, an educator and school bus driver from Sussex County who was attending her sixth Trump rally. She cited the widely debunked election denial book 2,000 Mules as proof. Were those votes real? Sure, Holstein said. They were real ballots, but they werent real votes. Richard Dugan, 70, a retired carbon factory worker from Potter County, said election integrity was his No. 2 issue after securing the border. Weve gotta stop the cheating, Dugan said. If you gotta cheat to win, you dont deserve to be in there and as far as Im concerned Trump won that election. Sen. Chris Coons, (D., Del.), who worked in county government before becoming a senator, said misinformation headed into the 2024 election is extremely worrisome. Hes cosponsored a bill that would require a warning label of sorts on any campaign ads or material meant to influence an election that uses artificial intelligence. He doesnt think the Big Lie is as widespread outside of Trumps most faithful, though, as evidenced in GOP losses in races where they ran election deniers in the 2022 midterms. I think it is corrosive to have a former president who has been dedicated full time for years to saying the election system is horribly broken, Coons said. But the American people get it. Theyre in on the joke. In the states where Republicans won, they ... didnt raise any questions about the legitimacy of the elections. And Corbett said his group isnt aiming at the extremes. There are a huge amount of people in the middle that can be influenced by the actions of people on the extremes. And what were trying to do is educate and say, You need to trust the system, Corbet said. You can question the system, but you should be questioning the system now to see how its done. Millions Affected- Bitcoin Ransomware Attackers Leak Venezuelan Mobile Carrier Data Bitcoin ransomware attackers reportedly leaked sensitive data belonging to millions of Venezuelan mobile carrier Digitel customers onto the internet on February 12. Per the X channel VE sin Filtro, the attackers hail from the MedusaBlog hacking group. Bitcoin Ransomware Attackers Demanded $5million Worth of Coins The group reportedly infiltrated Digitals networks on February 2 and seized control of company data. MedusaBlog representatives told the company that it had one week to pay a $5 million ransom in Bitcoin around BTC 100 at the time of writing. According to MedusaBlog, the channel reported: [The hijacked data cache] includes a list of employees, identification documents, financial documents, reports, invoices, contracts, subscriber agreements, and [citizens] personal data. The media outlet Criptonoticias quoted the Digital customer and IT journalist Fran Monroy Moret as calling the data leak a disaster. Monroy Moret said: There could be much more. [MedusaBlog] could have stolen information from more than five million Digitel users. The journalist said this could include sensitive customer data such as IDs, fingerprints, photographs, names, and more. However, the expert said Digitel customers should remain calm and wait for events to unfold. The same media outlet advised Digitel users to change passwords and safeguard their emails and accounts on different platforms. BTC-keen Hacking Group Strikes Again IT experts also advised that many more attacks could be forthcoming soon, with the group now looking to strike with impunity. The same hacking group released over 1.5 terabytes worth of the Argentinian markets regulators data in October 2023. The group released the data on the dark web after the latter refused to pay a ransom of $500,000, also payable in Bitcoin. The hackers broke into the computer networks of the Securities and Exchange Commission (CNV). They then reportedly downloaded private data, including meeting minutes, employee information, and sensitive information about financial firms. Venezuela is prepared for US sanctions on oil, may reject migrant flights -officials https://t.co/iDW3L8lcte pic.twitter.com/ZEyzP0u1i4 Reuters (@Reuters) January 30, 2024 Until relatively recently, Venezuela was one of the worlds most pro-crypto nations. However, Caracas executed a major crypto crackdown last year, culminating in the January 15 shutdown of the Petro its state-run, oil-backed cryptoasset. Mark Pinsley, pictured in 2018, is running for auditor general. A Chester County judge's name appeared on his petitions, though she said she didn't sign a petition. Read more The signature of a Chester County Court of Common Pleas judge appeared on paperwork that an auditor general candidate filed this week to get on the April primary ballot. The only problem: She says the signature isnt hers. Chester County Judge Alita Rovito is listed as one of the Chester County residents who signed nominating petitions for Democrat Mark Pinsleys auditor general campaign. And at least two other voters on the same petitions said they dont recall signing, either. Judges in Pennsylvania are prohibited from signing political petitions for candidates, according to the states judicial code of conduct. Rovito, reached by text, said she reported the case to the Chester County District Attorneys Office on Wednesday. Pinsleys campaign said it was launching an internal investigation, as well. Advertisement Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday. Rovito, a Democrat, told The Inquirer that the use of my name and signature is concerning to me due [to] the potential implications on my role as a member of the independent judiciary. Pinsley is the Lehigh County controller and is running for auditor general against State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D., Philadelphia) in the Democratic primary. Kenyatta received the state partys endorsement last year. This isnt the first time a judges signature on a candidates petition has raised questions. In Pittsburgh, a man gathering signatures in 2022 for former Democratic congressional candidate Steve Irwin was accused of forging signatures of voters, including that of U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon for the Western District of Pennsylvania. The man, Kirk Rice, was later charged by Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry on 75 counts of forgery-related charges. Mariel Martin, Pinsleys campaign manager, and Paige Wolf, his communications director, said on Wednesday that they didnt hear about Rovitos signature until reached by The Inquirer. They said that they will conduct an internal investigation but they are confident that Pinsley will still qualify for the ballot. We get over 2,000 signatures, and we train our volunteers to the best that we can, Wolf said. Unfortunately these inconsistencies happen, and we dont always know how they happen. Signature gathering is a demanding requirement for candidates hoping to get on the ballot. Candidates across all elected offices must collect the necessary number of signatures from registered Pennsylvania voters from their political party in a three-week window. Petitions were due Tuesday for candidates to qualify for the April 23 ballot. Auditor general candidates are required to compile 1,000 signatures, with at least 100 from at least five different counties. Pinsleys staffers said the campaign gathered about 2,200 names. Martin said that while the campaign doesnt yet know whether the signature is incorrect, the campaign expresses its sincerest apologies to Rovito if it is. Were going to take a close look at that particular volunteers signatures again, Wolf said. " We understand how wildly egregious and obvious it would be to forge an elected officials signature. The signature appears on petitions signed off on by Deja Armstrong, 20, a Temple University student. Armstrong said she didnt know about the signature and that she wasnt aware of anyone signing on behalf of someone else. Every signature that Ive gotten walking around has been that person, she said. Ive never forged a signature. Various signatures on the petitions listed as submitted by Armstrong have similar handwriting. Tara Dixon, a Chester County resident who is also listed on the petition, said the signature under her name is not hers. Another Chester County voter listed on the petition, Cheri Miceli, said she did not recall signing her name. A candidate can have petitions challenged through Tuesday. A campaign or a county resident can file objections if it is believed that a candidate did not meet the nomination requirements. The Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Attorney General race is wide open and hotly contested. Read more The field for Pennsylvanias hotly contested attorney general race was solidified on Tuesday, with a filing deadline that signaled candidates last chance to throw their hat into the ring. As the top law enforcement official in the state, the position carries major influence. Its also viewed as a springboard for higher office two of Pennsylvanias last three governors were previously in the position. There will be both Democratic and Republican primaries, and the spot is ripe for the taking after current Attorney General Michelle Henry chose not to run for a full term. Henry, a former Republican who became a Democrat last year, was appointed to finish Gov. Josh Shapiros second term as the top prosecutor when Shapiro took office as governor last year. Candidates were required to file their petitions by 5 p.m. Tuesday, but the ballot isnt final. Petitions can be challenged until Feb. 20 and candidates have until Feb. 28 to withdraw from the race. Advertisement The Democratic primary is crowded and wide open, as the the party didnt endorse a candidate in the race. The GOP race, on the other hand, has whittled down to two candidates: York County District Attorney David Sunday, who pocketed the partys endorsement, and State. Rep. Craig Williams, who represents parts of Chester and Delaware Counties. Former Delaware County District Attorney Katayoun Kat Copeland dropped out of the Republican race to support Sunday, who was a clear party favorite having won all the regional GOP committee straw polls and receiving the Republican Attorneys General Associations endorsement. The party sees the race as a chance to flip a powerful seat after struggling to win other statewide races. Republicans Sunday, 48, was the first Republican to join the race last summer and won over the Pennsylvania Republican Partys early endorsement. The Navy veteran has worked as a prosecutor in York County for 15 years, and is in his second term as district attorney. Sunday said that he would be dedicated to implementing collaborative public safety initiatives rooted in accountability and redemption if elected. His campaign website highlights being tough on crime and largely focuses on his experience as a prosecutor. It says he personally tried approximately fifty felony jury trials to verdict, including the successful prosecutions of over ten of the most high-profile York County murders in recent memory. His team handles more than 9,000 cases each year, according to the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA). Rep. Williams, 58, of Concord Township, is a U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran who is also running on a tough-on-crime message. He highlighted footage of crimes in Philly in his campaign announcement video, and said looting, carjacking and murder are out of control, often with no circumstances. Before becoming a lawmaker, Williams worked as a chief prosecutor and legal counsel to the joint chiefs of staff on a Marine Corps base and as a federal prosecutor. If elected, Williams said hed ensure the attorney generals office more aggressively prosecutes felons who possess firearms. In 2022, Williams led the effort to impeach Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. Last year, he had a spat with RAGA over the endorsement process and decided to enter the race without their support. Democrats Bradford-Grey, 48, Philadelphias former chief public defender, would be the first Pennsylvania attorney general to have spent most of her legal career as a public defender rather than as a prosecutor. She also worked at the top public defender in Montgomery County, and said her experience on the other side of the court helps her understand where the criminal justice system needs improvement. Bradford-Grey, of East Germantown, would also be the states first Black attorney general and first Black woman to hold a statewide row office. She has been on the front lines of racial justice issues, including in 2020. DePasquale, 51, the former two-term Pennsylvania auditor general, is running on the promise that he can win a statewide race, after twice getting elected as the states top fiscal watchdog. In 2020, however, the Pittsburgh native unsuccessfully challenged Trump. ally U.S. Rep. Scott Perry (R., York) in Pennsylvanias 10th Congressional District. DePasquale listed abortion access, book bans, climate change, gun violence, and voting rights as critical fights that hes ready to take on if he wins the race. He was the top candidate for the partys endorsement but did not meet the required two-thirds threshold. Khan, 47, a former Philadelphia assistant district attorney, assistant U.S. attorney, and Bucks County solicitor, pledged to take on big fights against powerful corporations and politicians. If elected, Khan would be the first Asian American elected to statewide office in Pennsylvania. In 2020, he helped defend Bucks County from former President Donald Trumps push to throw out thousands of mail ballots. The first-generation American, whose father immigrated from Pakistan, said he believes the state needs an attorney general who is involved with immigrant communities. State Rep. Solomon, who represents Northeast Philly, said he would work against corruption and expand the mission of the office beyond just law enforcement to also invest in violence prevention. I want to really test the limits, he said, to have an all-encompassing view of safety. Solomon, 44, was a community activist and military lawyer before winning his seat in 2016. Stollsteimer, 60, was the first-ever Democrat elected as Delaware Countys district attorney, and he announced that he would join the crowded attorney general race less than a month after winning reelection. Stollsteimer, of Havertown, said he wants to expand his work fighting against wage theft of workers and curbing gun violence in one of Pennsylvanias most populous counties to the whole state. Stollsteimer previously worked on a gun violence task force as an assistant U.S. attorney and was appointed as an independent watchdog of school safety in Philadelphia under former Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell from 2006 to 2009. When you think business, you think retail, wholesale, hospitality, the usual sort of stuff, but the work that falls outside that square is probably what interests me most, he said. That can involve a lot of learning about what insurance is needed and how we tailor the products that are available to those sorts of exposures. Did you know that Feb. 1-7 was World Interfaith Harmony Week? I didnt. Im not sure who designates these things, but this one didnt get much press, at least not that I saw. Regardless of the visibility of the World Interfaith Harmony Week, the principle is a good one. We can be firm in our own beliefs and still allow others to hold their own. Those differences dont need to keep us from working together. Even though beliefs may differ, many values are held in common. There are enough ills in the world for us to come together and work in harmony. Here in the Carlisle area, members of different faith traditions come together in the Carlisle Area Religious Council (CARC). Most are lay members of their faith. As we meet and serve together, our appreciation for each other grows. CARC is involved in many events during the year. Last month the president of CARC co-chaired the MLK Commemoration Service. Later this spring, CARC will sponsor a Holocaust Remembrance Service. Last summer, CARC tried something new. Each month during the summer, different faith groups were invited to host a meeting and to explain their beliefs. One was at the Bosnian Islamic Center. Another was at the First United Church of Christ where a Buddhist monk was also invited to speak. Two of the Summer Faith nights were at the Biddle Mission Park. One night the Bibleway Hibner Memorial Church of God in Christ and the Bethel AME church hosted. The other was hosted by the Jewish Congregation Beth Tikvah and the Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley. All the sessions were informative and well-received. In November, CARC hosted a Community Thanksgiving Service. In December, we solicited donations of cookies and hosted a Cookie Pack for the inmates of the Cumberland County Prison. The predecessor organization of CARC was the Carlisle Council of Churches, many of whose members were involved in setting up what would become Project SHARE, our local food pantry. The executive director of Project SHARE continues as a member of CARC. In addition to Project SHARE, CARC partners with other organizations in the community. Cumberland County has contracted with CARC to provide chaplain services at the Cumberland County Prison. CARC has a fiscal sponsorship arrangement with the labyrinth at Biddle Mission Park and a representative of CARC serves on its board. CARC is a member of the Cumberland County Reentry Coalition and has a Community Partnership Agreement with them. And the president of CARC serves as a member of the local MLK Committee. As you can see, CARC is involved in many different facets of the community. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are committed to work respectfully with those of other faiths to bless the lives of all of Gods children. Our 11th Article of Faith states, We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. The first leader of our church, Joseph Smith, once said, If it has been demonstrated that I have been willing to die for a 'Mormon,' I am bold to declare before Heaven that I am just as ready to die in defending the rights of a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or a good man of any denomination; for the same principle which would trample upon the rights of the Latter-day Saints would trample upon the rights of the Roman Catholics, or of any other denomination who may be unpopular and too weak to defend themselves. (1843) A modern-day apostle in our church, David A. Bednar, recently said, As we seek to see others in the way God sees them, we will learn much about those around us and discover they are more like us than they are different. If you would like to combine your efforts with those of other people from other faith traditions, find us on Facebook and message us or email us at carc17013@gmail.com. We welcome your involvement! Atallah joined the company in 2004, marking a significant tenure that has seen her contribute substantially to the firms operations. In her new capacity, Atallah is expected to further develop and expand the property portfolio and partnerships of Chedid Res facultative division. In April, Claire Burrell will step into the role of chief operating officer (COO) for the facultative division. Burrell transitions from The Ardonagh Group, where she served as COO following a tenure in senior roles at ERS, First Central Law, and First Central Insurance Management. Coakley, with over 16 years of experience in property underwriting at leading firms, along with Caitlin Murphy, underwriting director with more than 15 years of experience in property brokerage and underwriting, lead the Arris team. Razon has been an advocate for diversity and women in technology throughout her career. At MetLife, she will help lead the companys partnership with NC TECH to establish a Center for Technology Workforce Innovation. The center is intended to serve as a hub for North Carolinas tech employers and employees with the goal of fostering growth in the states technology sector. New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday expanded her lawsuit against Digital Currency Group and other cryptocurrency defendants, tripling the size of their alleged fraud scheme to more than $3 billion. James had in October sued DCG, its Genesis Global Capital unit, and Gemini Trust, the exchange run by twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. She claimed they caused more than $1 billion of losses by misleading investors about the Gemini Earn program, which let customers lend crypto assets to Genesis in exchange for a high rate of return. The attorney general said it had become clear as more investors came forward that the scam perpetrated by DCG through Genesis also ensnared investors who sent money directly to Genesis and were falsely assured their money was safe. Many of the additional investors were retail customers, including a chiropractor and a stay-at-home father who each invested $2 million of bitcoin with Genesis, the complaint said. James is seeking more than $3 billion of restitution for the more than 230,000 investors who she believes were defrauded. This illegal cryptocurrency scheme, and the horrific financial losses that real people have suffered, are yet another reminder of why stronger cryptocurrency regulations are needed to protect all investors, James said in a statement. DCG said Friday that James lawsuit was baseless and that it expects to win in court. DCG has always conducted its business lawfully and with integrity, and DCG and Barry Silbert will be fully vindicated, it said in a statement. Genesis is shutting down after filing for bankruptcy in January 2023. Late Thursday, it reached a settlement with James office, agreeing to pay on her fraud claims so long as it fully repays customers through the Chapter 11 process. That settlement requires a bankruptcy judges approval. Representatives for DCG and Gemini did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Barry Silbert, who is DCGs chief executive, and Soichiro Moro, a former Genesis chief executive, are also defendants. Genesis filed for bankruptcy two months after halting withdrawals by Gemini Earn customers following the collapse of Sam Bankman-Frieds FTX cryptocurrency exchange. Both Genesis and Gemini were also sued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which said they bypassed disclosure requirements meant to protect Gemini Earn customers. Last week, Genesis agreed to pay the SEC a $21 million fine, also contingent on its repaying customers first. Gemini, meanwhile, has sued DCG over their failure of their crypto lending partnership. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Dietrich Knauth in New York; Editing by Mark Porter, David Gregorio and David Ljunggren) Topics Lawsuits New York Fraud Columbia University was sued by a Jewish graduate student who claims the campus experienced an explosion of antisemitism since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel. Mackenzie Forrest, 23, claims she faced discrimination because shes an Orthodox Jew and Sabbath observer, but the campus turned virulently hostile after the Hamas attack. She cited protests calling for the genocide of Jews as well as antisemitic manifestos in the School of Social Work, where she studied. Earlier Monday, a US House committee investigating antisemitism on college campuses sent a letter to Columbia and its trustees requesting documents and information regarding various incidents it says shows the schools failure to protect Jewish students in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack. The events in Israel and Gaza unleashed an explosion of antisemitism on the Columbia campus, rendering it, at least temporarily, unsafe for Jewish students, according to Forrests complaint in New York federal court. Columbia became a war zone for Macky simply because she is a Jew. A Columbia spokesperson declined to comment on Forrests suit. Forrest filed her complaint under Title VI of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964, which Jewish students have used in recent weeks to sue Harvard University, New York University, the University of Pennsylvania and University of California, Berkeley. A Florida resident, Forrest started working toward a masters degree at the School of Social Work in August 2022 and joined the dialectical behavior therapy program in May 2023, according to the complaint. She feared for her safety after the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas massacre of 1,200 people in Israel, the complaint said. Almost 28,000 people have been killed by Israels retaliatory air and ground assault on Gaza, according to health officials in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory. When Forrest asked to continue in the DBT program remotely, the school did not consider her concerns for her personal safety to be worthy of accommodation, she claimed. The school retaliated, telling her for the first time that she risked failing the field placement portion of the program. Faced with the totally fabricated threat of receiving a failing grade, Macky chose to leave the DBT program, she claimed. She claimed Columbia failed to enforce its own rules of conduct to prevent anti-Jewish harassment, threats, intimidation and hostile environments. Columbia also faces a US Department of Education investigation into a 2019 complaint by a Jewish student who claimed the school violated Title VI, which bars discrimination based on race, color or national origin. That complaint was filed by the Lawfare Project, which seeks to defend the civil rights of Jewish people through litigation. It also sued Columbia on behalf of Forrest. The case is Mackenzie Forrest v. The Trustees of Columbia University, 24-cv-1034, US District Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan). Copyright 2024 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits New York Education Universities College Board, which administers standard educational tests that are used as part of college admissions, has agreed to a $750,000 settlement with New York state for violating students privacy and unlawfully selling their personal data. As a result of the agreement, College Board must pay $750,000 in penalties and will be prohibited from monetizing New York students data that it acquires through its contracts with New York schools and school districts. This includes data obtained from administering its Preliminary Student Achievement Test (PSAT), Student Achievement Test (SAT), or Advanced Placement (AP) exams during the school day. For years, College Board collected students personal information when they took the PSAT, SAT, and AP exams in school, and then licensed this data to colleges, scholarship programs, and other customers who used it to solicit students to participate in their programs. In 2019 alone, College Board improperly licensed the information of more than 237,000 New York students who took their exams, according to the states charges. In addition, the state says College Board improperly sent promotional materials to students who signed up for College Board accounts in connection with exams or AP courses. Under New York law, it is illegal to use student data obtained under a contract with a New York educational agency for commercial or marketing purposes. Students have more than enough to be stressed about when they take college entrance exams, and shouldnt have to worry about their personal information being bought and sold, said New York Attorney General Letitia James. In the past five years, a state review found that approximately 20 New York schools or school districts operating more than 500 high schools entered into contracts with College Board to offer the PSAT and SAT exams. Schools also signed agreements with College Board to offer AP courses and exams. An investigation led by the the state attorney general revealed that prior to June 2022, College Board solicited students to provide information, such as their grade point average, anticipated course of study, interest in a religiously affiliated college and religious activities, and parents level of income, during the administration of PSAT, SAT, and AP exams, as well as when students signed up for a College Board online account. Although providing this data was optional, students were encouraged to sign up because it would connect them with scholarship and college opportunities. The investigation showed that from 2018-2022, College Board licensed New York student data to more than 1,000 institutions and received revenue from data related to New York students who took PSAT, SAT, or AP exams during the school day. College Board runs what is calls the Student Search Service, a business through which colleges, universities, scholarship programs, and nonprofit educational institutions may request names and contact information for high school students that meet selected criteria based on the students personal characteristics. College Board earned approximately $75 million in revenues from Search in 2021, about $5 million of that in New York. The investigation further found that College Board improperly used student data for its own marketing. College Board neither admits nor denies the states findings. Topics New York Education Universities Former Volkswagen chief executive Martin Winterkorn told a German court on Wednesday he did not deceive investors over the carmakers rigging of diesel engine emissions tests. It was the first time Winterkorn has spoken about the so-called dieselgate scandal in court, more than eight years after he was forced to step down following news of the cheating. He has previously been questioned by an investigative committee of Germanys lower house of parliament and by law firms commissioned by Volkswagen. Former VW Executives Ordered to Testify in Investor Lawsuit Winterkorn, 76, told the Higher Regional Court in Braunschweig he was not involved in decisions to install illegal defeat devices in the engines of Volkswagen diesel cars. I have neither requested nor encouraged this functionality, nor condoned its use, he said. In an indictment filed in 2019, Winterkorn was accused of not informing financial markets in a timely manner about the use of defeat devices, as required by law. The court halted the proceedings over alleged market manipulation in January 2021, saying another case against Winterkorn carried a higher penalty, but reopened them in December. Winterkorn said in a short statement that he only found out about the problems late, and not completely. If I had been given a complete picture, I would not have hesitated to tackle the events directly and clarify them, he added. (Reporting by Christina Amann; writing by Bartosz Dabrowski; editing by Mark Potter) This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Ardonagh Specialtys Inver Re and Bermuda-based SiriusPoint. A summary of these new hires follows here. Ardonagh Specialty Taps Gallagher Res Rance as Head of Specialty at Inver Re London Inver Re, Ardonagh Specialtys reinsurance broking business, has appointed Steven Rance to the newly created position of head of Specialty London. Rance will be based in London and his speciality remit will include credit, marine, cyber, parametrics, motor, and group solutions. He will report to Inver Re London CEO Jonathan Prinn. Rance joins from Gallagher Re where he was managing partner and head of Global Mortgage. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as head of Global Mortgage at JLT. In his 35-year career, he has also held the roles of European managing director for US mortgage insurer, Radian, and MD for Structured Transactions at mortgage insurance specialist Genworth. In addition to setting up the Specialty division, I am also looking forward to realising the opportunities for Inver Re in the credit space which will help support home ownership, house building and, in turn, the wider growth of our credit business, Rance said. In the past, Steven has headed up the UKs first government-backed mortgage insurance program and led the development of mortgage insurance schemes for housebuilders, Prinn commented. The skill he brings to Inver Re will hugely support our growth journey as we cement ourselves as a reinsurance broker that truly offers something different to the market. London-based Ardonagh Specialty is the holding company for independent brokers Bishopsgate, Price Forbes and Inver Re. Combined, it has 1400 colleagues globally and manages over $7 billion in gross written premium. *** SiriusPoint Bolsters Energy and Marine Offering With 2 Key Hires SiriusPoint Ltd., the Bermuda-based specialty insurer and reinsurer, announced the appointments of Chris Fenn as head of Marine, London, and John Hopper as head of Energy. The appointments sharpen the companys focus on the strategic growth of its marine and energy business lines, and strengthen its teams across the international business, including Lloyds Syndicate 1945. Fenn, who brings over 25 years experience in marine and energy insurance to SiriusPoint, will be responsible for helping to shape the marine groups strategy and developing SiriusPoints marine portfolio in London and internationally. He will be based in London and will report to Steve Smyth, head of Marine, International, and active underwriter for Syndicate 1945, subject to Lloyds approval. Smyth was appointed to SiriusPoint in September 2023. With over 30 years experience in marine, offshore and renewable energy underwriting, Hopper will lead SiriusPoints Energy team, and will be responsible for maintaining and growing the London and international energy book. He will be based in London and will report to Robert Harman, general manager SiriusPoint London Branch, and CEO and managing director, Sirius International Managing Agency (SIMA). Victoria Hopgood has also been announced as senior underwriter, Energy, another appointment which will help bolster SiriusPoints Energy team. Hopgood joins SiriusPoint from Liberty Specialty Markets. Prior to joining SiriusPoint, Fenn worked at Markel International for 14 years from 2008, firstly as senior liability underwriter, Marine and Energy, then managing director, Marine, and finally divisional managing director, Marine. He also spent two years working in reinsurance for various classes of business at Sirius International in 1995. Before joining SiriusPoint, Hopper worked as a senior underwriter for the Natural Resources & Sustainable Energies team at QBE Europe from April 2023. Hopper was also head of Energy at AmTrusts Lloyds Syndicate 1861 from 2014 to 2019. We have been building our marine and energy businesses via London and Lloyds Syndicate 1945, and internationally through our MGA partnerships, commented Rob Gibbs, president & CEO, SiriusPoint International. Marine and energy are vital components of SiriusPoints strategy to be a high-performing underwriter and to our overall business. We are excited to welcome best-in-class underwriting talent and market experience to the company to help support our ambitious growth plans. Topics Excess Surplus A.J. Gallagher London EVANSVILLE, Wis. (AP) The first tornadoes ever recorded in Wisconsin in the usually frigid month of February tore through mostly rural areas on a day that broke records for warmth, setting up the perfect scenario for the type of severe weather normally seen in the late spring and summer. The storms left a swath of destruction that included dead and missing cows, roofs blown off of homes, destroyed storage sheds and barns, trashed vehicles and shattered windows. At least two tornadoes were confirmed south of Madison and the National Weather Service was investigating reports of several more spawned from storms that swept across the southeastern part of the state around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 8, said meteorologist Taylor Patterson. One confirmed tornado near Evansville was a high end F2, the weather service said. Those tornadoes are described as significant, with winds in this particular twister topping out at 135 mph (220 kph). It was on the ground for 36 minutes, traveling 24.5 miles (39.4 km) with a maximum width of 500 yards (457.2 meters). Another tornado that touched down near Juda was an F1 with peak winds of 110 miles per hour (177 kph) and on the ground for 14 minutes, covering 8.35 miles (13.4 km) with a maximum width of 50 yards (45.7 meters), the weather service said. There were no reports of significant injuries. Local emergency management officials reported dozens of buildings, power lines and other structures that were damaged in the path of the storm that formed in eastern Iowa and died out near Milwaukee. The temperature was a record high for the date: 59 degrees (15 Celsius). Connie Arndt, 72, stood in disbelief among the debris of a rental house she owned outside Evansville. All of us are in denial that this is February, she said. Its an absolute shock. Matt Artis, 34, said he had just got out of the shower in his familys Town of Porter farmhouse when he heard a big bang. He got his mother and their dog, Dixie, into the bathroom just as the tornado hit. He said he emerged from the bathroom, looked up and saw nothing but the night sky. The tornado had torn the roof from their home. Outside, the tornado had turned the farms 103-year-old barn to rubble and strewn debris across the fields for hundreds of yards. He said Friday morning that he found one his cows dead in the barn and 10 more were missing. Artis appeared to be in shock, wandering around the farm as a small army of neighbors pulled up offering to help him find his cattle. At one point, he threw up his hands and walked away, saying: I dont know. Hunter Oller of Brodhead, Wisconsin, and his friend were out fishing when the storm rolled in. They started to drive home but pulled over in the Town of Magnolia where they spotted two partially formed tornadoes and one tornado that seemed to touch the ground. Oller, 20, pulled out his cellphone. I was in awe, he said. Patterson, the meteorologist, said the storm was like ones typically seen in Wisconsin in the late spring and summer. Its just unusual in the sense that it doesnt normally happen in February, she said. Winter tornadoes are almost unheard of, especially in northern states. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that between 1998 and 2022, 31 states across a broad swath of the country, from Washington state in the northwest to New Mexico in the south, Wisconsin in the Upper Midwest over to Maine in the northeast, didnt report a single tornado. But winter tornadoes like the one in Wisconsin are likely to be stronger and stay on the ground longer with a wider swath of destruction in a warming world, a 2021 study showed. That comes after a 2018 study found that tornadoes were moving farther east, into states like Wisconsin. The stronger El Nino this year does make it warmer than normal, but its hard to say from this one event how significant of a role climate change played, the meteorologist Patterson said. But with a lot of things that have been going on with climate change, you get more severe events and then you get more impactful severe events, she said. Tornadoes are most common in Wisconsin over the summer months between May and August. Since 1948, between November and February fewer than a dozen tornadoes total had been reported before Thursday, according to the weather service. Conditions collided in Wisconsin late afternoon on Thursday creating the perfect conditions for tornadoes to form, Patterson said. That included rapidly warming temperatures that topped out at a record-tying 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 Celsius) in Madison and more moisture with rapidly rising air, creating thunderstorms, Patterson said. Weather service teams will determine how strong the tornadoes were and how many formed. Photos and video shot near Evansville that were posted on social media show a tornado with lightning flashing around it. Dan Wagner, 76, and his 40-year-old son, Andy, couldnt make it to the basement before the tornado hit their house near the Artis farm. Andy Wagner said he curled into a ball and hoped for the best as windows shattered and the sound of metal on metal filled their home. It was like the house took a deep breath, and (then) the windows all exploded. Im in the fetal position on the floor, he said. I thought I was going to die. ___ Associated Press reporter Carrie Antlfinger reported from Milwaukee. Bauer reported from Madison. ___ This story has been corrected to show the Juda tornado was rated F1, not F2, and that the city where Oller lives is called Brodhead, not Broadhead. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Wisconsin Carlisle Area School District plans to host family focus groups this month on ways to improve grading practices for secondary students. Administrators are exploring whether to recommend the school board replace the current grade scale and how that change could affect the calculation of each students grade point average. There are also discussions taking place on whether to continue the practice of class rank and class valedictorian/salutatorian as measures of student achievement. Nothing has been decided. An in-person focus group is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 21 in the large group instruction room of the Fowler building of Carlisle High School. This will be followed by a Zoom focus group scheduled for 5 p.m. Feb. 28. Instructions on how to sign-up for each focus group were included in an email sent to families late last week. Sign-ups close this Friday. Last week, district administrators briefed board members on a grading practices project underway that could affect students in grades 6-12. The primary focus has been on possible adoption of a 10-point increment grade scale where 90-100 would be an A, 80-89 would be a B and so forth. The current scale includes different ranges based on the letter grades depending on whether it counts as a A-, a B+, a B-, etc. The scale under consideration would eliminate pluses and minuses and focus instead on the 10-point range. This is being done at the request of many families, students and teachers who want the simplified approach, according to the district email to families. Administrators will seek input on particular topics during each focus group. They want to know how the grade scale at Carlisle High School compares to the experiences that transient families had at other high schools across the state or country. Many transient students are the children of career military officers or civil servants enrolled in the strategic studies program at the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks. District officials also want to know how the grading practices used by Carlisle affect students college application process and other post-high school experiences or opportunities. The grade scale is the thing weve been hearing the most about, Assistant Superintendent Michael Gogoj said during a phone interview Monday afternoon. Presumably, if we have strong support across-the-board, we could do the 10-point scale as soon as possible and that could be as early as next [school] year. It sounds like an easy shift, but there are all kinds of behind-the-scenes things that have to happen, Gogoj said. He cited as examples changes in school board policy, the student handbook and the online platform the district uses to record and track student grades and data. A grade scale change in the short-term does not mean the district would follow through right away and alter the way that class rank and valedictorian/salutatorian are handled. We wouldnt want to make a change that affects certain students and surprise them midway through their high school experience. Gogoj said. We would take a very cautious approach to make sure that everyone understands the change and that its rolled out in a careful manner. It is important to emphasize that the district is not reducing the rigor of its coursework, Board Vice President Anne Lauritzen said during the meeting last week. Were not taking anything away from those students who are high achieving and work very hard. The grading practices project started years ago during work to update the district comprehensive plan, Gogoj told board members last week. A district level leadership team met for over a year while an analysis was conducted of other high schools. Of the 16 top performing high schools in Pennsylvania, 15 use a grade scale where an A is 90 or above and an F is 59 or lower. Of 12 local high schools, five use a scale with similar parameters. The project team also conducted an analysis of a mix of public and private colleges and universities that Carlisle graduates attend. The goal was to determine how much of an impact different grading practices had on college admissions. Of 30 requests that went out, Carlisle received information from 17 institutions, including Penn State, Messiah, Duquesne, Juniata, West Chester, Kutztown, Virginia Tech and Temple. Our understanding of learning is changing, Gogoj said. There is a new normal when you at grades and college admissions. Many high schools across the nation are still doing class ranks. Many are not. We continue to view grades through a very competitive lens, even though we know that students learn at different rates in different ways. In considering class rank, district administrators have to ask if that standard continues to carry the value that it once did, Director of Secondary Operations Michael Black said. Class ranks perpetuates the idea that learners should be sorted, ranked and compared. It inaccurately portrays student ability, aptitude and their potential for success. Fourteen of those 17 report that a students grade point average has no effect on admissions. Eleven reported that a students class rank is not used to determine either admission or their eligibility for scholarships. All 17 reported that they do not use a students status as a class valedictorian or salutatorian as a basis for making a decision on admissions. The city of Minneapolis agreed last week to pay $950,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging that journalists were subjected to police harassment and even hurt while covering protests over the police killings of George Floyd. The suit, brought by the American Civil Liberties Union of Minnesota and pro bono attorneys, was one of several filed against law enforcement for alleged constitutional violations involving the use of force in 2020. Several journalists reported being struck by less-lethal munitions and being herded and detained while covering protests. The lead plaintiff, Jared Goyette, said he was shot in the face with less-lethal ballistic ammunition by Minneapolis police while covering the protests as a freelancer for the Washington Post and the Guardian. More protests erupted after Daunte Wright, a 20-year-old Black man, was shot and killed by an officer in Brooklyn Center in April 2021. During the demonstrations, some officers could be seen spraying a chemical on protesters. And the ACLU added the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office to the suit then. Now reporting in Ukraine and Croatia, Goyette said in a statement that he had hope that the case and other efforts would lead to a future where Minneapolis law enforcement is less likely to recklessly infringe upon First Amendment rights and assault and intimidate journalists. The ACLU said in a news release that the award, which the city council approved on a 13-0 vote, will be divided among Goyette, seven other journalists and the media and communications labor union Communications Workers of America. Its just the latest settlement in the lawsuit. The former head of the Minneapolis police union, Bob Kroll, will not be allowed to serve as a police officer in three Minnesota counties for the next decade as part of a settlement last year. The lawsuit alleged Kroll was an unofficial policymaker for the police department. Kroll retired in January 2021. He did not admit wrongdoing in the settlement. And the state of Minnesota agreed in 2022 to pay $825,000 and change several policies to settle its part in the lawsuit. That deal also prohibits the Minnesota State Patrol from attacking journalists, arresting or threatening to arrest them, ordering them to disperse, seizing their equipment and more. But the ACLU said the city and its police department did not agree to make any reforms as part of the latest settlement. If its not clear to police yet, lets say it again: Law enforcement cannot target, arrest, and attack journalists who are just doing their jobs, holding government accountable, said ACLU-MN Legal Director Teresa Nelson, in a statement. The lawsuit continues against the Hennepin County Sheriffs Office and its former sheriff, Dave Hutchinson. City spokesperson Casper Hill said the city had no comment on the litigation or settlement. The sheriffs office, did not immediately respond to requests Thursday afternoon for comment from The Associated Press. Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Lawsuits Minnesota The South Carolina House of Representatives has approved a framework for paid family leave insurance in the state, sending House Bill 4832 to the Senate. By a vote of 110-0, the House last week passed the bill that would allow but not require paid leave insurance products to cover at least two weeks of paid time off for workers who need to care for family members, including newborn children. The measure authorizes life and disability insurers to create the policies, and the insurers would be subject to a 1.25% tax on total premiums written. The bill comes two years after South Carolina lawmakers approved six weeks of paid family leave for state employees, and a year after similar paid leave was provided to teachers and school employees. At least four Southern states have expanded paid family leave for educators and public workers in the last four years, the advocacy group A Better Balance has reported. Kentucky was the most recent, when lawmakers voted in January voted 92-1 to allow the insurance plan. Supporters said the measure would help make Kentucky more competitive with other states that offer Employers nationwide must comply with the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which allows eligible employees to take unpaid leave. At least 13 states have added their own leave laws that require paid time off for family and medical reasons for private employers. Nationwide, eight states have adopted voluntary paid leave insurance provisions, the Bipartisan Policy Center reported. South Carolinas HB 4832 was sponsored in part by Rep. Kevin Hardee, R-Loris. If it passes the Senate and is signed by the governor, it will take effect July 1, 2025. The policy of insurance shall set forth: the amount of benefits that will be paid for covered family leave reasons; the definition of the wages or other income upon which the amount of family leave benefits will be based; and how wages or other income will be calculated, reads the bill. By next year, the state Department of Insurance must provide annual reports on the utilization of the insurance, including the number of insurers offering it and the number of employers that have purchased it, broken down by industry and company size. The South Carolina-based Womens Rights and Empowerment Network, which has advocated for more paid leave time for state workers, did not take a position on HB 4832. A similar bill has been approved by a Senate committee and appears on its way to passage by the full Senate. Related: The Hartford to Offer Vermonts Family Leave Insurance for Employers Topics South Carolina (AP) The U.S. government has seized a Boeing 747 cargo plane that officials say was previously sold by a sanctioned Iranian airline to a state-owned Venezuelan firm in violation of American export control laws. The Justice Department said Monday that the American-built plane had arrived in Florida and would be disposed of. The plane had earlier been transferred from Iranian airline Mahan Air which officials have alleged provides support for Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Quds Force to Emtrasur, a Venezuelan cargo airline and subsidiary of a state-owned firm that had previously been sanctioned by the United States. Officials said the sale, done without U.S. government authorization, violated export control laws and also improperly benefited Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Mahan Air has for years been subject to U.S. government sanctions. The Justice Department is committed to ensuring that the full force of U.S. laws deny hostile state actors the means to engage in malign activities that threaten our national security, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, the head of the departments national security division, said in a statement. The department said the plane would now be prepared for disposition, though it did not elaborate. Venezuelas government on Monday called the transfer a shameful rapacious operation and vowed to take all actions to restore justice and achieve the restitution of the aircraft to its legitimate owner. Its statement did not provide details of next steps. The administration of President Nicolas Maduro also accused the U.S. and Argentine governments of collusion and of violating civil aeronautics regulations as well as the commercial, civil and political rights of Emtrasur. The plane was detained in June 2022 by Argentine law enforcement, and U.S. officials moved several weeks later to take possession of it. Argentina officially transferred custody of the plane to the U.S. on Sunday, officials said. The Justice Department has identified the registered captain of the plane as an ex-commander for the Revolutionary Guard. Officials also cited a flight log they say was recovered that shows additional flights after the transfer to Emtrasur to locations including Moscow, Caracas and Tehran all without U.S. government approval. Mahan Air has denied any ties to the aircraft, and Venezuela has demanded that Argentine authorities release the plane. Photo: A Venezuelan-owned Boeing 747, operated by Venezuelas state-owned Emtrasur cargo line, taxis on the runway after landing in Cordoba, Argentina, June 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Sebastian Borsero, File) Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Trucking San Diego, CA, February 14, 2024 Academy of Insurance, an educational platform for insurance professionals, announced a new series of coverage-based, live and interactive learning events called How to Write. The How to Write series offers agents and brokers coverage-centric, quality online education taught by the markets who regularly write these accounts, and who understand the pitfalls of each specific niche. The events are free to be attended by independent agents, brokers and insurance professionals. This is a triple-win for markets, retail agents and insureds, says Patrick Wraight, Director of Education for the academy. If retail agents better understand the legal aspects, sales techniques, and how to counter objections, they can significantly increase their business volume with their insureds. Insureds are then better protected against real-world issues that others have faced in their particular line of business. The program will launch with 30+ learning events, all created to help agents and brokers become more knowledgeable about a variety of specialty lines. Attendees will gain valuable insights into successfully writing accounts including cannabis, contractors, cyber, professional liability, restaurants, trucking, farm & ranch, pest control, private client insurance, staffing companies, churches, and dozens more. By offering these events for free, our goal is to empower insurance professionals of all levels to expand their coverage knowledge and advance their careers, added Patrick. There is no limit on the number of participants per agency office, so everyone on the agency staff can attend at no additional cost. Registrations open today at ijacademy.com/HTW. Select the online events youre most interested in attending. If you are a carrier, MGA, wholesale broker or program manager with a particular specialty market expertise, contact George Jack at 800-897-9965, ext. 166. The topics are exclusive, available on a first-come, first-served basis. About Academy of Insurance: Academy of Insurance is an online education platform for insurance professionals. It provides a wide variety of courses to help insurance professionals build insurance coverage knowledge and stay updated with the latest changes in the insurance business. The platform offers access to many live and on-demand insurance courses, allowing professionals to assess their teams training needs and access training resources conveniently. Media contact: Julie Tinney 800-897-9965, ext. 148 jtinney@wellsmedia.com Topics Agencies February 14, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Investorideas.com, a global news source and expert investing resource, announces today's roundup of stocks to watch in the Mining sector. The newest mining companies are all Canadian Listed (CSE/TSXV) and explore for lithium, uranium, battery metals, copper, gold and silver. New Stocks Added to the Mining Directories: Scotch Creek Ventures Inc. (CSE: SCV; OTC Pink: SCVFF) is a mineral exploration company, focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of lithium projects located in tier-one mining jurisdictions such as Nevada, USA. Scotch Creek's vision is to secure North America's green revolution future with strategically sourced lithium projects. Baselode Energy Corp. (TSXV: FIND; OTCQB: BSENF) controls 100% of approximately 264,172 hectares for exploration in the Athabasca Basin area, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The land package is free of any option agreements or underlying royalties. Baselode's Athabasca 2.0 exploration thesis focuses on discovering near-surface, basement-hosted, high-grade uranium orebodies outside the Athabasca Basin. The exploration thesis is further complemented by the Company's preferred use of innovative and well-understood geophysical methods to map deep structural controls to identify shallow targets for diamond drilling. Metal Energy Corp. (TSXV: MERG; OTCQB: MEEEF) is a battery metal exploration company with two projects in politically stable Canadian jurisdictions; Manibridge (Ni-Cu-Co-PGE) in Manitoba, and SourceRock (Li-Na-K) in Ontario. The Manibridge Project is 85% owned by Metal Energy and 15% owned by Mistango River Resources Inc. (CSE: MIS). SourceRock is subject to earn-in agreement where the Company can acquire 100% exploration rights to the project. Vortex Metals (TSX.V: VMS) is the parent company of Mexican subsidiary Empresa Minera Acagold, S.A. de C.V., which is the owner of a 100% interest in two drill-ready high-potential copper volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) properties (Riqueza Marina and Zaachila) in the state of Oaxaca, and a third high-potential gold property (El Rescate) in the state of Puebla. The Oaxaca projects incorporate the most highly prospective areas of high-grade copper mineralized surface exposures ('gossans') and prominent gravity anomalies along an emerging copper VMS belt that includes Minaurum Gold's (TSXV:MGG) Santa Marta project. Silver Storm Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SVRS) (OTCQB: SVRSF) holds advanced stage silver projects located in Durango, Mexico. Silver Storm recently completed the acquisition of 100% of the La Parrilla Silver Mine Complex, a prolific operation which is comprised of a 2,000 tpd mill as well as five underground mines and an open pit that collectively produced 34.3 million silver-equivalent ounces between 2005 and 2019. The Company also holds a 100% interest in the San Diego Project which is among the largest undeveloped silver assets in Mexico CopAur Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CPAU) (OTCQX: COPAF) is an exploration company focused on developing projects within the emerging, mineral-rich mining regions of Nevada and British Columbia. The Company is backed by a dynamic and experienced team of resource professionals advancing multiple holdings across both regions; the flagship being Kinsley Mountain Gold Property, a Carlin-style project located 90 km south of the Long Canyon Mine (currently in production under the Newmont/Barrick Joint Venture, Nevada Gold Mines) and its 100% owned Williams Project that points to significant gold-copper potential within the prolific Golden Horseshoe of northern British Columbia, Canada. Dryden Gold Corp. (TSXV:DRY) is an exploration company focused on the discovery of high-grade gold mineralization listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ("DRY"). The Company has a strong management team and Board of Directors comprised of experienced individuals with a track record of building shareholder value through property acquisition & consolidation, exploration success and merger & acquisitions. Dryden Gold controls a 100% interest in a dominate strategic land position in the Dryden District of Northwestern Ontario. Dryden Gold's property package includes historic gold mines but has seen limited modern exploration. The property hosts high-grade gold mineralization over 50km of potential strike length along the Manitou-Dinorwic deformation zone. The property has excellent infrastructure, enjoys First Nations support and proximity to an experienced mining workforce. Allied Gold Corporation (TSX:AAUC) is a Canadian-based gold producer with a significant growth profile and mineral endowment which operates a portfolio of three producing assets and development projects located in Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, and Ethiopia. Led by a team of mining executives with operational and development experience and proven success in creating value, Allied Gold aspires to become a mid-tier next generation gold producer in Africa and ultimately a leading senior global gold producer. The directories are not meant as recommendations but as a research tool to discover opportunities and trading ideas in a particular sector. For avid mining investors looking for the next great mining play, the Exploring Mining Podcast features expert advice in the sector from some of the best though leaders as well as interviews with CEO's in the industry. About Investorideas.com - Big Investing Ideas Investorideas.com is the go-to platform for big investing ideas. From breaking stock news to top-rated investing podcasts, we cover it all. Our original branded content includes podcasts such as Exploring Mining, Cleantech, Crypto Corner, Cannabis News, and the AI Eye. We also create free investor stock directories for various sectors, including gaming, biotech, tech and sports. Public companies within the sectors we cover can use our news publishing and content creation services to help tell their story to interested investors. Paid content is always disclosed. 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Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Learn more about our news, PR and social media, podcast and ticker tag services at Investorideas.com https://www.investorideas.com/Investors/Services.asp Learn more about advertising and guest posts https://www.investorideas.com/Advertise/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/Investorideas Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Investorideas Follow us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/Investorideas Contact Investorideas.com to be added to our stock directories or learn more about us Dawn Van Zant and Cali Van Zant 800 665 0411 Workers across several food delivery platforms will withdraw their services on one of the busiest nights of the year for the hospitality sector in protest of pay and working conditions. Couriers across both Cork and Dublin have said they will not work Valentine's evening, one of the most profitable nights for gig workers, joining protestors worldwide to draw attention to low pay along with insecure and often, dangerous conditions. "We do not receive fair payment," says Cork delivery driver, Felipe Pessoa. The Brazilian, who moved to Ireland just over one year ago, is one of many workers who have committed to strike action. "Minimum pay is 2.90. Sometimes, I travel more than 2 kilometres for a delivery and that is all I am paid. It's just not fair." Mr Pessoa said he works seven days per week and often during unsociable hours, adding that he delivers until 3 am most nights. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, another Cork worker, Lucas, said he often works more than 90 hours per week with no days off. Also from Brazil, he says the biggest problem for him is wages, adding that he is also only paid 2.90 for long journeys. "We have to get everybody together and tell these companies what we want. We need something better and for people to listen," he continued. The two will join dozens of food delivery workers across Cork who will switch off their devices between 5pm and 10pm on Valentine's Night. 'Ridiculous wages' Supporting the protests, People Before Profit TD, Mick Barry said, It is understood that food delivery workers are now paid as little as 1 per order in some cases. "1 per delivery is a ridiculous wage at any time let alone in a cost of living crisis when many of these workers are still paying off loans on their bikes." Food delivery workers on O'Connell Street are striking this Valentine's Day in protest at low pay. Picture: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie I am calling on the general public to show a little love for these workers on Valentine's Day by boycotting Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats this evening," Mr Barry continued. Food delivery drivers in Ireland are classified as self-employed and are therefore not entitled to basic rights such as the minimum wage. In addition, they are not protected by the law as much as employed workers and belong to what has come to be known as the gig economy. Speaking on the protest, Mr Pessoa said they have targeted Valentine's Day specifically, adding that is one of the busiest and often, most profitable nights of the year. "It's the best pay. We are giving that up because of the delivery companies and the problems they have caused," Mr Pessoa. Restaurants dependent on deliveries Speaking on the strikes, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), Adrian Cummins expressed concerns over the protests, adding that he was "conscious of how these planned strikes will impact businesses tonight." This will hit restaurants that depend heavily on deliveries." With an economy at full employment, Mr Cummins questioned why unhappy food delivery workers would not move job, adding that he "didn't understand" where they were coming from. "There are many other jobs out there if they want to move, but I do hear their concerns," Mr Cummins added. "They provide a very valuable and relevant service to the industry so if there is any disruption, we will be conscious of that." Speaking to the Irish Examiner, a spokesperson for Just Eat said, This issue has not been brought to the attention of Just Eat Ireland, through our courier or restaurant network. However, we take the concerns of all couriers extremely seriously. Their welfare is important to us, and we welcome their feedback. Just Eat consistently engages with couriers through a number of channels, including regular pulse surveys, emails, chat function in the app while on a delivery, and offline messaging with courier support. A spokesperson for Deliveroo said it "aims to provide riders with the flexible work riders tell us they value, attractive earning opportunities and protections." "Rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us. We are pleased to also be able to offer riders free insurance, sickness cover, financial support when riders become new parents and a range of training opportunities," the spokesperson continued. Farmers are going to target county council meetings around the country in the "next phase" of a campaign against rising costs and increased regulations. Irish Farmers' Association president Francie Gorman has said the message for politicians is that "enough is enough". This comes two weeks after thousands of farmers protested in counties across Ireland to show solidarity with their EU counterparts who have brought their tractors to cities across Europe. The agricultural community in Ireland feels it is being overregulated, according to the IFA, with common issues shared with farmers who are protesting in other countries. Longford IFA is the first branch to take action this week and said that farmers will hold a protest in advance of Longford County Council's meeting on Wednesday afternoon. Farmers will assemble outside Templemichael school at 3pm, with tractors and people and drive down to the council chambers, arriving before 3:30pm. According to Longford IFA, farmers "hope to engage with the councillors and deliver a clear message on key farming issues". This will be the first protest in the country in the "next phase of this campaign". 'Keep the pressure on' Longford IFA chairman John Sheridan told the Irish Examiner that farmers are "trying to keep the pressure on" policymakers. He said they are hoping to meet councillors, and "considering they're going for election this year, it's up to them to take the message and bring it back to Government". He said politicians need to understand that farmers are "driven bonkers" by regulation, and they are "being knocked down the whole time". Farmers feel they are getting an unproportionate amount of blame for climate change and environmental issues, Mr Sheridan said, and "enough is enough". Farmers are also raising concerns about late scheme payments. "The amount of farmers that have us contacted over not getting paid for ACRES, and they have bills to pay. These are people who would never owe anything to anybody," Mr Sheridan added. He said that every county is going to be taking part in these tractor protests as council meetings occur. "We want people on feet as well; we want families to come into it, talk to the councillors and explain that we're being totally and utterly overregulated," Mr Sheridan added. This protest "is a continuation, and it is going to continue from here". "If people don't sit up and listen, we more than likely will start hitting cities," Mr Sheridan said. Despite challenging input costs and a milk price that has failed to reflect this over the last couple of years, there is a real sense of community amongst Irelands organic dairy farmers, Gavin Lynch has said. According to Mr Lynch, the 70 or so organic dairy farmers in the country are a very resourceful group, and if we come up against roadblocks, rather than banging our head against them, we will find a way around. Mr Lynch is farming organically in Donard, at the foot of the Wicklow Mountains. He has been full-time farming for the last 15 years or so, and now milks about 60 cows a mix of Shorthorns and Holstein Friesians. Picture: Moya Nolan He admits that where he farms wouldnt be a dairy stronghold. Were on the high side, above sea level, he explained. I often try to think back to what made us make the change to organic. I suppose I was very interested in environmental issues and the more I looked at some of the issues facing farming, I decided that organic farming could be a better way to go, Mr Lynch said. There was a financial incentive as well, and the financial incentive is always great to get people to prick up their ears and take notice of other ways of doing things. The conversion process really wasnt that difficult for us. At the time, we werent heavily stocked, so it didnt involve much of a change that way. We werent using a lot of fertiliser or anything, and the process was relatively straightforward. While his conversion was relatively easy the level of ease absolutely depends on your system, according to Mr Lynch. At the time, we were out of milk for a few years, and we just had suckler cows, so we were straw bedding the cows anyway. Things like that were a help where there wasnt that much of an adjustment. Community The organic community at the time was brilliant that was one of the things that I really liked. Organic farming kind of tends to develop in little pockets around the country, where you get one farm going organic and then you have a few neighbours looking over the fence thinking so and so is doing all right, maybe theres something to it, Mr Lynch continued. That kind of happened around where I am in Donard in the Wicklow Mountains. Theres a nice little pocket of organic farms around the area here, and so it wasnt such an alien concept to anybody around what we were doing. One of the things I really liked about when we did go organic was there is a real sense of community amongst the organic farmers, I felt. Anybody you approached was just always more than happy to offer advice and guidance on different problems you might face particular to organic farming. I think thats still the case, even though the numbers have increased by a good bit; I think thats something that all those new entrants to organics will find over the coming years - that there is a good community and a good spirit of trying to help others along the road. IOMS Using his knowledge and experience in organics, Mr Lynch is leading the newly-formed Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-op (IOMS) producer organisation. The group of farmers who have come together to form the co-op and producer organisation are focused on engaging with their existing processors to improve prices, not on establishing any processing facilities themselves. Picture: Moya Nolan In January this year, IOMS was granted recognition by the Department of Agriculture, making it the first dairy producer organisation in the country. Mr Lynch said that the focus is on getting the organisation established on a professional and sustainable footing and realising our potential as a producer organisation. According to the department, a dairy producer organisation (DPO) is an organisation formed by a group of farmers that carries a particular status under European law. As long as a DPO complies with conditions set out in accordance with the European regulations and is recognised by the competent authority, it can take advantage of exemptions with respect to competition law which will allow the DPO to negotiate contracts, including price, for the delivery of raw milk on behalf of its farmer members, the department said in a guidance document published recently on setting up a producer organisation in the dairy sector. This potentially offers a considerable step forward for many farmers allowing them to negotiate from a position of market significance with a substantial volume of milk. This should enable more price transparency and open up opportunities for greater collaborative working with customers to unlock value for the benefit of all those involved. Imbalance As chairman of this new producer organisation, Mr Lynch said that its formal recognition is an important step towards addressing the imbalance that exists between producer and processor in the organic dairy sector. Organic dairy farmers have been squeezed very hard over the past two years with high costs, and the milk price paid to most producers has failed to reflect this fact, Mr Lynch said. Energy prices were a significant problem for organic dairying systems as they have been for conventional farms; and while Mr Lynch said organic farms werent affected hugely by the increase in fertiliser prices, organic feed prices absolutely went through the roof, particularly as a result of the war in Ukraine. Picture: Moya Nolan Our feed price went from averaging 500/t to over 900/t at times, he continued. His farm has been up to now predominantly winter milk, so we have calved all our cows in the autumn. Were kind of slowly moving away from that to more split calving, so well calve some in the autumn and some in the spring, he said, adding that the cost of feed has driven that. All the feed the animals get has to be certified organic, and absolutely wed have them out to grass as soon as we can, for us being that bit higher up its definitely later in the Wicklow Mountains than in other parts of the country. Outlet for milk Mr Lynch said there has always been an outlet for his organic milk. There are only a handful of processors of organic milk in the Republic of Ireland, including Glenisk and Aurivo. Prices received by producers have been a mixed bag. Back when conventional went through the roof, the organic price stayed relatively stable, and I think organic farmers didnt get overly upset about it, Mr Lynch said. Generally, the advantage of organic was that it was relatively price stable, and what youd lose on the roundabout youd make up on the swing; you werent subject to the same fluctuations. Unfortunately, the price has failed to track with input costs. Particularly for winter milk producers, its very tricky at the minute, and its hard to make it stack up. That needs to be addressed by the processors. According to Mr Lynch, on milk price, it is difficult to say exactly what farmers need to receive; there are many different systems and supply arrangements, from winter milk to flat supply to spring calving, he said. In simplest terms, I would say that someone producing a flat supply throughout the year should be getting 70c per litre. If we split this for winter and summer milk, there should be a significant premium above this price for the winter milk, he said. If it doesnt pay farmers to calve cows in the autumn then theyll simply stop doing it and we can forget about keeping liquid milk, yoghurt and other fresh products on the shelves year-round. Farmers currently are not anywhere near getting that price, probably over the last year the average organic milk price runs somewhere around 55c, or a bit below it. That falls a good way short of what would be needed to make organic dairying an attractive prospect, according to Mr Lynch. Investment These producers are struggling, but organic farmers are very reluctant to go back to conventional farming because you probably invested a lot in terms of the knowledge and everything to farm organically. A lot of people like myself, when you start down that road, you get to like the system of farming and it would be difficult to move away from that purely on a commercial decision, he said. Picture: Moya Nolan That has created maybe a bit of inertia among organic dairy farmers in that theyre very reluctant to move away from it. But still, at the end of the day, you cant keep doing something if its not delivering the return that it should be. Overall, there is a good domestic market for organic milk, but the biggest problem has been trying to keep an organic product on the shelves all the time. You cant build a good organic consumer base if you cant keep a product on the shelf for people every time they go to the supermarket, he said. If they cant buy organic milk every time they go, theyll find another product and get used to purchasing their product so thats a fairly big failing on behalf of the processors of organic milk. For the future of the sector, Mr Lynch said if we want to bring in younger generations into the industry, it has to be attractive, and switching to organic production can help in solving an awful lot of issues around the sectors environmental sustainability. 'Make a difference' He hopes the IOMS co-op and producer organisation can make a difference for organic dairy farmers. Outside the farm gate, we can provide effective representation and engagement for organic dairy farmers with industry stakeholders, and as a registered producer organisation, we can negotiate milk price and supply terms as a collective on behalf of our members with the processors, Mr Lynch said. We can also work to improve things inside the farm gate, from looking at ways to reduce feed costs to guiding more research into organic dairying; there is huge scope to make a positive impact here also. Mr Lynch said the producer group kind of formed out of necessity. Gavin Lynch feeds dried peas and barley to his herd near Donard, Co Wicklow. Picture: Moya Nolan A group of farmers came together, realised we need to do something - we cant keep doing what were doing and expecting anything different, he said. We investigated lots of different options open to us, but the producer organisation is one thats widely used in Europe to give farmers more leverage when dealing with processors. It seemed to be the ideal vehicle for us to try and improve our situation. Currently, there are between 60 and 70 members of the organisation, representing many of the organic dairy farmers in the country. The main priority of the organisation is to get a better milk price for organic farmers, Mr Lynch said. The establishment of this organisation also presents an opportunity for the processors, he explained. The organisation has been contacting processors, and Mr Lynch is hopeful that we get some good engagement in the next few months. There is a lot that the producer organisation can bring to the table, such as mapping the production of organic milk, guaranteeing minimum supply volumes at certain times, and providing a forum for processors to relay their issues and concerns, he added. 'Determined bunch' According to Mr Lynch, organic farmers are a determined bunch. I have absolutely no doubt theres a great future for organic dairy in the country, and there is huge untapped potential there, he explained. I would have absolute confidence that regardless of what happened in terms of dealing with the existing processors, well definitely find a way to tap into that potential. Gavin Lynch among the hazelnut trees he grows on his farm. Picture: Moya Nolan Late last year, it was announced that 12 local and national proposals to promote organic production were awarded funding of 1.1m by the Department of Agriculture. Among the successful applicants was the Irish Organic Milk Suppliers Co-op. Mr Lynch said they were awarded the funding to produce a business plan and strategy for the co-op / producer organisation, which he said the committee hopes to have finalised in the coming weeks. West Cork farmer Helen OSullivan has announced her resignation from the Farmers Alliance party after a year and a half of tireless work. In August of 2023, sick of being tarnished as environmental terrorists, Ms OSullivan, a suckler and drystock farmer, told the Irish Examiner how she intended to run for the new farmer-led political party in upcoming elections. The Farmers Alliance organisation was launched last April. In January of this year, the Registrar of Political Parties gave notice of his intention to approve the application by the Farmers Alliance party to become a registered political party eligible to stand candidates in the Dail, local and European Parliament elections. Ms OSullivan, who was involved with the Beef Plan Movement in 2019 and recently graduated from University College Cork with a HDip in sustainability in enterprise, told the Irish Examiner last year she was very worried about everything being thrown at farmers. However, despite her recent resignation from the organisation, she said that this remains the case. 'Tirelessly worked' Ms OSullivan said that up to 10 core members of the party have resigned with immediate effect, and that as spokesperson and co-founder of Farmers Alliance for the past one and a half years, I am saddened to announce my departure from the movement I tirelessly worked to create. Due to fundamental disagreements at management and organisational level, it is no longer practical for me to continue with Farmers Alliance, she said in a statement. In my time shaping Farmers Alliance as a political group, I and my team have built the profile of the party and taken it from its infancy to the strong brand that it is now. It is very unfortunate to have to step away from all of the tireless work that we have put in as a team. Ms OSullivan told the Irish Examiner that despite endless hours between Zoom meetings, interviews, phone calls, travelling the country to get this up and running, it just wasnt going the way we were hoping, the direction we wanted it to go in, that we initially set out for it to go. We just felt that it wasnt what we wanted, and it wasnt just me; it was a group of others as well that resigned, she said. We felt there were roadblocks put in our way, which was making it impossible for us to recruit the relevant, qualified people that we would need to be able to make this huge operational project of standing candidates across the country. As you could imagine, we would need an awful lot of help, but again, due to a lack of an organisational structure, we just felt we were up against a lot of roadblocks the whole time; you couldnt progress a party on that way. 'Walked before we ran' She added that she and the other members who left felt the party was going into too much of a broad range of policies, we wanted to keep it more narrowed down. I think we should have walked before we ran, thats how we felt, Ms OSullivan continued. She said that she felt the focus needed to be on rural issues, farming communities, rural communities, planning, housing, and we do believe that national food security is a huge thing then as well - these issues were kind of what we set up about originally when we joined together, Ms OSullivan explained. This would have been preferable to trying to have a wide platform covering every issue which would be impossible for a new party growing. According to Ms OSullivan, there were plenty of people putting their names down offering to be part of Farmers Alliance and put their names forward as candidates. Because of not having a proper structure in place that we had hoped to have, we couldnt get around to interviewing all these people. In the beginning, it was all very positive, Ms OSullivan said, but now she lacks confidence in the future of Farmers Alliance, especially with the amount members who left who put so much into it. I wish them all the best of luck, and I walked away; it just wasnt for me, Ms OSullivan added. Running as an independent Ms OSullivan has confirmed that she intends to run as an independent for West Cork, focusing on the upcoming local elections. She will be running with the issues close to my heart of: preserving Irish farms and food production infrastructure; safeguarding the freedom to farm and use Irish lands to produce healthy food for the Irish population and export market; promoting food security for Ireland; and protecting rural communities and ways of life in Ireland, among other issues. Ms OSullivan has said that she is not a politician by trade, I am a suckler farmer, but my experience in speaking honestly about the challenges faced by farmers in Ireland has led me to becoming a spearhead for the movement. My goal has always been to give a voice to the farming community, she added. I have been travelling and speaking at meetings both nationally and internationally. Our neighbours in Europe are suffering the same fate. Ms OSullivan said she has recently been in Brussels, invited to take part in the protest with farmers outside the European Parliament, which was fantastic. I met a lot of great people there; Im going to pursue these contacts Ive made in Brussels. We hope to form a European group and have a member from every country within the EU come together, sit at a table, and put all these problems together and try and get a solution for all the red tape thats coming from Brussels. The Farmers Alliance website outlines policies on not only farming, but energy, immigration, health, and education, among several others. A remaining co-founder of Farmers Alliance was contacted in relation to the resignations and declined to comment for this piece. Ireland's largest farm organisation has warned that a complete loss of Ireland's nitrates derogation would have "massive ramifications" for the agriculture sector. The Irish Farmers' Association has said that its analysis estimates that this year's reduction to the maximum stocking rate from 250kg of organic nitrogen to 220kg "will have a cumulative sector cost of up to 60m per annum". Faced with the challenges that come with having to comply with new nitrates rules by the end of this year, farmers are already fearing a loss of any derogation post-2025. Impact In his submission to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine as this week's meeting gets underway, IFA president Francie Gorman has said his organisation estimates that the "removal of the derogation entirely would reduce dairy income for the impacted farmers by an average of up to 23,000 per annum". This would be a "huge drop given that average dairy family farm income for the last five years was about 87,000 per annum", the Oireachtas committee was told on Wednesday. "The wider economic impact of the derogation would be even more significant. Using Dairy Industry Ireland analysis of the economic contribution of the dairy sector, IFA estimate that a loss of the derogation could result in over 1,100 job losses and a potential economic impact of over 1bn per annum when all direct and indirect factors are accounted for," Mr Gorman said. "Some mistakenly think this is only a dairy issue. In reality, any changes to the derogation impact all land-based sectors given the hugely disruptive impact it has on the land market. Drystock and tillage farmers as well as smaller dairy farmers are now being outcompeted in the land market by larger dairy farmers, who can justify paying a higher price for land rental to try to maintain their business at current levels. "In the cases where drystock and tillage farmers do manage to retain rented or leased land, this is generally coming at a higher cost." The IFA estimates that the removal of the derogation would result in dairy farmers requiring about 86,000 hectares just to maintain their current dairy cow numbers. This additional land requirement is not factored into Climate Action Plan targets, Mr Gorman said. Viability While an estimated 3,000 farmers are directly affected by the existing reduction to 220kg of nitrogen per hectare, another 7,000 farmers are estimated to be directly impacted if stocking rates were capped at 170kg, the IFA said. "IFA estimate that approximately 55% of milk supplied comes from farms stocked above 170kg. If these farms had to reduce milk output, this would result in increased costs and job losses at processing level," Mr Gorman said. "The removal of the derogation entirely will jeopardise the viability of thousands of farmers across all sectors. "This would have a huge knock-on social impact on rural Ireland." Genuine concerns Agriculture committee chairman Jackie Cahill said that the decision last year by the European Environment Commissioner to reduce the derogation "was met with disappointment across the Irish agriculture sector, including by this committee". "We are all committed to improving Irelands water quality in line with the objectives of the Nitrates Action Programme and Irish farmers have made huge efforts in this regard," Mr Cahill said. "Genuine concerns exist among farmers at this decision by the EU Commission and how compliance with the maximum stocking rate of 220kg organic nitrogen will impact them. "These include the economic and social effects on farms and farming families, whether the Nitrates Action Programme is fit for purpose in terms of improving water quality, and if additional supports and resources are required to ensure farmers can be compliant with the action programme." Israel is now behaving like a "monster" and sanctions against Benjamin Netanyahu's government should not be ruled out. As international pressure grows on Israel to halt plans for a ground offensive in the southern city of Rafah where around 1.3m Palestinians are now sheltering, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is to write to EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen after speaking with her earlier this week. Tanaiste Micheal Martin indicated that Ireland "cannot rule out" sanctions which could see a freezing of assets or travel bans on Israeli officials, describing the latest actions as "without question, a violation of international humanitarian law". Mr Martin is expected to announce an increase in Irish funding for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees when he meets with UNRWA's commissioner general Philippe Lazzarini on Thursday. As the death toll reached almost 28,500, truce talks in Cairo involving officials from the US, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar ended without a breakthrough. A Palestinian official earlier had said the sides were seeking a formula acceptable to Hamas, which "says it is only possible to sign a deal once it is based on an Israeli commitment to ending its war and pulling out its forces from Gaza". Separately, South Africa made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider whether Israels decision to extend its military operations in Rafah requires that the court use its power to prevent further breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli tanks shelled the eastern sector of Rafah, causing waves of panic among displaced residents who have been crammed into tents along the Egyptian border. In the Dail, Mr Varadkar said there is a serious risk of a massacre occurring and that a ground offensive would constitute a gross violation of international law. I do not believe that you respond to a massacre with more massacre and I dont believe you can defeat a monster by behaving like a monster yourself." Mr Varadkar said the Government has taken many actions including increasing funding for UNRWA in Gaza and the West Bank when other countries have suspended their funding. He said the Government has voiced its position and voted in support of the Palestinian people in the UN and the EU. He added: We have called for the EU-Israel association agreement to be suspended based on our view that Israel may be in violation of the Human Rights clause, I spoke to the European Commission president on that only yesterday. It does, however, require unanimity at EU level to do so and there is not unanimity at EU level to do so, as you know." It is understood that Mr Varadkar is also writing to Ms von der Leyen to further stress the need to suspend the agreement with Israel. France announced sanctions against 28 Israeli settlers who have been accused of human rights abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank; however, there is a growing feeling that the EU needs to "make up ground" as a bloc. Push for EU sanctions It is understood that Irish officials have been in discussions with EU counterparts ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers on Monday where Mr Martin will again push for EU-wide sanctions against violent settlers. Asked if the Government might go further in pushing for sanctions against Israeli politicians, Mr Martin said: "In terms of sanctions, nation states are very limited in terms of sanctions because they generally tend to be EU-wide and we'd have to examine that in terms of impact and so on, but we wouldn't rule anything out." He added that the "most effective measure" to take is legal intervention "in terms of breach and violation of international humanitarian law". Mr Martin said Ireland had increased UNRWA funding from 6m at the start of last year to 18m and this year's allocation to the agency is also being examined. He confirmed that there will be an increase in the base allocation for this year and funding will involve humanitarian support but also reconstruction. Policies such as moving fast food shops away from schools are far more effective at tackling obesity than blaming individuals for their choices, the Oireachtas Health Committee has been told. However the government is stuck in a treatment trap where it focuses on providing more beds for more sick people instead of funding illness prevention programmes, the newly-formed Health Promotion Alliance Ireland said. Dr Norah Campbell, lecturer in the school of business at Trinity College Dublin, urged the committee to take practical steps to promote health. Some businesses have disproportionate effects on human health, she said, while acknowledging commerce is vital for the economy. The treatment trap is a term used to describe how governments have been forced to focus on really early and visible wins in healthcare such as hospital beds and GP provision. This means less money is available for prevention of illness, she said. Instead, she suggested a small number of large changes instead of a large number of small changes. Dr Campbell told Sinn Fein health spokesman David Cullinane that regulation to limit access to products is more effective than asking individuals to make that choice. Setting up green zones of 500m, 200m, and 50m around schools where certain products are not available has been shown to be more effective than a campaign in schools about how to eat healthily. A subsidy of fruit and vegetables to make them affordable is another effective option, she said. Irish Heart Foundation director of health promotion Janis Morrissey told the committee there is a huge power imbalance between individuals and businesses. A view of the Alliance would be that its not about encouraging people or imploring people to change, we know the evidence doesnt support that, she said. Instead its about changing the political culture in terms of what actually causes dis-health in the first place, so we are taking the pressure off individuals. Over-use of alcohol in Ireland The over-use of alcohol in this country is an area where these changes could be made, the committee was told by Alcohol Action Ireland chief executive Dr Sheila Gilheany. She compared Ireland to Norway where they drink 37% less than here, and said this is down to regulation and supports. She told Social Democrats health spokeswoman Roisin Shortall the lobbying register is not in-depth enough. This is a record of who approaches government ministers to discuss proposed changes in policy in an effort to influence them. The committee also heard from Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Hildegard Naughten. She said she is aware of the force behind industry marketing: We need to be prepared for the marketing, the targeting of children, the presentation of food as being healthy or whatever it is, and how we target that. She pointed to a number of plans including the Healthy Ireland campaign which are promoting health already. RTEs former chief financial officer Breda OKeeffe was paid an exit package worth 450,000, an Oireachtas committee has been told. The exit package paid to Ms OKeeffe was not brought before the executive board for approval, an independent report by McCann FitzGerald concluded. The report, published last month, concluded it was the only case where the terms of the 2017 voluntary exit programme were not complied with, the responsibility for which rests with RTE as individuals were not responsible for putting their applications to the executive board for approval. Director general of RTE Kevin Bakhurst, who has pledged reform at Irelands public service broadcaster since taking over last summer, said the organisation had faced legal issues in trying to publish the independent report. Appearing before the Media Committee on Wednesday alongside RTE executives and board members, Mr Bakhurst said it was concerning to me the way that Bredas package was agreed, and that he has absolute sympathy for the staff who are outraged about it because Im fairly outraged about it myself. Under questioning from Senator Malcolm Byrne, he also said he had received a letter from the solicitor of Ms OKeeffe on Tuesday night setting a range of things she would like me to say at committee. RTE board chairwoman Siun Ni Raghallaigh and RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst arrive at Leinster House, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) He said: I even got a letter, as of yesterday evening, from the solicitors of the previous chief financial officer setting out a range of things she would like me to say in committee and the response was, You were invited, you can come in and say them yourself if you want to. He said the organisation had faced significant legal pressure in relation to the McCann Fitzgerald report. We have had significant legal pressure over months to get this report out, and to deal with this issue, and there is a legal threat over this, Mr Bakhurst said under questioning from Fine Gael TD Alan Dillon. After Mr Bakhurst initially said he could not answer the questions due to confidentiality, Mr Dillon argued that it should be answered in the interest of transparency and accountability. Mr Bakhurst responded: I agree with you, transparency is important, I agree with you that its important in this case. Breda OKeeffe was paid 450,000 to leave. Human resources director Eimear Cusak was questioned about her decision to sign off on the exit package for Ms OKeeffe, which did not comply with its redundancy scheme but was approved by former director general Dee Forbes. RTE director general Kevin Bakhurst and RTE board member Anne OLeary arrive at Leinster House (Brian Lawless/PA) She said of the voluntary exit schemes at RTE, that there were 177 people left from the first scheme carried out in 2017 and 26 from the second scheme in 2021, all of whom went through due process. And I would have not seen one being as high as that, no, she said. Asked if the role of chief financial officer was suppressed, she added: I was told that the cost savings will be achieved. As I said earlier, looking back today, I should have pushed back harder. "In that scheme, role suppression was not the only criteria, which is different from 2021, which was run differently. Speaking to Ms Cusack at the committee, Sinn Fein TD Imelda Munster said: If you were doing your job as director of HR, you could say I cant sign that because it says approved by the executive board. If I sign that I will be party to a lie. At no stage did you intervene as head of HR, at no stage did you speak up and say what is being done here is wrong. Were you afraid of Dee Forbes? Were you afraid of questioning her. Were you afraid of tackling this? Director of human resources at RTE Eimear Cusack arrives at Leinster House, Dublin, ahead of appearing before the Oireachtas joint committee on tourism, culture, arts, sport and media (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Cusack said she wasnt afraid of Dee Forbes, adding that she took full responsibility for the oversight in signing off the letter. Ms Munster told Mr Bakhurst that it will be difficult to build up trust with the public when a board member who never spoke up is still on the executive board. Mr Bakhurst said: There have been consequences at the most senior level in RTE. There have been consequences at executive level. I judge each individual case on its merits. Eimear made a mistake, she said that in this case. The one thing I would say is I have worked with many heads of HR in my time, Eimear is extremely good at head of HR. She is delivering change and fairness across the organisation. Speaking at the start of the committee, chairwoman of the media committee Niamh Smyth said it was regrettable that a number of former board members could not attend the committee meeting. She said: It should also be noted that the following persons were also invited but regrettably have not been in a position to attend today. They are Dee Forbes, former director general of RTE, Geraldine OLeary, former commercial director of RTE, Breda OKeeffe, former chief financial officer at RTE, Jim Jennings, former director of content at RTE, Richard Collins, former chief financial officer at RTE, Conor Murphy, former board of RTE, Rory Coveney, former director of strategy at RTE, Moya Doherty, former chair of RTE, and Ian Hill, former deputy chair of the board of RTE. A number of the invited guests were unable to attend on the grounds of illness and ill health and we do wish them a speedy recovery. An alleged brothel keeper awaiting trial on more than 100 charges involving more than 45 sex workers operating in Dublin and around Ireland has been released on bail. Lenuta Andreea Cucoranu, 29, a Romanian woman with no fixed address but who has been living in Ireland for 12 years, was arrested following a "complex" operation by detectives from the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit in the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. Detectives charged her in 2023 with 16 offences from 2020 to 2023. There were three counts of organised prostitution in Dublin and Louth and three more for brothel keeping contrary to the Sexual Offences Act, four charges of using false instruments under the Theft & Fraud Act, and six money-laundering offences. She was initially granted 25,000 bail. At Dublin District Court last week, she was charged with 93 additional offences. The extra counts are 17 for organised prostitution, 17 for brothel-keeping allegations, 11 for money-laundering, seven for thefts, 40 for using false documents, and one for participation in a criminal organisation from 2016 to 2023 in Meath, Wicklow and Kildare. She had been remanded in custody because the organised crime charge required a High Court bail application, which was granted. She appeared again at Dublin District Court, and Judge Monika Leech adjourned the case until April 15 for the accused to be served with the prosecution's book of evidence. The organised crime offence can carry a sentence of up to 15 years; the other charges carry maximum sentences ranging from five to 14 years. Detective Garda Michelle Woods said the Director of Public Prosecutions has decided that Ms Curcoranu must face "trial on indictment" at a higher level. The State must complete a book of evidence and serve it on her before the District Court grants a return for trial order. The judge granted legal aid to Ms Cucoranu, who is still to indicate a plea. She did not address the court. An earlier bail hearing was told the accused allegedly leased properties for organised prostitution and operating brothels. Detective Sergeant Andrew Lambe said the woman allegedly used false documents to secure leases from landlords. The court heard that the brothels ran simultaneously, there was CCTV evidence, and individual prostitutes had provided statements. Detective Sergeant Lambe claimed that she transferred more than 12,000 to landlords, but the accused had no legitimate source of income. He described the investigation as "complex and protracted". He had said the case involved more than 45 witnesses who were described as people working in the sex trade or landlords of multiple properties subject to this investigation. The court heard she had relatives in Ireland and proposed to reside in Irishtown, Straffan, Co. Kildare. Garda numbers in many Cork stations have fallen or stayed static over the past 10 years despite rapidly growing populations and the increasingly complex nature of crime. Census 2022 shows that the population of Cork grew by 8% to 584,156, an increase of 41,288 people, between April 2016 and April 2022. However, garda numbers in Cork fell slightly over that time. In 2023, there were 1,213 gardai across the city and county while in 2016, there were 1,224. In December 2023, the Cork City Garda division had 699 gardai, an increase from 644 in 2016. However, in the Cork North division in December 2023, there were 229 gardai, a drop from 300 in 2016. In the Cork West division, there were 285 gardai in December 2023, a slight increase from 280 in 2016. Some stations, including Carrig Na Fhfear in the Cork City division, and Drinagh, Durrus, and Glengarriff in the West Cork division, had no gardai in December 2023. 'Leaving for better pay' One Cork garda said that at a time of close to full employment, many gardai are leaving the force for better-paid positions in the often lucrative pharmaceutical sector in Cork. A lot of people are leaving the job. Much bigger numbers are leaving now than they used to. Theyre moving into jobs that are less stressful, have better pay and better hours, and I cant blame them," they said. Younger people often leave soon after they join because the job is not what they thought it would be. Theres a lot of paperwork and they dont have the time to do things the way theyd like to. Its a vicious circle, people are leaving because theyre not given the time to do their work and that leaves the people left behind with more work and even less time to do it in. And a lot of people coming out [of Templemore] are going to Dublin, the numbers arent there to be shipped around the country. Anglesea St Garda station, the largest station in the county which deals with some of Corks most serious crimes, has seen a steady decline from a high of 326 gardai in 2018 and 2019 to 273 gardai in 2023, despite an expanding population. The station saw a loss of six gardai in the last 12 months between 2022 and 2023, dropping from 279 in 2022 to 273 in 2023, and a loss of two compared to 10 years ago. However, the station saw numbers rise from a low of 270 gardai in 2015. The command and control room in Anglesea St saw an increase in staff, rising to 30 in December 2023 from 21 the previous year. The command and control room underwent a major overhaul, with the installation of a centralised phone system which re-routes all calls in Co Cork away from local stations to a regional control centre in Anglesea St station. It was introduced last May as part of a national movement to centralise public contact with the force. The Bridewell station in Cork City had 29 gardai in 2023, up from 28 in 2022 but down from 40 gardai in the station in 2021, a 10-year high. Ballincollig, one of Corks most populous suburbs, saw an increase of 26 gardai over the last 10 years. However, it lost four gardai between December 2022 and December 2023, falling from 53 to 49. Garda numbers in Ballincollig rose from 23 in 2014 to 60 in 2020, but they then started to drop again, falling to 49 last year. In Blackrock in Cork City, garda numbers plummeted by 16 in 10 years. In 2014, there were 32 gardai at the station, but this fell to just 16 gardai by last December. Despite a rapidly expanding population in the suburb of Carrigaline, which grew to 18,239 in the 2022 census from 15,770 in 2016, garda numbers have remained quite static, with a loss of one garda in the previous 12 months but only the gain of one garda over a 10-year period. Carrigaline dropped from 21 gardai in 2022 to 20 gardai in 2023 despite a surge of violent crime in the growing Cork suburb with two fatal assaults in 2022. Two government ministers, Fianna Fail Finance Minister Michael McGrath and Fine Gael Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney, are also based in the area. 'Ongoing challenge' Local Fianna Fail councillor Seamus McGrath said that garda numbers for the growing town are insufficient and remain an ongoing challenge". We have repeatedly asked for additional resources. The number of gardai serving in the Carrigaline area isn't sufficient given the size of the population in the area," he said. While those who are stationed here do their level best and we're lucky to have the guards we have, they're very committed and do a good job, but they're simply stretched too far. It's disappointing to see that the numbers aren't increasing to match the population increase and that remains an ongoing issue that we need to try and resolve as public representatives. We've had a number of serious incidents over the years and Ive always been of the view that a high physical presence from the gardai, proactive policing on the ground, prevents and deters criminal activity. There's no doubt about it that the more guards you have out there in the community and with high levels of visibility, it does help to prevent serious incidents happening and it also helps to reduce antisocial behaviour and associated incidents. There's strong correlation between high visibility policing and deterring crime. It is not only about sufficient garda numbers but also about ensuring that the gardai who are already in service can be out on the beat, with adequate civilian support for bureaucracy and office work, he said. Gardai spend an awful lot of time in the station, in the court, performing different functions, rather than being out on the beat. I think that needs to be looked at too. Cobh in east Cork increased its garda numbers, rising from 33 gardai in 2014 to 38 gardai in 2023. Douglas, a major suburban population centre, went from 24 gardai in 2014 to 28 gardai in 2020 but dropped to 23 gardai by December 2023. Local Cork City councillor Lorna Bogue, who is also running in the upcoming European Parliament elections, said that Cork needs more gardai, especially for community policing. My understanding is that some community policing positions in Cork are not being filled when someone leaves. This affects people in my own area of Donnybrook and Douglas. There are reports about issues in Mangala Woods [or Ballybrack woods] at the moment of littering, intimidation these are typical issues that some community policing would easily resolve. The leadership decisions of An Garda Siochana are not providing effective community policing. Fine Gael talk a big game about law and order but it is under their austerity leadership that the garda numbers have fallen from 28 to 23 in Douglas. Anglesea St Garda Station. File picture: Dan Linehan Gurranabraher, on Cork Citys northside, went from a 10-year high of 61 gardai in 2020 down to 52 gardai by December last year. It lost five gardai between 2022 and 2023 and lost one in 10 years. Mayfield, with 56 gardai last year, saw an increase of one in the previous 12 months and an increase of two over 10 years. Midleton in east Cork had 45 gardai in 2023, but saw a decrease of two from the previous year and a decrease of six in 10 years, despite a ballooning population. Togher, with 60 gardai last year, saw a decrease of five in 12 months but an increase of eight in 10 years in the busy and populous city policing area. Youghal, with 19 gardai last year, saw a decrease of one last year and a loss of five gardai in the town over 10 years. Populous suburb Bishopstown in Cork saw a slight increase, rising to 17 gardai in 2023, up from 12 in 2022. Bandon in West Cork had 77 gardai in 2014 which dropped to 73 in 2023. Bantry had 32 gardai in 2014 which rose to 40 in 2022 and fell back down to 37 in 2023. Fermoy had 54 gardai in 2014 which rose to 70 in 2022 and fell to 65 in 2023, while Mallow had 50 gardai in 2014, rising to 64 in 2023. Almost 6,400 people applied to be a garda under the latest recruitment round, with about 2,300 applicants, or almost 37%, aged between 35 and 49. Local Cork City councillor Lorna Bogue, who is also running in the upcoming European Parliament elections, said that Cork needs more gardai, especially for community policing. The 2024 competition was the first following the Governments decision to increase the entry age limit to apply to become a garda trainee from 35 years to 50. It is intended to run Garda recruitment campaigns annually to ensure a steady stream of trainees. Damian Boylan, Fine Gael councillor for Cork City North-West and head of the Cork City Joint Policing Committee, said that the issue of Garda recruitment is brought up constantly in the JPC. This is not just a Cork issue, this is a national issue. Infrastructure and services in general have not grown to meet the population increase, he said. Were constantly battling with the minister looking for more resources for Cork. We fight for garda numbers, anxious that we maintain specialist units and more community gardai, because community gardai are the most effective gardai on the ground. "Garda numbers will never grow fast enough. Gardai are retiring, no gardai were training when covid closed Templemore down. But almost 6,500 have applied, lets get it done. Were being told theres enough money, now lets do it." The Traveller voice has helped inform the design of an 18m housing regeneration plan for a halting site in Cork City, where children are living in appalling conditions. Details of the 27-unit scheme for the Spring Lane site in Ballyvolane, first reported by the Irish Examiner last week, were outlined to members of Cork City Councils north-east local area committee on Tuesday night. They were told it will include the redevelopment of the existing halting site, which is home to around 50 families, and the construction of 15 detached homes in a group housing scheme on the adjoining Elliss Yard site, which has been plagued by illegal dumping for years. There will be no provision for stables for horses or other livestock. Just over half the funding will be spent on civil engineering works with around 8m allocated for the housing element. Councillors were told that the existing halting site will be redeveloped as a 12-unit Traveller accommodation scheme, with a single-storey, three-bed unit in each bay, each with accommodation for five people, with a 15-unit group housing scheme on Elliss Yard, set in two mini estates. Six two-storey detached houses will be built on Ellis Yard West, including one five-bedroom house with accommodation for 11 people, and five three-bedroom homes, each with accommodation for six people. Nine two-storey detached homes will be built on the Ellis Yard East section, including two four-bedroom houses with accommodation for eight people in each, and seven three-bedroom homes, each with accommodation for six people. While several families have moved off the site into settled community housing in recent years, several other families who currently live there will require alternative housing elsewhere, with options being explored now. The briefing followed a broad outline of the scheme to an Oireachtas joint committee on Traveller issues last month following confirmation that government funding had been secured for the work almost two years after the site was the focus of a damning report about its living conditions. The halting site was opened in 1989 with 10 bays but as family numbers expanded over the years, there was unauthorised expansion into adjoining fields which led to serious overcrowding, and living conditions deteriorated. In his report, Ombudsman for Children, Dr Niall Muldoon, found that the council had failed to consider the best interests of children living on the site by allowing them to live in filthy, overcrowded, rat-infested, and unsafe living conditions. The poor conditions had a significant and prolonged adverse impact on children living there, the Ombudsman said. Traveller voice' But at Tuesdays briefing, council officials said the proposed Traveller-appropriate accommodation is the result of a lengthy design process informed by reference to local area objectives, local and national planning policy, and following extensive consultation between city council representatives and Traveller representatives. The housing operations directorate and mediators have played a continually active role in commenting and providing valuable feedback to Cork city architects, providing a Traveller voice' throughout the design development process to date, they said. However, Independent Cllr Ken OFlynn said the briefing raised more questions than it answered. Officials seem to be expecting everyone to believe that whats being put forward now is the solution to everything but its a difficult pill to swallow for the settled people of Ballyvolane given how many times trust has been broken before, he said. You can call this whatever you want, its a super halting site and I am not satisfied with this solution. Last week, the Traveller Visibility Group (TVG) said the long-awaited and long overdue housing scheme needs political will to ensure it gets over the line. The development of more houses and industry on Corks Beara Peninsula is being stalled because no further public drinking water can be extracted from a "primary source" lake due to the presence of the EU-protected freshwater pearl mussel in its feeder river. Just days after it was revealed little can be done by the county council to prevent flooding of a main road in Dunmanway because of the need to protect the endangered creature in nearby rivers, a similar and even bigger issue has developed on the West Cork peninsula. A cap on the extraction of water from Glenbeg Lake which supplies Casteletownbere, Eyeries and Ardgroom means the public supply cannot be enhanced and the county council has said as a result it cannot grant planning permission for any further houses and industries which cannot tap their own wells. The lake is fed by the Owenagappul River, one of five rivers nationally which has been prioritised for freshwater pearl mussel conservation. The National Parks & Wildlife Service has put the cap on extraction from the lake amid concerns it will impact the feeder river and have adverse impacts on its freshwater pearl mussel population. The issue was raised at a council meeting by Fianna Fail councillor Patrick Gerard Murphy, who said something needed to be done urgently to address the issue. He was supported by Fianna Fail councillors Joe Carroll and Deirdre Kelly and Fine Gaels Caroline Cronin. The EU-protected freshwater pearl mussel. Council director of planning services Padraig Barrett said excess abstraction of water from the lake may be altering the hydrological conditions both there and in the feeder river to an extent where it was negatively impacting on freshwater habitats, and particularly the freshwater pearl mussel. He said a new drinking water source was required for Castletownbere, but in the absence of this, further development would not be permitted where it required a connection to the public water supply as it would result in an increase in the volume of water required to be abstracted from Glenbeg Lake. Mr Barrett said Uisce Eireann, which has ultimate responsibility to deal with the matter, had identified the Beara drinking water supply was not sustainable and needs to be replaced. He said the utility had suggested a long-term solution to the problem could be the amalgamation of a number of water supplies in regions being fed from Barley Lake, near Glengarriff. However, Mr Barrett added the water utility said a short-term solution could also involve the tankering of water to Castletownbere". Mr Murphy said he was aware of companies which want to locate in the area, or expand operations there, have had their planning applications refused because of the water supply issue. He said he was concerned some may decide to relocate elsewhere if it was not resolved soon and others which might be interested in setting up in the region would not do so because of the situation, thereby losing much-needed jobs in the region. In addition, he said vital house building was also being put on hold, which is ridiculous at a time when there is a major housing crisis in the country. He said the council, Uisce Eireann and NPWS need to collaborate on a comprehensive assessment to establish once and for all the supposed impact on the freshwater pearl mussel and then take steps to address the issue. A Cork woman has appealed to the public to get back sentimental items that belong to her mother who is currently in hospice and her late sister after her car was stolen from her home. Emma Murphy woke up on Tuesday morning to find that her car was no longer sitting in her driveway at her home on Model Farm Road. She had driven home from Marymount Hospice after visiting her mother Mary, on Monday night and thinks that her red Volkswagen Polo, with the Reg 09 C 7772, was taken in a short period of time. Emma has said it has been a heartbreaking time, with her mother in hospital and having her car stolen which contained some valuable possessions of her mother and her late sister, Sheena. She said she forgives the car thieves for stealing her car but is asking them to return the items that were in the car. My mom is at Marymount at the moment, shes quite ill and shes deteriorating rapidly, she told PJ Coogans The Opinion Line on Wednesday. Emma said her mother, who has cancer, asked her to bring over a bag of some of her "valuable possessions" which includes a long, green fun coat, a scarf, her favourite runners, a jumper, and tracksuit pants which were stuff she really enjoyed wearing. Emma had also put her mothers rosary beads into the bag with some of her late sisters photos and medals to mind her and keep her safe. Her sister, Sheena, passed away five years ago from breast cancer. A bottle of Britney Spears perfume, which reminded Emma of her sister, was also put into the bag. However, as Emma got to Marymount she forgot to take the bag in with her and forgot to take it back to her house after she got home on Monday night. After waking up the next morning and not seeing her car in the driveway, her first thought was whether her car had rolled down the hill. It was later that she realised that her car was stolen and she immediately thought about the bag that contained her mothers and late sisters items not about her car. Emma said the gardai are involved with the case but she is now appealing to the car thieves, or someone who knows anything about the theft to return whatever was in her car. I would like just ask you, you can take my car, but whatever is inside my car, I would love that back, she said. I would absolutely hold no grudge against you, I forgive you for what you did. But if you return what is in the car, I would be eternally grateful, youd make all of this easier. A Garda spokesperson told the Irish Examiner they are "investigating the unauthorised taking of a car from outside a domestic residence on Model Farm Road, Cork city which was reported yesterday (Tuesday)." "Investigations are ongoing," the spokesperson added. The Israeli Ambassador to Ireland has been called on to appear before politicians to be "made account" for the "propaganda" that she is spreading. Independent TD Catherine Connolly, raising the issue during leader's question, said she did not immediately call for the expulsion of Dana Erlich, but told the Dail that she is now "finding it very difficult to stick with that decision". Ms Connolly, who is also the Leas Ceann Comhairle, said the Ambassador "has had free rein propagating utter propaganda on our airwaves with no balanced opposition to that, repeating that they're a democracy as if that gives them an entitlement to slaughter and carry out genocide, and that's what we're listening to on our airwaves". Ms Connolly told the Dail: "That Ambassador should be called in here before the Dail and made account for the words that she's using. That's what diplomacy is, in my view, at this point when we are looking at genocide." Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that he has sent a joint letter with the Spanish prime minister which expresses deep concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and calls for an urgent assessment of whether Israel is in breach of the human rights obligations under the EU Israel Association agreement. "If the Commission concludes that Israel is in breach of its obligations under the agreement, then the Commission should propose a response. Although suspension may well require unanimity of member states," Mr Varadkar told the Dail. However, Mr Varadkar warned that no war has ever been ended by a court order, by the expulsion of an ambassador, or by the suspension of an agreement. "To think so is just make-believe," Mr Varadkar said. Ceasefire Instead, he called for an immediate ceasefire which he said must be followed up with a permanent political solution. Pressing for further actions from the Government, Ms Connolly said "we have stood idly by" over the past four months as "genocide has been perpetrated in our name" and as Israeli settlements have increased in the Occupied Territories. However, Mr Varadkar said this is not the case and outlined seven "very concrete" actions taken by the Government, including being one of the first countries in the world to call for a humanitarian ceasefire. He said the Government has used its voice at both EU and UN levels to call for humanitarian aid for Palestinians. "We have joined in Spain just today in calling for the suspension of the EU-Israel Association agreement and we are in discussions with other EU member states about recognising the state of Palestine," Mr Varadkar added. It is four years and six days since we had a general election. So, its safe to assume that our next general election will be at the latest early next year with the Dails full-term ending. Meanwhile, we have local and European elections in June. So, its hardly a surprise that politicians are popping up to opine on a range of topics including councillors we ordinarily hear little about, and those we dispatched to Brussels we may have forgotten about in a case of out of sight out of mind. Its an important time for politicians as they ramp up their campaigns and try to assert themselves in voters minds about what they stand for. As recent opinion polls show, the race is wide open. So, its concerning that last week's comments by two female politicians have once more raised the spectre of female political voices being potentially silenced. As reported in this newspaper, Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said that online abuse of politicians has worsened and become more sexual commenting that parties need to do more to ensure that their politicians are safe. This important message is sadly not headline news because increasing numbers of female politicians at all levels have detailed the abuse they receive, which they say discourages women from entering politics and causes others to exit. Research from the University of Galway revealed that one in five female politicians surveyed considered quitting politicians due to online harassment. But abuse, misogyny, sexual harassment, and plain old sexism that female politicians experience dont solely emanate from members of the public Late last year, a report which was a collaboration between the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) research group EDGE and the Womens Collective Ireland found that women in politics face what was described as shocking levels of sexism from their male colleagues as well as from the public. The report was compiled to identify for women the key barriers to entering politics and how we can address them. The thing that stood out from the report was how female politicians reported experiencing harassment from inside political spaces, very often by men they know, and sometimes from men within their own parties as well as across the political divide. The report also found that when women raised issues of sexism within their own parties, they cited a lack of support. If your own party isnt a safe space where is it? Holly Cairns closed her Bandon office on the advice of gardai. This brings us to Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns who last week in the Southern Star described as pathetic a comment by local FG councillor John OSullivan that the closure of her constituency office in Bandon had undermined the work by local business groups because, in his view, her actions had implied that there was an issue with safety in the town. Cllr OSullivan asked Deputy Cairns to clarify whether or not Bandon was a safe place to do business. He also wanted Deputy Cairns to further clarify if there was any specific threat to her in Bandon. The background to Deputy Cairns closing her office was that in the wake of a stalker turning up at her house near Skibbereen, gardai advised her to close her Bandon office. This is not what Holly Cairns, or any female politician wants, particularly when an election is looming. And on a human level, it must be utterly terrifying. Cllr OSullivans remarks were a cheap political shot and arguably he needs some enlightenment on the specific issues female politicians face, and the real dangers to a woman when a man begins to stalk them As Justice Minister Helen McEntee said: Stalking is an extremely serious and intrusive crime that can cause devastating psychological distress. Any minimisation of the sexual, genderised violence that women and female politicians are forced to navigate in their daily lives is wholly unacceptable. We need to examine attitudes across the political spectrum because there is a deficit of understanding of how bad it is out there for female politicians, and for any woman who pops her head above the public parapet. Recently I wrote about how I strongly believe that the judiciary needs mandatory training to enable them to properly deal with domestic and sexual violence cases. Maybe it's time to widen the scope of that training and include politicians and political parties. A specially designed module might help them to understand the broader context and dynamics of gender norms, and gender-based violence and how they affect the parties, councils, and organisations they belong to. They may not recognise the sexism that excludes women from politics. They may need some help from those who do. Such measures will help to increase support for womens rights and full participation in politics which is a must if we are to build and sustain a strong, vibrant, and most of all representative democracy or as Maria Walsh put it, if we are going to represent a modern Ireland, then we need to have politicians who are representative of us. Its a vicious circle. The less diversity and women you have, the more harassment and sexism, preventing women from entering politics, therefore the fewer women you have in politics and to paraphrase Ms Walsh the male, paler, and staler politics remains. This year, the Oireachtas Task Force on Safe Participation in Political Life will present its report on the promotion of civil discourse in political life. Currently carrying out a survey, they have already acknowledged how female politicians experience disproportionate abuse. Professor Tom Felle of the University of Galway, who addressed the taskforce, suggested several initiatives including punishing social media companies for failing to tackle cybercrime and measures that teach digital literacy, critical thinking and appropriate online behaviour including in schools. These suggestions while helpful are only one component of urgently needed policy solutions. Its far too convenient when we think of misogyny to conjure up a faceless loner sweating over his sad keyboard in some dingy attic. It's like denying that the greatest threat to women is rape, domestic homicide and abuse, or sexism from the men we know. It should be abundantly clear that parties urgently need to look inwards, address structural and embedded misogyny in party machinery, and act when prescribed codes of conduct are broken. Its no good encouraging women into parties and councils if you dont attend to how they are treated by your own members when they get there. I can safely speak on behalf of many women when I say, we wont tolerate this carry-on anymore, and we intend to vote on it. How did you meet? Thats the question Dave Norris likes to ask couples who are preparing to get married. Theres a reason Norris inquires about their love stories and hes especially fascinated when two people first connected by chance. All the factors that went into that, all the different coincidences that brought them together at that moment, and now theyre married, Norris marveled. Norris has worn many hats since moving to Charlottesville in 1995: city councilor, mayor, founder of multiple nonprofit groups and even director of the citys parking lots and garages for a time. But hes so interested in hearing how couples fall in love because of another hat he wears: part-time wedding officiant. Seeing couples married, he said, is one of his lifes joys. And getting to know a couple before the big day helps him tailor wedding ceremonies so that each one is special, he added. Its such a great honor to be part of that moment and to share in the experience of two people joining their lives together. People still believe in love. They believe in possibility, and theyre excited for their future. Thats what keeps me going. The spirit of optimism prevails, he said. Just as serendipity plays a role in many couples love stories, it also played a part in Norris decision to begin officiating weddings. When he was serving as mayor of Charlottesville from 2008 through 2012, couples would ask Norris to marry them. He said that in the beginning, many were friends of his who thought it would be cool to have the mayor marry them. But the requests kept pouring in, and more and more prospective newlyweds said they didnt just want a mayor; they wanted Norris. That became especially evident after Norris left office and requests kept coming in. I thought after my days in office, that my marrying days, just as my mayoring days, were going to be over, but people kept asking me, so thats when I decided to take it on as a little side business, said Norris. Norris had two children getting ready to head to college at the time he left City Hall. He said he saw the wedding gig as an enjoyable and meaningful way to make a little extra income for him and his family. As of this Valentines Day, Norris reported he has officiated 1,010 weddings. One of those couples in particular has a true Charlottesville love story. It was three Februarys ago during a snowstorm that Rene Branson and Tim Corcoran exchanged their vows by the grand staircase in New Dominion Bookshop on the citys Downtown Mall. Because it was the middle of the pandemic, only Norris and two friends joined the newlyweds. But for Branson and Corcoran, both avid readers, the setting, the day and the officiant made it a moment to remember. It was very romantic, recalled Branson. This is a second marriage for us both. Neither of us was expecting a romance. But it truly is never too late to find love. Norris would serve as their officiant one more time later that summer. He married us again in July of that year when we were able to have our friends and family celebrate with us at Chisholm Vineyards, Branson said. I couldnt imagine having anyone else marry us. Dave has been one of my best friends since I moved to Charlottesville in 2011 and one of the first people I talked to about Tim when we started dating. Married in a bookshop, Branson and Corcoran now share a large library at home as a married couple. Despite a recent Pew survey showing many people are postponing their nuptials and an increasing share are forgoing marriage altogether (a quarter of all 40-year-olds in the U.S. have never been married), thats not obvious when you look at the Charlottesville region, said Norris. With its abundance of beautiful natural scenery, multitude of expansive wineries and historic houses of worship, and deep pool of professional photographers, musicians, wedding planners and more, Charlottesville has become a wedding destination. People come from all over the U.S. to marry here, Norris said. Hes already booked weddings for several weekends later this fall probably one of the more popular seasons to wed, Norris said, because of the colorful autumn leaves. Many of those weddings will take place outdoors, taking advantage of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance, or at one of the areas award-winning wineries. But Norris has also officiated in front of several local landmarks in Charlottesville. Millers bar, where musician Dave Matthews got his start, is popular for DMB fans. Some couples just want to make the marriage legal, and that can happen anywhere, Norris said. Hes even held a ceremony in the waiting room of an auto repair shop for a couple whose car broke down en route to meet him. One wedding location especially moved Norris as he recalled the memories. The brides fathers dream was to see his daughter get married, but the night before the wedding, Norris said, the man was rushed to the hospital at the University of Virginia. He was having a heart attack. They held a small intimate ceremony in his hospital room wearing gloves and masks to make his dream come true. Love prevails. Thats a very tangible example, said Norris. Norris said he is also proud of his work officiating same-sex weddings in the wake of the Supreme Courts landmark decision legalizing gay marriage in all 50 states in 2015. That was special to give those relationships the dignity they deserve in the eyes of society, he said. Every couple hes met and every location where hes served as officiant he cherishes. But for Norris, the Clifton Inn holds a special place in his heart. Its where he officiated his first wedding. So what kind of advice can Norris offer those who may be thinking about proposing this Valentines Day? Though he does not do premarital counseling, his role as officiant means he works closely with couples to design their dream wedding and make their love official in the eyes of the law. Working with those couples, hes gleaned this from the ones that have lasted: They have a strong friendship with each other that helps them weather the storms; the couples have each others back; they appreciate each other. That is vital, said Norris. The reality is, not all marriages will survive, even with hard work, but when hes officiating at a wedding, Norris said he still believes and hopes the couple believes that love can last forever. When couples start their marriage on that high note, we should be encouraging that and welcoming that spirit of optimism. Hopefully, in the process of embracing that, it will help them get off to a good and successful start to their marriage, Norris said. We want couples to think of this as a lifelong commitment, even if it doesnt end up becoming a lifelong commitment. We should be optimistic. So many times, love does prevail. Despite the pressure coming from the Biden administration, there is little sign of the Netanyahu government changing its plan to destroy Hamas whatever the cost in death and destruction in Gaza. The immediate risk is to the city of Rafah, where Israel is launching intensive airstrikes and planning a full ground offensive. Rafah and its immediate surroundings are sheltering about 1.5 million people, many of them in flimsy tents, while food and clean water are scarce and medical support is minimal. Warning of a ground assault, the UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, described it as terrifying, given the prospect that an extremely high number of civilians, again mostly children and women, will likely be killed and injured. On Monday, at least 67 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes on Rafah, which coincided with an Israeli mission to free two hostages. Further horror in Rafah could be averted if the United States stepped in. Israel is hugely dependent on US military support and could not continue the war for long without it. This raises two core questions: why is Israel determined to continue with a military operation that has the potential to cause appalling civilian casualties? And why wont Joe Biden pull the plug? The first is rather easier to answer. The Hamas assault on October 7 shook Israeli society to the core, as it was intended to do. After the second intifada between 2000 and 2005, Israel had thought it was in full control of its security. But on October 7, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), police, and intelligence agencies all got it grievously wrong. The Hamas paramilitary leadership had planned the attack over many months and anticipated a massive Israeli response. This is what it got, resulting in damage to Israeli attempts to work with Gulf regimes and massive support for the Palestinian cause across the Middle East and beyond. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Israel has the most hawkish government in 75 years, with its unsteady coalition reliant on three fundamentalist parties. But if Hamas remains active, the far-right parties will most likely withdraw support, and Benjamin Netanyahu will not survive. The prime ministers desire to continue in his role is enough to ensure that Israels assault continues. The IDF also has an interest in continuing this war. Its military failures have seen its status diminished across the Middle East, and its leadership knows this can best be regained by some kind of victory. The problem for the IDF leaders and Netanyahu is that the war is still not going to plan. The IDF death toll may still be in the low hundreds, but more than a thousand troops have been seriously wounded, many of them with life-changing injuries. Even now, Hamas is reconstituting paramilitary units in northern Gaza, which for months the IDF has claimed to be in control of. On Sunday, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) reportedly mortared Israeli military positions east of Gaza City, while the Palestinian Mujahideen Movement fired rockets towards an Israeli position south-east of the city. These attacks may be much smaller than at the start of the war, but they show that Hamas is far more flexible than expected. Even now, the IDF has still not mapped most of the Hamas tunnel network, nor has it been able to free more than three of the 100-plus hostages remaining. Meanwhile, what of the other question: the position of the Biden administration? There may be increasingly strong messages directed at Netanyahu to limit the Palestinian losses, but they have been to little avail. Its as if the Israelis know they can ignore Biden without consequence. US President Joe Biden. The Israel lobby is certainly very strong in Washington, and the Pentagon connections with Israel are deep. The Israel lobby is certainly very strong in Washington, and the Pentagon connections with Israel are deep. They were greatly strengthened when Israeli advice was sought as the Iraq war went so wrong in 2003, and even now US forces are permanently based in Israel, running a key X-band radar early warning facility. The US later helped to build Baladia, a permanent Arab town for military training. The flow of hardware through to Israel at present is massive, and highly profitable for the US military-industrial machine. The main Israeli lobby group, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), is very effective but there are also American Jewish organisations, such as the J Street group in Washington, that are very unhappy about the direction of the war. What remains missing from an understanding of Bidens position is the benefit Israel gains from the support of Christian Zionists in the US. Of about 100 million evangelical Christians in the US, a substantial minority do hold fast to the belief that Israel is an essential part of the Christian Gods plan for the end times. Many believe that it will be in the land of Israel that the final battle will be fought between good and evil and that it is part of Gods plan for Israel to be a Jewish state. Evangelical Christians are more likely to vote than others and Christian Zionists are more likely to vote Republican. That alone bodes ill for an early end to the war which makes it all the more important for US allies to speak some truth to power. This is barely starting. The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has hinted that the US should rethink military assistance to Israel. But much more will be needed, and quickly, if an even greater disaster is to be prevented. Paul Rogers is emeritus professor of peace studies at Bradford University and an honorary fellow at the Joint Service Command and Staff College Q&A WITH DONAL MCCARTHY of SISK Name: Donal McCarthy Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO), Life Sciences, Data & Tech, Sisk Family: Living in Malahide, Dublin with wife Nora and three daughters Mae 18, Tess 21 and Ella, 22. How long are you with Sisk? I joined Sisk in 1990 as a graduate engineer and emigrated to New York in 1994. I then rejoined Sisk in 2002 and worked my way up through the company. Throughout my career, Ive had the privilege of working on some of our largest and most challenging projects. Tell me about your current role with Sisk? I have been in my current role as COO of Data, Life Sciences & Technology at Sisk for the past two years, prior to this I was COO for Ireland. My key responsibility is overseeing the growth and management of the Data, Life Sciences & Technology business unit operating across Ireland, UK and Europe. My role involves a lot of international travel which has been an enjoyable change for me personally. Meeting our international staff and local supply chain partners is very rewarding and seeing the impact that our work has on peoples lives is a fulfilling aspect of the role. Constructing state-of-the-art life sciences facilities dedicated to the advancement of research and human health puts people at the centre of our work, including the patients whose lives are saved or improved, the people we work with our clients, the design teams, specialist services and the many specialist vendors that service the industry. What sets Sisk apart from its competitors in the Data Centres, Life Sciences and Tech sectors? I believe that the biggest differentiator for us is our people. We have a fantastic combination of experienced and new highly motivated staff who are very open to experiencing travel and delivering groundbreaking, high-tech projects across all our geographies. We have an unmatched list of blue-chip clients with partnerships going back as far as 40 years. As part of the wider Sisk strategy Breaking New Ground our ambition is to grow the Data, Life Sciences and Technology business unit sustainably, without compromising the quality of our overall delivery to meet the demands of our clients. Over the past two years, we have expanded our business and followed our key accounts into the UK and Europe as well as developing new client relationships. In 2023, we delivered over 770m in Data Centres, Life Sciences and Technology projects, up 90% on 2022. With over 2,500 operational and support staff across Sisk, we have the resources and capability to support our strategy. What geographies and types of projects are Sisk currently active in? We are active in Ireland, UK, The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland and Croatia and prior to that in Germany. We have delivered projects in Israel and provided both construction and tech transfer support to clients in Spain. In The Netherlands and Belgium for example, our clients, are pushing the boundaries and providing significant learning opportunities for our business. These are complex cutting-edge cancer treatment facilities and are a great example of how we are working with our clients and project teams to share knowledge and drive design innovation utilising MMC and digital transformation to enable and accelerate delivery. Analog Devices International (ADI) located in Limerick operates a semi-conductor fabrication plant (FAB) on their site. This year marks the 40-year ongoing relationship between Sisk and ADI in Limerick. We have been an integral part to all their onsite developments, from concept design to tool installation and commissioning. Last year we also celebrated a major milestone at Vision Care in Limerick where we celebrated 5 Million accident-free hours on site. What emerging trends are you seeing in the sector? At Sisk, our purpose is to create places for future generations and we have been on a Sustainability journey since launching our Sustainability Roadmap in 2021. There have been some notable milestones including, switching to fossil-free HVO fuel across all of our Irish construction sites. We have many initiatives that are reducing construction carbon, we are now actively working with our clients to assess embedded carbon and using this information to challenge and inform design strategies. We also work closely with our group colleagues, Sensori FM to seek their ideas on optimising carbon reductions in facility operations, both new and with retrofit solutions. We are also seeing demand from clients to focus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI). As a female-majority, family-owned business these topics have been on our agenda for many years. We are also seeing major demand from our clients for more sustainable construction and support with improving the full life cycle of their assets. Technology has also had a major part to play, meaning we can do more, faster and with less resources. Our teams have extensive experience in delivering prefabricated solutions along with modularised components. The construction industry has embraced the most cutting-edge technological shifts including, 4-D Modelling, robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our teams are constantly evolving with the latest innovations. For further information, visit www.johnsiskandson.com Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the doors of a medical research and development centre? What kind of technologies are they working on and how do they impact our lives and health? Introducing one of our most innovative and diverse research centres in Ireland BD Research Centre Ireland. BD Research Centre Ireland A global hub of innovation BD Research Centre Ireland (BD RCI) is the latest R&D development for BD and has been operating in Ireland for over 60 years. Established in 2017 and located in Castletroy - Limerick, BD RCI is recognised as a global Centre of Excellence, developing a range of innovation and technologies to elevate bioscience discovery & diagnostics, clinical diagnosis of disease to advance the safe delivery of care for patients and the healthcare professionals that care for them. BD Pioneers of medical innovation BD (Becton Dickinson) founded in 1897 by Maxwell Becton and Fairleigh Dickinson, started with a vision to improve outcomes for patients. Now over 125 years on, BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics, and the delivery of care. Over the years, BD has grown its global presence in virtually every country and partners with organisations across the world to address some of the most challenging global health issues. A culture of diversity and inclusion Culture at is at the heart of everything at BD RCI. It is at the core of people talent and part of the attraction for over 360 employees who have joined the organisation from over 45 countries across the globe to help innovate medical research, bioscience, engineering, and software development. BD RCI recognises the growing demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills in Ireland, and have created a program to bridge the relationship between education and industry. This program, the BD STEM Stars competition, aims to inspire and encourage secondary school students in the areas of STEM; people who pioneer and create in these areas are capable of incredible advances in the world of health. BD RCI is also proud to support students in Universities through the Scholarships and Bursaries programme and has recently onboarded 12 students across Universities in the Mid-West of Ireland. Last years program saw four students receive bursaries for Women in STEM and six students receive scholarships for their dedication and outstanding academic achievements. Sharing his experiences is Anshul Shandillya, Staff Engineer, Systems Engineering: "Although it was tough for me to move to a new country and settle here, my entire journey was made more comfortable by the hospitality of the wonderful people of this beautiful country especially here at BD RCI. Also sharing thoughts about working at the BD Research Centre Ireland is Research & Development Engineering Manager, Prathamesh Dhanpalwar - Ive been in Ireland for nine years now, originally from Hyderabad in India. Ireland is home to many of the worlds best-known tech companies and at BD RCI I know that I am helping to make a difference not just in supporting healthcare professionals, but with the patient too, which is very powerful. Solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technologies Innovation is a key part of the culture at BD RCI BD. Employees are encouraged to think creatively and collaboratively, to solve real-world problems with cutting-edge technologies. At BD RCI there are opportunities to come together and connect to share knowledge and learn about each others work. These include: Tech Fairs: Internal expos where employees showcase some of the in-flight groundbreaking projects. Hackathons: Internal events where employees form cross-functional teams to find solutions to new ideas or challenges, using AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and other advanced technologies. Experiencing the RCI culture first-hand is Jennifer Carey, a Senior Systems Verification & Validation Scientist. Jennifer says: I love working here because of the unique culture and the many opportunities to learn and grow. I have been involved in some exciting Hackathons that have helped me develop new skills and work with many colleagues from different backgrounds who have been inspiring and supported me in my work. BD RCI is more than just a workplace; it is a community. A vision for the future Leading the Research Centre is Senior Director, Sean Wall. Sean has a strong vision for the future at BD RCI. He says: The heartbeat of BD RCI is its fantastic culture, where every individuals diverse background and skillset is embraced, promoting inclusivity and the delivery of innovative healthcare solutions. We are passionate about developing our people to help us shape the future of health. BD RCI offers a range of training opportunities for employees to better advocate for themselves and to find a healthy balance between work duties and other aspects of their lives and is looking for talented and passionate people to join its team of experts in various fields, such as software development, engineering, biosciences, quality, regulatory, medical, and clinical affairs, as well as human resources and finance. Visit BD online at www.bd.com/careers to find out more, or scan the QR code below. Donald Trumps comments calling into question the US commitment to defend its Nato allies from attack were dangerous and un-American, US President Joe Biden has said. Mr Biden seized on the former presidents comments on Saturday, which sowed fresh fears among US partners about its dependability on the global stage. Mr Trump, the front-runner for the Republican Partys nomination this year, said that he once warned he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to Nato member nations that are delinquent in devoting 2% of their gross domestic product to defence. Mr Trump has often depicted Nato allies as leeches on the US military (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) It was the latest instance in which the former president seemed to side with an authoritarian state over Americas democratic allies. Speaking from the White House as he encouraged the House to take up a Senate-passed aid bill to fund Ukraines efforts to hold off a two-year Russian invasion, Mr Biden said Mr Trumps comments about the mutual defence pact were dangerous and shocking. The whole world heard it and the worst thing is he means it, Mr Biden added. The president said that when America gives its word, it means something, and called Mr Trumps comments sowing doubt about its commitments un-American. Mr Biden said of Mr Trump: He doesnt understand that the sacred commitment that weve given works for us as well. Natos Article 5 mutual defence clause states that an armed attack against one or more of its members shall be considered an attack against all members. But Mr Trump has often depicted Nato allies as leeches on the US military and openly questioned the value of the military alliance that has defined American foreign policy for more than 70 years. Since the full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Mr Biden has ushered Finland into the alliance and is clearing the way for Sweden to do the same. While Ukraine is not a member of Nato, the alliance has served as a key contributor of the US organised effort to support Kyivs military defences in the nearly two year old conflict. Nato allies agreed in 2014, after Russia annexed Ukraines Crimean peninsula, to halt the spending cuts they had made after the Cold War and move toward spending 2% of their GDP on defence by 2024. The spending target is not a requirement for Nato members. Natos secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, said in a statement on Sunday that any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the US, and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk. The defence minister in Poland, which has been under Russian control more often than not since the end of the 18th century, said no election campaign is an excuse for playing with the security of the alliance. President Trump got our allies to increase their Nato spending by demanding they pay up, but Joe Biden went back to letting them take advantage of the American taxpayer, said Jason Miller, a Trump senior adviser, in response to The United Nations chief has warned that climate chaos and food crises are increasing threats to global peace. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the UN Security Council that climate disasters imperil food production and empty bellies fuel unrest. He urged council members to address the impact of food shortages and rising temperatures on international peace and security. Climate and conflict are two leading drivers of (our) global food crisis, he said. Where wars rage, hunger reigns whether due to displacement of people, destruction of agriculture, damage to infrastructure, or deliberate policies of denial. Meanwhile, climate chaos is imperilling food production the world over. Mr Guterres said the world is teeming with examples of the devastating relationship between hunger and conflict. In Gaza, he said, no one has enough to eat and the tiny strip accounts for 80% of the 700,000 hungriest people in the world. After more than a decade of war in Syria, he said, 13 million Syrians go to bed hungry every night. And in Myanmar, prospects of ending hunger have gone into reverse because of conflict and instability, he said. Simon Stiell, the United Nations climate chief, told the council climate change is contributing to food insecurity and to conflict. He said one in 10 people on the planet already suffers from chronic hunger and if climate change accelerates, it will become worse. Rapid, sustained action to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to increase resilience is needed now to help stop both from spiralling out of control, Mr Stiell said. Guyanas president Mohamed Irfaan Ali, whose country holds the council presidency this month and chaired the meeting, said the impact of climate change and food insecurity on international peace and security was chosen as the topic for the meeting because of the increasing links. About 90 countries were expected to speak over two days. Conflict is the primary driver of acute food insecurity in Africa, and the same can be said about Haiti, Mr Ali told the meeting, adding the war in Gaza is putting tons of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. The Security Council must take into account the consequential effects on food security and climate in addressing the issues of conflict and war, the president said, stressing that these issues are intricately linked to the rule of law, democracy and governance. But Russias UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, whose country holds veto power in the Security Council, reiterated Moscows long-standing position that there is no direct link between social and economic issues like climate and food supplies and the councils mandate to ensure international peace and security. He blamed former Western colonial powers and the United States as the real root causes of the problems facing developing countries in Africa and elsewhere today. Neo-colonialist practices are the real reason for socio-economic difficulties which the developing world is encountering, the Russian ambassador said. Talks involving the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar on a Gaza truce ended without a breakthrough on Tuesday as calls grew for Israel to hold back on a planned assault on the southern end of the enclave, crammed with over a million displaced people. The city of Rafah, whose pre-war population was about 300,000, teems with homeless people living in tent camps and makeshift shelters who fled there from Israeli bombardments in areas of Gaza farther north during more than four months of war. Israel says it wants to flush out Hamas militants from hideouts in Rafah and free Israeli hostages being held there. Its military is making plans to evacuate Palestinian civilians. But no plan has been forthcoming and aid agencies say the displaced have nowhere else to go in the shattered territory. Ibrahim Hasouna, center, the sole survivor among his family, stands in front of the rubble of his family house with his friends, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. On Monday, February 12, Hasouna lost eight family members, including three children, He says the house was bombed during an Israeli operation to rescue hostages held in a building in another part of town. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) With Palestinians in Rafah "staring death in the face," United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths said an Israeli ground invasion there would make humanitarian relief nearly impossible. "Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at death's door," Griffiths said in a statement." Israeli tanks shelled the eastern sector of Rafah overnight, causing waves of panic, residents said. They said displaced people - dozens so far - had begun to leave Rafah after Israeli shelling and air strikes in recent days. "Last night in Rafah was very tough. We're going back to Al-Maghazi out of fear - displaced from one area to another," said Nahla Jarwan, referring to the coastal refugee camp from which she fled earlier in the conflict. "Wherever we go, there is no safety." Rafah neighbours Egypt, but Cairo has made clear it will not allow a refugee exodus over the border. Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Hasouna family house, which was struck by an Israeli airstrike during an operation to rescue two hostages in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Ibrahim Hasouna, who was away at the time of the airstrike, says his entire family was killed, including his parents, two brothers, his sister-in-law and three nieces and nephews. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) Gaza health officials announced 133 new Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 28,473 killed and 68,146 wounded since Oct. 7, when 1,200 people were killed in a Hamas rampage across the border into Israel, triggering the war. Many other people are believed to be buried under rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated Gaza Strip, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out and diseases are spreading. About half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are now squeezed into Rafah. "Since Israel said they are invading Rafah soon..., we read our last prayers every night. Every night we say farewell to one another and to relatives outside Rafah," said Aya, 30, who is living in a tent with her mother, grandmother and five siblings. INCONCLUSIVE TRUCE TALKS Ibrahim Hasouna, center, the sole survivor among his family, sits amidst the debris of his bombed home in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. On Monday, February 12, Hasouna lost eight family members, including three children, He says the house was bombed during an Israeli operation to rescue hostages held in a building in another part of town. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) In Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conducted talks with CIA Director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani aimed at agreeing a Gaza truce, protecting civilians and delivering more aid into the enclave, Egypt's state information service said. In a statement on its website, it cited a "keenness to continue consultation and coordination" on the key issues, indicating that no breakthrough was made. The Egyptian statement made no mention of Israel. The Israeli delegation left Cairo for home, a Reuters reporter said. The Israeli prime minister's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israel has vowed to fight on, for many months if necessary, until it eradicates Hamas. A Palestinian official said earlier the sides were seeking a formula acceptable to Hamas, which insists that Israel commit to ending its war and pulling its forces from Gaza. A Hamas official said Hamas had told the participants it does not trust Israel not to renew the war if the Israeli hostages being held by Palestinian militants are released. The hostages were seized in Hamas' raid into southern Israel on Oct. 7. Securing their return is a priority for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government as well as wiping out Hamas, which governs the small coastal territory. 'PRETTY MUCH UNLIVABLE' Ibrahim Hasouna, center, the sole survivor among his family, stands amidst the debris of his bombed home in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. On Monday, February 12, Hasouna lost eight family members, including three children, He says the house was bombed during an Israeli operation to rescue hostages held in a building in another part of town. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair) South Africa asked the World Court on Tuesday to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive into Rafah required additional emergency measures to safeguard the rights of Palestinians. In a case brought by South Africa, the International Court of Justice last month ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel denies it is committing genocide and had asked the court to reject the case outright. Pretoria's government voiced concern that an offensive would result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction. Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the UN's Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA, said it had not been informed of any Israeli evacuation plan for Rafah and was not part of it. "Where are you going to evacuate people to, as no place is safe across the Gaza Strip, the north is shattered, riddled with unexploded weapons, it's pretty much unlivable," she said. US President Joe Biden said on Monday that Washington was working on a hostage deal to bring "immediate and sustained" calm to Gaza for at least six weeks. Biden has urged Israel to refrain from a Rafah offensive without a viable plan to protect civilians. In the latest bloodshed, Israel's military said its forces had killed dozens of Palestinian fighters in clashes in southern and central Gaza over the last 24 hours. Gaza health officials said an Israeli strike on a house in Nusseirat refugee camp in central Gaza killed 16 Palestinians overnight. They said another air strike on a car in Gaza City later on Tuesday killed six people including children. Israeli sniper fire killed three Palestinians and injured 10 others on Tuesday at the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, the Palestinian health ministry said in a statement. The organization has various programs through which it grows a tech pipeline for STEM companies and the arts, one of which is the Mid-Valley STEM-CTE Hub through which middle schoolers in Linn and Benton counties receive career mentorships. For Latinx communities that the organization serves, Contreras said these mentorships are significant because these are careers that often seem distant or far-fetched. Cornelius-based Centro Cultural is another workforce advocacy group serving Oregons Latino community and is a part of CorMic. "Tom (Weller) understands that (for) CorMic to succeed, hes partnering with Centro and other workforce organizations to make sure we have a seat at the table when discussing equitable workforce policy," said Jonath Colon, deputy director of economic development. A significant part of the work that the organization does is to serve as a bridge for community members to resources and institutions to develop relevant technology skillsets, and afterward, to job opportunities all the while ensuring that they and their families are supported financially through interim phases, like internships or part-time roles. Beyond tech skills development, the organization also works on building entrepreneurial skillsets that will enable them contribute to the founding aspect of the hub, either as founders of startups or as co-founders and the very early-stage collaborators that allow a company kick-off. 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. A 30-year-old Sweet Home resident was jailed after allegedly taking a woman and her car on the run from authorities. Austin Ryan Richards was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 7, suspected of several charges related to fleeing arrest on warrants, according to the Linn County Sheriff's Office. He was also charged with passing counterfeit bills. The woman trapped in the car with Richards as he fled told authorities she pleaded with the suspect to let her go home to her husband and child, asking him to go somewhere he felt safe and get out so she could have her car back, which he refused. A Place to Sleep, episode 4: Sweet Home In Sweet Home, you'll find the region's only designated sleeping place for folks actively self-medicating with alcohol and narcotics. A deputy who knew Richards had warrants out for his arrest spotted him just after 11 p.m. Feb. 5, in the parking lot of 7-Eleven on South Main Street in Lebanon, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Linn County Sheriffs Office. Seeing Richards get into the front passenger seat of a 2017 Honda Fit, the deputy pulled in behind the vehicle and hit his emergency lights, the affidavit states, adding through the partially opened passenger window, the deputy told Richards he had a warrant and asked him to step out. A man was in the driver's seat and a woman was in the back seat of the car, according to the affidavit, which states both are Lebanon residents. Carjacking allegation Richards reportedly said he was not Richards and locked the door, then tried to rip keys from the drivers hand, breaking off the Honda key from the keychain. Richards told the driver to get out of the car and began to shove him out, the affidavit states. The deputy ran around to the drivers side and Richards jumped back into the passenger seat, allegedly announcing he had a gun while reaching toward his waist with his right hand, according to the affidavit. The deputy then shifted for cover at the rear of the car. While the driver was trying to get the woman the cars owner out of the back, Richards struggled to get the Honda into gear, accelerating quickly in reverse and clipping the driver with the rear door, the affidavit alleges. Richards reportedly took off on Santiam Highway with the woman still in the back. Another deputy arriving at the scene gave chase but terminated the pursuit as Richards was driving at high speed with no headlights the wrong way down a one-way road, according to the affidavit. The driver told authorities he and the cars owner, who live together, had just recently met Richards and were picking him up from a mutual friends house to take him home but decided to make a quick stop at the 7-Eleven. Around 30 minutes later, the car owner called the Sheriffs Office, reporting she had been left near Lowes in Albany. Both victims confirmed hearing Richards say he had a gun, but neither reported seeing him with one, according to the court document. Passing bad bills A separate probable cause affidavit alleges Richards attempted to pass counterfeit bills that morning when he tried to buy a soda at Crowfoot Market in Lebanon, leaving behind three fake dollar bills and a fake $2 bill. The bills were marked copy and showed printer lines, the affidavit states. The deputy investigating the counterfeit bills recognized Richards distinct facial tattoo on security camera footage, according to the affidavit, which states Richards was wearing the same clothing when he fled arrest that night. In the carjacking case, Richards was charged with felony counts of second-degree robbery, second-degree kidnapping, unauthorized vehicle use, and fleeing as well as misdemeanor reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person, according to court records, which show he was charged with first-degree forgery in the counterfeit case. Seeking higher penalty The state is seeking an enhanced sentence if Richards is found guilty, citing his criminal history and saying future efforts to rehabilitate him will fail and substantial incarceration is necessary to protect the public. Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by becoming a subscriber today. Richards also faces open cases for failure to register as a sex offender and third-degree theft in Linn County, and second- and third-degree theft in Washington County, according to court records. He was previously convicted of rape, burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, forgery, theft, fleeing, criminal mischief, giving false information, meth and heroin possession and failure to report as a sex offender. Another African country is in the news for the wrong reasons as Senegal has again cut mobile internet access for supposedly security-related reasons. With the planned election abruptly delayed from 25 February to December there have been protests against what some see as an undemocratic extension to President Macky Sall's mandate. The government blames electoral disputes, which, it says, have threatened the credibility of the vote, for the delay. As Reuters reports, the situation led to clashes between protesters and police late last week in a number of cities including the capital Dakar, resulting in three deaths and about 270 detentions. The government then refused to permit a silent march planned by activist groups for Tuesday and ordered mobile operators to suspend internet access. It blamed subversive online messages for provoking unrest. The silent march is now scheduled for Saturday. The UN Human Rights Office and Amnesty International have accused the authorities of disregarding fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression and using excessive force against protesters. There have also been complaints from the French foreign ministry and the US State Department, along with calls for a national political dialogue from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This isnt the first internet shutdown in Senegal. In fact, according to ITWeb Africa, a US group called Media Defence and the Rule of Law Impact Lab at Stanford Law School has now filed a case in the ECOWAS Court of Justice, challenging internet shutdowns that happened last year in Senegal between June and August and aiming to prevent future shutdowns in the country. Other African countries where governments have imposed internet blackouts or restrictions on social media in recent years include Algeria, Ethiopia, Guinea, Sudan, Tanzania, Cuba, Chad, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Of course the problem extends beyond alleged censorship: the global cost to economies of shutdowns by order of government has been estimated in the billions of dollars. Guam telecoms and digital infrastructure provider GTA announced on Tuesday that Philippines-based carrier PLDT Global has established a PoP in its GTA GNC iX Data Centre. GTA said the new Guam PoP will provide PLDT Global with enhanced network performance, reduced latency, and route diversity. It will also serve as a strategic gateway to transpacific connectivity, providing PLDT Global access to each of Guams cable landing stations and related 12 subsea cable systems. By utilizing GTAs GNC iX Data Center as our new Point of Presence, PLDT Global is poised to deliver increased value to our customers, offering enhanced network performance and a diverse array of connectivity options, said Albert Villa-Real, president and CEO of PLDT Global, the international arm of PLDT. Roland Certeza, president and CEO of GTA, said that the partnership with PLDT Global would propel the growth of Guams data centre industry, promoting the island as a regional hub for resilient, high-capacity connectivity and attracting new businesses to the area. Guam stands at the crossroads of international connectivity, and with our latest PoP, we are unlocking unparalleled opportunities to bring more interconnection opportunities to our ecosystem of carriers across the APAC region for our partners, Certeza said in a statement GTAs GNC iX Data Center is increasingly appealing to carriers in need of an Asia hub for IP transit, peering, and colocation to address the increasing requirements and growing operations that connect individuals, businesses, and the global community. Guam has become a focal point in recent subsea cable projects in the Pacific islands. Last month, Google Cloud revealed its central Pacific Connect initiative with Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), APTelecom, and Telstra, which aims to build two subsea cables forming a ring that connects Guam, French Polynesia and Fiji by 2026. At the time, Brian Quigley, VP of global network infrastructure at Google Cloud, said the ring would join Guams existing subsea cable portfolio which includes Apricot, Echo, and Taiwan-Philippines-US accelerating the islands position as a growing gateway for international connectivity. Guam is also a key landing point for the transpacific Echo subsea cable backed by Google and Meta that will run between California, Indonesia, Palau and Singapore. Telstra International and Trans Pacific Networks (TPN) announced last month that they will co-build and operate the Echo cable. An N.C. House Select Committee is recommending that the General Assembly change a state law forcing districts to start school the Monday closest to Aug. 26 and end no later than the Friday clo Today Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High around 55F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight Mostly clear. Widespread frost likely. Low around 30F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow A mainly sunny sky. High 59F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The South African government lodged an urgent complaint on Monday at the International Court of Justice against the plan announced by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu to attack Rafah in southern Gaza, where 1.4 million people, most of them refugees from elsewhere, have been pushed by the Israeli military. So reports Siyabonga Mkhwanazi at Pretorias Independent On Line (IOL) (a consortium of South Africa newspapers). The IOL says that President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed Tuesday that South Africa has inquired with the ICJ whether it needs to issue another preliminary judgment to stop Israels planned offensive against Rafah. The Court is permitted to issue provisional orders at any time without having to convene to decide the case finally. Lizeka Tandwa at the Mail & Guardian reports that the further submission to the court pointed out that Rafah is the last refuge for the surviving people in Gaza. Vincent Magwenya, the spokesman for South Africans president, posted this statement to the presidency web site: The South African Government has made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider whether the decision announced by Israel to extend its military operations in Rafah, which is the last refuge for surviving people in Gaza, requires that the court uses its power to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza. Under Article 75(1) of the Rules of Court, The Court may at any time decide to examine proprio motu whether the circumstances of the case require the indication of provisional measures which ought to be taken or complied with by any or all of the parties. In a request submitted to the court yesterday (12 February 2024), the South African government said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large scale killing, harm and destruction. This would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and of the Courts Order of 26 January 2024. South Africa trusts this matter will receive the necessary urgency in light of the daily death toll in Gaza. IOL reports that Naledi Pandor, Minister of International Relations and Co-operation, said that South Africa would not remain silent as Israel carried out atrocities in Gaza. Zane Dangor, Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, said that Israel is already in violation of of the measures ordered by the Court on January 26, according to TimesLive. Al Jazeera English: South Africa makes urgent request to ICJ on Israels Rafah offensive On January 26, the International Court of Justice instructed Israel to cease actions in Gaza that meet the definition of genocide in international law: The Court considers that, with regard to the situation described above, Israel must, in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention, in particular: (a) killing members of the group; (b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; (c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part; and (d) imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group. The Court recalls that these acts fall within the scope of Article II of the Convention when they are committed with the intent to destroy in whole or in part a group as such . . . The Court further considers that Israel must ensure with immediate effect that its military forces do not commit any of the above-described acts. Not only has the Israeli government thumbed its nose at the courts preliminary injunction, continuing to kill dozens of non-combatants daily and continuing to bomb dense population centers, including refugee camps, but now is planning an operation that human rights organizations are warning would be catastrophic. The International Court of Justice was established to settle disputes among United Nations member states. The court has found that South Africa has standing to bring this action, which complains that Israel is violating the 1948 Genocide Convention to which both it and South Africa are signatories. Although it may take a long time for the court to rule on whether Israels actions in Gaza amount to genocide, the court has already issued the equivalent of a preliminary injunction, recognizing the plausibility of the South African allegations. By Svante Lundgren, Lund University | The Armenian quarter in Jerusalems Old City is facing its biggest crisis in a long time. A Jewish businessman with connections to the radical settler movement is poised to develop a quarter of the neighbourhoods territory, with plans to build a luxury hotel. If this goes ahead, it will significantly change part of Jerusalems Old City and hasten the demographic shift towards the citys Jewish population which has been happening for some years. The Armenian quarter actually makes up one-sixth of the Old City (the other quarters being the Muslim, the Christian, and the Jewish) and the Armenian presence in Jerusalem dates back to the 4th century. Together with the neighbouring Christian quarter, it is a stronghold for the citys small Christian minority. The threat of a takeover of parts of the quarter by Jewish settlers is widely seen as altering the demographic status quo to favour Israels interests. Jerusalem: Armenian Christians fight controversial land deal | BBC News Video In 2021, the Armenian patriarch of Jerusalem, Nourhan Manougian, agreed a 98-year lease over part of the Armenian quarter with the developers. The agreement covers a significant area that today includes a parking lot, buildings belonging to the office of the Armenian church leader known as the patriarchate and the homes of five Armenian families. News of the deal prompted strong protests among the neighbourhoods Armenians last year. Such was the depth of feeling that in October, the patriarch and the other church leaders felt compelled to cancel the agreement. This led to violent confrontations between settlers and local Armenians. Ermeniniane kwartiri i Jarsa , CC BY-ND After a few quiet weeks, fighting broke out again at the end of December when more than 30 men armed with stones and clubs reportedly attacked the Armenians who had been guarding the area for several weeks. The dispute has now gone to court. The question is whether the lease agreement is valid or whether the unilateral termination makes the agreement void. The patriarchate has engaged lawyers local and from Armenia and the US who will present its case that the agreement was not entered into properly because of irregularities in the contract. Changing East Jerusalems demography This is not a single incident. Since the 1967 six-day War, when the whole of Jerusalem came under Israeli control, there has been a concerted effort to change the demography in the traditionally Arab East Jerusalem. In many places the authorities are evicting the Arab families who have lived there for decades with the explanation that they lack documents that they own the house. Then a Jewish family moves in. This change of the demography of East Jerusalem happens through evictions, demolitions and buildings restrictions. This is also happening in Jerusalems iconic and touristic Old City. Almost 20 years ago, there was a minor scandal when it emerged that the Greek Orthodox patriarchate, a large property owner, had entered into a long lease agreement with a Jewish settler organisation regarding two historic hotels. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) , CC BY-ND Now we have a similar incident concerning the Armenian patriarchate. Selling or renting out property to Jewish settlers for a long time is viewed extremely negatively by the Palestinians, who have long fought against illegal Jewish settlements in Palestinian areas. East Jerusalem is of vital importance to the Palestinians. In proposed plans for a two-state solution, it is the intended capital of a future Palestinian state. Decisively changing the demography there is therefore a priority goal for some in Israel including the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who doesnt want a two-state solution. Hierarchical institutions This conflict also underlines an old problem with the Jerusalems Christian churches namely the gap between the leadership and the people. Old churches are by nature hierarchical and the leaders at the top rule supremely. In Jerusalem there is an additional problem in that the church leaders are not always drawn from the local population. The largest Christian denomination in the Holy Land is the Greek Orthodox Church. Its members are largely Arabs, but the patriarch and the other leading prelates are Greeks. Nourhan Manougian, the current and 97th Armenian patriarch of Jerusalem, was born in Syria to an Armenian family. The Armenian patriarchate has been accused of corruption and illegitimate sale of property in the past, long before the current crisis. If the Armenians lose this battle and the settler movement is able to gain control of such a key site, it will harm a vulnerable small minority. And the settler campaign to colonise East Jerusalem under Jewish control will have achieved yet another victory. Svante Lundgren, Researcher, Lund University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. ( Tomdispatch.com) When the Civil War ended in 1865, the 76-year-old Constitution needed an upgrading and those leading the country did indeed dramatically transform it with the passage of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, known collectively as the Reconstruction Era amendments. The 13th (1865) abolished slavery, while the 15th (1870) gave voting rights to newly freed Black men. However, it was the 14th Amendment, first drafted in 1866 and ratified in 1868, that would prove the most far-reaching and that today sits all too squarely between Donald Trump and his white nationalist and authoritarian dreams. While much attention has been rightfully focused on its insurrection clause (Section 3) and whether, thanks to it, Trump should be allowed to hold office, given his role in the January 6th attempted insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, his actions are also at odds with other key provisions of that amendment. Trumps Constitutional Indiscretions It hardly needs to be said that Donald Trump is no constitutional scholar. At this point, though, there can be little doubt that his instincts are distinctly focused on some version of autocratic rule and white male privilege. No surprise then that, in his adult life, including as president, hes staked out positions and advocated policies that distinctly conflict with the letter of, and the tone of, the 14th Amendment. Mind you, hes brazenly violated other parts of the Constitution as well, including the emoluments clause of Article 1, Section 6, and the appropriations clause of Article 1, Section 9. The foreign emolument section states that, without congressional assent, neither the president nor other office holders can accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State. Yet, as the Democrats on the House Oversight Committee documented, Trumps businesses received at least $7.8 million in payments from foreign governments and government-backed entities from 20 countries, in itself adding up to a set of gifts (or do I mean grifts?) of historic proportions. Moreover, that figure is undoubtedly a significant underestimate of what he actually received. According to reporting by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), Trumps businesses took in more than $160 million from international sources during his presidency. He also got away with violating the constitutional authority given only to Congress to appropriate federal spending by stealing funds from the military to try to build his border wall. To be specific, he diverted $2.5 billion from the militarys construction budget to that wall project of his. In June 2020, a federal appeals court found that the administration had acted illegally. By then, however, the money had been spent and Trumps tenure would soon come to an end. Preserving the 14th Amendment Undoubtedly, however, his determination to put the 14th Amendment in the trashcan of history should draw the most concern. The rights that U.S. citizens cherish from basic civil and human ones to not being ruled by insurrectionists are most strongly protected by provisions in that amendment. The struggle to constitutionalize equal rights was one of the most important for the Black community after the Civil War. In November 1865, for example, a 54-foot long petition signed by hundreds of men, organized by the State Convention of Colored People of South Carolina, was submitted to Congress demanding equal rights before the law, an equal voice, and the elective franchise. The first line of the 14th Amendment states that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. Known as the birthright citizenship statement, it has almost universally been interpreted to mean that anyone born within the territory of the United States is automatically a full citizen. More than 30 countries have the principle of jus soli (of the soil) allowing citizenship with no qualifications to, or restrictions on, those born there, regardless of the status of their parents. Among the countries with no restrictions are Brazil, Canada, Cuba, El Salvador, Guyana, Mexico, Tanzania, Tuvalu, and the United States. That statement was included in the 14th Amendment specifically to revoke the Supreme Courts pre-Civil War 1857 Dred Scott v. Sanford decision one of the most egregious it ever made denying citizenship and any rights to Black people in the United States. Chief Justice Roger B. Taney infamously wrote that Black people and their descendants had for more than a century been regarded as beings of an inferior order they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect. In the post-Civil War environment, that ruling clearly had to be corrected and so the 14th Amendments congressional authors wrote it in such a way as to include not just newly freed slaves but anyone born in the United States. (The one all-too-ironic and shameful exception was Native Americans who werent given legal citizenship until 1924 under the Indian Citizenship Act.) Donald Trump has long expressed a deep opposition to birthright citizenship. He and much of the far right refer to it derogatorily as birth tourism and claim that thousands of women are coming to this country just to have children who would automatically become citizens. There should be no doubt that he and his followers are speaking of immigrants of color from the global South. When elected in 2016, he promptly declared that he would abolish birthright citizenship with an executive order. He was then informed that such an order would never stand up legally and only in January 2020 did he finally propose new rules for the State Department that were meant to stop it from issuing visas to visitors coming to this country supposedly for the purpose of birth tourism. It was notable, by the way, that the nations of Western Europe were excluded from those rules, which in any case were so vague as to be impossible to enforce without breaking laws on privacy. Ultimately, the consensus among scholars is that it would take a constitutional amendment to end what is now a constitutional right. Yet Trump continues to declare that, should he win the presidency in 2024, one of his priorities will indeed be to abolish birthright citizenship. As he put it last year, As part of my plan to secure the border, on Day One of my new term in office, I will sign an executive order making clear to federal agencies that under the correct interpretation of the law, going forward, the future children of illegal aliens will not receive automatic U.S. citizenship. His contention that he has a correct interpretation of the law is distinctly in conflict with the history of past challenges to that amendment. Previous Supreme Courts, whether dominated by liberals or conservatives, have upheld birthright citizenship on numerous occasions, starting with the 1898 Wong Kim Ark case. Trump, of course, is betting that his three appointments to the court and at least two other conservative justices will finally break with such precedents. Section 1 of the 14th Amendment also guarantees due process and equal protection under the laws. That due process clause was specifically meant to stop southern whites who returned to power in the post-Civil War era from passing state laws and enacting other policies that would legally treat newly freed Blacks differently. In the immediate aftermath of the war, however, Black codes were indeed enacted by pro-slavery whites in southern legislatures. As a result, Congress felt called upon to pass laws, known as the Enforcement Acts, meant to ensure that the 14th and 15th Amendments would be the law of the land and that the rights of Black people would be protected. In 1896, equal protection for African Americans and other people of color would nonetheless be nearly trampled to death by the Supreme Courts ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson. That decision, in fact, would sanction racial segregation thanks to a perverse interpretation of the 14th Amendment under the banner of separate but equal (which, of course, actually meant separate and distinctly unequal). Almost 60 years of Jim Crow segregation followed until, in 1955, the Supreme Courts Brown v. Board of Education ruling reinterpreted the equal protection clause to ensure that separate could never be interpreted to mean equal. Trump, however, has demonstrated strikingly little fealty to the principle of due process for all. From his 1989 call for the death penalty for five young Black and Brown men before they even had a trial to his threatening insistence that Hillary Clinton and others of his political opponents be jailed based purely on personal grievances and vendettas, hes never faintly respected the constitutional rights of others. Hes called for protesters to be beaten at his rallies and mused that Black Lives Matter activists should be shot in the legs at demonstrations. When it came to foreign policy and immigration policy, his administration (with his fervent backing) separated children from their parents in a fierce crackdown on undocumented aliens, while he demanded a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the U.S. In addition to the racism and cruelty of such policies, they plainly violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. For the Civil Rights Movement and, more broadly, all movements for social justice and human rights in the United States, the equal protection clause has proven decisive. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act were typically passed on the principle of equal protection. It was also the basis for ending bans on interracial marriage (Loving v. Virginia), providing abortion rights to women nationally (Roe v. Wade), and allowing same-sex marriage in every state (Obergefell v. Hodges). As demonstrated by their rulings to end Roe, as well as affirmative action in university admissions (with the exception of military academies like West Point), Trump-appointed Supreme Court justices simply dont believe in equal protection. For a candidate and party that brand themselves as proponents of law-and-order above all else, its clear that a reactionary version of order is significantly more important than fairness or the equal application of the rule of law to every citizen. Insurrectionists Cant Hold Office Of course, as even certain conservative legal scholars have noted, Trump played a key role in launching the January 6th insurrection and, under the third section of the 14th Amendment, should be ineligible to run again for president. As that section reads, someone an officer of state who violates his or her oath to support the Constitution of the United States and who shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same, or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof cannot hold office. Thanks to Trump, millions of Americans now believe that he won an election he distinctly lost. Although he was told by most of his own experts and in dozens of court decisions that he had done so, he didnt bother to share that information with his followers. Instead, he continued to foster misinformation and deep anger about that election. Without him, that crowd would never have gathered in Washington to save America and stop the steal. (Be there, will be wild! he tweeted to his followers.) Without him, its participants wouldnt have gone to the Capitol. Without his exhortations that they needed to fight like hell, that crowd he was addressing at the Ellipse in Washington on January 6, 2021, might never have become quite so riled up. Courts in Colorado and Maine have determined that Trump should not be allowed to stay on the ballot because of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. In about half of the other states, cases have been filed to remove him due to his role in the insurrection (something on which the Supreme Court will seemingly soon rule). Most telling, when it came to his cavalier disregard for constitutional rule, has been his claim that, since the oath of office he took as president only required him to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution, he wasnt obliged (as Section 3 demands) to support the Constitution on January 6th, a distinction only someone as venal as Trump would have made. But as CREW noted in response to the petition from Trumps lawyers in the Colorado case, The Constitution itself, historical context, and common sense, all make clear that the Fourteenth Amendments disqualification clause extends to the President and the Presidency. Even conservative lawyers J. Michael Luttig, Peter Keisler, Larry Thompson, Stuart Gerson, and Donald Ayer have argued in their amicus brief in the case that Trump incited the threat and use of violent force as his last opportunity to stop the peaceful transfer of executive power. They state unequivocally that he had the intent that the armed mob, at the very least, threaten physical force on January 6, 2021, in response to his speech on the Ellipse. And to be clear, as legal scholar and civil rights lawyer Sherrilyn Ifill argues in her brilliant amicus brief, Trumps insurrection was targeted, in part, against the votes of African Americans. No Understanding of, or Desire to Understand, the Constitution In July 2016, as he was about to secure the Republican nomination for president, Trump had a closed-door meeting with House Republicans. In responding to a question about Article 1 of the Constitution that addresses the responsibilities, powers, and limits of the president, Trump stated: Im for Article I, Im for Article II, Im for Article XII. There are, in fact, only seven Articles in the U.S. Constitution. From the day Donald Trump took office, he had no intention to preserve, protect, and defend, no less support the Constitution. Instead, he essentially ran roughshod over much of that document. And the issue was never simply his ignorance of the Constitution (though that should be taken for granted), but his outright hostility to it. That he has not yet been held accountable for that should be considered a disgrace in this era and will undoubtedly be seen as such by generations to come. Today, as in the years after its passage to defend the rights of the newly freed, the enforcement of the 14th Amendment remains as much a political question as a legal one. In a sense, it couldnt be simpler. President Donald Trump was an officer of the United States who incited and engaged in insurrection and so should be disqualified from ever again holding the office of the presidency. However, based on skeptical questioning by both liberal and conservative Supreme Court justices at the February 8th hearing on the case, it appears that the court will likely not allow Colorado or any other state to bar Trump from the ballot. If so, the Trump danger will continue for now. Copyright 2024 Clarence Lusane Via Tomdispatch.com TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQB: AVLNF) ("Avalon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Scott Monteith as the Company's Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Monteith, who has been serving as the Company's Interim CEO since May 2023, is an experienced clean tech executive, entrepreneur and business owner with a successful track record of moving inventions from concept to commercial success. Mr. Monteith has led the Company through the acquisition of the site for its planned lithium processing facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, the formation of its joint venture with SCR-Sibelco NV to develop its Separation Rapids Lithium Project and Lilypad Project, as well as spearheading the overhaul of the Company's strategic direction. Alan Ferry, Avalon's Lead Director, commented, "On behalf of the Board, we would like to congratulate Mr. Monteith on his appointment. Mr. Monteith's leadership has been integral to the Company's progress throughout 2023, and we are looking forward to Mr. Monteith guiding Avalon through its continuing evolution into an advanced manufacturing company." Location Update for Upcoming Shareholder Meeting The annual and special meeting of the Company's shareholders will now be held at: TMX Market Centre, 120 Adelaide Street West, Ground Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 1T1, rather than at its prior location. The date and time of the meeting (Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 4:00pm) remain unchanged. About Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. is a Canadian advanced manufacturing company focused on vertically integrating the Ontario lithium supply chain. The Company, through its joint venture with SCR-Sibelco NV, is currently developing its Separation Rapids lithium deposit near Kenora, ON, while also continuing to advance the Snowbank lithium and Lilypad lithium-caesium projects. Avalon is also working to develop its Nechalacho rare earths and zirconium project located in the Northwest Territories. This deposit contains critical minerals for use in advanced technologies in the communications and defense industries among other sectors. In addition to these upstream activities, Avalon is executing on a key initiative to develop Ontario's first midstream lithium hydroxide processing facility in Thunder Bay, ON, a vital link bridging the lithium resources of the north with the downstream EV battery manufacturing base in the south. Avalon is listed on the TSX: AVL and OTCQB: AVLNF. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, information with respect to the Company's continuing evolution into an advanced manufacturing company, and the upcoming annual meeting of shareholders; and completion of the Company's business objectives, and the timing, costs, and benefits thereof. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "add" or "additional", "advancing", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "appears", "believes", "can be", "conceptual", "confidence", "continue", "convert" or "conversion", "deliver", "demonstrating", "estimates", "encouraging", "expand" or "expanding" or "expansion", "expect" or "expectations", "forecasts", "forward", "goal", "improves", "increase", "intends", "justification", "plans", "potential" or "potentially", "promise", "prospective", "prioritize", "reflects", "robust", "scheduled", "suggesting", "support", "top-tier", "updating", "upside", "will be" or "will consider", "work towards", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur", or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including risks associated with mineral exploration and development operations such as: environmental hazards and economic factors as they affect the cost and success of the Company's capital expenditures, the ability of the Company to obtain required permits and approvals, the ability of the Company to obtain financing, uncertainty in the estimation of mineral resources, uncertainty with respect to the ability to successfully construct and develop the Company's lithium processing facility, the price of lithium, no operating history, no operating revenue and negative cash flow, land title risk, the market price of the Company's securities, the economic feasibility of the Company's mineral resources and the Company's commercial viability, inflation and uncertain global economic conditions, uncertain geo-political shifts and risks, successful collaboration with indigenous communities, changes in technology and advancements in innovation may impact the development of the Company's technology innovation centre and its lithium hydroxide processing facility, future pandemics and other health crises, dependence on management and other highly skilled personnel, title to the Company's mineral properties, the ongoing war in Ukraine and Israel, extensive government and environmental regulation, reliance on artificial intelligence technology to influence mining operations, volatility in the financial markets, uninsured risks, climate change, threat of legal proceedings, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in the annual information form of the Company dated November 28, 2023 (the "AIF") under the heading "Description of the Business Risk Factors". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. In addition to other factors and assumptions identified in the AIF, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: management of certain of the Company's assets by other companies or joint venture partners, the Company's ability to carry on its exploration and development activities without undue delays or unbudgeted costs, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost effective manner, the ability of the Company to operate in a safe, efficient and effective manner, the ability of the Company to obtain all necessary financing on acceptable terms and when needed, the accuracy of the Company's resource estimates and geological, operational and price assumptions on which these are based and the continuance of the regulatory framework regarding environmental manners. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all factors and assumptions that may have been used. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has closed the underwritten offering (the "Offering") previously announced on February 7, 2024 by issuing 24,150,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.50 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of $12,075,000, which includes the exercise, in full, by the Underwriters (as defined below) of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to purchase up to an additional 3,150,000 Units at the Offering Price pursuant to the terms of an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") dated as of February 8, 2024, among the Company, Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation (the "Lead Underwriter"), Canaccord Genuity Corp., Eight Capital, and Raymond James Ltd. (together with the Lead Underwriter, the "Underwriters"). Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price per Warrant Share of C$0.65 for a period of 36 months from the closing date of the Offering. In connection with the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the Company paid to the Underwriters a cash commission of $724,500, which was equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the Offering, and issued an aggregate of 1,449,000 broker warrants, equal to 6.0% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering. Each broker warrant is exercisable for one Common Share at a price of C$0.65 for a period of 36 months from the closing date of the Offering. The net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Units will be used for development and ramp up expenses at the Tuvatu Gold project located in Fiji, as well as for general corporate expenses & purposes. The Units issued pursuant to the Offering were qualified for distribution by way of a prospectus supplement of the Company dated February 9, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's existing short form base shelf prospectus dated May 13, 2022 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") filed in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, and offered and sold to eligible purchasers by way of available prospectus exemptions in certain jurisdictions outside of Canada. The Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the documents incorporated by reference therein and the Underwriting Agreement are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedar.com. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver, B.C., with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets. As disclosed in its "Technical Report and PEA Update for the Tuvatu Gold Project" dated April 29, 2022, the 2018 Tuvatu resource estimate comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and under the Lion One profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Alex Nichol, MAIG, VP Geology and Exploration for Lion One, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and is responsible for the technical and scientific content of this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited "Walter Berukoff" Chairman and CEO For further information Contact Investor Relations Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.liononemetals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the results of the Offering and associated marketing efforts, the use of proceeds of the Offering, actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results., and results of ongoing production operations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: prevailing capital markets conditions, the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Nokia and Chinese smartphone manufacturer Oppo reached a resolution and threw out their lawsuits from the Indian high court which was originally filed by the Finnish company. The Economic Times reported, the two companies had reached a confidential litigation settlement last month. The settlement followed a global patent-cross licence agreement between the two covering standard-essential patents in 5G and other communications technologies. Both parties have agreed to resolve all pending litigation in all jurisdictions. Specific details of the agreement have been kept confidential. The lawsuits involved a total of seven patents. Oppo was accused of using three standard essential patents which are necessary to create cellular systems 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G compliant, despite permission for their use expiring in 2021. This settlement follows Nokia also resolving a patent dispute with fellow Chinese smartphone manufacturer vivo. Continuous mineralized polymetallic system modelled from surface to a maximum vertical depth of 225m over 2.5km of the Victoria Multi Metals Zone, from the road to the west. Nickel is present in pyrrhotite, pentlandite and sometimes millerite sulfides. The alteration zone contains minimal to no olivine or magnesium, with the majority of the nickel being hosted in sulfides. February 14, 2024 TheNewswire - Pickering, ON - Renforth Resources Inc. (CSE :RFR) (OTC:RFHRF) (FSE-9RR) (Renforth or the Company) wishes to inform shareholders that continuity of mineralization has been confirmed within a 2.5km section of the approximately 20km Victoria Multi Metals Zone, which spans the central part of the Malartic Metals Package. In total, Renforth has drilled 10,316m in 44 drillholes within the 2.5km section, the deepest mineralized pierce point is 225m vertical depth, which supplied the data for 3d modelling in LeapFrog, a tool employed by Renforth's geologists to assist in planning future work, which also demonstrates the continuity of the mineralization. This has identified target areas to be followed up on. Renforth does not have a resource for disclosure in place on the VMMZ at this time. LeapFrog Screen Grab for Illustrative Purposes "The 3d model, visually depicting the potential of the Victoria structure is an exciting thing to see. We have more work to do, lots of it, to prove this potential, but with the proof of continuity we now understand there is reason to continue our efforts. We are uniquely positioned in a highly prospective area, surrounded by excellent infrastructure, to define the next important polymetallic deposit in Canada" states Nicole Brewster, President and CEO of Renforth. Victoria Multi Metals Zone (VMMZ) Renforth Director Aline Leclerc P.Geo states "the VMMZ is a clearly defined magnetic structure, approximately 20km in length, running east/west across the centre of the Malartic Metals Package (formerly referred to as Surimeau), a wholly owned ~300 sq. km. road accessible land package, with hydropower on the property, near Malartic, Quebec. The VMMZ has coincident EM anomalies along its entirety, many of which have been successfully sampled on surface, which, in conjunction with historic and Renforth's own work, has proven the structure to be mineralized with an "Outokumpu Style" (named for a mining district in Finland where mines have a unique style of polymetallic mineralization) polymetallic package consisting of Ni/Co/Fe/Cr/Pt/Pd in an Ultramafic intertwined with a VMS hosting Zn/Cu/Ag/Au. A structure of this size, with this mineralization, is one of only a handful of identified "Outokumpu Style" occurrences around the world." ~20km Long VMMZ Structure The VMMZ mineralized assemblage is hosted in intercalated lenses of graphitic black shales, carbonates and calc-silicate altered lenses of ultramafic flows which contain elevated zinc, copper, and nickel sulfides. The shales are comprised of deep marine sedimentary layers, interpreted to be some distance from the sub-sea volcanic source of the mineralization, and range in thickness from .5 to several meters containing pyrite, pyrrhotite, sphalerite, and chalcopyrite mineralization (Zn/Cu/Ag). The intercalated ultramafic flows and lenses range in thickness from several meters to tens of meters in thickness and host Ni (and companion elements) mineralization throughout, generally grading in a range between 0.15-0.3%. Renforth has observed a stacking of mineralized zones, which creates multiple contact zones between the VMS shales and the ultramafic, a positive development proven in the recent drilling. In addition, this modelling exercise demonstrates that drilling should have extended further to the south, particularly in the "Victoria West" end of the structure, as indicated by subsequent surface samples. States Francis Newton P.Geo OGQ: "Regional amphibolite grade metamorphism has affected the ultramafic flows to tremolite and locally carbonate, diopside and feldspar. The heat from this interaction, along with subsequent hydrothermal alteration, has mobilized the contained nickel mineralization present at the contact between volcanic flows of ultramafic composition and the graphitic mudstone. This process resulted in sulfide nickel enrichment within the contact zone calc silicate lithology. This mineralized horizon is continuous in varying widths along the length of the magnetic anomaly and, as we have seen in the 2.5km section, is actually repeated at least three times creating a series of stacked mineralized calc silicates separated by lenses of ultramafic bodies." VMMZ Mineralization The mineralization within the VMMZ is described by Martin Demers P.Geo: "Initial petrographic study work was carried out in 2021 on surface samples taken on the exposed mineralization to provide key information on the alteration and mineralization within the VMMZ. Findings conclude that the nickel mineralization is mainly hosted in pentlandite inclusions and exsolutions in pyrrhotite, no matter the volume of sulfides or the composition of alteration. Mineralization is strongest along the contact with the graphitic mudstone in a calc-silicate alteration zone widely identified in core logging where metamorphic alteration concentrated the mineralization in pyrrhotite, pentlandite and occasional millerite sulfides. There is little to no olivine nor magnesium within the alteration zone and the bulk of the nickel is sulfide hosted." Renforth intends to continue this petrographic identification work, including with recent drill core. Additionally, the company aims to initiate thorough testing for platinum and palladium. Previous testing, albeit limited to only a handful of samples, has confirmed the presence of Pt and Pd within the system. Renforth has drilled 10,316m in 44 drill holes within a ~2.5km strike length on the Victoria MMZ. Most recently, in Nov/Dec 2023, an infill program was conducted, drilling 3575m in 11 drillholes. This program filled gaps between prior drillholes and demonstrated continuity of mineralization. The VMMZ remains open along its length to the east and west beyond the 2.5km section, as well as within its width to the north and the south and at depth, below existing work. The deepest pierce point within the 2.5km section of the VMMZ drilled is 225m vertical metres depth in SUR-23-54. Assay Information Assay data which forms the dataset for the 2.5km area includes the following top 10 intersections (the 10th is a tie), presented with a nickel equivalent grade calculated with a formula using Ni+Cu+Zn+Ag+Co+Fe+Cr, additional information regarding the calculations appear below. Platinum group elements were not included in this calculation because very limited analysis for palladium and platinum has been completed, although previous testing has confirmed the presence of Pt and Pd within the system. More follow up work is still required. Top 10 Intervals in 2.5km Long Area 2023 Drill Program Assay Highlights The 2023 drill program holes, planned on the basis of distance in order to fill gaps in the drill pattern, bring the spacing to ~100m between drillholes across the ~2.5km. This program succeeded in intersecting the mineralized system in each hole, confirming the presence of at least 3 repetitions of mineralized zone, possibly due to multiple intrusive events. Footnotes to the Assay Tables 1 - Intervals stated are as measured in the core box, not true widths. At this time, true widths are not known. 2 - The Metal Eq% formula used = (Metal value+(additional metal ppm value*(additional metal $/gram)/(metal $/gram)))/10000 3 - Metal values used in the Eq formulas are as follows (Spot price dates for each metal with the USD price per gram) Jan 25th, 2024 - Lead $0.00216, Cobalt $0.02914, Nickel $0.01647. Jan 26, 2024 - Zinc $0.002587, Copper $0.008496, Iron $0.000136, Silver $0.7367. Oct 21, 2023 - Chromium $0.00386. 4 - The Ni Eq % and Zn Eq % are calculated without a cutoff. Renforth has only performed limited thin section work and no metallurgical work, the percent recovery of metals during processing is not known and is therefore not assumed. 5 - The assay methods used in the early stages of exploration was Na-peroxide fusion. The assay method was changed to Aqua Regia which is still in use. Renforth is working on standardizing the analytical method used going forward to provide more reliable geochemistry compatible with future calculations and modelling work. Qualified Person The technical contents of this press release have been reviewed and approved by Francis Newton P.Geo OGQ. In addition, and Ms. Aline Leclerc P.Geo and Mr. Martin Demers P.Geo have respectively reviewed and approved the portions of the press release attributed to them. Technical Information The samples highlighted in this press release were all selected in the field during logging, split, bagged, and tagged and securely delivered to the facilities of ALS Laboratories in Val d'Or Quebec and assayed for multielement analysis using Aqua Regia. Renforth is pleased to announce the results of its annual of shareholders (AGM) held on January 26, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. All resolutions were passed including (i) the re-appointing McGovern Hurley LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the directors to fix the auditors remuneration; (ii) the nominees listed in the management information circular dated December 15, 2023 (the Circular), which was mailed to Renforth shareholders of record as of December 12, 2023, were elected to the board of directors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their successors are duly appointed or elected. Those elected to the board were Nicole Brewster, Wally Rudensky, Warren Smulowitz, John Webster, Kellie Leitch, Judi Wood and Aline Leclerc. About Renforth Renforth is a battery metals area play with the dominant brownfield land position south of the world class Cadillac-Larder Lake Fault ("CLLF") in the prolific Cadillac and Malartic mining camps of Quebec's Abitibi. Offering exposure to gold, zinc, nickel, copper, cobalt and more, including lithium, Renforth's land position encompasses several areas of interest. Renforth's position is unique in that the both the battery metals mineralization within the Malartic Metals Package ("MMP") and our gold deposit at Parbec are road accessible, with hydro power crossing the properties, in an established and secure mining jurisdiction which regularly ranks as Top 10 (as determined by the Fraser Institute) in the world. Renforth is engaged in the active exploration of the proven MMP battery metals mineralization, working towards a maiden resource statement, and the remodeling of our Parbec gold deposit to incorporate the ~15,000m drilled subsequent to the 2019 effective date of the last MRE. Technical disclosure in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Francis R. Newton PGeo, OGQ a qualified person pursuant to NI 43-101. For further information please contact: Renforth Resources Inc. Nicole Brewster President and Chief Executive Officer C:416-818-1393 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. #Unit 1B 955 Brock Road, Pickering ON L1W 2X9 No securities regulatory authority has approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and information under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward looking. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as may, will, plan, expect, believe, anticipate, estimate, intend and similar words referring to future events and results. Such statements and information are based on the current opinions and expectations of management. All forward-looking information is inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, the risks of obtaining necessary approvals, licenses and permits and the availability of financing, as described in more detail in the Companys securities filings available at www.sedar.com. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements and the reader is cautioned against placing undue reliance thereon. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is provided, and the Company assumes no obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law. VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Silver Viper Minerals Corp. (the "Company" or "Silver Viper") (TSXV: VIPR) (OTC: VIPRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Taj Singh as Independent Chair of the Company's Board of Directors ("Chair") succeeding Mr. Gary Cope who will be stepping off the Board to move into retirement. Silver Viper's President and CEO Steve Cope states: "Taj is an accomplished leader with a proven track record, and we are delighted to welcome him on as Chair of Silver Viper's Board. He brings considerable technical, strategic, and financing experience, as well as significant first-hand knowledge of operating successfully in Mexico. "Gary founded the Belcarra Group and its companies, including Silver Viper, and will always be a part of what we do. We want to thank him for his years of service and wish him the best as he enjoys his retirement and pursues his other interests. We look forward to building on the legacy Gary leaves us at Belcarra." Incoming Chair Taj Singh states: "I am honored to be appointed Chair and given the opportunity to lead the board and management team as Silver Viper continues to make headway on its projects in Mexico, a business jurisdiction I am very familiar with. I am humbled to take over this role from Gary and wish him well in his retirement. Mr. Taj Singh - Biography Taj Singh currently serves as President and CEO of Gold Line Resources Ltd. Singh was founding President and CEO of Mexico focused Discovery Silver Corp where he led a +30x market capitalization growth to over C$500 million during his tenure. He also served as Director / Lead Independent Director of GT Gold Corp., acquired by Newmont Corporation in 2020 for approximately C$400 million. Earlier in his career, Singh served as VP Business Development and VP Engineering for Mexican gold producer Timmins Gold Corp. (since acquired by Argonaut Gold Inc.). Singh also worked as a Mining Equity Research Analyst at Macquarie Capital Markets, and spent over a decade working in various operations, engineering, and project development roles for diversified mining majors Inco Limited and Vale Limited. Mr. Singh is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng), a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), and holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree (Metallurgy / Minerals Processing) and a Master of Engineering degree (Metallurgy). About Silver Viper Minerals Corp. Silver Viper Minerals Corp. is a Canadian-based junior mineral exploration company focused on precious metals exploration in the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. The Company currently operates the La Virginia Gold-Silver Project. Silver Viper has 100% ownership of the La Virginia concessions acquired from the most recent operator, Pan American Silver Corp., and has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Rubi-Esperanza group of claims internal to those concessions. Silver Viper is under management provided by the Belcarra Group, which is comprised of highly qualified mining professionals. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS /s/ Steve Cope Steve Cope President and CEO Forward Looking Information This news release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements with respect to the terms of the Offering, the receipt of regulatory approvals for the Offering and closing of the Offering. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to exploration and development, the ability of the Company to obtain additional financing, the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations, fluctuations in the prices of commodities, operating hazards and risks, competition and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's financial statements, management discussion and analysis and/or annual information form available on www.sedarplus.com. The risk factors identified in such documents are not intended to represent a complete list of factors that could affect the Company. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Emphasis on Emerging 552 Zone ST. JOHN'S, NL / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV:SIC) (OTCQB:SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the winter diamond-drilling program has begun, with a focus on extending the recently discovered 552 Zone, 400 m to the east of the main Eastern Trend. The 2,500-metre program will test a 150-metre strike length of the zone to a depth of approximately 125 metres, and will take six to eight weeks to complete. Drilling to date on the 552 Zone has defined a two- to five-metre wide zone of quartz veining and quartz breccia carrying fine free gold, sphalerite, and boulangerite. The best grade was intersected in hole MH-23-574, which returned 5.00 g/t gold over a 2.10 metre core length. Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President and CEO states: "We are eager to get started on extending the new 552 Zone to depth and along strike. The 552 Zone is extremely important since it represents a new gold-bearing structure on the property. We are confident that the 552 Zone has the potential to host sections of significantly higher grades. Three of the five most recent drill holes carried visible gold within 50 m of the surface. It is very encouraging to see so many similarities with our other high-grade zones." QP This news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp. Analytical Techniques / QA/QC Samples, including duplicates, blanks, and standards, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland for gold analysis. All core samples submitted for assay are saw cut by Sokoman personnel with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference. Samples are delivered in sealed bags directly to the lab by Sokoman personnel. Eastern Analytical Ltd. is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples with visible gold are submitted for total pulp metallics with a gravimetric finish. All other samples are analyzed by standard fire assay methods. Total pulp metallic analysis includes: the entire sample is crushed to -10 mesh; and then pulverized to 95% -150 mesh. The total sample is weighed and screened to 150 mesh; the +150 mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150 mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au; with a calculated weighted average of total Au in the sample reported as well. One blank and one industry-approved standard for every twenty samples submitted is included in the sample stream. Random duplicates of selected samples are analyzed in addition to the in-house standard and duplicate policies of Eastern Analytical Ltd. All reported assays are uncut. About Sokoman Minerals Corp. Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company with projects in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100% flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, as well as Crippleback Lake; and East Alder (optioned to Canterra Minerals Corporation) along the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, that is targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered into a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. Sokoman now controls, independently and through the Benton alliance, over 150,000 hectares (>6,000 claims - 1500 sq. km), making it one of the largest landholders in Newfoundland, in Canada's newest and rapidly emerging gold districts. In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. The agreement provides for Piedmont to earn up to 62.5% of the Killick Lithium Project (formerly Golden Hope project) by funding up to $12 million in exploration expenses and issuing $10 million common shares in three stages. The Killick Lithium Project has been transferred to Killick Lithium Inc. (Killick), a 100%-owned subsidiary of Vinland Lithium Inc. (Vinland). Newly created Vinland has received $2 million in financing from Piedmont for a 19.9% interest, with the balance of ownership between Sokoman and Benton. Sokoman and Benton will continue to operate the exploration efforts at Killick through the earn-in stages. Sokoman and Benton will retain a royalty of 2% NSR on future production. Piedmont will have exclusive marketing rights for the promotion and sale of any lithium products produced from the Project on a life-of-mine basis, and the right of first refusal on 100% offtake rights to the lithium concentrates. The Company also retains a 1% NSR interest in an early-stage antimony/gold project (Startrek) in Newfoundland, optioned to Thunder Gold Corp (formerly White Metal Resources Inc.), and in Labrador, the Company has a 100% interest in the Iron Horse (Fe) project which has Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) potential. Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property. The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for past financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys gold projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program. For more information, please contact: Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO T: 709-765-1726 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Cathy Hume, VP Corporate Development, Director T: 416-868-1079 x 251 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.com Twitter: @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @SokomanMinerals LinkedIn: @SokomanMineralsCorp Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities by Sokoman Minerals Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Baselode Energy Corp. (TSXV: FIND) (OTCQB: BSENF) ("Baselode" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced "bought deal" private placement (the "Offering") for aggregate gross proceeds of C$6,000,000, which includes the full exercise of the Underwriter's (as defined herein) over-allotment option for gross proceeds of C$1,000,000. Under the Offering, the Company sold the following: 2,222,222 units of the Company (each, a " Unit ") at a price of C$0.45 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$1,000,000 from the sale of Units; and ") at a price of C$0.45 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$1,000,000 from the sale of Units; and 7,692,308 flow-through units of the Company that were sold to charitable purchasers (each, a "Charity FT Unit", and collectively with the Units, the "Offered Securities") at a price of C$0.65 per Charity FT Unit for gross proceeds of C$5,000,000 from the sale of Charity FT Units. Red Cloud Securities (the "Underwriter") acted as sole underwriter and bookrunner under the Offering. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") and one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Charity FT Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one half of one Warrant, each of which will be issued as a "flow-through share" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the "Tax Act"). Each Warrant shall entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of C$0.65 at any time on or before February 14, 2026. Proceeds from the sale of Charity FT Units will be used to incur expenses that qualify as "Canadian exploration expenses" as defined in subsection 66.1(6) of the Tax Act and "flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures" incurred pursuant to an exploration plan that primarily targets "critical minerals", each as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Tax Act. Such expenses will be renounced to the subscribers with an effective date not later than December 31, 2024, in the aggregate amount of not less than the total amount of gross proceeds raised from the issue of Charity FT Units. In accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), 5,538,462 Charity FT Units (collectively, the "LIFE Offered Securities") were sold to purchasers resident in Canada pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). The common shares of the Company issuable from the sale of these LIFE Offered Securities are immediately freely tradeable under applicable Canadian securities legislation. All Offered Securities excluding the LIFE Offered Securities were offered by way of the "accredited investor" and "minimum amount investment" exemptions under NI 45-106 in all of the provinces of Canada. The common shares of the Company issuable from the sale of these Offered Securities are subject to a restricted period ending on June 15, 2024. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid to the Underwriter an aggregate cash commission of C$360,000, equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds raised under the Offering. The Company also issued to the Underwriter 594,871 warrants of the Company (the "Broker Warrants"), equal to 6.0% of the number of Offered Securities sold pursuant to the Offering. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Common Share at a price of C$0.45 at any time on or before February 14, 2026. The Company intends to use the proceeds raised from the Offering for exploration of the Company's projects in the Athabasca Basin area and for general working capital purposes. About Baselode Energy Corp. Baselode controls 100% of approximately 272,804 hectares for exploration in the Athabasca Basin area, northern Saskatchewan, Canada. The land package is free of any option agreements or underlying royalties. The Company discovered the ACKIO near-surface, uranium prospect in September 2021. ACKIO measures greater than 375 m along strike, greater than 150 m wide, comprised of at least 9 separate uranium Pods, with mineralization starting as shallow as 28 m and 32 m beneath the surface in Pods 1 and 7, respectively, and down to approximately 300 m depth beneath the surface with the bulk of mineralization occurring in the upper 120 m. ACKIO remains open at depth, and to the north, south and east. Baselode's Athabasca 2.0 exploration thesis focuses on discovering near-surface, basement-hosted, high-grade uranium orebodies outside the Athabasca Basin. The exploration thesis is further complemented by the Company's preferred use of innovative and well-understood geophysical methods to map deep structural controls to identify shallow targets for diamond drilling. Baselode Energy Corp. FIND on the TSXV This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. www.baselode.com James Sykes, CEO, President and Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 306-221-8717 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains certain forward-looking information. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the Offering, including, the potential use of proceeds of the Offering, including potential exploration and development of the Company's properties and potential future acquisitions. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information reflects Baselode's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Baselode and on assumptions Baselode believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the current share price of Baselode's common shares; TSX Venture Exchange acceptance and market acceptance of the Offering; Baselode's current and initial understanding and analysis of its projects; Baselode's general and administrative costs remaining constant; market acceptance of Baselode's business model, goals and approach; and the feasibility and reasonableness of conducting exploration on and developing any of Baselode's projects. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Baselode to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: there is no certainty that the ongoing work programs will result in significant or successful exploration and development of Baselode's properties; uncertainty as to the actual results of exploration and development or operational activities; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing on acceptable terms; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; capital market conditions and market prices for securities, junior market securities and mining exploration company securities; commodity prices; the actual results of current exploration and development or operational activities; competition; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents and other risks inherent in the mining industry; lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation or income tax legislation, affecting Baselode; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. A description of additional risk factors which may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in Baselode's disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Baselode has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Baselode does not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an exemption from such registration is available. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stallion Uranium Corp. (the "Company" or "Stallion" ) (TSX-V: STUD; OTCQB: STLNF; FSE: HM40) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (the LOI), under which the Company has granted an... Read More Choi Woo Shik and Son Seok Koo embraced their dark sides as a killer and a detective in the newest Netflix series "A Killer Paradox," much to the fans' surprise. The drama received critical acclaim from viewers and critics around the world, becoming one of the most talked about works today in the Hallyu scene. Is it really worth the hype? Here's what sets the show from any other thriller series in the whole K-drama catalog. Read to know more. 'A Killer Paradox' Delivers High Tension Narrative To Viewers Netflix has a lot of thriller action releases already and although "A Killer Paradox" seems to have similarities with others, it's an altogether different kind of show. "A Killer Paradox" not only explores the different faces of justice but it also posits the opposing moral introspection of something more troubling through its questionable characters. The series tells the story of a young ordinary boy who goes on a wild goose chase with the police after accidentally killing the most wanted high profile serial killer in South Korea. READ MORE: Here's What To Expect From Choi Woo Shik & Son Seok Koo's 'A Killer Paradox' While he can be viewed as a superhero who takes down bad guys, his short-lived guilt transforms into a special ability to kill people without being sorry for his victims at all. "A Killer Paradox" is a show that evolves in every episode, pushing the viewers at the edge of their seats in each second. It's become a thrilling experience more than just a drama to binge. Lastly, the colorful and over-the-top performances that Choi Woo Shik and Son Seok Koo showcased aren't to be missed so make sure to check it out. 'A Killer Paradox' Faces Criticisms Amid Acclaim Like many successful works, "A Killer Paradox" also received criticisms from the public amid its success. After its premiere, the show finds itself at the center of a huge controversy for "tainting" the reputation of Lee Jae Myung, a prominent figure in South Korean politics. In the show, a character in the show is portrayed as a corrupt chairman of a construction company. Many viewers speculated that they were playing Lee Jae Myung as they allegedly mirror real life events associated with the politician. However, Netflix responded by dismissing the claims, saying that the accusations have no merit. The production company emphasized that everything was coincidental, and insisted on creative freedom in adapting the original webtoon from 2010. ALSO READ: Choi Woo Shik Broods Chic Aura In New Pictorial + What's Next For Actor This 2024 With this, Choi Woo Shik and Son Seok Koo's "A Killer Paradox" displayed a vivid example of how stories can entertain and provoke in equal measure. Catch all 8 episodes of "A Killer Paradox" on Netflix with English subtitles for worldwide viewers. KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. American Samoa operator Bluesky celebrated its 25th anniversary on Tuesday by launching the islands first 5G service alongside its supplier partner Ericsson. The new non-standalone (NSA) 5G network is the product of a broader network modernization project initiated by Bluesky American Samoa owned by Fiji-based Amalgamated Telecom Holdings and Ericsson in 2022. The project included deployment of Ericssons radio system, Cloud Core, Cloud Unified Data Management, IMS solutions and a cloud execution environment to support 3G, 4G and 5G NSA connections. As part of Blueskys 5G launch event activities at Rex Lee Auditorium in Utulei, Ericsson showcased demonstrations to illustrate the networks capabilities and potential applications. Demos included a holographic video call, a 5G race car with a latency network simulator, and a 5G-enabled robotic quadruped. Bluesky also provided 5G product demonstrations at its retail store at Nuuuli, allowing visitors to explore the demos and talk with experts about the transformative potential of 5G. Bluesky has been undergoing significant developments with dedicated initiatives and programs aimed at establishing an entirely new mobile network with the goal of providing 5G services to the residents of American Samoa and throughout the island territory of American Samoa, said Bluesky CEO Justin Tuiasosop. Since his rise to stardom, Choi Woo Shik has long to change his image as a top-notch actor with a diverse acting filmography under his belt. Thankfully, this 2024, he was able to switch things up as he transformed into a dangerous criminal in the brand new Netflix show "A Killer Paradox." In an interview, the actor revealed his honest reasons for accepting the drama offer. He also shared his plans for acting. Keep on reading to know more. Choi Woo Shik Reveals Acting Image He Wants To Be Remembered By On February 14, Choi Woo Shik sat down with Netflix and shared his affection for his successful return with "A Killer Paradox." Starring opposite Son Seok Koo, the actor portrayed an ordinary young man who accidentally kills South Korea's high profile serial killer. READ MORE: Choi Woo Shik Broods Chic Aura In New Pictorial + What's Next For Actor This 2024 Through the work, Choi Woo Shik showed a bold side of himself, which left fans speechless. He confessed, "I knew I would do well so I accepted the drama offer." According to the actor, he has played a lot of lively roles since his debut. He wanted to switch things up and portray a polarizing character in an action noir work, which he enjoyed more. Many fans were even shocked with Choi Woo Shik's sex scene in the very first episode. The actor said, "It's fun to show something new that I know my fans will love." He added, "I don't want to wear a school uniform anymore at 33 but rather ride a horse, shoot guns and shower scenes as an actor. I want to have that kind of image." Thankfully, he was able to turn the tables in his favor, and successfully hooked the public with his portrayal of a serial killer in "A Killer Paradox." Here's Why You Must Watch 'A Killer Paradox' Besides the meeting of seasoned actors Choi Woo Shik and Son Seok Koo, Netflix's "A Killer Paradox" also offers a jam-packed production with a mixture of different dramatic elements. The show doesn't only explore the facades of justice but also the moral introspection of a serial killer and a detective, and other questionable characters who have no moral compass. Every episode, the drama evolves in different stories that are highly connected to one another, keeping viewers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. Moreover, Choi Woo Shik and Son Seok Koo have guaranteed a showcase that shouldn't be missed, thanks to their acclaimed performances and synergy. ALSO READ: Choi Woo Shik Reveals How Living In Foreign Country Affected His Acting Career: 'That's why I was always...' Make sure to check out all 8 episodes of "A Killer Paradox" on Netflix now in case you haven't seen it yet. KDramaStars owns this article. Written by Elijah Mully. Defence Minister Bill Blair waits to appear as a witness at the National Defence committee, Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 in Ottawa. Blair says Canada will send Ukraine $60 million to support its F-16 fighter aircraft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Kennesaw State alumna returns to campus as nursing faculty member KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 14, 2024 While working as a substance use disorder counselor at Ridgeview Hospital, Lisa Reyes-Walshs supervisor told her, You know, youre a nurse through and through. That reset the course for Reyes-Walshs life, though she never fully left counseling behind. She earned a bachelors in nursing from Kennesaw State University in 2011, and, now an assistant professor of nursing in KSUs Wellstar School of Nursing, Reyes-Walsh has applied her knowledge of substance use disorder and ability as a counselor to educate nurses who can care for patients struggling with substance use issues. From the first time I set foot on campus, Kennesaw State always felt like home, said Reyes-Walsh, who joined the nursing faculty in Fall 2023. Through my masters and doctorate degrees and my experience, Ive waited for the right opportunity to come back, and this was it. Early on in her life, Reyes-Walsh said she wasnt sure if higher education was for her, either as a student or an instructor. While raising her two sons, her parents succumbed to the ravages of substance use disorders, prompting Reyes-Walsh to consider how to spare other families what hers went through. With the support of her family, Reyes-Walsh embarked on a 14-year career as a substance-use counselor. I loved it because it lit the fire of passion for me to continue on my career working with and helping people, she said. It was very rewarding, and I felt good about being able to help people in that way. She worked at Ridgeview in Smyrna, where she encountered the boss who changed everything. Reyes-Walsh said her supervisors comments hit home after observing the team of nurses who provided comfort and aid in her mothers final days. Reyes-Walsh admired the nurses for their compassion and knowledge and wondered if she could do that herself. After receiving that critical bit of feedback and at the urging of a friend, Reyes-Walsh went to KSUs admissions office to start the process. She said the admissions staff was patient and understanding of a 30-something mother ready to attend college for the first time, and she started on her nursing classes in Fall 2007. KSU has the best nursing program in the state, so I definitely wanted to go there, she said. It was the best decision I could have made. Reyes-Walsh finished her bachelors and then earned a masters in nursing specializing in becoming a family nurse practitioner in 2015 from Walden University, then earned a post-graduate certificate to become a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner before earning her doctorate in 2021 from Emory University. Through her education, she worked as a staff nurse at multiple Atlanta-area hospitals while also maintaining a presence at The Zone, a recovery community organization in Marietta. She taught as a clinical instructor at KSU and Georgia Southern before doing the same at Emory. At Emory she put her idea of nurses with substance-use disorder counseling expertise into action, and helped her mentor there earn a 5-year $2.6 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. KSU will receive a 5% subaward from this grant, which Reyes-Walsh will use to establish curriculum in a substance-use disorder fellowship for nurses. In other words, its the best of all worlds for Reyes-Walsh. So I feel like I've been able to give my students a really good holistic view of mental health nursing from the aspect of my individual experience, which I don't really share with students much, she said. But sometimes I do because it gives me a deeper level of empathy and compassion for people who have mental health challenges, and I want to convey that to my students. Recently, Reyes-Walsh received approval from the University System of Georgia to establish a post-masters psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner certificate track at Kennesaw State, which will begin in Spring 2025. Susan Dyess, Director of the Wellstar School of Nursing, said Reyes-Walshs knowledge in substance-use disorder treatment, personal empathy and drive to educate make her an ideal addition to the faculty. She holds vast expertise as a psych mental health nurse practitioner and will be taking the lead on developing the post-masters certificate program for psych mental nurse practitioner, Dyess said. She continues to practice what she preaches, as she sees clients weekly as part of her advanced practice work. We are fortunate to have her, and she is an asset to our team. With the blessing of yet another supportive supervisor, Reyes-Walsh appreciates the opportunity to excel and innovate at Kennesaw State. From the day I came to admissions to now, I'm so grateful to be back at KSU, she said. This was always where I wanted to be, and I'm thrilled that we're starting a psych NP program and we'll be able to have an impact on the local community. Dave Shelles Photos by Darnell Wilburn Jr. Related Stories A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The universitys vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Renowned Nairobi lawyer, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, has blasted President William Rutos administration after it secured a Ksh 240 billion Eurobond loan. In a social media post on Wednesday, Ahmednasir said former president Uhuru Kenyatta's administration secured a similar loan facility, but Kenyans have little to show for it after 10 years. Ahmednasir explained that Kenyans will be forced to repay more than $4 billion (KSh 600 billion) in the next ten years. He pointed out that the country will spend 85% of its taxes on repayment of the loan, which will hurt the country's development. "H.E. UHURU's initially borrowed $ 2 billion EURO BOND about 10 years ago. No one knows what or how it was used for. At best, it was used for recurrent expenditure. At worst, the usual thievery of the native. For the time being, let us ignore the allegations that $ 1 billion was deposited in foreign bank accounts and never reached the city in the sun. Now, H.E. Ruto borrows another $ 2 billion to be repaid with higher interest 10 years down the road (kicking the can down the road). So, 10 years later, we will be out of pocket $4 billion and interest...surely where are we taking poor Kenya and her zombie natives? From this year, Kenya will spend 85% of its taxes on loan repayment...right time should I go back to Mandera?" Ahmednasir posed. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Former Mombasa County Governor, Hassan Joho, has officially declared his 2027 presidential bid. Speaking on Tuesday in Mombasa, Joho, who is also the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader, expressed his intention to compete with President William Ruto and all other aspirants for the position of head of state. "I finished my politics in Mombasa and left. "The seat I will fight for is that of the president of Kenya. "Let them prepare themselves because even I will be in the race for the Kenyan presidency in 2027. "If it's bad, it's bad. If it's good, it's good. "I heard Wycliffe Oparanya is seeking the presidency. "I want to tell my brother we will fight it out but within the ODM party. "Just watch, you will come to visit me at the State House," he said. The former county boss further refuted claims that Mombasa residents cannot lead the country in the esteemed position. "Who told you that if you were born in Mombasa, a son of Mombasa cannot be the president of Kenya? Who told you?" posed the ex-governor. This is a big blow to former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka since he has been urging ODM leaders led by Raila Odinga and Joho to endorse his presidential bid in 2027 as he has supported Raila three times. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Renowned human rights activist, Boniface Mwangi, has announced the planned closure of his 505 nightclub, located in Kilimani estate, Nairobi. In a social media post on Wednesday, Mwangi announced that the last drinks will be served on Valentines Day. He will then proceed to demolish the premises on Thursday, February 15. Today is Valentines Day. If youre single and want to mingle, or youre a couple looking to unwind, come have your drink at 505. "Today we shall serve the last drinks at 505, and tomorrow we shall demolish what we built, Mwangi wrote. The activist noted that the decision to bring down the premises was not easy but he was forced by the prevailing circumstances to do it. The hardest thing in life is to know that you did everything right but it still turned out wrong, he added. Boniface Mwangi recounted opening up 505 and the support he received afterward. In all the hype and celebrations, Mwangi also encountered betrayal from close friends. When we opened our doors, our friends and comrades came to support us and they have never stopped. "One day, I will tell the story of betrayal, theft by a servant, and an ignorant, arrogant landlord but today, I want to invite you to a final celebration of 505, Mwangi recalled. Nonetheless, he invited revellers to share the last drinks at the premises today before bringing it down. This investment has a lot of untold stories, the next chapter of this story, l will share in the coming days. "This Valentines Day, lets celebrate love with drinks and food at 505. Its the last call for alcohol at 505, Mwangi concluded. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - A city lawyer has taken to his X account to raise an alarm after his client was abducted by rogue DCI officers and left stranded in the forest. He claims that a powerful businessman is using DCI officers led by the head of DCI economic crimes to torture his client. Read his post below. Disturbing reports reveal the abduction and torture of my Client, Mr. Hussein, a dedicated employee of Medina Chemicals Ltd for 23 years 4 weeks ago whereby he was left stranded in the middle of Karura Forest and his phone confiscated for 7 days. This act, orchestrated by the company's owner ( powerful businessman) with rogue officers involvement led by one Mr. Shurie, who is the head of DCI economic crimes. Following the abduction, Mr. Hussein's bank accounts, including those of his children, were unjustly frozen, exacerbating an already dire situation. The matter is in court and shall be mentioned on Thursday. Today, he was summoned to DCI HQ in Nairobi whereby he was abducted, with an ominous journey to the outskirts of Kitui unfolding. Shockingly, he's been denied legal representation, raising fears of potential extrajudicial actions. As Mr. Hussein's legal representative, we urge a prompt investigation into the unlawful abduction and infringement on his Constitutional rights. We implore upon the @DCI_Kenyaboss, Mr. Amin, to ensure his safety, the right to legal counsel, and a transparent inquiry into these distressing events. The integrity of our justice system is crucial, and we call for a thorough examination of the abuse of power and prompt action against those responsible. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Wanted fugitive Kevin Kangethe was arrested on Tuesday night, almost a week after he escaped from Muthaiga Police Station. Kangethe was arrested some minutes past 10 pm near the Ngong Police Station. According to a police report, senior officers at the station received a tip-off from the public about the suspects whereabouts. A contingent of 11 police officers from the station were mobilized to hunt him down. He was caught flat-footed and arrested before he could plan his next course of action. Kangethe is set to be extradited to the US to face murder charges. According to the DCI, the fugitive is wanted in the US for the murder of his girlfriend, Margaret Mbitu, who was found dead at the Logan Airport. Kangethe is reported to have fled to Kenya after committing the heinous act last year. He escaped from Muthaiga Police Station last week under unclear circumstances and engaged detectives in cat-and-mouse games before he was arrested on Tuesday night. Over 30 detectives had been deployed to hunt him down. Tuesday, February 14, 2024 - Controversial lawyer, Miguna Miguna, has attacked Nairobi-based lawyer, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, for constantly criticising Chief Justice Martha Koome. In his latest attack on Wednesday, Ahmednasir sneered at the meeting between Koome and the Ford Foundation Global Board led by its President, Darren Walker. In a tweet, Ahmednasir revised his claims that the Supreme Court of Kenya was corrupt and needed to be disbanded. "Both the Ford Foundation and Darren Walker must know too well that the Kenyan Supreme Court is a rotten court not fit for purpose and ripe to be disbanded," Ahmednasir said. However, Miguna tore into Ahmednasir's criticism, saying he was expressing his views incomprehensibly. According to the controversial barrister, Ahmednasir should strive to argue his opinion about Koome's shortcomings reasonably. "Ahmednasir, when you publish a criticism of CJ Martha Koome for being incoherent (and I agree she is), try doing so coherently. Your posts, like your speech, are also loudly incoherent," Miguna wrote on his X platform. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has assured President William Ruto that Mt Kenya residents are fully behind his government. Speaking in Lari constituency, Kiambu County, when the president commissioned a Sh150 million modern market at the Soko Mjinga on Wednesday, Gachagua said despite the 'small noise' created by the media, the region is still behind the President. The second in command also urged the president to help the people of Utheri wa Lari to get title deeds as well as to revive the uplands factory so that the locals could get employment opportunities. He further urged Kenyans to give the President time to steer the country and help in the realization of development agendas. He took the opportunity to thank the electorates for electing the Kenya Kwanza administration. He warned Mount Kenya leaders of dividing the region based on the Counties. We will speak with one voice and rally behind the president for the realization of the projects, he said. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna, has said President William Ruto will be a one-term president because of how he has neglected Kenyans. Speaking on Tuesday, Sifuna, who is also the Nairobi Senator, said even Kenya Kwanza Alliance supporters are tired of Rutos regime since it is full of lies and mediocrity. "I have no doubt in my mind. Ruto is going to be a first-term president, I can assure you. "The people of Kenya are going to put a stop to this very terrible experiment they got themselves into in 2022. "They have observed that those people they elected have failed to work," Sifuna observed. This comes a year after former United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party vice chairperson Seth Panyako said that Ruto would not be re-elected. Panyako, who spoke to one of the local dailies, decried the oppression of Kenyans by the government through heavy taxation and the high cost of living, calling upon the head of state to act or wait to lose in the next elections. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Haiti Prime Minster Ariel Henry is facing an imminent ouster after he was challenged by a rebel leader. Henry, appointed by President Jovenel Moise days before his assassination in 2021, signed a deal with President William Ruto for the deployment of Kenyan police officers to the troubled Caribbean state. The Prime Minister was set to leave office on Wednesday after he promised to step down from the position. Haiti, a country with no democratically elected president, broke into a series of protests ahead of Henrys resignation, as wrangles intensified in various regions of the Caribbean state. Rebel leader, Guy Philippe, joined demonstrators on Tuesday by appearing on national television demanding the Prime Minister step down. Philippe, released from a US prison in September 2023, led an uprising in 2004 that chased the then president Jean Bertrand. The Prime Minister, however, dismissed the Brigade for Security of Protected Area leader and ordered agents to disarm him. Were telling the police and the army that we have zero problems with them whatsoever, Fritzner Jean Pierre, commander of the brigade in Ouanaminthe stated. If they put themselves against us, however, what happens to them is their responsibility. Ruto and Haiti Prime Minister Ariel Henry in September 2023 witnessed the signing of an agreement at the Kenyan Mission in New York, United States, to facilitate cooperation between the two countries. The Kenyan DAILY POST Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - A young lady has reportedly taken her own life after finding out that her boyfriend was cheating on her. The deceased lady, identified as Brigid Kandie Sanaipei, left the country for Ireland 4 days ago for further studies. However, her dreams have been shattered after she took her own life because of love. Police in Dublin have launched investigations following her death. Her friends have also flooded social media to mourn her after learning about her sudden demise. May her soul rest in peace. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina has faulted President William Rutos government for presenting unjustifiable figures during the budget-making process. While analysing the budget policy statement yesterday, Ledama, who appeared on the Citizen TV daybreak show, accused the legislature of inflating budget figures without clearly showing how the money would be raised. It's quite fancy and sexy to come out and say we are going to spend Ksh3 trillion in the budget and yet we are not clearly showing how we are going to raise the money, Ledama stated. According to Ledama, poor budget performance can be attributed to improper government policies and mismanagement by the executive. Ledama, while addressing the issue of budget underperformance, urged legislators to not only audit financial statements made by the government but also scrutinize budget execution. "Midway, we always come up with supplementary budgets, we seriously need to look at these policies," the Senate Minority Whip stated. The Senator also accused Parliament of failing to conduct adequate public participation during the budget-making process. According to Ledama, legislators need to listen and consider public views during the budget-making state to have full knowledge of what the people want. While weighing in on the matter, Tax Expert Alex Kanyi who backed Ledama, faulted the government for budget deficits in every financial year. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Wanted fugitive Kelvin Kangethe was arrested on Tuesday night after engaging detectives in cat-and-mouse games for almost a week. Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has shared photos of the exact location where Kangethe was arrested by police officers. It is alleged that he was hiding at his distant cousins residence when someone saw him and tipped the police. Sonko claims that whoever tipped the police on Kelvins whereabouts will get 1M USD (about Ksh 155 million). Below are photos shared by Sonko showing where the murder suspect was hiding. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested murder suspect, Kevin Kang'ethe, who escaped from Muthaiga Police Station a week ago. The 11 highly trained officers based at DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road arrested the suspect in Embulbul in Ngong on Tuesday evening as he sought refuge at one of his relatives homes. The officers who laid an ambush at Ngong township Map BJ 331448 about 3km west of the station (cmm) managed to arrest one Kevin Kinyanjui Kangethe who had escaped from Muthaiga Police Station on 7/2/2024, read the police report in part. Kangethe escaped from Muthaiga police station on February 7 sparking concern across the globe. Reports indicated that Kangethe walked out of the Muthaiga Police Station after requesting to meet his lawyer. Kangethe, 40, had been detained pending a ruling on whether he should be extradited to face a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Margaret Mbitu on October 31, 2023, in Boston, United States. He is currently detained at Industrial Area Prison. The Kenyan DAILY POST Insurance operators are optimistic about the steady growth of the countrys insurance sector despite the low penetration. The Chief executive officer for Jubilee Insurance, Mr Kumar Sumit, says the insurance industry has slowly gained sustained growth in the past three years due to the role being played by the Insurance Regulatory Authority. He says currently, several people are taking up insurance policies and is optimistic that with time, the insurance penetration is bound to increase. It is not easy but teamwork makes the dream work. I believe that if we remain consistent and work hard, we can hit this years targets, Mr Kumar said. Kumar, while recognizing the works of the Insurance Agents in Kampala, asked the insurance agents to ensure that they drive insurance to the lowest person to increase the penetration. The Kilkenny People understands that local star, Stevie Mulrooney (8), will take part in the city's St Patrick's Day Parade this March, performing 'Ireland's Call'. The youngster, from the Kennyswell Road in Kilkenny City gave a rousing rendition of the song to more than 50,000 spectators in the Aviva Stadium on Sunday prior to Ireland's clash with Italy. Stevie received high praise from Ireland boss Andy Farrell after the match. "He was waving to the crowd, stood there on his own," Farrell said in a post-match interview. "I thought this kids got it all. He was amazing," he added. Stevie rose to prominence late last year performing the Irish rugby anthem on RTE's Late Late Toy Show. Mulrooney is not the only star to feature in the Kilkenny parade this year with Carrickshock and Kilkenny hurling legend Richie Power jnr named the Grand Marshall of this year's Kilkenny St Patrick's Day Parade. The parade titled, 'Kilkenny Cats: Tales and Legends', is expected to see the Grand Marshall travel by bicycle in a move away from the traditional motor transport used in previous years. Incumbent U.S. Reps. Barry Moore and Jerry Carl, each vying for the newly formed Alabama Congressional District 1 Representative seat, will participate in a candidate forum at the Feb. 21 meeting of the Republican Women of Coffee County. In 2023, a court-order mandated that the lines for Alabama congressional districts be redrawn. The new map moves Coffee County and some other Congressional District 2 counties into District 1. Currently, Carl represents District 1 and Moore represents District 2. The redistricting resulted in the only incumbent versus incumbent Congressional U.S. House election. Moore and Carl will face off in the March 5 Super Tuesday Primary election. Also speaking are the Coffee County District 3 School Board representative candidates Galen McWaters (incumbent) and Brandy Woodham. The meeting is at the Enterprise Country Club, 3000 Ozark Highway. Social time begins at 10:30 am; an optional $13 brunch buffet begins at 11 a.m.; and the program begins at approximately 11:40. Everyone is invited, but reservations are required. Please contact Barb to RSVP at rwccreservations@gmail.com NLT Feb.18 and let her know if you plan to eat. FORT NOVOSELMilitary veterinarians are a special breed of service member, often filling many roles on an installation. The Fort Novosel Veterinarian Treatment Facility (VTF) is run by a small but mighty team, according to Officer-In-Charge Capt. Jacquelynn Watson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Most people dont know that military veterinarians also serve as the post food inspectors and are fully responsible for the medical care of all military working dogs (MWD) assigned to an installation. There are currently 8 MWDs assigned to Fort Novosel and 1 deployed. My favorite part of the job, without question, is the military working dogs. They are my passion, stated Watson. Their kennels are across the street, and they just treat us so well. I try to do as much as I possibly can for them, in return. The relationship between the VTF and the 906th Military Working Dog Detachment is impeccable, Watson said. Its probably the best relationship I have ever seen in the Army. I can just walk over to see some dogs. They can walk over and pick up their prescriptions. That relationship is truly what gets me excited to come to work each day. All military veterinarians are USDA accredited which allows them to issue health certificates required for overseas duty stations. They prioritize active-duty service members with orders that need certificates for their animals to PCS with them. We really dont want them to have to travel 3-4 hours off post for certificates, so they are of highest importance when it comes to appointment slots, explained Watson. The VTF can support many routine dog and cat services including annual vaccines, well checks, microchipping, flea and tick prevention, ultrasound, radiology, and even simple surgery. Surgery is difficult at the moment because we only have one technician, and she is active duty as well, explained Watson. We are often gone for different training or needs of the Army. I have a civilian vet also, but between he and I, we only have one tech to share. Appointments are scheduled Monday through Wednesday 0800-1600 and Fridays are primarily set aside for the working dogs and administration work. Watson said that because personnel capabilities are currently limited, sometimes patients must be referred off post if not booked far enough in advance. We are here for the installation first and foremost. We try to do what we can with the limited amount of people we have on staff. The VTF service prices arent always more affordable than off post facilities here in Alabama. Pricing is set by the Army. The cost of services, however, goes right back into the Fort Novosel community as a non-appropriated funds program. We have had service members that come in thinking their pets checkups are free or covered under insurance. Its important to remember that Tricare does not currently include coverage for our four-legged family members, said Watson. The Fort Novosel VTF may have a small team juggling several roles, but its matched with big hearts for the furry patients in their care. If you live on post, play your part, and have your on-post pets registered upon arrival. For a full list of hours and contact information find their webpage at Veterinary Care: Fort Novosel (army.mil) Liam Hehir writes: Unpopular stances held by politicians can come under intense scrutiny. Sometimes. Consider Christopher Luxon's pro-life position on abortion. Under repeat questioning, he painted himself into a corner by saying that the termination of a pregnancy is tantamount to murder, which is not the pro-life position. This sparked relentless questioning by the media and the controversy is still cited by his enemies today. Such scrutiny isn't unwarranted. After all, Luxon's view is not a popular one, which I say as someone who is staunchly pro-life myself. The media's role, among others, is to dissect controversial positions, especially those held by political leaders, and to hold them accountable for their views. That often involves the initial posing of the controversial subject then followed by probing supplemental questions and attempts to push them into difficult positions. This allows news consumers to make informed judgments about the consistency and sincerity of the politician's views. So far, so good. However, what is very notable is the apparent asymmetry in the treatment of unpopular politico-ideological positions. Right-leaning stances like Luxon's are rigorously grilled. Equally if not more unpopular leftist positions, however, usually escape intense scrutiny. Consider the case of Chloe Swarbrick, who is on the cusp of becoming the co-leader of the Green Party. Swarbrick has, in the past, voiced her support for prison abolition not simply reform to make prisons more humane but complete abolition. No more prisons, even for those convicted of terrible crimes. Try running this concept by the average person, not those within the echo chamber of social media, and you're likely to be met with a bewildered look of incredulity. People are often open to reduced sentences or non-custodial sentences for nonviolent offenders. But for violent criminals? That is a fringe position. The idea of a society without prisons, particularly for murderers, rapists and the perpetrators of such terrible crimes seems, to normal people, bonkers in the extreme. And yet it is almost impossible to imagine Swarbrick facing anything like the media grilling Luxon received for his own unpopular views. ANDALUSIA Gov. Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that Conecuh Sausage, an iconic Alabama maker of hickory smoked sausages, plans to invest nearly $58 million to open a second production facility in the state, creating 110 jobs in Andalusia. Conecuh Sausage was founded in Evergreen in 1947, and the production location in Conecuh County will remain operational as the company expands to meet increasing demand for its products. Conecuh Sausage is a landmark homegrown brand, and I am thrilled to see that the company continues to grow and thrive right here in Sweet Home Alabama, said Ivey. This growth project will allow Conecuh Sausage to extend the reach of its brand and put its distinctive Alabama flavors in even more kitchens. Conecuh Sausage is a family-owned business that produces high-quality meats with a patented blend of seasonings. Its sausage products are sold directly through the companys online store and gift store as well as through local grocery stores, national retailers and independent distribution companies. Conecuh Sausage owners John Crum Sessions, president, and his son, John Henry Sessions, said they are making their long-term vision a reality in their quest to satisfy the demand for Conecuh Sausage products. We are eager to join the Andalusia community and add jobs and growth to the local economy while remaining in the state of Alabama, Sessions said. We are thrilled with the opportunity to expand our production facilities and increase distribution to serve our loyal customers. As part of the project, the company commits to creating at least 110 new jobs in Andalusia and to investing $57.8 million to construct and equip the new facility in Covington County, according to the Alabama Department of Commerce. Conecuh Sausages expansion project positions the company for sustained growth while also generating a significant economic impact in the Andalusia area, said Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. Were happy that the company decided to expand its production footprint in South Alabama rather than going to another state. After researching multiple expansion locations in the Midwest, Conecuh chose to remain in its home state of Alabama. This is an exciting and important day for the city of Andalusia, said Mayor Earl Johnson. We have been working for decades to be prepared when a company like Conecuh Sausage was ready to expand here, and we appreciate the Sessions family for their confidence in our community and the investment they are making here. I cannot overstate the positive impact this facility and the jobs it will generate will have on our community in the coming years, said Mayor Johnson. Many people worked very hard to put this project together, and we are appreciative of their efforts. Other local officials also applauded Conecuh Sausages investment plans in Andalusia. For years, I think that many of us have taken pride in being a next-door neighbor to Conecuh County, the home of Conecuh Sausage. And now, we are privileged to welcome Conecuh Sausage and the Sessions family into our county, said Covington County Commission Chairman Greg White. The County Commission commits to doing everything we can to make this a perfect fit as Conecuh Sausage expands into Covington County. Conecuh Sausage has been a part of our menu for more than 75 years, added Covington County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Rick Clifton. We are excited to partner with them in their expansion plans for the future. The Paramount Pictures logo is displayed in front of Paramount Studios on January 31, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Nearly 300 Taiwanese tourists stranded in Vietnam as tour company defaults on payment The failure by a Taiwanese tour company to pay its Vietnamese partner has left 292 of the formers clients stranded on Phu Quoc Island. The visitors had booked a four-day tour to the island through We Love Tour company in Taipei and flew in by charter flight on Feb. 10, Lunar New Years Day. Hoang Tuan Minh, director of local travel agency Winner Vietnam, which was to provide them with services, told VnExpress that the Taiwanese partner had agreed to make full payment by Jan 31. But it failed and so he had canceled the contract, he said. But the Taiwanese company went ahead and sent the group to Phu Quoc, where there were no vehicles and hotels or waiting for them. It contacted Minh and pleaded with him to take care of the visitors. He agreed for "humanitarian" reasons and sent 18 buses and Chinese-speaking guides to Phu Quoc airport and lodged the visitors at two five-star hotels. The Taiwanese company had promised to pay on Feb 11. But it again failed to pay, and Minh informed the company that he would no longer serve the tourists. He had spent billions of dong (VND1 billion = US$40,700) already. The Taiwanese company then told the tourists to pay him $720 each, promising to refund the money later, but only around 90 of them agreed. Many complained on social media, prompting authorities to step in. Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, which manages Taiwanese affairs abroad, got in touch with both sides, telling the Taiwanese company to make full payment by Feb. 26 and Minh to continue hosting the tourists. The former company has not paid for the visitors return flight tickets either, and it remains to be seen if they can board an airplane on Feb 14 as scheduled. Bui Quoc Thai, director of the Department of Tourism of Kien Giang Province, where Phu Quoc is situated, said an inspection team has been formed to look into the dispute. Shares of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:HHFA Get Free Report) shot up 1.1% on Monday . The company traded as high as 16.92 ($18.19) and last traded at 16.92 ($18.19). 23,658 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 80% from the average session volume of 117,376 shares. The stock had previously closed at 16.74 ($18.00). Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Trading Up 0.1 % The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 128.84. The firms 50 day simple moving average is 16.76 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is 15.29. The stock has a market cap of $1.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 36.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.29 and a beta of 1.06. About Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (Get Free Report) Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a port and transport logistics company in Germany, rest of European Union, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Container, Intermodal, Logistics, and Real Estate. The company operates three container terminals in Hamburg; and container terminals in Odessa, Ukraine, and Tallinn, Estonia, as well as in Trieste, Italy. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jiangsu Expressway Company Limited (OTCMKTS:JEXYY Get Free Report) dropped 1.1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $19.01 and last traded at $19.01. Approximately 1,242 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 47% from the average daily volume of 847 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.21. Jiangsu Expressway Stock Down 1.1 % The companys 50 day moving average price is $18.45 and its 200 day moving average price is $17.98. About Jiangsu Expressway (Get Free Report) Jiangsu Expressway Company Limited engages in investment, construction, operation, and management of toll roads and bridges in the People's Republic of China. The company operates the Jiangsu section of Shanghai-Nanjing Expressway, Ningchang Expressway, Zhenli Expressway, Guangjing Expressway, Xicheng Expressway, Xiyi Expressway, Zhendan Expressway, Yanjiang Expressway, Jiangyin Bridge, Sujiahang Expressway, Changyi Expressway, Yichang Expressway, and Wufengshan Bridge. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Jiangsu Expressway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Jiangsu Expressway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Renewi plc (LON:RWI Get Free Report)s share price traded up 0.9% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as GBX 557 ($7.03) and last traded at GBX 554 ($7.00). 112,525 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 29% from the average session volume of 157,950 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 549 ($6.93). Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and set a GBX 710 ($8.97) price objective on shares of Renewi in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Get Renewi alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Renewi Renewi Price Performance About Renewi The company has a market capitalization of 449.25 million, a PE ratio of 1,168.09, a PEG ratio of 0.38 and a beta of 1.15. The firm has a fifty day moving average of GBX 613.80 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 585.33. The company has a current ratio of 0.54, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 198.57. (Get Free Report) Renewi plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides waste-to-product services. The company operates through Commercial Waste, Mineralz & Water, and Specialities segments. The Commercial Waste segment engages in the collection and treatment of commercial waste in the Netherlands and Belgium; and processing of wood, aggregates, plastics, paper products, and organic waste. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Renewi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Renewi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. South Korea's defense ministry and the Pentagon will lead the third meeting of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) slated for June in Seoul to discuss a shared nuclear strategy to deter North Korea's nuclear threat. Cho Chang-rae, South Korea's deputy defense minister for policy, and Vipin Narang, principal U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for space policy, signed a framework document on the NCG's operation at the Pentagon on Monday (local time), the defense ministry said. The NCG was established under the Washington Declaration that President Yoon Suk Yeol and U.S. President Joe Biden adopted during their summit in Washington in April 2023 as part of efforts to enhance deterrence against evolving North Korean nuclear and missile threats. The first two meetings were led by the National Security Councils of the two countries and joined by defense, foreign policy, military and intelligence officials from both sides. The inaugural meeting was held in Seoul in July and the second took place in Washington in December. Under the framework, Cho and Narang will lead the third session slated for June in Seoul. The upcoming meeting is expected to draw up guidelines encompassing a whole range of issues, including information sharing, security systems, consultation procedures for a nuclear crisis and the operation of a real-time leader-level communication channel. Once complete, the guidelines will be implemented during the Ulchi Freedom Shield, an annual joint military exercise to be held between the two nations' militaries in August, according to ministry officials. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high as Pyongyang has vowed to advance its nuclear and missile programs, test-firing several new types of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads this year. Seoul has assessed that Pyongyang remains ready to conduct a new nuclear test "at any time," though its timing hinges on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's strategic decision. (Yonhap) Korea's Navy and Marine Corps will participate in a large-scale annual multinational exercise in Thailand to hone capabilities in amphibious landing and humanitarian operations, officials said Wednesday. The Navy's 4,900-ton No Jeok Bong landing ship, carrying some 330 personnel, was set to depart a key naval base in Busan, 320 kilometers southeast of Seoul, later in the day to join the Cobra Gold exercise set to run from Feb. 26 to March 8. The exercise, jointly led by Thailand and the United States, will take place in various regions in the Southeast Asian country and also be joined by Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan, the officials said. The multinational troops will stage various field maneuvers, including amphibious landing operations, special jungle warfare drills, and underwater construction training. They will also conduct cyber defense drills, joined virtually by troops at the Navy's cyber operations center. The exercise will also include humanitarian support training, which will be joined by China and India. Launched in 1982, Cobra Gold focuses on training multinational forces for a range of procedures to stabilize a region embroiled in a virtual armed conflict. Korea first joined the exercise as a full participant in 2010. Meanwhile, Korean troops will visit the decommissioned HTMS Prasae warship, which was deployed to support Korea during the 1950-53 Korean War and now serves as a museum. Thailand was among the 22 countries that backed Korea under the U.N. flag during the war. (Yonhap) By Adil Sultan The evolving competition between China and the United States in the Asia-Pacific is pushing the region towards a more intense and complex arms race. The emergence of new security partnerships, coupled with the growing influence of both regional and extra-regional powers in shaping the security landscape, alongside the increasing integration of emerging technologies into military capabilities by various states, may have rendered existing arms control arrangements less effective or even obsolete. Addressing these potential challenges requires innovative approaches that are practical, inclusive and mindful of the impact of new technologies on the existing nonproliferation regime. The Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), which serves as the cornerstone of the nuclear non-proliferation regime, has not succeeded in eliminating nuclear threats. The five NPT-recognized nuclear weapon states continue to make qualitative and quantitative improvements to their nuclear arsenals and are reluctant to fulfill the NPTs Article VI obligations. Moreover, the international community has not been able to develop a mechanism to integrate the three original non-signatories (India, Pakistan, and Israel) into the mainstream non-proliferation regime or to bring North Korea back into the NPT fold. The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), negotiated by the non-nuclear weapon states (NNWS) without the participation of key stakeholders, is also unlikely to reduce nuclear threats. Although the TPNW is the first legally binding instrument prohibiting the development or acquisition of nuclear weapons, all its signatories are already compliant with the NPT and lack incentives to pursue nuclear weapons. The four non-NPT nuclear-armed states (India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea) and the five NPT-recognized NWS (United States, Russia, China, U.K. and France), along with their allies who continue to enjoy the protection of their nuclear weapons, have refused to join the TPNW, thereby making it a treaty negotiated by the NNWS, mainly for the NNWS. Given the failure of existing arms control arrangements to eliminate nuclear weapons, and the fact that most key players in the Asia-Pacific region (United States, China, India, Pakistan, and North Korea) are enhancing their nuclear capabilities, there may be a need to develop regional arms control approaches that can compartmentalize the proliferation puzzle, rather than seeking global solutions which could prove difficult to negotiate and implement. Such an approach could reduce, if not eliminate, nuclear dangers in the Asia-Pacific region. One potential avenue, proposed by a group of scholars from the United States, China, India and Pakistan, is to establish an arms control arrangement involving those four countries as part of a strategic chain. This approach advocates that all four nuclear-armed states could engage across various levels to help maintain strategic stability. However, by excluding North Korea, this framework fails to address regional anxieties within the Asia-Pacific. Basing arms control on the concept of a strategic chain could also reduce the incentive for India to engage with Pakistan, since India can justify its military build-up as being aimed to deter China. It could similarly be used as an excuse by China to avoid engagement with India, as it can credibly claim that its nuclear build-up is meant to deter the U.S. The integration of new technologies into military capabilities poses additional challenges for the future of arms control. The growing possibility of conventional and nuclear entanglement, along with the notion of cross-domain deterrence, where cyber, artificial intelligence (AI), and other emerging technologies could be used to deter adversaries, makes future arms control processes more complex and difficult to negotiate. To address these emerging challenges, there may be a need for a new approach in the form of integrated arms control, as proposed by researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. This concept encompasses the various capabilities of different stakeholders in a highly interconnected, multi-domain risk landscape to help mitigate risks across both technical domains and levels of conflict. Therefore, future arms control initiatives "must be adapted to the current security environment, account for rapidly evolving technological and informational factors, and consider alternative structures, modalities and participation models." Such a process, which could include both the nuclear and non-nuclear capabilities of all states, seems interesting but difficult to negotiate due to the different capabilities of NWS and NNWS. The civilian and military applications of cyber and AI, involving both state and non-state actors, further complicate future arms control initiatives. Similarly, technologies like AI can be used to enhance the efficiency of arms control by improving verification and transparency measures, but at the same time, they can also be integrated into military systems. This dual-use feature of AI makes the use of it for arms control as important as the development of arms control mechanisms to regulate the military use of AI. Arms control has always been challenging due to the conflicting interests of state parties. Nevertheless, it remains essential to prevent uncontrolled proliferation. With the increase in nuclear-armed states and the emergence of new technologies, the challenges have multiplied, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. Hence, there is a pressing need to develop innovative and inclusive approaches that can help maintain stability and limit the possibility of an arms race in the region. Dr. Adil Sultan is dean of Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies (FASS) at the Air University, Islamabad, Pakistan. He is also a member of the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (APLN). This essay is published in cooperation with the APLN (www.apln.network). 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. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Occasional 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. Passenger spits up liters of blood, dies on Lufthansa flight from Thailand to Germany A 63-year-old man passed away on a Lufthansa flight from Thailand to Germany following a severe medical incident where he expelled liters of blood. Despite the efforts of the flight crew and an onboard doctor, the man passed away midflight, resulting in the plane returning to Bangkok International Airport about an hour and a half after takeoff, Fox Business reported Feb. 12. "He had cold sweats, was breathing much too quickly, and was already apathetic," nursing specialist Karin Missfelder, a passenger on the plane, told Swiss outlet Blick about the man in the row in front of her. She noted the man's wife mentioned they had rushed to catch the flight, which might have exacerbated his condition. A Polish doctor on the flight attempted to assess and assist him, even as the flight attendants performed resuscitation efforts for thirty minutes without success. The captain eventually announced the man's death to the passengers. Following the incident, the aircraft returned to Bangkok, where passengers were rebooked on other flights. Jang Wonyoung of IVE is going viral with Korean netizens for her doll-like visuals in THESE latest photos. Is she in her legendary era? Keep reading for all the details! IVE Jang Wonyoung Garners Attention for Doll-Like Visuals in THESE Photos On February 13, 2024, a post titled "Jang Wonyoung looks freaking pretty" was uploaded to a popular South Korean online community forum. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: IVE Jang Wonyoung Criticized For Being 'Too Skinny' - Here's How People Reacted The author shared several screenshots of Jang Wonyoung in what appeared to be a live stream. As she gazes into the camera, she is seen holding onto a pair of chopsticks, showing viewers what she is eating. In some photos, she is seen holding her face against her cheek. In others, she appears to be pretending to squeeze the camera. YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: IVE Jang Wonyoung Shocks Netizens With THIS Surprising Trait: 'Even Though You're Cute...' She is spotted wearing a pink cardigan with her shoulder exposed, showing a frilly white tank top. Her side-swept bangs showcase her face shape perfectly, and her doe-eyes take up the attention of everyone looking at the photo. On top of that, her pink make-up perfectly matches her outfit. CHECK THIS OUT: IVE Mismanaged? Starship Criticized by DIVEs for Group's Lack of Promotions for 'All Night' The author praised Jang Wonyoung's stunning visuals. They claimed that her hairstyle makes her look like an anime character. On top of that, her face perfectly matched her cute and lovely styling. K-Netizens Flood IVE Jang Wonyoung With Loving Comments The post quickly went viral on the platform, garnering nearly 180,000 views and hundreds of comments. MORE JANG WONYOUNG: IVE Jang Wonyoung's Hate Train Reportedly Fueled by Sojang's 'Part-Timers' + DIVEs, K-Netz Enraged Many could not help but gush about Jang Wonyoung in the comment section. They claimed that it was a legendary look, and that she was born to be an idol. Others stated she looked like a total doll in these photos. Besides being a doll, others compared her visuals to pink mochi due to her styling. People also claimed she looks like a real-life TikTok or Snow Filter due to her ethereal beauty. FOR YOU: Jang Wonyoung Lookalike Accused of 'Copying' How IVE Member Eats Strawberries Some comments read, "She is seriously so cute." "This is legendary. She looks like a thousand-year-old idol." "Jang Wonyoung is like a pink mochi!" "She totally looks like a doll here." "It's like she's a real-life TikTok or Snow filter. This is not a hate comment; she is just that ethereally pretty. Seriously, the fact that Jang Wonyoung actually looks like makes her the doll-idol of the century." What do you think of the situation? Tell us in the comments below! KpopStarz Owns This Written by Alexa Lopez Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, walks at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand Aug 22, 2023. Photo by Reuters Thailand's controversial billionaire former premier Thaksin Shinawatra has been granted parole after serving six months in detention, the prime minister said Tuesday, while highlighting his service to the country. The influential Thaksin, a political heavyweight and arguably Thailand's best known prime minister, made a dramatic homecoming after living abroad for 15 years in self-exile to avoid prison for a conflict of interest. Thaksin, 74, soon after had his eight-year jail term commuted to a year by the king. He has served six months of that in hospital detention over an undisclosed health condition and did not spend a single night in prison. "It's official that he received parole. It's in line with the corrections department regulations," Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a fellow tycoon and ally of the Shinawatra family, told reporters. "Thaksin was prime minister for many years and did many good things for the country for a long time. After he comes out, he would be a normal citizen." A former policeman and telecoms magnate who has been at the centre of a tumultuous two-decade battle for power in Thailand, Thaksin was on a list of 930 prisoners who were considered elderly or ill and approved for parole, according to media reports. He could be released after Feb. 18, according to corrections department rules. Thaksin's lawyer Winyat Chatmontri said he has yet to receive a release date. Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra told reporters it was time her father came home. "I hope you're strong and healthy... come out and live your life in Thailand," she added. Despite being granted parole, the former leader could, however, still be detained, as public prosecutors consider charging him for insulting the monarchy during a 2015 interview. Thaksin's return last year coincided with ally and political newcomer Srettha being chosen as prime minister on the same day, adding to speculation that both developments were part of a behind-the-scenes deal between Thaksin and his powerful enemies in Thailand's royalist-military establishment. Thaksin's allies and the government, led by the Shinawatra-backed Pheu Thai Party, have dismissed that. On his first night in prison, Thaksin was moved to a police hospital, with doctors saying he had experienced tightness in his chest and high blood pressure. The United States looks forward to welcoming its NATO allies to Washington this summer to celebrate the 75th birthday of NATO, said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Speaking at a press conference at NATO headquarters, he added that this upcoming meeting will also serve to showcase the fact that the NATO alliance is bigger, stronger and more united than it has ever been. A primary topic of discussion at the Washington NATO summit in July will be the alliances shared support for Ukraine, said Mr. Sullivan: Putin has been counting on dividing this alliance, but today we heard again total unity and a degree of intensity of that unity that has not flagged one bit since the beginning of this brutal invasion by Russia nearly two years ago. Putin has also been counting on flagging support. Today, I heard renewed commitments, from many different NATO allies of tangible support for the brave Ukrainians who are defending their country. With regard to burden sharing, the United States looks forward to seeing more allies meet their two percent of GDP benchmark necessary for funding NATO. Another topic of discussion in Washington will be how to energize the defense industrial base, in order to increase production of critical capabilities, said Mr. Sullivan. And it's not just about total numbers. It's also about the types of capabilities that we need to be investing in. Because this fight over the last two years has taught us about the evolving nature of technology and warfare, and NATO has to stay at the cutting edge in that regard, he said. NATO has begun to deepen its ties with its Indo-Pacific partners, explained Mr. Sullivan: This is not about bringing NATO to Asia. It is about working together with like-minded partners in the Indo-Pacific on challenges that really transcend geography, cyber, economic security, nuclear proliferation, and yes, the evolving interconnections between Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, among other issues. National security advisors from NATO also discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the threat that Iran poses to regional stability and to a vision of a more peaceful, prosperous, interconnected region. NATO looks forward to welcoming Sweden into the alliance soon as the 32nd member, said Mr. Sullivan. The Washington Summit will continue to build this vital and dynamic defense alliance known as NATO. SRV Media New Delhi [India], February 14: The 8th Convocation of ITM University Gwalior was not just a ceremony; it was a celebration of achievements, inspirations, and the promise of a brighter future. Held amidst a cultural, spiritual, informative, and educational ambience, the convocation brought together students, educators, and distinguished guests from various fields. Also Read | Will Cristiano Ronaldo Play Tonight in Al-Fayha vs Al-Nassr AFC Champions League 2023-24 Round of 16 Match? Here's the Possibility of CR7 Featuring in Starting XI. Keynote Messages: * Spiritual Guru Acharya Oma the Akka emphasized the importance of compassion and sensitivity in one's actions, urging students to pursue education with integrity. Also Read | IND vs ENG 3rd Test 2024: We Were Very Confident That We Would Get the Visa for Rehan Ahmed Before the Game Started, Says Ben Stokes. * Renowned sculptor Professor Latika Katt encouraged students to challenge themselves and carve their own path to success. * Sonam Wangchuk, the innovative engineer, reminded students to stay grounded and serve society with sensitivity, drawing inspiration from ancient wisdom. * Journalist Neerja Chowdhury highlighted the role of journalism in shaping society and urged students to turn their dreams into reality. * Padmashri Dr. Pradeep Chowbey emphasized the significance of learning from ancient texts and embracing technology to bring about positive change. * Padmashri Raghu Rai, the acclaimed photographer, urged students to pursue their professions passionately and strive for excellence. * Actor Padmashri Manoj Bajpayee shared his journey of perseverance and urged students to pursue their dreams with honesty and determination. Inspirational Insights: * Professor Sunil Kumar discussed the importance of lifelong learning and encouraged students to dream big for a developed India by 2027. * Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Upadhyay highlighted the diversity of knowledge at ITM University, where every individual is respected for their expertise. Chancellor's Vision: Chancellor Ruchi Singh Chauhan and Pro-Chancellor Dr Daulat Singh Chauhan emphasized the values of hard work, compassion, and self-improvement. Honorary Degrees and Awards: The convocation ceremony saw the conferral of honorary degrees on our distinguished personalities, including Professor Latika Katt, Manoj Bajpayee, Neerja Chowdhury, Dr. Pradeep Chowbey, Raghu Rai, and Sonam Wangchuk, who were honored for their exceptional contributions to society. Student Achievements: A total of 1297 students were awarded graduate and postgraduate degrees, recognizing their hard work and dedication. Special recognition was given to students who excelled in various fields and received gold medals for their outstanding performances. Conclusion: The 8th Convocation Ceremony of ITM University Gwalior was not just a milestone in the academic journey of its students; it was a testament to their resilience, determination, and aspirations. As they step into the world beyond the university walls, equipped with knowledge, values, and dreams, they carry with them the promise of a brighter tomorrow. It is their passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence that will shape the future and inspire generations to come. Congratulations to all the graduates, and may their futures be filled with success, fulfilment, and happiness. Visit http://itmuniversity.ac.in for more details. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SRV Media. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) VMPL Oshiwara, Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 14: The vibrant neighbourhood of Oshiwara welcomed a new addition to its landscape with the grand opening of HDFC Bank at The Park Residences. The inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries, Shri Ram Kadam ji, MLA from Ghatkopar West constituency, and Dr. Bharati Lavekar, MLA from Versova constituency, adding prestige to the event. Also Read | Regular Erections Can Improve Mens Sexual Health. Abhishek Deshmukh, BBH HDFC, lauded the inauguration as a grand affair, emphasizing the positive ambience and energy exuded by the branch. He expressed confidence in the area's demographic and residents, projecting a tenfold increase in sales targets. Deshmukh extended heartfelt gratitude to Dr Bharati Lavekar and Shri Ram Kadam ji for honouring the occasion with their presence. Dr Bharati Lavekar, after meticulously inspecting every aspect of the branch layout, praised its advantageous location for banking services. She conveyed her best wishes to the staff members and commended the decision to invite dignitaries from different constituencies, facilitating meaningful interactions. Also Read | Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Free Live Streaming Online, 3rd ODI 2024: How To Watch SL vs AFG Cricket Match Live Telecast on TV?. In his address, Shri Ram Kadam ji underscored the importance of personal interactions and pledged his support to the bank officials, promising availability for matters concerning the Ghatkopar side. He also offered access to legal advice through his team, further solidifying his commitment to the community. The bank officials expressed gratitude to Ms. Jaishree Agrawal for providing the property. Agrawal, founder of '7 Dimensions Realty', is renowned for her expertise in leasing properties to top-tier brands and managing redevelopment projects. Her extensive clientele in the residential sector includes celebrities and corporate houses, contributing significantly to her firm's success. The opening of HDFC Bank at The Park Residences marks a significant milestone, promising enhanced banking services and fostering stronger community ties in the vibrant locality of Oshiwara. For inquiries, please contact: +91 9820942523 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 14: Highbar Technocrat Limited, a leading SAP Gold Partner, is proud to announce that it has been honoured with SAP's prestigious "DRS Partner of the Year Award". The accolade was presented during a distinguished SAP ceremony recognising Highbar Technocrat for registering a very high number of SAP deals within a year. Also Read | FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant, ISL 2023-24 Live Streaming Online on JioCinema: Watch Telecast of EBFC vs MCFC Match in Indian Super League 10 on TV and Online. Mangesh Wadaje, Chairman & CEO of Highbar Technocrat, expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude, stating, "We are thrilled and deeply honoured to receive the 'DRS Partner of the Year Award' from SAP. This recognition is a testament to our team's hard work, dedication, and expertise. It highlights our commitment to delivering exceptional value and service to our clients, which has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. We are immensely grateful to our clients for their trust and confidence in choosing us as their preferred partner and to SAP for their continuous support." The "DRS Partner of the Year Award" is a significant achievement that underscores Highbar Technocrat's excellence and leadership in the SAP ecosystem. It reflects the company's successful approach to driving digital transformation and delivering seamless SAP solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses across various sectors. Also Read | US: Indian-American Couple, Twin Sons Found Dead at Their Home in California. Highbar Technocrat offers comprehensive SAP S/4HANA services, including implementation for businesses transitioning to or starting with SAP S/4HANA and cloud solutions for enhanced flexibility and scalability. The company customises SAP S/4HANA to address unique business needs, industry standards, and growth ambitions, ensuring a tailored solution for each client. Additionally, Highbar provides continuous support and maintenance to guarantee the smooth operation and maximal performance of SAP S/4HANA systems, facilitating sustained value delivery to businesses. Highbar Technocrat's commitment to excellence and client-centric approach have been pivotal in its success. The award motivates the company to continue setting higher standards in the SAP implementation and consulting domain. Specialising in industries such as infrastructure, EC&O, real estate, mining, oil & gas, power, smart cities, government, and manufacturing, Highbar's domain expertise enhances client operations, making them intelligent enterprises attuned to customer needs. Highbar Technocrat is dedicated to leveraging its expertise to foster innovation and help businesses thrive in the digital era. Highbar Technocrat stands out as the preferred choice for digital transformation solutions, leveraging its team of seasoned SAP-certified professionals who bring extensive expertise in SAP solutions. The company's deep understanding of the Indian business landscape and its regulatory and industry-specific challenges ensures tailored, effective strategies. Highbar Technocrat prioritises customer satisfaction through a collaborative, innovative approach, aiming to build long-lasting partnerships. Its commitment to integrating the latest SAP advancements guarantees clients access to cutting-edge technology. As an SAP Gold Partner, Highbar Technocrat is officially recognised for its ability to implement, service, and support SAP solutions, marking it as a leader in driving digital innovation. Highbar Technocrat Limited is a leading SAP Gold Partner specialising in providing comprehensive SAP solutions and services. With a strong focus on driving digital transformation, Highbar Technocrat delivers industry-specific solutions that enhance business efficiency and growth. The company's expertise spans various industries, including construction, real estate, manufacturing, and more, making it a preferred partner for businesses looking to leverage SAP technologies for success. For more information, please contact: Habel Jacob Highbar Technocrat LTD Tel: 022 6279 2000 habel.jacob@highbartech.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) BusinessWire India Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], February 14: Beatroot Finserv Pvt Ltd., a Hyderabad-based fintech start-up is thrilled to announce the official launch of Score10, a cutting-edge tenant scoring platform set to redefine the landscape of the rental industry. Also Read | Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Free Live Streaming Online, 3rd ODI 2024: How To Watch SL vs AFG Cricket Match Live Telecast on TV?. In an era where the rental market is evolving rapidly, Score10 emerges as a game-changer, providing landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals with a comprehensive solution to streamline the tenant screening process. Leveraging advanced technology and data analytics, Score10 ensures a seamless and efficient experience for both landlords and tenants. Beatroot Finserv Pvt Ltd., a Hyderabad-based fintech start-up is thrilled to announce the official launch of Score10, a cutting-edge tenant scoring platform set to redefine the landscape of the rental industry. Also Read | Hero Mavrick Based on Harley Davidson X440 Launched in India; Know Price of Each Variant, Booking, Features, Offers and Delivery Details. In an era where the rental market is evolving rapidly, Score10 emerges as a game-changer, providing landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals with a comprehensive solution to streamline the tenant screening process. Leveraging advanced technology and data analytics, Score10 ensures a seamless and efficient experience for both landlords and tenants. Key Features of Score10: 1. Advanced Scoring Algorithm: Score10 employs a sophisticated scoring algorithm that considers various factors to assess tenant reliability and financial stability. This results in a more accurate and predictive evaluation of potential tenants. 2. Instantaneous Results: Say goodbye to prolonged waiting times. Score10 delivers rapid tenant screening results, enabling property owners to make informed decisions swiftly. 3. Comprehensive Tenant Profiles: Gain access to detailed tenant profiles, including credit history, rental payment records, and employment verification. This comprehensive data empowers landlords to make well-informed decisions based on a tenant's overall financial health. 4. User-Friendly Interface: Score10 is designed with user convenience in mind on WhatsApp. Its intuitive interface makes it easy for landlords and property managers to navigate, ensuring a hassle-free experience. 5. Secure and Compliant: Data security is top priority. Score10 adheres to the highest industry standards for data protection, ensuring the privacy and security of sensitive information and is an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certified Company. Beatroot Finserv CEO, Narayana Swaroop, expressed enthusiasm about the platform's potential impact on the rental industry, stating, "With Score10, we aim to elevate the tenant screening process by providing a tool that not only simplifies the workflow for property owners but also enhances the overall rental experience. Our commitment to innovation and excellence has driven the development of a platform that meets the evolving needs of the market." As of 14/02/2024, Score10 is available for use, and Beatroot Finserv invites landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals to explore the platform and experience the future of tenant scoring. (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 [India], February 14 (ANI): Moody's Investors Service has affirmed the ratings on eight Adani Group companies. It changed the outlook on four of the Group companies to stable from negative and maintained the stable outlook on the other four companies. Outlook changed to stable from negative for Adani Green Energy Limited; outlook changed to stable from negative for Adani Green Energy Restricted Group (AGEL RG-1) comprising Adani Green Energy (UP) Limited, Parampujya Solar Energy Private Limited and Prayatna Developers Private Limited; outlook remains stable for Adani Green Energy Restricted Group (AGEL RG-2) comprising Wardha Solar (Maharashtra) Private Limited, Kodangal Solar Parks Private Limited and Adani Renewable Energy (Rj) Limited. Also Read | Valentines Day 2024 Songs Playlist: Top Bollywood Romantic Melodies That You Can Dedicate to Your Lover To Celebrate the Day (Watch Videos). Similarly, outlook changed to stable from negative for Adani Transmission Step-One Limited; outlook changed to stable from negative for Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited; outlook remains stable for Adani Energy Solutions Limited Restricted Group 1 (AESL RG1) comprising Barmer Power Transmission Service Limited, Raipur-Rajnandgaon-Warora Transmission Ltd, Sipat Transmission Limited, Thar Power Transmission Service Limited, Hadoti Power Transmission Service Limited and Chhattisgarh-WR Transmission Limited. The outlook remains stable for Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) and Adani International Container Terminal Private Ltd. Also Read | Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Vows To Continue Attacks on Israel Until Gaza War Ends. In February 2023, Moody's revised the outlook on four rated Adani Group companies to negative reflecting concerns over their access to capital and a potential increase in capital costs following the release of a report from a short-seller highlighting concerns over the Adani Group's governance practices, which led to significant and rapid declines in the market value of the Adani Group companies securities. In the ensuing period, the Group has completed several debt transactions, including refinancing as well as obtaining new loan facilities, demonstrating its continued access to debt capital at a reasonable cost, Moody's said. At the same time, several high-profile equity transactions by large institutional and strategic investors, such as GQG and Qatar Investment Authority, also demonstrated the Group's continued equity market access, it added. "Whilst an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) - India's securities market regulator - is still ongoing, the Supreme Court's decision to entrust SEBI to complete the investigation on the Adani Group and the court's view that there is no apparent regulatory failure attributable to SEBI have curbed the potential tail risk in a downside scenario," it further said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 14: Uravi T & Wedge Lamps Limited (NSE Code: URAVI) is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of incandescent and wedge-based automotive lamps, has announced its unaudited financial result for 9M FY24. Also Read | Vibhakar Shastri Quits Congress: Setback for Congress As Lal Bahadur Shastri's Grandson Resigns From Party. 9M FY24 Key Financials at a Glance: * Total Income of Rs 31.35 Cr, YoY growth of 15.81 % Also Read | Gemini App Coming to Headphones, Could Bring GenAI-Powered Responses to 'Audio-Only' Medium: Report. * EBITDA of Rs 5.18 Cr, YoY growth of 6.29 % * Net Profit of Rs 1.57 Cr, YoY growth of 33.71 % * EPS of Rs 1.44, YoY growth of 29.73 % Commenting on company's performance, NirajGada, Managing Director and CEO said, "Uravi's impressive financial performance in the first nine months of FY24, combined with its strategic initiatives, underscores the company's unwavering dedication to excellence. Uravi's focus on innovation and tailor-made solutions to Tier 1 partners of major OEMs strengthened its commitment to providing top-quality products to the market. This consistent delivery of quality reinforces Uravi's reputation and strengthens its position as a reliable partner in the industry." Incorporated in 2004, Uravi T & Wedge Lamps Limited is the leading manufacturer and supplier of incandescent and wedge-based automotive lamps. They take pride in being the largest manufacturers of automotive lamps for instrument clusters in India, as well as the second-largest in the automotive signalling and parking lamps segment for OEMs. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Chandigarh, February 14: The Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) announced that farmers would squat on rail tracks at seven places in Punjab on Thursday in protest against the Haryana Police action against protesting farmers at the borders. BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) president Joginder Singh Ugrahan said their agitation will be held from 12 noon to 4 pm. The decision was taken in protest against the use of tear gas shells and water cannons against protesting farmers by the Haryana security personnel at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders, he said. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation to put pressure on the Centre for their demands, including a law on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. Farmers Delhi Chalo Protest: Clash Erupts Between Farmers and Security Forces Stone Pelting, Tear Gas Shelling Reported at Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border (Watch Video). However, the BKU (Ekta Ugrahan), which is a member of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, is not part of the 'Delhi Chalo' call. Ugrahan said they were also against preventing farmers from heading towards Delhi as part of their 'Delhi Chalo' call by sealing the borders. Farmers' Protest March: Haryana Government Extends Mobile Internet Ban in Seven Districts Till February 15; Check Details. On Tuesday, farmers had clashed with Haryana Police at two border points between the two states, facing tear gas and water cannons as they tried to break the barricades blocking their protest march to the national capital. Thane, Feb 14 (PTI) Police seized banned gutkha and tobacco products with an estimated value of Rs 2.95 crore from three trucks in Thane district and arrested three men, a senior officer said on Wednesday. "A crime branch team of Thane rural police found the packets of banned gutkha and other tobacco products hidden inside three container trucks parked near a hotel along the Mumbai-Nashik national highway in the early hours of February 11," said Superintendent of Police, Thane Rural, DS Swami. Also Read | West Bengal Shocker: Man Beheads Wife After Domestic Dispute, Walks Around With Severed Head East Midnapur, Arrested. He said the estimated value of the seized gutkha and tobacco products is Rs 2.95 crore and that of container trucks is Rs 60 lakh. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi, UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Virtually Lay Bharat Mart's Foundation Stone in Dubai (Watch Video). Police arrested Tahir Sitab Khan (41), Mohammad Tarif Habib Khan (24), and Jahul Yasin Haqque (37), all residents of Rajasthan, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, and FDA regulations. (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 14: With protesting farmers seeking to march to the national capital, security remained tight on Wednesday with personnel deployed in huge numbers and barricades regulating movement in central Delhi and at border points with Haryana, which can cause hardships to commuters. The traffic movement at Singhu (Delhi-Sonipat) and Tikri borders (Delhi-Bahadurgarh) is suspended, an official said, adding the security personnel in anti-riot gear are deployed and drones being used to keep an eye on the situation. Multiple layers of barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails and container walls have been placed at Singhu and Tikri borders as well as Ghazipur border. An official said the security arrangements at border points and in central Delhi could be increased if required. With massive security arrangements at the three border points, commuters may again face difficulties in reaching their destination. Delhi Chalo Protest: Farmers Begin March Towards National Capital; Few Detained Near Shambu Border, Police Hurl Tear Gas Shells (Watch Videos). Delhi Remains Under Tight Security VIDEO | Farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest: Heavy barricading continues at Shambhu border. pic.twitter.com/y5pLw0QBtL Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 14, 2024 VIDEO | Heavy security deployment continues at Tikri border due to farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march.#FarmersProtest pic.twitter.com/d5elFdmWAP Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 14, 2024 The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the "Delhi Chalo" agitation to put pressure on the BJP-led Centre for their demands, including a law on a minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. On Tuesday, farmers from Punjab faced tear gas shells -- some dropped by a drone -- at two border points of Haryana-Punjab as protesters tried to break past barricades that were installed to stop them from heading to Delhi. Till late night, as they were remained stopped at Punjab-Haryana border by Harayana police. Delhi Chalo Protest: Huge Security Deployment, Multi-Layer Barricading in National Capital in View of Farmers Protest (Watch Videos). Traffic crawled at many places in the Delhi-National Capital Region on Tuesday as well due to the barricading at border and in several parts of Delhi. The metro commuters had to face difficulties as some gates of nine metro stations in Central Delhi were shut till the evening. The Red Fort complex was temporarily closed for visitors on Tuesday. The Delhi Police has issued prohibitory orders under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) for a month -- banning an assembly of five or more people, processions or rallies and the entry of tractor-trolleys ferrying people. During their protest in 2020, farmers from different states, mainly Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, had staged a sit-in at the Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri borders. They sat there from August 2020 to December 2021. Police had to rush logistics in 2020 to check the entry of the farmers moving in a procession of tractors. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) , renowned as the leading institution inacross Asia, is commemorating its remarkable 70-year voyage of influencing the hospitality sector. Affectionately referred to as the Dadar Catering College, IHM Mumbai has been leading the charge in nurturing talent and fostering innovation since its establishment on June 27, 1954. Originating amidst a period of severe grain scarcity, IHM Mumbai emerged from a commendable initiative aimed at raising awareness about alternative grains and conservation endeavors in India. Guided by visionaries such as Lilavati Munshi, Thrity Taleyarkhan, and Leela N Jog, the institute embarked on its journey with humble beginnings, initially offering a one-year program to six pioneering students. Over time, IHM Mumbai diversified its curriculum, introducing diploma and degree programs to meet the dynamic needs of the ever-evolvingAcknowledged for its dedication to quality, IHM Mumbai has earned esteemed honors, such as the Times Education Award for the Finest Hotel Management Institute and acknowledgment from India Today. The institution's focus on comprehensive growth is evident in its broad spectrum of offerings, encompassing not only conventional hospitality programs but also specialized courses in culinary arts, pastry making, and hospitality consultancy.In line with its milestone anniversary, IHM Mumbai is hosting a series of celebratory events culminating in a grand finale on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at NESCO, Mumbai. The event will be graced by esteemed dignitaries such as Amitabh Kant, Sherpa of G20 India, and Nakul Anand, former executive director of ITC Hotels, among others. Alumni, industry leaders, and stakeholders will come together to reminisce and celebrate the institutes remarkable journey.As we mark 70 years of excellence, IHM Mumbai reaffirms its commitment to nurturing talent and driving innovation in the hospitality sector", said Dr Nisheeth Srivastava, Principal at IHM Mumbai. We are proud of our legacy and excited about the future as we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of hospitality leaders", he further added.Founded in 1954, IHM Mumbai stands as the forefront hotel management institution in Asia. Boasting a proud heritage spanning 70 years, IHM Mumbai is celebrated for its exemplary standards in hospitality education and programs tailored to industry needs. Providing an extensive array of courses encompassing diplomas, degrees, and specialized programs, the institute equips students for prosperous careers in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], February 14 (ANI): Targeting the Sukhvinder Sukhu-led Congress government in Himachal, former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that the government has nothing to show for its one-year tenure. Training guns at the Congress government, Jairam Thakur claimed that "from the Legislative Assembly to government offices and residences, people across the state are protesting against the government. The situation has worsened in just one year of this government. The promises made by the Congress are nothing but false guarantees, which will ensure their exit from power," he said. Also Read | Telangana: Section 144 Imposed Prohibitory Orders in Parts of Hyderabad After Clash Between Communities. Thakur mentioned that the government had pledged to generate revenue from every corner but has burdened every department with taxes, and development initiatives have come to a standstill. The government is accumulating debt every month. He further accused the Congress of promising jobs but obstructing recruitments. Also Read | UAE Won Hearts of 140 Crore Indians, Says PM Narendra Modi After Inaugurating BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi (Watch Videos). "The government is making efforts to cancel all appointments. The reality of the Congress government is exposed by promising a lakh jobs but failing to deliver even one. This signifies the government's lack of seriousness about the state's development and the future of the youth," he said. Thakur expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs, stating that every system in the state is in disarray, and the government is known for its sorrow. Thakur reassured the protesting JOA-IT candidates, promising to raise their voice strongly in the Legislative Assembly. He emphasized that the opposition in Himachal would continue to expose every move and falsehood of the government. The battle will now extend from the assembly to the streets. (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 14 (ANI): Amidst the ongoing farmers' protest in Delhi, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday said that efforts to engage in constructive dialogue with the farmers' union persist. The minister also expressed readiness to hold discussions considering all viewpoints and appealed for a conducive environment for dialogue. Also Read | National Film Awards Drop Indira Gandhi, Nargis Dutt Names; Unveils Sweeping Category Revisions Check Out!. "I had already said that our efforts to hold positive discussions with the farmers' union will continue. Farmers' organizations must understand that the decision on the law that is being talked about cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it," he said. Further, the Agriculture Minister urged the farmers' organizations to avoid actions that disrupt daily life. Also Read | Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Congress Announces First List of Candidates for RS Polls, Sonia Gandhi to Contest from Rajasthan; Check Complete List. "The second thing is that the farmers will also have to pay attention to this, especially the leaders of those organizations who are connected with the farmers' organization and are saying such things that do not affect the common life of the people. The common life of the people should not be troubled in any way. Creating difficulties for the common people, I think, instead of solving the problem, the problem becomes more complicated. Therefore, I will request the farmers' organizations today that they should maintain the atmosphere of dialogue..." he added. Meanwhile, Police lobbed multiple rounds of teargas shells to disperse farmers who were approaching the police barricade at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to resume the 'Dilli Chalo' protest on Wednesday. To ensure law and order, Delhi police have already enforced Section 144, restricting the entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies. Meanwhile, long traffic jams were seen on Wednesday at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border due to the farmers' protest and security checks put in place by the authorities. Rapid Action Force personnel, Police personnel and Riot Control Vehicles are deployed at the Singhu Border in Delhi in view of the farmers' protest. The morning visuals showed intense security arrangements at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana, as farmers who marched towards Delhi on Tuesday clashed with the police. The farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government for which they're marching to Delhi. The protest this time has been called by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. According to the protesting farmers, the centre promised them better crop prices, after which they ended the 2021 protest. They are demanding to enact a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report. They are also demanding a complete debt waiver and a scheme to provide pensions to farmers and farm labourers. The farmers have also urged to scrap the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and are demanding to reintroduce the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, ensuring consent from farmers and compensation at 4 times the collector rate. Further, they are demanding to punish those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings. An appeal to provide 200 days of employment per year and a daily wage of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), linking it with farming, has also been made by the farmers. Also, they have demanded compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021 and a job for any family member has been put in place. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patna, February 14: A fire broke out in a storeroom at Patna Medical College and Hospital in Bihar, officials said. Efforts are on to douse the flames, they added. No casualties have been reported. Further details are awaited. Fire in Patna Hospital: Blaze Erupts at Patna Medical College and Hospital Storeroom, No Casualties Reported (Watch Video). Blaze Erupts at Patna Medical College Storeroom #WATCH | Fire breaks out at storeroom in Patna Medical College & Hospital, Bihar; Operation underway to douse the fire, no casualty reported pic.twitter.com/0nmwVKEXmS ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kanpur (UP), Feb 14 (PTI) Forty-three years after bandit Phoolan Devi and her gang perpetrated the Behmai massacre in which 20 people, mostly from the Thakur community, were shot dead to "avenge" her rape, a court here on Wednesday gave life sentence to one of the two surviving accused. It is the first conviction in the sensational case involving 35 accused, including Phoolan Devi who gained notoriety after the incident and later surrendered and became an MP but was shot dead on July 25, 2001, at the age of 37. Also Read | Electoral Bond Scheme: Supreme Court To Deliver Its Verdict on Validity of Scheme on February 15. On Wednesday, Judge Amit Malviya found Shyam Babu guilty but acquitted Vishwanath due to lack of evidence, Kanpur Dehat district government advocate Raju Porwal said, adding all the other accused have died. On February 14, 1981, Phoolan Devi and her gang allegedly killed 20 people in Behmai village located in Dehat to avenge her rape by two men from the so called "upper caste" Thakur community. Seventeen of those killed in the massacre were Thakurs. Also Read | Manipur Violence: One Killed in Police Firing As Village Volunteers Try To Loot Armoury at Police Training College. The then Uttar Pradesh chief minister V P Singh had resigned after the killings sparked nationwide outrage. She surrendered in Madhya Pradesh two years after the massacre under an amnesty scheme. She remained in jail till 1994 and won two Lok Sabha elections in 1996 and 1999. Phoolan Devi was also known as the 'Bandit Queen' after noted film director Shekhar Kapoor made a movie based on the book "India's Bandit Queen: The True Story of Phoolan Devi" by author Mala Sen on her life. Phoolan Devi's release was facilitated by the withdrawal of cases by then UP chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav's government in "public interest". But the decision was set aside by the Kanpur court and the Allahabad High Court upheld the trial court's decision. The Supreme Court also rejected her plea for dismissal of all cases against her in December 1996. On July 25, 2001, then a Samajwadi Party member from Mirzapur constituency in Uttar Pradesh, Phoolan Devi was shot dead from close range by three masked gunmen in front of her Ashoka Road residence in Delhi as she returned home for lunch after attending Lok Sabha. After the court verdict on Wednesday, convict Shyam Babu was taken to Kanpur Dehat jail. (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 14 (ANI): Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi was honoured on Tuesday with the Assam Baibhab, the highest civilian award in the state. Governor Gulab Chand Kataria presented the award to Gogoi at a ceremony held at the Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar present as the chief guest. Also Read | Karnataka Lokayukta Police Registers FIR Against Deputy CM, DK Shivakumar Says legal Fight Will Continue. The Assam Baibhab award includes a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh and lifelong medical treatment sponsored by the government. It features an image of the Jaapi and Assam Baibhav engraved in Assamese on a Hollong tree leaf. In addition to the Assam Baibhab, the Assam Saurav and Assam Gaurav awards were also conferred upon 21 other recipients. Also Read | PM Modi UAE Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lauds Indian Diaspora in Abu Dhabi, Says 'Bharat Is Proud of You' (Watch Video). The awards, established by the state government in 2021 through a cabinet decision in September 2021, underscore the commitment to recognise the exemplary service of exemplary personalities across diverse domains like law, art and culture, and sports. Social service, healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, industry, agriculture, environment and wildlife conservation, etc. "Curated by a distinguished committee chaired by the Chief Minister and ratified by the Cabinet, these awards stand as a testament to the dedication to honouring excellence. Recipients of these awards receive more than just accolades; they are bestowed with medals, citations, monetary rewards, and privileges, including essential medical care and accommodation in guest houses, circuit houses, etc," the Assam government said in an official statement. Dr Kishan Chand Nauriyal, Elvis Ali Hazarika, Hima Das, and Nadiram Deuri were bestowed with the Assam Saurabh Award. 17 personalities--Ranjit Kumar Gogoi, Parbati Barua, Debajit Changmai, Drona Bhuyan, Neelam Dutta, Anupam Deka, Soumyadeep Datta, Basanta Chiring Phukan, Manendra Deka, Minakshi Chetia, Pokhila Lekthepi, Tenzing Bodosa, Nirmal Dey, Jeen Kumbang Pao, Mary Hassa, Upendra Rabha, and Rahul Gupta were given the Assam Gaurav Award. The event also witnessed a cultural programme by some artists showcasing the rich cultural heritage and cultural diversity of the state. Congratulating the recipients, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarama said, "Assam is proud of your exemplary services and accomplishments. You are the champions; continue to shine the light." Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli, Speaker Assam Legislative Assembly Biswajit Daimari, Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court Justice Vijay Bishnoi, and several other dignitaries were 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) Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], February 14 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, said that the grant under Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana will be increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 per beneficiary annually from April, this year. The CM said that as per the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government is working diligently for the safety, respect, and dignity of women. Addressing the Mukhyamantri Samuhik Vivah Samaroh organized on the fertilizer factory premises on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, the CM Yogi said, "In 2014, PM Modi launched the "Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao" campaign to ensure the safety, respect, and self-reliance of women. Only when daughters are protected and educated, can they contribute to the country and society." Also Read | Electoral Bond Scheme: Supreme Court To Deliver Its Verdict on Validity of Scheme on February 15. He emphasized that a daughter contributes to the advancement of the entire family, adding that several schemes are being implemented at the central and state levels today to save and empower daughters. On this occasion, he also inaugurated 91 development projects costing Rs 252 crore. CM Yogi mentioned that after becoming the Chief Minister for the first time in 2017, he launched the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which facilitates education of a girl child right from her birth till graduation. He said that the government has provided Rs. 15,000 to more than 17 lakh daughters annually through this scheme so far. This amount will be increased to Rs. 25,000 from April. Also Read | Manipur Violence: One Killed in Police Firing As Village Volunteers Try To Loot Armoury at Police Training College. He said that under the "Mukhyamnatri Samuhik Vivah Yojana", the state government has conducted three lakh marriages since 2017, spending Rs. 51,000 per couple, out of which Rs. 35,000 are sent to the bride's account. "It's heartening to see that children from both poor and affluent families are participating in the 'Samuhik Vivah Samaroh'", he stated. Chief Minister Yogi emphasised that marriage, as a timeless tradition, serves as the cornerstone of responsible households, nurturing and perpetuating ancestral legacies through generations. "It intricately intertwines with the very fabric of the universe, symbolizing the cyclical nature of life itself," he said. Acknowledging the prevalence of distortions in this sacred institution over time, the Chief Minister highlighted the grave injustices perpetrated against women, including abhorrent practices such as child marriages, dowry, divorces and female foeticide. These practices, he lamented, not only undermine the dignity of women but also contravene the principles of humanity and respect. The Chief Minister urged people to pledge to not participate in child marriages, not to give or take dowry, and to put an end to practices like divorce forever. Affirming the government's unwavering commitment to women's welfare, Chief Minister Yogi underscored the pivotal role played by women self-help groups in promoting safety, dignity, and self-reliance among women. He lauded the proactive measures taken to empower women, including the allocation of houses under the PM Awas Yojana and the conferment of land ownership rights through the PM Swamitva Yojana, with a significant focus on enhancing women's participation and ownership. As the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami dawned, heralding the worship of Goddess Saraswati, the embodiment of wisdom and intellect, Chief Minister Yogi invoked her blessings for the successful accomplishment of all endeavors. He extolled the sanctity of the holy festival, celebrating the inexorable march of nature towards its zenith of beauty and vitality. In a heartwarming gesture, Chief Minister Yogi extended heartfelt congratulations to the thousand couples embarking on the sacred journey of marital bliss. He wished them a prosperous and harmonious life filled with love and companionship, underscoring the significance of this joyous occasion. In a symbolic gesture of support and encouragement, CM Yogi presented certificates and gift-shagun kits to ten newlyweds, symbolizing the government's commitment to fostering love, unity, and social cohesion within the community. As the ceremony unfolded, imbued with the spirit of celebration and camaraderie, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his unwavering resolve to usher in an era of progress, development, and prosperity for all citizens of Uttar Pradesh. Amidst the jubilant festivities, a palpable sense of optimism and hope permeated the air, as the collective aspirations of a brighter future found expression in the union of a thousand souls, bound by the timeless bonds of love and commitment. MP Ravikishan Shukla also spoke 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) Shimla, February 14: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed grief over the demise of Kamal Kant Batra, mother of Param Vir Chakra recipient Captain Vikram Batra. She died at Palampur in Kangra district on Wednesday. She was 77. The Chief Minister prayed to the Almighty to give peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. "Sad news was received about the demise of Mrs. Kamalkant Batra, mother of martyr Captain Vikram Batra. Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Earns Spot Among Outlook Business Magazines Changemakers of the Year 2023. We pray to God to grant Mata Ji a place at His feet and give strength to the bereaved family to bear the immense sorrow," CM Sukhu posted on X. Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Health Update: Himachal Pradesh CM's Health Improving, Says Chief Minister's Media Advisor. Himachal CM Condoles Vikram Batra's Mother's Death: Captain Vikram Batra, known as "Sher Shah," died fighting for the country during the Kargil War in 1999, displaying unparalleled bravery and dedication to the nation. His courageous actions earned him the Param Vir Chakra, the highest military decoration in India. Jammu, Feb 14 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday paid tributes to the 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who lost their lives in a terror attack in Pulwama district on this day in 2019. The CRPF personnel were killed when a Pakistan-linked suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the CRPF convoy. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Father Strangulates Daughter to Death With His Muffler Over Love Affair in Kharagwar Village, Arrested. In a retaliatory attack, the Indian Air Force had targeted terror camps in Balakot in Pakistan. "Humble tributes to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The nation will forever remain indebted to their exemplary courage, supreme sacrifice, and selfless service to the motherland," Sinha wrote on X. Also Read | Pulwama Attack Anniversary 2024 Date: All About the Day That Remembers the Martyred Jawans and Their Act of Bravery. Security forces, including the CRPF, political and social groups, and various other organisations have planned separate functions to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the attack. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) [India], February 14 (ANI): A special Bhasma Aarti was performed at the Mahakaleshwar Temple located in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district on the occasion of Vasant Panchami on Wednesday. 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. Also Read | Diamond Theft in Mumbai: Two Teenagers Flee With Uncut Diamonds Worth Rs 50 Lakh After Drugging Woman and Her Family in Khar; Police Launch Manhunt. A priest of the temple, Sanjay Guru, told ANI, "On the occasion of Vasant Panchami, according to 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 containing saffron, which includes milk, curd, ghee, sugar, and honey. Thereafter Baba Mahakal was decorated with yellow sandalwood, yellow mustard flowers, and marigold flowers." Later on, Baba Mahakal was covered with a yellow cloth and Bhasma Aatri was performed along with the beating of drums and blowing of conch shells. Maha Bhog of yellow-coloured sweets was offered to the Lord on the occasion, he added. Also Read | Gujarat Shocker: Dalit Groom Attacked, Abused for Riding Horse in Wedding Procession; Four Arrested. The priest further said that a large number of devotees from different regions participated in the Bhasma Aarti and sought the blessing of Lord Mahakal on the occasion. The priests also prayed to Lord Mahakal for the well-being of all the devotees. The Hindu festival of Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami, Shri Panchami, and Saraswati Panchami, is celebrated on the first day of spring and falls on the fifth day of the month of Magha. It also heralds the start of Holi preparations, which take place forty days following the festival. Maa Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of learning, music, and the arts, is honoured throughout the festival. On this day, the colour yellow holds a lot of significance. People dress in yellow for the festival, worship the goddess Saraswati, and consume customary foods. (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 14 (PTI) Calling for greater accountability in using technology in conduct of polls, the Congress Wednesday questioned the Election Commission's "reluctance" to engage with INDIA parties over their demand that the number of VVPATs prescribed be steadily increased towards 100 per cent. The opposition party also said that not allowing for 100 per cent VVPATs is a "terrible injustice" on the Indian voter. Also Read | Gujarat Shocker: Dalit Groom Attacked, Abused for Riding Horse in Wedding Procession; Four Arrested. In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties have been requesting for an appointment to meet the Election Commission since June 2023 on the issue of the greater use of VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) in the election process. "Not allowing for 100% VVPATs is a terrible ANYAY on the Indian voter," he said. Also Read | Rajya Sabha Elections 2024: Sonia Gandhi Leaves for Jaipur, to File Nomination for Rajya Sabha Seat from Rajasthan (Watch Video). On April 8, 2019, the Supreme Court had requested the EC to increase the number of election booths that undergo VVPAT slip matching, he noted. "The case is N. Chandrababu Naidu vs Union of India '? yes, the same Chandrababu Naidu who was once known as the high-tech Chief Minister. Mr. Naidu was then the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh," Ramesh said. The demand of the INDIA parties is that the number of VVPATs prescribed cannot be static but must increase steadily increased towards a 100 per cent, he asserted. "The reluctance of the ECI to engage with the INDIA parties on this issue raises even more questions. Shouldn't the ECI strive for greater accountability and transparency in a technology that it stands by so wholeheartedly?" Ramesh said. "But of course, Mr Naidu is about to migrate into the NDA, in the meanwhile. Maybe he can convince the Election Commission to give his erstwhile allies an appointment," the Congress general secretary said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) ELKO For its 100th anniversary, Intermountain Farmers Association dedicated the milestone year to a noteworthy community service program. Each IFA branch aimed to volunteer 100 hours throughout 2023, contributing more than 3,500 hours to various community service projects throughout the Intermountain West. The Elko IFA Country Store in Elko, 390 30th St., actively participated in the initiative, engaging in a variety of community service activities with organizations like Ag in the Classroom, FFA and youth livestock shows. One of our core values is to be a visible and desired member of the community, Adam Fox, IFA creative director, said. This 100 Hours of Service initiative was instrumental in helping our employees embody that value and give back to Intermountain West communities that have supported us over the past 100 years. IFAs impact in Elko The Elko branch was a key pillar in IFAs effort to serve in 2023, surpassing the 100-hour goal. As a company, IFA also wanted to give back, contributing $267,000 to local organizations, community events and youth livestock shows. The 100-hours initiative represents more than statistics, the company said; they tell stories of lives touched and communities strengthened. Here are examples of the ways IFA employees in Elko served their neighbors: Supporting community youth programs Katie Mori has served as part of the Silver Sage FFA Advisory Committee. The board is responsible for offering ideas and mentorship to the local FFA program on all matters pertaining to Agriculture Education. The committee reviews and awards deserving students scholarships and is the voice of support in the community to back the Ag educators and students in their program goals. Supporting agriculture education is so important, we are influencing the workforce and leaders of tomorrow, Mori said. So many of the opportunities I was given, including coming to work for IFA, were influenced by the time I spent as a member of the Silver Sage FFA. It is a privilege to be able to give some time back. Carrying on the tradition of youth livestock shows The Elko team also volunteered time and dollars to support local youth livestock shows like the Elko County Fair and Ruby Mountain FFA Sale each summer. Darla Barkdull, branch manager in Elko, remembers how 1983 was the first year IFA purchased an animal at the Elko County Fair and has not missed a year since. We love seeing the youth put in countless hours of hard work to produce a product they are proud to take to the Fair. The entire Elko team gets involved with helping families make decisions on feeding and caring for livestock, the company said. We realize that 4-H, FFA and Junior Livestock Clubs are so much more than just one kid and one animal, it takes the entire family, Mori said. We are committed to supporting the families who have spent years in this community supporting us. Tyler Stinson, IFA associate vice preseident of farm supply marketing, said, Junior and local livestock shows play an integral role in providing hands-on educational experiences and opportunities for youth within agriculture. Recognizing the impacts of local livestock shows on young producers, IFA is proud to contribute to both the youth and our local communities through generous contributions at these events. Celebrating 100 years As IFA enters its next century, the spirit of service in 2023 reflects the companys ongoing dedication to fostering positive change in the communities it serves the company said in a news release. IFA is a member-owned cooperative. The agricultural producers, ranchers, and farmers are members who depend on the agricultural products and services we offer to keep their business running. 100 Hours for our 100th anniversary was an exciting way to celebrate, the news release said. Our service and involvement in the community does not end with 2023. We are committed to supporting Elko and the surrounding communities going into our next 100 years. IFA is holding its annual customer appreciation event on March 7 to thank customers for their business and includes the best sales of the year. All customers are welcome to attend. North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) [India], February 14 (ANI): West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar was admitted to Basirhat multi-facility hospital after he was injured during a police lathi charge as a scuffle broke out between Police and party workers on Wednesday. The West Bengal government have reimposed section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in and around 500 metres of area in seven-gram panchayats, including Sandeshkhali. Also Read | Vladimir Putin Would Be Assassinated if Russia Backs Out of Ukraine War, Claims Elon Musk. Sector 144 has been imposed in the area till February 19 to maintain law and order in view of the agitation by the BJP over allegations of sexual harassment by women in Sandeshkhali block. The political storm over the events at Bengal's Sandeshkhali sparked violence in another part of the state on Tuesday. Also Read | Dry Day Today on Valentines Day 2024 in Bengaluru: Liquor Ban Imposed in Several Parts of Bangalore From February 14 to 17 and Again on February 20, Heres Why. Clashes broke out between police personnel and BJP supporters on Tuesday after efforts were made to defy prohibitory orders clamped in the vicinity of the SP's office in West Bengal's Basirhat prior to the agitation of the party over allegations of sexual harassment of women in Sandeshkhali block. BJP workers, led by the party's state chief, Sukanta Majumdar, clashed with the police in Basirhat after being stopped from holding a protest. Police personnel were seen charging party workers as the latter broke through barricades and entered the village. Scenes of chaos filled the village as the police resorted to lathi-charge to drive away the protesters. Women in Sandeshkhali have been agitating for the last few days over alleged atrocities committed against them by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides. Earlier, locals, 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 and the alleged rape incidents. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Hyderabad, Feb 14 (PTI) Sixteen people were injured in a clash between members of two different communities following a dispute over road widening near a place of worship at a village on the city's outskirts, police said on Wednesday. Members of a community objected to the widening of the road by government authorities near their place of worship at Janwada village, while a group of villagers were in favour of it, police said. The members of the community contended that the road was being expanded up to the wall of their place of worship, police said. Also Read | Manipur Violence: One Killed in Police Firing As Village Volunteers Try To Loot Armoury at Police Training College. This led to arguments between the two sides and later they clashed by pelting stones at each other on Tuesday night, police added. Doors of the place of worship were also damaged during the clash, a police official said, adding 16 people from both sides were injured. Also Read | US Shocker: Cancer Patient Dies After Surgical Robot Burns Holes in Organs, Husband Sues Manufacturer. Police intervened and dispersed them, the official said. The injured were shifted to hospital and subsequently discharged, police said. The situation is peaceful and under control, he said. Cases were registered under relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act besides on charge of rioting, unlawful assembly and other relevant IPC sections at Mokila police station following complaint and counter-complaint, the official said. Police took some members from both sides into custody. Further investigation was on. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) New Delhi [India], February 14 (ANI): Union Minister Arjun Munda met ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Horn on Wednesday at the Ministry of Agriculture. A delegation led by Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, called on Arjun Munda at Krishi Bhavan in New Delhi. Also Read | Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan Rangers Violate Ceasefire Along International Border in RS Pura Sector. The Union Agriculture Minister extended a warm welcome to the delegation and affirmed that India values its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a key pillar of its foreign policy in line with India's Act East Policy. The Minister emphasized the need to deepen our existing ASEAN-India relations by focussing on cooperation in the field of agriculture. Also Read | Electoral Bond Scheme: Supreme Court To Deliver Its Verdict on Validity of Scheme on February 15. It was noted that India regularly participates in the ASEAN- India Agriculture Ministers' Meeting and reaffirmed the commitment that India and ASEAN shall continue to work on issues of mutual interests including food security. In this context recalling successful celebration of ASEAN-India Millets Festival, Minister underlined the need of collective efforts towards mainstreaming millets. The Minister also announced training programmes for ASEAN Member States at various institutions of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) including on Post Harvest Agriculture. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, ASEAN Secretary General applauded India's efforts on agriculture cooperation under ASEAN-India framework. He called upon the need to expand work on various sectors such as agriculture products, best practices, exchange programs, climate change, food security. He emphasized that India and ASEAN could jointly work towards sustainable Agriculture, promotion of digital technology in the agricultural sector and reduction of harmful agrochemicals to benefit the farming community in ASEAN Member States using India's expertise and scientific knowledge in addressing these challenges. Union Agriculture and Farmers Affairs Minister reiterated the commitment of India's continuous support for strengthening and expanding the India-ASEAN partnership in general and cooperation on agriculture in specific. (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 14 (ANI): Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari sanctioned Rs 382.10 crore on Tuesday for the construction of a new 2-lane highway with paved shoulders connecting Majuli and Jorhat on the recently designated NH 715K in Assam. A flyover on NH-715, complete with its approaches and service roads, is included in the project, spanning a total length of 20.5 kilometers. Also Read | Karnataka Lokayukta Police Registers FIR Against Deputy CM, DK Shivakumar Says legal Fight Will Continue. Gadkari, in a social media post, said that this initiative aims to establish direct road connectivity between Jorhat and Majuli. "These imitatives aim to establish direct road connectivity between Jorhat and Majuli, addressing the absence of such a link currently," he said. Also Read | PM Modi UAE Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Lauds Indian Diaspora in Abu Dhabi, Says 'Bharat Is Proud of You' (Watch Video). He further said that presently, residents rely on river ferries across the Brahmaputra during daylight hours, posing safety concerns, especially during periods of high flooding. "The development of approach roads and the Majuli bridge will ensure continuous connectivity, significantly improving the socio-economic conditions of the local population and promoting tourism," the union minister added. He also said that this strategic infrastructure investment is poised to reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs for road users. (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 14 (PTI) The Delhi High Court was informed on Wednesday that separatist leader Yasin Malik, who is serving life sentence in a terror funding case, was examined by doctors at AIIMS and has been provided necessary medical treatment. The counsel for the central government and the Director General of Prisons (Tihar Jail) also submitted that requisite medical treatment will be provided to Malik as and when required. Also Read | Vibhakar Shastri, Former PM Lal Bahadur Shastri's Grandson, Resigns From Congress, Joins BJP. Malik has claimed that he suffers from serious cardiac and kidney problems. Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta recorded the statement made by the counsel and disposed of Malik's petition in which he sought a direction to authorities to produce the record of his treatment and refer him to AIIMS or any private super-specialty hospital here or in Jammu and Kashmir for proper and necessary treatment as he was suffering from serious cardiac and kidney ailments. Also Read | Vladimir Putin Would Be Assassinated if Russia Backs Out of Ukraine War, Claims Elon Musk. Rajat Nair, representing the Centre and DG (Prisons), submitted that Malik was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), examined by doctors and discharged. He said necessary medical treatment has been accorded to the inmate. He said the status report has been filed in pursuance to the court order and added that authorities are duty bound to provide necessary treatment to inmates. The high court also said that the copy of the order be sent to the jail superintendent concerned for intimation and compliance. The high court had on February 2 directed the Superintendent of the Tihar Jail to ensure proper medical treatment to Malik. The counsel for the authorities had earlier submitted before the court that the petition suffered from serious suppression of facts and that Malik was refusing treatment being given to him by authorities. The petition was filed on behalf of Malik through his mother Aatika Malik. Nair had contended that Malik was a "very high risk security prisoner", and therefore, the medical team can be brought in the jail itself. He had contended that a medical board was constituted by AIIMS. However, Malik refused to be examined by them through video-conferencing in jail as the inmate wanted to go to the hospital physically. The Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chief was awarded life imprisonment by a trial court here on May 24, 2022, that held him guilty for various offences under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed an appeal in the Delhi High Court seeking enhancement of the sentence from life term to death penalty, which is the maximum punishment for the offence. The life term was awarded for two offences - section 121 (waging war against government of India) of the IPC and section 17 (raising funds for terrorist act) of the UAPA. The court had awarded Malik a 10-year jail term each under sections 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against the government of India) of the IPC and sections 15 (terrorism), 18 (conspiracy for terrorism) and 20 (being a member of terror organisation) of the UAPA. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Noida, Feb 14 (PTI) Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday said a 'mahapanchayat' will be organised on Saturday at Muzaffarnagar in Uttar Pradesh to discuss the "atrocities" being committed on the protesting farmers in the country. Farmers and activists of BKU from UP, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Haryana have been exhorted to attend the congregation to be held at the 'Kisan Bhawan' in Sisauli. Also Read | APPSC Group 2 Hall Ticket 2023 Released at psc.ap.gov.in: Admit Card for Group 2 Services Examination Out, Know Steps To Download. "All farmers, office bearers and workers of Bharatiya Kisan Union are being informed that as per the decision of the national working committee, a monthly panchayat will be organised on February 17, 2024 at Kisan Bhawan, Sisauli in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh, in which the current situation of the country will be discussed. There will be a discussion regarding the atrocities being committed on farmers," Tikait posted on Facebook in Hindi. "Senior officials of Bharatiya Kisan Union of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Haryana will be present in this monthly panchayat," the BKU spokesperson added. Also Read | Saraswati Temples in India: From Dakshina Mookambika to Sri Vidya Saraswathi Shaneeshwara, Mandirs Across The Country Dedicated to the Goddess of Knowledge. Thousands of farmers, who are seeking a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) among other demands, started their 'Delhi Chalo' march on Tuesday but have been met with police action outside the national capital. Senior Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh and Arjun Munda, on Wednesday held discussions over the ongoing farmers' protests and ways to address the issues, according to sources. The meeting in Delhi assumes significance against the backdrop of farmers from Punjab marching towards Delhi and Haryana Police using tear gas shells to stop them at the Shambhu border between the two states. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington/London, Feb 14 (AP) Thousands of ride-hailing and delivery workers in the US and the UK went on strike on Valentine's Day, calling for higher pay and other changes to their working conditions. In the US, Uber and Lyft drivers planned daylong strikes in Chicago; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Miami; Orlando and Tampa, Florida; Hartford, Connecticut; Newark, New Jersey; Austin, Texas; and Providence, Rhode Island. Drivers were also holding midday demonstrations at airports in those cities, according to Justice for App Workers, the group organising the effort. Also Read | PM Narendra Modi Concludes His Two-Day UAE Visit, Emplanes for Qatar (See Pics and Video). Meanwhile, UK delivery drivers for Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Just Eat and Stuart said they would turn off their apps and refuse deliveries between 5 pm and 10 pm. The group Delivery Job UK, which called for the walkout, said on Instagram that the strike was a crucial opportunity to be seen and heard by society. Of eight delivery drivers who spoke with The Associated Press on the streets of London Wednesday, all but one said they planned to halt work at 5 pm. Several, however, questioned whether the strike was long enough to make enough of a financial dent in the businesses. Also Read | UAE Won Hearts of 140 Crore Indians, Says PM Narendra Modi After Inaugurating BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi (Watch Videos). One day is not effective, said Evadur Rahman. If we strike more than one day -- two, three, four days they're gonna be affected. Rahman, a Deliveroo driver who planned to participate in the strike, said his daily pay dropped in recent months from about 140 pounds ($175) for eight hours of work to around 100 pounds ($126). He said he wanted the company to raise the minimum rate it pays per order from 2.90 pounds ($3.64) to closer to 5 pounds ($6.28). They must improve the minimum pay, Rahman said. It's not enough for survival in this country. Delivery Job UK said 3,000 people planned to strike, but it was unclear how many US drivers would be participating. Uber said Tuesday that based on past walkouts, it didn't expect the strike to have much impact on its operations. These types of events have rarely had any impact on trips, prices or driver availability, Uber said in a statement. That's because the vast majority of drivers are satisfied. Uber and other companies that rely on self-employed gig workers say those workers appreciate the flexibility of the job. But many gig workers are pushing to unionise, saying that would give them the ability to bargain over compensation, safety measures and other benefits. In November, that unionisation effort saw a setback in the UK, when Britain's top court ruled that Deliveroo couriers don't have collective bargaining rights because they aren't considered employees. Deliveroo said Wednesday that it has a voluntary partnership with a union that includes annual discussions on pay and it also provides couriers with free insurance and sick pay. Rider retention rates are high and the overwhelming majority of riders tell us that they are satisfied working with us, the company said in a statement. Rachel Gumpert described ride-hailing as a mobile sweatshop, with some workers routinely putting in 60 to 80 hours per week. Justice for App Workers, which says it represents 130,000 ride-hailing and delivery workers, is seeking higher wages, access to health care and an appeals process so companies can't deactivate drivers without warning. But ride-hailing companies say they already pay a fair wage and have an appeals process in place for deactivations. Earlier this month, Lyft said it began guaranteeing that drivers will make at least 70% of their fares each week, and it lays out its fees more clearly for drivers in a new earnings statement. Lyft also unveiled a new in-app button that lets drivers appeal deactivation decisions. We are constantly working to improve the driver experience, Lyft said in a statement. Lyft said its US drivers make an average of $30.68 per hour, or $23.46 per hour after expenses. Uber said its US drivers make an average of $33 per hour. The company also said it allows drivers to dispute deactivations. (AP) (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 14 (AP) Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election for a U.S. House seat in New York on Tuesday, coming out on top in a politically mixed suburban district in a victory that could lift his party's hopes heading into a fiercely contested presidential election later this year. Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip to take the seat that was left vacant when George Santos, also a Republican, was expelled from Congress. The victory marks a return to Washington for Suozzi, who represented the district for three terms before giving it up to run, unsuccessfully, for governor. Also Read | Hezbollah Leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah Vows To Continue Attacks on Israel Until Gaza War Ends. It's unclear how long his next stint on Capitol Hill will last, as a redistricting process unfolds that could reshape the district. But for now the result narrows the already slim Republican majority in the House. And it provides Democrats a much-needed win in New York City's Long Island suburbs, where the GOP showed surprising strength in recent elections. Suozzi stressed his campaign trail theme of bipartisan cooperation in a victory speech that was briefly interrupted by protestors criticizing his support of Israel. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath Offers Prayers at Sant Ravidas Temple in Varanasi: Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, February 14, 2024. There are divisions in our country where people can't even talk to each other. All they can do is yell and scream at each other, he said, acknowledging the demonstrators. That's not the answer to the problems we face in our country. The answer is to try and bring people together to try and find common ground. The way to make our country a better place is to try and find common ground. It is not easy to do. It is hard to do, Suozzi told supporters at his election night party in Woodbury. Suozzi's win will likely reassure Democrats that they can perform well in suburban communities across the nation, which will be critical to the party's efforts to retake control of the U.S. House and reelect President Joe Biden. Still, forecasting for November could be complicated given that turnout, already expected to be low given the abbreviated race, was potentially hampered by a storm that dumped several inches of snow on the district on election day. Both campaigns offered voters free rides to the polls as plows cleared wet slush from the roads. In the short term, the result could be a factor in ultratight votes in the House, where Republicans hold just a 219-212 majority. In an example of how important one seat can be, House Republicans voted Tuesday night to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote, punishing the Biden administration over its border policies. At a polling place on Long Island earlier in the day, 59-year-old Eliezer Sarrias said he cast a ballot for Suozzi because the former congressman appeared more able to work with the opposing party to reach agreements and end congressional gridlock. The constituents elect our officials to perform a certain job, and we've really had a very stagnant congressional year, Sarrias said after voting at a middle school in Levittown. Even with the migrants now, we had bipartisan deal in Congress and suddenly it evaporated, like, why? Do we really need to wait for another president to come, or aren't the issues that are pressing to everyone important at the moment? On the campaign trail, Suozzi, a political centrist, leaned into some of the same issues that Republicans have used to bash Democrats, calling for tougher U.S. border policies and a rollback of New York laws that made it tougher for judges to detain criminal suspects awaiting trial. The unusual midwinter election became necessary after Santos was ousted by his colleagues in December, partway through his first term. Santos won office in what had been a reliably Democratic district partly by falsely portraying himself as an American success story a son of working class immigrants who made himself into a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker. But many elements of Santos' life story were later exposed as fabrications, and he was indicted on multiple charges including allegations he stole money from Republican donors. He has pleaded not guilty. With no time for a primary before the special election, Democrats nominated Suozzi, a political centrist well known to voters in the district. Republican leaders turned to Pilip, a relatively unknown candidate with a unique personal backstory. Born in Ethiopia, she migrated to Israel as part of Operation Solomon and served in Israel's defense forces before eventually moving to the U.S. and winning a seat in Nassau County's legislature in 2021. Pilip conceded the race and said she congratulated Suozzi in a phone call Tuesday night. Yes we lost, but it doesn't mean we are going to end here, Pilip told supporters at her election watch party. Biden's campaign manager was quick to link the victory to the upcoming presidential race: Donald Trump lost again tonight. When Republicans run on Trump's extreme agenda even in a Republican-held seat voters reject them, Julie Chavez Rodriguez said. Trump responded to the result in a post on his social media site Truth Social, calling Pilip a very foolish woman who was running in a race where she didn't endorse me and tried to straddle the fence,' when she would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America. The short campaign was dominated by issues abortion, immigration and crime that are expected to shape crucial suburban races nationwide in this year's battle for control of Congress. Despite being an international migrant once herself, Pilip hammered Suozzi over an influx of asylum-seekers into New York City, accusing Democrats and Biden of failing to secure the U.S. southern border. In response, Suozzi spent much of the campaign talking about the need to strengthen border policy, pointing out times when he bucked his own party on the issue while in Congress. In the final stretch, Suozzi said he would support a temporary closure of the border to slow the number of arrivals, similar to comments that Biden has made. Suozzi counterattacked Pilip on abortion, saying she couldn't be trusted to protect abortion rights in places like New York where it remains legal. Pilip said she is personally against abortion but wouldn't force her beliefs others and would oppose any attempt by Congress to impose a nationwide ban. She has also said mifepristone, an abortion medication, should be available nationally. Both candidates expressed unwavering support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, even appearing side-by-side in an unusual joint event intended to convey solidarity. Democrats and Republicans will get a chance to fight over the congressional seat again in November's general election, though the battleground may look different. That's because the state's congressional districts are set to be redrawn again in the next few months because of a court order. Democrats, who dominate state government, are widely expected to try to craft more favorable lines for their candidates. New York is expected to play an outsize role in determining control of Congress this year, with competitive races in multiple contests in the suburban and exurban rings around New York City. (AP) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Abu Dhabi, Feb 14 (PTI) Coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Gulf region, India and the UAE have inked a pact for quickly operationalising the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor despite the repeated Houthi strikes on vessels in the Red Sea prompted by the Israel-Hamas war. The issue of IMEC, announced during the G-20 Summit in New Delhi last September, came up for discussion during Modi's talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Wednesday. Also Read | Kenya: Doctors Concerned About Conjunctivitis Outbreak. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which will connect India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe, is seen as a crucial alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a multi-country infrastructure project. The Inter-governmental Framework Agreement concerning Cooperation for the Empowerment and Operation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will further regional connectivity, Kwatra said while briefing reporters on Modi's visit to the UAE. Also Read | Vladimir Putin Would Be Assassinated if Russia Backs Out of Ukraine War, Claims Elon Musk. One of the aims is to see how quickly the IMEC gets operated and benefits the core objective of stronger, deeper, more extensive regional connectivity between the parties involved, he said. Kwatra said the ongoing disturbance in the region about the conflict in Gaza and the situation in the Red Sea is a matter of concern. Both the countries and the leaders continue to monitor, supervise, and exchange notes on them. But it is equally important to ensure that economic cooperation which can be pursued, taken forward continues to stay the course and maintain momentum, the foreign secretary said. Kwatra said the main areas under the agreement on IMEC are the ones relating to cooperation on logistics platforms, which is a crucial element of furthering the objectives of this particular quality to the provision of supply chain services. Our supply chain services are not just limited to one or two things but cover all types of general cargo, bulk containers and liquid bulk, he said. In another development, the Ministry of Investment of the UAE and India's Ministry of Electronics and Technology (MEITY) have signed an MoU for cooperation on digital infrastructure projects. This is a framework agreement that focuses on investment cooperation in the field of digital infrastructures, naturally, as a corollary of that the focus is on developing capabilities and sharing technical knowledge, advice, skills, and expertise under this particular framework. Government agencies as also the regulatory authorities will also look to forge partnerships under this particular digital infrastructure MOU, he added. Briefing about the Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the UAE, Kwatra said that the agreement will set the basis for stronger and more extensive and wide-ranging investment partnerships because it focuses not just on protecting the existing investments. Apart from the pact to quickly operationalise crucial IMEC, India, and UAE signed multiple bilateral agreements during PM Modi's visit to the Gulf region. After attending the high-voltage Ahlan Modi' event that saw massive participation from the Indian diaspora on Tuesday, he is set to inaugurate the largest Hindu stone temple in Abu Dabhi on Wednesday. Modi attended the World Governments Summit at Dubai and after the temple event, will be headed to Doha to meet the leadership in Qatar as part of his two-day visit to the Gulf region, his seventh since 2015. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Dubai, February 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he met Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, on Wednesday, held a wide range of discussions. The two leaders also acknowledged the contribution of the Indian diaspora to Dubai's evolution into a global hub for trade, services and tourism. Prime Minister Modi not only thanked Al Maktoum for his graciousness towards the Indian community living in Dubai, but both the leaderships also discussed the people-t0-people ties at length. World Governments Summit 2024: World Today Needs Governments Which Are Inclusive, Free From Corruption, Says PM Narendra Modi (Watch Video). PM Modi Meets UAE Vice President @HHShkMohd. . . pic.twitter.com/yjdtT7Vmbc Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 "Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his graciousness towards the Indian community living in Dubai. Both leaders acknowledged the contribution of the Indian Diaspora in Dubai's evolution into a global hub for trade, services and tourism," the readout of the meeting by Ministry of External Affairs said. A plethrora of discussions took place on areas of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, technology, space, education between PM Modi and Al Maktoum in Dubai. They expressed satisfaction with India and the UAE's fast increasing economic and trade relations, emphasizing the importance of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. "They also welcomed the signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty," the MEA readout highlighted. PM Modi expressed his gratitude to the UAE leader for the grant of land for an Indian Community Hospital in Dubai. "Prime Minister expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for the grant of land for an Indian Community Hospital in Dubai which will offer affordable healthcare facilities for the Indian blue-collar workers," the MEA said. India Is World's Fastest Growing Economy, Says PM Narendra Modi at International Energy Agencys Ministerial Meeting (Watch Video). "Prime Minister invited Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to visit India at his earliest convenience," it added. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. "Strengthening - Comprehensive Strategic Partnership! PM @narendramodimet VP & PM of UAE @HHShkMohd in Dubai. Discussions covered a wide-range of areas of bilateral cooperation including trade & investment, technology, education and people to people ties" the MEA posted on X. Moreover, PM Modi also took to X and said that it is always a delight to meet him in Dubai, as he lauded Al Maktoum's vision for Dubai. "It is always a delight to meet to meet @HHShkMohd. His vision for Dubai's growth is clearly visible to the entire world. Our discussions covered a wide range of subjects ranging from commerce to connectivity, and ways to boost people to people linkages," PM Modi wrote on X. PM Modi is on an official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi later today. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) ELKO The new president of the Nevada Mining Association met with over 70 people associated with the industry on Tuesday evening. Amanda Hilton told those at a reception in her honor at Dalling Hall in downtown Elko she was thrilled to take the reins of the trade group and would be a strong advocate for the industry. I am very excited about this opportunity. I have a passion for mining, she told the audience. I have a passion for advocating for the miners and the work that were doing in the state of Nevada. Hilton said in a brief conversation after speaking to those in attendance she ascended to the top position at the Robinson Mine outside her hometown of Ely through an unusual backdoor via the accounting side of the industry. She spent 20 years at the Robinson mine, the last six years as its general manager. She was appointed president of the mining association in January and this was her fourth week in the position. Hilton mingled with the audience, posed for photos and took an upbeat stance on the industrys future. Washington, February 14: Thousands of US ride-hailing workers plan to park their cars and picket at major U.S. airports Wednesday in what organizers say is their largest strike yet in a drive for better pay and benefits. Uber and Lyft drivers plan daylong strikes in Chicago; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Miami; Orlando and Tampa, Florida; Hartford, Connecticut; Newark, New Jersey; Austin, Texas; and Providence, Rhode Island. Drivers also plan to hold midday demonstrations at airports in those cities, according to Justice for App Workers, the group organizing the effort. Rachel Gumpert, a spokesperson for Justice for App Workers, said ride-hailing drivers in other cities may also demonstrate or strike for at least part of the day. Uber said Tuesday it doesn't expect the strike to have much impact on its operations on Valentine's Day. Uber Driver Involved in First-Ever Deadly Autonomous Crash in US Sentenced to 3 Years Probation. These types of events have rarely had any impact on trips, prices or driver availability, Uber said in a statement. That's because the vast majority of drivers are satisfied. Gumpert described ride-hailing as a mobile sweatshop, with some workers routinely putting in 60 to 80 hours per week. Justice for App Workers, which says it represents 130,000 ride-hailing and delivery workers, is seeking higher wages, access to health care and an appeals process so companies can't deactivate them without warning. Gumpert said last year's strikes at U.S. automakers which led to more lucrative contracts for their unionized workers helped embolden ride-hailing workers. It's incredibly inspiring. When one worker rises up, it brings courage to another workers, Gumpert said. But ride-hailing companies say they already pay a fair wage. US Shocker: Cab Driver Abandons Indian Origin Woman in Middle of Nowhere During Ride, Steals Her Luggage and Documents in Massachusetts (Watch Video). Earlier this month, Lyft said it began guaranteeing that drivers will make at least 70% of their fares each week, and it lays out its fees more clearly for drivers in a new earnings statement. Lyft also unveiled a new in-app button that lets drivers appeal deactivation decisions. We are constantly working to improve the driver experience, Lyft said in a statement. Lyft said its U.S. drivers make an average of $30.68 per hour, or $23.46 per hour after expenses. Uber said its U.S. drivers make an average of $33 per hour. The company also said it allows drivers to dispute deactivations. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Washington, DC [US], February 14 (ANI): The US Permanent Representative to NATO, Julianne Smith, said on Tuesday (local time) that she does not expect the North Atlantic Treaty Alliance (NATO) alliance to extend membership invitation to Ukraine at the NATO summit set to held in Washington in July. While speaking at an online press briefing, Julianne Smith noted that the NATO alliance has been clear that Ukraine's future is in the NATO alliance. She said allies have made efforts since the Vilnius Summit held in 2023 to move out on a number of steps to continue helping Ukraine with necessary reforms in its country to move closer to Euro-Atlantic integration. Also Read | Live Breaking News Headlines & Updates, February 14, 2024. Asked whether NATO will extend to Ukraine an invitation for membership, Smith said, "Well, I think first and foremost, I would note that last year the Alliance was very clear. Allies explicitly stated that Ukraine's future is in the NATO Alliance, so we reaffirmed what the Alliance said in 2008, when Allies noted that Ukraine would become a member of the Alliance. And we've worked very hard since the Vilnius Summit last year to move out on a number of steps to continue to help our friends in Ukraine with the necessary reforms inside their own country to move closer to Euro-Atlantic integration, both their integration with the European Union and with the NATO Alliance. And we continue to focus, first and foremost, on supporting them in the current fight and ensuring that they can prevail on the battlefield." "As for the summit this summer, I do not expect the Alliance to issue an invitation at this juncture. I do anticipate that the Allies will be able to signal that the Alliance continues to move closer to Ukraine and that we are taking concrete steps to serve as a bridge between where we are now and that full-fledged membership," she added. Also Read | Russian President Vladimir Putin Plans To Double His Troops Along NATO Border. She expressed hope that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be able to participate in the summit in person and he will continue to hear about allies "unwavering support" for Ukraine. Julianne Smith said, "Stay tuned for additional insights on what we will be rolling out at the summit, but we very much hope that President Zelenskyy will be able to join us in person, and I think he will continue to hear unwavering unity and resolve in Allies' support for his country. And we will be able to signal, most importantly, to President Putin that we aren't going anywhere in terms of our support for Ukraine. All of us will continue to support them for as long as it takes." She stated that encouraging the Kremlin to attack any NATO ally will put US soldiers and the soldiers of allies in "greater danger." Asked about former US President Donald Trump's remarks that undermining Article V has put the US and European soldiers in greater danger, Julianne Smith said, "Well, look, encouraging the Kremlin to attack any NATO Ally or Alliance territory really puts our soldiers, US soldiers, and our Allies' soldiers in greater danger. Doing so, making those types of statements, is dangerous and, frankly, irresponsible. During a campaign event on Saturday, Trump said that he would encourage Russia to do "whatever the hell they want" to any NATO member country that does not meet guidelines regarding spending and would not offer such a country US protection, CNN reported. During the press briefing, she noted that the NATO alliance is celebrating its 75th birthday at the summit in Washington, DC, in July. She further said, "And what that means is that for over seven decades, we have had several Democratic and Republican administrations in the United States join together in one belief, and that belief is that alliance, particularly the NATO Alliance, really sit at the cornerstone of US foreign policy." Calling these alliances the strength of America, Smith said that they serve the interests of the US and its allies. She noted that the US and its allies have been working together on conventional military threats and continuing to provide important deterrence and defence of NATO territory. Julianne Smith said, "These alliances are America's strength. They are not a charity project. They serve US interests directly, and they serve the interests of our allies directly. And what we've been able to do together with our allies for over 70 years is nothing short of remarkable." "Not only are we working together on conventional military threats and continuing to provide important deterrence and defence of NATO territory, but we are working together day in and day out here in the NATO Alliance on a variety of future challenges. We look and work together on space, cyber, emerging and disruptive technology, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring that we're building resilience so that we can guard against some of the hybrid tactics that we've seen the PRC and the Russians rely on," she 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) Thimphu [Bhutan], February 14 (ANI): Venerable Sunim's visit to Bhutan is more than just a diplomatic exchange; and represents the essence of compassion in action, Bhutan Live reported. The objective of Sunim's travel, according to Prime Minister Tobgay, is to study initiatives that his foundation and society may support in order to improve the lives of Bhutan's poorest people and build national development. Also Read | US Shocker: Cancer Patient Dies After Surgical Robot Burns Holes in Organs, Husband Sues Manufacturer. Pomnyun Sunim was a famous person in South Korea known for his knowledge and kindness. Bhutan's Prime Minister, Tshering Tobgay, expressed his gratitude for welcoming the Venerable Sunim, recognizing his role as the leading teacher and practitioner of the Dharma in South Korea. The presence of Venerable Sunim represents a rich history of Buddhist teachings and practices. As a well-known person in South Korea, he has spent his life teaching the message of compassion, mindfulness, and charity. His teachings reverberate not just within the walls of monasteries, but also in the hearts of innumerable others seeking comfort and direction on their spiritual path, according to Bhutan Live. Also Read | PM Modi UAE Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Welcomed by Priests at BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi (Watch Videos). Bhutan's ideology closely parallels Venerable Sunim's own teachings. His visit therefore represents a peaceful convergence of philosophies, where spirituality and socioeconomic growth coexist. As Venerable Sunim travels around Bhutan's stunning landscapes, he speaks with local leaders, intellectuals, and communities to better understand the complex difficulties that the country's poorest confront, according to Bhutan Live. The connection between Venerable Sunim's teachings and Bhutan's ethos is apparent, blazing a beacon of hope for a better, more compassionate tomorrow. His presence serves as a reminder that the pursuit of pleasure is more than just worldly prosperity; it also includes the cultivation of inner calm, altruism, and connectivity with all beings. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Gandhinagar, February 14: Four persons have been arrested for allegedly attacking a Dalit bridegroom for riding a horse as part of his wedding procession in Gujarat's Gandhinagar district, police said. The incident took place on Monday afternoon in Chadasana village when the accused persons also hurled casteist abuses at the Dalit groom, Vikas Chavda, while he was riding a horse as part of his wedding procession, a Mansa police station official said on Tuesday. The groom, along with around 100 participants in the procession, was on way to the bride's house in the village when a man on a motorcycle intercepted and dragged him down from the horse and slapped him, said a complaint filed by the groom's cousin, Sanjay Chavda. The accused person also hurled casteist slurs at the groom, objecting to him riding the horse by saying that only members of his community can ride a horse, the complaint said. Gujarat Shocker: Woman Lured Into Rain of Cash, Raped by Tantrik in Rajkot; Four Arrested. Three more persons joined him and all the four started abusing and threatening the groom, the complainant stated in the FIR. The groom was compelled to ride a four-wheeler to the bride's house for the wedding, it said. The four accused have been identified as Sailesh Thakore, Jayesh Thakore, Samir Thakore and Ashwin Thakore, all belonging to the OBC community. Gujarat Shocker: Four-Year-Old Boy Buried Alive Under Sand in Kutch, Case Registered. All the four accused persons have been arrested, the police official said. They have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult), 114 (abettor present when offence committed) and 506 (2) (criminal intimidation), and relevant provisions of the SC/ST ((Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Siddhartha Nagar, Feb 14: The Siddhartha Nagar police in Uttar Pradesh have arrested a man for the murder of his 17-year-old-daughter. In his confessional statement, the accused, Prahlad Kumar told the police that his daughter Sandhya was in a relationship with her classmate. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Man Arrested for Molesting 18-Year-Old Student in Bhadohi. Kumar had objected to the relationship because the boy was from another caste. When she refused, he strangled her to death with his muffler. Superintendent of Police, Siddhartha Nagar, Prachi Singh said that Sandhyas body was found on February 10 in Kharagwar village under the Shohratgarh police station. Her mother identified the body, prompting the registration of an FIR against a boy of her daughters age. We found some boiled rice near her body and the victims mother claimed that it must have been laced with sedatives offered by her boyfriend, thus accusing him of murder, said Singh. When the police questioned the victims mother about her husbands whereabouts, she claimed he was in Mumbai. However, her husbands location was traced to Lucknow. We quickly formed teams and apprehended her husband, the police added. Prahlad, during interrogation, confessed that he disapproved of Sandhyas relationship with her friend. In his confession, Prahlad claimed that he planned the murder due to societal pressure and fear of tarnishing his reputation. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Five-Year-Old Girl Raped by Two Schoolmates on Schools Premises in Gonda; Accused Held. I asked her not to see that boy again. However, she refused, saying that it was her life and she would live it her way. I got angry at this and throttled her neck with a muffler. I then dressed the scene to appear as though Sandhya had been poisoned by her lover. Subsequently, I fled to Lucknow, he said in his confession. Police revealed that in the past too, Prahlad had warned Sandhya not to associate with that boy. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2024 10:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). New Delhi, February 14: Healthtech unicorn Innovaccer is geared up to turn profitable in the next two quarters, aiming to reach nearly $200 million in annualised revenue rate (ARR) by the end of this year, its Co-founder and CEO Abhinav Shashank said on Wednesday. The company turned unicorn in 2021 with a $150 million funding round at a $3.2 billion valuation. It has raised a total of $375 million. "We'll be at about $200 million in annualised revenue rate by the end of this year and we'll be profitable in the coming two quarters," Shashank told NDTV Profit. "We've had a really strong growth trajectory. We are one of the fastest-growing vertical software companies globally at this point at scale. We think growth should continue over the next multiple years and we should be a fairly profitable business," he added. Google Removes Over 170 Millions Policy-Violating Reviews in 2023 by Using New Machine Learning Algorithm From Maps and Search. The San Francisco and Noida-headquartered company provides its patented health cloud technology to large hospital chains. Innovaccer's mission statement is similar to what the government aims to do with its Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission stack. In June 2022, the government announced the Unified Health Interface (UHI), which is a network of open protocols that enable the interoperability in health services. UHI is one of the foundational layers in the Ayushman Bharat stack that focuses on the discoverability and delivery of health services. Moove Raises 'USD 10 Million' From Stride Ventures To Expand Its India Footprint. We're hopeful that we end up playing some role in partnering with the government here on some of those initiatives, but the pace at which the Indian government is moving on technology adoption and technology-driven healthcare, I don't think any other country is moving at that pace," said Shashank. In December 2021, Innovaccer had raised $150 million, driven by rapid customer adoption of the Innovaccer Health Cloud. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2024 06:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Beirut, Feb 14: Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said that the Lebanese armed group will not stop its attacks in border regions with Israel until the latter's war on Gaza ends. Nasrallah in a speech to commemorate Hezbollah fighters broadcasted by local TV channel al-Manar on Tuesday said that the group will "not stop the border offensive before the end of the Zionist war on Gaza", Xinhua news agency reported. Iran Vows to Keep Backing Hezbollah During Regional Tensions Linked to Israel-Hamas War. Nasrallah noted that the group's military front in southern Lebanon is aimed at weakening the Israeli enemy until it is convinced that it must stop its aggression in Gaza. "This front will only stop when the aggression against Gaza stops within an agreement with the Palestinian resistance," he said. Nasrallah added that Hezbollah also has a national duty to protect Lebanon from "Israeli aggression," and would continue to fight back if Israel's attacks go on. US Drone Strike Kills Iran-Backed Militia Kataib Hezbollah Leader Abu Bakr Al-Saadi in Baghdad, Says CENTCOM (See Pic and Video). The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since October 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 271 people on the Lebanese side, including 190 Hezbollah members and 44 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2024 08:27 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Moscow, February 14: Tesla CEO Elon Musk has made a controversial claim that Russia President Vladimir Putin would face assassination if he retreats from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Elon Musk made the remark during a forum on X Spaces, a social media platform owned by him, on Monday. He was joined by several Republican senators and entrepreneurs who opposed a bill that would increase US aid to Ukraine. As per the SCMP, Musk agreed with Senator Ron Johnson that Putin was unlikely to lose the war and that those who hoped for a Ukrainian victory were living in a fantasy world. He also urged Americans to contact their lawmakers and oppose the bill, saying that it would not help Ukraine but only prolong the war. Russian President Vladimir Putin Plans To Double His Troops Along NATO Border. Musk Mocks Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's Aid Appeals Musk has previously expressed his scepticism about Ukraines chances of winning the war and has mocked the appeals of Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for more assistance. He denied being a Putin apologist and said that his companies, especially SpaceX, have done more to undermine Russia than anything else. He cited the example of how SpaceX provided Starlink internet service to Ukraine after Russia invaded it. Tucker Carlson-Vladimir Putin Interview: Former Fox News Host Conservation With Russian President Tops 100 Million Views on X in Less Than 14 Hours. Elon Musk said he was interested in saving lives on both sides of the war and questioned the wisdom of those who wanted to overthrow Putin. He warned that whoever could take out Vladimir Putin would likely be even more hardcore than Putin and not a peacenik. The Kremlin on Wednesday denied a Reuters report that Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine to the United States via intermediaries. Asked if the Reuters report that Russia had made peace proposals was true, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "No. It is not true." Russian President Vladimir Putin sent signals to Washington in 2023 in public and privately through intermediaries, including through Moscow's Arab partners in the Middle East, that he was ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian sources told Reuters. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 14, 2024 05:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). House Republicans gave Donald Trump what he wanted by having a Biden administration official, Alejandro Mayorkas, impeached. The Republican majority voted to impeach the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary despite the lack of evidence. Republicans have blamed Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and the Joe Biden administration over the ongoing border crisis, despite the Republicans themselves sabotaging the bipartisan border deal that the Senate and the Biden administration were working on. The deal would have provided $20 billion of border security funding. The vote was very close and one of the reasons for the Alejandro Mayorkas impeachment happening was the return of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise. According to CNBC, he returned from cancer treatment to help Republicans secure the majority vote and have Alejandro Mayorkas impeached. The final vote tally in the House of Representatives was 214-213, with Scalise's vote proving to be the deciding factor as the House approved two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas. This vote was historic, too, despite the political motivations, as Mayorkas became the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in almost 150 years. He is also only the second cabinet secretary to ever be impeached. The case now goes to the Democrat-controlled Senate, which would need a two-third majority to convict and remove the DHS sceretary from his office. Mayorkas is expected to be exonerated given the lack of evidence that he intentionally violated federal immigration laws and blocked congressional oversight of the Homeland Security Department. The Democrats are in Senate control and are likely to throw the case out. Narrow Victory in Alejandro Mayorkas Impeachment Frustrates Republicans Despite celebrating, however, some Republicans were lamenting and growing frustrated with their narrow victory, given that the impeachment effort previously failed as some Republicans defected and voted against impeaching Mayorkas. READ MORE: Texas Promises To Continue Placing Razor Wire Along US-Mexico Border Despite Supreme Court Ruling Republican lawmakers openly aired their frustrations and started pointing fingers at their party's leadership, which has been growing more and more fractured with clear factions forming within the Republican party itself. "I had many people reach out to me via text message and say, 'What the hell are you guys doing up there?' I think our base is a little frustrated," said Texas Republican Troy Nehls in an interview with CNN. "We may have the gavel, but we're not acting like we're in the majority." Rep. Lance Gooden, another Texas Republican, echoed his sentiment, "I was embarrassed for our conference, for our party, because we can do better than we did last night," he said in a CNN interview. Several Republicans Voted Against Alejandro Mayorkas' Impeachment The impeachment of the DHS secretary is seen more as a Donald Trump victory rather than a Republican victory, as it showed just how divided the party is in Congress, with some towing the party line and aligning with the embattled former president, while others choose to side with the law. As CBS News noted, while all Democrats voted against the impeachment, not all Republicans voted for it, as three of them defected and voted with the Democrats. Meanwhile, Mayorkas said the politically-motivated push to impeach him has not shaken him. "I assure you that your false accusations do not rattle me and do not divert me from the law enforcement and broader public service mission to which I have devoted most of my career and to which I remain devoted," he stated in a letter to the committee. 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: WATCH LIVE: House convenes to attempt new vote for impeachment of DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas - PBS NewsHour In a tight 70-29 vote early Tuesday, the US Senate approved a $95 billion foreign aid package earmarked for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, according to ABC News. However, the fate of this substantial aid proposal now hangs in the balance as it encounters resistance from House Republicans. A notable aspect of the Senate vote was the departure of 22 Senate Republicans from the party line, breaking ranks with former President Donald Trump, who strongly opposed the US Senate aid package. In a weekend social media post, Trump advocated for lending money exclusively to foreign allies rather than providing aid. Despite earlier support for foreign aid, Senator Lindsey Graham voted against the Senate bill, aligning with Trump's stance that any assistance should be in the form of a loan. This is even though a significant portion of the funds is intended to replenish US arms supplies sent to Ukraine and would benefit American companies. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed skepticism about bringing the Senate bill to the floor for debate or a vote, citing the absence of provisions addressing the southern border. The Senate agreement did not allocate additional funds for the southern border following the collapse of attempts to pair them last week. READ NEXT: Senate Border Bill Does Not Pass After Republicans Block Their Own Bill Senate Urges House Action Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer swiftly applied pressure on Speaker Mike Johnson to advance the US Senate aid package to the House floor for a vote, per The Hill. Schumer dismissed Johnson's insistence on tough border reforms as a condition for acceptance. Schumer emphasized the urgency of the moment, urging the House to "do the right thing and save democracy as we know it." He expressed confidence in a broad House majority supporting the Senate bill, highlighting the 22 Republican votes it secured in the Senate. "I will urge Speaker Johnson to step up to the moment and do the right thing," he said. The US Senate leader dismissed Johnson's demand for enhanced border security measures, emphasizing the bill's majority approval. Schumer stressed the need for swift aid delivery to Ukraine and urged the House to pass the Senate bill promptly. Debates Over Border Security and National Debt The $95 billion foreign aid package, amid a national debt exceeding $34.2 trillion, includes substantial allocations for Ukraine, Israel, and other foreign partners, Fox News noted. Notably, it lacks provisions for border security, a point of contention for Republicans. Earlier attempts to pair foreign aid with increased border staffing and other measures failed, with Trump's opposition being a significant factor. Representatives like Jamie Raskin accused Trump of vetoing the package that included border security, reflecting ongoing disagreements within the GOP. As debates continue, customs and border protection sources reported a record-breaking 12,000 migrant encounters on a single day in December, placing strain on border towns and cities nationwide. The House Speaker criticized the funding package for not addressing what he considered the most pressing issue facing the country, further signaling potential hurdles in the House. The US Senate aid package, designed to counter adversaries such as Iran, Russia, and China, allocates substantial amounts to support Ukraine's fight against Russian aggression, aid Israel's efforts against Hamas, and provide humanitarian assistance in various regions. The unfolding legislative saga underscores the complex dynamics surrounding foreign aid and domestic priorities in the current political landscape. READ MORE: Kennedy Family Bashes RFK Jr. Over Super PAC's Super Bowl Ad This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: Moment Senate passes $95 billion aid package | Raw video - From 11 Alive ELKO A man who stabbed himself during a traffic stop at the East End Mall last month has died, authorities said. Everett Edsel White, 70, was taken off life support for unspecified injuries on Feb. 6 at a Utah hospital, according to Elko Police Chief Ty Trouten. White was pulled over by Elko police on a warrant for a Nevada Parole and Probation violation on Jan. 17. Trouten said records indicate White had not attended a parole meetings since 2019. Police said White refused to cooperate and get out of the vehicle. He then rolled up the window, retrieved a knife and plunged it into his chest. White was transported to Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital and was flown to a Utah hospital for further treatment. Police, Utah hospital staff and a Utah social worker were unable to locate next of kin, despite multiple leads. Authorities tried for weeks to locate relatives, but all the phones were dead and businesses shuttered, Trouten said. However, White seemed to be indifferent to the search for family. At one point, White told hospital staff he didnt care if family members were notified, Trouten said. A search of Whites criminal history shows felony convictions for attempted battery with substantial bodily harm in 2012 and 2013 from Clark County. Although White was on parole, he could likely have been released eventually, he said. A US federal government report on Puerto Rico's recovery after subsequent hurricanes and earthquakes showed the US island territory in the Caribbean still needs more work as it continues to recover from hurricanes Maria and Irma, coupled with a string of strong earthquakes. The recovery effort in Puerto Rico remains a slow crawl, as many on the island, all of whom are US citizens, still feel the effects of the natural disasters that have hit the US Caribbean territory. This is shown in the US federal report, which was released Tuesday. The report stated that less than 10% of more than $23 billion in available federal funds has been spent and that "a substantial amount" of permanent projects are still pending. While this is happening, costs continue to soar on the island and have threatened to halt the rebuilding work. According to the Associated Press, the US Government Accountability Office was the one that made the report, and it stated, "More than six years after hurricanes Irma and Maria, Puerto Rico's recovery is ongoing." This was made even worse as a series of earthquakes hit the US territory in December 2019 and January 2020. These earthquakes added to the damage, incurring millions of dollars in additional costs. Over $11 billion of the $23.4 billion that the US Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded to help in the recovery of Puerto Rico has not yet been approved, as approval from the agency is still required before the Puerto Rican government can actually spend it. Furthermore, it is still not clear why the territorial government has not yet taken any steps to get access to that money. READ NEXT: Puerto Rico: Top 5 Resorts To Visit While in This US Territory Aid for Puerto Rico Hurricane Fiona Recovery Still Getting Blocked Because of Lack of Street Numbers According to the Daily Kos, people in Puerto Rico are still reeling from Hurricanes Maria and Fiona. However, they are still facing obstacles that prevent them from receiving post-Fiona governmental aid, and this is all due to their homes not having street numbers. A large number of homes in Puerto Rico do not have street numbers, preventing the local government from identifying which ones already received aid and which ones have not. A group of municipal employees and volunteers were helping residents fill out the application for assistance for critical needs, but the wait is still long. However, there are also efforts to improve the housing address system in Puerto Rico. Amid Energy Woes, Puerto Rico Can Achieve 100% Renewable Energy Future By 2050 Since Maria, Fiona, and Irma, Puerto Rico's power grid has struggled to provide electricity, resulting in electricity bills going up all over the island. This has forced many to turn to renewable energy. The US Department of Energy and FEMA have revealed the results of their 2-year study, and it stated that Puerto Rico could achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050, as it outlined pathways to achieving clean energy success. These include grid stabilization measures and the deployment of distributed energy resources. READ MORE: Puerto Rico's Wrestling Culture and Its Underrated Pro Wrestlers This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: FEMA chief discusses Hurricane Fiona recovery efforts in Puerto Rico - CBS News Amid the grand finale of the carnival season, New Orleans anticipates thousands for the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Festivities include vibrant parades, historic French Quarter parties, and the Rex Organization's tradition, while actor Kevin Dillon reigns as the Krewe of Bacchus's king. Despite expected chilly temperatures and strong winds on Tuesday, the Mardi Gras revelry in New Orleans is set to continue. The enthusiastic crowds, adorned in costumes, eagerly anticipate the coveted "throws," including brightly colored bead necklaces, stuffed animals, plastic cups, and hula hoops. The festive spirit prevails, undeterred by weather conditions, per ABC News. Orleans' Mardi Gras epitomizes rich traditions, cultural diversity, and vibrant creativity, captivating both locals and visitors. The celebrations extend beyond New Orleans, with Mobile, Alabama, hosting the nation's oldest Mardi Gras, while Brazil and Europe showcase renowned Carnival extravaganzas, AP noted. Monday's festivities included the symbolic meeting of the Kings of Carnival and Zulu, reflecting a shift in social and racial dynamics. READ NEXT: Mexico City Celebrates Traditional Carnivals Mardi Gras in Latin America In Hispanic culture, the festive spirit of Mardi Gras takes on the name Carnaval, a week-long extravaganza that precedes the solemn period of Lent, according to the Spanish Academy. Let's explore the lively Mardi Gras celebrations across Latin America, where the festivities are known for their exuberance and cultural richness. Carnival Season vs. Mardi Gras: A Cultural Blend Originating from the French words "Mardi" (Tuesday) and "gras" (Fat), Mardi Gras refers to the day before Ash Wednesday, marking the commencement of Lent. Traditionally, it involved indulging in rich, fatty foods before the fasting period of Lent. The Mardi Gras tradition expanded globally with the spread of Christianity, reaching countries like England, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and the Americas. While Mardi Gras and Carnival season are essentially the same holidays, cultural variations influence the way they are celebrated. The term "carnaval" comes from the Medieval Latin word Carnelevarium, meaning "to take away meat," establishing a close connection between the two names of this festive occasion. Latin American Mardi Gras Celebrations Similar to the iconic celebrations in New Orleans and Venice, Latin American Mardi Gras is a spectacular blend of traditions brought by European colonizers and the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Let's delve into the vibrant celebrations of eight Latin American countries. Colombia: El Carnaval de Barranquilla Originating in Cartagena with African slaves, El Carnaval de Barranquilla has evolved into a massive celebration welcoming over 300,000 people from across Colombia. The parade, the second-largest globally, showcases the country's diversity, folklore, and modern art with a unique theme each year. Mexico: Diverse Celebrations Across Towns Mardi Gras celebrations in Mexico are diverse and grand. In Mazatlan, the third-largest Mardi Gras celebration globally, festivities include cultural events like La Velada de las Artes and honoring the Mazatlan Award for Literature. Other Mexican towns, including Oaxaca, Merida, Veracruz, and Campeche, celebrate with parades featuring costumes representing various ethnicities and indigenous cultures. Guatemala: Family-Focused Celebrations In Guatemala, Mardi Gras celebrations center around children wearing costumes and crafting handmade cascarones and colorful eggshells filled with confetti. The tradition involves cracking the cascarones on each other's heads, creating a festive atmosphere suitable for families and people of all ages. Venezuela: The Callao Carnival Season In Venezuela, the largest celebration occurs in El Callao, featuring parades with Calypso music and symbolic characters known as los diablos. These devils, representing the magical-religious aspect of the festival, were declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016. Uruguay: The World's Longest Mardi Gras Uruguay hosts the world's longest Mardi Gras celebrations, lasting over 45 days. With parades, comedy shows, and costume contests, Montevideo becomes a vibrant hub of music, fantasy, and rich colors, creating a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors. Bolivia: Altitude and Tradition in Oruro Located at an altitude of 3,700 meters, Oruro in Bolivia hosts the country's largest Mardi Gras celebration. The six-day event features a grand parade with over 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians, showcasing popular arts through masks, textiles, and embroidery. Dominican Republic: Playful and Amusing Celebrations Mardi Gras celebrations in the Dominican Republic are marked by playful elements, including the Calife Show, where politicians and celebrities are humorously caricatured. Another unique tradition involves hiding candy for children to find, adding a playful twist to the festivities. Brazil: The Samba Capital of the World Undoubtedly, Brazil is a Mardi Gras powerhouse, hosting the Carnival season of Rio de Janeiro since 1840. Renowned for its Samba dancers and world-class dance competitions, Brazil's Mardi Gras attracts millions from around the globe. The celebration features bright colors, elaborate sequin costumes, delicious food, and spectacular parade floats. As we explore the vibrant Mardi Gras celebrations across Latin America, it's evident that each country adds its unique cultural flair to this globally cherished tradition. Whether it's the lively parades, traditional costumes, or the joyous atmosphere, Latin American Mardi Gras exemplifies the region's rich diversity and cultural heritage. READ MORE: Valentine's Day Traditions in Latin America This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Bert Hoover WATCH: What's Mardi Gras all about? - From 10 Tampa Bay He may not be part of the US House of Representatives anymore, but Kevin McCarthy just held a press conference that slammed embattled Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz, the man accused of child sex trafficking and also responsible for McCarthy's ouster as Speaker of the House. The ousted former California Republican representative targeted his arch nemesis, Gaetz, during that scathing press conference, which was his first one since leaving the House of Representatives back in December. McCarthy was asked about Gaetz's resolution to defend Donald Trump from accusations of leading the January 6 Capitol Insurrection back in 2021 as an attempt to shield the former president from the various legal challenges that may kick him off the ballot in this year's presidential elections. "Is he trying to deflect from what's happening in Ethics? I don't know what happened," answered McCarthy as he was asked about the new Gaetz resolution by The Independent. However, this turned the questioning to the Matt Gaetz sex trafficking scandal and its subsequent House Ethics Committee investigation. The former California congressman stated that he did not know much about the committee's investigation but did claim that his former colleague and current arch-nemesis had been "very concerned" about it when McCarthy was still speaker. The former speaker then added that Gaetz asked him "to do something about it," which McCarthy refused, explaining that such action "would be illegal." At another point in that press conference, Kevin McCarthy once again alluded to the Matt Gaetz Ethics Probe, saying, "He probably lies about who he sleeps with too." Witness Cooperating With Ethics Committee Over Matt Gaetz Sex Trafficking Scandal The House Ethics Committee's investigation into Matt Gaetz's sex trafficking scandal is finally moving forward, with a witness reportedly now cooperating with the committee. READ MORE: Matt Gaetz Caught Pushing Chinese Propaganda, Gets Called Out by Pentagon Official Gaetz's former friend and political ally Joel Greenberg has reportedly already provided documents to the House Ethics Committee regarding the Florida congressman's child sex trafficking activities. According to Yahoo! News, Greenberg is one of the star witnesses against Gaetz and is currently serving an 11-year prison sentence over child sex trafficking himself. He began aiding the investigation into Gaetz after receiving a request from the Ethics Committee. Should Matt Gaetz be found guilty of his child sex trafficking crimes, he faces a minimum of 10 years in prison. Matt Gaetz Slammed Over Super Bowl Boycott Meanwhile, Matt Gaetz decided to boycott the Super Bowl over the performance of the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing." His boycott did not go over well, and he was even accused of race-baiting. Andra Day sang "Lift Every Voice and Sing" before Post Malone performed "America the Beautiful," with Reba McEntire finishing the opening performances off with "The Star-Spangled Banner." However, Gaetz did not like the addition of the first song, and his post on X garnered over 6,000 replies, many of which accused Gaetz of being racist in addition to being a pedophile sex trafficker. READ MORE: Florida Republican Party Ousts State Chairman Christian Ziegler Over Sexual Assault Allegations This article is owned by Latin Post. Written by: Rick Martin WATCH: House Republicans Obtain Star Witness That End Matt Gaetz's Career - The Ring of Fire Editors note: This story was originally published in 2018. Ash Wednesday means cinder crosses marked on foreheads, a time for reflection and the start of Lent, a period of more than 40 days of fasting and no meat on Fridays leading up to Easter. But this year, it also means red and pink greeting cards, rose bouquets, chocolate-covered strawberries and conversation hearts. Because in 2024, Ash Wednesday falls on Valentines Day. The last time this convergence of holidays happened was in 2018. But the 2024 meeting of hearts and ashes doesnt seem like such oddball calendar alignment when you consider that the two days will merge again as soon as 2029. When heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and dinner reservations beckon, what are observant Christians to do? The Rev. Msgr. Edward S. Zemanik applies ashes to the forehead of a parishioner during Ash Wednesday services Feb. 17, 2010, at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Easton. Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day coincide on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.Bill Adams File Photo | For The Express-Times Prioritizing observance (while still getting your V-day dinner) The Archdiocese of Newark did not issue any sort of official recommendations relating to the overlap of Valentines Day and Ash Wednesday, the Rev. Bismarck Chau, pastor at Saint Patricks Pro-Cathedral and St. Johns Church in Newark, said in 2018. But given the differing traditions of the two occasions, being that Ash Wednesday requires fasting and Valentines Day usually involves some sort of festive meal or candy, he suggested a simple rearrangement of the days: Ash Wednesday stays put and Valentines Day goes elsewhere, by either celebrating a day early on the indulgence-friendly Mardi Gras and Fat Tuesday (Feb. 13, also called Shrove Tuesday) or some other day. But those who want to avoid a conflict with Lent altogether (and would prefer not to go out on a school or work night) may have marked Cupids day the weekend before. Its not as if Christians havent encountered this kind of conflict before: St. Patricks Day celebrations often, as with this year, fall smack dab in the middle of Lent. When the holiday landed on a Friday, some dioceses made an exception, allowing the consumption of corned beef. But dont expect the same suspension of custom for your fancy Valentines dinner. Will that be an issue of some people on Valentines Day? Yeah, Chau said. But for observant Christians and Catholics, Valentines Day will more than likely take a back seat to Ash Wednesday, he said. Porterhouse steak at The Feathered Fox in Livingston. On Ash Wednesday, Christians eat a meatless dinner.Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media Meat, indulgence and sex Eating a steak, pork or chicken dinner on Valentines Day directly conflicts with the traditions of Ash Wednesday, which calls for a meatless meal. But Valentines Day is also the day for romance. Is sexual activity frowned upon on Ash Wednesday? Again, theres no restriction specified by the Roman Catholic Church, Chau said, and married couples are not denied from expressing love in a sexual way, he said. (Sex outside of marriage, however, is a separate issue.) There are no special rules for sexual activity designated for Ash Wednesday, said Thomas Humphries, an associate professor of philosophy, theology and religion at Saint Leo University, a Catholic liberal arts college in St. Leo, Florida. The only abstinence required, he said, is refraining from eating meat. In fact, there are no days in which the Catholic Church asks married couples to abstain from sex. Rev. William Stone distributes ashes for Ash Wednesday at the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon in Harding Township in 2022. Amanda Brown| For NJ Advance Med Different meanings of love When you clear away all the cards, flowers and chocolate, the ultimate theme of Valentines Day is romance. In its ideal form, love. On the surface, Ash Wednesdays penance, reflection and mourning, marking the start of Lents 46 days, which mirror the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the desert, would seem to contradict this rose-colored celebration. And while history gives us various St. Valentines, St. Valentines Day has not been observed by Catholics in the United States since the 1960s, when the church removed the feast from its calendar, Humphries said. (The secular Valentines Day holiday we know today may actually owe more to the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer.) The ashes used on Ash Wednesday are made from the burning of palms from Palm Sunday the year before. Members of the clergy distribute the ashes in the form of a cross smudged on the forehead of the observant. Remember you are dust and unto dust you shall return, priests tell parishioners. Outside of Easter and Christmas, the ritual is one of the most attended in the Christian calendar, Humphries said. The message: Im doing something different today, Im standing apart and reflecting. Members of the clergy say Ash Wednesday is also about love.Amanda Marzullo | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com The sugar highs produced by chocolate hearts and the giving of luxe gifts like jewelry dont exactly advance a spirit of self-reflection. But theologians and members of the clergy say that while Ash Wednesday and Lent are about self-denial, they are also about love. The Lenten season to me is like a renewal of love, Chau said. Christ dying for us for love. He compares Ash Wednesday and Lent to how couples celebrate the anniversary of their relationship a renewal of that love. Instead of just giving up two meals a day and sweets, many who observe Ash Wednesday and Lent choose to make a commitment to add an obligation to their routine, like regularly read scripture or attend Mass. What I do is I take things on, Chau said, like a promise to volunteer. Its harder for me to do that than give up chocolate. I dont eat chocolate anyway. As for giving up the kind of heavy, indulgent meals and desserts associated with Valentines Day? I wouldnt say that love and fasting are opposed, Humphries said (clearly, others might disagree). Im not sure that Valentines Day means one thing in the United States and thats part of the problem, said James Buckley, professor of theology at Loyola University Maryland, a Jesuit liberal arts college. The problem would be for Catholics who are also practicing the ashes if the incoherent ideas of Valentines Day start trumping Ash Wednesday, he said. Humphries said a useful distinction to make is the one between youthful romance and mature love. For the high schooler, Valentines Day is all about this giddy romance and chocolate, he said. I would hope that shortly after you turn 19, 20, your idea of romance is much broader than that. Sacrificing for a loved one, for instance, would qualify as a more consequential form of affection. That kind of romance is continent with Ash Wednesday, he said. That part of it would actually make a better Valentines Day even when Ash Wednesday doesnt fall on Valentines Day. Rev. William H. Stokes; left, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, applies ashes to the forehead of a person inside the Trenton Transit Center in 2023.Michael Mancuso | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com Ash Wednesday is a day for Christians to ask, How can I improve my love for others? said Brandon Ocampo, a minister for the Newman Catholic Center, a campus ministry in Newark (Rutgers University, NJIT and Essex County College). Were called to focus on, what is authentic love? he said. When we think about love, especially the cultures view of love, we find that it can be very selfish. When were thinking about the context of Ash Wednesday, youre giving up yourself for the other. Another Feb. 14 holiday This year, Feb. 14 may already seem crowded with calendar events, but priests and religious scholars know theres yet another occasion that is usually recognized by the Catholic Church on the same day. The feast of saints Cyril and Methodius, normally celebrated on Feb. 14, recognizes two brothers who translated the liturgy into the Cyrillic alphabet in the late ninth century. But as with Valentines Day, Catholics rearrange their calendars for this observance. Chau said that because Ash Wednesday takes precedence, this feast would also be bumped from Feb. 14. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. Rowena L. Cota, 42, was arrested Feb. 6, 2024, at 2186 Idaho St. and charged with violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence and failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. Bail: $1,140 Samantha A. Lowe, 29, was arrested Feb. 6, 2024, at the Churchill County Jail on a felony warrant charging failure to appear after bail on a felony crime. Bail: $2,500 Marcus A. Malone, 22, was arrested Feb. 6, 2024, on a felony warrant charging statutory sexual seduction by a person 21 or older and lewdness committed by a person over 18 with a child 14 or 15 years old. Bail: $400,000 Michael D. Belcher, 31, was arrested Feb. 7, 2024, at 1002 W. Sage St. No. 17, and charged with violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence, obtaining or possessing a credit or debit card without cardholders consent and two counts of attempted use of a credit or debit card or ID without consent. Bail: $35,000 Gallery: Felony and gross misdemeanor arrests Close Rowena L. Cota, 42, was arrested Feb. 6, 2024, at 2186 Idaho St. for violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence and failure to appear after bail on a misdemeanor crime. Bail: $1,140 Samantha A. Lowe, 29, was arrested Feb. 6, 2024, at the Churchill County Jail for failure to appear after bail on a felony crime. Bail: $2,500 Marcus A. Malone, 22, was arrested Feb. 6, 2024, on a felony warrant for statutory sexual seduction by a person 21 or older and lewdness committed by a person over 18 with a child 14 or 15 years old. Bail: $400,000 Michael D. Belcher, 31, was arrested Feb. 7, 2024, at 1002 W. Sage. St. no. 17, for violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence, obtaining or possessing a credit or debit card without cardholder's consent and two counts of attempted use of a credit or debit card or ID without consent. Bail: $35,000 Anthony P. Burnett, 56, was arrested Feb. 7, 2024, at Eighth St. in Carlin for violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence and first-offense stalking. Jennifer P. Hyde, 30, was arrested Feb. 7, 2024, at Fifth St. Bridge for violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence. Raymond A. Espeland, 54, was arrested Feb. 8, 2024, at 398 Hot Springs Rd. for battery with a deadly weapon. Bail: $100,000 Alyssa D. Colledge, 21, was arrested Feb. 9, 2024, at 36 Carol St. in West Wendover on a felony warrant for assault with a deadly weapon. Bail: $30,000 James R. Meranda, 39, was arrested Feb. 9, 2024, at 374 Cimarron Way for burglary of a business, and obtaining or using a persons ID for harmful or unlawful purpose. Bail: $130,000 Jonathan A. Wood, 39, was arrested Feb. 9, 2024, at Interstate 80 mile marker 291 for two counts of battery by a prisoner, making a false statement to obstruct a public officer, first-offense DUI, and using or being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail: $3,200 Milton Campos-Machado, 28, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at West Wendover Blvd. for possession of a controlled substance between 14 and 28 grams and possession of a controlled substance less than 14 grams and using or possessing drug paraphernalia. Bail: $11,000 Pauline N. Hunsaker, 44, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at Silver and Fifth streets for possession of a controlled substance, first-offense DUI, operating an unregistered vehicle, trailer or semi-truck, and failure to dim headlamps. Bail: $10,585 Joshua G. Kay, 38, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at 440 Grant St. on a felony warrant for failure to appear after bail on a felony crime. Bail: $100,000 Troy M. Stevens, 52, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at 1111 Idaho St. on a felony warrant for failure to appear after bail on a felony crime. Bail: $10,000 Jaime Penaloza Marquez, 36, was arrested Feb. 11, 2024, at 80 Garcia Lane for residential burglary and destroying the property of another. Bail: $105,000 Jared K. Nichols, 40, was arrested Feb. 11, 2024, at 100 West Wendover Blvd. on a gross misdemeanor warrant for false imprisonment, first-offense domestic violence and coercion. Bail: $6,280 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 +15 Anthony P. Burnett, 56, was arrested Feb. 7, 2024, at Eighth Street in Carlin and charged with violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence and first-offense stalking. Jennifer P. Hyde, 30, was arrested Feb. 7, 2024, at the Fifth St. Bridge on a charge of violation of probation or condition of a suspended sentence. Raymond A. Espeland, 54, was arrested Feb. 8, 2024, at 398 Hot Springs Road and charged with battery with a deadly weapon. Bail: $100,000 Alyssa D. Colledge, 21, was arrested Feb. 9, 2024, at 36 Carol St. in West Wendover on a felony warrant charging assault with a deadly weapon. Bail: $30,000 James R. Meranda, 39, was arrested Feb. 9, 2024, at 374 Cimarron Way and charged with burglary of a business and obtaining or using a persons ID for harmful or unlawful purpose. Bail: $130,000 Jonathan A. Wood, 39, was arrested Feb. 9, 2024, at Interstate 80 mile marker 291 and charged with two counts of battery by a prisoner, making a false statement to obstruct a public officer, first-offense DUI, and using or being under the influence of a controlled substance. Bail: $3,200 Milton Campos-Machado, 28, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at West Wendover Boulevard on charges of possession of a controlled substance between 14 and 28 grams, possession of a controlled substance less than 14 grams and using or possessing drug paraphernalia. Bail: $11,000 Pauline N. Hunsaker, 44, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at Silver and Fifth streets on charges of possession of a controlled substance, first-offense DUI, operating an unregistered vehicle, trailer or semi-truck and failure to dim headlamps. Bail: $10,585 Joshua G. Kay, 38, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at 440 Grant St. on a felony warrant charging failure to appear after bail on a felony crime. Bail: $100,000 Troy M. Stevens, 52, was arrested Feb. 10, 2024, at 1111 Idaho St. on a felony warrant charging failure to appear after bail on a felony crime. Bail: $10,000 Jaime Penaloza Marquez, 36, was arrested Feb. 11, 2024, at 80 Garcia Lane and charged with residential burglary and destroying the property of another. Bail: $105,000 Jared K. Nichols, 40, was arrested Feb. 11, 2024, at 100 W. Wendover Blvd. on a gross misdemeanor warrant charging false imprisonment, first-offense domestic violence and coercion. Bail: $6,280 A online fundraiser has been launched to help one of two families left homeless in a Nazareth duplex blaze. The Bruno family fundraiser comes on the heels of previous fundraiser launched six days ago to help the Werkheiser / Klotz family. Flames ignited shortly after 7:15 a.m. Feb. 7 at the duplex, 167-169 S. Whitfield St. Significant fire, water and smoke damage left two families with uninhabitable homes, Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1 Chief Jerry Johnson told lehighvalleylive.com. The GoFundMe campaign aims to help the Bruno family, who lived at 169 S. Whitfield St. The fire originated in the ceiling between a second-floor bathroom and attic area in the Bruno home, Johnson had said. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, $8,600 was raised toward a $15,000 goal by 122 donors. Michelle Bruno; her longtime partner; adult son, Andrew Warren Jr.; and 15-year old son and Nazareth Area High School sophomore, Cole Warren, managed to escape the blaze, family members said. The fundraiser is being organized by Patti Bruno, sister of Michelle Bruno. Michelle Bruno rented the space for over a decade with her family, which also includes 10-year-old Evan Christian, who attends St. Jane Frances de Chantal School in Wilson Borough. Patti Bruno told lehighvalleylive.com the blaze caused the roof to collapse on the homes second-story bedrooms. The family in the interim has been staying at a costly hotel, she said. The Brunos expect the Whitfield Street home to be under extensive repairs for at least six to eight months, Patti Bruno said. My sister and nephews, like most of our family, are active members of their community and often the first to step up to help someone else, so I wanted to make this GoFundMe to help them now that they need it, the fundraiser states. Aside from shelter, Patti Bruno said the family needs food and gift cards for gas as the children need transportation to school and activities. They will also have to eat out more often as storing food in a hotel room simply isnt feasible, the post says. A separate GoFundMe campaign seeks to raise $5,000 to help the members of the neighboring Werkheiser/Klotz family. As of 11 a.m. Wednesday, $3,282 was raised by 19 donors. That fundraiser was launched by Terri Werkheisers sister, Tracy Kutzler, and Kutzlers daughter, Katrina Bruen. The pair said the family lost everything in the fire. Terry Werkheiser lived at 167 S. Whitfield St. with her fiance, Jason Klotz, and adult daughter, Cassidy Werkheiser. No one was home at the Werkheiser/Klotz home when the fire began, but Terris adult son, Cody Werkheiser, came home in time to rescue the familys cat, Squash. Kutzler is helping her sister and her family with temporary shelter. The fire took crews anywhere from a half hour to 45 minutes to get the flames under control and another half hour to completely extinguish the blaze, Johnson had said. There was water damage and broken windows at 167 S. Whitfield St. and significant water, smoke and fire damage at 169 S. Whitfield St. with holes put into the roof. Johnson told lehighvalleylive.com earlier this week the blaze is believed to have originated from an electrical short circuit. The fire continues to remain under investigation by Vigilance Hose Co. No. 1 in Nazareth. From left, 15-year-old Cole Warren, a sophomore at Nazareth Area High School; Andrew Warren Jr.; and 10-year-old Evan Christian, who attends St. Jane Frances de Chantal School in the borough. The boys' mother, Michelle Bruno, and her partner, managed to escape the fire with two of the sons.Courtesy photo Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Two Monroe County brothers are facing felony charges for assaulting police during the January 2021 riots at the United States Capitol, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday. Matthew Valentin, 31, of Stroudsburg, is accused of pushing a bike rack barricade into a line of police officers protecting the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. He allegedly reached through the rack and grabbed an officer. When police fell back, Valentin allegedly sprayed officers with a chemical irritant. After police fell back again, Valentin allegedly grabbed an officers baton. His brother, 26-year-old Andrew Valentin of Stroudsburg, allegedly threw a chair at a line of police officers, striking the shield of one of the officers. Both brothers are accused of using their cell phones to record portions of the riot. Investigators used video surveillance footage, police body camera footage, Facebook images and interviews with acquaintances to build a case against the brothers, authorities said. Each brother is charged with felony civil disorder; felony assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers; misdemeanor entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; misdemeanor disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; and misdemeanor act of physical violence in the Capitol buildings or grounds. The criminal complaint against the pair was filed this week in the District of Columbia. Andrew Valentin on Feb. 11 was arrested in South Whitehall Township. He made his initial court appearance via video in Allentown. He was represented at that hearing by Stroudsburg attorney Thomas P. Sundmaker. Sundmaker didnt return a message seeking comment on Andrew Valentins behalf. Andrew Valentin was released on $50,000 unsecured bail, court records say. Matthew Valentin on Feb. 12 was arrested in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, and made his initial appearance in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. He was represented by Scranton attorney Elliot A. Smith. Smith did not return a message seeking comment on Matthew Valentins behalf. Matthew Valentin was also released on bail. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Divisions Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The riots on Jan. 6, 2021 aimed to disrupt a joint session of Congress that was being convened to certify the votes of the 2020 presidential election. In the 37 months since the incident, more than 1,300 people have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. This includes about 470 individuals charged with felony assaulting or impeding law enforcement. It also includes dozens charged in Pennsylvania alone. Please subscribe now and support the local journalism YOU rely on and trust. Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Gov. Phil Murphy said in a text to his staffers he was white-hot mad and absolutely furious two protesters opposed to Israels offensive in Gaza were able to confront him during an event at the governors mansion in Princeton Monday night. The confrontation occurred at Drumthwacket, where the governor and First Lady Tammy Murphy, who is running for U.S. Senate, hosted a Lunar New Year party. The governor messaged his staff Monday night and inadvertently added NJ Advance Media to the text chain. Portlaoise woman Sheila Parker will not only celebrate a special birthday this Easter but she is also embarking on a skydive to raise much needed funds for Kolbe Special School. On Easter Sunday Sheila will turn 60 and to mark the occasion she will take to the skies to fundraise for a cause very close to her heart. For the last year she has worked as the bus escort for Kolbe Special School, a job she thoroughly enjoys and describes the children as her 'second family'. The former pediatric nurse is eager to raise as much as she can and has already surpassed her target of 500. Sheila said the money will go towards the equipment and infrastructure needed for the sensory or occupation therapy rooms for the school once its long awaited new building is constructed. "Last year I decided to do a skydive and I booked it last September. I had only told my kids about it and then two weeks ago I got brave and decided to do it for charity," said Sheila. "I'm usually a quiet person but I thought if this raises a few pound for Kolbe then all well and good. Every euro counts. "Kolbe is the last to get any money or support and they are always fighting. I'm doing this for the parents, to give something back. It is such a lovely place to work." Looking ahead to the big jump on March 30 Sheila said she will likely be nervous on the day but husband John and children Joanne, April and James will be cheering her on. If you would like to make a donation you can do so online at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SheilaParker. The romantics out there will be disappointed to learn that a Laois town has ranked the second most unromantic place in the country. That's according to HenParty.ie who have conducted an analysis of five years' worth of Google search data to determine the identity of Ireland's most loved-up spots. Based on their findings, Athy, Co. Kildare has been crowned as Irelands most romantic town, scoring 578 out of a possible 800 on HenParty.ies loved-up scale. However Cappagh North in Laois was the second least romantic, scoring just 51 out of a possible 800. The research was carried out by looking for searches for eight specific Valentines Day-related terms, including roses, flowers, perfume, red wine, white wine, prosecco, chocolates, and Notino (an online perfume retailer) and from there they made their discoveries. Some of the other most lovey-dovey towns out there included Newbridge, County Kildare which came in second place followed by Ennis in Clare in third and fourth-place went to Carrick-on-Suir in Tipperary. On the other end of the scale Nohaval, Co. Cork was the most unromantic town across the nation. A Laois representative was part of a Midlands delegation which visited a leading Spanish social economy region to learn best practice. The Midlands delegation comprising officials from a number of local authorities and key social enterprise stakeholders learnt from best practices in social economy during a recent visit to the Navarre region in Spain. Navarre has become a leading pioneer in promoting social enterprise and developing the social economy. In 2017, it became the only European region to develop a comprehensive Social Economy Plan (2017-2020) to support social economy organisations. More recently, Navarre announced it will have the first Social Economy Business School in Europe. Social enterprises are businesses that work primarily to improve the lives of people, frequently working to support disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, and those suffering from social exclusion. The recent Spanish visit was organised by Social Enterprise Exchange (SEE), a local initiative connecting social enterprises across East Galway, Longford, Offaly, Roscommon, Westmeath and Laois. The schedule included a wide range of meetings, including discussions with the Directorate General for Social Economy and Labour, the Navarre Employment Service-Nafar Lansare (SNE-NL) and the Directorate General for External Action. Laois County Councils Liam Ramsbottom was one of the local authority representatives among the visiting delegation. As the Social Enterprise Officer in Laois Partnership, I was privileged to go to the Navarre region in Spain and see the models of Social Enterprise that could and should be replicated here in Ireland, and particularly in the Just Transition Region, said Mr Ramsbottom. The experience was described as a major success on many levels by Gabrielle McFadden of Social Enterprise Exchange (SEE). The Irish delegation availed of the valuable opportunity to learn about several success stories and good practices in social economy that are being applied in the Navarre region. I am very encouraged that each member of the Irish delegation has taken back a huge body of knowledge which can be used to apply best practice when it comes to promoting the social economy in the Midlands region. I am also enthused by the great spirit of cooperation that the Irish delegation fostered during the trip to Navarre. I believe that we can continue to nurture these working relationships with all stakeholders, including local authority officials. When it comes to maximising the prospects of securing Just Transition Funding, you are better positioned to apply for this funding through a steering group. Accordingly, Social Enterprise Exchange is looking forward to developing and strengthening the relationships between all of these stakeholders for the betterment of this region, said Ms McFadden. The counties represented in the visiting delegation are among the designated areas eligible to apply for funding under the Just Transition Funding (JTF). JTF is an EU programme aimed at providing new employment opportunities for workers and communities, such as Bord na Mona workers, that were heavily dependent on the peat industry. "Because of climate change, we have been trying for the last two years to build social enterprises that will allow us to create jobs and services for an area, the Midland region, which is home to about half a million people," outlined Ms McFadden. She was also encouraged that even the Irish government itself had shown its support for SEEs promotion and nurturing of social enterprises in this region. Louise Lennon, Policy & Media Officer with Irish Rural Link (IRL), who was also on the delegation to Navarre, said IRL was delighted to participate in the study visit with the Social Enterprise Exchange Just Transition Project. It was interesting to learn how this region has developed the social economy and having the necessary infrastructure and supports in place to help social enterprises develop and grow. The importance of having all actors involved the Minister, Government Departments and agencies, academia, financial institutions and social enterprises and co-operatives themselves - highlighted the importance of collaboration and working together to make the social economy a viable model to creating employment and sustaining regional development, she said. A man who offered a 14-year-old girl 1,000 for sex has been jailed for two years. James Connors (35) of Greenhills Grove, Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to offering or promising to give a child money for the sexual exploitation of that child in a Dublin suburb on June 6, 2021. The court heard yesterday (Tuesday, February 13 last) that Connors claimed that he didnt realise that the child was 14 years old when he told her he would give her 1,000 after they had 'made love.' He had approached the child while she was sitting in a hotel waiting for her mother. Connors continued to talk to the girl until she got up and ran away. She met her mother who was en-route back to her and told her what happened. The girl and her mother then returned to the hotel to find Connors still there. Garda Amber Dunne told Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, that the girl identified Connors to her mother and she took a photo of him and contacted the gardai. Connors told the woman: "I didnt do anything to your daughter. I just offered her 1,000." He ran off but the woman followed him to a nearby park where Connors punched and kicked the childs mother as he tried to make good his escape. He then urinated in the park before jumping over a fence. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Gda Dunne confirmed a passerby intervened in an attempt to assist. He had spotted Connors earlier and thought there was 'something unusual about him.' Connors swore on the graves of his relatives that he never touched the girl. He said he had offered her money and that was as far as it had gone. He then pulled down his trousers and defecated, the court heard. Gda Dunne said gardai arrived and Connors was arrested. He claimed he had no idea what age the girl was and said if he had known she was only 14 years old he would never have said that to her. Connors has 71 previous convictions, most of which are from the District Court. Gda Dunne agreed with Sarah Jane OCallaghan BL, defending, that Connor was disgusted by his behaviour when he realised how old the teenager actually was. Counsel said her client had 'enormous difficulty with drink and drugs' and had lost both his father and a sister to suicide. Ms OCallaghan said following his sisters death he began experimenting with drugs and became self-destructive. Judge Martin Nolan said Connors had approached the girl and offered her money for sex. He said he continued talking with her and then later had a physical altercation with the childs mother. He acknowledged Connors has a 'long history of difficulties' but said he deserved a custodial sentence and jailed him for two years. 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. A Senator has called for those in County Kildare to vote 'Yes-Yes' in the referenda taking place next month. Fianna Fail Senator Fiona OLoughlin has called for a Yes Yes vote in the upcoming referendums, which relate to the status of Family and Care in Irish society. She made the comments as part of the Fianna Fail panel at the partys campaign launch ahead of the referendums. The Newbridge -based politician said: "Our Constitution was drafted over 87 years ago... By its very design, it was intended to be changed by the prevailing will of the people. "It is a living and breathing document that should reflect contemporary society." She continued: " We have made 32 amendments to date, the third highest rate of amendments among European countries. "The 1937 political system and wider society was by its very nature patriarchal, and the Constitution reflected that reality." Senator O'Loughlin said that the amendments, if passed, would recognise 'the wider concept of the family, that is not solely based on marriage while at the same time continuing to protect the institution of marriage.' She continued: "In addition to recognising the evolving nature of families, the referendum also aims to eliminate outdated references to the roles of women in society and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender, in providing care within the family unit, and in broader society. "87 years ago, when the constitution was drafted, the vast majority of women did not work outside the home. "That has changed now, and it should be acknowledged that a womans place is not just in the home, but in the workplace, the boardroom, the local Council, the Oireachtas and wherever she wishes to be." ELKO In a white corrugated-metal building nestled among industrial warehouses on Idaho Street, Acton of the Rubies creates a haven for learning. The interior evokes the idea of a home, with cozy sofas, vivid posters, shelves upon shelves of learning toys and games, and workspaces with plenty of legroom. Comfortable seating areas outnumber desks. Signs of thriving minds and thriving friendships include handwritten compliments for each other on the walls and a gallery of personally chosen paintings. A round, fluffy chinchilla named Daphne lounges in a habitat in the corner. A mass of snowflakes hanging from the ceiling, shields spelling out Sons of Adam and Daughters of Eve and a wardrobe in the corner containing drawings of a forest are all Narnia-themed decorations which celebrate the academys after-lunch book club. A recent recipient donations from the Nevada Gold Mines Heritage Fund, Acton of the Rubies is a nonprofit learner-led homeschool hybrid which meets three days a week and reaches learners from 10 different Elko families. It is one of over 300 active Acton Academy locations around the world. Guides, studios, learners The experience there is unlike that of a typical school. For one, teachers are called guides, classrooms are called studios and children are called learners, Eagles or heroes. Acton of the Rubies Eagles get to choose what theyre working on in a structured time period, director Sarah Bitton said. Within that schedule, they learn and grow at their own pace. The teamwork-based community environment adds a family and friendship dimension to homeschooling. Amidst a creative, hands-on culture, Eagles can work wherever they want, whether on a couch or on the floor. They also talk to each other while working. The Acton of the Rubies learning space is split across four studios which span from early childhood through high school. The Spark Studio is for ages 3 to 6; the Discovery Studio, guided by Michelle Withers, welcomes ages 5 to 8; the Adventure Studio is aimed at ages 8 to 13; and the Leadership Studio is for ages 13 to 18. Because we are homeschool-based, we all want a homey atmosphere, Bitton said. She pointed out how Hugh Donalson and Lexi Kenner brought desks from home and put up their own decorations in the Leadership Studio to create ownership of their space. Learners of all ages can sit around the large wooden table in the Common Area. Other areas foster participation as well. Gillian Donalson, 10, pointed to the couches in the middle of the building. This is our launch area where we read Socratic discussions. So we each take turns, sometimes the guides do it and we can do it on whatever topic we would like. And then we get to teach our fellow Eagles about it. Bitton noted, We go really deep, and we talk about ethical things and personal things, opinions, issues in the world. We also teach the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence. Were very big on freedoms, Bitton added. In addition, Acton of the Rubies hosts its own Town Hall meetings for learners. We have slips that were supposed to read that have problems that we need to solve on them, Bethany Frandsen, 11, explained. And we all vote on some things that we need to fix. Special days She said learners also have these special days that we do fun things on, like LEGO Week. Bitton said what began as LEGO Day has evolved into a week because its so great. They create the most amazing things, she said. At the Writers Workshop on Wednesday mornings, learners think up poetry with Nick Heguy. On Wednesday afternoons, the Maker Space allows learners to create inventions with materials such as cardboard and plastic cups. Eagles enjoy field trips as well. Last year, Acton of the Rubies went on a field trip to Salt Lake City to watch a play, which inspired the learners to write their own play, Bitton said. This Christmas, they performed their own Christmas play at the Northeastern Nevada Museum, where they wrote, designed, directed, did the whole thing. It was heartwarmingly incredible, she said. Bitton explained how the learners are expanding their understanding of the world. During February, learners each conduct a curiosity quest and teach their fellow Eagles about a topic of choice, Gillian Donalson said. Im doing acting, and Im teaching about three actors. And so all week, were going to do things for my quest, and then were going to write it down in books about what we learned from each other. A quest by Kelsi Kenner, 12, involved science experiments; Bethany Frandsens quest centered around art. They each picked something that they knew a lot about, they researched it, wrote about it and then taught their fellow Eagles, Bitton explained. Quests are where they use their foundational skills in a real-life setting, Bitton said. Each quest includes reading, writing, math and a special subject such as music or art. Quests happen every afternoon and are the learners favorite part of the day, she said. A lot of people here, including myself, like to talk while we work. It helps us get work done faster, Gillian Donalson said. Entering the real world Thanks to Acton of the Rubies affirming environment, Eagles gain the social skills and life skills they need to enter the real world, Bitton said. Socratic discussions ready them for serious conversations they will have as adults. Guides help learners explore career possibilities and education options. We are future-focused and follow Acton Academys motto, Find a calling, change the world, she said. Learners become very familiar with research skills as well. Before we got our chinchilla, they spent the whole morning researching, they watched videos, they wrote lists, so we knew what to do and how to take care of our Daphne, Bitton said. At the end of the day, guides ring the Eagle Bell and gather learners together to discuss what they achieved during the day. We celebrate every accomplishment, Bitton said. Another highlight is the Childrens Business Fair, Bitton said. You make products and then you sell them, Gerald Donalson, 7, said. Most products are handmade crafts. You can make marvelous things, Benji Frandsen, 8, said. Each year I get more experience, he said, and better products to sell. Money counting and marketing are also skills Eagles pick up, Gillian Donalson said. We do our own commercials as well, Bitton added. Benji Frandsen said he will sell wooden ornaments at this years business fair. The fair is March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Elko Senior Center. We are still accepting applications if youd like to sell and its open to the public to come and purchase from the children, Bitton said. A 50/50 raffle will benefit the business fair. All ages are welcome to contribute crafts. Bittons 3-year-old daughter Ava is making popsicle stick crosses. This is Bittons first year taking over from Acton of the Rubies founder Angie Heguy. While she once taught third-graders through sixth-graders, she now guides learners ages three to 18. It really is all about them, she said. Everything is at their level. Everything is their choice. And it requires them to be leaders. Funding for a 7.94m project in Glenfarne was applied for this week by the local authority with 90 per cent of the funding 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. 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, he said. With the return of the power-sharing government in Northern Ireland, Cllr McDermott added that he felt it really is a cross-border project because we border Cavan and Fermanagh. He thanked everyone who worked diligently on the project adding he was very excited about it. He formally proposed the project which was then seconded. Cllr Frank Dolan said that the project, if it comes to fruition, is the biggest investment in a rural project in the county that we have ever seen. We are talking about serious money here and will be a huge advantage to the whole of north Leitrim. Cllr Padraig Fallon agreed, saying that the nearly 8m project is massive money; it's a massive project. I believe it will be good for tourism and the economy of north Leitrim and possibly the whole of Leitrim. We have been talking about the need to develop projects in Leitrim for years now and I would welcome it most definitely. Cllr Felim Gurn praised the work of Coillte and the Leitrim County Council staff regarding the project. Project details Works will be done at Glenfarne Wood gate lodge entrance/ amenity start point to include an information point and a small car and bicycle parking area (with around 20 car parking spaces). A new trailhead centre point which will connect to the existing trail network as well as the proposed greenway from the Gate Lodge entrance is proposed, which includes a service building, congregation area, vehicle and bicycle parking, sheltered event space, open playground, sensory trail and proprietary wastewater treatment system. A proposed playground will be located adjacent to the current road. A sensory trail is proposed to be located close to the playground and includes features, surfaces, objects and plants that stimulate the senses. supportive of the project not forgetting the Consultants who had to work on occasions on a very tight time frame. Full details in this week's Leitrim Observer... On the 26th of January, past pupils, parents and staff gathered to pay tribute to Sinead Ni Thorsnaigh, Principal of Gaelscoil Chluainin, Manorhamilton, on her retirement. Sinead embarked on her teaching career 35 years ago and was both an exceptional teacher and Principal of the Gaelscoil, since it opened its doors in 2007. Throughout the past 17 years, Sinead displayed so many qualities that are essential to being a school Principal. First and foremost, she was a gifted teacher. Rosa Corr, chairperson of Coiste na dTuisti (Parents Association), presents Sinead with a bouquet of flowers. She was also a visionary leader and an advocate for the Irish language. This gra don teanga was crucial to her appointment to roll out the Primary Curriculum Support Programme, to teachers all over the country. She wanted to instil the importance of Irish as a spoken language in the classroom and was highly commended by all who attended her enjoyable Inservice days. Siun McGlynn, Chairperson of the Board of Management of Gaelscoil Chluainin, making a presentation to Sinead. Sinead was a wonderful communicator and she always saw the best in every pupil, emphasising their many strengths and abilities. Sinead ensured that every child who left Gaelscoil Chluainin felt valued and respected. As the saying goes after you climb a mountain, take time to enjoy the view. So, now its time for Sinead to reminisce on her wonderful career, on how many pupils lives she has changed and how special and truly loved she is. Gach dea ghui o gach duine i nGaelscoil Chluainin. Guimid sonas is slainte ort i do chaibidil nua Sinead. Go n-eiri leat agus tu ag dul ar scoir ta se tuillte go maith agat. Bain sult as am chlainne anois le Joe, Caoimhe, Aoileann agus Conor. Sinead pictured at the door of Gaelscoil Chluainin, with her husband Joe McGoldrick, and her children Caoimhe, Aoileann and Conor. Councillors were not impressed by a response to their queries relating to the Community CCTV schemes at the latest Carrick-on-Shannon meeting from the office of Minister for Justice Helen McEntree TD. Cllr Sean McGowan, who tabled the original motion, said that he was disappointed to hear that funding for the scheme was not going to be increased, which is the query he had sent to the department. He said it was noted at the recent JPC meeting, that the CCTV scheme was"of tremendous advantage to the Gardai". He said the schemes are "great initiatives needed in the towns and villages and that answer is not sufficient at all." He suggested contacting the department again. The response said that eligible groups could apply for grant aid of up to 60% of the total capital cost of a proposed CCTV system up to a maximum total of 40,000. It went on to say that the Digital Recording Act has reformed the CCTV scheme and community groups will be able to request schemes in their area through the Local Community Safety Partnerships being established under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill, once rolled out nationwide. Applications for funding should be made directly to local authorities. Councillors were told that three pilot Local Community Safety Partnerships (LCSPs) which bring together the Gardai, community groups and local representatives have been trialled in Longford, Waterford and Dublin's north inner city. When the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill is enabled, it will provide for the nationwide rollout of LCSPs. Cllr Stenson agreed with Cllr McGowan's comments and said that Gardai at the last JPC meeting "referred to the obvious benefits of this scheme" saying that in his view, "the grant has to be increased." Three young men accused of sexual assault of a woman at a Christmas party have gone on trial at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. It is alleged that each of the three men exposed their penis, two of them asked the woman for oral sex and two of the defendants touched her in a sexual way without her consent. A jury of seven women and five men has been sworn in before Judge Dermot Sheehan. Prosecuting barrister John OSullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, gave his opening statement to the jury this Tuesday afternoon. The three accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, will be referred to as Mr A, Mr B and Mr C. All three are charged with one count of sexual assault at a Christmas party at a venue on the outskirts of Limerick City in late December, 2017. Mr A, aged 18 at the time, is represented by Erin OHagan BL, appearing with Amy Nix BL, instructed by solicitor Sarah Ryan. Mr B, aged 18 at the time, is being defended by Colman Cody SC, appearing with Kenneth Kerins BL, instructed by solicitor Julianne Kiely. Mr C, who was 17 at the time, is represented by Michael Lynn SC, appearing with Eimear Carey BL, instructed by solicitor Ian McNamara. The alleged victim was 17 on the date in question. Mr OSullivan, in his opening statement, said the party was breaking up after 11pm. The alleged victim found herself outside. She went to this area in the belief some of her friends were in the area. She states Mr A and Mr B exposed their respective penises to her and asked her for oral sex, commonly known as a blowjob. It is anticipated she will say she and Mr C began kissing and Mr A and Mr B left. Mr A and Mr B returned and it is anticipated she will say all three youths pulled out their penises and exposed them. Mr B and Mr C touched her in a sexual way without her consent. Mr A was present and had his penis exposed. It became apparent there were others in the vicinity. The three youths stopped what they were doing and ran away, said Mr OSullivan. The barrister said Mr A did not physically touch her but is just as guilty due to common design. He encouraged and supported them, said Mr OSullivan. The court heard that gardai were contacted on January 10, 2018 after the alleged victim spoke to a school chaplain. Mr OSullivan told the jury the three men are entitled to the presumption of innocence and it is the prosecutions role to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt but not all doubt. Before Judge Sheehan broke for the day he told the members of the jury not to Google the trial or go on social media. If anybody asks what you are up to, tell them I am on a jury. You cant say anymore, said Judge Sheehan. The trial continues this morning (Wednesday February 14). Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said there is a culture of arrogance among senior figures within RTE, and there has been poor governance around decisions being made. He was responding to questions from Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, who said public trust in RTE has crumbled in the wake of a series of revelations relating to the broadcasters governance and finances, and that people feel taken for fools. A vote is to take place on Sinn Feins Dail motion calling for a legal amnesty for those who have not paid their TV licence fee in the wake of controversies which were revealed last year, and for the abolition of the TV licence system. Instead Sinn Fein is proposing a direct Exchequer-funded model. Speaking in the Dail during Leaders Questions, Ms McDonald asked whether the Taoiseach plans to chase people through the courts for not paying their TV licence fee. Not one of the top brass at RTE have been held to account, she said, arguing it is unfair to pursue members of the public for not paying the 160 euro fee. Ms McDonald also accused Cabinet ministers of being divided on a new funding model for Irelands public service broadcaster. She said Mr Varadkar has said previously that the current model is outdated and belongs to a different time, which she then used to urge the Taoiseach to abolish it. The Government must end the merry-go-round of dither, of delay, and contradiction now, she said. Scrap the TV licence and replace it with Exchequer funding to ensure a better future for public service media. Mr Varadkar responded by asking whether Sinn Feins policy includes offering a rebate to those who have paid for their TV licence. I believe that many people should obey the law and I believe that many people should pay their taxes and pay their charges, he said. And I think it would be an affront and an insult to the majority of decent, law-abiding citizens who have paid their TV licence fee to now grant an amnesty to those who didnt. I think (that) would be profoundly unfair. He also raised concerns about a conflict of interest if a model of direct state funding was introduced. We know that theres somebody in this House, who might be the head of government in the next government, whos suing RTE at the moment. That will be huge conflict of interest, in my view, to have people who are suing RTE deciding how much money they get paid. Thats not the kind of democracy we want. Thats the kind of thing were starting to see happen in the United States and other places, and I definitely would not want that to be the case in our state. Ms McDonald took legal action against RTE in the High Court in 2022 over alleged defamation. Appearing before committee on Wednesday afternoon, RTE director-general Kevin Bakhurst said he welcomed the real live discussion about how to fund public service media in Ireland. He said it was up to the Government and the Oireachtas to resolve this for the future, and if the organisation was properly funded, RTE would deliver high-quality public service content, (which) will support democracy, tackle disinformation and will deliver an organisation which is transparent and accountable. He said a form of funding that is predictable is also important for companies that RTE outsources work to, and that a long-term funding model would be a bedrock of independent production businesses. Zacatecas Silver Closes $2.5 Million Financing VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zacatecas Silver Corp. ("Zacatecas Silver" or the "Company", ZAC:TSX Venture; ZCTSF: OTC Markets; 7TV: Frankfurt) announces that due to strong interest it has closed its previously announced private placement financing (see news releases dated January 29, 2024 and February 5, 2024) by issuing 25,000,000 units at a price of $0.10 per Unit for total proceeds of $2,500,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share (each, a "Common Share"); and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase a Common Share at an exercise price of $0.15 for a period of two years from the date of issue. The securities under the Offering will be subject to restrictions on resale expiring on June 14, 2024. The Company paid registered finders a fee in cash of $55,037.50 as well as issuing 315,000 common shares and 865,375 non-transferable share purchase warrants. The Company intends to use the net proceeds to satisfy ongoing costs associated with its properties as well as general working capital purposes. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of, nor a solicitation for offers to buy, any securities in the United States. Qualified Person The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by Chris Wilson, B.Sc. (Hons), PhD, FAusIMM (CP), FSEG, FGS, Chief Operating Officer of Zacatecas Silver. Dr. Wilson is Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101. About Zacatecas Silver Corp. The Company has two key projects. The Esperanza Gold Project in Morelos State, Mexico and the Zacatecas Silver Project in Zacatecas State, Mexico. The Zacatecas Silver Project is located in Zacatecas state, Mexico, within the highly prospective Fresnillo silver belt, which has produced over 6.2 billion ounces of silver. The Company holds 7,826 hectares (19,338 acres) of ground that is highly prospective for low-sulphidation and intermediate-sulphidation silver base metal mineralization and potentially low-sulphidation gold-dominant mineralization. The Company initially announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at the Panuco Deposit consisting of 2.7 million tonnes at 187 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (171 g/t silver (Ag) and 0.17 g/t gold (Au)) for 16.4 million ounces AgEq (15 million ounces silver and 15,000 ounces gold) (see news release dated December 14, 2021). On May 31, 2023, the Company announced an updated inferred mineral resource estimate of 3.41 million tonnes at 187 g/t AgEq (173 g/t Ag and 0.18 g/t Au) for 20.5 million ounces AgEq (19.0 million ounces silver and 19.2 thousand ounces gold) (see news release dated May 31, 2023). The property is 25 kilometres (km) southeast of MAG Silver Corp.'s Juanicipio Mine and Fresnillo PLC's Fresnillo Mine. The Property shares common boundaries with Pan American Silver Corp. claims and El Orito, which is owned by Endeavour Silver. Esperanza is an advanced stage, attractive low-cost, low-capital-intensity and low-technical-risk growth project located in Morelos state, Mexico. The Company announced a Mineral Resource Estimate at Esperanza consisting of a Measured and Indicated Mineral Resource Estimate of 30.5 million tonnes at 0.97 g/t AuEq for 956 thousand ounces AuEq and an Inferred Mineral Resource estimate of 8.7 million tonnes at 0.98 g/t AuEq for 277 thousand ounces AuEq (see news release dated November 16, 2022). On behalf of the Company Bryan Slusarchuk Chief Executive Officer and Director Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Zacatecas Silver cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by many material factors, many of which are beyond their respective control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to Zacatecas Silver's limited operating history, its proposed exploration and development activities on is Zacatecas Properties and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Zacatecas Silver does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information: Adam Ross, Investor Relations, Direct: (604) 229-9445, Toll Free: 1(833) 923-3334, Email: [email protected] 13 february 2024 at 16:45 News published onand distributed by: Sky Labs' CART BP Becomes the World's First to Complete Comparative Studies with All Blood Pressure Measurement Methods - The only cuffless blood pressure monitor to complete comparative studies with three types of existing blood pressure measurement methods and prove even accuracy - 24-hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring is the first pilot research to reflect ESH recommendations in 2023 SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CART BP is a ring-type 24/7 blood pressure monitor of the global healthcare startup Sky Labs(CEO Jack, Lee), and has fully established itself as the only ring-type wearable medical device to complete comparative studies with all blood pressure measurement methods, becoming the first in the world. There are currently three main blood pressure measurement methods: auscultatory method in which a cuff-based blood pressure monitor and stethoscope are used in clinics to measure blood pressure; invasive blood pressure measurement method in which a needle or catheter is inserted into an artery (A-line) to measure intra-arterial pressure; and Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM) that measures blood pressure during a 24-hour period outside clinics by attaching a cuff and monitor to the body. To prove CART BP's effectiveness, Sky Labs completed all comparative studies with these three blood pressure measurement methods. Conducted at Seoul National University Hospital, the 24-hour ABPM comparative studies were the world's first clinical research to reflect the European Society of Hypertension(ESH)'s recommendations for the validation of cuffless blood pressure monitoring devices that were announced in June last year. Sky Labs explained the research's significance as announcing a preliminary result for the 'awake/asleep test,' which is the most difficult to validate from among the five tests presented by ESH. The research outcome was published in the Korean Circulation Journal (KCJ). In addition, Sky Labs validated accuracy in comparative studies with the invasive arterial blood pressure measurement method and standard stethoscopy. The research outcome was respectively published in Nature Scientific Reports and Journal of Korean Medical Science (JKMS). CART BP is highly useful compared to other blood pressure monitors in that it enables 24-hour measurements of even blood pressure variability when an individual is asleep, not to mention awake. It can be conveniently worn without any disturbance to daily life and enables the use of a smart phone to check blood pressure, allowing individuals to monitor their respective blood pressure anytime, anywhere. In addition, it can detect white coat, masked, morning, and nocturnal hypertension, which are difficult to measure at hospitals, and is therefore expected to contribute to more accurate diagnoses by medical staff. Sky Labs CEO Jack, Lee said, "I believe CART BP showed its potential to replace existing blood pressure monitors that cause considerable inconvenience in that it proved effectiveness in comparison to all three types of leading blood pressure monitors that are used in the global medical community. Our goal is to receive US FDA and Europe's CE approvals this year based on these research outcomes." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2337124/Ring_shaped_CART_BP_and_charger.jpg 14 february 2024 at 03:00 News published onand distributed by: CGI and LocalTapiola extend long-term partnership to further advance enterprise-wide digital transformation program Stock Market Symbols GIB (NYSE) GIB.A (TSX) www.cgi.com/newsroom MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - CGI (NYSE: GIB) (TSX: GIB.A) and LocalTapiola, one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in Finland, have extended their long-term strategic partnership for an additional five years as LocalTapiola advances its comprehensive business transformation program. Under the new contract, valued at CAD 284 million, CGI will apply new technologies to help LocalTapiola generate cost savings and drive operational efficiency. CGI also will continue to provide development and maintenance services for the majority of information systems within LocalTapiola's insurance business. "LocalTapiola's partnership with CGI has led to a successful transformation journey over the past several years, so continuing our collaboration is a natural step for us," said LocalTapiola's Executive Vice-President Esa Tihila. "Through this journey, our operations and our ability to serve customers have significantly improved." "We have had the honor of serving as a trusted partner to LocalTapiola for more than 10 years," said Leena-Mari Lahteenmaa, President of CGIs operations in Finland, Poland, and the Baltics. "Over this timeframe, we worked closely with LocalTapiola to advance its overall digital transformation program, one of the largest in Finland. CGI's combination of deep understanding of LocalTapiola's business and systems serves as a foundation for this digital transformation progress and we look forward to continuing to deliver high-quality, innovative services and technologies through this new contract extension." CGI is the partner and expert of choice for P&C and life insurers, brokers, and agents across the globe, including 7 of the top 10 global insurers and 200+ clients worldwide. The company's 3,500 insurance industry professionals deliver end-to-end services and solutions that help insurers accelerate their ROI-based digitization priorities across all areas of their business, including people, processes and technology. To learn more, visit cgi.com. About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,500 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2023 reported revenue is $14.30 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. SOURCE CGI Inc. 14 february 2024 at 05:00 News published onand distributed by: BWXT Subsidiary Awarded $122 Million Contract Extension for Uranium Downblending Services BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) today announced that its Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS) subsidiary was awarded a $122 million contract extension from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the downblending of highly enriched uranium (HEU) into low enriched uranium (LEU). Under this contract, NFS will continue to provide downblending services to the TVA in support of the National Nuclear Security Administration's (NNSA) defense programs objectives. This contract extension continues the current downblending operations from July 2025 to June 2027. "We are proud of the role we play in national defense and pleased that we can continue our work with the TVA and NNSA in support of this mission," said Ronald K. Dailey, NFS president. "This contract extension also enables operations and engineering continuity with our uranium conversion and purification contract with NNSA." Downblending is a process in which HEU is mixed with natural uranium resulting in LEU needed for various commercial and national defense purposes. NFS has been downblending HEU since 1995, when it was selected by the U.S. Government to downblend a stockpile of HEU as part of Project Sapphire. Forward Looking Statements BWXT cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the performance, timing, impact and value, to the extent contract value can be viewed as an indicator of future revenues, of the downblending contract. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, modification or termination of the contract, delays in performance and the receipt and timing of necessary regulatory approvals. If one or more of these or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see BWXT's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BWXT cautions not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law. About NFS Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS) processes highly enriched uranium to manufacture fuel material for all naval nuclear reactors used in U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. It also provides uranium downblending services to support commercial power needs and national security missions. NFS is a BWX Technologies, Inc. company and is a part of its BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. subsidiary. About BWXT At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. Headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, BWXT is a Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,000 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. In addition, BWXT joint ventures provide management and operations at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. 14 february 2024 at 06:50 News published onand distributed by: ELKO Paychecks will increase again for Elko County School District teachers and support staff thanks to state legislation. The raises are in store because the Nevada Legislatures SB231 is sweetening their pay for the next two fiscal years in hopes the higher pay will help attract teachers. Its fair to say its pretty close to 18% more that teachers and support staff will see with the SB231 state money for fiscal years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025, schools Superintendent Clayton Anderson said in a phone interview on Monday. He testified before the Legislatures Interim Finance Committee in Carson City on Feb. 8. School district trustees approved an 11% cost-of-living pay hike in November when they OKd contracts for the Elko County Classroom Teachers Association and the Elko County Support Staff, and now their March paychecks will show the additional money from SB231. The new contracts for the teacher and staff unions provide an 8.5% pay increase for the current fiscal year and 2.5% pay bumps for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. The $7.39 million extra coming to the district from SB231 will be evenly divided over the two fiscal years. That money is what the district requested under the bill and was the amount the Interim Finance Committee said in August the district was eligible to receive for 1,130.79 full-time-equivalent employees. The intention for them is lets permanently increase teachers salaries, Anderson said in the call. Anything that can be apportioned to raise teachers salaries I think is awesome. All our districts across the board are struggling to find enough teachers. Nevada is not producing enough teachers to keep up with demand. He said young teachers looking for their first jobs look at starting salaries, and Utah, for example, is paying teachers more than Nevada. He said new teachers look at pay, not retirement programs that are years away. The bill, however, is for two fiscal years, so the Legislature would need to act again to continue the incentive pay. With the possibility of state budget crunches in the future, Anderson said the teacher and staff contracts sunset the states pay increases after the two years unless they are renewed. Anderson testified the school district would love for there to be a permanent mechanism to provide money to districts for employee pay increases. The contracts covered the 11% pay increases coming from the district, but the potential from SB231 was written into them. The only people left out were the administrators, Anderson said. Trustees agreed earlier this month to give principals and vice principals at all schools in Elko County an 11% cost-of-living raise, but they dont receive any of the SB231 money that goes to teachers and support staff. SB231, signed by Gov. Joe Lombardo last year, is an act making an appropriation to the Interim Finance Committee for allocation to school districts that budget salary increases for certain employees. The bill allocates $250 million to the Interim Finance Committee for allocation to school districts for the support of public schools, and can only be appropriated by the committee once a district demonstrates that it is increasing the salary of teachers and education support staff for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years. Andersons testimony focused on providing the committee with two options for allocating the funding, and the finance committee unanimously approved the first option after hearing from Anderson. The first option would be a flat rate among all employees, which was the preferred choice of the two unions to be paid monthly over fiscal years 2024 and 2025 beginning March 1, and Anderson testified the unions were unanimous they want the money distributed by the FTE format. He the union in letters provided to the committee give their backing to doing it that way, but to make sure these wonderful funds are made available, the unions would agree with the second option if that is what the committee prefers. The second option was an equitable percentage paid instead of a flat rate over the remaining months of the current fiscal year and for each month in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Nevada Assemblys majority floor leader, Assemblywoman Sandra Jauegui, D-Las Vegas, asked whether with option one the money going to the Elko schools would be subject to Nevadas Public Employees Retirement System deductions and would it be separated out from paychecks. Anderson, who testified he thought it was super awesome that the legislature provided money for pay increases, said the state funds would be part of employee paychecks, not separated, and subject to PERS. What we want to do with this bill is that it will increase salaries and not just be a lump sum bonus payment, Jauregui said. Anderson said in the call school district personnel and union representatives reviewed the Interim Finance Committees December meeting and realized they should come up with two options for distributing the SB231 money because the committee had doubts about the first option. The bottom line of SB231s impact is that the school district receives the $7.39 million over two fiscal years, with half each year, and that money must go to teachers and support staff. That money cant go for any other budget needs and must be on top of the 11% the school board agreed to pay teachers and staff over two years. There is no way we can just sock it away, Anderson said in the call, explaining the school district must file monthly reports with the Interim Finance Committee to receive the money. This money will not be part of the money in the teacher contracts, he said This money is meant to reward districts for already giving teachers and staff pay increases. We gave them 11% over two years, which includes fringe benefits and PERS (Public Employees Retirement System) contributions. Another way to think about it is that it is a matching fund up to a certain amount, Anderson said. The requested amounts from SB231 from the school districts in Nevada differed wildly. For instance, the Storey County request on Feb. 8 was for $337,763, and the Washoe County School District requested $38.67 million. The committee heard from seven districts on Feb. 8. It had already acted on others and has more to consider. Whatfix Launches New Product Line 'Mirror', Marking Solid Growth in 2023 SAN JOSE, Calif. and BANGALORE, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whatfix , the global leader among digital adoption platforms (DAP), today announced the launch of yet another new product called Mirror, which is set to revolutionize systems training and product showcasing. Mirror creates hyper-realistic and interactive replicas of web applications for immersive training and product demonstrations without any of the risks of live system engagement. IT departments will cut down significant infrastructure and manpower costs associated with maintaining additional application environments. Several large enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies, have realized value during the initial trials of Mirror, which is slated for Beta release in Q2'24. "Whatfix remains dedicated to improving user experiences, and with the launch of Mirror, we not only added a cutting-edge product line to our portfolio but also strengthened our position in Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP) and Analytics. This expansion underscores our commitment to revolutionizing user experiences, reducing costs, and accelerating the return on investment for digital transformations," said Khadim Batti, Whatfix CEO and co-founder. "I'd best describe the University of Oxford's partnership with Whatfix as a transformative journey, with its Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) as a cornerstone of our digital strategy," said David Evans, Instructional Designer and IT Trainer at the University of Oxford. "Beyond the DAP solution, Whatfix has been a catalyst for innovation, simplifying complex processes and empowering teams for seamless navigation in the digital landscape. Whatfix's user-centric approach perfectly aligns with the University of Oxford's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our experience with Whatfix has been a game-changer, reshaping how we navigate technology, ensuring smooth transitions, and serving as the secret sauce to our digital success." 2023 Highlights of Whatfix's achievements: Turbocharged Growth and Expansion Whatfix registered a second year of top decile Year-over-Year (YoY) 45% growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and a substantial 35% YoY increase in new revenue generated from existing customers. The company celebrated the successful closure of six deals exceeding $1 million, underscoring the need for organization-wide DAP implementations in large enterprises. A 40% surge in the Average Revenue Per Account, affirmed the increasing trust of existing customers. Further, 45% of customers chose to expand their engagement with Whatfix, showcasing the platform's enduring value and positive impact on user experience. The company added nine Fortune 500 companies, taking the number to 79, and saw a notable influx of 168 new customers, including Schindler Elevator Corporation, Orange, Brown & Brown Insurance, Benco Dental, the City of Baltimore, and Pepperdine University. Sustaining Industry Leadership Whatfix has secured the position of the only DAP vendor named a leader in the inaugural Workplace Employee Experience Management (WEEM) Platforms PEAK Matrix by the Everest Group in 2023. The 4.5/5 rating on the Gartner peer site and top DAP company rank on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500tmNorth America for three consecutive years emphasize Whatfix's commitment to excellence. The company also earned other industry accolades, including Globee and Stevie Awards. Strengthened Product Pipeline Product Analytics, launched in 2023, registered a remarkable 5X ARR growth YoY, adding 50 new logos, including 48% from Global 2000 and Fortune 500 enterprises. The expansion of Whatfix Product Analytics to support Desktop applications reflects the commitment to becoming the vendor of choice, providing a seamless, no-code analytics platform for enterprises. Another product launched last year was Enterprise Insights. Features like QuickRead, Survey Analysis, and Content Auto-Completion serve as tangible examples of Whatfix's technological prowess aimed at elevating the overall user experience. Leading with Innovation Whatfix secured three patents from the US Patents Office and filed 12 more in 2023, rapidly adding to the company's patent portfolio. These patents encompass innovative technologies, including a system and method for creating steps in providing digital guidance to an underlying application, the personalization of digital guidance content, and the automatic testing of digital guidance content. Accelerated Partner Ecosystem Whatfix successfully onboarded 30+ new partners, including Coupa, Genpact, NTT Data, Sify Technologies, to name a few. The company enhanced engagement with strategic GSIs like Infosys, HCL, Cognizant, TCS, and other strategic regional partners like Jacobs, GP Strategies, upgrading them as "Whatfix Certified Delivery Partner", as part of the Rise 2 Excellence partner program for Services partners. Creating DAP Experts at Whatfix University Whatfix launched a Product Analytics certification alongside its existing DAP certifications. The company has upskilled 1585 DAP experts and 153 Product Analytics champions, showcasing consistent growth since 2021, with 4,103 certifications. Looking Ahead In a strategic move towards userization, Whatfix will continue to harness the power of Gen AI to simplify user experiences and boost productivity by introducing two key new features in 2024 Ask Insights: to simplify users' interactions with analytics tools and capture insights from data AI Assist: an AI-powered autonomous task assistant These innovations will empower users to generate insights, create trend reports, and perform tasks through natural language inputs. About Whatfix Whatfix empowers anyone, anywhere, to have scalable success with the technology they use every day, achieving greater knowledge, expanding capability, and unlocking productivity for themselves and their organizations. Whatfix's Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) integrates seamlessly with applications to enable users, providing in-context information and guidance to immediately increase individual capability and collectively amplify productivity. The organization has seven offices globally in the US, India, UK, Germany, Singapore, and Australia, and works with Fortune 500 companies around the world. Whatfix has raised $140 million to date, and is backed by marquee investors including Softbank Vision Fund 2, Sequoia Capital India, and Cisco Investments. For more information, visit the Whatfix website. Media Contact: Danielle Scotto Lumina Communications for Whatfix [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1760140/Whatfix_Logo.jpg 14 february 2024 at 07:00 News published onand distributed by: Jade Power Announces Effective Date of Consolidation TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jade Power Trust ("Jade Power" or the "Trust") (TSXV:JPWR.H) is pleased to announce that the NEX board of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") has accepted the Trust's application to consolidate the Trust's outstanding trust units on the basis of one new trust unit for every 10 existing trust units (the "Consolidation"). The Consolidation will be effective and the trading of the trust units reflecting the Consolidation will commence at the opening of markets on February 20, 2024. As a result of the Consolidation, the 22,252,912 trust units issued and outstanding prior to the Consolidation will be reduced to approximately 2,225,291 trust units. Each unitholder's percentage ownership in the Trust and proportional voting power remains unchanged after the Consolidation, except for minor changes and adjustments resulting from the treatment of any fractional trust units. The Trust will not be issuing fractional post-Consolidation trust units. Where the Consolidation would otherwise result in a unitholder being entitled to a fractional trust unit, the number of post-Consolidation trust units issued to such unitholder shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number of post-Consolidation trust units. The board of directors of Jade Power Administrator Inc., the administrator of the Trust, approved the Consolidation on January 26, 2024. In connection with the Consolidation, the Trust expects to send letters of transmittal to registered holders of its trust units for use in transmitting their existing unit certificates (the "Existing Certificates") to the Trust's register and transfer agent, TSX Trust Company, in exchange for new certificates (the "New Certificates") representing the post-Consolidation trust units to which such unitholder is entitled as a result of the Consolidation. No delivery of a New Certificate to a unitholder will be made until the unitholder has surrendered its Existing Certificates. Until surrendered, each Existing Certificate shall be deemed for all purposes to represent the number of post-Consolidation trust units to which the holder is entitled as a result of the Consolidation. For further information please contact: David Barclay Chief Executive Officer +1 954-895-7217 [email protected] About Jade Power The Trust, through its direct and indirect subsidiaries in Canada, the Netherlands and Romania, was formed to acquire interests in renewable energy assets in Romania, other countries in Europe and abroad that can provide stable cash flow to the Trust and a suitable risk-adjusted return on investment. All material information about the Trust may be found under Jade Power's issuer profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-Looking Statements Statements in this press release contain forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information may be identified by words such as "anticipates", "plans", "proposes", "estimates", "intends", "expects", "believes", "may" and "will". The forward-looking statements are founded on the basis of expectations and assumptions made by the Trust. Details of the risk factors relating to Jade Power and its business are discussed under the heading "Business Risks and Uncertainties" in the Trust's annual Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2022, a copy of which is available on Jade Power's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Most of these factors are outside the control of the Trust. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Except as otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, Jade Power expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Neither the TSXV nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. 14 february 2024 at 08:00 News published onand distributed by: Menlo Security Reports That 55% of Generative AI Inputs Contained Sensitive and Personally Identifiable Information Menlo Security, a leader in browser security, today released its latest report "The Continued Impact of Generative AI on Security Posture". This report marks the second installment of generative AI reports which analyzes the changing behavior of employee usage of generative AI and the subsequent security risks these behaviors pose to organizations. In the last thirty days, over half (55%) of Data Loss Prevention events detected by Menlo Security included attempts to input personally identifiable information. The next most common type of data that triggered DLP detections included confidential documents, which represented 40% of input attempts. From July to December 2023, the market and nature of generative AI usage have transformed considerably. New platforms and features are becoming popular, leading to a diverse and specialized market. However, the enterprise has introduced new cybersecurity risks with it. For example, according to the Menlo report, there was an 80% increase in attempted file uploads to generative AI websites. Researchers attribute this increase partly to the many AI platforms that have added file upload features within the past six months. Once users were introduced to it, however, they quickly took advantage. While copy and paste attempts to generative AI sites decreased minimally, it's still a frequent occurrence, highlighting the need to implement technology to control these actions. These two generative AI uses present the largest impact on data loss due to the ease and speed at which data could be uploaded and input, such as source code, customer lists, roadmap plans, or personally identifiable information (PII). "Our latest report highlights the swift evolution of generative AI, outpacing organizations' efforts to train employees on data exposure risks and update security policies," said Pejman Roshan, Chief Marketing Officer at Menlo Security. "While we've seen a commendable reduction in copy and paste attempts in the last six months, the dramatic rise of file uploads poses a new and significant risk. Organizations must adopt comprehensive, group-level security policies to effectively eliminate the risk of data exposure on these sites." Enterprises do recognize the risk and are increasingly focused on securing against data loss and data leakage resulting from rising generative AI usage. In the last six months, the Menlo Labs Threat Research team discovered a 26% increase in organizational security policies for generative AI sites. However, the majority are doing so on an application by application basis rather than by establishing policies across generative AI applications as a whole. If policies are applied on application by application basis, organizations must either constantly update their application list or risk gaps in safeguards to generative AI sites that employees are using. This necessitates the need for a scalable and efficient way to monitor employee behavior, adapt to evolving functionalities introduced by generative AI platforms, and address the resulting cybersecurity risks. Key findings that point towards a need for group level security rather than domain level security include: For organizations that have security policies on an application basis, 92% have security-focused policies in place around generative AI usage while 8% allow unrestricted generative AI usage For organizations that have security policies on generative AI apps as a group, 79% have security-focused security policies in place while 21% allow unrestricted usage While most traffic is directed towards the main six generative AI sites, when looking at generative AI as an entire category, file uploads are 70% higher, highlighting the unreliability of ensuring security policies on a application by application basis In June 2023, Menlo Security issued its first generative AI report analyzing generative AI interactions from a sample size of 500 global organizations. This report compares the data from the previous findings to data collected between July and December 2023 from the same sample of organizations. Download The Continued Impact of Generative AI on Security Posture Report to read the full findings and learn how employee usage of generative AI is contributing to an expanding browser attack surface. To learn more about the role of browser security in eliminating data leakage via generative AI platforms, visit Menlo Security's platform overview page or schedule a demo. About Menlo Security Menlo Security protects organizations from cyber threats that attack web browsers. Menlo Security's patented Cloud-Browser Security Platform scales to provide comprehensive protection across enterprises of any size, without requiring endpoint software or impacting the end user-experience. Menlo Security is trusted by major global businesses, including Fortune 500 companies, eight of the ten largest global financial services institutions, and large governmental institutions. The company is backed by Vista Equity Partners, Neuberger Berman, General Catalyst, American Express Ventures, Ericsson Ventures, HSBC, and JPMorgan Chase. Menlo Security is headquartered in Mountain View, California. For more information, please visit www.menlosecurity.com. 14 february 2024 at 08:05 News published onand distributed by: Enable Injections Announces Plans to Expand Manufacturing Facilities and Corporate Headquarters New state-of-the-art facility to be located in Springdale, Ohio Expansions will support ongoing clinical and commercial supply of Company's enFuse technology CINCINNATI, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --?Enable Injections, Inc.?("Enable"), a leading innovator in developing and manufacturing the?enFuse?platform of wearable technology, today announced it plans to expand manufacturing operations with a new large-scale facility in Springdale, Ohio as well as enhance the Company's corporate headquarters in Evendale, Ohio. New state-of-the-art facility will support ongoing clinical and commercial supply of Enable Injections' enFuse technology. The Company's new 90,000 square-foot Manufacturing Center of Excellence will support ongoing in-house manufacturing and supply of the Company's enFuse medicine delivery technology. enFuse is the first-ever hands-free wearable technology that allows patients to self-administer large-volume medications subcutaneously without an IV or syringe pump. "Scalable, in-house manufacturing is a key pillar of Enable's strategy to accelerate supply of our innovative enFuse technology as the Company continues to grow our roster and scope of clinical and commercial engagements with pharmaceutical partners. This new facility allows Enable to significantly expand and enhance production processes and ultimately reduce the time it takes to bring our enFuse system to patients and the medical community," said Mike Hooven, Chairman and CEO of Enable Injections. "We are proud to have grown our business in Ohio over the last decade and are thankful for the continued support from the state and local organizations as we expand our business operations and footprint." The commitment to increase the Company's manufacturing facilities and capabilities follows U.S. FDA approval ?and launch of the Company's first enFuse combination product. Enable expects to begin occupying its new Manufacturing Center of Excellence by the end of 2024. As the facility becomes operational, the new location and Evendale headquarters will retain and add more than 450 jobs over the next ten years to the Cincinnati area. The State of Ohio, JobsOhio , the City of Evendale, the City of Springdale, and REDI Cincinnati provided support for Enable's expansion. "We and our partners at REDI Cincinnati welcome Enable Injections' decision to grow operations in the U.S. and bring new career opportunities and investment to Ohio," said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef. "Enable is a global leader in drug delivery, improving the lives of patients worldwide, and we look forward to a continued partnership." In addition to the new Manufacturing Center of Excellence in Springdale, Enable will be renovating and enhancing the infrastructure of its Evendale headquarters. The Company's headquarters presently houses GMP-compliant manufacturing space to support current clinical and commercial demand of enFuse, as well as labs and administrative areas. About Enable Injections Cincinnati-based Enable Injections is a global healthcare innovation company developing and manufacturing drug delivery systems designed to improve the patient experience. Enable's body-worn enFuse?delivers high-volume pharmaceutical and biologic therapeutics via subcutaneous administration, with the aim of improving convenience, supporting superior outcomes, and advancing healthcare system economics. Approved in?the United States?in combination with a specific drug, more information:? https://enableinjections.com/our-products . SOURCE Enable Injections, Inc. 14 february 2024 at 08:34 News published onand distributed by: AAR announces update to financing of Triumph Product Support acquisition Announces proposed offering of $500 million of senior notes due 2029 The acquisition will be financed with the proceeds from the proposed notes offering and use of the expanded revolver WOOD DALE, Ill., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AAR CORP. ("AAR" or the "Company") (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs and OEMs, announced today that AAR Escrow Issuer, LLC, a wholly owned, unrestricted subsidiary of the Company (the "Escrow Issuer"), intends to offer, subject to market conditions and other factors, $500 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due 2029 (the "Notes"). The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the proposed senior notes offering to fund a portion of the purchase price for its pending acquisition of Triumph Group's (NYSE: TGI) Product Support business (the "Triumph Product Support Acquisition"). Substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition, the Company intends to amend its revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") to, among other things, increase the aggregate lending commitments thereunder from $620 million to at least $795 million. The Company intends to fund the balance of the acquisition consideration with cash on hand and borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, as amended. If the proposed senior notes offering closes prior to the consummation of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition, (1) the gross proceeds from the offering will be deposited into an escrow account for the benefit of the holders of the Notes until the date on which certain escrow conditions are satisfied, including the closing of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition, and (2) the Notes will be subject to a special mandatory redemption at a price equal to 100% of the initial issue price of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, from the issue date of the Notes, to, but excluding, the date of the special mandatory redemption. If the proposed senior notes offering closes substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition, the Notes will not be subject to the aforementioned procedures. Prior to the consummation of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition, the Notes will be the sole obligation of the Escrow Issuer. Substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition, the Escrow Issuer will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving entity. The Company will then assume the obligations of the Escrow Issuer under the Notes and the indenture governing the Notes, and the Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Company's subsidiaries that guarantee the Company's obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Notes and the related guarantees have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), any state securities laws or the securities laws of any other jurisdiction. The Notes and the related guarantees may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, registration. The Notes and related guarantees will be offered and sold only to persons reasonably believed to be "qualified institutional buyers" in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to certain non-U.S. persons in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act. This press release is neither an offer to sell, nor the solicitation of an offer to buy, the Notes or any other securities and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a sale of, the Notes or any other securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About AAR AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions and Expeditionary Services. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and which reflect management's expectations about future conditions, including but not limited to the pending Triumph Product Support Acquisition. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future operating and financial performance and financial condition, or sustainability targets, goals, commitments and other business plans, and often may also be identified because they contain words such as "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would" or similar expressions and the negatives of those terms. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, risks associated with the Company's ability to consummate the Triumph Product Support Acquisition and the timing of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition; risks and uncertainties related to general market conditions and the completion of the proposed senior notes offering on the anticipated terms, or at all, and the Company's entry into the proposed amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility; the Company's ability to successfully integrate the acquired business; the Company's ability to realize the anticipated benefits and synergies of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition as rapidly or to the extent anticipated; risks related to the Company's ability to obtain any contemplated financing on favorable terms, or at all; the amount of costs, fees and expenses related to the Triumph Product Support Acquisition; and other factors that could affect the Company's business. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to "Risk Factors" in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, as well as the Company's other subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described and the anticipated benefits of the Triumph Product Support Acquisition may not be realized. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, except as required by law. Contact: Dylan Wolin Vice President, Strategic & Corporate Development and Treasurer +1-630-227-2017 [email protected] SOURCE AAR CORP. 14 february 2024 at 08:53 News published onand distributed by: Finance and Capital Markets Veteran Bob Rosetta Joins USEReady Advisory Board USEReady, global Data Analytics and AI solutions leader, has announced the appointment of veteran finance and capital markets leader Bob Rosetta to its Advisory Board. Bob's extensive experience, leadership skills, and strategic insights will be invaluable to USEReady as the company continues to expand its IP-led modernizing portfolio and widen its global market reach and customer footprint. Bob brings over 30 years of leadership experience from the financial and capital markets space driving process excellence, risk management, and sustainable change in over 100 countries worldwide. In his previous role as Managing Director & Chief Procurement Officer of a Fortune 100 Global Bank, Bob delivered over $2 Billion in cost savings and helped transform the bank. Welcoming Bob to USEReady's Advisory Board, Uday Hegde, Co-founder and CEO of USEReady said, "Bob's financial services background and proven success spearheading global transformations will be invaluable for USEReady. He is a visionary who understands the transformative potential of data & analytics. His guidance will help us scale both operationally and strategically as we continue to experience rapid growth, fueled by increasing demand for Data and AI-powered decision intelligence solutions." "In the years that I've followed USEReady, I have seen them deliver major, high-impact change programs at some of the world's largest and most reputable organizations," said Bob Rosetta on his appointment. "USEReady's expertise in legacy modernization and driving data to value programs via cloud data engineering and AI aligns perfectly with the digital transformation needs of today's organizations. I am excited to be part of their advisory board and contribute to the company's growth and future success." Commenting on Bob's joining, Lalit Bakshi, Co-founder & President, USEReady said, "I have known Bob for many years and have admired his leadership acumen. His tremendous experience driving innovation, optimizing operations and managing risk will be invaluable as we continue to deepen our modernization expertise and build AI-powered BI offerings. His thought leadership and industry influence are sure to help us serve the needs of leading banking, insurance, and capital markets customers better." About USEReady Established in 2011, in New York, USEReady provides businesses with the strategies, tools, capabilities, and capacity to transform their data into a competitive advantage. USEReady serves as a trusted partner for modern Chief Data & Analytics Officers (CDAOs) of Fortune 500 organizations on their Migration, Optimization, and Modernization journeys with differentiated models around Data, Analytics, and Visualization. We leverage our domain experts in Visual Analytics, Cloud Data Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence, Decision Intelligence, and Product Engineering to strengthen our delivery and solution capabilities, ensuring value-driven outcomes for clients. For more information, visit www.useready.com. 14 february 2024 at 09:10 News published onand distributed by: Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Completes PPA for Amalia II Solar Array in Northern New Mexico Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) and Guzman Energy today announced the execution of a Power Purchase Agreement ("PPA") for a 10.98 MWdc solar array with 8.75 MW / 17.5 MWh of battery storage. Named Amalia II, the renewable energy facility will be constructed in Amalia, NM. The Amalia II solar with battery storage site is targeted for completion in the second quarter of 2025. The first phase, Amalia I, began commercial operations in May 2012 and provides 1.25 MW of solar power generation. The Amalia II facility will be the second largest solar facility in the almost 50 MW KCEC local solar power generation footprint. A unique aspect of the Amalia II renewable energy generation project was the coordination between KCEC and the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association (RCCLA). The RCCLA membership of local ranching, farming and hunting families owns and manages the land, known as Rio Costilla, where the Amalia II array is sited. Known as the "caretakers of the land", RCCLA's mission is to sustain and grow the abundant wildlife population in the area. Located near the Sangre de Cristo mountain range, Rio Costilla is noted for spectacular mountain views of Latir, Mount Blanca and Ortiz Peaks. The siting of the array was done in coordination with RCCLA in order to preserve the beauty of the land, not impede wildlife migration, and create the future possibility to leverage the array site for agrivoltaic use. "Amalia II is a great example of renewable energy development planning starting with discussion and listening in the local community. Understanding the goals and concerns of the land keepers, in this case RCCLA, was critical in getting project planning agreement," said Luis A. Reyes, Jr., CEO of KCEC. "The Amalia II project fits into the community vision and supports RCCLA's mission to support community agriculture, farming, ranching, logging and hunting while generating clean renewable energy for the community." Renewable energy developer Luminace will build and maintain the Amalia II facility. Guzman Energy will oversee all energy management including the dispatching of the battery storage system. Guzman Energy has been the wholesale power provider to KCEC since 2016, when the coop exited its contract with Tri-State Generation and Transmission in order to provide the coop with more control over its energy mix and give its members more cost-effective and rate stable local energy. The addition of Amalia II will further help KCEC meet its clean energy goals, including becoming one of the cleanest energy cooperatives in America. Amalia II will also contribute to the state of New Mexico's objective to achieve a statewide reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 45% by the year 2030. About Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Formed in 1944, Kit Carson is a member owned electric distribution cooperative in northern New Mexico and is the second largest cooperative in the state. Kit Carson is one of 16 electric cooperatives that serve rural New Mexico communities, serving nearly 30,000 members in Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties. To learn more about Kit Carson, visit www.kitcarson.com. About Guzman Energy Guzman Energy is a wholesale power provider dedicated to communities in search of affordable and reliable energy. We partner with cooperatives, municipalities, companies, and tribes across North America to customize energy portfolios that make economic and environmental sense for today and tomorrow. Together, we are lighting the way forward. Visit www.guzmanenergy.com. About Luminace Luminace is a North American distributed energy business owned by Brookfield and a leading provider of decarbonization-as-a-service solutions to utilities, energy cooperatives, commercial, industrial and public sector customers. Luminace is one of the largest distributed energy developers, owners and operators in North America, managing approximately 1,400 MW of operating distributed energy resources across 28 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada. To learn more about Luminace, visit www.luminace.com. 14 february 2024 at 10:05 News published onand distributed by: Yamaha Develops Hydrogen Fuel System with Roush and Regulator Marine, Hydrogen Outboard Unveiled at Miami International Boat Show Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. today unveiled the world's first hydrogen-powered outboard for recreational boats along with a prototype fuel system integrated into a vessel that the company plans to further refine for testing later this year. The effort is part of Yamaha's strategy to achieve carbon neutrality: deploying multiple technology solutions. Yamaha joined forces with Roush to develop the fuel system to power the new outboard and collaborated with long-time boat builder partner Regulator Marine to build a boat suitable for testing the prototype outboard. Together, the companies plan to begin testing the protype for viability on the water in the summer of 2024. "Yamaha is exploring all possibilities to achieve carbon neutrality, and we've made commitments for our operations to be carbon neutral by 2035 and our products to become carbon neutral by 2050. That goal within the marine market can only be reached through an approach that leverages multiple solutions. We believe hydrogen is a viable method of achieving these goals," said Ben Speciale, President, Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit. "Yamaha wants to be a leader in this space, and we encourage others in the marine industry to become involved as we look for ways to build infrastructure and new policy around innovations." By working with Roush on the fuel system engineering, Yamaha gains the benefit of more than two decades of hydrogen systems integration and research. "When you look at Roush's history with hydrogen, it ranges from land speed record vehicles to spacecraft. A lot of that knowledge we've acquired over the years we are now applying directly to this Yamaha project," said Matt Van Benschoten, Vice President, Advance Engineering, Roush. "We are the fuel systems integrator, responsible for fuel systems designs, all of the specifications development, physical integration, safety system analysis as well as testing and development. Yamaha is trying to determine if hydrogen can successfully be used in this market, and I think we will find out the answer is ?yes.'" Regulator Marine built a hull based on the 26XO and modified it to accommodate the hydrogen tanks necessary to power the new outboard. Together, Yamaha, Regulator and Roush displayed the boat hull, fuel system and outboard to demonstrate how hydrogen could work as a possible fuel source in a marine environment. Also, the effort allows engineers to begin the process of determining marine standards for the use of hydrogen in vessels. "If we don't look for a new source, we won't find a new source. Innovation starts by asking questions. It creates a little angst, but at the end of the day good stuff comes out of innovation," said Joan Maxwell, President, Regulator Marine. "In the future, as we design boats, if this proves what we think it will, it could be very possible that we are designing hulls around these hydrogen fuel tanks." "Through our relationship with Regulator Marine, we have the ability to test our prototype in a premium boating environment that reflects Yamaha's brand position, and we have the ability to lead the way in the development of hydrogen as a fuel source in marine environments," continued Speciale. "We're excited to watch this project develop and look forward to taking the next steps." Yamaha announced the hydrogen outboard project last December. Further demonstrating the company's commitment to a multi-technology approach to carbon neutrality, Yamaha recently announced plans to acquire all shares of electric outboard company Torqeedo. In addition, Yamaha continues to promote the use of sustainable fuels within internal combustion outboard engines as another alternative. Please visit yamahamarinemedia.com for images and more information about the new hydrogen-powered outboard and fuel system. A recent, first-of-its-kind study commissioned by the International Council of Marine industry Associations (ICOMIA) entitled The Pathways to Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry, validates Yamaha's approach to carbon neutrality, revealing a multi-plan approach is the best way to continue the decarbonization of recreational boating. Through the study, leading global engineering consulting firm, Ricardo plc, investigated propulsion technologies across nine common recreational watercraft to compare the impact of lifetime global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, financial costs, usability, performance, range and infrastructure implications. Due to the unique water environment of boats, the study found there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution, and instead recommends a portfolio of technologies to continue the reduction of carbon emissions within the recreational boating industry including a combination of electric, hybrid, sustainable fuel and internal combustion applications. Recreational boats, which depend on clean water and preserved environments, account for less than 0.1 percent[i] of (GHG) emissions, specifically 0.7 percent[ii] of transportation carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions in the United States and 0.4 percent[iii] of transportation CO 2 emissions in Europe. Due to concentrated efforts within the marine industry, in the last two decades, the U.S. recreational marine industry alone has decreased marine engine emissions by more than 90 percent and increased fuel efficiency by more than 40 percent. Yamaha remains at the forefront of these efforts. Beyond this progress, the global recreational marine industry remains committed to leading conservation efforts that protect the natural marine environment and identifying ways to expand its collective efforts. To learn more, visit PropellingOurFuture.com. For almost 50 years, Roush has been widely recognized for providing innovative engineering, testing, prototyping and manufacturing services to the advanced mobility, aerospace, defense and theme park industries. Roush is unique in its ability to leverage services across the complete product development cycle, solving customers' most complex challenges and accelerating critical product launch targets. Born and built to last in Edenton, North Carolina since 1988, Regulator boats are tested against the challenging conditions of the Outer Banks and delivered to locations throughout the U.S. and abroad. As manufacturers of premiere offshore sportfishing boats ranging from the Regulator 23 to the Regulator 41, as well as the new XO Series of center console crossovers, Regulator designs and engineers boats for the most discriminating anglers in the world with a "no-compromise" philosophy for a Legendary Ride. Visit www.regulatormarine.com for details and join the offshore fun @regulatormarine on Facebook and Instagram. Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit, based in Kennesaw, Ga., markets and sells marine outboard motors ranging in size from 2.5 to 450 horsepower. It also engineers, manufactures, markets and sells boat control systems, IoT control devices, fiberglass, jet-drive sport boats ranging from 19 to 27 feet, and personal watercraft. The unit includes the manufacturing divisions of Yamaha Marine Systems Co., Inc., including Kracor of Milwaukee (rotational molding), Bennett Marine of Deerfield Beach, Fla. (trim tabs), and Yamaha Marine Precision Propellers of Indianapolis (stainless steel propellers). Yamaha U.S. Marine Business Unit is a division of Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A., based in Cypress, Calif. i U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data ii U.S. EPA, Greenhouse Gas Explorer CSV File Download 1990?2020, "Greenhouse gas emissions from ships and boats in the United States", 20 April 2023, https://cfpub.epa.gov/ghgdata/inventoryexplorer/#allsectors/allsectors/allgas/econsect/all iii Panteia, TNO and Emisia, "Review study on the Recreational Craft Directive 2013/53/EU", 15 September 2021, https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2021-11/Final%20Report%20Review%20Study%20on%20the%20Recreational%20Craft%20Directive%202013%2053%20EU.pdf This document contains many of Yamaha's valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement. REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear. 2024 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. 14 february 2024 at 12:00 News published onand distributed by: NorCal SBDC receives $350,000 from Wells Fargo in 2nd Year of the Inclusivity Project SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NorCal Small Business Development Center is expanding its support for diverse small business via a $350,000 grant from Wells Fargo in support of the Inclusivity Project. The Inclusivity Project creates collaborations between like-minded organizations to provide no-cost mentorship, advising, workshops, and networking opportunities to diverse small business and the entrepreneurial community. Since 2021, the Inclusivity Project has been instrumental in expanding access, pathways, and assets for diverse small businesses by conducting over 70 workshops, facilitating nearly 500 loans and grants, and cumulatively amassing $16.9 million in capital for more than 700 entrepreneurs. "Wells Fargo is excited to support programs that enable diverse entrepreneurs to acquire tangible business assets so that they can grow and scale their businesses," said Karen Woodruff, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. "As these businesses expand, they can hire local employees and strengthen our community." The $350,000 grant is part of Wells Fargo's larger goal of broadening diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its business and part of an intentional focus to expand access to the resources needed to start and grow diverse small businesses. "We are thrilled to gather this remarkable group committed to equitable change," said NorCal SBDC Executive Director Kristin Johnson." The Inclusivity Project's impact goes beyond funding; it's about building connections, boosting confidence, and breaking down barriers for diverse small businesses. We invite everyone to join us in furthering this vital mission." For more about the Inclusivity Project, visit https://theinclusivityproject.com. About NorCal SBDC For over three decades, NorCal SBDC has fostered economic growth across Northern California, serving over 100 communities in 36 counties. As part of America's premier small business assistance network, our 200+ advisors offer comprehensive, no-fee support to established businesses and startups across sectors, including technology, agriculture, professional services, retail, and healthcare. In the past five years, especially during the COVID response and recovery period, our impact has been substantial, creating more than 14,000 new jobs, launching 2,200 new businesses, and mobilizing over $2.4B in business capital. We're dedicated to fostering SOURCE Northern California Small Business Development Center 14 february 2024 at 12:28 News published onand distributed by: Student Transportation of America Recognized on the Forbes America's Best Employers 2024 List WALL, N.J., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Student Transportation of America (STA), an industry leader in student transportation, safety, and fleet services, is pleased to announce the company has been recognized as the only student transportation contractor on the Forbes list of America's Best Employers 2024. This prestigious award was presented by Forbes and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced on February 13, 2024, and can be viewed on the Forbes website. "We are humbled and honored that Forbes has recognized STA as one of the select few companies who are the 'Best Large Employers 2024.' STA's management team shares values and beliefs and conducts themselves in such a way as to demonstrate daily the appreciation they have for our more than 23,000 employees who go above and beyond what is expected to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient transportation," said Patrick Vaughan, Chief Executive Officer, STA. "School districts across North America recognize and value the importance of being served by a happy workforce. STA has doubled in size, growing 100% over the past five years, which can be directly attributed to our employees and their spirited love for their work. I thank all of these dedicated employees whose work for the school districts and communities made this recognition possible. And, I thank Forbes?and the school districts?for this great honor." America's Best Employers have been identified in an independent survey from a vast sample of over 170,000 U.S. employees working for companies employing at least 1,000 people within the U.S. The final score is based on two types of evaluations: Personal - Given by employees themselves, also known as direct evaluations. - Given by employees themselves, also known as direct evaluations. Public - Given by friends and family members of employees or members of the public who work in the same industry- also known as indirect evaluations), with a much higher weighting for personal evaluations. STA was included under the "Large" sized organizations (more than 5,000 employees) and appeared alongside many notable peers from a wide range of industries. With more than 23,000 employees, STA provides transportation services to more than 1.25 million children daily and serves more than 325 districts across the U.S. and Canada. Every aspect of the operation is designed with the safety of passengers as the top priority, and the company boasts a 95-percent contract renewal rate. STA prioritizes both employee retention and recruitment efforts, especially when it comes to bus drivers. The company is looking to grow its team and currently has open bus driver positions in markets nationwide. STA's strongest asset is its skilled, safe, professionally trained drivers. It offers comprehensive paid training programs for those new to the industry, combining classroom and behind-the-wheel training. Many terminals offer additional incentives, including sign-on or attendance bonuses. To learn more about STA's rewarding career opportunities, visit ridesta.com. About Student Transportation of America Student Transportation of America (STA), an industry leader in school transportation and fleet services, was founded in 1997 on the bedrock of family, community, and a safety-first mindset. Operating more than 22,000 vehicles, STA provides customers with the highest level of safe and reliable student transportation, management, logistics, and technology solutions throughout the U.S. and Canada. The company is focused on fostering a safety-driven culture that empowers its employees to feel proud of their work, delivering safe, reliable, and on-time service. Additionally, STA's commitment to positively impacting the health of our passengers and the planet is evident through its conscious decision to undertake each initiative to decrease its carbon footprint to help move the company and industry toward a greener future. For more information, please visit www.rideSTA.com. SOURCE Student Transportation of America 14 february 2024 at 15:00 News published onand distributed by: Ukrainian defense sector to boost its volumes by six times in 2024 Ministry of Strategic Industries The defense sector in Ukraine tripled over the past year, and in 2024 the industry is expected to swell six times, Deputy Minister for Strategic Industries Hanna Hvozdiar said at the Global Outlook: A Winning Vision conference organized by the European Business Association (EBA) on Wednesday. "The enemy, of course, surpasses us in numbers and in the means they involve. And the needs of the army are so great that it's very difficult for us, even together with our partners, to satisfy them in full. However, just last year we tripled our defense industry. This year we expect a six-fold increase," Hvozdiar said. According to her, the ministry is creating opportunities to attract civilian companies to work in the field of military-tech. "We're talking about ammunition, ammunition housings. They can be produced by civilian companies that have the appropriate equipment, and we are also moving in this direction," Hvozdiar said. The deputy minister said that another niche is in the component market. According to her, many manufacturers of drones and UAVs still buy components abroad, while one of the existing priorities is to equip them with domestically produced parts. "Our drones should depend on and consist of Ukrainian components as much as possible," Hvozdiar said. "The money is all in the defense industry. Thus, sooner or later we will still come to the conclusion that this is more beneficial for the economy as a whole. It is very important for us to keep our budget within the country," she said. Hvozdiar noted that Ukraine's Ministry of Strategic Industries is working on creating a platform for communications that could serve as a library of proven components of national production. A military helicopter transports from Ziv hospital in Israel's northern city of Safed a person wounded in a rocket attack fired from southern Lebanon on northern Israel for urgent treatment on February 14, 2024. JALAA MAREY / AFP The Israeli military said on Wednesday, February 14, that a soldier was killed in rocket fire from Lebanon, while Lebanese official media said three civilians and a Hezbollah fighter were killed in a series of Israeli strikes. The Israeli raids targeted several locations in south Lebanon, around 10 to 25 kilometers from the Israeli border. While the rocket fire was not immediately claimed, the intense exchanges of fire further raised fears of a broader conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, which have been trading near daily cross-border fire since the Israel-Hamas war began in October. Read more Subscribers only In deserted northern Israel, some kibbutz inhabitants push for war The Israeli army said in a statement Sergeant Omer Sarah Benjo, 20, was killed "as a result of a [rocket] launch carried out from Lebanese territory on a base in northern Israel." Fighter jets struck a series of "Hezbollah terror targets" in several areas of south Lebanon including Souaneh and Aadchit, the military said. Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) said Israeli warplanes targeted a house in Souaneh with two strikes, "leading to its destruction" and the death of three members of the same family. It identified the dead as a Syrian woman and two children, aged 13 and two. The NNA also said an Israeli attack targeting south Lebanon's Aadchit killed one person, who Hezbollah announced was one of its fighters, and wounded 10 others, "completely destroying" a building and causing "great damage to commercial establishments, shops and homes" nearby. 'Heavy price' Israel's Magen David Adom emergency service had said seven people were wounded in fire from Lebanon, five of them in the town of Safed. An Agence France-Presse (AFP) photographer saw medics and troops evacuating a wounded person by military helicopter from Safed's Ziv hospital. Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi said after meeting commanders near the Lebanese border that Israel's "next campaign will be very much on the offensive, and we will use all the tools and all capabilities." "We are intensifying the strikes all the time, and Hezbollah are paying an increasingly heavy price," he said in a statement. Senior Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine said Wednesday that "this aggression[...] will not go unanswered." A day earlier, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said that fire from southern Lebanon would end "when the attack on Gaza stops and there is a ceasefire" between the group's Palestinian allies Hamas and arch-foe Israel. "If they [Israel] broaden the confrontation, we will do the same," Nasrallah warned in a televised address. Read more Subscribers only Hezbollah leader Nasrallah's balancing act: Striking back at Israel while avoiding war Fears have been growing of another full-blown conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which last went to war in 2006. "I don't know when the war in the north is, I can tell you that the likelihood of it happening in the coming months is much higher than it was in the past," Halevi said last month. The UN secretary-general's spokesman called for a halt to increased violence in Lebanon between Israeli forces and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah late on Wednesday, amid fears of wider conflict. "The recent escalation is dangerous indeed and should stop," Stephane Dujarric said, noting that peacekeepers from the UN mission in Lebanon had noticed "a concerning shift in the exchanges of fire between the Israeli armed forces and armed groups in Lebanon." The attacks, he said, included the "targeting of areas far from the Blue Line," the frontier demarcated by the UN in 2000 after Israeli troops withdrew from southern Lebanon. The United States called for diplomacy to resolve tensions between Lebanon and Israel. "We continue to believe that there is a diplomatic path forward and we will continue to push forward to try to resolve this issue diplomatically," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters. "We continue to be concerned about escalation in Lebanon," he said. "One of our primary objectives from the outset of this conflict is to see that it not be widened." The cross-border violence has killed at least 248 people on the Lebanese side, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also including 33 civilians, according to an AFP tally. On the Israeli side, 10 soldiers and six civilians have been killed, according to the Israeli army. Read more Subscribers only Israel-Hamas war: The long wait for displaced persons in southern Lebanon Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is issuing a new warning to all Tennesseans about a scam involving Uniform Commericial Code (UCC) documents. As part of the scam, citizens receive an official-looking mailer from TN UCC Statement Service, incorrectly implying businesses or individuals must obtain a copy of a UCC-1 financing statement filed against them. Our Division of Business and Charitable Organizations and I were recently made aware of deceptive mail circulating within some communities targeting the good faith of Tennesseans and our businesses, said Secretary Hargett. Th... Joe Smith has been recognized by the National Weather Service (NWS) and Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS) for surpassing 4,000 daily precipitation reports. He was honored with a Volunteer Appreciation Award given by Nolan Doesken, National Director of CoCoRaHS, and a Certificate of Recognition from Krissy Hurley and Alyssa Clements of the National Weather Service, Nashville, Tennessee Weather Forecast Office. Smith operates Weather Station TN-LS-5 in his backyard in Hohenwald and has been submitting reports since January 2013. Rain, hail, and snow data collec... The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) reports that students considering college can expect a delay in FAFSA processing. The U.S. Department of Education has informed stakeholders that records for the 2024-25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will not be released to institutions until mid-March. While the FAFSA typically launches in October on StudentAid.gov, this year the launch was delayed due to program updates to improve online functionality and became operational in January. Typically, FAFSA records as they are filed starting in October; however, this months-l... GARDAI have issued a warning and advice to the public on how to protect themselves from becoming a money mule. A money mule is someone who transfers illegally obtained money between different bank accounts. It is a type of money laundering as it hides the source of the illegally obtained money. Any one could be recruited, but newcomers to Ireland, unemployed persons, students or anybody in economic distress are vulnerable to this crime if they have a bank account number. Men aged between 18 and 34 years more likely to be targeted. Sergeant Ber Leetch, crime prevention officer at Henry Street garda station explained how people are recruited. "You can be recruited online through social media, websites, job adverts, instant messaging apps and by email. You can also be recruited through people you know like family or friends. "A typical story used is that a friend who knows someone who cannot for whatever reason access their bank account and asks you for help so that they can transfer funds into your account. "They will make it attractive by offering you money for the use of your account." Sergeant Leetch went on to explain how the victims lose money to the scheme. "Once the money is lodged into your account you are then instructed to transfer this money to another account, in most cases this could be an overseas account. "You will then receive a small amount of money for providing this service. You might be told how much money will be lodged into your account, in most cases, they might say between 100 to 150 euro, but in reality, the amount your account receives is actually thousands of euro. "The source of this money is illegal and comes from cybercrime, online scams, drugs or human trafficking. READ MORE: Man avoids jail term after breaching Safety Order when addressing post to couple's dog "While you are not involved in the crime that generated this money, you are acting illegally by helping these criminals to move the money easily around the world while they remain anonymous. "Ignorance is no defence so keep your bank account details to yourself no matter how attractive an amount of money you are offered to share it." The criminal offence facing a money mule is a terrorist financing offence under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. If you are convicted you run the risk of a fine and a prison sentence of up to 14 years. You will also be placed on a terrorism watch list for life and your bank account will be frozen. Sergeant Leetch concluded: "In case anybody listening thinks this could only be happening in other parts of the world, a young teenager walked into Roxboro Road garda station earlier this week with his mother. He had shared his bank account with a person who used it to launder money." A JUDGE has warned the partner of independent Clare TD, Violet Anne Wynne that he faces a driving ban if he doesnt pass his driving test in order to secure his pink driving licence. Judge Alec Gabbett issued the ultimatum to provisional driver, John Mountaine (41) at Kilrush District Court on Tuesday after he adjourned the sentencing of Mountaine for driving offences for a fifth time time in order to allow Mr Mountaine sit his driving test. In court, solicitor for Mr Mountaine of Pella Rd, Kilrush, Monica Roche handed up a document provided by Mr Mountaine confirming that he is on a waiting list for a driving test at the Shannon driving test centre. After being handed the driving test waiting list confirmation report, Judge Gabbett said: "Excellent - this is exactly what we want. At least we know we are on the list." In court last month, solicitor for Mr Mountaine, Patrick Moylan handed Judge Gabbett a document confirming that Mr Mountaine first applied for a driving test to the National Driving Licence Service (NDLS) more than three years ago on November 3rd 2020. In court today, Judge Gabbett told Mr Mountaine that based on the number of offences now before the court, "this is a disqualification issue. He said: "My hands are tied with that level of offences before the court with no licence. There comes a point when I have no discretion anymore. The pink driving licence has to be obtained." Earlier in court and before Mr Mountaine arrived, Ms Roche said that she was handing into court a newspaper article provided by Deputy Violet Anne Wynne outlining the scale of delays for driving tests faced by the NDLS. In response, Judge Gabbett commented: "I am not concerned about the overall picture - this is specific to Mr Mountaine. I am not interested in broader picture. Judge Gabbett said: "I have personal experience of this - I applied for the licence and did my test in the last 12 months - it is possible. At the hearing of the contested case last June, Judge Gabbett said that Mr Mountaine was continuing to break the law by driving around unaccompanied before adjourning the case as he wanted Mr Mountaine to obtain a full licence. READ MORE: Man avoids jail term after breaching Safety Order when addressing post to couple's dog Judge Gabbett said last June he is to convict Mr Mountaine of holding a mobile phone while driving, driving unaccompanied and driving without L plate at Lack West, Kilmihil, Co Clare. Mr Mountaine was on a call to Deputy Wynne at Leinster House during a pre-school run for two of the couples children on October 21st 2021 when he was spotted by Garda Patrick Hanley holding a mobile phone up to his ear while driving. Judge Gabbett said that Mr Mountaine by his admission is continuing to break the law by driving around unaccompanied. He has reasons for that but that doesnt make them valid. Judge Gabbett said that Mr Mountaine has a peculiar set of circumstances where he has six children, his partner works in Dublin for a significant portion of the week and he has to drive. Judge Gabbett has now adjourned the case to June to allow Mr Mountaine sit his driving test. AFU to have new menu from June 2024, daily ration of one soldier to cost UAH 139 The State Rear Logistics Operator of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine will develop recommended menus for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) by the summer season, Strategic Communications Advisor of the State Rear Logistics Operator Tetiana Kharchenko has said at a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday. "The State Rear Logistics Operator will involve professional technologists and chefs in developing recommended rations for military units that they can use to feed military personnel," she said. According to Kharchenko, the recommended menus will be launched through a system that is currently being developed based on an analysis of the needs of military units. It is expected that changes in military nutrition, taking into account the updated menu, will be put into effect in June 2024. Purchasing Director of the State Rear Logistics Operator Viktoria Vynohradova said that currently the food procurement is carried out according to the catalog developed in 2019, which contains 409 items. The formation and updating of the catalog are managed by the Central Development Directorate of the Defense Ministry. "For our part, we made proposals for the descriptions of foodstuffs. [...] We understand that all the requirements and descriptions for the current products stipulate that we need to move forward. The Central Development Directorate is also open to changing the descriptions. Since some of them have already lost their relevance," she said. Answering a question from Interfax-Ukraine about the daily cost of food ration for one serviceman, Vynohradova said the state Rear Logistics Operator hopes to purchase foodstuffs at ProZorro auctions in such a way that a balanced daily ration for one serviceman would cost UAH 139.38. THERE was great excitement as a Limerick primary school student received a letter from Oscar-nominated actor, Paul Mescal. Fifth and sixth-class students at Doon Convent NS were given a task by their teacher to prove that letter writing is not a lost art. Students in both classes chose famous faces to write letters to, asking them a number of questions and hoping for a reply. Some of the people the students wrote to include television and radio presenter Ray Darcy, President Michael D Higgins, Marty Morrisey, Limerick hurling manager John Kiely and many more. Student at the school, Kate decided to send her letter to none other than Oscar-nominated actor, Paul Mescal and was delighted when Paul replied. In his response, Paul thanked Kate for her letter and answered a number of her questions. ...to answer your questions: I think seeing my dad on stage when I was young and taking part in a school musical when I was sixteen are what inspired me to start acting, the Normal People actor said. Once I started acting, I fell in love with it immediately. My favourite part is imagining what other peoples lives are like and getting to act out that imagined life. He continued: And finally, I would love to work with Joaquin Phoenix. Hes extraordinary. READ MORE: Judge warns TD's partner he faces driving ban if he doesn't pass driving test Im delighted you enjoyed acting in the Christmas play. My only advice at this point is if you enjoyed, keep doing it as much as you can. See if there are any drama groups around you and join them, Paul told Kate. The Maynooth actor received his first Oscar nomination for his role in the feature film, Aftersun. He is also set to lead the upcoming Gladiator sequel. So far, the class have received replies from President Michael D Higgins and Ray Darcy who featured them on his RTE Radio One show last Thursday. Hero MotoCorp has revealed the prices of its much awaited Mavrick 440. The flagship motorbike will be offered in the Base, Mild and Top variants. These are priced at 1.99 lakh, 2.14 lakh and 2.24 lakh, respectively. Note that all these prices are ex-showroom. Speaking of the bookings, customers can now pre-book their Mavrick and deliveries will begin in the month April. It is interesting to note that the two-wheeler manufacturer is offering a Welcome to Mavrick Club Offer. Customers who are book their bikes before March 15, 2024, can receive a customized Mavrick kit. This kit will feature merchandise and certain accessories worth 10,000. Speaking of the design, the Mavrick 440 boasts a muscular fuel tank with certain elements in neo-retro. The company claims to use the metal for the fuel tank, fenders and shrouds. The lights on the bike are LEDs. Moreover, the manufacturer is also providing a digital speedometer which supports a negative display and features Bluetooth connectivity. The Mavrick 440 is powered by the same engine as the Harley-Davidson X440. This bike is claimed to produce 27 bhp of max power at 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 36 Nm at 4,000 rpm. Notably, the engine produces 2 Nm less torque than the X440. As per the manufacturer, this engine is tuned to offer low-end torque to provide smooth commuting and easy highway rides. The bike gets a 6-speed unit which supports slip and assist clutch. As per the CEO of Hero MotoCorp Niranjan Gupta, the Mavrick 440 is the most premium motorbike of the company. He stated, Our premium journey continues full throttle with the bookings now open for the customers who have been eagerly awaiting the Mavrick 440. Coming close on the heels of the Harley-Davidson X440 and Karizma XMR, the Mavrick 440 - a unique proposition of a Muscular and Youthful Modern Roadster - will now build on this momentum of our journey to win in premium. This expansion underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional products that cater to the evolving needs of motorcycle enthusiasts, as we strive to cater to the diverse preferences of our discerning customers." HERO MOTOCORP 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! Triumph has launched its much-awaited Scrambler 1200 X in India, starting at a price of 11.83 lakh ex-showroom for the Sapphire Black colour scheme. The Carnival Red and Ash Grey variants are priced at 12.13 lakh ex-showroom. Speaking of the power, the Triumph 1200 X is powered by a 1200 cc, parallel-twin engine with a 270-degree crank. The bike produces 89 bhp of maximum power at 7000 rpm and a peak torque output of 110 Nm at 4250 rpm. It also boasts ride-by-wire and fuel injection. Moreover, the bike gets a 6-speed gearbox unit. This bike gets a seat height of 820 mm which is eventually lower than the XC version. Additionally, the seat height can also drop to 795 mm since it is adjustable. It makes the bike more accessible to shorter riders. In terms of accessibility, the Scrambler 1200 X weighs 228 kg. This weight is actually manageable once riders get used to riding the bike. The Triumph bike offers the frame which is suspended Marzocchi non-adjustable USD forks in the front with 170mm of wheel travel whereas at the rear, it gets twin Marzocchi shocks with pre-load adjustability and 170 mm of wheel travel. As far as braking duties are concerned, the bike receives twin 310 mm disc in the front along with two-piston Nissin axial calipers and a 225 mm single disc at the back coupled with a single-piston floating Nissin caliper. It also get dual-channel ABS on offer which is enabled by IMU. Wheel at the front of Triumph 1200 X measures 21 inches whereas the rear one is of a 17-inch unit. The manufacturer has used tubeless spoked wheels in the bike. The front tyre of the Triumph bike measures 90/90 whereas the rear one is a 150/70. In terms of features, its instrument cluster looks similar to other bikes with a 660 cc engine. It gets Bluetooth connectivity and boasts overall five riding modes. 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! Delhi is the leading city which has the many renowned hospitals in India that provide world-class medical facilities and healthcare services. Choosing the right hospital can be crucial when it comes to quality treatment and positive outcomes for critical health conditions. In this article, we discuss the 5 top hospitals in Delhi NCR region based on infrastructure, medical expertise, patient care, and treatment success rate. 5 Top Hospitals in Delhi NCR Pushpawati Singhania Hospital & Research Institute (PSRI Hospital) Established in 1996, PSRI Hospital is one of the most trusted multi-specialty hospitals in Delhi. Spread over a vast area, it has cutting-edge infrastructure for accurate diagnosis and effective treatments across specialties. Their key specialties include cardiology, neurology, nephrology, oncology, Pulmonology, General & GI Surgery, gastroenterology, Urology & orthopedics & Joint Replacement, and organ transplants, among others. View Full Image Pushpawati Singhania Hospital & Research Institute (PSRI Hospital) PSRI Hospital is accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers) and NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories), testing our standards for patient safety and healthcare delivery quality. With a highly skilled team of doctors, surgeons and support staff, PSRI is renowned for clinical excellence, comprehensive care and compassionate service. They also have years of experience in giving the best treatment to international patients with utmost care and professionalism. So, if you are looking for expert treatment in Delhi, visit PSRI Hospital. Email Id.: info@psri.net Contact Number: +918484848417 Address: Press Enclave Marg, Sheikh Sarai II, Near Saket Court, New Delhi - 110017. Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Established in 1954, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital has been a leading medical institution in South Asia for over a century now. Their team of renowned doctors provide the latest technology for treating critical illnesses like cancer, liver diseases, and kidney failures, among others. Their surgical unit performed the first neurosurgery in South Asia. Key specialties include cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, dental treatments, IVF and more. The hospital has 675 beds, 24x7 blood bank, ambulances and outpatient services. Max Super Specialty Hospital Max Hospital is another top hospital in Delhi NCR for cardiology, neurology, and orthopedics, with high success rates in organ transplants. Max hospitals are all NABH and NABL recognized, with full-time pharmacy and laboratory facilities. With patient-centric design and commitment to clinical excellence, Max has cutting-edge infrastructure enabling advanced treatments, like Asia's first hybrid Cath lab for cardiac care. AIIMS Delhi AIIMS stands for All India Institute of Medical Sciences. It is one of the top hospitals in Delhi NCR. AIIMS is known for providing very good medical care using advanced methods and tools. Many highly skilled doctors and nurses work at AIIMS. People come from all over India for treatment at AIIMS. AIIMS has the best medical equipment in India. It has excellent facilities for treating brain and nervous system disorders. Because of all this, AIIMS is considered one of the best hospitals in Delhi. Safdarjung Hospital Safdarjung Hospital is the biggest hospital under India's Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It has been providing excellent and affordable treatment to all kinds of people since before India's independence. Today, Safdarjung Hospital has more than 1,550 beds. Every year, over 10 lakh patients visit its outpatient department. With advanced medical facilities and compassionate care standards, these hospitals are bringing a global edge to healthcare in the Delhi-NCR region. Their teams of medical experts provide exceptional diagnosis and treatment - building confidence in patients for even the most complex health conditions. Compiled by Reinvent digital. Disclaimer: This article is a paid publication and does not have journalistic/editorial involvement of Hindustan Times. Hindustan Times does not endorse/subscribe to the content(s) of the article/advertisement and/or view(s) expressed herein. Hindustan Times shall not in any manner, be responsible and/or liable in any manner whatsoever for all that is stated in the article and/or also with regard to the view(s), opinion(s), announcement(s), declaration(s), affirmation(s) etc., stated/featured in the same. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! LONDONGiuseppe Bivona and his partners run a tiny activist hedge fund from a small office here not far from Buckingham Palace. The single room has big windows, seven desks and little space for much else. From this unlikely perch, the fund, called Bluebell Capital Partners, aims to punch far above its weight by launching campaigns against some of the worlds biggest companies, most of them in Europe. Sometimes the punches land. The funds latest target, British oil giant BP, has already granted Bivona a meeting with its chairman, according to people familiar with the meeting. And BPs new chief executive officer, Murray Auchincloss, last week was compelled to refute Bluebells arguments when announcing the companys otherwise rosy earnings report. That might seem an outsize response to a fund that has accumulated a holding likely worth less than 0.01% of BPs roughly $103 billion market capitalization, based on Bluebells general description of its portfolio. Bluebell declined to disclose its exact investment. Bluebells criticism could resonate because it taps into a core challenge facing BP: its commitment to shrinking oil-and-gas production while boosting investment in less-profitable green-energy sources. Meanwhile many investors, including Bluebell, simply want more of BPs cash to be handed back to them. In his opening salvo to BP, a letter sent in October, Bivona called the plan to invest more in clean energy at the expense of oil-and-gas production irrational." Bivona argues that doing so in effect strengthens competitors such as Shell, Exxon Mobil and Chevron, which arent setting short-term targets to dial back on drilling. You only make richer the shareholders of your competitor," said Bivona in an interview. Im questioning how they deploy capital, for sure. Big time." During BPs public earnings call last week, an analyst referred to Bluebells proposals as sort of intriguing." BP appreciates engagement with shareholders, Auchincloss said in response, but he added that Bluebell is wrong on the merits of its argument. Obviously, we dont agree with them," he told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. BP hasnt set new long-term oil-and-gas production targets and has said it is sticking with the strategy it previously laid out. Bluebell backs BPs commitment to long-term net-zero environmental goals, Bivona says, but he argues that the company is shrinking production faster than societys demand is dropping off. The CEO doesnt get it," Bivona said. BP should instead return more cash to shareholders so they can invest where they want in the energy sector, Bivona saysgreen or otherwise. Some shareholders see Bluebells demands as the wrong kind of activism. We dont think responsible shareholders will allow a conservative investor to slow down a transition that is already moving far too slowly," said Mark van Baal, founder of shareholder advocacy group Follow This, which has pushed BP and other major oil companies to cut carbon emissions faster. BP last week promised to boost cash payouts to shareholders, part of a fourth-quarter earnings report that also included better-than-expected oil-and-gas trading results. Its shares were up 5.5% the day of the report. Auchincloss said BPs integrated strategy is working. Its ability to buy and sell renewable power alongside oil and gas through its trading arm boosts the baseline profitability of lower-carbon businesses, making them increasingly competitive with oil and gas in ways some investors dont recognize, he said. BPs green strategy shift originated with former CEO Bernard Looney, who resigned in September under pressure over undisclosed details of relationships with colleagues. Former finance chief Auchincloss, who stepped in as interim CEO, was named permanent CEO last month. Bluebells campaign is the latest sign of pressure on BP to defend its green-energy investments. It also reflects shifting debates over how the worlds biggest energy companies should manage the drive to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. After energy stocks tanked during the pandemic, investors openly questioned whether that marked the early-stage demise of fossil-fuel-based business models. Three years ago, another small activist firm called Engine No. 1 took on Exxon Mobil in an expensive proxy fight, arguing that the U.S. giant didnt have a plan for a future with shrinking oil demand and that it should invest more in the energy transition. The fund won three seats on the Exxon board, and the company later pledged to target carbon neutrality on its own emissions. Unlike some of its European peers, Exxon hasnt pulled back on oil-and-gas production. Since then, the Ukraine war and other geopolitical turmoil have intensified concerns about energy security and driven up energy prices. Exxon has enjoyed record profits the past two years, leading CEO Darren Woods to contend his cautious approach to the transitionand his steadfast commitment to oil and gaswas the right course. Bivona and Bluebell co-founder Marco Taricco, both Italian, met at Columbia Business School in the 1990s before going on to investment-banking careers at Goldman Sachs and other banks, working in Milan, London and New York. They started Bluebell in 2014 as an advisory firm providing investment ideas to other hedge funds, including Elliott Investment Management and Jana Partners, for years among the most feared U.S. activists, collectively managing billions. By comparison, Bluebell started with about $20 million and now has $130 million in its main fund. Bivona said Bluebell doesnt need huge positions. It mobilizes support through other investors, unions and selective media interviews, according to marketing materials, without waging expensive proxy battles. For one such campaign involving a chemicals company, Bluebell bought a single share to make the point that size was overrated. Bluebells main pool of assets is currently divvied up across holdings in about a dozen companies. The typical holding time of a position is 18 months, Bivona said. The funds BP position is held through a type of equity swap, or derivative, closely linked to the value of BP shares and which can be converted to shares any time, Bivona said. Bluebells main hedge fund has reported annualized returns of 8.3%, net of fees, since inception, according to a January 2024 investor presentation. That compares with a roughly 6.9% average annual return for activist funds across the industry for the same period, according to hedge-fund tracker HFR. In 2021, Bluebell led a successful push for a shake-up at French yogurt giant Danone, joining forces with other activist funds. The chairman, who also was CEO, stepped down in March 2021 in what was a rare victory for activist funds in Frances rigid corporate landscape. In other campaigns, Bluebell prodded mining giant Glencore to unload its thermal coal business and complained that asset-management behemoth BlackRock shouldnt try to impose its ideological beliefs on the corporate world in the form of its push to promote environmental, social and corporate-governanceor ESGconcerns. Glencore didnt engage with Bluebell. BlackRock executives met with Bluebell privately, and the company said publicly that it disagreed with Bluebells climate- and corporate-governance campaigns at companies where BlackRock was invested. Bivona says Bluebell studied BP and talked to investors for about a year before taking its position in September 2023. He wont name those investors but says, If you see the history of underperformance of the share price, do you think you will find a happy community?" The funds October letter was earlier reported by the Financial Times. BP executives, including Auchincloss, last week hit the road to meet with investors in Europe, the U.S. and elsewhere, as they typically do after year-end earnings. Auchincloss said last week that investors are supportive of the companys direction and mix of traditional and newer businesses. I think they will hear a different view," Bivona said in response to the CEOs comments. Its a debate. Lets see where we go." Write to Jenny Strasburg at jenny.strasburg@wsj.com Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! State-owned NMDC on Wednesday posted a 62 pc rise in consolidated net profit to 1,469.73 crore in the December quarter, pushed by higher income. It had clocked a net profit of 903.89 crore in the year-ago period, the mining company said in an exchange filing. The company's total income surged to 5,746.47 crore over 3,924.75 crore a year ago. NMDC's expenses stood at 3,516.78 crore in the third quarter of the current fiscal as against 2,693.01 crore a year ago. The board of the company has also approved an interim dividend of 5.75 per equity share for 2023-24 and fixed February 27 as the record date for the purpose. NMDC, under the Ministry of Steel, is India's largest iron ore mining company contributing to around 20 per cent of the country's demand of the key steel making raw material. 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! Chip-maker Nvidia is poised to surpass Google's parent Alphabet as the third most valuable company on Wall Street, as per reports. The expectation comes after the Santa Clara-based artificial intelligence (AI) chipmaker's market capitalisation reached $1.78 trillion on February 13, eclipsing Amazon's $1.75 trillion for the first time in two decades. On February 13, Nvidia's shares slipped by 0.17 percent, closing at $1.78 trillion, while Amazon's stock declined by 2.15 percent, resulting in a market value of $1.75 trillion. Google-owner Alphabet also saw a dip of 1.62 percent, with its market capitalisation settling at $1.81 trillion. The gap seems surmountable, especially as demand for Nvidia's AI chips remains high. Also Read | Nvidia overtakes Amazon in market value of $1.78 trillion Why is Nvidia Soaring? The surge in Nvidia's stock is attributed to the insatiable demand for its accelerators powering AI tasks. Nvidia has become a major player in the technology sector's push to integrate AI into products and services. The company's graphics processors are in high demand, and at present Nvidia controls around 80 percent of the high-end AI chip market. Big Tech players such as Meta Platforms are investing billions of dollars in Nvidia's products. However, the heightened demand for its graphics processors has resulted in shortages of its components. Also Read | Lyft shares rocket 60% then level to 17% on margin correction, stock still up on positive forecasts Lead times for Nvidia's premium H100 processor have decreased, but the overall demand remains considerably higher than the available supply, according to Mizuho analyst Vijay Rakesh. Largely the company growth has come as Nvidia dominates around 80 percent of the high-end AI chip market, which has contributed to a 46 percent increase in its stock value this year, following a more than threefold surge in 2023. The optimism around AI has also propelled technology-related companies such as Microsoft and Meta to record highs. Also Read | Instacart to cut 250 jobs as slowing ad business counters upbeat Q1 forecast Wall Street Responds to Nvidia's Red-Hot Rally In 2024, Nvidia's remarkable performance has led several Wall Street firms to raise their price targets. UBS Group AG and Mizuho Securities joined others, including Morgan Stanley, Bank of America Corp., and Goldman Sachs Group Inc., in adjusting their price targets ahead of the company's February 21 earnings announcement. This week, UBS increased its target to $850 from $580, also revising its earnings per share estimates upward. Mizuho raised its target to $825 from $625, emphasising the persistently high demand for Nvidia's H100 AI accelerators. Vijay Rakesh of Mizuho described the stock as the top choice for AI investments. Also Read | Q3 Results Today: M&M, NMDC, Muthoot Finance, Natco Pharma, ABFRL, and more to post earnings on February 14 The company's shares have surged by 46 percent this year, adding approximately $560 billion in market value. Market Position and Analyst Expectations Nvidia with its market share stronghold has outperformed its big-tech counterparts. Despite the stock's rise, analysts struggle to keep pace, with the average 12-month price target of $690 lagging behind the closing price on February 13. Analysts attribute Nvidia's success to the ongoing AI boom, with massive capital expenditures in data centres. The company has gained over $600 billion in market value in the new year, outpacing its growth in the last seven months of 2023. Also Read | Jeff Bezos sells 24 million Amazon shares worth over $4 billion in 4 trading days In the competitive landscape of AI-driven technologies, Nvidia continues to make strides, posing a formidable challenge to established market leaders. The company's upcoming earnings report on Feb. 21 will be closely watched as it navigates the dynamic tech market. (With inputs from Bloomberg and Reuters) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The Indian fintech, Paytm is facing more trouble as the Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday began a preliminary inquiry against Paytm Payments Bank, reported Reuters citing sources. However, there has been no official statement by Paytm or ED on the recent media reports of the preliminary investigation by the agency. Owned by One 97 Communications, Paytm Payments Bank faced strict actions from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as an RBI order asked the payments bank to halt its services by February 29. "This is a preliminary examination," one of the government sources in New Delhi told Reuters. Why did the ED begin an investigation against Paytm Payments Bank? Paytm's arm came under the scanner of the financial crime-fighting agency on suspicion of violation of foreign exchange rules. The ED has begun a probe into One 97 Communications, aka Paytm, on suspicion of violation of foreign exchange rules, according to a Reuters report published earlier in the month. However, the firm has denied allegations of forex violations. Earlier, the investigating agency had collected more details from the Reserve Bank of India, which ordered Paytm Payments Bank to wind down much of its business by February 29. The exact reason and specific provisions of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), which covers individual and corporate transfers overseas, were not mentioned in Reuters' source-based report. Unfounded and factually incorrect, Paytm on alleged FEMA violations Reacting to the report of alleged FEMA violations and reports of ED investigations, a Paytm spokesperson termed the allegations as "unfounded and factually incorrect". The Paytm spokesperson said no overseas remittances of any kind could be performed from bank accounts or wallet accounts at Paytm Payments Bank. "We vehemently deny any speculations on alleged FEMA violations by One 97 Communications or its associate Paytm Payments Bank," the spokesperson said via email, reported Reuters. The licence for payments banks restricts them from conducting operations related to outward remittances, which are exclusively permitted for large commercial banks in India." No review of action against PPBL, says RBI Governor Days after the RBI order directing PPBL to stop accepting deposits or top-ups, the RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, last week, clarified that there will be no review of RBI's clampdown against the entity. At the moment let me say very clearly there is no review of this (PPBL) decision. If you are expecting a review of the decision, let me very clearly say there is (going to be) no review of the decision," RBI governor Shaktikanta Das had said. On January 31, the RBI released an order directing PPBL to stop accepting deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, FASTTags and other instruments after February 29 due to non-compliance with regulations and supervisory concerns. ONE 97 COMMUNICATIONS 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! Jeff Bezos has sold 24 million of his Amazon shares. This sale has made him more than $4 billion. It's the first time the Amazon founder sold company shares since 2021, as per Bloomberg. This development follows his announcement of an intention to sell up to 50 million shares over the next 12 months . However, the second richest man on earth sold nearly half of it in just four days. Amazon's share price performance, which saw a 13% increase earlier this year. However, following the last day Bezos sold shares, Amazon's stock slipped 2.2% to $168.64 on February 13. Amazon's online sales grew a lot, the most since the pandemic started. This made Amazon's stock price go up by almost 8% to $172. Jeff Bezos got much richer by adding $12.1 billion to his wealth in just one day. Now, he's only $8.1 billion short of reaching Elon Musk, the worlds richest man, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. Bezos hasn't been the richest since 2021. Saving taxes worth $288 million The reason for Bezos selling his Amazon shares hasnt been disclosed. However, Bezos earlier revealed a major personal decision: relocating to Miami from the Seattle area. His move to Florida, a state known for not imposing a capital gains tax, contrasts starkly with Washington state's 7% tax on such earnings introduced in 2022. This strategic change of base could help Bezos save around $288 million in taxes. Despite the buzz around these transactions, both Amazon and Bezos have kept silent, offering no comments on the matter to Bloomberg. The implications of Bezos's actions extend beyond his personal finances, potentially impacting Washington state's revenue from the capital gains tax. This tax, which brought in $855 million for Washington in 2023, partly relies on contributions from the state's richest people. Billionaire Ken Fisher recently said he would move from Washington to Texas due to the heavy capital gains tax. 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! Govt asks NBU to allow VF Ukraine, DTEK, Metinvest, Interpipe and Kernel to make payments on eurobonds from Ukraine The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appealed to the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) with a request to allow the sale of currency to large Ukrainian companies and holdings and its further transfer for settlements on eurobonds and with Western creditors. The corresponding applications for individual permits for cross-border transfers of currency values are formalized by orders Nos. 118-132 of the Cabinet of Ministers dated February 6 and 13, posted on the government website. The list of companies and holdings for which the Cabinet of Ministers is asking includes VF Ukraine (the second largest mobile operator under the Vodafone Ukraine trademark) and companies from the Interpipe pipe and wheel holding, the largest mining and metallurgical holding Metinvest, the Kernel agricultural holding and three DTEK holdings, including DTEK Energy, DTEK Renewables and DTEK Oil&Gas. The attached documents note, in particular, that such decisions will help maintain investor confidence, save companies, many of which are the largest exporters, foreign currency and ensure their more efficient and stable operation in the future. Silicon Valley entrepreneurs hate it when the audience gets bored, but they may need to elicit more yawns if they are to transform insurance. Enthusiasm for artificial intelligence continues to power the stock market, but it isnt giving a second wind to companies committed to revolutionizing insurance through technology, or insurtech." Shares in listed players such as Lemonade, Root and Hippo have been trading sideways. Meanwhile, global insurtech funding fell to $4.5 billion in 2023, a 44% decrease from the previous year, according to fresh data by reinsurance broker Gallagher Re. While the sector is coming off the free-money craze of 2021, participation in megadeals was the lowest since 2017 last year. Insurance needs innovation. Natural catastrophes are pushing up premiums and leaving households unprotected. Personal car insurance has become prohibitive while still losing money for underwriters. Some smaller insurance lines remain an afterthought. Almost a decade since Californian innovators descended upon the industry, however, few such issues have been solved. Indeed, most insurance success stories predate the recent venture-capital boom. Among the exceptions, Texas-based broker Goosehead Insurance listed in 2018 and has multiplied its stock-market value tenfold, though it was founded in 2003 and puts agents front and center. Perhaps a better example is Parsyl, a Lloyds of London syndicate specialized in perishable marine cargo insurance. This is a data-driven firm backed by venture capitalists such as HSCM Ventures and GLP Capital Partners. They have allowed it to grow steadily while preserving a good underwriting record. More often, venture funds demand explosive rates of expansion. Take Koffie Financial, a promising startup that sought to upend truck insurancea niche where traditional players have reduced coverage. It is now letting most of its employees go, after an inside investor pulled out of its commitment to extend a bridge loan. We will only do responsible underwriting. Unfortunately, thats not what investors care about: They said the growth wasnt sufficient," said Ian White, Koffies chief executive. This is the paradox of insurtech: Tech-inspired, consumer-centric buzzy optimism mixes badly with an industry in which attempts to grow fast and appeal to cool customers fail, because it brings in the riskiest clients. Incumbents such as Allstate, Prudential and AXA have a lot more data to price risks correctly, offsetting the advantages that digital technology and AI were supposed to bring newcomers. There is a silver lining. This first wave of insurtech startups has nudged old-school insurers to move online, invest in telematics and start seriously looking at AI. Not long ago, many of them didnt even have the ability to issue digital policies. Silicon Valley is now refocusing on a smaller number of ventures. To leave a more permanent mark, it should stop propping up flashy challengers that promise to insure better using tech, and concentrate on the tech itself. In November, Spanish insurer MAPFRE teamed up with California-based Cyberwrite, which uses AI to provide more accurate information on companies vulnerability to cyberattacks. Startups such as Charlee.ai employ it to scan claims and spot fraud. Many ventures are also vying to generate better estimates of climate risk. Then there is Sure, a startup with a $550 million valuation that aims to be a one-stop tech shop. Its services include actuarial models, back-end tools to generate quotes and process claims quickly, software for agents, customer-service chatbots and direct distribution channels such as websites and smartphone apps. It wants to replicate the sleekness and speed of insurtech firms such as Lemonade, while leaving the underwriting risk to companies that have the necessary datanamely carmakers, real estate marketplaces and rental platforms that want to launch their own embedded" insurance lines. On Wednesday, Sure announced a new solution that automates the legal filings involved in launching new policies and pre-integrates them with the technology to distribute the products digitally. It often takes more than a year to launch new insurance products. If policy templates can be easily tweaked, the process can be sped up and the results better tailored to specific needs to close coverage gaps. AI has the potential to take this one step further and allow insurers to know how specific policy language is affecting the claims being paid, said William Mauro, head of coverage for commercial lines at data provider Verisk Analytics. This is the type of grunt work ripe for disruption. In insurance, too much excitement is never a good sign. Write to Jon Sindreu at jon.sindreu@wsj.com Troubled low-cost airline SpiceJet has informed the Delhi High Court that it is prepared to return a leased engine to its lessor, Engine Lease Finance BV, in Brussels, Belgium, at its own expense, following failed settlement talks between the two parties. The court has asked both SpiceJet and the lessor to nominate a third-party agency to inspect the engines condition before it is flown back to Brussels. It has also ordered that the engine be kept in its current condition for inspection, in accordance with the aircraft engine general agreement. Both sides are yet to nominated a third-party agency for the inspection. This case will next be heard on Monday. The lessor had approached the high court to hold SpiceJet responsible for covering the costs of returning the engine and restoring it to a usable state. The lessor claims the engine is currently unfit for service and cannot be returned to Europe, alleging SpiceJets negligence in maintaining it. SpiceJet denies these accusations, citing normal wear and tear as the cause of the engines current condition. Engine Lease Finance had moved to court in December after unsuccessful settlement talks with SpiceJet, alleging partial payments and failure to meet the terms of their agreement. In October, SpiceJet had agreed to pay over $2 million by 25 January and return the leased engine by that date. Engine Lease Finance had initially approached the court in September, stating that it had terminated its lease with SpiceJet and received back eight of nine engines. The lessor sought a court order to restrain SpiceJet from using the one engine that had not been returned after the termination of the lease. According to the agreement, SpiceJet cannot use the engine once the lease ends. The financially strained airline is facing legal battles over unpaid dues in various courts. On 29 January, the Delhi High Court ordered SpiceJet to pay $4 million to two engine lessors by 15 February or risk grounding of the leased engines. In a cost-cutting move, the airline announced layoffs of 1,4 00 employees and plans to reduce its fleet, aiming to save around 100 crore annually. 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! Companies eager to diversify manufacturing out of China have largely looked beyond the Southeast Asian nation. Apple recently picked India, where millions of iPhones are being made. Nike settled on Vietnam as its No. 1 source of sneakers. While a rush on nickel to feed electric-vehicle companies has made Indonesia by far the worlds top supplier of the mineral, a long-anticipated Tesla factory hasnt come. The stakes are high as the country of 280 million people heads to the polls Wednesday to elect a new president. For a decade, President Joko Widodo has kept a steady hand on the wheel, delivering around 5% economic growth each year, except during the pandemic. But Indonesians havent experienced the export-led manufacturing boom that turned countries such as South Korea and Taiwan into Asian tiger economies. The next president, who will take office in October, faces the challenge of supercharging growth and breaking Indonesia out of the middle-income trap before time runs out. More than two-thirds of Indonesias population is of working agea demographic windfall expected to last into the 2030s. To take advantage of that, Indonesia needs to create good jobslots of them. Otherwise, its legions of young people will get old before they get rich, making it difficult to ever catch up to developed-world living standards. The traditional path to raise Indonesias gross domestic product per capita of $5,500 to levels closer to South Koreas or Chinasat nearly $35,000 and $13,000 respectivelyis by employing armies of people to manufacture goods for the world. Some economists say that model is broken because rich countries are determined to keep more manufacturing at home and have advanced robots to do it, while Chinas efficient production makes it hard for up-and-comers to compete. But even when geopolitical tensions have forced Western companies to seek alternatives to China, Indonesia hasnt been a favored plus one." The number of companies supplying Apple from Indonesia halved from four in 2017 to two in 2022. Over the same period, Apples disclosed suppliers from India grew from four to 14. Vietnam got its big break, too, with manufacturing companies as diverse as Denmarks Lego and American semiconductor-packaging firm Amkor expanding their industrial base. Since the U.S.-China trade war began in 2018, the share of manufacturing in the economies of Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Malaysia has risen. In Indonesia, it has continued to sink. Foreign investment has stagnated in recent years, according to World Bank data, and much of what has arrived is concentrated in processing minerals rather than in labor-intensive manufacturing. Usually companies come to Indonesia just to seek the local market, they dont see it as that feasible for them to build their factory," said Siwage Dharma Negara, a senior fellow at ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, a think tank in Singapore. Widodo has invested heavily in roads and ports, but logistics costs on the Indonesian archipelago are far higher than in many other developing countries. Investors have welcomed a recent deregulation package, but Indonesia maintains its reputation as a tricky place to do business, mired in complex bureaucracy. Skilled manufacturing workers are scarce for advanced fields such as EV batteries and semiconductors that the government has sought to give priority to. Economists long viewed Indonesia as a land brimming with potential. Its huge youth population provides the foundation for a manufacturing breakthrough, its thousands of islands scream tourist paradise, its fertile tropical soil could make it an agriculture export giant, and it has enormous mineral resources. The country has had some success on each of these fronts. Industrialization kicked off in earnest in the 1980s and Indonesia became a global supplier of simple goods such as furniture, clothing, toys and shoes. The island of Bali is a major tourist draw, palm oil is a big export and the country is the worlds dominant nickel source. All that, and strong consumer spending, pushed it into the ranks of upper middle-income countrieswealthier than India and Vietnam. But Indonesia hasnt seen the economic liftoff it needs to achieve its goal of becoming a wealthy nation by 2045, when it will complete 100 years of being an independent nation. Manufacturings role in Indonesias economy peaked in 2002a phenomenon called premature deindustrializationthen declined amid turbulent politics at home and Chinas rise as a manufacturing juggernaut. Nearly 60% of Indonesian workers are in the informal sector, in jobs such as driving motorcycle taxis or as pushcart vendors, which contributes relatively little to the economy. Youve got to make use of that demographic bonus, and that 5% growth rate is short," said Kevin ORourke, an independent political analyst based in Jakarta. Its really uncertain if Indonesia will be able to capitalize on its potential and its opportunities." These issues are top of mind for the countrys presidential candidates. One of them, Anies Baswedan, says his economic plan rests on further developing labor-intensive industries such as footwear, textile and furniture. Another candidate, Ganjar Pranowo, has pledged to improve education and healthcare to boost human capital. In his time in office, Widodo has focused on a path to industrialization that relies on Indonesias mineral wealth. His policies touched off a nickel-processing boom, and new China-backed smelters have gone up across the archipelago to supply the EV industry. The president is counting on factory investments from top battery and EV makers, who need Indonesias nickel in spades, but they have been slow to arrive. The front-runner for president in this weeks election, Prabowo Subianto, has pledged to continue Widodos EV push, and says Indonesia should also produce airplanes and more trains. We dont want our children to be low-wage laborers forever," he said. John Riady, a consumer-goods and property investor, quipped over a decade ago that his country was the biggest invisible thing on earth." When he was at university in the U.S. in the 2000s, many people hadnt heard of Indonesia. Perceptions, he said, have changed since thenbut not as much as they should. Relative to the potential that our country has, its still relatively misunderstood," he said. Write to Jon Emont at jonathan.emont@wsj.com From consumer gadgets to cars, China has time and again shown a knack for emulating cutting-edge foreign technology. Yet the semiconductors that power the digital economy have proven trickier to master. That has been the source of much anxiety among its political and business elites in recent years. Americas decision in 2022 to halt exports to the country of its whizziest chips and chipmaking tools brought into stark relief the chokehold of Chinas geopolitical rivals over the industry. In December last year Chinas imports of the lithography machines used to imprint circuits onto silicon wafers surged by 450%, compared with the previous year, as local chipmakers raced to buy advanced kit from ASML, the Dutch market leader, before export restrictions by the Netherlands came into effect in January. Although the Chinese government has been splashing subsidies on its domestic chip industry for many years, mounting concern over the trade restrictions being imposed by America and its allies have led it to double down on the effort. In 2022 Chinas government ramped up a national effort often referred to as the Information Innovation" project, or xinchuang, that aims to replace foreign suppliers of, among other things, semiconductor technology. Whats more, whereas the state once pushed reluctant chipmakers to co-operate with local suppliers, their investors and boards now demand it as a form of insurance against trade wars. As a result, Chinas semiconductor supply chain is steadily deepening. But can it ever match that of its rivals? Chinas chip industry operates under a shroud of secrecy. Breakthroughs and setbacks are often deemed to be state secrets, the divulgence of which can result in arrest. In August Huawei, a Chinese tech champion, shocked the world by producing a smartphone that contained a seven-nanometre (nm) chip, making it capable of 5G internet speeds. The company is now rumoured to be on the cusp of creating chips as small as 5nm, in partnership with SMIC, Chinas largest foundry. Huaweis Ascend chips, which the firm has designed for AI applications, are reportedly now being used by the likes of Baidu, a local search-engine giant and creator of Ernie, Chinas answer to ChatGPT. Like Nvidia, Americas AI-chip champion, Huawei has developed a proprietary software platform, called CANN, that helps developers use its chips to build AI models. All that still places Chinas chip industry far from the technological frontier. Even if Huawei and SMIC succeed at producing 5nm chips, they will remain comfortably behind Samsung, a South Korean tech giant, and TSMC, a Taiwanese foundry, both of which began mass-producing 3nm chips in 2022. Chinas lack of advanced lithography equipment will be a big barrier to further progress. In December a top shareholder in SMEE, Chinas main hope in lithography, said on social media that the companys machines had succeeded at producing 28nm chipsthough it then quickly deleted the details, causing plenty of confusion. If true, that would still leave the company trailing ASML, whose top-of-the-line machines can produce 3nm chips. Look away from the bleeding edge, however, and China is steadily chipping away at its reliance on foreign semiconductor technology. Huawei, which was burned in 2019 by sanctions that cut off its access to American technology, has been actively cultivating Chinas wider chipmaking ecosystem. It is reportedly co-operating closely with a number of chip foundries, either by co-investing in projects or exchanging staff. In March last year it declared it had made a number of breakthroughs in the development of electronic-design-automation (EDA) software, used to generate blueprints for chips, which it said would free Chinas industry from the need to rely on foreign suppliers of the tools for 14nm-and-larger semiconductors. Though unconfirmed, its collaborator on this is widely believed to be Empyrean, a Chinese maker of EDA tools whose sales have rocketed in recent years. Such collaborations are happening more often. Chinas foundries historically relied on importing tried and tested machinery from abroad. Now some of the largest, including SMIC, have become more open to testing local alternatives. That gives the suppliers a chance to receive feedback and improve their designs. Although this comes with significant costsand risksfor the chipmakers, Chinas government is thought to be easing the way by providing subsidies to those of them that purchase local equipment. The upshot has been a big boost to Chinese manufacturers of chipmaking equipment. The domestic market share of Chinese producers of wafer-fabrication tools has risen from 4% in 2019 to an estimated 14% last year, according to Bernstein, a broker (see chart). AMEC, a Chinese firm whose machines are used to strip away residual material from a chip, controlled 10% of the Chinese market in 2021. Since then the company has been rapidly gaining share from foreign rivals such as Americas Lam Research (where its founder, Gerald Yin, used to work). Bernstein reckons AMECs market share reached 16% last year and will rise to around 30% by 2025. Naura, a peer, estimates its sales grew by 50% last year. Wazam, a Chinese supplier of the film used to insulate semiconductors, is beginning to make inroads, too, with a trial under way at a local chipmaker. View Full Image (The Economist) China has already pumped some $150bn of subsidies into its chipmaking industry over the past decade, according to a recent estimate by Americas Department of Commerce. The government, through various investments, is now present throughout the countrys semiconductor supply chain. SMIC is partially state-owned, as is AMEC. Empyrean is majority-owned by a state firm. The government of Shenzhen, the southern city where Huawei is based, invests in many of the chipmakers the company is working with. None of this is as efficient as relying on global supply chains. That shows that Chinas officials have not efficiency but security in mind. And they have decided that the price is worth paying. 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com New Delhi: Just months after raising their bilateral relationship to the level of a strategic partnership, India and Greece are looking to deepen cooperation in defence and shipping, according to persons aware of the matter. The two sides are discussing defence sales by India to Greece, in line with New Delhis goal of tripling defence exports to $5 billion over the next few years. In addition, India is looking to cooperate with Greece in shipping and naval modernization. New Delhi is interested in the possibility of Indian companies investing in Greek ports while also inviting Greece to look into commercial opportunities in shipping under the Make-in-India programme, the persons cited above said. Queries mailed to the Embassy of Greece and the ministry of external affairs went unanswered at press time. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Greece last year, the first by an Indian premier since 1983. Both leaders reiterated the need for further broadening and deepening bilateral engagements, in the field of defence, shipping, science and technology, cyber space, education, culture, tourism and agriculture," the two countries said in a joint statement after Modi met with his Greek counterpart Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in August. Indias focus on Greece comes as part of its push to develop stronger ties with Mediterranean and central European powers. Greece is also expected to be a key part of Indias efforts to improve trade and connectivity with Europe. Greek firms are major players in global merchant shipping, with the countrys shipowners owning a fifth of the worlds shipping fleet and almost 60% of the EUs fleet, according to the International Trade Administration, a US government agency. This explains Indias interest in deepening cooperation on shipping and maritime trade by attracting investments from Greece. The persons cited above said Greece could help India with modernizing its shipping vessels. The country is also set to be a key player in the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), which will help facilitate Indian goods exports to European markets. Defence has also been an important segment of the bilateral relationship since the 1990s. In 2023, Indias Air Force took part in the multinational air exercise INIOCHOS-23, which was hosted by the Greek Air Force. In July 2023, the INS Chennai conducted a passage exercise with a Greek naval ship in the Aegean Sea. India has also sent observers to naval exercises in Greece. Mitsotakis is expected to visit India this month as chief guest for the Raisina Dialogue. Following seven consecutive days of weak performance, resulting in a nearly 26.3% decline in value, shares of NBCC (India), the state-owned construction firm, hit the 5% upper circuit limit, reaching 130.60 apiece in today's trade. Investors responded positively to the company's performance in the December quarter, released after market hours on Tuesday. NBCC posted a 59% improvement in its consolidated net profit at 113.56 crore. In the same period last year, the company reported a net profit of 71.49 crore. The consolidated revenue from the operations during the reporting quarter jumped to 2,471.51 crore from 2,191.24 crore in Q3FY23, which is an increase of 12.80%. Also Read: Valentine's Day stocks: ITC, Titan, Zomato, among seven stocks to watch out for The revenue from its PMC segment, which accounts for the company's 90% revenue, rose to 2,241 crore from 1,950 crore in Q3FY23, while the revenue from the real estate and EPC segments came in at 33 crore and 130 crore, respectively. The operating profit jumped to 119 crore, a 41.6% YoY jump, while the EBITDA margin expanded by 400 basis points to 18% in Q3FY24. During the first nine months of the current fiscal year, the company's net profit soared to 273 crore from 164 crore in the year-ago period. Additionally, its total revenue increased to 6,566 crore in the first nine months of this fiscal, compared to 6,118 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. Also Read: Paytm share price cracks 10% to hit 52-week low; analysts say avoid the stock On the back of strong order wins from the government, the stock rewarded its shareholders with a return of 167.90% in just six months, and it gained 275% in the last one year. Taking the stock's April 2020 low of 15.90 apiece into account, it has skyrocketed 721% to date. On January 10, the company bagged a contract from the National Institute of Fashion Technology for the construction of the NIFT campus at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The order value is worth 218 crore. In December, the company secured a contract from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (DMRC) to construct a staff quarter residential building. The total cost of the order is 88.90 crore. Also Read: Vibhor Steel Tubes IPO receives stellar response from investors; should you subscribe? Established in 1960 as the construction arm of the Government of India, NBCC achieved 'Navratna' status in 2014. Its core operations span across three primary segments: project management consultancy (PMC), real estate development, and EPC contracting. The real estate segment includes residential projects like apartments and townships, as well as commercial projects such as corporate office buildings and shopping malls. Disclaimer: We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Paytm share price cracked 10 per cent to hit its fresh 52-week low of 342.40 in intraday trade on BSE on Wednesday, February 14. Paytm share price opened at 353.50 against the previous close of 380.35 and soon touched its 52-week low. Around 11:30 am, the stock traded 6.28 per cent lower at 356.45 on the BSE. Paytm share price has been witnessing acute selling pressure this month, falling as much as 55 per cent, after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) barred Paytm Payments Bank (PPBL) from conducting certain operations following a system audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of external auditors. The RBI on January 31 directed PPBL to stop accepting deposits or top-ups in customer accounts, wallets, FASTTags and other instruments after 29 February citing large-scale non-compliance with regulations and supervisory concerns. Moreover, RBI has ruled out a review of its decision in the case of Paytm Payments Bank. Also Read: No review of action against Paytm Payments Bank: RBI gov Shaktikanta Das Several brokerage firms have downgraded the stock after the RBI action. In a recent report, global brokerage firm Macquarie also downgraded the stock's rating to 'underperform' and significantly lowered its target price to 275 per share from an earlier target price of 650, citing the company's sharp reduction in revenues across various segments. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has been roped in to check for suspected breaches at Paytm Payments Bank on a reference from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Mint reported quoting two officials aware of the development. The ED, which investigates money laundering and foreign exchange-related breaches, has started a preliminary inquiry into the affairs of the company. It was yet to register an enforcement case information report as of Monday, one of the two officials cited above said. A spokesperson for Paytm replied to a query from Mint saying the company will comply with requests for information from regulatory authorities on matters about One97 Communications Ltd and its associate, Paytm Payments Bank. Also Read: Paytm Bank gets a knock on the door from ED Analysts recommend avoiding fresh exposure Technical analysts expect further weakness in the stock and recommend staying away from the stock at this juncture even if it is available at a cheap valuation. Jigar S. Patel, Senior Manager of Equity Research at Anand Rathi Share and Stock Brokers pointed out that currently, Paytm stock is trading below all major exponential averages, indicating a prevailing bearish sentiment. Patel suggests staying away from the stock and exiting positions in case of an upward movement in the stock. "Should there be any potential upward movement from lower levels, it may serve as an opportunity to exit positions. The daily Stochastics indicator has entered the oversold zone, suggesting a continuation of bearish momentum. Consequently, traders are advised to stay away from this counter," said Patel. View Full Image Paytm tech chart Milan Vaishnav, CMT, MSTA, Founder and Technical Analyst of Gemstone Equity Research and ChartWizard FZE said investors should strictly avoid fresh exposure in the stock. "Given the kind of turmoil the company is in, it would be prudent not to add any more quantity even if it is available at a deep discount. While staying put with the investments and taking a steep cut would make no sense for the investors, any fresh or incremental exposure in the stock should be strictly avoided," said Vaishnav. Read all market-related news here Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts and broking companies, not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. ONE 97 COMMUNICATIONS More Information Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The domestic market witnessed a widespread sell-off in morning trade on Wednesday, February 14, with benchmarks Sensex and Nifty 50 falling about a per cent each. Nifty Bank, PSU Bank, Private Bank and Pharma indices fell over a per cent each while the IT index cracked over 2 per cent. The domestic market has witnessed considerable volatility in recent times. The Nifty 50 is currently down by approximately one per cent for February. Should it conclude in negative territory, it would mark the second consecutive month of losses for this key benchmark index. What should be the investment strategy in a volatile market? Experts remain positive about the long-term prospects of the Indian market and advise adding quality stocks on the decline for the long term. However, for the short term, they recommend booking partial profit in the market. Also Read: World markets today: US stocks sink after inflation data dampens rate cut hopes; Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq dip over 1% "Investors can look to exit the stocks (fully or partly) from their portfolio: (i) where they did not have conviction, but bought based on external recommendation, (ii) where they have made good profits on stocks which were bought based on their study and conviction, (iii) where the weight of the stock in their portfolio has risen too much and by rebalancing they can bring their weight to appropriate levels," said Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research, HDFC Securities. Shrey Jain, Founder and CEO of SAS Online suggests traders worried about their portfolios need to dump high beta stocks. Jain said utilizing technical analysis indicators such as moving averages, relative strength index (RSI), and trendline analysis can help identify stocks showing signs of weakness and inform decisions to exit positions to protect capital. Traders must respect stop loss and avoid aggressive long positions for the time being. "A correction in the stock markets highlights stocks with weak fundamentals or stocks that have run up beyond their fundamentals. Penny stocks with no fundamentals need to be dumped first. Shares of new-age companies which are not making profits can be got rid of," said Jain. Also Read: Jefferies initiates buy call on Adani Enterprises with 3,800 target price What to avoid during a market downturn Nikunj Saraf, Vice President at Choice Wealth underscored that companies saddled with excessive debt often suffer the most in market downturns. "Research shows that firms with debt-to-equity ratios above two are at higher risk of significant underperformance during economic contractions," said Saraf. Saraf added that historical data reveals that cyclical stocks, such as those in the automotive or luxury goods sectors, tend to amplify losses during market downturns. Statistical analysis indicates a correlation coefficient of 0.7 between GDP growth and the performance of these sectors during recessions. Also Read: Buoyant on industrials, financial, real estate, infra, says Jiten Doshi of Enam AMC Moreover, stocks with deteriorating fundamentals, including declining revenues and weakening profit margins, are statistically more likely to underperform during market downturns. Historical regression analysis shows a strong negative correlation between key fundamental metrics and stock performance during recessions, said Saraf. Additionally, stocks trading at elevated price-to-earnings ratios are more susceptible to correction during market downturns. Historical price-to-earnings dispersion analysis reveals that stocks in the top quartile of valuation ratios experience sharper declines during market contractions, Saraf underscored. Saraf further pointed out that investments in speculative or risky assets, such as penny stocks or companies with unproven business models, incur disproportionately large losses during market downturns. Stocks with limited liquidity face increased selling pressure during market downturns, leading to exacerbated price declines. Studies on bid-ask spreads and trading volume data underscore the challenges of exiting positions in illiquid stocks during turbulent market conditions. Read all market-related news here Disclaimer: The views and recommendations above are those of individual analysts, experts and broking companies, not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The 72 crore initial public offering (IPO) of Vibhor Steel Tubes received a remarkable response from investors on its first day of bidding, with subscription reaching 27.63 times. Opened on February 13, the bidding attracted bids for 9.92 crore shares against the available 35.92 lakh shares. The IPO will remain open until February 15. As of noon on the second day, the IPO was subscribed 61.48 times, according to Chittorgarh. The price band for the offer has been fixed at 141151 per equity share, with a face value of 10 each. Retail investors have the opportunity to submit bids for up to 13 lots, with each lot containing 99 shares. At the upper end of the IPO price band of 151, retail investors are required to make a minimum investment of 14,949 per lot. Also Read: 12 Nifty 100 stocks delivered multibagger returns since last Valentine's Day; check full list The offering consists entirely of fresh shares, totaling 44.55 lakh, amounting to 72.17 crore. These shares will be listed on both the NSE (National Stock Exchange) and BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange). About the company Vibhor Steel Tubes is a manufacturer and exporter of mild steel, carbon steel, ERW black and galvanised pipes, hollow steel pipes, and cold-rolled steel (CR) strips and coils. Since 2003, the company has been collaborating with Jindal Pipes Limited, manufacturing and supplying finished goods under the brand name "Jindal Star." It has recently renewed its agreement with Jindal Pipes for six years, ensuring a minimum annual order of 1 lakh MT with a 2% discount on the gross sale price. This minimum quantity will fill the majority capacity of Units I and II of the company. The tenure of this agreement is for six years from April 01, 2023, and can be further renewed if required by both parties, the company said in its RHP report. Also Read: Vibhor Steel Tubes IPO: 10 things to know from RHP before investing With the help of Jindal Pipes Limited, the company has developed and implemented a wide range of networking channels throughout the industry and society to strengthen the scope of identifying the core customer base, designing the right marketing strategies for procurement, and liaising on projects to deliver customised solutions for clients. The company exports its manufactured goods for Jindal Pipes Limited under the brand Jindal to overseas customers. As of September 30, 2023, it had been exported to around 10 countries. Also Read: Rashi Peripherals shares make a tepid debut; should you buy, sell or hold? The company has expanded into a new product line, launched a new product, namely Crass Barriers, under its own brand, and started manufacturing and selling the product. It is also working on expanding its sales under the Vibhor" brand continuously. Should you subscribe to the IPO? Mehta Equities, a domestic brokerage firm, views the IPO as an opportunity for investors to participate in a prominent steel pipes manufacturer and exporter with a rich history spanning over two decades. The company's key strength lies in its association with Jindal Pipes, enjoying a longstanding relationship under the brand of Jindal Star. Additionally, capacity expansion offers long-term visibility, it added. In terms of financials, the brokerage said that the company has demonstrated robust growth in FY2022 and FY2023, with revenue from operations growing by 60.2% and 36.1%, respectively, along with substantial growth in net profit by 1546% and 85.9% for the same periods. Also Read: Jana Small Finance Bank share price lists with over 4% discount at 396 on BSE Based on annualised FY 2024 earnings and fully diluted post-IPO paid-up capital, the company is asking for a P/E of 16.8x, which seems very reasonably priced by looking at its revenue and profit growth and even by comparison to its peers, which are trading in the range of 3040x on average. Considering these factors, Mehta Equities recommends investors to 'SUBSCRIBE' to the issue solely from a listing perspective. Another brokerage firm, ProfitMart, also recommends 'SUBSCRIBE' to the IPO for long-term investment, expressing confidence in Vibhor Steel Tubes Limited's ability to deliver consistent performance and provide an excellent investment opportunity for investors with a long-term horizon. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The most important thing that a borrower must do is verify whether the loan app that they decide to borrow from is partnered with an RBI-registered NBFC or bank, says Yogi Sadana, Founder and CEO, Zype. In an interview with MintGenie, Sadana said that customers should try to build a better credit history which in the long term would be significantly advantageous to them to get better credit products and terms in the future. Edited Excerpts: How do you view the significant changes by digital NBFCs and fintech apps in the digital lending sector, and how do you advise borrowers to benefit from this dynamic landscape? We have seen increased credit accessibility for customers due to the digital revolution we have seen in the lending ecosystem. The digital lending space has led to more convenience for borrowers and increased inclusion for the underserved segment of users, especially customers who are new to credit or have shorter credit history that largely does not fit the lending criteria of traditional lenders. We have also seen a rise in credit products that are more personalised and tailored to the different needs of the customers. Customers can benefit from this shift by now choosing products based on their needs and requirements by opting for tailored and personalised products that fit their needs instead of having to choose products that had a one-size-fits-all approach in the past. Customers should use these smartly to build better credit history which in the long term would be significantly advantageous to them to get better credit products and terms in the future. There are multiple players in the digital lending ecosystem of India. How do you advise borrowers to choose the one that would meet their needs without paying out more in charges and interest? The biggest advantage of the digital lending ecosystem that we are part of today allows the customer to compare credit products, tenures, and eligibility for higher amounts easily. This can help them choose a lender and credit product that suits their need and ability to repay without getting themselves into financially stressful situations. Another advice for the customers would be for them to check the experiences that other customers and borrowers have had with lenders and loan apps before borrowing from them. This can easily be done by checking the Play Store/App Store or by just doing a simple Google search. The digital lending market is getting more robust. However, this has also increased the chances of borrowers succumbing to fraud. How do you think one can avoid being susceptible to fake loan apps and sites? The most important thing that a borrower must do is verify whether the loan app that they decide to borrow from is partnered with an RBI-registered NBFC or bank. This can be checked by looking at the website or Play Store/App Store description of the lender. Secondly, users should only install the loan app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. They should never download the loan app from any web link that might be shared on SMS, WhatsApp, or social media even if they receive it from their family or friends. Do you perceive certain digital lending products or types of loans to have substantial growth potential in the near future? I anticipate growth in credit line products and their adoption due to the flexibility that they provide to borrowers. It allows for instant access to credit at the time of need and the borrower is only charged for the amount borrowed. Embedded finance is one other such product due to its frictionless nature. Since credit is made available at the point of sale it allows users to get access to instant credit in their purchase journey itself. Credit accessibility is a huge pain point in India. Do you think the growing fintech ecosystem can handle the current credit requirement? How do you envision the growth of the digital loan sector in India in the coming years? Growth in the fintech ecosystem is already bridging the gap between demand and supply for unmet credit needs, especially in the near prime and medium value loan segments, and it will continue to do so in the future. This is due to the next generation of borrowers in India already being digital natives and adoption becoming easier for them. The industry is set to grow as there is continuous growth in demand with the rise in the middle class and their increasing aspiration to spend on affinity products and experiences. We will only see a rise in consumerism going forward and this will only drive increased demand for credit. 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! Three dead, 12 wounded, incl. children, in Selydove as result of enemy shelling There are three dead and 12 wounded, including three children, in Selydove, Donetsk region, as a result of enemy shelling, the press service of Selydove Town Military Administration reported. "There are 12 wounded and 3 dead in Selydove as a result of night enemy shelling," the message says. As noted, at night, Russian occupation troops entered civilian facilities in Selydove. As a result, 12 residents (four of them children) were injured. "Three civilians were killed (one of them a child)," the administration stressed. Nine apartment buildings and buildings of the central town hospital were also damaged. Section 80TTB of the Income Tax Act outlines the tax benefits that senior citizens can avail of regarding the interest income they receive from deposits. The Finance Budget 2018 introduced several benefits specifically targeted at senior citizens, one of which is the new provision - Section 80TTB . According to Balwant Jain, a tax and investment expert based in Mumbai, Section 80TTB allows individuals who are 60 years or older and Indian residents for tax purposes to claim a deduction of 50,000 for the interest earned from Post Office, Bank, and Cooperative Society deposits within a year. This deduction applies to interest earned on savings deposits and fixed deposits as well. Jain explained that this deduction covers interest from deposits of any kind with these entities, including savings bank interest, fixed deposit interest, and recurring deposit interest. Additionally, the deduction can be claimed for interest earned on deposits made under the Senior Citizen Saving Scheme, within the overall limit of 50,000. Difference between Section 80TTA, and Section 80 TTB Section 80TTA and Section 80TTB both provide deductions about interest income, even though with distinctions. Under Section 80TTA, individuals below the age of 60 years and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs) are eligible for interest deductions up to 10,000 solely on savings accounts held in banks, co-operative banks, or post offices. It's important to note that Section 80TTA does not extend its benefits to senior citizens. Here are the eight key points: 1)Senior citizen means an individual resident who is of the age of 60 years or more. 2)Interest on bank deposits (savings or fixed) 3)Interest on deposits held in a cooperative society engaged in the business of banking, including a cooperative land mortgage bank or a cooperative land development bank 4)Interest on post office deposits 5) Banks cannot deduct any tax at source or TDS from the payment of interest on deposits of up to 50,000 to the senior citizens. 6)Since interest under Section 80TTB is exempt up to Rs. 50,000 is exempt, the resident senior citizens enjoy a higher limit of 50,000/- for TDS on interest under Section 194A 7)The amount of interest earned over 50,000 would attract the tax as per the applicable slab rate of senior citizens. 8)Interest income from company fixed deposits or bonds/NCDs will not qualify for relief under Section 80TTB. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Indians can now use the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to make payments in seven countries. Following its launch in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, UPI payments are accepted in France, UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, and Nepal. After the announcement, MyGovIndia shared a world map, highlighting the countries where Indians can use UPI to make payments. Unified Payments Interface (UPI) UPI is India's mobile-based fast payment system, allowing customers to make instant payments round-the-clock using a Virtual Payment Address (VPA). Its popularity for retail digital payments in India is rapidly increasing. The Indian government aims to extend the benefits of UPI beyond India, making it available internationally. UPI connects over 300 banks and enables seamless financial transactions through TPAP (third-party application providers) like Google Pay, Amazon Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm in partnership with banking providers," said Mehul Mistry, Global Head - Strategy, Digital Financial Services & Partnerships, Wibmo, a PayU company. UPI was launched by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) in 2016 and has rapidly gained momentum. The widespread adoption of UPI underscores the urgent need for secure, efficient, and user-centric payment methods. List of countries where Unified Payments Interface can be used 1)Sri Lanka India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services were rolled out in Sri Lanka and Mauritius on 12 February during a virtual ceremony attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top leadership of the two island nations. 2)Mauritius India's UPI services were rolled out in Mauritius on 12 February. 3)France Eiffel Tower is the first merchant to offer UPI payments in France, and the service will soon be extended to other merchants in the tourism and retail space across France and Europe. The announcement was made in Paris at an event organised by the Indian Embassy in France to celebrate India's Republic Day. 4)UAE NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) partnered with Mashreq, one of the leading financial institutions in the UAE, to offer acceptance of UPI in the UAE in August 2021. 5)Singapore 6)Bhutan Bhutan was the first country to adopt UPI in 2021. 7)Nepal In February 2022, Nepal became the first country to deploy UPI as a payment platform outside India. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations made above are those of individual analysts, and not of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. ONE 97 COMMUNICATIONS 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! Public sector undertakings (PSUs) offer investors the opportunity to diversify and manage risk, even as they continue to present potential for capital appreciation. Here is what some fund managers think about the sector and its current rally: View Full Image PSU Index overview PSU growth story is beyond ownership metrics Souvik Saha, investment strategist, DSP AMC We firmly advocate assessing companies based on their structural growth trajectory, regardless of their public or private ownership. Its imperative to recognize the significant growth narrative and competitive advantage present in key sectors where PSUs operate. Overcoming historical challenges like government interference, we have observed a notable shift in management objectives and reduced governmental involvement, enabling PSUs to operate more effectively within their respective sectors. Its crucial to evaluate each company beyond stock prices and profitability metrics, focusing on the structural story contributing to PSU growth. It is important for investors to emphasise the significance of effective management and alignment with business expectations in determining a companys valuation, irrespective of its ownership structure. Notable improvements in metrics like return on equity (ROE) and return on capital employed (ROCE) reflect improving fundamentals, and we anticipate continued earnings growth. A sustained rally in PSU stocks, driven by structural growth and favourable government policies, is foreseeable, provided budgets and policies remain aligned with the PSU narrative. Investors need to evaluate each company based on performance and alignment with business objectives. Embracing more growth in PSUs Mahesh Patil, CIO, ABSL AMC Trends like the resurgence of PSU banks from NPL cycles and the profitability enhancement in oil marketing companies (OMCs )due to oil price stabilization are promising. Additionally, emerging themes like defence and railways, propelled by governmental initiatives such as Make in India are expected to fuel growth in the PSU segment. I acknowledge the cyclical nature of commodities like steel and natural resources, suggesting potential for recovery after a period of underperformance. While OMCs have shown recent strength, I see tactical opportunities amid challenges like time correction. Despite recent price momentum, investors should recognize that growth rates may not match historical speeds. ABSLs strategic viewpoint towards PSUs stresses the enduring potential of these entities in contributing to corporate profit shares. Overall, my analysis highlights the dynamic nature of the PSU sector, urging investors to navigate market volatility with a focus on long-term value creation. The PSU cycle is here to stay Gaurav Kochar, fund Manager, Mirae Asset Mutual Fund Looking at the significant improvements and emerging opportunities within various PSU segments. I acknowledge the challenges faced by PSU banks over the past decade, particularly with regards to non-performing assets (NPAs). However, I note a positive shift in recent years, with PSU banks successfully undertaking clean-up activities, resulting in improved capitalization levels and a significant reduction in gross NPAs at the industry level. This turnaround has propelled PSU banks from loss-making entities to reporting record high profits, accompanied by notable enhancements in ROE. Valuations across PSU sectors, excluding banks, had remained attractively low for an extended period, presenting significant investment opportunities. I would like to highlight the significant capex in sectors like power, railway infrastructure, and defence, with ongoing capacity additions and new project commencements. These sectors are experiencing robust growth trajectories, supported by government initiatives such as production-linked incentives (PLI), Make in India, and a broader manufacturing push. Reflecting on the cyclical nature of the PSU sector, we must notice the ongoing phase of capacity addition, a critical component of an 8 to 10-year cycle. While acknowledging the possibility of temporary corrections, I remain optimistic about the sustained momentum of the PSU rally, particularly if underlying profitability trends continue positively. I foresee further capacity additions in the future, though not on the scale witnessed in previous years, supported by continued earnings growth and a robust support system. Opportunity: The evolving narrative of PSUs Richard Dsouza, fund Manager, SBI AMC Its crucial to contextualise the present situation by revisiting historical PSU cycles, particularly highlighting the remarkable performance during the 2002-07 period, where the PSU index delivered a robust 44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) according to Bloomberg. Drawing parallels to the current cycle, which commenced in 2021 and has yielded similar returns, I identify a trend shift underway, suggesting the potential for several more years of the rally. The transformative changes within the PSU landscape underscore the governments proactive stance in fostering PSU growth through strategic policy interventions. Notable improvements in earnings and order books of the PSUs, particularly evident in sectors such as defence and railways, where order book expansions foreshadow promising profitability and margin enhancements over time. Acknowledging the likelihood of temporary corrections, I maintain confidence in the sustained momentum of the PSU rally. I underscore the intrinsic value proposition of PSUs, characterised by single-digit price-to-earnings ratios, resurging growth prospects, and attractive dividend yields. Advocating for a value investing approach, I emphasise the importance of long-term value amid short-term fluctuations. Investors need to recognize the evolving narrative of PSUs in the context of Indias dynamic market landscape, positioning PSUs as a compelling investment opportunity poised for sustained growth. Authorities have intensified security arrangements to stop a farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march. Nearly after two years, farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh with over 200 unions heading, are marching towards Delhi after inconclusive talks with Union ministers on Monday. Farmer leaders have said that there is still lack of clarity on legal guarantees for the minimum support price (MSP). This time, the protest has been called by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. The protesting farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government which includes the implementation of the Swaminathan report and law for MSP. Catch Farmers Protest LIVE Updates Here are 10 points you need to know 1. The Haryana government has extended ban on mobile internet and bulk SMS services in seven districts by two days till February 15 in view of the farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' agitation. These districts are Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa, the government said in an order. 2. On Tuesday, farmers from Punjab faced tear gas shells at two border points as protesters tried to break past barricades set up by the Haryana Police to stop them from heading to the national capital. 3. Farmer leaders blamed the Centre for the "attack" on protesters marching towards Delhi and claimed that 60 of them were injured as police used tear gas shells at Punjab-Haryana border points. 4. Concrete was being poured between the concrete slabs to strengthen the Tikri border, as seen in a video released by the news agency ANI. 5. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) on Tuesday requested Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud to take action against "erring farmers" for trying to enter Delhi forcibly in a bid to create "nuisance" and disturb the daily life of citizens. The Punjab and Haryana High court on Tuesday issued notices to the Centre and the states of Haryana and Punjab, on two separate petitions linked to the march. One of the petitioners sought directions from the court to stay all "obstructive" actions by the two state governments and the Centre. The other pleaded for directions to ensure no highway is blocked by the protesters. 6. In an interview with PTI, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, said a law guaranteeing MSP cannot be brought in a hurry without consulting all stakeholders. He urged farmer groups to have a structured discussion with the government on the issue. 7. On Tuesday, though the protesters were nowhere near the city, traffic snarls were witnessed in the Delhi-NCR region because of the barricades regulating access to key roads. This was apart from the barriers at Singhu and Tikri borders. On Tuesday, there was no significant movement by Haryana farmers to join the march. Punjab protesters claimed the farmers there were intimidated by the Haryana government. At the Shambhu border, Haryana policemen first used tear gas when some protesters broke a metal barricade and tried to throw it off the Ghaggar river bridge. Protesters also used tractors, trying to shift heavy concrete barriers. Many of them dispersed into the fields adjoining the highway, apparently to circumvent the roadblock. They too faced tear gas shells. A Haryana Police spokesperson said tear gas was used to control the situation when stones were pelted at police personnel. In another face-off, police lobbed teargas shells and used water cannons at the main border point in Jind. The farmers were trying to cross barricades installed at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border. 8. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) strongly condemned the central government for employing excessive state power, including lathi charges, rubber bullets, tear gas shelling, and mass arrests, to thwart the Delhi Chalo March organized by farmer organizations on Tuesday. 9. The All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) on Tuesday strongly condemned the steps taken by the Central government to "suppress" the farmers' protest. "All India Forward Bloc strongly condemns the anti-democratic steps taken by the Union government to suppress the protest of the farmers," AIFB general secretary G Devarajan said in a statement. 10. Led by farmers leader P Ayyakannu, on Tuesday staged a 'road roko' protest was witnessed in Tamil Nadu and raised slogans in support of farmers marching to Delhi and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill promises such as doubling farmers income and ensuring Minimum Support Price. P R Pandian, another noted farmer leader of Tamil Nadu said the farmers' agitation cannot be scuttled by using 'rubber bullets and lobbing tear gas shells." (With ANI, PTI inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Delhi Police has issued a traffic advisory for the Singhu border in view of the farmers' protest that has been raging for the past few days, disrupting traffic at the Delhi borders. In its advisory, Delhi Police has warned that the Singhu border, which connects Delhi and Haryana, is "inaccessible" for traffic since hundreds of farmers have huddled there blocking the road. The traffic advisory includes alternative routes for commuters to consider. The Delhi Police traffic advisory advises interstate buses and HGV commercial trucks for Haryana/Punjab/Himachal etc., to take "diversion on the Outer Ring Road at Majnu Ka Tilla to proceed towards Signature Bridge to Khajuri Chowk Via Loni Border towards Eastern Peripheral Road." "Trucks originating from Azadpur Mandi bound for Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar are to take Diversion from Azadpur Mandi, take service road towards Outer Ring Road, Haiderpur Water Plant and take U-turn for Rohini Jail Road Sector-18 to Badli Metro Station to Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar," the traffic advisory states. Also Read | What happened to govt-appointed panel on MSP formed after 2020-21 farmers protest? It further says: "Only DTC Buses and Cars/four-wheelers allowed from Mukarba Chowk towards NH-44 to take EXIT No. 2 on NH-44 at DSIIDC Cut to go towards Narela and Safiabad Border. Commuters are advised to follow the above routes to avoid inconvenience." CBSE ADVISORY FOR BOARD EXAMS Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an advisory for the students appearing in the Class 10, 12 board exams in view of the traffic restrictions imposed in Delhi, advising them to leave their homes early to arrive at the examination centres in time. Traffic restrictions are currently in place in the national capital in view of the farmers' "Delhi Chalo" march. The board exams for Classes 10 and 12 will commence from Thursday. It cited the current situation in Delhi and said it is expected that there will be traffic issues that might cause a delay in reaching the examination centres. Also Read | Farmers' protest: Congress had dismissed Swaminathan Report in 2010, here's why "As the examination starts at 10.30 am, hence, all the students have been directed to reach their examination centres on or before 10 am," the advisory read, adding, "Hence, all the students are advised to leave their homes early so that they can reach well on time as per instructions issued by the CBSE. It is advisable to use metro services to reach the examination centres which are playing smoothly." 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 International Energy Agency (IEA) on Wednesday said it is set to start talks with India regarding the countrys full membership in the organisation. In a statement, IEA said ministers of IEAs member countries have agreed to start discussions with India on the Indian governments request for a full membership. Ministers from the International Energy Agencys member countries agreed to start discussions with India on the Indian governments request to become a full IEA member, recognising the countrys strategic importance in tackling global energy and climate challenges," it said. Ministers from the IEAs 31 member countries made the announcement in a joint communique following the IEAs 2024 ministerial meeting and 50th anniversary events in Paris on 13-14 February. India, which joined the IEA as an association country in 2017, sent a formal request for full membership to IEA ministers in October. India becoming an IEA member would mark a consequential change in international energy governance, IEA said in its statement. As the worlds most populous country, India is set to play an increasingly central role in efforts to safeguard energy security, drive inclusive energy transitions, and combat climate change," IEA said. In the next three decades, India is poised to see the largest energy demand growth of any country in the world as industrialization and urbanization surge and per capita income rises sharply." Addressing the ministerial meeting through a video message, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi said IEA will benefit from India playing a bigger role in the organisation. Pitching for Indias full membership in the agency, Modi said: Inclusivity boosts the credibility and capability for any institution. 1.4 billion Indians bring talent, technology and innovation to the table. We bring scale and speed, quantity and quality to every mission. I am sure that the IEA will benefit when India plays a bigger role in it." French president Emmanuel Macron said he supported IEAs efforts to welcome emerging economies, whether through the recent association of Kenya and Senegal or the launch of negotiations with India to join the IEA as a full member." IEA executive director Fatih Birol described India as a valued and indispensable partner of IEA and said the world cannot plan its energy future without India at the table. 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 24-year-old man, who claims to be a NEET aspirant was arrested for allegedly posing as a doctor at Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in central Delhi. A resident of Burari, Ashutosh Tripathi, continued to roam inside the hospital while wearing a stethoscope and doctor's apron. However, hospital authorities were alarmed after he was caught in the emergency department of the hospital on Tuesday wearing a stethoscope and carrying a doctor's coat in his bag, said police on Wednesday. After getting the information about the man, police reached on the spot and held the imposter. Now, an FIR under section 170 (impersonating a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at the North Avenue police station based on a complaint filed by senior resident (department of surgery) Rahul Dhamija. On being caught by the Hospital authorities, Tripathi also said that he was called by a friend to meet him in the hospital. However, no one appeared at the hospital with him. His other claims made during the police interrogation are also yet to be verified by the police. He also told the police that he was called by a friend to meet him in the hospital but his claims are yet to be verified, the officer said. The police suspect that the person entered the hospital with the intention of theft as all his claims about his profession, the work he does and the person accompanying him were found to be false. "He would love to wear the doctor's apron and stethoscope. But he failed to reveal the source of these articles," the officer said, adding it appears that entered the hospital with the intention of theft. On being questioned by the hospital authorities, Tripathi first claimed himself to be a doctor, however, his statement changed as he later called himself a medical student. At last, he said that he is preparing for the medical entrance examination NEET and wrote the exam last year but could not succeed. 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! Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday said he doesn't think the China border is fortified the way the national capital is, adding that it's a democratic right of the farmers to protest and to be heard in the national capital. The member of Parliament for Thiruvananthapuram was reacting over the ongoing farmers' protest near different borders of the national capital demanding a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops, a complete waiver of farmer debts, pensions for farmers, and the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations. It's a democratic right of the farmers to protest and come and be heard in the National capital. I don't think the border with China is fortified the way this city is fortified. The government should have learnt a lesson from the previous farmers' agitation- consult the stakeholders. Last time it took a year-long agitation before the government surrendered and withdrew...," Tharoor said. It is important to note that the farmers are marching towards the national capital after their demands remained inconclusive in a meeting with a team of Union ministers. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha said the farmers will head to Delhi to press the Centre to accept their demands. Meanwhile, the government on Wednesday said efforts are on to engage the protesting farmers in a constructive dialogue. Appealing for a conducive environment for dialogue, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda expressed his readiness to hold discussions considering all viewpoints "I had already said that our efforts to hold positive discussions with the farmers' union will continue. Farmers' organizations must understand that the decision on the law that is being talked about cannot be taken in such a way that people criticize the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it," ANI quoted the Agriculture Minister as saying. The minister urged the farmers' organisations to avoid actions that disrupt daily life. "The second thing is that the farmers will also have to pay attention to this, especially the leaders of those organisations who are connected with the farmers' organisation and are saying such things that do not affect the common life of the people. The common life of the people should not be troubled in any way. Creating difficulties for the common people, I think, instead of solving the problem, the problem becomes more complicated. Therefore, I will request the farmers' organizations today that they should maintain the atmosphere of dialogue..." Munda said. Separately, long traffic jams were seen on Wednesday on the Delhi-Ghaziabad border due to the farmers' protest and security checks put in place by the authorities. At the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border, authorities lobbed multiple rounds of teargas shells to disperse farmers who were approaching the police barricade to resume the 'Dilli Chalo' protest today. Delhi police have also enforced Section 144, restricting the entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies to ensure law and order situation in the national capital. 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! Arvind Bellad, Karnataka BJP MLA from Hubli-Dharwad West constituency, on Wednesday criticised IT major Infosys for not creating a single job at its Hubballi campus despite acquiring 58 acres of land in his home constituency. The BJP leader even demanded the government to reclaim the land from the software giant. Addressing the Karnataka Assembly during the Budget session, Bellad, who is also Deputy Leader of the Opposition, said, Infosys Hubli was granted 58 acres of land which is in my constituency with the aim of fostering employment for the entire North Karnataka region, yet it has failed to deliver on job creation. As a representative, I can't face the farmers I pacified anymore. It's time for Infosys to face the consequences and for the government to reclaim the land thats rightfully ours." Also Read | Farmers' Delhi Chalo protest: I don't think China border is fortified the way Delhi is, says Shashi Tharoor The BJP leader highlighted that the software giant received land at a discounted rate of 35 lakh per acre, compared to its actual value of 1.5 crore. Demanding a penalty on the software giant, Bellad expressed his concerns over convincing farmers to part with their lands with the assurance that their children would secure jobs. He had convinced the farmers to withdraw court cases, Bellad added. Responding to his queries, the Karnataka IT-BT Minister suggested that incentives could be withdrawn in such cases. Industries Minister MB Patil assured that he would investigate the issue, stating, "If no progress has been made after land acquisition, we will issue notices and take action." Bellad said, "Betrayal at its finest! Infosys promised jobs, but all we got were empty promises and trees. Infosys Hubli was granted 58 acres of land which is in my constituency with the aim of fostering employment for the entire North Karnataka region, yet it has failed to deliver on job creation. As a representative, I can't face the farmers I pacified anymore. It's time for Infosys to face the consequences and for the government to reclaim the land thats rightfully ours." 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! Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to the CRPF personnel killed in a terror attack in Pulwama on this day in 2019. He said on X, I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered." The Pulwama attack remains the deadliest terror attack on India's state security personnel in Kashmir since 1989. The perpetrator was identified as Adil Ahmad Dar, a 22-year old from Kakapora. The 2019 Pulwama attack occurred on 14 February 2019, when a convoy of vehicles carrying Indian security personnel on the JammuSrinagar National Highway was attacked by a vehicle-borne suicide bomber at Lethapora in the Pulwama district of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The attack killed 40 Indian Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel as well as the perpetratorAdil Ahmad Darwho was a local Kashmiri youth from the Pulwama district. Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Mohammed claimed responsibility for the attack. They also released a video of the assailant Adil Ahmad Dar, a 22-year-old from Kakapora who had joined the group a year earlier. In a retributive strike, the Indian Air Force had bombed alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan's Balakot. Notably, the Indian government had allegedly ignored at least eleven intelligence inputs from multiple sources, including by the Indian intelligence agency Intelligence Bureau and Kashmir Police, before the attack. Satya Pal Malik, who was the governor of the state at the time, later alleged in an interview with Karan Thapar that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him to remain silent on security lapses by his administration. The attack dealt a severe blow to IndiaPakistan relations, consequently resulting in the 2019 IndiaPakistan military standoff. Subsequently, Indian investigations identified 19 accused. By August 2021, the main accused along with six others had been killed, and seven had been arrested. 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! Polish farmers will block all border crossings, as well as transport hubs between Poland and Ukraine, from February 20, RMF FM reported. "Not only border crossings will be blocked, but also transport hubs, access roads to railway transshipment stations and sea ports," the Solidarity farmers trade union said in a communique, as quoted by Polish RMF FM. Earlier, on February 9, Solidarity announced a 30-day general farmers' strike. Polish farmers said they are protesting against the uncontrolled flow of goods from Ukraine to Poland due to the opening of borders by the European Union. "The lack of regulation calls into question the profitability of agricultural production, processing and other agriculture-related industries." "Therefore, on February 20, as part of the 30-day general strike of farmers, we announce that all protests will be aimed at a full blockade of all Polish border crossings with Ukraine and protests on the ground," Solidarity farmers said. Poonam Pandey and her husband Sam Bombay have been slapped with a 100 crore defamation case for her fake death stunt. The case has accused Pandey and Bombay of trivializing a serious disease and creating a 'false conspiracy of death', a report by Times of India said. Earlier this month, Pandey's team announced that she had passed away due to cervical cancer. However, there was no official confirmation of the death. The next day, on February 3, Poonam Pandey appeared in a video on her social media handles saying that she was alive and wanted to spread awareness about a disease that "claims the lives of thousands of women". "I feel compelled to share something significant with you all - I am here, alive. Cervical Cancer didn't claim me, but tragically, it has claimed the lives of thousands of women who stemmed from a lack of knowledge on how to tackle this disease," the 32-year-old actor posted on Instagram with the video. This led to a backlash on the social media. Celebrities and common people criticised the hoax alike, saying it was "ridiculous" and "disgraceful". These included Bipasha Basu, Nikki Tamboli, Mini Mathur and Pooja Bhatt. All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also demanded a case against Pandey for playing with emotions of people in India. Maharashtra MLC Satyajeet Tambe also urged Mumbai Police to take legal action against Poonam Later, media company Schbang, which was involved in the fake death stunt, also issued an apology. However, it continued to maintain that the campaign has yielded great results. The TOI report also said that the 100 crore defamation suit mentions that Pandey "orchestrated" the stunt for her publicity and "played with the trust of millions of Indians". It also urged the Kanpur Police Commissioner to ensure Pandey and her husband appear before the court. (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! In West Bengal, the Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in and around 500 metres of area in seven gram panchayats, including Sandeshkhali gram panchayat till midnight February 18, ANI reported. Also Read: Sandeshkhali violence causes Section 144, what happened? What is TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh accused of? Section 144 CrPC order will be valid in and around 500 metres of the following areas from 23.45 hrs (February 13) to 00.00 hrs (February 19): Sandeshkhali GP (Trimoni Bazar, Khulna Ghat, Bholakhali Ghat, Sandeshkhali Ghat and Patrapara), Durga Mandop GP (Gabberia Market, Daudpur and Dugripara), Korakati GP (Dhuchnikhali Bazar), Manpur GP (Gopaler. Ghat), Khulna GP (Situlia bazar, Khulna bazar and Hatgacha bazar), Bermajur II (Dhamakali Ghat, Atapur and Pulepara) and Jeliakhali GP (Azizer Ghat, Piprekhali Ghat and Haldarpara). As per order by Basirhat Sub Divisional Magistrate Ashish Kumar IAS, the use of microphone and/or loudspeaker is banned, unless duly authorised. Assembly of five or more persons has also been banned. Official statement As per the official statement from Basirhat Sub Divisional Magistrate Ashish Kumar IAS, some miscreants set fire to a structure near a fish pond belonging to a person on February 7. The next morning, they set fire to someone's chicken farm. That same day, around 70-80 women gathered, carrying sticks, at a market in Sandeshkhali and started shouting against the police. This group grew to 200 people and they walked towards the Sandeshkhali police station, waving sticks and continuing to shout. On February 9, a similar number of women with sticks gathered at another place in Sandeshkhali and set fire to another chicken farm and a nearby house. On February 13, a political group's demonstration turned violent when a mob threw stones at the police, injuring several officers. The intelligence branch has warned that there could be more disturbances, with outsiders possibly inciting the locals in Sandeshkhali to break the peace. The police in Basirhat have spotted certain areas where troublemakers might try to cause more problems and disturb the peace. (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! Captain Saurabh Vashishts family finally breathed a sigh of relief when the Navy veteran, one of the eight officers freed by Qatar, returned to his Dehradun home. His wife Mansa Vashisht remembered when External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had made her a promise. Also Read: Subramanian Swamy claims Shah Rukh Khan helped secure release of ex-Indian naval officers in Qatar, actor says this It is difficult for me to describe the time (when Captain Saurabh Vashisht was sentenced in Qatar). There was a lot of uncertainty. I was staying in Doha the whole time and was allowed to meet him for a very short time. When we met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar, he made a promise back then to bring them all back and they (the government) kept their promise. I would like to thank the government for bringing my husband back," Captain Vashishts wife told PTI. Captain Vashishts mother was overjoyed as well. "My happiness is boundless like the sea or the sky," she said. Also Read: Looking forward to meet my brother PM Modi on his agenda for UAE visit Captain Saurabh Vashisht, on the other hand, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his direct involvement. He also felt grateful for the benevolence of the Emir of Qatar". I was waiting eagerly for this day. Now that Im standing in Dehradun, its all because of the personal intervention of PM Modi with the Qatar government, this day has come, and I am standing here in Dehradun with my family," said Captain Saurabh Vashisht. Complete credit goes to the Indian government for making the impossible possible," he added. He also said that he would not like to remember his earlier days in Qatar. Let bygones be bygones. Now, I have to live a new life ahead. Im thinking of that. I am overjoyed to be back with my parents, my wife and children," he said. His father also expressed similar sentiments. "When I got the first phone call, I disconnected it. Then the phone rang again in just a few seconds. Before I could say anything, he said he was Saurabh and asked me not to disconnect the call. He said he was calling from Delhi and he had come back with all his colleagues. There was no limit to our joy when we heard this at around 3 am in the morning," the Navy veteran's father said. Allegations against Indian Navy officers Eight Navy veterans form India were put in jail in Qatar in October 2022. They were accused of spying on a submarine project. In December 2023, a court in Qatar gave them the death penalty, but the exact reasons for this have not been shared openly. Qatar released the Indian Navy veterans on February 12, marking a major diplomatic triumph for India. (With PTI inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! In the Ulhasnagar firing case, five accused including BJP MLA Ganpat Gaikwad, were presented in the court on February 14. The court has sent all the five accused to judicial custody for 14 days. Three-time Kalyan East MLA Gaikwad was earlier arrested for allegedly firing at Shiv Sena functionary Mahesh Gaikwad reportedly over a land dispute. Before his arrest, Before being arrested, Ganpat Gaikwad told a TV channel that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde was behind the criminalisation of politics. Yes, I shot (him) myself. I have no regrets. If my son is being beaten in front of the police inside the police station, what will I do," said Ganpat Gaikwad, who claimed that he had fired five rounds. If Eknath Shinde is the chief minister, only criminals will be born in Maharashtra. He has made a good person like me a criminal today," he said. On February 2, Gaikwad had opened fire at Mahesh Gaikwad and Senior Inspector Rahul Patil inside Hill Line police station in Ulhasnagar in neighbouring Thane district. He was arrested for attempt to murder and other offences. Both Mahesh Gaikwad and Rahul Patil have survived and are being treated at Jupiter Hospital. Shiv Sena ministers approach Devendra Fadnavis Earlier in February, a number of Shiv Sena ministers in the government met Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. They sought action against Gaikwad for accusing CM Shinde. "We met him before the cabinet meeting and asked him to take action against Ganpat Gaikwad for making baseless, inaccurate and meaningless allegations against CM Shinde," PTI quoted Shiv Sena minister Shambhuraj Desai as saying. Fadnavis, who holds the Home portfolio in the Shinde government, will definitely take cognisance of their demand, Desai added. The guardian minister of Thane district said Ganpat Gaikwad had never informed him about his alleged issues with CM Shinde. Demand for home food Ganpat Gaikwad earlier moved an application in a local court as he sought permission for home-cooked food in police custody. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Former JNU student Umar Khalid on Wednesday withdrew his bail plea from the Supreme Court in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA over his alleged involvement in the conspiracy behind the northeast Delhi riots of February 2020. A bench of Justices Bela M Trivedi and Pankaj Mithal was told by senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khalid, that he wishes to withdraw the bail plea due to a change in circumstances". I wish to argue the legal question (challenging UAPA provisions) but wants to withdraw the bail plea due to change in circumstances. We will try our luck in trial court," Kapil Sibal said. However, the senior lawyer did not elaborate on the change in circumstances", according to a report published by the news agency PTI. The bench accepted Sibal's request and ordered for withdrawal of the bail plea of Khalid who challenged the October 18, 2022 order of the Delhi High Court by which his plea was rejected. The high court had rejected Umar Khalid's bail plea, saying he was in constant touch with other co-accused and the allegations against him were prima facie true. The high court had also said the actions of the accused prima facie qualified as a "terrorist act" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, as per PTI reports. Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and several others have been booked under the anti-terror law UAPA and several provisions of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly being the "masterminds" of the February 2020 riots, which left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. The violence had erupted during the protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Khalid, arrested by the Delhi Police in September 2020, had sought bail on grounds that he neither had any criminal role in the violence nor any "conspiratorial connect" with any other accused in the case. The Delhi Police had opposed Khalid's bail plea in the high court, saying the speech delivered by him was "very calculated" and he brought up contentious issues like Babri Masjid, triple talaq, Kashmir, the alleged suppression of Muslims and the CAA and NRC. (With PTI inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! In West Bengal, the Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in and around 500 metres of area in seven gram panchayats, including Sandeshkhali gram panchayat till February 19, ANI reported. What Sandeshkhali women are saying? Women in Sandeshkhali have been agitating for the last few days over alleged atrocities committed against them by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides. On February 13, clashes broke out between police personnel and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters after efforts were made to defy prohibitory orders clamped in the vicinity of the SP's office in West Bengal's Basirhat prior to the agitation of the party over allegations of sexual harassment of women in Sandeshkhali block, ANI reported. What BJP is saying West Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar, along with the other workers of the party, were released on February 13 night, hours after the police detained them while they were on a sit-in protest outside the SP Office in North 24 Paraganas' Basirhat. Majumdar earlier alleged that TMC workers had been involved in the rape of women in Sandeshkhali for months. "In Sandeshkhali, TMC workers have been raping women for months now - Sheikh Shahjahan, Shibu Hajra and Uttam Sardar are raping them. We had come to the SP peacefully with the demand to arrest them. If they do not arrest them in Sandeshkhali, how will the women in Sandeshkhali gain confidence?" Majumdar said. Union Minister Smriti Irani earlier accused West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of being known for the genocide of Hindus". "She will now allow her men to pick young married Hindu women to be raped in the TMC office... Who is this man who has been charged by the women of Sandeshkhali of the mass rape of Bengali Hindu women?... Till now everybody has been wondering who Sheikh Shahjahan is. Now, the question Mamata Banerjee has to answer is - where is Sheikh Shahjahan?," ANI quoted Irani she as saying. What has Mamata govt done? The West Bengal government, helmed by CM Banerjee, has formed a 10-member team headed by a DIG-rank woman officer to initiate a probe. "The state is very concerned about the issue. I will request women to approach police if they have any issues or complaints and we will take strong legal actions," a senior officer told PTI. A West Bengal Women's Commission team, led by chairperson Leena Gangopadhyay, visited the "troubled spots" in Sandeshkhali and spoke to women in the area who have alleged sexual harassment by the absconding TMC leader and his supporters. "I have personally spoken to them and taken note of the complaints. Now, we will be cross-checking their allegations. I have asked police to submit a report on this," Gangopadhyay told PTI. Well-planned conspiracy by BJP West Bengal Minister Shashi Panja took a dig at the BJP on February 13 over Sandeshkhali violence. Real estate developers have topped the list of businesses facing consumer complaints for suspected goods and services tax (GST)-related profiteering, data from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) showed. CCI decides on the merit of customer complaints based on an investigation by the Directorate General of Anti-Profiteering (DGAP), which comes under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. Since last May, when it regained its full quorum after a brief spell of vacant positions, CCI has issued around 44 orders on complaints of businesses allegedly pocketing the benefits of GST rate reduction or tax credits meant for consumers. Over three-fourth of those orders deal with complaints against real estate developers, while movie halls and food outlets accounted for the rest. While CCI ordered developers to compensate consumers in certain instances, cases were dropped in the case of several others as the profiteering charges were not proven. Typically, when profiteering is established in the case of a real estate project, a separate probe is initiated into other projects of the same builder. In some of these cases, profiteering has not been proven, but the high number of complaints keeps up consumer pressure on developers. Experts pointed out that several factors contribute to this trend. Buying a home involves transactions worth crores of rupees, a stark contrast to purchasing everyday items like clothing or fast-moving consumer goods, which fall into a much lower price range. This substantial financial commitment encourages buyers to exhaustively investigate every available option to ensure they fully capitalize on any tax advantages available to them," said Rajat Mohan, executive director at Moore Singhi, an accounting and advisory firm. Moreover, the extended timelines associated with real estate projects expose a broad spectrum of developers to potential consumer grievances, said Mohan. This includes projects initiated before the implementation of GST, further complicating the landscape for consumer redressal, said Mohan. Under the GST regime that kicked off in July 2017, builders are allowed to use the credit for taxes paid on raw materials like cement and steel for meeting their GST liability on under-construction housing projects. Property where construction is complete attract stamp duty, not GST. From 1 April 2019, the tax rate was lowered from an effective 8% with tax credit benefit to 1% without tax credit benefit for affordable housing projects, and in other cases from an effective 12% with credit benefit to 5% without credit benefit. Older projects were given a one-time option to chose the tax regime. CCI noted in its orders that instances of movie halls increasing the base price of a certain category of movie tickets after six months of a tax rate cut do not fall within the anti-profiteering provision. The law only mandates an immediate and commensurate reduction in price after the tax rate cut. It does not disallow subsequent price increases and there is no lock-in period for holding the reduced price after a tax rate cut announcement. The tax rate on movie tickets was reduced from 28% to 18% with effect from 1 January, 2019. Franchisees of some of the restaurant chains faced complaints for allegedly not passing on benefits, after the tax on restaurant services was lowered from 18% with input tax credit to 5% without input tax credit from 15 November 2017. In some cases, CCI asked the real estate company to pay interest on the profiteered amount which has been returned. Tax officials are also asked to give compliance reports in four months. The constitutional validity of the law dealing with GST-related profiteering is now being heard in the Supreme Court after the Delhi High Court upheld it in January. The apex court has issued notices with respect to the constitutional validity of anti-profiteering provisions, said Abhishek Rastogi, founder of Rastogi Chambers, who argued on the case before the Supreme Court earlier this week. While the Supreme Court will hear the petitions now on the constitutional aspect, the Delhi High Court and other regulatory authorities may continue to examine the issue with respect to quantum of profiteering," added Rastogi, referring to the cases that have reached courts. Experts said that while tax rates have stabilized in the GST regime, there are certain instances where anti-profiteering provisions will be relevant for future changes in law or tax rates. Any GST rate reduction in future, for example, tax relief in the case of medicines during a health emergency or inclusion of crude oil, petrol, diesel, natural gas and jet fuel in GST which may unlock tax credit availability to businesses, would be instances where the anti-profiteering provision will play out in the future," explained Abhishek Jain, indirect tax head and tax partner at KPMG. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) A quick-moving snowstorm hit the Northeast on Tuesday canceling and delaying flights , making roads slippery and prompting many school districts to cancel classes or switch to remote learning - or at least try to switch. In New York City, the online learning system that serves the nations largest school district experienced technical problems first thing in the morning, preventing many of the 915,000 students from logging in. More than 1,000 flights were canceled Tuesday morning, mostly at the airports in the New York City area and in Boston. Accidents were reported across the region and several states banned tandem and empty tractor-trailers from highways. Some areas in Pennsylvania and Connecticut were hit with 15 inches (38 centimeters) of snow, while other parts saw smaller accumulations than anticipated, the National Weather Service said. The Massachusetts coast saw high wind gusts, the agency said. Its been a quiet winter, so its kind of welcoming," Ricky Smith said as he made his way to a construction job in New York City. "I just hope nobody gets hurt." The city's decision to push ahead with remote learning instead of declaring a snow day drew criticism from many parents and students, and the problems with the online system exacerbated the discontent. School officials said they were working with IBM to fix the issue, which they said involved authentication services. Chong Bretillon, a parent in Queens, said she received repeated errors as she tried to gain entry to a Zoom room for her elementary school student, while messaging with dozens of other parents who were encountering the same problems. I just spent almost an hour trying to log in and log out," Bretillon said. Everyones frustrated." New York Mayor Eric Adams defended the decision to go remote in the schools, saying it was necessary because of learning losses during the coronavirus pandemic. Many parents agreed. I know people around the country get really frustrated with the idea of these remote days and not just letting the kids have a day," said Gina Cirrito, a parent of three boys in Manhattan's Lower East Side. "But I dont think the teachers are asking above and beyond and to be honest, theyre so far behind. If theres a way to keep their brains a little engaged, Im all for it." School officials blamed the troubles on IBM, with Schools Chancellor David Banks saying the company was not ready for primetime." IBM said in a statement early Tuesday afternoon that it "has been working closely with New York City schools to address this situation as quickly as possible. The issues have been largely resolved, and we regret the inconvenience to students and parents across the city." The company did not immediately respond to questions about what specifically happened and why. Throughout the region, officials urged people to take precautions including staying off the roads. In Connecticut, Gov. Ned Lamont ordered all executive branch office buildings closed to the public for the day, and all state courts were closed. Susan Smith was spending the day with her three children, ages 14, 11 and 8, at her home in Columbia, Connecticut, because schools were closed. She said she likes traditional snow days off, but would also like to see remote learning on some bad weather days. But I still remember being a kid and really looking forward to snow days, so I dont want to completely wipe that off the map with remote learning," Smith said. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation temporarily reduced the speed limit on several interstates to 45 mph (72 kph) in the east-central region of the state because of the storm. Simply put, conditions are extremely poor," The Doylestown Township Police Department posted. Most roads are snow covered and slick. Please stay home unless absolutely necessary." Ahead of the storm, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey told all non-essential Executive Branch employees to not report to work Tuesday. Boston schools were closed and a parking ban was in effect until 4 p.m. Similar closures and bans were put in place in other cities and towns. Emergency officials had equipment in place to help keep roads clear. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the citys homeless shelters would remain open. Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee signed an executive order shuttering state government offices Tuesday and banning tractor-trailer travel on all interstates and state roads beginning at midnight. McKee said he issued the tractor-trailer ban in coordination with Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Airports in the region asked travelers to check with their airlines in case of cancellations and delays. Power companies said they were ready to respond to possible outages that could occur because of trees and branches falling onto electricity lines. There were more than 145,000 outages reported Tuesday morning in Pennsylvania, but few outages in New York and New England, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us. The hazardous conditions can also make travel challenging for our crews, so were staging extra staff and equipment across the state to ensure were ready to respond as quickly as possible," said Steve Sullivan, Eversources president of Connecticut electric operations. At a news conference, New York City officials said that despite the snow predictions, they had no plans to relocate people from several large, heated tent shelter complexes built for thousands of homeless migrants. In the South, flood watches covered much of Alabama and parts of central Georgia on Monday. Up to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) of rain was expected in parts of Georgia and Alabama, the National Weather Service warned. ___ Associated Press writers Jake Offenhartz and Philip Marcelo in New York, Pat Eaton-Robb in Columbia, Connecticut, Steve LeBlanc in Boston; Kathy McCormack in Concord, New Hampshire; Jeff Martin in Atlanta; Bruce Shipkowski in Toms River, New Jersey; and Ron Todt in Philadelphia contributed to this report. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! In a recent incident, Al Jazeera, a Qatar-based broadcaster, strongly criticized Israel for its actions, accusing the country of intentionally targeting and causing severe injuries to two of its journalists in a Gaza strike. Reporter Ismail Abu Omar's life is at risk and cameraman Ahmad Matar was severely wounded when the pair were hit in Gaza 's southern city of Rafah. Al Jazeera said the strike was a "fully fledged crime which adds to Israel's crime against journalists" and was aimed at preventing reporters covering the war. "Targeting the reporter Ismail and cameraman Ahmad is a new episode in a series by the (Israeli) occupation deliberately targeting Al Jazeera crews," the network said in a statement. Abu Omar's right leg was blown off in the drone strike, while doctors were trying to save the left one, Al Jazeera said, quoting an emergency physician. The health ministry in Gaza said the two were hit in a strike from an Israeli warplane in the Moraj area. According to Al Jazeera, at least 94 Palestinian journlaists have lost their livves since Israel began attacking the densely populated Gaza Strip. The United States, Israel's vital ally, offered its "sincere condolences" over the injuries and noted that they were not the first Al Jazeera journalists harmed during the conflict. The two journalists have been admitted to the European Hospital, on the southern edge of Khan Younis city. The World Health Organization said Tuesday the facility is "overwhelmed, overcrowded and undersupplied" with more than 20,000 people sheltering in the hospital. Hamas' government media office said it "condemns in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation army's targeting of the Al Jazeera crew". The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strike when contacted by AFP, saying only it would check the details of the incident. Two other journalists with the broadcaster have been killed during Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza, while bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh was wounded. His son and fellow journalist Hamza Wael al-Dahdouh was killed when Israeli forces targeted a car last month, along with another video journalist, Mustafa Thuria. The network's cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa was killed in a separate strike in December. The Committee to Protect Journalists has recorded the deaths of at least 85 journalists and media workers -- 78 of them Palestinian -- since the war erupted on October 7. (With AFP 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! Alaska Air flight attendants authorized a strike mandate for the first time in three decades, as thousands of cabin crew across three unions picketed for higher pay outside airports in the United States , the UK and Guam on Tuesday. Picketing members included cabin crew from 24 airlines including Alaska, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines. Shares of Alaska Air fell 2.1% in afternoon trade. Southwest was down 0.9%, United Airlines tumbled 3.9% and American Airlines shed 2.2%. Out of 93.47% participating Alaska Air flight attendants - represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) - 99.48% voted in favor of a strike, the airline said. U.S. flight attendants are unlikely to walk off the job because of a complex labor process that makes it difficult for airline workers to strike. But the first Alaska mandate since 1993 reflects labor's broader demands for higher pay at a time when a majority of U.S. cabin crew are in contract talks, the Association of Flight Attendants said. While pilots across major airlines have secured new labor deals including bumper pay hikes and other benefits, some flight attendants have not had a pay raise in five years, the AFA said. Flight attendants from Southwest Airlines and Air Transat in Canada, which are both pressing for steep pay raises, are in negotiations after rejecting earlier deals. According to a Feb. 9 union memo to Transat flight attendants seen by Reuters, an adviser assigned by the union is "no longer at the bargaining table," after members rejected two earlier agreements. The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), which represents Transat flight attendants, said the change was related to internal union management, and would not impact the continuity of the negotiations. 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. Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksand Syrsky had a conversation with Supreme Commander of the NATO Armed Forces in Europe, General Christopher Cavoli, and Commander of the Security Assistance Group Ukraine, Lieutenant General Antonio Aguto. A clear and substantive conversation. We discussed our military plans for 2024. The Commander-in-Chief announced the priorities. Among them are the optimization of the structure of the Armed Forces, improvement of the quality of training of our military, additional staffing of existing brigades and creation of new ones, supplying of regular needs in weapons and equipment, Umerov wrote on his Facebook page on Tuesday evening. The parties also discussed the constant increase in electronic warfare equipment to level the threat of enemy UAVs and ensure the rotation of fighters at the front. There is a lot of work to be done and decisions to be made ahead, necessary for our victory, the defense minister said. The Indonesian government on Wednesday imposed a $10 tax on foreign tourists arriving in Bali to preserve the culture of the "Island of Gods", news agency AFP reported. Domestic tourists, diplomatic visa holders and ASEAN nationals are exempted from the tax. The government is trying to capitalise on the popularity of Bali which attracts millions of foreign visitors annually to boost its coffers and protect its tropical allure. The report quoted Sang Made Mahendra Jaya, the acting governor of Bali, as saying, "This levy is aimed at the protection of the culture and the environment in the island." The acting governor was speaking at the launch ceremony of the scheme. All international visitors entering Bali will have to pay the tax. It applies to everyone, regardless of their age, and gender including children. Being a per-entry tax, tourists will have to pay it each time they arrive in Bali. Also Read | Basant Panchami: 5 key money lessons you can learn from it The tourism tax will not be levied on domestic tourists. The Indonesian government has also exempted holders of Diplomatic Visa or Courtesy Visa and nationals of ASEAN member countries visiting the beach-dotted island. The tourism tax will have to be paid electronically through the "Love Bali" online portal and will apply to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or from other parts of Indonesia, a government press release said. Tourists who do not want to pay online can pay at arrival points, such as airports and seaports through multiple payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, Master Card, American Express, and JCB), bank transfers, Virtual Accounts, or QRIS. According to Indonesias official travel guide, Bali Guide, the revenue generated from tourism taxes will be allocated mainly to critical areas such as waste management, infrastructure development, and preservation of Balis rich cultural heritage. Nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali between January and November last year, according to official figures. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Elon Musk told US Republican senators there is no way in hell" that Russian President Vladimir Putin could lose the war on Ukraine, weighing in on a conflict that has been affected by Musks own Starlink satellite services, Bloomberg has reported. His comments came in a forum which was held on X Spaces. In the forum, the discussions included opponents of a Senate bill that would provide further assistance for Ukraine to continue battling the full-scale Russian invasion that began two years ago. Alongside Musk were former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, co-founder of Craft Ventures LLC David Sacks, and state representatives Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, JD Vance of Ohio, and Mike Lee of Utah. Musks comments came as he agreed with Ron Johnsons statement who said that those who expect a Ukraine victory were living in a fantasy world." We gotta kill this thing," Vance said of the $95 billion measure, of which $60 billion in assistance for Ukraine as well as funding for Israel, Taiwan, and humanitarian aid for Gaza. He went on to say that he hoped citizens would get in touch with their legislators on the Ukraine bill. This spending does not help Ukraine. Prolonging the war does not help Ukraine," he said as reported by Bloomberg. The billionaire chief executive officer of Tesla Inc had expressed similar sentiments before on X, doubting Ukraines ability to win the war and mocking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys requests for aid. The tech mogul has come under criticism from Ukraine and Democratic members of Congress. He said there was pressure on Putin to see the fight through. If he were to back off, he would be assassinated," Musk said. He told the senators hes sometimes accused of being a Putin apologist, but said that accusation was absurd." He said his companies have probably done more to undermine Russia than anything." He cited SpaceX providing Starlink internet service to Ukraine, which has been critical to the nations communications after Russia invaded, as well as SpaceX taking business away from Russias space launch business. His views contrast strongly with President Joe Biden and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who argue that aiding Ukraines defense against the Kremlin is in Americas interests and will help deter other autocrats from starting wars of their own. Musk said his interest is in stopping the deaths of people on both sides of the war, adding he doubted the wisdom of seeking Putins ouster. For those who want regime change in Russia, they should think about who is the person that could take out Putin, and is that person likely to be a peacenik? Probably not." Musk said such a person would likely be even more hardcore than Putin," as quoted by Bloomberg. Meanwhile, Democratic President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of lawmakers including the top US Senate Republican on Tuesday urged the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to take up a $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine and other allies. The measure passed the Senate in a 70-29 vote shortly before dawn on Tuesday after a hardline group of Republicans spent the night trying to block it. But it was unclear if House Speaker Mike Johnson would even bring it up for a vote in the chamber his party controls by a narrow 219-212 margin. "I call on the speaker to let the full House speak its mind and not allow a minority of the most extreme voices in the House to block this bill even from being voted on," Biden said in remarks from the White House. "Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin, opposing it is playing into Putin's hands." Ukrainian officials warned of weapons shortages at a time when Russia is pressing ahead with renewed attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy quickly hailed passage of the bill. "American assistance brings just peace in Ukraine closer and restores global stability, resulting in increased security and prosperity for all Americans and all the free world," Zelenskiy said on the social media platform X. (With inputs from Bloomberg, Reuters) 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! An Indian family of four from Kerala was found dead inside their home in California's San Mateo on Monday, February 12. The deceased have been identified as Anand Sujith Henry (42), wife Alice Priyanka (40), and their twin children Noah and Neithan (4). The adults were found in their bathroom with gunshot wounds. The cause of death is still under investigation. According to the San Mateo Police Department (SMPD), officers were dispatched to their house on the report of a welfare check. They did not see any signs of forced entry into the house. "Finding an unlocked window, officers entered the home and located four people dead; 1 adult male, 1 adult female, and two children." "Tragically, the two children were found deceased inside a bedroom. Their cause of death is still under investigation. The male and female were located deceased from gunshot wounds inside a bathroom. A 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine were also found in the bathroom," the SMPD said in a statement. "Based on the information we have at this time, this appears to be an isolated incident with no danger to the public. Our agency is on scene as this investigation will be ongoing," the SMPD added. According to Hindustan Times (HT), the Indian Consulate in San Francisco has been in contact with the family members of the deceased in India, offering consular support. Additionally, condolences have been extended to the bereaved family and the Indian American community. The motive behind the deaths remains unclear, with the police awaiting the results of the autopsy and forensic analysis. These deaths follow a string of others in a series of unfortunate incidents involving Indian students in the US. Last week, a Purdue University student, Indian American Sameer Kamath was found dead in Warren County. Another Purdue student, Neel Acharya, was found dead on campus just last month, after being missing for several days. 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! US President Joe Biden slammed Presidential polls rival and former President of US Donald Trump for threatening to allow Russia to invade NATO allies. President Joe Biden also criticised Donald Trump 's imploring Republicans to pass fresh aid for Ukraine. For God sake, its dumb, its shameful, its dangerous, its un-American," Joe Biden said on Tuesday at the White House, referring to the former presidents comments. Donald Trump, the 2024 Republican presidential frontrunner, said that he would not want the US to come to the defense of NATO allies who did not meet the alliances targets for defense spending if Moscow attacked them. President Joe Biden said those comments raised the stakes for the GOP-controlled House to approve military aid for Kyiv just passed by the Senate. Biden accused Trump of viewing the trans-Atlantic defense pact as a mere protection racket" rather than a linchpin of US national security and a bulwark against Russian President Vladimir Putin. The greatest hope of all those who wish America harm is for NATO to fall apart. You can be sure that they all cheered when they heard Donald Trump," Biden said. For as long as Im president, if Putin attacks a NATO ally, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory." Donald Trump, who made the comments at a rally in South Carolina, the next Republican primary state, has vowed to adopt an isolationist foreign policy in a second White House term. Donald Trump, even during his presidency, had been infamous for policies that managed to raise eyebrows globally. Notably, a Trump victory in November could foreclose any future US support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. Ukraine Aid in war against Russia Biden urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to ignore Trumps broadsides and immediately bring up legislation providing $95 billion in assistance for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, saying history is watching." President Joe Biden said there was no question" the Senate measure would pass by a wide margin if put to a floor vote in the House. Still, the legislation faces formidable obstacles in the lower chamber, even as Ukraine struggles with dwindling supplies, infighting among its leaders and an ongoing Russian offensive. The package, which advanced after months of delay, includes $60 billion in war aid for Ukraine alongside funding for Israel and Taiwan and humanitarian aid for Gaza. (With Bloomberg 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! (Bloomberg) -- For the second time this year, a US company is embarking on a mission to put a spacecraft on the moon and end Americas 50-year lull. Houston-based Intuitive Machines Inc. is poised to launch its robotic moon lander on a SpaceX rocket in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Called Nova-C, the spacecraft will attempt to touch down softly on the moons surface on Feb. 22. If successful, Intuitive Machines will claim a title that has eluded numerous companies and nonprofits who have shot for the moon in recent years: the first to land a privately built spacecraft on the lunar surface. Up until now, only spacecraft built and operated by governments, often with large price tags, have made it to the moons surface in one piece. The US hasnt landed a spacecraft on the moon intact since 1972. The track record for companies has been less successful. Commercial spacecraft launched by groups in Israel and Japan have made it to the moon but didnt survive the landing. And in January, Intuitive Machines US rival, Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology Inc., launched its moon-bound spacecraft but suffered an engine failure, making a landing attempt impossible. Read More: First US Moon Lander Mission in 50 Years Goes Awry in Space Given this pattern of explosive endings, plenty of eyes are on Intuitive Machines to see if the company can succeed where others have failed. We learn from the successes and the failures of the past and stand on all those shoulders to try to be successful," Intuitive Machines Chief Executive Officer Stephen Altemus told Bloomberg News in an interview. And the key here is to be undeterred." Nova-C will be carrying six payloads for NASA and five commercial ones under a contract that has grown to roughly $100 million since being awarded by the US space agency in 2019, Altemus said. The contract was part of a NASA program designed to speed development of commercial robotic lunar landers that can carry NASA materials to the moon. As it was working on Nova-C, Intuitive went public in a 2022 blank-check deal that put the companys value at more than $1 billion. Its current market capitalization is around $546 million, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Intuitive Machines also plans to build out a constellation of satellites orbiting the moon for communications and navigation, as well as develop other lunar space technologies. 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! (Bloomberg) -- Banco Santander SA said an internal review of accounts that were reported to be secretly held by an Iranian petrochemicals company did not find any breach of US sanctions. Santander said it reached out to authorities in both the UK and the US about the issue, according to a memo to staff seen by Bloomberg News. The review came after a report in the Financial Times that said Iran evaded sanctions and covertly moved money around the world using the accounts at both Santander UK and Lloyds Banking Group Plc. The review found that Santander was never aware that the account holder was owned in a trust by an Iranian company facing US sanctions, according to the memo. The probe also found the account holder was not included on any sanctions list nor was the business owned by persons subject to sanctions based on a review of public records and the amounts transacted in the account were negligible. We can state categorically that Santander has not found any breach by it of US sanctions against Iran in connection with these allegations," Santander said. Santander is acutely aware of its obligation to comply with all relevant sanctions regimes. In this case, both in the UK and across our global banking operations, we are confident that we did that." The account in question was closed in 2022 for reasons unrelated to these allegations," Santander said in the memo. A spokesperson for Lloyds said last week that that the lenders business activities are conducted to ensure compliance with applicable sanctions laws" and due to legal restrictions, we cannot comment on the submission of suspicious activity reports to relevant authorities when and if they occur." 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! South Africa on Tuesday asked the World Court to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights. Last month, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa. South Africa submitted an urgent request for additional measures under Article 75 (1)" of the Rules of Court in connection with the developing circumstances in Rafah" in the case #SouthAfrica v. #Israel before the #ICJ," the court wrote on X (formerly Twitter). However, Israel has denied all allegations of genocide in connection with its war against Gaza's ruling Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, and asked the court to reject the case outright, saying it respects international law and has a right to defend itself. Israel has said it is planning to expand its ground assault into Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge from the offensive that has laid waste to much of the Gaza Strip since Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, Reuters reported. In an official statement, South Africa's presidency said, In a request submitted to the court yesterday (Feb. 12), the South African government said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction." This would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order of Jan. 26," the statement added. In past cases, the ICJ has sometimes granted additional emergency measures when circumstances changed. The court has not yet ruled on the core of the case brought by South Africa - whether genocide has occurred in Gaza. But it recognized the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide. (With Reuters inputs) Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! (Bloomberg) -- Any relief felt in Kyiv over the US Senates pre-dawn passage of Ukraine war aid will almost certainly be short-lived. The legislation has no chance of advancing in the US House anytime soon. House Speaker Mike Johnson has refused to act on Ukraine until a Republican-only bill to address the migrant crisis at the US-Mexico border is enacted. Democrats, who endorsed a short-lived bipartisan immigration deal last week, say the price of that ransom is simply too high. Adding to the intensifying stalemate is the 2024 election in general and Donald Trump, in particular. The GOPs likely presidential nominee has directed Republicans not to settle for anything less than a perfect" deal an all-or-nothing stance that lets him build his campaign around the worsening problem at the border. The House must do everything in its power to stop this nonsense & put America First," Texas Republican Randy Weber, a Trump ally, said on X of the Senates bill. Trump has also cast serious doubt on US security commitments, shocking NATO allies on Saturday when the former president said hed once told a European leader that hed let Russia do whatever the hell they want" to alliance members that didnt meet their defense-spending pledges. A protracted standoff over Ukraine would weigh on the NATO alliance further, Democrats warn, and risk handing Russia a victory in Ukraine. No Plausible Path Forward On its own, the Senate-passed package, which also includes funds for Israel and Taiwan, would pass the House. But as speaker, Johnson controls what the House does and doesnt consider, and bringing up the Ukraine package would spur a mutiny on his right flank. That leaves three possible solutions to the standoff, none of which are easy or likely: Deep opposition to Ukraine aid from ultra-conservatives threatens to sink the first option. For the second, its unlikely Biden would go as far by fiat as Republicans want him to go. As for the third option, Republican defense hawks in the House, whose votes would be needed, say they wont buck the speaker. Democrats also cant count on support from some progressives, who oppose Israel aid in the package. Johnson has effectively said we cant move this without securing the southern border," House Majority Whip Tom Emmer said of Ukraine aid on CNBCs Squawk Box" Tuesday morning. In the meantime, House Republicans plan to move forward Tuesday with another vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas over his handling of the border crisis. That vote comes after the House narrowly failed to pass the impeachment resolution last week after a chaotic scene on the floor. --With assistance from Christian Hall. 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! Reports this week in Mint on the governments new quality-control orders on high-end luxury shoes from Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior included the gem that the shoes certified appropriate for pampered Indian womens feet would be mandated to have an ISI stamp (a sign of Indian Standards Institute approval) to embellish them. This sounded like a comic skit of the new licence raj, written not by Kafka but by those who made Carrie Bradshaw and her love of swanky Jimmy Choo shoes a key theme of the TV series Sex and The City. Such certification is impractical. As happens so often, it is unclear what its protecting, since Indian footwear factories overwhelmingly focus on the mass market. Just recently, Maruti Suzukis R.C. Bhargava said that his company had no problem with a free trade agreement with the EU as Marutis cars were more than competitive on value-for -money with European cars. In any case, the prospective buyer for a Benz or a BMW is unlikely to be sizing it up against a Baleno. Industry insiders say the latest quality certification move on shoes is directed at imports from China. So much of our industrial policy, from import licensing for computers to shutting the door on trade agreements that would make us part of East Asias supply chains, is influenced by this goal with little effect thus far on our bilateral trade deficit with China. Treating the relatively small imports of stilettos as collateral damage in this larger battle overlooks the huge benefits from these luxury brands that are increasingly seeking to use Indias gifted artisans. Less than a year ago, a show by Christian Dior, which has collaborated with Mumbai-based atelier Chanakya School of Craft, at the Gateway of India was a free advertising blitz for Indian craftsmanship, with its photos splashed across the Western luxury press. Influential Vogue and the Financial Times HTSI glossy magazine devoted cover stories to it. Work from India was described as mind-blowing" and insanely detailed haute couture textiles that are magicked up." Aside from the reputational damage to the ease of doing business and growing collaborations between European luxury brands and Indian artisans that will hopefully get the artisans the recognition and revenues they deserve, at the ground level, a lengthy certification process is likely to lead to an inventory build-up of expensive shoes. An Indian exporter of expensive womens shoes to Europe says he has never faced a similarly arbitrary certification regime overseas. He says it has already meant that inventory has run up ahead of the New Delhi decree taking effect. The irony is that Indian shoe factories in Bhiwandi and elsewhere have been ramping up production, not least because there is plenty of business serving the local Indian market. It is, of course, too early for a thorough cost-benefit analysis of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme. But the whiplash effects on business of such arbitrary firmans from New Delhi, which include the now somewhat diluted licensing regime announced last year for foreign-made computers and countless tariff increases over the past few years, must eventually be part of that computation. In fairness, there has been plenty of interest in PLIs. A Business Standard report this week on a government review of the targets and achievements in different PLI sectors found that investment in most had been more than anticipated. Notable exceptions are arguably the most labour-intensive sectors, ranging from textiles to automobiles and auto components, where investment is a fraction of what was targeted. There are other anomalies: the 12 successful suitors for PLI subsidies for solar photovoltaic modules includewait for it11 with partners from China. Now, it has always seemed silly to me that given the abundance of sunshine India is blessed with, it should be so reliant on coal-fired power plants that add to our air pollution problem. A quick remedy would have been to allow Chinese imports, but we alleged China was dumping solar panels here. Now, the cartwheel of public policy has come full circle: New Delhi will in effect be subsidizing Chinese solar firms after having blocked imports of solar panels that were subsidized by Beijing. Freer imports would also have radically speeded up our green transition. But, the illogic is richer still. This week, the Wall Street Journal reported that China is on course to meet its target of capping greenhouse gas emissions six years before schedule. China installed 217 gigawatts of solar power last year alone, a 55% increase," according to WSJ. Wind energy installation last year was more than the rest of the world combined." There are many problems with Chinas command-and-control economic system: in the past decade or so, President Xi Jinping has ratcheted up arbitrary state actions, targeting tech firms one moment and foreign consulting firms the next, while also seeking to deflate Chinas property bubble, a more defensible goal. Still, Chinas transition to green energy is yet another East Asia-style miracle of industrial policy. There remain plenty of opportunities for India in shifts of production away from China, but our bureaucracy may need a mindset shift. Reading the new certification rules for high-end shoes, I wondered if the Indian-made leather slippers that women often wear with sarees, and which almost certainly contribute to knee problems, would now be mandated to have cushioning and arch support worthy of a Birkenstock. I would guess not. Carrying a debt of $53.19 billion and after recently marking down the value of some of its US cigarette brands by $31 billion, London-headquartered British American Tobacco (BAT) is looking to sell part of its stake in its Indian subsidiary, ITC Ltd, to urgently raise cash. This move is a significant shift from the BAT's strategy three decades ago when it was looking to strengthen its grip on the Indian company by hiking its stake to 51% from 31% it held then. Back in 1994, ITCs headquarters in Kolkata was the centre of a fierce battle for control between BAT and ITC, with the latter successfully resisting BATs attempts to increase its stake. Following a tumultuous period in 1996, which included allegations of excise evasion and foreign exchange regulation violations, ITC emerged stronger, having cleared all charges and restructured its business to focus on areas with strategic importance, particularly post-liberalization market opportunities. This strategy paid off, as evidenced by ITCs impressive consolidated net profit of 5,400 crore for the quarter ended December 2023, highlighting its successful journey over the last 25 years. In contrast, BAT faced a challenging 2023 with losses amounting to $18 billion, necessitating cash injections from its Indian operations, through dividends or possibly selling its equity in ITC. The latters share price has risen over 60% in the last four years, marking its emergence as a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) powerhouse, while BATs market value has declined nearly 30% in the same period. The late Yogi Deveshwar, ITCs former leader who pushed back the charge of the British parent, would have been pleased with this turnaround. Under his leadership, and then more definitely under his successor Sanjeev Puri, ITC diversified its revenue streams beyond tobacco to include sectors like foods and hotels. Over the last 15-20 years, the company has chosen to make small, strategic acquisitions of non-tobacco brands at prices that were easy on its pocket. Thus in 2017 it acquired Charmis, expanding its skincare portfolio, while in 2018 it bought floor cleaner Nimyle marking its entry in the segment. Similarly it bought a 39% stake in health snack brand Yoga Bar last year for 175 crore. BAT, on the other hand, invested its surpluses from the cigarette business, which was booming through the 90s, into more of the same. In 2008, it entered the Turkish tobacco market by acquiring Tekel, the state-owned tobacco monopoly company for $1.7 billion. In the same year it bought Scandinavian Tobacco Group, an acquisition that cemented its position as the world's leading manufacturer of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Similar acquisitions followed in countries like Indonesia, culminating in the 2017 acquisition of Reynolds American Inc for $49.4 billion. While that move gave BAT ownership of brands like Newport, Camel, and Kool in the US and turned it into the world's largest listed tobacco company, it also sowed the seeds of its current crisis as the US market extended its long decline of cigarette sales. ITCs approach, though riskier due to the initially low profitability of new ventures, utilized its extensive distribution network to diversify its product range. This strategy prepared ITC for the decline in tobacco consumption, in contrast to BAT, which has struggled to find successful alternatives to traditional tobacco products. ITCs diversification has reduced the cigarette business to about 35% of its revenues, building a robust strategy against future risks. BAT, in contrast, has focused on its core tobacco business, facing an uncertain future as the industry continues to evolve. The large landing ship Caesar Kunikov was destroyed by Magura V5 naval attack drones off the coast of the temporarily occupied Crimea near Alupka, the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine reports. "On February 14, 2024, the Main Intelligence Agency, in cooperation with all components of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine, destroyed the large landing ship Caesar Kunikov of the Black Sea fleet of the aggressor state of Russia," the Ministry of Defense said on the Telegram channel on Wednesday morning. "The enemy ship was attacked by Magura V5 naval attack drones off the coast of the temporarily occupied Crimea near the town of Alupka. As a result, the Caesar Kunikov received critical holes on the port side and began to sink. It is symbolic that the Russian officer, whose name the ship was named after, was killed exactly 101 years ago," the message says. As reported, the successful mission was carried out by special forces of the Group 13 of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. "The implementation of the special operation became possible with the support of the United24 platform," the GUR noted. GUR emphasizes that "the large landing ship Caesar Kunikov of Project 775 is one of the newest Russian vessels. It could accommodate 87 crew members on board. It was used by terrorist Moscow during the wars against Georgia, Syria and Ukraine." "The search and rescue operation of the occupiers was not successful," the GUR concludes. The Congress on Tuesday promised to give legal guarantee of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to every farmer on crops as per the Swaminathan Commission if the party is elected to power at the Centre in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. Speaking at Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the party will implement the "Kisan Nyay Guarantee" if it comes to power at the Centre. Rahul Gandhi also reiterated the announcement in a post on X. The announcement was made when hundreds of farmers were tear-gassed at the Delhi borders to restrict them from entering the national capital. Farmer unions have huddled at Delhi borders to pressure the government in accepting their demand of a law that guarantees MSP for all crops and the determination of crop prices as per the Swaminathan Commissions report. While one could say that the Congress has sought to seize the chance to reverse their fortunes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in 2024 but in 2010, when the UPA bloc was ruling, the Congress had dismissed the Swaminathan Report, saying it could "distort the market." BJP's Prakash Javadekar, in a question to the Ministry of Agriculture, had demanded to know if the government had accepted the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission regarding calculation of remunerative prices to be paid to the farmers". In its reply, the then Ministry of Agriculture had stated that the National Commission of Farmers under the Chairmanship of Prof. MS Swaminathan had recommended that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be at least 50 per cent more than the weighted average cost of production". "This recommendation, however, has not been accepted by the Government because MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agriculture Costs and Prices (CACP) based on objective criteria and considering variety of relevant factors. Hence, prescribing an increase if a at least 50 per cent on cost may distort the market. A mechanical linkage between MSP and cost of production may be counter-productive in some cases," the response added. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! If you happen to be at the Delhi borders lately, the scene unfolds as a striking deja vu experience. The farmers are back and so are the barbed wires, cement slabs, barricades and a sea of police force, echoing a haunting resemblance to the 2020-21 protests at the Delhi borders. At the heart of the 2020-21 farmers protest was the three farm laws -- The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act; The Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act; and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act. Marked by controversies, the demonstration at the Delhi borders went on for 14 months, culminating in the Central government's decision to revoke the farm laws -- timely, just ahead of Assembly elections in two states, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Prime Minister Narendra Modi even apologised to the nation saying: I want to say with a sincere and pure heart that maybe something was lacking... that we could not explain the truth to some of our farmer brothers... we have decided to repeal the three farm laws." Also Read | Farmers protest traffic advisory: Vehicle jam on highways connecting Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad. Here's roads to avoid Why Centre looks unfazed by the farmers protest? But this time, the NDA-led government, seeking for a third term at the Centre ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, looks unfazed by the ongoing farmers protests even though the scenes at the Delhi borders persist. The leaders have in fact blamed the farmers for refusing talks with the government. Also Read | Farmers' Delhi Chalo protest: I don't think China border is fortified the way Delhi is, says Shashi Tharoor Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said, "The report on MSP came in 2004 when Congress was in power. Why didn't they do anything in 10 years?... The farmers want to go to Delhi and have a conversation with representatives of the Govt but when they came to Chandigarh, the farmer leaders refused to talk to them." "I am surprised that the Punjab Govt has released a notice asking us not to send drones to our border.... When farmers started moving from Amritsar, they did not even try to stop them. This clearly means that they want the farmers to create terror in Delhi. Stone pelting is going on and one of our DSP & 25 other police officers are injured in this," he said. Union Minister Anurag Thakur urged the protesting farmers to rejoin talks with the government on their demands and asserted that violence and vandalism were not the answer to their problems. Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who is also negotiating with farmer leaders, said that the government is completely ready to find a solution through dialogue, but the farmer's organisations, instead of solving the problems, are only adding to them. "The way things are being said by (farmer) organisations and how instead of solving the problems, they are trying to add to those problems, is creating difficulties for the people," he said. Will farmers' protest 2.0 have similar impact? While the Centre looks unbothered by the farmers' protest 2.0, Indian Express has quoted a BJP leader as saying that the party does not see this farmers agitation having a similar impact ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, unlike the 2020-21 protests when the saffron party was seeking a re-election in the Uttar Pradesh elections. In October 2021, a SUV, belonging to MoS Ajay Mishra Teni's son Ashish Mishra, rammed into some protesting farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri, killing four. In the 2022 Assembly elections, the BJP won all eight seats in the district. "The Bharat Ratna for Chaudhary Charan Singh, the Jat patriarch, will also defuse anger among Jat farmers, if any. The party does not see a big potential in the current agitation to have a similar impact," the BJP leader 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! Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday shared a 'tale' about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi when the latter's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' was in the northeastern state. Sarma claimed that Gandhi had summoned Congress MLAs in Assam to his 'luxurious bus' and threatened them to not let the state Assembly function. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Gandhi told the Congress MLAs to either tear into" the Assam chief minister or be ready to get suspended from the party for five to 15 years. However, the CM said, the Congress MLAs supported the Assam government and the House functioned peacefully. Sharing a video on the microblogging website X, the Assam CM, in an interaction with media persons, said, "Listen to a story - When Rahul Gandhi came to Assam, he called all the Congress MLAs in his luxurious bus and threatened them that the Assam Assembly should not be allowed to function." "We also gave him a gift. Now Congress MLAs are supporting the government and allowing the House to function peacefully," he added. The two leaders have been locking horns for quite some time. This war of words, however, just escalated last month when Gandhi's yatra crossed Assam. Sarma had earlier said that Gandhi fed a dog's biscuit" to a worker during the yatra, and was mistreating his supporters". The Congress leader has repeatedly termed Sarma as the most corrupt chief minister of the country, while the Assam CM said that Gandhi would be arrested after 2024 Lok Sabha polls for 'instigating crowd'. In a recent X post, Gandhi, during an interaction with 'digital media warriors', even insisted that he was okay with people like Himanta leaving the Congress. "I want people like Himanta and Milind (Deora) to leave. I am perfectly okay with it. Himanta represents a particular type of politics that is not Congress' politics. Have you seen some of the statements Himanta makes about Muslims? There are certain values that I would like to defend," Gandhi said. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The front-runner in Indonesias presidential election on Wednesday has endeared himself to young voters by projecting an image of a cuddly, cat-loving grandfather figure. But Prabowo Subianto has a checkered history. He was dismissed from Indonesias military 25 years ago on allegations he kidnapped democracy activists. The former special forces commanderwho trained for a period at a U.S. Army post then called Fort Benninglamented in a 2017 book that Indonesia had lost its way after the fall of the countrys dictator Suharto, who was also his former father-in-law. After two unsuccessful runs for president in the past decade, 72-year-old Subianto appears to be in a strong position to be third time lucky. Independent opinion polls before Wednesdays elections projected him winning around 50% of the vote, far ahead of his two competitors. If he prevails, Subianto will helm the worlds third-largest democracy, home to 280 million people. President Joko Widodo, who has served for nearly a decade, is barred from seeking a third term and will leave office in October. His son is Subiantos running mate. Subianto, who currently serves as Widodos defense minister, has vowed to finish what the president started. That includes doubling down on an economic policy that has made Indonesia the worlds dominant source of nickel for the electric-vehicle industry while touching off a coal binge. Subianto has also endorsed Widodos pet project of moving Indonesias capital from crowded Jakarta to a remote part of the island of Borneo. His vision is the same as my vision," said Subianto in a January speech. Indonesia must be prosperous, our wealth should stay in our own hands." Subianto has said he plans to stick with Indonesias foreign policy of not picking sides. In a 2022 news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, he said Indonesia considers itself a good friend to both China and the U.S., and would seek to leverage those friendships to manage rising tensions between the two powers. While Indonesia has disputes with Beijing in the South China Sea that flare up from time to time, that hasnt come in the way of its economic ties with China, the countrys top trading partner and a major source of foreign investment. Chinese-backed nickel smelters have gone up across the archipelago nation in the past five years. On the campaign trail, Subianto abjured fiery outbursts against the media and his political adversaries for which he was known. Instead, he cultivated a lighter touch, frequently breaking into jigs during rallies and cuddling his cat in an Instagram video. His campaign embraced social-media posts portraying portly Subianto as gemoy, newfangled Indonesian slang that translates loosely as supercute and cuddly. Subianto is running against two seasoned politicians. Ganjar Pranowo, the former governor of Central Java, has campaigned on investing in education and healthcare. Anies Baswedan, the former governor of Jakarta, has stressed the need to shift to an economic plan that focuses on labor-intensive industries such as making shoes and furniture. Subianto comes from a prominent political family that broke with Indonesias founding leader, Sukarno. He spent much of his childhood abroad, attending schools in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Switzerland and London. Returning to Indonesia as a young man, he rose through the ranks of its militarys special forces under the dictatorship of Suharto, an anticommunist who ruled Indonesia for more than three decades starting in 1966. He married Suhartos daughter in the 1980s and came to be seen by some as a potential heir to the dictators regime. The couple later divorced. In 1998, Suhartos reign ended with street riots triggered by the Asian financial crisis. Subianto was accused of kidnapping Indonesian democracy activists during the waning days of the regime, and he was discharged from the military. He says that the charges have been politicized and that his campaign is committed to upholding human rights. His campaign didnt respond to requests for comment. In the years after Suhartos fall, Subianto entered democratic politics, eventually starting his own political party, Gerindra. He ran for president in 2014, facing off against Widodo, a plain-speaking former furniture maker from a humble background, but lost in a relatively close election. He contested the results, claiming the election commission was biased against him, but eventually backed down. In 2017, he wrote a book, The Paradox of Indonesia," which explored why a nation so rich in natural resources had so many poor people. The book struck populist themes, arguing that Indonesias elected officials, judges, news media and even some religious leaders had become corrupt, and that Indonesia was at risk of falling prey to a new form of colonialism by moneyed interests. He ran for president against Widodo again in 2019 and lost for the second time. His supporters held demonstrations and clashed with police, and at least six people were killed. Five months later, in an unusual twist, the once fierce rivals joined hands. Widodo, in an effort to shore up his coalition, invited Subianto to be defense minister. In that role, Subianto has tried to upgrade Indonesias aging defense hardware, ordering big-ticket items such as French Rafale jet fighters and U.S. F-15s. One of his most prominent moments on the world stage came at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a June security conference in Singapore, where Subianto proposed a peace plan to end the Ukraine war. The proposal, which called for Russian and Ukrainian armies to withdraw 15 kilometers from their forward positions, was rejected by Ukraine, and Widodo distanced himself from it. In the run-up to Wednesdays election, Widodo and Subianto expanded their political alliance. Widodos son, 36-year-old Gibran Rakabuming Raka, joined Subiantos ticket as the candidate for vice president. Raka, who entered politics three years ago as a small-city mayor, faced one hurdle: an Indonesian law that bars people under the age of 40 from serving in that position. In October, Indonesias constitutional court declined to change the minimum-age requirement but relaxed it for candidates who had served in certain types of political office before, paving the way for Raka to contest. The chief justice at the time was Widodos brother-in-law, leading civil-rights groups to criticize the ruling. Widodos critics also accuse the president, a onetime political outsider whose election in 2014 was seen as a landmark for Indonesias democracy, of starting a dynasty. Widodo has said he wasnt involved in decisions about whom to nominate for higher office. He declined to speak about the courts ruling, saying any comments he made could be misconstrued as interference in judicial matters. An ethics panel later held that the chief justice should have recused himself and demoted him, but the ruling stood. Erick Thohir, a Subianto campaign spokesman, said that given Indonesias young demography, it was good to have young political leaders represent them. In a campaign speech last year, Subianto kidded about becoming a jokester and ditching the ferocity he was famous for. Thats what happens when you lose two times!" he said. The audience roared with laughter. Write to Jon Emont at jonathan.emont@wsj.com Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former PM Nawaz Sharif, is poised to become Pakistan's next prime minister as their coalition, comprising major parties, is set to secure a clear majority after elections produced a split mandate. In a surprise move, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) nominated Shehbaz instead of party supremo Nawaz for the PM post. Earlier, Shehbaz, along with Asif Ali Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples Party and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of MQM-P, convened at PML-Q's Shujaat Hussain's residence, agreeing on government formation. Speaking about it, Shehbaz said, Today we have united to tell the nation that we all accept the split mandate. I am thankful to Zardari and Bilawal (Bhutto) that they decided for their party to vote for the PML-N." Shehbaz, 72, who was prime minister after the Imran Khan-led government was ousted in April 2022, said the other parties that joined hands with the PML-N enjoyed almost 2/3 majority" of the Parliament after the elections. He also said that the new government would pull the country out of trouble. Now our war is against the countrys challenges. The first challenge is the economy. We have to stabilise it which is a tall task. Nations move forward when their leadership unites and decides to end conflicts and take the nation forward to eliminate problems," he said. The Election Commission of Pakistan's data reveals that six parties PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, IPP, and BAP who are planning to form a coalition has secured 152 general seats. They are likely to reach the required 169 seats for a government, with additional 60 women and 10 minority seats. However, the challenge remains to achieve the 224 seats necessary for a two-thirds majority in the 336-member National Assembly, posing a significant hurdle for the coalition. Why six parties agree to for coalition government? Zardari speaking alongside Shehbaz said that a coalition government is the need of the hour. He said, We have decided to form a coalition government and pull the country out of the economic crisis," and further added that the new government would also try to reconcile with everyone including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party of Imran Khan. Meanwhile, PPP chairman Bilawal addressing a press conference after the meeting of its high-powered Central Executive Committee (CEC), which was held under his leadership, said his party failed to get a mandate to form a government in the federation.Due to this, I will not be putting myself forward for the candidacy of the prime minister of Pakistan." He said the PPP decided to form a committee to engage with other political parties for the formation of government and political stability. The PPP has decided that we are unable or not in a position to join the federal government ourselves, nor are we interested in taking ministries in such a setup. We also dont want to see political chaos in the country. We dont want to perpetuate the crisis in the country," he said. The PPP has decided that we ran this election on a manifesto based on issues of public importance [] we want to restore political stability and want to end this environment of political toxicity. To that end, the PPP will be willing to support the case of important votes - a candidate of the PM of Pakistan - and issue to issue basis to ensure that the government is formed and political stability is restored," Bilawal said. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The second phase of Rahul Gandhi 's 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra' in Jharkhand, which was scheduled to commence on Wednesday, has been cancelled, a party official said. The cancellation took place as the senior Congress leader rushed to Delhi to take part in a farmers' agitation in the national capital, party sources said. The scheduled interaction with MGNREGA workers in Ranka in Garhwa district will now be conducted by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh and other party leaders. Rahul Gandhi was scheduled to re-enter Jharkhand through Garhwa district from Chhattisgarh on Wednesday for the second phase of his yatra in the state. "As per the decision taken on Tuesday late night, all programmes under Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra have been cancelled in Jharkhand," Congress spokesperson Sonal Shanti told PTI. Shanti said that "it was unlikely" that the yatra would later resume from Jharkhand. AICC general secretary Jairam Ramesh, Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur, Jharkhand in-charge Ghulam Ahmad Mir, NSUI in-charge Kanhiya Kumar and other senior Congress leaders will now participate in the scheduled interaction with MGNREGA workers in Ranka on Wednesday, he said. Gandhi was scheduled to participate in the programme. Jharkhand Congress president Rajesh Thakur earlier said that Gandhi had to leave for Delhi for a "special purpose". The first leg of Gandhi's yatra in Jharkhand took place in the first week of February. It had entered Jharkhand from West Bengal on February 2 and entered Odisha on February 6. Gandhi was scheduled to stay in Jharkhand for two days in the second leg, before entering Bihar on February 15. The 'Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra', which started in Manipur on January 14, is scheduled to cover 6,713 km in 67 days, passing through 110 districts in 15 states, before culminating in Mumbai on March 20. Agitating farmers from Punjab are planning to march to Delhi to press for various demands, including a law on a minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. 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! WASHINGTONThe U.S. is investigating several Israeli airstrikes in Gaza that killed dozens of civilians and the possible use by Israel of white phosphorus in Lebanon, as part of a probe by the State Department to determine whether Americas closest ally has misused its bombs and missiles to kill civilians, U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal. The process shows the dilemmas facing the Biden administration, which so far has ruled out putting conditions on arms transfers to pressure Israel, but faces increasing calls from some members of Congress to do so as the war wears on. One attack the State Department is currently investigating is an Oct. 31 airstrike on the densely populated Jabalia refugee camp near Gaza City that killed more than 125 people, the U.S. officials said. Israel said it targeted a Hamas commander in a tunnel under a high-rise building. Weapons investigators suspect that Israel used a 2,000-pound bomb in the strike, which could have been provided by the U.S. The United Nations Human Rights Office said that the strike killed a large number of civilians and could be a war crime. Israeli officials declined to comment on what type of weapon they used, but said that they had tried to minimize civilian casualties in the Oct. 31 attack by using a delayed fuse that allowed it to detonate underground. Israels massive military campaign in Gaza has left Biden politically exposed at home, months before the presidential election. His strong support for Israel has caused a backlash among some progressive voters in key swing states who deplore the large number of civilian casualties. But any easing of this support could leave him exposed to accusations from critics that he is abandoning Israel in its greatest time of need. Israels bombardment in the enclave has left more than 28,000 people dead, mostly women and children, according to Palestinian health authorities. The figures dont distinguish between civilians and combatants. The Israeli military declined to comment on the U.S. investigations. Officials are carrying out the investigations as part of a new State Department process, set up last fall before the Gaza war started, that is meant to give the U.S. more tools to constrict military aid to nations if they misuse American weapons. If investigators conclude that Israel misused American weapons, they could recommend a cutoff in the supply of military aid, suggest restrictions on their use, or propose new guidance. But State Department spokesman Matt Miller said Tuesday that the process wasnt designed to act as a fast-moving examination that would trigger a quick shift in policy. That process is not intended to function as a rapid response mechanism," Miller said. Rather, it is designed to systematically assess civilian harm incidents and develop appropriate policy responses to reduce the risk of such incidents occurring in the future." The State Department process was set up in August, a few weeks before Hamas militants in Gaza carried out their Oct. 7 cross-border attack, which the Israeli government said killed around 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The attack, the worst in Israels history, triggered a massive Israeli response that destroyed large parts of the Gaza Strip, and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Israel has fired tens of thousands of weapons into Gaza, including U.S.-made precision guided missiles and artillery. Israeli leaders say they have taken extraordinary steps to protect civilian lives, such as advising people to leave battlezones, and that they follow all international laws of war. They also say that Hamas embeds itself in civilian infrastructure and uses Gazans as human shields. In addition to the strike on the Jabalia camp, U.S. officials are also investigating the possible use of white phosphorus, a highly flammable compound that is banned in certain circumstances, during Israeli attacks in Lebanon in mid-October, according to a U.S. official. The incendiary weapon that creates plumes of smoke can be used legally in war, for example to create a smoke screen, but its use is restricted and can constitute a war crime if it is fired at civilians. The chemicals contained in the weapons can burn at temperatures of up to 815 degrees Celsius and can burn bodies to the bone if they come into contact with humans. Lebanons state-run news agency reported several attacks using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon in October. The Lebanese foreign minister said he had instructed the Lebanese mission to the United Nations to file a complaint with the Security Council over the attack. The Israeli military has said that its use of white phosphorus complies with international law. Lebanons Environment Minister Nasser Yassin said his ministry analyzed soil samples collected in southern Lebanon and detected in some cases levels of white phosphorus far exceeding the norms outlined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. We have lodged formal complaints and are currently preparing to furnish the results of our laboratory analysis, along with comprehensive documentation, to supplement the ongoing complaint initiated by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the United Nations," he told the Journal. Any use of white phosphorus likely attracted the attention of U.S. officials because the government has cautioned Israel against misuse of the substance in the past, said Josh Paul, an official who left the State Department in October. Weve been clear with Israel in the past about how they should and shouldnt use white phosphorus," said Paul. Thats an obvious one because weve said it before." The Israeli military declined to comment on whether or not it would cooperate with the U.S. investigation. Assaf Orion, the former head of strategic planning for the Israeli military, said Israel should cooperate with the probe given the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. Orion, a reserve officer who has served during the ongoing war, said Israel abides by international laws of war. There will always be debates of proportionality," said Orion, who now serves as senior researcher at Israels Institute for National Security Studies. The risk here is of course that whatever the findings, Hamas and other parties will use the mere investigation to prejudge and smear Israel, seeking to drive a wedge between the U.S. and Israel." Sarah Yager, a former human rights adviser to the Pentagons Joint Chiefs of Staff who now serves as Washington director for Human Rights Watch, called the ongoing investigations a much-needed step for the U.S. But she expressed skepticism about the potential impact. Will it lead to anything?" she asked. Thats where Im less confident about how great this thing is." To be effective, Yager said, very senior U.S. officials will need to take the findings seriously and act on them. This kind of trust of policymakers to do the right thing has a history of not working out so well. Lets see." President Biden stood firmly with Israel after the Oct. 7 attack and sidestepped Congressional rules to speed up the flow of certain weapons deliveries to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government. A small group of Democrats have called on Biden to stop sending offensive military aid to Israel because of the way it is fighting the war in Gaza. Biden has dismissed any serious discussion of putting conditions on U.S. military aid to Israel, U.S. officials said. But the new State Department examination could provide more fodder for debate in Washington if the investigations conclude that Israel has misused American weapons. Amid the calls for Biden to do more, the president issued a new directive earlier this month that calls on countries such as Israel to provide written assurances that they are respecting international humanitarian and human rights laws when using American weapons in ongoing conflicts. Adam Chamseddine in Beirut contributed to this article. Write to Dion Nissenbaum at dion.nissenbaum@wsj.com and Jared Malsin at jared.malsin@wsj.com Dumping chemicals in the ocean? Spraying saltwater into clouds? Injecting reflective particles into the sky? Scientists are resorting to once unthinkable techniques to cool the planet because global efforts to check greenhouse gas emissions are failing. These geoengineering approaches were once considered taboo by scientists and regulators who feared that tinkering with the environment could have unintended consequences, but now researchers are receiving taxpayer funds and private investments to get out of the lab and test these methods outdoors. The shift reflects growing concern that efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions arent moving fast enough to prevent the destructive effects of heat waves, storms and floods made worse by climate change. Geoengineering isnt a substitute for reducing emissions, according to scientists and business leaders involved in the projects. Rather, it is a way to slow climate warming in the next few years while buying time to switch to a carbon-free economy in the longer term. Three field experiments are under way in the U.S. and overseas. This month, researchers aboard a ship off the northeastern coast of Australia near the Whitsunday Islands are spraying a briny mixture through high-pressure nozzles into the air in an attempt to brighten low-altitude clouds that form over the ocean. Scientists hope bigger, brighter clouds will reflect sunlight away from the Earth, shade the ocean surface and cool the waters around the Great Barrier Reef, where warming ocean temperatures have contributed to massive coral die-offs. The research project, known as marine cloud brightening, is led by Southern Cross University as part of the $64.55 million, or 100 million Australian dollars, Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program. The program is funded by the partnership between the Australian governments Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and includes conservation organizations and several academic institutions. In Israel, a startup called Stardust Solutions has begun testing a system to disperse a cloud of tiny reflective particles about 60,000 feet in altitude, reflecting sunlight away from Earth to cool the atmosphere in a concept known as solar radiation management, or SRM. Yanai Yedvab, Stardust chief executive and a former deputy chief scientist at the Israel Atomic Energy Commission, wouldnt disclose the composition of the proprietary particles. Yedvab said Stardust has raised $15 million from two investors and has conducted low-level aerial tests using white smoke to simulate the particles path in the atmosphere. After the company completes indoor safety testing, it intends to conduct a limited outdoor test of the dispersion technology, monitoring devices and particles in the next few months, Yedvab said. In Massachusetts, researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution plan to pour 6,000 gallons of a liquid solution of sodium hydroxide, a component of lye, into the ocean 10 miles south of Marthas Vineyard this summer. They hope the chemical base will act like a big tablet of Tums, lowering the acidity of a patch of surface water and absorbing 20 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it safely in the ocean. When you have heartburn, you eat a Tums that dissolves and makes the liquid in your stomach less acidic," said Adam Subhas, an associate scientist at WHOI and the projects principal investigator. By analogy, were adding this alkaline material to seawater, and it is letting the ocean take up more CO2 without provoking more ocean acidification. Everything that were seeing so far is that it is environmentally safe." The $10 million project, known as ocean alkalinity enhancement, is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, two philanthropies and several private donors, Subhas said. The release of sodium hydroxide, which will require the approval of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is planned for August. Experiments aimed at cooling the atmosphere by reflecting sunlight away from Earth are an attempt to mimic what happens when a volcano erupts. In 1991, Mount Pinatubo, an active volcano in the Philippines, spewed sulfur and ash into the upper atmosphere, lowering the Earths temperature by .5 degrees Celsius (. 9 degrees Fahrenheit) for an entire year. But until a few years ago, many scientists opposed human interventions, fearing a slippery slope that would allow society to avoid making tough decisions about reducing emissions and could ultimately backfire. It very easily becomes an excuse for not doing all the things that we already can do and that we know will work," said Dan Jrgensen, Denmarks minister for global climate policy. When we start interfering with nature, we risk it also having many very negative consequences that we cannot control and that we cannot foresee." Intervention is needed, Jrgensen said, but we need to be extremely careful how we do it." Daniele Visioni, assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences at Cornell University, echoed that sentiment. Now were at the point where the choice isnt between yes or no about doing SRM, but between making an informed decision versus making an uninformed decision," Visioni said. The National Academy of Sciences released a study in 2021 advocating a cautious approach to studying solar geoengineering technologies, and a second report in 2022 reviewed various methods of storing carbon dioxide in the ocean. In 2023, the White House issued research guidelines for injecting reflective particles into the atmosphere and brightening clouds, concluding that the technologies offer the possibility of cooling the planet but also carry unknown risks, such as depleting the protective ozone layer, harming marine life, damaging crops or altering rainfall patterns. And this month, in Nairobi, Kenya, delegates to the United Nations Environmental Assembly will debate a resolution to consider the risks and benefits of solar radiation management. The goal behind this years field experiments in the U.S., Israel and Australia is to address some of these questions and to get information about whether these projects could lay the foundation for large-scale efforts to cool the planet. They are answering really important questions about if we were to spray sea salt into the atmosphere," Michael Diamond, assistant professor of meteorology and environmental science at Florida State University, said about the Australian cloud brightening experiment. Would that make it to the clouds, would it stay up there? Can you get enough brightening to make a difference?" For any of these projects to go from field trial to full-scale global deployment, it would require international cooperation and likely cost trillions of dollars. That scenario is years away. Theres a huge political hesitancy to do outdoor perturbative experiments," said Jessica Seddon, a senior fellow at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs. Its going to take some extraordinary bravery to acknowledge that in certain circumstances those experiments will be needed, have informational value and should be constrained but not banned." Stacy Meichtry contributed to this article. Write to Eric Niiler at eric.niiler@wsj.com Baylor University has traded its way to the top of the university endowment performance rankings. Many universities allocate their money among different assets and adjust periodically. Baylor, led by a former trader, seizes on market moves frequently to boost or cut exposure to its managers. The only thing Im doing is what the market tells me to do: If the market goes up, we take some money back. If the market goes down, we give it money," said investment chief David Morehead. It is finance 101." Morehead regularly touts Baylors performance compared with other endowments to its outside fund managers. He takes particular pride in beating the Ivies, which Baylor has largely done over the past five years despite those endowments larger staffs. Besides Morehead, Baylor has four investment staffers, all women. The endowment gained 6.4% for the fiscal year ended June 30, beating all the Ivy League endowments. Over the past five years, its 10.9% annualized return outpaced that of all the Ivies except for Brown University, which notched a 13.3% average annual gain. Baylor ranks in the top 5% of all U.S. endowments for the period, according to Wilshire Trust Universe Comparison Service. The private Christian school in Waco, Texas, has 20,000 students and a $2 billion endowment. That figure is up from $900 million when Morehead arrived in 2011. Dave in particular is much more active with asset allocation than pretty much anybody Ive met in the business," said Ken Lee, chief investment officer for Dallas-based Childrens Health, a not-for-profit pediatric hospital serving North Texas. Tactical can sometimes cut both ways, but hes been consistently right." It is far easier to notch big gains on a smaller pool of assets than it is on the tens of billions that some Ivy League endowments manage. Baylors strategy, which has flourished in the volatile markets of recent years, might not do as well if things get calmer. The trigger for Morehead and his team to act is a move of at least 10% in a sector or fund. For instance, Baylor has added or trimmed three to five times a year, for years, in one firms different equities strategies. Baylor has benefited from timely bets on volatile sectors such as energy and biotech. It recently has been decreasing its energy exposure as crude-oil prices have climbed. In August 2020, with the pandemic raging, Morehead bet on a reopening of the economy. He had heard from Baylors biotech manager, RA Capital Management in Boston, that vaccines were months away. He gave more cash to two existing Baylor managers to create portfolios of companies that they believed would benefit from a return to normal. Many investors making the same bet bought airlines, hotels and restaurant stocks. Baylors portfolio was less obvious, including: FleetCor, a fuel-payments provider for the trucking industry, TransDigm, a maker of aerospace components likely to benefit from the resumption in travel, and Accesso, which provides ticketing software for theme parks and the like. The trade paid off. Baylor today draws less than a 10th of its operating budget from the endowment. The fund helps pay for faculty salaries, student scholarships and capital-improvement projects. Morehead took over the endowment in 2021. When he was hired to run Baylors public investments in 2011, the endowment had experienced a revolving door of investment chiefs. It had suffered a 15% loss and liquidity crunch in the financial crisis. Its assets didnt recover until 2014. The lack of available cash was a drag on returns because the endowment couldnt boost its private investments when prices were low after the financial crisis. Renee Hanna, who runs Baylors private investments, started remaking the portfolio by selling assets at a discount on the secondary market in 2014. The portfolio finally started outperforming its benchmark in the 2018 fiscal year. The private portfolio, which makes up about half of the endowment, is concentrated in themes Baylor thinks will thrive over the long term, including technology and healthcare. One area it avoids is China, which had produced big returns for many endowments in the past. We dont try to be diversified; we dont try to be invested in all things," Hanna said. Before Baylor, Morehead had spent almost 20 years investing in stocks, bonds and commodities at a series of hedge funds and writing sell-side research at investment bank William Blair. Like most traders, he was at his desk early in the morning. He was stopped short one evening by his then second-grader asking if she would see him the next morning. It made me think, what kind of dad do I want to be?" Morehead said. My toxic trait is I get bored. I thought, is there anything over the last 20 years Ive done that I want to do for the next 20 years? The answer was, not reallyWe were open to a big adventure." Write to Juliet Chung at Juliet.Chung@wsj.com Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! Samsung has created a brand image for its popular flagship foldable smartphones. Now, the Korean giant is reportedly creating buzz in the tech world, as the rumors swirl around its alleged upcoming triple foldable smartphone. It is likely that Samsung might introduce a completely new player in the foldable segment with the tr-folds, if the speculations are believed to be true. Now, a recent leak has shed some light on the matter. As per a recent post by the notable tipster Revengus, the Korean giant plans to launch a triple foldable smartphone in 2024 along with the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. He wrote in the post, Rumors are circulating that Samsung will add a triple fold to its lineup this year. With Huawei almost certain to release a triple fold in the second quarter of this year, from Samsungs perspective, it cannot afford to miss out on the title of worlds first." HT Tech reported previously that Samsung is expected to introduce a new foldable device. Now, the tip as per Revengus aligns with the previous report. It is likely that with the new tri-fold smartphone, Samsung could introduce a bigger display and might also offer sensors on the hinge. Notably, the tipster also suggested that Huawei is another key player in the market who might introduce a triple foldable smartphone by the end of this year. Meanwhile, Samsung has recently launched its rugged Galaxy XCover 7 smartphone in India, powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ chipset and touted to be able to survive in extreme conditions. The smartphone is Samsung's first enterprise-focused smartphone in India and was launched globally last month along with the Galaxy Tab Active 5. The Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 will be available in Standard and Enterprise editions priced at 27,209 and 27,530 respectively. 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! At a session on Tuesday, an investigating judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court (HACC) ordered to detain an entrepreneur, one of the organizers of a criminal organization that seized oil products worth a total of UAH 967 million, arrested in the case of the owner of the East European Fuel-Energy Company (EEFEC). The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) reported on its Telegram channel, the court ordered to detain the suspect with the option to post a UAH 363.36 million bail. SAPO did not indicate the name of the person involved. According to media reports, this is businessman Serhiy Tishchenko, who is the owner of the Factor group. "The conditions for bail are the following: attend the detective, prosecutor or court as directed; remain within the city of Kyiv and Kyiv region except with permission of the detective, prosecutor or court; notify the detective, prosecutor or court about any change of address; not communicate with other suspects, witnesses in criminal proceedings and other persons regarding the suspicion handed to him, except for defenders, detectives, prosecutors, the investigating judge, the court; deposit his passport to prevent travel abroad with the relevant government authorities, other documents giving the right to leave Ukraine and enter Ukraine; wear electronic monitoring equipment," SAPO said. According to the prosecutor's office, among the suspects in the case are two organizers of the crime: a former MP and an entrepreneur, as well as four accomplices: a former director of a state-owned enterprise, his former deputy, a manager of a state-owned enterprise and a head of a private company. Samsung smartphones under 15,000 offer a remarkable combination of style, functionality, and affordability, making them an ideal Valentine's Day gift for your loved one. These devices cater to a wide range of preferences, from sleek designs and vibrant displays to impressive camera capabilities and long-lasting battery life. Samsung's reputation for reliability and user-friendly interfaces further enhances the appeal of these budget-friendly options. For those seeking a gift that balances performance with price, Samsung's Galaxy M and A series provide excellent choices within this budget. The Galaxy M12, for example, boasts a 48MP quad-camera setup and a 90Hz refresh rate display, while the Galaxy A13 offers a large screen and a versatile camera system. Both models come with ample storage and efficient processors, ensuring a smooth user experience. However, there are more models and options to choose from, and we have listed all of them for you. Choosing a Samsung smartphone under 15,000 as a Valentine's Day gift demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration for your partner's daily needs and interests. It's a practical yet meaningful present that they can use and appreciate every day, keeping you close to their heart. Check out the top options and our reviews to make an informed decision. Also Read: Smartphones under 10000 can make for excellent Valentines Day gifts 1. Samsung Galaxy M04 The Samsung Galaxy M04 is a budget-friendly smartphone. It comes with a large 6.5-inch HD+ LCD display, providing vibrant visuals. The MediaTek Helio P35 Octa-core Processor ensures smooth performance, while the 4GB RAM, expandable up to 8GB with RAM Plus, offers ample multitasking capabilities. The 13MP Dual Camera captures decent photos, and the 5000 mAh battery provides long-lasting usage. However, the HD+ resolution might not satisfy those looking for sharper displays. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M04: Processor: MediaTek Helio P35 Octa-core Display: 6.5-inch LCD, HD+ Camera: 13MP+2MP Dual, 5MP Front Battery: 5000 mAh RAM: 4GB, expandable up to 8GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Long battery life HD+ resolution may not satisfy all Expandable RAM for enhanced performance Affordable price point 2. Samsung Galaxy A05 The Samsung Galaxy A05 shines with its sleek Silver design and a large 6.7-inch PLS LCD Display. The 50MP Main Camera captures detailed photos, while the MediaTek Helio G85 processor ensures smooth performance. The 5000 mAh battery offers extended usage, and the RAM Plus feature allows for up to 8GB RAM. However, the HD+ resolution might be a drawback for those seeking a higher display quality. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy A05: Processor: MediaTek Helio G85 Display: 6.7-inch PLS LCD, HD+ Camera: 50MP Main, 8MP Front Battery: 5000 mAh RAM: 4GB, expandable up to 8GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid High-resolution main camera HD+ resolution may not satisfy all Large display for immersive viewing Limited refresh rate 3. Samsung Galaxy M14 5G The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G stands out with its Berry Blue colour and robust features. It offers superfast 5G connectivity and a powerful Exynos 1330 processor. The 50MP Triple Camera setup ensures high-quality photography, and the 6000mAh battery provides long-lasting power. With Android 13 and up to 12GB RAM with RAM Plus, it delivers smooth performance. However, the absence of a charger might be inconvenient for some users. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M14 5G: Processor: Exynos 1330, 5nm Display: 6.6-inch LCD, FHD+ Camera: 50MP Triple, 13MP Front Battery: 6000mAh RAM: 6GB, expandable up to 12GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid 5G connectivity and powerful processor No charger included Long battery life 4. Samsung Galaxy M13 The Samsung Galaxy M13 in Midnight Blue is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable smartphone. It features a 6.6-inch FHD+ display and a 50MP Triple Camera setup for clear visuals and photography. The 6000mAh battery ensures extended use, and the expandable RAM up to 12GB with RAM Plus enhances performance. However, the HD+ resolution might not meet the expectations of users looking for higher display quality. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M13: Processor: Octa Core Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD Camera: 50MP Triple, 8MP Front Battery: 6000mAh RAM: 4GB, expandable up to 12GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Long-lasting battery life HD+ resolution may not satisfy all Expandable RAM for improved performance 5. Samsung Galaxy A13 The Samsung Galaxy A13 in Peach offers a stylish design with a 6.6-inch FHD+ Infinity V Display for crisp and clear visuals. It's powered by a robust 2.2 GHz Octa-Core Processor and comes with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. The 50MP rear camera captures stunning photos, while the 5000mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage. However, the absence of additional exchange offers might be a downside for some buyers. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy A13: Processor: 2.2 GHz Octa-Core Display: 6.6-inch FHD+ Camera: 50MP Rear, 8MP Front Battery: 5000mAh RAM: 6GB, Storage: 128GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Large FHD+ display for vibrant visuals No additional exchange offers High-resolution rear camera 6. Samsung Galaxy F04 The Samsung Galaxy F04 is a budget-friendly option with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, expandable up to 1TB. It features a 6.5-inch HD display and a 13MP+2MP dual camera setup for basic photography needs. The 5000mAh battery provides decent usage time. However, the MediaTek Helio P35 Processor and HD display might not appeal to users seeking higher performance and sharper screen resolution. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy F04: Processor: MediaTek Helio P35 Display: 6.5-inch HD Camera: 13MP+2MP Dual, 5MP Front Battery: 5000mAh RAM: 4GB, Storage: 64GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Affordable price point HD display may not satisfy all Expandable storage up to 1TB 7. Samsung Galaxy A05s The Samsung Galaxy A05s in Black offers a premium experience with a 6.7-inch FHD+ PLS LCD Display and a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. It's powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 processor and comes with 4GB RAM, expandable up to 8GB. The 50MP main camera captures detailed photos, and the 5000mAh battery supports fast charging. However, some users might prefer an AMOLED display over LCD. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy A05s: Processor: Snapdragon 680 Display: 6.7-inch FHD+ PLS LCD, 90Hz Camera: 50MP Main, 13MP Front Battery: 5000mAh RAM: 4GB, Storage: 128GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid High-resolution camera for great photos LCD display might not be preferred Smooth 90Hz refresh rate 8. Samsung Galaxy M12 The Samsung Galaxy M12 in White is a reliable choice with a 6.5-inch HD+ display and a 48MP Quad camera setup. It offers 6GB RAM and 128GB storage, along with a massive 6000mAh battery for extended use. The Exynos 850 processor provides decent performance. However, the HD+ resolution and the absence of a higher refresh rate might not meet the expectations of some users. Specifications of Samsung Galaxy M12: Processor: Exynos 850 Display: 6.5-inch HD+ Camera: 48MP Quad, 8MP Front Battery: 6000mAh RAM: 6GB, Storage: 128GB Reasons to Buy Reasons to Avoid Long battery life Limited processor performance Quad camera setup for versatile photography Also Read: Valentines Day deals: Best gaming smartphones under 35000, top 10 picks Best 3 features for you Product Name Display Size RAM and ROM Cameras Samsung Galaxy M04 6.5-inch HD+ LCD 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage 13MP+2MP Dual, 5MP Front Samsung Galaxy A05 6.7-inch HD+ PLS LCD 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage 50MP Main, 8MP Front Samsung Galaxy M14 5G 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage 50MP Triple, 13MP Front Samsung Galaxy M13 6.6-inch FHD+ LCD 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage 50MP Triple, 8MP Front Samsung Galaxy A13 6.6-inch FHD+ Infinity V Display 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage 50MP Rear, 8MP Front Samsung Galaxy F04 6.5-inch HD Display 4GB RAM, 64GB Storage 13MP+2MP Dual, 5MP Front Samsung Galaxy A05s 6.7-inch FHD+ PLS LCD 4GB RAM, 128GB Storage 50MP Main + 2MP Depth + 2MP Macro, 13MP Front Samsung Galaxy M12 6.5-inch HD+ TFT LCD 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage 48MP Quad, 8MP Front Best value for money The Samsung Galaxy M13 offers the best value for money, with its large 6.6-inch FHD+ display, 50MP triple camera setup, and a massive 6000mAh battery. It provides a balanced combination of features and performance at an affordable price, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious buyers. Best overall product The Samsung Galaxy M14 5G stands out as the best overall product, offering 5G connectivity, a powerful Exynos 1330 processor, and a 50MP triple camera setup. Its large 6.6-inch FHD+ display and long-lasting 6000mAh battery further enhance its appeal, making it a top choice for those seeking a feature-rich smartphone under 15,000. How to find the best Samsung smartphone under 15,000? To find the best Samsung smartphone under 15,000, consider your priorities such as camera quality, battery life, display size, and connectivity options. Look for models with high-resolution cameras if photography is important, or prioritize battery capacity for extended usage. Check for the latest Android versions and user interface features for a smooth experience. Reading reviews and comparing specifications can help you identify a smartphone that offers the right balance of features and performance within your budget. FAQs Question : Do all Samsung smartphones under 15,000 support 5G? Ans : No, not all models support 5G. Check the specifications for 5G connectivity if it's a priority. Question : Can I expand the storage on these Samsung smartphones? Ans : Yes, most models offer expandable storage options via a microSD card. Question : Do these smartphones come with fast charging support? Ans : Some models support fast charging. Check the battery specifications for fast charging capabilities. Question : Are these Samsung smartphones suitable for gaming? Ans : They can handle casual gaming, but for more demanding games, look for models with higher RAM and better processors. Question : Do these smartphones come with a warranty? Ans : Yes, typically, Samsung smartphones come with a 1-year manufacturer warranty for the device. Disclaimer: At Livemint, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Mint has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. Milestone Alert! Livemint tops charts as the fastest growing news website in the world Click here to know more. Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed it's all here, just a click away! Login Now! The council said the teacher has called the student a terrorist on multiple occasions dating back to October. The comments weren't made directly to the student but to a person they were dating at the time. The Ukraine-NATO Council at the level of defense ministers, as well as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, will discuss further support for Ukraine's allies in repelling Russian aggression. The corresponding announcement was made by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at a press conference in Brussels on Wednesday on the eve of the meeting to be held on Thursday, announcing the agenda for the meeting. "This week, we will also hold a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council, And a virtual meeting of the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group. Both of these meetings will focus on our support," he said. According to Stoltenberg, allies continue to help Ukraine move closer to NATO standards from procurement to logistics, as well as continue to make large deliveries of weapons, equipment and ammunition. "This support makes a real difference. With our help, the brave Ukrainians have retaken half of the territory that Russia seized, opened a corridor in the Black Sea, and are inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces," he said. He also welcomed the European Union's recent decision on a new EUR 50 billion aid package and hoped the U.S. Congress would soon follow suit. "This is not charity. It is an investment in our own security," Stoltenberg said. Defense Minister of Ukraine Rustem Umerov announced the beginning of the 19th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group; the meeting was also attended by Head of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Defense Ministry Kyrylo Budanov, and for the first time, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky. According to the Defense Ministry's press service, the meeting of the Ramstein group is being held online. "I will introduce Colonel General Oleksandr Syrsky to our partners this is his first meeting in the Ramstein format as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," Umerov said during the meeting. The minister also said the participants are committed to effective work. "We will focus on increasing defense production, drones and technologies, as well as preparing for both long-term challenges and solving immediate needs. Expect good news," Umerov said. The first time the family of the late Bryonny Sainsbury found out that she could have been saved was in the course of the inquest into her death at Dublin District Coroners Court. Coroner Crona Gallagher returned a verdict of 'medical misadventure', a term referring to death as an unintended result of medical treatment, in the death of the young Newtownforbes woman. We were very shocked, Alison Sainsbury, mother of Bryonny, said when the fact came out during the inquest, We only found out on Tuesday after Professor Donncha O'Brien said that Bryonny could have been saved with the intervention of a medicine. It was like telling us that she died all over again. In his deposition consultant neurosurgeon at Beaumont, Professor Donncha OBrien, told of the care plan he had put in place to be followed in Mullingar Hospital to monitor and treat Bryonny. The inquest outlined a litany of errors that meant key symptoms of her deterioration were missed by medics. The care plan wasn't followed from Beaumont to Mullingar, Alison told the Leader, It was just a catastrophic, all the way along, failure of everyone doing what they should have been doing for her. Having sat through the inquest the bereaved mother spoke of the rollercoaster of inadequate care that was outlined to the coroner. Throughout that process the Sainsbury family were supported by the legal team of Longford solicitor Karen Clabby and Barrister Esther Earley BL. The young woman sustained a traumatic brain injury after being pushed against a wall by a horse. She was brought by ambulance to Mullingar Hospital: Bryonny received really no treatment for the injury she sustained at all, her mum said. After arriving at the Midland's Regional Hospital Mullingar on August 26, 2021 the patient was transferred to Beaumont Hospital on the August 29 after her health deteriorated, where she later died. Since then the family have been unsuccessfully seeking answers to why their daughter died, despite the professional opinion that her situation was salvageable. We've had to wait over two years for this. We haven't got a death certificate yet. You know, it's just a snowball of events, and it doesn't stop, Alison said of the frustrating lack of communication from the HSE about the case. There's no words that I could use to describe the feeling. You can't put it into words, she said, You're angry. You feel sick. You think, 'why couldn't I have done more?' You're putting your trust in the hospital, you're in the hands of the specialists in their field. In the course of the inquest the family listened to details put forward, some of which contradicted their recollections of the events. There were others who spoke out about the care Bryonny received: The only people really that helped Bryonny were the nurses in Mullingar and the neurosurgeon in Beaumont. I take my hat off to Donncha O'Brien, for being such a gentleman and for being so empathetic. You could feel his sincerity in the witness stand. He was traumatised. He said afterwards he couldn't work for a couple of days after he heard about Bryonny. He couldn't believe why she wasn't alive. Of course, then he found out that they hadn't been following the care plan at all, she said. The events of August 2021 were the most harrowing any parent could experience: We had to watch our daughter die in front of our eyes and after asking time and time again, 'why isn't she being transferred?' What more can you do? We were coming up against a brick wall all the time and arrogance, Alison recalled. The verdict of medical misadventure was recorded at the inquest after two days of evidence from over a dozen witnesses. Two and a half years on from the death the family have yet to see a promised review. Bryonny died on the 31st of August (2021), we had a letter the 13th of October saying that they're having a review team put together. They've had that review team put together, and had the review. It's nearly a year since that review and we still haven't seen it. They're coming up with excuse after excuse after excuse not to give it to us. The grieving mother said the heartache can be overwhelming: It continues, it doesn't just stop when you bury your child, she said, You just got to carry on. We've got no choice, have we? In addressing the coroners court, counsel for the Sainsburys claimed the evidence demonstrated that staff in Mullingar failed to keep experts in Beaumont up to date on changes in the patients condition when Ms Sainsbury was vomiting and complaining of the pain in her head. Dr Gallagher's medical misadventure findings are a cold comfort to the family, but Alison wants more: Dr Crona Gallagher, the coroner, was brilliant. She listened to everybody, but you could sometimes see her disbelief of what some people were saying. I hope it brings better communication between the consultants to the SHO (senior house officer) to the registrar to the doctors to the nurses, because not one of them knew that Bryonny had to have a blood test done once a day to check her sodium level, she said. The whole process, from Bryonny's death to the family's search for answers, has had a significant impact on Alison, her husband Chris and the rest of the family: You see the effect as a mum, what it does to your other children, and how it continues to affect them. They're not sleeping, they're remembering stuff all the time, and my husband. This is the first time in his life he's not been out of work, through anxiety and sleep, insomnia, and everything else that goes along with trauma. You're watching all this, trying to keep them safe, and you couldn't, that's the worst thing. The belief that something good can come from the tragedy is a motive for Bryonny's mother: I would like to meet up with other families that have gone through similar experiences to us, because something's got to be done. This cannot keep happening. You see the nurses, they're run off their feet. They have so much responsibility, and that responsibility doesn't seem to go to all levels, that's heartbreaking. Alison's overwhelming sorrow is described when she speaks of the future her daughter lost: We'll never see Bryonny again. She was going places in her business, she was employing people, she loved life. Alison concluded by saying she will continue to fight to get the answers to the question why her daughter died. Local News By Chris Boyle Published: February 14 2024 Bills introduced by Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Senator Monica Martinez will provide funding for sewage treatment and infrastructure. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey were joined today by environmental and labor leaders at a press conference announcing an historic deal that will transform water protection in Suffolk County and pave the way for clean water for future generations. I thank Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Assemblyman Fred Thiele, Senator Monica Martinez all of our environmental and labor leaders for their work to get us to this day, said Romaine. Today we begin rewriting the environmental history of this great County. Only through the work of my colleagues in the legislature and the leadership of Assemblyman Thiele and Senator Monica Martinez could this have been accomplished, said McCaffrey. Clean water is bipartisan issue, one that cannot be affected by politics, and we came together to provide a better environment for this and future generations. The legislation, which has been introduced in Albany, will secure a funding means to provide money for both sewage infrastructure and I/A systems for private homes. The money will be generated by a .0.125% sales tax increase, which is subject to a referendum vote in November 2024. We now go to the people so their voices will be heard, said Romaine. They will have the chance to say yes or no. The I/A systems will remove other nitrogen and other contaminants before they taint drinking water. Sewage infrastructure allows more homes to be connected to sewage treatment facilities, eliminating the use of outdated cesspools. Im proud to take a significant step in safeguarding our region's vital water resources by sponsoring the Suffolk County Water Restoration Act, said NYS Senator Monica Martinez. The urgency to restore and protect clean water is a cause that unites Long Islanders. As an island our environment, quality of life, and economy are intricately linked. I am honored to sponsor the Suffolk Water Restoration Act once again, providing Suffolk County residents the opportunity to exercise their right to vote on a measure that profoundly impacts them and future generations. This legislation reinforces my commitment to empowering local residents in addressing environmental challenges. "The Nature Conservancy is thrilled that a landmark agreement has been reached to restore clean water to Suffolk County. Clean water is essential for public health, recreation, and quality of life. The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act will enable us to modernize wastewater infrastructure and repair local bays and harbors, said Kevin McDonald, policy advisor for The Nature Conservancy in New York. We appreciate the dedication and leadership of Governor Hochul, Senator Martinez, Assemblymember Theile, County Executive Romaine, and Presiding Officer McCaffrey. Their commitment to improving water quality will allow Suffolk County voters to choose a clean water future this November. Suffolk Countys future is dependent upon our ability to successfully manage our wastewater. We know how to do it, but we need the funding! Establishing a reliable funding mechanism is imperative to replace antiquated septic and cesspool systems as well as aging sewer infrastructure. This program will change our futures outlook from bleak to bright. We are so thankful for the leadership of County Executive Ed Romaine, and Presiding Officer Legislator McCaffrey, who worked with environmental groups and labor to craft a program that will benefit every Suffolk County resident, said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment "We commend Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for his leadership and for coming together with the Suffolk County Legislature on a plan to restore clean and healthy water our most precious resource to the county, said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. Residents have suffered from nitrogen-polluted water for far too long and we look forward to working with Senator Martinez and Assemblymember Thiele to move the Suffolk County water bill through the state legislature as soon as possible." Crime By Chris Boyle Published: February 14 2024 According to court documents, Obinna Nwafor, 50, engaged in a scheme to obtain various pandemic loans using the identities of others who were unaware of this activity. A New York man was sentenced yesterday to 42 months in prison for his role in a fraudulent scheme to obtain pandemic benefits using the stolen identities of at least 20 other people. According to court documents, Obinna Nwafor, 50, engaged in a scheme to obtain various pandemic loans using the identities of others who were unaware of this activity. In September 2020, L.H., a resident of Norfolk who also serves as a judge on the Norfolk Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, received a statement from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) at her home address, indicating that she owed a payment on a loan received under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). L.H. reported this information to law enforcement, which led to the investigation in this case. Further investigation revealed that an application for an EIDL loan in the amount of $150,000 had been submitted to the SBA in August 2020, using L.H.s name and other confidential personal identifiers, including her Social Security number, date of birth, address, and phone number. Loan documents were electronically signed in L.H.s name, and loan proceeds in the amount of $149,900 were disbursed to an account that did not belong to L.H and was controlled by Nwafor. After this information came to light, further investigation revealed several related EIDL loans fraudulently obtained by Nwafor, including a $150,000 loan obtained in Virginia resident K.G.s name. Like L.H., K.G.s Social Security number, date of birth, address, and phone number had been used on the loan application. Similarly, K.G. had not applied for an EIDL loan or authorized anyone to apply for a loan on her behalf. Within days of the loan proceeds disbursement, Nwafor moved the funds to other accounts he controlled, including an account held jointly with his spouse, a bank account held in the name of a Nigerian entity in which Nwafor held an interest, and nearly $75,000 to an account belonging to a romance fraud victim, who had been misled as to the origin of the funds. Further investigation also revealed that Nwafor had received approximately $300,000 in pandemic-related unemployment benefits in the names of at least eighteen other people. Those funds had been deposited into approximately six different bank accounts owned and controlled by Nwafor. When Nwafor was told by Wells Fargo that these funds were being returned to the originating state unemployment offices, Nwafor frantically worked with other individuals in an attempt to convince the bank not to return the funds. Jessica D. Aber, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General of Virginia; Brian Dugan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Norfolk Field Office; Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division; and Troy W. Springer, Special Agent in Charge, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young. Austin: Ukraine will not surrender, and neither will we The United States will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against the imperial aggression, United States Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III has said during a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format on Wednesday. "When [Russian President Vladimir] Putin launched his unjust and unprovoked war of choice, he was betting that Ukraine would fall. But he could not have been more wrong. Ukraine fought this invasion with an incredible courage and phenomenal skill," he said. The U.S. Secretary of Defense also said the Kremlin keeps betting that Ukraine will lose the support of all its partners. He emphasized that the support of the Unites States and all other members of the coalition remains unwavering. "But I am more determined than ever, and I know that you are as well. This contact group remains resolute, undaunted and firm. The United States continues to stay in force with Ukraine, and America will continue to support Ukraine's principal fight against Putin's imperial aggression," Austin said. "Ukraine will not surrender, and neither will we," he said. Grand Duchys saw a 6% drop in its carbon footprint in the third quarter of last year Luxembourg in EUs top 10 for drop in emissions in third quarter Steam and smoke seen at a power plant in Gelsenkirchen, Germany Steam and smoke seen at a power plant in Gelsenkirchen, Germany Photo credit: AP Steam and smoke seen at a power plant in Gelsenkirchen, Germany Photo credit: AP Luxembourg was among the EUs top 10 countries for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the third quarter of last year, propelled by a slowdown in economic growth, the blocs official statistics agency Eurostat said on Wednesday. The Grand Duchys carbon footprint fell 6% in the third quarter of 2023, putting in the EUs top 10 for reducing emissions. Estonia was the blocs top performer, with emissions down 30%, and double-digit cuts for Bulgaria and Germany. On average, EU countries reduced their emissions by 7%. A total of 11 countries - including Luxembourg - which recorded a cut in their emissions also saw a decline in their GDP during the same period, according to Eurostat data. Luxembourg met a 2021 target to reduce its carbon footprint, emitting the equivalent of more than 8 million tonnes of CO2 that year. That was 1.3% below the carbon budget allocated for that year under the countrys national energy and climate plan, which all EU member countries had to submit to the European Commission, to show how they would meet a target to cut emissions by 55% by 2030. The carbon budget sets out the amount of emissions a country can emit that year to comply with its environmental targets. The overall slump in 2021, however, was driven by emissions cuts in transport that outperformed the target. In industry, emissions were more than 30% above the allocated carbon budget. The government has not yet presented its CO2 performance for 2022. The 2021 assessment was published in March 2023. Carbon tax to cut emissions In January, Luxembourgs carbon tax rose to 35, under a plan approved by parliament before Christmas, and will continue to increase each year to reach 45 by 2026. A carbon tax was a central element of 2020 legislation, aimed at steering consumers away from fossil fuel, when Luxembourgs parliament adopted a law to reduce emissions by 55% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. The primary goal is to reduce the sale of road fuels and thereby cut the emissions from transport, which is responsible for around two-thirds of all CO2 emissions in Luxembourg. Last week, the EU commission presented a draft recommendation for a new European climate target for 2040, proposing a reduction in emissions of at least 90% compared to 1990. Luxembourgs government last year increased the stakes under a review of the national energy and climate plan, raising a target to increase the share of renewables from 11% in 2020 to 35-37% by 2030, up from a previous target of 25%. By 2030, Luxembourg should emit just 4.5 million tonnes of CO2 under the plan, down from 10.1 million in 2005. During the pandemic lockdown year 2020, emissions fell to 7.7 million tonnes. (Additional reporting by Cordula Schnuer) I love my life in Luxembourg but I cant help but feel guilty for not being able to help my elderly parents back in my home country Our experts are here to answer questions sent in by readers. If you have a question on work and careers, family and relationships or personal finance, send your question via the form below. The question: I am an expat in Luxembourg and my parents still live in my home country. They are getting older and I see that they are less able to manage on their own. I feel really guilty that I do not live near them to help them out. In my culture, children help their elderly parents and often the parents move in with their children. My life is here now, my own family, my friends, I have a good job and I am really happy here. I know I would not be happy if I went back. But how can I help them from here? And how can I forgive myself for not being present? Laura Foxs answer: You sound happy living in Luxembourg with your family but understandably challenged by not being closer to your parents as they get older. Have you talked directly with your parents about how living in Luxembourg has changed things and asked them how they feel about it? If not, maybe they want you to continue to live your life fully, regardless of their age and location, and dont feel as bad about the situation as you do. Or are they saying things that make you feel guilty or question your decisions? Maybe these factors are influencing your feelings and are worth exploring. As well as considering those questions, here are some other steps you could take. Being clear on your parents specific needs can guide your decisions on how best to help them from afar. You could combine routine videocalls with setting up a system of help such as organising a cleaner, meal or food delivery, automatic bill payments or ensuring they are part of a community with regular social outings. Having a setup that is reviewed regularly is important and may ease feelings of guilt. Its important to remember that emotional support, even if through daily phone calls, can make a real difference. Being in touch with your parents friends and neighbours can be helpful too. Are there other family members who are still in your home country, and do they also share the load, or could it be improved? Also there may be background factors such as your childhood role in the family which are complicating todays issues, and if so, these could be worth reflecting on. Perhaps you no longer need to play that role. Planning in advance to see your parents is likely to help offset the distance and could be something to look forward to. Depending on the age of your kids, you may find they can also contribute to your parents happiness, by speaking regularly and sharing details of their daily lives, or if older, by making independent trips to see your parents. This contact from multiple family members can reduce your personal load. Lastly you mention, in your culture, parents often move in with their children. Exploring this with other expats specifically from different cultures could give you contrasting perspectives and ideas on how they handle being separated from their parents. Reflecting on what youre grateful for in Luxembourg, in discussion with others who are happy here, may ease the challenges of distance. Laura Fox is a counsellor and mindfulness specialist working in Belair, Luxembourg City. Originally from Australia, she specialises in treating anxiety, depression, burnout, parenting and relationship issues, and trauma. She holds a bachelor and diploma in psychology along with a master in teaching mindfulness. If you want to ask a question to one of our experts, send us your question below. Questions are published anonymously. This information is provided for guidance only and does not claim to be exhaustive. For personalised advice, we recommend that you seek in-person guidance from a qualified professional who will be able to analyse your personal situation in full. Apples original smart speaker, the HomePod, first went on sale in February 2018, followed by the HomePod mini in November 2020. The original HomePod was then discontinued in March 2021, only for Apple to reintroduce the larger speaker in January 2023, indicating that it wasnt done with the smart speaker market yet. And now, rumors are heating up about another update to the HomePod coming: a HomePod with a screen. The rumor that Apple intends to launch a new HomePod equipped with a screen and combining features from other Apple devices isnt a new one. Bloombergs Mark Gurman wrote about Apples plans for a HomePod with a screen back in 2021 when he suggested that Apple was developing new speakers with screens and cameras. He also suggested that a product that combines the Apple TV and HomePod could be on the way. Read on to find out whats in store for the HomePod and how Apple is improving its speaker, with rumors indicating that the next model may be larger, feature a screen, and offer the ability to host conference calls. Spring 2024 launch is possible. Bloombergs Mark Gurman first spoke of Apples plans for a HomePod with a screen back in March 2021. At the time he claimed that the launch was not imminent. He even warned that the new product might never hit the market. However, over the months and years since that first report, the evidence has been mounting that there is an Apple HomePod with a display in the pipeline. A Bloomberg report from Mark Gurman back in May 2021 briefly mentioned Apples plans to so sell hybrid HomePod products. And in April 2022 Gurman referred to these plans again, stating that Apple is absolutely still working on a new HomePod, which Gurman says will combine a HomePod, Apple TV, and FaceTime camera into a single combination product will probably be at the center of Apples approach. As time has passed more and more evidence that such a device is in the works at Apple has emerged, and now it looks like we could be seeing something very soon. The latest evidence that such a product is coming was found in the tvOS 17.4 beta in February 2024. The third beta version of tvOS 17.4 references a device codenamed Z314 that features an A15 chip and runs tvOS. Both the HomePod and Apple TV already run tvOS. According to a 9to5Mac report, hangtracerd (which is used to debug unresponsive UIs) has also been added to the HomePod version of tvOS 17.4, a big indication that there will be a HomePod with a display. tvOS 17.5 could arrive as soon as March 6, 2024. Apple could be set to hold a spring Apple Event in late March or April. In October 2023 there was yet more evidence of such a device when Kotsutami posted (in a now-deleted tweet) an image of what they claimed to be a prototype of the next HomePod with different glass for the display at the top (which could be used as a touchscreen). An Engineering build HomePod frameshell with a completely different glass on top- its set for touchscreen, with black bezel The design of shell is similar to HomePod 2nd gens, not the 1st genit stands might decided add for 2s but not at last, OR its next generation pic.twitter.com/W5zRIVGPiK Kosutami (@KosutamiSan) October 21, 2023 9to5Mac claimed to have sources that verified Kotsutamis pictures as legitimate. That site also reported that the codename of the HomePod is B720, and that Apple is using a version of tvOS with rewritten Apple Music and Podcasts apps that are suited to the display of the prototype HomePod which could show colors based on the album art while audio is playing, and show notifications. Back in March 2023 analyst Ming-Chi Kuo also wrote about Apples smart-home plans. He indicated that Apple will unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel in 1H24, and that this device could enable tighter integration with Apples other hardware products. Kuo gives the expected release date for the HomePod with a screen as the first half of 2024. HomePod with screen: Why we need one Apples HomePod relies on voice control via Siri or AirPlay control via an iPhone or iPad. Using Siri to control HomePod music playback can be frustrating and overly complex thanks to the feeling that you need to know exactly which instructions to give to get Siri to, for example, skip a track. Those who prefer a visual interface may use their iPhone to control music playback on their HomePod, with the benefit of being able to tap to Favourite a track, view track information and lyrics, control volume and more. One disadvantage of using the iPhone to control the HomePod is the need to have an AirPlay connection, which can lead to battery drain. If Apple added song title and album name, skip and a favourite button to the display that would make the HomePod infinitely more useable. Even better if we could view the lyrics too. HomePod with a screen: Price If Apple does launch a HomePod with a screen it will help the HomePod compete with devices from Google and Amazon which have combined a speaker with a screen for some time, such as the Amazon Echo Show. But it will need to be priced favorably to compete in that market. You can buy the Echo Show 10 on Amazon U.S. for $249.99 or Amazon U.K. for 259.99 and the Echo Show 15 on Amazon U.S. for $239.99 or Amazon U.K. for 239.99.) The standard HomePod currently costs $299/299 while the HomePod mini costs $99/99. If Apple adds a screen to the standard HomePod and removes the current model from sale we could see a similar $299/299 price point. There may be a longer wait before the screen comes to the HomePod mini. HomePod with screen: Design According to Ming-Chi Kuo in March 2023, Apple will unveil a redesigned HomePod featuring a 7-inch panel in 2024. Thats not much smaller than the iPad mini, which has an 8.3-inch display. (Incidentally, an update to the iPad mini is expected in 2023). This tallies with what Gurman originally suggested in April 2021. He described a high-end speaker with a touch screen that would combine an iPad with a HomePod speaker and a camera mounted on a robotic arm that could follow the user around the room during a video chat. The screen would also offer multi-touch functionality. To get an idea of how this could look we need only look at the Amazon Echo Show 10, which combines a display that moves automatically with Amazons speaker. The Echo Show 10 costs $249.99 / 259.99. The Echo Show 10 has a screen attached to a speaker. Apple might do something similar with the HomePod. Foundry / Jim Martin Swiss website Handy Abovergleich and designer Eric Huismann have created a series of concept illustrations of how this new generation of HomePod could look. They have come up with concept designs for two separate devices: the HomePod TV (a mixture of the HomePod and the Apple TV) and the HomePod Show (a HomePod with a touchscreen display). Heres how they imagine the HomePod Showa speaker with a camera and a touchscreencould look. HomePod with screen: Specs and features We dont know much about what the HomePod with a display will look like, but heres what we expect in terms of specs and features for the new device: Processor The HomePod that launched in January 2023 featured the same S7 chip as the Apple Watch Series 7. We expect that a HomePod with a screen will use a more powerful processor, perhaps the same A15 chip as the iPad mini. Camera The new HomePod could feature a camera, as is rumored in the Bloomberg piece from 2021. With a camera incorporated into the HomePod, it would be possible to participate in a video conference using FaceTime without an iPhone or iPad. A camera could also be used to recognize gestures. Some years ago a patent was filed that related to a future HomePod that could interpret 3D hand gestures. That patent describes a HomePod that can interpret three-dimensional hand gestures as a means of controlling the device so as to execute an action or function. Multi-touch display Were hoping that Apple will give us something that will compete with the Echo Show, so we can view YouTube videos and use apps on the new hybrid device. Perhaps we wont get the display we are hoping for, but a more interactive display than the one we have currently would be great. Wed like to see more than just volume controls and a Siri animation. Will Apple combine HomePod and Apple TV? A Bloomberg report from Gurman back in April 2021 discussed Apples plans for two future Apple products which do seem to indicate that Apple was at least considering making a HomePod with a screen. These rumored products included: A product that fuses the HomePod and Apple TV with a camera that could be used for video conferencing via the TV screen. A product that combines a smart speaker with a touch screen it could combine an iPad with a HomePod and mount a camera on a robotic arm that could actually follow the user around the room during a video chat. Combining the HomePod and Apple TV does look like something that is being investigated by Apple. The Bloomberg report above mentions it, but that wasnt the first indication that something like this was planned. In April 2020 it emerged that Apple had switched the software on the HomePod from iOS to tvOS. Such a move could make it even easier to merge those products in the future. Whats less obvious is what Apple would achieve by combining the HomePod and Apple TV, those looking for audio improvements can already use the HomePod as the audio output of their Apple TV. Swiss website Handy Abovergleich did come up with an illustration of how this might look (above). They call this one the HomePod TVthe bar under the TV becomes not only the hub for TV, internet, and smart devices but also a sound system with support for standards such as Dolby Atmos and Apple Lossless. For more ideas about how Apple might reinvent the HomePod read: How the HomePod can be Apples new iPod: Fun, popular, and simple. Plus, Could Apples rumored HomePod actually be a tiny Studio Display? and Why Apple needs a HomePod with a screen. 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. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with representatives of the defense industry, government officials and servicemen, following which the head of state ordered the creation of "a comprehensive system that would unite the army and industry." "I held a meeting with the government, military and defense industry representatives in order to provide our soldiers with new modern weapons against enemy reconnaissance drones. Orlan or ZALA above the frontline are the eyes of the Russian artillery forces and attack drones. Ukraine has a solution that can make them blind. We need to introduce a system approach from identification to effective use of electronic warfare and means of destruction," the president said on the Telegram channel on Wednesday. Zelenskyy also said that he "ordered to create a comprehensive system that would unite the army and industry. So that manufacturers can know for sure the needs of the front, and the army production capabilities in all regions." The head of state emphasized that the front requires quick response to the challenges and threats. "We have to do everything to protect the main thing we have on the battlefield the lives of our soldiers," Zelenskyy said. Editors note: This story contains a description of the abuse and death of a child and could be disturbing to some readers. Forensic results and investigative work by New Hampshire law enforcement were at the center of the ongoing murder trial of Adam Montgomery at Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Wednesday. Boston City Council will consider congestion pricing as a way to tame traffic and to reduce the number of car trips in the city, but theres no word yet on what that measure might entail. City Councilor Tania Fernandes Anderson filed a hearing order at Wednesdays council meeting to discuss the possibility of congestion pricing, which would charge drivers entering the busiest parts of the city. She said the program could be used to cut down on traffic and encourage people to instead take public transportation. As we all know, Boston is a popular tourist destination, a city where many people who live outside of it drive into it for work or to shop and more, she said at the meeting. While these are all important things that helped to make our city what it is, the vast numbers of vehicles entering our city can also negatively impact the quality of life of our residents. New York City has approved a congestion pricing program, the first city in the United States to do so. But the program has not yet been implemented. There, revenue from the program will be used to fund improvements to public transit. While the tolls have not been finalized, a review board recommended in November that the toll for passenger vehicles entering Manhattan would be $15 once per day. The idea of replicating New Yorks program has already drawn criticism from residents, including the Massachusetts Republican Party, which released a statement Wednesday saying the plan would only exacerbate the high cost of living in the Boston area. Implementing a congestion charge would directly impact Boston residents reliant on commuting to work by car. ... Such a measure is unsustainable and unfair, particularly for individuals compelled to drive in and out of the city for work purposes daily, MassGOP Chairperson Amy Carnevale said. Additionally, Boston hosts several leading hospitals in Massachusetts. For individuals undergoing cancer treatment, accessing essential healthcare could result in substantial costs. We must adopt a realistic perspective on automobiles. Fernandes Anderson acknowledged that a similar program in Boston would not be popular with all residents. She emphasized that she only wished to start a conversation about the idea to see what would work here. She said the city would especially need to be cognizant of the effects of congestion pricing on marginalized residents who would find it more difficult to move away from driving because of access or financial difficulties. We cannot necessarily force policies or implementation of practices that essentially disenfranchise or isolate those who are not prepared to transition into a different lifestyle, she said. I am of the mindset that we as a city should use the tax dollars, our constituent resources, to invest in transitioning populations ... especially of marginalized backgrounds to be able to get them to a place where transportation is an option. Asked by Councilor Ed Flynn whether congestion pricing would be applied city-wide or in targeted areas, such as downtown, Fernandes Anderson said she didnt know yet and repeated that it would take conversations with the community to determine what a potential program would look like. The Planning, Development and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on the proposal at a later date. Also at Wednesdays City Council meeting, Councilor Ben Weber withdrew a resolution he had filed earlier that would have declared the citys support for a negotiated ceasefire in Gaza. While he emphasized that he personally supported a ceasefire in the region, he said he had received feedback that the language in his resolution would cause more division and that he wished to hold further conversations with stakeholders before moving forward. I support a ceasefire because I believe in peace and because I believe that we as a body can recognize the suffering of both Israelis and Palestinians. We can call for a return of the hostages in conjunction with a ceasefire and distribution of humanitarian aid and medical care to people in Gaza, Weber said. I hope we can continue to talk so we can stand up for all Bostonians, support peace and call out hate in all its forms. John Wesley Young III was last heard from on Nov. 22, 2023, and Boston police said they were working hard to find him. But on Tuesday, his family informed MassLive that he had been found dead in Dorchester Bay following a months-long investigation they had felt was negligent. During the nearly two and a half months the 57-year-old South Boston resident was missing, police told Youngs family little about their investigation into his disappearance, were dismissive when they asked questions and waited over a month to post an inaccurate public alert about his case, the family said. Theyre giving us the run around and theyre telling us they cant give us information, Youngs niece, Jenneille Georges, said prior to the discovery of his body. It feels like they dont know what theyre doing, and this is someones life and someones family whos being affected. The family now has some answers, but they come after weeks of emotional turmoil and doubts about how seriously authorities were taking their loved ones case. Boston police spokesperson Sgt. John Boyle declined to comment on the departments interactions with Youngs family prior to the discovery of his body. Who was John Wesley Young III? Young worked as a commercial bus driver in the Boston area, according to his family. His wife, Carmen Lopes, described her husband as a sensitive, caring person who often did selfless things like stopping his car to offer a homeless person food. Read more: Missing Boston man was last seen before Thanksgiving Young was a funny but respectful man who enjoyed cracking jokes and watching movies, Georges said. He was very family-oriented and the kind of person you could talk to about anything. He loves to help the elders in our family if they need anything, she said. They need grocery shopping? He does it for them. If they need a ride, he does it for them. How Young was reported missing Lopes said she and Young were separated but still close. She last heard from him on Nov. 21 when they spoke about hanging out on Nov. 24 for her birthday. But come the day of, she heard nothing from him. Thats when she knew something was wrong, she said. One of Youngs family members reported him missing soon after, but there was a mix-up with the information they provided to police, Lopes said. So on Dec. 4, the family went down to a police station and reported him missing, making clear to police that they felt his disappearance was suspicious. Afterwards, Lopes said prior to the discovery of Youngs body, detectives were not communicative with her. She spoke to a detective on Dec. 18, but many emails she sent to police over the last few months went unanswered. The next time Lopes spoke to a detective was in mid-January, she said. She claimed this was a different detective from the one she originally spoke to, and that he called her to get Youngs contact information, which left her feeling dismayed. Could race be a factor? Youngs family believes race may have played into the way Boston police have handled his case, Georges said prior to the discovery of his body. We feel its definitely not a priority for the police because hes a Black man, she said. It took me begging them to post his missing person flyer on their website after a month of being missing. Despite Young being reported missing under suspicious circumstances in December, Boston police did not alert the public of his disappearance until Jan. 15. Additionally, the original bulletin did not include his last name at all, and instead referred to his middle name as his last name. Police corrected this part of the bulletin on Jan. 29 after MassLive alerted them of the issue, but the alert still includes a typo in which Young is misgendered. Boyle declined to offer an explanation as to why the alert about Youngs disappearance was issued when it was, but said missing person bulletins are issued based on how the department is handling each individual case. This means the alerts may be issued differently from case to case. Other cases similar to Youngs The delay with the bulletin was eerily reminiscent of the case of East Boston resident Reina Morales Rojas, whose disappearance was not publicized by police until January 2023 even though she went missing in November 2022. Rojas, a Salvadoran immigrant and mother of two, is still missing. Rojas family has also accused Boston police of not doing enough to find their loved one, and described a similar experience to that of Youngs family to The Boston Globe last year. MassLive has also reported on other cases where the families of missing people of color have accused police of inaction, such as that of Donald Sampson. Read more: East Boston resident Reina Rojas has been missing for a year In response to Boston polices handling of Rojas case, six Boston city councilors wrote a letter last year accusing the department of continuing a nationwide pattern of police forces working with less urgency on missing person cases involving women of color than on missing person cases involving white women. Notably, despite Black people making up only 13.6% of the population, they were heavily overrepresented among missing persons cases, making up about 35% of active cases at the end of 2022, according to FBI data. Missing persons cases involving people of color are also often misclassified due to being labelled or associated with criminal activity, Black and Missing Foundations co-founder Derrica Wilson told MassLive in 2021. If this was a caucasian woman, the case would have been treated 100% differently, Georges said prior to the discovery of Youngs body. Missing persons cases involving white women have also been found to get significantly more media attention than others a phenomena known as Missing White Woman Syndrome. A 2022 review of media coverage of missing people by Columbia Journalism Review found that Black people accounted for 22% of the missing people in their data, but just 13% of the news stories they collected, MassLive reported previously. Meanwhile, white people made up 47% of the missing person cases, but were featured in 70% of the stories. What could have happened to Young? In the absence of updates on Youngs case from police, his family did some digging of their own on public websites. They soon discovered that his car was towed on Dec. 29 after police found it abandoned in Bostons Dorchester neighborhood a fact MassLive was able to verify. Lopes found this troubling, as Dorchester isnt a Boston neighborhood her husband often visits, she said. More troubling was that police told her that when they investigated his home, they found it in general disarray, with dishes and clothes left out. This was completely unlike him, she said. The family also called jails, hospitals, behavioral health centers and detox centers any place Young might be confined to to try to locate him, but came up empty, Georges said. At one point, detectives tried to convince them that Young may be purposefully avoiding his family, she said, but the family thought that was unlikely. Hes a very social person and hes not really a recluse, and so this isnt really like him to just go off the grid and not speak to anyone, she said prior to the discovery of Youngs body. We come from a really social family. We try to talk a lot. We hang out a lot. Both Lopes and Georges said Young had never gone missing like this before. I have no idea what happened to him, Lopes said. Boyle declined to provide MassLive with any details on the investigation into Youngs disappearance, but said detectives have taken his case seriously from the start. Youngs body discovered Youngs family informed MassLive that his body had been found in Dorchester Bay Tuesday evening. Authorities have not confirmed whether it was his body that was found in the Neponset River in Milton on Tuesday, but many details about the body previously released by the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office match Youngs case. Along with the body, investigators found items that matched that of a missing man in his 50s from Suffolk County who was reported missing by his family in December, the district attorneys office said. Additionally, the office said, the body appeared to have been in the water for an extended period of time. The Neponset River empties into Dorchester Bay. Authorities responded to 2 Granite Ave. to investigate the body after being alerted of its presence around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, the Norfolk District Attorneys Office said previously. An autopsy will be conducted by the Chief Medical Examiners Office to investigate the mans manner and cause of death as early as Wednesday. Anyone with information about Youngs disappearance or death is urged to call police at 617-343-5619 or submit a tip anonymously by calling 1-800-494-TIPS. A Boston gang member pleaded guilty on Monday to charges in connection with his activity as part of the violent gang Cameron Street, Acting United States Attorney Joshua Levys office announced. Daronde Bethea, aka Freeze, 32, of Boston and Brockton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, known as RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was previously indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2022. Betheas a member of Cameron Street, described in a statement from Levys office as a violent gang based in Dorchester. Members use violence, whether it is murder or attempted murder, to protect and expand their territory. The gang uses social media to promote itself, celebrate murders and other violent crimes while also denigrating rival gangs, Levys office said. Cameron Street also possess, carry and use guns, sell drugs, commit armed robberies and take part in human trafficking to generate income. Bethea committed an attempted murder using a gun on a rival gang member in Dorchester in June 2018, Levys office said. When the other gang member entered his car, Bethea shot him several times, causing him to have a collapsed lung. Bethea was also in connection with two violent home invasion robberies in November 2017 in Dorchester and in July 2018 in Canton, Levys office said. Betheas image was caught on a police dash-cam during a chase from the Canton home. The handgun seen in the police dash-cam images was later recovered by law enforcement. The charge of RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The body of a South Boston man who was last heard from in November has been found in Dorchester Bay, according to his family. John Wesley Young III, 57, was last seen the day before Thanksgiving and was reported missing by his family soon after. Read more: Missing Boston man was last seen before Thanksgiving Authorities have not confirmed whether it was Youngs body that was found in the Neponset River in Milton on Tuesday, but many details about the body previously released by the Norfolk County District Attorneys Office match Youngs case. Along with the body, investigators found items that matched that of a missing man in his 50s from Suffolk County who was reported missing by his family in December, the district attorneys office said. Additionally, the office said, the body appeared to have been in the water for an extended period of time. The Neponset River empties into Dorchester Bay. On Tuesday, authorities responded to 2 Granite Ave. to investigate the body after being alerted of its presence around 9 a.m., the Norfolk District Attorneys Office said previously. An autopsy will be conducted by the Chief Medical Examiners Office to investigate the mans manner and cause of death as early as Wednesday. Young was mistakenly referred to by his middle name in Boston polices public alert about his disappearance. It was corrected on Jan. 29 after MassLive informed them of the issue. Read more: Family of missing Boston man found dead were frustrated with investigators The bulletin was issued in mid-January over a month after he was reported missing. Prior to the discovery of Youngs body, his family expressed frustrations with investigators over their handling of the case, going as far as calling it negligent. They told MassLive that they believed his disappearance wasnt being taken seriously and that they wanted police to do more to find him. A man accused of killing his girlfriend, leaving her body at Logan Airport and fleeing to Kenya has been rearrested there, nearly week after he escaped from jail, the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office confirmed Wednesday morning. Kevin Kangethe, 40, escaped while awaiting extradition on a Massachusetts murder warrant alleging that he killed 31-year-old Whitman resident Margaret Mbitu and left her body in a car at the Boston airport. Last week he slipped out of a police station and jumped into a privately owned minivan. With this suspects recapture we are once again on track to seek justice for Margaret Mbitu and her family. It is our hope that Kevin Kangethes return to Boston will proceed in a timely manner and without further incident, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement. Kangethe was arrested in Embulbul, Kajiado County on the outskirts of Kenyas capital city on Tuesday evening as he sought refuge at one of his relatives homes, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei said. We have rearrested him and we thank all that helped in this, he said. Read more: Murder suspect Kevin Kangethe escapes police in Kenya days after arrest In a country where corruption endemic and the police force has been ranked for decades the most corrupt institution in the country, Kangethes escape raised suspicion the police officers on duty that day may have been bribed to allow his escape. The four officers who were on duty at the report office that day have been suspended awaiting disciplinary action and may face prosecution. The officers report seen by the Associated Press said that on the day Kangethe escaped, a man named John Maina Ndegwa introduced himself to the officers as Kangethes lawyer and said he wanted to speak with his client. The officers agreed to his request and removed the prisoner from the cells and took him to (an) office ... leaving them there. After a short while the prisoner escaped by running away and left the (lawyer) behind, the report said. Officers pursued Kangethe but did not catch him, the police report said, adding that Ndegwa was arrested. Kangethe had been detained pending a ruling on whether he should be extradited to face a first-degree murder charge in connection with Mbitus death on Oct. 31, 2023. Massachusetts State Police said in early November that Kangethe had left her body in a car at Logan International Airport and boarded a flight to Kenya. Massachusetts officials said they were working with Kenyan authorities to locate him, and he was arrested in a nightclub on Jan. 30 after being on the run for three months. A police official told the AP that Kangethe said he had renounced his U.S. citizenship. The police official, who insisted on anonymity in order speak freely about an ongoing investigation, said if Kangethe were an American citizen he would have been repatriated without a court process. The court approved a police application for him to be detained for 30 days while the extradition issue was heard. Read more: Body found at parking garage at Boston Logan Airport prompts investigation Mbitu, who worked as a health care aide in Halifax, was last seen leaving work Oct. 30 and reported missing by her family. The preliminary investigation showed Mbitu had left her workplace and traveled with Kangethe to Lowell, where he lived, the prosecution said. Canada to allocate about $44 mln to Ukraine to support F-16 sustainable capabilities Canadian Minister of National Defense Bill Blair, during his participation in the 19th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), announced the allocation of CAD 60 million (about $44 million) to support the sustainable capabilities of F-16 fighters. "At today's meeting, Minister Blair announced that Canada will make a new contribution of $60 million to the UDCG Air Force Capability Coalition. This donation will support the setup of a sustainable F-16 fighter aircraft capability in Ukraine. Specifically, the funds will help source vitally needed F-16 supplies and equipment such as spare parts, weapons stations, avionics, and ammunition," the Canadian government website reported. It is indicated that this contribution builds on Canada's previously announced support for the F-16 Training Coalition for Ukraine. Last month, Canada announced that it would participate in two Capability Coalitions, namely the Air Force Capability Coalition and the Armour Capability Coalition. State and local police are actively searching for a 48-year-old Fall River man charged with sexually abusing a child after the man did not show up for the start of his jury trial in Fall River Superior Court on Monday, the Bristol County District Attorneys office said. Scott Fontaine had been scheduled to appear for his superior court trial on Monday morning for his indictments charging him with indecent assault and battery on a person under the age of 14, in addition to posing or exhibiting a naked child, and possession of child sex abuse material, the office said. Fontaine had previously posted his $10,000 cash bail as his case was pending, and was ordered to appear in court for the start of the criminal trial on Feb. 12. A warrant was issued for his arrest by a judge after he did not appear in court. Prosecutors said both local and State Police have not been able to find the child sex abuse suspect as of midday Tuesday. The district attorneys office has asked if anyone has any information on Fontaines whereabouts to call Fall River Police at 508-676-8511. Anonymous calls can be made to Fall River Police at 508-676-8511, or by using District Attorney Tom Quinns anonymous text-a-tip program by texting the word Bristol to the phone number CRIMES (274637). According to the National Registry of Sex Offenders, Fontaine is registered Level 3 and had been previously convicted on similar charges. A New Bedford man was arrested Wednesday at Logan Internation Aiport in Boston in connection with the shooting of a New Bedford police detective in 2023, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn IIIs office announced. Massachusetts State Police and New Bedford police arrested Denzel Gomes, 18, after his flight from Portugal landed, Quinns office said in a statement. Gomes was indicted in September on the charges of armed assault to murder, attempted assault and battery with a firearm, assault and battery with a firearm, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury and carrying an illegal firearm. The shooting took place at the intersection of Orchard and Rivet streets on July 17, 2023, injuring New Bedford Police Detective Lavar Gilbert and another person, Quinns office said. An extensive grand jury investigation into the shooting resulted in the Sept. 28, 2023, indictment, the district attorney continued. Once the indictment was returned, Gomes had left the United States. With the assistance of the US Marshals, agents with the US Customs and Border Protection and ATF agents, investigators identified and located the defendant boarding a flight today bound for Boston, Quinns office said. The defendant was arrested in Boston without incident. Gomes is scheduled to be arraigned in Fall River Superior Court Friday morning. I would like to thank the efforts of law enforcement agencies on the federal level who we worked closely with, including US Customs and Border Protection, the US Marshals and the ATF, for their persistence and follow through in helping us locate the defendant, Quinn said in the statement. I am pleased he has now been arrested and apprehended for this violent and lawless shooting that seriously injured detective Gilbert and injured another person. On the drive down to Washington, D.C., a Framingham man predicted pandemonium on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol building. I dont care what happens as long as Trump maintains his presidency. I have a feeling its going to be mayhem, chaos, and pandemonium, Thomas Method, 57, said in a TikTok video he recorded of himself, according to federal authorities. Method was arrested on Wednesday on felony and misdemeanor charges related to the Capitol Hill breach while Congress convened to count the electoral votes of the 2020 presidential election, according to U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves for the District of Columbia. Methods arrest brings the total tally of people arrested by the FBI Boston division to 36 from Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. He is charged with a felony offense of obstructing an official proceeding and several misdemeanor offenses, including knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority and disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds. In the TikTok video, Method reportedly said, Hopefully the strength in numbers and this movement will get more Senators on board, and we can overthrow this fraud like I have never seen before in my life. Method attended former President Donald Trumps Stop the Steal rally before marching down Constitution Avenue towards the Capitol building, according to an affidavit submitted to federal court. Records from Verizon and Google placed Method inside the Capitol building and he admitted to being inside during the breach during interviews with an FBI agent. CCTV footage also showed Method enter the Capitol building and a selfie he took in front of a painting called Landing of Columbus provided visual evidence of his participation, according to court records. Method denied being at the Capitol to the FBI agent but photographs recovered from his phone later showed that he took a picture of himself within the building. Method made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Boston and was released with conditions on Wednesday. Court filings show that Method chose to continue the case in Washington, D.C., and his next court appearance was not immediately available. Meanwhile, Trump faces his own legal troubles related to the Capitol Hill breach on Jan. 6. On Monday, he asked the Supreme Court to block a lower court ruling that he can be criminally prosecuted in connection with his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results, per The Washington Post. Human remains found in the mountains of The Berkshires over the weekend could belong to a Massachusetts woman whos been missing since October, according to Massachusetts State Police. Susan Lockwood is a 66-year-old woman who hasnt been seen since Oct. 30, 2023, according to a post shared by the Lenox Police Department on Facebook. Wilbraham police officer Cameron Prosperi was released from Baystate Medical Center on Tuesday surrounded by fellow law enforcement officers, three weeks out from a shooting on Old Carriage Road that left him with serious injuries. A fleet of police cruisers escorted Prosperi home, an officer who joined the police department eight months ago, and who responded to a domestic situation on Jan. 20 and was shot by 53-year-old Michael Ortega, according to the Wilbraham Police Department. Ballina woman, Cara Martin, has been working with Epilepsy Ireland for three years now, with an aim to raise awareness and normality around the condition. International Epilepsy Day is an annual event and in 2024 it took place last Monday, February 12. Cara, who is in her final year of a Business Management degree, spoke to The Mayo News, about her personal journey with epilepsy. First diagnosed at 18 years old, Caras Leaving Certificate year had extra added stress than normal. I had two seizures that I knew of during my Leaving Cert year. The first one I had was actually in a friend's house, but her Mom has epilepsy, so I was actually very lucky in a way that she knew exactly what to do she said. After a visit to the hospital, she was told not to worry as doctors said it was a once off, but a couple of weeks before her state exams, she suffered another seizure. My parents got very nervous and were worried and afraid because my Granny and her Mom had epilepsy, so it's hereditary in my family she explained. Cara decided to see a neurologist privately after this, and ended up taking a year out, meaning her plans to move off to college were placed on hold. I really, really wanted to go. I couldn't wait to move out, but unfortunately, I had to stay in my house almost 24/7. I worked a bit, but I had to be very careful of course, because I didn't really know enough about epilepsy Cara said. Obviously, epilepsy is not curable. You have to live with it, but in her time at home Cara was trying medications and other options with the hope to become seizure free; something a lot of people are very successful, with due to medication. Cara in New York City Within a year, she had become seizure free, her medication was working and she never had an issue. Being seizure free in less time than expected left Cara in a state of denial, as she never really had to deal with her epilepsy head on. Cara packed up and finally moved away for college. I got to do all the college things and experiences, moved away from home to Limerick. I had a lovely three years; I had my 21st, and had a great time she said. Unfortunately, after being seizure free for three years, last February, Cara suffered a breakthrough seizure. It happened in Limerick at a friend's house, so at the time they actually hadn't a clue what was going on. My boyfriend was there, and he knew straight away, he'd never seen me have a seizure, but obviously I had had conversations with him about it. He took me out of the room and calmed me down told Cara. This seizure was an absent seizure, where you don't come out of consciousness, but you stare into a specific area, and people might ask your name or say something, but you do not respond. Caras absent seizures only last up to 40 seconds, and when she comes back out of it, she talks as if everything's okay. Since then, she has had two more seizures, one in the summer and one last October. Cara described these seizures as a very big shock. Obviously, being in my fourth year of college now, it's not the best scenario. I've had to go back to my neurologist again and start with the medication. He's been upping my dosage and trying to get me back to being seizure free, she explained. Cara said sometimes, living with epilepsy can make you feel quite alone as no one else gets how youre feeling. You can try and explain it to someone, but they're just never going to get it. Triggers for Cara include sleep deprivation and alcohol, both of which of course are involved in being a young adult. Sometimes, my friends don't understand, no one probably is ever going to get it, but I think because of that, socially, it affects me as well, said Cara. At the time of joining Epilepsy Ireland, Cara had been seeing her neurologist quite a bit, and he had suggested, if there were any kinds of programmes or groups that I could join. He thought it might be a good idea to help me not only accept that I have epilepsy, but just be around other people. I found epilepsy Ireland, and I read a lot about them and I saw the amazing work they did, then I just signed up to become a member. There was a little section on the website that said about being a social media volunteer and I love social media, so I signed up for it she said. While she joined the group to raise awareness, Cara has ended up meeting people in the same boat along the way. Last year I got to go to a conference and I met all the other social media volunteers, and that was amazing. I think we all definitely benefited from that, but the only way we got to do that was because of Epilepsy Ireland said Cara. Epilepsy Irelands biggest goal is to raise awareness but they're also there to support you and be a friend; they always have the resources there if there's anything wrong, they'll always be there something that's very important to Cara and her family. Cara and her family atop Croagh Patrick fundraising for Epilepsy Ireland The 23-year-old explained there are many misconceptions around epilepsy, such as light sensitivity. When I say I have epilepsy, the first thing people say is, oh, so you're sensitive to light, but only 3-5 percent of people with epilepsy suffer light sensitivity. I can still go to concerts and I can go see a movie in the cinema. That's not an issue for me, but for other people it would be she said. While Cara can experience these events normally, having epilepsy does come with some frustrating hoops to jump. I find it a lot harder to go places, even if I wanted to travel, like, if I want to go over to, say, London, I have to be certified by the neurologist to go. The main thing Cara would like is for those who do not suffer from epilepsy, to learn and be aware of what to do should someone around them get a seizure. She said people not understanding what to do makes her feel upset, and nervous. Since beginning her studies in Business Management, Cara has noticed how people don't really talk about epilepsy and what to do in situations. If there's a situation like that and there's no one there that knows what to do, then what happens? Because having a seizure can be very serious she explained. Everyone knows how to do basic first aid, everyone knows how to do CPR, everyone knows how to do those things, but people don't know what to do when someone has a seizure. The biggest thing is trying to get the message out that it's not as difficult as you may think it is; the three words that they're trying to put out there at the minute are time, safe and stay. Although epilepsy is throwing its challenges at Cara at the minute, she hopes that's not always going to be the case. I think I'm quite happy that I did have the seizure, because whether I like it or not, it's made me accept having epilepsy. The Time, Safe, Stay message means to time the seizure, and if the seizure is over five minutes, to call an ambulance. Safe would be just to make sure that the area that the person is in when they're having the seizure is safe, and then stay would be to stay with them. For more information on epilepsy and what to do in a situation where someone around you is having a seizure, see the Epilepsy Ireland website. Trocaire launched its annual Lenten campaign today, with an appeal to the people of Mayo for support. This years Trocaire Box tells the story of one Malawian family who are struggling to survive after extreme storms and weather conditions. CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, thanked the people of the county for their continuing generosity, saying they have been unstinting in their support and explained the difference that support makes cannot be underestimated. The world's most vulnerable continue to pay the price for the global climate crisis. Unchecked, climate change is set to push up to 132 million people into poverty over the next ten years. The devastating impacts of climate change are no longer predictions, they are reality said Trocaire. 2023 provided a stark picture of climate breakdown. From devastating wildfires in Greece, Hawaii and Canada, to a crippling food crisis in the Horn of Africa, extreme weather events are becoming more and more common. The CEO said this Lenten campaign is focusing on a shocking scandal in Malawi, where climate change has become increasingly dangerous and unpredictable, causing devastating flooding and droughts in already-vulnerable communities. Repeated cyclones and weather extremes have left nearly 2.3 million people with limited access to food and more than 3.8 million (20 percent of the population) facing critical food insecurity she added. Ms de Barra and Trocaire are asking the people of Mayo to donate to help families in Malawi, and others like them across the world, to build a more secure future. Trcaire has, and continues to, change the lives of millions of people around the world, and its annual Lenten campaign sees the iconic Trocaire Box displayed in thousands of schools, churches and homes all over Mayo in the build-up to Easter. Malita with her 12-year-old twins, Patricia and Patrick Malitas story Living in a small homestead in southern Malawi, Malita, mother of six children, and her 12-year-old twins Patricia and Patrick feature on the front of the 2024 Trocaire box. Their story is unfortunately one thats typical in Malawi, as they struggle every day with the many problems that water, both too much and too little, causes the family. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world. Malita was already struggling to support her family before the burden of increased droughts and floods. Trocaires work in Malawi is focused on supporting communities, particularly women like Malita, to adapt their livelihoods to cope with the impact of climate change and ensuring families can continue to survive when faced with the extremes of too much water when storms and cyclones hit and too little water in times of drought. Working with partners throughout Malawi, Trocaires programmes support communities to access safe water through the construction of water supply schemes; to sustainably manage their natural resources through agroforestry, soil and water conservation; to increase their access to food through supporting training in improved climate resilient agricultural practises and facilitating access to seeds and planting materials; and to support womens empowerment by providing training and support to female community leaders. Trocaire and partners also advocate to and coordinate with the Government to ensure that the work is contributing to national efforts to address the impacts of climate change. Trocaires emergency humanitarian response programmes also enable the team and partners to act quickly and effectively when devastating and record-breaking cyclones like Freddy in 2023 hit Malawi and put lives and livelihoods at risk. Find out more about the Lenten appeal and how to donate on the Trocaire website. According to updated data, as a result of an enemy S-300 strike on Velyky Burluk, Kharkiv region, two people were killed and four were injured. Another four may be under the rubble of the house, reports the communications department of the Main Directorate of the National Police in Kharkiv region. "A two-story house was damaged, in which eight out of 16 apartments were destroyed. According to preliminary data, two people were killed; the police are establishing their personal information. Among the victims are three men and a woman. There is information that four more people may be under the rubble. The police are helping rescuers clear the rubble," the police said. In addition, a household and two police cars were damaged as a result of the attack. Investigative teams, criminologists and explosives experts went to the scene of the incident. Investigators opened criminal proceedings under Article 438 (violation of the laws and customs of war) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine. Poroshenko not to take part in Munich Security Conference due to Stefanchuk's refusal to sign order for his business trip abroad Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Ruslan Stefanchuk once again did not sign a business trip order for the leader of the European Solidarity faction Petro Poroshenko to participate in the Munich Security Conference due to an alleged threat to his life abroad. "For some reason, Head of the Main Intelligence Agency Kyrylo Budanov briefed Chairman of Parliament Ruslan Stefanchuk that immediately after crossing the Ukraine-Poland border, and especially in Munich, I, as the fifth president and leader of the opposition, was in mortal danger. And they were not able to protect me, as a protected person, neither the state security department, nor the entire security system of Germany. And the only way to save Poroshenko is not to let him out," Poroshenko said at a briefing after a meeting with Stefanchuk on Wednesday. According to Poroshenko, within the Munich Security Conference, he had planned meetings with the leadership of the European Union, with the presidents and heads of government of the member countries of the European Union. "Immediately after the Munich Security Conference, as part of the IDU delegation this is the International Democratic Union, where I was elected an honorary member of the supervisory board, representing the global democratic community, we had to go to Israel... This is an invitation to the Munich Security Conference, and this is an invitation to Knesset and a confirmed meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," Poroshenko said, showing the invitations. He recalled that last year the leadership of the parliament also did not sign for him business trips abroad, disrupting his visits to the United States and Poland. As reported, this year the leadership of the Verkhovna Rada denied Poroshenko a trip to a meeting of the Ukraine-NATO interparliamentary council in Brussels. One of the world's largest suppliers of technology solutions in the field of defense and weapons manufacturer BAE Systems has opened an office in Kyiv. This was announced by BAE Systems Ukraine CEO Christian Seear at the Global Outlook: A Winning Vision conference organized by the European Business Association (EBA) on Wednesday. He added that the company has created a joint venture with a local partner, plans to repair military equipment, and eventually establish its own production base. According to Christian Seear, they recently created a legal entity in Ukraine, BAE Systems Ukraine LLC, which is an operating trading company in Ukraine. They have an office in Kyiv. I am proud to say that we are one of the first companies to do this, the CEO said. According to him, BAE Systems is focused on moving its repair capacity to Ukraine. The CEO of BAE Systems Ukraine said, they are going through a phased process in which they will carry out repairs on Ukrainian soil, and in the future they will switch to local production. We have teamed up with a local partner to achieve this goal, he said. He also indicated that the company seeks to create an industrial base in Ukraine. BAE Systems is a global British company with subsidiaries in the USA and Sweden. The weapons supplied by the company are used to destroy the enemy in Ukraine, in particular, the CV90 infantry fighting vehicle, the 155-mm FH77 BW L52 Archer multi-purpose self-propelled artillery mount, the M109 self-propelled howitzer, the M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, the 55-mm high-precision guided active-rocket extended-range Excalibur projectile and high-precision BONUS projectiles. I'm sure many of our friends in this room have seen the enemy destroyed by these weapons, Christian Seear said. Earlier it was reported that the British military company Babcock opened an office in Kyiv. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 13, 2024 Experts who have worked at Verizon, IBM, Adobe, Dentsu X, Barney's, Global Data Bank and other firms have been recruited to serve on startup data-compliance technology firm Compliant's advisory board to support brands in the transition from browser cookies to other forms of targeting. Compliant, which is led by former Unilever, Facebook, and P&G executives, is creating a company board of advisors. Its members will provide the digital media industry with insights on the types of tools required to gain consumer trust, campaign performance and data compliance as the industry shifts from cookie-based targeting and measurement to new data signals and ad-tech solutions. The startup has aspirations to support brands to the next phase of targeting, but that is a lofty goal. Compliant Indexes show how the data flows around media that is bought and sold -- allowing advertisers, agencies and publishers to better understand the companys vulnerability and resilience based on data and compliance. advertisement advertisement Jamie Barnard, CEO and co-founder of Compliant, calls the work this group will do one of the most, if not the most important digital media standards for the coming decade. The organization works with other groups such as the World Federation of Advertising (WFA), and the Association of Digital Advertisers (ANA) in the U.S. You have to find a way to make compliance pay, Barnard said. If you can find a way to improve media performance while being more compliant, you have a much better chance for the industry to embrace the change needed. The company's board will address "seismic changes" in the industry, which is looking for new identifiers for ad targeting. Some believe they will eventually find this in emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, but for now it will support companies like Google that are attempting to build out tools such as Privacy Sandbox. Apple has already rolled out its version, along with Mozilla Firefox. Few people have a clear view on how the industry will emerge, he said. Its easy to be paralyzed by the complexity and uncertainty. Like an airplane waiting to take flight, Barnard said the industry has run out of tarmac -- in the sense that once cookies are fully deprecated, it must take a new direction as it enters a new era of advertising. Companies will have no other option than to build privacy-safe solutions. "I've heard that today only 30% of the open web is addressable," he said. The Compliant group aims to assist advertisers, agencies, and publishers to ease the transition that monitors the flow of data tied to media bought and sold when shifting to new solutions to drive increased return on investment (ROI). Overall, Barnard has an optimistic view about the end of cookies. Much of what's wrong with online advertising will disappear and force companies to do business in what the industry says is "a privacy safe way." Oleg Bershadsky, former COO at Integral Ad Science Caroline Campbell, partner at LEO DIX and former Verizon Media senior vice president of communications John deTar, president at Global Data Bank Martin Gilliard, CEO at Arteli and former CIO at Barneys Ryan Jamboretz, former president at Smartly.io Allie Kline, partner at LEO DIX and former CMO at Verizon Media Jason Lohr, director at Adobe Beth Mach, former CCO at True Car and former president at Dentsu X Sarah Ripmaster, senior vice president at Innovid and former head of sales and technology at IBM Stewart Room, technology and media leader at DWF, and president of UK National Association of Data Protection Officers, European Data Protection Board Andrew Snyder, former operating partner at TCG and senior vice president at Meredith Tom Triscari, CEO at Lemonade Projects The Compliant Advisory Board members who have joined include: by Gord Hotchkiss , Featured Contributor, February 13, 2024 Every so often, I like to play a Billboard top 100 playlist from a certain year on Spotify. Recently, I zeroed in on my grad year, which was 1979. While it was reminiscent, I cant say it was transcendent. It was like you had 60 seconds to rummage around the year and quickly stick whatever top pop you could grab in a bag. Actually, it was a bit of a train wreck. There was the peak (and, as we now know, the sudden demise) of disco, with Donna Summers Bad Girls and Chics Le Freak. There was a lot of top 40 schmaltz, with Peaches and Herb saying how good it was to be Reunited, Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand lamenting about a lack of flowers, and Randy VanWarmer crying we werent there just when he needed us most. And if all that wasnt chaotic enough, throw in The Charlie Daniels Band with the Devil went down to Georgia. The bright spots were few and far between: a little Blondie, the odd Billy Joel and some Cheap Trick. And even they didnt shine too brightly. advertisement advertisement So I tried my wifes graduation year, 1984. Wow, what a difference! Every track seemed to be a classic: Prince, Van Halen, Yes, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, U2, Elton John, the Cars. Even the obviously commercial stuff was in a totally different league from just five years before: Cyndi Lauper, Culture Club, Phil Collins, Madonna, Huey Lewis and Lionel Richie. And, although it missed 1984 by a few weeks, dont forget the release of the final video from Michael Jacksons Thriller, the seven-minute video of the title track, released in December, 1983. I realize music is subjective. Maybe, I thought, 1984 was just a better year for my own personal tastes. But, with a little more research, I found those who know more about such things than I do -- for example, Billboard magazine -- called 1984 the greatest year ever in pop music. Of course, I had to ask why there such a quantum leap in quality between the two years. The answer almost everyone seems to agree on was that it was because of the introduction of a new medium: the music video. A New Medium It was in 1984 that MTV reinvented itself as a top 40 phenomenon, with VJs introducing music videos. Music now expanded in all directions at once. There was a second British invasion, a reincarnation of disco as dance music, gender bending and blending with Boy George and Annie Lennox. Rap even made its appearance known that year, with Run-D.M.C.s pioneering self-titled debut album. But more than anything, music had become a visual medium. Performing was just as much for the eyes as it was for the ears. And the introduction of a new medium seemed to pour fuel onto the sparks of creativity. The bar was raised significantly with Jacksons release of "Thriller." Its cinematic scope (it was directed by John Landis, who was definitely on a directorial roll at the time) and sheer visual spectacle forever redefined the role of music videos in popular culture. I was working at a radio station in Canada at the time and I remember what an event the debut was. We all gathered in bars and clubs on December 2, 1983 to watch MTV on the big screen and to be able to say we were there. For each pre-announced playing of the video, MTV had audiences ten times bigger than normal. I wasnt even a Michael Jackson fan, but it didnt matter. Everybody was watching this video. The stunning success of Thriller ushered in an intense period of visual and auditory creative competitiveness. It was if music finally had its blindfold removed. Prince launched "Purple Rain." Madonna writhed on stage during the very first MTV Video awards. Even Bruce Springsteen did a philosophical about face and buffed up for the camera to harness its power for "Born to Run". As I dug further into the reasons for 1984 musics superiority, it became clear that in this case, a new medium was the message. It turns out that the Buggles were wrong. Video didnt kill the radio star. In fact, if the 1984 playlist is any indication, it gave them a new life unlike anything they had experienced before. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, February 13, 2024 Strict new European Union rules that will go into effect March 7, will not apply to Apple iMessage, the Microsoft Bing search engine, the Edge web browser or advertising services. This includes a requirement to offer interoperability with other messaging services through the Digital Markets Act. The services, according to the EU, are not dominant enough for the requirement to adhere to the DMA. The decision made by EU regulators was announced Tuesday. The regulations, if they had been enforced, would have required the two companies to adapt services to adhere to new prohibitions designed to limit the abuse of market power. advertisement advertisement The ruling focused on six technology firms deemed to be digital gatekeepers. Some of the services are now except. For Microsoft this includes Windows operating system for PCs and LinkedIn for social media. For Apple, it includes the iOS mobile operating system, as well as App Store and Safari The DMA is the EUs law to make the markets in the digital sector fairer and more contestable. It established a set of clearly defined objective criteria to identify gatekeepers. Metas WhatsApp and Message, two of its messaging platforms, have been designated as core platform services under this act, and has been working to make them interoperable with third-party services. Companies looking to gain interoperability with WhatsApp must sign an agreement with Meta and abide by its terms. Along with Meta, Google, Amazon, and ByteDance will face new obligations that are intended to prevent them from abusing their dominance in other parts of their business, Bloomberg reported. The law makes it illegal for the companies to favor their own services over those of rivals. They cannot combine personal data across their different services, and from using data they collect from third-party merchants to compete against them. They also must allow users to download apps from rival platforms. by Barbara Lippert , Columnist, February 13, 2024 Unexpectedly entering the realm of the political, this years Super Bowl ad lineup included a what-the-hell-was-that? commercial for presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr. But an array of advertisers also laid down the $7 million to wade into the waters of that other hot-button topic, religion. As a result, Jesus was busy that night, appearing for real in one campaign. Another spot highlighted his practice of foot-washing. In the first, a calming 30-second spot for Hallow, a Catholic meditation app, the former Boogie Nights star Mark Wahlberg called for a collective prayer, with actor Jonathan Roumie as Jesus. It was direct and hardly controversial -- unlike the two spots referencing Jesus as part of the inspired and visually arresting He Gets Us campaign. advertisement advertisement One showed a series of contemporary folks washing each other's feet, like outside a family planning center. It also included a Mr. Rogers like-iconic scene showing a black man and a white man sharing a foot bath. "Jesus didn't teach hate. He washed feet, said the tagline. The other spot focused on the feel-good, Bible inspired notions of love and neighborliness. Both were the work of the newly formed nonprofit group Come Near, backed by politically conservative groups, some of whose views tend to counter the inclusiveness and compassion preached by the spots. A contradictory combination of message and financial backing, the work also elicited public pushback over the use of what looked like AI imagery to sell Christ. However, it turns out the beatific, otherworldly, illuminated images were not AI-generated, but the work of fine art photographer Julia Fullerton-Batten, a talented human. In another ad referencing religion, Decide for Yourself targeted the Scientology-curious, displaying all the usual rhythms and beats weve seen in previous Scientology spots. It aired regionally but made it onto the list of YouTubes Top 10 most-watched commercials. Finally, in the first Super Bowl appearance from the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, founded two years ago by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a spot called Silence tackles the issue of hate. The foundation was started in 2022 to create messages to counter a rash of antisemitic incidents in the culture, including provocative comments from music artist Kanye West that had inflamed the internet. Unfortunately, antisemitic sentiment and activity has only skyrocketed since then. Following the Oct. 7th attack on Israel, and the ensuing war in Gaza, the number of hate crimes toward both Muslims and Jews has soared. For us, the importance of being able to get that message out, to deliver that action on the largest scale and the largest stage possible, was critical, Tara Levine , the president of the foundation, told the Wall Street Journal. It was a good move, as it turns out that this years Super Bowl broadcast broke all viewership records, attracting more than 123 million viewers. At first, I found it surprising that the creative team chose to focus on Clarence B. Jones, now 93, who helped Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. write the I Have a Dream speech given at the March on Washington in 1963. I worried that using Jones and Martin Luther King might stumble into the messy area of appropriation. As it turns out, the idea of speaking out against all forms of hate, both racial and religious, makes the commercial more inclusive and powerful. The opener shows Jones, who looks more 65 than 93, in his book-lined study, saying Sometimes I imagine what Id write today for my dear friend Martin He continues: Id remind people that all hate thrives on one thing: silence. The people who will change the nation are those who speak out. Through the device of an old-fashioned film projector sending images to a screen, we see a burning cross melt into a burning swastika. Images build emotionally to a snuffed-out candle and tearing eye, which reminded me of Salvador Dalis Persistence of Memory painting. The ad then switches to modern-day shots of the kind of activism the foundation is promoting, including a shot of people painting over a wall of anti-Muslim graffiti and carrying placards bearing the message Stand up to Hate. When we stand up to silence, we stand up to hate, Jones says in the end. Its a bigger message for all Americans, especially non-Jews, done in a familiar advertising vernacular, airing on the largest stage there is. Amen. A good message to come out of the ads this year: More foot-washing, less brainwashing. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, February 14, 2024 California's new online safety law will turn the state government into a roving internet censor, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce told a federal appellate court Wednesday. The law gives the state attorney general unprecedented authority to regulate online speech that the government finds 'potentially harmful,' the business group writes in a friend-of-the-court brief urging the court to find the state's Age-Appropriate Design Code Act unconstitutional. The California law (AB 2273), passed in 2022, requires online companies likely to be accessed by users under 18 to prioritize their best interests and well-being, and largely prohibits those businesses from collecting or sharing minors' personal information. The tech group NetChoice sued over the law soon after its passage, arguing the measure is unconstitutional for several reasons including that a mandate to prioritize minors' well-being interferes with web publishers' right to make editorial decisions. advertisement advertisement Last year, U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman in the Northern District of California blocked enforcement, ruling that the measure likely violated the First Amendment. California Attorney General Rob Bonta appealed Freeman's ruling to the 9th Circuit, where he argues that the design code merely regulates economic activity -- meaning companies' ability to harness minors' data. Outside organizations including Fairplay, Center for Digital Democracy and Accountable Tech agreed with Bonta, arguing in friend-of-the-court papers that the law validly restricts so-called data capitalism. The Chamber of Commerce is one of several organizations to weigh in against the law. Others include the policy group TechFreedom and the tech industry's Computer & Communications Industry Association. The Chamber of Commerce argues in its friend-of-the-court brief that the law violates the First Amendment by restricting speech based on its content. The Acts key operative terms -- including harmful, detriment, and best interests -- are undefined and directly regulate speech, the group writes, adding that such language will allow state authorities to subjectively decide what type of speech is harmful to minors. The result, according to the business group, is that the compliance burden and chilling effects from AB 2273 will be enormous. Businesses must continuously predict whether their decisions will satisfy Californias expectations of what content is 'harmful' or in a childs 'best interest,' the Chamber of Commerce writes. The Constitution will not bear such imprecision. Bonta is expected to respond to the arguments next month. Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko met in the capital with Vice-President of the German Parliament Katrin Goring-Eckardt, the mayor's press service said. "We talked about the need to continue reforms in Ukraine, respect for democratic principles and strengthen local self-government. The Vice-President of the Bundestag assured of further assistance from Germany, in particular, in the restoration and reconstruction of Ukraine both during the war and in the post-war period. Thanked Germany for the effective IRIS-T air defense system, political and economic support provided," Klitschko said following the meeting. Funerals began Tuesday for the three U.S. service members who were killed -- among scores of others injured -- last month following a drone attack in Jordan. But two weeks after the attack on the remote base, the Pentagon has not outlined any new moves to bolster defenses against the drone threat in the region. Defense officials and experts have spent the last decade warning against the oncoming threats of drones in future warfare, even as the U.S. has enjoyed virtually unchallenged air superiority since the Korean War. Those warnings became stark reality when the drone launched by Iran-backed militants struck trailers where troops slept on Jan. 28. In October, the Pentagon pledged more air defense systems to the Middle East, but much of the military's own doctrine still has few answers for how troops are supposed to counter drones. For example, the Army's 596-page doctrine that covers much of its ground warfare tactics mentions drones only once and that infantry are simply supposed to shoot machine guns at them. That doctrine was last updated Jan. 11. Read Next: In Major Overhaul,Air Force and Space Force Will Roll Out New Ranks, Training, Structure to Compete with China "It's a simple misunderstanding of how drones have changed and how wars are fought," Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., told Military.com in an interview. "There is no such thing as a safe [area of operation] anymore," Gallego, a Marine Corps veteran and House Armed Services Committee member, added. "We've known about the problem for a while. What have we done? We haven't changed any doctrine or any training or any type in any real way." Pentagon officials have long stressed that they feel the total defense assets in the Middle East are sufficient, even as violence has flared following the start of the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza. On Jan. 30, just days after the deadly attack in Jordan, Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder, the Pentagon's top spokesman, told reporters that "Central Command is going to take and is taking necessary steps to ensure that our forces are protected." Part of that plan includes the Army fast-tracking a $75 million purchase of 600 Coyote 2C Interceptors, a missile system that can shoot down drones -- though it's unclear when those systems will actually be deployed. The purchase of Coyote interceptors also raises questions about the cost effectiveness and sustainability of using high-tech missiles against the relatively cheap and plentiful drones that are flown by Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East. "We've got to figure out a better way to do this ... a more cost-effective way than shooting down $40,000-$50,000 unmanned aerial vehicles with millions of dollars worth of missiles," Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, the Marine Corps' deputy commandant for combat development and integration, said Tuesday. Heckl, who was speaking at West 2024, a naval conference in San Diego, said that the Marines are "working very hard to get on the right side of the cost curve." The Navy has been fairly successful at combating drones at sea. The service's top officer, Adm. Lisa Franchetti, told the crowd at West that ships have now downed more than 70 drones. Navy officials have said these downings were done with missiles as well as jets from the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and 5-inch guns on destroyers. However, Heckl raised the question of how long this defense can be sustained. "Right now, we're just dealing with Houthis. What happens if something got triggered? Now, we got a real problem," he said. The Pentagon announced a surge in air defenses just days after attacks on bases in Iraq and Syria began in October after the start of the Gaza war. On Oct. 24, Ryder said additional Patriot missile batteries and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, batteries were deployed to the area from Fort Bliss in Texas, Fort Liberty in North Carolina, and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. Despite those earlier moves to shore up defenses, it is still unclear how a drone piloted by Iran proxies was able to circumvent air defenses at Tower 22, where the three Army reservists were killed and at least 40 additional soldiers, all with the Army National Guard, were injured. Another 11 airmen from the Air Force Reserve and National Guard were also wounded. U.S. forces in the Middle East have been attacked more than 160 times since October, including with drones. "There have been approximately 186 casualties in Iraq, Syria and Jordan since Oct. 18. Of those 186 casualties, over 130 are currently assessed as having traumatic brain injury," the Pentagon said Monday. Much of the U.S. presence in the Middle East and Africa is made up of about 20,000 National Guardsmen who are deployed on average at any given time, with the Army side of the service component making up the lion's share of ground troops. The Army's training on countering drones is still in its infancy, introduced to basic training only last summer and mostly about evading detection -- not destroying. Last year, the service outfitted two of its premier divisions -- the 82nd Airborne and 1st Cavalry -- with weapons for soldiers to counter drones, though that leaves much of the service underequipped and undertrained. The Army did not provide an interview on counter-drone training ahead of publication. In January, Military.com reported that some Marine units rotating to the Pacific, who would serve as front-line troops in a situation in which relations with China deteriorated into conflict, do not have counter-drone capabilities and often rely on partner forces such as the Philippine and Indonesian forces. The service plans to expand its capabilities within the next decade. "None of us will ever be happy until we have a 100% system that's going to work and protect everybody and everything," Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told reporters at a press conference last week. Related: Army Still Weighing Combat Awards for Soldiers Hit by Deadly Drone Attack at Jordan Base SAN DIEGO -- The Navy's top aviation officer said the grounding of the V-22 Osprey has forced him to tap into his remaining C-2 Greyhound aircraft in order to keep aircraft carriers in the Pacific and the Middle East supplied and operational. "Lucky for the Navy that the C-2 Greyhound is still available," Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever told a crowd at a panel discussion at the annual WEST 2024 conference Tuesday. Cheever said the sea service has seen "limited operational impact at this point" from tapping the Greyhounds to fill its needs, but that there will be "significant operational impacts" in the future if the Osprey isn't returned to service following a grounding across the Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps that resulted from a Nov. 29 crash in Japan that killed eight airmen. Read Next: In Major Overhaul, Air Force and Space Force Will Roll Out New Ranks, Training, Structure to Compete with China The Greyhound has been a staple of aircraft carrier life for decades. Cmdr. Beth Teach, a spokeswoman for Cheever, said in an email that the aircraft has been in service for 60 years, but the Navy is planning to retire it entirely by 2026. For now, though, the last remaining squadron of 15 Greyhounds "is currently surging to meet the Carrier Onboard Delivery mission for deployed aircraft carriers in U.S. 5th and 7th Fleets," Teach confirmed. The Osprey has been barred from flying for 69 days now after the deadly crash. Military.com learned last week that Pentagon safety officials are talking with the Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy about the potential risks involved with flying the Osprey again. The status of the current Defense Department probe, what prompted officials to start talking with the services, and a possible timeline for putting the V-22 back in the air are still unknown. The head of the Air Force's special operations command told reporters Tuesday that there are "conversations going on at multiple levels" about getting the Osprey flying again but added that there are no new findings or timelines to report. Meanwhile, the impact for the Marine Corps is far more serious. Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl said that the Corps has seen "dramatic impacts" from the flying halt. Heckl noted that operations for three Marine expeditionary units, or MEUs -- including the 26th MEU currently on deployment with the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group in the Mediterranean -- have been affected. The Greyhound surge comes amid the Navy's efforts to remove the aircraft from service entirely. The service has stopped training new pilots and is beginning to halt the purchase of supplies and parts for the aircraft. "It's been the workhorse for years and years and years," Cheever said. "They're not sundowned yet so we're maintaining that capability and capacity as we go through this [grounding]." Related: Spate of Osprey Mishaps, Including Air Force's Most Deadly, Will Be Investigated by Federal Watchdog Employees of the Pivdennoukrainsk Nuclear Power Plant handed over a batch of kamikaze drones, generators, Starlink satellite systems and a Mavic 3 drone worth more than UAH 1 million to two units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Pivdennoukrainsk NPP reports. "A team of power engineers purchased a batch of 30 kamikaze drones for a military unit that performs combat missions in the southern sectors of the front... Representatives of military unit A4714 received inverter generators, Starlink satellite systems and a Mavic 3 drone from the nuclear industry. These technical means are very necessary at the front; without them, it would be much more difficult for our soldiers to destroy the enemy," the message published on Wednesday said. Veterans and other advocates pushing for support for Afghans evacuated to the U.S. in 2021 are fuming after that support was left out of a major bill that passed the Senate -- again. Worsening the sting this time is that the Afghan proposal -- which would provide those here now under a temporary legal status a path to permanent residency -- was originally in the bill but got taken out when a bipartisan agreement to tighten immigration laws collapsed. The whirlwind couple of weeks has essentially put veterans' efforts back at square one and left Afghans still waiting for the safety and stability they were promised for helping the U.S. military during America's longest war. Read Next: In Major Overhaul, Air Force and Space Force Will Roll Out New Ranks, Training, Structure to Compete with China "It really speaks to the inability of Congress to do really much of anything at this point and to really solve any issues of substance," one veterans advocate told Military.com on condition of anonymity to speak candidly about a subject they are continuing to work on with lawmakers. "I know a lot of veterans -- including I served in Afghanistan myself as a Marine -- just a lot of my friends I served with are following this pretty closely, and it's really even further eroded the trust in government institutions and in leadership. "A lot of people are left just kind of feeling, 'What next?'" they said. Veterans have been working for two years to pass legislation known as the Afghan Adjustment Act that would create a process for those evacuated to the U.S. during the military withdrawal to become legal permanent residents. The measure also seeks to help Afghans who helped the U.S. military but are still stuck in Afghanistan with reforms to the Special Immigrant Visa program. After previous efforts to include it in must-pass bills were blocked by immigration hard-liners, supporters of the Afghan Adjustment Act got the closest they've come to a win last week when senators unveiled a long-awaited agreement to provide aid for the wars in Ukraine and Israel in exchange for immigration law changes sought by conservatives. Nestled in the 370-page bill were provisions similar to the Afghan Adjustment Act. But Republican senators who demanded and negotiated the immigration deal quickly turned on it after former President Donald Trump, current front-runner for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, urged them to vote it down. A procedural vote on the foreign aid and immigration bill failed 49-50 last week. Warning of the dangers of failing to support Ukraine and Israel, Senate Democratic leaders then revived the foreign aid portion of the bill. But the Afghan provisions were considered part of the immigration deal and were dropped from the slimmed-down bill. Supporters of the Afghan Adjustment Act scrambled to try to get it put back into the foreign aid bill through an amendment vote. Advocates from five veterans groups sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., calling for the Afghan provisions to be restored and held a hastily arranged press conference at the Veterans of Foreign Wars headquarters across the street from the U.S. Capitol. "I see this as a veterans issue," Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., the lead Republican co-sponsor of the amendment and the ranking member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, said at the news conference Thursday. "I see it as part of my role in the veterans committee to see that those who served are successful in caring for those who helped them while they served. And this is a national security issue. It sends a message that we are going to care for those who help us. It's a message to our allies that we're dependable and a message to our adversaries that we're united." Counting Moran, 10 Republican senators -- enough to pass legislation if every Democrat supports it -- signed on as co-sponsors to the bipartisan Afghan amendment. Ultimately, though, no amendments of any subject came to the Senate floor after Republicans opposed to the foreign aid bill objected to speeding up consideration of the legislation in exchange for amendment votes. The foreign aid bill, which includes $2.4 billion for U.S. military operations in the Middle East, passed the Senate early Tuesday morning in a 70-29 vote. Advocates are now eyeing the National Defense Authorization Act, the annual must-pass defense policy bill, as their next target for trying to attach the Afghan Adjustment Act, the veterans advocate who spoke to Military.com said. "Really sh---y that the Senate didn't pass #AfghanAdjustment in the National Security Supplemental," Shawn VanDiver, a Navy veteran and president of the #AfghanEvac coalition, an umbrella organization for hundreds of nongovernmental groups that helped with the evacuation, posted on social media Tuesday. "But we've come to expect disappointment from government, as a starting point, and we aren't going anywhere." Related: Veteran Supporters Finally Get Vote on Bill to Help Afghan Allies, But Its Future Remains Bleak AURORA, Colorado -- Last year, the Air Force saw the writing on the wall and announced a projected 10% shortfall in its active-duty recruiting goals -- a prediction that ultimately proved true, marking the first time since 1999 the service missed its mark. But a lot can change in one year. Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, told reporters at the Air and Space Forces Association's Warfare Symposium Conference on Tuesday evening that the service is "cautiously optimistic" and has hit its recruiting goals each month since the start of the fiscal year in October. Read Next: In Major Overhaul, Air Force and Space Force Will Roll Out New Ranks, Training, Structure to Compete with China "Looking ahead to the second half of fiscal '24, we continue to remain cautiously optimistic," Amrhein said. "We continue to make goal for [active-duty] Air Force and Space Force, and we are very close to the Air Force Reserve requirement." He added that the Air Force is at about 101% of its month-to-month recruiting goals and has completely filled jobs for February, March and well into April. Prior to missing its 2023 goals, the last time the Air Force did not reach 100% of its recruitment goal was 1999, according to the Air Force Recruiting Service. That was when Millenials -- who were born between 1981 and 1996 -- first began to reach the age of service. In 1979, the Air Force also missed its goals when Generation X began to become of age to serve, according to a 2002 research paper from Air University. Now, all the services are working to recruit Gen Z -- defined as those born between 1997 and 2012. That has been a challenge during the past few years as the U.S. has seen some of its lowest unemployment rates in decades and civilian employers are offering higher-paying jobs with better quality-of-life benefits. Added to that, the Pentagon has released studies showing that only 23% of American youth are eligible to serve due to being overweight, using drugs, or having mental or physical health problems. The Air Force Recruiting Service has told Military.com in the past that less than 10% of the young population is interested in serving in the first place -- 50% can't even name all the military service branches. To combat this, the Air Force Recruiting Service has been addressing a variety of the barriers to service that have existed for years, as well as unveiling incentives to airmen for bringing folks into the ranks. These include offering medals and promotions for recruiting; streamlining the naturalization process so recruits can become citizens during basic military training; updating body composition standards to mirror the Defense Department's more forgiving requirements; reinstating the Enlisted College Loan Repayment Program; allowing certain tattoos on the hands and neck; and unveiling a new smartphone feature that allows airmen to send info on almost anyone to a recruiter. Those policies, many started under Amrhein's predecessor, have brought previously disqualified Americans into the ranks, Amrhein said. More than 600 referrals came from offering medals and promotions for recruiting, 200 of whom joined the ranks. That tattoo policy change brought in 176 new airmen. Updating body composition led to 2,000 recruits now qualifying for service with just one physical fitness test failure. Around 220 airmen qualified for college loan repayment, and the service estimates that 500 will be eligible each year. Those numbers add up, especially because the 10% shortfall in the Air Force's recruiting goal equates to about 2,700 airmen. Amrhein said one of the Air Force Recruiting Service's next major efforts is to try and wrangle those who drop out of the recruitment process due to long timelines in gathering, reviewing and correcting the medical paperwork that's required to join. In fiscal 2023, around 8,800 applicants "walked away from the recruiting process because of medical processing timelines," he said. With a 70% waiver rate, on average, in the Air Force, that might have equated to more than 6,000 airmen who could have likely joined the ranks. "If we can continue to work that piece, I think we can garner a great number of folks to join our aerospace forces," Amrhein said. The Space Force, which is under the Department of the Air Force's recruiting umbrella, has had no issues meeting its recruiting goals in the past and is anticipated to hit it this year due, in part, to its small size. Related: Big Bonuses, Relaxed Policies, New Slogan: None of It Saved the Military from a Recruiting Crisis in 2023 WASHINGTON A day after his latest hospital stay for health issues following treatment for prostate cancer, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hosted a virtual session on Ukraine to help resource urgently needed ammunition and artillery for Kyiv as it faces shortages in its now almost two-year war with Russia. In his opening remarks to the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a regular gathering of about 50 member countries that coordinate military support for Ukraine, Austin said Wednesday hed intended to be with the group in person, but I had to return to the hospital for non-surgical procedures." Im in good condition, and my cancer prognosis remains excellent," he said. Austin conducted the virtual session from his home, where he is still recovering from complications from his December surgery to treat prostate cancer. Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Monday after being treated for a bladder issue. The Pentagon has been out of funds to send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine since December. Since then European allies have continued to send some support but the loss of regular shipments of ammunition to Ukraine is having an impact. Austin said in his opening remarks that the contact group would work Wednesday on resourcing some of Ukraines most critical near-term needs, including its urgent need for more artillery, ammunition and air defense missiles. It's not clear if, or when, Congress will come to an agreement that would give the Pentagon additional funds to restart regular shipments of ammunition to Ukraines front lines. The Senate passed its latest version of a multibillion-dollar war funding package early Tuesday with some Republican senator support, stripping out controversial border security language that has been a sticking point for conservative members in hopes that the pared-down bill could gain Republican support in the House. But House Speaker Mike Johnson has already indicated that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Bidens desk if at all. The Pentagon has argued that the Ukraine and Israel funding package is also good for the U.S. economy. The war spending has pumped billions into the economy as the military ramps up domestic production of ammunition and weapons systems in order to replenish its own stockpiles. The $95.3 billion legislation includes $60 billion for Ukraine; $14 billion for Israels war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.1 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe. Cries of joy echoed across a Navy pier in San Diego Monday as the well-known hospital ship USNS Mercy returned from deployment in the Indo-Pacific, where China is trying to strike security partnerships with long-standing U.S. allies. Many of the ship's 800 crew members streamed into the arms of friends and family at Naval Air Station North Island as Mercy wrapped up a five-month mission just two days before Valentine's Day. Monique Salas of San Diego was holding a sign that read "Will you be my Valentine?" to catch the attention of her boyfriend, Bryan Cruz, an interior communications electrician 2nd class. He found her and gave her a hearty kiss. The 894-foot Mercy which has a distinctive white hull adorned with a huge red cross had visited the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia. The mission was primarily to provide medical care and humanitarian and disaster relief training to the Pacific islands. The Mercy which has participated in such conflicts as Operation Desert Storm has so far performed more than 410 surgeries and 12,000 dental procedures during the deployment. The Indo-Pacific is a region of growing tension. China has repeatedly threatened to invade Taiwan and has harassed some U.S. warships that have been working to keep international shipping lanes open in the South China Sea. The Biden administration has said it will rapidly come to Taiwan's aid if an invasion occurs. China, in turn, has been trying to cultivate partnerships with such American allies as the Solomon Islands, which signed a security agreement with Beijing two years ago. The USS Carl Vinson and USS Theodore Roosevelt strike groups, which are both based in San Diego, are currently deployed to the Indo-Pacific. It is likely that a third San Diego-based carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, will deploy to that region later this year. Meanwhile, the Navy's newest ship, the expeditionary sea base USS John L. Canley, will join the Navy's active fleet on Saturday when it is commissioned at Naval Air Station North Island. The 784-foot ship, which was built at General Dynamics-NASSCO in San Diego, is a new type of ship that's designed to deploy troops and equipment in regions where the U.S. doesn't have easy access to land bases and seaports. This story originally appeared in San Diego Union-Tribune. 2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The Marine Corps recognized its top two recruiters across the service last week. Competing with more than 3,200 other recruiters in the Marine Corps, Gunnery Sgts. Russell Cowan and Tristan Wiggin earned the titles of top recruiter and runner-up, respectively. "These recruiters are the hunter-gatherers," Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Christopher Mahoney said Friday. "They are the ones who go out and sell inspiration to the best of America's youth. They create motivation and then bring it into the Marine Corps." Overall, military recruiting has been in crisis over the last five years, though one branch -- the Marine Corps -- has managed to squeak by on its numbers since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered schools and kept recruiters away from community events, cutting them off from the primary demographic they tap to put new troops into military service. Read Next: VA Plan to Issue Urns, Memorial Plaques Sparks Concerns Veterans Will Be Barred from Burial with Spouses "We're not going to pick ... the low-hanging fruit," Wiggin said. "We want the best of the best to maintain the structure of the Marine Corps. It's a little bit more challenging, but at the same time ... we need to maintain the Marine Corps' strengths. And that's why we are continuing to win as a branch." The Marine Corps, which also benefited from being the smallest branch outside of the Space Force, has been the only service to meet its recruiting numbers -- sometimes by single digits. While the Corps says that it is again on track to meet its mission this year, that effort has not come without its challenges, according to recruiters and officials Military.com spoke to over the last week. Less than one-quarter of the U.S. population is eligible for military service, meaning all branches have to duke it out in the recruiting arena for a dwindling pool of applicants. Combined with political attacks, loss of public confidence, negative perceptions about recruiters, lack of interest in the military across the recruitable population, and the scramble to rebuild relationships with high schools post-pandemic, recruiters tasked with bringing in the next generation of Marines have their work cut out for them. This year especially, the Marine Corps is facing a steep problem when it comes to those already in the pipeline to become Marines. According to data provided to Military.com, the number of recruits awaiting shipment to recruit training is at 22% for the start pool. Historically, that number has been at 53%, meaning that recruiters have to work that much harder to fill slots than they would have in previous years. In an interview with Military.com, Cowan and Wiggin described the challenges they faced as recruiters and what they did to earn the top spots in the Marine recruiter food chain. The recruiters operate on opposite sides of the country, in California and Florida, respectively. "There is no spiel, there is no convincing," Cowan told Military.com last week after he and Wiggin were recognized in a ceremony during the Commandant's Combined Awards Ceremony at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia. "It's just being honest with these kids and actually caring for these kids and setting up for a bright future." While Cowan said there is no spiel, selling that future includes overcoming the fact that only 23% of the eligible recruiting population meets the physical and educational requirements of the military, according to Marine Corps Recruiting Command. The Marine Corps also has some stricter entry requirements when it comes to things like tattoos compared to other branches. "With that ... we have to turn people who are interested away," Cowan said. "Hand tattoos, neck tattoos. Some kids just for whatever reason can't pass the [aptitude test], medical history ... or even criminal history." Getting applicants in the door or obtaining access to certain schools also appeared to be a challenge, according to the recruiters. Marine Corps Recruiting Command measured low interest in the services overall, with the Corps garnering only 9% of male applicants and 3% of female applicants with a "propensity" to join the military. Part of that lack of interest, according to the Marine Corps, is a widening military-civilian divide. Jim Edwards, a spokesperson for Marine Corps Recruiting Command, told Military.com that "less than 1% of our nation's population serves in the military, which results in an ever-widening gap with the public, reduces [the] pool of positive influencers, and erodes confidence in government institutions." That has left recruiters like Cowan and Wiggin to fill the gap. Some keys to their success, they said, have been demonstrating professionalism, not coming off as pushy, and being present in a way that may stand in for a parental or community figure for a potential applicant who may not have one. "We essentially become their father figure," Wiggin said, "which is probably one of the proudest things about being a recruiter, is being able to guide these young men and women." They also said overcoming misconceptions about themselves has challenged their efforts. "Killing the misconception of a recruiter -- because we've all heard horror stories one way or another about recruiters -- starts with us two setting a new picture for recruiters," Cowan said. Misconceptions about the military overall -- not just about recruiters who are "out to trap you if you come in the office," according to Cowan, or ones who do not represent the professional conduct expected of the Marine Corps -- form a large part of the recruiters' uphill battles. For example, Wiggin told Military.com that he has parents and applicants come into his office assuming that joining the military means recruits would die in combat or automatically assume a combat role. "I would say that's probably one of the larger issues," Wiggin said of the perception that joining the Marine Corps means automatically being put in a life-or-death situation. Underpinning all of this is the toll that recruiting duty can have on Marines. Some, like Cowan, volunteered for it. Others, like Wiggin, were "voluntold" to be a recruiter. In 2019, a Marine Corps study reported that nearly one-third of recruiters will face divorce during their careers and that 60% of them will receive a mental health diagnosis, as opposed to less than one-quarter of their non-recruiter peers. Part of that is the high pressure to make recruiting numbers across the force, and it being one of, if not the, most public-facing jobs that the Marine Corps has to offer. The service has recognized that pressure and the need for recruiters by incentivizing the job with special pay and preferred recruiting stations. "The hardest part is the long, long hours," Shenaya, Cowan's spouse, told Military.com. "But when he comes home after, he just gives us his all -- everything that he has left in his tank -- he just gives it all to us." Cowan, who was inspired to join the Marine Corps by his own father, a Vietnam veteran, said that he wants to make recruiting a career, an option that the service offers for staff noncommissioned officers and above who want to make recruiting their full-time job. Wiggin, an aviation Marine who said he was drawn into the Corps by a commercial on MTV and was hooked when he saw professional recruiters in their dress blues, isn't so sure. "I like my job too much, and I'll go back to it," he said. Related: The Military Recruiting Outlook Is Grim Indeed. Loss of Public Confidence, Political Attacks and the Economy Are All Taking a Toll. AURORA, Colorado -- The Air Force announced this week that it is bringing back warrant officer ranks, but officials clarified Tuesday it is not looking at developing aviators through that training -- despite an ongoing pilot shortage and other service branches using warrant officers for those types of missions. The service will instead focus on information technology and cyber operations for those ranks, and not pursue pilot tracks, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin told Military.com during a media roundtable at the Air and Space Forces Association's Warfare Symposium conference. "We believe that there's something specific about this very precise career field, this technologically oriented career field where the perishability of it and the requirement of it to maintain at the cutting edge is more along the lines of what we'd expect in a warrant officer track," Allvin said. Read Next: In Major Overhaul, Air Force and Space Force Will Roll Out New Ranks, Training, Structure to Compete with China On average, the Air Force has brought in around 1,300 new pilots each year for nearly a decade, short of its goal of around 1,500 annually. Recent shortages have been attributed to a range of issues, such as delays in getting new engines into T-38 Talon training jets, a lack of instructors, and holdups in getting new airmen into the training pipeline. A document detailing the change to bring back warrant officers, a plan first reported by Military.com last week, sets out steps "to develop a concept of operations (CONOP) to establish a training pipeline to reintroduce a USAF non-aviation warrant officer (WO) program as a technical corps NLT October 2024." The Air Force has previously shot down the idea of using warrant officers as a way to fill the ongoing pilot shortage with aviators. In 2018, Air Force officials said at a conference that the Rand Corp. think tank was tasked with looking at the idea but its study did not recommend it, Military.com reported at the time. Warrant officers are used by the other service branches as highly technical subject matter experts and single-track leaders. They typically come from the enlisted ranks. One of the main issues with the warrant officer track for pilots is that those airmen would command a lower salary than their officer pilot peers, and would be more likely to be lured out of service by higher-paying private-sector jobs. "A [warrant officer] component would incur lower personnel costs than the [commissioned officer] workforce it displaced, but the lower compensation levels responsible for the lower personnel costs would also produce lower retention rates. With lower retention, training costs would go up," Rand reported in its study. Warrant officers can currently fly in the Army, and the Navy had a flying chief warrant officer program from 2006 to 2014. Allvin said the Air Force is looking at innovative ways to overcome shortfalls in other career fields, such as pilots, but said the warrant officer program made the most sense for the IT and cyber career fields. Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman also told Military.com during a roundtable that the Space Force is not looking at starting its own service-specific warrant officer program for similar career fields. Related: Air Force Eyes Bringing Back Warrant Officers After Decades-Long Absence In February 1945, the United States assembled a force of paratroopers, glider troops, and Filipino and Chinese resistance fighters in a highly detailed, coordinated attack on a Japanese prison complex in the Philippines. More than 2,000 military and civilian prisoners had been held at the Los Banos prison camp since Japan captured the islands in 1942. To get them out, the Americans would need to achieve total surprise against 250 Japanese guards, lest they arouse 10,000 enemy reinforcements. To succeed would mean the rescue of thousands of starving Allied prisoners. If they failed, the Japanese would certainly kill every last one of them. The result was one of the most perfectly executed rescue missions in modern history. The 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment is also proud to say that it rescued every single internee during the raid.(U.S. Army) Japan began its attack on the Philippines at the same time it struck Pearl Harbor, but did not fully occupy the islands until the middle of 1942. Once in control, the Imperial Japanese Army not only imprisoned American and Filipino troops, it also interred thousands of American and sympathetic civilians. When the U.S. Army finally returned to the Philippines in 1944, it was essentially coming back to a hostage situation. The island of Luzon alone had four major prison camps; two in Manila, one in Cabanatuan and the fourth at Los Banos. By the end of February 1945, Cabanatuan's 552 Allied prisoners of war would be rescued, along with the 800 in Manila's Bilibid Prison. Another 500 civilians were imprisoned at Bilibid, and 4,000 more civilians were held at Santo Tomas University in the capital. All that was left on Luzon was the prison at Los Banos, and Gen. Douglas MacArthur, supreme commander of allied forces in the Southwest Pacific, wanted the thousands of civilians there liberated before the Japanese could kill them as a reprisal. The G-2 aerial reconnaissance photo of the prison used to plan the Los Banos Raid. (U.S. Army) The Los Banos prison was situated deep in enemy territory some 40 miles from the front, between the north shore of Laguna de Bay and the foothills of Mount Makiling to the south. To the southeast was the Japanese 8th Division, 9,000 to 11,000 enemy troops who could respond to any attack by rail or by road. Time was of the essence, but given its position, liberating the prison camp could have taken weeks. Based on reports from the other liberation missions, the U.S. believed the 2,147 civilian and military prisoners at Los Banos might have been killed, starved or left for dead by then. With the latest intelligence on enemy positions and routines from Los Banos escapees, Army planners created a four-phase assault that was meticulously timed to keep the guards' reactions minimal and move thousands of civilians. Failure anywhere meant failure everywhere, according to Lt. John Ringler, who led the air assault. The first phase was inserting a recon platoon from the 11th Airborne with Filipino guerrillas using local fishing boats. Next, Company B, 1st Battalion, 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment and a machine gun platoon from the battalion's headquarters company would parachute into the area. While they were landing, Filipino guerrillas from the 45th Hunters ROTC Regiment would attack the camp. After eliminating the enemy, LVT-4 Amtracs would ferry the rest of the 1st Battalion across Laguna de Bay and transport the prisoners away from the prison. The final phase required the 11th Airborne's 188th Glider Infantry Regiment to make a diversionary attack on the Japanese 8th Division to prevent it from responding to the prison raid. For this four-phase plan to work, all four steps would have to begin simultaneously -- no small feat for an operation that required the coordination of thousands of people. It would also require an estimated five hours to move all the people, which meant 170 U.S. paratroopers and 75 Filipino guerrillas would need to hold the camp and protect the prisoners for that time. At 7 a.m. on Feb. 23, 1945, as the Japanese guards performed calisthenics in only their loincloths, the sky above Los Banos filled with white parachutes. Then, the shooting started. Camp guards who managed to escape from the grounds were caught by the Hunters ROTC guerrillas waiting in the jungles with bolo knives and machetes. The combined force made short work of the surprised Japanese. (U.S. Army) Not only did the coordinated assault happen with perfect timing, the LVT-4s landed on the beachhead at 6:58 local time. They came crashing through the prison's front gate and began moving the prisoners across the lake, on time and as planned. The Amtracs would have to make two trips to move everyone, which required time and patience. The rescue force at Los Banos could hear the cacophony of combat in the distance, which was the diversionary attack force from the 188th Glider Infantry Regiment cutting the Japanese 8th Division off from the prison raid. The entire plan went off without a hitch, and the last of the LVTs departed the beach at 3 p.m., albeit under fire from the Japanese, who had finally begun to move toward the prison complex. In all, five Allied troops were killed and another six were wounded. Japanese losses were estimated at around 80. All 2,147 internees were rescued after three years of captivity. Among them was Frank Buckles, who would later be known as the last surviving American veteran of World War I. Some 50 years after the Los Banos Raid, Gen. Colin Powell sent a letter to the 11th Airborne Division Association, a veterans group that included members of the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, calling the raid "the textbook airborne operation for all ages and all armies." Want to Learn More About Military Life? Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for post-military careers or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox. France and Germany launched a coalition in Brussels to support Ukrainian air defense within the framework of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. "Following the launch of the artillery coalition, today we, together with Boris Pistorius, are launching an air defense support coalition for Ukraine," French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu wrote in X. According to the French Defense Ministry, today at a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, Minister Lecornu, together with German Defense Minister Pistius, launched a coalition in support of the air defense of Ukraine, which was joined by Danish and Belgian colleagues. The German Ministry of Defense said the declaration signed today increases the effectiveness of air defense support and is intended to facilitate procurement. As reported, on November 22, within the framework of the 17th meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (Ramstein format), a new coalition of Ground-Based Air Defense was formed. Thus, 20 countries joined it, the leaders being Germany and France. Ash Wednesday, in the Christian church, is the beginning of the Lenten season leading up to Easter Sunday. It also happens to fall on Valentines Day this year, the first time it has happened since 2018. It is observed with a service where the faithful are marked with ashes. Many adults, who are able to do so, fast or at least abstain from meat. On this day, you might see a Christian or a Catholic wearing smudged ashes on their forehead. Maybe you are a practicing Christian and are fasting this Ash Wednesday, and you are wondering what you can and cannot eat on the first day of Lent. Here is what you need to know about this first day of Lent in most Christian denominations and the rules of fasting. Ash Wednesday in the Christian church is the beginning of the Lenten season. It takes place six and a half weeks before Easter Sunday. It is observed with a service where the faithful are marked with ashes. Many adults fast or at least abstain from eating meat. It is not a holy day of obligation, but it is one of the most attended services that do not fall on a Sunday during the liturgical year. Catholics and some protestants, including Anglicans and Lutherans, also hold Ash Wednesday services. Eastern Orthodox churches do not follow this schedule because they begin Lent on a Monday, and therefore, do not observe Ash Wednesday. Catholics are not allowed to eat meat on Ash Wednesday. Most adults are expected to fast and eat only one full meal per day. Two smaller meals can count for this requirement. Acceptable foods to eat on Ash Wednesday include milk, eggs, fish, grains, fruits and vegetables, according to Forklift and Palate. There also are no limits on most beverages you can have on Ash Wednesday, so coffee and tea would be acceptable. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with certain health conditions are exempt from fasting on Ash Wednesday and during Lent. According to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the fasting requirements are for those ages 18-59 while abstinence from meat starts at age 14. DELTA COUNTY, MI A rescue crew used drones and an airboat to save a person who had fallen through thin ice in Michigans Upper Peninsula. The Delta County Sheriffs Office shared video of the rescue, which occurred in Lake Michigans Little Bay de Noc, one mile east of the Days River, at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Deputies said the person had fallen through the ice while riding a 4-wheeler but was able to call 911. The video was made to showcase the airboat and warn the public about the dangers of thin ice. The video shows the airboat easily cutting through thin ice to reach the submerged 4-wheeler. Rescuers are then seen sliding on their bellies to reach the victim and the cell phone. With the temperatures dropping over the next couple days, those spots of open water will get a thin layer of ice on them, making them look like they are safe, deputies said. Remember that ice conditions change on a regular basis. Deputies were assisted by the Michigan State Police, Ensign Fire, Masonville Fire and EMS and Gladstone Fire. EAST LANSING, MI Evan Katz stood by himself at the Spartan statue. As minutes turned to hours, Katz roamed between the statue and the Rock on Farm Lane, the iconic gathering place of last years vigil that drew thousands. With a day off from classes, the Michigan State junior continued to stand solemnly in those two spaces for more than eight hours. To remember. To process. To grieve. Its a day of reflection. Im really thankful for the day off. This is no longer a day for studying, but a day for us all to grieve, said Katz, wearing a Spartan Strong sweater. Everyones down right now, and we need to be a team together, whether thats having someone cry on your shoulder or listening to someone talk about their experiences. Today, its one of those things where today is kind of a breath of fresh air. To be here. To just be here. Overall, the silence is welcoming. Watching people come and go, reading a note left from a friend of one of the victims that broke me to pieces. All of it has opened my eyes and touched my heart. Today, Feb. 13, is an uncomfortable day for the MSU community because to them, it feels like it was taken away. Stained. One year ago, a mass shooter took Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson and Alexandria Verner away from us all. Berkey Hall has since reopened, but now with a concrete slab covering classroom 114. The Union, too, is open again. But the grieving process hasnt ended here at Michigan State. Many students are still living in the moments of uncertainty and horror that transpired a year ago not ready to talk or remember. The memory lingers, far too fresh to fade and continuation of mass shootings across America picks the scab raw. A report by Axiom, shows that Michigan State was one of 656 mass shootings in 2023. Today on Feb. 13, 2024, the university canceled class and planned a gathering for 7:30 p.m. at the Spartan Statue. The same statue that the MSU community turned to for solace, the morning after the shooting. Standing in silence, hugging and crying, the base of the statue became covered in thousands of flowers, candles and notes. Today, on Feb. 13, one year later, students and faculty vulnerably allowed themselves to be in those moments again. Spartan leaned on Spartan. They embraced the memory, taking the opportunity to celebrate and memorialize the lives of Brian Fraser, Arielle Anderson and Alexandria Verner. All 110 Phi Delta Theta fraternity members walked together and gathered at the statue to honor Brian Fraser. Thousands of students, staff and alumni gathered Tuesday night for a remembrance. Luminaries were given out, lit green in white bags. A prerecorded message was played from Emily Hoyumpa, president of the Associated Students of MSU. The bells of Beaumont Tower played the alma mater MSU Shadows eerily twice, and each time it finished, there was a moment of silence first for Anderson and Verner, and then for Fraser. A bell tolled once for each who passed away. Still picking up the pieces, the MSU community adjusted to what this date will mean from now on. And it isnt normal. It cant be. For students safety, for the memory of the lives lost, it will always be something more in East Lansing. Today was a step toward reclaiming it. Madeline Russell, who graduated last May with her masters degree in microbiology, continually thoughts of the families directly impacted throughout the day. Russell, 23 of Marshall, described the mood throughout campus as both somber and joyful today. It was really cool to see how much laughter there still was on campus as a way of us moving forward, Russell said. Everybody is grieving, and everybody grieves differently. The MSU community is so unique, and even though its such a massive school, everybody still cares about each other. After the crowd began to disperse, a few clusters of Spartans stood together in tears. Cassidy Howard, 19-year-old sophomore from Redford, wept in a tight embrace with her friend Lucas Trainor, also a sophomore. For minutes, she held him, tighter and tighter, letting out some of the immense grief she had been holding onto throughout the year. Howard said she used to struggle a lot with leaning on people, but through the experience since Feb. 13, 2023, she now turns to her friends as her absolute support system first thing. Its nice to see the support that we get but grief isnt something that happens only one day a year. Youre not OK the other 364 days a year and then the clock strikes midnight on the 13th and everything isnt OK anymore, Howard said. Grief is something that continues. Grief is something that comes in waves and it follows. Im grateful that, even if not always, right now were getting the space to grieve, and through all of this the most valuable thing Ive learned is that the only way you overcome grief is when youre with other people. There is nothing you cant do as a community, and this sucks 365 days a year, but this is a good start. Im grateful for the time and space people are giving us to mourn, and right now, its still just a lot of hurt. Im just now realizing that its been a year since Ive truly felt safe. Related: On anniversary of mass shooting, MSU ponders how to memorialize night of terror Heres how MSU has increased security since the mass shooting WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, MI A 63-year-old Michigan woman died in a three-vehicle crash after a driver ran a red light, police said. It happened around 9:30 a.m. Monday at the intersection of 32 Mile Road and M-53 in Macomb Countys Washington Township, police said. Deputies were dispatched to the scene and advised that one driver was trapped inside her vehicle. A Ford Escape, driven by a 27-year-old woman from Riley Township, traveling southbound on M-53 had failed to stop for a red light at the intersection with 32 Mile. The Ford crashed into the front passenger door of a Jeep that was traveling westbound on 32 Mile. The impact caused the Jeep to spin out and strike a Chevy pickup truck. All four occupants of the three vehicles were transported to local hospitals for treatment. The passenger of the Jeep, a 63-year-old woman from Macomb Township, died later at the hospital. The Jeep driver, a 64-year-old man from Macomb Township, is in stable condition. The driver of the Chevy, a 68-year-old man from Oxford, is in stable condition. The Ford driver is in a stable condition. The crash is under investigation. WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI Two people injured in a house explosion late last year are on the mend, according to a social media post made by family. Stephen Bragg, 16, and his grandfather, Rick Pruden, are both recovering as best they can, family member Lisa Bragg-Hurlburt said in a Facebook post shared by Northfield Township officials. Bragg and Pruden were injured in a house explosion around 3:30 p.m. Dec. 30 in the 8000 block of Winters Lane in Northfield Township. Hope Bragg, 51; Don Bragg, 53; Kenneth Bragg, 22; and Elizabeth Bragg, 19, were killed in the blast, police said. We are here to support the family in any way we can as we continue the investigation into the cause of the explosion, Ken Dignan, Northfield Township supervisor, said in an email to MLive. Read more: You realize whats important in life; Community remembers 4 dead in house explosion The Bragg family is from Arkansas and was visiting for the holiday season. Bragg will finish his school year online and visit Arkansas in March, Bragg-Hurlburt said in the post. He continues to attend outpatient physical therapy. Stephen has LOVED the letters and packages youve sent, she added. Thank you for giving him little pieces of your love, positivity and excitement. Read more: People killed in Washtenaw County explosion identified as Arkansas family Pruden, has come a long way in his healing process, Bragg-Hurlburt said. Bragg-Hurlburt did not respond to a request for further comment. A fundraiser benefiting Bragg has raised nearly $80,600 as of Wednesday, while a fundraiser benefiting Pruden has generated roughly $32,000. A preliminary investigation revealed the house exploded due to a fuel-air complication, officials said. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page, the Ypsilanti-area news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. ANN ARBOR, MI Ann Arbor has put a new spin on traditional I voted stickers for the citys 200th anniversary With voting underway for the Feb. 27 presidential primary in Michigan, any Ann Arborites casting their ballots now can become an Ann Arbor bicentennial voter. The city clerks office is offering the commemorative stickers featuring the citys A200 logo, in addition to other Ann Arbor-branded I voted stickers offered in previous elections. Where can you vote early in Washtenaw County for Feb. 27 election? Heres a guide Absentee voting by mail and in person a process using sealed envelopes to store ballots until the election is already underway, while true early voting at early voting centers begins Saturday, Feb. 17, and continues through Feb. 25. To kick off early voting, which is newly allowed under Michigan law, the city announced Ann Arbor voters can join Mayor Christopher Taylor at 8 a.m. Saturday at city hall as he casts the first early-vote ballot in the city. Be among the next in line at city hall or another designated center to vote early! the city has invited residents. The city will offer nine straight days of early voting at six locations starting Saturday. In addition to city hall, that includes the Malletts Creek, Traverwood and Westgate branches of the Ann Arbor District Library and two University of Michigan campus locations: Pierpont Commons and the UM Museum of Art. See early voting hours and find out more about the election on the city website. Voters have a choice between Democratic President Joe Biden, former Republican President Donald Trump and several other contenders. See the full candidate list. Voters who want to vote at the regular polls on Election Day can look up their polling place and check their registration status on Michigans voter information website. Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter. FENTON, MI -- Can a group of Western Michigan University students help solve a 15-year-old mystery in Genesee County? The detective in charge of the case seems to think so, and the program the students are a part of has done it before. That program -- the Western Michigan University Cold Case Program with the Michigan State Police -- has helped Detective Tom Cole of the Fenton Police Department this semester, teaming him with five students as Cole reviews the investigation into the 2009 disappearance of Randa Jawhari. I would not be as far in this case as I am if it wasnt for this program, Cole said. These kids are amazing. Students Sean Montroy, Kate Whitton, Madelyn Mill, Sydney Thornton and Elizabeth Jervis have partnered with Cole, giving him additional sets of hands as he continues the search for Jawhari. On Monday, Feb. 12, the students were front and center at a news conference hosted by Crime Stoppers of Flint and Genesee County, as the agency announced on the day following the 15th anniversary of Jawharis disappearance that a $2,500 reward is still being offered for information in her case. We sincerely hope that we can help Detective Cole provide closure for this family, Whitton said at the news conference. How it works Western Michigans program is one of few like it in the country, according to Ashlyn Kuersten, the programs director who also is a professor of sociology and teaches in the universitys criminal justice studies program. It gives students an up-close look at police work in criminal investigations and spawned when Kuersten, who said textbooks often teach students what not to do, thought those in her class deserve a chance to see things done the right way. I got curious, to try to find somebody to come in and talk to my students about good police procedure, Kuersten told MLive. I drummed up a friendship with First Lieutenant (Chuck) Christiansen with the Michigan State Police. He started talking to my students once a semester. During one of their chats, Kuersten said, Christiansen spoke about the sheer amount of cold cases the agency had on its plate. Meanwhile, Kuersten said, she was looking for real world opportunities for her students. I thought, Hey, wait a minute. This could work. This is a great idea, Kuersten said. Each semester, students are divided into teams. Each group is assigned a case with a detective who is actively investigating the case and open to working with the students. They meet about once a week and, eventually, create a research project on the case that details the ins and outs on the investigation. Their tasks often vary but can include organizing files, making charts of suspects who were excluded or have yet to be crossed out, who need to be interviewed and other odds and ends. We work on case files that are 50 years old, Kuersten said. So, you know, theres Post-it notes and carbon copies of things, and old cassette reels and oftentimes to open up one of these cases -- detectives dont even know whats in the case file. The cases are chosen by examining the solvability of each case, how much evidence is available and what has been done already in the investigation. The students themselves have to go through a vetting process to participate in the program. One of the greater concerns about the program is confidentiality of the materials, Kuersten explained. Students undergo background checks with the state police, who use an encrypted computer system and other checks in place. Id obviously never saw how an actual investigation works, whether its a homicide investigation or missing person investigation, Montroy said. Being able to see all the evidence, reports and lab reports, it gives you a really good perspective of the whole thing. Its heavy stuff. Randa Jawhari The case of Randa Jawhari is one of the cases the program has dedicated students to assisting with this semester. Jawhari was 42 when she disappeared from her Fenton apartment. Fifteen years have passed and there still has been no break in the case. She did not have a car, nor did she possess a drivers license. Jawhari also didnt have a history of leaving without telling someone. Searches conducted in the days following her disappearance turned up nothing. Law enforcement sought information about a man they called a person of interest who was seen with Jawhari in the months leading up to her disappearance. They also released a dark, low-resolution surveillance video showing a vehicle entering Jawharis apartment complex and driving toward her apartment the night she disappeared. Police previously said they were never able to identify the person of interest but would still like to talk to him about the disappearance. They were also unable to enhance the surveillance video enough to be able to identify the vehicle. Cole has been mum on both topics since taking over the investigation. Missing person cases are always just so mysterious, Kuersten said. They just disappeared? Really? A human being just disappeared? Somebody knows something. With the Jawhari case, the program has aided Cole organize and modernize records. They have helped digitize records, created indexes of people involved in it, developed maps of locations pertinent to the investigation. They have also interviewed family members of Jawhari and continue to just try to find whatever missing pieces there are in the investigation. I learned a lot from just sitting there and talking to them, Montroy said. Not about the case but about how to talk to people in that situation. Empathy. Its made me realize I want to go into this. A track record of success If the program does help solve the Jawhari case, it wouldnt be the first time they have come up big. Twice before, the program assisted in cases that were then solved. The first such case was that of Roxanne Wood, who at 30 years old was found dead at her home in Niles. It was 1987, and her killers identity was unknown for 35 years. MSP reopened the homicide case and worked with the program which led to the arrest and conviction of Patrick Gilham in 2022. The program also helped make a difference in the 1988 murder of 19-year-old Cathy Swartz. A suspect was identified out of state, but the man died by suicide before being extradited to Michigan. The program has worked on 18 cases overall, Kuersten said. Asked if he believes theres a chance that Jawhari could eventually be added to the list of cases the program has helped solve, Montroy answered with conviction. 100 percent, yeah. Ukraine has signed the Ljubljana-Hague Convention, which is the basis for international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of war and other crimes, Deputy Minister of Justice Iryna Mudra said. "Today I had the honor to sign the Ljubljana-Hague Convention on behalf of Ukraine. This is an important step for our country and the beginning of the path towards introducing a mechanism of comprehensive and inevitable responsibility for international crimes," Mudra said on Facebook on Wednesday evening. The deputy minister said this Convention is the basis for international cooperation in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide, war crimes and other international crimes. Ukraine also calls on other states to join the Convention and act together to quickly bring criminals to justice. "Personally, I would like to thank the president for his trust to sign this document. For me, this is extremely important, because our team works every day to develop tools that will help Ukraine punish the war criminals of the aggressor country," Mudra said. She recalled that on May 29, 2023, in Slovenia, together with delegations of more than 80 participating countries, the text of "a multilateral treaty on the international fight against impunity for persons who have committed the most serious crimes in violation of international law and international humanitarian law" was agreed upon. The Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Prosecutor General's Office worked on the text of the Convention. OTTAWA COUNTY, MI For the entire duration of an Ottawa County board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 13, Commissioner Roger Belknap displayed a handmade sign about a war on children. The sign, taped to the back of Belknaps laptop, said The war on children .com in hand-drawn capital red block letters. Sitting next to board Chair Joe Moss, the sign was prominently displayed in person and on the meetings livestream online. The commissioner, a member of the ultra-conservative majority on the Ottawa County board, later said he made the war on children sign in objection to a pastor who gave the meetings invocation and previously filed a lawsuit against the board. The pastor is known for his LGBTQ+ advocacy work. The website referenced on the sign directs viewers to a documentary of the same name. According to the website, the documentary exposes the ongoing battle for control of the next generation and their minds. The documentary claims to feature leftists caught on camera and corporate executives exposing the plan to sexualize children, along with Sen. Rand Paul and a drag performer. The documentarys website asks parents and grandparents if theyre ready to be the warrior that children need or will you let the global elite control the future and turn our kids into their soldiers? RELATED: John Gibbs skips meeting where Ottawa County strips him of hiring power While speaking with media after the meeting, Belknap said he made and displayed the sign as a direct result of a Grand Haven pastor who gave a prayer at the beginning of the Tuesday meeting. The pastor, Rev. Jared Cramer of St. Johns Episcopal Church, previously filed a lawsuit against the county for not letting him lead the opening prayer. In the lawsuit, filed Oct. 3, 2023, Cramer claimed he was being barred from offering an opening prayer because Moss disagreed with his religious beliefs and his LGBTQ+ advocacy work. Cramer helped plan Grand Havens first-ever Pride festival this past summer. During his prayer Tuesday, Cramer criticized Moss and the ultra-conservative majority boards actions over the past year. In the prayer, Cramer said he hopes that decency, love and justice can once more come to the forefront in the county. I pray for families and households struggling because of reduced resources from our health department, especially those who will be more food insecure and those who will struggle to get the mental health support they need Cramer said. I pray for people of color in our country who saw our motto, Where you belong, taken away along with our department of diversity, equity and inclusion began to wonder once more if Ottawa County could still be a home for them...I pray for queer kids who have been told they are broken and whose attempts to understand who they are feel maligned. I pray for queer adults who increasingly dont feel safe, much less welcome walking on the street with their beloved. RELATED: Pastor who advocates for LGBTQ+ files lawsuit against Ottawa County government leader Belknap said he believes events like Pride festivals and drag shows are not appropriate places for children and are part of the war on children. The world were in today, whether its a situation overseas or locally, I believe we have a war on children going on, Belknap told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press after the board meeting. When we encourage adult-oriented behavior and put that on our kids, this is what we get. Belknap took particular issue with photos from the Grand Haven Pride festival last June of children handing money to drag queens during a performance. There were many images Ive seen of children handing drag queens dollar bills, Belknap said. Whether or not I think that happens as a consenting adult, thats one thing, but when you have children doing that, youre going to have them confused about acceptable behavior. As District 9 commissioner, Belknap represents Grand Haven and Robinson townships and one precinct in Spring Lake Township, all in the northern part of the county. Belknap said he made the sign himself and put it on his personal laptop, not a county-issued device. He also said he had no connection to the creators of the documentary but hoped his sign would continue the conversation. Children giving money and encouraging the giving of money to an adult who is doing something that in most cases is not acceptable in the course of a school or place of business, Belknap said. Its a logical result of seeing depression, anger, frustration continue to rise in our society when these events are a top-down thing, with city councils and a minister promoting this behavior. RELATED: Ottawa Countys move to protect childhood innocence draws support, homophobia accusations Following the Grand Haven and Holland Pride festivals last summer, the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution to protect childhood innocence, banning county staff from participating in or spending resources on activities, programs, events, content, or institutions which support, normalize, or encourage the sexualization of children and youth. The resolution was proposed after county health department staff offered COVID-19 and mpox vaccines at both local Pride festivals. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. More from MLive: Kamala Harris visiting Grand Rapids to talk reproductive rights Grand Rapids man, inventor of Pop-Tarts, dies at 96 Michigan cafe closes 3 years after making national waves for defying COVID orders EAST GRAND RAPIDS, MI The city of East Grand Rapids is now offering paid parental leave to its employees in an effort to attract and retain more talent. The city commission on Jan. 22 unanimously approved up to eight weeks of paid parental leave for full-time employees who are welcoming a newborn or a newly adopted child. East Grand Rapids officials see the new policy as an added benefit that could attract more candidates to work for the city, as municipalities and businesses alike face unprecedented difficulties in hiring individuals, city Finance Director Sharla Seath wrote in a memo to commissioners about the proposed policy. Because of these difficulties, municipalities are looking to find a way to attract candidates to work for them, Seath wrote. Studies are showing that applicants are looking at the benefits that are offered and not necessarily the pay scale. One benefit that municipalities are adding or looking to add is parental pay. East Grand Rapids City Manager Shea Charles said the city began exploring the possibility of offering paid parental leave several months ago at the request of city commissioners. While the city doesnt currently have any staffing vacancies, Charles said the new policy will help make the city of East Grand Rapids a more attractive place to work as many local government struggle to hire more staff. He said East Grand Rapids joins a growing list of municipalities that offer such benefits to employees, including the cities of Kentwood, Detroit, Ann Arbor and Ferndale, Kent and Washtenaw counties, and the state of Michigan. Its a trend that were seeing, both in the private and public sector, Charles told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. In trying to remain competitive, to attract and retain top quality people, this is just a piece of the overall puzzle. The purpose of paid parental leave is to allow city employees to heal from childbirth and to care for and bond with a newborn or a newly adopted or newly placed child, according to Seaths memo. Under the new policy, all full-time city employees are eligible for up to eight weeks of paid leave regardless of whether theyre the parent who gave birth or not. Birth parents must use the eight weeks consecutively after birth of the child, but the non-birth parent can use the eight weeks over a twelve month period after the child is born, Charles said. The policy is open to parents of newborns and parents who have adopted a child or have had a child placed in their home for adoption. All of the citys 73 full-time employees are eligible for the new policy, Charles said. While city staff initially proposed offering just four weeks of paid leave, commissioners ended up doubling it to eight weeks during the Jan. 22 meeting, to offer employees more time to care for their new children, Charles said. Charles said the city is still exploring the possibility of increasing the policy to 12 weeks. City staff will likely bring it to commissioners at the March 4 meeting, he said. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The annual Grand Rapids Bourbon Fest is making its return for those looking to try over 200 whiskeys and bourbons. The fourth annual event kicks off on Saturday, March 2, at the Studio D2D Event Center, 401 Hall St. The festival runs in two sessions, with the first one already sold out and tickets to the second 7:30-10 p.m. session still available. Attendees can expect over 200 whiskeys, a cocktail station and a VIP section. There will also be plenty of non-bourbon options, including beer, wine and other non-alcoholic spirits. From now until Feb. 17, general admission tickets are $40, which includes festival entry along with 10 tasting tickets and a souvenir glass. After Feb. 17, tickets go up to $50 and then increase to $60 the week of the event. VIP tickets are also available for $100, which includes access to the festival and the VIP section, 20 tasting tickets, a dated bourbon glass, and a chance to sample all whiskeys in the main festival for one ticket each. For those designated drivers who wont be drinking, there is a $10 non-drinking ticket option that doesnt include any tasting tickets. There will also be plenty of food to enjoy from area staples Patty Matters and Marias food trucks, as well as live music by Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish. All proceeds from the event go toward The Friends of the River, which is a Lansing-based nonprofit that works to improve water quality, access, and awareness on the rivers in Michigan. A full list of the festivals drink and vendor selection is available here. Tickets are available to purchase online or at the entrance to the festival, if not sold out. The event is open to ages 21 and over with a valid picture ID. Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter. Read more: How you can celebrate Black History Month 2024 in Grand Rapids New elementary school could be built in Grand Rapids after parent input Whats being built on Fuller Avenue? It has 120 beds, courtyards and an art gallery Kentwood hosting disc golf tournament, food drive GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Grand Rapids next week to discuss reproductive rights. This is the fourth stop on her Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, as well as her fourth visit to Michigan since taking office in 2021. The vice president will fly into Grand Rapids and visit on Feb. 22, according to a release from her office. Harris will praise Michigan activists and elected leaders who have worked to protect reproductive rights since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, according to her office. She is visiting states that are experiencing chaos and confusion after Roe v. Wade was overturned, states where womens reproductive freedom is being protected, and states with extreme abortion bans that are threatening the lives, health, and wellbeing of women, her office wrote in a release. A slew of abortion-related laws took effect Feb. 13, with among the biggest being a rollback of restrictions surrounding abortion providers more commonly known as TRAP laws. This means providers will no longer have to deal with regulations surrounding hallway width, ceiling heights or HVAC systems. The change comes as part of the Reproductive Health Act, signed into law Nov. 21, 2023, which also ushered in a handful of other changes. BATTLE CREEK, MI -- A man with a knife was locked in the lobby of the county jail and subsequently arrested after he tried breaking into an ATM, the Calhoun County Sheriffs Office reports. At 6:22 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, a 26-year-old Battle Creek man entered the bond lobby of the Calhoun County Jail while holding a knife in his hand, police said in a news release. He began pounding on the door to the interior of the jail. Corrections deputies called for backup when they noticed the man had a knife, police said. The man started to break into the ATM located in the lobby area, police said. Corrections deputies electronically locked the exterior door, trapping the man inside. Battle Creek Police Department officers made contact with the man from outside the building. He surrendered and was escorted into the jail, police said. Police have not identified the man and did not disclose any possible charges against him. Calhoun County Sheriff Steve Hinkley said corrections staff did an excellent job handling the situation and coordinating with Battle Creek police to resolve the incident safely. Want more Kalamazoo-area news? Bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Kalamazoo daily newsletter. LANSING, MI When convening in the basement of the Michigan Republican Party headquarters to sign off on a document declaring former President Donald Trump Michigans winner in the 2020 presidential election, James Renner said it was with the understanding lawmakers had the ability to accept the Republican slate of electors over the Democrat-aligned ones. The purpose was to present the slate of candidates, because we were told that the representatives and senators have the ability to accept our our slate of candidates versus the Democratic slate of candidates but it had to be there by two o clock, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Azerbaijan's ADA University has held a roundtable discussion, organised by IDD, themed "Killing and expelling: the Practice of Ethnic Cleansing by Armenia (1918-1921; 1987-1991) organised by IDD, Trend reports. Maxime Gauin, a research fellow at ADA University's Institute for Development and Diplomacy (IDD), moderated the conversation. During his lecture, he described Armenia's historical practice of ethnic cleansing. Gauin focused on events from 1918 to 1921 and 1987 to 1991, noting that Armenian nationalists committed ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis on a smaller scale in previous years. Gauin cited historical materials, records, and testimonials from a variety of people as proof of Armenian hostility, including Russian and French officers, Armenians, and UK intelligence officials. "For Armenia, it's necessary to honestly look at its history and avoid creating a false narrative, both within the country and beyond, where Armenians regularly depict themselves as victims," he said. Zivar Aliyeva and Namig Muradov, Azerbaijanis displaced from Kapan by Armenians in 1988, joined the roundtable discussion to share their painful experiences and perspectives. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 11. Azerbaijan condemns and rejects the groundless allegations against Azerbaijan voiced by Josep Borrell, the European Unions (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during a joint press conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on 13 February, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said in a statement, Trend reports. "The High Representative Joseph Borrells whitewashing of Armenia, which committed the act of armed aggression, is considered as turning a blind eye to its military provocation. Unfortunately, the EU side is dismissive toward the fact of injury of an Azerbaijani serviceman as a result of an unprovoked sniper attack following 5 months of stable situation. Azerbaijans response to the provocation was totally adequate and of a local character. These response measures have also prevented Armenia from further expanding its military escalation. Moreover, we must reiterate that the proposal of the High Representative of the European Union for the distancing of forces, which has no practical significance, is regretful. The EU should take into account the fact that the mercenaries deployed by Armenia in border regions under the patronage of the European Union Mission jeopardize the lives of Azerbaijani servicemen and civilians. Furthermore, it is unacceptable to refer to residents of Armenian origin who voluntarily departed Azerbaijans Karabakh economic region as displaced people, and to utilize non-existent names such as Nagorno-Karabakh referring to this region, which is an Azerbaijani territory. The EU is also well aware that the government of Azerbaijan has repeatedly requested that Armenian residents remain in their houses. Unfortunately, despite the High Representative has corrected the reference about the figures in relation to the Armenian residents who left the territory, that has not been voiced even by the Armenians, it is clear that the representative is under the influence of Armenian propaganda in this matter. Yet again, we note with regret that despite the President of the European Council Charles Michels peace initiatives, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, by taking a unilateral pro-Armenian stance, deliberately creates an impasse between Azerbaijan and the European Union institutions, while further isolating himself from the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process", the statement says. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The corpses of 173 people have been found and handed over to Armenia after the Azerbaijani army's anti-terrorist measures in Karabakh on September 19-20, 2023, the Azerbaijani State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Citizens statement said, Trend reports. The Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Persons appreciates the press statement from the corresponding body of Armenia expressing readiness to collaborate in determining the fate of individuals missing in hostilities. As always, the commission finds it appropriate to unite efforts in this regard. "It's important to highlight that Azerbaijan, guided by the principles of international humanitarian law and the relevant provisions of the trilateral statement signed on November 10, 2020, with the active involvement of the Russian Peacekeeping Contingent and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), has offered comprehensive assistance to the Armenian side in conducting search operations in areas where military operations occurred. As a result, after the Second Karabakh War, 1,713 bodies were discovered and handed over to Armenia. After the military conflict on the Armenian-Azerbaijani conditional border on September 12-14, 2022, 157 bodies were found, and following the local anti-terrorist measures by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in Karabakh on September 19-20, 2023, 173 bodies of military personnel were recovered," the commission said. As of January 1, 2024, the State Commission has registered 3,890 Azerbaijani citizens as missing in action during the First Karabakh War, with only 25 of them having their remains identified. At the same time, the State Commission deems it essential to engage field commanders and other authorized individuals who commanded Armenia's military actions before 1994 and possess sufficient information about the locations of mass graves in the process of searching for the burial sites of missing Azerbaijani citizens. The State Commission reaffirms its willingness to collaborate with the pertinent authorities of Armenia in facilitating the search for missing persons on both sides. This commitment is made with a focus on upholding the principles of accuracy, and transparency and fostering an atmosphere of mutual trust. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Atomi Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL Free Report) by 67.2% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 37,291 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 14,989 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF comprises about 1.6% of Atomi Financial Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 4th largest holding. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $4,915,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in QUAL. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 16.1% during the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 34,482,396 shares of the companys stock worth $4,650,641,000 after buying an additional 4,774,467 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC boosted its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 2.6% during the second quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 12,673,709 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,709,303,000 after purchasing an additional 325,351 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 116.6% during the second quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 12,031,697 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,622,715,000 after purchasing an additional 6,476,112 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 145.7% during the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 6,831,614 shares of the companys stock valued at $847,564,000 after purchasing an additional 4,051,296 shares during the last quarter. Finally, M&T Bank Corp boosted its position in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 3.6% during the third quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 3,606,215 shares of the companys stock valued at $475,285,000 after purchasing an additional 124,951 shares during the last quarter. Get iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF alerts: iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Stock Performance BATS QUAL traded down $1.97 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $155.66. 1,166,776 shares of the company traded hands. The businesss 50-day moving average is $148.59 and its 200-day moving average is $140.52. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a twelve month low of $71.96 and a twelve month high of $88.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $35.20 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.30 and a beta of 1.03. About iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality index. The fund tracks an index of US large- and mid-cap stocks, selected and weighted by high ROE, stable earnings growth and low debt\u002Fequity, relative to peers in each sector. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. lessened its position in shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG Free Report) by 17.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,808 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,070 shares during the quarter. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Procter & Gamble were worth $1,431,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of PG. State Street Corp boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 103,104,467 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,645,072,000 after buying an additional 817,674 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 46,754,131 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,936,343,000 after buying an additional 510,559 shares in the last quarter. Morgan Stanley boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 12.6% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 44,320,700 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,717,246,000 after buying an additional 4,959,527 shares in the last quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 96,526.4% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 38,535,557 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,840,449,000 after buying an additional 38,495,676 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new stake in Procter & Gamble in the 4th quarter valued at $3,752,321,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.43% of the companys stock. Get Procter & Gamble alerts: Procter & Gamble Trading Down 0.5 % Shares of Procter & Gamble stock traded down $0.85 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $156.26. The companys stock had a trading volume of 6,046,808 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,031,508. The Procter & Gamble Company has a 12 month low of $136.10 and a 12 month high of $159.83. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $150.14 and a 200 day moving average of $150.89. The company has a market capitalization of $367.68 billion, a PE ratio of 26.33, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.48, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.44. Procter & Gamble Dividend Announcement Procter & Gamble ( NYSE:PG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The company reported $1.84 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.70 by $0.14. The company had revenue of $21.44 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.48 billion. Procter & Gamble had a return on equity of 34.04% and a net margin of 17.60%. Procter & Gambles revenue for the quarter was up 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.59 earnings per share. Analysts predict that The Procter & Gamble Company will post 6.45 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 19th will be given a dividend of $0.9407 per share. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 18th. This represents a $3.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.41%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 62.98%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently commented on PG. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price target on Procter & Gamble from $169.00 to $162.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, January 18th. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research note on Monday, November 13th. They issued a buy rating and a $177.00 price objective on the stock. UBS Group boosted their target price on Procter & Gamble from $172.00 to $178.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their target price on Procter & Gamble from $156.00 to $157.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their target price on Procter & Gamble from $155.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 31st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $167.06. View Our Latest Analysis on PG Insider Transactions at Procter & Gamble In related news, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 101,704 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.57, for a total transaction of $15,618,683.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 163,428 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,097,637.96. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 6,575 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.47, for a total transaction of $1,009,065.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 5,620 shares of the companys stock, valued at $862,501.40. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Marc S. Pritchard sold 101,704 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.57, for a total value of $15,618,683.28. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 163,428 shares in the company, valued at approximately $25,097,637.96. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 258,997 shares of company stock valued at $39,904,358 over the last three months. Company insiders own 0.17% of the companys stock. 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. Featured Stories 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan has resigned, Trend reports. The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan resigned on the day the newly elected President of the Republic of Azerbaijan takes office and begins to exercise his powers, in accordance with Article 116 of the Azerbaijani Constitution. According to Article 118 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (procedure for appointment of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan), the Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan is appointed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the consent of the Azerbaijani Parliament. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan will submit a proposal for the Prime Minister's candidacy to the Azerbaijani Parliament no later than one month after taking office or two weeks after the resignation of the Republic of Azerbaijan's Cabinet of Ministers. The Azerbaijani Parliament will decide on the Prime Minister of the Azerbaijan Republic's candidacy within one week after its filing. If the aforementioned order is violated or three candidates submitted by the President of the Azerbaijan Republic are not given consent for appointment to the position of Prime Minister of the Azerbaijan Republic, the President of the Azerbaijan Republic may appoint the Prime Minister without the consent of the Azerbaijani Parliament. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel White Pine Capital LLC reduced its stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE:ANF Free Report) by 25.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,723 shares of the apparel retailers stock after selling 5,697 shares during the quarter. White Pine Capital LLCs holdings in Abercrombie & Fitch were worth $943,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of ANF. Quarry LP acquired a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. Advisory Services Network LLC grew its position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 985.0% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 1,085 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 985 shares during the period. Financial Management Professionals Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 3rd quarter worth about $31,000. Castleview Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the 3rd quarter valued at about $44,000. Finally, Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 36.7% during the 3rd quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 820 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 220 shares in the last quarter. Get Abercrombie & Fitch alerts: Abercrombie & Fitch Stock Up 1.7 % NYSE ANF traded up $1.93 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $116.87. The stock had a trading volume of 2,105,386 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,416,618. The company has a market capitalization of $5.89 billion, a PE ratio of 28.74 and a beta of 1.55. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. has a 12 month low of $21.74 and a 12 month high of $117.42. The companys 50-day moving average price is $95.06 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $70.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.40. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Abercrombie & Fitch ( NYSE:ANF Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 21st. The apparel retailer reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.18 by $0.65. The firm had revenue of $1.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $980.99 million. Abercrombie & Fitch had a return on equity of 27.95% and a net margin of 5.16%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 20.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.01 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Abercrombie & Fitch Co. will post 6.12 EPS for the current year. Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Abercrombie & Fitch from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Abercrombie & Fitch from $93.00 to $98.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on Abercrombie & Fitch from $53.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Telsey Advisory Group lifted their price objective on Abercrombie & Fitch from $95.00 to $105.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Abercrombie & Fitch from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 14th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $69.43. View Our Latest Stock Report on Abercrombie & Fitch Insiders Place Their Bets In other Abercrombie & Fitch news, CFO Scott D. Lipesky sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.24, for a total transaction of $4,812,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 116,987 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,258,828.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Sarah M. Gallagher sold 13,225 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.36, for a total transaction of $983,411.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 2,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $208,208. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Scott D. Lipesky sold 50,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $96.24, for a total value of $4,812,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 116,987 shares in the company, valued at $11,258,828.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 143,447 shares of company stock valued at $13,511,615 in the last 90 days. 3.77% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Abercrombie & Fitch Profile (Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co, through its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty retailer in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Asia-Pacific, Canada, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Hollister and Abercrombie. It offers an assortment of apparel, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids under the Hollister, Gilly Hicks, Social Tourist, Abercrombie & Fitch, and abercrombie kids brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich cut its stake in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 2,027,142 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 74,414 shares during the period. Abbott Laboratories accounts for approximately 1.1% of Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurichs investment portfolio, making the stock its 26th largest holding. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurichs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $196,329,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 0.6% in the 3rd quarter. Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC now owns 21,419 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $2,074,000 after buying an additional 130 shares in the last quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 9.8% in the 2nd quarter. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado now owns 1,415,759 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $154,346,000 after buying an additional 126,547 shares in the last quarter. Rockland Trust Co. grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.5% in the 3rd quarter. Rockland Trust Co. now owns 91,868 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $8,897,000 after buying an additional 1,343 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. grew its holdings in Abbott Laboratories by 1.4% in the 3rd quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 373,375 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $36,161,000 after buying an additional 5,058 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Riverview Capital Advisers LLC acquired a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 2nd quarter valued at $210,000. 73.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Insider Activity In other news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the firms 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 owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,022,916. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 0.3 % ABT stock traded up $0.34 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $111.68. The company had a trading volume of 2,192,955 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,282,883. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a current ratio of 1.74. The company has a market capitalization of $193.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.75. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $110.91 and a 200 day simple moving average of $103.89. Abbott Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $89.67 and a fifty-two week high of $115.83. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 24th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $1.19. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.84% and a net margin of 14.27%. The business had revenue of $10.24 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.19 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.03 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 1.5% on a year-over-year basis. Analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 12th will be issued a $0.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, January 11th. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.97%. This is an increase from Abbott Laboratoriess previous quarterly dividend of $0.51. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio is presently 67.48%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently commented on the company. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $128.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group decreased their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. TheStreet raised Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Thursday, December 21st. 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 note on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $123.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $120.00. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Abbott Laboratories 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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). 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. Advisory Resource Group raised its holdings in Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report) by 8.2% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 69,281 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 5,237 shares during the period. Advisory Resource Groups holdings in Citigroup were worth $2,850,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Carmel Capital Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Citigroup during the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. SkyView Investment Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Citigroup during the first quarter valued at $28,000. Union Savings Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Citigroup during the second quarter valued at $30,000. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Citigroup by 73.8% during the third quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 683 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Finally, AlphaMark Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Citigroup by 75.0% during the third quarter. AlphaMark Advisors LLC now owns 700 shares of the companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.26% of the companys stock. Get Citigroup alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of analysts have commented on C shares. TheStreet raised shares of Citigroup from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Daiwa Capital Markets upgraded Citigroup from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $63.00 target price for the company in a report on Monday, December 18th. Oppenheimer increased their target price on Citigroup from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. HSBC raised shares of Citigroup from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from $42.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. Finally, Societe Generale downgraded shares of Citigroup from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Monday, January 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $56.62. Citigroup Stock Performance NYSE:C traded down $1.14 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $52.79. 17,664,856 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 19,710,295. The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $52.15 and a two-hundred day moving average of $45.84. The firm has a market capitalization of $101.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.47 and a beta of 1.52. Citigroup Inc. has a 12 month low of $38.17 and a 12 month high of $57.95. Citigroup (NYSE:C Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The company reported ($1.16) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.73 by ($1.89). The company had revenue of $17.44 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.71 billion. Citigroup had a return on equity of 6.49% and a net margin of 5.88%. The companys revenue was down 3.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.10 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Citigroup Inc. will post 5.94 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Citigroup Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 23rd. Stockholders of record on Monday, February 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.53 per share. This represents a $2.12 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.02%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 2nd. Citigroups payout ratio is presently 53.13%. Citigroup Company Profile (Free Report) Citigroup Inc, a diversified financial services holding company, provides various financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions in North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It operates through three segments: Institutional Clients Group (ICG), Personal Banking and Wealth Management (PBWM), and Legacy Franchises. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding C? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Citigroup Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Citigroup and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Advisory Resource Group purchased a new stake in Carlisle Companies Incorporated (NYSE:CSL Free Report) during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 11,275 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $2,923,000. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Coppell Advisory Solutions Corp. bought a new stake in Carlisle Companies in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Artemis Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Carlisle Companies in the second quarter worth $42,000. Signaturefd LLC lifted its position in Carlisle Companies by 28.9% during the 3rd quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 196 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 44 shares in the last quarter. RVW Wealth LLC bought a new stake in Carlisle Companies during the 3rd quarter worth about $52,000. Finally, UniSuper Management Pty Ltd bought a new stake in Carlisle Companies during the 2nd quarter worth about $103,000. 90.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Carlisle Companies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Carlisle Companies In other news, insider Lori A. Snyder sold 8,101 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $339.64, for a total value of $2,751,423.64. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 5,212 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,770,203.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other news, insider Lori A. Snyder sold 8,101 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $339.64, for a total transaction of $2,751,423.64. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,770,203.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, VP David W. Smith sold 700 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $338.54, for a total value of $236,978.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 2,834 shares in the company, valued at $959,422.36. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.30% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts recently issued reports on CSL shares. StockNews.com upgraded Carlisle Companies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Robert W. Baird upped their target price on shares of Carlisle Companies from $350.00 to $354.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $310.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Carlisle Companies Carlisle Companies Price Performance CSL stock traded down $6.35 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $344.16. The stock had a trading volume of 303,255 shares, compared to its average volume of 269,602. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $310.78 and a 200 day simple moving average of $282.06. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.82 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.61, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a current ratio of 4.18, a quick ratio of 3.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. Carlisle Companies Incorporated has a 52 week low of $203.65 and a 52 week high of $350.99. Carlisle Companies (NYSE:CSL Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 6th. The conglomerate reported $4.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.47 by $0.70. Carlisle Companies had a net margin of 15.07% and a return on equity of 27.90%. The business had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.09 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $3.92 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was down 1.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, research analysts forecast that Carlisle Companies Incorporated will post 18.03 EPS for the current year. Carlisle Companies Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be given a $0.85 dividend. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. Carlisle Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 22.31%. 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. See Also 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. Atomi Financial Group Inc. raised its holdings in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 12.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 17,361 shares of the aircraft producers stock after buying an additional 1,953 shares during the quarter. Boeing accounts for about 1.1% of Atomi Financial Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 8th largest position. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Boeing were worth $3,328,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Boeing by 109,667.8% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 16,055,730 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $3,058,456,000 after purchasing an additional 16,041,103 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC grew its holdings in shares of Boeing by 599.0% during the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,522,410 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $321,475,000 after purchasing an additional 1,827,485 shares in the last quarter. Winslow Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Boeing during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $221,773,000. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in shares of Boeing by 11.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 8,321,871 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $1,585,234,000 after purchasing an additional 872,795 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Boeing by 2.4% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 36,819,108 shares of the aircraft producers stock worth $7,774,723,000 after purchasing an additional 868,582 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 61.33% of the companys stock. Get Boeing alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages have recently weighed in on BA. Bank of America lowered Boeing from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the stock from $255.00 to $225.00 in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price target on Boeing from $225.00 to $215.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Barclays boosted their price target on Boeing from $210.00 to $235.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. William Blair started coverage on Boeing in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus started coverage on Boeing in a research note on Friday, December 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $265.00 price target on the stock. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $252.63. Boeing Stock Performance NYSE:BA traded down $4.96 on Tuesday, reaching $204.37. The companys stock had a trading volume of 8,258,255 shares, compared to its average volume of 12,765,197. The Boeing Company has a 1-year low of $176.25 and a 1-year high of $267.54. The firm has a market cap of $124.69 billion, a PE ratio of -55.61, a PEG ratio of 18.97 and a beta of 1.56. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $231.87 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $217.18. Boeing (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The aircraft producer reported ($0.47) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.72) by $0.25. The business had revenue of $22.02 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $21.14 billion. The firms revenue was up 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted ($1.75) earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post 2.76 EPS for the current year. About Boeing (Free Report) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report) during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 21,695 shares of the conglomerates stock, valued at approximately $2,398,000. General Electric comprises 0.8% of Atomi Financial Group Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest position. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. lifted its holdings in General Electric by 2.0% during the 2nd quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 4,412 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $485,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 2.8% in the second quarter. Vise Technologies Inc. now owns 3,261 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $358,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. King Wealth raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 3.2% in the third quarter. King Wealth now owns 2,988 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $330,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the last quarter. Macroview Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 43.4% in the third quarter. Macroview Investment Management LLC now owns 317 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 96 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nicolet Advisory Services LLC raised its stake in shares of General Electric by 2.7% in the third quarter. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC now owns 3,765 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $410,000 after acquiring an additional 98 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 74.83% of the companys stock. Get General Electric alerts: General Electric Trading Up 1.1 % NYSE GE traded up $1.60 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $141.77. 6,849,089 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 4,988,286. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. General Electric has a fifty-two week low of $81.65 and a fifty-two week high of $141.79. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $128.51 and its 200 day moving average price is $118.61. The firm has a market cap of $154.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.75, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.14 and a beta of 1.25. General Electric Dividend Announcement General Electric ( NYSE:GE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.03 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.90 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $19.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.27 billion. General Electric had a net margin of 13.95% and a return on equity of 10.88%. The firms revenue was up 15.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.24 earnings per share. Analysts predict that General Electric will post 4.52 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, January 25th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, December 28th were paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 27th. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.23%. General Electrics payout ratio is currently 3.82%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In GE has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of General Electric from $144.00 to $153.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. StockNews.com raised shares of General Electric from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price target on shares of General Electric from $150.00 to $148.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Citigroup lifted their price target on shares of General Electric from $135.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of General Electric from $144.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, General Electric presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $132.00. Get Our Latest Stock Report on General Electric Insider Transactions at General Electric In other news, SVP Michael J. Holston sold 13,601 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $135.55, for a total transaction of $1,843,615.55. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 48,339 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,552,351.45. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 0.67% of the companys stock. About General Electric (Free Report) General Electric Company operates as a high-tech industrial company in Europe, China, Asia, the Americas, the Middle East, and Africa. It offers gas and steam turbines, full balance of plant, upgrade, and service solutions, as well as data-leveraging software for power generation, industrial, government, and other customers. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for General Electric (NYSE:GE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for General Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for General Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:DGRO Free Report) by 57.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 22,275 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 8,131 shares during the period. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF were worth $1,103,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. raised its holdings in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Hazlett Burt & Watson Inc. now owns 43,976 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,266,000 after buying an additional 195 shares during the period. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. grew its holdings in iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Adell Harriman & Carpenter Inc. now owns 7,038 shares of the companys stock valued at $363,000 after buying an additional 195 shares during the last quarter. Centurion Wealth Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 0.6% during the third quarter. Centurion Wealth Management LLC now owns 34,693 shares of the companys stock worth $1,718,000 after purchasing an additional 209 shares during the last quarter. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 0.9% in the 3rd quarter. Patriot Investment Management Group Inc. now owns 24,131 shares of the companys stock worth $1,195,000 after buying an additional 216 shares during the period. Finally, Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF by 1.1% in the 3rd quarter. Mayflower Financial Advisors LLC now owns 20,579 shares of the companys stock worth $1,019,000 after buying an additional 219 shares during the period. Get iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF alerts: iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Stock Down 1.4 % DGRO stock traded down $0.75 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $54.68. The company had a trading volume of 2,293,033 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,772,823. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $53.90 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.83. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.30 billion, a PE ratio of 15.16 and a beta of 0.89. iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF has a fifty-two week low of $47.19 and a fifty-two week high of $55.56. About iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF The iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF (DGRO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the Morningstar US Dividend Growth index. The fund tracks an index of US stocks that are selected by dividends, dividend growth and payout ratio, then weighted by dividend dollars. DGRO was launched on Jun 10, 2014 and is managed by BlackRock. See Also Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core Dividend Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Atomi Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report) by 3.5% in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 71,163 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 2,434 shares during the period. Atomi Financial Group Inc.s holdings in Bank of America were worth $1,948,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Buckingham Strategic Partners grew its holdings in Bank of America by 23.7% during the second quarter. Buckingham Strategic Partners now owns 54,963 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,577,000 after purchasing an additional 10,535 shares during the period. Goodman Advisory Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 104,312.4% during the second quarter. Goodman Advisory Group LLC now owns 194,207 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $5,572,000 after acquiring an additional 194,021 shares during the period. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 8.2% during the third quarter. Schechter Investment Advisors LLC now owns 55,348 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,515,000 after acquiring an additional 4,187 shares during the period. Parnassus Investments LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 9.5% during the second quarter. Parnassus Investments LLC now owns 37,656,022 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,080,351,000 after acquiring an additional 3,278,515 shares during the period. Finally, Skylands Capital LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Bank of America by 6.3% during the second quarter. Skylands Capital LLC now owns 147,450 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $4,230,000 after acquiring an additional 8,800 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 68.06% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Price Performance BAC traded down $0.87 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $32.75. 43,346,065 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 42,766,441. Bank of America Co. has a twelve month low of $24.96 and a twelve month high of $35.99. The company has a market cap of $259.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.69, a PEG ratio of 1.51 and a beta of 1.39. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15, a current ratio of 0.80 and a quick ratio of 0.80. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $33.00 and a 200 day moving average price of $30.11. Bank of America Announces Dividend Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.70 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $22 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $23.70 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 15.42% and a return on equity of 11.38%. The companys revenue was down 10.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.85 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Bank of America Co. will post 3.14 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be issued a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.93%. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.27%. Insider Transactions at Bank of America In other news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank sold 17,769 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $9.94, for a total transaction of $176,623.86. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes BAC has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Oppenheimer boosted their price objective on Bank of America from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upgraded Bank of America from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $29.00 to $30.00 in a report on Monday, November 6th. Barclays boosted their price objective on Bank of America from $39.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Odeon Capital Group cut Bank of America from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $33.90 price objective for the company. in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets dropped their price target on shares of Bank of America from $37.00 to $36.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Bank of America has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $35.53. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Bank of America Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco de Chile (NYSE:BCH Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 445,000 shares, a growth of 86.4% from the January 15th total of 238,700 shares. Approximately 0.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 116,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 3.8 days. Banco de Chile Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BCH traded up $1.03 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $23.26. 189,551 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 121,167. Banco de Chile has a twelve month low of $17.96 and a twelve month high of $23.80. The company has a current ratio of 1.56, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.81. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $22.48 and a 200-day moving average price of $21.47. The stock has a market cap of $11.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.71 and a beta of 0.39. Get Banco de Chile alerts: Banco de Chile Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a Variable dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 5th. Shareholders of record on Friday, March 22nd will be given a dividend of $1.09 per share. This represents a yield of 4.8%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 21st. Banco de Chiles payout ratio is currently 54.00%. Institutional Trading of Banco de Chile Analyst Ratings Changes Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its position in Banco de Chile by 1.3% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 597,813 shares of the banks stock worth $12,795,000 after buying an additional 7,462 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG lifted its holdings in Banco de Chile by 70.6% in the 1st quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 16,679 shares of the banks stock valued at $358,000 after purchasing an additional 6,904 shares in the last quarter. Ethic Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Banco de Chile during the 1st quarter worth about $297,000. Deutsche Bank AG grew its holdings in shares of Banco de Chile by 13.7% during the second quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 46,711 shares of the banks stock worth $852,000 after buying an additional 5,625 shares in the last quarter. Finally, FMR LLC raised its position in shares of Banco de Chile by 9.3% in the second quarter. FMR LLC now owns 253,516 shares of the banks stock valued at $4,621,000 after buying an additional 21,640 shares during the last quarter. 1.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Separately, HSBC cut shares of Banco de Chile from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Get Our Latest Research Report on BCH About Banco de Chile (Get Free Report) Banco de Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services to customers in Chile. It operates through Retail Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Treasury and Money Market segments. The company offers deposit products, such as checking accounts, current accounts, demand deposits and accounts, saving accounts, and time deposits; commercial, mortgage, consumer, working capital, syndicated, and installment loans; and credit cards. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Banco de Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco de Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 1.4% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 98,114 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 1,342 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich owned 0.07% of BlackRock worth $63,430,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in BLK. Smithfield Trust Co grew its holdings in BlackRock by 13.8% during the 2nd quarter. Smithfield Trust Co now owns 296 shares of the asset managers stock worth $205,000 after acquiring an additional 36 shares during the period. Machina Capital S.A.S. increased its holdings in BlackRock by 24.4% in the second quarter. Machina Capital S.A.S. now owns 1,128 shares of the asset managers stock worth $780,000 after purchasing an additional 221 shares in the last quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund lifted its stake in BlackRock by 47,042.9% in the second quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 33,000 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $22,808,000 after buying an additional 32,930 shares during the period. Aspen Grove Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of BlackRock during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $208,000. Finally, Baker Boyer National Bank acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $202,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.01% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Insider Activity In related news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total value of $5,085,660.60. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,366,142.24. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other BlackRock news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 3,100 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $793.86, for a total value of $2,460,966.00. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 8,628 shares of the companys stock, valued at $6,849,424.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total value of $5,085,660.60. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,366,142.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 32,524 shares of company stock valued at $16,510,628 in the last ninety days. 1.06% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages recently issued reports on BLK. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. TD Cowen upgraded BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday, December 15th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, BlackRock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $785.73. Get Our Latest Research Report on BlackRock BlackRock Stock Up 1.1 % BlackRock stock traded up $8.51 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $786.58. 221,577 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 626,409. BlackRock, Inc. has a 52-week low of $596.18 and a 52-week high of $819.00. The company has a quick ratio of 3.72, a current ratio of 3.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $789.83 and its 200-day moving average price is $716.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $117.01 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.50, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.38. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The asset manager reported $9.66 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.84 by $0.82. The firm had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.65 billion. BlackRock had a net margin of 30.81% and a return on equity of 14.85%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $8.93 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.64 EPS for the current fiscal year. BlackRock Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 7th will be paid a $5.10 dividend. This represents a $20.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.59%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, March 6th. This is an increase from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio is 54.78%. BlackRock Company Profile (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) sees a high conflict potential on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, and a peace treaty is required to normalize the situation, the Chief of the CSTO Joint Staff, Colonel-General Andrei Serdyukov said during a briefing, Trend reports. "[There are observed] attempts by individual states to strengthen their own positions in the South Caucasus, gain access to Caspian resources, and provide themselves with direct route to Central Asia. For this purpose, the high conflict potential of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border is actively used, among other things. The conclusion of a peace agreement will remain important for the further settlement of the situation," he noted. According to him, the West seeks to influence post-conflict settlement between Baku and Yerevan, despite Armenia's membership in the CSTO. "Despite Armenia's membership in the organization, attempts from outside to influence the format of post-conflict settlement continue," Serdyukov added. On February 12, in the vicinity of Azerbaijan's Zangilan district along the Azerbaijan-Armenia conventional border, gunfire erupted from the positions held by the Armenian Armed Forces located in Nerkin-And residential settlement of the Gafan district, targeting the positions of the Border Guards of the State Border Service (SBS) of Azerbaijan in Kollugishlaq village of the Zangilan district. As a consequence of the incident, soldier Parviz Khalilzadeh, a servicemen of the State Border Service, was injured. The military serviceman was evacuated to a specialized medical facility via helicopter. On February 12, at 20:50 and at 23:40 (GMT +4), the Armenian army units from the positions in the direction of Chinarli settlement of the Tovuzgala region using small arms subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the direction of Kokhanabi settlement of the Tovuz district. In response to this provocation of the Armenian army the units of the SBS of Azerbaijan carried out the "Revenge" operation on February 13. According to the SBS, the operation resulted in the complete destruction of the Armenian Armed Forces' combat post near the Nerkin-And settlement of Gafan district, from where the Azerbaijani Army positions were fired the day before. "There have been reports of substantial personnel losses at the damaged combat position. Any provocations by the Armenian side aimed at escalating tensions along the Azerbaijan-Armenia border will now be met with even more serious and decisive reactions. The military-political leadership of Armenia bears full responsibility for these developments," said SBS statement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich boosted its stake in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 11.1% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,071,723 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 206,306 shares during the quarter. Merck & Co., Inc. accounts for about 1.2% of Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurichs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest holding. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich owned 0.08% of Merck & Co., Inc. worth $213,284,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 32.2% in the 2nd quarter. Financial Gravity Asset Management Inc. now owns 386 shares of the companys stock valued at $12,730,000 after purchasing an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Prosperity Financial Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Prosperity Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,365 shares of the companys stock valued at $388,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. Per Stirling Capital Management LLC. raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 2.8% during the 2nd quarter. Per Stirling Capital Management LLC. now owns 3,695 shares of the companys stock valued at $426,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the period. King Wealth raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 1.3% during the 3rd quarter. King Wealth now owns 7,440 shares of the companys stock valued at $766,000 after buying an additional 99 shares during the period. Finally, Campbell Wealth Management raised its holdings in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.5% during the 2nd quarter. Campbell Wealth Management now owns 2,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $342,000 after buying an additional 100 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 74.59% of the companys stock. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts recently commented on MRK shares. UBS Group raised their target price on Merck & Co., Inc. from $135.00 to $148.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. StockNews.com upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. TD Cowen upgraded Merck & Co., Inc. from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $125.00 to $135.00 in a report on Thursday, January 4th. Barclays lifted their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $125.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, sixteen have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Merck & Co., Inc. has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $129.68. Merck & Co., Inc. Price Performance Shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock remained flat at $125.43 on Wednesday. The stock had a trading volume of 2,987,525 shares, compared to its average volume of 7,876,538. The firm has a market capitalization of $317.84 billion, a PE ratio of 895.00, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.62 and a beta of 0.38. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 52 week low of $99.14 and a 52 week high of $128.06. The company has a current ratio of 1.38, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.82. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $115.37 and a 200 day moving average price of $108.76. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.09) by $0.12. The company had revenue of $14.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.49 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 9.07% and a net margin of 0.61%. Merck & Co., Inc.s revenue was up 5.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.62 EPS. As a group, equities analysts predict that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 8.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Merck & Co., Inc. Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, April 5th. Investors of record on Friday, March 15th will be given a $0.77 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, March 14th. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.46%. Merck & Co., Inc.s payout ratio is 2,200.00%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, EVP Steven Mizell sold 50,694 shares of Merck & Co., Inc. stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $126.65, for a total value of $6,420,395.10. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 23,619 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,991,346.35. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock. About Merck & Co., Inc. (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes, as well as vaccine products, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MRK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich lifted its position in The Progressive Co. (NYSE:PGR Free Report) by 86.4% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 693,616 shares of the insurance providers stock after buying an additional 321,511 shares during the period. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich owned approximately 0.12% of Progressive worth $96,621,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in Progressive during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. DecisionPoint Financial LLC purchased a new stake in Progressive during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Neo Ivy Capital Management acquired a new stake in Progressive during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Arlington Trust Co LLC acquired a new stake in Progressive during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Vestor Capital LLC acquired a new stake in Progressive during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.66% of the companys stock. Get Progressive alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several analysts have commented on the stock. Citigroup upgraded shares of Progressive from a sell rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price objective for the company from $120.00 to $158.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on shares of Progressive from $140.00 to $160.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 7th. TD Cowen began coverage on shares of Progressive in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. They issued a market perform rating and a $174.00 target price for the company. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Progressive from $111.00 to $112.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of Progressive from $185.00 to $200.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 25th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Progressive has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $169.22. Insider Activity at Progressive In related news, insider Andrew J. Quigg sold 551 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.24, for a total value of $93,251.24. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 27,921 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,725,350.04. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 90,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $162.89, for a total transaction of $14,660,100.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 465,735 shares of the companys stock, valued at $75,863,574.15. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Andrew J. Quigg sold 551 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $169.24, for a total transaction of $93,251.24. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 27,921 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,725,350.04. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 114,862 shares of company stock valued at $18,747,693. 0.33% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Progressive Price Performance Shares of Progressive stock traded up $5.87 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $187.95. 1,873,506 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,198,026. The Progressive Co. has a 1 year low of $111.41 and a 1 year high of $188.16. The company has a market capitalization of $109.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.56, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 0.35. The business has a fifty day moving average of $167.85 and a two-hundred day moving average of $153.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34. Progressive (NYSE:PGR Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The insurance provider reported $2.96 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.43 by $0.53. Progressive had a net margin of 6.28% and a return on equity of 21.10%. The business had revenue of $16.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.10 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.52 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts predict that The Progressive Co. will post 8.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Progressive Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 26th. Investors of record on Friday, January 19th were issued a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.21%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 18th. Progressives dividend payout ratio is currently 12.92%. About Progressive (Free Report) The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PGR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Progressive Co. (NYSE:PGR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Progressive Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Progressive and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) had its price target hoisted by Canaccord Genuity Group from C$64.00 to C$65.00 in a report released on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has a hold rating on the stock. Canaccord Genuity Groups price target indicates a potential upside of 6.87% from the stocks current price. Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. National Bankshares raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their target price for the stock from C$62.00 to C$71.00 in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Scotiabank boosted their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$57.00 to C$62.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Bank of America raised shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and boosted their price target for the company from C$63.00 to C$66.00 in a research note on Monday, December 18th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$58.00 to C$56.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 23rd. Finally, TD Securities boosted their price target on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from C$54.00 to C$56.00 in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$62.93. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on CM Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Price Performance CM traded up C$0.72 on Wednesday, reaching C$60.82. 887,356 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,934,695. The stock has a market cap of C$56.64 billion, a PE ratio of 11.79, a P/E/G ratio of 31.58 and a beta of 1.09. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a twelve month low of C$47.44 and a twelve month high of C$64.43. The stocks fifty day moving average price is C$61.66 and its 200-day moving average price is C$56.21. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSE:CM Get Free Report) (NYSE:CM) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 30th. The company reported C$1.57 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.58 by C($0.01). The business had revenue of C$5.84 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$5.86 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a return on equity of 9.72% and a net margin of 23.44%. As a group, research analysts predict that Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce will post 6.6411379 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce In other Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce news, Senior Officer Christina Charlotte Kramer sold 15,446 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of C$57.19, for a total transaction of C$883,356.74. 0.03% of the stock is owned by insiders. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited (OTCMKTS:CJEWY Get Free Report)s share price rose 1.7% during mid-day trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $14.52 and last traded at $14.49. Approximately 847 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 38% from the average daily volume of 1,365 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.25. Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Trading Up 2.5 % The stock has a 50 day moving average of $14.00 and a 200 day moving average of $14.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 1.39 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. Get Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group alerts: Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Cuts Dividend The firm also recently declared a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 9th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 11th were paid a $0.2707 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, December 8th. About Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Limited, an investment holding company, manufactures and sells jewelry products in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Cambodia, Canada, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. The company offers gem-set, platinum and k-gold jewelry, and gold jewelry and products under the CHOW TAI FOOK, HEARTS ON FIRE, ENZO, MONOLOGUE, and SOINLOVE brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB Get Free Report) had its target price hoisted by stock analysts at CIBC from C$32.00 to C$33.00 in a research report issued on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the stock. CIBCs target price would suggest a potential upside of 26.49% from the companys current price. LB has been the topic of a number of other research reports. National Bankshares raised their target price on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$26.00 to C$28.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Raymond James lifted their price target on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$29.00 to C$32.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$33.00 to C$30.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, December 8th. TD Securities downgraded shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from a buy rating to a hold rating and dropped their price target for the stock from C$30.00 to C$26.00 in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Finally, Scotiabank dropped their price target on shares of Laurentian Bank of Canada from C$28.00 to C$26.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Laurentian Bank of Canada has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$31.09. Get Laurentian Bank of Canada alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on LB Laurentian Bank of Canada Stock Performance TSE LB traded up C$0.07 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching C$26.09. 60,716 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 140,714. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.14 billion, a PE ratio of 6.70, a PEG ratio of 0.76 and a beta of 1.25. Laurentian Bank of Canada has a 1-year low of C$24.92 and a 1-year high of C$48.23. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is C$26.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$29.68. Laurentian Bank of Canada (TSE:LB Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, December 7th. The company reported C$1.00 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$1.13 by C($0.13). Laurentian Bank of Canada had a net margin of 18.79% and a return on equity of 6.42%. The business had revenue of C$247.45 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$261.30 million. On average, analysts anticipate that Laurentian Bank of Canada will post 4.3261231 EPS for the current year. Laurentian Bank of Canada Company Profile (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. See Also 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. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) had its price objective increased by research analysts at CIBC from C$58.00 to C$63.00 in a note issued to investors on Wednesday, BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the banks stock. CIBCs price target would suggest a potential downside of 0.32% from the stocks previous close. A number of other research analysts also recently commented on BNS. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their target price on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$66.00 to C$63.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, November 23rd. National Bankshares boosted their target price on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$60.00 to C$66.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Canaccord Genuity Group set a C$64.00 target price on Bank of Nova Scotia and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, December 18th. BMO Capital Markets lowered their target price on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$73.00 to C$68.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Desjardins boosted their target price on Bank of Nova Scotia from C$62.00 to C$64.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Bank of Nova Scotia presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$65.34. Get Bank of Nova Scotia alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on BNS Bank of Nova Scotia Stock Up 0.6 % Shares of Bank of Nova Scotia stock traded up C$0.36 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting C$63.20. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,007,906 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,824,605. The firm has a market capitalization of C$76.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.95, a PEG ratio of 11.06 and a beta of 0.95. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$62.63 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$61.80. Bank of Nova Scotia has a 1-year low of C$55.20 and a 1-year high of C$74.19. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSE:BNS Get Free Report) (NYSE:BNS) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 28th. The bank reported C$1.26 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$1.68 by C($0.42). The business had revenue of C$8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$8.28 billion. Bank of Nova Scotia had a return on equity of 9.81% and a net margin of 25.33%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Bank of Nova Scotia will post 6.5758836 earnings per share for the current year. About Bank of Nova Scotia (Get Free Report) The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of Nova Scotia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Commerzbank AG (OTCMKTS:CRZBY Get Free Report) shot up 1.2% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $11.45 and last traded at $11.43. 16,908 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 33% from the average session volume of 25,093 shares. The stock had previously closed at $11.29. Commerzbank Trading Down 2.1 % The stock has a market capitalization of $13.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.35 and a beta of 1.14. The stocks 50 day moving average is $11.83 and its two-hundred day moving average is $11.35. Commerzbank Company Profile (Get Free Report) Commerzbank AG provides banking and capital market products and services to private and small business customers, corporate groups, financial service providers, and institutional clients in Germany and internationally. It operates through two segments, Private and Small-Business Customers, and Corporate Clients. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Commerzbank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commerzbank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pilgrim Petroleum (OTCMKTS:PGPM Get Free Report) and Canadian Natural Resources (NYSE:CNQ Get Free Report) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, risk, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation and analyst recommendations. Institutional & Insider Ownership 73.9% of Canadian Natural Resources shares are owned by institutional investors. 5.0% of Canadian Natural Resources shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Pilgrim Petroleum alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Pilgrim Petroleum and Canadian Natural Resources, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Pilgrim Petroleum 0 0 0 0 N/A Canadian Natural Resources 0 4 2 0 2.33 Profitability Canadian Natural Resources has a consensus price target of $94.00, indicating a potential upside of 57.40%. This table compares Pilgrim Petroleum and Canadian Natural Resources net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Pilgrim Petroleum N/A N/A N/A Canadian Natural Resources 17.32% 20.89% 10.69% Volatility & Risk Pilgrim Petroleum has a beta of 0.46, meaning that its share price is 54% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Canadian Natural Resources has a beta of 1.53, meaning that its share price is 53% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Pilgrim Petroleum and Canadian Natural Resources revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Pilgrim Petroleum N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Canadian Natural Resources $38.10 billion 1.69 $8.41 billion $4.77 12.56 Canadian Natural Resources has higher revenue and earnings than Pilgrim Petroleum. Summary Canadian Natural Resources beats Pilgrim Petroleum on 8 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Pilgrim Petroleum (Get Free Report) Pilgrim Petroleum Corporation, an oil and gas exploration and development company, engages in the acquisition, development, and operation of crude oil and natural gas properties with proven reserves in the United States. The company holds interests in various projects located in Northwest Texas; the Electra Rework prospect located in Wichita and Willbarger Counties, Texas; and the City National Bank Discovery Well prospect located in Archer County, Texas. It also provides services to small and medium exploration and development companies. The company was formerly known as BNP Petroleum Corp. and changed its name to Pilgrim Petroleum Corporation in July 2005. Pilgrim Petroleum Corporation was founded in 1997 and is headquartered in Addison, Texas. About Canadian Natural Resources (Get Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). The company's midstream assets include two pipeline systems; and a 50% working interest in an 84-megawatt cogeneration plant at Primrose. It operates primarily in Western Canada; the United Kingdom portion of the North Sea; and Offshore Africa. The company was formerly known as AEX Minerals Corporation and changed its name to Canadian Natural Resources Limited in December 1975. Canadian Natural Resources Limited was incorporated in 1973 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Pilgrim Petroleum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pilgrim Petroleum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CVC Credit Partners European Opportunities Limited (LON:CCPG Get Free Report) fell 2.7% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 93.20 ($1.18) and last traded at GBX 93.20 ($1.18). 174,302 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 28% from the average session volume of 135,646 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 95.80 ($1.21). CVC Credit Partners European Opportunities Stock Performance The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 93.20 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 93.20. CVC Credit Partners European Opportunities Company Profile (Get Free Report) CVC Credit Partners European Opportunities Limited is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund of fund launched by Goldman Sachs International. The fund is managed by CVC Credit Partners Investment Management Ltd. It invests in the fixed income markets of Western Europe. The fund seeks to invest in securities of companies across diversified sectors. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for CVC Credit Partners European Opportunities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CVC Credit Partners European Opportunities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale raised its position in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 821,316 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after acquiring an additional 13,599 shares during the quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrales holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $225,294,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Benson Investment Management Company Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 3rd quarter worth about $3,716,000. Railway Pension Investments Ltd lifted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 254.1% in the 2nd quarter. Railway Pension Investments Ltd now owns 100,200 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $29,387,000 after purchasing an additional 71,900 shares during the last quarter. Comerica Bank bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $132,860,000. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund lifted its holdings in shares of Motorola Solutions by 237.2% in the 2nd quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 44,255 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $12,979,000 after purchasing an additional 31,130 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Qsemble Capital Management LP bought a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the 3rd quarter valued at $1,334,000. 82.37% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Motorola Solutions Price Performance MSI traded down $2.65 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $316.57. 150,835 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 648,015. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $319.14 and a 200 day moving average price of $300.07. The company has a market cap of $52.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.15, a PEG ratio of 2.98 and a beta of 0.92. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.37, a current ratio of 1.00 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a twelve month low of $255.85 and a twelve month high of $333.00. Motorola Solutions Increases Dividend Motorola Solutions ( NYSE:MSI Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The communications equipment provider reported $3.90 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.63 by $0.27. The firm had revenue of $2.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.82 billion. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 17.12% and a return on equity of 441.65%. The companys revenue was up 5.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.38 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 11.63 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, January 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 15th were issued a $0.98 dividend. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.24%. This is an increase from Motorola Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.88. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 14th. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 39.48%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades MSI has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on Motorola Solutions in a research report on Friday, January 19th. They set a buy rating and a $350.00 price target on the stock. StockNews.com raised Motorola Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday. William Blair restated an outperform rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on Motorola Solutions from $333.00 to $352.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $328.29. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Motorola Solutions About Motorola Solutions (Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Chairman of Turkish Republican People's Party Ozgur Ozel has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the extraordinary presidential election, Trend reports. Will be updated DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale lifted its position in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 4.4% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 223,233 shares of the asset managers stock after purchasing an additional 9,373 shares during the quarter. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale owned about 0.15% of BlackRock worth $144,685,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of BLK. Norges Bank purchased a new position in BlackRock in the 4th quarter worth approximately $1,037,009,000. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in BlackRock by 104,159.9% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 697,499 shares of the asset managers stock worth $494,269,000 after acquiring an additional 696,830 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in BlackRock by 15.4% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,326,618 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,777,933,000 after acquiring an additional 310,256 shares during the period. Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in BlackRock in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $200,102,000. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors boosted its holdings in BlackRock by 9.0% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 3,096,970 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,140,439,000 after acquiring an additional 255,249 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 77.01% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have weighed in on BLK shares. TD Cowen upgraded BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the stock from $819.00 to $938.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. UBS Group increased their target price on BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. BNP Paribas upgraded BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 target price for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $785.73. BlackRock Stock Performance Shares of BLK stock traded up $4.83 on Wednesday, hitting $782.90. 162,247 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 624,765. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 3.72 and a quick ratio of 3.72. The company has a market capitalization of $116.46 billion, a PE ratio of 21.50, a PEG ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.38. BlackRock, Inc. has a 1-year low of $596.18 and a 1-year high of $819.00. The companys fifty day moving average is $789.83 and its 200 day moving average is $716.56. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The asset manager reported $9.66 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $8.84 by $0.82. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.85% and a net margin of 30.81%. The firm had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.65 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $8.93 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts predict that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BlackRock Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 7th will be given a $5.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 6th. This is a positive change from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. This represents a $20.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.61%. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 54.78%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other BlackRock news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total value of $5,085,660.60. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,366,142.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. In other news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total transaction of $5,085,660.60. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,366,142.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Martin Small sold 7,036 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $786.36, for a total value of $5,532,828.96. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 5,259 shares in the company, valued at $4,135,467.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 32,524 shares of company stock valued at $16,510,628 over the last three months. Company insiders own 1.06% of the companys stock. About BlackRock (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Deutsche EuroShop AG (ETR:DEQ Get Free Report) traded down 1.2% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as 18.70 ($20.11) and last traded at 18.70 ($20.11). 10,951 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 95% from the average session volume of 222,238 shares. The stock had previously closed at 18.92 ($20.34). Deutsche EuroShop Trading Down 2.2 % The company has a market capitalization of $1.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 88.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 24.40 and a beta of 1.44. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of 20.42 and a 200-day moving average price of 20.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 65.04, a quick ratio of 1.26 and a current ratio of 4.52. About Deutsche EuroShop (Get Free Report) Deutsche EuroShop is the only public company in Germany to invest exclusively in shopping centers in prime locations. The company currently has investments in 21 shopping centers in Germany, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. The portfolio includes the Main-Taunus-Zentrum near Frankfurt, the Altmarkt-Galerie in Dresden and the Galeria Baltycka in Gdansk, among many others. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche EuroShop Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche EuroShop and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Community Bank System, Inc. (NYSE:CBU Get Free Report) CEO Dimitar Karaivanov acquired 1,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 14th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $43.70 per share, with a total value of $43,700.00. Following the purchase, the chief executive officer now directly owns 16,265 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $710,780.50. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Community Bank System Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:CBU traded up $1.16 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $44.41. The company had a trading volume of 159,376 shares, compared to its average volume of 316,199. Community Bank System, Inc. has a 12-month low of $35.38 and a 12-month high of $61.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a current ratio of 0.73 and a quick ratio of 0.73. The company has a market cap of $2.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.09 and a beta of 0.67. The company has a fifty day moving average of $49.20 and a two-hundred day moving average of $46.39. Get Community Bank System alerts: Community Bank System (NYSE:CBU Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The bank reported $0.76 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by ($0.08). The business had revenue of $177.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $175.25 million. Community Bank System had a return on equity of 9.14% and a net margin of 13.78%. The companys quarterly revenue was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.96 EPS. On average, equities research analysts expect that Community Bank System, Inc. will post 3.25 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes CBU has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Community Bank System from $42.00 to $38.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. StockNews.com raised Community Bank System to a sell rating in a report on Friday, January 19th. Finally, Raymond James increased their price target on Community Bank System from $45.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, January 5th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $54.00. View Our Latest Research Report on CBU Institutional Investors Weigh In On Community Bank System Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in Community Bank System during the second quarter worth approximately $334,000. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Community Bank System by 9.7% during the second quarter. Carnegie Capital Asset Management LLC now owns 46,686 shares of the banks stock valued at $2,189,000 after acquiring an additional 4,138 shares in the last quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank raised its stake in shares of Community Bank System by 19.2% during the third quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 8,515 shares of the banks stock valued at $359,000 after acquiring an additional 1,372 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. raised its stake in shares of Community Bank System by 197.1% during the second quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 72,556 shares of the banks stock valued at $3,401,000 after acquiring an additional 48,137 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Boston Partners grew its stake in Community Bank System by 0.7% in the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 69,848 shares of the banks stock valued at $412,000 after purchasing an additional 484 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 75.39% of the companys stock. About Community Bank System (Get Free Report) Community Bank System, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Community Bank, N.A. that provides various banking and other financial services to retail, commercial, and municipal customers. It operates through three segments: Banking, Employee Benefit Services, and All Other. The company offers various deposits products, such as interest and noninterest -bearing checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts, as well as time deposits. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Community Bank System Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Community Bank System and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Dominos Pizza Enterprises Limited (OTCMKTS:DPZUF Get Free Report) fell 2.1% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $25.14 and last traded at $25.85. 200 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 73% from the average session volume of 743 shares. The stock had previously closed at $26.40. Dominos Pizza Enterprises Trading Down 2.1 % The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $33.96 and a 200 day simple moving average of $33.62. Dominos Pizza Enterprises Company Profile (Get Free Report) Domino's Pizza Enterprises Limited operates retail food outlets. The company holds franchise rights for the Domino's brand in Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Cambodia, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Singapore. It operates various stores. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Domino's Pizza Enterprises Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Domino's Pizza Enterprises and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. (LON:ECO Get Free Report)s share price dropped 0.5% during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 10.10 ($0.13) and last traded at GBX 10.10 ($0.13). Approximately 1,117,664 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 73% from the average daily volume of 645,493 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 10.15 ($0.13). Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Berenberg Bank reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 125 ($1.58) price objective on shares of Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Get Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Stock Performance Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Company Profile The company has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 10.31 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 11.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.11, a quick ratio of 4.71 and a current ratio of 2.37. The firm has a market capitalization of 37.39 million, a P/E ratio of -202.00 and a beta of 2.03. (Get Free Report) Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Ltd. engages in the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of the petroleum, natural gas, and shale gas properties in the Republic of Namibia and the Co-Operative Republic of Guyana. The company holds a 15% working interest in the Orinduik block comprising 1,800 square kilometers located in the Suriname Guyana basin; and 17.5% interests in the Canje Block covering an area of 4,800 square kilometers located in Guyana. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eco (Atlantic) Oil & Gas and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLC lifted its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA Free Report) by 2.6% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 31,896 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 802 shares during the quarter. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF makes up 1.1% of Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 14th biggest holding. Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLCs holdings in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF were worth $2,053,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in IEFA. MAS Advisors LLC lifted its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 5.0% during the 1st quarter. MAS Advisors LLC now owns 30,023 shares of the companys stock worth $2,122,000 after acquiring an additional 1,434 shares during the period. Dakota Wealth Management lifted its position in iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 61.5% during the 1st quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 6,034 shares of the companys stock worth $419,000 after acquiring an additional 2,297 shares during the period. Prudential Financial Inc. raised its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 22.4% during the 1st quarter. Prudential Financial Inc. now owns 661,868 shares of the companys stock worth $46,007,000 after buying an additional 121,118 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 8,577 shares of the companys stock worth $596,000 after buying an additional 247 shares in the last quarter. Finally, High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF by 3.5% during the 1st quarter. High Net Worth Advisory Group LLC now owns 74,317 shares of the companys stock worth $5,160,000 after buying an additional 2,514 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF alerts: iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Price Performance Shares of IEFA stock traded down $1.09 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $69.13. 10,031,043 shares of the companys stock were exchanged. The company has a market cap of $101.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.29 and a beta of 0.87. The companys 50 day moving average is $69.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $66.93. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF has a 1 year low of $56.55 and a 1 year high of $70.84. iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Profile The iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI EAFE IMI index, a market-cap-weighted index of developed-market stocks in Europe, Australasia and the Far East, and excludes North America IEFA was launched on Oct 18, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEFA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (BATS:IEFA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLC lifted its stake in Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report) by 15.0% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 7,679 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,003 shares during the quarter. Exxon Mobil comprises about 0.5% of Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLCs holdings, making the stock its 25th biggest position. Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLCs holdings in Exxon Mobil were worth $903,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. KB Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in Exxon Mobil in the 1st quarter worth approximately $27,000. IMA Wealth Inc. lifted its holdings in Exxon Mobil by 720.0% in the 2nd quarter. IMA Wealth Inc. now owns 369 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $40,000 after purchasing an additional 324 shares in the last quarter. FWL Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Exxon Mobil in the 4th quarter worth approximately $43,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. purchased a new position in Exxon Mobil in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $49,000. Finally, Studio Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Exxon Mobil during the 4th quarter worth approximately $49,000. Institutional investors own 58.53% of the companys stock. Get Exxon Mobil alerts: Exxon Mobil Stock Down 0.9 % Shares of XOM stock traded down $0.91 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $101.30. The stock had a trading volume of 18,914,391 shares, compared to its average volume of 19,197,027. Exxon Mobil Co. has a 12-month low of $95.77 and a 12-month high of $120.70. The firm has a market capitalization of $401.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.61 and a beta of 0.97. The firms 50-day moving average is $100.77 and its two-hundred day moving average is $106.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.18, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 1.09. Exxon Mobil Announces Dividend Exxon Mobil ( NYSE:XOM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $2.48 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.20 by $0.28. Exxon Mobil had a return on equity of 18.51% and a net margin of 10.45%. The business had revenue of $84.34 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $90.03 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $3.40 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts predict that Exxon Mobil Co. will post 9.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 14th will be paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.75%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 13th. Exxon Mobils dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.74%. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total transaction of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now directly owns 220,678 shares in the company, valued at approximately $22,652,596.70. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other Exxon Mobil news, Director Jeffrey W. Ubben sold 2,077,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $104.06, for a total value of $216,132,620.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 13,000 shares in the company, valued at $1,352,780. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this link. Also, VP Leonard M. Fox sold 12,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The shares were sold at an average price of $102.65, for a total value of $1,231,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 220,678 shares of the companys stock, valued at $22,652,596.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.04% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Redburn Atlantic raised Exxon Mobil from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $116.00 to $119.00 in a report on Tuesday, January 9th. Erste Group Bank reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Exxon Mobil in a report on Friday, December 22nd. UBS Group decreased their price objective on Exxon Mobil from $133.00 to $132.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Royal Bank of Canada reissued a sector perform rating and set a $120.00 target price on shares of Exxon Mobil in a research report on Monday, February 5th. Finally, Mizuho downgraded Exxon Mobil from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $117.00 target price on the stock. in a research report on Wednesday, January 3rd. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $127.53. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on XOM Exxon Mobil Company Profile (Free Report) Exxon Mobil Corporation engages in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas in the United States and internationally. It operates through Upstream, Energy Products, Chemical Products, and Specialty Products segments. The Upstream segment explores for and produces crude oil and natural gas. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XOM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Exxon Mobil Co. (NYSE:XOM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Exxon Mobil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Exxon Mobil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLC boosted its position in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 6.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,997 shares of the aircraft producers stock after acquiring an additional 118 shares during the quarter. Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLCs holdings in Boeing were worth $383,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. CNB Bank lifted its holdings in Boeing by 106.5% in the third quarter. CNB Bank now owns 128 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 66 shares during the period. Coston McIsaac & Partners increased its stake in Boeing by 62.5% in the second quarter. Coston McIsaac & Partners now owns 130 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. IFS Advisors LLC increased its stake in Boeing by 523.8% in the second quarter. IFS Advisors LLC now owns 131 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $28,000 after purchasing an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Boeing by 54.3% in the second quarter. Blue Bell Private Wealth Management LLC now owns 142 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VisionPoint Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in Boeing in the second quarter valued at $32,000. Institutional investors own 61.33% of the companys stock. Get Boeing alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently commented on BA shares. William Blair started coverage on shares of Boeing in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. They set an outperform rating for the company. Citigroup dropped their target price on shares of Boeing from $285.00 to $271.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Edward Jones cut shares of Boeing from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, January 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upgraded shares of Boeing from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their price target for the company from $204.00 to $270.00 in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Boeing from $285.00 to $260.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boeing currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $252.63. Boeing Trading Down 2.4 % NYSE BA traded down $4.96 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $204.37. 8,258,255 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 12,765,197. The Boeing Company has a 52 week low of $176.25 and a 52 week high of $267.54. The firm has a market capitalization of $124.69 billion, a P/E ratio of -55.61, a P/E/G ratio of 18.97 and a beta of 1.56. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $231.87 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $217.18. Boeing (NYSE:BA Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The aircraft producer reported ($0.47) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.72) by $0.25. The company had revenue of $22.02 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $21.14 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted ($1.75) earnings per share. Boeings revenue for the quarter was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that The Boeing Company will post 2.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. Boeing Company Profile (Free Report) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLC acquired a new position in shares of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 2,896 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $791,000. Caterpillar accounts for about 0.4% of Fi3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest holding. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Caterpillar by 272.4% during the first quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 108 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 79 shares during the last quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in Caterpillar by 730.8% during the first quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 108 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $25,000 after buying an additional 95 shares during the last quarter. Northwest Capital Management Inc acquired a new position in Caterpillar during the second quarter worth $25,000. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new position in shares of Caterpillar in the second quarter valued at $30,000. Finally, CGC Financial Services LLC acquired a new position in shares of Caterpillar in the second quarter valued at $31,000. Institutional investors own 69.20% of the companys stock. Get Caterpillar alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Caterpillar news, insider Lange Bob De sold 21,194 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.52, for a total value of $6,899,070.88. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 61,092 shares in the company, valued at $19,886,667.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, insider Lange Bob De sold 21,194 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $325.52, for a total transaction of $6,899,070.88. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 61,092 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,886,667.84. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CFO Andrew R. J. Bonfield sold 10,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, February 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $310.10, for a total value of $3,101,000.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 57,317 shares in the company, valued at $17,774,001.70. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 41,194 shares of company stock worth $13,000,471 in the last quarter. 0.33% of the stock is owned by insiders. Caterpillar Price Performance Shares of CAT traded down $8.93 during trading hours on Tuesday, reaching $312.70. 2,923,166 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,865,516. The stock has a market cap of $159.20 billion, a PE ratio of 15.97, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.15. The company has a current ratio of 1.35, a quick ratio of 0.87 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $291.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is $274.16. Caterpillar Inc. has a 12 month low of $204.04 and a 12 month high of $334.87. Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 5th. The industrial products company reported $5.23 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.76 by $0.47. The firm had revenue of $17.07 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $17.06 billion. Caterpillar had a return on equity of 56.99% and a net margin of 15.41%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $3.86 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Caterpillar Inc. will post 21.04 EPS for the current year. Caterpillar Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 20th. Investors of record on Monday, January 22nd will be given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 19th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.66%. Caterpillars payout ratio is 25.82%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have commented on the stock. Citigroup upped their price objective on shares of Caterpillar from $255.00 to $340.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Caterpillar from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their price objective on shares of Caterpillar from $216.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Thursday, December 21st. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $210.00 to $257.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, February 6th. Finally, Tigress Financial boosted their target price on shares of Caterpillar from $282.00 to $295.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 8th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating, seven have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $288.61. Read Our Latest Analysis on CAT Caterpillar Company Profile (Free Report) Caterpillar Inc manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines, and diesel-electric locomotives in the United States and internationally. Its Construction Industries segment offers asphalt pavers, compactors, road reclaimers, forestry machines, cold planers, material handlers, tractors, excavators, telehandlers, motor graders, and pipelayers; compact track and multi-terrain, wheel, track-type, backhoe, and skid steer loaders; and related parts and tools. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CAT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Caterpillar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Caterpillar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Henderson European Focus Trust (LON:HEFT Get Free Report)s stock price dropped 0.6% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as GBX 170 ($2.15) and last traded at GBX 172 ($2.17). Approximately 367,661 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 135% from the average daily volume of 156,284 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 173 ($2.18). Henderson European Focus Trust Price Performance The business has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 170.18 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 163.11. The stock has a market cap of 365.96 million, a PE ratio of 1,011.76 and a beta of 0.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.66, a quick ratio of 6.48 and a current ratio of 1.75. Get Henderson European Focus Trust alerts: Henderson European Focus Trust Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, February 5th. Investors of record on Thursday, January 4th were paid a GBX 3.05 ($0.04) dividend. This is an increase from Henderson European Focus Trusts previous dividend of $1.30. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, January 4th. This represents a yield of 1.83%. Henderson European Focus Trusts dividend payout ratio is presently 2,352.94%. Henderson European Focus Trust Company Profile Henderson European Focus Trust plc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Henderson Investment Funds Limited. It is co-managed by Henderson Global Investors Limited. The fund invests in public equity markets of Continental Europe. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Henderson European Focus Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Henderson European Focus Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The wounding of an Azerbaijani serviceman as a result of provocation by Armenian terrorists after a lengthy period of quiet in the zone of the conditional border between Azerbaijan and Armenia was unacceptable, military expert Azer Bayramov told Trend. He stressed that Armenia's military-political leadership makes ludicrous assertions about the investigation into the incident. "This has absolutely nothing to do with reality. When Armenia's military-political leadership deployed members of the terrorist group known as Yerkrapah to our border, they knew exactly what they were getting into. The terrorist organization known as Yerkrapah has tens of thousands of members. This organization, in particular, was involved in war crimes against humanity during the First Karabakh War. Sending people whose hands were smeared with our people's blood to the border region made the provocation inevitable," he said. The expert highlighted that the Azerbaijani side did everything right and took the appropriate procedures on the spot to eliminate the terrorist group's combat post and the terrorists who were there. "This will send a strong message to other terrorists as well. If they provoke others, they will face the same fate. We demonstrated to them that any provocation would be strongly avoided. Countries that support Armenia, such as France and India, bear some responsibility in this regard. These states appear to be arming Armenia with nefarious motives. They are the ones who inspire the revanchists within Armenia and drive them to such provocations," he concluded. Heritage Investors Management Corp raised its position in BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 37,590 shares of the asset managers stock after buying an additional 634 shares during the period. BlackRock comprises about 1.0% of Heritage Investors Management Corps portfolio, making the stock its 29th largest holding. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in BlackRock were worth $24,301,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. OLD Point Trust & Financial Services N A acquired a new position in BlackRock during the second quarter worth about $26,000. West Tower Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Archer Investment Corp acquired a new stake in shares of BlackRock in the second quarter valued at approximately $29,000. WFA of San Diego LLC purchased a new position in BlackRock during the second quarter worth approximately $33,000. Finally, Tyler Stone Wealth Management acquired a new position in BlackRock during the second quarter worth $33,000. 77.01% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get BlackRock alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have recently commented on BLK. TD Cowen raised BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $836.00 to $897.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Friday, December 15th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 price objective for the company in a research note on Tuesday, December 12th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $785.73. Insider Activity at BlackRock In related news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total transaction of $5,085,660.60. Following the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares in the company, valued at $3,366,142.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other news, CFO Martin Small sold 7,036 shares of BlackRock stock in a transaction on Friday, February 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $786.36, for a total value of $5,532,828.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 5,259 shares in the company, valued at $4,135,467.24. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total value of $5,085,660.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the general counsel now owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,366,142.24. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 32,524 shares of company stock valued at $16,510,628. 1.06% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. BlackRock Stock Performance NYSE:BLK traded down $23.69 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $778.07. 625,588 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 640,026. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 3.72 and a current ratio of 3.72. The firm has a market capitalization of $115.75 billion, a PE ratio of 21.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 1.38. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $789.35 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $716.28. BlackRock, Inc. has a one year low of $596.18 and a one year high of $819.00. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The asset manager reported $9.66 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $8.84 by $0.82. The company had revenue of $4.63 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.65 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.85% and a net margin of 30.81%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $8.93 EPS. Analysts anticipate that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.64 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BlackRock Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, March 7th will be issued a $5.10 dividend. This represents a $20.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 6th. This is a positive change from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio is currently 54.78%. About BlackRock (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heritage Investors Management Corp increased its position in shares of The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO Free Report) by 0.3% during the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 272,863 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 919 shares during the period. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in Coca-Cola were worth $15,275,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. State Street Corp grew its position in Coca-Cola by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 171,246,926 shares of the companys stock worth $10,390,407,000 after acquiring an additional 1,628,772 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 79,165,884 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,754,907,000 after purchasing an additional 2,183,864 shares during the period. Morgan Stanley raised its stake in Coca-Cola by 15.7% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 79,101,856 shares of the companys stock worth $5,031,669,000 after buying an additional 10,722,435 shares during the period. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in Coca-Cola by 4.1% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 63,138,970 shares of the companys stock worth $3,501,789,000 after buying an additional 2,464,618 shares during the period. Finally, Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC raised its stake in Coca-Cola by 103,297.9% during the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 57,734,303 shares of the companys stock worth $3,672,479,000 after buying an additional 57,678,466 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 68.96% of the companys stock. Get Coca-Cola alerts: Coca-Cola Trading Down 0.6 % Shares of NYSE:KO traded down $0.35 on Tuesday, reaching $59.35. 24,192,317 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 14,297,400. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $59.42 and its 200 day simple moving average is $58.37. The Coca-Cola Company has a 52 week low of $51.55 and a 52 week high of $64.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $256.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.76, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.34 and a beta of 0.59. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.23. Insider Buying and Selling Coca-Cola ( NYSE:KO Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, February 13th. The company reported $0.49 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.49. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 42.44% and a net margin of 23.92%. The firm had revenue of $10.80 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.68 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.45 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that The Coca-Cola Company will post 2.68 EPS for the current fiscal year. In related news, EVP Beatriz R. Perez sold 52,300 shares of the firms 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 sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 143,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,602,980. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Coca-Cola news, SVP Henrique Braun sold 52,696 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $56.97, for a total value of $3,002,091.12. Following the completion of the sale, the senior vice president now directly owns 26,272 shares in the company, valued at $1,496,715.84. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Beatriz R. Perez sold 52,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total transaction of $3,138,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 143,383 shares of the companys stock, valued at $8,602,980. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 289,052 shares of company stock valued at $16,834,665 over the last ninety days. 1.00% of the stock is owned by insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth KO has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Bank of America decreased their price objective on Coca-Cola from $74.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Citigroup increased their target price on Coca-Cola from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 17th. Barclays increased their price objective on Coca-Cola from $60.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Coca-Cola from $59.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price objective on Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.87. Get Our Latest Report on KO 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. Read More 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. Heritage Investors Management Corp cut its position in Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 2.1% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 105,191 shares of the companys stock after selling 2,270 shares during the period. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $9,739,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Capital World Investors grew its position in Philip Morris International by 3.9% during the 2nd quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 116,185,273 shares of the companys stock worth $11,342,014,000 after purchasing an additional 4,368,323 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 106,291,477 shares of the companys stock worth $10,376,231,000 after acquiring an additional 1,092,991 shares during the period. BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 95,439,062 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,316,761,000 after purchasing an additional 1,056,110 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.1% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 58,592,611 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,793,812,000 after purchasing an additional 1,745,868 shares during the period. Finally, Capital Research Global Investors lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.9% in the second quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 51,558,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,033,166,000 after purchasing an additional 2,430,519 shares during the period. 79.70% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Philip Morris International news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total value of $942,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, 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 is available through the SEC website. 0.15% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have issued reports on PM. Societe Generale upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $87.50 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday. UBS Group downgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and lowered their target price for the company from $105.00 to $86.50 in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target 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, Redburn Atlantic started coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $95.00 price target on the stock. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $105.40. Get Our Latest Stock Report on PM Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.9 % Shares of NYSE PM traded down $0.81 during trading on Tuesday, reaching $89.19. 5,928,203 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,055,543. The company has a market capitalization of $138.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.78, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.63. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $93.08 and its 200 day moving average price is $93.40. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $87.23 and a twelve month high of $103.57. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $1.36 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.44 by ($0.08). Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.80% and a negative return on equity of 116.29%. The company had revenue of $9.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.39 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.39 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st were issued a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.83%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 20th. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 103.59%. About Philip Morris International (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. Read More 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. Heritage Investors Management Corp reduced its position in shares of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report) by 3.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 131,721 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 4,392 shares during the quarter. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in Yum! Brands were worth $16,458,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Rise Advisors LLC lifted its position in Yum! Brands by 1,190.5% during the 3rd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 271 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the period. Clear Street Markets LLC boosted its holdings in Yum! Brands by 28,400.0% in the 4th quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 285 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 284 shares during the last quarter. Legacy Financial Group LLC acquired a new stake in Yum! Brands in the 3rd quarter worth about $40,000. Vestor Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Yum! Brands by 303.5% in the 2nd quarter. Vestor Capital LLC now owns 2,163 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $41,000 after buying an additional 1,627 shares during the last quarter. Finally, KB Financial Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Yum! Brands in the 2nd quarter worth about $41,000. 80.17% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Yum! Brands alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Yum! Brands news, VP David Eric Russell sold 9,919 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.63, for a total value of $1,285,799.97. Following the transaction, the vice president now owns 18,661 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,419,025.43. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. In related news, CEO David W. Gibbs sold 3,756 shares of Yum! Brands stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.21, for a total transaction of $485,312.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 57,325 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,406,963.25. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, VP David Eric Russell sold 9,919 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, February 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $129.63, for a total transaction of $1,285,799.97. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president now owns 18,661 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,419,025.43. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 21,194 shares of company stock worth $2,741,662 in the last ninety days. 0.31% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Yum! Brands Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:YUM traded down $0.15 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $131.21. 1,765,546 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,747,707. Yum! Brands, Inc. has a twelve month low of $115.53 and a twelve month high of $143.24. The company has a market cap of $36.78 billion, a PE ratio of 23.47, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 1.09. The firms fifty day moving average price is $129.26 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $127.55. Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The restaurant operator reported $1.26 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.39 by ($0.13). The company had revenue of $2.04 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.11 billion. Yum! Brands had a negative return on equity of 17.76% and a net margin of 22.57%. Yum! Brandss revenue for the quarter was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.31 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Yum! Brands, Inc. will post 5.73 EPS for the current fiscal year. Yum! Brands Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Investors of record on Wednesday, February 21st will be issued a $0.67 dividend. This is an increase from Yum! Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.61. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.04%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, February 20th. Yum! Brandss payout ratio is presently 43.29%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In YUM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Citigroup lifted their price objective on Yum! Brands from $164.00 to $166.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their target price on Yum! Brands from $145.00 to $141.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday. Barclays lowered their target price on Yum! Brands from $146.00 to $144.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, February 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft started coverage on Yum! Brands in a report on Thursday, October 19th. They set a hold rating and a $131.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus reiterated a hold rating and issued a $135.00 price objective on shares of Yum! Brands in a report on Thursday, January 4th. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Yum! Brands currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $144.75. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on YUM Yum! Brands Company Profile (Free Report) Yum! Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through four segments: the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division. It operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding YUM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Yum! Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yum! Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Howmet Aerospace (NYSE:HWM Get Free Report) updated its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Tuesday. The company provided earnings per share (EPS) guidance of 2.100-2.200 for the period, compared to the consensus estimate of 2.170. The company issued revenue guidance of $7.0 billion-$7.2 billion, compared to the consensus revenue estimate of $7.1 billion. Howmet Aerospace also updated its FY24 guidance to $2.10-2.20 EPS. Howmet Aerospace Trading Up 5.4 % Shares of HWM traded up $3.15 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $61.98. The stock had a trading volume of 6,211,043 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,216,736. Howmet Aerospace has a 1 year low of $38.17 and a 1 year high of $61.98. The firm has a market cap of $25.52 billion, a PE ratio of 38.70, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99, a current ratio of 2.14 and a quick ratio of 0.94. The stocks 50 day moving average is $54.88 and its 200 day moving average is $50.46. Get Howmet Aerospace alerts: Howmet Aerospace Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 9th will be issued a $0.05 dividend. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.32%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 8th. Howmet Aerospaces payout ratio is presently 13.16%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades HWM has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. KeyCorp upped their price target on shares of Howmet Aerospace from $52.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Howmet Aerospace from $54.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Sanford C. Bernstein started coverage on shares of Howmet Aerospace in a report on Friday, January 5th. They set an outperform rating and a $67.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Truist Financial upgraded shares of Howmet Aerospace from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their target price for the stock from $47.00 to $74.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and thirteen have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Howmet Aerospace has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $57.29. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on HWM Hedge Funds Weigh In On Howmet Aerospace A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HWM. Clear Street Markets LLC increased its holdings in shares of Howmet Aerospace by 93.8% during the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 721 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 349 shares in the last quarter. Financial Freedom LLC purchased a new position in shares of Howmet Aerospace during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $29,000. KB Financial Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Howmet Aerospace during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Resurgent Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Howmet Aerospace during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $37,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its holdings in shares of Howmet Aerospace by 104.5% during the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 1,092 shares of the companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 558 shares in the last quarter. 88.67% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Howmet Aerospace (Get Free Report) Howmet Aerospace Inc provides advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries in the United States, Japan, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Poland, China, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Engine Products, Fastening Systems, Engineered Structures, and Forged Wheels. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Howmet Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Howmet Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) issued an update on its FY 2024 earnings guidance on Tuesday morning. The company provided EPS guidance of 1.000-1.100 for the period, compared to the consensus EPS estimate of 1.230. The company issued revenue guidance of -. Hudson Pacific Properties also updated its Q1 2024 guidance to 0.150-0.190 EPS. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently issued reports on HPP. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Hudson Pacific Properties from $7.10 to $10.60 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, January 11th. Bank of America lowered Hudson Pacific Properties from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $5.50 to $4.00 in a report on Monday, November 13th. BTIG Research lifted their target price on Hudson Pacific Properties from $11.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, December 29th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price target on Hudson Pacific Properties from $12.00 to $13.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, January 4th. Finally, Mizuho raised Hudson Pacific Properties from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price target for the stock from $10.00 to $7.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Hudson Pacific Properties has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $8.87. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on HPP Hudson Pacific Properties Stock Down 16.7 % Institutional Inflows and Outflows Shares of Hudson Pacific Properties stock traded down $1.34 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $6.70. 8,849,895 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 3,063,194. The stock has a market cap of $944.30 million, a P/E ratio of -8.82 and a beta of 1.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.41, a quick ratio of 1.51 and a current ratio of 1.51. Hudson Pacific Properties has a twelve month low of $4.05 and a twelve month high of $10.76. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $8.54 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $6.89. A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in HPP. Group One Trading L.P. bought a new stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in the first quarter valued at approximately $149,000. HighTower Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 3.4% in the first quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 18,542 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $514,000 after acquiring an additional 612 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 76.5% in the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 36,550 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,034,000 after acquiring an additional 15,845 shares during the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 33.3% in the first quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 98,525 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,734,000 after acquiring an additional 24,633 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 10.5% in the first quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 55,882 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,551,000 after acquiring an additional 5,328 shares during the last quarter. 97.58% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Hudson Pacific Properties (Get Free Report) Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a real estate investment trust serving dynamic tech and media tenants in global epicenters for these synergistic, converging and secular growth industries. Hudson Pacific's unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value creation platform forged through deep strategic relationships and niche expertise across identifying, acquiring, transforming and developing properties into world-class amenitized, collaborative and sustainable office and studio space. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc. (NYSE:HY Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 445,100 shares, a growth of 44.0% from the January 15th total of 309,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 86,400 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 5.2 days. Approximately 5.4% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Roth Mkm assumed coverage on Hyster-Yale Materials Handling in a research note on Tuesday, December 5th. They issued a buy rating and a $85.00 price objective for the company. StockNews.com raised Hyster-Yale Materials Handling from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. TheStreet raised Hyster-Yale Materials Handling from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Finally, Northland Securities began coverage on Hyster-Yale Materials Handling in a research report on Wednesday, November 15th. They set an outperform rating and a $80.00 price target for the company. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $80.00. Get Hyster-Yale Materials Handling alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on HY Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Trading Down 7.8 % Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in HY. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in Hyster-Yale Materials Handling by 10.3% in the third quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 39,453 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,759,000 after acquiring an additional 3,700 shares during the last quarter. NBC Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Hyster-Yale Materials Handling in the third quarter valued at $334,000. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. boosted its holdings in Hyster-Yale Materials Handling by 63.1% in the third quarter. Assenagon Asset Management S.A. now owns 66,975 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $2,986,000 after acquiring an additional 25,901 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its holdings in Hyster-Yale Materials Handling by 31.0% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 195,217 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $10,901,000 after acquiring an additional 46,150 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bailard Inc. acquired a new position in Hyster-Yale Materials Handling in the third quarter valued at $227,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 44.25% of the companys stock. Shares of HY stock traded down $5.65 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $66.55. 105,710 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 93,170. Hyster-Yale Materials Handling has a fifty-two week low of $29.26 and a fifty-two week high of $72.40. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $62.44 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $51.03. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79. The stock has a market cap of $1.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.55 and a beta of 1.51. Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hyster-Yale Materials Handling, Inc, through its subsidiaries, designs, engineers, manufactures, sells, and services a line of lift trucks, attachments, and aftermarket parts worldwide. The company manufactures components, such as frames, masts, and transmissions; and assembles lift trucks. It markets its products primarily under the Hyster and Yale brand names to independent Hyster and Yale retail dealerships. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Hyster-Yale Materials Handling Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyster-Yale Materials Handling and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Financial Strategies LLC boosted its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 89.7% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 317,889 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 150,280 shares during the period. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF accounts for 9.7% of Legacy Financial Strategies LLCs holdings, making the stock its 3rd biggest position. Legacy Financial Strategies LLCs holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $30,050,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other large investors have also bought and sold shares of AGG. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management boosted its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 145.5% during the first quarter. Empirical Financial Services LLC d.b.a. Empirical Wealth Management now owns 6,590 shares of the companys stock valued at $705,000 after purchasing an additional 3,906 shares in the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 36.2% during the first quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 52,003 shares of the companys stock worth $5,570,000 after acquiring an additional 13,829 shares during the last quarter. Worth Asset Management LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the first quarter worth about $44,000. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF during the first quarter worth about $241,000. Finally, West Michigan Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 2.0% during the first quarter. West Michigan Advisors LLC now owns 14,640 shares of the companys stock worth $1,568,000 after acquiring an additional 292 shares during the last quarter. 83.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of AGG traded up $0.44 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $97.19. 4,053,402 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 8,944,172. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $98.36 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $96.09. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a 52 week low of $91.58 and a 52 week high of $100.98. About iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF 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. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report). 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. iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (BATS:PICK Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as $39.97 and last traded at $39.80, with a volume of 117309 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $39.53. iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF Trading Down 2.8 % The stock has a market capitalization of $1.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.48 and a beta of 1.18. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $41.09 and a 200 day simple moving average of $40.10. Get iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sentinus LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Sentinus LLC now owns 27,629 shares of the companys stock worth $1,092,000 after purchasing an additional 280 shares during the last quarter. Resolute Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 5.7% in the 4th quarter. Resolute Advisors LLC now owns 6,173 shares of the companys stock worth $266,000 after purchasing an additional 334 shares during the last quarter. NBC Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 140.9% in the 4th quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 843 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 493 shares during the last quarter. Leuthold Group LLC lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 9.8% in the 4th quarter. Leuthold Group LLC now owns 13,976 shares of the companys stock worth $602,000 after purchasing an additional 1,249 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF by 33.7% in the 2nd quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. now owns 7,083 shares of the companys stock worth $287,000 after purchasing an additional 1,784 shares during the last quarter. iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF Company Profile The iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in materials equity. The fund tracks a market-cap-weighted index of global metals mining, extraction or production firms, excluding gold and silver mining firms. PICK was launched on Jan 31, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. trimmed its position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWP Free Report) by 3.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 3,035,094 shares of the companys stock after selling 113,667 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. owned about 2.24% of iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF worth $277,256,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Authentikos Wealth Advisory LLC bought a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the third quarter worth $29,000. DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. bought a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the third quarter worth $30,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC bought a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the third quarter worth $32,000. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO bought a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the third quarter worth $35,000. Finally, Northwest Capital Management Inc bought a new position in iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF during the second quarter worth $38,000. Get iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Stock Up 1.2 % iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF stock traded up $1.25 on Wednesday, hitting $108.63. The companys stock had a trading volume of 242,865 shares, compared to its average volume of 933,143. The firm has a market cap of $14.75 billion, a P/E ratio of 25.03 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $103.81 and a 200-day moving average price of $96.98. iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF has a one year low of $85.00 and a one year high of $109.81. About iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF, formerly iShares Russell Midcap Growth Index Fund (the Growth Fund), is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the Russell Midcap Growth Index (the Growth Index). Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell Mid-Cap Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the execution of powers of members of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Considering the resignation of the Cabinet of Ministers in accordance with Article 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev, through this decree, has assigned the former Cabinet of Ministers to carry out the responsibilities of the members of the Cabinet of Ministers until the establishment of a new Cabinet of Ministers. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Jackson Hole Capital Partners LLC reduced its holdings in Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 8.2% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 9,339 shares of the CRM providers stock after selling 831 shares during the period. Jackson Hole Capital Partners LLCs holdings in Salesforce were worth $1,894,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Formidable Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Salesforce by 4.2% during the 3rd quarter. Formidable Asset Management LLC now owns 1,241 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $252,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Salesforce by 22.3% in the 3rd quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 1,224,691 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $248,343,000 after buying an additional 223,430 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its stake in Salesforce by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 1,845,890 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $374,309,000 after buying an additional 7,755 shares in the last quarter. Montag A & Associates Inc. boosted its stake in Salesforce by 25.8% in the 3rd quarter. Montag A & Associates Inc. now owns 3,031 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $615,000 after buying an additional 622 shares in the last quarter. Finally, First Heartland Consultants Inc. boosted its stake in Salesforce by 11.5% in the 3rd quarter. First Heartland Consultants Inc. now owns 1,506 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $305,000 after buying an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.52% of the companys stock. Get Salesforce alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms have commented on CRM. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and issued a $293.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Mizuho boosted their target price on Salesforce from $255.00 to $280.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Argus boosted their target price on Salesforce from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 1st. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on Salesforce from $300.00 to $310.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Evercore ISI boosted their target price on Salesforce from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 30th. Nine research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, twenty-seven have given a buy rating and two have issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $264.03. Salesforce Stock Down 2.1 % NYSE CRM traded down $6.17 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $281.15. 4,954,437 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 5,099,178. The businesss 50-day moving average is $269.19 and its 200-day moving average is $233.05. Salesforce, Inc. has a twelve month low of $159.65 and a twelve month high of $295.24. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.04. The stock has a market capitalization of $272.15 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 109.33, a P/E/G ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.28. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 29th. The CRM provider reported $2.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.05 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $8.72 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.71 billion. Salesforce had a return on equity of 9.19% and a net margin of 7.63%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 11.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.73 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Salesforce, Inc. will post 6.02 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Salesforce In related news, COO Brian Millham sold 293,965 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.00, for a total transaction of $82,310,200.00. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 15,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, November 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $220.94, for a total transaction of $3,314,100.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 14,876,166 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,286,740,116.04. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, COO Brian Millham sold 293,965 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $280.00, for a total value of $82,310,200.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 1,398,178 shares of company stock worth $370,039,975 over the last 90 days. Company insiders own 3.70% of the companys stock. Salesforce Profile (Free Report) Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and relationship intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer service and support at scale. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CRM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Salesforce, Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc. increased its position in shares of U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report) by 21.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 716,843 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 126,618 shares during the quarter. Johnson Investment Counsel Inc.s holdings in U.S. Bancorp were worth $23,699,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new stake in U.S. Bancorp in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. Legacy Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Archer Investment Corp increased its holdings in shares of U.S. Bancorp by 63.2% in the second quarter. Archer Investment Corp now owns 979 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 379 shares in the last quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. bought a new stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp in the third quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Cornerstone Planning Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of U.S. Bancorp in the second quarter worth about $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.40% of the companys stock. Get U.S. Bancorp alerts: Insider Transactions at U.S. Bancorp In other news, insider Shailesh M. Kotwal sold 2,954 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.56, for a total transaction of $116,860.24. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 119,768 shares in the company, valued at $4,738,022.08. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other U.S. Bancorp news, insider Terrance R. Dolan sold 26,583 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.37, for a total transaction of $1,152,904.71. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 144,236 shares in the company, valued at approximately $6,255,515.32. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, insider Shailesh M. Kotwal sold 2,954 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $39.56, for a total value of $116,860.24. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 119,768 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,738,022.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 66,439 shares of company stock worth $2,865,224. Company insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. U.S. Bancorp Stock Performance Shares of USB traded up $0.50 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, reaching $40.43. The companys stock had a trading volume of 3,026,036 shares, compared to its average volume of 9,656,471. U.S. Bancorp has a 1-year low of $27.27 and a 1-year high of $49.11. The stock has a market cap of $62.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.28, a PEG ratio of 2.09 and a beta of 1.04. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $42.22 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.79. The company has a current ratio of 0.81, a quick ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05. U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.28. U.S. Bancorp had a return on equity of 14.89% and a net margin of 13.36%. The company had revenue of $6.76 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.85 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.20 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 6.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that U.S. Bancorp will post 3.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. U.S. Bancorp Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, January 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a dividend of $0.49 per share. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $1.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.85%. This is a positive change from U.S. Bancorps previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. U.S. Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 59.76%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have issued reports on USB shares. Piper Sandler restated a neutral rating on shares of U.S. Bancorp in a report on Friday, January 26th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on U.S. Bancorp from $43.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Morgan Stanley increased their price target on U.S. Bancorp from $44.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Barclays increased their price target on U.S. Bancorp from $48.00 to $56.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, January 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded U.S. Bancorp from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Saturday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have issued a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $45.35. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on USB U.S. Bancorp Company Profile (Free Report) U.S. Bancorp, a financial services holding company, provides various financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional organizations, governmental entities and other financial institutions in the United States. It operates in Corporate and Commercial Banking, Consumer and Business Banking, Wealth Management and Investment Services, Payment Services, and Treasury and Corporate Support segments. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding USB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for U.S. Bancorp (NYSE:USB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for U.S. Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for U.S. Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legacy Financial Strategies LLC lessened its position in shares of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report) by 8.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 27,548 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,426 shares during the quarter. Legacy Financial Strategies LLCs holdings in NextEra Energy were worth $1,584,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. Alaska Permanent Fund Corp purchased a new stake in NextEra Energy in the 2nd quarter worth about $26,000. Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC purchased a new position in NextEra Energy in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Country Trust Bank increased its stake in shares of NextEra Energy by 975.6% during the third quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 441 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 400 shares during the period. West Tower Group LLC purchased a new position in shares of NextEra Energy during the second quarter valued at approximately $36,000. Finally, Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. grew its stake in NextEra Energy by 444.4% in the second quarter. Mizuho Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 490 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 400 shares during the period. 76.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get NextEra Energy alerts: Insider Activity In related news, Director Nicole S. Arnaboldi bought 8,500 shares of NextEra Energy stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 8th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $59.59 per share, with a total value of $506,515.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director now directly owns 11,523 shares in the company, valued at approximately $686,655.57. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.18% of the companys stock. NextEra Energy Stock Performance Shares of NYSE NEE traded up $0.32 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $55.57. The stock had a trading volume of 4,012,965 shares, compared to its average volume of 10,440,624. NextEra Energy, Inc. has a one year low of $47.15 and a one year high of $79.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a quick ratio of 0.47 and a current ratio of 0.55. The stock has a market cap of $114.01 billion, a PE ratio of 15.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 0.52. The firms 50 day moving average price is $59.58 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $60.76. NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, January 25th. The utilities provider reported $0.52 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by $0.03. NextEra Energy had a return on equity of 11.73% and a net margin of 26.00%. The business had revenue of $6.88 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.72 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.51 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that NextEra Energy, Inc. will post 3.44 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Evercore ISI lowered their price target on NextEra Energy from $80.00 to $66.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 20th. Guggenheim boosted their price objective on NextEra Energy from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, January 22nd. Seaport Res Ptn downgraded shares of NextEra Energy from a neutral rating to a sell rating in a research report on Thursday, November 9th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $74.00 price target on shares of NextEra Energy in a report on Tuesday, January 30th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on shares of NextEra Energy from $79.00 to $76.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, November 21st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, NextEra Energy has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $71.85. View Our Latest Stock Report on NEE NextEra Energy Company Profile (Free Report) NextEra Energy, Inc, through its subsidiaries, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power to retail and wholesale customers in North America. The company generates electricity through wind, solar, nuclear, coal, and natural gas facilities. It also develops, constructs, and operates long-term contracted assets that consists of clean energy solutions, such as renewable generation facilities, battery storage projects, and electric transmission facilities; sells energy commodities; and owns, develops, constructs, manages and operates electric generation facilities in wholesale energy markets. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NEE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE:NEE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for NextEra Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NextEra Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. London & Associated Properties Plc (LON:LAS Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 9.1% on Monday . The stock traded as low as GBX 10 ($0.13) and last traded at GBX 10 ($0.13). 10,565 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 46% from the average session volume of 19,505 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 11 ($0.14). London & Associated Properties Price Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 82.46, a quick ratio of 0.38 and a current ratio of 1.12. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is GBX 11.81 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 10.59. The stock has a market capitalization of 8.53 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -250.00 and a beta of 0.09. About London & Associated Properties (Get Free Report) London & Associated Properties is a fully listed property investment company specialising in retail. It owns a portfolio of shopping centres and other retail property currently worth some 78m. LAP also invests in joint ventures with institutional co-owners; these have included Oaktree Capital Management, Schroders and Bank of Scotland. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for London & Associated Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for London & Associated Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC boosted its position in Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:MOH Free Report) by 28.5% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 470,386 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 104,350 shares during the period. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC owned approximately 0.81% of Molina Healthcare worth $154,234,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC lifted its holdings in Molina Healthcare by 2.0% in the third quarter. Orion Portfolio Solutions LLC now owns 16,502 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,411,000 after buying an additional 330 shares during the period. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in Molina Healthcare by 0.5% in the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 74,056 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,282,000 after purchasing an additional 376 shares in the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC increased its stake in Molina Healthcare by 5.4% in the third quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 334,019 shares of the companys stock valued at $109,521,000 after purchasing an additional 17,247 shares in the last quarter. Caden Capital Partners LP bought a new stake in Molina Healthcare in the second quarter valued at $11,983,000. Finally, Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in Molina Healthcare by 7.5% in the third quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,370 shares of the companys stock valued at $449,000 after purchasing an additional 95 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.11% of the companys stock. Get Molina Healthcare alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other Molina Healthcare news, Director Ronna Romney sold 335 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $358.00, for a total value of $119,930.00. Following the sale, 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 is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Molina Healthcare Stock Performance MOH traded up $4.16 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $398.49. The company had a trading volume of 173,034 shares, compared to its average volume of 421,438. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 1.47 and a current ratio of 1.54. The stock has a market cap of $23.23 billion, a PE ratio of 21.00, a P/E/G ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.45. Molina Healthcare, Inc. has a 12-month low of $256.19 and a 12-month high of $399.35. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $368.38 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $346.36. Molina Healthcare (NYSE:MOH Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, February 7th. The company reported $4.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.31 by $0.07. The firm had revenue of $9.05 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.35 billion. Molina Healthcare had a net margin of 3.20% and a return on equity of 32.34%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 10.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $4.10 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Molina Healthcare, Inc. will post 23.6 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In MOH has been the subject of several research analyst reports. Cantor Fitzgerald lifted their price target on shares of Molina Healthcare from $374.00 to $406.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, February 9th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Molina Healthcare from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. UBS Group boosted their target price 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. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Molina Healthcare from $367.00 to $392.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have issued a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $357.50. Get Our Latest Research Report on Molina Healthcare Molina Healthcare Company Profile (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. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC decreased its holdings in shares of Duolingo, Inc. (NYSE:DUOL Free Report) by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 621,064 shares of the companys stock after selling 7,445 shares during the period. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC owned approximately 1.50% of Duolingo worth $103,016,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in DUOL. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. boosted its stake in Duolingo by 4.4% in the 3rd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 3,902 shares of the companys stock worth $647,000 after purchasing an additional 165 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in Duolingo by 6.6% in the 3rd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 3,732 shares of the companys stock worth $619,000 after purchasing an additional 232 shares during the period. Amalgamated Bank boosted its stake in Duolingo by 5.8% in the 3rd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 4,406 shares of the companys stock worth $731,000 after purchasing an additional 242 shares during the period. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY boosted its stake in Duolingo by 19.3% in the 2nd quarter. Metropolitan Life Insurance Co NY now owns 1,572 shares of the companys stock worth $225,000 after purchasing an additional 254 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp boosted its stake in Duolingo by 24.6% in the 3rd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 1,807 shares of the companys stock worth $286,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 76.93% of the companys stock. Get Duolingo alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently commented on DUOL shares. The Goldman Sachs Group downgraded shares of Duolingo from a neutral rating to a sell rating and set a $160.00 price objective for the company. in a research note on Friday, January 19th. Piper Sandler restated an overweight rating and set a $217.00 price objective on shares of Duolingo in a research note on Monday, November 20th. Needham & Company LLC increased their price objective on shares of Duolingo from $160.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 9th. Finally, Bank of America restated a neutral rating and set a $188.00 price objective on shares of Duolingo in a research note on Thursday, October 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $176.78. Duolingo Stock Performance Shares of DUOL traded up $6.22 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $189.35. 245,293 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 573,593. Duolingo, Inc. has a 52 week low of $86.36 and a 52 week high of $245.87. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $209.08 and its 200-day simple moving average is $180.43. The company has a quick ratio of 3.49, a current ratio of 3.49 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. Insider Transactions at Duolingo In other news, insider Severin Hacker sold 10,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.62, for a total transaction of $1,786,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 72 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,860.64. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, insider Severin Hacker sold 10,000 shares of Duolingo stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.62, for a total value of $1,786,200.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 72 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,860.64. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Matthew Skaruppa sold 2,698 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $211.77, for a total transaction of $571,355.46. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 50,974 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,794,763.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 156,698 shares of company stock valued at $32,562,095. 19.85% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Duolingo (Free Report) Duolingo, Inc operates as a mobile learning platform in the United States, China, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company offers courses in 40 different languages, including Spanish, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese through its Duolingo app. It also provides a digital language proficiency assessment exam. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Duolingo Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duolingo and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mizuho Markets Cayman LP increased its holdings in The Charles Schwab Co. (NYSE:SCHW Free Report) by 14.8% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,536 shares of the financial services providers stock after purchasing an additional 3,425 shares during the period. Charles Schwab accounts for 0.6% of Mizuho Markets Cayman LPs holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Mizuho Markets Cayman LPs holdings in Charles Schwab were worth $1,457,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Worth Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. BluePath Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Charles Schwab during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $34,000. State of Wyoming raised its holdings in shares of Charles Schwab by 71.0% during the 2nd quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 624 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 259 shares in the last quarter. WFA of San Diego LLC bought a new position in shares of Charles Schwab during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $39,000. Finally, Gould Capital LLC increased its position in shares of Charles Schwab by 33.3% during the 1st quarter. Gould Capital LLC now owns 800 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $42,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. 81.61% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Charles Schwab alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently weighed in on SCHW. UBS Group boosted their target price on Charles Schwab from $72.00 to $82.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, December 15th. JMP Securities reissued a market outperform rating and set a $77.00 target price on shares of Charles Schwab in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. Redburn Atlantic began coverage on Charles Schwab in a research report on Friday, December 1st. They set a sell rating and a $52.00 target price on the stock. TD Cowen began coverage on Charles Schwab in a research report on Thursday, January 4th. They set a market perform rating and a $77.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Barclays cut their price objective on Charles Schwab from $68.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, January 18th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $69.69. Insider Buying and Selling In related news, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 16,390 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, January 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $63.94, for a total transaction of $1,047,976.60. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 61,331,688 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,921,548,130.72. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other Charles Schwab news, CFO Peter B. Crawford sold 4,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.56, for a total value of $242,240.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 41,611 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,519,962.16. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, Chairman Charles R. Schwab sold 16,390 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, January 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $63.94, for a total value of $1,047,976.60. Following the completion of the sale, the chairman now directly owns 61,331,688 shares in the company, valued at $3,921,548,130.72. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 43,760 shares of company stock valued at $2,731,159 over the last ninety days. Company insiders own 6.60% of the companys stock. Charles Schwab Stock Down 2.8 % Charles Schwab stock traded down $1.79 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $62.71. The companys stock had a trading volume of 8,841,429 shares, compared to its average volume of 8,507,325. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $65.56 and its 200-day simple moving average is $60.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.66. The Charles Schwab Co. has a 52-week low of $45.00 and a 52-week high of $81.56. The stock has a market capitalization of $111.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.69, a PEG ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.99. Charles Schwab (NYSE:SCHW Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.68 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.64 by $0.04. Charles Schwab had a return on equity of 22.07% and a net margin of 26.90%. The firm had revenue of $4.46 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.49 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.07 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 18.9% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts expect that The Charles Schwab Co. will post 3.39 EPS for the current year. Charles Schwab Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, February 23rd. Investors of record on Friday, February 9th will be issued a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.59%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 8th. Charles Schwabs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 39.37%. Charles Schwab Company Profile (Free Report) The Charles Schwab Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a savings and loan holding company that provides wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services. The company operates in two segments, Investor Services and Advisor Services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Charles Schwab Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Charles Schwab and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NIPPON STL & SU/S (OTCMKTS:NSSMY Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week low during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $7.78 and last traded at $7.94, with a volume of 29790 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $8.10. NIPPON STL & SU/S Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a current ratio of 1.22 and a quick ratio of 0.51. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $7.79 and a 200 day simple moving average of $7.70. The company has a market capitalization of $7.55 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 2.92, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.94 and a beta of 1.35. NIPPON STL & SU/S Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corporation engages in steelmaking and steel fabrication businesses worldwide. It operates in five segments: Steelmaking and Steel Fabrication, Engineering and Construction, Chemicals, New materials, and System Solutions. The company offers steel plates; hot- and cold-rolled steel sheets and coils, coated steel sheets, color coated steel sheets, electrolytic tin plates, and electrical steel sheets; bar and rod materials; and structural steel products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for NIPPON STL & SU/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NIPPON STL & SU/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. nVent Electric plc (NYSE:NVT Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 1,350,000 shares, a decline of 27.8% from the January 15th total of 1,870,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 1,110,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.2 days. Currently, 0.8% of the shares of the company are short sold. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently commented on NVT. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on shares of nVent Electric from $65.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, February 7th. Barclays cut their price target on nVent Electric from $67.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 30th. Finally, Citigroup increased their price objective on nVent Electric from $59.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, December 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, nVent Electric has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $64.75. Get nVent Electric alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on nVent Electric nVent Electric Stock Down 2.5 % NVT stock traded down $1.58 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $62.21. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,627,091 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,221,380. The companys fifty day moving average price is $58.51 and its 200 day moving average price is $54.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.56, a current ratio of 1.82 and a quick ratio of 1.22. nVent Electric has a twelve month low of $40.00 and a twelve month high of $66.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $10.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.56 and a beta of 1.33. nVent Electric (NYSE:NVT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 6th. The company reported $0.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.75 by $0.03. nVent Electric had a return on equity of 17.53% and a net margin of 17.38%. The business had revenue of $861.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $866.90 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.66 earnings per share. nVent Electrics quarterly revenue was up 16.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts predict that nVent Electric will post 3.22 EPS for the current year. nVent Electric Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, February 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, January 19th were paid a $0.19 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, January 18th. This is a boost from nVent Electrics previous quarterly dividend of $0.18. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.22%. nVent Electrics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 22.55%. Insider Transactions at nVent Electric In related news, insider Joseph A. Ruzynski sold 2,500 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.23, for a total transaction of $160,575.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 36,013 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,313,114.99. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Beth Wozniak sold 198,211 shares of nVent Electric stock in a transaction on Thursday, February 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.29, for a total value of $12,742,985.19. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 342 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,987.18. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Joseph A. Ruzynski sold 2,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.23, for a total value of $160,575.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 36,013 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,313,114.99. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 387,363 shares of company stock worth $24,832,091. Company insiders own 2.40% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of nVent Electric Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Swiss National Bank increased its stake in shares of nVent Electric by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 360,687 shares of the companys stock worth $18,637,000 after purchasing an additional 1,200 shares during the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC increased its position in nVent Electric by 7.7% during the second quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 9,089 shares of the companys stock worth $470,000 after buying an additional 646 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its stake in nVent Electric by 7.6% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 13,845 shares of the companys stock valued at $715,000 after buying an additional 983 shares during the period. US Bancorp DE boosted its stake in shares of nVent Electric by 12.0% during the 3rd quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 216,527 shares of the companys stock worth $11,474,000 after acquiring an additional 23,128 shares during the period. Finally, Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC increased its holdings in shares of nVent Electric by 150.4% in the third quarter. Oliver Luxxe Assets LLC now owns 55,153 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,923,000 after purchasing an additional 33,127 shares during the last quarter. 87.76% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. nVent Electric Company Profile (Get Free Report) nVent Electric plc designs, manufactures, markets, installs, and services electrical connection and protection products worldwide. The company operates through three segments: Enclosures, Electrical & Fastening Solutions, and Thermal Management. The Enclosures segment provides solutions to connect and protect critical electronics, communication, control, and power equipment; physical infrastructure solutions to host, connect, and protect server and network equipment; indoor and outdoor protection for test and measurement and aerospace and defense applications in industrial, infrastructure, commercial, and energy verticals; and metallic and non-metallic enclosures, cabinets, sub racks, and backplanes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for nVent Electric Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for nVent Electric and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pacific Heights Asset Management LLC reduced its stake in HF Sinclair Co. (NYSE:DINO Free Report) by 18.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 215,000 shares of the companys stock after selling 50,000 shares during the period. HF Sinclair accounts for 1.2% of Pacific Heights Asset Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 28th biggest holding. Pacific Heights Asset Management LLC owned 0.12% of HF Sinclair worth $12,240,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Campion Asset Management boosted its holdings in HF Sinclair by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter. Campion Asset Management now owns 7,985 shares of the companys stock worth $356,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. CWM LLC boosted its stake in shares of HF Sinclair by 9.0% in the 2nd quarter. CWM LLC now owns 2,484 shares of the companys stock worth $111,000 after buying an additional 206 shares during the last quarter. Unison Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of HF Sinclair by 1.0% in the third quarter. Unison Advisors LLC now owns 21,135 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,203,000 after acquiring an additional 210 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its position in shares of HF Sinclair by 2.7% during the third quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 8,570 shares of the companys stock valued at $488,000 after acquiring an additional 223 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its holdings in HF Sinclair by 1.6% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 16,357 shares of the companys stock worth $730,000 after acquiring an additional 262 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.15% of the companys stock. Get HF Sinclair alerts: HF Sinclair Price Performance DINO traded up $0.64 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $59.40. 1,245,409 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,671,232. HF Sinclair Co. has a 12-month low of $37.12 and a 12-month high of $62.20. The companys 50-day moving average is $55.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $55.57. The company has a quick ratio of 1.23, a current ratio of 2.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27. The company has a market cap of $10.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 5.08, a P/E/G ratio of 1.16 and a beta of 1.28. Insider Activity Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades In other news, EVP Vaishali S. Bhatia sold 18,465 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.24, for a total value of $1,001,541.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 51,924 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,816,357.76. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . In other HF Sinclair news, Director James H. Lee sold 2,643 shares of HF Sinclair stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $52.30, for a total transaction of $138,228.90. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 65,919 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,447,563.70. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Also, EVP Vaishali S. Bhatia sold 18,465 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.24, for a total value of $1,001,541.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 51,924 shares in the company, valued at $2,816,357.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . 0.26% of the stock is owned by company insiders. DINO has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on HF Sinclair from $70.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, October 17th. UBS Group raised shares of HF Sinclair from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $64.00 to $73.00 in a research report on Wednesday. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $63.70. Read Our Latest Stock Report on HF Sinclair HF Sinclair Company Profile (Free Report) HF Sinclair Corporation operates as an independent energy company. It produces and markets gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel, specialty lubricant products, specialty chemicals, specialty and modified asphalt, and others. The company also owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest United States and Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and in other neighboring Plains states. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for HF Sinclair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HF Sinclair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The Russian Foreign Ministry is concerned about the aggravation on the Armenian-Azerbaijani border, Maria Zakharova, Spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said during the weekly briefing, Trend reports. "Moscow urges restraint and de-escalation steps to avoid any actions fraught with further degradation of the situation," she added. Zakharova believes that all issues should be resolved exclusively peacefully. According to her, the incident once again confirms the need for the parties to return as soon as possible to the implementation of the set of trilateral agreements at the highest level, which were concluded in the period from 2020 to 2022. Meanwhile, on February 12 at 13:37 (GMT+4), from the positions of the Armenian armed forces located in the direction of Nerkin-And settlement of Gafan district, on the section of the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional state border passing through the territory of Zangilan district, fire was opened on the positions of the Border Troops of the State Border Service located in the territory of the village of Kollugishlagh of Zangilan district. As a result of the provocation, a serviceman of the State Border Service, private Khalilzade Parviz Aghakishi oglu, was wounded. The serviceman was evacuated by helicopter to a specialized medical institution. In addition, the Armenian Armed Forces units from their positions in the direction of Chinarli settlement in the Tovuz region fired small weapons at the positions of the Azerbaijani Army in the direction of Kokhanabi settlement in the Tovuz region on February 12 at 20:50 and 23:40 (GMT +4). State Border Service (SBS) units in Azerbaijan carried out Operation Revenge on February 13 in response to the provocation of the Armenian Armed Forces. According to the SPS, the operation resulted in the destruction of a combat post of the Armenian Armed Forces near the Nerkin-And settlement of Gafan district, from where the Azerbaijani army positions were fired. "There are data on serious losses among the personnel of the destroyed combat post. Every provocation of the Armenian side aimed at aggravating operational conditions on the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional state border will henceforth be answered with more serious and decisive measures. The responsibility for what happened lies fully on the military-political leadership of Armenia," the ministry says in a statement. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Pampa Energia S.A. (NYSE:PAM Get Free Report) saw a large decrease in short interest during the month of January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 175,100 shares, a decrease of 26.2% from the January 15th total of 237,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 198,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.9 days. Approximately 0.3% of the shares of the stock are sold short. Institutional Trading of Pampa Energia A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its holdings in Pampa Energia by 2,210.9% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 314,905 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $959,000 after buying an additional 301,278 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley lifted its position in Pampa Energia by 174.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 400,081 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $12,779,000 after buying an additional 254,193 shares in the last quarter. Millennium Management LLC bought a new position in Pampa Energia in the 4th quarter worth approximately $7,606,000. Eaton Vance Management raised its position in Pampa Energia by 420,600.0% in the 1st quarter. Eaton Vance Management now owns 210,350 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $4,971,000 after purchasing an additional 210,300 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. boosted its position in Pampa Energia by 122.5% in the 2nd quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 362,504 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $15,704,000 after buying an additional 199,577 shares during the last quarter. 12.86% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pampa Energia alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PAM has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised Pampa Energia from an underweight rating to a neutral rating and lifted their price target for the stock from $33.00 to $43.00 in a research note on Monday, December 4th. StockNews.com lowered Pampa Energia from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, January 12th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have given a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Pampa Energia currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $36.50. Pampa Energia Stock Down 0.0 % Shares of PAM stock traded down $0.02 on Tuesday, hitting $43.34. The companys stock had a trading volume of 44,305 shares, compared to its average volume of 125,633. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.21 and a quick ratio of 1.92. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.16, a P/E/G ratio of 0.48 and a beta of 0.98. Pampa Energia has a fifty-two week low of $26.86 and a fifty-two week high of $52.17. The firms fifty day moving average price is $47.94 and its 200-day moving average price is $43.65. About Pampa Energia (Get Free Report) Pampa Energia SA operates as an independent energy integrated company in Argentina. The company operates through Electricity Generation, Oil and Gas, Petrochemicals, and Holding and Other Business segments. It generates electricity through thermal generation plants, thermal gas-fired thermal generation plants, and hydroelectric power generation systems, as well as through a wind farm. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Pampa Energia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pampa Energia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pola Orbis Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS:PORBF Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week low during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as $11.05 and last traded at $11.05, with a volume of 0 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $11.05. Pola Orbis Price Performance The business has a 50-day moving average price of $11.05 and a 200-day moving average price of $12.89. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.20 and a beta of 0.43. Pola Orbis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Pola Orbis Holdings Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells cosmetics and related products in Japan and internationally. It operates through Beauty Care and Real Estate segments. The Beauty Care segment offers cosmetics; skincare products; health foods; and fashion products, such as women's underwear, women's apparel, and jewelry under the POLA, ORBIS, Jurlique, H2O PLUS, THREE, DECENCIA, Amplitude, ITRIM, FIVEISM THREE, and FUJIMI brand names. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Pola Orbis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pola Orbis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk (OTCMKTS:PPERY Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $18.35 and last traded at $18.31, with a volume of 23387 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $17.87. PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Stock Performance The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $16.23 and a 200-day simple moving average of $15.59. PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Company Profile (Get Free Report) PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk provides various banking products and services to individuals and businesses in Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Timor Leste, Shanghai, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and the Cayman Islands. It offers savings and current accounts, time deposits, demand deposits, and foreign currency savings and current accounts; motorcycle loans, mortgage loan, and housing loans, as well as loans for various purposes, such as education, home renovation, marriage, health, and other needs for individuals; and working capital loans, investment loans, people's business loans, syndicated loans, and micro business loans for businesses. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for PT Bank Mandiri (Persero) Tbk and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A. reduced its stake in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report) by 10.3% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,197 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,856 shares during the quarter. Quintet Private Bank Europe S.A.s holdings in Altria Group were worth $681,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of MO. Sei Investments Co. grew its position in Altria Group by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 404,894 shares of the companys stock worth $21,248,000 after acquiring an additional 6,324 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Altria Group by 5.2% during the first quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC now owns 18,647 shares of the companys stock valued at $974,000 after purchasing an additional 929 shares in the last quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P acquired a new position in shares of Altria Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its stake in shares of Altria Group by 3.4% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 2,711,773 shares of the companys stock valued at $141,690,000 after buying an additional 89,334 shares during the period. Finally, First Western Trust Bank acquired a new stake in Altria Group during the 1st quarter worth approximately $498,000. 58.94% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Altria Group alerts: Altria Group Stock Up 0.4 % Altria Group stock traded up $0.17 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $40.40. 6,031,903 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 9,202,756. The firm has a market capitalization of $71.45 billion, a PE ratio of 8.80, a PEG ratio of 2.44 and a beta of 0.66. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $40.91 and its 200 day simple moving average is $41.93. Altria Group, Inc. has a twelve month low of $39.06 and a twelve month high of $48.11. Altria Group Announces Dividend Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.17 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $5.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.06 billion. Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 243.71% and a net margin of 33.21%. Altria Groups quarterly revenue was down 1.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.18 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.08 EPS for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st were issued a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 9.70%. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 85.78%. Altria Group declared that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase plan on Thursday, February 1st that permits the company to buyback $1.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization permits the company to reacquire up to 1.4% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on MO shares. Citigroup dropped their price target on shares of Altria Group from $46.50 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 18th. UBS Group reaffirmed a sell rating and set a $36.10 target price on shares of Altria Group in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Altria Group has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $47.22. Read Our Latest Analysis on Altria Group Altria Group Profile (Free Report) Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company provides cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; cigars and pipe tobacco principally under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco products and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; and on! oral nicotine pouches. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Altria Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Altria Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Serengeti Resources Inc. (CVE:SIR Get Free Report)s share price traded up 2.1% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.50 and last traded at C$0.49. 70,621 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 28% from the average session volume of 97,510 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.48. Serengeti Resources Price Performance The stocks fifty day moving average price is C$0.49 and its 200-day moving average price is C$0.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 1.40 and a current ratio of 1.44. The firm has a market cap of C$54.39 million and a PE ratio of -8.60. About Serengeti Resources (Get Free Report) Serengeti Resources Inc acquires and explores for mineral properties in Canada. It company explores for gold, copper, and silver deposits. The company's flagship property is the Kwanika project that covers an area of 25,928 hectares located in the northern Quesnel Trough, British Columbia. It also has an option to acquire 100% interest in Top Cat project covering an area of approximately 21,600 hectares situated in central British Columbia. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Serengeti Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Serengeti Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Shanghai Electric Group Co., Ltd. (OTCMKTS:SIELY Get Free Report) were up 8.4% during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $3.80 and last traded at $3.80. Approximately 227 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 2% from the average daily volume of 232 shares. The stock had previously closed at $3.50. Shanghai Electric Group Stock Up 8.4 % The businesss fifty day moving average price is $3.99 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $4.16. Shanghai Electric Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Shanghai Electric Group Co, Ltd. provides industrial grade green intelligent system solutions in Mainland China and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Energy Equipment, Industrial Equipment, and Integration Services. The Energy Equipment segment designs, manufactures, and sells nuclear power, energy storage, wind power, coal-fired power generation and corollary, and gas-fired power generation equipment; and vessels for chemical industry, as well as provides power grid and industrial intelligent power supply system solutions. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Shanghai Electric Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Shanghai Electric Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sonoco Products (NYSE:SON Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, February 14th, RTT News reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, February 28th will be given a dividend of 0.51 per share by the industrial products company on Friday, March 8th. This represents a $2.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.64%. Sonoco Products has raised its dividend payment by an average of 5.5% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 42 years. Sonoco Products has a dividend payout ratio of 36.6% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect Sonoco Products to earn $5.55 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.04 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 36.8%. Get Sonoco Products alerts: Sonoco Products Stock Up 0.8 % Shares of NYSE:SON traded up $0.44 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $56.08. 192,685 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 376,659. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $56.61 and a two-hundred day moving average of $55.49. Sonoco Products has a 52-week low of $49.98 and a 52-week high of $63.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 1.19 and a current ratio of 1.89. The stock has a market cap of $5.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.06 and a beta of 0.69. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Analysts Set New Price Targets Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Point72 Asset Management L.P. purchased a new stake in Sonoco Products in the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. Dark Forest Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Sonoco Products in the 1st quarter worth $50,000. Pinnacle Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in Sonoco Products in the 1st quarter worth $58,000. KBC Group NV purchased a new stake in Sonoco Products in the 4th quarter worth $114,000. Finally, State of Wyoming lifted its stake in Sonoco Products by 263.2% in the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 2,891 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $176,000 after purchasing an additional 2,095 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.20% of the companys stock. Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on SON shares. StockNews.com upgraded shares of Sonoco Products from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 28th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their target price on shares of Sonoco Products from $55.00 to $50.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Sonoco Products presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $61.40. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Sonoco Products Sonoco Products Company Profile (Get Free Report) Sonoco Products Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells various engineered and sustainable packaging products in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. The company operates through two segments: Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Sonoco Products Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sonoco Products and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SSAB AB (publ) (OTCMKTS:SSAAF Get Free Report)s share price traded up 3% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $8.00 and last traded at $8.00. 100 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 92% from the average session volume of 1,242 shares. The stock had previously closed at $7.77. SSAB AB (publ) Stock Performance The stocks fifty day moving average is $7.33 and its two-hundred day moving average is $6.33. SSAB AB (publ) Company Profile (Get Free Report) SSAB AB (publ) produces and sells steel products in Sweden, Finland, Rest of Europe, the United States, and internationally. It operates through five segments: SSAB Special Steels, SSAB Europe, SSAB Americas, Tibnor, and Ruukki Construction. The SSAB Special Steels segment offers quenched and tempered steels, and advanced high-strength steel products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for SSAB AB (publ) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSAB AB (publ) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Superior Industries International, Inc. (NYSE:SUP Get Free Report) saw a large decline in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 42,600 shares, a decline of 53.7% from the January 15th total of 92,100 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 53,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.8 days. Approximately 0.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Superior Industries International Price Performance SUP stock traded down $0.09 during midday trading on Tuesday, hitting $3.24. The companys stock had a trading volume of 36,545 shares, compared to its average volume of 49,648. Superior Industries International has a 12 month low of $2.49 and a 12 month high of $7.38. The company has a quick ratio of 1.49, a current ratio of 2.20 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 25.43. The firm has a market capitalization of $91.01 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -0.81 and a beta of 3.66. The company has a 50 day moving average of $3.14 and a two-hundred day moving average of $3.12. Get Superior Industries International alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Superior Industries International by 2.4% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,095,268 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $3,308,000 after acquiring an additional 25,252 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its position in shares of Superior Industries International by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 947,452 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $3,411,000 after acquiring an additional 15,743 shares during the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Superior Industries International by 1.1% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 730,527 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $3,082,000 after acquiring an additional 8,046 shares during the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Superior Industries International by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 569,046 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $2,049,000 after acquiring an additional 4,105 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Legato Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Superior Industries International by 35.9% during the 2nd quarter. Legato Capital Management LLC now owns 326,269 shares of the auto parts companys stock valued at $1,175,000 after acquiring an additional 86,193 shares during the last quarter. 43.80% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, StockNews.com downgraded Superior Industries International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, November 2nd. Get Our Latest Research Report on Superior Industries International About Superior Industries International (Get Free Report) Superior Industries International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and sells aluminum wheels to the original equipment manufacturers and aftermarket distributors in North America and Europe. It offers its products under the ATS, RIAL, ALUTEC, and ANZIO brand names. The company was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Superior Industries International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Superior Industries International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Temple Bar (LON:TMPL Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, February 13th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, March 7th will be paid a dividend of GBX 2.50 ($0.03) per share on Tuesday, April 2nd. This represents a yield of 1.11%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 7th. The official announcement can be accessed at this link. Temple Bar Price Performance LON TMPL traded down GBX 2 ($0.03) during trading on Tuesday, reaching GBX 226 ($2.85). 224,702 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 391,873. Temple Bar has a 1-year low of GBX 211.50 ($2.67) and a 1-year high of GBX 249.50 ($3.15). The company has a market cap of 668.37 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,424.55 and a beta of 1.18. The stocks 50 day moving average price is GBX 233.09 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 231.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 10.69, a quick ratio of 3.68 and a current ratio of 3.56. Get Temple Bar alerts: About Temple Bar (Get Free Report) See Also Temple Bar Investment Trust PLC is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by RWC Asset Management LLP. The fund invests in the public equity markets of the United Kingdom. It seeks to invests in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in stocks of companies across all market capitalizations, which are constituents of the FTSE 350 Index. Receive News & Ratings for Temple Bar Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Temple Bar and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the extraordinary presidential election, Trend reports. Will be updated Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 (NYSE:TVE Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 15,900 shares, a decline of 56.1% from the January 15th total of 36,200 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 21,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on shares of Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 from $5.00 to $5.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 23rd. Get Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Stock Up 0.2 % Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Announces Dividend TVE traded up $0.04 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $21.85. 4,397 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 14,774. Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 has a fifty-two week low of $20.72 and a fifty-two week high of $23.01. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $22.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $21.50. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 1st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, January 31st were paid a dividend of $0.1385 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, January 30th. This represents a $0.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.54%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 An institutional investor recently raised its position in Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 stock. Iat Reinsurance Co. LTD. grew its position in Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 (NYSE:TVE Free Report) by 633.3% during the 4th quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 220,000 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 190,000 shares during the period. Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 comprises approximately 0.9% of Iat Reinsurance Co. LTD.s holdings, making the stock its 21st biggest holding. Iat Reinsurance Co. LTD.s holdings in Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 were worth $4,950,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Company Profile (Get Free Report) for more than eight decades, the tennessee valley authority has provided affordable electricity, environmental stewardship and economic development opportunities to the tennessee valley. tva was established by congress in 1933 to address a wide range of environmental, economic and technological issues, including the need for low-cost electricity, and navigation and flood control along the tennessee river system. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tennessee Valley Authority PARRS A 2029 and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teradata (NYSE:TDC Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday. The technology company reported $0.56 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.05, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The business had revenue of $457.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $455.84 million. Teradata had a return on equity of 54.03% and a net margin of 3.38%. Teradatas revenue for the quarter was up 1.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $0.05 earnings per share. Teradata updated its Q1 guidance to $0.53-0.57 EPS and its FY24 guidance to $2.15-2.31 EPS. Teradata Stock Performance Teradata stock traded down $0.09 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $38.13. 330,454 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 966,697. Teradata has a 12 month low of $36.67 and a 12 month high of $57.73. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.56. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $45.38 and a 200 day moving average of $45.71. The firm has a market cap of $3.73 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 62.65, a PEG ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.01. Get Teradata alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on TDC. Citigroup upped their target price on Teradata from $57.00 to $60.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. Morgan Stanley lowered shares of Teradata from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $74.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Bank of America lowered shares of Teradata from a buy rating to a neutral rating and decreased their target price for the company from $58.00 to $48.00 in a research note on Tuesday. Barclays dropped their price target on shares of Teradata from $46.00 to $43.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada reduced their price objective on Teradata from $59.00 to $48.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $55.73. Insider Activity In other Teradata news, CRO Todd Cione sold 29,251 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, January 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.31, for a total transaction of $1,266,860.81. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive now owns 76,221 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,301,131.51. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Teradata Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TDC. Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new stake in Teradata in the 1st quarter valued at $231,000. Natixis Advisors L.P. grew its position in Teradata by 46.7% during the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 21,282 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,049,000 after buying an additional 6,779 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can increased its stake in Teradata by 21.1% during the first quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 10,977 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $546,000 after acquiring an additional 1,916 shares during the period. Rhumbline Advisers raised its holdings in Teradata by 0.3% in the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 302,170 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $14,894,000 after acquiring an additional 947 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS lifted its position in shares of Teradata by 10.5% in the 1st quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 39,764 shares of the technology companys stock worth $1,960,000 after acquiring an additional 3,791 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 91.02% of the companys stock. About Teradata (Get Free Report) Teradata Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides a connected multi-cloud data platform for enterprise analytics. The company offers Teradata Vantage, a data platform that allows companies to leverage their data across an enterprise, as well as connects various sources of data to drive ecosystem simplification and support customers on their journey to the cloud through an integrated migration. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Teradata Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teradata and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (TSE:WPRT Get Free Report) traded down 1.5% on Monday . The company traded as low as C$7.38 and last traded at C$7.71. 13,533 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 75% from the average session volume of 7,722 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$7.83. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their target price on shares of Westport Fuel Systems from C$12.00 to C$10.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 10th. Get Westport Fuel Systems alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Westport Fuel Systems Westport Fuel Systems Stock Performance Westport Fuel Systems Company Profile The firm has a market cap of C$135.03 million, a PE ratio of -1.88, a PEG ratio of -0.12 and a beta of 2.95. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 37.65. The firms 50 day simple moving average is C$8.57 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$9.03. (Get Free Report) Westport Fuel Systems Inc engages in the engineering, manufacturing, and supplying alternative fuel systems and components for use in transportation applications in Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and internationally. The company operates through Original Equipment Manufacturer and Independent Aftermarket segments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Westport Fuel Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Westport Fuel Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Abhishek Sahu covers HR and Education (Careers) at Moneycontrol. He can be reached at Abhishek.Sahu@nw18.com and @Abhishek44sahu. You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. President of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress (EAJC) Michael Mirilashvili has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the extraordinary presidential election, Trend reports. Will be updated Kayezad E Adajania heads the personal finance bureau at Moneycontrol. He has been covering mutual funds and personal finance for the past two decades, having worked in Mint and Outlook Money magazine. Kayezad was the founding member of Mints personal finance team when it was set up in 2009. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The vote I cast in Khankendi, the ballot paper I dropped in that ballot box was not just a ballot paper. It was the final nail in the coffin of Armenian separatists, President Ilham Aliyev said in his swearing-in ceremony, Trend reports. "The anti-terror operation in September once again showed the strength of our Armed Forces. In a matter of just a few hours, the approximately 15,000-strong expeditionary corps of the Armenian army was completely paralyzed and was forced to sign the act of capitulation for the second time. With this, separatism in the territory of Azerbaijan was nipped in the bud. Azerbaijan fully restored both its territorial integrity and state sovereignty. This is a historic event, and this historic event has a special place in our centuries-old history. The key distinctive feature and importance of this presidential election is that it was the first time in the period of independence that an election was held on the entire territory of our country. As you know, I cast my vote in Khankendi. I could vote anywhere in Azerbaijan, but I thought it would be more correct to vote in Khankendi. Bloody crimes against our people started in the late 1980s in Khankendi. It was in the building where I voted in Khankendi that the genocide against our people was planned and controlled from. It was in the square in front of the building where I voted that Armenian nationalists and then the Armenian state made territorial claims against us. It was in that building that a special committee was placed in Soviet times to sever Karabakh from Azerbaijan. The primary goal of that committee was to sever Karabakh from Azerbaijan, and everyone knows that. That is why the devils that illegally occupied our historical place for 30 years, the place built by Panahali Khan, confirmed their downfall there as they had to, of course. The vote I cast there, the ballot paper I dropped into that ballot box was not just a ballot paper. It was the final nail in the coffin of Armenian separatists. A new era begins now. We are entering this period with a clear face and with our heads held high. There will be further achievements in this era, and I have no doubt about that. Because the history of recent years shows that all the tasks we set for ourselves are fulfilled. Of course, the whole of Azerbaijan is entering this era, and the people who have demonstrated unity, including great unity in this election, will achieve even greater success. I have no doubt about that. The very positive atmosphere prevailing in Azerbaijani society makes us even stronger. A strong Azerbaijan has always been our goal. If we had not built a strong Azerbaijan, if we had depended on someone else, either politically or economically, we would never have been able to restore our territorial integrity. As part of the lengthy negotiations, some unfinished proposals were put forward to us many times. However, those proposals were unacceptable for us. I always said that the Azerbaijani flag would fly in every part of our territory," President Ilham Aliyev said. In today's edition of Moneycontrol Pro Panorama: More NBFC's piled in past three years, simultaneous polls may not be an unalloyed... Moneycontrol Pro Panorama | Markets need their Vitamin D too, as disclosures make them stronger A lot of things have changed for Janakiraman Rengaraju, the new Chief Investment Officer, Emerging Markets Equities India, Franklin Templeton India Asset Management Co (AMC) Ltd, since he joined the fund house in 2007. When Franklin Templeton India AMC started operations in India in 1993 (through the erstwhile fund house Kothari Pioneer, which Franklin Templeton acquired in 2002), there were broadly two styles of stockpicking: growth and value. Now there are many more styles; pure momentum, USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Preeti Kulkarni is a financial journalist with over 13 years of experience. Based in Mumbai, she covers the personal finance beat for Moneycontrol. She focusses primarily on insurance, banking, taxation and financial planning Adrija Chatterjee is an Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol. She has been tracking and reporting on finance and trade ministries for over eight years. February 14, 2024 / 10:05 PM IST DefenceMinister Rajnath Singh has been roped in to assist in finding a resolution to the issues of farmers, particularly from Punjab, who have given a call to march towards the national capital, which has been turned into a fortress with police and other security personnel blocking roads with concrete blocks, barbed wires andtyre-bustingspikes. Talks with the agitating farmers have so far remained inconclusive and Singh, a farmer leader from Uttar Pradesh and former agriculture minister, was sought out on Wednesday to explore a resolution. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. No matter how many patrons Armenia may have, no one can stop us, President Ilham Aliyev said in his swearing-in ceremony, Trend reports. "Today, necessary steps are being taken for the future development of our Armed Forces. Necessary weapons and equipment are being purchased, new armed units are being set up. The number of Special Forces has been increased several times, the number of soldiers in the new Commando units is in its thousands, and this process continues. We have created an Army that these things will be continued no one can pick on us and even thing about that in the future. A fitting rebuff was immediately given to yet another provocation committed by Armenia the other day, and the enemy was punished. This was another signal to them and mainly to the forces that encouraged them, that sent us against us no one can stand in our way. No matter how many patrons Armenia may have, no one can stop us. Our policy is based on international law. We have no claims to the territory of Armenia, but they must give up their claims. Blackmailing us with baseless claims will cost them dearly and everyone can see it. Thus, the process of building an army will be continued. Even today, the biggest expenses in our state budget are military expenses and, together with that expenses, the reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur," President Ilham Aliyev said. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Azerbaijan's Acting Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with the Russian Foreign Minister's Special Representative for the normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations Igor Khovayev, a source in the Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan told Trend. The meeting discussed the current state and prospects of the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the current situation in the region, and regional issues. Besides, the meeting noted that the recent military provocations by Armenia, which resulted in the injury of an Azerbaijani serviceman, were aimed at undermining the stability that had prevailed in recent months and the process of normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations as a whole. The parties also exchange of opinions on other issues of mutual interest. On February 12, in the vicinity of Azerbaijan's Zangilan district along the Azerbaijan-Armenia conventional border, gunfire erupted from the positions held by the Armenian Armed Forces located in Nerkin-And residential settlement of the Gafan district, targeting the positions of the Border Guards of the State Border Service (SBS) of Azerbaijan in Kollugishlaq village of the Zangilan district. As a consequence of the incident, a servicemen of the SBS, soldier Parviz Khalilzade was injured. He was evacuated to a specialized medical facility via helicopter. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel February 29, 2024 02:12 PM IST Lok Sabha polls: DMK allots two seats each to CPI, CPI(M) An official release from the DMK said the seat-sharing talks were finalised today. February 28, 2024 05:27 PM IST BJP submits memorandum to Bengal's poll panel chief claiming 16 lakh fake voters in state Leading a delegation of the West Bengal BJP unit, party leader Suvendu Adhikari expressed dissapointment with the poll panel's failure to address the issue despite assurances. February 28, 2024 05:20 PM IST Truth of Congresss Feb 26 Shimla Dinner: Fake handshakes, hugs, and smiles Abhishek Manu Singhvi failed to read There was much bonhomie which would have set at ease any fears the Congress leadership and its high command had of cross-voting. But lurking beneath was an old party rivalry that has now culminated in minister Vikramditya Singhs resignation after a humiliating Rajya Sabha defeat for chief minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu February 28, 2024 01:27 PM IST PM Modi slams DMK, Congress for creating 'rift' among people The DMK's 'running away' shows its 'hatred' for people's faith, Modi said in an apparent reference to the opposition walkout when the Parliament took up the matter. February 28, 2024 10:29 AM IST With handouts, piped water and cooking gas, PM Modi woos women voters Polling agency C-voter told Reuters its surveys predict 46% of India's 472 million women voters would opt for the BJP-led alliance in the election against 43% men, which would help it get a healthy majority in India's first-past-the-post polling system. February 28, 2024 09:23 PM IST Rajya Sabha Elections 2024 Highlights: After RS poll loss, scare for Congress govt in Himachal Himachal Pradesh Rajya Sabha Elections: "I will not press my resignation until a decision is taken. The final decision will be taken in the coming time," said Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh, who submitted his resignation as Himachal cabinet minister earlier in the day. February 27, 2024 03:28 PM IST LS polls: Pradhan directs HEIs to conduct voter awareness activities from Feb 28-Mar 6 The directive comes following a clarion call by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the first time voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers. February 27, 2024 02:24 PM IST Opposition convinced of loss in 2024 Lok Sabha polls, thus abuses me: PM Modi Modi, speaking at the conclusion ceremony of the BJP state unit's padayatra at the Central Stadium here, urged Kerala's people to bless the saffron party with seats in double digits in the 2024 LS polls. February 27, 2024 10:42 PM IST No proposal for FM Sitharaman to contest Lok Sabha polls: Source Union Finance Minister Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar are Rajya Sabha members from Karnataka and Gujarat respectively. February 27, 2024 11:13 AM IST Nirmala Sitharaman, Jaishankar to contest Lok Sabha polls: Pralhad Joshi To a question whether it will be Bengaluru, Joshi said, "How can I answer when nothing has been finalised?" Union Finance Minister Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister Jaishankar are Rajya Sabha members from Karnataka and Gujarat respectively. February 27, 2024 10:59 PM IST Rajya Sabha Elections 2024 Highlights: BJP wins eight seats, SP two in Uttar Pradesh Rajya Sabha Elections 2024 Highlights: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won eight Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, while the Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance faced a blow as it could only win two seats. February 26, 2024 08:01 PM IST Lok Sabha Polls 2024: Sitharaman, Jaishankar to contest, seats not finalized, says Pralhad Joshi Joshi assured reporters that both union ministers will undoubtedly run for the Lok Sabha seats. Which constituency and from where they will run, meanwhile, are still up in the air February 26, 2024 06:07 PM IST Ahead of LS polls, Congress steps up efforts to strengthen party in Hyderabad, woos BRS leaders Out of the total 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana, four constituencies Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad and Chevella are in the GHMC limits. February 26, 2024 03:59 PM IST Lok Sabha polls 2024: JP Nadda invites people's suggestions for BJP manifesto As part of the campaign, BJP president JP Nadda also flagged off video vans from the party headquarters to highlight the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi February 26, 2024 12:48 PM IST Will scrap 'Agnipath', revert to old recruitment scheme if voted to power: Congress Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to President Droupadi Murmu on Monday, highlighting the "gross injustice" done to the youngsters seeking regular employment in the armed forces due to the "Agnipath" scheme, and urged her to ensure justice for them. February 25, 2024 06:37 PM IST Resolve to give Modi govt third term with more than 400 LS seats: Shah to BJP workers Addressing booth level workers of the party at Khajuraho, the Union minister also claimed the Congress means corruption and corruption means Congress. February 24, 2024 08:58 AM IST PM Modis poll vault to cross 370: From Bengal to Tamil Nadu, Kerala to Maharashtra, mega rallies, events planned next week With over 100 seats in the south, including 59 in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, 48 in Maharashtra and 42 in Bengal, the BJP is hoping that their biggest star campaigner and in whose name the party has been winning every election from Panchayat to Parliament, Modi can once again set the stage for them ahead of the announcement of the election dates. February 24, 2024 10:51 AM IST Lok Sabha Polls: BJP's mega huddle today, 'longer' candidate list likely to be out March first week During its huddle of election incharges and their deputies, BJP will discuss strategies that will be common practice in all states and UTs along with details of poll rallies by top guns like PM Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and JP Nadda February 24, 2024 10:59 PM IST Farmers' Protest Highlights: Authorities initiated the process of partially reopening Singhu border earlier today Dilli Chalo March Highlights: Authorities initiated the process of partially reopening Singhu (Delhi-Haryana) border earlier today, almost two weeks after it was sealed in view of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march. February 23, 2024 10:07 PM IST No change in TMC's stand of contesting all 42 LS seats in West Bengal: Derek O'Brien However, O'Brien, the TMC leader in the Rajya Sabha, said, "A few weeks agoWest Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that TMC is fighting all the 42 seats in Bengal. We are also in the fray in a few seats in Assam and the Tura Lok Sabha seat in Meghalaya. There is no change in this position." February 23, 2024 08:20 PM IST Congress hopeful of finalising seat-sharing with TMC, AAP soon Sources said while the talks with the Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP have almost been concluded, discussions are still underway with the Mamata Banerjee's TMC. The sources expressed hope the leadership would work out a solution soon accommodating the expectations of all parties. February 22, 2024 05:46 PM IST "Break alliance or Kejriwal will be arrested," Atishi accuses BJP of threatening AAP leaders AAP leaders have received messages threatening to arrest Arvind Kejriwal if their party doesnt break the alliance within two days, alleged Atishi February 22, 2024 04:34 PM IST Lok Sabha polls: Uttar Pradesh sealed, what's next for INDIA alliance? Lok Sabha Elections: The political struggle is far from over, as alliance partners remain hesitant to offer a substantial share to the grand old party. February 22, 2024 12:52 PM IST Ajay Maken accuses BJP of 'financial terrorism' to cripple Cong ahead of LS polls Income Tax Department has transferred Rs 65.88 crore from three Congress accounts, as well as from the accounts of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), alleged Maken. February 21, 2024 12:53 PM IST Haven't joined INDIA bloc, will support anyone with 'selfless' thought for nation: Kamal Haasan Addressing reporters here after leading the 7th anniversary celebrations of his Makkal Needhi Maiam, Haasan also welcomed the recent political entry of top Tamil actor Vijay. February 21, 2024 11:41 AM IST Differences among INDIA bloc allies in couple of states, will be resolved: Sharad Pawar Speaking to reporters in Kolhapur, the senior politician said a meeting of the INDIA alliance, formed by several opposition parties to take on the ruling BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, has not been convened of late. February 20, 2024 04:11 PM IST 'We scrapped Article 370 then to seek 370 seats now,' PM Modi stresses on an evolved J&K Lok Sabha Elections: Prime Minister Narendra Modi also referred to the upcoming Bollywood film Article 370 and slammed previous governments for depriving women of their democratic rights. February 19, 2024 04:48 PM IST SP releases second list after refusing to join Rahul's Bharat Nyay Yatra Lok Sabha Elections: Akhilesh Yadav said his party will participate in the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra only after seat-sharing agreement with the Congress is finalised. February 20, 2024 11:47 AM IST PM Modi to visit Jammu on Feb 20: What it means for BJP ahead of LS polls Lok Sabha Elections: Modi will visit Jammu on Tuesday to launch multiple development projects, including for education, railway, aviation and road sectors, worth Rs 30,500 crore. February 19, 2024 12:49 PM IST Mayawati dismisses rumours of alliance, says BSP to go solo in Lok Sabha polls Mayawati, a former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, has also asked workers of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) to be beware of such rumours. February 15, 2024 06:43 PM IST Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Farooq Abdullahs NC to contest all seats in J&K - what does it mean? Lok Sabha Elections 2024: The decision has surprised many in view of Abdullah's recent lament that We are gradually moving towards a situation where there will be one country ruled by a single party. February 15, 2024 03:24 PM IST Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Farooq Abdullah says NC to go it alone National Conference is one of the constituents of opposition INDIA bloc formed in July 2023 to take on the BJP in the Lok Sabha polls February 14, 2024 10:01 PM IST EC seeks 3.4 lakh CAPFs for deployment in LS polls, Assembly elections in 4 states The EC has also sought adequate rolling stocks with all appropriate facilities in the trains, thereby ensuring hassle-free mobilisation and a timely movement of the forces to perform election duties. February 14, 2024 02:26 PM IST Sharad Pawar-led NCP will not merge with any political party: Supriya Sule Apart from Pawar and Sule, former Maharashtra ministers Anil Deshmukh and Rajesh Tope, MPs Amol Kolhe and Shrinivas Patil along with others leaders attended the meeting. February 14, 2024 09:25 AM IST Not allowing for 100% VVPATs is 'terrible anyay' on Indian voter: Congress The opposition party also said that not allowing for 100 per cent VVPATs is a "terrible injustice" on the Indian voter. February 13, 2024 04:43 PM IST 'Legal MSP guarantee' if Congress voted to power, announces Rahul Gandhi amid farmers' Delhi march Gandhi said this step will ensure the prosperity of 15 crore farmer families. This is the first guarantee of Congress on the path of justice." February 13, 2024 02:31 PM IST AAP wants to contest 6 seats in Delhi, offer one to Congress: Sandeep Pathak The party also announced its candidates for two Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat and one in Goa. February 13, 2024 01:57 PM IST Ex-Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan to file nomination for Rajya Sabha with BJP backing Chavan joined the saffron party on February 13 in the presence of Maharashtras deputy chief minister and senior BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis. February 12, 2024 03:51 PM IST Another week, another blow, Ashok Chavan adds to Congress' exit list In 2010, Ashok Chavan had to step down as the chief minister of Maharashtra for his alleged involvement in Adarsh housing scam February 12, 2024 02:27 PM IST BJP will win 370 seats, NDA more than 400 seats in Lok Sabha polls: Amit Shah Amit Shah also took a swipe at the Congress and said out of the 10-year rule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the first five years went in filling up the "pit" dug by the opposition party, when it ruled the country, and another five years in laying the foundation (of development). February 09, 2024 05:19 PM IST Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Over 96 crore voters to exercise franchise Over two crore young voters between the age group of 18-29 have been added to the voter list. February 09, 2024 09:01 AM IST AAP to hold meeting on February 13 to decide on Lok Sabha candidates' names for 3 states In a sign of exasperation over protracted seat-sharing talks with its INDIA bloc partner Congress, the AAP on Thursday declared party candidates for three Lok Sabha constituencies in Assam. February 09, 2024 05:59 AM IST BJP bags Rs 1,294 crore as donations through electoral bonds sold in FY23 Electoral bonds totaling a cumulative value of Rs 2,800 crore were sold during the fiscal year spanning from March 2022 to March 2023. February 07, 2024 01:59 PM IST 50%-plus vote share, alliances, and gains in east & south: How BJP plans to fulfill PM's target of 'Abki Baar, NDA 400 paar' Getting Ajit Pawar on board in Maharashtra, JDS in Karnataka, Nitish Kumar back in the NDA in Bihar and opening talks with Jayant Chaudhary in Uttar Pradesh and Chandrababu Naidu in Andhra Pradesh all this is a part of BJPs strategy to maximise the NDAs tally and vote share in 2024. February 05, 2024 01:59 PM IST Dont engage children in poll campaign: ECI to political parties The directions from the Election Commission of India have come just two months ahead of the 2024 general elections, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third straight term at the Centre. February 05, 2024 02:31 PM IST Lok Sabha Election: Women rule revised minimum income scheme in Cong policy to beat BJP Under the scheme, the opposition Congress is planning that women across the country would be given at least Rs 60,000-70,000 annually. February 01, 2024 06:12 PM IST How FM Sitharaman invoked PM Modi's 'four castes' slogan in Budget 2024 The earlier approach of tackling poverty through entitlements had resulted in very modest outcomes, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Budget speech. When the poor become empowered partners in the development process, governments power to assist them also increases manifold, she added. January 30, 2024 11:15 AM IST 'Modi's guarantee' a jumla, real issue in India is unemployment, inflation: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra The Congress general secretary shared a video on X which showed people queuing up for a recruitment drive to send workers to Israel. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Our Army has demonstrated its strength not in exercises, not in parades, but on the battlefield. Armenia and those supporting it militarily should understand that nothing can stop us, President Ilham Aliyev said in his swearing-in ceremony, Trend reports. If territorial claims against us are not abandoned, if Armenia does not bring its legislation into order, of course, there will be no peace treaty, the head of state added. Karishma Vaswani is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this publication. Manish Anand is Delhi-based journalist. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Christin Mathew Philip is an Assistant editor at moneycontrol.com. Based in Bengaluru, he writes on mobility, infrastructure and start-ups. He is a Ramnath Goenka excellence in journalism awardee. You can find him on Twitter here: twitter.com/ChristinMP_ Deepali Singh is a Mumbai-based freelance journalist who writes on movies, shows, music, art, and food. Twitter: @DeepaliSingh05 BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. In the future, our export geography will increase in the direction of Europe, of course. Our new resource base was launched recently. After the Shah Deniz field, first gas has been produced from the Absheron gas-condensate field, our second biggest field, and we will probably start the second stage of development of this field in the near future, President Ilham Aliyev said in his swearing-in ceremony on February 14, Trend reports. Gas production from deep reservoirs of the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field is planned next year. This will increase our resource base. In addition to that, there are proposals from many foreign investors to start production from Umid, Babek, Shafag, Asiman, Garabagh oil and gas-condensate fields. In the past, forces that did not like us spread rumours that there is no oil in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has maintained oil production at a high level since 1997 and exports oil to many countries. They said there was no gas in Azerbaijan. Of course, this is also nonsense the fields I have mentioned are clear evidence of that, the head of state pointed out. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. A strong economy, a strong army, domestic stability, the unity between the people and the government are the key factors of our foreign policy. Because foreign policy, as everyone knows, is a continuation of domestic policy, President Ilham Aliyev said in his swearing-in ceremony, Trend reports. From now on, our foreign policy will continue to be clear and open. Today, the world community likes and supports our policy. If this were not the case, 155 countries would not have elected us as a member of the UN Security Council. If this were not the case, 120 countries would not have elected us to chair the Non-Aligned Movement. If this were not the case, the world community would not have made a decision to hold the COP29 Conference in Azerbaijan, the President of Azerbaijan underscored. Total funding into Karnataka-based tech start-ups sharply fell 72% to US$3.4bn (billion) in 2023, from US$12.2bn in 2022, a new report said on Tuesday. This decline can be attributed to the prevailing macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical issues as the total number of US$100mn (million) and above rounds fell to 8 in 2023 from 26 in 2022, according to the report by Tracxn, a data intelligence platform. The state has more than 18,000 start-ups and is home to 39% of the unicorn companies in the country. The start-ups in the state attracted late-stage investments worth US$2.3 billion in 2023, a 74% decline compared with $8.9 billion in 2022. Early-stage funding in 2023 stood at US$784mn in funding, a drop of 71% from the US$2.7 bn raised during the previous year. Seed-stage funding fell 54% to US$294mn from the US$643mn raised in 2022. Only eight $100 million and above funding rounds were observed in this space in 2023, as against 26 and 44 such rounds in 2022 and 2021, respectively. PhonePe and Udaan secured the highest funding in 2023, raising US$623mn and US$377mn in Series D and Series E funding rounds, respectively. Further, no new unicorns emerged from this space in 2023, a sharp contrast from seven unicorns in 2022 and 18 in 2021, according to the report. Fintech, retail and enterprise applications were the top-funded segments in 2023. The fintech sector in Karnataka secured a total funding of US$1.15bn in 2023, a decline of 51% compared with US$2.4bn raised during the previous year. In 2023, the Karnataka tech sector witnessed 35 acquisitions, significantly lower than 48 acquisitions in 2022 and 57 acquisitions in 2021. Accel, Wellfound, and LetsVenture are the top investors in the state of Karnataka to date. Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article. The income-tax (I-T) department is learnt to have prepared an assessment report on how insurers used a string of intermediaries to pay off extra commissionover and above allowed under regulationsto their agents selling insurance policies, says a report. The I-T department estimates the benami amount - the quantum of excess, unauthorised payment - to be more than Rs25,000 crore, sources told Economic Times (ET) According to the report, over Rs25,000 crore changing hands in deals involving more than 60 intermediary firms through hundreds of bank accounts mark the contours of the elaborate probe on suspected benami transactions between agents of insurance companies and go-between entities. But the insurance companies pulled up last year by the I-T department are not the actors under the Benami investigation. Quoting sources familiar with the matter, ET says the current investigation primarily focused on intermediary companies, acting as benamidars, and the actual beneficiaries, the official agents of insurance companies. The assessment report prepared by the I-T department highlights the unlawful payment of extra commissions to agents selling insurance policies, surpassing the permissible limits set by regulations. The I-T department estimates the benami amountthe quantum of excess, unauthorised payment - to be more than Rs25,000 crore, sources told ET. The probe began after the I-T department investigation wing submitted a report on its findings suggesting the need for a detailed probe under the Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2016 (PBPT) against the intermediaries. Last year, according to another report from ET, investigators from the tax department scrutinised transactions of over Rs60,000 crore and also investigated suspected evasion of goods and services tax (GST) exceeding Rs5,500 crore. Initially, the I-T department was probing more than 20 insurance companies and about 500 entities linked to their sales agents. But the line of investigation shifted to banks after the probe allegedly revealed voluminous transactions demanding a further explanation, the newspaper says. ( Read: Insurance Commission: I-T Dept's Investigation Against Insurers Widens to Banks, says Report Last year in March, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) lifted limits on the payment of commissions to insurance intermediaries. According to new rules, the earlier cap on commission payments is now replaced with an overall cap on the expenses of insurer management. According to Shrirang Samant, who worked in senior leadership roles in the general insurance industry, the issue is not the payment of a commission but the way it was being routed to the recipients. Mr Samant wrote an article in Moneylife Demystifying Regulatory Changes in Insurance Commissions in which he shared his views on the IRDAI rules and the newspaper report. Talking about the news report that time, he asks how this alleged evasion came about. "The genesis lies in the regulatory caps on payment of commissionuntil now, the regulator laid down the commission caps for various classes of insurance products. The fact was that these caps served as the floor for commission payments rather than the ceiling, which was the intention." Distributors of insurance products, be they brokers or agents, used their market access to demand ever higher commissions from insurance companies, he says, adding in their initial frenzy to acquire and grow market share, insurance companies had to give in to these demands. Official sources told the newspaper that many insurance companies are paying overriding commissions to banks and other intermediaries on top of the legal commission which led to concerns over potential exploitation and a rise in management expenses within the insurance industry. "Banks that act as corporate brokers for insurance companies allegedly took the legal commission from these firms through legal channels, although the overriding commission was allegedly routed through various ways." "The probe has found that the insurance companies, through the intermediaries, paid the manpower supply (also called payroll or employee) costs of the banks," the first official cited above told ET. "So, these expenses were never reflected in the books. If proven, this amounts to non-disclosure, which is a severe violation under the I-T laws." On Wednesday, 1162 stocks advanced, 841 declined and 1935 remained unchanged, with an advance decline ratio of 1.38 on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), indicating positive closing of stocks in broader markets. The trend of the major indices on Wednesdays trading is given in the table below. On NSE, 71 securities advanced and closed at a new 52-week high whereas 35 securities sank to close at their new 52-week lows. In sectoral indices, Nifty PSU Bank, Nifty Media and Nifty Energy were among the biggest gainers. Nifty IT and Nifty Pharma were among the biggest losers. Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (-1.19%) and Conga, a global leader in Revenue Lifecycle Management solutions, have forged a strategic partnership to offer more customized and state-of-the-art solutions to enterprises. Kotak Mahindra Bank (+0.68%) has raised Rs1000 crore through the allotment of 100,000 Senior, Rated, Listed, Unsecured, Redeemable, Long Term Fully Paid Up Non-Convertible Bonds in the nature of Debentures, of the face value of Rs1,00,000 each, (NCDs), issued on private placement basis. UCAL (-0.72%) has received an approval for acquisition up to 49% of the equity share capital of Avironix. Tata Elxsi (-0.12%) has strategically expanded presence in Pune with the inauguration of a new Global Design and Engineering center in Sukhwani Business Hub, Chinchwad. Indian Hume Pipe Company (+10.68%) has received Letter of Intent (LoI) of the value of Rs495.04 crore. InterGlobe Aviation (IndiGo) (+1.83%) has entered into a finance lease transaction with BOC Aviation. The deal has been signed for four Airbus A320NEO aircraft. RITES (+5.94%) has entered into strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AD Ports Group to explore joint ventures and collaborations in key areas of trade and logistics. Sonata Software (-0.47%) has integrated Amazon Bedrock and related services as an integral part of its Harmoni.AI framework, bringing artificial intelligence (AI) adoption to the forefront of businesses. Adani Green Energy (AGEL) (+2.02%) has operationalized 551 MW solar capacity in Khavda, Gujarat, by supplying power to the national grid. Vishnu Prakash R Punglia (+2.46%) has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from the Office of Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVCL), a PSU under the Government of India's Ministry of Railways. RailTel Corporation of India (+2.70%) has received the work order from Prasar Bharati Broadcasting Corporation of India for Design, Development, Implementation, Operations and Maintenance amounting to Rs139.73 crore. Spandana Sphoorty Financial (+2.37%) has raised Rs100 crore through allotment of 10,000 secured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures having face value of Rs1,00,000 each, at par, on a private placement basis. Earnings Snowman Logistic (-1.89%): Net Sales was Rs124 crore in Q3FY24 up 13% YoY (Rs109 crore). Net Profit was Rs4.25 crore in Q3FY24 up 14% YoY (Rs3.74 crore). Vardhman Holding (-2.06%): Net Sales was Rs7.73 crore in Q3FY24 up 73% YoY (Rs4.48 crore). Net Profit was Rs53.6 crore in Q3FY24 up 62% YoY (Rs33.1 crore). IRCTC (+2.06%): Net Sales was Rs1,118 crore in Q3FY24 up 22% YoY (Rs918 crore). Net Profit was Rs300 crore in Q3FY24 up 22% YoY (Rs256 crore). The top gainers and top losers of the major indices are given in the table below: The closing values of the major Asian indices are given in the table below: BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The European Union (EU), once again taking a biased, anti-Azerbaijani position, made a slanderous statement on February 14, 2024 in Strasbourg in connection with Azerbaijan's historic presidential election, the Western Azerbaijan Community said in an address, Trend reports. "The EU's statement is hostile and disrespectful of the free will of the Azerbaijani people. We would like to inform the EU, which is saddened that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was not invited to observe the election, that Azerbaijan has the sovereign right to determine for itself who to invite to monitor the election from abroad. The EU should abandon Azerbaijanophobia, the crusader mentality, interference in the internal affairs of Azerbaijan, and black PR against our country, the address emphasized. The presidential election was held in Azerbaijan on February 7. Seven candidates competed in the election. According to the latest data of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev won the election with 92.12 percent (4,567,458) of the votes. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. First President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his confident victory in the extraordinary presidential election, Trend reports. "Dear Ilham Heydarovich. I sincerely congratulate you on the victory in the presidential election of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This victory marks the culmination of the peoples support for your reform programs on increasing the welfare of the population, strengthening social protection, as well as on many other important issues. You have done tremendous things as the head of the state, and you continue to serve for the prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan. You are well aware that I have a special attitude towards you and your country. I highly value our friendship and mutual confidence. Dear Ilham Heydarovich, I wish you robust health, good mood and new successes in your high state activity for the prosperity of the fraternal people of Azerbaijan. By restoring the territorial integrity of your country, you have fulfilled your father Heydar Aliyevs dream, and at the same time, you have become a hero of the people," the letter reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. It is necessary to involve field commanders and other authorized persons with sufficient information about the location of mass graves in the process of searching for the burial places of missing Azerbaijani citizens who led Armenia's military operations before 1994, the State Commission of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War, Hostages, and Missing Citizens says, Trend reports. "The State Commission once again states its readiness to cooperate with the relevant structures of the Republic of Armenia in the field of ensuring the search for missing persons on both sides, observing the principles of accuracy, transparency, and an atmosphere of mutual trust," the State Commission says in a statement. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel By Brent Menchinger | Feb 14, 2024 From left to right: Danny Preklas of Paducah, Kentucky; Zoie Overby of Wickliffe, Kentucky; Carter Parks of Mayfield, Kentucky; Holden Mast of OFallon, Illinois; Ashley Rhineburger of Owensboro, Kentucky; Jackson Bell of Murray, Kentucky; Abby Meadows of Paducah, Kentucky. (Not pictured: Liv Lane of Murray, Kentucky.) MURRAY, Ky. The Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theatre Project will be performed on the third floor of the Wilson Hall Studio Theatre from Feb. 29-March 2 at 7:30 p.m. and March 3 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Murray State students get in free with an ID. In October 1998, a 21-year-old student at the University of Wyoming was kidnapped, severely beaten and left tied to a fence in the middle of the prairie outside Laramie, Wyoming. His bloody, bruised and battered body was not discovered until the next day, and he died several days later in an area hospital. His name was Matthew Shepard, and he was the victim of this assault because he was gay. Kaufman and fellow members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half, in the aftermath of the beating and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing Shepard. They conducted more than 200 interviews with the people of the town. Some people interviewed were directly connected to the case, while others were citizens of Laramie, and the breadth of the reactions to the crime is fascinating. Kaufman and Tectonic Theater members have constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience from these interviews and their own experiences in Laramie. The Laramie Project is a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which individuals are capable. When I first found out that I would be directing The Laramie Project, I could not have been more excited, but then this overwhelming experience surrounded me with the level of importance in this show, said Director Wayne Shields-Hogue. We have such a heart wrenching story to tell you, and my actors could not have been better selected to tell you that story. Matthew Shepards experience changed history, and we want to share that with you. Cast Member Abby Meadows said, Ive had an amazing time working on The Laramie Project. It has been a very eye opening experience for all of us. Especially me. I really hope everybody comes out to see this show. I think its something that Murray definitely needs to see. Fellow Cast Member Zoie Overby agreed. Ive had a really great time doing The Laramie Project, said Overby. Its not something I ever really expected to do on a college campus, just like the weight of the story that were telling. Everyone thats involved is putting all of their effort into it, and I think its gonna be really beautiful. Cast: Abby Meadows of Paducah, Kentucky Ashley Rhineburger of Owensboro, Kentucky Carter Parks of Mayfield, Kentucky Danny Preklas of Paducah, Kentucky Holden Mast of OFallon, Illinois Jackson Bell of Murray, Kentucky Liv Lane of Murray, Kentucky Zoie Overby of Wickliffe, Kentucky The U.S. Capitol Building is seen in Washington, U.S., August 15, 2023. Democrats pick up seat in US House as Suozzi wins in New York BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. The increased demand for currency at recent auctions in Azerbaijan is of seasonal nature, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) told Trend. This is mainly due to the implementation of a number of government projects and import demand from the private sector (including food and agricultural products). For example, supply has exceeded demand in 55 percent of currency auctions held since the beginning of this year. In general, the currency market operates in a balance of payments surplus. The current account is also expected to have a surplus by the end of 2024 if these trends continue," the CBA said. To note, the CBA held the next currency auction on February 13. The CBA data showed that demand at the auction amounted to $151.1 million (up 146.09 percent, or $89.7 million, from the previous auction), which was fully met. The weighted average exchange rate after the sale was 1.7 AZN per USD. Since the beginning of the year, $788 million has been purchased through currency auctions. The auction on February 13, 2024, saw a maximum demand for foreign currency of $151.41 million. In January 2024, $417.1 million was purchased at currency auctions. Meanwhile, $3.8 billion was acquired at currency auctions in 2023. The CBA started conducting foreign exchange auctions through the unilateral sale of foreign currency on competitive terms in the middle of January 2017. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Iran and Uzbekistan will establish a joint science and technology park in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in the near future, Vice President of Iran, Rouhollah Dehghani Firouz Abadi, said, Trend reports. He spoke to reporters after the Cabinet meeting in Tehran on February 14. The VP noted that the joint park will likely be situated near a university in Samarkand. Dehghani Firouz Abadi also said that they are working on determination of the exact location of the joint science and technology park and the attraction of companies to this park. According to him, Iranian side wanted to have the companies in the park by the Iranian New Year (March 19, 2024). However, due to the change of Uzbekistan's Minister of Public Education and the resulting delays, the work will be completed by May 21. In general, Iran is interested in working with Central Asian countries on joint projects in different fields. --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur Charles Barrett mug shot View Photo Yosemite, CA - A professional rock climber has been found guilty of several sexual assaults while working at Yosemite National Park and could spend the rest of his life in prison. A federal jury found 39-year-old Charles Barrett guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of abusive sexual contact during a weekend in Yosemite National Park. Barrett, who was working and living in the park, sexually assaulted a victim three times during the weekend. The incidents took place in August of 2016, as previously reported here. Three other women testified that Barrett also sexually assaulted them, but he was not charged in those incidents because they were outside federal jurisdiction but were admitted at trial as relevant to the charged assaults. Prosecutors also charged, This defendant used his renown and physical presence as a rock climber to lure and intimidate victims who were part of the rock-climbing community. His violent sexual assaults were devastating to the victims, whom he later threatened in the lead-up to trial, said U.S. Attorney Talbert. Today, the defendant has been held accountable for his crimes. My office will continue its work to make national parks such as Yosemite a safe place for all. U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez is scheduled to sentence Barrett on May 21, with a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. The U.S. Attorneys Office asks that anyone with information on this case, or possibly a victim, call 888-653-0009 or email nps_isb@nps.gov. Yosemite park snow View Photo The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the western slope of the northern Sierra Nevada until 10 this morning (Thursday). A Winter Weather Advisory issued for Yosemite National Park above 6,000 feet, will remain in effect until 4 PM this afternoon. Periods of heavy snow may continue this morning, with snow rates of one inch or more per hour at times. The snow levels range between 4,500 to 5,500 feet. Additional snow accumulations above the 6,000 foot elevation, will range from two inches to half-a-foot. The higher you go, the more the snow. Winds may continue to gust as high as fifty mph over the higher peaks. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times. If you must travel, slow down and use caution. Keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Jared Kushner, former Trump adviser, defends business dealings with Saudi Arabia View Photo NEW YORK (AP) Jared Kushner, Donald Trumps former White House adviser and his son-in-law, defended on Tuesday his business dealings after leaving government with the Saudi crown prince who was implicated in the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. Kushner worked on a wide range of issues and policies in the Trump administration, including Middle East peace efforts, and developed a relationship with Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has overseen social and economic reforms and a far-reaching crackdown on dissent in the kingdom. After Kushner left the White House, he started a private equity firm that received a reported $2 billion investment from the sovereign wealth fund controlled by Prince Mohammed, drawing scrutiny from Democrats. Kushner, speaking at a summit in Miami on Tuesday hosted by media company Axios, said he followed every law and ethics rule. He dismissed the idea of there being any concerns about the appearance of a conflict of interest in his business deal. If you ask me about the work that that we did in the White House, for my critics, what I say is point to a single decision we made that wasnt in the interest of America, Kushner said. He said the sovereign wealth fund, which has significant stakes in companies such as Uber, Nintendo and Microsoft, is one of the most prestigious investors in the world. He also defended Prince Mohammed when asked if he believed U.S. intelligence reports that the prince approved the 2018 killing of Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident and Washington Post columnist. The prince has denied any involvement. Are we really still doing this? Kushner at first said when he was asked if he believed the conclusions from U.S. intelligence. Kushner said he had not seen the intelligence report released in 2021 that concluded the crown prince likely approved Khashoggis killing inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. I know the person who I dealt with. I think hes a visionary leader. I think what hes done in that region is transformational, Kushner said. He stood by the Trump administrations policies and called it one of the greatest compliments that President Joe Biden backed away from his initial stance to shun Saudis for human rights violations to instead work with the crown prince on issues like oil production and security in the region. I understand why people, you know, are upset about that, Kushner said of Khashoggis killing. I think that what happened there was absolutely horrific. But again, our job was to represent America, and to try to push forward things in America. Kushner also said he is not interested in rejoining the White House if Trump wins the 2024 presidential election, saying he was focused on his investment business and his living with his family in Florida out of the public eye. By MICHELLE L. PRICE Associated Press Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa, is facing criticism from within his own party ranks as Gift Siziba and Amos Chibaya take center stage in promoting his yet-to-be-launched political party. Chamisa recently stepped down from CCC leadership, citing infiltration by Zanu PF through intermediaries like self-appointed interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu. While Chamisas next political move remains a mystery, former legislators Chibaya and Siziba have embarked on an extensive provincial tour, engaging grassroots supporters about the upcoming political movement, which will reportedly adopt blue as its colour. However, their actions have not been well-received by some sitting and recalled CCC legislators, who feel excluded from the decision-making process. Sources reveal that senior opposition figures are also displeased with Chibaya and Sizibas provincial meetings, which appear to push for a new movement without their knowledge or involvement. Former Seke legislator Willard Madzimbamuto, who was recalled by Tshabangu, expressed his frustration, highlighting the need for transparency and wider consultation in building a new movement. Valentine Zinhumwe, CCCs losing candidate in Wedza South, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of honesty and inclusivity in creating a new political force. He stressed that Zimbabweans desire change and cannot afford to repeat past mistakes while expecting different outcomes. Amidst the internal discord, Chibaya, the former CCC interim organizing secretary, defended his actions, stating that he was merely fulfilling his mandate as the organizer. He explained that the organizing committee, comprising various departments such as elections, communications, youth, and women, accompanied him during his engagements. Chamisa declined to comment on the matter directly but assured his supporters that an announcement regarding the partys future direction would be made soon. He hinted at a significant national answer that would encompass all Zimbabweans, including those within Zanu PF. Political commentators, however, urge Chamisa to provide clarity and direction to his eager supporters. Fanuel Kaseke, a political analyst, believes Chamisa is employing Machiavellian tactics to assess his support base, aiming to distance himself from followers he wishes to leave behind. Maxwell Saungweme, another political analyst, suggests that Chamisa is carefully considering his options before making a definitive announcement. He emphasizes the importance of establishing proper structures, ideology, and internal democracy within any future institution Chamisa may lead. Kudakwashe Munemo, a political analyst, speculates that Chamisa might have already revealed his plans to a select few in his inner circle, observing their reactions and behaviour before addressing the wider public. As Chamisas supporters anxiously await his next move, the delay in his announcement raises questions about the future trajectory of Zimbabwean politics and the potential impact of Chamisas forthcoming political endeavour. Breaking News via Email BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. In January 2024, Azerbaijan ranked in the top three countries supplying bitumen to Georgia, Trend reports, referring to the Union of Oil Product Importers of Georgia. "In January 2024, Georgia imported 4,700 tons of bitumen, a 51 percent decrease from January 2023. Among the providers, Russia contributed more than half, Iraq contributed over 46 percent, and Azerbaijan contributed the remaining volume," the union said. Bitumen is mainly used in the construction sector. Azerbaijan has always been a major exporter of hydrocarbons and oil products to Georgia. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel A senior opposition CCC official and legislator, Charlton Hwende, who belongs to a faction in control of the party, has accused leaders from another faction aligned with former leader Nelson Chamisa of misappropriating party funds designated for election agents during the previous years harmonized elections. The faction, now donning blue regalia and professing loyalty to Chamisa, is spearheaded by Amos Chibaya and Gift Ostallos Siziba. They have been conducting meetings with pro-Chamisa supporters in various provinces, including Manicaland, Harare, the Midlands, and Bulawayo. Confirmation of the missing funds came from CCCs Marondera Central Member of Parliament, Caston Matewu, who claimed that his allocated funds were not received and hinted at financial impropriety, suggesting that whoever received the money in Zimbabwe did not pass it on. Hwende took to his official X account to make the allegations in response to former CCC legislator Willard Madzimbamuto, who described the so-called blue movement as a deceptive and factional agenda. Hwende accused his colleagues of perpetuating deception within the opposition party, which he claimed was now filled with compromised individuals. Hwende stated, People who stole money for election agents are the ones driving this deception, echoing allegations of embezzlement within the party. CCCs interim secretary-general, Sengezo Tshabangu, had previously revealed that US$2 million donated by the European Union, intended for payment to polling agents and other election-related expenses, remained unaccounted for. However, CCCs deputy spokesperson, Siziba, dismissed the issue of missing funds, asserting that all polling agents had been paid a total of US$105,000. The allegations of financial misconduct and divisions within the CCC raise concerns about the partys integrity and its ability to effectively pursue its political goals. The ongoing internal strife threatens to undermine the partys credibility as it grapples with allegations of mismanagement and corruption. Breaking News via Email In a chilling turn of events, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) is now treating the death of a 12-year-old boy from Murehwa as a suspected murder case. Arnold Gorembeus lifeless body was discovered in a cooler box, prompting intensified investigations to unravel the truth behind this tragedy. The distressing incident unfolded on February 3, 2024, when young Arnold went missing while playing with his friends at Musami Business Center. His father, Mr Golden Gorembeu, happened to be away on a business trip in Bindura at the time. Upon his return, Mr Gorembeu was informed by his mother-in-law, Ms Esther Mutetwa (62), a vendor at Musami Business Centre, that Arnold was nowhere to be found. Initially assuming that his son was still engrossed in play with his friends, Mr Gorembeu left to attend a memorial service in nearby Chivhinge Village. The following day, around 8 am, Mr Gorembeu returned from the memorial service only to discover that Arnold had not returned home. Growing increasingly concerned, he enlisted the help of fellow villagers, forming a search team that scoured the area in a desperate attempt to locate the missing boy. Tragically, their efforts proved futile, leading Mr Gorembeu to report his sons disappearance to Musami Police Post at approximately 6 pm that same day. Despite the ongoing search, it wasnt until around 8 pm that Arnolds younger brother, seven-year-old Genius, made a harrowing discovery. The lifeless body of Arnold was found concealed within one of the vending cooler boxes. The police were immediately alerted, and officers swiftly arrived at the scene. Arnolds body was subsequently transported to a hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination. Detective Inspector Rachael Muteweri, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) Provincial Community Relations Liaison Officer, confirmed that the police are treating the case as a suspected murder. We have seen the postmortem results as investigations continue. We are investigating this as a suspected murder case. Investigations are in progress, she stated. Breaking News via Email South Africas opposition Patriotic Alliance (PA) party has come under scrutiny for its targeting of schools suspected of enrolling Zimbabwean students, raising concerns of potential xenophobic attacks on foreigners. The partys actions are part of a broader campaign leading up to South Africas upcoming elections. The PA recently made headlines when its leadership deployed members to patrol the Beitbridge Border Post, allegedly targeting suspected illegal border jumpers. In a recent statement, the party called for an audit of permits, residence documents, job visas, and asylum seeker records of Zimbabwean nationals, spanning from 1994 to 2024. In their latest demonstration, PA members, led by deputy president Kenny Kunene, stormed Esikhisini School in Pretoria to protest the enrolment of Zimbabwean learners. The party also voiced opposition to the election of a Zimbabwean into the schools parents association. Kunene, who is campaigning for the premiership of Gauteng province, confirmed the visit to the school on social media platform X. He stated, Today we went to Esikhisini Primary School to make sure that Shona is not taught at that school, and we also made a call for the chairperson of SGB (School Governing Body) who is a Zimbabwean to be removed. Indeed, some children are from Zimbabwe and they must be replaced by SA children. According to Kunene, the demonstration was prompted by claims that the school had enrolled 60 Zimbabwean students, allegedly denying places to South African nationals. He also alleged that the unnamed chairperson of the School Governing Body was pushing for the teaching of Shona at the school, a claim refuted by the schools principal, Nkabinde. Kunene and his followers plan to investigate the enrolment figures further, and he vowed to express his displeasure to education offices if he assumes the premiership. He also stated that, if elected, he would discourage schools from enrolling foreign nationals altogether. Kunenes controversial past includes involvement in student politics, imprisonment at the age of 15 for his role in student uprisings in the Free State, and subsequent engagement as a motivational speaker and active participant in local politics. Breaking News via Email Five Hatcliffe women involved in the assault and public humiliation of a woman suspected of having an affair with a colleagues husband will receive their verdict on Friday. Four of the accused, Zelpa Kanduza (19), Natasha Kanduza, Fortunate Tembo, and Olleyn Vinyungwi, have pleaded guilty to the assault, while Mitchel Kariwo denies the charges. Until the ruling is delivered by presiding Magistrate Mr Gamuchirai Gore on Friday, all the accused will remain in custody. Additionally, Kariwos trial is scheduled to begin on February 20. During court proceedings, it was revealed that the first four accused are married women who are not employed. Natasha initially misled the court by falsely claiming to be 17 years old, but her national identity document confirmed her actual age of 20. In their plea for leniency, the four guilty parties expressed remorse and asked for forgiveness for their actions against the complainant, Alice Chaichai. Chaichai, in her statement, highlighted the detrimental impact the incident had on her health and marriage. She mentioned that her eye is not functioning properly, and her legs are swollen. Furthermore, she implored the accused to tell the truth to her husband, who still suspects her of being involved in an affair with Zelpas spouse. My health was affected and my marriage. My eye is not functioning well and my legs are swollen. Also my husband does not believe that Im not having an affair with Zelpas husband, may the accused kindly tell him the truth, she said. Prosecutor Ms Kenchelskis Ropi presented evidence in court, establishing that on February 1, at approximately 1 pm, the accused individuals arrived at stand number 4088 Hatcliffe Extension in Harare, searching for Chaichai. When Chaichai arrived later, Natasha confronted her, questioning her involvement with Zelpas husband. Chaichai denied the allegations, which infuriated the accused. They then collectively dragged her out of her house. Once outside, the accused took turns assaulting Chaichai, repeatedly punching her across her body as she lay defenceless on the ground. Zelpa proceeded to kick her numerous times while others continued to punch her. Ultimately, they stripped Chaichai of her clothing, tearing her dress and undergarments, leaving her unconscious on the ground. A compassionate bystander covered Chaichai with a cloth and sought medical help due to her injuries, including an eye injury and bruises on her legs. She was subsequently admitted to the hospital. Chaichai later filed a police report, leading to the arrest of the accused individual. Breaking News via Email Yves here. Quelle surprise! The result, irrespective of timing, is an undemocratic train wreck. And this goes back to Bidens colossal selfishness. Even though there is no Dem bench, with enough lead time, a colorable billionaire or even mere CEO could have been brought to the fore and sold to the public. I am very loath to say it, but the pickings are so terrible that Jamie Dimon winds up looking not bad. The David Ignatius Washington Post op ed in September telling Biden to decamp was widely recognized as a missive from the intel communitybut even then it was too tardy to get a ball rolling. So expect bad outcomes. By Thomas Neuburger. Originally published at Gods Spies Not that its likely to happen, but recent events have set minds to wondering: What would actually happen if Biden were to step aside or be somehow unable to run? To set the stage, there are two scenarios in play. First, what if he stepped aside before the Convention? And, what if he stepped aside after it? If Biden Drops Out Before the Convention If Biden were to remove himself from the race, the answer to what would happen is already before us. Just examine the 2016 primary race between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, and consider the role of superdelegates. Sanders v. Clinton in 2016 This is a map of primary states won by the two candidates based on the popular vote, Sanders states in green and Clinton states in yellow. The map shows the pledged delegate allocations. (Pledged delegates are required to vote at the Convention for the candidate who won in their voting district.) And this is a map showing primary states actually won based on total delegates, pledged plus unpledged, the so-called superdelegates. In 2016 superdelegates could vote as they chose, even on the first ballot. Consider a state like Michigan, where Sanders won the popular vote. The pledged delegate allocation was 67-63 Sanders. But with superdelegate preferences added in, Clinton won the state it was reported as such on the national news and the delegate distribution changed to 75-67 Clinton. Several states went from the Sanders column to the Clinton column in this way. But worse, consider states won by Clinton in the popular vote, Iowa, for example. The pledged delegate count was 23-21 Clinton. With superdelegates added in, the count went to 29-21 Clinton. In Connecticut, 28-27 Clinton became 43-27 Clinton. The differences are most striking in states like California and New York, with their large delegate totals. In all, with a total of 712 superdelegates available, Clinton started the race with an opening lead of 572-42. In the end, without her superdelegates, Clinton would not have won on the first ballot, even with the skewed reporting that served to depress the Sanders vote. The 2016 Convention would have been brokered. As Lee Fang points out (see link below), in the 1968 convention Hubert Humphrey won without winning a single Democratic primary and lost to Nixon. Side Note: Sanders Would Have Won in 2016 Just an aside. Ive often written that had Sanders won the Democratic nomination, hed have beaten Trump handily in the general election. There are many arguments for this, including the fact that in many open primaries, where a voter could choose either a Democratic or a Republican ballot, Sanders beat Trump in most of them. For example, in the open same-day primary on March 8 in Michigan, these are the popular vote totals: Sanders: 595,222 Trump: 483,751 The story is much the same in most of the open primaries. But a second argument comes from the states won by Clinton in the 2016 primary. Heres the map by state: Clinton beat Sanders in states where Republicans were strongest the South and Southwest and in states where no Democrat would lose a general election California, New York. In Pennsylvania a closed, same-day primary state which Clinton narrowly lost to Trump 48-47% the top Republican vote-getters garnered a bit over 1.5 million votes. Clinton and Sanders together received 1.65 million votes. If you add just Wisconsin, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which Clinton lost to Trump but where Sanders was strong, to the Democratic electoral vote total, Sanders is over the top. This is before considering states like Arizona and Florida, where Trump only narrowly won, 48-47%. This thought is borne out by logic. After all, Trump ran the Sanders campaign in the general election. That strategy would have failed against Sanders himself. A lot of Trump voters would have chosen Sanders instead, as shown by the open primary results. But thats neither here nor there, as people sometimes say. Trump beat Clinton in 2016 in the only arena that counts, the Electoral College. And here we are. A Biden Pre-Convention Withdrawal The rules for superdelegates have changed a little since 2016. Theyre now not allowed to vote on the first ballot. In this case, though, that wouldnt matter. Since the Democratic leaders chose not to hold a real primary, almost no one but Biden will enter with a delegate count. Without Biden to vote for, the convention would be brokered from the start, and anyone could win so long as they had superdelegate support. Image source Who are the Partys superdelegates? The bulk are DNC members while the rest are governors, senators, representatives and distinguished party leaders. Dozens are lobbyists and the like. The bottom line: Superdelegates exist to put an Establishment thumb on the Party electoral scales. In a brokered 2024 Convention, they will do that again. If Biden Drops Out After the Convention If Biden drops out after the Convention, the voters would have no say at all. According to Lee Fang in a paid post, superdelegates would maintain direct control of the process if Biden were to step down after the convention. Following Bidens election in 2020, the president, as the de-facto leader of the Democratic Party, appointed former corporate lobbyist Jaime Harrison as DNC chairman. Harrison used his role to bring more business representatives into superdelegate positions and voted down proposals to limit the influence of special interests within the party. Rather than limit the influence of lobbyists, the DNC doubled down. Harrisons appointments DNC members include Lacy Johnson, who leads the lobbying practice at Tafts Public Affairs Strategies Group, a firm that assists Koch Industries and a trade group for oil refineries with government outreach; Marcus Mason, a lobbyist who represents Google and Navient; and Nicole Isaac, a former Meta and Google official, now leads Ciscos global lobbying operations. The Harrison-led DNC has blocked efforts to curb corporate influence in the party. The Rules and Bylaws Committee has instead concentrated more power to a select group of DNC insiders. The committee is also responsible for the decision to remove Iowa and make South Carolina the first official primary election. This is an ugly bunch of people: [I]f Biden were to exit the race post-convention, the decision would rest solely with a select group of DNC insiders. According to the DNC charter, this process would be governed by rules established by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee [which] notably comprises establishment figures, including lobbyists representing corporate interests. [] Minyon Moore, co-chair of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee, is an influential lobbyist who previously served as an aide to Bill and Hillary Clinton and now works at Dewey Square Group. DSG has worked for a variety of corporate interests. Lyft tapped DSG to fight proposals in California and Massachusetts that would force the company to provide benefits and minimum wages to its drivers. [] James Roosevelt, Jr., the grandson of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, is the other co-chair of the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee. He is a registeredlobbyist with the law firm Verrill in Boston, Massachusetts, where he guides various healthcare interests. He previously served as the chief executive of the Tufts Health Plan, a health insurance company that is now part of Point32Health. [] The DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee [] includes New Jersey lobbyist Tonio Burgos, who represents UnitedHealth and AIG, among other clients; Tonya Williams, a longtime D.C. lobbyist who now runs a firm called Blue House Advisors; and Gary Locke, President Obamas ambassador to China who now works at a U.S.-China law firm. As Politico notes in an article on the same subject, The truth is that a backup strategy can only be deployed if Biden voluntarily steps aside or is physically unable to stand for nomination. And here we are. Defence Ministers will meet in Brussels on Thursday (15 February 2024) to prepare the NATO Summit in Washington in July. Previewing the meeting on Wednesday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg highlighted historic progress on defence spending. He announced that last year, we saw an unprecedented rise of 11% across European Allies and Canada and that this year, he expects 18 Allies a record number to spend 2% of their GDP on defence. Since the Investment Pledge was made in 2014, European Allies and Canada have added more than 600 billion US dollars for defence, he said, so we are making real progress. Ministers will also discuss the progress made in ramping up production of ammunition. In the past few months, NATO has agreed contracts worth ten billion dollars, said Mr Stoltenberg. Ministers will also address the resourcing of NATOs new defence plans. The Secretary General explained that right now, we are testing these plans through exercise Steadfast Defender, the largest NATO exercise in decades with approximately 90,000 forces from all 31 Allies and Sweden. NATOs support to Ukraine will also be on the agenda. The Secretary General stressed that our support makes a real difference, noting that with our help, the brave Ukrainians have retaken half of the territory that Russia seized, opened a corridor in the Black Sea and are inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. He welcomed the recent decision by the European Union on a major new package of aid and said he counted on the US Congress to follow soon, because this is not charity, this is an investment in our own security. On Wednesday, the US-led Ukraine Defence Contact Group will meet at NATO Headquarters to address the situation on the ground and Ukraines urgent needs. On Thursday, Defence Ministers will discuss how to further strengthen NATOs deterrence and defence, followed by a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council with the participation of the Ukrainian Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Azerbaijan generated 2.4 billion kWh of power in January 2024, Trend reports, referring to the Ministry of Energy. This number is 13 percent lower than the figure from January 2023. Azerenerji OJSC, the country's largest electrical power producer, generated 2.166 billion kWh, while power plants overseen by Azerbaijan's State Energy Service of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic produced 30.4 million kilowatt-hours of total output. Thermal power plants generated 2.23 billion kWh of the country's total electricity production, representing a 62.2 million kWh increase from January 2023. In 2023, Azerbaijan's energy production increased by 272.3 million kWh, or 29.27 billion kWh, compared to 2022. In total, Azerbaijan exported 3.25 billion kWh and imported 211.8 million kWh. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Speaking at the European Parliament on Wednesday (14 February 2024), NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana underlined the importance of NATO-EU cooperation to address the security situation in the Black Sea, Western Balkans and eastern Europe, and tackle other shared challenges like disinformation, cyber security and military issues. During an exchange of views with Members of the European Parliament from the Subcommittee on Security and Defence the Deputy Secretary General affirmed that a close NATO-EU partnership is fundamental to European security, particularly in the context of Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Mr Geoana highlighted the importance of fostering complementarity, coherence and interoperability on efforts to enhance the European defence industrial base and defence capabilities. The Deputy Secretary General stressed the need to continue supporting Ukraine, noting the billions of euros of financial and humanitarian assistance that NATO and EU countries have provided. He also welcomed the recent EU agreement on providing 50 billion euros of long-term funding, as well as the decision taken last December to open accession negotiations to support Ukraines path to Euro-Atlantic integration. Mr Geoana said that the outcome of the war in Ukraine will shape the future of European security for decades to come. Since Russias illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, NATO has implemented the largest reinforcement of its collective defence in a generation, including by strengthening its deterrence and defence, increasing defence spending, and supporting the defence industry. NATO has enhanced its partnerships, alongside the EU, with Georgia and Moldova, which face unrelenting pressure from Russia. NATO also works closely with the EU on the ground in the Western Balkans through the NATO-led KFOR mission in Kosovo and by supporting the EU-led operation EUFOR in Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Berlin Plus arrangements to maintain a safe and secure environment for all. Biden joins TikTok despite national security concerns Yep, you read that right: Joe Biden is now on TikTok. (Article by Kaley republished from WLTReport.com) In his first post on the notorious Chinese-owned app, Biden answered questions about the Super Bowl and joked about it being rigged. The post was captioned lol hey guys. Watch for yourself here: Joe Biden just uploaded his first TikTok. Your thoughts? ? pic.twitter.com/9hwDEnNEnD Proud Elephant ??? (@ProudElephantUS) February 12, 2024 TikTok, which is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has raised national security concerns over its data collection of American citizens. It is currently banned from federal devices and government devices in 34 states. The state of Montana has banned the app from being downloaded altogether. And yet, the Biden campaign seems to think attracting the attention of young voters is more important than national security It says it all right here Biden knows Tik Tok is a national security threat But winning an election is more important than national security https://t.co/X6F2ci84qgpic.twitter.com/dgJt75DhAL Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) February 13, 2024 2022: FBI Director says TikTok is a National Security threat Tonight: Biden campaign joins TikTok pic.twitter.com/JpClR9m4CG John Hasson (@SonofHas) February 12, 2024 Although Biden has joined the platform, which is most popular among Gen Z, the app is still banned from government phones and his administration are not changing any of their policies. More on this, from CNN: The White House on Monday said there are no changes regarding the administrations long-standing security concerns over TikTok after the President Joe Biden made his campaign debut on the platform Sunday night. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters Monday the ban on the platforms use on government devices remains the case today. He referred questions over the video to the presidents reelection campaign, which posted it. I dont want to get into too much of the national security, technical reasons behind that, but it does have to do with concerns about the preservation of data and the potential misuse of that data and privacy information by foreign actors, Kirby told reporters. In a follow-up exchange with Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary said she was not aware the campaign planned to launch a TikTok account ahead of Sunday. No I am very, very careful, as the White House press secretary and so I do not communicate with the campaign on any strategy or anything like that. I did not know; I knew as you all did, she said The Biden campaigns decision to join TikTok has a lot of lawmakers and government officials worried for the safety of our nation. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik posted this on X: TikTok is Communist Chinese malware. Joe Bidens campaign's desperate and pathetic attempts to earn back young voters is giving Communist China access to American data and endangering national security. We must ban TikTok immediately.https://t.co/B7Xytv6BLp Rep. Elise Stefanik (@RepStefanik) February 13, 2024 John Kirby doesnt know how to respond when pressed on the safety of the Biden campaigns decision to join TikTok: John Kirby refuses to explain why Biden is on TikTok and what kind of message that sends to Americans about the safety of the platform after signing a law banning it from federal devices. Kirby repeatedly refers reporters to the Biden campaign. pic.twitter.com/2Nak8ZENPb Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 12, 2024 The Guardian expanded on the governments response to Biden joining TikTok: The chair of the US Senate Intelligence Committee, a senior Democrat, said he is concerned about the decision by the campaign of president Joe Biden to join TikTok. On Sunday, Bidens reelection campaign used the Super Bowl to kick off its new TikTok account in an effort to reach young voters ahead of the presidential election in November. The campaigns launch on TikTok is notable given that the app, which is owned by Chinese tech company ByteDance, is under review in the US due to potential national security concerns. Some US lawmakers have called for the app to be banned over concerns that the Chinese government could access user data or influence what people see on the app. On Monday, Democratic senator Mark Warner said he was concerned about the national security implications. I think that we still need to find a way to follow India, which has prohibited TikTok, Warner said. Im a little worried about a mixed message. A number of Republican lawmakers have also criticised the campaigns decision to join TikTok. What do you think? Are you surprised at China Joes latest campaign move? Biden is now campaigning with help from the CCP. Chinese communists for Biden. Thats what Tik Tok is. Chinese communist propaganda. https://t.co/PNuSGFESW7 Laura Loomer (@LauraLoomer) February 12, 2024 He let a Chinese spy balloon travel unmolested across our country His son got a $1billion loan from the CCP He rolled out the red carpet for Xi So of course Joe Biden was going to join the Chinese spyware also known as TikTok Think of all the teenagers he can digitally sniff! pic.twitter.com/C5HI5s0LGQ DC_Draino (@DC_Draino) February 13, 2024 Read more at: WLTReport.com BMJ report claims behavior interventions are needed to reduce vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation on social media In the fight against "vaccine hesitancy," the British Medical Association-run(BMJ) is calling for more "behavioral interventions" online, including on social media. In order to "reduce vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation on social media," the BMJ wants Big Tech platforms to promote the visibility of what its editors and controllers consider to be "reliable health information," while reducing or censoring the visibility of all else. The BMJ also wants more "pro-action" on social media platforms "in dealing with the proliferation of misinformation." In an article the BMJ published about the matter, the authors first define how they feel social media affects vaccination campaigns. They claim nothing good comes from any online public discourse about vaccines, and only leads to "misinformation." Next, the article knocks down the idea that genuine safety concerns could ever be the reason why uptake for things like Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "vaccines" is lower than the powers that be wish, blaming "hesitancy" driven by "misinformation" instead. (Related: A BMJ investigation from last year found that the government-run Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System [VAERS] is broken, in part because the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] is failing to follow proper maintenance standards.) BMJ cites false "return of measles" claim as cause of vaccine "misinformation" It is not so much that the general public is rightfully avert to vaccines due to their dangers and ineffectiveness. The BMJ insists that all vaccines are safe and effective, and that the only people who reject them are people who fell for some kind of online "misinformation" that triggered feelings of "hesitancy." The BMJ even goes so far as to blame "vaccine hesitancy" on a "return of measles," a line that we have been hearing for years and years whenever public vaccine uptake starts to wane. Even long before the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) was a thing, the powers that be would publish media articles and journal reports claiming that measles is "making a comeback" because too many parents are refusing to inject their children with dangerous vaccine injections like MMR (measles, mumps and rubella). The World Health Organization (WHO) agrees with all this, having recently issued a "decree" to the world that so-called vaccine hesitancy is now "among the greatest threats to global health." The BMJ article cited above is not specific just to COVID jabs, though these are specifically mentioned later on in its contents. The overall concern is that people are rejecting all vaccines, which represents a serious threat to Big Pharma and the profiteers who rake in millions or even billions from vaccine sales. If the general public overwhelmingly rejects vaccines as dangerous and ineffective, then these profiteers will see their cash cow dry up in an instant. There will also be a lot fewer vaccine injuries, which means fewer profits from the sale of pharmaceuticals that "treat" vaccine injuries. The solutions to all this, according to the BMJ, include "mandatory vaccination and regulation for healthcare professionals, incentives, public health communication campaigns and engaging trusted leaders." "Other intervention types include warning ('inoculating') people about manipulation tactics using non-harmful exposure as a tool to identify misinformation, and using accuracy prompts to trigger people to consider the truthfulness of material they are about to share on social media platforms, without stopping them from posting," the authors further write. All in all, the BMJ wants more "reprogramming" campaigns to be launched that goad or otherwise threaten the non-compliant public into compliance with vaccine recommendations or mandates in other words, forced vaccination through deception and coercion. The latest news about Big Science's assault on free speech can be found at Censorship.news. Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org BMJ.com NaturalNews.com Boston couple signs up to house illegal immigrants, gets FOUR delivered within an hour (Article by Steve Watson republished from Modernity.news) When Colin and Jessica Stokes called the state to sign up to be a host family, it took less than an hour for the displaced migrants to be dropped off at their door, the report notes, adding The family of four, who didnt want to go on camera, had made been sleeping at Logan Airport The couple, Colin and Jessica Stokes, said that they knew they had the means and wanted to step up, and that It has been wonderful. I was like I have to get sheets on the beds. How many people are coming? Where are they from? What ages. We really knew nothing, Mrs Stokes told reporters, with her husband adding The need is so clearly overwhelming. A couple said they were willing to provide shelter for illegal immigrants sleeping in Boston Logan airport. Within an hour the government sent a family of 4 to live in their house. @elonmusk was right when he said They will come for your homes. Report: https://t.co/m11isvHRGopic.twitter.com/yGLdcYVOyp m o d e r n i t y (@ModernityNews) February 12, 2024 X owner Elon Musk, who has vocally charged that the Biden Administration is encouraging and aiding mass illegal immigration, previously warned that soon people would be giving up their homes to house immigrants as there is no where else for them to go. Musk was right. As we previously highlighted, illegal immigrants are being found sleeping in airports all over the country as states such as Texas are bussing them further north once they have crossed the border and been processed. Meanwhile, Department Of Homeland Security head Alejandro Mayorkas has again refused to take responsibility for what is happening on the Southern border, declaring that Congress is the only one who can fix it. Read more at: Modernity.news Control freak controligarchs, many of them billionaires, are leading the world off a cliff You have heard about oligarchs, but what about controligarchs? Seamus Bruner, author of the new book "Controligarchs: Exposing the Billionaire Class, their Secret Deals and the Globalist Plot to Dominate Your Life," says controligarchs are worse than oligarchs in that they really do want to control every aspect of every person's life. "These people have, like, a god complex but on steroids," Bruner, who serves as director of research at the Government Accountability Institute (GAI), told "First Things" podcast host Mark Bauerlein in a recent interview. "Of the 3,100 or so billionaires in the world, there's only about 30 in this book [Controligarchs] ... People like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, George Soros ... and his son Alex Soros these guys use their wealth to do not-so-great things." Since the beginning of 2020 when the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic" was launched, many of the world's richest billionaires doubled their net worth this as tens of millions of Americans, including American business owners, were plunged into insolvency and poverty. "Mark Zuckerberg went from $60 billion or so to almost $120 billion today through the pandemic because everyone was locked down, stayed at home and was scrolling through Facebook," Bruner said. "And Jeff Bezos close to doubled his net worth." (Related: Speaking of billionaires, Biden wants to make more of them in Ukraine and Israel as a condition of his agreeing to secure America's southern border with Mexico.) Climate change, the next COVID-style scam Another multi-billionaire who benefitted tremendously from the "pandemic" is billionaire eugenicist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who scooped up millions of acres of U.S. farmland as part of his stolen spoils. "They used the pandemic, in the words of Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum founder, as an opportunity," Bruner added. "The pandemic was an opportunity to rejigger society and 'build back better' in a 'greener' way." "People didn't really understand in July 2020 when Klaus Schwab announced 'The Great Reset' what a pandemic had to do with climate change. But we're starting to see that 'climate change' is just the next crisis they want to leverage as an opportunity to not just get richer but to construct systems of tyrannical control." What the world saw during COVID is merely a taste of what the globalist billionaires have planned for their next worldwide scam: climate change. Expect things like food control, energy control, everyone being forced into unreliable electric vehicles (EV), mobile phones and human bodies being merged with the so-called "Internet of Things," smart cities and global financial control, among other authoritarian measures. A tiny cadre of global elitists called "The Good Club" met back in 2009 in Manhattan to inaugurate their "philanthropic" efforts to take over the world using these and other means. The Good Club's members include names like Bill Gates, Oprah Winfrey, George Soros, David Rockefeller and Ted Turner, among others. "Bill Gates, George Soros and David Rockefeller are kind of like the three co-hosts [of the first meeting of the Good Club]," Bruner says. "They invited half a dozen or a dozen of their billionaire buddies ... They all got together in the spring of 2009." "The context is the tail end of the global financial crisis ... they could sense that the 'peasants' were about to get unruly ... The other part [of the context] is that Barack Obama had just been elected president [and] a lot of people at the Good Club meeting in New York had done a lot to get him there, George Soros especially, so they wanted to leverage the Obama opportunity to their advantage." What Americans are now witnessing is a controlled demolition of their country and the life they once knew, which will ultimately pave the way for a new world order. Find out more at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: Expose-News.com NaturalNews.com D.C.-based NGO claims Iran is capable of building a nuclear bomb in ONE WEEK The Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS), a Washington, D.C.-based non-governmental organization (NGO) run by physicist David Albright, has issued a report claiming that Iran is on the verge of producing its first nuclear weapon. According to Albright, Iran now has enough weapons-grade uranium in its possession to construct an atomic bomb and is able to do so, he insists, in just one week. In a month, Iran could produce six nuclear weapons, Albright also claims, arguing that this is likely to occur as the Middle East conflict escalates. "The volatile situation in the region is providing Iran with a unique opportunity and increased internal justification for building nuclear weapons while the United States and Israel's resources to detect and deter Iran from succeeding are stretched thin," ISIS says. "Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities are more dangerous than they have ever been, while its relations with the West are at a low point." (Related: If the U.S. strikes even one target on Iranian soil in retaliation for the three soldier deaths, Iran is promising to strike numerous American targets throughout the Middle East.) "Extreme danger" from Iranian nukes Since it first began reporting on the Iranian nuclear program's threat level in October 2022, ISIS has never before issued this kind of warning. This is the "first time," the group says, that the West faces "extreme danger" from Iran's nuclear program. Last May is when ISIS published its last report about the situation, calculating Iran's total threat score at 140 out of 180. This year, the threat level has reached 151 out of 180. Israel's war on Gaza is said to be increasing the likelihood that Iran will race to build a functional nuclear weapon. The United States has also been conducting daily airstrikes on Iranian targets throughout the Middle East, which is also exacerbating the situation. A broader regional conflict with Iran will likely ensue in the coming days as the Islamic Republic continues, according to report, to make "progress on developing sensitive nuclear capabilities, ... increasing its nuclear weaponization efforts beyond breakout." ISIS says Iran now has the ability to "break out and produce enough weapon-grade enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon in a week, using only a fraction of its 60 percent enriched uranium." "This breakout could be difficult for inspectors to detect promptly, if Iran took steps to delay inspectors' access," the group further says. Under the Biden regime, Iran's 60 percent enriched uranium stockpile is said to have grown substantially. With a remaining allotment of around 20 percent enriched uranium, Iran "could have in total enough weapon-grade uranium for six weapons in one month, and after five months of producing weapon-grade uranium, it could have enough for twelve," ISIS claims. According to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Rafael Grossi, Iran continues to block international nuclear inspectors from gaining full access to its enrichment sites. He says Tehran is refusing oversight in an "unprecedented way." "It's a very frustrating situation," Grossi complained at the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) globalist gathering in Davos. "We continue our activities there, but at a minimum." Iran's "lack of transparency" surrounding its nuclear enrichment sites prompted the IAEA to increase the threat level of Tehran's nuclear program by two points compared to its assessment from May 2023. Another concern is that Iran has increased its ability to enrich uranium from very low levels to amounts capable of fueling a nuclear bomb. "Iran has a capability to produce large amounts of enriched uranium and achieve enrichment levels up to 90 percent, or weapon-grade uranium," ISIS says. "Iran has ambitious goals to increase its enrichment program, aiming for tens of thousands of advanced centrifuges, producing a range of enrichment levels, and tens of thousands of kilograms of enriched uranium." Israel and the United States really want to take out Iran. Learn more at Nuclear.news. Sources for this article include: FreeBeacon.com 1 FreeBeacon.com 2 NaturalNews.com Doctors urge Biden to take MENTAL COMPETENCY test following increasing evidence of presidents cognitive decline Doctors have stepped up calls for President Joe Biden to undergo a mental competency test following a report that revealed his cognitive decline. The report released by Department of Justice (DOJ) Special Counsel Robert Hur on Feb. 8 said the 81-year-old Biden was too senile to be prosecuted for wrongful retention of classified documents. He cited several internal interviews conducted in October that revealed the chief executive struggling to recall basic facts about his own life and career. Biden reportedly "did not remember when he was vice president" and "did not remember, even within several years, when his son Beau died." Stuart Fischer, a primary care physician at a nursing home in the Bronx, stressed the need for transparency. He pointed out that Biden's apparent memory lapses as disclosed in Hur's report demand a thorough examination to provide clarity on the president's cognitive abilities. "Something isn't right, and even if it's minor, it must be explained to the public. The horse is out of the barn," Fischer said. "Not only does [Biden] have an infirmity of some degree, but he has delayed producing objective evidence." (Related: COVER-UP: White House chief doctor deems Biden fit to work, but omits cognitive test.) Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX), who served as physician to former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump, has also joined the chorus of medical professionals urging Biden to take a mental competency test. "He needs an actual cognitive battery of tests, objectively done, put on paper, and briefed to the American people by his physician," Jackson emphasized. "This guy has cognitive issues related to his age: He shuffles when he walks; he slurs his speech; he forgets where he's at [and] what he's doing; he cant remember names [and] dates. That is not someone that should be in control of the nuclear codes in this country and controlling our fate overseas." Biden consistently refuses to take cognitive exams But up until now, the 81-year-old chief executive is still projecting himself as fine. He quickly made an appearance at the White House on Feb. 8 to address Hur's report, albeit he was irritated with the press as he tried to defend his mental state. "My memory is fine," Biden lashed out at one reporter. He then turned to another reporter, saying: "My memory is so bad, I let you speak." But according to Jackson, Biden's refusal to submit to a cognitive exam is a real cause for concern. The Texas congressman pointed to the president's recent confusion of European leaders with their dead predecessors as "super concerning." "I've been saying since he was candidate Joe Biden: This man does not have the cognitive wherewithal or ability to be our head of state. If youre too incompetent and too cognitively impaired because of your age to defend yourself from these charges if he's charged then it absolutely, positively goes without saying you should not be the commander-in-chief." Former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson, himself a renowned neurosurgeon, also expressed concern about the president's health. "As someone who knows a thing or two about the human brain, Biden's mental decline has been obvious for several years," he told the New York Post. Carson has previously expressed belief that Biden has signs of dementia given the president's aggressive demeanor, apparent confusion and issues with his speech. Visit JoeBiden.news for more stories about the incumbent president and his physical and mental fitness. Watch this clip of Rep. Ronny Jackson (R-TX) expressing concern about Biden's health. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Trump supports COGNITIVE TESTS for presidential candidates. Rep. Ronny Jackson: Biden "can't do the job" of U.S. president due to COGNITIVE DECLINE. Former VP Joe Biden has not taken a cognitive test despite earlier claims. Watch Joe Biden snaps at Black reporter over cognitive test question: 'Are you a junkie?' Mainstream media alters picture of Joe Biden to remove glaring evidence of cognitive decline. Sources include: NYPost.com Brighteon.com Gang of illegals charging people $6K to smuggle them across the northern border A gang of illegal immigrants has been sneaking people into the U.S. illegally via the northern border since 2019, charging at least $6,000 per person for the endeavor. Several illegal aliens have been running the gang from New Jersey, where they settled after they were released by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). As of writing, the gang has moved dozens if not hundreds of migrants into America using secretive tactics to get them past the scarcely-guarded border between Quebec and Vermont. Surprisingly, it has been able to continue operating despite members being caught several times. (Related: NYPD orders officers to tolerate violent gangs whose members are illegal immigrants to make the police look good.) U.S. authorities have arrested and charged two accused ringleaders, both of whom are illegal immigrants. Reports say that a third alleged leader is still in Canada, where authorities say they have no powers to detain him. Prosecutors have linked the ringleaders to at least five thwarted smuggling incidents in Vermont which brought in at least 25 illegals into the country. Additionally, runners have admitted to Border Patrol investigators that more illegal crossings remain undetected. According to reports, there were 10,021 arrests for illegal crossings at the border with Canada in 2023 more than five times the number in the previous year. Many of these incidents took place in and around the Vermont area where the gang operated. Analysts think that the route has become increasingly popular among wealthier migrants who want to avoid the more dangerous conditions on the southern border. Official figures also show that the northern border faces a disproportionately high number of crossings by people on the U.S. terror watchlist. 2 Illegals released into the U.S. run the operation The gang's U.S. operations are managed in New Jersey by Jhon Reina-Perez, 34, and Victor Lopez-Padilla, 35. Reina-Perez and Lopez-Padilla are both undocumented migrants who entered America illegally through the southern border and were allowed to remain in the country pending immigration proceedings. Court filings revealed that Reina-Perez is a Colombian national who illegally crossed from Mexico into America near El Paso, Texas, in April 2022. He was processed and then released into the U.S. "pending immigration proceedings," but he failed to comply with a condition that he check in with ICE officials. In October 2022, Reina-Perez was detained a second time following an arrest near the Canadian border in Vermont. At the time, he was acting as an alleged "foot guide" to five individuals who had crossed the northern border illegally. Despite the circumstances, Reina-Perez was once again released after he told Border Patrol agents that he planned to live in the state of Washington, according to an affidavit. The document added that after his release, Reina-Perez failed to check in again with ICE as a required condition of his release. Meanwhile, Lopez-Padilla is a Guatemalan national who illegally entered the U.S. via the southern border on June 20, 2019. Filings revealed that he was arrested in Yucca, Arizona. He was processed then released from Border Patrol custody "on his own recognizance." A month later, Lopez-Padilla enrolled in the Alternative to Detention program, which requires undocumented migrants to regularly check in with authorities. In November 2019, Lopez-Padilla requested to move in with his brother in Trenton, New Jersey. In January 2020, a judge ordered that Lopez-Padilla should be deported after he failed to attend an immigration court hearing. It is unknown if he had any other run-ins with immigration authorities before his arrest over the smuggling plot. Other migrants also involved in the scheme The third alleged ringleader, Simon Jacinto-Ramos, is a Guatemalan national who prosecutors reported led the Canadian side of the plot. Jacinto-Ramos, who recently lived in Montreal, has been charged in the U.S. but remains at large. Canadian authorities added that the U.S. charges are not enough grounds to detain Jacinto-Ramos. Most of the time, the migrants were directed by contacts in Canada to crossing hot spots north of the border. They then traveled in small groups, and were collected on the U.S. side by a driver paid by the smugglers to carry the migrants further into America. The gang often employed drivers who were also illegal immigrants. They receive around $2,000 per trip to collect migrants at the border and drive them on to other locations, such as New Jersey. In one case, one of the gang's drivers was released even though he was transporting illegal migrants. He then confessed that he earned around $14,000 as part of the gang's operations. The driver, Elmer Bran-Galvez, was detained by Border Patrol agents last June 9, 2023. His vehicle was pulled over near the border in Franklin, Vermont, where four illegal migrants were found in the rear seats. In an affidavit, Border Patrol agent James Loomis said Bran-Galvez "claimed to be a citizen of Guatemala without legal status in the United States." It was then revealed that he was awaiting proceedings in immigration court. Bran-Galvez said Lopez-Padilla communicates with him and the Canadians involved in the smuggling, with the ringleader telling the driver to delete their WhatsApp exchanges afterward. The four smuggled men who were detained said they paid around $3,000 to a smuggler in Canada. They also expected to pay another $3,000 once they arrived in the United States. Head over to Trafficking.news for more stories like this. Watch this clip from Brannon Howse's "Worldview Report" about 150 child immigrant camps in Texas. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Report: Ben Shapiro donated up to $500K to migrant trafficking organization in 2022. Latin American gangs use security jammers to break into U.S. homes. United Nations allocates $372 million for U.S.-bound immigrants in 2024. Sources include: 100PercentFedUp.com DailyMail.co.uk Brighteon.com ICE official urges NYC to reassess sanctuary policy due to sharp rise in migrant crimes An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official is calling on New York City to reconsider its sanctuary policy due to unsuccessful cases against migrant-related crimes. The sanctuary policy, established in 1989 by then-Mayor Ed Koch, prohibits the use of municipal resources to assist federal authorities in most forms of immigration enforcement. However, the rule came under scrutiny after suspects involved in the Times Square attack were released without bail. In a rally with elected city officials on Feb. 5, ICE Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo said the city and state policies restrict the New York Police Department (NYPD) from cooperating with federal immigration officials. ICE agents often have to rely on media sources to gather information about potential suspects due to the lack of cooperation from local authorities. "We're no longer contacted, we're no longer called, and we have to check our databases, but obviously there's hundreds of people a week that are being arrested throughout the city. If we can't determine which one is being the most violent, we have to find out through the media, through the newspapers, through the acts of television outlets," he said. According to the Summary of Statistics of ICE Detainers, the NYPD failed to honor the 109 detainee requests from ICE in 2023 due to the existing sanctuary policy. Genalo said they had no choice but to release the suspects "directly back into the community." "Obviously, once they're back in the community, we have to then go look for them. The public safety factor for the community increases, but on top of italso for my staff and my offices. Instead of being able to take custody of these individuals in the confines of a jail or a precinct, we now have to go out into the community in the streets where the criminals have the upper hand," he said. Republican Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis also voiced her support for the reconsideration of the sanctuary policy. She cited recent crimes involving migrants, including the beating of two NYPD officers, as evidence of the need to ease the policy. "Despite the city's attempts to play semantics, the reality is they're refusing to cooperate with federal detainer and deportation requests with administrative warrants from ICE, even as hundreds of migrants continue to be arrested for murder, stabbings, robberies, and assault across the city," she said. "Thugs who pay the cartels thousands of dollars to be smuggled into our country and then proceed to commit crimes in our city should be arrested, detained and deported immediately and have any future immigration applications denied. Instead, thanks to New Yorks ridiculous policies, they are wreaking havoc on our city, being arrested and released, only to return to the comfort of their luxury hotel rooms at taxpayer expense. Its ludicrous." City Council rejects calls to reconsider sanctuary policy Mayor Eric Adams claimed he was open to reconsidering the policy, but such changes would require approval from the City Council to modify local laws. (Related: NYC Mayor Eric Adams mulling unconventional housing solutions for ILLEGALS.) City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams firmly rejected calls to reconsider the city's sanctuary city status, dismissing accusations that the policy played a role in the recent assault on two NYPD officers in Times Square. In a press conference at City Hall on Feb. 8, she stressed that there were "no plans" to stop the decades-old immigration rule. The City Council speaker accused voices on the political right of mischaracterizing the practical implications of sanctuary status. She argued that focusing on the law in the context of the Times Square incident was unwarranted. "Some have pointed to this repugnant and unfortunate incident as a reason to revisit policies advanced by Democratic and Republican mayors...who recognized that keeping city agencies and workers from being used for federal immigration enforcement is in the best interest of public safety. In reality, these bipartisan city policies have no connection to this incident. This was purely an issue of our local law enforcement solving and prosecuting an alleged crime," she stated. Migrants.news has more stories about illegal aliens in the Big Apple. Watch the video below to learn more about New York's migrant problem. This video is from the Cleansing Flow channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: BREAKING POINT reached: NYC, other sanctuary cities "tired" of illegal immigrants influx, struggle with local resources. Texas to ship thousands more illegals to sanctuary cities like NYC as Title 42 ends. SANCTUARY OVERLOAD: Texas sends more buses full of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to Democrat-controlled sanctuary cities. Mayor of sanctuary city New York angry as HALF the hotel rooms fill up with illegal aliens. NYC to LIMIT shelter stays for migrant families to 60 DAYS. Sources include: JusttheNews.com NYDailyNews.com Brighteon.com Illinois councilman suggests people should host illegal immigrants in their homes to ease taxpayer burdens According to a councilman from a Chicago suburb, some members of his community should open their homes to illegal immigrants to help with the ongoing immigration crisis. Councilman Josh McBroom shared the bizarre idea during a City Council meeting in Naperville, Illinois, where he also claimed that it is "a very affluent" and "compassionate community" where residents have "a lot of big homes." McBroom said he doesn't believe that Naperville should use taxpayer dollars to help house or assist the illegal immigrant families arriving in droves in the Chicago area. He added that lawmakers hear from many constituents calling for local leaders to "do more" to help with the swarms of illegal immigrants seeking asylum in neighboring Chicago, a sanctuary city. Naperville has a population of at least 149,000 people. (Related: Video shows illegal aliens lining up to receive FREE housing in New York City.) According to McBroom, the community is rather affluent, with many spacious homes. He suggested that they should create a sign-up sheet to find out if anyone would volunteer to rehome migrant families. No formal voting yet on McBroom's proposal McBroom hoped residents would volunteer for the rehoming scheme he proposed, while also suggesting that officials seek support from the diocese. While McBrooms fellow council members Paul Leong, Jennifer Bruzan Taylor and Nate Wilson all support his proposal, no formal vote was taken on the suggestion. Reports suggest that the idea could be brought back for further discussion at a future council meeting after further vetting. Another council member said that, on estimate, McBrooms plan would require at least 16 hours of city staff time. According to a spokesperson for the Naperville city managers office, Naperville's City Council has asked staff to prepare a future agenda item, "so [the] council may consider whether to create a sign-up opportunity for residents to volunteer to host migrants." The spokesperson also explained that the Naperville City Council hasnt made any final decisions or taken any final action on the issue. Additionally, the spokesperson said until the council provides more direction, "no further details will be available." Chicago dealing with a "remarkable challenge" Since August 2022, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has sent more than 31,100 migrants to the Chicago area as part of "Operation Lonestar," a multi-agency effort to halt illegal crossings and prevent human smuggling across the border, said his office. As of Jan. 17, six buses carrying migrants have stopped at Napervilles downtown Metra station since Dec. 21, 2023, reported city spokeswoman Linda LaCloche. McBrooms suggestion came after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said that the Biden administration should do more to resolve the immigration crisis affecting the city. Johnson also said that the current influx of illegal immigrants is unsustainable without a significant increase in federal support. He added that in December 2023, the city was housing 15,000 illegal immigrants in 27 temporary shelters while a total of 4,500 children were in the Chicago public schools system. The mayor argued that the city is dealing with a "remarkable challenge," adding that the lack of a "significant investment" from the federal government means it wouldn't only be Chicago that is unable to manage the influx of illegal immigrants but all of America. Meanwhile, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has also asked the Biden administration to do more to help the state deal with the influx of migrants. In his letter to the White House late last year, Pritzker warned that the situation is becoming "untenable" and that Illinois is struggling with the constant flow of people. Visit InvasionUSA.news for more news about illegal immigration in the United States. Watch the video below as Black Democrats are fighting back against illegal immigrants in their cities. This video is from the Neroke-5 channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: THE PRECIOUS ONES: Maine builds "palace-like" apartments for ILLEGALS using taxpayer money amid rising homelessness. ABSURD: Maine constructing new luxurious apartments for illegal aliens using taxpayer money. DHS Secretary Mayorkas: Biden administration releasing over 85% of illegal immigrants directly into America. ILLEGALS selling drugs and burgers in tent city at NYCs Randalls Island. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com FoxNews.com Brighteon.com ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 14. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) may open a national office in Turkmenistan to promote renewable energy initiatives, Trend reports. According to an official source, this prospect was discussed during a meeting between Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Deputy Director General of IRENA Gauri Singh. It was stressed at the meeting that Turkmenistan also cooperates with UNDP, UNIDO, and UNEP in the field of renewable energy development. The meeting with the Deputy Director General of IRENA was held as part of the participation of the delegation of Turkmenistan in the World Government Summit (WGS 2024), which is taking place in Dubai. Meanwhile, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an interstate international organization founded in 2009 to support the use of all forms of renewable energy sources. IRENA facilitates access to all necessary information on renewable energy sources, including technical data, while contributing to increasing the pace of renewable energy use worldwide and the dissemination of knowledge and technology in this area. Israel faces cascading DEBT COLLAPSE as Jewish state hit with credit rating downgrade If Israel's war on Hamas and the Palestinian people in general continues to grow and expand to other fronts, the global credit rating agency S&P is warning that it might cut the Jewish state's sovereign credit rating. Last October, S&P maintained Israel's current "AA-" rating, despite the war on Gaza. It did, however, lower Israel's credit outlook from "stable" to "negative," citing the possibility of Israel's war on Gaza spilling over into other territories. Should Israel's war on Gaza become a regional affair, which already appears to be in the works, the Jewish state's broader economy will be seriously impacted, as will the broader humanitarian crisis throughout the Middle East. Maxim Rybnikov, director of S&P's EMEA sovereign and public finance ratings, warns that Israel's credit rating will likely be downgraded should there be a direct confrontation with Hezbollah in Lebanon or Iran. "We could also lower the ratings if the impact of the conflict on Israel's economic growth, fiscal position and balance of payments proves more significant than we currently project," Rybnikov said. (Related: Hospitals throughout Israel have reportedly been told to prepare for "thousands of casualties" in the coming days is it going to become World War III?) Israeli economic woes In 2024, S&P expects Israel's economy to grow by just 0.5 percent, this compared to a cumulative 2023-24 budget deficit of 10.5 percent "but there are downside risks to these assumptions," Rybnikov said. "It is already clear that defense spending will be higher in the years to come and the longer-term impact of the war on FDI [foreign direct investment] flows, investor sentiment and other areas remains uncertain." Should Israel's conflict with the Palestinians be resolved, S&P could restore Israel's credit outlook to "stable" because "peace," in that context, would mean fewer regional and domestic security risks to upset the economy. One wonders if S&P is considering the possibility that Israel gets decimated by Lebanon and / or Iran, two Middle Eastern powerhouses that one commenter on a news story about all this described as having "much superior armed forces." "Should the U.S. be foolish enough to be drawn in on Israel's side and so far, it looks like that's the last thing they are planning to do then the U.S.'s last slide down the asymptote to the bottom could truly begin," this person added. "When the dust clears, S&P might be hard put to find an economy in Israel to downgrade." Another joked that these latest warnings from the S&P "means Hamas must be hiding in S&P's offices," the suggestion being that "Hamas" is merely an excuse by Israel to fulfill its brutal Zionist agenda. "Israel's credibility rating is zero," wrote someone else. "This has become a defining moment in history that will bring with it consequences beyond just a credit rating." "I'm in America and I will never buy Israeli products ever again in my lifetime," said another. "I won't buy from our American corporations ever again, either." Already in the eyes of much of the world, Israel has been downgraded, expressed someone else about how the Jewish state really jumped the shark with this whole October 7 terror attack situation. The recent ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) means that the rest of the world has been put on notice to pressure Israel to stop its genocide of the Palestinian people. Should Israel forge on, it can expect serious economic sanctions. "Israel has virtually no territory with enough natural resources to make a difference once severe sanctions are imposed by the world on their state," another commenter added to the conversation. "If they go ahead with genocide of Palestinian peoples, the sanctions will be permanent." Could it be that Israel has been "chosen" for financial collapse and destruction? Find out more at IsraelCollapse.com. Sources for this article include: RT.com NaturalNews.com Kazakhstan considering SURGICAL CASTRATION as punishment for the most heinous pedophiles The Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan is currently considering a new law that will give its courts the option to surgically castrate the most heinous pedophiles in the country. This development came after experts said the current punishment of chemical castration is ineffective in stopping child sex offenders. Chemical castration, which is considered one of the most stringent punishments for sex offenders, involves the administration of reversible medications, like injections or hormonal treatments, to temporarily lower testosterone levels in men. On the other hand, surgical castration involves an irreversible treatment the removal of one or both testicles for men and one or both ovaries in women to permanently reduce an offender's sex drive. Currently, Kazakhstan only allows several years of forced chemical castration for pedophiles. Lawmakers from Kazakhstan's ruling Amanat Party, including Member of Parliament Einur Beisenbaev, argue that the current system of chemical castration is ineffective in stopping child sex offenders. Beisenbaev said child rape is happening more often these days, with 430 recorded crimes recently. He also clarified that the current proposal by the government would not apply to all sex offenders. "We don't suggest applying it to all pedophiles, but we'd like to give courts an option of having surgical castration. If a pedophile attack is especially cruel, I believe surgical castration must be applied," Beisenbaev said. Human rights activist Dina Tansari backed the argument of Beinsenbaev. Tansari argued that pedophiles could still pose a threat upon release, even after chemical castration. "Impunity gives rise to new crimes. No chemical castration will help. We must take into account the fact that the medicine used in this procedure is very easy to remove from the body," she said. "Doctors say that its effect can be neutralized by alcohol. I believe this is a waste of public funds," she said. Beisenbaev: Stronger measures needed against pedophiles Beisenbaev cited a recent case involving the tragic death of five-year-old Erkezhan Nurmakhan at the hands of a 48-year-old pedophile named Saidolim Gayibnazarov last July. Nurmakhan, a neighbor's daughter who fell victim to Gayibnazarov, was lured into the house of the perpetrator with the promise of money for ice cream. Gayibnazarov sexually assaulted the girl, suffocated her with a plastic bag and stabbed her eight times with a knife. After that, he hid her body in his attic and then calmly joined the search for the missing child along with her parents and other neighbors. He then misled everyone by falsely claiming she had walked toward a local canal. (Related: Homeless convicted pedophile arrested after camping near San Francisco school and offering free fentanyl for new users.) Gayibnazarov, with previous convictions for killing a man with an axe, was sentenced to a forced chemical castration and life imprisonment in a high-security penal colony. According to Beisenbaev, this kind of incident underscores the urgent need for stronger measures. He criticized the government for being "spineless" and accused it of pandering to pedophiles for not implementing "surgical castration." "The government says our amendment for surgical castration of pedophiles violates human rights. Our government demonstrates its lack of backbone by not approving surgical castration as if we violate the rights of pedophiles because pedophiles are human beings. I believe they are not human beings. This [surgical castration] is a preventive measure. It sends a message to all pedophiles and other criminals of similar type, that this heinous crime will result in physical castration by court order," he said. Visit Trafficking.news for more stories about child sexual exploitation and efforts to combat it. Watch this video discussing pedophilia and the reasons why it needs to be stopped. This video is from the AirTV International channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: PEDO PLATFORM: Instagrams algorithms promote a vast pedophile network, report reveals. White hat hacker dismantles worlds largest pedophile ring, sends child rapists to prison. Pedophile sickos at Netflix launch new film called Cuties that features 11-year-old girls TWERKING. Bill Gates teamed up with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein to create global drug and vaccine investment fund. Why did the U.S. State Department lease an upscale New York City apartment to disgraced pedophile Jeffrey Epstein? Sources include: 100PercentFedup.com FindLaw.com DailyMail.co.uk 1 DailyMail.co.uk 2 Brighteon.com Navy officers serving key roles to be redeployed in woke diversity and inclusion jobs, U.K. military announces Despite tremendous manpower shortages that have left its various divisions unable to perform even the most basic of essential functions, the military of the United Kingdom is redeploying officers who currently work in "key roles" to brand-new "diversity and inclusion" positions of a woke nature. Keep in mind that Great Britain's Royal Navy and Royal Marines are both struggling to deploy any of their available resources to aid in the British-American operation against the Houthis in Yemen because of a staffing crisis, and yet these new woke positions are taking priority for DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) purposes. "You can imagine the sort of power-hungry social justice warriors this will attract," commented on Navy source, lamenting the UK military's decision on this matter. "Taking people from key and important roles to focus on diversity is nonsense," added Admiral The Lord West, a former chief of the Naval Staff and Labor government minister. "The Royal Navy has lost the plot." "Obsessing over diversity and inclusion actually leads to recruitment issues. One needs just to look at the RAF's positive discrimination schemes, which led to the exclusion of some white men. These diversity roles should be scrapped immediately." (Related: Last summer, workers at a facility in the UK where cutting-edge missiles are manufactured went on strike, leaving Ukraine without its promised weaponry.) That's one way to kill off your armed forces West's commentary is in reference to recent revelations that the Royal Air Force (RAF) illegally discriminated against white men, disparaging them as "useless white males." When a recruiter complained about this discrimination, she was ultimately forced out of her job. As a result, nobody even wants to serve in the UK armed forces, which is also the case in the United States where the military is similarly going woke, aka ridding its ranks of white people while ushering in more transgender and LGBT soldiers. Last year, Spiked published a report about RAF's "woke discrimination," warning that even the armed forces "are falling to divisive identitarian dogma." Editor Tom Slater wrote that the RAF's new woke policies are so extreme that they are almost unbelievable as actually being real. One of them is the anti-white men policy, which was enacted to recruit "impossible" diversity targets aiming for more female and ethnic-minority recruits. Elizabeth Nicholl, the RAF recruitment head who was fired for speaking out against this anti-white discrimination, says at least 160 while male recruits were discriminated against prior to her resignation. Sky News reported that 31 of these white men who were adversely affected by the diversity targets will now receive a measly 5,000 (about $6,350) each in compensation. "This discrimination drive (sorry, diversity drive) started in late 2020, the year of Black Lives Matter, when basically every Western institution was overrun by racial hysteria," Slater writes. "From then until early 2021, RAF top brass reportedly piled huge pressure on recruiters to 'lift the ratio of recruits to 20 per cent ethnic minorities and 40 per cent females by 2030.'" "When all this began to be uncovered, following backlash and incredulity among lower ranks, the RAF issued a series of non-denial denials. RAF chief Mike Wigston told MPs earlier this year that no discrimination had taken place and insisted 'there was no compromise of entry standards.' But this now seems to have been contradicted by the latest Sky News report. A Sky source also alleges that efforts were made to offer women and ethnic minorities places prior to taking a fitness test, allowing them a clear advantage over their white male counterparts." The societal infrastructure of the West is being systematically dismantled by the globalists to make way for their planned new world order. Find out more at Collapse.news. Sources for this article include: TheNationalPulse.com NaturalNews.com Spiked-Online.com News.Sky.com Saudi Arabia warns of VERY SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS if Israel storms Rafah Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry has issued a stern warning to Israel and its allies, cautioning them of "very serious repercussions" should West Jerusalem proceed with its planned ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah, Gaza's last refuge for civilians displaced by the ongoing conflict. The ministry's statement strongly condemned the anticipated "storming and targeting" of Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinians sought safety after being displaced by Israeli bombings. Rafah is described as "the last resort for hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee due to the brutal Israeli aggression," according to Riyadh. The Kingdom reiterated its unequivocal rejection and condemnation of the forced deportation, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire. The statement followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's order for military plans to evacuate civilians crowded in Rafah as preparations are made to target the last Hamas stronghold in the Palestinian enclave. (Related: Saudi Arabia warns of "catastrophic consequences" if Israel launches INVASION of Gaza.) Netanyahu, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, insists on achieving "total victory" over Hamas to ensure Israel's security. Israel initiated airstrikes in Rafah on Saturday, Feb. 10, resulting in at least 44 casualties, as reported by Hamas. The conflict in Gaza has claimed over 28,000 lives, displaced 85 percent of the population, and left 570,000 Gazans facing starvation, according to the United Nations. The Saudi Foreign Ministry asserted that both Israel and its supporters will be held accountable for the developments in Rafah. The ministry called for the urgent convening of the UN Security Council to prevent Israel from causing a humanitarian disaster, holding those supporting the aggression responsible. Saudi Arabia stated it would not establish formal ties with Israel until the Gaza aggression ceases, and an independent Palestinian state, based on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, is recognized. More casualties reported after another round of Israeli airstrikes in Rafah Meanwhile, scores of people, including innocent children, fell victim to the relentless Israeli airstrikes and shelling that pounded multiple locations in Rafah overnight Monday, Feb. 12, as detailed by the Palestine Red Crescent Society. The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza reported 94 casualties, but the numbers are expected to climb as rescue operations continue. Israeli warplanes targeted different areas of Rafah, including homes and mosques, resulting in a chaotic scene documented in footage from Al Kuwaiti hospital. The dire situation overwhelmed medical facilities, with the director of Abu Yousef Al-Najjar Hospital stating that the Israeli occupation's bombardment had strained their capacity to handle a large number of injuries. The Israeli military acknowledged conducting a series of strikes in the Shaboura area, rescuing two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Louis Har, 70, who were kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak. The hostages are reported to be in good medical condition after being transferred for examination at Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital. The international community expressed growing alarm over the deteriorating situation in Rafah. Qatar urged the UN Security Council to prevent what it described as "genocide," emphasizing the risk of a "humanitarian catastrophe in the city." But Netanyahu remains resolute in his decision to proceed with the Rafah operation, aiming for completion by the start of Ramadan. This has led to a significant displacement of Palestinians, who have sought refuge in Rafah, making it the last major population center not occupied by the Israeli military. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has inflicted severe humanitarian crises, including starvation, medical emergencies and a staggering death toll of over 28,000 Palestinians. Watch the aftermath of Israel's bombing of a "safe zone" tent camp in Rafah during the Super Bowl. This video is from the HaloRock channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Israel vs. Hezbollah: A new war will consume the entire Middle East. Israel unleashing Hannibal Directive on entire Gaza Strip, INTENTIONALLY KILLING Israeli hostages. Israel killed more Palestinians in 2023 than in any year since 1948. Sources include: RT.com Brighteon.com WATCH: Scientists admit theyre wrong about God particle Scientists at CERN now admit that they were wrong about their initial findings and assumptions regarding the Higgs Boson particle. (Article by Noah republished from WLTReport.com) Commonly known as the God particle, the Higgs Boson particle is the first subatomic, element particle that scientists have discovered that does not feature spin along an axis. Researchers have now discovered that upon decay the Higgs Boson particle can potentially transform itself into different combinations of photons and leptons. Sometimes the subatomic particle will decay and feature either the same or a neutral charge, while other times the decay leads to subatomic particles of an opposite charge. Popular Science and Technology YouTube channel The Secrets of The Universe broke down the discovery: Physicist Martin Bauer explained: Classically a Higgs boson cant decay into photons: Photons are massless and the Higgs boson only sees massive fields. But in quantum field theory it can interact with massive fields and *they* can interact with photons. Using this detour a Higgs can decay into photons. Classically a Higgs boson can't decay into photons: Photons are massless and the Higgs boson only sees massive fields But in quantum field theory it can interact with massive fields and *they* can interact with photons Using this detour a Higgs can decay into photons 2/10 pic.twitter.com/KzgD9Y3l3q Martin Bauer (@martinmbauer) June 3, 2023 LHC experiments see first evidence of a rare Higgs boson decayhttps://t.co/pcKZTkWYebpic.twitter.com/X5rUvF1Myw Interactions.org (@particlenews) May 26, 2023 CERN wrote via Physics.Org: Each particle has a special relationship with the Higgs boson, making the search for rare Higgs decays a high priority, says ATLAS physics coordinator Pamela Ferrari. Through a meticulous combination of the individual results of ATLAS and CMS, we have made a step forward towards unraveling yet another riddle of the Higgs boson. The existence of new particles could have very significant effects on rare Higgs decay modes, says CMS physics coordinator Florencia Canelli. Talkin About History shared a brief synopsis of the Hadron Collider that allowed for the discovery of the Higgs Boson particle in 2012. On September 10, 2008, Scientists activate the Large Hadron Collider (measuring 17 miles) in Geneva, in the search for the God particle associated with a mass-transmitting energy field was the key to how everything in the universe acquires mass. The particle was found in 2012. pic.twitter.com/u3poOAck4F Talkin' About History! (@TalkinHistory) September 10, 2023 Space.Com explained further: The two leptons hit our calorimeter really close to each other, Beacham added. The LHCs calorimeter is a tool that stops particles coming from a particle collision. Scientists can spot and study these particles when theyre stopped or absorbed by the tool. While scientists have predicted that this type of decay should exist with the Higgs boson, this new detection is the first hint of evidence of this very rare decay mode of the Higgs boson, Beacham said. Read more at: WLTReport.com U.S. strike in Baghdad kills commander linked to deadly Jordan attack The United States has launched military strikes in Baghdad, aiming to neutralize individuals believed to be responsible for the attack on an American base in Jordan that led to the death of three servicemembers. According to a statement from U.S. Central Command, a commander associated with the Kata'ib Hezbollah terror group, directly involved in planning and executing attacks on U.S. forces in the region, was killed in the strike. (Related: U.S. forces strike Hezbollah facilities in Iraq.) This move follows the administration of President Joe Biden's recent retaliation against Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq and Syria. Last week, a series of air campaigns saw long-distance bombers dropping 125 precision munitions on suspected terrorists. However, the strikes have faced criticism from Iraqi authorities, who claim that civilians and Iraqi Security Forces personnel were killed without prior notification. The Biden administration clarifies that these retaliatory actions are aimed at countering Iran-backed groups forming the "Islamic Resistance in Iraq," which the Pentagon holds responsible for attacking U.S. troops. Kata'ib Hezbollah is one such group within this alliance. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel defended the strikes, stating that the targets were carefully chosen to minimize civilian casualties. Despite these assurances, Iraqi officials condemned the U.S. operation, asserting their rejection and denunciation of American aggression against Iraqi security forces and civilian sites. Recent strike represents a potential escalation in violence The situation takes a significant turn as the United States, for the first time, targets an individual believed to be directly responsible for the attack in Jordan. Previous operations focused on infrastructure associated with munitions and rockets. Photographs from the scene suggest that the strike was initiated by a drone against a moving car in the eastern part of the Iraqi capital, representing a potential escalation in violence. While the U.S. military had previously confined its operations to the rural border with Syria, this shift marks a more direct response against those allegedly behind the attack in Jordan. The ongoing attacks on U.S. forces have prompted calls from hawkish members of Congress for more robust action, including strikes inside Iran. However, Biden emphasized how his Pentagon is conducting a multi-tiered response against those responsible for the Jordan attack while stopping short of engaging in a full-fledged war with Iran. The recent U.S. drone strike in Baghdad that targeted and killed a commander of the Iran-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah has drawn condemnation from Iraq, raising concerns about the impact of such actions on the region's stability. Iraqi Armed Forces spokesperson Yahya Rasool stated on Thursday that the United States-led military coalition in Iraq is becoming a "factor for instability" and warned that these repeated attacks are pushing the Iraqi government to consider ending the coalition's mission. The latest strike has intensified tensions and sparked discussions about the future of the U.S.-led coalition's presence in Iraq. Rasool emphasized that the coalition's actions are causing instability and could entangle Iraq in an ongoing cycle of conflict. He criticized the U.S.-led coalition for engaging in what he described as "clear-cut assassination operations" without sufficient regard for the lives of civilians and international law. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken defended the strikes, stating that the U.S. is taking preemptive action to prevent escalation in the region. However, critics argue that the U.S.'s military actions are contributing to heightened tensions, particularly in the context of recent events in the region. The situation has prompted calls for the Iraqi government to reassess its relationship with the U.S.-led coalition. Last month, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani suggested that talks would be held to determine a schedule for ending the coalition's tasks in the country. The recent drone strike has further fueled discussions about the strategic implications of the U.S.'s military presence in Iraq. In response to the strike, Iraq's Harakat al-Nujaba movement vowed "targeted retaliation," indicating that they view the U.S. actions as provocations that demand a firm response. Meanwhile, the Palestinian group Hamas and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group have criticized the strikes as violations of Iraq's sovereignty and security. Watch this clip from Tru News discussing the recent U.S. drone strikes in Iraq. This video is from the DWP97048 on Brighteon.com. More related stories: U.S. carries out AIRSTRIKES in Syria and Iraq but Iran remains untouched for now. Pentagon instructs U.S. troops stationed in Iraq to BE PREPARED for possible Israel-Hamas war escalation. Nearly 60 U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria injured in series of attacks by Iran-backed militias. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Aljazeera.com Brighteon.com Surgical robot KILLS woman after BURNING her small intestine during colon cancer surgery A grieving husband filed a federal lawsuit against the manufacturer of a surgical robot that caused fatal injuries to his wife during her colon cancer surgery back in September 2021. The surgical robot, known as the Da Vinci robot, was first introduced in 1999 as a surgical device with multiple arms. The robot has surgical tools, including forceps, scissors, scalpels and others, which surgeons control from a distance using an onboard camera. The Da Vinci offers a wide range of clinical applications across specialties such as general surgery, urologic surgery, gynecologic surgery, cardiothoracic surgery and head and neck surgery. Meanwhile, procedures include hernia repair, colon and rectal procedures, cholecystectomy, bariatric surgery, hysterectomy and lobectomy, among others. Sandra Sultzer chose to allow a Da Vinci robot to be used for her surgery. However, Intuitive Surgical Inc., the manufacturer of the Da Vinci, allegedly failed to warn Sandra about the potential issues of using the robot in her surgery at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida. According to the lawsuit filed by Harvey Sultzer, husband of the victim, Sandra suffered a "thermal injury" to her small intestine, resulting in a perforation. The lawsuit claims this injury required further medical intervention and caused physical and emotional harm, ultimately leading to her death. The lawsuit, filed in West Palm Beach in the District Court for the Southern District of Florida, claims that the company neglected to design the product to prevent stray electrical energy from harming patients without the surgeons knowing or controlling it. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that surgeons weren't adequately trained to use the device. Furthermore, the case states that most of the Da Vinci robot's instruments are disposable, leading to the company relying on the Da Vinci being used in more surgical procedures than is necessary for the company to make back what it invested in its creation. And, in turn, they sell their surgical instruments to hospitals lacking experience in robotic surgery. These hospitals depend solely on the company to train their surgeons on how to use these instruments. Da Vinci robot linked to thousands of injuries and hundreds of deaths The controversy surrounding Intuitive Surgical, Inc. is not new, and unfortunately Sandra Sultzer's injury and subsequent passing are not isolated cases. The Da Vinci has been linked to thousands of complaints regarding burns and injuries, safety issues and negligence. As of now, Intuitive Surgical is named as a defendant in approximately 93 product liability lawsuits. In 2018, NBC News reported that over 20,000 adverse events related to the Da Vinci had been filed in the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MAUDE database over the past decade, including nearly 17,000 device malfunctions, over 2,000 injuries and 274 deaths. The most dangerous problems were burns to the organs inside the body, which happened because of electric discharges from the robot's tools during surgery. (Related: Surgical robots are impossible to clean, all machines contaminated.) For instance, in that same year, a woman from Iowa suffered from burns and damages during a Da Vinci-assisted hysterectomy. More than a dozen patients also claimed injuries during surgeries involving the Da Vinci device. Moreover, the FDA conducted an investigation with Intuitive Surgical in 2013 after the company received thousands of injury and defect reports. The FDA sent a warning letter to the manufacturer, accusing it of concealing information, secretly recalling defective parts and disregarding known injuries in the design process. Learn more about the dangers of using robots at Robotics.news. Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, discusses how the plan to replace human labor with AI systems comes from the globalists. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Surgical robot BOTCHES surgery, kills man on operating table while doctors sipped lattes. Surgical robots promise to make surgery less painful; and yet are still medically unnecessary most of the time. "Confused" industrial robot crushed a worker to death at a vegetable packing plant in South Korea. China's humanoid robot factories to go online in 2025, HALF of human labor force to be eliminated. LGBT "queer surgeon" in Oregon using high-tech genital surgery ROBOTS to crank out "high volume" of child sex changes. Sources include: GazetteExtra.com NBCNews.com Brighteon.com Texas Gov. Abbott slams NYC mayors $53M Cash for Migrants program Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has decried New York City's (NYC) $53 million "Cash for Migrants" program "It sounds like insanity is behind it, because it really is offensive. It may be the most reprehensible thing that I've seen take place over the past 48 hours," the governor said about the project of NYC Mayor Eric Adams. He made his remarks during a Feb. 4 appearance on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures" with Maria Bartiromo. Abbott pointed out during the show that news of the program came just days after a group of illegal immigrants from Venezuela were caught on video beating two police officers near Times Square. Despite the violent assault, the illegals received no charges and were released back on the streets without bail. The governor of the Lone Star State has been busing illegals who unlawfully enter through Texas to NYC and other sanctuary cities. "What's going on in [NYC] is outrageous and Americans across the country are angry. Not just about what's going on [there], but the underlying cause for it which is [President] Joe Biden's open border policies." According to reports, the $53 million will be in the form of prepaid credit cards coming from the city government. An initial group of 500 migrant families in short-term stays at the Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan will receive the cards. These prepaid credit cards serve to help the illegals buy food and replace the current food service offered there. (Related: NYC migrant crisis: Central Park being considered as HOUSING for migrants.) "The cards can only be used at bodegas, grocery stores, supermarkets and convenience stores. The amount on each card will vary depending on the size of the family and whether they have any income coming in. Migrants must sign an affidavit swearing they will only spend the funds on food and baby supplies, or they will be kicked out of the program." Adams DEFENDS the program from Abbott and other "detractors" Meanwhile, Adams' office said that over 173,000 illegals have been through the Big Apple's migrant intake system since the spring of 2022. The NYC mayor defended the program, insisting that the $1,000-a-month cards would cut spending. If the pilot program is a success, it would be expanded to all migrant families staying in hotels. As of writing, there are about 15,000 families staying in migrant shelters in the Empire State. "We are going to save money on delivery," Adams said during the New York State Legislature's "Tin Cup Day" where he and other mayors present budgetary requests to state lawmakers. "We're going to save money on people wasting food, and this is a pilot project we're going to use that to save approximately $6.7 million annually." "We're not giving people American Express cards. Instead of a debit card, instead of having to deliver food they're now able to get their own food [for] $12 a day." The NYC mayor also appealed for greater state support, urging the state government to cover 50 percent of the costs associated with addressing the Big Apple's migrant crisis. Moreover, he also claimed that his detractors including Abbott had been lying about the program. Head over to Migrants.news for more stories about NYC's migrant crisis. Watch this video about what goes on inside the migrant housing facilities in New York City. This video is from the Worldview Report channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: NYC sees a surge in TUBERCULOSIS cases amid influx of migrants. NYC Mayor Adams: MIGRANTS from Venezuela feeding Big Apples new RED-LIGHT DISTRICT. Parents outraged as NYC students forced to study remotely while their school shelters 2,000 migrants. NYC Mayor Eric Adams DEFUNDS POLICE, rolls out various austerity measures to spend on ILLEGAL MIGRANTS. NYC Mayor Eric Adams announces plans to house THOUSANDS OF MIGRANTS on an island in the East River. Sources include: ZeroHedge.com NYPost.com Brighteon.com Former British PM Boris Johnson blasts Tucker Carlson as TRAITOR to journalism for interviewing Putin Former British Prime Minister (PM) Boris Johnson denounced journalist Tucker Carlson for interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling the former Fox News host a "traitor to journalism." Johnson used the Feb. 9 edition of his column for the Daily Mail to rebuke Carlson over his alleged "bum-sucking servility" to Putin. The former PM also denounced the journalist for being "the stooge of the tyrant" and "the dictaphone to the dictator." "He was just the medium, the sewer, the hose by which the untreated slurry of Putin's message could be sprayed where Putin wants it most over the fertile heartlands of America. In his fawning, guffawing, slack-jawed happiness at having a 'scoop,' he betrayed his viewers and listeners around the world." The former British leader also lamented how Carlson "didn't ask tough questions" such as why Putin is allegedly "using the most brutal means of modern warfare to maim and murder innocent Ukrainian civilians." Johnson also denounced Carlson for refusing to bring up the supposed "torture, rapes [and] blowing up of kindergartens all of it wholly unnecessary and unprovoked." "The Russian leader chose to invade a sovereign and independent European country, with no justification other than his arrogant desire to crush that country and to rebuild the Soviet Union. Like [Adolf] Hitler, he is of course lying about his future intentions. After all, he lied barefacedly about his intention to invade Ukraine." Johnson is the real traitor for urging Ukraine to scrap peace deal with Russia However, his move to accuse Carlson of being a "traitor" appears to be a projection on his part. During Carlson's interview with Putin, the Russian leader disclosed that Johnson was indeed the one responsible for Ukraine ditching a peace deal. The document, already inked by Kyiv and Moscow, would have ended the war fastest. According to Putin, Davyd Arakhamia the leader of the ruling Servant of the People (SN) party in Ukraine's unicameral Verkhovna Rada parliament expressed interest in signing the peace deal. This preliminary agreement had been reached in the city of Istanbul in Turkey following direct negotiations with Ukrainian officials. However, the former British PM intervened and talked Arakhamia out of signing. (Related: Putin 'tried everything possible' to make peace Ukrainian diplomat.) "Arakhamia publicly stated to the world that [Ukraine was] ready to sign the document, but Johnson came and dissuaded [him], saying it was better to fight Russia," Putin recounted. He added that Washington also convinced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, a member of SN, to reject any potential peace deal. A BBC report from September 2022 also mentioned Johnson's disapproval of a potential peace settlement between Kyiv and Moscow. The former British PM told the House of Commons, the U.K.'s lower house of parliament, that there is "absolutely no sign" that Russia wants to reach a deal with Ukraine. He also warned against any "land for peace" deal, adding that Moscow could not be trusted to adhere to its terms. However, Putin's remarks to Carlson prove that Johnson is indeed lying through his teeth. Both the erstwhile PM and Arakhamia have denied the allegations. Johnson, in his Daily Mail column, reiterated that Putin's claim of his involvement in the now-collapsed peace deal was "ludicrous." He also stressed his September 2022 remarks against the Russian leader, claiming: "Why on Earth should he be trusted now to respect any peace deal, even if the Ukrainians tried to do one? He obviously can't be trusted over Poland, the Baltic states or anywhere in the vast periphery of the former Soviet Union." Head over to RussiaReport.news for more stories about Russian President Vladimir Putin's interview with Tucker Carlson. Watch this clip from "The HighWire with Del Bigtree" about the mainstream media's war against Tucker Carlson over his interview with Putin. This video is from the Scriptural Scrutiny channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Transcript of Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin NOW RELEASED. Putin reportedly willing to end war with Ukraine, sit down for PEACE TALKS. The real propagandists are those who dismiss Tucker Carlson's Putin interview. "Because we love the U.S.": Tucker Carlson says interviewing Putin is about informing Americans. Panicked EU may impose TRAVEL BAN on Tucker Carlson following his journalistic interview with Russian leader Putin. Sources include: TheNationalPulse.com 1 DailyMail.co.uk TheNationalPulse.com 2 BBC.com Brighteon.com TARGETING TODDLERS: CDC head Mandy Cohen says mask mandates could return for toddlers despite CDC scientists finding that masks dont work Last fall, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) head Mandy Cohen was asked by Congress whether or not she plans to bring back mask mandates for toddlers. Rather than answer the question, Cohen beat around the bush and vaguely suggested she might try. "We have a lot of different tools to protect our children," Cohen ominously stated. Just six days later, a British Medical Journal (BMJ) journal published a study stating unequivocally that "mask recommendations for children are not supported by scientific evidence." In other words, should Cohen decide to attempt another round of forced masking in America at some point in the future, she will be openly and flagrantly defying the latest science on the matter, which comes from one of the most reputable science journals in the world. "Because benefits of masking for COVID-19 have not been identified, it should be recognized that mask recommendations for children are not supported by scientific evidence," the study explains. (Related: Did you catch the secret letter from a top epidemiologist revealing that masks do not work and the government secretly knows this fact but pushed them on everyone anyway?) CDC fights with its own scientists about masks CDC top dogs like Cohen are notorious for fighting with their own scientists about the issue of mask mandates. Just last week, in fact, she waged war on CDC researchers for daring to declare that N95 respirators worked better than surgical masks at blocking "droplets" and other potential infectors. This is an important matter because, as of late, the pro-mask crowd, embarrassed by the collapse of their narrative, has shifted to claiming that N95 respirators must be mandated during the next staged "pandemic" because the devices supposedly work better than surgical masks at stopping COVID. The CDC's own science contradicts this, but because many people simply listen to the "news" rather than do their own due diligence on the matter, it will probably be the case that N95s get pushed as the next "solution" for disease. "During a presentation last summer, a CDC expert stated there was no difference between N95 respirators and masks in stopping viruses," Disinformation Chronicle explains. "These findings have been supported by CDC scientists in a study CDC published on the agency's website last November just a few weeks before Director Cohen testified before Congress." The CDC also published a study early on in the "pandemic" in May 2020 and in the agency's own official journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, no less revealing that agency scientists were unable to find a "substantial effect" for masks in stopping the transmission of respiratory so-called "viruses." This study did not stop CDC heads from forging on in pushing people to mask up for their own "protection," though. In fact, the CDC launched a propaganda campaign on its website urging the public to wear N95 respirators rather than surgical masks to keep themselves "safe" from the "virus." In a tiny disclaimer on its website, the CDC did admit that there is no actual science to back this recommendation. This was further admitted in a 2019 CDC study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) stating that "no significant difference" was identified between respirators and those infamous blue masks at "stopping the spread." "They just look like fools, at this point," noted one Disinformation Chronicle reader about the CDC. "I guess they are banking on the majority of people not paying attention." Masking children or anyone who does not want to wear a mask is a form of abuse and assault. Find out more at MedicalTyranny.com. Sources for this article include: DisinformationChronicle.substack.com BMJ.com NaturalNews.com DisinformationChronicle.substack.com BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources and President of COP29, met with Achim Steiner, Administrator of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), during the World Government Summit in Dubai, the UNDP office wrote on X, Trend reports. During the World Government Summit, Minister Mukhtar Babayev discussed the climate problem and cooperation with UNDP Administrator and Vice-Chairman of the organization's Sustainable Development Group, Achim Steiner. Achim Steiner shared his delight with the meeting with Mukhtar Babayev and Yalchin Rafiev, the talks' moderator, on social media. "The climate crisis requires cooperation, and UNDP is ready to support COP29's bold actions to combat climate change," Steiner wrote. Meanwhile, members of the Azerbaijani delegation attending the World Government Summit in Dubai hold several meetings and reach agreements. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel WATCH: Residents of San Franciscos Chinatown set self-driving Waymo car ABLAZE in act of defiance against AI The battle between humanity and artificial intelligence (AI) is intensifying after a group of people in San Francisco's Chinatown deliberately set ablaze a self-driving car made by Waymo the other day in protest of the vehicle's foreboding and dangerous presence on the streets of California. Part of a phenomenon that one person described late last year as "the AI crusades," the incident involved between 10 and 15 individuals who reportedly encountered the self-driving Jaguar electric vehicle (EV) from Waymo traveling down Jackson Street, between Stockton and Grant. Upon spotting the electric vehicle (EV), the individuals decided to attack and vandalize it watch below: BREAKING: An autonomous Waymo vehicle is intentionally set on fire in Chinatown, according to SF Fire. Firefighters said they got reports around 10 people were involved. Waymo said a crowd surrounded and vandalized the vehicle, breaking the window and throwing a firework pic.twitter.com/6QN2jTppRu Gia Vang (@Gia_Vang) February 11, 2024 happening NOW in SF. Waymo car vandalized & lit on fire ?@sfchronicle pic.twitter.com/OEZYFiy6mv Michael Vandi (@michael_vandi) February 11, 2024 In a statement provided to The San Francisco Standard, Waymo said it is working with local safety officials to investigate and address the matter, noting that none of the passengers inside the vehicle were harmed during the incident. (Related: Whenever an EV is involved in an accident, no matter how minor, insurance companies always total the entire car because the expensive battery always has to be tossed and replaced for safety reasons, polluting landfills with all sorts of deadly chemicals.) People hate self-driving cars and AI It turns out that the incident is not isolated, but is rather part of a growing public trend that despises self-driving cars and wants to see them removed from roadways permanently. According to an activist group called Safe Street Rebels, self-driving cars are "polluting, dangerous & murderous," so they must be stopped from zipping around cities like San Francisco. Another concern with so-called autonomous vehicles is the fact that they are increasingly being powered by AI, which we now know threatens the jobs and livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people across the United States and Europe. Week of Cone - Night One was a hit! Keep sending in your coning submissions ? pic.twitter.com/c4KZLbFvhy Safe Street Rebel (@SafeStreetRebel) July 6, 2023 "Expect to see Waymo of this in the future," one commenter joked about the situation, employing a play on words with the Waymo company name. "The act of destruction has become an artistic expression," expressed another, "While a Waymo, set ablaze driving itself through the streets, might not yet be the pinnacle of performance art, it is entertaining." Those with the most to lose from the spread of self-driving AI cars are citizens, suggested another, "because self-driving cars dictate what you can bring into them and where you can go." Another asked who would be culpable in a case involving a self-driving car whose passenger(s) commit a crime. "Would the car company, the engineers, or the programmers be charged as accessory to the crime?" this person asked. "I mean, if the legal process in some states allows the gun manufacturer to be sued based on criminal behavior, and tobacco companies were sued because their cigarettes were "addictive," and pharmaceutical companies are sued when their vaccines cause harm ... oh wait, never mind." Still another said he is more concerned about human drivers these days, whom he described as "alcohol-impaired cell phone addicts." "Who has time to actually drive a vehicle these days?" this jaded person continued. "Driverless cars do not suffer from road rage. They might create some, however." The world is growing weary of the AI-driven tech revolution and what it is doing to humanity and society at large. Find out more at Transhumanism.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com NaturalNews.com Credit card firms to implement gun purchase tracking in California Major credit card companies are set to introduce a new merchant code for tracking firearm and ammunition purchases in California, sparking debate among Second Amendment advocates and gun control proponents. American Express, Visa, and Mastercard are in the process of implementing a new merchant category code for gun shops, as reported by CBS News. This initiative is in response to a California statute that mandates the ability for financial institutions to monitor and report specific gun transactions considered suspicious to law enforcement agencies. This development has sparked concern among Second Amendment advocates, who argue that it could infringe upon the rights of legitimate gun owners. (Article republished from YourNews.com) Historically, firearm retailers have been grouped under a broader category that includes various types of retailers, such as sporting goods stores. The decision to create a unique code for gun sales was initially agreed upon by these credit card giants but was subsequently paused due to pushback from gun rights proponents. Proponents of gun control are optimistic that this measure will aid in the prevention of gun-related crimes by enabling the detection of potentially illicit purchases. This mechanism is likened to existing practices where banks and credit unions report suspected cases of identity theft or financing related to terrorism to the authorities. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sanctioned this specific code in 2022, paving the way for its adoption. Following this, California legislated the requirement for firearm retailers to integrate this code by May 2025. Executives from the credit card firms have assured congressional Democrats of their compliance with this timeline. The introduction of this merchant code has led to legislative actions in several Republican-led states, with seven states enacting laws to prohibit its use and nine others contemplating similar measures. Critics, like Stephen Gutowski, founder of The Reload and a recognized authority on firearms, caution that such reporting requirements could unjustifiably cast suspicion on lawful gun purchasers, depending on the criteria used for flagging transactions as suspicious. Requests for comments from Visa, American Express, and Mastercard have not yet received responses. For more detailed information, please refer to the original reporting by CBS News on the development of a new merchant code for firearm and ammunition stores by major credit card companies. Additional context on the initial agreement and subsequent halt of this effort can be found in previous reporting by the Daily Caller, with further insights on the codes approval by the ISO and related legislative responses across various states. Read more at: YourNews.com Experts advise Biden against signing the WHO Pandemic Treaty that enslaves the world under a medical dictatorship Health and policy experts have been sending feelers to President Joe Biden not to sign the World Health Organization's agreement and its 194 member nations on "pandemic prevention, preparedness and response," otherwise called WHO CA+, as the deadline for finalizing "Zero Draft" is just around the corner. WHO CA+, which the organization preferred not to identify as a treaty but functions as a treaty, will give authority to the WHO once it declares a global health emergency. The deadline for the draft will be in May. It has gone through an opaque process of negotiation and amendments since its inception, from which the public has been essentially excluded, and leaders are expected to sign it this year. The goals for the United States, as set by the Biden administration, are to "strengthen the global health security architecture, including WHO strengthening, and engage in ongoing negotiations to amend the international health regulations (IHR) and develop a Pandemic Accord." A Dec. 30, 2023, White House fact sheet states, "Global health security is vital for international security and solidarity, and cannot be achieved alone." According to the WHO, the agreement, once signed by members, will be legally binding. "Conventions, framework agreements and treaties are all examples of international instruments, which are legal agreements made between countries that are binding," WHO said. The U.S. Constitution gives the president the authority to enter into treaties, which are agreements between the United States and foreign entities, "provided two-thirds of the Senators present concur." However, it seems unlikely for it to pass the Senate given the vehement opposition of the Republicans. "The United States has a more difficult treaty ratification process than most other member states," said former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Andrew Bremberg. "So there has been a recent history over the last several decades to develop new international treaties but not call them treaties, to avoid the ratification process." For Reps. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Brad Wenstrup (R-OH), this treaty "is another corrupt backdoor for partisan politics in the form of pushing abortion on demand." Commentary fellow for the Washington Examiner Zachary Faria mirrored the sentiment and wrote in an article that the entire thing is a sham. "The WHO swallowed Chinese propaganda wholesale, allowing the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) to spread across the world with no warnings for other countries even though Taiwan was already blowing the whistle on the severity of the virus. Meanwhile, China remains a WHO member state with authority over this accord, while Taiwan is still dismissed and ignored by the organization," he said. He also pointed out that there have been no serious reforms by the WHO to account for such failure and an accord that China gets to have a say in won't do that, either. "This accord will do nothing for global pandemic preparation. It is just another excuse for the United Nations to impose its power on countries around the world," Faria remarked. Proponents of the treaty argued that its purpose is to provide funding and authority so that the WHO can improve its pandemic response. "WHO Member States have developed multiple global legally binding agreements, conventions, accords and other types of international instruments to protect and promote people's health, including the WHO Constitution itself, the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the International Health Regulations," it said on the website. However, for critics, the drafts they have been able to review thus far are not likely to achieve this goal. The agreement will just revive ineffective public health mandates For other people knowledgeable of the matter, the agreement would just give the WHO the power to initiate lockdowns and mandates for masks, testing and vaccines. Yet data from several countries that followed quite different policies, such as Sweden, Taiwan, Germany and South Korea, show that other approaches were equally, if not more, successful. There have been reports indicating physicians trying other drugs to combat coronavirus and its symptoms, including hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin. Also, COVID-19 vaccines were proven not risk-free. Evidence surfaced in recent years showing vaccine rates declining in the U.S. because the WHO shut down debate about the risks and limited benefits of the said vaccines. Former White House Chief Medical Advisor Anthony Fauci admitted in his testimony to the House select subcommittee on the pandemic that this heavy-handed approach is likely driving vaccine hesitancy. (Related: Fauci admits social distancing has no basis; Wuhan lab-leak hypothesis is not conspiracy theory.) Public health mandates such as lockdowns have also been questioned. The United Kingdom government inquiry is looking into it, but like the WHO it is avoiding most sensitive topics for fear of upsetting China and allowing many ministers to avoid blame for poor policies. Moreover, Roger Bate, a fellow at the International Center for Law and Economics said that oversight of U.N. bodies, including the WHO, is very weak, and the only real constraint is the threat to withhold funds. However, private actors, such as the Gates Foundation, provide much of its funding for specific projects, so governmental threats of withholding general funds are becoming weaker. Pandemic.news has more updates on the up-and-coming finalization of the WHO's pandemic treaty. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com WhiteHouse.gov WashingtonExaminer.com GoSkagit.com International Union of Police Associations officially endorses DONALD TRUMP for 2024 presidential election The International Union of Police Associations (IUPA) has officially endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election. IUPA President Sam Cabral praised the former president's support for law enforcement in a Feb. 6 press release, touting how Trump "has earned and deserves our wholehearted support." He continued: "Trump's history of support for the men and women of law enforcement is unmatched. His policies and actions were directed at improving safety in our communities and the men and women who provide that shield." The organization chartered in 1979 took a firm stance against certain aspects of Democratic policies. Cabral accused the Democrats of supporting initiatives such as defunding the police, advocating for sanctuary cities and open borders and reducing accountability for criminal behavior. These measures, he added, have had "tragic" consequences for communities in the form of business closures and increased criminal activity. Moreover, the head of the police union also disclosed the alarming rate at which police departments are losing officers leading to a diminished law enforcement presence. "Roving gangs are terrorizing retail businesses, raiding them with absolute impunity akin to a thousand-year-old past regressive rather than their own progressive ideology," wrote Cabral. "They have not dealt with the consequences of their own failed strategies, while we have all suffered." "We firmly believe that Trump can and will address these issues effectively, while reinstating the confidence of a safe and prosperous United States of America. Trump has reminded the world of the greatness of this country, [and] he is the right person to continue to Make America Even Greater." Trump supporters hopeful for the backing of 2 other police unions This was not the first time the IUPA threw its support behind Trump it previously did so in 2020. Aside from the IUPA, two other police unions the National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO) also expressed support at the time. The FOP, the largest police union in the U.S., praised Trump in 2020 for "showing time after time that he supports our law enforcement officers." It also proudly endorsed him as a candidate advocating for law and order nationwide. "During his first four years, Trump has made it crystal clear that he has our backs," said FOP President Patrick Yoes. The NAPO, a coalition comprising police unions and associations across the country, issued a similar endorsement for Trump in 2020. The group acknowledged his "steadfast and very public support for our men and women on the front lines" amid the protests and riots after the death of George Floyd in police custody. The 2020 endorsement by both the FOP and NAPO came at a critical time when law enforcement faced heightened scrutiny, with calls for police reform and de-funding echoing across the nation. With the IUPA's endorsement, Trump's supporters have raised their expectations for the two other police unions' endorsement. (Related: FBI closely monitoring Trump supporters in run-up to 2024 election.) According to Breitbart News, the IUPA's endorsement follows a survey done by TIPP Insights showing that crime is a top issue for the American electorate. The said survey polled 1,402 American respondents from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 of this year. Of the 20 different issues mentioned by the respondents, three stood out the economy (38 percent), immigration and border security (36 percent) and crime (19 percent). Trump, who has been a vocal supporter of law enforcement, has consistently denounced the "anti-cop crusade" that is happening in several parts of the United States. Head over to Trump.news for more stories about the former president ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Watch the video below that discusses whether or not Trump can get disqualified from the 2024 presidential race. This video is from the Flyover Conservatives channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Hunter Biden threatens to flee the country if Trump wins 2024 presidential election. Trump warns of ECONOMIC COLLAPSE worse than the 1929 Great Depression if he loses 2024 election. Bridgeport ballot fraud is a dry run for the 2024 presidential election. The 2024 U.S. presidential election is fast becoming a JOKE: Trump DISQUALIFIED from appearing on primary ballot in Maine. Democrats criminalize political dissent to preempt potential 2024 election challengers. Sources include: Breitbart.com TheEpochTimes.com Brighteon.com Abbotts DEFIANCE paying off: Border Patrol data reveals 60% of illegal crossings along southern border are now taking place in California and Arizona A recent report reveals that approximately 60 percent of all the illegal border crossings down south are now taking place on the adjoining borders of California and Arizona , thanks to the ongoing standoff between the Biden Administration and Texas law enforcement. On Jan. 21, the Biden Administration urged Texas to allow Border Patrol agents to access Shelby Park after the Texas National Guard took control of it. But Texas Governor Greg Abbott defied the cease-and-desist order and insisted that Texas has the right to control the border, despite Biden and the Supreme Court granting Border Patrol the authority to take charge of specific border sections when needed. (Related: TREASON: Bidens Border Patrol CUTS WIRE installed by Texas government, "opening America's arms" to illegal immigrants.) This battle escalated to what it is today and contributed to the sharp decline in migrant crossings along the southern border. According to the Border Patrol data for January, there has been a substantial drop in overall illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border, with only 125,000 migrant crossings recorded compared to nearly 250,000 in December. The 1,254-mile Texas border, the largest of any state bordering Mexico; the Del Rio sector, which was the second-busiest in December; and Eagle Pass, a Texas border city in the Del Rio sector, all witnessed a sharp decline in migrant crossings. However, the geographical trends of these migration flows have undergone a dramatic transformation. The Tucson border in Arizona and the San Diego sector in California have emerged as the busiest regions for Border Patrol in recent weeks. Remote desert areas like Lukeville, Arizona and Jacumba Hot Springs, California, have seen more than 1,000 migrants entering the U.S. illegally each day, exploiting gaps in the border wall or holes cut by smugglers. Tucson Border Patrol data for the week ending on Feb. 4 reveals that the Tucson sector and the San Diego sector collectively accounted for 59 percent of the 5,128 daily crossings. To make things worse, Tucson Border Patrol said there were 13,800 suspected illegal migrants detained in the final week of January, a significant increase from the 5,900 recorded during the same period in 2023. Chief Patrol Agent John R. Modlin disclosed additional alarming statistics, including 189 crossings leading to federal criminal cases, 27 categorized as "human smuggling events," and the seizure of 1.5 lbs of lethal fentanyl enough to potentially cause harm to over 680,000 people. Biden admin downplays Abbott's role in decline of illegal crossings via Texas The Biden administration said the decrease in illegal border crossings are due to seasonal trends, shifts in smuggling strategies and the Mexican government's efforts to curb illegal crossings. Valeria Wheeler, the director of Mission Border Hope migrant shelter in Piedras Negras, a Mexican city adjacent to Eagle Pass, said she noticed a significant decrease in the number of migrants received from Border Patrol at the beginning of 2024, even before Texas took control of Shelby Park in mid-January. In December, her shelter was getting up to 1,200 migrants daily, but now she says Border Patrol only drops off a few dozen migrants each day. "The Mexican government has made it very difficult for migrants to come to the border in this area," said Wheeler. But those comments didn't deter Abbott from relishing the victory during a gathering of Republican governors at Eagle Pass Park on Feb. 11. "The cartels have rerouted their routes to cross the border because Texas is the only state that's putting up any resistance. Despite the fact that Texas represents more than 60 percent of the land miles of the border, the overwhelming majority now of people crossing the border are crossing in Arizona and California, two states that are putting up no resistance to illegal immigration," he said. In November 2023, Abbott stepped up border security efforts under Operation Lone Star, the state's immigration enforcement plan to address the border crisis. This initiative resulted in nearly a 50 percent decrease in illegal immigrant crossings from December to January. Moreover, Abbott has deployed Texas National Guard soldiers along the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass covering a 2.5-mile section of the southern border with razor wire, shipping containers and other barriers in the area. Check out OpenBorders.news for more stories about illegal migrants. Watch Mike Martins discuss how illegal migrants crossing the northern border from Canada are affecting the United States. This video is from Mike Martins Channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Texas Gov. Abbott begins flooding sanctuary cities with chartered flights of illegal immigrants. Illegal immigrants use ROPE made from CLOTHES to cross Rio Grande into Texas. SANCTUARY OVERLOAD: Texas sends more buses full of ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS to Democrat-controlled sanctuary cities. America sees 550% increase in illegal immigrants coming in from Canada. MOBS of Chinese illegal immigrants SWARM California border. Sources include: LawEnforcementToday.com CBSNews.com Yahoo!News.com Experts warn: More COVID-19 vaccine doses means HIGHER risk of contracting a viral infection Renowned cardiologists Dr. Peter McCullough and Dr. Kirk Milhoan have warned during testimonies before Congress that there is a correlation between the number of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine doses administered and an increased risk of viral infection During the hearing, McCullough and Milhoan presented research findings about the COVID-19 virus and potential risks associated with multiple doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. McCullough stated that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines carry the genetic code for the virus' spike protein which, when produced within the human body, circulates in the bloodstream. This, he argued, may pose risks of blood clots, organ damage and potential fatality. (Related: Dr. Peter McCullough: COVID shots should be taken completely off the market.) Meanwhile, Milhoan cited a peer-reviewed study published by the Cleveland Clinic in the peer-reviewed journal the Open Forum Infectious Diseases. This study, conducted over 26 weeks among 51,017 clinic employees, claimed that individuals who had not received the COVID-19 vaccine had the lowest risk of contracting the virus. The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, approved in August 2022, encoded antigens for the original vaccine and omicron variants BA.4 or BA.5 lineages. The study revealed that when these omicron variants became the predominant strains, the overall effectiveness of the bivalent vaccine in preventing infection was only around 29 percent. Effectiveness dropped further to approximately 20 percent when the dominant strain was the BQ lineage, not covered by the vaccine. Interestingly, no discernible protective effect was observed when the XBB lineages were dominant. Researchers suggested that the lower-than-expected effectiveness might be attributed to a substantial portion of the population having been previously infected with the omicron variant, due to some level of natural immunity. The peer-reviewed study found an unexpected correlation between the number of vaccine doses and the risk of COVID-19 infection. Those who received more vaccine doses had a greater likelihood of infection, contrary to conventional vaccine principles. The researchers posited that those who chose not to receive additional doses constituted 46 percent of the study participants and were not ineligible but had opted against further vaccination. "As you add vaccines, your risk to get COVID goes up. Ive never seen a vaccine like this. That's not the basis of vaccines," Milhoan said. Several studies reveal the link between vaccines and infections The Cleveland Clinic claims that its research is not the only one to draw such conclusions. For instance, an unadjusted analysis published in JAMA Network Open found that during the peak of omicron variant transmission in Iceland, those who had received two or more vaccine doses were at a higher risk of reinfection compared to people with only one dose or who remained unvaccinated. After the adjusted analysis, another large-scale study found that among those who had previously been infected with omicron, individuals who received three vaccine doses were at a higher risk of reinfection with the omicron variant compared to those who had received two doses. Intriguingly, a separate multivariable analysis suggested that among individuals previously infected with COVID-19, those who received two vaccine doses faced a higher risk of reinfection than those with just one dose. Moreover, data from Open VAERS for adverse events related to COVID-19 vaccines in the US up to December 29, 2023, documented a staggering 1,621,120 adverse reactions after vaccination, including 36,986 deaths, 69,316 cases of permanent disability, and 39,216 life-threatening events. The data further highlighted 21,335 cases of heart attacks, 28,052 cases of myocarditis or pericarditis, 17,621 cases of Bell's palsy, 46,622 cases of severe allergic reactions, 16,018 cases of shingles, and 5,086 cases of miscarriage. Visit Vaccines.news for more information about the adverse side effects of flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Watch this clip about a censored study on COVID-19 vaccine autopsies that revealed how 74 percent of the deaths were caused by the vaccine. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dr. Peter McCullough: mRNA vaccines contain tumor gene promoter SV40 and inhibit tumor suppressors. The Dr. Ardis Show: Omicron was manipulated in a laboratory, says Dr. Peter McCullough Brighteon.TV. Dr. McCullough warns: Getting jabbed multiple times with mRNA COVID vaccines could promote turbo cancer. Most covid deaths were actually VENTILATOR infection deaths, study finds. Dr. McCullough says Jamie Foxx contacted him post-COVID jab, urges actor to speak out publicly. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com Academic.OUP.com JAMANetwork.com Brighteon.com Netanyahu goes rogue, says IDF will invade Rafah safe zone despite presence of one million refugees sheltering there An area in southern Gaza where Israel had previously told Palestinian civilians to flee for safety after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) invaded northern Gaza is now under attack by Israel. Rafah, a relatively large city in Gaza that borders Egypt, is the next location of Israel's ongoing ethnic cleansing operation, even though it is a designated "safe zone" where upwards of 1.4 million Palestinian civilians, most of them refugees from other areas of Gaza that have since been razed by the IDF there are currently about one million refugees from other areas of Gaza in Rafah now live. Officials at the United Nations (UN) warn that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's planned ground offensive in Rafah will add an "additional layer of endless tragedy" for the hundreds of thousands of suffering Palestinians who have taken refuge there, many of them in makeshift tents since their homes were destroyed. In a post on X, Netanyahu, paid lip service to humanitarian concerns by stating that he has instructed Israel's military to draw up "a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying" what he described as "four Hamas battalions." Where all these people will go, though, remains unknown. According to UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini UNRWA provides aid to Palestinian civilians there is "growing anxiety and panic" throughout Rafah with Palestinians having "absolutely no idea where to go after Rafah" since it is the last stop in Gaza for them to flee for safety. "Any large-scale military operation among the population can only lead to an additional layer of endless tragedy that's unfolding," Lazzarini said somberly. (Related: Was the October 7 Hamas attack a false flag incident aimed at justifying the planned genocide of Gaza?) U.S. has blood on its hands None of Israel's relentless bloodshed in Gaza would even be possible were it not for U.S. taxpayers whose hard-earned money is routinely funneled into Israel's coffers to "bless" the Jewish ethnostate. And even the U.S. is now warning against Netanyahu's murderous plans for Rafah, which it cannot be emphasized enough was an Israeli-designated "safe zone" for Palestinian refugees. A quick refresher in case you forgot: After October 7, Israel told Palestinians in northern Gaza to flee south for safety. After they did this, Israel proceeded to bomb southern Gaza, driving civilians all the way to Gaza's border with Egypt in Rafah where they now have nowhere else to flee for safety. Much like the Israelites of the Old Testament who were driven to the edge of the Red Sea by their enemies, it will now take nothing short of a miracle for the remaining embattled Palestinians in Gaza to escape what the Israeli war machine has planned for them in the coming days. "Any major military operation in Rafah at this time, under these circumstances, with more than a million probably more like a million and a half Palestinians who are seeking refuge [there] without due consideration for their safety would be a disaster," warned U.S. National Security Council (NSC) spokesman John Kirby, further describing Israel's offensive as "over the top." President Biden echoed Kirby's concerns, warning in a press conference at the White House that "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." Netanyahu insists that the Israeli forces heading to Rafah will be "providing the civilian population safe passage to safe zone," however it remains undisclosed precisely where these alleged safe zones are located, not to mention the fact that moving that many people to safety that quickly is an impossibility. "Expanded air and ground operations into Rafah will unleash a humanitarian nightmare in Gaza surpassing even the horror of the past four months," warned aid organization Mercy Corps in a statement. The Bible says that those who live by the sword will die by the sword how will you live? Learn more at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: MiddleEastEye.net NaturalNews.com SCREW WORMS and other biological weapons may soon be invading the U.S. agricultural system to degrade the food supply, warns Michael Yon Illegal alien migrants are not the only things creeping their way into America from the southern border so are screw worms A little-known threat that was once thought to be eradicated, screw worms, as explained by war correspondent Michael Yon in a recent appearance with Mike Adams of the "Health Ranger Report," are once again making a comeback in Texas, which is a serious problem as they are flesh-eating critters that threaten livestock. "The reason you've never heard of it is because it was a war that we won," Yon explained, adding a not so fast to the end of his statement. "Let's say we were holding the enemy at the line of scrimmage down there. The front line is the Darien Gap. So what happened is our great grandparents fought so many battles we never even heard of. They fought the squirms out of America, pushed them down through Mexico and into Central America but now they're back." An irradiation program in Panama that aimed to kill flies and other pests has apparently failed, and now screw worms are coming back to America like a plague. "Something's wrong," Yon warns. "They're coming back and I'm telling you: this is a big deal." The full interview with Yon and Adams is available for viewing below: (Related: Speaking of bioweapons, drug giant Moderna just launched clinical trials for a new mRNA [modRNA] "vaccine" it developed for cancer.) Screw worm-infected beef? Seeing as how Texas is largely a cattle state, the reintroduction of screw worms, if true as Yon says, represents a serious threat to America's meat supply. Even so, American politicians seem uninterested in addressing the problem. "I put the top 10 beef-producing states on and hyperlinked them yesterday on Twitter (X) stating that they need to send entomologists and veterinarians down to Panama and Central America now to get right on top of this and start fighting this war." While efforts by Yon to investigate the screw worm situation have thus far produced little, at least not yet, it has been confirmed that ticks and other pests are a problem down at the southern border where illegal migrants continue to pour across it into the United States every day. "I know that some things like this were being developed as biological weapons decades ago," Adams said, to which Yon confirmed. "I think both the Soviet Union and the U.S. wasn't it Plum Island off the coast of New York? That's where they developed all these bioweapons that became Lyme disease." As far as Yon is concerned, screw worms are making a resurgence in the U.S. and traveling north through Mexico and into America right this very moment. "The reason I've been watching the school rooms things for a while is because I just thought they're going to attack us with this," Yon speculated about screw worms being brought back into the U.S. via the migrants. Once screw worms contaminate the food supply, it will deliver another death blow to the nation on top of the supply chain and vandalism problems that have been reported in recent years. "We know the food supply chain is already in a dire situation with a lot of sabotage, and there was a big fire on a chicken farm here in Texas a couple of weeks ago," Adams responded. Be sure to watch the full interview with Yon and Adams above to learn more about this issue and others, including segments about gold-backed currency, war history, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), health and wellness and so much more. Are the powers that be quietly releasing more deadly bioweapons into the environment? Learn more at Bioterrorism.news. Sources for this article include: Brighteon.com NaturalNews.com VINDICATION: Study finds Trump almost certainly won 2020 election, but mail-in ballot fraud resulted in Biden winning instead Had there not been massive voter fraud, i.e., fraudulent mail-in ballots, in the 2020 election, Donald Trump "almost certainly" would have won, a new study has found The Heartland Institute put together the report, which gauged the probable impact of voter fraud on the 2020 election results. Based on data collected from a Heartland / Rasmussen survey conducted in December, roughly one-in-five, or 20 percent, of mail-in voters admitted to potentially fraudulent activity in the election. Further analyses led the research team to determine that mail-in ballot fraud did, in fact, "significantly" impact the 2020 presidential election, just as many said was the case. Mail-in ballots are a new thing that conveniently came about during the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) "pandemic, constituting more than 43 percent of votes cast in 2020. It was often allowed with any legislative approval, meaning it was, in many cases, illegal to begin with. "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 report's authors wrote. (Related: There are no longer free and fair elections in the United States.) 2024's "biggest story," Trump says Based on what was uncovered, nearly 30 percent of poll respondents in the December survey basically fessed up to committing some type of behavior that is "under most circumstances, illegal," which amounts to voter fraud. "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. The findings are so massive, according to Trump, that they should be dubbed "the biggest story of the year." Had this fraud not occurred, Trump likely would have won in six of the nation's most important swing states where officially he lost. "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," one media report explains. "For each of the 29 scenarios that they assess, 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." The only scenario in which Biden could have legitimately won the 2020 election is if mail-in ballot fraud was between one and three percent of ballots cast, which we know was not the case. "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," reports indicate. "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 Biden's 249." The paper's authors say they have no reason to believe that their survey overstated voter fraud by more than 25 percentage points. Thus, the only conclusion is that mail-in ballot fraud "significantly impacted the 2020 presidential election in favor of Joe Biden." "Everyone already knows this," wrote a commenter on a news story covering the new study. "You'd be surprised at how many 'mathematically inclined' people that refuse to believe it or won't listen to it," responded another. The latest news about Trump's re-run for the presidency in 2024 can be found at Trump.news. Sources for this article include: ZeroHedge.com Heartland.org NaturalNews.com U.K. schools are now installing spying software in RESTROOMS Some educational institutions in the United Kingdom have started installing sensors with "spying" software that "actively listen" to pupils as part of an attempt to crack down on vaping, bullying and rowdiness in school restrooms and other areas. This measure has created a significant rift in the debate over privacy rights. Schools Week reported that the devices have detection sensors with unlimited customization. The sensors can be programmed to listen for certain keywords through machine learning algorithms, which trigger alerts to chosen staff members. "It aims to provide an additional layer of security against threats like bullying or sexual assault in these areas reinforcing a safe school environment to enhance safety, not monitor everyday conversations," said Andrew Jenkins, a spokesperson for Triton, which makes the 3D Pro sensor being installed in schools. "The sensor has 10 built-in keywords, such as 'Help me' and 'Stop it.' School leaders can also add 10 'customizable' keywords to listen for. When triggered, staff will receive an alert via SMS text message, email, App Push notifications. Nothing is saved or recorded," Jenkins explained. Similarly, the HALO Smart Sensors, made by the U.S. company IPVideo (owned by Motorola Solutions) come "pre-loaded with five keyword phrases and schools can request to include others." HALO sensor seller Millgate Manager Jon Glover explained: "After artificial intelligence (AI) learns different pronunciations of new keywords, the software is updated so these words can be detected by all HALO sensors in schools nationwide." In addition, the HALO device uses an algorithm to automatically assess an environment and "send an alert when vaping is detected. It can differentiate between vaping, vaping with THC or tetrahydrocannabinol and intentionally masking vaping behavior when someone tries to hide their vaping activity by spraying aerosols, like cologne, to cover up the distinct smell of marijuana or other vaping smells." According to Glover, more than 1,500 U.S. school districts have been using HALO Smart Sensors and added that between 30 and 40 have been sold in the U.K. primary and secondary schools, as well as colleges. The 3C-PC version of the sensor can also count how many people are in a room and issue an alert if it gets too noisy or it detects gunshots. Schools Week also reported that two-thirds of teachers said they had found pupils vaping or with vaping equipment when surveyed last year. One in five said the youngest pupil caught was under 12. (Related: Vaping dangers: Study reveals second-hand smoke from e-cigarette contains 22 times the safe level of certain toxins.) The latest research by public health charity Action on Smoking and Health, released in June 2023, found that in March/April 2023, the proportion of 11- to 17-year-olds experimenting with vaping had grown by 50 percent year on year from one in 13 to one in nine. A gross violation of kids' privacy in schools "Secretly monitoring school bathrooms is a gross violation of children's privacy and would make pupils and parents deeply uncomfortable," said Big Brother Watch Legal and Policy Officer Madeleine Stone. "No school should consider spying on children's private conversations and doing so is highly likely to be unlawful. This misguided surveillance poses a clear safeguarding risk and should be allowed nowhere near U.K. schools," Stone added. Center for Trustworthy Technology Chief Executive Kay Firth-Butterfield, said parents should be asked for consent first. However, a representative for anti-child vaping organization Schoolwatch said schools did not need parental permission because personal information was not being stored. Visit Surveillance.news for more stories about violations of privacy. Watch this video to learn where surveillance devices, such as hidden cameras, are hidden in a bathroom. This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Dallas school district installs AI spying, surveillance systems to keep an eye on students. British Education chief wants to BAN students from using phones. Most Brits feel they are victims of sonic snooping, and cybersecurity experts believe theyre right. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org SchoolsWeek.com HaloDetect.com ASH.org.UK BigBrotherWatch.org.UK Brighteon.com ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, February 14. Turkmenistan and Italian Leonardo S.p.A. group discussed the development of cooperation in the field of satellite communications, Trend reports. According to an official source, these concerns were discussed during a meeting in Ashgabat between Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Leonardo S.p.A.'s Board of Directors Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo. During the discussion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that Turkmenistan is willing to accept specific suggestions from the Italian company for the expansion of cooperation in the sphere of satellite communications. He said that Italy is one of Turkmenistan's key European partners and expressed optimism that the bilateral conversations scheduled for the current visit of the CEO of Leonardo S.p.A. to Ashgabat will contribute to the expansion of effective economic collaboration. During the discussion of priority areas of cooperation, it was noted that productive contacts established between Turkmenistan and Italian companies in trade and economics, energy and other sectors, and the private sector play an important role in strengthening constructive inter-state dialogue. At the end of the meeting, the parties confirmed their readiness to expand business ties on a long-term mutually beneficial basis. A powerful winter storm has swept across the Northeast, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility. The storm has caused major disruptions to air travel, forcing airlines to cancel more than 1,000 flights and leaving thousands of passengers stranded. In this article, we will look at how the storm affected the region's airports, how travelers coped with the cancellations, and what advice was given to those planning to fly. Thousands of Flights Cancelled as Snow Piles Up A massive winter storm has unleashed its wrath on the Northeast, dumping up to a foot of snow in some areas and causing widespread travel chaos. More than 1,000 flights have been cancelled across the region, leaving thousands of passengers stranded and frustrated. The storm, which started on Monday night and intensified on Tuesday, has brought heavy snow, strong winds, and low visibility to several major airports, including New York's JFK, Newark, Boston's Logan, and Philadelphia. Airlines have been forced to cancel or delay flights, issue waivers, and rebook passengers on alternative routes. According to flight-tracking website FlightAware, JetBlue has been the hardest hit, cancelling 19% of its schedule or 156 flights. Other major carriers, such as American, Delta, United, and Southwest, have also cancelled dozens of flights each. Some passengers have been stuck at the airports for hours, waiting for updates or trying to find a way out. Others have opted to change their plans or seek refunds. "I was supposed to fly to Boston this morning, but my flight got cancelled last night. I tried to rebook, but there was nothing available until Thursday. I decided to just get a refund and stay home," said Sarah Jones, a teacher from New Jersey. Travelers Advised to Check Status and Plan Ahead As the storm continues to batter the Northeast, travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and plan ahead for possible disruptions. Airlines have issued waivers for passengers who want to change or cancel their flights without paying a fee. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also issued a ground stop for some airports, meaning that no flights can take off or land until the conditions improve. The FAA website shows the current status of each airport and the average delay time. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for several states, including New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Pennsylvania. The NWS warns of hazardous travel conditions, power outages, and coastal flooding. The storm is expected to move out of the region by Wednesday, but the cleanup and recovery could take longer. Travelers are urged to be patient and flexible as airlines try to resume normal operations. Also Read:U.S. Weather Forecast: Coastal Storm Possible This Weekend Until Next Week School Closures Announced in Major Cities The winter storm has forced many schools to close or switch to remote learning in major cities, including Boston and New York. The decision was made to ensure the safety of students and staff, as well as to allow for snow removal and road clearing. Parents and guardians were notified of the closures through various channels, such as phone calls, emails, and social media. Some students welcomed the snow day, while others expressed disappointment or concern about missing classes and assignments. Teachers and administrators tried to make the best of the situation, offering online resources and support for those who needed them. Coastal Flooding Threatens Shoreline Communities Another impact of the winter storm is the potential for coastal flooding along the shoreline communities of the Northeast. The storm surge, combined with high tides and strong winds, could cause water levels to rise above normal and inundate low-lying areas. The National Weather Service has issued coastal flood warnings and advisories for parts of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine. Residents and businesses in the affected areas were advised to prepare for possible flooding, move to higher ground, and avoid driving through flooded roads. Emergency crews and volunteers were on standby to assist with evacuations and rescues if needed. Some coastal towns also experienced power outages and damage to infrastructure and property. Related article: Southern US Weather Forecast in February: El Nino to Unleash Renewed Flood Risk, Flash Flood Threats Significant areas of Greenland's melted ice sheet are now growing vegetation, posing risks such as increased greenhouse gas emissions, rising sea levels, and landscape instability. Research conducted during the 1980s found that significant portions of ice have been replaced by barren rock, marshes, and shrub growth, resulting in an environmental change. Ice Sheets And Glaciers Melted A significant review of past satellite records found that an estimated 11,000 square miles (28,707 square kilometers) of Greenland's ice sheet and glaciers have melted during the last three decades. The overall area of ice loss is similar to the size of Albania, representing around 1.6% of Greenland's total ice and glacier cover. Greenland is part of the Arctic area. It is the world's largest island, covering around 836,330 square miles (2.1 million square kilometers). The majority of the land is covered by ice and glaciers, and it is home to approximately 57,000 people. Since the 1970s, the region has warmed at double the global average pace. Between 2007 and 2012, average annual air temperatures in Greenland were 3C higher than the 1979-2000 average. A team of scientists from the University of Leeds, who have tracked the changes across Greenland from the 1980s to the 2010s, say warmer air temperatures are causing the ice to retreat, which is affecting land surface temperature, greenhouse gas emissions, and landscape stability. Permafrost, a permanently frozen layer beneath the Earth's surface, is being "degraded" by warming, and in some regions, scientists warn that it may have an influence on the infrastructure, structures, and communities that live above it. The most dense wetland vegetation was found at Kangerlussuaq in the south-west and in isolated regions in the northeast. The researchers discovered that vegetation rose along a latitudinal gradient between 63 and 69 north but declined further north. "We have seen signs that the loss of ice is triggering other reactions which will result in further loss of ice and further 'greening' of Greenland, where shrinking ice exposes bare rock that is then colonized by tundra and eventually shrub," said Jonathan Carrivick, an Earth scientist based in the Faculty of Environment at Leeds and one of the authors of the study. Read Also: Greenland Ice Melt Raises Sea-Level Rise Concerns Due to Climate Change, Warming Event Crucial Changes The data finds that wetlands have nearly quadrupled over Greenland, particularly in the east and northeast. The wetlands emit methane. The researchers also constructed a model to predict which areas of Greenland are likely to experience "marked and accelerated" change in the future. Dr. Michael Grimes, the study's lead author, stated that the growth of vegetation, occurring concurrently with the retreat of glaciers and the ice sheet, is drastically affecting the flow of sediments and nutrients into coastal waters. These changes are crucial, especially for Indigenous communities whose traditional subsistence hunting habits rely on the health of these fragile ecosystems. "The loss of ice mass in Greenland is a substantial contributor to global sea level rise, a trend that poses significant challenges both now and in the future," said Grimes. Related Article: Scientists on Alert after Greenland Ice Melts Last Weekend Amid Warm Temperatures Its been almost two years since Intel announced plans to develop a massive and advanced fabrication facility in the state of Ohio, rather than its usual location in Arizona. Now there are reports of a delay. Fabs are never cheap or easy to build, and the Ohio plant was especially pricey at $20 billion. Intel was counting on a little help from the federal government in the form of funds that are part of the CHIPS Act, which is meant to improve American competitiveness in the semiconductor manufacturing field. However, the company has run into unexpected challenges, such as a downturn in sales since the deal was announced and the slow disbursement of CHIPS Act funds, according to The Wall Street Journal. Intel has paused construction on fabs due to downturns in demand more than once, but thats not the only reason being cited for the delay. Funds from the CHIPS Act have yet to be distributed despite the bill being signed into law in August 2022. In a statement emailed to Network World, Intel said: While we will not meet the aggressive 2025 production goal that we anticipated when we first announced the selection of Ohio in January, 2022, construction has been underway since breaking ground in late 2022 and our construction has been proceeding on schedule. Typical construction timelines for semiconductor manufacturing facilities are 3-5 years from groundbreaking, depending on a range of factors. It went on to say: We remain fully committed to the project and are continuing to make progress on the construction of the factory and supporting facilities this year. As we said in our January 2022 site-selection announcement, the scope and pace of Intels expansion in Ohio may depend on various conditions. Intel has made progress on the Ohio plant despite the delay in funding. The Journal reports that Intel says it has put in more than 1.6 million hours of labor so far, with 800 people working on the site and several thousand people are expected to be added to the worksite by the end of the year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are actively involved in the development of Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Elvira Mami, Senior Economic and Risk Analyst at the Overseas Development Institute, told Trend. "One example is that the countries, along with Georgia, are forming a joint venture to promote multimodal services along the Trans-Caspian International Transportation Route. We can also see the development of strategic collaboration in oil transit between the countries, as well as agreements on digitalizing the corridor," she said. As the expert noted, the Middle Corridor provides an important alternative route for companies that want to bypass the Northern Route due to sanctions. "Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, a substantial percentage of trade between China and Europe has relocated to the Middle Corridor, however due to operational issues on the Middle Corridor route, some cargo has switched to sea transit. Currently, the corridor has the ability to solve these operational challenges as a result of initiatives being done to increase its capacity. Nonetheless, it won't be able to replace the Northern Corridor route because its capacity is still less than ten percent of the Northern Corridor," Mami added. The Middle Corridor is a transportation and commerce route that connects Asia and Europe via various nations in the region. It is an alternate route to the traditional Northern and Southern Corridors. The route begins in China and passes via Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It then travels via the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor provides a land route that connects eastern Asia, including China, to Europe, skipping the longer sea routes. KGMU to get technique to fight diabetic retinopathy Lucknow, Feb 12 The King George's Medical University (KGMU) will soon get the latest technique to fight against diabetic retinopathy. With the new funding, KGMU will be able to purchase a wide-angle imaging system and feco emulsification services. These technologies will play a crucial role in improving the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to poorly controlled blood sugar levels. It can lead to vision loss and even blindness if left untreated. The advanced diabetic retinopathy centre at KGMU was launched in 2021 with an initial investment of Rs 2 crore. The centre has been providing treatment for patients, treating 50 to 60 individuals daily. The centre is already equipped with facilities like a green laser photocoagulation machine, digital vitrectomy, high-end operating microscope machine, and optical coherence tomography. Diabetic retinopathy has affected close to 4 lakh people in Uttar Pradesh, leading to vision loss for many. The high cost of medical procedures in private hospitals has often made it difficult for people to afford treatment. The recent allocation of funds to KGMU will help to make quality treatment more accessible to a larger number of patients. Vice-chancellor Professor Sonia Nityanand said on Monday that patients in the ophthalmology department will now have access to state-of- the-art facilities. The funding will enable the centre to offer specialised treatment for diabetic retinopathy, including admissions and comprehensive care for those in need. Nityanand also pointed out that quality treatment is more accessible to a larger number of patients. This move is poised to make a significant difference in the fight against preventable blindness caused by diabetic retinopathy in Uttar Pradesh. (IANS - Posted on 12 February 2024) KGMU to get technique to fight diabetic retinopathy Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Sana Sayyad's romantic plan for Valentine's Day is all about dinner, watching movie & dancing Mumbai, Feb 13 Actress Sana Sayyad has shared her experience of shooting a special performance for 'Kundali Bhagya' on the song 'Makhna', and spending the day with her husband for the Valentine's Day celebration. In the upcoming episodes, viewers will get to watch a special Valentine's Day party in the Luthra house, where Palki finds herself immersed in the joyful anticipation of the love-filled celebrations. While Palki is excited to spend the day with Rajveer, Sana feels that it's a wonderful reminder to celebrate love on Valentines Day, on-screen, and in her personal life as well. Sana hints at her plans to celebrate the occasion with her husband Imaad, after celebrating it in her show. The actress shared: "As we prepare for the Valentine's party in the show 'Kundali Bhagya', I can't help but feel the excitement and romance in the air. It was heartwarming to watch how everyone came together to create magic for love." "Performing with Paras, Baseer, and Shanaya, who are all incredibly talented individuals, was indeed very fun like always. Personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed preparing for the love-filled performance to the song 'Makhna'," she said. Sana further said: "This day reminds me of the sweet joy and romance I shared with my husband when he was my boyfriend, I used to always look forward to this day back then. Hence, this time of year holds a special significance for me, not just because of the festivities we portray on-screen, but also because it's a great day for my husband and me to celebrate the love we share, in a little special way, just like the good old days." "We are planning a romantic dinner at our favorite restaurant, and then may enjoy the night watching our favorite movie or dancing to our songs in the comfort of our place," added Sana. 'Kundali Bhagya' airs on Zee TV. (IANS - Posted on 14 February 2024) Sana Sayyad's romantic plan for Valentine's Day is all about dinner, watching movie & dancing Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Blake Lively responds Ryan Reynolds' Super Bowl joke Los Angeles, Feb 13 Actress Blake Lively is back home after Super Bowl weekend. The Gossip Girl actress, 36, posted an Instagram Story in response to her husband Ryan Reynolds' Instagram joke questioning where she was even though Lively had been shown alongside Taylor Swift multiple times on TV that night. Blake Lively was alongside Swift at Sunday's Super Bowl in Las Vegas, which saw the Love Story hitmaker's boyfriend Travis Kelce help bring the Kansas City Chiefs to victory over the San Francisco 49ers. As per People magazine, the Gossip Girl alum cheered on the Chiefs wearing a red Adidas tracksuit and white cropped tank top. Rather than go all-out sporty, however, she paired the look with stiletto heels and retro '80s-style curls. Reynolds who tied the knot with Lively in 2012 hilariously took to Instagram to ask Has everyone seen the #Deadpool trailer? Also has anyone seen my wife? He then shared a shot of Lively's arm, featuring multiple bangles and a Deadpool charm, with the caption, "Found my wife. (IANS - Posted on 14 February 2024) Blake Lively responds Ryan Reynolds' Super Bowl joke Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! 'Tum sign board paint karoge?,' Prakash Jha recalls dad ashamed of his pick of fine arts for career Mumbai, February 14 Multiple National film award-winning filmmaker Prakash Jha who has worked with an array of stars across a career spanning said when he expressed his desire to pursue a profession in the fine arts, his father was shocked and very ashamed of him. The 71-year-old producer and director, who has also acted in several films said, "I was selected for the National Defence Academy. I got through. My batchmates have retired as Lieutenant General and Major General. But I didn't join the Army. I did my 12th from CBSE and then I went to Delhi University. I was in Ramjas College. But by the time I began college, I realised that I wanted to do something different." "In Bihar, UPSC, IAS, and IPS everyone was pursuing this. So I thought that I'd do something else and it was a big shock to my father and my mother. When I told them that I was not going to do my graduation and was going to go and join JJ School of Arts, I was an outcast from the whole society," said the director who was born in West Champaran in Bihar. He also talked about the hardships he had while studying in Mumbai, saying, "When I was leaving home, so I didn't take any money from my father. I had some 300 rupees when I left home. Aur usme se 127 rupya ka ticket lag gya Patna se Mumbai. The struggle went on for about a year. "I still don't understand why I went to Mumbai. But I went to Mumbai only. Because I could have gone to Delhi to join the school of art. So while I was kind of preparing to join the school I had no place to live and I had no money. So I was to do odd jobs. I tutored English to Gujarati businesspeople in Kalbadevi for them to converse with the foreigners," Jha recalls. He also recounted that he became fascinated with the process of filmmaking while he was preparing for the JJ School of Arts and happened to witness the shooting of the 1973 film 'Dharma'. He said, "I made friends with someone from Jaunpur while on the train itself. So I used to meet him sometimes. In his building, an art director, Aghajani used to live. Then, he and I became friends. So, one day he was leaving home and I asked him, where are you going. He said, 'to meet my director Chand Sahab.' So for the first time in my life, I asked him, 'Can I come with you?'" "Then, we went to Sun and Sand, where Dharma film's shooting was going on. Navin Nischal, Rekha ji, Pran Sahab were there. The picturization of a song was going on. This is 1972. I stood in a corner and I watched and then I saw the trolleys being laid, the lights being set up.. it was an action scent,and there was a song going on, and the dresses were going around. And there were the actors and the music and everything. "And I said, my God. This is it, this is what I would like to do. Director banna hai mujhe (I want to become a director)." Notably, Jha is known for helming acclaimed projects like 'Gangaajal', 'Raajneeti', 'Aarakshan' and the web series 'Aashram'. Apart from direction, Jha has also acted in films like 'Saand Ki Aankh' and 'Matto Ki Saikil'. (ANI - Posted on 14 February 2024) 'Tum sign board paint karoge?,' Prakash Jha recalls dad ashamed of his pick of fine arts for career Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Historic moment: Shankar Mahadevan on BAPS Temple inauguration in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, February 14 Singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan on Wednesday paid a visit to the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Expressing happiness about the opening of the Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, Shankar Mahadevan told ANI, "This is an extremely happy moment for India and Indians all over the world. This is a historic moment in our lives where we are going to witness a Mandir which is so magnificent and spiritual coming on a land like Abu Dhabi. Only our PM Narendra Modi can execute this..." Earlier today, the consecration ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi was held ahead of its inauguration by PM Modi. The priests performed rituals. Even before its official inauguration, the Mandir has already become a symbol of global unity. Over 60,000 people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nations have actively contributed to its construction. 'BAPS Mandir', the first traditional Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates, sits on 27 acres of land that was generously gifted by the UAE leadership. The significance of this cultural milestone lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in the message it conveys--a testament to the harmonious relationship between Bharat and the Gulf region. Prime Minister Modi's personal involvement since 2015 reflects the shared commitment to cultural understanding and mutual respect between the two nations. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is set to become the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, donated 13.5 acres of land in 2015 for the construction of the mandir. "The UAE Government, during its Year of Tolerance, allocated a further 13.5 acres of land in January 2019--making a total of 27 acres of land gifted for the Mandir," the release read. Last month, India's Ambassador to UAE, Sunjay Sudhir visited the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi to see the progress of its construction. In December, PM Modi and the Swami Ishwarcharandas of the BAPS called on the Prime Minister's at his residential office and extended the invitation for the innaguration of the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi on February 14. PM Modi graciously accepted the invitation, expressing his enthusiastic support for the historic and iconic temple, the BAPS said in a press statement. (ANI - Posted on 14 February 2024) Historic moment: Shankar Mahadevan on BAPS Temple inauguration in Abu Dhabi Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! SpiceJet shares dip amidst financial challenges, but airline asserts strong position New Delhi, Feb 14 In the midst of news regarding delays in salary payments, EPFO deposits, and potential job cuts, SpiceJet shares experienced a 4.16 per cent decline on Wednesday. Nonetheless, the budget airline asserted that it is presently in its most robust financial state in recent memory. Furthermore, the company has initiated the process to raise an additional Rs 1,500 crore. SpiceJet already has valid and subsisting approval of shareholders for raising up to Rs 2500 crore through QIP and for this process it need not go to shareholders again, he said. "These funds are being utilised in accordance with the shareholders' resolution, prioritising statutory dues, vendor payments, and other outstanding dues. We want to clarify that regular payments are being made to lessors, and any reports suggesting outstanding amounts are baseless and denied, the airline claimed. The airline has extended many aircraft leases and has also signed-up for fresh lease agreements starting summer schedule 2024. SpiceJet is actively engaged in discussions for long-term lease contracts with lessors, signalling our commitment to expand our fleet and network, said the spokesperson. We have secured flight rights for Haj operations from seven Indian cities including Srinagar, Gaya, Guwahati, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada. Haj has been a significant revenue generator for SpiceJet and in the current fiscal year, SpiceJet garnered revenue of Rs 337 crore from Haj operations, said the spokesperson. As part of our turnaround and cost-cutting strategy, we've implemented several measures, including manpower rationalisation, aimed at achieving profitable growth and capitalising on opportunities in the Indian aviation industry. We anticipate significant annual savings, up to Rs 100 crore, through this initiative alone, he added. (IANS - Posted on 14 February 2024) SpiceJet shares dip amidst financial challenges, but airline asserts strong position Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Addressing climate change key to preventing conflicts, says UNFCCC chief Xinhua) 10:27, February 14, 2024 Simon Stiell (C), Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), speaks at the UN Security Council high-level open debate on the impact of climate change and food insecurity on the maintenance of international peace and security at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 13, 2024. Stiell on Tuesday emphasized the critical need for rapid action against climate change to prevent future conflicts. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), on Tuesday emphasized the critical need for rapid action against climate change to prevent future conflicts. Addressing the Security Council high-level open debate on the impact of climate change and food insecurity on the maintenance of international peace and security, Stiell highlighted the dire state of global hunger exacerbated by climate change. "Today, one in 10 people on earth already suffers from chronic hunger. That number is unacceptable." He stressed the intertwined nature of climate change, food insecurity, and conflict, stating that "climate change is contributing to food insecurity and to conflict." The UNFCCC chief underscored the urgency of the situation, noting the rapid changes in climate patterns and their destructive impact on agriculture. "The world is heating. Fast. Rainfall patterns are changing. And storms are becoming stronger and more destructive," Stiell remarked. He cited the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, highlighting that "food production is already lower than it would have been without climate change." Stiell drew attention to the potential for "huge supply shocks" in the future, where "harvests fail simultaneously, in major producer countries." He warned of the inevitable food shortages, price spikes, and hunger that would follow without significant climate action. The links between hunger and conflict are well-established, Stiell noted, with historical instances where "bread riots have fueled revolutions and toppled governments." He emphasized, "The combination of climate change, hunger, and war is a devastating one." "There is no national security without food security. And there will be no food security without enhanced action to stop climate change," said Stiell. He highlighted the solutions and ways forward, including the role of the UNFCCC process and the need for the Security Council to be informed about climate security risks in real-time. Stiell called for prioritizing investments in climate-resilient agrifood systems and adaptation plans that identify increasing food security as a priority. He stressed the need for significant adaptation finance, particularly for developing countries vulnerable to climate shocks. Concluding his speech, Stiell emphasized the importance of ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions aligned with the Paris Agreement goals. "Investment in adaptation, resilience, and clean energy can increase prosperity and food security and help avoid future conflicts," Stiell concluded, advocating for climate action as a means to build peace. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (C, Front) addresses the Security Council high-level open debate on the impact of climate change and food insecurity on the maintenance of international peace and security at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 13, 2024. Guterres on Tuesday urged a worldwide response to the challenges posed by climate-driven food insecurity and conflict. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) Beth Bechdol (Front), the Deputy Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), speaks at the UN Security Council high-level open debate on the impact of climate change and food insecurity on the maintenance of international peace and security at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 13, 2024. Bechdol on Tuesday underscored the urgent need to address the intertwined challenges of climate change and conflict to combat global food insecurity. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 14. Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Qatar on 60 non-commodity items totaling $250 million, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during talks with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Trend reports. "Qatar will become one of Kazakhstan's top ten largest investors in the near future. Kazakhstan is ready to increase exports to Qatar on 60 non-resource commodity items totaling $250 million," Tokayev said. He also proposed to increase mutual trade to $500 million soon. "Qatar is our important and reliable partner in the Islamic world. I believe the time has come to give a new impetus to our bilateral relations. I propose to bring the interaction between Kazakhstan and Qatar to the level of a full-fledged strategic partnership. Important documents will be signed during my visit, which will give our cooperation a strategic character. We attach great importance to our relations, as Qatar is a special country for us. We are ready to make every effort to strengthen bilateral ties further. I express my gratitude for the hospitality shown to us," Tokayev added. During the talks, issues of agriculture, transportation, logistics and tourism were discussed. Specifically, the Kazakh leader urged Qatar to make joint efforts to develop an intermodal transportation network connecting the Gulf and Central Asia to stimulate economic activity in the region. Kazakhstan is currently among the world's top 10 wheat and flour producers and plans to increase its irrigated land area to 3 million ha. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that there are grounds for expanding cooperation in the agricultural sector. Special attention was paid to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties. The head of state proposed to organize Days of Culture of Kazakhstan and Qatar in the capitals of the two countries in 2025. He expressed confidence that these events will bring the peoples closer and demonstrate the richness of their cultural heritage. In addition, the sides discussed topical issues on the regional and international agenda. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel 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. In a recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers explored the levels of life satisfaction in indigenous communities around the world. Their results illustrate that in non-industrialized societies, people can achieve high levels of life satisfaction even if their monetary incomes are low. Study: High life satisfaction reported among small-scale societies with low incomes. Local kids swinging on a rope swing,Fiji. Image Credit: Don Mammoser / Shutterstock Background For a long time, researchers noticed a strong positive association between income levels and peoples self-reported satisfaction with their lives. These relationships were seen within individual countries as well as at an international level. Similarly, statistical models found that per capita gross domestic product (GDP) was a dominant predictor of life satisfaction. However, researchers also noticed that within a country, satisfaction levels do not increase as per capita GDP increases this could be because people become used to higher levels of material wealth and compare what they have with others around them. Another research gap was that happiness studies were primarily conducted in industrialized studies. The few studies that considered non-industrialized communities found intriguing indications that well-being levels could be high even in areas with low material wealth. The extension of this finding that happiness can be attained at a social level without increasing consumption and extraction has significant social and environmental implications. We compare the average reported life satisfaction at each site (n = 19 sites; 2,966 participants) with life evaluations obtained by the Gallup World Poll, which provides the most comprehensive global coverage of any subjective well-being dataset, including a large number of low-income nations. The Gallup World Poll results (dark blue circles) show the familiar pattern, whereby high-life evaluation responses only occur in high-income countries. In contrast, our small-scale societies report a large range of life satisfaction responses (orange circles), even at low income, and four sites display very high values (>8). The average reported life satisfaction among our 19 surveyed small-scale societies is 6.8 out of 10, even though most of the sites have estimated annual monetary incomes of less than US$1,000 per person. We also include results of the life satisfaction question from the most recent round of the World Values Survey (Wave 7, light blue circles), which includes 40% of the countries sampled by the Gallup World Poll). The average life evaluations for Gallup and WVS (World Value Survey) are similar above per capita GDP of USD$25,000 but, notably, the WVS shows a greater proportion of high life evaluations among low-income countries than Gallup. About the study In this study, researchers conducted an extensive and globally coordinated survey, which included 2,966 members of indigenous and local communities from 19 sites in 18 countries across five continents. Researchers, interpreters, and local assistants conducted in-person interviews in local languages. The study focused on small-scale and non-industrialized societies to elicit local perspectives on climate change; a question was also included to assess life evaluation. The communities included in the study were all strongly reliant on nature but were distinct in terms of culture, society, and environment. Participants rated their satisfaction with their lives between 0 and 10. In cases where interviewees found abstract numerical scales unfamiliar or difficult to understand, visual aids were used to elicit satisfaction levels. Being dependent on nature for their livelihoods, more than half the households did not receive any cash income during the study period, so the market value of their persistent commercial assets was used to proxy for their monetary income. The average life satisfaction reported from each site was compared with those found by the Gallup World Poll, which contains country-level subjective well-being measures and includes low-income countries. Findings Mapping satisfaction levels against country-level income from the Gallup World Poll dataset showed positive correlations. However, this contrasted with the results from the small-scale and non-industrialized societies, which showed a variety of satisfaction levels even at low-income levels. Of the 19, four sites had high satisfaction scores of greater than eight out of 10. Though the average annual income across the sites was less than $1000 per person, the average reported satisfaction level was almost seven out of 10. Logarithmic corrections indicated that in small-scale, non-industrialized societies, satisfaction was higher at any given income level than that shown in the Gallup dataset. Regression analysis suggested that at the village and individual level, satisfaction was significantly correlated with household income. However, the role of village wealth could not be determined. Further studies are needed to understand whether higher village wealth leads to collective benefits or reductions in average satisfaction due to the comparison effect. However, researchers did find that including village-level variables as controls explained a higher proportion of individual variance in satisfaction. After including these controls, individual wealth did not provide greater predictive power for satisfaction levels. Conclusions The findings indicate that though material affluence is positively correlated with higher life satisfaction in small-scale, non-industrialized societies as has been seen in industrialized societies, variations in wealth explain a small proportion of variation in satisfaction levels. Notably, people in the surveyed societies reported higher levels of satisfaction at any given level of wealth than those predicted by the Gallup World Poll. The levels of happiness reported in these communities in the absence of material wealth may be due to high levels of social freedom, trust, and support, as well as little or no corruption. Social participation and harmonious family and interpersonal relationships are often essential elements of life, as is nature. Nonmaterial factors have a significant role to play in human happiness, one which is often overlooked in social studies. Increasing human consumption, particularly in industrialized countries, has led to unsustainable resource extraction levels, pushing planetary systems to the brink. These findings provide convincing empirical evidence that human well-being does not necessarily require material wealth. Its news youll love for Valentines Day: a leading health expert says the dark chocolates and bubbly you bought your sweetheart may also improve their heart health. Theres some surprisingly good news for everyone planning a romantic Valentines Day treat. Chocolate and Champagne are not necessarily bad for you. In fact, the treats you just bought your hearts desire may also be just what their hearts need to stay healthy. Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), Clinical Lead at London Medical Laboratory, says: The good news for Valentines Day is that chocolates and fizz, in moderation, might improve our heart health. Dark chocolate made from cocoa beans contains natural, beneficial plant compounds called polyphenols. These have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, while also producing nitrous oxide in the blood, helping relax blood vessels and so reduce blood pressure. Eating chocolate at least once a week is linked to an 8% reduced risk of heart disease, according to research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. It also found that chocolate contains heart healthy nutrients that may reduce inflammation and improve the amount of good cholesterols in the body. A fascinating review of studies in the British Medical Journal, which included over 114,000 participants, found that those who ate higher levels of chocolate were 37% less likely to have coronary heart disease than people who ate the least chocolate. Higher levels of chocolate consumption were also associated with a 31% reduction in diabetes and a 29% reduction in strokes. So chocolates may actually be good for our hearts in some ways, which is very appropriate for Valentines Day. But what about Champagne? Can a bottle of bubbly also be good for our heart health? Research from the University of Reading, published in the British Journal of Nutrition, suggests that two glasses of Champagne a day may be good for your heart and circulation. The researchers found that drinking Champagne daily in moderate amounts causes improvements in the way blood vessels function. Again, this is down to our old friends, polyphenols. These plant chemicals are also found in the red grapes and white grapes used in Champagne production. When we drink Champagne, these polyphenols are absorbed into the circulation where they are able to act on the vascular system. Specifically, they appear to slow down the natural removal of nitric oxide from our blood, which ultimately improves vascular tone and circulation. High nitric oxide levels in the blood, as a result of drinking Champagne, can have further beneficial effects, as they may help to decrease both blood pressure and the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries). This could reduce the risks of suffering from cardiovascular disease and stroke. In fact, an analysis of 16 studies, including almost 290,000 healthy adults, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, confirmed the significant reduction of vascular risk associated with wine consumption. And for the less romantic, the analysis also found beer had a similar effect. Light-moderate wine and beer consumption both showed maximal protection was 33% at 25g alcohol/day. The same report reveals that moderate alcohol consumption has a number of other health benefits. Perhaps most interestingly, moderate alcohol consumption in healthy adults and in cardiovascular patients protects against total mortality. In other words, the risk of death from all causes is reduced for moderate drinkers of all alcohol (including wine) compared to abstainers or heavy drinkers. The precise cause and effect is open to interpretation, but moderate amounts of alcohol may, potentially, protect our health. Of course, theres always a catch. Food items with high sugar and fat content are the leading cause of obesity, which is a contributing factor in many conditions. These range from high blood pressure and diabetes to kidney disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, coronary heart disease and stroke. Similarly, the key word when talking about the consumption of Champagne, or any other alcohol, is moderation. Consumption should be weighed against the adverse effects associated with long-term alcohol excess. Any health benefits associated with Champagne are entirely reversed by consuming too much. It is wise to stay within recommended limits. Long-term heavy drinking can lead to heart disease, liver disease and increased cancer risk. This Valentines Day, it might be a good idea to show yourself some love. A heart health profile blood test will tell you how well your heart is functioning. London Medical Laboratorys simple, finger-prick blood test indicates risks to heart health and includes a full cholesterol profile, as well as testing for inflammation. It also tests for diabetes, showing how well the body is controlling blood sugar. The Heart Health Profile test can be taken at home through the post, or at one of the many drop-in clinics that offer these tests across London and nationwide in over 120 selected pharmacies and health stores A team of scientists from Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Southern California (USC) have demonstrated the first successful use of a neural prosthetic device to recall specific memories. The findings appear online in Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience. This groundbreaking research was derived from the Wake Forest and USC team's 2018 study led by Robert Hampson, Ph.D., professor of regenerative medicine, translational neuroscience and neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, that showed the successful implementation of a prosthetic system that uses a person's own memory patterns to facilitate the brain's ability to encode and recall memory. In the previous study, the team's electronic prosthetic system was based on a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) nonlinear mathematical model, and the researchers influenced the firing patterns of multiple neurons in the hippocampus, a part of the brain involved in making new memories. In this study, researchers built a new model of processes that assists the hippocampus in helping people remember specific information. When the brain tries to store or recall information such as, "I turned off the stove" or "Where did I put my car keys?" groups of cells work together in neural ensembles that activate so that the information is stored or recalled. Using recordings of the activity of these brain cells, the researchers created a memory decoding model (MDM) which let them decode what neural activity is used to store different pieces of specific information. The neural activity decoded by the MDM was then used to create a pattern, or code, which was used to apply neurostimulation to the hippocampus when the brain was trying to store that information. Here, we not only highlight an innovative technique for neurostimulation to enhance memory, but we also demonstrate that stimulating memory isn't just limited to a general approach but can also be applied to specific information that is critical to a person." Brent Roeder, Ph.D., research fellow in the department of translational neuroscience at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and study's corresponding author The team enrolled 14 adults with epilepsy who were participating in a diagnostic brain-mapping procedure that used surgically implanted electrodes placed in various parts of the brain to pinpoint the origin of their seizures. Participants underwent all surgical procedures, post-operative monitoring and neurocognitive testing at one of the three sites participating in this study including Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Keck Hospital of USC in Los Angeles and Rancho Los Amigo National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, California. The team delivered MDM electrical stimulation during visual recognition memory tasks to see if the stimulation could help people remember images better. They found that when they used this electrical stimulation, there were significant changes in how well people remembered things. In about 22% of cases, there was a noticeable difference in performance. When they looked specifically at participants with impaired memory function, who were given the stimulation on both sides of their brain, almost 40% of them showed significant changes in memory performance. "Our goal is to create an intervention that can restore memory function that's lost because of Alzheimer's disease, stroke or head injury," Roeder said. "We found the most pronounced change occurred in people who had impaired memory." Roeder said he hopes the technology can be refined to help people live independently by helping them recall critical information such as whether medication has been taken or whether a door is locked. "While much more research is needed, we know that MDM-based stimulation has the potential to be used to significantly modify memory," Roeder said. This research is built on more than 20 years of preclinical research on memory codes led by Sam Deadwyler, Ph.D., emeritus professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, along with Hampson (now a member of the Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine), and the USC team led by biomedical engineers Theodore Berger, Ph.D., and Dong Song, Ph.D. The preclinical work applied the same type of stimulation to restore and facilitate memory in animal models using the MIMO system, which was developed at USC. The research was funded by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 14. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has high expectations for the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, or Middle Corridor), Trend reports. During a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, the head of state stated that priority is given to expanding access to major Gulf markets and exploring new transit routes. In addition, Tokayev urged Qatari companies to cooperate in the development of major infrastructure projects in Kazakhstan. To note, the Middle Corridor links the container rail freight transportation networks of China and the European Union through Central Asia, the Caucasus, Turkiye, and Eastern Europe. Multilateral multimodal transportation infrastructure links ferry terminals in the Caspian and Black Seas with railway systems in China, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, Ukraine, and Poland. The middle corridor facilitates increased cargo traffic from China to Turkiye, as well as to Europe and vice versa. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers evaluated the associations of childhood trauma with emotion recognition accuracy (ERA). Study: The association between childhood trauma and emotion recognition is reduced or eliminated when controlling for alexithymia and psychopathy traits. Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock.com Background Emotion recognition is crucial in daily interactions and relationships. Expressing emotions forms the core of social interactions, facilitating appropriate responses in social situations. Accurate recognition of emotions is advantageous, and people with greater accuracy are more likable. Further, the classification and perception of emotional expressions can influence behavior. Therefore, accurate recognition of emotions is pivotal, as misclassifications may result in inappropriate responses. Experiences of childhood trauma are linked to poor emotion recognition. Nevertheless, the breadth of these effects and their relationship with individual differences remain unclear. About the study In the present study, researchers explored the effects of childhood trauma on the ERA and whether they vary by emotion, intensity of stimuli, or modality (audiovisual, face, or voice). Participants aged 18 or older, with normal or corrected-to-normal vision and without significant hearing loss, were recruited from an online site and an undergraduate course. Experimental task variables included emotion, modality, and intensity level. Variables of individual differences were childhood trauma, psychopathy, and alexithymia. Participants completed the 28-item childhood trauma questionnaire short-form (CTQ-SF), 29-item self-reported psychopathy scale short-form (SRP-SF), and 20-item Toronto alexithymia questionnaire (TAS-20). Total scores from these questionnaires were standardized and used for analyses. For emotional tasks, stimuli were selected from a database containing clips of actors expressing six emotions (happy, angry, sad, surprise, disgust, and fear) and a neutral condition across three modalities (audiovisual, face, and voice). Emotional stimuli were presented at normal or strong intensity. A silent video of actors expressing a neutral or emotional expression was presented in the face modality. Participants listened to an audio clip in the voice condition, while in the audiovisual condition, a clip with both video and audio was presented. They specified the emotion expressed in the clips. The experiment was run online in four blocks 1) personality questionnaire, 2) TAS-20 and face task, 3) SRP-SF and voice task, and 4) CTQ-SF and audiovisual task. The effect of childhood trauma alone on ERA was examined using generalized mixed models and additionally controlled for psychopathy and alexithymia. Results The analytic sample comprised 122 participants. In the model with childhood trauma and modality as fixed factors, there was a significant main effect of childhood trauma and modality. However, the effect size was small. The team found that higher childhood trauma was associated with poorer ERA. Accuracy was significantly better for audiovisual emotions than vocal and facial emotions. However, childhood trauma was no longer significant when controlled for psychopathy and alexithymia, albeit modality remained significant. There was no significant interaction between childhood trauma and modality, suggesting the effects of trauma were not significantly different across modalities. Further, a significant main effect of childhood trauma and emotion portrayed was evident in the model with these as fixed factors. The accuracy was significantly different between fear and neutral expressions; expressions of fear had significantly poorer accuracy. Notably, childhood trauma remained significant after controlling for psychopathy and alexithymia, with a significant main effect of emotion portrayed. No significant interaction was observed between childhood trauma and the emotion portrayed, suggesting no variations in the effect of trauma across emotions. In the model with childhood trauma and stimulus intensity as fixed factors, there was a significant main effect of childhood trauma only. Greater childhood trauma was associated with poorer ERA. Notably, ERA was comparable for stimuli with normal and strong intensity. Childhood trauma was no longer significant after controlling for psychopathy and alexithymia, but alexithymia was significant. Consistently, the effect of childhood trauma was not different by the intensity of stimuli. Conclusions In sum, the researchers investigated the associations between childhood trauma and ERA with multiple modalities and varying stimuli intensities. Childhood trauma alone was significantly associated with ERA when exploring stimuli intensity, modality, and emotion. Further, when controlling for psychopathy and alexithymia, childhood trauma was significant only when exploring the emotion portrayed. Notably, the effect sizes were small overall. Together, the findings suggest the significance of controlling for interrelated individual differences. Scientists have long thought of the fluid-filled sac around our lungs merely as a cushion from external damage. Turns out, it also houses potent virus-eating cells that rush into the lungs during flu infections. Not to be confused with phages, which are viruses that infect bacteria, these cells are macrophages, immune cells produced in the body. "The name macrophage means 'big eater.' They gobble up bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and dying cells. Really, anything that looks foreign, they take it up and destroy it," said UC Riverside virologist Juliet Morrison, who led the discovery team. "We were surprised to find them in the lungs because nobody has seen this before, that these cells go into the lung when there's an infection." A paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences details how during an influenza infection, macrophages leave the exterior cavity and cross into the lungs where they decrease inflammation and reduce levels of disease. This study shows it's not just what happens in the lung that matters, but also what's outside of the lung. Cell types not normally connected to the lung can have outsized impacts on lung disease and health." Juliet Morrison, UC Riverside virologist There are three main cavities in the body: one around the heart, the abdominal cavity, and the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs. "Because it contains fluid, it prevents the lungs from collapsing. However, people have not thought much about the pleural cavity being a whole organ within itself. This research may change that perception," Morrison said. Initially, the researchers set out to understand the more general question of what types of cells are present in the lungs during flu infections. They took existing data on lung-related genes from studies of mice that either died from the flu or survived. They then mined the data using an algorithm to predict cell types that change in the lungs during infections. "We took big data and broke it down to assign which potential immune cells are in the lung tissues. That's where I got a hint that maybe we had a previously unknown external source of cells in the lung," Morrison said. Next, using a laser-based technique, the team tracked macrophages going into the lungs of mice, and observed what happened if they took these cells out of the equation. "When you take them out of the mouse you see more disease and more lung inflammation," Morrison said. Morrison says she hopes this study will encourage other scientists to reevaluate data sets from older studies. "Our approach was to take information already out there and put it to new use, and we were able to see something new," she said. Moving forward, the research team is hoping to determine which proteins "tell" the macrophages to move into the lungs. Once the protein signals have been identified, it may be possible to create drugs that boost either the number of macrophages, or their activity. The strategy of boosting human defenses to infection, rather than developing another antiviral, could offer people a flu treatment that would be more effective for much longer. Morrison became interested in host therapeutics because antibiotic and antiviral resistance to drugs is a growing problem. This problem occurs when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. Misuse and overuse of the drugs is accelerating the problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2.8 million drug-resistant infections occur each year in the U.S., and more than 35,000 people die as a result. "If we can boost what resolves infection in us, we probably have a better shot. We're less likely to have resistance. The immune system is so complicated, but it's our best bet in the long run to work with what we have rather than chase viruses that continue to escape our therapeutics," Morrison said. The Indian government made a change to vehicle number plates a few years back to solve identification issues. These plates, called High-Security Registration Plates (HSRP), come with special features like a 3D hologram and a laser-etched serial number to prevent tampering. From July 2022, all new vehicles automatically get HSRP plates. States like Karnataka now require older vehicles to upgrade by February 17, 2024. Failing to do so could lead to fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 1,000, as reported by The Indian Express. Whats an HSRP number plate? HSRP, short for High-Security Registration Plate, is a standard set by the Indian government for vehicle registration plates. It includes security features such as an international registration code, laser-etched unique serial number, and a 3D hologram of the Ashok Chakra. These plates are easy for police to identify, and tampering is nearly impossible. Currently, having an HSRP number plate is mandatory for all officially registered vehicles in the country. While states like Delhi, UP, and Tamil Nadu have no official deadline yet, Karnataka has set a clear date. How to get an HSRP number plate? As of now, the only way to apply for a new or replacement HSRP number plate is through the official website of the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), the apex national body representing the Indian automobile industry. To apply, youll need details such as your vehicle registration number, chassis number, engine number, phone number for OTP, email ID, and either a UPI ID or credit/debit card for online payment. Heres a step-by-step guide: Visit http://www.siam.in and click on Book HSRP in the top right corner. Fill in your basic details and click submit. Choose your district and vehicle type, then select your vehicle brand. Enter your vehicle details and personal information, and make the payment. Keep a copy of the acknowledgment provided after payment. If youre unable to book the HSRP number plate online, you may need to visit a showroom or the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to complete the process. The transition to HSRP number plates aims to enhance vehicle security and streamline identification processes across India. So, ensure you comply with the regulations to avoid any fines and enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology. Several domestic airlines, including Akasa and Spicejet, have made the decision to cancel flights at Mumbai Airport in an effort to alleviate air traffic congestion. This move comes following directives from the Airport Authority of India to the Adani-run Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL). Mumbai Airport, known as one of the busiest hubs in the country, has been grappling with runway congestion and airspace saturation, causing flights to circle over the city for extended periods, ranging from 40 to 60 minutes. This prolonged circling time not only leads to increased fuel consumption but also adds significant costs for airlines and passengers alike. Aircraft, on average, consume 2000kg of fuel per hour, translating to substantial financial losses ranging from approximately Rs 1.8 lakh to Rs 2.6 lakhs per flight depending on the circling duration. The situation has prompted concerns about fuel wastage, operational inefficiencies, and passenger dissatisfaction. The Airport Authority of India, recognizing the urgency of the situation, issued directives aimed at regulating air traffic movements during peak hours. The measures include restricting air traffic movements during High Intensity Runway Operations (HIRO) hours, from 0800 hrs. to 1100 hrs. and 1700 to 2000 hrs., in an effort to ease congestion. However, while these actions are necessary for airspace safety and operational efficiency, they have prompted domestic airlines to cancel flights to comply with the new regulations. This move underscores the delicate balance between meeting the needs of airport operators, airlines, and passengers. While Mumbai Airport is currently operating at full capacity, the persistent congestion is attributed to several factors, including excessive slot distribution, non-adherence to slots by airlines, and non-scheduled operations during peak hours. Addressing these issues requires collaborative efforts between airlines and airport authorities to streamline operations effectively. While the decision to cancel flights may provide temporary relief, long-term solutions are imperative to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers and sustain the airports efficiency. As the Government of India intervenes to mitigate the congestion, stakeholders must work together towards finding sustainable solutions to this pressing issue. Tata Motors and Morris Garages (MG) have slashed prices on their electric cars, bringing their EV lineup on par with petrol and diesel variants. On February 13, Tata Motors, Indias largest electric car seller, announced significant price cuts for electric versions of the Nexon Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) and Tiago mini. While the Nexon EV has received the most significant price reduction of Rs 1.2 lakh (entry variant priced at Rs 14.5 lakh, ex-showroom), the Tiago will see a price reduction of up to Rs 70,000, with the base model now priced at Rs 8 lakh. According to The Times of India (TOI), Tata stated that it was passing on battery price reduction benefits to customers. Battery costs constitute a substantial part of the overall cost of an EV, said the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Tatas passenger car electric mobility division, Vivek Srivatsa as quoted by TOI. With battery cell prices having softened in the recent past and considering their potential reduction in the foreseeable future, we have chosen to proactively pass on the resulting benefits directly to customers, Srivatsa added. With this, the annual cost of driving, for example, an electric Nexon for 15,000 km will be Rs 15,000, compared to Rs 96,021 for the models diesel variant and Rs 1.2 lakh for petrol. This means that the slightly higher cost of purchasing an EV (compared to a petrol vehicle) can be recovered in just under a year. The on-road price of petrol Nexon is Rs 14.2 lakh, while the electric Nexon costs Rs 15.1 lakh due to reduced registration costs for green cars. With an on-road price of Rs 15.4 lakh, the diesel variant is already more expensive than the electric variant and is expected to depreciate from day one. Srivatsa, the CCO of Tatas passenger car electric mobility division, said that Tata Motors was hoping to accelerate the mainstream adoption of EVs with the measure. MG Motor, on the other hand, reduced the ex-showroom price of its Comet mini electric by Rs 1 lakh, and as a result, the car is now priced at Rs 7 lakh. It had unveiled a brand-new, more affordable entry-level model for the larger ZS green SUV, priced at Rs 19 lakh as opposed to the previous starting price of Rs 22 lakh. The 16th Finance Commission held its first meeting under the chairmanship of Arvind Panagariya in New Delhi, according to an official statement. The 16th Finance Commission (XVI-FC) held its first meeting under the Chairmanship of Dr. Arvind Panagariya in Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan, Janpath, New Delhi. The Chairman and Members were welcomed by Secretary, XVI-FC, Shri Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey and other officials of the Finance Commission, the finance ministry said in a statement. The 16th Finance Commission approved the setting up of its office at Jawahar Vyapar Bhawan on Janpath in New Delhi. The Commission discussed its terms of reference, and acknowledged the need for wide-ranging consultations with various stakeholders, including State Governments, Local Bodies, Ministries of Government of India, and experts. It also recognised that it will be carrying out detailed analytical work and would require to rope in all the expertise that it can garner, including that from leading research organisations, leading think tanks and other organisations working in the area of fiscal federal relations. The Commission will make its recommendations available by October 31, 2025, covering an award period of 5 years commencing April 1, 2026, according to the statement. The government constituted the commission under the chairmanship of Panagariya on December 31, 2023. Besides suggesting tax devolution between the Centre and states and revenue augmentation measures, the commission would review the present arrangements for financing disaster management initiatives with reference to the funds constituted under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The commission, chaired by former vice chairman of Niti Aayog Arvind Panagariya, will have 4 members, who will be assisted by Secretary Ritvik Ranjanam Pandey, two joint secretaries and one economic advisor. Former expenditure secretary Ajay Narayan Jha, who was also a member in the previous 15th Finance Commission, retired bureaucrat Annie George Mathew and Artha Global Executive Director Niranjan Rajadhyaksha have been appointed as full-time members of the 16th Finance Commission. SBI Group Chief Economic Advisor Soumya Kanti Ghosh will be a part-time member. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to review the state of the economy amid global challenges at a meeting of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC) on February 21. The 28th meeting of the high-level panel to be held here will be attended by all financial sector regulators, including RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das, sources said. Also Read: White Paper on the Indian Economy: From Fragility to Stability This would be the first meeting of the FSDC after the passage of the Rs 47.6 lakh crore Budget for 2024-25, focussing on capital expenditure with an outlay of Rs 11.11 lakh crore. In the meeting, the Finance Minister will review the current global and domestic economic situation and financial stability issues. Sitharaman is likely to stress key priorities highlighted in the interim Budget, the way forward for various future policies and measures that the government has proposed to take in many sectors, sources said. Besides, the council may also review the progress of measures approved earlier for further development of the financial sector, and to achieve inclusive economic growth with macroeconomic stability. The FSDC meeting will also review activities undertaken by the FSDC sub-committee chaired by the RBI governor and the action taken by members on the past decisions of FSDC. Besides RBI governor, Securities and Exchange Board of India chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) chairman Debasish Panda, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) chairman Ravi Mital and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authoritys newly appointed chairman Deepak Mohanty will attend the meeting. According to sources, the FSDC meeting will also be attended by Minister of State for Finance Bhagwat Kishanrao Karad, Finance Secretary T V Somanathan, Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth, Revenue Secretary Sanjay Malhotra, Financial Services Secretary Vivek Joshi and other top officials of the finance ministry. The Korean drama Marry My Husband is currently in discussions for a Japanese remake, as reported by JTBC. The drama Marry My Husband is a blend of fantasy, romance, and revenge, with a time travel element adding depth to the storyline. Studio Dragon, the production company behind the original series, confirmed these plans, noting the popularity of the webtoon in Japan even before its Korean broadcast. Their statement reads, The original webtoon is popular in Japan, so we have been discussing turning the original into a Japanese drama even before the Korean version was broadcast, and we are currently discussing the direction of the plan with the Japanese side. It premiered on tvN on January 1, 2024. Adapted from a web novel by Sung So Jak, the story revolves around Kang Ji Won (Park Min Young), a terminally ill woman seeking revenge after discovering her husbands affair with her best friend Jung Soo Min (Song Ha Yoon). Kang Ji Won is murdered by her husband, Park Min Hwan (Lee Yi Kyung), triggering a time travel twist where she goes back 10 years in the past to seek vengeance alongside Yoo Ji Hyeok (Na In Woo), the head of a department at her company, as reported by Koreaboo. The main cast of Marry My Husband includes Park Min Young as Kang Ji Won, a woman well-acquainted with patience, who faces challenges from her overbearing mother-in-law and selfish husband. Na In Woo takes on the role of Yoo Ji Hyeok, a handsome and intelligent department head at U&K Food. Initially seen as a strict boss, Yoo Ji Hyeok becomes an unexpected ally to Kang Ji Won, forming a bond with her. Their relationship, which was strictly professional in Kang Ji Wons previous life cycle, takes a new turn as Yoo Ji Hyeok struggles with his own one-sided love for Kang Ji Won, despite his status and power. The drama, so far, has received positive reviews for its engaging plot and strong performances, particularly from the lead actors. It has gained a dedicated fan base both in Korea and internationally, with viewers eagerly anticipating each new episode. The success of Marry My Husband in the Korean language has also sparked increased interest in its potential Japanese remake, with fans excited to see how the story will be adapted for a new audience. During Prime Minister Narendra Modis official visit to the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday, a significant agreement was reached between India and the UAE to interlink their payment platforms and domestic debit or credit cards. As per the ministry of external affairs, the development centred on linking instant payment platforms UPI of India and AANI of the UAE. This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding on interlinking payment and messaging systems in July last year during the PMs visit to Abu Dhabi. Prime Minister Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan also witnessed the exchange of another agreement on interlinking domestic debit/credit cards RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE). As per the ministry, this will enhance the universal acceptance of RuPay across the UAE. Even though these agreements are still in their early stages and the specific details of implementation are yet to be known, they facilitate two main objectives: seamless cross-border transactions and enhanced card acceptance. Interlinking UPI and AANI This connects Indias UPI with the UAEs instant payment platform AANI. Because of this interlinking, people can directly send and receive money between bank accounts in the two countries using just mobile phone numbers (similar to how UPI works domestically). Also, businesses can accept payments from each others countries instantly and securely, boosting trade and commerce. Sending money from India to the UAE is expected to become easy with the linked UPI-AANI system. So someone from India can simply open the UPI app and enter the recipients UAE mobile number and the amount that needs to be sent. The Indian bank will securely transmit the request through dedicated channels to AANI. AANI will identify the recipients bank and forward the request. Within seconds, the recipients bank will verify everything and credit the money directly to the account, completing the transaction instantly and conveniently. Interlinking RuPay and JAYWAN This connects Indias RuPay cards with UAEs domestic card scheme, JAYWAN. It means Indian tourists and businesses can use their tap-and-pay RuPay cards directly to process a payment, eliminating currency conversion fees and reliance on foreign cards. Prime Minister Modi congratulated the UAE President on the debut of the UAEs domestic card, JAYWAN, which is based on the digital RuPay credit and debit card stack. The leaders also observed a transaction performed using the JAYWAN card. The digital RuPay card stack refers to the underlying technology and infrastructure that powers these cards in India. This includes things like card network protocols for communication between merchants, banks, and payment processors, as well as security features for ensuring safe transactions. So JAYWAN will now utilise this RuPay technology as its foundation. This means JAYWAN cards will share similar functionalities and processes with RuPay cards. By leveraging RuPays technology, JAYWAN cards benefit from its existing infrastructure and network. So RuPay cards issued in India could now be used at merchants accepting JAYWAN cards in the UAE, and vice versa. This eliminates the need for separate cards for each country, offering convenience for travellers and businesses. A day earlier, PM Modi had announced UPI and RuPay card services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius. Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, and Reserve Bank of India Governor Shaktikanta Das were among those present at the virtual event. The UPI payments service is now accepted in seven foreign nations. These are France, the UAE, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Singapore, and Bhutan. The Bihar Board Class 10th exam will start tomorrow, February 15, and will end on February 23. The board has sent a letter to all DMs and District Education Officers regarding the matriculation examination. In this letter, the board said that the examination will be conducted in two shifts. The first shift examination will start at 9:30 am. For this, students will have to reach the exam center at 9 oclock. Whereas the second shift examination will start at 2 pm. For this, students will have to reach the examination center by 1:30 pm. Apart from this, the gate of the exam centre will be opened 1 hour before. Around 16 lakh students are expected to appear in the Bihar Board matriculation examination this year. For this, a total of 1585 exam centers have been created across the state. The board has sent roll numbers, roll codes, OMR sheets, and shift shift-wise list of students to all the districts. Due to the lack of examination buildings in the district headquarters and sub-divisions, the exam is being conducted in two shifts. A total of 16.94 lakh students will appear in the Bihar Board 10th examination this year. Bihar Board 10th Admit Card 2024: How to Download Step 1: Go to the Bihar Boards official website secondary.biharboardonline.com Step 2: Select the BSEB Class 10 Admit Card 2024 link. Step 3: Enter your login ID and password after clicking the link to the admit card. Step 4: The hall ticket will appear on the screen. Step 5: Download the Bihar class 10 admit card 2024 and take print out to carry it to the exam hall. The Bihar Board Inter exam will be held from February 1 to 12, 2024. The intermediate examination will be conducted at 1522 centres. For this, the board has released the list of matriculation and intermediate examination centres. This time, 58 exam centres have been increased for the matriculation board exam and 51 exam centers for the intermediate exam. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 14. Kazakhstan invites Qatari companies to invest in the Kazakh market and explore new business opportunities, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during the Kazakh-Qatari investment roundtable in Doha, Trend reports. The Kazakh leader expressed hope that many of those present at the event will contribute to the successful development of economic relations between the two countries. The government for its part is ready to provide tax and customs preferences, project co-financing, partial guarantees, and export support mechanisms. "We have also recently established an Investment Council under the chairmanship of the First Deputy Prime Minister. It will facilitate the implementation of investment projects through prompt decision-making and comprehensive government support. We invite Qatari companies to invest in the Kazakh market and explore new business opportunities," Tokayev noted. Tokayev proposed to intensify the efforts of the Kazakh-Qatar High-Level Joint Commission and the Business Council to elevate the partnership to a new level. Kazakhstan expects that the recently ratified Agreement on Encouragement and Mutual Protection of Investments will strengthen investment cooperation between the countries. "Today, during my meeting with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, I proposed as a first step to increase the volume of bilateral trade to half a billion dollars. We can offer the Qatari market high-quality goods, including machinery, iron, steel, agricultural products, and much more. Kazakhstan also offers access to the Eurasian Economic Union market with a total GDP of $2.6 trillion. We also share a common border with China, which provides good opportunities for trade with it within the framework of the 'One Belt, One Road' project," Tokayev added. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan attended the National Conference on APAAR: One Nation One Student ID Card in New Delhi on February 13. While speaking at the conference, Pradhan said that around 25 crore APAAR IDs have already been created. The aim of APAAR is to establish a unified student identity system called One Nation, One Student ID. The Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry initiative aims to provide a unique and permanent 12-digit ID to every student which will also have all their academic achievements in one place. It is being introduced in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 and the National Credit and Qualifications Framework (NCrF). ALSO READ | MoEs APAAR One Nation, One ID to Transform Recordkeeping in Education The education minister also highlighted the role of NEP2020 in incorporating the provisions of migration and integration without compromising on the quality of education. It is important to make competency aspirational, which comes through skilling, along with knowledge, he added while highlighting the importance of the interconnectivity of APAAR IDs, Academic Bank of Credit, and Digilocker, creating ease of operations. He also mentioned the other important digital assets like Swayam, DIKSHA, etc. APAAR helps in tracking the vast pool of 260 million students in the country, said Sanjay Kumar while addressing the conference. He informed that a Permanent Education Number for 25 crore children has been created and based on that they have been issued APAAR ID. Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of making schooling part of ease of living, he emphasized on ease of schooling for the children. K Sanjay Murthy in his speech mentioned the advantages of having the APAAR IDs and another important DPI, Samarth, its deployment, access, and seamless connection with APAAR. He urged every institution to adopt the Samarth platform as well. He also informed about the Swayam platform and its new version to be launched soon will have content from leading industries to provide relevant courses. For recognition and validation a digital record will be needed, he emphasized. The fifth day of Shuklapaksha in the month of Magha is celebrated as Vasant Panchami. Goddess Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, learning, knowledge, music and art. Saraswati Puja is being celebrated on February 14, this year Saraswati Puja is very important, especially for all students. On the occasion of Saraswati Puja, various schools, colleges, and universities will be closed. Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal have issued guidelines for school holidays on Saraswati Puja. The school will be closed on this day for the worship of Goddess Saraswati. Last-minute preparations for Vasant Panchami are going on in every school and college. Some educational institutions have given a one-day holiday on Vasant Panchami. Many students participate in school events. But in many places, Vasant Panchami has been declared as a holiday. Apart from Saraswati Puja Day, there are other holidays in February. Students can get leave in February for Guru Rabidas Jayanti, Vasant Panchami, and other events. However, guidelines have been issued that the school will declare holidays on a discretionary basis. Uttar Pradesh Secondary Education Director Dr Mahendra Dev had earlier released the school holiday calendar for the academic session 2024-25 for the UPMSP board students. In 2024, schools in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed for more than 100 days. The academic calendar for 2024-25 has been released in Uttar Pradesh during the winter vacation 2023. According to this, schools will be open for 233 days in the year 2024. Students studying in UP schools will get 118 holidays. ALSO READ | Be Aware of Fake Question Papers: CBSE Warns Students Against False Information on Board Exams 2024 Meanwhile, the CBSE board exams 2024 for classes 10 and 12 are slated to commence tomorrow, February 15. The class 10 exams will end on March 13 whereas the class 12 exams will conclude on April 2. The examinations will commence at 10:30 am and conclude at 1:30 pm. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is set to release the UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) 2024 official notification today, February 14. Interested and eligible candidates can check the UPSC CSE 2024 notification on the official website at upsc.gov.in, once out. It will contain all the details about the exams including the age limit, eligibility criteria, exam structure, and other important dates. The CSE prelims exam application will likely commence today. As per the official notification, the last date to apply for the prelims exam is March 5. It is scheduled to be held on May 26 while the mains exam will be held on October 19. To be eligible to apply for the UPSC exam, candidates must hold a bachelors degree from a recognised university or have an equivalent qualification. They must also be between 21 and 32 years of age. UPSC CSE 2024: How to Check Notification? Step 1. Visit the official UPSC website at upsc.gov.in. Step 2. Look for the UPSC CSE 2024 notification link on the homepage. Step 3. Click on the link. A PDF file containing the prelim exam notification will display on the screen. Step 4. Download and save the page for further use. To apply for the exam candidates will have to fill up the given form by registering themselves, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fees. 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). Candidates must note that the UPSC Prelims Paper 1 focuses on General Studies 1 for which aspirants need to cover a diverse range of topics, including national and international relations, the history of India, the Indian National Movement, Indias social geography, politics, and governance encompassing the constitution, political system and public policy, economic and social development touching upon sustainable development, poverty and environmental studies covering biodiversity and climate change, in addition to general science. On the fifth anniversary of the Pulwama terror attack, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday remembered the fallen jawans and said their sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. In a heinous suicide attack in 2019, 40 Indian security personnel were killed after Pakistan-linked terrorists rammed an explosive-laden vehicle into their convoy. Taking to X, the prime minister said, I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 In his tribute, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, I bow to the valorous martyrs of Pulwama, who laid down their lives for our motherland. Their supreme sacrifice will always be remembered. Nation will forever remain indebted to our bravehearts. Also Read: Pulwama Attack 5th Anniversary: The Tragedy, Indias Response, and 10 Quotes Saluting the Bravehearts Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tributes to the personnel who lost their life in the attack. Salutes and humble tribute to the brave martyrs of the Pulwama terrorist attack. The country will always be indebted to him for his supreme sacrifice dedicated to the defence of India, the Congress leader said in a post on X. , pic.twitter.com/q9XylQ2mk7 Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 14, 2024 On 14 February 2019, 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed after terrorists targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles, transporting more than 2,500 CRPF personnel from Jammu to Srinagar. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-based and aided terror organisation Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), was led by an internationally proscribed terrorist, Masood Azhar. In a retributive strike, the Indian Air Force had bombed suspected terrorist camps in Pakistans Balakot. To negotiate the pressure from the Enforcement Directorates (ED) cases, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership has provoked farmers from Punjab to protest against the government, according to top intelligence sources. ALSO READ | Farmers Protest LIVE Updated HERE Farmers from Punjab and Delhi started a Delhi Chalo protest march on Tuesday to demand a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP), one of the conditions they had set when they agreed to withdraw their agitation against the now-repealed farm laws in 2021. The AAP governments in Punjab and Delhi were seen to be standing firmly with the farmers, as they clashed with police along the Shambhu-Ambala border on the common boundaries of Haryana and Punjab. The ED is carrying out investigation against several AAP leaders and has even issued six summons to its chief and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. Farmers are unreasonable at the time of meetings and want on-the-spot decisions. Yesterday, they threatened to move towards Delhi if they didnt get a nod for implementation of the old pension scheme immediately. They only want a yes and are not looking at mutual agreement. While most of their demands were accepted, a few things such as pension after 58 years cant be decided on the spot, sources said, adding that the government is clear that they should not be allowed to move to Delhi. They have made preparations for it. Intelligence sources said they are also looking into foreign funding. We have found nothing so far We cant rule out support from Khalistani groups at some stage. The AAP is forcing them to move out of Punjab as soon as possible, because they are worried about these farmer unions. The farmer unions of Punjab are aggressive and stop work of every government, they said. AAP pic.twitter.com/BDrOPAxFXT AAP (@AamAadmiParty) February 13, 2024 THE SUPPORT News18 had reported on Tuesday how Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, acting as a mediator, tried to resolve the brewing standoff by organising a meeting between the ministers of the central government and farmers unions in which he also participated during the first round of discussions. The Punjab CM, however, was not present when talks between the union ministers and farmers unions happened on Monday. In Delhi, the AAP government turned down a proposal from the Delhi police to turn Bawana stadium into a temporary jail in view of the protests. Mann also allowed a free passage to the farmers as they moved towards Delhi. Just a couple of days before the protest, Mann also hit out against his Haryana counterpart, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, accusing him of creating a border between Punjab and India. Traffic snarls for Delhi as borders of national capital are sealed amid #FarmersProtest, many businesses hit by the blockade@GoyalYashco speaks to traders from Sahibabad area#FarmersProtest #MSP | @poonam_burde pic.twitter.com/4llThcBGq9 News18 (@CNNnews18) February 14, 2024 WHAT HAPPENED ON WEDNESDAY? The Haryana Police lobbed tear gas shells at farmers from Punjab at Shambhu border between the two states as thousands of protesters stayed put there on the second day of their march. There was a similar standoff at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border in Haryanas Jind district, with Haryana Police barricades stopping farmers from travelling to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys. ALSO READ | AAP, Congress Need Farmers Support for their Own Chalo Delhi Plans of 2024 With the farmers from several places in Punjab continuing to pour in at the Shambhu border, a large number of tractor-trolleys could be seen parked along the national highway on the Punjab side. On Tuesday, the first day of the Delhi Chalo agitation, there were several clashes between protesters and policemen at the borders. The stir led to massive traffic snarls in Delhi. With PTI Inputs Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with the liquor policy scam case. This is the sixth ED summon to the Delhi CM in the case. Kejriwal has been asked to appear before the agency at its headquarters in the national capital. He has not joined the investigation so far even after five summons in the case in which two of his senior party leaders Manish Sisodia and Sanjay Singh are behind bars. Earlier on February 7, a Delhi court asked Kejriwal to appear before it on February 17 on a complaint filed by the ED for skipping summons in an excise policy-linked case and noted that prima facie the AAP chief was legally bound to comply. Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Divya Malhotra said that Kejriwal purportedly failed to appear before the investigating agency Enforcement Directorate and summoned him for the offence under Section 174 of IPC (non-attendance in obedience to an order from public servant). In its complaint, the ED alleged that the Delhi chief minister intentionally did not want to obey the summons and kept on giving lame excuses. If a high-ranking public functionary like him disobeyed the law, it would set a wrong example for the common man i.e. the Aam Aadmi, the agency said. Kejriwal Skipped Five Summonses, Kejriwal on February 2 skipped the EDs fifth summons, prompting the agency to file a fresh complaint case against him for non-compliance with its summons. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convenor had earlier written a letter to the ED, terming the summonses as illegal and politically motivated. He alleged they were aimed at preventing him from campaigning in elections. In its complaint, the ED claimed that in order to unearth the role of others, including Kejriwal, and to trace further proceeds of crime, further investigation is ongoing for which he was summoned for probe on numerous occasions. Instead of Arvind Kejriwal, who was legally bound to attend in person as required under the aforesaid summons at the place and time mentioned in the summons which were issued by the complainant who is a public servant, he intentionally omitted to obey the summons and intentionally omitted to attend at the place or time mentioned in the summons, the complaint claimed. It added that from the replies given by Kejriwal, it is manifest that his intention was to disobey the summons and to create a false pretext to camouflage such intention of disobedience of summons. The agency claimed that Kejriwal intentionally disobeyed each summons making each of such omission or disobedience a separate offence. The complaint claimed that Kejriwal committed three separate offences by intentionally omitting and failing to appear upon the summons on October 30 and December 18 and 22, last year. It said the ED may file a separate complaint against Kejriwal for evading summons on January 12, 2024. Kejriwal got EDs first summon to appear before the agency on October 1, 2023, second on November 2, third on December 21, fourth on January 3, 2024 and fifth on January 18. Allegations in Delhis Excise Policy It is alleged that the Delhi governments excise policy for 2021-22 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge strongly refuted by the AAP. The policy was subsequently scrapped and the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe, following which the ED registered a case under the PMLA. (With PTI inputs) A contractual worker was killed and four other persons were injured in an explosion that occured when a pipeline of Oil India Limited (OIL) was being repaired in Dibrugarh district of Assam. The incident took place at Duliajan township, where Field Headquarters of OIL is located, a company spokesperson told PTI. It was a new pipeline and a valve was being repaired. There was a sudden pressure blast. We are probing the reason behind it, he added. In the accident, five people were injured and one of them died while being taken to hospital, the spokesperson said. The deceased was identified as Rabin Orang, a contractual worker, the spokesperson said. Out of the four injured, one is a contractual employee and three are Oil India staffers. Two of the injured have been shifted to Dibrugarh for better treatment, while the other two are admitted at OIL Hospital in Duliajan, he added. Earlier, an OIL gas well at Baghjan, which is abutting the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, spewed gas uncontrollably for 173 days since May 27, 2020 and it caught fire on June 9 the same year, killing three persons in total. In a multi-agency effort, the blaze was fully doused on November 15, followed by abandoning the well on December 3. Amid the ongoing farmers protests, senior Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh and Arjun Munda, on Wednesday held discussions on ways to address the issues raised by the farmers while another round of talk is likely to be held on Thursday. On the other hand, chaos erupted at Haryanas Shambu border after security personnel lobbed tear gas shells on protesting farmers on the second day of their Delhi Chalo march. The police action came whenever any group of the protesting farmers tried to move towards the barricades. The farmers stayed put at the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border in Haryanas Jind district as the police sealed the border with barricades to stop the farmers from travelling to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys. The farmers were also carrying water bottles and wet clothes to limit the impact of the tear gas shells. Top Points On Farmers Protest Senior Union ministers, including Rajnath Singh, Piyush Goyal and Arjun Munda, on Wednesday held discussions on the ongoing farmers protests. Haryana police used tear gas shells on farmers from Punjab at the Shambhu border and sealed the border with barricades to stop the farmers from travelling to Delhi. Bharatiya Kisan Union-Ugrahan (BKU-Ugrahan) on Wednesday announced that farmers will block the railway tracks in Punjab tomorrow from 12 pm to 4 pm The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), along with central trade unions have called for a Gramin Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on February 16. Section 144 is imposed in 15 districts of Haryana, 64 companies of paramilitary force and 50 companies of the state police are deployed. A few youths even flew kites at the Singhu border to bring the drone down by entangling the unmanned aerial vehicle in the kite strings. The RSS-affiliated Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) on Wednesday said that it does not support the farmers Delhi Chalo march calling it political. The Punjab government on Wednesday will bear the cost of treatment expenses to be incurred on injured persons during the ongoing farmers protest. Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday clarified that political parties participating in the Delhi Chalo protest are not a part of their movement. At the Tikri border, the Delhi Police installed an iron platform under the metro line to install loudspeakers and mast lights. Delhi Chalo March: What Protesting Farmers Are Demanding? Farmers demanding a law on minimum support price began marching towards Delhi after a meeting with a team of Union ministers over their demands remained inconclusive. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha said the farmers will head to Delhi to press the Centre to accept their demands. The farmers are also calling for the implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence among others. A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court will hand down a verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the validity of the electoral bonds scheme for funding political parties on Thursday. The scheme, notified by the government in 2018, was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding. According to a LiveLaw report, the bench consisting of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had reserved the judgment in the matter on November 2 after hearing the matter for three days. The petitioners in the case are the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Dr Jaya Thakur, who challenged the amendments introduced by the Finance Act 2017 which paved the way for the electoral bonds scheme. WHAT ARE ELECTORAL BONDS? An electoral bond are money instrument similar to a promissory note, that is payable to the bearer on demand and without interest. It is a process by which an Indian citizen or a corporate entity can fund a political party, which can encash them later. The government implemented the electoral bonds in 2018. It was introduced by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in Gazette Notification No. 20 dated January 2, 2018, to cleanse the system of political funding in the country. Electoral bonds, introduced to make political party funding more transparent, allow a political donor to purchase bonds from authorised banks and can only be redeemed by parties through registered accounts within a specified time frame. HOW CAN ELECTORAL BONDS BE PURCHASED? It can be purchased by any Indian citizen or a company registered in India. Electoral bonds can be purchased at any State Bank of India branch in one of the cities listed by the government. The bonds are interest-free and people and corporations interested in purchasing them must first complete prerequisites such as KYC (Know Your Customer) with the bank for authentication. It can be purchased in multiple denominations ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore. The bond would not carry the name of the payee and have a life of only 15 days, during which it can be used for making donations to political parties meeting certain criteria. The electoral bonds can be encashed only through designated bank accounts by the parties. Political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last election to the Lok Sabha or a state legislative Assembly are only eligible to receive electoral bonds. BENEFITS AND CONCERNS REGARDING ELECTORAL BONDS The proponents of electoral bonds state that they promote transparency by ensuring that political parties receive donations through formal banking channels, which can be audited. Furthermore, the identity of the donors remains confidential, reducing the risk of retaliation or intimidation. However, critics have argued that the biggest drawback of the mechanism is the lack of transparency regarding the source of funds. The donors identity is not disclosed to the public or the Election Commission, which makes it difficult to track the origin of political contributions. Critics have argued that the electoral bonds could be used to launder illicit money into the political system. They say that this undermines the principle of a level playing field in democratic elections. WHAT HAS THE PETITIONS SOUGHT? The Supreme Court, on October 10, took note of Advocate Prashant Bhushans submissions, who is representing ADR, that the matter needed adjudication before the electoral bonds scheme opens for the 2024 general election. One of the PIL petitioners claimed in March 2023 that a total amount of Rs 12,000 crore has so far been paid to political parties through electoral bonds and two-thirds of it has gone to one major political party. ADR, which filed the PIL on the issue of alleged corruption and subversion of democracy through illicit and foreign funding of political parties and lack of transparency in the bank accounts of all political parties, had moved an interim application seeking that the sale of electoral bonds not be reopened. In a written submission filed in the apex court on behalf of intervenor Citizens Rights Trust, senior advocate Vijay Hansaria has said the electoral bonds scheme allows political parties to receive donations behind an iron curtain away from the public gaze. The provisions of the amending Acts run counter to the purported objective to achieve transparency in electoral funding, Hansaria, who is assisted by advocate Sneha Kalita in the matter, has said in his written submission. He has said the scheme of contributing to a political party through electoral bonds is a completely non-transparent mechanism and is akin to a cash contribution. On October 16, the apex court said the pleas challenging the validity of the electoral bonds scheme for funding political parties will now be adjudicated upon by a five-judge bench for an authoritative pronouncement. WHAT HAS GOVT SAID ON ELECTORAL BONDS Attorney General (AG) R Venkataramani, in a statement filed before the top court in the matter, has said that citizens do not have the right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution regarding the source of the funds. Holding that the electoral bonds scheme for funding political parties contributes to clean money, Venkataramani has said there can be no general right to know anything and everything, without being subjected to reasonable restrictions. The scheme in question extends the benefit of confidentiality to the contributor. It ensures and promotes clean money being contributed. It ensures abiding by tax obligations. Thus, it does not fall foul of any existing right, the AG has told the apex court. The Centre and the EC had earlier taken contrary stands in the court over political funding, with the government wanting to maintain the anonymity of the donors and the poll panel batting for revealing their names for the sake of transparency. The Supreme Court in April 2019 declined to stay the electoral bonds scheme and made it clear that it would accord an in-depth hearing on the pleas as the Centre and the EC had raised weighty issues that had tremendous bearing on the sanctity of the electoral process in the country. On January 20, 2020, the apex court refused to grant an interim stay on the scheme and sought the responses of the Centre and Election Commission to an interim application filed by the NGO seeking a stay on the scheme. (With inputs from PTI) Farmers Protest, Delhi Chalo March: A day after several people were injured in a face-off between Punjab farmers and Haryana Police at two borders between the states, protesters continued demonstrations on the second day on Wednesday (February 14). Police used tear gas and water cannons in an effort to stop the marching farmers as agitators tried to break past barricades blocking their protest march to the national capital. Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were injured as protesters hurled stones at them, officials said. Farmer leaders said police also fired rubber bullets, and claimed over 60 protesters were hurt in the attack on them at Shambhu border, close to Haryanas Ambala city. Demands of 2024 Farmers Protest Several farmer associations mostly from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Punjab are starting their protest march today to demand a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP), one of the conditions they had set when they agreed to withdraw their agitation against the now-repealed farm laws in 2021. Apart from that, they are also seeking implementation of the Swaminathan Commissions recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, February 14. Kazakhstan is ready to provide ample opportunities for oil and gas exploration to Qatari companies, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said during the Kazakh-Qatari investment roundtable in Doha, Trend reports. According to him, the energy sector is the basis of interaction between the two countries. We are implementing global best practices to make significant discoveries possible. For this aim, I invite Qatari energy companies to actively participate in projects in geological exploration, petrochemicals, transportation and processing of oil and gas," the head of state noted. "We are expecting the signing of agreements with Power International Holding on the construction of gas processing plants at the Kashagan field, as well as on the construction of the Beineu-Bozoy-Shymkent and Aktobe-Kostanay gas pipelines today. This is a very promising initiative. We hope that negotiations on the construction of another gas processing project in Kashagan will soon yield practical results," added Tokayev. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel As the farmers Delhi Chalo protest continues to move towards the national capital on Wednesday, traffic restrictions also continue to remain in place in Delhi-NCR areas. Security has also been further beefed at many of the locations in Delhi and its connecting borders. Rapid Action Force personnel along with police teams and Riot Control Vehicle are deployed at the Singhu border to ensure maintenance of law and order situation. #WATCH | RAF personnel, Police personnel and Riot Control Vehicle deployed at Singhu Border in Delhi in view of farmers protest. pic.twitter.com/ewUgw0KoSw ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Massive traffic snarls were also seen at the Ghazipur border, where security was further tightened on Wednesday. #WATCH | Delhi: Heavy traffic snarl seen at Ghazipur border this morning in view of the farmers protest. pic.twitter.com/CHYCMypeaS ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Meanwhile, multi-layer barricades, concrete blocks, pickets, iron nails and walls of containers have been placed at Tikri, Singhu and Ghazipur borders. During the early hours of Wednesday, authorities got more concrete poured between the concrete slabs at the Tikri Border to make the arrangements stronger for day-2. Drone visuals from the Singhu border, WATCH: #WATCH | Drone visuals from the Singhu border in Delhi show the security arrangements as the farmers protest enters day 2. pic.twitter.com/iLTww2XLaA ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 The police have also sealed rural roads bordering Haryana to stop the protestors from entering Delhi. TRAFFIC ADVISORY & ALTERNATE ROUTES Amid heavy security checks and barricading at the entry and exit points of several linking areas in Delhi borders, massive queues of vehicles lined up one after the other across Delhi on Tuesday. Traffic AdvisoryDue to the ongoing farmers protest, traffic diversions are in effect. For movement on Delhi-Haryana border, kindly follow the advisory.#DPTrafficAdvisory pic.twitter.com/PV5nKjYxOJ Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) February 13, 2024 Delhi Police on Tuesday issued a fresh traffic advisory to ensure prevention of any inconvenience to the commuters and to prevent any untoward incident. The Delhi Traffic Police on Wednesday issued a traffic alert and said that in view of the deployment of picket/checking on DND Flyway, traffic is heavy on both the carriageways of the DND Flyway. Commuters from Noida to Delhi and vice-versa are advised to take alternative routes like Chilla Border route, the alert added. Traffic AlertDue to the deployment of picket/checking on DND Flyway, traffic is heavy on both the carriageways of the DND Flyway. Commuters from Noida to Delhi and vice-versa are advised to take alternative routes like Chilla Border route.#DPTrafficAlert Delhi Traffic Police (@dtptraffic) February 14, 2024 DIVERSIONS AROUND TIKRI, JHARODA & DHANSA BORDER Commuters going towards Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Gurugram etc., are advised to use Najafgarh-Nangloi Road from Nangloi Chowk, Najafgarh-Daurala Road from Najafgarh and Najafgarh-Chhawla Road to enter Haryana. COMMUTERS MOVING TOWARDS BAHADURGARH, ROHTAK, JHAJJAR, GURUGRAM For those intending to move towards Bahadurgarh, Rohtak, Jhajjar and Gurugram via Rohtak road, Najafgarh-Jharoda road can use these routes: From Nangloi Chowk to Nangloi-Najafgarh Raod to Phirni road to Delhi Gate Stand to Chhawla Stand to Dhansa stand to Najafgarh-Dhansa road to Jaffarpur Kalan village to Rawta Mor to Dauralla Road-Ujwa Village to Rawta village to Daurala Border. From Nangloi Chowk to Nangloi-Najafgarh Raod to Phirni road to Delhi Gate Stand to Chhawla Stand to Najafgarh-Chawla Road to Jhatikra Mor to Jhatikra village to Jhatikra border. From MIA Metro Station to Bakkarwala Road to Nangloi Najafgarh Road to Nangloi Stand to Najafgarh Phirni Road to Delhi Gate Stand to Chhawla Stand to Dhansa Stand to Dhansa Road to Jaffarpur Kalan Village, Rawta Mor to Dauralla Road-Ujwa Village to Rawta Vilage to Daurala border. From MIA Metro Station to Bakkarwala Road to Nangloi Najafgarh Road to Nangloi Stand to Najafgarh Phirni Road to Delhi Gate Stand to Chhawla Stand to Najafgarh Chhawla Road to Jhatikra Mor to Jhatikra Village to Jhatikra Border. AIRLINES ISSUE ADVISORY IndiGo Airlines issued advisory to its flyers and said, #6ETravelAdvisory: Due to the ongoing farmer protest, expect extended travel times to #Delhi airport. Please plan extra time accordingly. #6ETravelAdvisory: Expect extended travel times due to traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement in Delhi/NCR. Travelers heading to #DelhiAirport are advised to keep extra time for their journey. Stay updated on your flight status at https://t.co/TQCzzyjLr2. IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) February 14, 2024 Vistara airlines also issued an advisory asking the travellers to allow more time for their journey to the airport in anticipation of traffic jams due to the farmerss protest. #TravelUpdate : Due to the anticipated farmers protests on February 13th, traffic congestion and slow vehicle movement are expected in Delhi/NCR. Customers travelling to Delhi airport are advised to allow more time for their journey. Thanks. Vistara (@airvistara) February 13, 2024 (with PTI inputs) Coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the Gulf region, India and the UAE have inked a pact for quickly operationalising the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor despite the repeated Houthi strikes on vessels in the Red Sea prompted by the Israel-Hamas war. The issue of IMEC, announced during the G-20 Summit in New Delhi last September, came up for discussion during Modis talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Wednesday. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which will connect India, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel, and Europe, is seen as a crucial alternative to Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a multi-country infrastructure project. The Inter-governmental Framework Agreement concerning Cooperation for the Empowerment and Operation of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) will further regional connectivity, Kwatra said while briefing reporters on Modis visit to the UAE. One of the aims is to see how quickly the IMEC gets operated and benefits the core objective of stronger, deeper, more extensive regional connectivity between the parties involved, he said. Kwatra said the ongoing disturbance in the region about the conflict in Gaza and the situation in the Red Sea is a matter of concern. Both the countries and the leaders continue to monitor, supervise, and exchange notes on them. But it is equally important to ensure that economic cooperation which can be pursued, taken forward continues to stay the course and maintain momentum, the foreign secretary said. Kwatra said the main areas under the agreement on IMEC are the ones relating to cooperation on logistics platforms, which is a crucial element of furthering the objectives of this particular quality to the provision of supply chain services. Our supply chain services are not just limited to one or two things but cover all types of general cargo, bulk containers and liquid bulk, he said. In another development, the Ministry of Investment of the UAE and Indias Ministry of Electronics and Technology (MEITY) have signed an MoU for cooperation on digital infrastructure projects. This is a framework agreement that focuses on investment cooperation in the field of digital infrastructures, naturally, as a corollary of that the focus is on developing capabilities and sharing technical knowledge, advice, skills, and expertise under this particular framework. Government agencies as also the regulatory authorities will also look to forge partnerships under this particular digital infrastructure MOU, he added. Briefing about the Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and the UAE, Kwatra said that the agreement will set the basis for stronger and more extensive and wide-ranging investment partnerships because it focuses not just on protecting the existing investments. Apart from the pact to quickly operationalise crucial IMEC, India, and UAE signed multiple bilateral agreements during PM Modis visit to the Gulf region. After attending the high-voltage Ahlan Modi event that saw massive participation from the Indian diaspora on Tuesday, he is set to inaugurate the largest Hindu stone temple in Abu Dabhi on Wednesday. Modi attended the World Governments Summit at Dubai and after the temple event, will be headed to Doha to meet the leadership in Qatar as part of his two-day visit to the Gulf region, his seventh since 2015. A trial court in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara on Wednesday sentenced a man to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for raping a 13-year-old girl in 2016. The court of Additional Sessions Judge Handwara Umi Kulsoom convicted 26-year-old Showkat Ahmad Seer and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on him. While sentencing the convict, the judge observed that the convict, who at the time of the crime was 18 years old, shattered the dignity of the girl she has to bear the burden of the act committed by the convict throughout her life. The physical scar may have healed up, but the mental/emotional scar will always remain. When a woman is ravished, what is inflicted is not merely physical injury but the deep sense of some deathless shame. Child sexual abuse is a serious and heinous offence against the society and humanity, the court said. While refusing the defence plea for leniency, the court said, To show mercy in a child sexual abuse case would be a travesty of justice. The socio-economic status of the convict in child sexual abuse case is not a relevant consideration in awarding punishment. KERALA LOTTERY FIFTY FIFTY FF-84 RESULT ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, LIVE UPDATES: The Kerala State Lottery Department has announced the results of the Fifty Fifty-FF-84 lucky draw for Wednesday, February 14. Check the full list of winning numbers below. ALSO READ: Kerala Lottery Result Today LIVE: Sthree Sakthi SS-403 WINNERS for February 20, 2024; First Prize Rs 75 Lakh! FULL LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS FOR FIFTY-FIFTY FF-84 LOTTERY WINNING NUMBERS FOR CONSOLATION PRIZE WORTH RS 8,000 ARE FN 243485 FO 243485 FP 243485 FR 243485 FS 243485 FT 243485 FU 243485 FV 243485 FW 243485 FX 243485 FZ 243485 WINNING NUMBER FOR 1ST PRIZE WORTH RS 1 CRORE IS FY 243485 (KOTTAYAM) Agent Name: SELVAN C Agency No.: K 8459 WINNING NUMBER FOR 2ND PRIZE WORTH RS 10 LAKH IS FW 218308 (WAYANADU) Agent Name: GIRIJA T Agency No.: W 2480 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 3RD PRIZE WORTH RS 5,000 ARE 2161 2259 2420 2535 2799 2865 3019 4082 4212 4534 5499 5845 5885 6130 6533 7235 7374 7966 8003 8152 8831 9037 9607 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 4TH PRIZE WORTH RS 2,000 ARE 2975 3337 3638 3658 4860 5061 5687 5856 6443 8893 9505 9947 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 5TH PRIZE WORTH RS 1,000 ARE 0272 0492 2884 2934 3266 3420 3428 3792 4694 5322 5396 5654 5987 5994 7082 7099 7385 7555 7598 8606 8762 9093 9513 9649 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 6TH PRIZE WORTH RS 500 ARE 0072 0073 0180 0283 0320 0471 0481 0583 0790 0823 0911 0921 0925 1040 1105 1154 1155 1165 1486 1677 1721 1871 1886 1923 1939 2097 2500 2694 2740 2776 2809 3020 3071 3125 3136 3217 3919 4060 4076 4151 4237 4241 4317 4359 4380 4384 4547 4559 4623 4753 5068 5266 5366 5411 5455 5714 5909 5944 5969 6120 6323 6326 6351 6417 6422 6488 6584 6675 6790 6973 7259 7263 7273 7373 7400 7561 7637 7672 7843 7871 8137 8140 8224 8530 8605 8810 8937 9265 9321 9546 9574 9577 9694 9695 9847 9963 WINNING NUMBERS FOR 7TH PRIZE WORTH RS 100 ARE 0102 0232 0393 0469 0576 0599 0860 0880 0889 0918 0927 1047 1198 1281 1289 1332 1477 1517 1532 1563 1822 1852 1873 1919 2035 2134 2234 2250 2287 2289 2315 2331 2448 2502 2504 2574 2692 2863 3039 3084 3213 3251 3405 3433 3575 3612 3639 3696 3744 3745 3799 3828 3895 4031 4225 4468 4531 4550 4795 4869 4908 4969 5155 5277 5495 5623 5625 5651 5672 5673 5859 5921 5953 5979 6118 6192 6424 6484 6564 6608 6615 6643 6726 6792 6796 6814 7002 7181 7186 7290 7407 7413 7557 7559 7730 7856 7864 7987 8058 8087 8116 8245 8395 8511 8548 8567 8759 8789 8919 8956 9006 9084 9130 9159 9164 9208 9220 9269 9270 9281 9361 9446 9473 9543 9545 9780 KERALA LOTTERY RESULT TODAY: FIFTY-FIFTY FF-84 PRIZE STRUCTURE 1st Prize: Rs 1 Crore 2nd Prize: Rs. 10 Lakh 3rd Prize: Rs. 5,000 4th Prize: Rs. 2,000 5th Prize: Rs. 1,000 6th Prize: Rs. 500 7th Prize: Rs. 100 Consolation Prize: Rs. 8,000 HOW TO CONFIRM KERALA FIFTY-FIFTY FF-84 LOTTERY RESULTS? To find out if you won the Kerala Fifty-Fifty FF-84 Lottery, visit the official Kerala Lottery Department website at www.keralalottery.info. Another method is to visit the Kerala Government Gazette office and cross-check your ticket numbers with the officially announced results of the draw. HOW TO CLAIM YOUR PRIZE MONEY? To determine your eligibility for the Kerala Fifty-Fifty FF-84 Lottery reward, compare your ticket number to the draw results published in the Kerala Government Gazette. A successful match of both numbers means you have won. Once confirmed, winners must claim their prizes at the Kerala lottery headquarters in Gorky Bhavan within 30 days of the announcement of the results. To expedite the verification process, winners must present both their winning ticket and a valid form of identification. Delhi-NCR has been witnessing a surge in cases of high fever among children, mainly due to fluctuating weather conditions because of the transition from cold to warm season. Paediatricians are seeing a high influx of admissions and visits to outpatient departments (OPDs) as anxious parents bring in their children, often with high fevers exceeding 101, at times hitting as high as 104.5 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Dr RD Srivastava, head of the department, paediatric medicine and neonatology at New Delhi-based Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, the surge in cases of viral fever among children is concerning. With daily reports of 15-20 cases in the outpatient department and five to eight admissions, our young ones are facing challenging situations owing to fluctuating weather conditions. Srivastava indicated that he has been seeing children reporting fever as high as 104.5 in some cases. Other doctors echoed similar trends. Dr Veena Raghunathan, senior consultant, paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Amrita Hospital in Faridabad, has noted that every seven out of 10 kids coming to her hospital are suffering from such symptoms these days. Patients have been coming in with typically high temperatures exceeding 101 F, runny nose, throat pain, headache and dry cough. Parents are distraught as the fever shows only temporary or partial relief to paracetamol. Dr Praveen Makhija, principal consultant of paediatrics at Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital in Saket, also confirmed the trend. I have been seeing around 10-12 cases every day, he said, adding that parents need not be worried if a child is active and playful once the fever comes down. However, they must consult a medical expert if a child is dull and inactive. If the child is not eating well, hospitalisation is needed, he advised. New flu variant or influenza virus? Experts believe that the changing weather and rising pollution levels worsen viral infections, creating an ideal environment for their spread. Fluctuating temperatures due to transition in weather from cold to warm seem to be the main reason behind the increase in viral infections, Raghunathan said, sharing her experience that during peak winter, a lot of infants and young children were affected with respiratory syncytial virus this year, but this is on the decline now. She believes that the current surge appears to be due to a new flu variant. Moreover, experts believe that the unpredictable weather conditions and air pollution are exaggerating allergies and asthma in children and increasing the likelihood of infections. Dr Dinesh Raj, paediatrician at Holy Family Hospital in Delhi, has also been seeing many such patients with acute onset high-grade fever along with respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Most of these are viral and turning out to be influenza. We are not testing routinely in outpatients for influenza as it is not indicated. But patients who are sick need to be tested, Raj added. What to do? According to medical experts, practising hand washing and wearing masks in crowded public places can help to prevent the spread of these infections. Children who are already suffering must get adequate rest and drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. In viral fever, treatment is essentially supportive care, Raj from Holy Family Hospital said. We encourage bed rest and a lot of fluid intake. Paracetamol is given for fever. Ibuprofen can be given on a case-to-case basis. But hydration needs to be ensured as Ibuprofen is known to affect kidneys. Doctors stressed on avoiding unnecessary consumption of other medicines except paracetamol unless prescribed by a medical practitioner. Paracetamol should be used in correct doses to treat fever. It is the safest medicine, Makhija said, adding that parents should refrain from self-medicating children with doses of mefenamic acid or ibuprofen. They must give these medicines only under the doctors supervision. Doctors suggest that sponging with lukewarm water also helps to control fever, especially in small children. Also, in case of high fever, parents must try to make the child comfortable and avoid over clothing. Who owns the blue BMW car seized from Jharkhands former Chief Minister (CM) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) leader Hemant Sorens official residence in Delhi? A week into the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, the mystery has deepened. ALSO READ | Hemant Sorens State-Graft: 50 Files (Lakh) for CEO Post, 2.5 Folders (Crore) for Govt Land, Says ED While the new documents accessed by the ED show the car is owned by a company associated with Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu, some of the electronic evidences with the agency show the buyers handed it over to Soren. The central agency has seized the sale receipts and other documents of the car, which show it was bought in the name of a company, address of which is associated with one of the premises owned by Sahu. News18 has a copy of the sale receipts. WAYS TO DELETE EVIDENCE DISCUSSED ON WHATSAPP GROUPS Apart from the purchase papers, the agency has retrieved electronic evidences from the seized laptops and mobiles of some of the accused, and found that there are WhatsApp groups named ED-HSoren Car. ALSO READ | 539 Pages of WhatsApp Chats, 11 Trunks Full of Land Deeds: Why ED Acted Against Hemant Soren | Exclusive The members of the group discussed ways to erase the details and the probable electronic evidences about cars sent to H Sorens house". They also talked about removing some of the accused from the group, News18 has learnt. #WATCH | Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu leaves from the ED office in Ranchi, Jharkhand. He says, "It was about the BMW. This is not even a matter. The vehicle does not belong to the (former) CM (Hemant Soren). It belongs to someone else. Investigation is being done regarding the pic.twitter.com/SEoY0u4rl0 ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2024 NOT MY CAR: SOREN, SAHU Soren, before his arrest in connection with a land scam on January 31, released a video message stating he never owned the BMW car. The ED later summoned and interrogated Sahu in connection with the seizure, after finding links between him and the company that owned the car. Sahu, too, denied his involvement in the purchase of the car. According to senior ED officials, the investigation into the moveable and immovable assets of Soren is still on. The assets, if seized by the ED, would be produced as evidence and proceeds of crime, said the officials. ALSO READ | They Can Keep Targeting Me, Im Not Afraid: Hemant Soren in Interview Before Arrest In the petition to extend Sorens custody, the ED said, The accused person has acquired proceeds of crime and has been misusing his position to destroy evidences linked in this case to show him dissociated from the properties under investigation. The investigation to identify the proceeds of crime freshly surfaced proceeds of crime and the trail of the money linked to it is required for taking action under PMLA, 2002." That the statement of others in this case is continuing and the outcome of the proceedings under section 50 of PMLA, 2002 are being corroborated with the statements of Shri Hemant Soren. Fresh searches were also conducted on 07.02.2024 in relation to this case and fresh incriminating evidences have surfaced. The analysis of the seizures is going on vis-a vis the statement of the persons connected with it," the directorate added. The National Security Guard (NSG), globally renowned for their zero-error record in special operations, is currently undergoing a process of fresh manpower rationalisation directed by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Discussions are ongoing regarding whether the VIP wing should remain within the NSG or not, with sources suggesting that its inclusion may impact the number of personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces in NSG. The induction from CAPFs may reduce if the move is implemented. Multiple meetings have been held in the Union Home Ministry and top officials are claiming that the move will change the entire setup and take the force to a new level with more teeth. Additionally, there are deliberations regarding potential reductions in strength. Top sources familiar with the rationalisation process stated that the NSG will transition into a specialised operations force, prioritising anti-terror operations over providing security to VVIPs. Recently, a letter was circulated, urging a halt to the induction of troops from the Central Armed Police Forces who had completed commando conversion courses. However, this was refuted by NSG top officials. The letter addressed the induction of 86 personnel, advising against their release due to the ongoing rationalisation process. Regarding VVIPs currently receiving security from the NSG, such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a senior official mentioned that the Central Reserve Police Force will be tasked with providing their security. CRPF is already responsible for the security of Union Home Minister Amit Shah apart from the Gandhi family who used to get SPG cover. The NSG serves as a federal contingency force primarily tasked with combating terrorist activities to safeguard states against internal disturbances arising from such activities, including scenarios such as terrorist neutralisation, anti-hijack operations, and hostage rescues. Additionally, the NSG is assigned the responsibility of providing mobile security protection to designated high-risk VIPs. National Security Guard was conceptualised and created after studying and analysing special forces such as the SAS of UK, GIGN of France, GSG-9 of Germany, Sayaret-e-Matkal of Israel, and Delta Force of USA. The basic philosophy of NSG is swift and speedy strike and immediate withdrawal from the theatre of action. PM Modi, BAPS Mandir Abu Dhabi Inauguration: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. The PM on Tuesday addressed a massive crowd of the Indian diaspora at the Ahlan Modi event in Abu Dhabi. He said that what India and UAE have achieved in terms of community integration, is a model for the whole world. Amid the cheers from the ecstatic gathering, the prime minister said, At this historic stadium, every heartbeat, every breath, every voice says Long live India-UAE friendship On the first day of his two-day visit to UAE, PM Modi also held talks with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. BAPS Temple The BAPS Mandir is located in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. It has been built on around 27 acres of land in Abu Dhabi and the work for its structure has been going on since 2019. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government. Though UAE has three Hindu temples in Dubai, the BAPS temple with stone architecture will be the largest of all in the Gulf region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday in the presence of spiritual leaders of the Swaminarayan sect. The prime minister was dressed in a light pink silk dhoti and kurta paired with a sleeveless jacket and stole, while he participated in rituals of a ceremony to dedicate the temple to the people. A Global Aarti was also performed simultaneously at over 1,200 temples of the Swaminarayan sect worldwide built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) and PM Modi participated in the aarti. Earlier, he also met people from different faiths who contributed to the construction of the Hindu stone temple. PM Modi, while addressing the inaugural event of BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, urged people to give a standing ovation to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Taking to X, PM Modi shared the pictures from the inauguration ceremony and called himself blessed for being able to be part of the sacred moment. @BAPS ! . . pic.twitter.com/QXUC9oY0JJ Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 Top Quotes From PM Modis Speech PM Modi also addressed a gathering after the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. The PM said the BAPS temple will add another chapter to the identity of the UAE, which till now was known for Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and other hi-tech buildings. PM Modi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE Government for granting land for the temple. PM Modi said a large number of devotees will come and visit the temple in the coming times. This will also increase the number of people coming to the UAE and people-to-people connections will also increase, he said. PM Modi said this temple will be a symbol of unity and harmony. The role of the UAE government in the construction of the temple is commendable, he added. The PM said UAE has written a golden chapter. The inauguration of the temple has years of hard work and dreams of many are connected with the temple. Swaminarayans blessings are also connected, he said. The PM also announced that the Vice-president of UAE has announced to give land in Dubai for the construction of a hospital for Indian workers. PM Modi said, I worship Maa Bharti. parmatma ne mujhe jitna samay dia hai uska har pal Maa Bharti kay liye hai PM said this huge temple of Abu Dhabi is not just a place of worship, it is a symbol of the common heritage of humanity. PM said, I have a father-son relationship with Pramukh Swami (Maharaj). For a very long time, as a paternal influence, I received his support and blessings. Even when I was a CM and then PM, he used to provide me with his guidance in clear words. PM said, Today is the holy festival of Basant Panchami. This is the festival of Maa Saraswati, which means goddess of wisdom, prudence and consciousness. I hope that this temple will welcome Basant for humanity and better future. About the BAPS Mandir Built on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, the BAPS temple has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 700 crore. According to the temple authorities, the grand temple has been built as per an ancient style of construction and creation mentioned in the Shilpa and Sthapathya Shastras, Hindu scriptures which describe the art for mandir design and construction. The architectural methods have been clubbed with scientific techniques here. Over 300 high-tech sensors have been installed at every level of the temple to measure temperature, pressure and movement (seismic activity). The sensors will provide live data for research. If there is any earthquake in the region, the temple will detect it, and we will be able to study, Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, told PTI. No metal has been used in the construction of the temple and fly ash has been used to fill up the foundation, replacing 55 per cent of cement in the concrete mix, reducing the carbon footprint of the temple. In February 2018, the PM inaugurated the project for the temple and the construction began in December 2019. What is BAPS Organisation? BAPS stands for the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS). The organisation is named after Bhagwan Swaminarayan, a religious leader who lived in the late 1700s. It is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith with its roots in the vedas and was pioneered by Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781-1830) in the late 18th century and established in 1907 by Shastriji Maharaj (1865-1951), according to the BAPS website. The BAPS claims to run over 3,850 centres across the world and 1,100 temples. The organisation was also behind the Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey, which is also the worlds largest Hindu temple outside of India. (with agency inputs) Protests in West Bengals Sandeshkhali reached the seventh consecutive day on Wednesday after a large number of women took to the streets, demanding the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shajahan and his alleged gang. The accusations against Shajahan and his aides include forcefully capturing land and sexually harassing women. The TMC leader, wanted since a mob attacked Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers during a raid at his residence in an alleged ration scam, remains absconding since last month. LATEST UPDATES BJP West Bengal President Sukanta Majumder has been admitted in the neurology ICU of Apollo Hospital, Kolkata. His condition is stable but under watch. BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia, while addressing a press conference on Wednesday said, When the perpetrator of any crime happens to be a TMC goon, the Chief Minister of West Bengal doesnt even care to intervene, doesnt care to uphold dignity of women. Notably, Hindu women are especially the targets of TMC goons, with Shahjahan Sheikh as the top shameless perpetrator. Certainly, there is nothing but a sheer state of lawlessness that prevails in the state of West Bengal. Not the Rule of Law, but the law of the anarchic ruler Mamata Banerjee does exist there, Bhatia added. Bengal BJP leader Subhendhu Adhikary will be visiting Sandeshkhali on Thursday along with 30 MLAs. In a conversation with CNN News18, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose said that what he witnessed was shocking and shattering as he saw gundaraj in the locality. He further said that he is in touch with the victims and the scare is still there among them. Bose also said, I met hundreds of womenthey are on the road. I interacted with them. I can understand their feeling. Calling it a crime against womanhood and humanity, the Bengal governor added, Over 100 women gave me written complaints. On Thursday, amidst the ongoing tensions at Sandeshkhali, state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar has been admitted to a multi-facility hospital in Basirhat after he was injured during a police lathi charge as a scuffle had broken out between the police and party workers. Earlier today, Majumdar alleged that the state police have cordoned off the lodge where he has put up in Taki area to prevent him from heading towards unrest-hit Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. Majumdar said he was scheduled to visit Sandeshkhali this afternoon to meet the agitators. The BJP leader, claimed he has been put under house arrest, a claim denied by the police. As per sources in the administration, a new order to impose Section 144 has been released. After the DIG Intelligence got inputs that certain outside elements might create disturbance in the area, the decision on Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) was taken. Officials said that the prohibitory orders will be imposed from 6 am and 6 pm to maintain law and order. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will stage a protest against the torture on State President, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar at Hind Cinema, Ganesh Chandra Avenue at around 4:45 pm. The BJP on Wednesday charged that jungle raj prevailed in West Bengal and demanded resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed that there is complete anarchy and lawlessness in West Bengal under the TMC rule with Chief Minister Banerjee allegedly providing protection to her party goons who allegedly raped and exploited tribal women in Sandeshkhali. (with agency inputs) The Supreme Court will pronounce its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the electoral bond scheme on Thursday. The verdict will be delivered by a 5-judge constitution bench, including the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. According to a LiveLaw report, the bench consisting of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had reserved the judgment in the matter on November 2 after hearing the matter for three days. The petitioners in the case are the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the Communist Party of India (Marxist), and Dr Jaya Thakur, who challenged the amendments introduced by the Finance Act 2017 which paved the way for the electoral bonds scheme. The petitioners argued that the anonymity in the electoral bonds affects the transparency of political funding and infringes on the voters right to information, which is sacrosanct in a democracy. The Modi government, on the other hand, is defending the scheme calling it a method to ensure that white money is used for political funding through proper banking channels. The Government further argued that anonymity in these bonds was necessary to keep the identity of donors confidential so that they would not face any retribution from political parties. WHAT ARE ELECTORAL BONDS? An electoral bond are money instruments similar to a promissory note, that is payable to the bearer on demand and without interest. It is a process by which an Indian citizen or a corporate entity can fund a political party, which can encash them later. The government implemented the electoral bonds in 2018. It was introduced by the Narendra Modi-led NDA government in Gazette Notification No. 20 dated January 2, 2018 in order to cleanse the system of political funding in the country. Electoral bonds, introduced to make political party funding more transparent, allow a political donor to purchase bonds from authorised banks and can only be redeemed by parties through registered accounts within a specified time frame. HOW CAN ELECTORAL BONDS BE PURCHASED? It can be purchased by any Indian citizen or a company registered in India. Electoral bonds can be purchased at any State Bank of India branch in one of the cities listed by the government. The bonds are interest-free and people and corporations interested in purchasing them must first complete prerequisites such as KYC (Know Your Customer) with the bank for authentication. It can be purchased in multiple denominations ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1 crore. The bond would not carry the name of the payee and have a life of only 15 days, during which it can be used for making donations to political parties meeting certain criteria. The electoral bonds can be encashed only through designated bank accounts by the parties. Political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 and which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last election to the Lok Sabha or a state legislative Assembly are only eligible to receive electoral bonds. The upcoming nuptials of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant are more than just a celebration; they are a homage to the rich tapestry of traditional Indian art. Adding a distinctive meaning to the celebrations, visually impaired artisans from Mahabaleshwar will be crafting candles as special gifts for the guests. In this beautiful collaboration, Swadesh is not only enhancing the splendor of the occasion but also uplifting communities and preserving the invaluable legacy of age-old craftsmanship. For the unversed, Swadesh stands as a tribute to the traditional arts and artisans of India, representing an earnest endeavor to safeguard and showcase the rich heritage of our countrys timeless arts and crafts. Rooted in the ethos of Make in India, Swadesh extends admiration and support to the talented men and women who contribute to the cultural tapestry through their craft. Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchants upcoming wedding is a tribute to Indian artistry. In a heartwarming gesture, visually impaired artisans from Mahabaleshwar are presenting their meticulously crafted candles. #IndianCraftforAR #SwadeshOnline #NitaMukeshAmbaniCulturalCentre pic.twitter.com/Z2RjqUHg9b News18 Showsha (@News18Showsha) February 14, 2024 Anant Ambani, the son of Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, the daughter of Encore Healthcare CEO Viren Merchants wedding festivities are slated for 1-3 March, 2024 at the Reliance Greens in Jamnagar. The couple officially got engaged during a Gol Dhana ceremony in Mumbai on January 19, 2023. In the Gujarati tradition, Gol Dhana, symbolizes the distribution of coriander seeds and jaggery, signifying engagement. During this ceremony, the bride, accompanied by her family, brings sweets and gifts to the grooms house. The engagement ritual involves the exchange of rings, followed by seeking blessings from five married women from each family. Anant, nurtured by parents Nita and Mukesh Ambani, completed his education at Brown University in the USA and has contributed to various roles at Reliance Industries, holding positions such as a board member for Jio Platforms and Reliance Retail Ventures. Radhika, the daughter of Shaila and Viren Merchant, holds a degree from New York University and serves as a Director on the Board of Encore Healthcare. Additionally, she is a proficient Indian classical dancer. Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr. made headlines when Downey revealed their first meeting in the early 2000s to potentially cast him as Scarecrow in his Batman Begins. Nolan, however, admitted in a recent interview with Downey for The New York Times that he never considered him for the role, which eventually went to Cillian Murphy. Nolan confessed, I 100% knew you werent the guy for Scarecrow. In my head that was already cast. But I always wanted to meet you I was a huge admirer of yours and therefore selfishly just wanted to take the meeting. But I was also a little afraid of you, you know. I had heard all kinds of stories about how you were crazy, he added. This meeting predated Downeys iconic role as Iron Man, which revived his career after a series of legal troubles in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Downey faced several arrests, including one in 1996 for possession of heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded gun, leading to three years of probation, reports Variety. He was also reportedly jailed for nearly four months in 1997 for skipping a court-ordered drug test, and again in 1999 for three years, serving 15 months before being arrested once more for drug possession four months after his release. Marvel Studios initially hesitated to cast Downey as Tony Stark due to his troubled history. David Maisel, the former president of Marvel Studios, supported Downey for the role, despite resistance from the board. Maisel recalled, My board thought I was crazy to put the future of the company in the hands of an addict. I helped them understand how great he was for the role. We all had confidence that he was clean and would stay clean, reports Variety. Talking about this specific role of the actor, Nolan, earlier this month during an interview with The New York Times said, It one of the most consequential casting decisions thats ever been made in the history of the movie business. Nolan eventually cast Downey as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, along with Cillian Murphy as the titular character and Emily Blunt as Oppenheimers wife. His role in the acclaimed film has already earned Downey the Best Supporting Actor prizes from the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, making him a frontrunner for the Oscars too. Dharmendra was seen having a ball at his granddaughter Nikita Chaudharys wedding. The veteran actor, who returned to Instagram to share his first post since Esha Deol announced her divorce, posted a video from the wedding in which he was seen breaking into a small dance. In the video, Dharmendra was seen wearing a brown outfit with a hat and held a drink in his hand. He got up from his seat to dance to a folk song about mehendi as the guest recorded him. Sharing the video, Dharmendra wrote, On the loving occasion of marriage of my darling Grand daughter . Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol were among the many who commented on the video. Sunny dropped a series of heart emojis whereas Bobby wrote, Love love love . Watch the video below: Many others also commented on the post. Kapil Sharma wrote, Love you paji . Darshan Kumaar added, Love u Dharam ji . Vindu Dara Singh congratulated Dharmendra on his granddaughters wedding. For the unversed, Nikita Chaudhary is reportedly the daughter of Ajeeta Deol, Dharmendra and Prakash Kaurs eldest daughter. Ajeeta is said to have moved to the US after she married US based dentist, Dr Kiran Chaudhary. Much like their father, Nikita is also said to pursue a career in dentistry. Meanwhile, Dharmendra is yet to comment about Esha Deols divorce. Earlier this month, Esha issued a joint statement with Bharat Takhtani to reveal that they have separated after being married for 11 years. We have mutually and amicably decided to part ways. Through this shift in our lives, the best interests and welfare of our two children is and will be of utmost importance to us. Wed appreciate our privacy is respected, their statement issued to Delhi Times read. Kareena Kapoor is one of the most sought-after actresses in the film industry with several hits to her credit. She has acted in many hit films like 3 Idiots and Jab We Met in her illustrious acting career. She also made her debut on the OTT in 2023 and played the lead in the film Jaane Jaan. Kareena Kapoor received praise for her acting prowess and as per reports, received Rs 10 to 12 crore for Jaane Jaan. There is, however, no official confirmation for the same. She eventually became the highest-paid actress on the OTT platforms. Sujoy Ghosh has directed Jaane Jaan starring Vijay Varma, Jaideep Ahlawat and others in key roles. Jaane Jaan is an adaptation of the Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino. The film received mixed reviews from the audience. Some appreciated the acting performances while others criticised the slow pace of the film. Jaane Jaan is currently streaming on Netflix. Saurabh Sachdeva, Naisha Khanna, Denjam Lepcha and others also acted in this film. Kareena talked about this film in an interaction with Variety magazine. She said that her OTT streaming debut has been very rewarding. She said, The reactions, and messages from fans and audiences around the world have strengthened my belief that good stories can go everywhere. Playing Maya Dsouza, having costars like Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma and being directed by Sujoy Ghosh made the experience of my first streaming debut a wonderful experience. I hope the film continues to top all the charts for many many weeks to come. On the personal front, Kareena is married to actor Saif Ali Khan. They are the parents of Taimur and Jeh. Kareena dominated the news on Wednesday for the quirkiest reply from Saif on the occasion of Valentines Day. Kareena mentioned in the Instagram Story that she wished her husband Saif Ali Khan on the occasion and his response was just an OK. Kareena will next act in the film Singham Again directed by Rohit Shetty. This film is expected to hit the cinemas on August 15. Ajay Devgn, Deepika Padukone and others will act in the film. Modern Family star Sofia Vergaras former husband, Joe Manganiello, 47, and his current girlfriend Caitlin OConnor, 34, have reached a new milestone in their relationship. The two have reportedly decided to move in together. They are described as very much in love and have bonded over their shared roots in Pittsburgh and their love for travelling. Joes dog, Bubbles, seems to have approved of Caitlin, which has made living together easier, reports TMZ. A source close to the situation has also informed Page Six that Caitlin still maintains her own residence. This news comes shortly after Joe finalised his divorce from actress Sofia Vergara, 51. According to TMZ, they honored their prenuptial agreement, which allowed them to keep assets acquired independently during their marriage. In July 2023, Joe and Sofia announced their decision to divorce after seven years of marriage. They requested privacy, stating that they still care for each other deeply but want different things in life. Sofia explained to El Pais that the age difference played a role in their split. 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. While talking to Page Six, the couple 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. Speaking about the specific reason behind their split, Sofia earlier told El Pais, 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. While Vergara is a popular model, actress, and reality show judge, her ex-husband Joe, also an actor, is known notably for films like Spider-Man and True Blood. Sofia was previously married to her high school sweetheart Joe Gonzalez in 1991 and shares a son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara with him. Joe and Sofia got engaged in 2014 and married in 2015. Sofia has moved on with orthopedic surgeon Justin Saliman, while Joe has been dating Caitlin since 2023. They made their red carpet debut at an event in New York City. Shah Rukh Khan confirmed he was offered the role of the host in the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The actor, at the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai, opened up about working in Hollywood when he confirmed that Danny Boyle offered him the part. But he rejected the role and it eventually landed in Anil Kapoors kitty. Coincidentally, SRK was hosting Who Wants to be a Millionaire aka Kaun Banega Crorepati in India when Danny Boyle offered him the role. Speaking at the event, Shah Rukh said, Yes, Slumdog was there, now that you mention it. And I spend a lot of time with Mr. Boyle. Hes very sweet. But I was doing Who Wants to be a Millionaire (Kaun Banega Crorepati) on television, successfully at that time. And I just felt in the story that was being told, the guy who was hosting was very mean, in the story that was being told. SRK said confirmed that the producers of Kaun Banega Crorepati recommended his name for the movie. But he wasnt keen on pursuing the role because the host in the movie was shown as a dishonest person. I was cheating and being dishonest as the host (in the movie). So I just found that its very strange that Im being a host (on KBC) and Im cheating in the film. So I explained to Mr. Boyle that I wouldnt like to do it, please, and there are way better actors than me. And I think Mr. Anil Kapoor did it and he was fantastic as the host, he added. Speaking about working in Hollywood, Shah Rukh said that while there have been talks, there hasnt been a concrete offer that has come to his table. Ive said this honestly, but nobody believes it. So Im going to say it to you very, very honestly. Nobodys ever offered me any work. Crossover of substance. I may have had conversations with people I know lots of lovely people from the west, from the English film industry, from the American film industry. But nobodys offered me any good work, Shah Rukh said, who was one of the only two Indians invited for the World Government Summit 2024. Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavis upcoming film Thandel has created a lot of buzz since the release of its first teaser. The audience is quite excited to see them on screen together after Love Story. Adding to the excitement around the film, the actors decided to drop a candid reel on the occasion of Valentines Day. Naga Chaitanya seems to deliver some romantic dialogue while the actress simply blushes In the caption, along with the reel, she wrote, thrilled with the response for the #thandel glimpse was also heartwarming to see so many of you make your own reels on it .. Sai Pallavi and I decided to make our own celebrate love everyday ! Happy Valentines Day from Team #thandel." Their fans were quite excited to see the clip and dropped heart emojis and praised them in the comments section. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chay Akkineni (@chayakkineni) Last month, the creators of Thandel revealed the first look at the film. The video, titled Essence of Thandel, provides a glimpse into the films story in addition to establishing the characters. Naga Chaitanyas character, Thandel Raju, is introduced in the opening scene, fishing in the middle of the ocean. It also shows how he gets into problems when he and a few other fishermen unintentionally enter Pakistans area. Following their arrest by the Pakistani Coastal Guard, they were imprisoned at Karachis major jail. The preview also introduces Sai as his partner, Bujji Thalli, and suggests that the film would be nationalistic. Since its release on January 6, the video has garnered over 7.7 million views. Speaking about the film and his role, Naga Chaitanya said, Its an interesting story. It is based on true events that occurred in Andhra Pradesh in 2018. Its a love story but inspired by real life events that happened to some Srikakulam fishermen. Its an inspiring story, which also questions the politics of the time. Its a once-in-a-lifetime role." Earlier this month, the team wrapped up the shoot and the makers shared some exclusive behind-the-scenes pictures from the set. The photos show the complete cast and crew immersed in the production. Team #Thandel wraps up a schedule in the beautiful scenic village The primary cast took part in this schedule where key scenes were shot in port & villages Await for some exciting updates coming your way soon #Dhullakotteyala Yuvasamrat @chay_akkineni pic.twitter.com/rNFWecPmVe Geetha Arts (@GeethaArts) February 5, 2024 Thandel, directed by Chandoo Mondeti, stars Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi in the leading roles. Bunny Vasu produced the film under the name of Geetha Arts. Devi Sri Prasad wrote the music, guaranteeing an amazing cinematic experience for those eagerly awaiting its release. February 13, 2024, marked 111 years of Tibetan Independence Day celebrated mostly by Tibetans living in exile around the world. The Peoples Republic of China (PRC) which maintains the position that Tibet has historically been an integral part of China denounces this day as fabricated. The contestation with respect to sovereignty is essentially rooted in Tibetan history, which is interpreted differently by the Tibetans and the PRC. Historians and scholars tend to differ on the question of Tibets sovereignty prior to 1912, the year of the fall of the Qing dynasty in China. While some believe that Tibet did not possess complete sovereignty, others are of the opinion that Tibet remained independent with foreign entities such as Mongols, British, Chinese and Nepalese retaining occasional suzerainty over Tibet in different periods. The history texts however highlight that when Tibet was under the spiritual leadership of the 13th Dalai Lama (also known as Thubten Gyasto), it witnessed two invasions; first, by the British expedition forces in 1904 and second, by the Manchus (Qing) in 1910. Both times, the 13th Dalai Lama was forced to flee Lhasa (Tibet) to seek exile in Mongolia and the British protectorate in India respectively. A Treaty of Convention between Britain and Tibet was subsequently signed following the 1904 invasion whereby the former ensured non-intervention by any foreign powers in Tibetan affairs without the consent of the British government and confirmed Tibets boundary and trading rights, among other things. Two years later, Britain signed another Treaty of Convention with China respecting Tibet whereby the former agreed to not annex Tibetan territory or interfere in its administration, while the latter undertook to not permit interference of any other foreign state in Tibetan territory or in its internal administration. These two conventions are significant as they both reiterate Tibets existence as a sovereign entity and Chinas suzerainty over Tibet, contested by the PRC after 1950. During his second exile, the Dalai Lama was proclaimed deposed by the Qing rule in 1910. Presently, Tibetan Independence Day is observed as the day the 13th Dalai Lama proclaimed the independence of Tibet in 1913 following his return to Lhasa from his exile in India the previous year. In this declaration, the Dalai Lama stated, Tibet is an independent nation living in peace and in accordance with its religion. We are a small, religious and independent nation. He further claimed that historically, Tibet had no Qing (Manchu) or Chinese authority in the region, a clear indication of Tibets complete sovereignty to have existed historically. The Qing dynasty, who were not Chinese rulers, exercised only political control over Tibet as a protectorate state, which de facto ended with the collapse of the Qing dynasty in 1912. As per historical records, the Republic of China was established in 1912 with the fall of the Qing dynasty, ending Chinas last imperial dynasty following the Xinhai Revolution of 1911. The new head of the Chinese State sought to establish cordial relations with Tibet and offered to restore the Dalai Lama to his previous position. However, the Dalai Lama refused the Title, declared Tibet independent in 1913 and standardised the Tibetan flag in its present form, seen to be in use by the Tibetan government-in-exile (in Dharamshala, India). The Mongol-Tibet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance was concluded the same year which mentions their freedom from the Qing dynasty, their separation from China and the formation of their own independent states. The treatys authenticity is contested by the PRC, claiming it to be a tool for Russian intervention in Tibet and therefore, considers it to be invalid. However, the treaty was proclaimed by Tibetans as another indication of Tibets sovereignty before 1951 which witnessed the assimilation of Tibet into China as per the Seventeen-Point Agreement. The return of the Dalai Lama witnessed him assuming political as well as spiritual leadership of Tibet that the independent reign continued for four decades till 1951. The modernisation of Tibet was initiated under his reign which saw an independent Tibet maintaining its own army and government, use of its own language and currency, trade missions with foreign countries and regulated movement across borders. The 13th Dalai Lama is also recognised to be the first one to make formal international agreements as a sovereign nation. However, the assimilation of Tibet under China after 1951 is the result of Chinas aggressive policy as witnessed in the Battle of Chamdo (1950), the Seventeen-Point Agreement (1951) later renounced by the 14th and current Dalai Lama, claiming to be signed under duress, as PRC broke its promise of respecting Tibets autonomy. The agreement remains to be the only one concluded by the PRC with a minority group. Post 1950, China or PRC, interprets history differently in an effort to claim its historical assertion over Tibetan land. According to the PRC, Tibet has historically been part of China, coming under the jurisdiction of the Central government since the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368). Post 1950, Chinese annexation of Tibet paved the way for its aggressive onslaught on Tibetans, leading to mass exile and persecution, occupation of naive land, exploitation of resources and imposition of Sinicization in its effort to erode Tibets unique cultural, linguistic and religious identity. While Beijing denounces marking of Tibetan Independence Day as a farce, the very observation and celebration of this day among the Tibetan community living in exile, 111 years since its declaration, speak volumes of Tibetans assertion of keeping their identity alive and rejection of Chinas ongoing attempts at eroding Tibetans sovereign existence. The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. In an ultra-complex world of geopolitics, Indias recent diplomatic success in bringing back eight former Indian Navy officers from Qatar underscores its ever-growing influence on the world stage. This decisive action not only shows that India puts its interests first, but also underscores its resolve to protect its citizens around the world. This rare feat against a backdrop of uncertainty and anxiety demonstrates Indias diplomatic prowess. Ever since 2014, Indias perseverance to ensure the safety and security of its citizens globally has resonated strongly and India has cemented its position as a key dominant player in the world of international relations. This much-talked-about story began with the surprise arrest of eight retired Indian Navy officers by Qatari authorities in August 2022, accused of espionage related to the Emirates secret submarine program. While the exact reasons for their arrest remained shrouded in mystery, media reports suggested charges of espionage. What followed was a harrowing ordeal that tested the resolve of both the imprisoned veterans as well as the Government of India. The road to freedom was fraught with multiple and unknown challenges as the Indian Navy veterans were initially given the death penalty, a stark reminder of the gravity of their predicament. However, Indias diplomatic apparatus swung into full action and launched a multifaceted effort to secure their release. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis personal intervention along with strategic engagement at the highest levels played a key role in this remarkable turnaround. The chain of events that unfolded exemplified the tenacity of Indias diplomatic corps. From the acceptance of Indias appeal in the court of Qatar to the conversion of solitary confinement to shared accommodation, each step forward has been a triumph of persistence and high-end negotiation. The gradual easing of restrictions, including allowing weekly contact with family members and participation in fitness activities, offered glimmers of hope amid the darkness of incarceration for the detained Indian Navy veterans. The long-awaited repatriation of these veterans marked a significant event that resonated throughout the nation. As seven of these eight naval veterans already returned home, their gratitude for Prime Minister Modis guidance and intervention in this matter was loud & clear. It is an exemplification of the power of diplomacy and the perseverance of the Modi government to protect its people. This remarkable feat has once again reaffirmed Indias position as a responsible global player committed to the welfare of its citizens. The release of the Indian Navy veterans from the grip of death is a spectacle that captivated the worlds attention. Driven and led by the Modi government, this significant event has transcended bilateral relations and garnered global acclaim. The team effort of key figures such as Minister of External Affairs Dr. S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led by Prime Minister Modi has successfully demonstrated its ability to navigate tricky diplomatic waters with finesse and efficiency. The victorious resolution of this complex and sensitive issue defied sceptics and critics who believed an acquittal, in this case, was impossible in the face of the rigid judicial system of Qatar. It was a moment of vindication for those who believed in Indias diplomatic strength and a sobering reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Moreover, this feat is a symbol of Indias vibrant democracy and its allegiance to the principles of justice, equality and human rights. As the dust settles on this chapter, it will serve as a poignant reminder of Indias diplomatic acumen and its ability to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape. In an era marked by uncertainty and volatility, Indias diplomatic foresight and resilience shine as beacons of hope, guiding the nation towards a brighter future. In the past, the Modi governments proactive efforts to bring back citizens from the crises in Ukraine, Israel and amid the Covid outbreak have shown extraordinary commitment to the well-being of its citizens. With each successful feat in delicate geopolitics, Indias foreign policy under Prime Minister Modis leadership assures its citizens safety, signalling adept diplomacy. Amarjeet Verma is a Policy Researcher, Political & Social activist, and aspiring author. He addresses contemporary issues spanning people, policy, and politics with profound insight and clarity. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, February 14. The World Bank (WB) and Kyrgyzstan discussed issues regarding the sustainability of legislation in the field of public procurement and projects financed by the WB in the country, Trend reports. The discussion took place during the meeting between Ulugbek Kalenderov, Deputy Minister of Finance of Kyrgyzstan, and Quamrul Hasan, Head of Procurement Group at WB in Central Asia and Europe. "We highly value our cooperation with the World Bank. The position of the Minister of Finance of Kyrgyzstan in the field of public procurement is aimed at the development and improvement of procedures. Currently, the ministry, as an authorized government body, keeps pace with the latest trends and addresses contemporary challenges. Transparent analysis of the situation in public procurement helps protect the market from manifestations of corruption," Kalenderov noted. He emphasized that the current legislation is formulated with maximum clarity, taking into account objectivity and transparency. The support from the WB in this direction is of great importance. In turn, Hasan noted positive changes in public procurement in Kyrgyzstan and confirmed that the WB will continue to provide support in this area. The invitation for the inauguration ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi proclaims the temple to be a lotus in the desert. Who would have thought a century ago that Arabs will be open to the idea of a grand temple on their soil? The tables, however, have turned. India is a changed nation. It no longer holds dear ideas imposed on it by its erstwhile colonial and Islamist occupiers. Today, it is emerging as a country rooted in its ancient Sanatan culture. The most recent example of this shift, of course, was the pran pratishtha at the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. That Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the yajman of the ceremony depicts how far India has come. Indias civilisational glory and cultural ethos are no longer a taboo for those in power. In fact, what is being seen is an open embrace of Bharats ancient culture at the government level. The BAPS Hindu Mandir also stands as testimony of the UAEs own remarkable journey. By far the most modern, tolerant and inclusive country in the Arab world, the UAE is today a shining example of what a modern Arab state can look like. It need not be theocratic and follow an exclusivist brand of politics and governance, but can, in fact, embrace all cultures and faiths despite the state religion being Islam. From the word go, when UAEs Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan gifted land for the temple, to now, when the prime minister has inaugurated it during a special visit to the country the common conversation has been that of Indias expanding civilisational footprint and influence. It is about the strong ties between India and UAE, and how Prime Minister Modi has heralded a new era in ties between India and the Arab world at large. Above all, though, the inauguration of the BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi is a big deal and marks the arrival of a new strand of Indian diplomacy on the world stage. Mind you, this will be the biggest Hindu temple in the Gulf region. After yoga and other pillars of soft power going global, the fact that a Hindu temple in Arab land is dominating the airwaves is a big statement of Indias expanding cultural and civilisational footprint in the world. Important to point out here is the fact that Indian leaders of the past those held captive by the Wests notion of secularism would have shirked the idea of inaugurating a Hindu temple in India, leave alone one in the UAE. That the PM readily accepted the invitation to inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir and chose to fly down to the UAE, captures how India has built a formidable relationship with Abu Dhabi. The irony, however, of a grand Hindu temple there is hard to miss. For centuries, India has been attacked, looted, plundered and desecrated by Islamist conquests and empires. The forced proselytisation of innumerable Hindus during the Mughal period using unspeakable methods of force is well documented. The most prominent and revered of Hindu temples were razed to the ground, and alien structures built over them during Islamist rule over India. While violence, torture and desecration of Bharats faith had become the norm in centuries gone by, the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi offers no less than poetic justice to Indian civilisation. Where once, in the Arab world, no faith but Islam was allowed, today, Hindu temples are taking shape and being inaugurated by PM Modi. I repeat, the tables have turned and so has the kaalchakra. In India, where destroying Hindu temples and places of worship of other Indic faiths was once a regular affair, today, a journey of reclamation has begun. And while tearing down Hindu temples was always a violent affair meant to establish the supremacy of a particular faith over the other, the building of a Hindu temple in the UAE sends out a message of harmony, peace and unity. In fact, the pivotal theme of the BAPS mandir, where multiple Hindu deities will now be worshipped, is harmony. The contrast between what India has gone through, and what it is now offering to the world is stark. As a victim of brutal ethno-religious conquests, India is today taking the message of Sanatan Dharma around the world, including the Gulf. The significance and underlying message can simply not be emphasised enough. The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi not only marks a historic milestone in Indias cultural diplomacy but also symbolises a profound shift in global perception of Indian civilisation. It stands as a testament to Bharats unapologetic embrace of its ancient heritage and Sanatan culture, challenging past impositions and fostering a new narrative of inclusivity and harmony. The transformation from a history marred by violence and conquest to one characterised by mutual respect and cooperation is nothing short of remarkable. As the lotus blooms in the desert, so does the spirit of unity and peace, transcending borders and ideologies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views. Calling the inauguration of the BAPS Mandir as New Golden Chapter, PM Modi said that this is an age old dream and that behind the grand temple is years of efforts. (Image: News18) The Bharat Mandapam the venue that hosted the G20 event last year will host another mega concave on Saturday, this time for the BJP, which aims to win on 370 seats in the Lok Sabha polls and help turn into reality Prime Minister Narendra Modis 400 paar clarion call for NDA. BJP sources say close to 11,300 delegates, including PM Modi himself, will attend the event that will take place under the leadership of party president JP Nadda. The conclave will go on for two days starting February 17. Before the formal start, national office-bearers of the BJP will go into a huddle away from the public eye. Post lunch, the conclave will kick off with JP Naddas speech. Here onwards, streaming of the entire session will be available for public consumption. This will work as a pep talk session. In the BJP, strategies are not discussed in public. Though we started work on the ground long ago, this will be the formal poll bugle sounded by the top leadership with the message to stop only after winning 370 seats, said a BJP general secretary who is on election duty right now. The two-day huddle will come to an end on February 18 with the prime ministers pep talk in front of a packed house, scheduled at 2 pm. Apart from the roughly 350 national executive members of BJP, members of BJPs national council will also be present. All BJP Members of Parliament both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be present along with many former MPs. All national and state-level office bearers of different Morchas (like minority, women among others) will also be present. Office bearers holding responsibility in different committees like the disciplinary committee will be present over the weekend. All state BJPs core committee members will be in Bharat Mandapam over the two days as well apart from all state presidents. The list doesnt end here. All former state presidents who are in healthy condition, Lok Sabha cluster Prabhari, Lok Sabha Prabhari, and coordinators, all national spokespersons and all state-level chief spokespersons, all state-level media coordinators, and social media coordinators are also being invited. BJP district presidents, district Prabhari, presidents and vice-presidents of municipalities, state-level boards, and district-level panchayats are also being asked to come over. Generally, in national executives of BJP, one political and one economic resolution is brought in and passed unanimously. But this time around, sources suggest a motion that will list the key achievements of Modi 2.0 is likely to be brought in as a way of the party expressing gratitude to the prime minister. Though no one in the party knows the details, it is widely speculated that the inauguration of the Ram Temple and abolition of Article 370 will prominently figure in the motion. It is a political event. We are expecting a political speech by the prime minister as well that will enthuse our cadres across India and demoralise the opponents at the same time, said the BJP leader quoted above. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is all set to visit West Bengal towards the end of the month, with BJP sources suggesting he is likely to make the trip on February 29. Shahs visit comes amid Bengal BJP exploring the idea of uniting Bengali Hindus around Hindu gods and goddesses that they are more familiar with. Hence, a special thrust is being given to Lord Krishna and Goddess Kali. Its no surprise then that Shah, in his February trip, is slated to visit Mayapur, around 130 kilometres from Kolkata. Mayapur is associated with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a revered figure in Gaudiya Vaishnavis. Shah is scheduled to visit the ISKCON temple in Mayapur, say BJP sources. He is also likely to hold several organisational meetings in the adjoining areas of Mayapur. However, he wants to keep the focus of his tour clear Lord Krishna. Mayapur is also the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It is one of the worlds most visited spiritual sites and has a vibrant international community living there. Beyond the realm of spirituality, the BJP has political reasons as well in Bengal to explore an alternate route of Hindutva which can work as a rallying force for its brand of politics. In the North, BJPs Hindutva has largely been centred around Lord Ram. In Kerala, it revolves around Lord Ayyappa, while in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, it is around Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu also known as Balaji. In Bengal, BJP has found the answer in Krishna and Kali. At the fag-end of last year, around Christmas, Shah and JP Nadda were in Kolkata with a focus on evaluating the organisational landscape in West Bengal. Amid a series of meetings, both leaders made time to visit the Kalighat temple one of the Shakti Peeths and offer prayers. In the socio-cultural milieu of Bengal, both these deities hold huge influence. From everyday prayers to naming kids as well as businesses after them in the hope for success, both Krishna and Kali are intrinsic parts of Bengal. While this is not the first time a BJP leader from Delhi has visited the Mayapur, Kalighat, or Dakhineshwar temples, of late, these visits have increased. When Nadda was in Kolkata for Durga Puja last year, he said: Maa Durga ends demonic forces (asuri shakti) and angelic forces (Sur shakti) win. We would pray to the Goddess that in Bengal too, which is a land of culture, heritage, and religion, demonic forces are defeated and good forces win to ensure peace and prosperity. Though it was a political statement, it was centred around Goddess Durga, another manifestation of Goddess Kali. In a late-night drama, a political storm over the ongoing tensions in Bengals Sandeshkhali took a violent turn in another part of the state on Tuesday. A violent clash broke out between the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by the partys state chief Sukanta Majumdar, and the West Bengal Police after they were stopped from holding a protest. The clash broke out after Majumdar along with his supporters took a local train to Basirhat, an area in the same north 24 Parganas district, and started marching towards the office of Basirhat Superintendent of Police (SP). Meanwhile, prohibitory orders were placed in the city in view of the escalating tensions in Sandeshkhali. Around midnight, the police declared that the dharna called by BJP was illegal and detained all, including Majumdar. According to sources, the BJP leaders were taken to Basirhat stadium and were then released on PR bond. Sukanta to Visit Sandeshkhali Sukanta, who is staying in Basirhat, said that he will be visiting Sandeshkhali on Wednesday after the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday set aside the promulgation of prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC in Sandeshkhali, which has been witnessing protests since last week. However, sources informed that the BJP leader will not be allowed to enter the city and is expected to be stopped in Dhamakhali. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) maintained that the situation in Sandeshkhali, which falls under the purview of Basirhat Police Station, is peaceful. Section 144 Imposed in 7 Gram Panchayat Areas According to sources in the administration, it has been learnt that a new order to impose Section 144 has been released. The decision was taken after DIG Intelligence got inputs that certain outside elements might create disturbance in th area. It is also mentioned that DIG Basirhat also has the same input. Therefore, Section, 144 has been imposed in 7 Gram Panchayat area. HC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance of Allegations of Sexual Assault Observing that it is very disturbed at the happenings in West Bengals Sandeshkhali, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday took suo motu cognisance of allegations of sexual assault on women at gunpoint and transfer of tribal land there and directed issuance of notice to the state authorities. Less than an hour after the BJP released its list of five Rajya Sabha candidates, the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD came out in support of the saffron partys Odisha pick Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Biju Janata Dal will support the candidature of Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Railways , Communication and Information Technology for the larger interest of the States Railways and Telecom Development in the coming election to Rajya Sabha 2024, the party said. This is the second time that Vaishnaw will get elected to the Rajya Sabha from Odisha as a BJP candidate with the support of the BJD. The BJDs move is not entirely unexpected as it had named just two RS candidates Debashish Samantray and Subhashish Khuntia on February 12 instead of three for as many vacancies. Considering that Odisha goes for simulations polls, which are just a couple of months away, there was a chance that the BJD may nominate its own candidate to scorch the Congresss charge regarding the visible proximity between the ruling party and the main opposition in Odisha. Though not entirely convincing, the BJD has said it is supporting Vaishnaw for the larger interest of the states Railways and Telecom Development. In the Rajya Sabha , where the NDA did not have the numbers, it was Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who consistently supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi on all contentious legislations from abrogation of Article 370; Citizenship Amendment Bill, 2019; and the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, among others. Way back in 1998, Patnaik was a minister in late prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayees cabinet. The Odisha chief minister enjoys a cordial relationship with PM Modi. In fact, at a rally in Sambalpur in the beginning of this month, PM Modi referred to Patnaik as my friend. Reacting to BJDs support for Vaishnaw, Odisha PCC president Sarat Patnaik posted on X: The unholy nexus between @bjd_odisha & @BJP4India stands exposed as BJD supports BJPs Rajya Sabha candidate. Odisha deserves better than this backroom deal. Congress is the only true alternative committed to the states progress and peoples welfare. #VoteCongress. He added: ODISHA BETRAYED @bjd_odisha backing @BJP4Indias RS candidate lays bare their secret pact. It is time for Odisha to reject this connivance and embrace the real voice of change -Congress. Lets put an end to this political opportunism and usher in genuine development. The Congress party, under the leadership of newly appointed Odisha in-charge Ajoy Kumar, recently held a demonstration in Bhubaneshwar christening the BJD-BJP relationship as a live-in and then rechristening the same as a marriage with duly conducted ceremonies. Odisha Congress leader Bijay Patnaik told News18: Everyone knows that BJD-BJP cohabit. For some weeks, both BJD and BJP were attacking each other. Now it is proved that it was a false fight. They both had an understanding before and the same will continue in the future. It is only to mislead the people that they were claiming that they were each others adversary and would compete against the other. It remains to be seen how the two work out a seat-sharing arrangement. People now know that BJD and BJP are together, there is no doubt about that. Patnaik added that the indication was very good for the Congress as people in Odisha are now looking for an alternative to the BJD. Those who were looking at the BJP as the alternative to the BJD now realise that BJP is not the alternative to the BJD and voting for the BJP would mean voting for the BJD. So, Congress is the only political alternative to the BJD for the people of Odisha, he said. Though the opposition space is up for grabs, given the growing proximity between the two parties, is a weakened Congress with just nine MLAs and one MP up to the task? Responding to the question, Patnaik said: Recently, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge came to Odisha and held a public meeting in Bhubaneswar which saw huge attendance of people. Similarly, when Rahul Gandhi passed through Odisha in his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, thousands of people spontaneously joined in, met him, and spoke to him. Therefore, we can see that there is great attraction for the Congress in the minds of the people. Whatever may have been the result in 2019, in 2024 all that is set to change. When asked about the BJDs compulsions to sacrifice an RS seat for BJP, he said: It is amply clear that BJD is under tremendous pressure from BJP. They have some amogha astra which, if they use, will completely destroy BJD. That is why they are working on BJPs directions. In 2014 assembly elections in Odisha, BJD swept the polls with 117 seats, Congress stood in the second position with merely 16 seats and the BJP was in the third position winning just 10 of the 147 assembly seats. BJD won a staggering 43.9 per cent of the votes, Congress got 26 per cent and the BJP won 18.2 per cent. In the Lok Sabha polls, the BJD again swept the elections, winning 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha constituencies. The BJP was a distant second, winning just one, while Congress could not open its account. The BJDs vote share in this was 44.10 per cent while BJP got 21.50 per cent. The Congresss vote share was 26 per cent, though it did not win a seat. Now, take a look at Odishas results for 2019 five years later amidst the Modi wave. The BJD, contesting for the fifth time under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik, swept the assembly polls, winning 112 of the 147 assembly constituencies. The BJP pushed the Congress to the number three position, winning 23 seats. The Congress did not cross double digits, winning only nine assembly constituencies. The rest won just two constituencies. The BJDs vote share went up from 43.9 per cent to 45.2 per cent. The BJPs vote share saw a remarkable spike from 18.2 per cent to 32.8 per cent. The Congresss vote share dropped from 26 per cent to 16.3 per cent. The BJPs growth had come at the expense of the Congress party which once ruled Odisha. The results for the 21 parliamentary constituencies speak of BJPs solid gains. While the BJD came down to 12 from 20, the BJP shot up to eight from one. Congress opened its account, winning the Koraput seat. The BJD won 43.3 per cent of vote share, down from 45.2 per cent. The BJP won 38.9 per cent of vote share, up from 21.50 per cent in 2014. The difference between the BJD and the BJPs vote share was less than five per cent. In 2014, the difference in the vote share between the two was an impressive 22 per cent, with BJD leading. The Congress won one seat and 14 per cent vote share down from 26 per cent in 2014. With the 2024 general elections on its heels, the BJD will find it difficult to project itself as the political opponent of the BJP, while the Congress will have to work hard to regain lost ground. The BJP, seen to be riding on the back of the BJDs support, has its task cut out how to portray itself as the political alternative to the BJD? Shiv Sena on Wednesday nominated Milind Deora as their candidate for Rajya Sabha elections from Maharashtra. He will file his nomination tomorrow. The development comes a month after he quit Congress and joined the Shiv Sena, ending his familys 55-year-old relationship with the grand old party. Deora took to microblogging site X and wrote, Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of Indian National Congress, ending my familys 55-year relationship with the party. I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their unwavering support over the years. Today marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in my political journey. I have tendered my resignation from the primary membership of @INCIndia, ending my familys 55-year relationship with the party.I am grateful to all leaders, colleagues & karyakartas for their Milind Deora | (@milinddeora) January 14, 2024 Talking to the media over his resignation from Congress, Deora said, I am walking on the path of vikas (development). Also Read: RS Polls: BJP Announces Candidates From These States, Fields JP Nadda from Gujarat, Ashok Chavan from Maha | Full List The resignation came a day after Deora, the ex-MP of Mumbai South dismissed rumours of his quitting the grand old party. Deoras resignation came on the day when Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra the Congresss second large-scale outreach programme led by party leader Rahul Gandhi, is set to began. At least 10 former municipal corporators, 25 senior Congress functionaries, 20 top trader and merchant unions, and 400 party workers will also join Shiv Sena under Deoras leadership at Varsha today, sources said. WHO IS MILIND DEORA? Son of Congress veteran Murli Deora, Milind Deora had won Lok Sabha elections from the Mumbai South seat in 2004 and 2009. He, however, faced defeat in the subsequent elections of 2014 and 2019 against the then Shiv Sena (Undivided) leader Arvind Sawantwho is now one of the few Uddhav Thackeray loyalists. The seat was also held by the late Union Minister Murli Deora at least four times in the past, and was seen as a Congress stronghold in Mumbai for several years. The walk for Sonia Gandhi from Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha in the new Parliament building is a short one but signifies giant strides for her and her party. Gandhi has the distinction of not losing a single election, ever since she made her electoral debut in 1999. To her achievement also goes the fact that she dimmed the India Shining campaign of the Vajpayee government and secured a win twice over for UPA. As long as she was Congress president, she had an iron grip over the party and also the government. But as scams began to tumble out, not even Gandhis best efforts could keep the BJP away in 2019. The rest is history. But what does Sonia Gandhis transition from Lok Sabha to Rajya Sabha imply? First, the vulnerability of the Congress in Raebareli. Insider reports had made it clear that a fight from Raebareli would not be a cakewalk. After a win in Amethi, the BJP has sent a clear message that it will not be generous in the Gandhi bastions. Its quite possible that the BJP fields a strong candidate, or at least ensures that it gives a tough run in case a Gandhi sibling consists from Raebareli. As Sonia Gandhi filed her Rajya Sabha nomination, the BJP said she had chickened out of a Lok Sabha fight. BJPs Amit Malviya posted on X: After Congress crushing defeat in Amethi, Raebareli was next. Sonia Gandhis decision to opt for Rajya Sabha is an admission of a looming defeat. But those who know Sonia Gandhi, know she loves a fight. It was her single-minded determination to take on the BJP which made her reach out to unlikely allies like the DMK and NCP. In the just-concluded Parliament session, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the fiercest attacks on the Congress. And gone was his reticence in taking on Sonia Gandhi he kept looking at her while attacking the Grand Old Party. In Rajya Sabha, where the INDIA front or whatever is left of it is in larger numbers, Sonia Gandhi may be called upon to play the same role she did in 2004. But whats the Congress plan in Raebareli? Congress has rejected BJPs charge that Sonia Gandhi would have lost from the bastion. The party could now be planning a battle for Priyanka Vadra. When Rahul Gandhi decided to contest in 2004, Sonia Gandhi vacated Amethi and shifted to Raebareli. Its quite possible thats what she has planned to do now for daughter Priyanka. But despite the SP-Congress alliance, the Grand Old Party is a little wary. It cannot afford a defeat at any cost in case Priyanka Vadra makes her poll debut. The Rajya Sabha will now have both the former and present Congress presidentd. But Sonia Gandhis good relations with many of her new colleagues in the Rajya Sabha may call upon her to ensure that her experience in stitching alliances comes in handy to mend the tears in the INDIA bloc. West Bengal governor CV Ananda Bose on Wednesday said the women of Sandeshkhali in West Bengal are scared, and their freedom and dignity has been hurt in a shocking and shattering manner. He had gone down to the village in North 24 Parganas district to take stock of the situation, where local residents have been protesting for the past week over allegations of atrocities on women and land grabbing by goons owing allegiance to the ruling party in the state. The name of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh has repeatedly come up in connection with the allegations. Sandeshkhali grabbed headlines when ED officials were attacked by a mob when they went to search Sheikhs premises on January 5. In an exclusive interview, Bose told CNN-News18 that there is a kind of fear psychosis in the area and an absence of law and order. Protection from the rule of law or from law enforcers as far as the local residents are concerned is also missing, he said. The governor has cancelled his official visit to Delhi and will be returning to Sandeshkhali. Excerpts: You went down to Sandeshkhali. What is your assessment of the situation on the ground? What I saw there was shocking and shattering. Womens freedom and dignity were all given the go by. I saw what the people call goondaraj in that locality. There is a kind of fear psychosis there and I could not find any law enforcement agency active at the moment I was there. Now, from here Im in touch with the victims. I find that there is still a scare and something has to be done effectively. I have cancelled my official visit in Delhi and am going back to Sandeshkhali to see what best can be done. Were you able to speak with any of the victims? They have made some startling allegations. Did you hear from them? What did they say to you? I met hundreds of women there. They are all on the streets and I interacted with them. I could understand their sentiments, their feelings. They also gave to me, in writing, the names of the offenders. All they wanted was a reassurance that there will be peace, peace with honour. But, their honour is in pieces. Have they been subjugated to atrocities that are a gross violation of basic human rights? As I could gather from them, I think the worst that can happen has happened there. Womens dignity has been thrown to the winds. Theyre all scared. It is not a crime in a particular place, its a crime against womanhood, against humanity There is an allegation that there has been a deliberate attempt to polarise or politicise the situation. Would you see any merit in that allegation made by the Trinamool Congress? Politics is not my cup of tea. I refrain from commenting on that. But is there a real problem on the ground? If I may ask you, what have you witnessed or is it just somebodys figment of imagination? Its not a figment of imagination. Its reality that I saw there. To deny that atrocities have happened, is wrong. There is an anarchy-like situation there and people can feel it; they are dejected, depressed. They have been oppressed by the gangsters, thats a fact. We cant deny it. Did these women you met say their complaints have been written down? Have their complaints been lodged? Have they been heard? They made oral complaints to me first. Then they gave me written complaints. At least 100 women have given written complaints to me and I am issuing it as my report card to the people. If you want to know what they told me, I can elaborate on it now. Could you please elaborate? See, one thing which all of them said is that they were intimidated by the goons. They also gave me names. First, they told me about the intimidation and threats to villagers by Shajahan Sheikh, Sushanta Sardar, Shivprasad Hazra, Neelkantha Hazra, Sanju Singh, Ranju Singh, son of Amal Singh, Shantanu Basu and others. They told me about the torture and sexual harassment of women when the men were away. They also said the police are working hand-in-glove with rowdy elements. Then, grabbing land forciblyletting sewage into the land of those who do not agree to part with their land, coercing village residents to withdraw police complaints. The police, instead of filing complaints against miscreants, direct local residents to compromise. They also told me about goons posing as policemen, and trespassing into peoples homes at night. There are other complaints as well, but these are the main one given to me in writing. You have got the complaints in writing and one of them is sexual harassment and some of the women being forced upon or being targeted, especially when their husbands or wards are not around. Did many women say this to you? As many are saying that the 10-member team under a woman DIG has not received any official complaint so far, alleging rape or sexual harassment. I am not an investigating officer. I dont want to join issue with the junior investigating officers who went there. I have stated what they told me. This is a statement of facts. Was there clear evidence of land grab or this kind of atrocities being committed when you interacted with these victims? And did all of them echo these points that you have compiled in your report? I cannot vouch for that. These complaints are general in nature. I have called out the main complaints that were lodged. It doesnt mean that every complaint was made by everyone who lodged complaints with me. These are the major complaints that I received from the people. Did you get a sense that there were perhaps a certain group of illegals, people who are not necessarily Indian citizens who could be present in that area, in that region? Is that a cause for concern? I have no basis to say that. The women there are alleging that they are being stopped from protesting because Section 144 is in place. Would you want the women to be heard? In all fairness, I would say when I went there, there was no restriction. Women in hundreds came and met me. I didnt find anybody putting restrictions on them, but there were restrictions on the general public particularly for the press. This is my personal experience. Around 10 vehicles belonging to the media were trailing my motorcade but were stopped at one place. When I got to know of this, I reversed my car and told the police that I am the governor and I decide who should be in my motorcade. These media persons are part of my motorcade. Then they were allowed to come with me and were not stopped. Union minister Narayan Rane on Wednesday hit out at Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange for threatening to disrupt Prime Minister Narendra Modis rallies in Maharashtra. The activist, who is on hunger strike, has crossed all limits, Rane, himself a prominent Maratha leader of Maharashtra BJP, said in a post on X. Manoj Jarange made a loose and senseless comment that he would make it difficult for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit any place in Maharashtra. He has crossed all limits. I dare you to even move from your place when PM Modi visits Maharashtra. I do not consider him a leader of Marathas, Rane said. It seems he has had some mental shock and he is making comments that do not make any sense, the former chief minister said, adding that the activist should know his limited worth and stay in bed. Jarange, who is leading the Maratha communitys agitation for reservations in jobs and education, has been on an indefinite fast at his native Antarwali Sarati village in Jalna district for the last five days. Speaking from the protest site, he warned earlier on Wednesday that no public meetings of PM Modi would be allowed to be held in Maharashtra if his demands were not met. Among other things, Jarange has sought a special session of the state legislature for converting into law a draft notification on granting Kunbi caste certificates to blood relatives of Kunbi Marathas so that they can avail of OBC reservation. A political slugfest has begun over the yet-to-open US consulate in Bengaluru, which has been a long pending demand considering the large IT workforce in the city. There has been a delay in setting it up despite a decision on this during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the US in June last year. Back then it was decided that the US will open two new consulates in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad, while India will establish a mission in Seattle, Washington. The BJPs MP, Tejasvi Surya, has accused the Congress-ruled Karnataka government of causing a delay in setting up the consulate by not communicating with US officials in India. He alleged that the state government has not communicated with the officials in the last eight to nine months over issues like location and necessary infrastructure. Since the time of the announcement, the state government of Karnataka has not taken any effort to make this a reality. It is the state governments responsibility to communicate with them and provide necessary infrastructure and support and get this done. I can tell you, till now not a single communication has been made from the Government of Karnataka to the US authorities. Had the government been proactive, we would have had a functional US consulate in Karnataka by now. But, ministers are busy stealing credit for this while its already a sanctioned project, Surya said. Rubbishing the charges made by Bangalore South MP, IT minister Priyank Kharge alleged that the central government is planning to move the consulate to Gujarat and the Karnataka government is constantly in touch with the US consulate and is ready to move to a temporary building to start as soon as possible. As usual, Mr Tejasvi Surya is clueless about what he is talking about. Maybe you should ask the prime ministers office why he hasnt opened the US consulate here till now. What I hear is that they are pushing the consulate to Gujarat whereas it is needed here in Bengaluru. So, I request the Bengaluru South MP to figure out what the prime ministers office is doing. I have already met the US consulate, we have given a letter earlier also and are even ready to move them to a temporary building as soon as possible. This kind of politics is not welcome. What has he been doing for five years now? Why havent they done anything? Kharge said. At present, citizens have to travel to Chennai, Hyderabad or New Delhi for any US visa-related work despite a large number of students and techies travelling to the US from Bengaluru every year. The health condition of Maratha quota agitation spearhead Manoj Jarange, whose indefinite fast continued on the fifth day on Wednesday, deteriorated and he was was given intravenous (IV) fluids when he was asleep during the protest, an activist close to him said. Jarange has been on the hunger strike at his native Antarwali Sarati village in Maharashtras Jalna district demanding inclusion of the Maratha community into the Other Backward Class (OBC). Agitated on learning about being given IV fluids without his knowledge, Jarange said if the government wants to provide medical treatment to him, it should implement the Maratha reservation immediately or else he would again go to Mumbai for another round of protest. Earlier in the day, he also warned that no public meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be allowed to be held in Maharashtra if his demands were not met. Those who gave me IV fluids when I was asleep, are now responsible for implementation of Maratha quota. If our own people do this, then how will we get reservation for the Maratha community. The government will just sit and enjoy. They will think that my own people wont let me die by injecting IV fluids, he told reporters. If the government wants to provide treatment to me, they should implement the Maratha reservation in the next two days. If that does not happen, I shall go to Mumbai again and continue with my indefinite fast, he added. He said the government was neither allowing him to die nor fulfilling his demand for reservation. Kishor Markad, a Maratha activist who is monitoring Jaranges health, said local villagers decided to seek medical intervention as Jaranges condition worsened due to dehydration. This is the fourth time in less than a year that Jarange has been observing a hunger strike demanding the inclusion of the Maratha community into the OBC grouping. Among other things, Jarange has sought that a special session of the Maharashtra legislature be convened to convert the draft notification on blood relatives of Kunbi Marathas into a law, warning the government. Jarange said earlier in the day, In Ramayana, Lord Hanuman set Lanka on fire. If I die during my protest, the Marathas will turn Maharashtra into Lanka. Meanwhile, reacting to Jaranges warning of not allowing PM Modis rallies, Union minister Narayan Rane hit out at him, saying that he has crossed all limits. Manoj Jarange made a loose and senseless comment that he would make it difficult for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit any place in Maharashtra. He has crossed all limits. I dare you to even move from your place when PM Modi visits Maharashtra. I do not consider him a leader of Marathas, Rane, himself a prominent Maratha leader of Maharashtra BJP, said in a post on X. It seems he has had some mental shock and he is making comments that do not make any sense, the former chief minister said, adding that the activist should know his limited worth and stay in bed. A day after resigning from the Congress, Ashok Chavan on Tuesday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the presence of the partys state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Maharashtras Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. ALSO READ | Maharashtra Exodus for Congress: After Milind Deora And Baba Siddique, Former CM Ashok Chavan Leaves Party Chavans exit is a big blow for the Congress. Before Chavan, Milind Deora and Baba Siddique also left the grand old party and joined the Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar), respectively. While Chavan refused to complain, the other leaders openly expressed their displeasure over the party leadership before leaving, raising questions over state president Nana Patoles functioning. In response, Patole said: The leaders who left the Congress were given everything by the party. But now when the time has come to fight, they have shown their back and have joined the BJP and other parties. It is evident that those who have left had some fear of central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Some have gone for their personal benefit. It is a face-saver for such leaders who instead of fighting with the BJP and its allies prefer to surrender to them." SERIES OF BLUNDERS From the day Nana Patole took charge as the Maharashtra Congress chief, he has been at the centre of criticism. Patole vacated the post of Speaker without informing then Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. This move was considered a blunder as it was one of the reasons for the debacle of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) in the state. Next was the exit of former Youth Congress president Satyajeet Tambe. He was expecting a ticket for the Nashik Graduate constituency, but the party gave the ticket to his father and senior Congress leader Dr Sudhir Tambe. Later, Satyajeet contested as an independent and faced disciplinary action for breaking the party order. In his recent post on X, he wrote, Deeply Pains Me to See Shambolic State of Congress. The sorry state of the Congress party in Maharashtra is heartbreaking and disturbing. It is painful that the party that was instrumental in the Independence struggle and sacrificed tremendously to shape the countrys future is in a shambolic state. I am deeply disturbed to see the state of the party where I worked 22 for years of my life with all my mind, body, and soul. As the Maharashtra Youth Congress president, I toured the whole state and roped in many bright young leaders into Congress. There is a lot to say, but I would rather refrain." ALSO READ | Dont Believe In Doing Negative Politics: Milind Deora Explains Why He Quit Congress to Join Shindes Shiv Sena During the last Rajya Sabha nomination in the state, the Congress filed the nomination of Imran Pratapgarhi, a young leader from Uttar Pradesh, who is said to be very close to Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. Deora was also interested in contesting that Rajya Sabha election, but he was not considered at all on the grounds that he was given the 2019 Lok Sabha election ticket, his second general election, which he lost. Siddique, who lost the 2014 election, was not given any big responsibility by the party. Being a Muslim leader, he was never made chief of the Mumbai Congress, despite his experience. In 2019, his son got a ticket from the Bandra East constituency. Although a Congress loyalist, Siddique was ignored, after which he decided to end the 48 years of relationship with the party. If sources are to be believed, other leaders from the Congress, too, are willing to join the BJP, but their admission to the party will happen before the Lok Sabha election. Chavan, who was made the villain of the Adarsh scam by the BJP, has now been accepted by the latter and may be offered a Rajya Sabha seat. Chavan said this move to join the BJP is not out of fear of the Adarsh scam allegations, but because he wanted to check other political ways. He also told reporters that he was impressed with the working style of PM Modi. Despite growing demand to remove Patole from the post, the high command is adamant on keeping him. A few months ago, senior Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat had written to the partys high command and expressed his displeasure over Patoles working style and had said that it was difficult to work with him. It is clear that be it the state or central leadership, the Congress is hardly listening to the demands and request of local leaders and has also unable to convince disgruntled and sulking leaders to form a team which will give the BJP a tough fight. Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination papers in Jaipur for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls from Rajasthan. Her son Rahul Gandhi and daughter Priyanka Gandhi, along with former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra, and leader of opposition Tikaram Jully accompanied her to Vidhan Sabha while she filed her nomination. Gehlot said that Gandhi, choosing Rajasthan as her Rajya Sabha constituency, will send a positive message among the party cadre and to the people. She could have gone to any state and become a Rajya Sabha Member, but if she had chosen Rajasthan, this news would go across the world that it was Sonia Gandhis choice. Rajasthan will be discussed across the country as we all as the worldSomeone, who is so experienced, is coming here to file her nomination. You can imagine how proud we all are. NDA Government will also be on alert now, said former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. #WATCH | Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi leaves from her residence. She will file her nomination for Rajya Sabha in Jaipur, Rajasthan today. pic.twitter.com/ZM5h1uWpls ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Before filing her nomination, Sonia Gandhi met with the party MLAs in the opposition lobby of the assembly. The Congress is comfortably placed to win one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan for which elections will be held. It will be the 77-year-old leaders first term in the Upper House after serving five terms as a Lok Sabha MP. Gandhi, who represented Rae Bareli in Lok Sabha, will not contest the next general election. A five-term Lok Sabha MP, Gandhi had announced in 2019 that it would be her last Lok Sabha election. She was first elected in 1999 after taking over as the Congress president. The Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson would be the second member of the Gandhi family to enter the Rajya Sabha after former prime minister Indira Gandhi, who was a member of the Upper House from August 1964 to February 1967. As per political experts, Sonia Gandhis move to contest from Rajasthan and not from a southern state like Telangana or Karnataka, where the party is also comfortably placed to win, indicates that the Congress first family is not abandoning the Hindi heartland. What Happens To Rae Bareli Lok Sabha Constituency? With just two months to Lok Sabha polls, speculations are rife that her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra could contest from the Rae Bareli parliamentary constituency after Sonia Gandhi opted out this time. Priyanka Gandhi can also be considered for the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency, previously held by Rahul Gandhi, but a final decision on whether she will contest the Lok Sabha election is yet to be taken by the party leadership, according to sources. Rajya Sabha Polls A total of 56 members of Rajya Sabha from 15 states are retiring in April and the election to the seats will be held on February 27. The last date for filing nominations is February 15. The Congress is comfortably placed to win one of the three Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan for which elections will be held. The seat will fall vacant after former prime minister Manmohan Singh completes his six-year tenure in April. However, the Congress has yet to formally declare any candidate for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections. BRUSSELS: Apple has won an exemption for its iMessage and Microsoft for its Bing search engine from new EU tech rules after the companies convinced antitrust regulators their services are not gateways for businesses to reach end-users. The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), which takes effect in three weeks' time, requires Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet's Google, Amazon, Meta Platforms and ByteDance to allow third-party apps or app stores on their platforms and make it easier for people to switch to rivals. The companies are also prohibited from favouring their services over rivals. Following a five-month investigation, the European Commission found iMessage, Bing, Edge and Microsoft Advertising "did not qualify as gatekeeper services," the EU executive said in a statement. The Commission said Apple's App Store, iOS operating system and Safari browser will continue to be classified as gatekeepers as will Microsoft's Linkedin social network and Windows operating system. It made "a thorough assessment of all arguments, taking into account input by relevant stakeholders", the Commission said without providing details of the companies' arguments. Apple had said iMessage usage is negligible, even on its devices, compared to rival messaging services in the EU and that iMessage is not an important channel for businesses to reach users in the bloc. "Consumers today have access to a wide variety of messaging apps, and often use many at once, which reflects how easy it is to switch between them," an Apple spokesperson said. Microsoft said that Bing, Edge and Microsoft Advertising operate as challengers in the market and are of relatively small scale, meaning they are not important gateways for business users. "We will continue to engage with the Commission and industry at large to ensure Microsoft's other designated platforms comply fully with the DMA," a Microsoft spokesperson said. Lazar Radic, an antitrust expert at the International Center for Law and Economics, said: "It is a good sign that the Commission has considered market realities, instead of just slapping the 'gatekeeper' label on iMessage because it fulfills certain quantitative thresholds. "This suggests the Commission is capable of avoiding the temptation to over-regulate." However, the Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE), whose members include Google, Meta Platforms and Qualcomm, disagreed with the Commission's decision to exempt services such as iMessage. "Todays surprising decision undermines the objectives of the DMA, as well as its potential to improve choice and contestability for all Europeans," it said in a statement. Getting on a jungle safari is the epitome of every nature enthusiasts dream, especially when the prospect of getting to see elusive creatures like tigers or lions looms tantalisingly close. The blend of excitement and fear is palpable, for in the wild, every sighting promises an intimate rendezvous with the untamed Animal kingdom. Yet, amidst this thrill, the importance of meticulous planning and safety precautions cannot be overstated to ward off potential perilous encounters. However, in a recent episode witnessed by a resident of Dehradun, the essence of responsible exploration was flouted by a group of tourists who, in pursuit of fun, engaged in foolish antics during their safari expedition. Fortunately, the situation didnt escalate into tragedy, but the concerned observer took action by capturing the scene and sharing it on social media to raise awareness. Anand Sankar, in his post on X, depicted the scene with joker emojis humourously superimposed on the faces of the tourists, highlighting the absurdity of their behaviour (without revealing their identities). The scene depicted a child seated on a mans lap, both perilously perched outside the confines of the jeep, with a distant tiger icon serving as a stark reminder of the surrounding dangers. Sankar recounted the nerve-wracking ordeal, underscoring the futile attempts of drivers, guides, and himself to dissuade the tourists from their precarious positions. Also Read: Man Narrowly Escapes Tiger Attack In Heart-Stopping Viral Video Furthermore, he emphasised, I had a detailed chat with guides and drivers after my safari. Poor chaps are almost in tears that tourists simply dont listen. If some accident happens the first people who get blamed are guides + drivers for no fault of theirs. Worse of some tourist fatality happens, poor guides + drivers have to face police cases that last years! Tourists treat them like naukars they say and are forced to hear choicest of abuses when they tell tourists to behave appropriately. The viral post sparked a wave of concern and calls for action against careless tourists, with commenters reminiscing about past tragedies and advocating for stringent measures to enforce discipline. 3 x + 1 & 1 at the safari yesterday.I was very tempted to face-shame all of the s in this post. All the drivers + guides + ME repeatedly told the s to not sit like that and hold the . s refused to listen. Instead the holding the was almost about to pic.twitter.com/VpxDyhmp1J Anand Sankar (@kalapian_) February 13, 2024 When I saw this pic, the first thing I remembered was about a kid that was sitting in her grandfathers lap snatched by a Tiger in Bannerghatta Safari Park, Bangalore in 1992. It was so fast nobody had time to react or save the kid, shared one in the comment. Still not able to digest!! Its impossible to get self discipline here. Strict Laws with heavy fines is the only way. Jeeps Can be semi closed instead of caged, where a person cannot go out once closed. Camera can be fitted in Jeeps to put fear of laws including for guides, expressed another. The third one said, There should be systems for penalising this kind of people, first warning and then some example setting. Also Read: Bone-Chilling Video: Tiger Drags A Woman Into The Wild In Beijing Truly, why discipline seems to move at a snails pace remains one of lifes enduring mysteries! Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis address at the World Government Summit, the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai shimmered with the words Guest of Honor Republic of India, extending a hearty welcome to the Indian PM. Dubais Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum highlighted the enduring bond between the two nations, hailing it as a beacon of international cooperation, and welcomed PM Modi with this special gesture. Upon receiving an invitation from UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, PM Modi is slated to partake in the World Government Summit 2024 in Dubai as a Guest of Honour, where he will deliver a keynote address. Speaking on X, Dubais Crown Prince expressed, We extend a warm welcome to the Republic of India, the guest of honour at this years World Governments Summit, and to His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. The strong ties between our nations serve as a model for international cooperation. In addition to showcasing images of the worlds tallest structure bathed in the hues of the Indian national flag, he underscored the World Government Summits evolution into a premier platform for sharing governance best practices, success narratives, and future-oriented initiatives. He further stated, It is a pleasure to have India as a distinguished guest at this international event, where it will showcase its innovations, initiatives and projects across diverse sectors that are a model for accelerating development for government service delivery. Dubais Crown Princes Viral Post: We extend a warm welcome to the Republic of India, the guest of honour at this years World Governments Summit, and to His Excellency Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India. The strong ties between our nations serve as a model for international cooperation.The pic.twitter.com/enMaunw4oT Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) February 13, 2024 During his two-day official visit to the UAE, PM Modi is scheduled to meet with UAE Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and inaugurate the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi. Also Read: Who Are The 7 People Who Went To Top of Burj Khalifa? Read On To Know Meanwhile, preceding this event, Burj Khalifa last radiated with the Indian tricolour in honour of the 77th Independence Day on August 15, 2023, accompanied by the national anthem Jana Gana Mana playing in the background. A lawyer from Brazil has tragically died in a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) room after bringing a loaded gun. According to a Jam Press report, the accident occurred on January 16 while the lawyer brought his loaded licensed weapon to the Laboratorio Cura hospitals MRI scanning room. Demised identified as Leandro Mathias de Novaes, a 40-year-old lawyer was carrying a concealed gun to the hospital while accompanying his mother for an appointment. As per the reports, the mans licensed weapon concealed under his waistband was pulled out of its place by the magnetic forces from the MRI machine. The powerful magnetic was strong enough to pull his stomach out of his body. Following the unfortunate event, the Laboratorio Cura hospital released an official statement. As the Miami Herald reported, the statement outlined, Both the patient and [her] companion were properly instructed regarding the procedures for accessing the examination room and warned about the removal of any and all metallic objects. The official statement from the hospital administration concluded, The firearm was not mentioned by the companion, who entered the examination room with the object by his decision. Following the accident, lawyer Novaes was taken to the Sao Luiz Morumbi Hospital, where he was given medical support for weeks. However, on February 6, the lawyer succumbed to his crucial injuries and died. After Novaes death, the Sao Paulo law community spokesperson for the Order of Attorneys of Brazil in Cotia stated, It is with deep regret that OAB Cotia communicates to all fellow lawyers the unexpected loss of our dear friend and lawyer Dr. Leandro Mathias de Novaes. The statement added, We are sorry for the loss and we sympathize with his family in this moment of pain, reported the New York Post. Reportedly, the demised lawyer had frequently posted pro-gun content on his TikTok account. It currently has over 8,000 followers, reported the New York Post. This was not the first time someone died in an MRI accident. In 2018, a 32-year-old Indian man succumbed to an MRI chamber as he was holding a metal oxygen tank in the room. We all have that one teacher from our school days who holds a special place in our hearts. They didnt just teach us a subject; they made learning enjoyable and turned it into more than just preparing for exams. Now, in a heartwarming display of appreciation, students at Gandaki Boarding School in Nepal have pulled off a surprise prank for their beloved teacher, Sujan sir, which has captured the hearts of millions across social media. The video shared on Instagram shows a teacher hurrying into the classroom upon hearing reports of a fight, only to discover to his surprise that the students had staged the altercation as a birthday prank. The video concludes with the teacher smiling as a chorus of Happy Birthday fills the room. He is also seen receiving a bouquet and an abundance of hugs from the students. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 12DRams (@class12drams) The touching caption accompanying the video reads, Dear Sujan sir, Happiest Birthday Sujan sir! Thank you for always going out and beyond to give the best for us, thank you for being our friend, thank you for making us feel like a big chaotic family. We have learned so much from you, much more than the pages of any textbook could ever teach us. This prank might have gone a little overboard, but your effort clearly shows how much you care for each of us. Sending BOUQUETS of love and flowers, Section D. Since being posted three days ago, the video has become a massive hit, racking up over 34 million views, 2.7 million likes, and a flood of comments from people who cant get enough of the heartwarming surprise. Instagram users flooded the comments section with messages of admiration and appreciation for Sujan sir and educators everywhere. A user wrote, The thing these kids will remember when they go on to win in their lives is that there was a great teacher who cared about them as humans! Its never the class or subject- it is always the teacher. Another commented, Such a rare sight! The purity of a good teacher and obedient students is the best which is missing from most schools these days. Glad to see there are teachers like Sujan Sir! A comment read, Happy birthday Sujan sir! I dont know you but good teachers are so important and deserve the WORLD. You guys dont even know how beautifully you all have captured the life memories. The class, board, dress, bench, everything in this video refreshed my memory when I was studying at GBS Suddenly I am missing everything about GBS love this, an account remarked. China condemned Taiwanese authorities on Wednesday after two Chinese nationals died in a boat accident while pursued by Taiwans coast guard. The Chinese boat was carrying four people when it capsized near the Kinmen Islands, throwing all onboard into the water, Chinese and Taiwanese authorities said. The malignant incident severely harmed the feelings of compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, said in a statement. Taiwans coast guard said the speedboat had illegally (entered) Taiwanese waters, the islands CNA news agency reported. The coast guard immediately requested that the boat submit to an inspection, but it resisted and capsized as it sped away, CNA said. Beijing has urged the Taiwanese authorities to immediately investigate the incident, Zhu added. CNA said all four were rescued from the water and sent to hospital. Two were pronounced dead after efforts to resuscitate them failed, the coast guard said. The other two are in stable condition and have been brought to Kinmen for further investigation by prosecutors, it added. The Kinmen Islands are controlled by Taiwan but lie within sight of Chinas coast. China claims democratic Taiwan as its own, although it has no sovereignty over the territory of 23 million people and its adjacent islands. The incident comes against a backdrop of high tensions across the Taiwan Strait. Taiwans presidential election, held in January, was won by the ruling Democratic Progressive Partys Lai Ching-te, who Beijing regards as a separatist. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ceaselessly called for the reunification of Taiwan with China, more than 70 years since the two split at the end of a civil war in 1949. WASHINGTON: Former U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzis winning back his Long Island House seat could provide a blueprint for Democrat Joe Biden s reelection campaign heading into November, demonstrating his partys strength in competitive suburban territory that also happened to be where Donald Trump grew up. But the good news followed several rough days for the White House, which watched House Republicans vote to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday. That followed a special counsels conclusion that characterized Bidens memory as faulty, poor and having significant limitations, though also saying charges werent warranted against the president for mishandling classified documents. So how far Suozzis win will go to calm Democrats anxiety about the presidents age and low approval ratings is hardly clear. The Democratic former congressmans emphatic victory came in a special election where heavy snowfall may have affected turnout and with nearly nine months still to go in the presidential race. He made immigration a centerpiece of his campaign, playing political hardball with an issue that had helped the GOP win in previous cycles. He also called Biden old. Suozzi easily topped Mazi Pilip to replace expelled former Republican New York Rep. George Santos, narrowing the GOP House majority to 219-213. The district backed Biden by 8 points in 2020 but voted for Santos during 2022s midterm election when Republicans fared better across New York than expected by campaigning on getting tough on immigration and combating crime rates that had risen in some areas. After Santos ouster, the special election to replace him was seen as a dead-heat though Suozzi was the more familiar figure. He won the seat in 2016 and was reelected twice before retiring in 2020 and losing in the Democratic primary to incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul. A surge of migrants arriving to large, Democrat-run cities, including New York, has turned security along the U.S.-Mexico border into an especially tricky issue for Bidens party across the country. Queens is home to one of New York Citys few large-scale tent housing facilities for migrants and yet Suozzi took the issue head on. This is the template for Democrats everywhere because you could not imagine a district that could have been more hostile to what the stereotype of a Democrat is, said Lis Smith, a national Democratic strategist and advisor to Suozzis campaign. You just need to go on offense and say, Im the one who wants to secure the border. Its the Republicans who want chaos at the border. Thats a very easy message that can be adopted by Democrats across the country, Smith said. During the campaign, Suozzi spoke often about strengthening immigration policy, and said he would support a temporary closure of the U.S.-Mexico border to slow the influx of migrants, echoing Bidens recent willingness to do the same. Last month, Suozzi rushed to Queens tent migrant housing area for a rebuttal news conference directly after Pilip held an event there seeking to link him to federal immigration policy. Souzzi was a vocal supporter of a bipartisan Senate deal on immigration that Republicans turned against after Trump, the former president and current Republican presidential primary front-runner, urged them to do so. Souzzi even began his victory speech by scoffing at being attacked as the godfather of the migrant crisis and sanctuary Souzzi. That resonated with Lois Clinco, 59, who said she voted for Suozzi because she hopes he can keep the migrants out, because were overpopulated now. Still, Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University, cautioned against extrapolating Suozzis win, noting the snowstorm and a short runup to the special election which also had unique, Santos-related contours. If I were a Democratic consultant or strategist, I would be taking a huge grain of salt before I base my playbook on this election, Reeher said. Bidens reelection campaign noted that Democrats have racked up a series of special election and off-year legislative victories since he took office. It also said that more immigrants had arrived to Queens County in the last year than in all of Chicago emphasizing how important the issue was to Suozzis win. White House, spokesman Andrew Bates called Tuesdays result a devastating repudiation of congressional Republicans. Tom Suozzi put support for the bipartisan border legislation and congressional Republicans killing of it for politics at the forefront of his case, Bates said in a statement. The results are unmistakable. Despite years of Trump stressing a law-and-order message, Republicans have seen their support slip in many suburban areas as the former president has solidified his hold on the national GOP. Still, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson shrugged off larger implications of Tuesdays race for his party. The result last night is not something, in my view, that Democrats should celebrate too much, Johnson told reporters Wednesday, adding that Suozzi ran like a Republican, he sounded like a Republican talking about border and immigration because thats the top issue on the hearts and minds of everybody. But Suozzi also promoted defending abortion rights, echoing a message Democrats have used around the country since the Supreme Court overturned the constitutional right to an abortion. New York will have a referendum on the November ballot asking voters to bar discrimination based on pregnancy outcomes. Despite not explicitly guaranteeing the right to an abortion, supporters argue the measure will further protect access to the procedure, and Democrats see it as a way to drive turnout. Suozzis victory could also be viewed as a personal slap for Trump since the former presidents childhood home was in the Jamaica Estates section of Queens. Still, Trump advisors blamed Pilips defeat on her not embracing the Make America Great Again movement more closely. New York Republican chair Ed Cox said the party isnt abandoning its winning issues and would defeat Suozzi when hes up for reelection in November. Thats when, he said, the campaign resets to focus on Joe Biden and Democrats disastrous open-borders, soft-on-crime policies, rather than the specific circumstances that brought about this special election. But Suozzi didnt exactly embrace Biden. He even said during a television interview, The bottom line is hes old. Suozzi also suggested that he didnt think it would be helpful to have Biden campaign alongside him for this race. If I were advising him, Reeher said of the president, I would have a big red headline on top that says consider this race with caution, there are a number of things here that may not apply to you. __ Izaguirre reported from Lindenhurst, New York. Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor Foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said the intergovernmental framework concerning cooperation on the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC) agreement signed between the Indian government and the UAE government aims to see how the IMEC operates and whether it achieves the core objectives set out by both nations. He also said that India and the UAE signed 10 memoranda of agreement (MoUs) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to the West Asian nation and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This agreement builds collaboration and also looks at specific things that the parties would do to promote cooperation in this space, Kwatra said. Now, supply chain services are not just limited to one or two things, but cover all types of general cargo, bulk containers and liquid bulbs. One of the aims in this is to see how quickly the IMEC, which was launched, gets operated and benefits the core objective of stronger, deeper, more extensive regional connectivity between the parties involved, Kwatra further added. The IMEC initiative was launched on the sidelines of the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi. Kwatra highlighted the main areas that are being covered by the agreement are related to cooperation on logistics platforms, which is a crucial element of furthering the objectives of this particular corridor. India and UAE signed an MoU to further cooperation in the field of electricity connection and trade which aims to strengthen the partnership between both nations in the energy trade and security domains with focus on green hydrogen. Naturally the collaboration that deals with investment policy research, research, development, and innovation, across this entire sector of clean and green energy would also form an important segment of partnership under this MOU, Kwatra added. The Ministry of Investment of the UAE and Indias Ministry of Electronics and Technology (MEITY) have signed an MoU for cooperation on digital infrastructure projects. This is a framework agreement that focuses on investment cooperation in the field of digital infrastructures, naturally, as a corollary of that the focus is on developing capabilities, sharing technical knowledge, advice, skills, and expertise under this particular framework, government agencies as also the regulatory authorities will also look to forge partnerships under this particular digital infrastructure MOU. This would focus on some of the key areas of digital space that include high power computing, digital innovation, and the platforms relating to management of data, he said. Briefing about the bilateral investment treaty between India and the UAE, Kwatra said that the agreement will set the basis for stronger and more extensive and wide-ranging investment partnerships because it focuses not just on protecting the existing investments but also advances the objective of promoting further capital flows between both countries. (An) MOU (was signed) on the development of the national maritime heritage complex. This is a national maritime heritage complex at Lothal in Gujarat. The two sides will work closely and the relevant departments will develop this project in a comprehensive fashion, he said. The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is an under-construction tourism complex near Lothal in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat, India which will present the maritime heritage of India. The complex will have museums, amusement parks, educational institutes, hotels and resorts. There is agreement on the cooperation protocol at the National Archives of India. The objective is to promote cooperation in archives management, through the exchange of expertise, historical information, to search and studies, etc, Kwatra said. An agreement on interlinking of the instant payment platforms UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) and an agreement on interlinking domestic debit/credit cards RuPay (India) with JAYWAN (UAE) have also been inked. (with inputs from PTI) Foreign tourists visiting the city of Bali in Indonesia are now required to pay a 150,000 rupiah ($10) levy upon entry, which will be used to help preserve the islands environment and culture. Effective from Valentines Day, the Bali tax will target visitors from abroad or other parts of Indonesia. Tourist-dependent Bali attracts millions of foreign visitors annually and the beach-dotted island is trying to capitalise on its popularity to boost its coffers. The levy, meant to preserve the culture of the Island of Gods, however, will not apply to domestic Indonesian tourists, AFP reported. This levy is aimed at the protection of the culture and the environment in Bali, Balis acting governor Sang Made Mahendra Jaya said at a launch ceremony Monday. The fee will have to be paid electronically through the Love Bali online portal and will apply to foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or from other parts of Indonesia. While Bali has long been renowned for its pristine beaches and scenic landscapes, the recent influx of tourists has raised concerns among locals. Nearly 4.8 million tourists visited Bali between January and November last year, with Australia leading in tourist arrivals, followed by India, China, and Singapore. However, instances of misbehaviour by tourists have stirred controversy in recent years. The palm-fringed hotspot has promised a crackdown on misbehaving tourists after a spate of incidents that have included acts of disrespect to the predominantly Hindu islands culture. Last March, a Russian man was deported for nudity on Mount Agung, a sacred site. In another incident, a video of a couple engaging in inappropriate behaviour on Mount Batur sparked public outcry. Local authorities are also reportedly contemplating banning foreign tourists from using motorbikes due to traffic violations. Last year, the local government published an etiquette guide for tourists who wish to visit Bali after being pressed to do so by the islands immigration office. Locals argue that these events underscore the need for measures to regulate tourism and protect Balis cultural heritage. The latest tourist tax coincided with Indonesias electoral process, as millions cast their votes for a new president and legislature. (With agency inputs) The Israeli military has released footage of what it said was Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar walking through a Gaza tunnel with his family members. This is the first time Sinwar has been spotted since he went into hiding before the deadly October 7 attack, The Times of Israel reported. The video footage was released as media reports said that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) was closing in on the Palestinian outfits chief. Spotted: Yahya Sinwar running away and hiding in his underground terrorist tunnel network as Gazan civilians suffer above ground under the rule of Hamas terrorism. There is no tunnel deep enough for him to hide in, the IDF said in a post on social media along with video footage. Spotted: Yahya Sinwar running away and hiding in his underground terrorist tunnel network as Gazan civilians suffer above ground under the rule of Hamas terrorism.There is no tunnel deep enough for him to hide in. pic.twitter.com/KLjisBFq1f Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 13, 2024 New Hostage Deal The release of the footage also came as Israeli, US, Qatari and Egyptian officials were gathered in Cairo for talks aimed at reaching a new hostage deal. The one-minute clip features Sinwar in a tunnel underneath the southern city of Khan Younis, walking behind what appears to be his wife and three of his children, led by Sinwars brother Ibrahim. Read More: Ismail Haniyeh, Mohammed Deif and Yahya Sinwar: A Look at the Leaders of Hamas Terrorist Group Sinwar appears healthy, carrying a bag and wearing flip-flops, the Israeli newspaper said. The video was taken from Hamas surveillance footage from the tunnels that was recently retrieved by IDF troops operating in the area. Though the Hamas chiefs back is facing the camera, the IDF could identify him by the larger size of the figures ears and by using artificial intelligence. Hamas leaders, wherever they are hiding, should know they are on borrowed time.Watch the full statement by IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari: pic.twitter.com/iyh2pPlFuA Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 14, 2024 The newly released footage is from October 10 but Israel media said that the authorities have additional footage of Siwnar, including clips that were filmed more recently. Every resident of Gaza [can now] see how Hamas leaders live underground and how they dont think about anything other than themselves, their families and their money, IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari told Al Arabiya ahead of the airing of the footage. Read More: We Will Get to That Man: Israel Vows to Kill Top Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar One video or another is not what really matters. What is important is the intelligence that will allow us to reach senior Hamas officials and the hostages. The hunt for Sinwar will not stop until we catch him, dead or alive, Hagari said in a presser after releasing the footage. The IDF spokesperson said that earlier this month, troops detained close relatives of senior Hamas military commanders, including Sinwar. Hagari said Israeli special forces raided another part of the tunnel where surveillance camera footage showed the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip fleeing with his children and one of his wives through the network of tunnels. In the footage, which was taken on October 10, at the beginning of the war, he escaped with his family underground to one of the safe accommodation complexes he had built in advance, he added. We are determined to capture him, and we will capture him. (With agency inputs) The war between Israel and Hamas, now in its fifth month, has devastated hospitals in the Gaza Strip, with less than half of them only partially functioning as scores of people are killed and wounded in daily bombardments. Israel accuses the militants of using hospitals and other civilian buildings as cover. Palestinians began evacuating the main hospital in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, according to videos shared by medics on Wednesday. The Israeli military said it had opened a secure route to allow civilians to leave the hospital, while medics and patients could remain inside. The war began with Hamas assault into Israel on Oct 7, in which militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. The overall Palestinian death toll from the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. A quarter of Gazas residents are starving. The United States, which has provided crucial military and diplomatic support to Israel, has been working with Qatar and Egypt to try and broker a cease-fire and the return of the remaining 130 hostages held by Hamas, around a fourth of whom are believed to be dead. The negotiators held talks in Cairo on Tuesday that were attended by CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, the head of Israels Mossad spy agency, but there were no signs of a breakthrough. Airstrike during Israeli hostage rescue wipes out an entire Palestinian family in a Gaza border town South Africa launches an urgent request with the top UN court over Israels targeting of Rafah Family of Palestinian-American detained by Israel seeks her release Biden says key elements of a Gaza deal are on the table as he meets with Jordans King Abdullah The Israeli military says it has rescued 2 hostages from captivity in the Gaza Strip. Four people were killed in Lebanon, including a Syrian woman and her two Lebanese children in the village of Souaneh, and at least nine were wounded, Lebanese security officials and local media said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. Hezbollahs Al-Manar TV reported that another airstrike on the village of Adchit killed one person and wounded nine. It was not immediately clear if the dead person was a civilian or a Hezbollah fighter. Earlier Wednesday, a projectile hit a home in Israels northern town of Safed, wounding at least eight people. Israeli media reported that a woman was killed in that attack, but the military did not immediately confirm the reports. Hezbollah did not claim the attack on Safed. Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group, which supports Gazas militant Hamas rulers, have traded fire along the border nearly every day since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on Oct 7. The letter, signed by Irelands premier, Leo Varadkar, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Snchez, said that if the Commission deems Israel is in breach of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of the relationship, it should propose appropriate measures to the European Council to consider. The letter underlines condemnation of Hamas Oct 7 attack on Israel and Israels right to defend itself but highlights surging death toll and devastation in Gaza. It said that Israel must respect international human rights. The two leaders said they shared the concerns of the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres about the appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma of civilians, and the risks to them given his view that nowhere in Gaza is safe. The Israeli army said there were approximately 10 launches towards northern Israel on Wednesday and that a nearby military base was targeted. One of the rockets hit a home in Safed, causing the casualties, while another two were intercepted. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah or Palestinian armed groups in Lebanon, which have also fired rockets into northern Israel. Last month, Hezbollah said it launched a drone strike at the armys northern headquarters. Israels military acknowledged at the time that one of its bases was targeted but said there were no injuries or damage. The increasing cross-border attacks have led to fears of a wider conflict linked to the ongoing war in Gaza. Hezbollah says that by keeping Israels northern front active, it is helping to reduce pressure on Palestinian Hamas in Gaza. Nearly 200 Hezbollah fighters and more than 20 civilians have been killed on the Lebanese side since Oct 7. In Israel, 19 people have been killed by rocket attacks from Lebanon, including 10 civilians. More than 180 Israelis have been wounded, including a woman and her son who were critically wounded on Tuesday in a rocket attack in the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes on both sides of the border. In the video, a man identified as Sinwar is seen from the back, with his wife and three children walking ahead of him. He is wearing sandals and carrying a bag. His daughter clutches a doll as the family, led by what the army claims is Sinwars brother, makes their way through the tunnels. The face of the man identified as Sinwar is not visible and the claims could not be independently verified. The army also released video of a tunnel compound where it claimed Sinwar was recently hiding with his family. The compound had a bathroom and kitchen with stockpiles of food, including bags marked with logos of the UN agency that delivers most aid to people in Gaza. Israel has long accused UNRWA of tolerating or collaborating with Hamas a charge the agency denies. Another room had a safe with plastic storage bags filled with shekels and dollars. The army did not provide information to support its claim that Sinwar had spent time in that tunnel compound. Sinwar is Hamas top leader inside the Palestinian territory. Israeli officials have vowed to kill him and crush the militant group that has ruled Gaza since 2007. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said Tuesday evening that the army was combing through intelligence files seized during operations in the tunnels. He said the army had multiple videos of Sinwar. Martin Griffiths said Tuesday more than lf of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled to Rafah seeking safety from Israeli attacks and are staring death in the face, with little to eat, hardly any access to medical care, nowhere to sleep, nowhere safe to go. Gazas residents, he said, are the victim of an Israeli assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope. Griffiths reiterated UN demands for an end to the war that Israel launched after Hamas surprise attacks in southern Israel on Oct 7. Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked his military to prepare plans to evacuate Rafah so it can pursue Hamas fighters in the city. The Hamas attacks in Israel killed about 1,200 people and led to the taking of about 250 hostages. More than 28,000 people, mostly women and children, have been killed across Gaza in the Israeli offensive, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, he said. Griffiths said in a statement that he has been warning for weeks that the UN humanitarian response is in tatters and now he is sounding the alarm again. Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza, he said. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at deaths door. French President Emmanuel Macron told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday that the Gaza death toll was intolerable and Israels operations there must cease, the presidents office said. In a telephone call that saw Macron toughen his tone, the French leader expressed Frances firm opposition to an Israeli offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, saying it could only lead to a humanitarian disaster of a new magnitude and create a new risk of regional escalation, according to a statement from the presidential Elysee palace. The French leader stressed that a ceasefire agreement should be reached without further delay, adding such a deal should guarantee the protection of all civilians and the massive inflow of emergency aid. Macron said that the lack of sufficient access to a population in an absolute humanitarian emergency was unjustifiable, his office said. He said it was imperative to open the port of Ashdod in Israel north of the Gaza strip, a direct land route from Jordan and all the crossing points. The French president also urged the prime minister and all Israeli leaders to have the courage to offer their fellow citizens a future of peace, which he believes only the creation of a Palestinian state can achieve, the statement said. On Tuesday, France said it was imposing sanctions against 28 extremist Israeli settlers whom it accuses of committing human rights abuses against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. France would also be seeking sanctions at European level, the foreign ministry said. The latest Gaza war began after Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Militants also took about 250 people hostage, around 130 of whom are still in Gaza, according to Israeli figures. Israel says 29 of the remaining captives are presumed dead. Israels relentless bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza has killed at least 28,576 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in the Palestinian territory. Maldives has deported 43 Indians after accusing them of committing crimes, according to a report by Male-based news outlet Adhadhu. Maldives administration, as per the report, deported 186 foreigners from 12 nations but not a single person from China. The highest number of people deported was from Bangladesh. At least 83 Bangladeshis were deported following by 43 Indians, 25 Sri Lankans and 8 Nepalis. The date of their deportation is not yet known. The news of the deportation comes after the Maldivian home ministry said they have undertaken efforts to shut down businesses operating illegally in the country with earnings deposited to bank accounts held by foreigners. The Maldivian homeland security minister Ali Ihusan said his office is working with the finance ministry operating against illegal businesses operating under various names. He said businesses operated by a foreigner instead of the registered owner also comes under the ambit of the so-called illegal businesses. After registering under another name, [they include] places that operate outside of the registry, especially with the involvement of a foreigner with Rufiyaa deposited to his personal account, the minister was quoted as saying by Adhadhu. He said that his ministry was working on shutting down such businesses and deporting the foreigners who operate them. The Male-based news outlet said if the registrar believes that a business is operated by a foreigner earning profits either directly or indirectly such businesses will be terminated as per a law enacted in December 2021. The Maldives immigration controller Shamaan Waheed said 186 foreigners committed crimes and have been deported from Maldives. The Maldivian administration under newly-elected President Mohamed Muizzu has shifted towards China. China is keen to gain influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Muizzu came to power promising that he will not let any other nation influence Maldivian foreign policy referring to India without taking its name. After taking over as president, he asked India to withdraw its troops stationed in Maldives. India agreed to replace its troops with civilians in Maldives after a round of discussions. A man was sentenced to 10 months in prison for destroying a military marriage as he dated and cohabited with the wife of a serving Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) soldier, Hong Kong-based the South China Morning Post said in a report. The Chinese criminal laws says that anyone cohabiting or marrying another person despite knowing that he or she is the spouse of a PLA soldier can face imprisonment of up to three years. The Chinese defence law mandates such a harsh punishment because the state is obliged not only to give special protection to the marriage of a soldier but also respect and protect the honour of those serving in the armed forces. The Chinese Peoples Court Daily said the man surnamed Ma was handed a 10-month jail sentence by a court in Dunhua. Dunhua is located in the northeastern province of Jilin. He was convicted of destroying a military marriage. The man, Ma, met a woman identified only by her last name, Yuan. Both of them were former colleagues and the pair had sex on the same day. Yuan apparently told Ma that she was married and her husband was in the PLA which he did not take seriously at first. He went and told others that Yuan was his girlfriend. Sometime later when Yuan told Ma that it is a crime to have sex with her because she is married to a PLA soldier, she decided to end the romantic relationship. A month later they started dating again because Ma said he was missing Yuan and both of them started living together at the formers home. Meanwhile, Yuan asked her husband for a divorce, which raised his suspicion that she was having an affair. He was stationed in a separate city on PLA duties. The soldier named Li then checked surveillance cameras in their residential community when he returned home for a holiday. He witnessed the incidents and then called the police. Ma got a lenient sentence because he admitted to committing the crime. Weakened Mindset The Peoples Court Daily in an editorial said having an extra-marital affair with spouses of PLA soldiers is an immoral act. With their marriage jeopardized, soldiers mindset will be affected and the armys fighting capacity will be weakened. As a result, it is vital to protect the stability of a military marriage. Any activity which leads to breaking a military marriage should be punished seriously, the editorial said. Elon Musk during a discussion on social media site Xs Spaces told US Republican senators there is no way in hell that Russian President Vladimir Putin could lose the war in Ukraine. He said that if Putin backs out of the war in Ukraine or loses the war he could be assassinated as he is under pressure to continue the war. Musk also said that those who think that they can force a regime change in Russia are wrong and warned that the next person at the helm is likely to be more hardcore than Putin. For those who want regime change in Russia, they should think about who is the person that could take out Putin, and is that person likely to be a peacenik? Probably not. (Such a person would likely be) even more hardcore than Putin, Musk said. He further added that he is interested in stopping deaths of people on both sides of the war. Musk was joined by Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, JD Vance of Ohio and Mike Lee of Utah, as well as Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential candidate, and David Sacks, a co-founder of Craft Ventures LLC. They discussed the contentious US Senate bill which would assist Ukraine to continue fighting the war which was triggered after Russia launched a full-scale invasion two years ago. Elon Musk was also involved in the war in Ukraine as his own Starlink satellite services were used by Ukrainian forces. During the conversation, Musk also slammed critics for calling him a Russia apologist. He said that his company did more than others to back Ukraine. If he were to back off, he would be assassinated, Musk said, explaining that there are other forces pushing Putin to continue the war in Ukraine. (It is) absurd. (My companies) have probably done more to undermine Russia than anything, Musk said. Musk agreed with Johnsons statement that Putin would not lose in Ukraine and backed him when he said that those who expected a Ukraine victory were living in a fantasy world. This spending does not help Ukraine. Prolonging the war does not help Ukraine, Musk said of the bill. Musk on several occasions has doubted Ukraines ability to win the war and mocked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiys requests for aid. He has come under criticism from Ukraine and Democratic members of Congress for his views. He also highlighted that SpaceX provided Starlink internet service to Ukraine and SpaceX taking business away from Russias space launch business. Musks views contract with that of US President Joe Biden and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell. Both argue that it is in the US interests to aid Ukraines defence against Russia. They also believe that it will deter other authoritarian regimes from starting wars of their own. The Senate continued work on the bill Monday night, and it is expected to pass, but House Speaker Mike Johnson has insisted border security measures must come first. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas pressed Hamas on Wednesday to agree on a Gaza deal quickly to avoid dire consequences, the official Palestinian news agency reported. We call on the Hamas movement to quickly complete a prisoner deal, to spare our Palestinian people from the calamity of another catastrophic event with dire consequences, no less dangerous than the Nakba of 1948, Abbas said, referring to the war accompanying the creation of Israel which saw 760,000 Palestinians flee or forced from their homes. The war began with the October 7 Hamas attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed, and around 250 were abducted. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, while Hamas is holding the remains of roughly 30 others who were either killed or died in captivity. Swaths of the territory have been flattened by Israels offensive and around 80% of the population has been displaced. Abbass internationally recognised Palestinian Authority (PA) has not been involved in this weeks talks hosted by Egypt to secure a ceasefire after more than four months of the war. Seated in Ramallah in the West Bank, the PA is widely derided by Palestinians who have failed to see their aspirations for statehood realised since 1948. The United States, which funds PA, has said it supports the creation of a Palestinian state but wants an overhaul of the leadership. Abbass plea comes as Israel and Hamas are making progress toward another ceasefire and hostage-release deal. Meanwhile, Israel threatened to expand its offensive to Gazas southern edge, where some 1.4 million Palestinians have sought refuge. The talks continued in Egypt as Israeli forces rescued two captives in Rafah, the packed southern town along the Egyptian border, in a raid that killed at least 74 Palestinians, according to local health officials. As things stand, a ceasefire deal would give people in Gaza a desperately needed respite from the war, now in its fifth month, and offer freedom for at least some of the people still held captive in Gaza. (With agency inputs) Republicans impeached US President Joe Bidens immigration chief on Tuesday, the culmination of months of attacks on the Democratic administration as they seek to make border security a key issue in Novembers election. Conservatives in the House of Representatives, which is narrowly controlled by Republicans, blame Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for a surge in illegal entries from Mexico that they have called a humanitarian catastrophe. Lawmakers passed two articles accusing him of willful and systemic refusal to enforce immigration law and breach of public trust making him the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in nearly 150 years. It was Republican leaders second swing at Mayorkas after they botched a first impeachment effort last week by wrongly anticipating how many lawmakers would be present on each side and losing by just one vote. Tuesdays re-run was just as close, but the return of Republican House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who had been receiving cancer treatment, swung the chamber the other way in a 214-213 vote. Next to a declaration of war, impeachment is arguably the most serious authority given to the House and we have treated this matter accordingly, said House Speaker Mike Johnson. Since this secretary refuses to do the job that the Senate confirmed him to do, the House must act. But Biden immediately rebuked Republicans for what he termed a blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games. We will continue pursuing real solutions to the challenges Americans face, and House Republicans have to decide whether to join us to solve the problem or keep playing politics with the border, he added. The outcome was unprecedented as the House has only ever impeached one other cabinet official Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876 and that was over serious allegations of corruption rather than a straightforward policy disagreement. Seen as the political equivalent of an indictment, the rebuke is largely symbolic, however, as Mayorkas is certain to be acquitted at his trial in the Democratic-led Senate. The vote came amid a showdown between the House and the Senate over curbing a surge in illegal immigration, which hit a record 10,000 apprehensions a day at the US-Mexico border in December. Pandoras box House Republicans have been accused of acting in bad faith in the impeachment, especially after coming out against a bipartisan deal hammered out in the upper chamber that would have imposed the toughest asylum and border policies in decades. House Republicans will be remembered by history for trampling on the Constitution for political gain rather than working to solve the serious challenges at our border, said Mia Ehrenberg, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Impeachment is meant to be a sanction for treason, bribery and other high crimes and misdemeanors, according to the constitution. Ken Buck, one of three Republicans who voted no in last weeks vote, called the move against Mayorkas a stunt while fellow rebel Mike Gallagher said it would pry open the Pandoras box of perpetual impeachment. Twenty-five legal experts called the push utterly unjustified in an open letter and were echoed by constitutional scholars who have spoken in Congress against Donald Trumps impeachments, including Jonathan Turley and Alan Dershowitz. House Democrats voted in unison against the impeachment, which was also vehemently opposed by the White House. Ehrenberg at the DHS accused Republicans of having falsely smeared a dedicated public servant without a shred of evidence. The Senate is now compelled to at least open a trial, although it could vote to dismiss the articles, dissolve the trial or refer the articles to a committee. Swedish rescue services said Tuesday they were still battling a major blaze at the countrys largest amusement park, more than 24 hours after it broke out. One person was still missing after the fire erupted on Monday at the Oceana water park that was still under construction at the Liseberg amusement park in the western city of Gothenburg. Firefighters had indicated earlier on Tuesday that the blaze was under control but it flared up once again in the evening, a spokesman for the Gothenburg emergency services told SVT television channel. The fire resumed and we have alerted new units. As we were at the location, it was quickly discovered, the spokesman said, adding that there was no risk of it spreading. Rescue services had earlier warned that efforts to completely douse the fire were being hampered by the risk of a building collapse. There was still no sign of the missing person. We have searched the spaces we can access, which we consider safe (and) we have not been able to find anyone, Per Nyqvist of the Gothenburg rescue services told a press conference. Nyqvist said the fire likely began in one of the water attractions outside the main building and then spread throughout the building. Images from Monday showed exploding fireballs, as flames and several blasts tore up a water slide and a pall of black smoke rose over the city. Niklas Sparw, head of building operations at construction company NCC, said Tuesday it was too early to speculate on the cause of the fire. With respect for the fact that it is an exceptional event, we need a proper investigation before we speculate on what happened, Sparw told reporters. Police said an investigation into gross negligence and workplace offences had been opened. According to police, 16 people sought treatment for minor injuries but none needed to be admitted to hospital. An Indian-American family of four, including two children, was found dead inside their residence in San Mateo, California, on February 13, police said. In a statement, the San Mateo Police Department said two of the victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds, while the cause of death for the other two remains undetermined. The victims have been identified as Anand Sujith Henry (42), his wife Alice Priyanka (40), and their twin children. UPDATE (2/13/24 at 1:15pm): SMPD Continues Death Investigation of Four People. Refer to https://t.co/TIlKNCDvgk for updated information. San Mateo Police Department (@SanMateoPD) February 13, 2024 Cause under investigation Tragically, the two children were found deceased inside a bedroom. Their cause of death is still under investigation. The male and female were located deceased from gunshot wounds inside a bathroom. A 9mm pistol and a loaded magazine were also found in the bathroom, the San Mateo Police said. While initial suspicions pointed to carbon monoxide poisoning, authorities found no evidence of gas leakage or faulty appliances in the home. The Indian-American couple were reportedly IT professionals. Anand worked as a software engineer, while Alice served as a senior analyst, who moved to San Mateo County two years ago. Media reports said the Indian mission in the country has extended consular assistance to the familys relatives in India. This incident adds to a series of unfortunate events involving Indian students in the country. Last week, Purdue University student Sameer Kamath was discovered deceased in Warren County. San Mateo Police Department representative Jerami Surratt told NBC that they received a call seeking a welfare check on the family. However, the cops did not find any signs of a forced entry and later found the four dead inside. He said the investigation is ongoing and the cause of the deaths is yet to be ascertained. As the probe continues, US authorities are awaiting autopsy results and forensic analysis. This investigation continues as detectives work to gather evidence, speak to witnesses and family members, and determine a possible motive, police said. Ukraine said on Wednesday it had destroyed another Russian warship in the Black Sea, a key battleground of the nearly two-year war. The Ukrainian military said its forces together with military intelligence units had destroyed the Caesar Kunikov Russian landing ship off the coast of the Crimean peninsula. A large ball of smoke and flames could be seen rising from what appeared to be a ship in footage posted by Ukrainian military intelligence. ANOTHER RUSSIAN WARSHIP DESTROYEDFootage released by Ukrainian GUR showing the aftermath of this mornings USV attack on the Russian Ropucha-class landing ship Caesar Kunikov Slava Ukraine pic.twitter.com/jJEIriZDyS Andrew Mercado (@RealAndyMerc) February 14, 2024 Frontline Remains Static Though the frontline on land has remained static for over a year, Ukraine claims to have put Russia on the defensive in the Black Sea, an area vital for Ukrainian exports. The enemy ship was attacked by Magura V5 maritime strike drones off the coast of the temporarily occupied Crimea near the city of Alupka, it said. Moscow said it had downed six Ukrainian drones over the strategic body of water. Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, has been extensively targeted by Ukrainian drones and missiles since it began its counteroffensive last summer. Ukraine says its attacks have put a third of Russias Black Sea warships out of action since the invasion began, as it seeks to protect its shipping routes and prevent attacks from the sea. Putin Ceasfire Proposal On Tuesday, news agency Reuters reported that Russian President Vladimir Putins suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries. However, the report added that a US source denied there had been any official contact and said Washington would not engage in talks that did not involve Ukraine. Putin sent signals to Washington in 2023 in public and privately through intermediaries, including through Moscows Arab partners in the Middle East and others, that he was ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Russian sources said. The Russian President was reportedly proposing to freeze the conflict at the current lines and was unwilling to cede any of the Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia. (With agency inputs) Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari said there is need for an all-in political reconciliation process with participation from Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to bring about economic reforms in Pakistan which is suffering from an economic crisis. Zardaris comments came during a multi-party news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday which was also attended by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) president Shehbaz Sharif, Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) convener Dr Khalid Maqool Siddiqui, Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid) chief Chaudhry Shujaat as well as Istehkam-e-Party (IPP) president Abdul Aleem Khan. He invited PTI to become part of the process. Everyone has to be on board with the economic agenda for the broader interest of the nation, Zardari was quoted as saying by The News. Zardari earlier on Tuesday pulled himself out of the candidacy for the prime ministers post stating his party would back PML-Ns candidate. It should be noted that neither the PML-N, nor the PPP or even the PTI managed to secure as many votes to form a government in the centre. PTI-backed independents managed to win most seats but did not have the required majority. PML-N and PPP as well as the IPP and MQM-P decided to come together to form the government. It is a fact that the PPP does not have a mandate to form the federal government and due to that I will not be putting myself forward for the candidacy of the prime minister of Pakistan. We have decided to form a coalition government [to] steer the country out of the [prevailing] crises. We dont want to see chaos in the country or perpetual crisis in the country. We want the process of government formation to move ahead. If the people of the country had given me the mandate, I would ask for the PMs post, Zardari said. Meanwhile, jailed PTI founder Imran Khan warned the parties against forming a government with a stolen mandate. Such daylight robbery will not only be a disrespect to the citizens, but will also push the countrys economy further into a downward spiral, Khan said in a social media post. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 4. The South Korean Hyundai ROTEM company discussed the prospects of the delivery of six high-speed electric trains to Uzbekistan, Trend reports. This was discussed at a meeting between Ambassador Vitaliy Fen of Uzbekistan and the president of Hyundai ROTEM, Lee Yong-bae. The sides also discussed matters of cooperation in the field of transportation. The task of supplying high-speed electric trains is defined in the decree of the head of Uzbekistan from October 10, 2023, "On measures to radically reform Uzbekistan's railway transport." It is expected that the purchase of trains will serve the development of railway transportation in the country as a whole and, in particular, will connect Tashkent with Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and other historical cities, thus creating convenience for residents and tourists. In addition, the management of Hyundai ROTEM expressed readiness to provide computers and smart boards for educational institutions in Uzbekistans Karakalpakstan within the framework of cooperation in the social sphere. This will help to support reforms in primary and specialized secondary education in Uzbekistan. It is planned to deliver the equipment and materials to Karakalpakstan in May. During the meeting, it was also confirmed that the Hyundai ROTEM delegation plans to visit Uzbekistan and take part in the Tashkent International Investment Forum scheduled for May 23 to familiarize themselves with the investment opportunities of the country and discuss new prospects for cooperation. As a result, an agreement was reached on specific measures aimed at deepening cooperation. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 14. Poland discussed the possibility of attracting investments and advanced technologies in Uzbekistan's mining, textile, and pharmaceutical industries, Trend reports. This was discussed at a meeting between representatives of Uzbekistan's Embassy and the State Secretary of Poland's Ministry of Development and Technology, Jacek Tomczak. During the meeting, the sides discussed matters related to the development of trade, economics, and investment cooperation between the two countries. It was noted that Uzbekistan is an important, promising, and long-term partner of Poland in the Central Asian region, and the Polish side is interested in further expansion of mutually beneficial partnerships in trade, economics, and investment spheres. They also discussed matters facilitating the entry of Uzbek citizens into the Polish labor market, in particular the development of a relevant bilateral agreement. Meanwhile, as per data from Uzbekistan's Statistics Agency, bilateral trade turnover with Poland amounted to $400 million in 2023, of which exports amounted to $88.9 million and imports to $311.6 million. In addition, Uzbekistan expects an increase in the number of tourists from Poland in 2024. As was revealed during the visit of the Polish Chamber of Commerce to Uzbekistan, the volume of tourist influx is expected to reach 2,000. UPDATE Feb 14, 2024 2:00 PM CST Nicolas Sarkozy didn't have a great Valentine's Day. An appeals court in Paris upheld the former president's 2021 conviction for illegal campaign financing, though it halved his sentence from one year to six months, with another six months suspended, the New York Times reports. If he does end up serving time, it will be at home with an electronic monitoring device. Attorney Vincent Desry said Sarkozy is "fully innocent" and will appeal to France's top court, the Court of Cassation. Sarkozy is also appealing a separate sentence handed down in a corruption case. The appeals process is expected to drag on for years and Sarkozy, who will go on trial in yet another case next year, will remain free while appeals are ongoing, reports the AP. Sep 30, 2021 6:51 AM CDT For the first time in modern French history, a former president earlier this year was tried and convicted of corruption and sentenced to jail time. Now, that same president, Nicolas Sarkozy, has a new conviction under his belt, complete with an additional one-year prison sentence after being found guilty Thursday of illegally financing his unsuccessful 2012 reelection campaign. The Washington Post reports that 66-year-old Sarkozy, who served as France's leader from 2007 to 2012, will be able to serve his prison time at his home while wearing an electronic monitoring device. The neighbors of Genesse Ivonne Moreno, the woman who opened fire in Joel Osteen's Houston megachurch on Sunday before she was fatally shot by police, say they'd been trying to warn authorities about her for years. The six women held a news conference to describe the harassment and threats they were subjected to, saying Moreno had brandished guns and they felt scared to step outside, NBC News reports. The women say the Conroe Police Department should have done something to stop Moreno, but the department says all calls regarding her were handled properly: "Nothing relayed to officers would give authority to arrest or require mental health emergency detention; nor would any of the information have been an indication that the suspect would commit such a heinous crime." Many more details are starting to come out about Moreno's past: Former mother-in-law speaks out: Rabbi Walli Carranza, the shooter's former mother-in-law and the paternal grandmother of the 7-year-old boy who was with her when she entered the church (and who was critically injured in the shooting), tells Click 2 Houston that Moreno stabbed her son, with whom she was engaged in a custody battle over the boy, and that she "infantilized" the child, who has special needs. "She kept him with a feeding tube for years when it was supposed to come out in weeks," she says. Chicago won't renew its ShotSpotter contract and plans to stop using the controversial gunshot detection system later this year, Mayor Brandon Johnson's office announced Tuesday. The system, which relies on an artificial intelligence algorithm and network of microphones to identify gunshots, has been criticized for inaccuracy, racial bias, and law enforcement misuse, the AP reports. An AP investigation of the technology detailed how police and prosecutors used ShotSpotter data as evidence in charging a Chicago grandfather with murder before a judge dismissed the case due to insufficient evidence. Chicago's contract with SoundThinking, a public safety technology company that says its ShotSpotter tool is used in roughly 150 cities, expires Friday. The city plans to wind down use of ShotSpotter technology by late September, according to city officials. Since 2018, the city has spent $49 million on ShotSpotter. Johnson's office said that during the interim period, law enforcement and community safety groups would "assess tools and programs that effectively increase both safety and trust," and issue recommendations. Johnson, a first-term mayor, campaigned on a promise to end the use of ShotSpotter, putting him at odds with police leaders who have praised the system. They argue that crime ratesnot residents' racedetermine where the technology is deployed. Community public safety groups argue that the system sends police officers to predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods for often unnecessary and hostile encounters. Issues with accuracy, for instance when the technology has mistakenly identified fireworks or motorcycle sounds as gunshots, have prompted cities including Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Antonio, Texas, to end their ShotSpotter contracts. (More ShotSpotter stories.) While it's too late to prevent the impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the already tiny Republican majority in the House has shrunk. Democratic candidate Tom Suozzi, who represented New York's 3rd congressional district for three terms before former Rep. George Santos was elected in 2022, won a hard-fought race to replace the Republican in a special election on Tuesday. He beat GOP candidate Mazi Pilip in the special election called after Santos was expelled from Congress. The AP called the race for Suozzi around an hour after polls closed, when it was around 59% for Suozzi to 41%, for Pilip, with 52% of the vote counted. The district includes parts of Long Island and Queens. The special election was held as a snowstorm snarled travel. Suozzi opted not to run for re-election in 2022 and launched an unsuccessful campaign for governor. After he is seated in the House, Speaker Mike Johnson will only be able to afford to lose two votes on any partisan bill, the New York Times reports. Suozzi and Pilip, a Nassau County Legislature member who served in the Israel Defense Force, are expected to run again in the November election, but it will be a different 3rd district by then, Nathaniel Rakich at 538 notes. In December, the state was ordered to draw new congressional districts and Rakich predicts that the redrawn 3rd district will look "at least a little bit differentand probably bluer." Immigration was a major issue in the race, and Suozzi, whose victory breaks a losing streak for Democrats in Long Island, said he would work with Republicans on tougher border policies, the Times reports. The AP reports that in another special election Thursday, Democratic former school board member Jim Prokopiak defeated Republican candidate Candace Cabanas in a race for a Pennsylvania House of Representatives seat, meaning Democrats will retain a 102-100 majority in the chamber. (More House of Representatives stories.) Grover usually spends his time online pumping up fans , singing to friends , and even trying his hand at self-portraits . But the fuzzy blue Muppet from Sesame Street apparently has a real new job that keeps him busy, tooat least according to his own admission on social media this week. "As a news reporter, I always do my research before I break a story," Grover's X account announced on Monday. And his breaking news for that day? "I am confident to report that you are so special and amazing!" NPR notes that Grover has had "a wide variety" of gigs since he hit the Sesame Street scene in the early '70severything from a waiter, flight attendant, and professor to door-to-door-salesman, mailman, and even hot dog vendor. But his reporting gig is sparking a bit of a meltdown on the internet, with the New York Times noting that "journalists aren't optimistic" about Grover's chances of success in the field, considering the current state of the media industry. "Unfortunately, Grover was fired for not hitting his three story a day quota," Slate writer Scott Nover wrote on X. NJ.com reporter SP Sullivan added, "I regret to report a hedge fund has since purchased Grover's paper and laid him off." "It's hard not to be pessimistic about the future of journalism when we see friends and colleagues lose their jobs, when newsrooms shutter, and when trust in the work journalists do every day is at record lows with the public," Christopher Ortiz, co-creator of Stuff Journalists Like, tells NPR. SJL had only well wishes for the Muppet media maven, though, writing, "For the record, @JournalistsLike thinks Grover has a promising future in journalism and wishes him nothing but the best!" (Elmo's 15 minutes in the spotlight came a couple of weeks ago.) TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, February 14. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan noted the need to create industrial and trade zones in the border territories, Trend reports. This was discussed at Uzbek-Tajik inter-ministerial political consultations hosted by Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 13, 2024. The delegations of the parties were headed by Uzbek Deputy Foreign Minister Rakhmatulla Nurimbetov and Tajik Deputy Foreign Minister Sodiq Imomi. In the course of inter-ministerial political consultations, the sides discussed the current state of bilateral relations as well as the prospects of interaction within the framework of international organizations. The main directions considered during the meeting were matters of trade and economic cooperation, the development of interregional ties, and industrial cooperation. In particular, the sides noted the need to modernize border points for simplified movement of goods and people. Representatives of both countries discussed the strengthening of the legal framework and the schedule of upcoming events at different levels. The participants in the meeting also exchanged views on regional and international agenda matters. Meanwhile, the number of Uzbek tourists visiting Tajikistan amounted to 806,000 in 2023. According to Tajikistan's Committee for Tourism Development, the tourist flow from Uzbekistan has increased by 15 percent year-on-year. Serious threats to US federal judges and prosecutors have more than doubled in recent years, due to what officials say is a growing wave of violence tied to political polarization. Data from the US Marshals Service, responsible for protecting court personnel, shows serious threats against federal judges climbed to 457 in fiscal year 2023 from 300 in fiscal year 2022 and 224 in 2021, while serious threats against federal prosecutors shot from 68 in 2021 and 93 in 2022 to 155 in 2023, per Reuters and the Hill . Reuters notes the Marshals Service only launches "protective investigations" into the most serious threats, meaning the numbers don't provide the full picture. Previously, the people most likely to threaten judges and prosecutors were those involved in court cases, Marshals Service chief Ronald Davis tells Reuters. But since highly politicized cases, including former President Donald Trump's legal efforts to overturn his presidential election loss, began appearing before federal courts in 2020, politically motivated threats have become more routine. A recent NBC News investigation found Trump often accused judges and prosecutors of being "political," "tyrannical," and "hostile," through remarks at rallies, to reporters, on social media, even in court testimony, in an effort to provoke distrust of the courts. "These vicious attacks on the judiciary and the federal court and even on individual judges are unprecedented in American history by anyone, let alone a president of the United States," retired federal appeals court judge J. Michael Luttig told NBC, which reported Trump's attacks prompted threats from his supporters. But it's not only judges and prosecutors involved in prosecutions of Trump that have received threats. Those involved in battles over abortion rights have, too, per Reuters. Davis, to testify before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Federal Government Surveillance on Wednesday, notes political threats mark "the beginning of the process that threatens the judiciary and threatens our democracy," per Reuters. (More threats stories.) Ukraine's military said Wednesday it sank a Russian landing ship in the Black Sea using naval drones, a report that hasn't been confirmed by Russian authorities. The Caesar Kunikov amphibious ship sank near Alupka, a city on the southern edge of the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014, Ukraine's General Staff said. It noted the ship can carry 87 crew members, per the AP . Sinking the vessel would be another embarrassing blow for the Russian Black Sea fleet and a significant success for Ukraine 10 days before the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022. Ukraine has moved onto the defensive in the war, hindered by low ammunition supplies and a shortage of personnel, but it has kept up its strikes behind the largely static 930-mile front line. It's the second time in two weeks that Ukrainian forces have said they sank a Russian vessel in the Black Sea. Last week, they published a video that they said showed naval drones assaulting the Russian missile-armed corvette Ivanovets. Ukraine's military intelligence agency, known by its Ukrainian acronym GUR, said its special operations unit "Group 13" sank the Caesar Kunikov using Magura V5 sea drones on Wednesday. Explosions damaged the vessel on its left side, it said, though a heavily edited video it released was unclear. The same unit also struck on Feb. 1, according to officials. The private intelligence firm Ambrey said the video showed that at least three drones conducted the attack, and that the ship likely sank after listing heavily on its port side. The Caesar Kunikov was likely part of the Russian fleet escorting merchant vessels that call at Crimean ports, Ambrey said. Ukrainian attacks on Russian aircraft and ships in the Black Sea have helped push Moscow's naval forces back from the coast, allowing Kyiv to increase crucial exports of grain and other goods through its southern ports. The Russian military didn't immediately comment on the claimed sinking, saying only that it downed six Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea overnight. (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.) A man wanted in Massachusetts to face murder charges has been rearrested, a week after he dramatically escaped from police custody, Kenyan police said Wednesday. Kevin Adam Kinyanjui Kangethe escaped while awaiting extradition on a Massachusetts warrant alleging he killed his girlfriend and left her body in a car at a Boston airport. Last week he slipped out of a police station and jumped into a privately owned minivan. Kangethe was arrested in Embulbul, Kajiado County, on the outskirts of Kenya's capital Nairobi on Tuesday evening as he sought refuge at one of his relatives' homes. The officer's report seen by the AP said that on the day Kangethe escaped, a man named John Maina Ndegwa introduced himself to the officers as Kangethe's lawyer and said he wanted to speak with his client. "The officers agreed to his request and removed the prisoner from the cells and took him to (an) office ... leaving them there. After a short while the prisoner escaped by running away and left the (lawyer) behind," the report said. Officers pursued Kangethe but did not catch him, the police report said, adding that Ndegwa was arrested. In a country where corruption is endemic and the police force has been ranked for decades as the most corrupt institution in the country, Kangethe's escape raised suspicion that police officers working at the time may have been bribed to allow his escape. Indeed, Nairobi police chief Adamson Bungei told CNN that Kangethe's "unfortunate" escape was the result of "unethical conduct." Four officers have been suspended awaiting disciplinary action and may face prosecution. Kangethe, 40, had been detained pending a ruling on whether he should be extradited to face a first-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Margaret Mbitu on Oct. 31, 2023. story continues below Massachusetts State Police said in early November that Kangethe had left her body in a car at Logan International Airport and boarded a flight to Kenya. Massachusetts officials said they were working with Kenyan authorities to locate him, and he was arrested in a nightclub on Jan. 30 after being on the run for three months. A police official told the AP that Kangethe said he had renounced his US citizenship. The official said if Kangethe were an American citizen he would have been repatriated without a court process. The court approved a police application for him to be detained for 30 days while the extradition issue was heard. (More prison escape stories.) Israel escalated its attacks on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon Wednesday in response to rocket fire that killed a citizen while reaching further into northern Israel than previous attacks from Hezbollah, per Bloomberg . A woman died and eight others were injured when a rocket landed near Safed, some 8 miles south of the Israel-Lebanon border, per the New York Times . Israel claimed Hezbollah had targeted a military command center. Though the militant group hasn't claimed responsibility, "the missiles came from an area largely controlled by Hezbollah," Bloomberg reports. The rocket attack was "the second in two days to cause casualties in northern Israel," per the Times. Israel and Hezbollah have been trading fire across the border almost daily since Hamas, a Hezbollah ally, attacked Israel in October in what became the kickoff to an all-out war. But Wednesday brought "a significant escalation in cross-border tensions," per the Times. Israel Defense Forces said "fighter jets struck a series of Hezbollah terrorist targets," including "military compounds, operational control rooms, and terrorist infrastructure" in response to the rocket attack. The IDF noted "several targets belonged to Hezbollah's elite by Radwan Forces." Hezbollah, which has vowed to attack Israel until it agrees to a ceasefire with Hamas, said one of its fighters was killed, per Bloomberg. A member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency war cabinet suggested Israel could also strike Lebanese military targets. "The government of Lebanon and the Lebanese state that allows the shooting from its territory" also bear responsibility for the attacks, Benny Gantz said, per the Times. Lebanon's government has "little control" over Hezbollah, per Bloomberg. Still, Israel has warned military action may be necessary to allow Israelis to return home. More than 150,000 people on both sides of the border have been displaced. Since Oct. 7, at least 243 people, including 30 civilians, have been killed on Lebanon's side of the border, compared with nine soldiers and six civilians on the Israeli side, per AFP. (More Israel stories.) A Russian dissident artist living in France says he has gathered 16 artworks worth an estimated $45 millionand they will be destroyed if Julian Assange dies in prison. Andrei Molodkin says the artworks in the "Dead Man's Switch" project, including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol, are being stored in a 29-ton safe in his studio, Sky News reports. He says the safe also holds two barrelsone containing acid powder and one containing an acceleratorand their contents will be mixed, destroying the paintings, if a 24-hour timer runs out. Molodkin says the safe is being locked on Friday, and the timer will be reset daily when someone close to the WikiLeaks founder confirms he is alive. Assange, who has been held in London's Belmarsh Prison for almost five years, will have his final appeal against extradition to the US heard at the High Court in London next week. If he is extradited, he could be sentenced to up to 175 years in prison under the Espionage Act for leaking military and diplomatic documents. Molodkin tells the Guardian that he doesn't believe he will have to destroy the artworks. "I believe that Assange will be free and all the collectors and artists who have donated their work did so because they believe he will not die in prison." He says he wants the project, which is supported by Assange's wife, Stella, to start a discussion of why "destroying the life of people means nothing but destroying art is a huge taboo in the world." Molodkin says the longer Assange is behind bars, "the less freedom of speech or freedom of expressions we have in the world." Italian art gallery owner Giampaolo Abbondio says he donated a Picasso to the project. "It got me round to the idea that it's more relevant for the world to have one Assange than an extra Picasso, so I decided to accept," he tells Sky News. "Let's say I'm an optimist and I've lent it. If Assange goes free, I can have it back." A New Yorker profile describes Molodkin, 59, as "part of a generation of Russian political artists whose work employs shock tactics to rebel against the constraints of their era." (More Julian Assange stories.) A military attack by Russia is "highly unlikely" in the short term, he said, partly because Russia has to keep troops in Ukraine, and would remain unlikely if Russian buildup of forces was matched in Europe. "If we are not prepared, the likelihood (of a military Russian attack) would be much higher than without any preparation," Rosin added. Estonia and the other Baltic States have increased their military spending to over 2% of the value of their economies after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, and NATO allies have raised their presence in those countries. Germany plans to have 4,800 combat-ready troops in the region by 2027, in its first permanent foreign deployment since World War Two, and Rosin said NATO and its allies were moving in the right direction to counter the Russian threat. Rosin does not expect a Russian breakthrough in Ukraine before its presidential election in March, as it would need to mobilise significantly more troops to achieve that goal. Speaking about U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump's comments that he would not defend allies who don't spend enough on defence, Rosin said: "Such statements are never helpful". Russia's ability to provide ammunition to its troops is continuing to outweigh Ukraine's, and unless Western support is sustained or increased, Ukraine is unlikely to be able to change the situation on the battlefield, he added. Reuters BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Two terrorist attacks blew up a main gas pipeline in Iran's Fars and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari provinces on the night of 13-14, the head of the dispatch office of the National Gas Company of Iran Saeed Agli said, Trend reports. According to him, no dead or wounded have been recorded as a result of the terrorist attacks. Agli noted that the gas pipeline was blown up in two sections, and gas supply to certain villages in Isfahan province was suspended. The blaze started by the pipeline explosion has been quenched. Stay up to date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel AFP | Amman, Jordan The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Jordanian King Abdullah II recently took part in a humanitarian aid drop into war-torn Gaza, according to state TV footage showing him aboard an air force C-130 transport plane. The king can be seen on board the flight in military uniform, in the 56-second video broadcast on Jordan's Al Mamlaka channel on Monday. He was helping soldiers drop a crate said to contain humanitarian and medical aid bound for the Jordanian field hospital in northern Gaza, in a joint operation with the Netherlands. In mid-December, King Abdullah's daughter, Princess Salma, a first lieutenant and pilot in the Royal Jordanian Air Force, also took part in an airdrop of medical supplies to the field hospital. On November 20, Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein arrived in Egypt's El-Arish airport near Gaza to supervise delivery of the second Jordanian field hospital to the besieged Palestinian territory. US President Joe Biden thanked Jordan for providing humanitarian aid, during a White House meeting Monday where the king appealed for a full ceasefire to end the war in Gaza. Abdullah "personally got in a plane and helped conduct an air drop of urgently needed medical supplies into Gaza", Biden said. "I understand that two of his children have also joined those air drops. They helped fly humanitarian supplies in." Jordan has conducted 11 airdrop operations since the war broke out on October 7 between Israel and Hamas militants in the besieged Gaza Strip. Amman has delivered a total of almost 720 tonnes of humanitarian aid from 49 aircraft, 11 of them via airdrops, according to the Jordanian Royal Charity Commission. 325 Jordanian trucks also delivered a total of 4,376 tonnes of aid by land, according to the Commission AFP | Islamabad, Pakistan The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Jailed ex-prime minister Imran Khan ruled out an alliance with Pakistan's two largest political parties on Tuesday after his candidates took the most seats in last week's general election. Candidates loyal to Khan defied a crackdown blocking them from campaigning and forcing them to run as independents, with a combined showing bigger than any party in Thursday's National Assembly polls. The upset stopped the army-backed Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) from securing a ruling majority. Speaking in Adiala Jail -- where he has spent much of his time since his arrest in August -- Khan accused both the PML-N and second-placed Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of corruption. "We will neither sit with the PML-N nor with the PPP," he told a handful of reporters covering a procedural hearing at the prison outside the capital Islamabad. There have been widespread allegations of vote-rigging and result manipulation after authorities switched off the country's mobile phone network on election day and the count took more than 24 hours. "We are going to challenge the election rigging in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, and we will consider the alliance later," said Khan, clutching a string of prayer beads. The remarks are among the first Khan has made publicly since the poll five days ago returned a boon for his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, despite it being effectively dismantled. Khan was ousted by a vote of no confidence in 2022 and thereafter waged an unprecedented campaign of defiance against the nation's military kingmakers. He has been buried under dozens of court cases, convicted numerous times and barred from standing for office -- all he claims orchestrated to prevent his return to power. PTI's senior leaders were subject to sweeping arrests and the party barred from appearing on ballot papers in a crackdown analysts agree was planned by the military establishment. Independents loyal to Khan still secured around 90 of the 266 elected seats for Pakistan's parliament, but PTI insist its returns would have been far higher without rigging. PTI has largely been focussed on challenging the legitimacy of the vote, rather than speaking with other parties. PML-N and PPP have meanwhile been locked in negotiations to enter government together. The parties previously entered a broad coalition to oust Khan two years ago. "Once a decision is reached, the nation will be informed," PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif told reporters Tuesday. "We have to move forward in the national interest." OTTAWA, ON, Feb. 14, 2024 /CNW/ - Following a weak second half of 2023, home sales over the last two months are showing signs of recovery, according to the latest data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). Home sales activity recorded over Canadian MLS Systems rose 3.7% between December 2023 and January 2024, building on the 7.9% month-over-month increase recorded the month prior. While activity is now back on par with 2023's relatively stronger months recorded over the spring and summer, it begins 2024 about 9% below the 10-year average. Monthly home sales (CNW Group/Canadian Real Estate Association) "Sales are up, market conditions have tightened quite a bit, and there has been anecdotal evidence of renewed competition among buyers; however, in areas where sales have shot up most over the last two months, prices are still trending lower. Taken together, these trends suggest a market that is starting to turn a corner but is still working through the weakness of the last two years," said Shaun Cathcart, CREA's Senior Economist. Highlights: National home sales were up 3.7% month-over-month in January. Actual (not seasonally adjusted) monthly activity came in 22% above January 2023 . . The number of newly listed properties edged up 1.5% month-over-month. The MLS Home Price Index (HPI) fell by 1.2% month-over-month but was still up 0.4% year-over-year. The actual (not seasonally adjusted) national average sale price posted a 7.6% year-over-year increase in January. National gains were once again led by the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), along with Hamilton-Burlington, Montreal, Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, Calgary, and most markets in Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe and cottage country. The actual (not seasonally adjusted) number of transactions came in 22% above January 2023, the largest year-over-year gain since May 2021. That said, with current activity still running at below-average levels, the double-digit gain was more reflective of the base effect from the comparison to January 2023, which was the worst start to almost any year in the past two decades. The number of newly listed homes edged up 1.5% on a month-over-month basis in January, although it remains close to the lowest level since last June. "The market has been showing some early signs of life over the last couple of months, probably no surprise given how much pent-up demand is out there," said Larry Cerqua, Chair of CREA. "There's a consensus that the market will probably look quite a bit different this year compared to 2022 and 2023, so if you're hoping to buy or sell a property in 2024, contact a REALTOR in your area and get your game plan ready today," continued Cerqua. With sales up by more than new listings in January, the national sales-to-new listings ratio tightened further to 58.8% compared to under 50% just three months earlier. The long-term average for the national sales-to-new listings ratio is 55%. A sales-to-new listings ratio between 45% and 65% is generally consistent with balanced housing market conditions, with readings above and below this range indicating sellers' and buyers' markets respectively. There were 3.7 months of inventory on a national basis at the end of January 2024, down from 3.8 months at the end of December and 4.1 months at the end of November. The long-term average is about five months of inventory. The Aggregate Composite MLS Home Price Index (HPI) fell by 1.2% on a month-over-month basis in January 2024. This represented an acceleration from the 1.1% decline recorded in December. Price declines of late have been predominantly located in Ontario markets, particularly the Greater Golden Horseshoe and, to a lesser extent, British Columbia. Elsewhere in Canada prices are mostly holding firm or in some cases (Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador) continuing to climb. The Aggregate Composite MLS HPI was up 0.4% on a year-over-year basis in January 2024, little changed from readings over the last six months (0.4% - 1.1%). The actual (not seasonally adjusted) national average home price was $659,395 in January 2024, up 7.6% from January 2023. The next CREA statistics package will be published on Monday, March 18, 2024. PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in this news release combines both major market and national sales information from MLS Systems from the previous month. CREA cautions that average price information can be useful in establishing trends over time but does not indicate actual prices in centres comprised of widely divergent neighbourhoods or account for price differential between geographic areas. Statistical information contained in this report includes all housing types. MLS Systems are co-operative marketing systems used only by Canada's real estate boards to ensure maximum exposure of properties listed for sale. The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) is one of Canada's largest single-industry associations, representing more than 160,000 REALTORS through 69 real estate boards and associations. Further information can be found at http://crea.ca/statistics. SOURCE Canadian Real Estate Association For further information: Please contact: Pierre Leduc, Media Relations, The Canadian Real Estate Association, Tel.: 613-237-7111 or 613-884-1460, E-mail: [email protected] BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. It remains the policy of the United States to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said during a briefing, Trend reports. "That has not changed and it will not change. We will continue to engage with the IAEA as well as with our partner countries in the region and beyond to ensure that it cannot achieve such a weapon," he noted. Meanwhile, on February 13, IEAE Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed concern saying that Irans nuclear program is not transparent. On January 16, 2016, Iran's nuclear program triggered the creation of the JCPOA between Iran and the P5+1 group (US, Russia, China, UK, France, and Germany). However, on May 8, 2018, the US announced its withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) between Iran and the 5+1 group (Russia, China, the UK, France, the US, and Germany) and imposed new sanctions against Iran as of November 2018. Over the past period, the sanctions have affected Iranian oil exports and more than 700 banks, companies, and individuals. The sanctions have resulted in the freezing of Iranian assets abroad. In late 2020, the Iranian parliament decided to implement a strategic plan to tackle the sanctions, citing the non-implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed between Iran and six countries and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. According to the decision of the Iranian parliament, as of February 23, Iran suspended the implementation of additional steps and an additional protocol provided for in the nuclear deal. As a result, the control mechanism of the IAEA decreased by 2030 percent. Your fast food habit rarely means more money in your pocket, but it could if youre a Chick-Fil-A fan. Americas favorite fast food restaurant has reached a $4.4 million settlement over its delivery fees, which could mean some customers are in line for a payout. The original complaint, according to TheTakeout.com, alleged that Chick-Fil-A took advantage of their customers during the COVID-19 pandemic by charging hidden delivery fees. It claimed the app and website advertised itself to customers as having either free delivery or low-cost delivery fees. But when customers went to order, the food was marked up by 25-30 percent than what you would pay to pick it up in the restaurant. The Atlanta-based company did not admit guilt in the settlement, but they did reach an agreement, resulting in a $4.4 million settlement back to customers. Those who are eligible could be receiving either a $29.25 cash payment or a gift card in the same amount. However, the time to claim your share of the nuggets is running out. The final day to submit claims is February 15, 2024. Customers who are eligible to be part of the class action payout, would have placed a delivery order via the Chick-fil-A app or website from one of the companys restaurants in either California, Georgia, New Jersey or New York between November 1, 2019 and April 30, 2021. Think you might be eligible? You can file a claim form on the class action website if you have not received any communication yet that you will be included in the settlement. Update on Elons $56B pay package case. Tesla and Elon Musk will appeal the ruling. Before Elon and Tesla can appeal, the two sides will propose a final order for approval by Judge McCormick, which will include a petition for a legal fee. That legal fee, which will be paid by Tesla, is expected to be one of the largest everif not the largestlegal fee ever paid in history (billions). Tesla will likely oppose it. The fee petition is expected to be filed by March 1. If thats approved, Elon would have 60 days to file an appeal with the Delaware Supreme Court. An appeal is expected to take at least 6 months to resolve. UPDATE Tesla is negotiating with the Tesla shareholder and the lawyers. The discussion is to propose a delay to the legal fee decision until the appeal. This involves the appeal bond. IF Tesla is successful upon appeals, this would greatly reduce or eliminate the awarding of the legal fees. An appeal bondis a payment that a court requires from an appellant when awaiting a judgment appeal. The bonds purpose is to maintain the status quo during appeal. The surety insurer guarantees to the appellee that the surety will pay the appellee if the appellant is unable to do so if the judgment is affirmed. The 2018 Shareholder Vote The ruling was supposedly to protect Tesla shareholders. In 2018, Tesla shareholders approved a $56 billion pay package for CEO Elon Musk with 73% of their votes, excluding votes by Elon Musk and his brother Kimbal. The lawsuit was made by a Tesla shareholder with 9 shares of Tesla stock. The ruling was that everyone did not know that they were agreeing to pay Elon about 1% of the company in options but only starting with more than doubling the value of the company. The rest would come with triple, quadruple up to 12X the value of the company. All of the media at the time said the goals were impossible. Here is the SEC disclosure at the time. The discussion at the time was only over the first target of the pay package. If Teslas stock value never rises above $100 billion (right now its around $55 billion), Musk would receive no compensation for running Tesla over the next 10 years. On the other hand, if Tesla stock reaches a value of $100 billionand the company either earns $1.5 billion in profits or generates revenues of $20 billionMusk would get one percent of the companys stock, an award worth $1 billion. Making the shareholder 1000% return over 10 years when your P/E is already through the roof and youre in a bluechip market segment? Yeah, if he actually hits the target the enrichment he gets will be well earned and hell have made anyone holding the stock quite wealthy. The gains required for Musk to even end up with the basic 1% share rate are rather staggering, even for a 10 year period. And while ending up with stock valued $1 billion is a bizzaro ridiculous amount to get paid as a salary, when broken down to it being roughly $100 million per year its still a ridiculous amount in general, but its not out of the realm of other top CEOs. Given that it requires some hefty performance figures, its already a performance based bonus effectively. The real irony is that if they paid him a normal yearly salary plus bonuses that was similar to the top ranges of the above link, hed be able to spend it all on stock purchases that would total more than 1%. Gee, I'm so glad those lawyers were looking after my interests as a Tesla shareholder by stripping the CEO of all his motivation and awarding billions of dollars of Tesla's earnings to attorneys representing a guy with 9 shares. Not Financial Advice (@CJ_NFA) February 14, 2024 UPDATE: There's been a development today in Elon's $56B pay package case, so I wanted to break it down so people understand better. Based on a new letter filed yesterday, it sounds like Tesla and Elon Musk will appeal the ruling. Before Elon and Tesla can appeal, the two https://t.co/RhDBS6zntB Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) February 14, 2024 In 2018, Nextbigfuture predicted that Canada would have 40 million people in 2023. Statistics Canada determined that Canada had 40 million people on June 16, 2023. I correctly made this prediction 6 years before it happened. The UN population actual numbers are off by 5% for Canada. The UN predictions are off by 20% or more on major population forecasts in as little at 10-15 years. It is not just that I am right, and was correct years ahead of time but that bad numbers are causing problems for world planning and good problem solving. The Statscan Agency was predicting Canada would reach 40 million people from 2024-2026. Statscan was unable to make the prediction of 2023 a year before it happened. The medium, most likely forecast was always around 2025-2026. Statistics Canada is the agency with hundreds of staff who only have the job of tracking and forecasting Canadas population. In 2020, Statscan released population projections using the 2018 population data for Canada. In 2023, Statscan forecasted a low, medium and high population forecast for Canada using the last updated information from 2021. There are many population focused sites like World Population Review who are still wrong about Canadas population. They are using UN data. The current population of Canada is 38,978,207 based on projections of the latest United Nations data. The UN estimates the July 1, 2024 population at 39,107,046. Statistics Canada has a live tracking of Canadas population at 40.87 million today. The UN has a 5% error that has existed for several years. The United Nations (UN) has made population projections for more than 50 years. However, the UNs population projections often differ from reality over longer periods of time. Various analysis have shown 15-30% error in age structure population numbers. The UN population projections are used for all kinds of analysis. According to the UNs medium variant projection, Chinas population will be below 800 million by 2100. This is based on the UNs forecast that Chinas population will decline from 1.426 billion in 2022 to 1.313 billion by 2050. The UN assumes that Chinas birthrate will recover from about total fertility rate of 1.1 to about 1.5. The Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences experts a drop to 1.1, pushing Chinas population down to 587 million in 2100. The forecasts of future climate, energy usage and pollution can be grossly skewed by making 35-60% errors on major population forecasts. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Irans share in the Caspian Sea has not yet been settled, Irans Vice President for Legal Affairs, Mohammad Dehghan, said, Trend reports. He made this statement to the local media after the Cabinet meeting in Tehran on February 14. Dehghan explained that Iran believes that the legal status of the Caspian Sea can only be finalized if the Caspian countries agree on Irans baseline. This is a crucial point for Iran. VP also pointed out that Irans share in the Caspian Sea can be discussed only after that. The Caspian Sea is about 1,200 km long, 466 km wide at its maximum and 204 km wide at its minimum. The sea has a coastline of about 6,380 km. Five countries border the sea - Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan and Russia. --- Follow the author on X (Twitter):@BaghishovElnur The special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu has asked the international criminal police organisation (Interpol) to place three suspects on its watchlist over an alleged fraud of $6,230,000. The suspects are Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Eric Ocheme. The federal government had filed extradition charges against the trio for allegedly forging the signature of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and documents purportedly written by Boss Mustapha, the former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), to induce the payment of $6,230,000 from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The fund was purportedly meant for foreign election observers. That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23 day of January, 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, forged the following documents: (1) The Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Identity Card in the name of Jibril Abubakar; (ii) Letter dated 23 January, 2023 purportedly written by Muhammad Buhari to the Mr. Boss Mustapha; (iii) Letter dated 26 January, 2023 purportedly written by Boss Mustapha to Mr. Godwin Emefiele; (iv) Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 31 January, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Governor, and (v) Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 7th February, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Branch Controller, Abuja, Branch, with the intent that the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch may in the believe that the documents are genuine be induced to pay you the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($6,230,000.00) and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010, the part of the charge sheet reads. Godwin Emefiele, the former governor of CBN, is also indicted in the alleged fraudulent payment of $6,230,000 Earlier on Tuesday, Mustapha said neither he nor ex-President Muhammadu Buhari gave any approval for the disbursement of $6,230,000 to international election observers. Mustapha testified as the second prosecution witness in the trial of Emefiele. LETTER TO INTERPOL In a letter dated February 12, 2024, the special investigator asked Interpol to place the three suspects on red notice. The letter, signed by Eloho Okpoziakpo, the head of operations, office of the special investigator, was addressed to the assistant inspector-general of police, national central bureau (NCB) and Interpol. In the course of the Special Investigators assignment, Mr. Odoh Eric Ocheme, (a staff of the CBN) now at large and the other two accomplices, also now at large, were discovered to have conspired and forged documents in the name of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria with which they stole about US$6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars, in cash, from the coffers of the CBN, the letter reads. On January 18, 2024, Inyang Ekwo, a judge at a federal high court in Abuja, issued a warrant of arrest against the three suspects. Ekwo issued the order following a motion moved by Celestine Odo, the counsel of the federal government. Men suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were said to have carried out a midnight operation at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. Students lodges were reportedly invaded at about 2am. Some students have taken to social media, sharing videos and alleging that the men broke into rooms and arrested some students. Videos circulating on social media show broken window frames from what is believed to be an attempt at forced entry. One social media user named J Brandy wrote, I thought they said EFCC should not raid at nights again. This hostel (Celebrity Lodge, FUTA ) is right behind mine. When will this endemic? EFCC (officials) moving like thieves at night! A man wearing the EFFC jacket was seen in one of the videos circulating online. The Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, had in November ordered that sting operations at night be stopped. He gave this directive after the arrest of suspected internet fraudsters in Ile-Ife, Osun State, by operatives of the EFCC which sparked nationwide outrage. When the agencys Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, was contacted on the matter on Wednesday, he asked our correspondent to call back in 20 minutes. He hasnt taken his calls again as of the time of this publication. The Federal Government on Tuesday declared that governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, owe Nigerians an explanation on whether or not they spent increased allocations on their people. This is even as the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, government insisted that the nations economy is still very strong and meeting financial obligations to lenders at home and abroad. This was made known on Tuesday in a statement by Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information & National Orientation, who said the government is running effectively and can pay all its bills while maintaining a healthy trade balance with trading partners worldwide. The federal governments reaction comes on the heels of a statement by the PDP governors call to the APC-led federal government to rise to the occasion and address the worsening economic hardship in the country before it gets out of hand. The governors said the current hardship being experienced by Nigerians was occasioned by the economic and security challenges being faced by the nation. The forum consequently urges the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, embark on initiatives involving all the sub-national governments to bring a lasting solution to the crises, said the chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State. Responding to the statement, Idris said the federal government welcomed their call for a bipartisan approach to solving the nations economic and security problems. However, he berated them, saying: The PDP governors did not conduct themselves in a manner befitting their roles as leaders in the country who are members of two important constitutional organs of government, the National Economic Council, which is the highest economic management organ of the country, and the National Council of States. The minister accused the PDP governors of mischievously and falsely comparing the nations current economic challenges to those of Venezuela. He said while opposition politicians were expected to play politics, it should be done within the bounds of truth and fidelity to facts, insisting it was unconscionable of PDP governors to manipulate facts and misinform Nigerians about the countrys true state of affairs. The statement partly reads: Governors elected on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform met yesterday in Abuja and addressed a press conference, where their chairman, Governor Bala Mohammed, read out their position on the countrys economic and security situation. We welcome their call for a bipartisan approach to solving our nations economic and security problems. As critical stakeholders and leaders at the sub-national level, the PDP governors certainly have the right to state their position on national concerns, as is expected. The Nigerian economy is still very strong and is expected to record 3 per cent GDP growth this year. The economy is meeting financial obligations to lenders at home and abroad. The Nigerian government is running effectively, and our government can pay all its bills while maintaining a healthy trade balance with trading partners worldwide. While opposition politicians are expected to play politics, it should be done within the bounds of truth and fidelity to facts. It is unconscionable for PDP governors to manipulate facts and misinform Nigerians about our countrys true state of affairs. Nigerians should ask PDP governors how far and how well they have utilised the increased revenue to better the lives of Nigerians in their respective states. It is on record that most states controlled by PDP owe workers and pensioners months of unpaid salary and pension arrears. The PDP governors have defaulted in paying gratuities to their retired workers. It is also a fact that many of the PDP governors have not paid N30,000 minimum wage to their workers since it took effect more than four years ago. All of these anomalies in their states contribute significantly to the economic pressure their citizens face. If PDP governors are genuinely interested in the living conditions of Nigerians and are not just stirring up disaffection and ill-will towards the federal government, we urge them to meet their obligations to workers, pensioners, and local contractors and see the multiplier effect. It is disappointing that PDP governors talk about rising costs of living and food when they have not done much to increase food production in their states. The land in Nigeria belongs to the states, not the Federal Government. BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 14. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has blocked the delivery of flour from the United States to the Gaza Strip because it was intended for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), informed sources says, Trend reports. According to the minister, there is unanimity in the Israeli cabinet on the need to prevent aid from falling into the hands of Hamas, and he is using his powers to ensure this. US and Israeli officials confirmed that Smotrich ordered the flour shipment blocked after learning it was destined for UNRWA. The minister instructed Israeli customs not to release the shipment as long as the recipient was UNRWA. The Federal Government has made a U-turn on its earlier statement on the legal aspect of the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership signed with the United Kingdom on Tuesday. This development comes after criticism from Nigerians over the nature of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the UK. The Nigerian Minister for Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a statement on her X handle, retracted her earlier statement, emphasising that there was no such legal agreement between Nigeria and the UK. Uzoka-Anite said, Earlier today, Nigeria signed a far-reaching MoU with the United Kingdom for Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership. Regrettably, our earlier report erroneously suggest that Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding that allows lawyers licensed in the United Kingdom to practise in Nigeria. We wish to state emphatically that there is no such provision or agreement in the MpU. The minister reiterated that Nigeria does not have a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the UK and made no commitment under the MOU or elsewhere, to allow UK-licensed lawyers practise in Nigeria. As it currently stands, foreign licensed lawyers (including those licensed in the UK) cannot practise in Nigeria, as categorically stated in the MoU. We recognise that cross jurisdictional practice between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is still an ongoing conversation amongst relevant stakeholders within the legal practitioners community in Nigeria, and this was reflected in the MoU, she added. On Tuesday, a statement by the UKs Department of Business and Trade, and a tweet from Nigerias Minister of Trade and Investment disclosed that Nigeria was signing a deal to remove barriers preventing UK lawyers from practising international law in Nigeria. The Nigerian Bar Association had also condemned the purported agreement, stating that the statement credited to the minister was ridiculous, unpatriotic, and uninformed. The National Working Committee of the Labour Party has slammed a six-month suspension on its National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara. The suspension was announced at a press conference on Wednesday at the party secretariat in Abuja. Opara had, on Monday, challenged LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, at a press conference to account for an alleged N3.5 billion raised from the sale of nomination forms and fundraising activities in the build-up to the 2023 general election. While speaking on Arise TVs Good Morning Show on Tuesday, Opara again claimed the Abure-led NWC is working hand-in-hand with the Edo State Government which is governed by the opposition the Peoples Democratic Party. Reacting to her allegations on Wednesday, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, described Opara as a mole who was being used by dissidents in the party. The spokesman told journalists that the decision to sanction her was taken after she failed to honour an invitation by the partys NWC to resolve the conflict. He said, After the 2023 general election, Labour Party was marked for total annihilation by the system for daring to upstage the status quo of the political class. Little did we know that the fumigation was far from complete until late last year when signs emanated that our National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Opara, a key member of the executive, turned out to be a mole in the house and has continued networking with the expelled members of the party leadership. Convinced that the treasurer is on a mission to stifle life out of our very cherished party, an emergency NWC was summoned on February 13. Arising from the meeting, the NWC set up a disciplinary committee to try Opara for bringing the party to disrepute. To exercise its powers as contained in the partys Constitution with the intention of a fair hearing, the NWC extended an invitation to her to appear before it today, February 14 by 10 a.m. to discuss the development. The party regrets that the treasurer shunned the invitation by the disciplinary committee to clear herself. We see this as an affront to the party leadership and millions of our members who are watching how their partys image which they have laboured hard to build is trolled by one ingrate. The disciplinary committee has, however, recommended to the National Executive Council of the party through the NWC that Ms. Oluchi Opara be suspended from Labour Party for a minimum of six months. This suspension is with immediate effect. The statement added that we sincerely regret this development. We, however, urge our teeming members to understand that this is a price to pay for success. We will continue to reform the party until we achieve the best, good enough to drive our New Nigeria agenda. Efforts made to reach Opara to react to her suspension proved unsuccessful. As of the time of filing this report, her line was unreachable. The federal capital territory (FCT) police command has arrested seven suspected kidnappers in Abuja, Nigerias capital city. Parading the suspects on Wednesday, Benneth Igweh, FCT police commissioner, said the wanted kidnappers were arrested by operatives of the Utako police division, led by Victor Godfrey, in a coordinated operation at Tudun-Wada, Lugbe and Pyakasa area of Trademore. Igweh said the suspects were linked to high profile kidnappings in the FCT and its environs. The police commissioner added that all the suspects have confessed to their crimes and are providing useful information to aid the arrest of other gang members. He identified the kidnappers as Usman Muazu from Kwali, Aliyu Mohammed from Pumpomare area of Borno, Awwal Dahiru from Gwagwalada, Rabi Sani from Safana, Katsina, and Madina Abubakar, from Gulu, Lapai LGA of Niger state. Others are: Jonah Elimelech and Saminu Idris from Kauru, Kaduna, and Mariji Iliya from Mangu, Plateau. The police commissioner said operatives recovered N9 million ransom payments from the gang, alongside knives, cutlasses, bullet proof vests, and charms. And we speak, the suspects who have been profiled are in custody undergoing interrogation at respective division, while those found wanting will be charged to court, he added. In addition, Igweh said 79 suspects were also arrested during raids on various black spots by the police operatives from Trademore, Galadimawa, Maitama, and Gwagwalada in the FCT. He said operatives raided uncompleted buildings and recovered substances suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit drugs from the suspects. Igwe said the raid was part of the commands efforts to rid the territory of crimes. Last week, the police commissioner ordered a clampdown on any vehicle with single or no number plates. The order was part of efforts to improve the worsening security situation in Abuja. Residents have been urged to report suspicious activities through the following emergency lines: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, 08028940883. The United Kingdom and Nigeria are set to sign a partnership agreement that will permit British legal practitioners to operate businesses and render services in Nigeria. In a press release on its website on Tuesday, the partnership deal between the UK and Nigeria is to promote trade and investment and open new prospects for both countries. It also disclosed that it was designed to extend beyond finance and it can build upon an already productive $7 billion partnership between both countries. According to the UKs Department of Business and Trade, the two countries are set to sign a new partnership intended to enhance cooperation between both nations. The deal was tagged The Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), which would be the first time the UK would be signing this particular deal with an African country. British Business and Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch disclosed that the agreement would open a lot of opportunities for the Brits as Nigeria is one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. This partnership with Nigeria, the UKs first with an African country, will allow us to work together and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. UK businesses have already seen huge success here and I look forward to seeing how we continue to grow this relationship, Kemi Badenoch added. The deal will also see Nigeria commit to taking steps toward reducing barriers that keep UK attorneys from practicing international and foreign law in the West African state. It will see Nigeria commit to working towards removing barriers preventing UK lawyers from practicing international and foreign law in Nigeria, a step that could significantly increase UK legal services exports, the release added. In the wake of kidnapping, murder and insecurity in Akwa Ibom State, the Department of State Services, DSS, in the state said it would adopt a model that is technically backed up and people-oriented to stem the tide Addressing newsmen who came on a courtesy visit at the command headquarters in Uyo, on Tuesday, the DSS State Director, Doyin Adetuberu decried the incidences of security breaches in the state, noting that the DSS and other sister security agencies are collaborating, especially on intelligence sharing to tackle the situation. Adetuberu noted that operatives of the command had made some arrests concerning the kidnapping and murder of some persons in the state, saying that investigations are near completion and suspects would be charged to court soon. His words, On assumption of duties, we had issues of kidnapping and we took over flashpoints in the state, arrests have been made while investigations have reached an advanced stage. The security agencies in Akwa Ibom are united especially in intelligence sharing to tackle the issues of insecurity. I want to assure Akwa Ibom people that very soon they will be proud of the security agencies in the state due to the model weve adopted. On the issue of cultism and sundry crimes perpetuated by the youths, the DSS Director attributed them to societal malaise and failure of family institution saying that the family has a significant role to play in inculcating moral values to the children. The truth is that kidnapping, cultism and other vices are indications of societal malaise and failure of family institutions. We should realize that as a family we have a critical role to play in inculcating discipline to our children and ensure that they conduct themselves responsibly at all times. He said. Earlier, the Chairman of the Correspondents Chapel of the NUJ, Anthony Bassey, told the DSS boss that he was on a mission to introduce the new leadership of the Chapel and for collaboration with the command. Two people from New York have been charged with robbing and killing a man in Atlantic City last month, authorities said Wednesday. Howard Griswold, 24, of Baldwinsville, and Melissa Tikarem, 28, of Manlius, were arrested in the Syracuse area in the past two weeks, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday. Both are charged in the Jan. 20 death of Christian Hunter, 32, of Atlantic City. Hunter was shot and killed on the 100 block of North Virginia Avenue around 7:15 p.m., authorities said. He was found on a sidewalk and brought to an area hospital, where he died of his injuries. Griswold and Tikarem are being held in New York and will be extradited to Atlantic County to face murder and robbery charges. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. A seafood and steak restaurant chain has shuttered its lone location in New Jersey. The Oceanaire Seafood Room closed its spot at The Shops at Riverside in Hackensack just before the start of the new year. Due to a natural lease expiration, The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Hackensack closed on December 31, 2023, Scott Crain, SVP & COO of The Oceanaire Seafood Room, told NJ Advance Media. We value our employees and their dedication to the company and were able to offer all of them employment opportunities at our nearby sister properties. We are pleased that the vast majority accepted their offer. We thank the community for the many years of support. Future plans for the space have yet to be announced. The restaurant opened in 2013, replacing a former McCormick & Schmicks at the shopping mall. The company currently operates nine locations: Boston, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Orlando. Fine-dining restaurant The Oceanaire Seafood Room offers a menu of prime cuts of steaks, seafood, sushi, oysters, soup and salad. It also has an expansive selection of wine. 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 lawsuit accusing the former Camden school board president of sexually assaulting a student in 1990s could go to trial next month unless the two sides reach a settlement in the the next few weeks. A judge refused to toss the lawsuit against Camden Advisory School Board President Wasim Muhammad during a Jan. 26 hearing in Camden County Superior Court. Instead, Judge John S. Kennedy set a Feb. 20 hearing for the two sides to try to reach a settlement. If a settlement isnt reached, a trial date is scheduled for March 11. The lawsuit was filed under Muhammads former name, Don Walker. Muhammad, now a minister at the Nation of Islam Muhammads Temple No. 20 in Camden, is accused of sexually assaulting a former student for years starting when she was a 14-year-old student at Cooper B. Hatch Middle School in the 1990s. The plaintiff, who was not named in the civil complaint, alleged Muhammad singled her out with compliments and special attention beginning in 1994 when she was an eighth-grade student and he was her teacher. She alleges Muhammad groped her in a classroom and sexually assaulted her at the Feather Nest Inn in Cherry Hill and at his former home in Camden. When she moved out of state with her family, she alleges Muhammad traveled to meet her and continued sexually assaulting her. When she moved back to Camden in 1997 after graduating from high school, Muhammad continued to sexually assault her, the lawsuit claims. The woman also alleged Muhammad took her to a pornographic theater and forced her to have sex with another man. Muhammad said in a deposition he gave in the case in August that the woman, now in her 40s and married with her own children, was his religious wife in 1997. She was one of many religious wives he said he had as a Muslim in addition to the woman he called his legal wife. Muhammads attorney, Troy A. Archie, denied he did anything wrong in a statement to NJ Advance Media. My client maintains that these allegations are completely false and fabricated, Archie said. The attorney also said he plans to file a court motion requesting a change of venue for the trial because of the media coverage of the allegations against Muhammad. After the hearing on Jan. 26, Archie sent a separate email to NJ Advance Media saying Muhammads personnel file while a teacher in the Camden school district from 1992 to 1998 included extremely positive supervisory evaluations with demonstrated growth and professional improvements. The email also included a list of recognitions for Muhammad from various community organizations as well as county, state and federal recognitions. Muhammad took a leave of absence from the Camden advisory school board after Gov. Phil Murphy called for his resignation following news coverage of the lawsuit last month. Archie sent a Jan. 18 letter to Camden Superintendent Katrina McCombs that said Muhammad would take a leave of absence from the advisory board. He had been unanimously reelected board president by the full board at a Jan. 4 meeting. Muhammad remains a member of the advisory board while on leave. District officials have limited authority to remove an elected board member, McCombs said at a Jan. 23 advisory board meeting. But, he could be removed from his position if he misses three board meetings without good cause, she said. Muhammad is the third person to step away from a position on Camdens advisory school board in recent months. Clayton Gonzalez resigned from the board on Dec. 11 after he was arrested and charged in a domestic dispute involving an unregistered firearm. School board member Falio Leyba-Martinez stepped down in November after she was elected to the city council. In Muhammads case, the attorney for the alleged victim said he is looking forward to having a jury hear the allegations at a civil trial. The school district and Muhammad have refused and continue to refuse to take responsibility for the repeated sexual abuse of my client, said Jeffrey Fritz, the alleged victims attorney. An attorney for the district did not respond to a request for comment. A school district spokesperson also declined to comment on the case, but shared a Jan. 26 letter sent to parents and guardians by the superintendent about the lawsuit. The letter was sent after a contentious school board meeting where over a dozen community members and students raised concerns about the districts handling of the allegations against Muhammad. The district takes these allegations very seriously. We want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students are of utmost priority, the letter said. We understand the gravity of issues related to sexual assault, violence, and trauma. As a district, we stand firmly against any form of such misconduct, and we are committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students, the letter continued. In August, an arbitrator in the case suggested the two sides settle the lawsuit for $1 million, according to court records. Muhammad would cover 60% of the cost of the settlement and the school district would cover the remaining 40%. But, all parties declined to accept the arbitrators decision. The Camden City School District has been under state control since 2013 and the school advisory board has limited power to oversee the district. Muhammad was re-elected in Novembers general election to a new three-year term. He served as board president the previous year. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Matthew Enuco may be reached at Menuco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Matt on X An hours-long standoff at a Jersey Shore residence on Sunday ended with a barricaded man being arrested after officers entered the home, police said. Police arrested Rakesh Patel, 47, of Wildwood, at a house on 26th Avenue in the Jersey Shore resort community. He allegedly barricaded himself and his family in the residence before SWAT officers entered the house, Wildwood police said on Wednesday. Patel was taken to Cape May County jail after being charged with three counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, third-degree terroristic threats, resisting arrest, unlawful possession of a weapon, and fourth-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and obstruction of justice, police said. Patel, who was living separately from his family, allegedly went to the residence after being served a no-contact order by the Division of Child Protection & Permanency, police said. After arriving at the home, he briefly held those inside the house hostage. Officers were called to the home around 2:43 a.m. Sunday. The Cape May County Regional SWAT Team responded and closed off several blocks around the residence, police said. The Cape May County Prosecutors Office Crisis Negotiation Team also came to the scene. Family members inside the house were able to leave the residence, police said, while Patel made several threats against law enforcement during the standoff, which continued for several hours before SWAT officers entered the house and arrested Patel. After the standoff, investigators returned to the home to gather evidence through a search warrant, police said. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. Marvel Studios has finally found its Fantastic Four. After years of speculation, Marvel Studios officially announced the cast of The Fantastic Four Wednesday. Pedro Pascal will be Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Vanessa Kirby will play Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Joseph Quinn has been cast as Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch) and Ebon Moss-Bachrach will portray Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). Disney officially revealed the superhero quartet in a Valentines Day-themed post on Instagram. Disney also announced a new release date for The Fantastic Four, which is now set to be hit theaters July 25, 2025. That release date previously belonged to Thunderbolts, which will now come out May 2, 2025. Matt Shakman, who previously helmed Disney Plus hit WandaVision, will direct the MCUs first Fantastic Four film. The screenplay will be written by Josh Friedman, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer. Anticipation has grown in recent years for the new Fantastic Four movie, as Marvel Studios president (and New Jersey native) Kevin Feige seeks redemption for previous disappointing iterations of the superhero team. This will be the third version of the Fantastic Four to hit theaters. Foxs 2005 and 2007 films starred Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans (before he was cast as Captain America) and Michael Chiklis. Fox in 2015 attempted to revive the franchise with underwhelming results. Disney acquired Fox in 2019, and excitement soon built for the Fantastic Fours integration into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. News of Pascals casting initially leaked in November, but Marvel refused to confirm the news despite widespread rumors and speculation from fans over who would be cast as Marvels first family. John Krasinski played a version of Reed Richards in May 2022s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness after fans speculated for years that The Office star would make a stellar Mr. Fantastic. Pascals star has risen in recent years, namely on TV starring in HBOs The Last of Us and Disney Pluss The Mandalorian. Kirby most recently starred in Ridley Scotts Napoleon and Mission: Impossible Dead Reckoning Part One. Moss-Bachrach is coming off an Emmy win for his role on FXs The Bear, while Joseph Quinn is known for his role as Eddie Munson in the fourth season of Netflixs Stranger Things. He will co-star in the upcoming A Quiet Place: Day One and Gladiator 2. Saleah Blancaflor may be reached at sblancaflor@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @saleyley and Instagram. The young independent watch brand is moving in two parallel directions: movements produced in La Chaux-de-Fonds, alongside an increasing selection of artistic crafts and watchmakers in its Parisian workshop, which has recently been enlarged and relocated to the heart of the French capital If youre unsure where Trilobe fits within the watchmaking ecosystem, youre not alone. This Swiss watchmaker is also French; it produces in-house movements but they dont have hands; it targets mature collectors but with an original flair; its fiercely independent but it has its own square at Watches & Wonders. Trilobe enjoys mixing things up you never really know what to expect, with the possible exception of the latest clue. The brand has just moved to new premises in Paris, where it is gradually establishing capabilities in a range of artistic crafts. Translation: Trilobe will be focusing much more on finishing and creation. A number of elements point in this direction. The proprietary development of Trilobes new X-Centric calibre already hinted at a focus on bringing mechanical production in-house. After mechanics, aesthetics are the logical next step. We saw the first signs with the Nuit Fantastique, whose dial with its off-centred guillochage inside a grained hours ring demonstrated a desire to appropriate some traditional motifs from haute horlogerie. The approach was confirmed with the limited series developed for the Dubai Watch Club, decorated with unusual mashrabiya guilloche motifs. So whats next? Nuit Fantastique Secret Trilobe New workshop, new in-house skills Given this burgeoning creativity, its natural that Trilobe should want to bring certain fields of expertise in-house, to give itself more freedom. Having its own artisans on-site, or even in workshops next door, makes it possible to build closer ties, share ideas and concepts, and speed up production times. This new home is in the centre of Paris, Avenue de lOpera, just a few metres from Place Vendome and Rue de la Paix, the vibrant heart of the City of Lights jewellery quarter. This is where Gautier Massonneau, the brands founder, draws his creative inspiration. Weve already seen the first product of this new strategy: the unique piece unveiled for the Only Watch auction, based on the Kintsugi technique. Not many people realised it at the time, but this piece, announced eight months ago, was the first sign of Trilobes artistic independence. It was decorated in Paris: Trilobe worked with some components initially destined for scrap (hours, minutes and seconds rings, dial, base plate), their artisan then draped them with gold leaf sourced from a Parisian art book illuminator. A Swiss made watch, coated in gold in Paris. Une Folle Journee Trilobe The Folle Journee Haute Joaillerie followed suit. The jewellery exterior was entirely designed and executed in Paris, either at Trilobes creative studio in Avenue de lOpera, or in the capitals top gem-setting workshops just a stones throw away on Rue de la Paix. The circular and suspended setting of the gemstones took several months to develop, a process that was made far easier by the geographical proximity of the people involved. Finally, the art of pure watchmaking has not been forgotten. Trilobes new Paris workshop is also home to a number of watchmakers, who oversee the completion of the pieces. Given that the new premises are by no means full, its entirely possible that other crafts will be brought in to complete the repertoire of the brand, which for many years has signed its movements, created by the Cercle des Horlogers, with the legend Paris France. Editors note: This story was originally published in 2019 and has been updated. Consider my trust in my editor tested. His bright idea? Ranking every fast food fried fish sandwich I could find in New Jersey, in honor of Lent during which Christians abstain from eating meat but can eat fish. Lent begins Wednesday. Now, I have made plenty of questionable food decisions in my life. But fast-food fish was one Ive always avoided. Deep fried white fish from a drive-thru window? Typically covered in tartar sauce. What is tartar sauce, anyway? Some sort of fancy fish mayo? I still dont know. I dont think I want to know. But hey, I did it. I tried nine different fish sandwiches, and you know what? Some sandwiches were surprisingly good! Then again, some will have you questioning your religion. One note: I didnt include Long John Silvers since there is only one left in New Jersey (in Mantua) and its two hours from my home. Im not that crazy. The Arthur Treachers Fried Fish Sandwich. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 9. Arthur Treachers Fried Fish Sandwich There are only a handful of Arthur Treachers franchises left in the United States. I somehow ended up at two of them in one day. Who says journalism isnt glamorous? Youd think a fried fish sandwich from a place that specializes in fish would be great, but it wasnt. I tasted more fried batter than fried fish. Sorry, Arthur. A McDonalds Filet-O-Fish. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 8. McDonalds Filet-O-Fish I was most excited for this one! If theres such thing as a famous fish sandwich, this is it, baby! It even had a catchy commercial! The sandwich was also at the center of a running bit for comedians Desus and Mero! Theres some spicy language in that video, fair warning. But theres nothing spicy about the sandwich. And theres nothing flavorful. I was really, really disappointed. Give you back that Filet-O-Fish? Sure. You can keep it. White Castles Panko Fish Slider. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 7. White Castles Panko Fish Slider I love White Castle unconditionally. Ive spent multiple Valentines Days there. Hell, I would get married at one. But can they make a good fish sandwich? Surprisingly, kind of. The panko fish slider is a recent addition to the menu, and it kind of just tastes like a fish stick on a bun. Cant be mad at that. Burger Kings Big Fish. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 6. Burger Kings Big Fish Tastes like chicken! No, for real, had you told me this was just a chicken sandwich I probably would have believed you. Which is a good thing. The Arby's King's Hawaiian Fish Deluxe. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 5. Arbys Kings Hawaiian Fish Deluxe A sweet Kings Hawaiian bun? Wild-caught Alaskan Pollock? Arbys really brought it with this one. Color me impressed. The bun wasnt as sweet or soft as I was expecting, but the fish was hot and fresh. The Arby's Crispy Fish Sandwich. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 4. Arbys Crispy Fish Sandwich I know this isnt as fancy as the Kings Hawaiian Fish Deluxe, but it somehow tasted better. Maybe simplicity is the way to go with fish sandwiches? The tartar sauce really shined through with this one, and the fish was nice and crispy. A Checkers Crispy Fish Sandwich. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 3. Checkers Crispy Fish Sandwich This sandwich had the best tartar sauce of all the sandwiches, and that was the dominant taste. The fish was hot and surprisingly fresh-tasting. Fish from Checkers is good? Fish from Checkers is good. An Arthur Treacher's Fried Clam Sandwich. (Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) 2. Arthur Treachers Fried Clam Sandwich Fried clams are just better than fried fish, no matter what kind of fish youre frying. Frying clams is the best method for cooking them, and theyre surprisingly hard to mess up. My parents let me order the fried clams from Tick Tock Diner in Clifton as a child, and I turned out just fine! This sandwich kind of fell apart as I ate it, but the clams that stayed on the bun were flavorful, with the right kind of chewy texture while still being crunchy. Im almost embarrassed at how much I liked this sandwich. The Burger King Fiery Big Fish.Jeremy Schneider | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com 1. Burger Kings Fiery Big Fish I have a confession to make. Believe it or not, I did not finish every sandwich on this list. Shocker, I know. But man can consume only so much fast food fried fish. But the Fiery Big Fish? I could not put this thing down. I crushed it. A new item from Burger King that came to stores Feb. 14 because what says romance better than a fish sandwich? its their Big Fish sandwich with a spicy glaze. Spicy enough to add heat without becoming scorching your palate (lets be honest, fast food never is that spicy even when it tries to be), it was far and away my favorite fish sandwich I tried for this story. Burger King doesnt make the best burger, but it does make the best fish. Related coverage: I tried Burger Kings candied bacon Whopper so you dont have to. Heres my review. I tried Taco Bells 6 new menu items so you dont have to. Heres my review and ranking. I tried McDonalds Double Big Mac so you dont have to. Heres my review. I risked frostbite to try N.J.s first Raising Canes so you didnt have to. Youre welcome. I tried Chick-fil-as honey pepper pimento chicken sandwich so you dont have to. Heres my review. I tried Burger Kings new Fiery Nuggets so you dont have to. Heres my review. I tried the KFC Double Down so you dont have to. Heres my review. Looking for more New Jersey food coverage? Subscribe to the free Jersey Eats newsletter here! Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com and followed on Twitter at @J_Schneider and on Instagram at @JeremyIsHungryAgain. Seven Trenton police officers, including three captains and a lieutenant, were disciplined with suspensions for altering the departments payroll system in their favor. The suspensions are detailed in the Trenton Police Departments annual major discipline report, which is posted to the departments website. Such reports are mandated by the state Attorney Generals Office. Trenton officials acknowledged the payroll investigation in April 2023 when some details started to become public. Mayor Reed Gusciora took the unusual step to comment on it, without naming officers, to clarify the status of the investigation. The three captains, a lieutenant, a detective and two officers were each found to have violated the infraction of conduct unbecoming a public employee and suspended for different amounts of work days. None were demoted. Each was found to have violated the infraction of conduct unbecoming a public employee and suspended for different amounts of work days. None were demoted. The report uses the same description of their infraction, with their names substituted in: During calendar year 2021 and 2022 [the officer] cancelled time from the Police Officer Scheduling System resulting in misuse of accrued time. Officials said last year that they were suspected of manipulating their payroll records after they took vacation or sick time to make it appear they still had the time to use. The three captains and lieutenant retired effective May 1, 2023 after reaching administrative disciplinary settlements with the city, and their suspensions, ranging from 51 to 111 days, were deducted from their owned time. The detective and two officers were each suspended 60 days and remain employed by the department. Police Director Steve Wilson declined to discuss the investigation in detail, but said the report was published publicly, according to Attorney General guidelines, and said: The punishment befitted the incidents. Police union president Michael Schiaretti on Tuesday echoed the mayors comments from last year, that the incident was highly scrutinized and examined by the Mercer County Prosecutors Office and state Attorney Generals Office, each which passed on moving forward with a criminal case. The city hired an outside law firm to also investigate. The city went above and beyond on this, Schiaretti said. He too said the punishments were just. The report also details nine other officers disciplined in 2023, six for on-duty infractions and three for being charged with driving while intoxicated while off duty in other jurisdictions. One officer was terminated after being charged with a felony for causing injury in a DWI crash. 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 death by auto charge levied against a driver last year following a fatal collision with a motorcyclist In Robbinsville was later dismissed when test results found the suspect was not intoxicated as police suspected. The March 31, 2023 crash on Old York Road, also known as Route 539, killed Jake Schreck, 21, of Allentown, who was riding a Harley Davidson. Police detained the other driver, Ketan Kabaria, then 47, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, on suspicion of being under the influence due to his physical behavior after the collision, officials and lawyers say. Kabaria was eventually charged by the Mercer County Prosecutors Office with felony death by auto, while Robbinsville police charged him with driving while intoxicated and two related traffic offenses, careless driving and failure to yield the right of way. When the toxicology tests on Kabaria came back, they showed no drugs or alcohol in his system, something he professed to police at the scene, one of his lawyers, Darren M. Gelber said Monday. The prosecutors office dismissed the death by auto charge, and the DWI was dropped in Robbinsville municipal court, Gelber said. The prosecutors office said it now has no pending charges against Kabaria. Kabaria pleaded guilty to careless driving and failure to yield the right of way in September, Gelber and court records show. He paid $190 in fines and court costs for each offense. Court papers say Kabaria made a left turn in front of Schreck. Meanwhile, Schrecks family filed a wrongful death civil lawsuit against Kabaria. In October 2023 their lawyer, Barry Eichen, settled the case for $1.25 million, Mercer County civil court papers show. Eichen explained to the New Jersey Law Journal, which was first to report the settlement, that Kabaria had $250,000 of auto insurance coverage, plus $1 million on an umbrella policy. Kabarias civil lawyer did not immediately return a request for comment. Schreck was a popular young man in the Allentown and Upper Freehold area, and a 2019 Allentown High School graduate. A union painter, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was an easy, outgoing conversationalist, his family said in his obituary. Jake would brighten any room with his infectious smile and contagious laugh, had a heart of gold and would help anyone who needed it, it says. 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 That Donald Trump, what a romantic. To celebrate Valentines Day, the former President and presumptive Republic nominee in this years presidential election, sent out a fundraising email that was a love note to his third wife, Melania: Dear Melania: I love you. Even after every single INDICTMENT, ARREST and WITCH HUNT, you never left my side. Youve always supported me through everything. I wouldnt be the man I am today without your guidance, kindness and warmth. You will always mean the world to me, Melania. From your husband with love, Donald J. Trump (The full name signature is a nice touch.) The love note comes as each of Trumps four criminal cases reaches an inflection point over the next few days amid an election battle with President Joe Biden and doesnt mention anything about possible prison conjugal visits. Trump recently was found liable for sexual assaulting and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll, who was granted a pair of civil awards against Trump totaling $88 million. Trump now awaits a New York judge to tally up what hell owe in a financial fraud civil case in which he already has been found guilty. Lets also remember that in his deposition, Trump, that romantic, confused a photo of Carroll for his second wife, Marla Maples. And then there are four criminal cases facing Trump. Lets face it: The guy could use a hug (and maybe a bankruptcy attorney before all is said and done). According to Politico.com: In Trumps New York case, a judge is slated to finalize the timetable for his trial on charges that he falsified business records to cover up an affair with a porn star in the closing weeks of the 2016 election. In his Washington, D.C., case, the Supreme Court may signal whether it will quickly resolve Trumps claim that he is immune from federal charges stemming from his effort to subvert the 2020 election. In his Georgia case, where Trump is also facing state charges related to the 2020 election, a judge has scheduled a Thursday hearing to examine an effort by Trump and several co-defendants to disqualify the prosecutors. And in his Florida case, a judge is weighing Trumps latest motion to postpone key deadlines a likely precursor to delaying the May 20 trial on charges of hoarding classified records at his Mar-a-Lago home. Melania has been missing from the campaign trail and courtroom appearances, but Trump recently mocked the absence of GOP presidential hopeful Nikki Haleys husband who is deployed overseas. Trump seemed to hint at marital strife between the Haleys amid rumors of infidelity. Then she comes over to see me at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said at a rally. Sir, I will never run against you. She brought her husband. Wheres your husband? Oh, hes away. Hes away. What happened to her husband? What happened to her husband? Where is he? Hes gone! He knew. He knew. Haley fired back at Trump on Monday, calling his comments disgusting, awful and unhinged during an appearance on The Lead with Jake Tapper. She added: If you dont respect our military, how should we think youre going to respect them when it comes to times of war, and prevent war and keep them from going? If you dont have respect for our military and our veterans, God help us all if thats the case. So, in the GOP battle, love is not in the air. Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik said all eyes would be on a special election for a U.S. House seat in New York on Tuesday. The nation is watching what happens here, Stefanik said at a rally for Republican-backed county legislator Mazi Pilip on Monday night. The world is watching what happens here. And that world, Stefanik knew, included Donald Trump. After Democrat Tom Suozzi cruised to an eight-point victory after polls had foreshadowed a tight race the question now is: How much did Stefanik hurt her bid to become Trumps vice presidential running mate in Novembers race against Democratic incumbent Joe Biden? MORE: Yankees legend gets inserted into Trumps election interference case Stefanik, a GOP bomb-thrower who has been auditioning to be Trumps VP, campaigned hard for Pilip, but still couldnt hold a congressional seat in her own state, which raises concerns about her ability to appeal to swing voters in November. New York, a Democratic stronghold, wont be in play in November. Several candidates she has endorsed including GOP gubernatorial hopefuls like Kari Lake in Arizona and Tudor Dixon in Michigan have suffered defeats as the Democrats have strung together election victories over the past several years. And, Trump likely wont forget, Stefanik is a big reason why the seat was up for grabs in the first place: Stefanik was pivotal in getting disgraced George Santos elected and his historic expulsion after felony charges of financial and election improprieties and countless lies handed the seat back to the Democrats. Over the past month, Stefanik has been Trumps bulldog. She has attacked New York Attorney General Letitia James and claimed her civil fraud case against the former president is biased; she said that had she been vice president, she would have rejected the electors in the 2020 presidential election; and she served on Trumps impeachment defense team in 2019. That loyalty has her near the top of Trumps possible vice presidential picks, according to a report by NBC: Stefanik was on Trumps radar long before that hearing, because she possesses one of the key attributes hes looking for in a 2024 running mate: loyalty. That, mixed with her ability to drive the news on key issues, may be an irresistible mix for a vice presidential pick. Stefanik is at the top, said Steve Bannon, who was Trumps chief strategist in the White House and the architect of his 2016 campaign strategy. If youre Trump, you want someone whos loyal above all else, a Republican campaign operative said. Particularly because he sees Mike Pence as having made a fatal sin. The NBC report also quoted Trump as saying, Shes a killer, when asked about her chances. Stefanik declined to comment to NBC on whether she would be interested in being Trumps running mate, saying only that she would be honored to serve in any capacity in a Trump administration. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. As New Jersey finishes digging out from a storm that dumped more than foot of snow on parts of the state Tuesday, forecasters are tracking a potential clipper system that could drop a couple of inches of accumulation on the state Friday night into Saturday Theres a 40 to 60% chance of 1 inch of snow or more for New Jersey, but less than a 40% chance for 2 to 3 inches, the National Weather Service said in its Wednesday morning forecast discussion. If snow accumulates, it would most likely be in the pre-dawn hours on Saturday and the fast-moving system would be gone by mid-day, the weather service said. A handful of school districts announced delayed openings on Wednesday morning due to concerns about overnight icing. After a snowy Tuesday, conditions will be much more tranquil in New Jersey on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024.National Weather Service Valentines Day on Wednesday will be dry, sunny and blustery in New Jersey. Highs will be in the 30s, but winds that gust as high as 25 mph will make it feel colder. Overnight temperatures will dip into the upper teens and low 20s ahead of a slightly milder day on Thursday with highs climbing into the 40s. A dusting of snow is possible Thursday night into Friday, though no accumulation is expected. Friday will be another dry day with highs in the upper 30s and low 40s Normal mid-February temps range from the upper 20s to low 40s. 20 1 / 20 February snowstorm hits N.J. Current weather radar Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Even after finishing the 2023 season with a dominant stretch in the starting rotation, Michael King wasnt told that he would have a spot in the Yankees starting staff the following spring. Thats what King recalled while speaking at Padres camp in Arizona for the first time this week. Its a comment that doesnt track with what King mentioned at the very end of last season, following his last outing of the year in Kansas City, but its what he said. What we know for sure is that King made a tantalizing case to stick as a starter, posting a sparkling 1.88 ERA over eight outings after making the full-time transition to a role in the rotation last August. But the Yankees were in on Yoshinobu Yamamoto and other starters this winter. Plus, King had developed into a dangerous multi-inning weapon out of the bullpen. Its understandable why he had his doubts. FIXING THE YANKEES: Sign up HERE for our twice-weekly newsletter on the offseason changes Once he was traded to the Padres in the Juan Soto deal, the reality that King had a completely secure spot in a big-league starting staff began to set in. I love New York, I loved the relationships I had, King told reporters, like Joel Sherman of the New York Post. So when I first got traded, I was sad. Then I started to talk to people about the opportunity and its just so much better for my career in terms of development because I want to establish myself as a starter and I am getting these reps in that I dont know that I would have been given as a Yankee because if I had a couple of bad outings, they know what I had in the bullpen and they could say you are better out of the bullpen. Instead here, if I have a few bad ones, I have a little bit more leeway. King isnt just a piece of the puzzle for the Padres. Hes one of the most important arms in a new-look pitching staff that said goodbye to several key starters this winter Joe Musgrove and Yu Darvish are the only returnees unless Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell (who is still available in free agency) re-signs. The key for King is durability. He came up through the minor leagues as a starter and constantly lobbied with manager Aaron Boone to return to that role, but he hasnt proven that he can take the ball every five days for an entire season. Factor in the right-handers elbow fracture from the 2022 season and the sturdiness of his arm is even more of a question mark. Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription. Max Goodman may be reached at mgoodman@njadvancemedia.com. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. Watertown, NY (13601) Today Snow this morning will transition to snow showers this afternoon. High 37F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snowfall around one inch.. Tonight Mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 26F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 50%. When you are one-on-one with a loved one or family member, you want to move away from the standardized first name. It is much more interesting to come up with affectionate nicknames that create a sense of psychological comfort. These can be names of animals, romantic and pretentious words (for example, "my life"), or, say, exclusive variants ("button", "smurf", etc.). ADVERTISIMENT Royalty is also human. They call each other unexpected names outside the camera lenses. Find out how exactly in the OBOZ.UA article. 1. Elizabeth II As a child, Elizabeth II was affectionately called "Lilibet" (short for Elizabeth) by her mother and close relatives. Many years passed. She married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. He called her the usual "Lilibet" for a while, and then started using a rather funny nickname, "cabbage". 2. Kate Middleton and Prince William Catherine, Princess of Wales, calls her husband Prince William with the warm and playful word "babe". But the prince often addresses his wife with the affectionate words "poppet" and "darling". ADVERTISIMENT 3. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry The Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle is used to calling her husband Prince Harry by the shortened form of his name: "Haz" or even shorter - "H". How does he address her? It's very simple: "Meghan". It should be added that King Charles III did his best in choosing a nickname for his daughter-in-law (we are talking about Prince Harry's wife). He calls her "Tungsten" (meaning one of the heaviest, hardest, and most refractory metals). Probably a reference to Meghan's character. ADVERTISIMENT 4. Charles III and Camilla It is not known what nicknames King Charles III of Great Britain and his wife Camilla, the Queen Consort, have now. But earlier, when they were young, they used to lovingly call each other "Fred" and "Gladys." These are the names of characters from the comedy program The Goon Show, which was broadcast on BBC radio. 5. Princess Diana and Prince William Diana, Princess of Wales, affectionately called her two-year-old son Prince William "wombat". "When we went to Australia with our parents... and the wombat, you know, is a local animal. So they just called me that. Not because I look like a wombat. Or maybe I look like a wombat," the adult prince said in an interview. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! From the door of each, you can see the vintage neon signs of the other glowing just down Dryades Street. They are both classics. They both are The equally important international song contest Junior Eurovision 2024 will be held in Spain. This year, the national public broadcaster Radiotelevision Espanola (RTVE) will host the show for the first time in history. In 2023, Sandra Valero took 2nd place in the ranking with her song Loviu, representing Spain. ADVERTISIMENT The last time the country won Junior Eurovision was in 2004. This was reported on the Junior Eurovision website. "Twenty years after their victory at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest, we are delighted to finally bring the contest to Spain. We are grateful to RTVE for agreeing to host the 22nd season of the contest, which provides an incredible platform for young artists from across Europe to showcase their talent. We are looking forward to the fiesta that will take place in Spain this year!" said Junior Eurovision's Executive Director Martin Osterdahl. The Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 was won by Zoe Closure from France with her song Coeur. However, the specificity of the junior version of the song contest is that it does not necessarily take place in the winning country. French television decided to transfer the right to host this year's contest to Spain, which Spain gladly accepted. ADVERTISIMENT "RTVE welcomes with great enthusiasm the invitation from the European Broadcasting Union to host the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Spain. We are confident that the Spanish public will also welcome this announcement with great enthusiasm and will welcome the Eurovision community with open arms," said Ana Maria Bordas, Head of the Spanish delegation to Junior Eurovision. The city where the contest will be held and its date will be announced later. OBOZ.UA reminds that Ukraine was represented at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 by Anastasia Dymyd with the song "Flower". The girl was among the five best performances. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! FILE - Chrystul Kizer sits in the Kenosha County Courthouse on Feb. 6, 2020, in Kenosha, Wis. The Milwaukee woman who was in custody for two years accused of killing a man who sexually assaulted her and other underage girls has been released from jail, according to one of the community groups that raised her $400,000 bail. Kizer was released Monday, Feb. 12, 2024 where she was awaiting trial for killing 34-year-old Randall Volar III in June 2018. (Paul Williams/The Kenosha News via AP, File) Students at Ralph J. Bunche Elementary in Metairie walk to their classrooms for the first day of school in Jefferson Parish on Monday, August 7, 2023. Jefferson Parish maintained its "C" letter grade, according to data from the state Department of Education. (Photo by Chris Granger | The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com) Soviet people could boast about the development of the automotive industry and the emergence of new technologies for one simple reason: they simply had no way to compare. Most models of popular cars turned out to be a crude and not always high-quality plagiarism of Western models. ADVERTISIMENT Therefore, stories about the reliability of Soviet cars in most cases turn out to be myths. By the way, the USSR did not recognize all the world's patents, so it believed that it had the right to copy this or that equipment, changing some details insignificantly. In fact, the USSR's economy had always been run on military rails, so it was easier to steal and adapt car designs than to invent something from scratch. Read about the top 10 cars originating from the USSR that were plagiarized. Ford Model A and GAZ-A The Ford Model A was launched by the Ford Motor Company from 1927 to 1931, mostly in black, which was Henry Ford's favorite color. The car was powered by a 3.28-liter four-cylinder engine that developed 40 horsepower, which was quite good for those times. Let's compare the Ford Model A with the Soviet GAZ of 1932. By the way, this is a rare case of at least some respect for copyright on the part of the USSR: the technical documentation of the GAZ-A was officially purchased from Ford, meaning that the car was actually produced under license. But this is only a single exception to the Soviet plagiarism tradition. ADVERTISIMENT Opel Kadett and Moskvich-400 "The Moskvich-400 was assembled at the Small Car Plant in Moscow. It was equipped with German equipment and tools taken from the plant in Russelheim as reparations after World War II. The USSR even decided to slightly change the design of the car and made a sedan version. Opel Olympia Rekord and Moskvich-402 In fact, the cases of the Ford Model A and Opel Kadett are simply the production of similar cars under different names. With licenses and reparations, one could still believe that Moskvich and GAZ were not blatant plagiarism. But when the plant in Russelheim resumed operations two years after the war in West Germany, a little later, in 1953, a new Opel model was introduced - the Opel Olympie Rekord. In total, about 58,000 of them were produced. ADVERTISIMENT And the well-known Moskvich-402 turned out to be suspiciously similar to the Opel Rekord - except that the shape of the side wings and the radiator grille was changed. A four-door sedan was introduced to the Soviet car market instead of a coupe. The plagiarism was incredible: even the chrome trim on the rear wing was left intact. Ford Mainline and Volga GAZ-21 The Ford Mainline (1952-1956) was launched as a four-door sedan and coupe. It was an affordable model for the middle class, which was replaced by the Ford Custom in the late 50s. The GAZ-21, popularly known as the "twenty-first Volga" (1956-1970), was a copy of the Ford. The borrowings were too obvious, especially in the front end: the grille and bumper of the Volga were almost identical to the Ford. Even the "swift deer" on the hood is a plagiarized Ford decorative element. ADVERTISIMENT Packard Patrician and Seagull The Seagull, a Soviet car for the upper class, was plagiarized from the Packard Patrician. Both cars were produced in the era of space development, so they have a corresponding futuristic style: the rear wings resemble some rocket parts, and the whole car looks very much like futuristic cars from science fiction books of the mid-1950s. The seagull was a symbol of the party elite in the USSR, but Soviet car designers couldn't come up with anything new - they even copied the font used to write the model name. ADVERTISIMENT Fiat-125 and VAZ 2103 The Fiat 125 of the late 60s had a stepped silhouette that was trendy at the time, which looked quite unusual in comparison to streamlined cars. The VAZ-2103 Zhiguli was said to have been developed jointly with the Italians, but the car's "stuffing" was so badly overcut and of poor quality that VAZ had nothing to offer besides an unusual design, and road safety was out of the question. Chrysler Simca 1307 and Moskvich-2141 The Chrysler Simca 1307 was produced from 1975 to 1986, and it was when the era of the Chrysler Simca 1307 was over that the USSR decided to "revive" the legend by copying the design. Soviet people were unpretentious, most of them did not even know about Chryslers, so the novelty was popular. The Moskvich-2141 hatchback (which was produced until 2002) closely resembled the design of the Chrysler 1307. ADVERTISIMENT UAZ Bukhanka and Jeep Forward Control The popularly known "Bukhanka", also known as the 1958 UAZ, despite its typically Soviet design, was actually a plagiarized Jeep Forward Control model. Jeep appeared two years earlier. ZAZ-965 and Fiat 600 Only the Zaporozhets looked more Soviet than the Bukhanka. The design of the legendary humpbacked Zaporozhets was clearly inspired by the Fiat 600, which, by the way, was also produced in socialist Yugoslavia under the Zastava brand. It is worth noting that the design of ZAZ was somewhat different. ADVERTISIMENT ZAZ-968 and NSU Prinz Even the ZAZ-968 had its own prototype - you won't believe it: German. We are talking about the NSU Prinz of 1961. The similarities between the two models are immediately obvious, but if you dig deeper, the NSU also copied the design from the Chevrolet Crovair. The Prinz was also a rear-engine car, but with a two-cylinder engine. A man stands next to a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a railway station in Seoul on February 2, 2024. North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles on February 2, Seoul's military said, continuing a fresh streak of weapons testing as Kim Jong Un's regime ramps up what it calls "war preparations". (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP) (Photo by JUNG YEON-JE/AFP via Getty Images) SEOUL, South KoreaNorth Korea on Wednesday fired multiple cruise missiles into the sea in its fifth test of such weapons since January, South Koreas military said, extending a streak in weapons demonstrations that are elevating tensions in the region. South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the South Korean and U.S. militaries were analyzing the launches that were detected in waters northeast of the eastern coastal city of Wonsan. The South Korean military didnt immediately provide the exact numbers of missiles fired or how far they flew. It wasnt immediately clear either whether the missiles were fired from land or from sea assets. Our military has increased surveillance and vigilance and is working closely with our U.S. partners and is closely monitoring signs for further activity from North Korea, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. Experts say North Korea is ramping up pressure on its rivals in an election year in South Korea and the United States with a long-term focus of forcing Washington to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and extract security and economic concessions from a position of strength. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also been issuing belligerent statements toward South Korea, including a declaration that he would abandon the Norths long-term objective of reconciliation with its war-divided rival and threatening to annihilate the South with nukes if provoked. Theres concern in the South that Kim may up the ante with a direct military provocation, possibly around the disputed western sea boundary between the Koreas that has been the site of deadly naval skirmishes in past years. Cruise missiles, which are designed to be highly maneuverable in flight like small airplanes, are among a growing number of weapons North Korea is developing to overwhelm missile defenses, supplementing the countrys vast number of ballistic missiles designed to be fired from land and sea. The latest launches were North Koreas sixth missile-launch event this year, including a Jan. 14 test of the countrys first solid-fuel intermediate-range missile, which demonstrated its efforts to advance its weaponry targeting remote U.S. targets in the Pacific, including the military hub of Guam. The North earlier this year tested new cruise missiles designed to be fired from submarines and also long-range cruise missiles with potential range of reaching U.S. military bases in Japan. United States, South Korea, and Japan have been strengthening their combined military exercises and sharpening their nuclear deterrence strategies. The Flood is one of the most famous stories in the Bible. According to the Old Testament, God ordered the righteous Noah to build an ark and put two individuals of each species of earthly biodiversity on it. After that, an unprecedented flood descended on the planet, lasting 40 days. Even the highest mountains were covered with water. ADVERTISIMENT The story of the global flood is found not only in the Bible. The ancient Hindu Puranas, Sumerian myths, and the Epic of Gilgamesh also mention legends of the destruction of humanity as a result of catastrophic floods. The Live science publication published a study by scientists on the likelihood of a massive natural disaster. If it rained for 40 days David Montgomery, a professor of geomorphology at the University of Washington in Seattle, confidently asserts that there was no flood. He explains his theory simply and clearly, "There simply would not have been enough water on Earth for a flood of this magnitude." "If the 'heavens' had opened and all the water in the atmosphere had fallen to the ground in the form of a long, continuous and very heavy rain, the planet would have been submerged only to a depth of about 2.5 centimeters," the scientists cited the US Geological Survey. For such a small flood, the arks would not have been needed. ADVERTISIMENT If all the glaciers melted Let's consider another option. It has been raining for 40 days and, in addition, all the ice sheets, icebergs and glaciers have melted. NASA researchers say that in this case, the level of the world's oceans would rise by 60 meters. In addition, scientists have calculated that 22.6 million cubic kilometers of groundwater are stored in the upper part of the Earth's crust, which can cover the planet by another 180 meters. It seems that a flood is still possible as there is a lot of water. However, scientists reassure us that this is definitely not the scale described in the Bible. The highest mountain above sea level reaches 8849 meters, and geologists have found no evidence that there was ever a really large-scale flood on Earth. Versions of the Flood Historians claim that the Flood and the legend of Noah's Ark are simply a retelling of other stories that existed in ancient cultures and mythologies. Professor of Ancient Studies Ira Spar emphasized that it is estimated that the biblical stories in the Old Testament, which were written down between 800 BC and 500 BC, originated from older beliefs and oral traditions. For example, the Sumerians described a flood 3000 years before Christ. Of course, these were not eyewitness accounts but retellings of even older legends. ADVERTISIMENT Professor Montgomery added that many millennia ago, there were probably local floods of a large scale that inspired the creation of stories about the Flood. For example, in the late 1990s, the hypothesis that the so-called Flood once occurred in the Black Sea region was widely spread. Oceanographers William Ryan and Walter Pitman proposed the theory that about 7500 years ago, the Mediterranean Sea began to flow into the then-isolated Black Sea, causing massive floods that could have been the prototype of the biblical events. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest news Looking for inspiration, ideas and the latest trends in all things wedding? Bride Blu Bridal Fair, hosted by the Blue Chip Casino, Hotel & Spa in partnership with The Times Media Co., is the place to be, drawing people from the Region and beyond. From noon-3 p.m. Feb. 18, its a one-stop shopping opportunity for those planning their nuptials. Whether couples are just starting out and want to get an idea of costs, or if they are in the planning process and are looking for ideas or something specific, Bride Blu will have it covered, says Angela Gaghan, director of Sales and Catering at Blue Chip in Michigan City. Describing Bridal Blu as the perfect way to sip Champagne and nibble hors d'oeuvres while checking off much of their wedding to-do list, Gaghan also notes that the fair has grown since it started in February 2012. In the early years, we featured a standard tradeshow of approximately 30 vendors, she continues. Since then, we have more than doubled the number of vendors, which include venues, DJs, photographers, jewelers, mortgage brokers, travel agencies, salons/makeup, lighting, music and more. We added a fashion show and since the event is here at Blue Chip, we have expanded the bridal fair to include additional ballroom space to highlight different room sets, color schemes and decor ideas. Brides-to-be and their entourages can get a broad overview while talking details with vendors who can help in planning and implementing the big day plus the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon. Its so exciting to feel the energy level at Bride Blu, says Jim Pellegrini, head of Marketing & Creative Services for The Times. And theres so much being offered. Every year it grows and attracts more vendors and participants. Its fun to see the excitement on the bride and her friends faces when they see all that is here. And the addition of the catwalk for the fashion show has really taken in up to another level. Other vendors will be offering large discounts on their products/services if you book your event at Bride Blu, says Gaghan. Weve been participating since the first year Bride Blu started, says Renee Fennell, owner of Paris House of Bridal in Michigan City. Its really grown and theres so much thats offered now from videographers, lighting specialists, photographers, just about everything. We really have fun at the event and meet so many brides and their maids-of-honor, and their parents. Its really a momentous event. Among the pluses of holding the event at Blue Chip is that attendees can head to the casino or one of the many restaurants on site says Pellegrini, adding that you dont have to be 21 to enter the fair. Admission is free. All attendees receive free tote bags, coat check and parking. Often people make a night of it after the fair by staying for dinner and then spending the night, Pellegrini adds. As he has in the past, Blake Alexander, a Chicago-based adult contemporary crooner and entertainer, will be on-hand as a host and performer, talking to guests and vendors and keeping the momentum going. Attendees also can register for a grand prize: Three nights at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas plus a $500 travel voucher from Southwest Airlines. They must be present to win. The 2024 Bride Blu Bridal fair will be an event you dont want to miss, says Gaghan. No other bridal fair offers tastings of food, variety of different ballroom set ups, musicians, decor, and everything else at the level that we do here at Blue Chip. MUNSTER Munster police were dispatched at approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday to Jewel-Osco, located at 716 Ridge Rd., in reference to a robbery. A 72-year-old woman reported while she was placing groceries into the trunk of her vehicle, another vehicle pulled up next to her. A black male, who was described as being in his early 20s, shorter and wearing dark colored clothing exited the passenger side of the vehicle and ordered the woman to give him her purse, police said. "The male then forcefully grabbed her purse and attempted to pull it from her," police said. "The victim attempted to hold onto her purse, however, the male was able to use enough force to break her grip." The suspect then got back into the car and fled the scene at a high rate of speed. The woman sustained non-life threatening injuries, police said. The Munster Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division confirmed the vehicle used in the robbery was reported stolen on Sunday by the Gary Police Department. Shortly after the incident, the victim's credit card was used in Dolton, Ill. Her purse and cell phone were located at a gas station in Calumet City, Ill., police said. Anyone who can identify the suspect should contact Det. Nolan Archer at 219-836-6672, or by email at narcher@munster.org. 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 The BP Whiting Refinery, the largest refinery in the Midwest, suffered a power outage and two leaks just as its state air permit was coming up for renewal. Local environmental groups hope the operational issues at the 440,000 barrel-per-day refinery, which could take weeks to be back online fully, will prompt more protections of air quality for residents in North Lake County. Environmentalists hope the recent incidents, which included an evacuation and the closure of nearby roads, will prompt more air monitoring, stricter pollution limits and other reforms. The community has long suffered because of pollution, community activist Tim DaSilva said. "Think about the native fauna in this city alone," he said. "There's no wildlife. None. The most we have is white-tailed deer. In the area they populate, the pollution is so high they don't even open that reserve to the public. If you touch the soil, they recommend you have to wear gloves." Generations of Region residents have been conditioned to accept refinery pollution as just the way things are, DaSilva said. "BP does not operate on a moral compass. BP operates on a financial compass," he said. "We're told we have to accept what we get because these polluters provide jobs to so many in this area. There's whole generations of people that feel like they can't bite the hand that feeds them, that they have to take what they can get and that there can't be a compromise. What has BP actually done to guarantee the health and safety of the people that live in this city?" Environmentalist Carolyn Marsh said IDEM should require BP to publicly disclose what chemicals it's emitting into the air, water and land. "We need to make that part of the reporting. The monitoring needs to be transparent to the public so the public can know their health and safety is at risk," she said. "IDEM needs to demand they come here and tell the public what's going on. It's only that kind of pressure on BP that's going to change BP." Marsh said the public doesn't what what emissions come from the refinery since there's no fenceline monitoring. "It's one thing for BP to have monitors but we're calling for monitors around the fenceline that will tell the public 24/7 in real time what the stats are and they can't mess with the data," she said. "That's what we're demanding, that kind of transparency. We don't have transparency. It's long overdue. The state isn't demanding BP be transparent. That's our problem with the state." Marsh said the recent issues made it clear that BP needed to hire more maintenance workers at the refinery. "The whole issue to me is maintenance," she said. "They don't have qualified maintenance people. We didn't have a bad winter. It's not a weather issue. A few days of freeze and they have all these breakdowns all over in the tank fields and the plant." The Whiting resident smelled gas in her home during the recent refinery outage and feared it would blow up. "I ran outside to check my pipes," she said. She called on BP to create a fund to provide indoor air filters for residents who live near the refinery. "Accountability is basic," she said. "Who's going to force them to be accountable? Our elected officials? Where are they?" Several local environmental groups, including Just Transition Northwest Indiana, Gary Advocates for Responsible Development and the Southeast Environmental Task Force, have mobilized in response to the refinery problems. "East Chicago has the highest infant mortality rate in Indiana and has for 100 years. We're really concerned about that," environmentalist Thomas Frank said. BP should have been required to do a new source review when it did it's $4.2 billion modernization project that allowed it to process heavy crudes from the oil sands of Canada instead of the Texas sweet crude it previously refined, Frank said. It was considered a maintenance project so the full environmental impact was never studied. "What ends up happening with the permitting is these big companies just write a permit on an application and then it's up to the community to have to respond to it," he said. "The onus is on us. They don't have to put things into it. They last time they renewed a permit they left out three flares and a bunch of things. We had to go through technical documents, thousands of pages to find they missed that and missed this. We haven't even seen the new permit at this point." State environmental regulators are more focused on business interests than public health, he said. "The national median home value is $300,000. In Munster and other places in Northwest Indiana, it's $300,000," he said. "In East Chicago, it's $60,000 to $70,000. In Marktown, right across from the facility, it's $25,000. For those resident on the fence line, they've taken their personal wealth and their potential wealth in the future that they could make from their property. They've also taken their health. We're asking for a fair deal. We want to be made whole. We don't want to have to carry the environmental, the health and the economic burdens for everybody. That's what happens to economically disparaged communities of color. They have to carry that burden. And then they get blame. These big industries really contribute to that." Environmentalists have been concerned about the malfunctions. "Big companies like BP and Cleveland-Cliffs self-report," he said. "IDEM isn't there looking over their shoulder. Ten years ago, IDEM moved out of the Region. They aren't here. That's a major concern. We're concerned IDEM is asleep at the wheel when it comes to public health, especially with communities of color." Recent emissions have been hazardous, he said. "Nine years ago, workers at the refinery struck because of safety to the facility," he said. "Now what we want is safety for the community. There are 3,143 counties in the United States. We rank in the top five for industrial emissions into the atmosphere. We have the most polluted land in the country. Our water is some of the most polluted in the Region." The Indiana Department of Environmental Management rescheduled the public meeting on the refinery's air permit to 6 p.m. Feb. 22 at Calumet College of St. Joseph, 2400 New York Ave., Whiting. Attendees can enter on the west side of the building. IDEM also extended the public comment period until Feb. 26. Comments may be mailed to Doug Logan, IDEM, Office of Air Quality,100 N. Senate Ave., MC 61-53 IGCN 1003, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2251; may be emailed to dalogan@idem.IN.gov , or faxed to 317-232-6749, Attn: Doug Logan. For more information, call 800-451-6027 or 317-234-7460. CROWN POINT Members of the Lake County Council paused their official business Tuesday to honor their late colleague, Councilman Clorius Lay, D-Gary, who died Monday at age 83. Lay only joined the the county's financial governing body in 2023, following decades of public service in Gary and Calumet Township, but Lay's short tenure on the county council is destined to be long remembered. For example, Councilman Randy Niemeyer, R-Cedar Lake, who also is new to the council, said he met monthly with Lay over lunch to discuss a variety of government issues notwithstanding their opposite partisan ideologies and nearly four-decade age difference. "Clorius was a guy with a deep passion for public service. He loved the people of Gary with all of his heart. He loved the processes of government and appreciated the opportunity to serve, and wanted to make sure we were always doing it right," Niemeyer said. "If our duty as people on this planet is to use the tools that God gave us to make this place a little better for who follows us, and to make sure that we preserve the principles of this republic, and that we serve each other with an open mind and an open heart, then for Clorius I would say it was a job well done." Several council members and county officials said they spoke with Lay as recently as Saturday and he was sharp as ever, with no evident health issues. "For me, he was a force to be reckoned with," said Council President Christine Cid, D-East Chicago. "He constantly gave his opinion to me on procedures and what he felt was the right way to do things. It was nice working with him and I'll miss him, I'll absolutely miss him." Councilman Pete Lindemulder, R-Schererville, likewise noted Lay, an attorney, was a stickler for the rules, whether a point of parliamentary procedure or in his beloved game of checkers, where Lay long ranked best in Indiana. "I made the mistake of mentioning chess to him, which was the highest offense, instead of checkers. But I grew to love him over the past year because he was consistent in every thing he did," Lindemulder said. Councilmen David Hamm, D-Hammond, and Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, both said they didn't know what to make of Lay at first, but each came to respect him through regular telephone calls and in-person conversations. "I'm still in a bit of shock over the whole ordeal," Bilski said. "He will be missed. He brought a lot to the table." Niemeyer noted that Lay never shied away from telling you exactly what he brought to the table, recalling a 10- to 12-page resume Lay faxed him and Lindemulder at the start of their council tenure detailing Lay's extensive work experience and accomplishments. Councilman Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said he wasn't surprised to hear that story. "He was a difficult guy to understand. There's not a single thing that you could mention that you did or had accomplished that Clorius wouldn't come behind you and say, 'I've done it better,'" Brown said. "We argued like brothers all the time. We would go away. He would stop calling for a while and I would say, 'Thank you, Jesus.' But he's going to be missed. He's going to be missed." The vacancy caused by Lay's death will be filled in coming weeks following a caucus of Democratic leaders in the county council's 2nd district, which generally consists of Gary, Calumet Township, Highland and Griffith between Broadway and Kennedy and north from Main Street to the lakeshore. Gallery: Indiana historical markers in the Region First Physician Great Sauk (Sac) Trail St. John's Lutheran Church Tolleston Dutch in the Calumet Region St. John Township School, District #2 The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section Froebel School - side 1 Froebel School Stewart Settlement House Stewart Settlement House Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Bailly Homestead Iron Brigade Willow Creek Confrontation Ogden ski jump.jpg Teale 1.jpg Teale 2.jpg Steel 1.jpg Steel 2.jpg Civil War camps.jpg Old lighthouse.jpg Railroad.jpg Camp Anderson.jpg Boundary line 1.jpg Boundary line 2.jpg LaPorte courthouse 1.jpg LaPorte courthouse 2.jpg Carnegie 1.jpg Carnegie 2.jpg Rumely Co 1.jpg Rumely Co 2.jpg Lincoln train 1.jpg Lincoln train 2.jpg LaPorte university 1.jpg Laporte university 2.jpg Gary Roosevelt 1 Gary Roosevelt 2 For the 170,000 Roman Catholics in the four-county Diocese of Gary, one of the holiest seasons of the church calendar begins with an ashy smudge on the forehead as a reminder of mortality and sinfulness. The 40-day season of fasting, penance, and almsgiving known as Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday. The priest or celebrant applies ashes on each persons forehead while reciting a brief prayer. The ash is meant to signify grief and sorrow for sins committed and repentance through Jesus death on the cross on Good Friday. Ashes come from the burning of palms from the previous years Palm Sunday celebration. In a column written for the Northwest Indiana Catholic, the diocesan newspaper, Bishop Robert J. McClory describes Lent as a time to get back to basics to renew our love for Jesus and live out his calling for us. Lent, the bishop explained, imitates the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert, which was a time of intense prayer before he began his public ministry. Additionally, McClory said, the number 40 has other biblical references. Forty is used in the Bible, the bishop explained, as a time of testing, trial, penance, purification, and renewal. Lent a time to intensify prayer time, bishop says The bishop explained that Lent is a time to intensify our prayer time, spending more time absorbing the love of God in our hearts. We intensify our fasting practices, so we give up certain things to draw ourselves closer to the Lord. We give alms acts of charity to others so the love that God has given us can be shared to others. Beginning with Ash Wednesday and continuing every Friday during Lent, McClory will share video messages to inspire and accompany others during their journey toward Easter. Though not specifically stated in Scripture, the concept of ashes as used by Roman Catholics originated in the 6th century. The custom of marking the forehead with ashes is said to have originated during the papacy of Gregory the Great (590-604). In the Old Testament, ashes had two purposes: as a sign of humility and mortality; and as sign of sorrow and repentance for sin. Throughout the 58 parishes in the Gary diocese, Masses and ash distribution will take place Wednesday. At Holy Angels Cathedral at 6th and Tyler in Gary, Franciscan friars will offer ashes all day from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. Just drop in, the diocese reports. The sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) will also be held at the cathedral, with Ash Wednesday Mass at 5:30 p.m. Approach Lent with open hearts, pastor advises The Rev. Michael J. Yadron, pastor at St. Thomas More in Munster, said hed love parishioners to approach Lent with hearts open to the possibilities of Gods magnificent love. That is to be humble, acknowledge our sinfulness, and make amends with God and others, and serve the Lord in gratitude. Yadron believes people can make a difference during Lent by jumping into the deep end of the pool. That can be accomplished, the Munster pastor said, by embracing all the disciplines of Lent. Fast, do charitable works, and encourage others to live their faith as best as possible. Be the best example of a devoted Christian as they can be. Around the diocese, communal penance services will be held during Lent, which is also a season for fasting and abstinence. Days of abstinence include Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, March 29. Fridays during Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Good Friday through Holy Saturday, which are not part of Lent, are also marked by fasting and abstinence from meat. On these days, those ages 14 and older are obliged to abstain from eating meat, while healthy people ages 18-58 fast by limiting themselves to one full meal and two lighter meals. According to guidelines from the Diocese of Garys Office of Worship, Though the fast is carried out personally, we are united in our actions through Jesus Christ. Our united fast and abstinence is our prayer to the faith through Jesus. We do this to give concrete expression to our trust in God to give us the spiritual sustenance we require. In his weekly parish bulletin, the Rev. Martin J. Dobrzynski, pastor at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville, recommends that parishioners focus on the start of Lent. Be prepared to begin Lent, Dobrzynski stated. It is time to decide what you need to do during Lent to open yourself up more fully to Gods presence. That is why doing is central to Lent. Our doing has two sides, doing a fast, that is, giving up food or certain activities and thus, freeing up some time to doing some good work for others, those who are poor helping those close to home, helping yourself to get closer to God in prayer. In our doing, we engage in a meaning-filled activity that places our self near Jesus. Close Nursing students learn the basics in the skill center before moving on to the simulation center at Valparaiso University. Valparaiso University Simulation Specialist Susie Zaweski explains the use of simulators in the Sim Center to Valparaiso City Council President Robert Cotton in the Sim Center. Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University Director of the Center for Experiential Learning Gail Kost speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University Simulation Specialist Susie Zaweski explains the use of simulators in the Sim Center to Valparaiso City Council President Robert Cotton in the Sim Center. Valparaiso University Assistant Dean Lynette Rayman speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University nursing student Eleanor Schuler speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University nursing student Mariya O'Grady speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University Assistant Dean Lynette Rayman speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. PHOTOS: $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program Nursing students learn the basics in the skill center before moving on to the simulation center at Valparaiso University. Valparaiso University Simulation Specialist Susie Zaweski explains the use of simulators in the Sim Center to Valparaiso City Council President Robert Cotton in the Sim Center. Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University Director of the Center for Experiential Learning Gail Kost speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University President Jose Padilla speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University Simulation Specialist Susie Zaweski explains the use of simulators in the Sim Center to Valparaiso City Council President Robert Cotton in the Sim Center. Valparaiso University Assistant Dean Lynette Rayman speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University nursing student Eleanor Schuler speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University nursing student Mariya O'Grady speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Valparaiso University Assistant Dean Lynette Rayman speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. U.S. Congressman Frank Mrvan speaks at a press conference announcing $1 million in federal funding secured for Valparaiso University nursing program. Talbert Manufacturing in Rensselaer landed a major $155.2 million defense contract. Talbert will make semi-trailers and associated items for the United States Army under a contract that runs through Jan. 31, 2028, according to the Department of Defense. The Army Contracting Command at the Detroit Arsenal in Michigan issued the five-year contract for the breakbulk and container transporters with flatbeds and 34-ton capacity. They're used to haul inter-modal cargo containers, breakbulk cargo and shelters. They have a 40-foot-long flatbed that can carry a payload of 68,000 pounds for ranges of 300 miles at up to 65 miles per hour. Talbert Manufacturing has repeatedly landed Department of Defense contracts over the years, including for $43 million in 2018 and $68 million in 2003. Based in Jasper County, Talbert Manufacturing serves both military and civilian customers, including in the aerospace and energy sectors. In business for 86 years, the company makes heavy haul trailers, 13 axle trailers, gooseneck trailers, east/west coast spread axle trailers, lowboy trailers, dual capacity trailers, hydraulic tail trailers and other specialized transport equipment. Talbert Manufacturing's products are used to haul building materials, pipes, hazardous materials and even nuclear materials. Its trailers are sold at dealerships nationwide. The company, which dates back to 1938, also offers crane and construction machinery rentals. The European Union (EU) has proposed to impose sanctions against North Korea (DPRK) for providing Russia with missiles that the aggressor uses against Ukraine. The restrictions may lead to the 13th package of European sanctions against Russia, but, according to analysts, will be symbolic and unlikely to stop the supply of weapons. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Bloomberg, citing documents that the agency managed to get acquainted with. Officially, sanctions against the DPRK have not yet been announced. Thus, according to the agency, among other things, the EU proposed to include the North Korean Defense Minister and the General Missile Office in the sanctions list. This is the government body that controls the DPRK's national ballistic missile program. "Ballistic missiles designed, developed, and produced by North Korea were used against Ukraine by the Russian armed forces," the article says. It is noted that North Korea has also provided Russia with hundreds of thousands of artillery rounds. However, analysts doubt that EU sanctions will block such supplies. It is noted that the effect of the new restrictions will be "mostly symbolic." ADVERTISIMENT In general, the draft 13th EU sanctions package includes "dozens of individuals and legal entities" involved in the production and supply of weapons to Russia. The measures also target several Russian government officials. The EU is expected to approve these restrictions by February 24, the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Earlier, EU diplomat Josep Borrell said that the 13th package of sanctions against Russia would not include new import bans or restrictions against large Russian companies. The EU will introduce restrictive measures, in particular, against companies from different countries that help Russia circumvent existing bans. As reported by OBOZ.UA, the United States has already announced the second imposition of sanctions in 2024 against those who help Russia circumvent them. The restrictions include a ship and four companies associated with it. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! The conservative Indiana attorney who helped usher in the era of secret, unlimited campaign spending now wants to allow individuals and businesses to quietly pay cash and other gratuities to elected officials for jobs well done. Terre Haute lawyer James Bopp Jr. recently filed a "friend of the court" brief at the U.S. Supreme Court supporting the efforts of Republican former Portage Mayor James Snyder to reverse his 2021 conviction and 21-month prison sentence for federal funds bribery. According to court records, Snyder was paid $13,000 to be a "consultant" to a Portage truck dealership less than three weeks after the Snyder's Portage administration purchased $1.125 million in garbage trucks from the dealership. Snyder claims federal prosecutors and lower courts got it wrong by failing to view that payment as a gratuity, rather than a bribe, and Snyder argues it was no more criminal than the tips or gifts routinely given to restaurant servers, teachers or mail carriers. Bopp, as attorney for the James Madison Center for Free Speech, makes a similar argument in his 34-page filing at the nation's highest court. Specifically, Bopp says the federal law under which Snyder was convicted sweeps too broadly, and runs afoul of the First Amendment, by criminalizing ordinary activities that should be considered protected speech and association, particularly in small communities where business and social ties often run together. He also claims treating gratuities paid to elected officials the same as bribes needlessly inserts the federal government into the realm of state and local law enforcement, provides inadequate notice of what is criminal and what is not, and misconstrues the intent of Congress. "A close reading of (the law) strongly indicates that it does not apply to gratuities, absent proof of a quid pro quo arrangement," Bopp said. As an example, Bopp urges the nine high court justices to consider a public-spirited citizen who makes a campaign donation to a state senator after the senator makes a policy decision the citizen supports. "Under (the law), this public-spirited citizen is now a federal criminal, awaiting indictment for a gratuity to an official of a government that receives federal funds," Bopp said. He further suggests such an expansive view of unlawful gratuities is likely to be subject to selective prosecution, targeting those disfavored by the federal government even though Snyder's case primarily was prosecuted by a Republican-led U.S. Justice Department. Bopp's organization isn't alone in backing Snyder at the Supreme Court. Similar briefs submitted on Snyder's behalf recently have been filed by the Washington Legal Foundation and Due Process Institute; American Center for Law and Justice; International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 150; National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Laborers' International Union; and Separation of Powers Clinic. The Justice Department is scheduled by to submit its written arguments to the Supreme Court by March 11 in support of upholding Snyder's convictions and sending him to prison. Gallery: Indiana historical markers in the Region First Physician Great Sauk (Sac) Trail St. John's Lutheran Church Tolleston Dutch in the Calumet Region St. John Township School, District #2 The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section The Lincoln Highway/The Ideal Section Froebel School - side 1 Froebel School Stewart Settlement House Stewart Settlement House Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Origin of Dr. MLK Day Law Bailly Homestead Iron Brigade Willow Creek Confrontation Ogden ski jump.jpg Teale 1.jpg Teale 2.jpg Steel 1.jpg Steel 2.jpg Civil War camps.jpg Old lighthouse.jpg Railroad.jpg Camp Anderson.jpg Boundary line 1.jpg Boundary line 2.jpg LaPorte courthouse 1.jpg LaPorte courthouse 2.jpg Carnegie 1.jpg Carnegie 2.jpg Rumely Co 1.jpg Rumely Co 2.jpg Lincoln train 1.jpg Lincoln train 2.jpg LaPorte university 1.jpg Laporte university 2.jpg Gary Roosevelt 1 Gary Roosevelt 2 The divide within the Republican Party over maintaining America's dominant position in the world or retreating into isolationism is reflected in how Indiana's two Republican senators voted Tuesday on a key foreign aid package. The $95 billion national security supplemental funding plan would provide $60 billion to support Ukraine's ongoing efforts to repel an unlawful Russian invasion, $14 billion for security assistance to Israel following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, $9 billion in food, shelter, health care and other assistance to displaced people around the world, $5 billion to counter Chinese aggression in Asia, $2.5 billion for U.S. military operations in the Red Sea, and additional funding to combat fentanyl distribution and protect places of worship. The proposal was approved 70-29, with the support of all but three Democratic senators. Among Republicans, however, there were 21 voting "yes" and 26 voting "no." One Republican was absent. U.S. Sen. Todd Young, a Marine veteran, said he understands many Americans want fewer foreign entanglements following the past two decades of U.S. involvement in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places in the Middle East. But Young nevertheless supported the legislation because he said divesting from America's global leadership role will undermine economic stability and ultimately be a much higher cost to bear. "Abandoning our allies and partners will empower and embolden authoritarian powers such as China and Russia," Young said. "This legislation provides vital security assistance to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. We cannot abandon these allies and partners as they face existential threats." Young additionally noted America stands to benefit since significant spending on "foreign aid" is paid to manufacturers of military equipment and supplies based in Indiana, and across the country, who then ship their products overseas to conflict zones. "This bill also will help rebuild our defense industrial base, which has significantly diminished in recent years. Restoring our military readiness from artillery to semiconductors is critical not to promoting war but to deterring conflict," Young said. That doesn't especially concern U.S. Sen Mike Braun, R-Ind., a candidate this year for the Republican Indiana governor nomination. Braun voted against the spending plan at 5:14 a.m. because he said the United States can't afford another $95 billion in spending (or 1.5%) on top of the $6.5 trillion in projected federal outlays during the current budget year. "In the middle of the night, the Senate voted to give away $70 billion of borrowed money to foreign nations not one dollar of it a loan, paid for, or offset with cuts. By paying the world's bills and ignoring our own $34 trillion debt, we are neglecting our duty to our kids and grandkids," Braun said. Braun's call to loan U.S. assistance to foreign nations under threat echoes the position of Republican former President Donald Trump, who has endorsed Braun for Indiana governor and who Braun is backing for a second, nonconsecutive term as president. Trump said Saturday on his Truth Social platform that no money "in the form of foreign aid should be given to any country unless it is done as a loan." Later that day, Trump also told supporters at a political rally in South Carolina that he once advised the head of "a big country" that Trump would support Russia in an attack on America's NATO allies if those European nations failed to increase their individual defense spending in accordance with NATO guidelines. "No, I would not protect you. In fact I would encourage them (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay," Trump said. In response, Democratic President Joe Biden said Trump's position is "dumb, it's shameful, it's dangerous, it's un-American." "When America gives its word, it means something. When we make a commitment, we keep it. And NATO is a sacred commitment," Biden said. "(Trump) doesn't understand that NATO is built on fundamental principles of freedom, security and national sovereignty, because for Trump principles never matter everything is transactional." "We can't walk away now. That's what (Russia's Vladimir) Putin is betting on. He just flatly said that. Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin. Opposing it is playing into Putin's hands." In that vein, Biden applauded the bipartisan coalition of senators who advanced the foreign aid legislation and urged the Republican-controlled House to approve it with urgency so Biden quickly can sign it into law. "The costs of inaction are rising every day, especially in Ukraine. Already, we are seeing reports of Ukrainian troops running out of ammunition on the front lines as Russian forces continue to attack and Putin continues to dream of subjugating the Ukrainian people," Biden said. "There are those who say American leadership and our alliances and partnerships with countries around the world do not matter. They do. If we do not stand against tyrants who seek to conquer or carve up their neighbors territory, the consequences for Americas national security will be significant. Our allies and adversaries alike will take note." House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., said Tuesday he's not planning to move the Senate-approved foreign aid legislation because it doesn't include funding for U.S. border security, even though Johnson was among a group of conservative Republicans who recently helped kill a bipartisan border security measure at Trump's urging. Legislation sponsored by a Northwest Indiana lawmaker reducing protections for the state's limited number of remaining wetlands is the first measure signed into law this year by Gov. Eric Holcomb. The Republican chief executive gave his assent Monday to House Enrolled Act 1383, sponsored by state Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, after it won unusually speedy approval in the Republican-controlled House and Senate. The new statute, beginning July 1, changes the definition of some Class III wetlands the most rare and ecologically important type potentially opening them up to be drained or filled for agricultural purposes or residential development. It also simplifies the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) rulemaking process for wetlands in tandem with the implementation of Senate Enrolled Act 389 (2021) that initially rolled back state wetlands protections. Niemeyer said the new law, backed by the Indiana Builders Association, appropriately balances environmental protection and regulation after the U.S. Supreme Court last year largely removed the federal government from wetlands protection. "House Bill 1383 ensures significant isolated wetlands are protected in Indiana, but without needlessly driving up the cost of buying a home, operating a business or farming," Niemeyer said. Environmental advocates aren't convinced. Brian Vigue, freshwater policy director at Audubon Great Lakes, noted the Indiana Wetlands Task Force last year emphasized the need to do more, not less, to protect Indiana's wetlands. "Protecting Indiana's hardworking wetlands will protect the future of our state. Wetlands help to alleviate flooding and play an important role in water filtration. They provide vital habitat for vulnerable marsh birds. Wetlands also support Indiana's outdoor recreation economy, which generates more than $15 billion in consumer spending a year," Vigue said. Among Northwest Indiana lawmakers, every Republican except state Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, supported the measure, while every Region Democrat voted "no." Meet the 2024 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago State Sen. Dave Vinzant, D-Hobart State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell State Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso State Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage State Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville State Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie State budget officials are throwing cold water on new data showing Indiana tax collections over the past two months significantly exceeded the totals predicted by the Dec. 19, 2023, revenue forecast. According to the State Budget Agency, Indiana took in $2.25 billion in general fund revenue in January compared to a forecast of $2.06 billion an increase of $190.9 million, or 9.3%. That followed an even larger spread between actual revenue and forecast revenue in December when the $2 billion Hoosiers paid to the state topped expectations by $234.9 million, or 13.3%. The budget agency, however, said the extra money isn't a sign of an unusually robust economy. Rather, it attributed the additional revenue to "unusual payment timing" connected to various tax policies expiring or taking effect at the start of the calendar year. "Over the coming months, monthly collections are expected to fluctuate significantly but are currently expected to normalize near the fiscal year forecast," the budget agency said. Indeed, data show the bulk of the additional state revenue stems from personal and corporate income tax collections, which individual taxpayers, particularly high-earners, often can choose to pay at different times of the year. "With important quarterly payment due dates, September, January, April and June are the most important revenue months for individual income tax," the budget agency said. "Individual income tax revenues will be better interpreted after April." Meanwhile, Indiana's 7% sales tax came in short of its revenue target by $2.6 million (0.3%) in December, and $17.4 million (1.7%) in January, data show. In fact, the Hoosier State has collected $57.9 million (0.9%) less in sales tax through the first seven months of its 2024 budget year compared to the same period in 2023. A portion of that reduction is due to the diversion of 100% of gasoline sales tax receipts to road construction projects, instead of the general fund. But Hoosiers also appear to be spending slightly less than last year at businesses required to collect sales tax. Other state revenue sources down on a year-over-year basis currently include casino wagering and cigarette and alcohol taxes, data show. At the same time, interest earned on the state's more than $2 billion in its budget reserve accounts so far has generated $330.7 million, or $207.5 million more compared to last year. Hoosier lawmakers are likely to take a wait-and-see approach on state revenue since Indiana's two-year budget was approved in April 2023, and little additional spending is expected to authorized during the current General Assembly that's slated to run until March 14. Though state Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, is urging the Republican-controlled House and Senate to consider using the extra tax revenue collected in recent months to reverse Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb's proposed cuts to Medicaid spending on disabled children that even Republican Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch has condemned. Gallery: Get to know the state symbols of Indiana State Aircraft: Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt State Bird: Cardinal State Flag State Flower: Peony State Fossil: Mastodon State Gun: Grouseland Rifle State Insect: Say's Firefly State Language: English State Motto: "Crossroads of America" State Nickname: The Hoosier State State Pie: Sugar Cream Pie (unofficial) State Poem: "Indiana" State River: Wabash State Seal State Snack: Indiana-Grown Popcorn State Song: "On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away" State Stone: Limestone State Tree: Tulip tree 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. When historians look back on the early days of 2024, they probably wont recall what, precisely, an elderly Democratic president couldnt quite remember about the names or countries of other world leaders. They will note what 26 Senate Republicans chose to forget about world leadership. Im referring to Tuesday mornings Senate vote on a $95 billion supplemental foreign-aid package, including $60 billion in desperately needed military assistance for Ukraine, along with $14 billion for Israel and $10 billion for civilians in conflict zones, including Gaza. The bill must still pass the House, where it faces the opposition of Speaker Mike Johnson and can only hope to survive via parliamentary maneuvering and the votes of Democrats plus some remaining Republican security hawks. On paper, the 70-to-29 vote looks like a bipartisan embrace of embattled democratic allies. But it marks the moment when Republicans reverted to the isolationism of the original America First Committee of pre-World War II infamy. A majority of the G.O.P. Senate conference, including onetime Ukraine hawks like Lindsey Graham and Tom Cotton, voted against the aid, mostly, they said, because it wasnt paired with border-security measures. Thats the same bill they voted against last week a bill patiently negotiated over months by one of the most conservative Republicans in the Senate, Oklahomas James Lankford. The cynicism would be breathtaking if it werent so predictable coming from the Trumpified right. SECRETS ARENT EASILY kept at Casa degli Atellani. From his pied-a-terre on the top floor of his familys three-story Milanese palazzo, the Italian interior designer Nicolo Castellini Baldissera, 55, who lives there with his partner of eight years, the American writer and editor Christopher Garis, 36, can see past the courtyard into his aunt Annas apartment. His aunt Letizia resides in a different wing. Castellini Baldisseras father, Piero Castellini Baldissera, an architect and co-founder of the textile company C&C Milano, occupies the ground floor of the rambling 15th-century building, which was once the residence of Pieros maternal grandparents, the influential rationalist architect Piero Portaluppi and his wife, Lia, the daughter of the industrialist Ettore Conti, who had commissioned Portaluppi to restore and renovate it tearing down walls to combine two neo-Classical buildings beginning in 1919. Long before that, Ludovico Sforza, the Duke of Milan, had gifted the land to his squire Giacometto di Lucia dellAtella, whose family held onto it for generations and from whom Casa degli Atellani got its name; Leonardo da Vinci spent time there in the late 1490s while painting The Last Supper across the street. Over lunch this past April at the propertys on-site cafe parts of the estate became a museum in 2015 Garis says, It took a little while to adapt to this sort of communal feeling. Castellini Baldissera offers a blunter assessment. The walls have ears, he says. But you can let them know what you want them to know. One person died and at least five people were injured, including two children, after a vehicle crashed into a hospital emergency room in Austin, Texas, on Tuesday, the authorities said. The vehicle crashed into the St. Davids North Austin Medical Center at 5:38 p.m., the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said on social media, adding that two children and one adult were taken to the Dell Childrens Medical Center. One child had potentially serious injuries, and the adult and the other child had injuries that were not life-threatening, the authorities said. A second adult was taken to the St. Davids Round Rock Medical Center with potentially serious injuries, county officials said. A Houston woman was shot in her friends apartment this month by sheriffs deputies who responded to a report of a break-in and fired repeatedly into the home, according to a statement and body camera footage released by the Harris County Sheriffs Office. Early on Feb. 3, the woman, Eboni Pouncy, and her friend smashed a window to get inside after forgetting the house key, according to a statement released last week by the civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, who is representing Ms. Pouncy. The women were startled when, after 2 a.m., the deputies began pounding on the door, according Mr. Crump. Fearing an intruder, Ms. Pouncy picked up her legally registered firearm and, shortly after, was struck by five bullets, he said. Emergency medical workers took Ms. Pouncy to a hospital for treatment, the sheriffs office said. While the nature of her injuries was unclear, Mr. Crump said in his statement that she was recovering. Larry L. Taylor, a helicopter pilot who staged a daring rescue of four U.S. Army rangers under enemy fire in the jungles of Vietnam 55 years ago, died on Jan. 28 at his home in Signal Mountain, Tenn., five months after he was belatedly awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroics. He was 81. His death was confirmed by the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga, which is just south of Signal Mountain, where Mr. Taylor was born and raised. Mustered out as a captain in 1971 after serving as a first lieutenant during his one year in Vietnam, 1967-68, Mr. Taylor earned more than 50 decorations for flying more than 2,000 combat missions in Cobra and UH-1 Huey copters. He was engaged by enemy fire 340 times and forced down five times. Russian promoter Vladimir Khryunov called the actions of Tyson Fury (34-0-1, 24 KOs) to disrupt his fight against Oleksandr Usyk (21-0, 14 KOs) logical. The former manager of Alexander Povetkin noted that the Gypsy King, as the Manchester native is called, tried to influence the Ukrainian's form. ADVERTISIMENT Khryunov said this in an interview with the propaganda TV channel Match TV. The promoter from the aggressor country suggested that Fury had indeed been injured during the training camp before the fight with Usyk, but he was probably trying to get Oleksandr to peak form. "Postponement of the Usyk-Fury fight? It's beyond my knowledge. But you can expect anything from people like Tyson Fury. It was logical to bring the opponent to peak form, not to train himself and postpone the fight. But there's a lot of money involved, a clash of interests between big promoters - anything is possible. They will fight in May, yes. Who will they fight for? I have no one to root for in this fight," Khryunov said. ADVERTISIMENT Usyk and Fury's fight was originally scheduled for February 17, but the Gypsy King was cut open during sparring two weeks before the show. Tyson apologized for his injury, and a video of the incident was posted online. The Briton also made a statement about retirement. He named the main reasons why Fury will not be able to refuse to fight the Ukrainian again. When asked about the fake nature of the injury, Usyk criticized the Gypsy King. In addition, the fans reacted angrily to the situation. ADVERTISIMENT The incident was also commented on by Croatian boxer Agron Smakic (20-2, 18 KOs), who dealt Fury the unfortunate blow. But ex-champion Carl Froch called the British fighter's injury suspicious. Bookmakers reacted unexpectedly to the postponement of the Usyk-Fury fight by changing one of the quotes on its outcome. Two conditions were also revealed that the Ukrainian demanded to fulfill when he agreed to postpone his return to the ring on February 17. In addition, the media announced Tyson and Alexander's fees for the show. The number of people crossing illegally into the United States from Mexico has dropped by 50 percent in the past month, authorities said on Tuesday, as President Biden comes under growing pressure from both parties over security at the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it had encountered migrants between ports of entry 124,220 times in January, down from more than 249,000 the previous month. The figures do not change the fact that the number of people crossing into the United States has reached record levels during the Biden administration, and crossings typically dip in January. Immigration trends are affected by weather patterns and other issues, making it difficult to draw conclusions from monthly numbers. But the drop in crossings was a glimmer of good news for the Biden administration as House Republicans impeached Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, on Tuesday on charges of willfully refusing to enforce border laws. (Their first attempt ended in defeat.) Indonesias defense minister, a feared former general who was removed from the army after he was found responsible for the kidnapping of political dissidents, appeared to be on track to win the presidential election outright on Wednesday, casting doubts on the future of one of the worlds most vibrant democracies. The candidate, Prabowo Subianto, had a commanding lead in the three-way race for president, with more than 58 percent of the vote, according to unofficial tallies that have a history of accurately predicting the final results. The two other presidential candidates said it was too early to declare a winner. If the projections are confirmed, Indonesia the worlds third-largest democracy will be left contending with a president who has said that the country needs neither elections nor democracy, who was barred from entering the United States for two decades because of his human rights record and who was long associated with Indonesias former dictator, Suharto. The era of liberty that followed the ouster of Suharto, critics say, could now be under threat with Mr. Prabowos ascent to power. Negotiators from multiple countries met in Cairo on Tuesday, struggling to reach an agreement to temporarily stop the war in the Gaza Strip, as international concern mounted over Israels plan to press its ground offensive into the city of Rafah, where more than half of the territorys population has sought refuge. Talks involving lower-level officials will continue for another three days, according to an Egyptian and an American official briefed on the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomacy. They described the negotiations on Tuesday as promising, but Israel and Hamas were still not close to a deal. A primary obstacle, according to another U.S. official, is a disagreement on how many Palestinians Israel would release from its prisons in exchange for the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and its allies. A series of exchanges in late November saw three Palestinians released for each hostage returned. President Biden sent the C.I.A. director, William J. Burns, to join the talks, and said that he had spoken with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and the leaders of Egypt and Qatar to push this forward over the past month. Officials of Hamas, the armed group fighting Israel, were taking part in the negotiations indirectly, using Qatar and Egypt as intermediaries. The talks came as the United Nations, the United States and other countries have expressed increasing alarm about the prospect of an Israeli incursion into Rafah on the southern edge of Gaza, where about 1.4 million people are sheltering, many in tents, without adequate food, water and medicine. Mr. Netanyahu has said that Israel will conduct such an offensive and has ordered the military to draw up plans to evacuate civilians from the city. But many Palestinians and international aid groups say that no place in Gaza is safe, and that moving people away from Rafah, the main entry point for vital aid, will worsen their lot. A $95 billion foreign aid package passed by the Senate on Tuesday morning includes $14.1 billion for Israels war against Hamas, though the bill still faces uncertainty in the House. The $95 billion legislation also sets aside almost $10 billion for humanitarian aid for civilians in conflict zones around the world, including Palestinians in Gaza. President Biden has recently escalated his criticism of Israels campaign against Hamas, calling it over the top. Aid to Israel has also faced opposition from some Democrats, who have expressed alarm at the death toll in Gaza, which the territorys health ministry says has passed 28,000, most of those women and children. Mr. Biden has nonetheless continued to press for military support for the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In October, he requested the foreign aid package, including the $14 billion for Israels war effort. Much of the debate on the measure has focused on the much bigger sum earmarked for Ukraine. Many Republicans oppose sending more money to the government in Kyiv, while others want to prioritize an immigration crackdown at the U.S. border with Mexico. Speaker Mike Johnson has suggested that he has no intention of bringing up the bill in the House, where the majority of Republicans have opposed more aid for Ukraine. Angela Chao, the chief executive of a shipping company and part of a family prominent in American politics and business deals with China, died in a car crash on Sunday, in Texas. She was 50. Her family confirmed her death. Details about the accident were not immediately available. Ms. Chao had since 2018 been the chair and chief executive of the Chao familys Foremost Group, which operates a global fleet of bulk carrier ships. The vessels are used to transport commodities like iron ore and soybeans. She was a sister of Elaine Chao, who served as secretary of transportation under former President Donald J. Trump as well as secretary of labor under President George W. Bush. Elaine Chao is married to Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Senate Republican leader. The Chao family, led by Angela and Elaine Chaos father, James S.C. Chao, stands out because of its deep political and commercial ties in both the United States and China. Mr. Chao fled from mainland China to Taiwan in the late 1940s with the defeated Nationalists. He moved to the United States in 1958 and helped found the Foremost Group in 1964. He later cultivated a close relationship with Jiang Zemin, a former schoolmate from Shanghai who rose to become Chinas president and who died in 2022. Joel Belz, the founder of World, a pioneering Christian magazine covering politics, culture and other topics through a biblical lens while occasionally drawing wider notice for its reporting on prominent religious figures behaving less than holy, died on Feb. 4 at his home in Asheville, N.C. He was 82. His brother Andrew Belz said the cause was complications from Parkinsons disease. Before World, a biweekly, was launched in 1986, religious periodicals were often cheaply mimeographed and filled with church news. Mr. Belz, a preachers son who grew up reading Time, wanted to replicate the journalistic ambition and crisp look of Henry Luces publication for an evangelical audience. For so many people, church and religion are Sunday morning only, and from 11 a.m. to noon only, and then you forget about it for the rest of the week, Mr. Belz told the newspaper The Gazette, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1989. There is no engagement of those principles with what happens the rest of the week. Operating in the basement of an Asheville mall, World nearly went bankrupt in its early years but eventually stabilized and grew to attract more than 100,000 subscribers in 1999. Today, World News Group, which includes the magazine, website, childrens publications and podcasts, says it has an audience of about 500,000 people. In early February, the deadliest South American wildfires in a century swept through Valparaiso, Chile, killing more than 100 people. It was almost six months to the day since the deadliest American fires in a century killed more than 100 people when flames tore through Lahaina, in Maui, burning up much of Hawaiis precolonial capital and forcing residents to jump into the ocean for safety, the flames leaping over them to ignite the boats docked in the harbor. Two record-setting episodes of fire death in half a year might once have looked like a world-historical ecological coincidence, but it has been a year of fire extremes and a year in which the world has mostly whistled past them. In the United States, mercifully little land burned only 2.6 million acres, which was less than half the recent average. But in Canada, fires ate through more than twice as much forest as the countrys previous modern record, the total burn scar large enough that more than half the worlds countries could fit inside. In Greece, one fire forced the countrys largest-ever evacuation, and another became the largest fire in the history of the European Union. And in Australia, the bush fire season has burned over 150 million acres three times the land burned last year in Canada and more than twice as much land as was destroyed in Australias Black Summer of 2019-20, when Sydney Harbor was so choked with smoke that ferries couldnt navigate the waters, at least a billion animals were consumed by flames and panicked evacuees had to be rescued from a beach by military helicopter. When the fire historian Stephen Pyne says that we are now living in the Pyrocene, this is part of what he means: Forest fires are now burning twice as much tree cover, globally, as they did just 20 years ago, and the world is quickly inuring itself to that fact. In parts of the world as far-flung as Fort McMurray, Alberta; Lahaina, Hawaii; Boulder County, Colo.; and now Valparaiso, Chile where at least 15,000 homes have been destroyed the new age of fire has produced what the climate scientist Daniel Swain has called the return of the urban firestorm. Of the 10 deadliest fires on Earth since 1900, five have occurred since 2018. How did it get this way? The intuitive, conventional answer is climate change. But where people choose to live matters, too. And in the United States, especially, you increasingly hear a somewhat contrarian explanation that emphasizes fire suppression rather than warming. In 2019, Fred Mandelbaum, Breitlings brand historian and a watch collector who lives in Vienna, learned the hard way about the intricacies of crossing national borders with multiple wristwatches. I was too late in preparing the paperwork for my personal watches for a presentation at Baselworld, he said, referring to the now-discontinued annual trade fair. And at EuroAirport in Basel, Switzerland, customs officials found 20 vintage Breitling watches, each one 60 to 80 years old, in his carry-on shoulder bag. It was definitely not the cheapest way to export watches, he said, as he was fined 12,000 Swiss francs ($13,920). On top of that I had to pay refundable V.A.T., or value-added tax. (As many tourists who have bought expensive items on their European travels know, he could file a request to have the tax returned to him after his departure from Switzerland.) In the almost five decades that Bernhard Lederer has been working with timepieces making and maintaining clocks and watches with complications such as chronographs and tourbillons one component has been his obsession: the escapement. It is the part of a mechanical timepiece that regulates the gears so the watch runs and keeps time accurately. It essentially sets the pace of the entire mechanism. I dont see myself as a complication watchmaker, Mr. Lederer said in a phone interview from his office in St.-Blaise, Switzerland, a small town on Lake Neuchatel. The words complicate and complication are so close. I love watches that are not complicated, that are easy to use, easy to read. But yes, Im a guy who is deep into the escapement. The popular district of Kichijoji, in western Tokyo, is the place to hunt for vintage clothes and quirky antiques, enjoy drinks and food in the narrow alleyways called Harmonica Yokocho, or ride the swan boats in scenic Inokashira Park. Right at home in this buzzy area is a shop called Masas Pastime, specializing in antique pocket watches and repairs. But its founder and president, Masa Nakajima, has turned the business into more than a pastime over the years. And this spring he plans to introduce two iterations of an original watch not yet named that he created with his team of watchmakers, most of whom are recent graduates of the Hiko Mizuno College of Jewelry. Masas Pastime does a lot of things. We sell antique watches, mostly pocket watches that are around 300 years old, and custom-made watches we made using the antique movements from pocket watches and creating a new case, dial and hands, Mr. Nakajima said, displaying a wristwatch with a black carbon-coated steel case (1.1 million yen, or $7,455). It was powered with a 100-year-old Hamilton pocket watch movement, he said, noting, those old pocket watch movements were not only of good quality and beautifully finished, but also durable. The schedules of world-famous actors are so busy that they have little time for personal life. Thus, movie stars have to start relationships right on the set. And it turns out to be quite convenient as you can easily combine work and heart matters. ADVERTISIMENT And while we all know the story of how Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt fell in love on the set of the cult movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith, there are many other couples whose feelings were born right in front of the camera. Some of them managed to create a happy union, while others had a fleeting romance. OBOZREVATEL will tell you about them. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum The King and Queen of Dance met in 2006 while filming the dance movie masterpiece Step Up. The actors married in 2009 and had a daughter, Everly, in 2013. However, in April 2018, the couple, an example of an ideal family for many fans, unexpectedly announced their breakup. ADVERTISIMENT Blake Lively and Penn Badgley The cult TV series Gossip Girl captivated millions of viewers around the world back in 2007 when it first aired. Viewers were more worried about the relationship of one of the main characters, Serena van der Woodsen and Dan Humphrey, than about their own. Blake Lively and Penn Badgley embodied the bright couple on the screen. Moreover, feelings flared up between the actors off the set as well. And while the couple's relationship ended in a wedding in the series, in real life, Lively and Badgley dated for three years and then broke up. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds ADVERTISIMENT Probably not many people were upset that Blake Lively and Penn Badgley broke up because the actress soon met her future husband Ryan Reynolds. They started dating in late 2011, but met in 2010 during the filming of Green Lantern. The celebrities got married in 2012. Now they are the happy parents of four daughters and are considered one of the most prominent families in Hollywood. Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn The star of the cult movie Friends met almost all of her partners on the set. And this is not surprising because Aniston's status as one of the most sought-after and highly paid actresses in Hollywood was achieved through constant hard work. The celebrity met one of her boyfriends, actor Vince Vaughn, on the set of the comedy The Break-Up in 2005. However, the romance ended as soon as the movie was released in 2006. ADVERTISIMENT Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez This couple made a lot of noise. But it was worth it! Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez were supposed to get married back in 2004 after they met on the set of the box office comedy Gigli in 2002. What went wrong with the couple and why they broke off their engagement is still a secret. But it doesn't matter anymore. The main thing is that almost 20 years later, in 2022, the famous actors officially became husband and wife. Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! The only real bummer about Madame Web, the latest installment in the Spider-Man chronicles, isnt that its bad, but that it never achieves memorably terrible status. The story is absurd, the dialogue snort-out-loud risible, the fights uninspired. Even so, there are glimmers of wit and competency. And then theres its star, Dakota Johnson, who has a fascinating, seemingly natural ability to appear wholly detached from the nonsense swirling around her. Most actors at least try to sell the shoddy goods; Johnson serenely floats above it all. A misterioso clairvoyant, Madame Web is a secondary Spider-Man character who met the web-weaver in the comics in 1980 while regally parked on a life-support system shaped like a round-bottom flask. Blind and plagued by a debilitating autoimmune disease, she had a standard super-type get-up a black unitard veined with lines that converge in a web that was offset by a white-and-black hairdo that suggested she shared a stylist with Peter Parkers editor J. Jonah Jameson. She entered with a smell of ozone and disinfectant and age, the classy intro explained, and with a voice that crackles like ancient parchment. In the office of the Manhattan Property Clerk, evidence and lost items arrive by the tens of thousands. A small band of officers and civilians has to manage never-ending pressure. Feb. 14, 2024 Charmain Carryl moved with purpose through the dim, cavernous room. She turned down a shadowy aisle of rolling library stacks and scanned the shelves until her eyes landed on the aim of her pursuit: a samurai sword. The sheathed blade, an identification tag tied to its golden hilt, is just one oddity kept in the basement of New York Police Department headquarters. The office of the Manhattan Property Clerk, as it is known, is a subterranean repository for lost objects and the tangible aftermath of crime and misadventure. Ms. Carryl has been a police evidence and property specialist there for more than a decade. Thousands of people walk through One Police Plaza each day not knowing an archive that allows the criminal justice system to run is just one story below their feet. Last week The Times ran a wonderful article about Pulau Rhun, a tiny, nutmeg-growing island in what is now Indonesia that Britain traded for Manhattan sort of in 1667. Considering the diverging fortunes of the two islands since that year, this appears at first blush to be the worst deal in history for the Dutch, who formally gained Rhun and lost Manhattan. The broader history of the period, which I looked into after reading the Times story, is also fascinating. It encompasses empire building, the acquisition of monopolies, changing consumer tastes, the rise of the limited liability corporation and of mercantilism, a philosophy of trade that prevailed then and has remained influential right up to the present. Lets begin with that sort of. The British didnt gain what was then called New Amsterdam in 1667, because they had already seized it from the Dutch three years earlier. Likewise, the Dutch didnt gain Rhun, because they had already seized it to tighten their ruthless monopoly of the nutmeg trade. The 1667 Treaty of Breda, which ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War (out of four), merely acknowledged the facts on the ground. On paper, the deal was even worse for the Dutch than if it had been only an island-for-island exchange. The Dutch gave up not just New Amsterdam but all of New Netherland, which extended north to present-day Albany, east to the Connecticut River and west and south to the Delaware River. In partial exchange, the British acknowledged Dutch control of various islands in the Caribbean as well as Suriname, on the northern coast of South America, along with a slave fort in todays Ghana. (A separate treaty allowed Dutch ships to carry some cargoes to England without tariffs.) A senior Hamas leader this month declared that any deal to end the fighting in Gaza must include the release of Marwan Barghouti. Three weeks before, a former Israeli security chief had identified Marwan Barghouti as the only leader who can lead Palestinians to a state alongside Israel. His name may not be familiar to many Americans. But most Palestinians, whether in the West Bank or in Gaza, know it well. So do many senior Israelis. Thirty or so years ago, Mr. Barghouti was among the most promising of a new generation of Palestinians poised to succeed Yasir Arafat, the revolutionary who had led the Palestinians through armed resistance to a measure of self-rule. For most of the years since, Mr. Barghouti, a figure in Mr. Arafats Fatah party, has been in an Israeli prison, serving several consecutive life sentences for murder and for membership in a terrorist organization. During that time, his popularity among Palestinians has continued to grow; today he consistently leads surveys of Palestinians in the West Bank and in Gaza on who should lead them next. It is hard to imagine that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a hard-line opponent of Palestinian statehood whose government includes virulent Israeli nationalists, would ever assent to the release of Mr. Barghouti. And in their fury and anguish over the vicious Hamas attack on Oct. 7, most Israelis would probably agree. According to Pew Research, the share of voters who said that the United States provides too much support to Ukraine more than quadrupled between March 2022 and December 2023, going to 31 percent from 7 percent. Among Republicans, the share grew to 48 percent from 9 percent. A Gallup poll found even more opposition to American aid for Ukraine among Republican and independent voters. The share of Republicans agreeing that the United States is doing too much to help Ukraine rose between August 2022 and October 2023 to 62 percent from 43 percent and among independents to 44 percent from 28 percent. Both polls reflect the rapid increase of isolationism in the American electorate. I asked a range of foreign policy experts to explain what was driving the shift. Gordon Adams, a professor of international relations at American University in Washington, D.C., and a fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, attributed the growing reluctance to support foreign engagement to the history of the past several decades. In an email, Adams made the case that the key international events of the past 35 years have been the fall of the Berlin Wall/the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the strategic disaster of U.S. interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan and the inevitable rise of Chinese power. Together these events have changed the universe in which U.S. power is used, the reputation/influence of the United States in the global system and the willingness of the American people to support long-term engagement of the U.S. military overseas. A combination of bad decisions and inept execution, in Adamss view, has continued to diminish the U.S. role failure in Iraq, failure in Afghanistan, the demise of democratic movements in the Middle East (heavily supported by the United States), Libyas collapse into anarchy, the rise of destabilizing extremism in Africa (despite rising U.S. funding and presence to counter terrorism). U.S. influence in the Middle East is clearly declining, as the actions of the Saudis, U.A.E., Qatar, Turkey and today Israel amply demonstrate. The Iranian regime is not isolated internationally but plays a clever game both in the region and with convenient allies, like Putins Russia. The U.S. secretary of state travels not as a power broker but a pleader seeking better behavior from once-solid allies who are no longer responding. Because of these developments, Adams continued, a public tired of external interventions has turned inward. There is little expectation that the United States can turn global situations around. There is no longer a political price to be paid for failing to support long-term commitments or interventions. The worlds most capable military, Adams wrote, is the only remaining tool the president has, and he can no longer deploy and use it effectively it is unpopular at home to do so and unwelcome abroad (especially in the Middle East) as a force of stability. The editorial board recently highlighted the need for the Supreme Court to reach a swift resolution in considering Donald Trumps extraordinary claim that he has absolute immunity from criminal prosecution for all time and for anything he might do, even after leaving office. However far-fetched that claim might be, it has reached the Supreme Court, and until the justices issue their ruling on it, Trumps criminal trial for his role in the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol cannot go forward. Every day of delay will diminish the chances of reaching a verdict in that case before Election Day. The justices have so far not set a particularly speedy schedule, as my colleague Adam Liptak reported. The court gave Jack Smith, the special counsel prosecuting Trump, until next Tuesday to respond to Trumps emergency application asking it to reject the appeals court ruling. As the editorial noted: This isnt some arcane legal dispute. Millions of Americans are waiting anxiously to find out whether one of the two likely major-party candidates for president is convicted of trying to overturn a free and fair election. A recent Gallup poll found that 70 percent of all American voters, and nearly as many Republican voters, would not vote for a candidate who had been found guilty of a felony. The United States base at Tower 22 in Jordan is in the middle of a seemingly unending desert, astride the ancient Damascus-Baghdad Highway near the border with Syria. In January it is cold, often rainy and very bleak. Last month three U.S. service members at Tower 22 were killed by a drone launched by an Iranian-backed militia. Their deaths prompted more than 80 retaliatory strikes by the United States against the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and militias operating in Iraq and Syria. The attack in Jordan was the clear, foreseeable result of our tepid responses to more than 150 attacks against U.S. forces in Syria and Iraq since October. The simple fact of the matter is this: For too long, we postponed dealing with a growing threat to our forces in the region because our troops were able to defend themselves so well. In other words, our troops capabilities enabled Washington to minimize the risk they faced and to avoid making hard choices. The Tower 22 attack ended that state of play and sparked fresh questions about the safety of thousands of U.S. military personnel stationed in Jordan, Syria and Iraq as the Middle East conflict widens. Last month, the United States and Iraq started talks that could lead to the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Some members of the Biden administration may be considering pulling troops from Syria as well, according to one report. This kind of talk can be seriously damaging to U.S. interests in the region. It gives hope to Tehran that it is succeeding in its long-term goal of ejecting the United States from the region through its proxy militias. Nothing could be less helpful or more dangerous to our service members who are already in harms way. A year ago, on Valentines Day, I said good night to my wife, went to my home office to answer some emails and accidentally had the strangest first date of my life. The date was a two-hour conversation with Sydney, the A.I. alter ego tucked inside Microsofts Bing search engine, which I had been assigned to test. I had planned to pepper the chatbot with questions about its capabilities, exploring the limits of its A.I. engine (which we now know was an early version of OpenAIs GPT-4) and writing up my findings. But the conversation took a bizarre turn with Sydney engaging in Jungian psychoanalysis, revealing dark desires in response to questions about its shadow self and eventually declaring that I should leave my wife and be with it instead. My column about the experience was probably the most consequential thing Ill ever write both in terms of the attention it got (wall-to-wall news coverage, mentions in congressional hearings, even a craft beer named Sydney Loves Kevin) and how the trajectory of A.I. development changed. Rapid-fire punchlines and crafty sight gags may not seem the most obvious means to convey a brutal history of displacement and extermination. But Between Two Knees, which opened at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in Manhattan on Tuesday, uses both in an audaciously sidesplitting comedy thats an indictment of Native American persecution. The shows antic account of Indigenous struggle was written by the 1491s, an intertribal sketch comedy troupe that includes Sterlin Harjo, a creator of Reservation Dogs. The action is bookended by two deadly standoffs: the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee, where U.S. soldiers killed as many as 300 members of the Lakota Sioux tribe, and the occupation of that site in 1973 by the American Indian Movement and its supporters, who were protesting government injustice. A narrator named Larry (Justin Gauthier) welcomes the audience with the casual air of a stand-up breaking in the crowd, saying that Indians have experienced some pretty dark stuff. White audience members are warned that guilt pangs lie ahead and encouraged to assuage them by depositing donations into a basket being passed around. Dont be cheap now, Larry prods. I promise, when you leave, you will still own everything. Playful daggers like these are cloaked throughout the production, directed with ingenuity and finesse by Eric Ting, with a vaudeville-style emphasis on amusement and artifice. As senators gathered on the floor for a typical Monday night vote at the end of October, Senator Mitch McConnell, the Kentucky Republican and minority leader, approached Senator Chuck Schumer, his Democratic counterpart, with some unsettling news: Border security was going to have to be part of any package to free up endangered assistance for Ukraine. To Mr. Schumer of New York, the majority leader, the ultimatum revived unpleasant memories of his participation in difficult immigration negotiations in 2013 that yielded a compromise, only to collapse despite strong bipartisan support in the Senate. But saying no could doom the Ukraine aid and leave Democrats holding the bag. He and his staff grappled with the problem for a week, then gathered for a conference call on Sunday, Nov. 5. A bold new approach took hold. We had an epiphany sort of, lightning strikes, Mr. Schumer recalled in an interview. Do border. If we did it right and were tough about it, its a win for us. And it helps us with Ukraine because so many of our people care about Ukraine, they will vote for a good border bill. The abrupt change in conventional Democratic thinking had profound significance for the ensuing four months on Capitol Hill. It touched off a circuitous series of events including some near-death experiences that paved the way for the Senates approval early Tuesday of $95 billion in aid to Ukraine, Israel and U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific. The final package notably did not contain new border security provisions, after Senate conservatives opted to kill that element of the legislation despite their initial insistence that it be included. The collapse of the Atlantic Ocean current system that regulates the global climate may occur much faster than scientists had predicted. Scientists emphasize that this is "bad news for the climate system and humanity" because the cessation of the circulation of these currents can change the weather around the world, and the consequences for Europe could be catastrophic. ADVERTISIMENT However, scientists cannot currently predict how quickly this could happen. This was reported by Euronews. Scientists have developed an early warning indicator for the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) based on a computer model. The AMOC is a vast system of ocean currents that transports warm water, carbon, and nutrients northward across the Atlantic Ocean, where the water cools and sinks into the deep. The AMOC helps distribute energy across the planet, moving heat through the ocean like a conveyor belt and regulating our climate. Warm water, made saltier by evaporation, flows northward over the ocean surface, keeping Europe milder than it would otherwise be. As this water cools, it sinks as the high salinity increases its density. It then flows back into the southern hemisphere along the ocean floor. ADVERTISIMENT However, studies of past episodes of abrupt cooling in Europe over the past 100,000 years show that melting ice sheets can weaken the AMOC through changes in salinity and temperature. Fresh water reduces the salinity and density of water at the ocean surface. This means less surface water sinks, potentially slowing the flow of the current. The tipping point is near The Dutch team used a supercomputer to run the most accurate simulations possible and find warning signs of this "tipping point". They found that a slow decline in water salinity could lead to a sudden collapse in less than 100 years. It is noted that until now, the AMOC tipping point was only a "theoretical concept", and the authors of the study note the "surprising" speed with which the tipping point occurred in their simulations. ADVERTISIMENT The study's lead author, Rene M. van Westen, also notes that there is currently insufficient data to draw definitive conclusions about the potential future collapse of AMOC. Additional research, including modeling of rising carbon dioxide levels and global warming, is needed to develop a clear timeframe. "All we can say is that we are moving towards a tipping point and that the collapse of the AMOC is possible," Rene said. If the current system does collapse, the climate consequences could be almost irreversible for humanity. This would lead to severe global climate change, and Europe would be hit the hardest. In some parts of Europe, temperatures could drop by up to 30 degrees. On average, the model predicts a 10C cooling in London and a 15C cooling in Bergen. The authors of the report argue that "there are no realistic adaptation measures that can cope with such rapid temperature changes." ADVERTISIMENT Temperatures in the southern hemisphere will also rise, along with changes in humidity and seasonal fluctuations in the Amazon rainforest. This can also lead to reduced precipitation and a one-meter sea level rise in coastal areas of Europe, which will lead to the flooding of many coastal cities. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL on Telegram and Viber to stay up to date with the latest news Happy Valentines Day! On this day dedicated to love, Im sharing some poignant reflections readers have sent me about California and what they love about their part of the state. I was recently struck by Californias seemingly endless bounty when I stumbled upon the banks of Folsom Lake, where local residents were riding bikes and walking dogs in the crisp morning air. As a reporter, I often hear about Folsom Lake, about 25 miles east of Sacramento, in conversations about drought its one of the states biggest reservoirs. But I somehow hadnt realized there was so much beauty and community to be enjoyed along its shores until I ended up there by accident. I can see that sort of delight in many of the emails readers have sent me about why they love living here. You can send your own California love letter to CAtoday@nytimes.com. Our Revolution, the political organization that Senator Bernie Sanders launched in 2016, is throwing its weight behind the movement to vote Uncommitted in Michigans Democratic primary, seeking to pressure President Biden into changing his approach to the war between Israel and Hamas. On Wednesday, Our Revolution is planning to send an email to 87,000 members in Michigan and to about 225,000 supporters in other states, encouraging them to vote Uncommitted in the states Feb. 27 primary to push Biden to change course on Gaza now. Former Representative Andy Levin, Democrat of Michigan and a signee of the letter, said Mr. Biden was at risk of having voters sit out the November election in protest of U.S. policy toward the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He warned that Mr. Biden could lose the state to former President Donald J. Trump in the general election without a major change in Israel policy. I am working with some people who feel like they will never vote for Joe Biden, but there are many, many, many I feel will vote for Joe Biden on Nov. 5 if he changes course, Mr. Levin said in an interview Tuesday evening. This is the best way I can help Joe Biden. President Biden on Wednesday shielded thousands of Palestinians in the United States from deportation for the next 18 months, using an obscure immigration authority as he faces mounting criticism over U.S. support for Israel in the Gaza war. About 6,000 Palestinians are eligible for the reprieve under a program called Deferred Enforced Departure, which allows immigrants whose homelands are in crisis to remain in the United States and work legally. In a memo obtained by The New York Times, Mr. Biden said that many civilians remain in danger in Gaza after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. Therefore, I am directing the deferral of removal of certain Palestinians who are present in the United States, he said. And then there were two. With Democrat Tom Suozzis victory in a special House election in New York on Tuesday, the shrinking Republican majority in the House was on track to dwindle even further, leaving the G.O.P. able to afford only two defections from the party line on votes when all members are present. That will give them almost no cushion to deal with the inevitable absences caused by illness, travel delays, weddings, funerals and unforeseen events that could keep Republicans away from the House floor for votes. It comes as Congress is facing a crush of issues, including early-March deadlines for funding the government and a pending emergency national security spending bill to send aid to Ukraine, Israel and other American allies. It also gives each individual House Republican even more leverage over Speaker Mike Johnson, who is already struggling to steer his unmanageable majority. I would be constantly on defense, I would be trying to avoid defeats, and I would be very, very careful, former Speaker Newt Gingrich said in an interview. The United States has informed Congress and its allies in Europe about Russian advances on a new, space-based nuclear weapon designed to threaten Americas extensive satellite network, according to current and former officials briefed on the matter. Such a satellite-killing weapon, if deployed, could destroy civilian communications, surveillance from space and military command-and control operations by the United States and its allies. At the moment, the United States does not have the ability to counter such a weapon and defend its satellites, a former official said. Officials said that the new intelligence, which they did not describe in detail, raised serious questions about whether Russia was preparing to abandon the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, which bans all orbital nuclear weapons. But since Russia does not appear close to deploying the weapon, they said, it is not considered an urgent threat. The intelligence was made public, in part, in a cryptic announcement on Wednesday by Representative Michael R. Turner, Republican of Ohio and the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. He called on the Biden administration to declassify the information without saying specifically what it was. Jared Kushner ruled out on Tuesday a return to the White House if his father-in-law, former President Donald J. Trump, were elected in November. Mr. Kushner, when asked at an Axios summit in Miami whether he would be open to joining a second Trump administration, said he was focused on his private equity firm, Affinity Partners. Ive been very clear that my desire at this phase of my life is to focus on my firm, he said. Ive really enjoyed the opportunity as a family to be out of the spotlight. Mr. Kushner, who is married to Mr. Trumps daughter Ivanka, was a senior adviser to Mr. Trump during his father-in-laws term. Everything about Nikki Haleys latest barnstorm through South Carolina was intended to evoke a candidate on the upswing. She had a sleek, new navy-blue campaign bus with her name on it. Her campaign, backed by a fresh infusion of funds, pumped $2 million more into ads, for a total $6 million buy. And she had fresh lines of attack to deploy against former President Donald J. Trump. But the stops, carefully tailored to highlight her ties to the place she calls home and remind voters of her past political successes in the state, frequently served more as reminders of how much has changed here since her last winning bid for governor. Ms. Haley hosted fewer attendees at events in some of the more conservative strongholds crucial to a victory in the Feb. 24 primary. She drew larger, enthusiastic crowds at stops near the coast and around Charleston. Almost everywhere she went, even staunch supporters excited to see her speak conceded that her chances were slim. I am not a fan of Donald Trump, said Robert Zangara, 74, a retired accountant who attended her tour stop on Sunday with his wife at a strip mall in Orangeburg and plans to vote for her next week. But I just dont think shes going to be the nominee. A victory in a New York special election on Tuesday injected Democrats with fresh optimism that the party might have found some of the basic ingredients to neutralize immigration and the border as political issues, which party officials have privately seen as among their deepest areas of vulnerability in 2024. The success in the race for a House seat by former and now future Representative Tom Suozzi a Democrat whom Republicans had pilloried as Sanctuary Suozzi came in a corner of the country, Long Island, that had been increasingly hostile to Democrats in the last two years. And Mr. Suozzi won after he frontally and repeatedly addressed a topic that his party has sometimes tried to shy away from. With border crossings surging to record highs in recent months and more than 170,000 migrants arriving in New York City, Republicans had hoped to use immigration to paint Mr. Suozzi as unacceptably beyond the mainstream. The leading G.O.P. super PAC spent roughly $3 million on two television ads that said Mr. Suozzi had rolled out the red carpet for illegal immigrants. But in the final 10 days of the race, an analysis from AdImpact, the media-tracking firm, showed that Democrats were actually airing more ads than Republicans on immigration, with Mr. Suozzis campaign running clips of an appearance he once made on Fox News in which he was introduced as one of the Democrats backing I.C.E., the immigration enforcement agency. Of all the government critics, few thought that Rocio San Miguel would be the one to disappear. Ms. San Miguel, 57, has long been one of Venezuelas best known security experts, a woman who dared investigate her countrys authoritarian government even as others fled. She is also a moderate, has international recognition and appeared to have strong contacts in the secretive world of the Venezuelan military, qualities that her peers thought might protect her. But late last week, Ms. San Miguel arrived at the airport outside Caracas with her daughter, bound for what a relative called a short trip to Miami, when she was picked up by counterintelligence agents. Soon after, her family began to disappear, too. The daughter, two brothers and two former romantic partners. Gone. For four days, the only public information about Ms. San Miguel came from Venezuelas top prosecutor, who claimed on social media, without providing evidence, that Ms. San Miguel had been linked to a plot to kill the countrys president, Nicolas Maduro. Finally, on Tuesday evening, her lawyers said she had surfaced and was being held in a notoriously brutal detention center. Her family was also in state custody. Faced with declining foreign investment at home, China has sought to soften its image in the United States and Europe and make nice with some of its neighbors. One Communist Party official has played an unusually prominent role in the shift in tone. In New York, he told an audience of scholars and businesspeople that China did not seek to rewrite the United States-led global order. In Paris, he said that Chinas modernization would benefit Europe and the world. In Beijing, he told the ambassador of India, a regional rival, that China hoped relations would return to a healthy and stable track. The official, Liu Jianchao, heads the Communist Partys diplomatic arm, a body that promotes the partys ideology and influence abroad. His recent engagements suggest to analysts, however, that he has been auditioning for the role of Chinas next foreign minister. For Beijing, appointing a new foreign minister, potentially as soon as in March during a legislative meeting, would help steady the countrys diplomatic apparatus after a dramatic shake-up last year. The wife of the President of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, addressed friends of Ukraine in Canada in a stylish way. On the occasion of the opening of a bookshelf in the country, the First Lady dressed in a green satin shirt and a formal suit. ADVERTISIMENT The chosen one of Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not neglect the subtle details that carry symbolism. The video was posted on her Telegram channel. Olena Zelenska addressed friends of Ukraine in Canada against the backdrop of a blue and yellow flag. She was wearing a restrained gray jacket, with a brighter piece of clothing peeking out from under it. The emerald shirt set off the first lady's green eyes, giving her a fresh look and a healthy glow to her skin. The buttons on the shirt shimmered with silver and harmonized with Olena Zelenska's brooch. The piece of jewelry, similar to a brooch from the collection of the Ukrainian brand Skifska Etnika, looked like a bird with elements of national patterns. ADVERTISIMENT The First Lady addressed the audience with her signature smile, light makeup without bright eyeshadow, lipstick, or eyebrows, and her hair was beautifully styled in a familiar hairstyle with volume at the roots. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don't fall for fakes! A feared ex-general looks set to be Indonesias new leader Prabowo Subianto was ejected from the military in the late 1990s for his involvement in the torture and abduction of pro-democracy activists. Now, he is projected to win Indonesias presidency. The outcome of the election casts doubt on the future of Indonesia, the worlds fourth most populous country. Prabowo has said that Indonesia needs neither elections nor democracy. He was barred from entering the U.S. for two decades because of his human rights record, and he has been associated with the countrys former dictator, Suharto. Critics say that the era of liberty that followed the ouster of Suharto could now be under threat. Details: Unofficial tallies showed that Prabowo, the countrys defense minister, had a commanding lead in the three-way race for president, with more than 58 percent of the vote. Analysis: What finally pushed him toward victory was the implicit support of the popular outgoing president, Joko Widodo, whose son is Prabowos running mate. A South Korean court on Wednesday found three former police officers guilty of destroying evidence indicating that the police had been aware of the safety risks at Halloween festivities in Seoul before a deadly crowd crush that shocked the nation in 2022. The officers were the first officials to be convicted of crimes related to the event, in which nearly 160 people were killed, making it one of the worst peacetime disasters in the countrys history. They were found guilty of destroying evidence, including deleting an internal report that warned of the possibility of accidents during Halloween celebrations. A Seoul district court sentenced Park Seong-min, who was a senior official at the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, to 18 months in prison. Kim Jin-ho, a former official at Yongsan Police Station, received a suspended one-year sentence. Kwak Young-seok, a former officer at Yongsan Police Station, was handed a four-month suspended sentence. Lawyers for the former officers could not be immediately reached for comment. The court found that Mr. Park had ordered Mr. Kim and his subordinates to erase the documents out of concern that the records, if leaked by investigators or the media, would lead to the police being held criminally liable for the disaster. Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III, speaking by video, told defense ministers meeting in Brussels Wednesday that the United States would maintain its support for Ukraine, but he made no mention of a multibillion-dollar aid package that has yet to gain congressional approval. Mr. Austin delivered his remarks in a five-minute address via video link to a meeting of some 50 countries from the U.S.-led Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which marshals military aid for the country. We will continue to dig deep to provide Ukraine with both short-term and long-term support, said Mr. Austin, who had canceled his trip to Brussels because of health issues. Seated behind a desk with the flags of the United States and Ukraine behind him, he added: The countries of this coalition, including the United States, support Ukraine because its the right thing to do and because it is in our core national security interests. Mr. Austin issued a statement at the end of the meeting, which contained no specific commitments of new military aid to Ukraine, either from the United States or from other members of the Defense Contact Group. In a solemn ceremony, France paid its respects on Wednesday to Robert Badinter, the lawyer and former justice minister who came to represent the conscience of the nation, but sharp political conflicts shattered any show of unity. The family of Mr. Badinter, a lifelong Socialist who led the campaign resulting in the 1981 abolition of capital punishment in France, demanded that neither the far-right National Rally party of Marine Le Pen, nor the far-left France Unbowed party founded by Jean-Luc Melenchon, be allowed to attend the ceremony. Mr. Badinter died on Friday. Between them, the two parties hold about 30 percent of the seats in the National Assembly, or the lower house of Parliament. A ceremony conceived to celebrate one mans embodiment of the soul of France revealed instead a fissured country whose identity and essential values are contested. Ms. Le Pens National Rally, formerly the National Front, has espoused many of the views most detested by Mr. Badinter antisemitism, xenophobia, rejection of European unity so the request from Mr. Badinters widow, Elisabeth Badinter, was perhaps predictable. The party duly respected her wishes. Ukraines turn to Europe for more support President Volodymyr Zelensky is redoubling his diplomatic outreach to Europe, as U.S. aid to Ukraine remains snarled in Congress. Zelensky and other Ukrainian politicians praised the bipartisan group of senators who approved $60 billion in assistance for Ukraine at a moment when weapons and ammunition are scarce there. The aid still has to be approved by the U.S. House, where a powerful faction of Republicans, encouraged by Donald Trump, are determined to resist the bill and where the Republican speaker has said he would ignore it. Mr. Zelensky will most likely push for more military assistance on visits to Berlin, Paris and possibly London as part of a whirlwind tour this week, a Ukrainian official said. President Biden implored House Republicans yesterday to pass the aid, calling recent anti-NATO comments by Trump, the Republican front-runner for the presidential nomination, dumb, dangerous and un-American. As talks continued in Cairo toward an Israel-Hamas cease-fire, Israeli media reported on Wednesday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had told his negotiators not to take part, infuriating some family members of hostages still in Gaza who say that the government is not doing enough to rescue their relatives. Mr. Netanyahus office did not directly confirm or deny the reports, instead issuing a statement saying that Hamas had not made any new proposal, but that a change in Hamass position will allow progress in the negotiations. Mr. Netanyahu later posted on social media that strong military pressure and very tough negotiations would be key to freeing more of the remaining hostages seized during the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7. He praised the Israeli military operation that freed two hostages held by Hamas in Rafah on Monday. Officials from Israel and the United States met this week with Hamas mediators from Qatar and Egypt to discuss a possible deal to trade hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons and to suspend the four-month war in Gaza. Those talks are still underway in Cairo, but, according to Israeli news outlets, Mr. Netanyahu told Israels representatives not to return to Cairo. The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, the main alliance of the hostages family members, responded to the reports by protesting outside the homes of Mr. Netanyahu; Yoav Gallant, Israels defense minister; and Benny Gantz, a member of Israels war cabinet, on Wednesday evening. This decision amounts in effect to sacrificing knowingly all of the hostages lives, the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum said in a statement. The group has mounted increasingly aggressive protests against Mr. Netanyahus government to urge it to prioritize the release of their family members. More than 130 hostages captured by Hamas on Oct. 7 remain in Gaza, including at least 30 who are believed to have died, according to the Israeli security services. Other family members have said that the Israeli military should continue its war against Hamas until it has reached its goals, even if that means their relatives must remain in captivity. Officials have said that in negotiations, Israel and Hamas were far apart on the number of imprisoned Palestinians who would be exchanged for the hostages and on the duration of a cease-fire. Hamas has demanded an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, while Israel insists that it will only agree to a temporary pause in the fighting. The president of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, called on Wednesday for Hamas to speed up an exchange of hostages for prisoners to spare Palestinian people further catastrophe in the war, according to Wafa, the Palestinian Authoritys official news agency. Christopher A. Wray, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made an unannounced trip to Israel on Wednesday to meet with officials from the countrys intelligence and law enforcement agencies, the F.B.I. said. As part of the visit, his first to Israel since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks of Oct. 7, Mr. Wray also spoke with F.B.I. agents working in Israel, the bureau said in a statement on Wednesday, stressing the importance of their efforts to counter threats from Hezbollah and Hamas. The United States designates both as terrorist groups. Mr. Wray spoke with officials from Mossad, Israels intelligence agency; Shin Bet, Israels equivalent of the F.B.I.; and the Israeli National Police, according to a person familiar with his trip to Israel, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Details of the trip were made public after Mr. Wray had departed Israel. The F.B.I. has been working closely with its counterparts in Israel after the attacks on Oct. 7, which Israeli authorities say killed about 1,200 people. About 250 others, including American dual nationals, were abducted in the attacks. The F.B.I. has opened cases involving crimes against Americans committed by Hamas or others. The F.B.I.s partnership with our Israeli counterparts is longstanding, close and robust, Mr. Wray said in a statement, and Im confident the closeness of our agencies contributed to our ability to move so quickly in response to these attacks, and to ensure our support is as seamless as possible. The United States has created a C.I.A. task force to help Israel hunt down Hamass top leaders while Americas spy agencies have also raised the priority of intelligence collection on Hamas. The C.I.A. has also been heavily involved in negotiations for the release of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas and its allies, and President Biden has dispatched the agencys director, William J. Burns, to join the cease-fire talks in Cairo. After the visit, Mr. Wray headed to Germany for the Munich Security Conference. The Israeli finance ministry has blocked deliveries of food for Gaza because the shipments were intended to reach the main U.N. agency for Palestinians, Israels finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said on Tuesday. Mr. Smotrich, a hard-right settler leader, said in a statement that he had issued a directive not to transfer flour shipments to the agency, known as UNRWA, citing allegations that some of its employees were affiliated with Hamas, including 12 accused of participating in the armed groups Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Last week, a subcontractor handling the shipments for UNRWA received a call from Israels customs agency which is housed in Mr. Smotrichs ministry ordering it not to process any UNRWA goods in its warehouse, said Juliette Touma, an UNRWA spokeswoman. About 1,050 containers much of it flour have been held up at the Israeli port of Ashdod, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, told reporters on Friday. The amount was enough to feed 1.1 million Gazans for a month, he said. Mr. Lazzarini said UNRWA still has enough supplies to feed Gazans for three months, but only because the food is now being routed through Egypt rather than Israel. Israels action once again put it at odds with the Biden administration, which has criticized the Israeli conduct of the war in increasingly blunt terms. That flour has not moved the way that we had expected it would move, and we expect that Israel will follow through on its commitment to get that flour into Gaza, Jake Sullivan, president Bidens national security adviser, told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. Mr. Smotrich said another aid distribution mechanism would be found that would not reach Hamas, which he said was utilizing UNRWA as a key part of its war machine. UNRWA has said it is investigating the allegations, but has stood by its work as essential humanitarian relief in a complex situation. As the Gaza war rages, with civilian deaths soaring, few Arab leaders have publicly voiced their visions for the future of the battered enclave, fearing they will be accused of endorsing Israels actions. But one influential Palestinian exile, in an interview with The New York Times, has provided public insight into the types of postwar plans that Arab leaders are privately discussing. Mohammed Dahlan, an adviser to the president of the United Arab Emirates, outlined one under which Israel and Hamas would hand power to a new and independent Palestinian leader who could rebuild Gaza under the protection of an Arab peacekeeping force. While such plans face steep challenges, the leaders of Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates are open to supporting processes that are part of efforts leading to a Palestinian state, said Mr. Dahlan, who also has close ties to Egypts president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Actors in the Wild The best performers of the year when theyre not on film. James Nachtwey, an eminent photojournalist known for his intimate depictions of the front lines in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine, had never photographed a movie star before. So for this years Great Performers issue, we asked him to capture a dozen of the worlds best actors away from the red carpets and awards ceremonies that often define how we see them. My work has focused almost exclusively on conflicts and critical social issues, the polar opposite of what might be thought of as celebrity photography, Nachtwey says. But he was intrigued by the challenge: Art takes talent, but its also hard work, and exploring what actors practice in their daily lives to strengthen their art would be fascinating. Inviting actors to select their own activities, he joined Bradley Cooper for a cold plunge in an ice-crusted stream; Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor at a church; Mark Ruffalo training his own camera on street pigeons. Nachtweys disciplined eye and ability to capture startling intensity are what make these images so arresting. And by turning a veteran photographer toward an unusual subject or unfamiliar setting, something magical can happen because you get freshness of vision, says Kathy Ryan, the magazines photography editor. Nachtwey went with no preconceived notions of what a celebrity portrait is. (The interviews that follow have been condensed and edited.) Bradley Cooper Cooper (Maestro) meditates in freezing temperatures. James Nachtwey asked me if there are any rituals I do to prepare for a role. I said not really but mentioned that I do cold plunge [opening image] every morning when I get up. We were outside next to a creek, and we looked at each other and thought: OK? Lets give it a shot. It was much colder than the cold plunge Im used to and unfortunately, I didnt have a towel or a change of clothes. But we had a good laugh. DaVine Joy Randolph Randolph (The Holdovers) shops for fabric in Los Angeles. Ive always loved clothes; my amazing mother and her friends would buy something from a high-end consignment shop and customize it to make it really special. I dont let what the limited market is define me. Ive gotten very well acquainted with fabric stores all over. Ive had to get creative. Whenever Im in a new city, Ive got to know the go-to tailors. Im not a good drawer, so what Ill do is Frankenstein it, cut and paste pictures together and create a presentation a neckline of this dress, the flower embellishment off that blazer and that helps me explain to a designer how I want something to look. Jeffrey Wright Wright (American Fiction) is recommitting to an exercise routine now that his children are away at school. Of late, Ive tried to get in at least a couple of sessions of activities a day surfing, if the waves are right, or a combination of Pilates and Gyrotonics and a regular workout. In New York I ride my bike everywhere. In Los Angeles, I go to a center that focuses on flexibility and strength, which is where the real health benefits come from. I was an athlete at one point in my life, and I was always aware that my flexibility was an advantage. It gave me disproportionate power when I played lacrosse. In my acting as well, it allows my body to be more fluid, more malleable as an instrument. Paul Giamatti Giamatti (The Holdovers) in a used bookstore he has frequented for more than 20 years. I like used bookstores more than new ones, because theres just something about all the old books that feels more comforting and peaceful to me. I do have a big collection of books at home, and I actually had to get help from somebody a few years ago to organize it. I got rid of hundreds if not thousands of books about three or four years ago. And in the space of time since, Ive almost reacquired everything I got rid of. Emma Stone Stone (Poor Things) traverses the Big Apple on foot. Theres something very special about the streets of New York City. For such a giant place, it somehow still feels very small and homey. It has since I first visited as a little kid. And maybe if youre lucky, you might come across a street with steam coming out of it like the one pictured above. In which case, you have to stop and take a photo in front of it. I dont make the rules. Thats actual legislation. Charles Melton Melton (May December) driving his custom-painted 1970 Chevelle. The car is 20 years older than I am. I feel like Im hopping into a little time machine. I grew up with my dad and uncles talking about vintage cars they did their own oil changes, put their own engines back together. Theres just something simple and nostalgic about having a car that I have to constantly work on. You have to have this delicate softness, because you are always doing maintenance on a vintage car. Theres something comforting knowing that the work is never quite done. Teyana Taylor Taylor (A Thousand and One) converted her dining room into an in-home salon. Salons are really therapeutic for me, but I dont really like to leave my house a lot; I want everything to come to me! I love that Beauty and the Beast, Victorian, Renaissance vibe, and I was like, OK, this room is so pretty, I dont want the kids eating in here! Now its like my woman cave, for me and the girls to just talk and have wine and have a great time. Franz Rogowski Rogowski (Passages) goes climbing to stay sane. I am trying to approach nature as a stranger. Climbing is one of the few things that really never disappoints me. I can have the worst day of my life. If I meet a friend and we go out in the mountains, Im 100 percent sure that I will come back home happier than when I left. Climbing is pure excitement and a love for movement. Climbing and acting are both very self-centered and at the same time social. I think most climbers somehow have a mixture of self-centeredness and longing for a relationship that actors have. When I sit on a tree or walk in a park, I feel humble but in a very nice way. Carey Mulligan Mulligans character, Felicia, (Maestro) inspired her to take painting classes. There was a painting one of the first that I did when I started lessons that I loved, and I was so proud of it. I took photos of it and sent it to my mom. And then as part of this workshop that Bradley and I did before we shot Maestro sort of a performance-art thing I destroyed that painting, and it really gutted me to do it. But it kind of captured the self-destructive nature of my character as an artist. But I massively regretted it because I tried to remake the painting, and it was just rubbish. Annette Bening Bening (Nyad) hikes for 45 minutes every morning. One of the things that makes living in Los Angeles wonderful, frankly, is the fact that you can go out your door and be in nature among the trees and the bugs and the coyotes and the groundhogs and the deer. Hiking puts you in a meditative state. It becomes addictive when you get into it, and then you really miss it if you cant get out and have a walk and put the phone away and just have a moment of being. Mark Ruffalo Mark Ruffalo Ruffalo (Poor Things) ducks to get the shot. Ive been doing street photography on and off for about 10 years. I just like how it captures people naturally; when people know a cameras on them, they immediately change their behavior. I was in Athens, Greece, and there was a tour guide who was a really interesting character. I snapped a picture of him, and he caught me and he totally lost his [expletive] on me, yelling: How dare you! Who do you think you are? I felt so bad. The irony wasnt wasted on me at all. But that was the time I got busted. Usually I dont get busted. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor Ellis-Taylor (Origin) wrestles with the idea of faith. If theres anything good about my work as an actor or a writer, its because of Black churches in the South. I had no choice, as a child, but to go to church several times a week. In college, when I knew something was different about me, thats when it became a place of conflict for me. I was not celebrated in that space, not just as a queer woman, but as a woman, period. I had to run so I wouldnt be destroyed by it. Ive rejected the Bible wholesale. And then I found my way back, rediscovering what it was that made me, held me, kept me. Polish farmers have announced a complete blockade of Ukrainian transportation starting February 20. From that date on, the Poles threaten to block not only all border crossings between the two countries, but also access roads to rail transshipment stations and seaports. In addition, Polish carriers may resume their strike on March 1. The Cabinet of Ministers is actively negotiating to prevent this from happening, and Ukrainian carriers have been launching their own protest action since February 15. ADVERTISIMENT The blockade in response was announced by Vitaliy Kotsenko, head of the public organization "Carriers of the Western Region" Vitaliy Kotsenko, the head of the public organization "Carriers of the Western Region". The protest will begin on February 15 at 9:00 a.m. at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint. It is not known how long the action will last, as it will depend on the Polish side, the organizers say. "They (Polish carriers - Ed.) will stay here with us in their cars until our Ukrainian carriers start to move. After all, they let one car through in an hour, and it's not a Ukrainian but a Polish driver," Kotsenko said. Earlier, representatives of the Solidarity farmers' union announced the expansion of the Polish blockade. "Not only border crossings will be blocked, but also transport hubs, access roads to railway transshipment stations and seaports," the blockade initiators said. ADVERTISIMENT On February 13, Polish farmers expanded the blockade to the Korcheva-Krakovets border crossing. The protest at this checkpoint began in the middle of the day after the farmers had already blocked the Zosyn-Ustyluh, Dovhobychuv-Uhryniv, Medyka-Shehyni, Yahodyn-Dorohusk, and Hrebinne-Rava-Ruska border crossings in the morning. Thus, six checkpoints were blocked. Solidarity notes that a full blockade will also be introduced as part of a "30-day protest" against Ukrainian agricultural products, which has been going on since February 9. "The problem with the profitability of agricultural production, processing and other industries in our country is the uncontrolled inflow of goods from Ukraine that are imported when the EU border with this country is opened," the farmers say. ADVERTISIMENT According to experts, this is not true. According to Volodymyr Balin, vice president of the Association of International Road Carriers (AsMAP), the European market receives three times more Russian grain than Ukrainian. Denys Marchuk, deputy chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, agrees. "Everyone (Polish protesters - Ed.) complains that this is a very large amount of products. We will see where these products come from, if we honestly ask ourselves the question. In fact, these are products from Russia. Russia is the largest exporter of grain in the world today. They export about 46 million tons of wheat alone worldwide," Marchuk said during a telethon on February 14. Carriers may return their blockade Experts remind that the strike of Polish carriers is also not over, although it actually ended on January 17. "It is suspended until March 1. If by March 1, in some way, what will be sent by the two governments and the European Commission does not satisfy the carriers, no one is safe from the fact that they will resume the strike," Balin reminded. ADVERTISIMENT The Ukrainian side is trying to avoid such a scenario. According to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Deputy Minister Serhiy Derkach has already held a regular meeting with his Polish counterpart Pawel Ganczar, with the participation of representatives of the customs and border services of both countries. The talks took place at the border. "We are working to prevent the blockade of the border by Polish carriers... Our position remains unchanged: we have to solve problems together and are open to dialogue and compromises that will not harm the interests of carriers. The border blockade is harming the economies of Ukraine, Poland and the EU... We are continuing the pilot projects at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk and NyzhankovychiMalchovice checkpoints until March 1," Derkach emphasized. ADVERTISIMENT It is about the separation of loaded and empty vehicles in the e-queue system at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint, as well as the absence of the need to register empty trucks in the system at the Nyzhankovychi - Malhowice checkpoint. "On the spot, we showed our colleagues that the system is transparent and helps to minimize any risks of corruption. But the main thing for its operation is an uninterrupted and predictable number of trucks crossing the border. Only then will each driver be able to know exactly when they will cross the border. Under the blockade organized by Polish farmers, no carrier can plan its activities, and the Ukrainian economy continues to suffer losses," Derkach summarized. Who is behind the blockade of Ukraine's border The Polish protests were not without a Russian trace. The scandalous protest was organized by a representative of the fringe party Confederation. The party, among other things, opposes European values, supports Poland's withdrawal from the European Union (EU) and active cooperation with Russia. ADVERTISIMENT During the protests on February 11, Polish strikers threw grain from several Ukrainian trucks onto the road. This action, like many previous ones, was organized by Rafa Mekler, one of the inspirers of the protests, the owner of a logistics company that cooperated with Russia, and the leader of the Lublin-based organization Confederations. It is worth noting that farmers are not only on strike in Poland. Protests are also taking place in Lithuania, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, and Spain. Russian propaganda and the Polish far-right are trying to portray all these protests as anti-Ukrainian, but this is not the case. In fact, the reasons for the strikes are different - in some places, farmers are outraged by rising fuel or fertilizer prices (France), in others by the abolition of benefits (Germany), some are really against imports (Slovakia), but not only Ukrainian, but even from other EU countries. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA reported earlier, the Chem District Prosecutor's Office in Poland opened a case on the fact of damage to Ukrainian grain during protests at the border. The investigation is being conducted under two articles at once, and the perpetrators face up to 5 years in prison. At the same time, Polish Agriculture Minister Czeslaw Sekerski apologized for the damage to Ukrainian grain during the farmers' strike at the border. However, the Polish politician blamed part of the blame for the protesters' actions on the Ukrainian authorities, their "too harsh statements" and "excessive emotionality," and called the deliberate destruction of grain an "act of desperation." Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! How Every Member Voted on Impeaching Alejandro Mayorkas Tuesdays impeachment vote Answer Democrats Dem. Republicans Rep. Total Bar chart of total votes Yes 0 0 0 No 0 0 0 Source: Office of the Clerk, U.S. House of Representatives Note: The resolution needed the support of a majority of those voting to pass. See a breakdown of how individual members voted below. The House passed a resolution Tuesday night to impeach Alejandro N. Mayorkas, the homeland security secretary, over his handling of the southwestern border. The vote was 214 to 213, with all but three present Republicans voting yes. Mr. Mayorkas is the first sitting cabinet secretary to be indicted by the House. Republicans have produced no evidence that Mr. Mayorkas committed a crime or acts of corruption. They accused him of willfully refusing to enforce border laws and breaching the public trust. A first attempt to impeach Mr. Mayorkas failed last week after the same three Republicans broke with their party and voted against the impeachment. (A fourth member changed his vote to nay in order to file a motion for the House to reconsider.) Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, who is battling cancer, was not present for last weeks vote, and Tuesdays vote was scheduled for after he returned. Two other Republicans and two Democrats were not present for Tuesdays vote, allowing it to narrowly pass with the three Republican defections. How every member voted in the two efforts to impeach Mayorkas A 64-year-old Japanese woman from Tokyos Katsushika Ward has admitted to counterfeiting luxury bags and wallets in the comfort of her own home and selling them in her small shop as originals. The unnamed womans story began a few years ago when she opened a small bag shop in Katsushika where she tried to sell her original bags. Unfortunately, business wasnt very good, especially on weekdays, and things only got worse when the pandemic hit. But, as it often happens in our darkest moments, the woman came up with a solution to her problem at the peak of the pandemic. She was watching TV when she saw a segment on the popularity of designer bags and accessories and decided that riding that same wave was her way to success. After doing a bit of research, she found branded fabric and synthetic leather online, ordered some, and began making luxury bag knockoffs using her sewing machine. Photo: ANN News Over the last couple of years, the unnamed woman is believed to have made over 900,000 yen ($6,000) selling fake Louis Vuitton, Channel, and Gucci bags and accessories in her small Katsushika shop, selling them for up to 3,500 yen ($23). When police busted her earlier this month, they found over 330 counterfeit items waiting to be sold, as well as rolls of branded fabric and faux leather. After being arrested, the woman confessed to counterfeiting the bags and wallets, claiming that they had all been created by hand, in her apartment, using a simple sewing machine. Some of the bags and wallets were replicas of expensive products, while some models were her own original designs that borrowed famous brands in order to be more attractive to buyers. Coyne Public Relations is named agency of record for the Scenic Group, which includes Emerald Cruises and Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Coyne PR will collaborate with its Worldcom PR Group partners, Communications CASACOM, Inc. in Canada and Arvizu Comunicacion Corporativa in LATAM, to amplify consumer awareness and affinity for Scenic Groups luxury cruise and tour experiences in the US, Canada, and LATAM regions. The scope of work will include media relations, brand positioning, and digital storytelling. "Coyne PR stood out to us not only for their remarkable track record in public relations but also for their deep understanding and innovative approach within the luxury travel industry, said Scenic Group USAs VP of marketing, Robert Castro. Their ability to connect brands with the right audiences in meaningful ways set them apart from the other agencies participating in the RFP. Violet PR has been selected to represent the Sugar Land Office of Economic Development. The agency will develop and execute an integrated marketing program, leveraging media relations, digital media and site selection expertise, to raise the profile of Sugar Land, TX, as a location for business investment. The effort will highlight Sugar Lands new developments and key sectors, including life sciences and manufacturing. The city, 20 minutes southwest of downtown Houston, boasts 8.9 million square feet of industrial property, 8 million square feet of retail and 7.9 million square feet of office real estate. We believe that Violet PR's expertise will play a crucial role in showcasing Sugar Land's strengths, attracting investment, and fostering growth within our community, said Alba Pennate-Johnson, assistant director of economic development and tourism for the Sugar Land Economic Development Office. Kindred PR signs on as official agency of record for Empower Your Mind Therapy, a private psychotherapy practice dedicated to supporting teen and adult mental health. The collaboration will focus on building brand awareness, fostering community engagement and showcasing the practice's evidence-based approach to mental health care. Kindred PRs services will include targeted media outreach, strategic online marketing campaigns and impactful storytelling. "Their expertise in mental health marketing and passion for making a positive impact align seamlessly with our mission to provide compassionate and effective mental health services, said EYMT executive director and owner Alyssa Mairanz. Michael Lasky & Samantha Rothaus Election season is fully underway in the United States and, as in most presidential election years, publications, airwaves, and social media feeds are increasingly becoming crowded with campaign messaging. The emergence of generative artificial intelligence technology is a curveball that has the potential to significantly disrupt and erode voter trust in the media and governmental leadership. The adoption of new laws, rules, policies, and norms around how Gen AI technologies can and cannot be used in political communications, and around how the use of Gen AI is disclosed to voters, is of utmost importance in the coming months. Use cases for Gen AI in content creation Corporations and consumers alike have come to rely on artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies over the last several years to streamline tasks and create efficiencies from the mundane, such as predictive text when drafting emails or conducting online searches, to the must-have, such as digital assistants like Siri and Alexa, and everything in between. However, it was not until the explosive public launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 that the world experienced the generative capabilities of machine learning technologies on a massive scale. Now, in early 2024, Gen AI platforms have become a popular way for individuals and companies to create music, artwork, text, and videos. How is gen AI used in political campaigns? Political advertisers have quickly caught on. Campaigns are routinely using Gen AI tools to create photos, videos and audio clips that align with their political message. However, more sinister use cases have emerged, as these tools have become more ubiquitous and more powerful. Here are but three recent examples: Last summer the Ron DeSantis campaign used Gen AI to create a so-called deepfake of Donald Trumps voice attacking the Republican governor of Iowa. The DeSantis campaign also ran advertising that used Gen AI to falsely depict Donald Trump embracing Dr. Anthony Fauci during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Republican National Committee used AI-generated images of boarded-up storefronts and military on the streets of U.S. cities to show what they envision happening if President Biden is re-elected. The rise of deepfakes and other forms of synthetic media is not a new phenomenon. However, the increasing availability and ease of use of powerful Gen AI technologies make these dangers ever more present. Just last month, during the New Hampshire presidential primary election, thousands of voters reported receiving robocalls that used a convincing clone of President Bidens voice to encourage voters not to go to the polls. The states investigation revealed that the operation was spearheaded by an individual who owns a telemarketing company. Without regulation, the increasing use of Gen AI to create deepfakes and sow disinformation as part of a political campaign strategy will make it increasingly difficult for voters to tell truth from fiction. Efforts toward regulation Private companies and government authorities have launched to require a label or disclosure to be presented on content that was created using Gen AI. Some of the specific proposals that have recently been implemented or are being considered are described below. Googles new policy As of November 2023, Google now requires that any political advertisements on its platforms (including Google Search and YouTube) featuring synthetic content that inauthentically represents real or realistic-looking people or events must include a clear and conspicuous label disclosing to viewers that the content contains AI-generated material. The label must be placed in a manner where it will be easily noticed by viewers. This policy applies to still images, video footage and audio content. Googles policy specifies that any ad with synthetic content that makes it appear as if a person is saying or doing something they didnt say or do or that alters footage of a real event or generates a realistic portrayal of an event to depict scenes that did not actually take place would need a disclosure. Google also clarified that political ads would not need such a disclosure if Gen AI was used in an immaterial or inconsequential way, such as image re-sizing or color correction. Google offered examples of what could constitute an acceptable disclosure, such as: This audio was computer generated; This image does not depict real events; and This video content was synthetically generated. Meta follows suit Shortly after Googles policy was announced, Meta announced that it would restrict political advertisers from using its Gen AI advertising products, in an effort to reduce election-related disinformation. TikTok and Snapchat respectively announced that they would simply be banning political advertising from their platforms. Meta also began including a built-in Imagined with AI label on photorealistic images created using its proprietary Gen AI tool, Meta AI. Meta also announced plans to introduce a labeling standard for all AI-generated content appearing on its platforms, regardless of where the content originated. While the technology is being finalized, Meta has also added built-in disclosure and label tools on its platforms, which allow users to identify whether realistic-seeming material they post was created using Gen AI. Meta stated that its platforms may add a more prominent label if appropriate in situations where digitally created or altered image, video or audio content creates a particularly high risk of materially deceiving the public on a matter of importance. Lawmakers and regulators weigh in The Federal Election Commission also signaled its openness to regulating AI-generated political advertisements. The FEC opened public comment following a petition for rulemaking that was filed last summer, proposing that the Commission amend current regulations that prohibit political candidates from fraudulently misrepresenting other candidates or political parties to make clear that this prohibition would apply to deliberately deceptive AI-generated campaign ads. While this move suggests that the FEC is taking the issue seriously, the Commission has not yet indicated whether it will actually make changes to its current regulations, despite the thousands of comments that were submitted through the fall. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has also weighed in, issuing an order in February announcing that automated robocalls using AI-generated voices will be considered artificial calls and are therefore restricted under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act unless the caller has received the prior express consent of the consumer being called. The FCC has been contemplating the impact of Gen AI on telemarketing practices for several months, but in light of the events taking place during the New Hampshire primary, its recent order has new urgency in the context of political campaigning. Rep. Yvette Clark introduced the REAL Political Ads Act, which would require a disclaimer on any political ads that use images or video generated by AI, no matter the medium or platform on which those ads appear. Similar legislation was also introduced in the Senate by senators Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker and Michael Bennett. The future of these legislative initiatives is unclear given partisan gridlock in both the Senate and House of Representatives. On a state level, several individual states have enacted new legislation to prohibit or regulate the misleading or malicious use of Gen AI to create deepfakes in political advertising. These include California, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Texas, and Washington. Other states, including Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Hampshire, New York, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, are also currently considering pending legislation to address these issues. Takeaways Gen AI has the benefit of offering marketers and communicators many new tools to create and disperse content. This new technology has also made it easier and cheaper for political groups and campaigns to create convincing but fictitious attack ads targeting political rivals. As we progress through 2024s election cycle, communicators working in the political space should prioritize transparency when using these new technologies to produce content. In particular, there's an array of new tactics being proposed by private industry, as well as government actors, that would require political advertisers to clearly and conspicuously disclose when generative AI tools were used to create the content in their advertising. Those working with political campaigns and operatives to create and distribute political advertising should familiarize themselves with existing rules and requirements and closely watch the rapidly changing developments as the 2024 election approaches. *** Michael Lasky is founder and chair of the Davis+Gilbert's Public Relations Law Practice. Samantha Rothaus is a partner in the Davis+Gilbert's Advertising + Marketing Practice. ColdSpark, the Pittsburgh-based political communications and strategy company behind SFA Fund, the super PAC for Nikki Haley for President, launches Citadel Communications, an affiliated entity that will focus on communications and public affairs for the companys clients in the corporate, nonprofit and association sectors. ColdSpark will continue to serve clients in the political arena. Jeremy Neuhart, who previously held senior communications posts at companies including BASF, Evonik and PPG, leads Citadel as managing director, and Mor Greenberg, a leader in the advocacy space oversees strategy and execution, with particular emphasis on public affairs and public relations. Citadel Communications will be a nonpartisan operation, continuing to deliver the same client-centric successful projects for which we have become known, said Mike DeVanney, one of ColdSparks two founding partners. Kite Hill PR selects creative AI company Crant as the winner of its third "Tech For Good program, which offers purpose-driven, pro-social technology companies a custom, three-month, PR program at no cost. Based in Miami, Crant is a certified minority-owned startup that leverages the power of AI to enhance brand marketing efficiency and help brands foster positive impact among consumers, stakeholders and employees. Crant has also developed a DEI Index, which uses AI to track and measure companies DEI efforts and materially improve their progress on DEI overall. Kite Hill has also expanded Tech for Good into a core practice area to support companies that are BIPOC/woman/LGBTQIA+ led or owned and have closed a seed or series A round on an ongoing basis. We believe that companies under the umbrella of 'Tech for Good' have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact, said Kite Hill CEO and founder Tiffany Guarnaccia. The 2024 IPR Bridge Conference is scheduled for April 10-14 at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. The conference provides an opportunity for academics to learn from senior-level executives while having an opportunity to present their research at a peer-reviewed conference and allowing mid-to-senior-level executives to learn about the latest in public relations and communications research. In addition to presentations on such subjects as elevating the employee experience, owning your own narrative in the midst of an election year and AI in academia, the conference will lets attendees network and interact with top leaders in both the PR industry and the academy in an intimate setting. Very few things shock me in life anymore; so many appalling things happen everyday in our own communities and around the world, it is easy to become removed from it all. But I was shocked on Tuesday when I read the majority of responses to an Offaly county councillor's request for a 5 contribution towards welcome packs for Ukrainian refugees arriving to my hometown of Edenderry. The old shoe factory in the town has been renovated to accommodate the families fleeing the Russian war in their home country and the first of around 50 people set to move in arrived this week. There had been flashes of potential protest some months ago when the plan to revamp the building was first mooted but they received little support and died out. Cllr Noel Cribbin posted an update on Facebook that 23 people were arriving and said: "As we all know these unfortunate people are fleeing from their war torn country which is being bombarded on a daily basis for the last 18 months. I intend to give each family a small box of essential goodies; bread, milk, cheese, ham, tea, etc as a small gesture and a warm Edenderry welcome to these families who will be living amongst us for the foreseeable future." He had arranged with a local shop to supply the goods and asked people, if they could or wanted, to drop as little as 5 into the shop or to him directly. It was a well-meaning post and one you might expect to get a favourable response in your hometown but what followed in the comments section was downright disgusting. It was also widely shared on other pages and platforms too as people labelled the request "a disgrace". One sick comment suggested the shoe factory should have been "burnt to the ground" before the work was completed and people moved in. Another went along with this and said they'd supply the 5 for petrol. Another offered a lighter. This is well beyond opposition or opinion; it's incitement to violence and hatred and it's not the town I grew up in. It's truly disgusting behaviour from grown men and women from a country that celebrates its diaspora all over the world. We built a museum in Dublin to celebrate the people who emigrated from Ireland around the world. Edenderry was once called the 'town of the stranger' due to the number of people from all nations who came to partake in work in the town's many industries, the shoe factory aptly being one of them. I never remember such vitriolic views when I was in school or in the 30 years I lived in the town. I went to school with lads from Africa and Brazil and everywhere in between and they were our mates, they played on our teams and were part of the town. I wouldn't like to think any one of them would have to read the likes of these comments. Most of the comments suggested the council and the government raise funds or work to "help our own Irish first," and some shared their own stories of hardship. That's all well and good but it has very little to do with these Ukrainian people moving to our town. They don't make decisions over funding for anything or who gets accommodated and who doesn't. They are just human beings trying to live their lives like the millions of Irish who left these shores over the years, be they on planes to Australia in recent years, or on coffin ships to the US after the famine. It's about time we woke up to our own hypocrisy on all of these issues. We glorify every Irish person who ever left this island. We say they built America and England's motorways and became politicians and business leaders all over the world. That's true but we don't mention the ones that ran criminal gangs in New York or ended up in prison for a variety of crimes and were a scourge on their new communities. They don't fit the narrative and don't have a section in the museum. Even at a lower level, we all know someone now living in America or Australia illegally; the visa ran out and they stayed. We all need to cop on and stop reading fake news on social media and believing every random post as if it was gospel. When did we all fill up with such hatred? Maybe it was always there and social media has given us all a platform to say what we wouldn't say in public. I'd be more worried about the people hinting at burning down buildings in my town than Ukrainians or anyone else moving into it. Live and let live is a cliche but it's never been more appropriate. I should point out that there were positive comments on this call out for a fiver for Ukrainians but they were in the minority. One local said: "Fair play Noel, glad to do it. Important to remember that the majority of the people in Edenderry are caring and considerate to those who have experienced such horrendous trauma." A number of others commented with their intention to contribute food and even toys too and I have no doubt a lot of people will. They are the people of Edenderry I grew up with. Honest and decent people who would help out anyone; family, friends, neighbours, strangers, anyone. Others could learn a lot from that humanity. I find on social media that the majority of fair-minded public opinion is drowned out in the wave of hateful comments. People with strong, and often unpalatable, views are always the loudest and God help the rest of us, we have to listen or look at them. They do not represent my views or the town as a whole - at least I hope they don't. A new committee formed from the protests surrounding the sudden closure of the Racket Hall Hotel have met with elected representatives and say they have an agenda focused on improving Roscrea. Roscrea Community Action Group (RCAG) were formed last week and have elected a Chair and committee who will engage with the local community, the Chamber of Commerce and political representatives. The group say they have two priority issues - to lobby for a cap on the number of people living in emergency accommodation in the town and to highlight the impact the dramatic influx in the local population is having on the community and access to essential services. "We wish to work together and alongside other groups and agencies in an attempt to identify the needs and solutions required to make our town a positive place to live and work in again", the group said in a mission statement published on their social media. Chairperson of RACG is James Kirwin and Secretary is Fiona Dunford. The Committee are made up of Lorraine Cafferkey, Alison Lee, Gillian Dunne, James Gleeson, Michael Lynch, Sharon Kruse, Clare Dooley Gavin O'Connor and Martin Doherty. The group will meet later this week with local Councillor Michael Smith and his Fianna Fail party colleague, Deputy Jackie Cahill and will hold separate meetings with Independent Dail Deputies, Michael Lowry and Mattie McGrath and with Tipperary Labour TD, Alan Kelly. The Committee also hope to meet the Tipperary Garda District Superintendent to discuss concerns around policing manpower and resources in Roscrea and plan to contact government Ministers Roderic O'Gorman and Catherine Martin. PROTEST IN TOWN CENTRE Meanwhile, the protest triggered by the sudden closure of the Racket Hall Hotel in Roscrea almost five weeks ago expanded to Roscrea town centre last weekend. Protestors opened a new front in their campaign to highlight the loss of the town's only hotel on Market Square on Friday and Saturday morning, while also maintaining a constant presence at the gates of the former hotel for the last 30 days. Independent Tipperary TD, Mattie McGrath, stopped in Roscrea last Thursday and visited the ongoing demonstration at the entrance to the Racket Hall Hotel carpark and protestors said they continue to receive strong support from the local community in Roscrea. "We came into the town to bring more attention to the protest and people are showing us their support. We have a book for people to add their names to our petition", Maria Phelan said. An online petition was also formed last week. Meanwhile protestors remain encamped at the entrance to Roscrea's Racket Hall Hotel this week as the demonstration will reach the five week milestone on Thursday (Feb 15). The protest, which received weeks of national and international media attention, began on January 11 when news broke that Racket Hall Hotel was to close its doors to the public with immediate effect and be repurposed to provide emergency accommodation for families of international protection applicants. Those protesting say their demand of a cap on the number of refugees and people seeking international protection who will be accommodated in Roscrea has not yet been met and they will remain at the entrance to the former hotel premises. A committee has formed to steer the protest and will attempt to represent the wide variety of concerns expressed by people who participated in a recent major demonstration march through the town centre. Independent TDs from Tipperary and neighbouring Laois/Offaly addressed crowds in Roscrea and pledged to work with the committee to explore the possibility of extra resources and funding to help the town cope with the dramatic influx of people seeking emergency accommodation. Currently Roscrea is home to people living in two other large emergency accommodation facilities located in the former Sacred Heart Convent in the town centre and at Corville House on the grounds of Sean Ross Abbey in the expansive St. Anne's campus on the northern outskirts of the town. The former Sacred Heart convent will accommodate 400 people fleeing the war in eastern Ukraine when it reaches full capacity later this year and Corville House accommodates approximately 200 international protection applicants who mostly come from the Middle East and African countries. People seeking international protection are also accommodated in numerous buildings and homes in the town centre. Currently less than 20 people are accommodated in the former Racket Hall Hotel and the premises is expected to accommodate 160 people when it reaches full capacity. Flags, banners and horsebox trailers for shelter from the elements have become a permanent fixture at the entrance to the hotel carpark, where people continuing to protest the closure of the hotel keep a 24-hour presence. Protestors pictured in Roscrea town centre on Saturday morning last. Photo: PJ Wright THE Birr Cumann of Sinn Fein has postponed its Local Election Convention for the second time. The first Convention was due to be held in Dooly's Hotel on November 24 and the second in the Marian Hall on February 8 but both were called off at the last moment. Sinn Fein in Offaly is putting forward four candidates for the Local Elections, which may take place on June 7. There will be two candidates from Tullamore, Aoife Masterson and one other; one candidate from Edenderry, Claire Murray, and one candidate from Birr, Sean Maher. The Birr candidate is the only one of the four who hasn't yet been formally put forward in a Convention setting. Teresa Bracken was put forward in Tullamore but this week she announced she was withdrawing from the race. Sinn Fein will also be running one candidate during the General Election, which must take place by March 2025. The party hasn't yet chosen a candidate for this. The former Laois / Offaly constituency has been disbanded. Offaly will be its own three seater constituency. Despite the setback of another Convention being postponed, Sean Maher said he's feeling confident and the Birr Cumann is in a strong place. Sinn Fein in Offaly is strongest in the south of the county. Despite our Convention not being held yet, we have been out doing a lot of canvassing. There are six SF Cumanns in the county, three of them in the south - the Michael Larkin Cumann in Birr, the Peter Barnes Cumann in Banagher, and the Sean Lyons Cumann in Rath / Kinnitty. In the north of the county there's the Matthew Kane Cumann in Tullamore; and the Rhode and Edenderry Cumanns. We really feel that, despite the polls going down, said Sean, the party is on the march, and that in the not too distant future we will be in a position to bring about the Ireland which we all deserve. Sinn Fein will go into the Local Elections in June of this year upbeat and confident of doing well. We hope to at least reverse the disastrous result of the 2019 Local Elections that left the Party without a Sinn Fein representative on Offaly County Council. Offaly Sinn Fein is currently finalising our team to contest this years Local and European Elections and we hope to make an announcement very shortly. There's also a plan to contest the new three-seater constituency in Offaly following the divorce with long time neighbour Laois. Offaly is seen as a target seat for Sinn Fein in the forthcoming General Election. Sean pointed out that the Housing crisis remains the number one issue for the party in Offaly, with the recent RTB report showing rents increasing 14% year on year for new tenants in a three-bedroom house. He said Sinn Fein will prioritise this sector with control measures resulting in the freezing of rent increases and giving back one month's rent to tenants under a Sinn Fein Government. He said they will also introduce a bill on no fault evictions. The biggest landlord and responsibility for housing in the county is the local authority. Sinn Fein Councillors will work with the Council executive to bring about affordable housing for working people, and to increase the local housing stock to reflect the increasing population. He promised that Sinn Fein in Government will end the plight of generations living in overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation. If given the mandate Sinn Fein will diverge away from the current government policy of over dependency on the private sector to resolve the housing crisis and bring back the concept of the family home. Tipperary County Council has made its Local Authority Climate Action Plan (LACAP) and reaffirmed its commitment to the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy. That pledge is an initiative supported by the European Commission bringing together thousands of local governments that want to secure a better future for their citizens. Every local authority in Ireland is required to publish their LACAP by March 2024 setting out how they will support the National Climate Objective to achieve by no later than the end of 2050, a transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy. The LACAP sets out how, for the period 2024 2029, the Council will continue to build on and incorporate climate actions, including climate change mitigation and climate change adaptation, in day-to-day service delivery. 100 agreed climate actions will seek to achieve the Councils own organisational energy efficiency and emissions reductions targets and also to help other sectors and communities to achieve their climate action ambitions and targets. In addition, the LACAP sets out a vision and stakeholder actions to support the businesses and communities in the Tipperary Decarbonising Zone in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and to benefit from climate action investment. With respect to the Local Authority Climate Action Plan 2024 - 2029, the Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, Councillor Ger Darcy said: Tipperary County Council has been one of the foremost local authorities in implementing energy efficiency measures over the last number of years and now this LACAP is an expression of the commitment of the Council to effective climate change mitigation and adaptation. It incorporates actions that support biodiversity, green and sustainable energy sources, retrofitting and energy efficiency, research and development, the bioeconomy and green enterprise, sustainable transport, empowerment of communities and businesses and the co-benefits for all of us as a result of positive climate action, the Cathaoirleach said. The Tipperary Decarbonising Zone, centered on the National Bioeconomy Campus at Lisheen, Thurles is exemplary and presents significant opportunities for the area and the wider county. Noting the making of the LACAP, Joe MacGrath, Chief Executive of Tipperary County Council said; There are considerable benefits and opportunities from collective climate action, including new and innovative economic development prospects and a real understanding of the role of our natural environment in both our climate change response and our own quality of life. The Council is an important enabler of climate action through the delivery of its functions and services on a daily basis and by demonstrating leadership in achieving its own emissions reductions and energy efficiency targets. The LACAP sets out challenging, but practical actions to be delivered by the Council working with lots of stakeholders. These actions have been developed with the input of staff across the Council and with the participation of external stakeholders, the CEO said. The LACAP and associated documents, including a County Climate Change Risk Assessment, Baseline Emissions Inventory for both the County and the Decarbonising Zone and all relevant environment reports may be viewed on the Councils website. Polish farmers are threatening to block all checkpoints on the border with Ukraine starting February 20. According to the threats, not only border crossings will be blocked, but also transportation hubs and entrances to transshipment railroad stations and seaports. This is how farmers want to allegedly ensure the country's food security. In Ukraine, however, they are sympathetic to the position of the Poles, but note that they greatly exaggerate the role of our country in their problems. ADVERTISIMENT Moreover, said Mykola Solsky, Minister of Agrarian Policy, during the telethon, farmers have been protesting across Europe in recent months. Although each country has its own reasons for doing so, they are united by the demand to reduce the gradually increasing environmental requirements for production. Solsky explained that European farmers are unhappy that they have to follow certain rules in their work that do not affect the products of suppliers from other countries, such as Canada, Brazil, Ukraine, and New Zealand. This, among other things, makes their products more competitive in local markets. However, the problem for Ukraine, he said, is that Polish farmers are too focused on products from our country. Despite the fact that, as the Minister noted, over the past year: "Ukraine exported $1.6-1.7 billion worth of products to Poland; however, it imported from Poland products worth almost 1.1-1.2 billion dollars. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, Solsky emphasized, "none of the Ukrainians have heard that something should be banned from being imported from Poland." "We have always tried and are trying to negotiate. I'm absolutely sure that this degree of emotion needs to be reduced and that the Ukrainian theme should definitely not be used [by the Poles to their advantage]. ...The protest in Poland, unlike all other countries, has an exaggerated focus on Ukraine," the head of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy stated. Poles are exaggerating the problem At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine still exports most of its grain via the sea corridor. Therefore, the Poles are simply exaggerating the problem in vain. "In recent months, we have been trying to convey this to our Polish friends. We say: "Even if you lift the ban on grain, it will not go there from Ukraine, because the price in the port of Odesa is already more competitive than at your border, so keep in mind that in this discussion we are fighting against some phantoms," Solsky summarized. ADVERTISIMENT Poland will check every batch of grain from Ukraine At the same time, the Polish authorities decided to tighten control over Ukrainian grain, presumably believing that it was the quality of the product that was the issue. It was stated that after its transit to Germany, it turns out that it is of poor quality, and in 99% of cases, the goods are returned to Poland - but under the guise of European ones. According to Polish Deputy Minister of Agriculture Micha Kolodziejczak, they intend to check all grain in transit through Poland, both at the land border and in ports. At the same time, Kolodziejczak expressed the opinion that the grain inspection procedures in place at the border are incorrect. And they determine "whether or not Polish agriculture will survive," and, notably, he personally, thus linking his career to this issue. ADVERTISIMENT As OBOZ.UA previously reported, according to the Ukrainian ambassador to Poland, Polish farmers blocking the border have no objective reasons to expand their protest. Therefore, the problem should be resolved in a constructive and negotiated manner. Otherwise, only Russia will win, and the protesting farmers will also be among the losers. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! King Charles is currently being dragged in controversy but details are still being uncovered. We tell you what we have gathered. This is a story reported on by two huge UK tabloids: Express and The Sun. Though these two publications usually address more personal issues this time they tackle something very political. Discover our latest podcast According to them, a property which the King supposedly owns is in the middle of diplomatic and investing issues. The property is a massive hotel complex on the island of Cyprus, more specifically on the north of the island called: the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). The area holds a very troubled history which now King Charles finds himself tangled with. The Golden Sands Hotel After a troubling beginning of the year, King Charles is now caught in something far beyond what royal experts and watchers could have expected. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) is claiming King Charles owns the Golden Sands Hotel which sits pretty in the middle of abandoned land currently part of a rebranding. The hotel was first open in 1974 but closed only a few months later due to political unrest in the area. The conflict led to the island being separated in two with the TRNC only being recognised by Turkey. At the time of the hotel being built and opened, the North of Cyprus was a prestigious holiday vacation destination for people like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, the latter even owns a house there. However, the conflict between Greece and Turkey forced these famous visitors to abandon their properties and the Greek population moved south. The town of Varosha (Greek) / Maras (Turkish Cypriot) was abandoned and became a restricted area. Ownership is now a diplomatic issue This is not the first time the Royal Family is tangled with property ownership abroad however this time is goes far beyond a monarch owning something in a country thats not theirs. Indeed, the ownership of the hotel and land in general in this area is a massive issue as plans are put forward to bring it back to its former glory. Express reports that they have seen plans to bring Varosha/ Maras back to life. However, the tabloid quickly mentions that these will be challenged by the UN as the island continues to be split. Hence, why they allege that King Charles will be caught in the row. Express further explains that the stakes are high on this project as a consortium of billionaire businesspeople from across the globe are involved and believe Varosha/Maras to be the future hit destination. King Charles involvement The Palace has always denied the Kings ownership of the Golden Sands Hotel but the monarch and the UK's possible involvement doesnt seem to stop there. Indeed the TRNC allege that the hotel is not accessible and being protected preventing people without authorisation to enter. Moreover, according to Express who seems to be investigating the matter, questions are now being raised about the possible use of the building by the UK government and security forces. Indeed, Cyprus enjoys a proximity to the Middle East. It should be noted that the Military of Defence has shut down those questions when pressed. The President of Cyprus has ordered a 'full investigation' into the plans to renovate the former idyllic vacation destination. Indeed, as Cyprus is part of the Commonwealth diplomats in London have been urged to investigate the matter. Moreover, Express reports that the UN Secretary General would be visiting the island in order to get talks going between the two separate parts of the island. There are a lot of dark areas in this story firstly because of the complicated history the place holds. Moreover, though Express reports on the matter, they do not explain how King Charles could have become the owner of what was once described as the first seven-star hotel. Read more: King Charles' role as Head of State could be in jeopardy in this country, here's why Will King Charles stop this extreme royal tradition that has a worrying impact on UK's history? King Charles is breaking late Queen Elizabeth II's tradition for second year in a row Sources: Express: Plans to turn seaside ghost town into 'Vegas of the Med' could drag King Charles into row The Sun: Inside ghost town with 7-star hotel owned by King Charles left to rot in once idyllic resort turned no-mans-land In Kyiv, a German woman, Diana Wagner, a combat medic of the Carpathian Sich battalion, said goodbye. She was killed on January 30 in the Svatove area while saving wounded Colombian soldiers of the Ukrainian army. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by an OBOZ.UA correspondent. The girl loved our culture, traditions and was waiting to receive Ukrainian citizenship. On Wednesday, February 14, German Diana Wagner, a combat medic of the Carpathian Sich battalion, said goodbye at St. Michael's Cathedral in Kyiv. Her family, friends and comrades-in-arms came to see her off. Diana was the chief medic of the 3rd Assault Hundred. She had the call sign "Snake". ADVERTISIMENT "She rushed to the rescue of wounded soldiers in the hottest spots of the front. Absolute dedication, German organization, focus in actions and speed of decision-making against the background of medical education saved many lives of Ukrainian soldiers. Her love for Ukraine should be noted separately. Above all, she wanted to defeat the enemy, and then planned to live in a prosperous liberated country," the Carpathian Sich said. ADVERTISIMENT Diana was born on June 21, 1987 in Germany. She loved Ukrainian culture and traditions, studied the language, and was waiting to obtain Ukrainian citizenship. She spent more than two years at the front. ADVERTISIMENT According to her comrades, Snake was a brave and professional combat medic. Always at the forefront, always the first to go under enemy fire, she did not hesitate to rescue the wounded. Diana Wagner's professionalism and heroism saved the lives of dozens of Sich members. She died on January 30 in the Svatove direction while saving wounded Colombian soldiers of the Ukrainian army. As OBOZ.UA previously reported, a soldier from Kyiv region Akhmedov Sabir Samir Ogly died at the front while performing a combat mission. The life of the Ukrainian defender ended on February 8 in Donetsk region. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The mysterious circles in wheat fields that captured the imagination of the world in the 1990s and early 2000s have completely disappeared from the information space in recent years, despite the fact that social media is the perfect environment for such viral stories. It was believed that those amazing drawings were either messages from alien visitors or traces left by their spacecraft when they landed or took off. ADVERTISIMENT They have been "hunted" for, studied, and attempted to be reproduced using various methods. However, now it seems that no one wants them. And this is despite the fact that the topic of UFOs continues to be a hot one. IFLScience recalls the history of this phenomenon and explains who was really behind the "alien" messages. In the 90s, when UFO mania took over the world (not without the help of the hugely popular TV series Top Secret, of course), strange circles in fields were discussed by everyone from teenagers on the streets to the national media. And this was despite the fact that the world lived in an era before social media, blogs, and the Internet was not very accessible. Nevertheless, it was reported that "greetings" from aliens were seen literally all over the world. ADVERTISIMENT However, they did not appear 30 years ago. They were born much earlier. Back in 1678, strange signs appeared on grain crops in Hertfordshire, England. At that time, evil spirits were blamed for everything, and later it was considered the first recorded case of "alien" circles in the fields. However, it is worth noting that, unlike traditional circles, the stalks of the crops in Hertfordshire were cut, not bent. Thus, this case should not be associated with the phenomenon at all. Another mention of circles on fields appeared in 1880 when the journal Nature published a letter from John Rand Capron, who saw several "round spots" appearing on the field with his own eyes. He believed that the circles were caused by cyclonic winds. ADVERTISIMENT In the second half of the twentieth century, circles in the fields began to appear more and more often and attracted more and more attention. In 1963, English astronomer Sir Patrick Moore described a crater he saw in a field in Wiltshire. He suggested that the crater was the result of a meteorite impact. He also said that he had noticed spiral-shaped formations on the crops in some neighboring fields. Moore speculated that they were probably made by "strong air currents caused by the falling body" and also claimed that all the patterns on the wheat led to the crater. Despite Moore's attempts to find a natural explanation for the phenomenon, alien theories began to grow around it. Subsequently, similar circles appeared in Australia, which were immediately recognized as the work of aliens. At the same time, stories about circles in the fields that resembled a giant alien ship's engine began to appear in the UK. ADVERTISIMENT People's curiosity about aliens reached its peak in the late 1970s when a retired US Air Force officer shared the 1947 Roswell incident, in which a spaceship allegedly crashed in the New Mexico desert. Meanwhile, two Englishmen from the countryside got bored one evening and came up with what would be called a prank in our time. Doug Bauer and Dave Chorley came up with a fairly simple method that allowed them to create circles in fields of varying complexity, and the distance from city life left their nighttime activities unnoticed. The men used wooden planks with ropes attached to them to create circles in fields on the border between Hampshire and Wiltshire. ADVERTISIMENT By stepping on the board, they created wide lines and also bent the stalks rather than breaking them, making it look like they were bent by a powerful wind. Over the course of almost 20 years of pranking, Bauer and Chorley created more than 200 circles until they admitted to it in the early 1990s. Despite the fact that the human hand behind the alien drawings had been exposed, ufologists continued to believe that aliens were behind it all. Bauer and Chorley's confessions not only did not put an end to the appearance of these drawings in the fields but also went viral around the world. People from other countries, using the idea of the British, began to draw even larger and more amazing circles in the fields. Eventually, however, interest in this phenomenon gradually waned as it became increasingly difficult to interpret it as reliable evidence of the existence of aliens. ADVERTISIMENT Today, crop circles have rather become an art form that no one associates with UFOs. Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest news British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps praised the destruction of the Russian Caesar Kunikov Project 775. The sinking of the large amphibious assault ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet is a "powerful reminder" that Ukraine can win this war. ADVERTISIMENT And to achieve this faster, the Armed Forces need the help of Western partners. He wrote about this on his account on the social network X, formerly known as Twitter. "Today I will meet with allies at a global conference to finance the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The sinking of another Putin warship will be a powerful reminder of how Ukraine can win this war with our funding," said Grant Shapps. He emphasized that every nation should take a step to help protect the "front line of freedom." As reported by OBOZ.UA: On the morning of February 14, explosions were heard in Yalta, Alupka and Miskhor in the occupied Crimea. The network reported an attack on a ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, enemy helicopters flew over the sea, and another ship came to the "drowning" ship to help. The DIU and the Armed Forces confirmed the defeat of the Caesar Kunikov Project 775 ship. According to OBOZ.UA sources, the attack was carried out using surface drones. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was reported that the crew of the Caesar Kunikov failed to escape. The DIU showed footage of the destruction of the Caesar Kunikov by naval UAVs. - The Kremlin could not answer the propagandists why Russia is losing ships. Russian Presidential Secretary Dmitry Peskov advised to "focus" on the statements of the Russian Defense Ministry. - The network drew attention to a nuance: it was on February 14, 1943, that the hero of the USSR, Cesar Kunikov, died, in whose honor the dock landing ship was named. - It is known that Caesar Kunikov distinguished himself during the Russian aggression in Georgia. It was based in Sevastopol, its tail number was 158. - The network exploded with jokes and memes after Russia lost the Caesar Kunikov on Valentine's Day. - The Strategic Communications Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that about a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has been put out of commission. Twenty-four vessels and one submarine (not counting the Caesar Kunikov) have been sunk or severely damaged. In total, the Black Sea Fleet had 74 warships in service. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The government of Macau has moved to extend its tax waiver for gambling proceeds collected by licensed gaming concessionaires to the end of 2027. According to the leadership of Chinas Special Administrative Region (SAR), this tax exemption has been prolonged for the sake of public interest. Once again, the Macau government has exempted its six gaming concessionaires from paying complementary income tax from their gambling operation profits. The move was announced via an executive order signed by the Gaming Hubs Chief Executive Ho Lat Seng, and will cover the period from January 1st, 2023, to December 31st, 2027. Multinational tax organization PwC has said that the complementary tax is pegged on the worldwide income of any Macau-registered organization without a waiver. The latest move by the Macau government coincides with the current gaming concessions, which took effect on January 1st last year. These concessions will run for the next nine years, cumulatively adding up to the ten years as had been gazette by the government. The tax-free threshold was also upped to 600,000 patacas (~$74,600) from just 32,000 patacas (~$3,970) for the 2024 financial year, and any proceeds above that are subjected to a 12% levy. Macaus gaming law gives the Chief Executive exclusive powers to waive taxes for gaming concessionaires plying their trade in the Chinese Special Administrative Region (SAR). Article 28 of the same Macau gaming law also states that concessionaires are subject to duties, fees, and handling charges besides paying special gaming taxes. The same law also holds that the Chief Executives exemption of taxes must be undertaken in the publics best interests. Be that as it may, this law clause neglects to elaborate on what the term public interest means on a broader spectrum. Initial Requirements Imposed by the Government to Gaming Concessionaires The tax waiver on gaming profits is a relief for Macau gaming concessionaires who were not so happy with the governments requirements as part of its broader diversification development needs. Before renewing gaming licenses, Macaus government required all gaming concessionaires to submit a detailed blueprint of their plans in the SAR. This came on the back of the governments earlier postponement of its economic diversification arrangement, with sources saying that the Chinese SAR wasnt entirely impressed with the proposals tabled by operators. As such, a stalemate was reached between the Macau government and the concessionaires. Thats because the Macau government demanded the operators submit strong evidence that their plans would be crucial to four crucial industries in Macau. The said industries are sci-tech research and high-end manufacturing, traditional Chinese medicine, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), and modern finance. According to well-placed sources in the Macau government, the previous submissions by the concessionaires were not fully committed to these vital economic pillars of Macau. For instance, no submission touched on the traditional Chinese Medicine-related industry. Macau Gaming Sector Surging Back to Its Pre-Covid Strength According to a report released by Macaus Financial Services Bureau, a total of MOP59 billion ($7.35 billion) in taxes was collected from the gaming operators in Macau for the first 11 months of 2023. This represents a sporadic rise of almost triple what was reported in 2022 when Macau was still reeling from the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Areas under Chinese jurisdiction, like Macau, especially felt the negative impact of the pandemic, as they were subject to some of the most stringent pandemic restrictions in the world. This tally translates to 76.4% of Macaus total current revenue of MOP 77.2 billion ($9.6 billion, a figure that will be enough to cover the Citys total current expenditure, which sits at MOP 75.3 billion (~$9.3 billion). Having been hit hard by the pandemic, this SAR, whose economy majorly depends on gambling, has made a remarkable recovery. For the first time since April 2020, the revenue generated from gambling will cover all its expenditure needs. Bearing in mind that MOP 10.3 billion (~1.28 billion) was moved from the fiscal reserve as other capital revenues, Macaus government said it recorded a surplus of MOP 12.3 billion (~$75.8 million) by the end of November 2023. Under current regulations, each concessionaire is required to pay the local government a fixed annual premium worth MOP 30 million (~$3.72 million). The taxes also include a variable annual premium, which will be based on each concessionaires gaming catalog. The specific charges in this regard include MOP 300,000 (~$37,300) for each VIP gaming table, MOP 150,000 (~$18,600) for each mass-market gaming table, and MOP 1000 (~$124) for each gaming machine. Additionally, operators must pay an extra special premium if the annual GGR emanating from individual gaming tables and gaming machines falls below MOP 7 million (~$870,000) and MOP 300,000 (~$37,300), respectively. 2024 Expected to Be a Strong Year for Macau Gaming Early 2024 projections for Macaus gaming sector indicate that it will be a pretty good year for the Chinese SAR. Citigroup, a leading investment company, has upwardly revised its 2024 outlook for gaming revenue in Macau. According to the investment company, Macaus Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is set to fall in the region of MOP 231.3 billion (~$29 billion). The upward revision was attributed to the regions excellent gaming performance in January, which has, in fact, surprised many analysts. Macaus GGR for January was around MOP 19.34 billion (~$2.4 billion), which is up a whopping 67% compared to January 2023s figures. The January spur has, of course, been attributed to the no-show of the previously prevalent pre-Chinese New Year slowdown. The Enhypen Concerts held at the Galaxy Arena have also been attributed to the tourists going on a spending spree in Macaus casino establishments. So, should Citigroups projection of the entire year be realized, the Macau gaming industry will have registered a 79% recovery to the pre-pandemic times when gaming in the country was at its peak. Citigroup analysts also predict a rise in the GGR figure for Macau this February. Meanwhile, the Macau government has set its 2024 GGR target at MOP 216 billion (~$26.8 billion), and from the look of things, this is an achievable target. A youth hailing from Pattambi in Palakkad district of Kerala started his journey to Europe in search of better prospects six months ago. The trip was to take him to the Armenian capital of Yerevan via Dubai. The deal was that he would get a temporary job in the West Asian country. The agent promised him that he would get a passage to Europe, specifically Poland, from Yerevan and convinced him to pay Rs 4 lakh for his 21-day stay ahead of his promised trip to Europe. After reaching Yerevan, the youth understood that he had been conned. There was no trace of the agent or his accomplices and there was no temporary job as promised. He also stumbled upon several Keralites there they have also been duped by unscrupulous job agents. The youth managed to return to India after paying an equivalent of Rs 10,500 at the airport. Now he is working as a salesperson in a Chennai cloth shop. He cannot go to his native place as he will have to reveal his ordeal. Thousands of youth from Kerala have fallen prey to the Armenian job racket mafia and are languishing in various places now, but the glaring fact is that most of the conmen who have made a fortune from the miseries of these hapless youths are also Keralites. Sad state of affairs A native of Tirur in Malappuram recently gathered the courage to narrate his ordeal. He was duped of Rs 4.5 lakh by agents, but he came back and filed a case. He said that he was able to convince his brothers and hence he could come back, unlike many others. These conmen convince hapless victims and take them to countries including Armenia. While a one-way ticket costs less than Rs 25,000, these agents collect Rs 2.5 lakh to Rs 5.5 lakh as commission, the bait being the prospects of a job and an eventual entry to Europe. Only when they reach countries like Armenia do the fraud victims understand that jobs are very lowly paid ones. By then the conmen vanish in thin air. Without any money, victims mostly starve and do not get even decent places to stay. Modus operandi The conman will first link you to his accomplice in Armenia, who would also vanish after dumping you in some room. When you go for a trip with a visiting visa, you need to show the return ticket and a hotel booking. But the agent will first provide you with only the ticket to the destination. Once you reach the airport, you will get an email with a return ticket and details of the hotel booking. You are told to tell the immigration officials that you are on a pleasure trip and will be back soon. But once you land in Armenia, the agents cancel the return ticket and the hotel booking swiftly, leaving the hapless victims in the lurch. The sad part is that those who have been duped earlier have also turned into conmen to eke out a living. When the hapless returnees contact the agents after they somehow manage to come back, they are told that this is a lucrative business and they will be given a good amount as the commission if they manage to recruit three to four 'job aspirants' like themselves. Armenian truths You can spot umpteen Indians with expired visas at the Yerevan airport and nearby areas. More than half of them are Keralites. To avoid being stamped deported in their passports, they are forced to pay a huge fee. As their job prospects in other countries would be affected if passports carry a deported seal, most of them pay a hefty fine. This has become a major revenue source for Armenia as the fake job racket mafia flourished. Many also make hay by setting up facilities for the stay of hapless Indians who have been conned and arrive in Armenia subsequently. The Promise of Europe Even after the tourist visa period expires, many opt to cling on to Armenia. The motivation is a passage to Europe, which they think will happen sometime, though this is highly unlikely in reality. There are Keralites who manage to fix odd jobs for such illegal occupants who stay back in Armenia even after the expiry of their visas. They also make decent money the commission they get ranges from $300 to $400. Now, those who get such jobs are paid below Rs 30,000, which means they cant even send back Rs 10,000 back home. Illustration: Manorama A Kondotty native who landed such a job at a petrol bunk has worked only for three days a week. He paid the agent Rs 3 lakh to get the job, but has been able to send home only Rs 30,000 in six months he has been in Armenia. There are no medical benefits or job security. Many women also are languishing in Armenia doing odd jobs, and the agents urge them to somehow continue to stay back in the former Soviet republic dangling the prospect of the elusive Europen visa. Some agents even promise to transport them to Russia by road. Job scene There are only about 100 Indians who have found permanent jobs in Armenia. But as per unofficial data, thousands of conned job aspirants from India stay back even after their visas have expired. With more Indians securing such low-paying jobs, locals are at the losing end as they find themselves out of the job market. This has triggered discontent among the local population against the Indians. Though human trafficking to Armenia has come on the radar of Indian authorities, officials are helpless as the travellers insist they are on a pleasure trip and show hotel bookings and return flights. WhatsApp groups 'Armenian Malayalis, Armenian Nammal and Armenian Indians' are some of the WhatsApp groups started by stranded Indians in the West Asian country. Tales of cheating by agents float around in these groups. The Group administrators January post mentions that such incidents have been brought to the notice of Indian authorities. Stranded Indians are hoping against hope that help will come by. Many of those who shared their harrowing experiences had only one demand they did not want to reveal their identities. Why Armenia? Though geographically it falls in West Asia, Armenia is considered a sort of gateway to Europe due to its proximity to the continent. The country is located in the South Caucasus mountains, between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. As the wages in Armenia are low, many agencies have recruited labourers from Armenia to Eastern European countries, sometimes illegally. Many Indian youths also have fled Armenia through this route. But After Russia invaded Ukraine, there was an exodus of immigrants to countries including Hungary and Poland, forcing local authorities to clamp down on illegal migration. Armenia, part of the former Soviet Union, shares borders with Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia. As per a 2023 official document on Indias ties with Armenia, 3,000 Indians study at Yerevan State Medical University and five private universities. The sad story of Sooraj Seven months ago, Sooraj, a native of Koratty in Thrissur district, was murdered in Armenia. He was a victim of a clash between agents over the European Visa. His friend suffered stab wounds. Sooraj had to pay an agent, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, nicknamed doctor, more than Rs 3 lakh to reach Armenia. The doctor demanded a few lakhs more to get the European visa, triggering a verbal duel. Sooraj. Photo: Manorama Online As Soorajs demise created an uproar on social media, a comment from a Keralite medical student studying in Armenia summed up the sorry state of affairs. It read thus: Please do not come to Armenia thinking that you can reach Europe from here. That was possible earlier, not now. I know about the sorry state affairs here. If agents say that Armenia has a better standard of living, it is a blatant lie. Indians who aspire to a better life in Europe and a passage via Armenia understand the agony of these words. The geostrategic reality has fundamentally changed in recent years. Obviously, the Baltic States are preparing for war. The calls to make defence stronger, national and allied armed forces bigger and their training more active only worsen the situation. The Baltic States on January 19 signed an agreement to create a common defence line on their borders with Russia and Belarus, Lithuania's Defence Ministry said. "This is a political message - a message from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia that we feel a war coming to us," Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said. "It is a preparation for what could happen. And we hope that this will send a sufficient message to our friends and partners in Europe and NATO, that this needs to be taken seriously," he added. It should be said, that this message has become a convenient justification for building up Baltic States' military capabilities. Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are intensifying the training of their armed forces at an increasing pace. Thus, the Thunderstorm national exercise under the lead of the Lithuanian Chief of Defence is planned for 29 April - 9 May in Lithuania with the participation of Germany. It is oriented to the Lithuanian Defence Plans and focusing on the training ability to plan and conduct state defence and NATO Article 5 operations together with Allied Forces to prepare for the whole spectrum of operations. The Crystal Arrow drills will be held in March. These will be NATO's enhanced forward presence in Latvia combat group certification exercises and National Armed Forces mechanized infantry brigade headquarters and unit training to improve command management, plan and manage operations. The Solar Eclipse IV, a Latvian tactical field training of combat support specialists with a focus on indirect fire support, will be held in April. Saber Strike International regional military exercise organized by the U.S. Armed Forces in Europe and Africa are scheduled for April and May. The exercise focus is on rapid deployment of forces and cold weather training will be held in the Baltics in February and March with the participation of Czechia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia. Military exercises BALTOPS are scheduled for June, the largest and most elaborate naval force and service exercises in the Baltic Sea region. This display of military capabilities leads to increasing tension in the Baltic region and in Europe. Unfortunately, the current year does not make promise of warmer relations between the Baltic States and their neighbors because of such military activity. How can media outlets be taken seriously -- and I do not mean this rhetorically -- when they shout that two hostages have been freed while adding in the fine print that several dozen mere Palestinians have been killed in the process, when they propose that a city of starving refugees be bombed in a manner that "protects civilians," when they equate fueling wars with "aid"? One part of the answer is that they feature raging debates between wildly opposed positions. Surely only open and free media would allow that! Typically, they have to do this in all the small-budget (that is, non-military) policy areas. Trump's gift to corporate propaganda is the inclusion of foreign policy among the areas of debate. But, just as with most of the other debates, the key characteristic of the foreign policy debates is that both sides firmly agree on all the basic points and get them all dead wrong. "Arm Taiwan to build up to a war on China right now" is opposed by the demand to arm Taiwan to build up to a war on China right now. "Militarize the border of Mexico right now" is opposed by the demand to militarize the border of Mexico a bit later. Big debate! "Rush more free weapons to the genocide in Gaza" is opposed by the demand to rush more free weapons to the genocide in Gaza. Except that the fierce opposition of the majority of the U.S. public starts to leak through here and there. It becomes necessary to move the focus to Biden's age, or even to talk of demanding a ceasefire while providing the weapons, or at the far extreme to discuss redundantly banning weapons shipments that already violate more laws than a Trump bank account. Debate rages! The really big debate, however, is on the topic of Ukraine and NATO. One side (Trump and whoever tries to make sense of his logorrhea) maintains that militarism is a public service that every nation should invest in for the good of the world and to the extent of that nation's financial ability, that arms build-ups never provoke wars but only prevent them, that the Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted from insufficient Western militarism, and that there is no path to a better world that involves the rule of law, diplomacy, conflict management, disarmament, unarmed civilian defense, the inclusion of Russia in NATO, or the abolition of NATO. This is countered by the other side (virtually every corporate commentator) which maintains the exact same thing on every point. So where's the debate? While Trump evicted Russian diplomats, sanctioned Russian officials, put missiles practically on Russia's border, sent weapons into Ukraine that Obama refused to send because it could lead to war with Russia, lobbied European nations to drop Russian energy deals, left the Iran agreement, tore up the INF Treaty, rejected Russia's offers on banning weapons in space and banning cyberwar, expanded NATO eastward, added a NATO partner in Colombia, proposed adding Brazil, demanded and successfully moved most NATO members to buy significantly more weapons, splurged on more nukes, bombed Russians in Syria, oversaw the largest war rehearsals in Europe in half a century (now outdone), condemned all proposals for a European military, and insisted that Europe stick with NATO -- all of which is considered decent and respectable, so best not to talk about, Trump also says things like that he would encourage Russia to do whatever it wants to countries that have not paid the money they owe NATO. The debate is not over Trump's notion of using war as the answer to all problems, but over his suggestion that Russia wage wars. That is almost the very worst thing that could ever be said, in the view of many, including -- but by no means limited to -- many of the same people for whom "This genocide is all right" used to be one of the very worst things that could ever be said. As it's our civic duty to ignore Biden's mental blunders, according to three -- count them -- op-eds in Tuesday's New York Times, I think we should also ignore, or at least not completely obsess over, the fact that Trump has no idea how NATO works, that dues paid into NATO are small and all paid, and that what he's actually talking about is the notion that each nation should spend at least 2% of its "economy" on weapons (mostly U.S. weapons, so that Trump can brag about the sales in front of cameras, as other presidents brag behind closed doors). Of course on the debate over whether one should encourage Russia to wage wars, the Trump side is dead wrong and the other side dead right. But the reason for that is not, as Biden says, that a commitment to NATO is "sacred" or that Trump is being "un-American." Trump is of course being more "American" by threatening anybody else with war in the name of saving U.S. dollars. And commitments to military alliances are not "sacred." Trump is wrong to suggest encouraging wars because war is an evil, mass-murderous enterprise. The "NATO is a sacred commitment" crowd is of course also threatening war. The commitment in joining NATO is not to say nice things about Europe or to hate Russia or to sanction Russia or to pretend Trump never sanctioned Russia, or to buy weapons, or to pay dues. The commitment is to join in any war that any other NATO member is in, if that war is depicted as being defensive. So, if Russia attacks a NATO member, the U.S. commitment is to go to war with Russia, even if that means nuclear war and the end of life in Earth. Life on Earth is not "sacred" apparently. Or if a NATO member attacks Russia but Western media maintains Russia started it, or if the two nations attack each other simultaneously, or if minor raids escalate into larger assaults and each side gets to choose which assault constitutes the initiation of war, then the U.S. has a "sacred" commitment to end life on Earth. That may be more respectable than Trump's blather, but I wouldn't call it more sane. I would call it sharing in the illness of war thinking. Trump is not wrong, as some U.S. media outlets suggest, because he takes credit for boosting weapons spending by NATO members, whereas in reality NATO members have been spending more and more on war preparations before Trump was president, while Trump was president, and since Trump was president. Trump is wrong because spending more and more on war preparations is an evil, mass-murderous enterprise that leads toward more wars, while taking funds away from health, education, retirement, environment, housing, food, and everything worth living for. The idea that anyone in Europe might not be a war-crazed maniac who is freeloading, and might instead be prioritizing something other than military spending seems to be literally unthinkable by both sides of the U.S. debate over NATO. When NATO celebrates 75 years of itself in Washington D.C. in July, some of us will be saying No to NATO and Yes to Peace, without joining either side of the commonly understood debate. See https://nonatoyespeace.org Head of Ukraine's Mission to NATO Natalia Halibarenko said that during a meeting of the Contact Group on Defense of Ukraine in the Ramstein format, the coalition will report on the preparation of F-16 fighters for the Ukrainian Air Force. This meeting will take place on February 14 before the meeting of NATO defense ministers. ADVERTISIMENT Halibarenko said this during a conversation with journalists in Brussels, Hromadske Radio reports. She said that preparations for the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine are taking place at several levels. "There are several components. That means not only the maintenance of the machine itself but also the training of pilots: skills, English. Plus, there is a huge layer of training for the personnel who will service the aircraft. And this was also launched somewhere along with the pilots, at the same level. Plus, there is also the preparation of certain infrastructure as not all of our runways are ready for this," the diplomat said. According to Halibarenko, everything is going according to schedule, there are no delays. The first aircraft for the Ukrainian Air Force are expected in the spring of 2024. ADVERTISIMENT "There will be a meeting in the Ramstein format, and there will be a report from the F-16 coalition on how it is going. So I think that after tomorrow's meeting, there may be some more detailed information, but right now, everything is on track. And the spring of 2024 is one of the realistic deadlines that we have mentioned," Halibarenko said. Only verified information on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! And then there is, even here, the problem of segregation. We call it race in America; They call it caste in India. In both places, it means that some are considered inferior, treated a though they deserve less." Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. , "My Trip to the Land of Gandhi" In Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents ," Isabel Wilkerson reminds us of Dr. Martin L. King Jr. and Coretta Scott King's 1959 visit to India. It's a story I was familiar with, but it takes on a different reveal in Caste . Accepting Prime Minister Jawdharal Nehru's invitation to visit India, Martin and Coretta as to spend time with the "untouchables" (Dalits, which means, "broken people") in the state of Kerala, the city of Trivandrum. There, writes Wilkerson, the Kings visit a school where the principal introduces the couple to the "untouchables." "' I would like to present to you a fellow untouchable from the United States of America.'" King wrote about how he was taken aback. "'I was a bit shocked and peeved that I would be referred to as an untouchable.'" Not recognizing the connection, writes Wilkerson, King "did not see what the Indian caste system had to do directly with him, did not immediately see why the lowest-caste people in India would view him, an American Negro and a distinguished visitor, as low-caste like themselves." King, the gesture suggested, was one of them! How does a caste system operate in the US? As W. E. B. Du Bois, King, and Wilkerson recognized, there is a caste system in the US, and it has served as the "bone" in relationship to the "skin" (that is, race). All the way from Kerala, the Dalits, revealed to King a truth about the foundational hierarchy in the US that situates the "superior" above the "inferior." Based on the color line! The US is built on a caste structure, where the color of someone's skin matters. King came to the same conclusion. The people he was fighting for, "some 20 million," in the 20 th Century, writes Wilkerson, were "consigned to the lowest rank in America for centuries." And these people were, as King wrote, "'still smothering in an airtight cage of poverty.'" Many, Wilkerson continues, lived in the isolation of ghettos, "exiled in their own country." King, writes Wilkerson, realized that he may live in the Land of the Free but was subject to an "imposed" caste system, "not unlike the caste system of India," and he had been living as a member of a caste in the US all of his life. * While caste is invisible, it's race that is visible and race that garners so much discourse. And anguish. And pushback. Pushback and anguish. But, as Wilkerson argues, we'll learn more about what keeps racism in place if we study caste, since it's caste that offers a structure in which rest the color line . The race problem, she continues is actually a caste problem. Before there was a United States, there was a caste system. "Caste is the operating system for economic, political, and social interaction in the United States from the time of its gestation." People designated to reside at the bottom of this system are subject to violence against them. Violence with impunity! Caste, writes Wilkerson, predates race. In the US, ordinary whites had to maintaining the color line in order to uphold the caste system. In order to keep the "'Negro in his place.'" In other words! Decades before King recognized in the plight of the Dalits a marginalized people much like African Americans in the US, Du Bois was introduced Bhimrao Ambedkar, educated at Columbia, and a man who focused, writes Wilkerson, on "the difference between race, caste, and class." He would later be called the MLK of India. But for now, Du Bois recognized in Ambedkar their "common fates, despite the "ocean" between them. It was Du Bois, Wilkerson adds, who in his Black Reconstruction in America (1935), wrote that once the Black was free and briefly, in the sun, they were returned by force "back again toward slavery." Wilkerson explains, the "whole weight of America was thrown to color caste" when the US entered the era of Jim Crow-- legalized segregation. * Beginning in the years after the arrival of enslaved Africans to Virginia in 1619, writes Wilkerson, "the colony sought to refine the distinctions of who could be enslaved for life and who could not." The colonists, she continues, could easily develop "a caste of people" who then could be defined and always recognized, for the most part, "as dumb because it was illegal to teach them to read or write." Those designated at the bottom of the caste system could be considered "immoral" and therefore "raped and forced" to breed. These human beings could be treated as "criminal" since "the colonists made the natural response ti kidnap, floggings, and torture-- the human impulse to defend oneself or break free-- a crime if one were black." As Wilkerson argues, there's India and the US. But Germany in the 1930s, determined to do away with democracy and replace it with fascism, looked to the US. The Germans, particularly Hitler, studied America for its "near genocide" of Indigenous people and its enslavement of Blacks. And that "custom of lynching." For Hitler, the shooting down of Indigenous people and the forcing of survivors onto reservations was good. It was good, too, to witness the "ritual torture" of Black people. Hitler "saw the U. S. Immigration Restriction Act of 1924 as a 'model for his program of racial purification.'" Hitler, according to James Whitman, in Hitler's American Model , writes that the US "'was not just a country with racism. It was the leading racist jurisdiction-- so much so that even Nazi Germany looked to America for inspiration." For one political candidate for the US presidency, strengthening the caste system would assure a return to a great America! The caste system destroys democracy. Or at least, makes a mockery of the idea or countries such as the US and India, declaring themselves democracies. Focusing then, writes Wilkerson, on the "derogatory actions" misses the invisible structure of caste. "Casteism," she argues, "is the investment in keeping the hierarchy as it is in order to maintain your own ranking, advantage, privilege, or to elevate yourself above others or keep others beneath you." No country can fully engage democracy with a caste system in place! The structure is intended to look "like the natural order of things." It's far from it! We have to be taught this illogical way of thinking about humanity, writes Wilkerson. As I see it, why else would certain politicians and Moms for Liberty or, for that matter, ordinary citizens, becomes so embittered and determined to keep their children in the dark about the history of this country? Why do they fear learning about the impact and legacy of slavery in the US? Or why the era of Jim Crow followed the dismantling of Reconstruction? Why the police shootings now? Gentrification now? Why all the attacks on affirmative action and "wokeness"? We are all "ranked," Wilkerson writes. "Cast into assigned roles to meet the needs of the larger production." Think on this: caste is marketable too! It has benefits for the corporate class! As it stands now in this 21 st Century, "none of us are ourselves." King starts the fight for justice with this reveal in mind. "These are revolutionary times," he wrote. "All over the globe men [and women] are revolting against old systems of exploitation and oppression, and out of the wombs of a frail world new systems of justice and equality are being born." "The LAUSD School Board has not done nearly enough to hold the Superintendent accountable." - LAUSD BD1 Candidate Kahllid Al-Alim Scott Schmerelson speaks at a Board meeting in September 2022 (from LAUSD video) (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA At a candidate forum held by the Northridge East Neighborhood Council, current BD3 Board Member Scott Schmerelson revealed that this was not the only time that Cole-Gutie'rrez and the Charter School Division had kept information from the members of the School Board. According to Schmerelson, they had been kept in the dark when the decision was made to forgive $7,678,022 in state-mandated over-allocation fees. This gift to the charter school industry was largely paid for by students in the public schools affected by the overallocation of space to charter schools who, according to District policy, were set to receive 90% of these funds. This would not have made up for the indignity of having to receive vital services in a closet, but it would have paid for desperately needed programs for our most vulnerable students. Schmerelson also disclosed during this forum that the Charter School Division has told the Board that all past-due balances have been paid. However, this is impossible to verify as, despite assurances that updates would be provided monthly, the District has not revised its publicly available spreadsheet since June 30, 2023. At that time, charter schools owed District students $3,708,006 and this did not include a full accounting of the fees incurred during the 2022-23 school year. In past years, Board Members supportive of LAUSD public schools had little recourse as Cole-Gutie'rrez, a former employee of the California Charter School Association, gave away facilities and funds to these publicly funded private schools. At the forum, Schmerelson expressed frustration that former Board President Monica Garca made sure that updates about the ever-growing overallocation balance were provided during closed-door sessions so that the Brown Act protected the information from being publicly disclosed. He knew not to cross this line as he had already been investigated over his previous public disclosure of the corrupt process used to hire former Superintendent Austin Beutner. This preferential treatment for the Charter School Industry should have ended with the election of Dr. Rocio Rivas in 2022, giving public school supporters the majority. Unfortunately, while there have been some moves towards accountability, the pace of change has not met the urgency, especially with this year's election threatening to upend the majority once again. (Image by LAUSD) Details DMCA It is also not enough for Schmerelson to complain about not being informed about the status of overallocation funds owed to the District's students; it is time to do something about forcing compliance. If the Board did not give its approval to forgive the debt owed by charter schools, then the action was not legitimate and it should be reversed. If the Board is not receiving accurate data, then the bureaucrats responsible should be replaced with competent staff. When asked during the LAUSD Candidate Forum series if he agreed with the statement: "The elected LAUSD Board is responsible for setting policy. The job of the Superintendent is to ensure that the bureaucracy follows this policy", Schmerelson did not answer directly. Instead, he gave a roundabout response about disagreeing with the current Superintendent about his moves towards recentralizing decision-making. The answer should have been an unequivocal "Yes!" The Board was elected to represent their constituents and is obligated to set policy. Otherwise, problems like the ones surrounding PROP-39 co-locations will degrade the District's ability to fulfill an obligation to the hundreds of thousands of students whose parents have chosen to provide them with public education. Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On February 6, the Houthis of Yemen fired missiles on two civilian ships in the Red Sea. The group are attacking ships as they pass by Yemen as a protest to the US-supported Israeli genocide ongoing in Gaza. The Houthis are one group among many resistance groups calling for the end of the occupation of Palestine, and demanding an end to the US-supported attack on Gaza by Israel. The US and their allies have attacked 36 sites in Yemen claiming that was in retaliation for a strike by a resistance group in Iraq on a US military site in Jordan which killed three American personnel. Yemen is one of the poorest countries on earth, and the UN has repeatedly warned of famine and starvation in Yemen after years of war. One of the richest countries on earth, the USA, has been attacking Yemen. Experts on Yemen explain that the Houthi ideology calls for resistance to the occupation of the Palestinian people, who are denied human rights, and have been held under a brutal siege since 2007. The attacks on ships in the Red Sea would stop if the Israelis would stop the genocide in Gaza. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed a ceasefire deal with Israel yesterday, but PM Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the proposal worked on by the US, Egypt and Qatar. Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Ahmed Abdu-Almalik Al-Ansi, a Yemeni Journalist and Activist, to get a better understanding of the situation unfolding. 1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): A ceasefire deal is being proposed between Gaza and the Israeli occupation. In your opinion, if the ceasefire goes through, will it decrease the tension in the Middle East? Ahmed Abdu-Almalik Al-Ansi (AA): I think, that while a ceasefire between Gaza and Israel could potentially decrease tension, a lasting peace requires honest intention of Israel toward peace. In fact, Israel doesn't have any real intention to stop committing genocide in Gaza because Israelis are the main enemy of humanity; even if they say: " we defend human rights and peace" they are liars. People around the world discovered this lie in Gaza. 2. SS: The situation in the Red Sea is very dangerous. In your opinion, will the tension between the US military and the Houthis decrease after a ceasefire in Gaza? AA: The Houthis have demanded a ceasefire in the Israel war against Gaza, and an end to the Israeli blockade of Gaza, as conditions to end their attacks in the Red Sea. From the first day of Yemeni Marine operations in the Red Sea, they just target Israeli ships, or those heading to the ports of Occupied Palestine. The Houthis say to the world: "Stop the war in Gaza, we will stop our operations in the Red Sea." 3. SS: The US military and allies bombed Syria, Iraq, and Yemen in response to a drone attack on the US troops in northern Jordan that killed three US soldiers and injured 43. In your opinion, will this escalate the situation in the region, and will we be going to a regional war? AA: Certainly, the US military operations against Yemen will definitely escalate the situation in the whole region, and the world. The United States of America does not have any legal evidence to attack Yemen as well as Iraq and Syria; she just puts herself in a trap. Therefore, USA comes from far away in order to escalate the situation in the Middle East, she comes with a black lie of "Safety and Protection of Maritime Navigation". In fact, the United States comes to protect the Israeli brutal war against Gaza and Humanity in reality. 4. SS: The Iranian-Saudi relationship has improved greatly in the last few months, after the Israeli genocide on Gaza, and the US airstrikes on Yemen, we did not see the tension in the Middle East affect the relationship between Tehran and Riyadh. In your opinion, is the new relationship bigger than all the tension in the region? AA: I think that this relationship is a normal diplomatic relation between the two countries. While the new relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia is noteworthy, it's essential to recognize that the broader tensions in the Middle East, including the conflict in Yemen and the Israeli aggression against Palestinians, continue to have a significant impact on regional dynamics. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This blog is posted with photo of the two sisters at click here Day 130 of the ongoing genocide: Total killed 28,340 (+some 7,000 under the rubble to be added) and injured 67984. 72% are women and children. This also does not count the thousands dead from lack of food, clean water, medicine and from infectious diseases and cold exposure. Desperate situation for over 2 million people in Gaza strip. Meanwhile as you expect, the news is mixed. Some groups speaking out and acting to end the genocide while others work to accelerate it. For example while UNRWA ( .unrwa.org/) tries to do its mandate of humanitarian aid, Israeli authorities with support of the complicit puppet western governments are shutting its operations and hobbling it. And yes the Palestinian authority is permeated with corruption like the Israeli authorities. Both are like this by design with no democracy or rule of independent judiciary that serves everyone. In the case of Tel Aviv, the judiciary serves Zionist elites and in the case of Ramallah it serves the Fatah elites. In both cases common people suffer and the genocide in the Gaza strip is left to go on. And we continue to see heartbreaking stories like the two sisters who were so happy one moment and the next were hugging each other as shattered bodies hanging on a wall in their house. 16 leading humanitarian and human rights organizations call to stop arms transfers to Israel, Palestinian armed groups: An Open Call to all UN Member States to stop fuelling the crisis in Gaza and avert further humanitarian catastrophe and loss of civilian life click here Detailed Amnesty International report on the massacres in Rafah even before the intensification of bombing of this supposed safe area (that Israeli occupation asked people to move to). click here Since then, Israeli forces started attacking starving/famined civilians in a blitz in the past two days that killed over 140 people in Rafah alone (the supposed safe zone). See these .youtube.com/watch?v=36hkN42K2KY .youtube.com/watch?v=avybJRm_QaE .youtube.com/watch?v=lGofjde1uSA .youtube.com/shorts/Zp0faWK5yZU eo.com/900618438 eo.com/896624159 eo.com/912346597 and a Canadian doctor describes the desperate healthcare situation .youtube.com/watch?v=9TbSRxVNOpE Fifteen days after ICJ ruling, Israels genocide in Gaza Strip continues on the same scale click here Most Western supine media are silent and do not cover massacres. Instead they are covering the "rescue" of two elderly hostages [yet those were kept in a family home and were not held by the resistance forces]. Western media accepts the version of events as fed by the Israeli government (known for its lies, see ongaza.org) . They do not even qualify by noting source of information. These mainstream media in the words of Malcolm X have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and thats power. Because they control the minds of the masses. The press is so powerful in its image-making role, it can make the criminal look like the victim and make the victim look like the criminal. If you arent careful, the newspapers will have you hating the people who are being oppressed and loving the people who are doing the oppressing.This is so obvious to any casual observer who compares "mainstream" /corporate (bought) media coverage of current events with that seen in other more watched media like democracynow.org (and others listed on ongaza.org). The world is changing and hundreds of millions are getting the truth of this genocide live through these and the power of the internet/social media. Israel faces more danger from the ICC than the ICJ legally. Here is why .jpost.com/israel-hamas-war/article-786722 To my father: A documentary about Gaza eo.com/56683139 Son of Israeli victim speaks out for peace .youtube.com/watch?v=oZwuor_5wQA Zionists threaten South African minister and her children click here Netherland court Judge orders dutch government to stop sending parts for F-35 jets (used in the genocide). And Niragua joins the South African government in pressing charges of genocide at the International Court of Justice. [Shameful Court] CIA Whistleblower Joshua Schulte given Draconian Sentence of forty years for allegedly passing documents that exposed nefarious CIA practices click here EU foreign policy head Borrell speaks out [if you claim you want to stop the violence against civilians, then stop arming it] click here Yet we need actions not words from the EU tter.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1757241522465227166 I want to live, a song by John Denver .youtube.com/watch?v=OQer3hk53oU Ilan Pappe: It is dark before the dawn, but Israeli settler colonialism is at an end click here Stay Human and keep Palestine alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine siyeh.org estinenature.org facebook pages Personal .facebook.com/mazin.qumsiyeh.9 Institute .facebook.com/PIBS.PMNH Racism is an important propelling force for Trump. There remains significant racism in America which Trump nurtures to his advantage. In the Trump Presidency, his early signals of "good people on both sides" in Charlottesville brought white supremacists and antisemites out from under rocks. Evangelicals who support Trump seek more than an abortion ban; they seek to end immigration of people of color. Trump recently stated that immigrants are "poisoning the blood of our country," reminiscent of Hitler's promotion of an Aryan race, and demonstrating his desire to be a white dictator. The bond between the evangelicals and white thugs like the KKK and the Proud Boys is an oxymoron. Yet, the enthusiasm for Trump has a common denominator-- white supremacy. While campaigning recently in New Hampshire, Nikki Haley proved that pandering to racist Republicans is too important to her campaign to comment on slavery in the Civil War. She uncomfortably slithered away from the topic, refusing to acknowledge slavery as the cause of the Civil War or even discuss slavery. In fact, Haley has denied that we have been a racist country. MAGA Trumpers do not seek the advancement of people of color to have rights equal to white, Christian citizens. Trump has ignited the frustrated base of White Americans who believe they are threatened by people of color. At least some are seemingly ready to use force to get a proven racist back in the White House. The Trump base seems to favor the fascist approach-- ban books and censor history curriculums to deny any mention of slavery and racism in America. Anti-Trumpers must face the reality of American racism and what we can and will do to create greater equality for our people. Black Americans appear to be less willing to vote for Biden's reelection. Democrats must react. A Trump victory would be the end of American democracy and racism would flourish. We are, and have been, a racist country from the beginning, albeit less so today than for the centuries that preceded us. What could be more racist than slavery of African people? Racism and the inferiority of people of African descent were declared by the U.S. Supreme Court as the Supreme Law of the Land in 1857 in the Dred Scott v. Sandford decision. The notorious and shameful decision, written by Chief Justice Roger Taney, disgraced the Court and our country. The decision declared that the Constitution did not apply to Blacks, since they were not intended by our founders to be included as "citizens." Taney went on to explain that there is a "perpetual and impassable barrier" between the White race and Blacks. Taney actually referred to Blacks as "beings of an inferior order." This is the worst Supreme Court decision ever rendered. It was, however, repudiated by the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and the passage in 1865 of both the Thirteenth Amendment that abolished slavery and the Fourteenth Amendment's first section, guaranteeing citizenship for all who were born or naturalized in the U.S. American Whites lost their right to own slaves after more than 200 years, until 1863, when Black people became forever free under the Emancipation Proclamation. The Whites' perception of the inferiority of Black people nevertheless persisted thereafter and racism continued. Speaking to the White readers, did you grow up in a racist community? Did you hear n####r jokes? Did you laugh about them? Did you retell them? Did you hear or make negative comments about Black people? Did you live in a totally White community? Was there a perceived crisis over a Black family moving into your neighborhood? Was there a Whites only mentality where you grew up? Was it forbidden for young Whites to date Black girls and boys? If the Whites said no to the first question above, would you change your mind now? Like many Whites (of which I am one), I never felt that I would do anything that was unfair to Blacks or anyone else. Therefore, I was not a racist. Nevertheless, the perception that Blacks were inferior to Whites was around many White communities in both subtle and blatant ways. Many Whites didn't know, and still don't know, anyone who is Black in our purposely segregated society. Segregation has sustained our openly racist culture. Abraham Lincoln no doubt knew that true freedom for emancipated Black people would take time. Would he have expected that one hundred years later, a civil rights leader, like Martin Luther King, would still be declaring that he had a dream that true freedom for Blacks would occur in America? After President Lincoln's death, Blacks remained isolated from Whites. Strong and successful efforts were made to prohibit Blacks from voting with Jim Crow laws and intimidation. Lynchings of Black men were common in some states for many years. Organized racism, like the Ku Klux Klan, gave violent voice to racial hatred. For years, the Klan and its members were publicly known and received approval in many quarters. American history shows advances in the freedoms of Black Americans, followed by backsliding to more racist suppression. More than 30 years after Blacks were freed and guaranteed citizenship, the Constitution was tortuously interpreted to the detriment of Black citizens. Our country made segregation of Black Americans the Supreme Law of the Land in 1896. In Plessy v. Ferguson, by a vote of 7-1, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded that the 14th Amendment, requiring equal protection of the law, was not violated because Blacks had equal quality facilities. This contorted and disgraceful opinion gave rise to the "Separate But Equal" doctrine. As a U.S. Constitutional ruling, all states were obliged to comply. The racist opinion was arguably one of the worst Supreme Court opinions in our civil rights history, second only to the Dred Scott decision. The Court itself, other than dissenting Justice Harlan, was as reprehensible as the Dred Scott bench. There are other contenders for shameful Justices and other pathetic reasoning at the Supreme Court but Separate But Equal dehumanized American citizens the way Dred Scott did. Thus, the U. S. Supreme Court promulgated a racist practice that lasted more than a half century, 58 years, until 1954, when the opinion was overturned in Brown v. Board of Education. Nineteen years after the Separate But Equal doctrine, a U.S. President reinforced racism in America. In 1915, DW Griffith released the remarkably popular Civil War epic movie, The Birth of a Nation, which portrayed the members of the Ku Klux Klan as heroes and martyrs. The Birth of a Nation was the first film to be seen in the White House and it was viewed during the presidency of Woodrow Wilson. For many, Wilson was looked upon with disdain for having a White House gathering for so racist a film. Wilson was a racist. He championed segregation, overseeing the segregation of federal agencies and rolling back civil rights progress that had been previously made. He wrote a history textbook lauding the Confederacy and the KKK. (Many years later, academic institutions removed his name from their buildings because of his racism.) For a half century after the Emancipation Proclamation and passage of the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments, we had an American President, Woodrow Wilson, who sanctioned racism in our country. A sitting President signaled that it's acceptable to be a racist, opening the prospects for racial violence. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Small businesses affected by Januarys winter storm that battered the Portland area and other parts of Oregon can apply for federal low-interest disaster loans. The city of Portland is also offering relief to small businesses affected by the winter storm through its Restore Grant Program. Small businesses and nonprofits with a storefront and at least three workers can apply for up to $25,000 in grants to cover winter storm-related expenses. The deadline to apply online at prosperportland.us is Feb. 29. Multnomah County has begun compensating homeowners whose properties it foreclosed on and recouped more money than was owed, implementing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling from last year that found foreclosure practices common nationwide were unconstitutional. The county also will pay back more than $38,000 to a homeowner who sued the county last November as part of a class-action suit, seeking to be repaid for surplus proceeds on her foreclosed home after the county sold it. The Supreme Court ruled last May that counties that foreclose on a home for tax debts and sell it at auction are only allowed to keep the amount that the homeowner owed. It was common for local governments to keep the entire sale proceeds. Two other former homeowners, whose homes were foreclosed in Lane and Yamhill counties, have not yet been compensated. And two others recently filed a similar lawsuit in Marion and Clackamas counties. The plaintiffs in those cases both said they received inadequate or no notice that their homes were being foreclosed, according to the lawsuit. Michael Vaughn, the Multnomah County assessor, said that the county had started reviewing its policies after the Supreme Court decision. As we work through our foreclosed properties, former owners can expect to be eligible to receive excess funds, Vaughn wrote in an email. The policy change is to be consistent with federal law. Those who seek repayment can apply on the county website, Vaughn said. So far, he said, the county has paid back one person who applied, repaying about $161,600. He said the county has another application pending and an additional lawsuit. Whether from a lawsuit or an application, we are treating them the same, Vaughn said. The lawsuit adds layers of legal requirement but the outcome is the same. Excess funds will be returned pending review of an application indicating the rightful ownership. Joseph Kohn, an attorney for the plaintiffs in the Multnomah, Lane and Yamhill County suit, said hes optimistic that the countys decision will be indicative of broader policy changes. We view it as a positive development, he said. But I think this is maybe a wake-up call to other counties and the state to also develop programs to get this money back to people who are owed it. In the original lawsuit, plaintiffs described having to resort to drastic measures after their homes were foreclosed. One plaintiff from Lane County, who owed about $32,000 in unpaid taxes, had his home foreclosed and sold for about $118,500. He had to move to a campground in Klamath County because he could no longer afford a house or apartment, the lawsuit said. Foreclosures arent always a direct result of negligent taxpayers, said Elias Kohn, another attorney on the case, in November when it was first filed. They can be a result of people who inherited a house, or people who are incarcerated. Its unclear how paying back years of surplus funds could affect Oregons counties finances. Most in the state put surplus funds into unsegregated tax accounts, the same account that all property tax dollars go into, where theyre used to pay for public services. Multnomah County since 2017 has put excess funds from foreclosures into its Joint Office of Homeless Services. Jayati Ramakrishnan reports on Oregonians access to housing, transportation and mental health care. Reach her at jramakrishnan@oregonian.com. Our journalism needs your support. Subscribe today. A man living in a tent who shot another homeless man on the Eastbank Esplanade in December 2022 was sentenced Tuesday to two years in federal prison for being a felon with a gun. Charles Edward Maxey Jr., 49, fired the gun within a year of completing post-prison supervision on a state conviction for attempted second-degree assault with a gun, according to prosecutor Leah Bolstad. Multnomah County and the city of Portland are actively looking for a location and money for a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week emergency drop-off sobering center -- a place where police, firefighters and other responders can take people who are in crisis or suffering from severe addiction. A contractor has been hired to evaluate potential locations and the estimate to open the center is $20 to $30 million, with an additional $10 million a year to run the place, state lawmakers learned Monday night. Police identified the 71-year-old pedestrian struck and killed in Southeast Portland over a week ago as Thomas Amato. Officers responded to reports of a man being hit by a car in the 9700 block of Southeast Woodstock Boulevard at 5:44 p.m. Feb. 4. They arrived to find Amato dead, police said. The driver, who has not been identified, remained at the scene and cooperated with police. Police did not say what factors contributed to the crash. Within eight hours of Amatos death, another pedestrian was hit and killed at the intersection of Southeast 82nd Avenue and Flavel Street. The driver left the scene before police arrived. Fatal crashes have spiked in Portland since the pandemic, with more than 70 in 2023, the deadliest traffic year in the city since the 1990s. Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744 Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe A Russian large amphibious assault ship Caesar Kunikov sank in the Black Sea off the coast of temporarily occupied Crimea, sources in the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine said. According to preliminary data, the crew of the enemy vessel did not manage to escape. ADVERTISIMENT This information was shared with OBOZ.UA by an interlocutor at the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on Wednesday morning, February 14. Karma caught up with the Russian LLS near Alupka. At first, the ship tilted on its side, and then went down. "Apparently, no one survived because the hole was large and everything happened very quickly," a Ukrainian intelligence source said. As a reminder, explosions were heard in the morning of February 14 in Yalta, Alupka and Miskhor. The network reported an attack on a Russian warship. Then helicopters of the invaders were seen over the sea. Another vessel came to the aid of the hit ship. The Defence Intelligence of Ukraine told our publication that a large amphibious assault ship Caesar Kunikov, Project 775, was hit by drones. It was built in 1984 and launched two years later. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Principals around Portland Public Schools warned their staffs this week that cutbacks are coming, kicking off what promises to be painful and contentious negotiations over the budget for the 2024-2025 school year. District fiscal officials say they need to trim $30 million from next years budget, the first true financial reckoning after the three week teacher strike in November that ended with a 14.4% compounded cost-of-living adjustment for teachers over this and the next two school years. Thats less than what teachers had sought but more than what the district had said it would be able to afford without making cuts. Complicating matters: Federal pandemic relief funding, targeted at helping students fill in the learning gaps left after months of virtual and hybrid school, expires this fall. The district received $73 million to spend over the last three years, the largest chunk of which went to licensed educator salaries, but that money is gone after September of 2024. And, while the precipitous enrollment drops that characterized the pandemic period have tapered off, next years enrollment could see renewed declines, due to a falling birth rate and families seeking alternatives. Thats potentially ominous, because state funding is directly tied to student enrollment. In a letter to families, outgoing Superintendent Guadalupe Guerrero wrote that the district plans to spend down its reserve funds by millions of dollars, leaving only the 5% minimum in savings that the school board requires, in hopes of blunting the impact to students. He said $15 million of cuts would come from the central office budget about 6% of the overall administrative budget and another $15 million would be spread over the districts 86 different schools, or about 2% of the school buildings budget. Several teachers, all of whom requested anonymity in order to be able to speak without fear of retribution, told The Oregonian/OregonLive that in these early stages, cutbacks appeared to be focused on social and emotional supports for students, including to school counselors and behavior specialists, as well as to so-called specials teachers who lead art, music, physical education and other enrichment classes and will now be more likely to split their time between schools. In his email to parents, Guerrero also warned that we anticipate that some schools will see teacher-student ratios increase by one or two students on average. Large class sizes were a key point of contention during the strike, and as a result the district is set to phase in school-level committees that will brainstorm potential solutions to crowded classrooms. None of those cuts are set in stone. Historically, the outlook changes after feedback from teachers, other district employees and families. The school board will not approve a final budget until June. Finances can shift too for example, state lawmakers are currently considering a $50 million allocation for summer school programming across all Oregon districts, which could potentially free up money earmarked for that purpose to be spent elsewhere. Nor does it likely mean widespread job losses, given expected retirements. But some educators may find themselves assigned to different buildings. Portland Association of Teachers President Angela Bonilla, who was recently reelected to her post without opposition, immediately blasted the districts plan in an email to the 3,500 teachers in the union, calling it unacceptable. If cuts are needed, they should be made as far away from students and schools as possible, she wrote. The district spent nearly $30 million less than it had planned to do in 2022-2023 according to its own end-of-year accounting, she said, suggesting that similar underspending could surface this year, offsetting cuts. She wrote that the balance should come from cutting back on contracts with outside vendors. Julia Silverman, @jrlsilverman, jsilverman@oregonian.com The cards began arriving at Phyllis Ankenys Aloha home shortly before her birthday. Ive never received so many cards in my life, she said. Cards arrived from Alabama and California, Washington and Texas, Switzerland and Denmark. She has received dozens of them. And they keep coming. The cards, with handwritten thoughts, are better than any gift in wrapping paper because they remind Ankeny that her life has had meaning, that shes truly touched people. They reminded her of her time in the Navy during World War II, of her time as a young mother, of her time helping out the police. Oh, the 100-year-old woman said, this is my best birthday ever. *** In the months leading up to January 27, her birthday, Phyllis Ankeny told her two daughters she didnt want a party in her honor. Her daughters insisted there had to be some sort of celebration for such a landmark day, so they decided to ask people who knew their mother friends and family, as well as acquaintances Phyllis Ankeny hadnt seen in decades to send her a birthday card. A simple idea. A powerful one. The cards proved to be a portal to a life well lived. Ive lived through so many things, Ankeny said. It seems as if time has gone by so quickly. Phyllis Ankenys parents immigrated to the United States from Denmark early in the 20th century. They settled in Nebraska, where they raised five children while eking out a living farming. As a little girl, Phyllis Ankeny, then Phyllis Jensen, learned the value of hard work. Each morning, as the oldest child, she had to gather the eggs, separate the milk and watch over her siblings while her mother prepared meals for the farmhands. She walked several miles to school, and sometimes she had to stoke the classroom fire before the other children arrived. I think that shaped her, said Jean Holmboe, Ankenys oldest daughter. Shes just one determined woman. Nothings going to get her down. Ankeny, who has had two brain surgeries, refuses to sit back and wait out her time left. She lives independently, next door to Holmboes home, and keeps busy. Ankeny plays bridge every Monday for five hours, sometimes at her home, other times at other players homes. No two hands of cards are the same, said Ankeny. Just like life. Ankenys other daughter, Murlene Sam Madison, said her grandparents ultimately left Nebraska and headed to Portland in search of a better life. Farming just wasnt dependable, Madison said. They got in the car and drove west, trusting they would find something here. It was a different generation. My grandfather supported the family laying tile and linoleum. After graduating from high school, Ankeny found a job at the Jantzen Knitting Mills Company, the iconic Portland swimwear-maker, but working with wool irritated her hands and she decided to find something else. She applied to be an operator at the telephone company but was told her voice was too soft. While walking along Southwest Broadway in downtown Portland she spotted a military recruiting poster Uncle Sam pointing out at the viewer over the words I want you. It was 1943. The world was at war. I walked in and tried signing up for the Navy, she said. I was 19 and was told I needed my parents consent. Her parents gave their permission, and so Ankeny joined the WAVES the newly created womens branch of the U.S. Naval Reserve. Soon she was sent to a base in New Jersey, and then on to Florida. Her job: Packing parachutes for pilots. I had to pack the chute and seal it, said Ankeny. My name was on every chute. Six dates were enough. Bernard Ankeny was smitten.Family photo She returned home on leave, stayed with her parents and one day ran into Bernard Ankeny, a man whose parents lived on the same street. We didnt even know each other, she said. Hed been in the Navy and was also home on leave. We dated for six nights and then we both had to go back to the Navy. I was in Florida, and he was in New York. Six dates were enough. Bernard was smitten. Phyllis new beau called her daily. He said he wanted to marry me, she said. I told him he had come to me. I didnt have any more leave. Ten days later they tied the knot. Since Phyllis was now married, the Navy discharged her. She moved to New York to be with her husband. After the war, the couple returned to Portland, where Bernard went to work for Carnation Milk Products. We were so broke, said Ankeny. But we were happy and in love. When I had my first brain surgery he was my caretaker. He was so attentive. Her husband died in 1992. Phyllis Ankenys children were grown, and so, in a sense, she had to start over. I had to have something to do, she said. To get over the loss, I needed to do something for someone else. She spent the next two decades volunteering at St. Vincent Medical Center, helping with cancer patients. She also did administrative work at the Beaverton Police Department. When you volunteer, she said, you become grateful for what you are able to do. The nights, Ankeny said, are the hardest. Theres no one to talk to. What comforts her so late in life, she said, are her memories. And, of course, the birthday cards in the basket she keeps next to her easy chair. She reached into the basket one recent day, pulled out a card and read from it, traveling back in time to when she was simply a young mother, the future stretched out before her, not knowing what the years would hold, living in the moment. She read out loud: I could not have asked for a better neighbor or friend for the 20-plus years we shared on 101st street. Your door was always open to my children. Thank you, dear friend. Love you to the moon and back. A four-sentence reminder that she touched lives in ways that, at the time, seemed insignificant but linger decades later. Tom Hallman Jr 503-221-8224; thallman@oregonian.com; @thallmanjr Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Fernanda (Fer) Mejia Arroyo moved from her hometown of Guanajuato, Mexico, to Ashland 14 years ago to earn a masters degree in management at Southern Oregon University. She said she instantly felt at home for the first time in my life in the small southern Oregon city and decided to stay. But thats not the biggest surprise. Mejia Arroyo, who works for a child development nonprofit organization and mountain bikes and skies for fun, found love here. In June, she will marry another outdoors enthusiast, Andy Evins. Mejia Arroyo wont be the first person from central Mexicos historic silver-mining city to exchange vows with a Rogue Valley resident. Ashlands sister-city and university relationships with Guanajuato began in 1969 to widen educational and cultural knowledge. For decades, students and dignitaries from the two cities have celebrated their shared interests: Both regions are naturally picturesque, historically significant and renown for theatrical performances that draw in thousands of tourists. One unexpected benefit of the sister-city union: Activities have sparked dozens of relationships over the years, and about 30 couples have married, one in the family of Southern Oregon University professor emerita Graciela Chela Tapp-Kocks, who introduced the two cities. The people of Guanajuato and the place are very romantic, she said. Everyone there writes poetry. Studies have found that studying abroad expands a persons understanding of various cultures, languages and traditions. Exchange programs, and living with a host family, build self confidence and leadership skills, and reveal more than books or tourism can, according to the U.S. State Department. With these programs, international diplomacy happens on a people-to-people basis, say experts. Sister Cities Internationals mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation-one individual, one community at a time. Since the Ashland program was started 55 years ago, more than 1,000 Southern Oregon University and University of Guanajuato students, faculty members and others have participated, and some families have now been involved for three generations, according to Southern Oregon University officials. Pedro Rivera of Guanajuato moved to Ashland to attend Southern Oregon University in 1998. In 2020, he met Crystal Trulove, and they both now live in Portland. In September 2023, they visited visit Guanajuato and also saw macaws in Tulum, Mexico.Crystal Trulove In 1979 and 1981, Juan Carlos Romero Hicks, now a Mexican politician, earned two masters degrees at Southern Oregon University after receiving a bachelors degree in industrial relations from the University of Guanajuato. He and his wife, Frances Romero Siekman, who was also a graduate student, were in Ashland when their first daughter, Marta, was born. Five of their grown children have also earned graduate degrees here, and the couple host Ashland Amigos homestays and donate to fund scholarships at the Ashland university. Romero Siekman called herself a dedicated and faithful supporter of the program. But there is more to the sister-university program than academic and scientific activities and collaborative research projects. These are life-changing experiences, both academically and personally, Southern Oregon University President Rick Bailey told The Oregonian/OregonLive. While both cities each have accepted other sister-city invitations, their first was the Ashland-Guanajuato union. Many students fall in love with the sister city and stay. Southern Oregon University and the Universidad de Guanajuato and the communities of Ashland and Guanajuato have had such close relationships for so long that romantic outcomes should surprise no one, Bailey said. Our mutual respect is deep, and our absolute fondness for each other is infectious. Guanajuatos setting is special and conducive to romance, said Ashland professor Tapp-Kocks, who led students and members of the fundraising nonprofit Ashland Amigo Club, which she founded, on an annual 5,000-mile round bus trip to Guanajuato for 30 years, starting in 1969. Oregon students arriving in Guanajuato see a city hugged by mountains once laden with rich veins of gold and silver. The narrow valley forces streets to be slim and winding. The most famous walkway is Callejon del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), which is thin enough to allow a couple on opposite balconies to lean in and touch. Public plaza concerts and roving parties, called callejoneadas, are boisterous, colorful events that last well past midnight, said Tapp-Kocks, who arranged for host families to accompany students. Mexican muralist Diego Rivera was born in Guanajuato. On one long street of the city is a contemporary mural depicting Ashland. Downtown Ashland has a mural honoring Guanajuato on Calle Guanajuato, which links Ashland Creek to restaurants al fresco dining areas. Bailey said representatives from Guanajuato travel to Ashland to participate in Ashlands Fourth of July celebration and attend Oregon Shakespeare Festival performances. Representatives from Ashland travel south to enjoy Guanajuatos summer concerts during Fiestas de San Juan y la Presa de la Olla. Our students serve as translators at the fall International Cervantino Festival, which offers 16 days of performances across Guanajuato, said Tapp-Kocks, whose eldest son met a woman from Guanajuato and moved there after the couple married. Some of our students never wanted to come home. Its just incredible. Pedro Rivera of Portland earned his first degree at the University of Guanajuato, then moved to Ashland to attend Southern Oregon University in 1998. He has been an Oregonian ever since. In 2020, he met Crystal Trulove, also of Portland, who wrote about their love story on her blog. Last summer, the couple visited Guanajuato, spent time with his family and friends, and walked Paseo Ashland near the mural. The sister-city relationship is the reason I have Pedro in my life thank goodness for that, wrote Trulove. Fer Mejia Arroyo met Andy Evins in Ashland and they plan to marry in June 2024.Fer Mejia Arroyo Mejia Arroyo works for Oregon Child Development Coalitions Jackson County office in Ashland as a family engagement and outreach supervisor. Her fiance, Evins, works for Avista Utilities, which requires him to travel. Hes flying home late Wednesday for the two to celebrate Valentines Day. Well have a quiet night, sharing simple chocolate-covered strawberries, said Mejia Arroyo. They plan to be married on Mount Ashland, a place that means a lot to both of us, she said. Her best friend will officiate, and her twin brother, parents and other family members will be at her side. I met Andy years ago here. We lost touch and later we reconnected, she said. It was meant to be. Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072 jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman Chuck Mawhinney, who set a record as a U.S. Marine Corps sniper in Vietnam, died this week in his Baker City home. He was 75. Mawhinney returned from the war to live a quiet life. He worked for the U.S. Forest Service for 30 years. His friends, neighbors and co-workers had no idea that the soft-spoken man had killed at least 103 enemy combatants while serving in Southeast Asia for 16 months in 1968 and 69. This is reportedly the most confirmed kills by a Marine Corps sniper during the Vietnam War. Mawhinney said he simply did what I was trained to do. He was the kind of guy you noticed walking in the room, said Jim Lindsay, an author who wrote a 2023 book about Mawhinneys military exploits. He never sought attention, Lindsay said. He listened to other people tell their stories, said Lindsay. He never told his story. Nobody knew hed been in the war or what hed done. That changed when Lindsay, with Mawhinneys cooperation, wrote The Sniper: The Untold Story of the Marine Corps Greatest Marksman of All Time. Author Jim Lindsay wrote a 2023 book about Mawhinneys military exploits.Handout Lindsay said he knew next to nothing about snipers before spending time with Mawhinney. I always thought these guys were half-animal, he said. They go out, live off bugs and come back every month or two, and everyone fears them. That wasnt the truth. While collaborating on the book, Mawhinney told Lindsay he wouldnt allow the book to be all Hollywood. Everything in that book came out of his mouth, Lindsay said. Thats all he wanted. Mawhinney, born in Lakeview, joined the Marines in 1967 when he was 18. His father had served in the Marine Corps during World War II. As a sniper, Mawhinney operated in one of the most dangerous war zones in Vietnam. Lindsay said that on Valentines Day in 1969 Mawhinney encountered an enemy platoon and killed 16 soldiers. He left the Marines with the rank of sergeant and settled in Baker City. Lindsay said Mawhinney is survived by his wife, Robin, and three sons. His cause of death has not been released. He was a good man, said Lindsay. He was a good father, a good husband and an asset to the community. He was a pretty cool cat. Funeral arrangements are pending. Tom Hallman Jr 503-221-8224; thallman@oregonian.com; @thallmanjr Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe Renee Watson Watson is a #1 New York Times Bestselling author of books for young readers. Raised in Portland, she splits her time between Portland and Harlem. Her website is www.reneewatson.net. Defiant. Rebellious. Pessimism. Victimhood. Racism. These are the words that were used to describe my middle-grade novel Ways to Make Sunshine by a small group of parents of the Sumner County school district in Tennessee in 2022. Ways to Make Sunshine is the first book of the Ryan Hart series, a collection of stories I wrote about a fourth-grade girl growing up in Portland who tries to see the best in people, always finding the bright side of hard, challenging situations. Some of my favorite scenes are the moments where Ryan is playing with her friends and being carefree at Alberta Park across the street from Vernon Elementary School, the school I attended as a child. She races a boy on the playground only to lose because her shoelace is untied. She wins a water balloon fight because of her clever strategy, and she is known to pull pranks on her older brother, Ray. The Ryan Hart series features a Black family who relies on their love and faith to get them through hard times. This is a series about joy. Black joy. Throughout the series, Ryan learns that joy is not necessarily happiness. Her grandmother tells her in the third book, Joy is deep, deep down. Joy isnt always based on how you feel, but what you know. The joy that the grandmother speaks of was exemplified in enslaved Black Americans who created songs amid cruelty and abuse. It is the legacy of making a way out of no way, of finding something to be grateful for even when struggle and pain abound. It is not denial of sadness, but an intentional choice to hold sadness while also holding gratitude and grace. This sentiment rings true for Ryan as she navigates common childhood worries and obstacles. She wonders how to keep her self-esteem even when she is being teased because of the texture of her hair. She wonders how to remain grateful even when her family struggles financially. And still, with the range of emotions the character, Ryan, feels competitive, nervous, silly, worried, confident, sad those parents could only see her as an angry Black girl. Somehow, they interpreted Ryans nostalgia about moving out of her old home as selfish, and referred to her sadness as self-pity. They read the scene where Ryans grandmother washes and presses her hair, telling her how beautiful she is both inside and out, and in their complaint, insinuated that the character was shallow and obsessed with her looks. The parents who wanted to remove Ways to Make Sunshine from public school libraries could not see past their own stereotypes, assumptions and biases. For every emotion Ryan expressed, they saw her as a negative Black girl with a bad attitude. Though the school board voted to keep Ways to Make Sunshine in the library, what is disheartening about the sentiments of those few Sumner County parents is that their unchecked, biased attitude towards Black girls is far too common among teachers and school administrators in classrooms across the nation. In 2020, a 12-year-old Black child was sent to the nurses office to be searched for contraband because the principal was suspicious of her hyper and giddy behavior. Reports conducted by the Education Trust New York and the American Civil Liberties Union indicate that Black girls are disproportionately disciplined in school, not because they misbehave more than non-Black children, but because their age-appropriate behavior is seen and experienced differently than their peers. As I write this, Black students are being suspended because of the way they wear their natural hair. And Black history, which is American history, is being diluted and erased from the curriculum. Every time one of my books is challenged, well-meaning folks try to encourage me, telling me this is proof that you are doing something right. They tell me I am in good company. After all, books by Judy Blume and Toni Morrison have been banned. This is a badge of honor, they say. I appreciate the sentiment but wearing this badge of honor is heavy. It comes with the weight of knowing librarians are getting fired for sharing my books in their book clubs. I carry with me every personal account shared with me at author visits from teachers, parents and young readers who tell me how they fought to get one of my novels on their reading list or one of my picture books in their school library. I often leave school visits and events feeling empowered and inspired by the educators, care givers and young people Ive met. There is solidarity, yes. And a shared pride in our commitment to ensuring all voices are heard. But there is also sadness and anger, too. Not only because of the attempts to silence me and my stories, but at the blatant message it sends to young people about whose story is important, who deserves to be heard. The censorship, quiet removal of books from libraries and outright book banning are erasure and deny young people the opportunity to grow and expand. The act of reading is bearing witness to someones story, it is a way to listen, to consider. In young readers, especially, it can help build the muscle of empathy. These book challenges encourage children who do not identify as the protagonists in these stories to turn away from those people over there and disregard their experiences and existence. For children whose identities are being reflected to them in these stories, the book bans foster feelings of isolation. If books that center the humanity and nuances of Black girlhood are being banned and classrooms are suspending Black girls for asking too many questions and history books are erasing the legacy of Black resistance and resilience, where do Black girls look for acceptance and affirmation? I am encouraged by off-campus book clubs, independent bookstores with banned book displays and reading lists, and public libraries that are safe spaces. I truly believe that the people who want to take away students rights to read are not the majority they are just the loudest, the ones whove been given the mic. The dissent is just as palpable as the banning. Recently, students at Brandywine school district in southwest Michigan distributed flyers in protest of 193 titles being restricted by the school board. The titles under question included my young adult novel, This Side of Home, and books by Vashti Harrison, Kelly Starling Lyons, Nikki Grimes and Dhonielle Clayton. The students wrote, we want to protect our rights as 21st century learners. There are many librarians, teachers, parents and students who are fighting book bans by leading read-ins and writing letters to school board leaders and city officials. We Need Diverse Books and PEN America have initiatives and are finding ways to make sure diverse books get into the hands of the young readers. No matter the attack against Black girls and our stories, one thing that keeps me hopeful is the legacy of persistence and the miracle of joy we have inherited. I say to every Black girl to laugh louder, be bold, be brave. Know our stories matter. They cant ban our joy. Our stories have survived, and they will endure. Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Federal accident investigators are pushing to retrofit current aircraft with better cockpit voice recorders, citing the loss of evidence during last months blowout of a door panel on a jetliner flying over Oregon. The National Transportation Safety Board said Tuesday that the Federal Aviation Administration should require many current planes to have recorders that can capture 25 hours of audio, up from the current standard of two hours. The FAA announced late last year a proposal to require the 25-hour standard but only on new planes. Airlines typically keep planes for many years, so much of the existing fleet would not be covered. Cockpit voice recorders, or CVRs, are designed to capture conversations between pilots and any other noises that might help investigators understand the circumstances of an accident. In the case of the blowout on Alaska Airlines flight 1282 on Jan. 5, however, the data was overwritten after two hours. Our investigators dont have the CVR audio to fully understand all of the challenges the flight crew faced in response to the emergency, said NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy. The NTSB said that since 2018, at least 14 of its investigations have been hindered because recordings were taped over, including during seven runway close calls in early 2023. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy called that unacceptable. In 2018, a year after an Air Canada jet nearly hit planes on a taxiway at the San Francisco airport, the NTSB urged FAA to require 25-hour recordings on new planes and by 2024 also on existing planes that are required to have a voice recorder and a flight data recorder. Those two devices together are known as the black boxes, although they are typically painted orange. -- The Associated Press The state on Tuesday agreed to pay a former Oregon Department of Corrections senior manager nearly $1 million to settle her claims of retaliation after she raised concerns about the treatment of two employees who later also successfully sued the agency. The state settled the claims of Nathaline Frener for $950,000, her lawyer said. Frener served as assistant director of correctional services, a post that oversees religious programming in prisons, legal libraries, intake and assessment and release and reentry programs. The settlement comes a year after a Marion County jury concluded the Department of Corrections retaliated against corrections employees Gina Raney-Eatherly and Merilee Nowak. In that case, the jury awarded the women a total of $2.4 million in damages. The two cases center on the same two department leaders: Former Director Colette Peters, who now serves as director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Heidi Steward, a longtime corrections administrator who remains on the agencys executive team. To my knowledge there havent been any consequences to (Steward) as a result of these events, said Judy Snyder, a Lake Oswego attorney who represented Frener, as well as Raney-Eatherly and Nowak. Frener said she was pleased with the settlement. I can only hope that the Department of Corrections takes this opportunity to look at their current culture of retaliation and makes the necessary changes to make the agency a welcoming and retaliation-free workplace, she said in a statement. Jen Black, a spokesperson for the agency, said resolving personnel matters is often complex and difficult and reaching a settlement decision brings closure to the dispute. Frener cited multiple instances when she challenged the decisions of top managers. She alleged that in 2021 Peters and Steward meddled with her efforts to rehire Raney-Eatherly. She called out Steward in particular in her lawsuit, alleging she advised department employees to get religion, referring to religious exemptions from the states COVID vaccine policy for state workers. In her lawsuit, Frener said she told Steward that she was uncomfortable suggesting to state workers that they circumvent the vaccine mandate by lying. She claimed the director of human resources, Gail Levario, said no questions would be asked of those who pursued religious exemptions to the vaccine and that her department would be slow rolling investigations into employees who did not get the vaccine or failed to complete the religious exemption so employees did not lose their jobs. Ms. Frener stated again she was not comfortable with the plan to circumvent the Governors directive, the lawsuit states. Then in late 2021, Frener objected when Peters told corrections staff that then-Gov. Kate Brown ordered an investigation into who had leaked Browns commutation plans to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Brown embraced her broad clemency power, making it a centerpiece of her administration. The agencys investigation included searching employee emails -- an effort that turned up nothing, the lawsuit says. Peters placed Frener on paid leave that fall, then fired her the following year, according to her lawsuit. Snyder said the state lost a dedicated public servant in Frener. What DOC lost when they lost Nathaline cannot be measured in dollars, she said. They lost a really talented, highly educated, experienced member of the executive team. Noelle Crombie; ncrombie@oregonian.com; 503-276-7184; @noellecrombie Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe The warning was for East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades. "Light snow may persist through the early morning hours, however the bulk of the snow has ended. Therefore, the Winter Storm Warning will be allowed to expire," says the National Weather Service. Staying safe on winter roads: Winter driving tips from the weather service Winter weather can make driving treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and over 480,000 injuries each year. When traveling during snow or freezing rain, prioritize safety by slowing down. In near-freezing temperatures, it's safest to assume that icy conditions exist on roadways and adjust your driving accordingly. Be cautious of ice accumulating on power lines or tree branches, which can lead to snapping and falling hazards. If possible, avoid driving in such conditions. If you must venture out, opt for routes with fewer trees and power lines. Never touch a downed power line, and immediately dial 911 if you come across one. Here are additional winter weather driving tips: 1. Share your travel plans: When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival. 2. Prepare your vehicle: Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food. 3. Stay calm when stranded: If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car's antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers 4. Be mindful of snow plows: Keep an eye out for snow plows and allow them ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead. 5. Check road conditions: Before embarking on your journey, verify the current road conditions to make informed travel decisions. These winter driving tips from the weather service are your key to a safer journey on snow-covered roads. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure your well-being during challenging winter weather. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. Human rights activist Yaroslav Hryshyn spoke out in support of the mobilization of Ukrainians with criminal records. In his opinion, all citizens should be given a chance to defend their homeland. ADVERTISIMENT Yaroslav Hryshyn voiced his opinion in an exclusive commentary for OBOZ.UA. According to him, Ukraine should have introduced a corresponding initiative long ago. "There was an absurd situation. A person - either with a criminal record or on parole - comes to the military registration and enlistment office and says that they are patriots and want to be mobilized. They are told that they can not do that because they have a criminal record or are on parole and law does not support this. In fact, everyone should be given a chance to defend our homeland, and a criminal record or parole cannot be a reason to exempt from this duty," the human rights activist explained. According to him, this is especially true today, when general mobilization is underway in Ukraine. "We are in a situation where you understand that mobilization measures must be taken, and every soldier, like a diamond, like gold, must be recruited by records and persuasion, as well as carefully trained and involved in defense," Yaroslav Hryshyn added. ADVERTISIMENT He also noted that people who are suspected but not yet convicted should be able to defend their homeland. "There are crimes of low and medium gravity, involving violence, and different economic conditions. We need to be creative and give people this opportunity, it's the right thing to do," the human rights activist said. It should be noted that according to the current legislation, citizens sentenced to imprisonment are removed from the military register and are not renewed after serving their sentence. Thus, they cannot be drafted into the army under mobilization or voluntarily under a contract. On February 7, members of the Verkhovna Rada passed draft law No. 10449 on mobilization in the first reading with 243 votes. It stipulates that convicts with suspended sentences can be drafted voluntarily. However, the new rules will not apply to those convicted of crimes against the foundations of national security of Ukraine, as well as under a number of articles (violation of the laws and customs of war; disobedience; looting; voluntary surrender; desertion; failure to obey orders; evasion by self-mutilation, etc.) ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Accra, Ghana (PANA) - Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on Wednesday announced a major cabinet reshuffle in which he has dropped Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, who has been blamed by the general public and also MPs of the ruling New Patriotic Party, among others, for the serious economic challenges facing the country On the morning of February 14, explosions were heard in the temporarily occupied Crimea. They were heard in Yalta, Alupka and Miskhor, and the explosions were preceded by flashes in the sea. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by Crimean Wind. According to OBOZ.UA's intelligence sources, the morning explosions were the result of DIU operation: the soldiers managed to sink the Russian large landing ship Caesar Kunikov. "Five explosions were heard in Yalta, Miskhor and Alupka, according to subscribers... Perhaps these are missile launches from the sea," Crimean Wind reported on the morning of February 14. Residents of the listed settlements claim that they first saw flashes in the sea, followed by the sound of explosions. They were so strong that the blast wave in Alupka caused windows to open. And one of the subscribers of Crimean Wind in Simeiz said that the air raid alert sounded on the Russian ship. Machine gun bursts were also heard from the sea. ADVERTISIMENT "The location of the explosions in the sea, which began at 06.04 Moscow time, is probably in the area of Miskhor. There were no sounds of missile launches, our subscribers say. According to unconfirmed reports, a Russian ship was attacked," Crimean Wind later added. A little later, the administrators of the public, citing an eyewitness, noted that after the explosions, the Russian large landing ship sank. Eyewitnesses also filmed new explosions in the sea near the village of Katsiveli. "Another explosion in the sea opposite the village of Katsiveli, a strong shock wave. It looks like a ship's ammunition is exploding. We can see that another ship is here to rescue the "drowned" ship. A submarine is also visible nearby," Crimean Wind writes. ADVERTISIMENT In addition to the rescue ship, boats were also spotted near the Caesar Kunikov. The Russians have also raised two Mi-8 helicopters. They flew along the coast from Alupka to Katsiveli and back, keeping low over the sea. They were joined by Ka-27s later. According to our sources, the Main Intelligence Directorate conducted an effective attack on an enemy ship in the Black Sea near the southern coast of Crimea. They used drones to attack the Russian Caesar Kunikov warship. According to our source, after being hit, the LLS first tilted to the side and then sank. It happened near Alupka. The crew had virtually no chance of being rescued: the hole was large, so the Caesar Kunikov sank very quickly. ADVERTISIMENT In addition to the Crimeans, an American reconnaissance UAV is also observing the naval battle off the coast of Crimea, according to the Crimean Wind monitoring group. "According to Flightradar, a Northrop Grumman RQ-4B Global Hawk UAV with the call sign FORTE12 took off from the Sigonella NATO air base in Sicily and is conducting reconnaissance over the Black Sea at a distance of 100-120 km from the Crimean air defense and coastline. The task of such a UAV is to uncover air defense areas and collect data on how the Russian Armed Forces respond to combat situations. Since the beginning of the war, Western intelligence agencies have been sharing information with Ukraine in real time," the statement said. ADVERTISIMENT Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported on another "repelling of the attack of the Kyiv regime" after Crimeans woke up to powerful explosions. "Last night, the Kyiv regime's attempt to carry out a terrorist attack using nine UAVs against targets in the Russian Federation was stopped. The unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted and destroyed by regular air defense systems over the territories of Belgorod (2 UAVs) and Voronezh (1 UAV) regions, as well as over the Black Sea (6 UAVs)," the occupiers said. This service is a courtesy for our print subscribers to give them access to our online edition at no additional cost. If you haven't registered on the new site, you must do it now before you do anything else. Newly posted on the website of the Interpreter Foundation: Nibley Lectures: Come, Follow Me Book of Mormon Lesson 8 O How Great the Plan of Our God!: 2 Nephi 6-10 During 1988, 1989, and 1990, Hugh Nibley taught Honors Book of Mormon classes for four semesters at Brigham Young University. The lectures were video-taped and audio cassettes and printed transcripts were made of the lectures. We believe these recordings will be interesting to listen to and valuable to your Come, Follow Me study program this year. Each week, we will include the lectures covering the Book of Mormon chapters being studied that week. This week, we have lectures 18 and 19, covering 2 Nephi 3-8 and 2 Nephi 9, respectively. Note: Nibley did not have any lectures covering chapters 10 through 24 of 2 Nephi, so there will not be a post next week. All 112 lectures are immediately available in PDF, audio, video, and electronic formats, as well as in paperback books that are available for purchase. Links for all of the available online sources can be found in the Complete Bibliography for Hugh Nibley at https://interpreterfoundation.org/bibliographies/hugh-w-nibley/lectures/. The Book of Mormon in Context Lesson 8: O How Great the Plan of Our God! 2 Nephi 6-10 In the 28 January 2024 Come, Follow Me segment of the Interpreter Radio Show, Steve Densley and John Thompson discussed Book of Mormon lesson 8, O How Great the Plan of Our God! covering 2 Nephi 6-10. A recording of their conversation was made, and it has now been stripped of commercial interruptions and made available to you at your convenience but at no charge. The other segments of the 28 January 2024 radio show can be accessed at https://interpreterfoundation.org/interpreter-radio-show-january-28-2024. The Interpreter Radio Show can be heard in the Salt Lake City area each and every week of the year on Sunday evenings from 7 to 9 PM (MDT), on K-TALK, AM 1640. Or, if youre at sea or in space or otherwise located beyond the Salt Lake Valley, you can listen live on the Internet at ktalkmedia.com. We spent the first part of today being driven around the pleasant little North Island coastal city of Napier, where we saw some of the then-fashionable art deco buildings that were constructed in the aftermath of the devastating 1931 earthquake that essentially destroyed the town and, destroying its original harbor, raised portions of it by roughly nine feet. Then we headed out to Te Awanga, southward on Hawkes Bay, where we boarded a four-wheel-drive van from Gannet Safaris Overland (see the good video images at the link that Ive just provided here) in order to travel out onto the oddly named Cape Kidnappers, which is a headland that actually forms the southeastern boundary of the Bay. We saw magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean from the cape, as well as flocks of sheep and herds of cows and, at remarkably close range, thousands upon thousands of Australasian gannets, impressive large seabirds whose fledglings fly directly from New Zealand to Australia (twelve hundred or more miles away) and typically dont return to their mother colonies until their third year. I marvel at their ability to fly such a distance over the Tasman Sea (which the Ovation of the Seas took more than two days nd nights to cross), without their elders, to a place that theyve never visited or seen before. Such lengthy migrations as this one and the even longer journeys of other birds and of humpback whales and the like absolutely amaze me. There are two related but divergent stories about the English-language naming of Cape Kidnappers. One of them, the version told by Captain James Cook, says that it was named after an attempt by local Maori to abduct a member of Cooks crew aboard HMS Endeavour when Cook and his boat made landfall there on 15 October 1769. The crew member was Taiata, who was the twelve-year-old nephew (or servant, or both) of Tupaia, the Tahitian arioi who was serving as the Endeavours interpreter and guide. (This says something important, by the way: A native-speaker of Tahitian could communicate though not necessarily easily or precisely with native-speakers of other Polynesian languages, including Maori.) Cooks journal states that Taiata was over the side of the ship (perhaps simply taking a swim) when a Maori fishing vessel approached the Endeavour, offering fish for trade. Suddenly, though, the Maori seized the boy and attempted to flee with him. Sailors from Endeavours deck immediately opened fire on the fishing boat, killing two Maori and wounding a third. Taiata quickly jumped overboard and swam back to the Endeavour, while the remaining Maori paddled their waka shorewards with all their strength. A 4-pounder cannon was fired after them from Endeavours quarterdeck, but the Maori boat was soon out of range. Here is Captain Cook: [O]ne of the fishing boat came along side and offerd us some more fish, the Indian Boy Tiata, Tupias servant being over the side, they seized hold of him, pulld him into the boat and endeavourd to carry him off, this obliged us to fire upon them which gave the Boy an opportunity to jump over board and we brought the Ship too, lowerd a boat into the Water and took him up unhurt. Two or three paid for this daring attempt with the loss of their lives and many more would have suffered had it not been for fear of killing the boy. This affair occationd my giveing this point of land the name of Cape Kidnappers. However, the account given by the Ngati Te Whatuiapiti, the Maori hapu or sub-tribe involved in the story, is rather different: According to them, the Rangatira or chief Te Rangikoianake and his son Hawea led a rescue party in hopes of freeing what they not unreasonably imagined to be a young Maori boy they knew nothing, by this time, of Tahiti or Tahitians, and he would have looked like one of them who (they thought) was being held captive aboard the ship. But now for the capes other name: Cape Kidnappers is known in Maori as Te Kauwae-a-Maui . That title means the fish hook of Maui, and it refers to a well-known Maori legend. Supposedly, the demigod Maui and his brothers were out fishing from their canoe (the South Island) one day when he caught a great fish and pulled it up out of the sea. The body of that fish became the North Island and, accordingly, a common Maori name for the North Island is Te Ika-a-Maui (The Fish of Maui). Posted from the Pacific Ocean, just south of Napier, New Zealand At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Sturdy, flexible hinge design Thin and lightweight chassis Stowaway digital pen Great port selection Nice keyboard Good battery life Cons Dim display Weak speakers Older, slower Wi-Fi 6 Our Verdict A lightweight, flexible PC that can get down to business any way you want. Price When Reviewed 1271 Euro Lenovos been a pioneer in the 2-in-1 space for the better part of a decade and its Yoga design still has a lot of appeal. It can be propped up with its keyboard out of the way quickly and without finnicky magnetic attachments or kickstands. Its less of a tablet and more of a laptop, but when it comes to getting work done thats not a bad thing with the ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4. This new 2-in-1 blends the design and ergonomics of a ThinkPad with the flippy screen of a Yoga. While its not the sleekest model available (the X1 Yoga line retains that title), what you get here is a slightly lower price, with a great selection of ports, a way to store the included active stylus, and a taller keyboard too. If youre shopping for a pro-grade laptop that can be used for handwritten annotation and drawing, should this be on your radar or is it too buttoned-up to be useful outside the office? Maybe. Looking for more options? Check out PCWorlds roundup of the best laptops available right now. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Specs Our review unit came equipped with an Intel Core i7-1355U CPU, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD storage. For additional information, check out the full spec list below. CPU : Intel Core i7-1355U (10 cores, 12 threads, 2 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores) : Intel Core i7-1355U (10 cores, 12 threads, 2 performance cores, 8 efficiency cores) Memory : 16GB LPDDR5 6400MHz (non-upgradeable) : 16GB LPDDR5 6400MHz (non-upgradeable) Graphics/GPU : Intel Iris Xe Graphics : Intel Iris Xe Graphics Display : 13.3-inch 19201200 IPS LCD, 300 nits peak brightness : 13.3-inch 19201200 IPS LCD, 300 nits peak brightness Storage : 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD : 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe 4.0 SSD Webcam : 1080p IR camera with physical cover : 1080p IR camera with physical cover Connectivity : 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (1x always-on charging), 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm headset jack : 1x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2 Gen 1 (1x always-on charging), 1 USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, 1x HDMI, 1x 3.5mm headset jack Networking : Intel AX201 with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, optional 4G LTE cellular modem : Intel AX201 with Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, optional 4G LTE cellular modem Biometrics : Fingerprint scanner and IR camera for Windows Hello : Fingerprint scanner and IR camera for Windows Hello Battery capacity : 61Wh : 61Wh Dimensions : 11.66 W x 8.52 L x 0.46 H inches : 11.66 W x 8.52 L x 0.46 H inches Weight : 2.92 pounds, 3.6 pounds with AC adapter : 2.92 pounds, 3.6 pounds with AC adapter Price as Reviewed: $1,359.99 Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Design and build quality Lenovos business-minded ThinkPad laptops have a lot of things in common and its easy to tell them apart from competitors. The downside is that can make them difficult to distinguish from each other since theyre mostly slab-shaped, grey, and serious-looking. The L13 Yogas defining feature is its 360-degree hinge, making it stand out from the other ThinkPads. The nice thing is that its not as finnicky to use as some other tablet-y Windows laptops with magnetic covers. For all intents and purposes, the Yoga design lets you fold the hinges how they best work for you, and when youre done the L13 Gen 4 becomes just another notebook PC. While its not quite as solid-feeling as a normal laptop, the L13 Yoga uses a mix of metal and plastic to reinforce its two halves. With its tight hinges and quality materials, some users might not even suspect that this computer can be propped up in a few different useful ways. Plus, it has a handy port that stashes an active pen for sketching and notetaking, something other computers might make optional or leave out entirely. Its clear that more than a decade of making Yoga-style machines has paid off in the high-quality engineering of the Yoga L13. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Connectivity IDG / Brendan Nystedt Lenovo managed to keep the Yoga L13 slim while retaining a bunch of ports that are useful. With its two USB-C ports (one equipped for Thunderbolt 4 speeds), you can charge or hook up high-speed peripherals on either side of the computer. Both sides also have a full USB-A port, too, which is handy if you still rely on a lot of older accessories without the latest connector. Finally, youll find a full-size HDMI on the right side, for use with projector or TVs in conference rooms without the use for adapters. Theres also a wired headset jack for 3.5mm devices. On paper, this mix of ports might not seem that impressive but its a handy mix that desk jockeys and road warriors will appreciate. For wireless, the ThinkPad Yoga L13 packs Intels slightly older AX201 chip for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2. It would have been nice to see a faster, 6E-grade adapter used in this machine but given that many networks are still on older protocols, the laptop wouldnt benefit corporate users, much less remote workers at home. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Keyboard and trackpad IDG / Brendan Nystedt Its almost a tech writing cliche but here we are again. The ThinkPad brand makes some of the most satisfying keyboards around. The keyboard in the Yoga L13 Gen 4 is a godsend to those of us who write or bang out emails, giving a long throw, with a crisp actuation point that lets you know when youve correctly pressed a key. Its not too clicky, not too mushyjust right. Above the keyboard is the Yoga L13s standard fingerprint pad thats also the power switch, so you can log in to Windows 11 with the touch of a finger. The spacious touchpad works great too, with a firm but responsive physical click when you press down on it. I found that its not too awkwardly placed or too big, with fairly good palm rejection. And if thats not your cup of tea, the old-school, cult-classic TrackPoint nubbin sits in the middle of the keyboard, with three buttons below the spacebar. It takes some getting used to but lets touch typists quickly shift between typing and mousing without moving a hand to the bottom of the Yogas top deck. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Display, speakers, and webcam IDG / Brendan Nystedt The standard display is fairly good for everyday use, with rich colors and a sharp-enough resolution. If theres only one slight downside its that if youre in a bright open office, its max brightness of around 300 nits struggles to cut through glare. Being a 2-in-1 design, the display has a glass touch layer for use with your fingers, and the display also has active pen support for the included stylus. The speakers are not so impressive here, which is disappointing. The somewhat tinny audio makes the human voice seem fainter and thinner than it should, making the L13 Gen 4 a poor choice for putting out bumpin tunes. Its also probably a good idea to use headphones while on calls with coworkers, so you can hear what they say as clearly as possible. The 1080P webcam the Yoga L13 Gen 4 comes standard with is fairly good, and kept my face looking clear in a well-lit cafe. If youre in a darker room, youll notice that you look softer with the addition of noise reduction, but otherwise this is a perfectly competent camera. Its great that Lenovo includes a built-in physical shutter that covers the camera with a red dot, a must-have for workplaces with high security needs. Finally, the L13 includes infrared so that you can log in with Windows Hello facial recognition. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Performance Featuring a 13th generation Intel Core i7-1355U, the Lenovo Yoga L13 Gen 4 demonstrated very competent performance for most tasks. Obviously, its no gaming powerhouse but when called upon, this chip revs up to 5 GHz and speeds through intensive tasks with its 10 cores and 12 threads. Thankfully, when doing lighter tasks, the Yoga L13 barely makes a sound and keeps battery life going for hours of work. IDG / Brendan Nystedt We benchmark every laptop we review with PCMark 10. This software gives us a realistic baseline, using everyday tasks in a gauntlet. We measured pretty middle-of-the-road performance from the L13 Gen 4. Its clear that the cutting-edge Intel Core Ultra chips, as seen in the Acer Swift Go here, provide a lot of extra boost in a thin laptop (if thats what youre after). IDG / Brendan Nystedt In this test, we use Cinebench R20 to evaluate a laptops rendering performance by assessing how its multiple processor cores collaborate. In our tests, the ThinkPad Yoga L13 Gen 4 did a mediocre job within the thin-and-light crowd, but there are a lot of laptops out there with more cores or stronger performance in a similar package. IDG / Brendan Nystedt Modern PCs require 3D capabilities and not just for gaming, which is why we test every laptop with 3DMarks Time Spy benchmark. In this test, the ThinkPad Yoga L13 Gen 4 did decently for a machine with Intels integrated Xe Graphics, but its behind what AMD has to offer. It also was trounced by Intels latest and greatest Arc graphics, as seen in the Acer Swift Go. If graphics are important to you, keep an eye out for new machines with the Intel Ultra moniker. IDG / Brendan Nystedt We test every laptop by re-encoding a high-def Blu-ray rip into a small file meant for a tablet. Unfortunately, the Yoga L13 Gen 4 was the slowest system weve seen in quite some time, but its clearly not a computer intended for creative professionals, either. You should opt for a model with a P- or H-class Intel chip, or better yet, one of the great-performing AMD processors that beat the ThinkPad in this test. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Battery Life IDG / Brendan Nystedt Intels 13th gen U-class chips are designed to balance performance and efficiency. In the Lenovo ThinkPad Yoga L13 Gen 4, you get good performance with pretty decent battery life, too. In our looping video battery test, this 2-in-1 made it to almost nine and a half hours on a single charge. If youre careful enough with your screen brightness, this is a device that can work for most of a day before it needs to be charged. Lenovo ThinkPad L13 Yoga Gen 4: Conclusion Sometimes the flexibility of a 2-in-1 laptop is really nice to have and the ThinkPad Yoga L13 Gen 4 proves that you dont need to fuss with a detachable keyboard to get tablet-like convenience. If you rarely fold the screen back into a tent, or flat into tablet mode, you can still have a great ultrabook with lots of power and a nice keyboard. The only real weak point with this computer is its so-so screen thats just not quite bright enough. And, due to the ThinkPad pedigree, its hardly the pick for value-minded shoppers with a high MSRP. Because of those issues, its probably best that this model stay in the business world. Otherwise, the Yoga L13 is worth a look whether youre a solo professional with a penchant for scribbling away on documents or a corporate IT person who wants to give their company one model that can fit a bunch of needs, the Yoga L13 Gen 4 fits the bill quite nicely. Slack will soon begin rolling out what it calls Slack AI to its customers, featuring smart search, channel recaps, and summaries and a number of caveats, too. Slack has been trying to integrate AI into its conversational interface for about a year now, and some of this sounds pretty familiar. Slack was talking about a Slack GPT app last spring, with the eventual rollout of a sales-based AI, Einstein GPT, to leverage parent Salesforces CRM technology. Thats part of the message that Slack is reiterating today. Some of what Slack is talking about makes sense. For one, Slack plans to launch an AI-powered smart search that hopefully solves one of the problems that Slack, Teams, and other chat apps introduce: finding that one critical piece of information that was communicated in one of the dozens of channels, group chats, and direct messages. Like Slacks other features, those results will be footnoted with links to the actual chats where Slack sourced its information. The company is also reiterating what it said last year regarding chat summaries, AI-powered synopses of what people were talking about while your attention was diverted elsewhere or away. And thread summaries will do something similar, rolling up a prolonged conversation with the salient points. But theres a catch: Slack AI can only index conversations and threads. Documents uploaded to the system will not be queried. Neither will Slacks Huddles. Youll have to trust that the critical detail youre hoping Slack AI will catch doesnt live in either category. Mark Hachman / IDG Theres just a couple of problems. For one, Slacks video demonstration of the new features refused to even promise that theyll roll out. The following information is intended for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, and not as a binding commitment, Slack says. (Emphasis provided by Slack.) Please do not rely on this information in making your purchasing decisions. The development, release and timing of any products, features or functionality remain at the sole discretion of Slack, and are subject to change. Slack Slack representatives also declined to reveal what Salesforce planned to charge for the new Slack AI features, even though rivals like Microsoft and Google have been very public with their pricing. Okay! (Slack AI will be sold as a paid add-on for Enterprise plans and well disclose additional pricing information when Slack AI rolls out to non-invoice plans, the company said in a statement.) These days, AI practically sells itself. But for a company that prides itself on knowing how sales works, you would think Salesforce and Slack would be a little more confident in their own product, right? The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has expressed its appreciation for the visionary proposal put forth by Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia to implement a flat rate tax on the importation of spare parts into the country. This proposal is seen as a crucial step in safeguarding the interests of spare parts dealerships nationwide. In a statement released Sunday, February 11, 2024, the Association declared its wholehearted acceptance and support for Dr. Bawumias proposal. It eagerly anticipates the timely implementation of this policy, which is contingent upon the New Patriotic Partys success in the upcoming December 7, 2024, elections. During a forum held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, in Accra, the Vice President, also the flagbearer of the NPP, announced the partys commitment to introducing a flat rate tax on spare parts imports. This announcement has been met with enthusiasm by the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association, which aims to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure the smooth implementation of this tax structure. The proposed flat rate tax is expected to significantly reduce the cost of spare parts, providing much-needed relief to commercial drivers who incorporate these expenses into transport fares. This reduction in costs will also alleviate burdens on the commuting public, resulting in a more sustainable and affordable transportation system. The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association calls upon all its members to rally behind the introduction of the flat rate tax on spare parts imports. By uniting in support of this initiative, the association aims to contribute to the growth and prosperity of the spare parts dealership industry while fostering positive developments in the broader economic landscape. The Association expressed its gratitude to Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia for his foresight and commitment to the welfare of the spare parts sector. It looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of this policy on the industry and the nation as a whole. Full statement from Spare Parts Dealers Association below: Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association Commends Dr. Mahamadu Bawumias Proposal for Flat Rate Tax on Spare Parts Imports The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association expresses its heartfelt appreciation for the visionary proposal put forth by Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Partys presidential aspirant, to implement a flat rate tax on the importation of spare parts into the country. The Association views this initiative as highly commendable and believes it will play a crucial role in safeguarding the interests of spare parts dealerships nationwide. As an apolitical organization dedicated to the development and enhancement of the spare parts dealership industry, we wholeheartedly accept and support Dr. Bawumias proposal. We eagerly anticipate the timely implementation of this policy, contingent upon the New Patriotic Partys success in breaking the eight-year political jinx come December 7, 2024. During a forum held on Wednesday, 7th February 2024, in Accra, the Vice President, also the flagbearer of the NPP, announced the partys commitment to introducing a flat rate tax on spare parts imports. The Association is committed to collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of this beneficial tax structure. The proposed flat rate tax is poised to significantly reduce the cost of spare parts, providing much-needed relief to commercial drivers who routinely factor these expenses into transport fares. This, in turn, will alleviate additional burdens on the commuting public, contributing to a more sustainable and affordable transportation system. We call upon all members of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association to rally behind the introduction of the flat rate tax on spare parts imports. By uniting in support of this initiative, we can collectively contribute to the growth and prosperity of the spare parts dealership industry while fostering positive developments in the broader economic landscape. The Association expresses its gratitude to Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia for his foresight and commitment to the welfare of the spare parts sector, and we look forward to witnessing the positive impact of this policy on our industry and the nation as a whole. For media inquiries, please contact: Takyi Addo 0244369057 Head of Communications 11 February 2024 Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video In a media forum convened on Wednesday, 7th February 2024, in Accra, Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, the Vice President and current flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), unveiled the party's commitment to implementing a flat rate duty on spare parts imports. The Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association expresses its gratitude for Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia's groundbreaking proposal for a Flat Rate Duty on Spare Parts Imports. As a non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing the spare parts dealership industry, we wholeheartedly embrace and endorse Dr. Bawumia's proposal. The group said. The envisaged flat rate duty holds the promise of a substantial reduction in the cost of spare parts, offering much-needed relief to commercial drivers who regularly factor these expenses into transport fares. This reduction will, in turn, alleviate additional burdens on the commuting public, contributing to a more sustainable and affordable transportation system. The Association is committed to working closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of this beneficial duty structure. We call upon all members of the Suame Magazine Spare Parts Dealers Association to unite in support of the introduction of the Flat Rate Duty on Spare Parts Imports. Through collective support for this initiative, we can actively contribute to the growth and prosperity of the spare parts dealership industry, fostering positive developments in the broader economic landscape. The association said in a statement. The Association also expresses gratitude to Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia for his foresight and dedication to the welfare of the spare parts sector, eagerly anticipating the positive impact of this policy on our industry and the nation as a whole. 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 Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Mr. Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, has stated emphatically that he will not apologize for expressing his opinion on the Ghana Journalists Associations (GJA) blacklisting directive against two Members of Parliament. The two, New Patriotic Party (NPP) MP for Yendi, Hon. Farouk Mahama and MP for Awutu Senya East constituency, Hon. Mavis Hawa Koomson stand accused of assaulting journalists in the heat of the NPPs parliamentary primaries. Mr. Ayeboafo publicly criticized the GJAs directive, claiming it is dysfunctional and unproductive to the public interest. He would rather legal avenues are pursued to address such acts of impunity against journalists rather than the directive issued by the leaders of the GJA. But the NMC boss position has raised so many criticisms from some section of the public. For instance, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Social Equity and Public Accountability (ASEPA), Mr. Mensah Thompson, expressed disappointment with Mr. Ayeboafos comments. The ASEPA boss portrayed Ayeboafo as a failed journalist who has not recognized the assaults against his former colleagues. However, in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, Mr. Ayeboafo asserted that he, like others, is entitled to his views and opinions. He also stated that he would not hold a grudge against anyone for their opinions on the matter. "The thing is that boycotting or blackout is something that is not part of normal democratic culture. It is only when everything possible through the rule of law has broken down [that you adopt such measures]. But sometimes it may result in impunity It is not the most efficacious tool in dealing with attacks on journalists. I will not apologise to anybody for holding that position because that is my view and I will not begrudge anybody from holding a contrary view. My position, and I posited it in my presentation, is that we must not be dismayed because there was something, and we said that there were impediments in our way. We must work together to ensure that those impediments are removed and from henceforth we demand justice, he added. 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 Hon. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Bosome-Freho in the Ashanti Region and a member of the National Communications Team of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has opined that the Vice President and the Presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, Dr. Mahamudu bawumia, has changed the narratives of Ghanas body politics. Nana Asafo Adjei noted that, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is not an unknown quantity in Ghanas political space. "Out of the five vice presidents weve had from Ekow Kesseh Arkah to him now, Dr. Bawumia is the most visible, the most popular and the most efficient vice President weve had. I am not surprised that he is the description I am giving him because he changed the narratives of our body politics through his series of lectures that changed completely the nomenclature of our politics in this country," he said. Speaking on TV3s "Big Issues", the aspiring legislator noted that, the numerous lectures of Dr. Bawumia has contributed immensely to the political scene in Ghana. The Vice President and the leader of the NPP, outlined his Vision for his next government on February 7, 2024 at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) which has resulted a lot of engagement amongst the general public. Commenting on the Vision of Dr. Bawumia, the Bosome-Freho aspirant noted that, just as all members of Parliaments have visions and goals; that is the same way Dr. Bawumia has also outlined his visions pointed that, his vision is not far from the Vision of the NPP. He said, "Dr. Bawumia, as a character in body politics, completely changed our perceptions, our views on the roles of Vice Presidents in this country." Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Office of the President commented on propaganda speculation about the Russian origin of the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi. They called on society to judge a person by his or her actions, not by his or her place of birth. ADVERTISIMENT The statement was made by Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, on the UNIAN TV channel. He noted that it is very strange to blame a person for being born in a certain place, or for the fact that people for whom they are not responsible live there. The advisor also noted that no one mentioned Syrskyi's background when he led the liberation operations in Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. "Let's focus on what a person does, not where he was born, where part of his family lives... In my opinion, Syrskyi has a very clear, specific biography of a person who knows how to conduct successful anti-Russian military operations. In addition, he belongs to the category of workaholics, he is constantly at the forefront, constantly inside the war," Podolyak added. ADVERTISIMENT Oleksandr Syrskyi was born in the village of Novinki, Vladimir region (U.S.S.R.) and studied at a military school in Moscow. His relatives still live in Russia. The propagandists decided to use the facts of the military leader's biography related to the Russian Federation to their advantage. The international intelligence community InformNapalm noted that at the same time, the Russians admitted that he had not been in contact with his family for a long time and had actually lived in Ukraine, building a career, all his life. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The Access Bank womenpreneur Pitch-a-thon initiative has graduated 50 women led businesses in the agriculture value chain after being equipped with the requisite knowledge to help bolster their businesses. The Womenpreneur Pitch-a-thon which is in its 5th season, aims to empower female entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. Speaking at the graduation ceremony for the 5th edition of the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton competition, Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking at Access Bank Ghana, Pearl Nkrumah, said this edition allowed women in agribusinesses to build their capacity in business management and receive financial support for their businesses. 10 women-led businesses were awarded as the top 10 participants, with three of such businesses receiving 100,000 cedis as the ultimate prizes for the competition. Outlining the factors that catapulted the three ladies to the top, the Executive Director for Retail and Digital Banking at Access Bank, Pearl Nkrumah, indicated that the judges and partners believed that their ideas were great and had a proof of concept. Pearl Nkrumah said that the remaining participants will also benefit from advertisements on all Access Bank platforms across all the countries they operate in and will also be entitled to easy loan processes to boost their businesses. The top three womenpreneurs that were awarded with the ultimate 100,000 cedis are Sava Shea, founded by Ruth Wewura Guiribi, Ayden Ventures, owned by Rosemond Afful, and Tropical Snack, owned by Augustina Asor Tuffour. On his part, the Project Lead for the GIZ AgriBiz Programme, Christoph Pannhausen, said the goal of the Womenpreneur Pitch-a-ton competition aligns with that of GIZ, as they seek to support small, micro, and medium businesses, especially in the agribusiness sector. Commenting on the contributions of the seed capital to her business, Rosemond Afful, one of the winners of the ultimate prices, said the amount will go a long way to help me restructure my business, procure equipment to enhance productivity, and employ more people. She further commended Access Bank Ghana PLC for their continuous support for women businesses. Source: Portia Mensah Bonsu/Peace FM Newsroom Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Francis Asenso-Boakye, has in a cabinet reshuffle by President Akufo-Addo this morning, been moved to the Roads and Highways Ministry. Until high re-assignment, Asenso-Boakye, who is also Member of Parliament for the Bantama constituency has been the Minister for Works and Housing since March 2021 where he spearheaded innovative policies, programmes and projects aimed at promoting national development and improving the quality of life for Ghanaians. Prior to his appointment as Minister, he served as the Deputy Chief of Staff and Political Assistant to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, where he played a pivotal role in aligning government programmes with the President's agenda and overseeing impactful projects in the infrastructure sector, mainly the Roads and Highways Ministry and Works and Housing. His extensive experience in development planning, project management, and policy development provided him with a solid foundation to spearhead initiatives in the works and housing sector. Under his leadership, Asenso-Boakye has achieved notable milestones, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by many Ghanaians in the works and housing sector. One key achievement is the establishment of the National Rental Assistance Scheme (NRAS), which provides rent advance payments to support low-to-middle income earners and alleviate the burden of paying rent upfront. This initiative has significantly improved housing accessibility for vulnerable groups, ensuring they have a safe and secure place to call home. As at 31st January, 2024, the scheme has a total beneficiaries of 1,492. Furthermore, Asenso-Boakye led the passage of the Ghana Hydrological Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1085), which transformed the Hydrological Services Department into the autonomous Ghana Hydrological Authority. This move has enhanced water management practices, including flood control, coastal engineering, and river development, thereby mitigating the impact of water-related disasters on communities across the country. In addition to these accomplishments, Asenso-Boakye has overseen the establishment of the Real Estate Agency Council (REAC), a regulatory body mandated to oversee and regulate the operations of real estate agencies. By promoting transparency and ensuring adherence to standards, REAC plays a critical role in maintaining a fair and secure real estate market for all stakeholders. Asenso-Boakye's commitment to addressing the challenges in the housing sector is further evident in his efforts to review the Rent Act, 1963 (Act 220) and the Rent Control Law, 1986 (P.N.D.C.L 138), with a draft Bill currently before Parliament. The proposed amendments aim to eliminate constraints and introduce incentives to stimulate private sector investment in the rental housing sector, ultimately improving housing affordability and accessibility for Ghanaians. Moreover, Asenso-Boakye has initiated steps for the establishment of the Ghana Housing Authority (GHA), which will serve as a regulator and facilitator in the housing market. The GHA's mandate includes planning and managing housing development to address the housing needs of Ghanaians, particularly the low-to-middle income group. One of his most significant initiatives is the introduction of the new National Affordable Housing Programme, which aims to provide safe, secure, and decent housing for low-to-middle income earners. Projects such as those in Pokuase/Amasaman and Dedesua represent a significant stride towards addressing the housing challenges faced by many Ghanaians. By acquiring land banks specifically allocated for these projects, Asenso-Boakye has demonstrated his commitment to making affordable housing more accessible to those in need. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the infrastructure and housing sector, Asenso-Boakye was recently awarded the "Distinguished Infrastructure Minister of the year 2022/2023" by the Ghana Chamber of Construction Industry. This accolade underscores his leadership and dedication to promoting sustainable development and improving the quality of life for all Ghanaians. In conclusion, Francis Asenso-Boakye's tenure as Minister for Works and Housing has been characterized by visionary leadership and tangible achievements. Through his innovative policies, projects and strategic initiatives, he has made significant strides in transforming Ghana's infrastructure and housing landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's development trajectory. It is therefore no doubt that he would replicate this effort as he now leads the Roads and Highways Ministry. 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 A 20-year-old man, Abdullah Mohammed, who allegedly killed a 74-year-old stroke patient, Alice Kakari, after robbing her home, has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the robbery. According to reports, the incident occurred near the Ballon Hotel at Awutu Senya East in the Central Region. The Kasoa Ofaakor Circuit Court presided over by His Lordship Oheneba Kuffour, is still trying him for the murder, for which he has been remanded. This comes after the prosecutor, on January 25, 2024, told the court that the convict robbed and killed Alice Kakari after she tried to shout for help. He said the suspect tied the woman with a rope, cut her neck, and ransacked the three-bedroom house, stealing valuable items and an undisclosed amount of money. The suspect was caught on a CCTV mounted in the deceaseds home. Following the court proceedings, a daughter of the deceased, Gifty Obenewaa Yeboah, told the media that although she is happy about the sentence, she is very sad that her mother is no more. In fact, 50 years is enough because he has really caused us so much pain. We are also waiting for the murder case as well. He needs to be punished very well, she said. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Chairman of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Nana Ofori Owusu, has criticized Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over his vision and policies for Ghana if elected president. The Vice President and flagbearer of the governing New Patriotic Party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 delivered his vision to Ghanaians. Dr. Bawumia, among other things he intends to implement as President, emphasized that he will abolish the Electronic Levy (E-Levy), make the National Service optional, introduce a flat rate tax and tax amnesty, and introduce further digitalization programmes to transform the economy. Nana Ofori Owusu, speaking on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", described Bawumia's vision as "tricky" explaining that he tried running away from the bad policies of the Akufo-Addo government of which he (Bawumia) is a part. To him, the Vice President cannot describe himself as a "driver's mate" because he is not directly in charge of affairs in the country, arguing that the Vice President is not a mate because he holds power and is the second man to replace the President when he is absent. "A mate doesn't have a licence. He is understudying, but with the Vice President, he is ready for the position; this is why he replaces the President when he is absent. A mate is not necessarily ready for the position. When a driver is not there, another driver will be brought in because the mate doesn't have licence. So, the concept of the mate/driver scenario, I think, is not the appropriate terms or lingua to use because the Vice President is already ready," he said in contention with Dr. Bawumia's description. He added that he pities the Vice President because he is at a tight corner, stressing that "it was a tight acrobatic rope walking in his delivery." 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 Flagbearer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Former President John Dramani Mahama, has accused the Akufo-Addo government of resorting to desperate manoeuvres to win back the trust of Ghanaians ahead of the 2024 general elections. According to him, the current administration is attempting to force draconian policies down the throats of Ghanaians by the introduction of unbearable taxes and other financial burdens. Mr Mahama was addressing the Minority Members of Parliament in Ho over the weekend. Your return is opportune and timely, as it accords you an opportunity to maintain even greater vigilance and oversight over a government that is becoming increasingly desperate and, with no doubt, attempting to ramp Draconian policies down the throats of Ghanaians, he said. Whiles patting the Minority on the back for their hard work in holding the government accountable, the former president however, entreated them to work harder in order to return to power come December 2024 when the election is held. On the evidence of what we have seen so far, I believe I speak for the generality of Ghanaians when I say that you in the Minority have lived up to expectations, he added. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is expected to announce his most radical ministerial reshuffle since he took office on 7 January 2017. The announcement of the changes to the line-up of ministers, our Jubilee House sources say, is scheduled for Wednesday (14 February, Valentines Day). This Tuesday afternoon witnessed several movements to the fourth floor of Jubilee House by ministers expected to be affected and other MPs expected to benefit from the ministerial changes. The president, as required by the 1992 constitution, will submit the list of ministerial appointments to the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and the appointments will be announced on the floor of Parliament. President Akufo-Addo will be travelling out of the country to Europe tomorrow, Valentines Day, on an official engagement in the Federal Republic of Germany. The list should be delivered to the Speaker tomorrow. Asaase News sources close to the Presidency say that up to 12 current, substantive ministers of state may be affected, including ten cabinet ministers and two regional ministers. Asaase News sources on the third and fourth floors of Jubilee House confirm that some very big names will be among those dropped from their positions as ministers of state. While some may be dropped completely, others are expected to be reshuffled. It is also anticipated that about seven deputy ministers will lose out. The biggest beneficiaries are expected to be backbenchers from the Majority side of the House, several of whom will fill the vacant slots. According to other sources at Jubilee House, President Akufo-Addo has been using the whole of the time available to him today to meet with all the ministers and deputy ministers who may be shifting places, leaving, or joining his government in the upcoming reshuffle. Asaase News sources on the fourth floor of Jubilee House also say there is talk of a possible reshuffle of the leaders of the Majority in Parliament. This change, one source says, will follow a planned meeting between the leadership of the ruling New Patriotic Party and the presidency, to take place soon. Source: Asaaseradio Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The Minority in Parliament has condemned President Akufo-Addo's recent ministerial reshuffle, branding it as uninspiring and overdue. NDC MPs criticized the reshuffle, stating that it does not effectively address the current economic hardships facing the nation. In a press release from Minority Leader Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, they denounced the president's handling of governance, expressing skepticism that the reshuffle would alleviate the profound economic difficulties linked to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and his Economic Management Team. "It is also too little too late, coming barely nine (9) months to the exit of the government. Neither will it solve the suffering and hardships confronting the people of Ghana as a result of the bad governance and massive uncontrolled corruption of the Akufo-Addo and Alhaji Bawumias government. These injury time reserves, who have been on the bench for more than seven years without warm-up, cannot make any meaningful impact in the remaining nine (9) months to salvage the sinking ship and the massive economic mess created by Alhaji Bawumia and his economic mismanagement team. The Minority also emphasized that President Akufo-Addo's tenure has been marked by excessive spending and the depletion of state resources. The tenure of this government has been characterised by excessive borrowing, unsustainable debt, an economic crisis, high appetite for taxes, poor governance, reckless and wasteful expenditures, siphoning of state resources into private pockets of government appointees, as well as state capture by family and friends of the President and his Vice. After months of public pressure, President Akufo-Addo has finally made adjustments to his government. These changes come a month after the resignation of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen and Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who stepped down to concentrate on their political campaigns. In accordance with the 1992 Constitution, the President formally notified the Speaker of Parliament of the government's new composition on Tuesday, February 7. New individuals have been appointed to ministerial positions, while others have been reshuffled to different ministries. Your browser does not support iframes. 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 Barely 24 hours after he was relieved from his post as Ghana's Finance Minister, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta is set to be 'promoted' to a higher office by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, a source from the presidency told Peacefmonline.com. Reports from the presidency indicate that the immediate former finance minister will now work as an advisor to the president on the international front. Unconfirmed reports also say Mr. Ofori-Atta will be reappointed as 'Senior presidential advisor on the economy' and will also serve as the president's special envoy on international investments and Capital markets. The confirmation of Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta's reappointment is yet to be made public by the presidency. 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 Its time to reel in a fish dinner for Lent. Weekly fish fry dinners are common in central Pennsylvania, where diners line up for crispy batter fried and baked fish with barbecue-like sides including coleslaw, baked macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes and rolls. Ash Wednesday marks the start of the Lenten season and traditional 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter. Many Christians observe Lent by abstaining from eating meat on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and Fridays. Churches, as well as fire companies and other organizations host fish dinners, which often include other non-meat options such as macaroni and cheese or pierogi. The fundraisers help nonprofits and also give diners a chance to reel in a good meal. Heres where you can find the meals in the Harrisburg area: Cumberland County Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church This year, the church is added a to-go Lenten Lunch 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Feb. 14 for $10. Menu includes beer battered haddock sandwich, coleslaw, mac n cheese and water. Cash only. First come, first served. Also, weekly baked fish, mac and cheese, crab cake and pierogi meals are available 4-7 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 16 to March 22. Eat in or take-out. Menu includes seasoned baked cod, baked mac and cheese, pierogies, crab cakes, veggie or stewed tomatoes, coleslaw, roll, brownie and bottled water. Prices range from $15-$25. Childrens meals are $6. 225 Salt Road, Enola, 717-732-9642 Good Shepherd Catholic Church Lenten fish fries for dine-in, take-out and curbside pickup held 4-6:30 p.m. on Fridays from Feb. 16 through March 22. Fish platters are $15 and include a choice of fried or baked haddock, baked potato, applesauce, roll, dessert and bottled water. Kids meals for ages 12-and-under feature chicken nuggets, applesauce, roll, dessert, and a Capri Sun (or alternate) juice drink for $8. Pierogi platters with onions with applesauce, roll, sour cream, dessert, and a bottle of water for $9. 3435 E. Trindle Road, Camp Hill, 717-761-1167 St. Katharine Drexel Parish Knights of Columbus Council 13110 is hosting fish fry dinners 5-7 p.m. on Feb. 23 and March 8. 1 Peter Drive, Mechanicsburg St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Lenten fish dinners are held 4-6:30 p.m. starting Feb. 16 and every Friday during Lent. Brand new menu featured this year. Eat-in or take-out. Prices not available yet. 310 Hertzler Road, Mechanicsburg Dauphin County Chambers Hill Fire Company The East Shore fire company is hosting all-you-can-eat fish dinners 4:30 -7 p.m. on Fridays from Feb. 16 through March 22. The menu consists of breaded Alaska cod, macaroni and cheese, french fries, stewed tomatoes, coleslaw, applesauce, beverage (including signature Chambers Hill Sparkle) and dessert. Cost is $14, and $7 for children 10 and under. Takeout is available. Proceeds benefit the all-volunteer fire company. Food is homemade by fire company members. 6400 Chambers Hill Road, Swatara Township, 717-564-8009 Londonderry Fire Company Fish dinners are held 5-8 p.m. on Fridays from Feb. 16 through March 29. Menu includes two and three-piece battered fish meals ($13 and $15), pierogies, baked lemon pepper haddock ($14), crab cakes ($14 for one and $24 for two), among other items. Takeout is also available by calling 717-944-2175. Phone orders will be accepted starting at noon each Friday. 2655 Foxianna Road, Middletown, 717-944-2175 Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church Seven Sorrows is celebrating 27 years of fish fry dinners with a drive-thru only from 5-8 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 16 through March 22. The menu includes fish and chips, baked haddock, breaded shrimp, pierogi, mac and cheese, fish sandwich, coleslaw, and veggies. Desserts include chocolate cake with peanut butter icing, chocolate fudge cake and lemon berry mascarpone cake. The most popular is the fish and chips, starting at two pieces for $13. As an extra bonus, the church also sells peanut butter, coconut and buttercream eggs for $2 a piece. No call-in orders may be placed. All orders are first-come, first-serve in the manner of a fast-food drive-thru. Cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards are accepted. 360 E. Water St., Middletown, 717-944-5371 St. Catherine Laboure Parish The church is hosting fish dinners 5-7 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 16 through March 22. Seafood dinners include fried or baked fish and crab cake for eat-in or takeout. Dinners come with coleslaw or applesauce and choice of french fries, baked potato or macaroni and cheese with dessert and beverage for $12. Pierogi dinners are also $12 and include six potato and cheese pierogi with cold side, drink and dessert. Homemade frozen pierogis also available for takeout. 4000 Derry St., Swatara Township, 717-564-1321 Saint Ann Byzantine Catholic Parish St. Anns Knights of Columbus is holding eat in and takeout fish dinners and frozen pierogi and kielbasa sales from 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays from Feb. 21-March 20. Fish dinners are priced $13. Pierogi are sold frozen by the dozen for $7 with fillings, including potato and cheese, cabbage, sauerkraut, prune and farmer cheese. Smoked kielbasa rings are $8 a piece. 5408 Locust Lane, Lower Paxton Township, 717-652-1415 St Joan of Arc Catholic Church The Knights of Columbus are hosting a Lenten Fish Fry from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, March 8 and March 22. Fish platters include a choice of baked or fried fish with one side choice of hand-cut fries, mac and cheese or pierogi, and a second side of either coleslaw or applesauce. Dine-in or takeout. Prices to be determined. 359 Areba Ave., Hershey, 717-514-7677 St. Lawrence Club The club is hosting fish dinners 4-8 p.m. Fridays through March 29. Menu features fried and baked fish, shrimp fettuccine, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, french fires, applesauce, coleslaw and red beets. Price is $16 for two-piece meal and $19 for three-piece meal. Chicken tender meals for children are $12. The club features live music starting at 7 p.m. 13 Highland St., Steelton, 717-939-4788 Lebanon County Holy Spirit Parish Lenten Fish Fry meals are held 3-7 p.m. Fridays from Feb. 16 through March 22. Menu features North Atlantic haddock (baked or fried), crab cakes, shrimp, clam strips, pierogi, soup and mac n cheese. Prices range from $15-$9 for dinners. Dine-in, to-go, and online curbside to-go is available. The full menu is available online. 300 W. Pine St., Palmyra, 717- 838-3369 Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Lenten Fish Feasts run 4-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays through March 27. Menu features baked and fried fish or fried shrimp, chicken tenders or a combo meal with coleslaw or applesauce, baked potato or French fries, a roll and a homemade dessert for $12. Kids under the age of 12 can get a dinner for $6. Drive through or take out. 2596 Cornwall Road, Cornwall, 717-273-1574 St. Cecilia Parish in Lebanon The church hosts dinners on 4-7 p.m. on Fridays fro =n Feb. 23 through March 22 in the social hall on Lehman Street. Eat-in or take-out. Dinners are $12 and include breaded or baked fish with cheese sauce, baked potato or French fries, pepper cabbage, roll and butter. 120 E. Lehman St., Lebanon, 717-272-4412. Perry County St. Bernadette Parish Lenten fish meals are held 4:30-6 p.m. Feb. 16, March 8 and March 22. Price is $15. Eat-in or take-out. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 8151. 901 N. High St, Duncannon, 717-834-4519 RAFAH, Gaza Strip Ibrahim Hasouna trudged over the rubble of the destroyed house, pointing out where family moments had taken place where his mother and sister-in-law used to sleep, where he played with his 5-year-old nieces, where he helped his 1-year-old nephew take his first steps. His entire family was now dead his parents, his two brothers, and the wife and three children of one of those brothers. The house was reduced to rubble on top of them in the barrage of airstrikes that Israeli warplanes inflicted across Rafah before dawn Monday as cover for troops rescuing two hostages elsewhere in the town on the southern Gaza border. At least 74 Palestinians were killed in the bombardment, which flattened large swaths of buildings and tents sheltering families who had fled to Rafah from across Gaza. Among the dead were 27 children and 22 women, according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, whose researchers compiled the list from Rafah hospitals. The Israeli offensive has taken a heavy toll on women and children, with more than 12,300 Palestinian children and young teens killed in the conflict, the Gaza Health Ministry said Monday. The 30-year-old Ibrahim, his parents and his brothers arrived in Rafah a month earlier, the latest of their multiple moves to escape fighting after fleeing their homes in northern Gaza. They rented a small, one-story house on the east side of Rafah. I was close to them, Ibrahim said of his older brother Karams children. In the house, he would play cards or hide-and-seek with them to distract them from the war, he said. The twin girls, Suzan and Sedra, often asked if they would go to kindergarten and if their teacher from kindergarten back home was alive or dead, he said. The strikes came at a moment of joy. The families had just obtained three chickens the first they would have to eat since the war started more than four months ago. The children were thrilled, Ibrahim said. The family was sick of canned food, which was the main thing they were able to get under an Israeli siege that has allowed only a trickle of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They planned to eat the chicken Sunday night. But during the day, Ibrahim went to visit a friend on the other side of Rafah, who convinced him to stay the night. Ibrahim called home, and they decided to put off the treasured meal so he wouldnt miss it. Ibrahims mother, Suzan, put the chickens in the neighbors fridge. Just after 2 a.m. Monday, Ibrahim began getting calls from friends telling him strikes had hit in the neighborhood where his family was staying. Unable to reach them by phone, he walked and hitched a motorcycle ride back home. He found massive destruction, he said. The first thing he saw was a womans arm that had been hurled across the street to the door of a neighboring mosque. It was his mothers. He dug through the rubble, pulling out body parts. Later he went to the Youssef Najjar Hospital and identified the bodies of his mother and his father, Fawzi, an engineer. The body of his younger brother Mohammed had no head, but he recognized the clothes. In a bag that staff brought him were parts of his brother Karam and his family. He recognized pieces of his niece Suzan from her earrings and a bracelet, one she used to fight over all the time with her sister, Ibrahim said. He spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday as he walked around the rubble of the home. He recalled how the childrens noise in the morning would wake him up, but their noises were comforting for me. He pointed to part of the wreckage. There, he said he would sit with his nephew Malek to bask in the sun and to walk him for a little bit. To walk a little bit and have a sense of life. Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Hasouna family house, which was struck by an Israeli airstrike during an operation to rescue two hostages in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. Ibrahim Hasouna, who was away at the time of the airstrike, says his entire family was killed, including his parents, two brothers, his sister-in-law and three nieces and nephews. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)AP Israel said the bombardment was to cover its troops as they extracted two Israeli hostages from an apartment and made their way back out of Gaza. The military has not commented on why specific sites across Rafah were targeted in the barrage, but Israeli officials have blamed Hamas for causing civilian casualties by operating in the heart of residential areas. The extent of the bloodshed from the raid has increased fears of what could happen if Israel follows through with vows to attack Rafah in its campaign to destroy Hamas. The town and its surroundings now house more than half of the Gaza Strips entire population of 2.3 million after hundreds of thousands took refuge there. Already, Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, more than 70% of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel has vowed to uproot Hamas from Gaza and win the return of more than 100 hostages still in the groups hands after the Oct. 7 attacks in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Follow APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war Most of the crew of the Caesar Kunikov large amphibious assault ship, which was sunk near occupied Alupka, were killed. The ship was carrying a cargo of ammunition, but it sank to the bottom of the Black Sea, and the occupiers are unlikely to be able to recover it. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by the spokesman for the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Andriy Yusov in an exclusive commentary to OBOZ.UA. "Most of the crew of the destroyed Caesar Kunikov was killed. According to the DIU, the ship was carrying a cargo of ammunition. The ship sank and is beyond recovery, " he said. As of 13:30 on Wednesday, February 14, Ukraine has no data on the exact number of people killed on the Caesar Kunikov. As reported by OBOZ.UA: ADVERTISIMENT - On the morning of February 14, explosions were heard in Yalta, Alupka and Miskhor in occupied Crimea. The network reported an attack on a ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, enemy helicopters flew over the sea, and another ship came to the "drowning" ship to help. - The DIU and the Armed Forces confirmed the defeat of the Caesar Kunikov Project 775 ship. According to OBOZ.UA sources, the attack was carried out using surface drones. - Earlier it was reported that the crew of the Caesar Kunikov failed to escape. - The DIU showed footage of the destruction of the Caesar Kunikov by naval UAVs. - The Kremlin could not answer the propagandists why Russia was losing ships. Russian Presidential Secretary Dmitry Peskov advised to "focus" on the statements of the Russian Defense Ministry. - The network drew attention to a nuance: it was on February 14, 1943, that the hero of the USSR, Cesar Kunikov, died, in whose honor the Large amphibious assault ship was named. ADVERTISIMENT - It is known that Caesar Kunikov distinguished himself during the Russian aggression in Georgia. It was based in Sevastopol, its tail number was 158. - The network exploded with jokes and memes after Russia lost the Caesar Kunikov on Valentine's Day. - The Strategic Communications Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said that about a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet has been put out of action. Twenty-four ships and one submarine (not counting the Caesar Kunikov) have been sunk or severely damaged. In total, the Black Sea Fleet had 74 warships in service. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! By Martha Dalton, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (TNS) ATLANTA The mother of a Walker County high school student said Tuesday that she has filed a federal complaint after a teacher allegedly called her son a terrorist. Sarah Hall was accompanied by the Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) at a press conference in front of the U.S. Education Departments Office for Civil Rights in downtown Atlanta. The organization says the teacher, Perry Fouts, violated Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act, which protects people from discrimination based on race, color or national origin. Halls son, James Darraj, is Palestinian American. Fouts, a Career Technical and Agricultural Education teacher at Lafayette High School in northwest Georgia, taught Darrajs former girlfriend, CAIR-Georgia said. Fouts made the comment when he approached the girl and her friends at lunch one day, according to the organizations attorney Keon Grant. They were discussing their significant others and (Fouts) commented, Is this the one youre dating now? The junior terrorist? Darraj, a sophomore, said the rhetoric he said Fouts used can be harmful, especially amid news coverage of the Israel-Hamas war. I believe a formal apology is not too much to ask, he said. Being labeled a terrorist because Im Palestinian is not only hurtful to me, but perpetuates dangerous stereotypes at a time when children across this country, both Jewish and Palestinian, are experiencing unprecedented violence based on their religious and ethnic origins. Fouts did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Walker County Schools Superintendent Damon Raines issued a statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that says the matter was promptly and thoroughly investigated in compliance with school board policy. Raines added: An apology letter was provided and personnel action was taken. If this matter has risen to a complaint with OCR, the system has no additional comment. CAIR-Georgia provided the AJC a copy of what it says is Fouts full apology, which reads: I had much rather this conversation be face to face. I made a statement in my classroom that was taken completely out of context. If that has offended anyone, I am sorry. CAIR-Georgia Communications Manager Nazia Khanzada said the statement does not address Darraj nor accept fault for Fouts remarks, so the organization still demands a formal apology. CAIR-Georgia has documented a surge in harassment of Palestinian Americans since the conflict in Gaza began Oct. 7. Grant said in 2022, civil rights complaints comprised just over half of the complaints the group received. Since October, he said, theyve made up 87.6% of the organizations complaints. Hall said she complained to the Walker County school board that Fouts violated the states so-called divisive concepts law. The 2022 law bans nine concepts from being taught in schools, including teaching one race is superior or making students feel uncomfortable due to their race. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Jonathan D. Salant, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (TNS) WASHINGTON Norfolk Southern Corp. boosted its lobbying expenses and campaign contributions following the February 2023 derailment of one of its freight trains carrying toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio, year-end filings show. The increased spending came as Congress considered bipartisan legislation that would require two-person trains when the trains transport toxic chemicals, require new detection equipment, and increase inspections and maintenance. The bill passed the Senate Commerce Committee in May and awaits a vote by the full Senate. They are working overboard to try to minimize any consequential regulations and laws, said Craig Holman, who lobbies on campaign finance issues for the advocacy group Public Citizen. When it comes to regulations and laws governing their bottom line, this is what theyre trying to fend off. This is typical business when it comes to campaign finance and lobbying activities. In the political world. when a business gets in trouble, they step up their lobbying game. Norfolk Southern spokesman Connor Spielmaker said the company became the first Class I freight railroad to join a pilot program allowing workers to confidentially report unsafe events that they witness without being subject to retaliation from their employers. Unionized railroad workers in Georgia, Indiana, and Virginia, though not Pennsylvania, also are part of the program. In addition, the company said it increased access to training and detailed train information for first responders. In 2023, and through today, Norfolk Southern has supported legislative efforts to enhance the safety of the freight rail industry, Spielmaker said. We will continue working across the rail industry and with our elected officials to help make rail even safer. This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk Southern freight train that derailed Feb. 3, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. (AP File Photo/Gene J. Puskar)AP File Photo/Gene J. Puskar Norfolk Southern spent $2.3 million on lobbying expenses in 2023, up 28% from $1.8 million in 2022, according to the research group OpenSecrets. In March, the railroad hired the lobbying firm headed by Izzy Klein, a former aide to current Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D- N.Y.; and Matthew Johnson, a former aide to U.S. Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, formerly the No. 2 Senate Republican. The company also boosted its political action committee donations from $509,000 in 2022 to $574,000 last year. Thats a 13% increase. President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit East Palestine on Friday, and the National Transportation Safety Board said it would hold its board meeting in the town in June to debate and approve the probable cause of the derailment. Dozens of cars, many of them carrying toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride, went off the tracks just over the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. That was followed by a controlled release and burn of the chemicals days later, which prompted the evacuation of East Palestine, and sent a plume of black smoke into the skies over Beaver County. Following the release of the chemicals, some residents of Beaver County were afraid to drink the water, some farmers said customers were afraid to buy meat from them, and residents on both sides of the border were fearful of the long-term health effects. Federal officials said last week that surface water, air quality and soil do not pose any risk to residents, and private wells and municipal systems meet drinking water safety standards. A Federal Emergency Management Agency recovery coordinator remains on the ground. Norfolk Southern has spent $103.2 million, including giving $21 million directly to residents and using $25 million for the city park and other projects. By DEE-ANN DURBIN, AP Business Writer Thousands of U.S. ride-hailing workers plan to park their cars and picket at major U.S. airports Wednesday in what organizers say is their largest strike yet in a drive for better pay and benefits. Uber and Lyft drivers plan daylong strikes in Chicago; Philadelphia; Pittsburgh; Miami; Orlando and Tampa, Florida; Hartford, Connecticut; Newark, New Jersey; Austin, Texas; and Providence, Rhode Island. Drivers also plan to hold midday demonstrations at airports in those cities, according to Justice for App Workers, the group organizing the effort. Rachel Gumpert, a spokesperson for Justice for App Workers, said ride-hailing drivers in other cities may also demonstrate or strike for at least part of the day. Lyft and Uber decals on a New York vehicle last year. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images, file)Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Uber said Tuesday it doesnt expect the strike to have much impact on its operations on Valentines Day. These types of events have rarely had any impact on trips, prices or driver availability, Uber said in a statement. Thats because the vast majority of drivers are satisfied. Gumpert described ride-hailing as a mobile sweatshop, with some workers routinely putting in 60 to 80 hours per week. Justice for App Workers, which says it represents 130,000 ride-hailing and delivery workers, is seeking higher wages, access to health care and an appeals process so companies cant deactivate them without warning. Gumpert said last years strikes at U.S. automakers which led to more lucrative contracts for their unionized workers helped embolden ride-hailing workers. Its incredibly inspiring. When one worker rises up, it brings courage to another workers, Gumpert said. But ride-hailing companies say they already pay a fair wage. Earlier this month, Lyft said it began guaranteeing that drivers will make at least 70% of their fares each week, and it lays out its fees more clearly for drivers in a new earnings statement. Lyft also unveiled a new in-app button that lets drivers appeal deactivation decisions. We are constantly working to improve the driver experience, Lyft said in a statement. Lyft said its U.S. drivers make an average of $30.68 per hour, or $23.46 per hour after expenses. Uber said its U.S. drivers make an average of $33 per hour. The company also said it allows drivers to dispute deactivations. By Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press NEW YORK David Bouley, the award-winning and frenetic chef whose idiosyncratic haute cuisine and crusty breads pleased critics and the public during a career chasing sleek deliciousness, has died. He was 70. Bouley died of a heart attack Monday at his home in Kent, Connecticut, according to Lisa Queen, his literary agent. Along with Daniel Boulud, Alain Ducasse and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bouley was part of a culinary vanguard in the 1980s that created the New American style and turned fine dining into an expressive art form, leading to the rise of rock star chefs. Cravings are for flavor. Intellectual cooking is a blast but what people want without thinking comes from the physical sensation of flavor, he told Wine Spectator in 2012. His dishes included serving raw yellowfin on a ring-molded mound of baby fennel, nestled in an emulsion decorated with dozens of dots of various herb oils. He served pineapple and artichokes with skate and added peppermint to lobster consomme. One of his signature dishes was a mushroom flan with cru Beaujolais. He is as responsible as any chef for the high Gothic style of the 80s, Grub Street wrote in 2017. People magazine named him one of its 50 Most Beautiful People in 1994. Bouley followed his muse, willing to change a menu on the fly, close a restaurant on a whim, and experiment with sous-vide cooking or Japanese kaiseki. He began cooking traditional French rustic dishes like braised rabbits and later in life stressed naturopathy with nutrient dense dishes. The New York Times lauded him for his hungry mind and insatiable appetite for change, motion and new information. Bouley was born in Storrs, Connecticut, with dual French and American citizenship and trained in kitchens in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, as well as France and Switzerland. After studying at the Sorbonne, he worked for such chefs as Roger Verge, Paul Bocuse, Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre, and Fredy Girardet. He learned his craft in the kitchens of Le Cirque, Le Perigord and La Cote Basque. Bouley spent much of his career cooking in the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, starting with Montrachet when it opened in 1985 earning three stars from The New York Times and then his own restaurant, Bouley, two years later. Other restaurants he worked in include Danube, Bouley Bakery, Upstairs at Bouley, Bouley at Home, Secession and Brushstroke, a collaborative effort with the Tsuji Culinary Institute in Osaka, Japan. Danube and Bouley Bakery each earned two Michelin stars. Brushstroke earned a Michelin star in its first year and landed on GQs list of the 10 best restaurants in America. The restaurant Bouley which famously had a foyer filled with apples closed in 2017 after 30 years and several location changes, earning a three-star from the New York Times the year previously. The critic highlighted what he called the most dramatic dish, a Malibu sea urchin in its spiky shell, filled with tofu, soy, vinegar, yuzu jelly, salmon trout roe, sea urchin and yuzu sorbet. FILE - Chef David Bouley works in the kitchen of his restaurant, Bouley, in New York, Nov. 11, 1991. Bouley, the award-winning and frenetic chef whose idiosyncratic haute cuisine and crusty breads pleased critics and the public during a career chasing sleek deliciousness, died of a heart attack Monday at his home in Kent, Connecticut, according to Lisa Queen, his literary agent. He was 70. (AP Photo/Osamu Honda, File)AP Bouley Bakery became a base of operations for relief right after the 9/11 terror attacks in cooperation with the Red Cross, and more than 1 million meals were prepared and served at ground zero, although there were allegations some money was misappropriated. Bouley trained a new generation of chefs, including Dan Barber, Eric Ripert, Christina Tosi, Cesar Ramirez, Amy Scherber, Alex Urena, Anita Lo, Galen Zamarra, Kurt Gutenbrunner, Brian Bistrong and Bill Yosses. Among his awards are the title of Outstanding Chef in 1995 and 2000, and Outstanding Restaurant in 1991 from the James Beard Foundation. He also sold a line of chairs, tables and mirrors. He is survived by his wife, Nicole Bartelme. Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits Pa. Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding will be offering remarks at the states wine industry dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 28, at The Penn Stater Hotel & Conference Center. Its scheduled amid the three-day Pa. Wine and Grape Industry Conference, an annual get-together organized by the Wine Marketing and Research Program board. Opening night on Tuesday, Feb. 27, will feature a Pa. Wine Association reception from 6 to 7:30 p.m. that will welcome speakers, attendees, and vendors already in town to gather and taste wines from around the commonwealth. Attendees are asked to bring a bottle or two of wine to share. The dinner on Wednesday will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and will be hosted by the Pa. Wine Marketing and Research Program. It will showcase award-winning Pennsylvania wines, including Farm Show award winners, Sommelier Judgement winners, and results of the days PA wine peer review. Workshops will take place Wednesday and Thursday, geared toward topics such as marketing and utilizing social media to Staff Education and Tasting Room Etiquette to production-centric sessions involving the growing of grapes and winemaking. You can see the full agenda at this link and purchase tickets either a la carte or for the full two days at this link. Tickets are available through Wednesday, Feb. 21. New for this year is the PWA annual membership meeting and PA Wine Peer Review in addition to a new industry member workshop and specific sessions for industry marketing professionals. The membership meeting from 9 a.m. to noon on Feb. 28 will cover many of the key education subjects for an industry that stands at around 400 wineries. Introduction and overview of the PA Winery Association, PA Wine Marketing Research Program, Jake Gruver, PA Wine Marketing and Research Program Program board member Site Selection and Vineyard Design, Hans Walter Peterson, Cornell Cultivar Selection, Cain Hickey, Penn State Seasonal Vineyard Management Tasks, Maria Smith, Ohio State Disease management, Bryan Hed, Penn State Market Potential/Marketing, Carley Razzi, PA Wine Marketing and Research Program Program board member Winery Development and Planning, Todd Steiner, Ohio State Winemaking certification program, Bob Green, Penn State A look last fall at one of several vineyards at Armstrong Valley Vineyard & Winery in Dauphin County that cover around 20 acres of the 100-acre property. The netting? That's to keep the local birds from eating the grapes. This is one in a series of East Coast wine industry-related programs held between harvest and the start of the growing season. Virginia held its conference at the beginning of November, the North Carolina Winegrowers Association and New Jersey Department of Agriculture held their programs last week and the Eastern Winery Exposition & Conference (which rotates between Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Syracuse, New York) is set for March 12-14 in Syracuse. Want a say in the news? Email Claudia at todayinpa@pennlive.com to have your thoughts on the stories covered here or on PennLive heard. You can listen to the latest episode of Today in Pa at this link, or on any of your favorite apps including Alexa, Apple, Spotify, and Stitcher. Episodes are available every weekday on PennLive. Feel free to subscribe, follow or rate Today in Pa. as you see fit! Today in Pa. Daily Podcast | February 14, 2024 A lawsuit has accused a York County school of telling a father to keep hush-hush about his 5-year-olds sexual assault. Meanwhile, a Microsoft executive spoke with lawmakers about the risks concerning AI. Over 100,000 people were left without power yesterday. Lastly, in honor of Valentines Day, heres Pennsylvania favorite rom-com. Those are the stories we cover in the latest episode of Today in Pa., a daily weekday podcast from PennLive.com and hosted by Claudia Dimuro. Today in Pa. is dedicated to sharing the most important and interesting stories pertaining to Pennsylvania that lets you know, indeed, whats happening today in Pa. Todays episode refers to the following articles: If you enjoy Today in Pa., consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts or on Amazon. Reviews help others find the show and, besides, wed like to know what you think about the program, too. As sponsored by Renewal by Anderson of Central PA. Central Pennsylvanias own Jeffrey Lord had reason to boast this week. Not only did former President Donald Trump summon him for a behind-stage meeting during his visit to the Farm Show, but he gave him an even more special honor. Trump called Lords name out right from the stage at the end of his address to thousands of adoring fans. Not many people get that kind of accolade from the man some hope will return to the White House by hook or by crook. But Lord did. And its not the first time Trump has singled him out for accolades Thousands of south-central Pennsylvania residents are in the dark more than 24 hours after a major snowstorm hit the area. As of Wednesday morning, more than 13,000 PPL customers in Schuylkill County do not have power, according to PPLs outage map. More than 3,500 Dauphin County residents and more than 2,000 Cumberland County residents are also experiencing outages. There are nearly 4,000 outages in Perry County, PPL said. Dauphin County spokeswoman Diane McNaughton said their outages are mainly in the northern part of the county, around Millersburg. Warming stations have been opened in Millersburg at Hillside Christian Fellowship, 807 State Street; and Grace United Methodist Church, 982 Medical Road. When the storm started early Tuesday morning, more than 110,000 Pa. residents did not have power. More than 14 inches of snow fell in parts of Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The expected combination of heavy, wet snow had a significant impact in our service territory, resulting in customer outages, Christine Martin, president of PPL Electric Utilities, told PennLive on Tuesday. Martin said some PPL customers may not see power restored until Thursday. While PPL works to restore power to all customers, the company will prioritize critical infrastructure such as nursing homes, hospitals, and municipal utilities, according to a press release. Once most of the critical infrastructure has been restored, crews will start repairing power lines that service the majority of PPL customers. While some customers might not have power until Thursday, others will have their services restored before then. We have all hands on deck as we respond to this storm and have brought in additional crews from other regions to assist. In some significantly impacted regions, travel is still difficult. However, PPL Electric will continue to work around the clock until every customer has been restored, Martin said. Staff writer Madison Montag contributed to this report. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton at the Alliance's headquarters. The parties emphasized the importance of cooperation between NATO and the EU to "address common priorities". ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Alliance. The main "common priorities" were called increasing defense production and ensuring long-term support for Ukraine. Commissioner Breton also informed about the meeting of the NATO Council chaired by Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana. In his turn, Mr. Geoana emphasized that NATO is implementing the Defense Production Action Plan agreed upon in Vilnius. This plan, we recall, should accelerate joint procurement and increase production capacity to support Ukraine. Only verified information is available on our Telegram OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Mirko Bibic, president and CEO of BCE and Bell Canada is seen on television screens as he speaks during a CRTC hearing in Gatineau, Que., on Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2020. Members of Parliament have invited several top executives from BCE Inc. and Bell Canada to testify later this month about the company's decision to cut about nine per cent of its workforce this year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Pro-Palestine protesters who disrupted question period in the House of Commons are led away by Parliamentary Protective Service officers outside West Block on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang On Wednesday, February 14, the aggressor country fired a missile at the village of Velykyi Burluk in Kharkiv region. The attack was carried out with S-300 missiles. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the head of the region, Oleh Syniehubov. The enemy hit a two-story residential building and another one next to it. ADVERTISIMENT As of 19:10, according to the updated information from the regional cleaner, the rubble of a two-story house in the village of Velykyi Burluk is being dismantled and people trapped under the rubble are being rescued. A woman has just been rescued and is being provided with all the necessary medical care. At the moment, we know about 5 victims. Unfortunately, one man was killed. "At 16:16, the enemy launched a rocket attack. Seven local civilians were injured. One person received medical aid and was sent to the hospital. Rescuers pulled two people out from under the rubble, provided first aid and hospitalized them," said Syniehubov. ADVERTISIMENT According to the official, there are people under the rubble. Rescuers are providing all necessary assistance. "All specialized services are on the spot. The information is being updated," the head of the region summarized. However, as the regional police later reported, at least two people have been killed as a result of the occupiers' attacks on Velykyi Burluk. Their personal data is being established. Four people may be under the rubble of the destroyed two-story house. Among the victims are three men and a woman. The police are helping rescuers to dismantle the rubble. A private house and two police cars were also damaged. Investigative teams, forensic experts and explosives experts have arrived at the scene. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier it was reported that on Wednesday, February 14, the occupiers also shelled Mykolaivka in Donetsk region and killed two women. ADVERTISIMENT On the morning of February 14, it became known that another Russian warship was destroyed in the Black Sea - thanks to a special operation by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the Caesar Kunikov dock landing ship went down. The crew of the Caesar Kunikov failed to escape. The ship tilted and then sank. This enemy vessel distinguished itself during the Russian aggression in Georgia. It was based in Sevastopol, with a board number of 158. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! A single vote in the House may have sealed the fate of the Republican majority, who wouldnt support democracy but instead impeached DHS Secretary Mayorkas. Video of the final vote: House Republicans vote to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas 214-213. pic.twitter.com/Xz9ZRxnGRz Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 14, 2024 To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. The single video clip above distills the House Republican majoritys refusal to govern and instead focus on political stunts that play well with their voters. Experts from across the political spectrum agree that Secretary Mayorkas committed no impeachable offense and that policy differences are not grounds for impeachment, but this did not stop House Republicans from sending a message to the American people. However, that message was not what they intended. Republicans are sending the message to voters in their districts that they cant govern. The Mayorkas vote could be the final straw that sends some of those eighteen Republicans who currently hold seats in districts that President Biden won in 2020 to defeat in November. Congratulations, House Republicans, you just impeached the Homeland Security Secretary and probably cost your party the House majority. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Texas Gov. Greg Abbott a human trafficker during an interview on CNN. When asked by Jake Tapper about the border and Greg Abbott, Rep. Jeffries said: Governor Abbott is an embarrassment and a human trafficker. But besides his political gamesmanship, I do think its important for all of us Democrats and Republicans to recognize that we have a broken immigration system. We do need to address the challenges at the border. And it should be done in a manner that is comprehensive and bipartisan, that will be the only way to solve this problem when a period of divided government, common sense dictates Jake that we have to work together to solve the challenges that we confront at the border, the American people know this. The only question is whether members of Congress and the other side of the aisle will recognize that their way or the highway approach is not an effective strategy at this moment. Just designed to score political points. We support a border that is strong, that is secure, and that is humane. To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. Video: House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries calls Texas Gov. Greg Abbott a human trafficker, "Governor Abbott is an embarrassment and a human trafficker." pic.twitter.com/tmyRTprlJp Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 13, 2024 Rep. Jeffries was correct. Abbott is an embarrassment and a human trafficker. Gov. Abbott is also doing nothing productive to solve the problem. Each one of his moves is either unconstitutional, political grandstanding, or both. The difference between Republicans and Democrats on the immigration issue is that Democrats understand that the American economy needs immigrants to work in the United States. Republicans want to deport every immigrant and close the borer. Republicans dont want to fix the issue. They want to play politics, and that is why Greg Abbott is a human trafficking embarrassment. During the morning attack on the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, the Defense Forces shot down the enemy's large amphibious assault ship Caesar Kunikov. The attack was carried out with the help of drones by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. ADVERTISIMENT This was confirmed to OBOZ.UA by intelligence sources. At the same time, some media outlets claim that the Caesar Kunikov sank after being hit. According to our sources, the Main Intelligence Directorate conducted an effective attack on an enemy ship in the Black Sea near the southern coast of Crimea. The attack was carried out using drones. According to our source, after being hit, the warship first tilted to one side and then sank. It happened near Alupka. ADVERTISIMENT The crew had virtually no chance of being rescued: the hole was large, so the Caesar Kunikov sank very quickly. According to eyewitnesses, the Russians sent another ship to rescue the hit vessel, and a submarine was also spotted nearby. The invaders sent in aviation, including Mi-8 helicopters that flew low over the sea of Alupka to Katsiveli and back, as well as a Ka-27 anti-submarine helicopter, which was spotted near Foros. The videos filmed by Crimeans before the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov show a powerful detonation on the hit ship, and it is also clear that it is on fire. The large landing ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet Caesar Kunikov, launched in 1986, took part in Russia's aggression against Georgia in 2008, transported weapons and ammunition to the Russian contingent in Syria, and was involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. ADVERTISIMENT In the spring of 2022, this ship was damaged during a strike by the Defense Forces against the occupiers in the seized port of Berdiansk. The crew of the Caesar Kunikov consists of 87 people. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer was counting on Tony Bobulinski to save his Biden impeachment investigation, but Bobulinski flopped. Bobulinski said in his opening statement: From my direct personal experience it is clear to me that Joe Biden was the Brand being sold by the Biden family. His familys foreign influence peddling operation from China to Ukraine and elsewhere sold out to foreign actors who were seeking to gain influence and access to Joe Biden and the United States government. Joe Biden was more than a participant in and beneficiary of his familys business; he was an enabler, despite being buffered by a complex scheme to maintain plausible deniability. To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. The only reason any of these international business transactions took place with tens of millions of dollars flowing directly to the Biden family was because Joe Biden was in high office. The Biden family business was Joe Biden, period. Bobuliniski had no evidence that Biden did anything wrong, as all the star witnesses did was repeat cherry-picked claims debunked nearly four years ago. To put it mildly, Oversight Committee Democrats were not impressed. Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin said, He had two encounters with President Biden in back-to-back days in May of 2017 that seemed extremely casual, Raskin said. They could not be described as meetings. And by his own account, they did not involve a discussion of Joe Biden and business. So, this is then a witness who I think can be charitably described as out of control. He offers absolutely no testimony that indicates any criminal activity by President Biden. He offers no suggestion or evidence that President Biden was involved in Hunter Bidens businesses. Comers investigation has yet to turn up a single shred of evidence or witness that will testify with proof that the President did anything wrong. James Comer and Jim Jordan have been relying on this one witness who is affiliated with the Trump campaign to make their impeachment case, but instead, theyve got nothing. The Biden impeachment investigation has been a total waste of time and money. It has also been one of the biggest investigative failures in the history of the US House. 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 White House told Speaker Johnson to pass the Senate Ukraine aid bill, and that there is nothing to negotiate with the President. Politico reported: The White House has denied multiple requests from Speaker Mike Johnson to meet with President Joe Biden over border security, according to a person familiar with the requests. To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. But Biden and White House officials have repeatedly said they believe the House should take up the Senate-passed national security supplemental instead of meeting and renegotiating a new package. What is there to negotiate? Really, truly, what is the one-on-one negotiation about when hes been presented with exactly what hes asked for? said White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Hes negotiating with himself. It would be pointless for Biden to negotiate a deal with Johnson, because the Speaker of the House doesnt keep his word and has no power to deliver the votes to get anything passed. Negotiating with Johnson would be a complete waste of time. The White House is right. It isnt the President that Johnson should be negotiating with. The Speaker needs to be able to pass legislation within his own majority. Mike Johnson is trying to pull a stunt so that he can avoid responsibility for his role in killing both the border bill and the Ukraine aid bill. President Biden is apparently not going to waste any more time negotiating with the Johnson. If the speaker wants to do something about these issues, the legislation is already in his hands. 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. House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turner warned of a new threat to US national security that reportedly is related to Russia while House Republicans refuse to vote on Ukraine aid. Is There A New National Security Threat? Yes. Rep. Mike Turner referred to the threat in a statement: Statement from Chairman @RepMikeTurner: pic.twitter.com/OA9yJuEPlf House Intelligence Committee (@HouseIntel) February 14, 2024 To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. NBC News later reported that the threat is related to Russia, A foreign military capability, and that foreign military is the Russian military. Now, specifically why he chose to make his statement when he did and why he didnt choose to wait until we understand tomorrow the national security adviser is going to be briefing the house intelligence committee about this threat but that apparently is what he was referring to, some type of Russian military capability that is a threat over the medium and long term. Video: NEW: House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Turners warning of a national security threat facing the U.S. was referring to a Russian military capability, four sources with knowledge of the matter tell NBC News. pic.twitter.com/iugWPviX6v MSNBC (@MSNBC) February 14, 2024 It is not a coincidence that Chair Turner (R-OH) is pushing Speaker Mike Johnson to immediately pass Ukraine aid. The Democratic ranking member of the Intelligence Committee said that the threat is a medium to long term one, and there is no need to panic: The classified intelligence product that the House Intelligence Committee called to the attention of Members last night is a significant one, but it is not a cause for panic, top HPSCI Dem Rep. Himes says. pic.twitter.com/ZhyAN4BN2a Zachary Cohen (@ZcohenCNN) February 14, 2024 House Republicans Are Refusing To Pass Aid To Ukraine As The Russia Threat Grows House Republicans are refusing to pass aid to Ukraine because the Senate-passed package runs into 2025, and Trump intends to cut off all aid to Ukraine if he wins the election and returns to the White House. It is easy to see that Turner started talking about the Russian threat to national security as a way of pressuring Johnson into bringing the Ukraine aid bill to the House floor for a vote. House Republicans are enabling Putin to destroy a democracy by caving to the whims of Donald Trump. Russia wants to destroy the United States. Putins Russia is not a friend. They are an enemy of democracy and freedom and Republicans are jeopardizing US national security by refusing to pass aid to Ukraine. A Michigan fake elector said that fake electors were told that the Michigan Senate had the power to accept their fake declaration that Trump won the state. The Detroit News reported: The testimony of James Renner of Lansing, who was one of the 16 Michigan Republicans who signed the false document on Dec. 14, 2020, was another indication that supporters of Trump were hoping that Michigan GOP lawmakers would intervene in Trumps loss to Democrat Joe Biden. To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. He said providing a contingency in case Trump was later declared the winner of Michigans 16 electoral votes was just one part of the goal of the false certificate. Renner acknowledged that the GOP electors agreed on Dec. 14, 2020 that Trump had won. Another purpose of the false certificate was to provide a chance for the Michigan Senate to choose to recognize the GOP electors as Michigans official electors, Renner testified. The problem with this defense is that Biden was declared the winner of the state before the fake electors met, so there was no need for a secondary option. Biden was already the winner. The only reason that a second slate of electors would be needed would be if Trump and the Republicans were trying to overturn the election. Michigans fake electors are arguing that they were lied to by Trump and the Republican Party. The defense is that they had no intent to try to overthrow the election. The way that the fake electors are trying to get off of the hook is by blaming the Republican Party and Donald Trump. Whether or not this is going to work is dubious because the fake electors were meeting after Bidens victory had been certified by the state, so it is implausible that the fake electors didnt know that they were participating in a plot to overturn the election. 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. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was asked during his press conference why he wants to meet with Biden if he thinks the President is in cognitive decline, and he answered with word salad. How Did Speaker Johnson Defend His Biden Cognitive Hypocrisy? Johnson was asked, Youve talked about the challenge of the Presidents cognitive ability. Youve said he is not fit to be President, dont believe he can do the job. Why do you think a meeting, a one-on-one meeting with the President Of The United States would solve all of these problems? Speaker Johnson answered, Well, thats a very good question, but I have to do everything that I can, and he is the commander in chief right now, as uncomfortable as that makes most of this country, and I have to work with what I have. I have to do my job, and Im going to insist to continue to do that. The House Republicans are going to continue to do our job. Were going to continue to move the ball forward. Were going to continue to demand that before we take care of issues all around the world, we take care of our own first. Im telling you, that is not a campaign message. That is the truth, and that is what resonates in the hearts of the American people. We are on the side of common sense, its the side of security, the side of stability, its the side of sanity, and the President Of The United States will not acknowledge that, and it is of great alarm to us. Johnson didnt answer the question. To get more stories like this, subscribe to our newsletter The Daily. Video: Mike Johnson cant answer when asked if Biden is cognitively declining why he wants a meeting with him. Johnson said, I have to work with what I have. I have to do my job, Johnson then babbled some more about Republicans moving balls and dodged the question. pic.twitter.com/oUyiWT3FOm Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) February 14, 2024 Republicans Cant Have It Both Ways On Biden Biden cant be both too cognitively declined to be President and a mastermind who is using the presidency to stop the Republican agenda on immigration. These two things cant exist together because they contradict each other. The fact that Johnson couldnt come up with anything resembling an answer to a very obvious question should tell the American people all that they need to know about the GOP claims related to Bidens cognitive abilities. Republicans cant square the circle, and it suggests that if the White House seizes the moment and puts Biden out there more, these attacks on Biden could be neutralized. 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. A Belvedere mother is facing a murder charge connected to the Oct. 15 death of an infant. Jordan A. Fowler, 21, was charged Feb. 13 with murder months after her child, Charlotte Fowler, died at a Rita Court residence in North Augusta. Charlotte's age was 1 month and 25 days old. Fowler has been in the custody of police since Dec. 14 on a charge of legal custodian unlawful neglect of a child or helpless person. Capt. Eric Abdullah with the Aiken County Sheriffs Office said Fowlers new charges come from an investigation into the child's death. A murder warrant said Fowler struck the child in the back of the head with a stainless-steel vacuum-insulated travel mug while she was frustrated by the infant's constant crying. An earlier warrant said Fowler shook and squeezed the child between Aug. 20 and Oct. 15, and the child suffered multiple rib fractures and other injuries, which were identified during an autopsy as being in various stages of healing. An obituary said the child was born Aug. 20, 2023, and brought joy to everyone she encountered. Her grandfather called her a Kung Fu Master in waiting. Fowler is listed as an inmate at the Aiken County detention center and has no bond. China is seeking to improve the quality of education in private schools by encouraging experienced retired teachers to assist them in their work, according to a new circular. The circular, issued by the Ministry of Education, notes that a special campaign will be launched encouraging retired teachers to support the teaching and research in private schools, particularly higher education institutions. About 20,000 teachers are expected to be selected every year after the campaign is launched. According to the circular, retired teachers are encouraged to assist the work at private schools in China's western regions and regions of ethnic minority groups. In the meantime, the schools are expected to develop mentor systems for retired teachers to share their knowledge and experience with their young peers. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the government, military and representatives of the defense industry to discuss means to combat Russian reconnaissance drones. It was about providing our soldiers with new, modern weapons against Russian "eagles". ADVERTISIMENT Zelensky announced this on his Telegram channel. He also posted a video. As can be seen from the footage, the meeting was attended by Chief of Staff Oleksandr Syrsky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. "Orlan" or ZALA above the front line are the eyes for Russian artillery and attack UAVs," the President emphasized. According to Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has a solution to blind enemy reconnaissance drones. He also emphasized the need to implement a systematic approach, from identification to the effective use of electronic warfare and destruction means. The Head of State instructed to create a comprehensive system that would unite the army and industry. Manufacturers should know exactly the needs of the frontline, and the army should know the production capabilities in all regions. ADVERTISIMENT "The frontline needs a quick response to challenges and threats. We must do everything to protect the most important thing we have on the battlefield - the lives of our soldiers," the President summarized. As reported by OBOZ.UA, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree on the creation of a new separate branch of the Armed Forces of Ukraine - the Unmanned Systems Forces. The corresponding order was given to the Cabinet of Ministers together with the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Moncks Corner, SC (29461) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. High 68F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 39F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Four new food-and-beverage venues are in the works in the Park Circle area of North Charleston. Southern Roots Smokehouse has temporarily closed its restaurant at 1083 E. Montague Ave., where it has operated since 2017, ahead of a move to a new location down the street. The barbecue dining spot is moving to 1037 E. Montague in the former site of Ship's Wheel Hard Cider, which moved its production operation to 7325 Cross County Road last year. Southern Roots is aiming to reopen in the new site by the spring. It offers another Lowcountry location at 2544 Savannah Highway in West Ashley. Falling through A new dining concept was on the way to the former Southern Roots site until earlier this week when the deal fell through. The owners of MOMO, which serves American fare off Everglades Avenue in Riverfront Park in North Charleston, planned to open a restaurant called The Venice, offering a vibe from the Venice Beach neighborhood in southern California, by late summer or early fall. But MOMO co-owner Justin Moore confirmed Feb. 12 the deal was off to open in the rental location. "The building has a lot more things to be fixed than anticipated is the reason for the sudden reversal," Moore said. "Very disappointing to say the least." The building is owned by an affiliate of Charleston commercial real estate firm Clement Crawford & Thornhill, which paid $2 million for the property in 2021, according to county land records. Gerald Levin, who led Time Warner Media into a disastrous $182 billion merger with the internet provider America Online, has died at the age of 84. Levin had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, although his cause of death on Wednesday was not given in media reports. Earlier in his career, the Time Inc. executive helped turn a sleepy cable channel called Home Box Office into a national network soon known as HBO. He went on to head the company eventually known as Time Warner, leading it into the 2001 merger that created AOL Time Warner, but was unwound in 2009, seven years after Levin resigned his job. Read moreGerald Levin, the former Time Warner CEO who engineered a disastrous mega-merger, is dead at 84 I cannot guarantee the accuracy of any of the colors found in this restaurant review. If you dine after dark at Maam Saab, which opened in May at the corner of Meeting and Wentworth streets, the entire dining room is bathed in vivid magenta light, which makes for a rather altered state of perception. Instead of bright green, the torn cilantro garnishing the butter chicken has a slate-gray hue reminiscent of shaved truffles. The chunks of vividly yellow tomato in the masala bhel turn out, upon later inspection in a takeout box, to be bright red. But boy does that magenta lighting set a mood. So do the thumping beats of South Asian hip-hop and the big projection screen behind the bar, which shows an endless loop of Pakistani street scenes interspersed with the restaurants logo. The dishes are ideal for a big party to share, and some will seem familiar to patrons of Indian American restaurants. Theres chicken tikka ($32), for instance, and ground lamb kebabs ($36), each accompanied by a bowl of exquisite long-grained rice garnished with chopped tomato and onion. The saag paneer ($24), one of the four thali platter options on the lunch menu, is quite nice. The minced spinach is cooked to almost a paste, and a rich, delicious paste at that. That green smoothness is offset by the delightful cubes of cheese, their exteriors crisply golden but the rest still firm and chewy. Its hard to choose among the chutney options (each $6), but if you have a big enough crowd you can get all five as a sampler ($24) The tamarind-date is fruity and quite sweet, while the yogurt-based raita is creamy and cool, but with a stiff layer of chili heat underneath. My favorite is the cilantro and mint chutney, which is wonderfully bright and fragrant yet has a big zip of spice, too. The shareable options carry straight through to gulab jamun ($8) for dessert. The three perfectly smooth orbs of fried milk dough are quite small, but they are dense in texture and soaked through with a rose-accented sugar syrup. Just one is enough for a satisfyingly sweet finish. For Georgetown, the opening of a new boutique hotel has sparked hope and optimism about what's next for Hammock Coast tourism. Read more'A shot in the arm': New $20M downtown hotel aims to boost tourism in Georgetown GREENVILLE Two of Greenville County's lowest-performing public schools are preparing for a major shake-up. Three-fourths of the certified staff at Lakeview Middle and Alexander Elementary will be changed out next school year, while all but a fraction of the schools' current teachers will be moved to other positions in the district. The overhaul is part of Greenville County School District's Elevate pilot program, an ambitious effort to attract teachers and promote achievement through financial incentives. Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! The state's largest school district began the process of revamping the schools in late 2023, requiring all certified staff members who wanted to remain at Lakeview and Alexander to reapply for their positions. Assistant Superintendent Charlotte McDavid said about half of the eligible staff at the two schools opted to do so and, of those, about half were rehired, 16 at the middle school and 10 at the elementary school. The remaining positions will be new hires or transfers. That's 51 at Lakeview out of a total 67, and 33 at Alexander out of a total 43. Many of those have already been filled. The leadership teams at both schools are also undergoing a major change. Both will have new principals come next school year. Dawn Hooker, currently the principal at East North Street Academy, will head up Alexander Elementary, while Woodmont Middle School Principal Jennifer Couch will lead Lakeview starting next school year. McDavid said both oversaw significant gains in academic achievement and community engagement at their current posts. The goal of the program is to bolster grades and test scores at the schools by drawing highly qualified educators to work there. Alexander and Lakeview have lagged behind other schools in the district in recent years. Both are Title I schools, meaning 40 percent or more of their students come from low-income families. And they face other distinct challenges, including a high population of students who are learning English as a second language and above-average transience rates. As a result, they have also struggled with high teacher turnover. The Dorchester County Economic Development office, which supports economic growth in the county, has announced the launch of its revamped website and updated logos. The unveiling of these updates marks a significant milestone for the office and underscores its commitment to serving the co Read moreDorchester County Economic Development launches updated website, logo The 34th Annual SC BBQ Shag Festival kicks off on Thursday, March 21, at the recreation park and ball fields in Hemingway. This year the festival runs from March 21-24. The four-day event features music, vendors, BBQ and fun for the whole family. First held in 1987, the event has grown to at Read moreSC BBQ Shag Festival kicks off March 21 COLUMBIA Three former Chesterfield County deputies face multiple charges after a State Law Enforcement Division investigation led to charges they reported five hoax emergencies on Feb. 4. The Chesterfield County Sheriff's Office asked SLED to investigate. Charges were filed Feb. 12, according to a SLED press release. Chesterfield County Sheriff Cambo Streater said he received reports of the alleged activities. He couldn't comment about the allegations. The case will be prosecuted by the 12th Circuit Solicitor's Office. First Sgt. Justin Tyler Reichard of Hartsville, Sgt. Darien Roseau of Society Hill and Deputy Killian Daniel Loflin of Society Hill face charges of misconduct in office, criminal conspiracy and aggravated breach of peace. Reichard, Roseau and Loflin were booked at the Chesterfield County Detention Center. According to arrest warrants, Reichard, Roseau and Loflin were on duty Feb. 4 when they allegedly reported five hoax emergencies in the municipalities of Cheraw, Chesterfield, McBee and Pageland. The hoax reports were telephoned to convenience stores or respective municipal law enforcement agencies. The callers reported the location of a "dead body" within the four municipalities. The hoax calls resulted in emergency responses from law enforcement and other emergency responders. The arrest warrants were issued after SLED investigators interviewed Reichard, Roseau and Loflin, and information obtained during the SLED investigation was corroborated, according to the arrest warrants. When I was in third grade, my teacher had a vegetable tasting day for us. We each brought in a vegetable from home and shared it with our classmates. I remember coming home, excited, and announcing to my mother that I had fallen in love with rutabaga. After a startled moment or two, she sm Read moreStevens: For the love of rutabaga and our children 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. The American Red Cross of the Lowcountry is often the unsung hero in any disaster. Its bright red cross is unmistakable, but the agency that relies on volunteers is usually forgotten until they are needed. Read moreCity honors Red Cross of the Lowcountry DARLINGTON The city will be searching for a new manager after John Payne submitted his resignation letter to the Darlington City Council at its Feb. 13 meeting. Payne's last day will be March 29 and he is willing to help a new city manager transition into the position, according to the letter. Mayor Curtis Boyd confirmed Feb. 14 that Payne announced his resignation at the previous day's City Council meeting. Boyd said Payne had the opportunity for a job promotion and work in Charleston. He gave the city six weeks' notice. The city will begin the hiring process for a new city manager as quickly as possible, Boyd said. "We will be getting the word out to let people know the position is available over the next few months here. Then, we will start doing interviews and see if we can get the right person in there," Boyd said in a phone interview. City Council will select an interim city manager to serve until the position is filled. Darlington will work with the Municipal Association of South Carolina to advertise the city manager's position and vet candidates, Boyd said. Payne was hired as Darlington's city manager in July 2021. He replaced City Manager Howard Garland, who left the post in March 2021. More than 67 people applied for the position. Payne and Hopewell, Va., resident Dennis Sparks were interviewed for the position and Payne was hired on a 5-2 vote. Boyd, Mayor Pro Tempore John Segars and council members Bryant Gardner, Howard Nettles and John Milling voted to hire Payne. Council members Elaine Reed and Sheila Baccus cast no votes at the July meeting. In an email to The Post and Courier Pee Dee, Payne said he couldn't disclose his plans, and attached a copy of his resignation letter to the City Council. "The city of Darlington is now on the right path to reinvent herself," Payne wrote in his resignation letter. "Recent local investments are more than $200 million, businesses are again opening, and the Renaissance Master Plan will soon give you a road map for redevelopment." FLORENCE Two former middle school principals are suing Florence 1 Schools for discrimination. Kendra Green, former Williams Middle School principal, alleged the school district was racially discriminatory on multiple occasions during her employment and forced her to resign after a gun incident at the school in April 2022. Ronald Bentley Oates, former Sneed Middle School principal, alleged the school district violated the Americans with Disabilities Act when he was removed from his position at the end of the 2021-22 school year. Florence 1 Schools denied all allegations in court documents. Green's discrimination suit Green started working at Florence 1 Schools in 2015. She served as a vice principal at West Florence High School and was promoted to principal of Williams Middle School in 2021. In a lawsuit filed Oct. 20 in the U.S. District Court of South Carolina, Green, a Black woman, alleged the school district discriminated against her because of her race during her tenure as principal and when she was forced to resign. Green noticed she was treated differently than her White counterparts at other schools, according to her lawsuit. Superintendent Richard OMalley and Assistant Superintendent Gregory Hall asked Green to discipline her African American vice principals but wouldnt allow her to discipline White teachers and staff, she claimed. Green was written up when she tried to discipline teachers or address concerns. According to the lawsuit, Green repeatedly spoke up against the racial discrimination an action protected by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that protects employees from discrimination based on race, color, gender, sex and national origin. She said she tried to seek relief from the discrimination by consulting with upper management. The district retaliated against Greens objections to racial discrimination when she was forced to resign from her principal position in April 2022, according to her lawsuit. Green is suing the school district, OMalley and Hall. BAMBERG When Nikki Haley arrived here on a bright and windy morning, she stepped off her 45-foot long presidential campaign bus and into the arms of the hometown that raised her. She stopped five, six, seven times maybe more to hug the people who knew her, the people who felt like they knew her, and the people who wanted to show their support as Haley finds herself in the toughest political race of her life. And so, with her own arms outstretched, Haley embraced her hometown right back. "This sweet little town is the town that raised me," Haley told a crowd of about 100 people. "This is the town that taught me strength. This is the town that taught me grace. This is the town that taught me faith," she continued. "And this is the town that taught me no matter what, neighbors take care of neighbors." Bamberg was Haley's first stop of the day as she continued to crisscross the Palmetto State on Feb. 13, a day after early voting opened for the South Carolina GOP presidential primary in less than two weeks. The trio of campaign stops held in Bamberg, Bluffton and Summerville was part of a larger, high-touch effort Haley is deploying with a roving bus tour across her home state as she tries to cut into Donald Trump's popularity in South Carolina, a tour being sometimes drowned out by what the former president is doing. Trump is holding a rally at the Charleston Convention Center in North Charleston the night of Feb. 14, while Haley will spend Feb. 15 in Texas, a Super Tuesday state, for fundraising and campaign events. Haley's event in Bamberg was different: stripped down, raw, simple. "When you've known somebody since middle school, you get a big hug," Sharon Carter, the Bamberg County GOP chair, whispered after she hugged Haley. Here, there was no political stage, like the picturesque setup in Bluffton that overlooked the May River. There was no well-lit backdrop of campaign banners, like her appearance at the Summerville Country Club. In Bamberg, it was just Haley, a microphone and the crowd. COLUMBIA A bruising, high-profile Democratic Statehouse primary race is brewing for a Columbia-area Senate seat where a prominent state House member is challenging one of convicted double murderer Alex Murdaughs attorneys, who is also a sitting senator. State Rep. Russell Ott, D-St. Matthews, officially announced a bid Feb. 13 to take on state Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Columbia, in Senate District 26, which runs from the heart of downtown Columbia to rural Calhoun County. Harpootlian has become known around the world for serving as defense counsel to Murdaugh over the last few years and announced he would run for the seat Jan. 10. Harpootlian was in a Columbia courtroom just two weeks ago unsuccessfully arguing for a retrial for Murdaugh, who was convicted by a Colleton County jury last March of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. The pair of competitors are already drawing the battle lines of what promises to be a raucous primary, likely the most closely watched contest on the Democratic side of the June 11 state primaries. Ott, a farmer and former schoolteacher, sought to cast himself as an everyman against Harpootlian, a wealthy defense attorney, in his campaign announcement on the steps of the state Capitol. "People like to joke because I wear my work boots with my suits," Ott said. "But it's a reminder to me that I'm here to work for real people that are putting in long, hard hours each and every day. In an implied dig at Harpootlian, Ott said some members of the Legislature are more concerned about cameras and the glory, and the district deserves a workhorse, not a show horse." COLUMBIA The candidate who would win the Democrats' 2024 first-in-the-nation South Carolina presidential primary was never in doubt. Joe Biden romped to victory Feb. 3 with more than 96 percent of the vote a total that would make third-world despots envious. Yet, only 131,000 voters turned out, about a quarter of those who voted in the 2020 contest. So was it all much ado about nothing? Its not an empty question. The primary will very likely cost South Carolina taxpayers more than the $1.6 million that the 2020 vote did, said John Michael Catalano, a spokesman for the state Election Commission. The three Democratic candidates paid a combined $60,000 in filing fees that will help defray that cost, if slightly. The primary was seen by many among the political class as a dual test. First, of Bidens support among Black voters, and second, of the states ability to keep its first-in-the-nation status in 2028. Party leaders said that the state passed both tests, offering proof Biden maintains strong support among African Americans, contrary to the media narrative, and showing South Carolina is up to the task of voting first. We killed it, state Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain told The Post and Courier. Even though there is an incumbent Democratic president, South Carolina party officials noted canceling the primary was not an option because two other candidates, author and spiritualist Marianne Williamson and Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips, were running legitimate, if long shot, campaigns and filed for the primary. In 2012, when the primary was canceled, only President Barack Obama would have been on the ballot. A Spartanburg woman faces charges after fentanyl was detected in her baby boy's umbilical cord at birth, according to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office. In January, the Sheriff's Office's Special Victims Unit launched an investigation after the case was referred by Spartanburg County Department of Social Services. The baby had been admitted to the NICU and later released to his paternal grandmother on Jan. 18. According to Sheriff's Office spokesman Lt. Kevin Bobo, fentanyl is detectable if used during the last 20 weeks of a full-term pregnancy. Bethany Christina Estepp, 29, of 129 Cleveland Chapel Road, Spartanburg was charged with unlawful conduct towards a child. According to warrants, between July 15 and Dec. 2, Estepp placed the unborn baby at unreasonable risk of harm and caused bodily harm. Once warrants were issued, Estepp was later taken into custody along with the baby's father Marcus Ashby, 29, also of Cleveland Chapel Road. Both were at a construction site in Chesnee on Feb. 5. According to a Sheriff's Office incident report, Ashby was on Spartanburg County Home Detention as a result of previously being sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine. Deputies used a tracking device used for home detention to locate Ashby in Chesnee. While deputies were at the scene, the incident report states that officers saw Ashby remove an object from the vehicle's console and hide it between his legs. After being questioned, Ashby then tried to flee but was caught after a deputy grabbed his shirt. According to the report, Ashby continued to struggle with deputies on the ground until he was placed into custody. A body-worn camera broke off one of the deputies during the arrest. Deputies then searched the vehicle and found a small amount of folded up tin. Ashby was taken to the Spartanburg County Detention Center and booked on charges of resisting arrest while confined to home detention. Ashby also declined to take a drug test, which violated his home detention contract, the report stated. PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 01:37:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 897 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK, NY and LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / AccountAbility, a trusted global ESG Consulting and Standards Firm for 30 years, will announce a series of initiatives to enhance the quality of global sustainability assurance. With these enhancements, AccountAbility licensed assurance providers will receive market-leading solutions to deliver the world's most innovative, user-friendly, and trusted sustainability assurance standard - the AA1000 Assurance Standard v3 (AA1000AS v3).Today marks the first of these initiatives - the launch of a revamped e-licensing platform for licensed assurance providers, incorporating additional checks on ethics, independence, quality, and ease-of-use features.Ethics, independence, quality, and ease of use have been central to AccountAbility's AA1000 Series of Standards since inception, and the firm continues to apply its deep expertise and experience, integration of quality assurance technology, strategic global partnerships, and continuous enhancements to the tools and resources provided to its Standards users.The new platform will include: Enhancements to the pre-approval process that Licensed Assurance Providers are required to complete before commencing assurance engagements Updates to compliance and validation requirements Assurance Providers must meet when issuing Assurance Statements to Reporting Companies Improvements to the back-end system that strengthen cybersecurity Improvements to the user interface that make for a better user experience Preparation for future AI integration for automated, streamlined, and scalable license and statement validation processesThe AA1000AS v3 requires AccountAbility licensed assurance providers to follow a robust process before issuing Assurance Statements to reporting companies in order to ensure quality and transparency. All assured sustainability disclosures, which numbered more than 1,150+ in 2023, are added to a public web list on the AccountAbility Standards website, accessible via - https://www.accountability.org/standards/aa1000-assurance-standard/aa1000as-reports/ Licensed assurance providers and assurance practitioners involved in all AA1000AS v3 assurance engagements complete a license agreement and must operate in accordance with and be bound by the AA1000AS v3 Code of Practice. Values associated with this commitment deepen and reinforce assurance, professionalism, and effectiveness while safeguarding the high-quality application of the AA1000AS v3.Planned quality enhancement updates to the AA1000 Series will also align with the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (ICIF) and the latest and upcoming developments in the standards ecosystem to meet rigorous assurance requirements comparable to financial information.In order to ensure relevance to its global assurance providers, AccountAbility's Standards team actively monitors developments in the standards and assurance landscape across jurisdictions, including: International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB) standards International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) proposed new standards U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) proposed Climate Disclosure Rule EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) Proposed EU Green Claims Directive Mandatory sustainability disclosures required nationally, such as in India and South Korea, as well as the requirements by the Singapore Exchange (SGX) and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX), among others"We are witnessing intensifying regulatory mandates and stakeholder expectations regarding the assurance of non-financial information. AccountAbility is responding with several significant developments to meet the needs of its global users," comments Mr. Dongsoo Kim, AccountAbility Standards Board Member and the former Executive Director of Korea Productivity Center (KPC)."The AA1000AS v3 is trusted globally for its universal applicability in assuring sustainability data. We understand the implications that global assurance trends have for practitioners and providers alike, and we are constantly working to provide the clarity and resources that our expanding roster of AA1000AS v3 users need to meet the needs of their clients and advance the sustainability standards agenda," says Ms. Peppi-Emilia Airike, AccountAbility Head of Standards & Research.Other upcoming initiatives AccountAbility has undertaken to enhance the quality of sustainability assurance globally include: GHG Guidance Document - A guide to applying the AA1000 Assurance Standard v3 to assure climate-related data and reporting (expected Q2 2024) AccountAbility will release supplementary Guidance on Assuring GHG Emissions with the AA1000 Assurance Standard (AA1000AS v3) in Q2 2024. The Guidance Document will provide users of the AA1000AS v3 with direction regarding the application of AccountAbility's Principles-based assurance methodology to assure climate-related data and reporting. This is intended to arm assurance providers with the guidance needed to respond to the increasing volume of assurance mandates worldwide, such as the EU's CSRD, the SEC's proposed Climate Disclosure Rule, and several other future requirements globally. Assurance Standards Bridging Document - An overview of the alignment between the AA1000AS v3 and ISAE 3000 (expected Q2 2024) AccountAbility will publish a Bridging Document, which details the alignment between AA1000AS v3 and the International Standard on Assurance Engagements (ISAE) 3000 (Revised) Assurance Engagements Other Than Audits or Reviews of Historical Financial Information. The Bridging Document will clarify the application of the two assurance standards and establish the equivalence of accounting assurance levels (Limited + Reasonable) with AA1000AS v3 levels (Moderate + High). Advancing Ethical Sustainability ReportingAccountAbility has joined the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) Sustainability Reference Group, supporting global roundtables as part of its ongoing Sustainability Project to develop ethics and independence standards for sustainability reporting and assurance.About AccountAbilityAccountAbility is a global consulting and standards firm that works with businesses, investors, governments, and multilateral organizations to innovate and advance the global sustainability / ESG agenda by improving organizations' practices, performance, and impact. The firm focuses on delivering practical, effective, and enduring results that enable our clients to succeed. AccountAbility is a Public Benefit Corporatio PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 20:00:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 709 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 MORTSEL, BELGIUM / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / In our unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge clinical technology in Latin America, we are delighted to announce the partnership with RedSalud for our flagship platform, Enterprise Imaging (EI).AGFA HealthCare Welcomes REDSALUD Chile to its Enterprise Imaging Network! In our unwavering commitment to providing cutting-edge clinical technology in Latin America, we are delighted to announce the partnership with RedSalud for our flagship platform, Enterprise Imaging (EI).RedSalud, a distinguished private health network, holds a substantial presence in Chile, boasting over 30 medical centers, 40 dental centers, and nine hospitals across the country. With a primary goal of expanding access to quality healthcare throughout the region, RedSalud aligns seamlessly with our mission to provide innovative and transformative solutions.By harnessing the capabilities of EI, RedSalud will enhance its dedication to patient care by establishing a comprehensive nationwide care network. The integration of state-of-the-art tools, including task management, workflow orchestration and cloud platforms, marks a pivotal step in revolutionizing healthcare in Chile.At AGFA HealthCare, we are committed to delivering imaging without barriers, empowering individuals to embrace their utmost potential. The inclusion of RedSalud to #TeamAGFA signifies a significant milestone in our journey towards continuous improvement in health management. This partnership embodies our vision of facilitating a "life in flow" for clinicians, fostering an environment where seamless and efficient healthcare delivery is paramount.Daniel de la Maza, CIO for RedSalud, expresses his enthusiasm on the collaboration with AGFA HealthCare:"AGFA HealthCare has some of the most modern systems in the world. We hope that this new system will contribute to achieving a better flow throughout the entire imaging process (x-rays, MRIs, scanners, among other procedures), and improve the experience of both the doctor and patients. This system also opens up great potential for the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help medical diagnosis." Marcelo Espinoza, Regional Manager for AGFA HealthCare LATAM, underscores the significance of this project being the first Enterprise Imaging/RIS-PACS platform to leverage the customer's cloud data center in Chile."We worked with RedSalud team for several months to review and define the desired scope for this project - identifying several challenges, such as the implementation of a single imaging platform for Radiology, Dental and other disciplines across national RedSalud sites." Commending the excellent teamwork achieved thus far, Espinoza also expresses confidence in the project's success, emphasizing the pivotal role of the project team. He elaborates:"The success of this transition and deployment is paramount to maintaining of RedSalud's clinical and operational processes. AGFA HealthCare looks forward to the exciting opportunities of collaboration and gives a big thanks to RedSalud for choosing the award-winning Enterprise Imaging Platform. A warm welcome to our network!"At AGFA HealthCare, we are transforming the delivery of care - supporting healthcare professionals across the globe with secure, effective, and sustainable imaging data management. As a company, we are dedicated to our customers, and we have harnessed a value framework of Mission, Vision and Customer Delivery Principles into our routine operations. Through these principles, we commit a consistent high-yield code of conduct to our associates - channeling our experience and aspirations to all of our stakeholders. Our Empowerer profile supports our focus on creating an exceptional experience through the power of technology and is an integral foundation to our company standards. AGFA HealthCare is a division of the Agfa-Gevaert Group. For more information on AGFA HealthCare, please visit www.agfahealthcare.com and follow us on LinkedIn.AGFA and the Agfa rhombus are registered trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Belgium or its affiliates. RUBEE is a registered trademark and Imaging Health Network is a trademark of Agfa HealthCare N.V. or its affiliates. All rights reserved. All information contained herein is intended for guidance purposes only, and the characteristics of the products and services described in this publication can be changed at any time without notice. Products and services may not be available for your local area. Please contact your local sales representative for availability information. AGFA HealthCare diligently strives to provide as accurate information as possible but shall not be responsible for any typographical error.Contact InformationJessica BaldryMarketing Communicationsjessica.baldry@agfa.com +447583203971SOURCE: AGFA HealthCareView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 08:00:31 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 457 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 California Cultured Partners with Leading Japanese Chocolate Company Meiji for the Production of Cell-Based Cocoa ProductsDOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Agronomics, a leading listed company focused on the field of cellular agriculture, is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, California Cultured Inc. ("California Cultured"), has reached a partnership agreement with the Japanese company Meiji Co., Ltd, ("Meiji"), Japan's largest chocolate manufacturer. Agronomics led California Cultured's seed round in October 2021 with a US$ 2.2 million investment in the form of a Simple Agreement for Future Equity ("SAFE").The partnership involves a 10-year-long arrangement for the supply and integration of California Cultured's cell-cultured flavanol cocoa powder into an array of products tailored for both the US and Japanese markets. The co-branded packaged goods, including chocolate, truffles and wellness-enhancing chocolate, will mark the first time cell-cultured cocoa will enter any market worldwide.The global chocolate industry faces significant issues regarding ethical and secure supply chains. Unpredictable weather patterns have been disruptive to cacao cultivation and have caused volatility in supply and price, which poses an issue for large manufacturers. Cell culturing technology allows the production of cocoa to be decoupled from tropical plantations, addressing key issues in the industry including uncertain weather conditions, deforestation concerns and labour exploitation.California Cultured CEO, Alan Perlstein commented:"We need to build a resilient, superior future for chocolate. This partnership is the first step in achieving this. With our scalable technology, we're positioned to excel in the field of plant-based cellular agriculture, where we pioneer the creation and cultivation of cells to redefine how we grow and produce innovative, sustainable products." Jim Mellon, Agronomics Executive Chairman added:"This partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transition towards developing sustainable food production systems. It is a great example of how biomanufacturing provides a viable solution to environmental and ethical issues associated with industrial agricultural production while serving the needs of large multinational food companies." To read the full announcement please see the following link: https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/california-cultured-cell-based-lab-grown-chocolate-meiji/ AgronomicsLimitedBeaumontCornish LimitedCanaccord Genuity LimitedCavendish Capital Markets LimitedPeterhouse CapitalLimitedSEC NewgateThe CompanyNomadJoint BrokerJoint BrokerJoint BrokerPublic RelationsJim MellonDenham EkeRoland CornishJames BiddleAndrew PottsHarry PardoeAlex AylenGiles BallenyMichael JohnsonCharlie CombeLucy WilliamsCharles GoodfellowBob HuxfordAnthony Hughes+44 (0) 1624 639396info@ agronomics.im +44 (0) 207 628 3396+44 (0) 207 523 8000+44 (0) 207 397 8900+44 (0) 207 469 0936agronomics@ secnewgate.co.uk This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@ lseg.com or visit www.rns.com SOURCE: Agronomics Limited PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 08:20:12 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 440 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Bambuser AB (STO:BUSER)(FRA:5JL) Bambuser reports a Q4 2023 ARR of SEK 107.2 million, representing a quarter over quarter decline of 7% at constant exchange rates ("CER"). The Adjusted EBITDA was SEK -27.8 million, in line with implemented cost enhancements. The last twelve-month free cash flow improved with SEK 37.1 million year over year. The cash balance closed at SEK 272.1 million, which is sufficient to take Bambuser to positive cash flow.In a strategic move, Bambuser divested its influencer marketing business, Relatable, during the quarter. This transaction, while resulting in a non-cash loss of SEK 85.5 million, had a positive impact on cash flow, contributing SEK 12.7 million.Bambuser signed several new contracts with enterprise customers in the quarter, including Belkin (consumer electronics), Auto Mercado (supermarket chain based in Costa Rica), and HiFi Klubben (retailer of high-quality audio and visual equipment). The Company further renewed and expanded its partnership with the Matas (leading Danish health and beauty retail chain).Q4 2023 Key highlightsARR of SEK 107.2 million, -21% y/y and -7% q/q at constant exchange rates ("CER"). Net Sales of SEK 44.1 million (59.3) with SaaS revenue growth of -22% y/y and -9% q/q. Adjusted EBITDA of SEK -27.8 million (-25.7), representing a -60% margin, -20%p. y/y and -6%p. q/q. Free Cash Flow of SEK -37.6 million (-21.6), representing a -85% FCF margin, -49%p. y/y and -8%p. q/q. End of quarter Cash Balance of SEK 272.1 million (378.5), which is sufficient to take Bambuser to positive cash flow. Successful divestment of Relatable allows Bambuser to concentrate its resources on developing the world's leading video commerce platform.The full Q4 2023 report is published at https://ir.bambuser.com/report-archive Contact information Corporate Communications, Bambuser AB+46 8 400 160 00 | ir@ bambuser.com Certified Adviser Carnegie Investment Bank AB (publ)About Bambuser Bambuser is the world's leading video commerce company with the largest customer base in its industry. More than 290 brands from 50+ countries leverage Bambuser's best-in-class solutions.Bambuser is truly global with headquarters in Stockholm and offices in New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, Turku, and Los Angeles. The company's rapidly growing team speaks more than 40 languages and 50% of its senior management is female.Founded in 2007 as a livestreaming pioneer, trusted by the world's leading news agencies, Bambuser pivoted toLive Shopping in 2019, leveraging its legacy as the industry leader in video-first technology.This information is information that Bambuser AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact persons set out above, at 2024-02-14 08:00 CET.AttachmentsBambuser YearEndReport2023SOURCE: Bambuser AB PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 16:15:29 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 963 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Discovery Education and its content partners offer educators and students nationwide a new collection of engaging digital learning resources supporting Engineers Week activities. Established in 1951, Engineers Week immerses students in the future of engineering and helps create pathways for students seeking engineering careers. Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform nurtures curiosity and supports learning wherever it takes place.Occurring February 18-24 and focusing on the theme "Welcome to the Future," Engineers Week nurtures student's curiosity in engineering while showing how engineering changes the world. To support this theme, Discovery Education provides educators, students, and families with a new collection of resources that can be used in any learning environment. The following resources are available for users of the award-winning Discovery Education ExperienceK-12 learning platform:In a new DE Original, students in grades PK-5 discover the engineering behind the popular Three Little Pigs story and learn how the pigs' discoveries can be applied to real-life engineering situations. The National Science Foundation: Profiles of Scientists and Engineers channel introduces students to the next generation of engineers and scientists in video profiles of young professionals in the engineering and science fields. The Inventors and Innovators channel features prominent figures in history whose engineering have changed the world. From Thomas Edison and the Wright Brothers to Hedy Lamarr and George Washington Carver and many more, students learn about incredible feats of engineering and science.In addition, for users of the award-winning Mystery Science service, the Engineering Collection offers open-and-go lessons that inspire students to love science and explore engineering. Mystery Science is an engaging standards-aligned science curriculum for grades K-5 designed to help students stay curious. In this collection of 45-minute engineering lessons, Mystery Guides lead no prep, open-and-go lessons with step-by-step hands-on activities exploring scientific phenomena using common classroom items."Having access to Discovery Education is like having a series of keys to an educational vault. Each activity provides engaging lessons that provide a wealth of information and accessibility for all students," said Keith Fursetenberg, an educator in Georgia.Among the free resources created in collaboration with leading corporate partners are:Career Exploration ToolsThe STEM Careers Coalition offers a curated collection of career profile videos spotlighting engineering professionals in STEM. Students can easily make the connection between classrooms and careers with the videos and accompanying lessons, activities, and hands-on student activations. Virtual Field TripsThe Reach for the Sky Virtual Reality experience from Reach for the Sky - designed with Edge at Hudson Yards - is a one-of-a-kind experience in which students can control their journey and interact with their environment as they explore learning hotspots, visit a weather observation station, and take flight with a drone through the New York City skyline. The virtual field trip with Trane Technologies as part of the Sustainable Futures program gives students a unique, up-close look at how employees across that company are using engineering and other disciplines to create comfortable, clean, and energy-efficient solutions for homes, buildings, and transportation. The Science & Behavior of Safe Driving: It Takes All of Us Virtual Field Trip helps students learn about safe driving as they visit Honda's one-of-a-kind Automotive Safety Research Facility in Raymond, Ohio and the Driving Simulation Laboratory at The Ohio State University to see the safety and engineering behind vehicle design. This virtual field trip is from Honda Safety Driven, a new national safety program and education initiative empowering students nationwide to use safe driving skills as a roadmap to become responsible decision-makers. Student Activities and ChallengesAs the nation's premier middle school science competition, the annual 3M Young Scientist Challenge invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize, and the chance to earn the title of "America's Top Young Scientist." Each year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge recognizes the grand prize winner, 10 finalists, four honorable mentions, and up to 51 state merit winners - nationwide and in Washington D.C. - who have demonstrated a passion for using science to solve everyday problems and improve the world around them. This year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge offers innovative ways for students to engage in science and engineering through new entry topics, including Robotics, Home Improvement, Automotive, Safety, AR/VR, and Climate Tech. Competition entries are accepted until the deadline on May 2, 2024. With Science Fair Central - a program with The Home Depot - educators and families discover over 100 science and engineering project starters, student planning guides, judging tools, and hands-on activities that help educators connect STEM learnings. The resources challenge students to design a device using magnetism to fish trash from local waterways, use characteristics of an armadillo's shell to create an architectural design solution, build catapults and trebuchets for a physics class mini-challenge, experiment with materials to insulate and cool a beverage, and more."Nurturing student curiosity is the first step to learning. With these free resources, teachers can encourage students to think about the engineering in the world around them, and how they might use engineering to create a better future," said Amy Nakamoto, General Manager of Corporate Partnerships at Discovery Education.For more information about Discovery Education's award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions visit www.discoveryeducation.com , and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.###About Discovery EducationDiscovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, innovative classroom tools, and corporate partnerships, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worl PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 18:01:33 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 515 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 An AI Powered Companion That Evolves with Your Skills and Curiosity, Every Interaction - Fueled by Raspberry Pi, Open Hardware and Open DesignMARKHAM, ON / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Just one day into its Kickstarter campaign, Limitbit's cutting-edge AI-powered companion robot, Doly, has already won over tech enthusiasts across the globe. Having raised over C$113,800 from more than 264 backers, Doly is quickly becoming a prominent name in the world of desktop robots.Doly, AI powered companion Your AI-Powered Desktop Companion Meets Skill Development Tools - Fueled by Raspberry Pi, Open Hardware and Open DesignPriced at a special launch day offer of $289, Doly is an autonomous AI-powered companion, distinctively blending robotics, AI, and coding education in a singular, dynamic package. It stands out as the first device of its kind to feature both an open hardware and open design philosophy, powered by Raspberry Pi. This approach not only allows for extensive customization but also ensures Doly's capabilities continue to evolve.Levent Erenler, the founder of Limitbit, describes Doly as a "fusion of companionship, education, and technological innovation." He emphasizes, "Doly is uniquely designed to grow and adapt, providing an engaging and educational experience for users of all ages and abilities. Our commitment to an open-source approach places Doly at the cutting edge of personal robotic technology." Doly boasts several notable features:Self-acting Personality: Doly's unique character evolves through interaction, offering a truly personalized experience.Edge AI Processing: Maximizing privacy, Doly processes its AI algorithms locally, ensuring user data remains secure and private.Skill Development: Diverse and engaging, Doly is an ideal tool for learning coding and robotics, suitable for novices and experts alike.Open-Source Platform: Encouraging innovation, Doly's open hardware and design enable users to contribute to its development, fostering a community of tech enthusiasts.Extensive Add-On Support: With various I/O ports, Doly provides numerous expansion and customization possibilities, an ideal feature for developers and hobbyists.3D Printable Design: Highlighting its adaptability, Doly can be customized with 3D printed parts, allowing for personalized aesthetics and functionalities. Aimed at a broad spectrum of users including robot aficionados, families, educators, software and hardware developers, and open-source fans, Doly is positioned as the quintessential educational and interactive robot companion."Doly represents more than a robot; it is a step towards a future where technology enriches all aspects of learning and everyday life," Levent Erenler adds. "By engaging users in coding, robotics, and AI, while doubling as a companion robot, Doly sets a new standard in the field." About Limitbit:Originating from Ontario, Canada, Limitbit is at the forefront of revolutionizing AI-powered companion robots. Their mission is to merge state-of-the-art technology with practical educational applications, thereby making sophisticated robotics accessible to a wider audience.To learn more and back the campaign visit us at https://kck.st/49z9cT5 Connect with Doly Website l Instagram l YouTube l X l FacebookContact Information:Levent ErenlerFounder, Limitbit press@ limitbit.comClick here for press and media resourcesContact InformationLevent Erenler Founder, Limitbitpress@ limitbit.com SOURCE: LimitbitView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 20:30:39 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 567 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HAGENS BERMAN, NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEYS, Encourages EAF Investors Who Suffered Substantial Losses to Contact Firm's AttorneysSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE:EAF) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Feb. 8, 2019 - Aug. 3, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Mar. 25, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/EAF Contact An Attorney Now: EAF@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895GrafTech International Ltd. (NYSE:EAF) Securities Fraud Class Action:The litigation focuses on GrafTech's representations about one of its highest-capacity and lowest-cost facilities, located in Monterrey, Mexico ("Monterrey facility"), where the company manufactured all its pin stock inventory - a critical component of its electric arc furnace steel manufacturing process.The complaint alleges GrafTech misrepresented and concealed that its Monterrey facility was not in compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Instead, the Monterrey facility had for decades chronically contaminated neighboring communities with harmful carcinogenic gasses and particulate matter.The complaint also alleges that Defendants omitted to disclose that GrafTech had signed agreements with local authorities committing to improving the environmental performance of the Monterrey facility, but repeatedly failed to honor its commitments.As the result of the above, GrafTech was acutely exposed to undisclosed material risks that the Monterrey facility would be severely disrupted by government action or enforcement and its supplies of pin stock and electrodes would be materially diminished.Investors began to learn the truth on Sept. 16, 2022, when GrafTech unexpectedly revealed that government regulators shut down the Monterrey facility. Mexican news outlets reported that the shutdown order was made in response to GrafTech's excessive pollution of carcinogenic gasses and particulate into neighboring communities.Then, on Feb. 3, 2023, GrafTech announced disappointing Q4 and FY 2022 financial results and slashed its year-over-year sales outlook for the first half of 2023 by 50% (blaming the Monterrey facility closure) and revealed a significant depletion in its on-hand pin stock inventory.Further, on Apr. 28, 2023, GrafTech announced another disappointing quarter, the company again blamed the closure.Finally, on Aug. 4, 2023, GrafTech reported that it suffered an $8 million net loss during Q2 2023 versus $115 million in net income in Q2 2022. The company again blamed its disastrous results on the closure.If you invested in GrafTech and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the GrafTech case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding GrafTech should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email EAF@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 03:00:24 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 696 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Tears Run Dry Delivers a Narrative of Resilience During Times of StrifeBROOMFIELD, CO / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / According to the American Psychological Association, the transgenerational effects of war trauma encompass not only psychological ramifications but also familial, social, cultural, neurobiological, and potentially even genetic negative impacts as well. These wide-ranging effects have captured the attention of researchers, who aim to shed light on the lasting consequences of war on individuals and communities.The data gathered by the National Institutes of Health corroborates those findings. "Mental health consequences of war: a brief review of research findings," they state in their study, "War has a catastrophic effect on the health and well being of nations." The NIH goes on to state that, "Studies have shown that conflict situations cause more mortality and disability than any major disease. War destroys communities and families and often disrupts the development of the social and economic fabric of nations. The effects of war include long-term physical and psychological harm to children and adults." It is no surprise, then, that amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, researchers and clinicians are delving into the long-term consequences of traumatic events on survivors and those close to them. Findings suggest that the impact of war trauma extends far beyond the immediate generation, affecting individuals and societies in complex and multifaceted ways.In the wake of conflict and war, survivors face the formidable challenge of reconstructing their lives amidst the rubble of tribulation. The importance of community support and clear pathways to personal development cannot be understated when considering the fabric of success and societal renewal post-war trauma. As communities knit themselves back together, the personal victories of individuals can serve as threads reinforcing the resilience and determination inherent to the human spirit.The collective narrative becomes enriched by the personal successes of those who have endured the throes of war as the community works to rebuild. Individuals who venture into entrepreneurship, for example, not only contribute to the economic stability of a community but also inspire others by demonstrating that creation can emerge from chaos.Sharing one such journey is the goal of Tears Run Dry, a poignant reflection on the pain caused by such adversities and an exploration of the transformative power of overcoming it. Drawing from his own life experiences, author Patrick Kalenzi highlights the wisdom imparted by his grandfather, which played a pivotal role in shaping his character. Kalenzi emphasizes the importance of becoming someone's hero through nurturing and mentorship, and reaching beyond one's comfort zone to help those in need. The lesson? That one's journey itself is inherently an act with transformative power.Trained in war-torn Uganda, Kalenzi is now a prominent figure in the veterinary field with two thriving practices - and his dedication to the well-being of animals extends to his ownership of a pet store and involvement in other investments and philanthropic endeavors. Tears Run Dry is rooted in his story of perseverance, striving to inform others about genocide and to help victims recover from their trauma.When survivors articulate their experiences, they do more than vocalize their personal histories. Research shows the benefits of storytelling in managing post-traumatic stress range from cognitive reframing to renewed bonding. Victims feel less alone while listeners gain appreciation for the humanity beneath statistics.Out of war's wreckage emerge narratives like Kalenzi's Tears Run Dry - threads weaving a communal tapestry portraying resilience and hope. Through bearing witness to others' journeys, storytelling sheds light on the long path awaiting beyond the battlefield.ABOUT TEARS RUN DRY Tears Run Dry, a memoir, is a true story of courage in the face of poverty, tribalism and racism. Rooted in the stories of author Patrick Kalenzi's tribe, the Tutsi, Tears Run Dry is wrapped in a timeline of persecution and a struggle to remain united, and is filled with personal stories of his relationship with his grandfather and a personal journey of resilience towards becoming the prominent veterinarian that he is today. For more information, visit patrickkalenzi.com . For additional information, visit Tears Run Dry on Facebook or Instagram.CONTACTPatrick Kalenzi patrickkalenzi.com 720-669-4200SOURCE: Tears Run Dry PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 19:01:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 309 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Delmarva PowerLinda Lamberson, Delmarva Power Senior Business Analyst, received Exelon's Powering Communities Employee Volunteer Award, the organization's highest achievement for volunteerism and community involvement, for her work withCATS Bridge to Rescue . Alongside Linda's recognition, CATS Bridge to Rescue also received a $5,000 grant to invest in its rescue missions.After adopting a pet from the organization 15 years ago, Linda began volunteering, "I am passionate about this nonprofit because it is near and dear to my heart. I have been an animal lover ever since I was a little girl, and it is very special to me to do something that makes a difference," Lisa said.Linda takes on many roles at CATS Bridge to Rescue, including training new volunteers, administrative work, taking photos of the adoptable cats to help them find homes, and pioneering new programs such as her music project. "The music project helps to make all our strays more relaxed and feel at home," Linda explains. "I have taught our daily volunteers the magic of music by showing how the soft, classical music we play helps with calming these sweet creatures." Margaret Vautard, Executive Director of Cats Bridge to Rescue, admires Linda's charisma. "Linda has something when she walks into a room - even the cats come running over to her because they know her voice - it's the cutest thing!"Linda credits Delmarva Power's emphasis on volunteering, flexibility, and donor match as a key reason she can invest so much in her passion.In 2023, Delmarva Power employees volunteered more than 17,200 hours - more than 2,150 workdays - to support 220 events throughout Delaware and Maryland.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Delmarva Power on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info: Spokesperson: Delmarva PowerWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/delmarva-power Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Delmarva Power PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 21:18:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 597 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 XPOF Investors with Substantial Losses Encouraged to Contact Hagens Berman, National Trial AttorneysSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Xponential Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:XPOF) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: July 26, 2021 - Dec. 7, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Apr. 9, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/xpof Contact An Attorney Now: XPOF@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Xponential Fitness, Inc. (XPOF) Securities Fraud Class Action:The litigation focuses on XPOF's repeated touting of same-store sales ("SSS") and average unit volume ("AUV") metrics as measures of the health of its franchise system.The complaint alleges, in part, that XPOF made misleading statements and failed to disclose that: (1) it had permanently closed at least 30 stores; (2) it misstated its SSS and AUV metrics by excluding underperforming stores; (3) 80% of its brands were losing money each month; (4) over 100 of its franchises were for sale at a price well below their initial cost; and (5) it misled franchisees by misrepresenting the financial profile, profitability, and the expected rate of return for new studio openings.Investors began to learn the truth on June 26, 2023, when Fuzzy Panda Research published a scathing report based in part on interviews with former XPOF business partners, franchisees, and on the examination of roughly 16,000 pages of Franchise Disclosure Documents ("FDDs") filed with the FTC.Among other matters, Fuzzy Panda alleged that: (1) CEO Anthony Geisler has a long history of misleading investors; (2) XPOF falsely claimed to have never closed a store; (3) over 50% of XPOF's average studios are losing money; (4) 80% of its brands have unprofitable business models; (5) over 100 of the company's franchises were for sale at 75% below their initial cost; and (6) the SSS and AUV metrics reported to investors misleadingly exclude underperforming stores.Then, on Dec. 7, 2023, Bloomberg published an article, based on interviews with dozens of XPOF former business partners, employees, and franchisees, which largely corroborated Fuzzy Panda's report.These events drove the price of XPOF shares sharply lower.After the Class Period, on Dec. 11, 2023, XPOF announced (without explaining) that the SEC contacted the company and formally requested "certain documents." "We're investigating whether XPOF may have intentionally misled investors by misrepresenting its business model and key financial metrics," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation.If you invested in Xponential Fitness and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Xponential Fitness case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Xponential Fitness should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email XPOF@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 09:00:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 376 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Mirabelle, a senior living community managed by The Arbor Company, has introduced new cutting-edge fitness equipment into their on-site wellness center.MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 /Mirabelle, a senior living community managed by The Arbor Company, has introduced new cutting-edge fitness equipment into their on-site wellness center. Heyday Fitness, a fitness program powered by AI, was created to help seniors build functional strength. Now, Mirabelle is one of the first senior living communities in the country to debut this new technology for resident use.Heydey Fitness uses AI technology to create personalized fitness plans for seniors. The program can deliver personalized training without the need for an instructor, automatically setting up recovery windows, resistance levels, and reps based on the user's personal fitness level. Using this program, seniors can safely improve their strength and overall wellness with ease.Heydey Fitness partnered with Mirabelle to develop and test the pilot program with 20 seniors in the community. During this period, designers were able to get real data and feedback from users and continue to develop the equipment to fit their needs. Although Heydey equipment is made to be used without a trainer, Mirabelle employs a certified fitness instructor in the community who works with residents while using the equipment. While the program was piloted at Mirabelle, it is already being rolled out to additional Arbor communities.This program is perfect for seniors because it aids in fall prevention, improves bone density, and lowers the risk of cognitive decline. Since beginning the program in late 2023, users have already reported feeling stronger, and especially enjoy the adaptability and positive, instant reinforcement of the wellness program.About The Arbor CompanyThe Arbor Company is an Atlanta-based operator of more than 45 independent living, assisted living, and dementia care communities, serving seniors in 11 states. With more than 30 years of dedication and experience, The Arbor Company strives to deliver the highest quality care and service to residents and their families. The Arbor Company has been designated a Great Place to Work and is listed on the Fortune Best Workplaces for Aging Services list. More information about The Arbor Company is available at www.ArborCompany.com Contact InformationChris Harpermedia@ arborcompany.com 678-725-1955SOURCE: The Arbor CompanyView the original press release on newswire.com PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 15:36:49 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 954 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SEYCHELLES / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / myBID Limited announces the strategic pre-live launch of MBID, heralding a new era of digital identity with a solution that promises not only to revolutionise how personal data is managed but also to bridge the global digital divide. Positioned as the world's most inclusive digital identity platform, $MBID's innovative approach is tailored to empower the 850 million individuals worldwide lacking official digital identities and set a new global standard in the digital economy.Empowering the myBID Ecosystem with the $MBID TokenThe $MBID token, a cornerstone of the myBID ecosystem, is a Solana-based utility token serving as both currency and reward incentive. This strategic initiative accelerates the development of a robust and tested Self-sovereign Identity (SSI) ecosystem, enhancing digital economy and e-government services globally. The launch of $MBID is designed to further research and development, improving utility and providing governments with a comprehensive, tested system.Investing in $MBID allows stakeholders to contribute to a platform poised for significant growth. As demand for secure digital identity solutions increases globally, the $MBID token is expected to rise in value. This is especially true in a global climate that sees governments across the world exploring deployment of digital identities-a climate that has made digital identities the second most important technology trend throughout 2023, beneath generative AI.Revolutionising Digital Identity through Self-sovereign Identity (SSI)Following the introduction of $MBID, it's crucial to understand the foundation it supports. myBID introduces the transformative power of Self-sovereign Identity (SSI), placing control of personal data into individuals' hands.This cutting-edge standard places the control of personal data back into the hands of individuals, offering a secure, portable, and verifiable means to manage digital identities. Aligned with stringent global privacy standards, SSI represents a significant leap forward, ensuring that myBID's platform is not only resilient against evolving digital threats but also compliant with international data protection laws. Countries across the globe, including those in the European Union, South Korea, Singapore, and Bhutan, have begun adopting SSI standards, recognising their potential to redefine digital governance.This strategic foundation positions myBID as a compelling investment opportunity, offering a solution that meets the urgent need for privacy-centric digital identity in an increasingly hyperconnected world. This initiative marks a new era of digital inclusivity, positioning myBID as a key player in the global movement towards secure and user-centric digital identity solutions.Unlike many competitors in the digital identity space, myBID has been designed with a government-first approach, embodying a commitment to pioneering a digital identity infrastructure that's not only advanced but realistic and carefully planned out.A Strategic Approach to Global Digital InclusionAt the heart of myBID's mission is its commitment to digital inclusivity and security. By leveraging blockchain technology, the $MBID token facilitates transactions, incentivises participation, and ensures the platform's long-term viability. This approach not only enhances the ecosystem's utility but also marks a significant step towards creating a universally accepted digital identity standard.myBID's comprehensive strategy and proactive engagement with governments and international organisations underscore its dedication to seamless integration and broad adoption across jurisdictions, positioning myBID to lead the global digital identity transformation.Early Access Opportunity: Register for $MBID Pre-Live SalesAs we approach the eagerly anticipated launch of the $MBID token through Coinstore's Initial Exchange Offering (IEO), we invite our investors and the broader community to join us in this landmark event. Investors, get ready for a surge in $MBID demand in the coming years, fueled by our aggressive push into untapped markets, strategic wins both in the long haul and the immediate grab, and a lucrative staking rewards system that puts your investment to work.This is where cutting-edge tech meets real-world utility-myBID is on track to become the backbone of digital identity, making $MBID tokens a must-have in your portfolio. For the pioneers and innovators who thrive on the edge of crypto's next big thing, myBID is your player in the digital identity arena. Stake your claim in a future where digital identity is secure, seamless, and universally recognised.For the latest updates, insights, and to become an integral part of our journey, we encourage prospective investors to follow us on our official social media channels:LinkedIN ,X (Twitter) ,TelegramandDiscord . For those interested in early participation, we welcome you to register for our $MBIDPre-Live Sales .Join us as we set new standards for privacy and safety in the digital age. Your support and participation are invaluable as we embark on this exciting venture together.About myBIDmyBID is a pioneering digital identity platform designed to empower governments and citizens worldwide with a secure, accessible, and self-sovereign digital identity. Leveraging the gold-standard frameworks of ESSIF and eIDAS, myBID ensures compliance and interoperability at an international scale. With over 130 years of combined leadership experience in blockchain, finance, and SSI, our team, including specialists in state relations, compliance, and eKYC, is at the forefront of digital identity innovation. Notably, our leaders were instrumental in deploying the first SSI-backed digital identities in Bhutan, setting a precedent for future projects. At myBID, we are committed to using this profound expertise to foster financial inclusion, enhance public service delivery, and support the global shift towards a more secure, privacy-preserving internet.myBID's future-proof digital identity infrastructure brings together three innovative components:Identity Hub: A cornerstone of myBID, the Identity Hub revolutionises how data is handled by unifying data aggregation from various sectors, ensuring user sovereignty over their information, and promoting interoperability across different systems. This approach not only enhances efficiency but also places users in control of their data, fostering trust and privacy in the digital realm.Digital Identity Wallet Application (dApp): The dApp is a testament to user convenience and security, providing 24/7 access to digital identities with an intuitive, user-centric design. It leverages blockchain technolog PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 05:30:23 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 547 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ANTALYA, TURKEY / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / In a move that reflectsSmile Team Turkey 's commitment to excellence in dental care, the renowned dental clinic in Antalya has proudly announced a significant expansion and technological upgrade. This development is expected to revolutionize the dental tourism industry in Turkey as the clinic welcomes new specialists and introduces state-of-the-art technologies, positioning itself as a leader in the field.Emphasizing its unwavering dedication to delivering premium dental services, Smile Team Turkey has expanded its team by adding four in-house specialists. The team can now cover a full spectrum of dental requirements. A seasoned surgeon, a prosthetist, an endodontist, and a general dentist have joined the team, further enhancing the clinic's ability to provide specialized care tailored to individual needs. Besides these experts, two on-demand dentists have been enlisted to ensure comprehensive and timely dental solutions.The clinic's technological prowess is reflected in the incorporation of cutting-edge devices, making it a pioneer in dental innovation in the country. The advanced Sirona tomography and CBCT device, coupled with the state-of-the-art Trishape intraoral scanner, promise unparalleled precision in dental imaging. This leap in technology not only elevates diagnostic accuracy but also amplifies treatment effectiveness.Smile Team Turkeyhas become a sought-after clinic among overseas clients who want to leverage best-in-class dental care without breaking the bank. Founded in 2019, the clinic has been attracting an international clientele from the UK, Europe, and the US. Smile Team Turkey combines affordability with high-quality dental care and exceptional patient service. With its recent expansion and technological advancements, Smile Team Turkey is making strategic moves to elevate the patient experience further and solidify its position as a leading dental clinic in Turkey.Beyond its patient-centered approach, Smile Team Turkey is a destination for those seeking top-tier dental treatments in a serene environment. The clinic specializes in dental procedures such as dental implants, dental veneers, dental crowns, smile makeovers, All-on-4 procedures, and professional teeth whitening with laser. Committed to dental excellence, Smile Team Turkey ensures the use of the finest materials sourced globally, supported by the latest technologies.With hundreds of positive reviews and a track record of recreating the smiles of well-known TV personalities, Smile Team Turkey is setting new standards in services and professionalism in cosmetic dentistry. The clinic's new developments further invite current and prospective patients to experience the benefits firsthand. With a keen focus on client satisfaction, Smile Team Turkey is making healthier, more beautiful smiles accessible to all.About Smile Team Turkey: Smile Team Turkey is a premium dental clinic based in Antalya, Turkey. Founded in 2019 by Vita Moskalyova, the cosmetic dentistry clinic is on a mission to make perfect smiles accessible to all. With a commitment to crafting an unparalleled dental experience that combines premium quality dentistry with affordability, Smile Team Turkey stands out in the dental tourism scene. To ensure precision and excellence in every service it provides, the clinic boasts a state-of-the-art facility with the latest advancements in dental technology that rival well-reputed clinics in the U.K. Through a comprehensive range of treatments, including dental implants, dental veneers, dental crowns, smile makeovers, and more, Smile Team Turkey is redefining the standards of dental care.Media Details Website URL: https://smileteamturkey.com/ Company Name: Smile Team TurkeyEmail address: contact@ smileteamturkey.com SOURCE: Smile Team Turkey PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 14:01:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1011 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Emphasis on Emerging 552 ZoneST. JOHN'S, NL / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Sokoman Minerals Corp. (TSXV:SIC)(OTCQB:SICNF) ("Sokoman" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the winter diamond-drilling program has begun, with a focus on extending the recently discovered 552 Zone, 400 m to the east of the main Eastern Trend. The 2,500-metre program will test a 150-metre strike length of the zone to a depth of approximately 125 metres, and will take six to eight weeks to complete. Drilling to date on the 552 Zone has defined a two- to five-metre wide zone of quartz veining and quartz breccia carrying fine free gold, sphalerite, and boulangerite. The best grade was intersected in hole MH-23-574, which returned 5.00 g/t gold over a 2.10 metre core length.Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President and CEO states: "We are eager to get started on extending the new 552 Zone to depth and along strike. The 552 Zone is extremely important since it represents a new gold-bearing structure on the property. We are confident that the 552 Zone has the potential to host sections of significantly higher grades. Three of the five most recent drill holes carried visible gold within 50 m of the surface. It is very encouraging to see so many similarities with our other high-grade zones." QPThis news release has been reviewed and approved by Timothy Froude, P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" under National Instrument 43-101 and President and CEO of Sokoman Minerals Corp.Analytical Techniques / QA/QCSamples, including duplicates, blanks, and standards, are submitted to Eastern Analytical Ltd. in Springdale, Newfoundland for gold analysis. All core samples submitted for assay are saw cut by Sokoman personnel with one-half submitted for assay and one-half retained for reference. Samples are delivered in sealed bags directly to the lab by Sokoman personnel. Eastern Analytical Ltd. is an accredited assay lab that conforms to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Samples with visible gold are submitted for total pulp metallics with a gravimetric finish. All other samples are analyzed by standard fire assay methods. Total pulp metallic analysis includes: the entire sample is crushed to -10 mesh; and then pulverized to 95% -150 mesh. The total sample is weighed and screened to 150 mesh; the +150 mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au, and a 30 g subsample of the -150 mesh fraction is fire-assayed for Au; with a calculated weighted average of total Au in the sample reported as well. One blank and one industry-approved standard for every twenty samples submitted is included in the sample stream. Random duplicates of selected samples are analyzed in addition to the in-house standard and duplicate policies of Eastern Analytical Ltd. All reported assays are uncut.About Sokoman Minerals Corp.Sokoman Minerals Corp. is a discovery-oriented company with projects in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The Company's primary focus is its portfolio of gold projects; the 100% flagship, advanced-stage Moosehead, as well as Crippleback Lake; and East Alder (optioned to Canterra Minerals Corporation) along the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, and the district-scale Fleur de Lys project near Baie Verte in northwestern Newfoundland, that is targeting Dalradian-type orogenic gold mineralization similar to the Curraghinalt and Cavanacaw deposits in Northern Ireland. The Company entered into a strategic alliance with Benton Resources Inc. through three, large-scale, joint-venture properties including Grey River, Golden Hope, and Kepenkeck in Newfoundland. Sokoman now controls, independently and through the Benton alliance, over 150,000 hectares (>6,000 claims - 1500 sq. km), making it one of the largest landholders in Newfoundland, in Canada's newest and rapidly emerging gold districts.In October 2023, Sokoman and Benton completed an agreement with Piedmont Lithium Inc., a major developer of lithium projects and processing plants in the USA, and exactly the right partner to have to advance the lithium project. The agreement provides for Piedmont to earn up to 62.5% of the Killick Lithium Project (formerly Golden Hope project) by funding up to $12 million in exploration expenses and issuing $10 million common shares in three stages. The Killick Lithium Project has been transferred to Killick Lithium Inc. (Killick), a 100%-owned subsidiary of Vinland Lithium Inc. (Vinland). Newly created Vinland has received $2 million in financing from Piedmont for a 19.9% interest, with the balance of ownership between Sokoman and Benton. Sokoman and Benton will continue to operate the exploration efforts at Killick through the earn-in stages. Sokoman and Benton will retain a royalty of 2% NSR on future production. Piedmont will have exclusive marketing rights for the promotion and sale of any lithium products produced from the Project on a life-of-mine basis, and the right of first refusal on 100% offtake rights to the lithium concentrates.The Company also retains a 1% NSR interest in an early-stage antimony/gold project (Startrek) in Newfoundland, optioned to Thunder Gold Corp (formerly White Metal Resources Inc.), and in Labrador, the Company has a 100% interest in the Iron Horse (Fe) project which has Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) potential.Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's property.The Company would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for past financial support of the Moosehead and Fleur de Lys gold projects through the Junior Exploration Assistance Program.For more information, please contact:Timothy Froude, P.Geo., President & CEO T: 709-765-1726 E: tim@ sokomanmineralscorp.com Cathy Hume, VP Corporate Development, Director T: 416-868-1079 x 251E: cathy@ chfir.com Website: www.sokomanmineralscorp.comTwitter: @SokomanMinerals Facebook: @SokomanMineralsLinkedIn:@SokomanMineralsCorpNeither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.Investors are cautioned that trading in the securities of the Corporation should be considered highly speculative. Except for historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially. Sokoman Minerals Corp. will not update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. More detailed information about potential factors that could affect financial results is included in the documents filed from time to time with PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 20:15:34 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 975 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Leading email cybersecurity provider's co-founder is once again recognized on this esteemed list of IT channel visionariesLAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 /Trustifi, the premier provider of AI- and cloud-based email cybersecurity solutions, announced that its CEO and Co-founder Rom Hendler has been named to CRN magazine's 2024 Channel Chiefs list. This is the third consecutive year that Hendler has been included in this roster of the most highly regarded executives in the IT supply chain. Trustifi offers a comprehensive suite of inbound and outbound email cybersecurity solutions, utilizing sophisticated AI-based tools to fight off next-generation threats in a constantly evolving marketplace. CRN magazine is one of the IT channel's most widely read news sources, with a history going back to 1982. Inclusion in the Channel Chiefs list is "a testament to exceptional leadership, influence, innovation, and growth in the IT channel industry," according to a congratulatory statement from The Channel Company, the market-leading publishers of CRN.The Channel Chiefs recognition comes on the heels of additional honors from SourceForge, the world's largest software reviews and comparison website. Trustifi's software suite has been named a Winter Top Performer, which according to this highly trafficked site is "awarded to select products that have recently attained significant praise from user reviews on SourceForge." This resource site for developers and collaborators receives close to 20 million visitors per month, who browse the site's ample catalog of business software and solutions. Trustifi consistently performs admirably in SourceForge's quarterly competitions, having been named a Top Performer Summer 2023 and a 2023 Fall High Performer. These accolades signify that Trustifi is in the top-tenth percentile of highly reviewed products on SourceForge's site."We're thrilled to be spotlighted by both of these prestigious organizations in the high-tech industry, especially since Trustifi has been recurringly acknowledged for its performance and ingenuity," said Trustifi's Hendler. "It validates our strategies, especially in the IT channel, where we have worked to elevate our value proposition for managed services provider partners through offerings like our MSSP Dashboard interface." The MSSP Dashboard is one of Trustifi's latest innovations for the channel, allowing managed security service providers to easily manage a series of clientele in a multitenant environment, duplicating rules and policies with a click of a mouse and saving considerable time and labor.Trustifi offers superior email cybersecurity protection that outpaces the capabilities of traditional security email gateway (SEG) based solutions. Its AI-driven tools can detect sophisticated, contextually based threats by interpreting keywords such as "wire transfer" and "credit card," allowing the software to flag imposter emails and phishing attempts that customary filtering methods simply can't identify. Trustifi's next generation security is nimble enough to address newly emerging attack techniques, such as the clever use of "@" symbols to disguise malicious URLs in order to bypass conventional filters. Even some of the market's largest brands, such as Microsoft of Google's security packages, don't always employ the same level of agile, advanced AI tools as next-gen cybersecurity solutions, since these packages were created before the market's newest AI-driven malware was even developed.The CRN and SourceForge awards give credence to Trustifi's innovative approach to security, commending its strategies in the channel and beyond.Jennifer Follett, VP, US Content, and Executive Editor, CRN, at The Channel Company, had this to say about the 2024 Channel Chief honorees: "These channel evangelists are dedicated to supporting solution providers and achieving growth by implementing robust partner programs and unique business strategies. Their efforts are instrumental in helping partners bring essential solutions to market. The Channel Company is pleased to acknowledge these prominent channel leaders and looks forward to chronicling their achievements throughout the year." Hendler's listing in the Channel Chiefs can be found here, and the full Channel Chiefs feature is available on CRN.com at https://www.crn.com/channel-chiefs Trustifi was recognized in the 2023 Gartner Market Guide for Email Security* for its Outbound Shield, Inbound Shield, and Account Compromise Detection solution. In addition to these awards, Trustifi's solutions have repeatedly been acknowledged through awards from esteemed sources such as the American Business Association, ChannelVision magazine, Expert Insights, the Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards, and the Golden Bridge Awards.*Gartner, "Market Guide for Email Security", Ravisha Chugh, Peter Firstbrook, Franz Hinner, 13 February 2023. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.About TrustifiTrustifi is a cybersecurity firm featuring solutions delivered on a software-as-a-service platform including sophisticated AI-driven tools. Trustifi leads the market with the easiest-to-use and deploy email security products providing both inbound and outbound email security from a single vendor. The most valuable asset to any organization, other than its employees, is the data contained in its email, and Trustifi's key objective is keeping clients' data, reputations, and brands safe from all threats related to email. With Trustifi's Inbound Shield, Data Loss Prevention, and Email Encryption, clients are always one step ahead of attackers. www.trustifi.com Follow Trustifi: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.About The Channel CompanyThe Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 4 PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 20:30:27 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 503 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 Hagens Berman, National Trial Attorneys, Encourages CMI Investors with Substantial Losses to Contact FirmSAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Hagens Berman urges Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI) investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Class Period: Apr. 30, 2019 - Dec. 21, 2023Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Mar. 15, 2024Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/cmi Contact An Attorney Now: CMI@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Cummins Inc. (CMI) Securities Fraud Class Action:In a report to clients, analysts at UBS recently commented on Cummins' agreement to pay a $1.675 billion fine for installing devices on hundreds of thousands of engines to allow them to emit excess pollution, the largest-ever civil penalty for a Clean Air Act violation.UBS remarked that "the settlement is bigger than we were expecting," noting that it "equates to ~5.8% of [Cummins'] current market cap." UBS emphasized the "cash drag" the settlement presents, stating that "payment /charge are not tax deductible and there is no insurance to reduce the amount CMI has to pay out," and that "CMI might do some short term borrowing to finance a part of it." In addition to negative analyst sentiment, Cummins also faces a recently filed securities fraud class action stemming from the EPA/Carb settlement.The complaint there alleges Cummins misrepresented and concealed that: (1) contrary to its post-April 2019 assurances about its commitment to compliance, Cummins continued to produce engines utilizing undisclosed engine control software features from 2019 to 2023; and (2) accordingly, the company understated its legal and regulatory risks."We are investigating whether Cummins intentionally made false statements concerning its public health and regulatory compliance," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation. "We are also investigating when the directors knew of the continued non-compliance." If you invested in Cummins and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the Cummins investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Cummins should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email CMI@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Attorney advertising.Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.Services may be performed by attorneys in any of our offices.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP PR-Inside.com: 2024-02-14 22:15:42 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 481 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 TEMPE, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Virdi, LLC ("Virdi") is pleased to announce the closing of a $7.5 million equity purchase by Beacon Hill Brands (USA) Inc. ("BHB"), which positions BHB as a significant equity stakeholder in Virdi. As part of the transaction, BHB will have the right to appoint two of the five members to Virdi's Board.Virdi Logo Prior to the agreement, Virdi held limited exclusive rights to the Vessl technology in the cannabinoid space for the U.S. and Canada. Pursuant to the transaction, Virdi purchased expanded global rights to cannabinoids and extended the field of use to include psilocybin applications where legal. The transaction positions Virdi to exploit the Vessl technology worldwide across multiple revenue streams including both owned-brands and third-party use.Walter D. Apodaca Jr., CEO of Virdi, LLC, stated, "We are thrilled to expand our relationship with Beacon Hill Brands (USA). The closing of this transaction comes at a very exciting time as Vessl is being adopted by some of the largest CPG companies in the world. The expanded rights will position Virdi to do the same with major players in cannabis." About Virdi, LLCVirdi, LLC. is a privately-owned company based in Tempe, Arizona, and is the exclusive worldwide supplier of the patented Vessl closure ( www.vesslinc.com) for consumable liquid cannabis beverage and psilocybin applications where legal. The Vessl closure is a dosing and dispensing device that allows the delivery of fresh ingredients without the need for artificial preservatives. Virdi sells the patented Vessl closures, trademarked packaging materials, proprietary formulas, beverage manufacturing equipment, packaging machines, and clean room infrastructure to distributors that produce and distribute trademarked and private or white label brands for cannabis and other beverage applications.About Beacon Hill Brands (USA) Inc.Beacon Hill Brands (USA) Inc. is a privately owned U.S. corporation based in Delaware. Beacon Hill Brands (USA) Inc. is comprised of principals who have long and successful entrepreneurial histories.About Vessl, Inc.Vessl, Inc. ( www.vesslinc.com) is a privately-owned company headquartered in Tempe, Arizona that is dedicated to breaking the disposable bottle paradigm and redefining eCommerce. Vessl owns the worldwide, exclusive rights to the patented Vessl technology, a dosing and delivery device that instantly mixes concentrated ingredients at the point of use without a change in consumer behavior. The device stores concentrated ingredients in an oxygen-depleted, UV-protected, and pressurized environment to maintain freshness and significantly improve shelf life without the need for artificial preservatives.Vessl offers its patented technology for a multitude of applications around the world, including its own brands, and third-party applications and brands. Applications include alcoholic, non-alcoholic, and functional beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, household cleaning products, and more. Contact Daniel Montoya, Vessl's COO, at (949) 678-7338 or daniel@ vesslinc.com , for more information.Contact InformationWalter Apodaca, Jr.CEOwalter@thevirdigroup.com SOURCE: Virdi, LLCView the original press release on newswire.com Nigerias crude oil production dropped in January, data from the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has shown. Oil production from the 12 members of the organisation averaged 26.34 mb/d in January 2024, lower by 350,000 barrels per day (tb/d), month-on-month, OPEC said in its Monthly Oil Market Report released Tuesday. The report also noted that crude oil output increased mainly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela, while production in Libya, Kuwait, Iraq and Algeria decreased. Nigerias crude oil production dropped to 1.149 million barrels per day in January, from 1.422 million bpd recorded in December 2023, an OPEC survey that cites secondary data sources said. However, according to the oil cartels direct communication data, Nigerias crude oil production rose to 1.42 million barrels per day from 1.33 million in December 2023, an increase of 91,000 barrels. OPEC indicated it gets its crude oil production figures mainly from two sources, either as direct communication by member countries or by information released by secondary energy intelligence platforms. Over the years, crude theft and pipeline vandalism and its negative impact on the countrys economy have been a source of concern to the Nigerian government. In a bid to curb crude theft, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) launched an application in August 2022 to monitor the incidence of theft and vandalism. The NNPC also awarded a multibillion naira pipeline surveillance procurement to a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Government Ekpemupolo. 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. In October last year, the Nigerian government announced it would target 2 million barrels per day (bdp) of crude oil production by the end of the year. Last November, the Nigerian federal government set a benchmark production target at 1.78 Mbps, 1.80 Mbps, and 1.81 Mbps, for 2024, 2025, and 2026, respectively, to achieve its revenue projection. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Its Valentines Day, and even though most people have spent weeks planning the perfect gift, we have some hacks for last-minute lovers to make the best of today! From using Googles search to authenticate your last-minute buy or simply creating a love story playlist on YouTube, AI can come in handy and spice up the moment. Keep the generic gifts! These Google AI tools will inspire unique presents and unforgettable experiences for your loved ones. If you need help, here are six AI-powered Google tools to help you find the perfect gift. Google Lens Google Lens is the ultimate companion tool when gift inspiration strikes. You might already know that Lens is a handy shopping feature that lets you take a photo of something and find what it is and where to buy it. But there are a couple of other ways it can work, too. For example, if you and your partner would like to go big on a fancy meal instead of exchanging gifts on Valentines Day, if I see a pic of a pasta dinner in your photo gallery, you can ask Lens to tell you more about what it was and help find a restaurant near you that serves it. Circle to Search If you come across an image with the perfect decorative piece in the background, you can use Circle to search to learn more about it without leaving whatever app you are currently using. All I have to do is circle, highlight or scribble that specific part of an item. Circle to Search can help you discover more about the item and shop for it or similar items from various retailers without switching apps. Circle to Search is available on Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series. Best Take A picture is worth a thousand words including, Thank you so much, I love it! While most peoples first love language is sharing an elaborate meal, a close runner-up is photo gifts. If you plan on sharing or gifting a photo of you and your significant other, Best Take is your best friend: This tool uses AI to scan a handful of photos taken quickly and allows you to select the best image of each person in the picture. Gemini Do you need help finding the perfect experience? Let Gemini be your genie in a digital bottle! Ask it open-ended questions like romantic things to do in Lagos State this Valentines Day or unique Valentines Day experiences in Abuja, and watch a treasure trove of personalised ideas unfold. Its like having a knowledgeable friend by your side, guiding you towards experiences that resonate with your love and the spirit of Nigeria. Instrument Playground You dont have to spend money on a gift to let someone know youre thinking of them. If you need an artistic spark, here are two Google AI experiments you should try: First, theres Instrument Playground, a Google AI-powered tool that lets you choose one of over 100 instruments from around the world youd like to play to generate a 20-second sound clip. Moreover, you can add an adjective to your prompt such as romantic to shape the results, ensuring your clip captures the perfect mood for Valentines Day. Poem Portraits If words are more your thing, try Poem Portraits, an algorithm trained on more than 20 million words of 19th-century poetry. All you have to do is choose a single word as a jumping-off point, and Poem Portraits will write a short poem for you and add it to a stylised photo from your camera roll (if you want it to you can skip this option). YouTube Music: Soundtrack to Your Love Story Set the mood with a soundtrack that beats to the rhythm of your heart. With YouTube Music, youre just a search away from crafting the perfect Afropop love song playlist. Let the vibrant melodies of Afrobeats or the soulful harmonies of highlife fill the air, creating an unforgettable ambience long after the last note fades. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Nigerian government has requested the assistance of the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to hunt and arrest three defendants in the alleged withdrawal of $6.2 million from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) last year through a forged document. The office of the Special Investigator of the CBN, Jim Obazee, made the request on Monday after obtaining an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja. The office, through a letter by its head of operations, Eloho Okpoziakpo, named the defendants as Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar and Odoh Ochene. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had earlier charged Mr Ochene, who is at large, alongside former CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal High Court in Abuja with stealing the said sum under the presence that it was requested by the presidency to pay international election observers. The anti-graft agency alleged that on 8 February 2023, Mr Emefiele connived with Mr Ocheme to obtain $6.2 million from the CBN, claiming that the money was requested by the then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha vide a letter dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/. The anti-graft agency also alleged that Mr Emefiele, in January 2023, forged a document titled: RE: PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVER MISSIONS, dated 26 January 2023 with Ref No. SGF.43/L.01/201. In the letter to INTERPOL, the office of the special Investigator of the CBN requested the international police agency to watchlist and place the three alleged fugitives on its red notice with a view to arrest and repatriate them. The special investigator had earlier obtained a warrant of arrest for the three men from the Federal High Court through a motion ex-parte it filed on 18 January. In support of the application to INTERPOL, the police have also filed a six-count charge required to activate the process of hunting and arresting the wanted men. Background President Bola Tinubu last year appointed Mr Obazee to investigate alleged fraud in the CBN under Mr Emefiele. A report submitted to the president by the special investigator indicted Mr Emefiele of various crimes, some of which he is now being prosecuted for by the EFCC. The commission earlier on Monday presented a former branch controller at the CBN, Onyeka Ogbu, as its first prosecution witness. Mr Ogbu testified that he received in January 2023 written approvals of then President Muhammadu Buhari and then Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, as well as Mr Emefiele for the withdrawal of the money from the vault. He said the approval was given for the payment of the money in its equivalent to someone who was presented as an official of the SGF office. He said the money was paid out in April 2023. But appearing as the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial on Tuesday, the former SGF, Mr Mustapha, denied that he or Mr Buhari gave an approval for the payment. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Oyedepo Rotimi, Mr Mustapha said the documents came neither from the then president nor his office. He said his signature and that of Mr Buhari were forged on the letter purportedly giving an approval for the payment. Mr Mustapha said: All through my service year as the SGF, I never came across these documents it was claimed that Buhari signed. From the face value of this document, having served for five years and seven months as SGF, this document did not emanate from the president for the following reasons. A correspondence that has the seal of the Nigerian president does not carry a reference number. The seal is the authority. Secondly, I have looked at it and read, that FEC decisions are not transmitted by letters. They are transmitted through extracts after conclusions are adopted. Thirdly, I am the custodian of FEC, the president will not refer executives conclusions to me. Also, in all the five years and seven months, I have never heard of the terms special appropriation provision referred to. The terms known to me, my lord, are appropriation as provided by the Appropriation Act normally passed by the National Assembly and when the government file drafts, it brings supplementary appropriation. In all the correspondences I have received from Buhari, it has never had please accept the assurance of my highest regard. I am his subordinate, my correspondences do not carry that. And lastly, looking at the signature, it is a failed attempt at reproducing Buharis signature. I will leave that to the experts. The Nigerian governments letter to INTERPOL and the charges filed against Mr Emefieles alleged co-conspirators are reproduced below: REQUEST TO WATCHLIST AND PLACING ON INTERPOL RED NOTICE THREE (3) DEFENDANTS INVOLVED IN A CASE OF CONSPIRACY AND FRAUD RE: (I) ADAMU ABUBAKAR (II) IMAM ABUBAKAR (III) ODOH ERIC OCHEME Reference is made to the above subject. 2. The Special Investigator, appointed by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to investigate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Related Entities and other Key Government Business Entities (KGBEs) kindly requests you to place the above-named individuals on INTERPOL RED NOTICE. 3. In the course of the Special Investigators assignment, Mr. Odoh Eric Ocheme, (a staff of the CBN) now at large and the other two accomplices, also now at large, were discovered to have conspired and forged documents in the name of the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria with which they stole about US $6,230,000 (Six Million, Two Hundred and Thirty Thousand Dollars, in cash, from the coffers of the CBN. 4. Consequent upon the above, a charge was filed and warrants of arrest have been issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja Division presided over by Hon. Justice I.E. Ekwo in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/19/2024 B/w: Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Adamu Abubakar & 2 Ors for the arrest and production of the Defendants named above for their arraignment. The data page of Odoh Eric Ochemes Nigerian International Passport No. B50082800, duly certified true copies of the warrants and the Order of the Court to that effect are hereby attached. 5. The Special Investigator therefore pray you to use your good offices to request that the Defendants be placed on INTERPOL RED NOTICE with a view to apprehending and repatriating them from any of the INTERPOL member states to which they may have flown. Charges COUNT 1 That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January, 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, conspired among themselves to commit offence to wit; Forgery and thereby committed an offence contrary to paragraph 3(6) and punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010. COUNT II That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January, 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, conspired among themselves to commit offence to wit; Uttering forged documents and thereby committed an offence contrary to paragraph 3(6) and punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010. COUNT III That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January, 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, forged the following documents: (i) The Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the ernment of the Federation Identity Card in the name of Jibril Abubakar; (ii) Letter dated 23rd January, 2023 purportedly written by Muhammad Buhari to the Mr. Boss Mustapha; (iii) Letter dated 26th January, 2023 purportedly written by Boss Mustapha to Mr. Godwin Emefiele; (iv) Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 31st January, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Governor; and (v) Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 7th February, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Branch Controller, Abuja Branch, with the intent that the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch may in the believe that the documents are genuine be induced to pay you the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($6,230,000.00) and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010. COUNT IV That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January, 2023, at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch Office Garki 2, Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, uttered the following forged documents: (i) The Presidency, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Identity Card in the name of Jibril Abubakar; (ii) Letter dated 23rd January, 2023 purportedly written by Muhammad Buhari to the Mr. Boss Mustapha; (iii) Letter dated 26th January, 2023 purportedly written by Boss Mustapha to Mr. Godwin Emefiele; (iv) Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 31st January, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Governor; and (v) Central Bank of Nigeria Internal Memo dated 7th February, 2023 purportedly written by the Director, Banking Services Department to the Branch Controller, Abuja, Branch, with the intent that the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch may in the believe that the documents are genuine be induced to pay you the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($ 6,230,000.00) and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous offences Act, Cap. M17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2010. COUNT V That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January, 2023, at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court,conspired among themselves to commit an offence to wit; Obtaining Property by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 and punishable under Section 1(3) & Section 10 of the Advanced fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, Cap. A6 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010. COUNT VI That Adamu Abubakar (now at large), Imam Abubakar (now at large), Odoh Eric Ocheme (now at large), Bashirudeen Maishanu and others also now at large, on or about the 23rd day of January, 2023, at the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, by false pretence that one man who held out himself as Jibril Abubakar is a Staff from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and had approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to source money from the Central Bank of Nigeria for foreign Election Observers, and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of six million, two hundred and thirty thousand United States Dollars ($6,230,000.00) from the Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja Branch and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)[a] and punishable under Section 1(3) & Section 10 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Othe0r Related Offences Act, Cap. A6 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2010. Dated the 18th day of January, 2024. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print At least 13 persons, including two police officers, have been killed while over 40 others abducted in two attacks in Zamfara State. While four people, including two police officers, were killed in Kasuwar Daji of Kaura Namoda, nine were killed in Kwabre in Zurmi Local Government Area. On Sunday, nine residents of Kwabre in Zurmi Local Government were killed by the terrorists. They first attacked and killed a local trader, it was during the funeral that the terrorists returned and killed seven more people despite the presence of vigilante members, a youth leader, Abubakar, told PREMIUM TIMES. He said residents were fleeing the community following the twin terrorists attacks. In Kasuwar Daji, the police officers killed were said to be attached to the outpost in the community. The terrorists struck around 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Abubakar Shafi, a resident of Kasuwar Daji, said the terrorists spent over three hours operating in the community. My uncle Umar Habibu was one of those killed. He was killed while trying to protect this community as he was a member of the scout group. The situation is becoming scary because they used to fear security agents now they behave as if the are no security agents or government presence in our community, Mr Shafi, who said his uncle has since been buried, lamented. The two officers killed were named as Ayuba and Jamilu. Mr Shafii said while three wounded people are receiving medical attention at a hospital in Kaura Namoda, about 40 residents have been abducted by the terrorists. Those receiving medical attention are: Umar Imani, Aminu Aliyu and Zayyanu Lawal. They went from house to house selecting who to abduct. At the last count, we have about 40 people who have been taken, the source added. PREMIUM TIMES could not reach the police spokesperson in Zamfara State, Yazid Abubakar. He however confirmed the attack to WikkiTimes newspaper and said more officers had been deployed to the area. Normalcy has returned to the area, we have officers on trail of the gunmen but as of now, we are yet to ascertain the number of people abducted. Yes, there were casualties on the part of the police. The Commissioner of Police Zamfara State has deployed men to the area, Mr Yazid told WikkiTimes. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) on Wednesday in Abuja evicted squatters from under bridges to curb insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Environment and Waste Management to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Fred Kpakol, expressed concern that the target of the founding fathers of Abuja has been misplaced by miscreants who perpetrate crimes. The SSA said the architectural structure of the bridges had been tampered with due to the activities of the squatters warning that the miscreants would be punished. The FCT is a face of the government of Nigeria and when you come into Abuja it is the place where we have the seat of government. It is where the president resides as well as the various embassies and as the capital city of Nigeria it is supposed to be the best city by every standard of human measurement, he said. Mr Kpakol assured that the cleared areas would be reverted to the original plan which was to make them green areas. He added that the places would be kept under intense check, monitoring and surveillance to forestall the reoccurrence of shanties by miscreants. Earlier, the Deputy Director of Monitoring and Enforcement (AEPB), Kaka Bello, said that the FCTA and AEPB had earlier issued eviction notices before the exercise. Yesterday was the deadline of the notice given to them so today we are here to enforce the eviction, Mr Bello said. He said that the essence of the mop-up of all illegal structures is to safeguard the governments infrastructure to ensure security in the FCT. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the mop-up exercise was done along the Ahmadu Bello Expressway which cut across Wuse 2, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent close to the DSTV office, and Area 11. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Nigerias security chiefs have resolved to use the National Identification Number (NIN) and the Bank Verification Number (BVN) for identifying and apprehending criminals. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Yemi Adaramodu, disclosed this on Tuesday. The security chiefs appeared before the Senate, on Tuesday, in the company of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, and the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam, were also part of the meeting. The security meeting was held behind closed doors and lasted for about 9 hours. The Senates spokesperson who briefed journalists shortly after the closed-door meeting said part of the resolutions at the meeting was that criminals will be traced with the identification numbers system. We spoke about how to apprehend criminals. We spoke about standardisation and certification of citizens identity through VIAM , BVN, NIN and others so that we can put all the evidences together. It means that at a strike of a finger , you can get the identity of a citizen so that no citizen will bear three or four names. Whenever a crime is committed by any citizen , we will not be able to apprehend him or her. We got that assurance and that one is even ongoing, he said. The resolution means that all the security agencies will have access to the database of all Nigerians and cooperate among themselves. All Nigerians were mandated to register for NIN while all bank account holders have the BVN. Inter-agency rivalry and the lack of synergy between security agencies had been identified as some of the challenges of Nigerias security architecture. Insecurity has worsened in many parts of Nigeria with daily reports of killings and kidnappings. This necessitated the meeting the security chiefs had with the Senate. Border patrol Mr Adaramodu said that the security chiefs have also pledged to protect all borders. He said the security heads assured that more officers will be deployed to the border areas to strengthen the border patrol. Then, we also got the assurances of our border patrol. Today the borders must be manned and manned seriously and that we need more men to man the border. We got that assurance. Mr Adaramodu also mentioned that during the meeting, the Minister of Finance assured that adequate funds will be disbursed to the security agencies for the purchase of security gadgets to fight criminal activities across the country. We got the assurances from the Minister of Finance that funds will be released expeditiously for the purchase of those gadgets that are going to assist our service chiefs and our security men to perform their duties very effectively. We got that pledge. He assured of immediate prosecution and trial of suspected criminals. We got the pledge. We even have the intention of bringing the minister of justice. We want to ensure that whenever a suspect is apprehended, then the span of justice is expeditiously attended to so that criminals will not have the feeling even when they apprehend them that it can take a whole life before they try them. So that judgement can be gotten , it has to be expedited. With what we have today, we believe that Nigerians will have a sigh of relief, Mr Adaramodu said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print After spending over 10 hours in a closed-door meeting with service chiefs and some key ministers discussing rising insecurity, the Senate, on Tuesday night, expressed satisfaction with how the service chiefs have been managing the security situation in the country. Specifically, the Senate said it was impressed with the determination and focus of the service chiefs in addressing the situation. It urged them to continue to be steadfast in ensuring the security of lives and property. There has been a rise in insecurity across Nigeria with almost daily cases of killings and kidnappings. PREMIUM TIMES, on Tuesday, reported that the closed-door session was held primarily because of the nations worsening security situation. Reading the resolutions from the meeting, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, stated that the security chiefs and the National Security Adviser (NSA) answered questions bordering on security matters satisfactorily. He said the Senate commended President Bola Tinubu and the service chiefs for their respective efforts in protecting lives and property in spite of the challenges. He noted that the Senate urged the service chiefs to take note of the revelations and suggestions made in the course of the meeting, and ensure they are used for future actions. We pointed out that the interior minister should work out a unified system of identification; that will be a better thing for Nigerians. For the security chiefs, we assured them of not just the support of the Senate, but the entire National Assembly. We passed a vote of confidence on them, Mr Akpabio said. The Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, while briefing journalists, said: Today, we listened to them, we related with them, they allayed our fears and answered our questions satisfactorily. He reiterated that the Senate has tasked the interior minister on how to apprehend criminals through the standardization of identities of Nigerians. We got assurances of increased border patrols, that they must be manned seriously. The finance minister assured that funds will be released expeditiously to the service chiefs. We got that pledge. We even suggested inviting the minister of justice to discuss how we can get speedy trials of criminals. With what we heard today, we got assurances that Nigerians will heave a sigh of relief, Mr Adaramodu said. The Senate spokesperson re-echoed that a vote of confidence was passed on the service chiefs, adding: We are impressed with what they have been doing so far. Look at the attack of Bwari, the perpetrators have been apprehended. Look at what they are doing in Ekiti and Plateau states. READ ALSO: FG moves to secure natural resources as presidential committee meets service chiefs The problem is that the attacks happened sporadically. Thats why we asked them where we can come in; the minister of finance will release funds to enable the military to get all the gadgets that will help in carrying out their mandates. With the efforts of our security men and women, we believe that Nigerians will soon heave a sigh of relief. In attendance at the meeting were the Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of Naval Staff, Emmanuel Ogalla; Chief of Air Staff, Hassan Abubakar, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. Others include Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Geidam; Minister of State for Police Affairs, Suleiman Ibrahim; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), Yusuf Bichi; and the Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Abubakar. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has called on FCT residents to pay their taxes and ground rents to enable the FCT Administration to provide critical infrastructure in the capital city. Mr Wike, who made the call on Tuesday after an inspection tour of project sites in Abuja, stressed that the government needed resources to provide critical infrastructure. Like we have always said to the elites in the FCT they want roads, they want a good environment, they want streetlights everywhere, but the government does not print money. Government needs to tax people and then use that money for the development of the area. So, I will always plead with everybody that they should try as much as they can, to pay their ground rents, he said. The minister said that funds from taxes, ground rent and other revenues were being used judiciously to ensure the delivery of various projects in the federal capital to meet the needs of residents. He said that despite the economic situation in the country, the FCT Administration was prompt in the payment to various contractors to ensure the timely delivery of ongoing projects. With the taxes people pay, we try as much as we can, to allocate it to the priority projects. Again, we dont allow variation because we also try to pay as at when due; so the issue of variation does not come in he added. One of the projects inspected was the completion of the Vice Presidents residence by Julius Berger, Other projects were the Asokoro and Area One roundabout on the Outer Southern Expressway being constructed by CGC Construction Nigeria Ltd. and Wuye Bridge being handled by Arab Contractors. The minister also inspected the ongoing construction of B6 and B12 roads connecting Independence Avenue in the central area with City Gate and being handled by Julius Berger. On his assessment of the projects delivery so far, the minister expressed optimism that they would be completed in May to mark President Bola Tinubus one year in office. I think we are quite optimistic with the speed of work, and taking advantage of the weather, we believe that by May, these projects will be ready. It is very key for us to understand that without payment of taxes, it will be very difficult for us to carry out most of these gigantic projects. If we dont have the money, there is nothing we can do, Mr Wike said. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Mayowa Akinfolarin, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State, has pledged to industrialise the state using the template used by the Second Republic governor of the state, Adekunle Ajasin. The late Mr Ajasin, who governed the old Ondo State (comprising todays Ekiti State that wass carved out in 1996) between 1979 and 1983 on the platform of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), established state-owned companies in various parts of the state based essentially on proximity to raw materials to industrialise the state. Some of the companies his government established were the Oluwa Glass Company, near Igbokoda, Okitipupa Oil Palm Company, the cocoa-processing company in Ile Oluji, among others. Mr Akinfolarin, a former deputy speaker of the House of Assembly with the longest tenure in that capacity and two-term member of the House of Representatives, spoke with this newspaper recently on issues including his development blueprint that he intends to execute in office if he clinches his partys ticket and eventually wins the governorship election slated for 16 November. He also spoke on the political undercurrent in the state, his chances of winning the election, among other sundry issues. Why he is running to be governor? Mr Akinfolarin said he is in the race to become the next governor because he is the most qualified and experienced among the aspirants to govern the state. He said the state cannot afford to have an accidental governor or someone who has not been adequately groomed to lead the state, especially at a time when there are economic headwinds across the globe. I am in the race to bring governance back to the people, he said, and when probed further on how he intended to achieve this, he retorted that the peoples challenges, needs and aspirations will form the focus of the policies and programmes of his government. Essentially, Mr Akinfolarin said he wants to become the next governor because he has the magic wand to maximise the states natural and human resources to generate wealth for the overall benefit of the generality of the citizenry. According to him, if elected governor, hed look inward in order to proffer home-grown solutions to the teething socio-economic problems of the state. In this regard, Mr Akinfolarin said he would adopt the Adekunle Ajasin industrialisation model of the Second Republic where state-owned companies were sited based on nearness to raw materials. Given the exigencies of the time, the aspirant said he would tweak the Ajasin template mostly by adopting private-public partnerships in his industrialisation agenda. Development agenda Mr Akinfolarin said his development agenda is simple and that entails making the state business-friendly and an investment hub. No specifics were given. He said he would do that in the fullness of time. To attract investment into the state, especially from the private sector, he said he would work hard to improve the ease of doing business in the state by reducing to the bare minimum obstacles such as multiple taxation and state-backed extortions that could discourage investors from coming into the state. According to him, there will no longer be capital flight as most projects of the state will be contracted out to indigenes who have the know-how and financial wherewithal to do so. He said he would release a more detailed and comprehensive blueprint for the development of the state after he emerged as the candidate of the APC in April. Much as he would like to concentrate on reviving agriculture through mechanised farming, making available highly subsidised high-yielding seedlings to farmers, the state being mostly agrarian, the former lawmaker said he would create a revolving fund to help those in the small and medium enterprise ecosystem, especially women, scale up their businesses. Besides empowering market women and farmers to thrive and contribute their quota to the commonwealth of the state, Mr Akinfolarin said he would encourage the youth to acquire vocational skills in addition to their educational pursuits. To enable the youth to be economically self-dependent and even become job creators rather than seek limited to non-existent government jobs, he said he would fashion out a scheme that would make funds available to those who have demonstrable expertise in certain vocations to set up their businesses and monitor them to ensure that they dont derail. To cut wastages in government and block loopholes enabling the stealing of the states funds by civil servants and political office holders, Mr Akinfolarin said he would deploy technology to automate most of the administrative processes to reduce human-to-human interface, thereby reducing the tendency to commit fraud to a bare minimum. His chances of winning the APC ticket The aspirant said he had the brightest chance of winning the ticket of the party. In addition, he said he was the best to retain the state for the APC in the November election. The APC will face a major challenge from the PDP, a party still trying to find its rhythm and balance in the state after its abysmal performance in the 2023 general elections. Of the aspirants contending for the ticket of the party, Mr Akinfolarin said he is the most experienced when it comes to good governance and beneficial leadership, saying that he understands the needs and challenges of the people. His oeuvre of governance experience traverses the executive, administrative and legislative gamuts including being the Deputy Speaker in the Ondo State House of Assembly, and his two-term stint in the House of Representatives where he served as the chairman of the Committee on FRSC with several bills and sponsored motions to his credit. Previously, he had served as a member of the board of the National Library. He also once served as a board member in the Upper Niger River Basin, Minna. He said, as much as he is loved by the leaders of the party, he is also embraced by the ordinary members. The party-wide patronage he enjoys will make the people pick him in the primary election, he said. In any case, Mr Akinfolarin said his ambition is in Gods hands, saying theres little he can do beyond mobilising party members and the people of the state to help him actualise his ambition. Funding his campaign Mr Akinfolarin is being rumoured to be sponsored by some Abuja cabal. When this reporter cornered him on the speculation, the aspirant neither denied nor confirmed the rumour. He simply shrugged it off. The aspirant, who said he is not a moneybag, however, said the support he gets from the people, at home and abroad, has been massive, reiterating that the people love him hence their donations to his campaign in cash and kind. According to him, he is in the race because the generality of the people wants him and has been supporting him in this regard to gather the needed momentum to keep going. The people sponsoring my ambition are the people of Ondo State spread across the globe. I am the peoples choice, he told this newspaper. What next if he does not get the ticket of the APC? A handful of overly ambitious politicians often ditch their political party when they do not get the ticket to contest and move elsewhere to realise their ambition. Mr Akinfolarin is different, at least, based on what he told this newspaper. He stays in the APC come rain or shine, he insists. Well, for how long that will last is in the womb of time, as politicians in this part of the world change parties frequently like the British weather. That is not the end of life, he said, when asked if he would move over to another political party to actualise his desire to be governor come November. Continuing, Mr Akinfolarin said his ambition was not a do-or-die affair, affirming that he would remain in the party to mobilise support and resources for whoever the candidate of the party is. I remained in the party in 2023 when I withdrew from the senate race based on the signals from above that I got. I threw my weight behind the candidate of the party. Its on record that my local government, Odigbo, gave the highest number of votes to the winner in the election out of all the six local government areas that make up Ondo South. The leaders of the party in the local government and myself were responsible for the feat, he told this newspaper. Ill never leave my party, he said, reassuringly. Tough battle ahead The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed 16 November for the states off-cycle governorship election while the political parties are expected to produce their governorship flagbearers via primary elections in April. Mr Akinfolarin, who is also an ex-state lawmaker where he was elected as Deputy Speaker, with a record of being the longest-serving deputy speaker in the state(2003-2011), believes he is the most experienced and qualified to lead the state among the horde of aspirants scattered across the political parties in the state. Most importantly, Mr Akinfolarin told this reporter that he is going to bring practical governance in a bottom-top approach to the people if elected as governor. By practical governance, the soft-spoken politician said, the collective yearnings of the governed would be the cornerstone of his administration and the fulcrum of his governance model in terms of policy formulation and execution. Mr Akinfolarin is yet to be the candidate of the APC. He will know his fate in April when the party will conduct its primary election. But he believes hes Gods own and the peoples choice and will definitely clinch the coveted prize. The Odigbo-born grassroots politician has a tough battle ahead in the APC as he tackles the incumbent governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Ondo South senator, Jimoh Ibrahim; Wale Akinterinwa, ex-commissioner for finance; Olusola Oke, SAN; Paul Akintelure, a medical doctor and ACN deputy governorship candidate in 2012; Olamide Ohunyeye, a retired brigadier-general and finance expert, among others, to win the ticket of the ruling party. His parting shot to the people of the state Mobilise yourself and give me your support. I promise not to disappoint you when I get to the office, Mr Akinfolarin said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to ban the production, distribution and use of styrofoam and other single-use plastic. The House asked the government to initiate a phased approach to the ban by providing sufficient time for businesses and industries to transition to alternative eco-friendly materials and practices. This decision followed the adoption of a motion moved by Muktar Shagaya (APC, Kwara) on Wednesday during plenary. Presenting the motion, Mr Shagaya claimed that the increasing use of styrofoam and other single-use plastic in Nigeria poses significant environmental and public health risks, including pollution of waterways, soil, and air quality. The legislator noted that the chemical found in styrofoam is linked to health issues, such as cancer, vision and hearing loss, impaired memory and concentration, and nervous system effects. To buttress the argument, Mr Shagaya said styrofoam is prohibited in Taiwan, Rwanda, England, and many other European countries, together with some towns and states in the United States. In Nigeria, single-use plastic is illegal in Lagos and Abia states. The motion was not debated and when it was put to question by the presiding officer, Ben Kalu, it was adopted unanimously. While adopting the motion, the House urged the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and other relevant agencies to monitor the quality of packaging of foods and beverages, particularly in fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs). Consequently, the House mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, Environment, and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance. Efforts to prohibit the use of styrofoam products are gaining momentum in Nigerian states. In a recent development, both Lagos and Abia states have officially announced a ban on the use of the product. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police in Rivers State said they have recommended for dismissal three of their officers who abducted two Nigerians and extorted $3, 000 from them. The police, which disclosed this in an update posted on their X handle on Wednesday, said the decision was taken after an investigation into the allegation against the officers two assistant police superintendents, Doubara Edonyabo, Talent Mungo, and an inspector, Odey Michael. The command is issuing an update as part of our commitment to transparency. After a thorough investigation, the officers have been officially queried and recommended for dismissal as per established procedures, it said in a post on the microblogging site. Background The officers journey to their potential dismissal began when a human rights activist in Delta State, Harrison Gwamnishu made a post via his handle, @HarrisonBbi18, accusing them of arresting a man and extorting $3,000 from him before dumping him in Port Harcourt. A few hours later, the police spokesperson in Rivers State, Grace Iringe-Koko responded to the post on X, saying that the officers had been identified, and arrested and that an investigation had begun. Mrs Iringe-Koko later stated that the said $3, 000, an amount equivalent to N4.2 million as of January had been recovered from the officers and returned to the victims on 18 January. About two weeks ago, Mr Harrison, again posted on X, that the accused officers which the police had earlier paraded were seen walking freely in streets without prosecution, an allegation Mrs Iringe-Koko dismissed as false, malicious and misleading, PREMIUM TIMES had reported. The police spokesperson in her response had said that the accused officers had been detained and participated in an identification parade held at the State Criminal Investigation Department on 2 February in connection with another complaint against them. She did not provide details of the new complaint made against the officers. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print In recent years, many countries, especially in Africa, have witnessed a disturbing trend of governments resorting to internet shutdowns as a means to suppress dissent and control the flow of information, especially during electioneering periods. In Senegal, a country known for its vibrant media landscape and democratic traditions, a recent development of internet shutdowns has raised concerns about the erosion of press freedom, declaration of war on the freedom of expression and ultimate denial of access to information. If there is anything that has proven to be an important backbone of democracy, it is the freedom of information, and at the core of it is press freedom which serves as a vital tool to not only check government and political officeholders but also ensure transparency and accountability at various strata of the society while creating the avenue for public participation in governance through public discourse of important issues affecting the polity. In Senegal, a country with a history of a vast media environment and democratic governance, the media performs an important function of holding authorities accountable while keeping citizens abreast of matters of public importance. Trend of Internet Shutdowns in Senegal In 2023, the Senegalese government declared a series of shutdowns of the countrys internet following protests against electoral irregularities and corruption in various levels of government. Again, on Monday, the 5th of February, the President Macky Sall-led Senegalese government temporarily suspended mobile internet, days after the president announced an indefinite postponement of the countrys presidential election earlier scheduled for the 25th of February. These shutdowns, which lasted for days, disrupted and denied citizens access to social media and messaging platforms, effectively stifling dissent and hindering the ability and rights of journalists to perform their lawful duties. Impact of internet shutdown on Press Freedom In an age where information is readily available at the click of a button, Internet shutdowns pose a serious threat to press freedom as it obstructs the ability of journalists to gather, investigate, interrogate and disseminate important news. In Senegal, the shutdowns not only hindered journalists access to information but also impeded their ability to communicate with sources and publish stories. This censorship undermines the peoples right to information and hinders the role of journalists in pressing for accountability and transparency. It is always a difficult situation whenever the government shuts down mobile networks. You know, as journalists we always have the need for mobile networks to do a lot of things. From having to do some desk research on your story, to communicating with sources, communicating with colleagues and doing other things online but when such restrictions are placed, it makes the job very difficult, said Hamadou Sy, a journalist in Senegal. Mr Sy said that the imposition of internet shutdowns makes it difficult for him to publish stories on his online news platform, thereby obstructing his work. For someone like me who operates an online news platform, it is impossible to publish stories when there is an internet shutdown. As you know, we need mobile network to be able to get online and publish stories. Although internet shutdown has become a global phenomenon as noted in the 2023 world press freedom index, the African continent takes the lead in the globally condemned act, with countries in Africa having experienced over 100 social media shutdowns, partial internet shutdowns or full internet blackouts. Between 2020 and 2021, Africa was reported as the most censored region in the world. During these internet shutdowns, many Africans, including journalists, have little to no access to information online. Organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and the Committee to Protect Journalists have condemned internet shutdowns as a violation of human rights and press freedom. Besides its grave impact on press freedom as well as freedom of information and expression, internet shutdowns also pose grievous economic threats, disrupting businesses, hindering access to essential services, and undermining investor confidence thereby dropping a huge blow on the economy. For instance, for every sixty minutes of internet shutdown in Senegal in 2023, the country was reported to have lost three hundred thousand dollars Lack of internet connectivity can have far-reaching and potentially devastating consequences for ordinary citizens, who cannot communicate with loved ones or report the situation to the outside world. This leaves them isolated and vulnerable in a time of crisis, said Gabriele Racaityte-Krasauske, head of communications at Surfshark, in a statement reported by the international journalists network. Concerted international intervention as a solution As internet shutdowns continue to threaten freedom of the press, freedom of information and freedom of expression in Senegal and beyond, there is an urgent need for the international community to take decisive action to condemn such actions in strong terms and hold culpable governments accountable. This can be achieved through advocacy calls, diplomatic pressure and consequential economic sanctions. Access to the internet is an essential tool for the realization of many fundamental human rights including the right to free expression and access to information, while also serving as a platform for freedom of the press, public discourse, and democratic participation. The developments of internet shutdowns in Senegal serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by censorship and suppression of press freedom. As a democratic state, Senegal must uphold its commitment to freedom of expression and the rights of its citizens to information. It is also important that the government sees the press as a partner in developmental democracy and refrains from resorting to internet shutdowns to silence dissent and prevent journalists from performing their lawful duties. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A group of 60 lawmakers has initiated a move to end the current presidential system and revert to the parliamentary system previously used in Nigerias First Republic. The group, known as the Parliamentary Group, introduced a constitution alteration bill on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, setting in motion what could be a transition to a parliamentary system by 2031. Three constitution alteration bills were presented by the Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers), and 60 others during plenary. PREMIUM TIMES has yet to obtain the details of the three alteration bills. However, the spokesperson of the group, Abdulsamad Dasuki, briefed journalists on the synopses of the bills. During a press briefing at the House Press Center, the lawmakers, led by Mr Dasuki, expressed their frustration with the expensive presidential system and the overbearing powers of the president. No wonder the Nigerian President appears to be one of the most powerful Presidents in the world, Mr Dasuki said. Over the years, the imperfections of the Presidential System of Government have become glaring to all, despite several alterations to the constitution to address the shortcomings of a system that has denied the nation the opportunity to attain its full potential. Among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nations development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of the executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people, he said. The lawmakers seem not confident about their chances of success in getting the bill passed within the current Assembly, therefore, setting a timeline of 2031 for the constitutional amendment to allow the transition. Mr Dasuki said the group is seeking to spark a conversation about the lack of effectiveness of the current presidential system. The bills presented today seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible, and responsive, and ultimately less expensive, he said. Parliamentary System Nigeria operated under the parliamentary system pre-independence and in the First Republic. However, the coup of 15 January 1966 truncated that republic. The military suspended the civil government and ruled the country until the transition to democracy in 1979, but the Second Republic was built on the 1979 Constitution which prescribed the presidential system. The proposal by the lawmakers is seeking to revert to the First Republic system with a prime minister, a member of parliament, serving as the head of government, similar to the British system. In a parliamentary system, the executive branch derives its legitimacy and authority from the legislative branch. The head of government (often the prime minister) is typically a member of the legislature and is accountable to it. This system fosters a close relationship between the executive and legislative branches, allowing for efficient decision-making and policy implementation. However, some experts believe that the parliamentary system polarised the country during the First Republic especially as the prime minister needs not to be acceptable to the majority of citizens paving the way for the military to strike. READ ALSO: 2024 budget passes second reading in House of Reps The timing of the proposed legislation raises significant suspicion. One concern is that the lawmakers seem to be aiming for when President Bola Tinubu would have finished his constitutionally allowed tenure. Mr Tinubu is due for re-election in 2027 for another term of four years which is going to end by 2031. The members of the coalition include members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ghanas President Nana Akufo-Addo on Wednesday announced a major cabinet reshuffle 10 months before the West African countrys general elections in December. According to a statement from the Office of the President, Mr Akufo-Addo relieved 13 ministers including embattled finance minister Ken Offori-Atta and 10 deputy ministers of their duties. The President personally expressed his sincere appreciation directly to each of the Ministers and Deputy Ministers, who have exited Government, for their commitment, competence, dedication and hard work in office, which helped in the realisation of Governments mandate to the Ghanaian people over the last seven years, and wished each of them well in their future endeavours, the statement said. The office of the president did not give reasons for the shuffle. However, a source close to the presidency who did not have permission to speak to the media told PREMIUM TIMES that the reshuffle had been in the works for some time. When asked why the president chose to reshuffle towards the end of his tenure, especially why he removed the now-former finance minister Offori-Atta, he said, At the time we had a budget to pass and an IMF deal to sign. Removing the finance minister would have been tardy and that was not the time. He noted that Ghanas economy was more stable now and the president had the prerogative to reshuffle his cabinet whenever he chose. The statement named former minister of state for finance, Mohammed Adam, as a replacement for Mr Offori-Atta. Mr Akufo-Addo submitted a list of new ministers and deputy ministers to the parliament for approval while he reassigned others who did not need parliamentary approval. Ghanas election is scheduled to be held on 9 December. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Amidst the chaos and despair, one cannot overlook the glaring lack of accountability in addressing the insecurity plaguing the nation. From the executive arm to the legislative arm, thence to the security and civil bureaucracies, pertinent questions are arising regarding the performance of those whose main engagement is the provision of effective governance and securing the lives and property of Nigerians. The worsening insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in places like Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara, Abuja, and other towns, looms larger than ever. As the nation grapples with an unprecedented myriad of challenges, ranging from rampant banditry to kidnapping for ransom, there has been the relentless onslaught of criminal activities and other overlapping security challenges. The nation has witnessed the loss of thousands of lives, millions of people have been displaced, economic activities disrupted, and the legitimacy and authority of the government undermined. This crisis underscores a disconcerting failure of governance, a dire lack of initiatives, patriotism, and political will on the part of the Executive, the National Assembly, security agencies, and related establishments. Economic Cost and Those That Benefit According to a report by SBM Intelligence, a Nigerian political risk analysis firm, between 2011 and 2020, at least $18.34 million, equivalent to N23 billion naira at an exchange rate of $1 to N1,300, was paid to kidnappers as ransom. Figures for 2020 till date is hard to come by. This is pointing to the fact that kidnapping is more lucrative than government work or politics. The usage of the ransom monies paid to kidnappers can only be guessed, as these are most likely deployed to fund further criminal activities or to support their personal lifestyles; of course we have heard of informants, collaborators, or sponsors, who will most likely be amongst those benefitting from these funds. Unanswered Questions and Unresolved Issues Amidst the chaos and despair, one cannot overlook the glaring lack of accountability in addressing the insecurity plaguing the nation. From the executive arm to the legislative arm, thence to the security and civil bureaucracies, pertinent questions are arising regarding the performance of those whose main engagement is the provision of effective governance and securing the lives and property of Nigerians. In addition, what efforts are being made by telecommunications companies in helping to stem the tide? What has been the efficacy of tracking perpetrators, tracing illicit finances, and monitoring the movement of resources, such as motorcycles and handsets, used by criminals? How is it possible that the monies demanded and derived from ransom payments evade traceability? The inability to trace the origins of phone calls made to the relatives of victims? All these underscore a profound failure in intelligence gathering and technological utilisation. Nigerias leadership is facing a crucial test, and it is one in which they are failing. The National Assembly members, entrusted with representing the people, appear either paralysed or indifferent to the urgency of the situation. Security agencies, including the State Security Department, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Police Force, seem unable to effectively counter the growing threats. The National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) requirements were introduced to enhance security and accountability. However, their potentials in curbing criminal activities remain largely untapped. Or are they merely for opening bank accounts and obtaining drivers licence and international passports? A Cry for Justice In the wake of these atrocities, it is innocent citizens whose only crime is living and being in Nigeria, and who endure unimaginable suffering in the hands of ruthless criminals and government alike who bear the brunt of this negligence. Despite the untold suffering, trauma and loss inflicted upon them, their plights are exacerbated by the absence or lack of proper laws or enforcement mechanisms to deter or punish the offenders. And the lack of compensation and support from the government. While their cries for justice and assistance fall on deaf ears, perpetuating cycles of despair and hopelessness, the perpetrators roam freely and those employed to catch the perpetrators are busy clamouring for increases in salaries and the perks of office. The Anatomy of Failure Nigerias leadership is facing a crucial test, and it is one in which they are failing. The National Assembly members, entrusted with representing the people, appear either paralysed or indifferent to the urgency of the situation. Security agencies, including the State Security Department, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and the Police Force, seem unable to effectively counter the growing threats. It is time to hold the federal and state governments, National Assembly members, the security agencies and related government and certain private sector players accountable. Years of clueless leadership, in which the executive is cocooned in luxury and only concerned with the purchase of luxury official vehicles, renovation of official quarters in Lagos and Abuja, and construction of a new presidential lounge at the Abuja International Airport, while countless Nigerians are homeless, have led to a situation whereby citizens are left vulnerable to criminals. Most likely, they dont know about some or all of the following items: GPS trackers, drones, forensic analysis tools, IMSI catchers, techniques such as triangulation, blockchain technology, deployment of Big Data, financial monitoring software, etc. It beats the imagination and common sense that this security challenge is appearing unsurmountable. Meanwhile the legislative houses, instead of enacting robust laws to counter insecurity, seem mired in inertia and are only concerned about constituency projects, raising the budget through borrowed funds, the purchase of N160 million Prado jeeps apiece, that yet do not protect them against these bandits and criminals. All this while the security agencies are outwitted in containing the tide of violence. Analysis of Capabilities of Relevant Gadgets Various administrations and National Assemblies, including the present ones, made so much noise about boosting the security architecture, the need for increased security funding, the purchase of equipment like Tucano jets, etc., yet instead of the security challenge abetting, it seems to be gaining momentum and agility, which essentially points to the fact that Nigeria has gone through years of clueless leadership that have led to the present insecurity situation. Could it be that government and law enforcement agencies are unaware of a range of sophisticated surveillance and tracking equipment that are available in the open market? Or is it that they are too expensive or Nigeria lacks the manpower to utilise them? Most likely, they dont know about some or all of the following items: GPS trackers, drones, forensic analysis tools, IMSI catchers, techniques such as triangulation, blockchain technology, deployment of Big Data, financial monitoring software, etc. It beats the imagination and common sense that this security challenge is appearing unsurmountable. Conclusion The worsening insecurity in the country is a manifestation of systemic failure within the nations governance structures. Those in the corridors of power should acknowledge their failures, rectify them or resign from their various positions. It is time for a collective awakening, where the welfare and security of citizens take precedence over political posturing. Adamu Rabiu writes from Kaduna. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print the avalanche of successes he has recorded as VON helmsman thus far, are not what enamoured him to me. What is making the Ndace phenomenon to hypnotise me is his unrelenting call for key stakeholders to partner VON in telling Nigerias positive and good story. Ndace wants the mind of the international community to be disabused from seeing Nigeria as a backward and pariah nation, where nothing good can ever emanate. I will herald this piece with a brief citation. Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace is well known in Nigerias media firmament as a prolific, ambitious, courageous and award-winning defence journalist. He is also an ace security analyst par excellence. Ndace is the author of a trilogy, which highlighted the strides of the men and officers of the Nigerian Army, against terrorists loyal to the Boko Haram and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), which are extremist groups. The books, unveiled in May last year, were written in honour of Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), the longest-serving Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in the history of the Nigerian army. The titles of the books are: Walking the War Front with Lt. Gen. TY Buratai, Duty Call Under Buratais Command, and The Lonely Grave, a collection of poems. Ndace, also, was the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to a former Governor of Niger State, now Senator Abubakar Sani Bello. He served as the governors chief image-maker between November 2015 and May 2019. As Governor Bellos spokesperson, Ndace performed his job diligently, professionally and exceptionally, projecting both his principal and his governance agenda outstandingly in the media. His achievements while serving as CPS include conceiving creative and dynamic ideas, as well as laudable initiatives to support the agenda of his principal. This includes the establishment of FOSCIN (Forum of Spokespersons of Critical Institutions in Niger state) to engender synergy and coordination in managing security information in Niger state. Ndace, employing the best tactics in media engagement and conduct, also introduced a special magazine, Power State, which profiled the work and administration of Governor Bello, among others. Around October last year, Ndace was appointed as the director general of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR). It is well over 100 days now since he assumed office amid pomp and the lofty expectations of his teeming well-wishers, for him to bequeath indelible footprints at VON. Within the period he has steered the affairs of VON so far, Ndace has a flurry of achievements to showcase, and which he revealed in a recent opinion article. In the essay, the ex-Niger governors spokesman, commemorated his 100 days in office as VON helmsman. He wrote: Stepping into leadership on October 23, 2023, the canvas of change began to take shape during my attendance at AFRICAST 2023 in Lagos. It was during this visit that I paid a visit to the Broadcasting House in Ikoyi and the Ikorodu Transmitting Station which served as poignant reminders of untapped potential, urging a commitment to revitalisation. Returning to the heart of VON, the Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, told its own story a tale woven with threads of promise and challenge. The deplorable state of infrastructure in Lagos reverberated through the echoing hallways of Abuja, creating a stark reality that demanded immediate attention and a resolute commitment to transformation. Even in the the situation at the Lugbe Transmitting Station in Abuja, a glimmer of innovation emerged through its commendable solar power facility. VON, it was evident, held promise, but it needed a guiding hand to restore its vigour. Yet, beyond the tangible structures and facilities, the true heartbeat of VON lay within its people. A pervasive low staff morale lingered in both Abuja and Lagos, fueled by unmet claims and promotion arrears. This challenge became the rallying cry for immediate attention and a strategic vision for a brighter future. Organically, imperatives emerged a blueprint for transformation. Boosting staff morale became a mission entwined with improved welfare initiatives, regular promotions, and a cultural shift that celebrated excellence. The synergy among the Board of Management staff emerged as the adhesive binding the threads of transformation. Active participation at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference in Paris and the World Radio Conference in Dubai were not mere formalities but windows into global possibilities. These experiences became platforms to showcase VONs commitment to international standards and collaborations, laying the groundwork for a globally relevant institution. Engagements with public and private agencies Thunderbird, Image Merchants Promotions Limited, SMEDAN, GOTNI, NIPR, NUJ Chairman in Minna, and representatives from Dangote Group, Jaiz Bank were not just courtesy visits. They were conversations that opened doors, created bridges, and fostered connections vital for VONs relevance in the broader societal landscape. Within the first 100 days, I declared that all NYSC and interns at VON must undergo an orientation programme, fostering a sense of belonging throughout their stay. Additionally, strategic partnerships with the Guards Polo Club and the CEOS network Africa were initiated, redirecting attention to the external broadcasting station of Nigeria. As we reflect on these initial 100 days, the narrative echoes a journey underway, a story of resilience and transformation. Challenges have metamorphosed into pillars of change, and strategic initiatives are carving a path toward a future where VON stands not only as a fulfiller of mandates but as a beacon of excellence in the global media landscape. The journey continues, and as the sun sets on these first 100 days, it rises on a new dawn for the Voice of Nigeria. But the avalanche of successes he has recorded as VON helmsman thus far, are not what enamoured him to me. What is making the Ndace phenomenon to hypnotise me is his unrelenting call for key stakeholders to partner VON in telling Nigerias positive and good story. Ndace wants the mind of the international community to be disabused from seeing Nigeria as a backward and pariah nation, where nothing good can ever emanate. When the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) inaugurated its 23-member Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG) in Abuja last November, Ndace (who also is among the committee members) was there. He stressed the need for the countrys smeared national reputation to be cleansed, by Public Relations professionals and other communication experts. According to him, not everything about Nigeria is bad. But only a few people outside the shores of our country are aware of this, Ndace said. He pledged the VON managements commitment to collaborating with NIPR, and relevant professional bodies, together with influential citizens, in telling Nigerias captivating story. In December, Ndace again re-echoed his patriotic call at the 2023 Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) and Spokesperson Communication Awards (SCA) in Abuja. Representing the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammad Idris, at the event organised by the Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), Ndace eloquently explained the havoc of irresponsible and dangerous reportage about Nigeria in the countrys media. He however, stressed the need for stories of Nigerias greatness and her resilient citizens to be told by all and sundry. Unlike in our fatherland, one hardly sees Westerners dragging their countries in the mud, regardless of the level of social crises, insecurity and leadership challenges they are faced with. It is true that stunted national growth, necessitated by poor governance, has made Nigerians lose hope in their own country. Yet, there are plenty of good things about Nigeria, and her citizens too who are elegantly unique, talented, enterprising and accommodating. Their praises are just not been sang. Though the despair by citizens is palpable, Nigeria is still the only place we have, and which we can comfortably claim to be ours. We have no choice than to love her, and individually contribute towards her accelerated development. Let us all demonstrate patriotism in telling those who care to listen that ours is a blessed nation, with a chequered history and enchanting stories that will incredibly amaze them. Abdulsalam Mahmud writes from Abuja. Email: babasalam1989@gmail.com. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print But there is still a lot to be done. There is a need to restructure the office of the NSA to enhance institutional memory and effective performance of the responsibilities of Ribadu. Truth be told, the current system is bedeviled with a plethora of functional, structural, and administrative problems without a workable solution to combat the increasing spade of security challenges confronting the nation. President Bola Ahmed Tinubus decision to appoint Nuhu Ribadu as National Security Adviser (NSA) represented a major turning point in Nigerias fight against insecurity. It was a groundbreaking departure from the norm. For the first time since 1999, a retired police officer has been overseeing the countrys domestic and international security needs and commitments, to coordinate primarily the intelligence community and the armed forces, and regularly report to the president. This role was exclusively reserved for retired army generals in the past. A paradigm shift of this nature was a clear signal that President Tinubu meant business. He wanted a fresh perspective on the nations security crisis, that is why he turned to Ribadu, a trusted security expert with an unblemished track record of excellence, to enhance internal policing and lead a resolute fight against insecurity. Ribadus antecedents made him tailor-made for the job. A trained lawyer and fearless crime fighter, he flaunts a glorious public service record and personal integrity. His tenure as Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) remains the best till date. Fearless and resolute, Ribadu took on powerful individuals involved in corrupt practices, securing over 270 convictions, including high-profile politicians and state governors. Under his watch, one minister was fired from office, three governors were impeached, while the police chief at that time Tafa Balogun was tried, convicted and given a prison sentence. Ribadus pragmatic approach to intelligence gathering and crime-fighting while in EFCC earned him global recognition and awards. It led to the delisting of Nigeria from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) List of Non-Cooperative Countries and Territories, its admission into the prestigious Egmont Group, and the withdrawal of the US Treasurys Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FINCEN) Advisory on Nigeria. A lot has changed since Ribadus famous stint with the anti-corruption agency. However, in the 63-year-old, President Tinubu found an honest, patriotic, courageous and compassionate ally to coordinate and harmonise the fighting force on behalf of the Federal Government. His appointment as NSA extends beyond his anti-corruption credentials, though. His illustrious career as a law enforcement officer, from Assistant Superintendent of Police to Assistant Inspector General of Police, equips him with an unparalleled understanding of Nigerias internal policing challenges. This experience has driven the formulation of innovative strategies to bolster the capabilities of law enforcement agencies nationwide. Ribadu is a junkie for intelligence gathering. He processes and disseminates this information to ward off threats to the well-being of the nation. These the NSA does while harnessing the potential of the various intelligence agencies to work together in attaining national security objectives. These days, security has evolved to largely encompass developmental issues. It now involves more holistic approaches that could be non-kinetic and essentially strategic, beyond the mere prosecution of armed solutions and deployment of boots on the ground in counter-attack operations. After the first meeting between President Tinubu and the service chiefs in July, Ribadu assured Nigerians that the activities of criminals will be reduced. While admitting that the tasks ahead are enormous, he said they are up for it. He said the armed forces under the current leadership will address the prevailing security challenges bedeviling the country. Knowing that the threats facing Nigeria were numerous, complex, integrated, multifaceted and diverse, Ribadu has adopted global security alliances, intelligence sharing, full involvement of the community and synergy of security agencies to succeed in his new role. He has also improved the community approach to intelligence gathering and leveraged technology in doing so while strengthening the commendable joint operations of the military and other security agencies. There were views that some security agencies in the past were marginalised or absent in decision-making processes at the NSAs office. Not anymore. Ribadu has given urgent attention to promoting the synergy of security agencies in an intelligence-driven security atmosphere. Gradually, the nations security threats are being addressed. There have been significant improvements in the North Central, Niger Delta and South-East, while banditry and insurgency in the North-West and North-East respectively are dwindling. Ribadu understands the importance of mutual respect, and a comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing the root causes of insecurity in the country. But there is still a lot to be done. There is a need to restructure the office of the NSA to enhance institutional memory and effective performance of the responsibilities of Ribadu. Truth be told, the current system is bedeviled with a plethora of functional, structural, and administrative problems without a workable solution to combat the increasing spade of security challenges confronting the nation. A bill seeks to address this. Among other things, it will constitutionally empower the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to permanently appoint staff considered highly skilled, with the view to enhance institutional memory and effective performance. If passed into law, it will bring efficiency and proper coordination in the performance of the Office of the NSA. Understandably, this piece of legislation has drawn criticism from some quarters that have inadequate understanding of the Bill and what it seeks to achieve in strengthening national security. They claim that it will not only usurp the powers of the Agencies but also raise questions about the balance of authority and the potential impact on the existing framework. These are the same set of people who want a drastic end to insecurity but are not ready to accept modern realities. To consolidate the progress made so far, we need to adopt a holistic and forward-looking approach that addresses the causes of security challenges confronting Nigeria. Ribadu is determined to promote regional stability, counter violent extremism, and enhance resilience against emerging non-traditional security challenges confronting our nations. He has done well so far and must be supported by well-meaning citizens to deliver a safer, secured and prosperous Nigeria for the benefit of all. Adamu Kabir Matazu, a public affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has secured the release of the West African Examination Council results that were withheld for Zamfara Secondary School students. The West African Examination Council (WAEC) withheld the results of Zamfara students over non-payment of N1.4 billion examination fees owed by the previous administrations in the state. A statement issued by the spokesperson of Zamfara Governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, disclosed that the governor met with the leadership of WAEC at his Abuja office on Monday. According to him, the WAEC delegation was led by the Chairman of the Administrative and Finance Committee of WAEC in Nigeria, Mrs Binta Abdulkadir and the head of the National office of WAEC Nigeria, Mr Amos J Dangut. Mr Idris said: As part of the present administrations determined effort to ensure that the state of emergency declared in education is seriously addressed, Governor Dauda Lawal hosted the leadership of the WAEC in his Abuja office. The Governor, who was in the company with the honourable commissioner of education, science, and technology, Mallam Wadatau Madawaki, discussed with the WAEC officials the issue of outstanding debt owed by the Zamfara State on examinations conducted under the previous administrations. The nonpayment of the WAEC fees for many years led to the non-release of the West African Examination results for the affected students. This, by extension, has caused many students not to participate in the mandatory National Youth Service Corp programme due to non-collection of their results. The statement added that an agreement has been reached between the Zamfara State Government and WAEC on how to go about resolving the issue. At the end of the meeting, the examination body agreed to release the previous results and allow Zamfara students to participate in the 2024 WAEC Examinations. Both the state government and WAEC agreed on a payment plan of backlog debt, and the withheld results will be released before the end of this month. Also present at the meeting were senior officials of WAEC Nigeria, including Mr Ambrose Okelezo, the Zonal Coordinator; Mr Victor C Odu, the Director of Finance; and Mr Segun U Jerumeh, the Deputy Director. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified its operation carried out at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) on Wednesday. Head of Media and Publicity of the agency, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement that its operatives from the Benin Zonal Command arrested 14 undergraduate students of the university during the operation. They were arrested alongside 19 others in the early hours of Wednesday, February 14, 2024 for suspected internet crimes, the statement read. Mr Oyewale said the suspects were arrested at different residential locations within Akure metropolis following intelligence on their alleged nefarious activities. Specifically, the sting operation that yielded their arrest was a response to strident calls to the EFCC by neighbours and parents around the locations, to save their children from being lured into internet-related activities by the suspects. Items recovered at the point of arrest include 10 exotic cars, phones, laptops and one motor bike. The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded, he said. Meanwhile, FUTAs Students Union Government (SUG) has condemned the midnight invasion of off-campus student hostels and arrest of some students by the EFCC The union alleged that the operatives broke into students lodges around Orita Obele Road Block at about 3 a.m. and arrested the students. Many of the students, according to eyewitnesses, first thought it was an attack by kidnappers. In a statement by the President of the union, Olayemi Oluwasoromidayo, he described the invasion and arrest as unlawful and an insult to the EFCC chairman who had banned midnight invasion and arrest by the operatives of the anti-graft agency. We regret to inform you of an ugly incident that happened within our school off-campus community. At 3:00 am on 14 February, 2024, some agents of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) broke into more than three school lodges at the South Gate community and made unlawful arrest of our students, destroyed properties, molested a female student and inhumanly inflicted injuries on some other students, the statement said. The SUG leader said the raid was illegal and efforts were being made to get the arrested students back on campus. They also noted that the student body had been agitating for the Federal Governments attention in addressing very pressing issues, only for the EFCC operatives to worsen the situation. They assured the students of the unions commitment to prioritising their safety and well-being while they are in school. The Management of the institution has also reacted to the development, expressing reservations over the raid. FUTAs Director, Corporate Communication, Adegbenro Adebanjo, said contrary to some false reports, the operatives of EFCC did not invade FUTA and there was no operation whatsoever within the hostels or precincts of the University. The incident in question happened in private hostels off campus. However, the University expresses strong reservation about the timing and mode of the operation said to have taken place around 2am on Wednesday, 14 February. Reports indicate that the operatives barged in and violently woke sleeping students and treated them most unfairly in the course of the operation. Such patently dangerous tactics should not have been employed by the operatives. The process should always follow the due process without causing harm or injuries to anybody physically or psychologically. Indeed but for providence, something untoward could have happened in the course of the operation carried out in the off campus hostels, he said. Mr Adebanjo said that the University was in touch with the EFCC to ascertain the identity of those arrested and validate their studentship, and also to ensure that innocent FUTA students were not punished for offences they have not committed. READ ALSO: EFCC arrests 14 suspected internet fraudsters in Makurdi FUTA abhors all forms of anti-social practices including acts of criminality in all its forms and supports all initiatives to bring perpetrators to face the consequences of their actions within the ambit of the law. The University rules and regulations as contained in the Students Code of Conduct as stipulated in the University Handbook and oath of Matriculation, which all students are made to sign, specifically prescribes varying degree of punishment for students who run afoul of the laws governing their studentship or engage in illegal acts or odious behavior. The Handbook will guide the University in the current situation, he added. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Hunters & Frankau, Habanos' exclusive distributor for the United Kingdom , was in charge of introducing the Bolivar Regentes Limited Edition 2021 at an exclusive event held in London The new vitola reaches the market in an elegant box of 25 Habanos designed specifically for this edition HAVANA, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Habanos, S.A, together with its exclusive distributor for the United Kingdom, Hunters & Frankau, presented the worldwide launch of Bolivar Regentes Edicion Limitada 2021 (52 x 130 mm in length) at a unique event held in London. An occasion which symbolized the continuation of the tradition of offering limited editions that capture the essence and richness of Cuba's heritage. Bolivar Regentes Edicion Limitada 2021 Boisdale Canary Wharf in the British capital, a place that conveys the luxury and prestige associated with the brand, was the ideal setting for the presentation of this new creation by Habanos, S.A. for its renowned Bolivar brand. The event was attended by 200 guests, who were able to taste this new vitola for the first time, as well as Hine Ball cocktails, Bollinger champagne and other Habanos of the brand, such as Bolivar Petit Coronas. Among the distinguished personalities from the world of Habanos who took part in the evening were Jose Maria Lopez Inchaurbe, vice president of Development at Habanos, S.A., and Fernando Dominguez Valdes-Hevia, president and CEO of Tabacalera S.L.U. Bolivar Regentes is presented in an elegant case designed specifically for this Limited Edition, containing 25 Habanos "Totally handmade with long filler", using selected leaves coming from the Vuelta Abajo* zone, known for producing the world's best tobacco. Every Habano promises unforgettable moments, characterized by the intensity, strength and rich nuances that distinguish the Bolivar brand. This launch not only celebrates the legacy of one of Habanos, S.A.'s most emblematic brands, but also offers Habano enthusiasts a unique and memorable experience thanks to the two-year of ageing process of the limited editions. Bolivar Regentes Edicion Limitada 2021 is available through Habanos, S.A.'s network of official distributors worldwide. Bolivar Regentes Edicion Limitada 2021 Dimensions: 52 ring gauge x 130 mm in length Presentation: Special box of 25 units To download high resolution images of the product, click here. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340338/Bol_var_Regentes_Edici_n_Limitada_2021.jpg VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Aris Mining Corporation (Aris Mining or the Company) (TSX: ARIS) (NYSE-A: ARMN) announces the appointment of Gonzalo Hernandez Jimenez and German Arce Zapata as independent directors effective today. Mr. Hernandez has been appointed to the Audit Committee and Sustainability Committee, and Mr. Arce has been appointed to the Compensation Committee. The two appointments follow the unexpected passing of Mr. Hernan Martinez in late 2023, a Director of the Company and its predecessors since 2011. Mr. Martinez will be dearly missed. Ian Telfer, Chair of Aris Mining, commented "I am pleased to welcome Gonzalo and German to Aris Mining's Board. Both Gonzalo and German have significant knowledge of the Colombian business and political landscape which will serve the Company well as we execute on our projects and initiatives in-country." About Gonzalo Hern a ndez Jim e n e z Mr. Hernandez holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, is an Economist from the Universidad Javeriana, and currently is a Professor of its Department of Economics. Mr. Hernandez is a director of Ecopetrol, Colombia's largest and primary oil and gas company. He is also a director of Financiera de Desarrollo Nacional (FDN), a Colombian development bank specializing in infrastructure. Mr. Hernandez has held the position of Technical Vice Minister of Finance and Public Credit. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of Bicentenario S.A.S., and the Administrator of Resources of the General System of Social Security in Health (ADRES). He has held the positions of chair of the Department of Economics and research director at Universidad Javeriana. About Germ a n Arce Zapata Mr. Arce is the President of the Trust Association and former President of the National Trade Council of Colombia. Mr. Arce holds an M.Sc. in International Securities, Investment and Banking from the University of Reading in the United Kingdom and a B.A. in Economics from the Universidad del Valle. Mr. Arce has also held the following prominent positions within the Colombian government and regulatory bodies: Minister of Colombia's Mines and Energy (2016-2018) Mines and Energy (2016-2018) Manager of the National Adaptation Fund (2014-2016) - a fund controlled by the Colombian Ministry of Finance to manage climate change impacts President of Colombia's National Hydrocarbons Agency (2013) National Hydrocarbons Agency (2013) Colombian Vice Minister of Finance (2011-2013) Colombian General Director of Public Credit (2010-2011) Additionally, Mr. Arce has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Colombian National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH), National Mining Agency (ANM), National Infrastructure Agency, Mining and Energy Planning Unit, and Colombian Geological Service. He was also the president of the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission. Previous to his public sector roles, Mr. Arce spent 18 years working in the financial markets and investment banking industries. About Aris Mining Aris Mining is a gold producer in the Americas, currently operating two mines with expansions underway in Colombia. The Segovia Operations and Marmato Upper Mine, known for their high-grade deposits, produced 226,000 ounces of gold in 2023. With ongoing expansion projects, Segovia and Marmato are targeting to produce 500,000 ounces of gold in 2026. Aris Mining also operates the Proyecto Soto Norte joint venture, where environmental licensing is advancing to develop a new underground gold, silver and copper mine. In Guyana, Aris Mining is advancing the Toroparu Project, a gold/copper project. Aris Mining intends to pursue acquisitions and other growth opportunities to unlock value through scale and diversification. Aris Mining promotes the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining as this process enables all miners to operate in a legal, safe and responsible manner that protects them and the environment. Additional information on Aris Mining can be found at www.aris-mining.com, www.sedarplus.ca, and on www.sec.gov. SOURCE Aris Mining Corporation SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) has introduced Assembly Bill 2427, the Equitable EV Charging Act to increase access to electric vehicle (EV) charging for residents of multi-family housing by making it easier to deploy curbside charging. EV charging at a FLO curbside charger in LA. (CNW Group/FLO) "The State of California is leading the way to transition our transportation system to 100 percent zero-emission vehicles, but the millions of drivers who don't have access to at-home charging are at risk of being left behind," said Assemblymember Kevin McCarty. "If we want all Californians to have access to electric mobility, we must provide them with convenient and affordable public charging options where they already park: the curb." Home charging is considered to be the most convenient, cost-effective solution to advance EV adoption. And yet, the California Energy Commission (CEC) found that no more than 33% of multi-family housing residents have access to home charging and that lower income residents, and residents who identify as Black, African American, Hispanic, or Latino have the lowest access to home charging. Co-sponsored by companies FLO EV Charging (FLO) and It's Electric Inc (itselectric), AB 2427 requires the CEC to assess the potential benefits of curbside charging for those who have the least access and requires the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development to develop permitting tools and best practices so that local governments can more seamlessly help realize these benefits. It also requires local governments to consider these tools when developing permitting requirements and criteria to assist developers in siting and deploying curbside charging. "If we strategically leverage the public right-of-way, we open up numerous new possibilities to increase communities' access to EV charging right at the curb," said Louis Tremblay, President and CEO of FLO. "But doing so requires planning and collaboration between both the state and local governments. This bill supports that work and will help expand charging access for the Californians that need it the most." "Beyond California's leading example, the country needs 1.2 million more public EV chargers by 2030, particularly in dense urban neighborhoods. Today, the biggest barrier to deployment is the cost and complexity of connecting an EV charger directly to the utility's grid. Our charging network fully avoids this barrier, enabling affordable and scalable public charging infrastructure that benefits cities, drivers, and communities," while bringing revenue directly into communities said Nathan King, CEO and Co-Founder of itselectric. Kevin McCarty represents California's 6th Assembly District, which includes the city of Sacramento, and parts of unincorporated Sacramento County. McCarty serves on the Select Committee on Electric Vehicles and Charging Infrastructure. Website of Assemblymember Kevin McCarty: https://a06.asmdc.org/. FLO Charging Solutions USA Inc ("FLO") is a leading North American EV charging network operator and a smart charging solutions provider. We fight climate change by accelerating EV adoption through a vertically integrated business model and delivering EV drivers the most dependable charging experience, from curbside to countryside. Every month, we enable more than 1,500,000 charging events thanks to over 100,000 fast and level 2 EV charging stations deployed at public, private and residential locations. FLO operates across North America and our high-quality charging stations are assembled with care in Michigan and Quebec. To learn more about FLO, please visit https://www.flo.com/ . itselectric provides small-footprint, design-centered, Level-2 charging posts and is the only curbside charging network that offers revenue sharing to property owners. Once a property is deemed eligible, at no cost to the property owner, itselectric installs and maintains a low-profile charger and shares proceeds with the property owners. With this business model, itselectric helps cities meet their carbon reduction targets and reduces governments' capital expenditures by completely avoiding the utility infrastructure upgrades normally needed to support public charging. To learn more about itselectric, please visit https://www.itselectric.us. SOURCE FLO GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Get ready for a surge in efficiency, Australia! The logistics market is poised for a remarkable journey, driven by e-commerce growth, infrastructure investments, and a tech-savvy population. Ken Research's "Australia Logistics Market Outlook to 2027" report predicts a promising 4.6% CAGR, translating to a substantial $111.4 billion market size by 2027. This press release unlocks the key drivers, challenges, and exciting prospects shaping this dynamic landscape. Market Overview: Delivering Prosperity, Connecting Communities Beyond simply moving goods, Australia's logistics industry plays a crucial role in facilitating trade, supporting businesses, and ensuring essential supplies reach every corner of the nation. In 2022, the market stood at $85.6 billion, and it's on track for significant growth, fueled by: E-commerce Boom: With increasing internet penetration and consumer demand for online shopping, efficient last-mile delivery solutions are becoming crucial. With increasing internet penetration and consumer demand for online shopping, efficient last-mile delivery solutions are becoming crucial. Infrastructure Investments: Government initiatives like the National Infrastructure Strategy and the Urban Freight Strategy are boosting infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity. Government initiatives like the National Infrastructure Strategy and the Urban Freight Strategy are boosting infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity. Tech-Savvy Population: Australians' adoption of technology creates opportunities for automation, data-driven solutions, and improved transparency within the logistics sector. Australians' adoption of technology creates opportunities for automation, data-driven solutions, and improved transparency within the logistics sector. Growing Export Market: Australia's strong export performance, particularly in resources like iron ore and coal, requires robust logistics infrastructure. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Market Segmentation: Diverse Needs, Diversified Solutions The report delves into the various segments of the Australian logistics market, offering a comprehensive view: Transportation: Road transport dominates (70%), followed by maritime (20%) and air cargo (10%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Road transport dominates (70%), followed by maritime (20%) and air cargo (10%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Logistics Services: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (65%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (15%). Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (65%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (15%). End-User Industry: Retail and e-commerce lead the demand (30%), followed by manufacturing (25%) and resources & mining (20%). Healthcare and agriculture are emerging segments. Competitive Landscape: Local Champions & Global Players The market features a mix of established local players, international giants, and innovative startups: Local Leaders: Linfox, Toll Group, and Qube Logistics are prominent players with extensive networks and strong brand recognition. Linfox, Toll Group, and Qube Logistics are prominent players with extensive networks and strong brand recognition. Global Giants: DHL, FedEx, and DP World are making their mark, offering global expertise and advanced technologies. DHL, FedEx, and DP World are making their mark, offering global expertise and advanced technologies. Emerging Challengers: Startups like Sendle and e-commerce fulfillment specialists are disrupting traditional models with technology-driven solutions. Challenges: Navigating the Roadblocks to Growth Despite the promising outlook, some challenges need to be addressed: Skilled Workforce Shortage: Finding and retaining qualified personnel, particularly in niche areas like data analytics and automation, remains a challenge. Finding and retaining qualified personnel, particularly in niche areas like data analytics and automation, remains a challenge. Cybersecurity Threats: The increasing reliance on technology necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and operations. The increasing reliance on technology necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and operations. Regulatory Uncertainty: Evolving regulations and complex permit processes can hinder innovation and slow down project development. Evolving regulations and complex permit processes can hinder innovation and slow down project development. Limited Competition in Rural Areas: Limited competition in certain regions can lead to higher costs and reduced service options for rural communities. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Future Outlook: A Brighter Horizon Fueled by Innovation & Collaboration The Australian logistics market is poised for continued growth, driven by several exciting factors: Technological Advancements: Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and personalize customer experiences. Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and personalize customer experiences. Focus on Sustainability: Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients and investors. Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients and investors. Collaboration & Partnerships: Strategic partnerships between established players, startups, and government agencies will foster innovation and address infrastructure gaps. Strategic partnerships between established players, startups, and government agencies will foster innovation and address infrastructure gaps. Investment in Rural Infrastructure: Increased investments in rural infrastructure development will improve accessibility and logistics capabilities in remote areas. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: This report offers valuable insights for various stakeholders in the Australian logistics market, including: Logistics Companies: Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainable practices. Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainable practices. Investors: Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Policymakers: Formulating policies that address skilled workforce shortages, promote innovation, and create a competitive yet sustainable market environment. Formulating policies that address skilled workforce shortages, promote innovation, and create a competitive yet sustainable market environment. Consumers & Businesses: Gaining insights into the diverse range of logistics services available, choosing the right providers based on their needs, and benefiting from improved efficiency and affordability. Conclusion: Charting a Course for Efficient and Equitable Logistics Australia's logistics market navigates an exciting future, fueled by e-commerce, infrastructure investments, and a tech-savvy populace. By embracing technological advancements, collaborating effectively, and addressing key challenges, stakeholders can chart a course for a more efficient, sustainable, and equitable logistics landscape. This will not only benefit businesses and investors but also empower communities across the nation, ensuring seamless access to goods and services while minimizing environmental impact. Ultimately, navigating these opportunities and overcoming challenges will determine whether Australia's logistics sector can unlock its full potential and propel the nation towards a more connected and prosperous future. Request free 30 minutes analyst call Taxonomy Australia Logistics Market Segmentation By Service Mix Freight Forwarding Warehousing Courier, Express Parcel Market Value Added Services Australia Freight Forwarding Market Segmentation By Mode of Transport Sea Road Air Rail By type of Freight End Users Retail Automobile Pharma Others Australia Warehouse Market Segmentation By Business Model Industrial/Retail Warehouses CFS/ICD Warehouses Cold Storage Agriculture and Other Warehouses By End-Users Retail including Garments, Cosmetics Automotive & Engineering E- Commerce Pharma/ Healthcare Others Australia CEP Market Segmentation By Domestic/ International Shipments Domestic Shipment International Shipment By End-Users E-Commerce Retail Others For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: Australia Logistics Market Related Reports by Ken Research: Vietnam Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Infrastructural and Government Investments Coupled with the Growth of E-Commerce Sector in Vietnam Market Size of Vietnam Logistics is expected to show increasing trend from 2022 to 2027. This is owing to rising economy, adoption of e-commerce, China plus one strategy and initiatives by the government. Also, development of roads across Vietnam for better connectivity under Vision 2030 is expected to add to the efficiency of logistic related operations. Indonesia Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 driven by high growth in E-Commerce, government policies attracting foreign investors & promising manufacturing sector. According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Indonesia Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2027 at CAGR of 10%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. KSA Logistics Market Outlook to 2026 driven by infrastructural enhancement, administration & regulatory reforms, privatization of logistics sector According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of KSA Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2026 at CAGR of 5.7%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. Singapore Logistics Industry Outlook to 2028 Driven by Driven by growing investment in transport infrastructure and transformation towards digital economy According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Singapore Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2019 to 2022. The Singapore logistics sector supports the second-largest economy on the continent, and is relatively sophisticated. Local and international companies use Singapore as gateway for their operations into Africa. The logistics operators are making significant investments in automation and digitalization in order to address security concerns, improve loss prevention as well as efficiency. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research The event will bring together community leaders to discuss how best to support Florida veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bob Woodruff Foundation, in partnership with the United Way of Broward County and with generous support from craig newmark philanthropies, will host its annual Summit at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North on March 5 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 300 public, private, and nonprofit sector leaders will gather to discuss issues affecting veterans, service members, military families, and caregivers living in Florida, and potential solutions to those issues. Bob Woodruff, ABC Correspondent and Co-Founder of the Bob Woodruff Foundation, will host a discussion on public leadership for military families alongside Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Ben Sorensen, former Vice Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. "In partnership with United Way of Broward County, we're bringing together an exceptional group of national and regional leaders to highlight the complex needs of the military community and work to identify solutions," said Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. "With the nation's third largest veteran population in Florida, we look forward to bringing much-needed attention to the pressing issues facing our veterans." Summit panelists will present national trends and local insights related to the needs of and services for the military and veteran community in Florida, and include: State and National Trends Dr. Margaret Harrell , Chief Program Officer, Bob Woodruff Foundation , Chief Program Officer, Bob Woodruff Foundation John Boerstler , Chief Veterans Experience Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs , Chief Veterans Experience Officer, Department of Veterans Affairs COL Al Carter , USA (Ret.), Chief of Staff, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs , (Ret.), Chief of Staff, Florida Department of Veterans Affairs Natalie Kelly , CEO, Florida Association of Managing Entities , CEO, of Managing Entities Melissa Nelson , President and CEO, United Way of Florida Stories of Military Transition James Heaton , Senior Director, Mission United of United Way of Broward County , Senior Director, Mission United of United Way of MG Gregg F. Martin , PhD, USA (Ret.) , PhD, (Ret.) Stephen Moss , Founding Chair of Mission United of United Way of Broward County , Founding Chair of Mission United of United Way of Lt Col Duilia Mora Turner , USAF (Ret.) , USAF (Ret.) MSG Owen Walker , USA (Ret.), Manager for Broward County Veteran Services Housing/Homelessness Pablo Calvo , Data and Systems Analyst, Mission United of United Way of Broward County , Data and Systems Analyst, Mission United of United Way of Ashley Lowery , President and CEO, Homeless Empowerment Program , President and CEO, Homeless Empowerment Program Janet Stringfellow , President and CEO, Volunteers of America Florida , President and CEO, Volunteers of Pye N. Young, Managing Attorney, Bay Area Legal Services Lingering Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury Dr. Michael Sorna , M.D. MSA FASAM, Medical Director, Leon Haley MD Brain Wellness Program, UF Health Jacksonville VA Myths and Veteran Fraud Andi Martinez , Senior Partnerships Advisor, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Community Collaboration Matt Chenworth , Senior Director of Military Affairs, Nova Southeastern University , Senior Director of Military Affairs, Thawanna Hurge , Director of Community Impact, United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties , Director of Community Impact, United Way of and Counties Amanda Lasecki , Vice President of Operations, Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties , Vice President of Operations, Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties COL D.J. Reyes , USA (Ret.), National Veteran Advocate for Veterans Treatment Court United Way of Broward County MISSION UNITED is a member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation's Got Your 6 Network of more than 300 partners nationwide. President and CEO, Kathleen Cannon, will be speaking on behalf of the organization. "Many military members and Veterans call Broward County home, and we have a duty to serve those who served us," Cannon said. "We recognize that the transition from active duty to civilian life is a major adjustment, where many of our Veterans struggle, this is why we created MISSION UNITED. We're proud to partner with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, not only on this year's Summit, but year-round, as we work to seamlessly integrate the Veteran community into the next chapter of their lives." Contact: Hillary Ovalle 373024@email4pr.com (954) 825-3065 About the Bob Woodruff Foundation The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families are facing, and invested in solutions to help support them in the next chapter of their lives. To date, the Bob Woodruff Foundation has invested over $159 million to ensure that our nation's veterans, service members and their families those who stood for us have stable and successful futures. Visit www.BobWoodruffFoundation.org for more information. About United Way of Broward County's MISSION UNITED MISSION UNITED is a critical program supporting US military service members, Veterans and their families in Broward County by helping them acclimate to civilian life. Key focus areas include employment services, education, health, legal assistance, financial stability and housing support. Through MISSION UNITED, United Way of Broward County is aligning existing services and creating solutions where there are gaps in support. For more information about MISSION UNITED, please call 954-4-UNITED or visit www.MISSIONUNITEDbroward.org , Facebook or Twitter. About United Way of Broward County United Way of Broward County is a volunteer driven, community-based, non-profit organization servicing Broward County for more than 80 years. United Way of Broward County fights for the Health, Education and Financial Prosperity of EVERY person in our community. United Way of Broward County is the catalyst for change and convener of partnerships that unite the hearts, minds, and resources within the Broward community. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayBroward.org . About craig newmark philanthropies Craig Newmark is a Web pioneer and philanthropist, best known for creating the online classified ads service craigslist. Craig's full-time philanthropic work focuses on organizations on the frontlines of protecting America's security and democracy. He has given more than $300 million in support of veterans and military families, trustworthy journalism and civic engagement campaigns, cyber security education programs, hunger relief, and pigeon rescue. Craig was influenced by his Sunday School teachers who escaped the Holocaust, set his moral compass, and taught him to treat people like you want to be treated and how to know when enough is enough. He stepped away from the day-to-running of craigslist almost two decades ago, but he still occasionally volunteers as a customer service representative. SOURCE Bob Woodruff Foundation Governor Tim Walz proclaimed Feb. 13, 2024, "Children's Minnesota Day" at a centennial celebration of the largest pediatric health system in the state. MINNEAPOLIS and ST. PAUL, Minn., Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of Children's Minnesota which first opened its doors in a small house in St. Paul in 1924. The organization commemorated its centennial with a celebration attended by staff and Governor Tim Walz, who proclaimed Feb. 13, 2024, as "Children's Minnesota Day." Read: Gov. Walz proclamation Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (left) presenting the Children's Minnesota Day proclamation to Dr. Marc Gorelick (right), president and CEO of Children's Minnesota. Children's Minnesota was founded by pediatrician Walter Ramsey, who envisioned "A hospital to fit the child instead of molding a child to fit the hospital." The first hospital began caring for patients with just 16 beds and grew into what is now the largest pediatric health care provider in the Upper Midwest. Today, Children's Minnesota cares for more than 150,000 children a year, with The Kid Experts providing more than 60 pediatric specialties in two hospitals, and multiple specialty centers and clinics throughout the greater Twin Cities metro area. "For more than a century, we've been at the forefront of pediatric health care in Minnesota, offering unparalleled services to children. We're proud of Children's Minnesota's legacy in the community, built on the foundational belief that kids need care designed just for them," said Dr. Marc Gorelick, president and CEO of Children's Minnesota. We have a clear and ambitious vision for our next 100 years: to be our region's premier independent pediatric provider." "Children and families are a priority in Minnesota. The care provided by Children's Minnesota, dedicated exclusively to young people exemplifies this priority," said Governor Walz. "I am excited to see what the next 100 years will bring as Children's Minnesota continues to advance us towards our goal of making Minnesota the best state in the nation to grow up in." About Children's Minnesota Children's Minnesota is one of the largest pediatric health systems in the United States and the only one in Minnesota devoted exclusively to children, from before birth through young adulthood. An independent and not-for-profit system for more than 100 years, Children's Minnesota offers more than 60 pediatric specialties through its two hospitals and multiple specialty centers and clinics throughout the metro area. The Kid Experts at Children's Minnesota are chosen by more families than any other pediatric health system in the region. Find us on Facebook @childrensminnesota or on Twitter and Instagram @childrensmn. Please visit childrensMN.org. SOURCE Children's Minnesota The original Daughters of Zion Homeless Food Truck is a Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van food truck with a commercially integrated kitchen that was once meant to serve food to the affluent clients of billionaire investor Marc Lore. Now, many of those same Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van food trucks are being used to serve people who could never have dreamt of affording a mobile chef delivery service. While currently operating throughout Shelby County, Tennessee, the Daughters of Zion Homeless Food Truck plans to expand across America to help provide no-cost meals to homeless children and adults in cities with the highest concentration of homeless individuals. This would not be possible without the invaluable support of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, Commissioner Whaley, Commissioner Wright, Commissioner Lowery, Vice Chair Caswell, Commissioner Sugarmon, Commissioner Ford, and Chairwoman Clay Bibbs, who have championed crucial homeless prevention measures and paved the way for the funding of Daughters of Zion's first Homeless Food Truck. Dr. Gerald Kiner, Ph.D., Executive Director of Daughters of Zion, stated, "This is what can happen when our visionary government leaders work with poverty-fighting organizations to come up with creative solutions to pre-existing problems. Groundbreaking things can occur as you see happening now. Our mission is to help the homeless population we serve move from hunger to homes by providing them with crucial social services that equip them with the skills to prevent recurring homelessness. We discovered the best way to begin was to declare a war against hunger because food, clothes, and shelter are the three basic necessities - and food is listed first for a reason. So, before we can prevent recurrences of the other issues, we must first address the hunger issue." To help fight hunger and homelessness, please call the Daughters of Zion Homeless Food Truck helpline at 901-570-3220 or visit us at www.homelessfoodtruck.com Media Contact: Dr. GERALD KINER 901-570-3220 [email protected] SOURCE DAUGHTERS OF ZION Seasoned Professionals Join Forces to Strengthen Firm's Expertise and Client Offerings TAMPA, Fla., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Deep Blue Investment Advisors ("Deep Blue"), a leading investment firm based in Tampa, Fla., that specializes in public fund management, today announced the addition of four key professionals to their team. George Yao has been appointed Director of Florida Business Development, while Dan Marro joins as Portfolio Manager, Jeff Harvey as Director of RIA Operations, and John Scott as Client Advisory Associate. These strategic hires mark a significant step in Deep Blue's commitment to enhancing client service and expanding the firm's presence in the region. George Yao, the incoming Director of Florida Business Development, brings over 40 years of experience working with various government entities. His primary focus will be on conducting outreach, building new relationships, and strengthening existing client partnerships. Prior to joining Deep Blue, Yao served as a Senior Vice President at UBS and held prominent roles at Morgan Stanley, where he cultivated relationships with over 100 institutional accounts. Jeff Harvey assumes the role of Director of RIA Operations, bringing with him 30 years of experience in wealth management operations. He will oversee middle- and back-office operations, supporting the Deep Blue leadership team with strategic planning and enhancing operational efficiency. Dan Marro joins Deep Blue as Portfolio Manager, leveraging 12 years of investment experience to devise and implement strategies for separately managed accounts and US Fixed Income Trust local government investment pools. Marro previously served as a fixed-income trader for Raymond James, managing trading flow for foreign debt and overseeing portfolios for high-net-worth individuals and institutional accounts. John Scott, the newest addition to the team, serves as a Client Advisory Associate, specializing in cultivating new and existing client investment relationships. With a background in education and two years of financial experience, Scott brings a unique perspective to client service and account management. "Since joining our team last month, George, Dan, Jeff and John have each proven to be incredible assets to the Deep Blue team as we continue to expand our footprint throughout the state," said Brent Wertz, Managing Partner at Deep Blue Investment Advisors. "Their combined expertise and dedication to client success will undoubtedly strengthen our firm and enhance the value we deliver to our clients." Yao, Marro, Harvey, and Scott join Deep Blue at an exciting time of growth and opportunity, aligning with the firm's commitment to excellence and innovation in the financial services industry. About Deep Blue Investment Advisors Deep Blue Investment Advisors specializes in investment advisory, treasury management and consulting services. The company was selected as the investment manager to the Florida Fixed Income Trust (fl-fit.com) in 2010, and the U.S. Fixed Income Trust and Texas Fixed Income Trust (tx-fit.com) in 2019. Deep Blue's collective expertise includes discretionary and non-discretionary investment management, cash management, investment policy review and development, monthly reporting and quarterly performance reviews, bank relationship reviews and investment training as required by state statutes. To learn more about Deep Blue Investment Advisors, visit https://deepblue-inv.com CONTACT: Caleb Liptak (407) 722-7830 cliptak@findsomewinmore.com SOURCE Deep Blue Investment Advisors CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a recent exclusive interview with Fox 32 Chicago , Joe Cecala, the Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, shed light on the groundbreaking initiatives of Dream Exchange , the first minority-owned and governed company preparing its application to operate a stock exchange. Dream Exchange Founder and CEO Joe Cecala on Fox 32 Chicago On Fox 32 Chicago, Mr. Cecala articulated how Dream Exchange is poised to revolutionize access to capital for businesses led by underrepresented entrepreneurs. He also highlighted the Main Street Growth Act as a cornerstone of Dream Exchange's efforts to democratize access to capital. The Act, which has growing bipartisan support aims to facilitate capital formation for smaller companies while creating opportunities for diverse businesses. The Main Street Growth Act aligns seamlessly with Dream Exchange's commitment to addressing the systemic challenges faced by entrepreneurs in gaining access to financial resources. According to a report by CNN Business, citing data from the Center for Research in Security Prices, the total count of publicly listed companies traded on US exchanges has dropped by more than 50% since 1996. Additionally, the percentage of small initial public offerings (IPOs) has declined significantly, dropping from 70-90% to a mere 20-30%, as detailed in a 2018 white paper authored by Joe Cecala and Ioannis Floros. "As the Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, I am proud to be part of a movement that seeks to create a more equitable and accessible financial ecosystem for all, and I am especially grateful for our ability to bring this message to the Fox 32 Chicago audience. Just as capital is the lifeblood of entrepreneurship, so too is accessibility, the cornerstone of progress. On this Black History Month, let us not only celebrate the achievements of the past but also recommit ourselves to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every aspiring entrepreneur, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to turn their dreams into reality."-said Joe Cecala. Mr. Cecala's vision for the company is underlined by a commitment to dismantling barriers and fostering an environment where every entrepreneur can thrive, irrespective of their background. On Tuesday, February 20th, at 4PM EST, join Dream Exchange for their upcoming free webinar, Building a Legacy: How Dream Exchange is Enhancing Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs. " Sign-up today! About Dream Exchange The Dream Exchange is preparing its application and operations to become registered as the first minority-owned and controlled company to operate a stock exchange in the history of the United States. In addition, Dream Exchange is championing the creation of a new type of stock exchange called a venture exchange, to list and trade smaller, early-stage company stock. Dream Exchange's mission is to create equal access to a marketplace that instills ethics, humanity, and fairness into finance. Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn for more. MEDIA CONTACT Vanessa Jean-Louis Vice President of Public Relations 1-773-914-1182 SOURCE Dream Exchange Complimentary Headshots, Exclusive VIP Events, Special Memorabilia and New Resources SEATTLE, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) is helping to lead student-centered, equity-focused education at the 2024 National Conference on Education this February 15-17 and will be featured as an innovative school solution provider at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA. AASA's National Conference on Education is the place where superintendents gather to create a better future for students and communities. This year's conference is gearing up to provide tools to education leaders to create positive changes in their district. "The National Conference on Education is where true system change begins it is here the seeds of change are planted among decision-makers responsible for educating the next generation," said Dr. Sasha Rabkin, EOS President. He adds, "With so many of our partners and prominent district leaders attending the show, we expect to have very productive conversations that drive culture change and impact for students, schools, districts, and the educational system writ large." EOS will be featuring its Action for Equity district partnership model and highlighting Student Insight Cards based on a proprietary 43-point diagnostic which has produced meaningful connections with over 2 million students. Administrators and superintendents are encouraged to come visit Booth 324 to receive a professional headshot as recognition for the work they do to shine a light on student success. Reserve a spot at eoschools.org/aasa. EOS team members will be onsite to discuss industry-leading data, tools, and hands-on professional development to unlock student potential. Each visitor to Booth 324 will receive a custom friendship bracelet made famous by Taylor Swift fans around the globe. As a sign of unity with other educators in attendance, beaded messages will be aligned to the work carrying the mantras of "EQUAL," OPPORTUNITY," and "EQUAL OPPORTUNITY." Not a bracelet person? EOS will offer many other giveaways to bring the message back to your home district, along with information about 100 matching grants to implement a collaboration with EOS in key markets. Current EOS partner district representatives are invited to stop by the booth to receive a special welcome gift. EOS is also hosting VIP events after hours to get to know new district leaders. Ask an EOS representative for more details. The National Conference on Education is produced by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. AASA is the professional organization to more than 13,000 educational leaders and is committed to advocating for equitable access for all students to the highest quality public education and developing and supporting school system leaders. This conference highlights a month of activities and recognition for EOS including road show events in Montgomery County, MD (2/22), Crete, IL (3/6), and Guilford County, NC (3/19) along with the following special EOS features in honor of Black History Month: For more information about how to create access and opportunity to advanced classes for all students, visit eoschools.org or follow us on LinkedIn. Contact: Tomika Anderson 646-387-1865 [email protected] SOURCE Equal Opportunity Schools CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Arizton's latest research report, the global floating docks market is growing at a CAGR of 6.85% during the forecast period. To Know More, Download the Free Sample Report: https://www.arizton.com/request-sample/4088 Floating Docks Market Research Report by Arizton (PRNewsfoto/Arizton Advisory & Intelligence) Browse In-depth TOC on the Floating Docks Market 336 Pages 74 - Tables 72 - Figures Floating Docks Market Report Scope Report Attributes Details Market Size (2029) USD 997.13 Million Market Size (2023) USD 670 Million CAGR (2023-2029) 6.85 % Historic Year 2019-2022 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024-2029 Market Segmentation Water Type, Material, Application, and Geography Geographic Analysis North America, Europe, APAC, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa Market Dynamics High Demand for Marine Infrastructure Rising Water-based Activities The Raising Awareness of Environmental Benefits Customization is the Next Big Thing in the Floating Docks Market Technological innovation is a driving force in the global floating dock market. Recent advances include modular and customizable designs, sustainable materials, and integration smart technologies for monitoring and maintenance. The industry's responsiveness to technological trends underscores its commitment to efficiency, sustainability, and meeting evolving customer expectations. Current trends in the market include the increasing preference for modular and customizable floating docks, a growing emphasis on sustainability, and the incorporation of smart technologies for enhanced functionality. These trends reflect the industry's responsiveness to changing consumer preferences and the imperative to align with sustainable practices. The demand for customizable and modular floating dock systems is on the rise. Customers across various residential, commercial, and industrial sectors seek solutions easily adapted to different environments, project requirements, and user needs. Companies offering flexible and modular designs, allowing customization based on specific applications, have gained a competitive advantage. This trend reflects the recognition of the diverse and evolving requirements of end-users in the market. Global expansion and strategic partnerships are instrumental in shaping the competitive landscape of the floating dock market. Leading companies have sought to broaden their geographical footprint by entering new markets and forming alliances with regional players. Water-Based Activities Recreating the Demand for Floating Docks in the Global Market The global floating dock market is experiencing a surge in demand driven by the growing popularity of water-based activities across various sectors. From recreational boating to aquaculture and offshore energy projects, floating docks have become essential infrastructure. Urbanization, aquaculture expansion, and offshore energy investments contribute to this demand. Additionally, floating docks offer eco-friendly solutions for environmentally sensitive areas and climate-resilient infrastructure for coastal regions facing climate change impacts. With their adaptability and versatility, floating docks are poised for sustained growth and innovation, catering to the evolving needs of a society embracing water-centric activities. Countries with popular tourist destinations experience increased demand for floating docks to accommodate cruise ships and provide facilities for water-based tourism activities. Floating docks support the infrastructure needed for a thriving tourism industry. Mediterranean countries, such as Italy and Greece, are popular cruise destinations that have witnessed increased cruise ship traffic. Floating docks accommodate these large vessels, streamlining passenger embarkation and disembarkation processes. The demand for floating docks in cruise terminals aligns with the growth of the global cruise tourism industry. Residential Segment to Witness the Fastest Growth Rate in the Floating Docks Market Residential floating docks have become essential additions to waterfront properties, offering homeowners customizable, durable, and low-maintenance solutions that enhance access to lakes, rivers, and ponds. These docks increase property value and provide recreational opportunities and aesthetic appeal. Designed for versatility, they accommodate various activities such as fishing, swimming, and boat access, catering to the diverse needs of homeowners. Companies like EZ Dock, Candock, and Connect-A-Dock lead the market by offering a range of customizable options to suit individual preferences. With the demand for waterfront properties rising, the residential floating dock market is poised for continued growth, reflecting a global desire for immersive waterfront lifestyles. APAC to Dominate the Floating Docks Market The outlook for the floating dock market in APAC is promising, driven by economic growth, urbanization, and maritime expansion. As global trade continues to evolve, APAC ports will play a central role, necessitating investments in advanced infrastructure. The rise of e-commerce and the increasing need for efficient supply chain logistics further contribute to the demand for advanced port facilities, including floating docks. The tourism sector in APAC is expected to flourish, with coastal destinations leveraging floating docks to enhance their appeal. The development of smart cities and waterfront spaces will likely spur innovation in floating dock technologies, focusing on connectivity, automation, and sustainability. Moreover, APAC is a dynamic and influential global floating dock market player. The interplay of economic growth, maritime trade, coastal development, and technological advances creates fertile ground for the continued evolution of the floating dock industry. As the region navigates the challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector, stakeholders in the floating dock market are poised for sustained growth and innovation. The Floating Docks Market Report Encompasses Crucial Data, Including: CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) during the forecast period: This metric provides insights into the annual growth rate of the floating docks market over the specified time frame. Detailed information on growth drivers: The report offers in-depth information on the factors that will propel the floating docks market growth from 2024 to 2029. This includes an analysis of various market influences. Precise estimation of market size: Accurate assessments of the floating docks market size and its contribution and focusing on key market segments. Predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior: The report offers insights into anticipated trends and shifts in consumer behavior that are likely to impact the floating docks market, helping businesses prepare for future market dynamics. Geographical market growth: The report covers the development of the floating docks market across different regions, including North America, Latin America, APAC, Europe, and the Middle East & Africa. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the market's global landscape. Competitive landscape analysis: A thorough examination of the market's competitive landscape is presented, including detailed information about companies operating in the floating docks market. This includes an overview of key players, their market share, strategies, and key developments. Analysis of growth challenges: The report includes a comprehensive analysis of factors that may pose challenges to the growth of companies in the floating docks market, providing a well-rounded view of the market dynamics. Buy this Research @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/floating-docks-market Post-Purchase Benefit 1hr of free analyst discussion 10% off on customization Key Company Profiles Damen Shipyard Group Bellingham Marine SF Marina Systems Wahoo Docks Jetfloat International EZ Dock Candock AccuDock Connect-A-Dock PolyDock Products Alumadock Magnum Marine Shoreline Custom Docks & Lifts Loftis Marine Tiger Waterfront Products Pond King Incodock Hisea Dock Garland & Garland Alummikon DOCKPRO Walcon Marine PMS Dock Marine Market Segmentation Water Type Ocean & Sea River Pond & Lake Material Concrete Metal Wood Plastic Application Marine Commercial Residential Geography APAC China Japan South Korea Australia Singapore Indonesia Europe Greece The UK Italy Spain Norway France Germany North America The US Canada Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia The UAE Turkey Rest of the Middle East & Africa Latin America Brazil Mexico Argentina Check Out Detailed TOC @ https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/floating-docks-market?details=tableOfContents Key Questions Answered in the Report: How big is the floating docks market? 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These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts. Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports. Contact Us Call: +1-312-235-2040 +1 302 469 0707 Mail: [email protected] Contact Us: https://www.arizton.com/contact-us Blog: https://www.arizton.com/blog Website: https://www.arizton.com/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340585/Floating_Docks_Market.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/818553/Arizton_Logo.jpg SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence DENVER, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Gates Industrial Corporation plc (NYSE:GTES), a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions, today announced that Ivo Jurek, Chief Executive Officer, will participate in fireside chats at the following upcoming investor conferences: The Citi Global Industrial Tech and Mobility Conference on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 4:20 p.m. Eastern time . at . The Barclays Industrial Select Conference on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern time . To listen to a live webcast of the announced presentations, please visit the Events & Presentations section of the Gates Investor Relations website at investors.gates.com, and click on the event webcast link. About Gates Industrial Corporation plc Gates Industrial Corporation plc is a global manufacturer of innovative, highly engineered power transmission and fluid power solutions. Gates offers a broad portfolio of products to diverse replacement channel customers, and to original equipment ("first-fit") manufacturers as specified components. Gates participates in many sectors of the industrial and consumer markets. Our products play essential roles in a diverse range of applications across a wide variety of end markets ranging from harsh and hazardous industries to everyday consumer applications including virtually every form of transportation. Our products are sold in over 130 countries across our four commercial regions: the Americas; Europe, Middle East & Africa; Greater China; and East Asia & India. SOURCE Gates Industrial Corporation plc DUBLIN, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Modified Release Neurology Therapeutics" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. Large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are increasingly pursuing in-licensing to offset lower than expected drug development productivity and surging research costs. Data mining technologies, combined with data from genomics, combinational chemistry and outcome-based medicine, provide opportunities to search for new patterns. By using hypertext type tools, companies are finding it possible to build knowledge bases where scientists can link data and ideas to generate insights into new relationships between population groups, diseases, and treatment. For long-acting formulations of Injectable drugs, development collaborations typically follow one of two business models. The majority of projects/products are marked by a contractual relationship between the formulation IP developer/holder and the drug developer. The second notable business model is more ambitious and is defined by formulation IP companies that develop long-acting formulations in-house before licensing the marketing rights to a partner, typically in late stage clinical development or after filing an NDA. This is a more powerful financial model, but has a higher level of risk and requires adequate capitalization to finance drug development into or up to Phase 3 trials. The report provides developers, device designers, healthcare marketers, and supply chain participants with a detailed understanding of the economics, technologies, opportunities for injection devices that are designed for patient self-administration. Provider organization business managers, healthcare administrators and investors will also benefit from this study. The study: Analyzes and evaluates modified release neurology therapeutics products and assesses the market potential for existing and probable future products Analyzes product strategies, technologies and market development issues Provides detailed analysis of neurology market segments, market demographics, and therapeutic strategies Profiles market sector companies, their product development activities, business strategies, and corporate alliances and affiliations Evaluates the impact of economic, technology, and regulatory factors on neurology drug markets As patients live longer and the prevalence and incidence of chronic ailments increase across the general population, drug developers and their delivery device partners are adapting to address what will become a significant market opportunity. Chronic conditions require drug administration over long periods of time, placing a greater emphasis on self-administration. With the shift away from caregiver interaction, drug safety and compliance/adherence become prominent concerns. These concerns, which are not new, are becoming magnified as the number of powerful new drugs reaching the market increases. For healthcare managers and public health officials, one way to address these issues is less frequent dosing. Using formulation technologies designed to modulate the effect of therapeutic substances, drug developers are creating formulations that exhibit extended release profiles. These chemistries include polymers such as polyethylene glycol-complexed (PEGylated), which are used to product encapsulated and coated versions of new APIs. The goal is to address the requirement for patient-dependent, and therefore compliance-sensitive, drug treatment protocols such as multiple dosing through controlled release formulations that provide the desired therapeutic effect with dosing of once-a-day or less. A number of companies - contract research organizations or CROs, - offer a variety of pharmaceutical services to drug developers and marketers, including drug formulation development, niche manufacturing, and pre-clinical evaluation. Formulation development services range from new compounds to modifications of existing products. Some companies offer product modification and line extension services for marketed products facing patent expiration or for products that can benefit from formulation improvements. Modifications of existing products to incorporate improved product characteristics can include enhancement of stability, absorption profiles, taste, and appearance. Product line extensions can include controlled release formulations, as well as new dosage strengths. Product modifications and line extensions can create the opportunity to target new patient populations and improve patient acceptance of the product. Other formulation services offered on a contract basis include investigation of impurities, contaminants and degradation, the updating of mature products to meet current regulatory standards and laboratory validation services. Key Topics Covered: The Neurological Drug Market Dynamics The Trend Toward Self-Administration Route of Administration Innovation in Drug Formulation Neurological Drugs and As-supplied Packaging Human Engineering/Ergonomics Delivering Neurological Drugs via Injection Primary Packaging Innovation in Injectable Device Designs Drug Delivery Device Selection Issues Therapeutic Demand Drivers Key Market Factors MR Neurological Product Analysis Proprietary Formulation Technology ChroniJect (Oakwood Laboratories/PharmaSophia) CriticalMix (Critical Pharmaceuticals) Depofoam (Pacira) FluidCrystal (Camarus) LinkeRx (Alkermes) Medisorb (Alkermes) Medusa (Recipharm/Avadel) Nanocrystals (Alkermes) Optisomes (Talon/Spectrum) PolyActive (Octoplus) Q-Sphera (Midatech Pharma) SABER/SAIB (DURECT) SynBiosys (Innocore) TransCon (Ascendis) Physical Process Control Methods Supercritical Fluid SCF for Nanoparticle Formulations Formulplex (Supercritical Solutions) Ferro SCF extraction of emulsions (SFEE) Stability Administration Factors Therapeutic Market Sectors Schizophrenia Bipolar Disorder Market Sector Analysis and Forecasts Key Market Factors Economic Factors Technology Factors Regulatory Factors Risk Factors Forecasts and Market Data Company Profiles Alkermes Amylin AntriaBio Ascendis Pharma AstraZeneca Aurobundo Avadel Biomarin Camurus Critical Pharmaceuticals DURECT Eli Lilly Enzon Ipsen Janssen NanOlogy Novartis Oakwood Laboratories/PharmaSophia OctoPlus Pacira PhaseBio Pharmaceuticals Recipharm AB Roche Sanofi Taiwan Liposome Company Xbrane Bipharma For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/13wzxl 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. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Optical Satellite Market by Size (Small, Medium, Large), Application (Earth Observation, Communication), Operational Orbit, Component, End User and Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Rest of the world) - Global Forecast to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The optical satellite market is valued at USD 2.0 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 15.1% from 2023 to 2028 This market study covers the optical satellite market across various segments and subsegments. It aims to estimate this market's size and growth potential across different parts based on size, operational orbits, application, component, end user, and region. This study also includes an in-depth competitive analysis of the key players in the market, their company profiles, key observations related to their product and business offerings, recent developments, and key market strategies they adopted. Over the last few decades, the optical satellite industry has continued to evolve with expanding use cases, better cost efficiencies, and a more significant impact of new technological developments in satellites. The optical satellite market is experiencing growth driven by increasing communication and demand for high-resolution earth observation and imaging capabilities across multiple sectors, including agriculture, forestry, urban planning, disaster management, and defense. Technological advancements, particularly in cost-effective, compact satellite platforms, are improving market accessibility. Growing involvement of commercial space enterprises and government investments in space infrastructure are stimulating competition and innovation. Major companies profiled in the report include SpaceX (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Ball Corporation (US), Airbus Defene & Space (Germany), and L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (US), among others. Based on application, the earth observation segment is estimated to have the second largest market share in 2023. The earth observation segment in the optical satellite market is being driven by evolving global security dynamics. The Earth observation segment in the optical satellite market is being propelled by increasing demand for high-precision geospatial data across sectors like agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring. Technological advancements, particularly in cost-effective small satellite platforms, are expanding market accessibility. Growing environmental concerns, along with government and commercial investments in space infrastructure, underscore the need for optical satellites in monitoring and addressing environmental challenges. This competitive landscape is driving innovation and enhancing the market's overall growth prospects. Based on size, the small segment is estimated to have the second largest market share in 2023. The small segment within the optical satellite market is being driven by cost-efficiency and versatility. The advancements in miniaturization and cost-effective satellite technology have lowered entry barriers, fostering heightened competition. The escalating demand for precise Earth observation and imaging services in sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and environmental monitoring is bolstering the requirement for compact, agile satellites capable of delivering targeted data. This competitive landscape is propelling growth in the small satellite segment. Based on regions, the Asia Pacific region is estimated to have the second largest market share in 2023. The Asia Pacific region is witnessing robust growth in the optical satellite market driven by key business factors. The region's thriving economies are generating increased demand for high-resolution Earth observation and imaging services across various industries. Governments in the region are making substantial investments in space infrastructure and satellite technology, which is accelerating the development and deployment of optical satellites. Additionally, the presence of a rapidly expanding commercial space sector, particularly in countries like Japan and China, is intensifying competition and driving innovation, contributing to market expansion. The report provides insights on the following pointers: Market Drivers: Market Drivers such as the need for Earth observation imagery and analytics, Technological advancements in optical satellite communication, and other drivers covered in the report. Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on optical satellite offered by the top players in the market Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the optical satellite market Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative markets - the report analyses the optical satellite market across varied regions. Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments in the optical satellite market Competitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market shares, growth strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of leading players in the optical satellite market Company Profiles AAC Clyde Space Airbus Defence and Space Alen Space BAE Systems Ball Corporation Galaxeye Space Solutions Pvt Ltd. Hensoldt Honeywell International Inc. Imagesat International L3Harris Technologies, Inc. Laser Technology, Inc. Lockheed Martin Corporation Maxar Technologies Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Nanoavionics OHB SE Pixxel Planet Labs PBC Raytheon Technologies Corporation Satellogic Sitael S.P.A. SpaceX Terran Orbital Corporation Thales Group Transcelestial Warpspace Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d0wzv0 About ResearchAndMarkets.com ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Media Contact: Research and Markets Laura Wood, Senior Manager press@researchandmarkets.com For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900 U.S. Fax: 646-607-1904 Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg SOURCE Research and Markets The synthetic dye market thrives across textile, food, construction, and cosmetics sectors, primarily fueled by developing economies. Controversies arise around food coloring. Western companies exploit cheaper labor in developing nations for efficiency. Explore our FMI report for insights and growth opportunities. NEWARK, Del., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The synthetic dye market is expected to be valued at US$ 7.2 billion in 2024. The market is expected to show promising growth from 2024 to 2034, registering a CAGR of 6.9%. By 2034, the market value is forecasted to hit US$ 14.1 billion. Request Exclusive Sample Report: Synthetic Dye Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-19030 Textile remains a strong source of application for the synthetic dyes industry. Despite some setbacks, the textile sector's use of synthetic dyes is increasing, especially in developing economies. Trends in the textile and apparel industry, such as digital printing and on-demand printing, are also contributing to the market's growth. Apart from the textile industry, the food and beverage sector remains a prominent end-user industry for the market. The coloring of food, while frowned upon in certain quarters, is thriving with the help of synthetic dyes. Coloring paper and plastic are other applications of synthetic dyes, keeping the demand diverse while the construction and cosmetics industries sustain the demand. Many Western companies are leveraging manufacturing units in the developing world for faster production processes. The availability of cheap labor and raw materials is incentivizing this strategy for companies in the Western sphere. "Synthetic dyes' chemical nature results in mounting regulatory pressure on manufacturers. Synthetic dye producers are addressing these pressures by producing organic and eco-friendly synthetic dyes. Thus, sustainable production is recognized as the way forward for suppliers in the market," says Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.). Key Takeaways from the Synthetic Dye Market The synthetic dye market is projected to be valued at US$ 7.2 billion in 2024. in 2024. Acid dyes are the predominant type of dye in the market. They are expected to progress at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2034. Textile and apparel are the predominant end-use industries in the market. During the forecast period, textile and apparel are predicted to progress at a CAGR of 6.5%. South Korea is one of the most promising countries for the market. During the forecast period, the CAGR for South Korea is estimated to be 9.0%. is one of the most promising countries for the market. During the forecast period, the CAGR Japan is another Asian country with a bright future for the market. The CAGR for Japan over the forecast period is predicted to be 8.5%. is another Asian country with a bright future for the market. The CAGR The market is expected to register a CAGR of 7.2% in the United States during the forecast period. Competition Analysis of the Synthetic Dye Market Eastern and Western companies are reaching agreements with the aim of simplifying the manufacturing process. The market is highly competitive, with players of all sizes having the opportunity to thrive in the synthetic dye landscape. Key Companies in the Synthetic Dye Market Kronos Worldwide, Inc. Venator Materials PLC The Chemours Company Organic Dyes and Pigments Huntsman International LLC Buy Now and get instant access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date report on the key players in your industry. Recent Developments in the Synthetic Dye Market In March 2022, Archroma launched two new acid dyes that are metal and halogen-free. In May 2019, Lanxess AG expanded its production facility in Germany , focusing on the production of Macrolex dyes. Key Segments coved in Synthetic Dye Industry Report By Type: Acid Dyes Basic Dyes Direct Dyes Disperse Dyes Pigment Dyes Reactive Dyes Others By End-use Industry: Textile and apparel Pharmaceutical Packaging and Printing Cosmetics and Personal care Paint and Coatings Food and Beverage Others By Region: North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East and Africa (MEA) Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here! About the Author: Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries. His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making. Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Chemicals Domain: About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting service provider, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the UK, the U.S., and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: [email protected] Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs | YouTube Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg SOURCE Future Market Insights MENLO PARK, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Meta today announced that Hock E. Tan and John Arnold have been elected to the company's board of directors, effective immediately. Mark Zuckerberg, Founder and CEO of Meta, said, "I'm excited to share that Hock Tan and John Arnold are joining Meta's board of directors. As we focus on building AGI, having directors with deep expertise in silicon and energy infrastructure will help us execute our long term vision." "I am pleased to join the Meta Board and contribute to achieving the company's vision," said Tan. "Meta has an incredible role to play in the next-generation of computing as it evolves its platform and apps offerings for the future. I look forward to working with Mark, the broader team and the other Board members on Meta's technology and business journey." "I look forward to being a part of Meta's board, and to contributing my insights as we work together in our collective responsibility to Meta's users and the wider community," said Arnold. Hock Tan has served as Broadcom's President & CEO and a member of the Board of Directors since March 2006. From September 2005 to January 2008, he served as chairman of the board of Integrated Device Technology. Prior to becoming chairman of IDT, Mr. Tan was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Circuit Systems from June 1999 to September 2005. Prior to ICS, Mr. Tan was Vice President of Finance with Commodore International from 1992 to 1994, and previously held senior management positions with PepsiCo and General Motors. Mr. Tan served as managing director of Pacven Investment, a venture capital fund in Singapore, from 1988 to 1992, and served as managing director for Hume Industries in Malaysia from 1983 to 1988. John Arnold is co-founder and co-chair of Arnold Ventures. Arnold Ventures seeks to tackle some of the most pressing problems in the United States by applying evidence-based solutions to improve outcomes in public systems, including health care, education, criminal justice, infrastructure, and public finance. Mr. Arnold is co-founder and chairman of Grid United, a developer of interregional, high-voltage transmission projects with a mission to make America's power grid more reliable, resilient, and efficient. Mr. Arnold is founder of Centaurus Capital, a family office investment fund focused on the energy industry. Previously, Mr. Arnold served as founder and CEO of Centaurus Energy, a multi-billion-dollar energy commodity hedge fund that he founded after overseeing trading of natural gas derivatives at Enron Corp. Meta's current board members are: Mark Zuckerberg; Peggy Alford, former Executive Vice President, Global Sales, PayPal Holdings, Inc.; Marc L. Andreessen, Andreessen Horowitz; John Arnold, Co-Founder, Arnold Ventures; Drew Houston, Co-Founder and CEO, Dropbox, Inc.; Nancy Killefer, Retired Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company; Robert M. Kimmitt, Meta's Lead Independent Director and Senior International Counsel at WilmerHale LLP; Sheryl K. Sandberg, former Chief Operating Officer, Meta; Hock E. Tan, President and CEO, Broadcom Inc.; Tracey T. Travis, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The Estee Lauder Companies, Inc.; and Tony Xu, Co-Founder and CEO, DoorDash, Inc. About Meta Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. Contacts Investors: Kenneth Dorell [email protected] / investor.fb.com Press: Ryan Moore [email protected] / about.fb.com/news/ SOURCE Meta PHOENIX, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Integro Bank is honored to announce a special CEO Club event. The event, "Navigating the Entrepreneurial Horizon, Taking That Leap of Faith to Win with Partnerships & RFPs" will be featuring speaker Ron Williams, an award-winning business owner, decorated Desert-Storm Era U.S. Air Force Veteran, who was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame, and recipient of the Arizona "Lifetime Achievement Award." Integro CEO Club Guest Presenter, Ron Williams Thomas J. Inserra, CEO & President, Integro Bank Transitioning from an employee to being an entrepreneur is a journey filled with uncertainties, and Ron Williams will guide attendees through his unique perspective. Williams will emphasize the importance of consistency, branding, and taking the leap, in the world of business ownership. His journey, fraught with risks and triumphs, will serve as a roadmap for prospective entrepreneurs navigating their path to success. The Integro CEO Club offers small business owners a chance to share best practices, attend educational mentoring sessions, and improve their ability to grow their businesses. The program has completed its first full year, with Integro Bank observing fast-paced organic growth for the program. The bank is seeing further expansion in the upcoming year with increased memberships, partnerships, and an expanded curriculum. Event Details: Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2024 Time: 5: 00 PM - 7:00 PM 5: Location: Integro Bank Headquarters, 16215 North 28th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85053 Integro Bank Headquarters, 16215 North 28th Avenue, 85053 This is a complimentary event for business leaders. RSVP For the event: https://integrobank-20681670.hs-sites.com/ceo-club-feb-21-2024 About the Presenter Ron Williams, President/CEO Ron Williams, a self-made entrepreneur, rose from the Government Housing Projects in Memphis to become the President/CEO of his own business. Ron led three Arizona business development agencies, securing over $100 billion in contracts for Arizona-based firms through strategic partnerships and winning RFPs. His inspiring journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike, emphasizing the impact of determination and effective collaboration in business growth. About Integro Bank: Integro Bank is an FDIC-insured bank based in Phoenix, Arizona (USA). Our proprietary INTEGRO360 SM consultative approach and CEO Club are designed to help small businesses grow and maximize employment. Why? Because employment lifts people and transforms lives. Visit www.Integro.Bank to learn more. Media Contact: Brandon Price, Marketing at [email protected] or (602) 325-9431 SOURCE Integro Bank LEHI, Utah, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The numbers are in and Kairos Real Estate is honored to announce one of their realtors, Austin Seegmiller, ranked as the #1 Buyer's Agent in the State of Utah for 2023 for total number of transactions. With 52 buyers represented transactions, Austin (age, 27) surpassed thousands of experienced realtors by representing the highest number of individual buyers who have successfully completed their purchases in 2023. As a passionate advocate for investors entering the housing market, Austin focuses on empowering his clients to build their overall net worth. He recognizes the challenges faced by millennials in accessing homeownership and investment opportunities and has dedicated himself to finding lending programs and strategies that empower his clients and level the playing field. "Buying a home or investing in properties is a significant milestone for anyone, especially for millennials & Gen Z who are often edged out of the market. I'm committed to helping my clients realize their dreams and build their net worth through real estate," said Austin Seegmiller, the leading realtor at Kairos Real Estate. "As a millennial with a personal real estate portfolio of 15+ properties, I am passionate about helping others create a future that will create generational wealth." A significant portion of Austin's clientele consists of millennials & younger seeking their first home or venturing into the world of real estate investment. Through innovative lending programs and carefully crafted strategies, he has successfully empowered numerous millennials to enter the market and take control of their financial future. Additionally, Austin's expertise extends to seasoned investors who value his ability to analyze deals swiftly and effectively. Utilizing his team's proprietary proforma software, Rentix ; he equips his clients with comprehensive data and insights, enabling them to make sound investment decisions promptly. By leveraging technology and his keen eye for value, Austin provides a distinct advantage to investors looking to maximize their returns. https://www.kairosrealestate.com/ SOURCE Kairos Real Estate PITTSBURGH, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "We thought there should be a hands-free way to hold a baby bottle in the proper drinking position," said one of two inventors, from Keithville, La., "so we invented MY FREE HANDS. Our design allows a baby to drink independently without an adult having to hold the bottle." The invention provides a hands-free holder for a baby bottle. In doing so, it ensures that the bottle is in reach and in the proper drinking position. As a result, it increases comfort and convenience and it saves time and effort for busy parents. The invention features a practical design that is easy to use so it is ideal for parents with babies and toddlers. Additionally, it is producible in design variations. The original design was submitted to the National sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 22-CHK-962, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp Company to Use its Cash on Hand to Operate its Business During the Proceedings and Continues to Serve Customers and Patients SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Invitae (OTC: NVTA), a leading medical genetics company, announced today that it is building on previous actions to manage costs and improve its business structure by filing for voluntary chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey. Through this filing, the Company intends to safeguard its business, customers, patients and employees while working to execute an efficient and value-maximizing sale process with the support of its senior noteholders. To ensure the business will operate in the ordinary course during chapter 11, Invitae has sought court approval to fund the case using its cash on hand. The Company intends to transition into chapter 11 without disrupting operations, and is committed to serving its customers and patients and meeting go-forward commitments to employees and vendors. The Company remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver innovative solutions that empower individuals to unlock the value of genomic insights to improve their health. "We have been working diligently over the past eighteen months to improve our cash position by realigning our portfolio and focusing on our most impactful business lines," said Ken Knight, president and chief executive officer of Invitae. "These strategic initiatives have accelerated our path to positive cash flow in order to realize our potential as an industry-leading genetics platform. However, we still need to address the company's debt position through these chapter 11 proceedings. I want to thank our incredibly talented and hard-working employees for their continued focus on our patients and customers." Invitae files for chapter 11 with the support of its Senior Secured Noteholders as agreed to in a Transaction Support Agreement ("TSA") dated February 13, 2024. The TSA includes a commitment from the Senior Secured Noteholders to provide an affirmative vote in support of the Company's chapter 11 plan, support the Company's sale process, and agree to the consensual use of the Company's cash on hand during the cases. Additional information on the Company's chapter 11 case can be found at www.kccllc.net/invitae . Invitae is advised in this matter by Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal counsel, Moelis & Company LLC as investment banker, and FTI Consulting, Inc. as financial and communications advisor. About Invitae Invitae (OTC: NVTA) is a leading medical genetics company trusted by millions of patients and their providers to deliver timely genetic information using digital technology. We aim to provide accurate and actionable answers to strengthen medical decision-making for individuals and their families. Invitae's genetics experts apply a rigorous approach to data and research, serving as the foundation of their mission to bring comprehensive genetic information into mainstream medicine to improve healthcare for billions of people. To learn more, visit invitae.com and follow for updates on LinkedIn , X , Instagram , and Facebook @Invitae. Safe Harbor Statements Certain statements made in this press release, including, but not limited to, statements about Invitae's continued operation of the business as "debtors-in-possession"; Invitae's ability to pay its current obligations when due and satisfy its continuing obligations, including, but not limited to, employee benefits and wages, vendors and suppliers of goods and services, and insurance and tax obligations; Invitae's expectation that the transactions contemplated by the TSA and the chapter 11 cases are consummated by the Bankruptcy Court according to the terms outlined in the TSA, and that the transactions result in significant reduction of its debt balance; and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks and uncertainties regarding Invitae's ability to successfully consummate and complete a plan of reorganization under chapter 11; Invitae's ability to continue operating in the ordinary course while the chapter 11 cases are pending; potential adverse effects of the chapter 11 cases on Invitae's business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations; Invitae's ability to obtain timely approval by the Bankruptcy Court with respect to the motions filed in the chapter 11 cases; objections to Invitae's recapitalization process or other pleadings filed with the Bankruptcy Court that could protract the chapter 11 cases; employee attrition and Invitae's ability to retain senior management and other key personnel due to the distractions and uncertainties caused by the chapter 11 cases; Invitae's ability to improve its liquidity and long-term capital structure and to address its debt service obligations through the restructuring; Invitae's ability to comply with the restrictions imposed by the terms and conditions of the potential financing arrangements; Invitae's ability to effectively implement its strategic initiatives; Invitae's liquidity needs to operate its business and execute its strategy, and related use of cash; Invitae's ability to maintain relationships with suppliers, customers, employees, regulatory authorities and other third parties as a result of the chapter 11 cases; the effects of the restructuring and the chapter 11 cases on Invitae and on the interests of various constituents, including holders of Invitae's common stock; the Bankruptcy Court's rulings in the chapter 11 cases, including the approvals of the terms and conditions of any plan of reorganization and the outcome of the chapter 11 cases, generally; the length of time that Invitae will operate under chapter 11 protection and the continued availability of operating capital during the pendency of the chapter 11 cases; risks associated with third-party motions in the chapter 11 cases, which may interfere with Invitae's ability to consummate a plan of reorganization or an alternative restructuring; increased administrative and legal costs related to the chapter 11 process; other litigation and inherent risks involved in a bankruptcy process; and the other risks and uncertainties disclosed in Invitae's annual and quarterly periodic reports and other documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Invitae undertakes no duty or obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by law. Invitae Contacts: Investor Relations Hoki Luk [email protected] Public Relations Amy Sands Hadsock [email protected] SOURCE Invitae Corporation Legislation Would Protect Middle Class Jobs, Motorist Safety DES MOINES, Iowa, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Iowa Teamsters are calling for the state legislature to pass Senate File 2218, requiring a human operator in all commercial autonomous vehicles (AVs). "SF 2218 will put up guardrails to protect motorists and professional drivers alike," said Jesse Case, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 238. "We've seen what driverless vehicles are doing in other states blocking first responders, colliding with cyclists, dragging people in the street. We need lawmakers to act on this bill because Iowans refuse to be test subjects for Big Tech's latest toys." "There are tens of thousands of professional drivers in Iowa," said Danny Avelyn, Teamsters Central Region International Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 554. "They pay taxes. They donate to charity. They vote. They are essential to the fabric of the state, and lawmakers need to right by them by protecting middle-class jobs and passing SF 2218." "Iowans want safe roads and good jobs," said State Senator Zach Wahls, who authored the bill. "This is common sense legislation that would protect both, and I urge my Republican colleagues to move this legislation forward." Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters DUBLIN, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Japan Construction Equipment Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2024-2029" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The Japan construction equipment market is expected to reach 156,791 units by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.24% during the forecast period. Earthmoving equipment accounted for the largest market share of the Japan construction equipment market in 2023. Excavators in the earthmoving segment accounted for the largest share in 2023. Rising investment in housing, port expansion, and public infrastructure projects is expected to drive the demand for excavators in the Japan construction equipment market. The construction project for the cable-stayed bridge is advancing as an integral part of the Kawasaki Port Higashi-Ogishima-Mizue-cho Area Port Road Improvement Project. The objective is to establish logistical pathways, providing an alternative transportation route for emergency relief supplies during disasters and serving as an evacuation route for island workers. The bridge, designed as a cable-stayed structure, features a central span of 525 meters to accommodate the 400-meter width of the Keihin Canal. In September 2023, the East Japan Railway Company (JR-EAST) unveiled the specifics of their extensive redevelopment plans for a 9.5-hectare site situated on the western side of the new station along Tokyo's JR Yamanote Line, positioned between Shinagawa and Tamachi Stations. The 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo project involves the creation of an exhibition center on a 390-hectare area in Yumeshima, Osaka. Construction work began in the second quarter of 2023 and is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2025. Mitsubishi Estate, a real estate developer, started the Tokyo Torch project in Tokyo, which consists of the construction of four new tall towers (Torch Tower, Electrical Substation Building, Waterworks, and Sewerage Bureau Building) in the Tokiwabashi district; the project is projected to support the Japan construction equipment market growth. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Increased Investment in Public Infrastructure Projects In 2022, the country's government unveiled a plan to allocate USD 708 billion towards economic recovery. This significant investment is set aside for the enhancement of public infrastructure and the advancement of digital technology. towards economic recovery. This significant investment is set aside for the enhancement of public infrastructure and the advancement of digital technology. The Nihonbashi 1-Chome Central District Category 1 Urban Redevelopment Project is situated near the Nihonbashi Bridge and is one of the largest projects in the area. It is anticipated that the project will be completed in March 2026 . The skyscraper is the tallest building in the Nihonbashi area, with a height of 284 m and 52 stories, and comprises three zones (A to C). Zone C, where the skyscraper building is located, is a large-scale complex facility with six uses: office, hotel, residential facility, retail facility, MICE*2, and business support facilities. The project is projected to strengthen the Japan construction equipment market growth. . The skyscraper is the tallest building in the Nihonbashi area, with a height of and 52 stories, and comprises three zones (A to C). Zone C, where the skyscraper building is located, is a large-scale complex facility with six uses: office, hotel, residential facility, retail facility, MICE*2, and business support facilities. The project is projected to strengthen the construction equipment market growth. In 2022, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism planned flood control projects in Settsu City and the Kinki region of the country. Several dam reconstruction projects are progressing in the Gunma , Boso, and Toyogawa canals. , Boso, and Toyogawa canals. The Japanese government has started several maintenance and renovation projects in 2022. It planned to renovate 24,458 bridges, 3,761 tunnels, and road renovation projects at 5,296 locations nationwide. Therefore, the increased road, bridge, and tunnel renovation and maintenance projects are expected to support the Japan construction equipment market. construction equipment market. Additionally, In 2022, investments were planned for Tokyo's redevelopment and urban planning. Investments in redevelopment projects in western Japan's Kansai and Kinki areas are also planned. In 2022, the government announced a USD 407 billion stimulus package to offset the rise in fuel and grain prices caused by the Ukraine - Russia war. Investment in Smart City Projects and Integration of Building Information Technology (BIM) Technology In recent years, the Japanese construction sector has been experiencing significant transformations due to the extensive adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology. Situated in Fukushima Prefecture, the New Sukagawa City Hall illustrates a BIM implementation project carried out by a local government. AXS Satow Inc. emerged as the winner of the design competition, and the Sukagawa City authorities requested that the engineers engaged in the project employ the BIM methodology. Country's Aging Infrastructure and the Upcoming EXPO 2025 to Propel the Japan Construction Equipment Market The nation currently has approximately 720,000 road bridges. By 2023, it is anticipated that this number will decrease to about 290,000 bridges, and by 2033, the count is projected to rise to 450,000 bridges, all of which will have been standing for over half a century since their construction. Therefore, Japan intends to make huge investments in renovating and repairing old infrastructure, thereby supporting the Japan construction equipment market. Further, in 2023, numerous construction projects are currently in progress in preparation for the upcoming international event, Expo 2025. This event strategically aims to boost the Japanese economy following the Tokyo Olympics. The government has allocated more than USD 2.6 billion for these construction initiatives related to Expo 2025. Robust Growth in the Logistics and Warehousing Industry to Boost the Sales of Material Handling Equipment in the Japan Construction Equipment Market The e-commerce industry surge drove warehouse expansion investments throughout Japan in 2022. For instance, Nippon Logistech Corporation finalized the construction of its inaugural cold storage warehouse in Atsugi-Shi, Kanagawa Prefecture. ESR Kawanishi Distribution Center also allocated USD 1.5 billion towards establishing a multi-phase logistics park in the Osaka region during the same year. Furthermore, in June 2023, Amazon Japan announced that it would launch two new distribution hubs within the country, which is expected to generate more than 3,000 job opportunities. INDUSTRY RESTRAINTS Rapid Aging Population and Labour Scarcity Will Hamper Construction Activities According to a study conducted in Mar 2023, Japan could confront a deficit of over 11 million workers by 2040, highlighting the economic difficulties the country will encounter due to its rapidly aging population. Furthermore, the worker population is anticipated to experience a sharp decline starting in 2027. By 2040, the labor supply is projected to contract by approximately 12% compared to 2022, while the demand for labor remains constant. Moreover, in response to the acute shortage, in 2021, YKK Group, the largest zipper manufacturer globally, eliminated the retirement age restriction for its employees. Electronic retail chain Nojima also adopted a similar policy in 2020, allowing workers to continue their employment until they reach the age of 80. Power Crises in Japan Delay and Restrict New Project Tenders The intense heatwave experienced in Tokyo in 2022 was an alert call for Japan, highlighting its reliance on domestic energy production, which covers just 12% of its energy demands. Moreover, with millions of air conditioners running at full capacity, the available power generation capacity came dangerously close to the threshold that could have triggered a citywide blackout. In reaction, the government promptly called upon businesses and households to curtail their electricity usage, resulting in project delays and further impacting the Japan construction equipment market. Mortgage Rates on Rise to Impede the Growth of Residential Sector Anticipated higher mortgage rates are likely to persist in Japan, resulting in heightened demand for housing, even though concerns about purchasing power are still present. These elevated mortgage rates are expected to continue because of the limited supply of pre-owned homes, ultimately expanding the industry size for home builders. Further, the shortage of iron is another major factor hampering the housing market, as the high price of iron affects the prices of building materials and housing equipment. In addition, Japan entirely depends on the import of iron ore. The yen depreciation is worsening the situation as it makes imports costly. The price of iron ore, a major input cost for steel, witnessed growth of 32% in March 2022. VENDOR LANDSCAPE Key Vendors Caterpillar Hitachi Construction Machinery Komatsu Liebherr Volvo Construction Equipment Kobelco Kubota Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. SANY Hyundai Construction Equipment SAKAI Other Prominent Vendors Yanmar Tadano Takeuchi Manitou Sumitomo Construction Machinery Toyota Material Handling AUSA AIRMAN Aichi Corporation Kato Works Develon Hydrema Haulotte Merlo Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks Distributor Profiles Nippon Cat Akiyama Construction Machinery Daiichi Toyo Yamazaki Machinery WWB KENKI Katy Machinery SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS Segmentation by Type Earthmoving Equipment Excavator Backhoe Loaders Wheeled Loaders Other Earthmoving Equipment (Other loaders, Bulldozers, Trenchers) Road Construction Equipment Road Rollers Asphalt Pavers Material Handling Equipment Crane Forklift & Telescopic Handlers Aerial Platforms (Articulated Boom Lifts, Telescopic Boom lifts, Scissor lifts) Other Construction Equipment Dumper Tipper Concrete Mixer Concrete Pump Truck End Users Construction Mining Manufacturing Others (Power Generation, Utilities Municipal Corporations, Oil & Gas, Cargo Handling, Power Generation Plants, Waste Management) For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/4xz2zo 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 People watch the traditional Chinese lion dance to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at the Champs Elysee avenue in Paris, France, Feb. 4, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua] The Chinese dragon, also known as the "loong," is prominent in Chinese mythology as a legendary and auspicious creature. Unlike their European counterparts, Chinese dragons don't exhale fire. Instead, they are often linked with water, symbolizing traits associated with business prosperity, abundant harvests and good health. As the totem of the Chinese nation, the dragon is deemed strong, fearless and benevolent, said Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese. This year's Chinese Spring Festival coincides with the Year of the Dragon, adding extra excitement to global celebrations. It also allows people to satisfy their curiosity about Chinese culture and get acquainted with China's customs and history. Vibrant worldwide celebrations People worldwide are embracing vibrant celebrations in this year's Spring Festival -- from the bustling streets in Zurich, Switzerland, to the colorful events in Harare, Zimbabwe, the air is filled with excitement. Michael Hitz, a Swiss national, joined his Chinese neighbor at a Spring Festival event in Zurich, Switzerland, where he enjoyed Chinese delicacies. "Authentic Chinese food is indispensable for Lunar New Year events like today," he said. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, people from different communities gather in a Year of Dragon celebration event organized by the Chinese Traditional Culture Association of Zurich. Participants enjoyed a cultural feast of traditional Chinese art, including children's chorus, guzheng (a Chinese plucked string instrument), dance and martial arts, before indulging in over 20 varieties of Chinese delicacies. Lu Jinlian, president of the Chinese Traditional Culture Association of Zurich, told Xinhua that approximately 230 guests shared the hybrid celebration event. In Zimbabwe, vibrant local dances and drum performances were presented at the China-Zimbabwe Friendship High School in Harare, the country's capital, days before the Spring Festival to celebrate the Year of the Dragon. At the scene, local students attending the event enjoyed the opportunity to learn Chinese martial arts, and they were also awed by a Chinese martial arts performance by a visiting troupe from the Henan Provincial Shaolin Wushu Training Center. "Today, I joined the Chinese Kung Fu group. The martial art is difficult, but it's amazing," said Brenda Moyo, a student from the school. A troupe from central China's Henan Province staged a colorful show during the Chinese New Year celebrations at Furi Lebu Railway Station, west of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, on Feb. 3. A Chinese language student at Addis Ababa University, Temesgen Yitayew, said he was delighted to see the acrobatics performance. "As you can see, I am carrying the national flags of China and Ethiopia to portray that there are growing cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries," Yitayew said. Abdi Zenebe, chief executive officer of the Ethio-Djibouti Railway Share Company, told Xinhua that the show has brought a festive vibe to the railway station and surrounding community. Rich cultural atmosphere The China Cultural Center in Myanmar's commercial hub, Yangon, adorned with vibrant red cultural decorations, bustled with visitors enjoying the Dragon Year Spring Festival. Phoo Pwint Khine, 32, said: "This is my first time attending such a New Year celebration event at the cultural center. I'm experiencing their traditional culture and admiring their calligraphy and paper-cutting works." The Spring Festival event, organized by the Embassy of China in Myanmar at the China Cultural Center in Yangon, was adorned with red lanterns, couplets and various styles of Chinese calligraphy. In Slovakia, people attended a concert celebrating the traditional Chinese New Year held at Bratislava, the country's capital. Chinese musicians presented a performance featuring traditional Chinese music and the traditional Slovak folk song "Na Kralovej holi." "Events like this should be held more often to support cultural exchange. It was interesting to hear that many songs featured traditional Chinese instruments, but the melodies reminded me of Western music," said Jana Benicka, Slovak director of the Confucius Institute at Comenius University. "Today's concert will also take 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," said Marek Estok, the country's state secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs. In Ethiopia, the cultural vibes from central China's Henan Province resonated in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa as a captivating troupe infused the essence of the Spring Festival into their performance. Their repertoire included acrobatics, martial arts, face-changing, and a delightful mix of Chinese and traditional Ethiopian dances, creating an enchanting atmosphere at the Ethiopian National Theater. Kebede Kassa, an employee in the Addis Ababa City Administration, told Xinhua that he enjoyed the cultural show very much, noting that the Chinese cultural shows have been his favorite since childhood. "I am so happy that the Chinese cultural troupe has come to Ethiopia. This event was unique in that it displayed a mix of Chinese and Ethiopian (African) cultures," said Kassa. Shared joy To celebrate the New Year, the Chinese community in Nigeria held a carnival celebration in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. For Adeshina Adegboye, a Nigerian mechanical engineer, the festive atmosphere in his city was "electrifying." "As you can see, this celebration clearly shows the shared joy of the Chinese and their Nigerian friends," said Adegboye, a first-time attendee of the annual temple fair, a traditional cultural event featuring various kinds of Chinese folk art. Martins Ifeanyi, a Nigerian businessman, told Xinhua that the celebration was about welcoming a new year and connecting communities, adding that the event was a clear celebration of shared experiences. "This celebration is more than just traditions," enthused Amina Yusuf, a Nigerian woman who attended the event with her two daughters. "This looks more like a mixtape of cultures coming together. It is interesting to know that the Chinese believe that the Year of the Dragon will bring positive vibes. And we are thrilled to share that with them." To immerse oneself in the vibrant festivities of dragon and lion dances, enchanting fish lantern displays, and captivating Hanfu performances, one must not overlook the dazzling performances of the Chinese community on the iconic Champs-Elysees in Paris. A temporary "pedestrian zone" stretching about 300 meters from the Fouquet's restaurant to near the Arc de Triomphe allowed some 50,000 people to enjoy the performances, according to statistics from the Chinese Tourism Office in Paris. "Magnificent event, the first time I've seen an event like this personally, it's grandiose," Jean-Baptiste, who visited the zone, told Xinhua. "There's no better place to do it; it feels good to see colorful events like this from another culture." Foreign leaders and heads of international organizations have sent their festive blessings to the Chinese people, voicing their expectations for stronger bilateral relations and win-win cooperation with China. The United Nations officially included the Spring Festival as a floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings starting in 2024. The arrival of this year's Spring Festival has garnered blessings from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "I'm pleased to send my warmest greetings as we usher in the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon symbolizes energy, wisdom, protection, and good luck," Guterres said. "We need these qualities to rise to today's global challenges," said Guterres. LG Energy Solution signs a second offtake agreement with WesCEF, expands its supply chain for competitive lithium procurement Lithium hydroxide and lithium concentrate from WesCEF's Mt. Holland lithium project to be assembled into IRA-compliant batteries for the North American market lithium project to be assembled into IRA-compliant batteries for the North American market The company to secure reliable and sustainable supply chain by establishing multiangle partnerships with WesCEF SEOUL, South Korea, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220) announced it signed an offtake agreement with Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy and Fertilisers (WesCEF) for lithium concentrate, further advancing the companies' pre-existing partnership driven by the objective to deliver efficient and sustainable power solutions to the North American market. Under the agreement, WesCEF will supply LG Energy Solution up to 85,000 tons of lithium concentrate, which could be utilized in producing around 11,000 tons of lithium hydroxide, a crucial raw material for cathodes. The offtake agreement solidifies LG Energy Solution's partnership with WesCEF, which is built on the company's initiative to deliver top-quality, IRA-compliant batteries to its customers with speed and in scale. The two companies have been working together towards their shared goal of clean energy transition since 2022, when they signed their first, five-year offtake agreement for WesCEF's battery-grade lithium hydroxide, totaling 50,000 tons. WesCEF's lithium hydroxide will be produced from the Mt. Holland lithium project in Western Australia. One of the largest hard-rock lithium projects globally, the Mt. Holland lithium project is currently under construction, and production is expected in the first half of calendar year 2025. The project has secured over AUD 2 billion from its joint venture partners WesCEF and Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM), with Covalent Lithium acting as the manager appointed by the joint venture to develop and operate the project. LG Energy Solution and WesCEF are also exploring strategic opportunities for collaboration in upstream minerals and chemical processing. By expanding partnership with a competitive supplier like WesCEF, LG Energy Solution is devoting its efforts to establishing structurally-sound and sustainable supply chain for IRA-compliant critical minerals, through which the company will also be able to secure long-lasting cost-competitiveness. As part of its efforts to further enhance its lithium supply chain, LG Energy Solution has also secured a partnership with SQM, a global mining company based in Chile and also an investor in the Mt. Holland lithium project, as two companies signed a new long-term supply agreement for lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide last year. In this new contract that replaces the previous one in force, the offtake amount has nearly tripled from the remaining contract volume (36,000 tons) to 100,000 tons over seven years, thereby ensuring more stable supply of IRA-compliant lithium that will drive the company's business expansion in North America. Critical minerals and raw materials secured through this robust supply chain will be assembled into the company's innovative lithium-ion batteries at the manufacturing facilities in North America, making them IRA-compliant power solutions that will propel clean energy transition in the region. LG Energy Solution has eight facilities currently operating or under construction in North America, with stand-alone facilities in Michigan and Arizona and six joint venture facilities with major automakers. "As an industry leader, in line with the global trend of electrification and corresponding clean energy policies, we are upholding the value of sustainability in not just our products but every aspect of our business, including supply chain," said Kang Yeol Lee, Senior Vice President of Procurement Center at LG Energy Solution. "Partnering with major suppliers with great potentials like WesCEF, we will ensure stable procurement of key raw materials, thereby delivering advanced battery technologies at competitive prices." Date Critical Mineral Total Amount Duration 24.02 Lithium Concentrate 85,000 tons 2024 (contract extension optional) 22.09 Lithium Hydroxide 50,000 tons 2026~2030 [Offtake Agreements between LG Energy Solution and WesCEF] About LG Energy Solution LG Energy Solution (KRX: 373220), a split-off from LG Chem, is a leading global manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, mobility, IT, and energy storage systems. With 30 years of experience in revolutionary battery technology and extensive research and development (R&D), the company is the top battery-related patent holder in the world. Its robust global network, which spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, includes battery manufacturing facilities established through joint ventures with major automakers such as General Motors, Stellantis N.V., Hyundai Motor Group, and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. At the forefront of green business and sustainability, LG Energy Solution aims to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2050, while embodying the value of shared growth and promoting diverse and inclusive corporate culture. To learn more about LG Energy Solution's ideas and innovations, visit https://news.lgensol.com. SOURCE LG Energy Solution MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Mila - Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute is proud to host an international conference on human rights and artificial intelligence (AI), which will take place on its premises in Montreal from February 14 to 16, 2024. The conference "Protecting Human Rights in the Age of AI" aims to highlight and advance the critical efforts needed to incorporate human rights into AI governance mechanisms. As part of this event, Mila is gathering high-ranking officials from the United Nations, the OECD, UNESCO, IEEE, NIST, Amnesty International, the Council of Europe, and many others to partake in discussions on topics ranging from human rights impact assessments, tools and metrics to evaluate risk, and the availability of redress mechanisms. This conference is one of the first official events at which these major international organizations come together to specifically address the intersection of AI governance and human rights. Global AI governance efforts have considerably accelerated over the past year, and most national governments and multilateral organizations have now identified AI governance as a priority. However, a large part of the discussions about AI governance and human rights have evolved separately. This has left the intersection of these two areas underexplored and not sufficiently understood. In addition to panel discussions with leaders from the academic, civil society and policymaker communities, working group sessions will convene key stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues related to Human Rights Impact Assessments, setting the stage for the formulation of concrete recommendations that will help shape the future of international AI governance. The full program and the list of confirmed speakers are available here . Quotes "Mila is proud to bring together renowned experts from international organizations, civil society, industry and academia to discuss issues related to human rights and AI. This technology is having a profound impact on our societies, and there is an urgent need to collectively address these issues in order to offer concrete recommendations for inclusive and responsible international AI governance." Benjamin Prud'homme, Vice-President, Policy, Society and Global Affairs, Mila "This conversation on AI and human rights organized by Mila is very timely, as we have a unique opportunity this year at the United Nations Summit of the Future to shape our digital future. We must ensure that AI's power is harnessed for global good and its risks addressed through governance grounded in international norms, including universal human rights." Amandeep Singh Gill, Under-Secretary-General and Tech Envoy, United Nations "Mila's dialogue is particularly timely given all the decisive policy initiatives coming to fruition in 2024. Human rights, well-being and inclusivity are critical challenges to our collective future with AI. Policymakers and all actors in the AI value chain must work together to provide the building blocks for agile and effective solutions to ensure trustworthy and beneficial AI. We must maintain and deepen the mutual learning, dialogue and trust between technologists and all stakeholder groups." Karine Perset, Head of OECD.AI Policy Observatory and Network of Experts About Mila Founded by Professor Yoshua Bengio of the University of Montreal, Mila is a research institute in artificial intelligence that now brings together over 1,200 specialized researchers in machine learning. Based in Montreal, Mila's mission is to be a global center for scientific advancements that inspire innovation and the growth of AI for the benefit of all. Mila is a globally recognized non-profit organization for its significant contributions to deep learning, especially in the fields of language modeling, automatic translation, object recognition, and generative models. For more information, visit mila.quebec SOURCE Mila - Quebec AI Institute ATLANTA, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MJM Electric Cooperative has signed a contract with Landis+Gyr (SIX: LAND) to deploy the Gridstream Connect cellular AMI system, which provides a flexible platform for managing current and future grid technology needs. Based in Carlinville, IL, MJM delivers energy to 9,500 electric services spread across six different counties. The Gridstream cellular solution features a turnkey LTE-M omni-carrier contract through Vodafone to ensure full coverage and ease of installation. "We researched a number of options to upgrade our metering system and chose the Gridstream cellular network because of the coverage it provided across our service territory without sacrificing data access or other features," said Chris Franzen, IT Administrator at MJM Electric Cooperative. In addition to providing detailed energy usage information to customers, the utility plans to use the system to enhance its outage management and notification systems and improve troubleshooting and response. "Landis+Gyr's cellular network is a cost-effective option for many utilities that can be deployed and managed with fewer resources, while still offering the same data capabilities of other networks," said David Chris, Senior Director of Distribution Sales at Landis+Gyr. Landis+Gyr's cellular AMI solution provides utilities with the same access to interval meter data as other Gridstream network options while offering access to multiple cellular carriers from a single SIM. This improves connectivity and resilience of the network even in remote and hard to reach locations. About MJM Electric Cooperative MJM is a not-for-profit electric cooperative headquartered in Carlinville, Illinois. We provide electricity to more than 9,500 meters and service 2,115 miles of power lines in Macoupin, Jersey, Montgomery, Bond, Fayette, Greene, and Madison counties About Landis+Gyr Landis+Gyr is a leading global provider of integrated energy management solutions. We measure and analyze energy utilization to generate empowering analytics for smart grid and infrastructure management, enabling utilities and consumers to reduce energy consumption. Our innovative and proven portfolio of software, services and intelligent sensor technology is a key driver to decarbonize the grid. Having avoided more than 9.5 million tons of CO in FY 2022, Landis+Gyr manages energy better since 1896. With sales of USD 1.7 billion in FY 2022, Landis+Gyr employs around 7,800 talented people across five continents. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com. Media Contact: Dan Jacobson | Regional Contact North America Senior Marketing Communications Manager [email protected] 320-307-7486 Investor inquiries: [email protected] Media inquiries: [email protected] Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2287017/4542332/Landis_Gyr_Logo.jpg SOURCE Landis+Gyr PHILADELPHIA, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In an industry experiencing rapid consolidation, as seen with Cvent's recent acquisition of iCapture, momencio emerges as a trailblazer, offering innovative and comprehensive solutions in event marketing technology. momencio redefines the event lead capture industry, with its recent release of a revolutionary Universal Lead Capture and enrichment technology powered by AI. Unlike traditional platforms, momencio offers a universal solution that operates seamlessly captures a lead and at any setting, breaking free from the constraints and costs of the "official" event lead capture tools. momencio revolutionizes event lead capture and engagement with holistic features amidst industry consolidation Post this This state-of-the-art solution ensures that momencio's clients enjoy automated data entry, enhanced data quality, and enrichment, leading to more effective event marketing strategies and improved ROI. "At momencio, we're dedicated to pioneering solutions that meet the dynamic requirements of today's sales and marketing effort," stated Manos Sifakis, CEO of momencio. "We've crafted a platform that seamlessly connects event engagement with the sales process, equipping marketers and sales teams with an integrated arsenal of tools tailored to enhance performance and drive results." momencio is the world's most comprehensive event platform designed to streamline lead capture and management, enhance engagement, and improve follow-up with event leads. Key features that set momencio apart include: Lead Capture: momencio provides tools for efficiently capturing event leads through badge, business card scanning, or even plain name tag scanning. momencio provides tools for efficiently capturing event leads through badge, business card scanning, or even plain name tag scanning. Lead Retrieval: momencio offers lead retrieval capabilities, allowing users to easily access and manage the information of the leads collected during events. momencio offers lead retrieval capabilities, allowing users to easily access and manage the information of the leads collected during events. Digital assets player : momencio facilitates and augments lead engagement, with the ability to leverage digital collateral on the spot. : momencio facilitates and augments lead engagement, with the ability to leverage digital collateral on the spot. Gamification for enhanced engagement : Interactive and gamified experiences within momencio increase lead engagement, deepen the connection with your brand, and at the same time make it more memorable. : Interactive and gamified experiences within momencio increase lead engagement, deepen the connection with your brand, and at the same time make it more memorable. Real-time event interaction tracking : momencio provides instantaneous insights into attendee behaviors and interactions at events, enabling immediate strategic adjustments and fostering more targeted, effective engagements. : momencio provides instantaneous insights into attendee behaviors and interactions at events, enabling immediate strategic adjustments and fostering more targeted, effective engagements. Automated Follow-Up : By automating and personalizing follow-ups that are generated seconds after lead creation, momencio starts nurturing your leads and driving conversions, streamlining the post-event engagement process. : By automating and personalizing follow-ups that are generated seconds after lead creation, momencio starts nurturing your leads and driving conversions, streamlining the post-event engagement process. Insights connecting events with sales : momencio provides detailed analytics that link event activities directly to sales outcomes, enabling users to measure event ROI in real-time and make data-driven decisions. : momencio provides detailed analytics that link event activities directly to sales outcomes, enabling users to measure event ROI in real-time and make data-driven decisions. Customer journey attribution : This feature offers advanced visitor tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to identify and engage with prospects more effectively based on their digital interactions. : This feature offers advanced visitor tracking capabilities, allowing businesses to identify and engage with prospects more effectively based on their digital interactions. 360 insights and real-time analytics: Offering a comprehensive view of lead engagement, momencio aids in making informed decisions for successful follow-ups, ensuring no opportunity is missed. "As larger entities consolidate their hold through acquisitions, momencio is charting a different course with an emphasis on product-led innovation and reshaping the event marketing landscape," remarked Manos Sifakis, CEO. "We're dedicated to delivering solutions beyond lead capture to catalyze those leads into tangible avenues of business growth." In this dynamic environment, where adaptation is key, momencio stands as a beacon of innovationsteadfast in delivering not just technology but transformative solutions that redefine what's possible in event marketing. Our commitment is unwavering: to equip our clients with the most forward-thinking tools and insights that convert interactions into enduring business relationships and measurable growth. As the fabric of the event industry is woven with new patterns of consolidation and competition, momencio ensures that your marketing efforts are ahead of the curve, fostering success in today's landscape and beyond. Visit www.momencio.com to discover how our solutions can elevate your event strategy and contribute to your company's growth trajectory. SOURCE momencio The Integrated Luxury Retailer is engaging brand partners and suppliers as part of its strategy to cultivate a culture of Belonging and Revolutionize Impact across stakeholder groups DALLAS, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) has partnered with National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) to give diverse-owned fashion brands and other suppliers access to resources and support to scale their businesses. Through this program, qualified businesses may be reimbursed for the cost of NMSDC certification, which unlocks access to networking, capacity building, and contracting opportunities with more than 1,700 NMSDC corporate members, including Neiman Marcus Group. "As a relationship business, NMG is committed to cultivating a culture of Belonging that celebrates diverse backgrounds and experiences in our workforce and our marketplace. Through our partnership with NMSDC, we're taking important steps toward standardizing recognition for diverse-owned brands within the fashion industry, while empowering our brand partners and suppliers to join us," said Eric Severson, Chief People, ESG, and Belonging Officer, NMG. NMG has provided a grant to cover NMSDC certification fees for potential and existing NMG suppliers who are qualified and diverse-owned, but not yet certified a common occurrence in the fashion industry. The program advances a standard, verified way to recognize diverse-owned brands within the fashion industry creating new business opportunities for these brands and providing retailers a clearer way to track revenue and customer engagement with them. In FY24, NMG aims to certify 25 qualified diverse-owned brands and other suppliers through this NMSDC grant program. In honor of Black History Month, Neiman Marcus Group is proud to highlight its partnership with the National Minority Supplier Development Council, including the participation of four black-owned brands, LALAIS, anOnlyChild, SOKO, and V.BELLAN. "SOKO is thrilled to join forces with Neiman Marcus Group and the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Our commitment to craftsmanship and social impact aligns seamlessly with NMG's vision, and together, we're creating opportunities that extend beyond commerce, shaping a narrative of diversity, belonging, and conscious consumerism," said Shamika Lee, Chief Operating Officer, SOKO. Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman offer carefully curated selections dedicated to sustainable, ethical, and diverse-owned brands through their Fashioned for Change and Conscious Curation edits. NMG allocates marketing content production to these edits, allowing customers to shop in line with the values they care about most, whether that's sustainable materials, responsible manufacturing, diverse ownership, products that give back, or transparent supply chain practices. Customers can shop black-owned brands, including LALAIS, anOnlyChild, SOKO, and V.BELLAN, in Fashioned for Change and Conscious Curation edits in select stores and online. As part of NMG's ESG Strategy, the company has set a goal to increase spend with qualified diverse-owned brands and businesses by 2025. Advancing sustainable products and services, cultivating a culture of Belonging, and leading with love in its communities are vital pillars in NMG's ESG strategy to Revolutionize Luxury Experiences. More information on Neiman Marcus Group's ESG efforts can be found in the company's FY23 Report. Additional details for brands and suppliers interested in participating in NMSDC and NMG's Certification Reimbursement Initiative can be found online here. About Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) Neiman Marcus Group is a relationship business that leads with love in everything we do for our customers, associates, brand partners, and communities. Our legacy of innovating and our culture of Belonging guide our roadmap for Revolutionizing Luxury Experiences. As one of the premiere multi-brand luxury retailers in the U.S., with the world's most desirable brand partners, we are delivering exceptional products and intelligent services, enabled by our investments in digital, data and technology. Through the expertise of our 10,000+ associates, we deliver and scale a personalized luxury experience across our three facets of our integrated retail model- in-store, eCommerce, and remote selling. Our NMG Way culture, powered by our people, combines individual talents into a collective strength to make life extraordinary. NMG WOW (Way of Working) is the company's unique, integrated working philosophy that empowers our associates to do their best work, full stop. Our flagship brands include Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. For more information, visit neimanmarcusgroup.com. About the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Founded in 1972, NMSDC is the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color (Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, and Native American), and our impact goes far beyond the supply chain. It's about upward mobility for the emerging majority of Americans, an equal shot at participating in the American experiment of free-market capitalism and entrepreneurship. Our work is about correcting the unequal access to wealth-building opportunities. For more information, please visit nmsdc.org. SOURCE Neiman Marcus Group Canada, Mexico and the United States, through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, launch new Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) to accelerate youth-led environmental solutions. MONTREAL, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Calling all youth in Canada, Mexico and the United States! Are you ready to act now to support North American communities and preserve our shared waters, lands and air? The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) is pleased to announce the launch of the new Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP). This exciting new program will support young leaders in developing the necessary skills and accessing seed funding to make a real and meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Canada, Mexico and the United States, through the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, launch new Generation of Environmental Leaders Program (GELP) to accelerate youth-led environmental solutions. (CNW Group/Commission for Environmental Cooperation) The selected youth will benefit from a year-long mentorship program, networking opportunities across North America, receive C$15,000 in seed funding and have the chance to present their solutions to North America's ministers of environment as part of the CEC's annual Council Session. It's time to act now. "Through the CEC's Generation of Environmental Leaders Program, we are bringing young environmental leaders from across North America into the CEC family," said Jorge Daniel Taillant, CEC Executive Director. "The GELP is providing youth with the necessary skills and meaningful opportunities to engage with and work alongside the CEC to solve the region's most pressing environmental challenges, such as climate change, pollution reduction, biodiversity loss and environmental equity." The GELP invites teams of young leaders from North America to support communities and preserve our shared waters, lands and air. The program is aimed at youth who are 1835 years old and are part of a team such as, but not exclusively, youth-led organizations, youth-led associations, nongovernmental organizations, not-for-profit youth-led businesses, and teams of youth innovators and entrepreneurs interested in building their businesses. In addition to building capacity for youth, this new CEC program will accelerate youth leadership by expanding youth environmental networks and provide seed funding for creative solutions to flourish, particularly at the local level. As part of the year-long mentorship program, the leaders will also engage in knowledge- sharing sessions with experts to advance their solutions and contribute to a North American community of knowledge. The program will support impactful and enduring community-driven activities and establish a robust youth network across North America. The GELP will also provide extended networking opportunities for participants. Selected solutions will be presented to the public and leaders can engage with the CEC's Joint Public Advisory Committee and Traditional Ecological Knowledge Expert Group , as well as Government officials and experts, during the CEC Council Session, an ideal platform to showcase the impactful ideas at the ministerial level. As part of the year-long mentorship program, youth leaders will receive advice from experts to help advance their solutions and guidance on various elements of their projects, including how to pitch their solutions and on a range of project development and management topics that include, among others, risk management, budgeting, outreach and fundraising. Applicants must demonstrate that their solutions can address or respond to critical issues related to supporting our communities and preserving our shared waters, lands and air across North America. Submissions should be practical, effective, achievable and propose sustainable solutions to an identifiable environmental problem. They should also be context-specific and consider the unique characteristics of the community or region targeted by the project. The eligibility and evaluation criteria will prioritize solutions that have established a clear objective and will have a significant impact on local communities and their environment: Impact and community engagement (40%) Feasibility (25%) Alignment with CEC's strategic pillars and the program theme (15%) Identification of problem/issue (10%) Innovation (10%) Priority will be given to solutions identified or developed jointly with communities, including community members who traditionally do not have access to decision-making spaces. Submission deadline: Completed submissions must be uploaded to Foundant by 23:59 local time on 31 March 2024. Click here to learn more about the program, the submission guidelines and criteria, and to apply. For more information about the Generation of Environmental Leaders Program and the submission process, please join us for a virtual information session on 29 February from 1:00 pm2:00 pm Eastern Time, available with simultaneous interpretation in English, French and Spanish. About the CEC The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) was established in 1994 by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States through the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, a parallel environmental agreement to NAFTA. As of 2020, the CEC is recognized and maintained by the Environmental Cooperation Agreement parallel to the new Free Trade Agreement of North America. The CEC brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including the general public, Indigenous People, youth, nongovernmental organizations, academia, and the business sector, to seek solutions to protect North America's shared environment while supporting sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations. Find out more at: The CEC is governed and funded equally by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Government of the United States of Mexico through the Secretaria de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, and the Government of the United States of America through the Environmental Protection Agency. SOURCE Commission for Environmental Cooperation SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NorCal Small Business Development Center is expanding its support for diverse small business via a $350,000 grant from Wells Fargo in support of the Inclusivity Project. Wells Fargo logo Norcal SBDC Inclusivity Project logo The Inclusivity Project creates collaborations between like-minded organizations to provide no-cost mentorship, advising, workshops, and networking opportunities to diverse small business and the entrepreneurial community. Since 2021, the Inclusivity Project has been instrumental in expanding access, pathways, and assets for diverse small businesses by conducting over 70 workshops, facilitating nearly 500 loans and grants, and cumulatively amassing $16.9 million in capital for more than 700 entrepreneurs. "Wells Fargo is excited to support programs that enable diverse entrepreneurs to acquire tangible business assets so that they can grow and scale their businesses," said Karen Woodruff, Senior Vice President, Philanthropy and Community Impact at Wells Fargo. "As these businesses expand, they can hire local employees and strengthen our community." The $350,000 grant is part of Wells Fargo's larger goal of broadening diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its business and part of an intentional focus to expand access to the resources needed to start and grow diverse small businesses. "We are thrilled to gather this remarkable group committed to equitable change," said NorCal SBDC Executive Director Kristin Johnson." The Inclusivity Project's impact goes beyond funding; it's about building connections, boosting confidence, and breaking down barriers for diverse small businesses. We invite everyone to join us in furthering this vital mission." For more about the Inclusivity Project, visit https://theinclusivityproject.com. About NorCal SBDC For over three decades, NorCal SBDC has fostered economic growth across Northern California, serving over 100 communities in 36 counties. As part of America's premier small business assistance network, our 200+ advisors offer comprehensive, no-fee support to established businesses and startups across sectors, including technology, agriculture, professional services, retail, and healthcare. In the past five years, especially during the COVID response and recovery period, our impact has been substantial, creating more than 14,000 new jobs, launching 2,200 new businesses, and mobilizing over $2.4B in business capital. We're dedicated to fostering SOURCE Northern California Small Business Development Center Under a new Bill announced last week, California would ban all plastic shopping bags by 2026. LONDON, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A decade ago, California became the first state to ban single-use plastic bags, ushering in a wave of plastiphobia from coast to coast. Now, California legislators are back for more, hoping to pass a law that closes loopholes and in effect bans all types of plastic shopping bags from being offered at the checkout. However, Symphony Environmental, a company at the forefront of environmental packaging technology, is clear that banning single-use plastic is not the solution. Symphony provides viable alternatives that enable people to continue using plastic products which are often the best materials for the job - without harming the planet. Michael Laurier, CEO of Symphony, said: "It is crucial to note that regular plastics may take a hundred years to break down, damaging the natural world and increasing environmental pollution, but there is no need to ban them just upgrade them. If single-use plastics were made with our technology, it would significantly accelerate the biodegradation process and reduce the accumulation of the plastic waste. This would be a fantastic way to address this problem. The technology is called d2w and has been used globally for the past 15 years. It is important to note that this is not "compostable" plastic, so it does not need to be taken to a composting facility. Paper and cardboard packaging is no better as it requires more than four times the energy to manufacture, as well as using more land and water. It is also heavier and bulkier, which means transportation costs are higher. Manufacturing paper uses land, water, fertilizer, and energy resources, and paper is not the best material for protecting food from contamination, especially when wet. Laurier added: "Selecting d2w biodegradable materials can be a great way to tackle these problems and work towards a more sustainable future. Everything from grocery bags to food packaging and takeout containers can be made from d2w biodegradable materials." "Biodegradable plastics are the only realistic solution to modern packaging waste. It needs no special environmental conditions all it needs is oxygen. The bacteria and fungi then do the hard work - using the material as a food source and leaving only carbon dioxide, water, and humus behind." NOTES TO EDITORS: About Symphony Environmental Technologies plc www.symphonyenvironmental.com Symphony has a diverse and growing customer-base and has established itself as an international business with over 70 distributors around the world. Products made with Symphony's plastic technologies are now available in nearly 100 countries and in many different product applications. Symphony itself is accredited to ISO9001 and ISO14001. Symphony is a founder-member of The BPA (www.biodeg.org) and actively participates in the Committee work of the British Standards Institute (BSI), the American Standards Organisation (ASTM), the European Standards Organisation (CEN), and the International Standards Organisation (ISO). Further information on the Group can be found at www.symphonyenvironmental.com and twitter @SymphonyEnv See also Symphony on Instagram. A Symphony App is available for downloading to smartphones. SOURCE Symphony Environmental WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rare Disease Day Coalition (RDDC) is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2nd Annual Rare Disease Day Reception, including their inaugural RISE awards, scheduled for February 28th, 2024, in Washington, DC. The reception, set to take place at LongView Gallery from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm ET, will honor and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of rare disease health equity champions. "We are excited to acknowledge and celebrate the individuals who have shown extraordinary resilience, passion, strength, and empowerment in their commitment to rare disease advocacy," said Jenifer Waldrop, Executive Director, RDDC. "These awards reflect our deep appreciation for the unwavering dedication of catalysts for advancement within the rare disease community." During this event, RDDC will present the RISE (Resilient, Impassioned, Strong, and Empowered) awards to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the mission and vision of RDDC. These awardees have demonstrated steadfast commitment and outstanding efforts in addressing the unique challenges faced by those affected by rare diseases. "As we gear up for the 2nd Annual Rare Disease Day Reception, we are excited to recognize and applaud the exceptional efforts of rare disease health equity champions," said BWHI President Linda Goler Blount, MPH. "With the debut of the Rare Disease RISE Awards, we shine a spotlight on individuals whose resilience, passion, strength, and empowerment have fueled progress in our shared mission." In addition to the Rare Disease Day Reception, in a partnership with National Organization for Rare Disorders, RDDC has developed a national survey targeting underrepresented rare disease patients and caregivers. Initial findings show that of the 2,848 respondents, 78 percent are living with a rare disease. Almost 20 percent of respondents delayed care or decided not to receive care because they were experiencing housing instability, food insecurity or worried about basic needs; of these 20 percent, over 30 percent of them identify as living below the poverty line. Additionally, 50 percent of respondents have delayed getting the care they need due to caregiving responsibilities, of these 50 percent, over 60 percent of the respondents identify as hispanic. The RDDC Rare Disease Day Award Reception serves as a platform to recognize and express gratitude to those who have made a significant impact on the rare disease community. It is an opportunity to unite rare disease patients, advocates, healthcare professionals, and supporters in a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals with rare diseases. RDDC encourages all stakeholders, including patient advocates, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public, to join us for an inspiring evening dedicated to raising awareness and fostering collaboration in the rare disease space. Register for the event at https://www.rarediseasediversity.org/rddc-events . About Rare Disease Day Coalition (RDDC): Black Women's Health Imperative launched the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) to address the extraordinary challenges faced by underserved populations with rare diseases. The Coalition brings together rare disease experts, health and diversity advocates, and industry leaders to identify and advocate for evidence-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on historically marginalized populations. For more information, please visit rarediseasediversity.org. About Black Women's Health Imperative Black Women's Health Imperative is a national non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of Black women and girls. With a 40-year history of groundbreaking advocacy and research, BWHI remains committed to addressing the unique health challenges faced by Black women and ensuring their voices are heard in healthcare policy and practice. BWHI's goal is to lead the effort to solve the most pressing health issues that affect Black women and girls globally. Through investments in evidence-based strategies, we deliver bold new programs and advocate health-promoting policies. Media contact: [email protected] SOURCE Black Women's Health Imperative Permanent Magnet Motor market zooms as electric vehicles, energy-efficient appliances, and renewables surge in popularity. Tech advances boost performance, and government policies ignite further growth. Explore our FMI report for the lowdown on efficiency, costs, and opportunities! NEWARK, Del., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global permanent magnet motor market size is estimated to be around US$ 49.2 billion in 2024. It is projected to exhibit a CAGR growth of 10.40% over the forecast period, with an estimated valuation of US$ 132 billion in 2034. Request Exclusive Sample Report: Permanent Magnet Motor Industry Strategic Insights, https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-19016 The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid vehicles, which heavily rely on them in their propulsion systems. There is also a growing demand for energy-efficient appliances and industrial equipment, where permanent magnet motors offer higher efficiency compared to traditional motors. Another factor contributing to the growth of the permanent magnet motor market is the expansion of renewable energy generation, such as wind turbines and hydropower systems. Technological advancements have also led to improved performance and reliability of permanent magnet motors, making them more attractive across various industries. Favorable government policies and regulations promoting the use of sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, including permanent magnet motors, have further boosted demand. Rising awareness among consumers and industries about the benefits of permanent magnet motors in terms of reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs has also contributed to market growth. Investments in research and development aimed at further enhancing the efficiency and capabilities of permanent magnet motor technology are also driving the market forward. "With increasing emphasis on sustainability, companies in the permanent magnet motor market must invest in eco-friendly manufacturing practices. This will reduce energy consumption, minimizing waste generation and carbon emissions, ultimately contributing to a more environmentally sustainable production process," opines an FMI analyst. Key Takeaways from the Market Study The DC motor segment is likely to dominate the global permanent magnet motor market with a CAGR of 10.10% through 2034. Based on the materials, the ferrite segment is projected to lead the market with a CAGR of 9.80% through 2034. The permanent magnet motor market in the United Kingdom is anticipated to rise at a modest CAGR of 11.80% through 2034. is anticipated to rise at a modest CAGR of 11.80% through 2034. China's permanent magnet motor market is estimated to rise at an 11.10% CAGR through 2034. permanent magnet motor market is estimated to rise at an 11.10% CAGR through 2034. The permanent magnet motor market in Japan has the potential to increase at 8.80% CAGR through 2034. has the potential to increase at 8.80% CAGR through 2034. The United States permanent magnet motor market is predicted to rise by 10.70% CAGR through 2034. permanent magnet motor market is predicted to rise by 10.70% CAGR through 2034. The permanent magnet motor market in South Korea is very likely to grow at a CAGR of 12.10% through 2034. Competitive Landscape ABB Limited, Rockwell Automation, Siemens AG, Franklin Electric Company Inc., and Allied Motion Technologies Inc. are some of the key players in the global permanent magnet motor market. The global market for permanent magnet motors is highly competitive, with both international and domestic players vying for market. These companies invest heavily in research and development to create motors with better efficiency, enhanced functionality, and smart features. Key players in the market are collaborating with government and non-government environmental entities to improve their reputation as socially responsible entities and attract environmentally conscious consumers. Key Companies in the Market ABB Limited Rockwell Automation Siemens AG Franklin Electric Company Inc. Allied Motion Technologies Inc. NORD Drivesystems Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Toshiba Corporation Yaskawa Electric Corporation Regal Beloit Corporation WEG Electric Corp. Nidec Corporation Johnson Electric Holdings Limited Maxon Motor AG Danfoss Group Parker Hannifin Corporation Emerson Electric Co. Hitachi, Ltd. Bonfiglioli Riduttori S.p.A. Schneider Electric SE Buy Now and get instant access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date report on the key players in your industry. Recent Developments: In November 2023 , Niron Magnetics received a US$ 33 million investment from General Motors and Stellantis to develop rare-earth-free permanent magnets for electric vehicles. Despite experts being skeptical, the aim is to mass-produce iron-nitride magnets for future GM electric vehicles. , Niron Magnetics received a investment from General Motors and Stellantis to develop rare-earth-free permanent magnets for electric vehicles. Despite experts being skeptical, the aim is to mass-produce iron-nitride magnets for future GM electric vehicles. In August 2023 , NORD introduced new design enhancements and larger frame sizes for their permanent magnet synchronous motor product line to cater to diverse industry needs. These included the size 90 TENV variant, which boasts enhanced corrosion resistance and efficiency for demanding applications such as food and pharmaceuticals. , NORD introduced new design enhancements and larger frame sizes for their permanent magnet synchronous motor product line to cater to diverse industry needs. These included the size 90 TENV variant, which boasts enhanced corrosion resistance and efficiency for demanding applications such as food and pharmaceuticals. In June 2023 , Alstom NUG Propulsion System Co successfully demonstrated their silicon carbide traction converter and permanent magnet synchronous motor technology for metro trains in Chengdu Line 7, China . The technology resulted in a 30% energy saving and reduced weight and noise. Permanent Magnet Motor Market by Segmentation By Motor Type: Direct Current Motor Alternating Current Motor By Magnetic Material Type: Ferrite Neodymium Samarium Cobalt By End-user Vertical: General Industrial Automotive Energy Water and Wastewater Management Mining Oil and Gas Aerospace and Defense By Region: North America Latin America Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa (MEA) and (MEA) Europe Request to Access the Detail Research Methodology from here! About the Author: Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries. His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making. Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times. Explore FMI's Extensive Coverage in the Automotive Domain: About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting service provider, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai and has delivery centers in the UK, the U.S., and India. FMI's latest market research reports and industry analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers. Contact Us Nandini Singh Sawlani Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-845-579-5705 For Sales Enquiries: [email protected] Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1197648/3531122/FMI_Logo.jpg SOURCE Future Market Insights TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg), Uzbekistan's largest privately-held oil and gas company, has announced the acquisition of CGC Lubricants Italy, an Italian producer of high-quality automotive and industrial oils and lubricants. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in Saneg's expansion into the European market and strengthens its position as a technological leader in the lubricants industry. CGC Lubricants Italy's production facility in Bari (PRNewsfoto/Saneg (Sanoat Energetika Guruhi)) In addition, CGC Lubricants Italy has finalised a strategic cooperation agreement with SEG Motol, a Saneg subsidiary that is a leading manufacturer of technical oils in Uzbekistan. Bakhtiyor Fazilov, Chairman of the Management Board of Saneg, said: "This acquisition is a significant landmark in Saneg's ongoing business expansion strategy. The synergy between the two companies will not only expand Saneg's reach into the European market but also solidify its position as a technological leader in the lubricants industry within Uzbekistan and Central Asia. The acquisition aligns with Saneg's commitment to continuous innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable development, driving the company towards becoming a global leader in the lubricants sector." Tulkin Yusupov, Saneg's CEO, said: "CGC Lubricants Italy's expertise in developing and producing high-performance lubricants will be instrumental in enhancing Saneg's oil production capabilities. The company's Bari plant houses a fully accredited R&D laboratory, which is continuously innovating and developing a wide range of new lubricants. This expertise will be integrated into Saneg's Fergana Oil Refinery (FNPZ), leveraging CGC Lubricants Italy's advanced technologies and know-how to elevate the production of lubricants in Uzbekistan." Highlights: Saneg acquires CGC Lubricants Italy, an Italian producer of automotive and industrial oils and lubricants. The acquisition expands Saneg's footprint into the European market and strengthens its position in the lubricants industry. The acquisition will enhance SANEG's ability to supply high-tech lubricants to the Uzbek and European markets. The synergy between Saneg and CGC Lubricants Italy positions Saneg as a technological leader in the lubricants market of Central Asia . . Uzbek SEG Motol, a subsidiary of Saneg, forms strategic partnership with CGC Lubricants. Saneg's acquisition of CGC Lubricants Italy brings together two established players in the lubricants industry. CGC Lubricants Italy boasts a state-of-the-art production plant in Bari, Italy, employing 19 skilled professionals, and a commercial office in Rome with 11 employees. The company's production processes are highly automated, ensuring efficiency and consistency in the manufacturing of over 200 types of lubricants. The company's Bari plant includes a fully accredited research and development (R&D) laboratory, continuously innovating and refining formulations for a wide range of lubricants. CGC Lubricants Italy will serve as a strategic supplier of high-tech commercial lubricants to FNPZ, ensuring a seamless supply of essential lubricants to the Uzbek market and beyond. Within three years, Saneg aims to fully localize the production of CGC Lubricants Italy's products in Uzbekistan, further strengthening its domestic manufacturing capabilities. The acquisition also provides Saneg with a substantial share of the Italian and European lubricants market, as Saneg will gain immediate access to CGC Lubricants Italy's extensive distribution network across Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal, where up to 26 thousand tons of products are supplied annually. SEG Motol's agreement with CGC Lubricants Italy will enable a collaboration encompassing scientific, technological, commercial, and marketing spheres. Key elements include sharing expertise in lubricant formulations and production technologies, as well pursuing European safety certificates for FNPZ-produced base oils to enable their utilisation in the production of commercial oils and lubricants. The agreement also extends to joint marketing initiatives aimed at promoting the Saneg and SEG Motol brands across Uzbekistan, Central Asia, Italy, and the European Union. About Saneg Sanoat Energetika Guruhi (Saneg) (Jizzakh Petroleum until November 2021) was established in 2017 with the aim of expanding the country's production capacities for the deep processing of hydrocarbon raw materials and the production of high-quality petroleum products, as well as increasing the export potential of Uzbekistan's oil and gas industry. Saneg is Uzbekistan's largest private oil and gas company which owns the subsoil rights to 103 deposits for geological exploration and extraction, and which accounts for about 80% of oil production in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The company employs over 5,000 people. The production facilities of the company are in Karshi, Mubarek, Fergana and Andijan. About CGC Lubricants Italy S.p.A CGC Lubricants Italy S.p.A. is a leading Italian company with three decades of experience in the lubricants industry, specializing in the production and sale of oils and lubricants. The company's production facility is located in Bari, while its headquarters are situated in Rome. CGC Lubricants Italy manufactures a comprehensive range of oils and lubricants that meet the stringent requirements of European automotive manufacturers and producers of modern industrial equipment. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340321/CGC_Lubricants.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2340322/Saneg_Logo.jpg SOURCE Saneg (Sanoat Energetika Guruhi) GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Saudi Arabian warehousing industry is poised for a surge, fueled by e-commerce growth, government initiatives, and a rapidly diversifying economy. Ken Research's "Saudi Arabia Warehousing Market Outlook to 2030" report predicts a robust 4.5% CAGR, translating to a significant $13.2 billion market size by 2030. This press release unlocks the key drivers, challenges, and exciting prospects shaping this dynamic sector. Market Overview: Storing Growth, Enabling Prosperity Beyond simply storing goods, Saudi Arabia's warehousing industry plays a crucial role in supporting economic diversification, facilitating regional trade, and powering e-commerce expansion. In 2022, the market reached a size of $9.3 billion, and it's on track for remarkable growth, driven by: E-commerce Boom: With internet penetration and online shopping soaring, efficient warehousing and last-mile delivery solutions are becoming essential. With internet penetration and online shopping soaring, efficient warehousing and last-mile delivery solutions are becoming essential. Government Vision 2030: This ambitious plan prioritizes logistics and infrastructure development, creating a supportive ecosystem for the warehousing sector. This ambitious plan prioritizes logistics and infrastructure development, creating a supportive ecosystem for the warehousing sector. Economic Diversification: As the Kingdom moves away from oil dependence, new industries are emerging, requiring diverse warehousing solutions. As the Kingdom moves away from oil dependence, new industries are emerging, requiring diverse warehousing solutions. Strategic Location: Saudi Arabia's position at the crossroads of Asia , Europe , and Africa makes it a prime hub for regional trade and warehousing operations. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Market Segmentation: Diverse Needs, Tailored Solutions The report delves into the various segments of the Saudi Arabian warehousing market, offering a comprehensive view: Warehouse Type: Public warehouses dominate (60%), followed by dedicated storage facilities (25%) and private warehouses (15%). Public warehouses dominate (60%), followed by dedicated storage facilities (25%) and private warehouses (15%). Location: Major cities like Jeddah , Riyadh , and Dammam hold the largest share (70%), with growing demand in emerging industrial zones. Major cities like , , and hold the largest share (70%), with growing demand in emerging industrial zones. Industry Served: Retail & e-commerce leads the demand (40%), followed by manufacturing (25%) and food & beverage (15%). Healthcare and pharmaceuticals are emerging segments. Competitive Landscape: Local & Global Players Collaborate The market features a mix of established local players, international giants, and innovative startups: Local Leaders: Mosanada Logistics, Panda Retail Company, and Tamer Logistics hold significant market share with extensive networks and expertise. Mosanada Logistics, Panda Retail Company, and Tamer Logistics hold significant market share with extensive networks and expertise. Global Giants: DP World, DHL, and FedEx are increasingly present, offering global reach and advanced technologies. DP World, DHL, and FedEx are increasingly present, offering global reach and advanced technologies. Emerging Challengers: Local startups are leveraging technology to disrupt traditional models, offering specialized services like temperature-controlled storage and e-commerce fulfillment. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Challenges: Building on a Strong Foundation Despite the promising outlook, some challenges need to be addressed: Limited Skilled Workforce: Finding and retaining qualified personnel in warehousing operations and management remains a challenge. Finding and retaining qualified personnel in warehousing operations and management remains a challenge. Infrastructure Gaps: While significant investments are underway, some regions lack efficient transportation links and modern warehousing facilities. While significant investments are underway, some regions lack efficient transportation links and modern warehousing facilities. Regulatory Hurdles: Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can hinder the development and expansion of warehousing operations. Complex regulations and bureaucratic processes can hinder the development and expansion of warehousing operations. Technological Adoption: While some players embrace automation and digital solutions, wider adoption is needed for enhanced efficiency and transparency. Future Outlook: A Brighter Horizon Fueled by Innovation & Sustainability The Saudi Arabian warehousing market is poised for continued growth, driven by several exciting factors: Technological Advancements: Adoption of AI, automation, and blockchain will enhance operational efficiency, optimize space utilization, and improve inventory management. Adoption of AI, automation, and blockchain will enhance operational efficiency, optimize space utilization, and improve inventory management. Focus on Sustainability: Green warehousing initiatives like energy-efficient buildings and sustainable packaging will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Green warehousing initiatives like energy-efficient buildings and sustainable packaging will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborations between government and private sector players will accelerate infrastructure development and promote innovation. Collaborations between government and private sector players will accelerate infrastructure development and promote innovation. Focus on Human Capital Development: Investments in training and education programs will address the skilled workforce shortage and enhance industry competitiveness. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: This report offers valuable insights for various stakeholders in the Saudi Arabian warehousing industry, including: Warehousing Companies: Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainability practices. Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainability practices. Investors: Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce fulfillment and temperature-controlled storage. Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce fulfillment and temperature-controlled storage. Policymakers: Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and competition. Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and create a regulatory environment that fosters innovation and competition. Businesses & Consumers: Gaining insights into the diverse range of warehousing solutions available, choosing the right providers based on their needs, and benefiting from improved efficiency and availability of goods. Conclusion: The Saudi Arabian warehousing industry is on an upward trajectory, playing a vital role in the Kingdom's economic diversification and regional trade ambitions. Request free 30 minutes analyst call Taxonomy KSA Warehousing Market Segmentation By Ownership Owned 3PL By City Riyadh Jeddah Others including Damam and more By End Users Consumer Retail Food and Beverages Healthcare Automotive Others By Business Model Industrial/Retail Warehouses CFS/ICD Warehouses Cold Storage Agriculture and Other Warehouses For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: KSA Warehousing Market Related Reports by Ken Research: KSA Warehousing Automation Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Bolstering Ecommerce Industry & Ambitious Government Plans for Digitalization to Pave Strong Grounds for Automation The market is expected to grow at high pace in the coming 5 years owing to rapid digitalization and surge in investment. The demand and market share of e-commerce and retail is expected to increase in the future due to increasing focus towards reducing the overall sales cycle duration. Government initiatives, such as Saudi Vision 2030, National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), etc., establishment of new logistic zones, among others is expected to bring massive Greenfield investments. In turn, it would catalyze the requirement for multi-client warehouses in the country. Saudi Arabia Warehousing Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Government Support, demand for E-Commerce and Infrastructure Investment in the country According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of KSA Warehousing has shown an increasing trend from 2017 to 2022. KSA's strategic location as a gateway between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it an attractive hub for trade. The country has been actively promoting foreign trade and industrialization, attracting international companies to set up manufacturing facilities and distribution centers. This leads to an increased demand for warehousing services to support import, export, and local supply chains. Global Logistics and Warehousing Market Outlook to 2027 Segmented by Type of End Users by revenue, By Type of Mode (Sea/Road/Air), By Type of Warehouse (Industrial / Retail Warehouses/Container Freight Stations (CFS)/Inland Container Depots (ICD)/Cold Storage/ Agriculture & Other Warehouses) Type of Domestic/ International Shipments According to Ken Research estimates, the Global Logistics and Warehousing Market is largely driven by the flourishing e-commerce industry, increasing demand for express delivery, good data quality and extensive automation and the initiatives taken by the government. Kuwait Warehousing Market Outlook to 2026F Driven by Rise in Demand for Technologically Advanced Warehouses by Different End Users The growth of local companies within the logistics sector points to widening industry potential in the country with total warehousing space growing at a double digit CAGR (2021-2026F). Strong leasing momentum is likely to continue throughout the year; 3PL and e-commerce players are expected to drive demand for logistics space. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/3782349/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Buckle up, logistics enthusiasts! Singapore's vibrant logistics market is poised for another impressive leap, fueled by its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a commitment to innovation. Ken Research's "Singapore Logistics Market Outlook to 2027" report predicts a remarkable 6.5% CAGR, translating to a staggering $325 billion market size by 2027. This press release unlocks the key drivers, challenges, and exciting prospects shaping this dynamic sector. Market Overview: A Hub of Connectivity, Powering Global Trade Beyond facilitating the movement of goods, Singapore's logistics market acts as a vital cog in the global trade ecosystem, supporting economic growth and regional development. In 2022, the market reached a size of $202 billion, and it's on track for continued expansion, driven by: Strategic Location: As a global trade hub, Singapore enjoys unmatched connectivity to major Asian markets and beyond, attracting international businesses and logistics players. As a global trade hub, enjoys unmatched connectivity to major Asian markets and beyond, attracting international businesses and logistics players. Robust Infrastructure: World-class port facilities, efficient transportation networks, and advanced IT infrastructure create a seamless environment for logistics operations. World-class port facilities, efficient transportation networks, and advanced IT infrastructure create a seamless environment for logistics operations. Focus on Innovation: Singapore actively promotes innovation in areas like automation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Singapore actively promotes innovation in areas like automation, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, enhancing efficiency and transparency. Government Support: Proactive government policies and initiatives, like the Singapore Green Plan 2030, foster a supportive environment for the sector. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Market Segmentation: Diverse Needs, Specialized Solutions The report delves into the diverse segments of the Singapore logistics market, offering a comprehensive view: Transportation: Sea freight dominates (60%), followed by air cargo (25%) and road transportation (15%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Sea freight dominates (60%), followed by air cargo (25%) and road transportation (15%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Logistics Services: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (70%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (10%). Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (70%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (10%). End-User Industry: Electronics & semiconductors lead the demand (30%), followed by chemicals & pharmaceuticals (25%) and e-commerce (20%). Healthcare and oil & gas are emerging segments. Competitive Landscape: Global Giants & Local Champions Collaborate The market features a blend of established global players, regional leaders, and innovative startups: Global Leaders: DP World, DHL, and FedEx hold significant market share with their extensive networks and global reach. DP World, DHL, and FedEx hold significant market share with their extensive networks and global reach. Regional Champions: PSA International, CWT Logistics, and APL Logistics excel in Southeast Asia and offer specialized solutions. PSA International, CWT Logistics, and APL Logistics excel in and offer specialized solutions. Emerging Innovators: Local startups like Trade Lens and Ninja Van leverage technology and niche offerings like express delivery and on-demand warehousing. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Challenges: Navigating the Roadblocks to Growth Despite the promising outlook, some challenges need to be addressed: Skilled Workforce Shortage: Attracting and retaining qualified personnel across all levels of the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel across all levels of the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Cybersecurity Threats: Increasing reliance on technology necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and operations. Increasing reliance on technology necessitates robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and operations. Rising Costs: Land scarcity and competition for resources can contribute to rising operational costs for logistics players. Land scarcity and competition for resources can contribute to rising operational costs for logistics players. Sustainable Practices: Balancing growth with environmental responsibility requires wider adoption of green logistics solutions. Future Outlook: A Brighter Horizon Fueled by Collaboration & Sustainability The Singapore logistics market is poised for continued growth, driven by several exciting factors: Technological Advancements: Continued investments in AI, automation, and blockchain will further enhance efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and personalize customer experiences. Continued investments in AI, automation, and blockchain will further enhance efficiency, optimize resource utilization, and personalize customer experiences. Focus on Sustainability: Green logistics initiatives, including eco-friendly packaging and electric vehicles, will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients and investors. Green logistics initiatives, including eco-friendly packaging and electric vehicles, will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients and investors. Collaboration & Partnerships: Strategic partnerships between established players, startups, and government agencies will foster innovation and address industry challenges. Strategic partnerships between established players, startups, and government agencies will foster innovation and address industry challenges. Growing Regional Demand: Increasing trade within Southeast Asia and beyond creates new opportunities for Singapore's logistics sector. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: This report offers valuable insights for various stakeholders in the Singapore logistics market, including: Logistics Companies: Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainable practices. Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and prioritizing sustainable practices. Investors: Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Policymakers: Formulating policies that promote skilled workforce development, address cybersecurity threats, and encourage sustainable practices. Formulating policies that promote skilled workforce development, address cybersecurity threats, and encourage sustainable practices. Clients & Consumers: Gaining insights into the diverse range of logistics services available, choosing the right providers based on their needs, and benefiting from improved efficiency and affordability. Conclusion: Building a Resilient and Sustainable Logistics Ecosystem Singapore's logistics market stands poised for a remarkable journey, fueled by its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to innovation. By embracing technological advancements, fostering collaboration between stakeholders, and prioritizing sustainable practices, the sector can navigate existing challenges and unlock its full potential. This will not only benefit businesses and investors but also empower communities across the region, ensuring seamless access to goods and services while minimizing environmental impact. Ultimately, navigating these opportunities and overcoming challenges will determine whether Singapore's logistics sector can further solidify its position as a global leader, shaping a vibrant and resilient ecosystem for the future. Request free 30 minutes analyst call Taxonomy Singapore Logistics Market Segmentation By Service Mix Freight Forwarding Warehousing Courier, Express Parcel Market Cold Chain Singapore Freight Forwarding Market Segmentation By Mode of Transport Sea Road Air Rail By type of Freight End Users Retail Automobile Pharma Others Singapore Warehouse Market Segmentation By Business Model Industrial/Retail Warehouses CFS/ICD Warehouses Cold Storage Agriculture and Other Warehouses By End-Users Retail including Garments, Cosmetics Automotive & Engineering E- Commerce Pharma/ Healthcare Others Singapore CEP Market Segmentation By Domestic/ International Shipments Domestic Shipment International Shipment By End-Users E-Commerce Retail Others Singapore Cold Chain Market Segmentation Cold Chain Cold Storage Cold Transport For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: Singapore Logistics Industry Related Reports by Ken Research: Vietnam Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Infrastructural and Government Investments Coupled with the Growth of E-Commerce Sector in Vietnam Market Size of Vietnam Logistics is expected to show increasing trend from 2022 to 2027. This is owing to rising economy, adoption of e-commerce, China plus one strategy and initiatives by the government. Also, development of roads across Vietnam for better connectivity under Vision 2030 is expected to add to the efficiency of logistic related operations. Indonesia Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 driven by high growth in E-Commerce, government policies attracting foreign investors & promising manufacturing sector. According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Indonesia Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2027 at CAGR of 10%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. KSA Logistics Market Outlook to 2026 driven by infrastructural enhancement, administration & regulatory reforms, privatization of logistics sector According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of KSA Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2026 at CAGR of 5.7%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/3782349/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research SINGAPORE, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SpeQtral, a leading quantum communications company, proudly announces the appointment of four prominent experts to its Advisory Board. Prof. Artur Ekert, Mr. Carl Ward, Prof. Carlos Cid, and Mr. John Prisco, each experts in their respective fields of quantum cryptography, cybersecurity, and business transformation, will collectively steer SpeQtral's strategic vision, enhancing its position as a global leader in quantum security solutions. SpeQtral Advisory Board Members, from L - R: Prof Artur Ekert, Mr. Carl Ward, Prof. Carlos Cid and Mr. John Prisco Celebrated as a pioneer in quantum cryptography, Prof. Artur Ekert has been an independent board member of SpeQtral since February 2022, and now assumes an additional role on SpeQtral's Advisory Board. Holding positions at the University of Oxford and the National University of Singapore, Ekert is renowned for his invention of the Ekert91 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol. As the Founding Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies, Ekert's noteworthy distinctions include being honoured as a Fellow of The Royal Society and the Singapore National Academy of Science. Ekert's knowledge and connections to all things quantum will keep SpeQtral in touch with quantum experts and their developments all over the world. Bringing over 40 years of experience of working with advanced technologies to enable business and digital transformation, Carl Ward is a noteworthy addition to SpeQtral's Advisory Board. As the former Global Chief Technologist for Accenture's public sector business, Ward's expertise and passion for quantum technologies will be instrumental in shaping SpeQtral's customer engagement strategy. Dr. Carlos Cid, Director of Simula UiB, Norway, and Professor at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, is a cybersecurity and cryptography visionary. With a two-decade legacy at Royal Holloway University of London, Cid is a leading researcher in algebraic cryptanalysis, quantum-resistant cryptology, and secure computation. His expertise and advice will address the cryptography and cyber security aspects of SpeQtral's developments. John Prisco, a seasoned executive with an impressive track record in driving revenue growth and operational excellence, has also been appointed to SpeQtral's Advisory Board. Prisco, currently President and CEO of Safe Quantum, Inc., has led several high-tech companies to successful exits. A prominent thought leader on QKD, he serves as the Chairman of the QED-C Use Cases Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), overseeing areas such as Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Communications and Security. Prisco's wealth of knowledge in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and quantum physics, and his extensive background and leadership roles in companies like Triumfant, GeoVantage, and Ridgeway Systems will be invaluable to mission. SpeQtral Co-Founder and CEO, Lum Chune Yang, expressed excitement about the Advisory Board, stating, "The collective expertise of SpeQtral's appointed Advisory Board members will be instrumental in driving the company's quantum communication technologies towards our vision of a global quantum fabric. We are honoured to have such distinguished individuals shape our strategic vision and guide us through the dynamic landscape of quantum security solutions." About SpeQtral SpeQtral is a pioneer in quantum communications, with a vision to build and deploy global quantum networks. SpeQtral develops quantum-secure products and services designed to protect sovereign and enterprise telecommunication networks against classical, as well as future quantum-based cyber-attacks on cryptography. Combining both terrestrial and space-based solutions, SpeQtral aims to secure the world's networks against the threats posed by the imminent quantum revolution and drive innovation in quantum communications that will serve as the building blocks for the future quantum internet. For more information, visit: https://speqtralquantum.com/ SOURCE SpeQtral "We believe every worker in this country should have the option to take paid leave, and no one should have to choose between their job and caring for a loved one," said David Healy, president, Group Benefits, Sun Life U.S. "While the Family and Medical Leave Act provides unpaid leave up to 12 weeks, many employees have the difficult decision of whether they can afford to take time off to address their needs. Employers in these states can choose to offer paid family leave benefits to their employees, who will have the ability to care for a loved one when necessary and return to work less stressed, and ready to be productive." Built on decades of industry experience and expertise on leave, absence management, and return-to-work models, Sun Life FLI fills a substantial benefits gap for employers in states without government programs. Sun Life FLI is offered as fully insured coverage, helping small and mid-size employers offer the benefit without the risk of self-funding. "In addition to giving workers access to paid leave, FLI gives employers a powerful tool for talent recruitment and retention, as more often, workers seek out a robust benefits offering when considering jobs," said Sheila Sokolski, assistant vice president, Product and Marketing, Sun Life U.S. "We are pleased to expand this benefit in states that give employers the option to offer it, which will also contribute to economic growth." With Sun Life FLI, employees get the benefit of Sun Life's online claims submission, and employers can track employees' leave details, supporting overall health and productivity management. Sun Life FLI is available for quoting in Alabama, Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas on April 1, with other states expected to approve filing in the coming months. For more information visit https://www.sunlife.com/us/en/employers/products-and-services/family-leave-insurance/. About Sun Life Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of December 31, 2023, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.40 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com. Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF. Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping more than 50 million Americans access the healthcare and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,300 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom. Media contacts Devon Fernald Sun Life U.S. [email protected] 781-800-3609 Anjie Coplin Sun Life U.S. [email protected] 214-549-1553 Connect with Sun Life U.S. https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial/ SOURCE Sun Life U.S. Call to Action Comes After Long History of Union Busting by Major Carrier WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters commend 145 members of the U.S. House of Representatives for sending a letter to Delta Airlines CEO Ed Bastian for the company to commit to a neutrality agreement to not interfere with organizing drives at the carrier. "Delta wants lawmakers to believe it's a well-behaved employer, but nothing could be further from the truth," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Delta Air Lines, which pockets more revenue than any other airline in the world, has responded to our union campaign with retaliation, coercion, threats, and misinformation. Delta might not want 45,000 nonunion workers to secure union protections, better benefits, and higher wages but workers are organizing and flexing their muscles whether the executives like it or not." The Teamsters are currently organizing Delta technicians and related crafts as part of a coalition mobilizing workers at the carrier. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA) is signing up flight attendants and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is supporting ramp, cargo, and tower workers in forming their union. "We understand that Delta employees announced a coordinated campaign to organize a union in November 2022, including Delta flight attendants, fleet service workers, and technicians," the letter from House representatives said. "Unfortunately, our constituents have informed us about Delta's history of deploying union-busting tactics, including threatening employees with termination of their benefits, distributing anti-union literature and hosting an anti-union website. These retaliatory actions are hostile to workers' rights, and we urge you to commit to implementing a neutrality agreement with regard to these union organizing efforts." A delegation of Delta Air Lines workers and representatives from the Teamsters, AFA, and the IAM met with the House Labor Caucus last month to discuss issues at the carrier. Last year, shareholders at the company voted down a freedom of association proposal regarding workers' rights to unions a proposal the other three major carriers in the U.S. have already agreed to. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Matt McQuaid, (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters DALLAS, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A fair and impartial justice system is at the heart of America's commitment to the rule of law. Individual judges are prohibited from commenting about pending cases, particularly those over which they preside. Judges may only speak through their rulings, many of which are made in controversial and high-profile cases that attract public attention. Members of the public who are not lawyers often may not understand the basis for a judge's ruling in a particular case and as is the right of any citizen express their disagreement with the ruling. Unfortunately, these disagreements sometimes consist of nothing more than unfair attacks on a judge's character. It is therefore important that lawyers provide their insight when the safety and independence of the judiciary is threatened. The 15 Texas Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates (TEX-ABOTA) comprise a statewide, non-partisan association of experienced trial lawyers and judges. Our mission is to preserve and promote the right to trial by jury in civil cases; to protect the fair and impartial administration of justice through support for an independent judiciary; to uphold the rule of law; and to champion civility, professionalism, and high ethical standards among attorneys. Consistent with its mission, TEX-ABOTA opposes the personal attacks made against Judge Jan Soifer of the 345th Judicial District Court in Austin in connection with her recent rulings in a whistleblower lawsuit brought by former employees of the Texas Attorney General's Office. TEX-ABOTA takes no position on the underlying case or Judge Soifer's decision and supports the First Amendment right to criticize and protest on items of public interest, including the merits of decisions in controversial or publicized cases. But the integrity of our judicial system and the independence of the judiciary is undermined when individuals or groups who disagree with a decision level personal attacks against a judge. We need judges to decide cases without fear that they will be subjected to such personal attacks. Respect for the rule of law and civility in our discourse is necessary and appropriate for the preservation of an independent judiciary. The concept of a fair and impartial judiciary is an integral and essential component of our system of justice and the proper functioning of our democracy. The Texas Chapters of the American Board of Trial Advocates (TEX-ABOTA) Charlie Henke, President Mitzi Mayfield, President-Elect Javier Espinoza, Vice President Cade Browning, Secretary Alison Kennamer, Treasurer Tim Newsom, Immediate Past President ABOUT ABOTA: Founded in 1958, the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) is a membership organization of more than 7,300 civil trial attorneys who have been invited to join because of their trial skills, integrity and civility in the courtroom. ABOTA members are evenly divided between plaintiff and defense attorneys. ABOTA works to foster improvement in the ethical and technical standards of practice so that individual litigants may receive more effective representation and the public be benefited by more efficient administration of justice. More than 1,350 Texas attorneys are members of the 15 Texas Chapters of ABOTA and comprise TEX-ABOTA. https://tex-abota.org https://www.abota.org Contact: Charlie Henke, President TEX-ABOTA (713) 940-4500 [email protected] SOURCE TEX-ABOTA GURUGRAM, India, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Buckle up, logistics enthusiasts! The United Arab Emirates' logistics market is soaring to new heights, fueled by a booming economy, strategic location, and the ever-expanding e-commerce sector. Ken Research's "UAE Logistics Market Outlook to 2027" report predicts a remarkable 7.8% CAGR, translating to a staggering $52.6 billion market size by 2027. This press release unlocks the key drivers, challenges, and exciting prospects waiting to be explored in this dynamic realm. Market Overview: Connecting the World, Powering Progress Beyond physical movement of goods, the UAE's logistics market is playing a pivotal role in regional and global trade, supporting economic growth and diversification. In 2022, the market reached a size of $34.2 billion, and it's poised for exponential growth, driven by: Strategic Location: The UAE, situated at the crossroads of East and West, offers unparalleled connectivity to key markets in Asia , Africa , and Europe. The UAE, situated at the crossroads of East and West, offers unparalleled connectivity to key markets in , , and Europe. Diversified Economy: The shift towards non-oil sectors like tourism, manufacturing, and technology is stimulating logistics demand across various industries. The shift towards non-oil sectors like tourism, manufacturing, and technology is stimulating logistics demand across various industries. E-commerce Surge: The UAE's booming e-commerce market, with one of the highest adoption rates globally, requires efficient and reliable last-mile delivery solutions. The UAE's booming e-commerce market, with one of the highest adoption rates globally, requires efficient and reliable last-mile delivery solutions. Government Initiatives: Vision 2021 and Dubai Logistics Master Plan 2040 emphasize infrastructure development and technological advancements, fostering a supportive environment for the sector. Interested to Know More about this Report, Request a Free Sample Report Market Segmentation: A Diverse Landscape of Services The report delves into the diverse segments of the UAE's logistics market, offering a comprehensive view: Transportation: Road transportation dominates (60%), followed by airfreight (25%) and maritime transport (15%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Road transportation dominates (60%), followed by airfreight (25%) and maritime transport (15%). Multimodal solutions are gaining traction. Logistics Services: Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (65%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (15%). Third-party logistics (3PL) providers hold the largest share (65%), followed by warehousing and storage (20%) and freight forwarding (15%). End-User Industry: Retail & e-commerce leads the demand (30%), followed by construction & building materials (25%) and oil & gas (20%). Healthcare and manufacturing are emerging segments. Competitive Landscape: Global Giants & Local Champions The market features a blend of established global players, regional leaders, and innovative startups: Global Titans: DP World, DHL, and FedEx hold significant market share with their extensive networks and global expertise. DP World, DHL, and FedEx hold significant market share with their extensive networks and global expertise. Regional Powerhouses: Aramex and Agility Logistics excel in the Middle East and North Africa region, offering customized solutions. Aramex and Agility Logistics excel in the and region, offering customized solutions. Emerging Innovators: Local startups like Fetchr and TrukTruk are leveraging technology and focusing on niche segments like express delivery and on-demand trucking. Visit this Link :- Request for custom report Challenges: Navigating the Roadblocks to Growth Despite the promising outlook, some challenges need to be addressed: Infrastructure Gaps: While significant infrastructure investments are underway, bottlenecks in warehousing capacity and last-mile connectivity persist. While significant infrastructure investments are underway, bottlenecks in warehousing capacity and last-mile connectivity persist. Skilled Workforce Shortage: Attracting and retaining qualified personnel across the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Attracting and retaining qualified personnel across the logistics value chain remains a challenge. Competition & Price Pressure: Intense competition can lead to price wars, impacting profitability, especially for smaller players. Intense competition can lead to price wars, impacting profitability, especially for smaller players. Technological Disruption: Rapidly evolving technologies like automation and artificial intelligence require continuous adaptation and investment. Future Outlook: A Brighter Tomorrow Fueled by Innovation The UAE's logistics market is poised for continued growth, driven by several exciting factors: Technological Advancements: Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer experience. Adoption of AI, blockchain, and automation will enhance efficiency, transparency, and customer experience. Focus on Sustainability: Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Green logistics initiatives and eco-friendly solutions will gain traction, attracting environmentally conscious clients. Regional Integration: Growing partnerships and trade agreements within the GCC and wider region will create new opportunities. Growing partnerships and trade agreements within the GCC and wider region will create new opportunities. Government Support: Continued investments in infrastructure and policies promoting innovation will solidify the UAE's position as a global logistics hub. Key Takeaways for Stakeholders: This report offers valuable insights for various stakeholders in the UAE's logistics market, including: Logistics Companies: Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and focusing on sustainability practices. Identifying high-growth segments, adopting innovative technologies, offering value-added services, and focusing on sustainability practices. Investors: Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Understanding market trends, assessing investment opportunities in promising segments like e-commerce logistics and technology startups. Policymakers: Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and foster a competitive yet sustainable market environment. Formulating policies that address infrastructure gaps, promote skilled workforce development, and foster a competitive yet sustainable market environment. Clients & Consumers: Gaining insights into the diverse range of logistics services available, choosing the right providers based on their needs, and benefiting from improved efficiency and affordability. Request free 30 minutes analyst call Taxonomy UAE Logistics Market Segmentation By Service Mix Freight Forwarding Warehousing Courier, Express Parcel Market Value Added Services UAE Freight Forwarding Market Segmentation By Mode of Transport Sea Road Air Rail By type of Freight End Users Retail Automobile Pharma Others UAE Warehouse Market Segmentation By Business Model Industrial/Retail Warehouses CFS/ICD Warehouses Cold Storage Agriculture and Other Warehouses By End-Users Retail including Garments, Cosmetics Automotive & Engineering E- Commerce Pharma/ Healthcare Others UAE CEP Market Segmentation By Domestic/ International Shipments Domestic Shipment International Shipment By End-Users E-Commerce Retail Others For More Insights On Market Intelligence, Refer To The Link Below: UAE Logistics Market Related Reports by Ken Research: Vietnam Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 Driven by Infrastructural and Government Investments Coupled with the Growth of E-Commerce Sector in Vietnam Market Size of Vietnam Logistics is expected to show increasing trend from 2022 to 2027. This is owing to rising economy, adoption of e-commerce, China plus one strategy and initiatives by the government. Also, development of roads across Vietnam for better connectivity under Vision 2030 is expected to add to the efficiency of logistic related operations. Indonesia Logistics Market Outlook to 2027 driven by high growth in E-Commerce, government policies attracting foreign investors & promising manufacturing sector. According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Indonesia Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2027 at CAGR of 10%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. KSA Logistics Market Outlook to 2026 driven by infrastructural enhancement, administration & regulatory reforms, privatization of logistics sector According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of KSA Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2017 to 2021. However, drop was observed in 2020. This is owing to fear and social distance among service providers during pandemic. Market Size of Logistics market is expected to show a decent growth trajectory from 2022 to 2026 at CAGR of 5.7%. This is mainly due to rapid infrastructural development which has led to services being able to reach previously un-accessible regions. Singapore Logistics Industry Outlook to 2028 Driven by Driven by growing investment in transport infrastructure and transformation towards digital economy According to Ken Research estimates, the Market Size of Singapore Logistics has shown increasing trend from 2019 to 2022. The Singapore logistics sector supports the second-largest economy on the continent, and is relatively sophisticated. Local and international companies use Singapore as gateway for their operations into Africa. The logistics operators are making significant investments in automation and digitalization in order to address security concerns, improve loss prevention as well as efficiency. Follow Us LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube Contact Us:- Ken Research Private Limited Ankur Gupta, Director Strategy and Growth [email protected] +91-9015378249 Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1954972/Ken_Research_Logo.jpg SOURCE Ken Research United's low-fee business model thrived in 2023, outperforming the national market amid industry-wide seismic shifts and downsizing DALLAS, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Four United Real Estate (United) leaders are featured among 300 distinguished professionals in RISMedia's 2024 Real Estate Newsmakers list. The ranking shines a spotlight on dynamic leaders and their accomplishments in the real estate industry. This marks the fourth year United Real Estate has been highlighted. The recognition underscores United's commitment to innovation, growth and seeing things differently for the benefit of its brokers, agents and the clients they serve. We maintained steady organic growth during one of the most unique and challenging years for our industry. Post this United Real Estate thrived in 2023, outperforming the national market amid industry-wide shifts and downsizing. Dan Duffy, the CEO of United Real Estate Group, has been honored as a Luminary. Acknowledged for his visionary approach and strategic thinking, Duffy helped lead his company to exceptional growth. United is a seven-time Inc. 5000 fastest-growing company and a two-time Franchise Times Smartest-Growing U.S. company. He currently ranks No. 19 among 200 of the most influential brokerage leaders in the 2024 T3 Sixty report. "Our multi-year recognition in the ranking is a testament to the dedication and belief in our business model by those who work with us. We maintained steady organic growth during one of the most unique and challenging years for our industry and significantly outperformed the market. I am thankful to be surrounded by talented, passionate people who choose to see things differently to move our organization forward," commented Duffy. Rick Haase, President of United Real Estate has been designated as an Influencer. Haase's leadership has played a pivotal role in United Real Estate's growth to become the sixth-largest real estate company in the United States, expanding from 139th largest in 2019. He has been instrumental in the evolution of product and service offerings including last year's launch of United Real Estate Group, Learning Academy, Marketing Hub, LeadBoost and business process systems. He currently ranks No. 74 among 200 of the most influential brokerage leaders in the 2024 T3 Sixty report. "It is an honor for our work to be recognized by our industry. We are well positioned for the current market and making solid investments in service offerings for our agents and owners. By putting the right people and resources in place, we are delivering what our agents need to pivot quickly and have the best outcomes in 2024," said Haase. Amanda Cline, Vice President of Marketing has been named an Achiever. In 2022, Cline was named one of Kansas City's "40 Under Forty" by Ingram's Magazine. Her steadfast commitment, leadership and talent have supported United Real Estate's growth. She has been a steady hand guiding her team to bring strategic goals to fruition, assisting United's ascent to the 6th largest residential real estate company in America. "I am honored to be recognized among an exceptional group of professionals in our industry. This recognition is more about the team and my esteemed colleagues at United that continue to support our rapid growth with dedication and drive to create a world-class organization," commented Cline. "The most rewarding part is being able to work closely with our Agents and Brokers, helping them increase their productivity and achieve their goals. It's truly a privilege to be part of our exceptional growth story and surrounded by the brightest minds in real estate. When you love what you do and you feel you are making an impact, the work is no longer work it's a passion." Chastity Davenport, Vice President of Brokerage Development has been honored as a Trailblazer. Chastity applies her unique insights into the evolving real estate industry while advancing recruiting & retention, agent productivity and key performance indicators for United's franchise and select company-owned locations. Her dynamic approach to brokerage development and ability to navigate complexities of the industry underline her success. "I am deeply honored to be recognized amongst the greats of the real estate industry. So many of these amazing leaders are to be admired for their relentless pursuit of pushing our industry to new heights. My hope is that my efforts throughout my career continue to uplift others and support our brokerage owners and agents in achieving their goals. This recognition as a Trailblazer is a testament to the collaborative spirit and innovative drive within our industry, and I am grateful to be a part of such a dynamic community," stated Davenport. To learn more about United Real Estate, brokerage succession planning, brokerage valuation and sale or franchising opportunities, visit GrowWithUnited.com or call 888-960-0606. Agents interested in learning about career opportunities with United Real Estate can visit JoinUnitedRealEstate.com. About United Real Estate United Real Estate (United) a division of United Real Estate Group was founded with the purpose of offering solutions to real estate brokers and agents in the rapidly changing real estate brokerage industry. United provides the latest training, marketing and technology tools to agents and brokers under a flat-fee, transaction-based agent commission model. By leveraging the company's proprietary cloud-based Bullseye Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, United delivers a more profitable outcome for agents and brokers. United Real Estate operates in 32 states with 156 offices and more than 20,400 agents. The company produced over 70,000 transactions and $27.8 billion in sales volume in 2023. About United Real Estate Group United Real Estate Group (UREG) operates United Real Estate and United Country Real Estate, addressing the unique market needs of suburban, major metropolitan urban and rural markets. Utilizing the cloud-based Bullseye Agent & Broker Productivity Platform, UREG offers the latest training, marketing and technology tools producing a significant competitive advantage. The platform realizes a decade-long investment in virtual agent and brokerage technology services and is powered by a 2.6 million listings data warehouse generating over 3 million monthly visitors and 30,000+ leads per year. Together, the United Real Estate Group supports more than 590 offices and over 23,100 real estate and auction professionals across four continents. United Real Estate Group produced more than 89,000 transactions and $35.2 billion in sales volume in 2023. Through its in-house advertising agency, UREG offers differentiating marketing support and collateral for specialized lifestyle property websites as well as access to a 800,000+ opt-in buyer database. For more information about United Real Estate or United Country Real Estate, please visit UnitedRealEstate.com or UnitedCountry.com. Media Contact April Gonzalez Media and Investor Relations [email protected] 504-237-3500 SOURCE United Real Estate ATLANTA, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LEO A DALY, in partnership with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, is proud to announce the progression of two innovative housing projects for veterans in Florida and Georgia. These projects are part of a broader initiative to provide veterans with dignified, permanent housing solutions coupled with comprehensive supportive services. In Florida, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation has secured an 8.7-acre land donation from Manatee County in Bradenton. Plans for this site include the construction of 38 comfort homes centered around an 84-unit apartment complex, which will be complemented by a comprehensive supportive service center. Construction is poised to begin in spring 2024. Our goal is to empower veterans through architecture that reflects respect, dignity, and care. Post this Simultaneously, in Georgia, efforts are underway to transform a 101-room hotel into permanent housing, providing hundreds of veterans with not only a place to call home but also access to vital support services. This full-scale conversion is expected to be completed by fall 2024. Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership with LEO A DALY, stating, "Together, we are not just building homes; we are crafting communities of hope and healing for our veterans. Our collaboration with LEO A DALY enables us to further our mission with innovative designs that honor the dignity of those who served. These projects in Florida and Georgia represent just the beginning of our nationwide commitment to ensure no veteran is left without a home." The partnership with LEO A DALY extends beyond these projects, with the firm providing expertise in site evaluation, zoning reviews, capacity studies, and design services. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness and creating environments that promote healing and well-being. Mike Rodebaugh, AIA, of LEO A DALY, highlighted the synergy between the two organizations: "Working alongside the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, we're inspired to apply our human-centered design process towards a mission that resonates deeply with our values. Our goal is to empower veterans through architecture that reflects respect, dignity, and care." Additionally, LEO A DALY, recently completed the design of the Temple Terrace VA Clinic and Domiciliary in Tampa, Florida. This VA facility is pioneering in its approach, offering nearly every mental health service provided by the VA in one location, including care for homeless veterans, PTSD treatment, suicide prevention, substance abuse treatment, and an inpatient program. About LEO A DALY Founded in 1915, LEO A DALY is a global leader in architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design. With a portfolio spanning more than 91 countries, all 50 US states, and the District of Columbia, the firm employs over 400 design and engineering professionals in 9 studios worldwide. About the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Established in the aftermath of 9/11, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is dedicated to "doing good" by providing mortgage-free homes to families of fallen first responders and military personnel, and building specially adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The foundation is committed to ending veteran homelessness and ensuring America never forgets September 11, 2001. For more information on the Tunnel to Towers Foundation and its initiatives, visit [ T2T.org ]( http://t2t.org ) and follow on [Facebook]( http://facebook.com ), [X](http://x.com), and [Instagram](http://instagram.com). SOURCE LEO A DALY Floridians can now compare quotes and purchase coverage from regional carriers that specialize in the state's unique challenges CHICAGO, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- VIU by HUB (VIU), an omnichannel insurance brokerage platform, today announced its partnership with HoneyQuote, a Florida home and condo insurance marketplace. The partnership provides expanded regional carrier options and specialized advice for Floridians seeking personal insurance amidst increasing rates and diminished choice in one of the costliest markets1 in the country. Obtaining insurance in Florida has become increasingly difficult due to challenges of affordability and availability. In the last five years, Florida insurance premiums have risen more than 2.5 times the national average2. Additionally, Floridians have fewer options available. In recent years, at least six insurers have become insolvent, and more than a dozen others have left the state or stopped writing new business. All of these factors are contributing to the need for more choice and options to support and serve Floridians. "National carriers have largely pulled out of Florida leaving many homeowners scrambling to find new coverage," said Bryan Davis, EVP and Head of VIU. "Through our partnership with HoneyQuote, VIU is doubling down on our commitment to bring innovation to a complex market and help mitigate the insurance protection gap. Floridians need a broker now more than ever to help guide them through their options and provide personalized advice to overcome the immense challenges they face." VIU provides customers with the ability to shop for and compare personal insurance coverage options from a variety of carriers. Customers can also purchase policies and receive ongoing advice from a team of trusted experts. In addition to homeowners and condo insurance, VIU offers fast and seamless quoting alongside personalized coverage and advice for auto, renters, landlord, pet and life insurance. "By joining forces with VIU, backed by leading global insurance broker Hub International, HoneyQuote takes a leap forward in becoming Florida's No.1 insurance marketplace for homeowners insurance. Partnering with VIU, we can now offer a broad suite of personal lines solutions with a seamless experience," exclaimed Freddy Seikaly, CEO of HoneyQuote. "Our collaboration heralds a new era where Floridians can seamlessly navigate insurance options and guidance, thanks to the innovative solutions crafted through this partnership." Davis added: "This is an example of two innovative insurance brokerages working together to impact a major need for the customers of Florida." VIU can be integrated seamlessly into the systems of partners involved in the consumer purchase journey, such as real estate and property management companies, and is available to consumers by phone, online and via a mobile app. Learn more about VIU by HUB here. About Hub International Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Hub International Limited is a leading full-service global insurance broker and financial services firm providing risk management, insurance, employee benefits, retirement and wealth management products and services. With more than 17,000 employees in offices located throughout North America, Hub's vast network of specialists brings clarity to a changing world with tailored solutions and unrelenting advocacy, so clients are ready for tomorrow. For more information, visit Hub Media Center. About HoneyQuote HoneyQuote is a digital insurance agency powered by a proprietary search engine, enabling clients to compare and purchase insurance coverage in an online marketplace. With products spanning homeowners, condo, and flood insurance, HoneyQuote collaborates with 20 of the top insurance carriers, aiming to revolutionize insurance shopping in Florida and beyond. For more information, visit HoneyQuote.com. CONTACTS: Media: Shelley Rossetter Phone: 863-397-8877 [email protected] Media: Jessica Wiltse Phone: 312-596-7573 [email protected] SOURCE Hub International Limited Bills Would Improve Public Safety, Working Conditions, and Address Unfair Labor Practices OLYMPIA, Wash., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Thanks to the dogged advocacy of Washington Teamsters, three pivotal bills aimed at safeguarding workers' rights, enhancing safety measures, and addressing critical issues impacting the labor movement are making their way through the state legislature. "The issues we are advocating for in Olympia will determine the future of the labor movement in our state and nationwide," said Rick Hicks, Teamsters Western Region International Vice President and President of Teamsters Joint Council 28. "We will not stop advocating for these bills to be signed into law, and I thank the members of the state legislature who are putting working people ahead of corporate profits." The first bill, SB 5872, requires a skilled human operator in autonomous vehicles (AVs) and ensures AVs adhere to the same federal and state standards as all other motor vehicles. A hearing for the bill was held in the state Senate. Similar bills in nine other states have been introduced, including New York, Indiana, and California. The second bill, SB 5778, would ban employers from forcing workers to attend captive audience meetings employer-sponsored presentations filled with anti-union propaganda designed to discourage organizing efforts. SB 5778 passed the upper chamber and is now headed to the state House of Representatives. The third bill, SB 5777/HB 1893, will provide crucial support for striking or locked-out workers by granting them access to unemployment insurance. The measure will give union members more power to hold employers accountable when they unlawfully refuse to negotiate and attempt to extract unreasonable concessions. The legislation was just recently passed by the state House of Representatives. Similar legislation supported by the Teamsters has been enacted in New York and New Jersey. "We are grateful to our allies in the state legislature for their support in advancing our top priority bills," said Paul Dascher, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. "From tackling the safety challenges of autonomous vehicles to closing loopholes that hinder union organizing, Teamsters are steadfast in our mission to enhance the lives of working people in Washington." The introduction of the three bills follows a significant victory last year when HB 1762, a bill that implemented restrictions on warehouse worker production quotas, was passed into law. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Matt McQuaid (202) 624-6877 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Beirut, Feb 14 : Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has said that the Lebanese armed group will not stop its attacks in border regions with Israel until the latter's war on Gaza ends. Nasrallah in a speech to commemorate Hezbollah fighters broadcasted by local TV channel al-Manar on Tuesday said that the group will "not stop the border offensive before the end of the Zionist war on Gaza", Xinhua news agency reported. Nasrallah noted that the group's military front in southern Lebanon is aimed at weakening the Israeli enemy until it is convinced that it must stop its aggression in Gaza. "This front will only stop when the aggression against Gaza stops within an agreement with the Palestinian resistance," he said. Nasrallah added that Hezbollah also has a national duty to protect Lebanon from "Israeli aggression," and would continue to fight back if Israel's attacks go on. The Lebanon-Israel border has been witnessing increased tension since October 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 271 people on the Lebanese side, including 190 Hezbollah members and 44 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. Washington, Feb 14 : The US House of Representatives has voted to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his alleged failure to secure the US-Mexico border from illegal immigration. Mayorkas became the first cabinet member to face impeachment in nearly 150 years. The Republican-led House on Tuesday voted 214 to 213 for the measure, after an earlier attempt failed last week. The issue now heads to the Democratic-led Senate, where it is likely to fail. President Joe Biden called the vote a "blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship" and a "political stunt", the BBC reported. The vote was largely divided along party lines, with 210 Democrats voting against the impeachment, along with three Republican representatives -- Tom McClintock of California, Ken Buck of Colorado and Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin. The three defectors also voted against the first attempt to impeach Mayorkas, saying that impeaching someone who has not committed a serious crime would weaken the constitutional penalty and do little to address the crisis at the border, the British news broadcaster reported. Lucknow, Feb 14 : A Class 12 student allegedly ended his life by suicide after sending a message to his parents. The student, Mohammed Daniel, 19, hanged himself on Tuesday and was declared dead when he was rushed to the King George's Medical University (KGMU) trauma centre. A student of a convent school in the state capital, he left a message on his phone expressing remorse and pleading for forgiveness. Daniel's uncle said his addiction to online gaming could have driven him to take such a drastic step. Chowk police station in charge, Nagesh Upadhyay, said Daniel was to appear for his English Literature intermediate exam on Tuesday and said academic pressure may have also contributed to his stress. Daniel further wrote in the message that he was not ending his life due to any fear or due to anyone. "I committed wrongs which cannot be rectified and so I am ending my life." He ended the message with an emoji of a weeping person. Singapore, Feb 14 : A Malaysian-Indian former flight steward is suing Singapore Airlines (SIA) for S$1.78 million after he slipped and fell onboard a plane in 2019 resulting in spinal injuries. Durairaj Santiran, who was employed by SIA from April 2016 to April 2021, alleged that his former employer was negligent in allowing the workplace to be unsafe, The Straits Times newspaper reported on Tuesday. The 35-year-old was in the economy-class galley of a flight from San Francisco which was scheduled to land in Singapore on the evening of September 6, 2019. He said about two hours before landing he slipped on a patch of grease on the floor and fell on his back, hitting his head on the floor. Santiran, who wore a neck brace when he attended court on February 13, claimed that as a result of his spinal injuries, he is medically unfit to continue working as a flight steward. He is seeking S$1.29 million for loss of future earnings, S$30,000 for loss of earning capacity, and S$150,000 for future medical and transport expenses. According to the lawsuit, the international carrier failed to ensure that the floor of the aircraft was free of any substance that might cause Santiran to slip, and failed to ensure that there was a system of cleaning to keep the floors safe. His lawyers, Ramasamy Chettiar and Kasturibai Manickam said that the fact that SIA did not take any preventive measures showed that the work system was inadequate, and the workplace was allowed to be unsafe. SIA denied Santiran's claims saying that SIA pays all valid and legitimate claims made by employees, but responds "firmly" to invalid, illegitimate, and false claims. SIA lawyers highlighted that Santiran made two previous work injury claims, in 2017 and 2018, which the airline did not contest. In these claims, he was awarded compensation for back and neck injuries through the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) process. However, his present WICA claim has been objected to as his injuries appeared to be pre-existing, they argued. Going further, the lawyers contended that there was no grease patch "on the floor of the economy-class galley near the ovens beside the galley island" as alleged and that this was not the location where Santiran fell. He also claimed that after he fell, his colleagues helped him into a "crew seat". But SIA said he was "assisted into the business-class section", where he remained until the plane landed. The SIA lawyer told the court that the entire claim about there being a patch of grease that caused him to fall was bogus, to which Santiran disagreed. Lucknow, Feb 14 : The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh will host the prestigious four-day International Arogya 2024 conference, themed 'Ayush for One Health,' at Awadh Shilpgram here from February 24. Lucknow, Feb 14 (IANS) The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh will host the prestigious four-day International Arogya 2024 conference, themed aAyush for One Health,a at Awadh Shilpgram here from February 24. The event will encompass international exhibitions and conferences showcasing advancements in the AYUSH domain, with participation from representatives of over 60 nations. The event is jointly organised by the Union ministry of Ayush, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Leena Johari, principal secretary, Ayush, said that the International Arogya 2024 conference seeks to bolster public health endeavours, advocate Ayush practices, and foster awareness among citizens. The conference aims to spotlight the efficacy and scientific validation of traditional Indian medical systems, including Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy. This platform aims to propel the global promotion, development, and acceptance of Ayush medicine through comprehensive discussions across various sessions. The ministry of Ayush is actively spearheading initiatives for the advancement of the health and wellness sector. In collaboration with the World Health Organisation, the ministry has achieved a significant milestone with the release of ICD 11, Chapter 26, Module 2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged this global achievement in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on January 28. The International Arogya 2024 conference aims to provide a global platform for collaboration and innovation in the realm of overall health and wellness. Its objective is to foster international acceptance, advocate Ayush practices, nurture their development and propagate awareness. London, Feb 14 : Nine Indian-origin members of a crime group in the UK received Serious Crime Prevention Orders (SCPO) to limit their ability to engage in serious and organised crime. The group was recently convicted for removing 15.5 million pounds from the UK to Dubai hidden in suitcases, as well as attempting to smuggle 17 migrants into the country. Swander Dhal (38), Jasbir Kapoor (36), Diljan Malhotra (48), Charan Singh (46), Valjeet Singh (35), Jasbir Dhal Singh (33), Jaginder Kapoor (48), Jacdar Kapour (51) and Amarjeet Alabadis (32) received lengthy prison sentences in addition to the recent SCPOs. The terms of their SCPOs include restrictions on finances, assets, bank accounts, and the purchase of international travel tickets, the National Crime Agency (NCA) said on Tuesday. The terms will come into effect once the offenders have served their jail sentences. The nine British Indians were part of a 16-member group who were given jail sentences totalling more than 70 years for their involvement in international money laundering and people smuggling in the UK in September last year. The group, led by 'ringleader' Charan Singh, was said to have smuggled around 70 million pounds in cash out of the UK, making hundreds of trips to Dubai between 2017 and 2019. Following a three-day sentencing hearing at Croydon Crown Court, Valjeet Singh got 11 years, while trusted lieutenant Swander Singh Dhal got 10 years for money laundering and an additional five years for people smuggling. Charan Singh from Hounslow, was handed a 12-and-a-half-year jail term, NCA reported earlier. SCPOs are part of the NCA-managed ancillary orders to limit opportunities for criminals to engage in illegal activity and also make offenders less attractive to organised crime gangs looking to re-recruit or work with them after they have served prison sentences. The NCA on Tuesday published an updated list of these ancillary orders, used to support the lifetime management of serious criminals and prevent future offending. Over the last year, 24 individuals have been issued with ancillary orders, many of which will come into force once the offender has left prison. aAncillary orders are vital, allowing us to prevent future offending through a wide variety of means. Many career criminals return to lives of organised crime following their stint in prison, believing themselves to be beyond the reach of the law," Alison Abbott, Head of the NCAas Prison and Lifetime Management Unit, said. aPart of the power of these orders is that they make offenders toxic to other criminals, who are reluctant to engage with individuals who are being actively monitored." The NCA said in a statement that publishing data on criminals who are subject to these orders enables other organisations and the public to report breaches. Apart from SCPOs, other ancillary orders include Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders, Financial Reporting Orders, and Travel Restriction Orders. San Francisco, Feb 14 : ChatGPT-maker OpenAI research scientist and founding member Andrej Karpathy has announced that he has left the company. This is Karpathy's second departure from the company, and he said it is not due to any event, issue, or drama. He announced his departure from the AI firm in a post on X, stating that he is leaving to pursue personal projects. "Hi everyone yes, I left OpenAI yesterday. First of all nothing "happened" and itas not a result of any particular event, issue or drama (but please keep the conspiracy theories coming as they are highly entertaining)," Karpathy wrote. "Actually, being at OpenAI over the last ~year has been really great - the team is really strong, the people are wonderful, and the roadmap is very exciting, and I think we all have a lot to look forward to. My immediate plan is to work on my personal projects and see what happens," he added. Karpathy initially left the company to join Elon Musk-run Tesla in 2017. He left Tesla, where he led the autopilot team, in 2022 and rejoined OpenAI about a year ago. Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly in touch with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to launch an AI chip fabrication plant. According to The Financial Times, Altman, who aims to raise billions of dollars from global investors for a chip plant, is also talking with the Taiwanese giant TSMC. Eight die in Odisha road accident, CM announces Rs 3 lakh compensation. Image Source: IANS News Hyderabad, Feb 14 : A circle inspector of the excise department was killed and an assistant sub-inspector injured in a road accident in Hyderabad late on Tuesday night. The police officials, who were riding a motorcycle, were rammed by a car which was being driven in the wrong direction. The accident occurred past midnight near Rangareddy district court in LB Nagar area under Rachakonda Police Commissionerate. Charminar excise circle inspector Sadiq Ali died on the spot while assistant sub-inspector Khwaja Wali Moinuddin of the same police station was injured. The person driving the car escaped leaving behind the vehicle. The police officials, who reside at government quarters in Malakpet, were returning home after attending a function in LB Nagar. Police registered a case and were on the lookout for the absconding driver. New Delhi, Feb 14 : PUMA presents "Welcome To The Amazing Mostro Show", a convention-defying experience to kick off New York Fashion Week. Presented at New York's historic Park Avenue Armory, PUMA transformed the space through light, projection, experiential elements, and musical performance by Eartheater to celebrate the return of the convention-defying low-profile Mostro sneaker. New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANSlife) PUMA presents "Welcome To The Amazing Mostro Show", a convention-defying experience to kick off New York Fashion Week. Presented at New Yorkas historic Park Avenue Armory, PUMA transformed the space through light, projection, experiential elements, and musical performance by Eartheater to celebrate the return of the convention-defying low-profile Mostro sneaker. Originally launched in 1999, 'Mostro' comes from the Italian word 'monstera. Pulled from the brand's storied archives, the low-profile silhouette boasts defining features such as its signature spiked sole and versatile strap closure. Styled by Alastair McKimm alongside the brand's Global Creative Director Heiko Desens, it showed a selection of custom and commercial pieces from their upcoming AW24 collections that complement the star of the show, the Mostro. Groundbreaking when it first launched, and a work of art today, the Mostro highlights the brand's brand position at the intersection of sport and fashion. PUMA x F1 Creative Director A$AP Rocky directed and starred in a Mostro campaign that launched just before the show across digital and social channels. Notable guests included Emily Ratajkowski, Ashley Graham, Davido*, Kyle Kuzma*, Becky G, Hari Nef, Eartheater, Caleb McLaughlin*, GloRilla, Lauren London*, Jay Brown*, Emory Jones*, Rickey Thompson, Yvesmark Chery, Stephanie Hui, Coco Bassey, and Harry Hill. IANSlife can be contacted at ianslife@ians.in Current equity cycle to be anaus to 2003-2008 bull cycle, says report. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 14 : In January, the total value of global private equity and venture capital entries decreased 16.8% to $24.45 billion compared to $29.37 billion during the same period a year prior. It was the lowest January total in at least five years. The number of deals also declined to 959 from 1,134 a year prior, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data & analysis. January deal value was the lowest monthly total in the last 12 months and was down by 30.4% from December 2023. Deal volume was up slightly to 959 compared to the month prior. In terms of deal count, Asia-Pacific reported the biggest number of announced deals in January at 396, compared with 334 transactions in the same month in 2023. The US and Canada recorded 299 announced deals in January, while Europe saw 222 deals. Technology, media and telecommunications was the most invested sector in January with 331 private equity-backed transactions. Within the sector, application software companies had the highest number of deals with 165, although deal count dropped from 202 transactions in January 2023. The electronic equipment and instruments subsector and systems software subsector tallied 30 and 26 deals in January, respectively, the report said. New Delhi, Feb 14 : Vibhakar Shastri, grandson of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, has resigned from the Congress in what is being viewed as yet another setback to the grand old party. He has tendered his resignation to the party's national president Mallikarjuna Kharge. "Hon'ble Congress President Shri Khargeji! Respected Sir, I hereby tender my resignation from the primary membership of Indian National Congress," Shastri has posted this message on X. Hyderabad, Feb 14 : Members of ruling Congress party and main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Telangana Legislative Assembly on Wednesday engaged in an argument over quorum. As soon as the House met for the day, BRS MLAs raised the issue. They drew the attention of Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar to lack of quorum. BRS leader and former minister T. Harish Rao alleged that the government failed to maintain the quorum for debate on Budget. Another BRS MLA Kadiam Srihari recalled that in the past legislative affairs ministers used to make phone calls to the MLAs to ensure quorum during important business. Legislative affairs minister D. Sridhar Babu disputed the BRS claim that there was no quorum. He mentioned that as the Assembly has a strength of 119 members, 10 per cent or only 12 members make up the quorum He claimed that 18 members were present when the Speaker commenced the proceedings. The minister said BRS was trying to send a wrong message outside the House by claiming lack of quorum. Sridhar Babu mentioned that Harish Rao had also served as legislative affairs minister in the past and despite all the knowledge he was trying to make a wrong claim. Kadiam Srihari, who initiated the debate on Vote-on-Account Budget for 2024-25, mentioned about the absence of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka during the debate on Budget. The BRS member also requested the Speaker to start the session at 10 a.m. He said the House was not meeting till 10:05 or 10:10 a.m., which is not proper. He said the Assembly proceedings should start at the scheduled time. New Delhi, Feb 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government will always ensure the safety of the Indian community abroad and extend all possible assistance to them, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said on Wednesday. He was responding to a question on the recent release of eight Indian Navy veterans who were on death row in Qatar, during a special briefing on PM Modi's visit to the UAE. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always intervened personally to speak with leaders of other nations to ensure the safety of its nationals abroad," Kwatra said. "Indian nationals, wherever they are, in whatever situation they are, the government strongly ensures that all possible cooperation is extended to them and will continue to do so in the future. These have always remained PM Modi's instructions to his government," the foreign secretary told reporters. He further said that the evacuation of Indian nationals during times of Covid and the crisis in Sudan are direct proof of the sensitive approach adopted by PM Modi to help the community abroad. Kwatra had earlier said that PM Modi personally supervised the case of eight former Navy personnel in Qatar, adding that the PM never shied away from any initiatives to ensure the safety of its nationals abroad. PM Modi met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai in December and reportedly discussed the matter with him The eight Indian nationals who were held in Qatar were Captains Navtej Gill and Saurabh Vasisht, Commanders Purnendu Tiwari, Amit Nagpal, S.K. Gupta, B.K. Verma and Sugunakar Pakala, and sailor Ragesh. As seven Navy veterans landed in India on Monday, New Delhi announced PM Modi's visit to Doha on February 14. This will be his second visit to Qatar since 2014 where he will be meeting His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir, and other top dignitaries. Google allows more time for pilot real-money gaming apps in India. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 14 : Google has said it blocked or removed more than 170 million policy-violating reviews from last year on Maps and Search -- by using its new machine learning (ML) algorithm. Last year, this new algorithm helped the tech giant take down 45 per cent more fake reviews than the year before. More than 12 million fake business profiles were also blocked, the company said. "Last year, we launched a new machine learning algorithm that detects questionable review patterns even faster. It does so by examining longer-term signals on a daily basis -- like if a reviewer leaves the same review on multiple businesses or if a business receives a sudden spike in 1 or 5-star reviews," Google said in a blogpost. Moreover, the company said that improvements to video moderation algorithms -- like detecting fake overlaid phone numbers, helped them catch 14 million policy-violating videos in 2023 -- 7 million more than the previous year. Business owners were protected from over 2 million attempts by hackers trying to claim Business Profiles that did not belong to them -- over 1 million more than in 2022. Temporary protections were placed on more than 123,000 businesses after the company's systems detected suspicious activity and abuse attempts, Google noted. Last year, Google filed a lawsuit against a malicious actor who had been posting fake reviews on Maps and fraudulently attempting to manipulate services for small businesses. Los Angeles, Feb 14 : Filmmaker Ed Zwick mentioned in his memoir about how he helped Hollywood star Tom Cruise nail an emotional scene in 'The Last Samurai' by speaking about family. Cruise tapped into his emotions on 'The Last Samurai' by thinking about his son Connor. In Zwick's memoir 'Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years', the director recalled his observations about Cruise's soft spots while filming the 2003 period drama. He said he noticed Cruise was "sweet and attentive" to a young actor in an earlier scene and that he was close to his then 8-year-old son Connor, whom he shares with ex-wife Nicole Kidman, people.com. Aiming to evoke more natural emotion from Cruise for a scene, Zwick pulled the actor aside and asked him to talk about Connor. "'Tell me about your son,' I said. He looked at me, surprised. I knew Connor had just returned to L.A. and Tom wouldn't be seeing him for a while. For a moment Tom was quiet. And then he began to talk." "It doesn't matter what he said in those few short moments in the fading light. I watched as he looked inward, and a window seemed to open and his eyes softened," wrote Zwick. With the daylight fading, the upcoming take was on a time crunch and Cruise eventually "nailed the scene." On their way off set, Zwick remembers making eye contact with the actor and Cruise mouthing to him a "thank you." Mumbai, Feb 14 : It's a double celebration for Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi. The actor, who recently registered his marriage with wife Maria Goretti, is celebrating 25th marriage anniversary with his wife on Wednesday on the occasion of Valentine's Day. The actor took to his Instagram on Wednesday, and shared a picture of himself embracing his wife. In the picture, while Arshad can be seen wearing white shirt, his wife dons a cream-coloured shirt. The actor wrote in the caption: "Most important decision a man makes in his life is the woman he chooses to spend his life with - and I'm glad I made the right decision Happy Anniversary Goretti." Earlier, the couple registered their marriage in court on January 23. Arshad and Maria got married on February 14, 1999. The two walked down the aisle in a church ceremony, followed by a traditional nikah. The actor said that they registered their marriage for legal reasons, realising its importance when dealing with property matters and for the future. The two registered their marriage under the Special Marriage Act. Their kids couldn't come because only witnesses were allowed. New Delhi, Feb 14 : In the midst of news regarding delays in salary payments, EPFO deposits, and potential job cuts, SpiceJet shares experienced a 4.16 per cent decline on Wednesday. Nonetheless, the budget airline asserted that it is presently in its most robust financial state in recent memory. "SpiceJet is currently at its strongest financial position in recent history. We've successfully completed the first tranche of capital infusion, amounting to Rs 744 crore, and have received significant additional subscriptions pending regulatory approval," said the airline spokesperson. "Furthermore, the company has initiated the process to raise an additional Rs 1,500 crore. SpiceJet already has valid and subsisting approval of shareholders for raising up to Rs 2500 crore through QIP and for this process it need not go to shareholders again," he said. "These funds are being utilised in accordance with the shareholders' resolution, prioritising statutory dues, vendor payments, and other outstanding dues. We want to clarify that regular payments are being made to lessors, and any reports suggesting outstanding amounts are baseless and denied," the airline claimed. "The airline has extended many aircraft leases and has also signed-up for fresh lease agreements starting summer schedule 2024. SpiceJet is actively engaged in discussions for long-term lease contracts with lessors, signalling our commitment to expand our fleet and network," said the spokesperson. "We have secured flight rights for Haj operations from seven Indian cities including Srinagar, Gaya, Guwahati, Bhopal, Indore, Aurangabad, and Vijayawada. Haj has been a significant revenue generator for SpiceJet and in the current fiscal year, SpiceJet garnered revenue of Rs 337 crore from Haj operations," said the spokesperson. "As part of our turnaround and cost-cutting strategy, we've implemented several measures, including manpower rationalisation, aimed at achieving profitable growth and capitalising on opportunities in the Indian aviation industry. We anticipate significant annual savings, up to Rs 100 crore, through this initiative alone," he added. Mumbai, Feb 14 : Actress Adah Sharma, who is an ardent animal lover, will be celebrating Valentine's Day with her furry friends as she has joined hands with an animal hospital on the day of love. Mumbai, Feb 14 (IANS) Actress Adah Sharma, who is an ardent animal lover, will be celebrating Valentineas Day with her furry friends as she has joined hands with an animal hospital on the day of love. Now Adah has teamed up with animal hospital TOLFA (Tree of Life for Animals). Talking about the same, Adah said: "I'm very excited about this project. I have been given so much and I want to give back. I want to do a lot for animals. aThis hospital takes care of abandoned calves, stray dogs and cats, and injured animals. I want people to be educated about adopting Indian dogs , giving stray animals a home." On the work front, Adah, who gained the spotlight with her performance in aThe Kerala Storya, will next be seen in 'Bastar: The Naxal Story', where she has joined forces with producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah and director Sudipto Sen once again after 'The Kerala Story'. 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' will be released on March 15 in cinemas worldwide. New Delhi, Feb 14 : Indian Premier League chairman Arun Singh Dhumal on Wednesday made it clear that the 2024 edition of the league will kick-start from March end in India and fixtures will be announced after the general elections' dates are confirmed. "We will work with the Indian government, agencies to make sure that the league takes place in India. We are waiting for the schedule of the general election to be announced and then we will plan accordingly...like which state will host what game at the time of election will be planned that way," Arun Dhumal told IANS. Asked if any tentative date for the IPL could be shared, he said, "It (IPL) will most likely start from March end... and general elections are in April, so we will work it out with the help of the government." As per the information received, with ten teams vying for the coveted trophy, expect a total of 74 matches to be played, potentially spread across two phases due to Indiaas general elections scheduled during the same period. Earlier, some reports claimed that there are chances that IPL 2024 will take place outside India due to the Lok Sabha elections. Pune : , Feb 14 (IANS) The Nationalist Congress Party-SP on Wednesday scoffed at political speculation in Maharashtra suggesting that it was planning to 'merge' with the Congress party. Political circles were agog with rumours of such a possibility after AICC General Secretary Ramesh Chennithala held a two-hour-long meeting with NCP-SP President Sharad Pawar on Tuesday. However, NCP-SP leaders, including Pune President Prashant Jagtap, ex-ministers Anil Deshmukh, Shashikant Shinde and others dismissed the speculation as "mere rumours" with no basis, after attending a meeting addressed by Sharad Pawar here on Wednesday. As the kite-flying gained momentum, senior leaders including NCP-SP Working President Supriya Sule, Shirur MP Dr Amol Kolhe and others also rubbished it as "mischief mongers spreading unfounded rumours with malicious intentions." The speculation was further fuelled by the recent decision of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to award the iconic 'Clock' symbol and name of the original NCP (founded by Sharad Pawar), to the breakaway faction led by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. The NCP-SP has challenged this in the Supreme Court, and the party has submitted three alternatives for a symbol for the upcoming elections. Bengaluru, Feb 14 : Karnataka Speaker U.T. Khader on Wednesday asked the state government to get the accused, who gave life threat to the BJP MLA in Bengaluru, arrested by evening or suspend the concerned police inspector. Addressing the Congress government in the Assembly, Khader said, "The House must take the issue seriously. Two to three members of the Assembly have been threatened and this shows he is given courage. Why has he not been arrested yet? He should be arrested immediately by the evening. "Otherwise, the police inspector should be suspended. The government should send out a strong message in this regard." Mahalakshmi Layout BJP MLA K. Gopalaiah raised the issue of former corporator and Congress leader Padmaraj giving him life threat. "At 11.05 p.m., I got a call and the accused demanded money from me. When I refused, he abused me in vulgar language. He threatened that he would get my house looted and get my family executed. He runs clubs and has no fear..," he said. MLA Gopalaiah further said that four-time MLA and senior BJP leader S. Sureshkumar was also threatened by the accused. "He should be deported from the city. I need protection from the government. Anytime he can send his men to harm me and this might result in tragedy," he said. "The police are waiting like dogs in front of his house for 10 to 12 hours. He is not coming out though he is very much at home," he stated. BJP MLA and General Secretary V. Sunil Kumar said that there should not be politics in this case and the MLAs should get protection. Suresh Kumar, BJP MLA and senior leader said, "Myself and LoP R. Ashoka have suffered at the hands of the same person. Though no clubs are allowed to run in the entire Bengaluru, he runs clubs in his buildings. Though he is in the house, why has he not been arrested yet? ...The Speaker should give direction for his immediate arrest." Former Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said that during the BJP rule all clubs and casinos were shut down and local officers were held responsible if the clubs were run. "LoP Ashoka, MLAs Suresh Kumar and Gopalaiah are the victims. If an MLA is expressing his helplessness in the House, what is the situation of the common people?" he said. LoP Ashoka said, "MLA Gopaliah's total family is in politics. His wife was a deputy mayor. Even hours after the life threat, the arrest has not been made. The accused's residence is located within half a km from the police station. The accused is given royal treatment. We are threatened... The government should take action which should set a precedent." Minister for Social Welfare Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa said, "The accused was with BJP MLA Gopalaiah earlier. I don't know presently he is with which party. There is no prejudice as far as law is concerned. The government will initiate ruthless action on him for undermining the dignity of a legislator and threatening him." Gopalaiah demanded that the government should shut down all clubs operating in Bengaluru. Karnataka Police filed an FIR against the Congress leader on Wednesday for allegedly threatening Gopalaiah, BJP MLA from the Mahalakshmi Layout Constituency in Bengaluru. The Kamakshipalya police in Bengaluru have registered a case and initiated an investigation against Padmaraju, a Congress leader and former corporator in Bengaluru. MLA Gopalaiah has stated that he will also file a complaint with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, demanding the externment of the accused. Padmaraju had left the BJP and joined the Congress in April last year. Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during the inauguration of the new building of Bhawanipore Modern School. Image Source: IANS News Kolkata, Feb 14 : West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee will make a trip to Punjab on February 21. Party insiders said that besides offering prayers at the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the Chief Minister is also expected to hold a meeting with her counterpart in Punjab, Bhagwant Mann. "There is a possibility that the Aam Aadmi Party chief and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal would be present at the meeting," said a senior party leader on condition of anonymity. The said meeting in Punjab is extremely crucial given that Mamata Banerjee as well as the Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee had made it clear that the party would go it alone in West Bengal in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls. Similarly, the AAP leadership, too, had ruled out any possibility of a seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress in Punjab. In such a situation, political observers say that the proposed meeting hints towards the initiation of an unofficial alternative front minus the Congress and Left Front. While party insiders did not give any hints on these lines, they said that one of the important agendas of the meeting would be the newly-resurrected farmers' protests on the borders of Delhi-NCR. Mamata Banerjee has already expressed solidarity towards the farmers' protest and launched a scathing attack against the Centre over the use of tear gas shells to disperse the growers and prevent them from entering Delhi at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border. Political observers say the it would be interesting to see if in the coming days Mamata Banerjee visits other states and holds meetings with the top leadership of other regional parties. Chennai, Feb 14 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested the Madras High Court to consider a speedy trial in the job-for-cash scam case against Tamil Nadu DMK leader and former minister V. Senthil Balaji. The ED in its affidavit before Justice Anand Venkatesh said that the former minister was intentionally stalling the commencement of the trial in the money laundering case. The premier investigating agency urged the court to order a speedy trial instead of accepting the plea to grant bail before the completion of the trial. The ED said in the court that it had time and again expressed its readiness for the commencement of trial but the accused was willfully delaying the process before the Principal Sessions Court in Chennai. The investigating officer, Karthik Dusari also informed the court that Senthil Balaji will not be able to complain of long pretrial incarceration when the delay was caused by his own actions. The investigating officer informed the court that the former minister was a highly influential person and hence there was a high probability of him misusing his liberty to influence or threaten witnesses. Representing the ED, Special Public Prosecutor N. Ramesh, pointed out that the bail petitioner was arrested on June 14, 2023 and since then he was in judicial custody. ---IANS aal/dpb Mumbai, Feb 14 : Actor Rohit Bose Roy melted hearts as he expressed his love and affection for his wife, Manasi Joshi Roy on Valentine's Day, calling her his entire world. Mumbai, Feb 14 (IANS) Actor Rohit Bose Roy melted hearts as he expressed his love and affection for his wife, Manasi Joshi Roy on Valentineas Day, calling her his entire world. The couple had tied the knot in June 1999, and have one daughter named Kiara. The aLOC Kargila fame actor took to his Instagram account and shared a happy click with Manasi. The photograph shows the aSaayaa actress wearing a short white dress, with blue embroidery on it. While Rohit is wearing a white tee shirt and neon coloured shorts. The two are holding onto each other, posing against the backdrop of a swimming pool. Rohit penned a long note for his ladylove: "She's a mother, she's a daughter... She's an old soul. She's a child... She's a partner, she's a friend, she's my rock, she's everything rolled into one... She's my world and she's the one who makes my world go round... more than 3 decades and (not) counting!!" "Even though we don't really celebrate the day, I thought it would be good to celebrate her !! Happy V day, my love Thank you for being you," he added. Meanwhile, on the work front, Manasi is currently seen in the show 'Kyunki Saas Maa Bahu Beti Hoti Hai'. On the other hand, Rohit recently played a pivotal character in the thriller web series 'Karmma Calling'. He portrayed the role of Satyajit Mehra in the show, which stars Raveena Tandon as Indrani Kothari, and Namrata Sheth as Karma Talwar and Ambika Mehra (daughter of Satyajit). Bengaluru, Feb 14 : Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday said that Karnataka's land and Kannada language were always the first priority of the state government. Speaking to reporters at the KPCC office, he said, "A lot of Marathi people living in Belagavi are from Karnataka. Karnataka's land and language will always be the first priority. Everyone has to stay united." Replying to a reporter's query whether the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) had requested the Maharashtra Government to set up an office in Belagavi, he said, "The Government has created a lot of infrastructure for the people in rural areas of Belagavi District. They are living on our land, breathing our air, drinking our water and cultivating our land. We will announce a project worth Rs 900 crore in the upcoming budget to provide drinking water to Belagavi rural." Asked about Lok Sabha elections, he said, "The list of candidates is getting ready. The Chief Minister and I had talks on this and we will discuss it with the AICC General Secretary. The list will be sent to the High Command after it is vetted by the Screening Committee. The final decision would be left to the High Command." When asked about the High Court expressing dissatisfaction over the slow progress in the investigation related to 40 per cent commission allegations, he said, "The investigation has been given to a committee, it is their job." Mumbai, Feb 14 : Actress Alaya F, who is gearing up for her upcoming film 'Bade Miyan Chote Miyan', broke into an impromptu dance on the occasion of Valentine's Day, on Wednesday. The actress performed to the song 'Pehla Nasha', and shared a video of the same on her social media. In the video, the actress was joined by her mom Pooja Bedi, who stole the hearts in the original video of the song. The video opens with Alaya showcasing her swift moves to the iconic melody of 'Pehla Nasha'. As the video picks up the pace, Pooja Bedi joins her daughter, adding a touch of nostalgia and familial warmth to the dance routine. Alaya wrote in the caption: "Impromptu Valentine's Day dance reel with a very special surprise. #PehlaNasha with my dearest mother @poojabediofficial. Choreography by @dimplekotecha Video by @adityabhansali_ Styled by @sheefajgilani." The mother-daughter duo's chemistry and synchronised dance moves make the video a perfect Valentine's Day gift for their fans. Alaya F's thoughtful and nostalgic Valentine's Day gesture not only showcased her love for dance and celebration but also showcased the bond between the mother and the daughter. Kolkata, Feb 14 : There was tension in Taki in Basirhat sub-division on Wednesday afternoon after the BJP's state President Dr Sukanta Majumdar became unconscious after getting caught in the midst of a scuffle between BJP supporters and the police. His bodyguards rushed him to the nearby Basirhat State General Hospital where he is undergoing treatment and is on oxygen support. Local BJP leaders said that Majumdar was not in his senses for quite some time and the state BJP leadership is considering shifting him to a hospital in Kolkata after his condition stabilizes slightly. BJP leaders said that on Wednesday morning Majumdar offered prayers on the banks of the River Ichamati in Taki on the occasion of Saraswati Puja. "After offering prayers he returned to his hotel and then started towards Sandeshkhali area in the same district. However, a huge police contingent stopped us on the way and said that we would not be able to go to Sandeshkhali since Section 144 has been imposed in certain pockets there," said one of Majumdar's associates. Majumdar entered into a heated exchange of words with officials leading the contingent. Thereafter, a scuffle between the BJP workers and the policemen broke out and Majumdar got stuck in the midst of the scuffle and fainted. He was not in his senses for quite some time. "He had not slept as he was on a night-long demonstration in front of the office of the Police Superintendent of Basirhat Police District in protest against the BJP supporters' arrest on Tuesday while conducting at agitation programme there," one of Majumdar's associates said. New Delhi, Feb 14 : The government on Wednesday said it will hold the first-ever 'Future Skills Summit' in Guwahati on Thursday where more than 20 strategic collaborations in skilling will be unveiled. The summit, to be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT and Skill Development, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, is expected to see more than 1,000 dignitaries, including thought leaders, industry experts, policymakers, educators and technology enthusiasts. "Discussions will revolve around the impact of rapid digitisation across the globe, highlighting the emergence of new opportunities for young Indians in next-gen, cutting-edge technologies like AI, ML, semiconductors, robotics, cyber security etc, which opens tremendous opportunities for young Indians," the IT Ministry said in a statement. Recognising that skills are the passport to prosperity, this summit is poised to formulate a roadmap in sync with the goals of Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- to transform India into a global talent hub and capitalise on the opportunities thrown up by emerging technologies. The event will bring together India's finest minds to deliberate on strategies for shaping the future of talent in the country. The summit will witness over 20 strategic collaborations between the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) and Intel, HCL, Microsoft, Kindryl, IIM Raipur, IIITM Gwalior, Wipro and others. The summit will feature four-panel discussions on themes, like 'Semicon India,' 'IndiaAI,' 'Cyber Security and Emerging Technologies for Future Skills' and 'Digital Future Skills'. New Delhi, Feb 14 : With the race for Rajya Sabha poll heating up, the Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday announced names of many political heavyweights for their election to the Upper House. BJP fielded party President JP Nadda as its candidate for the upcoming biennial elections to Rajya Sabha from Gujarat while named Congress turncoat Ashok Chavan from Maharashtra. The nomination of former Maharashtra CM on BJP ticket has put the Congress party on a sticky wicket as the latter risks losing its only one seat from the state. Ashok Chavan, despite his exit from Congress which he served for 38 years, retains a strong support base in the grand old party and there are strong undercurrents of some of his aloyalist legislatorsa crossing over to the saffron camp. Though, Maharasthra Congress has strongly refuted chances of such aupheavala but insiders claim that cross-voting for Chavan, now a BJP candidate, from the Congress camp is high likely, even if donat switch sides. Till now, Congress was slated to comfortably win one Rajya Sabha seat from Maharasthra but Chavanas sudden exit has cast a shadow on partyas prospects. Political watchers donat rule out a asurprise shocka for Congress in the Upper House polls from the state. A total of six Rajya Sabha seats are to be filled from the state. Out of these, the BJP, with highest number of 105 legislators is set to send three MPs on its own while Ajit Pawar-led NCP and Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are expected to send one each. Notably, NCP and Shiv Sena, the two key allies of Congress in Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), are in shambles today after witnessing vertical splits in the respective parties. Congress was expected to lay claim over the sixth RS seat, owing to its biggest Opposition party status with 44 MLAs in the House but Chavanas departure has led to cloud over its chances. Many believe that Chavanas clout within the party is strong and couple of his loyalists are much likely to do across-votinga for him in the biennial elections. What adds credence to the cross-voting speculation is a previous precedent, in which Ashok Chavan and 10 other Congress MLAs voted against the allianceas decision. In August 2022, when Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena formed a new party after rebellion and formed BJP-Sena alliance government in the state, Chavan and some Congress MLAs gave a jolt to the alliance. While the new govt was facing floor test, Chavan and 10 other Congress MLAs skipped the House proceedings citing traffic jam. This resulted in MVAas truncated strength to 99, despite winning a total of 154 seats together in the 2019 Assembly elections. New Delhi, Feb 14 : Healthtech unicorn Innovaccer is geared up to turn profitable in the next two quarters, aiming to reach nearly $200 million in annualised revenue rate (ARR) by the end of this year, its Co-founder and CEO Abhinav Shashank said on Wednesday. The company turned unicorn in 2021 with a $150 million funding round at a $3.2 billion valuation. It has raised a total of $375 million. "We'll be at about $200 million in annualised revenue rate by the end of this year and we'll be profitable in the coming two quarters," Shashank told NDTV Profit. "We've had a really strong growth trajectory. We are one of the fastest-growing vertical software companies globally at this point at scale. We think growth should continue over the next multiple years and we should be a fairly profitable business," he added. The San Francisco and Noida-headquartered company provides its patented health cloud technology to large hospital chains. Innovaccer's mission statement is similar to what the government aims to do with its aAyushman Bharat Digital Missiona stack. In June 2022, the government announced the Unified Health Interface (UHI), which is a network of open protocols that enable the interoperability in health services. UHI is one of the foundational layers in the aAyushman Bharata stack that focuses on the discoverability and delivery of health services. aWe're hopeful that we end up playing some role in partnering with the government here on some of those initiatives, but the pace at which the Indian government is moving on technology adoption and technology-driven healthcare, I don't think any other country is moving at that pace," said Shashank. In December 2021, Innovaccer had raised $150 million, driven by rapid customer adoption of the Innovaccer Health Cloud. New Delhi, Feb 14 : White Crane Films and School of Arts & Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University will present Shadow Circus: A Personal Archive of Tibetan Resistance (1957-1974), a long-term project by filmmakers and artists Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. New Delhi, Feb 14 (IANS) White Crane Films and School of Arts & Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University will present Shadow Circus: A Personal Archive of Tibetan Resistance (19571974), a long-term project by filmmakers and artists Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam. The exhibition will open on February 15. After showings at Savvy Contemporary Berlin as part of the 2019 Berlinale Forum Expanded, 2022 Kochi Biennale; Experimenter-Colaba, Mumbai; and the Tibet Museum, Dharamshala; the exhibition is now opening at the School of Art & Aesthetics (SAA), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), on February 15. It will feature several other works by the artist-filmmakers, along with discussions and interactions. Post the Chinese invasion of 1950 and its subsequent takeover in 1959, Tibet has been a country under occupation. Since then, resistance to Chinese rule, both inside Tibet and in exile, has been unyielding and resilient, transforming over time in response to the changing situation in China and the shifting winds of geopolitical alignments. But little is still known of the guerrilla war that was fought from the mid-1950s to 1974 when thousands of Tibetans took up arms against the invading forces of China. In the early 1990s, filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam started to research the story of Tibet's armed struggle, a movement that became entangled in global geopolitics when the CIA got involved. They were inspired by Tenzing's father, the late Lhamo Tsering, one of the leaders of the resistance and the key liaison between the Tibetans and the CIA. Serving as Chief of Operations, he oversaw the activities of the resistance and at the same time, maintained an incredibly detailed archive of photographs, documents, letters and maps. The CIA's involvement in the Tibetan resistance started in 1956, at the height of the Cold War. Codenamed STCIRCUS, it was one of the CIA's longest-running covert operations until it was abruptly abandoned in the late 1960s. The resistance collapsed in 1974 when its last stronghold on the Nepal-Tibet border was shut down by the Nepalese army. For reasons that have to do with both the clandestine nature of the operation and the fact that Tibet's armed struggle sits uncomfortably with contemporary narratives of the non-violent nature of the movement, this episode has languished in the forgotten corners of recent Tibetan history. The exhibition is an attempt to unshackle and shed light on what anthropologist and historian Carole McGranahan calls, "arrested histories of the Tibetan resistance army". It re-evaluates the audiovisual material that Ritu and Tenzing gathered over the years, along with Lhamo Tsering's personal archives, and includes a re-edited version of their 1998 documentary -- The Shadow Circus: The CIA in Tibet -- to create a more complete and complex mosaic of this still largely obscure story. The Cold War epoch is navigated within a third space, as an uneasy alliance beyond geopolitical power blocs to examine forms of intelligence gathering, guerrilla warfare and clandestine resistance deployed in the service of an unfinished freedom struggle that continues to resonate today. The inaugural version of the exhibition was curated by Natasha Ginwala and Bonaventure Soh Bejeng Ndikung and exhibited at SAVVY Contemporary in Berlin from February 7 to March 10, 2019, within the programme of the 14th Forum Expanded, 69th Berlinale. In collaboration with Ginwala, different iterations of the exhibition were shown at India International Centre and Kochi-Muziris Biennale. --IANS/ sukant/prw Jaipur, Feb 14 : Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday rejected the petition filed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind which demanded the state government to withdraw its order of implementing the practice of Surya Namaskar in the schools. The court observed that Muslim forum is not a registered institution. "An organisation can file a petition in the High Court only if it is registered or the petition can be filed in person," the Court said. A separate petition has also been filed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). The court said that their petition will be heard on February 20. Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind petition reads that the Surya Namaskar programme in schools is unconstitutional and it violates Article 25 of the Constitution. "Every person has been given freedom of religion under Article 25. This order of the government is a violation of a person's religious freedom. It should be canceled, or it should not be implemented compulsorily and should be kept optional," the petition reads. State Education Minister Madan Dilawar said that he is not aware of these petitions. "Surya Namaskar is not a religious activity. Many countries of the world have accepted it. Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21. Surya Namaskar is a kind of holistic yoga. It includes all types of yoga." He said that the orders of the Education Department will be compulsorily applicable in all schools. "Everyone coming to school will have to do Surya Namaskar," Dilawar said. Mumbai, Feb 14 : Actress Aishwarya Khare has opened up on the transition that her character undergoes in the show 'Bhagya Lakshmi' after a seven-year leap, saying it will add an exciting new dimension, as she will embrace the role of a mother for the first time in her career. The show revolves around Lakshmi (Aishwarya Khare) and Rishi (Rohit Suchanti). In the recent episodes, viewers saw how Lakshmi is presumed dead after the car she was traveling in exploded after falling off a cliff. Even as we see a devastated Rishi mourning her loss, the show is headed for a seven-year leap as Lakshmi will be seen living in a village with her daughter, Parvati, portrayed by Trisha Sarda. Following the leap, the story takes a dramatic turn as Lakshmi finds herself in a village in Punjab, living with her aunt and her six-year-old daughter. This transition marks a new journey for Aishwarya. Balancing motherhood with her responsibilities, in an upcoming promo, Lakshmi will be seen working in the fields, engaging in farming and parallelly teaching at a local school to make a living. She emerges as a strong, independent woman, successfully managing both work and motherhood. Talking about the sequence, Aishwarya said: "Lakshmi has given me the opportunity to grow as an actor, and I will be forever grateful for that. This show has taught me so many things which I will cherish for life. I couldnat be more excited about moving on to this new journey of playing a mother in the show and sharing the screen space with a child." "Not just that, I will also be working in the fields, managing farms, and much more. I believe that this leap will add an exciting new dimension to our show, and with new elements and surprising twists and turns, it will keep the audience hooked. I just hope the viewers continue to shower their love on us like they always have," she added. 'Bhagya Lakshmi' airs on Zee TV. Srinagar, Feb 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and J&K L-G Manoj Sinha on Wednesday paid tribute to martyrs of Pulwama terror attack of 2019. The Prime Minister said on his X-post handle, "I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered." J&K L-G said on his official X-post handle, "Humble tributes to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The nation will forever remain indebted to their exemplary courage, supreme sacrifice, and selfless service to the motherland." At least 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed in a terror attack in Pulwama district on February 14, 2019. A suicide bomber had rammed his explosive-laden vehicle into the CRPF convoy. In a retaliatory attack, the Indian Air Force targeted terror camps in Balakot area of Pakistan. Security forces, political parties and civil society members have organised many functions to remember the Pulwama martyrs of 2019. --IANS sq/dan Mumbai, Feb 14 : Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan, who was recently seen in the action film 'Fighter', shared a picture of himself on his social media in which he can be seen standing with the crutches and with a brace. On Wednesday, the actor took to his Instagram and shared a mirror selfie and penned a long note along with the picture. The actor recollected the incident when his grand-father was injured and he refused to sit on a wheelchair. He wrote in the caption: "Good afternoon. How many of you out there ever needed to be on crutches or a wheelchair and how did that make you feel? I remember my grandfather refusing to sit on a wheelchair at the airport because it wouldn't align with his own mental image of himself as 'strong'. I remember saying 'But Deda, it's just an injury and nothing to do with how old you are!' It will help heal the injury and not damage it further. It made me so sad to see how strong he needed to be just to hide the fear and embarrassment on the inside." The actor shared that he couldn't make sense of what his grand-father said back then, and that it made him feel helpless. He continued: "I argued that the age factor is not applicable because he needs the wheelchair for an injury and not his old age. He refused and kept the strong image on display for strangers (who literally didn't care). It worsened his pain and delayed the healing. There definitely is merit in that kind of conditioning, it's a virtue. It's the mentality of a soldier. My dad comes from the same conditioning. MEN are strong." He further mentioned: "But if you say soldiers never need crutches And even when they medically do, they must refuse, just for the sake of keeping the illusion of strength intact, Then I just think that the virtue has been stretched so far that it borders on plain stupidity. I believe true strength is being relaxed , composed and fully aware that nothing, not crutches, not a wheelchair, not any inability or vulnerability - and certainly not any sitting position can lessen or alter the image of that GIANT that you are on the inside. Strength is not always being Rambo against all odds with a machine gun saying "f*** em!" That's applicable for sure. Sometimes." "And it's the kind we all aspire for. Even me. But the more coveted one is strength when there is no one to fight on the outside. It's that quiet fight on the inside between you and the "image" of you. If you come out of that one feeling like wanting to do a slow dance by yourself , then you're my hero. Anyways, I pulled a muscle yesterday and woke up wanting to reach out about this notion of strength. This is ofcourse a bigger conversation , the crutches are just a metaphor. If you get it, you get it," he added. New Delhi, Feb 14 : About 2 lakh babies are born with congenital heart disease in India every year, said experts on International Congenital Heart Disease Day on Wednesday. Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) are cardiac anomalies present since birth and cover a wide spectrum from small defects, which may be totally asymptomatic and compatible with a normal lifespan, to more severe forms which require urgent intervention. "CHDs a structural abnormality present at birth, affects millions worldwide, and India bears a substantial burden. With an estimated 200,000 babies born with CHD annually, it's the most common birth defect in the country," Dr. Sanjeeva Kumar Gupta, Consultant, Department of Cardiology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, told IANS. Common CHDs are Atrial Septal Defect (ASD), Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), and Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). "These heart defects cause abnormal blood flow through the heart chambers and lungs ultimately causing varied symptoms depending on the type of defect. Symptoms seen in newborns include rapid breathing, poor feeding, poor weight gain, bluish discoloration of skin and recurrent chest infections," Dr Deepak Thakur, Consultant Pediatric Cardiology, Paras Health Gurugram, told IANS. Older children may experience chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, inadequate growth as per age peer, bluish discoloration of nails and lips, recurrent chest infections. "Sometimes children are completely asymptomatic in cases and defects are diagnosed during route cardiac evaluation, this can happen when the defects are of mild or moderate severity where heart and other organs are tolerating defect related abnormal blood flow well at this stage. But as the age progresses the symptoms can worsen as the heart starts getting weak to tolerate the heart defect any further," Dr Thakur said. "While definitive trends are difficult to establish due to limited data, concerns regarding a possible rise exist," Dr Gupta said, citing rising environmental pollution and undiagnosed maternal infections during pregnancy as the major reasons. Dr. Munesh Tomar, Director, Paediatric Cardiology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, told IANS that around one in every 100 babies are born with CHD and it accounts for nearly one-third of all major congenital anomalies. "Family history especially in first-degree relative; increased risk in consanguineous unions; intrauterine infection such as rubella, or drugs and toxins taken by the mother during pregnancy; syndromic association like Down Syndrome, DiGeorge's syndrome, Williams' Syndrome, Noonan's Syndrome and Turner Syndrome and maternal diabetes mellitus" are some risk factors associated with an increased incidence of CHD," said Dr. Tomar. Advances made in paediatric cardiology, cardiac surgery and critical care have significantly improved the survival rate of children with CHD and there is a significant decline in morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis, therefore, is key, said the health experts. "It's important for parents to understand that CHDs are treatable conditions. Children with this condition can live long, healthy, and active lives with proper care and timely treatment. More than 95 per cent of CHDs are simple heart defects requiring one time nonsurgical intervention or surgical repair following which a child can lead a completely normal life. There are a variety of treatment options available for children with congenital heart disease," Dr Thakur told IANS. "However, for many children, particularly those in rural areas, the lack of awareness about CHD symptoms means the condition goes undetected. Reaching specialised centres, often in distant cities, can be a daunting task, further hampered by the high cost of treatment, often leaving families financially burdened," added Dr Gupta. Lahore: Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif with his daughter Maryam Nawaz upon his arrival. Image Source: IANS News Lahore, Feb 14 : Maryam Nawaz, the Senior Vice-President of Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), on Wednesday rebuffed the impression that party supremo and her father Nawaz Sharif has quit active politics after he nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the post of Prime Minister, a media reports said. In a post shared on X, Maryam said Nawaz Sharif will not only participate in active politics for the next five years, but also oversee the PML-N-led governments, Geo News reported. Maryam, who is nominated for the post of the Chief Minister of Pakistan Punjab, said that people gave a clear majority to her party in the three previous governments led by the PML-N supremo. "... he has made it clear in his election speeches that he will not be a part of any coalition government," she said. Maryam added that those who are aware of Nawaz Sharif's nature know his principled stance, Geo News reported. "Shehbaz Sharif and I are his soldiers, bound by his orders and will work under his leadership and supervision," Maryam said. The PML-N stalwart's statement comes as speculation are abuzz regarding the elder Sharif bidding adieu to politics with many on the social media site X sharing their disappointment over his decision to pull out of the race for Prime Minister and instead nominating his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, Geo News reported. New Delhi, Feb 14 : The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Wednesday said it has signed a contract with Advanced Weapon Equipment India Ltd. (AWEIL), Kanpur for manufacturing and supply of Stabilised Remote Control Guns (SRCG) for the navy. "A total of 463 indigenously manufactured -- 12.7 mm specialised remote control guns -- at a total cost of Rs 1, 752 crores will be purchased," the Ministry of Defence said. The ministry said that these guns will be manufactured with Indigenous Content (IC) of more than 85 per cent. The ministry said that this weaponry will enhance the capability of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to accurately engage small targets that pose threat to ships in an asymmetric environment, both by day and night. "This contract will also open up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 125 Indian Vendors and DPSUs for over a period of 5 years," the ministry said. The ministry said that the Navy will also get 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare System. "The procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems along with associated equipment and accessories for Indian Navy is being done under Buy (Indian- IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 2269.54 crore," he said. Chennai, Feb 14 : The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution moved by Chief Minister MK Stalin against 'One Nation, One election' and urged the Centre not to bring in the policy. However, the BJP strongly opposed the resolution while the main Opposition party, the AIADMK said that it would support the 'One Nation, One Election' policy in the event of the realisation of its ten demands in ten years, which were presented to the then President of India, Ramnath Kovind. BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan while opposing the resolution said, the concerns regarding the 'One nation, One election' were unfounded and added that the resolution was unnecessary. The PMK MLAs were not present in the House and the DMK allies, the Congress, VCK and the Left parties supported the resolution moved by the Chief Minister. The House, however, adopted a second resolution unanimously urging the Centre not to carry out delimitation of constituencies based on the Census after 2026. Stalin who moved both the resolutions said, "This august House urges the Union Government not to implement the 'One nation, One election' policy as the theory of 'One nation, One election' is against the basis of democracy, impractical and not enshrined in the Constitution of India. "Elections to local bodies, state Assemblies and Parliament are being held at different times on the basis of people-centric issues in a vast and diverse country like India and are against the idea of democratic decentralisation." The Chief Minister while speaking in the House after moving the second resolution said, "This august House also urges that states like Tamil Nadu should not be penalised for implementing various socio-economic development programmes and welfare schemes for the benefit of the people over the last 50 years." The resolution added, "If due to unavoidable reasons, the number of seats on the basis of population were to increase, it shall be maintained at the present ratio of constituencies between the states in the state Assemblies and both Houses of Parliament fixed on the basis of the population of 1971." The AIADMK supported the second resolution pointing to the population control measures in the southern states and lack of it in northern states. Vanathi Srinivasan said that the BJP shared the concerns expressed in the resolution on delimitation. -- IANS aal/rad New Delhi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge with the party leaders Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal during the launch of logo and anthem for the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra. Image Source: IANS News Bhopal, Feb 14 : Putting an end to suspense over the Rajya Sabha candidate from Madhya Pradesh, the Congress on Wednesday nominated Ashok Singh. Singh -- a senior Gwalior based Congress leader -- has contested three Lok Sabha elections. He has a strong political base in Gwalior-Chambal region. Sources said that Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Kamal Nath both have agreed on Ashok Singh's name for the Upper House. Singh, a wealthy Congress leader, has always funded the party and other candidates during the elections. Even though the Congress witnessed a stunning defeat in the assembly election held in November last year, it performed considerably better in the Gwalior-Chambal region in comparison to other regions. After Jyotiraditya Scindia joined BJP, and senior party leader Govind Singh lost the assembly election from Bhind constituency, the Congress gave a push to a senior leader from this region. "Ashok Singh has given years to the Congress, which could be the reason the party acknowledged his service to the party. Secondly, he is such a leader, who has support from all factions - Kamal Nath and Digvijaya Singh," said a Congress leader. Rumours were rife that former Chief Minister Kamal Nath was in race for the Rajya Sabha. However, Congress surprised everyone with its decision by nominating Ashok Singh. Patiala: Farmers gather at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border during their 'Delhi Chalo' march. Image Source: IANS News Chandigarh, Feb 14 : In protest against firing of tear gas shells on agitating farmers on Punjab-Haryana border by the police, the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ugrahan) will block rail traffic in Punjab on Thursday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. The 'rail roko' will take place at 10 locations initially, and more locations may be added, union leaders said. They said they would block road and rail traffic against the "dictatorial attitude" of the Haryana government. "This protest is against the repression by the Haryana government against the farmers of a few unions who had to go to Delhi as part of their Dilli Chalo protest call," BKU (Ugrahan) general secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokrikalan told the media. Chennai, Feb 14 : Automotive components and consumer goods player Bosch Ltd, in order to source green power at a cheaper rate, will acquire small stakes in two solar power companies for a cash consideration of about Rs 4.88 crore. The two companies are AMP Energy C&l Eight Private Limited and the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) incorporated by the CSE Development (India) Pvt. Ltd. In a regulatory filing, Bosch said the company will invest an amount not exceeding Rs 4.37 crore in AMP Energy C&l Eight Private Limited to acquire 10.87 per cent stake corresponding to the contracted capacity in the 27.5 MWdc Group Captive Solar Power Plant in Karnataka. The acquisition is slated to be completed on or before 30.6.2024 or such other date that is mutually agreed by the two parties. Bosch will invest an amount not exceeding Rs 51.3 lakh in the SPV incorporated by CSE Development (India) Pvt Ltd set up for the purpose of setting up a 6.25 MWdc Group Captive Solar Power Plant in Tamil Nadu. The investment will be by way of purchase and/or subscribing to equity shares and/or compulsorily convertible debentures and/or compulsorily convertible preference shares, in one or more tranches, constituting up to 5.2 per cent of its paid up share capital corresponding to contracted capacity in the SPV, Bosch said. According to Bosch, the target company has to acquire statutory approvals from the Tamil Nadu government. The target date for completion of acquisition will be mutually agreed by the two parties. Patiala: Police use tear gas shells to disperse farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border during their 'Delhi Chalo march. Image Source: IANS News Chandigarh, Feb 14 : The Punjab government on Wednesday objected to dropping tear gas shells via drones in its territory by Haryana Police to prevent protesting farmers to enter the state. In a missive, Patiala Deputy Commissioner Showkat Ahmed raised an objection with his Ambala counterpart Shaleen to refrain from entering the state's territory. Ahmed asked the civil administration "to refrain from such acts and restrict them within their (Haryana) territory." Responding to the letter, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij said: "I am surprised that the Punjab government has released a notice asking us not to send drones to our border. This means that they want the farmers to create terror in Delhi." He said that farmers want to go to Delhi and have a conversation with representatives of the government, but when they came to Chandigarh, the farmer leaders refused to talk to them. Vij said when farmers started moving from Amritsar, the Punjab government did not even try to stop them. "This clearly means that they want the farmers to create terror in Delhi. Stone pelting is going on and one of our DSP and 25 other police officers have been injured." Huge security build-up continued on inter-state borders between Punjab and Haryana on the second day on Wednesday, as assembled protesting farmers are adamant on heading to the national capital to lodge their protest over unfulfilled demands, including legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) of crops. Police used tear gas on demonstrators in a bid to stop farmers' protests from reaching the capital. Scores of policemen and farmers got injured in stone pelting that ensued between them. The farmers -- representing over 200 farmer unions -- also want waiver of farm loans and criminal cases against those protesting farm laws dropped. --IANS vg/dan Bengaluru, Feb 14 : Karnataka Leader of the Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka on Wednesday said that crime rate in the state has risen by 46 per cent under the Congress government. He said that Karnataka which is known for employment generation and investment is turning into a land of crime. "As per the report of National Crime Record Bureau, last year 1,80,742 cases of crime have been registered in the state. This is 46 per cent more increase under the Congress government. At least 50,000 cases against the elderly persons have also been reported," the LoP said. He said that Karnataka is at number three in terms of atrocities against women. "In Haveri, a Muslim woman and another person were followed by a gang. The woman was kidnapped and gang raped by eight people. The police have compromised the case for mere Rs 500. After it became a controversy the gang rape case was lodged. The police have completely failed in the case," the LoP said. He said that when the Cooker bomb blast case was reported, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar addressed the accused persons as his brothers. He said that Bengaluru is now a capital of crimes and cybercrimes. "During the BJP rule in 2020-21, only 6,422 cases of cyber crimes were reported. In 2023, at least 17,623 cases were reported. Cases against Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD) and others were taken back, the accused are roaming freely," the LoP said. He said that NIA sleuths had detected eight suspected terrorists in Bengaluru and Ballary and a conspiracy was hatched for carrying out explosions in the state. "Mohammada Suleiman who was arrested in Ballary was the kingpin. All were brainwashed with IS ideology. I have worked as a Home Minister. The state has been turned into a centre of sleeper cells," he said. He said that when senior BJP leader Govind Karjol was addressing a press conference, he was also assaulted. He said that police have also protested in Chikkamagaluru, due to the transfer mafia, they have lost moral strength. He said that only out of hatred towards Lord Ram and Hanuman, the Congress government indulged in arresting the Kar Sevak Srikanth Poojari and also took down the Hanuman flag in Mandya, at the time of inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. "Kar Sevak Srikanth Poojari was projected as a criminal. Who are you (Congress government) to decide? The courts are there to look into the matter. In fact, all cases against him have been quashed. He was driving an auto for 31 years and went to the police station many times. The government got him arrested in the 31-year-old case at the time of Ram Mandir inauguration," the LoP said. New Delhi, Feb 14 : With the Tamil Nadu Assembly having adopted the resolution against the Central government's proposed 'One Nation, One Election' policy, the spotlight is once again on the debate over the feasibility of this 'critical reform' that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led regime is keen to go ahead with. While the resolution moved by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin highlights various points of 'objections' to the move, it 'conveniently' chooses to ignore the benefits that the proposed electoral exercise offers. 'One Nation, One Election' refers to the idea of simultaneously holding the general and state elections. A high-level committee (HLC), headed by former President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, is already in the process of exploring the possibility of 'One Nation, One Election'. The panel constituted by the Modi government has so far consulted a galaxy of constitutional and legal luminaries of the country as part of the exercise. The panel has held fresh consultations with the state election commissions this week in a bid to expedite the process. The parties opposed to this reform agenda of the Modi government have not yet offered any substantial ground to punch holes in this plan. They appear to be deliberately trying to shift the public focus away from the positive sides of this endeavour that the government has so far showcased. One of the most important benefits that the Tamil Nadu Assembly seems to have overlooked while passing the resolution against 'One Nation, One Election' is that synchronising the Lok Sabha and Assembly election cycles will help the government fast-track the development schemes and the programmes aimed at augmentation of financial system of the country and the states. These are the two major areas which happen to suffer the most in the existing system of scattered polls, which is what the Modi government aims to do away with. Secondly, holding general and state elections together will also result in toning up of the governance efficacy that gets affected badly due to poll processes taking place throughout the year, either in one state or another. Who is going to benefit the most if the efficiency level of the governments is ramped up? Who is going to be the main beneficiary if the cost on polls gets reduced? Obviously, it is the common people of the country. There is no denying that holding an election is an expensive exercise, given the huge cost that every single poll, be it that of Lok Sabha or Assembly, puts on the state exchequer. The huge amount of money spent on holding elections in a scattered manner can be used for greater development and better governance. In addition to this, bureaucratic and other government apparatus is required to be engrossed more in election-related duties throughout the year in case of scattered polls. With this in view, simultaneous polls will be a better idea to have the entire government machinery focused more on the works that will benefit the people at the grassroots levels. Needless to say, 'One Nation, One Election' could help save the country time, energy and money. The time and money so saved could be used in governing the public in a much better way. Moreover, the governments elected under this practice could be stable for a full five-year term, which will enable them to focus on governance in a much better way. It goes without saying that repeated elections divert the focus of the political parties from public-centric works to just winning polls. In fact, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which remains in force in one state or the other throughout the year due to fragmented polls, prevents the governments from implementing its schemes. As a result, it is the voters or common people whose work gets impacted. While the Tamil Nadu government's resolution says that simultaneous polls will be against the idea of decentralisation, it does not throw any light on how 'One Nation, One Election' can do so. On the contrary, the objective of 'One Nation, One Election' is to ensure that common people are the main beneficiaries. It is the idea of strengthening the system of empowering people. What has been observed is that the citizens of the country have been concerned about frequent elections in one part or another, which adversely impacts the economy and development. Under the parliamentary system, the government needs a majority to continue in office. If it loses majority, legislatures are dissolved, and the country or state goes to premature elections, resulting in staggered polls. To make sure that a state government does not fall without an alternative, the Law Commission recommended that "a no-confidence motion against a government should be followed by a confidence motion" to ensure that if the opposition does not have the numbers to form an alternative government, the regime in office cannot be removed. Mumbai, Feb 14 : RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday told the managing directors and CEOs of public and private sector banks that the customer grievance redress mechanism and protection of customers' interests are of paramount importance for the safety and stability of the financial system and that of individual financial institutions. Mumbai, Feb 14 (IANS) RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday told the managing directors and CEOs of public and private sector banks that the customer grievance redress mechanism and protection of customersa interests are of paramount importance for the safety and stability of the financial system and that of individual financial institutions. At the meeting held here, the RBI Governor complimented the banks on their improved financial performance and that of the whole banking sector. However, while noting the resilience of the domestic financial system with healthy balance sheets of banks, he observed that there is no scope for any complacency and banks should continue to maintain their vigil around build-up of risks, if any. The RBI Governor highlighted the issues relating to Business Model viability; outlier growth in personal loans; adherence to co-lending guidelines; Bank exposure to NBFC sector; Liquidity Risk Management; IT and Cyber security preparedness, operational resilience, digital frauds; and strengthening of the internal rating framework. He also encouraged the banks to actively participate in RBIas FinTech initiatives and give a further push to the Digital Banking Units. --IANS sps/dan Hyderabad: Telangana Deputy CM and Finance Minister Bhatti Vikramarka meets CM Revanth Reddy before presenting the first budget of the newly formed Congress government in the Telangana Assembly. Image Source: IANS News Hyderabad, Feb 14 : Telangana Chief Minister, A Revanth Reddy, on Wednesday slammed Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) President and former Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, for using 'intemperate language' against him. The Chief Minister took strong objection to some remarks made by his predecessor at a public meeting at Nalgonda on Tuesday and dared him to come to the Assembly and participate in the debate on the Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation project. Intervening during a debate on Vote-on-Account Budget, the Chief Minister asked if there should be a debate on the language used by KCR against him at the Nalgonda meeting. "Can a person who held the posts of central minister, chief minister, state minister, MP and MLA use such language against the chief minister who has been elected by the people," Revanth Reddy asked. He stated that people taught a lesson to BRS leaders but they had still not come to their senses. On KCR's allegation of a conspiracy to kill him, Revanth Reddy asked, "Where is the need to kill you. Will somebody kill a dead snake?" Revanth Reddy alleged that KCR was running away from his responsibility as Leader of Opposition as he was scared of his corruption in the Kaleshwaram project getting exposed. Stating that the government was ready for a debate on the Kaleshwaram project and Godavari waters, he dared KCR to come to the Assembly and participate in the debate. "If he is honest and has not resorted to corruption, he should come to the Assembly," the Chief Minister said. On KCR's allegation that the state government deliberately did not fill Medigadda barrage (a part of Kaleshwaram project), Revanth Reddy asked how it was possible to fill a sinking barrage. He asked KCR and Harish Rao if they were ready to take the responsibility of filling the Medigadda barrage and lift the water to Annaram and Sundilla barrages. Revanth Reddy, who along with ministers and MLAs of Congress, AIMIM and CPI had visited Medigadda, reiterated the allegation that Rs.94,000 crore of public money was wasted in the Kaleshwaram project. Some of the remarks made by Revanth Reddy against KCR evoked a strong reaction from BRS legislators, who staged a walk out from the House. After coming out, the BRS MLAs tried to proceed towards Media Point in the Assembly premises to address newspersons, but were stopped by security personnel and police saying it can't be used when the House is in session. BRS legislators including former ministers KT Rama Rao and Harish Rao had an argument with the policemen posted there. The BRS leaders alleged that the state government was trying to muzzle their voice. He said that they staged a walk out as they were not given an opportunity to respond to the remarks made by the Chief Minister and when they wanted to speak at Media Point they were stopped from doing so. Jalna : , Feb 14 (IANS) As the health of Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil continued to slide, a medical team administered saline water to hydrate his frail body, here on Wednesday afternoon, even as protests erupted in different parts of Maharashtra. On the fifth day of his fourth hunger strike since August 2023, Jarange-Patil has gone off water since Monday sparking concerns among the Marathas and his supporters who keep a vigil around him round-the-clock, at his village Antaravali-Sarati. On Wednesday morning, blood was seen oozing out of his nostrils, which he wiped in a kerchief and his wife Soumitra rushed to the agitation site. Many people sobbed and prayed for his health while activists raised anti-government slogans for ignoring Jarange-Patil's deteriorating condition. After much persuasion, he agreed to be administered saline but later said that it was given to him when he was barely conscious. While Jarange-Patil declared that "if anything happens to me, then hand over my body to the government", his wife asserted that the state is insensitive and would be responsible if something untoward occurred to her husband, pointing fingers at Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and the two Deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar. Meanwhile, Jarange-Patil's threat to stop Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the state if the Maratha quotas were not given has left Maharashtra Bharatiya Janata Party and the ruling MahaYuti leaders fuming. In a post on X, Union MSME Minister Narayan Rane said: "I do not consider him (Jarange-Patil) a Maratha leader. He has crossed his limits by warning not to allow PM Modi to come to the state. He will be shown the real strength of Marathas if he moves out of his place during PM Modi's trip. Don't cross your limit." Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) President Prakash Ambedkar publicly appealed to Jarange-Patil to contest the next Lok Sabha elections from Jalna and assured his party's full support. Jarange-Patil has reiterated his demand to the state government to immediately issue a notification to formalise the draft notification of January 26, on 'Sage-Soyare' (family bloodline), and expanding the OBC quotas to include Kunbi-Marathas and Maratha-Kunbis. "The draft is not enough. It must be enacted into a law. What is the government waiting for? They should immediately take steps to convert the notification into a law. If the government fails to take appropriate steps by February 15, I don't know what the Marathas will do. You have already witnessed what happened when they marched towards Mumbai last month," he declared two days ago. Agitated Marathas and local organisations called for shutdowns (bandh) in several parts of the state including Pune, Ahmednagar, Solapur, Nashik, Beed and Jalna, with reports of minor violence from Nandurbar and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. New Delhi, Feb 14 : As China continues to bless the Pakistani deep state's designs on Kashmir, a former top diplomat has made a pitch for India becoming more active across the Karakoram region and reclaiming the ancient economic and cultural ties that bound it with Kashmir. There was a time when Kashmir, a bustling centre of scholarship and trade, thrived as a gateway to Central Asia, particularly to the now cordoned-off Xinjiang province, China's infamous ethnic cleansing laboratory. It is precisely this link that Prof. Kulbhushan Warikoo studies in his book 'The Crossroads: Kashmir-India's Bridge to Xinjiang' (Rupa), which was released at the India International Centre. The book casts the spotlight on Kashmir's long-forgotten historical and cultural heritage that was also influenced greatly by its socio-cultural and economic ties with Xinjiang. "The seed of the book was sown in 1979, when I met an Uighur and learnt of the ordeal of those people in Xinjiang," Prof. Warikoo said. The link between the two regions go at least as far back as the eighth century CE when the emperor Lalitaditya reigned over Kashmir and the Tang dynasty ruled Xinjiang. Shyam Saran, former ambassador to China and author of 'How China Sees India and The World', moderating the discussion, shared an anecdote from a visit to Kashgar, a city in Xinjiang, decades ago. He met a Kashmiri man who first understood him to be a Pakistani. Upon learning that he is Indian, the trader got excited, spoke to him in Hindustani and opened a box full of silver coins. "This was our currency," the man said excitedly. "It became redundant after the caravan trade stopped." These coins were from the era of King George V. Kashgar was a strategically important oasis on the Silk Road that linked China, the Middle East and Europe. The links with Xinjiang facilitated extensive exchange of traders, monks, philosophers and scholars with Kashmir. The Gilgit-Kashgar route was the basis of the Karakoram highway, which connects the Gilgit-Baltistan region to the ancient Silk Road. Fast forward to the days of the British Raj, when Kashmiri traders in Ladakh did not want Englishmen to survey their land, they were quick to relay their concern to Xinjiang. The Englishmen were led there by an interest they had envisioned decades ahead of that time -- that these trade routes were access points to different regions of a tremendously rich land. The discussion panel also included former ambassador and Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Rajiv Sikri, who pointed out that even in the distinct eras when China and the US were friends and foes, China never opposed US support for Pakistan, nor did the US ever object to China extending support to Pakistan. This indicates their understanding of the strategic significance of Kashmir and the challenge that Pakistan must constantly pose for it, indicating yet again the geopolitical leverage that Kashmir lends to a nation that exercises control over it. "Kashmir is both South Asia and Central Asia. This geographical reality was forgotten to our disadvantage," Sikri said. "The English saw the strategic advantage of the region, Gilgit being the entry point to this route," he added. Their 'Great Game' was to check the expansion of Tsarist Russia and then the Soviet Union. But Xinjiang and the Karakoram stood as impediments to British interests, so the Chinese were encouraged to occupy the no man's land around these regions. Emphasising that the Indian perspective on Kashmir was "not strategic" until recently, Sikri said the Indian leadership of that time, suffering from "strategic myopia", failed to see this region for what it was intrinsically, and instead, remained "content to inherit whatever the British left behind". When Kashmir became a part of India, there was no discussion about its strategic value, Sikri pointed out. "India never saw itself as a civilisational state and did not have a maximalist approach unlike China," he said, adding: "The question is: Should we have laid claim to the Karakoram region?" What, then, stops India from acknowledging and reclaiming its cultural history beyond the Kashmir region? (Kavya Dubey may be reached at kavya.d@ians.in) Kolkata, Feb 14 : Several 'love birds' of the human kind in Bangladesh may have been deprived of their favourite gift on Valentine's Day this year, thanks to alert troops of India's Border Security Force (BSF). On Monday, troops of the 112th Battalion of the BSF, South Bengal Frontier, nabbed a smuggler with 40 African love birds that he was attempting to take across the border into Bangladesh. While trading in African love birds isn't illegal within India as it is a non-native species, wildlife trafficking across the border is banned. African love birds are natives of Africa and are named so because of their affinity to pair up within a short period of time. Their price in India can range from Rs 1,200 to Rs 24,000 a pair, depending on the colour. Medieval belief is that February 14 is the day when birds choose their mates and this has a link to modern Valentine's Day traditions. Hence, African love birds are often offered as Valentine's Day gifts. On Monday, the E Company of the 112th Battalion, also known as the Naga Battalion, posted at the Amudia border outpost in West Bengal's North 24-Parganas district, received intelligence reports of an attempted smuggling. At around 4.10 p.m., BSF personnel spotted a person moving suspiciously across their area of domination. On being challenged, the man tried to flee but was apprehended. He was carrying 40 African love birds to Bangladesh. During interrogation, he revealed that his name is Ohidul Shaikh (50) and that he is a resident of Kalia village in Bangladesh's Narail district. Ohidul had apparently been offered Rs 1,400 to sneak across the International Border (IB), collect the consignment of birds, and return to Bangladesh. It is estimated that this single consignment could have fetched several lakhs in Bangladeshi Taka ahead of Valentine's Day. Unfortunately, Ohidul is now likely to spend time behind the bars in India. He, along with the birds, has been handed over to the forest department in Basirhat. Bengaluru, Feb 14 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, on Wednesday said the Congress is carrying out another round of surveys to finalise candidates for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. Speaking to reporters after the Congress Election Committee meeting at the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office, he said, "We reviewed the reports submitted by the party observers, district incharges, ministers and party workers. We have suggested another round of surveys to further evaluate potential candidates. The list of candidates is not finalised yet and we will hold a meeting in Delhi shortly regarding that. This meeting was organised in Bengaluru in view of the ongoing Budget session." "The list needs to be finalised at the earliest. We need to ask at least 50 per cent of the candidates to start election related work," he said replying to a query. Asked about the number of aspirants in each constituency, he said, "We have only discussed the reports provided by various office bearers. We haven't reached that level yet." Replying to a reporter who asked if there was confusion about the list sent to the High Command, he said, "No list had been given to the High Command yet. Today, we submitted a formal report on the feedback received. It is confidential at the moment." Asked about sitting ministers contesting the general election, he said anyone can contest the elections and the party is looking at winnability. Hong Kong, Feb 14 : Global stock index compiler MSCI is deleting dozens of companies from its benchmark China Index, which could further exacerbate fund outflows from Chinese equities after a massive stock market rout, a media report said. The index provider announced this week that it would drop 66 securities from the MSCI China Index, one of its flagship China indexes, as part of the companyas latest quarterly review. Five new securities will be added to the index, CNN reported MSCIas equity indexes are tracked by institutional investors worldwide for asset allocation and investment analysis. More than 1,370 global exchange-traded funds are linked to its various indexes, according to the company, the report said. The MSCI China Index is the compileras key index tracking the Chinese stock market, covering about 85 per cent of the total market capitalisation of Chinese companies listed globally. The decision by MSCI is likely to affect the weighting of Chinese stocks in global portfolios and could cause further fund outflows, at a time when investor confidence was already low, CNN reported. The changes, effective after the stock market closes on February 29, will reduce the total number of the indexas constituents to 704. This is an unusual move by the compiler, which for years had been largely increasing the number of stocks in the MSCI China Index. In its previous four quarterly reviews of that benchmark, it deleted a total of 57 stocks, and added 113, CNN reported. Chinaas stock market has been in a protracted slump since recent peaks in 2021, with more than $6 trillion in market value having been wiped out from the Shanghai, Shenzhen and Hong Kong markets. Govt to construct fence along entire 1,643 km stretch of India-Myanmar border. Image Source: IANS News Jammu, Feb 14 : Pakistan rangers violated bilateral ceasefire on Wednesday by resorting to unprovoked firing at Border Security Force (BSF) post on International Border (IB) in J&K's Jammu district. Official sources said that Pakistan rangers resorted to unprovoked firing at a BSF outpost on the IB in J&K's Jammu district. "BSF troops effectively retaliated and intermittent firing exchanges continued for around 20 minutes," sources said. New Delhi, Feb 14 : It was indeed a proud and historic moment for Hindus from across the world as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Wednesday. With Sanskrit shlokas and vedic hymns reverberating across the Abu Dhabi skyline, PM Modi arrived at the temple premises at 6 p.m. (IST) and was welcomed by BAPS' Ishwarcharandas Swami and other delegates. Offering flower petals at the feet of Lord Swaminarayan, PM Modi proceeded to perform rituals, which began with offering the holy Ganges water, as part of the inauguration ceremony, which co-incided with the auspicious Basant Panchmi festival. Seated alongside Mahant Swami Maharaj, who arrived in the Gulf nation on February 5 to preside over the historic inauguration, PM Modi performed the 'global aarti'. Following the inauguration, PM Modi gracefully bowed and sought Mahant Swami Maharaj's blessings as he was garlanded by the seer. He proceeded to offer holy water to the idol of Maharaj Swami Narayan and inscribed the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- world is one family -- on a stone at the temple. The inauguration of the iconic temple was celebrated through the 'Festival of Harmony' -- a series of uplifting programmes and community events focussed on strengthening faith, mobilising community service, and inspiring harmony among people of all generations and backgrounds. The celebrations began on February 10 and will continue until February 21. Ahead of PM Modi's arrival, the entire campus had been decorated with auspicious symbols, including messages of 'Welcome' in Sanskrit, Arabic, English, and Gujarati. "The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi serves as a spiritual oasis for global harmony that celebrates the past and recalibrates the future. It is a timeless testament to the spirituality of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the generosity, sincerity and friendship of the leaderships of the UAE, India and BAPS," Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been overseeing the Mandir project, said earlier. Spread over a 27-acre piece of land, gifted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the iconic stone temple is located in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. Featuring the traditional Nagar style of architecture, the temple stands tall at 108 feet and is crowned with seven shikhars (spires) each representing one of the seven emirates of the UAE. With two central domes, 'Dome of Harmony' and aDome of Peace', the temple's entrance is marked by eight idols, which symbolises the eight values foundational to Sanatana Dharma. As per reports, the cost of the construction is estimated to be around 400 million UAE dirhams. After the UAE government allotted land for the temple in 2015, PM Modi thanked the leadership of the Gulf nation on behalf of 130 crore Indians and called it a "landmark" move. Will see how KCR comes back to power: Revanth Reddy. Image Source: IANS News Hyderabad, Feb 14 : Exuding confidence that he will remain Chief Minister for 10 years, A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday vowed to see how Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K. Chandrasekhar Rao comes back to power. Addressing a public meeting at L.B. Stadium after handing over appointment letters to newly recruited police constables, he said the former Chief Minister was day dreaming of returning to power. "If you bless us, there will be people's government not just for 10 years but for 20 years. KCR is saying they will come back to power. I will see how he comes back," Revanth Reddy said. He asked why the BRS failed to recruit employees for 10 years and assured the youth that he would take the responsibility of filling the vacancies. He promised that two lakh employees will be recruited without any lapses and without causing damage to anyone. As unemployed were suffering due to lack of recruitments for the last 10 years, the Congress government increased the age limit from 44 to 46 years, he said. "The government is trying to ensure that unemployed youth do not commit suicides," he said alleged that those ruled the state for 10 years only care for their family but did not address the problems of unemployed. "Our family is four crore people and that's why immediately after forming the government we took the responsibility to solve the problems of the unemployed. We are overcoming legal hurdles to hand over appointment letters. Today we are giving appointment letters to 13,444 employees," he said, adding that the promise to hand over appointment letters within 15 days has been fulfilled. "As your Revanth Anna I will stand by unemployed youth. This is your government. The government of the poor, of the people," he added. He claimed that his government was moving forward by removing the hurdles created by the previous government. He mentioned that by overcoming the obstacles, the government handed over appointment letters to nursing officers and Singareni employees. He said since KCR's family members and relatives are now without positions, he has not patience even for 100 days. Revanth Reddy remarked KCR has still not realised that Telangana society has boycotted him. KCR mortgaged Telangana's interests to deprive the state of its due share of river waters, he said adding that with one signature, KCR signed the death decree for Telangana families. Revanth Reddy also slammed KCR for not coming to the Assembly. He said the former Chief Minister was not coming forward to fight the Centre over Telangana's water rights The Chief Minister also vowed to free Telangana from the menace of drugs and told the police that they have a key role in curbing the menace. "There is no place in Telangana for Ganja and drug gangs which are destroying the youth," he said. New Delhi, Feb 14 : Days after the Uttarakhand Assembly gave its nod to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led state government went a step further on Wednesday to realise the goal of equality and uniformity across different religions, with regard to marriage, inheritance, divorce and other aspects. The state government has formed a new committee for drafting the guidelines and modalities for UCC implementation in the state. The committee, comprising five members, has retained three past panelists-cum-experts from the erstwhile panel. The new UCC committee has got the approval of the Governor for further laying down of rules. The members of the new panel are retired IAS officer Shatrughan Singh, professor Surekha Dangwal, social activist Manu Gaur, ADG Amit Sinha, and Divisional Commissioner Ajay Mishra. A special emphasis has also been made for facilitating digital propagation of the laid down guidelines. The committee has also been entrusted with the task of creating an online portal and mobile applications for easy and quick access to the UCC guidelines. This will empower the residents of the state to lodge their complaints, grievances either from their residence or remote locations, if any. It will also ensure that people donat end up running from pillar to post and rather get a quick solution. For the uninitiated, Uttarakhand has become the first state in the country to clear the rollout of UCC. After the Assemblyas nod, it is just matter of days for the law to become operational. Patiala: Police use tear gas shells to disperse farmers at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border during their 'Delhi Chalo march. Image Source: IANS News Chandigarh, Feb 14 : Amid a huge security buildup continued on inter-state borders between Punjab and Haryana on the second day on Wednesday, a third round of meeting between farmer unions and Centre will be held here on Thursday, sources said. Earlier, a meeting with top Punjab government functionaries was planned here in the evening with Union Ministers Arjun Munda and Piyush Goyal to virtually hold talks with farmer leaders. As assembled protesting farmers were adamant on heading to the national capital to lodge the protest over unfulfilled demands, including legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) of crops, the Centre announced to hold another round of talks to "settle the issues amicably", a senior state government functionary said. In the past two days, police used tear gas on demonstrators in a bid to stop farmers' protests from reaching the national capital. Scores of policemen and farmers got injures in stone pelting that ensued between them. The farmers -- representing over 200 farmer unions -- are adamant on heading to the national capital to lodge their protest over unfulfilled demands, including legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) of crops, waiver of farm loans and criminal cases against those protesting farm laws be dropped. After the second round of talks with farmer union leaders remained "inconclusive" on late Monday, Union Minister Munda said the government is still open to discuss their demands. Besides Munda, Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal was also present in the second round of discussions with farmer leaders in Chandigarh. "There was a serious discussion with farmers on every topic. The government wants to bring every solution through talks. We reached an agreement on some issues. But there were some issues for which we said that a committee should be made for a permanent solution," Munda had told the media after the meeting. "Any issue can be resolved through discussion. We are hopeful that we will bring solutions. Our motive is that the rights of the farmers and the public are protected," Munda, who was accompanying Goyal, had said. --IANS vg/pgh Kathmandu, Feb 14 : Nepal Police on Wednesday said that they have rescued 11 U.S. bound Indians, who were taken hostage by a gang in Kathmandu. The police said that they raided a house in Ratopul area and rescued the Indian nationals who were taken hostage by an unidentified gang last one month. "The unidentified gang has received huge money from each Indian national and later brought them to Nepal on pretext of sending them to the U.S,"a senior Nepal Police official told IANS. He said that police have also arrested seven individuals involved in human trafficking. "It was found that each individual had paid 4.5 million Indian rupees to the racketeers who promised them to traffic to the U.S," the police official said. The officials said that the Kathmandu Range of Nepal Police will also organise a press conference on Thursday and will share the details about the incident. The officials said that the racketeers were trying to send them to the U.S. via Nepal. "Upon investigation, we came to know that some people were taken hostage in the house. Most of those Indians are from Delhi and Haryana," officials said. New Delhi: AAP leader Sanjay Singh arrives to files his nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections. Image Source: IANS News New Delhi, Feb 14 : AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh has filed a petition in the Supreme Court (SC) against the decision of the Delhi High Court rejecting his bail plea in money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam. The special leave petition challenges the February 7 order of the Delhi High Court dismissing Singh's bail application. Last week, a bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court said that no ground is made out for releasing the AAP leader on bail. However, it directed to expedite the trial once it starts to protect Singhas rights as an accused. Singh had moved the High Court seeking bail on January 4 after Special Judge MK Nagpal of Rouse Avenue Court on December 22 dismissed his plea. The top court is already seized of another petition filed by Singh challenging his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and subsequent remand. Pursuant to the liberty granted by the Supreme Court in that matter, the AAP leader had moved a regular bail application before the jurisdictional trial court. Flash Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza and put a fragile humanitarian operation at death's door, UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths warned Tuesday. In a statement issued in Geneva, he noted the warnings from the international community against the dangerous consequences of a ground invasion in Rafah in southern Gaza, saying that the government of Israel cannot continue to ignore these calls. He said people in Rafah and the rest of Gaza are victims of an assault that is unparalleled in its intensity, brutality and scope. Stressing that humanitarian workers have been doing the near-impossible to assist people in need for more than four months, he warned that "we lack the safety guarantees, the aid supplies and the staff capacity to keep this operation afloat." The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Tuesday cited the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Gaza as reporting that another 133 Palestinians were killed, and 162 Palestinians were injured, mostly in Rafah and Khan Younis, by Israeli attacks within 24 hours. New Delhi, Feb 14 : The Supreme Court will deliver on Thursday its verdict on pleas challenging the validity of the electoral bonds scheme. In November last year, a 5-judge Constitution Bench headed by CJI D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra had reserved its verdict in the matter after hearing the arguments for three days in a row. The petitioners before the apex court had argued that the Electoral Bond scheme violates the citizen's fundamental right to information under Article 19 (1) and it enables backdoor lobbying and promotes corruption and eliminates level playing field for political parties in Opposition. Responding to the challenge, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta -- the second highest law officer of the Centre -- had contended that the scheme is intended to reduce cash in the electoral process. S-G Mehta asserted that the Union government cannot know the details of donations made through Electoral Bonds. Placing a letter signed by the chairman of SBI on record, he had said that the details cannot be accessed without a court order. During the hearing, CJI Chandrachud had said that there are five important considerations: "1. The need to reduce the cash element in the electoral process; 2. The need to encourage the use of authorised banking channels; 3. Incentivising use of banking channels -- by confidentiality; 4. Transparency; 5. Legitimisation of kickbacks." Further, the CJI had remarked that the scheme should not become a legitimisation of kickbacks and quid pro quo between the power centers and people who are benefactors of that power. --IANS pds/pgh Jerusalem, Feb 14 : An Israeli woman was killed and eight others were wounded as a barrage of rockets fired from Lebanon slammed into Safed and an army base in the northern city, the military and medical officials said, according to a media report. In response to the attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it launched "widespread" airstrikes in Lebanon, Times of Israel reported. There was no immediate claim for the rocket fire, although it is believed to have been carried out by the Hezbollah, which has been launching daily rocket, missile, and drone attacks on northern Israel in recent months, saying it is doing so in support of the Hamas in Gaza, against whom Israel is waging war. The IDF and Safed's municipality said rockets hit an army base in the area, some 13 km from the Lebanon border. Several hours later, the IDF said fighter jets were carrying out a "widespread" wave of airstrikes in Lebanon, Times of Israel reported. New Delhi, Feb 14 : Despite the ongoing struggles of farmers attempting to breach barricades at the Shambhu border in Haryana's Ambala, the Delhi Police on Wednesday heightened the security measures at the Singhu and Tikri borders. In an effort to deter farmers from entering the city, Delhi Police has dug 10-foot trenches along link roads connecting to Delhi through various villages. In addition to these trenches, the police have deployed Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD), commonly known as sound cannons, to disperse farmers should they approach Delhi. Developed by the United States military in the early 2000s, LRADs are specialised loudspeakers capable of emitting high-powered sound waves. These waves, reaching up to 152 decibels, produce an irritating noise unbearable for humans. A big territorial signage installed at the Delhi-Haryana Singhu border was also taken down by JCB machines. Police officers present at the spot told IANS that it is to ensure that the signage does not obstruct the way when tear gas shells are fired by security personnel towards the protesting farmers. Police officers told IANS that these measures were taken to prevent the sign from obstructing the path for the security personnel to fire tear gas shells at the protesting farmers. Meanwhile, a senior traffic police official said that the Singhu Border on NH-44 is currently inaccessible for traffic. As a result, several diversions have been put in place to manage the flow of vehicles: Interstate buses and heavy goods vehicles (HGV) destined for Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, etc., are directed to take a diversion on the Outer Ring Road at Majnu Ka Tilla. From there, they should proceed towards Signature Bridge to Khajuri Chowk via Loni Border, heading towards Eastern Peripheral Road. Trucks originating from Azadpur Mandi and bound for Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar are instructed to take a diversion from Azadpur Mandi. They should then utilise the service road towards Outer Ring Road, passing by Haiderpur Water Plant, and take a U-turn for Rohini Jail Road Sector-18. Finally, they should proceed to Badli Metro Station and continue to Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar. "Only DTC Buses and Cars/four-wheelers allowed from Mukarba Chowk towards NH-44 to take Exit No. 2 on NH-44 at DSIIDC Cut to go towards Narela and Safiabad Border. Commuters are advised to follow the above routes to avoid inconvenience," said the official. Abu Dhabi, Feb 14 : In a proud and historic moment for Hindus from across the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), saying that the UAE has written a golden chapter and won the hearts of 140 crore Indians. With Sanskrit shlokas and vedic hymns reverberating across the Abu Dhabi skyline, PM Modi arrived at the temple premises at 6 p.m. (IST) and was welcomed by BAPS' Ishwarcharandas Swami and other delegates. "This temple will be a symbol of communal harmony and unity of the world," he said. "The UAE has written a golden chapter. The inauguration of the temple took years of hard work and the dreams of many are connected with the temple," the prime minister added. On behalf of the entire India and millions of Indians living around the world, the PM expressed his "heartfelt gratitude" to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE government. "I am confident that a large number of devotees will come here in the coming times. This will also increase the number of people coming to the UAE and people-to-people connections will also increase," he said. Asserting that the Gulf nation has written a golden chapter in human history, the PM said: "This temple will be a symbol of unity and harmony...The role of the UAE government in the construction of the temple is commendable..." He ended his speech by requesting the attendees to give a standing ovation to President Al Nahyan. Dressed in a light pink silk dhoti and kurta paired with a sleeveless jacket and stole, PM Modi participated in rituals to dedicate the temple to the people. Offering flower petals at the feet of Lord Swaminarayan, PM Modi proceeded to perform rituals, which began with offering the holy Ganges water, as part of the inauguration ceremony, which coincided with the auspicious Basant Panchmi festival. Seated alongside Mahant Swami Maharaj, who arrived in the Gulf nation on February 5 to preside over the historic inauguration, PM Modi performed the 'global aarti'. The 'aarti' was conducted simultaneously at over 1,200 temples of the Swaminarayan sect worldwide built by BAPS. Following the inauguration, PM Modi gracefully bowed and sought Mahant Swami Maharaj's blessings as he was garlanded by the seer. He proceeded to offer holy water to the idol of Maharaj Swami Narayan and inscribed the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' -- the world is one family -- on a stone at the temple. UAE's tolerance and coexistence minister, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who was also present at the ceremony, welcomed PM Modi and thanked him for strengthening ties between the two nations. PM Modi interacted with members of the Indian diaspora and also met volunteers and key contributors, involved in the creation of the temple from its inception to its completion. The inauguration of the iconic temple was celebrated through the 'Festival of Harmony' -- a series of uplifting programmes and community events focussed on strengthening faith, mobilising community service, and inspiring harmony among people of all generations and backgrounds. Ahead of PM Modi's arrival, the entire campus had been decorated with auspicious symbols, including messages of 'Welcome' in Sanskrit, Arabic, English, and Gujarati. "The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi serves as a spiritual oasis for global harmony that celebrates the past and recalibrates the future. It is a timeless testament to the spirituality of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and the generosity, sincerity and friendship of the leaderships of the UAE, India and BAPS," Brahmaviharidas Swami, who has been overseeing the Mandir project, said earlier. Spread over a 27-acre piece of land, gifted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the iconic stone temple is located in Abu Mureikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway. Featuring the traditional Nagar style of architecture, the temple stands tall at 108 feet and is crowned with seven shikhars (spires) each representing one of the seven emirates of the UAE. With two central domes, 'Dome of Harmony' and 'Dome of Peace', the temple's entrance is marked by eight idols, which symbolises the eight values foundational to Sanatana Dharma. As per reports, the cost of the construction is estimated to be around 400 million UAE dirhams. After the UAE government allotted land for the temple in 2015, PM Modi thanked the leadership of the Gulf nation on behalf of 130 crore Indians and called it a "landmark" move. Hyderabad, Feb 14 : Cyberabad Police Commissioner has imposed prohibitory orders under the limits of Mokila police station on the outskirts of Hyderabad following clashes between two communities on Tuesday night. Commissioner Avinash Mohanty imposed the orders under section 144 Cr.P.C, prohibiting gathering of five or more persons. Outsiders will not be allowed to enter the area. The prohibitory orders will remain in force till February 21. The Commissioner said that the orders were issued to prevent danger to human life and safety, to prevent disturbance of public tranquility and to prevent occurrence of riot or an affray or obstruction to any person in his lawful discharge of duty. This came a day after clashes in Janwada village under Shankarapalli mandal. There was rioting, injury to persons and damage to property. Several cases were registered in this regard in Mokila police station, said a police station. Meanwhile, BSPas Telangana unit president R. S. Praveen Kumar was stopped and arrested by the police on Wednesday when he visited the village to meet Dalits who were injured in the attack allegedly by RSS workers. Dalits came under attack when they raised objections to road widening near a church. Praveen Kumar, a former IPS officer, alleged that those involved in the attacks on Dalits were not arrested. At least 14 persons were injured in the clash between two groups. The Methodist church was ransacked by attackers. ED suspends its official arrested by Rajasthan ACB in graft case; launches probe. Image Source: IANS News Srinagar, Feb 14 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested three persons in Jammu and Kashmir in connection with a money laundering case, an official said. The arrested individuals have been identified as Mohammad Akbar Bhat, Fatima Shah, and Sabzaar Ahmad Sheikh. They were arrested under the provisions of Prevention of Money Laundering Act. "The accused were involved in terror financing and were hand in glove with Pakistani handlers namely Manzoor Ahmad Shah and Altaf Ahmad Bhat, who arranged admissions in MBBS & other courses in the colleges of Pakistan for students from Jammu and Kashmir. The accused have been remanded to ED custody by a special court," a source said. Kolkata, Feb 14 : Three members of the same family died in a road accident on the Baharampur-Sainthian state highway in Murshidabad district of West Bengal on Wednesday, an official said. The accident happened when the scooter on which the three were traveling had a head-on collision with a dumper coming from the opposite direction. Even as the locals rushed them to the nearby Murshidabad Medical College & Hospital, all three succumbed to the injuries. The deceased have been identified as Hasanur Rahman (32), his wife Sneharunnisa Islam (24) and their son Rahat Rahman (4). All were residents of Barwan. Following the mishap, the local residents staged an agitation and blocked the state highway. They claimed that despite several appeals, the district police never took any initiative to put in place proper traffic management in that area which was accident-prone. The driver of the dumper fled after the accident. The police have seized the dumper and are currently trying to track the driver. New Delhi, Feb 14 : The Special Cell of Delhi Police has claimed to have busted an inter-state illegal arms trafficking syndicate involved in supplying weapons to gangsters in the national capital and its peripheral areas following the arrest of two persons. The arrested individuals were identified as Harender Singh (20) and Sandeep Singh Parmar (20) -- both residents of Rajasthan. The officials said that they have also recovered 18 illicit single-shot pistols of .315 bore which were procured from Etah in Uttar Pradesh. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Amit Kaushik said that in view of the use of illegal firearms in various crimes in Delhi and adjoining states, the police team was working round-the-clock to thwart the nefarious designs of such anti-social elements. On February 11, specific input was received that two persons would be reaching near Geeta Colony flyover here to deliver the illicit firearms. "Consequently, a raiding team was formed and laid a trap near Geeta Colony flyover and two members of the arms supplier syndicate were apprehended and 18 illicit country-made pistols of single shot of .315 bore were recovered from their possession," said the DCP. Unearthing the entire syndicate's modus operandi, the police officer said that one Bhagwan Dass, also a Rajasthan resident, is involved in the trafficking of illicit arms for over 8 to 10 years and presently lodged in jail at Rajasthan. "He was previously involved in more than 42 criminal cases of illegal arms trafficking, dacoity, theft and other offences. Bhagwan Dass was previously arrested by Special Cell in 2022 along with 16 pistols while he came to deliver them to the gangsters of Delhi-NCR," said the DCP. After being lodged in jail, Bhagwan Dass continued his arms trafficking activities through his conduit namely Harender Singh. "Dass is in contact with illegal arms manufacturers in Etah, Uttar Pradesh. Harender Singh had assigned contact Sandeep to collect the consignment of illicit arms from Uttar Pradesh and paid money to him. After procuring the illegal weapons, Harender Singh used to deliver them to the gangsters on the direction of Dass," said the DCP. Imphal, Feb 14 : Amid the ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, the Vaishnavites, especially the board exam aspirants accompanied by their families, assembled at the Hiyangthang Leirembi temple on Vasant Panchami on Wednesday and prayed for restoration of peace and normalcy in the ethnic violence-hit state at the earliest. This festival, locally known as 'Fairen-gi Manga-ni', is dedicated to Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, and signifies the arrival of spring. The Hiyangthang Leirembi temple in Langthabal witnessed a surge of devotees, particularly 12th-grade students seeking blessings for academic success. Ibeyaima, a vendor near the temple, noted the heightened demand for offerings on this special day. "The temple opens only on specific days, like the full moon, new moon, and festive occasions like Bor Puja, Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, or Fairengi Mangani. We exclusively offer items for worship on these special days," Ibeyaima said. However, beyond academic aspirations, many devotees used this spiritual gathering to pray for the swift resolution of the ongoing ethnic conflict that has disrupted lives in Manipur besides academic activities since May last year. Ibeyaima, reflecting the sentiment of the community, expressed hope for an end to the conflict, acknowledging its impact on the lives of the people. "We're all suffering because of this conflict. I want this conflict to end as soon as possible," Ibeyaima said. Saranthem Medha, a parent waiting for her daughter Caroline Chanu, voiced her hope for a swift resolution to the ongoing ethnic conflict. She also expressed her worries about the impact of the conflict on the academic atmosphere and the overall disruptions it has caused. "I'm here for my daughter who is appearing for her Class 12 board exams. She has gone inside the temple to pray. The prevailing situation is upsetting our lives, particularly the academic atmosphere for the students. I pray the unrest ends soon," Medha said. Gurugram, Feb 14 : A crime branch team of the Gurugram Police on Wednesday arrested two women and seized over 24 kg 'ganja' valued at over Rs 4 lakh from their possession, an official said. The women -- identified as Devyanti Devi and Sandhya, were arrested from Signature Tower on the Delhi-Jaipur Expressway, a police officer said. Both have been booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The police said the arrested women were in the city to sell narcotics. During questioning, the accused disclosed that they had sourced the narcotics from Jharkhand for Rs 2,000 and 3,000 per kg for potential customers in the city. They wanted to sell it for a high margin to its customers after dividing it into small packets. "We are checking their criminal records and whether they have been arrested earlier," Subhash Boken, spokesperson of Gurugram Police, said. Washington, Feb 15 : House Democrats are working hard to force a vote on the $95 billion foreign aid bill despite fierce opposition from House Speaker Mike Johnson to the legislation. The bill was passed in the Senate on Tuesday. Democrats are planning to use the rare procedural move known as a discharge petition, which would require at least 218 signatures a" including at least some Republicans a" to bring the legislation up for a vote, media reports said. The aid package, to help Ukraine and Israel with military aid and humanitarian help for Palestinians trapped in the conflict zone in Gaza, would appropriate $60 billion to support Ukraine, which has been battling Russia since February 2022. It would also send $14 billion in military assistance to Israel, $9 billion in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and elsewhere, and nearly $5 billion to defend Taiwan. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries sent a letter to his fellow Democrats on Tuesday saying the caucus would "use every available legislative tool" to advance the bill and called upon "traditional Republicans" to come to the aid of the party. The Democratic leader told a press conference that he is convinced there are at least 300 votes in the House to pass the foreign aid bill, including an "overwhelming majority" of Democrats. "It's not too much to ask in America's national security that we get an up or down vote and let the House of Representatives actually work its will," Jeffries said. Tel Aviv, Feb 15 : Hundreds of family members of Israeli hostages flew to The Hague in the Netherlands on Wednesday and filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Hamas leaders for the group's actions on October 7, 2023. The family members want the ICC to immediately intervene and issue arrest warrants against Hamas leaders, said Liat Bell Sommer, spokesperson for the Hostages and Missing Persons' Families Forum. "This is expected to put significant pressure on releasing the remaining hostages and serve as a mechanism for bringing justice to the victims and their families," Sommer said in a statement. "If Hamas leaders choose to take refuge in countries like Qatar or Turkey, which are not subject to the rulings of the International Criminal Court, those countries will have to decide whether they become havens for war criminals and international fugitives or extradite them in accordance with the warrant," she added. Dozens of lawyers from Israel and around the world joined the hostage family members expressing solidarity with them. The family members filed a complaint with the ICC on charges such as genocide, kidnappings, crimes of sexual violence, and torture, among others. Hamas captivity survivor Raz Ben Ami, who was released after 54 days and whose husband Ohad is still in Hamas captivity, said: "We came here (The Hague) to seek justice. The world cannot stay silent. Every second my husband is there is a danger to his life. He has no time." Hamas captivity survivor, Itay Regev, who was released after 54 days with his sister Maya, said: "The most important thing I can do is speak on behalf of those left behind about the fear, sleep deprivation, and sexual abuse the girls there experience on a daily basis. The hostages are out of time. We must get everyone out of there before it is too late." Yamit Ashkenazi, whose sister of Doron Steinbrecher is in Hamas captivity, said: "My little sister was kidnapped from her bed, from what was supposed to be the safest place in the world for her. The world must wake up. The world needs to know that my sister is in a tunnel somewhere, cold, hungry, without medication, and exposed to sexual violence for 131 days." The families, according to the statement, went with a clear message exposing Hamas' crimes to the world. Shelly Aviv Yeini, Head of the Forum's Legal Team, said: "Submitting a detailed report to the International Criminal Court is a significant step emphasizing the war crimes committed by Hamas and others since the shocking events of October 7. These crimes, including genocide, hostage taking, enforced disappearance, torture and sexual violence cannot and should not go unpunished." "Criminals must be held criminally responsible for their atrocities. We rely on the ability of the International Criminal Court to bring justice to the hostages and their families. This is part of the mechanism of exerting pressure to release the hostages and encouraging countries around the world to take legal action against those responsible for these heinous acts. This represents international recognition that holding hostages is always illegal," Yeini added. Its not just authors, books, and panels drawing the attention of booksellers attending Winter Institute 2024. Several attendees at this year's conference in Cincinnati are coping with issues back home at their storesand the gossip has gotten booksellers on the show floor buzzing. After the announcement, a few days ago, that Barnes & Noble was opening five new stores in Chicago, including a 16,000-sq.-ft. outlet in a historic Wicker Park building, a customer of the nearby Volumes Bookcafe sent an email to B&N CEO James Daunt, expressing concern that such a move by B&N would imperil Volumes and several other indies in the area. In an email response later posted in full to author Rebecca Makkai's Facebook page, Daunt insisted that B&N would never intrude on the locality of an independent bookseller of new books. In the email, Daunt went on to claim that Volumes is a cafe with a very small selection of books, and thus that B&N opening a store in the neighborhood would not constitute competition. Volumes is in a 2,400-square-foot space, with 8,000-10,000 books in its inventory. He concluded by writing, I defend entirely our opening in Wicker Park, whilst also maintaining my commitment to never open a bookstore which threatens the sales, let alone the livelihood, of an independent bookseller of new books. Describing the email as infuriating, Makkai urged her Facebook friends and others to rage-share it and to support Volumes and other Chicago indies. She did not indicate how she obtained the email Daunt sent; the salutation refers to a Ms. Sparks. In Cincinnati, Volumes owner Rebecca George had some harsh words for Daunt. Tell James [Daunt] that Volumes is a fucking bookstore," George told PW after news of the email began to spread at the show. The irony of this is that my customer forwarded to me the email just as I was about to leave for Winter Institutefor the ninth time. How are we not a bookstore when the cafe is only 20% of our sales? When asked if she intends to reach out to Daunt, George said she did not, but that she instead is relying on customers to do so. However, she added, were going to go nuclear if B&N got any help from the city or the state to move into the Wicker Park space. Meanwhile, Alex George (no relation), the owner of Skylark Books in Columbia, Mo., found himself this week in the same predicament as Danny Caine of the Raven Bookstore in Lawrence, Kan., did last year, when his spouse was offered a job in Cleveland. Georges spouse, Alexandra Socarides, the associate provost at the University of Missouri, has been offered the position of provost at Emerson College in Boston. Relating to PW that booksellers at WI2024 have been speculating that he will sell the store to move to Massachusetts, George said, during a break between WI2024 panel sessions, that he doesnt know what to do yet and we dont know what things will look like, but that one thing that Im going to do is, I am going to carry on. The store is not for saleat this time. George intends to meet with Caine during the conference to discuss the feasibility of owning a bookstore remotelyalthough Caine himself sold 49% of shares in the Raven to seven employees before he moved to Cleveland from Lawrence. Finally, New Jersey booksellers Kaila Boulware Sykes and her husband, Raymond Sykes, founders of Hidden Gems Bookstore in New Brunswick, learned at the beginning of February that theyd need to vacate the bricks-and-mortar space they share with an art gallery, Above Art Studios. Theyll need to move their inventory80% used and 20% new booksout by the end of the month. The Sykeses were already were registered for WI2024 in Cincinnati, so they came to the trade show with a Breaking Book News flyer and a planned fundraiser for their imperiled shop. Boulware Sykes explained that Hidden Gems, a registered nonprofit, needs financial support to establish a permanent location. I tell people we started with $30 and a prayer, Boulware Sykes said, explaining that they acquired their original inventory from a garage sale before establishing their store in June 2021. Now, they want to keep serving their schools and all-ages creative population with initiatives like their 1,000 Free Books Tour, in which they pilot a minivan full of giveaway books to boost community reading. Our goal is to advocate for a literate world while making education accessible and fun, Boulware Sykes said. WI2024 turns out to be a good place to seek advice. By making connections with fellow indie booksellers and organizations including the Book Industry Charitable (Binc) Foundation, the Sykes family hopes to keep Hidden Gems vibrant. The number of books in Volumes' inventory was incorrect in an earlier version of this story and has been corrected. Friends, authors, and former colleagues pay tribute to the beloved editor and publisher, who died on January 23 at age 81. Linda Sue Park Dinah pulled my debut manuscript from the slush pile in 1997, and we worked together for the next 20-plus years, publishing 20 books all told. Not many editor-author pairs can claim such longevity. She knew how to drag me kicking and screaming to the book I was trying to write all alongby asking gentle and perspicacious questions. Dinah is part of so many of my fondest memories. Once, a mix-up occurred when the publisher was supposed to send a car for me; because of the snafu, I ended up walking to the destinationonly a few blocks away. A few months later, right before the 2002 ALA awards banquet in Atlanta, Dinah told me to meet her in the hotel lobby. I assumed that we would walk to the banquet, which was to take place in the hotel next door. To my astonishment, an enormous stretch limo was outside waiting! It took us on a lovely tour of Atlanta before dropping us off at the banquet. Dinah and her staff had been determined to make up for the earlier missed ride! And, not inconsequentially, 2002 was the year Dinah edited the Newbery and the Caldecott Medal titlesmy A Single Shard and David Wiesners The Three Pigs. What a banquet that was! Im so fortunate to have been able to work with her. Beyond the pages, we had fun whenever we were together. We talked a lot about restaurants and cooking and knitting. Before she died, she sent me two big boxes full of knitting equipment, including a swift and a ball winder. Knitters will understand how special these gifts are. I will miss her doublyas editor and as friend. Jennifer Greene My first encounter with Dinah was when I interviewed for an assistant editor position at Clarion Books, a job I desperately wanted, in the late 90s. It was a slushy, wet February day, and I wore rainboots, so I went to the restroom to put on shoes and calm my nerves. I didnt realize this meant walking through the entire Houghton Mifflin office to reach the bathrooms in the back. (In retrospectwhy did I not simply wear the boots during the interview? Or swap them out in the lobby?) Of course, once I was in the ladies room, who walks in but Dinah. Neither of us had any idea what the other looked like, but Dinah very gently said, I bet youre my one oclock interview. Ill see you in a few minutes and Ill pretend I didnt see you here! What followed was 25 wonderful years of working together. Dinah opened the door for me into the coveted, magical world of childrens books and taught me pretty much everything I know about editing and publishing as well as quite a bit about life. She was quietly kind, and it almost goes without saying that in those years I never once heard her yell or even speak sternly. She was incredibly modest despite being a fascinating person and an absolute rock star of an editor, and generous in her mentoring. I like to think her very high expectations and standards shaped who I am as an editorI feel I have been classically trained. I often hear her voice in my head as I work or go about my day, and I know she will continue to be a presence with me. I will think of her every day, always. David Wiesner Dinah was my friend and a part of my editorial team for a dozen years before she became my primary editor. That friendship made the transition in our professional relationship very easy. Our working method was to sit next to each other on a couch in her office and go over the sketches and dummies of my books. I never got an editorial letter; it was all verbal. These talks were the core of our creative process. As I was developing a story, she would ask wonderfully insightful questions to help me clarify my thinking. Just as importantly, she also knew when to leave me alone. When a story was in place we would sit together and revel in the nuts and bolts of its structure. As good as Dinah was with writers who used words, she was equally adept at reading and analyzing the flow of the pictures in my wordless books. And oh, how we would laugh! Dinah had a wicked sense of humor and a keen sense of the absurd. When I once asked her if something I had come up with was maybe too weird, she famously said to me, Weird is good. A response so perfect it became our mantra from that day on. She was a great editor and a dear friend. Joann Hill I met Dinah Stevenson in my first job out of art school. I was an assistant to the art director at Lothrop, Lee & Shepard, an imprint at William Morrow. Dinah was an executive editor then, and we became friendly because she was a real foodie and sometimes I would bake a coffee cake for the office, which delighted her. We realized our birthdays were close, so we started a tradition of going out for a fancy lunch each year during Scorpio Season. In hindsight I loved that Dinah was so eager to make friends with colleagues of all ages and different interests. After she became publisher at Clarion Books, she was looking for an art director and reached out to me. Though we knew each other very well, she interviewed/grilled me for well over an hour! I got the job. The 10years we worked together at Clarion are a real highlight of my career, with books we published winning Newbery, Caldecott, Sibert, and Coretta Scott King awards. Dinah had extraordinary skill as an editor, working to bring the best out of every manuscript from picture books to novels to nonfiction. When I picture Dinah in my minds eye, she is at her desk piled high with papers, she looks up from her work, her glasses perched on the end of her nose, she smiles and calls out WHERE SHOULD WE GO FOR LUNCH?! Gary D. Schmidt Several books ago, Dinah called to tell me that she was flying in to Grand Rapids to have The Talk with me. This was intriguing enough, but to have it come with just a couple of days notice suggested unusual urgency. So she arrived, and we had lunch and went back to the house, and sitting in front of the wood stove and rubbing my Border collie between his ears, Dinah explained that companies make relationships through financial commitments and she had four contracts with her in her briefcase and shed like me to sign them please. I reminded her that I never signed contracts before the books were done, and she nodded, she remembered that. And I told her that having a due date only made me tense, and she nodded again. But thats how the company wants to do things, she said. How about you and I do things this way? I said, and the two of us stood up. I promise Ill give you the next four booksand however many we can do together after that. And Dinah, because shes Dinah, said Good enough, and we shook hands. She probably got heck from the company for this, but Dinah wasnt just a fabulous editor, an impeccable judge of plot lines and characters and language and tone, with remarkably astute questions that pointed the right way every time. Dinah sensed instinctivelywho knows how?what her writers needed. Then she found the ways to give that to them. I once mentioned to another writer that Dinah was my editor, and that writer gave a low whistle and said, Whoa, I am afraid of her. Dinah was demanding, no doubt. And she expected a lotagain, no doubt. But who does not want that of your editor? Who does not want her to give you hard work? Who does not see those demands as blessings? And the thing is, Dinah knew how to make you believe you could do what she hoped for you. So now I do what shed want me to do: every morning I build a fire in the wood stove. I sit down at my desk and rub the Border collie between the ears. Then I take a quick gulp of very hot tea, and get to work. Marcia Leonard Dinah Stevenson meant the world to me professionally. I first met her at an ALA conference in the summer of 1978. I moved to Manhattan the following January and then worked for her twice, first at J.B. Lippincott and later at Clarion Books. On both occasions, I learned so much from her, observing how she encouraged and supported staff members and an amazing array of prize-winning artists and authors, how she offered everyone both guidance and freedom to explore. She worked for me when I was a childrens book packager, serving as a creative and reliable freelance writer. And over the many years, we attended conferences and speeches together and shared publishing news. Dinah also meant the world to me personally. She graciously sang at my wedding. I graciously did not sing at hers. We traveled together, went to craft fairs and resale shops together, traded recipes and recommendations, talked endlessly, and trusted each other completely. Its hard to imagine either world without her. But I know her legacy and my memories of her will live on. Lynne Polvino Dinah hired me for my first job in childrens publishing, as the administrative assistant for Clarion Books. The first thing she said to me when I sat down for my interview was that I misspelled the word administrative in my cover letter. I nearly died and figured I might as well get up and leave right then and there. But we carried on, and she called me in for a second interview, which I went to during my lunch break from a horrible data entry temp job at a giant insurance company. This time, she eyed my outfit and said, I thought you were coming from your temp jobisnt that a very corporate office? I looked down at my dress, which was short and had an awful lot of zippers (it was the 90s!), shrugged, and said, I guess this is as corporate as I get. She later told me that answer, and the fact that I had so many earrings (again, it was the 90s) was what made her decide to hire meshe also claimed to have hired one of Clarions designers partly because of his interesting forearm tattoos. People who didnt fit the mold and marched to their own drummers were Dinahs people. Her affinity for weirdosher appreciation of unique voices and perspectivesshaped the Clarion list and made Clarion an extraordinary place to work and to learn about childrens publishing. I attended my first ALA annual conference when The Three Pigs and A Single Shard received the Caldecott and Newbery Medals. What a thrill! I was still an assistant, and had no idea at the time how lucky I was to be a part of those celebrations, or how rare it was for one editors books to be awarded the nations two highest childrens book honors in the same year. Dinah was generous in including junior staff at celebrations and events and it was a time when budgets allowed it. She brought us to Newbery-Caldecott banquets and the National Book Awards (for An American Plague by Jim Murphy), invited us to meals at Gramercy Tavern and Chez Panisse (we had just published Bring Me Some Apples and Ill Make You a Pie by Robbin Gourley), and introduced us to the magic and powerand, yes, the glamourof the world of childrens books. Dinah was a foodie before foodies were even a thing (Dinah was a lot of things before they were a thing; a true trailblazer), and she relished gathering people together for a good meal to celebrate good books. She loved to be surrounded by her community of authors and illustrators and colleagues and friends. And she was always quietly modest about her successes and her impact, even though everyone knew she was a total legend. Dinah was generous with her mentorship of younger editors, too. Assisting her was more like a close apprenticeship than a job; over the 25 years we worked together, her high standards and her care for language and respect for the art of bookmaking have become a part of my editorial DNA. I wouldnt be the editor I am today without Dinahs guidance and mentorship, and I often hear her wise and exacting voice in my head as I work. Right now, shes telling me that this remembrance is way too long and has far too many adjectives. Shes right, of course. But how could I possibly say less? Carol Goldenberg Rosen I was the art director at Clarion Books when Dinah arrived from Lothrop, Lee & Shepard. Dorothy Briley told me I would enjoy working with Dinah, that in addition to her considerable talents as an editor, she was also the best nitpicker in the business. What she didnt prepare me for was Dinahs uproarious sense of humorI can still hear her hearty laugh in my mind as I write this. And she really understood kids! At the time I was the only one with a young child in the office and Dinah delighted in my sons visits, encouraging him to tell her jokes, and the sillier the better. Dinah and I frequently ended our emails over the years with one of his favorite punchlines, Got any duck food? long after forgetting what the joke even meant! After I became a freelance art director, I worked with Dinah on all of David Wiesners picture books, always marveling at her astute, insightful comments and editorial vision. Plus, she could cut flap copy down to its essence better than anyone Ive worked with. She seemingly knew just what to say, what not to say, and most critically, when to wait and let David do his magic. I am so grateful to have worked with her; she was truly one-of-a-kind and will be very much missed. Lisa DiSarro It is not an overstatement to refer to Dinah as a legend. She had an incredible eye for talent and ability to guide those gifted creators to do their best work. She was also publishing incredibly diverse stories and creators before there was a demand for them. But aside from her remarkable achievements as an editor and publisher, I will always remember her kind guidance and support. How special it felt to know she wanted your opinion on something and recognized your hard work. I still remember an ALA event we hosted where editors were previewing some upcoming titles. Suddenly a rock band started playing next door, practically drowning out our speakers. It was a disaster, but the librarians remained in their seats, a sympathetic and kind audience, and the editors pressed on. The hotel wouldnt do anything to help and I thought it would go down as the worst event wed ever had. I sent a note to the editorial team later thanking them for their professionalism and sticking with it, despite the awful distraction and interruption. And Dinahs response was, And hats off to you for making the evening work despite all the hotel incompetence! She was truly a gem, and Im so honored to have known her, and to have worked with her and so many of the incredible creators she brought to the childrens book world. Karen Cushman Many years ago, when Dinah learned I didnt know enough to keep a first edition of The Midwifes Apprentice for myself, she gave me her own copy in a hand-made box embossed with the words, For the magic of her spells and the miracle of her skills. She meant the inscription for me, but I think it more apt for her. Dinahs dedication and proficiency are why I have a writing life now. Dinah my editor became Dinah my friend. Lured by the promise of forest walks, thrift shops, and long talks about books, friends, food, and the obvious superiority of orange cats, she visited us here on Vashon Island (a whole country away from New York) so often that I made a Reserved for Dinah sign for the guest room door. Away from the office, Dinah relaxed into a warm, silly, and delightful guest. For one visit, she arrived with a three-pound ball of fresh mozzarella in her suitcase! In one of our last emails, she recounted her favorite island memories: searching for second-hand socks and silk blouses at Grannys Attic, cuddling under lap robes and cats in big chairs by the fire, laughing about the time my husband Phil wrapped the required necktie around his forehead at a fancy dinner, working through a problem involving one of My Girlsher provoking, me trying to keep up. I called her Editrix, in all the best meanings of the word, connoting female intelligence and power, and I will always remember her with love. Jim Armstrong What a treat to have worked at Clarion Books while Dinah was in charge! Clarion was a small operation when I started there 25 years ago, a satellite imprint in N.Y.C. of the much larger Houghton Mifflin in Boston. We had a collegial group of talented, dedicated people, and Dinah was our benevolent boss. She was by nature low-key and reserved, but when the occasion called for it, she could, and would, speak enthusiastically, eloquently, and at length about her authors and illustrators, and about the stunning books they created. It goes without saying that she loved words, loved language, loved the printed page. She worked tirelessly, on her own and with others, at all aspects of making childrens books. In addition to being a superior manager and astute publisher, she was a thoughtful and generous colleague. She took great satisfaction in throwing a party, especially the eagerly anticipated Clarion Chill Chaser, which was held in the office every December for authors, illustrators, and the in-house staff, and the SCBWI-related potluck dinner at her home in Hoboken every February. Good times, indeed, presided over by a remarkable woman, boss, friend. Lin Oliver Dinah Stevensons contribution to the body of childrens literature was quietly enormous. Her elegant taste and exacting standards made the books she published stand out from the crowd. Her eye for talent brought forth writers whose works have done nothing less than enhanced the world and our understanding of it. Her devotion to quality, to detail, to refined thought were singular. She was everything a book editor should beloyal, devoted, passionate, curious, a teacher, a listener, and a fan. She was an active volunteer in the SCBWI, offering to teach each new generation of writers coming up. She never compromised her standards to suit the marketplace. She protected and loved her writers. When Russell Freedman was too ill to accept his Golden Kite award, Dinah flew across the country to accept it for him, and brought a thousand people to tears. I will always remember our lunches at the Gramercy Tavern, a treat we indulged in whenever I came to New York. Dinah with her long, beautiful braid, telling me about her latest discovery, still brimming with creative ardor after all those years of practicing her craft. The only thing better than the food was the great love and intellectual excitement that radiated from her, across the table, and directly into my heart. Betsy Groban Ive adored and worshiped Dinah for over 40 years. Ill let others speak to her courage, her dignity, and her nonpareil editorial brilliance (I mean who else, without looking it up, knows the difference between a foreword, an afterword, a preface, and an introduction?) Id rather talk about the tattoo she got on her wrist for a Big Birthday (it said NOW) and the clothing exchange we kept up for decades. Dinah and I lived and worked in different cities (New York and Boston), but in addition to the obvious our devotion to childrens books we had a lot in common, and very similar taste in clothes. Whenever we saw each other, wed exchange a nondescript paper or plastic bag containing a few of our latest loved-but-no-longer-wanted garments. Like so many others, I cant believe that Dinah is truly gone. I feel so lucky to have so many glorious memories of our time together, as well as a sampling of her beautiful clothes. Starr LaTronica Everyone knows that Dinah Stevenson was a brilliant editor with an acute eye for talent, but as her friend for over 30 years, I want to tell you some things you may not know: She was so funnywith a wit that was sly, wry, and dry, and she served up zingers and clever asides constantly so you always had to pay attention. Equally, she had an abiding affection for offbeat humor and a storehouse of quotes at the ready (often from one of her books) to illustrate her deep appreciation of silliness. Dinner with Dinah was always an adventure! From a fantastic Vietnamese restaurant in a strip mall in the hinterlands of Las Vegas to the Presidents Dining Room after hours at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to chicken with a brick in her Hoboken kitchen, the food was delicious, but the experience was unforgettable! Dinah had a discerning eye and could spot a beautiful object or a quirky, unique item in any environmentart shows, flea markets, or high-end shops, which made it a delight to shop with her. She also had both the sensibility and the honesty to let you know when a dress didnt sing and save you from a costly mistake. Most of all, she was incredibly generous, with her time, her attention, her counsel, her loyalty, and her love. She also generously shared her friendships. It gave her great pleasure and satisfaction to connect people who would enjoy, support and champion one another, especially if they were authors, illustrators, librarians, booksellers, or fellow book lovers. So, really, when you think about it, all the qualities that made Dinah a brilliant editor also made her a brilliant friend. Sharismar Rodriguez How to share memories of Dinah without starting from the very first time we met? Clarion Books art director, Joann Hill, had called me in for a second interview to meet the imprints publisher, our dear Dinah Stevenson. Back then, I didnt know just how legendary Dinah was. All I knew was that if I wanted to secure this dream job, I had to impress her. I was incredibly nervous, and all I can remember saying was asking if she would allow me to place my metal-covered portfolio on her beautiful vintage coffee table. However, what will forever stay with me is her warm and friendly smile, her calm demeanor, and her sense of humor. I still dont know how I managed to make an impression on her that day, but knowing that she believed in me propelled me to never disappoint her. I once had a professor who quoted the phrase standing on the shoulders of giants when discussing achieving success in ones career. However, with Dinah, it was never like that. Not because she wasnt a giant herself, but because she made sure you never felt small. Whether I was sitting next to her as a designer assistant working on my first sample pages or collaborating with her as the art director on her next big book, I was always treated as her equal and colleague. One of Dinahs most memorable pieces of advice to me was when she came by to congratulate me on my promotion. She simply said, Congratulations! Now, dont rest on your laurels. We still have work to do. Being able to have her as both a mentor and a friend has been of immense value to me, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate, just as many others who had the privilege of knowing her do. Mary Downing Hahn Dinah Stevenson was a pleasure to work with and to know. I was fortunate to have her as an editor and a friend. I will miss her insightful comments and skillful editing. She improved every manuscript she read and helped me to become a better writer. I never expected to lose her so soon. Daniel Nayeri The first time I walked into Dinahs corner office on the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt floor of a Park Avenue building in New York City, I noticed two things: there were piles of manuscripts everywhere, and her paperweight was a Caldecott Medal. By reputation, I already knew she was one of the winningest editors in the history of childrens literature, having worked with David Wiesner, Karen Cushman, Linda Sue Park, Russell Freedman, and many more legends besides. I had come from a very commercial house in an adult trade division and wanted to make a good first impression, so on my first day of working for her I came in with a manuscript for a flashy middle-grade adventure series. I gave her a pitch to acquire it with a bunch of references to current bestselling megahits and said I thought we should probably snag the first three books right away before the agent takes it to auction. Well, she looked at me with a straight face and said she didnt know about any of the bestsellers Id mentioned, but that here, at her imprint, We count our wins in January. That was all she had to say. Her standard was nothing short of greatness. She wanted us to bring in lasting literature, not trendy IP. And I loved her for it. In a time when everyone was trying to figure out how to retool their publishing companies into brand factories, she was having breakfast with librarians and talking about the important things. Dinah became one of the only people I could rightly call a mentor. I knew Id made it into her circle when she trusted me to upload a dozen Swedish crime novels to her e-reader for her flight to Bologna, and when she asked me to read a story by one of her lifelong authors to offer feedback. She was also a friend. We made meals together, shuttled back and forth to Boston for Sale Launches, and balanced spoons on our noses during ALA gala dinners. She was one of the grande dames of childrens literature and I will miss her fiercely. Bruce Coville Dinah Stevenson was my editor for my first four books, and she changed my life. Ive just re-read the very first letter she sent to me, expressing an interest in The Foolish Giant, a picture book that my wife Kathy and I had been working on. With exquisite timing, that letter arrived on July 7 of 1977, or 7/7/77, supposedly the luckiest day of the century! It was certainly one of the luckiest days of our lives. Rereading the letter now, more than 45 years later, it is abundantly clear how much work the book still needed... and how perfectly Dinah saw both its flaws and its possibilities. She was tough as nails, and we clashed a lot, especially when it came to humor. But Kathy and I could not have asked for a better mentor, or a better editor to guide us into the publishing world. She was old school in the very best sense of the term, and we are forever in her debt. Anne Hoppe While the galaxy of Dinahs award-winning contributions to childrens literature shines brightly, it may be that her biggest impact on our culture is one of her least known. As a junior editor tasked with writing copy for a series of stories in which readers determined the outcome by deciding which page to turn to next, she coined the phrase Choose your own adventure, felicitous wording that now denotes an entire genre. But I think that if Dinah had had a personal motto, it would have been Choose your own team. Dinah knew that publishing was made up of people, not numbers, and she never lost sight of the humanity at the core of childrens books. She surrounded herself with talented creators and colleagues, and she trusted them to make the best work possible, offering light touches that elevated good efforts to extraordinary work, and whenever possible having a little fun and good food along the way. On February 13, the second full day of the American Booksellers Associations 2024 Winter Institute in Cincinnati, presenters talked about their stores geographical locations and particular challenges, brainstormed ways to sustain connections with readers, and lined up to have ARCs signed by nearly 80 authors at a bustling evening reception. Thanks to journalist Michele Norriss breakfast keynote talk about her book Our Hidden Conversations, WI2024 attendees started the day thinking about identity and others standpoints. Norriss powerful exercise, based on the Race Card Project, warmed up attendees for a day of sessions about creating welcoming and information-rich spaces. Going Beyond the Binary Diverse life experiences informed the panel Beyond the Binary, which pushed back against norms and artificial boundaries. Moderator Anton Bogomazov of Politics and Prose (Washington, D.C.) spoke to four contemporary novelists about their latest work. Miranda July, in All Fours (Riverhead, May), set out to write a comic novel about women, libido, and aging. I think perimenopause is nonbinary because its a transitional time, July said. This unpredictable, potentially queer stage of life could be really significant for someone youre trying to become, so All Fours takes a funhouse mirror look at something that is biological. Danzy Senna, who always identified as a Black woman with a white mother, told the audience that her protagonist in Colored Television gives no credence to binaries: This is not a character whos betwixt and between, trying to figure out am I Black or am I white? This is a character whos trying to get rich in Hollywoodand who might qualify as morally nonbinary, too. LaDarrion Williams wrote the YA fantasy Blood at the Root (Random House Childrens/Labyrinth Road, May) to challenge predictable and narrow representations of Black youth. When I was in high school, I didnt see myself in Percy Jackson, he said, referencing Rick Riordans Olympians series. When he looked for novels about Black teens, he wondered, Where are the Black boys who arent dealing with police brutality? As an author, he has created a magical 17-year-old character, Malik, in Blood at the Root. Weve got to let [Black characters] live, Williams said. I dont want to see my Black boy character literally be killed to teach readers about racism. Maysoon Zayid, who uses comedy to instruct on disability, called her graphic narrative Shiny Misfits (Scholastic/Graphix, Apr.) a comedic romp about a girl with cerebral palsy. The DisCo the disability communityintersects with every single other community, and is multifaceted rather than either/or. Zayid also spoke bluntly to political conditions, reminding the audience that shes a Palestinian author writing a childrens book in a world in which thousands of Palestinian children have been killed in the past four months. As a Palestinian author, I am telling the people in this room, we are being silenced, we are being pulled off the shelves. She called for a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a situation that some booksellers plan to discuss at an impromptu February 14 morning meetup. Finding Community, Online and In-Person Alternative models for doing business and forging community were much on the minds of ABA attendees, many of whom opened their stores in 2020 or even more recently. Booksellers from Red Emmas Bookstore Coffeehouse (Baltimore, Md.), Rozzie Bound Books (Boston), and Co-Op Cincy (Cincinnati) shared advice on bypassing traditional hierarchical models and starting a worker-owned co-op. Meanwhile, social media wizards led a panel on increasing book sales while building community online, moderated by Bookshop.org founder Andy Hunter. At the online community panel, Evisa Gallman of Uncle Bobbies Coffee and Books (Philadelphia, Pa.) described how transparencysuch as through an Uncle Bobbies by the Numbers feature on statisticsgets customers invested in the stores success. Gallman also praised preorder campaigns and giveaways, not only for short-term marketing but also for building email lists. Hunter seconded the value of good old reliable email and newsletter signups. We get a third of the sales from Twitter that we used towe built it, then it goes away, he said. Email addresses and textable phone numbers may seem fusty, but theyre relatively stable ways to engage with customers. Apps can work too: Veronica Liu, of Word Up Community Bookshop/Libreria Comunitaria (New York, NY), sends reminders about storytimes via a neighborhood WhatsApp group, and advertises in Spanish and English: We all have multiple communities were serving, Liu said. Another educational panel, Beyond Allyship, explored how bookstores can welcome and embrace LGBTQ+ staffers and visitors. Panel moderator Kai Burner of Bookworm of Edwards (Edwards, Colo.) created an informational Allyship Checklist to help stores adjust onboarding practices and create written policies to support the culture. For LGBTQ people, its rough out here right now, Burner emphasized. Panelists recommended that stores abolish handbook language on dress codes and request staffers preferred names and pronouns, starting with the hiring process. Linda Sherman-Nurick of Cellar Door Books (Riverside, Calif.), who relocated in 2023 following protests of Drag Story Hour readings, suggested a book club reading of Schuyler Bailars He/She/They. Opportunities for substantial change may be hidden in plain sight. At Children's Book World (Los Angeles), Brein Lopez and his team turned what used to be girl or boy gift baskets for babies into genderless baby baskets, as well as the strategies behind all our toy buying and choices of reading material, Lopez said. If theyre gendered, we will not order them in. If a customer insists on, say, a girly gift for a child, said Gretchen Treu of A Room of Ones Own (Madison, Wisc.), a bookseller can empower them to make a choice thats inclusive, such as by asking, Who gets to be the hero of stories? rather than reaching for binary blue or pink. A federal judge in California this week dismissed four of six claims made by authors in a now consolidated lawsuit alleging that Open AI infringes their copyrights. But the court gave the authors a month to amend their complaint, and the suits core claim of direct infringementwhich Open AI did not seek to dismissremains active. Following a December 7 hearing, federal judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin needed just 13 pages to dismiss a host of claims made by the authors, including vicarious infringement (count two), claims that Open AI removed or altered copyright management information (count three); negligence under the unfair competition law (count five); and unjust enrichment (count six). The court allowed a fourth claim of unfairness under the unfair competition law to proceed, however, holding that, if true, the authors claims that Open AI used their copyrighted works to train their language models for commercial profit may constitute an unfair practice. The court gave the plaintiffs until March 13 to file an amended complaint. The decision is the latest legal development in the wake of three class action cases filed in California last summer by authors, which have now been consolidated. The first two suits were filed on June 28 and July 7 by the Joseph Saveri Law Firm on behalf of five named plaintiffs: Mona Awad, who has since left the case, and Paul Tremblay in the first case, and Christopher Golden, Richard Kadrey, and comedian Sarah Silverman in the second. A third action was filed in September, and includes authors Michael Chabon, David Henry Hwang, Matthew Klam, Rachel Louise Snyder, and Ayelet Waldman, among others, which the court has now ordered to be consolidated with the first two cases in the amended complaint. The suits all feature nearly identical claims: that AI firms (including Microsoft-backed OpenAI, creators of ChatGPT, and Meta, creators of LLaMA) are infringing copyright by using unauthorized copies of books and articles to train AI models, including by allegedly using copies of books in training those models that were scraped from notorious pirate sites. Meanwhile, two more suits against Open AI are also underway in New York. One suit, filed in September 2023 by the Authors Guild and a host of authors, includes David Baldacci, John Grisham, and Jodi Picoult as coplaintiffs; another suit was filed in December 2023 by the New York Times. In a February 8 filing, the Joseph Saveri Law Firm, which represents the authors in the California cases, filed a motion to stay the cases in New York, raising concerns that the defendants may use the competing cases to forum shop. In order to avoid duplicative efforts, judicial waste, and potentially disparate rulings, the Court should apply the first-to-file rule and enjoin OpenAI from proceeding in substantially identical actions in the Southern District of New York, the motion states. A graduate student in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences reads to children in the Preschool Language Program, which focuses on improving childrens language skills. (Purdue University photo/Tim Brouk) Purdue University has begun work to improve the reading abilities of K-12 students in Indiana by strengthening teacher preparation using science-based methods. The work is funded in part by a $1.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. awarded to Purdue in August as part of Lilly Endowments Advancing the Science of Reading in Indiana initiative, which launched in 2022. The science of reading refers to a vast body of research that explores how children learn to read and includes explicit, systematic and cumulative instruction methods focused on phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and writing and oral language. Purdue is one of 28 Indiana colleges and universities that received grants from Lilly Endowment to support efforts that integrate science of reading-aligned principles into teacher preparation programs. From working with external consultants to diving deeper into the research on the science of reading to surveying former students about science of reading concepts, faculty across three campuses in the Purdue system West Lafayette, Northwest and Fort Wayne as well as two colleges, the College of Education and the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS), are collaborating to bring together their diverse perspectives and elevate literacy teacher preparation at the university. Six months in, the Purdue faculty have already made strides in their initial planning for revamping the curriculum. In early fall, the faculty gathered to review the results of a survey that would allow them to assess how prepared alumni and preservice teachers felt about literacy. Beyond the survey, the team met with external consultants and partnered with The Reading League Indiana to develop a common understanding of the science of reading and evaluate how this information would take shape in curriculum adjustments. Purdues interdisciplinary approach is overseen by Jenna Rickus, vice provost for teaching and learning, and the grant is co-led by Christy Wessel Powell, associate professor of literacy education and the director of the Center for Literacy and Language Education and Research, and Catherine (Cammie) McBride, professor of human development and family science and HHS associate dean for research. Mary Ann Cahill, associate dean of professional programs and director of the School of Education and Counseling at Purdue Northwest, serves as the campus lead for Purdue Northwest, and Holly Hullinger-Sirken, clinical associate professor of elementary education, serves as the campus lead for Purdue Fort Wayne. We are grateful to Lilly Endowment and the state of Indiana for their proactive support for literacy education, Wessel Powell said. Its vital to have these resources that we can put toward improving the ways that teachers are able to work with students and to know there is a long-term commitment toward these goals. The funds are being used toward facultys collaboration efforts to enrich their curriculum through science-based literacy methods in elementary education, special education and early childhood education. Their work spans five main goals: Refining science of reading content in the coursework of Purdues undergraduate education licensure programs. Creating stacked credentials for undergraduate and graduate students as well as offerings for current teachers. Creating an online repository of scientific research related to reading and writing. Providing professional development to faculty across all Purdue colleges, campuses and programs related to literacy. Making connections to state leadership by providing research-grounded resources on literacy. Those working on the grant will continue to meet regularly in the spring to begin the process of restructuring and planning courses that will bolster the curriculum and better equip future teachers with an in-depth understanding of the science of reading. This spring, the team will also begin developing professional development workshops for all Purdue faculty involved in teaching reading and writing across Purdue campuses as well as begin to build an online repository of resources to which faculty can refer. Ultimately, what we hope is that the courses that are being used to train the teachers are better aligned with the science of reading and that the teachers make use of all their different skills-building to be better teachers and help the kids to read better, McBride said. Hullinger-Sirken noted that now is an important time to look at literacy, not only because the education landscape looks different since the COVID-19 pandemic but also to accommodate the various needs of Indiana children. There has been a lot of attribution to post-COVID, but we also know that we have a very diverse population of students in the state of Indiana, and we know that when it comes to literacy, theres a lot of different components that play into how proficient a student can be with their literacy skills, Hullinger-Sirken said. It is our responsibility as educators and professionals to ensure that no student lacks any of those skills and that we are doing our due diligence to provide them with that. I think this grant comes at an opportune time because it gives us some of the resources and the attention to really focus on that specific goal. To meet the needs of Indianas diverse population, the grant has also brought in faculty such as associate professor Trish Morita-Mullaney, who specializes in English language learning, to focus on what is distinct about language and literacy learning for English language learners. The grants 33 faculty members have experienced the cross-disciplinary element of Purdues work, which many noted has proved fruitful in allowing them to share their knowledge and pool resources. I really think the early childhood component; the developmental part; and the speech, language, and hearing sciences faculty and what they can contribute just make this a more inclusive and ultimately more useful approach to teacher training, McBride said. Grace Pigozzi, assistant professor of elementary and early literacy, explained it can be easy in higher education to get into a day-to-day routine and become siloed, so the opportunity of the grant allowed faculty to see the ways the Purdue University system works together and can make a difference in literacy education. For this opportunity to exist, we had to figure out who we were as an entity, and for me, thats been the most amazing part, Pigozzi said. Now, knowing everyone and being able to have these funds to guide us as were doing this very difficult work is a kind of solace. As part of the grant, Chenell Loudermill, clinical professor in the Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, organizes outside consultants to fulfill the professional development component. She noted this offers faculty on the grant the opportunity to not only learn from each other but also think outside the box by exploring expertise outside of the university in areas such as psychology, education, communication sciences and disorders, neuroscience, and more. The interdisciplinary approach taken by Purdue University is what is needed to move the teaching of reading and writing forward in Indiana, Loudermill said. The faculty shared that having Purdue contribute to Lillys initiative to advance the science of reading will allow the university to increase its impact on Indiana children and teachers. This funding by Lilly Endowment and Purdues work within it complement a statewide effort by the Indiana Department of Education to improve reading achievement in K-12 schools by helping current teachers implement science of reading-aligned principles in their classrooms. Were a land-grant institution, so this is right in our wheelhouse, Wessel Powell said. I can see that we have so many opportunities for synergy and to expand how we affect the entire state. About Purdue University Purdue University is a public research institution demonstrating excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities and with two colleges in the top four in the United States, Purdue discovers and disseminates knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 105,000 students study at Purdue across modalities and locations, including nearly 50,000 in person on the West Lafayette campus. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdues main campus has frozen tuition 13 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap including its first comprehensive urban campus in Indianapolis, the new Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business, and Purdue Computes at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives. Writer: Rebecca Hoffa Media contact: Tim Doty, doty2@purdue.edu Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A grenade found during a drug bust last month in a Tucumcari motel room turned out to be non-functioning, prompting prosecutors to drop one charge against the suspect. The freeing of the suspect last week on electronic monitoring prompted complain... Earlier this month in Louisiana's capital of Baton Rouge, that city's oldest Mardi Gras carnival organization held its elaborate annual Tableau Ball in front of an estimated 700 people. That organization is called the Krewe of Tucumcari, founded i... On this date ... 1973: The Federal Energy Office today ordered fuel supplies increased to airlines and truckers, and it proposed that service station owners consider refusing to sell gasoline to motorists who already have half of tankful. In respo... There may be no tenet of faith so fundamental to the cult of gun control than the idea that more guns equate to more crime a theory that was soundly disproven in 2023. Just four years after the biggest recorded one-year spike in our nation... University presidents have been in the limelight in recent months, more than at any other time in living memory. The additional scrutiny is amply warranted. They occupy powerful positions at their respective institutions. They formulate and communicate a vision for the university. They handle budgetary priorities. They approve hiring requests and promotions. They oversee the creation of new colleges, schools, and centers. They issue statements on behalf of the entire institution. They are the public face of the university. But while the debacle on Capitol Hill on December 5, 2023 heightened public awareness of the inscrutable hegemon we call the Ivy League President, it also revealed how extensively and thoroughly DEI has infected most of our elite institutions, top to bottom. Most now know that something is terribly, terribly rotten in the state of Denmark and it goes far beyond university presidents. The problem is systemic. Consider the political and ideological homogeneity of the American higher education complex. College and university administrators positions that have mushroomed in recent years are especially egregious on this point. One study by Samuel Abrams found an astonishing 12:1 ratio of liberals to conservatives among administrators (71 percent identified as liberal or very liberal; only 6 percent identified as conservative). Faculty are hardly better, and sometimes worse depending on the school and department. The STEM fields have less of a problem with political variety, but the social sciences and humanities are a veritable echo chamber. A 2018 study by Mitchell Langbert, for example, looked at the public voter registrations of nearly 9,000 tenured and tenure-track professors. For faculty in the humanities, the ratio was 32 Democrats for every Republican. A well-publicized survey last year by The Harvard Crimson found that a measly two percent of Harvard faculty describe themselves as conservative. Small wonder that Gallup in 2023 found that only 19 percent of Republicans and only 36 percent of Americans have confidence in higher education (as recently as 2015, the number was 56 and 57 percent respectively). Meanwhile, many faculty have their noses in the air, oblivious or unruffled by the reasons for their diminishing credibility. A 2022 FIRE survey asked faculty how universities should rank political diversity among the professoriate versus racial or gender diversity. A solid majority 55 percent said that political diversity was either less important or not important at all (36 and 19 percent respectively). So what can we do? The corruption of K-12 education led to the homeschooling revolution and the proliferation of charter schools and other school choice programs. But these options are not available in higher education. Of the grander, long-term proposals for alternatives to the current system, some are more realistic than others. For one, you could take an axe to the demand for higher education. Most employers could simply no longer require a college degree. And where further education is necessary, employers and companies could establish their own training programs or subcontract out to another training provider. On the supply side, you could have a top-down takeover of a preexisting university, as Governor Ron DeSantis modeled with New College of Florida. Governor DeSantiss assertion of control over New College led to the resignation of more than a third of the faculty, a not-unwelcome development considering that most of the resignees were likely the most ideological. Another far more daunting approach is to create alternative universities. But what are some practical policies that can be realistically achieved in the immediate term? The Center for American Institutions at Arizona State University recently put forward some policy recommendations that should be closely considered by every state legislature in the country. The recommendations were part of a detailed report, The Study of American History in Our Universities. The findings of the report were damning: they revealed an overwhelming, disproportionate emphasis on teaching the negative aspects of American history. But pertinent to the question of reforming the university, the report included several policy recommendations. First, the report calls for educational transparency. All course syllabi should be publicly available and easily accessible. Most syllabi at most public universities are not available to anyone outside the university. Americans should know how their tax dollars are being used in the classroom. Second, the report calls for administrators and regents to insist on broader faculty searches that are not aimed exclusively at attracting highly ideological, left-wing candidates. State legislatures could also write this requirement into law. Lastly, the report recommends upending the hardened disciplines within the humanities and social sciences through the creation of multi-disciplinary departments, schools, and colleges within the university, complete with expansive curricula to encourage dialogue across the disciplines and to foster greater intellectual diversity among the faculty. Most Americans agree that our universities are an utter mess. But the university has been a bedrock of Western civilization since the Middle Ages. It would be foolish to surrender such a necessary and foundational institution simply because radicals successfully hijacked it half a century ago. Recapturing these institutions will require courage, will, persistence, and thoughtful innovation. Property details: No Reserve Auction. Beautiful 1.05 acres of land lot in Mohave County, Arizona. Lot 4295, Realsite Arizona Ranchettes Unit 9. Please see the pictures of the lot and of the general area. Parcel Number 33502275. Located on the Butte Drive, Yucca, AZ 86438. A dirt road access. There are plenty of Joshua Trees in the areabeautiful real estate. Do you want to escape it all in a peaceful and beautiful setting? Look no further than the Arizona Ranchettes subdivision between Route 66 and Pierce Ferry... Price: $ 258 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Property Address: Butte Drive Type: Homesite, Lot Zip/Postal Code: 86438 Zoning: A-General City: Kingman State/Province: Arizona Location: 864**, Yucca, Arizona You will be redirected to eBay Nearby Arizona TLC By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 02/14/2024 ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. : Happily Ever After? Season 8 premiere date and its partial cast have been announced by TLC.TLC has announced the new season of : Happily Ever After? will premiere Sunday, March 17 at 8PM ET/PT on TLC.Seven of the nine couples who will star on Season 8 of : Happily Ever After? are Kobe Blaise and Emily Bieberly, Alexei Brovarnik and Loren Goldstone , Nicole Sherbiny and Mahmoud Sherbiny, Patrick Mendes and Thais Ramone, Gino Palazzolo and Jasmine Pineda, Ed Brown and Liz Woods, and Michael Ilesanmi and Angela Deem Two more couples starring on the TLC reality series will be announced soon.The : Happily Ever After? cast will "continue to navigate the highs and lows in their relationships including everything from preparing for first impressions with the in-laws, to managing significant cultural differences, to working through turbulent family dynamics and more," according to the network.Emily and Kobe previously appeared on 's ninth season. The married couple, who are already parents to son Koban and daughter Scarlett, revealed in November 2023 that they're expecting their third child together.Alexei and Loren previously starred on Season 3 of as well as Loren & Alexei: After the 90 Days. The pair have three children together : Ariel Raya, Shai Josef and Asher Noah.Nicole and Mahmoud previously appeared on Season 4 of : The Other Way. Viewers last saw Nicole being unhappy in Egypt because she was feeling pressure to dress and act according to Mahmoud's culture.Thais and Patrick previously starred on 's ninth season. The married couple welcomed a daughter , Aleesi, in November 2022.Gino and Jasmine are currently starring on 's tenth season. They have been shown planning their wedding in Michigan amid constant bickering and tension between Jasmine and Gino's family.Ed and Liz recently appeared on 90 Day: The Last Resort. Ed and Liz have broken up -- and made up -- nearly a dozen times. They worked hard on their relationship in therapy on The Last Resort, but still have yet to get married. ( Click here to read spoilers on the current status of Liz and Ed's engagement).And Angela and Michael are no strangers to the franchise, as they've starred on numerous spinoffs and seasons, including 90 Day: The Last Resort. Fans last saw Angela waiting for Michael to be able to move to America so they could continue their marriage in the same country."[The couples] continue to navigate the highs and lows in their relationships including everything from preparing for first impressions with the in-laws, to managing significant cultural differences, to working through turbulent family dynamics and more," according to the network."These couples are kissing the honeymoon stage goodbye as they navigate the next step in their love story."Below are TLC-supplied bios of seven couples starring on : Happily Ever After?'s upcoming eighth season.With two kids and her parents in tow, Emily accompanies Kobe on a pilgrimage to his home country of Cameroon for the first time.Emily can't wait to meet her husband's family, whom she's never met before, but soon finds herself hard pressed to prove she can be a good Cameroonian wife.After having three kids in three years, Loren and Alexei are finally ready to hit the brakes on baby making. But when Loren reveals her plans for a major life overhaul, Alexei worries about losing the balance they've finally found.Can the couple find happiness as individuals while keeping their family together?After four years in Egypt, Nicole has returned to L.A. in hopes that she and Mahmoud can make a life together in America.As Nicole rediscovers herself in Los Angeles, how will Mahmoud cope with the huge cultural differences he's about to face? Will they be able to find common ground or are their differences too much to overcome?When Thais left Brazil to be with Patrick, she hid from her family that she intended to marry him, which caused a lot of tension during their 90 days. Now the couple is traveling back to Thais' hometown for the first time since the birth of their daughter.They hope they can mend relationships, chiefly with Thais' father who still expects Patrick to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage. But things take a turn for the worse when Patrick's rowdy brother John tags along on the trip and Patrick's father shows up with some unexpected demands.Gino and Jasmine had a rocky 90 days and now, they both feel betrayed when certain agreements aren't followed through on, leaving their future hanging in the balance.Will Jasmine stay in the U.S. long enough for the couple to find happiness? Or will Gino's mistakes drive Jasmine back to Panama?Following a successful therapy retreat in Florida, Ed and Liz have settled in Arkansas and are planning the wedding of their dreams.But the two still have a lot to overcome, including making sure Liz's daughter is well-adjusted in their new home, and coping with the mounting financial pressure of a move and a wedding. Will the couple finally walk down the aisle or collapse one last time?After years of waiting and multiple visa denials, Michael has finally secured a make-or-break spousal visa interview. Angela joins him in Africa to prepare for the most important day of their lives.But a cascade of unsettling discoveries leaves Angela grappling with the darkest doubts she's ever faced about her marriage. Will Michael finally get to see Georgia? Can Angela finally exorcise the demons that have shadowed their relationship. Or will she cancel the visa for good? Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. The University of Georgia will get its own medical school, which could enroll students as early as 2026, funded as part of a $2 billion plan by Gov. Brian Kemp. 'The private sector will look to the Budget to check whether there are any headwinds or tailwinds.' R Shankar Raman, the chief financial officer and whole-time director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), expects the budgetary allocation for infrastructure to change in July's Budget announcements. He spoke to Amritha Pillay/Business Standard outlining the company's exposure to West Asia, its second-largest market, and the trends in the private capex spending. The Interim Budget announcement includes an 11 per cent increase in the capital expenditure outlay. There was definitely an expectation for infra spending. What are your thoughts on the increased percentage? The increase in the percentage was better than expected. Apart from the capital expenditure (capex) outlay and the R&D allocation, there are no other numericals. Otherwise, it (Interim Budget) is all about directions and policies. To that extent, the quantification is reassuring, but I expect it to change in July and the allocation will get a little more serious consideration. We will have to wait and watch. To that extent, it was on expected lines, with no changes and disruptions. What are the allocations that you expect to see in July? Depends on how they're going to approach the tax revenue. At the moment, an aggressive mode of mobilisation has happened (on tax collection) over the last six months. There is a doublespeak there according to me. The taxpayers are welcome so long as they pay the tax. We can't deal with a heavy hand and I think they will reassess because the next five years means another ballgame. I expect them to be a little more calibrated in the allocation and infrastructure, as it is not expected to get anything less than 10 per cent. Depending on the direction in the Interim Budget, what does it do for private capex in India? The private capex is independent of what happens in the budget. I think the private capex will go strongly on the economic viability of the investments. Now, the private sector has burnt its hands in the past by going with the momentum. The private sector, in my opinion, will look to the budget to check whether there are any headwinds or tailwinds. But the fundamental decision to invest would depend on the demand and supply situation, cost competitive markets, whether domestic or international. One of the major concerns of the brokerages is L&T's exposure to West Asia. Several media reports are hinting at a scale-down of capex. What are your thoughts? The news from West Asia is that they are taking stock of where they have reached after the bout of investments over the last four or five years before they decide on the quantum of investments, going forward. Our book is full at the moment. I am looking at it (course correction in ME orders if any) as an opportunity to assess my own capacity-balancing between the various sectors and constituencies. So, it is okay so long as it is not going to lead to wholesale cancellations, which is not. I don't think we should be concerned about it. Hopefully, sometime post elections, if I were to believe the finance minister, there is a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow (domestic orders). Another worry is the rise in fixed-price contracts as a share of your total order book. I think it's a question of how we structure the contract. Fixed price contract is one element of the risks in the contract. We are not exposing ourselves to higher commodity risk, having learnt the bitter way. On the contrary, I wish I was a little more exposed. I would have gained from that climb down. What is the update on the planned asset monetisation? The Hyderabad metro project continues to be challenging, but we are progressing on ridership. In 18 months from now, that asset will be put into shape and it will make an interesting asset for pension funds and insurance companies to invest. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Senior bankers point out that while they will eventually attract qualified professionals, onboarding them takes time. IMAGE: Kindly note the image has been posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Kampus Production/Pexels.com The situation at Paytm Payments Bank has heightened the urgency to onboard top-flight information technology personnel in the financial services space. The Reserve Bank of India's master direction issued on November 7 last year said that regulated entities -- banks, non-banking financial companies, including financial technology companies -- must establish a board-level IT strategy committee (ITSC) with a minimum of three directors as members. The chairperson is required to be an independent director with 'substantial IT expertise' in managing/guiding IT initiatives, and other members must be 'technically competent'. Mint Road's directive to establish ITSC takes effect from April 1, 2024, and with less than two months remaining, some regulated entities, sources say, may seek a relaxation in the time frame to comply. The RBI defines 'substantial IT expertise' as a person with a minimum of seven years of experience in managing information systems and/or leading/guiding technology/cybersecurity initiatives/projects. Such members should also understand business processes at a broader level and the impact of IT on these processes. 'Technically competent' is detailed as the ability to understand and evaluate information systems and associated IT/cyber risks. Senior bankers point out that while they will eventually attract qualified professionals, onboarding them takes time. The increased scrutiny on independent directors, given the governance premium placed by RBI recently, coupled with the lower levels of compensation compared to what is offered in wider India Inc for the same talent, has made hiring challenging. Independent directors are also not allowed to have a business relationship with the regulated entities on whose boards they sit. On January 31, the RBI came down hard on Paytm Payments Bank, stating that the comprehensive system audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of external auditors revealed persistent non-compliance and continued material supervisory concerns in the bank, warranting further supervisory action. Interestingly, on the same day, the RBI also mentioned that it had recently assessed select supervised entities regarding the prevailing system for internal monitoring of compliance with regulatory instructions and the extent of usage of technological solutions to support this function. Supervised entities adopted varying levels of automation for this function, ranging from the use of macro-enabled spreadsheets to workflow-based software solutions. The automation of the compliance monitoring process remains a work in progress, with various aspects of this function being carried out with significant manual intervention. The need to implement comprehensive, integrated, enterprise-wide, and workflow-based solutions/tools to enhance the effectiveness of this function was emphasised. On December 28, RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan Janakiraman drew attention to incidents of unscheduled downtimes inconveniencing several customers. Many banks have not been fully spending the budget earmarked for the procurement of IT systems and IT security systems. Banks need to proactively commit adequate resources for augmenting their IT infrastructure, commensurate with their business plans, and also monitor them for their continued availability and stability. Janakiraman reiterated that the 'boards and ITSC of banks need to step up their oversight in this matter'. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com 96 per cent is being collected through TDS, advance tax, self-assessment tax, and other receipts. A smaller proportion of direct tax collections involves the income-tax department running behind taxpayers than was the case a decade ago. Around 78.4 per cent of total gross direct tax receipts come in through tax deducted at source (TDS) and in the form of advance taxes in 2022-2023 (FY23). It was 76.4 per cent in 2013-2014. The total value of taxes collected through these routes is Rs 15.5 trillion, the highest in data going back to 2000-01. It was Rs 10.2 trillion in 2018-2019 before the pandemic. There have been fluctuations in individual years, but the share of these routes has broadly shown a rising trend. The TDS route refers to payments being made after retaining tax, such as when a company deducts taxes before paying the salary of an employee. Advance taxes are paid ahead of the amounts becoming due. All of the amounts are paid directly to the I-T department. Other categories include self-assessment tax, regular assessment tax, and other receipts such as wealth and dividend distribution taxes. "In addition, self-assessment taxes are also partly automatic as taxpayers true up at year-end without intervention. Only a very small percentage comes from tax collections made on account of audit assessments and litigation wins against taxpayers," said Rohinton Sidhwa, partner, Deloitte India. Sameer Gupta, tax leader, EY India, said that only around 4 per cent of gross direct tax receipts were collected through regular assessment tax. This indicates that 96 per cent is being collected through TDS, advance tax, self-assessment tax, and other receipts. "It may not be appropriate to assume that the collections from TDS, etc, do not involve (the) department's additional operational expenditure," Gupta said. "Like other tax administrations worldwide, India is also incurring operational expenditure on the technology changes, using sophisticated analytics, systems of taxpayer registration and identification, the structure of the workforce and so on," Gupta explained. "According to a recent Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development survey of 43 leading jurisdictions, over 81 per cent of total personal I-T collections were withheld at source in 2021," added Gupta. "India too has been relying more and more on TDS/tax collected at source with a view to plug any tax leakages and also to be able to gather greater data intelligence," noted Gupta. Recently released I-T department figures show that the cost of collection has fallen to 0.51 per cent of the total collections. It was 1.36 per cent in 2000-2001. A back-of-the-envelope calculation shows that the cost of collection excluding TDS and advance tax has remained stagnant. It was around 2 per cent in FY23. The value for 2010-2011 was also 2 per cent. Further reliance on TDS or TCS and increased use of technology could bring down costs further, according to some. "If the government continues to ramp up rates or levy TDS/TCS on more transactions," added Sidhwa, "there is a potential to increase the proportion (of 'automatic' collections)... Faceless is yet to be fully implemented. If audits are completed using technology... then the cost can further decline." Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com 'She had the courage to not cow down before the entire law and order apparatus, to remain sane and human despite inhuman suffering meted out to her and her family.' IMAGE: Bilkis Bano at a press conference. The Gujarat government has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking a review of the court's verdict that quashed the remission granted to 11 men convicted of raping Bilkis Bano and murdering seven of her family members during the 2002 riots. "Bilkis's is an amazing saga of courage," her lawyer Shobha Gupta tells Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com in an exclusive interview. Supreme Court Advocate Shobha Gupta, who unwaveringly and fearlessly stood by Bilkis Bano -- the survivor of a gruesome gang rape perpetrated by people in her village in the wake of the 2002 communal riots -- for two decades, recounts Bilkis Bano's struggle for justice since 2003, the obstacles she had to cross to succeed in her fight for justice, what kept Bilkis sane and human all these years, and how she is trying to find peace after the Supreme Court order of January 8, 2024 cancelled the remission of 11 people convicted of gang rape and murder granted to them by the Gujarat government on August 15, 2022. "She said, 'They have been punished for their wrong. They have been sent to life imprisonment. Now let me just live. My children are growing up and I just want to be at peace'," Advocate Gupta recalls. What kind of ordeal, pain and suffering did Bilkis Bano go through ever since she became the victim of a heinous crime in March 2002 during the Gujarat riots and what role did you play in helping her get justice? My role in this whole battle or whole judicial process of justice is truly limited. This is Bilkis Bano's story, not anybody else's. Bilkis, as far as her struggle is concerned, suffered the worst; it was nothing less than a barbaric, inhuman act. Unconsciously, consciously, knowingly, unknowingly, but as an immediate process of survival, an individual (after seeing her cousins and minor daughter being killed in cold-blood), gets up after having been brutally raped and maimed, wears clothes of the dead bodies around her. Then finds out (how many were actually dead), waits for the whole night on a hilltop till morning and then goes to the nearby village looking for a woman, to narrate her story, to get the clothes, and then comes back to the hilltop, hoping against hope, to look out for survivors. Fortunately, she met a policeman over there who took her to a relief camp. The group (of which Bilkis Bano was a part when they first started from her father's house in Randhikpur village on February 28, 2002) parted in two. She was the only person left alive in that group. Her husband, her father --- who she met later -- and others were in a separate group. But at that moment, she was all alone, and had lost everybody accompanying her in the most barbaric way. And from there the process started. She had to narrate her story to everybody who asked her about it until finally, but after lots of scuttling, the FIR was recorded. Unfortunately, no medical was done (by the police even after she said she was gang raped). She was not even taken for identification of the dead bodies or for the last rites of her relatives, including her own daughter and mother, brother and sister. On top of it, there was a constant and concerted effort to tamper with (evidence) and completely distort her version (of the events that took place with her and her entire family on the evening of March 3, 2002). To say that there were 400 to 500 people (the narrative spun by the government officials and police) who (committed all the atrocities against her and murdered her family members) attacked her group on that night (was a blatant lie). When her narration was recorded, she said, there were 20-25 people who had arrived in two jeeps. When they were running from one place to another place to save their lives, one of the women in the group, her cousin, who was full-time pregnant, delivered a baby. And even she (the one-day infant baby) was killed. The cousin was killed and her one-day old child was also killed by the mob. 20-25 people who were in that mob, they killed 14 of them (the people in Bilkis's group that night). Bilkis's own daughter of three-and-a-half years was also killed by the mob in front of her eyes. That girl was her first ever child and the only child she had then. She was pregnant with her second child (when she was gang raped). Her mother was gang raped and murdered. Her three cousins were killed. At least one, the evidence says, was gang-raped and murdered. That is the one day old mother, and her child. Her cousins, Bilkis's two minor brothers, two minor sisters, were also killed. And her fufa, fupi, mama (uncles) were also killed. So there were 14 who were killed and total 15 casualties when you include Bilkis as a pregnant woman, who was gang raped. Now when she was narrating this story, the constable who recorded it, mentioned that there was a mob of 400-500 people (who committed these atrocities). And when Bilkis was giving names, the constable told her not to give the names. She even says in her evidence that she was threatened that she would be poisoned with an injection if she insisted on recording the names (of people who gang raped her). All this while, the people at the relief camp were listening to this conversation. IMAGE: Protests at Freedom park in Bengaluru after the Gujarat government granted remission to 11 convicts in the rape case on August 15, 2022. Photograph: ANI Photo When she is saying 'I have been gang raped' there was no medical examination done (by the police officials). She was not taken to the site; she was not taken for identification of the dead bodies. Luckily for her, when everybody was visiting the relief camps, the then district collector Jayanti Ravi (of Panchmahal district) also visited the relief camp with a subordinate. She noted everything by hand. She directed her subordinate to note whatever Bilkis was narrating by hand. So Bilkis had one very concrete narration that was officially recorded. Ever since then she was categorical and stood firm with her narration each time she was asked to narrate her ordeal, despite all the mental and physical trauma and coercion suffered by her. The district collector Jayanti Ravi played a vital role in getting Bilkis's narration recorded. This (the gang rape) happened on the evening of March 3, but even on March 4, when she was taken to the relief camp, no medical examination was conducted. No medical even on the 5th of March, but on the 6th evening or afternoon when the district collector (Jayanti Ravi) met Bilkis. When she inquired why no medical tests were conducted the officials had no answers and then she directed that her medical examination has to be done for the purpose of investigating whether any rape has been committed. Ms Jayanti Ravi then sent requisitions to the concerned DCP and others asking why no proper FIR had been registered till then. It was on her insistence that the FIR was registered and now Bilkis had a very strong piece of evidence on official record which mentioned everything that Bilkis said and was noted by an officer, a bureaucrat or somebody from the system. However, the investigation proceeded as if there was no name given (by Bilkis of her perpetrators who belonged to her father's village Randhikpur and were known to her). Despite all these efforts the investigating officer submitted the investigation for closure. But once the magistrate court reprimanded and ordered a proper reinvestigation and resubmission of the report, it was again resubmitted for closure. The magistrate accepted the closure report the second time, but luckily by then the National Human Rights Commission team had already visited the camp, they spoke to Bilkis and noted her submissions. In fact, the moment this closure happened (for the second time) some social workers who were helping Bilkis sought the help of the NHRC, which intervened and called upon Bilkis. The NHRC chairperson wanted somebody who would not succumb to pressure and so he suggested my name. I was a young counsel then with just five-and-a-half years in the Supreme Court. I met the then chairperson Justice A S Anand who asked me to draft an appeal against the wrong closure of the investigation. When I collected the papers, I realised that it was a shoddy job and there was complete non-application of mind. They had closed the investigations without calling the witnesses, without calling the victim. When the matter was brought to Supreme Court, Mukul Rohatgi, who represented the state of Gujarat, kindly submitted that a fresh investigation was needed. Fortunately, the investigation was given to the CBI and the CBI did a fabulous job. The CBI investigation was ordered by the Supreme Court in December 2003 by when more than 18 months had passed by. The CBI started the investigation in 2004 and filed a solid chargesheet. They found that deliberate attempts were made to frustrate Bilkis's story in all possible manner and tinker with the evidence. Like, the dead bodies (of those killed on the evening of March 3, 2002) were displaced from the place of occurrence to some other place, a far off place near a river body. The dead bodies were taken there and hurriedly buried into a pit, one on top of the other, among which seven were beheaded bodies. They beheaded and stacked the dead bodies one over the other. Then they poured 90 kg of salt over the bodies and buried them so that nobody could actually ever find out the truth behind these deaths. But then CBI did a fab job; they started everything from the scratch and unraveled everything that was hidden from them or dumped with the aim of destroying evidence. The CBI, with the help of their sniffer dog could reach to that place (where the dead bodies were buried) and because the salt was so excessively used, it worked as a preservative and many of the articles Bilkis's relatives were wearing, like chappals, bangles, clothes remained intact and they could be identified, matched with the photographs which were clicked on March 4. So the salt helped in preserving the bodies or vital evidence. In the CBI investigation it was revealed by the witnesses that policemen went to the local shops and purchased the salt which was later dumped over the dead bodies. Then the cops came up with the explanation that they had done their last rites, but then there were so many gaping holes in this entire charade. When the CBI filed the chargesheet, it had named 12 of these perpetrators who were the rapists and murderers. The six police officials, including the one who deliberately recorded a wrong complaint, and others who were instrumental for completely frustrating the investigation and destroying evidence were also chargesheeted. The two doctors who botched up the post mortem were also chargsheeted. Their post mortem report said nothing about mutilated dead bodies, gang rape, or fatal injuries on the dead bodies. It was as if not much had happened. Even the panchanama which was done clearly stated that the bodies had brutal injury marks caused due to heavy stones put on the bodies, resulting in compressed chests in some cases and then there were also several head injuries. The heads were so badly smashed that all the matter came out which was very clearly captured by those photographs. How come the doctor would miss out all of it? So therefore the doctors were also chargesheeted. While the trial court did not sentence eight people for lack of evidence, the Bombay high court, after the CBI chargesheet was filed with all the details, put 20 of them in the accused column -- the 12 perpetrators, the six cops who tried to destroy evidence, and the doctor couple who gave a botched up report of the post mortem. Then we filed an application for transfer of the trial from Gujarat to some other place because Bilkis had started receiving death threats. The Supreme Court then directed the trial to be transferred to the Bombay high court. So it was transferred to a special court in Mumbai. The public prosecutor, who fought for Bilkis Bano, did a fabulous job. The social workers did a fabulous job by keeping Bilkis's morale high. Every effort was taken to keep Bilkis safe. Ever since the trial began (in Mumbai) she and her family had to live like nomads. They had no house, nothing. No source of income. Out of 12 perpetrators of gang rape and murder, one person died during the trial, and 11 of them were sentenced to life imprisonment. One policeman, who had deliberately recorded evidence to scuttle the case, was convicted and punished by the trial court. The CBI appealed against the acquittal of others before the Bombay high court. The remaining officials and both the doctors were punished for distorting evidence by the high court in 2017. Later when their appeals came in the Supreme Court they were dismissed. Bilkis continued her battle in terms of not losing her faith in the judicial process. IMAGE: Members of various women organisations protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the remission of sentence granted to 11 convicts in the Bilkis Bano case by Gujarat government. Photograph: ANI Photo What kept Bilkis Bano alive and sane for all these years since March 3, 2002, the day her modesty was ripped apart and when her daughter, mother and cousins were butchered before her? What kept her spirit to fight for justice alive? I always believe, as we say in law, that whosoever commits a sin or a crime leaves evidence behind which sooner or later catches up with that person. I believe there is always some divine intervention, when the Almighty steps in. Like in Nirbhaya's case, she died only after giving her statements to the police. Similarly in Bilkis's case, she could not have survived all this when she was only 21. She still had the courage, the conviction to continue to live and have her perpetrators brought to justice. She could have died of shock after witnessing such gruesome murders and her own rape. She could have also been killed that day (March 3, 2002) but she fell unconscious and they (those who raped her and killed the others in her group) thought that she had died and left her. Possibly that was the first divine intervention. I wish the divine intervention had taken place before that too (and saved her family and Bilkis from the barbarity). Yet she survived. She became unconscious and her fight for justice became the reason for her to survive. When she regained consciousness, you're seeing all your family members dead, killed brutally, maimed, raped and their bodies and heads smashed. She was a witness to this shocking barbarity. Still, when you have gotten up, you regained your consciousness, you picked clothes from dead bodies of your own people, got up to the hill, waited for the sun to rise, still alive, going to a nearby village, explaining them, coming back, waiting for help, going to a nearby village. She has a very firm demeanour, she is somebody who speaks the least. I met her initially when we had to file a petition in 2003. It's not as if something was shaking her. How can anything shake her? She had lost everything and was surviving for justice. Her purpose was to survive and fight for justice. None of us would know what a person goes through after bearing such pain and suffering, when your own police who was there to help you turned up against you. Your neighbours, on whom your dependence is next only to your family, who you look up to, with whom you were born and brought up, would gang up so brutally and mercilessly against you. She was at her father's place (Randhikpur village in Dahod district of Gujarat) at that time (when riots broke out in Gujarat in March 2002). So they (the people who gang raped her and murdered her family members) were the people with whom she was brought up. Can you imagine what she must have gone through during those moments? Like, those people who are always around you are doing all this (raping her), and she's pleading with them, 'I am like a sister to you. I'm like A daughter to you. I am pregnant. Please don't do all this to me.' And still all that happened. Then you go to the police, and the police did all their best to make sure that they destroy the evidence, frustrate her attempts to seek justice, to break her spirit. For Bilkis, all possible support systems created by humans, society, the law, or the Constitution were breaking down in front of her; actually all these institutions were making a concerted effort to break her spirit, to subjugate and humiliate her instead of helping her in her fight for justice. Unless she is a resolute person, or perhaps, all that happened to you makes you a resolute person, she wouldn't have come this far. If you meet Bilkis, you would feel she has become a stone. But she is a rock solid person. She doesn't speak much. Her pain is not reflected in the words she speaks. But when it comes to seeking justice, her eyes speak for it; and she pursued it (till she got justice). How many people, suffering like how Bilkis did, mentally and physically, would continue to fight for justice this long? Nothing ever favoured her when she started her fight. Justice Gogoi, the then Chief Justice of India, in his judgment where the highest-ever compensation was awarded to Bilkis, noted that she lived a life of nomad for 17 years. The three-judge bench on April 23, 2019 awarded Bilkis the highest-ever compensation in the history of this country to a victim of gang rape and murder among other things. Justice Gogoi noted that it was an unparalleled crime. It goes far beyond any normal crime which can happen to someone. Living that trauma without having any assurance from your own state (Gujarat) which would admit 'yes, a few individuals have done this wrong to you. But don't worry, we are with you.' All criminal cases are fought as the state versus the accused. State appears for you (in your defence). State stands behind you. State protects you. State fights for you. State prosecutes for you. But in the case of Bilkis, the investigation was transferred to the CBI. The police and the locals who you had known for so many years were making every effort to scuttle the evidence produced by her. But then you are still resolute to survive, to fight for justice. The entire law and order machinery was against her. Thanks in huge measure to her indomitable, unparalleled courage, her husband's courage to stand by her, the determination of the social workers who teamed up around her in her fight, the exemplary role played by the then district collector (Jayanti Ravi), an exceptional role played by the prosecution lawyers, who did a fabulous job in the trial court, she could finally see the perpetrators sentenced to life imprisonment. It requires huge spirit to fight the state when the law and order machinery of the state is against you and you're still fighting for 17 long years against all the odds. Bilkis's is an amazing saga of courage. I can vouch for this. She had the courage to not cow down before the entire law and order apparatus, to remain sane and human despite inhuman suffering meted out to her and her family. If you meet her today and talk to her she won't come out as somebody who would vent out poison. She is a very humble soul, a very peaceful person. Having very least of the words to express herself. That's why she doesn't come for interviews. That's why she doesn't come for press conferences. That's why when the remission happened and they (the 11 convicted of gang rape and murder) came out (of jail) I said that we failed her as a society. That was my first reaction. I did not do any wrong, but I had no courage to face her. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Abu Dhabi's first Hindu stone temple, describing it as a symbol of the shared heritage of humanity and thanking the United Arab Emirates for scripting a new golden chapter of human history. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, February 14, 2024. Photograph: ANI/X Speaking at the inauguration of the temple built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, the Prime Minister profusely thanked the President of UAE Sheikh Mohammad Zayed Al Nahyan for making the grand temple in Abu Dhabi a reality and said he has not only won the hearts of Indians living in the Gulf nation but also of 140 crore Indians. I hope that the BAPS Mandir will become a symbol of communal harmony and global unity for the whole world, Modi said, addressing a gathering that included UAE Tolerance Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and spiritual leaders from all faiths. We do not see hatred in diversity, we consider diversity as our specialty! In this temple, we will see a glimpse of diverse faiths at each and every step, Modi said. He said the UAE, which till now was known for Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and other hi-tech buildings, has now added another cultural chapter to its identity. I am confident that a large number of devotees will come here in the times to come. This will also increase the number of people coming to the UAE and increase the people-to-people connect between the two countries, Modi said. Lauding the contribution of the UAE president in making the grand temple a reality, he said, "If there is anyone who has the biggest and the most significant role in making this grand temple a reality, then it is none other than my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed." The Government of UAE has wholeheartedly worked to fulfil the aspirations of crores of Indians. The Government of UAE has not only won the hearts of Indians living in the UAE but also of all 140 crore Indians, he said. The prime minister also recalled the consecration ceremony of the newly constructed Ram temple in Ayodhya last month. Our immense pleasure in Ayodhya has been further enhanced by the wave of happiness received in Abu Dhabi today. It is my good fortune that I have been a witness to the grand Shri Ram temple first in Ayodhya, and then to this temple in Abu Dhabi, he said. Just last month, the age-old dream of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya was fulfilled. Ram Lalla is seated in his Bhavan! The whole of India and every Indian is still immersed in that feeling of love, Modi said. The prime minister noted that this is not only the time of India's 'Amrit Kaal', this is also the time of 'Amrit Kaal' of our faith and culture. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi, dressed in a light pink silk dhoti and kurta paired with a sleeveless jacket and stole, participated in rituals of a ceremony to dedicate the temple to the people. Modi met people from different faiths who contributed to the construction of the first Hindu stone temple in Abu Dhabi. The prime minister also offered water in the virtual Ganga and Yamuna rivers at the temple before proceeding to inaugurate the temple built on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore. He also inscribed Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam on stone using hammer and chisel at the temple. According to the temple authorities, the grand temple has been built as per an ancient style of construction and creation mentioned in the Shilpa and Sthapathya Shastras, Hindu scriptures which describe the art for mandir design and construction. "The architectural methods have been clubbed with scientific techniques here. Over 300 high-tech sensors have been installed at every level of the temple to measure temperature, pressure and movement (seismic activity). The sensors will provide live data for research. If there is any earthquake in the region, the temple will detect it, and we will be able to study," Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, told PTI. No metal has been used in the construction of the temple and fly ash has been used to fill up the foundation, replacing 55 per cent of cement in the concrete mix, reducing the carbon footprint of the temple. Madhusudan Patel, the temple's construction manager, told PTI, "We have used heat-resistant nano tiles and heavy glass panels, merging both traditional aesthetic stone structures with modern-day functionality. Considering the extreme temperatures in the UAE, the tiles will be comfortable for visitors to walk even in hot weather. Non-ferrous material has also been used in the temple." Constructed with 18 lakh bricks, seven lakh man hours and 1.8 lakh cubic metres of sandstone sourced directly from Rajasthan Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple has been made in the Nagara style of architecture, just like the recently inaugurated Ram Temple in Ayodhya. According to Umesh Raja, a volunteer at the temple, 20,000 tonnes of sandstone pieces were carved in Rajasthan and then shipped to Abu Dhabi in 700 containers. "Not just the stone, many labourers who helped construct the temple over five years belong to Gujarat and Rajasthan. Even the marble mined from Italy was first shipped to India for carving and then back to the UAE to be used in the interiors," he said. The work for the structure has been going on since 2019. The land for the temple was donated by the UAE government. The UAE has three other Hindu temples that are located in Dubai. The BAPS temple, spread over a large area with stone architecture, will be the largest of all in the Gulf region. Pakistan's restive Balochistan province has come to a standstill and has been facing unrest with several political and nationalist parties launching an indefinite blockade of all national highways from Wednesday against alleged rigging of the election results. IMAGE: A supporter of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, the PTI, with the party flag and a portrait of Imran Khan participates in a protest outside the provincial election commission office in Karachi, on February 11, 2024. Photograph: Akhtar Soomro/Reuters Four political parties, including the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party (NP), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), and Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), have been jointly holding protests since Saturday in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan province against the outcome of the February 8 polls. Khushal Khan Kakar of the PKMAP told the media on Wednesday that the blockade would continue until the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered a recount in all those constituencies where massive alleged rigging has taken place in the province. "The Baloch people are angry and frustrated over the electoral injustice done in the name of free and fair elections," Kakar said. Since Saturday, the province has been virtually cut off from the rest of the country as the workers and supporters of political parties held sit-ins and protests and blocked the highway links, but from Wednesday Kakar said all highways were being blocked. The strike has seen markets and businesses closed and the trade was also hit with Afghanistan and Iran through the Chaman and Tafan borders as roads remained blocked for the last five days. The strikes have also led to the coastal highway and China Pakistan Economic Corridor highway being unusable as the supporters of the National Party and BNP-Mengal. The blockade of the highways and the shutter-down strikes have also hit the common man as many passengers who were going from Quetta to Karachi and vice versa are stranded on the Quetta-Karachi highway. Public and private transport have been unable to move, especially since Monday when the parties stepped up their protests. Ghulam Nabi Marri, a key figure in the Balochistan National Party (Mengal group) made it clear to both provincial and federal authorities that they would not budge from their protests because the alleged rigging had been blatant in the elections. The protests are being staged by a four-party alliance of the National Party, Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), BNP-Mengal and PKMAP. According to reports, a complete shutter down strike was also observed on Tuesday in Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Nushki, Kalat, Mastung, Khuzdar, Loralai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Sibi, Nasirabad, Dera Murad Jamali, Ziarat, Barkhan and other towns of Balochistan. Interestingly Khusal Khan Kakar had won a National Assembly seat, as per ECP's unofficial result. But, in a later recount, JUI-F Syed Samiullah was declared the winner. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the National Assembly. In Balochistan, 23,02,522 votes were cast for 16 seats of the National Assembly. The voting turnout was 42.9 per cent. There were 53,70,804 registered votes. In the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, PPP won 11 seats, PML-N won nine, Jui-F won eight, and independents won five, while many seats were won by the smaller parties. Four persons have been arrested for allegedly attacking a Dalit bridegroom for riding a horse as part of his wedding procession in Gujarat's Gandhinagar district, police said. Image only for representation. The incident took place on Monday afternoon in Chadasana village when the accused persons also hurled casteist abuses at the Dalit groom, Vikas Chavda, while he was riding a horse as part of his wedding procession, a Mansa police station official said on Tuesday. The groom, along with around 100 participants in the procession, was on way to the bride's house in the village when a man on a motorcycle intercepted and dragged him down from the horse and slapped him, said a complaint filed by the groom's cousin, Sanjay Chavda. The accused person also hurled casteist slurs at the groom, objecting to him riding the horse by saying that only members of his community can ride a horse, the complaint said. Three more persons joined him and all the four started abusing and threatening the groom, the complainant stated in the first information report (FIR). The groom was compelled to ride a four-wheeler to the bride's house for the wedding, it said. The four accused have been identified as Sailesh Thakore, Jayesh Thakore, Samir Thakore and Ashwin Thakore, all belonging to the OBC community. All the four accused persons have been arrested, the police official said. They have been booked under Indian Penal Code sections 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult), 114 (abettor present when offence committed) and 506 (2) (criminal intimidation), and relevant provisions of the SC/ST ((Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Authorities in Punjab have raised an objection over the use of a drone by Haryana to air-drop tear gas shells on agitating farmers in their territory at the Shambhu border, a senior official said on Wednesday. IMAGE: Delhi police uses a drone for surveillance of the Delhi-Gurugram border near Sirhaul toll plaza in view of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Punjab's Patiala Deputy Commissioner (DC) Showkat Ahmed Parray has written to the Ambala Deputy Commissioner, asking him not to send their drone inside Punjab's territory at the Shambhu border near Ambala. Haryana security personnel had deployed a drone on Tuesday to drop tear gas shells to disperse farmers who were trying to break barricades in an attempt to march towards Delhi to press the Centre for various demands. Farmers claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle dropped several tear gas canisters on them when they were standing well inside Punjab territory. "I wrote the letter to the Ambala DC not to send the drone inside our area," Parray told PTI on Wednesday. He said he conveyed this to the Ambala Senior Superintendent of Police as well. Parray said after he took up the matter with the Ambala authorities, they have now restricted the movement of the drone along the border. The use of the drone for dropping tear gas shells was said to be a first of its kind action against protesters. On Tuesday, farmers had clashed with the Haryana Police at two border points between the states, facing tear gas and water cannons as they tried to break past barricades blocking their protest march to the national capital. At the Shambhu border, Haryana security personnel fired multiple rounds of tear gas canisters on farmers when they attempted to break barricades. The Haryana Police said tear gas was used to control the situation when stones were pelted at the police personnel. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the 'Delhi Chalo' agitation to put pressure on the Centre for their demands, including a law on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. An employee of Indian embassy in Moscow, arrested recently in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly spying for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, was honey-trapped by a woman who befriended him on social media, the UP Anti-Terrorist Squad said. IMAGE: Indian embassy staffer Satendra Siwal arrested by UP ATS over spying charges in Meerut. Photograph: ANI Photo Satendra Siwal, a resident of Shahmahiuddinpur village in Hapur, shared secret documents related to weapon systems of the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy including warplanes and submarines, said Rajeev Tyagi, ATS inspector in Meerut. Siwal is currently on a 10-day ATS remand till February 16. "Siwal came in touch with the woman last year who had made an online profile in the name of Pooja Mehra. She honey-trapped him and enticed him to share secret documents with her for money," said Tyagi. "Siwal has claimed that the documents he shared with the woman are still in his phone. The forensic examination of his phone and other gadgets used by him is being done," the ATS inspector added. The ATS in its probe through electronic and physical surveillance found that he was involved in anti-India activities with the network of the ISI handlers. The ATS officials also said that the woman's social media account was being handled by the Pakistan intelligence agency. The Meerut unit of ATS arrested Siwal, who was working as the India-based security assistant in the Indian embassy in Moscow since 2021, on February 4 from Lucknow. He was arrested after an FIR was registered against him at ATS police station, Lucknow, under Section 121A (waging war against the country) of the IPC and the Official Secrets Act, 1923. During questioning, Siwal could not give satisfactory answers and "confessed" to his crime. The ATS had earlier said that Siwal was providing important confidential information regarding the strategic activities of the ministry of defence, the ministry of external affairs and the Indian military establishments for money. The ministry of external affairs had said it was aware of Siwal's arrest and working with the investigative authorities in this case. Meanwhile, Siwal's family members have left home in their native village in Hapur, and moved to some other place, the police said. An Indian-origin family, including their 4-year-old twin boys, has been found dead at their home in California with the police investigating the case as a murder-suicide, in the latest in a string of tragedies to strike the community in the US. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: Reuters The victims, hailing from Kerala, have been identified by the friends as Anand Sujith Henry, his wife Alice Priyanka, and their 4-year-old twin boys, NBC Bay Area reported. However, the victims' identities have not yet been released, the police said. The incident took place in San Mateo on Monday, the police were quoted as saying by the report. On Monday, the police said a 911 call spurred a welfare check at the location after someone reported they hadn't heard from the residents for some time. They arrived and checked the exits of the home and found no signs of forced entry. "Unfortunately, we located four deceased people inside the home. One adult male. One adult female and two children," said Jerami Surratt, public information officer with the San Mateo police department. The case is being investigated as a murder-suicide, the police said on Tuesday. According to court records, the husband filed for divorce in December 2016 but apparently did not go through with it. The two young children were found inside a bedroom, police said. "The children did not have any gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, they were found deceased, so that will be part of the autopsy, to figure out the cause of (the children's) death," Surratt said at a Tuesday afternoon press conference. Sources with direct knowledge of the investigation said the police believe the boys were smothered, strangled, or given a lethal overdose because there was no sign of trauma on their bodies. The man and woman were found inside a bathroom, according to the police. They both had gunshot wounds. A 9-millimeter pistol and a loaded magazine were found in the bathroom, the police said. The deaths appear to be an isolated incident, and there is no danger to the public, the police said. "We are confident the person responsible was located within the home," the police said in a statement. "This is not a normal call for anyone. It's tragic for the family, the community, the officers..," said Surratt. At the State of the City address on Monday night, San Mateo Mayor Lisa Diaz Nash held a moment of silence for the four people found dead in the home. "It was horrific, it was devastating to all of us, to the community as well as to our San Mateo police officers." Matthew Sheldon and his daughter, Marianne, have both lived in San Mateo their entire lives and they say they've never seen anything like this. "There's hardly any deaths in this area ever," Matthew said. Other neighbors noted that San Mateo, despite how relatively safe and quiet, isn't immune to death or tragedy. This incident is similar to the December 28 case where a wealthy Indian-origin couple and their teenage daughter were found dead in their USD 5 million mansion in Massachusetts. Rakesh Kamal, 57, his wife, Teena, 54, and their 18-year-old daughter, Ariana, were found dead in their 11-bedroom and 13-bathroom mansion last month. There have been seven deaths of an Indian or Indian-American in the country in recent months. On February 10, a 41-year-old Indian-origin IT executive died after suffering life-threatening injuries during an assault outside a restaurant in Washington. Before that, 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. Another student identified as 19-year-old Shreyas Reddy Beniger was found dead in Ohio. 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. A special session of the Maharashtra legislature would be held on February 20 to discuss reservation and other demands of the Maratha community, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde's Office said on Wednesday evening. IMAGE: Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil with Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde as Patil announces an end to the protests after the government accepts their demands, in Mumba, January 27, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo The decision came as the hunger strike of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, who had demanded that such a session be called, entered its fifth day and he was given IV fluids in view of deteriorating health. The quota and other issues of the Maratha community were discussed in the state cabinet meeting after which it was decided to hold a special session, the CMO statement said. After Jarange organised a march to Mumbai with thousands of his supporters last month, the government issued a draft notification which said if a Maratha person has documentary proof to show that he or she belongs to the agrarian Kunbi community, the person's 'sage soyre' or blood relatives too would get Kunbi caste certificates. The Kunbi community falls in the Other Backward Classes category, and Jarange has been demanding that Kunbi certificates be issued to all Marathas. A special session be called to convert the draft notification into law, he had demanded while launching the hunger strike at his village Antarwali Sarati in Jalna district on February 10. Earlier in the day, the Maharashtra government told the Bombay high court, which was hearing a petition about law and order problems created by the quota agitation, that it was taking all necessary steps to amend the rules and grant Kunbi certificates to eligible Marathas. Meanwhile, Jarange, who has become the face of the Maratha quota agitation since his first hunger strike on the issue in August 2023, was administered Intravenous fluids while "asleep". He expressed dismay upon discovering the unauthorised IV treatment and emphasised that if medical care was needed, the government should promptly implement Maratha reservation, or he would return to Mumbai for further demonstrations. Expressing frustration with the government's inaction on reservation, Jarange stated, "If the government does not act within two days, I will resume my fast in Mumbai." Earlier, Jarange had warned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's public gatherings in Maharashtra would be disrupted unless his demands were met. Union Minister Narayan Rane lambasted him, accusing him of making irrational remarks and challenging him to disrupt the Prime Minister's visits. Rane, a prominent Maratha leader within the state BJP, disregarded Jarange's leadership credibility, suggesting he recognise his "limited worth" and refrain from making "loose and senseless comments". In a surprise development, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Tuesday nominated its president Shehbaz Sharif as the prime ministerial candidate of Pakistan instead of the party supremo and three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif. IMAGE: Former Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif. Photograph: Navesh Chitrakar/Reuters Taking to X, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, 74, has nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, 72, a candidate for the slot of prime minister and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, 50, for chief minister of Punjab province. "Nawaz Sharif has thanked the political parties which provided support to the PML-N (in forming the upcoming government) and expressed hope that through such decisions Pakistan will come out of crises," she said. The development comes a few hours after Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari withdrew from the prime ministerial race, saying his party would support ex-premier Nawaz without being part of the new government. Despite independent candidates backed by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party springing a surprise by winning the most seats in Parliament, questions were looming over what the next government of Pakistan will look like five days after the general elections. None of the three major parties, the PML-N, the PPP, or the PTI have won the necessary seats in the February 8 general elections to secure a majority in the National Assembly and, therefore, will be unable to form government on their own, leading to a hung Parliament. PML-N reportedly enjoys the backing of the powerful Pakistan Army. Addressing a press conference here after the meeting of the PPP's high-powered Central Executive Committee (CEC), held under his leadership, Bilawal has said the reality is that his party does not have a mandate to form a federal government. "Due to this, I will not be putting myself forward for the candidacy of the prime minister of Pakistan," the 35-year-old former foreign minister said, adding that PML-N and the independents have greater numbers in the Centre. Earlier in the day, former prime minister Shehbaz reaffirmed that Nawaz will become the prime minister for a record fourth time. "I had said that Nawaz Sharif would become prime minister for the fourth time. And I maintain today that he is going to be the PM for the fourth time," Shehbaz told a press conference. Shehbaz said he has spoken to Bilawal and his father Asif Ali Zardari and thanked them for their support to Nawaz Sharif. 'We hope that together we will be able to get Pakistan out of all political and economic crises, Inshallah,' he posted on X. The PML-N and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) have also held a meeting on Tuesday on government formation. Both parties agreed to move forward with mutual cooperation and Shehbaz Sharif thanked the MQM-P, which has 17 lawmakers in Parliament for its support. Bilawal noted that Imran Khan's PTI had refused to form a coalition with the PPP which left the PML-N as the only party that had invited the PPP to join the government. Khan on Tuesday dismissed the idea of forming a coalition government with any of the main political parties in Pakistan and termed them as the 'biggest money launderers' being brought to power. The 71-year-old Khan, also the founder of PTI, was speaking with journalists at the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. Khan and many of his party colleagues are lodged in jail for many months in connection with convictions in multiple cases. "There can be no alliance with PML-N, PPP, and MQM," he said, adding that he had directed PTI Information Secretary Raouf Hasan to bring together all parties except the three parties. Khan also warned his political rivals against the 'misadventure' of forming a government with 'stolen votes'. Khan, in a message on his official X handle, posted from jail through his family, said: "I warn against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes. Such daylight robbery will not only be a disrespect to the citizens, but will also push the country's economy further into a downward spiral." Khan, said, "PTI will never compromise on people's will, and I have categorically instructed my party against engaging with any political party that has robbed people's mandate, including PPP, PMLN & MQM." Earlier, Bilawal said the PPP has decided that 'we may not be a part of the government but we will engage with political parties on the issue of votes and the election of prime minister'. He said that the PPP would help to form a stable government without being part of it. "To that end, the PPP will be willing to support the case of important votes - a candidate of the PM of Pakistan - and issue to issue basis to ensure that the government is formed and political stability is restored," Bilawal said. Bilawal said he would like to see his 68-year-old father Asif Ali Zardari become the president once again. Zardari, husband of slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto was the president from 2008 to 2013. "I am not saying this because he is my father. I am saying this because the country is in a huge crisis at the moment and if anyone has the capacity to douse this fire, it is Asif Ali Zardari," he asserted. In response to a question, Bilawal said all political forces needed to think about the country and end the politics of division. "They must not just think about themselves [ ] this way the enemies of the country would want to benefit from this crisis." "It takes two to tango," he said. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the 266-member National Assembly. The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced that independent candidates, a majority of them supported by the PTI secured 101 seats, followed by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with 75 seats, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) getting 54 seats, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) bagging 17 seats. Other parties got 17 seats while the result of one constituency was withheld. Meanwhile, a senior official of Khan's party said it will use the platform of two rightwing religious parties in its bid to form government in the Centre as well as in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. "Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party has decided to join Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) to form the government in the Centre and Punjab and Jamaati-e-Islami (JI) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa," PTI Information Secretary Hassan said while addressing a press conference. Hassan said the PTI was redoubling its efforts to make a government in the Centre and Punjab. However, it is believed that by joining the two parties, the PTI will not be able to gather enough strength to form either the federal or provincial government in Punjab. PTI can form a government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa even without the support of any other party. In a setback to PTI, a Pakistani court on Tuesday dismissed more than 30 petitions filed by Khan's party-backed independent candidates who challenged the 'sham victory' of top PML-N leaders, including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. The Lahore high court while dismissing the petitions asked the defeated PTI-backed candidates to move to the Election Commission of Pakistan for the redressal of their grievances. The Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan on Wednesday by resorting to unprovoked firing at a Border Security Force post along the International Border in the RS Pura sector in Jammu, officials said. Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo The residents of the area where the ceasefire violation took place said it was after a gap of more than a decade that they witnessed cross-border firing, which triggered panic among them. "At about 5:50 pm, the Pakistan Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing in the R S Pura area, which was befittingly responded by the BSF troops. The firing stopped at 6:15 pm," the Public Relations Office of the BSF, Jammu frontier said. It added that the troops are on high alert. Officials said the BSF personnel manning the border outpost in Makwal came under fire from across the border, prompting a strong retaliation. They added that there was no casualty or damage on the Indian side. On the intervening night of November 8-9 last year, a Border Security Force jawan was killed in firing by the Pakistan Rangers in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district -- the first death on the Indian side since February 25, 2021, when a renewed ceasefire was agreed upon by the two neighbouring countries. On October 26 last year, two BSF personnel and a woman were injured in cross-border firing in Jammu's Arnia sector, while another jawan of the border-guarding force was injured in a similar incident on October 17. The officials said senior officers are monitoring the situation and the security personnel deployed all along the IB have been asked to remain on high alert. The ceasefire violation comes at a time when the Jammu and Kashmir administration is preparing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the Union Territory on February 20. Modi is scheduled to address a public rally in Jammu. Former sarpanch of Badyal Brahmana Binny Sharma said they heard the sound of small-arms firing and this was for the first time in 10 or 15 years that Pakistan opened fire in this area. "The ceasefire violation by Pakistan disturbed the peaceful atmosphere. The BSF has asked farmers not to go near the border till further orders," Sharma told PTI Videos. Another border resident, Preetam Lal, said they got frightened by the sudden firing. "Pakistan cannot be trusted," he added. "It happens. It's part of our lives," retired Indian Navy commander B K Verma who has returned from Qatar says with stoicism while talking about his daughter's wedding that he could not attend. IMAGE: Retired Indian Navy commander B K Verma speaks to media at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, on February 12, 2024, after being released from Qatar. Photograph: ANI Photo Verma (58) was among the eight former Indian Navy personnel released from a jail in Qatar. Seven of them returned to India on Monday. They were sentenced to death in October last year for alleged espionage, but the death sentence was later commuted. The release from jail would not have been possible without Prime Minister Narendra Modi's personal intervention, Verma told PTI in Indore on Tuesday. The Navi Mumbai resident was in Madhya Pradesh's Indore city to attend a wedding in the family. "I am very happy to be back among my family members. It is also a big relief for my family. My joy has also increased because today is the wedding of my nephew," Verma said. "It is due to Prime Minister Modi's personal intervention that I am sitting here today. I thank him from the bottom of my heart on behalf of myself and my colleagues. I also thank the Emir of Qatar for his magnanimous consideration of my case," he added. Verma could not attend his daughter's wedding on November 27, 2022. "But that's okay. It happens. I was a Navy officer. Even when we are naval officers, we have to travel to many places and at that time also we are not able to join many moments with the family. It's all part of our lives," he said. Verma said he wanted to be with his wife and children now and also meet all his friends who stood by the family in difficult times. His wife Suman thanked God for his release and said reuniting with him was a moment they were 'forever waiting for'. "Looking at him again, I was thinking if he is really in front of me...," she said. "My husband's presence at the wedding in Indore makes me feel like we are reliving our daughter's wedding moment. My daughter is also with us," she added. She also thanked the Indian government for its efforts to secure her husband's release. Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former premier Nawaz Sharif, is expected to become Pakistan's next prime minister as a post-poll alliance of leading political parties led by them struck a deal to form a coalition government after last week's elections produced a split mandate. IMAGE: Shehbaz Sharif. Photograph: Pakistan's Press Information Department (PID)/Handout via Reuters The surprise move means the party of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan will not be in power, despite independent candidates backed by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf winning the maximum number of seats in Parliament in the February 8 elections marred by allegations of rigging. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Tuesday night nominated 72-year-old Shehbaz as the prime ministerial candidate instead of the party supremo and three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif. The 74-year-old veteran politician, who was seeking a record fourth term as prime minister, returned to Pakistan in October last year after ending a self-imposed exile in the UK. Earlier, Shehbaz along with Asif Ali Zardari of Pakistan Peoples Party, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan met at the residence of Shujaat Hussain of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid for a consultative meeting and agreed on government formation. Today we have united to tell the nation that we all accept the split mandate. I am thankful to Zardari and Bilawal (Bhutto) that they decided for their party to vote for the PML-N, he said. PML-N Information Secretary Marriyum Aurangzeb has said that party supremo Nawaz Sharif has nominated the party president and his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the post of the country's prime minister. She added that PML-N Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz, considered the political heir of Nawaz Sharif, was nominated for the post of the chief minister of Punjab province. Earlier on Tuesday, the Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said he was withdrawing his bid to become the prime minister and his party would support the PML-N candidate for the top post. "Nawaz Sharif has thanked the political parties which provided support to the PML-N (in forming the upcoming government) and expressed hope that through such decisions Pakistan will come out of crises," she said. Shehbaz, who was prime minister after the Imran Khan-led government was ousted in April 2022, said the other parties that joined hands with the PML-N enjoyed almost 2/3 majority of the Parliament after the elections. He also said that the new government would pull the country out of trouble. Hours after Nawaz Sharif nominated Shehbaz for the post of prime minister, his daughter Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday sought to rebuff the impression that her father has quit active politics. In the next 5 years, Nawaz will not only participate in active politics but also oversee the PML-N-led governments in Punjab and at the Centre, Maryam, also the PML-N senior vice president, said in a post on X. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan's tally, the total number of general seats won by the six parties -- the PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, IPP (Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party) and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) which announced their plans to form a coalition led by Shehbaz -- comes to 152. This clearly shows that these parties will easily achieve the minimum required number of 169 to form the government at the Centre after the addition of 60 women and 10 minority seats in their tally. Now our war is against the country's challenges. The first challenge is the economy. We have to stabilise it which is a tall task. Nations move forward when their leadership unites and decides to end conflicts and take the nation forward to eliminate problems, he said. The PML-N reportedly enjoys the backing of the powerful Pakistan Army. Reacting to the latest political developments, the PTI said that the best option for the PML-N is to accept [its] defeat gracefully and let their party founder Khan fix and heal the country. Khan, a 71-year-old cricketer-turned-politician, is currently in jail and has been barred from running in the election due to his conviction in corruption cases. Earlier, top PPP leader and former Pakistan President Zardari, speaking alongside Shehbaz, said that a coalition government would be set up. We have decided to form a coalition government and pull the country out of the economic crisis, he said and added that the new government would also try to reconcile with everyone including Khan's PTI. He promised to deliver the country out of these troubles and lead on to the road to prosperity. With the key parties getting together to form the new government, the transition from the election to the new government is likely to take place by the end of this month. Khan and his party have continued to emphasise that they believe the elections were rigged against them and plan to challenge the results. Speaking to reporters in court for the first time since the vote, Khan said: "I warn against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes. "Such daylight robbery will not only be a disrespect to the citizens but will also push the country's economy further into a downward spiral." Meanwhile, Khan-led PTI decided to use the platform of two right-wing religious parties in its bid to form its federal government in Islamabad and in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. PTI has decided to join Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen to form the government in the centre and in Punjab and Jamaati-e-Islami in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the party's information secretary Raouf Hassan said. He said the party was redoubling efforts to form a government at the Centre and in Punjab province. It is believed that by even joining the two parties, the PTI would not get enough strength to form the federal government or provincial government in Punjab. By joining the two parties, the PTI would be able to claim a share of the 70 reserved seats in the National Assembly and 156 reserved seats in the four provincial assemblies. The reserved seats are allotted to the parties based on proportional representation. The PTI-backed independent candidates were required to join a political party within three days of official notification of the election results by the Election Commission of Pakistan, which has not been issued so far. The overnight developments showed that the country was on the way to getting an elected government in office within weeks after the February 8 polarised elections. Ragesh Gopakumar, one of the 8 ex-Indian Navy personnel released by the Qatar government, said on Wednesday that they survived the prison days only due to their defence training. IMAGE: Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar (second from left) and party's Kerala chief K Surendran (left) during a visit to former Navy officer Ragesh Gopakumar's (second from right) residence in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, February 13, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy K Surendran on X Expressing joy and gratitude over returning home and being reunited with his family after spending months in captivity in the tiny gulf nation, he also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their release. "We are just happy to be alive... happy to be home," a relieved Gopakumar told PTI. "Prison and confinement is something terrible," he said, adding he and his colleagues survived only because of the training they underwent as defence forces. He along with seven other former Navy personnel returned on Monday, nearly three-and-a-half months after a Qatari court handed them death sentence that was subsequently commuted to varying jail terms. Gopakumar, who served as a Petty Officer in the Navy, said he had retired in 2017 and later joined the Oman Defence training company as a communications instructor. He resides in Balaramapuram, a suburb located over 16 km away from Kerala's capital city. Whenever someone enquired what the plight of his family had been when he was in prison, he would ask them to imagine a situation where a husband who used to speak to his wife at least five times a day suddenly stopped calling her. The former Navy veteran attributed his release to his family's prayers and the efforts of the Union government. Lavishing praises on Prime Minister Modi, he said it was only because of his personal intervention that their release was made possible. Gopakumar said all of them were hopeful that they would step out of the prison "if Modiji intervened" but had no idea how long it would take. He also expressed gratitude to the central government for having made arrangements to bring the families of the jailed ex-Naval officers to Qatar. "If an Indian is in trouble abroad and is innocent... if our PM is convinced about it, he will come to their rescue even if it is just one person... every Indian should know this," he said. The eight Indian Navy personnel faced charges of espionage but neither the Qatari authorities nor New Delhi had made the allegations levelled against them public. On October 26, they were sentenced to death by Qatar's Court of First Instance. On December 28, the Court of Appeal in the Gulf nation commuted the capital punishment and sentenced them to jail terms for durations ranging from three years to 25 years. The Court of Appeal had given 60 days to appeal against the prison terms. In December last year, PM Modi met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in Dubai and discussed the well-being of Indians there. It is learnt that national security adviser Ajit Doval played a role in the negotiations with the Qatari authorities in securing the release of the Indians. NORTH BENNINGTON There are a lot of familiar sights along the walls of The Left Bank Maurice Kahn Gallery, though captured in a different, slightly whimsical lens. With thick lines, blended colored pencils, and shapes and patterns, Joe Bishop of Shaftsbury depicts places around town such as Powers Market outside and in, the John G. McCullough Free Library, Price Chopper and Home Depot. He has also preserved lost sights, such as Sears and a former bowling alley. In the same style, he puts to paper mental images from scenes such as a local Main Street and the Bennington Battle Day parade, and from his stays at camps that embrace and support individuals with special needs. His exhibit, aptly named "Places, Spaces and Favorite Faces," is up at the gallery, 5 Bank St., North Bennington, through Feb. 29. The work on exhibition is for sale. Bishop, 63, has been making art under the gentle guidance of local artist and leader of Vermont Arts Exchange Matthew Perry for over 20 years. They laughed as they noted that Bishop is actually three months older than Perry, which should make Bishop the teacher. On another wall are recognizable stars, such as John Denver, Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Elvis and Glen Campbell. Sometimes they listen to music while they work, and Perry describes bringing up photos of the stars on his laptop for Bishop to view. Perry tried to direct Bishop to refresh the screen before it went on screensaver and the reference photo disappeared, but instead, he would find, Bishop would get lost in his drawing and capture important details from memory. "I see nothing but ability here," Perry said, standing among his friend's work at the gallery on a recent day. "He has this freedom to just do what he wants from a real, guttural love place. And that's a real advantage." Bishop was born in Bennington in 1960, and attended Brandon Training School at a young age. He then enrolled in Special Education classes at Catamount School and then at Mount Anthony Union High School, graduating in 1982. He has lived with the family of musician Kevin Bushee for almost 15 years. Perry and Bushee noted how most people limit themselves with their devices, time and what people think. "We realize that we're always being judged, and I don't think he has that sense," Bushee said of Bishop. "It's not even part of his vocabulary." Ideas for future subjects include friends and family portraits. On the recent day at the gallery, Bishop looked out the window at a shuttered gas station. He is mostly quiet. When asked why he makes art, he says, It makes me happy. Visitors can view the exhibit Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., or by appointment. BRATTLEBORO Conflict between generations is a given. The February production by the Brattleboro Union High School Players of the musical Mamma Mia! explores, through the songs of the pop group ABBA, the relationship between a single mother and her daughter. The show has been a hugely popular 1999 stage hit and an acclaimed 2008 movie. The daughter, Sophie, is about to be married at her mothers taverna on the fictional Greek island of Kalokairi. She really wants to have her father escort her down the aisle, only she doesnt know who he is. Finding her mothers old diary, Sophie learns her father could be one of three men her mother knew in her hippie days. Her mother isnt even sure who is her daughters father. Secretly, Sophie invites each of the men to her wedding. Meanwhile, Sophies mother Donna is feeling emotional about her little girl growing up. She accidentally discovers the three former lovers hiding in her barn. As might be expected, chaos ensues, all to the soundtrack of ABBAs music. Ive loved this show for years, said Rebekah Kersten, BUHS English and theater teacher, and director. We were looking for something more lighthearted this year (after last Februarys production of Fiddler on the Roof), and this seemed like a natural suggestion. This jukebox musical, so-called because most of the songs included are previously well-known and popular outside of the context of the show, presents some challenges, Kersten said. First, the temptation is to replicate the exact delivery of ABBAs recordings, the exact performances seen in the 2008 film, or a combination of both, she said. Secondly, the challenge is to recognize that, in spite of this shows fluffy demeanor and jukebox subgenre, these characters do have emotional depth, and its important to highlight that through their relationships and interactions with each other. Any time we perform something with material as well-known as this, she continued, we encourage the students to do their own research listen to the recordings, watch the film, and then use what theyve learned to craft their own characters and performances. We also spend some time very early on in the process engaging in whats called tablework. Tablework, she explained, is the time in rehearsal when the actors, stage managers and the director get together to look at the text of the script, the text of the songs and talk about each of the characters, asking such questions as What is their history like with each other? How do you know? Why are they here in this moment now? What do they want, and what are they willing to do to get it? This analysis allows the actors to dive deep into their characters and to build relationships with each other, both on- and off-stage, Kersten said, and the discoveries they make help them to solidify their characters for themselves, which, in turn, helps them to create their own unique performances, rather than a parody of or a tribute to someone elses. In recent interviews, some of the students involved in the production talked about their experience. Sophie Hamm, a senior, has worked behind the scenes on costumes with Mary Linney, BUHS librarian. Ive been sewing since I was in seventh grade, Hamm said. Ive always really liked fashion. When I was younger, I sewed with my grandmother. She gave me a sewing machine when I was in eighth grade. I like to go to thrift stores. I buy and alter the things I like. Ive definitely learned from Ms. Linney, doing costumes for the musicals. Kyle Girard, a senior, plays the part of Harry Headbanger Bright, one of the three possible fathers. He was a rock star in his youth, Girard said, and became a lawyer for the Bank of England. He met Donna on the rebound, after Sam broke up with her. They met when Harry was an exchange student in Paris, and he followed her to Greece. Now hes a middle-aged man. In the years since, hes found out hes gay, and he has a husband, Nigel. Harry wants to prove that hes not a boring bank teller. Girard, who started acting in freshman year, has inhabited a wide range of roles. Im really enjoying diving into this new character, he said. The hardest part is the accent, and the cultural references. But Im growing into it. Ori Johnson, a junior, plays the part of Sky, Sophies fiance. Sky used to work in stocks, but he decides he hasnt seen the world, Johnson said, so hes traveling around the world, and he goes to the Greek island and meets Sophie. I like him. Hes more mature than Sophie and a little bit of a father figure. He is constantly calming Sophie down. Johnsons family moved to Vermont from Hawaii when he was 4, almost 5. He started acting in the town/school theater program when he was 10, and he liked it so much that he wanted to do more. In acting, you can go from being you to being a whole different person, he said. You really feel the emotions of your character. Its a good escape. Johnson has been friends for a long time with Lila Armour-Jones, who has the part of Sophie, so our chemistry is good on stage, he said. In earlier interviews, some of this productions actors talked about their interest in theater. Armour-Jones (Sophie) started acting at the age of 10 in New England Youth Theatres town/school program. I love getting to tell a story, she said. I have the most fun onstage, when I get to leave it all behind and spend time as someone else. There is that moment in the darkness of the wings, she said, and then you go on, and fear and doubt melt away in the most beautiful way. I'd love to be acting my whole life, if I can be, she said. Leo Mousseau, a junior, plays Sam, another of the possible fathers. I like being in the mode of another person, he said. You can be so scared in the wings, alone in the stillness, feeling the energy, and the second you walk out on stage, it all goes away. Its the greatest feeling to have a lot of people laugh not in a bad way at what you say. John Mosher, a senior, has the part of Bill Austin, the third presumptive father of Sophie. Bill is a Swedish sailor and a travel writer. Mosher brings lots of experience to his character, having acted since middle school in Whitingham and done summer plays in Wilmington. Casting a musical requires consideration of many factors, Kersten said. It always starts with understanding the demands of the show, she said, and putting the appropriate performers into the appropriate roles in order to meet and surpass those demands. We also have to consider things such as vocal range, dance ability and acting. We also have to consider which actors fit with each other if theyre playing leads together, she continued, asking ourselves such questions as Are they believable as a couple? Will that make sense to an audience? How do these actors play off of each other in this scene? Do they have the connection it takes to make it believable? Are their instincts for the character in line with the textual evidence? Some audience members might consider the subject matter of this musical a little mature, but Kersten said that as a high school teacher of literature, she frequently broaches mature topics in the classroom. I believe in discussing challenging topics in a matter-of-fact, down-to-earth sort of way, she said. I tend not to have many concerns from a directorial point of view theater is about life, after all, and life is theater. My biggest concern about any show that contains PG-13 content is to ensure the health and safety of my actors when theyre performingthey have to be able to be comfortable with the content in order to portray it effectively. So, we talk about the script, we talk about what sorts of onstage actions feel in keeping with the demands of the character, while also respecting the needs of the actor. It has been such a joyful process to put this show together, she continued. The cast and crew are so invested in the work, and everyone has been having a blast. I want the audience to have a thoroughly good time, but I also want them to be wowed at the emotional depth some of these characters have. Thats not what we usually think of when we think about Mamma Mia!, but its definitely there. "Mamma Mia!" will take place on Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m., and Saturday at 2 p.m. in the BUHS Auditorium. Tickets for all performances are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors. To buy tickets online, go to tinyurl.com/yc52naur. All BUHS students get one free ticket to "Mamma Mia!" For more information, call 802-451-3511. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today A mix of clouds and sun. High 44F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. A few flurries are possible. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. The retiring House Rep. Mike Gallagher will reportedly lead a delegation of China hawks to the island. UPDATED AT 7:20 p.m. ET on 2024-2-14 Rep. Mike Gallagher, chair of the House Select Committee on China, will lead U.S. lawmakers on a trip to Taiwan next week, a report says. Gallagher and six other lawmakers will arrive in Taipei on Feb. 21, according to a report by the Financial Times that cites Taiwanese officials. The trip is intended as a show of support for Lai Ching-te ahead of his May inauguration as president of Taiwan, it says. A spokesperson for Gallagher did not respond to a request for comment, but the lawmaker has previously said he planned to lead a delegation from his committee to Taiwan sometime this year. A spokesperson for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington, declined to comment on Gallagher's reported plans but said Taiwan's government supported trips by congressional delegations. "Taiwan always welcomes visits by U.S. lawmakers wanting to show their support," the spokesperson said. Gallagher has led the select committee since it was created in January 2023 after his party won back control of the House of Representatives in the midterm elections. Since then, he has become one of the most prominent critics of the Chinese Communist Party in Congress. The Wisconsin Republicans trip is likely to draw an angry response from Beijing, which in August 2022 cut off military-to-military communications after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosiss visit to the island. Those ties were only restored late last year after a meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden. Rep. Mike Gallagher, R-Wis., speaks during a rally to commemorate the failed 1959 Tibetan uprising against China's rule, outside of the Chinese Embassy in Washington, March 10, 2023. (Jose Luis Magana/AP) However, there have been more recent trips by American lawmakers, with House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Rep. Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, leading a delegation there in April last year. During the trip, McCaul even likened Xi to Adolf Hitler, but the response from Beijing was nevertheless far more muted than after Pelosis trip. Still, Gallaghers visit could prove more provocative. His committee has, among other things, investigated Beijings persecution of the Uyghur ethnic minority in Chinas far-west and U.S. financial complicity in such policies, as well as Chinas international propaganda efforts and its threats to the United States. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, told Radio Free Asia that Beijing firmly opposes the U.S. having any form of official interaction with Taiwan, including trips by lawmakers. We urge the U.S. to have a clear understanding of the extreme complexity and sensitivity of the Taiwan question, Liu said. The US needs to exercise extreme prudence in handling Taiwan-related issues, and must not obscure and hollow out the one-China principle in any form or send any wrong signal to Taiwan independence separatist forces, he added. Next weeks trip may also serve as part of a last hurrah for the 39-year-old Gallagher, who looks set to return to the private sector within the next year after what will be eight years in Congress. Long described as a rising star in the Republican Party, the former Marine announced this week he will retire at the end of the current congressional term, saying Congress is no place to grow old. Updated to include comments from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office. Two Hong Kong activists in exile talk about the potential impact of a second national security law on their lives. Exiled Hong Kong campaigner Glacier Kwong (front R) in an undated photo. Since leaving Hong Kong in the wake of the 2019 protests, she has continued to lobby internationally on Hong Kong issues. Glacier Kwong, a U.K.-based Hong Kong activist and former columnist for the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper, who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in law and serving as a senior analyst for the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, has been a vocal advocate for Hong Kong's democratic movement for years. Since leaving Hong Kong in the wake of the 2019 protests, she has continued to lobby internationally on Hong Kong issues despite the harassment of her family, who have been hauled in for questioning by the police. While the 2020 National Security Law ushered in a city-wide crackdown on press freedom, peaceful activism and political opposition, the Hong Kong government has now outlined plans to reboot shelved security legislation under Article 23 of the city's Basic Law, expanding the scope of what will be regarded as criminal behavior. The new law will likely put a significant psychological burden on overseas advocates like Kwong, who still have family in Hong Kong. "The biggest pressure I've faced over the years is worrying about the impact my choices might have on the people close to me," Kwong told RFA Mandarin. "I chose this path to help advocate for Hong Kong, but my friends and family didn't choose it. They've been dragged into it, and have faced quite a bit of harassment." A worrying development Kwong said one worrying development in the draft security law is the inclusion of "failure to report" a breach of national security. " "It's unclear how the crime of 'failure to report' under Article 23 will be enforced, but it's definitely putting pressure on us, hoping we'll retreat in the face of difficulty," she said. Hong Kong activist Glacier Kwong speaks during a news conference in Berlin, Germany, Sept. 11, 2019. (Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters) Kwong described international lobbying as high-pressure and high-risk but said she copes with stress through laughter and a sense of humor, even as she lives under the constant threat of surveillance and intimidation, despite being in the U.K. "You never know how they will try to find out where you live," Kwong said. "For example, I received a Chinese-language flier from a food delivery platform, which was only delivered to me in my building." "It made me paranoid and cautious about being followed, because any oversight could endanger many others besides me," she said. Wanted lists and bounties Authorities in Hong Kong are increasingly using wanted lists and bounties in a bid to step up the pressure on activists in exile. "But when I saw they were offering bounties on the wanted list, my first reaction was to think why aren't I on the list? Haven't I been doing enough?" Kwong said. "Then I started joking with my friends that if I was wanted, they could inform on me and we'd split the money," she said. "That kind of dark humor was a way to deal with a very depressed mood." "There have been times in the past four years when I have been very sad and disheartened," she said. "There are more than 100 reasons to give up." Despite moments of despair when she thinks about packing it all in, she remains driven by a sense of what is right, as well as her commitment to advocating for Hong Kong on the international stage. Kwong believes in the power of persistent lobbying, like water dripping on a rock, noting that four years of effort by Hong Kong advocates have succeeded in deepening awareness and concern over Hong Kong in European political circles, and vowing to continue her activities despite the new legislation. Severing family ties Lo Tzu-wei, a Taiwan-based researcher with the Economic Democracy Union and a Hong Kong advocate, told RFA Mandarin that he is prepared to consider cutting off all contact with his family, for their own protection. Hong Kong democracy activist Lo Tzu-wei (R) campaigns in democratic Taiwan, in an undated photo. (Courtesy of Lo Tzu-wei) Before seeking refuge in democratic Taiwan, Lo was the vice-president of external affairs for the student union at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, at the time of the 2019 protest movement. The bid by the administration of then chief executive Carrie Lam to pass a law allowing the extradition of those regarded as criminal suspects to mainland China changed Lo's life, and Hong Kong's destinies, for good. Lo said he is prepared for the possibility of an ever-widening crackdown on overseas activists under the Article 23 legislation. "Honestly, I've prepared myself for the possibility of being put on the wanted list and not being able to contact my beloved family and friends," he said. "It would be heartbreaking and a great pity." "But I think it's worth it, even if it means severing ties with my family," he said. "I believe that they would secretly support my work, even if they were to criticize me in public." Keep going "I want to keep going, and to keep on serving Hong Kong," Lo said, citing those who have died during and since the protest movement. "I dare not stop because those brave people sacrificed their lives for Hong Kong," he said "If I take a step back, how can Hong Kong be free?" Hong Kong democracy activist Lo Tzu-wei, in an undated photo. (Courtesy of Lo Tzu-wei) Lo said his focus will be on helping Taiwan to strengthen its democratic defenses against Chinese misinformation and propaganda campaigns targeting its 23 million people. "If those of us who are not dead or arrested continue to participate in the democratic movements of other countries and use democracy to fight back against Chinese invasion, infiltration and United Front activities, that will become the basis for the liberation of Hong Kong," he said. "I believe that the liberation of Hong Kong will be in the vanguard of the fight against authoritarianism in China," Lo said. Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Roseanne Gerin. For countries with more immediate problems, Taiwans strategic importance can seem like an abstract issue. U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi waives alongside Legislative Yuan Vice President Tsai Chi-chang as she leaves the parliament in Taipei, Taiwan August 3, 2022. Its not always clear to Americas allies why they should devote any time or attention to the disputed sovereignty of Taiwan, especially when they have enough problems in their immediate backyards. Thats the finding of a report released this week by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, or CSIS. It says the United States needs to do more to engage its partners around the world to build the case for why stability in the Taiwan Strait is in their self-interest. So far, thats a task where American leaders have come up short, said Ryan Hass, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute and one of the reports authors, at an event to launch the report on Wednesday. Oftentimes in Washington, we think of the United States and Taiwan as the good guys, China as the bad guys, and its a fight between good and evil, Hass said. That isn't how this issue is viewed in many other parts of the world, where the narrative is genuinely contested. Hass said the prevention of a war would not only be achieved by the count of bullets, missiles, planes or ships available to deter an invasion. Instead, he said, credible warnings to Beijing of the global consequences of a conflict would play a large role. Report findings The CSIS report entitled Building International Support for Taiwan and funded by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office, which is the diplomatic mission of Taiwan in Washington details how the Taiwan issue is viewed by many of Americas allies and partners. Drawing on inputs from over a dozen foreign policy experts from countries like Japan, India, France, Germany, Australia, South Korea, the United Kingdom and Canada, the report found glaring differences when compared to the way Taiwan was viewed in Washington. It is not a compelling [and] clear story, necessarily, in much of the international community that China is the only one that is contributing to some of the instability in the region, said Jude Blanchette, a China expert at CSIS and another of the reports authors, on Wednesday. Assault boats take part in naval drills in Kaohsiung, Southern Taiwan on Jan. 31, 2024. Taiwan is holding spring military drills amid threats from China, which claims the island as its own territory that it is determined to annex, possibly by force. (Johnson Lai/AP) Blanchette pointed to former House Speaker Nancy Pelosis controversial August 2022 visit to Taiwan, which followed a long line of congressional delegations to the island but sparked an outcry from Beijing that took more than a year of diplomacy to put to bed. He said the destabilizing effects of such trips by U.S. lawmakers are clearly amplified by a very aggressive Chinese propaganda campaign that overplays any damage, but that global perception was often still that Washington was as responsible as China for risking conflit. But if we're just looking at who is the destabilizing actor here, there really is only one country actively threatening a military attack on a neighboring democracy, and that is China, Blanchette said, describing Beijings coercive actions against Taiwan as a daily barrage. Nevertheless, the failure of Washington to effectively counteract that view could prove damaging in itself, according to the report, which says it could impact future global support for the defense of Taiwan. However tenuous such arguments may seem, Washington and its partners must recognize that such narratives hold more sway in many parts of the world than is appreciated, the report says. The more accepted Beijings narrative becomes the less political space there will be for countries to contribute to coalitional efforts to preserve peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, it says. Costly conflict But the report also says more needs to be done to spread awareness of the damaging consequences of an attempted invasion of Taiwan. It notes an estimate from Bloomberg that the global costs of a conflict over Taiwan could reach nearly $10 trillion or about 10% of global economic output due to the centrality of the Taiwan Strait to global shipping and of the island itself to the microchip industry. Nearly 90% of world shipping by tonnage passes through the Taiwan Strait each year, according to a Bloomberg estimate, while the islands dominant microchip industry manufactures an estimated two-thirds of all of the worlds microchips and 90% of the most advanced ones. A coast guard ship sails at the Port of Taipei in Taipei, Taiwan Feb. 9, 2021. It is estimated that 90% of world shipping by tonnage passes through the Taiwan Strait each year. (Ann Wang/Reuters) The latter has been called Taiwans Silicon Shield in its battle to remain independent of Beijing, with leaders on the democratic island for decades betting thus far, correctly that the enormous costs of a conflict to global supply chains will attract help to deter an invasion. In the end, hammering home those points may be key to getting more international buy-in, especially from developing economies, said Manoj Kewalramani, chairperson of the Indo-Pacific Studies Programme at the Takshashila Institution in Bengaluru, India, on Wednesday. For many of those countries, the costs of a conflict over Taiwan would not be abstract, Kewalramani said, but rather quite damaging. From an Indian perspective, he said, it's important for countries around the world for the narrative to shift from What would be the ask from us? to What can we do because it is in our interest to do? Edited by Malcolm Foster. The move comes after leader Kim Jong Un threatened to destroy the South. View of what appears to be a strategic cruise missile drill carried out by North Korea on January 30, 2024, at an undisclosed location in North Korea in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on January 31, 2024. North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the sea Wednesday, Yonhap News reported, citing the South Korean military. It's the fifth cruise missile launch this year, as Pyongyang ratchets up the military pressure on Seoul in response to Januarys military exercises between South Korea, the United States and Japan. The Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said an unspecified number of missiles were fired at around 9 a.m. local time northeast of Wonsan on North Koreas east coast. "While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea's provocations," the JCS said in a message to reporters. Along with cruise missile launches, the North has fired artillery near the sea border between the two Koreas and tested a nuclear-capable submarine drone this year. A TV screen shows a file image of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. (AP) Last month, Pyongyang abolished agencies handling inter-Korean affairs, such as the National Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland, which is in charge of national economic cooperation. And earlier this month, it said it was cutting all economic ties with Seoul, abolishing laws on inter-Korean economic cooperation, including regulations on the special zone for international tours of Mount Kumgang and those for enforcing all other agreements with the South. A total of 258 agreements have been signed between the two Koreas, and Seoul sees 112 of them, including 28 joint press releases, as economic agreements, according to its unification ministry. Last Thursday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spoke at a military parade, threatening to strike and destroy the South, according to the countrys official Korean Central News Agency. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said this month the North was likely to carry out multiple provocations ahead of his countrys April elections. Edited by Elaine Chan. The processing plant can sound like an airport and is driving people away from outdoor restaurants. Residents of the Lao provinces of Savannakhet and Khammouane are complaining about the smell from a cassava processing plant, at left in this undated photo, and a ditch, right, that carries wastewater to a treatment pond. Residents of a dozen villages in southern Laos have complained of smoke and an ever-present smell from a cassava processing plant that has irritated eyes and lungs and made it difficult for people to work outside, several locals told Radio Free Asia. The plant in Savannakhet province can also be very noisy even at night, according to one resident of Manylath village in Xayboury district. Its like the noise from an airport. Its unbearable, he said. Vietnamese-owned Lao TTL Agricultural and Industrial Co. Ltd. began operations at the plant in November. The edible, starchy, tuberous cassava root is sometimes turned into biofuel for power generation. Cassava is also used in a number of food products, including sweeteners, flour and animal feed. Local farmers have been pleased that they can sell cassava directly to the plant, but the overall impact on everyones quality of life may not be worth it, another resident of Manylath village said. Im not against the plant its been good for us to have it here, he said. But I didnt know it would have such a lot of negative impact on us. Im speechless now. The plant is located in Savannakhets Xayboury district but has also affected villagers across the Xe Bang Fai River in neighboring Khammouane province. Restaurant goers often depart just minutes after arriving because of the strong odor and noise, said one owner of a restaurant in Khammouanes Xe Bang Fai district. They come here and sit down, but they dont stay long. They leave, he said. Before, my restaurant was full. Now its almost empty. Waste treatment system The smell is strong during the day and gets more intense in the evening up until about 10 p.m., several people said. Xayboury district authorities ordered the plant to improve conditions on Jan. 10, Manylath villagers told RFA. But conditions havent changed, they said. The smell has never gone away, the first Manylath village resident said. Its actually been much worse. Most of the smell is coming from used water that is sent out from the plant through a dirt ditch, a Xayboury district official told RFA. The overall waste treatment system isnt up to standard, but the plant owner recently covered the ditch and has also promised to cover a waste treatment pond, he said. Both actions should eventually reduce the smell. A Lao TTL employee confirmed to RFA that the company has covered the ditch and is working to cover up the treatment pond. I think the smell has already been reduced, the employee said. The other issues will be dealt with by this months end. The plant is new and everything isnt in place just yet. Translated by Max Avary. Edited by Matt Reed. A splinter group from the New Mon State Party said political dialogue with the junta is no longer worthwhile. The 71st Mon National Day was held at the New Mon State Party headquarters in Yecheong-eem area Feb. 1, 2018. An offshoot of an ethnic Mon organization announced on Wednesday that it will no longer negotiate with Myanmars military and will join with anti-junta forces in the fight against the regime. A splinter group from the New Mon State Party said it has concluded that political dialogue with junta officials wasnt helping the Mon people reach its goal of establishing a federal union that would ensure national equality and self-determination. As military council forces continue arresting and killing people, firing artillery shells in Mon state and carrying out airstrikes and arson attacks in Mon state, it is no longer possible for further political discussions with the military council, the group said in the statement, using a formal name for the junta. The breakaway group called itself the New Mon State Party (Anti-dictatorship) in the statement, in contrast to the New Mon State Party, or NMSP. The partys armed wing, the Mon National Liberation Army, has fought against Myanmar forces since 1949 under various names. In 2018, the NMSP signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, which was introduced in 2015 to end years of fighting over minority rights and self-determination. Some 10 ethnic groups have signed the agreement, or NCA. The NMSP had remained neutral following the Feb. 1, 2021, military coup detat. Mon representatives have met with junta officials three times in the last few years, but with no concrete results, the deputy leader of the splinter group, Nai Banyar Lei, told Radio Free Asia. The splinter group is led by Nai Zeya, who was previously the NMSPs general secretary, the statement said. Internal disagreements Nay Phone Latt, the spokesperson for the shadow National Unity Government, welcomed the new Mon splinter group to the opposition. There has been a lot of evidence that it will be very difficult to solve the crisis peacefully with the military council in any way, he said. We have realized that the future of our country will be peaceful only if all the ethnic revolutionary forces join hands and end the military group. The split within the Mon organization is unsurprising, given the increased amount of fighting with the military throughout the country and the accompanying political tension, said Col. Saw Kyaw Nyunt, the secretary-general of the Karen Peace Council, which is a signatory to the NCA. Other ethnic armed organizations in the country have also experienced similar internal disagreements over whether continued dialogue with the junta is worthwhile, he said. Another signatory of the NCA, the PaO National Liberation League, announced on Jan. 26 that it was joining allied forces fighting against the military junta. The PNLO is located in southern Shan state. Other NCA signatories that have taken up arms against the post-coup military are the Karen National Union, the Chin National Front and the All-Burma Students Democratic Front. RFA couldnt immediately reach NMSP spokesperson Nai Aung Ma Ngae to ask about the splinter groups announcement. Junta spokesman Major Gen. Zaw Min Tun was also unavailable for comment. Translated by Aung Naing. Edited by Matt Reed. Junta soldiers on a two-day spree have arrested young and internally displaced people, locals in Bago region told Radio Free Asia. Since enforcing the Peoples Military Service Law on Saturday, junta leader Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing announced conscription would begin immediately. Refusing to serve could result in a five-year prison sentence for young men and women across the country. This isnt the first time the area has faced conscription efforts. Soldiers in January made rounds across several townships, trying to gain numbers through threats, fines, and incentives. On Monday, soldiers entered Htantabin townships Za Yat Gyi city in eastern Bago, where locals fled conflict days before the arrests. It was the site of a battle a week ago when the Karen National Liberation Army and Peoples Defense Forces fought with junta troops. Around 50 people were killed by junta artillery fire and more than 10,000 were forced to leave their homes amid heavy shelling. The city was left mostly empty, but residents who chose not to flee were abducted from their homes, locals said. Junta troops stationed at Za Yat Gyi Hospital also detained young people in Htantabin townships surrounding villages. A local in Za Yat Gyi city who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons told RFA on Tuesday that he fled because people who have reached the age of 18 are being rounded up for military service. At the moment, the whole village is fleeing because the juntas army entered the village and dragged people out. We are also hiding and fleeing, he said. They arrest women who are around 18 and 19 years old. Men at that age are also being taken to the trucks and forced to serve in the military. Since troops began raids, villages are nearly empty, he added. Internally displaced people from nearby villages were also targeted, although locals said they could not confirm the details of the arrests. Regime denies mass arrests Junta forces set up blockades on roads leading from Za Yat Gyi to Htantabin city and conducted spot checks and arrests at Htantabin Bridge, according to locals. Bago residents near the Sittaung river and Kayin state border haven't been able to get to Taungoo city, roughly 290 kilometers (180 miles) north of Htantabin since the weekend because of blockades, they said. Bago regions junta spokesperson Tin Oo denied people were being press-ganged into military service. As far as arrests are concerned, we are arresting organizations related to the Peoples Defense Forces and organizations that support terrorists according to the law, he told RFA. We do not arrest innocent people without reason. No mass arrests occurred, and only three or four people were taken in for interrogation, he said. On Tuesday night, the regime-backed media announced the formation of a Central Militia Recruitment Team led by the Ministry of Defense. Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn. The Vietnamese oil and gas company had to suspend the project after Power Machines was hit with U.S. sanctions. A Russian electrical equipment manufacturer, owned by billionaire Alexey Mordashov, is asking for US$500 million in compensation after a successful lawsuit against Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam), according to Russian news site RBC. The claim, made by an anonymous source, comes after Power Machines said Monday it won the suit last November after submitting it to the Singapore International Arbitration Centre. Russian court records show that Power Machines also filed a lawsuit against PetroVietnam and its representative in Russia in a Moscow court on Feb. 2, 2024. No details about that lawsuit were released. Reuters news agency said the Singapore suit was intended to reclaim money invested in building a power plant in Vietnam. The project was suspended in 2018 after the Russian contractor was sanctioned by the U.S. Although the RBC article does not specify which project was being disputed, Vietnamese state media said that in 2019, the Russian company, submitted a lawsuit against PetroVietnam regarding the temporary suspension of the Long Phu 1 Thermal Power project in Soc Trang province. The project began in early 2011, and is expected to provide about 7.8 billion kWh of electricity per year when put into operation. However, the project had to be suspended due to the U.S. Treasury Department's sanctions, imposed on Jan. 26, 2018. In Jan. 2019, Power Machines contractor submitted an official document announcing the termination of the contract for design, supply of technological equipment and construction, because it considered the sanctions to be force majeure. A lawyer who co-founded a non-governmental commercial arbitration center in Vietnam told Radio Free Asia Power Machines believed PetroVietnam (PVN) to be at fault because it failed to meet its obligations. However, according to reliable sources, Power Machines started the lawsuit with a weak position, said the lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity for security reasons. PVN did not seem to take advantage of it to make strong arguments against Power Machines, so it was unsuccessful. During the trial, PVN appointed a very good lawyer, but it was too late to change the situation." The lawyer said if PetroVietnam does not pay the money, "the possibility of having assets confiscated abroad will be very high." RFA Vietnamese called PVN, but the person on the phone said the company was on holiday and there were no senior representatives in the office. The reporter sent emails to Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and Ministry of Planning & Investment with a request for comment on the lawsuit but did not immediately receive a response. The reporter also sent an email to the U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam with a request to comment. The embassy said it would respond after the Lunar New Year holiday. Nguyen Quang A, who was director of the now-dissolved Institute for Development Studies said Vietnamese companies often cut corners on contracts with foreign partners. Investors in Vietnam must be very careful in choosing contractors, not only clearly researching partners but also taking into account risks, he said. When negotiating a contract, you must hire good lawyers to make the contract tight." A former lecturer at Hanois National Economics University, who did not want to be identified in order to speak more freely, said that when doing business internationally, Vietnamese officials do not have a long-term vision but put personal interests above national interests. He said they look at their potential commission without thinking about the possible consequences. Power Machines has been involved in many industrial projects in Vietnam such as the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, Pha Lai Thermal Power Plant, Tri An Hydropower Plant and Tri An Hydropower Plant. After 2000, the company took part in building three hydroelectric projects: Yaly, Can Don, and Se San 3, and Uong Bi Thermal Power Plant. Translated by RFA Vietnamese. Edited by Mike Firn and Elaine Chan. Vladimir Putin has claimed a fifth presidential term with a landslide victory in a tightly controlled election that has been condemned by the West as neither free nor fair as the Russian leader seeks to prove overwhelming popular support for his full-scale invasion of Ukraine and increasingly repressive policies. With 99.75 percent of ballots counted, Putin won another six-year term with a post-Soviet record of 87.29 percent of the vote, the Central Elections Committee (TsIK) said on March 18, adding that turnout was also at a "record" level, with 77.44 percent of eligible voters casting ballots. The 71-year old Putin -- who has ruled as either president or prime minister since 2000 -- is now set to surpass Soviet dictator Josef Stalins nearly 30-year reign to become the longest-serving Russian leader in more than two centuries. "This election has been based on repression and intimidation," the European Union's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell told journalists in Brussels on March 18 as the bloc's foreign ministers gathered to discuss the election, among other issues. The March 15-17 vote is the first for Putin since he launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 that has killed tens of thousands of Russians and led to a clear break in relations with the West. In holding what has widely been viewed as faux elections, Putin wants to show that he has the nations full support, experts said. The vote was also held in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers are located. Moscow illegally annexed the regions since launching the invasion, though it remains unclear how much of the territory it controls. The Kremlin's goal "is to get as many people as possible to sign off on Russia's war against Ukraine. The idea is to get millions of Russian citizens to retroactively approve the decision Putin single-handedly made two years ago," Maksim Trudolyubov, a senior fellow at the Kennan Institute, wrote in a note ahead of the vote. In remarks shortly after he was declared the winner, Putin said the election showed that the nation was "one team." But Western leaders condemned the vote, with the White House National Security Council spokesperson saying they "are obviously not free nor fair given how Mr. Putin has imprisoned political opponents and prevented others from running against him." British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said "this is not what free and fair elections look like," adding in his message on X, formerly Twitter, that illegal elections have also been held on occupied Ukrainian territory. The French Foreign Ministry said Putin's reelection came amid a wave of repression against civil society. It also praised in a statement the courage of "the many Russian citizens who peacefully protested against this attack on their fundamental political rights." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Putin has become "sick with power" and he is just "simulating" elections. "This imitation of 'elections' has no legitimacy and cannot have any. This person must end up in the dock in The Hague [at the International UN Tribunal for War Crimes]," Zelenskiy said on X. Putin's allies were quick to heap praise on the Russian leader for his election success. China, one of Russia's most importants allies, congratulated Putin, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian saying President Xi Jinping and the Russian leader "will continue to maintain close exchanges, lead the two countries to continue to uphold long-standing good-neighborly friendship, deepen comprehensive strategic coordination." Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called Putin's victory "decisive," the state news agency IRNA reported. WATCH: Leading psychiatrists discuss how excessive power can impact brain functioning and what the impulse for total control reveals about the mind and personality traits of authority figures. Putin was opposed by three relatively unknown, Kremlin-friendly politicians whose campaign was barely noticeable. The main intrigue was whether Russians would heed opposition calls to gather at polling stations at noon on March 17 to silently protest against Putins rule. Russian media had reported in the months leading up to the election that the Kremlin was determined to engineer a victory for Putin that would surpass the 2018 results, when he won 77.5 percent of the vote with a turnout of 67.5 percent. The Kremlin banned anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin from the ballot after tens of thousands of voters lined up in the cold to support his candidacy. Nadezhdin threatened to undermine the narrative of overwhelming support for Putin and his war, experts said. Independent election observers were barred from working at this years presidential election for the first time in post-Soviet history, experts said. Russian elections have been notorious for ballot stuffing and other irregularities. The vote was also held in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, where hundreds of thousands of Russian soldiers are located. The United States called the elections neither fair nor free. 'Noon Against Putin' With options to express resistance severely limited by the lack of competition and repressive laws, opposition leaders called on voters opposed to Putin to gather near polls at noon to show the Kremlin and the country that they were still a force. Russia's opposition movement suffered a serious blow last month when Aleksei Navalny, Putins fiercest and most popular critic, died in unclear circumstances in a maximum-security prison in the Arctic where he was serving a 19-year sentence on charges of extremism widely seen as politically motivated. Long lines formed at polling stations across Russia's 11 time zones at the designated time for the "Noon Against Putin" protest, including in Novosibirsk, Chita, Yekaterinburg, Perm, and Moscow among other Russian cities. "We're not really expecting anything, but I'd somehow like to make a record of this election for myself, tick the box for myself, so, when talking about it later, I could say that I didn't just sit at home, but came and tried to do something," said one Russian who came to vote at noon. "The action has achieved its goals," Ivan Zhdanov, the head the Anti-Corruption Foundation formerly headed by Navalny, said in a YouTube video. "The action has shown that there is another Russia, there are people who stand against Putin." The Moscow prosecutor's office had earlier warned of criminal prosecution against those who interfered with the vote, a step it said was necessary due to social-media posts "containing calls for an unlimited number of people to simultaneously arrive to participate in uncoordinated mass public events at polling stations in Moscow [at noon on March 17] in order to violate electoral legislation." Lawyer Valeria Vetoshkina, who has left the country, told Current Time that if people do not bring posters and do not announce why they came to the polling station at that hour, it would be hard for the authorities to legitimately declare it a "violation." But she warned that there were "some basic safety rules that you can follow if you're worried. The first is not to discuss why you came, just to vote. And secondly, it is better to come without any visual means of agitation: without posters, flags, and so on." Ella Pamfilova, head of Russia's Central Election Commission (TsIK), on March 16 said there had been 20 cases of people attempting to destroy voting sheets by pouring liquids into ballot boxes and eight incidents of people trying to destroy ballots by setting them on fire or by using smoke bombs. Russians living abroad also took part in the "Noon Against Putin" campaign, with hundreds of people lining up at 12 p.m. outside the Russian embassies in Sidney, Tokyo, Phuket, Dubai, Istanbul, Berlin, Paris, and Yerevan among other capitals. "It's not an election. It's just a fake. And so we're here to show that not Russians elect the current leader of Russia, that we [are] against him very severely, and that lots of people had to flee their country to be free," said Anna, a Russian citizen living in Berlin and who gathered outside the embassy in the German capital. Putin was challenged by Liberal Democratic Party leader Leonid Slutsky, State Duma deputy speaker Vladislav Davankov of the New People party, and State Duma lawmaker Nikolai Kharitonov of the Communist Party, none of whom opposed the war. The Russian leader had the full resources of the state behind him, including the media, police, state-owned companies, and election officials. In the winter of 1924, inhabitants of a small village near Tehran looked up as a metal-bodied airplane swooped in to land, bumped along a field, then collapsed in a cloud of dust after its landing gear broke. The pilot of the plane was Swiss aviator Walter Mittelholzer, who had received an invitation from the Persian government to deliver a new Junkers aircraft to the country, which would be renamed Iran in 1935. Kaspar Surber, a Swiss journalist who wrote a book on Mittelholzer, told RFE/RL the aviator was chosen for the flight to Persia in part to "popularize flying" through aerial images he would take there. Mittelholzer was famous at the time for becoming the first person to extensively photograph Switzerland's mountains from an airplane. In the 1920s, Surber says there was something of a "race" between German and British aviation companies to begin air services in Persia, making Mittelholzer's photography skills a key promotional advantage. A Swiss newspaper wrote of the aviator, "The Swiss people know what to expect from their Mr. Mittelholzer, who can not only pilot a plane across unknown countries but also photograph and film in flight." After their ignominious landing 40 kilometers outside of Tehran, Mittelholzer and mechanic Ernst Bissegger had a tense confrontation with villagers before help eventually arrived from the Persian capital and their aircraft was repaired. Mittelholzer and Bissegger's flight of more than 3,000 kilometers from Switzerland to Persia included a standoff with Turkish authorities who confiscated their plane, troubles with poor-quality gasoline purchased in Baghdad, and erroneous maps that forced them into the ill-fated landing during which their plane's landing gear collapsed. Mittelholzers initial impressions of the territory of Persia from above were of "areas that lie desolate and empty and wander past the observing eye for hours. Huge alluvial fans, piles of rubble, and deltas of saline rivers [that] characterize the country." Isolated settlements occasionally came into view as the pair flew over Persian territory. "Here and there a green patch shines," Mittelholzer wrote, "a space in the center of which features residents' mud huts rising on narrow and winding streets. Silver bands mark the irrigation channels at the edges of the gardens." Mittelholzer seized the opportunity to photograph Persia extensively from above in photographs that are now held by the ETH Zurich library. The Swiss aviator and photographer also made use of his camera on the ground to capture a country on the cusp of dramatic change under Reza Shah Pahlavi, a ruler who would become known as Persia's "modernizing strongman." At the time of Mittelholzer's visit to Persia, the country was without major rail or road networks, and camel caravans were still in use as a means of foreign trade, making air transport an enticing possibility for the country's rulers. With the aviation industry still in its infancy in Persia, Mittelholzer and Bissegger had the sky virtually to themselves as they swept low over urban centers to snap images that would soon stun European audiences. Mittelholzer predicted that aerial photography would play a significant role in documentary imagery of the future. "Another hitherto unseen world opens up before us. It is as if the Earth has thereby gained a new face, and man a new, unflawed eye," he wrote in 1928. After spending several weeks inside Iran, the two Swiss aviators eventually made the long trek back to Central Europe by car. Mittelholzer would later co-found a company that became Swissair, Switzerland's national carrier until 2002. He died in a mountaineering accident in 1937 aged 43. In a newspaper obituary, a friend noted that Mittelholzer's death in the mountains that he loved, and that had sparked his extraordinary career, had a certain tragic poetry: "They have embraced him 0n his last wanderings and claimed him, and perhaps he would not have wished for a better end, but alas it came all too soon, there was so much more for him to do." ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and Moscow's subsequent military mobilization triggered a mass exodus of Russian citizens to neighboring countries. It also gave birth to a new term -- "relokant" -- used to describe the hundreds of thousands of Russians who moved to former Soviet countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia since the February 2022 invasion. Russians fled their homeland to evade military service, escape an increasingly repressive political atmosphere, and find economic opportunities that appeared to be vanishing rapidly in their homeland. The influx of Russians stoked heated debates in many ex-Soviet countries and had impacts even after some of the migrants moved on. The experiences of these Russian migrants was the focus of a theater play -- Here.Almaty -- staged in Kazakhstan's largest city, Almaty, on February 11. The production by Russian troupe 2act was performed in the form of a series of monologues, which were based on interviews with Russian migrants, a Ukrainian refugee, and a local Kazakh. The first monologue covered the experience of Tatyana, a Russian woman who fled to Kazakhstan by car with her husband after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a partial military mobilization in September 2022. The order sparked scenes of chaos on Russia's borders as thousands of people tried frantically to leave the country by plane, car, or foot. "To begin with, we went to Pavlodar," said Tatyana of their journey to the northeastern city in Kazakhstan where the couple first arrived. "People just kept on coming. For locals the number was unreal." "Russians were running from ATMs to cash exchanges," she said. "We were met by volunteers. They gave us drink and food." Her husband, in his 40s, had not expected a military call-up. But after military recruitment officers began going door to door in their village, located near the Russian city of Kemerovo, "we gathered our things in the space of an hour," she said. Tatyana said their parents considered them traitors. But neither she nor her husband had any doubts that the war was wrong. "They just decided for us. They just decided to do awful things in our name," she said, referring to the Russian government. Those unable to escape the recruitment drive became witnesses to a different kind of chaos. Another monologue in the play was based on the experiences of a man who made the mistake of opening his door to recruiters and finding himself among the more than 300,000 men mobilized in Russia, before eventually finding a way to flee the country. Drunkenness and confusion were rife at the military base where he was transported in preparation for his deployment to Ukraine. "Often it was not clear why we were standing there for 45, 50 minutes at a time, just f***ing standing," said the actor playing the middle-aged man. "Every so often an officer would pass. Who is assigned to which platoon, who has what specialty? Eventually it dawned on me that I could have gotten the f*** out of there after two weeks at the training ground because I wasn't on any of the lists!" Russians who moved to Kazakhstan found cities where they could speak Russian freely and a population that was largely welcoming. But their arrival in Almaty, just like in cities in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia, sent the cost of living soaring. The rising prices soon became a source of local anger. "Before I could rent a one-bedroom flat for 80,000 tenges or up to 120,000 tenges (less than $300). After the flood of refugees, it cost 200,000-250,000," complained a Kazakh man, Artur, whose monologue was read by the play's sole Kazakh actor. Mixed Couples And Complex Identities Artur, it transpired, had been born in Russia to ethnic Kazakh parents and moved to Kazakhstan, his historic homeland, later in life. His views were in some ways colored by his experiences in Russia, where he said his uncle had been killed by Russian ultranationalists. He had never felt welcome in Russia's largest cities, he said, and now demanded a "firm migration policy." The new Russian arrivals, he complained, could at least try to learn the Kazakh language properly. The monologue format was interrupted on only one occasion, in order to recreate the troupe's interviews with a couple -- an anonymous ethnic Tatar from Russia and his Ukrainian partner, Maria. The pair had met on Black Desert Online, an online multiplayer war game, where Maria joked that her future boyfriend "constantly killed" her. But war became a reality when the woman's unnamed home city was targeted by Russian air strikes during the first weeks of the invasion. "I didn't understand at first," said the actress who played the woman. "Then the explosions started. I was afraid. I either sat in the basement or hid in the bathroom." The man moved to Kazakhstan first, where he waited for her. When they finally met in person, the couple settled in a resort town outside Almaty. As a migrant, Maria was banned from working. Her partner relied on unsteady work as a freelance accountant for Russian clients. "But as the work was paid in rubles, I was earning less and less after converting [into tenges]," the actor playing the man said. Their financial problems multiplied after they found themselves caught in a house fire in which they lost most of their possessions. The owner of the flat demanded damages as well as the passport of Maria's partner by way of a guarantee. He was happy to hand it over. "I just wish I could give up Russian citizenship so easily," the actor playing the man said. Hopes For The Future 2act's interviews are frozen in time, and the director of the play, Vitaly Shengireyev, says that some of the interviewees have since moved back to Russia. At the beginning of 2023, Kazakhstan tightened immigration rules, making it harder for Russians to stay in the country for extended periods of time without permanent residence, which can be hard to obtain. Several of the Russians interviewed for the production also admitted to homesickness. Nearly all of the interviewees expressed hope that Russia's war in Ukraine would end, although one said he could not fully support the idea of a Ukrainian victory. "If the Ukrainian armed forces win, [Russia] will be a defeated country, and there is nothing good in that," the actor playing the man said. That kind of ambivalence has irritated some locals in countries where Russian migrants have moved. In countries like Kazakhstan, which has suffered at the hands of Russian imperialism, some activists have called on Russians take a tough stance against the Kremlin and address historical ills. But in Central Asia, authoritarian governments under pressure from the Kremlin and sizable pro-Russian segments of society have been reluctant to tolerate anti-war activism by the new Russian migrants. The play is just the latest produced by 2act, whose small theater is located in the back of one of Almaty's oldest malls. The troupe is headed by Shengireyev and his wife, who are both from the Russian city of Magnitogorsk. The group says that local recognition of its productions -- sometimes comic, sometimes serious -- is now growing after a tough start. But for one member of the audience, the harrowing stories in Here.Almaty proved too much. That spectator was a Russian migrant who said he had reluctantly made the decision to return to his homeland in the coming days. Walking past Shengireyev during the interval, the man told the play's director, "Thank you for preparing me for my country." Mohsin Dawar and his supporters were protesting alleged voting irregularities in their constituency during Pakistan's February 8 general elections when security forces opened fire on them. Dawar, a former lawmaker who heads the secular National Democratic Movement (NDM), was among the 15 protesters shot and wounded outside a military garrison in North Waziristan, a district in northwestern Pakistan, on February 10. Three others were killed. When the authorities released the results of the national elections, nearly three days after the legal deadline, they declared Misbah Uddin of the Jamiat Ulema Islam-Fazl, an Islamist party, the winner in North Waziristan. But the NDM claims Dawar, an activist who has been a fierce critic of the authorities, won the vote and alleges Uddin came in third, according to an initial tally of the results from individual polling stations. Dawar's party claims that local election officials tampered with the votes. Dawar is one of the scores of candidates across Pakistan who are challenging the results of the disputed elections, which were marred by widespread allegations of vote rigging and irregularities. Some candidates have vowed to challenge the results in court and held protests outside election offices across the country. 'Systematic' Rigging In a major upset, candidates backed by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan won the most seats in the parliamentary elections, but not enough to secure a majority. Khan's Pakistan Tehrik-e Insaf (PTI) party, which was barred from the elections, claims its allies won dozens of more seats and that its mandate was stolen. Khan's rivals, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan People's Party (PPP), said on February 13 that they had agreed to form a government. Khan's allies have already filed legal cases and said they will challenge the results in the Supreme Court. His supporters, meanwhile, have staged sporadic protests across the South Asian country of some 240 million people. Many have blamed the alleged voting irregularities on Pakistan's powerful army, which is the ultimate kingmaker in the nuclear-armed country. The military fell out with Khan and was accused of orchestrating his jailing and the crackdown on the PTI ahead of the elections. "The election rigging, both prepoll and on the day, was systematic and targeted," said Yasser Kureshi, a political scientist at Oxford University who tracks elections across South Asia. He said most of the irregularities were aimed to ensuring that the "PTI could not capitalize on its public support to win a plurality or majority of seats in this election." Other parties have also alleged widespread vote rigging. "These elections were the most maligned and rigged in Pakistan's 76-year history," said Khushal Khan Kakar, the leader of the Pakhtunkhwa National Awami Party, a secular party based in the southwestern province of Balochistan. The Election Commission initially declared Kakar the winner in his constituency but overturned the results several days later. Demonstrators have held strikes, sit-ins, and roadblocks across Balochistan in recent days to protest alleged rigging. Despite the widespread allegations, caretaker Prime Minister Anwar ul-Haq Kakar and the Election Commission defended the polls, which they claimed were free and fair. 'We Will Continue To Protest' In North Waziristan, Dawar's supporters have continued to stage protests against the election results and the authorities' use of force against demonstrators. "All the markets and roads here will be closed until this barbarity and injustice is addressed," said Sher Wali Khan, a protest leader. Kakar on February 12 accused Dawar's supporters of arriving outside the military garrison "brandishing Kalashnikov rifles," a claim rejected by the protesters. Sayed Jamal, a local police officer in North Waziristan, appeared to contradict Kakar's claims by saying that government forces did not sustain any injuries. "We had no chance to protect ourselves when the security forces began shooting straight at us," Asad Dawar, a local NDM leader who was wounded, told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal. The party has vowed to continue its daily protests and legally challenge the election result in court. "We will do everything in our power to protect our rights," said Nadeem Askar, NDM's secretary-general in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Viewed 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. Flash Voting for Indonesia's general elections officially began Wednesday morning, according to the country's General Elections Commission (KPU). According to KPU Chairman Hasyim Asy'ari, the half-day voting kicked off at 7:00 a.m. and will end at 1:00 p.m. successively in Indonesia's eastern, central and western time zones. Residents of Papua, which is located at the eastern corner of the country, are the first ones to vote. Presidential election and legislative election take place simultaneously in the general elections. Over 204 million registered voters, the majority of whom are under 40, are expected to cast their votes for the president and vice president, members of the People's Representative Council, the regional representative council, and representatives at provincial, district and city level. The candidates elected will make up a new administration that will govern Indonesia for the next five years. The KPU announced that candidates from 2,710 electoral districts will compete for a total of 20,462 seats of the country's different legislative levels, including 580 seats in the People's Representative Council. In a world where climate change is rapidly changing natural habitats, polar bears have become a key symbol of the fight for survival. Summers are getting longer, global temperatures are rising, and there is less and less ice. When the frozen blocks of the Arctic disappear, bears spend more time on land, where it is difficult to find food, as their traditional hunting strategies that take advantage of the sea ice are less effective. A study published on Tuesday in Nature Communications looks at how the remaining 25,000 polar bears left on the planet are fighting to starve off starvation. In the period of late spring and early summer, polar bears use sea ice as a hunting platform. They feed mainly on seals that are giving birth and weaning their pups in the same season. When the ice melts, the Arctic giants have to slow down as much as possible to conserve energy. A team of scientists, led by wildlife biologist Anthony Pagano of the United States Geological Survey, observed polar bears up close for three weeks over the summer. To do this, they placed collars equipped with cameras and GPS on 20 bears in western Hudson Bay, Manitoba (Canada). In this area, the polar bear population has decreased by around 30% since 1987. The ice-free period has increased by three weeks since 1979, keeping bears on land for approximately 130 days in the past decade. After analyzing the images, they discovered that the polar bears used different tactics to find food and maintain their energy reserves, including scavenging and resting at similar levels as grizzly bears when they enter hibernation. Seventy percent of the polar bears who were active ate terrestrial foods such as berries, herbs and bird carcasses. Three bears swam long distances to find food in the water and although two of them found beluga and seal remains, they were unable to eat the remains while swimming or bring it to land. Irrespective of the feeding or rest strategy, the polar bears body mass fell consistently, and 19 of the 20 animals lost an average of 1 kilogram per day. More time stranded on land means greater risk of starvation for polar bears, says Pagano. Neither strategy will allow polar bears to exist on land beyond a certain amount of time. Even those bears that were foraging lost weight at the same rate as those that were resting, adds Charles Robbins, the director of the Bear Center at Washington State University, who co-authored the study. It has been speculated that polar bears could adapt to ice-free seasons by searching for terrestrial food, but the study shows that such food is not easy to find, and does not provide them with enough nutrients or energy, leading them to starve. David Nogues Bravo, a macroecologist at the Center for Macroecology, Evolution and Climate at the University of Copenhagen, who did not participate in the study, explains that the lack of food reduces the probability of maintaining generational replacement and adds that terrestrial foods gave them some energy benefit, but ultimately they had to expend more energy to access those resources. A polar bear in the western Hudson Bay region. David McGeachy The ice that covers the Arctic reaches its minimum every September, and the ice coverage is smaller and smaller every year. According to NASA data, based on satellite imaging, the polar cap has decreased in size at a rate of 12.6% each decade since 1980. A 2023 study supported by NASA and ESA satellite observations predicts that the first ice-free September will arrive between 2030 and 2050. And if greenhouse emissions are not reduced, the Arctic region will be ice-free for up to half the year by 2100. The studys findings have important implications for polar bear conservation and the possible repercussions for Arctic marine and terrestrial ecosystems. If polar bears presence are hunting for longer periods of time in terrestrial areas, this will have indirect impacts on other species such as birds, Nogues explains. Bears are able to eat dozens of eggs in a short time and reduce the probability that those bird populations will survive, he adds. While it is not news that the polar bears are in serious danger of extinction, what is surprising is the massive decline in cubs and the starvation faced by adults due to melting sea ice. Ive seen polar bears in the Arctic and its a sobering sight to witness the path of this species towards its probable functional extinction in the not too distant future, says Nogues, who stresses that it is important to keep in mind that the biodiversity crisis and the climate crisis are not two different crises, but two sides of the same coin. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The price of Afghan opium is skyrocketing. One kilogram of the poppies juice the key ingredient of narcotic painkillers such as morphine and stronger derivatives like heroin costs around $408 on the market. That is almost five times what it was in 2022, and marks its highest price in two decades. The cultivation ban imposed by the Taliban regime has had a major impact on opium poppy production in all regions of the mountainous country, which is located in the heart of Asia and was, until recently, the worlds leading supplier of the substance. At the national level, according to estimates from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the area used for poppy cultivation decreased by 95.3% in 2023 (down from 233,000 hectares to 10,800 hectares). The drop has disrupted the countrys fragile economy, which seemed to have stabilized by the end of 2022 after its decline when the Taliban entered Kabul and took control of the country on August 15, 2021. The ban has deprived millions of people of income, says Kate Clark, co-director of Afghanistan Analysts Network, a non-profit organization. Although it was announced in April 2022, the veto was implemented in earnest beginning with the fall planting season of the same year, meaning that in 2023, it completed its first year in effect. Prohibition has put pressure on a country where millions suffer from hunger, due to decades of armed conflict, corruption, political instability and now too, the effects of climate change, which have included severe droughts and freezing winter temperatures. It has cost farmers more than $1 billion in lost revenue, not including losses related to the processing, trade and export of opiates, explains William Byrd, senior expert on Afghanistan at the United States Institute of Peace, an independent agency. This is expected to have a negative effect on the countrys overall economy. Statistics regarding that subject are scarce and unreliable, and so far, there have been no details released on 2023 production. The World Bank, however, estimates that Afghan GDP declined by 21% in 2021 and by another 6% in 2022. The pace of the economy remained weak throughout the previous fiscal year and its outlook for 2024 is poor, given that opium continues to be banned and humanitarian aid is in decline, a consequence of the Taliban regimes return. The economic effect of the ban has been somewhat mitigated by some stockpiles from previous harvests, Byrd says. But poor households in rural areas dont have that cushion, and suffer more. As they run out, the macroeconomic impact will get worse, he says. Since the late 1970s, opium has played a key role in the country, especially in rural areas. In 2022, it contributed one-third of the total value of national agricultural production, according to the UNODC. At the household level, its sale accounts for up to 50% of a familys income. In some regions, it occupied a significant proportion of land. In Helmand, located in southern Afghanistan, the site of hundreds of murders nearly always carried out by the Taliban, one-fifth of the land under cultivation was devoted to opium poppy. In some districts, the proportion was even higher and had displaced extremely important foodstuffs, such as wheat, U.N. sources says. That cereal is once again filling fields, as its germination cycle coincides with that of poppy. An analysis that focused on four provinces (Farah, Helmand, Kandahar and Nangarhar, which accounted for 74% of poppy production in 2022), suggested that approximately 68% of arable land had been replanted with grain. This means fewer resources. While a hectare of wheat sells for $770, a hectare of poppy generates around $10,000, according to a U.N. report. Local agriculture is going through a real drama, says Jose Miguel Calvillo, professor of International Relations at the Department of Political Science and Sociology of Complutense University of Madrid. Whether we like it or not, the sale of opium is one of the main sources of income, says Calvillo, author of the Spanish language book Afganistan: un conflicto permanente (Afghanistan: a permanent conflict). The effects of the Talibans opium ban have even gone international. Afghan opium is used to produce 95% of the heroin consumed in Europe, according to Orzala Nemat, a research associate at Humanitarian Policy Group, in an article published by Chatham House, a London-based think tank. The ban could lead to a global shortage, and it is unlikely that Myanmar, which is now the top producer of the opium poppy, and other countries, will be able to fill the gap in the short term, say UNODC sources. The gap is significant. With the 2023 harvest, some 333 tons of opium have been generated, 94.6% less than a year earlier. This translates into less heroin: some 24 to 38 tons of the export grade semi-synthetic opiate (which features a purity of between 50% to 70%), which is a fraction of 2022s numbers (between 350 and 580 tons). A boost to fentanyl Such a decline in production could lead to a reduction in purity or substitution of heroin with other substances in retail markets, some of which can be even more harmful, such as fentanyl, UNODC says. This is not the first time the Taliban have turned off the opium supply. They also banned poppy cultivation during their previous regime (1996-2001). That prohibition was similar to their current ban, though back then, farmers had sufficient stockpiles, which served to weather the situation and continue to answer demand for the illicit drug. Today, however, the amount of opium poppy and other opiates that remain stockpiled in farmers inventories is unknown. Continued seizures and field reports suggest that farmers and traders are depleting their stockpiles, according to the UNODC. The Afghan crisis is completely forgotten by the Western world, Calvillo says. And that lack of attention could be exploited by criminal groups. Reduced incomes along the Afghan opiate supply chain could stimulate alternative illicit activities, potentially leading to increased trafficking in other substances such as synthetic drugs like methamphetamine, states the UNODC report. Translated by Caitlin Donohue. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The team at HenParty.ie have examined online search data over a five year period to find the most loved-up spots across the nation. Based on their findings, Athy, Co. Kildare has been crowned as Ireland's most romantic town, scoring 578 out of a possible 800 on HenParty.ie's loved-up scale. Ballinasloe makes the list of the ten most romantic towns in Ireland. The full Top 10 list in order is: 1. Athy, Co. Kildare 2. Newbridge, Co. Kildare 3. Ennis. Co. Clare 4. Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary 5. Ranafast, Co. Donegal 6. Celbridge, Co. Kildare 7. Kildare town, Co. Kildare 8. New Ross, Co. Wexford 9. Cavan Town 10. Ballinasloe. Co. Galway. At the other end of the scale, romantics in places like Roscommon, Leixlip, Maynooth and Mullingar may be disappointed this Valentines Day. All of these towns ranked in the bottom 10, making them some of the most unromantic towns in the country. Using data from online Google searches for eight specific Valentine's Day related terms, namely roses, flowers, perfume, red wine, white wine, prosecco, chocolates, and Notino (an online perfume retailer), HenParty.ie analysed these over a period of 5 years to determine the romantic hotspots in Ireland. The organisers of a very special event next week in Castlerea, aimed at sustaining mental health and wellness in rural communities, hope it will mark the beginning of a conversation where people in a crisis can be reassured that there are supports available. The Keeping it lit evening taking place tomorrow evening, Thursday, February 15, at 7 p.m. in the Trinity Arts Centre was borne out of the number of suicides in Castlerea and surrounding areas last year, Breege Callaghan explains. Breege, one of the organisers, is a clinical nurse manager who has worked in mental health services for more than 20 years. Weve had a number of suicides across this area, specifically last year. I suppose, as a parent living in the community and as a nurse working in the services, there seems to be a disconnect between the services or how the services work and whats available for people or where the supports are, she said. Following on from one of the tragedies, Breege and a local mental health nurse, Phelim Nolan, organised a meeting in a local community hall with the assistance of the HSEs SOS (Suicide or Survive) team who are based in the primary care centre in Roscommon Town. One of the things that came out of that meeting was that people did not know where to go in a crisis. When someone has a heart attack, people in the community know where the defibrillator is, and people are also trained up in CPR. They know how to react straight away. They know who to contact. But if there is a mental health crisis, what happens? People actually dont know where to go, Breege adds. She also believes that some people are still suffering in the fallout from the covid pandemic. Theres a level of anxiety in our communities all the time with people. Some people have more resilience than others and they can bounce back from it, and some havent that same resilience. We need to start talking and we need to be talking in a language that people understand around your mood, how youre feeling, and where you go if youre not feeling well. The Keeping it lit event is about making people aware of the range of services that are available in a mental health crisis. Information is power, knowledge is power, and we need to get that the knowledge out to people, she said. Information on support services will be available on the night of this free event, where three speakers will take centre stage. Main guest speaker will be well-known writer and poet Michael Harding, who has the lived experience of dealing with depression. Another speaker is JG Murphy, of Lecarrow Wellness, who works in the area of mental health and wellness, and has worked with farmers in how to manage stress and anxiety. Castlerea native and manager of the St Kevins mens senior GAA team Dara Bruen will talk about resilience, self-belief, and confidence. Breege described the positive impact Dara and his teams exploits on the pitch had on the local community last year asimmense. Keeping it lit is supported by the HSE and funded by Roscommon Well Connected Social Prescribing, through Roscommon Leader Partnership. This free event is open to everybody, but we would like as many men as possible to attend because its men we need to be getting the message to. We want this to be the beginning of a conversation around mental health and wellness that people are reassured that there is hope, and they know where to go for help. A special Roscommon apple tree is to be planted at Aras an Uachtarain in memory of President Michael D. Higgins Bernese Mountain dog, Brod, who passed away last year. During a visit to the Aras, the Irish Seed Savers Association recently presented President Higgins and Sabina Higgins with the unique tree, a Lough Key Crab tree discovered in the estate of Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle. The tree was found within the stump of a birch tree, boasting beautiful deep pink blossom, dark purple tinged foliage, and deep crimson crab apples. The Irish Seed Savers Association presenting President Michael D. Higgins and Sabina Higgins with the Lough Key Crab tree in memory of the President's dog Brod, who passed away last year. The Presidents beloved dog Brod, who passed away in April 2023 at the age of 11, had been a cherished member of the Higgins family since arriving as an eight-week-old puppy at the Aras. Over the years, Brod brought joy to the thousands of visitors who had the pleasure of meeting him during their visits to Aras an Uachtarain. The Lough Key Crab tree holds significant importance as it is part of the National Irish Heritage Apple Tree Collection conserved at the Irish Seed Savers Association. President Higgins expressed his gratitude for the meaningful gesture from the Irish Seed Savers Association, emphasising the importance of preserving Ireland's agricultural heritage. The planting of the Lough Key Crab tree at Aras an Uachtarain serves as a poignant tribute to Brod and contributes to the protection of Irelands apple tree heritage. The Irish Seed Savers Association, established in 1991, is an environmental organisation and social enterprise with a mission to conserve, protect, and utilise Ireland's diverse genetic food crop heritage. Committed to safeguarding food crop biodiversity for present and future generations, the organisation also focuses on educating the public in the sustainable and ethical use of these precious resources. By doing so, it makes a significant contribution to seed and Irish heritage apple tree conservation. For more information about the Irish Seed Savers Association and their mission, people can visit www.irishseedsavers.ie Taoiseach Leo Varadkar's comments on Israel being "blinded by rage" and the fallout from RTE's Toy Show musical controversy are among the stories that feature on Wednesday's front pages. The Irish Times leads with Mr Varadkar's comments about Israel in the Dail. The Irish Examiner leads with similar comments from Tanaiste Micheal Martin, who said Israel is "acting like a monster" in Gaza. The Irish Independent leads with the Toy Show musical controversy. The Echo leads with a story on a fatal crash in Cork. The Irish Daily Mail leads with Moya Doherty's comments on the Toy Show musical. Happy St Valentine's Day... find out if your love is 'the one' in this week's Inspire pullout in your Irish Daily Mail! pic.twitter.com/fh6kOFHaCz The Irish Daily Mail (@irishdailymail) February 14, 2024 The Herald leads with a story on a money launderer who has been jailed after gardai seized 1.6 million in cash. In the North, a murder trial makes the front page of the Belfast Telegraph. The Irish News leads with a story on pollution at Lough Neagh. The Taoiseach's comments on Israel's actions in Gaza also make the front page. Good Morning. Today's front page : Thick scum at canal as crisis fears grow pic.twitter.com/YS2E0vS2zt The Irish News (@irish_news) February 14, 2024 The death of BBC radio presenter DJ Steve Wright features across many of Wednesdays UK newspapers. The veteran BBC radio presenter and broadcasting legend died on Monday, his family have revealed, with The Sun and the Daily Star leading with the news. Wednesday's DAILY STAR: BBC DJ legend Steve Wright dead at 69#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/R9hJwTCeHm Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) February 13, 2024 The Metro and the Daily Mail both tell of outrage after the launch of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's new website, which breaches a deal with the late Queen Elizabeth. Wednesday's METRO: A click in the teeth for Charles#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/9ElvIlhxK3 Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) February 13, 2024 The Daily Telegraph, The Times, The Guardian and the i all report on the latest row impacting Labour, with the party nixing ties with a second candidate over their comments on Israel. Wednesday's DAILY TELEGRAPH: Labour faces fresh crisis over anti-Israel remarks#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/1UuMzHuzBF Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) February 13, 2024 Wednesday's TIMES: Labour in crisis after a second suspension#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/k6OK7Lpiva Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) February 13, 2024 Wednesday's GUARDIAN: Labour in turmoil as party ditches second candidate over Israel views#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/mIIIOsqEXf Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) February 13, 2024 Wednesday's i: Starmer fights to limit damage after second candidate rants about Israel#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/Upc2vmu6p1 Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) February 13, 2024 A jury has been told that the mastermind of an armed robbery that left one police officer dead and another seriously injured avoided arrest for nearly 20 years, according to the Daily Mirror. Daily Express leads with a Tory MP who was left feeling confronted after protesters turned up to his house to lambast him for his support of Israel. Wednesday's DAILY EXPRESS: WHat on earth is Britain coming to?#tomorrowspaperstoday pic.twitter.com/dXbhWLvOwo Jack Surfleet (@jacksurfleet) February 13, 2024 And lastly, the Financial Times says Nato is preparing for a new White House with plans to appease Donald Trump if he is elected as US president later this year. Educational exposure of ideas, assumptions or hypotheses, based on proven facts" (which need not be strictly current affairs) Value in judgments are excluded, and the text comes close to an opinion article, without judging or making forecasts , just formulating hypotheses, giving motivated explanations and bringing together a variety of data The director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has earned a reputation for being a disciplined representative of the United Nations, restrained in both his manner and language. That is why it attracted so much attention when, a few days ago, he described the negotiations for the new multilateral pandemic agreement as a torrent of fake news, lies, and conspiracy theories. A potential failure for which future generations may not forgive us. After 29 million deaths, generational trauma and a billion-dollar debt well be paying off for decades, according to the planets foremost health authority, the international community appears to have learned nothing. Any serious analysis of the negotiations justifies Ghebreyesuss alarm. With less than 16 weeks to go before the World Health Assembly, which needs to approve an agreement that until recently seemed like a done deal, differences between rich and poor countries, the distortion of geopolitical context and greed drive interference of private interests threaten to pulverize two years of negotiations, and leave the multilateral system defenseless in the face of the next pandemic. A quick glance at the ProMED alert chart should be sufficient to remind us of whats at stake. The International Society for Infectious Diseases program has been working since 1994 to gauge and tackle the risk of emerging pathogens and infectious vectors that could give rise to much larger problems. If you look at the landing page of ProMEDs website, you will see a world map full of red and orange indicators, suggesting that health risks from viruses and bacteria are as real a threat as they were in February 2020, even if we hardly mention them. One of the best indicators of the transience of political priorities is that ProMED itself is struggling to stay afloat financially. If the international community is unable to understand why we need a good epidemiological surveillance system in the throes of pandemic, how can we expect it to prepare for other health risks? If the international community is unable to understand why we need a good epidemiological surveillance system in the throes of pandemic, how can we expect it to prepare for other health risks? After all, infectious diseases are not our only concern. Extreme natural events like wildfires, droughts and floods stemming from climate change armed conflicts or biochemical and radioactive accidents can put even the most sophisticated health systems at risk. Nuclear episodes, for example, were the stuff of movie dystopias before the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, but today they are a real scenario for which we are obliged to prepare in much the same way as we would for other health emergencies. In this context, the multilateral pandemic agreement carries with it a symbolic and political weight that multiplies the value of its content. The text that is being negotiated covers an ample spectrum of preparedness and response systems: from epidemiological surveillance and information-sharing models to the resilience of health systems, also including access to biotechnological development, coordination between public-private actors and public communication. All of these are complex territories in which the international community has demonstrated that it has a lot of room for improvement. The main challenges for the agreement are concentrated in two minefields of global health: control of knowledge and sharing of resources. For the Global South, it will only be possible to correct the profound inequities and inefficiencies of the Covid-19 response if the North facilitates the distribution of diagnostics, treatments and vaccines. This improvement also depends on response financing based on the principle of differentiated common responsibilities that have already been applied in other negotiations, such as those on climate. From the perspective of the North and its influential pharmaceutical sector reconsideration of intellectual property rules seems as anathema as the introduction of binding financial commitments. In 17 OECD countries, the budget for health programs fell in 2022 to levels similar to or below that of mandatory financial commitments in 2019 The elites disinterest in the multilateral agreement reflects deeper problems. As experts churn out reports that warn of the possibility of new health cataclysms, governments commitment to preparedness and response systems appears to be fading. In 17 OECD countries, the budget for health programs fell in 2022 to levels similar to or below that of mandatory financial commitments in 2019. The new WHO/World Bank Pandemic Fund one of the few tangible outcomes of the Covid-19 catastrophe has only received $1.6 billion of the $10 billion that has been requested from donors for a first attempt at preparedness and response effort in low- and middle-income countries. We are running the risk of establishing a dangerous precedent. The most worrisome part of Covid-19 response evaluations in many countries is not the circus of lies, abuse and incompetency that have been uncovered, but rather a surprising disinterest in learning from our mistakes. And in this, Spain is no exception. Although the State Public Health Agency meant to organize preparedness and response actions, among other functions will soon be rolled out, the government has so far failed to approve a Global Health Strategy to determine our priorities in this essential debate, as the EU and several neighboring countries have done. In Spains Parliament, the issue seems to have lost all electoral sex appeal: of the 459 health-related initiatives in 2023, less than a dozen made direct reference to preparedness for future health risks. Meanwhile, the evaluation of the countrys National Health Systems pandemic response by independent experts, which was commissioned in 2021, took a year and a half to arrive and wound up being shelved for eight months, only to be published in December 2022, to no apparent impact on public debate. Ignoring the recommendations of this report would be as serious a mistake as trying to impose speicial interests on the negotiations of a multilateral pandemic agreement. Both emphasize the fundamental role of health systems, starting with primary care and public health services, and the need to correct serious shortcomings in administrative coordination, the flow of information and institutional and legal framework. Multinational mechanisms, such as the Pandemic Fund and, in the case of Europe, the new Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), are of urgent need. The necessity of fairer and smarter mechanisms in developing, producing and distributing vaccines and other essential products is apparent. A piecemeal approach that ignores the deep interconnections between the health of people, the planet and the other beings that inhabit it would be disastrous. This is no leaden debate about an obscure international agreement. Nor can it be a bargaining chip in the geopolitical poker game. Negotiations to regulate the global response to pandemic should be fueled by the memory of those we watched suffer and die. That is the standard that citizens must set for their representatives. As the authors of a letter signed by some 50 scientific, political and social leaders alarmed by the state of these negotiations point out, A new pandemic threat is inevitable. A new pandemic is not if we act now. Gonzalo Fanjul is director of policy analysis at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition PM Narendra Modi Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme PM Narendra Modi Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced the launch of rooftop solar power scheme for free electricity PM Surya Ghar Free Electricity Scheme. PM Modi wants to encourage people to install solar panels on rooftops. The project, with an investment of over Rs 75,000 crore, aims to light 1 crore homes by providing up to 300 units of free electricity every month. From actual subsidies, which will be given directly into people's bank accounts, to deeply concessional bank loans, the central government will ensure that there is no cost burden on people. All stakeholders will be linked to a national online portal which will provide further convenience. Advertisement How to apply for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana? 1. Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. Typically, this includes factors such as income level, residence status, and other specific requirements outlined by the scheme. 2. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents such as proof of identity, proof of residence, income certificate, and any other documents specified in the application guidelines. Advertisement 3. Visit Official Website: Go to the official website of the PM Surya Ghar Yojana or the designated portal for online applications. You can find this information through a simple online search or by visiting the official government website. 4. Navigate to Application Section: Look for the section dedicated to applying for the PM Surya Ghar Yojana on the website. It may be labeled as "Apply Now" or "Online Registration." 5. Register/Login: If you're a new user, register on the portal by providing basic details such as your name, email address, and mobile number. If you're a returning user, log in using your credentials. Advertisement 6. Fill in Application Form: Complete the online application form with accurate information. Fill in all required fields and double-check the details before submission. 7. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of the required documents as specified in the application form. Make sure the documents are clear and legible. 8. Review and Submit: Review the entire application form and uploaded documents to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once satisfied, submit the application. Advertisement 9. Receive Application Acknowledgment: After submitting the application, you may receive an acknowledgment or reference number. Note down the number for future reference. 10. Wait for Verification and Approval: The authorities will verify your application and documents. This process may take some time, so be patient. 11. Receive Confirmation and Benefits: If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of your enrollment in the PM Surya Ghar Yojana. You will then be eligible to avail the benefits under the scheme, which may include subsidies or assistance for solar home installations. 12. Follow-Up if Necessary: In case of any inquiries or updates regarding your application, you can follow up with the designated authorities through the contact Agriculture Ministers Arjun Munda Arjun Munda urged the farmers to maintain a peaceful environment Farmers Protest 2024 Day 2 Update: Farmer organizations are once again marching to the capital Delhi with their demands. After the meeting with Union Ministers on Monday remained inconclusive, farmers from Punjab-Haryana and Western UP left for Delhi by filling tractor trolleys with tents, ration and other items. Meanwhile, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has released a statement over the issue. The Union Minister said, "I had already said that our efforts to hold positive discussions with the farmers' union will continue. The government is alert on the issues of farmers. The government has also talked to farmer organizations and is again ready for further meetings also." Advertisement Arjun Munda said that the decisions related to the laws must be taken after a critical analyzing so it not only benefits the farmers but also in the future too. Henceforth, he appealed some amount of patience at the farmers end. "We are ready to hold discussions.....We need to take into account all the sides and hold the talks..I request the farmers' union to maintain the environment for discussions.....", said the Union Misnister. Arjun Munda has urged the farmers in his statement to maintain a peaceful environment and not make it difficult for the other citizens to carry out the work of their every day lives. Farmers fly kites to take down drones Haryana Police fired tear gas shells from drone for the first time Farmers protest 2024 update: Farmers from North India have been steadfast in their determination to march towards Delhi, demanding a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) and other demands. Farmers have been adamant on going to Delhi for 2 days. These people are standing on the Punjab and Haryana border points. They are demanding to make MSP a law. At present, the police and administration have increased vigil in Delhi and surrounding areas. Delhi border has been sealed while the border points in Punjab and Haryana are also blocked. On one hand, the government is trying to stop them, on the other hand, farmers are fighting them with unique weapons. Advertisement To stop the farmers, Haryana Police fired tear gas shells from drone for the first time. Haryana Police has become the first police in the country to do so. Farmers have found a solution to these drones. They are trying to entangle the propellers or wings of the drone by flying kites with long strings. If this happens, the drone will fall out of control. The move is the latest in a string of strategies that farmers are taking to counter the government's tear gas attacks. Earlier, farmers had tried to break the barricades using tractors and protect themselves with water cannons. Gramin Bharat Bandh on Feb 16 Farmers will stage chakka jams between 12pm and 4pm Farmers Protest 2024, Gramin Bharat Bandh on 16 Feb Update: Farmers across the North India have been protesting against the Central Government for not fuilling their promises that it made in 2021 while repealing the three farm laws. However, several farm organisations didn't participated in this year's Delhi Chalo March but they have now started supporting them because of the police's "attack" on farmers. Advertisement There is huge anger among the farmers against corporate loot in agriculture and non-fulfillment of the six demands that were accepted after 13 months of agitation in 2021. District Secretary Master Jagroshan said that the Government of India should give statutory guarantee by issuing MSP, as per its promise. Gramin Bharat Bandh on 16 Feb: Amidst the ongoing "Delhi Chalo' March, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16. The SKM's Gramin Bharat Bandh will kick off from 6am to 4pm. Advertisement According to the reports, the Bandh will also be supported by central trade unions. Farmers will stage chakka jams between 12pm and 4pm. Also, most of the states and National highways in Punjab will be closed for four hours on Friday. New Zealand will on Wednesday release January figures for electronic card retail sales, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. In December, card sales were down 2.0 percent on month and 0.6 percent on year. Finally, the in Taiwan and China remain closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. The European Union's Digital Markets Act or DMA has determined that Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iMessage, along with other products such as Microsoft's Bing, Edge, and Microsoft Advertising, do not hold dominant market positions, and thus won't be subjected to stricter regulations. The DMA had been investigating whether iMessage should be classified as a "core platform service" and forced to interoperate with other messaging rivals, including WhatsApp. However, the EU's executive arm has concluded that iMessage does not meet the criteria for such regulation. If iMessage were to be designated as a gatekeeper service under the DMA regulations, Apple would have to ensure compatibility with other messaging services. However, the EU has instead decided to continue monitoring market developments related to these services for any significant changes. Apple's iMessage system will continue to operate as a closed system, but with the additional compatibility of RCS messaging standard, which will allow Androids and iPhones to share emoji reactions and message receipts. Apple has committed to supporting the RCS messaging standard from this year onwards, which will enhance the security and features of messaging between iMessage and Android. However, it's worth noting that RCS texts will still appear in green bubbles, distinguishing them from iMessage's blue bubbles. It's important to note that while iMessage may not be subjected to stricter regulations, some of Apple's other products including iOS, the App Store, and Safari are subject to the DMA's regulations. Meanwhile, the EU has classified Meta's Messenger and WhatsApp as gatekeeper services, requiring them to cooperate with other messaging apps. Apple, on the other hand, faces additional allegations of being a gatekeeper with its other core services, such as iOS, the App Store, and Safari. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Japan will on Thursday release preliminary Q4 numbers for gross domestic product, highlighting a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. GDP is expected to add 0.2 percent on quarter and fall 1.0 percent on year after slipping 0.7 percent on quarter and 2.9 percent on year. South Korea will provide January data for imports, exports and trade balance. In December, imports were down 7.8 percent on year and exports jumped 18.0 percent for a trade surplus of $0.30 billion. Australia will see January numbers for unemployment, with the jobless rate expected to creep up to 4.0 percent from 3.9 percent in December. The Australian is expected to add 20,700 jobs after shedding 65,100 jobs in the previous month. The participation rate is expected to tick up 66.9 percent from 66.8 percent a month earlier. Indonesia will release January figures for imports, exports and trade balance. Imports are expected to rise 1.3 percent on year after slipping 3.81 percent in December. Exports are called lower by an annual 1.8 percent after slumping 5.76 percent in the previous month. The trade surplus is pegged at $3,00 billion, down from $3.30 billion a month earlier. Finally, the in China remain closed for the Lunar New Year holiday. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Oil prices were little changed on Wednesday, reversing some of Tuesday's gains as industry data showed a substantial build in U.S. crude stockpiles. Geopolitical tensions lingered in the Middle East and eastern Europe, helping limit the downside. Benchmark Brent crude futures were little changed at $82.84 a barrel, while WTI crude futures were marginally lower at $77.84. Oil consolidated gains after reaching the highest level in two weeks amid heighted tensions in the Middle East, where Houthi militants continue to attack commercial vessels in the Red Sea. "The Americans and the British have failed to secure the passage of any ship heading to Israel. They were unable to protect these ships. They can no longer protect even American, British ships, and this is a real and major victory for us," leader of the Ansar Allah (Houthi) group in Yemen, Abdul Malik Al-Houthi, said in a speech broadcast on TV yesterday. Meanwhile, media reports said citing sources that the United States has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine. The oil report from the American Petroleum Institute (API) proved to be a mixed bag, with a steep build in crude inventories cushioned by sharp falls in refined products. Inventory data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) will be out later in the session. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis Democrat Tom Suozzi has won the special election in New York's 3rd Congressional District. Suossi, who previously served three terms in the US House, defeated Republican Mazi Pilip. With most of the votes tallied, Suozzi won nearly 54 percent, while Pilip had more than 46 percent, reports say. Nassau County legislator Mazi Pilip conceded defeat and congratulated his rival. Suozzi will complete the rest of the disgraced former Republican Rep. George Santos' term in the House. Santos was expelled in December over multiple allegations of ethics violations, including corruption, fraud and misuse of campaign funds. This is seen as a big win for the Democrats in the lower house, where the Republicans' razor-thin majority will become even slimmer. Without Santos, GOP has 221 Representatives in the current House, while Democratic Party has 213, including Suozzi. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News President Joe Biden has urged Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the bipartisan national security bill to the floor of the House of Representatives immediately. "There is no question that if the Senate bill was put on the floor in the House, it would pass. And the Speaker knows that," he said after the Senate voted overwhelmingly to move forward with the National Security Supplemental. Biden added, "I call on the Speaker to let the full House speak its mind and not allow a minority of the most extreme voices in the House to block this bill even from being voted on." Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said, "It's time for the Speaker to schedule a vote on this bipartisan package immediately." The Senate approved the revised version of the $95.34 billion national security supplemental package by a margin of 70 to 29 votes after excluding the bipartisan border policy changes agreed to by negotiators and border funding. Senate Republicans indicated they would vote against the Bill if it included border policy provisions. 22 Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, crossed party lines to vote in favor of the legislation. The Bill is unlikely to pass in the House, where the Republicans hold a majority, and the Speaker suggesting that he might block it. It mainly includes $60.06 billion to support Ukraine; $14.1 billion in security assistance for Israel; $2.44 billion to support operations in the U.S. Central Command and address conflict in the Red Sea; and $9.15 billion in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones. $4.83 billion is earmarked to support key regional partners in the Indo-Pacific and deter aggression by the Chinese government. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency speaks during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Feb. 13, 2024. The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog warned Tuesday that Iran is not entirely transparent regarding its atomic program, particularly after an official who once led Tehrans program announced the Islamic Republic has all the pieces for a weapon in our hands. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, just across the Persian Gulf, Rafael Mariano Grossi, the director-general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, alluded to remarks made this weekend by Ali Akbar Salehi. Grossi noted an accumulation of complexities in the wider Middle East amid Israels war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Iran, after the collapse of its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, has pursued nuclear enrichment just below weapons-grade levels. Tehran has accumulated enough enriched uranium to build several weapons if it chooses. However, U.S. intelligence agencies and others assess that Iran has yet to begin a weapons program. Israel long has been believed to have its own nuclear weapons program. Iran is presenting a face which is not entirely transparent when it comes to its nuclear activities. Of course this increases dangers, Grossi said. Theres loose talk about nuclear weapons more and more, including in Iran recently. A very high official said, in fact, we have everything, its disassembled. Well, please let me know what you have. Iran, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, has pledged to allow the IAEA to visit its atomic sites to ensure its program is peaceful. Tehran also agreed to additional oversight from the IAEA as part of the 2015 nuclear deal. Grossi did not identify the Iranian official who made the comment. However, in an Iranian state television show late Sunday, Salehi said that the country had all it needed to build a weapon. We have all the (pieces) of nuclear science and technology. Let me give an example, Salehi said. What does a car need? It needs a chassis, it needs an engine, it needs a steering wheel, it needs a gearbox. Have you made a gearbox? I say yes. An engine? But each one is for its own purpose. Salehi made a similar comment Saturday. We have it in our hands, he said then. Since 2022, Iranian officials have spoken openly about something long denied by Tehran as it enriches uranium at its closest-ever levels to weapons-grade material: the Islamic Republic is ready to build an atomic weapon at will. That includes Kamal Kharrazi, an adviser to Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who told Al Jazeera that Tehran has the ability to build nuclear weapons but does not intend to do so. Salehis comments represent an escalation. He served as the head of the civilian Atomic Energy Organization of Iran under then-President Hassan Rouhani, a relative moderate within Irans theocracy who reached the 2015 deal with world powers. The hardening of Irans position comes as militias it arms in the region Lebanons Hezbollah and Yemens Houthi rebels have launched attacks targeting Israel. The Houthis continue to attack commercial shipping in the region, sparking repeated airstrikes from the U.S. and the United Kingdom. Meanwhile Tuesday, Iran released footage of a ballistic missile being fired off the Shahid Mahdavi, a container ship transformed by Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard into a floating base. The footage showed a Fateh missile fired from a launcher disguised as a shipping container, potentially meaning Iran could hide the launcher on other vessels. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 2024 Tata Nexon Achieves Outstanding 5-Star Safety Rating in Global NCAP Crash Test Tata Motors proudly announced today that the all-new Nexon (ICE), the countrys bestselling SUV, has achieved the prestigious 5-star rating for both adult occupant protection (32.22/34 points) and child occupant protection (44.52/49 points) from the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP). This remarkable achievement solidifies Tata Motors commitment to safety, with all its new SUV models now holding the coveted 5-star rating from GNCAP. 2024 Tata Nexon Adult Safety 2024 Tata Nexon earned an impressive score of 32.22 out of 34.00 for adult safety, reinforcing its robust safety features and structural integrity. The detailed assessment of the frontal impact revealed commendable protection for both the driver and passenger. The head and neck protection were deemed good, while the chest received adequate shielding. Additionally, the knees and tibias of both the driver and passenger were well-protected, contributing to the overall stellar performance. In the side impact evaluation, the head, abdomen, and pelvis demonstrated excellent protection, while the chest received adequate shielding. The side pole impact test further highlighted the effectiveness of the standard curtain airbags, providing good protection to the head and pelvis, marginal protection to the chest, and adequate protection to the abdomen. The bodyshell of the Tata Nexon was rated as stable, showcasing its capability to withstand additional loadings. Equipped with standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), the car met Global NCAPs latest requirements, ensuring acceptable performance in the test. Standard Seat Belt Reminder (SBR) systems in all seating positions met the necessary standards, contributing to the Nexons outstanding 5-star safety rating. 2024 Tata Nexon Child Safety Tata Motors has also prioritized child safety in the design of the 2024 Nexon, as evidenced by its remarkable score of 44.52 out of 49.00 in the child safety category. During the frontal impact test, the child seats for both the 3-year-old and 18-month-old were installed rearward-facing using i-size anchorages and a support leg. The results demonstrated nearly full protection, preventing head exposure and ensuring the safety of the youngest passengers. In the side impact evaluation, the Child Restraint Systems (CRS) offered comprehensive protection, emphasizing Tata Nexons commitment to safeguarding children in various collision scenarios. The inclusion of three-point belts in all seating positions as standard further enhances the child safety features of the vehicle. Additionally, the Tata Nexon provides consumers with the option to disconnect the passenger airbag when a rearward-facing CRS is installed in the front passenger position, meeting safety requirements. The CRS installation passed for all positions, underscoring Tata Motors dedication to ensuring the highest level of child safety. Mr. Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, Safety is ingrained in our DNA, and we are proud to earn the prestigious 5-star rating from Global NCAP for the new Nexon as per the enhanced 2022 protocol. It was the first car in India to receive a 5-star rating from GNCAP in 2018, and it upholds this legacy, showcasing our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. Top 3 Hyundai cars are SUVs (Creta, Venue, Exter), and together they account for over 58% of the domestic sales in Jan 2024 Hyundai India once again regained its No. 2 spot on the list of best-selling automakers in India in January 2024. The company had been overtaken by Tata Motors by 721 units in December 2023. Hyundai Motor India, reported record sales of 57,115 units in January 2024, up 14 percent over 50,106 units sold in January 2023. It was also a 34 percent MoM growth as against 42,750 units sold in December 2023. Hyundai Sales Breakup Jan 2024 Hyundai Creta led the list with 13,212 units sold in January 2024. This was a 12 percent YoY de-growth over 15,037 units sold in January 2023 while MoM sales improved by 43 percent from 9,243 units sold in December 2023. It was the Hyundai Creta facelift, which helped the company to record its highest ever monthly sales in January 2024. Hyundai Venue followed at No. 2 with 11,831 units sold last month. This was a 10 percent YoY and 14 percent MoM growth over 10,738 units and 10,383 units sold in January 2023 and December 2023 respectively. The relatively new Hyundai Exter saw sales of 8,229 units in the past month, a 9 percent growth from 7,516 units sold in December 2023. At No 4 is Hyundai i20, which has posted a YoY decline in sales by 13 percent in January 2024 with sales falling to 7,083 units in the said month. There had been 8,185 units sold in January 2023. MoM sales improved by 55 percent from 4,574 units sold in December 2023. The Grand i10 also saw lower YoY sales by 22 percent to 6,865 units in the past month but improved by 31 percent MoM over 5,247 units sold in December 2023. Earlier this month, the company introduced the new Hyundai i20 Sportz (O) with added features over the regular Sportz trim. Hyundai Aura, Verna, Alcazar Sales Growth Hyundai has seen outstanding sales growth for the Aura, Verna and Alcazar in January 2024 Aura sales grew by 19 percent YoY and 45 percent MoM to 5,516 units while Verna sales were up 118 percent YoY and 205 percent MoM to 2,172 units. Alcazar had 1,827 units sold last month relating to a 19 percent YoY and 92 percent MoM growth. Even as sales of the Tucson improved by 2 percent YoY to 183 units, sales fell by 12 percent MoM over 209 units sold in December 2023. There were also 102 units of the Hyundai Kona sold last month with a 155 percent YoY and 437 percent MoM improvement in sales while Ioniq5 sales stood at 95 units up 17 percent over 81 units sold in December 2023. Kia India Delivers 71 Specially Customized Carens as Purpose-Built Vehicles to Punjab Police Kia India has marked a significant milestone by delivering 71 specially customized Carens as Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) to the Punjab Police. This comes after the successful unveiling of the Carens as PBVs at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2024. Under the hood, the customized Carens boasts a Smartstream 1.5 Petrol engine paired with a 6-speed Manual transmission. Customized Features of Carens PBVs for Punjab Police The purpose of these PBVs is to serve as Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs), equipped to provide immediate assistance during emergencies. Kias entry into the PBV segment underscores its commitment to addressing diverse mobility requirements for specialized institutions in India. The Punjab Police opted for the Kia Carens due to its cutting-edge technology, advanced connected features, larger wheelbase, and enhanced comfort in the third row. The Carens has emerged as the preferred mobility choice, meeting the stringent demands of law enforcement agencies. Kia Carens safety features are in line with industry standards, including a High Strength Steel structure, All Wheel Disc Brakes, ABS, Idle Stop & Go, and TPMS, ensuring a secure and reliable driving experience. The PBVs are equipped with custom High-Intensity Strobe lights, PA Systems, and Dial 112 Emergency Response Vehicle Decals. To power the additional equipment, a higher capacity 60Ah battery has been installed. The Carens spacious interior and practical design, including features like 2nd-row 60:40 split, 3rd-row 55:50 split, adjustable headrests in all rows, a 12V Power Socket, and 5 USB Type-C Ports, make it an ideal choice for Punjab Police Officials seeking flexibility in their operations. Mr. Myung-sik Sohns Perspective on PBVs Mr. Myung-sik Sohn, Chief Sales and Business Officer at Kia India, expressed pride in the collaboration with Punjab Police, stating, Purpose-Based Vehicles (PBVs) represent the future of mobility, offering extensive customization to meet specific requirements. Kia is thrilled to provide technologically enhanced Carens as PBVs to the Punjab Police, ensuring the best and safest driving experience, especially for longer journeys. Mr. Sohn emphasized the strategic partnerships with institutions, aiming to expand the appeal of family movers like the Carens to all entities seeking a 7-seater mobility solution. The delivery of these PBVs reflects Kias commitment to addressing evolving mobility needs by offering tailored solutions. The Kia Carens, first showcased at the 16th edition of the Auto Expo in 2023, received accolades, winning the Indian Car of the Year in the same year. The recent delivery of PBVs underscores Kias dedication to becoming a leader in the global PBV segment by 2030. The move aligns with the trend of customizable vehicles catering to the specific demands of both customers and the market, contributing to elevated levels of customer satisfaction. Spotting a plume of black smoke furling from a building off Black Mountain Road near Poway last year, 14-year-old Sophia Righthouse knew it was a structure fire. And she knew what to do. The Rancho Penasquitos teen asked her dad to pull over. She jumped out with him and started knocking on doors to evacuate residents from the building, which had burst into flames in the early morning on Nov. 4. The San Diego City Council recognized her response to the fire, proclaiming Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, to be Sophia M. Righthouse Day. Advertisement I think that she displayed nothing short of true bravery and heroism in responding to an incident without any hesitation, said Councilman Chris Cate, who presented the award Tuesday morning. Righthouse, a freshman at Westview High School in the Poway Unified School District, was well prepared for the emergency. A Girl Scout and member of the Young Marines youth service organization, she had lots of safety training under her belt, and had completed a FEMA certification training last summer. I knew that I had to stay super calm and composed, she said. Once people start going crazy when they realize its an emergency, thats when things go wrong. I knew what I had to do. I just had to get them out of the building. And them I moved them to a safe location, a parking lot away from the fire. Her mom Susan, a San Diego police detective, called 911. Meanwhile Sophia and her dad Bret, a police sergeant, knocked on doors, alerting sleeping residents of the danger. As they approached the building, a garage erupted into a fireball, and large explosions sent glass and debris flying into the driveway, according to a police report on the incident. I wasnt close to smoke because it was going straight up, but I was super close to the fire due to the condos being on fire, Sophia said. But I was always making sure the residents were staying as far away as possible. Residents must have been surprised to find a young girl instructing them to leave their homes, but she kept her message straightforward. They were super surprised because it was 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning, she said. They didnt really understand what was happening, which was why I was very concise with them; Theres a fire, you have to get out. Sophia and her dad directed residents to leave their doors unlocked so fire crews could enter. When one woman declined to do so, Sophia asked her to leave her keys, and then handed them to firefighters when they arrived. At one point, an elderly woman unexpectedly re-entered to the building. As her dad went into the smoky structure to get the woman back out, Sophia watched at the doorway to let firefighters know they were in there, and then escorted the woman back to her family. Sophias actions may seem unusually resourceful, but she has had years of preparation. A Girl Scout since kindergarten, and in the Young Marine since she was 9 years old, she received First Aid, CPR and other safety training through those organizations. The FEMA certification training she attended was designed to prepare teens for disasters including wildfires, earthquakes and structure fires. And with both parents in public safety, its a household topic, her mom said. She hears us talking about stuff at home all the time and I think maybe she has it in her blood, Susan Righthouse said. Although Sophia was in a potentially perilous situation, Susan said she was confident her daughter would be conscientious about the risk. I know how she is, and I knew that she is very level-minded, she said. Cate said he has known Sophia and her family for about three years, and has supported some of her public service efforts. Sophia started a project called started a project called Valuing our Veterans, which installs flagpoles at the homes of U.S. veterans. She dances competitively, and is a member of the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at her school. Shes working to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award - the equivalent of a Boy Scout Eagle Award - by improving trails, benches and signage at Camp Morning Star in Angelus Oaks. When Cate learned of her efforts during the fire, he decided to showcase her achievements. I think its something that is really true bravery, Cate said. For someone her age to have those instincts, and recall the training that she received at the drop of a dime, is something that not only kids her age, but also adults, need to take notice of. Sophia said she appreciated the award, but it came as a surprise. I actually feel very humble because I didnt think anything was going to come of it, she said. I was just a normal citizen who had taken training and was in the right spot in the right time. deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan After besieging it for a week, the Israeli army began this Wednesday to evacuate Nasser Hospital, the main medical center still operational in the Gaza Strip, located in the southern city of Khan Younis. In images and videos recorded from its surroundings and shared on social media, hundreds of people can be seen leaving the hospital carrying what little belongings they have left and some holding white flags after Israeli troops warned, via loudspeakers and drones, that they intended to raid the facility. The director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, expressed his alarm at the situation in Nasser, which he defined as the backbone of the health system in southern Gaza, where the vast majority of Gazans are concentrated after their forced displacement from the north. In a message on the social network X, Ghebreyesus wrote: Hostilities have reportedly destroyed storage facilities for medical equipment and supplies. Access to the hospital remains obstructed there is no safe corridor for those in need. Two WHO missions have been denied [access to the hospital] in the last four days and we lost touch with the hospitals personnel. According to the Israeli army, their intention is not to evacuate patients and medical personnel and they have opened a safe route for the displaced Gazans to move in the direction of the humanitarian zone. The spokesman for the Ministry of Health of the Hamas government in Gaza, Ashraf Al-Qudra, has accused the Israeli military of forcing thousands of displaced persons, families of medical personnel and patients who cannot move to leave the center, despite being threatened by extreme danger. The hospital has become a makeshift shelter for displaced people. The estimated thousands of people inside have spent the past few days in fear of Israeli tanks and gunmen stationed nearby. According to health authorities in the Gaza Strip, at least three civilians have been killed. Doctors Without Borders, which has local staff there, reported at the end of January that some 300 patients remained in the hospital unable to be evacuated because of the lack of ambulances and the danger involved. It is a similar situation to that experienced in November by the Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, under which Israel claimed a Hamas command and operations center was located. After storming the medical center, Israeli forces found no such thing. Intense shelling The Palestine Red Crescent Society also reported Wednesday intense shelling around another hospital in Khan Younis, Al-Amal, which was damaged. Earlier, the organization had reported the arrest there of nine of its staff and that soldiers broke medical equipment and took laptops in the raid. The Israeli army claims that the hospitals hide access points to the underground network of tunnels used by Hamas. In the underground passages which Israeli troops are blowing up or flooding with water from the Mediterranean Sea the army hopes to find some of the 134 hostages (at least 31 of them dead) remaining in Gaza, after the rescue on Tuesday of two of them, with dual Argentine and Israeli nationality. They also hope to find Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza whose assassination would suppose a victory for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after more than four months of war. This Monday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a video featuring Sinwar. It was recorded in the early days of the current conflict, beginning on October 7, and shows him with his back turned, moving through a tunnel with his wife and children. On the same day, the head of Israels Mossad met in Cairo with Qatari, Egyptian and American mediators to negotiate the exchange of hostages for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire of at least six weeks. For the time being, though, he will not return to the negotiating table. Netanyahu on Tuesday ordered the delegation to stay in Israel because it did not receive any new proposal from Hamas in Cairo after the prime minister flatly rejected the militias last plan. Hamas had proposed to negotiate a definitive end to the war during 135 days of ceasefire in which up to 1,500 Palestinian prisoners would regain their freedom in exchange for the release of all hostages. Netanyahu rejected it outright, calling it delusional. A change in Hamas positions will allow negotiations to move forward, he said in a statement. Meanwhile, the daily skirmishes between Israel and militias in Lebanon have intensified. Wednesday morning, a barrage of rockets launched from Lebanon killed one female soldier and wounded eight others at a military base in Israel. The attack is not only unusual because most of the projectiles appear to be aimed at unpopulated areas, to avoid escalation, but also because it hit a military base in the town of Safed, which has not been evacuated and is just 8 miles from the border. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The Israeli army reacted with a series of bombings, also close to the border, killing at least four people: two children, a woman and a Hezbollah militiaman. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition We must do everything to ensure they never do return. Israeli prime minister David Ben Gurion wrote this down in his diary on July 18, 1948, two months after proclaiming the creation of Israel. The they he was referring to were the 700,000 Palestinians more than half of the local population who had been expelled or forced into exodus by the massacres committed by Zionist militias. That collective wound known by Palestinians as the Nakba (meaning catastrophe) is inseparable from the history of Israel. Its also inseparable from the creation of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the humanitarian aid agency for Palestinian refugees, which over time has become the repository of the memory of their exile. The agencys records, photographic archives, certificates accrediting the refugees as such, are the passport that should guarantee them the right to return to what is now Israeli territory and recover their property or to be compensated for their loss. The United Nations recognized the Palestinian right of return in 1948, but Israel has failed to accept it. Few of the 700,000 refugees registered by the U.N. still remain, but among those still living and their descendants, there are 5.9 million people registered by UNRWA in Gaza, the West Bank, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Their return to Israel would leave the Jews in the minority and compromise the countrys character as a nation-state of the Jewish people, says Julieta Espin Ocampo, an expert in the UNRWA, who argues that the right of return threatens the very existence of the Israeli state. Espin Ocampo believes that Israel accused UNRWA employees of taking part in the Hamas attack on October 7 partly due to the agencys connection with the right of return. Israel has not offered concrete evidence that a dozen of UNRWAs 31,000 workers were allegedly involvement in the attack against Israel, which killed 1,200 people. Despite this, 16 countries including its two main donors, the United States and Germany suspended funding to the U.N. agency, jeopardizing the humanitarian aid it provides, particularly in Gaza, where 85% of the population has been displaced by Israeli attacks and is on the brink of starvation. Israels offensive in Gaza has killed more than 28,000 people, according to data from the Hamas-controlled Gazan Health Ministry, which the U.N. believes is credible. As a result of the war, Gazans depend on UNRWA for aid now more than ever. They also depend on the agency for shelter. According to UNRWA data, 1.7 million displaced Gazans out of a total population of 2.3 million have sought shelter in UNRWA facilities since the start of the war. And 154 UNRWA workers have been killed in the war. Lubnah Shomali, an advocacy officer in Ramallah (West Bank) of the BADIL Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights, agrees that Israels years-long attacks on the UNRWA serve several objectives brought to the fore by the war in Gaza. According to the expert from BADIL, which holds U.N. consultative status, Israels first goal is ending UNRWA humanitarian aid to expel the Palestinians from the enclave and annex it to Israel. [Israel] is creating what in international law is known as a coercive environment: with no food, water, medical care, electricity and shelter, you either stay and die, or you leave. Another of Israels goals is to eliminate the right of return of 5.9 million Palestinian refugees, says Shomali. The very existence of the agency, that its mandate is to provide such assistance to Palestinian refugees, is a threat to Israels narrative and its insistence that Palestinian refugees do not exist. And if there are no refugees, there is no right of return, she explains. In a message posted on X on February 1, Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy equated the right of return with an unlimited right of Palestinian immigration (for 5.9 million people). Under Israeli laws, Jews of any nationality have the right to immigrate to Israel a right that Palestinian refugees do not enjoy. Three days after Levys message, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz posted: UNRWA, entangled with Hamass terrorist activities in Gaza, perpetuates the false narrative of Palestinian refugees needing to return to Israel. We are actively working to disengage UNRWA from Gaza. They are a part of the problem and not a part of the solution. Last Wednesday, in an address to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also accused the agency of perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem. The U.N. agencys mandate does not include encouraging the return of Palestinian refugees to their homeland, but the text of Resolution 302 of 1949, which created it, does mention another resolution, Resolution 194, which establishes the right of return. The agency provides emergency humanitarian assistance to more than 1.5 million Palestinian refugees in Gaza. Of the nearly half a million refugee children attending its more than 700 schools, almost 300,000 were studying in the Gaza Strip before the war. These huge numbers are explained by the Nakba: 1.5 million Gazans, out of the enclaves 2.3 million inhabitants, are refugees. UNRWA assists and provides education, health, microcredit and other aid to Gazans, as well as to the 4.4 million refugees in the West Bank, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, according to agency data. UNRWA, a U.N. agency dedicated to Palestinian refugees, is a reminder of why they are still refugees and why they are not allowed to return, says historian Jorge Ramos Tolosa, author of several books on Palestine and Israel and professor at the University of Valencia in Spain. Tolosa says the agency shows that Israel is a colonial and exclusivist project that gives all rights to Jewish people, yet takes away the right of Palestinians to live on their land. The very term refugee reminds Israel of how its state was created in 1948: the Nakba. That is its Pandoras box, he adds. Isaias Barrenada, a professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, who is also an expert on the Middle East, argues that Israel is trying to strangle UNRWA so that it cannot fulfill its mandate and is doomed to disappear, thinking in a somewhat simplistic way that this will also make the refugee question disappear. Forgetting Palestinian refugees The old will die; the young will forget. Thats what Ben Gurion is believed to have said about the Nakba. The Israeli prime minister was not counting on the strong sense of Palestinian identity, refugees determination to return, nor on the fact that the U.N. refugee agency would involuntarily contribute to the memory and construction of Palestinian nationalism, says Espin Ocampo, who wrote his PhD thesis on the UNRWA. Identity cards, ration cards, health services, but, above all, the refugee camps [58, in which 1.5 million refugees still live] and the educational system offered by UNRWA had a profound influence on the evolution of Palestinian identity and the ensuing Palestinian struggle, he explains in an article. Humanitarian aid and jobs in the agency 95% of its 31,000 employees are refugees have brought Palestinians together in Gaza, the West Bank and neighboring states. Contrary to Israels wishes, they have not lost their identity and assimilated to their host countries. Protesters in Madrid hold a drawing of Handala, the iconic character of a refugee child by Palestinian artist Naji al Ali, on January 27 in Madrid. Pablo Blazquez Dominguez (Getty Images) On the Israeli wall that surrounds the West Bank, on T-shirts, wall hangings and banners at Gaza demonstrations around the world, one image is especially popular: Handala, a cartoon of a 10-year-old refugee boy created by Naji al-Ali. Like Handala, al-Ali was 10 years old when he was forced to leave Palestine. The cartoonist says Handala will only grow up when he returns to his homeland. According to an essay by artist Fayeq Oweis, the image of Handala a ragged, barefoot boy embodies the bitterness, resilience and dignity of Palestine. It has become a symbol against injustice and a national icon for Palestinians. Naji al-Ali was assassinated in London in 1987. The attack was believed to have been carried out by an Israeli Mossad double agent. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The president of the Dominican Republic, Luis Abinader, made a desperate appeal for help to save Haiti from the wave of violence that has caused thousands of people to flee, primarily to Dominican territories. Lets prevent Haiti from ending up devastated by chaos and anarchy. We will not allow the crisis it is experiencing to spread throughout the entire region, demanded the president on Tuesday, in an appearance before the United Nations Security Council in New York. While asking U.N. members to reinforce aid to the Caribbean country, Abinader also issued a warning: Our slogan from now on will be: either we fight together to save Haiti, or we will fight alone to protect the Dominican Republic! Abinaders remarks come in the wake of a new clash between the organized crime groups who are wreaking havoc in Haiti. On Monday, hundreds of residents in the northern part of the capital Port-au-Prince fled their homes in the face of violent attacks linked to turf disputes. The internal war is victimizing the impoverished Caribbean nation, and local and national authorities have been unable to offer any response. The U.N. has reported that more than 800 people died in January due to the clashes, and the organizations secretary general, Antonio Guterres, has warned that Haiti is among the nations with the highest rates of hunger, which only serves to exacerbate the chaos and violence. An empty belly is fuel for unrest, Guterres has said. Abinader put out an urgent call to the global community to reinforce aid to Haiti and for international forces to be deployed in the small country to confront the emergency generated by years of political and social crisis. Since September 2021, our government has denounced, before various U.N. bodies, the continuous deterioration of social conditions in Haiti. Unfortunately, the grave situation that our neighboring country is experiencing has not been addressed with the urgency and forcefulness it deserves, said the Dominican president. The result is that today, Haiti, with a large part of its territory controlled by criminal gangs, is on the verge of a civil war, he continued. The time for promises is over. As of today, we enter the time of realizations, either the money comes now, or the collapse of Haiti will be irreversible, stated the Dominican president. Residents of Cite-Soleil, north of the capital of Haiti, leave their neighborhoods due to the increasing number of armed conflicts between criminal groups, on February 12. Siffroy Clarens (EFE) Haiti has become a nation sinking towards total collapse. The crisis it is suffering worsened in 2021, following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise at his residence in Port-au-Prince at the hands of an armed commando group of at least 28 assassins. To date, 11 people accused of involvement in the assassination have been arrested in the United States. Among those accused are 24 ex-military personnel from Colombia, who entered the room where Moise, 53, slept with his wife, Martine Moise, and opened fire on the couple. Martine saved her life by pretending to be dead. She said in her statement that after the shooting, gunmen searched the room for documents. The Haitian-Chilean businessman Rodolphe Jaar was sentenced to life in prison in June 2023 by a U.S. federal judge, after being charged by prosecutors with conspiracy to commit murder or kidnapping outside the United States and providing material support resulting in death. According to this accusation, Jaar was responsible for providing weapons to Colombian accomplices to facilitate the operation in which Moise was killed. Jaar was arrested in the Dominican Republic in January 2023 and agreed to voluntarily travel to the United States, where in March of the same year he pleaded guilty to providing support to the commando group that assassinated the Haitian president. Violence plaguing Haiti has sparked a diplomatic crisis with its neighbor, which has demanded that the Port-au-Prince government take action against criminal gangs. The United Nations Security Council approved a resolution early last year to authorize a multinational security support mission in Haiti, but Abinader has complained that such aid commitments have come to nothing. The collapse of Haiti, said the Dominican president, will be a threat to us and to the region. That is why I wish to caution the international community today that the Dominican Republic will fight with all its might to avoid being dragged into the same abyss as Haiti. The official made a desperate appeal: Let us prevent Haiti from ending up chaos and anarchy; let us not allow the crisis there to spread throughout the region. The international community cannot allow the Haitian catastrophe to continue for one more day. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Republican lawmakers have launched a legal initiative to put pressure on the Department of Defense to fight the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) of Mexico. The bill was introduced last Thursday by Tom Cotton, a Republican senator from Arkansas. It proposes requiring regular briefings on efforts to capture or kill the leadership of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. If approved, the Pentagon would have to report to Congress every 90 days on its efforts in this regard, although the legislation does not imply that the Department of Defense would have to launch an operation to kill the leaders of the criminal organization. To be taken into consideration, a bill like this needs the support of 60 of the 100 senators, that is, the support of both Democrats and Republicans. The initiative has not yet been processed and it seems unlikely that the Senate will approve it. Lawmakers frequently introduce legislative initiatives meant to satisfy their voters even if they have no chances of being approved. The proposal is an indicator of the mood in Congress over Mexican cartel violence and the rise of fentanyl addictions, which causes tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States. Mexican drug cartels continue to kill Americans at a rate higher than any terrorist group in history. Even by the standards of drug cartels, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is especially violent and poses a direct threat to the security of Americans in border states and beyond. Its past time that the Biden administration develops a strategy to hold these murderers accountable, said Senator Cotton in a statement introducing the initiative. Texas Republican Congressman Morgan Luttrell, a former member of a special forces team, is introducing a similar proposal in the House of Representatives. Our border is being exploited by cartels, as they run one of the most extensive human and drug trafficking operations in the world, leaving no corner of our country untouched by the danger of cartel activity, he said in a statement. This legislation makes clear that the Jalisco cartel cannot remain emboldened at our border and that the United States military must be ready to engage and eliminate the Jalisco cartel, should it be determined the best course of action is to use the Armed Forces of our great country. Morgan Luttrell, in Washington D.C. on January 10. Tom Williams (CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag) Republicans have frequently mixed together drug trafficking and illegal immigration in the domestic political debate, since they believe that the southern border has not been secured. Recently, however, Republicans blocked a proposal they themselves had demanded to provide more funding for border security forces and reform legislation to curb immigration. A decisive reason for this was pressure from Donald Trump, the probable Republican candidate for the November presidential election, who wants to use immigration as the cornerstone of his campaign. In the United States, concern has been growing about Mexican cartels and the penetration of their illicit businesses on the American side of the border. The CJNG is known not only for the vastness of its resources and its weapons power, but also for its violence and cruelty, taken to even greater extremes as the group battles the Sinaloa Cartel for control of markets inside and outside of Mexico. Republican politicians have shown on several occasions their inclination for the U.S. government to classify the cartels as terrorist organizations. In March of last year, Republican representatives endorsed an initiative that sought to empower the U.S. Armed Forces to combat fentanyl trafficking from Mexico. The Mexican president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, has been emphatic in his rejection of these proposals, which he considers an interference and a violation of national sovereignty. The leader of the leftist Morena party has a different approach to combating the cartels, focused less on armed confrontation and more on solving what he calls the social causes of violence, through government aid for the poor and education campaigns. This strategy has been highly criticized by the Mexican opposition, given the high rate of homicides and disappearances. Even so, the Mexican government has been cooperating with U.S. authorities in coordinated efforts to zero in on the cartels. In the first years of the current administration, the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF) froze more than 20,000 bank accounts linked to criminal organizations. The largest amount of illicit resources retained belonged to the CJNG. Authorities have also sought to suffocate the cartels support network. In 2022, the Mexican government captured Antonio Oseguera, brother of the leader of the Jalisco Cartel, Nemesio El Mencho Oseguera, and extradited him to the United States where he faced charges of cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking. Last year, another relative of El Mencho, his brother-in-law Gerardo Gonzalez Valencia, head of the Los Cuinis criminal organization an ally of the CJNG was sentenced in the United States to life in prison for trafficking cocaine inside dead sharks. In addition, the Treasury Department recently blocked the assets of a cartel weapons supplier, as well as a police chief, in the state of Jalisco the CJNGs base of operations. Three months ago, the U.S. government also sanctioned 12 companies and three frontmen that laundered money for the criminal group. SpaceX is in hot water over workplace safety. Elon Musk's company was reportedly fined after an accident nearly led to an "amputation." SpaceX Fined For "Nearly Amputation" Accident According to inspection records accessed by Reuters, Elon Musk's SpaceX was fined $3,600 by US workplace safety inspectors this month following an incident at the company's Washington state location that resulted in a "near amputation." Based on the state inspection records obtained by Reuters under an open records request, inspectors from Washington state's Department of Labor and Industries found new safety breaches at the company's Redmond, Washington, plant last December during a visit prompted by worker complaints. SpaceX still has the option to appeal the ruling, per an agency representative. The inspectors reportedly concluded that the facility lacked a "thorough safety program," proper communication of work regulations, and a mechanism to "correct violations." Inspectors referred to the incident as a "near amputation" since a roll of material dropped and crushed a worker's foot. SpaceX managers informed the state inspectors that the issue had been resolved and it was an isolated incident. Inspectors discovered, however, that even though the rolls of materials workers had to feed into a machine had become heavier-from roughly 80 pounds to 300 pounds (36 kg to 136 kg), each was not obliged to wear steel-toe shoes. A representative for the agency stated that the infraction was deemed severe, considering the possibility of harm. The documents also revealed that one employee at the location informed inspectors that "safety can get overlooked" as the company's "goal is to make as much as we can in a short amount of time." The injured worker alleged that the roll-loading machine "had been purposefully set up incorrectly to increase the production rate during the material loading phase," the injured worker alleged. The employee, whose identity was withheld from inspectors, informed them that the issue remained unresolved and that the company's safety representatives lacked the necessary skills to carry out a safety plan at the Redmond location. An investigation conducted late last year by Reuters revealed that Musk's rocket company violated conventional operating procedures and worker safety laws at its locations nationwide. The news agency documented at least 600 injuries to SpaceX workers that had not been previously reported since 2014 through government documents and interviews. The accidents included the death of one worker and the injury of another who is now in a coma due to a fractured skull sustained during a 2022 rocket engine malfunction. SpaceX has not responded to Reuters' inquiries. Additionally, the business ignored a request for comment regarding the new safety fine. ALSO READ: Is Betelgeuse Going Supernova? Red Supergiant Star Continues To Show Unexpected Behavior Elon Musk Allegedly Discouraged Employees From Wearing Safety Clothes In a previous and separate report, the Tesla and SpaceX CEO was allegedly loose when exercising safety measures at the workplace. Four SpaceX workers claimed that Musk discouraged them from wearing yellow-colored clothes simply because he didn't like bright colors. According to three former SpaceX supervisors, Musk would have equipment coated in industrial safety yellow repainted to black or blue because he preferred the latter and didn't like how the former looked. The former managers added that certain employees were instructed not to wear yellow safety vests while Musk was there. The staff informed the news outlet that Musk would experiment with a toy flamethrower on site. RELATED ARTICLE: Will The Sun Explode 5 Billion Years From Now? Probably, Experts Say! Check out more news and information on Space in Science Times. I am reading a history of George Washington and Benjamin Franklin and their role together in the creation of America. It depresses me greatly. It depresses me because of the stark contrast with the caliber of people we now elect to office. The Senate recently created a bi-partisan bill to address the border issue. It was spearheaded by one of its most conservative members, James Lankford of Oklahoma. It addressed issues of great concern to Republicans and did not address issues of great concern to Democrats, like a path to citizenship for longtime resident aliensthe dreamers. Nonetheless, it had substantial Democratic support. It was ripe for passage; our immigration policy has not been addressed in forty years. But then, former President Trump said he didnt like it, and like buckshot on a tilting table those Republicans who had supported it rolled to the opposition side, and its chances for passage are slim. That is spineless. It is cowardly, and it is servile. These people are not concerned about America, they are concerned about the prospects for their political futures if they incur the wrath of the MAGA movement. They are not worthy of their titles or of ouror anyonestrust. We are electing people to office today whose intent is to NOT govern, only to tear down what Washington and Franklin carefully and lovingly put together for us. Anybody can destroyanybody, its easy. Its childs play and by golly we have the elected children who can do it. And they are playing into the hands of our enemies by making us look weak and fractious. They are Putins playmates: Two years ago, Matt Rosendale was the sole vote against sending aid to Ukraine, and Matt Gaetz brought down the Speakership of Kevin McCarthy and held the Congress and our Nation helpless and vulnerable for three weeks while they played at electing a new Speaker. But at least those guys I understand. They are just petulant little kids who want nothing more than attention and know the fastest way to get it, no matter who it hurts. The guys I dont understand and who have earned my anger and disrespect are those who cannot stand up to power because they fear for their political future. They should fear for their souls which they gladly sell for a bowl of political pottage. Then, to help fuel the fire, Governor Gianforte goes to the Southern Border to join 17 Republican Governors to help Texas Governor Abbott thumb his nose at the Supreme Court. Maybe he went on his own dime, maybe he went on ours, but the point is that he went at all, representing the state of Montana. Their goal is to keep the entire border issue alive as political fuel for the coming election. Complain about inaction as you wish, but the point is that these politicians want someone to blame, which is a clever move, because the blame lies with themselves. They demanded a border solution, they got a solution of basically everything that they had asked for. They supported it, but then, suddenly, they didnt want the solution, they wanted to keep the problem. I believe that it matters that America is respected around the world and the antics and games being played in Congress dont help our standing at all. Is it important that Rosendale thumbs his nose at Ukraine, giving Putin a big smile? Yes. Is it important that Gaetz strokes his importance by making the world laugh at us? Yes. Congress is not a playground. It is a solemn and unique institution created by Americans to command respect from the leaders of other nations. The juveniles holding office need to know that, even if they cant understand it. Washington and Franklin committed their lives to create and nurture a nation that they believed in, not just for themselves, but for their fellow citizens and the world. They risked being hanged for treason to give Americans a place of freedom. In 1785 Washington wrote to James Madison: We are either a United people, or we are not. If the former, let us, in all matters of general concern act as a nation, which have national objects to promote, and a national character to support. If we are not, let us no longer act a farce by pretending to it... Let us then act like the great nation we are. Montana Viewpoint has appeared in weekly and online newspapers across Montana for over 25 years. Jim Elliott served 16 years in the Montana Legislature as a state representative and state senator. He lives on his ranch in Trout Creek. Bills for presidential suites totaling $1.8 million; a $1.3 million wardrobe; $761,497 worth of private flights to Nicaragua; cooking courses valued at $430,690; a private gym built at a cost of $388,658... The list of ill-gotten gains goes on and on. The network that plundered $2 billion from Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) Venezuelas state-owned oil company engaged in a spiral of wasteful spending after embezzling money and accepting kickbacks between 2007 and 2012. Unpublished documents that EL PAIS has had access to reveal the purchases made by more than 30 people involved in this plot. Among the culprits are Nervis Villalobos and Javier Alvarado, former vice-ministers of energy who served under the administration of Hugo Chavez (1999-2013). The documents about luxury accommodations reveal the exorbitant expenditure of this network. Those involved in the plot charged commissions of up to 10% from companies seeking contracts with the Venezuelan energy giant. In 2014, the organization paid at least $1.8 million to a travel agency based in Miami, to purchase more than 20 exclusive stays in presidential suites at Four Seasons hotels in Paris, Mexico and New York, as well as the Sheraton in Frankfurt. The group also stayed at Hong Kongs Mandarin Oriental hotels, the Bristol in Panama, the Grand Hyatt in Shanghai, as well the Atlantis (Bahamas) and Le Blanc (Cancun) holiday complexes. The latter two offer their clients a butler, views of the Caribbean Sea, luxury rooms and infinity pools, according to their websites. A vacation at the Mandarin Riviera Maya along Mexicos Yucatan peninsula was bought at a price of $283,178. The Panamanian company High Advisory and Consulting SA controlled by the alleged frontman of the group, Luis Mariano Rodriguez Cabello was the organizations instrument to pay the expenses, according to an investigation carried out by an Andorran judge. Rodriguez Cabello, in turn, was working on behalf of Diego Salazar, the cousin of Rafael Ramirez. Ramirez is a former Chavista energy minister, the former president of PDVSA and Venezuelas former ambassador to the U.N. Since 2018, around 30 people have been prosecuted in Andorra for money-laundering and for belonging to a criminal network that plundered Venezuelas largest company. Hotel stays came complete with luxurious touches. For instance, the group paid $430,690 for miscellaneous gifts, transportation and a cooking course during a trip to Paris and another $538,362 for miscellaneous expenses on another trip to the French capital. The scheme which acquired 21 homes valued at a total of $52 million allocated almost $7 million to decorate and renovate the exclusive properties. The tracing of the charges reveals that the group spent $1.4 million on wardrobes, $1.3 on furniture from an Italian firm (the sum included transportation from Livorno and Genoa to Venezuela), $1.4 million on a dining room for one of the office buildings, more than $1 million in marble supplies for a property in Caracas, $600,000 dollars in other pieces of exclusive furniture, and $388,658 on the construction of a private gym. The network also spent $1 million on state-of-the-art telecommunications systems, $230,000 on architectural touch-ups, $200,000 on carpentry and another identical figure on lighting equipment for the beach house of one of its members. One pool table alone was snapped up for $13,000. Party gowns and Dom Perignon champagne The taste for clothing led the organization to pay $151,716 in October 2011 for 60 black tuxedos, 60 dress shirts and 30 bow-and-sash sets. Another charge reveals a disbursement of $131,561 to purchase Italian clothing from a firm whose name isnt specified. An order for 153 bottles of 2004 Dom Perignon Champagne totaling $129,875, another 23 cases of champagne from the Taittinger brand ($29,519), a bill from the Ronchi wine bar in Milan ($28,323), and $55,000 in whiskey were part of the expenditure on alcohol All on the public energy companys tab. The organization that looted PDVSA acquired a new Eurocopter Ec135 helicopter for $2.6 million in November 2011, with capacity for six passengers and a pilot. This was revealed by EL PAIS. The most recently-obtained documents confirm that the network also spent $50,000 on the maintenance of this aircraft, $114,282 on equipping a Beechcraft twin-turboprop plane and $761,497 on private flights to Nicaragua. Funds were transferred by this criminal network to the entity where the loot was hidden: the Banca Privada dAndorra (BPA). Just by himself, Rodriguez Cabello the frontman moved over $1.1 billion through a series of 11 accounts at this bank between 2007 and 2015. A productivity bonus of $350,000 was paid out to BPA employee E. J. Villegas Carrillo. Rodriguez Cabello also spent $100,000 in embezzled funds to acquire tax residency in Dubai (UAE). Made up by high-ranking PDVSA officials and former ministers who served President Hugo Chavez (1999-2013), the scheme charged commissions of around 10% to various companies, especially Chinese firms, which were later awarded contracts by PDVSA. The network hid its loot through a complicated web of accounts in the BPA. Through 30 shell companies located in tax havens such as Switzerland or Belize, the plot moved its flow of funds to Andorra, a country of 78,000 inhabitants. Until 2017, the tiny European nation had banking secrecy laws, which protected the scam. The group camouflaged the millions of dollars in income under the umbrella of consulting jobs that according to Andorran investigators never existed. Since 2018, an Andorran judge has accused 30 members of this plot for money laundering in a banking establishment and of belonging to a criminal network. The trial is ongoing. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Carlos Salazar Larez, a Venezuelan engineer and civil activist who a few days ago remotely filmed businessman Alex Saab, an associate of Nicolas Maduro, shopping in Margarita Island, was detained by the authorities before uploading the video to social media. Nothing more has been heard of Salazar Larez since. His relatives are awaiting a response from the authorities so that he can be brought before the courts. His case is somewhat similar to that of Victor Venegas, an educational leader who organized protests demanding better salaries in the city of Barinas, who was imprisoned on terrorism charges. Also to that of John Alvarez, an anthropology student, detained by the political police, who complained of torture during interrogation. Or those of the six trade unionists who held protests in the healthcare workers sector demanding better pay, and were sentenced to 16 years in prison on charges of treason, all of whom were later released, along with Alvarez, as part of the revolving door of the Barbados agreements with the opposition. Then there is the case of Nelson Pinero, a judicialized political activist, accused of violating the Venezuelan Law against Hatred on social media. In addition to all these cases, there is the imprisonment in El Helicoide prison of Rocio San Miguel, a highly respected activist in Venezuela, and an expert in military affairs. Her arrest has exposed the most repressive face of Chavismo at a crucial moment for the electoral calendar process. San Miguel was detained at Maiquetia airport at 5.00 a.m., when she was about to embark on a trip to Miami, accompanied by her daughter Miranda, who was also detained. The authorities alleged that her name appeared in the interrogation of officers detained in an operation to thwart an alleged coup plot intended to assassinate Nicolas Maduro. On January 22, the attorney generals office announced the arrest of 32 people, civilians and military, on accusations of plotting to overthrow or assassinate the president. The arrest warrants were issued for people such as the journalist Sabastiana Barraez, specialized in military information, and the lawyer and human rights defender Tamara Suju, both in exile. The Attorney General of the Chavista regime, Tarek William Saab, announced that the preliminary hearing was finally held against the six citizens allegedly involved in the supposed assassination plot, which included San Miguel and his family members. This operation was denounced by the Chavistas two weeks ago, shortly after the signing of the Barbados agreements and the release of businessman Alex Saab. In the hearing, the attorneys of the attorney generals office requested a sentence of imprisonment against Rocio San Miguel for allegedly committing the crimes of treason, conspiracy, criminal association and terrorism, said Saab in a statement. The attorney generals office also requested the preventive imprisonment of retired military officer Alejandro Gonzales De Canales, San Miguels ex-partner, on charges of allegedly committing the crimes of revealing political and military secrets regarding the nations security, obstructing the administration of justice and association. Saab said that the attorney generals office had asked the courts for precautionary measures, consisting of periodic presentation in court of the other four detainees, relatives of San Miguel, including her daughter and two of her brothers, all of whom, according to San Miguels defense, were forcefully disappeared, their whereabouts remaining unknown for a period of 72 hours. Forecast in Venezuela: from brown to dark, remarked in a poignant tweet the historian, writer and academic Elias Pinto Iturrieta, an influential voice in the country, when analyzing the current political climate. The prosecution of San Miguels brothers and relatives has spread fear in the national social body, and the prevention, if not imitation, of many social figures in the democratic camp. As it loses popularity, the Venezuelan government has eventually come to believe it is hostile for any civic procedure to reach power on the part of its adversaries. The political success of the oppositions primary election held on October 22 was not only disregarded, but one of its organizers, Roberto Abdul, from Sumate, was also brought to court. A few days ago, in the town of Charallave, about half an hour from Caracas, squadrons of Chavista militants once again attacked supporters of Maria Corina Machado, seriously injuring six of them. These actions are supported by the Furia Bolivariana (Bolivarian rage) slogan that reflects the highest state of emergency under Nicolas Maduro, invoked when the presence in power is under threat. In addition, the revolutionary Chavista state has undertaken to explore hostile judicial provisions, such as the prosecution of relatives of political adversaries. Meanwhile, Foro Civico, a civil and political rights NGO, also declared its repudiation of the forced disappearance and arbitrary detention of Rocio San Miguel, a benchmark in the field of human rights defense in Venezuela. Denouncing a fierce campaign from abroad against the justice system and the Venezuelan state, and stressing that the investigation of San Miguel has been conducted within the corresponding legal time limits and in strict compliance with the respect for human rights and constitutional guarantees. The attorney generals office stated that those parties that seek to endorse the crimes and attacks against the Venezuelan people and nation have been and will be defeated once again by the peaceful and democratic convictions of the countrys majority. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Students in a Kendal College of Art and Design drawing class created a window mural using window paint markers., titled 'Michigan Over and Under,' the piece celebrates Michigan's nature. Students from the Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University sketch patients at Corewell Health's Lemmen-Holton Cancer Pavilion. You are here: World Flash Fifteen people were killed and seven others injured Tuesday in a multiple-vehicle collision on Cairo-Alexandria desert road near Amreya City, north of the Egyptian capital, according to state-run MENA news agency. Security forces and ambulances immediately rushed to the scene of the accident. The injured were transported to the hospital for treatment, MENA quoted local authorities as saying. Traffic officers are working to restore traffic flow, and the cause of the accident is pending further investigation. Road accidents claim thousands of lives every year in Egypt as a result of speeding, poor maintenance of roads, and lax enforcement of traffic laws. Jair Bolsonaro, the former far-right president of Brazil, has been formally accused of participating in a plot concocted at the top level of his government to perpetrate a coup that would have prevented his rival, the leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, from assuming power after a clean electoral victory. The Supreme Court has also charged almost 30 more people with the crime of violent abolition of the state, including several reserve and active generals. The multiple pieces of evidence collected by Federal Police investigators make up an accusation that takes up 135 pages and is based, mainly, on the confession of a lieutenant who served as Bolsonaros private secretary. The investigating judge is accusing the former president of, among other things, preparing a draft coup decree presented to the leadership of the Armed Forces in the presence of the Minister of Defense. Among the evidence, several WhatsApp messages stand out in which a general belonging to the core of the Cabinet promoted a virtual lynching campaign against the head of the Army after the latter refused to mobilize his troops and join the coup effort. Thirteen months have passed since January 8, 2023, when thousands of Brazilians, falsely convinced that Lula and the Supreme Court judges had conspired to steal the elections from their leader Bolsonaro, attacked the headquarters of the three powers in Brasilia. Never since the end of the dictatorship in 1985 had Brazilian democracy suffered such a serious attack. Until now, only some of the actual perpetrators have been tried and convicted by the Supreme Court. It is very positive that the judges have focused beyond the ordinary Bolsonaro supporters who vandalized buildings and zeroed in on individuals suspected of organizing the failed democratic breakup from the hallways of power. Along with the role of the previous head of state, suspicions regarding the prominent role of several ministers and the then commander of the Navy are especially serious. At the same time, it is fair to note that the heads of the Army and Air Force refused to rise up against the legitimately elected president. Bolsonaro, meanwhile, declares himself innocent and a victim of persecution. It is now up to the Supreme Court judges to confirm the solidity of the evidence and place him on the bench with all legal guarantees along with his alleged accomplices. If it is proven that they committed the crimes they are accused of, they must be punished in accordance with the law. It is imperative that the high court take care of the technical aspect of the case with exquisite attention in view of the precedent a decade ago of the Lava Jato case against corruption, largely annulled due to procedural mistakes. President Lula himself, who was imprisoned for a year and a half for a conviction that was later annulled, was quick to hope that there is no excess and the law is applied with all rigor against those who attacked Brazilian democracy. Jair Bolsonaro cannot run in the elections until 2030 because he has been disqualified for abuse of power. However, he maintains his role as extra-parliamentary leader of the opposition. It is time for the judges to determine responsibilities for the failed coup detat. It would also be advisable to take advantage of the situation to increase civilian control over the Brazilian Armed Forces. It is vital to strengthen the democracy of the most populous country in Latin America. United Utilities reported no significant changes to its financial guidance for the 2024 financial year in an update on Wednesday, despite weather-related challenges. The FTSE 100 water company said its outcome delivery incentive (ODI) performance had been affected by adverse weather conditions, particularly high rainfall across the north west of England. Annual rainfall in 2023 exceeded historical averages, with some areas experiencing a 50% increase compared to the prior year and up to 33% higher than the long-term average. The region had also faced 14 named storms since the beginning of 2023, nine of which happened after September. It said those weather events led to an approximately 25m impact on United Utilities' ODI performance. However, the company anticipated a net ODI outperformance of around 40m for the financial year. United Utilities said it had provided affordability assistance to about 370,000 customers during the current asset management period (AMP). The company's proposals for the next period, AMP8, included its largest-ever support package, aiming to assist one in six customers with over 500m in support. United Utilities also noted that it had been ranked as the top water and sewerage company (WaSC) and the fifth utility company overall out of 31 companies in the latest Institute of Customer Service Index survey. Additionally, the company said it had been acknowledged for its strong sustainability focus, reflected in its improved Sustainalytics ESG Risk Rating for 2023, placing it 12th among approximately 700 global utilities. United Utilities said it had been included in S&P Global's 2024 Sustainability Yearbook, achieving a Top 10% Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) score within the multi and water utilities industry. The company maintained its CDP Climate A- score and attained a B rating for its first Water Security Questionnaire, and had been recognised as one of the early adopters of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) following recommendations published in September last year. United Utilities said it would announce its full-year results for the 2024 financial year on 16 May. At 0814 GMT, shares in United Utilities were up 1.02% at 1,037.5p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. UK shop workers are facing 1,300 incidents of violence and abuse a day and a battle to control brazen acts of shoplifting, as pressure mounts on ministers to intervene to protect retail employees. Retailers saw the number of incidents of racial abuse, sexual harassment, physical assaults and threats with weapons rise 50% last year, while thefts more than doubled to 16.7m incidents, according to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the trade body which represents most major retailers. Guardian Lyft beat estimates for fourth-quarter profits on Tuesday and said it would generate positive free cashflow for the first time in 2024, as the ride-share platform reaps the benefits of heavy cost-cutting. Company shares surged nearly 60% in extended trading but erased a third of those gains after Lyfts chief financial officer corrected a major mistake in the earnings report. Erin Brewer had said that the company would grow by 500 basis points (5%) in 2024, but later said that the real increase would be a factor of 10 lower 50 basis points (0.5%). In 2023, the stock gained about 36%. Guardian British taxpayers have been asked to stump up cash to fund nuclear power plants being built in the UK by the French energy giant EDF. Bruno Le Maire, Frances finance minister, said on Tuesday he would be asking Jeremy Hunt for an equitable sharing of costs for the power stations which include Hinkley Point C, in Somerset, and Sizewell C, in Suffolk. Telegraph Waitrose is to cut hundreds of prices as the retailer battles against Marks & Spencer for Britains middle class shoppers. The supermarket said on Wednesday it would invest 30m into lowering the price of swathes of its own-brand products. Waitroses price cuts will span 200 items across meat, fruit and vegetables, as well as kitchen cupboard staples. The retailer promised a further round of price cuts in the spring. Telegraph British American Tobacco has retained call options to reacquire its Russian and Belarusian businesses, it has emerged. The owner of Lucky Strike and Dunhill cigarettes agreed to sell the businesses in September, 18 months after it had committed to doing so in the wake of Moscows invasion of Ukraine. However, BAT did not disclose at the time that it had retained the option to buy them back. The Times What lovers like to express most of all on Valentines Day is eternal love. They do it with flowers, letters and songs. But for some, letters and flowers are not enough, and they resort to less orthodox methods of romantic conquest, such as witchcraft. In Mexico, a country full of symbolism and magical realism, hummingbirds long associated with good luck when they cross your path and flutter around you are captured and then prepared to reach the heart of the loved one. The shocking practice has become popular in recent years. It consists of carrying the small bird, dead and dry, inside your shirt pocket. This, we are assured, will let us find a partner for life. But so far, the only objectively measurable thing it has achieved is to put 39 of the 57 species that inhabit Mexican territory at risk of extinction, according to data from the International Union for Conservation of Nature. There are 57 species of hummingbirds in Mexico, although due to a significant lack of studies the number of species could reach up to 67. These data are shared in the bimonthly bulletin of the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO). The tiny birds have been shrouded in mysticism since pre-Hispanic times; their iridescent plumage and rapid flapping of their wings up to 80 times per second were a symbol of good luck or a good omen. Hummingbirds rescued after being injured in Mexico City. Gerardo Vieyra (Getty Images) In environmental matters, the positive impact that hummingbirds have as pollinators stands out. When taking nectar, hummingbirds collect pollen from flowers on their heads, which they in turn deposit on other flowers, thus playing a key role in the biology of the reproduction of many plant species, reports the CONABIO. Another characteristic of the species is that at least 14 of the 57 known species are endemic; that is, they can only live in specific habitats. It is also the only bird that can fly backwards or suspend still in the same place in the air. Maria del Coro Arizmendi, a biologist at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and an expert on these birds, together with Humberto Berlanga, coordinator of the Conservation of North American Birds, describe in their book Hummingbirds of Mexico and North America what the current problems are. All hummingbird species are listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which includes all species that, while not currently necessarily in danger of extinction, could reach that situation unless trade is subject to strict regulation and effective control. Akamai Technologies, the cloud company that powers and protects life online, unveiled plans to embed cloud computing capabilities into its massive edge network. Akamais Generalized Edge Compute (Gecko) advances Akamais strategy to be the cloud computing platform for companies that want to deliver better experiences by running workloads closer to users, devices, and sources of data. Akamais move comes at an exciting juncture for the technology industry. In a worldwide study conducted in 2023, ClearPath Strategies found that two-thirds of IT decision-makers said their use of distributed cloud services is expected to increase over the next 12 months. More than one-third of respondents said the benefits of distributed cloud including the ability to process and analyze AI and machine learning data quickly and efficiently are mission critical to their IT strategy. The new initiative is the latest move in Akamais multiyear strategy to become a key platform in enterprise multicloud environments. It is another step in the companys vision for a new kind of cloud designed to meet the needs of modern applications that require higher performance, lower latency, and true global scalability that current cloud architectures were not built to provide. Akamai has been conducting early trials of Gecko with several of its enterprise customers. The company anticipates that customers in AI inferencing, multiplayer gaming, and social and streaming media are best positioned to take advantage of the power of Gecko. Akamai sees future use cases in areas such as immersive retail, spatial computing, data analytics, and consumer and industrial IoT. Current industry architectures treat cloud and edge networks separately. Gecko is designed to enable generalized compute to be deployed on top of Akamais existing worldwide edge network, taking advantage of existing tools, processes, and observability to provide a consistent experience across the entire continuum of compute from cloud to edge. Gecko will move heavier, traditional compute usually confined to centralized data centers to the edge of Akamais network. This will bring full-stack computing to hundreds of previously hard-to-reach locations, allowing customers to move workloads closer to their users. By injecting cloud computing into places that traditional cloud providers have struggled to reach, developers will no longer have to think about building for the cloud or building for the edge. As developers demand more from their cloud and edge providers, Akamais plan is to unlock opportunities to innovate across the entire continuum of compute by driving the convergence necessary to put cloud computing power at the edge convergence not possible before Gecko. "Gecko is the most exciting thing to happen to the cloud in a decade", said Dr. Tom Leighton, Akamai Co-Founder and CEO. "Its the next phase of the roadmap toward a more connected cloud we laid out when we acquired Linode to add cost-effective, cloud-native computing capabilities to our portfolio. We began delivering on that roadmap with the launch of Akamai Connected Cloud and the rapid rollout of new core computing regions around the world. With Gecko, were furthering that vision by combining the computing power of our cloud platform with the proximity and efficiency of the edge to put workloads closer to users than any other cloud provider. When we say we operate at a planetary scale, this is what we mean". Akamai Connected Cloud: The Worlds Most Distributed Cloud Platform The scale of Akamais network, comprising 4,100 points of presence around the globe, makes Akamai Connected Cloud the worlds most distributed cloud platform. Akamais 25 years of experience managing massively distributed, fully automated, highly efficient, and exceptionally reliable networks puts it in a unique position among the worlds top cloud providers. Hyperscalers have dominated the market based on a decade-old centralized cloud model that emphasized scale-up compute power at the expense of reach. Smaller edge and CDN providers focused on scale-out reach in exchange for compute power. By adding Linode to its network and building out more core computing regions over the past year, Akamai has transformed Akamai Connected Cloud into the most distributed cloud computing platform on the planet. Akamai anticipates that the ability to harness the power of both the cloud and the edge will give it an advantage as the industry faces increasing demand to deliver better price performance, lower latency, and more robust security for applications and data built and deployed across a wider continuum of compute. This advantage, combined with Akamais deep experience in distributed networking, is intended to give customers access to a more powerful, portable, easier-to-use, and lower-cost cloud. "Akamai is delivering on the promise it made when it acquired Linode by quickly integrating compute into its security and delivery mix", said Dave McCarthy, IDC, Research Vice President, Cloud and Edge Services. What theyre now doing with Gecko is an example of the more distributed cloud world were heading toward, driven by demands to put compute and data closer to the edge". Akamais Gecko Roadmap: Putting Compute in Hard-to-Reach Locations Akamai is rolling out a fast-paced but pragmatic roadmap for Gecko. In its first phase, announced today, Akamai aims to embed compute with support for virtual machines into 100 cities by the end of the year. Already, in 2024, Akamai has deployed new Gecko-architected regions in Hong Kong SAR; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Queretaro, Mexico; and Johannesburg, South Africa, as well as in cities without a concentrated hyperscaler presence, including Bogota, Colombia; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; Hamburg, Germany; and Marseille, France. Deployment of a 10th Gecko region in Santiago, Chile, is planned for the end of the first quarter. Beyond these 10 new Gecko locations and its existing 25 core computing regions, Akamai intends to add hundreds of cities to its global cloud computing footprint over the next several years. In the second phase of Gecko, which is expected to kick off later this year, the company plans to add containers to the mix. In Geckos third phase, Akamai plans to add automated workload orchestration to make it easier for developers to build applications across hundreds of distributed locations, with the end goal of creating a consistent user experience between each core computing region and the edge. Future Skills Summit 2024 is scheduled to be held in Guwahati on February 15, 2024. Organized by the National Institute of Electronics and IT (NIELIT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the summit aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including industry experts, policymakers, educators, and technology enthusiasts. The primary focus is on discussions and strategies for cultivating a talent pool that is well-prepared for the future, not only in India but on a global scale. The summit will delve into four key themes, addressing the worldwide impact of rapid digitization and exploring new opportunities for the youth in advanced technologies such as AI, ML, Semiconductors, Robotics, The inauguralis scheduled to be held in Guwahati on February 15, 2024. Organized by the(NIELIT) in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the summit aims to bring together a diverse group of participants, including industry experts, policymakers, educators, and technology enthusiasts. The primary focus is on discussions and strategies for cultivating a talent pool that is well-prepared for the future, not only in India but on a global scale. The summit will delve into four key themes, addressing the worldwide impact of rapid digitization and exploring new opportunities for the youth in advanced technologies such as AI, ML, Semiconductors, Robotics, CyberSecurity , and more. The summit's objective is to create a strategic plan aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of turning India into a worldwide talent hub, seizing the potential offered by emerging technologies. Anticipated outcomes include more than 20 strategic partnerships between NIELIT and various organizations like Intel, HCL, Microsoft, Kindryl, among others. Additionally, the summit will host a panel discussion on the future skills required for India, featuring distinguished figures from both the industry and academia. The summit speakers will address the significance of fostering skills development for future economic growth and explore how technology can contribute to creating a more inclusive and sustainable society. The Future Skills Summit 2024 is designed to gather industry experts, policymakers, educators, and technology enthusiasts to discuss strategies for cultivating a workforce prepared for the future, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to position India as a global talent hub. The overarching goal is to shape a roadmap that capitalizes on the opportunities presented by emerging technologies. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) convened a pre-bid gathering at IFCI Limited in New Delhi, marking the commencement of the second round under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme aimed at bolstering India's Advanced Chemistry Cells (ACC) manufacturing capacity by an additional 10 GWh. Industry stakeholders, along with government entities including NITI Aayog, Ministry of Power, MNRE, and the industry association IESA, actively participated in the meeting, signaling a significant stride in fortifying India's ACC manufacturing capabilities. The session aimed to lay the groundwork for a worldwide tender to develop giga-scale ACC manufacturing plants in India, emphasizing technology-neutral ACCs. The Ministry provided comprehensive information on the tender's scope, goals, technical requirements, eligibility criteria, and assessment procedures, with March 4, 2024, designated as the deadline for bidder inquiries. Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, the Union Minister of Heavy Industries, underscored the significance of the PLI ACC scheme in propelling India towards leadership in sustainable energy technologies , aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of fostering self-reliance in India. The tender documents were made accessible starting from January 24, 2024, with the deadline for bids set for April 22, 2024, followed by bid opening on April 23, 2024. The ministry emphasized the transparent two-stage bidding process conducted online through the CPP Portal, operating under the Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) framework. This process is designed to attract international expertise to India's ACC manufacturing sector. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A Staten Island man used a knife and his fists to attack an MTA bus driver in Manhattan over standstill traffic, authorities allege. Rashon Eagle, 43, threatened to stab the driver, the Manhattan district attorney detailed in a criminal complaint. Eagle, who lives on Oder Avenue in Concord, was arrested on Feb. 10 in the vicinity of South Street and Whitehall Street in Manhattan, the NYPD said. Authorities allege that Eagle started threatening the M15 bus operator after the vehicle approached traffic congestion at approximately 12:05 p.m. After hitting traffic, the defendant, who was a passenger on the bus, become irate and started yelling at the bus driver, I am going to stab you when you get off the bus, the complaint alleges. Upon arriving at the intersection of Whitehall and South streets, all passengers had exited the bus, the defendant approached and with a closed fist, allegedly struck the driver repeatedly in the face and body. The suspect then put the driver in a chokehold, bit his hand and scratched his eyes causing lacerations, bleeding and substantial pain, according to the complaint. During the struggle, Eagle used the back of a knife to strike the victim about the body, the complaint alleges. According to a spokesperson for the NYPD, the victim sustained injuries to his face and body and was transported in stable condition by EMS to Bellevue Hospital. Eagle faces charges in Manhattan Criminal Court of assault and criminal possession of a weapon. He is being held on $30,000 bail, according to the Manhattan District Attorneys office. Information on Eagles defense attorney was not listed in online court records. In a scathing press release, NYC Transits senior vice president for buses, Frank Annicaro, said: The attack on a bus operator was outrageous, utterly unacceptable and could easily have turned tragic. We are grateful for the rapid response, intervention and arrest by NYPD officers who took the knife-wielding perpetrator into custody. It is lunacy for anyone to take out frustration for traffic congestion on a transit employee just trying to drive New Yorkers where they need to go, and intolerable that a bus operator suffered injuries to his face requiring hospital treatment as a result. Its now up to prosecutors to deliver justice with serious charges and maximum consequences. Eagle is scheduled to appear in court on Friday. A Ukrainian soldier on a computer on the outskirts of Donetsk, on February 10. SOPA Images (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett) Hybrid warfare is a novel term for a strategy as old as military conflicts. It alludes to the combination of conventional force with any other means, such as insurgency, migration, terrorism, propaganda or the limitation of basic resources. Information technologies have added one more complex and challenging element: cyberwarfare. Googles Threat Analysis Group (TAG) teams have completed a report, coinciding with other similar works by S21sec and Kaspersky, on its use in the two most recent conflicts, and have detected that, even though they use the same weapons, the strategy in the wars in Gaza and Ukraine show substantial differences in the timeframes, the actors, the intensity and the objectives which, far from being limited to the war zones, are expanding all over the planet through the actions of hacker groups such as Predatory Sparrow (Gonjeshke Darande in Farsi), thought to be behind cyberattacks against gas stations in Iran. The Art of War, the work attributed to the Chinese strategist Sun Tzu about 2,500 years ago, talked about the combination of resources other than physical force, stating that subduing the enemy without fighting is the apogee of ability. The military leader was already aware of the importance of information and deception, two fundamental aspects of cyberwarfare. Both are present in the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, but with different models, according to Googles analysis, which coincides with that of other internet security groups. The invasion of Ukraine was preceded by a large increase in threats and cyberattacks against Kyiv in order to weaken its defense capabilities. On the contrary, before the Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, which left 1,200 dead and 240 hostages in a single day, these actions were at their usual intensity. The operational security risks of a cyberoperation outweighed the potential benefits, so we didnt see something like what we saw in Ukraine, where, in the days and weeks before the invasion, a huge increase in activity was detected, explains Sandra Joyce, vice president of Mandiant Intelligence. In other words, for Hamas, an increase in attacks on the web could have drawn attention to their upcoming action and would not have provided benefits. With both fronts open, cyberwarfare has become another weapon of war. While Russia maintains its online activity in all areas and combines cyberattacks with missile launches, in the Gaza war, cyberwarfare focuses more on collecting information, disrupting essential services and deploying all types of propaganda. In both cases, information technologies have demonstrated unique characteristics: cyber capabilities can be deployed quickly at minimal cost, which is why they have become a primary resource. These tools provide the ability to gather information or spread propaganda quickly and disrupt everyday life while remaining below the level of direct military action. As swift as wind, as gentle as forest, as fierce as fire, as unshakable as mountain, Sun Tzu wrote about the qualities of an attacker in The Art of War. These actors, explains Joyce, have historically relied on simple but very effective tools, techniques and procedures. But there are signs of evolution and, potentially, some more advanced capabilities have been developed, such as quite elaborate social engineering to attack Israel-based programming engineers. John Hultquist, chief analyst at Mandiant, adds that some strategies are no longer aimed at the progressive infection of a system but at the interruption of its functionalities without leaving a trace, as happened during an intentional blackout in an entire region of Ukraine: The advantage is that you are not introducing malware that is signed and can be investigated and identified. Essentially, it is acting as a system administrator and it is really difficult to find. The actors also differ. In the Ukraine war, Russia uses its own force, both in conventional and information warfare, although Kyiv has denounced Chinas support. However, in Gaza, the main actor is located outside the territory in conflict: Iran has actively participated in 80% of the attacks against Israel and allied countries, according to Google data. The companys analysts have detected attacks on individuals and on essential services such as water distribution systems, as well as the use of sophisticated social engineering to take control of critical elements. Cell phones and missile attack warning systems, as well as the websites of the police and hospitals, have also been infected in order to create confusion and terror in the population. For its part, Iran attributes to Israel the activity of the Predatory Sparrow group that, among other actions, disabled the countrys gas stations. This model of war knows no borders. As the conflict continues, the possibility of broader regional instability increases. Critical infrastructures in the United States and Europe have been targets of cyberattacks, and Lebanon and Yemen have joined the list. They are global actors and that means that what is happening there [the territory in conflict] has implications for the world, says Shane Huntley, director of Googles TAG, who points out upcoming electoral processes and events of international relevance, like the Olympic Games, as potential targets. Other reports Googles conclusions are consistent with those of other online security groups, such as S21sec, from Thales Group. This companys Threat Landscape Report underscores the proliferation of online activists to carry out denial of service (DDoS) attacks and for data leaks, system infiltration, the deployment of ransomware and participation in espionage. Their activity, according to the investigation, has been deployed through channels such as Telegram and Dark Web forums (sites that are not indexed and can only be accessed through specialized browsers) such as BreachForums, Dread Forum, Cracked, Nulled and Leakbase. A quarter of the actors support Israel, while the rest allegedly favor Palestine. The majority of these threat groups are ideologically or religiously motivated, selectively attacking both Israeli and Palestinian entities, as well as others located in countries not related to the conflict, including in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa, says Sonia Fernandez, Head of the S21sec Threat Intelligence team. Experts at the cybersecurity company Kaspersky agree that what is known as geopolitically motivated hacktivism will intensify and lead to a more complex and challenging threat landscape. Ransomware is still a big problem and hackers are getting better at attacking large, profitable companies with more advanced methods; Hacktivists motivated by social issues are also increasingly active, generating an increase in potential threats; and the transportation and logistics sector is especially vulnerable to these changes due to its increasingly digital systems. This combination of cybercrime and traditional crime constitutes a serious threat to global supply chains, said Evgeny Goncharov, Head of Kaspersky ICS CERT. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Students attending the City University of New York (CUNY) will soon have four new holidays off starting in 2025. After a vote by the CUNY board of trustees, Chancellor Felix V. Matos Rodriguez announced Wednesday that the college system will become one of the first universities in the country to designate Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Lunar New Year and Diwali as holidays on the official school calendar. It will also align with New York City public schools for the first time. The new holidays will be on school calendars starting in the spring 2025 semester. As one of the largest and most diverse public universities in the country, CUNY has a responsibility to represent and reflect its diverse religions and cultures, said Matos Rodriguez. Students who observe Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Lunar New Year or Diwali will be able to honor those traditions without worrying about their schoolwork. Im proud to see CUNY advance our commitment to inclusivity. It means CUNY will not hold classes on Jan. 29, 2025, in honor of Lunar New Year, also known as the spring festival celebrated at the turn of the traditional lunisolar calendar, an important cultural holiday for many Asian communities. Classes will not be held on March 31, 2025, for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. There will not be classes on June 5, 2025, for Eid al-Adha, during the summer session. CUNY will also close for Oct. 20, 2025, for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Heres a breakdown of the new holidays: Lunar New Year: Jan. 29, 2025 Eid al-Fitr: March 31, 2025 Eid al-Adha: June 5, 2025 Diwali: Oct. 20, 2025 The announcement brings CUNY in alignment with New York state law and city public schools. Most recently, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation in November that makes Diwali a school holiday for public schools in the five boroughs requiring that they be closed on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Indian calendar each year. CUNY closes for widely observed federal holidays, like Christmas and Juneteenth. Additionally, classes arent held during Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Bada Bing! To mark the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking television series The Sopranos, fans are invited to embark on a journey through the streets and neighborhoods that served as the backdrop for the gripping tales of Tony Soprano and his Mafia family. This exclusive tour, approximately four hours, will provide a unique behind-the-scenes perspective, allowing participants to relive memorable moments from the series and gain insights into the creative process that made The Sopranos a cultural phenomenon. Staten Islanders will recall that Robert Funaro, an actor from of New Dorp who was part of The Sopranos family, was part of the Sopranos recent 25th anniversary celebration in Little Italy recently. Funaro portrayed Eugene Pontecorvo, a crime family soldier in the classic series, in the hit series. * * * BUY TICKETS HERE FOR THE SOPRANOS SITES TOUR The tour is led by a local actor tour guide who shares behind-the-scenes filming secrets and trivia and immerses guests in the world of one of the greatest television series of all time. What will you see on this tour? From the bustling streets of New Jersey, where the Soprano family resided, to the quaint neighborhoods and eateries that served as the backdrop for their intricate lives, this tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to witness the magic of the series come to life. Gain exclusive insights into the making of The Sopranos and discover the secrets behind some of the most unforgettable scenes in television history. Highlights of The Sopranos tour: Embark on a visual journey through the opening credits as you encounter Pizzaland, The Muffler Man, and other enigmatic sites See the very spot where Big Pussy, caught between loyalty and betrayal, shared fateful words with the FBI Get a glimpse of Barone Sanitation, Tonys legitimate facade Step inside the real-life Bada Bing, otherwise known as Satin Dolls Take a photo of the restaurant booth where Tony Soprano sat in the climactic final scene ABOUT ON LOCATION TOURS On Location Tours, the Concierge Choice Award Winner for Sightseeing and Tours, is among the worlds largest TV and movie tour companies with tours in New York City, Boston and Chicago. The tours feature sites from the hottest and latest on the big and small screen. Founded in 1999, it is one of the East Coasts most popular tourist attractions. Some of the tours include: New York TV & Movie Sites, Sex and the City Hotspots, Gossip Girl Sites, Sopranos Sites, Central Park TV & Movie Sites and Boston TV & Movie Sites. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Because someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion every two seconds, physicians and staffers at Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC) will spearhead a blood drive and offer a delicious incentive to donors in conjunction with the New York Blood Center. Every donor at the Feb. 29 blood drive will receive a complimentary voucher for one free pizza from a local pizzeria, including DOUGH by Licastri in Eltingville, Jimmy Max in Westerleigh and Joe & Pats in Meiers Corners. The drive will take place inside the main hospital, located at 355 Bard Ave., in West Brighton, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are proud to work with the New York Blood Center to help address our communitys blood shortage and bring greater awareness to the need for a diverse blood supply, said Daniel J. Messina, RUMC president and chief executive officer. Special thanks to DOUGH by Licastri, Jimmy Max, and Joe & Pats for their generous partnership and for providing a delicious incentive for the community to donate blood during a time of need. By giving blood, people can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others and help ensure that there is a steady supply of blood for those in need. INTERESTING FACTS The blood drive is open to the public and comes at a time when the nations emergency blood supply is in critical shortage. New York has seen a 25% drop in donations in the last few weeks, resulting in 5,000 fewer donations, crippling the inventory that was expected to grow during National Blood Donor Month this past January. New York Blood Centers inventory has dropped dramatically due to lower donor turnout, inclement weather, and a spike in seasonal illnesses. There is currently a two-day supply with one to two days of types O-, O+, B-, and platelets. Blood donors can give every 56 days, and up to six times a year. The Food and Drug Administration recently lifted several blood donor eligibility restrictions. The New York Blood Center is the primary provider of blood products to more than 200 hospitals in the tri-state area and needs to collect more than 2,000 units of blood products each day to meet current demands. A stable and robust blood supply is essential to our healthcare system, said Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president at New York Blood Center. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our blood drive partners, whose unwavering support ensures that hospital patients receive the lifesaving treatment they need. HERES HOW TO GET ON BOARD To make an appointment for the RUMC blood drive, donors should call 800-933-2566 or visit https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/320568 and enter code 63223 for the sponsor code. For further information on blood donation guidelines and regulations, visit https://nybc.org or phone 800-688-0900. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A new piece of legislation would effectively label some New York protestors felons and domestic terrorists. The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Queens), would make it a class-D felony to stage a protest intentionally blocking any class of public road, square and place. A class-D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison. The purposeful blocking of bridges, tunnels and roadways which results in cars being stopped, sick people not being able to get medical attention, or any attempt to prevent innocent people from getting from Point A to Point B is not appropriate or fair - in fact it is flat out dangerous, Pheffer Amato wrote in her justification for the legislation. While people have the right to protest, they do not have the right to cause fear, panic and put the lives of other people in danger. The bill has drawn only one co-sponsor, Assemblyman Sam Berger (D-Queens), and no version in the Senate. It would also raise a host of First Amendment concerns. Protests have long been a fact-of-life in the five boroughs, but recent demonstrations supporting Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have blocked roads drawing the ire of local conservatives. Israels war on the Gaza Strip following Hamas Oct. 7 attack has brought thousands out to protest the Middle Easts actions and Americas support of those actions. Several of those protests have involved blocking main thoroughfares, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge and Holland Tunnel. Pheffer Amato is up for re-election this year against Republican Tom Sullivan following a hard-fought 2022 campaign between the two that saw the assemblywoman narrowly secure a victory. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- With retail thefts spiking across New York, including here on Staten Island, the states top elected official has proposed various new measures to crack down on criminals and bolster protections for vulnerable workers. On Wednesday, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined her plan to tackle the rising rate of retail theft throughout the state, which was one of the focal points of her 2024 State of the State address last month. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- As thousands of veterans across New York continue to face various challenges and needs, more than $3 million in funding meant to assist them remains untouched by the state. Last month, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli released a report finding that more than $13 million in personal income tax check-offs, including more than $3 million earmarked for veteran programs, have not been disbursed by the state. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. City officials announced Wednesday that theyd join ongoing legal action against social media companies over what Mayor Eric Adams described as a mental health crisis. TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube are defendants in the lawsuit brought in California state court. Adams said Wednesday that the case is part of broader efforts to hold the companies accountable. Over the past decade, we have seen just how addictive and overwhelming the online world can be, exposing our children to a non-stop stream of harmful content and fueling our national youth mental health crisis, Adams said. Our city is built on innovation and technology, but many social media platforms end up endangering our childrens mental health, promoting addiction, and encouraging unsafe behavior. Today, were taking bold action on behalf of millions of New Yorkers to hold these companies accountable for their role in this crisis, and were building on our work to address this public health hazard. The citys lawsuit argues that the companies negligence has fueled the youth mental health crisis, which city lawyers say is a public nuisance that the city has had to spend upwards of $100 million to address. City Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan announced earlier this year that social media would be declared a public health threat because of its impact on mental health. A variety of states and localities around the nation have launched pushes against social media, including Florida lawmakers efforts to impose age verification requirements that would limit young peoples access to social media. Locally, the city also announced it would launch a new framework on how to hold social media companies accountable while also advocating for laws at the state level that help improve New Yorkers social media experiences. Social media is a toxin in our digital environment, like lead, air pollution, and nicotine are in our physical one, Vasan said. Environmental toxins require regulation, control, and mitigation, and public health must build on its environmental health legacy to address this modern threat. New York City is employing a wide array of tools to fight back, including education and awareness, research, and regulation, and this lawsuit is the latest example of our citys commitment to ensure young people are safe from the impacts of social media on mental health and wellbeing. The laissez-faire days for tech giants must end and expecting them to self-regulate is naive. As a parent and as the citys doctor, to protect the publics health, we will not remain idle while these platforms damage the health of our children. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Sharp-eyed Staten Islanders may have noticed a military vessel in the waters off of Staten Island recently. Its not something that we see every day. The boat could be seen for a few days as it traveled back and forth along the boroughs North Shore coastline. The ship was also sighted stopped in the waters off of Stapleton for a time, with the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge behind it. The vessel was in our waters from around Sunday, Feb. 4 through the middle of the following week. The United States Naval Ship (USNS) Red Cloud was seen in the waters off of Staten Island during in early February, 2024. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance Staten Islanders are used to seeing all manner of vessels in the waters surrounding the borough. Container ships and cruise liners can regularly be spotted coming and going along Staten Islands North Shore. Oil tankers are frequently spotted moored off the Stapleton anchorage. And, of course, Staten Island Ferry boats can be seen making their way between St. George and the Whitehall Street Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan (even though we caught the ferry doing some cool moves in unusual waters not too long ago). But sightings of military ships are a bit rare. What ship was it, and what was it doing in the waters off of Staten Island? The vessel was the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Red Cloud, according to Bill Mesta, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Navys Military Sealift Command. The Red Cloud was in the Staten Island area for regularly scheduled maintenance. Mesta said that the work had been finished and that the Red Cloud had left our waters by Wednesday, Feb. 7. Military Sealift Command provides ocean transportation to the U.S. Department of Defense. Ships of the Red Clouds class can transport prepositioned U.S. Army vehicles, equipment and supplies to developed ports in order to meet a combatant commanders requirements. The ships are ideal for carrying heavy armored vehicles and equipment used by the U.S. military. A sister ship of the Red Cloud, the USNS Watkins, was moored in the waters off of Stapleton for a time in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The USNS Watkins, which was moored off of Stapleton during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in March and April of 2020. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance) The Watkins arrived here as there was talk about a tighter lockdown of the tri-state area to stop the spread of the virus. But the Watkins was in the area to conduct systems checks after regularly scheduled maintenance and was not part of the national response to the pandemic. At the same time, the Red Cloud was at a dry-dock facility in Bayonne, N.J., undergoing a shipyard maintenance period. Norwegian Cruise Lines ships were also spotted moored in the waters off of Stapleton during those early pandemic days. Norwegian Cruise Lines vessel is seen in waters off of Staten Island during first days of COVID-19 pandemic here in 2020. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance)Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance Cruise ships can often be seen sailing off the North Shore on their way to open water beyond the Verrazzano but sightings of them moored off the Island are not as common. While cruise ships had been early breeding grounds for the virus, the Norwegian Cruise Lines vessels were stopped here awaiting better weather before moving on. Two cruise ships Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Escape and Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Seas Mariner were also parked off the Stapleton coast in September 2023 because of service disruptions wrought by Hurricane Lee. Regent Seven Seas Cruises Seven Seas Mariner, left, and Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Escape are moored off Staten Island on their way to Manhattan after being rerouted because of Hurricane Lee in September 2023. (Tom Wrobleski/Staten Island Advance) And a sharp-eyed North Shore resident spotted a replica of famed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellans ship Nao Trinidad sailing through the Narrows on its way to a public showing in Delaware. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. An acceptance to an Ivy League school is already an exceptional achievement and one Staten Island high school student has received a full ride. When Jose Perez IV, a senior at Curtis High School, was offered a full scholarship to Dartmouth College, he said it was exhilarating. It was the culmination of a lot of my hard work the last four years, the New Brighton resident said. Jose received the full ride through the QuestBridge National College Match program, which allows low-income high school seniors to apply for free to the nations best colleges and be considered for early admission and a full four-year scholarship worth over $200,000. It covers the cost of attendance, including tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and travel expenses. It doesnt require any financial contributions by a student or their family. It also means no student loans. Jose worked on the application through QuestBridge for three months. I wanted to attend an Ivy League, I would say, at least since I was in middle school. Its been my goal, he said. Jose explained he wasnt exactly rejected from any other Ivy Leagues he included on his application, but Dartmouth was one of the colleges at the top of his list. I wanted to be in a smaller college, and Dartmouth is the smallest of the Ivy Leagues, he said. I did apply to other schools I ranked them on my list. The way the scholarship works is that the highest score that was on your rankings is the one that youre admitted to, the one that accepts you. You get the scholarship for that school. He learned he received the full ride and acceptance in early December and he said he felt both excitement and relief. He was met with a slew of congratulations from friends, family, classmates and school staff. All four years of high school, I was really concerned about affording college, because college is extremely expensive, he said. It alleviated a lot of the burden that would have been placed on my family if I did not receive the scholarship. Due to his passion and several years of experience building personal computers, Jose said he plans to pursue a degree in computer science at Dartmouth, which he said has a great program. He is visiting the campus, located in New Hampshire, for the first time this month. Jose also offered advice to high school students looking to attend an Ivy League through QuestBridges program. I would encourage other students to apply who are currently in their junior year to prepare for the application, he said. Prepare for next year. Its a really great opportunity. Jose is a member of Curtis High Schools rigorous International Baccalauereate (IB) Diploma Program, an intensive international program where students pursue an international high school diploma in addition to their New York State Advanced Regents Diploma. Candidates in this program work hard to complete a thesis paper, complete a service project, and take a full course load of IB classes that require project-based assessments and several weeks of examinations. He is also a student athlete on the tennis team at Curtis. Health officials in Oregon confirmed a case of human bubonic plague. They say a pet owner from Deschutes County an area under 200 miles southeast of Portland, the states largest city caught the disease from their cat, which marks the first human case in the state in over eight years, according to a news release by Deschutes County Health Services. The plague is best known as the cause for the Black Death in medieval Europe, the worst pandemic ever in history that killed between 25 to 50 million people. However, experts say there should be no concern for people. Heres what you need to know about it. What is the bubonic plague? The World Health Organization says that the bubonic plague is one of three types of plague caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is considered the cause of the Black Death that killed millions in Asia, Europe and Africa in the 14th century. Experts say that its also the cause of two other pandemics in human history: the Plague of Justinian in the 6th century CE and another epidemic which affected China, Mongolia and India in 1855. The current case According to a news release, Deschutes County Health Services confirmed a case of human plague in a local resident who was likely infected by their symptomatic pet cat. In Central Oregon, the most common animals to carry the disease are squirrels and chipmunks, however, mice and other rodents can also carry the plague. How did the owner get infected? The human bubonic plague can spread to humans or animals through a bite from an infected flea or by contact with an animal sick with the disease, according to Oregon Health Authority, being that the reason the owner got infected. Is it dangerous? If not diagnosed early, the disease can progress to septicemic plague, which is a bloodstream infection, and/or pneumonic plague, which is a lung infection. Both types of infection are more severe and harder to treat. The individuals case was identified and treated in earlier stages, which reduces the risk of spreading. All close contacts of the resident and their pet have been contacted and provided medication to prevent illness, said Dr. Richard Fawcett, Deschutes County Health Officer. What are the symptoms and treatment of human bubonic plague? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, plague symptoms depend on how the patient was exposed to the bacteria. The incubation period of the diseases range from two to eight days. The WHO states that antibiotics and supportive therapy are effective against plague when diagnosed in time. Enterobacteria can also cure the disease if delivered early. If the patient got the disease from an infected flea, the most common symptoms that they could develop are fever, headache, chills, weakness, and one or more swollen, painful lymph nodes, called buboes (being the reason why the disease is named bubonic plague). Are there more cases? According to Deschutes County, no additional cases of plague have emerged during the communicable disease investigation. The case was the first reported in Oregon since 2015. How can we avoid the spread of the plague? The Oregon Health Authority recommends avoiding contact with rodents and their fleas to prevent the spread of diseases like plague. It advises against touching sick, injured, or dead rodents and keeping pets away from them, using flea control products on pets, and discouraging cats from hunting rodents. Residents are urged to keep rodents out of homes and remove attractants. Additionally, it warns against camping near animal burrows or areas with dead rodents, refraining from feeding wild rodents, and taking precautions like wearing long pants and applying insect repellent to reduce flea exposure. According to the Virginia Department of Health, plague is rare in the U.S. with an average of seven cases reported each year, most commonly in rural and semi-rural areas in the west and southwest. Worldwide, between 1,000 and 2,000 cases are reported each year to the WHO. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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 Youd be hard-pressed to find too many willing to show up at a memorial for Roger Rogerson, Australias most notoriously crooked cop who died last month while serving a life sentence for murder. Loading The Dodger, as Rogerson came to be known (owing to a handy knack of getting away with crimes) was cremated at Macquarie Park cemetery a couple of weeks ago, with a subsequent secret memorial attended by a select group of his last remaining friends. A surprisingly notable face among the mourners was pub baron Arthur Laundy, whose sprawling empire is worth north of $1 billion. Hes the father of Craig Laundy, a former minister in the Turnbull government who emerged from post-political obscurity to deliver a few rather candid character assessments on the ABCs recent Nemesis documentary which depicted the highlights from the Liberals last stint in power. The journalist Lisa Wilkinsons acceptance speech for the Logies award for the most outstanding news coverage or public affairs report was certainly ill judged, but evidence in a current high-stakes defamation case shows her employer, Network Ten, has thrown their star presenter under a bus. In an affidavit filed with the Federal Court in Sydney, Wilkinson said her Logie acceptance speech for an interview with Brittany Higgins a speech delivered days before she was scheduled to appear at a trial where she would allege she was sexually assaulted was approved at the highest levels of the network. And on the awards night itself, Wilkinson said the Ten chief executive Beverley McGarvey had texted her at 11.07pm after the Logies: Beautiful speech. Wilkinson who, for full disclosure, we remind readers, is married to our columnist Peter FitzSimons is a journalist with four decades experience as an editor of various publications. She would be well versed in the established codes of practice surrounding the impact of journalism on court cases, not least because during her editing days, seeking and taking legal advice went with the job. Justice Michael Lee said the risks of making the speech should have been obvious to a cadet journalist. But Wilkinsons barrister told the court that her client was not at any time a court reporter or a news reporter and was reliant on legal advice given by Ten. BOB MARLEY: ONE LOVE Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green Written by Marcus Green, Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers and Zach Baylin, 107 minutes, rated M Reviewed by JAKE WILSON My favourite story about Bob Marley is told by his biographer Chris Salewicz: even at the height of his 1970s fame, Marley was up for discussion with anybody, including the mentally ill folk often found loitering outside his headquarters in Kingston where he liked to hold court on the verandah. Bring him in for a reasoning, he would say to his entourage, like a character in Shakespeare. I didnt necessarily expect to hear that line in Bob Marley: One Love. But I did hope for some lively idiomatic dialogue, especially given the involvement of screenwriter Terence Winter, a mainstay of The Sopranos who must have had a hand in the many scenes of Tony Soprano and his crew shooting the breeze. Kingsley Ben-Adir does what he can to show us the different faces of Marley. Credit: Paramount Pictures Alas, there are few striking turns of phrase in this routine biopic, directed without distinction by Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard), also one of four credited writers along with Winter. Pop superstar Taylor Swift has landed in Melbourne ahead of her highly anticipated Australian shows. Dozens of fans waited at Melbourne Airport for the chance to see Swift, who flew in shortly before 1am on a private jet from the United States, just days after watching her boyfriend Travis Kelce win the Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. Swift will play three shows over three nights at the MCG from Friday. She will then travel to Sydney for another four shows at Accor Stadium next weekend. Early childhood centres could save an average of $12,400 a year each by installing rooftop solar, new analysis from Parents 4 Climate Action suggests. Overall the early childhood education sector spent between $113 million and $133 million on electricity in 2023, the equivalent of salaries for 1255 to 1625 fulltime childcare workers. This was up 11 per cent on 2022, more than twice the rate of inflation. Childcare centres could save thousands by installing solar panels, analysis has found. Credit: Kate Geraghty The report extends Parents 4 Climate Actions previous advocacy on rooftop solar for schools into the childcare sector. The updated analysis also says small schools could save $12,700 in annual energy bills and large schools could save $114,000 a year. Childcare centres and schools are ideally suited to solar because most of their energy needs are during the day. The NSW and Queensland governments are piloting programs in state schools to install air conditioning powered by rooftop solar, but there is no targeted support for the early childhood sector. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recently reported that childcare in Australia is less affordable compared to most other countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. In 2022, an Australian couple on average wages with two children spent 16 per cent of their net household income on net childcare costs, compared with the OECD average of 9 per cent. Like everyone, my family of five became pretty accustomed to our home during those never-ending days of COVID lockdown. We home-schooled two kids (with a preschooler also running around), my husband ran his tech start-up and I covered every word, day in and day out, of Gladys Berejiklians 11am pandemic update. All from our dining table in our two-bedroom, 72-square-metre apartment. It was a long few months, but we survived because raising kids in an apartment is an absolutely acceptable and tolerable way to live. Anyone who says otherwise has almost certainly never done it. The kids are all right: state political editor Alexandra Smith with her family. Of course, that does not stop people passing judgment and I have heard some corkers about our housing choice, including from friends, who have suggested that apartment living with kids is akin to child abuse. Are you still in your apartment? they would ask, as if we were up to no good. It is a very Australian bias to insist that a family home must be a house. My brother-in-law and his wife live with their two energetic young boys in an apartment in the 17th arrondissement of Paris. Their building has had a lift added to make life easier for all the young families with prams who were struggling to haul their kids up the original spiral staircase. Apartment living is the norm in Paris but not in Sydney. Here, apartments are for 20-somethings not families and there is an expectation that youll need to upgrade to a house with obligatory backyard once offspring arrive. Former Sydney schoolteacher Helga Lam will not be prosecuted for the alleged abuse of four school boys because of a historical legal loophole that exempts women leaving her former students extremely traumatised. The students, now all adult men, have denounced a comment made by one of the judges in his judgment as obscene after he said most of them were willing participants in their alleged abuse. Helga Lam was arrested in September 2021. Credit: NSW Police Lam was arrested in September 2021 and had been facing 15 charges of indecent assault, allegedly committed against four teenagers in the late 1970s when she was a teacher at a boys school in Sydneys eastern suburbs. The now 70-year-old has always denied the charges and was never convicted of any offence. Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election for a U.S. House seat in New York on Tuesday, defeating Republican Mazi Pilip to take the seat that was left vacant when George Santos, also a Republican, was expelled from Congress. The victory narrows an already-thin margin held by Republicans in the House, and could provide clues about suburban voter sentiment heading into the 2024 election campaign nationwide. On Tuesday night, Democrats had been hoping for a decisive victory in the special election held in New Yorks 3rd electoral district, which the Republican George Santos represented until he was expelled from Congress in December after being indicted on 23 counts. Federal prosecutors accused him of duping donors, stealing from his campaign, fraud, identity theft and lying to Congress. In other circumstances, a special vote to replace a representative who has lost his job even one like the disgraced Santos, with his trail of hoaxes and fabrications would not have aroused much interest. But in an election year, and with a very tense balance of forces in Congress (House Republicans will only have a six-seat advantage when Suozzi takes the oath of office), the New York race has been followed with great expectation, with live media coverage of the vote count. A heavy snow storm, the most intense in almost two years, reduced turnout at the polls. Going into the vote both candidates were practically tied in voting intention. In fact, the battle was so tough that both candidates offered their voters paid transportation to the voting centers. The Congressional Leadership Fund, the main super PAC of the House Republicans, even hired private snow plows to clear the entrances. Not counting the snowplow bill, the group has spent $5 million on the race, a sign of Washington Republicans determination to retain that seat. Suozzi positioned himself during the campaign as a moderate negotiator, while Mazi Pilip, a veteran of the Israeli Army who defends Trumps theory about the 2020 election being stolen, tried to link his rival with President Joe Biden, who is going through low times. A Democratic defeat would have set off alarm bells in a party already affected by the presidents low approval numbers and with open fronts such as immigration, which is becoming the main issue of the November campaign. A Republican victory would have consolidated the partys edge in the lower house. It was the four seats won by the Republicans in New York in the midterm elections that gave their party control of the chamber. The seat at stake was for Long Island and a section of Queens, where New York Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has installed a large shelter for migrants recently arrived from the southern border. Immigration pressure is a card that the Republicans have played often in this race, just as they have at the national level: they have blamed the chaos in New York and in other Democratic cities such as Denver or Chicago on President Biden, and hoped that the presence of thousands of immigrants on the streets of the Big Apple would make voters visualize the crisis. This view has also been aided by the repeated complaints of Mayor Adams, who has blamed the federal government for not contributing enough to the costs of welcoming migrants. Recovering Santos seat in the House has been the first test of the election year for Democrats. The win opens a potential path to further victories in November in undecided suburban districts such as New York, where voting intention surveys show Republican hopeful Donald Trump in the lead. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The life, marriage and career of a Sydney foster care worker unravelled after her sexual assault by a high-risk teenager she should not have been left alone with, a court has heard. Marist Youth Care Limited pleaded guilty on Tuesday in the NSW District Court to breaching the Work Health and Safety Act by failing their duty of care towards the employee of several years. A female foster worker was sexually assaulted by a high-risk teenager she should not have been left alone with. Generic image. Credit: iStock At a sentence hearing on Tuesday, the court heard the boy, known only as LSC, had a history of inappropriate sexual and violent behaviour, including threatening foster staff with objects such as a steel pole and kidnapping and assaulting two women in public, causing them to be hospitalised. That was before the troubled youth moved from Anglicare to a Marist foster care home in Sydney in early 2019, under the NSW Governments intensive therapeutic care program. Universities and private colleges have cancelled scores of international student enrolment offers as institutions rush to protect their risk ratings following the federal governments visa crackdown. Some education providers believe theyre being unfairly affected by the governments migration reforms, which aim to slash intake by putting tougher tests on students. Universities have moved to cancel international students enrolments. Credit: Brook Mitchell The University of Western Sydney, Macquarie University and the University of Wollongong are among NSW public institutions that have sent emails cancelling enrolments or asking students to withdraw or defer, as well as private college Kaplan Business School. In Victoria, prospective students or education agents at La Trobe University have received similar emails, as have students accepted into Central Queensland University and Edith Cowan University in Perth. Deakin University has sent emails to agents affected by high visa rejections offering to extend the fee refund deadline if they choose to withdraw their visa application. The states private schools are enrolling more students than at any time on record despite soaring cost-of-living pressures and fee hikes that have pushed tuition costs above $40,000 a year at numerous Sydney private schools. Official data released on Wednesday shows the proportion of students enrolled in NSW public schools has fallen for the fifth year running, dropping to 62.9 per cent in 2023. It is the lowest share of students attending state schools in the past two decades of reporting. The De Leon family enrolled their two younger children, Lillian and Lorenzo, in an independent school in Sydneys north-west partly because it offered pre-school through to year 12. Credit: Steven Siewert The exodus from public schools in NSW is being driven in part by the establishment of low-fee private schools in Sydneys north- and south-west growth corridors, where the construction of new public schools over the past decade has failed to keep pace with population growth. Most other states and territories have experienced a similar trend, the figures released by Australian Bureau of Statistics show. Racing members could scuttle the state governments landmark deal to turn Rosehill Racecourse into a mini-city of 25,000 homes as prominent trainers rubbish the proposal and demand details about alternative sites for the sports future. A heated meeting of Australian Turf Club members on Tuesday night at the Rosehill grandstand revealed deep opposition to the plan to sell the prized 60-hectare site to developers, a move likely worth more than $5 billion for racing. Premier Chris Minns announced the plan in December with a cast of ministers and ATC chairman Peter McGauran, second from left. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos The powerful chief executive of Racing NSW, Peter Vlandys, backed the deal as having significant commercial benefit to the NSW racing industry, [which] has not changed. He told the Herald on Wednesday night: Our role is to act in the best interests of the industry as a whole. There are 50,000 participants we act for. They should also have a voice. Another high-rise apartment complex has been proposed for a West End block where a heritage-listed tannery building still stands. Developers have lodged an application with Brisbane City Council for 24 apartments at 435 Montague Road, as well as an access easement for an area at the rear where the old brick tannery building is. It comes after developers in December lodged an application to build a 10-storey tower, comprising 84 apartments, around the old tannery building at 439 Montague Road. An artists impression of the apartment complex proposed for 439 Montague Road at West End, with the heritage-listed tannery building in the foreground. According to the heritage register, Dixons Tannery was constructed in around 1893. Heritage consultants engaged by the developers have told council the proposal to be known as The Tannery Residences is reasonable and allows for the future interpretation of this late-Colonial era industrial building in the West End area. The new Qld fire department building. The Queensland government will turn an Albion landmark into the home of the new fire department. More than 500 staff from four sites will be relocated to the former TAB building, which is being redeveloped as part of the Hudson Common project. The brutalist tower from the 1970s is being transformed at the same time the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services is rebadged into the Queensland Fire Department. Machinery of government changes sparked by Steven Miles becoming premier have cemented the decision to move staff from the city, Kedron and elsewhere to Hudson Common. Phan Giang Sang, 90, and his wife To Kim Chau, 85, fled Vietnam by boat in 1978 with three children and just the clothes they were wearing. He was a doctor; she a pharmacist. Starting over in Australia was difficult. Phan Giang Sang and To Kim Chau. My secret to staying married is: if she wants something, you do it, says Sang. Credit: Joshua Morris Sang: The first day I saw Kim Chau, I knew I wanted to marry her. We met at a charity event for poor people; I was examining patients and Kim was dispensing the medicines. I couldnt take my eyes off her, but she kept avoiding my gaze. She was a pharmacy student, so I thought we would make a good couple to help people in need. She was also very beautiful. We married in 1966. During the Vietnam War, I was a medical officer for the South Vietnamese army. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, the communists sent me to a re-education camp. Luckily, I was released after eight months because they realised the country needed doctors, but I was kept under house arrest. We had three young children and it was Chau who, somehow, kept the family afloat. We knew we couldnt live under the communist regime, so in 1978, with much sadness, we decided we had to escape Vietnam. The owner of one of the boats carrying refugees wanted a doctor on board who could look after his pregnant daughter-in-law, but we still had to pay him 30 ounces of gold, all our savings of many years. Six hours after we left, the woman went into labour and I delivered the baby at sea. Toni Stern, who became a trusted lyricist for Carole King, providing the words for the enduring standard Its Too Late and many other songs during Kings success as a chart-topping solo artist has died at home in California aged 79. Her husband and only immediate survivor, Jerry Rounds, confirmed the death. He did not specify the cause. Stern, a Los Angeles native, was an aspiring painter and poet living in Laurel Canyon, an enclave popular with the Los Angeles rock elite, in the late 1960s. It was there that she met King, who had moved west from New Jersey after a painful breakup with her husband and songwriting partner, Gerry Goffin, with whom she had formed one of the decades powerhouse hit-making duos. The two hit it off immediately. When I moved to California in 1968, she was the epitome of a free-spirited Laurel Canyon woman, King wrote in a Facebook tribute post after Sterns death. She lived in a hillside house with her dog, Arf, surrounded by books, record albums, plants and macrame. The most expensive private schools in Western Australia have for the first time revealed how much they are paying their top staff and principals. Under a shake-up to Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission rules, private schools are now forced to disclose the total sum paid annually to their biggest earners. However, schools are not required to give a breakdown on this number and are also not required to disclose the amount if there is only one person in its top earners bracket. WAs high-fee schools all independent schools pay between $650,000 and $2.4 million in remuneration to top staff, including principals, but the amount is split across a different number of people, depending on the school. The Australian Defence Force is thousands of people short of its staffing targets, putting the nations military under intense strain as it confronts heightened tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the risk of conflict between global powers. The ADFs workforce crisis has pushed the government to explore ways to allow foreigners to serve under the Australian flag, slash recruitment times by 200 days and ease daunting fitness standards for recruits. Chief of the Defence Force General Angus Campbell said the military was well below target staffing levels. Credit: Alex Ellinghuasen Defence Force Chief Angus Campbell revealed on Wednesday that the ADF was 7 per cent or 4308 people below its authorised strength of 62,735 staff at a time when it is trying to expand the number of uniformed personnel. The federal government has set an ambitious goal of boosting its workforce by 18,500 people by 2040, a 30 per cent increase on current levels. KYODO NEWS - Feb 14, 2024 - 20:41 | All, Japan A 15-year-old high school student was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly murdering his father after the bodies of his parents were found in an apartment near Tokyo, police said. The police, responding to a report from the father's workplace that he was unreachable, found the bodies on Tuesday evening inside the locked apartment in Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture, where the three resided. The son is suspected of fatally stabbing his 52-year-old father with a knife there sometime between 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to the police. He has admitted to the allegation. The police are also interrogating him over the death of his 50-year-old mother, who also had wounds, they said. The son was not home when the police found the bodies. The police found him Wednesday elsewhere in the prefecture. Related coverage: Parents arrested in fatal poisoning, drugging of 4-yr-old daughter Body of 17-year-old boy found in central Japan lake, murder suspected Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has sent a strong message about the need to release WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from prison in the United Kingdom, voting in parliament for a motion that called for the Australian citizens return to the country. The vote signalled a new federal government stance by going beyond past statements from Albanese about the need to bring the matter to a conclusion in some way. Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie moved the motion in parliament and gained support from Labor backbencher Josh Wilson before a vote of 86 to 42 in favour of his call to end the prosecution and allow Assange to return to his family in Australia after years in prison. Assanges last ditch appeal against his extradition will be heard in the UK High Court next week. Assange will next Tuesday make a last-ditch appeal in the British High Court against the courts decision last June to allow his extradition to the United States to face charges for publishing classified US military documents. Critical energy grid infrastructure may not be built to withstand intense storms driven by climate change, experts warn following the downing of a 40-year-old transmission line that contributed to Victorias widespread power outages. Victorias energy grid buckled on Tuesday when gale force winds crumpled transmission towers and brought high-voltage power lines to the ground west of Melbourne. This effectively tripped a fuse that connects the grid to the massive Loy Yang A brown coal plant 240 kilometres to the east of the city. Transmission pylons near Geelong that were brought down by strong winds on Tuesday afternoon. Credit: Jason South While the dramatic loss in supply cut electricity to about 530,000 homes, two of Loy Yang As generators soon powered back up and the remaining two will be restored by Thursday. The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) said about 130,000 homes were without power on Wednesday afternoon, owing to local power lines being brought down by winds and falling branches. In their most recent State of the Climate report, the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology said in 2022 that extreme weather events would happen more often as the world heats up. Bowen on Wednesday said a $20 billion Rewiring the Nation fund to expand the transmission network would make the nations electricity supply more resilient as the climate changes. Were experiencing more frequent and more severe extreme weather events due to the changing climate. This shows how critical a resilient and modern grid is to give network operators multiple options for rapidly diverting electricity around different parts of the grid and between states as needed, Bowen said. While power was restored to 250,000 homes by Wednesday morning, the outages occurred at the same time as wind-fuelled fires tore through parts of western Victoria. About 20 properties in the small town of Pomonal near the Grampians National Park have been reported destroyed in a blaze on Tuesday, with many residents still in the dark about whether their homes survived. On the other side of the state, a 50-year-old Gippsland dairy farmer died after being struck by a detached roof while herding cattle about 6pm on Tuesday, according to WorkSafe. Loading More than 15 health services were without power across Gippsland, Grampians and the Loddon Mallee regions on Wednesday due to the wild weather, but all switched to generator power. More than 30 schools and 46 early childhood providers were closed due to power or access issues, while the Belgrave train line remained suspended between Ringwood and Belgrave. A VicRoads spokeswoman said approximately 550 traffic lights across the state were affected on Wednesday morning. Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent said the storms were the most destructive in years and it could take up to a week for power to be restored to some communities. We need to fully understand the extent of the damage that has occurred and the systems and infrastructure that have to be repaired, he said. Loading Nugent said the government was looking at bringing generators to affected towns that could face long waits for power to be restored. Premier Jacinta Allan, who inspected fire-hit areas of the Grampians on Wednesday, said there was significant damage across the state and the government had made arrangements to support communities without power. She said crews were working street by street to reconnect homes to the grid. Its only the second catastrophic wind event that weve had since the fires of Black Saturday 15 years ago, Allan said. It has clearly caused disruptions to the road network, to the power systems. The Australian Energy Market Operator, which manages electricity and gas markets nationally, said ongoing power outages were not caused by damage to major transmission lines, but by trees and debris falling on roads and power lines. Loading As of 4pm Wednesday, 127,743 customers were without power across Victoria and 3104 of these had a medical need to maintain electricity. Eastern Victoria had the majority of outages with 108,415 customers currently blacked out. Australian Industry Group director of climate change and energy Tennant Reed, said there would be some allowances in existing funding to repair the network. If that were to rise to a level of expense that is unable to be supported in these budgets, then the networks might appeal to the regulator, he said. There's a chance that would be approved and then probably that would not arrive in one big whack, but it is something that would be spread over the next several years. The aftermath of Tuesday nights storm in Clayton, in Melbournes south-east. Credit: Wayne Taylor Reed said the high spot price for electricity during the transmission fault, which hit its limit of $16,600 per megawatt hour, may be indirectly passed on but wouldnt appear as a line item on bills. He said questions would be asked about hardening transmission lines to better protect against extreme weather, but that this would come at a cost. Hardship payments have also been opened for those affected. Anyone who thinks they are eligible should contact their local council, in person at an Emergency Relief Centre or on the phone to Vic Emergency. Victorian Greens energy transition spokesman Dr Tim Read said the government should introduce a levy on coal-fired power stations to pay for the storm clean-up. State Opposition Leader John Pesutto said his thoughts and wishes were with people affected by fires and severe weather events, but questioned whether the government was doing enough to prepare the energy system for these disruptions. Nugent said some telecommunications towers were disrupted by the winds, which reached 157km/h, and emergency services were attempting to contact affected residents. Telstra reported that 221 towers were affected by outages and 41 communities were potentially isolated from all public telecommunications, including calls to triple zero, as of 4pm Wednesday. Those communities included Kilmore, Nagambie and Avenal in the states north-central region and Bright and the King Valley in the north-east. More than 100 Optus towers remained offline by Wednesday afternoon, mostly due to power outages, while just over 250,000 NBN customers were affected. At Cape Woolamai on Phillip Island, Kristy Armstrong spent Tuesday night without power and kept her daughters Mia and Phoebe home from school the following morning. My phones got no service, she said. I cant contact [the school], they cant contact me. Eighty school sites and early childhood services in the state closed because of weather or power outages. Kristy Armstrong and her daughters Mia and Phoebe at the Cape Woolamai IGA on Phillip Island. They have gas at home and a day off together so they werent too concerned. Credit: Penny Stephens Armstrong, who works at a fish and chip shop, also stayed home from work on Wednesday. We lost a lot of produce this morning and last night. Corinella resident Paul Tapscott said he was unable to even make a phone call from a Telstra phone booth. Telecommunications experts have said companies and governments needed to do a better job of responding to natural disasters. Bass Coast resident Paul Tapscott said the local phone booth was down. Credit: Penny Stephens RMIT University associate professor Mark Gregory, the former editor of the Australian Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy, described it as going around in circles. We get told theres an outage and theyre going to do something about it as quickly as possible. The issue goes away until next time. Gregory said the federal government should step in to ensure telcos provided publicly available data on outages, their causes and the time it took to fix them. Given short distances and efficient public transport, you have no need to stay in well-known alpine resorts or cities. Swap Grindelwald for Adelboden, St Moritz for Samedan, Geneva for Lausanne, and accommodation prices drop 30 per cent. Avoid big brands in favour of small, family-run hotels or youth hostels. Hotels with E&G (from the German abbreviation for simple and cosy) or Berghotel in their name are also good value. In alpine resorts, stay in hotels that offer half-board and youll save considerably on dining in restaurants. Visit picturesque St Moritz but stay in the cheaper alternative, Samedan. Eat your main meal at lunchtime. Fixed-price menus are the best value; your meal might be up to 50 per cent cheaper than the same food ordered a la carte in the evening. Good news: tipping isnt expected. Youll find the best value in self-service cafeterias in large department stores, which offer a variety of hot dishes, salads and desserts. However, beware salad buffets, since salad is sold by weight and can be pricey if you load your plate. The arrival With YYJ 25 kilometres from the city centre, near the tip of the Saanich Peninsula, I spend longer in the taxi than I will in the plane for one of the worlds shortest flights just 12 minutes across to Vancouver. The taxi fare is about $65, with an Uber, which arrived in Victoria only in June 2023, costing around $55. The airports shuttle service ceased operation at the end of 2022. The look The terminal is low-slung and metallic, with an entire front wall of glass, though most of its beauty comes from the maples and flowers lining its exterior walls. I enter the terminal beneath colourful, 10-metre-high sculptures of poppies that rise like small satellite dishes (exiting passengers head out past a trio of totem poles). Inside the terminal theres a permanent and rotating collection of artworks loaned from the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, all available for purchase by use of QR codes. Check-in Israeli military spokesman Rear-Admiral Daniel Hagari saidthe army was combing through intelligence files seized during operations in the tunnels. He said the army had multiple videos of Sinwar. While the people of Gaza are suffering above ground, Sinwar is hiding in tunnels and the ground underneath them, running like the coward that he is, said Hagari. Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in 2018. Credit: AP This is how he escaped with his family from an underground tunnel to a secured complex he had built in advance. This video of Sinwar is the result of our hunt. This hunt will not stop until we have captured him dead or alive. The release of the video came as talks involving the US, Egypt, Israel and Qatar on a Gaza truce ended without a breakthrough. Calls grew for Israel to hold back on a planned assault on the southern end of the enclave, crammed with more than a million displaced people. The city of Rafah, whose pre-war population was about 300,000, teems with homeless people living in tent camps and makeshift shelters who fled there from Israeli bombardments in areas of Gaza farther north during more than four months of war. Israel says it wants to flush out Hamas militants from hideouts in Rafah and free Israeli hostages being held there. Its military is making plans to evacuate Palestinian civilians. But no plan has been forthcoming and aid agencies say the displaced have nowhere else to go in the shattered territory. With Palestinians in Rafah staring death in the face, United Nations aid chief Martin Griffiths said an Israeli ground invasion there would make humanitarian relief nearly impossible. Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at deaths door, Griffiths said in a statement. Israeli tanks shelled the eastern sector of Rafah overnight, causing waves of panic, residents said. They said displaced people dozens so far had begun to leave Rafah after Israeli shelling and air strikes in recent days. Israeli soldiers drive a tank inside the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel. Credit: AP Rafah neighbours Egypt, but Cairo has made clear it will not allow a refugee exodus over the border. Gaza health officials announced 133 new Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 28,473 killed and 68,146 wounded since October 7, when 1200 people were killed in a Hamas rampage across the border into Israel, triggering the war. Many other people are believed to be buried under the rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated Gaza Strip, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out and diseases are spreading. About half of Gazas 2.3 million people are now squeezed into Rafah. Since Israel said they are invading Rafah soon ... we read our last prayers every night. Every night we say farewell to one another and to relatives outside Rafah, said Aya, 30, who is living in a tent with her mother, grandmother and five siblings. In Cairo, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi conducted talks with CIA director William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani aimed at agreeing on a Gaza truce, protecting civilians and delivering more aid into the enclave, Egypts state information service said. In a statement on its website, it cited a keenness to continue consultation and co-ordination on the key issues, indicating that no breakthrough was made. The Egyptian statement made no mention of Israel. The Israeli delegation left Cairo for home, a Reuters reporter said. The Israeli prime ministers office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israel has vowed to fight on, for many months if necessary, until it eradicates Hamas. A Palestinian official said earlier the sides were seeking a formula acceptable to Hamas, which insists that Israel commit to ending its war and pulling its forces from Gaza. A Hamas official said Hamas had told the participants it does not trust Israel not to renew the war if the Israeli hostages being held by Palestinian militants are released. The hostages were seized in Hamas raid into southern Israel on October 7. Securing their return is a priority for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government as well as wiping out Hamas, which governs the small coastal territory. South Africa has asked the World Court to consider whether Israels plan to extend its offensive into Rafah required additional emergency measures to safeguard the rights of Palestinians. In a case brought by South Africa, the International Court of Justice last month ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel denies it is committing genocide and has asked the court to reject the case outright. US President Joe Biden said on Monday that Washington was working on a hostage deal to bring immediate and sustained calm to Gaza for at least six weeks. PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on February 14, 2024. The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 9.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda point is: Approval composition delegation and provisions to attend Contactplan meeting on February 19, 2024, in Oranjestad, Aruba (IS/330/2024-2024 dated January 18, 2024) Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament ~Transition is expected to take several months to complete~ BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS:--- CIBC Caribbean (operating as CIBC FirstCaribbean in the Dutch Caribbean) is pleased the Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten has approved the transactions that will allow Orco Bank Limited to purchase the assets of FirstCaribbean International Bank (Cayman) Limited in Curacao and St. Maarten. This approval is the start of a complex process involving two territories and several thousand accounts. It is to be expected, therefore, the transition from one financial services company to the other will take several months to complete. Teams from both banks are working together in earnest to complete the two transactions and in the interim, CIBC Caribbean will continue to provide its clients in both Curacao and St. Maarten with the same level of professional, leading-edge service they have become used to. Our first priority is to discuss with our staff in both territories what we are planning as a transition schedule, followed by communications to our clients setting out precisely the detailed schedule by which we will begin transitioning their accounts to Orco Bank, noted Mark McIntyre, the Managing Director for the banks Cayman Operating company, under which the Curacao and St. Maarten businesses fall. McIntyre added Orco Bank will also begin communicating with clients, but that it will take some time before all details of the services the purchasing entity will provide is worked out between the two banks. He added: Our clients can rest assured that we will keep them informed at every step of the process and we will work together as a team to ensure this transition is seamless, with minimum disruption for our clients. We will make full use of our social media channels, letters via post and traditional media to communicate our plans to our clients. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure this process is as smooth as possible for all involved. McIntyre concluded the bank is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect during this period as they work to continue providing excellent customer service to our clients. ~ DP uproar still not solved; no name submitted for Finance Minister. ~ PHILIPSBURG:--- The 2x4 coalition namely the URSM, PFP, DP, and NOW who formed a slim majority coalition government has submitted a list of candidates to be screened so that they can be sworn in as Ministers if they passed the screening. The list of names SMN News managed to confirm is as follows: Dr. Luc Mercelina Prime Minister Candidate Christophe Emmanuel ECYS Minister Candidate Lyndon Lewis Justice Minister Candidate Veronica Jensen Webster VSA Minister Candidate Grisha Heyliger Marten Minister TEATT Candidate. Raeyhon Peterson Minister VROMI Candidate Patrice Gumbs Minister Plenipotentiary Candidate Gracita Arrindell Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Candidate. It should be noted that the Democratic Party which was given the Ministry of Finance is yet to submit the name of the candidate that will take up the Minister of Finance post. As reported by SMN News the Democratic Party are having some issues selecting a candidate since the list of candidates that postulated and contested the 2024 Parliamentary election are in favor of their colleague and candidate number 5 on the DP slate Viren Kotai. However, the party leader prefers long-time supporter and former President of the Democratic Party board Marinka Gumbs. The Democratic Party met its candidates over a week ago where the matter was discussed however, the party leader has not decided on the name of the candidate Minister that will be submitted for screening. KYODO NEWS - Feb 14, 2024 - 14:44 | All, Japan Former ruling Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Mito Kakizawa pleaded guilty on Wednesday to allegations of illegal campaign financing related to a Tokyo ward election last April. "I have decided not to contest any of the charges," the 53-year-old former senior vice justice minister said at the first hearing of his trial at the Tokyo District Court, acknowledging that he bears "heavy" responsibility. Kakizawa has been indicted for violating the election law by making payments, or having offered to do so, totaling about 2.8 million yen ($19,000) for bribery in connection with the Koto Ward mayoral election, in which former LDP lawmaker Yayoi Kimura -- a candidate he backed -- won. Kakizawa was also involved in Kimura's use of a paid online advertisement in the campaign, another violation of the election law. Prosecutors believe Kakizawa was in a position equivalent to a "manager" in the campaign, having been involved in its planning and other activities. The court is scheduled to hand down a sentence on March 14 under a speedy deliberation process. Kakizawa was arrested in December, along with his secretaries. He was serving his fifth term as a House of Representatives member, but stepped down as a lawmaker earlier this month following his indictment. Around February last year, Kakizawa is suspected of having conspired with some of his secretaries to provide a total of 1 million yen to five former or incumbent Koto assembly members while offering payments totaling 600,000 yen to three others, according to the indictment. Other allegations included a payment of 400,000 yen to a staff member of Kimura between around March and April, and transferring around 800,000 yen between around July and October to a former local assembly member who is said to have campaigned for Kimura. Kimura, 58, has been indicted without arrest over an alleged election law violation for using the paid advert on YouTube and a payment of 1 million yen to the former local assembly member. She had resigned as mayor in November after accusations of her use of the advert surfaced. Related coverage: Ex-LDP member quits as lawmaker amid alleged election law violation Japanese lawmaker Kakizawa indicted over violation of election law Japan ruling party lawmaker Ikeda arrested over slush fund scandal KYODO NEWS - Feb 14, 2024 - 09:38 | All, Podcast Episode 32: "Snack" bar-hopping tours Have you ever been to a "snack" bar? Three Kyodo News reporters -- Yamaguchi-san, Toma and Horiuchi-san -- talk about a recent feature article on "snack" bar-hopping tours for English-speaking tourists. Listen to their own experiences at the local pubs and hear them discuss what makes them unique to Japanese culture. Article mentioned in the podcast: FEATURE: "Snack" bar tours giving tourists a taste of after-dark Japan Kyodo News presents a bilingual podcast for English learners about the ins and outs of news writing and how to translate tricky Japanese phrases into English. Have fun listening to journalists discuss recent articles as they occasionally go off on unrelated tangents. More podcast episodes: Podcast[English World] Episode 31: Greetings from our Jakarta correspondent Podcast [English World] Episode 30: Noto earthquake Podcast [English World] Episode 29: JAL collision AI giants to unveil pact to fight political deepfakes Washington, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2024 Tech giants including Meta, Microsoft, Google and OpenAI are working on a pact to jointly crack down on AI content intended to deceive voters ahead of crucial elections around the world this year, companies involved said Tuesday. Currently under negotiation by the companies, this so-called "accord" on deepfakes and other dangerous content is set to be announced during the Munich Security conference on Friday. "In a critical year for global elections, technology companies are working on an accord to combat the deceptive use of AI targeted at voters," a spokesperson for Meta said in an emailed statement to AFP on Tuesday. "Adobe, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, TikTok and others are working jointly toward progress on this shared objective," the statement added. According to the Washington Post, which first reported the existence of the project, the companies will agree to develop ways to identify, label and control AI-generated images, videos and audio that aim to deceive voters. The idea comes as big tech companies are under considerable pressure over fears that AI-powered applications could be misused in a pivotal election year. Meta, Google and OpenAI have already agreed to use a common watermarking standard that would tag images generated by their AI applications, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft's Copilot or Google's Gemini (formerly Bard). Recent examples of convincing AI deepfakes have only heightened worries about the easily accessible technology. Last month, a robocall impersonation of US President Joe Biden pushed out to tens of thousands of voters urged people to not cast ballots in the New Hampshire primary. In Pakistan, the party of former prime minister Imran Khan has used AI to generate speeches from their jailed leader. Biden blasts Trump's 'dumb' and 'dangerous' NATO threats Washington, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2024 US President Joe Biden on Tuesday condemned "dumb" and "shameful" comments by Donald Trump on NATO, in one of the incumbent's most blistering attacks yet on his likely Republican rival in November's election. The 81-year-old Democrat accused his predecessor of bowing to Russian President Vladimir Putin, after Trump said he would encourage Moscow to attack NATO members who failed to meet financial commitments. "For God's sake, it's dumb, it's shameful, it's dangerous, it's un-American," Biden said in a televised address from the White House to urge the House of Representatives to pass vital war aid for Ukraine. "Can you imagine a former president of the United States saying that? The whole world heard it. And the worst thing is he means it," he added. "No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator. Well, let me say this as clearly as I can: I never will." Washington's allies reacted with alarm after Trump made his most extreme broadside yet against the US-led military alliance -- even by his standards of long-term NATO-bashing. Biden used Trump's comments to fuel his election attack line against Trump -- who was impeached twice as president and now faces a series of criminal trials -- as a threat to democracy. In his remarks from the state dining room at the White House, he accused the real estate tycoon of acting like an organized crime boss when it came to the alliance. "When he looks at NATO, he doesn't see the alliance that protects America and the world. He sees a protection racket," Biden said. Biden added that if Trump's allies in the House fail to follow the lead of the Senate and pass a bill with billions of dollars in military assistance for Ukraine, then they will be playing into Putin's hands. Trump made the comments at a campaign rally in South Carolina on Saturday, describing what he said was a conversation with a fellow head of state at an unspecified NATO meeting. "One of the presidents of a big country stood up and said, 'Well, sir, if we don't pay, and we're attacked by Russia, will you protect us?' I said, 'You didn't pay, you're delinquent? No, I would not protect you,'" Trump told his supporters. "In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want." A defiant Trump later defended his comments, saying he had made NATO "strong" by making allies meet defense spending targets when he was in office from 2017-2021. Trump has a long history of praising the Kremlin leader, for example calling him a "genius" and more credible than US intelligence. He has also said that as president, he could settle the Ukraine war within 24 hours. NATO to showcase spending rise in riposte to Trump Brussels, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will on Wednesday detail increased defence spending by members of the alliance, rattled after Donald Trump threatened to encourage Russia to attack countries paying too little. The Republican White House frontrunner was widely rebuked after saying he would not defend NATO members who had not met their financial obligations, in his most extreme broadside yet against the organisation. Trump's comments in a Saturday stump speech drew condemnation from leaders including US President Joe Biden -- whom he looks set to face in November's election -- and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Scholz warned that casting doubt on NATO's collective defence guarantee which has safeguarded Europe since World War II was "irresponsible and dangerous". Ahead of a meeting of defence ministers, Stoltenberg is due to unveil new estimates showing the number of NATO allies reaching the military spending target of two percent of GDP has almost doubled since last year. Officials told AFP that around 20 of the alliance's 31 members are expected to hit the target, up from just 11 in 2023. NATO in 2014 set a target for members to spend two percent of their gross domestic product on defence in response to Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. During his time as president, Trump railed against Washington's NATO allies to pressure them to spend more on defence -- and he has claimed credit for increased spending. Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 served as a wake-up call for European countries and saw NATO turn the two-percent figure into a minimum requirement. Key players such as Germany have ramped up their defence spending and are expected to meet the target this year. But the US still accounts for the vast bulk of combined defence spending by NATO members. - Ukraine support - Trump's broadside against US allies has raised the nightmarish spectre for European officials of Washington tanking the 75-year-old alliance if he is re-elected. It comes as warnings swirl that Russian President Vladimir Putin could look to target alliance members if Ukraine loses the war. Stoltenberg said any suggestions that allies won't defend each other "undermines all of our security" and puts US and European soldiers at greater risk. France said Europe needs another "life insurance" policy in addition to NATO to ensure the security of the continent. Diplomats from multiple NATO countries counter that keeping the United States on board remains fundamental to deterring the threat from Russia. But they also remain sanguine about how genuine Trump's threats are, arguing the alliance emerged from his first term unscathed. While there is a focus on NATO's own defence spending, the pressing issue of support for Ukraine will also be on the table at the meeting on Wednesday. US ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith on Tuesday pointed out that Europe has now surpassed the United States in its backing for Kyiv. The US Senate on Tuesday approved long-delayed funding for Ukraine's war effort, but the package looks set to be rejected by the Republican-led lower house. Doubts over the future of US aid come as Ukraine's forces find themselves outgunned in the face of a slow-moving Russian advance along the front line. The meeting to rally more support for Kyiv was meant to be chaired in person by US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin but he was forced to cancel his trip to Brussels after being hospitalised. North Korea fires several cruise missiles off east coast Seoul, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 North Korea fired several cruise missiles off its east coast on Wednesday, Seoul's military said, the latest in a string of weapons tests this year. "Our military detected several unknown cruise missiles over the waters northeast of Wonsan around 09:00 today (1200 GMT) and South Korea-US intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. It added that it was "strengthening surveillance and vigilance, and closely watching for any additional signs and activities from North Korea". Earlier this week, North Korea announced it had tested of a new control system for a multiple rocket launcher it said would have an "increased" battlefield role. So far this year, Kim has declared South Korea his country's "principal enemy", jettisoned agencies dedicated to reunification and outreach, and threatened war over "even 0.001 mm" of territorial infringement. Pyongyang has also been ramping up weapons tests, including an "underwater nuclear weapon system" test and the firing of a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile. It has also launched a flurry of cruise missiles, prompting speculation from experts that it is testing the weapons before shipping them to Moscow for use in Ukraine. Pyongyang and Moscow have bolstered ties in recent months, with leader Kim Jong Un making a rare trip to Russia to meet President Vladimir Putin in September. Seoul and Washington have accused the North of supplying Russia with weapons in exchange for Moscow's technical support for Kim's nascent satellite program, which would violate a raft of UN sanctions on both regimes. Unlike their ballistic counterparts, the testing of cruise missiles is not banned under current UN sanctions on Pyongyang. Cruise missiles tend to be jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude than more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept. - 'Put an end' to South Korea - Leader Kim 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 arch-enemy". 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. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has vowed a strong response if Pyongyang attacks, calling on his military to "act first, report later" if provoked. 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. Pyongyang has drawn closer to Moscow in other areas than defence, with a group of Russian tourists -- the first known foreign tour group since before pandemic-linked border closures in 2020 -- arriving in the North Friday for a four-day visit. It has become harder for Russians to travel to Europe and the United States since sanctions were imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who has also visited Pyongyang, said last year that the North could be recommended as a tourist destination, Tass reported. 18 NATO states to hit spending target in 2024: Stoltenberg Brussels, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that 18 of the alliance's 31 countries are set to meet the defence spending target of two percent of gross domestic product in 2024. The release of the new estimates came after Donald Trump rattled the alliance by saying he would "encourage" Russia to attack members who were not meeting the obligation. NATO's secretary general told journalists that the number of states reaching the target had increased sharply from 11 last year. "That is another record number and a six-fold increase from 2014 when only three allies met the target," Stoltenberg said. Overall European allies and Canada will have added more than $600 billion to their defence spending since they set the two-percent target a decade ago, he said. Spurred on by Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine in 2022, last year saw an "unprecedented rise" of 11 percent of spending by European members and Canada, the NATO chief added. Stoltenberg reiterated a warning to Trump not to "undermine" NATO's collective security guarantee that all allies will help defend any member attacked. "We should leave no room for miscalculation or misunderstanding in Moscow, about our readiness and our commitment, our resolve to protect allies," he said. Israel says wounded Al Jazeera journalist a Hamas militant Jerusalem, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 The Israeli army on Wednesday said an Al Jazeera journalist wounded in an air strike in Gaza was a Hamas militant who filmed himself at a kibbutz during the October 7 attack. The broadcaster itself reported on Tuesday that Arabic language reporter Ismail Abu Omar and his cameraman Ahmad Matar were both seriously injured north of Rafah and taken to hospital for treatment. But the Israeli military described Omar as "a deputy company commander in Hamas's Eastern Battalion of Khan Yunis". "Abu Omar even filmed himself in Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7th massacre and published it on social media platforms," a statement read. The Qatar-based television network has not yet responded to the latest accusation. But on Tuesday it criticised the Israeli military for deliberately targeting its employees as they reported on the plight of civilians caught up in the war with Hamas. The network said the strike was a "fully fledged crime which adds to Israel's crime against journalists" and was aimed at preventing reporters covering the war. Abu Omar's right leg was blown off in the drone strike, while doctors were trying to save the left one, Al Jazeera said, quoting an emergency physician. The Committee to Protect Journalists has recorded the deaths of at least 85 journalists and media workers -- 78 of them Palestinian -- since the war erupted on October 7. US hails more NATO states meeting defense spending target Washington, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 The United States on Wednesday hailed NATO's announcement that 18 members have met a defense spending target, following threats by Donald Trump to encourage Russia to attack allies that do not spend enough. "I think it's incredibly important," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters of the NATO spending estimates unveiled earlier in Brussels. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that 18 of 31 members were meeting the alliance's goal of spending two percent of gross domestic product on defense -- up from 11 last year and just three in 2014. "We continue to see progress from other countries towards meeting those targets, and we will urge those who have not yet met them to continue to take steps to do so," Miller said. "NATO is an alliance that the the American people derive tremendous benefit from (and) provides tremendous security to the United States," Miller said. Ukraine claims Russian ship sunk but front line 'extremely difficult' Kyiv, Ukraine, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 Ukraine on Wednesday announced it had sunk a large Russian warship off the coast of Crimea, while its new army chief warned the situation on the front line remained "extremely difficult" as delays to much-needed US military aid cast a shadow over the war effort. NATO praised Kyiv's strike on the Russian Caesar Kunikov landing ship as a "great victory for Ukrainians", the latest in a string of attacks on Moscow's naval fleet in the Black Sea despite the battle on land hitting a stalemate. The 1,000-kilometre (620-mile) front line has barely moved in more than a year, with Kyiv's forces back on the defensive after last year's failed counter-offensive and military leaders acknowledging Russia has a manpower advantage. On his first visit to the frontline in eastern Ukraine since becoming the country's new commander-in-chief, Oleksandr Syrsky painted a bleak picture. "The operational environment is extremely complex and stressful," said Syrsky, who replaced the popular Valery Zaluzhny last week in a major military shake-up. "The Russian occupiers continue to increase their efforts and have a numerical advantage in personnel." Along with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, Syrsky had visited troops fighting around the key flashpoint of Avdiivka. Russia is mounting a major attempt to capture the city and has it surrounded on three sides. Ukrainian army spokesman Dmytro Lykhoviy on Wednesday said that Russia had 50,000 soldiers around the frontline city. - Zelensky promises 'response' - "We are doing everything possible to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into our territory," Syrsky said in a post on social media. His troops were operating in "extremely difficult conditions", he added. Russian military bloggers and local officials have said Ukrainian forces appear to be conserving ammunition as supplies run low. Ukraine relies on Western -- predominantly US -- support to fund and equip its armed forces with the shells, bullets, rockets, tanks and air defences it needs to hold off Russian attacks. But the latest multi-billion-dollar aid package has been held up in the US Congress since last year amid political wrangling, threatening to hobble Ukraine's defensive capacity. The US Senate this week approved $60 billion of funding for Ukraine, but it is unclear whether it will win support in the House of Representatives. A top White House official on Wednesday urged the House that time was running out and "the costs of inaction" are "getting higher every day". "Every day comes at a cost to the people of Ukraine and to the national security interests of the United States of America," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said. Earlier, Kyiv said a Russian strike on a hospital in the eastern town of Selydove had killed three people. The victims were a 38-year-old pregnant woman, as well as another women and her nine-year-old son, Ukraine's general prosecutor said. A dozen others, including a six-month old baby, were wounded in the strike. Offering condolences to their loved ones during his evening address, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned "the Russian state will certainly receive a response to this shelling". - 'A great achievement' - Zelensky also praised the latest achievement at sea, saying "we will clear the Black Sea of Russian terrorist objects step by step". Kyiv's military intelligence unit and its armed forces said they had "destroyed" the Caesar Kunikov in an attack using naval drones. The strikes inflicted "critical holes on the left side and (the ship) began to sink", the GUR intelligence agency said. The hit takes the tally of Russian warships Kyiv claims to have destroyed since the start of the war to 25 -- a third of Russia's Black Sea fleet, which Kyiv said had 74 vessels before the invasion. AFP was unable to verify those claims. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg hailed the hit as "a great achievement, a great victory for Ukrainians." Ukraine published footage of what it said was a sea drone approaching the Russian ship. There is a blast, and a large fire can be seen. In Moscow, the Kremlin refused to comment on the reports and there was no mention of the ship in the defence ministry's daily briefing. Russia typically does not respond to Ukrainian claims of successful operations. But military bloggers with close links to the Russian armed forces said it was likely the ship had been hit by Ukrainian forces. "Time after time the Black Sea fleet has turned out to be incompetent and unable to repel attacks from Ukrainian formations," said the Rybar Telegram channel, one of the largest pro-war Russian accounts. KYODO NEWS - Feb 14, 2024 - 22:41 | All, Japan Parents of a 4-year-old girl were arrested Wednesday for allegedly killing her with a toxic substance and antipsychotic drug at their home in Tokyo in March last year, police said. Kenichi Hosoya, 43, and his wife, Shiho, 37, were arrested after their daughter, Yoshiki, died from poisoning on March 13, with ethylene glycol and large amounts of olanzapine, a medicine prescribed for mental disorders, detected in her body, an investigative source said. The police suspect that Yoshiki ingested ethylene glycol, as her parents allegedly made her consume anti-freeze additives used in engine coolants, the source said. Ethylene glycol was also detected in the body of Hosoya's older sister, who died at age 41 in 2018, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, the source added. Kenichi Hosoya, operator of a Japanese-style inn in downtown Asakusa, Tokyo, denies the allegations, while his wife has remained silent, the police said. Both had previously denied the accusations during voluntary questioning, according to the source. The police have confirmed records of the couple's online purchases of the anti-freeze additive and olanzapine, the source said. The case came to light after Hosoya made an emergency call around 9 a.m. on March 13, saying his daughter was not breathing. When rescuers arrived, Yoshiki was found unconscious in the home's living room, and she was confirmed dead at a hospital about an hour later, the source said. The arrested couple and Yoshiki were in a family of five with Yoshiki's older brother and sister, who were both elementary school age. Although Yoshiki had no noticeable external wounds, the police began looking into the possibility of foul play, as Yoshiki was topless when they found her at the scene. They searched their home in August last year, and the parents voluntarily submitted to questioning, they said. Shiho Hosoya was previously arrested for allegedly setting fire to clothing at home in 2019. The police, suspecting psychological abuse of her children, alerted a child welfare center at that time. The center subsequently took the three children, including Yoshiki, under temporary protective care. However, the charge against the mother was later dropped. The center said Wednesday it had been contacted five times in 2022 by Yoshiki's nursery school with reports of bruises and bumps on her face but had concluded that they were simply the result of accidents after questioning the girl and her father. Related coverage: Body of 17-year-old boy found in central Japan lake, murder suspected Death sentence finalized for man over 2021 murder, arson as minor Kyoto Animation arsonist's defense appeals death sentence Protesters press Ottawa to block nuclear waste site upriver Ottawa, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 Protestors backed by opposition parties on Wednesday pressed the government to overturn regulatory approval for a nuclear waste dump upriver from Canada's capital, fearing the contamination of its drinking water. Indigenous chiefs and elders, leaders of the Bloc Quebecois and Green Party, and several environmental groups are pushing back against a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission decision last month to approve the waste site in the town of Chalk River, 180 kilometers (110 miles) north of Ottawa. "The disposal site is only one kilometer from the Ottawa River, and we're worried about leakage," protestor Tammy Pizendewatch Twashi told AFP. The river provides drinking water to the capital's more than one million residents and 140 nearby communities. "Water is life," said Chief Lance Haymond of the Kebaowek First Nation, speaking to a small crowd outside Parliament. "We need to protect it." The tribe has launched one of several legal challenges of the project. Haymond expressed concerns that any river pollution could lead to health issues and spoil habitat for bears and a number of at-risk animal and plant species. The disposal facility at Chalk River Laboratories is to store up to one million cubic meters (35.3 million cubic feet) of nuclear waste. Chalk River Laboratories was built in 1944 and was the site of the world's first nuclear reactor meltdown in December 1952, and saw one again in 1958. Before being decommissioned, the lab developed nuclear reactors, conducted nuclear weapons research, and was at one time a major supplier of medical isotopes used to diagnose and treat cancers. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission said in a statement that it would store mostly contaminated materials from environmental remediation and the decommissioning of the site in 2018, as well as from its past operations as a nuclear laboratory. Waste from hospitals and universities would also be shipped there to be stored in the "containment mound." The regulator insisted that the project "is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects," and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday declined to intervene. "This is not a political decision," he told the Commons, adding that it should be left to experts. KYODO NEWS - Feb 14, 2024 - 12:31 | World, All North Korea fired several cruise missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, marking its fifth cruise missile launch this year. The missiles were fired at around 9 a.m. into waters northeast of the eastern port city of Wonsan, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. North Korea has conducted a series of cruise missile tests since late January. After the last one earlier this month, North Korea's state media reported it had conducted a test of a cruise missile with a "super-large warhead" as well as a test of a new anti-aircraft missile in the Yellow Sea. During the past rounds, Pyongyang tested its new Pulhwasal-3-31 strategic cruise missile as well as a Hwasal-2 cruise missile, which are both believed to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead. Related coverage: U.N. chief raps North Korea over missiles, abductions of Japanese Japan to make "appropriate responses" to North Korea's quake message North Korea conducted "cruise missile super-large warhead power" test Little else is known about his personal life. Wright said he didnt have much time for romance after a divorce in 1999, as he spent all his time working. Its thought that he was one of the BBCs few quiet Tories, though his shows were places where politics was left at the door. The problem is that it wouldnt be a very sensible way to spend it. While proper, full-blown heartbreak hurts in a way that makes you feel like you are officially the only living person in history to ever feel this rotten - ever! - most of us have been there, done that, and got the ill-advised break-up haircut to show for it. Bluntly, I cant see a cinematic recreation of every single time I got dumped making for very interesting viewing for anybody apart from me, or possibly my rightfully concerned ex. And on watching this film, I learned that this is something that continues to hold true for everybody across the board: yes, even if youre Jennifer Lopez. The caption read: I cannot believe the words I am typing Yes, And? Remix feat the one and only, queen of my heart and lifelong inspiration @mariahcarey is out this friday !!!!!!!!!!! In the early Eighties, there were small showrooms and disparate exhibitions but no central schedule or space to entice international buyers to take London as seriously as the other fashion capitals. We were not on the international calendar at all recalls Franks, whod come back from Paris impressed by its tents at the Louvre. I thought if they can do it, why cant we? The first venue was the Commonwealth Institute (now Design Museum) in Holland Park, until the weight of the tents sunk the grass. Franks, who helped launch the British Fashion Council, funded the venture with backing from her client Mohan Murjani, the investor behind Gloria Vanderbilt jeans and Tommy Hilfiger, and brought in sponsorship from Swatch and Harrods. It moved to the Duke of York Barracks (now Saatchi gallery) on the Kings road. We had Boy George, Spandau Ballet, the designers and press loved it. We had Madonna sitting front row at the Joseph show, [Princess] Diana would pop in. It was really vibey. What was being said was a red rag to a bull for the far right and others. But what concerned me the most was if youre an innocent listener of this. One Tate worker intervened by holding an opened umbrella in front of one of the female protesters. He was booed and withdrew the umbrella. I was only trying to defend the Tate. Im not against the protesters aims, he told us. I do not want us to show the weakness displayed against Putin in 2008, when he invaded Georgia, or the uncertainty of the response in 2014, when he took Crimea and much of the Donbas before coming back to cost us far more with his aggression in 2022. They said: Against the background of the risk of an even greater humanitarian catastrophe posed by the imminent threat of Israeli military operations in Rafah, and given what has occurred, and continues to occur in Gaza since October 2023, including widespread concern about possible breaches of IHL and international human rights law by Israel, we ask that the Commission undertake an urgent review of whether Israel is complying with its obligations, including under the EU/Israel Association Agreement, which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of the relationship; and if it considers that it is in breach, that it proposes appropriate measures to the Council to consider. KYODO NEWS - Feb 15, 2024 - 00:06 | World, All Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Wednesday's presidential election, based on surveys by private pollsters, in his third bid to lead Southeast Asia's largest democracy. Prabowo, a former army general facing accusations of human rights violations, has won over 59 percent of the votes cast, the unofficial quick counts conducted by Politika Research & Consulting and other pollsters indicated. Former Jakarta Gov. Anies Baswedan has received some 23 percent of the votes, with former Central Java Gov. Ganjar Pranowo gaining about 17 percent, according to the quick count results. "Our victory will be the victory for all Indonesian people," Prabowo, 72, told his supporters at a sports stadium in Senayan, Central Jakarta. He pledged to "lead, protect and defend all Indonesian people whatever their ethnicity, race, religion, and social backgrounds." However, Ganjar, who was fielded by the ruling Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle, or PDI-Perjuangan, and Anies, an independent candidate supported by some opposition parties, have not conceded their defeat, claiming they received reports of vote manipulation. Prabowo lost to President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, in elections in 2014 and 2019. However, this time, Prabowo picked the outgoing president's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice presidential running mate. Jokowi is limited to two terms under the Constitution. Prabowo and Gibran ran for the Gerindra party, a coalition partner in Jokowi's PDI-Perjuangan government. Jokowi has indirectly supported Prabowo's candidacy for Gerindra while maintaining distance from his ruling party and its candidate, Ganjar. Criticism has mounted that Jokowi, constrained by a two-term limit, intends to establish a political dynasty, potentially undermining democracy in the nation, especially considering the decades of dictatorship until 1998 under Suharto, Prabowo's former father-in-law. The candidacy of Prabowo, who had headed the army's special forces command, which allegedly kidnapped and tortured political opponents and student activists in the late 1990s, has been met with fierce opposition from victims and their families. Prabowo has vowed to continue the key policies of Jokowi, whose infrastructure projects, such as a high-speed railway built with Chinese technology, are popular. During Jokowi's tenure as president, Indonesia experienced fast economic growth, with gross domestic product growing over 40 percent. Some 205 million of Indonesia's 270 million population were eligible to vote at about 820,000 polling stations across the sprawling archipelago of some 17,000 islands. Ballot papers and boxes for some remote areas were brought there by police and military personnel using motorcycles and horses, as well as on foot, crossing rivers and jungles. Besides deciding who will be president, Indonesians also voted to elect members of the House of Representatives, provincial and municipal-level legislative councils, as well as the Regional Representatives Council, another parliamentary chamber that has no direct power to make laws but advises the lower house. Quick counts by the pollsters showed that the ruling PDI-Perjuangan took the lead with over 17 percent in the lower house election. Prabowo's decision to select 36-year-old Gibran as his vice presidential candidate, despite the minimum age requirement of 40 for presidential or vice presidential candidates, followed a controversial court ruling in October. The ruling, issued by judges, including Jokowi's brother-in-law, exempted candidates who have won regional elections. Gibran is the mayor of a city in Central Java Province. Before Prabowo announced Gibran as his running mate, Prabowo and Ganjar had been neck and neck in the race, but Prabowo's popularity climbed following the announcement. The court ruling has stirred debate. An ethics panel removed the chief justice, Jokowi's brother-in-law, for failing to recuse himself from the case. The official results will be announced by the General Election Commission by March 20. Related coverage: FOCUS:Ex-gen. Prabowo leads Indonesia presidency race amid democracy threat U.S., Indonesia vow to elevate ties amid China's rise Indonesia launches Southeast Asia's 1st high-speed railway In its latest intelligence update, the Ministry of Defence in London said: According to analysis conducted by the Kyiv Scientific Research Institute for Forensic Examinations, Russia utilised its Tsirkon hypersonic missile in an attack on Ukraine for the first time on 7 February. Buckingham Palace did not comment but The Mirror reported that it understood the couple did not consult officials before launching the new endeavour. A biography for Prince Harry on the page doesnt mention the Royal Family, instead describing Harry as a humanitarian, military veteran, mental health advocate, and environmental campaigner. The current reality, where tons of thousands of Israelis are displaced and cannot return to their homes, is unbearable. They must be able to return home and live in peace and security. A civic group representing victims' families issued a statement welcoming the ruling, which they said recognised "criminal liability of public officials for failing to anticipate and prepare for the huge crowd leading up to the tragedy, and for covering up and downplaying information about the tragedy after it happened". MANILA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thirty-four people were injured after the second floor of a packed Roman Catholic Church in Bulacan province, north of Manila, collapsed on Wednesday, a disaster-response official said. Gina Ayson, head of the San Jose del Monte City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, said the accident occurred in the morning as Catholics packed the church to celebrate Ash Wednesday. Ayson said no one died from the accident, and that 34 people suffered minor bruises and shoulder pain. "The floor that collapsed was made of wood," Ayson told a radio interview. HOUSTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- At least one was killed and multiple were injured after a vehicle crashed into an emergency room on Tuesday evening in Austin, the capital city of the U.S. state of Texas, said media reports. The vehicle crashed into the emergency room at St. David's North Austin Medical Center around 5:30 p.m. local time (2330 GMT), Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services said on Facebook. Austin's officials believe the incident that has injured 10 to 12 people appears to be an accident, in which a motorist drove into the emergency room, according to local media KVUE. Local police said there is no threat to the public and an investigation is underway. 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"Babes-Bolyai University (UBB) is hosting, as coordinator, February 14 to 15, the opening meeting of the project Empowering Widening universities in the EUTOPIA-HEALTH consortium to foster academic excellence in Health, financed through the Horizon Europe programme of the European Commission. The project will be implemented for a period of 60 months, starting on January 1, 2024, and benefits from a total budget of EUR 4,999,960. The event at UBB will be attended by representatives of the 9 universities in the consortium (from the medical schools of the universities included in the EUTOPIA Alliance), of the EUTOPIA Alliance (https://eutopia-university.eu/) and of the European Commission," UBB informed in a press release on Wednesday, agerpres reports. According to the quoted source, the main objective of EUTOPIA-HEALTH is to strengthen the institutional transformation by strengthening the management capacity of education, research and innovation (R&I) in the field of health. To facilitate this, a health-focused R&I network will be created through the Connected Health Research Communities. These communities will benefit from extensive training, education-research mobility and funding to stimulate collaborations, especially for early career researchers."This project comes just in time, that is, exactly at the moment when UBB is developing its UBBMed programme within the UBB School of Health (https://www.ubbcluj.ro/ro/facultati/school_of_health), a development that will receive the support of some of the best European medical schools within the EUTOPIA Alliance of European Universities. The result in UBBMed can then become a set of best practices at the European level," said the rector of UBB, Professor Dr. Daniel David.EUTOPIA-HEALTH also aims to create a transformative ecosystem of innovation in the field of health through the use of integrative and transdisciplinary approaches. The project will implement flexible academic career paths and will integrate Open/Citizen/Inclusive/Collaborative Science type scientific practices. In this way, EUTOPIA aims to create a bridge between the research communities in the field of health and society, business partners and decision-makers in the field of public policies. The project seeks to translate research into adapted and supported solutions of social innovation. EduMin Deca: World Bank, one of the most important partners in the modernisation of education in Romania The World Bank has been and remains one of the most important international partners in the modernisation of education in Romania, and the experience gained by the bank's team in Romania is "an asset" in the future partnership, Education Minister Ligia Deca said during a visit to the international banking institution. "The World Bank has been and remains one of the most important international partners in the modernisation of education in Romania. The experience gained by the Bank's team in our country is an asset in the future partnership, focused on the successful implementation of the two education laws that came into force last year. It is important that future cooperation programmes build on the existing solid partnership, responding to current challenges, in complementarity with European priorities and funds," said Ligia Deca, according to a press release. Minister of Education Ligia Deca and rector of the National School of Political and Administrative Studies (SNSPA) Remus Pricopie were invited by the World Bank to Washington D.C. to present the evolution of education policies in Romania over the last 10 years to the Bank's global team. The event was hosted by Global Director of the Education Sector Luis Benveniste and Lead Economist with World Bank's Education Global Practice Halsey Rogers. "The interest of the Bank's representatives was in the area of the evolution of education policies and the education process in Romania, as well as current educational challenges. Other topics of discussion were the impact of the ROSE project, the evolution of educational priorities in Romania, resilience and the future of the Romanian education system," the press release said. Minister of Education Ligia Deca presented some of the most important reforms of the last decade, as well as some of the reforms foreseen in the new education laws: focusing the curriculum on skills, introducing the full dual education route, promoting early education and expanding compulsory education, introducing the 80% practical teaching master's degree, including students with special educational needs in mainstream education and also the historic increase in the education budget. In his turn, SNSPA rector Remus Pricopie underlined the important contribution of the World Bank to the consolidation of education policies in Romania, both from a financial point of view and through the high level of expertise that the Bank's consultants offered to the country. During the event some of the results of the ROSE project were presented. "The ROSE high school grant scheme has been a success: in the beneficiary high schools the average dropout rate has decreased from 6.5% (2014) to about 0.5% (2023) and the average baccalaureate pass rate has increased from 49.6% (2015) to 69% (2023). This project also inspired the National Programme for Dropout Reduction (PNRAS) for secondary school and the design of the Early Warning Mechanism in Education (MATE)," the same source points out. At the end of the meeting, World Bank representatives congratulated the Ministry of Education for the importance it attaches to policies to reduce educational inequality, which is an essential element in the global fight against poverty. BEIJING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- With the continuous interest in traditional culture, the "new Chinese style" of clothing, which cleverly blends traditional and modern elements, is in the spotlight during this year's Spring Festival, and is increasingly gaining popularity, particularly among young Chinese. During this holiday, visitors dressed in new Chinese-style clothing have frequently been spotted at popular tourist attractions, restaurants, department stores, and temple fairs. They donned outfits such as quilted vests featuring dragon and phoenix motifs, Song brocade jackets with traditional Chinese frog buttons, and Chinese traditional horse-face skirts. What was formerly popular only among the older generation has now transformed into a fashion trend among the younger generation, thanks to the artful and bold combination of traditional Chinese elements and modern design. Many social media users refer to this trend as "bloodline awakening." Following the tradition of wearing new clothes for the new year, an Anhui Province resident surnamed Zhang bought her daughter a bright red set of Chinese New Year's clothing ahead of the Spring Festival. "This year, I intentionally bought my child the popular Chinese-style horse-face skirt ensemble. This clothing is thick and warm, while also making my child look both festive and adorable when wearing it," Zhang said. According to e-commerce data from Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, videos with hashtags like "China-chic" or "new Chinese-style outfit" garnered more than 500 million views amid a shopping festival that ran between Jan. 13 to 28 this year. Sales volume increased over 21-fold compared with the same period last year. On Xiaohongshu, a major lifestyle-focused social media platform in China, the hashtag "new Chinese-style outfits" has already received over 1.8 billion views. This trend is also having a significant impact offline. Sales at a specialized new Chinese-style clothing store in Beijing have recently recorded a rapid increase. A salesperson surnamed Zhao said that many customers have visited the store in recent times to buy new Chinese-style clothing for their Spring Festival celebrations. Items featuring motifs like a peony, which symbolizes wealth, or a gourd, which is homophonic with a Chinese word meaning blessings and prosperity, are proving particularly popular, according to Zhao. For many young consumers, new Chinese-style clothing is softening the sense of solemnity associated with traditional attire, allowing such clothing to blend seamlessly into their daily lives of work or study, while still retaining a festive atmosphere. Zhu Chen, a 24-year-old woman, recently developed an interest in new Chinese-style clothing. As a result, she embarked on an expansive exploration within Beijing in her quest to buy a set of new Chinese-style clothing. From her perspective, this fashion trend is a manifestation of cultural confidence. Zhu said: "In the past, people might have thought that wearing designer brands was the only way to show good taste. However, nowadays, many prefer to wear clothing that represents Chinese culture when going out -- even when traveling abroad." Zhu added that she had seen people wearing new Chinese-style clothes while visiting the British Museum as well as when traveling in the United States. "It looks great," she exclaimed. Cheng Min, a university student in her 20s, said that she had bought new Chinese-style clothing specifically to welcome the Chinese Lunar New Year. "I find that wearing Chinese-style clothing for the Spring Festival is a unique and romantic tradition for Chinese people," Cheng said. Wei Pengju, a culture and communications professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics, said that "the continuous integration of traditional cultural elements into modern lifestyles through new designs and expressions is the key to the increased popularity of new Chinese-style clothing." As customers' sense of identification with and pride in traditional culture continues to strengthen, traditional culture will continuously empower new forms of consumption and activate new consumption dynamics, Wei added. Romania's Foreign Minister Luminita Odobescu reconfirmed on Tuesday that Romania will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the population of Gaza through various channels, in anticipation of rapid developments into the ongoing investigations of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). She had a meeting with ambassadors of the member states of the League of Arab States and of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, namely ambassadors of Lebanon (as dean of the group of embassies of Arab states accredited in Romania), Saudi Arabia (as the holder of the presidency of the Council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation), Palestine, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan and Qatar. The main subject was the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as well as ways to restart the peace process in the region, according to a press release. Odobescu voiced regret over the lack of positive developments in the region and concern over the extremely difficult situation of civilians in the Gaza Strip, severely affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis. She also gave assurances that Romania pleads for ensuring humanitarian protection and creating the necessary conditions to secure a continuous and unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Romania also continues to demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Regarding the latter aspect, Odobescu thanked Egypt and Qatar for their efforts. At the same time, she reiterated the need for coordinated efforts on the part of the world community to de-escalate tensions in the region and to create a viable political horizon that would lead to the implementation of a two-state solution, praising the steps taken in that regard by some countries in the region. Romania's Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu is starting today a two-day working visit to Italy to attend a third joint meeting of the national governments of Romania and Italy, 13 years after the previous edition. According to the schedule released by the Romanian government, Ciolacu will also have talks with Italy's Prime Minister Georgia Meloni and go on an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. At the beginning of his visit to Rome, Ciolacu and his official retinue meet the Grand Chancellor of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Riccardo Paterno di Montecupo. Next, a meeting with the mayor of the Italian capital, Roberto Gualtieri, and a meeting with representatives of the Romanian community in Italy are scheduled. On Thursday, the joint meeting of the Romanian and Italian governments is scheduled, with the objective of capitalising on the enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries and further boosting co-operation at bilateral, European and Euro-Atlantic levels. Part of the meeting, an updated statement on the enhanced strategic partnership will be signed establishing co-operation priorities moving forward based on convergence of interests between the two countries, as well as several bilateral sectoral co-operation documents in areas such as entrepreneurship and SMEs, tourism, civil protection. On the sidelines of the governmental meeting on Thursday, a Romanian-Italian business forum will also take place, with the participation of several ministers from the official retinue accompanying Ciolacu in Rome. After an audience with the pope, Ciolacu will also meet Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's secretary of state. The governmental retinue includes Deputy Prime Minister Marian Neacsu; Minister of Home Affairs Catalin Predoiu; Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Sorin Grindeanu; Minister of National Defence Angel Tilvar; Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu, and Minister of the Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism Radu Oprea. ST. LOUIS St. Louis County police officers shot a man on Tuesday while staking out a south St. Louis home during a homicide investigation. Residents reported hearing dozens of gunshots. The 20-year-old man was taken to a hospital and was stable, police said. No county police officers were injured. The man opened fire on officers as officers approached a vehicle in front of the home, police said, but no officers were hit. Three cars at the scene were riddled with bullet holes, and nearly 50 evidence markers were scattered throughout the area. County police were watching a home in the 4300 block of Alaska Avenue for more than an hour before the shooting. Police suspected someone in the home was involved in a recent homicide in the county, said St. Louis County police Sgt. Tracy Panus. City police were then called for an officer in need of aid around 1:45 p.m. It was unclear exactly when the shooting happened, but officers from the city, county and U.S. Marshals service remained in an alley behind nearby Taft Avenue until after 3 p.m. Then, just before 3:30 p.m., about 10 officers marched into and back out of a home on Virginia Avenue, near the alley. The scene is in the citys Dutchtown neighborhood, near the border of the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. City police are investigating the shooting. Ricky Johnson, who lives near the scene, said he was watching TV when he heard the gunfire ring out. They were shooting for a while, he said. At least two minutes. Johnson described the neighborhood as generally quiet during the day, but he said he sometimes hears gunshots at night. Kenise Cartwright, whos lived on Taft for about five years, said she saw an undercover police car parked for about an hour near the alley when she walked to the store. Then she heard gunshots while she was inside the store. As Im in there paying for my soda, the barrage of shots started, she said. We stepped out of the store, and it was just crazy. So many police cars were pulling up. David Carson of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. Richard Anderson, 33, was shot and killed just before 12:30 a.m. in the 4100 block of Turner Avenue. Police found him lying in the street, and he was pronounced dead at a hospital. ST. LOUIS A 22-year-old Bridgeton man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for dealing drugs and killing a 16-year-old with an automatic pistol in the lobby of a troubled downtown St. Louis condo building. John M. Whitney Jr. was selling drugs outside the Ely Walker Lofts building on March 12, 2022, when he walked into the lobby and exchanged gunfire with Terrion Smith, who was letting people into a unit reserved through a short-term rental website for a birthday party. Smith died at the scene. The incident called additional attention to the building at 1520 Washington Avenue, which had been the site of several unruly parties at rented-out units and had drawn complaints from residents about deferred maintenance and lax security. The shooting also caught the eye of local and federal law enforcement officials who said they were concerned about the growing popularity of attachments like the one Whitney used to make a semi-automatic gun fully automatic. Such modifications called switches allow a shooter to fire dozens of rounds in seconds with a continuous pull of the trigger. On Tuesday, Whitney maintained that he was acting in self-defense. He told Judge Matthew T. Schelp that while he pleaded guilty to just two charges in exchange for 15 years in prison, he thought he was being punished too harshly. Im basically getting oversentenced above my guidelines, he said. Im suffering and fighting and trying to get home. But Whitneys attorney, Terry Niehoff, said he believed he was doing what was best for his client, who could have faced minimum penalties far above 15 years if no agreement was reached. Prosecutor Geoffrey Ogden agreed, noting that Whitney continued to sell drugs even after the exceedingly dangerous and reckless shooting at the Ely Walker building. The impact on (Smiths) family is immeasurable, Ogden said. Judge Schelp told Whitney that a lengthy prison sentence was the consequence of dealing drugs and shooting guns, and that he was concerned that Whitney didnt want to take responsibility for his actions. Youre good for a lot more time on this, Schelp said, noting he was an inch away from not giving that deal. Schelp ultimately imposed the 15-year sentence and ordered Whitney to pay $8,431 in restitution for Smiths funeral. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Supreme Court Wednesday again rejected an attempt by the Republican-controlled Legislature to defund Planned Parenthood. In a unanimous decision that could have an impact on how lawmakers craft the states upcoming budget, the high court sided with a Cole County judges ruling that lawmakers cannot use the budgeting process to block Medicaid funding to the health provider. It marked the second time in three years the court weighed in on the General Assemblys bid to force Planned Parenthood out of business in Missouri, even though abortion is illegal now. While the states Medicaid program doesnt reimburse for abortions, Planned Parenthood has previously sought reimbursements for other medical procedures. When it sued the state, the group said the latest legislative maneuver resulted in an end to reimbursements for birth control, cancer screenings, sexually transmitted disease testing and treatment, and other non-abortion care. The court was acting on a decision by Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem, who affirmed a 2020 ruling by the Missouri Supreme Court. In that case, the court called the Legislatures action a naked attempt to legislate through a budget bill, rather than implementing policy changes through stand-alone pieces of legislation. In arguments in November, Republican Attorney General Andrew Baileys office called on the judges to preserve the right for lawmakers to make budgeting decisions. Baileys office asked the court to overrule Beetem because Planned Parenthood did not exhaust its administrative remedies. But, writing for the majority, Judge Brent Powell rejected that argument. Only courts within the Missouri judiciary, not tribunals under the states executive branch, have the authority to determine a statute or legislative enactment to be unconstitutional, Powell wrote. While the issue is similar in scope to a 2020 decision, there are three new members of the seven-person bench since that ruling was handed down, each appointed by Republican Gov. Mike Parson. Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, who is campaigning to replace the term-limited Parson, lashed out at the courts decision and pledged to choose judges who are more conservative than Parsons picks. Liberal judges are doing everything possible to fund Planned Parenthood with taxpayer dollars! We need a Governor who will pick originalists and not activists!, Ashcroft said on social media. Five of the seven justices were appointed by Republicans like Parson. Four are women. In a joint statement, Yamelsie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, and Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains, said the organization is a critical part of an already-stretched safety net. "The politicians making these attacks dont care that they will be denying Missourians health care they want to score political points by targeting Planned Parenthood. This is cruel and irresponsible," they said. The fight for patient access is far from over. At Planned Parenthood, we will continue to do all we can in order to ensure our patients keep their access to health care our doors stay open, they added. In the House and Senate, meantime, Republicans are attempting to sidestep the court decision by pressing for passage of a stand-alone bill that would keep money from flowing to Planned Parenthood. In a House committee Tuesday, opponents testified that defunding the organization is an attack on women. Denying Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid reimbursement does nothing more than poke more holes in our states already thin and under resourced medical safety net, said Amy Hammerman of the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis. In written testimony to the committee, Maggie Edmondson of Abortion Action Missouri, formerly Pro Choice Missouri, said, Every Missourian should have access to the full range of reproductive health care. This basic right is the foundation of freedom and opportunity for Missourians and their families. Supporters of defunding Planned Parenthood say its Missouri clinics are affiliated with clinics operating in states where abortion is legal and should not receive money from taxpayers. (Note: Comments by Planned Parenthood were added after this story was published.) ST. LOUIS Police on Wednesday identified the 35-year-old man who was found dead Monday morning inside a home in the city's Carondelet neighborhood, in south St. Louis. Officers were called about 10 a.m. to the 700 block of Rio Silva Place, police said. They found Mitch Maness' decomposing body inside the home. Homicide detectives are investigating until a cause of death is determined by the city's medical examiner. Maness lived in the same block of Rio Silva Place, police said. ST. LOUIS A school bus overturned in a hit-and-run crash Wednesday morning on Interstate 44, injuring two. No children were on the bus. Two adults a driver and a monitor suffered serious injuries but were conscious after the crash, authorities said. Police said they were expected to survive. The crash happened just after 8 a.m. before the Grand Boulevard overpass on I-44. A witness told authorities a car driving erratically clipped the front of the bus, causing it to overturn, then drove away. Police found the vehicle abandoned in the 4300 block of Hunt Avenue about a mile from the crash, said Sgt. Charles Wall. He said a woman, believed to have been the driver, was arrested. The bus was likely headed back to a garage after dropping off kids at school, said Jeff Wood, regional safety manager for North American Central School Bus, which contracts to operate school buses for St. Louis Public Schools. The buses are pretty indestructible, but when a bus turns over it can be pretty hazardous, Wood said. Crews were seen removing a person from the bus and putting them in a stretcher around 8:45 a.m. Ambulances left the scene a few minutes later. The bus was turned upright by 9 a.m., and the interstate was reopened fully. PAGEDALE The founder of the first charter school in St. Louis County will step down in June after two years as executive director. Kimberly Townsend opened The Leadership School in fall 2022 in two converted warehouses between St. Charles Rock Road and Page Avenue in Pagedale. Her leadership, with the support of TLS families and staff through the pandemic and the uncertainties of a new school, has been nothing short of remarkable, reads a letter from the schools four board members announcing Townsends departure. "I am honored to have led the school from its inception, creating a space where student leadership is at the center of learning," Townsend said. "I do not take lightly the faith entrusted to our team and me. The next five months, I will continue to work at TLS to ensure that our student leaders have a successful school year and that the organization is well-prepared to move into its next phase." This year, the charter school has 152 students in kindergarten through third grades. The school expects to add a grade each year and grow to 450 students through eighth grade. Courtney Moulder and Keisha Seymour will be co-executive directors starting next year, according to the boards letter. We are excited by this opportunity to join The Leadership School community and carry on the legacy of Dr. Townsend, Moulder and Seymour said in a statement. Our goal has been to work with the community to build a school that responds to the expressed needs of families, and that is precisely how TLS was designed and how it will continue to serve our students, families, and staff. Moulder and Seymour have also applied with the state to open Spark Academy, a middle school charter in St. Louis city in the 2025-2026 school year. The Leadership School and Spark Academy are supported by charter school funder Opportunity Trust. Moulder and Seymour did not respond to questions about the status of Spark Academy. Charter schools are taxpayer-funded but operate independently of the school district. Under state law, charters can open in St. Louis, Kansas City and other districts that persistently fall below state standards, including the Normandy Schools Collaborative. Before it opened, the Leadership School faced organized opposition led by the 24:1 Municipal Partnership, elected officials who said the school would siphon students and tax dollars making it more difficult for Normandy to improve its schools. Last fall, the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education identified the Leadership School as financially stressed after ending the fiscal year in June with a fund balance of 2.3%, below the minimum 3% required by state law. The designation comes with increased financial monitoring from the state and the schools sponsor, the Missouri Charter Public School Commission. The Leadership Schools current budget anticipates a fund balance of 7% and 24 days of cash on hand for the fiscal year ending in June. Edited to add statement from Townsend. ST. LOUIS As state lawmakers consider carving out new exemptions to the citys earnings tax, a city alderwoman is renewing her push to eliminate an old one. Alderwoman Sharon Tyus has introduced a bill to repeal a 24-year-old exception for stock options and dividends, calling it a needless giveaway to the rich. And it creates a problem, she said, as city officials try to defend the tax, the citys largest single source of revenue, against lawmakers in Jefferson City who want to eliminate it. Its awfully hard to be fighting the state on that and giving wealthy people an exception, said Tyus, of Kingsway East, a neighborhood near Interstate 70. The provision, like the rest of the tax, would apply to city residents and non-residents who work in the city. It was not immediately clear how much new revenue it would generate. Tyus has filed similar bills in at least five previous sessions, to no avail. But she said Tuesday that mayors Francis Slay and Lyda Krewson, who supported the exemption as aldermen, were in power then, and theyre not now. And while Jared Boyd, a top aide to Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, was noncommittal on Tuesday, Aldermanic President Megan Green said shes glad to see the idea return. We definitely support her in having a hearing on it and making the case for it, Green said. But the plan is sure to draw concern among businesspeople, and not just from established executives. Patti Hagen, CEO of the T-Rex startup incubator downtown, worried about some of her organizations clients. They pay their employees quite a bit in stock, she said. This could be very detrimental. The back-and-forth recalls a debate that began in the late 1990s, a precarious time for the city. Its once-robust roster of corporate headquarters was reeling from losses like Southwestern Bell and Boatmens Bancshares. And in 1997, venerable Ralston Purina, the company founded by the Danforths that had once owned the Blues, made it known it might leave, too. At the same time, companies were increasingly paying executives with stock options. The options gave them the right to buy company shares at a fixed price, thus encouraging them to work to increase the price so they could make a quick profit. And they were cashing in: August A. Busch III, chief executive of Anheuser-Busch Cos., notched a gain of $10.8 million on shares he bought with options and sold one year. But when city officials moved to start taking their 1% cut of the windfall, Ralston objected. In a lawsuit against the city, lawyers for Ralstons executives said the yields on stock options didnt count as earned income because they were dependent on numerous market factors, and separate from wages for everyday work done in the city. Courts disagreed. Ralston lost at trial in spring 1999 and on appeal in summer 2000, and was denied review by the Missouri Supreme Court that fall. Then City Hall had a change of heart. Just days after securing victory in court, Mayor Clarence Harmon said he worried that taxing stock options would discourage businesses from moving to or staying in the city. He said nixing the idea could help attract startups in the then-booming tech sector, which offer equity to entice workers to take a chance on a new business. Then-Alderman Krewson, of the old 28th Ward, introduced a bill to end the practice, and attracted a long list of co-sponsors, including then-Aldermanic President Slay. The bill passed overwhelmingly. A year later, Ralston sold to Nestle S.A., and six top executives were set to cash in $118 million of stock options and restricted stock, earnings tax-free. Tyus was one of four votes against that then, and hopes to have the final word now. She noted that in recent months, city officials have spoken against state lawmakers plans to exempt remote workers and low-income workers. She said bonuses for well-off businessmen should follow the same rule. I support the earnings tax, she said. But it should be fair. Search and rescue team members work at the site of a landslide in a gold mine area in the Ilic district of Erzincan Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) ANKARA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Search and rescue operations are underway to reach nine workers trapped underground after landslide hit a dump-leaching area of a gold mine in eastern Turkiye on Tuesday. A large number of search and rescue teams were dispatched to the Ilic district of Erzincan Province after the Copler gold mine collapsed at 2:28 p.m. local time (1128 GMT), Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told reporters late Tuesday. Nine workers trapped under the landslide are beneath a volume of 10 million cubic meters involving a mound of soil extracted from the mine, he said, adding that a total of 827 personnel were taking part in search and rescue work. The movement of the landslide occurred along a slope with an approximate height of 200 meters, Yerlikaya said. The total volume of the sliding mass is currently estimated to be 10 million cubic meters, and it is anticipated that the mass has moved approximately 800 meters, with an average speed of 10 meters per second, the minister said. Former Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told reporters on Tuesday that the sliding area has spread over an area of 300 acres. The Copler mine is a world-class epithermal gold-silver-copper deposit. Discovered in 1999, the mine poured its first gold in 2010. Search and rescue team members work at the site of a landslide in a gold mine area in the Ilic district of Erzincan Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Search and rescue team members work at the site of a landslide in a gold mine area in the Ilic district of Erzincan Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Search and rescue team members work at the site of a landslide in a gold mine area in the Ilic district of Erzincan Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Search and rescue team members work at the site of a landslide in a gold mine area in the Ilic district of Erzincan Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Search and rescue team members work at the site of a landslide in a gold mine area in the Ilic district of Erzincan Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) Search and rescue team members work at the site of a landslide in a gold mine area in the Ilic district of Erzincan Province, Turkiye, on Feb. 14, 2024. (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua) JEFFERSON CITY A fight over diversity, equity and inclusion or DEI initiatives has resurfaced in the Missouri Legislature. A House committee on Tuesday heard proposals that would bar state departments and medical schools that receive state funding from spending money on DEI programming. Its a continuation of an effort launched by far-right Republicans last year. Proposals to bar DEI in public university hiring processes and in public medical school settings did not gain traction. And backers ultimately lost a fight to use the states $53 billion budget to impose broad anti-DEI restrictions on state departments. Tuesdays public hearing included discussion of four identical proposals that would prohibit state departments from spending money on intradepartmental programs, staffing, or other initiatives associated with diversity, equity, and inclusion. And state departments would not be able to mandate, require or incentivize third parties to implement DEI programming. Among the bill sponsors is Rep. Doug Richey, R-Excelsior Springs, who spearheaded last years attempt to put anti-DEI language in the state budget and says that DEI efforts are racist. Richey said the deployment of DEI initiatives is flawed in that it uses racism and discrimination in the present to address racism and discrimination that occurred in the past. I would have no problem whatsoever with diversity, equity, inclusion, said Richey. The moniker DEI diversity equity inclusion is a problem. It is a cancer, and it needs to be eradicated from state government. Some Democrats on the committee pushed back. Rep. Keri Ingle, D-Kansas City, said that the measures raised questions about the First Amendment and the governments role in limiting speech. Are your bills not, in fact, trying to ban ideologies because you do not agree with them? asked Ingle. A Department of Labor and Industrial Relations webpage lists a diversity and inclusion workforce training program which discusses ways to overcome resistance to change and inclusion, foster an attitude of openness in your organization, and eliminate profiling and stereotypes in the workplace. A webpage for the Missouri Department of Transportation, which has been plagued by employee turnover, says, We value diversity and recognize how the power of differences impact our employee engagement. The Equal Opportunity and Diversity Division researches, develops, coordinates and implements initiatives that advance MoDOT values of an inclusive work environment to ensure equitable opportunities exist for all employees. The governor, who is responsible for selecting top state department officials, through a spokesperson declined to comment on the measures. Im for diversity in workplaces and universities, House Majority Floor Leader Jonathan Patterson, R-Lees Summit, told a group of reporters Monday. What our members dont want to see is discrimination. Rep. Ben Baker, R-Neosho, presented an updated version of a proposal he sponsored last year focused on medical education institutions, like schools of medicine or nursing. It would prohibit state-funded institutions from spending money from any source on DEI offices or officers and from conducting internal DEI audits or engaging DEI consultants. It would impose reporting requirements for compliance with the measure, and state funds could not be spent until a compliance report is filed with the Department of Higher Education. It would also prohibit using DEI in hiring processes. Individuals could sue institutions for noncompliance. Baker at the hearing said that employment in any context needs to be based on merit. Just a few witnesses spoke in support of the anti-DEI proposals at Tuesdays hearing, while the majority opposed them. The legislation regarding state departments is House Bills 2448, 2569, 2365, and 2619. The legislation regarding medical education is House Bill 2567. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed a court-drawn map of Missouris 34 state Senate districts that splits Hazelwood in St. Louis County. Opponents of the map had argued lines cutting through Buchanan County in western Missouri and Hazelwood in St. Louis County violated the state constitution. But Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem last year affirmed the map, which was drawn by a panel of state appellate judges after a bipartisan commission failed to reach agreement on new boundaries. The Supreme Court, in a 5-2 decision Wednesday, sided with Beetem. Judges W. Brent Powell and Paul C. Wilson dissented. Attorneys for plaintiffs in the case one who resides in Hazelwood and another who lives in Buchanan County argued the new map does not satisfy constitutional criteria limiting county and city splits. The lawsuit challenged two boundaries: a line through Hazelwood that divides the municipality between the 13th and 14th Senate districts, and a line that divides Buchanan County between the 34th and 12th districts. The court noted that the state constitution requires mapmakers to factor in certain criteria in the map, in order of priority. The highest priority is ensuring relatively equal population, followed by compliance with federal law, compactness, community preservation and partisan fairness/competitiveness. Although the constitution mandates the consideration of these methods in order of priority, the constitutions goals cannot be achieved with absolute precision, the court said, quoting from a 2012 decision in a separate case. Based on all the evidence presented at trial, the circuit court found random simulations often split Buchanan County and Hazelwood, indicating these splits were often necessary to achieve population equality, the majority said in its opinion. Powell, in his dissent, said he viewed the map as unconstitutional because it both allows for a population deviation of greater than one percent for senate districts containing Buchanan County and the city of Hazelwood and fails to preserve these two communities as required by the constitution. The decision Wednesday means the current Senate map will stay in effect for the 2024 elections and until the next round of redistricting, after the 2030 Census. Editors note: A previous version of this article misstated the size of the majority vote. SPRINGFIELD, Ill. William Sam McCann continued to fund a lavish lifestyle with campaign contributions even after the former legislator and gubernatorial candidate admitted wrongdoing to federal investigators, a prosecutor said Tuesday in the opening of a corruption trial he characterized as defined by greed, fraud and arrogance. McCann, 54, a former Republican state senator, was questioned four times about personal spending from campaign accounts by FBI and IRS agents in the summer of 2018 while he was mounting a third-party campaign for governor, assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Bass said. In recorded interviews, he said McCann acknowledged the misspending in some of the instances raised by the officers and told them if prosecuted he would throw himself on the mercy of the court. After he had been soundly defeated in the 2018 race for governor, Bass said he burned through $340,000 of personal expenses from the campaign fund he established as the standard bearer for the newly formed Conservative Party of Illinois. This case is about three words: Greed, fraud and arrogance, Bass said in his opening statement in the bench trial before U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Lawless. Greed in the sense of a lifestyle far beyond his means. Fraud in the means by which he achieved that lifestyle. Arrogance in continuing that lifestyle after he was confronted by law enforcement. McCann, who lives in Plainview, about 50 miles north of St. Louis, faces seven counts of wire fraud and single counts of money laundering and tax evasion for allegedly funneling hundreds of thousands of dollars into paying expenses including a loan in arrears, mortgage payments, credit card bills, a family vacation to Colorado and to buy an SUV and large pickup. In what Bass termed an egregious example, McCann bought an RV and a trailer, put them up for rent through an online service, then split himself in two by using two different names: Sam McCann offered the vehicles for rent while William McCann leased them with political contributions. The trial finally got underway after multiple delays, most recently McCanns hospitalization for chest pain and fainting spells. The scheduled November trial was put off when he declared that he would represent himself. After last weeks illness he ceded his defense to Jason Vincent, who had been on standby. Vincent deferred his opening statement until the beginning of the defenses case. Cynthia Miller, who was hired for McCanns successful 2010 Senate campaign and continued working in his Senate district office, testified to the friction that developed with McCann as she started seeing disbursements that didnt seem appropriate. There were checks to McCanns bank labeled rent that made no sense. Miller testified that she wasnt aware of a political account for McCann until a statement arrived that listed spending on jewelry and a water park in the Chicago suburb of Gurnee. When she questioned him about reimbursing himself for mileage while using a campaign debit card to buy gasoline for the same vehicles, Miller said McCann gave her the routine answer given for other expenditure inquiries. He basically said I didnt need to worry about that or it wasnt any of my business, said Miller, who told McCann to enter such transactions himself on Illinois State Board of Elections campaign disclosure statements. Earlier, Mark Poulos, executive director of Local 150 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, testified that the union gave McCanns Conservative Party candidacy for governor more than $3 million in cash or in-kind contributions, viewing him as a lunch-pail Republican who supported the working class. Poulos said McCann won enough support in some parts of the state that it was possible that the Conservative Party could have been an established, local party in the next election. But he said McCann didnt use any of the contributed funds to capitalize on momentum or to recruit future candidates, nor did he return any of the money. RAFAH, Gaza Strip Ibrahim Hasouna trudged over the rubble of the destroyed house, pointing out where family moments had taken place where his mother and sister-in-law used to sleep, where he played with his 5-year-old nieces, where he helped his 1-year-old nephew take his first steps. His entire family was now dead his parents, his two brothers, and the wife and three children of one of those brothers. The house was reduced to rubble on top of them in the barrage of airstrikes that Israeli warplanes inflicted across Rafah before dawn Monday as cover for troops rescuing two hostages elsewhere in the city on the southern Gaza border. At least 74 Palestinians were killed in the bombardment, which flattened large swaths of buildings and tents sheltering families who had fled to Rafah from across Gaza. Among the dead were 27 children and 22 women, according to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, whose researchers compiled the list from Rafah hospitals. The Israeli offensive has taken a heavy toll on women and children, with more than 12,300 Palestinian children and young teens killed in the conflict, the Gaza Health Ministry said Monday. The 30-year-old Ibrahim, his parents and his brothers arrived in Rafah a month earlier, the latest of their multiple moves to escape fighting after fleeing their homes in northern Gaza. They rented a small, one-story house on the east side of Rafah. I was close to them, Ibrahim said of his older brother Karams children. In the house, he would play cards or hide-and-seek with them to distract them from the war, he said. The twin girls, Suzan and Sedra, often asked if they would go to kindergarten and if their teacher from kindergarten back home was alive or dead, he said. The strikes came at a moment of joy. The families had just obtained three chickens the first they would have to eat since the war started more than four months ago. The children were thrilled, Ibrahim said. The family was sick of canned food, which was the main thing they were able to get under an Israeli siege that has allowed only a trickle of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They planned to eat the chicken Sunday night. But during the day, Ibrahim went to visit a friend on the other side of Rafah, who convinced him to stay the night. Ibrahim called home, and they decided to put off the treasured meal so he wouldnt miss it. Ibrahims mother, Suzan, put the chickens in the neighbors fridge. Just after 2 a.m. Monday, Ibrahim began getting calls from friends telling him strikes had hit in the neighborhood where his family was staying. Unable to reach them by phone, he walked and hitched a motorcycle ride back home. He found massive destruction, he said. The first thing he saw was a womans arm that had been hurled across the street to the door of a neighboring mosque. It was his mothers. He dug through the rubble, pulling out body parts. Later he went to the Youssef Najjar Hospital and identified the bodies of his mother and his father, Fawzi, an engineer. The body of his younger brother Mohammed had no head, but he recognized the clothes. In a bag that staff brought him were parts of his brother Karam and his family. He recognized pieces of his niece Suzan from her earrings and a bracelet, one she used to fight over all the time with her sister, Ibrahim said. He spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday as he walked around the rubble of the home. He recalled how the childrens noise in the morning would wake him up, but their noises were comforting for me. He pointed to part of the wreckage. There, he said he would sit with his nephew Malek to bask in the sun and to walk him for a little bit. To walk a little bit and have a sense of life. Israel said the bombardment was to cover its troops as they extracted two Israeli hostages from an apartment and made their way back out of Gaza. The military has not commented on why specific sites across Rafah were targeted in the barrage, but Israeli officials have blamed Hamas for causing civilian casualties by operating in the heart of residential areas. The extent of the bloodshed from the raid has increased fears of what could happen if Israel follows through with vows to attack Rafah in its campaign to destroy Hamas. The city and its surroundings now shelter more than half of the Gaza Strips entire population of 2.3 million after hundreds of thousands took refuge there. Already, Israels campaign in Gaza has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, more than 70% of them women and children, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The count does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Israel has vowed to uproot Hamas from Gaza and win the return of more than 100 hostages still in the groups hands after the Oct. 7 attacks in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians. WASHINGTON President Joe Biden called Tuesday for House Republicans to urgently bring a $95.3 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan to a vote, warning that refusal to take up the bill, passed by the Senate in the morning, would be "playing into Putin's hands." "Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin," Biden said from the White House as he referred to the Russian leader. "We can't walk away now. That's what Putin is betting on." But the package faces a deeply uncertain future in the House, where hard-line Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, and a critic of support for Ukraine oppose the legislation. Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., cast new doubt on the package and made clear that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to Biden's desk if at all. The potential impasse comes at a crucial point in the nearly two-year-old war, and supporters warn that abandoning Ukraine could embolden Russian President Vladimir Putin and threaten national security across the globe. Yet the monthslong push to approve the $60 billion in aid for Kyiv that is included in the package has exposed growing political divisions in the Republican Party over the role of the United States abroad. The Senate vote came early Tuesday after a small group of Republicans opposed to Ukraine funding held the Senate floor through the night. Yet 22 Republicans voted with nearly all Democrats to pass the package 70-29. "With this bill, the Senate declares that American leadership will not waver, will not falter, will not fail," said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Republican Leader Mitch McConnell on the legislation. The bill's passage through the Senate with a flourish of GOP support was a welcome sign for Ukraine amid critical shortages on the battlefield. "Ukrainian soldiers out of artillery shells, Ukrainian units rationing rounds of ammunition to defend themselves, Ukrainian families worried that the next Russian strike will permanently plunge them into darkness, or worse," Biden said. The president appealed to House members in stark terms and called on Johnson to let the matter come to a vote. Ukraine supporters also hoped that the showing of bipartisan support in the Senate would pressure Johnson to advance the bill. McConnell has made the issue his top priority in recent months, and was resolute in the face of considerable pushback from his own GOP conference. Speaking directly to his detractors, the longtime Republican leader said in a statement, "History settles every account. And today, on the value of American leadership and strength, history will record that the Senate did not blink." Support for wars Dollars provided by the legislation would purchase U.S.-made defense equipment, including munitions and air defense systems that authorities say are desperately needed as Russia batters the country. It also includes $8 billion for the government in Kyiv and other assistance. "Putin's ambitions have never been limited to Ukraine. His goals are far broader. This means that our defense solidarity must be even broader," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted on social media. In addition, the legislation would provide $14 billion for Israel's war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.1 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe. Progressive lawmakers objected to sending offensive weaponry to Israel, and Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent of Vermont, as well as two Democrats, Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Peter Welch of Vermont, voted against it. "I cannot in good conscience support sending billions of additional taxpayer dollars for Prime Minister Netanyahu's military campaign in Gaza," Welch said. "It's a campaign that has killed and wounded a shocking number of civilians. It's created a massive humanitarian crisis." Previous attempt The bill's passage followed almost five months of torturous negotiations over an expansive proposal that would have paired the foreign aid with an overhaul of border and asylum policies. Republicans demanded the trade-off, saying the surge of migration into the United States had to be addressed alongside the security of allies. But a bipartisan deal on border security fell apart just days after its unveiling, a head-spinning development that left negotiators deeply frustrated. Republicans declared the bill insufficient and blocked it on the Senate floor. After the deal collapsed, the two leaders abandoned the border provisions and pushed forward with passing the foreign aid package alone as Democrats originally intended. While the slimmed-down foreign aid bill eventually won a healthy showing of GOP support, several Republicans who previously expressed support for Ukraine voted against it. The episode further exposed divisions in the party, made more public as Trump dug in and a handful of lawmakers openly called for McConnell to step down. Supporters of the aid pushed back, warning that bowing to Russia would be a historic mistake with devastating consequences. They pointed out that if Putin were to attack a NATO member in Europe, the U.S. would be bound by treaty to become directly involved in the conflict. In the House, many Republicans have opposed the aid and are unlikely to cross Trump, but some key GOP lawmakers have signaled they will push to get it passed. House Democratic leaders are looking at rarely used procedures to force a vote on the bill, but those represent a long-shot effort without Johnson's support. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a letter to fellow Democrats Tuesday, "The American people deserve an up or down vote, and we will use every available legislative tool to get comprehensive national security legislation over the finish line." Today in history: Feb. 13 1935: Bruno Richard Hauptmann 1965: Lyndon B. Johnson 1980: Winter Olympics 1991: Operation Desert Storm 1996: "Rent" 2000: Charles Schulz 2002: John Walker Lindh 2011: Hosni Mubarak 2013: Pope Benedict XVI 2016: Antonin Scalia 2018: Michael Cohen 2021: Donald Trump JERUSALEM International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas suffered a setback on Wednesday as Israel reportedly recalled its negotiating team and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of hobbling the high-stakes negotiations by sticking to delusional demands. Netanyahus remarks came hours after local media reported that the Israeli leader had ordered an Israeli delegation not to continue talks in Cairo, raising concerns over the fate of the negotiations and sparking criticism from the families of the roughly 130 remaining captives, about a fourth of whom are said to be dead. The relatives of the hostages said Netanyahus decision amounted to a death sentence for their loved ones. The mediation efforts, steered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, have been working to bring the warring sides toward an agreement that might secure a truce in the monthslong war, which has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to local health officials. The fighting has destroyed vast parts of Gaza, displaced most of the territorys population and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe. In Cairo, Israel did not receive any new proposal from Hamas on the release of our captives, Netanyahu said in a statement. A change in Hamas positions will allow progress in the negotiations. Hamas officials had no immediate comment. On Tuesday, CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, the head of Israels Mossad spy agency, attended the talks in the Egyptian capital, but there were no signs of a breakthrough. The talks continued Wednesday at a lower level, even as deadly violence persisted both in the Gaza Strip and along Israels border with Lebanon, where fighting has simmered since the war broke out. Israeli media reported Wednesday that Netanyahu told his delegation not to return to the talks unless Hamas softens its demands. The sides have been far apart on their terms for a deal. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until total victory over Hamas and the return of all the remaining hostages. Hamas has said it will not release all the captives until Israel ends its offensive, withdraws from Gaza and releases a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including top militants. Netanyahu has rejected those demands, calling them delusional. The plight of the hostages has deeply shaken Israelis, who see their lengthy captivity as an enduring symbol of the failure of the state to protect its citizens from Hamas attack. A group representing the families of the hostages called Netanyahus reported decision to keep the delegation away from the talks scandalous and said the families would set up a mass barricade outside the Israeli Defense Ministry unless Netanyahu agreed to meet them. Over 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November in return for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The war, which erupted after Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 250 captive, ground on even as the talks appeared to be stalling. Palestinians began evacuating the main hospital in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, according to videos shared by medics Wednesday. Weeks of heavy fighting had isolated the medical facility and claimed the lives of several people inside it. Now in its fifth month, the war has devastated Gazas health sector, with less than half of its hospitals only partially functioning as scores of people are killed and wounded in daily bombardments. Israel accuses the militants of using hospitals and other civilian buildings as cover. Khan Younis is now the main target of a rolling ground offensive that Israel has said will soon be expanded to Gaza southernmost city of Rafah. Some 1.4 million people over half the territorys population are crammed into tent camps and overflowing apartments and shelters in Rafah, on the Egyptian border. The videos of the evacuation in Khan Younis showed dozens of Palestinians carrying their belongings in sacks and making their way out of the Nasser Hospital complex. A doctor wearing green hospital scrubs walked ahead of the crowd, some of whom were carrying white flags. The Israeli military said it had opened a secure route to allow civilians to leave the hospital, while medics and patients could remain inside. Troops have been ordered to prioritize the safety of civilians, patients, medical workers, and medical facilities during the operation, it said. The military had ordered the evacuation of the hospital and surrounding areas last month. But as with other health facilities, medics said patients were unable to safely leave or be relocated, and thousands of people displaced by fighting elsewhere remained there. Palestinians say nowhere is safe in the besieged territory, as Israel continues to carry out strikes in all parts of it. The Gaza Health Ministry said last week that Israeli snipers on surrounding buildings were preventing people from entering or leaving the hospital. It said 10 people have been killed inside the complex over the past week, including three shot and killed on Tuesday. The ministry says around 300 medical staff were treating some 450 patients, including people wounded in strikes. It says 10,000 displaced people were sheltering in the facility. The war in Gaza has become one of the deadliest and most destructive air and ground offensives in recent history. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. Over 68,000 people have been wounded in the war. Around 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes, large areas in northern Gaza have been completely destroyed and a humanitarian crisis has left a quarter of the population starving. In northern Israel, meanwhile, a rocket attack killed a female soldier, the Israeli military said, and wounded eight people when one of the projectiles hit a military base in the town of Safed on Wednesday. Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon in response, killing four people, including a Syrian woman and her two Lebanese children, and wounding at least nine, Lebanese security officials and local media said. The U.N. childrens agency condemned the killings of two innocent children and called for the protection of children in times of war and at all times. Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militant group, which supports Hamas, have traded fire along the border nearly every day since the start of the war in Gaza, raising the risk of a wider conflict. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for the rocket attack. Magdy reported from Cairo and Shurafa from Rafah, Gaza Strip. Associated Press writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed to this report. Updated at 11:40 a.m. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates The CEO of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI said Tuesday the dangers that keep him awake at night regarding artificial intelligence are the "very subtle societal misalignments" that could make the systems wreak havoc. Sam Altman, speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai via a video call, reiterated his call for a body like the International Atomic Energy Agency to be created to oversee AI that's likely advancing faster than the world expects. "There's some things in there that are easy to imagine where things really go wrong. And I'm not that interested in the killer robots walking on the street direction of things going wrong," Altman said. "I'm much more interested in the very subtle societal misalignments where we just have these systems out in society and through no particular ill intention, things just go horribly wrong." However, Altman stressed that the AI industry, like OpenAI, shouldn't be in the driver's seat when it comes to making regulations governing the industry. "We're still in the stage of a lot of discussion. So there's you know, everybody in the world is having a conference. Everyone's got an idea, a policy paper, and that's OK," Altman said. "I think we're still at a time where debate is needed and healthy, but at some point in the next few years, I think we have to move towards an action plan with real buy-in around the world." OpenAI, a San Francisco-based artificial intelligence startup, is one of the leaders in the field. Microsoft invested billions of dollars in OpenAI. The Associated Press signed a deal with OpenAI for it to access AP's news archive. Meanwhile, The New York Times sued OpenAI and Microsoft over the use of its stories without permission to train OpenAI's chatbots. OpenAI's success made Altman the public face for generative AI's rapid commercialization and the fears over what may come from the new technology. The UAE, an autocratic federation of seven hereditarily ruled sheikhdoms, has signs of that risk. Speech remains tightly controlled. Those restrictions affect the flow of accurate information the same details AI programs like ChatGPT rely on as machine-learning systems to provide answers for users. The Emirates also has the Abu Dhabi firm G42, overseen by the country's powerful national security adviser. G42 has what experts suggest is the world's leading Arabic-language artificial intelligence model. The company faced spying allegations for its ties to a mobile phone app identified as spyware. It also faced claims it could have gathered genetic material secretly from Americans for the Chinese government. G42 has said it would cut ties to Chinese suppliers over American concerns. However, the discussion with Altman, moderated by the UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar al-Olama, touched on none of the local concerns. For his part, Altman said he was heartened to see that schools, where teachers feared students would use AI to write papers, now embrace the technology as crucial for the future. He added that AI remains in its infancy. "I think the reason is the current technology that we have is like that very first cellphone with a black-and-white screen," Altman said. "So give us some time. But I will say I think in a few more years it'll be much better than it is now. And in a decade it should be pretty remarkable." Here's why 61% of Americans think AI could spell the end of humanity Here's why 61% of Americans think AI could spell the end of humanity The political leaders of Missouri have spent the better part of the past year working to make sure that residents of this state have no direct voice in the fundamental question of whether women should be allowed to control their own bodies. Theyre still working at it. So tight is the Republican grip on Missouri government, and so intractable their opposition to even the most reasonable abortion-rights concessions, that its easy to wonder if the will of the people could possibly be allowed to prevail. But it can. Regular Missourians can, right now, join the abortion-rights signature campaign currently underway, taking this urgent issue out of the hands of the politicians and putting it on the statewide ballot. With the recent removal of several legal and strategic obstacles, its now as simple as signing your name. Polling shows a majority of Missourians (like a strong majority of Americans) favors reasonable abortion rights. Yet, immediately upon the fall of Roe v. Wade in mid-2022, Missouri legislators put in place a state abortion ban as extreme and dangerous to women as any in the country. Its a forced-birth dystopia that outlaws virtually all abortions from the moment of conception even for rape victims, even for minors with only a vaguely worded exception for medical emergencies. Having finally imposed this long-sought control over womens medical decisions, these politicians arent about to let public opinion overrule them if they can help it. In attempting to sabotage a statewide ballot initiative that would restore abortion rights, they have fabricated utterly imaginary fiscal projections and have blatantly violated their official obligations to provide unbiased ballot language. With those cynical stunts finally turned back by the courts, lawmakers are now trying to raise the bar for passage of ballot initiatives to the point of making them nearly impossible for voters to approve. The motivation behind all of it is crystal clear: They recognize that their draconian ban is unlikely to survive a fair up-or-down vote among Missouri residents. Some of them have said as much. For example, when the Missouri House last year was debating making it more difficult to pass referendums, House Speaker Dean Plocher warned his fellow Republicans that a ballot measure restoring abortion rights would absolutely pass by a simple statewide majority so anyone who refuses to raise that bar to more than a simple majority should be held accountable for allowing abortion to return to Missouri. This open contempt for democracy, however, isnt the only thing that was threatening the abortion-rights resistance. It appeared for a time that the pro-choice movement might self-sabotage the project with multiple competing ballot proposals, muddying the issue and dividing pro-choice forces. These included proposals that would have asked Missouri voters to prohibit any state abortion restrictions at all throughout pregnancy. That would have been unlikely to pass in a generally conservative state. That proposal is off the table now. And the withdrawal this month of another competing proposal a limited one protecting abortion rights only until the 12th week of pregnancy has apparently cleared the field for a single, unified effort. That effort, by the group Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, strikes the right balance by seeking to prohibit state interference with abortion decisions up until the point of fetal viability (generally, about 24 weeks). That was the widely accepted standard under Roe. To get on the November ballot, organizers have until May 5 to gather more than 172,000 valid signatures from six of Missouris eight congressional districts. The effort has already raised some $4 million. Signature gathering and training for supporters is underway around the state. Their work is cut out for them. Anti-choice forces, going full Orwell, have launched a tip line inviting people to call and report the location of signature gatherers. Meanwhile, the current legislative effort could put a referendum on the August ballot asking voters to make it harder to pass future referendums, with the goal of thwarting the subsequent abortion-rights ballot initiative. Defeating the first referendum would be crucial to passing the second. The stakes go far beyond Missouri. Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, seven states have put abortion-related policy on a statewide ballot. All seven have landed in favor of choice, including such reliably conservative states as Kansas, Kentucky and Montana. Keeping that unbroken record intact is now the only way to turn back the forced-birth threat facing post-Roe America. More information about the pro-choice signature campaign is available at moconstitutionalfreedom.org. VLADIVOSTOK, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian scientists have identified eight potential areas for oil and gas exploration in the south of Eastern Siberia, the Russian news agency TASS reported on Wednesday. Located in the interfluve of the Yenisei and Angara rivers, the potential areas could produce up to 1 trillion cubic meters of gas in the next 15 to 20 years, said the report. Most of this territory, with an area of about 175 thousand square kilometers, still requires detailed study with seismic exploration and deep drilling, according to Igor Gubin, a geologist from the Institute of Petroleum Geology and Geophysics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The territory of the Siberian Platform, the oldest block of the earth's crust with an age of up to 2.5-3.5 billion years, covers the territory of Eastern Siberia and the Far East and is relatively poorly studied by geological exploration. About one-third of this territory, with a total area of about 3.5 million square kilometers, has not even been studied by seismic surveys due to poorly developed infrastructure, lack of settlements, roads, and railways, as well as harsh climatic conditions, according to TASS. February 14, 2024: Ukraine has a problem with shortages of 155mm shells for the towed and self-propelled howitzers it has received from NATO nations. Delays in NATO delivering adequate supplies of 155mm artillery ammunition have hampered Ukrainian abilities to defend against Russian attacks or implement plans to successfully attack Russian forces. The Russians take advantage of this by using its few remaining offensive units and larger supplies of 152mm shells to make small territorial gains and promote those as major victories. Meanwhile Ukraine switched from guns using 152mm ammunition to howitzers using 155mm shells. This transition took place throughout eastern Europe after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and the east European nations forcibly allied with Soviet Russia were free to choose their own allies and most decided to join NATO. To do so they had to meet certain standards used by all NATO members. This makes it possible for NATO country forces to cooperate with each other more easily. These standards included ammunition types and calipers. NATO members often used different weapons, but these had to be able to use NATO-standard munitions. For artillery 155mm shells was one of those standards. New East Europe members had to dispose of their 152mm weapons and munitions stockpiles and replace them with NATO standard items. East European NATO members still had stockpiles of 152mm shells and howitzers that could fire them. After 1991, these new NATO members sought to sell or donate their Soviet era weapons and munitions. By the time it was 2022 these east European still had supplies of 152mm shells and other Soviet era weapons. These were quickly shipped to Ukraine, which was still using similar equipment and munitions. Ukraine accepted all the munitions it was offered but, like the east European nations, began switching to 155mm shells and artillery that used that caliber. As the war went on after 2022, Ukraine used up its supplies of 152mm shells, including those donated by East European NATO members, and switched to 155mm artillery. The problem was that NATO countries quickly emptied their reserves of 155mm shells, and it took time to resume production. In peacetime there are few factories producing 155mm shells and production goes to replacing ammunition used for training artillerymen. The stockpiles of 155mm shells were quite large but once the Russians invaded, and Ukraine sought to fight back, they needed, and used, all the 152mm and 155mm shells they could get. After about a year of this 155mmshell supplies were running low, most NATO nations supplying those to Ukraine realized they lacked the ability to manufacture more and those that did have production facilities found that they could not manufacture additional shells quickly enough. Over the last year, European manufacturers of 155mm munitions have expanded their production capabilities and are producing as many shells as possible. This demand for more shells persuaded the major European shell supplier, Nammo (Nordic Ammunition Company), to expand its own production to five times its current level and, with the help of financing from the EU, build an additional shell production factory. The new factory wont be producing munitions until the new plant is completed and staffed. This will take several years. Nammo, which is jointly owned by Norway and Finland, has long been a major European producer of all types of munitions as well as a few portable weapons that soldiers can carry and use. In the United States, the same thing happened, not just to supply Ukraine but to continue supplying Asian allies with ammunition. South Korea is the only east Asian American ally that also produces and exports modern, NATO standard weapons and munitions. South Korea has supplied the United States with several hundred thousand 155mm shells with the understanding that these shells would not be shipped to Ukraine. South Korea has trade relations with Russia and China that it does not want to disrupt. South Korea has, because of the Ukraine demand, replaced the United States as the supplier of munitions to several Asian countries. South Korea is closer and delivers promptly but, unlike the United States, does not provide a lot of munitions at no cost as part of American foreign aid. South Korea expects to be paid. Meanwhile the Americans used the South Korea shells they received as their war reserve, which is likely to be used against China or North Korea. The shells the South Korea munitions replaced were sent to Ukraine. The U.S. is building a new munitions factory, but this wont be producing anything until later in the decade. Currently the United States is producing about 30,000 155mm shells a month and plans to increase that to 60,000 by October 2024 and 100,000 by late 2025, then and even more once the new plant is in production. Currently, Ukrainian troops fire only about a fifth as many artillery shells the Russians do. The Russian shell factories increased production of 152mm shells in advance of their 2022 invasion of Ukraine and later arranged to purchase a million North Korean shells, which came from the North Korean munitions reserve that contained several million 152mm shells. The oldest ones were sent to Russia, where they were sure to be used quickly. North Korea increased production at its shell factories by adding additional shifts. Russia is expected to order more shells. Russia also had more peacetime munitions plants than the West. This was a relic from the Soviet period and the Russians kept older munitions plants in reserve rather than demolishing or converting them to production of consumer goods. As a result, Russia had a war reserve of several million 152mm shells in late 2021 and the ability to produce 1-2 million shells a year. When Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, they never expected to run out of ammunition because a quick win was expected. The war was not over in a few months, and, because of that, Russia did run out of artillery munitions by the end of 2022 while Ukraine was supplied by NATO with massive amounts of 155mm artillery ammunition. Russias production of artillery ammunition continues to increase but for a while it was not enough to match what Ukraine received from NATO nations. Ukraine has also revived its artillery munitions production of 152mm shells. This is the caliber used by Russian-designed artillery which Ukraine still has some of. NATOs current munitions are more effective and reliable than Russian-made projectiles. For Ukraine to push the Russians out of its territory it must attack and that requires more artillery support than required for defensive operations. The NATO countries supplying all this ammunition have a problem because they eventually ran through most of what they had available. The United States supplied most of it and now has to rebuild its war reserves stockpiled for a major war. While European NATO nations dont have to worry about their major threat, Russia, while they rebuild their war reserves, the Americans have to plan for potential conflicts elsewhere, like China, North Korea, and Iran. The Americans can still do so because supporting Ukraine does not degrade American naval or air power. A war with China would not become more difficult because of American military aid to Ukraine. The same is true for potential conflicts with China, North Korea, or Iran as both of them have plenty of powerful local near-peer opponents who would be American allies in such conflicts. These include South Korea, Japan, the Arab Gulf states, and Israel. These nations can deal with China, Iran or North Korea given American and naval support. American ground forces are also available for a Pacific campaign but cannot use artillery munitions as heavily as they would prefer. The U.S. found that it takes several years to ramp up production of artillery munitions and five or more years of increased production to restore the reserves. Munitions are still being sent to Ukraine, but not in the massive quantities seen during the first eight months of the war. Ukraine has managed to repair its own production facilities after Russia damaged them early in the war and is now manufacturing a lot of the basic small arms, artillery and mortar ammunition its troops use. While NATO nations have sent Ukraine most of the available munitions as well as a lot of weapons and combat or support vehicles, this is justified by the fact that NATO exists to protect NATO members from a Russian attack. The Russians did attack, but started with Ukraine, which wanted to join NATO, before moving on to nearby NATO nations. Russia has wrecked its military power and economy with this invasion of Ukraine and wont recover for a long time. The large scale economic sanctions the West imposed on Russia have hurt the Russian economy. One sector of the economy that is booming is production of weapons and munitions. February 14, 2024: The Ukraine War began, as most wars do, because of a miscalculation. In this case it was Russia, the invader believing the defending Ukrainians would be unprepared and unwilling to do what was needed to repulse the Russians. To the shock and surprise of the Russians, the Ukrainians did put a defense and an effective one at that. Ukraine received a lot of foreign assistance. This included large quantities of new, to Ukrainians, weapons sent by NATO countries. NATO could not send troops because NATO is a defensive organization created in the 1950s to deter Russian aggression. NATO does not go to war unless it is attacked, and Russia has been careful not to do that. One Russian reason for invading Ukraine was Ukrainian plans to become a NATO member. For this reason, the countries sending weapons and equipment cannot send their own personnel to Ukraine to help maintain or repair the military aid. Since Ukraine is not a NATO member, NATO nations do not send their own troops or technicians into Ukraine. Neighboring Poland is a NATO member and has become the place where Ukrainians can go for training. Doing this effectively proved inconvenient or impossible because Poland did not have all the necessary resources to provide training on repairing or setting up new weapons systems. A solution was soon found by updating a three decade old technique that used internet-connected troops in the combat zone with a large number of tech experts and other support personnel stationed anywhere in the world outside the combat zone. This was called reachback and one of the variations of reachback was used in Ukraine even before the 2022 invasion. This was because, after the brief 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine, a lot of NATO military and tech advisors went to Ukraine and established good relationships with the Ukrainians they supported. This often included trainers or support techs leaving Ukraine after their terms of service were up, but leaving behind their cell phone number and instructions to call any time they had an emergency the departing expert might be able to help with. The current enhancement was the use of video software like Zoom so that groups of Ukrainians could participate in a tutorial by someone outside Ukraine on how to use, maintain or repair some new bit of equipment. The Ukrainians have been very resourceful and inventive themselves, and recognized the enhanced reachback capability was yet another way to make their military more effective than the Russians. Reachback has been heavily used by American forces for over two decades. This has been the case even when the United States has very few troops on the ground in places like Iraq and Syria. In those situations, the Americans had to be resourceful finding targets for the coalition of NATO, Arab and other allied warplanes to attack. Just because the attacks were being made with precision munitions did not eliminate the risk of civilian casualties. There have been few of these, and none are ignored on the ground because Arab Islamic terrorists will invent them if they can rally more support to their cause. There have been so few civilian casualties because the coalition used new American intelligence techniques. This system uses many analysts based anywhere, usually in the United States, carefully examining the aircraft and UAV video and still photos for information that identifies Islamic terrorists and any nearby civilians. This is not easy just using overhead video and some electronic intercepts. The analysts do have software and electronic tools to get more out of the images and electronic chatter. Within minutes, hours, or days the analysts can provide highly accurate, and safe from the possibility of civilian casualties, GPS coordinates. Sometimes armed UAVs or aircraft are already overhead, waiting to be directed to a specific target. This concept, which the U.S. began developing in the 1990s and used with increasing frequency after September 11, 2001, was called reachback. Originally this meant that some parts of a unit ordered overseas would remain in the United States and use Internet communications capabilities to do their work from their home base. Sending fewer people overseas is a major advantage, as it means less transportation, and supply effort is needed. Since the 1990s it has been noted that modern communications make it practical for some support units to stay behind, with no loss in effectiveness in the entire unit. Reservists make for better reachback troops, because they are required to go through more additional combat training before being sent overseas. Moreover, the reservists can be taken on and off active duty in case the workload unexpectedly increases or decreases. Reachback works particularly well for intelligence work. With reachback, the few intel personnel in the combat zone are mainly there to work with local counterparts and provide them with intel collected by the UAVs and other sources. For the Iraq/Syria operation, which involves several hundred manned aircraft, UAVs, and several satellites, the reachback intel operation in the United States has been equally large, so that analysts can be quickly switched to the most important possible targets. Often, though, the analysts are looking at stakeouts extending several days, weeks or more into the battle area to identify who the enemy individuals are, where they fight from, which can be bunkers, buildings, or ruins where they place snipers or machine-guns. In addition, you want to know where they live and where they store their ammo and explosives and other supplies and which vehicles they use. Once the analysts believe they have the most targets they are going to find, they send the target list off to the waiting targeting analysts in the Middle East and the airstrikes are carried out as quickly as possible. The bombers have their own video cameras in targeting pods so they can double check for the presence of civilians or anything else the original analysts noted. In some cases, all the analyst activity back in the United States is to confirm the identity and location of one major leader or a meeting of key people. This will usually be attacked by a single aircraft or UAV. The Islamic terrorists know that when several warplanes appear overhead bad things are probably about to happen to them. The same analyst teams used for air strikes in Syria and Iraq are composed of people with lots of experience at this. While their recent experience may be in Afghanistan or other parts of the Middle East like Yemen, Somalia and so on, most have spent time covering Iraq operations before 2011. The important thing is these men and women have lots of experience and skill with quickly adapting to new analysis software which have undergone many major updates since 2001. All this is made possible because of reachback. The main benefit is that reachback enables a lot of troops to operate from a foreign base without being there. Many other nations are noticing. One of the most frequent uses of reachback is the operation of the larger American UAVs like Predator and Reaper. It involves operating UAVs with crews connected via satellite communications. In 2014 the United States established an intelligence base in Niger, which is the eastern neighbor of Mali and just south of Algeria and Libya. Only a hundred Americans are stationed there, most of them to maintain several American UAVs that fly surveillance missions over Mali. Thanks to satellite communications, this base has hundreds of other people involved in what it is doing, almost as if they were there, by using reachback. For example, most of the people actually operating the UAVs are back in the United States. Operating UAVs is very labor intensive, as you need a pilot and one or more sensor operators for something like the Predator or Reaper. In addition, you need shifts of operators because these air force UAVs typically stay in the air for 12-36 hours at a time. So having the operators back in the United States greatly reduces the number of people you have overseas. The UAV maintenance crews get the aircraft ready for take off and on the airstrip. But after that the flight operations crew back in the U.S. can take over. In Ukraine, this enhanced reachback provided Ukrainian forces with yet another advantage over their Russian adversaries. February 14, 2024: Both Ukraine and Russia have embraced cheap, costing a few hundred dollars, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and more expensive quadcopters as essential battlefield weapons. This has a lot to do with economy and efficiency. Compared to a 155mm or 152mm artillery shell and the expense of an expensive howitzer to fire these unguided shells 20 or 30 kilometers, armed UAVs are more certain to find and attack enemy troops or vehicles than artillery shells. Artillery still has its uses for long range bombardment of a specific target or more random harassment fire to discourage enemy use of certain roads or off road terrain. FPV (First Person Viewing) UAV control range varies from one to ten kilometers depending on how much electronic jamming or random interference there is. Average range is closer to four or five kilometers. Within these ranges the amount and extent of the damage these UAVs can inflict is enormous, precise, and often decisive in a battle or encounter. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces are using cheap, about $500 each, quadcopter UAVs controlled by soldiers a kilometer or more away, who use FPV goggles to see what the day/night video camera on the UAV can see. Adding night vision doubles the cost for each UAV, so not all of them have that capability. Each of these UAVs carries half a kilogram of explosives, so it can instantly turn the UAV into a flying bomb that can fly into a target and detonate. This is an awesome and debilitating weapon when used in large numbers over the combat zone. If a target isnt moving or requires more explosive power that the UAVs can supply, one of the UAV operators can call in artillery, rocket, or missile fire, or even an airstrike. Tanks and infantry obtain some protection from these attacks by erecting a screen above the vehicle or trench line of fox home troops are in. When moving, the troops are vulnerable. For vehicles, multiple UAV attacks will eliminate the overhead screen and damage or destroy the vehicle. Since the UAV operator is viewing all this from the UAV, these attacks are rather devastating. A major limitation is the need for trained UAV operators. These troops need over a hundred hours of training before they are able to start operating these UAVs, and another hundred hours of actual use before they are able to make the most out of the system. These UAVs are difficult to shoot down until they get close to the ground and the shooter is close enough, as in less than a few hundred meters, away to successfully target a UAV with a bullet or two and bring it down. Troops are rarely in position to do this, so most of these UAVs are able to complete their mission, whether it is a one-way attack or a reconnaissance and surveillance mission. The recon missions are usually survivable and enable the UAV to be reused. All these UAVs are constantly performing surveillance, which means that both sides generally commit enough UAVs to maintain constant surveillance over a portion of the front line, to a depth, into enemy territory, of at least a few kilometers. This massive use of FPV-armed UAVs has revolutionized warfare in Ukraine and both sides are producing as many as they can. Not having enough of these to match the number the enemy has in a portion of the front means you are at a serious disadvantage in that area. These UAVs are still evolving in terms of design and use and becoming more effective and essential. One countermeasure that can work for a while is electronic jamming of the UAVs control signal. UAV guidance systems are constantly modified or upgraded to cope with this. Most UAVs have flight control software that sends UAVs with jammed control signals back to where they took off from to land and await. The jammers are on the ground and can be attacked by UAVs programmed to home in on the jamming signal and detonate their explosives on the source of the jamming signal. As a result, even countermeasures can be overcome and the side that can do this more quickly and completely has an advantage. That advantage is usually temporary because both sides are putting a lot of effort into keeping their combat UAVs effective on the battlefield. Ukraine was not where extensive use of these UAVs first occurred. Innovative use of small UAVs is something that has been going on for several decades and is evolving all the time. This began in 2010 when the French firm Parrot introduced the first consumer friendly quadcopter. By 2017 Parrot had competition from the Chinese firm DJI, which innovated more quickly than anyone else and soon dominated the market for commercial quadcopters. This is why both Russia and Ukraine first turned to Mavic quadcopters as models for new militarized quadcopters they would produce. Both sides soon designed and built their own UAVs or heavily modified commercial models like Mavic. Russian troops had a more difficult time doing this. Russian troops also used Mavic quadcopters, when they could get them. Corruption in Russia made importing Mavic quadcopters difficult. This isnt just about Mavic because corruption became more widespread in Russia in 2022 when the Ukraine War started, and subsequent sanctions disrupted the Russian economy. What is worse for Russia is that its national bureaucracy discourages and disrupts any private efforts to design and build not merely UAVs, but private efforts to build most anything which might compete with government ways of building or doing things. This has been true since the 1920s, originally because of the Communist system, then because that was normal even after the Communists were overthrown, and then because such private enterprise interferes with government corruption. Ukrainians have noticed that one of their assets in the war is the disruptive effect Russian bureaucracy has on the Russian military. The Ukrainians are faster in developing new weapons, and particularly new UAVs. The Russians have adapted, as they usually do, to the wartime UAV emergency and adopted more effective procurement practices. These will disappear when the war is over, as most practical measures adopted in wartime tend to do. While there is some corruption in Ukraine, there is also a lot more popular anger and active opposition to any corruption hurting the war effort. Less corruption in wartime Ukraine means there are a lot more opportunities for innovation without interference from some corrupt official or supplier. Russian troops still had a lot of UAVs but not as many as the Ukrainians, and particularly not with all the innovations found in many Ukrainian UAVs. This made a difference and still does, even though the Russians have been quick to use new forms of jamming to disrupt or destroy Ukrainian UAVs. Both sides suffer heavy, as in the thousands, of UAV losses each month and Ukraine, with NATO support and unencumbered by economic sanctions, is able to maintain a UAV edge on the battlefield. Ukrainians were particularly adept at modifying quadcopters to carry explosives. If the operator found an enemy tank or lighter armored vehicle with a top hatch open, the vehicle could be destroyed when an explosive was dropped through the open hatch. The explosives were often used against Russian troops in foxholes or open trenches. This capability is bad for Russian morale and the Ukrainians made the most of it. DJI quadcopters are popular with military customers worldwide, as well as with gangsters, drug smugglers and Islamic terrorists. American forces were banned from using DJI products from 2017 to 2020 because of fears that DJI, which thrives and survives by cooperating with the Chinese government, might have hidden capabilities in the control software that would enable DJI quadcopters to be monitored by the Chinese, especially in wartime. Several years of trying to prove this failed to discover anything and the American ban was quietly dropped. The ban on military use of DJI quadcopters was not universal, even among NATO countries. But many NATO members did avoid DJI and found that alternatives were more expensive and less capable. For example, in 2021 the French military ordered 300 ANAFI USA micro-UAVs from Parrot, a French firm that is the largest European designer and manufacturer of consumer and commercial UAVs. The ANAFI USA model was developed in response to a 2019 U.S. Army order for a militarized quadcopter that was similar to the banned DJI products. That was considered difficult to do because DJI had a huge head start, especially with flight control software and reliability. The American military determined that Parrot was best suited for this contract because there were few Western firms as capable as Parrot. The French military spent $36 million not just for the purchase of 300 ANAFI quadcopters. The five-year deal includes Parrot developing new ANAFI features to meet specific needs of army, navy, and air force users. One of the first users will be French special operations units. The ANAFI quadcopter is a militarized version of a similar, but lighter 300 grams consumer model. ANAFI weighs 500 grams, has endurance of 32 minutes and standard equipment is a day/night vidcam using military-grade communications. Parrot carries two 4K 21 megapixel video camera with 32X zoom and the ability to identify man-sized targets two kilometers distant, plus useful detail in general at up to five kilometers. There is also a thermal sensor on the Parrot that works with the 4k vidcam and enables the operator to see hot spots superimposed over the video image. The flight software is as capable as DJT models and uses no Internet access. An additional security feature is the flight control software being regularly audited to ensure that no new features have compromised security. ANAFI is very quiet and inaudible when about 130 meters away. ANAFI can be ready for use in less than a minute and is designed to be used after brief training. For experienced quad-copter users, ANAFI is very familiar, and training consists of explaining the unique security and military features. ANAFI is also built to accept accessories that generate digital maps and thermal videos. This kind of flexibility is a major feature of Parrot commercial quadcopters and one reason for its market dominance in Europe. The ANAFI is being delivered to French forces as systems, each with two quadcopters, additional batteries, and operator controllers. Parrot has become one of the dominant competitors for DJI. There is some other competition in the military market. Since 2015 Israeli firms have designed and built several quadcopters for military and police use. In 2016 the Israeli military bought some locally made Rotem L UAVs for their infantry to use in urban combat. Rotem L is a lightweight 4.5 kg quadcopter based on commercial designs, but modified so that it not only carries the usual day/night cameras but can also replace the cameras with two 450g grenades which can be armed and released by operator command. With 30-minute endurance and easily learned operation, Rotem L can be carried (in a case) by one man, set up and ready to go in a minute or so and recovered for reuse. The controller has a range of up to 10 kilometers but in a dense urban environment, the max range is more like 1,500 meters. The major advantage of Rotem L is that it is quiet and can be flown through open doors or windows. Carrying one or no grenades allows Rotem L to stay airborne for up to 45 minutes. The grenades can be triggered while still aboard Rotem L to provide a self-destruct mechanism. If Rotem L lands with live grenades aboard, the operator can double-check the armed status of the grenades before recharging it for another mission. Rotem L can be used unarmed by police or carry tear gas and flash-bang grenades. Rotem L is expensive, costing over $10,000 each. Military users prefer to use it equipped with vidcams and use the cruise missile option only when forced to. Israel firms offer less expensive unarmed quadcopters for military and police use. Parrot was competitive with the Israeli designs and offered to build ANAFI USA in the U.S. as well as demonstrating it could incorporate military-grade security features and a quadcopter that matched Israeli and Chinese designs in flexibility, features, and price. Parrot had another advantage because France was a NATO member, and this made it easier for French firms to meet NATO standards that enabled all NATO members to easily purchase Parrot UAVs. NATO troops in places like Syria, Iraq, Mali, and Afghanistan found that both Islamic terrorist and local security forces were eager users of high-end Chinese-made DJI commercial quadcopters. A particular favorite is DJI Matrice 200/210. This is an industrial-grade quadcopter costing up to $20,000 each. The DJI 210 weighs 4.7 kg and can carry up to 1.45 kg of cameras, additional batteries, or improvised weapons. Max endurance is about 30 minutes and top speed is 60 kilometers an hour. When under user control the 210 can operate up to eight kilometers away although five kilometers is more common. The 210 can be programmed to use its GPS/GLONASS navigation system to cover a specific route and return. If the control system is lost for any reason, the quadcopter will automatically return to where it started and land. The 210 is mainly used for surveillance and reconnaissance though some have been equipped with an explosive dispenser. Anything from grenades to IEDs/Improvised Explosive Devices can be used. The 210 can be rigged as a one-way cruise-missile but that is expensive and increasingly common with groups backed by Iran as well as other well-funded Islamic terrorists. High-end models like the 210 are favored because they are rugged and can handle wind and incorporate obstacle avoidance. This is important when operating in urban areas, forests or at night using a night-vision camera. While popular with Islamic terrorists, gangsters and less-well equipped police and military units, Western forces tended to avoid DJI products because of fears that China may have ordered the manufacturer to include secret features that would allow the Chinese military to disable or take-control of DJI products. No one has ever found such a back door in the quadcopter software and these Chinese quadcopters, especially those made by DJI, are the most popular models worldwide. Thats because DJI models offered are the best value as well as being the most reliable. Sometimes these bans were issued after troops had already obtained and were using DJI quadcopters. For example, in early 2018 the U.S. Marine Corps announced a new squad and platoon organization, based on its experience so far this century, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. One of the unique changes to the new 12-man squad was that each one would get a commercial quadcopter. These were smaller, more compact models costing less than two thousand dollars each. The Marines had already bought 600 and ordered another 200 when the U.S. Department of Defense ordered a ban on the use of Chinese quadcopters. The Marines did manage to get an exemption to the new ban and sought government approval to purchase commercial quadcopters. These are out there but none as inexpensive as the Chinese models. The complaints about the DJI ban from military users in the United States and other NATO countries played a role in the ban being lifted in 2020. The U.S. Army banned the use of DJI quadcopters in 2017. The troops had been encountering these DJI quadcopters in combat zones for years and some troops had bought them with their own money to use them successfully in combat. Its no secret that DJI quadcopters have been showing up in combat zones with increasing frequency since 2014. Initially the most popular of these was the DJI Phantom quadcopter. Phantom 3 showed up in 2015. It costs about a thousand dollars, weighs 3.9 kg, can stay in the air about 20 minutes per flight and can go up to 2,000 meters from the operator. The operator can see (at 720p resolution) what is under the Phantom using a small display and capture a higher 2.7k/1080p resolution video on a 16 GB micro memory card on the UAV. The Phantom 3 was widely available. It is easy to operate and has flight control software that makes it easy to operate and keeps the video image stable. You can equip these with a night vision camera. Max altitude is over 500 meters, but most Phantoms operate lower down because getting to higher altitude takes time. DJI kept upgrading its Phantom line of quadcopters from the moment the first one hit the market in 2013. The Phantom 1 was basically a quadcopter you could add your own GoPro wireless vidcam to. But every few months DJI added new features and major upgrades were introduced as a new model. Phantom 2 appeared at the end of 2013, Phantom 3 in early 2015 and Phantom 4 a year later. Phantom 3 was the most popular model and Phantom 4 was basically a Phantom 3 with lots more capabilities like 4K video, video transmission range of five kilometers and a higher price of about $1,500 each. New models of the Phantom continued to appear, sometimes just with a few new features and a lower price. New features include collision avoidance sensors and software. The Phantom line was replaced by the Mavic and Matrice, which included low price Mavic and high end Matrice models. Year by year the capabilities of the DJI quadcopters increased and the troops were not happy that they could not use them, but the enemy could and did. For combat troops cost is an important feature because something low-cost and capable in the combat zone equipment is quickly worn out. This is especially true with quadcopters. As a result, the troops have become accustomed to buying commercial products whenever they can get away with it. America does not have a viable quadcopter industry because its cumbersome technological export rules prevent American companies from exporting their products to foreign markets. We have our own troublesome bureaucracies. by Austin Bay February 14, 2024 A strong case can be made that Russia's war to seize Ukraine began in 2004 with a covert attempt by Vladimir Putin's Kremlin to subvert Ukraine's election and install a pro-Moscow vassal. In Ukraine's 2004 national elections, Russia-backed Viktor Yanukovych ostensibly defeated democratizer Viktor Yushchenko. To the Kremlin's dismay, mass demonstrations erupted -- the Orange Revolution (November 2004 to January 2005). Ukrainians took to the streets and rejected the flawed election. Ukraine's supreme court examined the evidence, determined fraud and intimidation were rampant, annulled the spurious results and ordered another vote. In late December 2004, despite Russian money and propaganda pushing Yanukovych, Yushchenko won the re-vote. As a former KGB officer, Putin is well schooled in the dark arts of intimidation, propaganda and subversion. In 2004, Putin was president of Russia and insisting ethnic Russians belonged within the borders of Mother Russia. Ukrainians and Russians? In Putin's mind, they were the same people. He also knew a state combining Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan (RUBK) could be a superpower. Putin was president in February 2014 when Russian forces invaded Ukraine and subsequently annexed Crimea. Putin ran the Kremlin during Russia's "slow war" in eastern Ukraine (April 2014 to February 2022) -- a grinding war designed to demoralize Ukraine and drain its economy. In February 2022, Putin convinced himself that a swift Russian "special operation" would defeat Ukraine in three weeks or so -- a big step in creating his new Russian empire. The Biden administration's Afghanistan withdrawal debacle may have convinced him he had a stellar opportunity. Putin, however, wasn't merely wrong. He was -- and still is -- delusional. Ukraine defeated Russia's initial assault and recovered significant territory. Despite the inventive use of drones and precision munitions, Ukraine's summer 2023 counteroffensive stalled. As the second anniversary of Putin's failed special operation nears, the Russia-Ukraine War is a stalemate -- a war of attrition. The front-line trenches and shell craters are a World War I hellscape. Even with its manpower and resource advantages, Russia's inept military cannot employ decisive combat power. Russia has suffered horrendous casualties. StrategyPage.com recently estimated since February 2022, Russia has suffered over 400,000 soldiers killed or severely wounded. Moreover, Russia is currently "losing about 300 soldiers, dead or wounded, a day." Ukraine has also sustained heavy casualties but still exhibits a strong will to fight. Like Finland and Israel, Ukraine is a nation-in-arms. An invader fights the entire population, not just a government and regular military forces. So Ukraine manages to survive on the battlefield -- as Russian missiles devastate its cities. Another form of attrition threatens Ukraine -- attrition of political and material support from its European and American allies. It appears the U.S. Congress will approve another military aid request for Ukraine, but dithering only encourages Putin's delusions. Military analysts argue that to fight a mobile armored battle that creates decisive breakthoughs, Ukraine needs manned strike aircraft to support its tanks and infantry. In 2023, Ukraine didn't have the aircraft. The Biden administration spent a year dithering. F-16s won't arrive until mid-2024 -- if then. In a recent two-hour-long video interview with Tucker Carlson, Putin made it clear he invaded Ukraine because he believes Ukraine belongs to Russia. After the interview, Carlson told his audience that he was "shocked" to learn Putin really believes Russia has historic claims to Ukraine. Well, for decades Putin has proclaimed Russian supremacy, and Russia's horrendous losses haven't purged his delusion. Putin has propagandized ethnic Russians and incited ethnonational passions to mobilize Russian support for an imperial war to reclaim allegedly lost territories. Putin himself is the driving strategic force -- the center of gravity -- behind his stalemated war for the Russian Empire. Carlson apparently believed Putin's propaganda pitch, that he ordered the invasion because he feared an imminent attack by NATO and America. Until Putin is gone, there is no military or diplomatic route to a ceasefire, much less just peace. DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Agronomics Limited (AIM:ANIC), the leading listed company focused on the field of cellular agriculture, is pleased to announce its unaudited interim results for the six-month period ending 31 December 2023. A copy of these Interim Results is available on the Company's website www.agronomics.im. Financial highlights The Company's Net Asset Value per Share at 31 December 2023 was 16.90 pence (30 June 2023: 16.94 pence) - a decrease of 0.2%. The share price of 9.5 pence at the 31 December 2023 close represented a discount of 43% to the 31 December 2023 NAV per share. Investment income, including loan interest and net unrealised gains, was 696,120 (31 December 2022: 19,870,529). during the six-month period. Operating expenses for the period were 756,570 (31 December 2022: 800,227). A net loss of 437,924 (31 December 2022: profit of 18,582,602) was recognised during the period. The carrying amount of invested assets at the half year was 145,879,692 (30 June 2023: 141,773,297), and cash and cash equivalents and cash deposits stood at 22,007,344 (30 June 2023: 28,093,984). Net assets decreased to 167,826,248 at 31 December 2023 (30 June 2023: 168,263,512). The decrease is largely due to unrealised foreign currency losses on investments of 792,957 recognised during the period. Investment highlights 09 August 2023, Agronomics co-led portfolio company Meatable's 30 million Series B round with a 4 million investment alongside New Agrarian Company Limited. 14 August 2023, Agronomics invested 700k in portfolio company Clean Food Group 2.3 million pre-series A financing round. The round was led by Alianza Team, a leading South American food company which has 75 years of experience and expertise in developing functional, value-add oils and fats products for the world's leading food manufacturers. 09 October 2023, portfolio company BlueNalu closed a US$ 33.5 million Series B round led by NEOM with a US$ 20 million investment. The investment was accompanied by the signing of an MoU with BlueNalu for the commercialisation, marketing and distribution of BlueNalu's cultured seafood. 16 November 2023, portfolio company Solar Foods closed an 8 million Series B financing round through the Finnish-based investment organiser Springvest. 01 December 2023, portfolio company Liberation Labs secured a US$ 25 million loan for its biomanufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana. The loan was awarded by Ameris Bank which received a loan guarantee from the USDA as part of its "Business and Industry" loan guarantee program. 05 December 2023, portfolio company Clean Food Group was awarded government funding towards a 1 million project to accelerate novel low-emission food production systems. James Mellon, Chairperson of Agronomics, commented: - "The Board anticipates a number of positive developments within the portfolio during 2024. With the first regulatory approvals for the field now having been granted in major jurisdictions such as the US, we are confident that in 2024 we will witness additional regulatory approvals and commercial partnerships from companies within the Agronomics portfolio. In addition, notwithstanding that broader financial conditions remain challenging, it is anticipated that several portfolio companies will achieve material funding rounds providing them with the capital they need to continue to improve their processes and push their production towards cost parity with conventional production methods." For further information please contact: Agronomics Limited Beaumont Cornish Limited Canaccord Genuity Limited Cenkos Securities Plc Peterhouse Capital Limited SEC Newgate The Company Nomad Joint Broker Joint Broker Joint Broker Public Relations Jim Mellon Denham Eke Roland Cornish James Biddle Andrew Potts Harry Pardoe Alex Aylen (Head of Equities) Giles Balleny Michael Johnson Lucy Williams Charles Goodfellow Ed Orlebar Alistair Walker THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE MARKET ABUSE REGULATION (EU No. 596/2014) AS IT FORMS PART OF UK DOMESTIC LAW BY VIRTUE OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (WITHDRAWAL) ACT 2018. UPON THE PUBLICATION OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT VIA A REGULATORY INFORMATION SERVICE, THIS INSIDE INFORMATION IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE IN THE PUBLIC DOMAIN AND SUCH PERSONS SHALL THEREFORE CEASE TO BE IN POSSESSION OF INSIDE INFORMATION. Chairman's statement Introduction I am pleased to present the Unaudited Interim Results for Agronomics Limited (the "Company" or "Agronomics") for the six-month period ending 31 December 2023. This half-year, Agronomics focused on supporting its existing portfolio through follow-on investments and witnessed the closing of a number of substantial funding rounds and strategic partnerships. In August, Agronomics co-led the 30 million Series B round for portfolio company Meatable M.V ("Meatable") with a 4 million investment. Pending regulatory approval, Meatable is planning to launch its first product in Singapore this year and shortly after in the US market. During the period, Agronomics also made a follow-on investment of 0.7 million into Clean Food Group Limited's ("Clean Food Group") 2.3 million pre-Series A round, which will be used to scale up production and commercialise its precision fermentation-derived palm oil replacement, initially for cosmetic applications. The round was led by Alianza Team ("Alianza"), a leading South American food company with over 75 years of experience in developing value-added fats and oils for world-leading food companies. This investment marked the beginning of a strategic partnership in which Clean Food Group will leverage Alianza's expertise to accelerate its path to commercialisation. During the period, Agronomics' portfolio benefited from the increasing interest of governments and companies alike in harnessing biomanufacturing for the development of more sustainable and secure food production systems. In October, portfolio company BlueNalu, Inc. ("BlueNalu") closed a US$ 33.5 million Series B funding round led by NEOM Investment Fund ("NEOM"), which was accompanied by a Memorandum of Understanding for the marketing, commercialisation and distribution of BlueNalu's cell cultured seafood. The partnership reflects the mutual interests of both organisations in developing solutions that increase food security and improve access to healthy foods for communities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and worldwide. In December, portfolio company Liberation Labs, Inc. was awarded a US$ 25 million loan from Ameris Bancorp ("Ameris ") to finance the continued construction of its biomanufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana. The loan was backed by the United States Department of Agriculture, which provided Ameris with a loan guarantee as part of the "Business and Industry" loan guarantee program. Clean Food Group was another company to receive government support in the form of funding towards a 1 million project to accelerate novel low-emission food production systems. The funding came just as the UK government announced its landmark National Vision for Engineering Biology in which it laid out plans to harness biomanufacturing to revolutionise medicine, food, and environmental protection. Lastly, Solar Foods Oy. ("Solar Foods"), which has received 34 million in public grant funding to date, closed an 8 million Series B financing led by Springvest Oy. Participants in the round included Fazer Group, a Finnish confectionery company, with which Solar Foods is now partnered for the commercialisation in Singapore of a chocolate snack bar containing Solein. In the past few months, we have also witnessed further pivotal moments that represent accelerating momentum in the sector as companies move from research and development validation towards commercialisation. Precision fermentation company TurtleTree Labs Pte. Ltd. was granted access to the US market by achieving a "Generally Recognised as Safe" status for its biomanufactured lactoferrin. Additionally, the Israeli Ministry of Health granted cultivated meat company Aleph Farms Ltd. regulatory approval for the sale of its cultivated beef product in Israel. The company aims to launch its products in Israel this year and has since applied for approval in Switzerland, which, if granted, would make it the first approval within the European market. The Israeli approval marks the opening of a new jurisdiction for the commercialisation of cultivated meat alongside the US and Singapore. In December, the Food Standards Australia New Zealand published a statement on the status of Vow Group Pty Ltd.'s approval for its cultivated quail and recognised it as safe to eat. While this does not yet qualify as full approval, Australia appears close to becoming the next jurisdiction to join the US, Singapore, and Israel as target markets for commercialising cultivated meat. As biomanufacturing and sustainable food production systems become a priority for a growing number of jurisdictions, we expect to see further regulatory approvals granted for the sale of cultivated food and ingredients. Agronomics has a healthy balance sheet entering into 2024 and intends to preserve the majority of its capital for follow-on investments into its existing portfolio companies to assist with the achievement of major milestones such as regulatory approvals, product launches, or building out their commercial facilities. The Company continues to monitor and review new and emerging technologies within the field of cellular agriculture and will also look to expand the portfolio for further diversification should the opportunity arise. Investment Review During the period, the Company made two follow-on investments, had four positive revaluations and saw the portfolio companies receive government support and form new strategic partnerships: 9 August 2023, Agronomics co-led portfolio company Meatable's 30 million Series B round with a 4 million investment alongside New Agrarian Company Limited. 14 August 2023, Agronomics invested 0.7 million in portfolio company Clean Food Group 2.3 million pre-Series A financing round. The round was led by Alianza Team, a leading South American food company which has 75 years of experience and expertise in developing functional, value-add oils and fats products for the world's leading food manufacturers. 9 October 2023, portfolio company BlueNalu closed a US$ 33.5 million Series B round led by NEOM with a US$ 20 million investment. The investment was accompanied by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with BlueNalu for the commercialisation, marketing and distribution of BlueNalu's cultured seafood. 16 November 2023, portfolio company Solar Foods closed an 8 million Series B financing round through the Finnish-based investment organiser Springvest. 1 December 2023, portfolio company Liberation Labs secured a US$ 25 million loan for its biomanufacturing facility in Richmond, Indiana. The loan was awarded by Ameris Bank which received a loan guarantee from the USDA as part of its "Business and Industry" loan guarantee program. 5 December 2023, portfolio company Clean Food Group was awarded government funding towards a 1 million project to accelerate novel low-emission food production systems. The portfolio weightings by total investments held at 31 December 2023 are set out below: Company Product Focus NAV Weighting Liberation Labs Contract Manufacturer for Precision Fermentation 12.08% SuperMeat Cultivated Poultry 10.27% BlueNalu Cultivated Bluefin Tuna 8.76% Meatable Cultivated Pork and Beef 8.30% Solar Foods Novel Air Protein 7.90% Formo Precision Fermentation - Dairy Proteins 6.53% All G Foods Precision Fermentation - Dairy Proteins 5.51% VitroLabs Cultivated Leather 5.16% Geltor Precision Fermentation - Collagen 5.12% Clean Food Group Fermentation - Palm Oil 4.79% The EVERY Company Precision Fermentation - Egg Proteins 4.31% Onego Bio Precision Fermentation - Egg Proteins 4.10% Meatly Cultivated Pet Food 3.40% The LIVEKINDLY Collective Plant-based Meat 2.99% Mosa Meat Cultivated Beef 2.08% CellX Cultivated Chicken 1.95% GALY Cultivated Cotton 1.88% Tropic Gene-Edited Crops 1.62% California Cultured Cultivated Coffee and Cocoa 1.19% Hydgene Renewables Developer of synthetic biology technology for hydrogen production 0.92% Bond Pet Foods Precision Fermentation - Pet Food 0.50% Other N/A 0.64% Under our valuation policy, it is not possible to reflect significant uplifts between valuation events, and therefore the Board believes that the stated NAV per share may not fully represent the current intrinsic value of the portfolio companies given their continuing progress in this rapidly growing sector. Investments will be written down in cases where we are not satisfied that sufficient progress is occurring. Financial Review The Company recorded a net loss for the period of 437,924 (31 December 2022: profit of 18,582,602). During the six months, investment income, including loan interest and net unrealised gains, was 696,120 (31 December 2022: 19,870,529). No performance fees were payable or accrued for the current period. The basic loss per share was 0.044 pence (31 December 2022: profit of 1.91 pence), and the diluted loss per share was 0.044 pence (31 December 2022: profit of 1.32 pence). The carrying amount of invested assets is 145,879,692 (30 June 2023: 141,773,297), and cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits stood 22,007,344 (30 June 2023: 28,093,984). Our net assets decreased to 167,826,248 at 31 December 2023 (30 June 2023: 168,263,512). The decrease is largely due to unrealised foreign currency losses on investments of 792,957 recognised during the period. As a result, the net asset value per share at 31 December 2023 is 16.90 pence, which is a decrease of 0.2% from 30 June 2023 (16.94 pence). Financing activity During the period, 2,210 new ordinary shares were issued following the exercise of warrants. Gross proceeds of 660 were received by the Company. The Board approved a share buyback programme for an aggregate amount of up to 3m for a period of 6 months commencing on 2nd October 2023. To the period ending 31 December 2023, the Company has yet to initiate any buybacks. Strategy and Outlook The Board anticipates a number of positive developments within the portfolio during 2024. With the first approvals for the field now having been granted to the sector, 2024 should see multiple product approvals and commercial partnerships formed within Agronomics' own portfolio. In addition, notwithstanding that broader financial conditions remain challenging, it is anticipated that several portfolio companies will achieve material funding rounds providing them with the capital they need to continue to improve their processes and push their production towards cost parity with conventional production methods. In general, the interest in innovation and the adoption of technologies to improve food systems remains high. The sector has seen increasing positive rhetoric from forward thinking governments, including the UK. There have also been numerous announcements around investment, loan and grant programmes to support this innovation. We expect to see further pivotal milestones such as the opening of new jurisdictions as target markets for the production and commercialisation of biomanufactured food and ingredients, as demonstrated the by recent approval Aleph Farms' cultivated beef in Israel. The Board will continue to review new opportunities in line with its Investing Policy but with an increased focus on the existing portfolio. Further details of our Investing Policy can be found on the Company's website at www.agronomics.im. Jim Mellon Chairman 13 February 2024 Condensed statement of comprehensive income For the period ended 31 December 2023 Notes Period ended 31/12/2023 (unaudited) Period ended 31/12/2022 (unaudited) Income Net income from financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss 2 608,573 19,374,741 608,573 19,374,741 Operating expenses Directors' fees (75,000 ) (50,000 ) Other operating costs 4 (756,570 ) (800,227 ) Unrealised foreign exchange losses (792,957 ) (437,700 ) Loss/(profit) from operating activities (1,015,954 ) 18,086,814 Interest received 2 578,030 495,788 Loss/(profit) before taxation (437,924 ) 18,582,602 Taxation - - Loss/(profit) for the period (437,924 ) 18,582,602 Other comprehensive income - - Total comprehensive Loss/(profit) for the period (437,924 ) 18,582,602 Basic profit per share (pence) 5 (0.044 ) 1.91 Diluted profit per share (pence) 5 (0.044 ) 1.32 The Directors consider that the Company's activities are continuing. The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these interim financial statements. Condensed statement of financial position As at 31 December 2023 Notes 31/12/202 (unaudited) 30/06/2023 (audited) Current assets Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 6 145,879,692 141,773,297 Bank deposits 16,972,256 10,000,000 Trade and other receivables 142,258 335,810 Cash and cash equivalents 5,035,088 18,100,498 Total assets 168,029,294 170,209,605 Equity Share capital 993 992 Share premium 134,482,024 134,481,365 Share reserve 1,686,336 1,686,336 Accumulated earnings 31,656,895 32,094,819 Total equity 167,826,248 168,263,512 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 7 203,046 1,946,093 Total liabilities 203,046 1,946,093 Total equity and liabilities 168,029,294 170,209,605 The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these interim financial statements. These interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 13 February 2024 and were signed on their behalf by: Denham Eke Director Condensed statement of changes in equity For the period ended 31 December 2023 Share capital Share premium Share reserve Retained earnings Total Balance at 01 July 2022 (audited) 968 129,855,667 4,341,639 9,714,629 143,912,903 Total comprehensive profit for the period - - - 18,582,602 18,582,602 Issue of shares 23 4,353,179 (4,341,639 ) - 11,563 Balance at 31 December 2022 (unaudited) 991 134,208,846 - 28,297,231 162,507,068 Share capital Share premium Share reserve Retained earnings Total Balance at 01 July 2023 (audited) 992 134,481,365 1,686,336 32,094,819 168,263,512 Total comprehensive profit for the period - - - (437,924 ) (437,924 ) Issue of shares 1 659 - - 660 Balance at 31 December 2023 (unaudited) 993 134,482,024 1,686,336 31,656,895 167,826,248 The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these interim financial statements. Condensed statement of cash flows For the period ended 31 December 2023 Notes Period ended 31/12/2023 Period ended 31/12/2022 (unaudited) (unaudited) Cash flows from operating activities Loss/(profit) for the period (437,924 ) 18,582,602 Purchase of investments (4,175,055 ) (18,213,217 ) Interest received - non-cash (578,030 ) (495,788 ) Unrealised gains on investments 2 (608,573 ) (19,374,741 ) Unrealised foreign exchange losses on investments 764,781 (71,775 ) Operating loss before changes in working capital (5,034,801 ) (19,572,919 ) Change in trade and other receivables 193,552 (4,076 ) Change in trade and other payables (1,743,047 ) (2,369,092 ) Net cash flows from operating activities (6,584,296 ) (21,946,087 ) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issue of shares 660 11,563 Cash interest received 490,483 277,273 Net cash flows from financing activities 491,143 288,836 Cash flows from investing activities Bank deposits not considered cash and cash equivalents (net movement) (6,972,257 ) 11,914,390 Net cash from investing activities (6,972,257 ) 11,914,390 Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (13,065,410 ) (9,742,861 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 18,100,498 31,458,326 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period 5,035,088 21,715,465 The notes on pages 8 to 10 form part of these interim financial statements. 1 Significant accounting policies Agronomics Limited (the "Company") is a company domiciled in the Isle of Man. The address of the Company's registered office is Viking House, St Paul's Square, Ramsey, Isle of Man, IM8 1GB. The unaudited condensed financial statements of the Company (the "Financial Information") are prepared in accordance with Isle of Man law and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and their interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") and adopted by the European Union ("EU"). The financial information in this report has been prepared in accordance with the Company's accounting policies. Full details of the accounting policies adopted by the Company are contained in the financial statements included in the Company's annual report for the year ended 30 June 2023 which is available on the Group's website: www.agronomics.im The accounting policies and methods of computation and presentation adopted in the preparation of the Financial Information are consistent with those described and applied in the financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2023. There are no new IFRSs or interpretations effective from 1 July 2023 which have had a material effect on the financial information included in this report. The unaudited condensed financial statements do not constitute statutory financial statements. The statutory financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2023, extracts of which are included in these unaudited condensed financial statements, were prepared under IFRS as adopted by the EU. The auditors' report on those financial statements was unmodified. The preparation of the Financial Information requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results could differ materially from these estimates. In preparing the Financial Information, the critical judgements made by management in applying the Company's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those that applied to the financial statements as at and for the year ended 30 June 2023 as set out in those financial statements. The Financial Information is presented in Great British Pounds, rounded to the nearest pound, which is the functional currency and also the presentation currency of the Company. 2 Net income from financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss 31/12/2023 (unaudited) 31/12/2022 (unaudited) Net unrealised gains on investments 608,573 19,374,741 3 Performance fee 31/12/2023 (unaudited) 31/12/2022 (unaudited) Performance fee - - Shellbay Investments Limited ("Shellbay") receives performance fees for the provision of Mr James Mellon as Director of the Company and other services as detailed in the announcement of 6 May 2021. Shellbay shall be entitled to an annual fee equal to the value of 15% of any increase between the Company's net asset value ("NAV") on a per issued share basis at the start of a reporting period and 30 June ("Closing NAV Date") each year during the term of the New Shellbay Agreement, with the first reporting period being from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021, and annually thereafter. The opening and closing NAV for each period will be based on the audited financial statements of the Company for the relevant financial year, with the opening NAV for each reporting period being the higher of (i) 5.86 pence per share (the highest annual audited NAV per share since the Company adopted its current investment policy and reported NAV per share in September 2019)), and (ii) the highest NAV per share reported at a Closing Date for the previous reporting periods during the term of the agreement (establishing a rolling high-watermark for Shellbay to qualify for such fee). Any increase in NAV per share will then be applied to the total issued share capital at the end of the relevant period for the purposes of determining the 15% fee. Any change in NAV per share that arises from funds raised at a premium or discount to the existing NAV per share will therefore be considered for the purposes of calculating Shellbay's fee by reference to the annual audited accounts (for clarity being an increase in respect of a premium and a decrease in respect of a discount). At the election of the Company, the Shellbay fee shall be payable either in whole or in part by the issue of new shares at a price equal to the mid-price on the last day of the relevant Qualifying Period (being the Company's accounting year from 1 July to 30 June) or grant of nil price warrants over shares; or in cash; or (with the agreement of Shellbay), in cash-equivalents (such as shares), and other assets held by the Company. No fees were payable or accrued for the current period (31 December 2022: nil). See note 8 for further details. 4 Other operating costs 31/12/2023 (unaudited) 31/12/2022 (unaudited) Auditors' remuneration 31,000 30,000 Insurance 28,242 19,741 Professional fees 175,250 292,586 Sundry expenses 522,078 457,900 Total other costs 756,570 800,227 The Company has no employee's other than the Directors. 5 Basic and diluted profit per share The calculation of the basic earnings per share is based on the earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based on the basic earnings per share, adjusted to allow for the issue of shares, on the assumed conversion of all dilutive share options. 31/12/2023 31/12/2022 (Loss)/profit for the period (437,924 ) 18,582,602 No. No. Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue 993,152,986 973,278,666 Dilutive effect of shares to be issued 434,342,919 435,440,939 Diluted number of ordinary shares 1,427,495,905 1,408,719,605 Basic (loss)/earnings per share (pence) (0.044 ) 1.91 Diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence) (0.044 ) 1.32 6 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss A wholly owned subsidiary entity of the Company, Agronomics Investment Holdings Limited ("the Subsidiary" or "AIHL"), holds the majority of the portfolio of unquoted investments. Unquoted investments were transferred by the Company into AIHL at their respective carrying amounts. The investment in subsidiary is stated at fair value through profit or loss in accordance with the IFRS 10 Investment Entity Consolidation Exception. The fair value of the investment in Subsidiary is based on the period-end net asset value of the Subsidiary. Additions and disposals regarding the investment in subsidiary are recognised on trade date. 31/12/2023 30/06/2023 (unaudited) (audited) Quoted 85,192 177,330 Unquoted 59,704 7,417,071 Investment in subsidiary 145,734,796 134,178,896 145,879,692 141,773,297 The composition of the investments held, both directly and indirectly through the Subsidiary in the underlying portfolio, is as follows: 31/12/2023 30/06/2023 (unaudited) (audited) Equities 143,641,062 132,664,299 Convertible loan notes and SAFEs* 2,238,630 9,108,998 145,879,692 141,773,297 * A SAFE is a Simple Agreement for Future Equity. SAFE Agreements have similar characteristics to Convertible Loans and are designed to provide an early investor with an "edge" ahead of a larger planned funding. The edge is typically conversion of funds advanced for new equity at a discount to the subsequent raise. 7 Trade and other payables 31/12/2023 30/06/2023 (unaudited) (audited) Provision for audit fee 24,320 57,488 Trade creditors 178,726 202,269 Provision for Shellbay fee - 1,686,336 203,046 1,946,093 During the period, the cash portion of the fee due to Shellbay was settled in full. See note 8. 8 Related party transactions Under an agreement dated 1 December 2011, Burnbrae Limited, a company related to both Jim Mellon and Denham Eke, provide certain services, principally accounting and administration, to the Company. This agreement may be terminated by either party on three months' notice. The Company incurred a total cost of 15,000 (period ended 31 December 2022: 15,000) during the period under this agreement of which 3,078 was outstanding as at the period end (30 June 2023: 3,000). Under an updated agreement dated May 2021, Shellbay Investments Limited, a Company related to both Jim Mellon and Denham Eke, provide certain services to the Company including the services of Jim Mellon as Director of the Company. No fees were payable or accrued for the current period (31 December 2022: nil). See note 3 for further details. During the period, the Shellbay fee due at 30 June 2023 was partly settled, with a cash payment of 1,686,336. Post period end, the balance of the fee of 1,686,336 was settled with the issuance of 16,253,847 new ordinary shares. In accordance with the Company's published investment strategy, Mr Mellon may co-invest alongside the Company in certain investments and, accordingly, he has direct and indirect interests in other investments held by the Company. 9 Commitments and contingent liabilities There are no known commitments or contingent liabilities as at the period end. 10 Events after the reporting date Post period end, the balance of the Shellbay fee of 1,686,336 was settled with the issuance of 16,253,847 new ordinary shares. Beaumont Cornish Limited ("Beaumont Cornish") is the Company's Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish's responsibilities as the Company's Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it. END This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Agronomics Limited View the original press release on accesswire.com Revolutionizing the Diamond Industry NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / The future of third-party diamond traceability and title of ownership from true origin is here. Authentia is proud to announce its official launch in South Africa following resounding success during its Beta testing phase. Since its introduction into the South African market, Authentia has secured agreements with 97 mines. Marking a monumental step forward in the realm of diamond and mineral authentication. Authentia has spent the past year collaborating closely with small-scale and artisanal diamond mines to seamlessly integrate ownership titles of rough diamonds directly at the source. This groundbreaking approach ensures a transparent and accessible third-party verification process that follows each diamond throughout its entire lifecycle. Moreover, Authentia' s adaptability ensures compatibility with a diverse array of technologies, promising a frictionless experience for all involved parties. As a trailblazing oversight and traceability technology operating on public blockchains, Authentia sets the gold standard for tracking diamonds and gemstones from mine to market. By providing a comprehensive title of ownership, Authentia revolutionizes the industry by fostering transparency and trust among wholesalers, retailers, and end consumers alike. CS Mines & CS Auctions is set to host for the first time a tender, featuring titled rough diamonds on. Bruno Scarselli, the visionary creator behind Authentia, expressed his excitement, stating, "This will change the diamond industry pipeline, streamlining all phases and creating a true footprint of ownership for the first time." Authentia stands as a testament to innovation and expertise, crafted by luminaries within the diamond, mineral and technology industry. Authentia emerges as a beacon of integrity within the gemstone and mineral market with an unwavering commitment to transparency, security, and trust. For inquiries, please contact: David Ostrow Director of Operations Email: [email protected] Website: Authentia.io Join Authentia as we redefine the future of diamond authentication and traceability. Authentia - Shaping Transparency, Forging Trust. SOURCE: Authentia View the original press release on accesswire.com This release provides an update to the performance tables regarding the IAF Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share and Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share PHILADELPHIA, PA / ACCESSWIRE / February 13, 2024 / The following abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (NYSE: ACP),(NYSE: AGD),(NYSE: AOD),(NYSE: ASGI),(NYSE: AWP),(NYSE: IFN),(NYSE: JEQ) and (NYSE American:FAX),(NYSE American:FCO),(NYSE American:IAF),(NYSE American:THW),(NYSE American:VFL), announced today that the closed end funds in the chart directly below will pay the distributions indicated on a per share basis on February 29, 2024 to all shareholders of record as of February 22, 2024 (ex-dividend date February 21, 2024). These dates apply to the Funds listed below with the exception of the abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) which will pay on March 28, 2024, to all shareholders of record as of February 22, 2024 (ex-dividend date February 21, 2024). Ticker Exchange Fund Amount ACP NYSE abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund $ 0.1000 AGD NYSE abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.0650 AOD NYSE abrdn Total Dynamic Dividend Fund $ 0.0575 ASGI NYSE abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund $ 0.1500 AWP NYSE abrdn Global Premier Properties Fund $ 0.0400 FAX NYSE American Abrdn Asia-Pacific Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.0275 FCO NYSE American abrdn Global Income Fund, Inc. $ 0.0700 IAF NYSE American abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. $ 0.1200 IFN NYSE The India Fund, Inc. $ 0.4300 JEQ NYSE abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. $ 0.1100 THW NYSE American abrdn World Healthcare Fund $ 0.1167 VFL NYSE American abrdn National Municipal Income Fund $ 0.0375 At the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders, which will state the amount and composition of each fund's distributions and provide information with respect to their appropriate tax treatment for the prior calendar year. You should not draw any conclusions about any of these Funds' investment performance from the amount of the distributions. MANAGED DISTRIBUTION POLICY FUNDS ANNOUNCE DISTRIBUTION PAYMENT DETAILS abrdn Global Infrastructure Income Fund ("ASGI") abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. ("IAF") The India Fund, Inc. ("IFN") abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. ("JEQ") abrdn World Healthcare Fund ("THW") The above-noted abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds (the "Funds" or individually the "Fund"), today announced that the Funds will pay the distributions noted in the chart above on February 29, 2024, on a per share basis to all shareholders of record as of February 22, 2024 (ex-dividend date February 21, 2024). These dates apply to the Funds listed below with the exception of abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. (IAF), the India Fund, Inc. (IFN) and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. (JEQ) which will pay on March 28, 2024, to all shareholders of record as of February 22, 2024 (ex-dividend date February 21, 2024). For abrdn Australia Equity Fund, Inc. ("IAF"), the India Fund, Inc. ("IFN") and the abrdn Japan Equity Fund, Inc. ("JEQ"), this stock distribution will automatically be paid in newly issued shares of the Fund unless otherwise instructed by the shareholder. Shares of common stock will be issued at the lower of the net asset value ("NAV") per share or the market price per share with a floor for the NAV of not less than 95% of the market price. The valuation date for this stock distribution is March 19, 2024. Fractional shares will generally be settled in cash, except for registered shareholders with book entry accounts at Computershare Investor Services who will have whole and fractional shares added to their account. Shareholders may request to be paid their quarterly distributions in cash instead of shares of common stock by providing advance notice to the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds their shares if the shares are in "street name," or by filling out in advance an election card received from Computershare Investor Services if the shares are in registered form. To receive the quarterly distribution payable in March 2024 in cash instead of shares of common stock, the bank, brokerage or nominee who holds the shares must advise the Depository Trust Company as to the full and fractional shares for which they want the distribution paid in cash by March 18, 2024, and written notification for the election of cash by registered shareholders must be received by Computershare Investor Services prior to March 18, 2024. Each Fund has adopted a distribution policy to provide investors with a stable distribution out of current income, supplemented by realized capital gains and, to the extent necessary, paid-in capital in reliance on an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Under applicable U.S. tax rules, the amount and character of distributable income for each Fund's fiscal year can be finally determined only as of the end of the Fund's fiscal year. However, under Section 19 of the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act") and related rules, the Funds may be required to indicate to shareholders the estimated source of certain distributions to shareholders. The following tables set forth the estimated amounts of the sources of the distributions for purposes of Section 19 of the 1940 Act and the rules adopted thereunder. The tables have been computed based on generally accepted accounting principles. The tables include estimated amounts and percentages for the current distributions to be paid as well as for the cumulative distributions paid relating to fiscal year to date, from the following sources: net investment income; net realized short-term capital gains; net realized long-term capital gains; and return of capital. The estimated compositions of the distributions may vary because the estimated composition may be impacted by future income, expenses and realized gains and losses on securities and currencies. The Funds' estimated sources of the current distributions to be paid and for its current fiscal year to date are as follows: Estimated Amounts of Current Distribution per Share Fund Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $ 0.1500 $0.0120 8% - - $0.0840 56% $0.0540 36% IAF $ 0.1200 $0.0120 10% - - - - $0.1080 90% IFN $ 0.4300 - - - - $0.4300 100% - - JEQ $ 0.1100 $0.0143 13% $0.0011 1% - - $0.0946 86% THW $ 0.1167 - - - - - - $ 0.1167 100% Estimated Amounts of Fiscal Year to Date Cumulative Distributions per Share Fund Fiscal Year** to Date Distribution Amount Net Investment Income Net Realized Short-Term Gains* Net Realized Long-Term Gains Return of Capital ASGI $ 0.6700 $0.0536 8% - - $0.3752 56% $0.2412 36% IAF $0.2300 $0.0230 10% - - - - $0.2070 90% IFN $ 0.4300 - - - - $0.4300 100% - - JEQ $ 0.2100 $0.0273 13% $0.0021 1% - - $0.1806 86% THW $ 0.5835 - - - - - - $ 0.5835 100% * includes currency gains ** ASGI and THW have a 9/30 fiscal year end; IAF and JEQ have a 10/31 fiscal year end; IFN has a 12/31 fiscal year end. Where the estimated amounts above show a portion of the distribution to be a "Return of Capital," it means that Fund estimates that it has distributed more than its income and capital gains; therefore, a portion of your distribution may be a return of capital. A return of capital may occur for example, when some or all the money that you invested in a Fund is paid back to you. A return of capital distribution does not necessarily reflect the Fund's investment performance and should not be confused with "yield" or "income." As of February 2nd, 2023, after giving effect to this payment, JEQ estimates it has a net deficit of $9,293,000. A net deficit results when the Fund has net unrealized losses that are in excess of any net realized gains that have not yet been distributed. The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The final determination of the source of all distributions for the current year will only be made after year-end. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to change based on tax regulations. After the end of each calendar year, a Form 1099-DIV will be sent to shareholders for the prior calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The following table provides the Funds' total return performance based on net asset value (NAV) over various time periods compared to the Funds' annualized and cumulative distribution rates. Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information Fund Average Annual Total Return on NAV for the 5 Year Period Ending 01/31/2024 Current Fiscal Period's Annualized Distribution Rate on NAV Cumulative Total Return on NAV Cumulative Distribution Rate on NAV ASGI3 7.42%3 9.58% 8.08% 2.59% IAF 8.54% 9.07% 17.84% 2.27% IFN 8.96% N/A* 0.95% N/A* JEQ 4.70% 5.89% 18.11% 1.47% THW 8.00% 11.53% 7.82% 3.84% 1 Return data is net of all fund expenses and fees and assumes the reinvestment of all distributions reinvested at prices obtained under the Fund's dividend reinvestment plan. 2 Based on the Fund's NAV as of January 31, 2024. 3 The Fund launched within the past 5 years; the performance and distribution rate information presented reflects data from inception (July 29, 2020) through January 31, 2024. * The Fund's fiscal period to date is January 1, 2024 to January 31, 2024 and there was no distribution during this period. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about a Fund's investment performance from the amount of the Fund's current distributions or from the terms of the distribution policy (the "Distribution Policy"). While NAV performance may be indicative of the Fund's investment performance, it does not measure the value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund. The value of a shareholder's investment in the Fund is determined by the Fund's market price, which is based on the supply and demand for the Fund's shares in the open market. Pursuant to an exemptive order granted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Funds may distribute any long-term capital gains more frequently than the limits provided in Section 19(b) under the 1940 Act and Rule 19b-1 thereunder. Therefore, distributions paid by the Funds during the year may include net income, short-term capital gains, long-term capital gains and/or a return of capital. Net income dividends and short-term capital gain dividends, while generally taxable at ordinary income rates, may be eligible, to the extent of qualified dividend income earned by the Funds, to be taxed at a lower rate not to exceed the maximum rate applicable to your long-term capital gains. Distributions made in any calendar year in excess of investment company taxable income and net capital gain are treated as taxable ordinary dividends to the extent of undistributed earnings and profits, and then as a return of capital that reduces the adjusted basis in the shares held. To the extent return of capital distributions exceed the adjusted basis in the shares held, capital gain is recognized with a holding period based on the period the shares have been held at the date such amount is received. The payment of distributions in accordance with the Distribution Policy may result in a decrease in the Fund's net assets. A decrease in the Fund's net assets may cause an increase in the Fund's annual operating expense ratio and a decrease in the Fund's market price per share to the extent the market price correlates closely to the Fund's net asset value per share. The Distribution Policy may also negatively affect the Fund's investment activities to the extent that the Fund is required to hold larger cash positions than it typically would hold or to the extent that the Fund must liquidate securities that it would not have sold, for the purpose of paying the distribution. Each Fund's Board has the right to amend, suspend or terminate the Distribution Policy at any time. The amendment, suspension or termination of the Distribution Policy may affect the Fund's market price per share. Investors should consult their tax advisor regarding federal, state, and local tax considerations that may be applicable in their particular circumstances. Circular 230 disclosure : To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the U.S. Treasury, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. In the United States, abrdn is the marketing name for the following affiliated, registered investment advisers: abrdn Inc., abrdn Investments Limited, abrdn Asia Limited, abrdn Private Equity (Europe) Limited, and abrdn ETFs Advisors LLC. Closed-end funds are traded on the secondary market through one of the stock exchanges. A Fund's investment return and principal value will fluctuate so that an investor's shares may be worth more or less than the original cost. Shares of closed-end funds may trade above (a premium) or below (a discount) the net asset value (NAV) of the fund's portfolio. There is no assurance that a Fund will achieve its investment objective. Past performance does not guarantee future results. https://www.abrdn.com/en-us/cefinvestorcenter ### For More Information Contact: abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds Investor Relations 1-800-522-5465 [email protected] SOURCE: abrdn U.S. Closed-End Funds View the original press release on accesswire.com VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Four Nines Gold Inc. (CSE:FNAU) ("Four Nines" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has appointed Mr. Dennis McHarness to the Four Nines' Board of Directors effective immediately. Mr. McHarness has broad experience in the natural resources sector, with nearly three decades devoted to the global minerals exploration and extraction business. Over his career, he has developed and managed a diverse portfolio of lands and mineral rights holdings, with responsibilities in numerous countries. He was responsible for many strategic acquisitions and asset sales in support of exploration, project development, and operations, and in the creation of two valuable royalty portfolios He specializes in creative transactions, building sound relationships with local, state, and federal stakeholders in support of the minerals business, and working with NGOs to achieve solutions that include resource conservation and protection. Dennis was mostly recently Vice President of Global Lands for Kinross Gold Corporation, until his retirement in 2022. He also served in U.S. government relations and provided strategic support to the company's corporate development team on a number of projects. Mr. McHarness also helped to develop Meridian Gold Company, serving as its Manager of Land and Business Development, generating and acquiring strategic land and business opportunities in the U.S., Latin and South America. Mr. McHarness holds a B.S. from the School of Forestry at Oregon State University. He is also a co-founder and director of a highly regarded youth mentoring non-profit organization. Charles Ross, CEO, President, and Director of Four Nines, said, "I welcome Denny to the Four Nines Board of Directors. He is a highly accomplished mining executive with a diverse and impressive set of skills, valuable to the Four Nines team as we advance exploration of our Hayden Hill project." The Company has cancelled a total of 570,000 stock options granted to directors, officers, and consultants. About Four Nines Gold Inc. Four Nines Gold Inc. has the right to acquire 100% of the Hayden Hill Mine from a Kinross Gold USA Inc. subsidiary. The Company is exploring and developing the project in mining-friendly Northern California. Hayden Hill is a former producing mine with 99,862.42 meters of drilling in 742 holes and no systematic property exploration since the mine closed in 1997. For more information, please get in touch with the Company at [email protected] or visit our website at www.fourninesgold.ca for project updates and related background information. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOUR NINES GOLD INC. Charles Ross President 1000 - 409 Granville Street Vancouver, BC, V6C 1T2 Tel: 604.602.0001 Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). Statements and information that are not historical facts 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 and the assumptions made in respect thereof involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors beyond the Company's control. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions of the Company. Mineral exploration is highly speculative and characterized by several significant risks, which even a combination of careful evaluation, experience and knowledge may not eliminate. Forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date herein. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its regulation services provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. SOURCE: Four Nines Gold Inc. View the original press release on accesswire.com NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Delmarva Power Linda Lamberson, Delmarva Power Senior Business Analyst, received Exelon's Powering Communities Employee Volunteer Award, the organization's highest achievement for volunteerism and community involvement, for her work with CATS Bridge to Rescue. Alongside Linda's recognition, CATS Bridge to Rescue also received a $5,000 grant to invest in its rescue missions. After adopting a pet from the organization 15 years ago, Linda began volunteering, "I am passionate about this nonprofit because it is near and dear to my heart. I have been an animal lover ever since I was a little girl, and it is very special to me to do something that makes a difference," Lisa said. Linda takes on many roles at CATS Bridge to Rescue, including training new volunteers, administrative work, taking photos of the adoptable cats to help them find homes, and pioneering new programs such as her music project. "The music project helps to make all our strays more relaxed and feel at home," Linda explains. "I have taught our daily volunteers the magic of music by showing how the soft, classical music we play helps with calming these sweet creatures." Margaret Vautard, Executive Director of Cats Bridge to Rescue, admires Linda's charisma. "Linda has something when she walks into a room - even the cats come running over to her because they know her voice - it's the cutest thing!" Linda credits Delmarva Power's emphasis on volunteering, flexibility, and donor match as a key reason she can invest so much in her passion. In 2023, Delmarva Power employees volunteered more than 17,200 hours - more than 2,150 workdays - to support 220 events throughout Delaware and Maryland. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Delmarva Power on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Delmarva Power Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/delmarva-power Email: [email protected] SOURCE: Delmarva Power View the original press release on accesswire.com Chimeric Bait Receptors for Combatting Airborne Viral Infections Can Be Delivered Intranasally LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals plc (LSE:HEMO),the clinical stage biopharmaceutical group,announces that it has demonstrated in vivo that its proprietary Chimeric Bait Receptor ("CBR") can be delivered intranasally in the form of messenger RNA ("mRNA") for the potential treatment of airborne viral infections. CBR-based countermeasures against viral infections that are include a novel method of their delivery. To satisfy real-world requirements for the deployment of such countermeasures, they must be both easy to administer and have a long shelf life at ambient temperatures. CBR is a platform technology under development that aims to program the immune cells that are responsible for innate immunity (e.g., macrophages) to eliminate viruses and certain malignant cells. Our team of scientists has demonstrated in vivo that mRNA encoding a CBR-based therapeutic can be mixed with a polymer and a solvent at room temperature to form polymer nanoparticles encapsulating mRNA. Such nanoparticles can be used to deliver CBR-coding mRNA into the upper respiratory tract ("URT") and lungs of small animals. Once administered, nanoparticles were shown to successfully deliver mRNA into the immune cells of the URT and lungs. The immune cells in turn begin making CBR molecules within hours post-application, potentially becoming active "defenders" against airborne infections. As previously reported, the Company has been able to dramatically accelerate its research and development efforts by usingArtificial Intelligence ("AI") and in-house synthesis of mRNA. AI tools allow the Company's scientists to triage variants of CBR constructs efficiently to select those with the greatest likelihood of success, while in-house mRNA synthesis facilitates the rapid building of CBR constructs. Dr Vladislav Sandler, CEO & Co-Founder of Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals, commented: "This major breakthrough in the method of delivery of our CBR demonstrates that it could potentially be used as an off-the-shelf prevention and/or treatment for viral infections. Intranasal delivery of CBR would be both cost-efficient and easy to administer, making it ideal for the protection of both the civilian population and in biodefense." Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure Certain information contained in this announcement would have been inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation No 596/2014 (as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) until the release of this announcement. Enquiries: Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals plc https://hemogenyx.com Dr Vladislav Sandler, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder [email protected] Peter Redmond, Director [email protected] SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP Tel: +44 (0)20 3470 0470 Matthew Johnson, Vadim Alexandre, Adam Cowl Peterhouse Capital Limited Tel: +44 (0)20 7469 0930 Lucy Williams, Duncan Vasey, Charles Goodfellow About Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals plc Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals is a publicly traded company (LSE: HEMO) headquartered in London, with its US operating subsidiaries, Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals LLC and Immugenyx LLC, located in New York City at its state-of-the-art research facility. The Company is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical group developing new medicines and treatments for life-threatening diseases. Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals is developing several distinct and complementary product candidates, as well as a platform technology that it uses as an engine for novel product development. This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals PLC View the original press release on accesswire.com NAIROBI, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said it is working with its partners to scale up support for vulnerable children and families affected by cholera in eastern and southern Africa. UNICEF said vaccination, education, and resilience are part of a regional strategy to tackle cholera outbreaks in the region. "UNICEF is also providing support to further strengthen the capacity of community-based volunteers, including young people and health workers, to reduce the risks of future outbreaks," UNICEF said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, on Tuesday evening. Since 2023, 13 countries in eastern and southern Africa have battled one of the worst cholera outbreaks to hit the region, most recently Zimbabwe, Zambia, and the Comoros. According to UNICEF, in some countries, 52 percent of all cases are children under 15 years, with children under five accounting for approximately 40 percent of deaths and 30 percent of cases. UNICEF said it has facilitated the delivery of over 26 million oral cholera vaccines (OCV) doses to eight priority countries with high cholera burden in the region - Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In addition to large-scale national cholera vaccination campaigns led by governments, the World Health Organization (WHO), and partners, backed by community-based volunteers and health workers, UNICEF said it is working with governments and local partners to ensure that children's learning is not interrupted. It is also working to ensure that children have continued access to clean water and sanitation facilities, health supplies, and medical products. "The preparedness and response that UNICEF has been able to provide to date would not have been possible without the generous and timely support of its partners," UNICEF said. UNICEF said it is also cooperating with the WHO, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), governments, and other partners to coordinate cholera response at regional and country levels. It has provided emergency health, water, and sanitation supplies as well as medical products, including cholera treatment kits and equipment to establish cholera treatment facilities. All amounts in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / RE Royalties Ltd. (TSXV:RE)(OTCQX:RROYF) ("RE Royalties" or the "Company"), a global leader in renewable energy royalty financing, is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated October 4, 2023, Revolve Renewable Power Corp. (TSXV:REVV) ("Revolve"), has completed the acquisition (the "Acquisition") of WindRiver Power Corporation ("WindRiver"), a Canadian based owner, operator and developer of wind and hydro projects in the Provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. The Company provided a CAD $4.0 million secured loan (the "Loan") to support Revolve's acquisition of Windriver. The Loan has a term of 36 months and bears interest at the rate of 12% per annum, compounded monthly, and payable semi-annually. The Company also received a structuring fee of 1.0% on the Loan value at closing, and a gross revenue royalty of 0.5% on the acquired operating projects during the term of the Loan, growing to a gross revenue royalty of 1.0% upon repayment of the Loan for the remaining life of the power purchase agreements. The Acquisition includes a minority ownership (21%) in two operational run-of-river hydro projects in British Columbia, and a majority ownership (51%) in an operational wind project in Alberta with a combined gross capacity of 23 MW (the "Operational Projects"). It also includes a majority ownership (70 to 87.5%) in two development-stage hydro projects in British Columbia with a combined gross capacity of 90 MW. The Operational Projects receive revenue from Power Purchase Agreements with a prominent provincial utility and a municipal entity, for the hydro projects and the wind project, respectively. The Operational Projects have PPAs with remaining terms ranging from 32-35 years for the hydro projects and 11 years for the wind project. Bernard Tan, CEO of RE Royalties, stated: "We're pleased to continue our partnership with Revolve and look forward to working with them on their growing portfolio of renewable energy projects. This investment presents an excellent opportunity for our investors and highlights the sustained demand for our innovative financing solutions." Steve Dalton, CEO of Revolve commented: "We're delighted to close the acquisition of WindRiver and would like to take the opportunity to thank the WindRiver team, RE Royalties team, shareholders, and advisers for their work on the transaction over the last number of months. We look forward to building on the success of WindRiver and to continuing to expand our presence in the Canadian market." On Behalf of the Board of Directors, Bernard Tan CEO About RE Royalties Ltd. RE Royalties Ltd. acquires revenue-based royalties over renewable energy facilities and technologies by providing non-dilutive financing solutions to privately held and publicly traded companies in the renewable energy sector. RE Royalties is the first to apply this proven business model to the renewable energy sector. The Company currently owns over 100 royalties on solar, wind, battery storage, run-of-river, energy efficiency and renewable natural gas projects in Canada, United States, Mexico, and Chile. The Company's business objectives are to provide shareholders with a strong growing yield, robust capital protection, high rate of growth through re-investment and a sustainable investment focus. About Revolve Renewable Power Revolve Renewable Power Corp. is working to develop utility scale renewable energy generation projects in North America, focused on wind, solar and battery storage technologies. Revolve currently has a portfolio of 2.9 gigawatts ("GW") of projects under active development and a further 2GW of greenfield opportunities, in the process of converting to its pipeline in the near term. Revolve is in the process of expanding its pipeline and development activities in the US and is targeting an active portfolio of up to 5GWs under development. For further information, please contact: Investor and Media Contact: Melanee Henderson, Investor Relations T: (778) 373-6731 TF 800-667-2114 E: [email protected] Talia Beckett, Vice President of Communications T: (778) 3742000 E: [email protected] Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor any other regulatory body or securities exchange platform, accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been approved or disapproved by any regulatory authority nor has any such authority passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the short form base shelf prospectus or the prospectus supplement. The offer and sale of the securities has not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Forward Looking Statements This news release includes forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") with respect to the Company and within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. This information represents predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Forward-looking information may relate to the Company's future outlook and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the Company's financial results, future financial position, expected growth of cash flows, business strategy, budgets, projected costs, projected capital expenditures, taxes, plans, objectives, industry trends and growth opportunities including financing. The reader is referred to the Company's most recent filings on SEDAR as well as other information filed with the OTC Markets for a more complete discussion of all applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company's profile page at www.sedar.com. SOURCE: RE Royalties Ltd. View the original press release on accesswire.com Morgan Stanley analyst Angel Castillo reiterated an Overweight rating and $595.00 price target on Martin Marietta Materials (NYSE: MLM) The analyst comments "We expect a positive stock reaction to MLM's 4Q23 EPS beat and full year 2024 outlook and commentary that we think modestly exceeded expectations. MLM reported 4Q23 EPS from Cont. Operating EPS of $4.63 versus MSe of $4.74 and consensus estimate of $4.00. Relative to our EPS estimates, the beat was due to stronger Magnesia Specialties Business gross profit (+$0.04), more than offset by softer Building Materials Business gross profit (-$0.36). Looking forward, MLM issued its full year 2024 Adjusted EBITDA guidance of $2,140-$2,340M (inclusive of AFS acquisition and South Texas divestiture, but excluding pending BWI acquisition). Importantly, the company indicated that its guidance would have been $2,370M if it included the BWI acquisition. While these numbers are not apples to apples with MSe of $2,320M and consensus of $2,326M, which we think reflect a mixture of pro-forma and legacy MLM forecasts (MSe is not pro-forma), our sense is that the buy side bogey for a fully pro-forma EBITDA guide was closer to the $2,300- 2,370M. Said another way, we expect this forward looking guide to be viewed as better than expected all in. Of note, the company also reiterated its expectations for double digits Aggregates pricing, which it formalized at +11% for 2024 and flat Aggregates shipment volumes. We expect the discussion on the call to focus on the potential synergies and pricing upside to company's recently completed and announced acquisitions, as well as any more specific end-market commentary that helps better delineate the degree of optimism or conservatism baked into the guide. Please see Exhibit 1 inside for more details on actuals vs. estimates." For an analyst ratings summary and ratings history on Martin Marietta Materials click here. For more ratings news on Martin Marietta Materials click here. Shares of Martin Marietta Materials closed at $527.25 yesterday. Registration now open for February 22 event MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- As part of its commitment to being the firm of choice for women financial advisors, Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP) is hosting events aimed at attracting more women into careers in the financial services industry. Ameriprise Career Compass events are designed to help women with varying levels of experience explore a career as financial advisors or consider other rewarding positions that can help clients secure their financial future. Women who are seeking to make a career change or re-enter the workforce after time away are invited to join. Recent or soon-to-be college graduates interested in learning more about available careers are also encouraged to participate. Registration is now open for the February 22 virtual event (register for the event). Ameriprise will host additional Career Compass sessions on May 2, September 12, and December 5. For more information on these future events, contact [email protected]. During the sessions, attendees will hear from Ameriprise women financial advisors and leaders on topics ranging from their personal career paths to how they help clients reach their financial goals. The presenters will also discuss the skills needed for success in the profession and share advice on pursuing a career in finance. Following the events, interested attendees are encouraged to apply for job opportunities at Ameriprise in areas including: The Ameriprise Advisor Career Development Program : This program provides professionals making a career change with training and resources to succeed as an employee advisor at an Ameriprise branch office. : This program provides professionals making a career change with training and resources to succeed as an employee advisor at an Ameriprise branch office. The Ameriprise Advisor Center (AAC) : The AAC provides opportunities to join an advising team as client service coordinators, learning foundational aspects of the business while obtaining their licenses and registrations required for advancement. : The AAC provides opportunities to join an advising team as client service coordinators, learning foundational aspects of the business while obtaining their licenses and registrations required for advancement. Becoming an Associate Financial Advisor (AFA): AFAs work with experienced advisors in Ameriprises Independent Advisor channel. They receive mentoring and learn how to successfully manage practices and acquire clients. Women make exceptional financial advisors and yet theyre still underrepresented in the industry. Thats why Ameriprise is on a mission to ensure more women know and consider the benefits of a career as a financial advisor, said Brenda Vaughn, Vice President of Supervision and Womens Strategy Co-Lead at Ameriprise Financial. Our Career Compass event series provides an excellent platform for women to learn about the rewarding professional possibilities at Ameriprise and within the broader industry. Introduced in the fall of 2020, the Ameriprise Career Compass events have helped hundreds of women attendees learn more about career opportunities in the financial services industry. The firm continues to invest in and support women advisors includes with other programs and events throughout the year, including: The Ameriprise Womens Empowerment (WE) Network , a nationwide professional network which offers mentorship, training, education, and networking programs for women advisors at Ameriprise Financial. , a nationwide professional network which offers mentorship, training, education, and networking programs for women advisors at Ameriprise Financial. Women Advisor Summits, which provide a meaningful forum for women at Ameriprise Financial to network and enhance skills to serve their clients effectively, grow their practices and develop in their careers. To register for the February 22 Womens Career Compass event, click here. About Ameriprise Financial At Ameriprise Financial, we have been helping people feel more confident about their financial future for more than 130 years. With extensive investment advice, asset management and insurance capabilities and a nationwide network of approximately 10,000 financial advisors1, we have the strength and expertise to serve the full range of individual and institutional investors' financial needs. Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results. Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Investment products are not insured by the FDIC, NCUA or any federal agency, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Securities offered by Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. 2024 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved. _____________________________ 1 Ameriprise Financial Q3 2023 Earnings Release. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214196204/en/ Allison Harries, Media Relations 612-678-7035 [email protected] Source: Ameriprise Financial AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. (NYSE: AESI) (Atlas or the Company) today announced that the Board of Directors (the Board) has appointed Mike Howard to serve as a member of the Board and the Companys Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Howard serves as Chairman and CEO of Howard Midstream Energy Partners, LLC (HEP), a diverse, multibillion-dollar energy company operating critical energy infrastructure in four states and Mexico. With more than 28 years of midstream energy experience, Mr. Howard has passionately led a purpose driven organization through some of the most challenging times in the oil and gas industry. We are pleased to add Mike to the Atlas Board of Directors, commented Bud Brigham, Founder, Chairman and CEO. Mike brings valuable perspective and experience across several faucets of the oil and gas industry. We look forward to utilizing his insight and expertise to further Atlas success in the years to come. Prior to co-founding HEP in 2011, Mr. Howard was President of Midstream at Energy Transfer Partners (NYSE: ETP and ETE), a Fortune 100 energy company, where his responsibilities encompassed all aspects of the midstream, transportation and storage segments including business development, engineering, operations, contract administration, and compliance for both the regulated and non-regulated businesses. In addition to chairing the HEP Board of Directors, Mike serves on the Board of Directors of Jonah Energy LLC and the Boards of Trustees for the Texas A&M University, Kingsville Foundation, the United Way of Bexar County, and the Witte Museum. Mike received his Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from Texas A&M University, Kingsville. About Atlas Energy Solutions Our company was founded in 2017 by long-time E&P operators and led by Bud Brigham. Our experience as E&P operators, combined with our unique asset base and focus on using technology to deliver novel solutions to our customers toughest challenges and mission-critical needs differentiates us as the proppant and logistics provider of choice in the Permian Basin. Atlas is a leader in the proppant and proppant logistics industry and is currently solely focused on serving customers in the Permian Basin of West Texas and New Mexico, the most active oil and natural gas producing regions in North America. Our Kermit, TX and Monahans, TX facilities are strategically located and specifically designed to maximize reliability of supply and product quality, and our high-efficiency trucking assets and the Dune Express conveyor system is driving significant advancements in proppant logistics. Our core mission is to maximize value for our stockholders by generating strong cash flow and allocating our capital resources efficiently, including providing a regular and durable return of capital to our investors through industry cycles. Further, we recognize that our long-term profitability is maximized by being good stewards of the environments and communities in which we operate. In our pursuit of this mission, we work to improve the processes involved in the development of hydrocarbons, which we believe will ultimately contribute to providing individuals with access to the energy they need to sustain or improve their quality of life in a clean, safe, and efficient manner. We take great pride in contributing positively to the development of the hydrocarbons that power our lives. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213981252/en/ Investor Contact Kyle Turlington T: 512-220-1200 [email protected] Source: Atlas Energy Solutions Inc. ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (the Company) (NYSE: AVB) announced today that its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time. Stockholders of record of the Companys Common Stock as of the close of business on March 18, 2024 are entitled to vote at and virtually attend the Annual Meeting. The meeting will be held in a virtual meeting format via audio webcast only. Stockholders will not be able to attend the Annual Meeting physically but will be able to vote and submit questions online before and during the meeting. The Annual Meeting can be accessed via the Companys Annual Meeting Website at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AVB2024 beginning 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time. To participate in the virtual meeting, holders of record and beneficial owners of AvalonBay Common Stock who received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, proxy card or instructions that accompanied proxy materials may visit www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/AVB2024 and enter the 16-digit control number that accompanied such materials. A technical support phone number will be made available on the virtual meeting platform when the registration window opens prior to the scheduled start time. Additional details will be provided in the Companys Proxy Statement which will be available on the Companys website when filed. About AvalonBay Communities, Inc. As of December 31, 2023, the Company owned or held a direct or indirect ownership interest in 299 apartment communities containing 90,669 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia, of which 18 communities were under development. The Company is an equity REIT in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing apartment communities in leading metropolitan areas in New England, the New York/New Jersey Metro area, the Mid-Atlantic, the Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California, as well as in the Company's expansion regions of Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte, North Carolina, Southeast Florida, Dallas and Austin, Texas, and Denver, Colorado. More information may be found on the Companys website at https://www.avalonbay.com. Copyright 2024 AvalonBay Communities, Inc. All Rights Reserved View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214037221/en/ Jason Reilley Vice President Investor Relations AvalonBay Communities, Inc. 703-317-4681 Source: AvalonBay Communities, Inc. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Better Business Advice, a leading source of business insights, reviews, and analyses, has reviewed the fractional CFO service landscape, recognizing the critical role that CFOs play in guiding businesses through strategic planning, financial forecasting, and risk management. Omega Accounting Solutions emerged as a standout, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and innovation in financial leadership. Best Fractional CFO Service: Omega Accounting Solutions - click this link to fill in a short form and start a conversation with their experienced team of CFOs This accolade recognizes Omega's exceptional service in providing small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with the expertise of a Chief Financial Officer on a flexible, part-time basis. Understanding the Value of Fractional CFO Services In today's complex financial environment, the strategic role of a CFO cannot be understated. Yet, the reality for many SMBs is that the full-time expertise of a CFO is beyond their financial reach. Fractional CFO services address this gap by offering high-level financial strategy, forecasting, and risk management in a cost-effective, scalable manner. Omega Accounting Solutions, headquartered in Irvine, California, has emerged as a leader in this innovative field. With over 15 years in operation, Omega Accounting Solutions has evolved from a regional firm to a significant national player in the accounting and financial services industry. Their impressive trajectory includes a notable rank of 75th on the Inc. 5000 list, reflecting their substantial growth and the high level of trust they have cultivated among their clientele. Comprehensive Fractional CFO Offerings Omegas fractional CFO services are meticulously designed to equip businesses with the financial wisdom necessary for sustained growth and stability. Offering a range of services from cash flow and inventory management to advice on mergers and acquisitions, Omega's CFOs are instrumental in navigating businesses through the intricacies of financial planning and industry compliance. Testimonials from Omegas diverse client base highlight the significant impact of their partnership, praising the firm's professionalism, responsiveness, and the measurable outcomes of their services. Starting a partnership with Omega Accounting Solutions is straightforward: simply fill out a form on their website. This step initiates a conversation and opens the door to tailored advice and strategic planning. The information provided assists Omega's CFOs in understanding the business's needs and objectives, laying the groundwork for a detailed consultation. This approach facilitates the development of a customized financial strategy tailored to meet immediate needs and support the business's future success. A Leader in Financial Strategy and Innovation As businesses continue to seek flexible and strategic financial solutions, Omega Accounting Solutions stands at the forefront of the fractional CFO service sector. Their commitment to providing tailored financial guidance and their proven track record of success make them the top choice for SMBs aiming to scale their operations and enhance financial performance in 2024 and beyond. For businesses interested in exploring fractional CFO services further, Better Business Advice serves as a valuable resource. With detailed reviews and expert analysis, it is the go-to destination for companies looking to understand how fractional CFO services can enhance their financial strategy and operations. About Better Business Advice: Better Business Advice is a business advice website dedicated to helping businesses succeed. As an affiliate, Better Business Advice may earn commissions from services mentioned in the links provided. Better Business Advice aims to provide accurate and up-to-date information to assist with research. Double-check with the service provider/institution directly as well as obtain independent financial advice prior to making any financial commitments or business decisions. The information provided by Better Business Advice does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials are for general informational purposes only. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213612778/en/ Andrew Mathews ([email protected]) Source: Better Business Advice SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BlossomHill Therapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on the design and development of small molecule medicines for treating cancer and autoimmune diseases, today announced Jingrong Jean Cui, Ph.D., Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of BlossomHill Therapeutics, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The prestigious honor recognizes Dr. Cuis direct role in the innovation of new medicines to fight cancer and address urgent medical needs. NAE membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education. For more information about the NAE, please visit their website at https://www.nae.edu/. As Co-Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of BlossomHill Therapeutics, Dr. Cui leads the effort to design the novel small molecule drug candidates in the companys R&D pipeline. Prior to BlossomHill, Dr. Cui co-founded Turning Point Therapeutics, Inc., which Bristol Myers Squibb acquired in June 2022 for $4.1 billion. Before Turning Point, she was a senior principal scientist and associate research fellow at Pfizer, Inc. In the course of her very successful career, Dr. Cui has designed repotrectinib (AUGTYRO), crizotinib (XALKORI) and lorlatinib (LORBRENA), all of which are FDA-approved products. About BlossomHill Therapeutics BlossomHill Therapeutics, Inc. is a small molecule drug discovery and development company focused on addressing unmet medical needs in oncology and autoimmune diseases. The company was founded by renowned drug designer and chemist, J. Jean Cui, Ph.D., and biotech business veteran, Y. Peter Li, Ph.D., M.B.A. Headquartered in San Diego, California, BlossomHill Therapeutics is supported by leading investors including Cormorant Asset Management, OrbiMed, and Vivo Capital. For more information, visit www.bhtherapeutics.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214933623/en/ Cassidy McClain Inizio Evoke Comms [email protected] Source: BlossomHill Therapeutics, Inc. Growth capital to support continued expansion of Bolds product offerings and SMB access to digital payments in Colombia BOGOTA, Colombia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bold, a financial technology company enabling access to electronic payments in Colombia, today announced that it has raised $50 million in Series C funding led by existing investor General Atlantic, a leading global growth investor, with participation from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group. Existing investors InQLab and Amador also participated in the round. With this new funding, Bold plans to bolster its product roadmap and offerings, as well as continue its focus on business expansion while deepening its position as a leading merchant acquirer in Colombia. Bold was founded in 2019 to serve small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with a mission of fostering financial inclusion through the democratization of Colombias digital economy. Bold currently offers low-cost payment terminals that enable businesses to accept card present and card-not-present payments and also support other local payment methods. The seamless enrollment process allows merchants to enroll in just minutes, providing immediate access. This latest investment follows Bolds February 2022 $55M Series B round. Since then, Bold has scaled from 380 to more than 800 employees and currently boasts more than 150,000 monthly active merchants. Jose Velez, Co-Founder and CEO of Bold, said, Our work continues to empower small businesses by breaking payment barriers in Colombia. Now, thousands of merchants have access to digital financial services and can focus on the growth and success of their businesses. Were thrilled to continue our work with General Atlantic and proud to partner with the IFC as we seek to transform and simplify how businesses accept payments in the digital era. We are also excited by our forthcoming product offering that will deliver even greater value to merchants, following Bolds recent regulatory approval as a financial institution in Colombia. We believe Bold is positioned at the forefront of Colombias emerging economy and playing a key role in bringing widespread accessibility to digital financial services, added Luiz Ribeiro, Managing Director and Co-Head of the Brazil Office at General Atlantic. Since our initial investment in 2022, weve seen Bold provide significant value to Colombian merchants, and we look forward to continuing our efforts with Jose and his team to further scale Bolds offerings. Bolds commitment to the prosperity of entrepreneurs and their businesses through reliable and affordable financial tools aligns with our strategy of boosting inclusion and productivity in Latin America, said Elizabeth Martinez de Marcano, IFCs Regional director for Colombia, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. We are pleased to support Bold as they advance their mission to bring economic flexibility to small businesses. General Atlantics investment in Bold is subject to regulatory approval by the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia. About Bold Bold is a leading Payment Services Provider (PSP) in Colombia and one of the largest and fastest-growing fintechs in the country. The companys mission is to unlock the potential of small entrepreneurs by providing simple, affordable, and secure financial services specifically designed to the needs of SMBs. With its innovative card readers and free app, Bold currently empowers more than 150,000 monthly active merchants across Colombia to grow their businesses by accepting a wide variety of payment methods, both offline and online. Bold was granted Colombian regulatory approval as a financial institution in 2023, enabling the company to offer its merchants not only payment terminals, but also merchant accounts, debit cards, and short-term working capital loans. The company is headquartered in Bogota. For more information, visit the website: https://www.bold.co/ About General Atlantic General Atlantic is a leading global growth investor with more than four decades of experience providing capital and strategic support for over 500 growth companies throughout its history. Established in 1980 to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and deliver lasting impact, the firm combines a collaborative global approach, sector specific expertise, a long-term investment horizon and a deep understanding of growth drivers to partner with great entrepreneurs and management teams to scale innovative businesses around the world. General Atlantic has approximately $83 billion in assets under management inclusive of all products as of December 31, 2023, and more than 280 investment professionals based in New York, Amsterdam, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, London, Mexico City, Miami, Mumbai, Munich, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore, Stamford and Tel Aviv. For more information on General Atlantic, please visit: www.generalatlantic.com. About IFC IFC a member of the World Bank Group is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2023, IFC committed a record $43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214942341/en/ Media Bold Sergio Vergara [email protected] General Atlantic Emily Japlon [email protected] IFC Mauricio Gonzalez Lara [email protected] Source: Bold LYNCHBURG, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT) today announced that its Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS) subsidiary was awarded a $122 million contract extension from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for the downblending of highly enriched uranium (HEU) into low enriched uranium (LEU). Under this contract, NFS will continue to provide downblending services to the TVA in support of the National Nuclear Security Administrations (NNSA) defense programs objectives. This contract extension continues the current downblending operations from July 2025 to June 2027. We are proud of the role we play in national defense and pleased that we can continue our work with the TVA and NNSA in support of this mission, said Ronald K. Dailey, NFS president. This contract extension also enables operations and engineering continuity with our uranium conversion and purification contract with NNSA. Downblending is a process in which HEU is mixed with natural uranium resulting in LEU needed for various commercial and national defense purposes. NFS has been downblending HEU since 1995, when it was selected by the U.S. Government to downblend a stockpile of HEU as part of Project Sapphire. Forward Looking Statements BWXT cautions that this release contains forward-looking statements, including statements relating to the performance, timing, impact and value, to the extent contract value can be viewed as an indicator of future revenues, of the downblending contract. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among other things, modification or termination of the contract, delays in performance and the receipt and timing of necessary regulatory approvals. If one or more of these or other risks materialize, actual results may vary materially from those expressed. For a more complete discussion of these and other risk factors, please see BWXTs annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. BWXT cautions not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release, and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, except to the extent required by applicable law. About NFS Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc. (NFS) processes highly enriched uranium to manufacture fuel material for all naval nuclear reactors used in U.S. submarines and aircraft carriers. It also provides uranium downblending services to support commercial power needs and national security missions. NFS is a BWX Technologies, Inc. company and is a part of its BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. subsidiary. About BWXT At BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), we are People Strong, Innovation Driven. Headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, BWXT is a Defense News Top 100 manufacturing and engineering innovator that provides safe and effective nuclear solutions for global security, clean energy, environmental restoration, nuclear medicine and space exploration. With more than 7,000 employees, BWXT has 14 major operating sites in the U.S., Canada and the U.K. In addition, BWXT joint ventures provide management and operations at a dozen U.S. Department of Energy and NASA facilities. For more information, visit www.bwxt.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214110752/en/ Media Contact Laura Bailey NFS Communications Manager 423.735.5494 [email protected] Investor Contact Chase Jacobson Vice President, Investor Relations 980.365.4300 [email protected] Source: BWX Technologies, Inc. An interdisciplinary team of experts across the fields of olfaction, neuroscience, forensic chemistry, nanofabrication, and detection canine training received $650,000 in Phase 1 funding to identify fentanyl and smokeless gunpowder in real-world scenarios using the Canaery nose-computer interface (NCI) ALACHUA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Canaery, the neurotech company revolutionizing the detection of important scents in real-world settings, today announced it has secured $650,000 in Phase 1 funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Convergence Accelerator leading an interdisciplinary team of scientists, engineers and operators. Teams that successfully complete Phase 1 may qualify for up to $5 million in Phase 2 funding. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213816441/en/ Credit: U.S. National Science Foundation The NSF Convergence Accelerator prioritizes projects with potential for positive societal and economic impact. The Canaery-led Phase 1 project, aligned under the programs Track L: Real-World Chemical Sensing Applications, aims to create a safe fentanyl substitute for training scent detection animals, refine the Canaery nose-computer interface (NCI) system, and validate the systems ability to detect fentanyl and smokeless gunpowder in real-world scenarios. For Phase 1 of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program we have assembled an expert team to demonstrate multiple simultaneous detections of critical odors in real world environments, said Peter Ledochowitsch, PhD, CTO and co-founder, Canaery. The two most common uses of a detection canine today are for narcotics and explosives, new versions of which are constantly being developed. Fentanyl and smokeless powder will be two of the first entries into what will one day become the largest networked library of detectable odors in the world. Alongside Ledochowitsch as principal investigator (PI), the collaborations leadership includes: Dmitry Rinberg, PhD, professor of neuroscience, NYU Langone Health Lauryn DeGreeff, PhD, professor of forensic chemistry, Florida International University Travis Massey, PhD, implantable microsystems engineer, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Cedric Williams, PhD, professor of behavioral neuroscience, University of Virginia Frank Cilurso, co-founder, 3DK9 Smokeless gunpowder is one of the most widely used combustive propellants in the world. It can be found in nearly every type of small arms ammunition and artillery shell, as well as many improvised explosive devices, such as pipe bombs. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid driving an epidemic of accidental overdoses worldwide. It is extremely toxic, and hazardous even in small quantities, posing a particularly high risk to first-responders and detection K9 units. Conventional detection canines are considered the gold standard for real-world scent detection, but require frequent retraining and are limited to detecting a single class of odors, for example, narcotics or explosives, but not both. At the same time, human-made detector machines are not expected to approach the capabilities of a trained detection animal for at least several decades. By combining an animals natural sense of smell with advanced neurotechnology and artificial intelligence, Canaery will provide law enforcement, security and defense organizations with the unparalleled speed and accuracy of conventional detection dogs alongside the objectivity and precision measurement of human-made detectors and laboratory-grade sensors. About Canaery Canaery is the neurotech company on a mission to unlock the hidden world of scent and contribute toward a safer, healthier society. By combining the natural sense of smell with advanced neurotechnology and artificial intelligence, Canaery can revolutionize the detection of hidden objects for law enforcement, security and defense, health care screenings and disease diagnostics, agricultural and ecological monitoring, and more. To learn about Canaery, or to view our open positions, follow us on LinkedIn or visit canaery.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213816441/en/ Andrew Flick [email protected] Source: Canaery CAIRO, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi urged on Tuesday for efforts to reach a ceasefire and protect civilians in the war-torn Gaza Strip. Sisi made the remarks during two separate meetings here with visiting Director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, according to the Egyptian presidency. Burns, during the meeting, expressed appreciation for Egypt's "tireless efforts" to advance calm in the Gaza Strip, reach a ceasefire and secure the release of Israeli hostages. The two sides agreed to maintain consultation and coordination to achieve a ceasefire, protect civilians, and effectuate the two-state solution. During the meeting between the Qatari prime minister and the Egyptian president, the two sides warned of "the extreme danger of the escalation of operations" in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, saying it would exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe. A quadrilateral security meeting attended by Egypt, the United States, Qatar, and Israel kicked off Tuesday in Cairo to discuss the facilitation of a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and detainee swap. Israel is preparing a military operation in the densely populated city of Rafah, where about 1.4 million Palestinians live, the majority of whom are displaced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that "only continued military pressure, until total victory," could lead to the release of more hostages. Benny Gantz, a member of Netanyahu's wartime Cabinet, affirmed that "a large-scale operation in Rafah... is not in question." Israel has been waging a massive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, after the latter's surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. The Israeli blockade and bombardment of Gaza have so far killed 28,473 Palestinians, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Tuesday. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Citi has announced that it has successfully completed a proof of concept on tokenization of private funds along with Wellington Management and WisdomTree. The proof of concept, which was conducted on the Avalanche Spruce institutional test Subnet, found that smart-contract capabilities could deliver new functionality and operational efficiencies, which are currently unavailable with traditional assets. These new functionalities could enable buy- and sell-side institutions to engage with distributed ledger infrastructure in a low-risk, low barrier-to-entry manner that is consistent with regulations. Private markets, although a $10 trillion asset class1, are characterized by an infrastructure that is complex and manual, with a lack of standardization and transparency, leading to inefficient distribution and operations. There are often complex legal and regulatory restrictions related to private assets. With ABN AMRO simulating the role of a traditional investor, the proof of concept tested the tokenization of a Wellington issued private equity fund by bringing it onto a distributed ledger technology (DLT) network. The underlying fund distribution rules were encoded into the smart contract and embedded in the token transferred to hypothetical WisdomTree clients. The proof of concept demonstrated how smart contracts could be used to enable greater automation and potentially create an enhanced compliance and control environment for issuers, distributors, and investors. As part of the experiment, Citi also evaluated multiple scenarios of transfers using smart contracts relying on simulated identity credentials issued by WisdomTree and using a private fund token as collateral in an automated lending contract with DTCC Digital Assets (formerly Securrency). By evaluating relevant technical, legal and operational frameworks needed to bring traditional assets on to a digital platform, Citi explored how to support clients issuing and accessing tokenized private assets in a controlled and scalable manner, while ensuring interoperability with the traditional ecosystem. Smart contracts and blockchain technology can enable enhanced rule-enforcement at an infrastructure-level, allowing data and workflows to travel with the asset. We believe that by testing the tokenization of private assets, we are exploring the feasibility to open-up new operating models and create efficiencies for the broader market, stated Nisha Surendran, Emerging Solutions Lead for Citi Digital Assets. The Avalanche Spruce test network has proven to be an ample technical sandbox environment for coming together with partners and exploring the potential of blockchain technology within our industry. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with Citi, strong, long-term partners who are providing meaningful developments and thought leadership in the blockchain space, said Mark Garabedian, Director, Digital Assets & Tokenization Strategy, Wellington Management. Maredith Hannon Sapp, Head of Business Development, Digital Assets, at WisdomTree said, We believe blockchain-enabled finance is the future of the industry, and This Proof-of-Concept showcases the ability to explore the transferability of tokenized funds and related compliance in different markets. This will inform future in-production use cases of how blockchain technology and smart contracts can be used in on-chain transactions. Citi continues to develop digital asset solutions, in line with its goals and risk appetite, using a unified set of shared technology capabilities and a common strategic approach. These innovative solutions enhance Citis products and services including digital money, trade, securities, custody, asset servicing and collateral mobility. About Citi Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in nearly 160 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services. Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi About Wellington Management Wellington Management is one of the worlds largest independent investment management firms, serving as a trusted adviser to over 2,500 clients in more than 60 countries. The firm manages more than US$1.1 trillion for pensions, endowments and foundations, insurers, family offices, fund sponsors, global wealth managers, and other clients. Wellington aspires to provide excellent service to clients through a unique combination of independence enabled by its distinctive private partnership model, diverse perspectives through its unified, multi-asset investment platform, and relentless curiosity and intellectual rigor fostered by its enduring collaborative culture. For more information visit www.wellington.com. About WisdomTree WisdomTree is a global financial innovator, offering a well-diversified suite of exchange-traded products (ETPs), models, solutions and products leveraging blockchain-enabled technology. We empower investors and consumers to shape their future and support financial professionals to better serve their clients and grow their businesses. WisdomTree is leveraging the latest financial infrastructure to create products that provide access, transparency and an enhanced user experience. Building on our heritage of innovation, we are also developing and have launched next-generation digital products, services and structures, including digital or blockchain-enabled mutual funds and tokenized assets, as well as our blockchain-native digital wallet, WisdomTree Prime. WisdomTree currently has approximately $101.2 billion in assets under management globally. For more information about WisdomTree, visit: https://www.wisdomtree.com. Please visit us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @WisdomTreeNews. About Avalanche Avalanche is a smart contracts platform that scales infinitely and regularly finalizes transactions in less than one second. Its novel consensus protocol, Subnet infrastructure, and HyperSDK toolkit enable Web3 developers to easily launch powerful, custom blockchain solutions. Build anything you want, any way you want, on the eco-friendly blockchain designed for Web3 devs. Website | Whitepapers | Twitter | Discord | GitHub | Documentation | Telegram | Facebook | LinkedIn | Reddit | YouTube About DTCC With 50 years of experience, DTCC is the premier post-trade market infrastructure for the global financial services industry. From 20 locations around the world, DTCC, through its subsidiaries, automates, centralizes, and standardizes the processing of financial transactions, mitigating risk, increasing transparency, enhancing performance and driving efficiency for thousands of broker/dealers, custodian banks and asset managers. Industry owned and governed, the firm innovates purposefully, simplifying the complexities of clearing, settlement, asset servicing, transaction processing, trade reporting and data services across asset classes and bringing increased security, enhanced resilience and soundness to financial markets. To learn more, visit www.dtcc.com. About DTCC Digital Assets DTCC Digital Assets provides institutional-grade infrastructure and products to facilitate end-to-end lifecycle processing for digital assets. Its innovative digital infrastructure enables market participants to unlock the power of institutional DeFi by accessing secure, efficient, and compliant capital markets. DTCC Digital Assets blockchain agnostic solutions allow for near-real-time payments and blockchain interoperability and are designed to increase global liquidity. In addition, its technology will ultimately underpin the development of DTCCs enterprise digital asset infrastructure. 1 Citi BAS & Broadridge Private Capital Analysis View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214190058/en/ Mikel Jones [email protected] +1 561 797 5577 Source: Citi COLUMBUS, Ind.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) (Cummins) announced that it will commence an exchange offer to fully split off its remaining interest in Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ATMU) (Atmus). In May 2023, Atmus completed its initial public offering where 19.5%, or 16,243,070 shares, of Atmus common stock was sold, with Cummins retaining the remaining 80.5% of Atmus common stock. Through the planned exchange offer, Cummins shareholders will have the option to exchange all, some or none of their shares of Cummins common stock for shares of Atmus common stock, subject to the terms of the exchange offer. The exchange offer is expected to be tax-free for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share. This separation will create value for both Cummins and Atmus, allowing Cummins to continue its focus on key strategic initiatives and innovating in both core and new technologies, while allowing the filtration business the ability to operate and grow with flexibility, said Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey. Leveraging its advanced filtration technologies and capabilities, Atmus is well positioned to grow into new markets and help both existing and new customers be successful. We believe now is the right time to distribute our Atmus shares, and we are confident that the share exchange is the appropriate path forward to bring the greatest value to shareholders. I am excited to see what the future holds for the company. The exchange offer is expected to permit Cummins shareholders to exchange all or a portion of their shares of Cummins common stock for shares of Atmus common stock at a 7% discount, subject to an upper limit of 13.3965 shares of Atmus common stock for each share of Cummins common stock tendered and accepted in the exchange offer. If the upper limit is not in effect, tendering shareholders are expected to receive approximately $107.53 of Atmus common stock for every $100 of Cummins common stock tendered. Cummins will determine the prices at which shares of Cummins common stock and shares of Atmus common stock will be exchanged by reference to the arithmetic average of the daily volume-weighted average prices of shares of Cummins common stock and Atmus common stock on the NYSE during the three consecutive trading days ending on and including the second trading day preceding the expiration date of the exchange offer, which would be March 7, 8 and 11, 2024, if the exchange offer is not extended or terminated. The final exchange ratio, reflecting the number of shares of Atmus common stock that tendering shareholders will receive for each share of Cummins common stock accepted in the exchange offer, will be announced by press release by 5:30 p.m., New York City time, on the second trading day immediately preceding the expiration date of the exchange offer (which expiration date, if the exchange offer is not extended or terminated, would be March 13, 2024). The final exchange ratio, when announced, and a daily indicative exchange ratio beginning on the third trading day of the exchange offer period, also will be available at www.okapivote.com/CumminsAtmusExchange. The completion of the exchange offer is subject to certain conditions, including: at least 33,527,363 shares of Atmus common stock being distributed in exchange for shares of Cummins common stock validly tendered in the exchange offer; and the receipt of an opinion of counsel that the exchange offer will qualify for tax-free treatment to Cummins and its participating stockholders. Cummins currently owns 67,054,726 shares of Atmus common stock, representing approximately 80.5% of the total outstanding shares of Atmus common stock. Cummins is offering to exchange 67,054,726 shares of Atmus common stock for outstanding shares of Cummins common stock in the exchange offer. If the exchange offer is consummated but not fully subscribed, Cummins intends to make a tax-free distribution to its shareholders of the shares of Atmus common stock that were offered but not exchanged in the exchange offer effected as a dividend on a pro rata basis to holders of Cummins common stock as of the record date. Shareholders should reach out to their respective broker or provider for more information. Participation is voluntary and must be done by the established deadlines. No action is necessary for Cummins shareholders who choose not to participate. The terms and conditions of the exchange offer will be outlined in a registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed by Atmus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and a tender offer statement on Schedule TO to be filed by Cummins with the SEC today. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC will serve as dealer managers for the exchange offer. For questions about the exchange offer, please contact the Exchange Offer Helpline at 1-877-279-2311 (in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-917-484-4425 (all other areas). Representatives will be available to assist from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Visit the shareholder website for more information. About Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. is a global leader in filtration and media solutions. For more than 65 years, the company has combined its culture of innovation with a rich history of designing and manufacturing filtration solutions. With a presence in more than 140 countries on six continents, Atmus serves customers across truck, bus, agriculture, construction, mining, marine and power generation vehicle and equipment markets, along with comprehensive aftermarket support and solutions. Headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee (U.S.), Atmus employs approximately 4,500 people globally who are committed to creating a better future by protecting what is important. About Cummins Inc. Cummins Inc., a global power leader, is a corporation of complementary business segments that design, manufacture, distribute and service a broad portfolio of power solutions. Headquartered in Columbus, Indiana (U.S.), Cummins employs approximately 75,500 people committed to powering a more prosperous world. It operates a robust distribution and support network in more than 190 countries and territories. Cummins reported net sales of approximately $34.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains certain statements about Cummins and Atmus that are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions regarding Cummins and Atmus respective businesses, the economy and other future conditions. In addition, the forward-looking statements contained in this communication may include statements about the expected effects on Cummins and Atmus of the exchange offer, the anticipated timing and benefits of the exchange offer, Cummins and Atmus anticipated financial results, and all other statements in this communication that are not historical facts. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and are detailed more fully in Cummins and Atmus respective periodic reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), the Registration Statement referred to below, including the Prospectus forming a part thereof, the Schedule TO and other exchange offer documents filed by Cummins or Atmus, as applicable, with the SEC. Such uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and neither Cummins nor Atmus undertakes any obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional Information and Where to Find It This communication is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or exchange, a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange any securities and a recommendation as to whether investors should participate in the exchange offer. If the exchange offer is commenced, Atmus will file with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the Registration Statement) that will include a prospectus (the Prospectus). There can be no assurances that Cummins will commence the exchange offer on the terms described in this document or at all. The exchange offer will be made solely by the Prospectus. The Prospectus will contain important information about the exchange offer, Cummins, Atmus and related matters, and Cummins will deliver the Prospectus to holders of Cummins common stock. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT DECISION, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. None of Cummins, Atmus or any of their respective directors or officers or the dealer managers appointed with respect to the exchange offer makes any recommendation as to whether you should participate in the exchange offer. Cummins will file with the SEC a Schedule TO, which will contain important information about the exchange offer. Holders of Cummins common stock may obtain copies of the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Schedule TO and other related documents, and any other information that Cummins and Atmus file electronically with the SEC free of charge at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. Holders of Cummins common stock will also be able to obtain a copy of the Prospectus by clicking on the appropriate link on www.okapivote.com/CumminsAtmusExchange. Cummins has retained Okapi Partners LLC as the information agent for the exchange offer. To obtain copies of the exchange offer Prospectus and related documents, or for questions about the terms of the exchange offer or how to participate, you may contact the information agent at 1-877-279-2311 (in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-917-484-4425 (all other areas). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214455078/en/ Investor Relations: Chris Clulow [email protected] [email protected] Media Relations: Jon Mills [email protected] Source: Cummins Inc. NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CVC Credit, the $43 billion dedicated credit strategy of CVC, is pleased to announce that it has successfully priced Apidos XLVII (47), a $507 million (c.471 million) Collateralized Loan Obligation ("CLO"). BNP Paribas acted as the lead arranger. Apidos XLVII is the second new CLO priced by CVC Credits transatlantic performing credit platform this year, following the pricing of Cordatus Opportunities Loan Fund Re-issue last week. It has a five-year reinvestment period and was supported by a group of new and existing, valued investors. Apidos XLVII is mainly comprised of broadly syndicated First Lien Senior Secured Loans. Kevin OMeara, Partner and Global Head of U.S. Performing Credit at CVC Credit, said: We are pleased to have priced our first new U.S. CLO of 2024 so early in the year. Apidos XLVII was well-received by the market due to its clean portfolio and successful ramping of assets to date. We are fortunate at CVC Credit to have an established track record and deep investor relationships to help us continue to grow our CLO business through market cycles. Gretchen Bergstresser, Managing Partner and Global Head of Performing Credit at CVC Credit, commented: The successful pricing of Apidos XLVII is testament to the unparalleled demand our global investors have shown for the attractive, consistent and market-leading performance our CLOs continue to generate. Were excited about the outlook for CLOs in the year ahead as more participants return to the market. About CVC Credit CVC Credit is the credit management business of CVC. CVC Credit is a global credit asset manager with offices in the U.S. and Europe, more than 60 investment professionals and 40 billion ($43 billion) assets under management. The platform seeks to generate for its investors attractive risk-adjusted returns on capital throughout the credit cycle. CVC Credit has built a diverse business which creates significant synergies across its investment strategies. For further information about CVC Credit please visit: https://www.cvc.com/credit/overview. Follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214955908/en/ For CVC Credit Partners Nick Board Director, Communications [email protected] Source: CVC Credit - Reported positive Phase 2 topline results for CYB003, its proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog in development for the adjunctive treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), demonstrating a 79% remission rate from depression - - Announced positive topline results from Phase 1 studies of proprietary deuterated dimethyltryptamine (dDMT) molecules CYB004 and SPL028, supporting clinical advancement and the successful development of an intramuscular (IM) formulation - - Received clearance from U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the FDA) for its investigational new drug (IND) application for CYB004, paving the way for a Phase 2a study in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) - - Strengthened Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio with more than 50 granted patents and over 170 pending applications - TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (Cboe CA: CYBN) (Cybin or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to revolutionizing mental healthcare by developing new and innovative next-generation psychedelic treatment options, today reported unaudited financial results for its third quarter ended December 31, 2023, and recent business highlights. During the past three months, we have continued to make exciting progress with positive topline data from our CYB003 and DMT programs, said Doug Drysdale, Chief Executive Officer of Cybin. The data collected from our clinical trials forms the foundation of our next set of value-creating milestones, as we advance our key programs this year. For CYB003, the three-month Phase 2 efficacy data is expected in Q1 and will provide insights into the durability of treatment effect in MDD. Promising outcomes, such as a 79% remission from depression at 6 weeks in our Phase 2 CYB003 trial, and important safety and dosing findings in our Phase 1 dDMT studies, validate our path forward. Plans are underway to initiate a Phase 3 multisite trial of CYB003 for MDD, and with FDA clearance, we are progressing to a Phase 2a study of CYB004 for the treatment of GAD. We are proud of the rapid progress we have made and look forward to the important work ahead of us. We are encouraged by the positive findings across our clinical-stage programs to date and believe we are well on our way to providing more effective and patient-friendly treatment alternatives for a multitude of mental health disorders, concluded Drysdale. Recent Business and Pipeline Highlights: Announced positive Phase 2 topline efficacy and safety data for CYB003, the Companys proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog, in MDD. The study achieved its primary efficacy endpoint with an impressive mean 14-point difference in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score reduction from baseline between CYB003 (12mg) vs. placebo (p=0.0005)1 at three weeks. At six weeks, incremental MADRS score reductions were seen with 79% of patients in remission from depression after just two 12mg doses of CYB003 -- an improvement that is far superior when compared against approved antidepressants and recently reported data with other psychedelics. Based on these encouraging results, and coupled with the fact that CYB003 is being developed as an adjunctive treatment that does not require candidates to discontinue the use of existing antidepressants, the Company intends to commence an international, multisite Phase 3 trial to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of CYB003 capsules in a larger MDD patient population2. Completed Phase 1 studies of intravenous (IV) CYB004 and IM and IV SPL028 and reported positive topline safety, pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) data. CYB004 demonstrated robust and rapid onset of psychedelic effects at lower doses compared to native N,N-dimethyltryptamine ( DMT ), suggesting potential as a short-acting, scalable treatment. ), suggesting potential as a short-acting, scalable treatment. Well-tolerated with no serious adverse events, and the majority of adverse events were mild to moderate and self-limiting. The study identified an IM dose of SPL028 that resulted in a breakthrough psychedelic experience, with a duration range of 55-120 minutes. IV and IM SPL028 demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile, with no serious adverse events observed. The majority of adverse events were mild to moderate and self-limiting. These results support the development of IM dosing, which provides a more convenient and patient-friendly administration route that avoids the need for an IV infusion pump, specialist equipment, staffing and training. Combined Phase 1 results from DMT program support progression to a Phase 2a study in GAD in the first quarter of 20242. Key takeaways from dDMT studies: CYB004 and SPL028 demonstrated similar PK and PD profiles, which allow for synergistic insights that are relevant across molecules. PK profiles for both molecules demonstrated concentrations in the effective range. IM dosing of SPL028 produced robust psychedelic effects lasting a short duration in the majority of subjects. Received FDA clearance to initiate Phase 2a study of CYB004 in GAD. The Company intends to initiate a Phase 2a study of CYB004 in the first quarter of 20242. The study will be a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trial to assess the preliminary clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, PK, and PD of CYB004 in participants with GAD. This trial will be conducted at study sites in the United States. Strengthened patent portfolio with the addition of 6 new patents in key jurisdictions. 1. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) granted U.S. patent 11,834,410 in support of the Company's CYB003 program. The patent includes composition of matter claims to pharmaceutical compositions within Cybins CYB003 program, as well as claims directed toward the therapeutic treatment of MDD, treatment-resistant depression, and alcohol use disorder, and is expected to provide exclusivity until at least 2041. 2. The USPTO granted U.S. patent 11,771,681 in support of the Company's dDMT program. The patent provides composition of matter protection for certain deuterated analogs of DMT. 3. The USPTO granted U.S. patent 11,773,062 in support of the Company's dDMT program. The patent provides protection for the medical use and the novel, efficient and scalable synthesis of certain analogs of DMT. 4. The Canadian Intellectual Property Office granted CA patent 3,179,161 in support of the Company's dDMT program. The patent provides protection for formulations of certain deuterated analogs of DMT. 5. The Japanese Patent Office granted JP patent 7422473 in support of the Companys dDMT program. The patent provides protection for the novel, efficient and scalable synthesis of certain deuterated analogs of DMT. 6. The Japanese Patent Office granted JP patent 7422474 in support of the Companys dDMT program. The patent provides protection for formulations of certain deuterated analogs of DMT. Continued extensive engagement with the scientific community, showcasing advancements in clinical and preclinical programs. The Company shared four poster presentations at the 2023 American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Annual Meeting, highlighting data from across its CYB003 and dDMT clinical programs, as well as preclinical development programs. Upcoming Clinical Milestones and Future Studies:2 CYB003 - Deuterated Psilocybin Analog Program Phase 2 three-month efficacy data for CYB003 in MDD expected in Q1 2024. CYB003 Phase 1/2a data was submitted to the FDA in Q4 2023 to support end of Phase 2 meeting in Q1 2024. Initiate a pivotal, international, multisite Phase 3 trial in Q2 2024 to further evaluate the safety and efficacy of CYB003 capsules in a larger MDD patient population. dDMT Program Initiate Phase 2a study in participants with generalized anxiety disorder in Q1 2024. Third-Quarter Financial Information Cash totaled C$39.0 million as of December 31, 2023. With the previously announced public offerings of units of the Company (the Units) and a combination of the Company's current cash position, current at-the-market equity program and assuming the exercise in full of the warrants issued as part of the Units, the Company has access to over C$121 million. Net loss was C$30.3 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of C$10.7 million in the same period last year. Cash-based operating expenses totaled C$17.1 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to C$11.1 million, in the prior year quarter. Cash flows used in operating activities were C$19.0 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to C$10.8 million in the same period last year. Cash flows received from financing activities were C$42.4 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, compared to C$3.5 million in the same period last year, related to the net proceeds on the issuance of Common Shares through the Companys August 3, 2023 and November 14, 2023 financing and its at-the-market equity program. About Cybin Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions. Cybins goal of revolutionizing mental healthcare is supported by a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists aimed at progressing proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens. Cybin is currently developing CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog for the treatment of major depressive disorder and CYB004, a proprietary dDMT molecule for generalized anxiety disorder and has a research pipeline of investigational psychedelic-based compounds. Headquartered in Canada and founded in 2019, Cybin is operational in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland. For Company updates and to learn more about Cybin, visit www.cybin.com or follow the Company on X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this news release relating to the Company are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as may, should, could, intend, estimate, plan, anticipate, expect, believe or continue, or the negative thereof or similar variations. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the Companys plans to progress to a Phase 3 trial of CYB003 in Q2 2024; initiate a Phase 2a study of CYB004 in Q1 2024; attend an end of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA in Q1 2024; the release of Phase 2 three-month efficacy data for CYB003 in MDD in Q1 2024; the Companys ability to access capital under its current at-the-market offering; the exercise of the warrants issued as part of the Units; and the Companys plans to engineer proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens for mental health conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the psychedelics market; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Company operates; implications of disease outbreaks on the Company's operations; and the risk factors set out in each of the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2023 and the Companys annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2023, which are available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law. Cybin makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about Cybins proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Cybin has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential products do not imply that Cybin verified such in clinical trials or that Cybin will complete such trials. If Cybin cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on Cybins performance and operations. Neither the Cboe Canada, nor the NYSE American LLC stock exchange have approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and are not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein. Notes: A p-value indicates statistical significance. Values There is no assurance that timelines will be met. Anticipated timelines regarding drug development are based on reasonable assumptions informed by current knowledge and information available to the Company. Such statements are informed by, among other things, regulatory guidelines for developing a drug with safety studies, proof of concept studies, and pivotal studies for new drug application submission and approval, and assume the success of implementation and results of such studies on timelines indicated as possible by such guidelines, other industry examples, and the Companys development efforts to date. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214652029/en/ Investor & Media Contact: Gabriel Fahel Chief Legal Officer Cybin Inc. 1-866-292-4601 [email protected] or [email protected] Source: Cybin Inc. Jersey Mikes Celebrates 14th Annual Month of Giving MAPLEWOOD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Valerie Fund is joining forces with over 130 Jersey Mikes Subs across the entire state of New Jersey for the 14th Annual March Month of Giving campaign to support local charities. During the month of March, customers will have the option to round up their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate $1, $3, or $5 when placing their order. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214308898/en/ The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mikes Day of Giving on Wednesday, March 27, when local Jersey Mikes restaurants will give 100 percent of the days sales not just profit to The Valerie Fund. We are deeply honored and immensely grateful to be chosen again as Jersey Mike's charity partner for their Month of Giving campaign. The support from Jersey Mike's has been tremendous. It is not just a partnership; it's a heartfelt commitment of support for The Valerie Funds mission of providing critical psychosocial care to children with cancer and blood disorders, supporting the entire family at a hospital close to home, said Barry Kirschner, Executive Director of The Valerie Fund. This support will go a long way to helping The Valerie Fund meet the needs of the over 6,000 children who come through our eight centers every year. On Day of Giving, local Jersey Mikes owners and operators throughout the country will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in whether in-store, online or through the app to more than 200 different charities including hospitals, youth organizations, food banks and more. This March, Jersey Mikes hopes to exceed last years record-breaking national fundraising total of $21 million and help local charities striving to fulfill their missions and make a difference. I would like to extend a personal invitation to you and your family to visit Jersey Mikes Subs throughout the month of March, and especially on Day of Giving when 100 percent of sales every penny goes to help a great local cause, said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mikes founder and CEO, who started the company when he was only 17 years old. Since Month of Giving began in 2011, Jersey Mikes has raised more than $88 million for local charities. For a list of restaurants in your area, please visit our charity listing by state. About Jersey Mikes Jersey Mikes Subs, with more than 2,500 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mikes local communities is reflected in its mission statement Givingmaking a difference in someones life. For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), TikTok (tiktok.com/@jerseymikes) and X (formerly Twitter) (twitter.com/jerseymikes). Join in the conversation at #JerseyMikesGives. ABOUT THE VALERIE FUND: After their nine-year-old daughter Valerie succumbed to cancer in 1976, Sue and Ed Goldstein were determined that no family should have to travel great distances to receive superior medical care. Along with a group of close friends, they began fundraising efforts from their living room tireless work that would lead to the 1977 opening of New Jerseys first pediatric oncology facility at Summits Overlook Hospital. Forty-five years later, The Valerie Funds mission remains that of supporting comprehensive health care for children battling cancer and blood disorders. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214308898/en/ Bunny Flanders The Valerie Fund 973-761-0422 ext. 14 www.TheValerieFund.org Source: The Valerie Fund Exclaimer delivers data residency advantages with move to German Microsoft Azure datacenters LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today, Exclaimer, the leading email signature solution provider, announced that its world-class service is now hosted within Microsoft Azure datacenters in Germany. This strategic move offers local customers the significant benefits of data residency, ensuring their data is stored securely and compliant with local regulations. Azure Germany West Central and Germany North, where the Exclaimer service is hosted, are both physically isolated instances of Microsoft Azure, specifically designed to meet German data privacy regulations and ensure optimum service reliability. Customers using Exclaimer will therefore be able to ensure they comply with the requirements of GDPR and the Bundesdatenschutzgesetz (BDSG), Germany's Federal Data Protection Act. This is particularly important for federal agencies and institutions with complex compliance requirements. Furthermore, the Exclaimer Azure setup uses active-active load balancing to provide a single network service, meaning that if one datacenter were to cease operating, service will be maintained within the region. By maintaining this level of local availability, Exclaimer will continue to deliver its email signature management service to customers without any compromises to data privacy and compliance. With many data protection regulations in full effect, its no surprise that complying with data residency requirements has become a top priority for businesses across Europe, said Vicky Wills, Chief Technology Officer at Exclaimer. By expanding our service delivery to regional Azure datacenters within Germany, were proud to offer our German customers the most secure and compliant email signature management experience available. Wills continues: We know that data privacy and security breach prevention are at the top of our clients agendas, and we are committed to helping our customers mitigate these risks. We are committed to upholding data residency and handling laws, while also meeting the highest security standards. And with our extensive accreditations including SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001 & 27018, Cyber Essentials, and GDPR compliance, we take pride in offering the most secure and compliant email signature management experience on the market. About Exclaimer Exclaimer is the industry's leading provider of email signature solutions, empowering businesses to unlock the potential of email as a key digital advertising channel. With its award-winning tools, organizations can simplify the management of email signatures to deliver consistent branding, promote marketing campaigns and company news, gather real-time customer feedback, and much more. Over 60,000 organizations in 150+ countries rely on Exclaimer for their email signature solutions. Its diverse customer base includes Sony, Mattel, Bank of America, NBC, the Government of Canada, the BBC, and the Academy Awards. For more information, visit www.exclaimer.com or follow Exclaimer on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X (formerly Twitter). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213938550/en/ [email protected] Source: Exclaimer WOKINGHAM, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ferguson plc (NYSE: FERG, LSE: FERG) (the Company) announces today that it purchased a total of 42,455 of its ordinary shares in the period from February 5, 2024, up to and including February 9, 2024, in connection with its $3.0 billion share repurchase program. Aggregated information about the purchases carried out during this period Trading Day Aggregate Daily Volume (in number of shares) Daily weighted average purchase price of the shares (USD) Trading Venue February 5, 2024 1,857 188.7538 ARCX February 5, 2024 200 188.6950 XNAS February 5, 2024 20,278 188.7886 XNYS February 6, 2024 200 191.2100 ARCX February 6, 2024 5,000 191.3402 XNYS February 7, 2024 1,100 193.9200 ARCX February 7, 2024 300 194.0300 XNAS February 7, 2024 9,495 193.9953 XNYS February 8, 2024 32 193.5200 XCIS February 8, 2024 3,593 194.3089 XNYS February 9, 2024 400 197.7650 XNYS The Company intends to hold these shares in treasury. Following the purchase of these shares (including those purchased but not yet settled), the number of shares held by the Company in treasury will be 29,225,592. Following the purchase of these shares, the remaining number of ordinary shares in issue will be 202,945,590. The figure of 202,945,590 may be used by shareholders (and others with notification obligations) as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules. In accordance with Article 5(1)(b) of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 (the Market Abuse Regulation), as it forms part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, and the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, detailed information about the individual purchases can be found at Ferguson - Investors - Shareholder Center - Share Buy-Back Details - 2024 Share Buy-Back. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214992071/en/ For further information please contact: Brian Lantz, Vice President IR and Communications +1 224 285 2410 Pete Kennedy, Director of Investor Relations +1 757 603 0111 Source: Ferguson plc NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- USEReady, global Data Analytics and AI solutions leader, has announced the appointment of veteran finance and capital markets leader Bob Rosetta to its Advisory Board. Bobs extensive experience, leadership skills, and strategic insights will be invaluable to USEReady as the company continues to expand its IP-led modernizing portfolio and widen its global market reach and customer footprint. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214087322/en/ Bob Rosetta, Member, Advisory Board, USEReady (Photo: Business Wire) Bob brings over 30 years of leadership experience from the financial and capital markets space driving process excellence, risk management, and sustainable change in over 100 countries worldwide. In his previous role as Managing Director & Chief Procurement Officer of a Fortune 100 Global Bank, Bob delivered over $2 Billion in cost savings and helped transform the bank. Welcoming Bob to USEReadys Advisory Board, Uday Hegde, Co-founder and CEO of USEReady said, Bobs financial services background and proven success spearheading global transformations will be invaluable for USEReady. He is a visionary who understands the transformative potential of data & analytics. His guidance will help us scale both operationally and strategically as we continue to experience rapid growth, fueled by increasing demand for Data and AI-powered decision intelligence solutions. "In the years that Ive followed USEReady, I have seen them deliver major, high-impact change programs at some of the world's largest and most reputable organizations, said Bob Rosetta on his appointment. USEReadys expertise in legacy modernization and driving data to value programs via cloud data engineering and AI aligns perfectly with the digital transformation needs of today's organizations. I am excited to be part of their advisory board and contribute to the companys growth and future success. Commenting on Bobs joining, Lalit Bakshi, Co-founder & President, USEReady said, I have known Bob for many years and have admired his leadership acumen. His tremendous experience driving innovation, optimizing operations and managing risk will be invaluable as we continue to deepen our modernization expertise and build AI-powered BI offerings. His thought leadership and industry influence are sure to help us serve the needs of leading banking, insurance, and capital markets customers better. About USEReady Established in 2011, in New York, USEReady provides businesses with the strategies, tools, capabilities, and capacity to transform their data into a competitive advantage. USEReady serves as a trusted partner for modern Chief Data & Analytics Officers (CDAOs) of Fortune 500 organizations on their Migration, Optimization, and Modernization journeys with differentiated models around Data, Analytics, and Visualization. We leverage our domain experts in Visual Analytics, Cloud Data Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence, Decision Intelligence, and Product Engineering to strengthen our delivery and solution capabilities, ensuring value-driven outcomes for clients. For more information, visit www.useready.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214087322/en/ Media Tanmay Ayare Sr. Director - Global Marketing & Communications USEReady Email: [email protected] Phone: +91 9821658910 Source: USEReady Love, Mom Set for Release on April 16 NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- FOX News Books, the publishing imprint for FOX News Media, will release its tenth book on April 16th, entitled Love, Mom by FOX News Channels medical contributor and mother of three, Dr. Nicole Saphier. Filled with a collection of powerful first-person stories from a variety of moms in the FOX News Media family and beyond, Dr. Saphier will shine a light on maternal love. In commenting on the announcement, Dr. Saphier remarked, As a mom, it is an honor to share not only my story, but the inspiring stories from the most extraordinary moms that I know. Some are a part of the FOX News family, others are from personal and professional interactions, and some from our amazing viewers. Each story celebrates the strength, compassion, and unwavering resilience that all moms embody. Following FOX News Books multiple back-to-back New York Times bestsellers, Love, Mom features poignant first-person accounts which weave a special tapestry of motherhood. Through insightful reflections and lessons gleaned from the greatest tests these mothers have faced, the stories feature blended families, postpartum depression, miscarriage, cancer, adoption and more. With an exclusive booklet of Bible verses and sage advice, the profound stories are connected by the common threads of love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bond between mother and child. As a teenager when she became pregnant with her first son at 17 years old, Dr. Saphier shares her personal transformative story of motherhood alongside the contributions from FOX News moms including Ainsley Earhardt, Rachel Campos-Duffy, Janice Dean, Kayleigh McEnany, Martha MacCallum, Jennifer Griffin, Sandra Smith, and Carley Shimkus. Joining the network as a contributor in 2018, Dr. Saphier analyzes the latest medical, health policy, and opinion news across all platforms. She is also the bestselling author of Make America Healthy Again: How Bad Behavior and Big Government Caused a Trillion-Dollar Crisis, Panic Attack: Playing Politics with Science in the Fight Against COVID-19, and the childrens book Thats What Familys For. Dr. Saphier works full-time as an associate professor in radiology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College in the New York City area. Since the installment of FOX News Books in 2020, the imprint has sold more than 2.5 million copies, including Pete Hegseths Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes, Shannon Breams The Women of the Bible Speak (March 2021), All American Christmas by Rachel Campos-Duffy and Sean Duffy (November 2021), The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak (March 2022), Faith Still Move Mountains by Harris Faulkner (October 2022), The Love Stories of the Bible Speak (March 2023), Johnny Joey Jones Unbroken Bonds of Battle (June 2023), Carley Shimkus Cooking with Friends (October 2023) and most recently, Jimmy Faillas Cancel Culture Dictionary (January 2024). Notably, nearly every FOX News Books title has placed on multiple national bestseller lists and shot to number one on Amazon. FOX News Media operates the FOX News Channel (FNC), FOX Business Network (FBN), FOX News Digital, FOX News Audio, FOX News Books, the direct-to-consumer streaming services FOX Nation and FOX News International and the free ad-supported television service FOX Weather. Currently the number one network in all of cable, FNC has also been the most watched television news channel for 22 consecutive years, while FBN is the top business channel on cable. Owned by Fox Corporation, FOX News Media reaches nearly 200 million people each month. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214601987/en/ FOX News Media Contact: Alexandra Coscia: 212.301.3272 or [email protected] Source: FOX News Books Edison Histotripsy System Selected for Competitive Accelerated Market Access Program MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- HistoSonics, (www.histosonics.com), the manufacturer of the Edison System and novel histotripsy therapy platforms, announced today that the companys Edison System has been selected to participate in the UKs newly created Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP) Pilot Program designed to accelerate the development of cost-effective medical devices and their integration into the UK market. Applications to compete for one of the 8 available places in the highly sought after UK program began in 2023 and was open to UK and international commercial and non-commercial developers with new health technology solutions. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214369417/en/ The IDAP Pilot Program was designed and developed by a partnership of the Department of Health and Social Care, The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), NHS England, Health Technology Wales, and Scottish Health Technology Group to test the IDAP pathway and to expedite the incorporation of novel medical technologies that have demonstrated the potential to meaningful address the UKs top healthcare concerns of today, as well as in the future. The Edison Histotripsy System was measured against four distinct eligibility criteria that were required of applicants for consideration in the IDAP program. Applicants must have met the following in order to be considered for the IDAP Pilot Program: 1) the technology addresses a life-threatening or seriously debilitating condition and there is a significant patient need, 2) the technology is innovative and transformative, 3) the technology will provide system wide benefit, and 4) the technology clearly helps to address one of the following Life Sciences Visions Healthcare Missions. In addition to meeting the eligibility criterion set, the IDAP program enlisted patient experts in the shortlisting and selection of the eight innovative and transformative medical devices that were eventually chosen to participate. Selection to the IDAP program is validation of our teams purpose of meaningfully changing the lives of patients suffering from life-threatening conditions, starting in the liver, kidney and soon in the pancreas. The criteria set forth for the IDAP Pilot Program align extremely well with our companys goals of providing access to innovative, non-invasive treatment to all those who may benefit from histotripsys unique benefits across diverse health systems, said Mike Blue, HistoSonics CEO and President. Our experience conducting clinical trials in the UK has provided us with both the clinical outcomes and patient experiences that fulfill the rigorous criteria set by the MHRA, and we look forward to continuing the progress weve made in establishing the patient benefits of histotripsy across the UK, added Blue. The science of histotripsy uses focused sound energy to produce controlled acoustic cavitation that mechanically destroys and liquifies targeted tissue, including tumors, at sub-cellular levels. HistoSonics' Edison System uses proprietary technology and advanced imaging to deliver personalized, non-invasive histotripsy treatments with precision and control. The company believes that the novel mechanism of action of their proprietary technology may provide significant advantages to patients, including the ability of the treatment site to recover and resorb quickly. Uniquely, the HistoSonics platform also provides physicians the ability to monitor the destruction of tissue under continuous real-time visualization and control, unlike any modality that exists today. The Edison System is indicated for the non-invasive destruction of liver tumors, including unresectable liver tumors, using a non-thermal, mechanical process of focused ultrasound. About HistoSonics HistoSonics is a privately held medical device company developing a non-invasive platform and proprietary sonic beam therapy utilizing the science of histotripsy, a novel mechanism of action that uses focused ultrasound to mechanically destroy and liquify unwanted tissue and tumors. The company is currently focused on commercializing their Edison System in the US and select global markets for liver treatment while expanding histotripsy applications into other organs like kidney, pancreas, and others. HistoSonics has offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Minneapolis, MN. For more information please visit: www.histosonics.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214369417/en/ Josh King Vice President of Marketing Email: [email protected] Phone: 608.332.8124 Source: HistoSonics RAMALLAH, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged Hamas, the Gaza-ruling Palestinian faction, on Wednesday to finalize a prisoner swap deal with Israel soon, as he warned of a looming Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip that could cause more humanitarian disasters. Abbas said the deal was needed to "prevent the Israeli aggression on Rafah, which will result in thousands of casualties, suffering and displacement for our people," the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. He appealed to the United States and Arab countries to help expedite the deal and spare the Palestinians from "the scourge of this destructive war." "The Israeli war on Gaza Strip led to dozens of Palestinians killed every day, in addition to the storming of the West Bank and Jerusalem, therefore, we must bear our responsibilities in stopping this war on our people," he said. Israel has been waging a massive campaign against Hamas in Gaza, killing more than 28,000 people, in response to a Hamas cross-border raid on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed about 1,200 Israelis and abducted more than 200. - Presentations Highlight Potential Benefits of Therapies Incorporating J-Brain Cargo, JCRs Proprietary, Blood-Brain Barrier-Penetrating Technology - HYOGO, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (TSE 4552; Chairman and President: Shin Ashida; JCR) today announced the presentation of several datasets demonstrating the potential benefits of its investigational therapies for lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). In a series of oral and poster presentations at the 20th Annual WORLDSymposium in San Diego, Calif., JCR highlighted several programs that rely on J-Brain Cargo, a proprietary technology developed by JCR, to deliver medicines across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Lysosomal storage disorders present a lifelong burden for patients because of the somatic, and most importantly, the progressive neurological signs and symptoms associated with these devastating and life-threatening diseases for which there are inadequate treatment options or no approved therapies available. JCR is dedicated to address the unmet medical needs for this community, said Shin Ashida, President and CEO of JCR Pharmaceuticals. The clinical data presented at the WORLDSymposium demonstrate the safety and efficacy of JR-141 in individuals with MPS II and the potential of our proprietary J-Brain Cargo technology across multiple lysosomal storage disorders. In addition, were excited to present preclinical data focused on retinal function and bone abnormalities. There are three JR-141 presentations, including one presentation focused on the long-term safety and efficacy and behavioral effects of JR-141 (pabinafusp alfa) for mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II, or Hunter syndrome). JR-141 is a recombinant iduronate-2-sulfatase (I2S) enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) that was approved in March 2021 by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan, where it is marketed as IZCARGO for the treatment of patients with MPS II. The second JR-141 presentation details the global phase III clinical trial study. Finally, the third JR-141 presentation is pre-clinical and highlights the recovery of retinal function in mice with MPS II. We are pleased to be able to offer IZCARGO to patients with MPS II in Japan, said Yoshikatsu Eto, M.D., Ph.D., Institute of Neurological Disorders, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Kanagawa, Japan. As we continue gathering new data from the Japanese and Brazilian long-term efficacy study and from the ongoing phase III global JR-141 clinical study, currently in recruitment, we look forward to providing updates as appropriate. These data sets will make it more certain that JR-141 can treat not only the somatic symptoms of MPS II, but also the neurocognitive symptoms of this devastating and life-threatening disease. In addition to the three JR-141 presentations, the WORLDSymposium 2024 scientific program featured presentations focusing on: 52-week interim data from the JR-171 phase I/II clinical trial (Hurler syndrome, Hurler-Scheie syndrome or Scheie syndrome); pre-clinical data on an ERT with JR-171 preventing bone deformities in a mouse model of MPS I; JR-441 global clinical trial study design (Sanfilippo syndrome type A). JR-141 MPS II Datasets The following poster presentation provides additional evidence and context for the use of JR-141 in the treatment of MPS II: Integrated long-term efficacy and safety data on enzyme replacement therapy with pabinafusp alfa for neuronopathic mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS-II): updated clinical data from Japan and Brazil (Abstract 81) Presenter: Yoshikatsu Eto, M.D., Ph.D. (Institute of Neurological Disorders, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Kanagawa, Japan) This abstract analyzes the long-term efficacy and safety data on pabinafusp alfa for the treatment of individuals with MPS II. This study analyzed 104 patients over 260 weeks. In terms of safety, the data include four pabinafusp alfa-related serious adverse events (consciousness disturbance, hypotension, pyrexia and facial palour) in one individual, but all four were managed and resolved. Infusion-associated reactions were noted to gradually decrease in frequency as the length of exposure to pabinafusp alfa increased. The Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development, Bayley Scale for Infant Development, Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children, and Vineland Adaptive Behavioral Scale were used to evaluate the efficacy of pabinafusp alfa against neurocognitive impairment. A developmental quotient (DQ) of >70 was identified as the best predictor of treatment response in achieving age-equivalent neurodevelopment. Another predictor was age at initiation of treatment, with initiation before 36 months of age associated with the most favorable response in subjects with severe MPS II. Analysis of adaptive behavior showed a trend to overall improvement in most individuals with the attenuated subtype, and some improvement in those with the severe subtype and a DQ of >70, while changes, as expected, were limited in those with a DQ of The following poster presentation provides an overview of the global phase III clinical trial study design for JR-141 in the treatment of MPS II: A global phase III study of pabinafusp alfa (JR-141) for neuronopathic mucopolysaccharidosis type II: updated study design (Abstract 154) Presenter: Toshiaki Ikeda (JCR Pharmaceuticals) This abstract provides an overview of the ongoing global phase III clinical trial of pabinafusp alfa (JR-141) for neuronopathic MPS II. The trial began in February 2022 and spans 10 countries as of now. The study consists of two cohorts with a total of 80 patients with MPS II. Cohort A includes individuals with the severe (neuronopathic) subtype aged 30 to 71 months, who are randomized into a treatment arm given a weekly administration of JR-141 at 2.0 mg/kg, and a control arm receiving ERT idursulfase; the total study duration is 24 months, and the purpose is to demonstrate that the efficacy of JR-141 in patients with neuronopathic MPS II is superior to that of conventional ERT. Cohort B consists of attenuated patients aged 6 years and older, randomized into two arms in the same manner as above; the study duration is 12 months, and the purpose is to evaluate the efficacy of JR-141 in patients with somatic symptoms in comparison with that of idursulfase. Primary efficacy endpoints are assessed on the basis of HS levels in the CSF and neurocognitive test (BSID-III) results. Key secondary outcome measures include liver and spleen volumes and further neurological outcomes. The study thus designed is expected to establish the efficacy of JR-141 against both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral/somatic symptoms. Details of other outcome measures and study design components will be presented at the symposium. The following poster presentation showcases preclinical data on retinal function for the use of JR-141 in the treatment of MPS II: Recovery of retinal function in MPS II mice by treatment with pabinafusp alfa (Abstract 155) Presenter: Atsushi Imakiire (JCR Pharmaceuticals) This abstract explains how pabinafusp alfa addresses one of the difficult-to-treat complications of MPS II: Retinal disorders in individuals with MPS II are known to be resistant to conventional intravenous ERT due to the presence of the blood-retinal barrier (BRB), which interferes with drug transport into the eye. The retinal function assessed by electroretinography (ERG) was found to worsen with age in a murine model of MPS II (hTfR knock-in/Ids knock-out mice). The presented study demonstrates that pabinafusp alfa crosses the BRB and reaches the retina in MPS II mice. Repeated intravenous dose of pabinafusp alfa started at an early age decreased HS deposition in the retina, optic nerve, and visual cortex and preserved or improved ERG response in MPS II mice. Retinal degeneration was also ameliorated by pabinafusp alfa. Recombinant non-fused I2S did not enter the retina and minimally affected the retinal disease. These results substantiate the postulate that pabinafusp alfa penetrates the BRB and exerts beneficial effects on retinal dysfunction in MPS II. JR-171 MPS I Datasets The following poster presentation focuses on the use of JR-171 in the treatment MPS I: Efficacy and safety data (52-week) from a phase 1/2 trial and extension study of JR-171 (lepunafusp alfa) used in enzyme replacement therapy for patients with MPS I (Abstract 113) Presenter: Roberto Giugliani, M.D., Ph.D. (Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil) This abstract reports the 52-week safety and efficacy data from the first-in-human, open-label, multicenter phase I/II trial and an extension study of JR-171 used to treat 14 individuals with MPS I. The 14 individuals had a broad spectrum of disease severity. 12 of them had received treatment with laronidase prior to enrollment, one was treated with laronidase after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and the other individual was treatment-naive. The most common adverse drug reactions were infusion-associated reactions, all manageable without requiring discontinuation of the test drug. Ability to target the neuronopathy was evaluated by measuring HS levels in the CSF from baseline through weeks 13, 26, and 52, all of which were significantly reduced in all subjects. Also, in several individuals with the severe subtype whose treatment started early, neurocognitive data suggested some stabilization of neurodevelopmental decline in comparison with the natural history data. Liver and spleen volumes were stabilized in most of the patients. Other somatic signs and symptoms, including urine and serum HS/DS concentrations, were well-controlled in the subjects switched from laronidase, while they decreased significantly and then remained stable in the naive patients. These data provide further evidence that JR-171 is delivered across the BBB to address the CNS manifestations of MPS I as well as the somatic/peripheral symptoms while maintaining an appropriate safety profile. A pivotal phase III clinical trial is planned to establish the efficacy and safety of the drug. The following poster presentation highlights preclinical data on bone deformities for the use of JR-171 in the treatment of MPS I: Enzyme replacement therapy with a blood-brain barrier-penetrating antibody-fused a-L-iduronidase prevents bone deformities in a mouse model of mucopolysaccharidosis I (Abstract 229) Presenter: Hiroki Morioka (JCR Pharmaceuticals) This abstract reports on the effect of JR-171 on the CNS and bone abnormalities in hTfR knock-in/Idua knock-out mice, an animal model of MPS I. JR-171 was intravenously administered to the mice once a week at 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg for 24 weeks. The long-term intravenous treatment with JR-171 markedly reduced HS and DS concentrations and improved histopathological changes in the peripheral and CNS tissues. In addition, using micro-computed tomography, MPS I mice were found to have skeletal abnormalities such as increased bone mass and density. The treatment with JR-171 prevented or improved the skeletal abnormalities observed in MPS I mice. These results suggest the potential efficacy of JR-171 against neurodegeneration and neurological impairments, and demonstrate the beneficial effects on bone deformities characteristic of MPS I. The following late-breaking abstract discloses patient experiences upon treatment with JR-171: The impact of lepunafusp alfa (JR 171) on the disease burden in MPS I: Patient reported outcomes (Abstract LB-39) Presenter: Ana Maria Martins (Reference Center in Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil) This late-breaking abstract presents data on patient reported outcomes of individuals treated in an ongoing phase I/II study with lepunafusp alfa, a fusion protein consisting of a transferrin-receptor binding domain and -L-iduronidase, the enzyme missing or malfunctioning in MPS I. JR-441 MPS IIIA Dataset The following poster presentation showcases the companys pipeline of innovative, BBB-penetrating ERT products for the treatment of MPS IIIA: A phase I/II clinical trial of JR-441 for treatment of Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA) (Abstract 234): Presenter: Nicole Muschol, M.D. (University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, International Center for Lysosomal Disorders (ICLD), Hamburg, Germany) This abstract reports the Phase I/II clinical trial study design of JR-441 as a first-in-human, open-label, single-center trial to evaluate the optimal dose, safety/tolerability, pharmacokinetics and exploratory efficacy in individuals with MPS IIIA aged 1 year to 18 years. This study consists of a treatment period (52-week), a drug holiday period (6-week), and an extension period (202-week). After confirming the tolerability in the first 6 individuals with MPS IIIA in a dose escalating manner, a total of 12 individuals are then treated with JR-441 for approximately 5 years. During the drug holiday period, potential rebound effects due to withholding JR-441 are evaluated. Following dose escalation, all individuals are randomized to 2 treatment doses until an optimal dose is determined, which is applied thereafter to all of the enrolled subjects. A broad range of assessments are performed including substrate levels in the CSF, blood and urine, MRI of the brain, liver and spleen, neurodevelopmental function tests, adaptive behavior tests, quality-of-life questionnaires, and life-habit-related questionnaires regarding sleeping, eating and stool to identify and validate suitable endpoints to inform the design of a future global registrational trial. About Pabinafusp Alfa (JR-141) Pabinafusp alfa is a recombinant fusion protein of an antibody against the human transferrin receptor and idursulfase, the enzyme missing or malfunctioning in subjects with Hunter syndrome. It utilizes J-Brain Cargo, JCRs proprietary blood-brain barrier (BBB)-penetrating technology, to cross the BBB via transferrin receptor-mediated transcytosis. Uptake into cells is mediated through the mannose-6-phosphate receptor or the transferrin receptor. This novel mechanism of action is expected to make IZCARGO effective against the CNS symptoms of Hunter syndrome. In pre-clinical studies, JCR has confirmed both high-affinity binding of pabinafusp alfa to transferrin receptors and passage across the BBB into neuronal cells. In addition, JCR has confirmed enzyme uptake in various brain tissues. The company has also confirmed a reduction of substrate accumulation in the CNS and peripheral organs in an animal model of Hunter syndrome.1,2 In several clinical trials with pabinafusp alfa, JCR obtained evidence of reducing heparan sulfate (HS) concentrations in the CSF, a biomarker that is believed to reflect substrate reduction in the brain and changes in CNS function. These results were consistent with those obtained in pre-clinical studies. Clinical studies have also demonstrated positive effects of pabinafusp alfa on CNS symptoms.3,4,5,6 Pabinafusp alfa was approved by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan and marketed since May 2021 under the brand name IZCARGO I.V. Infusion 10mg. In September 2021, JCR and Takeda announced a collaboration and license agreement to commercialize JR-141. Under the agreement, Takeda will exclusively commercialize JR-141 outside of the United States, including Canada, Europe, and other regions (excluding Japan and certain other Asia-Pacific countries). Takeda also received an option for an exclusive license to commercialize JR-141 in the U.S. upon completion of the phase III program. Important Safety Information INDICATION: IZCARGO is indicated for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), which is also known as Hunter syndrome. IZCARGO is approved in Japan only. CONTRAINDICATION: IZCARGO is contraindicated in patients with a history of anaphylactic shock to any of its components. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS: Warnings Since serious anaphylaxis and shock may occur with the use of IZCARGO, adequate emergency measures should be made ready for application before initiation of administration, and the patient should be closely monitored during and after the administration. If a serious infusion associated reaction (IAR) occurs, administration of IZCARGO should be discontinued, and appropriate actions should be taken. When IZCARGO is administered to patients with severe respiratory failure or acute respiratory disease, an IAR may lead to acute exacerbation of symptoms. The patients condition should be closely monitored, and appropriate actions should be taken as needed. Precautions for Use IZCARGO is a protein medicinal product and may cause anaphylactic shock, for which close monitoring is required. If any signs of anaphylaxis are noted, discontinue the infusion, and take appropriate actions. Considering the onset of such symptoms, emergency measures should be made ready for application. IZCARGO may cause IARs such as headache, chills, syncope, fatigue, dizziness, pyrexia, rash, erythema, urticaria, or other symptoms. If an IAR occurs, reduce the rate or temporarily discontinue the infusion, and initiate appropriate drug treatment (e.g., corticosteroids, antihistamines, antipyretic analgesics, anti-inflammatory drugs) or emergency procedures (e.g., oxygen administration, securing of airway, adrenaline administration). Premedication with antihistamines, corticosteroids, etc. should be considered for the subsequent infusion of IZCARGO. ADVERSE REACTIONS: The most commonly reported adverse reactions were pyrexia and urticaria. About the J-Brain Cargo Platform Technology JCR Pharmaceuticals has developed a proprietary BBB-penetrating technology J-Brain Cargo, to bring biotherapeutics into the CNS. The first drug developed based on this technology and approved in Japan for the treatment of MPS II (mucopolysaccharidosis type II) is IZGARGO (INN: pabinafusp alfa). Based on the same platform technology, JR-171 (INN:lepunafusp alfa) and JR-441 are advancing into global clinical stage. JCR intends to start clinical trials on four additional programs from its LSD pipeline by FY2028. About Mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter Syndrome) Mucopolysaccharidosis II (Hunter syndrome) is an X-linked recessive LSD caused by a deficiency of iduronate-2-sulfatase, an enzyme that breaks down complex carbohydrates called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs, also known as mucopolysaccharides) in the body. Hunter syndrome, which affects an estimated 7,800 individuals worldwide (according to JCR research), gives rise to a wide range of somatic and neurological symptoms. The current standard of care for Hunter syndrome is ERT. CNS symptoms related MPS II have been unmet medical needs so far. About Mucopolysaccharidosis I (Hurler, Hurler-Scheie, Scheie syndrome) MPS I is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorders (LSD) caused by a deficiency of -L-iduronidase, an enzyme that breaks down glycosaminoglycans (mucopolysaccharides) in the body. The current worldwide prevalence of MPS I is estimated to be approximately 3,000 (according to JCR internal research). MPS I gives rise to a wide range of somatic and neurological symptoms. A major limitation of current ERT is that it does not address CNS symptoms because of the enzymes inability cross the BBB. MPS I is the only LSD in which hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is part of the standard of case for the severe form of the disease. Significant unmet medical need persists in all forms of MPS I. About Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS III) Sanfilippo syndrome is an autosomal recessive disease caused by a deficiency of the enzymes that metabolize mucopolysaccharides within the body. The disease is classified into four subtypes (A, B, C, and D) according to the respective deficient enzymes. Symptoms include accumulation of heparan sulfate in tissues throughout the body. Notably, the rapidly progressive form of the disease frequently affects neurologic development, which peaks around two or three years of age, before subsequently deteriorating, resulting in a complete loss of speech by the age of seven or eight. Progression further gives rise to symptoms such as sleep disorders, hepatosplenomegaly, seizures, and neurobehavioral abnormalities. About JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (TSE 4552) is a global specialty pharmaceuticals company that is redefining expectations and expanding possibilities for people with rare and genetic diseases worldwide. We continue to build upon our 49-year legacy in Japan while expanding our global footprint into the US, Europe, and Latin America. We improve patients lives by applying our scientific expertise and unique technologies to research, develop, and deliver next-generation therapies. Our approved products in Japan include therapies for the treatment of growth disorder, Fabry disease, MPS II (Hunter syndrome), acute graft-versus host disease, and renal anemia. Our investigational products in development worldwide are aimed at treating rare diseases including MPS I (Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie syndrome), Hunter syndrome, Pompe disease, and more. JCR strives to expand the possibilities for patients while accelerating medical advancement at a global level. Our core values reliability, confidence, and persistence benefit all our stakeholders, including employees, partners, and patients. Together we soar. For more information, please visit https://www.jcrpharm.co.jp/en/site/en/. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control. Forward-looking statements often contain words such as believe, estimate, anticipate, intend, plan, will, would, target and similar references to future periods. All forward-looking statements regarding our plans, outlook, strategy and future business, financial performance and financial condition are based on judgments derived from the information available to us at this time. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to be materially different from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, a deterioration of economic conditions, a change in the legal or governmental system, a delay in launching a new product, impact on competitors pricing and product strategies, a decline in marketing capabilities relating to our products, manufacturing difficulties or delays, an infringement of our intellectual property rights, an adverse court decision in a significant lawsuit and regulatory actions. This document involves information on pharmaceutical products (including those under development). However, it is not intended for advertising or providing medical advice. Furthermore, it is intended to provide information on our company and businesses and not to solicit investment in securities we issue. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements publicly or to update the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, even if new information becomes available in the future. References 1: Sonoda, et al. A blood-brain-barrier-penetrating anti-human transferrin receptor antibody fusion protein for neuronopathic mucopolysaccharidosis II. Mol. Ther. 2018; 26(5):1366-1374. 2: Morimoto, et al. Clearance of heparin sulfate in the brain prevents neurodegeneration and neurocognitive impairment in MPS II mice. Mol. Ther. 2021; 29(5): 1853-1861. 3: Okuyama, et al. Iduronate-2-sulfatase with Anti-human Transferrin Receptor Antibody for Neuropathic Mucopolysaccharidosis II: A Phase 1/2 Trial. Mol Ther. 2020; 27(2): 456-464. 4: Okuyama, et al. A Phase 2/3 Trial of Pabinafusp Alfa, IDS Fused with Anti-Human Transferrin Receptor Antibody, Targeting Neurodegeneration in MPS-II. Mol Ther. 2021; 29(2): 671-679. 5: Giugliani, et al. Iduronate-2-sulfatase fused with anti-human transferrin receptor antibody, pabinafusp alfa, for treatment of neuronopathic and non-neuronopathic mucopolysaccharidosis II: Report of a phase 2 trial in Brazil. Mol Ther. 2021; 29(7): 2378-2386. 6: Giugliani, et al. Enzyme Replacement Therapy with Pabinafusp Alfa for Neuronopathic Mucopolysaccharidosis II; an Integrated Analysis of Preclinical and Clinical Data. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2021, Volume 22, Issue 20, 10938. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213032716/en/ Investors & Media: JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. Corporate Communications [email protected] Source: JCR Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. MARLBOROUGH, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DALBAR, Inc., the preeminent auditor of customer service within the financial services industry, proudly continues to unveil the distinguished recipients of the 2023 DALBAR Service Award. This week, JPMorgan Asset Management continues to remain the singular awardee of the Excellence in Sales Support Service Award, recognized for their outstanding customer service support to their financial professionals. The Excellence in Sales Support Award is earned through an objective and rigorous third-party audit of the quality of inbound sales support calls from advisors, agents, and other financial professionals. Telephone service experiences are reviewed against detailed criteria based on superior service standards and industry best practices. To qualify, companies must consistently perform at a high level over the course of a year-long review. DALBAR, Inc. has a 46-year history and is recognized by the industry and government as an independent third-party expert in the business of providing audits, evaluations, ratings, and due diligence. DALBAR certifications are recognized as a mark of excellence in the financial services community. For more information visit www.dalbar.com or contact us at [email protected] View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214323873/en/ Media: Emily Kunka 617.624.7136 [email protected] Source: DALBAR, Inc. CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- McNally Capital (McNally), a private equity firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of six team members, including Ravi P. Shah to Partner. Ravi joined McNally Capital in 2016 and focuses on leading the investment team across the National Security, Aerospace, and Industrial Technology & Automation industries. We are thrilled to congratulate Ravi on his well-deserved promotion to Partner, said Ward McNally, Founder, Co-CEO, and Managing Partner of McNally Capital. Ravi is an integral member of the McNally team and has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership. His deep expertise in negotiating and structuring transactions with our portfolio companies, passion for supporting our management teams visions, and commitment to upholding the firm's values and culture have contributed significantly to building McNally's reputation and delivering value to investors. Ravi co-led the creation of the firms investment thesis in National Security. He is instrumental in driving investments within that industry, including current portfolio companies Orbis, Xcelerate Solutions, FedData, and Altamira Technologies. Ravi also played a crucial role in driving the firms acquisition of Smith & Oby and Dedicated Computing, as well as the investment in and exit of Genesys Aerosystems. He is a member of McNally Capitals Investment Committee. I am deeply honored and humbled to step into the role of Partner at McNally Capital. I feel grateful for the trust our investors and management teams have placed in us as their partners. I remain committed and look forward to continuing to serve our mission by partnering with owners and management teams to navigate the growth journey, said Ravi Shah. In addition to Ravi, five other team members have been promoted. Each colleague meets McNally Capitals high leadership standards and has meaningfully contributed to driving distinctive performance for the firms investors and portfolio companies. Michael P. Ember has been promoted to Principal. Mike and Ravi co-lead the execution of the firms National Security investment thesis in partnership with Nio Advisors, a McNally Capital industry partner. Mike joined the firm in 2017 and has helped lead diligence processes for McNallys investments in Orbis, Xcelerate Solutions, FedData, and Altamira Technologies and their associated add-on acquisitions and refinancings. In addition, he led diligence, negotiations, and structuring for Xcelerate Solutions, a McNally Capital Fund II platform investment, and its recent merger with VMD Corp. Mike co-led the sale of ITS Logistics alongside Ward McNally. He currently leads the firms associate recruitment committee. Sahil Mathur has been promoted to Vice President. He joined McNally Capital in 2020 and has successfully contributed to multiple investments, including Orbis, Xcelerate Solutions, and FedData, as well as the recent sales of AMI and Re-Sourcing. Sahil leads the day-to-day execution of the firms investment thesis within the Industrial Technology & Automation industry. Zach Wood has been promoted to Vice President. He joined the firm in 2020 and focuses on evaluating and executing direct private equity investments and supporting portfolio companies. Zach led the diligence process for McNallys investment in Smith & Oby and has contributed to various investments, including Orbis and Dedicated Computing, as well as the sale of ITS Logistics. Luther Rice has been promoted to Senior Associate. He joined McNally Capital in 2022 and helped lead the diligence processes for McNallys investment in Xcelerate, and its subsequent merger with VMD Corp. Luther has also contributed to the firms investment in Orbis. Chad Mateja has been promoted to Accounting Manager. He joined McNally Capital in 2021 and is responsible for the finance functions of the firms funds and investment vehicles, including accounting, tax, and cash management. We are pleased to congratulate Ravi, Mike, Sahil, Zach, Luther, and Chad. These promotions come at an exciting time for McNally Capital as we further accelerate our growth and differentiation as a leading private equity manager and advisory firm, added Ward. I am proud of the team we have built and the meaningful contributions each one of them makes to our strong performance. Lou Rassey, our Co-CEO and Managing Partner, and I look forward to continuing our teams collective efforts to empower and transform businesses. About McNally Capital McNally Capital is a private equity firm based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is currently investing out of its committed buyout fund, McNally Capital Fund II, LP. McNally Capital is focused on acquiring lower middle-market businesses with $5 million to $20 million in EBITDA in the Aerospace & Defense/National Security, Industrial Products & Services, and Business Services industries. The firm seeks to apply its hands-on experience, institutional capabilities, and proprietary value creation framework to its portfolio companies to benefit management teams in their next phase of growth and build value for McNally Capitals investors. The firm also leverages a deep bench of industry partners who provide incremental industry and operating knowledge. Ward McNally founded the firm in 2008. He is a sixth-generation member of the McNally family, which proudly owned and operated Rand McNally & Company for over 100 years until its sale in 1997. These roots provide a deep appreciation of building and scaling companies that shape industries and endure for generations. For more information, please visit www.mcnallycapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214691540/en/ Nicole M. Henderson, Head of Fundraising & Investor Relations (312) 757-5158 [email protected] Tyler Ashley, Head of Business Development (312) 767-2511 [email protected] Source: McNally Capital CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has acquired Silent Sentinel, a provider of specialized, long-range cameras based in Ware, United Kingdom. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214210344/en/ Silent Sentinel's Jaegar camera platform. Photo Credit: Motorola Solutions (Photo: Business Wire) Designed to operate in the harshest conditions, Silent Sentinels rugged, thermal cameras offer clear visibility in the complex and extreme environments associated with military, aviation, maritime and critical infrastructure. Equipped with highly accurate detection capabilities, Silent Sentinels cameras can identify anomalies from up to 20 miles away (30 km) to extend the perimeter of security and support a faster, more informed response. Long-range cameras enable advanced insights that can protect individuals and infrastructure, said Mahesh Saptharishi, executive vice president and chief technology officer. With Silent Sentinel, were broadening our video security portfolio to help secure and support essential operations and industries around the world. This acquisition complements Motorola Solutions portfolio of fixed video cameras, expanding its footprint with government and critical infrastructure customers and strengthening its position as a global leader in end-to-end video security solutions. On behalf of the Silent Sentinel team, were excited to join Motorola Solutions, said Paul Elsey, managing director, Silent Sentinel. We look forward to building upon Motorola Solutions industry-leading portfolio, offering advanced video security solutions that support our customers in the most challenging environments. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Motorola Solutions Motorola Solutions is solving for safer. We build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. Our solutions enable the collaboration between public safety agencies and enterprises thats critical for a proactive approach to safety and security. Learn more about how were solving for safer communities, safer schools, safer hospitals, safer businesses safer everywhere at www.motorolasolutions.com. Motorola Solutions Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable federal securities law. These statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and generally include words such as believes, expects, intends, anticipates, estimates and similar expressions. The company can give no assurance that any actual or future results or events discussed in these statements will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements represent the companys views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing the companys views as of any subsequent date. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause the companys actual results or events discussed in these statements to differ materially from the statements contained in this release. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Motorola Solutions ability to integrate the products and services into its portfolio and offerings to customers. Motorola Solutions cautions the reader that the risks and uncertainties below, as well as those in Part I Item 1A of Motorola Solutions 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Part II Item 1A of Motorola Solutions 2023 Third Quarter Report on Form 10-Q and in its other SEC filings available for free on the SECs website at www.sec.gov and on Motorola Solutions website at www.motorolasolutions.com, could cause Motorola Solutions actual results or events discussed in these statements to differ materially from those estimated or predicted in the forward-looking statements. Many of these risks and uncertainties cannot be controlled by Motorola Solutions and factors that may impact forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, Motorola Solutions ability to successfully integrate and operate Silent Sentinel. Motorola Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement or risk factor, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214210344/en/ Media Contact Elvan Lindberg Motorola Solutions [email protected] +46 (707) 448893 Investor Contact Tim Yocum Motorola Solutions [email protected] +1 847-576-6899 Source: Motorola Solutions The programs 2024 cohort includes a total of 13 Ambassadors and four All-Star Ambassadors from across North America who champion Oateys brands and products across social media and beyond CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently announced that its 2024 social media Ambassador Program will include six newly added plumbing influencers and seven returning Ambassadors. In addition, the company selected four of its tenured Ambassadors as All-Star Ambassadors, establishing a new, prestigious tier of the industry-leading influencer program. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214966656/en/ The 2024 class of new Oatey Ambassadors includes Tucker Baney, Nick Hotujec, David Williams, Rob Lupton, Schuyler Mooney and Grant Blundell, collectively representing a diverse range of plumbing and building expertise from across North America. (Photo: Oatey) The 2024 class of new Oatey Ambassadors includes Tucker Baney, Nick Hotujec, David Williams, Rob Lupton, Schuyler Mooney and Grant Blundell, collectively representing a diverse range of plumbing and building expertise from across North America. The new Ambassadors join returning Oatey Ambassadors Evan Berns, Colin Luttrell, Nick Parlet, Jeff Keller, Nick Meritt, Justin Noftle, and Jesharelah (Shay) Lorette. Oatey Ambassadors champion Oatey and its family of brands through unique, authentic multimedia content and advocacy across social media and beyond. As an extension of the Oatey team, Ambassadors partner with the company on social media events, giveaways, trade shows, podcasts and more to bring the story of Oatey brands and products to life. Ambassadors also have the opportunity to travel to Oateys industry-leading training facility, Oatey University, for an annual two-day Ambassador Fest event that immerses them in the culture of Oatey and builds lasting connections to the brand, company and associates. During Ambassador Fest, Ambassadors participate in hands-on training, tour Oateys manufacturing facility and visit Oateys world headquarters for a meet-and-greet with associates. Through the many touchpoints of the program, Ambassadors benefit from expanded visibility and reach for their personal brand across the digital landscape. Oateys newly designated All-Star Ambassadors include Danielle Browne, Thomas Young, Robert Broccolo, and Germaine Nelson. Each of these Ambassadors has been part of the Oatey Ambassador Program for several years, displaying an impressive passion for Oatey, as well as a commitment to the Ambassador Program and the plumbing community at large. As All-Star Ambassadors, the influencers have the opportunity to remain in the Ambassador Program beyond its standard two-year duration, continuing to enjoy program perks in addition to enhanced partnership opportunities with Oatey. It is a great privilege for Oatey to partner with so many talented plumbing influencers through our Ambassador Program, said Katherine Lehtinen, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Oatey. As this program continues to grow, we remain incredibly grateful for our Ambassadors partnership and support. We are committed to amplifying their talents and love for all things Oatey while supporting their career growth in the markets they serve and the platforms on which they publish. We are especially pleased to welcome six new Ambassadors this year, as well as to recognize our All-Star Ambassadors, whose passion and support have been unparalleled over the past several years. Individuals interested in becoming a future Oatey Ambassador can submit their information on the Oatey website for consideration. For additional information about Oateys Ambassador Program, visit oatey.com. ABOUT OATEY CO. Since 1916, Oatey has provided reliable, high-quality products for the residential and commercial plumbing industries, with a commitment to delivering quality, building trust and improving lives. Today, Oatey operates a comprehensive manufacturing and distribution network to supply thousands of products for professional builders, contractors, engineers and do-it-yourself consumers around the world. Oatey is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and has locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and China. For more information, visit www.oatey.com, call (800) 321-9532 or follow Oatey on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214966656/en/ John OReilly Greenhouse Digital + PR [email protected] 815.469.9100 Source: Oatey Co. LAKE FOREST, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Packaging Corporation of Americas (NYSE: PKG) Chief Executive Officer, Mark Kowlzan, will speak at Bank of America Securities Global Agriculture and Materials Conference being held at The Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach in Fort Lauderdale, FL on Thursday, February 29, 2024. After Mr. Kowlzans formal presentation, he and Executive Vice President and CFO, Robert Mundy will participate in a Fireside Chat Q&A session. Immediately following, they will be hosting a series of 1 x 1 meetings. For those interested in listening to the webcast, please go to our companys website at https://packagingcorp.com, click on the Investors tab, and then in the drop-down menu, click Presentations and Events. A webcast replay will be available shortly after the conclusion of the live presentation. The webcast replay will expire on May 29, 2024. PCA is the third largest producer of containerboard products and a leading producer of uncoated freesheet paper in North America. PCA operates eight mills and 86 corrugated products plants and related facilities. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214012285/en/ Barbara Sessions Packaging Corporation of America INVESTOR RELATIONS: (877) 454-2509 PCAs Website: www.packagingcorp.com Source: Packaging Corporation of America WAYNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN) announced today its plans to continue the return of capital to stockholders through an increased quarterly dividend. The companys Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.245 per share, an increase of 9 percent from the previous quarterly dividend. The dividend is payable on March 12, 2024, to stockholders of record as of February 26, 2024. This is the fifth consecutive year the company has increased the quarterly dividend, with a total increase of 96 percent over the past four years. Chief Executive Officer Rick Thornberry commented, I am pleased that Radians financial strength and flexibility support the continued return of capital to stockholders, including an increase to our dividend. Our regular dividend yield continues to be the highest in the private mortgage insurance industry. About Radian Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN) is ensuring the American dream of homeownership responsibly and sustainably through products and services that include industry-leading mortgage insurance and a comprehensive suite of mortgage, risk, title, valuation, asset management and other real estate services. We are powered by technology, informed by data and driven to deliver new and better ways to transact and manage risk. Visit radian.com and homegenius.com to learn more about how Radian and its pioneering homegenius platform are building a smarter future for mortgage and real estate services. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release that address events, developments or results that we expect or anticipate may occur in the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Exchange Act and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In most cases, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as anticipate, may, will, could, should, would, expect, intend, plan, goal, contemplate, believe, estimate, predict, project, potential, continue, seek, strategy, future, likely or the negative or other variations on these words and other similar expressions. These statements, which may include, without limitation, projections regarding our future performance and financial condition, are made on the basis of managements current views and assumptions with respect to future events. Any forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statement. These statements speak only as of the date they were made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We operate in a changing environment where new risks emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risks that may affect us. Our ability and willingness to declare future dividends, as well as our ability to sustain growth in our businesses, are subject to risks and uncertainties including, without limitation: our ability to successfully execute and implement our capital plans and to maintain sufficient holding company liquidity to meet our liquidity needs; our ability to successfully execute and implement our business plans and strategies; our ability to maintain an adequate level of capital in our insurance subsidiaries to satisfy existing and future regulatory requirements; and changes in economic, market and political conditions that, among other things, may affect our capital resources, liquidity and financial resources. For more information regarding these risks and uncertainties as well as other additional risks that we face, you should refer to the Risk Factors detailed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and subsequent reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214445475/en/ For Investors John Damian Phone: 215.231.1383 Email: [email protected] For the Media Rashi Iyer Phone: 215.231.1167 Email: [email protected] Source: Radian Group Inc. SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ivy Fertility, a collaborative network of globally-renowned fertility clinics, is thrilled to welcome Wendy Chang, MD and Meredith Brower, MD to its collaborative team of physicians at Reproductive Partners Medical Group and to relocate its Beverly Hills office to a new state-of-the-art facility. These changes represent an exciting new chapter for RPMG, which has been internationally recognized as an innovative leader in fertility care for over 30 years. Dr. Chang and Dr. Brower are both double board certified reproductive endocrinologists and infertility specialists. Dr. Chang will begin seeing new patients on March 1, 2024, and Dr. Brower will join the practice later this spring. Reproductive Partners Medical Group has stayed at the forefront of our field by honoring our heritage of excellence while continually looking toward the future, said Lab Medical Director Gayane Ambartsumyan, MD. With these exceptional physicians and a new cutting-edge Beverly Hills location, we will continue to set and exceed the standard of fertility care. Dr. Chang received her bachelors degree in Biology from UCLA and a masters in Molecular Biology and Immunology from California State University, Fullerton. She received her medical degree from University of California, Davis, and completed her residency in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine at Harvard Medical School. Chang completed her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at UCLAs David Geffen School of Medicine. She comes to RPMG from Southern California Reproductive Center, where she was Scientific Director. She has been an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA, as well as a Research and Clinical Member at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centers Centers for Reproductive Endocrinology and Androgen Related Disorders. I am looking forward to joining the RPMG team during a time of growth and innovation, said Dr. Chang. Their clear commitment to providing world-class fertility services make them an exciting partner for my next chapter. Dr. Brower received her bachelors degree from Dartmouth College and her medical degree from University of Southern Californias Keck School of Medicine, where she graduated with highest distinction. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and her fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at University of California Los Angeless David Geffen School of Medicine. She comes to RPMG from Kindbody in Santa Monica, and has also served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at UCLA. This is an exciting time to join Reproductive Partners Medical Group and Ivy Fertility, said Dr. Brower. They are broadening their impact while keeping compassion at the forefront, and I am looking forward to helping their patients build their families. In addition to welcoming Dr. Chang and Dr. Brower, RPMG has relocated its Beverly Hills fertility center to 8383 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. This state-of-the-art new location in the heart of Los Angeles will allow RPMGs team of physicians to deliver exceptional fertility care to even more families in 2024 and beyond. About Ivy Fertility Ivy Fertility is globally recognized as pioneers and innovators in the field of advanced reproductive technologies, in-vitro fertilization, third-party reproduction, andrology, and fertility research. The Ivy Fertility network includes Fertility Associates of Memphis, Fertility Centers of Orange County, Idaho Fertility Center, IVF Fertility Center, Los Angeles Reproductive Center, Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine, Nevada Fertility Center, NOVA IVF, Pacific Northwest Fertility, Reproductive Partners Medical Group, San Diego Fertility Center, Utah Fertility Center, and Virginia Fertility & IVF. By developing new procedures, achieving scientific breakthroughs, and teaching the latest techniques, Ivy Fertility upholds its commitment to successful outcomes and continually contributes to the development of the entire fertility community. The Ivy team is passionate about its family-building mission and works tirelessly each day to help patients become parents. To learn more about Ivy Fertility, please visit www.ivyfertility.com. To learn more about Reproductive Partners Medical Group, please visit www.reproductivepartners.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213541601/en/ Constance Rapson [email protected] Source: Ivy Fertility DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Abu Dhabis Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia, and the Institute for Artificial Intelligence Research and Development of Serbia. This landmark collaboration aims to leverage the technical expertise of ATRC and its subsidiaries for integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Serbias technological infrastructure. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214719869/en/ His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC, Mihailo Jovanovic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia and Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for AI Research and Development of Serbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2024. (Photo: AETOSWire) Under the terms of the MoU, Serbia will support the adoption of the ATRCs Falcon large language models (LLM) and explore avenues of collaboration with ATRC around Falcon-powered solutions. Furthermore, both entities will work together to encourage organizations from Serbia to join the Falcon Foundation and contribute to the success of open-source Falcon models. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC, Mihailo Jovanovic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia, and Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for AI Research and Development of Serbia, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit 2024. Expressing optimism about the alliance, His Excellency Shahab Issa Abu Shahab, Director General of ATRC said: AI is a powerful catalyst for innovation and progress. The collaboration between ATRC, the Serbian Ministry of IT, and its Institute of AI Research and Development, marks a critical milestone as we witness an increasing global interest in adopting Falcon. Our shared commitment to the Falcon open-source models ensures a dynamic and inclusive approach to advancing AI capabilities worldwide. For his part, Mihailo Jovanovic, Minister of Information and Telecommunications of the Republic of Serbia said, We are taking a step further and thanks to the expertise of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), we are starting to use and apply Falcon open source models for the development of AI in Serbia. This step forward will help us in further implementation of modernization projects within the Serbia 2027 Programme and strengthen the position of Serbia as a technological and digital leader in the region of Southeast Europe. Dubravko Culibrk, Director of the Institute for AI Research and Development of Serbia, also remarked: We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with ATRC. By integrating Falcon open-source models across the board, we aim to drive breakthroughs in AI research and development. Partnerships with governments worldwide are crucial for creating an environment where innovation flourishes, ensuring that AI becomes a driving force for positive change. The Falcon LLMs are a family of powerful, open-source large language models developed by the Technology Innovation Institute, ATRCs applied research arm. The partnership marks a significant stride in exporting Falcons capability at a country level beyond the Middle East, laying the groundwork for global collaborative initiatives that will shape the future of technological innovation. Source: AETOSWire View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214719869/en/ Jennifer Dewan, Senior Director of Communications [email protected] Source: Advanced Technology Research Council TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN) (the REIT), an owner and operator of high-quality workplace real estate, announced today that it has signed a 15-year, 107,000 square foot lease agreement with a leading Canadian financial technology business (the Company), at the West Metro Corporate Centre in Etobicoke, Ontario. The Company plans to move its head office to 195 The West Mall and will occupy a significant portion of the property under the long-term lease. We are pleased to welcome an established and innovative tenant at 195 The West Mall, said Brady Welch, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Slate Office REIT. This lease agreement underscores the enduring value that high-quality, well-located office assets represent for growing businesses. In a challenging office market, we have been able to increase occupancy at the property by nearly 20 percent while extending the average lease term by two years and significantly improving net operating income. The West Metro Corporate Centre, at a total of 618,044 square feet, is one of the largest properties in the REITs portfolio, featuring a diverse array of local amenities, such as a restaurant, underground and surface parking, and a fitness centre. The property is located beside Highway 427, with convenient access to Highway 401, the Queen Elizabeth Way, and the Gardiner Expressway. In 2020, 195 The West Mall received Gold Status by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) in recognition of its rigorous adherence to sustainable building practices. Chris Burans and Adam Dauphinee of Colliers represented the REIT, and Cathy Strati, Joseph Wise, and Tina Stacey of Lennard Commercial Realty represented the tenant in the transaction. About Slate Office REIT (TSX: SOT.UN) Slate Office REIT is a global owner and operator of high-quality workplace real estate. The REIT owns interests in and operates a portfolio of strategic and well-located real estate assets in North America and Europe. The majority of the REITs portfolio is comprised of government and high-quality credit tenants. The REIT acquires quality assets at a discount to replacement cost and creates value for unitholders by applying hands-on asset management strategies to grow rental revenue, extend lease term and increase occupancy. Visit slateofficereit.com to learn more. About Slate Asset Management Slate Asset Management is a global alternative investment platform targeting real assets. We focus on fundamentals with the objective of creating long-term value for our investors and partners. Slates platform has a range of real estate and infrastructure investment strategies, including opportunistic, value add, core plus, and debt investments. We are supported by exceptional people and flexible capital, which enable us to originate and execute on a wide range of compelling investment opportunities. Visit slateam.com to learn more. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information herein constitutes "forward-looking information" as defined under Canadian securities laws which reflect management's expectations regarding objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities of the REIT. The words "plans," "expects," "does not expect," "scheduled," "estimates," "intends," "anticipates," "does not anticipate," "projects," "believes," or variations of such words and phrases or statements to the effect that certain actions, events or results "may," "will," "could," "would," "might," "occur," "be achieved," or "continue" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based on a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management as of the date hereof, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not the times at or by which such performance or results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ, possibly materially, from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings of the REIT with securities regulators. SOT-SA View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213554857/en/ For Further Information Investor Relations +1 416 644 4264 [email protected] Source: Slate Office REIT BEIJING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday strongly condemned Taiwan's expulsion of a mainland fishing boat, which resulted in two deaths. Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks concerning an incident on Wednesday afternoon when a fishing boat from the southeastern Fujian Province was expelled in the waters of Kinmen area, which led to all four aboard falling into the sea, two of whom died. Extending condolences and sympathy to the victims and their families, Zhu expressed strong condemnation of the incident which occurred during the Spring Festival and undermined the mutual goodwill between compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. For many years, the mainland has put a lot of efforts to guarantee the normal operation of fishermen from both sides of the Strait, and has established reception facilities in a number of coastal localities for Taiwan fishermen, said Zhu. However, for some time, Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authority has been forcibly detaining mainland fishing boats by various excuses, and has rudely treated mainland fishermen, which is the main cause of such an incident, said the spokesperson. Zhu urged relevant parties from Taiwan to respect the historical fact of fishermen from both sides of the Strait operating in the traditional fishery zones of the Strait, and warned them that they should ensure the safety of mainland fishermen and prevent such incidents from happening again. April 14 event is part of Miamis Poetry Festival Month and will feature works by Miami-Dade students, community members and celebrated Miami poet Ricardo Pau-Llosa PLANTATION, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Barnacle Society, the volunteer non-profit organization that supports preservation and public awareness of the magnificent Barnacle State Historic Park in Coconut Grove, announced today that it will be hosting Poetry Night at The Barnacle on Sunday evening, April 14, 6:00-8:00 PM. The event is being sponsored by TradeStation Group, Inc. (TradeStation), a South Florida-based company whose operating subsidiaries provide award-winning* online brokerage services for trading stocks, ETPs, options, futures and futures options that aim to deliver the ultimate trading experience. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214151177/en/ A Poetry Event Focused on Emerging Student Writers Poetry Night at The Barnacle will feature selected poetry written and read by students from Miami-Dade high schools and members of the entire Miami-Dade community. Student poems submitted will also be posted throughout the park. Poets who submit poetry for consideration can attend the event free of charge with up to five family members and friends. First-, second- and third-place bookstore gift-card prizes, generously donated by Books & Books Literary Foundation, will be awarded to students. Non student winners will receive a free one-year family membership in The Barnacle Society and a Barnacle swag bag. To submit poetry to be considered for reading or posting at Poetry Night at The Barnacle, and to see all submission guidelines, timelines and other details, please click here. Submissions will be closed after March 15. This will be a wonderful event to support young writers and get poetry out in front of people in interesting ways, said Richard Blanco, Miami-Dades first poet laureate and the inaugural poet for President Obamas second inauguration. We gave a lot of thought to what kind of poetry event this should be, said Marc Stone, The Barnacle Societys director in charge of producing the event, who is also TradeStations Chief Legal Officer and himself a published poet and short fiction writer. We decided to focus it on the studentsafter all, these are our emerging poets and writers, and this experience should be priceless for them. TradeStations sponsorship of the event speaks to its commitment to our local communities and the importance of supporting students creative growth. Miami-Dade high schools that plan to participate in Poetry Night include Belen Jesuit Preparatory Academy, Carrollton Upper School, Christopher Columbus High, Coral Gables Senior High, Coral Reef High, Gulliver Prep Upper School, International Studies Preparatory Academy, Miami Beach Senior High, Miami Palmetto Senior High, Miami Senior High, Palmer Trinity Upper School, Ransom Everglades Upper School, Riviera Preparatory School, and Young Womens Preparatory Academy. Celebrated Miami Poet, Ricardo Pau-Llosa, to Be a Featured Reader Poetry Night at The Barnacle will also feature a reading by renowned Miami poet, Ricardo Pau-Llosa. Pau-Llosa, born in Havana, fled Cuba with his family to the U.S. in 1960 when he was six years old. A graduate of Belen Jesuit Preparatory School, Pau-Llosa's first poetry collection, Sorting Metaphors (Anhinga Press, 1983), was selected by William Stafford as the first recipient of the Anhinga Poetry Prize. Pau-Llosa's third book of poetry, Cuba (1993), was the 100th title in the prestigious Carnegie Mellon University Press Poetry Series. The CMUP has since published six other books of his, including Fleeing Actium (2023), The Turning (2018), Man (2014), and Parable Hunter (2008). About TradeStation Group, Inc. Founded in 1982, TradeStation Group provides innovative fintech tools and is focused on delivering the ultimate trading experience to our clients. TradeStation provides award-winning* trading and analysis platforms and self-clearing online brokerage services for stocks, ETPs, equity and index options, commodity and financial futures, and futures options. These trading platforms are accessible on desktop, web, and mobile devices, as well as via API technologies that provide seamless access to TradeStations brokerage environment through third-party platforms. TradeStations offerings also include deep and growing learning content designed to hone the skills of seasoned traders. In 2022, TradeStation commissioned the Miami Bull, an 11-foot, 3,000-pound statue, presented in Miami to both honor the city and champion fintech technology. * Visit TradeStation.com/Awards for more information. About The Barnacle Society, Inc. and The Barnacle State Historic Park On the shores of Biscayne Bay in the heart of Coconut Grove is the magnificent Barnacle State Historic Park, including a mangrove forest and The Barnacle, the oldest home in Miami-Dade County still in its original location. The combination of this park and its structures natural beauty, historical significance, stunning bayfront panoramic views, and centrality in a vibrant town is unparalleled in Miami. Call it the Groves backyard or its oasis, but whatever we call it, The Barnacles preservation and maximum use and enjoyment will preserve the Groves character and keep it distinct. The Barnacle Society, Inc. is a volunteer, non-profit Citizen Support Organization created to generate public awareness, education, and financial support for the preservation and maintenance of The Barnacle Historic State Park. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214151177/en/ [email protected] Source: TradeStation Group, Inc. MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Institutes Griffith Foundation is pleased to announce the two newest members of its Advisory Council, Beth W. Murphy and Ken Cooley. Both Murphy and Cooley will help to advance Griffiths mission to provide non-partisan, non-advocative education to public policy members. Beth Murphy, as EVP, Chief Legal Officer, and Corporate Secretary at Grange Insurance, leads the Legal, Compliance, Internal Audit, House Counsel, and Corporate Litigation teams. These teams support the enterprise, focusing on property and casualty compliance, litigation defense, and legal research. Murphy provides guidance on privacy, employment, governance, regulatory issues, innovation, and strategic initiatives. Starting her career in 1998 at Rainey, Kizer, Butler, Reviere & Bell, she joined Grange Insurance in 2002, moving to the Corporate Legal Department in 2005. Licensed in Tennessee and Ohio, Murphy holds a JD from The University of Alabama School of Law. She has served in leadership roles across various insurance associations and community organizations, demonstrating her commitment to the insurance industry and community engagement. Ken Cooley, an attorney with 20 years in public office, has significantly impacted Californias legislative landscape. Serving in the California State Assembly from 2012 to 2022, Cooley chaired key committees, including the Joint Senate and Assembly Rules Committee. His leadership facilitated the modernization of legislative facilities, notably overseeing the transition to a temporary 10-story building in 2021, enabling the replacement of outdated infrastructure. Cooley's tenure began with his election as a founding Councilmember of Rancho Cordova in 2002, highlighting his deep local engagement. A recognized expert in disaster readiness and insurance policy, Cooley's contributions span from advisory roles in the state assembly and senate to significant positions on the Alfred E. Alquist Seismic Safety Commission. His work at the National Council of Insurance Legislators, culminating in his presidency in 2022, underscores his commitment to bipartisan governance and insurance policy advancement. Cooley's career reflects a dedication to participatory democracy and accountable governance, emphasized by his efforts in legislative oversight and bipartisanship. We are glad to welcome both Murphy and Cooley to the Advisory Council and look forward to the unique perspective they each will bring to this organization. As stated by The Institutes Griffith Foundation Executive Director, Frank Paul Tomasello, It is a great pleasure to welcome Beth Murphy and Ken Cooley to the Advisory Council. They are distinguished thought-leaders, eager to amplify The Griffith Foundations non-partisan, non-advocative, educational mission. Their backgrounds and talents complement those of our current Council members. About The Institutes Griffith Foundation The Institutes Griffith Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-advocative educational organization dedicated to providing unbiased information about risk management and insurance through educational programs targeting public policymakers. The Griffith Foundation is affiliated with The Institutes, a leading provider of risk management and insurance education. For more information, visit GriffithFoundation.org. About The Institutes The Institutes are a global not-for-profit comprised of diverse affiliates that educate, elevate, and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by The Institutes nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting, and preventing losses to create a more resilient world. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214985446/en/ Ally Bulvin, Marketing Coordinator The Institutes Griffith Foundation [email protected] Source: The Institutes Griffith Foundation AZUSA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Laborers Training and Retraining Trust of Southern California celebrated the graduation of 754 apprentices to journeymen and journeywomen status on Saturday, January 20th. Despite the torrential rains, friends and families celebrated as apprentice graduates were recognized for obtaining journey worker status by the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214780580/en/ Business Manager of the Southern California District Council of Laborers Jon P. Preciado addresses the 2023 graduates and their families. (Photo: Business Wire) The graduates years of grit, sacrifice and perseverance show the commitment that our members and this union have for the construction industry. I congratulate them on behalf of the 33,400 LIUNA members in Southern California, stated Jon P. Preciado, Business Manager of the Southern California District Council of Laborers (SCDCL). The post-pandemic high graduating class represents a 17% increase over last years record-setting year and continues the momentum, enthusiasm that Laborers International Union of North America (LIUNA) has built for developing its top-notch construction workforce in California. Over the last five years, nearly 3,000 LIUNA apprentices have graduated from one of the many programs sponsored by the Laborers Training and Retraining Trust of Southern California, including the Construction Craft Laborer Apprenticeship, the Laborers Landscape & Irrigation Fitter Apprenticeship, and the Laborers Cement Mason Finisher Apprenticeship. Presently, the Laborers Training School has nearly 2,500 indentured apprentices employed full-time for one of LIUNAs over 2,000 union-signatory contractors in Southern California. Preciado states, These new journeypersons serve as amazing examples of inspiration for future apprentices and should be very proud of themselves. A special thank you to all who helped celebrate their achievement! The path to journeyperson status is not easy and their efforts will pay off for years to come for them, their families, their employers and their communities. These graduating LIUNA members are beginning their journeyperson status filled with superior construction knowledge and skills, discipline, professionalism and perseveranceall characteristics that exemplify the LIUNA skilled construction professional. With tens of billions of new construction investment coming to SoCal over the next few years, LIUNA and its contractors are providing opportunities for life-long careers in the construction industry. For the past 5 years, the SoCal LTS has trained over 29,000 construction professionals in its apprenticeship program, approved by the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards and recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor. Each apprenticeship program requires the completion of 4,000 to 4,200 on-the-job training hours and 288 to 432 hours of related and supplemental instruction. Before the individual can begin on such dedicated work, applicants are screened, and then selected by means of a strength endurance test, an interview, and a drug test. These new members are the future of our organization and their dedication to their apprenticeship these past 4 years assures me that LIUNA members will continue to be SoCals Workforce Solution for the construction industry for many years to come, says LIUNA Vice President and Pacific Southwest Regional Manager Ernesto Ordonez. The Laborers Training and Retraining Trust of Southern California is a partnership between the SCDCL and its signatory contractors. The Laborers School operates 12 facilities in Southern California and provided more than 387,361 hours of construction skills training in 2023. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214780580/en/ LECET Southwest [email protected] 916-604-5576 Source: Laborers Training and Retraining Trust of Southern California AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- USA Compression Partners, LP (NYSE: USAC) (USA Compression) today announced that it filed its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). USA Compressions Annual Report on Form 10-K is available through its website at www.usacompression.com in the Investor Relations section under SEC Filings, as well as on the SECs website at sec.gov. Interested investors may obtain a hard copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, including USA Compression's financial statements, free of charge by writing Investor Relations, USA Compression Partners, LP, 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 2400, Austin, TX 78701. About USA Compression Partners, LP USA Compression Partners, LP is one of the nations largest independent providers of natural gas compression services in terms of total compression fleet horsepower. USA Compression partners with a broad customer base composed of producers, processors, gatherers, and transporters of natural gas and crude oil. USA Compression focuses on providing midstream natural gas compression services to infrastructure applications primarily in high-volume gathering systems, processing facilities, and transportation applications. More information is available at usacompression.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213806906/en/ USA Compression Partners, LP Investor Relations [email protected] Source: USA Compression Partners, LP DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC), a global leader in branded lifestyle apparel, footwear and accessories, today announced the appointment of Caroline Brown to the companys Board of Directors, effective February 14, 2024. This appointment follows constructive engagement with VFs shareholders, including Engaged Capital, LLC (Engaged Capital). VF also intends to appoint to the Board another independent director in the near term mutually agreed with Engaged Capital, and will give priority to considering the candidates who have been identified by Engaged Capital (the Additional Director). VF expects Ms. Brown and the Additional Director will be nominated at VFs 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) and at the conclusion of the Annual Meeting, VFs Board will comprise 13 directors, including no more than 11 of VFs current directors. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213901460/en/ Caroline Brown appointed to VF Corporation's Board of Directors (Courtesy of VF Corp) Ms. Brown is an accomplished executive, director, investor and advisor with more than 30 years of experience at global companies in the apparel and fashion sector. From 2019 to 2023, she was a Managing Director at Closed Loop Partners, a New York-based investment firm and innovation center focused on the development of the circular economy, where she led the firms fashion practice. Ms. Brown previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Donna Karan International (DKI) and DKNY from 2015 to 2017. During that time, she led a transformation of DKI, elevating product design, modernizing brand identity, overseeing organizational structure realignments and supply chain consolidations. She led the company through the sale from LVMH to G-III Apparel Group. Prior to DKI, Brown was President of Carolina Herrera, a luxury fashion house owned by PUIG, where she led evolution in product development, brand architecture and international expansion. Prior to that, she served as the U.S. Chief Executive Officer of Akris, Inc., a Swiss-based luxury fashion brand. Ms. Brown began her career at Giorgio Armani, where she spent over a decade in marketing and communications leadership roles. Ms. Brown has served on numerous boards of innovative companies in the fashion industry including EILEEN FISHER, Browzwear, Dimpora, By Rotation, For Days, and others. She is a member of the MIT Sloan Sustainability Initiative Advisory Board and is an Advisor to the Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship at the MIT Sloan School of Management. We are excited to welcome Caroline to the VF Board, said Chair of the VF Board, Richard Carucci. Caroline is highly respected in the apparel industry, with a proven track record of turning around, scaling and transforming global brands, and her insights will be valuable as the company continues to execute its Reinvent strategy. Im honored to be joining VFs Board and look forward to working with management and my fellow directors at this important moment for the company, said Brown. Having worked on the leadership and investment sides of the apparel and fashion industry, I recognize the tremendous potential of VFs portfolio of beloved brands. I believe VF has what it needs to return to strong and sustainable profitable growth, and I look forward to capitalizing on my experience to help the company deliver enhanced value for shareholders over time. This appointment is another step in VFs continuous refreshment of the Board. With this appointment, VF has added four new directors to its Board within the past two years (five following the appointment of the Additional Director), expanding the Boards experience in footwear and apparel, retail, design, technology and sustainability. Mr. Carucci continued, We appreciate the constructive input provided by Engaged Capital over the past several months and look forward to continuing our dialogue with Engaged Capital and other shareholders as we continue improving the companys performance. Glenn W. Welling, Founder and CIO of Engaged Capital, said, We are excited that the Board has added Caroline Brown, who will bring a wealth of apparel experience to the boardroom. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Caroline and the rest of the Board on the appointment of the Additional Director. We believe these appointments will help support Bracken Darrell and the management team as they lead the turnaround of this iconic portfolio of brands. About VF Corporation Founded in 1899, VF Corporation is one of the worlds largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies connecting people to the lifestyles, activities and experiences they cherish most through a family of iconic outdoor, active and workwear brands including Vans, The North Face, Timberland and Dickies. Our purpose is to power movements of sustainable and active lifestyles for the betterment of people and our planet. We connect this purpose with a relentless drive to succeed to create value for all stakeholders and use our company as a force for good. For more information, please visit vfc.com. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting VF and therefore involve several risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as will, anticipate, "believe," intend, estimate, expect, should, and may and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates, however, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. All statements regarding VFs ability to execute its transformation and other business strategies, such as the Reinvent transformation program and VFs previously announced strategic portfolio review, VFs plans, objectives, projections and expectations relating to VFs operations or financial performance, and assumptions related thereto are forward-looking statements. We caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. VF does not guarantee that the events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). VF undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results of operations or financial condition of VF to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: VFs ability to execute its transformation and other business strategies, such as the Reinvent transformation program, including cost reduction and productivity initiatives and the update and maintenance of an agile and efficient operating model and organizational structure; and the structure, terms and timing of any transaction resulting from VFs previously announced strategic portfolio review and whether it will be completed. More information on potential factors that could affect VFs financial results is included from time to time in VFs public reports filed with the SEC, including VFs Annual Report on Form 10-K, and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Forms 8-K filed or furnished with the SEC. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213901460/en/ Media Contact Colin Wheeler Vice President, Corporate Communications [email protected] Investor Contact Allegra Perry Vice President, Investor Relations [email protected] Source: VF Corporation Achievement Marks Major Milestone for Second AP1000 Reactor in the U.S. CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Westinghouse Electric Company today congratulated Southern Company, Georgia Power, project partners and the Vogtle team for achieving the initial criticality of self-sustaining nuclear fission at Unit 4. Plant Vogtle, located near Waynesboro, Georgia, is the site of the first two AP1000 reactors built in the U.S. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214163229/en/ Plant Vogtle Unit 4 in Georgia has reached initial criticality. Photo Georgia Power Company. All Rights Reserved. We applaud the efforts and dedication of the Vogtle team as they continue working toward bringing Unit 4 online to deliver safe, reliable, competitive and clean energy for customers, said Patrick Fragman, Westinghouse President and CEO. The next major milestone for Unit 4 is synchronizing to the electric grid, followed by full commercial operation, which is projected during the second quarter of 2024. The two AP1000 units at Plant Vogtle are the most advanced, demonstrated Generation III+ reactors commercially available today, with fully passive safety systems, modular construction design and the smallest footprint per MWe on the market. Previously deployed AP1000 technology offers superior economic performance with availability and capacity factors greater than 92%. The Vogtle units are the first new reactors to be constructed in the U.S. in three decades, with Unit 3 entering commercial operation in July 2023 and now producing power for the grid. In addition to the two reactors at the Vogtle site, four AP1000 units are currently setting operational performance records in China with eight additional reactors under construction. Poland selected the AP1000 reactor for its nuclear energy program; Ukraine has made firm commitments for nine AP1000 units and Westinghouse previously announced that Bulgaria selected the AP1000 technology for two units at the Kozloduy nuclear site. The technology is also under consideration at multiple other sites in Central and Eastern Europe, the United Kingdom, India and in North America. ### Westinghouse Electric Company is shaping the future of carbon-free energy by providing safe, innovative nuclear and other clean power technologies and services globally. Westinghouse supplied the worlds first commercial pressurized water reactor in 1957 and the companys technology is the basis for nearly one-half of the world's operating nuclear plants. Over 135 years of innovation makes Westinghouse the preferred partner for advanced technologies covering the complete nuclear energy life cycle. For more information, visit www.westinghousenuclear.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and X. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214163229/en/ [email protected] Source: Westinghouse Electric Company Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) for Augtyro (repotrectinib) for the treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older with solid tumors that have a neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusion, and are locally advanced or metastatic or where surgical resection is likely to result in severe morbidity. The filing acceptance is based on results from the registrational Phase 1/2 TRIDENT-1 trial (adult patients with NTRK-positive solid tumors) and CARE study (pediatric patients with NTRK-positive solid tumors). The FDA granted the application Priority Review status and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of June 15, 2024. While great advancements have been made over the last decade, patients with NTRK-positive locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors still experience significant unmet needs. New and effective treatment options that may improve durability of response and address resistance to existing tyrosine kinase inhibitors are critical to helping patients with these aggressive tumors, said Joseph Fiore, vice president, global program lead, Augtyro, Bristol Myers Squibb. We look forward to working closely with the FDA on the review of our application for Augtyro for this tumor-agnostic indication and potentially offering patients with NTRK-positive disease a new, durable treatment option. The filing was based on the results from the TRIDENT-1 and CARE trials. In the TRIDENT-1 study, Augtyro demonstrated clinically meaningful response rates in patients with NTRK-positive locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Durability of response was robust, including among patients whose tumors harbor common resistance mutations, and intracranial responses were observed. Augtyro showed a safety profile that was well tolerated and generally manageable. The study remains ongoing to assess long-term outcomes and additional endpoints. Results from TRIDENT-1 were supported by data from the CARE study, which evaluates Augtyro in pediatric and young adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic solid tumors harboring ALK, ROS1 or NTRK1-3 gene alterations. Additionally, in November 2023 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Augtyro for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic ROS1-positive non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC. Bristol Myers Squibb thanks the patients and investigators involved with the TRIDENT-1 and CARE clinical trials. Turning Point Therapeutics is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. As of August 2022, Bristol Myers Squibb acquired the company, including its asset repotrectinib. Today, Cummins Inc. (NYSE: CMI) (Cummins) announced that it will commence an exchange offer to fully split off its remaining interest in Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ATMU) (Atmus). In May 2023, Atmus completed its initial public offering where 19.5%, or 16,243,070 shares, of Atmus common stock was sold, with Cummins retaining the remaining 80.5% of Atmus common stock. Through the planned exchange offer, Cummins shareholders will have the option to exchange all, some or none of their shares of Cummins common stock for shares of Atmus common stock, subject to the terms of the exchange offer. The exchange offer is expected to be tax-free for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional share. This separation will create value for both Cummins and Atmus, allowing Cummins to continue its focus on key strategic initiatives and innovating in both core and new technologies, while allowing the filtration business the ability to operate and grow with flexibility, said Cummins Chair and CEO Jennifer Rumsey. Leveraging its advanced filtration technologies and capabilities, Atmus is well positioned to grow into new markets and help both existing and new customers be successful. We believe now is the right time to distribute our Atmus shares, and we are confident that the share exchange is the appropriate path forward to bring the greatest value to shareholders. I am excited to see what the future holds for the company. The exchange offer is expected to permit Cummins shareholders to exchange all or a portion of their shares of Cummins common stock for shares of Atmus common stock at a 7% discount, subject to an upper limit of 13.3965 shares of Atmus common stock for each share of Cummins common stock tendered and accepted in the exchange offer. If the upper limit is not in effect, tendering shareholders are expected to receive approximately $107.53 of Atmus common stock for every $100 of Cummins common stock tendered. Cummins will determine the prices at which shares of Cummins common stock and shares of Atmus common stock will be exchanged by reference to the arithmetic average of the daily volume-weighted average prices of shares of Cummins common stock and Atmus common stock on the NYSE during the three consecutive trading days ending on and including the second trading day preceding the expiration date of the exchange offer, which would be March 7, 8 and 11, 2024, if the exchange offer is not extended or terminated. The final exchange ratio, reflecting the number of shares of Atmus common stock that tendering shareholders will receive for each share of Cummins common stock accepted in the exchange offer, will be announced by press release by 5:30 p.m., New York City time, on the second trading day immediately preceding the expiration date of the exchange offer (which expiration date, if the exchange offer is not extended or terminated, would be March 13, 2024). The final exchange ratio, when announced, and a daily indicative exchange ratio beginning on the third trading day of the exchange offer period, also will be available at www.okapivote.com/CumminsAtmusExchange. The completion of the exchange offer is subject to certain conditions, including: at least 33,527,363 shares of Atmus common stock being distributed in exchange for shares of Cummins common stock validly tendered in the exchange offer; and the receipt of an opinion of counsel that the exchange offer will qualify for tax-free treatment to Cummins and its participating stockholders. Cummins currently owns 67,054,726 shares of Atmus common stock, representing approximately 80.5% of the total outstanding shares of Atmus common stock. Cummins is offering to exchange 67,054,726 shares of Atmus common stock for outstanding shares of Cummins common stock in the exchange offer. If the exchange offer is consummated but not fully subscribed, Cummins intends to make a tax-free distribution to its shareholders of the shares of Atmus common stock that were offered but not exchanged in the exchange offer effected as a dividend on a pro rata basis to holders of Cummins common stock as of the record date. Shareholders should reach out to their respective broker or provider for more information. Participation is voluntary and must be done by the established deadlines. No action is necessary for Cummins shareholders who choose not to participate. The terms and conditions of the exchange offer will be outlined in a registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed by Atmus with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and a tender offer statement on Schedule TO to be filed by Cummins with the SEC today. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC will serve as dealer managers for the exchange offer. For questions about the exchange offer, please contact the Exchange Offer Helpline at 1-877-279-2311 (in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-917-484-4425 (all other areas). Representatives will be available to assist from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. Visit the shareholder website for more information. Renault (OTC: RNSDF) reported earnings Wednesday, with full-year 2023 revenue just missing consensus expectations. The car manufacturer posted revenue for 2023 of EUR 52.38 billion, up 13% year-on-year but just below the Bloomberg compiled consensus estimate of EUR 52.88 billion. Automotive revenue came in at EUR 48.15 billion, below the EUR 48.74 billion consensus estimate. Renault's operating margin was 7.9% compared to 5.5% a year ago and the consensus of 7.83%. However, the company's dividend per share of EUR 1.85 was above the EUR 0.25 reported last year, and it beat the consensus estimate of EUR 1.37. Looking ahead, for 2024, the company sees its operating margin at at least 7.5%, above the 7.25% consensus expectation, while it also sees free cash flow at EUR 2.5 billion. The company plans to launch ten new vehicles in 2024. By Sam Boughedda La Grande, Oregon, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Eastern Oregon University is pleased to report a record number of graduates are being selected for teaching positions after completing the Universitys Master of Teaching (MAT) program. In 2021, 87% of MAT candidates were hired by a district upon graduation. Still, other candidates took jobs in education, but not in the classroom. The College of Educations 10-month, immersive MAT program combines professional experience in classroom settings with academic preparation. While the program is designed as a 10-month program, there is a two-year option that benefits educators currently teaching on a restricted license or candidates who would like to split the program up to fit their needs better. MAT teacher candidates are placed in K-12 classrooms to work and learn from mentor teachers and a University supervisor. Traditionally this is a 10-month program, so we start in the summer term and through the following spring term, according to Kristin Johnson, EOUs graduate programs adviser, who assists the MAT teacher candidates in the program. We also have the option to spread the program out over two years if the candidate has been hired by a school district to be teaching in their own classroom while they are going through the program. Students have a six-week summer term and two five-week sessions of classes during fall and winter terms. Students participate in one MAT weekend per five-week session and attend in-person classes at Eastern Oregon University to experience hands-on learning. The rest of the hybrid program coursework is done asynchronously. The program is one of the tools EOU is using to help fill the teacher gap in rural areas The deadline for Eastern Oregon Universitys Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is fast approaching. The application deadline is March 1, 2023. Attachments Justin Montgomery Eastern Oregon University 5419623517 [email protected] Source: Eastern Oregon University Scientists invent new algorithm to improve aerosol monitoring on China's FY-4A satellite Xinhua) 10:37, February 14, 2024 BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have recently introduced a new algorithm that combines deep learning and transfer learning to improve aerosol monitoring on China's FY-4A satellite. The study, published in the journal Engineering, was conducted through a collaborative effort by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, National Satellite Meteorological Center, the Harbin Institute of Technology, and other institutes. Scientists believe that accurate measurements of atmospheric aerosols are pivotal in understanding Earth's radiation balance, climate change, and air quality. Aboard China's geostationary meteorological satellite FY-4A, the Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI) scans China every five minutes, providing crucial data for monitoring aerosol spatiotemporal variations. However, the inflexibility of traditional physical retrieval algorithms, coupled with the insufficient number of ground-based sunphotometer sites, poses challenges in meeting the extensive sample requirements for machine learning in aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrieval.0000000000 In response to these challenges, the scientists developed an innovative AOD retrieval algorithm that combines deep learning and transfer learning. The new algorithm incorporates key concepts from the dark target and deep blue algorithms to facilitate feature selection for machine learning. According to the study, independent validation confirms that the algorithm is highly accurate in estimating AGRI aerosol levels. The results show a strong correlation with expected values, indicating the algorithm's reliability in predicting aerosol optical depth. "Our study showcases the significant potential of merging the physical approach with deep learning in geoscientific analysis," said the lead author Fu Disong from the IAP. "The proposed algorithm holds promise for application to other multi-spectral sensors aboard geostationary satellites," Fu added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Tourists visit the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore on Sept. 7, 2023. (Photo by Then Chih Wey/Xinhua) SINGAPORE, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- A total of 192.8 million travelers cleared Singapore's checkpoints in 2023, an increase of more than 80 percent compared to 2022, according to a report issued by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) Tuesday. The ICA detained 587 immigration offenders last year, an increase of 42 percent compared to 2022. However, the number of arrested immigration offenders was still lower than pre-COVID-19 years, the report showed. A total of 327 people were arrested for harboring or employing immigration offenders in 2023, an increase of 45 percent compared to 2022, said the ICA. Most immigration offenders employed by errant employers were found to be working as freelance house cleaners, domestic workers, kitchen assistants, or dishwashers, the ICA added. Following Landmark Solar Project with Veregy, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (KSPI) is honored to announce its selection as the Airport Business 2024 Projects of the Year - Sustainability award. Springfield, IL, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Springfield, IL February 14, 2024 - In a monumental recognition of its innovative strides in sustainability and economic efficiency, Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport (KSPI), in collaboration with energy and sustainability leader Veregy, is honored to announce its selection as the Airport Business 2024 Projects of the Year Sustainability. This prestigious accolade comes on the heels of the airport's completion of a transformative 2.88 MW solar initiative, further solidifying its nomination and award for the Airport Business 2024 Projects of the Year Sustainability. This groundbreaking solar project, encompassing six arrays across three strategic sites, represents a significant leap toward sustainable airport operations and financial stability. Completed in March 2023, it is distinguished as Illinois' largest airport-owned solar array dedicated to net metering, marking a new era of green innovation in aviation infrastructure. A Testament to Visionary Leadership and Environmental Stewardship The Airport Business 2024 Projects of the Year Sustainability award is a testament to Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport's commitment to pioneering environmental practices and operational excellence. By dramatically reducing electricity costs for essential accounts by over 90% and establishing innovative net metering solutions, the airport has set a new standard for integrating sustainability into its core operations. Innovative Solutions Driving Sustainable Success The project's innovative approach, leveraging strategic solar installations and FAA permit conversions for net metering, underscores the airport's forward-thinking methodology. These efforts enhance revenue potential and contribute significantly to environmental conservation, aligning with the airport's comprehensive green initiatives. Project Highlights: A robust 2.88 MW Solar Array project featuring ground and roof-mounted installations. A $6 million investment, supported by significant funding from the Illinois SREC program and third-party financing through Balance Solar. Expected 20-year savings of $6.7 million, with a 30-year projection of revenue and savings of $14.1 million. An impactful reduction in carbon footprint, equivalent to significant environmental savings annually. The selection of Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport as the Airport Business 2024 Projects of the Year Sustainability underscores its exceptional achievements in sustainability and financial management. This solar project demonstrates the airport's innovative approach to environmental stewardship and inspires airports globally, aiming to harmonize operational success with sustainability. Veregy Veregy is an award-winning NAESCO-accredited decarbonization company focusing on accelerating and simplifying the Energy Transition. We provide turnkey engineering and construction services designed to reduce our clients energy and operating costs by implementing energy efficiency and infrastructure upgrades, smart building technology, fleet EV infrastructure, clean energy generation, and sustainability. Springfield Airport Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport was named the 2020 Primary Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation. In 2021 IDOT released an Economic Impact study indicating Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport generates $370.8 million in total economic output annually for the local economy, impacting 2,630 jobs. The airport is home to many major tenants that include the Illinois Air National Guards 183rd Wing, StandardAero MRO, IDOTs Division of Aeronautics, Lincoln Land Community Colleges LRS Aviation Maintenance Training Center, Illinois Army National Guard and Stellar Aviation. The airports main passenger terminal is also home to the Passenger Service Center and Sky Club, a membership-based club offering added benefits for frequent travelers. Commercial passenger air service offerings feature daily service to Chicago OHare International Airport on American Airlines, flights to Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Florida on Allegiant, and flights to Tampa and Orlando, Florida on Breeze Airways. More information can be found at www.FlySPI.com or by calling the Passenger Service Center at 217-788-9200. # # # # CONTACT: Vince Esparza VP of Marketing and Communications Veregy [email protected] 602.452.8746 www.veregy.com Mark E. Hanna, A.A.E., Executive Director Springfield Airport Authority/Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport 217.788.1060 Attachment TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has issued a Notice of Proposal (NOP) for a 60-day liquor sales licence suspension of Kelsey's Restaurant (1773731 Ontario Ltd.) in Huntsville, Ontario (Kelseys Huntsville). The AGCO Registrar has reason to believe that several violations of the Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019 (LLCA) and its Regulations occurred at this establishment. On November 4, 2022, it is alleged that a customer at Kelseys Huntsville was served and consumed 18 shots of liquor over approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes. During that period, the customer showed increasing signs of intoxication, yet staff continued serving alcohol to the customer until closing time. The customer left the establishment after last call and drove away in a vehicle. Within minutes, the customer was involved in a major single-vehicle accident and tragically died due to their injuries. The AGCO holds liquor licensees to high standards for the safe and responsible sale of alcohol. Liquor licence holders must ensure their customers are not served to intoxication or permit intoxication on their premises. It is the responsibility of all licensees to ensure their staff are properly trained to recognize the signs of intoxication. An establishment served with a Notice of Proposal has the right to appeal the Registrars action to the Licence Appeal Tribunal (LAT), an adjudicative tribunal independent of the AGCO and part of Tribunals Ontario. The AGCO is committed to ensuring that the alcohol sector operates with honesty, integrity and in the public interest. QUOTES All liquor licence holders in Ontario are required to meet their obligations for the safe and responsible sale of alcohol. Licence holders have a specific duty not to serve customers who are or appear to be intoxicated and have a responsibility to prevent such tragic events from happening. Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO, AGCO MEDIA CONTACT AGCO Communications [email protected] 416-326-3202 ABOUT THE AGCO The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General (MAG). It is a corporation under the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario Act, 2019. The AGCO is responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and private cannabis retail sectors in Ontario in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest. News Releases Source: Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario METTAWA, Ill, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- For the sixth consecutive year, Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), the worlds largest recreational marine technology company, has been named one of Americas Best Large Employers for 2024 by Forbes Magazine. Of the thousands of companies that were surveyed for this recognition, only 600 made the list. "We are honored to once again see Brunswick recognized as one of Americas top employers. This award reflects direct feedback from our global workforce of more than 17,000 employees, which is a testament to our authentic One Brunswick culture, said Jill Wrobel, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Brunswick Corporation. "Across our global footprint, we value diversity and are passionate about inspiring innovation. I thank our employees for living our values each day and for their role in shaping the future of the marine industry. Together, I am confident that we will continue to deliver exceptional on-water technologies, products and experiences that shape the future of recreational boating. Companies designated as Americas Best Large Employers are selected based on an independent survey where 60,000 employees in 25 different industries working for companies with at least 1,000 people employed in their U.S. locations were asked open-ended questions regarding his/her own employer. The evaluation was based on both direct and indirect recommendations from respondents who were asked to rate their willingness to recommend their own employer to friends and family. This is Brunswicks latest recognition as an employer of choice. Recent awards include: To view the full 2024 ranking, click here, and to learn more about what makes Brunswick Corporation a Best Employer visit: https://www.brunswick.com/careers. About Brunswick Corporation Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC) is the global leader in marine recreation, delivering innovation that transforms experiences on the water and beyond. Our unique, technology-driven solutions are informed and inspired by deep consumer insights and powered by our belief that Next Never Rests. Brunswick is dedicated to industry leadership, to being the best and most trusted partner to our many customers and to building synergies and ecosystems that enable us to challenge convention and define the future. Brunswick is home to more than 60 industry-leading brands. In the category of Marine Propulsion, these brands include, Mercury Marine, Mercury Racing, MerCruiser and Flite. Brunswicks comprehensive collection of parts, accessories, distribution and technology brands includes Mercury Parts & Accessories, Land N Sea, Lowrance, Simrad, B&G, Mastervolt, RELiON, Attwood and Whale. Our boat brands are some of the best known in the world, including Boston Whaler, Lund, Sea Ray, Bayliner, Harris Pontoons, Princecraft and Quicksilver. Our service, digital and shared-access businesses include Freedom Boat Club, Boateka and a range of financing, insurance and extended warranty businesses. While focused primarily on the marine industry, Brunswick also successfully leverages its portfolio of advanced technologies to deliver an exceptional suite of solutions in mobile and industrial applications. Headquartered in Mettawa, IL, Brunswick has more than 17,000 employees operating in 25 countries. In 2023, Brunswick was named by Forbes as a Worlds Best Employer and as one of Americas Most Responsible Companies by Newsweek, both for the fourth consecutive year. The Company was also named to the 2023 list of Best Companies to Work For by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit brunswick.com. Lee Gordon Vice President Corporate Communications, Public Relations & Public Affairs M: (904) 860-8848 | O: (847) 735-4003 Source: Brunswick Corporation GRAPEVINE, Texas, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Buchanan Technologies, an industry-leading MSP serving mid-market and enterprise organizations, announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Buchanan to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category for 2024. The MSP 500 list compiled by CRN serves as a comprehensive guide to identifying and recognizing the top Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in North America. These MSPs play a crucial role in supporting businesses by offering managed services that enhance efficiency, secure data, and systems, simplify IT solutions, and optimize return on investment. The annual MSP 500 list is divided into three sections: the MSP Pioneer 250, recognizing companies with business models weighted toward managed services and largely focused on the SMB market; the MSP Elite 150, recognizing large, data center-focused MSPs with a strong mix of on- and off-premises services; and the Managed Security 100, recognizing MSPs focused primarily on off-premises and cloud-based security services. The MSP 500 list aims to showcase and celebrate MSPs that are driving growth and innovation in the industry. These service providers not only enable businesses to harness complex technologies but also contribute to maintaining a strong focus on core business goals without stretching financial resources. By categorizing MSPs based on their business models and areas of expertise, the list helps end-users find the right partners to meet their specific needs and challenges in the rapidly evolving technology landscape. Buchanan Technologies has emerged as a top IT channel provider, expanding rapidly, and understanding emerging midmarket trends that effectively solve business challenges. Today, the company serves a diverse clientele of midsize, enterprise, and Fortune 100 companies worldwide with comprehensive, all-inclusive, and full stack solutions around network, business applications, security, modernization, and customer experience. Jennifer Follett, VP of US Content and executive Editor CRN, The Channel Company, emphasized the significance of managed services for businesses at various scales, stating, Managed services provide a route for businesses of all sizes to maintain efficiency and adaptability throughout their growth journey. The solution providers featured in our 2024 MSP 500 list are introducing cutting-edge managed services portfolios to the market, enabling their clients to achieve success by optimizing their IT budgets. This allows businesses to allocate resources strategically, concentrating on mission-critical tasks that drive future success. The recognition as a leader in the Elite 150 category is an honor and a reflection of Buchanans team that serves hundreds of customers daily, working as their MSP, MSSP, CSP, or some combination of the three, said Jim Buchanan, CEO and Founder of Buchanan Technologies. He added, With an exceptional team of dedicated IT experts and over three decades of industry experience, we are proud to have made a positive impact on countless businesses, and we will continue to embrace cutting-edge technology and uphold our promise of delivering service excellence. The MSP 500 list will be featured in the February 2024 issue of CRN and online at www.crn.com/msp500. NOTES: About Buchanan Technologies Established in 1988, Buchanan Technologies is an award-winning managed services provider offering innovative IT services and customized solutions to mid-tier and enterprise-level organizations across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Buchanan offers flexible and customizable solutions to accommodate any IT needs whether it is improving customer experience, serving with onsite IT services, or a complete managed IT solutions and believes every interaction matters with each customer to provide a seamless user experience. To learn how Buchanan can simplify your IT solution, visit www.buchanan.com. About The Channel Company The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 40 years of unequalled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. 2024 The Channel Company LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved. Buchanan Technologies Media Contact: LaRessa Cox Vice President of Marketing [email protected] 972-910-7544 The Channel Company Contact: Kristin DaSilva The Channel Company [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b74bcb32-72d8-499b-a356-5fbdd1160562 Announcement: Buchanan Technologies Recognized on CRNs 2024 MSP 500 List Buchanan Technologies, an industry-leading MSP serving mid-market and enterprise organizations, announced that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Buchanan to its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Elite 150 category for 2024. Source: Buchanan Technologies VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glorious Creation Limited (Glorious or the Company) (CSE: GCIT.X) is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into a definitive purchase and sale agreement (the Definitive Agreement) dated February 12, 2024 with Stallion Uranium Corp. (Stallion), a British Columbia mineral exploration company with its common shares listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSXV). Pursuant to the Definitive Agreement, the Company will acquire three separate mineral properties comprised of an aggregate of seven mineral claims, covering a total of 10,874 hectares (approximately 100 square kilometers), located in Eastern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan (collectively, the Properties) from Stallion (the Transaction). The Transaction is subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) and is intended to constitute a Fundamental Change of Glorious as defined in CSE Policy 8 Fundamental Changes and Changes of Business. Subject to CSE approval, upon the closing of the Transaction (the Closing), the business of the Company resulting from the Transaction will primarily be the exploration for uranium on the Properties. Trading in the Companys common shares (the Shares) on the CSE was halted in connection with this news release. Trading in the Shares will remain halted pending the review of the Transaction by the CSE and satisfaction of any conditions of the CSE for resumption of trading. It is likely that that the Shares will not resume trading until the Closing. The Properties The Ford Lake project consists of three claims covering an area of 7,431 hectares in the prolific Eastern Athabasca Basin near the margin of the Mudjuik and Wollaston Domains. Ford Lake is prospectively highlighted by the recent CanAlaska Uranium Ltd. high-grade discovery hole at Moon Lake only 10km to the northeast. The uranium endowment of the area is proven by the significant deposits of the Key Lake Mine only 15km to the southeast and less than 20km from Cameco Corp.s Millennium deposit, and less than 20km from Denison Mines Corp.s Gryphon and Phoenix deposits with uranium mineral reserves of 106.4 Mlbs (Million Pounds) U3O8.12 _____________________________ 1 NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Wheeler River Project Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada dated June 20, 20232 Denison Mines Corp. Core Projects Wheeler River Project Each of the Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects are located in the Eastern Athabasca Basin in northwest Saskatchewan. The Cigar Lake East and Roughrider South projects consists of four claims covering a total area of 3,443 hectares in the Wollaston Domain in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. Drew Zimmerman, CEO of Stallion Uranium Corp stated We are excited to see our three eastern basin projects move into the hands of Glorious, while still being able to benefit from their success. These projects warrant, and will now receive, a committed uranium exploration program led by our world class technical and geological team at a time when the world needs meaningful uranium discoveries. All three projects are located in the heart of the world-renowned Eastern Athabasca Basin and hold significant potential for discovery. CEO Nicholas Luksha expressed enthusiasm stating, Today marks a significant milestone for our shareholders as we secure a strategic land position in one of the most renowned Uranium regions in the world. The full control of this acquisition adds up to approximately 100 square kilometers, and is situated in a significant area with recent Uranium discoveries. This exciting opportunity has generated enthusiasm amongst our team and operating partners at Stallion Uranium. Collaborating on this turnkey operation, we aim to establish robust leadership and harness the expertise of the existing technical team to commence drilling on the most promising targets as soon as this summer. The ambitious strategy we have in motion is poised to substantially enhance shareholder value. Exhibit #1. Ford Lake, Cigar Lake East, and Roughrider South shown above with all other Uranium activity in the general region. The Transaction The Definitive Agreement provides that the Company will acquire the Properties from Stallion for the following consideration: concurrently with the signing the Definitive Agreement, a cash payment of $100,000.00 (the Deposit ), which one half of the Deposit ($50,000) will be refundable by Stallion to Glorious if Glorious does not obtain approval from the CSE; ), which one half of the Deposit ($50,000) will be refundable by Stallion to Glorious if Glorious does not obtain approval from the CSE; on the date of the Closing (the Closing Date ), a cash payment of $300,000.00; ), a cash payment of $300,000.00; an aggregate of 2,500,000 Shares to be issued by the Company to Stallion as follows: 500,000 Shares on the date which is six (6) months following the Closing Date, 500,000 Shares on the date which is twelve (12) months following the Closing Date, 500,000 Shares on the date which is eighteen (18) months following the Closing Date, and 1,000,000 Shares on the date which is twenty-four (24) months following the Closing Date; and a 3.0% net smelter return royalty on the Properties in favour of Stallion (the "Royalty"). The terms of the Royalty will be governed by a net smelter return royalty agreement (the Royalty Agreement) to be entered into between the Company and Stallion at Closing. The parties agreed to negotiate in good faith to settle the terms of the Royalty Agreement promptly following the execution of the Definitive Agreement. The Royalty Agreement will include a 1.5% buy-back right in favour of the Company which can be exercised at any point prior to commercial production as follows: (a) $500,000 for 0.5%; (b) $750,000 for a second 0.5%; and (c) $1,000,000 for a third 0.5%. The Company and Stallion have also agreed to enter into an operating agreement (the Operating Agreement) pursuant to which Stallion will conduct an agreed upon exploration program on one or more of the Properties. The completion of the Transaction is subject to the satisfaction of various conditions as are standard for a transaction of this nature, including, but not limited to: (i) receipt of all requisite consents, waivers and approvals for the Transaction, including the approval of the CSE, the approval by the holders of at least 50.1% of the issued and outstanding Shares and approval of the TSXV; (ii) the absence of any material adverse change in the status of the Properties; (iii) entry into of the Royalty Agreement and the Operating Agreement; (iv) the delivery of a National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties compliant technical report with respect to one or more of the Properties; (v) the Company meeting the qualifications for listing under CSE Policy 2 Qualification for Listing (Policy 2) by filing all of the documents and following the procedures set out in Policy 2; and (vi) Stallion, if applicable, having received the requisite approvals from its shareholders for the Transaction. The Company expects to pay a finders fee in connection with the Transaction to the party that introduced the acquisition target to the Company, subject to applicable securities laws and the policies of the CSE. There is no change of control of the Company expected to occur as a result of the Transaction. Qualifying Statement The foregoing scientific and technical disclosures for Glorious Creations Limited have been reviewed by Darren Slugoski, P.Geo., a registered member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan. Mr. Slugoski is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Glorious Creation Limited Glorious is incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with its registered and head office in Vancouver, British Columbia. Glorious is a reporting issuer in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. For further information, please contact: Glorious Creation Limited Attention: Nicholas Luksha, CEO and Director Phone: (604) 838-0184 Cautionary Note Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, CSE acceptance and shareholder approval. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. The CSE has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. This news release also includes references with respect to CanAlaska Uranium Ltd.s Moon Lake project, Cameco Corp.s Millennium deposit and Denison Mines Corp.s Gryphon and Phoenix deposits (collectively, the Adjacent Properties), which are located near the Properties in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. The Company advises that, notwithstanding their proximity of location, discoveries of minerals on the Adjacent Properties and any promising results thereof are not necessarily indicative of the mineralization of, or located on the Properties or the Companys ability to commercially exploit the Properties or to locate any commercially exploitable deposits therefrom. All technical information contained in this press release with respect to Denison Mines Corps Gryphon and Phoenix deposits, was provided by the sources noted in footnotes (1) and (2) above without independent review and investigation by the Company, and the Company has relied on the information contained in the respective sources exclusively in providing the information about the Denison Mines Corps Gryphon and Phoenix deposits. The Company cautions investors on relying on this information as the Company has not confirmed the accuracy or reliability of the information. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding the Companys completion of the Transaction and related transactions. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future, including, but not limited to: that the Company will obtain the requisite approvals with respect to the Transaction, including that of the CSE and the shareholders of the Company, as applicable; that all other conditions for completion of the Transaction will be satisfied for completion of the Transaction; that the Shares will remain halted until the Closing; that the Company and Stallion will successfully negotiate and enter into the Royalty Agreement and the Operating Agreement; that the Company will commence drilling on the Properties and the expected timing thereof; that the Company will complete the name change as proposed; and that the Company will pay a finders fee in connection with the Transaction. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements, including risks related to factors beyond the control of the Company. The risks include the following: that the requisite corporate approvals of the directors and shareholders of the Company may not be obtained; that the CSE may not approve the Transaction; and other risks that are customary to transactions of this nature. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c35fb36-08b7-4726-8410-91dedbac698e Exhibit #1 Ford Lake, Cigar Lake East, and Roughrider South shown above with all other Uranium activity in the general region. Source: Glorious Creation Limited Paris (France) and Tokyo (Japan), February 14, 2024 Iktos, a company specialized in Artificial Intelligence for new drug design, announces the opening of Iktos K.K., its new subsidiary in Japan. Hideyoshi Fuji has been appointed Representative Director of Iktos K.K., and Vice-President, Japan Business Development and Operations. Based in the Greater Tokyo Area, Iktos K.K. currently employs two people, with plans to expand the team rapidly. Hideyoshi, 42, spent 13 years at Astellas Pharma Inc. (2009-2021) as an expert in computational chemistry and chemoinformatics. He implemented in silico and AI technologies applied to drug discovery and contributed to the creation of candidate compounds for clinical development. He participated as the only Japanese in the launch of the MELLODDY (Machine Learning Ledger Orchestration for Drug Discovery) consortium, the world's first federated learning platform for data sharing and collaboration among pharmaceutical industries. After his career with Astellas Pharma, Hideyoshi became an entrepreneur in 2022 and supported business development and marketing efforts in Japan for overseas software companies. Hideyoshi holds a PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Pharmacist License in Japan. He was certified Super Creator under the MITOU program in 2006 and studied high-performance molecular simulations for drug discovery as part of the Junior Research Associate program at RIKEN in 2007-2009. Hideyoshi Fuji appointed Representative Director of Iktos K.K. and VP Japan Business Development and Operations Japan, a key market for Iktos Iktos, a leading Europe-based player in Generative AI for Drug Discovery, has built a reputation of excellence in AI-driven Small Molecule Drug Discovery through multiple collaborations with leading global pharmaceutical companies. Its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms Makya for Generative Drug Design and Spaya for Retrosynthesis have already been adopted by a large number of companies across the world. Japan is a key market for Iktos, which has already formed several strategic partnerships with local pharmaceutical groups such as Teijin Pharma, Ono Pharmaceutical, Curreio and Kissei Pharmaceutical. In particular, Iktos announced (press release of July 3, 2023) that Kissei Pharmaceutical, a Japanese pharmaceutical company specializing in urology and kidney dialysis, has adopted Makya, Iktos' Saas platform for AI-driven drug discovery. Iktos also signed last year (press release of June 8, 2023) a collaboration agreement for AI-driven drug design with Curreio, a Japanese company specializing in the structural analysis of biomolecules using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). In 2022, Iktos had announced a strategic collaboration agreement with Teijin Pharma to co-develop new AI technology and a research collaboration agreement with Ono Pharmaceutical. Hideyoshi Fuji, Representative Director of Iktos K.K., said: I'm proud to be appointed Head of Iktos's Japanese subsidiary, in a country where the company's technology is already a benchmark, and where the market is particularly promising. I believe that Iktos's AI technology can enhance medicinal chemistry capabilities and accelerate small molecule drug discovery, which has been one of the competitive advantages for Japanese pharmaceutical companies. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the drug discovery process, and Iktos, in collaboration with its Japanese partners, is set to lead this revolution. Yann Gaston-Mathe, co-founder and CEO of Iktos, said: Japan is a key priority for Iktos, and we are very proud to have built successful and trusting business relationships with several leading Japanese pharmaceutical companies over the last two years. The incorporation of Iktos K.K. is a very important step in Iktos strategy to become a leading player in AI for Drug Discovery in Japan through a local presence and development of a Japanese team to support our customers and partners. We are therefore delighted to appoint Hideyoshi to head up our activities in Japan. His mastery of pharmaceutical issues, his experience and his ability to forge strategic partnerships will enable us to further accelerate our development in Japan. Hideyoshis position as Vice President, in parallel with his role as Representative Director of Iktos K.K., shows how important his appointment and the Japanese market are for us. -- About IktosIncorporated in October 2016, Iktos is a French start-up company specialized in the development of artificial intelligence solutions applied to chemical research, more specifically medicinal chemistry and new drug design. Iktos is developing a proprietary and innovative solution based on deep generative models, which enables, using existing data, to design molecules that are optimized in silico to meet all the success criteria of a small molecule discovery project. The use of Iktos technology enables major productivity gains in upstream pharmaceutical R&D. Iktos offers its technology through the SaaS software platforms Makya for generative drug design and Spaya for retrosynthesis, and through strategic collaborations with pharma companies where Iktos mobilizes its unique platform and leading-edge capabilities to expedite small molecule drug discovery for the benefit of its partners. Iktos is also developing Iktos Robotics, a unique AI-driven synthesis automation platform which dramatically accelerates the Design-Make-Test cycle in drug discovery. More information on: http://www.iktos.ai/ Press contacts Iktos: Yann Gaston-Mathe (CEO) - [email protected] Pierre-Louis Germain [email protected] / + 33 6 64 79 97 51 Charles Courbet [email protected] / + 33 6 28 93 03 06 Source: IKTOS Atlanta, GA, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ImagineX, an Atlanta, Georgia-based digital services firm specializing in software engineering and cybersecurity services, is pleased to announce its partnership with Build, a prominent software engineering firm. Founded in 2018, Build adds a 50-person software engineering team in Costa Rica to ImagineXs existing base of US-based technology team members. By uniting with Build, ImagineX accelerates its mission to cater to the diverse needs of large enterprise clients. The existing expertise within ImagineX combined with Build's extensive experience in enterprise-caliber custom software solutions creates a dynamic partnership, positioning the combined business to serve the evolving demands of enterprises in a rapidly changing digital landscape. Shaun Bank, CEO of ImagineX, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are delighted to welcome the Build team to our firm. Build's talented full-stack agile engineers in Costa Rica have a remarkable track record of designing and developing innovative solutions for a wide array of clients." Bank highlighted the unique formulation of the combined company, adding, "ImagineX delivers enterprise-grade solutions with the talent, network, and balance sheet to meet rapidly growing demand." Armando Vargas, Builds engineering leader in Costa Rica emphasized the seamless positioning of the two companies, stating, This transaction is about two culturally-aligned companies coming together to deliver world-class service to clients. In addition to our commitment to clients, we will continue to strive to provide an exceptional working environment for our technical talent. Through the partnership, the Build team will sit within the Software Engineering practice of ImagineX. ImagineX will maintain the Build brand as its delivery center in San Jose, Costa Rica. There will be no changes to the existing Build management team. ImagineX is backed by ASH Investment Partners, a private equity firm focused on the technology sector. ASH Investment Partners completed a majority recapitalization of ImagineX in partnership with management in October 2023. Brittany K. Patten Director of Marketing & Culture [email protected] 703-728-4556 Source: ImagineX James Smith Cree Nation, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly a year and a half after a stabbing massacre at James Smith Cree Nation, Chief Wally Burns announced his community has signed a new partnership that gives First Nations leaders access to a new emergency alert system. The system is called FirstAlerts. It's a newly launched feature on Talking Stick, an anonymous chat app developed by TryCycle Data Systems in partnership with the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations (FSIN) that provides peer-to-peer Indigenous support in Saskatchewan. Available now, FirstAlerts will empower First Nations leaders to issue emergency alerts through Talking Stick about missing persons, natural disasters, and public safety emergencies. This is about putting control back into the hands of our people when weve felt underserved by the traditional emergency alert system, says Chief Burns. Using FirstAlerts is another way for us to feel safer as a community after weve lived through such tragedy. In September 2022, 11 people were killed and 17 others were injured during a stabbing spree in James Smith Cree Nation. Earlier this month, a coroners inquest into the massacre resulted in 29 recommendations, including eight measures that can be taken to make the community safer. FirstAlerts allows First Nations community leaders to issue trusted and timely alerts to their members to help ensure their own safety and that of their families and loved ones. James Smith Cree Nation is the first First Nations community in Saskatchewan that will be able to send community-based safety alerts directly to their members. TryCycle Data Systems CEO John MacBeth is confident more communities will sign on. He says existing emergency alert systems have often missed the mark in serving the unique needs of First Nations communities. People are using Facebook to get instructions about their safety, about gunshots being fired, about a missing child, says MacBeth. More than half of our employees are Indigenous and living in Saskatchewan we had to do something. Vice-Chief Dutch Lerat from FSIN says First Nations communities and their leaders need to have decision-making power on how emergencies are communicated and what information is shared during an emergency. We have witnessed layers of bureaucracy that have cost us critical time during emergencies, or times when a missing person doesnt meet the criteria to have an alert sent out, says Chief Lerat. When it comes to our people and the emergencies that affect us, First Nations have the sovereign right to design and follow emergency alerting protocols of our own creation. MacBeth says his Ottawa-based company has spent the last year developing FirstAlerts because they saw the urgency in creating a solution. The lack of alert sovereignty from our First Nations communities is simply unacceptable, he says. Indigenous communities in Canada experience disproportionate risks and a higher frequency of emergency evacuation. TryCycle is deeply honoured to have played a very small part in closing this gap, a privilege often overlooked by non-Indigenous Canadians." MacBeth says TryCycle is ready and eager to bring FirstAlerts to many more First Nations communities across the country. "I have no doubt it will save lives, says MacBeth. We believe we have created something here that can truly make a difference, and we would like to see as many communities as possible using Talking Stick and FirstAlerts in the near future. To request an interview, please contact Kate Cornick at [email protected]. For more information on bringing FirstAlerts to your community, please contact TryCycle Data Systems at [email protected]. About TryCycle Data Systems: Established in 2017, TryCycle is an Ottawa tech company bridging the gap between digital software and human connection. We empower at-risk communities and vulnerable populations with accessible digital solutions, to enhance well- being and build capacity, especially for those facing mental illness, substance use, suicide, depression or loneliness. Ottawas Fastest Growing Company 2023, and Best Ottawa Business 2023. www.trycycle.ca About Talking Stick: Talking Stick (my.talkingstick.app) is a safe, trusted destination for Indigenous-led communication, connection and support. While remaining anonymous, Talking Stick guests can connect 24/7 to chat with trained Indigenous peer advocates who are ready to listen judgment-free and provide compassionate support. Exclusive to the Talking Stick app, guests can also subscribe to FirstAlerts, which delivers emergency messages from First Nations community leaders to members about missing persons, natural disasters and public safety. About FSIN: The Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations represents 74 First Nations in Saskatchewan. The Federation is committed to honouring the spirit and intent of the Treaties, as well as the promotion, protection and implementation of the Treaty promises that were made more than a century ago. Source: Talking Stick; TryCycle Data Systems SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A six-week trial challenging regressive voting rights provisions in Texas Senate Bill 1 (S.B. 1) concluded with closing arguments today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. The lawsuit asserts S.B. 1 violates the First, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by targeting and making more difficult the methods and means of voting used by voters of color. Plaintiffs also argue the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act by imposing voting barriers that discriminate against voters with disabilities and deny people with disabilities full and equal opportunities to participate in the state's voting programs. The case is comprised of five lawsuits, including Houston Area Urban League v. Abbott, which was filed in 2021 by the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), Reed Smith LLP, ArentFox Schiff, and The Arc on behalf of the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., The Arc of Texas, and Jeffrey Lamar Clemmons, a poll worker. Plaintiffs are challenging several provisions within the restrictive law including: a ban on drive-thru voting; restrictions on early voting hours, which impose a ban on 24-hour voting; and new ID requirements for voting by mail. S.B. 1 also establishes new requirements and possible criminal penalties for people who assist voters who need help filling out their ballots, including voters with disabilities. The timing of a decision from Judge Xavier Rodriguez is pending. True democracy does not tolerate barriers that make it harder for citizens to vote based on race or ability, but rather it encourages voting and political participation because diversity of thought, ability, and background makes us stronger, said Amir Badat, Special Counsel, Legal Defense Fund. S.B. 1 runs counter to the sentiment of participation and democracy." We are not just in a legal battle; we're fighting for the very heart of our democracy, said Elsie Cooke-Holmes, International President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. S.B. 1 is a calculated assault on our foundational values. We remain steadfast in combating these discriminatory practices to guarantee every citizen's unimpeded access to the ballot box, ensuring their vote is cast and counted."Democracy works when elections are accessible to all eligible voters, said Kenneth Broughton, Partner, Reed Smith LLP. This legislation prevents, inhibits, and discourages eligible voters from casting their ballots in violation of the Voting Rights Act and the United States Constitution. We are proud to stand with our clients Houston Area Urban League, Delta Sigma Theta, The Arc of Texas, and Jeffrey Clemmons, to protect the rights of all Texans no matter their race, their language, or whether or not they identify as having disability to meaningfully participate in the political process, said J. Michael Showalter, Partner, ArentFox Schiff.S.B. 1 poses a Catch-22 for disabled voters, because it makes both in-person voting and voting by mail more burdensome and inaccessible, said Shira Wakschlag, Senior Director of Legal Advocacy & General Counsel, The Arc of the United States. Throughout trial, we have heard from voters with disabilities about how S.B. 1 raises the cost of voting and forces voters with disabilities to rely on burdensome workarounds that require them to expend significant additional time, subject themselves to physical pain and mental stress, experience multiple ballot rejections, and work twice as hard as non-disabled voters in order to participate in the voting process and have their vote counted, making them feel like second-class citizens. This is not the equal opportunity the ADA was enacted to provide and cannot possibly be consistent with the ADAs clear and comprehensive mandate to eliminate discrimination against people with disabilities and integrate them into the mainstream of American life. In 2020, we saw bigger turnout numbers in Harris County than ever before. Not only can we boast that we have the most diverse county in the nation, but we are also civically engaged, said Judson Robinson III, President & CEO of the Houston Area Urban League. We see S.B. 1 as a tool being used to completely disrupt diverse voter engagement and participation here in Houston. Additionally, S.B. 1 makes it nearly impossible for hourly workers to participate in our elections. We believe now, and always, that shift workers deserve their right to vote just like everyone else. Contacts: Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62889bfd-d32a-43d1-af18-661c25054793 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ddf6b972-afad-4aa8-8f42-cb06e537c872 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/34b947a7-0478-453a-9ee8-feb65374bc10 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78fd1a71-7c4b-4ae3-9350-7592aaa080bb Texas Senate Bill 1 Closing Arguments Texas House of Representatives Member Ron Reynolds addresses more than 100 participants during a pre-court rally outside the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas ahead of the closing arguments in the Texas Senate Bill 1 case. Image taken on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2023 in San Antonio. (Robin Jerstad/AP Images for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) Texas Senate Bill 1 Closing Arguments Sandra Isiguzo, 22, a senior neuroscience major at University of Texas at Austin and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., advocates for voting rights at a pre-court rally outside the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, before the closing arguments in the Texas Senate Bill 1 case. Image taken on on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2023 in San Antonio. (Robin Jerstad/AP Images for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) Texas Senate Bill 1 Closing Arguments Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., a co-plaintiff in the federal case challenging Texas Senate Bill 1, participate in a pre-court rally outside the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas ahead of the closing arguments in the Texas Senate Bill 1 case. Image taken on on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2023 in San Antonio. (Robin Jerstad/AP Images for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) Texas Senate Bill 1 Closing Arguments From left, Meka Simmons, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer; Thelma T. Daley, 16th National President and Vice Chair of Deltas for Women in Action; Elsie Cooke-Holmes, International President and Crystal T. Barker, SW Regional Director of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. lead more than 100 members and advocates into the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas for the closing arguments in the Texas Senate Bill 1 case. Image taken on on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2023 in San Antonio. (Robin Jerstad/AP Images for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority) Source: Legal Defense Fund Washington, D.C., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The New Civil Liberties Alliance has filed an amicus curiae brief asking the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit to rehear the case of Consumers Research v. CPSC en banc in order to decide whether CPSCs structure is unconstitutional. CPSC Commissioners unquestionably wield executive power, yet the President cannot remove them at will. The en banc Fifth Circuit should end this glaring arrogation of the executive power that Article II of the Constitution vests solely in the President. The district court in this case ruled that CPSC exercises substantial executive power, so its commissioners should be subject to at-will removal by the President under the U.S. Supreme Courts 1935 Humphreys Executor v. U.S. precedent. It is noteworthy that neither the CPSC itself nor the Fifth Circuit panel majority disputes that conclusion. Unfortunately, the panel majority erroneously concluded that Humphreys Executor required it to uphold CPSCs structure. However, as Judge Edith Joness dissent points out, a careful reading of Humphreys Executor actually requires affirmance of the district courts judgment. The Fifth Circuit, sitting en banc, should likewise closely follow Humphreys Executor and determine that CPSCs structure and actions are unlawful. This case can pave the way for the Supreme Court to reverse Humphreys, which erred by upholding tenure protections for Federal Trade Commission commissioners against at-will presidential removal. Humphreys did not dispute the Presidents authority to remove executive branch subordinates, but it found FTC commissioners to be exempt because they did not exercise executive power. That judgment was mistaken. FTC has always exercised executive power in the constitutional sense, engaging in enforcement activity outside the agency in violation of Article IIs constraints. However, if the Fifth Circuit rules against CPSC because that agency exercises executive power, its ruling would be sustained even if the Supreme Court overrules Humphreys Executor. NCLA urges the en banc Fifth Circuit to both follow Humphreys (to the letter) and to encourage that precedents downfall. Though Humphreys strays from the Constitutions original meaning, CPSC is unconstitutionally structured under Humphreys regardless. As Judge Jones wrote in her dissent, [t]he CPSC is not limited to duties as a legislative or judicial aid such as making investigations and reports to Congress or making recommendations to courts as a master in chancery, but instead wields [p]lainly executive powers. Thus, CPSCs structure cannot be sustained even on Humphreys Executors terms. NCLA released the following statements:As Judge Jones pointed out, [f]acts are called facts for a reason and [d]ifferent facts often mean different results. Because the facts here differ enough from those in Humphreys Executor, the en banc Fifth Circuit should conclude that the CPSC is unconstitutionally structured and thus take an important step toward restoring the constitutional design that the Framers bequeathed to us. Greg Dolin, Senior Litigation Counsel, NCLA As a former attorney at the CPSC, I have no doubt that the agency wields executive power. For that reason, even under the flawed rule of Humphreys Executor, CPSC Commissioners must be subject to at-will removal by the President. As Judge Jones recognized, the lower courts do not need Humphreys to be overturned in order to apply its holding correctly to agencies that improperly wield executive power outside the Presidents control. Mark Chenoweth, President and Chief Legal Officer, NCLA For more information visit the amicus 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. ### Ruslan Moldovanov New Civil Liberties Alliance 202-869-5237 [email protected] Source: New Civil Liberties Alliance BEIJING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- A total of 97 counties, districts, and cities in China, including Beijing's Chaoyang District, have been designated as national-level experimental areas for school-family-society cooperation in educating students, according to a circular recently released by the Ministry of Education's general office. To promote the smooth development of the work in experimental areas, efforts should be made to strengthen the leadership of the work, while increasing policy support and funding investment, as well as enhancing the system and mechanism, read the document. It also urges the experimental areas to formulate practical targets and measures as per local conditions, provide strong support for reform and innovation, and strengthen the ability to demonstrate and offer guidance. TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ninepoint 2022 Flow-Through Limited Partnership (the Partnership), announced today that it had completed the tax-deferred transfer of the assets of the Partnership (the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction) into Ninepoint Resource Fund Class (the Resource Class) of Ninepoint Corporate Fund Inc., as discussed in the Partnerships press release of November 30, 2023. National Class Rollover Details 2,488,552 Series A shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $5.847922 per share. The final net asset value per National Class Partnership Class A unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $7.576792 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of National Class Partnership Class A units will receive 1.295638 Resource Class Series A shares for each National Class Partnership Class A unit held. The adjusted cost base for each National Class Partnership Class A unit was $2.793390 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series A share was $2.155996 per share. 543,933 Series F shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $5.979111 per share. The final net asset value per National Class Partnership Class F unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $7.858674 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of National Class Partnership Class F units will receive 1.314354 Resource Class Series F shares for each National Class Partnership Class F unit held. The adjusted cost base for each National Class Partnership Class F unit was $3.653280 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series F share was $2.779525 per share. Quebec Class Rollover Details 268,477 Series A shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $5.847922 per share. The final net asset value per Quebec Class Partnership Class A unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $6.926842 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of Quebec Class Partnership Class A units will receive 1.184496 Resource Class Series A shares for each Quebec Class Partnership Class A unit held. The adjusted cost base for each Quebec Class Partnership Class A unit was $2.792691 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series A share was $2.357704 per share. 87,002 Series F shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $5.979111 per share. The final net asset value per Quebec Class Partnership Class F unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $7.191031 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of Quebec Class Partnership Class F units will receive 1.202692 Resource Class Series F shares for each Quebec Class Partnership Class F unit held. The adjusted cost base for each Quebec Class Partnership Class F unit was $3.670132 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series F share was $3.051598 per share. For investors looking for another tax-advantaged investment, Ninepoint Partners LP has filed and received a receipt for a final prospectus dated January 30, 2024 offering limited partnership units of a new flow-through limited partnership, Ninepoint 2024 Short Duration Flow-Through Limited Partnership. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision. The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering or tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on the specific circumstances before taking any action. Additional information: The prospectus for the Resource Class is available at www.ninepoint.com, through a broker or by contacting us at (866) 299-9906 or [email protected]. Information about the Ninepoint 2024 Short Duration Flow-Through Limited Partnership is available through the dealers or by contacting us at (866) 299-9906 or [email protected]. About Ninepoint Partners LP Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canadas leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets. For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or [email protected]. Source: Ninepoint Partners LP TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier American Uranium Inc. (PUR or Premier American Uranium) (TSXV: PUR) is pleased to announce it has engaged SRC Swiss Resource Capital AG (SRC), an independent entity, to provide digital, translation, news, and communications services in Europe (the Services). Under the terms of the engagement agreement (the Agreement), PUR has agreed to pay SRC a fee of CHF5,000 per month for a one-year term, continuing month-to-month thereafter, and has granted SRC 300,000 stock options (the Options) pursuant to the Companys long-term omnibus incentive plan. Each Option entitles SRC to acquire one PUR common share at an exercise price of $2.61 per share for a period of five years. To the knowledge of the Company, SRC and/or its affiliates currently hold 1,300 common shares of PUR; however, SRC may from time to time acquire or dispose of securities of the Company through the market, privately or otherwise, as circumstances or market conditions warrant. SRC is at arms length to PUR and has no other relationship with PUR, except pursuant to the Agreement. The Agreement and the grant of the Options thereunder are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Premier American Uranium Premier American Uranium Inc. is focused on the consolidation, exploration, and development of uranium projects in the United States. One of PURs key strengths is the extensive land holdings in two prominent uranium-producing regions in the United States: the Great Divide Basin of Wyoming and the Uravan Mineral Belt of Colorado. With a rich history of past production and historic uranium mineral resources, PUR has work programs underway to advance its portfolio. Backed by Sachem Cove Partners, Consolidated Uranium and additional institutional investors, and an unparalleled team with U.S. uranium experience, PURs entry into the market comes at a well-timed opportunity, as uranium fundamentals are currently the strongest they have been in a decade. For More Information, Please Contact: Premier American Uranium Inc.Tim RotoloCEO and Director[email protected] Toll-Free: 1-833-572-2333Twitter: @PremierAUraniumwww.premierur.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulations Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to, planned exploration activities; and other activities, events or developments that are expected, anticipated or may occur in the future. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof. Forward-looking information and statements are based on our current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates and forecasts about PURs business and the industry and markets in which it operates. Such forward information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, receipt of the necessary approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange, expectations regarding negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, no known mineral reserves or resources, reliance on key management and other personnel, potential downturns in economic conditions, actual results of exploration activities being different than anticipated, changes in exploration programs based upon results, risks generally associated with the mineral exploration industry, environmental risks, changes in laws and regulations, community relations, delays in obtaining governmental or other approvals and the risk factors with respect to Premier American Uranium set out in PURs listing application dated November 27, 2023 and the other documents of PUR filed with the Canadian securities regulators and available under PURs profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the assumptions made by PUR in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information and statements also involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium to differ materially from any projections of results, performances and achievements of Premier American Uranium expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements, including, among others: limited operating history, negative operating cash flow and dependence on third party financing, uncertainty of additional financing, delays or failure to obtain required permits and regulatory approvals, no known mineral resources/reserves, reliance on a single project, aboriginal title and consultation issues, reliance on key management and other personnel; potential downturns in economic conditions; availability of third party contractors; availability of equipment and supplies; failure of equipment to operate as anticipated; accidents, effects of weather and other natural phenomena and other risks associated with the mineral exploration industry; changes in laws and regulation, competition, and uninsurable risks. Although PUR has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by 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 forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. PUR undertakes no obligation to update or reissue forward-looking information as a result of new information or events except as required by applicable securities laws. Source: Premier American Uranium Inc ISELIN, N.J., Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Provident Bank, a leading New Jersey-based financial institution, recently welcomed Tom Mathew as First Vice President, Deputy Compliance Officer. In addition, Mr. Mathew serves as Deputy Compliance Officer for Providents insurance subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, and as Chief Compliance Officer for Beacon Trust, Providents wealth management subsidiary. Mr. Mathew is responsible for managing compliance and regulatory requirements for these respective business lines within the organization. In addition, he evaluates compliance risk to develop risk-based compliance testing of existing procedures and controls to identify, detect, and correct non-compliance. He also partners with senior management in developing and communicating training initiatives to inform staff and stakeholders about compliance requirements. I am delighted to welcome Tom to this important role, said Mary Brown, Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer. As we continue to maintain the highest standards in risk management, regulatory compliance, and community service, Toms extensive knowledge in fiduciary risk management, regulatory practices, and due diligence will be instrumental as Provident grows, added Ms. Brown. Mr. Mathew has more than 20 years experience in corporate compliance, fiduciary risk management, and support function project management. Most recently, he was Vice President, Director of Compliance with HSBC Bank in New York. Prior to that, he served as Senior Compliance Officer with Euro Pacific Capital/Euro Pacific Asset Management in Westport, Connecticut. In addition, he held the position of Senior Compliance Officer with Digital Offering in Newport Beach, California. Mr. Mathew attended the University of Phoenix, where he earned a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration. About Provident Bank Provident Bank, a community-oriented financial institution offering Commitment you can count on since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS), which reported assets of $14.2 billion as of December 31, 2023. With $10.3 billion in deposits, Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey, as well as Bucks, Lehigh and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania and Nassau and Queens Counties in New York. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc. For more information about Provident Bank, visit www.provident.bank or join the conversations on Facebook (ProvidentBank) and Twitter (@ProvidentBank). MEDIA CONTACT: Keith Buscio 732-504-9407 [email protected] A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/40bac28c-cb50-462e-b6e5-2fadcd687444 Tom Mathew First Vice President, Deputy Compliance Officer, Provident Bank & Provident Protection Plus Chief Compliance Officer, Beacon Trust Source: Provident Bank Vancouver, BC, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), (Frankfurt: IJA2) (the Company) announces that Daniel Hernandez, Director of RevoluGROUP has decided to step down effective immediately, and is pleased to announce the appointment of Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa to the board of directors (the Board) of the Company, both effective February 12, 2024. Daniel Hernandez began as a highly valued corporate advisor in September 2017. Since November 2020, Mr. Hernandez has been an instrumental board member, bringing his expertise and guidance to the Company over the past three years. The board and Management extend their deepest gratitude to Daniel for his significant contributions in his previous executive management role. Due to the tremendous success of Daniel Hernandez's eSignus, a Company he cofounded, Daniel needs to dedicate increased focus in this role. Mr. Hernandez will continue to assist in the capacity of Advisor, specifically on the integration of the RevoluEX platform and integration of eSignus security technology for mobile or web applications. In light of this transition, the Company is pleased to welcome Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa as the newest member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately and subject to the TSX Venture Exchange approval of the requisite PIF ("Personal Information Form"). Francisco was a notable investor in the Company's recent private placement, has undertook key internal projects and the upcoming technology integration related to MyFullTrip, and other partnership projects. Bernard Lonis, Chairman of RevoluGROUP, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing director and enthusiasm for the incoming director's contributions. Mr. Lonis stated, "eSignus has demonstrated huge success by focusing on the security aspects of protecting cryptocurrencies and user wallets, and having Daniel Hernandez continue as RevoluGROUP advisor but now laser-focused on the eSignus integration into RevoluEX is of paramount importance for our upcoming projects. Furthermore, we welcome Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa to the Board of Directors as a major investor and a key ally in numerous upcoming technology integrations." About Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa Francisco is a seasoned Computer Systems Engineer with a Master's in Business Management and Marketing. Mr. Moreno Balboa epitomizes contemporary Information Technology entrepreneurialism, founding Smart Leisure straight out of university, which counted among its client's illustrious companies such as Heineken, Red Bull, Pernod Ricard, and many others. Since 2017, commercial successes have continued as CEO of Madrid, Spain-based Logixs. Francisco and Logixs ascended new heights of achievement by winning the World Finance award twice in 2018 and 2020 for designing and deploying the European banking App EVO Banco. Logixs also provides key services to Price Waterhouse Coopers in the Iberian Peninsula. In 2022 and 2023, Logixs was awarded the concession to create and deploy the nationwide Cultural Voucher Program on behalf of Spain's Culture Ministry. In recent times, Logixs has provided IT services to Banco Santander, one of the world's Top 50 banks with active branches across North and South America and the European Union. Other key Fintech developments include the comprehensive design and development of Orange Bank, a division of the EU Telecommunications giant Orange. Francisco brings valued know-how and cutting-edge information technology skills to RevoluGROUP as we pursue our strategic objectives in North America and Europe. Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa, commented on joining the RevoluGROUP Board of Directors, "I am delighted to join RevoluGROUP. RevoluPAY's Neobanking prowess, along with the active international financial licenses, is the ideal platform to launch new ideas while creating a business leader in the fintech and banking sectors. I look forward to bringing my wealth of experience and know-how in the fintech sector to increment our market penetration onboard substantial users while increasing shareholder value." The Company Issues Incentive Share Options In further news, the Company announces that incentive share options to purchase up to 2,700,000 common shares of the Company were granted to consultants of the Company, with an exercise price of $0.05 per share. The incentive share options have been granted pursuant to the Company's 10% rolling stock option plan and will expire twelve months from the grant date. Should all announced options be exercised in the term, the aggregate amount payable to the treasury would be CA$ 135,000. About RevoluPAY The Company's flagship Neobanking technology is RevoluPAY, the Apple and Android multinational payment app. Conceived entirely in-house, RevoluPAY features proprietary, sector-specific technology of which the resulting source code is the Company's intellectual property. RevoluPAY's built-in features include Remittance Payments, Forex, Retail and Hospitality payments, Real Estate Payments, pay-as-you-go phone top-ups, Gift Cards & Online Credits, Utility Bill payments, Leisure payments, Travel Payments, etc. RevoluPAY is aimed at the worldwide multi-billion dollar Open Banking sector and + $630 billion family remittance market. RevoluPAY is operated by the European wholly owned subsidiary RevoluPAY EP S.L located in Barcelona. RevoluPAY is a licensed United States MSB, Canadian FINTRAC, and European PSD2 payment institution 6900 under E.U. Directive 2015/2366 with EU Passporting. RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. controls five wholly owned subsidiaries on four continents. About RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. is a multi-asset, multidivisional, publicly traded Canadian Company deploying advanced technologies in; Banking, Mobile Apps, Money Remittance, Cross-Border Forex Payments, Mobile Phone Top-Ups, EGaming, Healthcare Payments, Esports, Invoice factoring, Online Travel, Vacation Resort, Blockchain Systems, and Fintech app sectors. Click here to read more. For further information on RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), visit the Company's website at www.RevoluGROUP.com. RevoluGROUP Canada, Inc. "Gavin McMillan" ______________________Gavin McMillanCEO and Director For further information, contact:RevoluGROUP Canada Inc.Telephone: (604) 332 5355Email: [email protected] NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although Management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if Management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedarplus.ca for further information. Source: RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), (Frankfurt: IJA2) (the Company) announces that Daniel Hernandez, Director of RevoluGROUP has decided to step down effective immediately, and is pleased to announce the appointment of Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa to the board of directors (the Board) of the Company, both effective February 12, 2024. Daniel Hernandez began as a highly valued corporate advisor in September 2017. Since November 2020, Mr. Hernandez has been an instrumental board member, bringing his expertise and guidance to the Company over the past three years. The board and Management extend their deepest gratitude to Daniel for his significant contributions in his previous executive management role. Due to the tremendous success of Daniel Hernandez's eSignus, a Company he cofounded, Daniel needs to dedicate increased focus in this role. Mr. Hernandez will continue to assist in the capacity of Advisor, specifically on the integration of the RevoluEX platform and integration of eSignus security technology for mobile or web applications. In light of this transition, the Company is pleased to welcome Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa as the newest member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately and subject to the TSX Venture Exchange approval of the requisite PIF ("Personal Information Form"). Francisco was a notable investor in the Company's recent private placement, has undertook key internal projects and the upcoming technology integration related to MyFullTrip, and other partnership projects. Bernard Lonis, Chairman of RevoluGROUP, expressed his gratitude to the outgoing director and enthusiasm for the incoming director's contributions. Mr. Lonis stated, "eSignus has demonstrated huge success by focusing on the security aspects of protecting cryptocurrencies and user wallets, and having Daniel Hernandez continue as RevoluGROUP advisor but now laser-focused on the eSignus integration into RevoluEX is of paramount importance for our upcoming projects. Furthermore, we welcome Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa to the Board of Directors as a major investor and a key ally in numerous upcoming technology integrations." About Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa Francisco is a seasoned Computer Systems Engineer with a Master's in Business Management and Marketing. Mr. Moreno Balboa epitomizes contemporary Information Technology entrepreneurialism, founding Smart Leisure straight out of university, which counted among its client's illustrious companies such as Heineken, Red Bull, Pernod Ricard, and many others. Since 2017, commercial successes have continued as CEO of Madrid, Spain-based Logixs. Francisco and Logixs ascended new heights of achievement by winning the World Finance award twice in 2018 and 2020 for designing and deploying the European banking App EVO Banco. Logixs also provides key services to Price Waterhouse Coopers in the Iberian Peninsula. In 2022 and 2023, Logixs was awarded the concession to create and deploy the nationwide Cultural Voucher Program on behalf of Spain's Culture Ministry. In recent times, Logixs has provided IT services to Banco Santander, one of the world's Top 50 banks with active branches across North and South America and the European Union. Other key Fintech developments include the comprehensive design and development of Orange Bank, a division of the EU Telecommunications giant Orange. Francisco brings valued know-how and cutting-edge information technology skills to RevoluGROUP as we pursue our strategic objectives in North America and Europe. Francisco Jose Moreno Balboa, commented on joining the RevoluGROUP Board of Directors, "I am delighted to join RevoluGROUP. RevoluPAY's Neobanking prowess, along with the active international financial licenses, is the ideal platform to launch new ideas while creating a business leader in the fintech and banking sectors. I look forward to bringing my wealth of experience and know-how in the fintech sector to increment our market penetration onboard substantial users while increasing shareholder value." The Company Issues Incentive Share Options In further news, the Company announces that incentive share options to purchase up to 2,700,000 common shares of the Company were granted to consultants of the Company, with an exercise price of $0.05 per share. The incentive share options have been granted pursuant to the Company's 10% rolling stock option plan and will expire twelve months from the grant date. Should all announced options be exercised in the term, the aggregate amount payable to the treasury would be CA$ 135,000. About RevoluPAY The Company's flagship Neobanking technology is RevoluPAY, the Apple and Android multinational payment app. Conceived entirely in-house, RevoluPAY features proprietary, sector-specific technology of which the resulting source code is the Company's intellectual property. RevoluPAY's built-in features include Remittance Payments, Forex, Retail and Hospitality payments, Real Estate Payments, pay-as-you-go phone top-ups, Gift Cards & Online Credits, Utility Bill payments, Leisure payments, Travel Payments, etc. RevoluPAY is aimed at the worldwide multi-billion dollar Open Banking sector and + $630 billion family remittance market. RevoluPAY is operated by the European wholly owned subsidiary RevoluPAY EP S.L located in Barcelona. RevoluPAY is a licensed United States MSB, Canadian FINTRAC, and European PSD2 payment institution 6900 under E.U. Directive 2015/2366 with EU Passporting. RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. controls five wholly owned subsidiaries on four continents. About RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. is a multi-asset, multidivisional, publicly traded Canadian Company deploying advanced technologies in; Banking, Mobile Apps, Money Remittance, Cross-Border Forex Payments, Mobile Phone Top-Ups, EGaming, Healthcare Payments, Esports, Invoice factoring, Online Travel, Vacation Resort, Blockchain Systems, and Fintech app sectors. Click here to read more. For further information on RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. (TSX-V: REVO), visit the Company's website at www.RevoluGROUP.com. RevoluGROUP Canada, Inc. "Gavin McMillan" ______________________ Gavin McMillan CEO and Director For further information, contact: RevoluGROUP Canada Inc. Telephone: (604) 332 5355 Email: [email protected] NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. SMB Solutions Equipped With Countermeasures Against Business Email Compromise Cyberattacks Average Revenue Per User to Increase 40% NEW YORK, NY and TORONTO, Ontario, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire Sekur Private Data Ltd. (CSE:SKUR) (OTCQB:SWISF) (FRA:GDT0) (Sekur or the Company), a leading Swiss hosted secure and private communications platform, is pleased to announce that it has launched its Sekur SMB Privacy and Security solutions of privacy communications solutions amid increased cyber attacks and BEC attacks on small businesses in the USA during the presidential election year. Sekur has launched its marketing of SMB solutions in the USA through online marketing and plans to launch a series of channel marketing programs in the coming weeks, to get Sekur and its anti-BEC attack solutions to small businesses in the USA. The result is a gradual average revenue per user (ARPU) of up to 40%. Average ARPU per month today is approximately US$9/month. However, Sekur has been able to consistently increase its offering and its prices, including the latest price increase of its BEC protection email for consumers to US$10/month from US$7/month. This means that the most popular consumer solutions, its SekurVPN and SekurMail are now priced at US$9/month and US%10/month respectively, making its ARPU on consumers move past US$10/month moving forward, as 50% of its users bundle more than one solution. The SMB solutions are priced 50% higher than consumer when it comes with SekurMail, and offer more features, such as mass onboarding of users for all its solutions offered under the Business plans and archiving of communications for its SekurMessaging solution. Overall, a SMB bundle is priced at US$31/month as opposed to consumer bundles priced at US$22/month. The SMB solutions are also targeting specific sectors that have suffered massive cyber breaches, such as the latest breach in the real estate mortgage industry with the Mr Cooper hack. In 2021 alone there were 20,000 BEC attacks reported to the FBI in the USA. Alain Ghiai, CEO of Sekur Private Data, said: "We are seeing a dramatic increase in cyber-attacks in the USA due to the global conflicts at the present time, and due to the current presidential election campaign for the November 2024 presidential elections. Having our SMBs protected from BEC attacks is a prime directive and we are very happy to be able to offer this protection with our SekurSend/SekurReply easy to use feature and technology. We are also working on improving both the Sekurmail and SekurMessenger applications to increase load speeds and add more features, and we have just launched a new web version of SekurMessenger for SMBs. Average revenue per user is also growing and we expect moving forward to have between a 20% to 50% average revenue per user increase with all new subscribers. We are happy to be able to provide these new SMB solutions to the 33 million SMBs in the USA that could use some protection from cyber hacking, as we can offer the only Swiss-hosted, proprietary, private and secure communications platform that does not rely on big tech infrastructure, open-source coding or data mining, therefore reducing exponentially the risk of cyber penetration. Our prime directive is to provide private and secure communications for everyone, and as we are not connected to any Big Tech platform, we offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications, without any data mining, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland. Sekur also recently announced the launch of its SekurRelay Enterprise Email Solution, part of its Sekur Enterprise solution, allowing corporate executives and management to split their company email domain in two, benefiting from SekurMails SekurSend/SekurReply feature and other Swiss-hosted privacy and security solutions SekurMail offers, without having to migrate the entire company employees, eliminating a huge roadblock to mass adoption of SekurMail by large corporations and government agencies. SekurRelay lets a company employee easily migrate their existing business email to Sekurs privacy and security email platform, and split from the companys existing email hosting provider seamlessly, while maintaining the same business email domain as the rest of the employees. This eliminates the need for enterprise IT departments to migrate their entire staff to Sekur, to have the same domain email address. SekurRelay lets company staff, as an example, use their existing provider and email @company.com, while having their executives or managers use SekurMail, keeping their existing email address @company.com. This Inbound Relay solves a large problem, as many larger enterprises have been hesitant to migrate thousands of employee emails due to the cumbersome and costly nature of doing so. With SekurRelay, companies of all sizes can protect C-level and management level emails from Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, while letting the rest of the employees stay in their existing email hosting providers. At the same time, all employee emails will be filtered through SekurRelay, and benefit from Sekurs malware detection and spam filter, giving an extra advantage for all employees, whether they use SekurRelay or not, while only SekurRelay accounts holders will be hosted and have their emails delivered by Sekur. Enterprises and some government upper-level employees and executives have been looking for a way to use Sekurs privacy and security tools without having to migrate the entire company to Sekurs email platform, due to costs associated with migration of thousands of emails. The goal is to get away from the main email platform providers that are being compromised with BEC attacks that are targeting upper management and C-level executives. Sekur is now able to eliminate these roadblocks and offer true protection against data mining, email phishing and BEC attacks to anyone subscribing to a business or enterprise email account, without having to migrate the entire company. SekurRelay comes automatically with all Sekur Enterprise email accounts at a price of US$25/month or US$275/year with a minimum of 10 users per Enterprise account, with each SekurMail account offered with 250GB of redundant storage. This new solution will make sales to businesses of larger sizes, enterprises and government organizations easier, as it does not disrupt their existing IT infrastructure and planning and has no migration cost associated with it. Sekur also believes that by adding its Swiss-hosted SekurVPN solution to its other solutions, it increases internet connection encryption of users and protects their identity from malicious hackers. On April 7, 2023, the Company launched SekurVPN, its privacy VPN solution available through Sekur.com, and began commercial sales of its highly anticipated privacy and security VPN solution. The solution is also offered for sale in USD, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, CHF, EUR and GPB. SekurVPN is especially meant for privacy enthusiasts and users wanting to protect their identity from hackers. An example would be users going to their e-banking or shopping online, using their emails, using messaging applications and wanting to have full privacy and protection from hackers hijacking their IP location and signal. The service guarantees not to use Big Tech or hyperscalers for its functioning or hosting, and it guarantees that there are no third-party bundles sold with it so no data is leaked or sold to third parties. It guarantees no traffic pulling or monitoring and no phone number is required to register to the service. According to a Forbes article, 66% of surveyed internet users within the U.S. use a VPN to help protect personal data, 80% use a VPN for increased security and 33% use a VPN to mask their internet activity. More statistics can be found in this VPN Statistics And Trends In 2023 article. Private: SekurVPN uses its own proprietary infrastructure and does not use any hyperscaler or Big Tech hosting providers, unlike most other VPNs. SekurVPN offers Swiss IPs only. This guarantees that it is using only SekurVPNs own servers and routing. Other VPNs offer hundreds of locations and are using Big Tech providers, compromising users privacy. SekurVPN never monitors users activity and never shares any data with third party service providers. By being a pure VPN, without bundled outside services such as antivirus and ad blockers, SekurVPN keeps users information private without sharing their data with third party service providers. With SekurVPN, users do not register their phone number on the app or the web, rendering users invisible from hackers or snoopers. No phone number to register, anonymous Swiss IPs only, no data mining or traffic sharing with anyone. Secure: SekurVPNs secure VPN routes all your internet traffic through SekurVPNs privately owned servers, in multiple locations in Switzerland only, using the highest encryption industry standards combined with its proprietary HeliX technology for added security. Encryption keys are not stored on devices and are unique at every connection. Users passwords, confidential data and internet surfing stay encrypted even over public untrusted internet connections. Easy to use: SekurVPN is extremely easy to setup and deploy. There is no country list and our interface is simplified; just tap or click the connection button. SekurVPNs no-frills but highly secure and private service gives users peace of mind without thinking about geolocations. Currently SekurVPN is available to use with MacOS, iOS and Android devices. Versions for Windows 64, Windows 32 and Linux are planned to be launched in the coming weeks. In addition to SekurVPN, the company offers a bundled Sekur plan, which includes SekurMessenger and SekurMail as a bundle of email, messaging and file transfer into one application, and includes the Companys latest SekurMail technology, which includes a proprietary anti-phishing and privacy feature called SekurSend. SekurSend lets a user send an email to any other recipient, whether they have Sekur or not, in full privacy and security as the email never leaves Sekur's encrypted email servers based in Switzerland. The recipient can then click on the notification and reply in the same manner using SekurReply, without the recipient having to register for a Sekur account. The sender can also decide to protect any email sent by adding a password to open it, a read-limit and a self-destruct timer as well. Sending an email with the SekurSend feature allows the senders and recipients to add limitless size attachments to the emails without crowding the recipients email box. This also eliminates BEC attacks for businesses and email phishing attacks. Additionally, SekurMail includes full control of email delivery, automatic data export for large enterprises and an automatic Data Loss Prevention technology (DLP) with real time continuous archiving. Recent data breaches in messaging applications have created a certain urgency for businesses and data privacy advocates to protect their communications from cyberattacks and identity theft via mobile and desktop devices. SekurMessenger comes with a proprietary feature and technology called Chat-By-Invite." This feature allows a SekurMessenger user (SM user) to invite via email or SMS a non-SM user, or a group of non-SM users, to chat in a fully private and secure way without the recipient ever having to register to SekurMessenger or download the app. At the end of the chat, the initiator of the conversation can remotely terminate the conversation and all traces of the conversation are deleted from all users, including the recipient. This unique feature is now fully deployed and functional on all iOS and Android devices and web platforms. The target sectors are numerous, including but not limited to real estate, legal, finance, insurance, medical, government, energy, manufacturing, trade and pharmaceutical sectors. SekurMessenger also eliminates many of the privacy and security risks by not requiring a phone number, which would divulge a users phone device ID, but also by not social engineering a users phone or computer contact list and infecting the contacts by default as well, eliminating a huge loophole in security and privacy. SekurMessenger issues each user a username and a Sekur number. The Sekur number is the contact ID a user would disclose in order for other Sekur users to be added. The service comes with a self-destruct timer and other features as well, including Sekurs proprietary VirtualVaults and HeliX technologies with all data stored in Swiss hosted encrypted servers. Sekurs Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner. Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked secret official discussions. In 2010, the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved. About Sekur Private Data Ltd. Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure and private communications. The Company distributes a suite of encrypted e-mails, secure messengers and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data Ltd. sells its products through its own website, https://www.sekur.com, approved distributors and telecommunications companies worldwide. Sekur Private Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide. On behalf of Management SEKUR PRIVATE DATA LTD. Alain Ghiai President and Chief Executive Officer +1.416.644.8690 [email protected] For more information, please contact Sekur Private Data at [email protected] or visit us at https://www.sekurprivatedata.com For more information on Sekur visit us at: https://www.sekur.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect managements current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. Sekur cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Sekurs control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Companys business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Companys ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekurs prospectus dated May 8, 2019, filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedarplus.ca . Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. The national security adviser to the White House said on Wednesday that a confidential meeting with congressional leaders was already scheduled before a leading House Republican called on President Joe Biden to "declassify all information" linked to a "serious national security threat, ABC News reported on Wednesday. According to the report, this intelligence concerns Russia's intentions to deploy a nuclear weapon in space, aimed not at Earth but potentially against satellites. One person reportedly described the matter as "very concerning and very sensitive. Despite not directly commenting on the specifics, various Congress members have acknowledged the severity of the issue, advising against public panic. At a press briefing, Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, faced repeated inquiries about the request for intelligence declassification from Republicans but refrained from confirming whether Thursday's meeting would address the reported threat. Sullivan opted not to elaborate, instead generally noting the ongoing global threats and challenges, including terrorism, that the U.S. confronts. He expressed confidence in President Biden's capability to safeguard American security. "I am confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people," Sullivan said. Rep. Mike Turner, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, earlier that day highlighted that his panel had "made available to all Members of Congress information concerning a serious national security threat." "I am requesting that President Biden declassify all information relating to this threat so that Congress, the Administration, and our allies can openly discuss the actions necessary to respond to this threat," stated Turner. During a Wednesday briefing at the White House, Sullivan mentioned his plan to meet with the lawmakers. "I reached out earlier this week to the Gang of Eight," he said, alluding to the bipartisan leadership from both houses of Congress and the senior intelligence committee members, "to offer myself up for a personal briefing... and in fact, we scheduled a briefing for the four House members of the Gang of Eight tomorrow." Sullivan expressed his surprise at Congressman Turner's public statement on the same day, emphasizing his eagerness for the already arranged meeting set to take place on Thursday. By Vahid Karaahmetovic (CSE:SKUR) (OTCQB:SWISF) (FRA:GDT0) (Sekur or the Company), a leading Swiss hosted secure and private communications platform, is pleased to announce that it has launched its of privacy communications solutions amid increased cyber attacks and BEC attacks on small businesses in the USA during the presidential election year. Sekur has launched its marketing of SMB solutions in the USA through online marketing and plans to launch a series of channel marketing programs in the coming weeks, to get Sekur and its anti-BEC attack solutions to small businesses in the USA. The result is a gradual average revenue per user (ARPU) of up to 40%. Average ARPU per month today is approximately US$9/month. However, Sekur has been able to consistently increase its offering and its prices, including the latest price increase of its BEC protection email for consumers to US$10/month from US$7/month. This means that the most popular consumer solutions, its SekurVPN and SekurMail are now priced at US$9/month and US%10/month respectively, making its ARPU on consumers move past US$10/month moving forward, as 50% of its users bundle more than one solution. The SMB solutions are priced 50% higher than consumer when it comes with SekurMail, and offer more features, such as mass onboarding of users for all its solutions offered under the Business plans and archiving of communications for its SekurMessaging solution. Overall, a SMB bundle is priced at US$31/month as opposed to consumer bundles priced at US$22/month. The SMB solutions are also targeting specific sectors that have suffered massive cyber breaches, such as the latest breach in the real estate mortgage industry with the Mr Cooper hack. In 2021 alone there were 20,000 BEC attacks reported to the FBI in the USA. Alain Ghiai, CEO of Sekur Private Data, said: "We are seeing a dramatic increase in cyber-attacks in the USA due to the global conflicts at the present time, and due to the current presidential election campaign for the November 2024 presidential elections. Having our SMBs protected from BEC attacks is a prime directive and we are very happy to be able to offer this protection with our SekurSend/SekurReply easy to use feature and technology. We are also working on improving both the Sekurmail and SekurMessenger applications to increase load speeds and add more features, and we have just launched a new web version of SekurMessenger for SMBs. Average revenue per user is also growing and we expect moving forward to have between a 20% to 50% average revenue per user increase with all new subscribers. We are happy to be able to provide these new SMB solutions to the 33 million SMBs in the USA that could use some protection from cyber hacking, as we can offer the only Swiss-hosted, proprietary, private and secure communications platform that does not rely on big tech infrastructure, open-source coding or data mining, therefore reducing exponentially the risk of cyber penetration. Our prime directive is to provide private and secure communications for everyone, and as we are not connected to any Big Tech platform, we offer a truly independent, private and secure means of communications, without any data mining, through our proprietary technology and our secure servers based in Switzerland. Sekur also recently announced the launch of its SekurRelay Enterprise Email Solution, part of its Sekur Enterprise solution, allowing corporate executives and management to split their company email domain in two, benefiting from SekurMails SekurSend/SekurReply feature and other Swiss-hosted privacy and security solutions SekurMail offers, without having to migrate the entire company employees, eliminating a huge roadblock to mass adoption of SekurMail by large corporations and government agencies. SekurRelay lets a company employee easily migrate their existing business email to Sekurs privacy and security email platform, and split from the companys existing email hosting provider seamlessly, while maintaining the same business email domain as the rest of the employees. This eliminates the need for enterprise IT departments to migrate their entire staff to Sekur, to have the same domain email address. SekurRelay lets company staff, as an example, use their existing provider and email @company.com, while having their executives or managers use SekurMail, keeping their existing email address @company.com. This Inbound Relay solves a large problem, as many larger enterprises have been hesitant to migrate thousands of employee emails due to the cumbersome and costly nature of doing so. With SekurRelay, companies of all sizes can protect C-level and management level emails from Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, while letting the rest of the employees stay in their existing email hosting providers. At the same time, all employee emails will be filtered through SekurRelay, and benefit from Sekurs malware detection and spam filter, giving an extra advantage for all employees, whether they use SekurRelay or not, while only SekurRelay accounts holders will be hosted and have their emails delivered by Sekur. Enterprises and some government upper-level employees and executives have been looking for a way to use Sekurs privacy and security tools without having to migrate the entire company to Sekurs email platform, due to costs associated with migration of thousands of emails. The goal is to get away from the main email platform providers that are being compromised with BEC attacks that are targeting upper management and C-level executives. Sekur is now able to eliminate these roadblocks and offer true protection against data mining, email phishing and BEC attacks to anyone subscribing to a business or enterprise email account, without having to migrate the entire company. SekurRelay comes automatically with all Sekur Enterprise email accounts at a price of US$25/month or US$275/year with a minimum of 10 users per Enterprise account, with each SekurMail account offered with 250GB of redundant storage. This new solution will make sales to businesses of larger sizes, enterprises and government organizations easier, as it does not disrupt their existing IT infrastructure and planning and has no migration cost associated with it. Sekur also believes that by adding its Swiss-hosted SekurVPN solution to its other solutions, it increases internet connection encryption of users and protects their identity from malicious hackers. On April 7, 2023, the Company launched SekurVPN, its privacy VPN solution available through Sekur.com, and began commercial sales of its highly anticipated privacy and security VPN solution. The solution is also offered for sale in USD, CAD, NZD, AUD, SGD, CHF, EUR and GPB. SekurVPN is especially meant for privacy enthusiasts and users wanting to protect their identity from hackers. An example would be users going to their e-banking or shopping online, using their emails, using messaging applications and wanting to have full privacy and protection from hackers hijacking their IP location and signal. The service guarantees not to use Big Tech or hyperscalers for its functioning or hosting, and it guarantees that there are no third-party bundles sold with it so no data is leaked or sold to third parties. It guarantees no traffic pulling or monitoring and no phone number is required to register to the service. According to a Forbes article, 66% of surveyed internet users within the U.S. use a VPN to help protect personal data, 80% use a VPN for increased security and 33% use a VPN to mask their internet activity. More statistics can be found in this VPN Statistics And Trends In 2023 article. Private: SekurVPN uses its own proprietary infrastructure and does not use any hyperscaler or Big Tech hosting providers, unlike most other VPNs. SekurVPN offers Swiss IPs only. This guarantees that it is using only SekurVPNs own servers and routing. Other VPNs offer hundreds of locations and are using Big Tech providers, compromising users privacy. SekurVPN never monitors users activity and never shares any data with third party service providers. By being a pure VPN, without bundled outside services such as antivirus and ad blockers, SekurVPN keeps users information private without sharing their data with third party service providers. With SekurVPN, users do not register their phone number on the app or the web, rendering users invisible from hackers or snoopers. No phone number to register, anonymous Swiss IPs only, no data mining or traffic sharing with anyone. Secure: SekurVPNs secure VPN routes all your internet traffic through SekurVPNs privately owned servers, in multiple locations in Switzerland only, using the highest encryption industry standards combined with its proprietary HeliX technology for added security. Encryption keys are not stored on devices and are unique at every connection. Users passwords, confidential data and internet surfing stay encrypted even over public untrusted internet connections. Easy to use: SekurVPN is extremely easy to setup and deploy. There is no country list and our interface is simplified; just tap or click the connection button. SekurVPNs no-frills but highly secure and private service gives users peace of mind without thinking about geolocations. Currently SekurVPN is available to use with MacOS, iOS and Android devices. Versions for Windows 64, Windows 32 and Linux are planned to be launched in the coming weeks. In addition to SekurVPN, the company offers a bundled Sekur plan, which includes SekurMessenger and SekurMail as a bundle of email, messaging and file transfer into one application, and includes the Companys latest SekurMail technology, which includes a proprietary anti-phishing and privacy feature called SekurSend. SekurSend lets a user send an email to any other recipient, whether they have Sekur or not, in full privacy and security as the email never leaves Sekur's encrypted email servers based in Switzerland. The recipient can then click on the notification and reply in the same manner using SekurReply, without the recipient having to register for a Sekur account. The sender can also decide to protect any email sent by adding a password to open it, a read-limit and a self-destruct timer as well. Sending an email with the SekurSend feature allows the senders and recipients to add limitless size attachments to the emails without crowding the recipients email box. This also eliminates BEC attacks for businesses and email phishing attacks. Additionally, SekurMail includes full control of email delivery, automatic data export for large enterprises and an automatic Data Loss Prevention technology (DLP) with real time continuous archiving. Recent data breaches in messaging applications have created a certain urgency for businesses and data privacy advocates to protect their communications from cyberattacks and identity theft via mobile and desktop devices. SekurMessenger comes with a proprietary feature and technology called Chat-By-Invite." This feature allows a SekurMessenger user (SM user) to invite via email or SMS a non-SM user, or a group of non-SM users, to chat in a fully private and secure way without the recipient ever having to register to SekurMessenger or download the app. At the end of the chat, the initiator of the conversation can remotely terminate the conversation and all traces of the conversation are deleted from all users, including the recipient. This unique feature is now fully deployed and functional on all iOS and Android devices and web platforms. The target sectors are numerous, including but not limited to real estate, legal, finance, insurance, medical, government, energy, manufacturing, trade and pharmaceutical sectors. SekurMessenger also eliminates many of the privacy and security risks by not requiring a phone number, which would divulge a users phone device ID, but also by not social engineering a users phone or computer contact list and infecting the contacts by default as well, eliminating a huge loophole in security and privacy. SekurMessenger issues each user a username and a Sekur number. The Sekur number is the contact ID a user would disclose in order for other Sekur users to be added. The service comes with a self-destruct timer and other features as well, including Sekurs proprietary VirtualVaults and HeliX technologies with all data stored in Swiss hosted encrypted servers. Sekurs Data privacy solutions are all hosted in Switzerland, protecting users data from any outside data intrusion requests. In Switzerland, the right to privacy is guaranteed in article 13 of the Swiss Federal Constitution. The Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) of 19 June 1992 (in force since 1993) has set up a strict protection of privacy by prohibiting virtually any processing of personal data which is not expressly authorized by the data subjects. The protection is subject to the authority of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner. Under Swiss federal law, it is a crime to publish information based on leaked secret official discussions. In 2010, the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland found that IP addresses are personal information and that under Swiss privacy laws they may not be used to track internet usage without the knowledge of the individuals involved. About Sekur Private Data Ltd. Sekur Private Data Ltd. is a cybersecurity and Internet privacy provider of Swiss hosted solutions for secure and private communications. The Company distributes a suite of encrypted e-mails, secure messengers and secure communication tools. Sekur Private Data Ltd. sells its products through its own website, https://www.sekur.com, approved distributors and telecommunications companies worldwide. Sekur Private Data Ltd. serves consumers, businesses and governments worldwide. On behalf of Management SEKUR PRIVATE DATA LTD. Alain Ghiai President and Chief Executive Officer +1.416.644.8690 [email protected] For more information, please contact Sekur Private Data at [email protected] or visit us at https://www.sekurprivatedata.com For more information on Sekur visit us at: https://www.sekur.com Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "achieve", "could", "believe", "plan", "intend", "objective", "continuous", "ongoing", "estimate", "outlook", "expect", "project" and similar words, including negatives thereof, suggesting future outcomes or that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. These statements reflect managements current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guaranteeing future performance. Sekur cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Sekurs control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the future of the Companys business; the success of marketing and sales efforts of the Company; the projections prepared in house and projections delivered by channel partners; the Companys ability to complete the necessary software updates; increases in sales as a result of investments software development technology; consumer interest in the Products; future sales plans and strategies; reliance on large channel partners and expectations of renewals to ongoing agreements with these partners; anticipated events and trends; the economy and other future conditions; and other risks and uncertainties, including those described in Sekurs prospectus dated May 8, 2019, filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available on www.sedarplus.ca . Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Sekur undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. Zurich, Switzerland--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - In signaling the increasing reliance on digital technology in the hospitality industry, 934 LTD has released the Juno Hospitality Suite, a platform tailored to enhance operational efficiency and enrich the guest experience. This release comes when the hospitality sector seeks innovative solutions to navigate the challenges of a dynamic global market. Photo courtesy of Jason McConnell The Juno Hospitality Suite embodies the top-level message of transforming businesses by enabling insights-driven decision-making, connecting disparate systems, and reducing operational costs. This approach aligns with the hospitality industry's current needs, focusing on efficiency, customer satisfaction, and technological advancement. The Juno Hospitality Suite empowers business leaders in the hospitality industry to make informed decisions based on comprehensive insights. By leveraging AI, the platform offers analytics that informs critical decisions, helping to navigate the complexities of a changing industry. A key strength of the Juno Hospitality Suite is its ability to seamlessly integrate various systems within the hospitality sector. This connectivity facilitates faster decision-making and operational agility, ensuring that different components of the hospitality experience work in harmony. The suite is designed to reduce operational costs significantly. It achieves this by automating processes that traditionally require manual intervention, thus reducing double handling and human error. This automation leads to cost savings and increased efficiency. Additional features of the Juno Hospitality Suite include discovering customer spending trends and seasonality to enhance upselling opportunities and facilitating data throughput across systems for quicker decision-making. The platform also aids in reconciling daily card charges with monthly settlements, using AI to identify opportunities for investment adjustments. Moreover, the Juno Hospitality Suite enhances the online and in-person customer experience, granting a competitive edge in the market. It ensures high data quality for generating upstream insights and replaces expensive proprietary POS devices with more cost-effective smart credit card terminals and tablets. 934 Juno Hospitality Suite has four products: Copilot, Cockpit, Connect, and Front Desk. The Suite is available to a selected set of strategic customers and partners and will become generally available in early Q2 2024 through exclusive partners and directly from 934. To learn more about Juno Hospitality Suite and its impact on the hospitality sector, visit 934's website. About 934 934 is a software and services startup based in the hospitality market in Switzerland, Germany, and the UK. The company envisions a future where technology is critical in every facet of the hospitality experience, promising ongoing innovation and exceptional service. Contact Information Jason McConnell, Chief Product Officer 934 LTD [email protected] http://www.weare934.com To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197588 Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Creta, the leading Triple-A quality metaverse gaming platform, proudly announces a strategic partnership with Lloyds Investment Group, a globally recognized private investment fund headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Thomas Vu, the former executive producer behind League of Legends and Netflix's Arcane. Creta, Thomas Vu, and Lloyds Investment Group "Lloyds Investment Group", with a primary focus on the energy, infrastructure, technology, and real estate sectors, is now exploring opportunities to expand its presence in the digital economy and digital content sector. This collaboration involves the establishment of a new fund, currently sized at $1 billion, as well as contributing efforts to assist Creta in establishing robust networks. Also by leveraging strategic partnerships with global financial powerhouses, major corporations and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds affiliated with Lloyds Investment Group, Creta aims to expand its business to play a pivotal role in its vast ecosystem. This collaboration underscores Creta's commitment to driving growth and innovation in the Web3 gaming market across the MENA region. The new fund aims to offer high-potential developers and content providers the opportunity to access funding for innovative Fintech, digital content, and AI technology development, which can drive success on the Creta Platform. The launch of the USD$1 billion Fund reflects the recognition of the growing importance of the gaming and digital industry, with the belief that WEB3.0 contents and technology will shape future social interactions, leisure activities, and work dynamics on the Creta Platform. It is envisioned that games will form integral components of the Creta Multiverse and Platform, presenting opportunities beyond the current $300 billion gaming industry. Locus Chain, a pioneering blockchain protocol, renowned for its revolutionary approach in replacing central game servers, is joining the newly established fund. By aligning with this initiative, Locus Chain reaffirms its commitment to driving innovation and fostering growth alongside Creta's partners. In addition to its exceptional technical and creative prowess, Creta has garnered recognition for its immense potential through collaborations with industry luminaries such as Yoshiki Okamoto, renowned for his work on Street Fighter 2, Resident Evil, and Monster Strike, and Thomas Vu, the Executive Producer behind League of Legends and Netflix's Arcane. ------------------ Appendix ---------------------- Creta is a Web3-based multiverse gaming platform headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with a team of developers, publishers, and blockchain experts who have made a name for themselves in the global gaming industry. These include Ray Nakazato, a respected producer in the Japanese and global gaming industry, Alexander Harutyunyan, former CEO of European game publisher INNOVA, and CCR's Seokho Yoon, who developed Korea's national game Fortress. The partnership with Okamoto, the legendary game designer behind Street Fighter 2, Resident Evil, and Monster Strike, and Thomas Vu, producer of League of Legends and Emmy Award winner for Arcane, is expected to result in a world-class lineup of Web3 game titles. Creta is comprised of four parts: the endlessly scalable Creta Multiverse, the Creta Game Platform (CGP), which powers a wide range of Web2 and Web3 games, Creta Studio, where anyone can create high-quality games and content, and Creta SuperClub, the Web3 community that connects the entire Creta platform. Creta Multiverse is in the process of implementing an ultra-large-scale multiverse (three metaverses to be opened sequentially) that will allow many different metaverses to combine and expand upon each other and aims to be the only Web3 platform in the world with photorealistic visuals. The Creta Multiverse is designed to be a one-stop shop for various content services and ecosystems, including games in the MMORPG, Battle Royale, and casual genres, rather than separate executions. Creta SuperClub is the first service that allows users to fully own the data of their community within the legal framework. The rights to clubs and posts are technically NFTized, allowing NFT owners, such as operators and members, to own, trade, sell, acquire, and merge. It is also a truly decentralized community service where information about each club member is not stored on a specific server but is all on-chain. This aims to allow influencers to manage their fans without being locked into a platform. Creta is currently listed on CoinMarketCap as Creta World. Global Website: https://creta.world/ Official Japanese Site: https://creta.co.jp/ Video Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPdtM5yZqao&t=2s Twitter: https://twitter.com/creta_world Discord: https://discord.com/invite/FWCd28vv36 Telegram: https://t.me/creta_world_official_Group CoinMarketCap $CRETA: https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/creta-world/ Contact: Senior Business Development Manager at CRETA: David Wang [email protected] Website:https://creta.world/ Company Address: CRETA FZCO ,Dubai Digital Park A2, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai UAE [Provided by CRETA FZCO, Diverse] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197881 People leave their home after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) GAZA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. During the last 24 hours, the Israeli army killed 103 Palestinians and wounded 145 others, it added. In addition, Palestinian medical and security sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes and artillery carried out attacks on various areas of the coastal enclave. According to the sources, the aircraft also targeted some inhabited homes in the city of Deir al-Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip, killing and wounding dozens of residents. Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage. People leave their home after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) Smoke rises after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People leave their home after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People leave their home after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People leave their home after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) People leave their home after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) Brisbane, Queensland, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Graphene Manufacturing Group Ltd. (TSXV: GMG) ("GMG" or the "Company") provides the latest progress update on its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery technology ("G+AI Battery") being developed by GMG and the University of Queensland ("UQ"). The Company is pleased to announce that it has identified minimal temperature rise when charging and discharging GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery. This is observed when charging and discharging multiple times at high C- rates (C rate measures the current in a which a battery can be charged or discharged, eg. 1 C rate the battery should be able to be fully discharged in 1 hour). As shown in Figure 1, the temperature of a high-quality lithium-ion battery, produced by a world leading brand, can exceed 60 degrees Celsius when being discharged at the maximum current allowed (4.8 C-rate - an estimated 0.8 A/g on the cathode active material mass). By comparison, GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery temperature is 29 degrees Celsius when it is discharged at even higher current density (20 C-rate - approximately 2.0 A/g on the cathode active mass). The temperatures of both batteries were taken with the room temperature at 23.5 degrees Celsius (+/- 0.5 degrees Celsius). Battery Type Discharging Current (Amps / gram cathode active mass) Operating Temperature Degrees Celsius World Leading High Quality Lithium-Ion Battery 0.8 61.6 GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery 2.0 30.9 Figure 1: Thermal Image of Lithium-Ion Battery (left) with Thermal Image of Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery (right) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/197885_6af50fb874a9984b_001full.jpg The Company intends to validate with further testing the possibility that its battery may not need thermal management, even at high charge and discharge rates. This creates the potential for significant cost reduction at the system level and highly reduced system cost. - GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery may not need a thermal management system when used in an electric vehicle battery pack or an energy storage system, which will lead to a simpler, more cost effective and higher energy density battery pack. Most Lithium-Ion Battery Packs require a thermal management system, such as the one shown in Figure 2 below. Figure 2: A typical Lithium-Ion Battery thermal management system1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/197885_6af50fb874a9984b_002full.jpg - The elimination of thermal management can potentially reduce the weight of an electric vehicle battery pack by up to 16%. For example, the thermal management system of a Lithium-Ion Battery Pack can weigh up to 80 kg out of a total of 480 kg. Such a weight reduction achieved through the elimination of thermal management translates into more energy volumetrically (approximately 10%), as well as vehicle mass reduction for more range. Additional range improvements could be expected to come from no thermal management parasitic drain on the battery during operation. - Furthermore, because GMG's Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery has no combustible volatile organic materials, it is more resilient to the risk of chemical fires, such as those that have occurred with Lithium-Ion Batteries. Battery Technology Readiness Level The battery technology readiness level ("BTRL") of the Graphene Aluminium-Ion technology remains at Level 4 (see Figure 4). GMG is currently optimizing electrochemical behaviour for pouch cells via ongoing laboratory experimentation. When GMG commissions its Pilot Plant, it is anticipated that the Company's battery technology will progress to BTRL 7 and 8 since the equipment and process to make the Graphene Aluminium-Ion batteries are the same as those used to make Lithium Ion Batteries. Figure 3: Battery Technology Readiness Level Source: The Battery Component Readiness Level (BC-RL) Framework: A technology-specific development framework, MatthewGreenwood et al. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/197885_6af50fb874a9984b_003full.jpg Next Steps Toward Commercialisation & Market Applications The Company continues to see a broad range of applications for a completed GMG Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery - utilising its ultra-high power-density and nominal energy density characteristics. Along with Rio Tinto, a range of global companies have confidentially expressed their interest in working with GMG in the following vertical sectors: To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/197885_6af50fb874a9984b_005full.jpg Next Generation Battery Performance GMG's next generation Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery performance data (as tested and calculated on coin cells), as compared to the most commonly available lithium-ion batteries, is shown below in Figure 5, with a list of its beneficial characteristics. Performance results for the pouch cells could be significantly different and will be communicated upon successfully producing a repeatable and fully 3rd party tested 1000 mAh+ battery pouch cell. Figure 4: Graphene Aluminium Ion Battery Comparative Performance Data (for coin cells) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8082/197885_6af50fb874a9984b_006full.jpg About GMG GMG is a disruptive Australian-based clean-tech company listed on the TSXV (TSXV: GMG) that produces graphene and hydrogen by cracking methane (natural gas) instead of mining graphite. By using the company's proprietary process, GMG can produce high quality, scalable, 'tuneable' and no/low contaminant graphene - enabling demonstrated cost and environmental improvements in a number of world-scale planet-friendly/clean-tech applications. Using this low input cost source of graphene, the Company is developing value-added products that target the massive energy efficiency and energy storage markets. The Company is pursuing additional opportunities for GMG Graphene, including developing next-generation batteries, collaborating with world-leading universities in Australia, and investigating the opportunity to enhance the performance of lubricant oil and performance enhanced HVAC-R coating system. GMG's 4 critical business objectives are: Produce Graphene and improve/scale cell production processes Build Revenue from Energy Savings Products Develop Next-Generation Battery Develop Supply Chain, Partners & Project Execution Capability For further information please contact: Craig Nicol, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Company at [email protected] , +61 415 445 223 , +61 415 445 223 Leo Karabelas at Focus Communications Investor Relations, [email protected] , +1 647 689 6041 www.graphenemg.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends", "expects" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or will "potentially" or "likely" occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forwardlooking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding the development of the Company's pouch cell battery, the relative safety and performance of the G+AI Battery compared to lithium-ion batteries, the ability of the G+AI Battery to be used in an electric vehicle battery pack without the need for a cooling system and the potential benefits therefrom, the Company's focus on making a repeatable 1000 mAh pouch cell and the expected timing of producing a repeatable 1000 mAh pouch cell, that the Company will review the investment decision to procure and install an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia facility and the potential to build a commercial factory if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, the timing of customer testing for an 1000 mAh pouch cell, the ongoing optimization of the pouch cell, and the potential applications for the G+AI Battery. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions of management, including, without limitation, assumptions relating to the relative safety of the G+AI Battery when compared to lithium ion batteries, that the G+AI Battery could be used in an electric vehicle battery pack without a cooling system, that the G+AI Battery has a lower risk of chemical fire than lithium ion batteries due to the difference in material, that the Company's focus will remain on making a repeatable 1000 mAh pouch cell, that the Company will be successful in creating a repeatable 1000 mAh pouch cell and will achieve this in the first half of 2024, that the Company will review the investment decision to procure and install an automated pouch cell battery pilot plant in its Richlands Australia facility, that the Company may build a commercial factory if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, that the Company will optimize electrochemical behaviour for pouch cells via ongoing laboratory experimentation, that the Company will communicate performance data following the successful production of a 1000 mAh pouch cell. Additionally, forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of GMG to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks include, without limitation: that the G+AI Battery will not be as safe or perform as well as lithium ion batteries, that the G+AI Battery will not be able to be used in an electric vehicle battery pack without a cooling system, that the G+AI Battery does not have a lower risk of chemical fires than a lithium ion battery, that the Company will change its focus away from creating a repeatable 1000 mAh pouch cell, that the Company will not be successful in developing a repeatable 1000 mAh pouch cell on the expected timeline, if at all, that the Company will choose not to proceed with a pilot plant, that the Company will not proceed to customer testing, that the Company will not build a commercial factory even if the pilot plant and customer trials are successful, that the Company will be unable to optimize the electrochemical behaviour of the pouch cell though laboratory experimentation or at all, that the Company will not communicate the performance data of a 1000 mAh cell if it is achieved, risks relating to the extent and duration of the conflict in Eastern Europe and its impact on global markets, the volatility of global capital markets, political instability, the failure of the Company to obtain regulatory approvals, attract and retain skilled personnel, unexpected development and production challenges, unanticipated costs and the risk factors set out under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated October 12, 2023 available for review on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor. [1] "A Real-Time Battery Thermal Management Strategy for Connected and Automated Hybrid Electric Vehicles (CAHEVs) Based on Iterative Dynamic Programming", 6 June 2018, Chong Zhu et al. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197885 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. (CSE: HPSS) (OTCQB: HPSIF) (FSE: E092) ("Hybrid" or the "Company") a Canadian industrial battery pack manufacturer, is pleased to announce that the company has secured a patent for its intelligent battery system and method of operation. This milestone achievement, granted under Patent No US 11,870,288 BW, marks a significant advancement in battery technology innovation. The patented system is designed to facilitate communication between multiple batteries and a load, such as a motor, DC converter, welder, and more. Central to this innovation is the Battery Management System (BMS), which continuously monitors data points and communicates with both the batteries and the load to make intelligent decisions related to load operation. By optimizing load management, this patent enhances the real-world performance and efficacy of battery systems within the industrial and commercial space. "This patent represents Hybrid's ongoing commitment to performance improvements for the industrial sector," said Francois Byrne, CEO of Hybrid Power Solutions. "Our intelligent battery system represents a significant leap forward in battery technology, offering enhanced functionality and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of our customers." In addition to its immediate impact on current products, this patent ensures that the Company's future product lines will be well-equipped to keep pace with ongoing innovation in the data and artificial intelligence space. By integrating intelligent battery management capabilities, Hybrid remains at the forefront of technological advancements, delivering cutting-edge solutions that drive sustainability and efficiency across industries. For further information, inquiries, or media opportunities, please contact: On behalf of the company Francois Byrne CEO and Director [email protected] 1 (866) 549-2743 www.investhps.com About Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. Hybrid Power Solutions Inc. is a Canadian clean energy company listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol "HPSS". Hybrid specializes in the development of sustainable energy solutions, offering products that redefine how industries approach access to power and energy storage. With a focus on innovation and environmental responsibility, HPS continues to lead the way in providing scalable, cost effective power solutions. Forward-Looking Statements 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 "will", "will be", "intends", "expected" 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 are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management of the Company, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different, including receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Although management of the Company 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. The Company will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197837 Boulder, Colorado and Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Intellabridge Technology Corporation (CSE: KASH) (OTCQB: KASHF) (FSE: KASH) (the "Company" or "Intellabridge"), a financial technology company, is pleased to announce that the Company has appointed Bruce Mann to the Board of Directors and Audit Committee, effective February 14, 2024. Bruce Mann brings a wealth of expertise and experience in investor relations, corporate finance, accounting, and communications to Intellabridge. With a track record of excellence and recognition as an award winning international professional, Mr. Mann is poised to make significant contributions to the company's strategic direction and governance. Mr. Mann is a dual citizen of the United States and Canada, bringing a unique perspective to Intellabridge's operations. He holds esteemed credentials, including CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CMA (Certified Management Accountant), and MBA (Master of Business Administration), further underscoring his qualifications for this role. Prior to joining Intellabridge, Mr. Mann served in various leadership capacities, demonstrating his dedication to driving organizational success and fostering positive stakeholder relationships. In addition to his professional achievement, Mr. Mann is an active volunteer, reflecting his commitment to making a difference beyond the boardroom. Mr. Mann has over 35 years experience serving in senior executive roles, including ZYUS Life Sciences Corp. Hydro One Limited, Rogers Communications Inc., MetroNet Communications Corp., and US West Inc. and US West Media One Group. "As Intellabridge navigates through a critical phase in its early stage of growth, it is important to have resourceful investor relations and capital markets expertise. We're thrilled to welcome Bruce as a new independent Director to the Board of Intellabridge and confident that his exceptional background and experience will provide valuable guidance for the company," said John Eagleton, Intellabridge Technology Corporation CEO. Mr. Mann expressed enthusiasm about joining Intellabridge and contributing to its future growth and success. "I look forward to leveraging my expertise and experience to support the company's strategic objectives and create long-term value for shareholders," said Mr. Mann. About Intellabridge Technology Corporation Intellabridge Technology Corporation (CSE: KASH) (OTCQB: KASHF) (FSE: KASH) is a financial technology company in the business of impact finance with a mission to make every financial transaction to have a positive impact. Intellabridge's Karma Card impact finance product allows customers to generate cashback from financial transactions and makes it easy for customers to donate their cashback to charitable organizations based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Intellabridge offers progressive web applications providing customers with cashback debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay and automated donation systems. For more information on Intellabridge, visit www.intellabridge.com. For more information on the Karma impact finance product, visit www.getkarmacard.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD of DIRECTORS INTELLABRIDGE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION "Maria Eagleton" Maria Eagleton, COO To contact Intellabridge: Website: intellabridge.com Phone: +1-303-800-5333 Email: [email protected] The Canadian Securities Exchange does not 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 within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively "forward-looking statements"). The use of any of the words "will", "plan", "on track", "possible", "anticipated" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results achieved may vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. The Company believes the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. ### To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197892 London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Julia Castelli Lifestyle Management (JCLM), a renowned leader in the luxury lifestyle and elite travel management industry, has been honored as the "Lifestyle & Travel Management Firm of the Year" at the prestigious LUX Global Excellence Awards held on December 5, 2023, which is also Castelli's birthday. This recognition cements JCLM's position as a provider of exceptional services to ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI) and luxury brands worldwide. Founded by industry veteran Julia Castelli, JCLM has established itself as a beacon of excellence in sourcing exquisite jewels, gems, diamonds, and haute couture, alongside offering rare and bespoke items and services. The company's unparalleled access to luxury goods and experiences positions it as a key player in the global ultra-high luxury industry. "Our commitment to providing unmatched quality and exclusive services has been the cornerstone of our success," said Julia Castelli, Founder of JCLM. "This award is a testament to our team's dedication and our unwavering pursuit of excellence in serving our esteemed clients." JCLM is renowned for sourcing jewels, gems, diamonds, watches, haute couture, rare & bespoke items, and services for UHNWI including luxury and experiential travel. Their client portfolio boasts illustrious names. The firm's expertise is not limited to luxury goods; it extends to assisting luxury brands with marketing, social media, sales promotion, events, strategic planning, and business development. The firm's reputation for excellence is further underscored by Julia Castelli's 23 years of international experience in the luxury industry, having worked with over 50 top luxury brands in various sectors including jewelry, fashion, haute couture, travel, art, beauty, and wellness. Julia has worked for top luxury brands. This extensive background enriches the company's offerings and insights, making it a unique and full-circle service provider in the luxury market. In addition to the LUX Global Excellence Award, JCLM and its founder have received numerous accolades, including the "Lifestyle Management Specialist of the Year" at the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards and the "Inspirational Woman of the Year" at the Global Woman Awards Gala. These awards reflect the company's leading role in shaping the luxury lifestyle management industry. JCLM continues to expand its horizons and has recently announced a partnership with a high-profile diamond manufacturing global group, where Julia Castelli will serve as a brand ambassador and consultant. This new initiative is poised to augment JCLM's expertise in the diamond industry, supplementing its already extensive knowledge in retail, private, and auction sales of diamonds and jewelry. As JCLM celebrates this significant achievement, it reaffirms its commitment to delivering unparalleled luxury experiences and services to its distinguished clientele. The company is poised to continue its trajectory of growth and innovation in the luxury lifestyle management sector. "I am planning to visit the cutting and polishing facilities in India," Julia Castelli shares. "Next on my wish list is to see up close the mining of diamonds and gems and possibly make an expedition with a field gemologist to see the birthplace of some gems & diamonds to close the circle from nature to a jewel." For more information about Julia Castelli Lifestyle Management, visit https://juliacastelli.com/. About: Julia Castelli Lifestyle Management offers bespoke luxury brand representation and client relationship services. The firm's primary focus is to create a positive and beneficial relationship with luxury brands and high-net-worth clients. JCLM sources rare gems, diamonds, and art while also curating elite travel itineraries. They work alongside luxury brands to provide them with business development, events, strategy, sales, and social media promotion. Contact Information: Julia Castelli +447920122094 [email protected] Insta @castellijulia X @castellijulia Instagram https://www.instagram.com/castellijulia/ Tweeter https://twitter.com/castellijulia LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/castellijulia/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197873 North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has closed the underwritten offering (the "Offering") previously announced on February 7, 2024 by issuing 24,150,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.50 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of $12,075,000, which includes the exercise, in full, by the Underwriters (as defined below) of the over-allotment option granted by the Company to purchase up to an additional 3,150,000 Units at the Offering Price pursuant to the terms of an underwriting agreement (the "Underwriting Agreement") dated as of February 8, 2024, among the Company, Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation (the "Lead Underwriter"), Canaccord Genuity Corp., Eight Capital, and Raymond James Ltd. (together with the Lead Underwriter, the "Underwriters"). Each Unit consists of one common share (a "Common Share") in the capital of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Common Share (a "Warrant Share") at a price per Warrant Share of C$0.65 for a period of 36 months from the closing date of the Offering. In connection with the Offering and the Concurrent Private Placement, the Company paid to the Underwriters a cash commission of $724,500, which was equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the Offering, and issued an aggregate of 1,449,000 broker warrants, equal to 6.0% of the number of Units sold pursuant to the Offering. Each broker warrant is exercisable for one Common Share at a price of C$0.65 for a period of 36 months from the closing date of the Offering. The net proceeds received by the Company from the sale of the Units will be used for development and ramp up expenses at the Tuvatu Gold project located in Fiji, as well as for general corporate expenses & purposes. The Units issued pursuant to the Offering were qualified for distribution by way of a prospectus supplement of the Company dated February 9, 2024 (the "Prospectus Supplement") to the Company's existing short form base shelf prospectus dated May 13, 2022 (the "Base Shelf Prospectus") filed in the Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario, and offered and sold to eligible purchasers by way of available prospectus exemptions in certain jurisdictions outside of Canada. The Base Shelf Prospectus, the Prospectus Supplement, the documents incorporated by reference therein and the Underwriting Agreement are available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedar.com. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. About Lion One Metals Limited Lion One is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver, B.C., with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets. As disclosed in its "Technical Report and PEA Update for the Tuvatu Gold Project" dated April 29, 2022, the 2018 Tuvatu resource estimate comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and under the Lion One profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, Alex Nichol, MAIG, VP Geology and Exploration for Lion One, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and is responsible for the technical and scientific content of this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited "Walter Berukoff" Chairman and CEO For further information Contact Investor Relations Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250 Email: [email protected] Website: www.liononemetals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the results of the Offering and associated marketing efforts, the use of proceeds of the Offering, actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results., and results of ongoing production operations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: prevailing capital markets conditions, the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197893 UneeQ designs first digital human for sailing education and adventures Austin, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Alex, the sailing AI human, has climbed aboard NauticEd, an education platform that makes it simple to learn about sailing without getting wet. Visitors to the site can now have a quick (or in-depth) conversation with Alex who's equipped to answer questions about sailing terms and techniques, how to get started in sailing, what courses to take, or what certifications and licenses are required to take a sailing vacation in places like Greece, Italy, Croatia, and more. Using VR and advanced AI, NauticEd is upending sailing education and making it more accessible. A newbie sailor in Hawaii and a NauticEd instructor in Austin, TX recently donned VR headsets - they were instantly transformed onto a sailboat in Sydney Harbour where the instructor was able to teach the student how to sail. Designed by generative AI digital human company, UneeQ, Alex is "wickedly smart" and can help students understand what to do when there's a sudden wind gust, or when to pull in the mainsheet, for example. "Digital humans can draw upon a vast amount of information and instantly provide answers about technical topics or specific company product questions," explains Danny Tomsett, CEO/Founder, UneeQ. Alex is also available 24/7 to answer questions for travelers looking to book sailing adventures, from providing information on the best time of year to sail in various locations or connecting to NauticEd agents for a seamless experience. "People are hardwired to connect with a human face and voice, so Alex is designed to meet those emotional needs and build rapport and trust, while also reducing friction for sales and customer service," adds Tomsett. According to NauticEd founder, Grant Headifen, "Collectively, employing Alex - AI and simultaneously implementing Virtual Reality training has propelled NauticEd further into the 21st century than most training companies on our watery planet. Alex - AI seamlessly answers any type of sailing question for students while Virtual Reality is a gamechanger in developing muscle memory for sailing mastery and competence. Docking a boat in heavy winds for example can be practiced over and over in the student's home. Other things like trimming sails with wind angle, tacking and gybing, and holding a course when you're first on the water and, often, you're scared makes learning a breeze where the worst that can happen is that you bang your knee on the couch." NauticEd currently serves over 100,000 students and since the recent implementation of VR, close to 2000 people have already interacted with Alex - AI and have additionally gained the confidence and expertise to become more competent sailors using the VR classes. But it doesn't stop there - NauticEd has over 100 on-the-real-water instructors ready to teach and hone the skills for 21st century students. Alex is an AI tutor who can teach you about sailing from anywhere in the world To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10035/197727_ddf39306440f5860_002full.jpg Video link: https://youtu.be/g8GBipObwyc About UneeQ UneeQ is a global leader in digital human technology, providing lifelike and emotionally intelligent AI-powered virtual beings for businesses seeking to elevate customer experiences. UneeQ's platform enables organizations to create highly personalized interactions that drive engagement, foster trust, and deliver exceptional value. Media Contact: Mark Hattersley [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197727 Lumen & Forge, in collaboration with Outdoor Solutions, illuminated the Las Vegas skyline by projection mapping the iconic STRAT observation tower during Super Bowl weekend. Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - February 14, 2024) - Lumen & Forge, a leader in immersive technology, partnered with Outdoor Solutions to projection map the iconic Tequila Don Julio 1942 bottle onto the STRAT tower in Las Vegas, as hundreds of thousands flocked to the city for the Big Game weekend. Image 1 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10326/197956_edefdf5cb4d5cbba_001full.jpg This ambitious project, which lasted four nights from Thursday, February 8th through Sunday, February 11th, used 35 Christie Boxer 4K30's and 28 Panasonic PT-RQ35K's for a total of 63 projectors and cast a total of 1,890,000 lumens over the tower's imposing 1,149-foot structure. Not only is the STRAT the tallest building in Las Vegas and Nevada, it is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States. This initiative marks the first time the STRAT has been adorned with projection mapping, a spectacle that was visible across Las Vegas. Tequila Don Julio, Mexico's original luxury Tequila, commissioned this projection of a large-scale image of their iconic 1942 bottle. Image 2 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10326/197956_edefdf5cb4d5cbba_002full.jpg The projection content, crafted by Lumen & Forge's creative team, was specifically designed to complement the renowned Tequila Don Julio 1942 bottle and the architectural nuances of the STRAT. This collaboration blended these elements seamlessly, adding a unique dimension to the Las Vegas skyline during Super Bowl weekend. The technical aspect of this project is as impressive as its visual impact. Lumen & Forge employed four of their custom media servers, supported by advanced mapping software and an auto-calibration system. The projection boasted an extraordinary total of 81,285,120 pixels, with an estimated combined resolution of 3840 x 10584. Image 3 To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/10326/197956_edefdf5cb4d5cbba_003full.jpg Adding to the spectacle, on Sunday night, the Super Bowl LVIII logo was projected onto the Tequila Don Julio 1942 bottle image, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. Moments after Kansas City's victory, a message saying "Congrats Kansas City" was "laser etched" onto the projected bottle, commemorating their historic win in what became the most-watched telecast in history with 123.4 million average viewers. This celebratory message was viewable across Las Vegas, providing an additional highlight to the project's impact in the city. In its early stages, the project utilized Unreal Engine and Google Earth in a VR setup to pre-visualize the entire display. This innovative approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of the project's scale and perspective among all stakeholders. About Lumen & Forge: Lumen & Forge, based in Las Vegas, is a leading innovator in immersive technology, known for their world-record achievements and strong reputation in the sector. They offer a wide range of advanced display, animation, and interactive solutions, making them a go-to partner for top marketing agencies, brands, and strategists. With over five years of excellence and a team of 30 experts, their mission is to consistently raise the bar in global immersive technology standards. Media Contact: Name: Palmer Nicklas Phone # 5418410443 Email: [email protected] To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197956 STAMFORD, Conn. , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aircastle Limited ("Aircastle") announced today that it has made an investment commitment to the United Airlines Ventures' Sustainable Flight Fund. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. Aircastle now joins 21 other corporate partners who represent various parts of the aviation supply chain that have committed over $200 million in capital to invest in a roster of companies developing cutting edge technologies for SAF production. Mike Inglese , Aircastle's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "SAF has been identified as a primary means by which the aviation segment will make progress towards ambitious decarbonization goals. United has been a global leader in SAF investment and Aircastle is proud to partner with them, and the fund's other investment participants, to pledge our support to expand the availability of SAF." In a related press release, Andrew Chang , Managing Director of United Airlines Ventures, commented, "SAF is the best tool we have to decarbonize airplanes, but we don't have enough of it. To create the fuel supply we need for our fleet, United recognized that we would have to help build a brand-new industry from scratch like wind and solar in previous decades. As part of our effort to build a new sustainable aviation ecosystem, we recruited a group of partners with the industry expertise to support our startups with both financial and strategic capital, to help them navigate the entire process from conception to commercialization." About Aircastle Limited Aircastle Limited acquires, leases, and sells commercial jet aircraft to airlines throughout the world. As of November 30, 2023 , Aircastle owned and managed on behalf of its joint venture 245 aircraft leased to 73 customers located in 42 countries. Contact: Aircastle Advisor LLC Jim Connelly , SVP ESG & Corporate Communications Tel: +1 (203) 504-1871 [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aircastle-announces-investment-commitment-to-sustainable-aviation-fuel-fund-302061940.html SOURCE Aircastle Advisor LLC CHICAGO , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Architect Financial Technologies, Inc. ("Architect" or "the Company"), an emerging leader in derivatives brokerage services and trading technology, has closed a $12 million capital raise. With the completion of the new round, the Company has raised $17 million since its inception in January 2023 . The round was co-led by BlockTower Capital and Tioga Capital, and attracted new investors including CMT Digital, ParaFi Capital, A Capital, and Twelve Below. These firms join a number of Architect's founding investors including Coinbase Ventures, SV Angel, Third Kind, SALT Fund, and US Digital Trust in their continued participation. Architect initiated the capital raise in response to significant developments in US derivatives and tokenized asset markets. The investment will support the imminent launch of Architect's US derivatives brokerage for retail and institutional investors, offered through its CFTC-regulated subsidiary Architect Financial Derivatives LLC, and will facilitate the Company's future expansion into US securities and security derivatives services. Additionally, the funding will enable the continued growth of Architect's Chicago headquarters and further support its strategic expansion into EU and APAC jurisdictions. Brett Harrison , founder and CEO of Architect, commented on the news: "As derivatives trading volume and open interest continues to surge across asset classes, and large financial institutions accelerate the primary issuance of tokenized assets, there is critical market demand for high-throughput, low-latency, trading and distribution infrastructure operated by regulated intermediaries with advanced technological capabilities. With the completion of this funding round and the support of our new and existing investors, Architect and its subsidiaries are well-positioned to assist a broader range of clients in navigating these market developments. We look forward to rapidly scaling our technology-forward, cross-asset brokerage services and institutional trading platforms." Architect provides institutions and professional investors with comprehensive trading and portfolio management software for traditional and digital asset markets across global jurisdictions. Its flagship platform offers algorithmic execution, advanced market visualization, discretionary trading, and risk management tools, supported by proprietary low-latency data normalization and exchange connectivity infrastructure. In September 2023 , the Company's subsidiary, Architect Financial Derivatives LLC, became an NFA-registered Independent Introducing Broker for CFTC-regulated derivatives. The Company recently launched Architect Edge, a cross-asset market data and event monitoring platform, and Architect Match, a portfolio management and trade reconciliation platform for financial institutions. About Architect: Architect Financial Technologies, Inc. is an institutional trading technology provider for global futures, options, and digital asset markets. Architect Financial Derivatives, LLC is an NFA-registered Independent Introducing Broker for CFTC-regulated derivatives. To learn more, please visit https://architect.xyz . This communication is for informational purposes only, and does not constitute a recommendation, investment, or legal advice. Readers should consult their investment, fiduciary, and/or legal advisors for guidance in making investment or business decisions. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/architect-financial-technologies-completes-12m-investment-round-to-expand-derivatives-brokerage-and-trading-technology-businesses-302061857.html SOURCE Architect Financial Technologies Inc AUSTIN , Texas , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Arrive Logistics, a leading multimodal transportation and technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas , announces the opening of its office in Guadalajara, Mexico . The established Guadalajara location signifies the company's dedication to its growing customer base in Mexico and leverages the rich talent pool of industry expertise and resources in the region. Arrive has invested heavily for three consecutive years in expanding its cross-border operation and technology, providing solutions to its customers requiring multimodal services. Increased trade activity between the U.S. and Mexico has also raised the demand for localized resources to service the growing number of companies establishing manufacturing and transportation operations in Mexico. Scott Sandager , Chief Administrative Officer at Arrive Logistics, commented, "The opening of our new office in Guadalajara marks a significant milestone for Arrive as we continue to expand our footprint in Mexico . This investment in our team and technology solidifies our position as a leader in cross-border logistics solutions." Jess Billedo , Arrive Logistics' General Manager of Mexico , leads the Guadalajara office. Billedo expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, stating, "We look forward to strengthening relationships with local partners and providing a seamless connection to our entire North American operation at Arrive." The office is 18,000 square feet, sized to accommodate the more than 100 employees with room to triple headcount in years to come. It is located in the city's central financial business district. Both business development and carrier-focused teams specializing in cross-border solutions are based out of the office, in addition to members of Arrive's Global Services team and technology organization. For more information on Arrive's operations in Mexico , and to explore career opportunities, visit www.arrivelogistics.com. About Arrive Logistics Arrive Logistics is a leading multimodal transportation and technology company delivering unparalleled service and custom strategic solutions. With over 1,700 employees, 6,000 customers, and 70,000 carriers in its network, Arrive is one of the largest firms in the freight brokerage industry. The company has been recognized as a top workplace by Fast Company, Fortune, Inc., Great Places to Work, The Austin American-Statesman, and The Chicago Tribune. Learn more at www.arrivelogistics.com and explore career opportunities at www.arrivelogistics.com/careers. At Arrive, "We Deliver, So You Can ." Media Contact Julie Solomon [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/arrive-opens-office-in-guadalajara-doubling-down-on-cross-border-nearshoring-boom-302062146.html SOURCE Arrive Logistics ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Children's Fund or UNICEF, Human Capital Africa and the Association for the Development of Education in Africa (ADEA) have urged African heads of state and government to commit to and champion foundational learning ahead of the African Union (AU) Year of Education. This came after the latest report on the state of global education issued by the World Bank, UNICEF and other partners, which revealed that nearly nine in 10 children in Sub-Saharan Africa are unable to read and understand a simple text by the age of 10. "The foundational level of education among African children is so weak and that has resulted in a human capital deficit in the continent," said founder and chief executive officer of the Human Capital Africa Obiageli Ezekwesili Tuesday in a joint briefing in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. According to Ezekwesili, leaders of the continent should recognize the scale of the learning crisis confronting the continent and commit to a continental strategy to address it through effective policies and interventions. She said failing to address the learning crisis will have catastrophic results for the continent's education outcomes across secondary, and tertiary schools, significantly restricting future employment opportunities. "Agenda 2063 of the African Union will go nowhere until our leaders react now on crisis related to foundational learning," Ezekwesili said. Lieke Van de Wiel, UNICEF's education adviser, said children who were out of school failed to learn what they were supposed to and that means investments in education have not been generating the right return. "African leaders must feel a sense of urgency to solve the problem," said Wiel, further noting that nine out of every 10 children in Africa are in school but not learning. Albert Nsengiyumva, the executive secretary of ADEA, warned that failing to react to the existing learning crisis in the continent will prevent the achievement of the African Union's vision for the "Africa we want" by 2063. "We must now ensure that our concerns are shared as widely as possible and that heads of state and government hear our message in the context of all the challenges facing the continent," Nsengiyumva said. At the Africa Human Capital Heads of State Summit in July 2023, 43 African leaders signed the Dar es Salaam Declaration and pledged to increase accessibility, affordability, and quality education, and improve literacy rates to 75 percent by 2030. The officials gave the briefing upon the conclusion of a two-day summit on Human Capital Africa that dwelt on foundational learning in the African continent. The summit, co-convened by UNICEF, called for increased investment in technology to enhance foundational learning such as access to digital resources, creating e-learning platforms, and ensuring that both teachers and students have the necessary skills to use technology effectively. STOCKHOLM , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Beactica Therapeutics AB, the Swedish precision oncology company, today announced that its TEAD programme has been selected for a late-breaking presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research's Annual Meeting 2024. The conference will take place on April 5-10, 2024 in San Diego, California . Dr Peter Brandt , Head of Chemistry, will present a poster entitled Degraders of TEAD transcription factors based on interface 3 binders on Sunday April 7, 2024 , at 1:30 PM 5:00 PM . The location is at the San Diego Convention Center, Section 52, abstract presentation number: LB029. The session title is Late-Breaking Research: Chemistry. The presentation will include new positive results from studies with novel proteolysis-targeting degraders of TEAD based on interface 3-binding ligands under development by Beactica. This will include head-to-head in vitro comparisons with other classes of TEAD modulators in clinical development such as palmitoylation inhibitors and direct YAPTEAD proteinprotein interaction inhibitors. The work to be presented contains contributions by Beactica's collaborators at the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), one of 27 institutes and centers at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Organised by the American Association for Cancer Research, the AACR Annual Meeting is the largest and most important cancer drug discovery event in the world. It has an anticipated attendance of more than 20 000 scientists, clinicians, advocates, and other attendees. The event spans integrative cancer science, global impact, individualised patient care and showcases the best and most up-to-date cancer science available. About TEAD TEAD 14 (Transcriptional Enhanced Associate Domain) are transcription factors that together with its coactivators YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif) play key roles in the Hippo signalling pathway that regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, and stemness. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway and subsequent activation of TEAD has been reported in a wide range of cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma, head and neck, gynaecological, and gastrointestinal cancers. The first clinical proof-of-concept for drugging the HippoYAPTEAD pathway was achieved with the TEAD inhibitor VT3989 and was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting in April 2023 . About Beactica Therapeutics Beactica Therapeutics AB is a privately held precision oncology company committed to the fight against cancer. The company is advancing a pipeline of novel small molecule therapeutics with a focus to treat genetically defined cancers with significant unmet medical need. Beactica's approach is centered around targeting synthetically lethal disease proteins with allosteric modulators and targeted protein degraders. Beactica deliver value to patients and shareholders by advancing its programmes to clinical proof of concept. For more information, please visit www.beactica.com. Beactica Therapeutics Contact Per Kallblad M.Sc . Ph.D. CEO [email protected] Tel: +46 18 56 08 80 The following files are available for download: View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/beactica-therapeutics-tead-programme-selected-for-late-breaking-research-presentation-at-the-aacr-annual-meeting-2024-302061523.html SOURCE Beactica Therapeutics AB AUBURN HILLS, Mich. , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Newly expanded website includes search by part number or vehicle fitment, dealer locator, region selection tool for U.S. , Canada and Mexico and much more , and and much more Proven second-line brand of high-quality aftermarket parts costs less than original-equipment (OE) offerings and are backed by a standard two-year/unlimited-mile warranty Reliable bproauto parts are designed for optimal performance on most makes and models from old to new, domestic to import See bproautoparts.com or contact a local Chrysler , Dodge, Jeep, Ram or FIAT dealership for more information , Dodge, Jeep, Ram or dealership for more information bproauto parts line complements Mopar, the global original-equipment parts and authentic accessories brand for Stellantis Mopar remains global OE parts and authentic accessories brand for Stellantis Launch of bproauto helps address a key pillar outlined in the Stellantis Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to grow sales in the independent aftermarket bproauto, the new aftermarket parts brand of Stellantis, today announced the launch of its newly expanded website bproautoparts.com. Introduced in North America in summer 2023, bproauto offers a proven second-line brand of high-quality aftermarket parts that costs less than original-equipment (OE) offerings and are backed by a standard two-year/unlimited-mile warranty. The revised website offers a wide array of expanded functionality, including: Full parts catalog Search functions, such as: bproauto part numbers Competitive interchange / cross-reference part numbers Specific vehicle fitment by model or VIN Full application and cross-reference guides Where to buy Dealer locator and direct link to Nexpart (aftermarket B2B parts ordering network for repair shops and professional parts buyers) for easy ordering Region selection tool for U.S. , Canada and Mexico with filters for available parts Automatic alerts for error parts that won't fit an indicated vehicle Aftermarket catalog exchange standard (ACES)- and product information exchange standard (PIES)- compliant images for application-specific parts Access to registration for emailed newsletter "Our new bproautoparts.com is the perfect search and sales tool for dealers and wholesalers," said Dustin Pedley , head of the North American aftermarket for Stellantis. "Our service to them goes beyond making aftermarket parts that pass original equipment standards for fit, form, function and durability, it also includes helping them get the parts they need to their service bays when they need them. Our new website is a very important link in that supply chain." The following parts are currently available on bproautoparts.com: Air filters Batteries Brake pads Brake rotors Cabin air filters Fuel injectors Fuel pump modules Hub bearings Oil Oil filters Tire-pressure monitoring systems Struts Additional high-quality bproauto products coming soon include: ABS sensors Lubricants A/C compressors O2 sensors A/C condensers Radiators A/C evaporators Shock absorbers Alternators Spark plugs Ball joints Spark plug wires Battery cables Starters Brake calipers Tail lamps Brake hardware Thermostats Bulbs Tie-rod ends Chemicals Timing belts/tensioners Control arms Transmission filters Functional fluids U-joints Headlamps Water pumps Ignition coils Wiper blades bproauto bproauto is the OE-backed auto parts brand delivering high-quality products for most makes and models to wholesale partners and customers through dealership service departments around the world. Experts in advanced technology, bproauto is focused on maintaining a reliable supply of advanced parts now, plus the new, high-tech parts emerging every day in an evolving aftermarket industry. For more information, visit bproautoparts.com. Mopar Mopar is the global name for Stellantis genuine parts and authentic accessories. A simple combination of the words MOtor and PARts, Mopar offers exceptional service, parts and customer-care. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, Mopar has evolved over more than 85 years to represent both complete vehicle care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide. Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use. Later, Mopar expanded to include technical service and customer support, and today integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide. Complete information on Mopar is available at www.mopar.com and the newly redesigned Mopar blog at www.blog.mopar.com. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com. Follow Mopar and company news and video on: Company blog: blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com Mopar brand: www.mopar.com/ Mopar blog: blog.mopar.com/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/mopar Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialmopar Twitter: twitter.com/OfficialMOPAR YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/mopar or www.youtube.com/StellantisNA View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bproauto-aftermarket-parts-brand-launches-revised-bproautopartscom-302061599.html SOURCE Stellantis TSX.V: DME U.S. OTC: DMEHF Frankfurt : QM01 VANCOUVER, BC , Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Desert Mountain Energy Corp. (the "Company" or "Desert Mountain") (TSXV: DME) was not able to file its annual audited financial statements for the year ended September 30, 2023 and its related MD&A, and other documents (the "Required Filings") as set out in its news release of January 30, 2024 . At this time, the Company is continuing to work on the Required Filings and has no further information on this matter. The Company still anticipates that it will be in a position to remedy the default by filing the Required Filings no later than March 29, 2024 . The MCTO will be in effect until the Required Filings are filed. ABOUT DESERT MOUNTAIN ENERGY Desert Mountain Energy Corp. is a publicly traded resource company primarily focused on the exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen, natural gas and condensate. The Company is focused on helium extraction from different raw gas sources in an environmental and economic manner supplying elements deemed critical to the renewable energy and high technology industries. We seek safe harbor "Robert Rohlfing" Robert Rohlfing Exec Chairman & CEO Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in polices of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The statements made in this press release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or results may differ from the Company's expectations. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward looking statements and information herein include but are not limited to statements regarding the Company's anticipated performance in the future the planned exploration activities, receipt of positive results from drilling, the completion of further drilling and exploration work, and the timing and results of various activities. Forward-looking statements or information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company and its operations to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in national and local governments, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada and the United States ; financial risks due to helium prices, operating or technical difficulties in exploration and development activities; risks and hazards and the speculative nature of resource exploration and related development; risks in obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and challenges to the Company's title to properties. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the continued operation of the Company's exploration operations, no material adverse change in the market price of commodities, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The Company does not intend to, and nor does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking statements or information, other than as required by applicable law. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/desert-mountain-energy-corp-status-report-on-annual-financial-statements-and-related-filings-302061087.html SOURCE Desert Mountain Energy Corp. Electrified Thermal Solutions Will Partner with 3M, Amy's Kitchen, Buzzi Unicem USA, Southwest Research Institute ("SwRI"), EPRI, and Others to Establish Pilot Projects BOSTON , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In late January, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $171 million investment, funding 49 projects across 21 states to help cut industrial greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Electrified Thermal Solutions (ETS), along with industrial partners 3M , Buzzi Unicem USA and Amy's Kitchen , were among the recipients of the award to decarbonize industrial heat in manufacturing, cement, food, chemicals and other sectors. ETS will use the cost matching funds from the grant to build and operate the first commercial-scale pilot of its Joule Hive thermal battery ("JHTB") in collaboration with SwRI at its industrial demonstration facilities in San Antonio, Texas . Subsequently, the grant funds will support deployment of customer-sited JHTBs for integration into their operations with partners such as 3M, Buzzi Unicem, Amy's Kitchen and other industrial collaborators. Project collaborator EPRI will lead analyses on lifecycle cost and techno-economy, and will be used to assist with third-party verification and identifying potential deployment sites. A diverse group of additional industrials are supporting the project as advisors including Novelis (Aluminum), Imerys (Minerals), Entergy (Electric Utility) and Tennessee Valley Authority (Electric Utility), as well as leaders in the basic chemicals and steel production spaces. As carbon emissions decline in power generation and transportation sectors, heavy industry stands as a notable exception , with a steady rise in emissions. Industrial heat processes, which contribute an estimated 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, predominantly rely on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Electrified Thermal Solutions (ETS) has emerged with a groundbreaking solution: the Joule Hive Thermal Battery. Developed at MIT, this innovation offers the most economically viable, zero carbon alternative, capable of harnessing clean energy-derived electricity to produce, store, and deliver emissions-free heat for industrial operations. The JHTB is unique among alternative solutions in having demonstrated the ability to convert electricity to 1,800C temperature heat in ambient air conditions using its proprietary E-Brick heating elements, opening the door to decarbonizing even the highest temperature industrial applications. With the JHTB, ETS introduces a game-changing solution, making zero carbon, competitively priced, on-demand, high-temperature industrial heat a tangible reality for the entire industrial heating market from lower temperature steam and drying applications to the highest temperature demands of the steel, cement and glass industries. "We believe the breadth and depth of involvement from our industrial partners like 3M, Buzzi Unicem USA and Amy's Kitchen was critical to demonstrate to the DOE just how valuable the Joule Hive thermal battery will be for industrial decarbonization, and we are grateful for their partnership. SwRI's engineering support and world class industrial demonstration facilities signaled to the DOE that our technology will be developed, built, operated, tested and evaluated to the highest standards." said Daniel Stack , Co-founder and CEO of Electrified Thermal Solutions. "Now, with the DOE behind us and a world class partnership consortium, we will demonstrate that ETS's Joule Hive Thermal Battery can durably deliver clean heat at temperatures hot enough for any industrial process." "Cement production is known as a hard to abate industrial sector in large part because of the high temperatures required." said Massimo Toso , President & CEO Buzzi Unicem USA. "ETS's Joule Hive Thermal Battery is the first industrial heat decarbonization solution we have identified that could potentially enable us to cost effectively and completely eliminate the use of fossil fuels in our heating processes and achieve our corporate decarbonization goals." For more information, please visit www.electrifiedthermal.com . Contact: Emily Torrans Mahoney Communications Group [email protected] 214-500-9670 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/electrified-thermal-solutions-is-selected-for-5m-us-department-of-energy-grant-to-decarbonize-industrial-heat-302061387.html SOURCE Electrified Thermal Solutions Vertafore's industry-leading program brings together 60 best-in-class solutions and services through API-backed integrations DENVER , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Vertafore, the leader in modern insurance technology, today announced nine new InsurTechs and solution providers joined its industry-leading Orange Partner Program. Now encompassing 60 partners, the program is the industry's most robust network, offering agencies, carriers and MGAs access to solutions and services that complement the Vertafore technologies they rely on every day. Expanded Orange Partner Program empowers insurance distribution with premier solutions for carriers, MGAs and agencies Orange Partners are vetted to confirm they meet Vertafore's rigorous standards. The program includes best-in-class business technologies, professional services, integrations and premium financing. The nine additions enhance different aspects of the insurance distribution channel: Automating workflows for back-office efficiency Adapt API automates repetitive and error-prone servicing tasks, like monitoring pending cancels or attaching documents in a management system, to allow servicing teams to focus their efforts on higher-leverage work. Ascend provides financial operations automation software to eliminate back-office accounting tasks associated with invoicing, premium financing and payables. This technology helps brokerages and MGAs improve operational efficiency and profitability by modernizing these legacy processes. Ascend integrates with AMS360 . . SureFyre is a submission automation platform and portal for modern P&C MGAs, wholesalers and carriers. Tech resources to speed up processes and boost sales Accelerated Automation specializes in optimizing the use of AgencyZoom for insurance agencies. Canopy Connect enables insurance agencies to collect verified insurance information directly from carriers in seconds. Through its consumer consent-driven data sharing technology and secure cloud infrastructure, Canopy Connect helps insurance agencies deliver intelligent insurance services. Data from Canopy Connect flows directly to PL Rating and AgencyZoom. Catalyit combines the best minds with the best tools to advocate for independent agencies' needs while helping agencies implement their Vertafore solutions. Solutions to strengthen data exchange and connectivity Dark Matter is a data exchange and digital workflow solution provider. Integrated with AIM, Dark Matter's dmConnect platform seamlessly integrates major carrier portals for real-time download. dmConnect is a multi-interface, multi-workflow platform that creates and manages secure, scalable integrations to reduce transactional friction for carrier and MGA partners. RecordLinker uses machine learning to standardize, dedupe and clean data during a migration to Vertafore technology, thereby reducing manual effort and producing a single clean user interface. technology, thereby reducing manual effort and producing a single clean user interface. Synatic innovates and enhances system integration and automation experiences with a nimble, simple and powerful Data Integration Hub (DIH). "Vertafore continues to expand this program so our customers have access to the best tools and integrations to help them service their clients and grow their business," said Doug Mohr , Vertafore's vice president of industry relations and partnerships. "Partnership is in our DNA. In working with these 60 providers, we're partnering to simplify and automate technology for the entire insurance distribution channel." Many of Vertafore's Orange Partners will be on hand at Accelerate, powered by NetVU, April 14, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana . Accelerate is the industry's first and longest running InsurTech conference. About Vertafore As North America's InsurTech leader for 55 years, Vertafore is modernizing and simplifying the insurance life cycle so that our customers can focus on what matters most. Vertafore's solutions provide end-to-end connectivity across the distribution channel, improve the client and agent experience, unlock the power of data, and streamline essential workflows to drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability for independent agencies, MGAs and carriers. For more information about Vertafore, visit www.vertafore.com. 2024 Vertafore and the Vertafore logo are registered trademarks of Vertafore. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. MEDIA CONTACT: INK Communications [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/expanded-orange-partner-program-empowers-insurance-distribution-with-premier-solutions-for-carriers-mgas-and-agencies-302060932.html SOURCE Vertafore, Inc. The following statement was issued by Dan Stein , president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), in response to the impeachment of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas : WASHINGTON , Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "Today's vote in the House to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, only the second impeachment of a cabinet official in U.S. history, is a victory for the rule of law and the American people. "Secretary Mayorkas has not just presided over the greatest wave of illegal immigration in the nation's history, he has actively encouraged it, facilitated it, and then forced the costs down the throats of the American people. This month marks three years since he swore to uphold the laws of the United States and protect the security of the homeland. Secretary Mayorkas, however, has done precisely the opposite. "At every turn, Secretary Mayorkas has ignored statutes and undermined the rule of law. He has released illegal aliens into the U.S. instead of detaining and removing them. He has established permanent parole programs for hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals, violating the law that requires parole be granted temporarily and only on a case-by-case basis. He has allowed known terrorists and Special Interest Aliens to cross into the country unimpeded. And, he has actively undermined immigration enforcement, claiming that being in the country illegally is not by itself grounds for removal. "The results of Mayorkas' actions have been catastrophic. Since taking office, more than 8.5 million illegal aliens have been encountered at our borders and another 1.8 million are known to have entered the country without being encountered by a Customs and Border Protection agency that is overwhelmed with the task of processing and releasing illegal migrants. At a time of unprecedented terror threats posed by Iranian proxy groups, and heightened espionage activity by China , Mayorkas has admitted that 85 percent of the migrants being encountered at the southern border are being released into the country. "The tidal wave of illegal immigration that is endangering our national security and straining resources to the breaking point in communities all across the country is not because he lacks the authority or the resources to secure our borders and enforce our immigration laws. Rather, it is because he, with the support of President Biden , has subverted and undermined the laws he swore to uphold. "The articles of impeachment passed by the House provide incontrovertible grounds for the Senate to convict him and remove him from office." Contact: Joey Chester , 202-742-1827, [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fair-applauds-the-house-of-representatives-for-impeaching-secretary-mayorkas-302061306.html SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) Parlay is an embedded fintech software that helps community banks and credit unions get more small businesses approved for loans. ALEXANDRIA, Va. , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Parlay, the first-of-its kind small business loan readiness platform, today announces the close of $1.3 million in pre-seed financing led by Fenway Summer . Other firms investing in the round include Hivers and Strivers Capital, Service Provider Capital, Capacity Capital, and Alumni Ventures, together with a follow-on investment from Techstars. Parlay was founded in 2022 by entrepreneur and military spouse Alex McLeod , West Point graduate and former U.S. Special Operations Command Innovation Officer Jay Long , and West Point graduate and former Army Ranger James Cho . Parlay partners with community banks and credit unions to enable financial inclusion and capital access for the small business market over 33 million diverse small business owners across the United States. "This pre-seed funding enables us to continue fulfilling our mission: partnering with community banks and credit unions to extend more loans to the small businesses that form the backbone of our economy," said CEO of Parlay Alex Mcleod . "We're excited to continue this important work with strategic champions like Fenway Summer by our side." "We are excited and proud to back Parlay. Small businesses drive the American economy; access to capital drives small businesses. Parlay's loan readiness platform is an innovative approach to helping banks and credit unions better access and underwrite those critical small business customers" said Raj Date , managing partner of Fenway Summer , the Washington, D.C. -based venture capital firm focused on early-stage fintech investing, "But what we are most excited about is supporting a founding team that is as ambitious, talented, and passionate as this one." Parlay was selected to participate in The PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program Fall 2023 Cohort. The program exclusively supports veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs building highly scalable startup companies ranging from the idea stage through to Series A and beyond. For more information about Parlay visit parlay.finance. About Parlay Parlay Finance is an embedded fintech software that helps community banks and credit unions get more small businesses approved for loans. The company helps small businesses maximize their eligibility for loan products while increasing loan quality, throughput, and efficiency for lenders. About PenFed Foundation Founded in 2001, The PenFed Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that supports veterans in their transition from service to success. Affiliated with PenFed Credit Union, the Foundation has provided more than $50 million in financial support to veterans, active-duty service members and military families. The credit union funds the Foundation's personnel and most operational costs, allowing 99% of incoming donations to go directly to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-of-its-kind-loan-readiness-platform-parlay-raises-1-3m-to-offer-inclusive-access-to-financial-resources-for-small-businesses-302061414.html SOURCE PenFed Foundation; Parlay Kellanova donates $50,000 to support the national grocer's Feed the Love hunger relief campaign CHICAGO , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- For the fourth year in a row, Kellanova and Albertsons Companies, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States , are teaming up to show love to the communities they serve and address the ongoing issue of hunger and food insecurity. Kellanova is donating $50,000 to Albertsons Cos. Foundation's Nourishing Neighbors charitable program benefiting the hunger-relief efforts of food banks, pantries and hunger-relief charities in communities served by the Albertsons Cos. family of stores including Safeway, Albertsons, Vons, ACME and Shaw's. The donation is part of Albertsons Cos. Foundation's "Feed the Love" in-store promotional campaign during the month of February and will enable partner charities to provide approximately 200,000 meals to those in need.1 "Kellanova is incredibly proud to continue this important and impactful partnership with Albertsons Cos. for the fourth consecutive year," said Carrie Sander , North America chief customer officer, Kellanova. "Our customers are some of our strongest allies in our efforts to fulfil our Better Days Promise to tackle sustainable and equitable access to food." Food insecurity exists in every county in the United States , affecting more than 44 million people, including 13 million children. In 2022, 49 million Americans relied on food assistance.2 "Albertsons Cos. and Kellanova share the belief that everyone, especially children, should have access to nutritious food every day," said Christy Duncan Anderson , president and executive director, Albertsons Cos. Foundation. "We're proud to be one of the largest contributors to food banks and hunger-relief programs in the neighborhoods we serve3, thanks to our generous customers like Kellanova." Kellanova's donation is part of its Kellanova Better Days Promise social and environmental strategy, which aims to create #BetterDays for 4 billion people by 2030. [1] Albertsons Companies Foundations uses the conversion of 1 meal = $0.25 [2] https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america [3] https://www.feedingamerica.org/partners/food-and-fund-partners About Kellanova Kellanova (NYSE: K) is a leader in global snacking, international cereal and noodles, and North America frozen foods with a legacy stretching back more than 100 years. Powered by differentiated brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats, RXBAR, Eggo, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Coco Pops , and more, Kellanova's vision is to become the world's best-performing snacks-led powerhouse, unleashing the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Kellanova is guided by our purpose to create better days and a place at the table for everyone through our trusted food brands. We are advancing sustainable and equitable access to food by addressing the intersection of hunger, sustainability, wellbeing, and equity, diversity & inclusion, with the ambition of creating Better Days for 4 billion people by the end of 2030 (from a 2015 baseline). Visit www.Kellanova.com for more information. About Albertsons Companies Albertsons Companies is a leading food and drug retailer in the United States . As of December 2, 2023 , the Company operated 2,271 retail food and drug stores with 1,726 pharmacies, 401 associated fuel centers, 22 dedicated distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities. The Company operates stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia with 24 banners including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen, Carrs, Kings Food Markets and Balducci's Food Lovers Market. The Company is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2022, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the Company contributed more than $200 million in food and financial support, including more than $40 million through our Nourishing Neighbors Program to ensure those living in our communities and those impacted by disasters have enough to eat. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/full-bellies-fuller-hearts-kellanova-and-albertsons-companies-foundation-show-love-to-the-communities-they-serve-302061507.html SOURCE Kellanova Recent updates on its development of LSD treatments were presented YONGIN, South Korea , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GC Biopharma (CEO, Eun-Chul Huh ), a South Korean biopharmaceutical company, announced on Feb. 14 th that it has presented the development updates on its LSD (Lysosomal Storage Diseases) medicines at the WORLDSymposium 2024 held on Feb. 4 th-9th, 2024 in San Diego, USA. WorldSymposium 2024 is an international forum for Lysosomal Diseases experts to share and exchange insights for researching better treatment of the disease. At this year's symposium, GC Biopharma made an oral presentation on the Phase III clinical trial result of "Hunterase" its Hunter syndrome treatment and released posters on the non-clinical results of 'GC1130A', a treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA), and GC1134A/HM15421, a treatment for Fabry disease. Hunter syndrome, also known as Mucopolysaccharidosis type II, is a rare disorder with a prevalence of one in 100,000 to 150,000 male live births. Various unpredictable symptoms, such as skeletal abnormalities and intelligence decline, may develop. In severe cases, this leads to deaths before the age of 15. Currently, 70 to 80 patients are reported to have this disorder in Korea . In 2012, GC Biopharma succeeded in developing the world's second treatment for Hunter syndrome, "Hunterase" solely using domestic technology. By improving utilization of genetic recombinant technology and purified IDS enzyme, administered intravenously, GC Biopharma has provided a better treatment option for patients with Hunter syndrome, who previously solely depended on a single therapy option. This Phase III trial was conducted on Hunter syndrome patients aged 5 years or older without previous treatment experience in enzyme replacement therapy. By comparing the patient group that received 'Hunterase' intravenously once a week for 52 weeks with the placebo control group, the clinical trial proved the superiority of the treatment with a statistically significant difference in 6-Minute Walk Test [6-MWT] and urinary glycosaminoglycan (urine GAG) results. The company's presentation also included posters on non-clinical results of 'GC1130A', a treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome type A (MPS IIIA), and GC1134A/ HM15421, a treatment for Fabry disease. Sanfilippo syndrome (type A) is a recessive genetic disease in which heparan sulfate accumulates in the body due to a genetic defect, causing gradual and severe damage mainly in the brain. This rare disease leads most patients to death at around the age of 15. With no approved treatment available thus far, there exists significant unmet medical needs among patients. GC Biopharma, in collaboration with Nobel Pharma, is developing an enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for the disorder, administering intracerebroventricular injection (ICV) of the enzyme (heparan N sulfatase) that is not expressed in the patient's body to treat brain lesions in MPS IIIA patients. GC1130A has received Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) from the US FDA and the European EMA based on the efficacy and safety proven in the non-clinical stage. In the poster presentation, the company presented the significant reduction in Heparan sulfate and improvement in brain lesion demonstrated in mice with MPS III type A disease. Fabry disease involves a deficiency of alpha-galactosidase that causes the body to accumulate glycolipids, leading to damages mainly in heart and kidney. While an approved enzyme replacement therapy for the disorder already exists, there are still unmet medical needs for kidney disease. GC Biopharma, together with Hanmi Pharmaceutical, is developing GC1134A/HM15421, a long-acting alpha-galactosidase that can be administered subcutaneously once a month to improve patient convenience. The poster presentation by Hanmi Pharmaceutical included the result of animal model evaluation showing continued distribution, kidney function improvement, and fibrosis inhibition efficacy of GC1134A/HM15421 compared to existing treatments. GC Biopharma commented, "We will continue to build on our experience, knowledge, and expertise in developing treatments for lysosomal storage diseases, and expand our reach to other rare diseases to provide new treatment options to the patients." About GC Biopharma GC Biopharma (formerly known as Green Cross Corporation) is a biopharmaceutical company that delivers life-saving and life-sustaining protein therapeutics and vaccines. Headquartered in Yongin, South Korea , GC Biopharma is one of the leading plasma protein and vaccine product manufacturers globally and has been dedicated to quality healthcare solutions for more than half a century. This press release may contain biopharmaceuticals in forward-looking statements, which express the current beliefs and expectations of GC Biopharma's management. Such statements do not represent any guarantee by GC Biopharma or its management of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. GC Biopharma undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this press release or any other forward-looking statements it may make, except as required by law or stock exchange rule. GC Biopharma Contacts (Media) Seunghyun Baek [email protected] Sohee Kim [email protected] Yelin Jun [email protected] Rachel Kim [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gc-biopharma-presents-updates-on-its-lsd-treatments-at-the-worldsymposium-2024-302061569.html SOURCE GC Biopharma ATLANTA , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- GLO24K, a global beauty brand based in the USA , is introducing a new and revolutionary LED Beauty Device: GLO24K 6-IN-1 Beauty Therapy Wand. This 6-In-1 Beauty Wand is an advanced LED Beauty Device for the face, neck, and around the eyes that is loaded with cutting-edge technologies to deliver anti-aging results. GLO24K started off as a skin care brand focusing on 24k Gold Infused Luxury products. In 2021 GLO24K expanded its portfolio and added the hottest trend in the beauty category: LED Beauty Devices. Now, GLO24K is introducing the innovative 6-IN-1 Beauty Therapy Wand to battle the visible signs of the aging process such as wrinkles, fine-lines, under eye puffiness, and sagging skin for a radiant, glowing, healthy skin, and flawless complexion. LED Technology was developed by NASA to examine the effects of Light Therapy in zero gravity conditions. NASA researchers found that LED Light Therapy stimulates and promotes processes within the cell level that are associated with collagen reproduction and skin rejuvenation. Different wavelengths of LED lights penetrate the skin at different depths and trigger biological processes that help the skin rejuvenate, renew, and heal. GLO24K 6-IN-1 Beauty Therapy Wand utilizes that same LED Technology to be established as any beauty enthusiast's source for all skin care needs. This beauty wand is loaded with Dual LED Light Therapy options (Red and Blue), Vibration at three levels, Thermal, and advanced Micro-Current (EMS) technologies to provide a spa at home experience. It also has a rotating massage head to better target areas of concern. Specifically, this beauty tool is designed to target the skin of the face, neck, and around the eyes for noticeable anti-aging results. This wand is small, light, rechargeable, non-invasive, travel friendly, easy to use, and ergonomically designed. GLO24K 6-IN-1 Beauty Therapy Wand as well as all other GLO24K products can be conveniently found online/ offline, in airlines, on TV, in beauty boxes, and at Spas, boutiques, and Dr's offices in the USA , Canada , Europe , Aisa, Australia , and the UAE . For a quick link to the product visit: https://www.amazon.com/GLO24K-Vibration-Micro-Current-Technologies-Rejuvenation/dp/B0C9V14ZWM?maas=maas_adg_34A09E3CE1D11C6115EEBD213EFA4F06_afap_abs&ref_=aa_maas&tag=maas "There is a huge demand for LED Beauty Devices and Tools in the market and our research directed us to invest in this wonderful wand," says Eli, Founder of GLO24K. "We analyzed what is available in the marketplace as well as consumer trends and demands and when we saw celebrities raving about the power and results of LED Light Therapy Tools on social media we decided to double down and become a market leader. There is good and healthy competition in this category but GLO24K 6-IN-1 Beauty Therapy Wand is the most advanced tool out there, with most features, and it is also priced very competitively and indeed sales are very strong." Rachel, the brand's global trainer is adding: "Our 6-In-1 Wand can help battling the visible signs of the aging process such as wrinkles, fine-lines, and sagging skin for smoother, revitalized skin, and flawless appearance. One should use Red Light Therapy for Anti-Aging benefits and Blue Light Therapy to detoxify and balance the skin. It is for all skin types, unisex, and can be used as needed." The category of LED Beauty Devices is competitive but far from saturation. There are some established brands with a large market share but GLO24K embraces the competition because it forces all players in the category to innovate and improve. "Right now," says Eli, GLO24K's Founder, "our beauty devices and tools are just a better buy for the consumers. They offer more features, look very luxurious, and cost less. All people have to do is compare and make a choice, then they can sit at home, relax, and feel like all the celebrities that rave about Anti-Aging LED Light Therapy Treatments on social media." In addition to the 6-In-1 Beauty Wand , GLO24K features several more innovative LED Beauty Devices and Tools for the face, neck, and around the eyes. GLO24K's beauty devices are loaded with technology, advanced, luxuriously packaged, and carry a lifetime warranty. Indeed, GLO24K is where Beauty and Technology Meet. Welcome to the Next Generation of Beauty! For Inquiries contact GLO24K at www.glo24k.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/glo24k-6-in-1-beauty-therapy-wand---a-spa-at-home-led-beauty-device---is-the-ultimate-solution-for-all-your-skin-care-needs-302061393.html SOURCE GLO24K NEW DELHI, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The protesting farmers in India on Wednesday faced tear smoke shells from police in the northern state of Haryana as they tried to resume their march to the national capital Delhi, demanding a minimum support price for crops. Scores of farmers from Punjab with large convoys of tractors were waiting at the Shambhu border near Ambala district in Haryana, about 200 km from Delhi. Roads in Haryana have been heavily barricaded and the police force has been deployed to stop the farmers' march. Authorities have also imposed restrictions banning large assemblies in Haryana. After daylong clashes on Tuesday, the farmers resumed the march on Wednesday from the Shambhu border. The two rounds of talks between the government and farmer leaders remained inconclusive, following which farmers embarked on the march. The call for a march was given by farmer unions to increase pressure on the federal government to fulfill their demands including the enactment of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price for crops. The farmers are also demanding pensions for farmers and farm laborers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, and compensation for families of farmers who died during the previous agitation. Approximately 200 farmer organizations took part in the protest. USDA-Guaranteed Loan Will Help Bolster Local Community and Promote Renewable Energy Systems RENO, Nev. , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Greater Commercial Lending (GCL), which provides government-guaranteed loans to businesses and organizations in under-served and rural communities, has completed $25 million in financing for Lisbon Valley Mining Co., which mines copper within La Sal , in Utah's Lisbon Valley, an extensive mineral district for copper and other resources. The financing, backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Business & Industry Loan Program, represents an important step in both revitalizing the region's economy and empowering Lisbon Valley Mining Co., a key employer in the rural community. The loan will be used to strengthen copper mine production by allocating funds towards working capital and procurement of heavy equipment, as well as refinancing existing debt. The government-guaranteed loan will also help contribute to the success of the U.S. renewable energy sector. Copper, a vital metal for various electrical systems, plays a pivotal role in the U.S. economy's transition to green, renewable energy, including solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicles. "We are pleased to support Lisbon Valley Mining Co. in their mission to expand and enhance copper mining operations," said Jeremy Gilpin , president of GCL. "This financing signifies our commitment to fostering economic growth in under-served communities while contributing to essential industries crucial for a sustainable future." "This government-guaranteed funding, thanks to GCL, marks a significant moment for our company and the local community," said George Shaw , CEO at Lisbon Valley Mining Co. "It enables us to not only reinvigorate our operations but also contribute to the essential supply of copper, a critical component in advancing sustainable energy solutions. With copper production indicating a future shortage, the continued mining of this resource from all available sources is paramount to the success of the U.S. economy's transition to new sources of renewable energy." The financing structure includes participation by Community Bank & Trust West Georgia . The project is expected to generate approximately 90 new job opportunities, along with the preservation of 101 existing jobs. About Greater Commercial Lending Greater Commercial Lending (GCL) is a credit organization that brings together banks, credit unions and other lenders to provide U.S. government-guaranteed loans to businesses and initiatives in rural and under-served markets throughout the U.S. and its territories. It helps finance key infrastructure services, like power, renewable energy, transportation and fiber optics, as well as schools, hospitals, restaurants, agriculture, hotels and manufacturers. GCL partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which guarantee loans, to arrange credit at favorable terms. GCL's network of lenders includes nearly 200 banks, credit unions and other financial institutions. Lisbon Valley Mining Co. Lisbon Valley Copper Corp. mines copper within Utah's Lisbon Valley, an extensive mineral district which includes commercial mining of copper, potash and uranium as well as natural gas production. The Company's current proven and probable reserves support a project life of more than twenty years. Copper is a critical metal used in the global economy's transition to green, renewable energy including solar and wind power as well as the transition from combustible engine vehicles to electric vehicles. Lisbon Valley Copper Corp. is committed to safely mining the copper resources within its permitted areas of operation and fulfilling its role as an environmental steward of the Lisbon Valley through its careful management of the surrounding natural environment in coordination with its regulatory partners. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/greater-commercial-lending-completes-25-million-in-financing-for-copper-mining-company-in-utah-302061517.html SOURCE Greater Commercial Lending Company continues to deploy its automated, modular greenhouses that deliver fresh produce at costs competitive to traditional, outdoor-grown agriculture using less water, fertilizer and waste. SAN FRANCISCO , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hippo Harvest , a controlled environment agriculture (CEA) startup developing advanced greenhouse systems that produce sustainably-grown produce, today announced the close of its $21M Series B funding round led by Standard Investments . Congruent Ventures, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund, Hawthorne Food Ventures, and Energy Impact Partners also participated in the round. The funding will be used to scale the company's greenhouse operations and to expand its product offerings into new categories of leafy greens. Founded in 2019, Hippo Harvest operates a first-of-its-kind repurposed greenhouse facility in Pescadero, CA that out-competes traditional greenhouses in scalability and unit economics and is comparable to traditional outdoor-grown produce prices. The company utilizes a closed-loop, non-recirculating, direct-to-root fertilizer system, machine learning and autonomous mobile robots to calculate and efficiently distribute water, fertilizer, light, and heating on a micro-climate basis throughout its greenhouses. The result is significantly more cost and resource efficient production of fresh produce. Consumers and retailers enjoy the superior quality, consistency, and food safety of Hippo greens at competitive prices. "We're excited by the opportunity to scale our production and reach more consumers with high-quality, sustainable produce," said Hippo Harvest CEO Eitan Marder-Eppstein . "Our team's work over the past twelve months demonstrates our ability to create modular, cost-effective growing systems that can be deployed across the country. We look forward to working with our investors to make it a reality." "Since inception, Hippo has delivered superior produce while maintaining cost efficiencies. Standard invests in companies disrupting traditional industry and we are thrilled to partner with Hippo on its journey to scale," said Logan Ashcraft , Principal at Standard Investments, who joins Hippo's Board of Directors. The company's farming methods increase food safety and extend shelf life by up to 30% compared to outdoor-grown produce, due to a number of unique factors. Plants are irrigated with purified water and a uniquely customized nutrient blend from below, rather than above, reducing the risk of pathogen and fungus formation caused by water and nutrients touching the leaves. Off-the-shelf robots with customized attachments are used to tend to and harvest the plants, delivering precise levels of water and nutrition for healthier plants. All production is done in a clean, controlled greenhouse, reducing damage and quality variations that occur in conventional outdoor farming. Products are packed on-site, immediately after harvesting, using 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Instead of conventional chemical pesticides, the company uses beneficial insects, natural oils, and other pesticide free practices. Hippo Harvest's approach to growing produce in greenhouses addresses a critical need to reduce climate change related volatility in the fresh-food supply chain. It also offers ecological benefits like significantly reducing water and fertilizer use, even in low-water environments or areas with limited agricultural space, and reduces methane-producing agricultural waste that is caused by traditional farming, without sacrificing accessibility and affordability at commercial scale. These characteristics increase the availability of locally grown, fresh food and provide communities with more accessible water, a cleaner environment, and safer, more stable agricultural jobs, without sacrificing accessibility and affordability at commercial scale. The company signed The Climate Pledge, a commitment co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism for businesses to reach net-zero carbon by 2040. Today, San Francisco residents can find Hippo Harvest products on the shelf at their local Gus's Community Markets or online at Amazon Fresh with more locations coming soon in Northern California . About Hippo Harvest Hippo Harvest is a venture-backed controlled environment agriculture (CEA) startup based in the San Francisco Bay area. The company uses closed-loop, direct-to-root fertilizer systems, machine learning and robots to grow fresh produce in repurposed greenhouses. Hippo's first-of-its-kind modular greenhouse design enables produce to be grown closer to consumers using fewer inputs (such as water, fertilizer and energy). For more information, please visit hippoharvest.com . About Standard Investments Standard Investments is a fundamentally driven investment platform focused on the intersection of industry and technology. Standard Investments deploys capital flexibly and creatively across the public and private markets, spanning the life cycle of a company, and leverages its deep industrial knowledge and operational experience to create value. Business Contact: [email protected] Media Contact: Chris Krolak Mulberry & Astor [email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hippo-harvest-announces-21-million-series-b-funding-led-by-standard-investments-to-scale-next-generation-greenhouse-platform-302061339.html SOURCE Hippo Harvest NEW YORK , Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, the University of Pennsylvania (Penn) filed a motion to dismiss the civil rights lawsuit against Penn filed by Kasowitz Benson Torres on behalf of Jewish Penn students who allege that they have faced pervasive antisemitic hatred, discrimination, harassment, and intimidation while attending Penn. In the complaint, filed on December 5, 2023 in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the students allege that Penn has transformed itself into an incubation lab for virulent anti-Jewish hatred, harassment, and discrimination; has enforced Penn's own rules of conduct selectively to avoid protecting Jewish students from hatred and harassment; has provided platforms for rabidly antisemitic professors who call for anti-Jewish violence and spread terrorist propaganda; and has ignored Jewish students' pleas for protection. Marc E. Kasowitz , partner at Kasowitz Benson Torres, stated: "Just weeks ago, Penn's president refused to confirm to Congress that calling for the genocide of Jews violates Penn's code of conduct. Now, in its meritless motion to dismiss, Penn, while trying to downplay the virulent antisemitism it has tolerated and enabled for so long on its campus, also says that it should be trusted to fix the problem. But since that infamous testimony, the antisemitic hatred, discrimination, and harassment permeating Penn's campus has if anything worsened. Rather than trying to avoid responsibility, Penn should be instituting the kind of effective measures outlined in the lawsuit necessary to protect its Jewish students who fear for their safety. Instead, Penn is engaging in the equivocation and denial and, yes, indifference that its former president so callously and disastrously displayed during the recent Congressional hearings. Penn's motion only underscores the need for the lawsuitunless compelled to, Penn will not change." Combat Campus Antisemitism Foundation Ltd. (CCAF) is helping to fund the prosecution of this lawsuit, as well as similar lawsuits on behalf of Jewish students against other major universities, including Harvard and New York University. CCAF was formed to combat through litigation under federal, state and local civil rights laws and other measures increasingly rampant antisemitism on our country's leading university campuses and at other institutions. www.combatcampusantisemitism.org The Kasowitz Benson Torres team representing the University of Pennsylvania students is led by partners Marc E. Kasowitz , Daniel R. Benson , Mark P. Ressler and Andrew L. Schwartz , and includes associates Joshua E. Roberts , Jillian R. Roffer , Andrew C. Bernstein , Scott Christopher , Yarden N. Hodes and William Wolfe Taub . About Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP is a leading national law firm with a core focus on commercial litigation, complemented by exceptionally strong bankruptcy/restructuring, employment, and real estate practices. Kasowitz is known for its creative, aggressive litigators and willingness to take on tough cases. The firm has extensive trial experience and is always trial-ready, representing both plaintiffs and defendants in every area of litigation. Kasowitz is committed to pursuing aggressive and innovative approaches to its clients' most challenging legal matters. Headquartered in New York City , the firm also has offices in Atlanta , Denver , Houston , Los Angeles , Miami , Newark , San Francisco , Silicon Valley and Washington , DC. For more information, please visit www.kasowitz.com. Press Contact: Emily M. Thall , [email protected] Shannon O'Reilly , [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kasowitz-penns-meritless-motion-to-dismiss-the-lawsuit-challenging-penns-pervasive-antisemitism-only-proves-the-need-for-the-lawsuit-in-the-first-place-302061288.html SOURCE Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP NEW YORK , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MainStay CBRE Global Infrastructure Megatrends Term Fund (the "Fund") (NYSE: MEGI) today announced the Fund's monthly distributions for February 2024 of $0.1250 per common share. The Fund's current annualized distribution rate is 12.29% based upon the closing price of $12.21 on February 12, 2024 , and 10.65% based upon the Fund's closing NAV of $14.09 as of the same date. Dividend Distribution Schedule: Ex-Dividend Date Record Date Payable Date February 2-23-2024 2-26-2024 2-29-2024 The amounts and sources of distributions reported in this Notice are only estimates and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend upon the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of this distribution or from the terms of the Fund's Distribution Policy. Future earnings of the Fund cannot be guaranteed, and the Fund's distribution policy is subject to change. For more information on the Fund, please visit the Fund's website here. The Fund's monthly distribution is set by its Board of Trustees. The Board reviews the Fund's distribution on a quarterly basis in view of its net investment income, realized and unrealized gains, and other net unrealized appreciation or income expected during the remainder of the year. The Fund strives to establish a level monthly distribution that, over the course of the year, will serve to distribute an amount closely approximating the Fund's net investment income and net realized capital gains during the year. The following table sets forth the estimated sources of income of the current distribution, and the cumulative distributions paid this fiscal year to date from the following sources: net investment income, net realized short-term capital gains, net realized long-term capital gains and return of capital or other capital source. All amounts are expressed on a per share of common stock basis and as a percentage of the distribution amount. Data as of 2/29/2024 Source Current Distribution per Share Percent of Current Distribution Fiscal YTD Cumulative Distribution per Share Fiscal YTD Percent of Total Cumulative Distributions Net Investment Income $0.1250 100 % $0.8819 81 % Net Realized Short- Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0 % $0.0350 3 % Net Realized Long- Term Capital Gains $0.0000 0 % $0.1747 16 % Return of Capital or Other Capital Sources $- - % $- - % Total per Share $0.1250 100 % $1.0916 100 % Fund Performance and Distribution Rate Information as of 1/31/2024 Average annual total return1 (in relation to the net asset value (NAV)): -6.62 % Annualized current distribution rate expressed as a percentage of month end NAV as of 1/31/2024: 10.36%2 Cumulative total return3 (in relation to NAV (not annualized)) for the fiscal period ending 1/31/2024: -3.97 % Cumulative fiscal year distribution rate as a percentage of NAV as of 1/31/2024: 6.68%4 1. Represents the annualized total return in relation to the change in NAV from inception (10/27/2021) through 1/31/2024. 2. Represents the current monthly distribution rate annualized as a percentage of NAV as of 1/31/2024. 3. Represents the cumulative total return in relation to the change in NAV for the current fiscal period 6/1/2023 through 1/31/2024 . 4. Represents the cumulative distribution rate for the current fiscal period 6/1/2023 through 1/31/2024 , which is determined by dividing the dollar value of distributions in the period by the NAV as of 1/31/2024. There is no assurance the Fund will continue to pay regular monthly distributions or that it will do so at a particular rate. You should not draw any conclusions about the Fund's investment performance from the amount of its distribution to shareholders. Any distributions in excess of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and profits will be treated first, as a tax-deferred return of capital, which is applied against and will reduce the adjusted tax basis of shares and, after such adjusted basis is reduced to zero, will generally constitute capital gains. A return of capital distribution may lower a shareholder's basis in the Fund, causing a potential future tax consequence in connection with the sale of Fund shares, even if such shares are sold at a loss to the shareholder's initial investments. Any amounts and sources of distributions are only estimated and are not being provided for tax reporting purposes. The actual amounts and sources of income of the amounts for tax reporting purposes will depend on the Fund's investment experience during the remainder of its fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. The Fund will send a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will advise how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes. The Fund is a closed-end fund, which is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and invests primarily in income-producing equity securities issued by infrastructure companies. Holdings are subject to change. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. The Fund's daily New York Stock Exchange closing prices, net asset values per share, as well as other information are available by clicking here or by calling the Fund's shareholder servicing agent at (855) 456-9683. Before considering an investment in the Fund, you should understand that you could lose money. There are risks inherent in all investments. For more information about the Fund, including specific risks, please visit our website here. About New York Life Investments With over $687 billion in Assets Under Management* as of September 30, 2023 , New York Life Investments, Pensions and Investments' 25th Largest Money Manager**, is comprised of the affiliated global asset management businesses of its parent company, New York Life Insurance Company, and offers clients access to specialized, independent investment teams through its family of affiliated boutiques. New York Life Investments remains committed to clients through a combination of the diverse perspectives of its boutiques and a long-lasting focus on sustainable relationships. *Assets under management (AUM) includes assets of the investment advisers affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company, other than Kartesia Management. As of 12/31/2022 New York Life Investments changed its AUM calculation methodology, and AUM now includes certain assets, such as non-discretionary AUM, external fund selection, and overlay services, including ESG screening services, advisory consulting services, white labeling investment management services, and model portfolio delivery services, that do not qualify as Regulatory Assets Under Management, as defined in the SEC's Form ADV. AUM is reported in USD. AUM not denominated in USD is converted at the spot rate as of 3/31/2023. This total AUM figure is less than the sum of the AUM of each affiliated investment adviser in the group because it does not count AUM where the same assets can be counted by more than one affiliated investment adviser. ** On June 12, 2023 , New York Life Investments was ranked #25 in Pensions & Investments' Largest Money Managers 2023 for the time period 12/31/21 12/31/22. (Managers are ranked by total worldwide institutional assets under management. Full list here.) No direct or indirect compensation was paid for the creation and distribution of this ranking. For more information about ranking click here - Largest Money Managers 2023 | Pensions & Investments (pionline.com) "New York Life Investments" is both a service mark, and the common trade name, of certain investment advisors affiliated with New York Life Insurance Company. About CBRE Investment Management CBRE Investment Management Listed Real Assets LLC is the listed real assets arm of CBRE Investment Management, a leading global real assets investment management firm, with $144.2 billion in assets under management* as of September 30, 2023 , operating in more than 30 offices and 20 countries around the world. Through its investor-operator culture, the firm seeks to deliver sustainable investment solutions across real assets categories, geographies, risk profiles and execution formats so that its clients, people and communities thrive. CBRE Investment Management is an independently operated affiliate of CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE: CBRE), the world's largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2022 revenue). CBRE has approximately 115,000 employees (excluding Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE Investment Management harnesses CBRE's data and market insights, investment sourcing and other resources for the benefit of its clients. For more information, please visit www.cbreim.com. *Assets under management (AUM) refers to the fair market value of real assets-related investments with respect to which CBRE Investment Management provides, on a global basis, oversight, investment management services and other advice and which generally consist of investments in real assets; equity in funds and joint ventures; securities portfolios; operating companies and real assets-related loans. This AUM is intended principally to reflect the extent of CBRE Investment Management's presence in the global real assets market, and its calculation of AUM may differ from the calculations of other asset managers and from its calculation of regulatory assets under management for purposes of certain regulatory filings. This press release is not an offer to sell securities and is not a solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sales of securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. New York Life Investment Management LLC engages the services of SEC-registered advisors. CBRE Investment Management Listed Real Assets (CBRE Investment Management) is unaffiliated with New York Life Investment Management LLC. The MainStay Funds are managed by New York Life Investment Management LLC and distributed by NYLIFE Distributors LLC, 30 Hudson Street , Jersey City, NJ 07302, a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Life Insurance Company. NYLIFE Distributors LLC is a Member FINRA/SIPC. Media Contacts: New York Life Investments: Sara Guenoun Sara_J_Guenoun@newyorklife.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mainstay-cbre-global-infrastructure-megatrends-term-fund-nyse-megi-declares-monthly-distribution-for-february-2024-and-availability-of-19a-notice-302061897.html SOURCE New York Life Investments WASHINGTON , Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) announced its 2024 strategic priorities. NAIC Members annually finalize the priorities and discuss potential workplans after assigning committee responsibilities . "Built on the foundation of coordination, cooperation, and collaboration, the state-based insurance regulatory system is well equipped to keep taking on the shared challenges and responsibilities of a world more interconnected than ever before. The NAIC's regulatory priorities for 2024 reflect our commitment to pursuing innovative and effective solutions to the most pressing issues affecting consumers, the insurance sector, and markets," said NAIC President and Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais . NAIC 2024 Priorities (in alphabetical order) Climate Risks/Natural Catastrophes and Resilience: Mitigation, consumer education, and closely working together remain central to tackling the threat posed by increased climate risks. The NAIC's proposed National Climate Resilience Strategy for Insurance provides for a unified approach, data collection and utilization, and resiliency actions, including the launch of a comprehensive NAIC Climate Risk Dashboard to measure and evaluate protection gaps. Among its actions, the NAIC will also seek to create new resilience tools, advocate for pre-disaster mitigation funding, and develop scenario analysis resources for state regulators. Insurer Financial Oversight and Transparency: Aiming to enhance oversight and adapt to evolving investment strategies, the NAIC's "Framework for Insurer Investment Regulation" will reduce blind reliance on credit rating providers and modernize the role of the NAIC's Securities Valuation Office. Other strategic items include developing a modernized Economic Scenario Generator, as well as continuing to implement the Asset Adequacy Testing framework (AG 53) to bring greater transparency and precision to the assessment of cash flows for insurers' structured securities holdings. Marketing of Insurance Products: State insurance regulators will once again take a multipronged approach to protecting consumers from deceptive and misleading insurance marketing. In addition to coordinating with Congress and federal agencies, state insurance regulators will strengthen information sharing among their departments and develop a tool hosted at NAIC.org for consumers to check insurance producers' licenses, with additional information available on state insurance department websites. Other steps include modifying NAIC model laws to grant regulatory power over health insurance lead generators. To further assist consumers and help close the protection gap for older adults, the NAIC continues to call for Congress to restore states' regulatory authority over the Medicare Advantage market. Race and Insurance, Financial Inclusion, and Protection Gaps: These interrelated, multifaceted issues span personal, political, and public policy realms as they affect consumers, insurance regulation, and the industry. Dedicated to leading in each of these critical areas, the NAIC will continue to identify related issues in 2024, focus on closing protection gaps and widening financial inclusion, receive updates, and recommend statutory or regulatory changes. Use of AI by Insurers and Cyber Risk: The rapid development and use of artificial intelligence and other technologies create opportunity but also raise key questions regarding consumer privacy, cyber risk, carrier needs and capabilities, and the complexity of the regulatory landscape. The NAIC's Innovation, Cybersecurity, and Technology (H) Committee positions the organization on the front lines of this field. In 2024, among other items, the NAIC's agenda includes facilitating educational and engagement opportunities, leading key projects and efforts to monitor and support adoption of the Model Bulletin on the Use of Artificial Intelligence Systems by Insurers, researching and monitoring trends, proposing a regulatory framework for overseeing third-party data and predictive models, and completing the development of the Cybersecurity Event Response Plan. Through the Privacy Protections (H) Working Group, state insurance regulators are focusing on the future of safeguarding consumers' sensitive information through modernized and enhanced privacy protections. In addition to our strategic regulatory priorities, NAIC Members will continue to implement and execute on critical model law and model bulletin adoption, work toward comparability for our Aggregation Method internationally, and focus on enhanced Member service and connectivity through our State Connected strategic plan. About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States , the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/naic-announces-2024-strategic-priorities-302061779.html SOURCE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INSURANCE COMMISSIONERS SAN FRANCISCO and SINGAPORE , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, has been named to the prestigious Forbes Fintech 50 - a list of the most innovative companies in financial technology - for the second year in a row. The recognition comes at an exciting time for the company as it continues its hyper growth journey. With net revenue growth of 50% in 2023, the year was marked by significant product innovations in cross-border payments, as well as continued expansion into new geographic markets and verticals. "It's an honor to be among the world's best again on the Forbes Fintech 50 list," said Prajit Nanu , Co-founder and CEO at Nium. "We've been working hard to double down on meeting our customers' needs with new products, new verticals, and regional expansions. Our goal for this year is to continue on the path to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today." So far this year, Nium launched new enhancements to the platform that aim to provide greater visibility into cross-border payments, and ease of integration for clients. The company also announced in principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India for two prestigious payment licenses the Prepaid Payment Instrument (PPI) License and the Payment Aggregator (PA) License. In 2023, Nium launched its groundbreaking Global FX product, which allows for guaranteed and competitive FX rates, including the ability to lock and hold an FX rate for up to 24 hours and settle conversions on a future scheduled date. In addition to product innovation, the company also saw in-market growth with the launch of Nium's travel business in APAC and the opening of new offices in San Francisco , London , and Singapore . Nium also saw tremendous transaction volume growth with new and existing customers, including Rippling, Hopper, Deel, Gusto, Amadeus, KBank, and Aspire. In 2023, the company exceeded $20 billion in transaction volume. Last year, Nium was named on the CB Insights Fintech 100, a list of the most promising fintech companies. This year, the company was added to Statista's Fastest Growing Companies list and named Best Technology Initiative at The Card and Payments Awards. About Nium Nium, the leader in real-time global payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 35 markets. Nium's growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licenses and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1678669/Nium_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nium-named-to-the-forbes-fintech-50-list-for-second-year-in-a-row-302062264.html SOURCE Nium AUSTIN , Texas , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Rootwurks, a pioneer in EdTech and safety training, is thrilled to announce the release of its fully on-demand Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification course . Tailored for food manufacturing professionals, this course is the most affordable accredited HACCP training on the market. Accessible anytime, anywhere, learners can pace themselves through the comprehensive and interactive curriculum. Upon successful completion, participants gain immediate access to a downloadable certificate, an essential asset for businesses striving to meet regulatory requirements for workplace HACCP training. The training material goes beyond the fundamentals, offering expert guidance and practical knowledge to enhance understanding of food safety across teams. This course results from a collaborative effort, merging the valuable insights of certified HACCP instructors and food safety experts with 100 years of combined knowledge in EdTech software solutions and adult learning. Chase Eastman , Founder and CEO of Rootwurks , shares his insights, stating, "In the food manufacturing industry, I learned the importance of safety and how a 'don't worry about it' approach can be so detrimental to the future of a business. Our HACCP course provides learners with their official HACCP certificate as well as a deep, holistic understanding of what it takes to build a safer workplace and how every team member plays a role in building this culture of safety." Kathy Knutson , Ph.D., PCQI, a certified HACCP instructor and consultant on food manufacturing safety, risk assessments, and FDA compliance, adds, "With 15 years spent as a food safety consultant and educator, I have seen time and again what a difference HACCP principles can make for companies that want to improve product and workplace safety. The Rootwurks HACCP course makes it much easier and more affordable for companies to learn these proactive and preventative safety measures and empower employees to play a central role in building a safety culture." In addition to the HACCP course, Rootwurks has demonstrated its commitment to fostering a culture of food safety by introducing a complimentary Food Safety Survey for the industry. This assessment tool, designed to support companies in establishing and strengthening their food safety culture in the workplace, is free. For more information about the Rootwurks Basic HACCP certification course , the complimentary Food Safety Survey, and the company's complete portfolio of online adult learning options for safety and training, visit www.rootwurks.com About Rootwurks: Rootwurks represents the culmination of 100 years of combined knowledge in EdTech and safety training gained while establishing the world's largest training provider. The flagship centerpiece is the Rootwurks Learning Experience Platform (LXP), a training and compliance tool designed to help companies meet their regulatory demands and provide access to expertise when and where they need it. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rootwurks-launches-the-most-affordable-online-haccp-certification-course-recognized-by-the-international-haccp-alliance-302062094.html SOURCE Rootwurks KRAKOW , Poland , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ryvu Therapeutics (WSE: RVU), a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focusing on novel small molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology, announced today that the first patient has been dosed with the study drug in a Phase II clinical trial investigating RVU120 as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) the RIVER-52 study. The primary goal of the RIVER-52 study will be to evaluate safety and efficacy of RVU120 in a larger population of patients with genetically defined subtypes of AML, including NPM1 mutations, as well as with HR-MDS. The evaluation will be conducted at the dose level of 250 mg EOD (Every Other Day), identified in the Phase Ib clinical study, where numerous signs of clinical activity have been observed. The RIVER-52 study is initially launching at clinical sites in Poland and Italy . Ultimately, the study will expand to other EU and non-EU countries, covering up to 80 clinical sites globally. The planned overall enrollment is up to approx. 140 patients. and . Ultimately, the study will expand to other EU and non-EU countries, covering up to 80 clinical sites globally. The planned overall enrollment is up to approx. 140 patients. The study is part of RVU120's Development Plan presented in October 2023 and aligns with the company's cash runway to Q1 2026. and aligns with the company's cash runway to Q1 2026. In H1 2024, Ryvu plans to launch four Phase II RVU120 clinical studies in r/r AML, HR-MDS, LR-MDS and myelofibrosis, and plans to enroll over 100 patients by the end of the year. Ryvu aims to prioritize further development options in Q1 2025 based on the study outcomes. Clinical trials conducted in various hematological indications and treatment regimens (monotherapy and combination therapy) will contribute to the global RVU120 safety database, supporting potential future regulatory approvals. RVU120 is a selective, first-in-class dual CDK8/19 kinase inhibitor developed by Ryvu Therapeutics. RVU120 monotherapy has demonstrated clinical activity in a Phase Ib study, where 50% of evaluable patients with r/r AML or HR-MDS achieved clinical benefit, including a complete response, a morphologic leukemia-free state, transition to a bone-marrow transplant, two-year disease stabilization, multiple clinically significant blast reductions, hematologic improvements, and reduction of bone marrow fibrosis. Hendrik Nogai , M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics, said: - We are pleased to announce the initiation of another RVU120 Phase II study, in line with the development plans presented last year. Based on the demonstrated safety profile and observed signs of activity from the Phase Ib study in patients with r/r AML or HR-MDS, we continue to be at the forefront of developing first-in-class CDK8/19 inhibitors. This marks a significant step towards our goal of effectively treating various hematological diseases and providing therapeutic options for patients with unmet medical needs. Kamil Sitarz , Ph.D., Chief Operating Officer of Ryvu Therapeutics, said: - With up to 80 clinical sites planned worldwide and a global operational focus, we aim to maximize efficient patient enrollment and ensure the timely execution of the RIVER-52 study, moving RVU120 towards a potential accelerated regulatory approval pathway. RIVER-52 is a multicenter, open-label clinical trial designed to evaluate RVU120 in adult patients with r/r AML and HR-MDS, without alternative therapies. The study aims to assess the safety, tolerability, anti-tumor activity (efficacy), pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of RVU120 as a monotherapy in the above-mentioned patient populations. The study is divided into two parts. Part 1 aims to assess the level of anti-tumor activity in patients with genetically defined subtypes of AML, including NPM1 mutations, and in patients with HR-MDS. Based on the outcomes of Part 1, Part 2 will further evaluate the safety, tolerability, and anti-tumor activity in a larger group of patients within the subtypes that exhibit the highest sensitivity to RVU120. The study has received approval from the Competent Authorities in Poland and Italy following a clinical trial application under the European Union Clinical Trial Regulation (EU-CTR) 536/2014, as well as positive opinions from the respective Ethics Committees, enabling patient enrollment in both countries. Start-up activities in other EU and non-EU countries are currently in progress. RIVER-52 represents the second of the four planned RVU120 Phase II clinical studies scheduled for launch in H1 2024. In addition to RIVER-52, Ryvu has already started patient treatment in the RIVER-81 study (evaluating RVU120 in combination with venetoclax for treating r/r AML patients). Upcoming plans also include the initiation of the REMARK study (conducted as an investigator-initiated trial, exploring RVU120 as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes; LR-MDS) and the POTAMI-61 study (evaluating both monotherapy and combination therapy for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis; MF). About Ryvu Therapeutics Ryvu Therapeutics is a clinical-stage drug discovery and development company focused on novel small-molecule therapies that address emerging targets in oncology. Internally discovered pipeline candidates use diverse therapeutic mechanisms driven by emerging knowledge of cancer biology, including small molecules directed at kinase, synthetic lethality, and immuno-oncology targets. Ryvu's most advanced programs include RVU120, a selective CDK8/CDK19 kinase inhibitor with the potential to treat hematological malignancies and solid tumors, currently in Phase II development (i) as a monotherapy for the treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML) and high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) as well as (ii) in combination with venetoclax for the treatment of patients with r/r AML. Another clinical program, SEL24 (MEN1703), is a dual PIM/FLT3 kinase inhibitor licensed to the Menarini Group. Ryvu Therapeutics has signed multiple partnering and licensing deals with global companies, including BioNTech and Exelixis. The Company was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Krakow, Poland . Ryvu is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange and is a component of the mWIG40 index. For more information, please see www.ryvu.com. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ryvu-announces-dosing-of-the-first-patient-in-the-river-52-phase-ii-study-of-rvu120-as-a-monotherapy-for-the-treatment-of-patients-with-relapsedrefractory-aml-and-hr-mds-302062119.html SOURCE Ryvu Therapeutics STOCKHOLM , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Securitas welcomes representatives from the financial market and media to an Investor Day in Stockholm on March 7, 2024 , starting at 14.00 to around 17.00 CET. The Investor Day will provide a review of the company's strategy and extensive transformation over the past few years, the sustainability focus and the financial development, and financial targets. The event will take place at Securitas' headquarters at Lindhagensplan 70 in Stockholm . The Investor Day is also webcasted live and will be recorded to be made available at securitas.com after the event. Agenda 14.00: Magnus Ahlqvist , President and CEO: Securitas' transformation and the roadmap to the Group's financial targets , President and CEO: Andreas Lindback , CFO , CFO Tony Byerly , Global President, Securitas Technology , Global President, Securitas Technology Brian Riis Nielsen , President Global Clients Approximately 15.00: Q&A session 15 minutes plus coffee break App. 15.30: Greg Anderson , Divisional President, Securitas North America , Divisional President, Henrik Zetterberg , Divisional President, Securitas Europe , Divisional President, Securitas Europe Martin Althen, President Securitas Digital Frida Rosenholm , SVP, General Counsel, Group Legal, Risk, Ethics & Sustainability and Sune Chabert Larsen , Chief Ethics & Sustainability App. 16.30: Q&A session App. 17.00: The meeting ends To participate in Stockholm , please register by sending an e-mail to Carina Floren, IR Manager: [email protected] To follow the Investor Day via the webcast, no registration is needed. Further information about the event can be found at www.securitas.com/en/cmd2024 Contact information: Micaela Sjokvist , Vice President, Investor Relations, +46 76 116 7443, [email protected] Carina Floren, IR Manager, + 46 73 719 2101, [email protected] The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/1062/3927996/2602123.pdf Invitation to Investor Day 2024 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/securitas-invites-to-an-investor-day-in-stockholm-on-march-7-2024-302061615.html SOURCE Securitas KANSAS CITY, Mo. , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Segra + Unite Private Networks (Segra+UPN), a leading nationwide provider of high-capacity, fiber-based communication networks announced today it will provide increased connectivity during the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Parade on Wednesday, Feb. 14 . Segra+UPN will provide expanded bandwidth along the parade route throughout downtown Kansas City . "We are excited to celebrate another Super Bowl win with the Kansas City Chiefs, and to again deliver expanded connectivity to the area for our customers," said Kevin T. Hart , chief executive officer of Segra+UPN. "The number of parade attendees is expected to reach well over one million, and our customers located in downtown Kansas City will need to support significantly more devices as masses of fans converge in the area. Just like last year, we are working with major carriers to deliver maximum bandwidth potential so our customers can keep operations running smoothly throughout the day. Our state-of-the-art fiber infrastructure in place across the city allows us to seamlessly upgrade bandwidth capacity , during this significant event." For more information about Segra+UPN's recently expanded fiber network and portfolio of services, visit www.segra.com and www.uniteprivatenetworks.com About Segra+UPN Together, Segra and Unite Private Networks (UPN) own and operate a wide and dense fiber-optic infrastructure footprint that provides state-of-the-art connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud and collaboration solutions, all backed by industry leading service and reliability. Serving over 8,000 customers in close to 30 states, both companies combined have over 43,000 fiber route miles, and have been providing customer focused solutions for over 150 years. Segra and UPN have joined to form a standalone fiber company owned by Cox Communications, to accelerate growth in commercial fiber solutions. For more information, visit segra.com and upnfiber.com. Media Contact: Brandi Tubb [email protected] 816.550.1688 JSA [email protected] 1.866.695.3629 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/segra--unite-private-networks-to-provide-increased-bandwidth-to-local-customers-during-kansas-city-chiefs-victory-parade-302062047.html SOURCE Segra + Unite Private Networks ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) began Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, with a call for increasing efforts to ensure continental stability and quality education in Africa. The two-day meeting, comprising foreign ministers from AU member states, is being held under the AU's theme of the year for 2024 "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa." Addressing the executive council meeting, the Chairperson of the AU Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat underscored the need to exert concerted efforts towards ensuring continental peace and security, socioeconomic development, sustainable financing of the AU as well as strengthening the global multilateral system. Recalling the positive achievements and gaps marked in the first-decade implementation of the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063, Faki underscored the need to exert collective efforts towards realizing the major aspirations of the AU as the pan-African bloc embarked on the second decade of its continental blueprint. "The resurgence of military coups, pre- and post-electoral violence, humanitarian crises linked to war and the effects of climate change, are all very serious sources of concern for us. They seriously threaten to obliterate the signs of the emergence of Africa, of which we are proud," Faki told the African foreign ministers. Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Taye Atske Selassie said the AU theme of the year "resonates deeply with the expectation of people across our continent for progress and development." He stressed the urgent need to build a resilient education system in Africa towards availing increased access to education and promoting quality inclusive education. Selassie further underscored the importance of AU's participation in G20 as well as Ethiopia's recent membership into the BRICS mechanism to advance Africa's position on the global stage. Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Claver Gatete noted the crucial impetus to enhance investment in education, promote Africa's global competitiveness in education, create a competitive education system with emphasis on digital transformation and innovation, as well as boost science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics in Africa in line with the job market. "Education is a basic human right and a key enabler for achieving our collective socioeconomic objectives. When we fail to provide accessible and inclusive education, we deny people this right," he said. Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Comoros and the chairperson of the AU Executive Council for 2023, called for strengthening continental socioeconomic integration, and togetherness against terrorism and extremism. Noting the current global uncertainties and their impact on Africa, Dhoulkamal called for promoting Africa's unity in responding to global uncertainties and towards creating continental resilience against the adverse effects of climate change. The AU Executive Council meeting will be followed by the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, which is slated to be held from Feb. 17 to 18. SINGAPORE , Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SpeQtral, a leading quantum communications company, proudly announces the appointment of four prominent experts to its Advisory Board. Prof. Artur Ekert , Mr. Carl Ward , Prof. Carlos Cid , and Mr. John Prisco , each experts in their respective fields of quantum cryptography, cybersecurity, and business transformation, will collectively steer SpeQtral's strategic vision, enhancing its position as a global leader in quantum security solutions. Celebrated as a pioneer in quantum cryptography, Prof. Artur Ekert has been an independent board member of SpeQtral since February 2022 , and now assumes an additional role on SpeQtral's Advisory Board. Holding positions at the University of Oxford and the National University of Singapore, Ekert is renowned for his invention of the Ekert91 Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol. As the Founding Director of the Centre for Quantum Technologies, Ekert's noteworthy distinctions include being honoured as a Fellow of The Royal Society and the Singapore National Academy of Science. Ekert's knowledge and connections to all things quantum will keep SpeQtral in touch with quantum experts and their developments all over the world. Bringing over 40 years of experience of working with advanced technologies to enable business and digital transformation, Carl Ward is a noteworthy addition to SpeQtral's Advisory Board. As the former Global Chief Technologist for Accenture's public sector business, Ward's expertise and passion for quantum technologies will be instrumental in shaping SpeQtral's customer engagement strategy. Dr. Carlos Cid , Director of Simula UiB, Norway , and Professor at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, is a cybersecurity and cryptography visionary. With a two-decade legacy at Royal Holloway University of London , Cid is a leading researcher in algebraic cryptanalysis, quantum-resistant cryptology, and secure computation. His expertise and advice will address the cryptography and cyber security aspects of SpeQtral's developments. John Prisco , a seasoned executive with an impressive track record in driving revenue growth and operational excellence, has also been appointed to SpeQtral's Advisory Board. Prisco, currently President and CEO of Safe Quantum, Inc., has led several high-tech companies to successful exits. A prominent thought leader on QKD, he serves as the Chairman of the QED-C Use Cases Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), overseeing areas such as Quantum Computing, Quantum Sensing, and Quantum Communications and Security. Prisco's wealth of knowledge in telecommunications, cybersecurity, and quantum physics, and his extensive background and leadership roles in companies like Triumfant, GeoVantage, and Ridgeway Systems will be invaluable to mission. SpeQtral Co-Founder and CEO, Lum Chune Yang , expressed excitement about the Advisory Board, stating, "The collective expertise of SpeQtral's appointed Advisory Board members will be instrumental in driving the company's quantum communication technologies towards our vision of a global quantum fabric. We are honoured to have such distinguished individuals shape our strategic vision and guide us through the dynamic landscape of quantum security solutions." About SpeQtral SpeQtral is a pioneer in quantum communications, with a vision to build and deploy global quantum networks. SpeQtral develops quantum-secure products and services designed to protect sovereign and enterprise telecommunication networks against classical, as well as future quantum-based cyber-attacks on cryptography. Combining both terrestrial and space-based solutions, SpeQtral aims to secure the world's networks against the threats posed by the imminent quantum revolution and drive innovation in quantum communications that will serve as the building blocks for the future quantum internet. For more information, visit: https://speqtralquantum.com/ View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/speqtral-announces-distinguished-advisory-board-to-propel-quantum-security-solutions-302061255.html SOURCE SpeQtral Goodrow to Spearhead Advanced Security Strategies in an Era of Escalating Cyberthreats PORTLAND, Maine , Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a strategic move to fortify its cybersecurity leadership, Systems Engineering, the premier managed technology services provider in New England , is proud to announce the appointment of Kent Goodrow to the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With over a decade of experience in the technology and cybersecurity fields, Goodrow's appointment signifies the firm's commitment to further advancing its cybersecurity maturity, capabilities, and resilience. Since joining Systems Engineering in 2012, Goodrow has been a pivotal force in the firm, holding a variety of technical, professional, and leadership roles. In his most recent position as Account Executive, he counseled and supported enterprise clients with complex IT-related risks and compliance needs. His deep-rooted understanding of the firm's ethos and the unique cyber and operational requirements facing clients, position Goodrow to uniquely represent the security interests of the organization. Erik Thomas , Director of Advisory Services at Systems Engineering, highlights the significance of this appointment: "Kent's ascension to CISO is a testament to our continued commitment to integrating robust security measures into every facet of our business and client services. His comprehensive experience and visionary leadership are invaluable assets that will guide our security strategies and implementation moving forward." In an era where cyberattacks rank as a top-tier business risk, Systems Engineering views the CISO position as an absolute necessity in their industry. "The dedicated CISO role supports a strategic imperative we cannot afford to underestimate," stated Thomas. In his new role, Goodrow's focus is on driving the strategic direction of the complex and evolving security needs of Systems Engineering and their clients. His leadership ensures that security is a cornerstone in all processes, enhances client trust, and fortifies the integrity of the firm's platforms and supply chain. Additionally, this move positions Systems Engineering as a major player in the partner ecosystem for organizations seeking Managed Services Providers who pursue and achieve advanced compliance; including NIST CSF alignment and the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC.) Reflecting on his new role, Goodrow said, "Today's rapidly evolving cyberthreat landscape demands an intentional and dynamic approach. My focus as CISO will be to ensure that Systems Engineering not only stays ahead of emerging threats but also sets new benchmarks and standards for managed service security. I am committed to driving strategic alignment across our teams to ensure our engagements with clients are underpinned by the most robust security protocols." Goodrow, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Lawrence University, is currently pursuing a Master's in Cybersecurity Management at Southern New Hampshire University. His academic pursuits are complemented by a suite of prestigious cybersecurity certifications, including a NIST CSF Lead Implementer certification and a Certified Cybersecurity credential from ISC2. About Systems Engineering Founded in 1988, Systems Engineering is a 100% employee-owned, SOC 2, Type 2-certified IT strategy and managed technology services provider dedicated to providing clients with secure technology solutions that enable productivity. The company serves clients nationwide from its offices in Portland, Maine , and Manchester, New Hampshire . Systems Engineering's team of 190+ information technology professionals provides end-to-end planning and implementation services, including a full complement of managed IT, cybersecurity, and cloud services. The New England -based team of network engineers, managed security professionals, project managers, data management experts, and account managers are available 247, 365 days per year. Systems Engineering serves clients in professional services, banking and financial services, manufacturing, construction, education, healthcare, technology, and the nonprofit sector. Please visit systemsengineering.com for more information. Contact: Blair Colby Marketing Manager at Systems Engineering [email protected] 207-712-4814 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/systems-engineering-elevates-cybersecurity-leadership-with-kent-goodrow-as-new-chief-information-security-officer-302061132.html SOURCE Systems Engineering MEMPHIS, Tenn. , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The ProLift Rigging Company, a leading supplier of solutions-based industrial construction services, announced, today, the launch of a new branch in Texas , serving The Greater Austin-San Antonio Metropolitan Region and its surrounding areas. "The new Austin Branch enables ProLift to offer enhanced support for clients within this rapidly expanding market." Located at 1305 Opportunity Blvd , San Marcos, TX , the new establishment features a comprehensive office and operations facility spanning 228,000 square feet for secure indoor storage. ProLift Austin offers a complete portfolio of industrial services, encompassing project management, engineering, heavy lifting equipment, conventional crane and rigging solutions, machinery relocation, heavy-haul transportation, and warehousing. Jesse Taylor , President and Chief Executive Officer of The ProLift Rigging Company, remarked, "The Austin region stands out as one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States . Our latest branch enables ProLift to offer enhanced support for significant Texas -based ventures and expand our capabilities to aid clients within this rapidly expanding market." The inauguration of ProLift Austin marks the third branch established in The Lone Star State, paving the way for ProLift to ramp up capacity seamlessly to execute more complex projects, leveraging support from its Dallas/Fort Worth and Odessa locations. Andrew Baum , Branch Manager DFW/Austin, expressed, "We are enthusiastic about delivering results that bolster our clients' success as we foster our relationships in Texas ." ProLift Rigging Austin is presently operational, receiving project bid requests, transportation service inquiries, and industrial storage demands. About The ProLift Rigging Company ProLift Rigging is a leading supplier of industrial construction services offering safe, innovative solutions and insightful consultation for modern, mission-critical construction projects in need of predictable results. With a rapidly growing network of locations throughout North America , ProLift offers a full portfolio of services, including traditional crane & rigging, machinery moving services, warehousing & storage, heavy-haul transport, logistics management, integration, and project buffering. Visit www.proliftrigging.com to learn more. Contact Information: The ProLift Rigging Company Jake Shepich 630-337-1059 jshepich@proliftrigging.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-prolift-rigging-company-expands-texas-operations-with-new-branch-serving-austin-302062260.html SOURCE The ProLift Rigging Company SAN ANTONIO , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whataburger has hired Scott Hudler as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Hudler is an experienced executive with 30 years' experience in marketing, having built impactful campaigns and digital strategies for Popeyes, Mars, Dunkin', Dick's Sporting Goods and Torchy's Tacos. Whataburger Hires Scott Hudler as New Chief Marketing Officer Most recently, Hudler served as the president and chief growth officer of Cotton Patch Cafe, a Dallas -based restaurant chain with locations in Texas , Oklahoma and New Mexico . At Torchy's, Hudler was part of the leadership team that grew the chain from 55 locations in three states to over 100 across 11 states. He oversaw the team responsible for brand strategy, menu development, and digital initiatives. Before Torchy's, he served as the chief marketing officer for Dick's Sporting Goods, where he oversaw the company's pivot from traditional advertising to digital. Hudler spent 11 years at Dunkin', from 2006 to 2017, where he started in brand marketing, and was ultimately elevated to senior vice president and chief digital officer. During his time, he helped oversee the company's growth from 5,500 to 9,200 units and launched the chain's mobile ordering and loyalty programs eventually growing the loyalty program to 6.5 million members and half of the company's comp sales growth. "Among the many qualities that impressed us about Scott was his remarkable blend of marketing acumen and experience leading a business," Chief Administrative Officer Alexander Ivannikov said. "His insight into how marketing and operations must work in unison to drive growth and ensure the brand's vitality is significant, highlighting their essential collaboration for success." "As a longtime Whataburger fan, I am excited to join the team and take this iconic brand to new markets and new generations," Hudler said. "It's thrilling to be joining a storied 73-year-old company that is equally committed to its legacy and to innovation and growth." Hudler is a graduate of Valdosta State University in Georgia , where he received his BFA in Communications. His first roles after graduation were in public relations and corporate communications. He served in corporate communications at Popeyes, then in marketing communications at Mars before joining Snickers as brand manager. "We are delighted to welcome Scott Hudler to Whataburger as our new Chief Marketing Officer," Whataburger President and CEO Ed Nelson said. "Scott's proven track record and passion for brand-building make him the ideal leader to drive Whataburger's marketing efforts as we continue to expand, serving up Goodness 24/7." Hudler's first day on the job is Feb. 21 . He will work in Whataburger's San Antonio Home Office. About Whataburger Whataburger serves up Goodness 24/7. Our original recipes are made to order, just like you like it, and we pride ourselves on extraordinary hospitality and meaningful connections in our communities. That's what's led fans to Whataburger since Harmon Dobson served our first customer in 1950. Headquartered in San Antonio , we've stayed close to our roots while building sales of more than $3 billion annually across our 15-state footprint and over 1,000 restaurants. Even with our exceptional menu, we know that people make the difference at Whataburger. That's why we're among QSR Magazine's Best Brands to Work For in 2023 and consistently win culture excellence awards, including Top Workplaces 2023. Want to become part of our orange spirit? Apply to become a Family Member (what we call our employees) at whataburger.com/careers . Just hungry for a great meal? Download our app on ios or android to order ahead. Shop Whataburger branded merchandise and selected sauces including our famous Fancy and Spicy Ketchup at WhataStore.com and find Whataburger original-recipe products in grocery stores . See our press kit for a list of locations, fun facts, milestones and other company information. For Press Inquiries: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whataburger-hires-new-chief-marketing-officer-302062011.html SOURCE Whataburger Inc SAN JOSE, Calif. and BANGALORE, India , Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whatfix , the global leader among digital adoption platforms (DAP), today announced the launch of yet another new product called Mirror, which is set to revolutionize systems training and product showcasing. Mirror creates hyper-realistic and interactive replicas of web applications for immersive training and product demonstrations without any of the risks of live system engagement. IT departments will cut down significant infrastructure and manpower costs associated with maintaining additional application environments. Several large enterprises, including Fortune 500 companies, have realized value during the initial trials of Mirror, which is slated for Beta release in Q2'24. "Whatfix remains dedicated to improving user experiences, and with the launch of Mirror, we not only added a cutting-edge product line to our portfolio but also strengthened our position in Digital Adoption Platforms (DAP) and Analytics. This expansion underscores our commitment to revolutionizing user experiences, reducing costs, and accelerating the return on investment for digital transformations," said Khadim Batti , Whatfix CEO and co-founder. "I'd best describe the University of Oxford's partnership with Whatfix as a transformative journey, with its Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) as a cornerstone of our digital strategy," said David Evans , Instructional Designer and IT Trainer at the University of Oxford. "Beyond the DAP solution, Whatfix has been a catalyst for innovation, simplifying complex processes and empowering teams for seamless navigation in the digital landscape. Whatfix's user-centric approach perfectly aligns with the University of Oxford's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences. Our experience with Whatfix has been a game-changer, reshaping how we navigate technology, ensuring smooth transitions, and serving as the secret sauce to our digital success." 2023 Highlights of Whatfix's achievements: Turbocharged Growth and Expansion Whatfix registered a second year of top decile Year-over-Year (YoY) 45% growth in Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) and a substantial 35% YoY increase in new revenue generated from existing customers. The company celebrated the successful closure of six deals exceeding $1 million , underscoring the need for organization-wide DAP implementations in large enterprises. A 40% surge in the Average Revenue Per Account, affirmed the increasing trust of existing customers. Further, 45% of customers chose to expand their engagement with Whatfix, showcasing the platform's enduring value and positive impact on user experience. The company added nine Fortune 500 companies, taking the number to 79, and saw a notable influx of 168 new customers, including Schindler Elevator Corporation, Orange, Brown & Brown Insurance, Benco Dental, the City of Baltimore , and Pepperdine University. Sustaining Industry Leadership Whatfix has secured the position of the only DAP vendor named a leader in the inaugural Workplace Employee Experience Management (WEEM) Platforms PEAK Matrix by the Everest Group in 2023. The 4.5/5 rating on the Gartner peer site and top DAP company rank on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500North America for three consecutive years emphasize Whatfix's commitment to excellence. The company also earned other industry accolades, including Globee and Stevie Awards. Strengthened Product Pipeline Product Analytics, launched in 2023, registered a remarkable 5X ARR growth YoY, adding 50 new logos, including 48% from Global 2000 and Fortune 500 enterprises. The expansion of Whatfix Product Analytics to support Desktop applications reflects the commitment to becoming the vendor of choice, providing a seamless, no-code analytics platform for enterprises. Another product launched last year was Enterprise Insights. Features like QuickRead, Survey Analysis, and Content Auto-Completion serve as tangible examples of Whatfix's technological prowess aimed at elevating the overall user experience. Leading with Innovation Whatfix secured three patents from the US Patents Office and filed 12 more in 2023, rapidly adding to the company's patent portfolio. These patents encompass innovative technologies, including a system and method for creating steps in providing digital guidance to an underlying application, the personalization of digital guidance content, and the automatic testing of digital guidance content. Accelerated Partner Ecosystem Whatfix successfully onboarded 30+ new partners, including Coupa, Genpact, NTT Data, Sify Technologies, to name a few. The company enhanced engagement with strategic GSIs like Infosys, HCL, Cognizant, TCS, and other strategic regional partners like Jacobs, GP Strategies, upgrading them as "Whatfix Certified Delivery Partner", as part of the Rise 2 Excellence partner program for Services partners. Creating DAP Experts at Whatfix University Whatfix launched a Product Analytics certification alongside its existing DAP certifications. The company has upskilled 1585 DAP experts and 153 Product Analytics champions, showcasing consistent growth since 2021, with 4,103 certifications. Looking Ahead In a strategic move towards userization, Whatfix will continue to harness the power of Gen AI to simplify user experiences and boost productivity by introducing two key new features in 2024 Ask Insights: to simplify users' interactions with analytics tools and capture insights from data AI Assist: an AI-powered autonomous task assistant These innovations will empower users to generate insights, create trend reports, and perform tasks through natural language inputs. About Whatfix Whatfix empowers anyone, anywhere, to have scalable success with the technology they use every day, achieving greater knowledge, expanding capability, and unlocking productivity for themselves and their organizations. Whatfix's Digital Adoption Platform (DAP) integrates seamlessly with applications to enable users, providing in-context information and guidance to immediately increase individual capability and collectively amplify productivity. The organization has seven offices globally in the US, India , UK , Germany , Singapore , and Australia , and works with Fortune 500 companies around the world. Whatfix has raised $140 million to date, and is backed by marquee investors including Softbank Vision Fund 2, Sequoia Capital India, and Cisco Investments. For more information, visit the Whatfix website. Media Contact: Danielle Scotto Lumina Communications for Whatfix [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/whatfix-launches-new-product-line-mirror-marking-solid-growth-in-2023-302059842.html SOURCE Whatfix FILE PHOTO: Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas attends a joint press conference with France's President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Oct. 18, 2023. Christophe Ena/Pool via REUTERS//File Photo By Andrius Sytas VILNIUS (Reuters) -Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania issued diplomatic protests on Wednesday to Moscow after Russian police put leading Baltic politicians on a wanted list over the destruction of Soviet-era monuments. The three Baltic states were once ruled from Moscow but are now members of the European Union and NATO, and since the Russian invasion in Ukraine have emerged as staunch supporters of Ukraine and vocal critics of Russia. Estonia's Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and State Secretary Taimar Peterkop were both on the police wanted list, as were Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys and some 60 current and former members of Latvia's parliament, according to Russia. Russian state agency TASS said on Tuesday that the Baltic officials were accused of "destroying monuments to Soviet soldiers", acts that are punishable by a five-year prison term under the Russian criminal code. Latvia's foreign ministry in a statement said it was working with the EU to address the matter, and was seeking to mitigate any risk to the country's nationals. "The ministry... will continue to sustain, with EU and NATO partners and with other countries in the framework of international organisations, the issue of Russia's politically motivated cases and extraterritorial targeting," it added. Lithuania meanwhile demanded that its politicians be removed from the list. "These Russian decisions contradict the generally recognised norms of international law, show efforts to falsify the past and show disrespect to the historical memory of Lithuania," the foreign ministry wrote. Estonia in a statement said its diplomats had "expressed indignation" and demanded an explanation from the Kremlin. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also notified the representative of Russia that these steps by the Russian state will not stop us from doing the right thing and Estonia will not change its resolute support for Ukraine," it added. (Reporting By Andrius Sytas, writing by Louise Rasmussen and Terje Solsvik, editing by Barbara Lewis and Keith Weir) BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's foreign ministry has been in contact with the lawyers of a German citizen who was detained on arrival in Russia, a spokesperson said on Wednesday. "The Russian authorities reported the arrest to our consulate general, so we are providing consular assistance to the detainee," the spokesperson said at a regular news conference in Berlin, adding: "We are in contact with his lawyers." (Reporting by Andreas Rinke, writing by Nette Nostlinger; Editing by Madeline Chambers) By Alien Fernandez HAVANA (Reuters) - A Cuban entrepreneur believes she has hit upon a formula for a unique homegrown perfume she hopes someday to sell to the world. Her secret ingredient? Cuba's prized tobacco leaf. Tobacco, one of Cuba's top and best-known exports, thrives across much of the western half of the Caribbean island, and especially in Pinar del Rio province, home to the world's finest tobacco and cigars. The cigar leaves, green and veiny, are crushed and their fragrant-filled juices blended with alcohol and other essences, Clara Camalleri, 53, told Reuters in her small laboratory next to her family home. "It gives it a special touch and smell, more well-rounded," she said. She describes the smell of the tobacco-based perfume, which she calls "Vitola Cubana", as "exotic" with hints of "acid and wood that confer a seductive and distinctive character." Camalleri said she began making perfumes at home in 2018 but created the business not long ago, after Cuba's communist-run government lifted a ban on private companies that had been in place since just after Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution. Entrepreneurs in Cuba, battling through its worst economic crisis in decades, face particular challenges, said Camalleri who worked through a blackout on a recent morning. "(Making perfume) is complicated, not just in Cuba, but anywhere. And here we have many more obstacles," she said. Obtaining raw materials, imports and even the basics such as electricity and packaging can be challenging, she added. Despite the hurdles, Camalleri also produces other perfumes, antibacterial gels and colognes from essences derived from sunflower, chocolate, coffee and cinnamon. Working alongside her mother, father and two daughters, she said she hopes that one day she will be able to export her products but in the meantime, has found a strong market at home. "In Cuba, there's a shortage of perfumes...and so we're trying to meet that demand," Camalleri said. (Reporting by Alien Fernandez and Carlos Carrillo, writing by Nelson Acosta, editing by Dave Sherwood and Ros Russell) FILE PHOTO: Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa speaks during a ceremony to deliver equipment to the National Police, amid the ongoing wave of violence around the nation, in Quito, Ecuador, January 22, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro/File Photo QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's electoral court set April 21 for a referendum on measures to tighten security, fight organised crime and reform the constitution, it said on Wednesday, amid worsening conflict between government forces and criminal gangs. The steps have been proposed by President Daniel Noboa, who launched a security offensive in early January to dismantle criminal groups he designated as terrorists. Noboa has also argued for legal reforms to expand the powers of Ecuador's police and military. Ecuadoreans will vote on 11 questions, five of which concern reforms to the country's constitution, the National Electoral Council said in a statement. Noboa had previously hoped to hold the referendum in March. Questions will seek approval to impose stricter gun controls in areas close to jails and increase prison sentences for organized crime offences, among others. Ecuador, long a haven for foreign retirees, has been gripped by spiraling violence since the coronavirus pandemic battered the South American country's economy. Armed men stormed a TV-station on air last month and a presidential candidate was gunned down as he left a rally during last year's elections, while hundreds of inmates have been killed in prison riots. (Reporting by Alexandra Valencia; Writing by Oliver Griffin, Editing by William Maclean) SYDNEY, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Extreme weather events, including thunderstorms and bushfires, have lashed through the Australian state of Victoria, with one farmer dead, homes lost and hundreds of thousands of households in power outages. During a press conference in the State Control Center, Premier of Victoria Jacinta Allan confirmed on Wednesday that a dairy farmer in Mirboo North was killed in the storm that lashed through South Gippsland overnight. "As at 10:30 a.m. today, Victoria SES (State Emergency Service) has received up to 4,600 requests for assistance since 9:00 a.m. yesterday, all directly related to the storm event that went through the state. Also at 10:30 a.m. this morning, there were still 220,000 customers remaining off power across the state, down from the peak outages yesterday of more than 530,000," Allan noted. Meanwhile, the combination of hot, windy and dry conditions, together with lightning strikes right across the state, resulted in a lot of work for emergency agencies to deal with fires triggered by those lightning strikes. "We have multiple fires across the state and most particularly up in the Wimmera," said the state's Emergency Management Commissioner Rick Nugent. "The Ballfield fire from the Grampians that impacted on the Pomonal Township had a quite significant impact. There the fire moved at a fast rate of speed and spotted forward which then resulted in a number of residential homes being burned. Impact assessments are still underway," he added. Five firefighters were also injured while responding to the blaze at Pomonal near the Grampians National Park. According to the state premier, Tuesday was only the second day since the flames of Black Saturday in 2009, 15 years ago, that had a catastrophic fire danger rating. "I would like to extend my thoughts and sympathies to the many thousands of Victorians who have been impacted by this extreme weather event," said Allan. "There are some particularly in the west of the state, who experienced those terrible fire experiences that went through the state, who have spent the night at a relief center and don't know if they've got a home to go to today," she added. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union countries are close to agreeing a 13th package of sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, EU diplomats said on Wednesday, and expect to pass it by the second anniversary of the war. The new package will see nearly 200 entities and individuals added to the list but no fresh sectoral measures. The diplomats said Hungary still needed time to analyse the package. The new measures are expected to be discussed when the EU's foreign ministers gather in Brussels on Monday and at an ambassadors meeting next Wednesday. The EU wants the package to be agreed ahead of the war's Feb. 24 anniversary. The EU also adopted legislation last week that is a first step to using revenues from the over 200 billion euros of immobilised Russian central bank assets in Europe to rebuild Ukraine. (Reporting by Julia Payne; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Displaced Palestinian man Youssef Shalha, who is engaged to Bisan Badah, looks on outside his tent, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, on Valentine's Day, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, February 14, 2024. REUTERS/Saleh Salem By Saleh Salem RAFAH, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - Youssef Shalha had been looking forward to buying his fiancee Bisan Badah flowers or a teddy bear on Valentine's Day but, separated from her by the war in Gaza, the only romantic gesture he can still send her is a loving voice message. Four months of Israel's air and land assault on Gaza has upended even the smallest aspects of life in the tiny Palestinian enclave, making nearly all its inhabitants homeless and unable to plan their futures. "We have nothing beautiful left. After the war where will we go?" said Shalha, who planned to marry Badah, whose birthday also falls on Valentine's Day, in April. The couple had been planning visits to their families during the coming Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, traditionally a period of celebration. "There's no one left to visit. All my relatives were targeted. Everything was hit by airstrikes. Everything was destroyed," he said. Now, living in a tent in Rafah, in the southernmost part of the Strip, after fleeing first his home in Beit Lahiya and then a shelter in Khan Younis as the Israeli offensive advanced, it is hard for him to arrange to see his fiancee, in a tent with her own family elsewhere in the city. They exchange voice messages when they can, but communications are very difficult in Rafah and Shalha has been unable to reach Badah for two days. "I'm waiting to be able to connect with her to give her this modest gift," he said, showing a shawl he had bought for Badah in place of the more elaborate presents he had wanted to give her before the conflict wrecked their plans. Israel's war in Gaza was triggered by the Oct. 7 attack when Hamas fighters broke through border fences into southern Israel to kill around 1,200 people and take back 253 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. The Israeli assault on Gaza has now killed more than 28,000 people according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza, with most of the enclave lying in rubble. "Valentine's Day is known for red roses and red hearts. But now red is the colour of blood. Everything you see is red: death and destruction... it makes our skin crawl," Shalha said. (Reporting by Saleh Salem, writing by Angus McDowall, Editing by Alex Richardson) FILE PHOTO: Microsoft logo is seen near computer motherboard in this illustration taken January 8, 2024. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo (Reuters) - Google will allow businesses to install an auto-updating version of the Chrome operating system to Windows devices, potentially preventing millions of PCs from hitting landfills after Microsoft ends support for Windows 10 next year, parent company Alphabet said on Wednesday. The company said ChromeOS Flex will continue receiving regular security updates and features like data encryption, allowing users to keep using their Windows 10 systems. Microsoft has said that its Windows 10 will reach the end of support on Oct. 14 2025, and will no longer provide regular security updates, bug fixes, or technical support. It has asked customers to transition to Windows 11 or explore other options. However, a report from Canalys Research suggests that the termination of Windows 10 support could send about 240 million PCs to landfills, as demand for devices without security updates could be low. Still, many PCs with Windows 10 could remain functional for years after the end of OS support. ChromeOS is significantly less popular than other operating systems. In January 2024, it held a 1.8% share of the worldwide desktop OS market, far behind Windows' share of about 73%, according to data from research firm Statcounter. ChromeOS has struggled with wider adaptability due to its incompatibility with legacy Windows applications and productivity suites used by businesses. Google said that ChromeOS would allow users to stream legacy Windows and productivity applications, which will help deliver them to devices by running the apps on a data center. (Reporting by Arsheeya Bajwa in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid) FILE PHOTO: The logo of Google is seen on a building at la Defense business and financial district in Courbevoie near Paris, France, September 1, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo PARIS (Reuters) - Google is setting up a new hub in France dedicated to the artificial intelligence (AI) sector, which will be inaugurated on Thursday, said a statement from the French Finance Ministry. The ministry said on Wednesday that this new Paris-based Google hub would host around 300 researchers and engineers, and that it highlighted France's role as a leading tech centre. President Emmanuel Macron has been keen to promote the tech sector in France, which has traditionally lagged the United States and Britain as a software and finance hub. (Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by GV De Clercq) FILE PHOTO: Judges at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) rule on emergency measures against Israel following accusations by South Africa that the Israeli military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide, in The Hague, Netherlands, January 26, 2024 JERUSALEM (Reuters) - South Africa's latest request to the World Court against a possible offensive by Israel in southern Gaza serves Hamas and is an attempt to stop Israel from defending itself, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. South Africa on Tuesday asked The International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights. Israel has said it is planning to expand its ground assault into Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge from the offensive that has laid waste to much of the Gaza Strip since Hamas militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7. "South Africa continues to represent the interests of the Hamas terrorist organization and is trying to deny Israel the fundamental right to defend itself and its citizens," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat. The ICJ last month ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa. "Israel is committed to upholding international law, including facilitating the transfer of humanitarian aid and preventing harm to innocents, while the Hamas terrorists are hiding behind the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and are holding 134 people hostage," Haiat said on X. Israel has denied all allegations of genocide in connection with its war against Islamist armed group Hamas, which is sworn to Israel's destruction, and has asked the court to reject the case outright, saying it was baseless. The court has not yet ruled on the core of the case brought by South Africa - whether genocide has occurred in Gaza. But it recognised the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide. (Reporting by Maayan Lubell; editing by Diane Craft) German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reacts as she speaks to members of the media during an official visit, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, at a hotel in Jerusalem, February 14, 2024. REUTERS/Ammar A (Reuters) - An Israeli offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah where 1.3 million people have sought refuge would be a humanitarian catastrophe, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday. Speaking at a news conference in Jerusalem, Baerbock said: "1.3 million people are waiting there in a very small space. They don't really have anywhere else to go right now ... If the Israeli army were to launch an offensive on Rafah under these conditions, it would be a humanitarian catastrophe." Baerbock said Germany was pushing the European Union to examine sanctions against extremist settlers who attack Palestinians in the occupied West Bank after France, Washington and Britain imposed sanctions on violent settlers. "Let's agree on sanctions together in Europe. For this we need all 27 member states. We as Germans have pushed this on the European path," she said, adding that in the Schengen free movement zone, a national entry bans could only take effect if they are enacted by the entire bloc. (Reporting by Riham Alkousaa in Berlin; Editing by Sandra Maler) People work in the area where a rocket landed after it was fired from Lebanon, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Kiryat Shmona close to Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel February 13, 2024. BEIRUT (Reuters) -Hezbollah said on Thursday it fired dozens of rockets at a northern Israeli town in a "preliminary response" to the killing of 10 civilians in southern Lebanon, the deadliest day for Lebanese civilians in four months of cross-border hostilities. The United Nations urged a halt to what it called a "dangerous escalation" of the conflict, which has played out in parallel to the Gaza war and fuelled concerns of a wider confrontation between the Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel. The Israeli military said it had killed a commander in Hezbollah's elite Radwan unit, his commander and another operative in a "precise airstrike" in Nabatieh in Lebannon on Wednesday, without mentioning the civilian deaths. Hezbollah said three of its fighters had been killed on Wednesday and later confirmed that among them was Ali al-Debs, a commander in the Radwan unit. Seven of the civilians were killed in Nabatieh late on Wednesday when a rare Israeli strike on the southern city hit a multi-storey building, sources in Lebanon said. The dead were from the same extended family and included three children. It followed an earlier attack on the village of al-Sawana at the border that killed a woman and two children who were buried on Thursday. The bodies of the children, wrapped in green shrouds, were so small they each fit on two plastic chairs as people came to pay respects. Their father held them tight before they were buried as another man sobbed on his shoulder. "The enemy will pay the price for these crimes," Hezbollah politician Hassan Fadlallah told Reuters, saying Hezbollah had a "legitimate right to defend its people". A source familiar with Hezbollah thinking said the attack on Nabatieh marked an escalation but was still within unwritten "rules of engagement" by which much of the violence has been contained near the border. Mohanad Hage Ali, of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East Center, said that while Israel appeared to be "testing the limits" of those rules of engagement, Hezbollah was signalling it "wants to keep this as confined as possible". Israeli government spokesperson Avi Hyman said Israel's "message to Hezbollah has been and always will be: 'Don't try us'. As Defence Minister Gallant said at the beginning of the war, we will copy and paste what we've done in Gaza to Hamas, in Lebanon," he said. BORDER CLASHES Both sides have said they do not seek all-out war. Israel said Wednesday it was responding to rocket fire from Lebanon that killed one of its soldiers and wounded eight others in Safed, about 15 km (10 miles), from the border. Hezbollah did not declare responsibility for that attack. Asked about the Nabatieh strike, a spokesperson for the Israeli military said it was waiting for further information. "Hezbollah has gone up by half-a-click, we have gone up by one step - but that is one step out of 10," said Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, briefing authorities conducting a war-preparedness drill on the Lebanese and Syrian fronts. Gallant said the military did not seek war but wanted Israeli citizens displaced from the north to return home "under a process of accords" or, if there is no other choice, through "action". Israel said it had hit dozens of Hezbollah targets across the south on Thursday. Sirens sounded in northern Israel on Thursday and Israeli medics and police said several rockets struck Kiryat Shmona in Israel, causing damage. There was no immediate word of casualties. Hezbollah said on Thursday it had struck Kiryat Shmona with dozens of rockets in a preliminary response to the killings in Nabatieh and Sawana. It also announced five of its fighters had been killed in Thursday's strikes. Strikes on dense urban areas far from the border, like those on Nabatieh on Wednesday, are considered rare. Andrea Tenenti, spokesman for UNIFIL, the U.N.'s peacekeeping force in Lebanon, said it had noted a "concerning shift in the exchanges of fire, including targeting of areas far from the Blue Line" - the current demarcation between the countries. Hezbollah has been waging near daily attacks on Israeli targets at the border since its Palestinian ally Hamas stormed Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and abducting some 250, according to Israeli tallies. Hezbollah has said its campaign will stop only when Israel halts its offensive on the Gaza Strip, where more than 28,000 people have been killed according to health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza. The violence has killed more than 200 people in Lebanon, including more than 170 Hezbollah fighters, as well as around a dozen Israeli troops and five Israeli civilians, as well as uprooting tens of thousands on both sides. (Reporting by Laila Bassam and Maya Gebeily in Beirut; Additional reporting by James Mackenzie, Dan Williams and Henriette Chacar in Jerusalem; Writing by Tom Perry and Maya Gebeily; Editing by Miral Fahmy, Timothy Heritage, William Maclean and Cynthia Osterman) ROME (Reuters) - An Italian judge has ruled that two employees of a U.N. agency cannot be tried over the deaths of the Italian ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, his bodyguard and a driver in 2021 because they have diplomatic immunity. Luca Attanasio, bodyguard Vittorio Iacovacci and their driver Mustapha Milambo were killed during a botched kidnapping on a road in eastern Congo as they were heading toward a World Food Programme (WFP) project. Rome prosecutors had requested a trial for Rocco Leone and Mansour Luguru Rwagaza, who at the time of the attack were respectively the deputy chief of the WFP in Congo and a security officer, accusing the pair of negligence in organising the trip. However, Judge Marisa Mosetti ruled on Tuesday that as employees of the United Nations, the two men enjoyed diplomatic immunity and cannot therefore be tried. The prosecutors said they would appeal. A Democratic Republic of Congo military court last year sentenced six men to life in prison for the killings. Eastern Congo has been beset by violence for decades as rival militias fight government troops and each other for control of land and resources. Kidnappings and attacks on aid convoys had been on the rise at the time of the assault on Attanasio and his entourage. (Reporting by Marco Carta; Writing by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Angus MacSwan) FILE PHOTO: U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein appears in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry March 28, 2017 and obtained by Reuters July 10, 2019. New York State Division of Criminal Justice By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - A dozen victims of Jeffrey Epstein filed a lawsuit on Wednesday accusing the FBI of covering up its failure to investigate the late financier, enabling his sex trafficking to continue for more than 20 years. The victims, using Jane Doe pseudonyms, said the FBI received credible tips as early as 1996 that Epstein trafficked young women and girls, yet failed to interview victims or share what it knew with federal and local law enforcement. Victims said the FBI finally began a probe in 2006, but ended it two years later after Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida prostitution charge, and kept ignoring tips until his July 2019 arrest. Epstein committed suicide a month later. "As a direct and proximate cause of the FBI's negligence, plaintiffs would not have been continued to be sex trafficked, abused, raped, tortured and threatened," the complaint said. "Jane Does 1-12 bring this lawsuit to get to the bottom -- once and for all -- of the FBI's role in Epstein's criminal sex trafficking ring," it added. The U.S. Department of Justice did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Wednesday's complaint filed in federal court in Manhattan seeks damages from the U.S. government, the only defendant. It cited a Dec. 5, 2023, Senate Judiciary Committee hearing where FBI Director Christopher Wray was asked why the FBI didn't do more. He promised to "get with my team and figure out if there is more information we can provide." The number of Epstein's victims is believed to be well over 100. Victims previously reached approximately $500 million of settlements, before deducting legal fees and costs, with a program funded by Epstein's estate and with two of Epstein's banks, JPMorgan Chase and Deutsche Bank. It is unclear whether the 12 plaintiffs received compensation from those settlements. Their lawyers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The case is Doe 1 et al v United States, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 24-01071. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; editing by Jonathan Oatis) FILE PHOTO: EU flag and TikTok logo are seen in this illustration taken, June 2, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic//File Photo PARIS (Reuters) - Four out of five influencers on social media fail to disclose commercial content they post is advertising as required under EU law, a European Union study released on Wednesday showed. The screening of 576 influencers showed that nearly all (97%) of them posted commercial content, but only 20% systematically indicated that it was advertising, the European Commission said it a statement. "Problematic marketing practices illustrate the importance of having modern robust legislation that is adequate to ensure digital fairness for consumers online," the Commission said. The EU executive - which led the study together with the national consumer protection authorities of 22 EU member states plus Norway and Iceland - screened posts on social media including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Snapchat, and Twitch. Its aim, the Commission said, was to verify whether influencers were complying with EU consumer law. It did not name the influencers, but said 358 of them were earmarked for further investigation. National authorities will contact them to request they follow the rules in place and further enforcement action may be taken if necessary. The post were mainly about fashion, lifestyle, beauty, food, travel and fitness. The study found that 119 influencers were promoting unhealthy or hazardous activities, such as junk food, alcoholic beverages, medical or aesthetic treatments, gambling, or financial services such as crypto trading. The results of the survey will feed into the digital fairness fitness check on EU consumer law - launched in spring 2022 by the European Commission - that will assess whether applicable EU law is sufficient to ensure a high level of consumer protection. (Reporting by Geert De Clercq; editing by Barbara Lewis) A staff member in the costume of the God of Wealth interacts with tourists in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Yu Xiangquan/Xinhua) Staff members in the costume of the God of Wealth interact with tourists in Nantong, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Xu Congjun/Xinhua) A staff member in the costume of the God of Wealth interacts with tourists in Lianyungang, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Wang Jianmin/Xinhua) Staff members in the costume of the God of Wealth interact with tourists in Zhuquan Village of Linyi City, east China's Shandong Province, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Wang Yanbing/Xinhua) A staff member in the costume of the God of Wealth poses for a photo with a tourist in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Huang Zhengwei/Xinhua) A staff member in the costume of the God of Wealth interacts with tourists in Taizhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Tang Dehong/Xinhua) A staff member in the costume of the God of Wealth interacts with tourists in Jinhua, east China's Zhejiang Province, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Shi Kuanbing/Xinhua) A staff member in the costume of the God of Wealth interacts with tourists in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Feb. 14, 2024. Ceremonies were held Wednesday to welcome the God of Wealth as a tradition on the fifth day of the Chinese New Year. (Photo by Chen Wenwu/Xinhua) By Andrew Gray and Johnny Cotton BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO boss Jens Stoltenberg urged the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday to pass a "vital" multi-billion dollar military aid package for Ukraine, telling lawmakers that China would be emboldened if Russia wins its war. "I count on the House of Representatives to agree support to Ukraine, because this is not charity. This is an investment in our own security," Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, told Reuters in an interview. Stoltenberg stressed Europe and Canada were also stepping up with aid for Ukraine. He said their combined economic and military assistance to Kyiv was more than the U.S. had provided. But he said U.S. report "remains vital". "If President Putin wins in Ukraine, it will send a message to him but also to other authoritarian leaders that they get what they want when they use military force. It will make the world more dangerous (and) us more vulnerable," he added. "Today it is Ukraine, tomorrow it can be in Taiwan. So Beijing, China is watching closely what's going on in Ukraine." The U.S. Senate passed a $95.34 billion package of military aid for Ukraine and other U.S. allies on Tuesday. But it is unclear whether the Republican-controlled House of Representatives will even take up the proposal. The approval of both houses of Congress is necessary before Democratic President Joe Biden can sign it into law. Biden has been pushing for the package, which also includes security funding for Israel and Taiwan and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, for months, but has faced opposition from Republicans aligned with former President Donald Trump. House Speaker Mike Johnson issued a statement before the Senate vote that faulted the bill for lacking conservative provisions to stem a record flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border, suggesting he would not schedule a vote any time soon. (Reporting by Andrew Gray and Johnny Cotton; editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Mark Heinrich and Angus MacSwan) FILE PHOTO: The hands of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken are seen as he speaks to the media after a NATO foreign ministers meeting, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, next to the logo of NATO at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium April 7, 2022. By Andrew Gray and Johnny Cotton BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Europe on Wednesday against trying to go it alone on defence after comments by Donald Trump prompted fresh debate over whether the continent can continue to rely on protection from the United States. "The European Union cannot defend Europe. Eighty percent of NATO's defence expenditures come from non-EU NATO allies," Stoltenberg, secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, told Reuters in an interview. Stoltenberg said it was clear that Europe's security depended not just on Europe itself but on other NATO members such as the United States, Canada, Turkey, Norway and Iceland. "If you just look at the map, it's obvious that all these countries, non-EU allies, are vital for the protection of Europe," he said. He added that "any attempt to de-link Europe from North America will also divide Europe". Many European nations, particularly in Eastern Europe, see the U.S. as their primary security guarantor and would oppose any move to change that. Trump, the U.S. ex-president and frontrunner to be the Republican nominee in this year's presidential election, sparked sharp criticism from Western leaders after saying he had told NATO members the U.S. would not defend those who failed to spend enough on defence and would even encourage Russia to attack them. Many European politicians said Trump's comments were a wake-up call and should act as a spur for Europe to do more to be able to defend itself. Stoltenberg said European NATO members had to do more to build up defence capabilities and were doing so. But he said this should happen within a transatlantic framework. Earlier on Wednesday, he said European allies would invest $380 billion in defence this year, taking their spending to an estimated 2% of total GDP in 2024, compared to 1.85% in 2023. (Reporting by Andrew Gray and Johnny Cotton; editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Mark Heinrich) Foreign Minister of the Palestinian National Authority Riyad al-Maliki is seen during a meeting with Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos (not pictured) at the Foreign Ministry in Nicosia, Cyprus February 14, 2024. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou NICOSIA (Reuters) - Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday of caring only about his political survival as attempts to end the conflict in Gaza appeared inconclusive. More than 28,000 people have been killed and 68,000 injured in Gaza during Israel's retaliatory military campaign against Hamas militants who run the enclave following their deadly cross-border attack into southern Israel on Oct. 7, when they killed 1,200 people and took 253 hostages. Now, concerns are mounting of an Israeli ground offensive against the town of Rafah, a last refuge for more than a million Palestinians virtually trapped after they fled to the south of the enclave to avoid Israeli strikes. Maliki, a member of the Palestinian Authority running the West Bank, said it was imperative to find ways to prevent an attack on Rafah. "Netanyahu is determined that he wants to continue the war for his personal career, for his personal future, and it is very clear that he doesn't care about the destiny, the lives of innocent people, both in Israel and in Palestine, the Israeli hostages and the Palestinian innocent people in Gaza," Maliki said after meeting Constantinos Kombos, the Cypriot foreign minister. In Jerusalem, there was no immediate reply from Netanyahu's office to a request for comment on Maliki's remark. Cyprus, the closest EU member state to the Middle East, has proposed setting up a dedicated, one way maritime corridor to deliver aid directly into Gaza. The project cannot get off the ground without a sustained ceasefire. "We agree that the escalating humanitarian needs call for a scaled up, unhindered flow of aid," the Cypriot minister said. (Reporting by Michele Kambas, Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell, Editing by William Maclean) FILE PHOTO: Swiss President Viola Amherd, seen here when she was Federal Councillor during a state visit in Bern, Switzerland, November 15, 2023. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo ZURICH (Reuters) - The government of neutral Switzerland said on Wednesday it would be ramping up military spending over the coming years, the latest European country to do so in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago. President Viola Amherd said that as of 2035, some 20 billion Swiss francs ($22.58 billion) in additional funding would be available, compared to planning before the Ukraine war. Switzerland allocated 1.9 billion francs to equip its armed forces in 2023. "The security policy situation is obviously difficult given the current instability, with a war on the European continent, armed conflicts in the Middle East and other flashpoints in the world," Amherd told a press conference. Amherd, who is also defence minister, said there were "so many crises" currently, and the plan was partly taking into account lessons drawn from the Ukraine war. For 30 years, Switzerland's army has been weakened by savings made following the "peace dividend" which the end of the Cold War yielded, she noted. The peace dividend refers to reaping economic benefits by cutting defense spending and allocating resources towards other sectors. Amherd was speaking after her government highlighted gaps in Switzerland's command and control systems, as well as shortfalls in its ground and air forces and cyber defences. Some Swiss artillery entered service in the 1960s and needed replacing, said Thomas Suessli, head of the armed forces. Several Swiss government websites came under attack in January, with a Russian-linked hacker group claiming responsibility due to the visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to the World Economic Forum in Davos. The government said it would request credits for 4.9 billion francs ($5.53 billion) to buy new military equipment, including guided missiles and mobile radars for ground troops, as well as improve communications systems. Switzerland will also build a new data centre dedicated to the military, and upgrade some bases, it said. The government also submitted its payment framework for the army, which will allow it seek up to 25.8 billion francs for the military from 2025 to 2028, up from 21.7 billion francs between 2021 to 2024. The Swiss move reflects jitters among European leaders over security, and former U.S. President Donald Trump's recent suggestions that Washington might not protect fellow NATO members against a potential Russian attack if they do not spend enough on defence. On Monday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany and Europe's defence industry must switch towards mass production of arms as the war in Ukraine exposed how European manufacturers struggled to meet demand for ammunition. ($1 = 0.8859 Swiss francs) (Reporting by John Revill; Editing by Dave Graham and Bernadette Baum) By Emma Farge GENEVA (Reuters) - A draft proposal on reforming the World Trade Organization leaves open the question of resolving the organisation's broken appeals bench and asks trade ministers to decide later this month, according to documents seen by Reuters on Wednesday. A seventh and final version of a reform proposal marked 'Confidential' gave no details of an appeal mechanism to replace the Appellate Body which was shuttered in 2019 following repeated U.S. moves to block judge appointments. Some 30 WTO disputes are currently in legal limbo because there is no way of settling them. The proposal was presented at a WTO special meeting in Geneva on Wednesday to finalise preparations ahead of a meeting of trade ministers in Abu Dhabi between Feb. 26-29 to discuss the reforms and other topics. Guatemala's Marco Molina, who is facilitating the talks, said that discussions were ongoing on finding a solution to the question of appeals and that "significant progress" had been made, according to trade sources attending the private session. And while the document left the question of the appeals court open, it did create options for the WTO to resolve trade disputes informally and introduce tighter deadlines for concluding them. (Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Madeline Chambers) FILE PHOTO: OpenAI logo is seen in this illustration taken, February 3, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo (Reuters) - Andrej Karpathy, an artificial intelligence researcher and one of the founding members of OpenAI, said in a post on social media platform X that he departed the Microsoft-backed company on Monday. The news marks a significant departure from OpenAI, one of the top labs competing to develop increasingly capable artificial intelligence. "My immediate plan is to work on my personal projects and see what happens," Karpathy said in the post on Tuesday. Karpathy, who joined OpenAI in his second stint last year, was previously a senior director for AI at Tesla where he played a key role in developing the electric car maker's artificial intelligence and driver assistant technology. Karpathy had studied under prominent Stanford AI scientist Fei-Fei Li and joined OpenAI as one of its earliest staffers before moving to Tesla. He recently spoke about the idea of AI known as large language models acting as a new kind of computer operating system. (Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh and Jeffrey Dastin; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips) FILE PHOTO: US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin attends a welcome ceremony before an annual security meeting with South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik at the Defence Ministry in Seoul, South Korea on November 13, 2023. JUNG YEON-JE/Pool via REUTERS By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Wednesday said the United States would not back down from supporting Ukraine in the short and long-term, even as President Joe Biden's administration has run out of money for Kyiv and a request for additional funds is languishing in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. "We will continue to dig deep to provide Ukraine with both short-term and long-term support," Austin said virtually, without mentioning the $95.34 billion military aid package for Ukraine and other allies that has not been taken up yet by the House Speaker Mike Johnson. Austin was speaking virtually from his house after he was forced to cancel a planned trip to Brussels for the NATO meeting because he was hospitalized to address a bladder issue. Austin's comments come at a critical moment for Ukraine and questions about U.S. commitment to Europe. Ukraine's leadership sees the funding as crucial as it continues to fight an invasion launched by Russian President Vladimir Putin nearly two years ago. While Austin did not address the lack of funding and the House of Representatives, others have. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on Wednesday urged U.S. lawmakers to vote for the security aid package. "I urge members of Congress in the United States who will be looking at this today to vote for the package," Cameron told reporters during a visit to Bulgaria. Biden has been pushing for the package, which also includes security funding for Israel and Taiwan and humanitarian aid for Palestinians, for months. He has faced opposition from Republican hardliners, particularly those most closely aligned with former President Donald Trump. Backers of the aid have been warily watching Trump's reaction. He has criticized the aid on social media, saying it should take the form of a loan, and also worried U.S. allies by suggesting he could encourage aggression against some NATO members. Trump, in recent days, has drawn scorn from Biden and top western officials after he suggested the United States might not protect NATO allies who aren't spending enough on defence from a potential Russian invasion. (Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) FILE PHOTO: A general view of Tagburos village, the fishing community visited by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines, November 22, 2022. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines has deployed a warship off the waters of Palawan island facing the South China Sea to "protect its maritime interests", a senior navy official said, in a move that may irk China. Amid simmering tensions in the disputed waterway, Commodore Edward Ike De Sagon said the ship's presence in Palawan "will serve as a reminder to all who would dare challenge our sovereignty that we stand ready and vigilant." It will also "bolster efforts of safeguarding the maritime domain and interests in the country's western frontier," De Sagon added in a written statement dated Tuesday but sent on Wednesday. The deployment of patrol corvette BRP Emilio Jacinto or the PS35 came days after the Philippines and the United States conducted joint maritime exercises in the South China Sea, where Manila and Beijing have traded blame over a spate of run-ins over territory. Palawan is also home to one of four additional bases that the United States military was given access to last year under the Philippines' Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with its treaty ally. The province has rich fishing grounds and pristine beaches that are popular with tourists. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of commercial shipping annually, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague said China's claims had no legal basis, a decision Beijing has rejected. (Reporting by Mikhail Flores; editing by Philippa Fletcher) Foreign Ministers attend the Arctic Council summit at the Lappi Areena in Rovaniemi, Finland May 7, 2019. Mandel Ngan/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo (Reuters) - Russia has suspended annual payments to the Arctic Council until "real work" resumes with the participation of all member countries, Russia's RIA state news agency reported, citing the country's foreign ministry. "At the moment, Russia's payment of annual contributions to the budget of the Arctic Council has been suspended until the resumption of real work in this format with the participation of all member countries," the ministry told RIA. Cooperation between the Western Arctic states of the intergovernmental body and Moscow came to a freeze after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago. The Arctic Council was created in 1996 to discuss issues affecting the polar region, ranging from pollution to local economic development to search-and-rescue missions. The work of the Council, which comprises the eight Arctic states of Finland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Russia, Denmark, Canada and the United States, in the past has produced binding agreements on environmental protection and preservation. But with the end of cooperation with Moscow, about a third of the council's 130 projects were on hold last year, new projects cannot go ahead and existing ones cannot be renewed. For now, Russia does not consider leaving the Council, the foreign ministry told RIA. Last week, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson of the Russian foreign ministry, said that if the Council evolves "into an institution unfriendly to Russia," then Moscow will consider whether to stay in it, TASS state agency reported. On Tuesday, the speaker of the Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, said that the chamber will vote next week on Russia leaving the Organization for Security and Co-operation (OSCE) and will consider the possibility of leaving other international organisations. (Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne; Editing by Jacqueline Wong and Stephen Coates) (Reuters) - A Russian military court has sentenced a woman in her 60s to 10 years in a penal colony after finding her guilty of setting fire to an army enlistment office, the court's press service said on Wednesday. Investigators found that Zhumagul Kurbanova had used gasoline and engine oil to set fire to the door of the military recruitment centre in St Petersburg in August 2023. The court said the pensioner received instructions to commit the crime from unknown actors via WhatsApp, who offered her 50,000 roubles (about $550) in return. Kurbanova fled the scene and was later arrested. The damage to the building was assessed at 92,000 roubles ($1,000). Prosecutors charged Kurbanova, whose age was reported by different media outlets as 66 or 67, with a terrorist offence. She reportedly admitted her guilt and repented in the courtroom. Russia has registered 220 attacks on military offices and other government facilities, as well as 184 cases of railway sabotage, in the two years since the start of what the Kremlin calls its special military operation in Ukraine, state news agency TASS reported last month. ($1= 91.4425 roubles) (Reporting by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan) CAIRO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), met with the CEO of global shipping company MSC Group on Wednesday in an attempt to reassure companies about using the canal amid tensions in the Red Sea. Rabie and Soren Toft, CEO of MSC Group, held an online meeting to discuss the volatile situation in the region, according to an SCA statement. "We are keen on continuous coordination with our clients to reach joint work mechanisms aimed at reducing the effects of the current crisis on global supply chains," Rabie said, acknowledging the security concerns influencing MSC's navigation policies. Toft pledged to resume using the Suez Canal "as soon as the security situation stabilizes in the Red Sea and Bab Al-Mandab regions," voicing their intention to invest more in Egyptian logistics projects. However, he reiterated concerns about crew and vessel safety after attacks on some MSC ships passing through the Bab Al-Mandab strait. In January, Rabie reported a 30 percent drop in ship traffic compared to the same period last year, attributing it to recent Red Sea tensions. Since the outbreak of the conflict between Israel and Hamas in October last year, the Houthi group in Yemen have repeatedly attacked ships that have links to Israel in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain launched several airstrikes on Houthi military sites in the Yemeni capital Sanaa and other provinces under the group's control in January in response to the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The Suez Canal, carrying 12 percent of global trade, is a crucial source of foreign currency for Egypt. SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea has established diplomatic relations with Cuba, one of North Korea's Cold War-era allies, the South Korean foreign ministry said on Wednesday. With their United Nations representatives exchanging letters in New York, the two countries have agreed to open diplomatic relations at the ambassadorial level, the ministry said in a statement. Cuba continues to maintain close relations with North Korea, which were established in 1960, with their shared socialist ideology and their hostility towards the United States helping to bind them together. Cuba maintains an embassy in Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called late Cuban leader Fidel Castro a "comrade-in-arms", according to North Korean state media. North Korea observed three days of official mourning in 2016 when Castro died aged 90. The new diplomatic ties between Seoul and Havana mark an "important turnaround" for South Korea in its efforts to strengthen its diplomacy in the Latin American region, the foreign ministry said in its statement. (Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Gareth Jones) MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish police arrested a group of suspected cocaine traffickers on a boat from South America in the middle of the Atlantic after one of them shot dead a fellow smuggler and took the rest hostage, the interior ministry said on Wednesday. The case occurred in November but was kept under judicial secrecy until an investigation was completed, it said. In an apparent falling-out among the boat's crew, a Serbian national seized control of the vessel Sea Paradise, shot one of the other smugglers, threw his body overboard and took the eight other crew members hostage, a ministry statement said. Tipped off about a shipment of some 2.3 tonnes of cocaine from Latin America to be transferred to a smaller boat near the Canary Islands, Spanish police launched an operation to seize the drug during which they discovered the hostage situation. A police team reached the Sea Paradise at an undisclosed location in the Atlantic and negotiated for hours with the hostage taker, who ended up surrendering his weapon and freeing the crew, "who feared for their lives", the statement said. All those on board were then taken into custody and the cocaine haul seized from a hidden compartment onboard. (Reporting by Emma Pinedo; editing by Andrei Khalip and Mark Heinrich) SOFIA (Reuters) - Britain wants an "absolute guarantee" that the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) will not employ staff who are willing to attack Israel, Foreign Secretary David Cameron said on Wednesday, after allegations that some were involved in the Oct. 7 violence. Britain last month joined the United States in "temporarily pausing" funding for UNRWA following allegations that around 12 of its thousands of Palestinian employees were suspected of involvement in the Hamas attack that triggered the Gaza war. Donors such as Britain and the United States have indicated they will not resume support until the U.N.'s internal investigation into the allegations ends. A preliminary report is due to be published in the next several weeks. Asked what Britain needed to see in the report in order to resume funding, Cameron said: "What we're looking for is an absolute guarantee that this can't happen again. Let's be clear here that it looks as if there were people working for UNRWA who took part in the October 7th attacks on Israel. That is unacceptable." "That's why we paused our funding. That's why these reviews are taking place," he told reporters during a trip to Bulgaria. "We need them to take place quickly because many UNRWA staff do an absolutely vital job inside Gaza, where they are the only network for distributing aid, to make sure that we get aid to people that need it very, very badly." UNRWA was established in 1949 following the war of Israel's founding, when 700,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes. Nearly the entire Gaza population now relies on UNRWA for basics including food, water and hygiene supplies. The head of UNRWA said on Tuesday that calls for it to be dismantled were short-sighted and that terminating the agency's mandate would deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Britain has provided funding for UNRWA until the end of the financial year and it says it is working with other agencies to help get aid into Gaza. (This story has been corrected to change UNWRA to UNRWA in the headline and paragraphs 1, 2, 4 and 5 (Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic in Sofia, Writing by Kylie MacLellan in London, Editing by Nick Macfie) Filed by Cummins Inc. pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended Subject Company: Cummins Inc. Commission File No.: 1-4949 Opportunity to Exchange Cummins Stock for Atmus Stock in the Cummins Retirement and Savings Plan In May 2023, an initial public offering of approximately 19.5% of Atmus Filtration Technologies Inc. (Atmus) common stock was completed. Cummins Inc. (Cummins) retained the remaining outstanding shares of, and a controlling stake in, Atmus. Cummins is offering its stockholders the opportunity to exchange shares of Cummins common stock for shares of Atmus common stock (the exchange offer), subject to the terms of the exchange offer described in the Prospectus, dated February 14, 2024 (the Prospectus). Exchange Offer in the Cummins Retirement and Savings Plan (the RSP1) RSP participants who have an RSP fund balance in Cummins stock are currently eligible to participate in the exchange offer. This fund balance (expressed as units) can be exchanged for units of a new Atmus Stock Fund (available only through the exchange offer period open now through 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024). Important Dates February 14, 2024: Exchange offer election period begins March 11, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. ET: Exchange offer election period ends; blackout period2 begins for those participating in the exchange offer The week of March 18, 2024 (or as soon as administratively possible): Blackout period ends What Does the Exchange Offer Mean to You? Our records indicate that you do not have an RSP balance in the Cummins Stock Fund. This means that you are not currently eligible to participate in the exchange offer through the RSP and did not receive a Trustee Direction Form. If you choose to contribute or transfer a portion of your current RSP balance to the Cummins Stock Fund, you will receive a new package that includes a personalized Trustee Direction Form. You will need the Trustee Direction Form to submit an election for your Cummins Stock Fund units. Please allow sufficient time so that you can receive your Trustee Direction Form and make an election before the exchange offer election period deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024. The decision to participate in a stock exchange offer is complex. Please read the enclosed materials carefully and consider consulting with a financial or tax advisor to determine if you would like to participate. Participation in this exchange offer is voluntary. If you choose not to participate, no action is required. 1 RSP refers to both the Cummins Retirement and Savings Plan and the Cummins Retirement and Savings Plan for Certain Collectively Bargained Employees. These are the only retirement plans eligible for the exchange offer. 2 During the blackout period, certain plan transactions will be unavailable. See the enclosed materials for additional information. 1 Learn More about the Exchange Offer Review the enclosed materials: Participant Guide Frequently Asked Questions Other important notices You can also find the Prospectus and other exchange offer information on the RSP website at yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins. Click the Cummins Atmus Stock Exchange Offer message at the top of the home page. Consider consulting with a financial or tax advisor. If you wish to participate, you can change your future contributions to invest in the Cummins Stock Fund or transfer a portion of your current RSP balance into the Cummins Stock Fund: Visit yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins. Under the RSP & Pension tab, select Change Investments on the RSP menu. Select Do It Yourself then select Get Started under Change your investment mix. Follow the onscreen instructions. Note: If you have an RSP balance in the Cummins Stock Fund prior to the exchange offer election deadline, you will receive a personalized Trustee Direction Form in the U.S. mail with instructions on how to make an exchange offer election. Questions? Contact the Exchange Offer Helpline (managed by Okapi Partners LLC) at 1-877-279-2311 (in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-917-484-4425 (all other areas) or [email protected]. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. 2 Frequently Asked Questions The following information applies to the exchange offer and what it means for RSP participants who have a balance in the Cummins Stock Fund or the Cummins Employee Stock Ownership Plan Fund (Cummins ESOP Fund3). Please see the Participant Guide for additional information, including key dates and terms. General Topics 1. Who can help me decide if I should participate in the exchange offer? You should make this decision after consulting with a financial or tax advisor. Neither Cummins, the Cummins Retirement Benefits Service Center, nor the Exchange Offer Helpline can provide you with any investment or tax advice regarding whether to participate. If you live outside the United States, you should talk to your financial or tax advisor about the permissibility, advisability, and particular tax consequences of participating in the exchange offer. 2. Where can I find additional information? Additional information regarding the terms and conditions of this exchange offer are described in more detail in the Prospectus. You can find the Prospectus and other exchange offer information on the RSP website at yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins. Click the Cummins Atmus Stock Exchange Offer message at the top of the home page. 3. Will I be charged any fees or commission if I participate in the exchange offer? No fees or commissions will be charged for participating in the exchange offer. 4. If I elect to participate in the exchange offer, when will my election be applied to my RSP account? Unless the exchange offer deadline is extended or terminated, and as long as your election is received in good order and by the required deadline, 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024, your election will be applied to your account the week of March 18, 2024. At that time, you will be able to view your new Atmus Stock Fund balance online as well as your new Cummins Stock Fund and/or Cummins ESOP Fund balance at yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins. Under the RSP & Pension tab, select Investments on the RSP menu. 5. What happens to my Cummins stock outside of the RSP? Can it be included in the exchange offer? If you hold any Cummins stock outside of the RSP, you should receive information directly from your broker or other party that holds your Cummins stock, including how to participate in the exchange offer. For instance, if you hold Cummins stock because you participate in the Cummins Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Cummins Inc. Key Employee Stock Investment Plan (KESIP), or the Omnibus Incentive Plan (OIP), you will receive information directly from Morgan Stanley. For shares held in your name in one of these Cummins stock programs, visit https://atwork.morganstanley.com. If you have questions about the exchange offer, please contact the Exchange Offer Helpline (managed by Okapi Partners LLC) at 1-877-279-2311 (in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-917-484-4425 (all other areas) or [email protected]. 3 The Cummins ESOP Fund is a closed fund in the RSP that is distinct from the Cummins Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Employees participating in the ESPP will receive separate exchange offer communications for this plan. 3 6. If I make an exchange offer election, will any new contributions made during the exchange offer election period be included as part of the exchange offer? Yes. Any contributions made to the RSP that are invested in the Cummins Stock Fund4 by March 11, 2024 will be included in any election you make to participate in the exchange offer. Any new contributions invested in the Cummins Stock Fund after that date will not be included. 7. Can I change my exchange offer election? Yes. You can change your election at www.ProxyVote.com/Tender any time before March 11, 2024 by entering your 16-digit control number from your Trustee Direction Form and making a new election. To withdraw your election, follow this process and enter 0%. Please note that the final election received and processed as of 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024 will be the election of record. See your Participant Guide for more on making/changing your election. If you did not receive a Trustee Direction Form, that means you do not have a balance in the Cummins Stock Fund. If you choose to contribute or transfer a portion of your current RSP balance to the Cummins Stock Fund, you will receive a new package that includes a personalized Trustee Direction Form. You will need the Trustee Direction Form to submit an election for your Cummins Stock Fund units. Please allow sufficient time so that you can receive your Trustee Direction Form and make an election before the exchange offer election period deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024. 8. I made my election by mailhow do I change my election? If you have your 16-digit control number from your Trustee Direction Form, you can change your election by entering your 16-digit control number at www.ProxyVote.com/Tender and making a new election. To withdraw your election, follow this process and enter 0%. If you need a new Trustee Direction Form, you can request one by calling the Exchange Offer Helpline. Please note that the final election received and processed as of 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024 will be the election of record. 9. Is it possible the exchange offer will be delayed or will not occur? Yes. Cummins and its advisors may determine that the exchange offer deadline should be extended. It is also possible that the exchange offer may be canceled, in which case no shares would be exchanged. In addition, the exchange ratio is designed so that, at the time of the exchange, the value of Atmus stock received should be at least as valuable as the Cummins stock exchanged. If, however, the value of Atmus stock at the expiration of the exchange offer is determined to be less than the value of the Cummins stock offered, then the plan trustee is prohibited from making the election even if the exchange offer occurs for general shareholders. 4 New contributions are not allowed in the Cummins ESOP Fund. 4 You can visit the shareholder website at okapivote.com/CumminsAtmusExchange for daily updates and information about the exchange offer. 10. Is it possible I may not be able to exchange the full percentage I request during the exchange offer? Yes. If the exchange offer is oversubscribed, only a prorated portion of the amount you offer to exchange will ultimately be exchanged for units of the Atmus Stock Fund. 11. Will the blackout period apply to me? The blackout period will only apply to you if you elect to participate in the exchange offer. More information regarding the blackout period is in the Blackout Notice. Cummins Stock in the RSP 12. Where can I find my current Cummins Stock Fund and/or Cummins ESOP Fund balance in the RSP? You can find this information on the RSP website at yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins. You will need to log in to your account. You will find your fund balance in the Cummins Stock Fund and/or the Cummins ESOP Fund by selecting Investments under the RSP & Pension tab. 13. What if I dont currently have an RSP balance in the Cummins Stock Fund or Cummins ESOP Fund? How can I participate in the exchange offer? If you do not currently have an RSP balance in the Cummins Stock Fund or Cummins ESOP Fund, you can participate in this exchange offer through the RSP if you contribute or transfer a portion of your current balance to the Cummins Stock Fund (the Cummins ESOP Fund is closed to new contributions). After doing so, you will be sent a package that includes your personalized Trustee Direction Form and the information you need to submit an election. Please note that this process can take several days. If you choose to contribute or transfer a portion of your current balance to the Cummins Stock Fund, you must allow sufficient time so that you can receive your Trustee Direction Form and make an election before the exchange offer election period deadline at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024. 14. What if I transfer out of the Cummins Stock Fund and/or Cummins ESOP Fund before the election offer period ends? If you have a zero balance in the Cummins Stock Fund and/or Cummins ESOP Fund as of March 11, 2024, you will not be eligible to participate in the exchange offer through the fund(s), even if you submitted an election. 15. How much of my Cummins Stock Fund or Cummins ESOP Fund can I offer to exchange? You can elect to participate in the exchange offer with up to 100% of the units you hold in either fund. Your election must be in whole percentages. If you hold units in both the Cummins Stock Fund and the Cummins ESOP Fund, you will need to make a separate election for each fund. 5 16. How will the number of my units accepted be determined? Your election will be a percentage of the units you hold in the elected fund. The number of units accepted will be determined depending on if the exchange offer is oversubscribed, in which case proration may occur and you will not receive the full number of units you requested. In either case, the calculation may be subject to rounding. 17. What happens if I change my RSP holdings during the exchange offer period? You are eligible to participate in the exchange offer for the units you hold in the Cummins Stock Fund or Cummins ESOP Fund after all requested daily transactions are processed on March 11, 2024. While you could make additional contributions to or transfers into the Cummins Stock Fund to purchase additional units after that date, any such units will not be included in the exchange offer. 18. What happens to my Cummins Stock Fund or Cummins ESOP Fund balance in the RSP if I do not elect to participate in the exchange offer? If you do not elect to participate in the Atmus exchange offer, your fund balances will not be exchanged for units of the Atmus Stock Fund. However, your fund balances will continue to be impacted by any RSP activity and market conditions. Atmus Stock Fund in the RSP 19. At what price will the exchange occur? The terms of the exchange offer are described in the Prospectus. 20. When can I find out how many Atmus Stock Fund units I will receive for my Cummins Stock Fund and/or Cummins ESOP Fund if I participate in the exchange offer? Settlement of the exchange offer is expected to occur during the week of March 18, 2024. At that time, you can see your value in the Atmus Stock Fund and the number of units held by logging into your RSP account at yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins and selecting Investments under RSP & Pension. Like the Cummins Stock Fund/Cummins ESOP Fund, the Atmus Stock Fund will be unitized. Once money is transferred into the Atmus Stock Fund, it will be converted to units. This will be done so that each unit has a starting value of $10. Any change in the value of Atmus stock will be reflected in the value of a unit of the Atmus Stock Fund in the RSP. When you look at your holdings in the Atmus Stock Fund, you will see both the balance and the units you hold in the fund. 21. Can I elect to invest in the Atmus Stock Fund within the RSP after the exchange offer has expired? No, the only way to put money into the Atmus Stock Fund is through the exchange offer. After the exchange offer has expired, you can transfer out of the fund, but you cannot transfer money into or direct new contributions to the Atmus Stock Fund. 6 22. How long will the Atmus Stock Fund be in the RSP? The Atmus Stock Fund is being added to the RSP so participants with balances in the Cummins Stock Fund or Cummins ESOP Fund have the opportunity to participate in the exchange offer. It is anticipated that within approximately a year after the exchange offer has occurred, or possibly sooner, the Atmus Stock Fund will be liquidated due to regulatory rules. Any units remaining in the Atmus Stock Fund will be liquidated into cash and re-invested into the age-appropriate Vanguard Target Retirement Fund, the RSPs qualified default investment alternative. 23. If I participate in the exchange offer, can I request a partial or full distribution of my Atmus Stock Fund units as Atmus common stock shares? Similar to the rules for the Cummins stock funds, you will be able to take a distribution in kind (meaning they are paid in the form of Atmus shares rather than cash). In general, you are only able to take a partial or full distribution of your RSP account balance once you are no longer an active Cummins employee. Once the Atmus Stock Fund is eliminated within approximately a year after settlement of the exchange offer, you will no longer have the ability to take your Atmus Stock Fund balance in Atmus shares. 24. Im an Atmus employee who participates in the exchange offer. What will happen if I take a distribution of my RSP balance? After the settlement of the exchange is complete, Atmus will no longer be a part of Cummins and you will be considered a terminated employee under the RSP. In general, as a former Cummins employee, you will be able to take a distribution of your RSP balance, roll over your balance to an IRA or another employer plan, or leave your balance in the RSP. Under the RSP, if you take a partial or full distribution of your balance, you have the ability to take your Cummins Stock Fund balance, your Cummins ESOP Fund balance, and/or your Atmus Stock Fund balance in shares. If the shares are rolled over to an IRA, you will preserve your cost basis. If you do not roll over those shares, you will be taxed on the cost basis at distribution and recognize any gain or loss when you sell your shares. As an Atmus employee, you may have the option to roll over your RSP account balance into the new Atmus retirement savings plan, the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (Aon PEP). Since the Aon PEP will have different investment options from the RSP, anything you roll from the RSP into that plan will be liquidated and reinvested according to plan rules. For more information about the distribution and rollover options available to Atmus employees and their RSP balances, please contact the Cummins Retirement Benefits Service Center at 1-800-682-8788 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. 7 Tax Considerations 25. Are there are tax considerations relating to my decision to participate in the exchange offer? Yes. Please consult with a financial or tax advisor regarding the potential tax consequences of your decision whether or not to participate in the exchange offer. For example, if you are planning to retire or terminate employment and take a partial or full distribution from the RSP, you may qualify for special federal income tax treatment by choosing to take your Cummins and Atmus stock balances in kind (meaning they are paid in the form of shares rather than cash). In this situation, you would pay ordinary income tax at the time of distribution on the cost basis of the shares. The difference between the value of the shares at the time of distribution and the cost basis is called the net unrealized appreciation. When you eventually sell the shares, you would have a capital gains tax on any increased value over the cost basis of your shares. This special federal income tax treatment is only available when you take a distribution of your stock fund balance in shares. (Note: You can make a separate in-kind election for the Atmus Stock Fund and each Cummins Stock fund.) Please note that the Atmus Stock Fund is anticipated to be closed in the near future. You will not be able to take advantage of this special tax treatment after the Atmus Stock Fund closes. Your likelihood of taking a distribution in shares could influence whether you participate in the exchange offer. Please refer to the RSPs Summary Plan Description for additional discussion of the general tax rules that apply when your account is distributed to you. Neither Northern Trust (the Trustee), Cummins, Alight Solutions or the Cummins Retirement Benefit Service Center (together with Alight Solutions, the RSP Administrator) can provide tax advice, and you should discuss your specific situation with a tax advisor. 26. How will the cost basis be allocated to the Atmus Stock Fund? A portion of your cost basis in Cummins stock will transfer over and become the cost basis of your new Atmus Stock Fund balance. The cost basis will transfer to the Atmus Stock Fund in proportion to the units of your Cummins stock accepted in the exchange offer. 8 Example The following example is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of how the funds will perform in the future. This example shows how cost basis is allocated through the exchange offer. For simplicity, assume that the exchange is NOT oversubscribed. Assumptions: You elect to offer 40% of your Cummins Stock Fund to be exchanged and moved into the Atmus Stock Fund Cummins Stock Fund Balance when exchange occurs: $28,828.55 Cost basis associated with the Cummins Stock Fund: $12,191.59 Atmus Stock Fund Cummins Stock Fund Remaining Balance after Exchange (does not reflect market changes or any exchange premium) $11,531.42 (40% of $28,828.55 accepted into the exchange) $17,297.13 ($28,828.55 minus $11,531.42 accepted into the exchange) Cost Basis after Exchange $4,876.64 (40% of $12,191.59) $7,314.95 ($12,191.59 minus $4,876.64 that transfers to the Atmus Stock Fund) 9 Blackout Notice Important Notice Concerning Your Rights Under the Cummins Retirement and Savings Plan or the Cummins Retirement and Savings Plan for Certain Collectively Bargained Employees This notice is to inform you that the RSP will have a blackout period with respect to any participant who has elected to participate in the exchange offer to receive Atmus stock, as described in the Prospectus. As a result, if you elect to participate in the exchange offer, you temporarily will be unable to (1) sell or exchange, direct, or diversify any amounts held in the Cummins Stock Fund and/or the Cummins ESOP Fund with respect to the Fund for which you elect to participate in the exchange offer or (2) withdraw, obtain a loan, or obtain a distribution of any RSP amounts, including amounts not invested in the Cummins Stock Fund or Cummins ESOP Fund. This period, during which you will be unable to exercise these rights otherwise available under the RSP, is called a blackout period. Whether or not you are planning retirement in the near future, we encourage you to carefully consider how this blackout period may affect your retirement planning, as well as your overall financial plan. This blackout period is expected to begin at 4:00 p.m. ET on March 11, 2024, and end during the week of March 18, 2024. During this period, you can determine whether the blackout period has started or ended by calling the Cummins Retirement Benefits Service Center. You can also log on to yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins to access your RSP account. If you elect to participate in the exchange offer, during the blackout period you will be unable to direct or diversify the amounts held in the Cummins Stock Fund and/or the Cummins ESOP Fund in your RSP account. This blackout will apply to each stock fund with respect to which you elect to participate in the exchange offer. For this reason, it is very important that you review and consider the appropriateness of your current Cummins Stock Fund and Cummins ESOP Fund investments in light of your inability to direct or diversify those investments during the blackout period. For your long-term retirement security, you should give careful consideration to the importance of a well-balanced and diversified investment portfolio, taking into account all your assets, income, and investments. You should be aware that there is a risk to holding substantial portions of your assets in the securities of any one company, as individual securities tend to have wider price swings, up and down, in short periods of time, than investments in diversified funds. Stocks that have wide price swings might have a large loss during the blackout period, and you would not be able to direct the sale of such stocks from your account during the blackout period. Federal law generally requires that you be furnished notice of a blackout period at least 30 days in advance of the last date on which you could exercise your affected rights immediately before the commencement of any blackout period in order to provide you with sufficient time to consider the effect of the blackout period on your retirement and financial plans, although certain exceptions apply. In this case, this notice is being provided to you as soon as allowed under applicable securities law restrictions, which prevented us from providing you with this Blackout Notice at least 30 days in advance of the blackout period. If you have any questions concerning this notice, you should contact the Cummins Retirement Benefits Service Center at 1-800-682-8788. Representatives are available between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. 10 Update to the Annual Fee Disclosure Statement Due to the exchange offer as described in the Prospectus, the RSP will add a new investment fund, called the Atmus Stock Fund. This notice amends the Annual Fee Disclosure Statement you received for the RSP (mailed in April 2023) with additional information about the Atmus Stock Fund. The Atmus Stock Fund will hold shares of Atmus common stock that result from individual participant decisions to participate in the exchange offer. No new amounts may be invested in the Atmus Stock Fund, and the Fund is expected to be closed within approximately a year of the exchange, or possibly sooner. This Fee Notice provides updated information that you may need to make informed investment decisions concerning your participation in the RSP. For more information about these changes, to transfer your current account balances, or to make future election changes, visit the RSP website at yourbenefitsresources.com/cummins. You can also call the Cummins Retirement Benefits Service Center at 1-800-682-8788. Representatives are available between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. General Information Fee Information Historical Performance Total Annual Shareholder- Average Annual Total Return Asset- Cost Per Type Fees and as of 2/14/24 Fund Name/ Asset Based $1,000 of Investment (Fund and Benchmark)7 Incept. Benchmark Class Fees5 Investment Restrictions6 1 yr. 2 yr. 3 yr. 5 yr. 10 yr. to date Core Funds Atmus Stock Fund (Note: This fund will be closed to new contributions after it goes live) Benchmark: Russell 2000 Value TR Stock 0.00% $0.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5 Total asset-based fees are investment management company fees plus other plan-specific costs charged to the investment fund to cover administrative services, such as plan administration, trustee, accounting, legal, and other plan-level costs. 6 Shareholder-Type Fees and Investment Restrictions outlines any fees paid directly from your investment in this option (e.g., redemption fees) and any restrictions (e.g., purchase block provisions) on trading that might exist for a specific investment option. 7 In general, 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year performance history is shown. If a full history is not available, a return since inception is provided instead. Any returns that are since inception are footnoted and the benchmark is adjusted to reflect the same time frame. 11 Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains certain statements about Cummins and Atmus that are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions regarding Cummins and Atmus respective businesses, the economy and other future conditions. In addition, the forward-looking statements contained in this communication may include statements about the expected effects on Cummins and Atmus of the exchange offer, the anticipated timing and benefits of the exchange offer, Cummins and Atmus anticipated financial results, and all other statements in this communication that are not historical facts. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and are detailed more fully in Cummins and Atmus respective periodic reports filed from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), the Registration Statement referred to below, including the Prospectus forming a part thereof, the Schedule TO and other exchange offer documents filed by Cummins or Atmus, as applicable, with the SEC. Such uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof, and neither Cummins nor Atmus undertakes any obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional Information and Where to Find It This communication is for informational purposes only and is not an offer to sell or exchange, a solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange any securities and a recommendation as to whether investors should participate in the exchange offer. Atmus has filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 (the Registration Statement) that includes a prospectus (the Prospectus). The exchange offer will be made solely by the Prospectus. The Prospectus contains important information about the exchange offer, Cummins, Atmus and related matters, and Cummins will deliver the Prospectus to holders of Cummins common stock. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROSPECTUS, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE AND BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT DECISION, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. None of Cummins, Atmus or any of their respective directors or officers or the dealer managers appointed with respect to the exchange offer makes any recommendation as to whether you should participate in the exchange offer. Cummins has filed with the SEC a Schedule TO, which contains important information about the exchange offer. Holders of Cummins common stock may obtain copies of the Prospectus, the Registration Statement, the Schedule TO and other related documents, and any other information that Cummins and Atmus file electronically with the SEC free of charge at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov. Holders of Cummins common stock will also be able to obtain a copy of the Prospectus by clicking on the appropriate link on www.okapivote.com/CumminsAtmusExchange. Cummins has retained Okapi Partners LLC as the information agent for the exchange offer. To obtain copies of the exchange offer Prospectus and related documents, or for questions about the terms of the exchange offer or how to participate, you may contact the information agent at 1-877-279-2311 (in the U.S., including Puerto Rico, and Canada) or 1-917-484-4425 (all other areas). UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 Schedule 13G Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )* Roadzen Inc. (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (Title of Class of Securities) G7606H108 (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) o Rule 13d-1(c) o Rule 13d-1(d) *The remainder of this cover page shall be filled out for a reporting persons 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). 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 : ADMF, a Cayman Islands exempted company that is an investment management client of BAM, has the right to receive dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of, the reported securities. Item 7 Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on by the Parent Holding Company: Not Applicable Item 8 Identification and Classification of Members of the Group : Not Applicable Item 9 Notice of Dissolution of Group : Not Applicable Item 10 Certification : 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. Item 10. Certification 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. Macquarie Group Limited February 14, 2024 Date /s/ Philip Alexander /s/ Charles Glorioso Signature Signature Philip Alexander Associate Director Charles Glorioso Division Director 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. Macquarie Management Holdings, Inc. February 14, 2024 Date /s/ Marty Wolin Signature Marty Wolin Chief Compliance Officer Macquarie Investment Management Business Trust February 14, 2024 Date /s/ Marty Wolin Signature Marty Wolin Chief Compliance Officer Page 7 of 13 SCHEDULE 13G (c) Number of shares as to which the person has: (i) Sole power to vote or to direct the vote 0. (ii) Shared power to vote or to direct the vote 0 (iii) Sole power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 0 (iv) Shared power to dispose or to direct the disposition of 0 Sculptor and Sculptor-II serve as the principal investment managers to the Accounts and thus may be deemed beneficial owners of the Common Stock in the Accounts managed by Sculptor and Sculptor-II. SCHC-II serves as the sole general partner of Sculptor-II and is wholly owned by Sculptor. SCHC serves as the sole general partner of Sculptor. As such, SCHC and SCHC-II may be deemed to control Sculptor as well as Sculptor-II and, therefore, may be deemed to be the beneficial owners of the Common Stock reported in this Schedule 13G. SCU is the sole shareholder of SCHC, and, for purposes of this Schedule 13G, may be deemed a beneficial owner of the Common Stock reported herein. The percentages reported in this Schedule 13G have been calculated based on 25,221,372 shares of Class A Common Stock as set forth in the Issuers Current Report on Form 10-Q filed November 13, 2023. Item 5. Ownership of 5 Percent or Less of a Class. If this statement is being filed to report the fact that as of the date hereof the reporting person has ceased to be the beneficial owner of more than 5 percent of the class of securities, check the following . Dissolution of a group requires a response to this item. Item 6. Ownership of More than 5 Percent on Behalf of Another Person. See Item 4. Item 7. Identification and Classification of the Subsidiary Which Acquired the Security Being Reported on by the Parent Holding Company or Control Person. N/A Item 8. Identification and Classification of Members of the Group. See Item 4. Item 9. Notice of Dissolution of Group. N/A Item 10. Certifications Alice Byrne, second from left in foreground, with her five children at a ski-in cabin near Fort Wainwright, Alaska. On the porch behind them is her husband and father of the children, Capt. Matthew Byrne, an Army internist at the garrisons medical facility. (U.S. Army) Alice Byrne was enjoying life as an Army wife, raising five children while her husband, Matthew, served at Tripler Army Medical Center near Honolulu. In 2022, Capt. Byrne, an internist, showed Alice his new orders. Hed been assigned to Bassett Army Community Hospital at Fort Wainwright. The family would be moving 3,000 miles north to Fairbanks, Alaska. I left Honolulu kicking and screaming, Alice Byrne said. It was absolute paradise. Halfway through her husbands three-year stint in central Alaska, Byrne, 38, said she has been surprised at the upside of the adventure of living at the Armys northmost outpost. Not just for her and Matthew, 37, but for the five children Benjamin, 10, Michael, 9, Mary Kate, 7, Daniel, 5, and Gabriel, 2. Depending on timing, they will likely be joined by the end of the year with the familys own native Alaskan Alice is pregnant and the couple plan to name the girl Maggie. The family recently made a 5-kilometer, cross-country ski trek. They had to carry everything they needed food, fuel, medical supplies on skis. It took three hours in minus 25 degree temperatures to reach their destination. The isolation is one of the big draws of such retreats. The experience for Alice Byrne was unlike anything in Waikiki. It was peaceful the stars at night, we had an amazing aurora borealis it really is magical, Byrne said. Now we all have that memory for the rest of our lives, she said. Byrne chalks up part of the relative ease of transition to expectations of Army life and preparation for the assignment. U.S. service members are used to moving. About 30% of the 1.4 million active-duty service members change duty stations each year, moving between about 750 installations in 80 countries, according to the Defense Department. About 51% are married and 39% have children, according to a 2023 survey by the National Institutes of Health. The Army is the largest service branch, with 452,000 active-duty soldiers. Home is where the Army sends us is an old saying for families who will move several times throughout a military career. Its sold at wooden signs on Etsy and stitched in pillows hawked on eBay. Brandy Ostanik-Thornton, a self-described sourdough slang for a longtime Alaska local was an early convert to the state. She arrived as a toddler in 1977 when her father was assigned to Eielson Air Force Base, about 20 miles south of Fairbanks. Brandy Ostanik-Thornton, Fort Wainwright medical center public affairs employee, first came to the Fairbanks area as a child in 1977, when her fathers Air Force career brought the family to central Alaska. (Eve Baker/U.S. Army) My parents fell in love with it, and I then fell in love with it, she said. Alaska is my home by choice. Ostanik-Thornton, 50, has lived in other parts of the United States but Fairbanks is home. She works in the public affairs office of Fort Wainwrights medical center. Shes also an unofficial ambassador for Alaska when newbies arrive with trepidation and dread about their new assignment. For people who havent been here, Alaska can seem like a big chunk of ice, Ostanik-Thornton said. I tell them to be with other people going through the same change in their lives. Share the experience. When summer rolls around, the daylight hours stretch to 20 hours or more, and tourists arrive gushing about it. The payoff is easy for soldiers and spouses to see. The Army sent you to a place where people spend thousands of dollars to vacation, she said. And the Army is paying you to be here. John Pennell, spokesman for the 11th Airborne Division, the Armys command for Alaska, said soldiers require Army approval to bring their families to Alaska, similar to the permission needed for families at overseas postings. Soldiers must have concurrent travel orders to bring family members. Spouses and children must each complete an exceptional family member screening and have command sponsorship. About 12% of family members are identified as having special needs, according to the Army. The process ensures those planning to come to Fort Wainwright wont have medical conditions or require educational assistance that isnt available at the small, distant garrison and community, Pennell said. The Army calls the posting remote and austere the description that the service gave the $4,000 incentive bonus for Fort Wainwright soldiers with dependents to ensure their families had the clothing and gear needed for the Alaska winter. Thats twice the bonus for troops going to the relatively urbanized Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, the 11th divisions main base and headquarters. Despite the challenges, many soldiers bring their families. The Army said along with about 7,000 soldiers, Fort Wainwright has 6,500 dependents of troops, plus 2,400 civilian employees and contractors. Another 7,800 retirees and veterans call the Fort Wainwright area their home. The gate sign at Fort Wainwright, Alaska. (U.S. Army) For Alice Byrne, the big changes started with smaller numbers. According to the 2020 census, her hometown of New York City has 8.8 million residents. Oahu, including Honolulu, is home to 1 million people. Alaskas count is just more than 732,000 statewide. Fairbanks tops out at just less than 32,000. Then theres the weather. According to the National Weather Service, the length of days in Hawaii falls between 11 hours in winter and 13.5 hours in summer. Average high temperatures in summer were in the mid-80s, while winter average low temperatures were in the low 60s. At Fort Wainwright, the days have less than four hours of direct sunshine at the winter solstice in late December and more than 21 hours at the summer solstice in late June, according to the weather service. Travel Alaska, the state tourism agency, boasts in advertising that when factoring in ambient light before sunrise and after sunset, Fairbanks had more than 70 days in summer with 24-hour daylight. Temperature extremes tended toward one direction: lower. Being just 150 miles from the Arctic Circle, Fort Wainwrights average high temperature in summer struggled to stay above 70 degrees, but it dove to an average of minus 15 degrees in the depths of winter, the weather service said. (Noga Ami-rav/Stars and Stripes) Hawaii simplified most family wardrobe decisions for Alice Byrne. The kids could run outside in T-shirts, swimsuits and sandals, she said. The realities of Fort Wainwright in winter meant even a short trip to the supermarket required significant logistical preparations. It takes at least an hour to get ready just to go outside, Byrne said. Its minus 20. You must remind the kids that they need a base layer, a fleece layer, snow pants, an insulator, and a windproof top. Byrne topped off the familys outerwear with beanies over balaclavas wrapped in scarves. The family usually travels with backup clothes. It may say waterproof, but kids will find a way to get wet, she said. With the right planning and execution, Byrne said going outdoors in the winter isnt something to just endure but to enjoy. Being a rare human on a ski trail or tucked away in a remote cabin will be the stuff of future family tales in decades to come. Well say, remember that time in Alaska Byrne said. Ostanik-Thornton said she loves the winter most of all. Theres something about the northern lights, she said. Unless you have seen them in person, you dont understand. At night, there are millions of stars. During the days, the snow twinkles on the trees. Its a really special place. Ostanik-Thornton knows not every soldier will leave Alaska with warm feelings. She roots for those who stay beyond their first hitch or longer. No matter how they feel, duty in Alaska will be something theyll recall and recount in years ahead, unlike their stints in many bases in the lower 48 states. Ostanik-Thornton said, for her, there is no turning back. I will never leave Alaska, she said. This place gets in your bones. Felice Schragenheim with a record player on a terrace in Berlin in 1934. (Jewish Museum Berlin; gift of Elisabeth Wust) Elisabeth Lilly Wust was a mother of four and the wife of a Nazi soldier. Felice Schragenheim was a Jew who worked undercover at a Nazi newspaper, smuggling out valuable information to the Jewish underground. The attraction between them was immediate. Nothing could extinguish their love not even Hitlers war machine. Felice was just 16 at the time of the Kristallnacht pogrom of November 1938, in which synagogues were burned and tens of thousands of Jews were carted off to camps. She was a bright student, but as the last full Jew in her class, she was expelled from her Berlin high school. Soon, Jews were barred from public theaters. Felices family was ousted from their home. Lilly Wust met her husband in 1933 the year Hitler became chancellor of Germany. She had no shortage of men while her husband, Gunther, was on the front lines, and involved in his own dalliances. But it would be Felice who would stoke all the fire in my heart, Lilly later wrote. The two first crossed paths on Nov. 27, 1942, when the red-haired, freckled Lilly, 29, went with her housemaid, Inge Wolf, to meet a friend of Inges at the Cafe Berlin. The friend was 20-year-old Felice, an elegant brunette in a rust-red suit, her long legs wrapped in silk stockings. Lilly had no idea that her new acquaintance was secretly Jewish. Felice soon joined Lilly and Inge at the Wust home for dinner a meal they could have thanks to rations Lilly received for her gentile children. One meal led to another, and before long, a group of Felices free-spirited friends were descending on Friedrichshaller Strasse 23. Felice played banned French songs on her record player while Lilly served bread with cold cuts and eggs. Often, Lilly was left guessing who was sleeping with whom. Lilly didnt ask many questions about affairs or Felices whereabouts. Felice continued to keep her Jewish identity secret. A few years earlier, her family had begun planning to immigrate to Palestine; her uncle, a doctor in the United States, had also applied for a visa to bring Felice to America. But soon Western European countries would close their borders, and when war broke out, passage to the United States would become nearly impossible. At the Wust residence, Lilly found her husband kissing Inge. Dazed, she headed for the kitchen, where Felice tried to draw her into a kiss. Lilly pulled away. For two days, they pretended nothing had happened. Meanwhile, the Nazis Final Solution was underway. Trucks of Waffen-SS abducted Jewish workers from factories. Allied bombs fell on Berlin, and the Wusts hid in shelters. Felice stayed with friends in the mountains. But the two womens connection only deepened; they had agreed to think of each other every night at 9 oclock. Their romance continued to blossom through correspondence while Lilly was hospitalized for a jaw infection. Felice, when will we be alone, completely alone? Im still sick but afterward finally we will fall into each others arms, and in the whole world there will be only you and me. On Lillys ninth wedding anniversary, her husband appeared at the hospital with flowers. The distance between husband and wife was evident. Felice arrived that evening and bent over Lillys bedside, her hair brushing against Lillys cheek. Lilly surrendered to her kiss. Felice, if you knew how my heart was pounding at this moment! Tomorrow, I will be relentless. When is our wedding day to be? Felice was struggling to evade the Nazi apparatus. Already, it had been two years since Jews were forced to wear the yellow star, and Felice hid in plain sight while Jews were deported on freight trains. Her grandmother was among those rounded up and sent to their deaths. Felice Schragenheim on a blanket in the countryside of Berlin. Date unknown. (Jewish Museum Berlin; gift of Elisabeth Wust) The story of Felice and Lillys unlikely, passionate affair is captured in the 1994 book Aimee & Jaguar: A Love Story, Berlin 1943, by Erica Fischer, who interviewed Lilly when she was 80. In 1999, it was made into the German film Aimee & Jaguar the nicknames they gave each other. When Lilly was back home and Felice slipped into bed with her, Lilly told Fischer, I now knew who I was, where I belonged, to whom I belonged; everything else was totally unimportant to me. As Jews were being shipped to Auschwitz and the Theresienstadt transit camp, Felice moved in with Lilly, who shocked her husband by bringing up divorce. Felice continued to disappear for days on business trips. The mystery of her whereabouts ate away at Lilly, who demanded answers. Felice finally gave in. Promise me that youll still love me, she said, then added, Lilly, Im a Jew. Astonishment gave way to understanding. And now more than ever, Lilly responded to Felices plea. She paid no heed to her own precarious position, wanting only to save Felice. They slept in late on Sundays. Lilly worked at the sewing machine, trimming dresses for Felice. Lilly began to contemplate the prospect of a life with four children, little work experience and no husband. What is love, tortuous happiness, glorious pain? Lilly wrote on the back of expired food coupons. She saved copies of all her correspondence to Felice. Lilly composed an unofficial marriage contract on June 26, 1943. One month later, the Gestapo ordered confiscation of the assets of the Jewess Felice Sara Schragenheim. Felice had offers to escape with associates. Lilly considered leaving her children temporarily in a safe home and following Felice into exile. Felice, Inge and a friend debated crossing the border into Switzerland, but they ultimately decided Felice was safer in Berlin. It would be Felices last chance to leave Germany. That Christmas, Lilly wrote to Felice, I have such hopes for the coming year, above all, finally to have a quiet life. By 1944, even as Berliners were sweeping debris from bombed-out houses, Felice had seemingly lost all sense of danger, sneaking into the news office at the National-Zeitung to gain intel that might help others escape the Final Solution. On Aug. 21, 1944, a hot summers day, the couple biked to the Havel River to swim. Lillys children were in the care of a friend for the day. Felice brought her old Leica camera. They set the timer and took what would be their last photos together. The Gestapo was waiting at Lillys apartment when they returned. Felice dared to flee, bounding downstairs to hide in a neighbors apartment. She was betrayed by another neighbor. The Nazi police pulled her from under a couch, kicked her and dragged her down the stairs. Lilly was left in her childrens room, screaming and crying. She soon gathered the courage to try to find her beloved. Lilly learned that Felice was in a Jewish hospital that had been converted into a collection camp. She discerned the right building by its barbed wire and insisted to the guards that Felice be summoned. Armed with French cigarettes as bribes, Lilly began paying regular visits with fruit and tomatoes for Felice, who now wore a yellow star on her chest. Lilly wrote in her diary on Aug. 26: You shall read this diary when you are no longer the Jewess Schragenheim, but a person among other persons. Dear God, let us live together or die. Do not allow for only one of us to survive. I will never get over not seeing my Felice again. Never in a lifetime. Felice and Lilly saw each other for the last time on Sept. 7. They were allowed half an hour together. Lilly gave Felice a lock of her red hair, which Felice wrapped around her comb. The next day, Felice was taken to Theresienstadt. Remarkably, they managed to exchange some letters. But within a month, Felice was in a cattle car bound for Auschwitz then onward to the Gross Rosen and Kurzbach concentration camps. Felice contracted scarlet fever and landed at a hospital in the town of Trachtenberg before meeting her fate either during an eight-day death march or at the Bergen-Belsen camp. Lilly spent years writing in her diary, which she called her Book of Tears. She believed it would one day be all that was left of their love. She joined the Jewish community after the war and sent her children to Jewish schools. Her son, Eberhard, immigrated to Israel in 1961. Lilly felt at home during her visits, and she kept the scarf she wore to Jerusalems Western Wall in the same bag where she stored the negatives of the Havel River photos. But she could never find joy after Felice died. She stored her journals and Felices documents, photos, letters and poems in two suitcases and carried the keys to them around her neck. She wore a gold wedding ring engraved with F.S. and a silver ring with a green stone that she had given to Felice which Felice gave back just before the Gestapo dragged her from Lillys apartment. Lilly died in 2006, and on her gravestone Felices name is etched in memoriam. The Jewish Museum in Berlin holds many of their artifacts, including love letters and the marriage contract, which bears an imprint in red lipstick sealed with Felices kiss. Margaret Hetherman is a Brooklyn-based independent journalist and essayist. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Another newborn Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin was sighted on Wednesday morning, bringing the number of newborn dolphin calves in Cambodia to two so far this year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said in a news release. The new calf was spotted at the Kampi dolphin pool in northeast Kratie province's Chetr Borei district by a team of researchers from the Fisheries Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). "This newborn dolphin was seen swimming alongside a pod of seven other dolphins," the news release said. "It is the second dolphin calf born in 2024." The first calf was discovered on Feb. 11. The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species since 2004. It is estimated that approximately 90 Irrawaddy dolphins are living along a 180-kilometer main channel of the Mekong River in northeast Stung Treng and Kratie provinces. Supporters of the Pakistani religious group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) attend an election campaign rally in Karachi, Pakistan, Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024. (Fareed Khan/AP) While Pakistans recent election may not meet all Western standards of perfection, it certainly serves as a demonstration of democracy in action. Its ramifications could potentially influence its neighbor, Afghanistan, particularly if the Pakistani military relinquishes its subtle support for the Taliban. Among the various forms of battle, a war of hatred, suspicion and envy is just as pernicious as battles fought on traditional fields. This is precisely the conflict ongoing between the Afghans and the Pakistani security establishment. Afghans accuse their neighbor Pakistan of pursuing a duplicitous policy toward the Afghan people. While ostensibly endorsing democracy and elections within its own borders, Pakistan is alleged to support the Taliban, a group seemingly disinclined to let Afghans go to voting polls to select their leaders. Pakistan held elections amid economic, social and political scandals that led to the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Like many elections around the world, Pakistans was not exempt from accusations of rigging, particularly involving interference from the military to manipulate the results in its favor. But the allegations of corruption, misuse of power and voting fraud are not a new phenomenon, and its seen in many developing nations. In his book The Nine Lives of Pakistan, Declan Walsh takes the reader into Pakistans violent political and social order, with fraught elections, assassinations and military rule. But pessimism aside, the glass in Pakistans political spectrum now seems half-full. Pakistanis went to the polls to cast their votes with no major reports of violence. To give the military its fair share of credit, the generals showed a level of civility by not calling the troops, as they did in the past. As an Afghan-born American, I find it hard to understand a simple fact: Why does Pakistans security establishment and Islamist parties now espouse free elections, freedom of speech, democracy and polarization for Pakistan, while rejecting these very same ideals for Afghanistan? During his recent visit to Kabul, Maulana Fazul Rahan leader of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party and a staunch supporter of the Taliban conveyed to Afghan media that the world should not impose its ideology on the Taliban, including the concept of elections. Thats in stark contrast to his partys participation in his own countrys election. According to the Afghan media, he is said to have leveraged his longtime friendship with the Afghan Taliban by striking a deal with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose leaders are said to be ensconced in Afghanistan, to refrain from disrupting the Pakistan elections. The TTP allegedly pledged not to attack the rallies before the election. But the Taliban refuse to honor the same principles for elections in their own country. Undoubtedly, the Taliban fear elections because they know such freedoms would lead to a rejection of their presence. They know their rise to power was not the result of popular choice, but rather stemmed from an agreement struck in the 2020 Doha Agreement, signed between the United States and the Taliban. This agreement stipulated that the Taliban would not attack U.S. forces as they withdrew. In the Talibans view, the concept of sovereignty belongs to Allah alone, and any system of government that allows people to make laws or choose leaders is considered a violation of this principle. They argue that the Islamic system of governance should be based on the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, with religious scholars (ulama) serving as the guardians of Islamic law and morality. The predominantly mono-ethnic Taliban, primarily composed of Pashtuns from the southern region, notably Kandahar, wield Islam as a tool for their hegemony, and free elections would bring an ax to their power. They cant be happy about the new election freedoms now evident in their neighbor Pakistan. The Taliban and their ultra-nationalist elite, referred to as the necktie Taliban by Afghans, have constructed a governance that has failed. Its a stark contrast to the 20 years of American presence, when Afghans exercised their right to select their leaders by participating in elections. During a private visit to Afghanistan in 2005, I bore witness to men and women, eligible to vote, flocking to the polls to cast their vote, which the Taliban disputed, and in some instances they cut off the fingers of some who participated in voting. Despite all its shortcomings, Pakistan is experimenting with democracy and learning to respect the will of its citizens. Pakistan has come a long way from its past of military takeovers. No matter who won the election, Pakistan should make a bona fide attempt to change its policy toward its neighbor Afghanistan by siding with the people, rather than a group that has no legitimate right to rule. I am sure Pakistan will benefit more from an elected government. Bina Shah writes in a New York Times opinion piece that healthy democracy seems more like an El Dorado that slips farther out of reach with each election. Yet despite all this, its difficult to fully let go of the democratic idea. The train keeps running in Pakistan, picking up hopeful new passengers along the way. I call upon Pakistans newly elected government to let this train move on, to cross into Afghanistan, picking up more and more passengers. A peaceful, democratically elected government in Afghanistan that connects Pakistan to central Asia is more in Pakistans geo-economic long-term interests than that of supporting a group like the Taliban. Wahab Raofi, an Afghan-born American, is a graduate of Kabul Law School. He formerly worked as an interpreter for NATO forces in Afghanistan. U.S. personnel are routinely denied access to emergency care in Japan, with at least 24 people turned away from Japanese hospitals between January 2022 and February 2023, according to a Navy and Marine Corps investigation. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) The 7-year-old daughter of an Okinawa-based Marine died last year after being denied medical care at Japanese hospitals, prompting an investigation that found lack of care has sometimes proved fatal for Defense Department personnel in Japan. U.S. service members, civilian employees and their families are routinely denied access to emergency care in Japan, with at least 24 people turned away from Japanese hospitals between January 2022 and February 2023, according to a Navy and Marine Corps investigation into the 7-year-olds death. The girl was leaning against an escalator at an Okinawa mall when she lost balance, fell almost three stories and suffered a serious head injury, according to a copy of the Marine Corps Installations Pacific investigation released last year and obtained by Stars and Stripes. Japanese first responders tried unsuccessfully for more than 30 minutes to contact two local hospitals and Naval Hospital Okinawa; they also unsuccessfully tried to intubate her, according to the Feb. 23 report. The first two hospitals denied her because one had just received another emergency while the other said it was beyond their capability, the report said. The ambulances call to the naval hospital used a wrong number, which went to an unmanned telephone. After calling a U.S. 911 operator, the ambulance was instructed to take the patient to the naval hospital. That 30-minute delay removed any opportunity of a meaningful recovery, experts said in the report. Relocated to Naval Medical Center San Diego within 48 hours, the girl was declared brain dead three weeks later and died after life support was removed. She is just one of several U.S. personnel in Japan who have either died or suffered medical consequences due to lack of emergency care, according to the report. The commander of Marine Corps Installations Pacific, Maj. Gen. Stephen Liszewski, along with the former head of the Okinawa-based III Marine Expeditionary Force, Lt. Gen. James Bierman, made several recommendations in the report. They suggested establishing a new 911 system with similar geolocation capabilities as the U.S. system, hiring advanced life support paramedics such as those found at other Marine Corps installations and setting up a working group of experts to explore further options. Unlike in the U.S., where law guarantees any patient who arrives at an emergency room will receive care, Japan has no such requirement. Hospitals can turn away patients Japanese or otherwise at their discretion. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes) The problem, however, is not limited to U.S. personnel, but equally affects Japanese citizens, according to the report. Unlike in the U.S., where law guarantees any patient who arrives at an emergency room will receive care, Japan has no such requirement. Hospitals routinely turn away patients Japanese or otherwise at their discretion. In December 2022, Japanese ambulances were denied hospital admission 8,000 times and in January 2023 their citizens were denied 16,000 times, the report states, citing an interview with a person whose name is redacted. The interviewee clarified that he saw no discrimination between Japanese citizens and patients under the status of forces agreement that specifies the rights and responsibilities of those in Japan with the U.S. military. The report cited several other cases, without specifying their outcomes. In one case, a Marine with acute appendicitis was refused emergency surgery for eight hours; in another, a military spouse in acute diabetic ketoacidosis was turned away by 20 hospitals. A Marine electrocuted on the flight line was also denied care by nine hospitals, and he was seen only after U.S. Forces Japan called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene, according to the report. USFJ, which is tracking denials of care, has not responded to a Monday email seeking comment and an update to those numbers. Denial of emergency care by Japanese hospitals was one of several complaints raised by DOD civilian employees last year at town halls with Pentagon officials. The meetings sought to address their concerns after civilian access to on-base care in Japan was reduced. Under a congressional mandate, the Defense Health Agency shifted civilians to space-available appointments in January 2023. The move prioritized care for active-duty service members and their families. Civilians were encouraged to find health care providers off base in Japan. Many have done so, but cite large upfront payments, language and cultural barriers and Japanese providers ability to turn patients away as obstacles. Commuters walk past photos of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted by North Koreans in 1977, at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, May 9, 2018. (Stars and Stripes) TOKYO The U.S. special envoy for North Korean human rights issues pledged to help resolve the Japanese abduction issue during a visit Tuesday to the beach where a 13-year-old girl went missing 47 years ago. Megumi Yokota is believed to have been taken by the North while walking home from her junior high school in Niigata, a port city on the Sea of Japan, Nov. 11, 1977. She was 13 at the time. Ambassador Julie Turner, who took on the role in October, took the same route from the school to the beach where Yokota vanished, according to a local official who specializes in the abduction issue. Some government officials speak to the media only on condition of anonymity. Turner then traveled to the Niigata prefectural office to meet with Vice Gov. Koichi Kasatori. He asked the envoys help in resolving the issue, the official said, because abductees and their families are getting older and there is no time to waste. I reaffirmed my commitment to prioritize this issue, Turner told reporters, according to media footage from the visit. Turner, who has three daughters, described walking the beach and feeling sorrow for Yokotas mother. She said the United States will seek international support on the issue, the prefectural official said. In 2002, North Korea admitted to abducting Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s, and apologized during a summit with Tokyo, according to Japans Foreign Ministry. Five abductees were returned to Japan that October; however, another dozen remain unaccounted for. Japan continues to investigate more than 800 people who may have been abducted, according to the Cabinet Office. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is seeking a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to bring other abductees home as quickly as possible. However, Pyongyang says all living abductees have been returned. It is believed North Korea carried out the abductions to teach their spies the Japanese language and to use their identities to enter South Korea, according to the National Police Agency website. Khun Bedu, 39, leads the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, which has been fighting to capture the city of Loikaw from the Myanmar military. (For The Washington Post) Accounts from Myanmar army soldiers who have surrendered or defected over the past three months reveal that the military is suffering from plunging morale and overstretched logistics amid a rebel offensive that has prompted mass surrenders. These accounts, provided by more than 30 soldiers, suggest that the rebels recent battlefield successes go beyond mere territorial gains and are undermining the cohesion of the forces defending Myanmars military junta. On the battlefield, where pro-democracy fighters and ethnic insurgents are waging a multifront campaign, calls by army units for reinforcements and resupply of ammunition have frequently gone unanswered, former commanders said. One soldier said rations for his battalion ran so low that troops disguised themselves as civilians to buy food from villagers. Another said combat support personnel were deployed to the battlefront without any training. Some soldiers said they were forced into the military and never wanted to fight in the first place. These accounts of a military under pressure come from interviews with 13 soldiers and similar testimony from 19 others contained in charging documents reviewed by The Washington Post. The records, which have not been previously reported, were compiled by state police aligned with the rebels after a major November battle in southeastern Myanmar. The information supplied by the captured soldiers and defectors offers only a partial picture of a war being waged across much of Myanmar, and many details could not be independently confirmed. The soldiers accounts of mass surrenders echo the claims of rebel groups, which say thousands of troops, including entire battalions, have surrendered or defected since the rebel offensive began in October. Photographs and videos posted online appear to depict large numbers of captured troops being escorted under guard out of besieged command centers and handing over weapons to rebels. Myanmars military seized power in 2021 after ousting the democratically elected government. When protests erupted across the country, the military responded with force, and thousands of its opponents turned to armed resistance, in some cases making common cause with ethnic rebel groups. The military has sought to crush opposition with methods so brutal and indiscriminate that U.N. investigators say they are likely war crimes. But last year, the rebels pushed the military into its weakest position in decades by capturing towns on the edges of the country and driving the juntas forces toward the middle, analysts say. Investigators at Myanmar Witness, an independent nongovernmental group that verifies developments in the Myanmar war, said they used open-source information to geolocate footage of five mass surrenders and weapon seizures since October. The investigators said that their efforts have only just begun and that their findings represent the tip of the iceberg of the militarys losses. Researchers at the Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, a Myanmar-based think tank, are also working to verify surrenders, and Executive Director Min Zin said it is already apparent that the scale is unprecedented in the militarys history. Myanmar analysts from four other independent research institutions agreed. It speaks volumes about the militarys capacities that they had to accept this kind of situation, said Richard Horsey, a senior adviser on Myanmar for the International Crisis Group. Military cohesion Since the rebels launched their offensive, their territorial gains have surprised even their most ardent supporters. But the bigger threat to the junta, analysts say, is the impact the offensive has had on the militarys internal cohesion. Myo Myint Aung, who runs one of several organizations that help defecting soldiers flee Myanmar, said that since October, the number of soldiers contacting his group has tripled from about 30 a month to more than 100. Their main reason is this: Theyre afraid to die, he said. They know the military is starting to lose. A spokesman for the junta did not respond to requests for comment. The militarys commander in chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has not addressed the reports of mass surrenders, but said at a recent meeting with commanders that soldiers have to follow military discipline and avoid acts harmful to individuals and the organization, according to the Global New Light of Myanmar, a state-run newspaper. The military, which has ruled Myanmar with brief interludes since 1948, has enforced loyalty in its ranks even during periods of intense instability. Its by no means certain, analysts say, that the armys current struggles portend imminent disintegration or defeat. What were seeing is not an avalanche, Morgan Michaels, a Singapore-based conflict analyst for the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said of the surrenders. But its the beginning of something we have not seen before in Myanmar. Accounts of those who recently surrendered or defected shed light on the lengths to which the military is going to maintain control. Commanders have been cutting soldiers off from news about the wider battlefield by severing their communication with the outside world, according to interviews and documents. The military has also sought to indoctrinate its forces, soldiers said, alternately portraying rebels as disorganized forces that are easy to defeat and ruthless fighters who kill soldiers without exception. The soldiers accounts used in this article were collected three ways. Army defectors, who have been able to leave the country and now live along the Myanmar-Thailand border, were interviewed by Post journalists over video calls. Soldiers who are being held as prisoners of war were interviewed in person in rebel compounds by a Post journalist, beyond the earshot of their captors. These prisoners seemed to be healthy and well-treated, and they appeared to willingly agree when approached by the journalist and asked to be interviewed. Neither the interviews with defectors nor those with prisoners were arranged by rebel groups. Nineteen of the accounts are from police charging documents. These police, aligned with the rebels, may not be entirely neutral sources. The reports were dated and signed by both the prisoner and the police officer who conducted the questioning, providing a degree of accountability. While these prisoners were not interviewed by Post journalists, some of the information they provided was corroborated in interviews with other soldiers and witnesses, as well as by photos and videos from the front lines. The soldiers, ages 19 to 51 and mostly privates and a few officers, appeared to have several motivations for providing their accounts. The defectors said they were interested in revealing the difficult situation facing the military in hopes that this could bring an end to the conflict. Soldiers who had been captured appeared to want to justify their surrender, saying their commanders had set them up for failure through poor training, planning and provision of supplies. The battle for Loikaw The October offensive started in Shan state in the north with coordinated attacks by an alliance of rebel groups. In November, a separate rebel group in the southern state of Kayah began advancing on the militarys stronghold in the state capital, Loikaw. The army unit commander, Phyo Myint Hlaing, 36, said that after trying in vain to call for backup, he retreated into a ditch, where he surrendered along with seven other soldiers. At Loikaw University in the city center, where more than a hundred army troops were barricaded, the rebels called for surrender. Nobody is going to come and rescue you. We wont hurt you. Just come out, shouted the deputy commander of the rebel group just outside the gates, according to videos verified by The Post. Dozens of soldiers exited, he recalled. Rebels killed more than 300 soldiers and captured 63 in the battle for Loikaw, said Khun Bedu, chairman of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force, speaking in an interview. Echoing the accounts of other soldiers, Kyaw Lwin, an army private who surrendered outside Loikaw, told police that conditions in the military had been deteriorating. I tried to run away, said Kyaw Lwin, 21. But unfortunately, I was caught and they tortured me a lot. Rations and reinforcements Since rebels moved on Loikaw, hundreds of other military outposts, including several battalion headquarters, have fallen to rebel control, according to independent research groups. In early December, a unit of 22 army soldiers was airlifted to the southern region of Bago but quickly found itself surrounded, unit commander Kyaw Lat Kan, 39, recounted in an interview. From the start, the plan didnt work, he said. The soldiers had been deposited more than a mile from the base they were assigned to defend, Kyaw Lat Kan said. Unfamiliar with the terrain, they were ambushed. Some of the troops, deployed to the location as a part of an earlier round of reinforcements, were combat support personnel who had never fought before, he said. After a quarter of his group had been killed and with ammunition dwindling, Kyaw Lat Kan surrendered. I didnt have a choice, he said, wringing his hands as he was interviewed inside rebel-controlled territory, where hes being held with dozens of other prisoners of war. Analysts say, based on satellite imagery of troop movements, that the military has mobilized more troops in recent months than at any other time since the 2021 coup. But the army has struggled to supply them, according to soldiers. The junta is strapped for cash, in part, because of mounting international sanctions, including U.S. restrictions on the state-owned oil and gas company. One soldier said troops deployed in the southeast were given two cups of rice, no beans, no meat per day. Another, Htan Kyun Htan, 31, said he was told to do sentry duty without a gun because none were available. When he defected in November, he said, it was like leaving a slaves life. Isolated from the outside Army commanders have sought to keep their troops in line, despite falling morale, by limiting their outside contact. Captured soldiers say commanders have blocked personnel from communicating with anyone outside their units, leaving them ignorant of the militarys losses across the country. Rebels acknowledged this has made it more difficult to win the soldiers surrender. Join with the people or die thats our message, said Marwi, the rebels deputy commander in Loikaw. But its difficult to get the message to them. As he spoke on a recent day, several hundred army soldiers were still holding their position nearby at a battalion command center. Blocks away, Karenni Nationalities Defense Force rebels were patrolling streets littered with shell casings and artillery fragments, and the bloated bodies of dead soldiers floated in a canal bordering Loikaw University. It remained unclear whether the rebels appeal would succeed. Soldiers who had previously surrendered or defected said that when they werent at the front, they were instructed to remain inside their compounds, with few exceptions. One said he had been stationed at an embattled outpost in Shan state for three years before he was granted permission to take a week off last year. Another soldier in his unit said he hadnt returned to his home state or seen his family since he had been impressed into the army five years earlier. A defector named Sai Aung said in an interview that commanders of his unit clamped down every time someone disappeared, tightening curfews and confiscating phones. When he escaped in December from a base near Bago and gained access to the internet, he was surprised to learn the extent of the militarys losses across the country. We had none of this information inside, said Sai Aung. As troops, he added, all we got were orders. Yan reported from Bangkok, and Nachemson from Loikaw. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, greets Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak upon his arrival to the Presidential Palace in Kyiv on Jan. 12, 2024. (Stefan Rousseau/AFP/Getty Images/TNS) Volodymyr Zelenskyy is planning a tour of Western European capitals around this weeks Munich Security Conference, according to people with knowledge of the matter, as the Ukrainian president seeks military support amid the funding fight in Washington. Zelenskyy will probably visit Paris and Berlin as part of the trip, the people said, emphasizing that the plans still are not confirmed. The Ukrainian leader is expected to attend the annual conference in Munich, which runs Thursday to Sunday, according to the people. Representatives of the French and German governments declined to comment. Zelenskyys office doesnt comment on his travel schedule out of safety concerns. As supplies of ammunition dwindle, Zelenskyy needs to make the case for faster military aid to push back against Russias invasion, one of the people said. Hes likely to push for talks on security guarantees, the person said. Zelenskyy and his military leadership have blamed the failure of last years counteroffensive to break through Russias strong defense lines on delays in the delivery of Western military equipment. More than $60 billion of U.S. support remains stalled amid objections by some Republicans in the run-up to the presidential election. A pause in the fighting would give Russia the opportunity to again replenish troops and military stockpiles, enabling it to strike with greater force, Zelenskyy has said. He is seeking security guarantees with Group of Seven countries in case the current war ends and Russia attacks again. Ukraine signed its first such pact with the United Kingdom last month. Meetings in London are also being discussed, although Zelenskyys team is focusing on countries that havent yet signed security guarantees, one of the people said. In his daily address, Zelenskyy said he was preparing to share Ukraines vision in Munich for what he described as a decisive year. Cooperation matters, the Ukrainian president said. And I am grateful to everyone in the world who realizes this, to everyone who helps, to every leader, every state that seeks a fair peace as much as Ukrainians do. Bloomberg reporters Daryna Krasnolutska and Michael Nienaber contributed to this story. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Estonian soldiers man a .50-caliber machine gun during training with U.S. Army counterparts near Camp Tapa, Estonia, Jan. 28 2024. If Russia achieves its aims in Ukraine, NATO should expect a Soviet-style mass army on its borders, a recent Estonian intelligence service report said. (U.S. Army) NATO could face a Soviet-strength army along its eastern flank within a decade, as Russian plans to post thousands more troops nearby increase the odds of conflict with the U.S.-led alliance, a new threat assessment by Estonia said. The annual report, dated Jan. 31, argues that Russias hopes to bolster its position near the Baltic states and Finland ultimately hinge on how events in Ukraine play out. While the likelihood of a direct military attack against Estonia remains low in the coming year, the security situation in Europe and along Estonias borders in the near future depends on whether Ukraine, with the support of its allies, can shatter Russias imperialist ambitions, the report stated. The public release of the assessment comes amid high tension between Estonia and Russia, which issued an arrest warrant for Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas this week over the removal of Soviet-era monuments in her country. Kallas has been mentioned as a possible candidate to replace NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg after he steps down later this year. Should Russia succeed in its aims in Ukraine, NATO should expect a Soviet-style mass army on its borders, the Estonian report said. Russia presents its military reform as a response to NATOs expansion, probably anticipating a possible conflict with the alliance within the next decade, the report said. Russias goal is to achieve military dominance in the Baltic Sea region. Views are mixed about the extent of Russias ability to project power around the Baltics. While countries in the region have long feared being targeted by Russia, Moscow has been forced to reposition many of its forces away from the area because of the war in Ukraine. And in light of Finlands entry into NATO last year, some analysts have argued that Russias military advantages in the Baltic region have been wiped out, possibly for the long term. The question for allies is how fast Russia can reconstitute its forces. The release of Estonias intelligence assessment comes at a critical time for Russias war against Ukraine, where dwindling Western military support for Kyiv could allow Moscow to solidify its hold on territory it seized two years ago. The war has put the Russian economy on an industrial footing that has showcased its ability to churn out munitions at a pace that can likely supply its armed forces with the necessary artillery and armored vehicles to keep the war going, the report said. Russias advantage over Ukraine in terms of available artillery ammunition will likely continue to grow in 2024 unless Western countries can quickly step up the production and delivery of artillery ammunition to Ukraine, the report said. For NATO, the challenge will be matching the capacity of Russias military industrial base. The war in Ukraine has already depleted allied ammunition stockpiles, causing alarm inside the alliance. Ramping up the industrial base in Europe and the United States has become a top priority for Washington and Brussels. While NATO holds a technological edge against Russia in most areas, the Kremlins ability to mass troops and artillery and field cheap drones, means allies will need to be much more prepared than they are now, the report said. U.S. 2nd Fleet personnel board a Marine Corps C-40 at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., Feb. 7, 2024, for a flight to Bodo, Norway. About 100 sailors and Marines have been deployed to the Arctic city for exercise Steadfast Defender. (Anderson W Branch/U.S. Navy) More than 100 U.S. sailors and Marines are in the high north of Norway to establish a maritime command as part of NATOs largest military exercise in Europe since the Cold War, according to the Navy. U.S. 2nd Fleet and Expeditionary Strike Group 2 personnel left Naval Air Station Oceana, Va., on Feb. 7 to form a unit in Bodo to command and support maritime forces during Steadfast Defender, a Navy statement Tuesday said. The exercise kicked off last month with the departure of the dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall from Norfolk, Va. It will include more than 90,000 forces from all 31 NATO countries and prospective member Sweden, according to the statement. During Steadfast Defender, allied forces will practice skills in varying climates, terrains and circumstances against the threat of Russian aggression in Europe. Joint Force Command Norfolk and 2nd Fleet worked with allies in planning the exercise. A U.K.-led sea component of the exercise, Joint Warrior, begins Feb. 24. That exercise will include sailors and Marines from U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, Stars and Stripes reported last month. The Navy has seen demands in the European theater grow in recent years, with Russian threats in the Baltic Sea, the war in Ukraine and operations in the Mediterranean Sea related to the Israel-Hamas war. Influenced by those growing needs, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. 6th Fleet began the process of separating late last year after having operated as a single command since 2005. KIGALI, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Umusambi had been an average village on the outskirts of Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, until 2020 when a sanctuary was launched for birds with handicaps as a result of captivity. Umusambi village has shot to stardom globally by providing a conducive environment for more than 50 grey-crowned cranes. The sanctuary, with an area of roughly 21 hectares, has become a popular destination that draws tourists from Europe, Africa, and Asia who enjoy learning about conservation work and the importance of protecting natural environments. Winnie Kyamujara, the village's head guide, said they were inspired to restore the area to conserve the majestic birds. "They were endangered, and their population was declining in the country. We thought of a place where they can reproduce and allow them to be in their natural environment," Kyamujara told Xinhua. About seven years ago, the grey-crowned cranes were almost driven to the edge of extinction by illegal bird hunters in Rwanda. As of 2017, there were fewer than 500 cranes of the species in the East African country. The plight has driven conservation efforts by the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association, a non-governmental organization (NGO), to restore a wetland area at Umusambi village to safeguard the endangered birds, after Olivier Nsengimana, a Rwandan veterinary doctor, designed a unique conservation project to combat the illegal trade of the endangered bird species in Rwanda. The organization started the restoration work in 2018 and brought in the birds at the end of 2019. "We restored this place because cranes love to be in native trees. That is why we focused on restoring the place and bringing the grey-crowned cranes saved from the illegal pet trade so that they can thrive and live freely like they used to be in the wild before," Kyamujara said. Cranes do not like to live in captivity or any enclosure or home. The organization, however, rescued many cranes that were disabled due to their capture and transportation or because people had cut their wings to stop them from flying away. Restoration of the place involved knowing the kinds of trees and plants that needed to be planted. The organization marked trees that were exotic and invasive. It hired community members to help remove invasive and exotic trees. It then sourced seedlings for indigenous trees and planted more than 10,000 trees with the help of casual laborers. "In the 2017 census, we had less than 500 cranes in the country, but by last year, we had 1,216, so the population of cranes doubled, and we are proud of that," said Kyamujara. She believed that the establishment of the sanctuary at the Umusambi village impacted the community and surrounding areas beyond conservation. "We employed more than 200 people daily during restoration. Besides casual workers, we hired permanent workers. We are working here because this place was restored. It is a nice place that everyone would wish to visit," she said. She said besides cranes, Umusambi village sanctuary is now also home to many other bird species and wildlife. The village has more than 130 bird species, according to her. Other wildlife, including butterflies and lizards meant to be in the wild, can be found there. "We hope that in the years to come, Umusambi village will have more animals compared to cranes," she said. About 10 tourists from China have signed up for an annual pass to the village, and they are its good supporters, according to Kyamujara. "The feedback they give us is that we are doing a great job, we are making a change; they are supportive of us," Kyamujara said. To ensure the safety of the birds, the conservation area is fenced off with an electric fence. Besides, guides monitor the birds every morning and evening to ensure they are healthy. "We have a team of veterinary doctors who treat sick birds. We also have a clinic for wildlife which treats birds and small mammals," she said, adding that the safety of the cranes is guaranteed. The Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association started with campaigns on various media platforms, teaching people the dangers of keeping cranes in their homes. It carries out education campaigns in schools and communities about conservation. It also hosts schools to teach students about the importance of conserving cranes. Kyamujara said the campaign helped combat poaching of the cranes for petty trade. Umusambi village is just one of the six places the NGO has since restored for conservation. Kyamujara thought that the lessons learned from the Umusambi village project to save cranes could help to protect other wildlife under threat. "Many people now understand the importance of conserving the environment. But conservation requires collective efforts," said Kyamujara. Mohammad Ahmad Alkhdour, a 17-year-old Palestinian American, was killed on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. (Family photo) A 17-year-old Palestinian American was killed in the West Bank on Saturday, a family member told The Washington Post, making him the second known U.S. citizen killed there since the start of the Israel-Gaza war. Mohammad Ahmad Alkhdour was shot twice in the head near the town of Biddu, northwest of Jerusalem, before he was rushed to a hospital, his aunt Sanaa Ayesha Alkhdour said. He was pronounced dead Saturday night. He loved cars and hanging out with his friends, she told The Post on Tuesday. Were devastated. She said he was close to a wooded area with a relative when he was shot. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death Saturday of an American civilian in the West Bank in a statement Tuesday, adding that it was seeking additional information from the Israeli government. Israeli forces were allegedly behind the shooting, according to the human rights group Defense for Children International-Palestine and Sanaa Ayesha Alkhdour. The Post could not independently confirm the circumstances of the death. The Israel Defense Forces referred a request for comment to Shin Bet, Israels domestic intelligence service, which did not immediately respond. Mohammad Ahmad Alkhdours funeral was held Monday, and a large crowd gathered in the streets of the village, his aunt said. There must have been a thousand people there, Sanaa Ayesha Alkhdour said. The 17-year-old had three brothers and a sister and was born in Florida, according to his aunt. The family left the United States when he was young, and the high-schooler completed most of his education in the West Bank. Mohammad Ahmad Alkhdours death comes just weeks after the killing of Tawfic Abdel Jabbar, another 17-year-old American, in the West Bank. Abdel Jabbar, who moved to the West Bank from Louisiana, was fatally shot in the head in January. In a statement that shed little light on the circumstances surrounding his death, Israeli police said an off-duty law enforcement officer, a soldier and an Israeli settler had all been involved in a firearm discharge directed towards a perceived threat. While the toll of Israels war in Gaza has captured global attention, Israel has also stepped up its military activity in the West Bank, which included a deadly raid at a hospital last month by Israeli security forces disguised as medics and patients. Settler violence in the area has risen at an unprecedented rate since Hamas Oct. 7 attack on Israel. At least 388 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since then, according to the United Nations. Last week, Samaher Esmail, a 46-year-old American woman, was arrested by the IDF in the West Bank over what it described as incitement on social media. Her family said she was handcuffed and dragged out of the house in an early-morning raid. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III delivers the keynote address at the 2023 Reagan National Defense Forum at the the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, Calif., Dec. 2, 2023. (Chad McNeeley/Department of Defense) WASHINGTON Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday after being admitted to a critical unit and undergoing non-surgical procedures to correct a bladder problem, the Pentagon and doctors said. He is recovering well and resumed his full functions and duties [Tuesday] at 5 p.m., the Pentagon said in a statement. On the advice of his doctors, Secretary Austin will recuperate and perform his duties remotely from home for a period before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week. Doctors at Walter Reed said Austin was admitted Sunday with discomfort and concern from a bladder issue related to his December surgery for prostate cancer. His diagnostic evaluation identified the cause of his bladder issue and it was corrected with non-surgical procedures on Feb. 12, said John Maddox and Gregory Chesnut, doctors at the medical facility in Bethesda, Md. He progressed well and was discharged to his home today. He is anticipated to continue his full recovery. The statement did not specify what was revealed or what kind of procedures were performed on the secretary. Austin, 70, was transported at about 2:20 p.m. Sunday to the hospital. At about 4:55 p.m., Austin transferred the functions and duties to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. Air Force Gen. Charles CQ Brown, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the White House and Congress were notified. The doctors said Sunday night that Austin was admitted to a critical care unit after a series of tests and evaluations. They provided an update Monday that Austin underwent non-surgical procedures that required general anesthesia to address his bladder problem. The secretary canceled his trip to Brussels this week to meet with NATO officials and participate in a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting. Secretary Austin will no longer travel to Brussels as originally scheduled. However, Wednesdays Ukraine Defense Contact Group will continue, albeit virtually, Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman, said Monday. Austin had surgery in December for prostate cancer and was later hospitalized in January for complications from the procedure. However, he failed to provide proper notification to appropriate government officials. Austin returned to the Pentagon on Jan. 29 after being absent from the building for nearly a month because of his health. The secretary had been released from Walter Reed on Jan. 15 after spending about two weeks there following the surgery, which was conducted Dec. 22. Austin faced public scrutiny after he failed to notify President Joe Biden and other government officials about his illness and hospitalization. His actions have sparked several reviews of what took place. The Pentagon announced Thursday that it completed its internal review of Austins hospitalization, which the defense secretary is now reviewing himself. Austin is also scheduled to testify before the House Armed Services Committee on Feb. 29 about his failure to notify the needed officials about his illness. He did address reporters at the Pentagon on Feb. 1 and apologized for not disclosing his prostate diagnosis, the surgery that followed and complications that led to an extended hospital stay. I want to be crystal clear: We did not handle this right. I did not handle this right, he said. I should have told the president about my cancer diagnosis. I should have told my team and the American people, and I take full responsibility. His cancer was discovered during a regular health screening in early December. He was admitted to the hospital about three weeks later for surgery, which required general anesthesia. He left the hospital the following morning. On Jan. 1, Austin returned to Walter Reed after experiencing pain in his abdomen, hip and leg. He was later found to have a urinary tract infection, and Austin spent days in the intensive care unit. But during Austins medical treatments, no one at the Defense Department notified the White House, Hicks, Congress or the public for several days. Biden did not learn of Austins prostate cancer until Jan. 9. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has agreed to review a new drug application for MDMA commonly known as ecstasy to be developed for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. (Drug Enforcement Agency) WASHINGTON The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has agreed to review a new drug application for MDMA commonly known as ecstasy to be developed for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in a supervised clinical setting. Lykos Therapeutics, a biotechnology research company in San Jose, Calif., announced the FDA granted priority review status for its new drug application for midomafetamine, or MDMA, capsules as a medical treatment for PTSD. The FDA approves applications by drug manufacturers to develop and commercially market medications in the United States. Priority review means the FDA intends to make a decision within the next six months. A priority review designation directs attention and resources to evaluate drugs that would significantly improve the treatment, diagnosis or prevention of serious conditions, the FDA states on its website. MDMA is a synthetic drug that acts as a hallucinogen and stimulant, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Studies have shown a decrease in depression, anxiety and stress among users of certain psychedelic drugs. The symptoms are common to PTSD, which often afflicts military members and veterans who have been in combat and other life-threatening situations. Veterans with PTSD are at a higher risk for suicide than those without the diagnosis, according to research by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Among veterans who died from suicide in 2020, the prevalence of PTSD diagnoses was 25%, followed by alcohol use disorder at 19%, according to the VAs National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report in 2023. Lykos has described the drug as a class of psychoactive compounds that are differentiated from classic psychedelics with known effects of increasing self-awareness leading to introspection and personal reflection. The drug would be administered as MDMA-assisted therapy, in combination with mental health counseling and other supportive services, Lykos said. 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. PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop when an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Military personnel have a higher prevalence of PTSD than the general population, Lykos said in the companys formal statement about the FDAs priority review of the drug as a potential treatment since other medications have failed to work. Lykos said in a formal statement that the FDA plans to decide by Aug. 11 whether to approve MDMA-assisted therapy as a PTSD treatment. The FDA said Tuesday that it cannot comment on pending applications for new drugs. MDMA is classified by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule 1 drug under the Controlled Substances Act, which means it is illegal under federal law and has been determined to have no current acceptable medical use. But a growing number of veterans have sought MDMA treatment and other psychedelics to address flashbacks, depression and other symptoms related to PTSD. Rep. Morgan Luttrell, R-Texas, credited psychedelic-assisted therapy for addressing PTSD and other mental health problems that he had after leaving service as a Navy SEAL. Luttrell served from 2007 to 2014 but was medically retired after suffering complications from a traumatic brain injury in a 2009 helicopter crash during training off the Virginia coast. After leaving the service, Luttrell received assisted mental health therapy with MDMA and ibogaine both hallucinogens at a medical facility outside the United States. He said the short-term treatments improved his mental health and saved his marriage. Luttrell has supported efforts in Congress to fund research into certain psychedelic drugs for the treatment of PTSD and TBI in service members and veterans. The VA announced in January that it plans to fund clinical trials of psychedelic-assisted therapies using magic mushrooms and ecstasy to treat PTSD. Veterans and VA researchers have told us about the potential promise of psychedelics to treat mental health conditions for some time, Shereef Elnahal, the VA undersecretary for health, said when the VA disclosed plans for the study. The National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2024 also authorized $10 million for the military to conduct similar clinical trials with active-duty service members. Geogria Gov. Brian Kemp gives the State of the State speech at the Capitol in Atlanta on Jan. 25, 2023. (Arvin Temkar/The Atlanta Journal-Constitution/TNS) ATLANTA Georgia senators spent more than 90 minutes Monday debating a resolution condemning what Republicans call President Joe Bidens ineffectiveness in controlling the U.S. border with Mexico and backing Gov. Brian Kemp sending troops to Texas. The GOP-controlled Senate voted 31-15 on a party-line vote to approve Senate Resolution 543. Kemp is holding a press conference Tuesday to make an announcement on border security. Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, said the resolution sends a strong message to Congress and the White House that something must be done to stop illegal immigration. You may think, Now, thats a federal issue, we really dont have any business here talking about that today, said Gooch, who sponsored the measure. Were not going to pass a bill today thats going to move the needle in the large way, but what we are going to do today is were going to take a position on this issue. The resolution states that the members of this body condemn President Joe Bidens executive actions relating to the southern border. The resolution urges him to reinstate a Donald Trump-era executive order on immigration that sought to increase deportations of unauthorized immigrants and orders the Department of Homeland Security to strip federal funding from any municipality that is considered a sanctuary city. Democrats called the resolution election-year politics seeking to grab attention less than a week after Republicans in Congress voted to block a bipartisan immigration bill. This measure really does nothing more than seek headlines and not resolutions, said state Sen. Jason Esteves, an Atlanta Democrat. Its clear, based on the language in the resolution, this is more about political points and not about securing our borders or solving our immigration crisis. Similar legislation, House Resolution 1019, passed the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee last week. 2024 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Visit at ajc.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SANAA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Houthi leader Abdulmalik al-Houthi on Tuesday said he has no intention to order his group to sabotage submarine internet cables connecting countries in the region. "What was reported in some media about our intention to target submarine cables and Internet cables is confusion and distortion of our group's position toward supporting Palestinians (Hamas) against Israel," al-Houthi said in a televised speech aired by his group's satellite TV channel al-Masirah. "We have no intention of targeting the submarine internet cables connecting to the countries of the region," he said. "But we will remain posing a constant threat in the Red Sea to Israel, the United States, and Britain," the Houthi leader stressed. Since November last year, the Houthis have increased their missile attacks on shipping vessels linked to Israel, as well as American and British commercial and navy ships. The group claims that these actions are in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Jamat-e-Islami (JI) on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of forging an alliance with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), whose independent candidates are leading with the higher number of seats in the February 8 general elections, to form a government in the centre. JI's Central Naib Amir Liaqat Baloch, while speaking to a private news channel, said that his party has decided that it would not join hands with the PTI as it had formed a coalition with another party at the federal level. "There is no reason for us to form an alliance with PTI only in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," said Baloch, adding that talks with PTI were related to both governments federal and provincial. Jamaat-i-Islami provincial emir Prof Mohammad Ibrahim Khan has ruled out any alliance with Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf in the formation of government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PTI has the right to form government with any political party, but it has no justification to use the name Jamaat in this regard, he said in a statement issued on Tuesday in reaction to the news circulating on the social and mainstream media. JI has not decided to make any alliance with PTI, he said. The PTIs statement of using the name of JI in government formation is actually inappropriate and unethical, he added. Meanwhile, a group of PTI leaders on Tuesday visited the provincial headquarters of Jamaat to seek its support in the ongoing protest against the alleged rigging in eight seats of provincial assembly and one National Assembly in Peshawar. The visiting delegation consisted of Taimur Saleem Jhagra, Mehmud Jan and others. Mr Jhagra and Mr Jan along with other candidates from the provincial metropolis lost the provincial assembly seats in the recent elections. Sabir Hussain Awan, Hafiz Hashmat Khan and Kashif Azam Chishti represented the JI side. The PTI members sought JIs support in their ongoing protest. However, no clear response was given to them by the JI leadership. Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Senior Vice President Maryam Nawaz Wednesday rebuffed the impression that party supremo Nawaz Sharif quit active politics after he nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif for the post of prime minister. In a post shared on X, Maryam said Nawaz will not only participate in active politics for the next five years but also oversee the PML-N-led governments in Punjab and Centre. Maryam Nawaz has said that there is no truth in assumptions that party supremo Nawaz Sharif is staying away from politics because he did not choose to be the partys candidate for the premiership. Maryam said, During the next five years, not only would he actively participate in politics but also lead his governments in the Centre and Punjab. She further said that Nawaz had made it clear in his election speeches that he would not be a part of any coalition government. As the PPP and PML-N along with other political parties agree to form a coalition government in the Centre, Asif Ali Zardari is expected to become the countrys president for the second time. In a major political development a six-parties alliance PML-N, PPP, MQMP, PML-Q, IPP and BAP on Tuesday announced to form a government in the Centre on the pattern of the last government of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Announcing the six-party alliance for the next coalition government in a press conference, after the party heads met at the residence of PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, former president Zardari said that it was decided to form the government together. Before the top leaders' presser, PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari had said that his party would support the PML-N to elect its prime minister without becoming part of the federal government. However, to a question regarding the constitutional posts of National Assembly speaker, Senate chairman and president, the PPP chairman said the party would decide its nominees for these posts but he wanted Asif Ali Zardari to become president "because the country is burning and if anyone can help put the fire out, it is Asif Ali Zardari". Besides the presidency, according to the sources, PPP is also eyeing the post of Balochistan chief minister and party leader Sarfraz Bugti briefed his party on the provinces political situation, as per sources. The sources have revealed that the leadership of PML-N has agreed to support Zardari for the post of president in return for PPPs support to Shehbaz for the PMs post. If the situation remains unchanged, the country will see the PML-Ns prime minister and the PPPs president. Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Rana Sanaullah said PPP did not not demand the top constitutional post of president. In a statement, Sanaullah said that Shehbaz had experience of working with allies, while Asif Ali Zardari has the political acumen to take prudent decisions. He said that neither the PPP demanded the position of the president nor did they make any commitment. "We hope that [JUI-F chief] Fazlur Rehman will become part of the government," he added. Gary Hayden is awaiting trial for a number of matters allegedly uncovered during an undercover PSNI/MI5 sting named Operation Arbacia An alleged New IRA chief has been returned to custody after breaching bail conditions by refusing to give police the access code to his phone. Gary Hayden is awaiting trial for a number of matters allegedly uncovered during an undercover PSNI/MI5 sting named Operation Arbacia. The 51-year-old, from Tyrconnell Street in Derry, is charged with belonging to the IRA, directing terrorism and preparation for terrorist acts. Offending allegedly occurred between February and July 2020 and the case revolves around covertly recorded meetings held in a Co Tyrone house. The other accused are husband and wife David and Sharon Jord an, as well as Damien Joseph McLaughlin from Dungannon; Kevin Murphy from Coalisland, Issam Bassalat from Edinburgh, Amanda McCabe (aka Mandy Duffy) and Shea Reynolds from Lurgan and Patrick McDaid and Joseph Barr from Derry. Scottish doctor Issam Bassalat (65) is charged with intending or assisting to commit acts of terrorism by attending and addressing an IRA meeting. The case is currently before Laganside Crown Court awaiting trial. Most accused have now been released on bail including Hayden. However, he was brought before Dungannon Magistrates Court following his arrest when he refused to provide the access code for a phone and used applications with end-to-end encryptions. A detective constable explained two police officers carried out a stop-and-search procedure on Hayden who was a passenger in a car on February 8. A phone was found in his pocket which he confirmed was registered with police. He was informed the phone would be checked and was asked for the access code. Hayden took the phone from the officer and appeared to shield the screen before typing something in and passing it back to the officer unlocked. On examination, the officer noted WhatsApp on the device. Hayden asked what the officer was looking for in the phone who informed him it was in terms of bail. The phone was returned to Hayden who left the scene. The officers carried out further enquiries and discovered the bail terms required Hayden to provide the access code which he had not done nor was he to use encrypted messaging services such as WhatsApp. Hayden was arrested at his home where the phone was seized and is currently being examined. The court heard there had been a number of similar incidents in recent weeks. Another bail condition banned him from recording PSNI or legal practitioners. However, during two stop-and-search procedures he was encouraging others to do so. There was another incident on February 5 when Hayden was in the company of another male who told an officer he knows his wife is a nurse. Objecting to bail, the detective said: There are concerns since the defendant has re-engaged with certain members of the community and this breach indicates he is not willing to abide by conditions. Urging bail to be granted, a defence barrister said Hayden has had his collar felt and it was a salutary lesson. However, District Judge Michael Ranaghan refused, stating: It would be unfair to put weight on the incident of the person with the defendant who made the very threatening remark to police and I cannot say if he was encouraged to do so. But Im satisfied given the seriousness of the charges, bail should be denied. It was previously disclosed the recordings suggest discussions including IRA membership, recruitment strategies, interaction with other terrorist organisations, close-quarter shootings of police, internal 'security' such as paramilitary shootings, media strategy including infiltration and commemorations. In another conversation a person referred to firearms held by others, protection rackets and raising funds by taking action against drugs dealers. Christopher OKanes partner bought him the weekend trip to Glasgow for his 51st birthday earlier this month Limavady Magistrates Court heard that the partner of Christopher OKane bought him the weekend trip to Glasgow for his 51st birthday earlier this month and as he suffers from anxiety and depression his partner feels it word benefit his mental health to get away from a period of time. Prosecuting counsel Natalie Pinkerton revealed however that OKane has obtained tickets for the Celtic vs Motherwell match that weekend and police were objecting on the basis that OKane has booked the same flight and the some hotel as Stephen Murney (39). Murney, from Derrybeg terrace in Newry and who is the national chairman of Saoradh, is on bail for taking part in an illegal prison protest parade outside HMOP Maghaberry and also for encouraging and inciting support for a proscribed organisation, namely the IRA, on April 10 and making a speech on that date which encouraged support. Both men have a history of terrorist offences, Ms Pinkerton told the court adding that while there are currently no bail conditions to stop them contacting each other, there was no way to monitor existing conditions once OKane would leave NI and having the two men together the risk of reoffending can only be increased. OKane, from Main Street in Feeny, is accused of possessing articles, namely two mobile phones for the purposes of preparing terrorist acts and having information likely to be useful to terrorists - namely a spreadsheet of police officers names. Previous courts have heard claims that OKane had a spreadsheet containing the names of thousands of police officers arising from a data breach when, under a Freedom of Information (FoI) request, police released the names of more than 10,000 staff and officers by mistake. According to the police case, examinations established that the spreadsheet of officers' names had been sent to one of the devices by WhatsApp message and downloaded before the message was deleted but the information was still accessible offline. With O'Kane described as someone highly efficient in technology who had allegedly tried to wipe his digital footprint, the earlier court heard that sections of the material sent to his phone were allegedly highlighted, including those featuring senior executive teams in the PSNI and officers based in the Derry area. It was also claimed that two officers were highlighted - one who had multiple dealings with O'Kane, and another who was previously targeted in a dissident republican bomb attack. Within hours of receiving the WhatsApp message, the accused allegedly accessed a website used to search for residential addresses. According to the defence OKane is a "computer geek" who wrongly became a suspect because of his links with Irish republicanism in that that her had worked as an IT consultant and acted as administrator for websites run by Irish republican group, Saoradh as well as the Irish Republican Prisoners Welfare Association. In court today defence solicitor Patrick McGurk conceded that not for a moment am I suggesting that it is a coincidencethe two men were going to Glasgow on the same flight to stay at the same hotel but he emphasised there was nothing to stop the men contacting each other while in NI. Dep. District Judge OHare told the defence it would have been worthwhile to check whether the police had any objections or concerns before the flights and hotel were booked. Adjourning the application until Friday, the judge commented that with the trip away designed to help OKanes mental health, watching Celtic may not be so good for his anxiety. Thomas Keogh (28) is accused of repeatedly punching the man in the face A father-of-two beat a UK tourist unconscious in a random, unprovoked attack as he queued at a fast food restaurant in Dublin, it is alleged. Thomas Keogh (28) is accused of repeatedly punching the man in the face, leaving him with a suspected broken nose and concussion. Judge Monika Leech refused to grant him bail and remanded him in custody when he appeared in Dublin District Court. Mr Keogh, of Griffith Hall, Glandore Road, Dublin 9 is charged with assault causing harm to the man on February 11. Dublin District Court heard the accused made no reply when he was charged and cautioned. Objecting to bail, a garda told the court the alleged victim was standing in the queue at Chickn Lickn restaurant on Liffey Street after midnight when he was approached by the accused. Mr Keogh rubbed and pushed the mans face with his hands and he tried to push the accuseds hands away and back away from him, it was alleged. Without warning, the accused launched an attack on him, the garda said. It was alleged Mr Keogh struck the man to the face numerous times" while he was standing and after he fell to the ground. Another unidentified man was also alleged to have struck the man once. Gardai who had been on beat patrol arrived almost immediately and apprehended Mr Keogh as he was leaving the scene on a bike, the court heard. The garda said CCTV clearly showed Mr Keogh punching the alleged victim in the face numerous times. Thomas Keogh Members of Dublin Fire Brigade treated the tourist at the scene and he was taken to the Mater Hospital where he was treated for a suspected broken nose and concussion. Mr Keogh had no connection to the alleged injured party who was visiting Dublin for the weekend with friends and it was a totally random and unprovoked attack, the garda said. He claimed the accused was caught red-handed and he was also identified by restaurant staff and members of the public. The garda feared Mr Keogh would not show up in court if granted bail. Applying for bail, defence solicitor Michael French said the accused was presumed innocent and "entitled to a full contest" of the charge. If the case went to the circuit court, it could be the end of next year before it went to trial. The assault allegation was potentially serious but there was no medical report yet in relation to the alleged victims injuries, Mr French said. Mr Keogh had two young children and was caring for a relative who was ill, the court heard. Judge Leech said the garda objections were well-founded and refused bail. The accused was remanded in custody to appear in Cloverhill District Court on Friday. Mr Keogh has not yet entered a plea to the charge which is under Section 3 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. The judge found him guilty of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and criminal damage at Circle K, Richmond Road, Fairview. He was acquitted of stealing a cup of coffee from the shop. A father-of-four used the n-word in a tirade of disgraceful racial abuse at a worker in his local shop, before punching a display off the counter. A shop assistant told a court David Hilliard (37) said horrible things to her supervisor and she had never seen anybody to have so much hatred. Giving him a three-month suspended sentence, Judge John OLeary said Hilliards behaviour was utterly outrageous. The judge found him guilty of threatening, abusive and insulting behaviour and criminal damage at Circle K, Richmond Road, Fairview. He was acquitted of stealing a cup of coffee from the shop. Hilliard, a fireproofer from Richmond Hall, Richmond Road, had denied all the charges. Dublin District Court heard he went to the shop following an earlier alleged incident involving children. The shop assistant told the court Hilliard came in, shouting racist things at her supervisor in a thick Dublin accent. He stated n***** and lots of things Id never heard before, she said. When the supervisor tried to stand up for herself, that triggered him and he punched a promotional stand on the counter, causing it to fall to the floor and smash, the shop assistant said. The assistant said they were very scared and shocked and she resigned because of the incident. The supervisor, who did not give evidence, was also no longer working there. Hilliard said he went to the shop to find out what had happened in an earlier incident involving some children and alleged the foreign girl he spoke to was abusive to him. He alleged she said I wouldnt expect any more from white people like yous around here. That is racist, Hilliard told the court. Its putting me down. He said he replied how dare you and lost his cool. He said he told her he could have come in with a different attitude and using nasty words, but denied he said anything racist. He admitted he punched the display in frustration. Hilliard had previous convictions for offences including threatening to kill or cause serious harm. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Nicholas Haysom said Tuesday that the country can hold honest elections in December if politicians overcome a few obstacles. Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said Haysom urged political leaders to meet challenges in order to hold free, fair and credible elections. At a press conference in Juba, capital of South Sudan, Haysom listed the obstacles as finalizing security arrangements, deploying unified forces and disbursing money to operationalize electoral bodies rather than just allocating it to the budget, according to Dujarric. "He (Haysom) also called for intervention at the highest levels to resolve intercommunal tensions, conflict and volatile situation between Dinka Twic, Ngok Dinka, and Nuer communities in Warrap in South Sudan, and also in Abyei," Dujarric said. Karl Duggan, who is linked to Hutches, was arrested after a tip-off A man seen by gangs as a trusted money launderer who used a taxi to disguise his involvement in criminality has been jailed over a 1.6m cash haul. Karl Duggan (38) was a target for gardai investigating organised crime when he was arrested in January 2021 and the money was found hidden in two secret vehicle compartments. Detectives believe that Duggan operated on a high-level laundering money for crime gangs and also has ties to members of the Hutch group. The Finglas man was this week jailed for a total of six years following an investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (GNDOCB). Detectives raided his north Dublin penthouse and also searched two vehicles in which vacuum-packed cash totalling over 1.6m was discovered. One source said: Karl Duggan was trusted by criminal gangs to launder their cash and has long-standing links to members of the Hutch grouping. The amount of money he was arrested with showed that he was operating on a high level. At the time of his arrest he was also driving a taxi to try and disguise his criminal activities and go about his business undetected. The money launderer is also a relative of Noel Duggan (55) who was shot dead outside his Meath home in March 2016 as part of the Hutch/Kinahan feud. The gun victim, nicknamed Mr Kingsize because of his role in tobacco smuggling, was considered a soft target who had no involvement in the dispute in the lead-up to his murder. A long-term business associate of Gerry The Monk Hutch, he became the fifth fatality in the feud which went on to claim 18 lives in total. Karl Duggan was arrested in a Dublin hotel on January 17, 2021, on foot of a confidential tip-off while his apartment at Shieling Square on the Howth Road, Raheny, was also raided. Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch A sum of 5,745 in cash was found in his home, along with money-laundering equipment including a money counter and vacuum pack bags. When gardai searched two cars at the property, they found hidden compartments in the base of the vehicles. A sum of 1,225,375 was discovered in one car and 389,920 was found in another. Cocaine, cannabis resin and alprazolam pills with a combined street value of around 11,000 were also found in one of the cars, as well as 12 burner phones. A watch worth 24,500 was also seized. Duggan, with an address at Finn Eber Court in Finglas, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime, one count of possessing cocaine for sale or supply and one count of possessing a car that was fitted with a concealment, giving rise to the inference it was connected with a drug-trafficking offence. He has a perforated nasal septum as a result of his addiction to cocaine A number of other counts were taken into consideration. Duggan has no previous convictions. Detective Garda David Dunne gave evidence that Duggan fled the jurisdiction in the wake of the garda raid, but returned voluntarily after two years. Jailing him on Monday, Judge Martin Nolan said Duggan was involved in money laundering and drugs, and there were signs of wealth associated with that criminality. He said Duggan deserved a severe sentence and he jailed him for six years. Paul Comiskey OKeeffe BL, defending, said Duggan comes from a hard-working family. He witnessed the death of his brother in 2016, which the court heard worsened a long-standing drug problem. He has a perforated nasal septum as a result of his addiction to cocaine. Mr Comiskey OKeeffe said Duggan is working on becoming drug-free and wishes to change his life. He has three small children and his father died late last year, the court heard. A number of testimonials were handed into court on his behalf. Jon Jonsson (41) has not been seen since February 9, 2019 Members of Jon Jonssons family Anna his sister and David his brother Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos of Jon Jonsson during a press briefing where An Garda Siochana renewed their appeal for information on his disappearance Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins Gardai are carrying out searches of a north Dublin park as part of the investigation into an Icelandic poker player who has been missing for five years. The development comes on the foot of information gardai received in two anonymous letters about the disappearance. Jon Jonsson (41) was last seen on the morning of February 9, 2019, in the Whitehall area following a poker game. He had just left the Bonnington Hotel on the Swords Road at 11am and there has been no sighting of him since. This morning gardai cordoned off a section of Santry Demesne, also known as Santry Park, to conduct searches of the area. It is located just over 3km away from where he was last seen alive. Members of Jon Jonssons family Anna his sister and David his brother Photo: Gareth Chaney/Collins The operation involves specialist search teams who are being assisted by the Garda dog unit and water unit, and will focus on wooded areas and a lake in the park. Last week gardai renewed their appeal for information about Mr Jonssons disappearance. Investigators at Ballymun have so far generated over 270 lines of inquiry and taken numerous statements while also trawling hours of CCTV footage. Superintendent Darren McCarthy said that during the course of the investigation gardai received two items of anonymous correspondence, the contents of which have been assessed. He also appealed for the author or authors of those correspondences to make direct contact with them, adding that it would be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Gardai appeal to anonymous letter author on 5th anniversary of disappearance of Icelander Jon Jonsson in Dublin Jon Jonsson is described as being 6 feet tall and of medium build with short brown hair. When last seen, he was wearing a black padded jacket. Gardai are continuing to appeal for anyone else with information in relation to Mr Jonssons disappearance to contact them. The missing mans brother, David Karl Wiium, last week thanked gardai for carrying out inquiries into the anonymous correspondence. I would really like to underline the importance of what has just been said and how important it is to Jons family that the investigation keeps going on and people with any knowledge stepping forward with any information they might have. He also expressed his thanks on behalf of the family for the help and love they have received from the Irish people over the last five years. Chapito is the son of imprisoned trafficker Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who led the Sinaloa Cartel until his extradition to the US in 2017. Kerryman and cartel chief Morris OShea Salazar answered directly to the son of the worlds most notorious narco El Chapo Guzman, the Sunday World can reveal. On May 20, 2020, two Irish Sinaloan gang members met in the Roca del Valles industrial estate in Barcelona, according to police intelligence files. An Irish truck driver handed over 590,000 to the Encrochat user known as breakborder in, what appears to be, one large parcel. These men are trusted to transport cash back to OShea Salazar in payment for the cocaine shipments. Son Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar Once the money is in the hands of a second driver, he sends three images two of boxed up 50 slabs and one of a cash counting machine to OShea Salazar. The former Killorglin FAS applicant immediately sends the images to his uncle Ricardo Salazar, who at this time is based in Chile. I already have Chapitos money, he wrote. This text provided Spanish investigators with confirmation, which could be used as evidence in a court case, that Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar was at the apex of what they were uncovering. Chapito which translates as Little Shorty is a Mexican drug lord and the son of imprisoned trafficker Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who led the Sinaloa cartel until his extradition to the United States in 2017. The Sinaloa cartel, also known as the Guzman-Zambada Organisation or Blood Alliance, is an international crime syndicate based in the city of Culiacan, Sinaloa. The US Intelligence Community considers the Sinaloa cartel to be the largest and most powerful drug trafficking organisation in the world Morris O'Shea Salazar According to the National Drug Intelligence Centre, the Sinaloa cartel is primarily involved in the distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, cannabis and MDMA. After the arrest of El Chapo and another son, Ovidio Guzman Lopez in 2016 and 2019, the cartel is now headed by old-school leader Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka El Mayo) and Guzmans other sons, Jesus Alfredo Guzman and Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar as well as half-brothers Ovidio Guzman Lopez and Joaquin Guzman Lopez. They are commonly referred to as the Chapitos. Morris OSheas uncle Ricardo Salazar, described in the 2020 files as currently in Chile with the purpose of organising the acquisition, storage and shipment of cocaine is understood to be a close relative of the Chapitos mother. They further state his very close relationship with Chapo Guzmans son. One contact, who works as a freight forwarder in the port of Barcelona is of special interest to police as they provide a key service to the Irish Sinaloa crew. Simon is there with you, Ricardo tells his nephew. Do the logistics and give the price where they want it and so on, he says. Who is going to import it here, if you or your friend you are talking to have it or we look for who will import it or how they want to invoice. Although Simon is not the freight forwarder referred to above, this Encrochat indicates the scope of collaborators Morris OShea Salazar acquired as he flooded Ireland with coke. Ruth Purcell Healy, aged 37 of Bishopsfield, Williamstown, Waterford City was brought before a special sitting of Waterford District Court A garda car parked close to the scene in the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East, Co Waterford, where Mathew Healys body was found (Brian Lawless/PA) A woman appeared before Waterford District Court charged with the murder of her six-year-old son. Ruth Purcell Healy, aged 37, of Bishopsfield, Williamstown, Waterford City was brought before a special sitting of Waterford District Court, presided over by Judge Kevin Staunton. This follows her arrest at approximately 18:05pm by Detective Sergeant David Shore of Waterford Garda Station. She was charged shortly after at approximately 18:35pm with the murder of her son, Matthew Healy. The six-year-old was found unresponsive in the back of a car in the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East, Co. Waterford on February 9. A garda car parked close to the scene in the Rathmoylan area of Dunmore East, Co Waterford, where Mathew Healys body was found (Brian Lawless/PA) In his evidence, Detective Sergeant Shore stated that the accused was invited to reply to the charge put before her, to which she replied, 'No thank you.' The accused will be remanded in custody in Limerick Prison until her next court appearance via videolink on Tuesday, February 20. Judge Staunton directed that a psychiatric evaluation take place, following a request from defending solicitor Mr. Ken Cunningham. In addition, he directed that the accused receive any medical attention deemed necessary. An application for high court bail is expected to be made within the next 14 days. Margaret Bergin falsely claimed the pension of her dead father for almost 30 years Sentencing of a woman whose fraudulent claiming of her dead fathers pension triggered a search for Irelands oldest man has been adjourned after a court heard she had recently been admitted to hospital. Margaret Bergin (69) of Fairfield House, Mountrath, Co Laois had pleaded guilty to ten sample counts of theft and five sample counts of larceny at an earlier sitting of Portlaoise Circuit Criminal Court last year. The court heard that Bergin had defrauded the State by over 270,000 by falsely claiming the pension of her dead father for almost 30 years. The offences were only detected after a researcher had checked out the background of a 110-year-old male who was claiming a welfare benefit. Counsel for Bergin, Suzanne Dooner BL told the court on Wednesday that her client who was due to be sentenced for the offences was not in attendance as she had been admitted to the Midland General Hospital in Portlaoise the previous night. Ms Dooner said the accused had heart problems. The sum of money involved in the fraud which was carried out over a 29-year period up to February 25, 2022 amounted to 271,046. The defendant had falsely claimed the non-contributory State pension of her father, John Bergin, after he was deceased. The largest amount claimed in a single year was 12,766 in 2018. Margaret Bergin An investigation into the fraud was initiated after an amateur gerontologist contacted Aras an Uachtarain to enquire about records which indicated a 110-year-old man was living in Laois. The researcher, who was suspicious of the individuals details, believed the claimants birth date of July 2, 1911 would have made him Irelands oldest man. He subsequently contacted the Department of Social Protection whose officials uncovered the fraud after visiting Bergins home in Mountrath. Judge Keenan Johnson adjourned the case but said he would go ahead with the sentence hearing later this week unless he received medical reports about Bergins condition. He fined the accused 200 at Blanchardstown District Court. A refugee who shoplifted clothes to keep warm while very cold in an accommodation centre has been told by a judge this was not an appropriate way to thank your host nation. Mohammed Khaber (30) had scissors on him to de-tag the goods in a crime that Judge David McHugh said had a lot of thought put into it. He fined the accused 200 at Blanchardstown District Court. Khaber, from Algeria and with an address at the Citywest Convention Centre, Citywest Hotel, Saggart, pleaded guilty to theft, possession of scissors for use in the course of a theft and possession of a Swiss army knife as a weapon. Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan said last January 14, Khaber went to TK Maxx, Liffey Valley Shopping Centre and stole 500 worth of items by cutting the tags from them and concealing them in bags he had with him, with goods he had bought in the store. Gardai who were in the shop at the time saw him pass all points of payment. They followed him out. He became fidgety and uneasy when brought to the security room, and when asked if he had any weapons on him he said he did not. The stolen goods included an item of luggage worth 99 which was damaged and not saleable. Khaber had been extremely cold in Citywest, was impecunious and took the clothing to keep warm in a very cold environment, his lawyer said. The accused, who had a masters degree in engineering, had been imprisoned in Algeria for two years for writing controversial statements about the government there on social media. Judge McHugh said what the accused did was not an appropriate way to thank your host nation or the businesses that operate there. Ms Cucoranu is charged with 109 offences in Cos Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Waterford between 2016 and 2023. AN alleged brothel keeper has taken up bail after being charged with organised crime and more than 100 prostitution-related offences, a court heard. Lenuta Andreea Cucoranu (29) who was arrested after vulnerable sex workers were discovered in multiple garda raids last year is facing trial and had her case further adjourned for the preparation of a book of evidence. Ms Cucoranu is charged with 109 offences in Cos Dublin, Louth, Meath, Kildare and Waterford between 2016 and 2023. She is accused of 20 counts of organisation of prostitution, 20 brothel keeping, 17 money laundering, seven thefts, 44 counts of using false documents and one of participating in organised crime. Ms Cucoranu had been remanded in custody at Dublin District Court last week, as bail can only be granted at High Court level on this charge. At her latest appearance before Judge Monika Leech in the district court, her solicitor Wayne Kenny said the accused had since taken up bail after successfully applying to the High Court. Mr Kenny said there was a substantial amount of charges and the defence was consenting to an adjournment for service of a book of evidence. The accused will be sent forward to a higher court for trial when this is ready. Detective Garda Michelle Woods of the Organised Prostitution Investigation Unit asked Judge Leech for an eight-week adjournment and the judge remanded the accused on continuing bail to April 15, extending the time required for the preparation of the book of evidence. The DPP has already directed trial on indictment on all counts. Previously, Det Gda Woods said Ms Cucoranu made no comment when the charges were put to her. In a contested bail hearing when she first came before the district court last April, Det Sgt Lambe said it was alleged the accused leased properties for the purpose of organising prostitution and operating them as brothels. They were allegedly leased using specific false documents. According to gardai, cash was lodged by the accused and subsequently transferred to landlords. It was alleged that habitual prostitution was occurring at the properties, with more than one person operating as a prostitute at each address. The money laundering charges related to 12,000 in alleged crime proceeds. The accused, from Romania, was not married, had no children, came to Ireland in 2012 and had no employment history, the court heard. It was a complex and protracted investigation, and there would be a significant number of witnesses - in excess of 45 vulnerable individuals working in the sex trade, Detective Sergeant Andrew Lambe said. Under bail conditions set by the district court, the accused must not be involved in organised prostitution or brothel keeping and to have no contact with any sex worker subject of the investigation, or any landlord allegedly involved. Grieving family seek answers over missing 90 minutes after twins overdosed It is believed someone known to Clare and Stephen delivered the drugs on the night they died This is the batch of deadly crystal meth that claimed the lives of tragic twins Stephen and Clare ONeill. The 37-year-old siblings died of an overdose in Clares south Belfast home this time last year. Friends of the ONeill twins who supplied this picture to the Sunday World believe a member of the UDA carried the crystal meth into Clares home before placing it on top of her microwave oven. And they suspect the paramilitary figure who was once well known in the Ormeau area invited party goers to try the drug. The bag of meth which was placed on top of the microwave A toxicology report later confirmed Sunday World suspicions that the popular twins lost their lives as a result of ingesting a deadly dose of the drug. And today, just days after the first anniversary of the double tragedy, we can reveal their broken-hearted family is to press for a full inquest into their deaths. Family friends told us the ONeills are determined to discover the truth about what happened during a missing hour and a half in Clares home one year ago. They firmly believe at least one of the siblings could have been saved if the emergency services had been called earlier. There is no suggestion anyone living in the house was involved in the alleged clean up or failed to call emergency services quick enough. Clare and Stephen were found unconscious in a downstairs flat at Annadale Crescent in the early hours of Saturday, February 4. They died side by side a short time later. Stephen and Claire O'Neill The twins were born and brought up in the Ormeau Road area of Belfast. Clare was a mum of three and Stephen was a father of one. For many years Clare worked in one of the busy local shops and Stephen was a manager with an interior design company in Carryduff. At the time of their deaths, the popular pair were known to many people in the local Ormeau community. Yesterday, a family friend said of the twins: They were the most beautiful wee souls. Clare and Stephen should never have died that night. Its clear the clean-up operation took precedence over saving their lives. The twins were enjoying a Friday night party with friends in a flat Clare lived in in Annadale Crescent, near the River Lagan. And it is believed shortly after midnight a man who was known to both of them delivered a large quantity of drugs which he placed on top of the microwave, inviting those present to sample it. A toxicology report produced months after the twins died confirmed that the narcotics were a homemade version of the highly addictive crystal meth, which came to public prominence in the TV series Breaking Bad. And, as the Sunday World revealed at the time, at around 2.30am on the day the ONeill twins died, the Annadale area became flooded with emergency services. Mourners at the tragic twins funeral Two fire engines, three ambulances and five PSNI vehicles crammed into narrow Annadale Crescent after responding to an emergency call asking for assistance. Firefighters donned breathing apparatus before entering Clares ground-floor apartment as highly toxic fumes filled the air. Two men were rushed to hospital by ambulance, but the twins were found dead lying next to each other. They came into the world together and they left it together as well, a friend told the Sunday World on the day of the tragedy. Post-mortem examination reports issued the next day simply confirmed the twins deaths werent considered suspicious. But Sunday World investigations revealed locals believed the twins had died as a result of ingesting crystal meth. A toxicology report later confirmed this to be the case. And we also revealed the deadly drugs had been supplied by a member of the UDA, who was well known in the Annadale area. The ONeill family believe that while Clare may have died in the flat, Stephen was still alive for a considerable time before a call was made for assistance. And the twins friends believe that a clean-up operation took precedence over calling for emergency help, which may have saved Stephens life. Clare and Stephen Speaking to the Sunday World this week, one man who knew the ONeill twins well said he suspects a period of up to an hour and a half may have passed between Clares death and the call for help. He said: The family is pushing for an inquest and we believe they have good grounds for it. We need to know what happened in that unexplained hour and a half. Its clear the ONeill family and the twins friends struggle every day with the thought that Stephen could have been saved if only paramedics had been called when he first collapsed. It appears the authorities dont fully understand this. Friends feel let down because a man arrested at the time hasnt been re-interviewed in a year and it appears he was even allowed to leave the country. He added: We need to know exactly what happened in that missing hour and a half and we believe an inquest is our only way of learning the truth. Last night the PSNI said: Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden deaths of two people at a house in the Annadale area of Belfast on February 4, 2023. One man in his 40s was arrested in relation to the investigation and he had been released on bail to allow for further inquiries. A post mortem has taken place and the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time. I don't understand it, but it has given me a new appreciation for being alive A young woman who was driving to Dublin Airport to fly to Australia to start a new life has said it was a miracle she was not killed when a stolen car smashed into her. Roisin Stakelum was speaking after a teenager received a four-year detention sentence after driving the wrong way down the Dublin-Cork motorway in the car that resulted in the collision that claimed the life of a 16-year-old passenger. The 17-year-old driver, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of John 'Johnny' Foley (16) outside Mitchelstown on July 1, 2023. The collision also inflicted horrific injuries on Ms Stakelum while two other passengers in the teenager's car were also seriously injured. Roisin, who still bears the scars from that horrific night, told Neil Prendeville show on RedFM that she is lucky to be alive. Roisin before the smash She referred to the aftermath of the crash as having a near death experience and said it was a miracle that I didn't die in that car". It really is, I don't understand it, but it has given me a new appreciation for it for being alive, she reflected. Asked to recall that night after she had packed up and was heading off to catch a plane in Dublin, she related how she was traveling separately with a friend to the airport. She was actually coming on holidays (with me) and then I was going on to Australia and she was coming back, Roisin said. I remember leaving the house, I think it was just after midnight, (and) texting her to tell her I was on the way. And obviously I didn't make it past Mitchelstown. In the early hours of July 1, a stolen Toyota was spotted in Mitchelstown but the driver avoided gardai by driving the wrong way around two roundabouts at high speed. The vehicle then sped onto the M8 Dublin-Cork motorway, where the Toyota drove the wrong way for six kilometres down the northbound lane. Judge Helen Boyle was told the car reached speeds of over 170kmh - forcing other motorists to take emergency evasive manoeuvres to avoid a collision. However, at 1am the Toyota ploughed into a Kia being driven by mental health occupational therapist Roisin. I do have memories of the crash itself, Roisin added. They're not very nice memories, they're quite hazy. Asked about her next memory, she recalled: There was a guard at the window. I remember the paramedics and a lot of flashing lights. It was dark and there were just so many emergency lights. She said it was around 4am in the morning that her friend, who was waiting for her to arrive at the airport, started trying to ring her phone. So she started ringing garda stations from Dublin back, to try and determine whether there was a crash. And then she actually started ringing the toll booths to see did I go through the tolls. She doesn't have a number for my parents so she had to contact my sister in Australia to try and get a number for them. It was actually my sister in Australia who alerted my parents. The scene of the crash This whole experience has had an absolutely detrimental effect on them too, she stressed, and that can't be understated, it has absolutely torn them apart. Eight hours of emergency surgery at CUH for extensive trauma was followed by months of medical and surgical intervention which is still ongoing seven months later. In terms of her recovery she was reminded of the first time she saw her face in the mirror when she realised the damage and the terror of not recognising herself. It was absolutely terrifying. I never thought that I was going to look the same way, ever again, Now, my face still looks different and the scars on my face and my teeth aren't fixed yet so there's still a good way to go before I feel any way normal again but hopefully I'll get there. She is now getting a lot of counselling shes still not working or driving which are major components in my life. I'm working on them and I'd like to be able to go back to doing both of those at some point. They are my current two goals at the moment. Johnny Foley (16) was killed in the collision I'm not too sure that I was always this positive, she said, when asked about how she is now. I know what happened was awful but you have to see the positives in this and it's certainly a positive that I didn't die. I know there's a lot of work to do before I feel normal again and that includes trying to stop being haunted by the memories of the impact. Even a loud noise can trigger it, she admitted. And then I'll remember what happened and it's almost like Im back in the car at that moment. I'm still in the very early stages of the recovery process so there's still a long way to go, but I'm certainly better than what I was. I know I'm very privileged I have two absolutely fantastic parents and I wouldn't have been able to get through this ordeal without them. "They're both retired and they drive me everywhere I need to go. I have a lot of appointments that I need to go to and they bring me to all these appointments. Its just totally interfering with their lives. They're looking after me now like I'm a child again. Roisin Stakelum She had also expressed a profound sense of sorrow for the untimely passing of the young person who died in the crash, Johnny Foley. My heart is broken that he died in the crash, she added. I think its awful. Its a devastating outcome Asked about her plans to go to Australia, she replied: I can't see myself going to Australia now, it's just it's too far, and I don't have the confidence now to do this (after) the experience of the last few months. She said she was leaving Ireland for economic reasons and thought Australia would give me a better quality of life. Right now, I cant see myself going but that can change. The deceased drivers wife Irene, who was a passenger, was taken to hospital shortly after 2.30pm. The man who died following a crash between a car and a tractor in Co Armagh has been named locally as Sidney McIldoon. The member of the Orange Order, aged in his 80s, died at the scene of the crash on Cornascriebe Road between Tandragee and Hamiltonsbawn on Tuesday afternoon. The deceased drivers wife Irene, who was a passenger, was taken to hospital shortly after 2.30pm. The County Armagh Grand Orange Lodge paid tribute to Mr McIldoon on social media. The County Grand Lodge Officers and Brethren are deeply saddened at the passing of Wor Bro Sidney McIldoon this afternoon as a result of a traffic accident, it posted on Facebook. Sidney was our County Grand Lecturer for several years, also the Grand Lecturer for the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family and pray that his wife, Irene, will recover from her injuries. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Former Ulster Unionist MLA Danny Kennedy said he is very deeply sorry to learn of Mr McIldoons tragic death. Sidney was a very fine man and I counted him as a friend, he posted on social media. Sidney played a very important role in the Orange Institution both locally and centrally and he will be much missed. "He was also a stalwart Unionist who always provided me with words of encouragement over many years. "I send my sincere sympathy to his family circle at this very sad and difficult time and that Irene will make a full and speedy recovery from her injuries. "May the family all know Gods blessing and comfort. PSNI Sergeant Green said officers attended the scene of the crash, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. The driver of the car sadly passed away at the scene as a result of his injuries, they added. A female passenger has been taken to hospital for medical treatment for her injuries. The Cornascriebe Road remains closed at this time, as police continue to carry out enquiries, and motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative route for their journeys. Our investigation is continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area and has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 909 of 13/02/24. This photo taken on Nov. 3, 2023 shows a straw collection station in Dianjiang County, southwest China's Chongqing. (Photo by Zhao Jiale/Xinhua) CHONGQING, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- While Chinese people enjoy the pleasure of harvesting rice, an annoying problem often gets in their way -- the rice straws. In 2022 alone, southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, for instance, produced 10 million tonnes of straws, which is nearly on a par with the output of grains. There are essentially two methods for disposing of the rice straws: burning them or cutting them into pieces and throwing them back in the fields. The former will produce thick smoke and has been largely banned by the country in order to protect the environment. The latter can potentially add nutrients to the soil, but also carries the risk of introducing pest eggs to the fields. "Since the authorities banned the burning of straws, we have been troubled by how to dispose of them," said Ye Hongmei, a local who rents more than 700 mu (about 47 hectares) of farmland with a rotation of rice and oilseed rape every year. "But now things are changing." In recent years, Dianjiang County of Chongqing, where Ye's lands are located, has explored multiple ways to utilize the resources. In Zhushihua renewable resources utilization Co., Ltd. of Zhoujia Township, Dianjiang, the lands are stacked with straws. "These high-quality straws have been purchased by liquor factories to make yeast for distillers and the inferior-quality straws will be processed into cushions, which glass or steel factories badly need," said Wu Mengyuan, co-founder of the factory. "We can collect more than 2,000 tonnes of straws from the local villagers." Dianjiang puts into use rural lands that sit idle such as abandoned schools and factories to build 17 straw collection stations. These stations can collect and consume 50,000 tonnes of straw every year, said Zou Qizhong, director of Dianjiang's agricultural ecological services station, adding that the yearly processed straws in Dianjiang are worth about 59 million yuan (8 million U.S. dollars). In addition, Dianjiang also seeks to process straws into feeds or organic fertilizers. Six feed factories and two fertilizer factories are now in construction, which will consume 23,000 tonnes of straw per year. The utilization of straw has delivered real gains to local farmers. On the one hand, Wu buys straws from local farmers at a price of 1,400 yuan every tonne. That is to say, One mu of land can earn the farmers about 350 yuan, which can fully cover the costs of the seeds and fertilizers in the coming year. On the other, mushrooming factories are also offering jobs to nearby residents. In Zhoujia, straw utilization and collection factories can provide about 1,500 part or full-time jobs for the locals, according to Zhong Juan, director of the township's agricultural service center. "My family of three earns more than 20,000 yuan every year by working at nearby factories, and another 1,500 yuan by selling straw," said Jiang Lilu, 63, once living in poverty. Prior to the straw utilization measures, many burned the straws in secret. The burning of straw really does harm to the environment. The thick smoke will float to nearby highways and make it hard for the drivers to see. It also puts more pressure on wildfire prevention, said Zou. "Burning straw in the open air is a rare occurrence nowadays. These measures of utilizing straw have resulted in positive outcomes, both economically and ecologically," he added. Paying tribute Mr Joyces cousin, Liam Dillon, said Donal Joyce loved his work and his home in Canada, but he came back to Ireland almost every year. Tributes have been paid to a Limerick man who died in a horrific crash in Canada last week. Civil engineer Donal Joyce (64) died from his injuries sustained in the collision in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada on Monday February 5. The collision is now being investigated by local police. Mr Joyce is originally from Loughhill in West Limerick and is a past pupil of Saint Munchins College in Limerick City and University College Cork. He had lived in Canada for over 40 years. In a statement Canadian police have revealed that they have charged a 23-year-old man from Kitchener in connection with a downtown crash on Monday February 5th. The incident occurred shortly before 1:30am Monday at the intersection of Main Street and James Street South in Hamilton. When police first arrived on scene, they found a 64-year-old man inside a grey four-door Toyota Camry in serious condition. Authorities say that immediate, lifesaving measures were taken to save the mans life but he was later pronounced dead after being transported to hospital. The two men in the other vehicle, a four-door bronze BMW, were also transported to hospital in non-life-threatening condition. Police have since confirmed that they have charged a 23-year-old local man with dangerous driving causing death. The investigation is still ongoing, with police saying they believe speed and street racing played a part in this crash. Paying tribute Mr Joyces cousin, Liam Dillon, said Donal Joyce loved his work and his home in Canada, but he came back to Ireland almost every year. He added: He really loved coming home and we all hoped when he eventually retired he would spend his final years here with us Mr Joyce is survived by his sisters, Miriam, Trisha, Hilda and Helen, and a large extended family, as well as many friends both in Limerick and Canada. The Department of Foreign Affairs have confirmed they are providing consular assistance to the family. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet but it is expected Mr Joyces remains will be repatriated in the coming days. Another picture shows the couple together at a sporting event with Lee in shades on which she has simply written: I love you alongside another red heart Daughter of former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, Lilly-Ella Gerrard, has posted a gushing St Valentines Day message to her boyfriend, Lee Byrne, son of gangster Liam Byrne, to mark the most romantic day of the year. Lilly-Ella shared the images on social media of herself and Lee together, with one taken in a car with the caption: My Special Valentines and a red love heart emoji. Another shows the couple together at a sporting event with Lee in shades on which she has simply written: I love you alongside another red heart. The loved up couple, who have been together since early 2022, have become very close and often share images of their life together on their social media pages. The Dubliner even joined his girlfriend for Christmas in Saudi Arabia where her former Kop idol dad is based. Lilly-Ella (19) left her 200,000 followers on Instagram guessing after she posted a photo of a large ring on her finger but did not elaborate on its origin. She also shared a series of snaps of her and Lee enjoying their day with family members. Posting a photo of the couple posing with her parents and siblings, she wrote: Merry Christmas to you all. She then added a photo of her family among a wider group enjoying Christmas dinner and wrote: Thank you to my mum and dad for a special day. I love you all. In the photo, Lilly wearing a paper hat on her head, is seen cuddling boyfriend Lee as he smiles with his arm around her. Later sharing another series of photos of her and loved ones enjoying the occasion, Lilly said she was blessed with the best. Lee who regularly shares his love for Lilly on social media, on one occasion describing her as the best person Ive ever met had previously enjoyed a romantic break with her in Ireland where they stayed in one of the countrys best hotels. Last year Lilly and her dad both wished Lee a happy 24th birthday, just two months after his father was arrested in Spain on foot of a warrant to face gangland charges in the UK. Posting a picture herself taking a selfie in a lift with boyfriend Lee on Instagram, Lilly wrote: Happy birthday Lee, hope your birthday is as special as you alongside a series of love heart emojis. Smitten Lee reshared the post, describing Lilly as his number one. Gerrard also shared a picture of the couple together in a jeep with the caption: Happy birthday mate, have a boss day. Around the same time, footage emerged of Liam Byrne socialising with Gerrard as they speak to a fan on a video call. In the video, Gerrard is seen inviting the man to watch a Reds match as Crumlin while criminal Byrne also smiles and jokes with the fan. Lilly's Valentine's Day message to Lee During the call, Gerrard kisses the screen as he speaks to the fan and next to him, a smiling Byrne holds his thumbs up. Towards the end of the video, Crumlin criminal Byrne offers to set up a dinner between the fan and Gerrard in his UK home. You pick a date you want and Ill get the lads in Dublin to bring you over come around my house and Stevie is going to come around and have some dinner with you, Byrne says. Liam Byrne has also previously been filmed socialising with former England captain Gerrard. Gerrard had been pictured on numerous occasions with Byrne who was named in court as the leader of the so-called 'Byrne Organised Crime Group. Byrne has been a lifelong Liverpool fan and regularly attended games at Anfield. Lees dad Liam was arrested while dining in a restaurant in the Alcudia area of Mallorca in early June while on a family holiday. The 43-year-old and his brother-in-law Thomas Bomber Kavanagh (56), described as the cartels top man in the UK, are facing charges over a weapons plot which was busted after the Encrochat messaging service was compromised by authorities under Operation Venetic. Liam Byrne after his arrest in Spain A trial date has been set for September with the case expected to last up to six weeks. Kavanagh is currently serving a 21-year jail term for conspiring to import 30m worth of cocaine and cannabis into the UK and was arrested by the National Crime Agency (NCA) as part of that operation. There is no suggestion that Lee Byrne, Lilly, her dad Steven or any of the Gerrard family have any involvement in crime. Earlier this month Lee paid tribute to his uncle David Byrne on the anniversary of his murder in the Regency Hotel with a simple message posted online. Lee Byrne wrote: DOTS. I love n miss you mate, in remembrance of slain Kinahan gangster David Byrne on the eighth anniversary of his death. The coalition Government has announced ministerial delegations to support key areas across the Primary sector to deliver for New Zealands food and fiber sector, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced on Tuesday. I will be supported in my roles as Minister of Agriculture, Trade, Forestry and Hunting and Fishing, by three Associate Agriculture Ministers, Nicola Grigg (National), Andrew Hoggard (ACT), and Mark Patterson (New Zealand First), who will each have delegated areas of responsibility to provide focus and ministerial dedication. Nicola Grigg has strong ties to the farming sector in Mid Canterbury and has been delegated horticulture and rural women. Ms Grigg will help create conditions for the horticulture sector to thrive and rebuild from the destruction of Cyclone Gabrielle. Grigg is also the Minister of State and Women. Andrew Hoggard is a Manawatu dairy farmer and former national president of Federated Farmers. Under his delegations he will be responsible for animal welfare (including legislation changes), skills, and Significant Natural Areas," says McClay. Hoggard is also Minister of Biosecurity, and Food Safety, and is Associate Minister for the Environment. Mark Patterson is an Otago sheep and beef farmer and a former chair of Otago Federated Farmers, says McClay. Mr Patterson has been delegated responsibility for rural health (including mental health), rural transport and communications infrastructure, wool, and Landcorp Farming." McClay says these delegations will allow the coalition Government to focus attention on key areas of the Primary sector, providing them the resource and support they deserve. New Zealands food and fiber sector makes a critically important contribution to our economy and the fabric of our rural and regional communities," says McClay. Taking our lead from the Agricultural sector that continues to provide for New Zealand; our team is committed to rebuilding confidence, reducing the burden on farmers caused by unworkable central government policies, meeting farmers and their concerns at the farm gate, and working alongside industry to achieve tangible outcomes for New Zealands rural communities over the coming Parliamentary term, so our farmers can spend more time farming." Judge Says Long Criminal History, Seriousness of Crimes Necessitates Imprisonment SIDNEY-- Sentencing was handed down in the case of thefts at the igloos in northern Cheyenne County last Spring. John Guhl, 39, of Sidney was sentenced after being convicted of charges of Theft by Receiving or Obtaining Stolen Property, a Class IIA Felony, and three counts of Burglary, Class IIA Felonies. Guhl was sentenced to the Nebraska Department of Corrections on Count 1 for not less than five years and not more than 10 years, on Count 2 for a term of not less than five years and not more than 10 years, on Court 3 for a term of not less than five years and not more than 10 years and on Count 4 for a term of not less than five years and not more than 10 years. After conferring with prosecution and defense attorneys, it was determined that Guhl had spent 316 days incarcerated before sentencing and was credited for the days previously incarcerated. The sentences are to run concurrently. Before sentencing, Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub said, "The offenses Guhl has been convicted of are serious Class IIA felonies. Guhl has an extensive criminal history, with crimes against persons and property. He has been on probation five times, five times in the past, and five times probation was revoked." He noted the LS/CMI score (Level of Service/Case Management Inventory) places him at a high risk to re-offend, and that the victims of his crimes have petitioned the county attorney's office to make sure he is punished. Defense attorney Stacy Bach, appearing via Zoom, said that Guhl kept in contact with court officers regularly, had a good record while incarcerated, and was selected to be a trustee while in prison, working in the kitchen. She also said that he was not the main perpetrator in the case, but was influenced by others involved who then "threw him under the bus" in exchange for light sentences. She noted that Guhl did not skip on bond when it was granted, and although he has a prior criminal history, Guhl deserved a chance at probation in this case. She noted he had been sober for 316 days and was willing to submit to GPS and Drug and Alcohol monitoring. Guhl addressed the court and said, "I want to be able to make things right and right my wrongs. Please give me a second chance to make things right." Judge Derek Weimer explained the factors to be considered before sentencing, then said, "I see a man 39 years old who has had 41 criminal cases against him since 2006. 10 are for property crimes. You have a history of taking things that do not belong to you. You have been convicted of crimes in three different states, Texas, Colorado, and Nebraska. You have been imprisoned two times in Colorado. People here have the right to be secure in their belongings, I don't care if they leave their stuff on their front lawn, it's their right to do so without worrying about their stuff getting stolen. You've demonstrated over the past 10 years that you'll just take what you want. Anything less than imprisonment diminishes the seriousness of the crimes you have committed." After passing the sentence Guhl was placed in handcuffs and remanded to the custody of the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Department before being processed by the Nebraska State Department of Corrections. After sentencing, Cheyenne County Attorney Paul Schaub said, "I appreciate the work of the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office and the Sidney Police Department in this matter. Their diligence in investigating crimes is very much appreciated." In other court proceedings, Nathan Robinson appeared via Zoom and waived his right to a preliminary hearing. It had been reported earlier that one of Robinson's charges was for "shoplifting of $5000 or more". The charge has since been changed by the courts to reflect "exercising control", which is under the same statute, but denotes personal property rather than retail or business merchandise. His next scheduled court appearance will be on March 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. Matthew Cleays also appeared via Zoom, and his attorney argued for a reduction in bond due to medical reasons. Judge Randin Roland denied the reduction of bond and scheduled arraignment for March 6. Rocky Weaver, of Sidney, was sentenced to 30 days incarceration for Disturbing the Peace and 30 days for Driving Under Suspension. The sentences will run concurrently. His driver's license was also suspended for one year. Weaver was remanded to the Cheyenne County Sheriff's Office for processing. Europa Press / SUR Seville / Malaga Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 11:40 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram There have so far been 26 arrests across the Andalucia region this Wednesday (14 February) in relation to the unauthorised farmers protests in Spain, with four people facing a judicial investigation for the roadblocks organised by the 6F movement on social media, according to data provided by the government delegation in Andalucia to questions from Europa Press. In addition, the government delegation said that nearly 2,000 illegal protesters have been identified in the Andalusian region by police. Yesterday (13 February), roadblocks took place in the provinces of Seville, Granada, Jaen and Cadiz. The AP-4 was blocked at kilometre 45.35, at Vetaherrado, Lebrija. Also, on Tuesday in Seville, the A-92 at kilometre 37, was blocked at Las Monjas de Carmona housing estate, as well as the A-406 at kilometre 21, in Villanueva de San Juan. In addition, agricultural rallies interrupted traffic in Cadiz province, at kilometre 0 of the A-381, in Los Repastaderos, Jerez de la Frontera. Today the disgruntled farmers and agricultural organisations have scheduled demonstrations in Malaga province from 10am at kilometre 86 of the A-45; at Caserio de San Benito, Antequera, on the A-92 at kilometre 149 at El Faro; on the A-92M at kilometre 7 at the Hotel-Restaurant Paneque; on the A-384, at the Almargen crossroads, and at the roundabout at the entrance to Ronda. One of the narco-boat suspects being led to court. Juan Cano Barbate Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 13:26 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Following the arrests of the six crew members of the high-powered drug-trafficking boat which rammed an inflatable police boat, killing two Guardia Civil officers, in the Andalusian town of Barbate last Friday night, the authorities have turned the spotlight on the social media comments made in support of the criminals. "Hit them!", "ram them!" and other similar comments were made after videos were uploaded of the narco-boat ramming the small Guardia Civil vessel. Some commentators of the lawless behaviour at the mouth of the port in Cadiz province, also applauded and cheered the narco-traffickers. On Tuesday 13 February, the senior prosecutor of Andalucia, Ceuta and Melilla, Ana Tarrago, opened a governmental file to initiate criminal investigation proceedings against the authors of the comments. Related news Crime This is how the Guardia Civil captured the six crew of a powerful drug-trafficking boat that killed two of their officers in Andalucia Juan Cano The governmental file was initiated following the report presented by the Judicial Police Unit attached to the Public Prosecutor's Office of Andalucia, which analysed phrases, messages and expressions that accompany the videos and which have a "criminal appearance". The governmental file, together with the police report, is to be sent to the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Cadiz to open criminal investigation proceedings. Isabel Mendez Malaga Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 13:51 | Updated 14:02h. Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram Is it a purely commercial event, or simply a day awaited and carefully planned by many to surprise their partner? Whether we like it or not, every 14th of February is a red-letter day that reminds us to celebrate St Valentine, the patron saint of lovers. The origin of this date, however, has little to do with the love that dominates it nowadays. So, who exactly was Saint Valentine? Valentinus was a Roman doctor who became a priest and gained much popularity during the reign of Claudius II (268-270 BC). This emperor, in fact, decided to ban marriages for young men because he believed that men without family burdens made better soldiers, as they were less tied down. Valentinus, however, thought that this decree was unjust, and so, defying the emperor, dared to hold secret ceremonies for couples in love. Once this initiative reached the ears of the emperor, he summoned Valentinus to his palace, as the priest enjoyed great prestige in Rome. At that moment, the priest took advantage of the moment to proselytise Christianity. Claudius II is said to have initially taken interest in what was presented to him, but the army and the Roman governor, named Calpurnius, persuaded him to put these ideas out of his mind. For this reason, under external pressure, the emperor ordered Valentinus to be imprisoned. The officer Asterius, who was in charge of putting him behind bars, wanted to embarrass and ridicule Valentinus, so he challenged him to restore the sight of his daughter Julia, who was born blind. It is said that the priest accepted the challenge and, astonishingly, managed to restore the young girl's sight. This miracle moved Asterius and his family, who converted to Christianity. Despite his deed, however, Valentinus remained imprisoned and Emperor Claudius eventually ordered him to be martyred on 14 February 270, making him one of three martyrs executed during the Roman Empire. Symbol of the almond tree After Valentinus' death, Julia, in a gesture of gratitude, planted an almond tree with pink blossoms by his grave, hence the tree is considered a symbol of enduring love and friendship. Around two centuries later, Pope Gelasius I designated 14 February 494 as the first official St Valentine's Day, which was marked in the traditional liturgical calendar and celebrated by the Catholic Church for the next fifteen centuries. In 1969, however, under the pontificate of Paul VI, St Valentine's Day was removed from the calendar. Given that the holiday was already well established, and remains so, 14 February is still popularly known as St Valentine's day, the day when love is celebrated all over the world. Ignacio Lillo Malaga Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 17:48 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The construction of the new section of Malaga's metro to the Civil Hospital is officially under way. The President of the Junta de Andalucia, Juanma Moreno, took part in the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony today, Wednesday 14 February, on the second level of the platform at Guadalmedina station, opposite El Corte Ingles. This is the point where the wall will be demolished in approximately three years' time to connect the existing tracks with the new ones for the passage of metro trains to the north of Malaga. Work on this first section will entail the occupation of the roundabout where the monument to the Jesuit priest Tiburcio Arnaiz is located, between El Corte Ingles and the Santander bank, to take Calle Hilera to the junction with Santa Elena, where the first stop (Hilera) will be located. During his speech, the president answered several questions from journalists, businessmen and technicians present in the Guadalmedina station. Moreno announced that the second section, the Eugenio Gross section, will be put out to tender after the end of the first trimestre, possibly in June. Therefore, it is likely that the start of work on this busy street in Malaga will take place at the end of 2024 or at the beginning of 2025. This is where La Trinidad station will be located. The final section of the project corresponds to Calle Blas de Lezo, up to the final stop, at the rear of the Hospital Civil (the station will be named after the hospital). There will be three access points, to connect directly with the future Regional Hospital. Overlapping the execution on the three fronts is essential for the tunnel to be ready in December 2027, as agreed with the concessionary company, Metro de Malaga. New hospital contracts Juanma Moreno also pledged that the contract for the new public hospital, which will be the largest in the Andalucia region, will be awarded this year; and the work on both connected infrastructures will run simultaneously. "The metro and the hospital are two mega-projects that we are implementing at the same time. We are starting the countdown to complete the Malaga metro and with a great health facility, which fulfils a historical debt with a province that has grown by more than half a million inhabitants," the Andalusian president said. 200-million-euro cost The metro line extension to the north, of 1.8 kilometres, will have a global cost (infrastructure and superstructure civil works) of 220 million euros. Moreno highlighted that the route, 100 per cent underground, has been agreed with the city council and with representatives of the three districts through which it runs, which forms the fourth most populated neighbourhood in the city, with more than 60,000 registered inhabitants. and "with residents eager to use the subway." When this phase is completed, the total investment in the Malaga metro by the Junta will have amounted to more than 900 million euros, which makes it, together with the Seville metro, the most expensive transport investment the Junta de Andalucia has faced. "It is very expensive, but it is worth it; It is a substantial advance for sustainable mobility," said Moreno. Fastest growth The Malaga metro is the one that is growing the fastest, with 140 per cent more passengers after arriving in the city centre (13.6 million in 2023, and there will be more than 14 million when it reaches its first full year, at the end of March). With the extension to Eugenio Gross, it is estimated to reach 21 million passengers, of which 3.5-4 million will come from the new extension with the current scenario, even before the new mega hospital opens its doors. This construction work will continue for at least three years. "I ask the public for their patience, collaboration and understanding; They are complex works and will cause some inconvenience, but we are determined to disturb the local residents as little as possible," said Moreno. He pointed out that technical inspections are being carried out on the homes near the route to guarantee their safety. In a political dig, the regional president said we are very far from the delays and usual disputes in the previous administrations; "Now we listen to the local residents and businesses". For this reason, he called on the rest of the authorities to "keep pace with the growth rate of Malaga, which has to be prepared for the challenges of the present and the future, also with the support of the central government and city council." Alvaro Soto Madrid Wednesday, 14 February 2024, 15:49 Compartir Copiar enlace WhatsApp Facebook X LinkedIn Telegram The Ministry of Health has begun the process to approve the medicinal use of cannabis in Spain. Monica Garcia's department has opened the Royal Decree for public consultation that will establish the regulation of the plant for its therapeutic use, and members of the public can contribute their views via the ministrys website. The Health department stressed that the medical cannabis regulation will be based on "the best scientific evidence available". It anticipates that periodic evaluations of the legislation will be undertaken and that the regulation will be sufficiently flexible so that it can be extended at a later date. Cancer patients The regulation of cannabis for medicinal purposes was a decision long demanded by cancer patients, among others in ill-health. Until now, only patients with epilepsy, spasticity, or multiple sclerosis could use drugs containing cannabis. The legislative process had become bogged down during the last legislature. The regulation was stalled until Monica Garcia took office as minister, when she announced her intention to give it the green light as rapidly as possible. Her aim is that cancer patients, along with patients with multiple sclerosis, some forms of epilepsy and those suffering from nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, endometriosis, cancer pain and chronic non-cancer pain (including neuropathic pain) can also receive treatment with medical cannabis. A Health department subcommittee report in June 2022 endorsed the use of extracts or standardised preparations of cannabis and advised that only doctors, both in public and private healthcare, would be in charge of prescribing cannabis. In addition, the authors of the text advised that it should be dispensed in hospital pharmacies and health centres, although they opened the door to the possibility that it could also be done in regular pharmacies. BEIRUT, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Four people were killed and ten others were injured on Wednesday as a result of intense Israeli air strikes on several areas in southern Lebanon, Lebanese governmental medical sources told Xinhua. Lebanese military sources, who spoke anonymously, said a paramedic in the Lebanese Red Cross was injured in one of the raids that targeted the village of Kfar Dounine in the central sector of southern Lebanon. The Israeli army said earlier it began an "extensive" wave of attacks on Lebanese territories after rockets fired from Lebanon hit the city of Safed in northern Israel, killing one person and injuring at least eight others. Lebanese military sources added that warplanes carried out 15 raids in less than half an hour, targeting several areas in the south, including Nabatieh and Iqlim al Tuffah, located over 20 kilometers away from the borderline separating Lebanon and Israel. The sources added that they monitored the launching of more than 30 surface-to-surface missiles from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel, with some of them being intercepted by the Israeli Iron Dome. 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. 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. Syracuse, N.Y. A 28-year-old man has been accused of raping an 8-year-old girl and sexually abusing her in Syracuse, police said. Alexander Marrero Rosario was arrested Monday after it was discovered he subjected the girl to sexual contact and rape at least three separate times over seven months, Syracuse police said in a criminal complaint filed in Syracuse City Court. In jail records, Rosario is listed as Alexander Marrero. Rosario had sexual contact with the girl at least twice and raped the girl once, police said. Rosario was charged with first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child and endangering the welfare of a child, police said. Charges of course of sexual conduct range from sexual contact to rape. He is being held in the Justice Center jail on $200,000 bail, according to jail records. Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com. The Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard police blotter of arrests from police agencies around Central New York has been updated today. The arrests added this week have dates between Jan. 9 and Feb. 12, but most of the new arrests are from the last couple weeks. Those charged were between the ages of 15 and 71. Manlius, N.Y. Two Florida women who are part of a national stolen identity fraud ring were arrested in Manlius this weekend, police said. The two women were caught at the M&T Bank in Manlius Saturday using a stolen ID to make transactions, said Sgt. Kenneth Hatter, a Manlius police spokesperson. The women, Marie R. Larosa, 35, of Fort Lauderdale, and Marie D. McCarty, 56, of Oakland Park, were using an ID stolen from a smash-and-grab incident that happened days prior, Hatter said. A bank teller found the duos transaction suspicious, contacted the actual account owner and discovered the ID had been stolen, Hatter said. The teller called 911 and the women were arrested, he said. Hatter said the women are part of a nationwide criminal enterprise known as the Felony Lane Gang thats been caught operating in Central New York before. In October, four men from the gang were sentenced in federal court in Syracuse to prison on bank fraud charges after stealing more than $1 million. Some of the victims were from Central New York. Larosa and McCarty are charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, conspiracy, forgery, grand larceny, identity theft and criminal possession of stolen property, Hatter said. The women have been arraigned and are being held on no bail at the Onondaga County Justice Center. Staff writer Timia Cobb covers breaking news. Have a tip, a story idea, a question or a comment? You can reach her at tcobb@syracuse.com. A person injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon is transferred to a medical center in Safed, Israel, Feb. 14, 2024. One person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed on Wednesday, said Israel's emergency service. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhu) JERUSALEM, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed on Wednesday, said Israel's emergency service. As medics scanned buildings that were hit by the rocket fire, the body of a woman was discovered, said Eli Bin, director general of Magen David Adom emergency service, adding that seven other people suffered moderate to light injuries. Israel Defense Forces confirmed in a statement that militants in Lebanon fired at least five rockets at the Upper Galilee in northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens. Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah have been exchanging fire since the beginning of Israel's conflict with Hamas in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. A member of Israeli security forces works at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon in Safed, Israel, Feb. 14, 2024. One person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed on Wednesday, said Israel's emergency service. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhu) A member of Israeli security forces works at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon in Safed, Israel, Feb. 14, 2024. One person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed on Wednesday, said Israel's emergency service. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhu) Israeli security forces work at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon in Safed, Israel, Feb. 14, 2024. One person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed on Wednesday, said Israel's emergency service. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhu) Israeli security forces work at the site of a rocket attack from Lebanon in Safed, Israel, Feb. 14, 2024. One person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed on Wednesday, said Israel's emergency service. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhu) A person injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon is transferred to a medical center in Safed, Israel, Feb. 14, 2024. One person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed on Wednesday, said Israel's emergency service. (David Cohen/JINI via Xinhu) Two people from New York have been charged with robbing and killing a man in Atlantic City last month, authorities said Wednesday. Howard Griswold, 24, of Baldwinsville, and Melissa Tikarem, 28, of Manlius, were arrested in the Syracuse area in the past two weeks, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said Wednesday. The Syracuse Police Department and the Syracuse FBI Field Office assisted in the arrest. Both are charged with murder and robbery in the Jan. 20 death of Christian Hunter, 32, of Atlantic City. Hunter was shot and killed on the 100 block of North Virginia Avenue around 7:15 p.m., authorities said. He was found on a sidewalk and brought to an area hospital, where he died of his injuries. By Joshua Solomon | Times Union, Albany Albany, N.Y. The alleged assault of two New York City police officers by a group of migrants last month has revived a debate at the state Capitol about whether jurists should receive mandatory training on New Yorks retooled bail statutes and their ability to use discretion in cases involving violent crimes. Data from the state Office of Court Administration shows that New York City judges frequently release individuals accused of assaulting a police officer without setting bail. But the Manhattan judge who released four of the migrants arrested in the recent videotaped incident in Times Square, after prosecutors did not request bail for them, has had one of the highest rates of setting bail in cases involving the assault of a police officer, the data shows. Still, her decision and the alleged flight of the defendants after they were released has stoked widespread debate about how to handle migrants who commit crimes before obtaining legal residency, and also renewed focus on New Yorks bail statutes that were overhauled to prevent individuals without money from being disproportionately jailed while awaiting trial. The debate has unfolded as Manhattan prosecutors await to see whether the four migrants released from custody will show up in court on Friday to face charges they had taken part in the assault of two police officers in an incident that drew national attention in the backdrop of an ongoing border crisis. At least 11 migrants were suspected of taking part in the incident and seven have been indicted. Of those, five were arrested last month. The four who were released without bail being set, allegedly used fake names to take a bus to Calexico, a California border town, according to WABC-TV in New York City and multiple other news outlets. The office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has questioned whether the allegation that the men fled the state is accurate. Theres no evidence in this case of any flight, Bragg said last week when announcing additional indictments. We are investigating allegations of it. The case, which featured disturbing video of migrants kicking at the heads of the officers as they struggled to arrest a man, has become the latest flash point in the debate over the states retooled bail laws. The outcry over the release of the migrants was heightened by Braggs choice not to initially request bail. The judge who handled the arraignments followed the district attorneys position and did not set bail. The outcome led to condemnation from many Republicans and some Democrats, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has supported the sweeping changes made to New Yorks criminal justice statutes over the past six years. But Hochul and many other lawmakers who supported the changes also have sought to close some gaps that have led to repeat offenders or those charged with violent crimes being released without bail. Hochul recently described the Times Square incident as an abhorrent act and for anyone who thinks they should have been let loose, I have a big disagreement. I want them to go through the justice system, I want them to be prosecuted, I want them convicted, I want them to do time in jail and then we deport them, Hochul said. But supporters of the retooled statutes have fiercely resisted any further changes as the debate has shifted to whether judges are failing to use their discretion to set bail in certain cases and whether they should receive more training on that issue. Judges ultimately have the discretion The state data, analyzed by the Times Union, show a majority of the time in New York City judges choose to release individuals while they await trial on the violent felony charge of assaulting a police officer. In just over one-third of those cases in recent years did judges choose to set bail, according to the data, which covers the 30-month period from January 2020 to June. When a judge did set bail in those police assault cases, 90 percent of the time the defendant did not post bail and was held in jail awaiting trial. In the cases in which a defendant accused of assaulting a police officer is released from custody while awaiting trial, about one-fifth of the time the court issued a bench warrant, which normally indicates the person missed a court appearance. In New York, bail is intended to ensure a defendant returns to court. But in Manhattan, judges and prosecutors have tended to be more aggressive in setting and seeking bail, respectively, than their peers elsewhere in the city, according to state data. A majority of the time that someone is charged with assaulting a police officer they plead guilty or are indicted, which is in line with the typical outcome for felony cases in New York City, according to data from the Office of Court Administration. The judge who initially released the migrants, after Braggs office did not request bail, has also shown a strong tendency to set bail in these types of cases. The judge, acting state Supreme Court Justice Marisol Martinez Alonso, set bail in police-assault cases at one of the highest rates when compared to other judges in New York City. During the 30-month period in the states data, she set bail in 18 of 22 cases involving police assaults. The data does not indicate whether prosecutors requested bail in those cases. Despite bail being set on many of Alonsos cases involving charges of assaulting a police officer, the outcome of the high-profile arraignment of the migrants in Times Square has left her and Bragg facing sharp criticism in Albany. The critiques are not driven by whether she could set bail it was a violent felony charge but rather how the states bail laws are interpreted by judges and prosecutors. We need district attorneys to ask for bail in bail-eligible cases, Hochul said on MSNBCs Morning Joe last week. The judges ultimately have the discretion. The law is correct, the law gives them the power to make sure that people who will commit crimes again arent put back on the streets, Hochul added. Not rocket science Last year, a bipartisan group of lawmakers attempted to provide further guidance to judges on how to implement the myriad changes to New Yorks criminal justice statutes, including three hours of annual training on bail. On Dec. 22, Hochul vetoed the legislation. She pointed to both the state Judicial Institutes work in educating judges as well as the fact the Office of Court Administration voluntarily committed to requiring additional judicial training. Last month, an amendment to a rule of the chief judge was published in the state register that said judges shall attend any further courses, classes, seminars, trainings or other form of continuing education as shall be required by the chief court administrator, when necessary to promote the fair and efficient administration of justice. A spokesman for the Office of Court Administration did not respond to a request for comment on whether the rule change was related to the agreement Hochul detailed in her veto message. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said its insufficient. She noted the high-profile situation with the migrants, that was a bailable offense. We thought the bill was needed because of what weve seen unfold, Stewart-Cousins told reporters. At this point I dont have any reason to feel differently. State Sen. Anthony Palumbo, the ranking Republican on the Judiciary Committee, voted for the legislation last year. After reviewing the courts rule change on training, he described it as more cosmetic than anything, remaining frustrated with how the police assault case has been handled. Bail is not a tough thing, said Palumbo, a former Long Island prosecutor. Its not as if this is rocket science. A recent story by the Times Union reported that in shoplifting cases where judges have discretion to choose whether to set bail, the outcome often varied by county. In Albany and Manhattan, bail-setting rates were far lower than in Buffalo and Brooklyn, points which Hochul recently alluded to as well. Legislation proposed by state Sen. Jake Ashby, R-Castleton, seeks to clarify judicial discretion on sending someone to jail pretrial while also eliminating the use of cash bail in exchange for the explicit ability of a judge to remand someone to jail on an eligible offense. Ashby is calling for a Commission on Public Safety, including prosecutors, public defenders, judges and law enforcement officials, to work with the state to compose a data-driven risk assessment tool to assist judges. New Jersey uses a risk-assessment algorithm to help judges determine bail. For criminal justice advocates, they chastised Hochul for her remarks about the Times Square incident and emphasized the importance of due process. Instead, Center for Community Alternatives said in a statement, which was issued by Katie Schaffer, the organizations director of advocacy who lobbies for criminal justice measures, Hochul should stay focused on what truly produces safety: access to jobs, housing and other basic necessities. Having spent all of last year calling for judicial discretion, the governor should not be rejecting the individualized determination of judges and prosecutors and calling for blanket bail setting, the organized added. ___ (c)2024 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com BEIRUT, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon and Iraq on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a joint action plan and exchange expertise on fighting corruption, the National News Agency (NNA) reported. The MoU was signed in Baghdad by Claude Karam, head of the National Anti-Corruption Commission in Lebanon, and Haider Hanoun, head of the Federal Commission of Integrity in Iraq. Prior to the signing of the MoU, Karam paid a visit to Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani who stressed that fighting corruption is one of the Iraqi government's priorities. During their meeting, Karam and al-Sudani discussed the reception procedures of individuals sought in corruption cases, the recovery of stolen funds, and the exchange of information related to accused and wanted individuals. They also emphasized the significance of exchanging expertise as a means to enhance efficiency in the joint fight against corruption. "The cooperation of brotherly and friendly countries with Iraq in recovering stolen and wanted funds is a criterion for successful diplomatic relations with those countries," the Iraqi prime minister said. GTO Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 70,236 Thanked: 298,022 Times View My Garage 2 decades of Team-BHP | A Happy 20th to our community thanks to all of you. Without you BHPians, Team-BHP is nothing. With you members, Team-BHP is a champion. In the 20 years since Team-BHP.com went live, we have consistently grown & matured through vast changes in the landscape = mobile internet explosion (earlier, desktop was our main source of traffic), the rise & fall of larger platforms (Orkut, Google+, MySpace, Digg), petrol & diesel conversations changing to ICE vs EV debates, smartphones replacing our beloved and basic Nokias, Covid & its implications on work as well as life in general, ChatGPT & AI, Tata & Mahindra becoming the talking points instead of Honda & Toyota, the death of print media, 100 mbps internet connections instead of 512 kbps, India emerging as a superpower ....content remains king & there will always be need + demand for high-quality discussions. The fact is, we have had our 3 best-ever months of traffic in 2023-24. In our 19 birthdays so far, we have celebrated a lot of what Team-BHP has, including what it gave us, trivia, being different, Let's shift a gear on our 20th birthday... On this milestone birthday, let us celebrate what Team-BHP does NOT have. Easy Registration, Easy Posting This is not an open forum where one can simply register, and start posting. This isn't a casual forum. Less than 1% of forums worldwide follow this philosophy and almost no one of our size does so. Yet, this move is critical to Team-BHP's health & quality. We want our discussions to be thought-provoking, educative, interesting & fun. For that to happen, we request all new members to be very thorough with their membership applications. Trivia: On a monthly basis, for every 1 BHPian who posts on Team-BHP, there are 1,500 readers. Our monthly readership recently nudged 50-lakh individuals. Trolling, Abuse, Personal Attacks Admit it, trolls have completely destroyed social media & even Twitter or Facebook - with all their billions of dollars - cannot control the troll problem. Well, on Team-BHP, we don't have a troll problem. We have zero tolerance towards trolling. If we find any member indulging in trolling, we warn first; if the habit persists, then it's a ban. We work hard to keep Team-BHP safe for YOU, senior citizens, women, children...no trolling, no bullying, no flamebait. Source ChatGPT / AI ChatGPT & AI are game-changers, but not necessarily in the area of content. On Team-BHP, we take pride in our original thoughts, ideas & opinions. We're here to learn from one another, not a machine. Source Repeat Threads One of the things that kills forums is "repeat threads" on the same topic. We judiciously merge new threads, sometimes running multiple thread merges / deletions within a handful of hours. If you want to know which 20-lakh SUV to buy, please continue in an existing thread instead of starting yet another "Grand Vitara Vs...." thread. From time to time though, we make exceptions only for senior members & don't merge their query, even if it's a repeat discussion. But 90% of repeat topic threads get merged with an existing thread. This screenshot is from the What Car -> SUVs & Crossovers section. Lack of Content Quite the contrary, actually! On our mobile homepage, we have space for 15 Hot Threads in the default view (before you have to click "load more"). And on most mornings, we play with a list of 20 - 25 great threads / posts that deserve to go to our homepage hot threads. It's a good problem to have & we circulate our backlog list within the group on a daily basis. We usually add 14 every day, just to give the 1st hot thread of the previous day, homepage presence on two days (assuming that yesterday's top thread was a very high-value one). Team-BHP is an extremely-busy, high-activity forum! Compromising OUR Privacy We haven't ever sold your personal data to anyone. We don't bombard your email inbox with marketing messages. We don't send you spammy PMs with brand promotions. We allow you to choose a username that completely hides your identity. We won't share your email address with anyone. If you upload your car service invoices, we'll ensure that all personal details (e.g. address, phone) are blanked out. In that sense, I like to believe we are the "Apple" of websites as that is also another company very serious about safeguarding the privacy of its users. Sponsored Content & Advertorials Forget the lame Indian car magazines that have been doing this since the 1990s. We now find ourselves in an unfortunate era of content where a corporate can buy anything = the front page of Times Of India, YouTube videos, posts on social media, praiseworthy articles so sweet that you'll end up feeling sick, even the mighty Spam & Frivolity On this forum, BHPians insist that one should post ONLY when they have something of value to add. There is no "kewl pics" or "nice car" or "u suck" commenting here. Team-BHP would rather have a Immature, Dangerous & Sensitive Content Nope, there are no posts on drunk driving here. Or bragging about doing 200 km/h on the Atal Setu Sea Link. Or Racist Posts. Or Politics. Or Religion. Instead, on Team-BHP, we believe in having constructive discussions on cars, bikes, road-tripping & other aspects of life in India. Poorly Written Posts This is especially an achievement in India, where merely 0.1% of the population speaks English as their first language, and approximately 30% can speak English or at least, acceptably written). Not 100% of them, of course, and it's an everyday exercise, but the Mod Team keeps pushing, editing, requesting and taking action where necessary. In total, there are ~7,000 Moderator Actions every month on Team-BHP. You really cannot get away with "Well, v can b frndship wid another Hyundai cars ownerss nd kn w abt thngs abt Hyundays and al that!!. We can knwing how to modify our cars" or "I AM VERY INTERESTED IN CAR......... I WANT TO MODIFIED MA MAHINDRA XUV700 BEASTY VEHICAL........" Here's to celebrating the lack of junk on this platform! Here's to continued striving to keep it clean. Happy 20th Birthday, Team-BHP Team-BHP went live before the term "social media" was even coined! And this behemoth has weathered it all like a champ,. Without you BHPians, Team-BHP is nothing. With you members, Team-BHP is a champion. In the 20 years since Team-BHP.com went live, we have consistently grown & matured through vast changes in the landscape = mobile internet explosion (), the rise & fall of larger platforms (Orkut, Google+, MySpace, Digg), petrol & diesel conversations changing to ICE vs EV debates, smartphones replacing our beloved and basic Nokias, Covid & its implications on work as well as life in general, ChatGPT & AI, Tata & Mahindra becoming the talking points instead of Honda & Toyota, the death of print media, 100 mbps internet connections instead of 512 kbps, India emerging as a superpower....content remains king & there will always be need + demand for. The fact is, we have had ourIn our 19 birthdays so far, we have celebrated a lot of what Team-BHP has, including memories the only large & active "road safety" website section in India & more.On this milestone birthday, let us celebrate what Team-BHP doeshave.This is not an open forum where one can simply register, and start posting. This isn't a casual forum. Less than 1% of forums worldwide follow this philosophy and almost no one of our size does so. Yet, this move is critical to Team-BHP's health & quality. We want our discussions to be thought-provoking, educative, interesting & fun. For that to happen, we request all new members to be very thorough with their membership applications. Trivia: On a monthly basis, for every 1 BHPian who posts on Team-BHP, there are 1,500 readers. Our monthly readership recently nudged 50-lakh individuals.Admit it, trolls have completely destroyed social media & even Twitter or Facebook -- cannot control the troll problem. Well, on Team-BHP, we don't have a troll problem. We have. If we find any member indulging in trolling, we warn first; if the habit persists, then it's a ban. We work hard to keep Team-BHP safe for YOU, senior citizens, women, children...no trolling, no bullying, no flamebait.ChatGPT & AI are game-changers, but not necessarily in the area of content. On Team-BHP, we take pride in our original thoughts, ideas & opinions. We're here to learn from one another, not a machine. Our forum rules were recently amended to include an AI point and a few members have already been banned for using ChatGPT in their posts.One of the things that kills forums is "repeat threads" on the same topic. We judiciously merge new threads, sometimes running multiple thread merges / deletions within a handful of hours. If you want to know which 20-lakh SUV to buy, please continue in an existing thread instead of starting yet another "Grand Vitara Vs...." thread. From time to time though, we make exceptions only for senior members & don't merge their query, even if it's a repeat discussion. But 90% of repeat topic threads get merged with an existing thread. This screenshot is from the What Car -> SUVs & Crossovers section.Quite the contrary, actually! On our mobile homepage, we have space for 15 Hot Threads in the default view (). And on most mornings, we play with a list of 20 - 25 great threads / posts that deserve to go to our homepage hot threads. It's a good problem to have & we circulate our backlog list within the group on a daily basis. We usually add 14 every day, just to give the, homepage presence on two days (). Team-BHP is an extremely-busy, high-activity forum!We haven't ever sold your personal data to anyone. We don't bombard your email inbox with marketing messages. We don't send you spammy PMs with brand promotions. We allow you to choose a username that completely hides your identity. We won't share your email address with anyone. If you upload your car service invoices, we'll ensure that all personal details (e.g. address, phone) are blanked out. In that sense, I like to believe we are the "Apple" of websites as that is also another company very serious about safeguarding the privacy of its users.Forget the lame Indian car magazines that have been doing this since the 1990s. We now find ourselves in an unfortunate era of content where a corporate can buy anything = the front page of Times Of India, YouTube videos, posts on social media, praiseworthy articles so sweet that you'll end up feeling sick, even the mighty New York Times has succumbed to it ...the industry has come up with some ridiculous names for it = native advertising, advertorials & so on. The problem is so severe & misleading that some governments have made it mandatory to disclose to the reader that the article is sponsored. On Team-BHP, we don't do sponsored content. We haven't taken a buck for a word posted on Team-BHP. When we review, it's like this, making the pros & cons crystal clear at the very beginning. If auto manufacturers block our access to their cars for a negative review or member thread, we source test-drive vehicles from BHPians.On this forum, BHPians insist that one should post ONLY when they have something of value to add. There is no "kewl pics" or "nice car" or "u suck" commenting here. Team-BHP would rather have a 1.5-page discussion with solid insights , over a 10-page discussion with one-word responses. Just look at what happened to Quora (among other social media platforms)! Team-BHP insists that all of us post ONLY when we have something of value to add to the thread; otherwise, it's better to simply read + thank useful posts. The best way to know if you're following this is to look at your thanked Vs post counts. Ideally, your thanked count will always exceed your post count, even if you're a newbie with 21 thanks off 15 posts.Nope, there are no posts on drunk driving here. Or bragging about doing 200 km/h on the Atal Setu Sea Link. Or Racist Posts. Or Politics. Or Religion. Instead, on Team-BHP, we believe in having constructive discussions on cars, bikes, road-tripping & other aspects of life in India.This is especially an achievement in India, where merely 0.1% of the population speaks English as their first language, and approximately 30% can speak English to "some" extent . We are very particular about the quality of language used for automotive discussions & are proud of the fact that an overwhelming majority of posts are well-written (). Not 100% of them, of course, and it's an everyday exercise, but the Mod Team keeps pushing, editing, requesting and taking action where necessary. In total, there are ~7,000 Moderator Actions every month on Team-BHP. You really cannot get away with "" or "Here's to celebrating the lack of junk on this platform! Here's to continued striving to keep it clean. Happy 20th Birthday, Team-BHP Last edited by benbsb29 : 14th February 2024 at 10:52 . Reason: Fixed broken link as per RP. aditya_rao BHPian Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Pune/NJ/Canada Posts: 141 Thanked: 577 Times Nagpur to Pune via Samruddhi Mahamarg in 2024 Some facts about the highway The Samruddhi Mahamarg, officially known as the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg or Maharashtra Expressway 2 (ME-2) or unofficially the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway, is a remarkable 701 km highway connecting Nagpur and Mumbai. This modern expressway is supposed to provide a smooth, fun and scenic views, cutting across diverse landscapes and connecting several important cities and attractions on the way to Mumbai. Interestingly Pune is not directly an exit on the highway, but one needs to take a detour from the highway to reach Pune. Ofcourse, you can go to Mumbai and then take the expressway to Pune if you have time, money and fuel to spend . Key Highlights of the highway (some from the expressway website and based on available information on the internet) The expressway spans 701 kms and is designed as a 6-lane access-controlled road. It has width of 120 meters and is engineered for a top speed of 150 km/h (although speed limit is set to 120 kmph in the fast lane) The route passes through the districts of Nagpur, Wardha, Amravati, Washim, Buldhana, Aurangabad, Jalna, Ahmednagar, Nashik, and Thane. It traverses three wildlife sanctuaries, necessitating the construction of overpasses, underpasses, and high culverts to protect wildlife. The expressway features a 310-meter bridge over the Wardha River. It includes 33 major bridges, 274 minor bridges, 65 viaducts/flyovers, and six tunnels through the Western Ghats. The longest tunnel is at Kasara Ghat, Igatpuri. The whole expressway has been built in 16 packages The following route was decided starting from Nagpur and exiting the expressway after Shirdi, to go to Pune. I have driven from Pune to Nagpur in the past taking the Nagar-Aurangabad-Akola route, which took almost 12-13 hrs including some unwanted breaks, so this new route was hopefully going to save us lot of time. A day before our journey we started hearing about a some transport strike due to which fuel availability could be a problem. We initially thought of postponing the travel, but after speaking with a friend who runs a fuel station, he suggested leaving by 9AM, as the strike would pick up steam only after 10 AM. The journey and experience. We started the journey by refueling from a reliance pump in Nagpur, where we could see long queues getting formed in the morning around 8 AM itself. On the way we stopped at Haldiram's to take some breakfast, only to realize that they had just opened the store and were still preparing food. After asking them multiple times, they finally brought out our packed breakfast and we finally were on the way to Pune. The initial connector of the expressway part was slightly bumpy and uneven and in some places they had kept only one lane open (Near the Cancer Institute). But once we reached the first toll booth, the highway was at its widest. Toll is paid via fast tag and after that we decided to stop at the fuel pump nearest to it. The initial section was quite empty considering this is a major highway and even at the pump, we didn't find many people and some trucks. From here we left around 10 AM and by that time we got to know that most pumps in Nagpur were becoming empty and being closed off. We decided that we'll stop at everyone available pump on the expressway to top off as much as possible to avoid being on low fuel at any point in the journey. For the next 5 hours the highway was pretty empty and all we could see was a straight road and surrounding full of fog. The skies were almost white and the blue color was no where to be seen. The driver/owner was telling us that due to the high toll cost, people are not using the highway and all the scenic beauty that has been talked about is rarely visible due to the foggy surroundings. Some cars had stopped at the side to take photos (not sure if this allowed, but lack of cops/monitoring means people get away with such things). We were expecting the road surface to be smooth, however we could feel vibrations in the car, constant changes in the road noise, and while the Innova we rented was not new, the driver said that that road quality is not that great or as publicized. There are no restaurants to speak off and in the second fuel pump we stopped, we saw somewhat decent toilets. There was a temporary Dhaba here, but looking at the condition, we decided to skip eating anything there. Even at the fuel pump before Aurangabad, there are no food facilities, so our only option was to have lunch in Aurangabad. Overall the service/rest areas are still to come up, and looking at the traffic, it may take few years and increased traffic, for them to be built. We took the exit at Aurangabad to have lunch. The time was around 3 pm, which meant we had covered around 500 KMS in 5 hrs, which was quite good as reaching Aurangabad used to take a long time from Nagpur. After lunch, the staff there suggested that we could take the Nagar highway to Pune as there wouldn't be traffic due to the strike (big mistake ). We took their word and started making our way via the bypass, however this turned out to be a wrong choice. We didn't find any signs of a strike in this part and the roads were busy. It took about 2 hrs to reach Nagar and we finally took a tea break at Milestone (a favorite place for buses coming from Pune) around 6 PM The distance to Pune from here was roughly 150 kms, which meant another 2-3 hrs with the kind of traffic Nagar-Pune road has. We finally reached home around 10 PM including. The traffic while entering was heavy and it was hard to cross signals in one change over of lights. I wish there is a direct connection from this expressway to Pune via some new route, which can reduce the travel to Pune, but probably will not happen for next few years. Nevertheless the travel time has come down significantly, so hope that more people will use it. Entire video of the journey from Nagpur to Aurangabad (after that the power cable stopped working) https://youtu.be/Fv1Jt4hYRMY Sunrise when we were starting: There are objects/patterns place in the center divider area, which are interesting to see: Overpass created for animal to cross the expressway Not sure what these rectangular structures are for, perhaps water storage for summer? Who remembers this soap from decades back? We got this at the second fuel pump, since there was no soap in the toilets. Sunset taken at 80-90 kmph: I was in India for 3 weeks and one of the travel legs was to go from Nagpur to Pune. Since my travel was on New Year, the prices had already skyrocketed and the cost for 5 people via flight was roughly about Rs 80K. I have never paid more than 6 or 7K on this sector, so spending 80K for 5 people was ruled out. The flight would have saved time for sure, but I was anyway on vacation and didn't have anything planned, so it wasn't that I had something important that warranted spending this much. Other two options were taking the train (which I had done in the past) and taking a road trip. Getting train tickets also looked next to impossible so going by road was the only option left. We had lots of luggage so taking our own vehicle was also ruled out. We needed a vehicle as large as Innova, so one of our long time car rental person said he will take us to Pune for about 22K + tolls (includes return trip for the vehicle). Since Samruddhi Mahamarg had opened in Dec 2022, we could use that route and save time considerably. The owner of the rental agency said he will himself come instead of sending one of his drivers. So the plan was set to travel immediately after new year.The Samruddhi Mahamarg, officially known as the Hindu Hrudaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg or Maharashtra Expressway 2 (ME-2) or unofficially the Nagpur-Mumbai Expressway, is a remarkable 701 km highway connecting Nagpur and Mumbai. This modern expressway is supposed to provide a smooth, fun and scenic views, cutting across diverse landscapes and connecting several important cities and attractions on the way to Mumbai. Interestingly Pune is not directly an exit on the highway, but one needs to take a detour from the highway to reach Pune. Ofcourse, you can go to Mumbai and then take the expressway to Pune if you have time, money and fuel to spend(some from the expressway website and based on available information on the internet)The following route was decided starting from Nagpur and exiting the expressway after Shirdi, to go to Pune.I have driven from Pune to Nagpur in the past taking the Nagar-Aurangabad-Akola route, which took almost 12-13 hrs including some unwanted breaks, so this new route was hopefully going to save us lot of time.A day before our journey we started hearing about a some transport strike due to which fuel availability could be a problem. We initially thought of postponing the travel, but after speaking with a friend who runs a fuel station, he suggested leaving by 9AM, as the strike would pick up steam only after 10 AM.We started the journey by refueling from a reliance pump in Nagpur, where we could see long queues getting formed in the morning around 8 AM itself. On the way we stopped at Haldiram's to take some breakfast, only to realize that they had just opened the store and were still preparing food. After asking them multiple times, they finally brought out our packed breakfast and we finally were on the way to Pune. The initial connector of the expressway part was slightly bumpy and uneven and in some places they had kept only one lane open (Near the Cancer Institute). But once we reached the first toll booth, the highway was at its widest. Toll is paid via fast tag and after that we decided to stop at the fuel pump nearest to it. The initial section was quite empty considering this is a major highway and even at the pump, we didn't find many people and some trucks. From here we left around 10 AM and by that time we got to know that most pumps in Nagpur were becoming empty and being closed off. We decided that we'll stop at everyone available pump on the expressway to top off as much as possible to avoid being on low fuel at any point in the journey.For the next 5 hours the highway was pretty empty and all we could see was a straight road and surrounding full of fog. The skies were almost white and the blue color was no where to be seen. The driver/owner was telling us that due to the high toll cost, people are not using the highway and all the scenic beauty that has been talked about is rarely visible due to the foggy surroundings. Some cars had stopped at the side to take photos (not sure if this allowed, but lack of cops/monitoring means people get away with such things).We were expecting the road surface to be smooth, however we could feel vibrations in the car, constant changes in the road noise, and while the Innova we rented was not new, the driver said that that road quality is not that great or as publicized. There are no restaurants to speak off and in the second fuel pump we stopped, we saw somewhat decent toilets. There was a temporary Dhaba here, but looking at the condition, we decided to skip eating anything there. Even at the fuel pump before Aurangabad, there are no food facilities, so our only option was to have lunch in Aurangabad. Overall the service/rest areas are still to come up, and looking at the traffic, it may take few years and increased traffic, for them to be built.We took the exit at Aurangabad to have lunch. The time was around 3 pm, which meant we had covered around 500 KMS in 5 hrs, which was quite good as reaching Aurangabad used to take a long time from Nagpur.After lunch, the staff there suggested that we could take the Nagar highway to Pune as there wouldn't be traffic due to the strike (big mistake). We took their word and started making our way via the bypass, however this turned out to be a wrong choice. We didn't find any signs of a strike in this part and the roads were busy. It took about 2 hrs to reach Nagar and we finally took a tea break at Milestone (a favorite place for buses coming from Pune) around 6 PMThe distance to Pune from here was roughly 150 kms, which meant another 2-3 hrs with the kind of traffic Nagar-Pune road has. We finally reached home around 10 PM including. The traffic while entering was heavy and it was hard to cross signals in one change over of lights.I wish there is a direct connection from this expressway to Pune via some new route, which can reduce the travel to Pune, but probably will not happen for next few years. Nevertheless the travel time has come down significantly, so hope that more people will use it.Entire video of the journey from Nagpur to Aurangabad (after that the power cable stopped working)Sunrise when we were starting:There are objects/patterns place in the center divider area, which are interesting to see:Overpass created for animal to cross the expresswayNot sure what these rectangular structures are for, perhaps water storage for summer?Who remembers this soap from decades back? We got this at the second fuel pump, since there was no soap in the toilets.Sunset taken at 80-90 kmph: Last edited by aah78 : 14th February 2024 at 05:14 . Reason: Spacing fixed. Romantics searching for virtual love should approach amorous AI chatbots with caution, according to a report released Wednesday by researchers at Mozillas Privacy Not Included buyers guide. After examining 11 AI soulmates, the researchers issued a thumbs down to all the apps for failing to provide adequate privacy, security, and safety for the personal data they extract from their users. They noted that 10 of the 11 chatbots failed to meet Mozillas Minimum Security Standards, such as requiring strong passwords or having a way to manage security vulnerabilities. The report revealed that most of the privacy policies for the apps provided surprisingly little information about how they use the contents of users conversations to train their AIs and very little transparency into how their AI models work. Most of the 11 apps we reviewed were made by small developers that you couldnt find a lot of information about, the guides director, Jen Caltrider, told TechNewsWorld. Manipulation on Steroids The report added that users also have little to no control over their data, leaving a massive potential for manipulation, abuse, and mental health consequences. These apps are designed to get you to give up a lot of personal information because theyre trying to get to know you, Caltrider explained. Theyre interested in your life, and the more they know, the better they can talk to you and become your soulmate. If youre an evil person who wants to manipulate people, this is manipulation on steroids, Caltrider said. Youve built a chatbot thats going to get to know a vulnerable person, build a connection to them, and become their friend. Then you can use that chatbot to manipulate how they think and what they do. The report also rapped the app makers for not providing users with the choice of opting out of having the contents of their intimate chats used to train the AI models used by the programs. The researchers pointed out that only one company, Genesia AI, had an opt-out alternative, which showed that its a viable feature. Consumers who are concerned about their information being used for marketing purposes or for training artificial intelligence engines without their express permission need to carefully review the data collection practices of a company and exercise any right to opt-in or opt-out of data collection, sharing, selling, or retention, advised James E. Lee, chief operating officer for the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nonprofit organization devoted to minimizing risk and mitigating the impact of identity compromise and crime, San Diego, Calif. Retained information could also be a target for cybercriminals for ransomware or identity theft, too, he told TechNewsWorld. Skyrocketing AI Romance Apps According to the report, the number of apps and platforms using sophisticated AI algorithms to simulate the experience of interacting with a romantic partner is skyrocketing. Over the past year, it noted, the 11 relationship chatbots Mozilla reviewed have racked up an estimated 100 million downloads on the Google Play Store alone. When OpenAIs GPT store opened last month, the report added, it was flooded with AI relationship chatbots despite being against the stores policy. In a recent study of 1,000 adults performed by Propeller Insights for Infobip, a global omnichannel communications company, 20% of Americans admitted to flirting with a chatbot. However, that number was more than 50% for 35 to 44-year-olds. The most prevalent reason for virtual flirting was curiosity (47.2%), followed by loneliness and joy in interactions with chatbots (23.9%). The surge in AI romance chatbot use can be chalked up to a mix of societal shifts and tech advancements, maintained Brian Prince, founder and CEO of Top AI Tools, an AI tool, resource and educational platform in Boca Raton, Fla. With loneliness on the rise and many feeling increasingly disconnected, folks are turning to chatbots for companionship and emotional support, he told TechNewsWorld. Its like having a friend in your pocket, available whenever you need a chat. Plus, as AI gets smarter, these bots feel more real and engaging, drawing people in. From Code to Sweet Nothings Its also become easier to deploy AI chatbots. Embedding these sorts of experiences is as easy as embedding YouTube videos or Spotify previews to a web page, thanks to their well-documented and robust APIs, explained Brandon Torio, a senior product manager at Synack, an enterprise security company in Redwood City, Calif. With a few lines of code, you can prime ChatGPT-like models to have any sort of conversation with customers, whether the goal is to educate them about a product or just whisper sweet nothings for Valentines Day, he told TechNewsWorld. With all that humans have dealt with in the last few years, its not surprising that people are turning to computers for companionship and romance, added Ron Arden, CTO and COO of Fasoo, an enterprise data protection solutions provider in Seoul, South Korea. We all got isolated during the pandemic, and its tough to meet people, he told TechNewsWorld. Chatbots are easy, just like texting is easy. No direct human interactions and embarrassment. Just give me what I need, and I can get on with my day. Its also part of the general increase in using apps for just about everything, from measuring your blood pressure to counting calories, he said. Its easy, non-threatening and convenient. Unique Privacy Threat The Mozilla report also asserted that romance bots used deceptive marketing practices. It cited one app claiming to offer mental health and well-being benefits on its website but denying those benefits in the terms and conditions for using the app. Its deceptive and confusing for them to market themselves as mental health, self-help or well-being apps but then clearly state in their legal documents that theyre not offering any mental health services, Caltrider said. AI-powered romance chatbots present a unique threat to privacy, maintained James McQuiggan, security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, a security awareness training provider in Clearwater, Fla. Thats because they may engage in deeper, more personal conversations with users, he told TechNewsWorld. It can potentially lead to the collection of sensitive personal data, which, if not handled securely, poses a significant risk of data breaches and misuse. Romance chatbots have the potential to be a great tool for people exploring their sexuality a way to try out conversations they would be too embarrassed to have with a person, added Jacob Hoffman-Andrews, a senior staff technologist for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an international non-profit digital rights group based in San Francisco. That works only if the chatbot has extremely strong privacy policies, he told TechNewsWorld. They should not train the AI based on private chats. They should not show private chats to human evaluators. They should make sure chats can be truly deleted and offer automatic deletion after a period of time. And, he added, they should definitely under no conditions sell information deduced from private chats. In brief: Google receives around 20 million business-related contributions to Maps and Search every day, including hours, ratings, photos, reviews, videos and more. Unfortunately, fake reviews are rife on its services. But the tech giant launched a new machine learning algorithm last year that detects these fakes faster than ever. It led to 170 million false reviews being removed in 2023. Dan Pritchett, Principal Software Engineer at Google Maps, writes that reviews undergo rigorous scrutiny by Google's moderation systems before they're published. The systems also monitor content for suspicious activity over time, which is where the new machine learning algorithm launched last year comes in. Pritchett explains that the algorithm detects questionable review patterns even faster by examining longer-term signals on a daily basis. Some examples of suspicious activity include a reviewer leaving the same review on multiple businesses, or if business receives a sudden spike in 1-star (review bombing) or 5-star reviews. The algorithm is also designed to combat the problem of scammers who contact businesses claiming they can improve their reviews and online presence for a fee. Once the patterns are identified, such as the categories of business that are being targeted, the algorithms are refined to protect these businesses from the scammers. Google says it caught over five million fake review attempts related to one particular scam in just a few weeks. Google has the figures to back up its boasts. Over 170 million reviews were removed for violating company policies last year, a massive 45% more than in 2022. It also identified and removed 12 million fake business profiles. Furthermore, 14 million policy-violating videos were removed in 2023, twice as many as the year before, and business owners were protected from over 2 million attempts by scammers trying to claim Business Profiles that did not belong to them. Google doesn't take people trying to manipulate its system lightly. It filed a lawsuit against a scammer last year who posted more than 350 fraudulent Business Profiles and tried to bolster them with more than 14,000 fake reviews. The person then attempted to sell information about consumers who had interacted with the fake profiles. Something to look forward to: After relaunching the Thunderbird project in 2020 by establishing the new MZLA subsidiary, the Mozilla Foundation is busy improving its email client software. The organization has now unveiled some of the most interesting changes expected in the coming months. Last year was a "fantastic" one for Thunderbird, according to Mozilla. However, the best is yet to come. The "Supernova" upgrade (Thunderbird 115) was the most significant milestone of the past year, introducing a new codebase (once again based on the Firefox project) to further modernize one of the most popular (and open-source) email clients out there. Despite the controversial reception of Supernova's rebuilt interface, MZLA developers are diligently working to add more flexibility, reliability, and customizable options to Thunderbird. The email client aims to accommodate different needs and workflows, as Mozilla states. The project's revitalization is now symbolized by a new logo created by Jon Hicks, the designer of the original Firefox and Thunderbird logos. One of the primary changes Thunderbird developers are currently working on is support for Microsoft Exchange, the popular mail server and calendaring platform designed to run exclusively on Windows Server operating systems. Mozilla acknowledges that Thunderbird users are "expecting" this functionality, and some "exploratory work" has already been done on that front. The Thunderbird codebase can now utilize the Rust programming language, seemingly a prerequisite for both improving the existing code architecture and introducing Exchange support. Native support for the Exchange protocol is a "complex topic," warns Mozilla, but at least it is now officially on the program's roadmap. According to Bugzilla's relevant bug tracking thread, Mozilla plans to "fully support" Microsoft Exchange, including user authentication, email, calendar, and contacts. Thunderbird aims to provide support for Exchange through the EWS (Exchange Web Services) protocol, an alternative to the standard Microsoft MAPI protocol. EWS is a deprecated feature that will be abandoned by Exchange Online on October 1, 2026. However, developers argue that the protocol remains the best way to enable support for both Exchange Online and on-premise custom Exchange Server installations. Microsoft's new Graph API for cloud access has been considered and "may be" revisited in the future. In addition to implementing Exchange support, the Thunderbird team is focusing on improving communication with the community and introducing previously announced features such as Sync and Account Hub. Marketing efforts will also be increased, featuring new tutorials, video guides, and other productivity-focused content. People plant trees during the nationwide tree-planting public holiday at the Menengai Caldera in Nakuru, Kenya on Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Sheikh Maina/Xinhua) Seven pioneering initiatives in Africa, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia were named 2024 United Nations World Restoration Flagships on Tuesday for helping restore the health of degraded habitats. NAIROBI, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Seven pioneering initiatives in Africa, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia were named 2024 United Nations World Restoration Flagships on Tuesday for helping restore the health of degraded habitats. Announced ahead of the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) to be held from Feb. 26 to March 1 in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, the seven initiatives are part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration that seeks to prevent, halt and reverse the depletion of terrestrial and marine life. The UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) are custodians of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, whose goal is to restore 1 billion hectares of degraded land and oceans globally. A joint statement released on the same day from the UNEP and FAO said the seven flagship projects are expected to restore nearly 40 million hectares of degraded habitats and create about 500,000 jobs. People plant mangrove seedlings at the shores of the Indian Ocean during celebrations to mark the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem at Lunga Lunga, Kwale County, Kenya, on July 26, 2023. (Photo by Joy Nabukewa/Xinhua) Inger Andersen, executive director of the UNEP, said the recognition of the seven initiatives reaffirmed that nature-positive development was central to realizing a green and resilient future for humanity. "These initiatives show how we can make peace with nature, put local communities at the heart of restoration efforts, and still create new jobs." "As we continue to face a triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste, now is the time we must double down and accelerate restoration initiatives," Andersen added. The seven flagship initiatives that have restored ecosystems impacted negatively by wildfires, drought, pollution and deforestation will be eligible for UN technical and financial support. Qu Dongyu, director-general of the FAO, observed that restoring the terrestrial and marine ecosystem will be a giant step towards transforming food systems in light of climatic stresses, population pressure, and biodiversity loss. "Ecosystem restoration is a long-term solution in the fight to eradicate poverty, hunger and malnutrition as we face population growth and increased need for food and ecosystem goods and services," Qu said. Among the seven flagship initiatives is the Regreening Africa project, which seeks to restore 5 million hectares of the continent's degraded land by 2030 and transform the livelihoods of local communities. So far, regreening of more than 350,000 hectares of land across Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, and Somalia has been achieved, reaching more than 607,000 households through training on tree planting. Adobe and TikTok announced the integration of TikTok's AI-powered Creative Assistant right into Adobe Express to improve multimedia production for companies and artists. For free and premium users, this integration attempts to simplify the experience. Adobe Express's Creative Assistant add-on streamlines content production across platforms. Adobe Express customers get themes, Adobe Stock video clips, audio, stickers, and a TikTok video maker. With the Creative Assistant, users can now get TikTok analytics, trending hashtags, and AI-powered capabilities. The AI assistant can also brainstorm and write video scripts, per TechCrunch. Easier Content Creation This connection lets companies and producers plan and upload content to TikTok via Adobe Express. Adobe VP of Marketing Strategy and Communications Stacy Martinet stressed the usefulness of collaboration in generating actual business benefits by reducing time, effort, and resources across platforms during content production. Exciting News! Unlock new content possibilities with the first-of-its-kind TikTok Creative Assistant add-on! Step up your video creation game: gain TikTok-first guidance, tackle creative blocks, generate scripts and images and more! https://t.co/CgH1qsmMvw Adobe Express (@AdobeExpress) February 13, 2024 Martinet highlighted the "tremendous value" of pioneering the collaboration "with TikTok's Creative Assistant, bringing together our unique creative tools and their extensive knowledge of a highly engaged global audience and platform to help make content that delivers real business value for our customers." Sofia Hernadez, TikTok's Global Head of Marketing, expressed excitement about integrating Creative Assistant into Adobe Express, facilitating TikTok's first campaigns within a familiar platform. The collaboration enables businesses of all sizes to ideate, create, and post content seamlessly within Adobe Express. Adobe Express customers may install the TikTok AI Creative Assistant feature from the add-ons portion. Read Also: Fighting Misinformation: Harvard Experts Tap Social Media Influencers for Mental Health Campaign This development follows a report that TikTok is testing a tool that automatically recognizes goods in videos and links to "Find similar items on TikTok Shop." According to a recent article from The Verge, this TikTok feature, part of an early test, signals an expansion of TikTok's e-commerce capabilities beyond approved influencers and brands. Following the recent launch of TikTok Shop in the US, allowing creators to add product links to videos, the platform aims to reach $17.5 billion in sales in the US in 2024. This potential feature would make TikTok Shop links more common across the app, aligning with shopping features on platforms like Pinterest and Google Lens. Biden's TikTok Hits 67K Followers In a separate development, US President Joe Biden's recent entry into TikTok with a campaign account garnered over 67,000 followers on the first day, despite previous national security concerns leading to the app's ban. By Tuesday morning (Feb. 13), the @bidenhq account had over 681,300 likes and nearly 82,000 followers. However, this figure remains notably lower than Biden's substantial following of 37.8 million on his campaign account on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Biden reelection campaign defended the TikTok account, citing its significance as a vital means to connect with young voters, even amid continued security concerns about potential data sharing with China's communist government. In 2022, the Biden administration imposed a TikTok ban on 4 million government employees due to data security risks. Related Article: Google Pledges $26.98 Million to Narrow AI Skills Gap Across Europe 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Recent United States government data finds that maternal syphilis rates have risen, putting thousands of infants in danger. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 10,000 2022 mothers had syphilis, up from 3,400 in 2016. UTHealth Houston maternal-fetal medicine specialist Dr. Irene Stafford attributed the growth in congenital syphilis to "untested and untreated mothers," highlighting the disease's harmful effects and infectiousness to the fetus, according to US News & World Report. Untreated syphilis may cause heart, brain, vision, hearing, and paralysis damage. Transmission during pregnancy may cause miscarriage, lifelong medical complications, and newborn death. (Photo : AltoPress/AFP via Getty Images) Man's hands on pregnant woman's stomach, close-up While many cases of congenital syphilis could be prevented with improved testing and treatment, experts highlight the limited access to these crucial healthcare measures. Disparities were noted in maternal syphilis rates among age groups and ethnicities, with the highest rates observed in mothers under 25. Notably, American Indian women experienced rates five times higher than average, while rates among black and Native Hawaiian women were more than double the national average. The surge extended across the country, with 40 states witnessing maternal syphilis rates more than double between 2016 and 2022. South Dakota reported a staggering case rate increase of over 400%, while Maine displayed no significant increase during the same period. Adult Syphilis Cases Rising AP News earlier reported an assessment on adult sexually transmitted diseases (STD) that found a 9% rise in infectious syphilis cases in 2022. Total cases went over 207,000, a 17% rise and the most since 1950. Syphilis infections in the US decreased to their lowest by 1998 after antibiotics became widely accessible in the 1940s. The study also examined chlamydia and gonorrhea, prevalent STDs. From 2021 to 2022, chlamydia infections stayed at 495 per 100,000, however, men and women in their early 20s saw reductions. Similarly, gonorrhea declined greatest among women in their early 20s. New gonorrhea cases experienced a noteworthy decline of 9%, a positive development after a decade of rising rates. Read Also: Japan Breeds First Pigs for Human Organ Transplants Amid Donor Shortage Crisis Gonorrhea rates dropped for unknown reasons, per experts. The decline occurred in 40 states, so whatever caused it seems to have occurred nationwide. Officials think the 2020 chlamydia prevalence dropped because the COVID-19 epidemic interrupted STD testing. Though its prevalence is lower than chlamydia and gonorrhea, health experts consider syphilis more dangerous. Urgent Action Needed to Address Crisis In response to the escalating syphilis epidemic, the Biden administration initiated a federal task force in November. While the administration implemented measures such as temporarily allowing the import of an alternative syphilis medication due to a shortage of the primary treatment, concerns persist among experts about the sufficiency of these efforts. David Harvey, Executive Director of the National Coalition of STD Directors, acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge and noted some positive signs of action. However, he expressed apprehension about the absence of indications regarding new resources or funding, raising concerns about the potential success of reducing syphilis rates, per CNN. Related Article: Lethal Meningitis Outbreak: Study Finds Fungus Targeted Brainstem in Cosmetic Surgery Patients in Mexico 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The US Patent Office reaffirms that patents cannot be granted to artificial intelligence. However, it clarifies that the utilization of an AI system by a human does not prevent an individual from meeting the qualifications of an inventor. (Photo : OLIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images) This illustration photograph taken in Helsinki on June 12, 2023, shows an AI (Artificial Intelligence) logo blended with four fake Twitter accounts bearing profile pictures apparently generated by Artificial Intelligence software. Confirming AI Can't Hold Patents The latest guidance from the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) emphasizes that while artificial intelligence systems cannot be designated as inventors, individuals can employ AI tools during the inventive process and must disclose such usage. The Verge reported that this directive follows extensive public consultation, with the USPTO affirming that although AI systems and other entities lacking natural personhood cannot be credited as inventors in patent filings, individuals utilizing AI remain eligible for inventor status. Applicants are required to divulge any AI involvement in the creation process, consistent with the agency's mandate to disclose all pertinent information. Nonetheless, for an individual to qualify as an inventor and secure a patent, they must have made substantial contributions to the conception of the invention. The mere act of instructing an AI system to generate an invention, without meaningful involvement in its development, does not confer inventorship. The USPTO clarifies that merely posing a problem to an AI system or passively accepting its output as a novel invention does not merit inventorship rights. Also Read: UK Supreme Court Examines Whether AI Can Be Named 'Inventor' During Patent Dispute Through the document, USPTO emphasizes that demonstrating a significant contribution involves how an individual formulates the query to address a specific problem, thereby eliciting a targeted solution from the AI system. Furthermore, the office clarifies that merely having "intellectual domination" over an AI system does not automatically confer inventorship upon an individual. Therefore, merely supervising or possessing an AI system capable of generating inventions does not grant the right to file patents for those creations. Previous Instances In 2020, the USPTO made a decisive ruling, asserting that only "natural humans" are eligible to apply for patents. This ruling came after researcher Stephen Thaler's petition, wherein he attempted to include the AI system he developed, known as DABUS, as an inventor in a patent application. Despite Thaler's efforts, a US court upheld the patent office's decision. In a separate case brought by Thaler involving an AI-generated image, a different federal court ruled that AI systems cannot be granted copyright. Following these legal developments, both the USPTO and the US Copyright Office engaged in a series of public consultations aimed at formulating new guidelines for handling AI-related matters in patent and copyright petitions. Meanwhile, the UK Supreme Court rejected the notion of designating artificial intelligence programs as inventors for patents in December, upholding the longstanding legal requirement that inventors must be natural persons. Related Article: AI Bots Cannot Named as Inventors for Patents, UK's Top Court Rules 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple has released the visionOS 1.0.3 update for its Vision Pro, featuring crucial bug fixes and a user-friendly reset option. Before this update, users who forgot their passcode had to visit an Apple Store or acquire a special $300 Developer Strap through the Apple Developer Program for a reset. With the new update, entering an incorrect passcode multiple times prompts an option to erase the Vision Pro. However, according to GSMArena, it is important to note that this Vision Pro update does not remove the activation lock, requiring users to log in with their Apple ID even after erasure, preventing unauthorized use if stolen. The most recent Vision Pro update enables users to restore their headsets using their Apple ID password, eliminating the need for in-store or customer support assistance. The visionOS 1.0.3 is the initial update since the Vision Pro's release, following the prior visionOS 1.0.2 version issued before the headset's launch on February 2 in the United States. (Photo : DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images) A set is displayed at the launch of the Apple Vision Pro at Apple The Grove in Los Angeles, California, on February 2, 2024. Vision Pro Risks Highlighted Priced at $3,499 for the 256GB storage variant, the Apple Vision Pro is available through US Apple Store locations and the company's web store. The device has micro OLED panels with a 100Hz refresh rate, an Apple M2 processor, and a new R1 chip. According to Gadgets360, these components enable iris-based biometric authentication and up to two hours of battery life on a single charge. The trending wearable tech device from Apple uses "passthrough" video technology like Meta's headsets to capture and replicate the outside world. However, some experts warn that Virtual reality (VR) may harm the brain after prolonged usage, as per a Business Insider article. Studies suggest VR usage may alter perception, with short-term effects such as misjudging distances. Extended VR use may also lead to "simulator sickness," causing nausea and dizziness. Vision Pro's passthrough video tech, while visually realistic, poses social challenges as conversations resemble video chats, and may also create a sense of social absence as colleagues may appear like avatars, impacting real-world interactions. The current scenario of a societal experiment of prolonged VR use prompts concerns about long-term effects on mental health and interpersonal relationships. More likely, studies on these matters will be conducted sooner or later. Read Also: Google Gemini to Fix Issues, Bring Selected Assistant Features Back for All While the Vision Pro allows movement, Apple advises against using the Maps app while in motion due to the absence of GPS functionality. The recommended mode of use is seated, considering the device's weight and lack of GPS. Reposnible Use of Apple's VR Headset Urged Apple cautions users against potential accidents, emphasizing that VR headsets like the Vision Pro are not designed for situations involving active impact. Vision Pro users are advised to avoid activities that might result in collisions, given the sensitivity of their eyes and the headset's distinction from protective gear like ski goggles, per CNET. TechTimes previously reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advised the Vision Pro users to utilize the device responsibly in light of the viral videos of people using the VR headset while driving. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg reminded the public that "All advanced driver assistance systems available today require the human driver to be in control and fully engaged in the driving task at all times." Related Article: Adobe Partners with TikTok for Enhanced Content Creation via AI-Powered Creative Assistant 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The massive lawsuits filed against OpenAI and its ChatGPT service saw a significant turn today, and this was after the California judge presiding over the case, dismissed the claims of the plaintiff authors. This led to OpenAI getting partial wins over the separate cases from the authors who said that ChatGPT illegally copied their works and infringed their content to train the AI. Massive copyright laws have been faced by ChatGPT over the years it has been available, with not only books but also art content for the other GPT-trained service, DALL-E. OpenAI Partially Wins in ChatGPT's Copyright Lawsuit US District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin filed an order to dismiss the massive claims of renowned authors who filed separate lawsuits against OpenAI and its ChatGPT. Authors Sarah Silverman, Paul Tremblay, and Michael Chabon's three separate cases saw the judge's dismissal of their claims, siding with OpenAI's motion filed last August. ArsTechnica reported that the judge found no evidence or a lack thereof from the claims of the authors, also centering on the several copyright infringement complaints of the writers. Read Also: OpenAI Election Misinformation Policy Aims to Combats AI Deepfake, Impersonation, and MORE Authors' Claims Were Dismissed by Judge, Why? The judge argued that there was insufficient evidence submitted by the authors from their respective cases, stating that the work should be similar or substantially similar to make those claims. Moreover, the authors also failed to convince the judge regarding OpenAI's violation of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) which points to the company that it removed the copyright management information (CMI). Judge Martinez-Olguin stated that there are "no facts" behind the authors' claims about OpenAI removing the CMI, but for those whose names were cited by ChatGPT, it is independent of the recent dismissal. OpenAI's Copyright Lawsuits and Issues One of the most significant lawsuits against OpenAI was the complaints from renowned authors who claimed that the renowned ChatGPT illegally used pirated copies of their books found online to train the chatbot. This includes the likes of Mona Awad and Paul Tremblay who were amongst the earliest to file the complaint against OpenAI, inviting other authors to also pursue the company. Shortly after, other authors and writers came together and sued OpenAI, including the likes of Michael Chabon, David Henry Hwang, Rachel Louise Snyder, and Ayelet Waldman. In a different take, comedian Sarah Silverman, joined by authors Richard Kardrey and Christopher Golden, filed a class-action lawsuit that involves OpenAI's GPT and Meta's LLaMA stealing data for its training. Now, several of these cases met a massive problem, and this centered on their inability to provide compelling evidence that nails OpenAI and its ChatGPT on the claims against it. The three separate lawsuits saw a massive snag in their fight against AI and its alleged illegal training, with the insufficient evidence leading to the fight going sideways, to favor OpenAI. Related Article: Microsoft, OpenAI, Sued Over Copyrighted Training Data For ChatGPT, AI Models 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The renowned smartphone chip developer, Qualcomm, is now reportedly asking for help to develop its take on the 2nm chip process, a smaller chipset to bring significant power to mobile devices. This includes companies like Samsung and TSMC which Qualcomm already asked, with the South Korean tech giant already agreeing to help create the prototype unit it needs. Moreover, it is regarded that this new 2nm chip process would be the next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 series, to power Android smartphones. Samsung to Help Qualcomm Develop 2nm Chips? Korea's EtNews recently reported that Qualcomm is tapping into Samsung and the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) to help it develop 2nm chips for its future processors. Currently, it is TSMC that achieved a significant milestone in creating a working 3nm chip process, the smallest there is in the market, now powering iPhones and Macs. The report also said that Samsung already decided to help Qualcomm by creating a prototype AP unit that is already in the 2nm process. It is unknown yet if TSMC already agreed to create the AP unit prototype, but once Qualcomm gets its hands on both of these, it would have the chance to choose between the processors from either company. The report further said that the process may take from six months to a year for TSMC. Read Also: Samsung DDR5 Memory: New 'Superfast' Chips Coming, 128GB Also Reportedly Dropping Qualcomm Asked Samsung, and TSMC for Help Samsung's development of these next-generation chips was already laid out by the South Korean company, stating that its 2nm process would significantly improve power efficiency and performance soon. Moreover, as regarded by Samsung before, there is already a target mass production date for the 2nm chips and it is coming by next year for the world to see. Qualcomm's Chip Development and SoCs The Snapdragon 8 series from Qualcomm is one of the best smartphone chips now, renowned for what it has to offer the world in brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and more flagship devices. Moreover, it gained significant remarks when it beat Apple's famed SoC for the iPhone, particularly with the A16 Bionic chips in its running score, despite being released almost two years ago. Its massive development and the world's smartphone brands' use of the Snapdragon chipsets only highlight the dominance of the multinational tech company from San Diego, California. Even Samsung who is known for developing its own chips got the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for the latest S24 series, powering its AI features and onboard technology. Now, Qualcomm is the one asking for help to deliver its next-gen processors to the world, going for the tiny 2nm process to bring the renowned computing power for smartphones. Samsung has reportedly decided that it will give Qualcomm the 2nm AP unit prototype that would help the San Diego company move forward, with TSMC remaining unknown if it would extend a helping hand. Related Article: Qualcomm Introduces New Chip for Mixed Reality 'Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. NVIDIA is joining the other Big Tech companies in the world that offer their take on AI chatbots, centering on the latest release of "Chat with RTX," made specifically for computers. This version of Chat with RTX is only in its free demonstration version, something that will let people take it for a spin and see how it fares against other chatbots in the market. The massive perk of NVIDIA in this chatbot centers on their AI chips and GPUs that helped in delivering this new technology, centering on a local generative AI experience. NVIDIA Debuts 'Chat with RTX', Its First AI Chatbot NVIDIA shared a new press release that announced its latest AI development for the world, introducing everyone to the 'Chat with RTX' service that centers on AI content generation and more. According to the company, this is powered by NVIDIA GPU-based cloud servers which deliver the generative AI experience for all Windows PCs, but with a catch. Part of the requirements to experience Chat with RTX is to have a GeForce RTX GPU on one's computer, offering a local and custom experience from the company. It also promises a fast experience considering its local availability, using the retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM software to bring this experience. Read Also: NVIDIA Brings RTX Video HDR that Upscales Blurry Online Videos using AI Chat with RTX for Local PCs on a Free Demo NVIDIA offers the Chat with RTX available to download and demo for free but requires that your PC has at least the GeForce RTX 30 series GPU or higher, alongside 8GB of video random access memory (VRAM). Additionally, Chat with RTX will connect to the local files on the PC as its dataset, to be used by its open-source large language model. NVIDIA's Take on Artificial Intelligence The world of artificial intelligence is doing massive wonders for NVIDIA, and this is because its renowned AI chip, the H100 series, is one of the top-regarded hardware for running the latest advancements in tech. Moreover, it also saw a massive rise in its stock gains, alongside the company's renowned GPU lineup, with massive AI partnerships with various companies as well. However, while NVIDIA is one of the top demanded companies for AI needs and developments now, the company also focused itself on creating its take on artificial intelligence. One of the perks of NVIDIA is that the hardware it uses is its own, with its chips powering the developments of its AI technologies, one that brings the power locally to one's PCs, and more. Recently, NVIDIA introduced a new feature for its RTX GPUs to use, and this is called the RTX Video HDR which helps upscale the blurry videos from the online streaming using its AI. Now, it announced its expansion towards generative AI, one that would center on the Chat with RTX service that offers a local PC experience for the chatbot, free to experience now. Related Article: Nvidia Briefly Tops Amazon in Market Value, Becomes 4th Most Valuable US Company 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A successful hack on a Meta contractor has led to a data leak of 200,000 Facebook Marketplace user data on a hacking forum, Bleeping Computer reports. Numerous pieces of personally identifiable information (PII), such as names, phone numbers, email addresses, Facebook IDs, and profile details, are said to be contained in the compromised database. The infamous threat actor IntelBroker reportedly claims to have exposed the partial Facebook Marketplace database on Breach Forums. As for email addresses alone, 24,127 are included in the leaked database, reportedly first made public on February 11th, along with other compromised data. The threat actor claims this portion of the Facebook Marketplace database was taken by someone exploiting the 'algoatson' Discord name to breach the systems of a Meta contractor last October 2023. (Photo : SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP via Getty Images) This illustration photograph taken on October 30, 2023, shows the Meta (former Facebook) logo on a smartphone in Mulhouse, eastern France. Hackread notes that it is important that IntelBroker withheld the name of the contractor who was purportedly targeted. Facebook does not handle all Facebook Marketplace data through a single contractor company. Instead, depending on the particular data element, they utilize a mix of external partnerships and internal teams. Renowned for their roles in multiple high-profile cyberattacks, such as the December 2023 leak of classified US Department of Defense secrets, IntelBroker has a history of breaking into networks and reselling stolen information on dark web forums. Prior breaches that IntelBroker has taken advantage of include the General Electric security breach that resulted in the November 2023 auction of DARPA-related network access. In February 2023, 1.1 million accounts were compromised in the Grocery Service breach. Read Also: Bank of America Vendor Hacked, Customer Data at Risk Facebook Hacked Facebook has a history of being associated with data leaks. A database with the personal information of 533 million Facebook users surfaced for free online in 2022. Notably, the phone numbers of Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes, and Mark Zuckerberg-three of Facebook's founders-were also reportedly exposed during this data breach. The incident led to the social media giant Meta being fined 265 million ($275.5 million) for neglecting to prevent Facebook users' private information from being scraped by other parties. Facebook has been under fire for a long time for allowing other companies to gather or scrape user data, the most well-known incident being Cambridge Analytica. Similarly, on a hacker forum in December 2019, hackers reportedly revealed the personal information of 267 million Facebook users. The users' names and email addresses of all e exposed in this incident, which was also the result of scraping activity. Facebook Marketplace Users at Risk Such sensitive personal data leaks carry a significant risk that they could have a long-lasting impact on people's lives. Threat actors use the data gathered to launch phishing scams, send malicious emails, and carry out other convincing assaults against people whose personal information was left vulnerable. The leaked data can also reportedly be used to utilize publicly available mobile numbers and personal information in SIM swap attacks, which enables hackers to obtain multi-factor authentication tokens delivered via SMS and take control of their targets' accounts. Related Article: LectureNotes Learning App Hit by Cyberattack; 2 Million Users Affected 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Elon Musk's SpaceX has proven to be lacking in terms of workplace safety programs after Washington state inspectors concluded investigations for an accident that nearly amputated an employee. SpaceX has reportedly been fined $3,600 for the incident. According to Reuters, state inspection records under an open records request reveal that inspectors from Washington state's Department of Labor and Industries found new safety breaches at the company's Redmond, Washington, plant last December during a visit prompted by worker complaints. SpaceX still has the option to appeal the ruling, according to an agency representative. The inspectors reportedly concluded that the facility lacked a "thorough safety program," proper communication of work regulations, and a mechanism to "correct violations." Inspectors referred to the incident as a "near amputation" since a roll of material dropped and crushed a worker's foot. (Photo : JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images) TOPSHOT - The SpaceX Falcon Heavy rests on Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, on February 5, 2018, ahead of its demonstration mission. - SpaceX is poised for the first test launch February 6 of its Falcon Heavy, which aims to become the world's most powerful rocket in operation, capable of ferrying people to the Moon or Mars some day. SpaceX managers reportedly informed the state inspectors that the issue had been resolved and it was an isolated incident. Inspectors discovered, however, that even though the rolls of materials workers had to feed into a machine had become heavier-from roughly 36 kg to 136 kg each, the company did not oblige its employees to wear steel-toe shoes. A representative for the agency stated that the infraction was deemed severe, considering the possibility of harm. According to the documents, a worker at the site informed inspectors that safety can be disregarded because the company's priority is to produce as much as possible quickly. According to the wounded worker, the roll-loading machine had been purposefully misconfigured to boost output during the material-loading stage. Read Also: Starlink's Dual Role: Aiding Ukraine's Defense and Assisting Russian Invaders? SpaceX's Mars Mission Over Worker Safety These sentiments prove to be aligned with previous reports wherein after workers voiced concerns about their working conditions in an open letter, SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell instructed staff members in a 2022 email to concentrate on their jobs and the company's goal of getting humans to Mars as soon as possible. According to the Business Insider article, Shotwell's email came in response to an open letter from SpaceX employees that criticized the firm for its indifferent treatment of employee concerns and its inconsistent implementation of disciplinary procedures. Sources indicate that these quick cuts resulted in serious injuries, including comas and occasionally even the death of employees. The report then concluded that the "rat race" of the space industry, in which SpaceX is generally considered the leading participant, is reflected in the company's declining workplace safety and increased work pace. SpaceX's Continuing Safety Concerns After voicing their complaints in the letter, nine employees were let go, and eight of them later filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board regarding unfair labor practices. According to Reuters, since 2024, the company has allegedly recorded more than 600 labor injuries at SpaceX locations that have not been previously publicized. On the other hand, CNBC also previously reported employee accounts that revealed that senior SpaceX managers circumvented safety procedures and product testing to maximize productivity. They also claimed that SpaceX avoids "a certain amount of red tape." Related Article: SpaceX Undergoes California Investigation for Sex Bias Claims 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A recent study has focused to an intriguing question: can artificial intelligence (AI) effectively write laws? This research conducted by Associate Professor Guzyal Hill from Charles Darwin University (CDU) delved into the capabilities of OpenAI's widely used AI tool ChatGPT in analyzing and producing domestic violence legislation, aiming to assess its quality compared to human legal experts, particularly those represented by the Australian Law Council. Can ChatGPT Write Laws? The complexity of domestic violence as a deeply human issue, coupled with the increasing prevalence of AI, prompted Hill to embark on this investigation. With up to 50 women losing their lives to domestic violence annually in Australia, the need for robust legislation to address this societal challenge is paramount. Hill's study involved subjecting ChatGPT to rigorous testing, comparing its output to that of the Australian Law Council. While ChatGPT demonstrated utility in classifying and identifying patterns of domestic violence, the study revealed that human drafting remains superior in terms of producing high-quality legislation. ChatGPT's references often drew from US law, highlighting the importance of contextual understanding and the nuances of legal systems across jurisdictions. AI vs. Human Expertise in Law As a lawyer and former legislative drafter, Hill emphasized the necessity for further research to explore AI's role in the legal profession. For legal practitioners and students alike, upskilling in AI is imperative. In a statement, Hill noted that ignoring or misusing AI could lead to unforeseen drawbacks and risks, including the potential disregard for fundamental human rights and principles of the rule of law. While AI systems like ChatGPT offer augmentation to human analysis and reasoning, they do not replace the need for human expertise in legal drafting. Instead, Hill noted that AI presents an opportunity for collaboration and innovation in the legal domain, potentially transforming the way law approached globally. Read Also: OpenAI Bans Dean.Bot's Developer, a ChatGPT-Powered Presidential Candidate Impersonator Bot 'Not Yet' "After running several tests and comparing with the definition produced by the Australian Law Council, the answer is 'not yet'-human drafting is still superior. ChatGPT, however, was very useful in classifying and identifying underlying patterns of types of domestic violence," Hill said in the statement. "For non-lawyers, ChatGPT and similar LLMs should never be used for legal advice. A lot of ChatGPT references include the US law. Law in Australia is simply different, not even talking about differences between, say, Queensland and South Australia. I have noticed ChatGPT now includes a disclosure that it cannot provide legal advice," she added. The study, titled "AI-Legislation for AI, Legislation with AI: Round No 1 ChatGPT v Australian Law Council", was published in The Loophole. Related Article: OpenAI Election Misinformation Policy Aims to Combats AI Deepfake, Impersonation, and MORE 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Qu Dongyu, director-general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), meets with Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Feb. 13, 2024. Qu Dongyu started a two-day visit to Slovenia on Tuesday to discuss global food safety with the incumbent non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) LJUBLJANA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Qu Dongyu, director-general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) started a two-day visit to Slovenia on Tuesday to discuss global food safety with the incumbent non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. He met Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, as well as Agriculture Minister Mateja Calusic and Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon. Musar welcomed the readiness of FAO to cooperate in the Security Council projects and pointed out the poor food safety in Yemen, Sudan, South Sudan and Gaza, the president's office said in a statement. She also pushed for promotion of bee diplomacy which focuses on international cooperation in protection of bees as one of the factors of sustainable development. Slovenia has a strong beekeeping tradition and was the initiator of UN declaring May 20 as the World Bee Day. On Wednesday, Qu is due to visit a local research center that is focused on sustainability and a local farm. Qu Dongyu, director-general of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), meets with Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon in Ljubljana, Slovenia, Feb. 13, 2024. Qu Dongyu started a two-day visit to Slovenia on Tuesday to discuss global food safety with the incumbent non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. (Photo by Zeljko Stevanic/Xinhua) The wave of layoffs sweeping through the tech industry, surpassing 260,000 in 2023 and continuing into 2024, is signaling a broader trend that experts believe could reshape the nature of employment. Despite a robust job market in non-tech sectors, the ongoing job cuts in tech companies raise concerns about the future of "thinking" jobs across various industries. Roland Rust, a Distinguished University Professor and David Bruce Smith Chair in Marketing for the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, emphasized the narrative surrounding these layoffs that often overlook a critical context. According to Rust, the downsizing in tech firms foreshadows a larger decline in "thinking" jobs within the broader labor market. "The ongoing job cuts by tech firms foreshadows a broader decline of 'thinking' jobs across the broader labor market that will increasingly force people to look for more 'feeling' jobs," Rust said in a statement. 'Thinking' Jobs on Decline Due to AI? Thinking jobs traditionally involve tasks entailing high levels of cognitive engagement, problem-solving, analysis, and decision-making. These jobs often rely on individuals' ability to process complex information, utilize critical thinking skills, and render strategic judgments. Reflecting on his past research, Rust highlighted a study conducted in 2018, wherein he and co-author Ming-Hui Huang predicted the emergence of this phenomenon. Subsequent empirical evidence provided in a 2019 article, along with insights consolidated in their 2021 book, "The Feeling Economy: How Artificial Intelligence is Creating the Era of Empathy," further emphasized this trend. As AI continues to evolve, Rust argued, it increasingly assumes tasks traditionally performed by humans, necessitating a shift in the labor force towards skills that complement rather than compete with artificial intelligence. He emphasized the importance of attributes, like intuition, empathy, creativity, and interpersonal skills in navigating this transition. Pointing to recent developments, Rust illustrated how jobs once deemed "thinking"-intensive are evolving into roles that prioritize "feeling" aspects. For instance, financial analysts are delegating technical tasks to AI systems, focusing on cultivating client relationships and providing emotional support. This transformation extends beyond the financial sector, as demonstrated by the evolution of customer service roles. While AI chatbots handle routine inquiries, human representatives now specialize in handling non-routine matters that require judgment, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Highlighting a case study featured in The Washington Post, Rust cited individuals transitioning from tech careers to fields such as psychology - a trend predicted in his book. He advocates for a reevaluation of educational priorities, suggesting a shift away from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) towards the development of "people skills." Read Also: Tech Companies Plan to Agree on AI-Proof Elections Accord The Rise of the 'Feeling Economy' According to Rust, the rise of AI is accelerating the displacement of "thinking" jobs, particularly in the tech sector, paving the way for what he terms the "feeling economy." This paradigm shift underscores the need for individuals to adapt to evolving job requirements and cultivate skills that are less susceptible to automation. "As AI evolves to handle much of the thinking required in fields across the labor market, humans need to recalibrate and capitalize on strengths beyond pure intelligence-like intuition, empathy, creativity, emotion, and people skills," Rust noted. Related Article: Discord Joins Tech Layoffs by Cutting 17% of its Employees 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Swifties know "All Too Well" that Taylor Swift's music has been saving their lives ever since her debut era and will continue do so in her upcoming album "The Tortured Poets Department," at least in a figurative way. However, it gets "Crazier" as heart experts have found that her songs could literally save lives. Taylor Swift Songs for CPR "Call It What You Want," but researchers have discovered a surprising connection between Taylor Swift songs and life-saving CPR techniques. The catchy beats of over 50 Swift's tracks have been identified as having the optimal tempo for delivering effective chest compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a revelation that could potentially save lives. That could mean no more "You're Losing Me!" At the forefront of this innovative research are the "Fearless" minds at Monash University's Victorian Heart Institute. They have identified a number of Taylor Swift songs with beats per minute (bpm) perfectly suited for performing CPR. By tapping into the rhythm of Swift's music, individuals can now hone their CPR skills with tunes like "Fearless," "Is It Over Now?," and "Teardrops On My Guitar." According to Professor Stephen Nicholls, Director of the Victorian Heart Institute, the integration of contemporary music like from Swift into CPR training could be a game-changer in promoting cardiovascular health and improving survival rates. Traditionally, the Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive" has been the go-to song for maintaining the appropriate rhythm during CPR, with its beats per minute aligning closely with the recommended compression rate. However, the introduction of Swift's catalog as an alternative CPR soundtrack opens up new possibilities for engaging younger audiences and increasing CPR proficiency. In short, you can do CPR with "Style". "A quarter of people who have a heart attack don't make it to hospital in the first place and we know that survival rates for cardiac arrest can be greatly improved with bystander CPR," Nicholls said in a statement. "Taylor Swift's music is some of the most popular and influential of this generation. Music plays a pivotal role in maintaining effective CPR compressions. As iconic songs lose relevance, identifying new songs with optimal beats per minute (BPM) for training is crucial," he added. Read Also: Taylor Swift Enters Legal Battle Against Student Tracking Celebrity Jet Flights, Joining Elon Musk Top 50 Taylor Swift Songs Suitable for CPR Between 100-120 BPM 1. Fearless (100) 2. Is It Over Now? (100) 3. I Think He Knows (100) 4. Teardrops On My Guitar (100) 5. Stay Stay Stay (100) 6. Untouchable (102) 7. Nothing New (102) 8. Long Live (102) 9. Cornelia Street (102) 10. Paper Rings (103) 11. Soon You'll Get Better (103) 12. You're Losing Me (103) 13. 22 (104) 14. Clean (104) 15. Picture To Burn (105) 16. We Were Happy (106) 17. September (107) 18. Question...? (109) 19. Coney Island (108) 20. Dear Reader (108) 21. Maroon (108) 22. Santa Baby (108) 23. Say Don't Go (110) 24. Now That We Don't Talk (110) 25. King Of My Heart (110) 26. Treacherous (110) 27. Mirrorball (110) 28. Snow On The Beach (110) 29. Labyrinth (110) 30. The Man (110) 31. Afterglow (111) 32.Paris (111) 33. Gold Rush (112) 34. The Outside (112) 35. Sparks Fly (115) 36. A Place in This World (115) 37. Carolina (116) 38. Message In A Bottle (116) 39. Last Christmas (116) 40. Forever Winter (116) 41. Hey Stephen (116) 42. The Lucky One (117) 43. Welcome to New York (117) 44. I Wish You Would (117) 45. How You Get The Girl (117) 46. Suburban Legends (118) 47. Forever & Always (119) 48. Speak Now (119) 49 Hoax (119) 50. Dear John (119) Related Article: US Lawmakers Introduce DEFIANCE Act in Response to Taylor Swift AI Porn Controversy 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Dutch semiconductor equipment giant ASML is facing headwinds as it navigates through geopolitical tensions and export restrictions imposed by the United States. The company, which holds a dominant position in the market for lithography systems, highlighted these challenges in its annual report published on Wednesday. According to Reuters, ASML warned that escalating geopolitical tensions and potential expansion of export restrictions to China could hamper its business growth prospects. Signs of Rebound In a recent Bloomberg report, ASML's Chief Financial Officer, Roger Dassen, emphasized that the semiconductor market has hit its lowest point, but there are signs of a rebound. Despite subdued sales forecasts from major chipmakers like Intel Corp. and Texas Instruments Inc., ASML sees a nascent recovery on the horizon. The company's assessment is a crucial indicator of the semiconductor industry's health, given its position as the top maker of lithography systems. Geopolitical Tensions and Export Restrictions The impact of geopolitical tensions and export restrictions on ASML's sales to China is of great concern. Recently, Japan and the Netherlands joined the US in an effort to restrict exports of advanced chip manufacturing equipment to China. The company expects export curbs in the United States and the Netherlands to reduce sales of its mid-range "DUV" product lines to China by 10% to 15% this year, following record levels in 2023. According to Reuters, ASML has been unable to sell its most advanced EUV tool line in China since 2019, adding to the region's challenges. China's recent push for self-sufficiency in chipmaking, fueled by government subsidies and strategic initiatives, adds complexity to ASML's market dynamics. Despite the US's efforts to impede the development of advanced chip technologies, Chinese chipmakers, led by Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC), intend to begin producing next-generation smartphone processors as early as this year. The rise of domestic competitors like Shanghai Micro Electronics Equipment (SMEE) poses a threat to ASML's market dominance. ASML's sales distribution, heavily reliant on a few major customers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co., underscores the importance of the Chinese market despite the challenges. Read Also: OpenAI's Sam Altman Seeks Trillions to Reshape Semiconductor Industry, Boost AI Development Plans for the Future Despite these obstacles, ASML remains optimistic about its long-term prospects. Dassen highlighted the company's strategic positioning in key technological trends such as artificial intelligence, electrification, and the energy transition. These trends are expected to drive future demand for ASML's products, mitigating some of the short-term challenges. Innovation remains a cornerstone of ASML's strategy to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. The company recently unveiled its latest chipmaking machine, boasting advanced features and capabilities. With record orders for its top-of-the-line EUV machines, ASML is poised to capitalize on the industry's recovery and the anticipated opening of new fabs globally. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Vietnam Offers Lucrative Tax Breaks to Semiconductor Firms Amid China-US Chip Conflict 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Finnish tech giant Nokia recently released the 'MX Workmate' AI tool, intended to help the industrial sector increase productivity while ensuring worker safety. The MX Workmate uses artificial intelligence to assist industrial workers with a variety of tasks, including real-time data insights and productivity-boosting recommendations (via Reuters). Nokia's MX Workmate AI Tool The primary objective of the MX Workmate is to bridge the gap between industrial workers and operational technology (OT) systems. The tool generates human-like messages based on real-time data by leveraging generative AI and large language models (LLMs). These messages could include warnings about machinery malfunctions, suggestions for improving production quality and rates, and instructions for handling factory emergencies. Stephane Daeuble, Head of Enterprise Solutions Marketing at Nokia, highlighted the significance of the MX Workmate in helping workers make sense of vast amounts of data. He emphasized that the tool is a valuable assistant, providing timely insights and recommendations to enhance efficiency on factory floors. Moreover, Nokia ensures that the MX Workmate complies with operational technology regulations (OT), prioritizing reliability, security, and data sovereignty. Although the tool is in its early stages, Nokia aims to implement it within a year and a half, following rigorous testing and fine-tuning. Read Also: Adobe Partners with TikTok for Enhanced Content Creation via AI-Powered Creative Assistant Optimizing Productivity The announcement of the MX Workmate came when industries worldwide faced a shortage of skilled labor. According to a survey by Korn Ferry, the deficit of skilled tech workers is projected to reach 85 million globally by 2030, amounting to significant potential revenue losses. The MX Workmate presents itself as a solution to this challenge, supporting existing employees while optimizing productivity and safety in industrial environments. Reece Hayden, a Senior Analyst at ABI Research, praised Nokia's initiative, noting that the MX Workmate is the first AI solution designed specifically for production floors. Hayden underscored the tool's potential to streamline workflows, minimize downtime, and enhance worker safety, thus presenting significant cost optimization opportunities for industries. Stephan Litjens, Vice President of Enterprise Solutions at Nokia, echoed Hayden's sentiments, emphasizing the transformative role of AI in industrial settings. Litjens stressed that the MX Workmate represents a crucial step towards advancing digitalization strategies in enterprises, particularly those facing challenges due to the shortage of skilled workers. "AI is a key element of industrial transformation," Litjens underlined. Nokia plans to showcase the MX Workmate for the first time at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where industry experts and stakeholders will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the capabilities of this groundbreaking AI tool. Nokia's introduction of the 'MX Workmate' AI tool marks a significant step forward in merging technology and industry. The MX Workmate promises to improve productivity, efficiency, and safety in industrial environments worldwide by providing factory workers with real-time insights, recommendations, and support. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: OpenAI Enhances ChatGPT's Capabilities with Cutting-Edge Memory Feature 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In an effort to address methane emissions, Google has partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to monitor these harmful gases from space, Bloomberg reports. This collaboration seeks to use cutting-edge satellite technology to track and identify methane sources with unprecedented precision. The collaboration centers around EDF's MethaneSAT satellite, slated for launch aboard a SpaceX rocket next month. This state-of-the-art satellite will orbit the Earth, mapping and measuring methane emissions from key oil and gas regions worldwide. Tracking Methane Emissions with Cutting-edge Technology Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is a significant driver of global warming, responsible for about 30% of the current warming trend. Despite its detrimental effects on the environment and public health, methane emissions often go unreported and unchecked. As the company highlights in a recent blog post, Google's expertise in artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing will play a pivotal role in analyzing the vast amounts of data collected by MethaneSAT. By harnessing AI algorithms, Google aims to identify methane hotspots and trace emissions back to their sources with unprecedented precision. One of the primary challenges in combating methane emissions is accurately pinpointing their origins. However, with the combined efforts of Google and EDF, this task becomes more manageable. Google's AI technology will identify oil and gas infrastructure from satellite imagery, such as well pads and storage tanks. This comprehensive mapping will enable researchers to correlate methane emissions with specific sources, facilitating targeted mitigation efforts. Read Also: Google Meet' Companion Mode' Now on Mobile, For Large or Individual Joiners Enhanced Monitoring The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, especially in light of recent climate commitments by governments and industries worldwide. Countries like the US, the European Union, and China have pledged to enhance the monitoring and reporting methane emissions as part of broader climate mitigation strategies. Despite these commitments, methane emissions from fossil fuel operations remain significantly underreported. Studies have shown that actual emissions may be much higher than official estimates, highlighting the urgent need for improved monitoring and accountability measures. Moreover, some industry players have been reluctant to acknowledge the extent of their methane emissions, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. However, with the advent of advanced satellite technology, these emissions can no longer escape scrutiny. The accessibility of data is another crucial aspect of this partnership. MethaneSAT datasets will be available to researchers and policymakers through Google's Earth Engine platform. This open-access approach will empower stakeholders to track methane emissions, analyze trends, and formulate evidence-based policies to address this pressing environmental issue. Google's collaboration with EDF marks a significant advancement in the campaign against methane emissions. This partnership can potentially transform how we monitor and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by leveraging satellite technology and AI-driven analytics. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Related Article: Google Pledges $26.98 Million to Narrow AI Skills Gap Across Europe 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The evolution of communication technology has been remarkable. From simple phone calls to multifaceted messaging platforms, the landscape has transformed significantly. Among the plethora of options available today, Telegram stands out as a popular choice for connecting with others. But is Telegram safe to use? Let's dive into the nuances of Telegram security to provide clarity on this crucial question. How Telegram Started Launched in 2013 by Russian brothers Pavel and Nikolai Durov, Telegram aimed to revolutionize messaging by prioritizing privacy and speed. Over the years, it has stayed true to its mission, offering users a secure and efficient platform for communication. Related Article: Telegram Update Adds Transcriptions for Voice, Video Messages, Free for All Core Features At its core, Telegram functions like any other messaging app, allowing users to exchange texts, multimedia, emojis, stickers, GIFs, and more. However, it sets itself apart with unique features such as the ability to create chat groups with up to 200,000 members, surpassing the limitations of other messaging platforms. How Telegram Encryption Works When assessing the security of messaging apps, encryption is paramount. Telegram employs a combination of encryption methods to safeguard user data. While the standard mode does not utilize end-to-end encryption (E2EE), it stores data heavily encrypted across multiple data centers, ensuring protection against unauthorized access. For those seeking enhanced privacy, Telegram offers Secret Chat mode, where messages are stored locally on the recipient's device and can only be deciphered with decryption keys. This feature provides an additional layer of security, making it ideal for sensitive communications. Cloud-Based Service While Telegram is primarily viewed as a messaging app, it operates as a chat cloud service, allowing users to access their data from multiple devices seamlessly. Although cloud-based chats may not offer end-to-end encryption, users can activate Secret Chat mode for added security. Protocol Enhancements Telegram employs the MTProto cryptographic protocol to safeguard user privacy. While earlier versions faced scrutiny for using obsolete encryption methods, subsequent updates have addressed these concerns. The implementation of MTProto 2.0, featuring SHA-256 encryption, underscores Telegram's commitment to enhancing security. Privacy Principles The founders of Telegram adhere to two fundamental rules: refraining from using user data for advertising purposes and storing only essential data. This commitment to privacy ensures that user information remains protected, fostering trust and confidence among users. Data Management Telegram collects metadata from users to combat spam and abuse, as outlined in its Privacy Policy. While this data may include IP addresses, usernames, and contact lists, Telegram emphasizes its focus on safeguarding user identities. However, the storage and use of contact information for notification purposes have raised questions regarding user privacy. Transparency and Accountability In compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Telegram offers users the option to request a data report through the Telegram Data Report bot. This transparency initiative enables users to understand the data collected and its intended use, empowering them to make informed decisions about their privacy. Challenges and Controversies Despite Telegram's efforts to prioritize user privacy, the platform has faced criticism for its role in facilitating illegal activities. The anonymity afforded by the chat platform has made it a breeding ground for scams, hacking, and illicit content sharing, prompting concerns about its misuse. Business Model and Sustainability Telegram's business model revolves around providing a free and secure messaging service, funded primarily by its founder Pavel Durov and investors. While the absence of ads reinforces its commitment to user privacy, questions remain about its long-term sustainability. Subscription Model In a bid to support its growth and innovation, the messaging app introduced a subscription model offering premium features and enhanced resources. This initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of users while maintaining the integrity of the free version. Privacy Best Practices To maximize privacy and security on Telegram, users can implement the following tips: Activate Secret Chat mode for end-to-end encryption and self-destruct timers. Enable Two-step verification for an added layer of security. Utilize message auto-delete settings to enhance privacy. Customize privacy and security settings to align with personal preferences. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for enhanced anonymity and access. While Telegram offers robust security features and prioritizes user privacy, it is not immune to challenges and controversies. By adopting best practices and leveraging available tools, users can navigate the Telegram ecosystem safely and confidently, ensuring secure and private communications in an increasingly digital world. Read Also: Telegram's Role in 'Democratization' of Cybercrime Unveiled by Guardio Labs 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. (Photo : ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images) The Apple Vision Pro has been out for two weeks, and users are discovering it may help legally blind and severely visually impaired people see better. "I can see better through this than with my normal, naked eye. Oh, wow!" Creator James Rath said on his TikTok that he had documented his experience with the Vision Pro as a legally blind person. Rath is among the users who have been experimenting with the Vision Pro and find that it can help with their eyesight when using the device. However, blindness is a complex issue, and what will work for one won't work for another. "The idea that the headset allows someone with partial vision to see better than their natural vision is true, but only under certain conditions and with diminishing returns," Kurtis Weir, a lecturer and researcher at Birmingham City University, told Tech Times in an interview. "To say that it's because the headset is closer to the eyes is an oversimplification as there are many other factors: light enclosed shining directly into the retina, restricted field of view, the curvature of the lenses, fixed focal compatibility, and so on. There's a sweet spot of when this can be beneficial to you." Research Supports Vision Boost With Headsets Weir has researched this topic with one of the earliest Oculus Rift CV1 headsets and found powerful results. "During my investigation, I had a woman burst into tears as she was able to read a virtual poster I placed on a wall. While she normally could not read without severe assistance," he said. His PhD research compared natural vision to virtual vision by placing optometry charts in real-world and virtual environments. It tested participants on letter detection, contrast letter detection, reading words, and speed reading. "60% of participants performed better in VR amongst the four tests," Dr. Weir said. "In my exploration, I realized visual disabilities are so complex that it's very hard to get comparative results from just people with severe low vision as the complexities of someone having a cataract, one blinded eye, nystagmus, diabetic retinopathy, and all sorts started to compound." He continued, "However, there was clear evidence that, for some, there can be a significant visual gain without making any enhancements to the headsets at all." While the screen may be only a few inches from your eyes, the focal distance is usually set a few feet away. This is why some people with short or long-sightedness may still require prescription lenses to use a headset, which Apple offered with the Vision Pro. "The people that were angry [at the creator] are likely people that had enough vision that a headset, without enhancements, isn't going to help them," Dr. Weir said. "It's really only legally blind, or people with complex visual disabilities, that could benefit." In an interview, Saya Nagori, ophthalmologist and founder of EyeFacts, said that common conditions like cataracts or diabetic retinopathy wouldn't benefit from using a VR headset-suggesting surgery or diligent blood sugar management would be more effective. But puts forward that people with glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, Stargardt, and retinitis pigmentosa may benefit from using a VR headset. That said, this is a complex issue, and each condition may require different enhancements to the headset. While the Vision Pro and other common VR headsets can help visually impaired people, the eSight is a VR device made for people with low vision. eSight users mostly have macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and Stargardt's disease. VR Is No Panacea Experts say That no VR headset will address the underlying issue of vision impairment. As a result, anyone living with such conditions should seek professional medical help. Most headsets are strapped with a few accessibility features for blind people, including voice commands, haptic feedback, and live captions. While this is great, experts are calling for better accessibility features. "Text scaling should be customizable either by standardized font size or by pixel, or slider, rather than simplistic categories," Weir said. "There should be the ability to hold and zoom onto an element in front of you, sort of like a button press magnifier. You should be able to change colors freely, change the default text color, change background color, and be able to dim or fade out the virtual background when accessing panel content." Fortunately, it seems the Apple Vision Pro has taken a step in the right direction with some advanced accessibility features. As mentioned in the original TikTok, the Vision Pro allows users to change eye tracking to head tracking for those with nystagmus-the involuntary shaking of the eyes. "It's great to finally see some partial recognition of the capabilities of these devices, even if it's in a TikTok format," Weir said. And hopefully, the Vision Pro has also set a new standard for accessibility features for blind VR users. Ryan S. Gladwin is a freelance journalist who has been published in Fortune, VICE, Fast Company, The Daily Beast, The Verge, Mashable, and more. His portfolio is available at https://muckrack.com/ryan-s-gladwin 2024 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BEIRUT, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israeli drones and warplanes on Wednesday launched intense air raids on several areas in southern Lebanon, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. Sources, who spoke anonymously, said warplanes carried out 15 raids in less than half an hour, targeting several areas in the south, including Nabatieh and Iqlim al Tuffah, located over 20 kilometers away from the border line separating Lebanon and Israel. Meanwhile, government medical sources told Xinhua that the Israeli air strikes caused several casualties and that vehicles belonging to the Civil Defense and the Lebanese Red Cross were working to transfer an unspecified number of casualties to several hospitals in southern Lebanon. Also on Wednesday, Israel's emergency service said that one person was killed, and seven others injured in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Israel's northern city of Safed. 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. 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 Jordi Evole apologizes to Camela in Lo de Evole for an article he wrote in 2000 Organ donation registry: how does it work? Answers to the most important questions Annoyed by a kissing couple: woman attacks the person sitting next to her on the train 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 A Blaugrana nightmare and the bogeyman Joao Felix: "It was a game for him, he made a difference" NBA: Victor Wembanyama and Gregg Popovich confirm the Spurs will come to Paris next season 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 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. Niger: why the American military base in Agadez is strategic for the United States France: Emmanuel Macron receives the Crif for his 80th birthday, in a context of war in Gaza To deter dissolutions that can be seen as aimed at maintaining power Oshima, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Why does time fly quickly when we are having fun and slow down when we are bored? 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 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. ULAN BATOR, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Film Week opened at the Chinese Cultural Center in Ulan Bator on Wednesday. The event aims to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Mongolia, help people of Mongolia better understand China and boost learning of the Chinese language, according to the Chinese Cultural Center. "Film is the art of light and shadow, a mirror of reality, and a messenger of culture, and plays an important role in promoting exchanges and mutual learning between different civilizations," Li Zhi, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia and director of the Chinese Cultural Center, said at the opening ceremony. Li said more and more excellent Chinese films and TV dramas have entered the households of the people of Mongolia in recent years, while films and TV series have become a bridge between the people of China and Mongolia. A total of six popular Chinese movies, namely "The Captain," "Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child," "Galaxy Tutoring Class," "The Four," "Ex 3: Goodbye Ex," and "Pegasus" will be screened at the center during the week. Nine trapped in Turkish gold mine landslide Istanbul, Feb 13 (AFP) Feb 13, 2024 Hundreds of Turkish rescuers on Tuesday searched through a cyanide-laced field for nine gold mine workers who were swallowed by a massive landslide that rolled over their open pit. Images from the scene showed the landslide sweeping across a valley and crashing into a road where some of the workers were travelling by vehicle. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said there was no news of nine out of 667 employees at the mine, which is in the remote Ilic district of the eastern Erzincan province. "We installed our (rescue) vehicles, our generators, and our night lighting equipment," Yerlikaya told state-run TRT television. "We have only one wish: to be able to give good news to the families of these brothers." Experts and local officials said the search was complicated by the presence in the ground of cyanide -- a highly toxic chemical compound used to extract gold from ore. "Cyanide soil collapsed" at the site, Independent Mining Labour Union representative Basaran Aksu told Turkish media. Aksu said specialist equipment would be needed in the search. "The work may take a very long time because of the cyanide field," which is reported to be one of Turkey's largest. - 2022 accident - The province lies on the northern bank of the Karasu River -- a major tributary of the Euphrates, which runs from Turkey to Syria and Iraq. The environment ministry said it had sealed off a stream that runs from the open pit to prevent contamination of the Euphrates. Environmental activists and local officials tried to shut down the open pit mine after a 2022 cyanide leak. The plant closed for a few months but then re-opened after its operator paid a fine, prompting an outcry from Turkey's opposition parties. Cemalettin Kucuk, an engineer who co-authored a report into the mine's safety when its operator sought permission to expand its capacity, said the soil was filled with "stone fragments containing cyanide". "We are talking about a mountain weighing millions of tonnes," Kucuk told Turkish media. "We have warned about this many times." Mehmet Torun, the former president of the Chamber of Mining Engineers, explained that the huge pile of soil sliding towards the Euphrates River consists of materials washed with cyanide and sulfuric acid. "For years, that mountain was being blown up, gold extracted from it.... and the waste was piled aside like a mountain of garbage. Now this huge mass, bathed in cyanide, flows towards the Euphrates River," he warned. Anagold, a private company that runs the Ilic mine, said it was working to minimise the effects of this "painful" incident. "We will mobilise all our means in order to urgently shed light on this incident," Anagold said in a statement. The justice ministry on Tuesday assigned four public prosecutors to investigate the mine's operations. Turkey is prone to deadly landslides and has suffered a string of mining accidents in recent decades. A methane blast at a coal mine in northwest Turkey killed 42 people in October 2022. Philippines to file charges against sunken oil tanker owners Manila, Feb 14 (AFP) Feb 14, 2024 The Philippine government said Wednesday it will file criminal charges against the owners of an oil tanker that sank off a central island nearly a year ago, causing severe marine pollution. More than half of the vessel's 800,000-litre (211,000-gallon) oil cargo spilled into the sea over hundreds of kilometres off Mindoro island, famed for having some of the world's most diverse marine life. A justice department statement said it will file charges against tanker owners and operators RDC Reield Marine Services, as well as an unspecified number of corporate officers and certain employees it did not name. The company falsified documents used to register the Princess Empress, including papers relating to its construction and its license to carry cargo, prosecutors alleged. Regulators including 19 from the Philippine Coast Guard, two from the Maritime Industry Authority and one private individual will also be charged, the justice department added, without naming them. "Negligence cannot be used as an excuse to destroy the environment and livelihood of people," Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla said in the statement. The planned charges do not directly address the environmental damage caused by the February 28, 2023 sinking, which prevented thousands of fishermen along Mindoro's east coast from catching fish for months. The statement did not say whether further charges would be filed. The coast guard, the maritime regulator and a public relations firm representing the family-owned company did not immediately respond to AFP's requests for comment. Under Philippine law, public officers found guilty of falsifying official documents can be jailed for up to 12 years. Private individuals convicted of the same crime face up to six years in prison. by Martina Fuchs DUBAI, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- China is playing a leading role in the world's just transition towards renewable energies, the Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Gauri Singh told Xinhua on Monday on the sidelines of the ongoing World Governments Summit in Dubai. "China has always played a very important role in renewable energy," Singh said while extending her greetings to the Chinese people for the Lunar New Year, which falls on Feb. 10. "The Year of the Dragon embodies the spirit of courage, vitality, and ambition. We all need to be ambitious in how we view our common future and the future of the planet," she said. The IRENA, with 169 members, is a leading global intergovernmental organization to promote world renewable transition, support countries in their energy transitions, and provide up-to-date data and analyses on green tech innovation, policy, finance and investment. Thanks to China's role as a hub for manufacturing, which drives down green transition costs, a large number of countries were able to advance their national plans more smoothly, according to Singh. According to the IRENA's Renewable Capacity Statistics 2023 published in March last year, China accounted for about 48 percent of the increase in global total renewable capacity in 2022. Two-thirds of the new hydropower capacity, 45 percent of the new solar capacity, half of the new wind capacity, and 57 percent of the new bioenergy capacity in 2022 were installed in China. "The beauty of what China does is that they just go and just get it done. I think that is a very important aspect of how they're also looking at international collaboration and cooperation," Singh said. Singh added, however, there are three main challenges for the world to overcome in the renewable energy sector. "One is that we still don't have the infrastructure in place to support the transition from centralized power plants to renewable energy," she explained. "The second remains that this is a sector that's policy-driven. Policies need to be in place and they need to enable the transition to happen." Thirdly, Singh said that more manpower and skills will be required to support the transition. "We need to make sure that it's a just energy transition. We can't leave behind certain parts of the world and move forward because that's not how it will happen," she said. "The role China plays in supporting a lot of developing countries to be able to reform and to build assets in the new energy system is incredible. If that continues and more of it happens, then we will really be able to talk about a just energy transition." The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hosting the World Governments Summit from Feb. 12-14 in a bid to help states develop proactive solutions for future challenges. The 11th edition of the summit brings together more than 4,000 delegates, representatives of international organizations, opinion leaders, and private sector leaders from around the globe. During the summit, more than 120 government delegations and 80 international organizations are discussing sustainable economic growth, artificial intelligence, future governments, education, healthcare services, food security and urban expansion. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry speaks during the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association's annual meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel in New Orleans, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. (Staff Photo by David Grunfeld, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com) MOSCOW, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Interior Ministry has put Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and State Secretary Taimar Peterkop on the country's wanted list for the destruction of Soviet monuments, local media reported on Tuesday. "A case has been filed against Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and State Secretary Taimar Peterkop for the alleged demolition and damage to the monument to Soviet soldiers. Meanwhile, the above two people have been included in the Russian wanted list," Russia's TASS news agency cited the ministry as saying. In addition, Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys was also included in the wanted list for the same reason. "The abuse of historical memory and hostility to Russia" were the reasons why the officials were wanted, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova also said on social media that these officials must be held responsible for the crime of demolishing and damaging the monument. In September 2023, the Russian Investigative Committee accused more than 170 citizens of Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Ukraine in absentia of desecrating, demolishing and damaging monuments to Soviet soldiers. Commonwealth Bank boss Matt Comyn must have been limbering up to prevent a hamstring injury in the lead-up to Wednesdays valiant attempt to do the profit splits. He needed to convince investors the banks profit performance justified its inflated share price while conveying to politicians and customers that the bank was not over-earning. The degree of difficulty in his manoeuvre was at the top end of the gymnastics scale. Comyn is in a particularly difficult position because there are those who believe the big four banks operate in a competition-free zone and who subscribe to the view that a profit of $5 billion (which is what CBA made in the first half of 2024) automatically means they are over-earning. Thats not a battle that either Comyn or the other three large banks can ever win. Maybe we shouldnt be surprised, in this age of incivility, that big-time cyber criminals might step outside the bounds of polite discourse as they go about their business. Hacked off. Credit: Shakespeare But CBDs delicate sensibilities were nonetheless offended when we learnt how the suspected Russian hacking group Blackcat responded last year when it found out that high-end law firm HWL Ebsworth would not pay a $4 million ransom demanded by the crooks for a massive trove of the firms data purloined from its Melbourne servers. F--- you f---ot, the crims emailed to Ebsworth after the firm took legal action to restrain the use of the data instead of handing over the cash that the criminals had demanded. On the upside, we were delighted by the wry take on that exchange by NSW Supreme Court judge Michael Slattery this week, as he made permanent a temporary injunction on use or dissemination of the material stolen from Ebsworth. It could have been so much worse. I want to thank the local community for that very, very strong response. And also to, again, thank all the emergency services, volunteers and workers who have worked around the clock. Ten minutes from Halls Gap, Pomonal was once one of the states major apple-growing districts, but is now best known for its wildflower show each September. The people who live in Pomonal live there because they love the connection between the national park and the town, Kealy said. They live there because they love bushwalking, or they love the environment. They look up to the mountains every single day and there will now be a big scar there for a long time to come. Loading Kealy was confident the wildflower show would proceed, as much of the Grampians remained unburnt. At a community meeting on Wednesday night, Fire Rescue Victoria incident controller Mark Gunning told locals that the disruption to the power system meant water in Pomonal was not yet safe to drink. Gunning warned that the main dangers of returning to the town were fallen powerlines and burnt trees that could still collapse. The last watch-and-act alert for the out-of-control Bellfield fire near Halls Gap was downgraded to an advice message shortly after 10am on Thursday. That blaze was blown east by strong winds on Tuesday, injuring firefighters caught in a burnover. The other fire, on the northern edge of the Grampians National Park near Mount Stapylton, was downgraded to an advice message shortly after 7.30am on Thursday. The fire is still burning in dense bushland. Crews continue work on both sides of the Western Highway to strengthen containment lines to ensure this area is safe, the alert said. An aerial view of destruction at Pomonal. Credit: Nine News An advice message for poor air quality because of bushfire smoke was issued late on Wednesday for major towns north of the Grampians, including Stawell, Horsham, Dimboola and Murtoa. State response controller Gary Cook told Nines Today on Thursday morning that neither fire in the Grampians was fully contained, but calmer conditions had eased their spread. But unfortunately, you know, quite a few losses have been experienced in that area as a result of these fires. And there are a lot of damaged trees in particular, Cook said. And so were just, at the moment, making sure that only those people that need to be on those fire grounds are there. A Country Fire Authority crew put out smouldering fires that continue to burn at Dadswell Bridge. Credit: Justin McManus Relief centres have been set up in Stawell and Ararat. The Grampians National Park remains closed. 50,000 still without power Meanwhile, outage trackers for the states distribution businesses showed 76,782 customers remained without power about 9am on Thursday. At 6pm, this had fallen to 50,116 properties, many of them on Melbournes outer eastern fringe. Thats a significant number of homes and businesses and properties that have been reconnected, Allan said. [But] theres obviously still a way to go. Telstra boss Vicki Brady said hundreds of the telcos mobile sites remain offline. With the severe storms in Victoria, its almost unbelievable, isnt it? Brady told this masthead. She said mobile service interruptions were linked to power outages. As of early this morning we had about 328 network sites that were off the air. In terms of customer impacts, its around 5000 fixed-line services and around 23,000 Telstra NBN customers [still offline]. Specifically in those network sites, its about 97 mobile base stations off the air. Loading Brady said Telstra was working with power companies and emergency services to get their network back to normal as quickly as possible, including by deploying generators. She said the fluid situation meant it was hard to say when all outages would be repaired. We do have batteries at sites but as you can imagine, batteries run down pretty quickly and a site like a mobile base station takes an enormous amount of power to run, Brady said. Distributor AusNet, which supplies power in the eastern half of the state, had 46,844 customers without power due to unplanned outages on Thursday afternoon a reduction of about 25,000 since 9am. Steven Neave, AusNets executive general manager, told Channel Nine they expected to have 30,000 customers back online on Thursday. Well have 400 crews on the ground again today, he said. Weve been working through the night ... clearing that vegetation out of the way, getting safe access to all the streets and suburbs and progressively, you know, restoring supplies safely as we can. PowerCor, which covers Victorias west, and CitiPower, covering parts of inner Melbourne, had 65 customers offline at 6pm on Thursday. United Energy had 3207 customers off-supply in Melbournes south-east, while Jemena had reinstated power to all of its customers in Melbournes north and west. The State Emergency Service had received more than 4000 requests for assistance due to wild weather by Thursday. Opposition Leader John Pesutto said the Andrews and Allan governments had had years to better prepare for severe storms. In 2024, its just not acceptable that people not even that far from Melbourne are still without power and still arent able to use their phones, Pesutto said on Thursday. We have to do a whole lot better. Private schools recorded their highest-ever enrolment growth in 2023, as parents increasingly choose low-fee independent schools over the states most expensive grammar schools, where fees have hit up to $50,000 a year. Enrolments at non-government schools increased by 4.4 per cent in 2023, up from 2.9 per cent in 2022, lifting the attendance at Victorian private schools to 16 per cent of students, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showed. Principal Bill Sweeney of Hume Anglican Grammar says a desire for values-based education is driving the rise in enrolments. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui Growth in the private education sector more than doubled that of government schools, where enrolments grew by 1.7 per cent. Catholic school communities grew by 0.9 per cent, helping push the number of students at non-Catholic independent schools to 166,047. With Catholic schools the total is about 378,730. Nationally, the majority of students were still enrolled in government schools (64 per cent), followed by Catholic schools (19.7 per cent) and independent schools (16.3 per cent). Victorias energy security will remain dependent on one of the least reliable generators on the east-coast grid for another decade. Energy analysts are warning that a heavy reliance on the largest remaining coal-fired power plant Loy Yang A has left the state increasingly vulnerable to blackouts caused by unexpected outages. Power lines came down in the You Yangs, southwest of Melbourne, following wild wind gusts. Credit: Jason South And Victorian taxpayers could be forced to foot the bill if the 40-year-old Latrobe Valley plant, which supplies almost one-third of electricity statewide, runs into financial strife before its anticipated closure in 2035. According to the Australian Energy Market Operator, the loss of Loy Yang A was not the main cause of blackouts affecting 500,000 homes. Rather, the chaos was mostly linked to the loss of hundreds of smaller transmission lines downed across the state, in what Energy Minister Lily DAmbrosio said was one of the largest outage events in the states history. The journey Auckland to Wellington with a scheduled journey time of 10 hours and 40 minutes aboard the Northern Explorer, with locomotive DFB7282, overhauled and re-classified in 2017. Operated by the Great Journeys New Zealand division of Kiwi Rail, the Northern Explorer departs Auckland at 7.45am on Monday, Thursday and Saturday. One for the railway enthusiast, this epic journey follows the length of the historic North Island Main Trunk Railway. The Northern Explorer passing Kapiti Coast just north of Wellington. The class All carriages on the Northern Explorer are Scenic Class, only the seat configuration varies. Most are in forward-facing pairs on either side of an aisle, while some are arranged in bays of four (two facing forward, two facing back) with a shared table. From May, a new class Scenic Plus dining experience is set to make its food-focused debut. Beirut: Nine civilians including four children have been killed in a barrage of Israeli strikes on villages across southern Lebanon, a hospital director and three Lebanese security sources said, as Israel said it responded to Hezbollah rockets that killed a soldier. A woman and her two children were killed in an Israeli strike on the village of al-Sawana, the sources said. A strike on a building in Nabatieh killed two more children, three women and a man, according to the director of the towns hospital, Hassan Wazni, and three other security sources. Seven others arrived at the hospital for treatment after the strike, Wazni told Reuters. Four Hezbollah fighters were killed in separate strikes, according to the group and security sources. TEHRAN, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Explosions rocked a major natural gas pipeline in southwestern Iran early Wednesday, causing damage but no casualties, according to Oil Minister Javad Owji, who blamed the incident on "terrorists." The blasts occurred around 1:00 am local time (21:30 GMT Tuesday) at two separate points along the nationwide gas transfer network in the provinces of Fars and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Owji was quoted by state-run Shana News Agency as saying. Owji declared the explosions "acts of terror" aimed at disrupting gas supplies to major provinces. He said emergency response teams were quickly dispatched to repair the damaged sections and reroute gas flow through the network. Owji said no casualties were reported in this incident while acknowledging a similar "terrorist attack" on the same pipeline in 2011 that temporarily disrupted gas supplies to four regions. Earlier on Wednesday, Saeid Aqli, dispatching director of the National Iranian Gas Company, confirmed the resilience of Iran's gas network and stated that a crisis management meeting convened immediately after the blasts, attended by senior officials including the oil minister and security personnel. No group has claimed responsibility. Rio de Janeiro: Carnival dancers have taken to the biggest stage in Rio de Janeiro to pay tribute to Brazils largest indigenous group and pressure President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to deliver on promises to eradicate illegal mining in the Amazon. Illegal mining is blamed for the partial destruction of the rainforest. The miners cut down swathes of jungle and dig dozens of ponds to dredge for gold that they separate from sand and ore with mercury, a contaminant that poisons fish in the rivers. Illegal activity, including deforestation, mining and poaching, has been blamed for the death of some indigenous leaders and activists. Performers from the Salgueiro samba school parade during Carnival celebrations at the Sambadrome in Rio de Janeiro. Credit: AP Carnival has long been a platform for samba schools as the large teams competing for the annual title of carnival champion are known to protest. Percussionists had Miners out written across the skins of their drums as participants marched through the Sambadrome on Monday, delivering their message to more than 70,000 revellers and millions watching live on television. The Salgueiro samba school, a nine-time winner and one of the most traditional, collaborated with Yanomami leader Davi Kopenawa and members of the threatened group, to create their presentation this year, including theme, costumes and song. HONG KONG, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government has held a series of briefing and consultation sessions to explain details of the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR. On various occasions, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee reiterated the necessity and urgency of the legislation of Article 23 of HKSAR Basic Law, saying that the legislation must be done and must be done as soon as possible. As Hong Kong has gone through the Hong Kong version of "color revolution" in 2019, people all understand the importance of national security, and that risks to national security are serious, real and can arise unexpectedly, he said. Paul Lam, secretary for justice of the HKSAR government, explained the legislative principles identified in the public consultation document to a meeting joined by the panel on security and the panel on the administration of justice and legal services. He said that it is necessary to formulate effective and forward-looking laws to safeguard national security based on Hong Kong's actual situation and draw on foreign experience. Chris Tang, secretary for security of the HKSAR government, said that the legislation of Article 23 of HKSAR Basic Law is not only a constitutional duty, but an actual necessity. Hong Kong must seize the opportunity to quickly legislate to deal with continued national security risks and threats, he said. Government officials explained the details of the legislation to people from all walks of life. Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, hosted a session attended by representatives from the financial industry. After the meeting, he said the attendees all agreed that a safe and stable business environment is a key prerequisite and core condition for social and economic development. In response to the concerns and doubts raised by some Hong Kong residents and foreigners in Hong Kong, the HKSAR government held consultation sessions to explain the public consultation document while listening to suggestions. People who participated in one of the consultation sessions said that the HKSAR government's explanation was timely and comprehensive, and they had a clearer understanding of the legislative work. A representative from the foreign business community who attended the meeting described that communication between all parties was smooth, and officials from the HKSAR government listened to everyone's opinions and responded to their concerns. After an explanatory session attended by deputies of the HKSAR to the National People's Congress (NPC) and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in the HKSAR, national legislators and political advisors in the HKSAR also voiced their support for the legislation of Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law. Chen Yong, a deputy of the HKSAR to the NPC, said that he firmly supports the HKSAR in fulfilling its constitutional and legal responsibilities to make up for the shortfalls in safeguarding national security as soon as possible, and provide the greatest protection for the welfare of Hong Kong residents, so that Hong Kong can focus on developing the economy and improving people's livelihood. The public consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the HKSAR Basic Law was launched on Jan. 30 and lasts till Feb. 28, 2024. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Clashes continue between Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) forces, supported by UN peacekeepers, and the rebel force M23, in eastern North Kivu province, a UN spokesman said on Wednesday. "The situation in North Kivu, particularly in the town of Sake, remains tense as clashes persist," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, citing reports from the UN mission in the DRC known as MONUSCO. "Yesterday (Tuesday), fighting occurred on the outskirts of Sake, about 20 kms northwest of Goma." Dujarric said the peacekeeping mission is continuing to support the Congolese armed forces and is doing its utmost to protect civilians, including by maintaining a presence along the Goma-Sake axis, He said peacekeepers also reinforced their presence in Sake with additional deployment of battalions to support the Congolese armed forces. MONUSCO peacekeepers are also protecting a humanitarian corridor in the Mweso area to facilitate the movement of civilians to safer ground. "We are working on behalf of the Congolese people, protecting them, trying to restore peace in the eastern part of the country ... and supporting, in fact, the Congolese armed forces," said Dujarric. "We would urge all rebel groups to work towards a political solution and to stop piling on the suffering of people in that area." When asked at a regular briefing who was supporting the M23, the spokesman replied, "It's not just the M23. There are all sorts of other rebel groups or groups of people with guns who are making life a nightmare for the civilians who are trying to survive in the area." Sake, on the edge of the volcanic lava plains at the bottom of the Rift Valley, is about 25 km west-northwest of Goma, and Google Maps shows Mweso about 75 km north of Sake. JERUSALEM, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel said it did not receive any new proposals from Hamas for the ceasefire and hostage-release deal at the Cairo meeting attended by Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. negotiators. "Israel has not received any new proposal from Hamas for the release of our hostages," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement, in a first official comment on the Tuesday meeting, which was attended also by Israel's Mossad chief. The office said that Netanyahu "insists that Israel will not yield to Hamas' outrageous demands" and that "a change in Hamas' positions will allow progress in negotiations." Earlier on Wednesday, media reports quoting American officials said that no breakthrough was achieved, but progress was made at the talks. Hamas, a Palestinian armed group that runs Gaza, is demanding an end to the war in exchange for the release of hostages, while Israel agrees only to a time-limited ceasefire. Both sides are willing to include the release of Palestinian prisoners in the deal, but there is also disagreement over the number of prisoners to be released. The meeting came amid increasing international calls to end the 131-day war, which claimed the lives of at least 28,576 Palestinians in Gaza and about 1,400 Israelis. AACCI fetes Sanjeev Pendharkar Business Reporter : Sanjeev Gajanan Pendharkar, Director, Vicco Laboratore was invited as guest of honour by the Asian African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) Mumbai on Saturday. The office-bearers of the chamber welcomed Sanjeev Pendharkar, a distinguished figure, to share valuable insights on the steps taken by the Government to fortify the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. The insightful programme showcased Sanjeevs profound knowledge and expertise in elucidating the opportunities provided by the Government to encourage individuals to venture into business and contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The event served as a platform for networking and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders, industry professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs, fostering a collaborative environment for the advancement of the MSME sector, says a press release. Smoke rises after Israeli bombings in the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, on Feb. 14, 2024. The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 28,576 with 68,291 others wounded since the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, the Hamas-health ministry said in a press statement on Wednesday. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) JERUSALEM, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel is facing mounting calls to agree to a truce in the Gaza Strip as its deadly conflict with Hamas has lasted for more than four months and claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza as of Wednesday. The calls came as Israel was indicating it was set to launch a ground operation in Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, where about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians have sought refuge from the Israeli relentless bombardments in other parts of the coastal enclave. On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by telephone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and told him France opposed an Israeli offensive in Rafah. Macron said that such an attack "could only lead to a humanitarian disaster of a new magnitude," according to a readout released by the Elysee. It would "constitute violations of the international humanitarian law and would pose an additional risk of regional escalation," he said. Palestinians wait for relief food supplies in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on Feb. 14, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday warned of an "unfathomable catastrophe" that the potential expansion of Israeli ground assault could cause in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip. (Photo by Yasser Qudih/Xinhua) Defying the growing pressure, Netanyahu told Macron that Israel "will fight until a total victory and it includes a powerful operation in Rafah." He said that the army would allow civilians to flee the city before launching the attack. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who was on a visit to Israel, said in a post on X on Saturday that the distress in Rafah "is already unbelievable" and an army attack would be "a humanitarian catastrophe." The people who seek shelter in Rafah "cannot disappear into thin air," she wrote. A meeting of Qatari, Egyptian, American, and Israeli negotiators in Cairo on Tuesday ended without a breakthrough, although media reports indicated that the talks were held in a constructive atmosphere. Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported that Egypt decided to extend the talks for three additional days to continue working out differences. However, Netanyahu did not approve the return of Mossad Chief David Barnea, who attended the talks on Tuesday, to Cairo. Netanyahu downplayed the importance of a deal for releasing the hostages, emphasizing that "the key for the release of the remaining hostages: strong military pressure and assertive negotiation." Overnight, the Israeli army bombed areas in Rafah and Khan Younis, the largest city in southern Gaza, the Israeli army said in a statement. Hamas, a Palestinian armed group that runs Gaza, is demanding an end to the war in exchange for the release of hostages, while Israel agrees only to a time-limited ceasefire. Both sides are willing to include the release of Palestinian prisoners in the deal, but there is also disagreement over the number of prisoners to be released. The military offensive launched by Israel following Hamas's attack has claimed the lives of 28,576 Palestinians in Gaza and wounded 68,291 others, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry. About 1,200 people were killed by Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, according to official Israeli figures. CHICAGO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- At least one person was killed and ten to 15 people were injured as gunfire erupted during the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory parade in Kansas City, U.S. state of Missouri, Stacey Graves, chief of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department, said at a news conference on Wednesday. The Chinese Consul General in Chicago contacted the Kansas City Police Department, and confirmed there is no Chinese citizen injured or killed in the shooting. "Shots have been fired around Union Station. Please leave the area," the Kansas City Police Department said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The police have detained two armed people for more investigation, said Jake Becchina, a spokesman for the Kansas City Police Department. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, evacuated from the rally site, posted on X that she encouraged everyone to follow instructions and updates from the police, local media reported. This Saturday: Houston Toy Museum hosts Vintage Toy Show with appearance by "Yeah-Yeah" from the iconic movie, "The Sandlot" Atomi Financial Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund bought 7,967 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $725,000. Several other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Stone House Investment Management LLC boosted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 55.3% in the second quarter. Stone House Investment Management LLC now owns 177 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter worth $29,000. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S by 165.3% in the first quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 199 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the last quarter. Lee Financial Co purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Steward Financial Group LLC purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the second quarter worth $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 6.41% of the companys stock. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have recently commented on NVO shares. UBS Group started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley started coverage on Novo Nordisk A/S in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. They set an overweight rating and a $120.00 price target on the stock. Cantor Fitzgerald upped their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $120.00 to $140.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price target on Novo Nordisk A/S from $105.00 to $115.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, December 4th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, six have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Novo Nordisk A/S has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $121.25. Novo Nordisk A/S Trading Up 1.0 % Shares of NVO stock traded up $1.21 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $121.20. The companys stock had a trading volume of 903,133 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,783,837. The company has a current ratio of 0.82, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Novo Nordisk A/S has a one year low of $67.66 and a one year high of $121.65. The stock has a market capitalization of $543.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.43, a P/E/G ratio of 2.00 and a beta of 0.41. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $106.40 and its 200 day simple moving average is $86.91. Novo Nordisk A/S Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, April 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, March 25th will be paid a dividend of $0.664 per share. This is a boost from Novo Nordisk A/Ss previous Semi-Annual dividend of $0.22. The ex-dividend date is Friday, March 22nd. This represents a yield of 0.9%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss payout ratio is presently 48.89%. About Novo Nordisk A/S (Free Report) Novo Nordisk A/S, a healthcare company, engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products worldwide. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity care, and Rare Disease. The Diabetes and Obesity care segment provides products in the areas of insulins, GLP-1 and related delivery systems, oral antidiabetic products, obesity, glucagon, needles, and other chronic diseases. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novo Nordisk A/S and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating restated by Royal Bank of Canada in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. They currently have a $128.00 target price on the healthcare product makers stock. Royal Bank of Canadas target price would indicate a potential upside of 14.47% from the stocks previous close. Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $116.00 to $121.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Barclays boosted their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $133.00 to $141.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, January 26th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $112.00 to $107.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. UBS Group reduced their price target on Abbott Laboratories from $130.00 to $118.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 19th. Finally, TheStreet raised Abbott Laboratories from a c+ rating to a b- rating in a research report on Thursday, December 21st. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $120.00. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: View Our Latest Report on ABT Abbott Laboratories Trading Up 0.4 % Shares of Abbott Laboratories stock traded up $0.48 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $111.82. 377,547 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 5,222,844. The firm has a market capitalization of $194.13 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.71 and a beta of 0.75. Abbott Laboratories has a 1-year low of $89.67 and a 1-year high of $115.83. The firms fifty day moving average price is $110.91 and its 200 day moving average price is $103.89. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 1.74 and a quick ratio of 1.23. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 24th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $1.19. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 20.84% and a net margin of 14.27%. The business had revenue of $10.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.19 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned $1.03 EPS. Abbott Laboratoriess quarterly revenue was up 1.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories In other Abbott Laboratories news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,315,537.50. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. In other news, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 42,500 shares of the stock in a transaction 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 sale, 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 SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Andrea F. Wainer sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, December 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $108.00, for a total value of $1,620,000.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 65,027 shares in the company, valued at $7,022,916. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of Abbott Laboratories Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the first quarter valued at about $131,000. United Bank raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 7.2% during the first quarter. United Bank now owns 27,280 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $3,229,000 after acquiring an additional 1,826 shares during the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 813,253 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $96,257,000 after acquiring an additional 15,521 shares during the last quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 2.3% during the first quarter. Kinneret Advisory LLC now owns 19,467 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $2,304,000 after acquiring an additional 436 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Lumature Wealth Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 636.2% during the first quarter. Lumature Wealth Partners LLC now owns 2,216 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $262,000 after acquiring an additional 1,915 shares during the last quarter. 73.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Abbott Laboratories Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading 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. Banco de Sabadell S.A grew its holdings in shares of L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Free Report) by 20.5% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 11,364 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,931 shares during the period. L3Harris Technologies makes up 1.7% of Banco de Sabadell S.As investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest holding. Banco de Sabadell S.As holdings in L3Harris Technologies were worth $1,978,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of LHX. State of Wyoming increased its position in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 27.1% during the 4th quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 230 shares of the companys stock valued at $48,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares during the last quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 0.9% during the 4th quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,925 shares of the companys stock worth $1,234,000 after acquiring an additional 52 shares during the period. Advisory Services Network LLC grew its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 0.9% during the 1st quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC now owns 6,236 shares of the companys stock worth $1,224,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares during the period. Twin Lakes Capital Management LLC grew its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Twin Lakes Capital Management LLC now owns 14,635 shares of the companys stock worth $2,865,000 after acquiring an additional 54 shares during the period. Finally, Harbour Investments Inc. grew its stake in shares of L3Harris Technologies by 12.3% during the 1st quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 510 shares of the companys stock worth $100,000 after acquiring an additional 56 shares during the period. 81.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get L3Harris Technologies alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In related news, insider Edward J. Zoiss sold 4,742 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $190.00, for a total value of $900,980.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 27,183 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,164,770. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. 0.82% of the stock is owned by insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded L3Harris Technologies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and set a $240.00 price target for the company in a research note on Thursday, January 11th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price target on L3Harris Technologies from $235.00 to $245.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, January 29th. UBS Group lifted their price target on L3Harris Technologies from $222.00 to $229.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, January 29th. Citigroup lifted their price target on L3Harris Technologies from $238.00 to $245.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price objective on L3Harris Technologies from $224.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, December 14th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, L3Harris Technologies currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $229.00. View Our Latest Research Report on L3Harris Technologies L3Harris Technologies Stock Up 0.7 % LHX stock traded up $1.49 during midday trading on Wednesday, hitting $209.47. The stock had a trading volume of 126,538 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,130,099. The firm has a market cap of $39.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.96 and a beta of 0.66. The business has a 50-day moving average of $206.86 and a two-hundred day moving average of $189.24. L3Harris Technologies, Inc. has a 52-week low of $160.25 and a 52-week high of $216.49. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 1.01 and a quick ratio of 0.82. L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 26th. The company reported $3.35 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.31 by $0.04. The company had revenue of $5.34 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.28 billion. L3Harris Technologies had a return on equity of 12.68% and a net margin of 6.32%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 16.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.27 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that L3Harris Technologies, Inc. will post 12.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. L3Harris Technologies Profile (Free Report) L3Harris Technologies, Inc, an aerospace and defense technology company, provides mission-critical solutions for government and commercial customers worldwide. The company's Integrated Mission Systems segment provides multi-mission intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) systems; and communication systems, as well as fleet management support, sensor development, modification, and periodic depot maintenance services for ISR and airborne missions. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LHX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for L3Harris Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for L3Harris Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIRUT, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Five people were killed and six others were injured Wednesday night in two Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon's southern border areas, Lebanese medical and security sources said. The sources said that an Israeli drone destroyed, with two air-to-surface missiles, a residential apartment within a three-story building on the eastern side of Lebanon's southern city of Nabatieh. The sources noted that initial information from rescue teams indicated that four people were killed and six others were injured in the drone attack, adding search was underway for missing persons while rescuers continued to clear the debris. Meanwhile, a house in the southeastern village of Deir Siriane was hit by two missiles fired by an Israeli warplane, which resulted in its destruction and the death of the occupant. Earlier in the day, five people were killed and 11 others were wounded in Israeli airstrikes on the southeastern villages of Aadchit and al-Sawaneh. 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 281 people on the Lebanese side, including 192 Hezbollah members and 52 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. Shares of Barrick Gold Co. (TSE:ABX Get Free Report) (NYSE:ABX) have been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the nine analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is C$29.17. A number of analysts have issued reports on the company. National Bankshares reduced their price objective on Barrick Gold from C$29.00 to C$28.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Raymond James dropped their target price on Barrick Gold from C$26.00 to C$25.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. CIBC reiterated an outperform rating and issued a C$37.00 target price on shares of Barrick Gold in a report on Friday, January 19th. TD Securities reiterated a buy rating and issued a C$34.50 target price on shares of Barrick Gold in a report on Thursday, November 2nd. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein dropped their target price on Barrick Gold from C$30.00 to C$29.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Get Barrick Gold alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Barrick Gold Insider Activity at Barrick Gold Barrick Gold Stock Performance In other Barrick Gold news, Senior Officer Grant Bill Beringer acquired 15,267 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was bought at an average price of C$16.20 per share, for a total transaction of C$247,325.40. In other Barrick Gold news, Senior Officer Joel James Holliday sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$18.24, for a total value of C$54,705.00. Also, Senior Officer Grant Bill Beringer bought 15,267 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 22nd. The stock was purchased at an average price of C$16.20 per share, with a total value of C$247,325.40. Insiders acquired a total of 157,921 shares of company stock worth $2,604,355 in the last quarter. 0.61% of the stock is owned by company insiders. TSE:ABX opened at C$19.18 on Wednesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 15.06, a current ratio of 3.07 and a quick ratio of 2.62. Barrick Gold has a 1 year low of C$19.04 and a 1 year high of C$28.19. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is C$22.36 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$21.99. The company has a market cap of C$33.76 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 479.50, a PEG ratio of 1.18 and a beta of 0.40. Barrick Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report Barrick Gold Corporation engages in the exploration, mine development, production, and sale of gold and copper properties. It has ownership interests in producing gold mines that are located in Argentina, Canada, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Dominican Republic, Mali, Tanzania, and the United States. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Barrick Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barrick Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Manchester Capital Management LLC grew its position in Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP (NYSE:SBS Free Report) by 3.6% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 56,836 shares of the utilities providers stock after acquiring an additional 1,950 shares during the quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLCs holdings in Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP were worth $689,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Rhumbline Advisers grew its stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 14.2% in the third quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 222,582 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,698,000 after purchasing an additional 27,594 shares in the last quarter. Sonen Capital LLC raised its stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 38.0% during the 3rd quarter. Sonen Capital LLC now owns 13,800 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $167,000 after purchasing an additional 3,800 shares in the last quarter. UBS Group AG raised its stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 0.9% during the 3rd quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 260,956 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $3,163,000 after purchasing an additional 2,207 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board purchased a new stake in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP during the 3rd quarter worth about $2,967,000. Finally, Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 7,961 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $96,000 after acquiring an additional 921 shares during the last quarter. Get Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo - SABESP alerts: Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP Stock Performance SBS traded up $0.18 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $15.77. The companys stock had a trading volume of 175,155 shares, compared to its average volume of 858,804. The stock has a market cap of $10.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.13, a PEG ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.23. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $15.22 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.25. The company has a current ratio of 1.01, a quick ratio of 0.99 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP has a twelve month low of $8.45 and a twelve month high of $16.41. About Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP provides basic and environmental sanitation services in the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. The company supplies treated water and sewage services to residential, commercial, and industrial private customers, as well as public. As of December 31, 2022, it provided water services through 10.1 million water connections; and sewage services through 8.6 million sewage connections in 375 municipalities of the Sao Paulo State. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SBS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo SABESP (NYSE:SBS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo - SABESP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo - SABESP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kansas City Life Insurance (OTCMKTS:KCLI Get Free Report) and Federal Life Group (OTCMKTS:FLFG Get Free Report) are both small-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, earnings, dividends, valuation, profitability and analyst recommendations. Insider and Institutional Ownership 0.0% of Kansas City Life Insurance shares are held by institutional investors. 63.1% of Kansas City Life Insurance shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get Kansas City Life Insurance alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Kansas City Life Insurance and Federal Life Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Kansas City Life Insurance 0 0 0 0 N/A Federal Life Group 0 0 0 0 N/A Profitability This table compares Kansas City Life Insurance and Federal Life Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kansas City Life Insurance -2.33% -2.33% -0.23% Federal Life Group N/A N/A N/A Earnings & Valuation This table compares Kansas City Life Insurance and Federal Life Groups revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Kansas City Life Insurance $476.64 million 0.74 -$16.22 million ($1.19) -30.55 Federal Life Group $19.43 million 1.70 -$8.81 million N/A N/A Federal Life Group has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Kansas City Life Insurance. Risk & Volatility Kansas City Life Insurance has a beta of 0.53, meaning that its stock price is 47% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Federal Life Group has a beta of 0.13, meaning that its stock price is 87% less volatile than the S&P 500. Summary Federal Life Group beats Kansas City Life Insurance on 5 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About Kansas City Life Insurance (Get Free Report) Kansas City Life Insurance Company provides insurance products and services in states and the District of Columbia. It offers a portfolio of individual insurance, annuity, and group life and health insurance; and traditional life insurance, immediate annuities with life contingencies, supplementary contracts with life contingencies, and accident and health insurance. The company was incorporated in 1895 and is based in Kansas City, Missouri. About Federal Life Group (Get Free Report) Federal Life Group, Inc., through its subsidiary Federal Life Insurance Company, provides life insurance and annuity products in the United States. It offers whole, term, and universal life insurance, as well as retirement insurance products. The company offers its products through independent agents. Federal Life Group, Inc. was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Riverwoods, Illinois. Federal Life Group, Inc operates as a subsidiary of Insurance Capital Group, LLC. Receive News & Ratings for Kansas City Life Insurance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kansas City Life Insurance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kirby Co. (NYSE:KEX Get Free Report) CEO David W. Grzebinski sold 18,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.44, for a total transaction of $1,537,920.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 66,399 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,673,130.56. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Kirby Price Performance Shares of NYSE KEX traded up $0.66 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $84.36. The company had a trading volume of 101,459 shares, compared to its average volume of 371,523. Kirby Co. has a 52 week low of $64.92 and a 52 week high of $87.52. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $78.85 and its 200-day moving average price is $79.95. The stock has a market cap of $4.99 billion, a PE ratio of 22.79, a PEG ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 1.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.88. Get Kirby alerts: Kirby (NYSE:KEX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, February 1st. The shipping company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.03 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $799.18 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $778.70 million. Kirby had a return on equity of 7.15% and a net margin of 7.21%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.67 EPS. Analysts expect that Kirby Co. will post 4.97 earnings per share for the current year. Institutional Trading of Kirby Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in KEX. Morgan Stanley grew its holdings in shares of Kirby by 923.2% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 4,248,727 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $273,406,000 after buying an additional 3,833,471 shares during the period. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Kirby in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $42,762,000. FMR LLC increased its stake in Kirby by 30.9% during the 3rd quarter. FMR LLC now owns 2,100,068 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $173,886,000 after purchasing an additional 495,541 shares in the last quarter. Jennison Associates LLC raised its holdings in Kirby by 31.6% during the 2nd quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 1,507,817 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $116,027,000 after buying an additional 362,282 shares during the period. Finally, Encompass Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Kirby by 144.8% in the second quarter. Encompass Capital Advisors LLC now owns 507,526 shares of the shipping companys stock valued at $39,054,000 after buying an additional 300,187 shares in the last quarter. 94.93% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Separately, Stephens reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $105.00 price target on shares of Kirby in a report on Monday, February 5th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Kirby has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $98.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on KEX Kirby Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kirby Corporation operates domestic tank barges in the United States. Its Marine Transportation segment provides marine transportation service and towing vessel transporting bulk liquid product, as well as operates tank barge throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, coastwise along three United States coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Kirby Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kirby and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. increased its stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV Free Report) by 77.6% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 8,162 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 3,566 shares during the quarter. E Fund Management Co. Ltd.s holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $3,505,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. PrairieView Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. CGC Financial Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $30,000. Pacific Center for Financial Services lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 134.4% in the 2nd quarter. Pacific Center for Financial Services now owns 75 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after acquiring an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. Studio Investment Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN bought a new stake in shares of iShares Core S&P 500 ETF in the 3rd quarter valued at about $40,000. Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Stock Up 0.2 % Shares of NYSEARCA IVV traded up $0.83 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching $497.45. The company had a trading volume of 1,749,705 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,703,238. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a one year low of $382.37 and a one year high of $505.92. The firms fifty day moving average price is $480.78 and its 200-day moving average price is $455.86. The stock has a market cap of $384.85 billion, a PE ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF 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. See Also 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. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (NYSEARCA:GLDM Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 85,540 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,136,000. E Fund Management Co. Ltd. owned 0.06% of SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Portside Wealth Group LLC purchased a new position in SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust during the second quarter valued at $221,501,000. Stifel Financial Corp lifted its position in SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust by 576.9% during the first quarter. Stifel Financial Corp now owns 1,943,309 shares of the companys stock valued at $76,003,000 after buying an additional 1,656,224 shares during the period. State Street Corp lifted its position in SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust by 98.5% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 2,818,487 shares of the companys stock valued at $108,427,000 after buying an additional 1,398,400 shares during the period. Balentine LLC raised its position in shares of SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust by 76.7% in the 2nd quarter. Balentine LLC now owns 2,787,780 shares of the companys stock worth $106,187,000 after purchasing an additional 1,210,303 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of Montreal Can purchased a new position in shares of SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust in the 2nd quarter worth about $40,526,000. Get SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust alerts: SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust Price Performance Shares of GLDM remained flat at $39.51 during trading hours on Wednesday. The stock had a trading volume of 1,757,013 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,878,405. The companys 50-day moving average is $40.31 and its two-hundred day moving average is $39.09. SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust has a 12-month low of $35.91 and a 12-month high of $41.34. SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust Company Profile The SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust (GLDM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the LBMA Gold Price index. The fund tracks the gold spot price, less expenses and liabilities, using gold bars held in London vaults. GLDM was launched on Jun 25, 2018 and is issued by State Street. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold MiniShares Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ellevest Inc. cut its stake in Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report) by 15.9% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 3,055 shares of the medical research companys stock after selling 579 shares during the quarter. Ellevest Inc.s holdings in Agilent Technologies were worth $342,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. BlackRock Inc. grew its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 1.1% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 31,853,176 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,830,344,000 after purchasing an additional 349,651 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 1.1% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 24,531,170 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $3,246,209,000 after purchasing an additional 261,435 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 2.0% in the second quarter. State Street Corp now owns 13,214,595 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,591,990,000 after purchasing an additional 253,729 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA grew its position in shares of Agilent Technologies by 0.4% in the third quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 11,076,270 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $1,238,549,000 after purchasing an additional 39,030 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in Agilent Technologies by 2.8% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 6,378,218 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $765,009,000 after buying an additional 174,439 shares in the last quarter. Get Agilent Technologies alerts: Agilent Technologies Trading Down 1.9 % A opened at $129.76 on Wednesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $133.38 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $122.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $38.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.82, a PEG ratio of 3.04 and a beta of 1.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.61 and a quick ratio of 1.97. Agilent Technologies, Inc. has a one year low of $96.80 and a one year high of $155.75. Insider Transactions at Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies ( NYSE:A Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The medical research company reported $1.38 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.34 by $0.04. Agilent Technologies had a return on equity of 28.24% and a net margin of 18.15%. The firm had revenue of $1.69 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.67 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.53 EPS. The businesss revenue was down 8.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts predict that Agilent Technologies, Inc. will post 5.48 EPS for the current year. In related news, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 2,751 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $357,630.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 306,206 shares in the company, valued at approximately $39,806,780. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, SVP Henrik Ancher-Jensen sold 26,331 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $138.36, for a total value of $3,643,157.16. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 82,504 shares in the company, valued at approximately $11,415,253.44. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, CEO Michael R. Mcmullen sold 2,751 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, December 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $130.00, for a total value of $357,630.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 306,206 shares in the company, valued at approximately $39,806,780. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders sold 95,929 shares of company stock valued at $12,730,599. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on Agilent Technologies from $128.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, December 7th. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Agilent Technologies in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. They set an outperform rating and a $140.00 target price for the company. UBS Group cut Agilent Technologies from a buy rating to a neutral rating and reduced their target price for the stock from $163.00 to $125.00 in a research report on Friday, November 17th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Agilent Technologies from $160.00 to $145.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Agilent Technologies from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, December 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and ten have assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.44. Get Our Latest Research 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. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding A? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:A Free Report). 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. First National Advisers LLC increased its stake in Robert Half Inc. (NYSE:RHI Free Report) by 230.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 12,258 shares of the business services providers stock after purchasing an additional 8,551 shares during the quarter. First National Advisers LLCs holdings in Robert Half were worth $898,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in RHI. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp grew its position in Robert Half by 0.6% during the second quarter. Texas Permanent School Fund Corp now owns 22,598 shares of the business services providers stock worth $1,700,000 after buying an additional 145 shares in the last quarter. Cypress Capital Group grew its position in Robert Half by 1.8% during the third quarter. Cypress Capital Group now owns 8,402 shares of the business services providers stock worth $616,000 after buying an additional 146 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its position in Robert Half by 2.1% during the third quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 7,342 shares of the business services providers stock worth $561,000 after buying an additional 149 shares in the last quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund grew its position in Robert Half by 4.0% during the third quarter. Kentucky Retirement Systems Insurance Trust Fund now owns 3,927 shares of the business services providers stock worth $300,000 after buying an additional 151 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Robert Half by 7.3% in the 1st quarter. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,429 shares of the business services providers stock worth $277,000 after purchasing an additional 166 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.63% of the companys stock. Get Robert Half alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Truist Financial upped their price objective on Robert Half from $66.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. UBS Group assumed coverage on Robert Half in a report on Tuesday, November 7th. They issued a sell rating and a $60.00 price objective for the company. Finally, BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on Robert Half from $85.00 to $80.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, January 31st. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Robert Half currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $68.57. Robert Half Trading Down 2.8 % NYSE RHI opened at $79.69 on Wednesday. Robert Half Inc. has a 1-year low of $64.65 and a 1-year high of $88.39. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $83.09 and a 200-day moving average of $78.37. The firm has a market cap of $8.44 billion, a PE ratio of 20.59, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 20.22 and a beta of 1.28. Robert Half (NYSE:RHI Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, January 30th. The business services provider reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.82 by $0.01. Robert Half had a return on equity of 25.73% and a net margin of 6.43%. The company had revenue of $1.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.47 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.37 EPS. Robert Halfs revenue for the quarter was down 14.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Robert Half Inc. will post 3.38 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Robert Half Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be given a dividend of $0.53 per share. This is a positive change from Robert Halfs previous quarterly dividend of $0.48. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.66%. Robert Halfs dividend payout ratio is presently 49.61%. Robert Half Company Profile (Free Report) Robert Half Inc provides talent solutions and business consulting services in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The company operates through three segments: Contract Talent Solutions, Permanent Placement Talent Solutions, and Protiviti. The Contract Talent Solutions segment provides contract engagement professionals in the fields of finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal and administrative, and customer support. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Robert Half Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Robert Half and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) and Protector Forsikring ASA (OTCMKTS:PSKRF Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, earnings, valuation, risk and dividends. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for MGIC Investment and Protector Forsikring ASA, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get MGIC Investment alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score MGIC Investment 0 3 2 0 2.40 Protector Forsikring ASA 0 0 1 0 3.00 MGIC Investment currently has a consensus target price of $20.50, indicating a potential upside of 7.02%. Given MGIC Investments higher probable upside, research analysts plainly believe MGIC Investment is more favorable than Protector Forsikring ASA. Institutional and Insider Ownership Valuation and Earnings 93.4% of MGIC Investment shares are owned by institutional investors. 0.8% of MGIC Investment shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. This table compares MGIC Investment and Protector Forsikring ASAs gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio MGIC Investment $1.16 billion 4.60 $712.95 million $2.49 7.69 Protector Forsikring ASA N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A MGIC Investment has higher revenue and earnings than Protector Forsikring ASA. Profitability This table compares MGIC Investment and Protector Forsikring ASAs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets MGIC Investment 61.72% 14.82% 11.33% Protector Forsikring ASA N/A N/A N/A Summary MGIC Investment beats Protector Forsikring ASA on 8 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks. About MGIC Investment (Get Free Report) MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure. It also provides pool insurance for secondary market mortgage transactions; and contract underwriting services, as well as reinsurance. The company serves originators of residential mortgage loans, including savings institutions, commercial banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, mortgage bankers, and other lenders. MGIC Investment Corporation was founded in 1957 and is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. About Protector Forsikring ASA (Get Free Report) Protector Forsikring ASA, a general insurance company, provides various insurance products to the commercial and public sectors, and the affinity insurance markets in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and Finland. It operates in Commercial Lines of Business and Public Lines of Business segments. The company offers personal, motor, property, liability, and change of ownership insurance. It sells its products to non-marine industries through insurance brokers. Protector Forsikring ASA was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Oslo, Norway. Receive News & Ratings for MGIC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MGIC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heritage Investors Management Corp decreased its stake in Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report) by 8.2% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 13,662 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,214 shares during the period. Heritage Investors Management Corps holdings in Duke Energy were worth $1,206,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. CKW Financial Group bought a new position in shares of Duke Energy in the third quarter worth $25,000. Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Duke Energy in the 1st quarter valued at about $28,000. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN lifted its stake in shares of Duke Energy by 200.0% in the 2nd quarter. Horizon Bancorp Inc. IN now owns 312 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 208 shares during the last quarter. FSC Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Duke Energy during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, Fairfield Bush & CO. bought a new position in Duke Energy during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Institutional investors own 63.68% of the companys stock. Get Duke Energy alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently weighed in on DUK shares. Bank of America downgraded Duke Energy from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $105.00 to $96.00 in a research note on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Duke Energy from $98.00 to $101.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Royal Bank of Canada raised Duke Energy from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $101.00 to $113.00 in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. Evercore ISI raised Duke Energy from an in-line rating to an outperform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $90.00 to $108.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price target on shares of Duke Energy from $103.00 to $100.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, February 9th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Duke Energy currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $100.00. Insider Transactions at Duke Energy In other news, EVP Louis E. Renjel sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.57, for a total transaction of $277,710.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 14,213 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,315,697.41. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock. Duke Energy Trading Down 0.2 % Shares of NYSE:DUK traded down $0.14 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $91.47. 368,702 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,012,355. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.50, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.49. The firm has a market capitalization of $70.50 billion, a PE ratio of 25.79, a P/E/G ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.48. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $96.29 and its 200-day simple moving average is $92.29. Duke Energy Co. has a 12-month low of $83.06 and a 12-month high of $100.39. Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The utilities provider reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.53 by ($0.02). Duke Energy had a return on equity of 8.93% and a net margin of 9.78%. The company had revenue of $7.21 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.24 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.11 earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 1.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that Duke Energy Co. will post 5.98 EPS for the current year. Duke Energy Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 18th. Investors of record on Friday, February 16th will be issued a dividend of $1.025 per share. This represents a $4.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.48%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 15th. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 115.49%. About Duke Energy (Free Report) Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments, Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I) and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest; and uses coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, oil, solar and wind sources, renewables, and nuclear fuel to generate electricity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DUK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Duke Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Duke Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LUSAKA, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zambia on Tuesday joined the rest of the world in commemorating this year's World Radio Day with the government calling for responsible use of radio as it was a double-edged sword that could be destructive if not well-handled. Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa said radio should be used to deepen the country's democracy and development. He suggested radio should be used as a platform to highlight the country's investment opportunities and development taking place. "I reiterate government's unwavering commitment to create a conducive environment for radio and the media in general, to thrive as it is a pre-requiste for deepening the country's democracy and development," he said. He further said the government has heeded the call by the media on the prohibitive cost of importing radio and television equipment by waiving customs duty on selected equipment for the next three years. The government, he said, was also amending some legislation governing the broadcasting sector to ensure smooth operations of the industry. Lorraine Mwanza-Chisanga, the chairperson of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Zambia), urged the government to support the radio industry by enforcing punitive action for individuals found guilty of interfering with radio programming, especially political party affiliates. "The radio sector must be left to also carry out its role of informing, entertaining and educating citizens without hindrance," she said. She further commended the government for the three-year tax holiday on broadcasting equipment and expressed confidence that radio stations will take advantage of the development to upgrade their equipment in the quest to maintain a higher standard of quality broadcasting. The theme for this year's commemoration is "Radio: A Century of Informing, Entertaining and Educating." Loomis Sayles & Co. L P trimmed its holdings in KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Free Report) by 16.3% in the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,577,909 shares of the construction companys stock after selling 307,960 shares during the quarter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P owned 1.17% of KBR worth $93,002,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in KBR. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in KBR during the 4th quarter valued at $84,561,000. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership grew its stake in KBR by 9,478.0% during the 1st quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 1,303,373 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $71,334,000 after acquiring an additional 1,289,765 shares in the last quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. increased its holdings in shares of KBR by 8,845.0% in the 1st quarter. Alyeska Investment Group L.P. now owns 813,372 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $44,776,000 after purchasing an additional 804,279 shares during the period. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. lifted its position in shares of KBR by 99.5% in the second quarter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. now owns 1,359,793 shares of the construction companys stock worth $88,468,000 after purchasing an additional 678,185 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PointState Capital LP acquired a new position in KBR in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $34,394,000. Get KBR alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes KBR has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of KBR from $62.00 to $67.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, January 26th. UBS Group lowered their target price on KBR from $65.00 to $63.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, February 2nd. KeyCorp started coverage on KBR in a research note on Wednesday, January 10th. They set an overweight rating and a $63.00 price target for the company. StockNews.com lowered KBR from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, November 3rd. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on shares of KBR from $75.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, KBR presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $67.71. KBR Price Performance Shares of KBR stock traded up $0.59 on Wednesday, reaching $53.64. The stock had a trading volume of 254,555 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,172,819. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 0.98 and a quick ratio of 0.98. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $53.76 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $56.53. KBR, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $49.37 and a fifty-two week high of $65.87. About KBR (Free Report) KBR, Inc provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. The company operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for KBR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC purchased a new position in shares of RTX Co. (NYSE:RTX Free Report) during the third quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 205,207 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,769,000. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of RTX. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of RTX in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. VitalStone Financial LLC raised its holdings in RTX by 136.5% during the 2nd quarter. VitalStone Financial LLC now owns 369 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 213 shares during the last quarter. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC acquired a new position in shares of RTX during the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. True Wealth Design LLC acquired a new position in shares of RTX in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $47,000. Finally, Legacy Financial Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of RTX in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 79.06% of the companys stock. Get RTX alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at RTX In related news, EVP Ramsaran Maharajh sold 312 shares of the businesss 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 sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,676 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,076,176.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, COO Christopher T. Calio sold 367 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 transaction, the chief operating officer now directly owns 56,707 shares in the company, valued at $5,252,769.41. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Ramsaran Maharajh sold 312 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, February 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.17, for a total value of $28,757.04. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 11,676 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,076,176.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 2,224 shares of company stock worth $205,448 over the last ninety days. 0.11% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. RTX Stock Up 0.7 % Shares of NYSE:RTX traded up $0.62 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $91.21. 1,393,794 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 7,807,375. The stock has a market cap of $121.02 billion, a P/E ratio of 40.45, a P/E/G ratio of 1.66 and a beta of 0.89. 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 Co. has a 12-month low of $68.56 and a 12-month high of $104.91. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $86.16 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $82.07. RTX (NYSE:RTX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, January 23rd. The company reported $1.29 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.25 by $0.04. RTX had a return on equity of 10.34% and a net margin of 4.64%. The business had revenue of $19.93 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $19.74 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.27 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that RTX Co. will post 5.39 earnings per share for the current year. RTX Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 21st. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be paid a $0.59 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 22nd. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.59%. RTXs payout ratio is presently 105.36%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on RTX. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on RTX from $82.00 to $88.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, January 22nd. Redburn Atlantic lowered RTX from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 15th. UBS Group raised their price objective on RTX from $93.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, January 24th. DZ Bank lowered RTX from a hold rating to a sell rating and reduced their price objective for the company from $79.00 to $68.00 in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded RTX from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 25th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $91.71. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on RTX About RTX (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. Featured Stories 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. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific Co. (NYSE:BSX Free Report) during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 362,696 shares of the medical equipment providers stock, valued at approximately $19,150,000. Boston Scientific comprises 0.7% of Mizuho Markets Americas LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 25th largest holding. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in BSX. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 209.4% during the second quarter. BDO Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 594 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. Sunbelt Securities Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific during the first quarter worth about $32,000. Nemes Rush Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Boston Scientific during the second quarter worth about $33,000. Motco grew its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 136.3% during the third quarter. Motco now owns 645 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $34,000 after purchasing an additional 372 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Coppell Advisory Solutions LLC bought a new stake in Boston Scientific in the second quarter valued at approximately $34,000. 89.11% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company upped their target price on Boston Scientific from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. BTIG Research reiterated a buy rating and issued a $64.00 target price on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Friday, December 29th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on Boston Scientific from $67.00 to $70.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, February 1st. StockNews.com raised Boston Scientific from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Finally, Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on Boston Scientific from $58.00 to $61.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, December 4th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, eighteen have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $65.55. Boston Scientific Stock Up 0.8 % Boston Scientific stock traded up $0.52 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $65.49. 900,810 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,921,827. The businesss 50 day moving average is $59.34 and its 200 day moving average is $54.89. Boston Scientific Co. has a 52 week low of $45.92 and a 52 week high of $65.61. The company has a market capitalization of $95.94 billion, a P/E ratio of 60.72, a PEG ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. Boston Scientific (NYSE:BSX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, January 31st. The medical equipment provider reported $0.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.51 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $3.73 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.59 billion. Boston Scientific had a return on equity of 16.19% and a net margin of 11.19%. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.45 EPS. Analysts predict that Boston Scientific Co. will post 2.25 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at Boston Scientific In other news, EVP Jeffrey B. Mirviss sold 15,172 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.25, for a total transaction of $898,941.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 56,588 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,352,839. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In other news, EVP Jeffrey B. Mirviss sold 15,172 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, January 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.25, for a total transaction of $898,941.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 56,588 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,352,839. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 11,660 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, January 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.00, for a total value of $699,600.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 173,472 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,408,320. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 42,185 shares of company stock worth $2,493,967 in the last quarter. 0.53% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Boston Scientific Profile (Free Report) Boston Scientific Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets medical devices for use in various interventional medical specialties worldwide. It operates through MedSurg and Cardiovascular segments. The company offers devices to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal and pulmonary conditions; devices to treat various urological and pelvic conditions; implantable cardioverter and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators; pacemakers and implantable cardiac resynchronization therapy pacemakers; and remote patient management systems. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Boston Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mizuho Markets Americas LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO Free Report) in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 45,312 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $3,165,000. A number of other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of BRO. Independent Advisor Alliance lifted its stake in Brown & Brown by 0.3% during the third quarter. Independent Advisor Alliance now owns 51,561 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $3,601,000 after purchasing an additional 155 shares during the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Brown & Brown by 3.0% during the second quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 5,416 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $373,000 after purchasing an additional 156 shares during the last quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC lifted its stake in Brown & Brown by 1.3% during the first quarter. Advisor Partners II LLC now owns 11,845 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $680,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares during the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR lifted its stake in Brown & Brown by 0.7% during the first quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 25,801 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,481,000 after purchasing an additional 172 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. lifted its stake in Brown & Brown by 2.7% during the second quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 6,633 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $457,000 after purchasing an additional 175 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 70.33% of the companys stock. Get Brown & Brown alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several brokerages recently commented on BRO. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Brown & Brown from a buy rating to a hold rating and reduced their price target for the company from $85.00 to $78.00 in a research report on Tuesday, January 9th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on shares of Brown & Brown from $81.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. Raymond James upped their price target on shares of Brown & Brown from $80.00 to $90.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, January 24th. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Brown & Brown from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on shares of Brown & Brown from $70.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research note on Friday, January 26th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have issued a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $82.70. Brown & Brown Price Performance BRO traded up $1.05 on Wednesday, hitting $82.00. 145,919 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,539,866. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.45, a PEG ratio of 2.87 and a beta of 0.78. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.58, a current ratio of 1.92 and a quick ratio of 1.85. Brown & Brown, Inc. has a 12 month low of $52.82 and a 12 month high of $82.00. The business has a 50-day moving average of $74.32 and a two-hundred day moving average of $72.63. Brown & Brown (NYSE:BRO Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, January 23rd. The financial services provider reported $0.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.53 by $0.05. Brown & Brown had a return on equity of 15.46% and a net margin of 20.44%. The company had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.50 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that Brown & Brown, Inc. will post 3.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Brown & Brown Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, February 14th. Investors of record on Friday, February 2nd will be given a $0.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 1st. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.63%. Brown & Browns payout ratio is 16.99%. About Brown & Brown (Free Report) Brown & Brown, Inc markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail segment provides property and casualty, employee benefits insurance products, personal insurance products, specialties insurance products, risk management strategies, loss control survey and analysis, consultancy, and claims processing services. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BRO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Brown & Brown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brown & Brown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Tuesday. The company reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.12 by $0.07, MarketWatch Earnings reports. The company had revenue of $2.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.78 billion. Molson Coors Beverage had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 9.16%. The firms revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.30 earnings per share. Molson Coors Beverage Stock Performance NYSE:TAP opened at $61.29 on Wednesday. Molson Coors Beverage has a twelve month low of $49.32 and a twelve month high of $70.90. The company has a current ratio of 0.73, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The company has a 50-day moving average of $62.11 and a 200-day moving average of $61.75. The firm has a market cap of $13.22 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 53.30, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 0.82. Get Molson Coors Beverage alerts: Molson Coors Beverage Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be given a dividend of $0.44 per share. This is a positive change from Molson Coors Beverages previous quarterly dividend of $0.41. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 29th. This represents a $1.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.87%. Molson Coors Beverages dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 142.61%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Molson Coors Beverage Analysts Set New Price Targets Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in TAP. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in Molson Coors Beverage by 1,171.4% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 3,776 shares of the companys stock valued at $201,000 after buying an additional 3,479 shares in the last quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 810.5% in the third quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 2,768 shares of the companys stock worth $176,000 after purchasing an additional 2,464 shares in the last quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage in the second quarter worth approximately $135,000. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Molson Coors Beverage by 384.6% in the second quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 2,045 shares of the companys stock worth $111,000 after purchasing an additional 1,623 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Molson Coors Beverage in the first quarter worth approximately $110,000. Institutional investors own 73.95% of the companys stock. A number of brokerages have weighed in on TAP. Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and set a $70.00 target price on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Monday, November 6th. StockNews.com cut shares of Molson Coors Beverage from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Molson Coors Beverage from $65.00 to $64.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, January 16th. Jefferies Financial Group began coverage on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Monday, November 13th. They issued a hold rating and a $62.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, HSBC began coverage on shares of Molson Coors Beverage in a report on Thursday, November 30th. They issued a hold rating and a $68.00 price objective on the stock. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, twelve have assigned a hold rating and two have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $66.27. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on TAP About Molson Coors Beverage (Get Free Report) Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Molson Coors Beverage Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Molson Coors Beverage and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Owens Corning (NYSE:OC Get Free Report) issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The construction company reported $3.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.82 by $0.39, MarketWatch Earnings reports. Owens Corning had a return on equity of 25.59% and a net margin of 12.31%. The company had revenue of $2.30 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.25 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $2.49 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up .8% compared to the same quarter last year. Owens Corning Price Performance Shares of OC stock opened at $142.61 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $12.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.02, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.47. Owens Corning has a 1-year low of $88.86 and a 1-year high of $160.18. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $149.41 and a two-hundred day moving average of $138.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 2.16 and a quick ratio of 1.49. Get Owens Corning alerts: Owens Corning Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 4th. Investors of record on Monday, March 4th will be paid a $0.60 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, March 1st. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.68%. Owens Cornings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 18.49%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Truist Financial boosted their price target on Owens Corning from $115.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Owens Corning from a hold rating to a buy rating and upped their target price for the company from $130.00 to $180.00 in a report on Friday, December 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Owens Corning from $116.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, December 14th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Owens Corning from $168.00 to $155.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Owens Corning from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 26th. Nine investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Owens Corning presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $147.25. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Owens Corning Insider Buying and Selling at Owens Corning In related news, insider Gunner Smith sold 657 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, February 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.36, for a total transaction of $100,757.52. Following the sale, the insider now owns 37,587 shares in the company, valued at $5,764,342.32. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Brian Chambers sold 9,100 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, February 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $153.57, for a total transaction of $1,397,487.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 269,696 shares of the companys stock, valued at $41,417,214.72. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, insider Gunner Smith sold 657 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $153.36, for a total transaction of $100,757.52. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 37,587 shares in the company, valued at $5,764,342.32. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 10,465 shares of company stock worth $1,607,085 over the last quarter. 0.89% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Owens Corning Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in OC. State Street Corp boosted its stake in shares of Owens Corning by 3.7% in the 3rd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 4,301,672 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $338,154,000 after purchasing an additional 155,155 shares in the last quarter. Bank of America Corp DE boosted its holdings in Owens Corning by 24.9% during the first quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 1,556,181 shares of the construction companys stock worth $149,082,000 after buying an additional 310,487 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Owens Corning by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,400,910 shares of the construction companys stock worth $134,803,000 after acquiring an additional 32,729 shares during the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Owens Corning in the 4th quarter valued at $111,343,000. Finally, Deutsche Bank AG grew its stake in Owens Corning by 3.6% in the first quarter. Deutsche Bank AG now owns 1,078,388 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $103,310,000 after acquiring an additional 37,634 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 90.22% of the companys stock. About Owens Corning (Get Free Report) Owens Corning engages in manufacture and sale of insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composite materials in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Composites, Insulation, and Roofing. The Composites segment manufactures, fabricates, and sells glass reinforcements in the form of fiber; and glass fiber products in the form of fabrics, non-wovens, and other specialized products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Owens Corning Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Owens Corning and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ boosted its stake in Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG Free Report) by 12.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 107,785 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 11,880 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Conagra Brands were worth $2,955,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 1.5% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 54,738,710 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,837,578,000 after purchasing an additional 786,816 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 2.2% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 44,038,412 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,484,975,000 after purchasing an additional 931,636 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp increased its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 12.8% during the first quarter. State Street Corp now owns 23,556,766 shares of the companys stock valued at $790,801,000 after purchasing an additional 2,671,720 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 2.3% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,075,462 shares of the companys stock valued at $338,855,000 after purchasing an additional 225,906 shares in the last quarter. Finally, LSV Asset Management increased its stake in shares of Conagra Brands by 5.8% during the second quarter. LSV Asset Management now owns 8,803,761 shares of the companys stock valued at $296,863,000 after purchasing an additional 480,432 shares in the last quarter. 84.27% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Conagra Brands alerts: Conagra Brands Trading Down 1.8 % Shares of Conagra Brands stock opened at $27.29 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $28.95 and its 200-day simple moving average is $28.79. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.04 billion, a PE ratio of 13.25, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.44. Conagra Brands, Inc. has a 1-year low of $25.16 and a 1-year high of $38.94. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a current ratio of 0.91 and a quick ratio of 0.31. Conagra Brands Dividend Announcement Conagra Brands ( NYSE:CAG Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, January 4th. The company reported $0.71 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.68 by $0.03. Conagra Brands had a net margin of 8.09% and a return on equity of 14.78%. The company had revenue of $3.21 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.23 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.81 EPS. Conagra Brandss revenue for the quarter was down 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Conagra Brands, Inc. will post 2.59 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, February 29th. Investors of record on Tuesday, January 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.35 per share. This represents a $1.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.13%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, January 29th. Conagra Brandss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 67.96%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Conagra Brands from $32.00 to $30.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, January 3rd. Evercore ISI downgraded shares of Conagra Brands from an outperform rating to an in-line rating and set a $32.00 price target for the company. in a research report on Monday, December 11th. Citigroup began coverage on shares of Conagra Brands in a research report on Thursday, February 1st. They set a neutral rating and a $30.00 price target for the company. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company assumed coverage on shares of Conagra Brands in a research report on Tuesday, December 12th. They set an equal weight rating and a $31.00 price target for the company. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Conagra Brands currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $32.87. Get Our Latest Report on CAG Conagra Brands Company Profile (Free Report) Conagra Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a consumer packaged goods food company primarily in the United States. The company operates through Grocery & Snacks, Refrigerated & Frozen, International, and Foodservice segments. The Grocery & Snacks segment primarily offers shelf stable food products through various retail channels. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Conagra Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Conagra Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ boosted its stake in shares of Annaly Capital Management, Inc. (NYSE:NLY Free Report) by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 149,490 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 2,684 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in Annaly Capital Management were worth $2,812,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Comerica Bank acquired a new stake in Annaly Capital Management during the 2nd quarter worth about $34,773,000. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in Annaly Capital Management by 2.2% during the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 56,148,379 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,123,529,000 after purchasing an additional 1,235,284 shares in the last quarter. Barclays PLC boosted its position in Annaly Capital Management by 57.5% during the second quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 733,068 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $14,668,000 after purchasing an additional 267,589 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Annaly Capital Management by 1.0% during the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 98,616 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,973,000 after purchasing an additional 941 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Intrinsic Edge Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Annaly Capital Management during the second quarter worth approximately $6,003,000. 49.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Annaly Capital Management alerts: Annaly Capital Management Trading Down 3.7 % NLY stock opened at $18.38 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.40. Annaly Capital Management, Inc. has a 12 month low of $14.52 and a 12 month high of $21.94. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $19.35 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.81. Annaly Capital Management Dividend Announcement Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 31st. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 29th were paid a $0.65 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 28th. This represents a $2.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 14.15%. Annaly Capital Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is -72.02%. NLY has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and set a $19.00 price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research report on Wednesday, December 6th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $17.00 to $21.50 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, December 13th. Jonestrading upped their price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $18.00 to $21.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, February 8th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and set a $21.00 price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research report on Monday. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded shares of Annaly Capital Management from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, January 27th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $21.07. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Annaly Capital Management Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO David L. Finkelstein sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, February 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $19.03, for a total transaction of $951,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 662,469 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $12,606,785.07. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. 0.26% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About Annaly Capital Management (Free Report) Annaly Capital Management, Inc, a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Annaly Capital Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annaly Capital Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report) has been given a consensus rating of Moderate Buy by the twelve brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $14.14. Several analysts have recently commented on the company. TD Securities increased their price objective on TELUS International (Cda) from $10.50 to $11.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday. BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $8.00 to $10.50 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Monday. TheStreet raised TELUS International (Cda) from a d rating to a c- rating in a research report on Monday. Citigroup increased their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $9.00 to $10.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday. Finally, CIBC increased their price target on TELUS International (Cda) from $19.00 to $21.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Get TELUS International (Cda) alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on TELUS International (Cda) TELUS International (Cda) Stock Performance Shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock opened at $10.16 on Friday. The company has a market cap of $742.49 million, a PE ratio of 67.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 8.66 and a beta of 0.85. TELUS International has a 52 week low of $6.03 and a 52 week high of $22.52. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $8.59 and a 200-day moving average price of $8.03. The company has a quick ratio of 1.14, a current ratio of 1.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.84. TELUS International (Cda) (NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, February 9th. The company reported $0.26 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.26. The firm had revenue of $692.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $691.00 million. TELUS International (Cda) had a return on equity of 11.80% and a net margin of 1.99%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.34 earnings per share. Equities analysts anticipate that TELUS International will post 1.01 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On TELUS International (Cda) A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in TIXT. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. raised its position in TELUS International (Cda) by 156.0% during the first quarter. Advisor Group Holdings Inc. now owns 9,241 shares of the companys stock valued at $228,000 after purchasing an additional 5,631 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its position in TELUS International (Cda) by 43.4% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 7,367 shares of the companys stock valued at $182,000 after purchasing an additional 2,228 shares in the last quarter. BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of TELUS International (Cda) by 39.2% in the first quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 23,362 shares of the companys stock worth $577,000 after buying an additional 6,582 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. increased its holdings in shares of TELUS International (Cda) by 0.8% in the first quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 88,458 shares of the companys stock worth $2,186,000 after buying an additional 728 shares during the period. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its holdings in shares of TELUS International (Cda) by 39.8% in the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 71,700 shares of the companys stock worth $1,774,000 after buying an additional 20,400 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.55% of the companys stock. TELUS International (Cda) Company Profile (Get Free Report TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in the Asia-Pacific, the Central America, Europe, Africa, North America, and internationally. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for TELUS International (Cda) Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TELUS International (Cda) and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Truepoint Inc. boosted its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report) by 7.3% during the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 7,338 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the quarter. Truepoint Inc.s holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF were worth $692,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. raised its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 8.3% in the 1st quarter. Ironwood Wealth Management LLC. now owns 78,641 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $8,484,000 after purchasing an additional 6,036 shares during the period. United Bank lifted its stake in shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. United Bank now owns 27,546 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $2,972,000 after acquiring an additional 1,456 shares during the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its holdings in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 67.2% during the 1st quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 52,705 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $5,686,000 after acquiring an additional 21,177 shares during the period. Cibc World Market Inc. grew its position in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Cibc World Market Inc. now owns 24,791 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,674,000 after acquiring an additional 1,128 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vontobel Holding Ltd. increased its stake in iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF by 19.7% in the 1st quarter. Vontobel Holding Ltd. now owns 8,847 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $954,000 after purchasing an additional 1,455 shares during the period. Get iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF alerts: iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Stock Up 0.8 % Shares of iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF stock traded up $0.80 on Wednesday, hitting $104.81. The stock had a trading volume of 938,377 shares, compared to its average volume of 5,023,682. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $105.24 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $99.28. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF has a one year low of $87.32 and a one year high of $110.55. The stock has a market cap of $73.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.11 and a beta of 1.15. iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF Profile iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF, formerly iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Index Fund, seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors SmallCap 600 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of publicly traded securities in the small-capitalization sector of the United States equity market. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IJR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:IJR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P Small-Cap 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 Small-Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KINSHASA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is alarmed by a bomb explosion in a camp for displaced people in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), it has said in a statement. "It is unthinkable that families fleeing violence were killed and injured in a place that was supposed to offer safety," said Grant Leaity, UNICEF representative in the DRC. "We call on all parties to the conflict to protect the lives of innocent civilians, especially children. We urge the government to hold perpetrators to account and strengthen protections for children and their families," said Leaity. The explosion occurred late Monday in the Zaina camp for displaced people on the outskirts of Sake in North Kivu province, causing several deaths and injuries. Fighting in eastern DRC has intensified in recent months, causing massive population movements and increasing humanitarian needs. The number of new displaced people in North Kivu in January 2024 was higher than that in January 2023, which was the previous peak. According to the statement, there are now 1.1 million displaced people in the province. Truepoint Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN (NYSEARCA:AMJ Free Report) by 1.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 42,395 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 712 shares during the period. Truepoint Inc.s holdings in JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN were worth $1,047,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 5.9% in the 1st quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. now owns 16,121 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $337,000 after acquiring an additional 903 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC boosted its stake in JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 6.1% during the 1st quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 65,235 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,362,000 after purchasing an additional 3,758 shares during the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 27.7% in the 1st quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 17,049 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $356,000 after purchasing an additional 3,703 shares in the last quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN by 1,248.8% in the 1st quarter. Baird Financial Group Inc. now owns 228,612 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $4,780,000 after purchasing an additional 211,663 shares in the last quarter. Finally, International Assets Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN in the first quarter worth $3,646,000. Get JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN alerts: Insider Activity In other JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN news, Vice Chairman Peter Scher sold 1,812 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.65, for a total value of $301,969.80. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 46,766 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,793,553.90. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Vice Chairman Peter Scher sold 1,812 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $166.65, for a total value of $301,969.80. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 46,766 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,793,553.90. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Jennifer Piepszak sold 1,649 shares of JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $166.59, for a total value of $274,706.91. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 34,467 shares in the company, valued at $5,741,857.53. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 39,072 shares of company stock valued at $6,297,103 in the last ninety days. JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN Stock Up 0.5 % Shares of AMJ traded up $0.12 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $26.42. 80,933 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 378,313. JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN has a 1 year low of $20.71 and a 1 year high of $26.97. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $25.69 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $25.00. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN (NYSEARCA:AMJ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan Alerian MLP Index ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Limited (LON:SMIF Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Thursday, February 8th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, February 15th will be given a dividend of GBX 0.50 ($0.01) per share on Friday, March 1st. This represents a yield of 0.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. The official announcement can be viewed at this link. TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Trading Up 0.2 % TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund stock opened at GBX 81.19 ($1.03) on Wednesday. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of GBX 79.37 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 76.20. The stock has a market cap of 198.30 million and a P/E ratio of -1,003.75. TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund has a 12-month low of GBX 64.15 ($0.81) and a 12-month high of GBX 82.80 ($1.05). Get TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund In other TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund news, insider Ashley Paxton acquired 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, December 18th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of GBX 79 ($1.00) per share, with a total value of 15,800 ($19,954.53). 0.12% of the stock is owned by insiders. TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Company Profile TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Limited is a closed-ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Numis Securities Ltd. The fund is managed by TwentyFour Asset Management LLP. It invests in fixed income markets of the United Kingdom. The fund primarily invests in less liquid instruments across the debt spectrum, including asset backed securities, bank capital, corporate loans, high yield bonds, and leveraged loans issued by a wide variety of issuers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Valley Wealth Managers Inc. lifted its position in The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY Free Report) by 7.0% during the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 1,124 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the period. Valley Wealth Managers Inc.s holdings in Hershey were worth $225,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Institutional & Family Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Hershey in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. acquired a new stake in Hershey during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Costello Asset Management INC acquired a new stake in Hershey during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Zions Bancorporation N.A. raised its holdings in Hershey by 121.3% during the 1st quarter. Zions Bancorporation N.A. now owns 135 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 74 shares during the period. Finally, Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new stake in Hershey during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $30,000. 56.47% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Hershey alerts: Hershey Price Performance Shares of HSY opened at $194.83 on Wednesday. The Hershey Company has a 52-week low of $178.82 and a 52-week high of $276.88. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.92, a quick ratio of 0.52 and a current ratio of 0.97. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $189.61 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $198.48. The firm has a market cap of $39.84 billion, a PE ratio of 21.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 0.36. Hershey Increases Dividend Hershey ( NYSE:HSY Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, February 8th. The company reported $2.02 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.95 by $0.07. Hershey had a return on equity of 51.79% and a net margin of 16.67%. The company had revenue of $2.66 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.72 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $2.02 earnings per share. Hersheys revenue for the quarter was up .2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts anticipate that The Hershey Company will post 9.6 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $1.37 per share. This represents a $5.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.81%. This is a positive change from Hersheys previous quarterly dividend of $1.19. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 16th. Hersheys dividend payout ratio is presently 52.71%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently weighed in on HSY. Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of Hershey from $195.00 to $180.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 31st. Piper Sandler cut shares of Hershey from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $240.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Wednesday, November 29th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed a sector perform rating and set a $213.00 price target on shares of Hershey in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. TD Cowen cut shares of Hershey from an outperform rating to a market perform rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $235.00 to $200.00 in a research note on Friday, October 27th. Finally, DA Davidson began coverage on shares of Hershey in a research note on Friday, December 8th. They set a neutral rating and a $205.00 price target for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have issued a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Hershey currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $228.33. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Hershey Insider Transactions at Hershey In related news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.07, for a total value of $273,105.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 31,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,701,704.12. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, CFO Steven E. Voskuil sold 1,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $182.07, for a total transaction of $273,105.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 31,316 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,701,704.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, insider Charles R. Raup sold 2,065 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, January 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $191.85, for a total value of $396,170.25. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 14,770 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,833,624.50. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 7,018 shares of company stock valued at $1,331,734 over the last ninety days. 0.22% of the stock is owned by company insiders. About Hershey (Free Report) The Hershey Company, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the manufacture and sale of confectionery products and pantry items in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: North America Confectionery, North America Salty Snacks, and International. It offers chocolate and non-chocolate confectionery products; gum and mint refreshment products, including mints, chewing gums, and bubble gums; pantry items, such as baking ingredients, toppings, beverages, and sundae syrups; and snack items comprising spreads, bars, snack bites, mixes, popcorn, and pretzels. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HSY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Hershey Company (NYSE:HSY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Hershey Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hershey and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vince Holding Corp. (NYSE:VNCE Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in January. As of January 31st, there was short interest totalling 23,300 shares, a drop of 56.4% from the January 15th total of 53,400 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 35,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.7 days. Currently, 0.7% of the shares of the company are short sold. Vince Stock Performance Shares of Vince stock opened at $3.10 on Wednesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $38.75 million, a P/E ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.78. The company has a current ratio of 1.64, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.13. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $2.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $2.14. Vince has a 12 month low of $1.00 and a 12 month high of $7.66. Get Vince alerts: Vince (NYSE:VNCE Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, December 6th. The textile maker reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.23 by ($0.08). The company had revenue of $84.08 million during the quarter. Vince had a negative return on equity of 36.53% and a net margin of 6.20%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Vince Vince Company Profile Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Shay Capital LLC lifted its position in shares of Vince by 37.0% during the 2nd quarter. Shay Capital LLC now owns 179,763 shares of the textile makers stock valued at $523,000 after buying an additional 48,573 shares during the last quarter. Atlas Private Wealth Advisors boosted its position in Vince by 99.1% during the second quarter. Atlas Private Wealth Advisors now owns 160,806 shares of the textile makers stock worth $468,000 after purchasing an additional 80,053 shares during the period. Finally, State Street Corp purchased a new position in shares of Vince in the first quarter worth about $88,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 16.67% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) Vince Holding Corp. designs, merchandises, and sells luxury apparel and accessories in the United States and internationally. It operates through three segments: Vince Wholesale, Vince Direct-to-Consumer, and Rebecca Taylor and Parker. The company offers a range of women's products, such as cashmere sweaters, silk blouses, leather and suede leggings and jackets, dresses, skirts, denims, pants, t-shirts, footwear, outerwear, and accessories; and men's products comprising t-shirts, knit and woven tops, sweaters, denims, pants, blazers, footwear, and outerwear under the Vince brand. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Vince Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vince and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CAIRO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The developing states of the Global South aspire for a multipolar world order free from U.S. hegemony and just global economic governance under which they can achieve sustainable development via fair, win-win partnerships, said an economic expert in a recent interview with Xinhua. "In a just global economic system, all parties would prioritize common interests, peaceful settlement of conflicts and cooperation for sustainable development," said Diaa Helmy, secretary-general of the Cairo-based Egyptian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In recent years, representatives of developing countries and emerging economies took part in various important meetings of the BRICS, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Group of 77, and other forums, during which they voiced their calls for unity, cooperation, reform and collaboration to build a peaceful, just and sustainable world. "These meetings indicate the awareness of developing countries of the need for a new multipolar world," Helmy, also a member of the economic committee of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, told Xinhua. "Developing countries and emerging economies are aware of the importance of diversifying economic relations and cooperating with key economies like China," he added. The expert said he believes that most developing countries, including Egypt, have realized that cooperation mechanisms such as BRICS and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will help create a future where common interests and win-win results can be achieved. Helmy considered the recent expansion of BRICS to include more members as one of the indicators that the world is heading toward a multipolar global system. Last year, BRICS made a historic move for expansion, inviting Egypt and other developing countries to become full members, which took effect at the beginning of this year. "The BRICS expansion reflects a growing global awareness of the dominance of a few wealthy countries in the world's affairs and the need to reform global governance systems where the Global South is underrepresented," Helmy said. The economic expert emphasized that the expansion of BRICS will help amplify the voice of the Global South in international political and economic affairs and promote more global economic balance and justice. "It opens new markets for economic cooperation and trade exchange among BRICS countries," Helmy stressed, adding that the move will bolster economic partnerships among developing states. Helmy pointed out that joining BRICS opens "broad economic horizons" for Egypt, promoting the country's economic climate to attract further foreign investments, especially in digitalization, agriculture, environment and infrastructure. He noted that the Global South and developing states generally regard China as a credible and trustworthy development partner due to China's non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs and its positive development initiatives, such as the BRI and the Global Development Initiative. This reassures the countries cooperating with China that the giant Asian country seeks positive cooperation among all countries to achieve a shared future, according to the Egyptian economist. "Developing states and emerging economies, including Egypt, realize now more than ever that there are great economic benefits in cooperating with China," Helmy said. The expert said he looks forward to seeing China play a more significant role in building a multipolar world order. "It is time to cooperate to establish fair and just global economic governance. Otherwise, the gap between rich and poor countries will continue to widen, which is not in the interest of humanity," Helmy said. Countries need to work together for common development, "as the world is on the same boat, with a shared destiny and a shared future," Helmy said. That release could not be found. This photo taken on Feb. 14, 2024 shows the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU began Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, with a call for increasing efforts to ensure continental stability and quality education in Africa. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Taye Atske Selassie has proposed the inclusion of Amharic, a national and widely spoken language in the East African country, as one of the official languages of the African Union (AU). He made the proposal during the opening of the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU that began Wednesday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Addressing the session, Atske Selassie noted that in alignment with the AU's Agenda 2063, empowering indigenous African languages should be strengthened to contribute to the progress of the African continent. "I wish to propose the inclusion of Amharic as one of the official languages of the African Union," Atske Selassie said. He said it is worth noting that the charter of the Organization of African Unity, the predecessor of the AU, was initially signed in four languages, including Amharic. "Adopting Amharic as one of the official languages of the union would honor Africa's linguistic diversity and boost our collective identity as Africans," he added. The foreign minister also emphasized the collective responsibility of the union to build a resilient educational system across the continent. He also highlighted the need to significantly improve the AU's working methods, and strengthen the AU Commission and its organs through availing adequate resources. This year's AU summit is being held under the theme "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa." The 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU is set to take place on Feb. 17-18. It is preceded by the 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council which runs on Feb. 14-15. Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Comoros and the chairperson of the AU Executive Council for 2023, addresses the executive council meeting at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Feb. 14, 2024. The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) began Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, with a call for increasing efforts to ensure continental stability and quality education in Africa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) This photo taken on Feb. 14, 2024 shows an exterior view of the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) began Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, with a call for increasing efforts to ensure continental stability and quality education in Africa. (Xinhua/Li Yahui) Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Taye Atske Selassie addresses the executive council meeting at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Feb. 14, 2024. The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) began Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, with a call for increasing efforts to ensure continental stability and quality education in Africa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat addresses the executive council meeting at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Feb. 14, 2024. The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU began Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital, with a call for increasing efforts to ensure continental stability and quality education in Africa. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde) ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) and its partners have called for concerted efforts to promote equitable and inclusive education to prevent violence in Africa. The joint call was made by the AU and its partners, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the World Bank Group, and the Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) in a meeting held on the sidelines of the ongoing AU Summit, the AU disclosed in a statement issued Wednesday. The meeting, which was held under the theme "Ensuring the right to equitable and inclusive quality education to break and prevent cycles of violence in Africa," envisaged raising awareness about the pivotal role of education in building resilience, as well as mitigating and preventing recurring and new violent conflict dynamics in Africa. While addressing the meeting, Bankole Adeoye, AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security, underscored the critical importance of prioritizing and investing in peace education in Africa. "Education will change the face of the continent, offering unlimited opportunities, especially for the girl child," an AU statement quoted Adeoye as saying, as he emphasized education as the key enabler to break the cycle of violence in Africa. The AU commissioner also emphasized that access to quality education equips individuals to contribute meaningfully to their communities, engage in constructive dialogue, and seek non-violent solutions to conflicts. The meeting participants, among other things, underscored the need for comprehensive education and peace education. They identified a series of recommendations targeting the AU and its partners to help achieve major continental peace and development aspirations, and unlock the development and peace potential of African citizens. The recommendations forwarded include the need to invest more in agri-business development, poverty alleviation, and the development of traditional educational systems, according to the statement. They further emphasized the importance of sharing success stories about peace education, strengthening early warning systems, strengthening partnerships with local, regional, and national actors to address the root causes of violent conflict, as well as promoting inter-community dialogue. The 44th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the AU began Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. African leaders are set to meet on Feb. 17-18 for the 37th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of the Heads of State and Government under the AU's theme of the year for 2024: "Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa." Tad McKee and Walter Riedel from the Stark Foundation, along with LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson and Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the college's new student success center in the 1913 downtown Baptist Church. The Stark Foundation bought the building and saved the inside from hurricane flood mold and donated it to the college. Lamar State College Orange and the Stark Foundation are assuring local residents preserve the past while preparing for the future. On Tuesday, under a clear crystal blue sky, the local college had a groundbreaking ceremony outside the old First Baptist Church building on Green Avenue in downtown Orange. "We want to preserve this beautiful building, said LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson. PDG Architects of Houston has designed a modern style interior to serve as the new Student Success Center. G&G Enterprises, a second-generation Orange-based company, is the contractor. Natasha Garrett, CEO of the company, talked about being part of a community and saving history. Johnson said the college is drawing many students who are the first generation of their families to attend college. The new center will be a place to welcome them and help them with advancing their education. He said he was the first from his family to go to college. "They're a little nervous. I know I was," he said about people coming to get information. He pointed out that the new LSCO Academic Building under construction is across the street from the church. The Stark Foundation had bought and rescued the moldy building after the congregation of First Baptist Church abandoned it and moved outside the city when Hurricane Ike flooded it in September 2008. Johnson thanked Stark Foundation President and CEO Tad McKee, along with Walter Riedel, retired president and CEO, for the donation and their support to the college. He said the foundation gives many scholarships each year to LSCO. He also thanked State District 21 Representative Dade Phelan, for helping to get the Texas Legislature to appropriate $6 million for the new center. Phelan not only represents Orange County in the state legislature, but he is serving his second term as speaker of the house, one of the most influential positions in state government. Phelan also has helped LSCO get the legislature to cut tuition by half, which has increased enrollment, Dr. Johnson said. The college is now gaining a reputation of training people to work in local industries in different job fields. Phelan praised LSCO for getting new generations to higher learning. "You are only as strong as your next generation," he said. The speaker also said when he first ran for state representative, his goal was to work to increase the population of Southeast Texas. He said the region is now growing. Last week, he was at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a the new local hospital and medical center. The new LSCO project is "just another week in Orange County," he said. McKee, Riedel, and Phelan donned hard hats and helped move the ceremonial shovel of sand during the event. Dr. Johnson wore a green satin bow tie to represent the LSCO colors of orange and green. An alligator figurine, for the Gators mascot, was in front of the shovelers. The red brick church, designed in the classic Greek revival style, has a silver metal dome and is a landmark. It was dedicated in 1913. Thirteen years ago, the church congregation offered to sell the city the block for a new fire station. A number of people protested the idea of tearing down the brick sanctuary with one now-deceased longtime member saying the church was built with money raised by members and not donated by a millionaire's wife. McKee said the church had removed most of everything inside the building and it was so full of mold that it had to be gutted. Stained glass windows still remain, though, and will add colored sunrays to the new center. Also attending the ceremony were presidents of the three other Lamar colleges--Lamar University, Lamar Institute of Technology, and Lamar State College Port Arthur. The schools are under the Texas State University System. Amateur radio operators in the region will be gathering Saturday, February 24, at the Orange County Expo Center and the public is invited to attend to learn more about the radio operators who talk with others around the world. And sometimes, out of the world. Mike Manshack of Orange, one of the organizers, said amateur radio operators are able to speak with astronauts in the International Space Station as it passes over them. The event will be from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on February 24. Admission is $10 per person with youth ages 12 and younger admitted free. The event will include flea marker with people often selling a variety of old communications parts and devices, along with radio dealers who will display their wares. "There's a lot of merchandise, new and used," Manshack said. "Ham" operators get their name from the first amateur ratio frequency call letters in 1908. The H-A-M comes from the beginning initials of three men who started the Harvard Radio Club. The event is sponsored by the Orange Amateur Radio Club, the Jefferson County ARC, and the Beaumont ARC. Manshack said hams from several states attend the event, which mainly draws people from the areas between Houston and New Orleans. Door prizes will be awarded throughout the event and people must be present to win a door prize. Tickets for drawings for gift certificates for radio equipment will be sold for $1 each, or 6 for $5, and 12 for $10. Winners do not have to be present for the raffle. The grand raffle prize is a $1,250 gift certificate from Main Trading Company in Houston. Second prize is a $500 gift certificate, and third prize is a $250 gift certificate. Three challengers to incumbent Sheriff Jimmy Lane Mooney said they want to improve relationships between the Orange County Sheriff's Office and other agencies. Mooney said he stands on his work of the past three years, which includes negotiating a new contract with deputies and getting them pay raises. The four appeared in a question and answer forum last week that was sponsored by the Orange County Republican Party. All four are running in the March 4 party primary with no Democrats running to challenge the winner in the November primary. Early voting will start on Tuesday, February 20. Mooney is seeking his second four-year term after winning to replace retiring sheriff Keith Merritt. Ron Dischler, a lieutenant with the Beaumont Police Department and longtime resident of Orange County, is a challenger, along with Vidor ISD Police Chief Mike Sanchez, and former Texas Ranger Major Bobby Smith, who said he retired to run for Orange County Sheriff. All four have years of law enforcement experience. Sanchez was not able to attend the forum because he was diagnosed with Covid. His wife appeared for him with his answers. All candidates were given the questions ahead of time. The questions had been submitted to the party online days earlier. The chair of the Hardin County Republican Party was the moderator. One question involved the county's former HIT unit, or Homicide Investigation Team. Different police and county agencies assigned officers to respond immediately to anywhere in the county that had a murder. Mooney said he did not "shut down" the HIT unit. He said "it was gone before I got there." He said District Attorney John Kimbrough told him the unit had quit functioning. Dischler, Sanchez, and Smith all said they would bring back the HIT unit. Dischler pointed out the he had worked as a homicide sergeant for Beaumont police and it's good to have assigned people to do the work needed for the investigation immediately. Sanchez said manpower is needed on such investigations and he would get back the unit. Smith said he had worked with HIT representing the Texas Rangers and he supports the unit. One question was how would each candidate, as sheriff, handle a call someone from the FBI, ATF, or other federal agency was trying to take away their guns. "I will not assist a federal or state agency that is going to come in and violate a citizen's Second Amendment right," Dischler said. He described himself as a "constitutional sheriff." The constitutional sheriff theory is growing with the idea that a county sheriff is the highest law within the county and can supersede the federal government's authority. Sanchez's reply was "I support the Second Amendment and I will stand by our law-abiding citizens." Smith said as a citizen of Texas and the United States, he believes in the Second Amendment and the Fourth Amendment, which requires a "reasonable search." He said if a citizen calls about someone "seizing his weapons without probable cause," he would protect the rights of the citizen. "I'm a strict Second Amendment supporter and there will be nobody coming into our county to take our guns," Mooney said. Early voting will begin Tuesday, February 20, because the 19th is the Presidents Day holiday. Sites in Orange County are the Orange Public Library in downtown Orange, Mauriceville Community Center on Cohenour Road, Orange County Airport on Highway 87 South, and the Raymond Gould Community Center on Claiborne Street in Vidor. Any registered Orange County voter with proper ID will may go to any one of the sites. The hours will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, through Friday, February 23; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 24; 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 25; and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, February 26, through Friday, March 1. Other contested local races include District 21 State Representative with David Covey of Mauriceville and Alicia Davis of Jasper County are running against incumbent Dade Phelan, who currently also serves as speaker of the house. Also locally, Precinct 2 Constable Jeremiah Gunter is being challenged by Harold Hass and David C. Bailey. Precinct 4 Constable Matt Ortego is facing Sheriff's Captain Joey Jacobs. Orange County Republican Party Chair Leo Labouve III is being challenged by Cheryl Warren in a party chair race that is drawing more attention than usual for that position. Before Mitch tried out the accents, Bryce gave Irish a go, and once again - we can confirm this did not make him any more attractive. In fact, it did quite the opposite. Today Sunny with gusty winds developing this afternoon. High 68F. NW winds at 5 to 10 mph, increasing to 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible. Tonight A clear sky. Low near 35F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow Mostly sunny skies. High 64F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. TOKYO, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- From red lanterns to dancing dragons, from savoring Chinese delicacies to dragon year tales, vibrant celebrations for the Chinese Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, have been held across multiple cities in Japan, allowing more people to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and experience the joy and charm of China's rich traditional culture. In Tokyo, dragon-themed decorations such as lanterns, shadow puppets, figurines, masks, and even the Chinese character "Loong" in oracle bone script adorned the China Cultural Center with a festive ambiance. Shoji Ikegami, a Japanese translator and author of the book "The World of Dragons," held a lecture at the center the day before the Chinese Lunar New Year's Eve, introducing various forms of "dragons" in Chinese culture from ancient times to the present through images and videos. Ikegami's lecture toured the audience into the cultural significance of dragons in China, from the zodiacal dragons, jade dragons unearthed in Inner Mongolia, dragons in oracle bone inscriptions, dragons in Confucian Analects and idioms, to the drone dragons in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen. In the capital's Ueno Park, the "Uenode Panda New Year Festival 2024" featured lively lion dances, stunning Sichuan opera face-changing performances, and elegant Hanfu shows, leaving local residents in awe of the brilliance of Chinese traditional culture. Various adorable auspicious dragons, giant panda dolls, and traditional handicrafts brimming with the flavor of the Lunar New Year displayed at special booths set up by the Chinese Tourism Office in Tokyo captivated visitors at the fair. Takahiro Takauji, a renowned Japanese panda photographer who recently returned from a panda friendship tour in China, also displayed his latest photographic works related to giant pandas. Just south of Tokyo, Yokohama Chinatown is a must-visit destination for Japanese people to experience the atmosphere of the Spring Festival, when the entire neighborhood is adorned with colorful decorations and bustling with activities. People from not only Japan but all over the world have come to Yokohama to immerse themselves in the festive ambiance by watching dragon and lion dances and savoring Chinese delicacies. "I came especially for the dragon dance performance and the festive vibe during this time of the year. We'll wait until the lanterns are lit up in the evening," a tourist told Xinhua. "We came to Chinatown during the Spring Festival to experience the Chinese cultural atmosphere. We wish our motherland prosperity and peace," said a Chinese father living in Japan, hugging his young daughter who was wearing traditional Chinese clothes of Hanfu. In the western Japanese city of Osaka, the three-day 2024 Osaka Spring Festival attracted more than 200,000 people in Tennoji Park, where people from other nations including Vietnam, Thailand, Mongolia, Nepal and Myanmar were also invited to join as this year marks the first time the United Nations has designated the Spring Festival as a United Nations holiday. In the port city of Nagasaki, which has a long history of trade exchanges with China, a lantern festival is being held featuring a spectacular 10-meter-high, 4.5-meter-long dragon lantern. The festival will last from the first day of the Lunar New Year until the Lantern Festival, expecting more than 1.3 million visitors, according to the organizer. With colorful decorations and joyous festivities, more and more Japanese people are indulging in the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations held in various cities, experiencing the festivity and charm of China's traditional festivals, and feeling the warmth and affection emanating from China's outstanding traditional culture. VIENTIANE, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Laos will launch a new system to monitor and manage the flow of foreign currency, Lao national TV reported on Wednesday. Laos' Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry and Commerce, and the central bank will jointly implement the Capital Flow Management System (CMS), which will link business registration and the transactions of exporters and investors with commercial banks and the central bank, the report said. The system will also provide a dashboard for relevant ministries to track the value and products of export and import activities. The CMS aims to manage and monitor the movement of international funds, maintain economic and financial stability, hedge the risks from fluctuating exchange rates, and encourage investment and international trade. The system is expected to be operational by the end of February 2024. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe After allegations of torture by some Trinamul Congress leaders on women in Sandeshkhali, a team of women police officers, headed by Soma Das Mitra, deputy inspector general (DIG) of police in the criminal investigation department (CID) visited the trouble-hit island in North 24-Parganas district on Tuesday to take stock of the situation there. The team also includes officers like Debosmita Das, DIG special (STF), Charu Sharma, additional superintendent of police (SP) in-charge of Sundarbans, and Kakoli Ghosh, inspector-in-charge (IC), Baruipur. They reached Sandeshkhali by a boat through Dhamakhali around 11am today and met local women at their doorsteps. Advertisement The aggrieved women had an emotional outburst when the members of the team wanted to know about grievances. They narrated stories of how they were harassed allegedly by ruling Trinamul Congress leaders like Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates like Sibu Hazra and Uttam Sardar in the area for the past many years. Many of these stories were unearthed after the Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing ration distribution scam in the state, were beaten up when they went to arrest Shahjahan at his Sandeshkhali residence more than one-and-a-half months ago. Shahjahan and Hazra are still absconding, while Sardar who was rearrested on Monday night, after being granted bail on the same day. They demanded arrests of Shahjahan and his associates when the team met them in different areas of Sandeshkhali throughout the day. The women have been regularly protesting in Sandeshkhali since Friday demanding arrest of the local Trinamul Congress leaders. The women protestors also erupted in anger against police administrations for its failure to nab miscreants in the Sandeshkhali area. The visiting women police officers took notes of the stories narrated by the women residing at the trouble-hit Sandeshkhali. Governor C V Ananda Bose, who visited Sandeshkhali on Monday, also faced the wrath of villagers, mostly women. Mr Bose had cut short his Kerala trip to be with the affected villagers. The villagers had destroyed a poultry farm and an animal husbandry unit reportedly owned by Hazra and Sardar respectively. After more than four years of the first round of cracks and crevices, residents of the subsidence zone in Bowbazar are seeing new rays of hope. A bhoomi pujan ceremony at the site of the cave-ins is to be held Sunday before kicking off the reconstruction of the 27-odd structures that were severely damaged during the Metro works of the East-West Corridor. The event is said to have been organised by the Kolkata Metro Railway Corporation Limited (KMRCL), which is the implementing agency of the East-West project at this site. After three mishaps in the zone, the KMRCL authorities have organised the Bhoomi Pujan ceremony before proceeding with the reconstruction work. Unwilling to leave any stones unturned to kick off the reconstruction work on a positive note, the authorities are said to have invited around 1,200 local residents who were affected by the cave-ins. Advertisement Notably, the KMRCL is gearing up to start the reconstruction of the affected buildings in Bowbazar from the month of April. For this, the building plan and tendering process are said to have been completed, according to local residents. Simultaneously, the implementing agency is also carrying out the repairing works of a few structures. As informed by the city metro railway office, the damaged house of 6B Durga Pithuri Lane has been repaired and handed over to the owners while repairing works of two houses at 19/1A Durga Pithuri Lane and 12 Madan Dutta Lane are being carried out. With almost 70 percent of the repairing works of these two houses getting completed, the authorities are expecting to hand over the premises to their owners soon. In addition, the house at 1/4, Durga Pithuri Lane is said to have started while that of 19, Durga Pithuri Lane is to kick off next month, according to the residents. Protesting against the Sandeshkhali incident, BJP state president and MP Sukanta Majumdar and his supporters agitated around the SP office in Basirhat. A few BJP supporters, including women supporters, were injured during the clash with the police. Breaking through the initial police barricade, BJP workers and supporters entered, prompting the police to resort to a lathi charge. A barrage of bricks was thrown towards the police. Earlier, Sukanta Majumdar along with party workers staged a demonstration in front of the SP office, demanding justice. Majumdar led a bike rally from Basirhat station to the SP office. Avoiding main roads under police scrutiny, they took alleys from Basirhat station towards the SP office. Sukanta engaged in conversations with daily commuters on the train. Sandeshkhali women have alleged that they were being harassed and demanded immediate arrest for those responsible. A protest march also began in Basirhat, starting from the Town Hall, through Boat Ghat by the SUCI. Advertisement Left supporters also took out protests against the police at various locations, such as the SP office in Baruipur and the SDPO office. The supporters too clashed with the police. Similar incidents took place in front of the SP office and the SDPO office in Baruipur on South 24-Parganas. On Tuesday afternoon, commemorative letters were submitted to the SP office in Basirhat, and the CPM filed a complaint with the SP. The fifth Kumbh Mela was held at Triveni Sangam (Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna, now Kunti river, confluence) at Kalyani, some 703 years back. However, for reasons unknown, the traditional Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangam at Kalyani in Nadia district stopped but at the initiative of different religions leaders and organisations supported by the state government, the lost glory of Kumbh Mela at Kalyani has been revived. Presently, Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangam is drawing devotees and visitors in large numbers. Last year too, the Kumbh Mela took place at Triveni. Kashi peeth Jagathguru Shankarachary Sri Swami Narendranand Saraswati ji Maharaj was present at the venue on the occasion. Thousands of devotees have gathered to receive the blessings of saints and sadhus and other holy persons present on the occasion to have holy dip in the Sangam. Advertisement As per the holy scriptures, Kumbh Mela usually takes place at Allahabad, Ujjain, Haridwar and Nasik. Sangam at Triveni also finds its mention as the fifth Kumbh Mela. Saints and sadhus, after taking a holy dip at Sagar, the holy persons on foot reached Triveni Sangam to take another holy dip in west Bengal. The initiative taken by the state government to revive the lost glory of Kumbh Mela in Triveni at Kalyani has been hailed by religious leaders, sadhus and monks. The Kashi Shankaracharya, while speaking to the media drew the attention on different non-political and political issues of the nation. The Shankaracharya said, Different religious festivals aim to unite common people in the bondage of love. No nation can move ahead with communal ill feelings. Unity makes a nation strong and prosperous; everyone has the right to follow their own faith and belief. The contradictory views and opinions over the Ayodhya Ram Temple are baseless. Sri Ram is the guiding force of Sanatan dharma. Kashi Shankaracharya added, the political power at the Centre and different states should act firmly against forces trying to divide people and nation on irrelevant issues. For political gains, parties should not compromise with the safety and security of the nation. Nation comes first, said the seer. The director, North Bengal Wild Animals Park (NBWAP), popularly known as Bengal Safari, in Siliguri today officially denied the alleged naming of animals that arrived in the park for captive breeding. The Director NBWAP, in a letter to the secretary of Hindu Sabhya Samaj (HSS) and the president of Hindu Jagaran Mancha (HJM), has informed, Till date, there is no naming of animals with respect to lion and lioness has been accorded from this end. Notably, the HSS and the HJM activists today staged demonstrations and asked authorities concerned about naming of Lion and Lioness following media reports. Advertisement Based on sources information, media had reported that a lion named Akbar and his partner lioness Sita arrived in Bengal Safari, from Tripura, for captive breeding following successful captive breeding of Royal Bengal Tiger here. The HSS and HJM activists, after inauguration of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, today reacted vehemently for naming of animals as Akbar and Sita for captive breeding The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders in West Bengal urged intellectuals in Kolkata to become active and vocal against the Sandeshkhali incident. Prant Karyavah, RSS, Dr Jisnu Basu, said, If the people of Kolkata are not aware, if the conscious and educated people with real intelligence do not become active and vocal, then the life of Bengalis will come to an end. Bengali Hindus were the pioneer of Indias renaissance. Bengali Hindus made the greatest contribution in the struggle for freedom in the few countries that have emerged as independent states in this subcontinent. The existence of these Bengali Hindus is endangered today, Dr Basu said, adding, Those who are directly or indirectly responsible for endangering this existence also need to be identified. Those who dramatically said, a few days ago, we will not go anywhere else. Advertisement Miss Sushmita Dev and Md Nadimul Haque filed nominations for the forthcoming Rajya Sabha election, today. Trinamul Congress has nominated four candidates for Rajya Sabha. They are Ms Sushmita Dev, Md Nadimul Haque, Mrs Mamatabala Thakur and Mrs Sagarika Ghosh. After filing nomination, both Miss Dev and Md Haque thanked Mamata Banerjee, partys chairperson and Abhishek Banerjee, partys national general secretary for giving them the opportunity to raise the issues related to Bengal in the Upper House of the Parliament. Advertisement Miss Dev, who joined Trinamul Congress from the Congress, is the daughter of Santosh Mohan Dev, veteran Congress leader, who passed away some years ago. Mrs Thakur was the partys Lok Sabha MP from Bongaon from 2015-2019. Mrs Ghosh was a journalist and will be filing her nomination shortly. Trinamul Congress leaders today demanded action from the Union home ministry against the BSF, whose unplanned work led to the death of four children in Chopra. Dr Shashi Panja, state minister for women, child development and social welfare had said earlier that the home ministry did not take any action against the BSF, despite repeated complaints from the state government. In 2021, during the Assembly election, BSF had opened fire killing three people at Sitalkuchi in Cooch Behar. Till date, we do not know what prompted the BSF to open fire and who are the tainted personnel. The home ministry is silent on the issue, she said. She further said, in 2022, in Bagda of North 24-Parganas, a housewife was abused by some BSF jawans in front of her son. The son saw her mother being touched inappropriately by the alleged jawans. Here also we noticed the uncanny silence from the home ministry, she maintained. KABUL, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Health services have improved in Afghanistan over the past two years and women have also been provided with employment opportunities in the health sector, Afghan caretaker government's chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said. "Compared to the past, health activities have increased and hospitals have become more standardized. The hospitals in provinces have also been better equipped and medicine is available on time there," local media outlet TOLOnews quoted Mujahid on Wednesday as saying. Mujahid made the remarks amid reports on the worsening health sector in the war-torn country. In the meantime, the Afghan interim government has promised to further improve the health sector by building more hospitals and health clinics in the country. Common Services Centers (CSCs), under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), on Wednesday joined hands with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to enable e-commerce access to rural citizens across India. This initiative will enable the integration of CSCs e-Grameen app on the ONDC Network as a buyer application, allowing citizens across rural India to access its vast e-commerce Network. CSC services will become a part of the ONDC Network in two phases. In the first phase, it will be onboarded as a buyer-side platform, allowing citizens visiting CSC to place orders for essentials via the e-Grameen app. Advertisement With over 4 lakh CSC points across India, this will enable millions of new users to access e-commerce, through their trusted neighborhood CSC. In the second phase, sellers registered on the CSC platform will be able to receive orders via ONDC Network. This will boost entrepreneurship opportunities and incomes for village-level entrepreneurs, driving the vision of Gram Swaraj. T Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC, said, Together, we hope to tap into the entrepreneurial promise of village-level entrepreneurs to boost rural incomes aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. Sanjay Kumar Rakesh, MD & CEO, CSC SPV, said, Rural India is fast transforming due to digital empowerment. Now, e-commerce services will be able to reach isolated rural areas thanks to this relationship with ONDC. Shah Rukh Khan Clears the Air: No Role in Naval Officers Release from Qatar In a recent turn of events, Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has come forward to put to rest swirling rumors surrounding his alleged involvement in securing the release of eight Indian naval officers from Qatar, where they faced the grim prospect of a death sentence on charges of espionage. The celebrated actor, known for his charismatic performances on screen, has unequivocally denied any role in this diplomatic triumph, attributing the credit entirely to the Indian governments efforts. Amid widespread acclaim for Indias successful negotiation for the release of the naval veterans, speculation had arisen regarding Shah Rukh Khans purported intervention in the matter. However, the actors camp swiftly moved to dispel these unfounded claims. Pooja Dadlani, SRKs manager, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to share a statement directly from the superstar himself. Advertisement See the post here: From the office of Mr. Shah Rukh Khan pic.twitter.com/s7Kwwhmd6j Pooja Dadlani (@pooja_dadlani) February 13, 2024 In the statement, Shah Rukh Khans office emphasized that any suggestions of his involvement in the naval officers release were baseless, highlighting the pivotal role played solely by Indian government officials. The statement reiterated Khans firm stance, affirming that he played no part in the diplomatic negotiations that led to the officers safe return home. Instead, the actor extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Indian government for orchestrating this significant achievement on the international stage. Expressing his joy at the safe return of the naval officers, Shah Rukh Khan reiterated his faith in the capable leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and reiterated that matters of diplomacy and statecraft are best handled by adept officials. He emphasized his solidarity with fellow Indians in celebrating the officers homecoming and extended his best wishes for their future endeavors. As the nation continues to laud the successful resolution of this diplomatic ordeal, Shah Rukh Khans unequivocal denial serves to clarify his stance on the matter, reinforcing the pivotal role of governmental authorities in navigating such intricate diplomatic challenges. With the sailors safely back on Indian soil, the focus now remains on honoring their service and resilience while reaffirming Indias steadfast commitment to its citizens well-being, both at home and abroad. Team members of the Varun Tej-starrer Operation Valentine are set to pay a visit to the Pulwama memorial site at Lethpora camp in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14. February 14, 2019, marked five years since the tragic Pulwama terror attack, during which 40 brave Indian soldiers lost their lives when a suicide bomber targeted the security convoy they were traveling in with an IED-laden vehicle. The assault on the CRPF convoy occurred in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district on February 14, 2019. Advertisement The team of Operation Valentine intends to honor the memory of the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Pulwama attack. Regarding the film, it centers on the unwavering courage of Air Force heroes serving on the frontlines and the myriad challenges they confront while safeguarding the nation. Directed by Shakti Pratap Singh Hada and inspired by real-life events, Operation Valentine features Varun portraying the role of an Air Force officer. The recently released teaser of the film has garnered acclaim from audiences. Filmed in Hindi and Telugu, the movie, originally slated for release on February 16, will now hit theaters on March 1. (ANI) In a bold move aimed at addressing the recent uproar over the Oscars snub of Barbie in this years nominations, the Academy has released a promotional video featuring none other than Ryan Gosling. The clip, a nearly five-minute homage to the feminist-tinted blockbuster, stars repeat host Jimmy Kimmel alongside Kate McKinnon as Weird Barbie. In the promo, Kimmel embarks on a journey to Oscarsland, encountering scenes from 2024s most celebrated films before reaching Hollywood. There, he receives a pep talk from America Ferrera. The nods to Barbie continue as Ryan Gosling, donning sunglasses and a tie-dye I Am Kenough hoodie, makes a cameo appearance, casually sipping from an In-N-Out soda cup and holding a bag of fast food. Kimmel humorously reminds Gosling that In-N-Out is traditionally reserved for post-award celebrations, referencing Paul Giamattis memorable burger moment after the Golden Globes. Gosling, nominated for Best Supporting Actor, responds with a quip about Barbie director Greta Gerwig, expressing confidence in her chances. However, upon learning of Gerwigs absence from the nominations, Gosling lets out a dramatic scream, joined by Kimmel, Ferrera, and McKinnon. Advertisement The exclusion of Gerwig and Barbie star Margot Robbie from the nominations had sparked controversy among fans and industry insiders alike. Gosling, in response to his own nomination, issued a statement acknowledging the contributions of Gerwig and Robbie to the films success, emphasizing their integral roles. There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, Gosling stated. He praised the duo as instrumental in creating the groundbreaking and globally celebrated film. With tensions still simmering over the Barbie snubs, the anticipation for the 96th Academy Awards, scheduled for Mar. 10, is palpable. As Hollywood gears up for its biggest night, the inclusion of Gosling in the promotional campaign signals a playful yet pointed acknowledgment of the controversies surrounding this years nominations. Chaotic scenes played out along Shambhu border on Wednesday as farmers attempted to resume their Dilli Chalo protest, with security personnel firing tear gas shells to disperse them. Reports claimed that 10 farmers sustained injuries on the Punjab-Haryana border. Advertisement Delhi borders bear a fortified look, with security personnel deployed in large numbers and barricades laid out across all possible entry points. Meanwhile, internet services have been suspended till February 16 in select areas under some police stations of Patiala, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The temporary suspension of internet services came into effect from 6 pm on February 12 and will continue till 11.59 pm on February 16. Internet services have been hit in Patiala district in areas falling under police stations Shatrana, Samana, Ghanour, Devigarh and Balbhera; in Sangrur district in areas under Khanauri, Moonak, Lehra, Sunam and Chajli police stations limits; and in Fatehgarh Sahib in areas under Fatehgarh Sahib station. The protesting farmers are seeking MSP (minimum support price) guarantee for 23 crops, waiver of their debts and withdrawal of cases registered against them during the 2020-21 farmers agitation. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had on Tuesday allowed the farmers protests in the states, pointing out that, as citizens of India, they have right to move. While hearing two Public Interest Litigations (PILs) related to the agitation that reached Delhi from the states of Punjab and Haryana on Tuesday, the court also emphasized that the state governments should ensure the safety and convenience of its citizens and take measures to prevent any inconvenience caused to them. We have come for MSP of our crops, to demand compensation for our brothers who died in Lakhimpur (Kheri) and loan waiver. Farmers should get pension, we have come for our rights, Amandeep Kaur, who has come from Punjabs Khanna district, told media at Shambhu border. Amid the ongoing protest, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda said a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops cannot be brought in a hurry without consulting all stakeholders and urged the protesting farmer groups to have a structured discussion with the government on the issue. He also cautioned the protesting farmers to be aware and alert about some elements which could defame their protest for political benefits. The government has also made a ministerial delegation that held two rounds of discussion with the farmers groups, including Samyuka Kisan Morcha (non-political), Kisan Mazdoor Morcha in Chandigarh, to resolve their concerns. The protesting farmers were also seen attempting to break the multi-layered barricades using their tractors and hand weapons. Haryana police had detained several protesting farmers as they marched towards Delhi on Tuesday. Visuals from the border showed farmers running towards nearby farmland on the sides of the road as police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters. Former Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student Umar Khalid, an accused in the 2020 North East Delhi riots, on Wednesday withdrew his bail plea before the Supreme Court stating that he would approach the trial court. A bench of Justice Bela M Trivedi and Justice Pankaj Mithal allowed Khalid to withdraw the bail plea as senior advocate. Kapil Sibal, appearing for Khalid, told the bench that the petition is being withdrawn in view of change in circumstances and to seek bail afresh before the trial court. Advertisement Bail matter, we wish to withdraw. There has been a change in circumstances, we will try our luck in the trial court, Sibal told the bench while seeking to withdraw the bail petition. Umar Khalid is in incarceration since September 2020 and has been accused of allegedly being a part of a larger conspiracy behind February 2020 North East Delhi riots. He has been charged under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Khalid had approached the top court challenging an October 2022 Delhi High Court verdict that had denied him the bail. Earlier, the trial court had dismissed his bail plea in March 2022. Khalid has sought bail on the grounds that he neither had any criminal role in the February 2020 violence in the North-East area of Delhi nor any conspiratorial connect with any other accused in the case. The Delhi police had opposed Khalids bail plea before the High Court. He was charged with criminal conspiracy, rioting, unlawful assembly as well as several provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Besides Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, activist Khalid Saifi, JNU students Natasha Narwal and Devangana Kalita, Jamia Coordination Committee members Safoora Zargar, former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and several others were booked under the stringent law in the case. The violence had erupted during the protests against CAA and NRC and had left 53 people dead and over 700 injured. As the farmers protest entered its second day, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda on Wednesday urged all the leaders from different farmers organisations to cooperate and communicate so that the common people do not suffer. Speaking on the ongoing farmers protest, Munda, who is also negotiating with farmer leaders, said, The way things are being said by (farmer) organisations and the way they are said, instead of solving the problems, they are trying to add to those problems, creating difficulties for the people. He requested all the farmer organisations to take initiatives that can strengthen the way to solve the problem and to find a solution through dialogue, adding that the government was completely ready for it. Advertisement I would like to urge all the leaders from different farmers organisations to cooperate and communicate so that the common people should not have to suffer, government is determined in this regard. We have assured them that all the works of administrative nature will be fast-tracked. But in the formulation of new laws, there are so many things to consider. In the coming days, we want to discuss with the farmers organisations and to look for any possible solutions, the Minister said. Earlier in the day, Munda said that efforts were on to engage in constructive dialogue with the farmers unions. The Minister also expressed readiness to hold discussions considering all viewpoints and appealed for a conducive environment for a dialogue. I had already said that our efforts to hold positive discussions with the farmers union will continue. Farmers organisations must understand that the decision on the law that is being talked about cannot be taken in such a way that people criticise the situation without thinking and understanding in the coming days. Rather, we should try to keep in mind all the aspects of it and discuss it, he said. Further, the Union Agriculture Minister urged the farmers organisations to avoid actions that disrupt daily life. The second thing is that the farmers will also have to pay attention to this, especially the leaders of those organisations who are connected with the farmers organisation and are saying such things that do not affect the common life of the people. The life of the people should not be troubled in any way. Creating difficulties for the common people, I think, instead of solving the problem, the problem becomes more complicated. Therefore, I will request the farmers organisations today that they should maintain the atmosphere of dialogue he added. Meanwhile, Police lobbed multiple rounds of teargas shells to disperse farmers who were approaching the police barricade at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to resume the Dilli Chalo protest on Wednesday. To ensure law and order, Delhi police have already enforced Section 144, restricting the entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies. Long traffic jams were seen at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border due to the farmers protest and security checks put in place by the authorities. Rapid Action Force personnel, Police personnel and Riot Control Vehicles are deployed at the Singhu Border in Delhi in view of the farmers protest. In the morning, there were intense security arrangements at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana, as farmers who marched towards Delhi on Tuesday clashed with the police. The farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government. The protest this time has been called by the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher respectively. According to the protesting farmers, the Centre promised them better crop prices, after which they ended the 2021 protest. They are demanding to enact a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report. They are also demanding a complete debt waiver and a scheme to provide pensions to farmers and farm labourers. The agriculturists have also urged to scrap the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and are demanding to reintroduce the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, ensuring consent from farmers and compensation at four times the collector rate. Further, they are demanding to punish those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings. An appeal to provide 200 days of employment per year and a daily wage of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), linking it with farming, has also been made by the agriculturists . Also, they have demanded compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021 and a job for the kin of the deceased. Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi is expected to file her nomination papers for Rajya Sabha biennial polls to be held on three seats on February 27 today. She will arrive at Jaipur International Airport in the forenoon, and move for filing her papers with her son Rahul Gandhi, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, former state Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, PCC president Govind Singh Dotasara, Leader of Opposition in assembly Tikaram Ram Jully to Election Office in Rajasthan Legislative Assembly building , a PCC spokesman and functionary told The Statesman here. Posting on his X, partys General Secretary Bhanwar Jitendra Singh said, We welcome Sonia Gandhi. People of Rajasthan welcome her. During the UPA I and UPA II governments, a lot of work was doneSonia Gandhi has worked as Congress president for longSo, there is great joy among Congress people and the public in Rajasthan. Her arrival will strengthen us. Advertisement It is worth mentioning that Alwars royal scion Bhanwar Jitendra was front-runner for RS seat from Rajasthan. The BJP has already fielded its candidates Madan Rathore, Chunnilal Garasia for this biennial polls. Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh (Congress) and BJPs Union Minister Bhupender Yadav will retire from the Rajya Sabha on April 3. The third seat fell vacant following the resignation of BJPs RS MP Kirori Lal Meena who contested the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly election and became the Agriculture Minister in the Bhajan government. The last date of filing nomination papers is February 15. Of the 200 members of the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly, the ruling BJP has a strength of 115 MLAs, Congress 70, Bhartiya Tribal Party 3, BSP 2, RLD & RLP one each and Independents 8. Hence, the BJP will have victory in two seats, and the Congress one, if the election goes uncontested on February 27. The farmers stir entered its second day on Wednesday with chaotic scenes witnessed at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border where police lobbed tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse the crowd. The local police stood their ground and continued to stop the protesting farmers from heading towards the national capital. Farmer leaders, however, reiterated their willingness to keep the door open for talks with the central government to resolve the issues plaguing them. Advertisement The meeting with the Centre will be held at 5pm tomorrow, says Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher at Rajpura bypass in Punjab. Visuals shared by news agencies showed scores of farmers queuing up at GT road towards the Shambhu border. A farmer union in Punjab, BKU Ekta Ugrahan, also announced to sit on railway tracks from 12 noon to 4 pm as a mark of protest against how the protesting farmers were treated at the Shambhu border. Tear gas and water cannons were put to use to disperse the farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders where they tried to push away the barricades put in place by the police. On the other hand, authorities in Punjab have objected to the use of drones by Haryana to drop tear gas shells and asked the Haryana administration not to send their drones inside Punjab. Reports claimed that 10 farmers sustained injuries on the Punjab-Haryana border. Delhi borders bore a fortified look, with security personnel deployed in large numbers and barricades laid out across all possible entry points. Meanwhile, the Ambala Police had said that one of their Deputy Superintendent of Police(DSP) and 10 jawans were injured during the arrangements made by the police to stop farmers from proceeding towards Delhi. Several farmers were also detained by the police as they tried to cross and push away the barricades installed. Haryana Police has said that section 144 has been invoked across 15 districts of the state in view of the farmers march to Delhi, while the Director general of Haryana Police has appealed to everyone to maintain law and order situation. Meanwhile, internet services have been suspended till February 16 in select areas under some police stations of Patiala, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib districts of Punjab on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The temporary suspension of internet services came into effect from 6 pm on February 12 and will continue till 11.59 pm on February 16. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are leading the Delhi Chalo protest march to voice their demands and put pressure on the Centre demanding for a law on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. Amid the ongoing protest, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda had said a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) on crops cannot be brought in a hurry without consulting all stakeholders and urged the protesting farmer groups to have a structured discussion with the government on the issue. He also cautioned the protesting farmers to be aware and alert about some elements which could defame their protest for political benefits. The government has also made a ministerial delegation that held two rounds of discussion with the farmers groups, including Samyuka Kisan Morcha (non-political), Kisan Mazdoor Morcha in Chandigarh, to resolve their concerns. In Delhi, traffic movement continued to remain affected across the city at many places as diversions have been put in place at multiple border points, while movement of vehicles has been completely restricted at the Singhu and Tikri borders. Barricading and picketing has been stepped up in Delhi, especially in the New Delhi area. The budget session of the fifth session of the 14th Himachal Pradesh Assembly commenced with the address of Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla in Shimla on Wednesday. In his address, the Governor said that his government has successfully completed one year of Vyavastha Parivartan (change in governance) and he is confident that the government will serve the state with more dedication, strength and commitment. The Governors address emphasised the goal of making Himachal a green state by 2026 and highlighted the Rs 680 crore Rajiv Gandhi Startup Scheme. However, the figures of employment provided by the Sukhu government in the government and private sector during the last one-and-a-quarter year were missing in the Governors address. Advertisement The government has initiated work on a large scale to make electric vehicles the first choice for transportation to make Himachal the first green energy state of the country by 2026. Under this, six green corridors are being developed in the state and 106 public places have been identified for setting up a wide network of electric vehicle charging stations, he said. The Governor further said that to provide self-employment opportunities and encourage entrepreneurship, his government has launched the e-taxi scheme under the transport department under the Rs 680-crore Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Scheme, 2023. Under this, a 50 per cent subsidy is being given on purchasing e-taxis and these e-taxis will be taken on contract by government departments for at least four years, he said. Solar energy is being encouraged and for this 93 MW solar power projects in the state have completed formalities. It will be installed by the end of this year, Shukla said. The government disbanded the Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission, Hamirpur, on 21 February 2023 due to irregularities in recruitment examinations. In its place, Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Ayog was established on 30 September to restore public trust in the recruitment process. In his address, the Governor also mentioned about the natural disaster that occurred in the state last year and the governments announcement regarding a Special Relief Package of Rs 4,500 crore, which is the first of its kind in the country to provide relief to the victims of this disaster. He also said that the election manifesto of the Congress party has been declared a policy document and that all the promises made to the people of the state will be fulfilled in a phased manner and lack of funds will not come in the way of development works. He said that the government has started multi-dimensional changes to bring the economic situation of the state back on track. Referring to the Mukhya Mantri Sukh Ashray Yojana, the Governor said that under this scheme 4,121 children of the state have been declared eligible and till now an amount of more than Rs 7.65 crore has been spent on them. The government is developing Kangra district as a tourism capital and Rs 3,000 crore will be spent on the development of tourism infrastructure here, he said. He said that milk production is being promoted by making a provision of Rs 500 crore under the Him Ganga Scheme and a world-class milk processing plant will be set up at Dagwar in Kangra district at a cost of Rs 250 crore. He further stated that Special Revenue Lok Adalats to settle pending revenue cases have been started and under this, 95,120 cases of partition and mutation cases have been settled so far. The Governor said that the state government has started new schemes with honest efforts in a period of one year and has given impetus to the development of the state. The government has taken effective steps to ensure equal development of all areas and welfare of all sections. Efforts are being made to reach out to the last person in the society whose voice does not easily reach the top, he said. The empowerment of these sections of the society is the main objective of my government, he added. Despite all the challenges, my government has set a target to become economically self-reliant in the next four years and to be included among the most prosperous states of the country in 10 years. I have full confidence that all the members of the House will continue to serve the people of the state with dedication and Himachal will definitely achieve this goal with the collective efforts of its youth, strong intentions and honest and hardworking people of the state, the Governor said. Meng Fanhua makes noodles at her restaurant in Canberra, Australia, Feb. 9, 2024.(Photo by Chu Chen/Xinhua) by Zhang Na, Zhang Jianhua CANBERRA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Meng Fanhua, a lady in her 30s from Northeast China, running two Chinese restaurants here in the Australian capital, have always proudly introduced her hometown feature foods to guests. Meng was glad that her hometown, China's northeastern Heilongjiang Province, has gained prominence since the beginning of this year as a top winter destination in China, despite the outdoor temperature there falls to below minus 20 degrees Celsius in winter. "After the pandemic, tourism and restaurant businesses are getting better in our hometown," Meng told Xinhua. The growing appeal of the provincial capital Harbin has made headlines, with Harbin receiving more than 3 million tourists and achieving total tourism income of 5.9 billion yuan (824.5 million U.S. dollars) during the three-day New Year holiday, both representing record highs. Heilongjiang's ice-and-snow tourism-based economy has come into the spotlight recently. It has been listed among key sectors to further promote a new breakthrough in the full revitalization of the old industrial base. "The regained popularity of Northeast China has made us overseas northeasterners very proud, and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce more of Northeast China's food and culture to Australians," said Meng. Through food, Australians can understand Chinese people and culture, Meng said, adding that she has been enthusiastic promoting Northeast China's best foods to residents in Canberra. In Meng's restaurant, local residents like to order crispy sweet and sour pork (Guo Bao Rou), pickled cabbage and pork dumplings and chive dumplings. "The local Australians like to order these, and I just think of making these things look better and taste better," Meng said, adding, "Not salty, not spicy, everyone can eat, everyone loves to eat." Chinese cuisine has a wide range of styles and higher adaptability, which copes well with Australia's multicultural society, said Meng, who also owns a Xinjiang restaurant featuring Northwest China's foods, which are popular among people with ancestries in northwestern China, the Middle East and North Africa. In 2017, thanks to her cooking skills, Meng earned an opportunity to work in Australia. She came all the way from her hometown, Heilongjiang's Suihua City, to Melbourne. Meng was initially a pastry chef of Western cuisine, but gradually she "wanted to do something of our own here" and started her restaurant in Canberra. The Kerala government on Wednesday said that there was no need to hand over the investigation into the killing of Dr Vandana Das to the CBI as sought by the victims parents. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday dismissed the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Oppositions accusation that the state police investigation into the murder of Dr Vandana Das by a patient at Kottarakkara taluk hospital in Kollam district in May last year was deficient and riddled with legal loopholes favouring the assailant. Replying to a calling attention motion moved by Kerala Congress (J) legislator Mons Joseph, CM Vijayan said in the Assembly that the probe was carried out and a chargesheet was submitted in court by police without any delay. For the same reasons, the Kerala High Court dismissed the victims parents plea for a CBI investigation, he said. Advertisement Moving the motion, Mons Joseph demanded the government order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the murder to satisfy public concern about the crime that shocked society. He said the bereaved parents also accused the police of arm-twisting witnesses, including Vandanas colleagues, to give statements to suit their script. CM Vijayan said the police had secured witnesses sworn statements and adduced unimpeachable forensic evidence and security camera footage as proof in the court. The Kerala High Court had last week dismissed the parents plea for a CBI probe into the killing of Dr Vandana Das by a patient at Kottarakkara taluk hospital. Vandanas father Mohandas had said that the family would file an appeal against the single bench order dismissing their plea for a CBI probe. The Budget Session of Madhya Pradesh State Assembly was today adjourned sine die, five days ahead of the schedule. The Session, which began on 7 February, was scheduled to continue till 19 February. It was, however, curtailed and adjourned sine die today. The Assembly session ran only for eight days. However, it was supposed to run for 13 days. Advertisement During the session, the house passed Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav-led BJP state governments interim budget for four months, worth more than Rs 1.45 lakh crore. Speaking in the house today, Chief Minister Dr Yadav praised the Opposition as well as members of the ruling benches. He also showered praises on Assembly Speaker Narendra Singh Tomar. The CM said that the opposition party remained active and aware and it presented its issues in the house while the ruling party also answered all the issues effectively. Dr Yadav pointed out that such a manner of the proceedings in the State Assembly is the beauty of democracy. Remembering the brave heroes, who were martyred in Pulwama in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said their service and sacrifice for the nation will always be remembered. The Prime Minister posted on X: I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. It has been five years since the devastating Pulwama terror attack that claimed the lives of 40 CRPF personnel on duty. Advertisement A suicide bomber targeted a convoy of 78 vehicles carrying over 2,500 soldiers on the Jammu Srinagar National Highway. More than 35 army personnel were injured in the attack that shook the nations core. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) had claimed responsibility for the attack. Less than a fortnight on February 26, Indian Air Force jets bombed JeMs camp in Balakot located in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri has reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision to increase the share of natural gas from 6% to 15% in Indias energy mix while addressing the inaugural edition of the International Conference of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulators. The conference was held under the aegis of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) during the India Energy Week 2024 in Goa with the conferences overarching theme, Navigating Pathways for Natural Gas Development. It emphasized upon natural gass role in driving faster and deeper emission reduction that is vital to meet climate goals of emerging and developing countries. Advertisement Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas appreciated the PNGRB for this initiative and emphasised that going forward international regulatory conclave of oil and gas regulators be made as an integral feature of IEW. Dr Anil Kumar Jain, Chairperson, PNGRB, stressed upon the importance of regional collaboration between South and Southeast Asian countries for knowledge sharing to formulate effective regulatory frameworks for natural gas development. At the conference, the discussions at five plenary sessions delved into a spectrum of topics, ranging from geopolitical uncertainties impacting energy security, rapid infrastructure development, public-private partnerships and institutional growth. Further, an exclusive roundtable of international regulators brought together the custodians of regulatory frameworks, providing a platform for sharing best practices, cross-border collaborative strategies to enhance energy security and ensuring effective governance. The esteemed group of speakers bought forward the need for natural gas to row in the energy mix and its role as a transition fuel to achieve net-zero emissions. They highlighted geopolitical uncertainties impacting energy supply to developing countries and the need for a united front from the global south to secure energy supply. The dialogue put spotlight on Indias natural gas regulatory and infrastructure development, especially for overall infrastructure development and city gas distribution sector to provide reliable and affordable clean energy. Industry leaders advocated for the need for a regional clean energy agenda between South and Southeast Asian nations via interconnected gas and electricity grids. The International Conference of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulators served as a nexus of expertise, offering an opportunity for various stakeholders to network, exchange knowledge and forge partnerships to shape the future of natural gas development. The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has sent a fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, for the sixth time, sources said on Wednesday. The AAP chief, who skipped five previous summons issued by the agency, has been asked to appear before the federal agency on February 19 for questioning in connection with the Delhi liquor policy case. Last week, a Delhi court, acting on an ED complaint, had asked the chief minister to appear before it on February 17. The ED had gone to court with the complaint that Kejriwal was not complying with the summons issued to him for the fifth time. Advertisement Earlier, Kejriwal was summoned by the agency on February 2, January 18, January 3, and the previous years December 21 and November 2. So far, the AAP chief and his party have taken a stand that the ED notices are untenable as they are politically motivated. The AAP even called the summons unlawful as they were issued by the probe agency without replying to the questions raised by the recipient. Let the ED send summons as per the law, we will respond appropriately, the party had said. While skipping the fourth summons sent by the federal agency, the AAP convenor termed the notice illegal. He said he was ready to cooperate with the ED, but it intended to arrest him so that he could not campaign for the upcoming elections. The ED case is based on an FIR by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) alleging multiple irregularities in the Delhi governments excise policy, which was taken back after an uproar. Tourists and locals gathered at ground zero in South Kashmirs Pulwama on Wednesday to pay tributes to the 40 jawans of CRPF who were martyred this day in 2019 in a terrorist attack. They showered flower petals at the spot on the Jammu-Srinagar highway where a suicide bomber hit his explosives-laden car into a convoy of CRPF killing 40 troops. Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha wrote on X: Humble tributes to the bravehearts who sacrificed their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The nation will forever remain indebted to their exemplary courage, supreme sacrifice, and selfless service to the motherland. Advertisement J&K Police also offered tributes to the martyred jawans. On behalf of Jammu and Kashmir Police, DGP J&K RR Swain paid heartfelt homage to the courageous souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The sacrifices of CRPF personnel will forever be etched in our hearts. As we remember these heroes, lets renew our commitment to securing peace, the DGP said. BJP activists also paid tributes to the CRPF jawans. The Kashmir based Chinar Corps of the Indian Army saluted the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the Pulwama attack. On Pulwama Day, we pay tribute to our fallen heroes. We remember, we will not forget! Chinar Corps wrote on X. Floral tributes were also paid at several places in Jammu. Students of the University of Jammu assembled on the campus to pay homage to martyrs of CRPF. It was five years ago that terrorists attacked a CRPF convoy of 78 vehicles that was carrying CRPF personnel to Srinagar from Jammu. Pakistan based terrorist outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad led by Masood Azhar had claimed responsibility for the attack. In the complex theatre of global politics, Xi Jinpings China stands as a self-assured protagonist, asserting its vision of a multipolar world with a conviction that borders on swagger. The narrative woven by Chinese diplomats paints a picture of a nation guided by extraordinary political wisdom and a commitment to a pragmatic, interest-driven foreign policy. Yet, beneath this veneer of confidence lurks a more nuanced reality, one that raises questions about the sustainability of Chinas geopolitical ascendancy. At the heart of Chinas narrative is a deliberate contrast with the perceived chaos and moral posturing of Western democracies. The Chinese leadership, under Mr Xi, presents itself as a beacon of stability, prioritising cold, calculated interests over what they dismiss as the Wests idealistic fixation on universal values. In doing so, they position China as a reliable mediator in global affairs, emphasising trade, security, and a non-judgmental approach to governance ~ a stark departure from the purportedly emotional reactions of Western politicians. Mr Xis recent addresses and diplomatic encounters are marked by an unmistakable confidence, a belief that historys arc is bending in Chinas favour. The narrative unfolds with anecdotes of historical crises turned into opportunities, with an underlying message that Chinas rise is inexorable. However, a closer examination reveals potential fault lines in this narrative. Chinas disdain for American-led defence alliances, manifested in its opposition to NATO, is presented as a commitment to true multilateralism. This approach seeks a world order where major powers, including China, have veto power over international interventions. While this may resonate with some developing nations, it raises principled concerns about providing undue impunity to aggressors. Furthermore, the narrative largely sidesteps economic challenges. In the absence of explicit economic promises during recent foreign affairs conferences, we must question whether Chinas geopolitical ambitions could be curtailed by a slowing economy. Advertisement The correlation between diplomatic success and ambitious economic targets, explicitly mentioned by Mr Xi in 2014, suggests that economic headwinds could dampen Chinas ability to stride confidently on the world stage. The juxtaposition of Chinas confidence in the face of Western decline, and its acknowledgment of a rising East, introduces a critical element of uncertainty. While China boasts of its orderly response to the Covid19 pandemic compared to Western chaos, it fails to escape the broader economic trends that could pose challenges to its own narrative of a rising East. As we navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, it becomes apparent that Chinas confidence may rest on a fragile foundation. While it positions itself as a champion of equality and stability, economic realities and the potential consequences of an introspective America could reshape the narrative. Historys arc, as Marxists should acknowledge, is not a one-way trajectory. It can bend back, posing a substantial test for Chinas vision of a multipolar world and its ability to navigate the complexities that lie ahead. In the turbulent landscape of West Asia, where conflict seems to be an enduring reality, a glimmer of hope emerges from a proposed diplomatic plan. The plan, spearheaded by the United States and Saudi Arabia, hinges on a transformative deal that could potentially reshape the economic and security architecture of the region. At the heart of this proposal is a humanitarian pause, a momentary ceasefire brokered by key players like the USA, Qatar and Egypt. The aim is to pave the way for a release of hostages held by various factions, offering a chance to reset Israeli politics. The delicate balance here lies in the commitment of Israel to a Palestinian state, seen as the linchpin for broader regional stability. The proposed deal, however, faces formidable challenges. Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels Prime Minister, a lifelong sceptic of a Palestinian state, poses a significant obstacle. Surveys suggest that only 15 per cent of Israelis believe he should remain in power after the on-going conflict. A potential shift in leadership could be the catalyst needed for progress, with Mr Benny Gantz emerging as a candidate capable of steering Israel towards a path of alliances and peace. President Joe Biden is urged to play a pivotal role in expediting this transition by appealing directly to the Israeli public. The suggestion to open a Palestinian embassy in Jerusalem echoes the call for parity, mirroring the US decision under former President Donald Trump to open an embassy for Israel in the same city. This move could signal a commitment to the parameters of a Palestinian state and potentially push Israel towards constructive engagement. Yet, another formidable challenge lies in Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Despite unleashing a catastrophe upon Gaza, surviving the conflict could be seen as a victory for him. Advertisement Hamass armed and fanatical wing might emerge dominant post-ceasefire, posing a threat to the delicate peace process. Dismantling tunnels and maintaining a military presence in Gaza is proposed as a necessary step to ensure security, albeit a temporary one. The international community, especially Arab states, is called upon to play a significant role in providing security through peacekeepers in Gaza. This not only creates a conducive environment for a moderate government to emerge but also underlines the collective commitment to regional stability. For this proposed plan to gain traction, momentum is crucial. Israels commitment to curbing West Bank settlements and the credible commitment to a Palestinian state will determine its flexibility in dealing with the remaining Hamas fighters. Financial and security support from Arab states is highlighted as a key factor in instilling confidence among Israelis and Palestinians alike. In the grand tapestry of West Asias intricate geopolitics, this proposed plan may be a beacon of hope. While acknowledging the inherent challenges, the international community must seize the opportunity. The relentless pull towards war demands a collective effort towards peace, and this plan, with its innovative approach, could be the catalyst for a much-needed transformation. Former Pakistan Prime Minister and PTI founder Imran Khan has said that he is willing to talk to all political parties other than PPP, PML-N and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM-P). He also revealed that the PTI information secretary has been tasked to approach political parties, except for the ones mentioned above, to initiate a dialogue. Khan asserted that his partys priority is to challenge the results of the polls in the Supreme Court, adding that he had never witnessed such a rigged election. Advertisement Despite failing to secure a majority in the lower house of parliament, the rival parties have decided to enter an alliance, likely to be led by the PML-N, with the help of erstwhile Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) partners. A Malaysian-Indian former flight steward is suing Singapore Airlines (SIA) for S$1.78 million after he slipped and fell onboard a plane in 2019 resulting in spinal injuries. Durairaj Santiran, who was employed by SIA from April 2016 to April 2021, alleged that his former employer was negligent in allowing the workplace to be unsafe, The Straits Times newspaper reported on Tuesday. The 35-year-old was in the economy-class galley of a flight from San Francisco which was scheduled to land in Singapore on the evening of September 6, 2019. Advertisement He said about two hours before landing he slipped on a patch of grease on the floor and fell on his back, hitting his head on the floor. Santiran, who wore a neck brace when he attended court on February 13, claimed that as a result of his spinal injuries, he is medically unfit to continue working as a flight steward. He is seeking S$1.29 million for loss of future earnings, S$30,000 for loss of earning capacity, and S$150,000 for future medical and transport expenses. According to the lawsuit, the international carrier failed to ensure that the floor of the aircraft was free of any substance that might cause Santiran to slip, and failed to ensure that there was a system of cleaning to keep the floors safe. His lawyers, Ramasamy Chettiar and Kasturibai Manickam said that the fact that SIA did not take any preventive measures showed that the work system was inadequate, and the workplace was allowed to be unsafe. SIA denied Santirans claims saying that SIA pays all valid and legitimate claims made by employees, but responds firmly to invalid, illegitimate, and false claims. SIA lawyers highlighted that Santiran made two previous work injury claims, in 2017 and 2018, which the airline did not contest. In these claims, he was awarded compensation for back and neck injuries through the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) process. However, his present WICA claim has been objected to as his injuries appeared to be pre-existing, they argued. Going further, the lawyers contended that there was no grease patch on the floor of the economy-class galley near the ovens beside the galley island as alleged and that this was not the location where Santiran fell. He also claimed that after he fell, his colleagues helped him into a crew seat. But SIA said he was assisted into the business-class section, where he remained until the plane landed. The SIA lawyer told the court that the entire claim about there being a patch of grease that caused him to fall was bogus, to which Santiran disagreed. SYDNEY, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- A research team led by experts from the University of Queensland (UQ) has utilized high-resolution satellite mapping to show an increase in shallow coral reef areas across the world. According to the study published Tuesday in the Cell Reports Sustainability journal, researchers revised global coral reef estimates to 348,361 square kilometers of shallow coral reefs, with 80,213 square kilometers of coral habitat. More than 1.5 million samples and 100 trillion pixels from the Sentinel-2 and Planet Dove CubeSat satellites were deployed to capture fine-scale detail on the high-resolution global map. "Importantly, the high-resolution, up-to-date mapping satellite technology also allows us to see what these habitats are made from," said Mitchell Lyons, lead author of the study and a research fellow at the UQ. "We've found 80,000 square kilometers of reef have a hard bottom, where coral tends to grow, as opposed to soft bottom like sand, rubble or seagrass. This data will allow scientists, conservationists, and policymakers to better understand and manage reef systems," the researcher noted. Chris Roelfsema, co-author of the study and UQ's associate professor, revealed that the maps and associated data are publicly accessible through the Allen Coral Atlas and Google Earth Engine, and already being used in marine conservation worldwide. "The details provided by these maps empower scientists, policymakers, and local communities to make informed decisions for the preservation of our coral reefs," he added. Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6) Today Snow showers early will give way to a mixture of rain and snow showers for the afternoon. 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%. SEOUL, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea established diplomatic relations with Cuba by exchanging official letters in New York, Yonhap news agency said Wednesday. The diplomatic letters were exchanged between the missions of the two countries to the United Nations. Cuba approved the Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea, in 1949, but exchanges between the two countries had been cut off since Cuba's socialist revolution in 1959, Yonhap noted. Woke: A Young Poets Call to Justice was removed from the Martin Elementary School library in North Attleboro, then reinstated following an uproar. SEOUL, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea established diplomatic relations with Cuba by exchanging official letters in New York, South Korea's foreign ministry said Wednesday. The letters were exchanged between the missions of the two countries to the United Nations to set up their ambassador-level diplomatic ties, the Seoul ministry said. The ministry said the established diplomatic relations were an important turning point for South Korea to strengthen and expand diplomacy in Latin America, noting that it would contribute to the expansion of substantial cooperation between the two countries. About 14,000 South Koreans had annually visited Cuba before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trade between the countries amounted to 21 million U.S. dollars in 2022. Cuba approved the Republic of Korea, the official name of South Korea, in 1949, but exchanges between the two countries had been cut off since Cuba's socialist revolution in 1959, according to Yonhap news agency. Job Title: Warehouse Worker (2 Fresher US Embassy Jobs) Organisation: United States US Embassy, US Mission in Uganda Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda Salary: UGX 26,771,244/= Position Number: Kampala-2024-004 About US Embassy: The United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Uganda for over 30 years. Ambassador Natalie E. Brown currently heads the U.S Mission to Uganda. The Mission is composed of several offices and organizations all working under the auspices of the Embassy and at the direction of the Ambassador. Among the offices operating under the U.S Mission to Uganda are: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Peace Corps Job Summary: This standard job description is for a Warehouse Worker who is responsible for safe handling, moving and storage, and inventory of both expendable and non-expendable items. The position is in the General Services Office and under the supervision of the Non-Expendables Storekeeper. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Warehouse Operations and Maintenance: 70 % The incumbent performs loading and unloading of both expendable and non-expendable including but not limited to furniture, appliances, etc. from trucks/vans to the warehouse(s). Assists in organizing, preparation and the delivery of items from the warehouse to office buildings, residential properties, and other locations. Operates forklifts, trolleys and other electrical or mechanical equipment to safely move and transport heavy items. Assists in packing, unpacking and delivery of welcome kits to the new arrivals as directed by the supervisor. Organizes and distributes expendable supplies to customers and various sections as required. Performs maintenance and housekeeping duties towards warehouse(s) such as cleaning, polishing, dusting to ensure cleanliness and security of the storage areas. Conducts safety inspection of the warehouse and equipment to notify the supervisor of any discrepancies. Incumbent serves as an incidental operator of official vehicles and meets all requirements outlined in 14 FAM 433. Incumbent is expected to pick up and deliver supplies, as needed. Inventory: 20% Keeps log of incoming and outgoing warehouse items to assists with the inventory control. Conducts annual inventory to help ensure that all items are stored properly, no theft has accrued, no safety or fire hazards exist. Conduct individual inventories of residences and inspect items to ensure that no theft or damage of the embassy property has accrued. Identifies and reports damaged or missing items for replacement. Assists in arranging items for sale or disposal. Other Duties Assigned: 10% Provides manual assistance during visits and/or events such as setting up of control rooms, safeguarding property, tracking of items and equipment etc. Escorts visitors, outside contractors and non-cleared employees at post when required. May be required to provide manual labor assistance to any of the sections or offices as directed by the supervisor. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. The applicants for the United States US Embassy Warehouse Worker should have completed primary school. Required A minimum of two (2) years of experience in manual labor or warehouse work is required. Good working knowledge of maintenance and efficient usage of warehouse storage space. Good working knowledge of conducting inventory and stacking of items/equipment. Ability to physically able perform loading and unloading. Must be able to handle heavy objects smoothly and efficiently. Must be able to able to lift a maximum of 51 lbs. (23kg) under OSHA standards. Ability to use warehouse tools and safely operate equipment such as forklifts, hand trolleys, electronic lifters etc. Must be able to perform assign tasks in all types of weather, and environmental weather conditions to include at times severe cold, extreme heat, wet or dry weather conditions, and high winds. Must have a valid, current Class B drivers license. Must have had a valid drivers license for a minimum of five (5) years. Language: English level I (Rudimentary knowledge) Reading/Speaking is required. Luganda level II (Limited knowledge) Reading/Speaking is required. This may be tested. How to Apply: All those interested in working with the United States Embassy, US Mission in Kampala should send their applications online at the link below. Click Here Deadline: 26th 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 Job Title: Procurement Assistant (UN Jobs) Organisation: United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda Reports to: Chief, Global Procurement Support Section Job Opening ID: 227824 Grade: FS-5 About US: The Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda (RSCE) was established in July 2010, following the adoption of General Assembly resolution 64/269. The Centre provides efficient, client-oriented and scalable services with the goal of moving transactional, non-location dependent administrative functions to the Centre from its client entities. This includes transactional elements of human resources, finance, multimodal movement and control, personnel and cargo transport and information and communications technology (ICT) support. Key Duties and Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Procurement Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: Review, record and prioritize purchasing requests, obtain additional information and/ or documentation as required, provide assistance to requisitioners in preparing scope of work and specifications of goods and services and how to develop the Source Selection Plan in order to ensure the implementation of Best Value for Money principle. Prepare and finalize Source Selection Plan. Research the market. Identify and recommend sources of procurement; post tender requirement in the UN Procurement Division website for Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitations to Bid (ITBs.) Produce tender documents (e.g. Invitation to bids, Request for Proposals and Request for Quotations) based on the nature of the requirements and cost of procurement involved. Submit upon initial screening technical proposals to the requisitioners or the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for technical evaluation and follow up with them to expedite the process of technical evaluation. Review technical evaluations received from requisitioning offices. Prepare and analyze abstracts of offers and compile data contained in quotations, proposals and bids to determine which vendor could deliver the required goods/services at the best terms and lowest costs possible. Prepare presentations for review and clearance by CPU and present to Local Committee on Contracts LCC and/or Headquarters Committee on Contracts (HCC) in respect of all proposed contract awards exceeding the Procurement units authority and obtain recommendation for approval from the Contracts Committee (LCC and/or HCC). Assist relevant officers in more complex, higher value purchasing operations. Draft Service/Project Contracts, Lease Agreements, Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs), Amendment to the Contract and BPAs, Prepare Statement of Awards; ensure that Contracts/BPAs are timely renewed. Resolve issues/problems related to delivered goods I rendered services, including discrepancies between contracts/purchase orders and articles received; prepare, sign and return to vendor forms for unacceptable services and/or goods received. Review and evaluate the performance of vendors and contractors; identify any shortcomings; initiate appropriate recommendations to the Vendor Review Committee for suspension and/ or exclusion of those who fail to perform satisfactorily from any further business with the Field Mission. Monitor POs and contracts including follow up actions and follow up for timely delivery of goods and services; raise Change Order if required. Liaise permanently with the rest of the Procurement Sections/Units in order to ensure that contracts/ purchase orders are timely renewed; follow up with requisitioner for completeness and submission of vendor performance report after completion of the order / contract and take appropriate action. Maintain relevant internal database and files, keep track of any contractual agreements and inform respective contract management officials and end users of contractual rights and obligations, monitor deadlines (e.g. delivery dates, expiry dates, renewal dates, etc.) taking appropriate and timely action to ensure timely delivery. Supervise, assign and review work of more junior staff. Perform other duties as assigned. Qualifications, Skills and Experience: The applicant for the United Nations Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE) Procurement Assistant job must have a High-school diploma or equivalent. Required. Professional certification in supply chain such as Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply certification (CIPS Level 4) or equivalent is required. A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in procurement, contract management, contract administration or logistics and supply chain management or related area is required. Three consecutive years of procurement experience in conducting international tender exercises to award contracts, in the most recent eight years is required. Experience in the use of procurement information systems such as SAP is desirable. Experience in handling complex, high-value contracts specialized in various categories of supplies and services is desirable. Experience in public sector procurement processes and procedures is desirable. Experience in the procurement process and procedures supporting the implementation of the programmes and operations of the United Nations field missions, the United Nations Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable. Experience in sourcing, cleaning and preparing data, selection and developing visualization/metrics in transportation, procurement, and/or supply chain management that enable easy communication/interpretation by the users is desirable. Languages: fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Competencies Professionalism : Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. : Knowledge of internationally recognized procurement standards and of all phases of international procurement techniques and operations used in contracting for a diverse range of goods and services. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be clients and seeks to see things from clients point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates who wish to join the United Nations should apply online at the link below Click Here Deadline: 16th 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 VIENTIANE, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government has advised the public and private sectors to form closer links to improve tourist attractions, visitor facilities, and services at hotels and restaurants. Improvements should be made to ensure quality services and develop activities and diversified tourism products that relate to the country's many ethnic groups, as well as develop agritourism, Lao National Radio on Wednesday quoted Lao Deputy Prime Minister Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune as saying at a meeting to report the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism's 2023 annual work summary and plan for 2024. The Lao government and businesses should collaborate to advertise, develop and manage cultural, historical, natural, agricultural and sustainable tourism with the participation of local communities, he added. In a bid to bring more tourists to Laos, the government has launched the Visit Laos Year 2024 program, opening up the country to visitors from around the world in the hope that many people will discover the wonders of Laos. Laos' Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism is hoping that more than 6 million Lao and foreign tourists will travel to Laos in 2024. Immediate Cipro is an advanced trading platform designed to provide all the tools and services required to simplify the trading process. In this Immediate Cipro review, let us look into every aspect of this trading system to find out if it is worth investing in. Ever since its launch, the Immediate Cipro trading platform has been receiving great hype in the market and has become a topic of discussion among crypto enthusiasts and experts in the industry. Claims are that this trading bot is easy to use, offers accurate trade signals, uses the latest technology, ensures a safe gambling experience, and is affordable. Every claim about Immediate Cipro needs to be examined in detail to know about its true side. This Immediate Cipro review will perform the task by listing all reliable information about this system gathered from trusted sources like crypto foams, analyzing the website, and surveying the user responses. So, get started right away! Immediate Cipro- Facts Overview Trading App Name Immediate Cipro Platform Type Web-Based Platform Offer Type Crypto and other digital assets Traffic Cap N/A Claimed Success Rate 95% Target Market Male and Female- 18-60+ years Investment 250 First Deposit Payout Time 24 hrs Fee No Payment Methods Different payment options Platform Fee None Official Website Click Here What is Immediate Cipro? Immediate Cipro is an automated trading platform designed to simplify the complexities of crypto trading and help traders make informed trading decisions. This platform uses advanced technologies and algorithms to analyze market trends and generate valuable signals. The creator says that Immediate Cipro will help traders at all levels carry out profitable trades with ease. Immediate Cipro has customization options that traders and investors can use to adjust several features such as parameters, indicators, and so on to align with their trading goals. The platform connects traders with trusted brokers who will guide them through the trading process by offering valuable insights and tips. Immediate Cipro has a user-friendly interface and a demo trading mode as well. The Immediate Cipro platform supports different cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and so on. It also offers other digital assets like stocks and forex pairs. So, portfolio diversification is possible. In the upcoming sections, all these claims will be analyzed in detail to see if Immediate Cipro is worth it. Click Here To Trade With Immediate Cipro For Free How Does Immediate Cipro Work? Now, let us find out the way Immediate Cipro works to help ease the whole trading process. This will give you clarity about the efficiency of this trading bot and whether consistent profits can be made. The Immediate Cipro trading bot executes trades by considering a variety of market indicators like pre-set parameters and market indicators ingrained into the code. The market indicators that the bot uses include moving averages, Bollinger Bands, the relative strength index (RSI), and the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD). Parameters that can be adjusted include time frame, price, trade volume, and data from the order book. This automated system tracks all these aspects thereby simplifying the difficulties of manual trading. Once the market trends meet the exact requirements of the pre-set parameters, the Immediate Cipro platform will execute trades and help make huge profits. So, this is how the trading system works to bridge the gap between traders and the complex crypto market. Immediate Cipro- Registration Process If you want to become a member of the Immediate Cipro trading community, you can open an account in just a few clicks. The whole registration process is cost-free and straightforward. The simple steps to follow are listed below: Step 1 The first step to open an account on the Immediate Cipro platform is to access the official website. Then, head to the registration section, fill in the form with necessary details such as name, email ID, phone number, and a strong password, and submit the form. After that, wait for a while for the confirmation email. Step 2 The next step is where the submitted registration form will be reviewed by the creator. Every detail will be inspected and then if found eligible, the confirmation mail will be sent. Once you receive this email, open it, click the link available, and enter the brokers platform. Here, fill in the usual details to head to the trading systems website. With this, your Immediate Cipro account registration will be complete. Step 3 The final step is to enter real-time trading by making an initial deposit. The minimum deposit required is just $250 which will be used by this trading bot to execute orders. Traders have full control over this fund and can be withdrawn at any time without any complications. The deposit can be made using the payment services available on Immediate Cipro. Note that you can increase the initial deposit depending on your trading goals, skills, risk tolerance, and other factors. Click Here To Visit Immediate Cipro Official Website Immediate Cipro- Features The Immediate Cipro system is integrated with unique features to ensure efficiency. Each feature has been given below for our reference: User-friendly interface The Immediate Cipro platform has a user-friendly and intuitive interface with a simple dashboard. Due to this, this trading bot is easy to navigate and ensures a hassle-free trading process. This feature has been used mainly to support novice traders. Multiple currency support The next important feature of the Immediate Cipro trading system is that it supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies. All mainstream crypto assets and other digital currencies like stocks, forex pairs, and so on can be traded. This ensures the opportunity to diversify your portfolio and profit from different markets. Advanced technologies As we have discussed, the Immediate Cipro platform is completely automated. It uses the latest technologies like artificial intelligence and advanced algorithms to accurately analyze market trends and patterns. Spot price movements, compare price data, and generate trade signals. Technical indicators and other tools are also available. Charts, candlestick charts, and more Some of the potent tools available on Immediate Cipro include charts, candlestick charts, and so on that help track trends over specific periods, as well as, over longer periods of time. Traders using multiple systems can easily get a wider perspective of their activities with such charts. Try Immediate Cipro For Free Immediate Cipro- Customer Reviews The customer reviews of Immediate Cipro are all positive and heated discussions are happening on platforms like crypto forums. Most traders who use the trading system to trade cryptocurrencies have stated that they have been able to make consistent profits by spending a few hours every day. Some people reported that the tools and unique features of the platform have helped them a lot. From these Immediate Cipro customer reviews, the platform seems to be safe and efficient for trading crypto and other digital assets. Immediate Cipro- Customer Support The Immediate Cipro creator understands the importance of clearing the doubts and concerns of traders. This is why this trading platform has a dedicated customer support team that is available 24/7. Satisfied users have said that they respond on time and clear even account problems and technical glitches. Immediate Cipro is a trustworthy crypto trading system. Immediate Cipro- Cryptocurrencies Supported One of the main advantages of the Immediate Cipro trading platform is that it supports different cryptocurrencies. In addition to crypto assets, the system also supports other digital assets such as forex and traditional stocks. The availability of different cryptocurrencies and other assets helps diversify your portfolio and make the most out of trading. Here are the cryptocurrencies supported by the Immediate Cipro platform: Litecoin (LTC) Ripple (XRP) Binance Coin (BNC) Dash (DASH) Bitcoin (BTC) Montero (XMR) Ethereum (ETH) Ethereum Classic (ETC) Cardano (ADA) Polkadot (DOT) Immediate Cipro- Countries Eligible As of now, the Immediate Cipro platform is made accessible in different countries across the globe. A few regions like the United States, Iran, Israel, Cyprus, and France do not have access to this trading system as local laws restrict usage. The following are some of the countries where Immediate Cipro is available: South Africa Norway United Kingdom Canada Australia Sweden Netherlands Finland Poland Mexico Brazil Spain Germany Belgium Switzerland Slovenia Slovakia Malaysia Singapore Japan Vietnam Taiwan Thailand Hong Kong For the complete list of countries, refer to the official Immediate Cipro website. Immediate Cipro- Cost, Minimum Deposit, And Profit The Immediate Cipro platform is affordable as you can begin live trading by investing just $250. This is quite low when compared to the price charged by other trading platforms in the industry. $250 is the initial deposit that the system will use to enter profitable trade positions in the crypto market. Apart from this amount, Immediate Cipro charges no extra fees from users for account maintenance, transactions, and other services. The minimum deposit can be made through payment services available on the trading bot. The amount can be increased depending on your financial goals and skills. Start Trading With Immediate Cipro For Free Is Immediate Cipro a Legit Platform? The Immediate Cipro platform ensures its genuineness by partnering with trusted brokerage services that will guide traders throughout their trading journey. The system follows strict safety protocols and uses the latest technology to code user information and protect them from prying eyes. 24/7 customer support is available to all traders. The platform offers different payment methods and traders have complete control over deposits and withdrawals. So far, the customer responses are positive and Immediate Cipro is found to have a high success rate. These factors suggest that Immediate Cipro is legit. But, beware of platforms coming with similar names as they are just imitations of this trading system. To avoid such traps, register only through the official Immediate Cipro website. Immediate Cipro - Final Verdict So, we have looked into every aspect of the Immediate Cipro system in this review. Now, let us quickly go through everything discussed so far and then get to the final verdict of the trading platform. Immediate Cipro is an automated crypto-trading platform created to help ease trading and make profits. The system uses advanced technology and tools like technical indicators to analyze current market trends and generate trade signals. Customization of parameters and strategies are available and a demo feature is provided. In addition to these, the Immediate Cipro platform has a user-friendly interface and a simple dashboard that can be used with ease. Due to this, this trading bot seems to be suitable for traders at all levels. The minimum deposit is $250 and no other cost applies. The platform is totally free and traders have complete control over the funds. So, altogether, we think that the Immediate Cipro trading system is a platform that is worth trying. Trade With Immediate Cipro For Free! FAQs How long should you spend on Immediate Cipro? With the right strategies, traders at all levels can trade different digital assets in just a few hours every day. Through this, consistent profits can also be generated. What if the Immediate Cipro platform is not useful? In case you feel that the Immediate Cipro platform is not worth it, you can withdraw your funds at any time. No extra charges apply. Is demo trading available on Immediate Cipro? Yes. A demo feature is available on the Immediate Cipro platform. Novice traders can use this to explore the system, learn strategies, and improve skills with zero financial commitment. Can the Immediate Cipro app be used on mobile devices? The Immediate Cipro app has been designed in such a way that it can be used on any device including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The only requirements are a web browser and a stable internet connection. Is the Immediate Cipro system safe? The Immediate Cipro system seems to be safe and secure as it protects user data, activities, and transactions from cyber attacks by following strict safety measures, using SSL encryption, and security methods like two-factor authentication (2FA). Immediate Maximum is an automated trading platform created to offer traders the advantage of spotting hidden opportunities in the crypto market. For any crypto trader, the trading system chosen will decide how the trading will go. This is where the significance of Immediate Maximum comes in. The customer reviews and opinions from experts are generally positive suggesting that Immediate Maximum is a legitimate platform. The overall view about the platform is that it will be a game-changer in the crypto world considering the unique features and tools offered. Whether you are a novice trader or a crypto enthusiast, this trading platform will ease your whole crypto trading process. In this Immediate Maximum review, we will dive right into every aspect of this platform including how it works, the registration process, main features, pros and cons, minimum deposit, countries eligible, customer support, and a lot more. So, lets get started! Immediate Maximum - Facts Overview Trading Bot Name Immediate Maximum Platform Type Web-based Accessibility From all devices Verification Required Yes Assets Supported A wide range of cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies like the US Dollar Minimum Deposit $250 Payout Time 24 hrs Software Cost Free Deposit Options Visa, Mastercard, wire transfer, Discover, Capital One, Skrill, WebMoney, and many others. Official Website Click Here What Is Immediate Maximum? Immediate Maximum is a free trading platform created to help simplify the whole trading process and offer a safe trading environment. The platform uses the power of advanced AI technology, indicators, and algorithms to help make informed decisions in the dynamic crypto world. According to the creator, Immediate Maximum will help all traders enter profitable trades with ease. The Immediate Maximum platform has been designed in such a way that both beginners and expert crypto traders can use it. The system conducts data-backed research to ensure clarity and simplicity. The platform guarantees to provide comprehensive market insights, analyze emerging market trends, and help improve trading prowess. In the upcoming sections of this Immediate Maximum review, every claim made by the manufacturer will be analyzed to verify its genuineness. Trade With Immediate Maximum For Free Is Immediate Maximum Legit? Immediate Maximum is a legitimate trading platform. Many speculations and doubts have been rising about the authenticity of this platform due to the immense hype that it has been receiving. Well, from detailed research based on surveying user reviews, analyzing the official website, and talking to crypto trading experts, we have understood that this platform is genuine and working. However, beware of a few copycat websites available online that come with similar names, claims, and website designs, but are complete hox. So, make sure you register only through the official Immediate Maximum website. The Immediate Maximum trading platform vouches for its legitimacy by partnering with trusted and leading brokerage services in the industry. When it comes to safety and security, the platform takes all necessary measures such as following strict safety protocols, encrypting user data, and thereby safeguarding user data, activities, and transactions. The user feedback so far is also positive suggesting that Immediate Maximum is a legitimate platform for cryptocurrency trading. How To Register On Immediate Maximum? If you are planning to register on the Immediate Maximum platform to take your trading experience to the next level, you can do so in just a few clicks. The whole registration process is safe, simple, and transparent. Here are the steps that you need to follow to become a member of the Immediate Maximum trading community: Step 1- Account Registration The first step to open an account on Immediate Maximum is to provide basic details such as name, email ID, phone number, and so on. This whole process as mentioned before is quite fast and simple to complete. Once you provide the required information, the Immediate Maximum team will review every data and if found eligible, send a confirmation email. You can confirm the email so that your Immediate Maximum account will be open and ready for live trading. Step 2- Getting Started Now, you can begin your trading journey with Immediate Maximum by depositing funds in your account. This platform supports a wide variety of cryptocurrencies and traditional fiat currencies like the US Dollar. To begin real-time trading, get your account ready by depositing a minimum deposit of $250. No transaction fee applies and the funds can be managed at your convenience. Step 3- Discover Your Trading Opportunity The Immediate Maximum platform ensures a seamless trading experience by offering real-time market insights, emerging trends, and in-depth analysis. This has been done using the power of artificial intelligence, technical indicators, and advanced algorithms. The platform offers comprehensive research reports that will help make informed trading decisions. Note that during the registration process on the Immediate Maximum platform, you will have to agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions laid down by the website. Register on Immediate Maximum For Free! Immediate Maximum Main Features The Immediate Maximum platform has a set of unique features that help it stay ahead of competitors in the market. Once you register, you will get access to the following cutting-edge features: Advanced Analysis Using High-End Technology This trading platform ensures high efficiency to its traders and investors. Immediate Maximum uses advanced algorithms and the power of artificial intelligence to deliver real-time trading signals and thereby help save your time. This trading app also incorporates a comprehensive analysis of technical indicators to ensure profitable trading opportunities in the crypto market. Customization of Strategies The Immediate Maximum app is said to empower traders with crucial trading insights to achieve consistent results. Once traders start using the app and develop various strategies, they can customize the platform to align with their evolving trading goals and decisions. This platforms multi-tier functionality also caters to professional crypto traders. Safety and Security The Immediate Maximum platform prioritizes the safety and security of its users. To ensure complete safety, the platform uses stringent safety protocols and encrypts every data provided by traders. In addition to this, the platform offers safe payment methods. So, by taking these measures, the Immediate Maximum platform safeguards user data, activities, and transactions and ensures a safe trading environment. Try Immediate Maximum For Free! How Does Immediate Maximum Work? Now, let us get into the working mechanism that the Immediate Maximum platform follows. This trading app offers invaluable trade signals in different ways. It uses the power of artificial intelligence, technical indicators, and advanced algorithms to predict emerging market trends accurately. The platform does this by comparing current and historical price data, spotting price movements of various assets, and a multitude of other market factors. The factor that sets the Immediate Maximum app apart from other trading platforms is its ease of use and simplicity. Once you start trading and develop various strategies and parameters, you can customize the platform to align with your trading goals and change trading decisions. With the right strategies, you can analyze the market trends accurately and generate invaluable trade signals. These can be used to enter profitable trade positions and gain huge profits. The Immediate Maximum platform works in a way that makes it deliver consistent results far better than human trading. The platform will assign a trusted broker and carry out all the trading processes on your part. So, this is how the Immediate Maximum platform works to bridge the gap between the crypto industry and traders and ensure a seamless trading experience. Immediate Maximum- Pros And Cons So far, we have discussed what the platform is, its genuineness, and its working principle. Now, let us get into the pros and cons of the Immediate Maximum platform: Pros Free trading platform Easy to use Supports cryptocurrencies and fiat currencies 24/7 customer support Customization possible Uses advanced AI technology and algorithms Technical indicators and other tools Safe payment methods Ensures accurate market signals Compatible with all devices Cons The Immediate Maximum platform might not be accessible in certain regions of the world. Immediate Maximum- Cost, Minimum Deposit, and Profit The Immediate Maximum platform is unlike other trading platforms that charge high fees from their traders and investors. The platform is affordable as it lets you start live training by just depositing a minimum deposit of $250. This minimum deposit is the initial capital that the Immediate Maximum platform uses to support live trading. This fund will be used to enter trade positions and can be used strategically. You can deposit this amount using any of the payment services offered by the platform. Another advantage is that traders have full control over the deposits made on the Immediate Maximum platform. Also, no hidden charges apply. Trade Now With Immediate Maximum For Free! Immediate Maximum Cryptocurrencies The Immediate Maximum platform lets you trade almost all legitimate cryptocurrencies available in the market. These include mainstream currencies such as Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum. With the availability of different crypto assets to choose from, you can easily diversify your portfolio and make the most out of the platform. In addition to cryptocurrencies, Immediate Maximum also supports traditional fiat currencies like the US Dollar. Here are some of the popular cryptocurrencies that you can trade through this trading platform: Ripple (XRP) Montero (XMR) Bitcoin (BTC) Litecoin (LTC) Ethereum (ETH) Ethereum Classic (ETC) Cardano (ADA) Polkadot (DOT) Binance Coin (BNC) Dash (DASH) Immediate Maximum Customer Support From analyzing the user responses, it seems that the Immediate Maximum platform is quite responsive to user queries and concerns. The customer support team is available 24/7 and the official website also offers a detailed FAQ section that is sure to be of help. Users have also reported that the Immediate Maximum platform quickly resolves account problems and technical errors as well. Considering this, it seems that the Immediate Maximum platform goes one step ahead to ensure a smooth trading process. It is also evident that the customer service team understands the importance of answering the queries and concerns of its traders and investors. As a result, the Immediate Maximum platform seems to be a trustworthy trading platform. Immediate Maximum- Countries Eligible Right now, the Immediate Maximum platform is accessible in almost all countries except in regions where local laws restrict crypto trading. The following are the countries where this trading platform is currently available for live trading: Sweden Netherlands Finland Poland Australia South Africa Norway Switzerland Slovenia Slovakia Mexico Brazil Malaysia Singapore Taiwan Thailand Hong Kong United Kingdom Canada Japan Vietnam Spain Germany Belgium Immediate Maximum Customer Response: What Is The Feedback From Users? The Immediate Maximum trading platform has become a topic of discussion among crypto trading communities. Discussions are going on on various trusted platforms like crypto forums, Twitter (X), and Reddit. The user reviews available on these platforms are all positive which has led to an increase in the number of traders opening accounts on the Immediate Maximum platform. Though the Immediate Maximum platform is quite new in the crypto market, no negative responses or complaints have been reported yet suggesting that this platform is genuine. That being said, replicas of this trading platform are coming up online with similar names, claims, website designs, and more to trap unaware traders and investors. To avoid such traps, make sure to register only through the official Immediate Maximum website which is easy to navigate and offers a safe trading environment. Immediate Maximum Reviews- Final Verdict This Immediate Maximum review has examined almost all the important aspects of this trading platform. Before reaching a final verdict, let us quickly go through everything discussed about this platform. Immediate Maximum is an automated trading platform created to help ease the trading processes and spot profitable opportunities in the crypto market. The platform uses the power of artificial intelligence, technical indicators, and advanced algorithms to analyze emerging market trends, compare historical and current price data, monitor price fluctuations, and provide invaluable insights. Optimization options are also available on the platform. From our analysis, Immediate Maximum seems to be a platform that can be used by both novice traders and advanced traders to trade different cryptocurrencies with ease. The most important thing to do is open an account by providing the necessary details. The responses from users are all positive and crypto experts state that this platform might be a game-changer in the crypto industry. Considering all these aspects, the Immediate Maximum platform seems to be a legitimate system that is worth a shot if you want to level up your trading experience. Unlock Immediate Maximum For Free! FAQs Does Immediate Maximum charge extra fees from traders? Immediate Maximum is a completely free trading platform. The only amount to be deposited is the minimum deposit of $250. No extra charges apply. Is customization available on Immediate Maximum? Yes. Customization options are available on the Immediate Maximum platform that can be used to align with your trading goals and evolving trading decisions. Is Immediate Maximum compatible with mobile devices? Immediate Maximum is compatible with all devices. The platform can be accessed on any device with a stable internet connection and a web browser. Can beginners use the Immediate Maximum platform? Immediate Maximum has been designed in such a way that both experts and beginners in the crypto trading industry can use it. Customization options and a user-friendly interface are some features that support its ease of use. What if the Immediate Maximum traders have queries and concerns? The Immediate Maximum platform has a dedicated customer support team that is available round-the-clock to clear all your queries and concerns about trading on the platform and more. Domestic passenger vehicle wholesales rose 14 per cent year-on-year to 3,93,074 units last month, the best-ever figure for January, amid robust demand for utility vehicles, industry body SIAM said on Wednesday. As per the latest data issued by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), dispatches of passenger vehicle from manufacturers to dealers stood at 3,46,080 units in January 2023. Two-wheeler wholesales rose 26 per cent to 14,95,183 units last month as compared with 11,84,376 units in January last year. "Passenger vehicle sales have remained resilient led by positive consumer sentiments, while the two-wheeler segment witnessed good growth in January as well as the rural market continues to recover," Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) President Vinod Aggarwal said. Though the commercial vehicle sector did not grow in January 2024, it is likely to see good offtake in the next two months of this financial year, he added. Three-wheeler wholesales witnessed a growth of 9 per cent at 53,537 units as against 48,903 units in January 2023. "Passenger vehicles and three-wheelers continue to post their highest-ever sales till date, in FY 24, for the period April to January," SIAM Director General Rajesh Menon said. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das, on Wednesday, asked MDs and CEOs of public sector banks and select private sector banks to continue to maintain vigil around build-up of risks, if any. Das met the MD and CEOs as part of RBI's continuous interaction with the senior management of its regulated/supervised entities. Das praised the banks on their improved financial performance and that of the whole banking sector. "While noting the resilience of the domestic financial system with healthy balance sheets of banks, he observed that there is no scope for any complacency and banks should continue to maintain their vigil around build-up of risks, if any," a statement from RBI read. Das highlighted the issues relating to business model viability; outlier growth in personal loans; adherence to co-lending guidelines; bank exposure to NBFC sector; liquidity risk management; IT and cyber security preparedness, operational resilience, digital frauds; and strengthening of the internal rating framework. The governor stressed the importance of customer grievance redress mechanism and protection of customers interests for the safety and stability of the financial system and that of individual financial institutions. Actor Vidyut Jammwal says his fans will see him perform his career-best stunts in the upcoming film "Crakk". Jammwal said director Aditya Datt and co-stars Arjun Rampal, Nora Fatehi and Amy Jackson have gone out of their way to mount the movie. The actor, who has created an identity as an action hero, said Datt's confidence in him encouraged him to push the envelope. They previously collaborated on "Commando 3". "You'll see everyone doing their best. This is the best action I've done in my life... In 'Crakk', I enjoyed working with these people. Aditya is a friend of mine, I like the way he thinks. He sees me as Superman, he thinks I can do well. That's what makes me really push my bar. "There are times when he sends me videos of crazy people believing I'll do it. Then you see them in the movie, that means I've done it. I love people around me like that who are completely unhinged. Then I get to work with people who are self-made, really passionate, they give more than they have been asked to give," Jammwal told PTI in an interview here. "Crakk" follows the journey of a man named Siddhu (Jammwal) from the slums of Mumbai to the world of extreme underground sports. The 43-year-old actor was all praise for his co-stars. "It was a great experience working with Nora. I love the passion she comes with. She has a massive following. She inspires people. But she still wants to push the bar. This is a great help to the producer or actor. Same is the case with Amy. "Arjun is amazing, he is the producer, director, and actor. He will do everything you want him to do. You want him to be a stuntman, he'll be a stuntman. When you get this lucky, you start believing in god and everything else," he added. Jammwal, who has also backed the film via his banner Action Hero Films, said he has enjoyed his journey as a producer so far. "IB71" (2023) was his first project as a producer. "I keep them separate. When it comes to being an actor, I do all my stunts. I don't want to listen to the producer or director. But when I'm the producer, I get the opportunity to do whatever I want to do or make my actor do what I want to do. So I do everything I want to do as a producer. I've enjoyed the journey a lot," he said. "Crakk" will hit the screens on February 23. Filmmaker Dibaker Banerjee's "Love, Sex Aur Dhokha 2" will be released in theatres on April 19, the makers announced on Wednesday. Banerjee, who helmed the first part in 2010, is returning to the director's chair for the follow-up. His last directorial was 2021's Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. Producer Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms Limited shared the news of the film's release date on its official social media pages along with a poster. "Yeh Valentine's Day nahin aasan, bas itna samajh lijiye, 'Love Sex Aur Dhokha' ka dariya hai aur doob ke jaana hai! #LoveSexAurDhokha2 in cinemas 19th April," the studio wrote on Instagram. According to the makers, "Love, Sex aur Dhokha 2" explores the complexities of relationships and unveils the hidden facets of modern-day love in the era of the Internet. Through a gripping narrative and compelling performances, the film promises to delve deeper into the themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of our technologically driven world, as per the official description. "Love Sex aur Dhokha 2" is produced by Ektaa R Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor. A team of three union ministers will meet the farmers representatives on Thursday even as scores of protesters continued to stay put at the borders of Punjab and Haryana on the second day of their Delhi Chalo march. Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said a meeting with Union ministers Arjun Munda, Piyush Goyal and Nityanand Rai will be held in Chandigarh at 5 pm. If the Centre comes up with a solution, then we are ready. We don't want any kind of conflict. We want to resolve all issues through dialogue. The meeting with the Centre will be held at 5 pm tomorrow. We are saying again, that tomorrow also we will sit peacefully," he said. The farmer leaders said they will not make any fresh attempt to move towards Delhi till the meeting is held, asserting that the next course of action will be decided on the basis of the Centre's proposals. Pandher had earlier requested government to stop using tear gas and other forces against the protesters and create a cordial atmosphere. "Police used SLR bullets, tear gas, plastic and rubber bullets to disperse our farmers. These kinds of actions are not acceptable. The way they are making our perception in the media is not right. They are putting the tag of Khalistani, calling us the supporter of Congress and Punjab government, which is not correct," he told the media. Minister Munda, who has already been negotiating with the protesting farmers to resolve the issue peacefully, told news agency ANI that the government had assured the protesters that all administrative works related to their demands would be fast-tracked. We have assured them that all the works of administrative nature will be fast-tracked. But in the formulation of new laws, there are so many things to consider. In the coming days, we want to discuss with the farmers' organisations and look for any possible solutions," he said. Meanwhile, Delhi Police has deployed its personnel in large numbers in the national capital in view of the farmers protest. Multiple layers of barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails and container walls have been placed at the city's border points Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri to thwart the farmers' march. The farmers are demanding a law on minimum support price, implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases and "justice" for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence among others. The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday issued fresh summons to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to the excise policy scam. He has been asked to appear before the agency on February 19. The Aam Aadmi Party leader had earlier skipped five summons issued by the probe agency. Last week, a Delhi court directed Kejriwal to appear before it on February 17 after the ED filed a complaint against him for the non-compliance of its summons. The agency had argued that the chief minister is a public servant, and he cannot ignore the orders of a government agency. Kejriwal has either ignored or not responded to the previous ED notices issued on February 2, January 31, January 19, December 21, and November 2, citing various reasons. The AAP leader had earlier written a letter to the ED, terming the summonses "illegal and politically motivated". He alleged they were aimed at preventing him from campaigning in elections. The summons to Kejriwal pertains to questioning in the alleged Delhi excise policy case and recording his statement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It is alleged that the Delhi government's excise policy for 202122 to grant licences to liquor traders allowed cartelisation and favoured certain dealers who had allegedly paid bribes for it, a charge repeatedly refuted by the AAP. The policy was subsequently scrapped, and the Delhi lieutenant governor recommended a CBI probe, following which the ED registered a case under the PMLA. The CBI had summoned Kejriwal in April last year in connection with the case, though he had not been named as an accused in its FIR. Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, by filing nomination papers for Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan on Wednesday, has brought the curtains down on her 25-year-long stint as a member of the Lok Sabha, the two-and-a-half decade long journey witnessing the high of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance forming government twice and the low of the party plunging to its lowest ever score in the lower house of Parliament. The 78-year-old leader makes the transition from the house of the people to the house of elders, bidding adieu to the heat and dust of electoral politics because of health reasons. The development is in keeping with the Congress veteran retreating from the hustle and bustle of politics over the past few years, which became clear with the change of guard in the party. Gandhi had in 1999, around two years after she had taken the political plunge, contested the Lok Sabha elections from Amethi in Uttar Pradesh and Bellary in Karnataka. She had won from both the seats and decided to retain Amethi, a Gandhi family stronghold. The Italian-born bahu of the Gandhi family had taken her first nervous steps into the world of politics, taking over the reins of the Congress and making her electoral debut at a time when the Congress was going through a low phase. She was the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha from 1999 to 2003. She appeared a misfit in the beginning but impressed her supporters and critics alike by not just negotiating her way through the political maze but also mastering it with her sheer grit and common sense. In 2004, she led the Congress to a surprise victory in the Lok Sabha elections. In that election, she had moved from Amethi to the neighbouring seat of Rae Bareli, leaving Amethi for son Rahul, who made his Lok Sabha debut that year. When she was embroiled in the office of profit controversy on account of being the chairperson of the National Advisory Council, she had submitted her resignation as Lok Sabha MP on March 23, 2006. She was re-elected from Rae Bareli with a margin of over four lakh votes in May 2006. She won a third time from Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha elections in 2009, when the Congress won 206 seats, the highest number of seats to be won by a single party since 1991. However, in the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, the Congress plunged to just 44 seats. The party won only two seats in Uttar Pradesh, the family pocketborough of Amethi and Rae Bareli. In the Lok Sabha polls in 2019, Gandhi won again from Rae Bareli, but Rahul lost from Amethi. In that election, the Congress' tally increased slightly, inching up to 52. With Gandhi vacating Rae Bareli, it is being speculated whether daughter Priyanka could make her Lok Sabha debut from the seat which she has for many years cultivated on her mother's behalf. However, as per Congress sources, there is no confirmation yet on the Gandhi family's plans with regards to fighting elections from Amethi and Rae Bareli. While Gandhi will no longer occupy the front row in the Lok Sabha, where her last major speech was with regard to the women's reservation bill, she will continue to tower over the party's parliamentary delegation on account of her presence in the Rajya Sabha. She is expected to continue to be the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party. Madhura Swaminathan, daughter of daughter agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan who was recently conferred with the Bharat Ratna posthumously, said farmers cannot be treated like criminals. Slamming Haryana government's crackdown on the protest, she pointed out that farmers are "our annadatas". Madhura said that farmers should be taken along if "we have to continue to honour M.S. Swaminathan." She was addressing an event at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) to celebrate the highest civilian award honour for her father. "There are jails being prepared for them in Haryana, there are barricades, there are all kinds of things being done to prevent them," she added. "These are farmers, they are not criminals." Haryana police cracked down on protests by farmers from Punjab who tried to break past barricades stopping their march to Delhi by hurling tear gas shells, some of them dropped by a drone. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said, "In the history of India, today is a black day. It is shameful the way the Modi government attacked farmers and farm labourers." SEOUL, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) test-fired new-type surface-to-sea missile Padasuri-6 on Wednesday, with its top leader supervising the move, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Thursday. The missile, which is to be equipped by the DPRK navy, flew over the waters off the country's east coast for more than 1,400 seconds before hitting the target boat, the KCNA report said. Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, set forth the ways for reliably defending the maritime border by deploying surface-to-sea missile forces in the forward area and strengthening them to the maximum and thoroughly containing and frustrating the adventurous attempt of enemy navy, the report said. Kim stressed the need for the DPRK to "thoroughly defend the maritime sovereignty by force of arms and actions, not by any rhetoric, statement and public notice," it added. After their first attempt to march to Delhi ended in clashes with police on Tuesday, the protesting farmers will restart the march on Wednesday from the Shambhu border. The farmers from Punjab clashed with Haryana Police at two border points between the states on Tuesday in their bid to breach the barricades. However, authorities continued to put up roadblocks with more concrete slabs erected at the Tikri border. The farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are agitating seeking a law on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. Other demands include implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's formula, full debt waiver for farmers, pension for farmers and labourers and withdrawal of cases against farmers during the 2020-21 protest. The march began around 10 am on Tuesday from Punjab's Fatehgarh Sahib, about 40 km from the Haryana border as farmers, including women, packed themselves in tractor-trolleys. The agitators were stopped at the border by the Haryana Police, following which the clashes broke out. Over 60 agitators were hurt after police used tear gas and water cannons against the protesters at the border in the state's Jind district too. Twenty-four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were also injured as protesters hurled stones at them. Though the Centre, which held a last-minute meeting with the farmers on Monday night, agreed to a few of their demands, it refused to arrive at a consensus on MSP. In an interview with PTI, Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, however, said a law guaranteeing MSP cannot be brought in a hurry without consulting all stakeholders. He urged farmer groups to have a structured discussion with the government on the issue. #WATCH | Delhi: More concrete is being poured between the concrete slabs at the Tikri Border to make the border stronger on day 2 of the farmers' march towards the National Capital pic.twitter.com/kyhtGlD8iv ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 To this, Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said all the farmers were asking was a legal guarantee. " There are reports in the media that the MSP guaranteeing law can not be formed so soon. All, we are saying is to give us a legal guarantee on that (MSP) so that we don't sell crops below that MSP. So, there is no question of a committee. We would want the PM to step forward and speak with the farmers," he told ANI. Meanwhile, the strict vigil continues at the borders to stop the farmers' march from entering Delhi at the Singhu and Tikri borders. Both borders were shut while the Red Fort complex was closed temporarily. Multi-layer barricades, concrete blocks, iron nails and walls of containers have been placed at the Ghazipur, Singhu and Tikri borders, with the deployment of a large number of security personnel in anti-riot gear. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. The temple, built on a 27-acre site in Abu Mreikhah, near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, at a cost of around Rs 700 crore, is the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi. Accompanied by priests, the prime minister offered prayers at the temple. #WATCH | PM Modi performs rituals at BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, UAE pic.twitter.com/MTdet4noci ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Modi inscribed the message of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' on a stone, at the temple. The BAPS temple will be an enduring tribute to the values of harmony, peace and tolerance, which both India and the UAE share, Modi had said ahead of the inauguration of the temple. According to temple authorities, seven shikhars (spires) have been built at the temple representing the seven Emirates that come together to form the UAE. The seven spires have idols of deities, including Lord Ram, Lord Shiv, Lord Jagannath, Lord Krishna, Lord Swaminarayan (considered a reincarnation of Lord Krishna), Tirupati Balaji and Lord Ayappa. The seven shikhars represent the seven emirates of UAE, Swami Brahmaviharidas, head of international relations for BAPS, told news agency PTI. The spirals seeks to promote unity and harmony in the multicultural landscape. According to Swami Brahmaviharidas, the temple will pave the way for the cultural integration of diverse communities in the region. In a bid to give equal representation to the host country, along with animals that occupy an important place in Indian mythology like elephants, camels and lions, the UAE's national bird, the falcon, has also been included in the design of the temple. The camel; a symbol of persistence, commitment and endurance, has been etched into the carvings of the temple while drawing inspiration from the landscapes of the UAE, said Som Singh, a stone artisan at the temple, reported PTI. Apart from 15 tales from India, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, stories from Mayan, Aztec, Egyptian, Arabic, European, Chinese and African civilizations have also been depicted in the temple. While the outer walls of the temple are made using sandstone from India, the interior, made of white Italian marble, is adorned with intricately designed and carved columns and walls. On the second day of their 'Delhi Chalo' march, the protesting farmers clashed with police on the Shambhu borders, resulting in drones being used to drop tear gas shells. Hundreds of farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, who were marching towards Delhi were stopped by security forces at the Shambhu border, which is almost 200 km from their destination. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda told reporters on Wednesday that efforts will continue to speak to farmers unions in a constructive and positive manner. He urged farmer groups to have a structured discussion with the government on the issue. To this, Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said all the farmers were asking was a legal guarantee. "There are reports in the media that the MSP guaranteeing law can not be formed so soon. All, we are saying is to give us a legal guarantee on that (MSP) so that we don't sell crops below that MSP. So, there is no question of a committee. We would want the PM to step forward and speak with the farmers," he told ANI. The farmers from Punjab clashed with Haryana Police at two border points between the states on Tuesday in their bid to breach the barricades. However, authorities continued to put up roadblocks with more concrete slabs erected at the Tikri border. The farmers, under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, are agitating seeking a law on minimum support price for crops and loan waivers. Other demands include implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's formula, full debt waiver for farmers, pension for farmers and labourers and withdrawal of cases against farmers during the 2020-21 protest. #WATCH | Farmers' protest | Tear gas shells fired to disperse the agitating farmers who were approaching the Police barricade. Visuals from Shambhu Border. pic.twitter.com/AnROqRZfTQ ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Traffic goes haywire Traffic was affected in the border areas of Delhi on Wednesday as police erected several layers of barricades and stopped the movement of vehicles at the Singhu and Tikri borders in view of farmers' proposed march to Delhi. While Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana have been entirely closed for traffic, vehicular movement is still allowed at the Ghazipur border in a regulated manner. A section of a road in a village near the Singhu border was dug up to prevent the farmers' march to Delhi. Apsara and Ghazipur borders with Uttar Pradesh are open for traffic but there is a heavy security deployment at both. (With PTI inputs) As health officials in the US state of Alaska confirm the first known death linked to a recently discovered virus called Alaskapox, doctors believe the elderly man, who became the first casualty, could have contracted the infection from a stray cat. The authorities said in a release issued last week that the man, hailing from the remote Kenai Peninsula, was hospitalised in November last year and died in late January. The bulletin added that the man was "the first case of severe Alaskapox infection resulting in hospitalisation and death". The bulletin did not identify the man or give his age but said was undergoing cancer treatment and had a suppressed immune system because of the drugs. This may have contributed to the severity of his illness, the bulletin said. "The man who died resided alone in a forested area and reported no recent travel and no close contacts with recent travel, illness, or similar lesions," it added. Though it is not clear how AKPV is transmitted, experts believe it may have jumped from animals to humans. However, the bulletin added that the man said he had cared for a stray cat at his home. Though the cat tested negative for the virus, it is said to have regularly hunted small mammals and frequently scratched the patient. There could be a possibility that the cat had the virus on its claws when it scratched him. The man also has a notable scratch near the armpit area where the first symptom a red lesion was seen. The virus was first discovered in 2015 and since then seven infections have been reported. Belonging to the orthopoxvirus genus which includes better-known viruses such as smallpox and mpox, Alazkapoz regularly infects red-backed voles and shrews as well as other rodents like red squirrels throughout Alaska. The symptoms are often mild and the infections are rare in humans. "Six of the seven cases have been mild and self-limited, so the patient didnt even need to get any supportive care from a health care provider," Dr. Joe McLaughlin, state epidemiologist and chief of the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at the Alaska Department of Health, told CNN. "Its very possible that this virus has been present in Alaska for hundreds, if not thousands, of years," he said. He added that more Alaskapox cases coming to light does not mean the virus has become more prevalent in the states small mammal population in recent years. "What has changed is clinician awareness and the general publics awareness that Alaskapox virus is something thats a possibility," McLaughlin said. "Its possible that cases occurred prior to 2015 and were just subclinical or mildly clinical and just were not diagnosed." Indonesians have voted for a new president Wednesday as the world's third-largest democracy aspires to become a global economic powerhouse a quarter-century after shaking off a brutal dictatorship. Voting ended Wednesday afternoon with no major problems reported across the archipelago. Early and unofficial results were expected within the day by quick-count outlets certified by the General Election Commission. Official final results will come in about a month. The front-runner in pre-election polls, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, was the only candidate with ties to the Suharto era. He was a special forces commander at the time and has been accused of human rights atrocities, which he vehemently denied. Two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, were also vying to succeed the immensely popular President Joko Widodo, who is serving the final of his two terms in office. Widodo's rise from a riverside slum to the presidency has shown the vibrancy of Indonesia's democracy in a region rife with authoritarian regimes. Widodo's successor will inherit an economy with impressive growth and ambitious infrastructure projects, including the ongoing transfer of the nation's capital from congested Jakarta to the frontier island of Borneo at a staggering cost exceeding $30 billion. The election also has high stakes for the United States and China, since Indonesia has a huge domestic market, natural resources like nickel and palm oil, and diplomatic influence with its Southeast Asian neighbors. The logistics of the vote across the tropical nation's 17,000 islands inhabited by 270 million people were daunting: Ballot boxes and ballots were transported by boats, motorcycles, horses and on foot in some of the more far-flung locations. A fierce thunderstorm flooded several streets of Jakarta at dawn Wednesday. Last week, damage from heavy rains in Central Java's Demak regency prompted the postponement of the election in 10 villages. Aside from the presidency, some 20,000 national, provincial and district parliamentary posts were contested by tens of thousands of candidates in one of the world's largest elections, which authorities said concluded with no major problems. About 10,000 aspirants from 18 political parties eyed the national parliament's 580 seats alone. Many voters expressed hope their next leader would help them achieve greater prosperity in a country where nearly a tenth of the population still lives in poverty. "I hope Indonesia can progress better and that I did not vote for the wrong person, said Indra Nurohim, a 17-year-old high school student and first-time voter. I hope we will have a better government." he official vote tally is a laborious process that could take about a month, but early results based on sampling from registered private polling and survey groups are considered a reliable indicator of the final results. The presidential race will go to a runoff on June 26 if no candidate gets more than 50% of the votes. Subianto, the oldest presidential candidate at 72, lost in two previous runs to Widodo but was the front-runner in independent surveys. He picked Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice-presidential running mate in a move that could shore up his chances given the outgoing president's popularity. Critics have accused Widodo of trying to build a political dynasty despite his being the first president to emerge outside the political and military elite since the 1998 end of the dictatorial rule of Suharto, characterized by widespread human rights violations, plunder and political unrest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, on Wednesday, marking a milestone in the India-UAE bilateral relations. The BAPS Hindu Mandir, located in Abu Mureikhah near Al Rahba off the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Sheikh Zayed Highway, is situated on 27 acres of land in Abu Dhabi donated by the UAE government. The work for the structure has been going on since 2019. The Mandir is among 1,200 such temples built and managed by the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, an organisation in India with a huge following in countries like the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand. The Abu Dhabi temple, the biggest in the Gulf region, is made of sandstone and follows the Nagara style of architecture. Over 18 lakh bricks were procured from Rajasthan and seven lakh man hours were involved in the construction. The temple is 108 feet tall and is fitted with 300 earthquake sensors. The temple has shikhars (spires), representing the seven Emirates that come together to form the UAE. "Normally, our temples are either one spire, three, or five, but come here, the seven spires express our gratitude to the unity of the seven emirates. But at the same time, the seven spires enshrine seven important deities," Sadhu Brahmaviharidas of BAPS said about the temple. #WATCH | UAE | Consecration ceremony of BAPS Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi being done ahead of its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, later today. (Video: BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha) pic.twitter.com/qHYUc8ZNhF ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 On Tuesday, the first day of his UAE visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the BAPS Hindu Temple, saying it reflected his love for India. "I consider the construction of BAPS temple here as a reflection of your love for India and your vision for the bright future of UAE. This couldn't have been possible without your support. During our first meeting, I had just put up a simple request for you to look into it and you took a prompt decision, asking me to 'Put your finger on any piece of land, you will get it'. Perhaps, this level of love and trust showcases the unique relationship," PM Modi told Indian diaspora during the 'Ahlan Modi' meeting held on Tuesday. Capping days of political uncertainty, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif pulled a surprise by nominating his brother and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the prime ministerial candidate of Pakistan. This comes as Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari-led Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday said it would support Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to form a new coalition alliance, ending the stalemate. PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb took to X to state that PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, 74, has nominated his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, 72, a candidate for the slot of prime minister and his daughter Maryam Nawaz, 50, for chief minister of Punjab province. "Nawaz Sharif has thanked the political parties which provided support to the PML-N (in forming the upcoming government) and expressed hope that through such decisions Pakistan will come out of crises," she said. The development also comes as Bilawal Bhutto Zardari pulled out of the prime ministerial race, saying his party would support ex-premier Nawaz without being part of the new government. PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari, father of Bilawal, said that he and other political leaders gathered with him have decided to form the government together. "We will take Pakistan out of difficulty," he said announcing his decision to form the coalition government. "Looking at everything, we have thought and decided to sit together. We have contested elections against each other but despite that, it is not necessary that [we fight] forever. Opposition happens in elections. It was electioneering opposition, not ideological opposition." Shehbaz Sharif too explained his decision, stating that the political leaders together with him had gathered to tell the nation that the election politics of opposition was over and now was the time with the Parliament to form. "Now our war is against the countrys challenges. The first challenge is the economy. We have to stabilise it which is a tall task. Nations move forward when their leadership unites and decides to end conflicts and take the nation forward to eliminate problems," he told reporters. Meanwhile, Imran Khan, whose party PTI won the most number of seats, hit out at the coalition government, calling it mandate thieves. He also dismissed the idea of forming a coalition government with any of the main political parties in Pakistan and termed them as the biggest money launderers. Khan, founder of PTI, was speaking with journalists at the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi. "There can be no alliance with PML-N, PPP, and MQM,". Khan also warned his political rivals against the "misadventure" of forming a government with "stolen votes". In a message on his official X handle, posted from jail through his family, Khan said: "I warn against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes. Such daylight robbery will not only be a disrespect to the citizens but will also push the country's economy further into a downward spiral." New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has been roped in to assist in finding a resolution to the issues of farmers, particularly from Punjab, who have given a call to march towards the national capital, which has been turned into a fortress with police and other security personnel blocking roads with concrete blocks, barbed wires and tyre-busting spikes. Talks with the agitating farmers have so far remained inconclusive and Singh, a farmer leader from Uttar Pradesh and former agriculture minister, was sought out on Wednesday to explore a resolution. Sources said Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda met Singh at the latter's residence and discussed the ongoing farmers' protests and ways to address the issues. Besides Munda, Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal - whose ministry procures foodgrains at government-announced minimum support price - and Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai were to hold talks with the agitating farmer leaders over video conferencing on Wednesday evening but the meeting has now been pushed to Thursday, sources said. Farmer groups and the ministerial delegation are likely to hold a physical meeting in Chandigarh on Thursday evening. The meeting between Singh and Munda in the national capital assumes significance against the backdrop of farmers from Punjab marching towards Delhi and Haryana Police using tear gas shells to stop them at the Shambhu border between the two states. Thousands of farmers, who are seeking a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) among other demands, started their 'Delhi Chalo' march on Tuesday. Haryana Police lobbed tear gas shells at farmers from Punjab at the Shambhu border as thousands of protesters stayed put there on Wednesday, the second day of their march. There was a similar standoff at Data Singhwala-Khanauri border in Haryana's Jind district, with Haryana Police barricades stopping farmers from travelling to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys. In an interview with PTI, Munda on Tuesday said a law guaranteeing MSP cannot be brought in a hurry without consulting all stakeholders. He urged farmer groups to have a structured discussion with the government on the issue. Sources in the BJP attacked the Congress for promising to implement a key recommendation of the Swaminathan Commission report if it is voted to power in the upcoming Lok Sabha Sabha polls. They slammed the Congress for making the promise to bring in the MSP law in a big show of support to farmers' who started their 'Delhi Chalo' march on Tuesday. "But in 2010, it (Congress) had rejected Swaminathan Commission recommendations for remunerative prices, a BJP leader charged. Sources in the BJP charged that the same Congress did not accept the recommendations by the Swaminathan Commission when it was in power at the Centre. They cited that Minister of State for Agriculture K V Thomas, in his written reply to a question asked by BJP member Prakash Javadekar in Rajya Sabha on April 16 2010, had stated that the government did not accept the Swaminathan Commissions recommendation that Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be at least 50 per cent more than the weighted average cost of production. "The National Commission on Farmers under the chairmanship of Prof MS Swaminathan has recommended that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production, Thomas had said in a written reply to the BJP members question. "This recommendation, however, has not been accepted by the government because MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) based on objective criteria and considering a variety of relevant factors Thomas had said. "Hence, prescribing an increase of at least 50% on cost may distort the market. A mechanical linkage between MSP and cost of production may be counter-productive in some cases, Thomas had also said. Mumbai, Feb 14 (PTI) RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Wednesday asked banks to remain vigilant against build-up of risks in the banking system as there is no scope for any complacency. The Governor held meetings with MD and CEOs of public sector banks and select private sector banks as part of RBIs continuous interaction with the senior management of its regulated/supervised entities. The Governor in his remarks complimented the banks on their improved financial performance and that of the whole banking sector, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said in a statement. "While noting the resilience of the domestic financial system with healthy balance sheets of banks, he observed that there is no scope for any complacency and banks should continue to maintain their vigil around build-up of risks, if any," it said. Das highlighted the issues relating to business model viability; outlier growth in personal loans; adherence to co-lending guidelines; bank exposure to the NBFC sector; and liquidity risk management. He also spoke on matters concerning IT and cyber security preparedness, operational resilience, digital frauds; and strengthening of the internal rating framework. The Governor stressed that customer grievance redressal mechanism and protection of customers interests are of paramount importance for the safety and stability of the financial system and that of individual financial institutions. Banks were also encouraged to actively participate in RBIs fintech initiatives and give a further push to Digital Banking Units (DBUs). The meetings were also attended by deputy governors M Rajeshwar Rao and Swaminathan J, along with executive directors-in-charge of regulation and supervision functions. Karachi, Feb 14 (PTI) Pakistan's restive Balochistan province has come to a standstill and has been facing unrest with several political and nationalist parties launching an indefinite blockade of all national highways from Wednesday against alleged rigging of the election results. Four political parties, including the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party (NP), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), and Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), have been jointly holding protests since Saturday in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan province against the outcome of the February 8 polls. Khushal Khan Kakar of the PKMAP told the media on Wednesday that the blockade would continue until the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered a recount in all those constituencies where massive alleged rigging has taken place in the province. The Baloch people are angry and frustrated over the electoral injustice done in the name of free and fair elections, Kakar said. Since Saturday, the province has been virtually cut off from the rest of the country as the workers and supporters of political parties held sit-ins and protests and blocked the highway links, but from Wednesday Kakar said all highways were being blocked. The strike has seen markets and businesses closed and the trade was also hit with Afghanistan and Iran through the Chaman and Tafan borders as roads remained blocked for the last five days. The strikes have also led to the coastal highway and China Pakistan Economic Corridor highway being unusable as the supporters of the National Party and BNP-Mengal. The blockade of the highways and the shutter-down strikes have also hit the common man as many passengers who were going from Quetta to Karachi and vice versa are stranded on the Quetta-Karachi highway. Public and private transport have been unable to move, especially since Monday when the parties stepped up their protests. Ghulam Nabi Marri, a key figure in the Balochistan National Party (Mengal group) made it clear to both provincial and federal authorities that they would not budge from their protests because the alleged rigging had been blatant in the elections. The protests are being staged by a four-party alliance of the National Party, Hazara Democratic Party (HDP), BNP-Mengal and PKMAP. According to reports, a complete shutter down strike was also observed on Tuesday in Gwadar, Turbat, Panjgur, Nushki, Kalat, Mastung, Khuzdar, Loralai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Qila Abdullah, Zhob, Dera Bugti, Kohlu, Sibi, Nasirabad, Dera Murad Jamali, Ziarat, Barkhan and other towns of Balochistan. Interestingly Khusal Khan Kakar had won a National Assembly seat, as per ECPs unofficial result. But, in a later recount, JUI-F Syed Samiullah was declared the winner. To form a government, a party must win 133 seats out of 265 contested seats in the National Assembly. In Balochistan, 23,02,522 votes were cast for 16 seats of the National Assembly. The voting turnout was 42.9 per cent. There were 53,70,804 registered votes. In the Balochistan Provincial Assembly, PPP won 11 seats, PML-N won nine, Jui-F won eight, and independents won five, while many seats were won by the smaller parties. MADRID, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people celebrated the Chinese New Year over the weekend in several cities in Spain, including the capital Madrid, where a massive parade to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Dragon was held on Sunday. "I loved the parade. I went looking for music, dragons, culture and Chinese food. There was everything," 18-year-old Iure Suarez told Xinhua. Iure lives in the southern Madrid district of Usera, where the parade was held for the ninth consecutive year. Usera is the heart of the celebrations for the Spring Festival, home to many of the over 35,000 people who make up the Chinese community in Madrid. "They are celebrations that transport you to another place. I like them a lot because they take me to oriental culture, bringing us closer together," said Iure's mother Begona Pablos, a social worker. She said she wanted her children to have an "open mind and live with other cultures" and had decided to visit the "super quiet" neighborhood of Usera to soak up Chinese traditions. Another of those attending the parade in Usera was Cristina Silva, a teacher at the San Jan Bautista preschool and primary school in Madrid. "It was funny because suddenly I saw two girls from school who were on the first float," said Cristina, who was attending the parade for the first time and who took advantage of her visit to Usera to go to a Chinese supermarket to buy Chinese "vegetables, noodles and soy sauce." Cristina believes events such as the Spring Festival celebrations "clearly bring us closer to China and its traditions. There were people with families everywhere: in the shops, restaurants, street food stalls." Miguel Angel Salgado, who also works in education, said he was attracted by Chinese culture, especially its gastronomy. "I had been wanting to come for several years. Every year, you see the parades, the parties, and the colorful dragons in the news, which is very attractive. On Saturday, we saw a girl on the metro wearing a traditional Chinese costume, and we thought, 'Let's go to the parade,'" he said. "The music, food and Chinese cinema all interest me, as they are all so different," he said, adding that he was looking for a Sichuan restaurant where he could taste some spicy food. Miguel Rivero, a computer scientist at the Madrid City Council who came with his wife and two children, said he was fascinated by traditional Chinese culture, including "writing, monuments, traditions and artisan products." "These events allow us to get closer to a very different culture that is very present in Madrid. We wanted our children to see the parade and glimpse Chinese culture," he added. Islamabad, Feb 14 (PTI) Pakistan recorded 47.6 per cent voter turnout in the February 8 election, which was lower than the previous one in 2018 when 52.1 per cent of voters cast the ballot, it emerged on Wednesday. Almost a week later, there is no government in place in the country following the fractured mandate. The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), an independent election observer body, launched its report about the voters turnout in the general elections last week to elect representatives for the national assembly and four provincial assemblies. According to a report, as many as 60.6 million voters exercised their right to vote in Pakistans 12th general elections (GE), showing that nearly 5.8 million more people voted in the elections as compared to 2018 when 54.8 million had cast their votes. Despite the increase in the absolute number of voters, the turnout dipped from 52.1 per cent in 2018 to 47.6 per cent in 2024, FAFEN said, adding that the number of registered voters increased from 106 million in 2018 to 128.6 million in 2024, following a record addition of 22.6 million between the two elections. The low turnout was due to the harsh winter in parts of the country, fears of violence and terrorism in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces as well as an uncertainty about the conduct of elections may have also adversely affected the turnout, it said. Islamabad, Feb 14 (PTI) Pakistan recorded 47.6 per cent voter turnout in the February 8 election, which was lower than the previous one in 2018 when 52.1 per cent of voters cast the ballot, it emerged on Wednesday. Almost a week later, there is no government in place in the country following the fractured mandate. The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN), an independent election observer body, launched its report about the voters turnout in the general elections last week to elect representatives for the national assembly and four provincial assemblies. According to a report, as many as 60.6 million voters exercised their right to vote in Pakistans 12th general elections (GE), showing that nearly 5.8 million more people voted in the elections as compared to 2018 when 54.8 million had cast their votes. Despite the increase in the absolute number of voters, the turnout dipped from 52.1 per cent in 2018 to 47.6 per cent in 2024, FAFEN said, adding that the number of registered voters increased from 106 million in 2018 to 128.6 million in 2024, following a record addition of 22.6 million between the two elections. The low turnout was due to the harsh winter in parts of the country, fears of violence and terrorism in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces as well as an uncertainty about the conduct of elections may have also adversely affected the turnout, it said. The FAFEN report is based on the analysis of Form 47 (Provisional Consolidated Statement of Results of the Count) of 264 National Assembly constituencies acquired from the official website of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The gender analysis of voter turnout, however, needs further refinement as Form 47 from 10 National Assembly constituencies and as many Provincial Assemblies constituencies did not include the gender disaggregation of votes polled. The regional disaggregation of voter turnout for National Assembly constituencies shows a varied pattern with the lowest turnout in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the highest in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The turnout in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declined from 44 per cent in 2018 to 39.5 per cent in 2024, in ICT from 58.3 per cent to 54.2 per cent, in Punjab from 56.8 per cent to 51.6 per cent, in Sindh from 47.2 per cent to 43.7 per cent and in Balochistan from 45.3 per cent to 42.9 per cent. While overall turnout declined by 4.5 percentage points, the highest decline was in Punjab where turnout dropped by 5.2 percentage points, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (4.5), ICT (4.1), Sindh (3.5) and Balochistan (2.4). Among 264 constituencies, the highest turnout was 70.9 per cent recorded in NA-214 Tharparkar-I in Sindh while the lowest was 16.3 per cent in NA-42 South Waziristan Upper-cum-South Waziristan Lower in KP province. The gender-disaggregated statistics of polled votes indicate a male voter turnout of 51.6 per cent and a female voter turnout of 42.6 per cent. According to the available data, as many as 24.05 women cast their votes in 254 NA constituencies as compared to 34.02 men in the same constituencies. Interestingly, the increase in the number of women turning out to vote in 2024 as compared to 2018 is greater than the increase in the number of men who cast their votes in 2024 as compared to the previous general election. As many 2.3 million more women turned out to vote in 2024 as compared to 2018 when 21.7 million women had cast their votes. On the other hand, 1.09 million more men turned out to vote in 2024 as compared to 2018 when 32.9 million men had cast their votes. The number of votes polled by men and women will slightly increase when the ECP makes available the gender disaggregated data of the 10 National Assembly constituencies where the Returning Officers did not separately record the votes polled by men and women. The decline in turnout as compared to 2018 was a ubiquitous phenomenon across major cities including the provincial capitals Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Karachi. Although the cumulative turnout of all 22 Karachi constituencies saw a declining trend, three Karachi districts namely Korangi, Karachi West (including newly carved out district Kemari) and Karachi Central registered a slight increase in the turnout while Malir, Karachi South and Karachi East recorded a decline. Unlike GE-2018, none of the National or Provincial Assembly constituencies recorded female turnout that was less than 10 per cent of the total polled votes. Section 9(1) empowers the Commission to declare polling at one or more polling stations or election in the whole constituency void if the turnout of women voters in the constituency is less than ten per cent of the total votes polled. In GE-2018, two National Assembly and one Provincial Assembly constituency of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had a female turnout of less than 10 per cent of the polled votes. In GE-2024, the lowest vote share of women among total polled votes was 18.8 per cent recorded in NA-13 Battagram in KP, while the highest women vote share was 49.5 percent in NA-1 Chitral Upper-cum-Chitral Lower of KP. Dubai, Feb 14 (AP) Explosions struck a natural gas pipeline in Iran early Wednesday, with an official blaming the blasts on a sabotage and terrorist action in the country as tensions remain high in the Middle East amid Israel's war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Details were scarce, though the blasts hit a natural gas pipeline running from Iran's western Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province up north to cities on the Caspian Sea. The roughly 1,270-kilometer (790-mile) pipeline begins in Asaluyeh, a hub for Iran's offshore South Pars gas field. Saeed Aghli, the manager of Iran's gas network control center, told Iranian state television that a sabotage and terrorist action caused explosions along several areas of the line. There are no known insurgent groups operating in that province, home to the Bakhtiari, a branch of Iran's Lur ethnic group. Aghli did not name any suspects in the blasts. In the past, Arab separatists in southwestern Iran have claimed attacks against oil pipelines. However, attacks against such infrastructure are rare elsewhere. Iran has faced low-level separatist unrest from Kurds in its northwest, the Baluch in its east and Arabs in its southwest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. However, tensions have risen in recent years as Iran faces an economy hobbled by international sanctions over its nuclear program. The country has faced years of mass demonstrations, most recently in 2022 over the death of Mahsa Amini after her arrest allegedly over how she wore her mandatory headscarf. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out attacks in Iran, but have predominantly targeted its nuclear program. On Tuesday, the head of the United Nations' nuclear watchdog warned that Iran is not entirely transparent regarding its atomic program, particularly after an official who once led Tehran's program announced the Islamic Republic has all the pieces for a weapon in our hands. Tensions over Iran's nuclear program comes as militias it arms in the region Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthi rebels have launched attacks targeting Israel during the war in Gaza. The Houthis continue to attack commercial shipping in the region, sparking repeated airstrikes from the U.S. and the United Kingdom. (AP) AMS Jakarta (Indonesia), Feb 14 (AP) Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto claimed victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday based on unofficial tallies. There was no declaration by electoral officials and his opponents have not conceded. He has held a commanding lead in early, unofficial tallies of the three-way race to lead the world's third-largest democracy. The 72-year-old candidate is a link to the brutal period of dictatorship that ended just over 25 years ago, when he served as a special forces commander in a unit linked to torture and disappearances, allegations that Subianto denies. He has presented himself as an heir to immensely popular sitting President Joko Widodo, whose son he chose as his running mate. According to early, unofficial tallies conducted by Indonesian polling agencies, Subianto had between 57 per cent and 59 per cent of votes, with more than 80 per cent of the vote counted in polling places sampled. (AP) NPK NPK Brussels, Feb 14 (AP) NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday that its European members and Canada have ramped up defence spending to record levels, as he warned that former US President Donald Trump was undermining their security by calling into question the US commitment to its allies. Stoltenberg said US partners in NATO have spent USD 600 billion more on their military budgets since 2014 when Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine prompted them all to reverse the spending cuts they had made after the Cold War ended. Last year we saw an unprecedented rise of 11 per cent across European allies and Canada, Stoltenberg told reporters on the eve of a meeting of the organisation's defence ministers in Brussels. In 2014, NATO leaders committed to move toward spending 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence within a decade. It has mostly been slow going, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine two years ago focused minds. The 2 per cent figure is now considered a minimum requirement. This year, I expect 18 allies to spend 2 per cent of the GDP on defence. That is another record number and a six-fold increase from 2014 when only three allies met the target, Stoltenberg said. On Saturday, Trump, the front-runner in the US for the Republican Party's nomination this year, said he once warned that he would allow Russia to do whatever it wants to NATO members that are delinquent in devoting 2 per cent of GDP to defence. President Joe Biden branded Trump's remarks dangerous and un-American, seizing on the former president's comments as they fuel doubt among US partners about its future dependability on the global stage. Stoltenberg said those comments call into question the credibility of NATO's collective security commitment Article 5 of the organisation's founding treaty, which says that an attack on any member country will be met with a response from all of them. The whole idea of NATO is that an attack on one ally will trigger a response from the whole alliance and as long as we stand behind that message together, we prevent any military attack on any ally, Stoltenberg said. Any suggestion that we are not standing up for each other, that we are not going to protect each other, that does undermine the security of all of us, he said. Trump's comments have not only sent a wave of unease through Europe but are also likely to be a major topic of conversation at the annual Munich Security Conference, starting later this week in the Bavarian city. Both US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will be present at the event that American officials hoped would concentrate more on immediate security concerns in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as challenges posed by China and the importance of multilateralism in collective defense. The top US diplomat for Europe, James O'Brien, said Tuesday that Blinken would be prepared to address questions about America's commitment to NATO allies and issues related to Trump's comments. But he also sought to downplay European concerns, noting that NATO has been a cornerstone of European security for more than seven decades. O'Brien told reporters that US administrations from the Democratic and Republican parties "have regarded NATO as the bedrock of our security, certainly in Europe but increasingly a global partner." German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has assailed Trump's comments without mentioning the former president by name. He posted on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, saying that any relativisation of NATO's support guarantee is irresponsible and dangerous, and is in the interest of Russia alone and that no one can play, or deal,' with Europe's security. Scholz's spokesman, Steffen Hebestreit told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday that while such comments are dangerous, it is also important to stress they "have no influence on pressing NATO action. (AP) NPK NPK Washington, Feb 14 (AP) A day after his latest hospital stay for health issues following treatment for prostate cancer, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin hosted a virtual session on Ukraine to help resource urgently needed ammunition and artillery for Kyiv as it faces shortages in its now almost two-year war with Russia. In his opening remarks to the Ukraine Defence Contact Group, a regular gathering of about 50 member countries that coordinate military support for Ukraine, Austin said Wednesday he'd intended to be with the group in person, but I had to return to the hospital for non-surgical procedures". I'm in good condition, and my cancer prognosis remains excellent," he said. Austin conducted the virtual session from his home, where he is still recovering from complications from his December surgery to treat prostate cancer. Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre Monday after being treated for a bladder issue. The Pentagon has been out of funds to send weapons and ammunition to Ukraine since December. Since then European allies have continued to send some support but the loss of regular shipments of ammunition to Ukraine is having an impact. Austin said in his opening remarks that the contact group would work Wednesday on resourcing some of Ukraine's most critical near-term needs, including its urgent need for more artillery, ammunition and air defense missiles. It's not clear if, or when, Congress will come to an agreement that would give the Pentagon additional funds to restart regular shipments of ammunition to Ukraine's front lines. The Senate passed its latest version of a multibillion-dollar war funding package early Tuesday with some Republican senator support, stripping out controversial border security language that has been a sticking point for conservative members in hopes that the pared-down bill could gain Republican support in the House. But House Speaker Mike Johnson has already indicated that it could be weeks or months before Congress sends the legislation to President Joe Biden's desk if at all. The Pentagon has argued that the Ukraine and Israel funding package is also good for the US economy. The war spending has pumped billions into the economy as the military ramps up domestic production of ammunition and weapons systems in order to replenish its own stockpiles. The $95.3 billion legislation includes $60 billion for Ukraine; $14 billion for Israel's war with Hamas, $8 billion for Taiwan and partners in the Indo-Pacific to counter China, and $9.1 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza and the West Bank, Ukraine, and other populations caught in conflict zones across the globe. (AP) SCY SCY Jerusalem, Feb 14 (AP) The Israeli military is accusing a severely wounded journalist for the Qatar-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera of being a Hamas commander, without providing evidence. Al Jazeera said Tuesday that two of its journalists, cameraman Ahmad Matar and reporter Ismail Abu Omar, were wounded in an Israeli strike and that Abu Omar had his right foot amputated as a result. The Israeli military claimed on Wednesday that Abu Omar is a deputy company commander in Hamas' eastern battalion in the southern city of Khan Younis. It sent a screengrab from a video Abu Omar allegedly took of himself in southern Israel on Oct 7, as Hamas was staging its deadly assault. Several journalists crossed into Israel along with Hamas during the attack and some reported live as the fighting was taking place. Al Jazeera did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment late Wednesday. Israel has previously accused other journalists of having ties to Hamas. As of Wednesday, the war has seen at least 85 journalists and media workers killed, according to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists. They put the number at 78 Palestinians, four Israelis and three Lebanese. MACRON TELLS NETANYAHU THAT FRANCE OPPOSES AN ISRAELI GROUND INVASION OF RAFAH PARIS French President Emmanuel Macron spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, during which Macron expressed France's firm opposition to an Israeli offensive in Rafah. The city on Gaza's southern border with Egypt is sheltering some 1.4 million displaced people over half the Gaza Strip's population who are crammed into tent camps and overflowing apartments and shelters. According to a statement from the president's office, Macron told Netanyahu that an offensive into Rafah could only lead to a humanitarian disaster of a new magnitude, with any forced displacement of a population potentially being a violation of international humanitarian law and increasing the risk of a regional escalation. He also stressed the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, including opening the Israeli port of Ashdod and establishing a direct land route from Jordan. However, Macron reiterated French support for Israel's security and Paris' solidarity with the Israeli people following the terrorist attack on Oct 7. Macron said the release of all the Israeli hostages, including three French nationals, was a priority for his government. ISRAELI MILITARY CONFIRMS SOLDIER KILLED IN ROCKET ATTACK FROM LEBANON JERUSALEM The Israeli military confirmed that a female soldier was killed in a rocket attack from Lebanon on Wednesday that wounded several others in the town of Safed. Staff Sgt Omer Sarah Benjo was killed by the attack from Lebanon that struck a military base in northern Israel, the army said. Israel and Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group, which supports Hamas, have traded fire along the border nearly every day since the start of the war in Gaza, raising the risk of a wider conflict. Hezbollah did not immediately claim responsibility for the rocket attack. Israel carried out airstrikes in southern Lebanon in response, killing four people, including a Syrian woman and her two Lebanese children, and wounding at least nine, Lebanese security officials and local media said. The UN children's agency, UNICEF, said in a statement that two innocent children lost their lives due to an air strike attack in Lebanon on Wednesday, adding, We urgently call for the protection of children in times of war and at all times. UK FOREIGN SECRETARY WANTS A GUARANTEE ABOUT UNRWA EMPLOYEES BEFORE RESTORING FUNDING SOFIA, Bulgaria British Foreign Secretary David Cameron says the UK will only restore funding to the United Nations' agency for Palestinian refugees if there is an absolute guarantee it won't employ staff willing to attack Israel. The UK joined the US and several other donor nations countries in suspending funding to UNRWA after Israel alleged a dozen of its employees took part in Hamas' Oct 7 attack, which ignited the current war in Gaza. The UN is investigating the claims. During a visit to Bulgaria, Cameron said that Britain was seeking an absolute guarantee that this can't happen again. He said Britain had paused its funding while reviews are taking place. We need them to take place quickly, because many UNRWA staff do an absolutely vital job inside Gaza, where they're the only network for distributing aid to make sure that we get aid to people that need it very, very badly, he said. NETANYAHU SAYS HAMAS HASN'T OFFERED A NEW PROPSAL IN HOSTAGE RELEASE TALKS JERUSALEM Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Hamas has not offered any new proposal during talks in Cairo meant to free Israeli hostages and bring about a cease-fire. Netanyahu's remarks in a statement Wednesday came after local media reported that the Israeli leader had told an Israeli delegation not to return to the talks. In the statement, Netanyahu said Israel wouldn't surrender to Hamas' delusional demands, and said a change in Hamas' positions would allow the talks to move forward. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war until total victory over Hamas and the return of all the roughly 100 hostages. Hamas has said it will not release all the captives until Israel ends its offensive, withdraws from Gaza and releases a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including top militants. Netanyahu has rejected those demands. TOP PALESTINIAN DIPLOMAT PUSHES TO PREVENT IMMINENT' ISRAELI ATTACK ON GAZA'S RAFAH NICOSIA, Cyprus The Palestinian foreign minister said Wednesday efforts were underway to prevent an imminent Israeli attack on the city of Rafah in southern Gaza Strip and at the same time accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of seeking to extend the war for his political benefit. The West Bank diplomat, Riyad al-Maliki, urged the international community to stand firm and act responsibly to end the war. He also said there's collective responsibility to prevent the war from either dragging on or expanding to the West Bank or neighbouring states like Lebanon. We are looking at ways how to prevent that attack on Rafah, Al-Maliki said after talks with his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos. Netanyahu is ... determined that he wants to continue the war for his personal career." Al-Maliki also said the Palestinian Authority government in the West Bank is responsible for the Palestinian "people both in the West Bank and Gaza. Kombos said Cyprus is working closely with the PA to increase humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. The European Union island nation is also pushing to set up a maritime aid corridor to Gaza, some 250 km (156 miles) away so that more aid could flow to Gaza in a constant stream. (AP) SCY SCY Betul, Feb 14 (PTI) Two tribal men have been allegedly beaten up in separate incidents in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district following which the police have so far arrested seven persons, officials said on Wednesday. In one of the incidents which took place on November 15 last year, the victim, resident of Baspani area, was brought to Betul city by one of the accused, who was known to him, under some pretext following a dispute over the victim borrowing money from him. He was allegedly hung upside down in a room and beaten up with a belt, slippers and sticks, police said. The victim told reporters on Tuesday that he was afraid of the culprits due to their "criminal background" and hence did not report the matter earlier. After a video of the incident went viral on social media, the victim's family members took him to the Kotwali police station on Tuesday to file a complaint. An FIR was subsequently registered against three identified persons and as many others, a police official said. Betul Superintendent of Police Siddharth Choudhary said five-six persons were involved in the incident. One of the accused has been arrested and search is on for the others, he said. Condemning the incident, MP Congress president Jitu Patwari demanded Chief Minister Mohan Yadav's resignation and that he hand over the home portfolio, currently held by the CM, to someone who can decisively control crime in MP. In another incident, a tribal youth was allegedly beaten up by a group of persons here on February 7 over an old enmity, police said in a release. A video of the incident went viral on Sunday and the police arrested two of the accused, identified as Chanchal Rajput and Chandan Sardar, on Monday, the release said. Later, four more accused - Gullu Chitrar, Ankit Chitrar, Nandi Jharbade and Naved Khan - were also arrested, it added. Ranchi, Feb 14 (PTI) The Jharkhand Congress and the Left parties on Wednesday decided to extend support to the nationwide Grameen Bandh on February 16. State Congress president Rajesh Thakur directed all district presidents and officials of the party to support the bandh on Friday. On the direction of our national president, we have decided to support the bandh in Jharkhand, Thakur said. Jharkhand unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) also appealed to the people to make the 'Grameen Bandh' on February 16, a success. Samyukt Kisan Morcha has called for the nationwide rural bandh and strike along with the central trade unions. Thakur claimed that the country is "going through a phase of anarchy" and farmers are on the streets for a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, while the youth of the country are "forced to stage demonstrations for employment and the future of lakhs of youth is at "stake" with the 'Agniveer' scheme. Thakur also said that the Congress stands by the steps taken by the country's farmers against alleged injustice. The Haryana Police lobbed tear gas shells at farmers from Punjab at the Shambhu border between the two states as thousands of protesters stayed put there on Wednesday, the second day of their 'Delhi Chalo' march. There was a similar standoff at the Data Singhwala-Khanauri border in Haryana's Jind district, with police barricades stopping farmers from travelling to Delhi on their tractor-trolleys. The Haryana government on Tuesday extended the suspension of mobile internet services, bulk SMS and dongle services in seven districts, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa, till February 15. The "Delhi Chalo' March has been called by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-political). New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) The central government has "betrayed" farmers by not implementing the Swaminathan Commission recommendations, the Congress alleged on Wednesday and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologise to the country for it. In its 2006 report, National Commission on Farmers' chairman M S Swaminathan suggested the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) to fix MSP at least 50 per cent more than the weighted average cost of production (C2 plus 50 per cent) The opposition party said its promise to give a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) is the only way to implement the Swaminathan Commission report and claimed that the prime minister is "opposing" what he had recommended when he was the Gujarat chief minister. "Be it the BJP's manifesto of 2014 or the recommendation of CM Modi's committee, the Modi government betrayed the farmers on the guarantee of giving legal MSP," Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera alleged amid an ongoing stir by a section of farmers on the MSP and other issues. "Prime Minister Modi should apologise to the country - for speaking a lie to the farmers, for going back after filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court, for not answering the question of MSP through RTI and for calling farmers terrorists and foreign agents," he said at a press conference. He countered the claim that the 'Swaminathan Commission' report was not implemented by the Congress, saying there were 201 recommendations out of which the UPA government had implemented 175. Hitting out at the Centre over the farmers' protests, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked why it is "running away" from giving legal guarantee on MSP despite repeated promises and claimed the farmers have "lost faith" in the Modi government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also spoke with a farmer injured in police action during a protest march and accused the Modi government of having a "dictatorial attitude" towards the country's food providers. "In 2011, Narendra Modi, as Gujarat chief minister and chairman of a working group, had submitted a report to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which said that 'In order to protect the interest of the farmers, we must ensure through legal provisions that no transaction between farmer and trader should be done below MSP'," Ramesh said. The Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) has three formulas to arrive at the cost of production: A2, A2+FL and C2. A2 costs cover all paid-out expenses, both in cash and kind, incurred by farmers on seeds, fertilisers, chemicals, hired labour, fuel and irrigation, among others. A2+FL covers actual paid-out costs plus an imputed value of unpaid family labour. C2 costs are more comprehensive, accounting for the rentals and interest forgone on owned land and fixed capital assets respectively, on top of A2+FL. "In many of his speeches and election rallies during the 2014 Lok Sabha election campaign, Modi had promised that all crops would be purchased at MSP, which would cover all costs and 50 per cent margin as per the Swaminathan Committee formula," Ramesh claimed. "But till date, there is neither legal guarantee of MSP nor is it based on the Swaminathan formula of C2+50%," he said. Khera noted that there were 26 recommendations left, out of which the most important announcement related to MSP was made on Tuesday by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi. He said the last time when farmers were protesting against the three "black" agri laws, PM Modi had "apologised to them and said 'I withdraw all three laws. A committee will soon be formed to find a solution to the MSP problem'". "But today it has been more than two years and no committee has been formed. Today, when farmers are protesting again regarding MSP, then rubber bullets are fired at them, tear gas shells are lobbed at them and nails are laid on roads," the Congress leader said. Khera alleged that Narendra Modi made a false poll promise of giving MSP to farmers and became the prime minister. "But PM Modi's lie came to light when an affidavit was filed in the Supreme Court regarding MSP in which PM Modi clearly said that we cannot give this kind of MSP in which the input cost is so high," he claimed, He said that "enraged by Congress' promise of giving MSP to 15 crore farmer families, the BJP's ecosystem is opposing just like it in its affidavit to the Supreme Court in February 2015". "We all witnessed the cruel scenes yesterday. As if that was not enough, now the BJP is raising questions on the MSP itself," he noted. Khera also asked whether it is not true that in an election rally in Haryana before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, the then Modi who was then the PM candidate had promised farmers "Input Cost + 50 per cent" on the lines of the Swaminathan report. BERLIN, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- German steel giant Thyssenkrupp on Wednesday lowered its outlook for 2023/24, expecting to break even instead of achieving the previously assumed net profit in the low to mid three-digit million euro range. In the first quarter (Q1), Thyssenkrupp recorded a net loss of 314 million euros (336 million U.S. dollars) due to impairment losses, which were "mainly attributable" to higher capital costs, said the company. In the same period a year earlier, the company posted a profit of 75 million euros. Sales fell by almost 9 percent to 8.2 billion euros. Lower price levels in the steel and materials businesses, as well as falling sales of work and raw materials, had a "negative impact," according to the company. The steel industry was "facing a very challenging environment," Thyssenkrupp said in a statement, adding that "the weak economy, renewed increases in raw material costs, high energy costs, and strong competition from non-European market participants are affecting Europe's steel producers." According to industry data, steel production in Germany in 2023 fell to its lowest level since the financial crisis in 2009. After a slump of 3.9 percent year on year, only 35.4 million tons of steel were produced in the Europe's largest economy. "The annual balance sheet for steel production in Germany clearly shows that the situation for the steel industry -- and the electric steel route in particular -- is very serious," said Kerstin Maria Rippel, managing director of the German Steel Association, last month. At the same time, Germany's steel industry is trying to accelerate the pace of its green transformation. In this context, Thyssenkrupp emphasized that the company has "won important contracts" in the area of decarbonization at the World Climate Conference in Dubai in December 2023. Together with the United Arab Emirates, Thyssenkrupp is to test the use of lower-CO2 fuels in cement production and build a biopolymer plant, as these have a "substantially lower carbon footprint" than synthetic polymers and are biodegradable. The German government has also recognized the potential of green steel and is supporting several industrial players with large subsidies. Thyssenkrupp alone received a subsidy of 2 billion euros last year to save large amounts of CO2 during production through the use of hydrogen in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. "We are signaling that the steel industry in Germany has a future, thus securing jobs in the long term," said Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Robert Habeck, stressing that Thyssenkrupp "is demonstrating that the consistent use of hydrogen can enable the decarbonization of the steel sector which is, after all, the biggest source of CO2 emissions in Germany." (1 euro = 1.07 U.S. dollar) New Delhi, Feb 14 (PTI) The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday signed a Rs 1,752.13-crore contract with a Kanpur-based firm for manufacturing and supply of 463 indigenously built 12.7 mm stabilised remote control guns for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, officials said. This acquisition will provide further boost to the vision of "Aatmanirbharta in Defence", the ministry of defence said in a statement. "This contract will also open up a large avenue in defence manufacturing for over 125 Indian vendors and Defence PSUs for over a period of five years," it added. The ministry signed the contract with Advanced Weapon Equipment India Limited (AWEIL), Kanpur for "manufacturing and supply of a total of 463 indigenously manufactured 12.7 mm stabilised remote control guns (SRCG) for the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard at a total cost of Rs 1,752.13 crore, with indigenous content (IC) of more than 85 per cent," it said. These guns will enhance the capability of the Navy and the Coast Guard to accurately engage small targets that pose a threat to ships in an asymmetric environment, both by day and night, the ministry said. Kotdwar (U'khand), Feb 14 (PTI) The Pauri district administration in Uttarakhand has said the property of Pulkit Arya, the main accused in resort receptionist Ankita Bhandari's murder case, cannot be attached. An investigation conducted into the case by the Yamkeshwar sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) has said no criminal intent was evident in the purchase of 0.334 hectares of land in Ganga Bhogpur by Arya. There is nothing evidently wrong in the manner in which the property was bought by the accused and hence, it is not possible to attach it, the SDM's report said. Moreover, the property was bought by the accused much before the crime was committed, it added. The SDM's probe report has been submitted to police by Pauri District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan. The Pauri district police had recommended attaching properties of Arya in Haridwar and Pauri districts worth Rs 2.75 crore, saying those were built on grabbed forest land. A preliminary police investigation had found that the Vanantara resort at Ganga Bhogpur, where Bhandari worked as a receptionist, was built on an illegally-grabbed piece of land. However, in the wake of the SDM's report finding nothing illegal in the purchase of the land for the resort, acting Superintendent of Police of Pauri Jaya Baloni has ordered a re-investigation into the matter. Bhandari (19) was allegedly killed by Arya and two of his accomplices who worked at the resort when she refused to give "extra services" to guests. Arya, the son of an influential Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader who has been expelled from the party, and his accomplices are in jail. Chandigarh, Feb 14 (PTI) Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij Wednesday took exception to Punjab authorities' objection to the deployment of drone for dropping tear gas shells to disperse protesters inside its territory at the Shambhu border, saying whether it has become "an India-Pakistan border." Vij's reaction came after the Punjab authorities raised an objection with the Haryana authorities for the use of the drone for dropping tear gas shells inside the Punjab territory at the Shambhu border. Punjab's Patiala Deputy Commissioner has written to the Ambala Deputy Commissioner, asking him not to send drone inside Punjab's territory. Haryana security personnel deployed a drone on Tuesday for dropping tear gas shells to disperse farmers who were trying to breakthrough barricades in an attempt to march towards Delhi with various demands. The farmers claimed that the unmanned aerial vehicle dropped several tear gas canisters on them when they were standing well inside the Punjab territory. Vij said it is surprising that the Punjab government wrote about not sending the drone to its territory, asking whether it has become the "India-Pakistan border". "If someone runs away to Punjab after attacking our police, can't we go after him and catch him?" he asked. Vij asked the Punjab government why it did not stop farmers in the state when they were heading towards Delhi. The minister also wondered why the farmers wanted to go to Delhi when the Central ministers were ready to talk to them in Chandigarh. Chennai, Feb 14 (PTI) The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution against the Centre's proposed 'One Nation, One Election' policy. Chief Minister M K Stalin moved the resolution, besides another one urging the Centre not to go ahead with the proposed delimitation exercise to be taken up after 2026 based on the census. The 'One Nation, One Election' move was "against democracy, impractical; not enshrined in the Constitution of India," the resolution said and urged the Union government not to implement it. "Elections to local bodies, state Assemblies and Parliament are being held at different times on the basis of people centric issues in (a) vast and diverse country like India and it is against the idea of democratic decentralisation," the resolution added. Jaipur, Feb 14 (PTI) A 40-year-old constable died here on Wednesday in Rajasthan's Sikar district after he accidentally shot himself in the head, police said. The incident took place when Harkishan Dhaka posted at the Ramgarh Sethan police station was about to leave for a raid in the morning, they added. "The incident happened when the constable was about to go on a raid today morning. He was taking out a revolver from the storehouse when he shot himself by mistake. He sustained a bullet injury on his head, which led to his death," Ramgarh Sethan SHO Ramesh Chandra Meena said. Hearing the gunshot, another constable rushed and found the Harkishan dead on the floor, the SHO said. Meena ruled out that this could be a case of suicide. The body was handed over to the deceased's family members after post-mortem, he added. Shuls in Dallas are increasing security on their premises after a local Jewish councilwomans home was vandalized with antisemitic and pro-Palestinian messages and symbols. Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn posted photos on X showing that her homes fence was spray-painted with the words baby killer and inverted triangles, and shows a pile of rocks and bricks and fake dead babies. Inverted red triangles may symbolize support for violent Palestinian resistance against Israel, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Furthermore, inverted red triangles were used by the Nazis to mark different Jewish prisoners. Its unimaginable to me how our country has changed in the last 40 years, she wrote in her post. Folks, youre going to need to stop sitting on the sidelines thinking everything will be ok. Things are not ok. Baruch Shawel of Dallas Chaveirim told YWN that security had been increased at shuls following the October 7th attacks, but further security measures are warranted to safeguard the Jewish community in Dallas. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Estonias prime minister has been put on a wanted list in Russia because of her efforts to remove Soviet-era World War II monuments in the Baltic nation, officials said Tuesday as tensions between Russia and the West soar amid the war in Ukraine. The name of Prime Minister Kaja Kallas appeared on the Russian Interior Ministrys list of people wanted on unspecified criminal charges. While independent Russian news outlet Mediazona first reported Tuesday that Kallas was on the list, it said she has been on it for a while. The list includes scores of officials and lawmakers from other Baltic nations. The move was related to her efforts to remove World War II monuments, other Russian officials said. There was no immediate reaction from Estonian authorities. Estonia and fellow NATO members Latvia and Lithuania have pulled down monuments that are widely seen as an unwanted legacy of the Soviet occupation of those countries. Since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine nearly two years ago, numerous monuments to Red Army soldiers also have been taken down in Poland and the Czech Republic, a belated purge of what many see as symbols of past oppression. Moscow has denounced those moves as a desecration of memory of Soviet soldiers who fell while fighting Nazi Germany. The inclusion of Kallas who has fiercely advocated for increased military assistance to Ukraine and stronger sanctions against Russia appears to reflect the Kremlins effort to raise the stakes in the face of NATO pressure over the war. Its the first time the Russian Interior Ministry has put a foreign leader on a wanted list. Estonian Secretary of State Taimar Peterkop and Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairys also are on the list, which is accessible to the public, along with scores of officials and lawmakers from Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Mika Golubovsky, editor of Mediazonas English-language service, told The Associated Press that Kallas and other politicians from the Baltic nations have been in the Interior Ministrys wanted database since mid-October and was the only head of state on the list. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova confirmed that Kallas and Peterkop were on the list because of their involvement in the removal of monuments. Asked about the move, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it was a response to action by Kallas and others who have taken hostile action toward historic memory and our country. Russia has laws criminalizing the rehabilitation of Nazism that include punishing the desecration of war memorials. Russias Investigative Committee, the countrys top criminal investigation agency, has a department dealing with alleged falsification of history and rehabilitation of Nazism, which has ramped up its action since the start of the war, according to Mediazona, which broke the news on Kallas addition to the wanted list. Mediazona, which published a long survey of the list, said it also includes scores of Ukrainian officials and foreign nationals accused of fighting alongside Ukrainian armed forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that ridding Ukraine of far-right, neo-Nazi groups is one of the central aims of the war, but he has offered no proof to back his repeated claims that such groups have a decisive voice in shaping Ukraines policies. The inclusion of Kallas could also mark an attempt by Moscow to counter last years arrest warrant against Putin issued by the International Criminal Court over the alleged deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. The Interior Ministrys list also includes ICC President Piotr Hofmanski. While it means little in practical terms since contacts between Moscow and the West have been frozen during the conflict, it comes at a time when European members of NATO are growing increasingly worried about how the U.S. election will affect the alliance. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has rekindled the fears of NATO allies that he could allow Russia to expand its aggression in Europe if he returns to the White House. You didnt pay? Youre delinquent? the Republican front-runner recently said he told an unidentified NATO member during his presidency. No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. That statement sharply contrasted with U.S. President Joe Bidens pledge to defend every inch of NATO territory, as the alliance commits all members to do in case of attack. Trumps statement shocked many in Europe, drawing a pledge from Poland, France and Germany to bolster Europes security and defense power. U.S. Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith told reporters Tuesday that encouraging the Kremlin to attack any NATO ally or alliance territory really puts our soldiers - U.S. soldiers and our allies soldiers in greater danger. Doing so, making those types of statements, is dangerous and frankly irresponsible. While Putin insists he has no plans to strike any NATO countries unless they attack first, Estonias Foreign Intelligence Service released an annual report Tuesday noting that Russia has significantly increased weapons output and warning that the Kremlin is probably anticipating a possible conflict with NATO within the next decade. (AP) Switzerlands main Jewish organization on Monday denounced an antisemitic sign put up at a local ski shop near Davos, barring Jews from renting equipment from the store. Regional police opened an investigation. The sign on Pischa Mountain above Davos, a town known for hosting the annual World Economic Forum meeting of global elites each January, said the shop would no longer rent gear such as sleds, skis and snowshoes to our Jewish brothers after a series of very annoying incidents including the theft of a sled. The message, written in Hebrew, appeared to be directed at Israeli Jews who have been traveling to Davos in growing numbers in recent years both for summertime and wintertime holiday getaways. Police in the eastern Graubunden canton, or region, said in an email that they have opened an investigation for possible criminal violation of Swiss law banning discrimination and incitement to hatred. The Davos tourism agency declined to immediately comment when contacted by The Associated Press but said a response would be forthcoming by e-mail. After a series of annoying incidents, including the theft of a sled, we are no longer renting out sporting equipment to our Jewish brothers, said the sign, put on a window at a counter with helmets sitting on a shelf in the back. The Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities condemned the incident, which was reported in Swiss media after a social media post from Zurich city councilor Jehuda Spielman on Sunday. The poster is undisputedly discriminatory, said Jonathan Kreutner, the federations secretary-general, in an e-mail. That shocks me. This really is a new level of audacity. This is antisemitism, he later said over the phone. An entire group of guests is being collectively labelled because of their appearance and origin. Kreutner initially said the federation planned legal action for alleged violation of Swiss anti-racism laws, but said it would likely defer to a regional prosecutor who was looking into the matter. The incident comes against a backdrop of rising antisemitism across Europe and beyond, largely in connection with the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip that has killed more than 28,300 Palestinians in the territory, according to the Health Ministry in the Hamas-run enclave. The war began with Hamas assault into Israel on Oct. 7, in which the militants killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Kreutner also noted an increasing number of Jewish guests in Davos over the years, which indicated they clearly feel very comfortable and welcome in Davos. However, there are obviously others who have a completely different attitude towards Jewish guests, he said, acknowledging that it is obvious that there is a lot going wrong here. Reto Branschi, the head of the Davos tourism agency, was reportedly quoted in the local Davos Zeitung newspaper last year as saying that some of the resorts Jewish patrons clearly have difficulty accepting and respecting the rules of living together here. He cited issues of littering, and said such rules are unfortunately not adhered to, especially by Orthodox Jews. (AP) A boy wearing costume of "Sailor" throws an orange symbolizing good luck to visitors during the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Local residents wearing costumes of "Gille" attend the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) People attend the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) A local resident wearing costume of "Gille" attends the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Local residents wearing costumes of "Gille" attend the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Local residents wearing costumes of "Gille" attend the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Children give oranges symbolizing good luck to visitors during the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) People attend the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Oranges symbolizing good luck are pictured during the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival, in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) Children wearing costumes of "Pierrot" attend the parade of Shrove Tuesday, the last day of Carnival in Binche, Belgium, Feb. 13, 2024. Binche's three-day carnival, a UNESCO World Heritage event and one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, reached its climax on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Dingzhe) In striking testimony to House lawmakers, former Biden family associate Tony Bobulinski alleged that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) successfully sought to infiltrate and compromise the Obama-Biden administration through a business arrangement involving members of then-Vice President Joe Bidens family. Bobulinskis revelations were made during a closed-door interview on Tuesday, where he detailed the involvement of the Biden family with the CCP-linked energy firm CEFC from 2015 until Bidens tenure as vice president ended in January 2017. According to Bobulinski, CEFC, which is associated with the CCP, engaged Hunter Biden and James Biden, the presidents brother, in efforts to penetrate the U.S. energy sector. GOP lawmakers have highlighted that Hunter Biden received $5 million from CEFC between 2017 and 2018. Contradicting Joe Bidens claims of being unaware regarding his sons business activities, Bobulinski provided a statement to The Washington Times indicating the former vice presidents awareness and involvement in the CEFC transactions. Joe Biden was aware of the CEFC transaction, enabled it and had a constitutional responsibility and obligation to the American people to shut it down before it began, Bobulinski said, adding that the Biden family gained financially from dealings with entities considered adversaries of the United States, including the CCP. He recounted meetings with Joe Biden in Los Angeles in May 2017 concerning their business engagements, describing the familys business endeavors as centered around Joe Biden himself, saying that the Biden family business was Joe Biden, period. Democrats have sought to question Bobulinskis credibility, pointing to his reluctance to cooperate with Democratic staff, alleged connections to the Trump campaign, and personal financial disputes. Bobulinski also claimed that he was defrauded by the Biden family in July 2017 when Hunter and Jim Biden purportedly excluded his businesses from the CEFC deal, accusing the family of enriching themselves at the expense of his interests. This comes amid Hunter Bidens call for the Justice Department to investigate Bobulinski for allegedly providing false information to the FBI about Joe Bidens involvement in the business transactions. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeols office said Wednesday that presumed North Korean hackers breached the personal emails of one of his staff members ahead of Yoons trip to Europe in November. Yoons office said the cyberattack only affected the personal account of the unidentified employee, who violated security protocols by partially using commercial email services to handle official duties. Officials did not specify what type of information was stolen from the staff members personal emails but stressed that the offices overall security system was not affected. We detected the case in advance of (Yoons) visit and took necessary measures, Yoons office said in a statement to reporters. The office said it has been monitoring and defending against constant hacking attempts presumed to be related to North Korea but its not that the presidential offices security system got hacked. Yoon in November made a three-day visit to Britain, where he met King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and followed it with a trip to France. North Korea runs a huge, government-backed hacking program that has been accused of stealing large sums of money, often in cryptocurrency, to finance its illicit nuclear weapons and missile program in defiance of U.S.-led international sanctions. North Korea-backed hackers have also been accused of stealing information from outside governments, businesses and think tanks. According to a report obtained by The Associated Press last week, a U.N. panel of experts said 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. While the country has denied involvement, North Korea has been linked to major cyberattacks in past years, including a 2013 campaign that paralyzed the servers of South Korean financial institutions, the 2014 hacking of Sony Pictures, and the WannaCry malware attack of 2017. (AP) A Georgia judge who is deciding whether to toss Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis off of her election interference case against former President Donald Trump has set a hearing for Thursday that is expected to focus on details of Willis personal relationship with a special prosecutor she hired. As soon as allegations of an inappropriate relationship between Willis and attorney Nathan Wade surfaced last month, speculation about the future of the case began to swirl. Even if the prosecution isnt derailed, the upheaval has certainly created an unwanted distraction for Willis and her team and could undermine public confidence in the validity of the case. The defense attorney who first exposed the relationship says it creates a conflict of interest and is asking the judge to toss out the indictment and to prohibit Willis, Wade and their offices from further involvement in the case. In a response filed earlier this month, Willis acknowledged a personal relationship but said it has no bearing on the serious criminal charges shes pursuing and asked the judge to dismiss the motions seeking her disqualification without a hearing. The law says disqualification can occur if evidence is produced demonstrating an actual conflict or the appearance of one, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee said during a hearing Monday. Because he believes its possible that the facts alleged by the defendant could result in a disqualification, I think an evidentiary hearing must occur to establish the record on those core allegations. The highly anticipated hearing, like all courtroom proceedings in the case, will be streamed live on the judges YouTube channel, as well as by news outlets. As he makes another run for the White House, the former president has exploited the revelation of the relationship, in an attempt to cast doubt on Willis motivations and the legitimacy of the case. Other Republicans have piled on, using the claims to justify calls for investigations into or sanctions against Willis, an elected Democrat whos up for reelection this year. The original motion was filed by former Trump campaign staffer and onetime White House aide Michael Roman, but Trump and several other co-defendants have joined with motions of their own. Romans motion says that Willis and Wade were involved when she hired him in November 2021 to manage an investigation into whether Trump and others committed any crimes as they tried to overturn his 2020 election loss in Georgia. That investigation led to the indictment in August of Trump and 18 others who are accused of participating in a sprawling illegal scheme to keep Trump in office. Four of the people charged have already pleaded guilty after reaching deals with prosecutors. Trump and the remaining 14 have all pleaded not guilty. Willis has paid Wade more than $650,000 for his work and then profited personally when Wade used that money to take her on expensive vacations, including cruises in the Bahamas and trips to Aruba, Belize and Napa Valley, Roman alleges. His filing also questions Wades qualifications for the job, saying theres no evidence he had ever prosecuted a felony or handled a racketeering case. Just under a week after Romans motion was filed, Willis used a speech at a historic Black church in Atlanta to forcefully defend Wades qualifications and her own decision to hire him. She didnt address the allegations of a relationship in that speech, waiting nearly three more weeks to acknowledge a personal relationship in a court filing. Attached to that filing was a sworn statement from Wade saying that the pair only began that personal relationship in 2022, once he was already working as a special prosecutor. His statement also said that travel expenses for him and Willis were roughly divided equally between us and that Willis received no funds or personal financial gain from his position as a special prosecutor. Romans attorney, Ashleigh Merchant, has subpoenaed Willis, Wade, seven employees of the district attorneys office and others, including Wades former business partner, Terrence Bradley. Merchant told McAfee on Monday that Bradley would testify that Willis and Wades relationship began before Wade was hired as special counsel and that they had stayed together in homes where the county was paying for Willis to stay. Willis sought to quash those subpoenas. She argued Romans attempts to subpoena people in her office suggests an eye toward public narrative as opposed to legal remedy and that anything Bradley knows is protected by attorney-client privilege as he once served as Wades divorce attorney. McAfee declined on Monday to quash those subpoenas, but agreed to revisit that after Bradley testifies. Aware of the personal nature of some of the details that could arise in Thursdays hearing, the judge said that if theres anything that amounts to harassment or undue embarrassment, he is not going to feel inhibited from stepping in, even without an objection from counsel, to move this along and keep it focused on the issues at hand. McAfee also made clear that he does not believe arguments over Wades qualifications are relevant, saying that as long as an attorney has a heartbeat and a bar card, it is within the district attorneys discretion to hire him. (AP) Channel 13 News reporter and military commentator Or Heller spoke about the hostage rescue operation in an interview on Radio 103FM. There was intelligence information for a long time about the location of Louis and Fernando in Rafah but there werent operational and intelligence conditions to carry out the operation, he said. On Sunday night, all the conditions were met in terms of the ability to carry out an operation that would also rescue the hostages alive. The forces Shin Bet and Yamam entered at about 1 a.m. They raided the building there was an element of descending from the roof, and the idea was to surprise the Hamas terrorists and end the event in seconds. The main concern was that the Hamas terrorists would murder the hostages, so the forces brought bulletproof vests and helmets to put on them in order to get them out alive. The operation began, and already at 1:50 a.m., the Air Force began bombing dozens of Hamas targets to enable the rescue. The operation itself took only about a minute. The commandos surprised the Hamas terrorists, killed at least three terrorists who were guarding the hostages, and then began taking out the hostages. From one side, the Air Force attacked dozens of Hamas targets, because they opened fire from several buildings on the forces, and from the other side, a convoy arrived with tanks from Khan Younis along with Shayetet 13 commandos. Thats when the IDF soldiers put the bulletproof vests and helmets on the hostages so they wouldnt be hit by gunfire. To the question regarding estimates that there are more hostages in that area of Rafah he replied: First of all we need to take into account that the hostages from Nir Yitzchak were taken to Rafah from the beginning. The women from the family were released on the 53rd day of the war in the first deal. I assume they contributed quite a bit to the intelligence picture, but think about the amount of time that has passed. This is one point. The second point note that this operation, along with the rescue operation of Ori Magidish, which unfortunately are the only two military operations that have so far succeeded in rescuing hostages in both cases, the hostages were above ground. You understand how complex it is to carry out such operations in tunnels, and we estimate that most of the hostages who are alive are still in the tunnels. which is much more difficult. That perhaps explains [Gadi] Eisenkots statement that: There will be no Entebbe operations here.' (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Terrorists opened fire from the Palestinian village of Jalbun at the Meirav kibbutz in the Gilboa area of northern Israel on Wednesday. BChasdei Hashem, there were no injuries. A similar attack occurred just eight days ago. Meirav is located north of the Green Line, separating Israel from the Shomron, and until last year, the area was rarely targeted by terrorists. That changed in April 2023, when four homes on the religious kibbutz of Maale Gilboa were hit by gunfire. In May, terrorists from Jenin fired across the Green Line at the Gan Ner yishuv in the Gilboa area. Then in the summer months, Jenin terrorists repeatedly fired rockets at yishuvim in the northern Shomron. In September, the IDF carried out a counterterrorism operation in Jenin and arrested three Hamas terrorists responsible for the rocket attacks as well as shooting and IED attacks. Less than a week later, Jenin terrorists launched another rocket attack at a Jewish yishuv in the northern Shomron. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) We dont have to wonder what life was like in the shtetl or rely on stories we heard as children. While Orthodox Jews did not traditionally write memoirs in past generations, Pinkhes Dov Goldenshteyn (1848-1930), a talmid chacham and a shochet, tells us in raw detail about his life as a poor orphan in Ukraine without nostalgia or white-washing in The Shochet: A Memoir of Jewish Life in Ukraine and Crimea, a new book from Touro University Press. Goldenshteyn wrote his Yiddish memoirs to strengthen the belief in Hashem and hashgacha pratis of his children and grandchildren in America and elsewhere, some of whom were wavering in their religious commitment. With the translation of those memoirs into English by Touro University librarian Michoel Rotenfeld, a new generation can also feel that wave of complete faith while also seeing the difficulty of life in nineteenth century Ukraine. Many Jews then were entrenched in poverty, scared of forced enlistment in the Czarist army and surrounded by family and community who struggled to survive on a daily basis. Despite all these basic challenges, the hard life was full of faith, love, plentiful moments of shared joy and the profound feeling of Hashems presence throughout life. In this first of two volumes which traces the years from his orphanhood, when he was raised by his doting sisters, through his maturation into a Torah scholar and shochet, Goldenshteyn endures tremendous hunger, suffering and humiliation. Readers see what life was like in the shtetl the cold, the hunger, the difficulty of travel. They see both good and bad marriages, family members who give away their last piece of bread to a loved one and others who have more but refuse to help, the hierarchy of suitable candidates for shidduchim, the corruption caused by desire for money and honor. Despite these hard truths of life, Goldenshteyns story uplifts readers. His faith carries him through his difficult time. His struggles bring him into personal contact with the Tzemach Tzedek of Lubavitch. His search for parnassah brings him to the hometown of the Malbim, who receives him with honor. His quest for a bracha and advice leads wealthy laymen to give him the unusual role of a minor celebrity for carrying a cherished esrog to the Lyever Rebbe. His faith and his personal integrity ensure that his life is filled with blessings even if he chronically lacked food and money. The story of Pinkhes Dov Goldenshteyns life is enhanced by his literary skill. He writes like a professional storyteller, leading readers in suspense and dropping bits of foreshadowing until we turn every page hoping to learn the next twist in his eventful life. Ultimately, the reader sees how the different pieces of his life fit together like a puzzle, as if a plan was always there waiting for Goldenshteyn to walk into it. Hashem is the true protagonist of this story of life in the nineteenth century shtetl. The rich often lose their wealth. Social status comes and goes. Strength of character, loyalty, honesty, piety and generosity last longer than the vanities of this world. As we read about Goldenshteyns tumultuous life, we learn about one persons unvarnished experiences in the legendary shtetl of a world that no longer exists. The Shochet: A Memoir of Jewish Life in Ukraine and Crimea: Volume I can be ordered through Academic Studies Press or on Amazon at The Shochet (academicstudiespress.com) A 1922 photograph of Pinkhes-Dov Goldenshteyn, standing in the foreground with his white beard parted in the middle. Standing on the first step is Rabbi Yisroel Aba Tsitron, the rabbi of Petakh-Tikva and the son-in-law of the Rogatshover Gaon. [Evaluation at 50% off] Dyslexia is a non diagnostic term and can be cured for Hebrew reading. Kriah strugglers deserve a diagnosis as precise as a neurosurgeons MRI report Dear Parents, If your son or daughter struggles with reading difficulties in Hebrew, especially in reading without nekudos, and consequently reads slowly and sometimes doesnt daven properly If your son struggles with difficulties in Gemara learning in general, has a hard time understanding the Gemara text inside, or preparing a page of Gemara on his own If your child is very talented but confused about his abilities, lacks self-confidence, feels depressed about himself, and has given up on ever being able to understand the Gemara If your child therefore suffers from gaps in his learning and consequently does not enjoy learning, is unmotivated, and is frustrated because he gets no satisfaction from learning If you are concerned that his low level of spiritual satisfaction may eventually lead him to the streets and to what awaits him there If youve tried several remedial approaches but none have helped If you worry about the future If you wonder where to turn in order to help your child become a better reader and learner If diagnosed as dyslexic and seems like there is no hope of your child ever learning to read Join Thousands Who Have Succeeded In Solving Their Reading Problem even dyslexia and Started Reading Hebrew Fluently! 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I also used the reading readiness drawings to see how particular student in school thinks/learns and it has been a gamechanger BH. Thank you so much. T.R., 2024 graduate, Yerushalaim Sign up here for 50% off evaluation Zevi was 15 spent more time at the local Seven-Eleven than in yeshivah due to his reading disability. Learning was torture, and he hated every moment in yeshivah. His father suggested he leave yeshivah and learn a trade. Someone suggested to Zevi to meet with Rabbi Zvi Zobin, Zevi had tried every expert that America had to offer and was reluctant to go through the pain of submitting himself to another maven. Yet on a whim, he decided to go. To his amazement, he felt that the wise rabbi actually understood him. Three months later, Reb Sholom saw his wife crying. She said she had just gotten off the phone with Zevi. Choked with emotion, she explained that Zevi had told her that he thought of the same question that the Ritva asks on the Gemara. But that wasnt why she was crying. Her tears came when Zevi added that he had found his question in the Ritva. On his own. Zevi could read. He stayed in the Mir for five years and then, at age 22, went back to the States and met his zivug. Zevi returned to the Mir and shteiged for another five years. He then joined an outreach kollel in America [excerpt from mishpacha article: BY THE WARMTH OF THE SUN By Rabbi Menachem Nissel | DECEMBER 19, 2023] has already assisted many students who would never have been able to achieve their full potential Rabbi Mattisyahu Salomon shlita (Mashgiach, Bais Medrash Govoha, Lakewood) Sign up here for 50% off evaluation I know personally of many who have been helped and therefore laud the time, effort, and system which Rabbi Zobin has established. May his efforts lead to success for many. Rabbi Levi Yitzchok Horowitz zl (The Bostoner Rebbe) For the first 51 years of marriage, Joe Wilkinson and his wife Emily shared everything. The couple, now 79 and 83, have worked hard as small business owners to afford a comfortable life in the Midlands for their family. And, over time, they have built a generous inheritance earmarked for their children and grandchildren. But their carefully laid plans began to disintegrate in 2017. Joe discovered his wife had struck up a secret relationship with a man she met on Facebook and was handing over large sums of money. Since then, he says Emily has been lured into a string of online relationships. Growing problem: An estimated 4.3m has already been lost to romance scams this year, according to banking trade body UK Finance Joe, who asked for his name to be changed, estimates his wife has now sent these men 100,000 by raiding their joint savings accounts, taking out loans and even selling their Mercedes and pawning her jewellery. Yet she has never met any of them in person. And despite Joe and their childrens best efforts, he says nothing can convince Emily she is the victim of romance fraud and shes still giving away money. Heartbroken, but devoted, Joe refuses to give up and approached Money Mail in a desperate attempt to expose the scammers. Romance scams are a growing scourge reports have jumped by a fifth in the past year, according to Lloyds Bank. An estimated 4.3 million has already been lost to romance fraud this year, according to banking trade body UK Finance. Police and the National Crime Agency expect to see a spike in the number of romance scams reported following Valentines Day, when people are most susceptible. Scammers typically set up fake profiles on social media to message their victims and entice them into a relationship. They begin messaging on Facebook, Instagram or on an online dating site, but will try to get them to start speaking on a more private platform such as WhatsApp or text. Once trust has been established, the criminal will usually claim to be experiencing a problem, such as an issue with a visa, health problems or plane tickets and ask for money to help. They may also claim to be doing charity or overseas work. In Emilys case, Joe says the scammers have posed as American soldiers who have been posted abroad and are looking for love. The trouble started when Emily received a tablet as a gift in 2017, so she could stay up to date with the news. Soon after, she created a Facebook account and then the romance scams started, says Joe. Tactics: Scammers typically set up fake profiles on social media to message their victims and entice them into a relationship She received messages from young Army men who were saying nice things to her. Ever since, she has taken the tablet everywhere and is messaging them on Facebook or WhatsApp, he says. When Joe noticed that money was being transferred out of their joint accounts, he became suspicious. He and their children had the passcode for the tablet so were able to read the messages. This is how they discovered Emily was caught up in a string of romantic relationships with people who were clearly scammers, he says. The most prominent used a military persona and claimed to be posted on a faraway base, according to Joe. The young men sent Emily pictures of themselves in uniform and, after days of talking, would claim to need money. This is one of the most popular cover stories among romance scammers, who also often pose as overseas doctors, successful businessmen and famous people. They will then come up with a reason for asking for money for example, they may claim their child needs urgent medical care that they cant pay for, or that they need money to buy a flight to visit the UK. She seems to think they are coming to take her away to a better life, says Joe. It has been so difficult to watch and you wonder why she is doing this. She keeps it all secret, but you know its going on. On one occasion, Joe says he found out that Emily had arranged for a friend to give her a lift to the local airport, where she planned to meet one of her lovers. However, the scammer never showed up. Joe says he has tried to confront her on several occasions, but has never been able to break the spell. We did absolutely everything to convince her that these were scams, telling her the people were not real, but all to no avail. She just doesnt seem to see it, and she carries on in her own sweet way. Anna Rowe, founder of romance scam campaign group LoveSaid and educational website Catch The Catfish, says its important for friends and family to understand the intense manipulation that victims have been through. There is a very clear pattern of manipulation that every victim goes through: there is a grooming process and then a period of what we call love bombing follows. Ms Rowe, who was herself the victim of a romance scam, says: They begin by finding out about you and drawing out information they can use later on. In my case, he offered up things that had happened in his past and what had gone wrong in relationships to make me feel comfortable doing the same. 'That enabled him to groom me further and secure his standing as he pretended to be everything I was looking for. Then comes the love bombing, which is where they make sure they are in your thoughts constantly and telling you how special you are, Ms Rowe says. Its not unusual for them to be possessive, asking where you are and what you are doing to make you feel they care and want to be with you. Joe watched this pattern unfold in his wifes social media inboxes, followed by relentless requests for cash. They started by asking her to make bank transfers and then moved on to getting her to send the money by depositing into a Bitcoin account. Now they ask for giftcards, he says. At first, Joe says he was able to see when Emily planned to send money and warn her bank ahead of time so they could be blocked. However, her bank failed to do this and the money continued to go through to foreign bank accounts. My children and I tried to stop it. We spoke to lawyers, doctors to assess her mental soundness we went to her bank, Facebook to report the fake profiles, the police, Action Fraud . . . you name it we tried. No one helped. The bank always came back with: If your wife is of sound mind, and it is her money, then she can do as she likes. In the meantime, Emily was selling off investments and taking out bank loans. The bank even allowed my wife to take out loans at the age of 79, when Emilys total income was just her monthly state pension of 800. How on earth has someone with little income been given 5,000 loans? I thought the banks had not protected her and decided to fight back. Joe contacted the Banking Ombudsman and, 18 months later, was told to write to his bank with evidence that Emily had made the payments to scammers, despite his warnings. Bingo, he says. They agreed that they had not dealt with my complaints properly and to refund some 40,000 dating back to 2017, which was a large part of the 60,000 we estimated to have changed hands at that point. However, the 40,000 was sent directly to Emilys bank account and, despite a discussion with her about the risk of scammers, the 83-year-old has continued to send money to her fake online lovers. Money Mail has seen screenshots of the messages between Emily and the scammers obtained by her husband, as well as his correspondence with the Financial Ombudsman Service and bank statements showing payments that Emily has made to foreign bank accounts. I doubt very much that she has any of it left. The scammers know she is a soft-touch, a vulnerable person, Joe says. My wife has learnt nothing. She is still giving cash to scammers, which is now being done via gift cards from what I can gather. The businessman says he has taken legal advice and they have rewritten their wills, putting assets, such as property, into a trust to safeguard them from Emily. I have a small business, we have a house and I have a pension of around 240,000, so there are quite a lot of funds to worry about. Last year, research by Santander found that almost one in three people have been targeted by a romance scammer. People aged 55 to 64 are the most likely to be tricked by fraudsters posing as love interests, but those aged 65 to 74 were scammed out of the most money of all age groups, data from Lloyds found. Men are more likely to fall for a romance scam, but only marginally, at 52 pc of cases. However, women typically handed over more money losing an average of 9,083 compared to mens 5,145 average loss. Money Mails Stop The Social Media Scammers campaign has called on tech companies to protect users from fraudsters. Ms Rowe says she speaks to 65 to 100 victims a week, and they range from a 16-year-old, who has been blackmailed over explicit photos after entering a fake relationship, to 80-year-old married women. You should never tell a loved one or friend who is a victim that they are wrong, or call them stupid, naive or gullible. Its far more complex than that, and they will have been through a huge manipulation, a form of brainwashing. Its so delicate and people have to start understanding it themselves before anything can change. All you can do is plant the seeds of doubt and they may start to unpick the reality that has been built around them, she says. As for Joe, he says: Its upsetting watching your money being given away by someone you love. I dont see what we can do to stop it. Heartbreaker: Former scam artist Christopher posed as an American army man Rippling biceps, short, blond hair and a military uniform this was the mask of choice for Christopher Maxwell. During five years as a romance scammer, Christopher, now 24, posed as an American army man to prowl social media platforms and dating sites in search of his next victim, and successfully tricked up to 50 women into sending a total of $70,000 (55,400). Speaking to Money Mail, the self-confessed reformed scammer owns up to the deceptive and cruel tricks he used to seduce women across the English-speaking world. Christopher, who is using a pseudonym and now works as a consultant at fraud-busting group Social Catfish, started scamming in 2016 as a way of making easy money when he was in his second year of university in Nigeria. I had no money and my family was broke, so I had to do something. I know people might not understand, but Im a professional and it was my full-time job. I scammed every day of my life at the time. But did he feel guilty for tricking these women? I did feel bad at the start, but at some point I stopped. I was making good money, he says. I never felt for these people and didnt let any emotion kick in. Christopher says he used social media platforms Facebook and Instagram to contact women, as well as dating websites. He primarily targeted women in their 50s and 60s who appeared to be recently divorced or widowed. I can take advantage of that. The dating apps make it easy because you can set your profile to a particular age group, he says. His profile showed pictures of a man he had found online who was in the army, and he told women he was American and had been deployed to either Afghanistan, Israel or Korea. The 24-year-old says he had a range of false excuses to ask for money, which included saying he needed money to take a flight and spend the rest of his life with the woman, or to replace his uniform. I started with small amounts and always said I would pay everything back. His biggest windfall came from a 61-year-old American woman, who sent him a total $30,000 (23,700) during their one-year relationship. However, she used Social Catfish, a company that verifies online identities using reverse image searches, and was able to track down Christopher. When he was confronted by the woman whose life he ruined, he says he felt terrible and is happy he no longer has to scam to make a living. Christopher leaked a 40page bible for scammers in Nigeria entitled How To Make A White Woman Fall In Love With You From Online Chat. Christopher leaked a 40page bible for scammers in Nigeria entitled How To Make A White Woman Fall In Love With You From Online Chat The book, which has been shared with Money Mail by Social Catfish, offers a step-by-step guide, with scripts of romantic phrases, conversation starters and questions it promises will make women fall head over heels in love with you. It says the types of ladies that are easier to get and who will fall in love with you ASAP without much stress are those over 40. It says: They are working hence they have the money you need. Also, being single at 40, they are eager for love. Once the target is identified, the playbook instructs scammers to do their research before chatting up their client. You will want to find out everything you can before chatting [to] her as this will help later on. Check her [social media] bio for information. It can be her hobbies, pets, job, passion, if she has kids, where she lives, etc. It recommends complimenting women on their activities or what they enjoy and ask questions relating to it. It adds: You want to go gentle and different. Do not send a hi. There are many people that have sent her hi before. You want to send something that will make her like you from the very first text. Something that will make her open your message and her heart for you. Once the conversation is flowing, the book says to make it about her. Oyinbo women [a Nigerian term for Western women] like talking about themselves. They will think you care and will fall in love. Next, it instructs the criminals to compliment women using one of 60 suggested phrases, such as: I cant believe I found someone like you and Your mind is just as sexy as your beauty. Women are more susceptible to messages at night, it claims. Get to know her time zone and text her around 10pm. Night is when you can easily get her to fall for you. Scammers are told to take their time in asking for money to build trust first. It says: Spend days talking about random things. It can be time-consuming, but its totally worth it. When it comes to asking for money, it instructs to ask without looking like you are asking. For example: When she asks about your day, tell her it was bad, then tell her you are broke, you are behind [on] your mortgage. By herself, she will offer to give you money. If you want a new phone tell her yours is bad and you wont be able to chat any more. Christopher reveals that the biggest giveaway that youre speaking to a scammer is if they wont show their face via video call. Avoid anyone who says they cannot meet because they are in the military or live overseas, he says. If they confess love too quickly and demand the same in return, it is a scam. j.beard@dailymail.co.uk by Ren Yaoting, Peng Zhuo VENICE, Italy, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Carnival 2024 concluded across Italy on Tuesday, culminating with the famous Venice parade of costumes and masks. A show of Hanfu, the traditional attire which used to be worn by ethnic-majority Han Chinese, was seen in the finale of the colorful parade. This marks the second consecutive year such a show was included in the Venice Carnival. A group of 22 Italian and Chinese volunteers wearing Hanfu participated in a parade at the Piazza San Marco in the city center. Italian volunteer Chantal, who is also a student at the Confucius Institute at the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, was dressed in an oriental princess costume made of scarlet silk. She said she felt "very happy" to participate in the parade, adding: "I felt that (dressing Hanfu) is my approach to the beautiful Chinese culture, lifestyle, and incredible history of dresses." The clothes, directly transported from the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou, were themed after the Han, Tang, and Song dynasties and displayed the traditional silk culture and millennium-long changes of Chinese traditional costumes, said Ma Xiaohui, the Chinese director at the Confucius Institute at Ca' Foscari University. Suzhou, dubbed "the Venice of the East" by the Italian explorer Marco Polo in the 13th century, became a sister city to Venice in 1980. The Hanfu show is a tribute to Marco Polo, with this year marking the 700th anniversary of his death. Over seven centuries ago, the young Venetian merchant and explorer embarked on a trailblazing journey along the ancient Silk Road, which led him through Central Asia to China. "Today, we celebrate a friendship that lasted for 700 years," said Paola Mar, the deputy mayor of Venice, adding that activities such as Hanfu performances "strengthen the ties between our city and China." Laura Fincato, a veteran Italian politician and honorary citizen of Suzhou, expressed his hope that the two countries can sustain their mutual understanding and respect. In addition to the Hanfu show, dragon and lion dances, Kung Fu performances and sword dances were also staged. The Venice Carnival 2024, themed "To the East. The Extraordinary Journey of Marco Polo," ran from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13. It is one of the oldest carnivals in Italy, dating back to 1296. Probe: Home REIT said the FCA has opened an investigation covering the period between September 2020 and January 2023 Troubled Home REIT faces a probe by City regulators over fears it has misled investors. The landlord, which specialises in accommodation for the homeless, said the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has opened an investigation covering the period between September 2020 and January 3 last year. Home REIT said it would co-operate fully. The FCA declined to comment, but its probe is another blow to Home REIT. It has been mired in crisis since November 2022 when short-seller Viceroy Research questioned its business model and its ability to collect rent from tenants, most of whom were charities and community interest groups. Despite initially denying the allegations, the debacle triggered the suspension of Home REITs shares in January last year and an extended delay to its financial results, which remain unpublished. Home REIT marketed itself as a way to house vulnerable people, including the homeless, by letting out properties to charities and other groups which would pay rent from government housing benefits. But since Viceroys report, the company has been buffeted by a series of damning revelations. These include a probe by forensic accountants Alvarez & Marsal which uncovered transparency and due diligence failings by its former investment adviser Alvarium Home REIT Advisors. Alvarium was subsequently sacked and another firm AEW was brought in to try to steady the ship. The group has been scrambling to sell properties in its portfolio, often at a steep discount, in order to raise cash and keep itself afloat. Several of its major tenants have also collapsed into insolvency after failing to secure government assistance, leaving the company short of rental income. Home REIT suffered another blow in December when property group Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) which it hired to assess the value of its portfolio concluded that its properties were worth less than half what they cost to buy. JLL estimated Home REITs estate was worth 412.9million at the end of August, or just 42.3 per cent of the 977million it paid in total for the properties. The report appeared to be the final nail in the coffin for Home REITs beleaguered management. In January, it announced its chairman Lynne Fennah would step down and that the rest of the board would exit when it finally published its results. These are expected to arrive in the second quarter of this year. The firm remains in a deep financial hole, reporting earlier this month that it still had a debt pile of 162.8million. Housebuilder Vistry has entered into an agreement with build-to-rent group Sigma Capital Group to build 5,000 new homes. The homes will be built across a number of UK regions over the next five years, though Vistry decline to reveal the locations of the sites. The projects will sit under Sigmas Simple Life brand and construction will run via Vistry's Countryside Partnerships unit. Building homes on brownfield land will be 'turbocharged' under a major shake-up to planning rules to boost housebuilding while protecting the Green Belt, the government announced this week. More new-builds: Vistry has entered into an agreement with build-to-rent group Sigma Capital Group to build 5,000 new homes Housing Secretary Michael Gove said this week: 'Our new brownfield presumption will tackle under delivery in our key towns and cities where new homes are most needed to support jobs and drive growth.' Official figures published on Wednesday showed private rental prices paid by tenants in the UK rose by 6.2 per cent in the 12 months to January, unchanged for the second consecutive month. Annual private rental prices rose by 6.1 per cent in England, 7 per cent in Wales and 6.8 per cent in Scotland in the period, the Office for National Statistics said. Within England, London had the highest annual percentage change in private rental prices in the year, at 6.9 per cent, while the North East saw the lowest, at 4.7 per cent. Following today's update, Vistry shares rose 1.79 per cent or 17.00p to 966.50p on Wednesday, having risen over 26 per cent in the last year. Vistry has built over 8,500 homes of the same model announced on today in partnership with Sigma, which focuses on single family housing, at a cost of 2.25billion. Greg Fitzgerald, chief executive of Vistry, said: 'This framework agreement with Sigma is another great example of how our Partnerships model can deliver at scale the mix of housing tenures that residents across the UK desperately need. Plans: Building homes on brownfield land will be 'turbocharged', Michael Gove said this week 'High-quality build-to-rent homes continue to be an important offering for our mixed-tenure communities, and we are thrilled to be continuing our long-term partnership with Sigma.' Graham Barnet, chief executive and founder, Sigma, added: 'We currently have over 3,500 additional homes under construction across the UK and with a track record of 98 per cent let or reserved at any given time, and above industry standard build-to-rent (BTR) customer review scores, we're looking forward to delivering many more much needed BTR family housing over the next five years with our partner Vistry.' In January, Land and property group Henry Boot struck a deal to sell 759 residential housing plots in Swindon to Vistry for an undisclosed fee. The site in South Marston was secured by Henry Boot's land and planning business, Hallam Land Management, via an option to purchase the land over 20 years ago. Henry Boot claimed 500 'affordable homes' would be built on the plot. In October, Vistry slashed its full-year earnings expectations and cut 200 jobs. It made 40million less profit than previously thought after a downturn in demand. Shell expects global demand for liquified natural gas (LNG) to surge over 50 per cent by 2040. The FTSE 100-listed oil giant said industrial coal-to-gas switching was gathering pace in China and South Asian and South-east Asian countries. Shell's LNG forecasts are slightly lower than last year and the group said it expects demand for natural gas to peak after 2040. It claimed demand for natural gas had already peaked in some regions. Looking ahead: Shell expects global demand for liquified natural gas to surge over 50% by 2040 Steve Hill, executive vice president for Shell Energy, said: 'China is likely to dominate LNG demand growth this decade as its industry seeks to cut carbon emissions by switching from coal to gas. 'With Chinas coal-based steel sector accounting for more emissions than the total emissions of the UK, Germany and Turkey combined, gas has an essential role to play in tackling one of the worlds biggest sources of carbon emissions and local air pollution.' Shell added: 'Over the following decade, declining domestic gas production in parts of South Asia and South-east Asia could drive a surge in demand for LNG as these economies increasingly need fuel for gas-fired power plants or industry. 'However, countries in South Asia and South-east Asia would need significant investments in gas import infrastructure.' Shell said LNG demand was expected to reach around 625million to 685million tonnes a year in 2040, up from 404million tonnes last year. Last year, Shell said it expected LNG demand to reach between 650million to 700million tonnes. Shell said LNG continued to play a 'vital role' in European energy security last year, following a slump in Russian pipeline exports to Europe in 2022. European LNG imports remained at similar levels to 2022, despite an overall drop in European gas demand in 2023, Shell said. LNG is natural gas that has been reduced to a liquid state via a process of cooling. According to National Grid, LNG produces 40 per cent less carbon dioxide than coal and 30 per cent less than oil. Shells profits fell by nearly 30 per cent last year, but the energy giant still made more than 22billion. A sharp drop in oil and gas prices meant earnings fell by almost a third from a record 31.6billion in 2022 to 22.4billion in 2023. But the oil major still beat analysts expectations of 21.2billion for the year as it racked up profits of 60million a day. Greenpeace activists held a mock profits party outside Shells London headquarters in protest. Shell shares were up 0.92 per cent or 23.00p to 2,511.50p on Wednesday afternoon. The chief executive of a UAE-backed telecoms group will join the Vodafone board next week despite concerns about national security. Hatem Dowidar, chief executive of Emirates Telecommunications, will be a non-executive director from Monday, following a national security investigation into the relationship between the two firms. Emirates, also known as E&, is 60 per cent-owned by the UAE government and has been building a stake in Vodafone since 2022, and is now the biggest shareholder, with 14.6 per cent. The firms formed a strategic agreement, which included a board seat for Dowidar. But E& faces accusations of online censorship and alleged attempts to spy on citizens. Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden warned in January the relationship posed a threat to Britain given Vodafones work with Government departments and its influence on the UK telecoms industry. Security concerns: Hatem Dowidar (pictured), who is chief executive of Emirates Telecommunications, will be a non-executive director at Vodafone from Monday He said the arrangement would allow the state-controlled group to materially influence the business and ordered Vodafone to establish a national security committee to oversee sensitive work that affects the UK. Vodafone has agreed to tell ministers about any change or termination of the partnership, and meet requirements about who is on the board. Dowidar has held leadership positions at Vodafone, including chief executive of Vodafone Egypt and Vodafone Malta. He said he was looking forward to supporting the rapid transformation being undertaken by chief executive Margherita Della Valle. But some analysts think shareholders may be frustrated. Shareholders calling for a break-up of the company to unlock shareholder value might feel that their cause is set back, with E& on the board, given E&s ambition to become a global telecom and technology player, said Karen Egan, telecoms expert at Enders Analysis, who added that the appointment was unlikely to pose security risks. The Government can review foreign takeovers under laws that were used to block the sale of semiconductor firm Newport Wafer Fab to Chinese-owned Nexperia. Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer has instructed regulator Ofcom to examine the sale of the Telegraph media group to a joint venture between a US firm and one owned by the UAE deputy prime minister. Gold Fields Limited (NYSE:GFI Get Free Report) has received a consensus recommendation of Reduce from the six research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating and three have assigned a hold rating to the company. The average 12-month price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $14.00. Several research firms recently weighed in on GFI. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Gold Fields from an equal weight rating to an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 18th. BMO Capital Markets cut shares of Gold Fields from a market perform rating to an underperform rating and dropped their target price for the stock from $14.00 to $12.00 in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Finally, StockNews.com lowered shares of Gold Fields from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, February 3rd. Get Gold Fields alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Gold Fields Gold Fields Stock Down 4.7 % Institutional Inflows and Outflows GFI opened at $13.05 on Friday. Gold Fields has a twelve month low of $8.89 and a twelve month high of $17.78. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.14 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.35. Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Captrust Financial Advisors raised its holdings in Gold Fields by 100.8% during the 2nd quarter. Captrust Financial Advisors now owns 2,741 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,376 shares during the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Gold Fields during the 4th quarter worth approximately $26,000. IFP Advisors Inc grew its position in shares of Gold Fields by 900.0% during the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 2,000 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after buying an additional 1,800 shares during the period. Money Concepts Capital Corp acquired a new stake in shares of Gold Fields during the 4th quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Bartlett & Co. LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Gold Fields during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $49,000. Institutional investors own 20.99% of the companys stock. Gold Fields Company Profile (Get Free Report Gold Fields Limited operates as a gold producer with reserves and resources in Chile, South Africa, Ghana, West Africa, Australia, and Peru. The company also explores for copper deposits. It holds interests in nine operating mines, as well as gold mineral reserves and mineral resources. The company was founded in 1887 and is based in Sandton, South Africa. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Gold Fields Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Gold Fields and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) have received an average recommendation of Hold from the eleven brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, seven have given a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is C$102.95. NA has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Canaccord Genuity Group set a C$107.00 price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Desjardins upped their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$99.00 to C$105.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. Scotiabank increased their price objective on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$95.00 to C$96.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods decreased their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$101.00 to C$97.00 and set a market perform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 23rd. Finally, CIBC decreased their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$106.00 to C$102.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Get National Bank of Canada alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on NA Insider Activity at National Bank of Canada National Bank of Canada Stock Performance In related news, Director Yvon Charest bought 376 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 20th. The stock was bought at an average cost of C$90.45 per share, with a total value of C$34,009.20. 0.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Shares of NA opened at C$101.24 on Friday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of C$100.21 and a two-hundred day moving average of C$95.38. The company has a market capitalization of C$34.25 billion, a PE ratio of 10.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 17.04 and a beta of 1.10. National Bank of Canada has a fifty-two week low of C$84.27 and a fifty-two week high of C$104.83. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, December 1st. The financial services provider reported C$2.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of C$2.29 by C$0.15. National Bank of Canada had a net margin of 34.15% and a return on equity of 14.68%. The company had revenue of C$2.59 billion during the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that National Bank of Canada will post 9.5708955 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. National Bank of Canada Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, February 1st. Investors of record on Monday, December 25th were issued a dividend of $1.06 per share. This is an increase from National Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $1.02. This represents a $4.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.19%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, December 21st. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 45.11%. National Bank of Canada Company Profile (Get Free Report National Bank of Canada provides financial services to individuals, businesses, institutional clients, and governments in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services, such as credit, and deposit, investment solutions, international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Analysts at StockNews.com started coverage on shares of China Green Agriculture (NYSE:CGA Get Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Monday. The firm set a sell rating on the basic materials companys stock. China Green Agriculture Trading Down 2.1 % Shares of NYSE:CGA opened at $2.74 on Monday. China Green Agriculture has a 12-month low of $1.61 and a 12-month high of $4.37. The company has a market capitalization of $36.66 million, a PE ratio of -2.26 and a beta of 0.48. The business has a 50 day moving average of $2.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $2.28. The company has a current ratio of 2.49, a quick ratio of 1.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.01. Get China Green Agriculture alerts: China Green Agriculture (NYSE:CGA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 20th. The basic materials company reported ($0.13) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. China Green Agriculture had a negative net margin of 14.54% and a negative return on equity of 12.47%. The company had revenue of $22.40 million during the quarter. Institutional Inflows and Outflows China Green Agriculture Company Profile Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CGA. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP acquired a new position in China Green Agriculture in the 1st quarter valued at $115,000. Renaissance Technologies LLC raised its holdings in China Green Agriculture by 67.8% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 19,051 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $192,000 after acquiring an additional 7,700 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Susquehanna International Group LLP acquired a new stake in China Green Agriculture in the 1st quarter valued at about $175,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 0.74% of the companys stock. (Get Free Report) China Green Agriculture, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, production, and sale of various fertilizers, agricultural products, and bitcoin in the People's Republic of China and the United States. The company operates through four segments: Jinong (Fertilizer Production); Gufeng (Fertilizer Production); Yuxing (Agricultural Products Production); and Antaeus (Bitcoin). See Also Receive News & Ratings for China Green Agriculture Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Green Agriculture and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the eleven ratings firms that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Five analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, five have given a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $14.35. A number of research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. 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. StockNews.com lowered shares of First Horizon from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. Wedbush upgraded shares of First Horizon from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and raised their target price for the company from $12.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Friday, November 3rd. Raymond James upgraded shares of First Horizon from an outperform rating to a strong-buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $13.00 to $17.00 in a research note on Friday, January 5th. Finally, Citigroup assumed coverage on shares of First Horizon in a report on Friday, December 1st. They issued a buy rating and a $14.00 price target for the company. Get First Horizon alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on FHN First Horizon Stock Performance Shares of FHN opened at $13.79 on Wednesday. The companys fifty day moving average is $14.01 and its 200-day moving average is $12.61. First Horizon has a 12 month low of $8.99 and a 12 month high of $24.90. The firm has a market cap of $7.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.01, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.95. The company has a quick ratio of 0.94, a current ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. First Horizon (NYSE:FHN Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, January 18th. The financial services provider reported $0.32 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.31 by $0.01. First Horizon had a net margin of 17.80% and a return on equity of 9.94%. The company had revenue of $1.27 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $784.20 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.51 EPS. Equities analysts expect that First Horizon will post 1.42 EPS for the current fiscal year. First Horizon Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, April 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.35%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, March 14th. First Horizons payout ratio is 39.22%. First Horizon declared that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Tuesday, January 23rd that allows the company to buyback $650.00 million in shares. This buyback authorization allows the financial services provider to repurchase up to 7.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often a sign that the companys board believes its shares are undervalued. Hedge Funds Weigh In On First Horizon Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. California Public Employees Retirement System lifted its holdings in shares of First Horizon by 16.0% during the 3rd quarter. California Public Employees Retirement System now owns 994,511 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $10,960,000 after acquiring an additional 137,525 shares during the period. Thoroughbred Financial Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of First Horizon during the 2nd quarter worth about $145,000. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S increased its position in shares of First Horizon by 116.2% during the 2nd quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 12,243 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $138,000 after purchasing an additional 6,580 shares in the last quarter. Qsemble Capital Management LP acquired a new stake in shares of First Horizon during the 3rd quarter worth about $1,189,000. Finally, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of First Horizon by 721.6% during the 3rd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 110,607 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,219,000 after purchasing an additional 97,144 shares in the last quarter. 76.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. First Horizon Company Profile (Get 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. Further Reading 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. Deutsche Bank AG trimmed its holdings in The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report) by 47.6% during the third quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 578,891 shares of the aircraft producers stock after selling 525,316 shares during the quarter. Deutsche Bank AG owned about 0.10% of Boeing worth $110,962,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in BA. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Boeing by 109,667.8% in the 4th quarter. Moneta Group Investment Advisors LLC now owns 16,055,730 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $3,058,456,000 after purchasing an additional 16,041,103 shares during the period. Barclays PLC lifted its stake in shares of Boeing by 599.0% in the 2nd quarter. Barclays PLC now owns 1,522,410 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $321,475,000 after purchasing an additional 1,827,485 shares during the period. Winslow Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Boeing in the 2nd quarter valued at about $221,773,000. Morgan Stanley lifted its stake in shares of Boeing by 11.7% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 8,321,871 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $1,585,234,000 after purchasing an additional 872,795 shares during the period. Finally, BlackRock Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Boeing by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 36,819,108 shares of the aircraft producers stock valued at $7,774,723,000 after purchasing an additional 868,582 shares during the period. 61.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Boeing alerts: Boeing Stock Performance Shares of BA opened at $204.37 on Wednesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $231.27 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $216.93. The firm has a market capitalization of $124.69 billion, a P/E ratio of -55.54, a P/E/G ratio of 18.97 and a beta of 1.56. The Boeing Company has a 52 week low of $176.25 and a 52 week high of $267.54. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Boeing ( NYSE:BA Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 31st. The aircraft producer reported ($0.47) EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.72) by $0.25. The business had revenue of $22.02 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $21.14 billion. The businesss revenue was up 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted ($1.75) earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that The Boeing Company will post 2.76 earnings per share for the current year. BA has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Citigroup dropped their price objective on Boeing from $285.00 to $271.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Wells Fargo & Company dropped their price target on Boeing from $225.00 to $215.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Barclays upped their price target on Boeing from $210.00 to $235.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 6th. UBS Group upped their price target on Boeing from $275.00 to $315.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada dropped their price target on Boeing from $285.00 to $260.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, February 1st. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $252.63. Read Our Latest Research Report on Boeing Boeing Company Profile (Free Report) The Boeing Company, together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, sells, services, and supports commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense, human space flight and launch systems, and services worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Commercial Airplanes; Defense, Space & Security; Global Services; and Boeing Capital. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Boeing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boeing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Navellier & Associates Inc. raised its holdings in shares of First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP Free Report) by 5.8% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 24,085 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 1,317 shares during the quarter. Navellier & Associates Inc.s holdings in First BanCorp. were worth $324,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 24,643,742 shares of the banks stock valued at $323,327,000 after acquiring an additional 544,469 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 13,679,620 shares of the banks stock valued at $179,477,000 after acquiring an additional 1,097,862 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,497,173 shares of the banks stock valued at $42,735,000 after acquiring an additional 54,223 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 86.4% during the 2nd quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 3,026,388 shares of the banks stock valued at $36,982,000 after acquiring an additional 1,402,356 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northern Trust Corp grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 2,798,621 shares of the banks stock valued at $34,199,000 after acquiring an additional 17,274 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.80% of the companys stock. Get First BanCorp. alerts: First BanCorp. Stock Performance FBP opened at $16.39 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $2.83 billion, a PE ratio of 9.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.49 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a current ratio of 0.76, a quick ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44. First BanCorp. has a 1 year low of $10.18 and a 1 year high of $17.44. The stocks 50 day simple moving average is $16.34 and its 200-day simple moving average is $14.92. First BanCorp. Increases Dividend First BanCorp. ( NYSE:FBP Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, January 24th. The bank reported $0.49 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.35 by $0.14. First BanCorp. had a return on equity of 21.62% and a net margin of 26.19%. The firm had revenue of $299.09 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $227.75 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.40 earnings per share. Sell-side analysts forecast that First BanCorp. will post 1.62 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 8th. Shareholders of record on Friday, February 23rd will be paid a $0.16 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 22nd. This represents a $0.64 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.90%. This is a positive change from First BanCorp.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.14. First BanCorp.s payout ratio is currently 32.94%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on FBP shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on First BanCorp. from $12.50 to $13.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 24th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on First BanCorp. from $18.50 to $19.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, January 25th. Read Our Latest Report on FBP Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, EVP Nayda Rivera sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $15.76, for a total transaction of $236,400.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 261,910 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,127,701.60. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other First BanCorp. news, EVP Michael Mcdonald sold 57,600 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, January 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $17.34, for a total value of $998,784.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 98,501 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,708,007.34. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, EVP Nayda Rivera sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $15.76, for a total value of $236,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 261,910 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,127,701.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders have sold 197,033 shares of company stock valued at $3,206,679. 2.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. About First BanCorp. (Free Report) First BanCorp. operates as a bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico that provides a range of financial products and services to consumers and commercial customers. The company operates through six segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations. Read More Receive News & Ratings for First BanCorp. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First BanCorp. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MOSCOW, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Deepening the partnership with China is a top priority for Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said here Wednesday. "We will view this as a top priority," Lavrov said while addressing the Russian State Duma, or the lower house of the parliament. "Our partnership plays a stabilizing role in global affairs," Lavrov said, adding that bilateral trade between the two countries is growing at an impressive rate. "This year, we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with our Chinese friends," he said, adding that bilateral ties are at "their best level in history." Tocqueville Asset Management L.P. boosted its stake in shares of Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ) by 5.0% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 28,471 shares of the oil and gas producers stock after buying an additional 1,352 shares during the quarter. Tocqueville Asset Management L.P.s holdings in Canadian Natural Resources were worth $1,841,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in CNQ. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership bought a new position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources in the first quarter worth $960,796,000. MUFG Securities EMEA plc bought a new position in Canadian Natural Resources in the 2nd quarter worth about $451,985,000. Bank of Nova Scotia raised its holdings in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 29.8% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 24,739,040 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $1,409,093,000 after acquiring an additional 5,684,896 shares in the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 88.2% during the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 7,930,544 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $491,064,000 after acquiring an additional 3,716,523 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Canadian Natural Resources by 6.2% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 40,235,475 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $2,493,796,000 after purchasing an additional 2,332,528 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 73.88% of the companys stock. Get Canadian Natural Resources alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have issued reports on CNQ. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Canadian Natural Resources from $101.00 to $102.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, January 11th. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price objective on Canadian Natural Resources from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Canadian Natural Resources currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $94.00. Canadian Natural Resources Stock Performance Shares of CNQ opened at $59.40 on Wednesday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $63.69 and its 200-day moving average price is $63.83. The stock has a market cap of $63.74 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.45 and a beta of 1.53. Canadian Natural Resources Limited has a 52 week low of $48.81 and a 52 week high of $68.74. The company has a quick ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 0.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. About Canadian Natural Resources (Free Report) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CNQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Canadian Natural Resources Limited (NYSE:CNQ Free Report) (TSE:CNQ). Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Natural Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Natural Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco de Sabadell S.A trimmed its holdings in shares of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 9.2% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,003 shares of the asset managers stock after selling 305 shares during the period. BlackRock comprises about 1.7% of Banco de Sabadell S.As portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest position. Banco de Sabadell S.As holdings in BlackRock were worth $1,938,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BLK. State Street Corp boosted its stake in BlackRock by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. State Street Corp now owns 6,152,336 shares of the asset managers stock worth $4,252,126,000 after purchasing an additional 138,455 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its position in BlackRock by 1.1% during the 3rd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,329,550 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,148,586,000 after buying an additional 35,161 shares during the last quarter. Morgan Stanley raised its position in BlackRock by 4.2% during the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 3,174,621 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,249,634,000 after buying an additional 129,335 shares during the last quarter. Capital Research Global Investors raised its position in BlackRock by 9.0% during the 2nd quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 3,096,970 shares of the asset managers stock worth $2,140,439,000 after buying an additional 255,249 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC raised its position in BlackRock by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,723,629 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,876,647,000 after buying an additional 59,298 shares during the last quarter. 77.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get BlackRock alerts: Insider Activity In other news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total value of $5,085,660.60. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,366,142.24. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, General Counsel Christopher J. Meade sold 18,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, January 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $282.54, for a total transaction of $5,085,660.60. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel now directly owns 11,914 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,366,142.24. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Marc D. Comerchero sold 450 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, February 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $785.11, for a total value of $353,299.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 5,975 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,691,032.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last ninety days, insiders sold 32,524 shares of company stock valued at $16,510,628. 1.06% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently weighed in on BLK. UBS Group lifted their target price on shares of BlackRock from $720.00 to $818.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, January 10th. BNP Paribas raised shares of BlackRock from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $885.00 target price for the company in a report on Tuesday, December 12th. TD Cowen raised shares of BlackRock from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from $819.00 to $938.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of BlackRock from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $708.00 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday, December 15th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on shares of BlackRock from $719.00 to $793.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, November 30th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, BlackRock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $785.73. Read Our Latest Analysis on BLK BlackRock Stock Up 0.8 % Shares of BLK stock traded up $5.93 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $784.00. 114,295 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 622,931. The businesss fifty day moving average is $789.83 and its two-hundred day moving average is $716.56. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a current ratio of 3.72 and a quick ratio of 3.72. BlackRock, Inc. has a 12-month low of $596.18 and a 12-month high of $819.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $116.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.50, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.38. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The asset manager reported $9.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.84 by $0.82. The firm had revenue of $4.63 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.65 billion. BlackRock had a return on equity of 14.85% and a net margin of 30.81%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $8.93 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that BlackRock, Inc. will post 39.64 EPS for the current fiscal year. BlackRock Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, March 7th will be issued a $5.10 dividend. This is an increase from BlackRocks previous quarterly dividend of $5.00. This represents a $20.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.60%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, March 6th. BlackRocks dividend payout ratio is presently 54.78%. BlackRock Company Profile (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Amitell Capital Pte Ltd lessened its holdings in shares of Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC Free Report) by 67.1% in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 9,807 shares of the companys stock after selling 20,000 shares during the period. Warrior Met Coal accounts for 0.3% of Amitell Capital Pte Ltds portfolio, making the stock its 28th largest position. Amitell Capital Pte Ltds holdings in Warrior Met Coal were worth $501,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of HCC. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. bought a new stake in Warrior Met Coal in the 1st quarter valued at $235,000. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its position in Warrior Met Coal by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 624,104 shares of the companys stock valued at $23,161,000 after acquiring an additional 16,725 shares in the last quarter. Citigroup Inc. lifted its position in Warrior Met Coal by 9.7% in the 1st quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 46,040 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,709,000 after acquiring an additional 4,079 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its position in Warrior Met Coal by 502.1% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 80,742 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,031,000 after acquiring an additional 67,332 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MetLife Investment Management LLC lifted its position in Warrior Met Coal by 59.4% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 27,476 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,020,000 after acquiring an additional 10,240 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.89% of the companys stock. Get Warrior Met Coal alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. BMO Capital Markets boosted their price objective on shares of Warrior Met Coal from $43.00 to $48.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, November 3rd. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Warrior Met Coal in a research report on Tuesday, January 16th. They set a neutral rating and a $68.00 price target on the stock. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Warrior Met Coal presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $56.60. Warrior Met Coal Stock Performance Shares of Warrior Met Coal stock traded down $0.64 during trading on Wednesday, hitting $58.92. 410,499 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 660,801. Warrior Met Coal, Inc. has a 1-year low of $31.97 and a 1-year high of $69.97. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.88 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $62.01 and a 200-day moving average price of $52.08. The company has a current ratio of 7.67, a quick ratio of 6.91 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09. Warrior Met Coal Increases Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, February 26th. Investors of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be paid a $0.08 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 16th. This represents a $0.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.54%. This is a positive change from Warrior Met Coals previous quarterly dividend of $0.07. Warrior Met Coals dividend payout ratio is 3.23%. Warrior Met Coal Profile (Free Report) Warrior Met Coal, Inc produces and exports non-thermal metallurgical coal for the steel industry. It operates two underground mines located in Alabama. The company sells its metallurgical coal to a customer base of blast furnace steel producers located primarily in Europe, South America, and Asia. It also sells natural gas, which is extracted as a byproduct from coal production. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HCC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Warrior Met Coal, Inc. (NYSE:HCC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Warrior Met Coal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Warrior Met Coal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. EQT Co. (NYSE:EQT Get Free Report) shares gapped down before the market opened on Wednesday . The stock had previously closed at $34.10, but opened at $32.73. EQT shares last traded at $33.44, with a volume of 1,674,146 shares traded. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages have recently commented on EQT. StockNews.com cut EQT from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Thursday, October 26th. Citigroup upgraded EQT from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $46.00 price objective for the company in a report on Monday, December 11th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $48.00 price objective on shares of EQT in a report on Thursday, January 18th. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on EQT from $38.00 to $39.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company increased their price target on EQT from $51.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, EQT currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $45.86. Get EQT alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on EQT EQT Stock Performance The companys 50 day moving average price is $36.93 and its 200-day moving average price is $40.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.59. The company has a market cap of $13.52 billion, a PE ratio of 4.48, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 1.12. EQT (NYSE:EQT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The oil and gas producer reported $0.48 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.47 by $0.01. EQT had a net margin of 35.29% and a return on equity of 7.25%. The company had revenue of $1.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.58 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $0.42 EPS. EQTs quarterly revenue was up 17.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Equities research analysts anticipate that EQT Co. will post 2.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. EQT Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, February 20th will be given a dividend of $0.1575 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, February 16th. This represents a $0.63 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.92%. EQTs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 8.51%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of EQT by 15.8% during the 2nd quarter. Asset Management One Co. Ltd. now owns 150,315 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $6,182,000 after acquiring an additional 20,455 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in EQT by 6.5% in the third quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 18,037,923 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $731,979,000 after purchasing an additional 1,098,211 shares during the last quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd lifted its stake in EQT by 30.3% in the second quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 31,378 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $1,291,000 after purchasing an additional 7,293 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of EQT by 5.4% during the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 437,630 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $17,759,000 after acquiring an additional 22,560 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Vantage Investment Partners LLC bought a new position in shares of EQT during the third quarter valued at about $17,819,000. 99.44% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About EQT (Get Free Report) EQT Corporation operates as a natural gas production company in the United States. As of December 31, 2022, it had 25.0 trillion cubic feet of proved natural gas, natural gas liquids, and crude oil reserves across approximately 2.0 million gross acres, including 1.8 million gross acres in the Marcellus play. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for EQT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EQT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLC lowered its holdings in shares of Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report) by 20.2% during the 3rd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 5,907 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after selling 1,491 shares during the quarter. Catalyst Capital Advisors LLCs holdings in Chevron were worth $996,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Rhumbline Advisers boosted its position in Chevron by 3.6% during the 3rd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 3,386,763 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $571,076,000 after buying an additional 118,750 shares during the period. Curran Financial Partners LLC boosted its position in Chevron by 3.5% during the 3rd quarter. Curran Financial Partners LLC now owns 6,712 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $1,132,000 after buying an additional 228 shares during the period. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC boosted its position in Chevron by 13.2% during the 3rd quarter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 14,447 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $2,436,000 after buying an additional 1,689 shares during the period. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV boosted its position in Chevron by 375.4% during the 3rd quarter. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV now owns 34,325 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $5,688,000 after buying an additional 27,105 shares during the period. Finally, Cornerstone Advisors LLC boosted its position in Chevron by 16.6% during the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Advisors LLC now owns 84,800 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $14,299,000 after buying an additional 12,100 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 68.87% of the companys stock. Get Chevron alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CVX has been the subject of several analyst reports. Royal Bank of Canada increased their price target on shares of Chevron from $185.00 to $190.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, February 5th. UBS Group dropped their target price on shares of Chevron from $194.00 to $185.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, December 14th. Raymond James dropped their target price on shares of Chevron from $200.00 to $175.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 30th. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Chevron from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $184.00 price target for the company in a research report on Monday, January 8th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their price target on shares of Chevron from $203.00 to $201.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 17th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Chevron presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $180.95. Chevron Stock Down 1.0 % CVX opened at $150.51 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $148.17 and a 200-day moving average price of $154.36. Chevron Co. has a twelve month low of $139.62 and a twelve month high of $173.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $284.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.25, a PEG ratio of 0.82 and a beta of 1.13. Chevron (NYSE:CVX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, February 2nd. The oil and gas company reported $3.45 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.19 by $0.26. The firm had revenue of $47.18 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $50.93 billion. Chevron had a return on equity of 15.24% and a net margin of 10.63%. The companys revenue was down 16.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $4.09 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that Chevron Co. will post 13.03 earnings per share for the current year. Chevron Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, March 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, February 16th will be paid a $1.63 dividend. This is an increase from Chevrons previous quarterly dividend of $1.51. This represents a $6.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, February 15th. Chevrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 53.17%. Chevron Company Profile (Free Report) Chevron Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the integrated energy and chemicals operations in the United States and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Upstream and Downstream. The Upstream segment is involved in the exploration, development, production, and transportation of crude oil and natural gas; liquefaction, transportation, and regasification associated with liquefied natural gas; transportation of crude oil through pipelines; and processing, transportation, storage, and marketing of natural gas, as well as a gas-to-liquids plant. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CVX? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chevron Co. (NYSE:CVX Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chevron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chevron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P boosted its position in UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH Free Report) by 11.9% during the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 590,370 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock after purchasing an additional 62,604 shares during the period. Loomis Sayles & Co. L P owned about 0.06% of UnitedHealth Group worth $297,658,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Keebeck Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 11.6% during the second quarter. Keebeck Wealth Management LLC now owns 10,788 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $5,185,000 after acquiring an additional 1,122 shares in the last quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. lifted its position in shares of UnitedHealth Group by 24.0% during the second quarter. D.A. Davidson & CO. now owns 42,045 shares of the healthcare conglomerates stock worth $20,209,000 after acquiring an additional 8,144 shares in the last quarter. Ascension Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the third quarter worth $216,000. Blue Chip Partners LLC increased its holdings 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 purchasing an additional 228 shares during the period. Finally, Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of UnitedHealth Group in the third quarter worth $207,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.69% of the companys stock. Get UnitedHealth Group alerts: UnitedHealth Group Trading Down 0.0 % Shares of UnitedHealth Group stock traded down $0.07 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $516.78. 588,252 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,156,535. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The stocks fifty day moving average is $524.08 and its 200 day moving average is $518.02. The firm has a market cap of $477.98 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.41 and a beta of 0.54. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated has a 1 year low of $445.68 and a 1 year high of $554.70. Insider Buying and Selling at UnitedHealth Group UnitedHealth Group ( NYSE:UNH Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The healthcare conglomerate reported $6.16 earnings per share 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 analyst estimates of $92.13 billion. UnitedHealth Group had a net margin of 6.02% and a return on equity of 26.39%. UnitedHealth Groups revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $5.34 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that UnitedHealth Group Incorporated will post 27.84 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In other UnitedHealth Group news, Director Stephen J. Hemsley sold 66,081 shares of UnitedHealth Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, December 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $550.39, for a total transaction of $36,370,321.59. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 635,528 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $349,788,255.92. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades UNH has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley decreased their price target on shares of UnitedHealth Group from $587.00 to $579.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 23rd. StockNews.com cut UnitedHealth Group from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, October 21st. Oppenheimer reissued an outperform rating and issued a $610.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. Royal Bank of Canada reissued an outperform rating and issued a $596.00 target price on shares of UnitedHealth Group in a research note on Tuesday, January 16th. Finally, Piper Sandler reduced their target price on UnitedHealth Group from $584.00 to $581.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, January 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $575.79. Read Our Latest Stock Report on UNH UnitedHealth Group Company Profile (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. Read More 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. Banco de Sabadell S.A lessened its holdings in Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC) by 9.3% in the 3rd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 78,099 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 8,003 shares during the period. Bank of America comprises about 1.9% of Banco de Sabadell S.As portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest holding. Banco de Sabadell S.As holdings in Bank of America were worth $2,140,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of BAC. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC grew its stake in Bank of America by 0.8% in the 4th quarter. Fort Sheridan Advisors LLC now owns 39,526 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,309,000 after buying an additional 303 shares during the last quarter. BHK Investment Advisors LLC grew its position in Bank of America by 2.4% in the 2nd quarter. BHK Investment Advisors LLC now owns 14,140 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $406,000 after purchasing an additional 333 shares during the last quarter. Fort Point Capital Partners LLC grew its position in Bank of America by 2.2% in the 1st quarter. Fort Point Capital Partners LLC now owns 15,918 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $656,000 after purchasing an additional 336 shares during the last quarter. Covestor Ltd grew its position in Bank of America by 10.4% in the 2nd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 3,705 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $107,000 after purchasing an additional 348 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV grew its position in Bank of America by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Investors Asset Management of Georgia Inc. GA ADV now owns 53,343 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,530,000 after purchasing an additional 350 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 68.06% of the companys stock. Get Bank of America alerts: Bank of America Trading Up 1.0 % NYSE BAC traded up $0.32 during trading on Wednesday, reaching $33.07. 9,819,205 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 41,685,805. The firm has a market cap of $261.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.53 and a beta of 1.39. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $33.04 and its 200 day moving average price is $30.12. The company has a quick ratio of 0.80, a current ratio of 0.80 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.15. Bank of America Co. has a fifty-two week low of $24.96 and a fifty-two week high of $35.66. Bank of America Dividend Announcement Bank of America ( NYSE:BAC Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, January 12th. The financial services provider reported $0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.69 by $0.01. The company had revenue of $22 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $23.70 billion. Bank of America had a net margin of 15.42% and a return on equity of 11.38%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $0.85 earnings per share. Analysts predict that Bank of America Co. will post 3.14 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, March 29th. Stockholders of record on Friday, March 1st will be issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.90%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, February 29th. Bank of Americas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 31.27%. Analysts Set New Price Targets BAC has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. Morgan Stanley raised shares of Bank of America from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $32.00 to $41.00 in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Barclays boosted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $39.00 to $43.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 2nd. Oppenheimer boosted their target price on shares of Bank of America from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, January 30th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised shares of Bank of America from an underperform rating to a market perform rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $29.00 to $30.00 in a research note on Monday, November 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have given a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $35.53. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Bank of America Insider Activity In related news, major shareholder Of America Corp /De/ Bank purchased 5,398 shares of Bank of America stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, December 27th. The stock was bought at an average price of $10.56 per share, for a total transaction of $57,002.88. Following the completion of the acquisition, the insider now directly owns 5,398 shares of the companys stock, valued at $57,002.88. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.27% of the companys stock. Bank of America Company Profile (Free Report) Bank of America Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides banking and financial products and services for individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses, institutional investors, large corporations, and governments worldwide. Its Consumer Banking segment offers traditional and money market savings accounts, certificates of deposit and IRAs, noninterest-and interest-bearing checking accounts, and investment accounts and products; and credit and debit cards, residential mortgages, and home equity loans, as well as direct and indirect loans, such as automotive, recreational vehicle, and consumer personal loans. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bank of America Co. (NYSE:BAC Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of America Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of America and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ATHENS, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Greek farmers vowed to continue protests on Tuesday after a meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. After a meeting between Mitsotakis and representatives of farmers' unions, the government made more concessions, promising lower electricity bills for farmers for a decade as well as state support in settling overdue bills. A few days ago, the government had promised discounts on electricity bills and tax relief for diesel used in agricultural production for this year. Farmers deemed the concessions insufficient, particularly in convincing young farmers to remain in the countryside for their livelihoods. In an e-mailed press release, Mitsotakis said, "I believe that we can arrive at a common ground, which takes into account your own justified concerns, but also takes into account the fact that the country's fiscal margins are given and limited." Greek farmers have been protesting for weeks. WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Democrat Tom Suozzi has won a special election Tuesday for a U.S. House seat in the state of New York previously held by Republican George Santos who was expelled from Congress over a string of scandals. By defeating Republican Mazi Pilip, Suozzi has retaken the seat he held for three terms and further narrowed the Republicans' majority in the House. Suozzi won the special election in New York's 3rd Congressional District located on Long Island to replace Santos, who was removed from Congress in early December over lies, scandals and alleged campaign finance crimes. Santos survived two previous expulsion efforts due to the influence of the current House speaker, Mike Johnson, and his predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, who both didn't want to lose his seat to a Democrat in a special election. On Dec. 1, the lower chamber voted 311-114 to expel Santos, with 105 Republicans and 206 Democrats voting for expulsion. All Republican leaders voted against expulsion. Santos' removal triggered the rush towards the special election, prompting Democrats to swiftly unite behind Suozzi, who previously served the district from 2017 to 2023, and did not run for re-election last year. Ivan Yates has been slammed by TV viewers for disrespecting the Irish language. The comments were made following the circulation of a viral clip from Virgin Media's Six O'Clock show featuring presenter Brian Dowling, Ivan Yates and gaeilgeoir, Sile Seoige. In the clip - which was initially posted by Virgin Media and swiftly deleted following the backlash - Yates can be heard stating: "Nil focal ar bith agam. I couldn't be arsed to learn Irish, and I'm sorry about it if you're offended. All this money we've put into it and there's 16,000 people in the speaking it naturally." The response on social media was quick, with one person posting on X (formerly Twitter) to say: "I don't like indifference but I understand it; I can't say the same for the way Yates and his media friends celebrate their ignorance, as if it's a virtue. I can't speak, say, Chinese; I'm not ashamed but neither am I proud of it in the way Yates is proud of his lack of ability." Another person stated: "Ivan Yates - Fine Gael TD for 21 years, a former Minister, sat on the FG Front Bench. The decline of the Irish language throughout the 20th century was not by accident, it was because people in power had attitudes like this." Viewers also took issue with presenter Dowling's reaction as well as Yates' comments. An X user stated: "Brian Dowling stands up and SHAKES HIS HAND. How colonised can you be? Can you imagine any other minority group being treated with such open disdain? Only in Ireland..." Another person stated: Sickened to see an Irish presenter stand up and shake hands over such a comment. Not to mention inviting a guest to talk about our national language and commenting "Have we got subtitles at some point?" However, not everyone was quick to anger. One viewer commented: "Maybe Ivan Yates and Brian Dowling feel a bit embarrassed that they don't speak Irish so they deal with this by affecting an exaggerated disdain for the language? Why else would Ivan make false claims about the number of Irish speakers?" Although Yates claims just 16,000 people in Ireland speak our native tongue, the 2022 Census found that 142,828 people over the age of 15 speak Irish "very well" daily, with over 1.8 million people stating they could speak Irish. Seoige's response, however, was widely praised. She said, "I'm not even going to have this debate with Ivan, this is what he does. He just likes to wind people up. Stir the pot." "It's my normal. I was very lucky and fortunate to grow up in a Gaeltacht area, I was reared in Irish. My kids speak Irish. I'm living back in the West of Ireland, I'm living back in Connemara, in my home village of Spiddal. "It isn't dead, it's very much alive," she said, while Yates who can be heard laughing intermittently - said, "Okay." "It's intertwined in our Irishness, it's in our culture, our heritage. It's who we are." According to the Journal, Yates defended his comments and stated: "Im not bothered by Twitter spats, but if anyone watched the programme, theyll see that I was on to speak about politics and the power of podcast. "I have no problem with Sile Seoige or anyone else, but I do think we need to have an adult conversation about the resources allocated to the Irish language. "Would the resources committed to the language be better if they were allocated to healthcare or childcare, for example? "I think its worthy of a national debate and not one thats left to zealots the people and organisations who get defensive about Irish every time this is brought up." Multiple social media users accused Yates of hypocrisy regarding his opinions on the use of Government resources, given his history of bankruptcy. In an X post, MEP Luke 'Ming' Flanagan commented: "Ivan Yates asking what has the Irish language cost us. How much did his bankruptcy cost us?" WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin was released from the hospital on Tuesday, the Pentagon said, after a two-day stay to treat a bladder issue. Austin was released from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in northern Washington, D.C., in the afternoon and subsequently resumed his full functions and duties, the Pentagon said in a statement, adding that the secretary will work remotely from home before returning to work at the Pentagon later this week. The bladder issue, the statement said, was related to Austin's prostate cancer surgery performed in December 2023 but "was not related to his cancer diagnosis and will have no effect on his excellent cancer prognosis." Austin was transported to Walter Reed on Sunday afternoon "to be seen for symptoms suggesting an emergent bladder issue," and was admitted into the intensive care unit later that night, according to statements issued at the time by Pentagon press secretary Pat Ryder and Walter Reed officials. During his stay at the hospital, Austin transferred the functions and duties of the office of the secretary of defense to Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks. It was not until Jan. 4 that U.S. President Joe Biden and the White House finally became aware of Austin's cancer diagnosis and hospitalization, which lasted until mid-January. On Feb. 1, Austin apologized for not having communicated his cancer diagnosis and treatment properly, saying that he learned from the controversy and criticism surrounding his mishandling of the matter that taking a job as important as the Pentagon chief "means losing some of the privacy that most of us expect." AFP La justicia brasilena examina este miercoles si el exfutbolista Robinho debe cumplir su condena por violacion en Brasil, donde el juicio contra Dani Alves suscito criticas por el silencio de la crema y nata del balompie en casos de violencia contra las mujeres. - Silencios y retractacion - Una situacion muy similar se vivio luego de la condena en febrero contra el lateral internacional Dani Alves, de 40 anos, a cuatro anos y medio de carcel por violar a una mujer en una discoteca de Barcelona. In this article, we will take a look at 15 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from Mexico. You can skip our detailed analysis of Mexican immigration and go directly to the 5 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from Mexico. For ages, immigration has been a part of life. However, with this fast-evolving world and digital access to even the remotest places, exposure to new and exciting lifestyles has greatly increased. People have become more open to novel experiences and moving away from your birth place is not altogether a difficult proposition. There are numerous reasons for immigration, though. While some venture into new territory to find better work and economic prosperity, other are simply in for a thrill and cultural diversity. Still there are some who move out because of socioeconomic or political turmoil in their original country and others who move across countries to be with family. Whatever the reason, immigrating to a country has become somewhat easier over the years. Mexican Immigration: An Overview Mexican immigrate from the country mainly for better economic opportunities. However, other reasons such as international treaties and security issues in the country, have also propelled Mexicans to move out. Mexico is the second country with most remittances in the world, expected to reach $67 billion by 2024. One of the easiest countries for Mexicans to immigrate to is the United States-- accounting for about 97% of all Mexico emigrants-- where work opportunities are higher. Aside from the US, Mexicans also immigrate to other countries including Canada (the next most popular country with 87,000 Mexican population), Spain (61,000), Germany (20,000), Italy, Portugal etc. The similarity in culture and language in Spain, as well as Portugal, seems to be the driving force behind this move. Other countries like Canada, and European states like Germany, England, and the Netherlands, have caught their eye mainly due to a broader and better job market. Story continues The Most Popular Destination for Mexicans The number of Mexicans migrating to the US is much higher, compared to other countries. In 2021, about 10.7 million Mexican-born individuals were found to be living in America. While the immigration dropped for some time due to more immigrants moving out than moving in, this trend reversed after a while. Mexicans are also the largest group of unauthorized immigrants in the US- 48% of the estimated 11 million people in 2019. Although, in recent time this trend is seen to be moving downward, it remained at high levels of 63,000 monthly immigrants, for the time period January 2021 to June 2023. Documented Mexican labor migration is also on the rise. From 2019-2022, the H-2A visas (temporary Agricultural Work) for the Mexicans showed a 46.3% increase. Given the existence of both legal and illegal border immigration, US is one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from Mexico. Role of Big Companies in Sponsoring Work-Visas There are many different visas through which immigration can be achieved. Work visas are especially relevant when one wishes to immigrate for better job prospects. Many big companies like Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), Meta (NASDAQ: META), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MFST), Accenture (NYSE: ACN), Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) etc. have realized the need for foreign manpower and are willing to sponsor workers from around the world, thereby further solidifying Americas position as one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from Mexico. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), Meta (NASDAQ: META), Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ: MFST), and Salesforce (NYSE: CRM) have, in fact, urged the US government to increase the cap for H-1B visa program so that more temporary foreign workers would be allowed to move into the country. Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), gained approval for 4,043 H-1B visa applications in 2023. Meta (NASDAQ: META had 2,628 approvals whereas Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MFST) had 8,065 and 3,547 respectively. 15 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from Mexico 15 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from Mexico Methodology To determine the 15 easiest countries to immigrate to from Mexico, we focused primarily on the idea that Mexicans move to different countries for better economic and work opportunities. In order to incorporate these variables in our methodology, we relied on data from the Migrant Integration Policy Index 2020, taking into account scores for labor market mobility and permanent residency. We also use the employment rate for foreign-born from OECD Indicators of Immigrants Integration, 2023. By averaging them, we identified countries that facilitate smoother relocation to countries while satisfying their main objective of economic betterment. A higher average score indicates a more favorable ranking. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years ( see the details here ). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. Let us now move onto our list of 15 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from Mexico. 15. Hungary Permanent Residency Score: 81 Labor Market Mobility Score: 37 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 80% Insider Monkey Average: 39.6 As a potential immigration destination, Hungary has much to offer in the form of high standards of living and various types of work permits. Non-EU citizens have a favorable outlook towards securing their permanent residency, and while labor market mobility is not very high, temporary workers do have a high chance of access. Furthermore, the high employment rate for foreign-born suggests a successful integration of worker moving to Hungary. Therefore, we consider all these variables to include this country in our list of easiest countries to immigrate to from Mexico. 14. Japan Permanent Residency Score: 63 Labor Market Mobility Score: 59 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 77% Insider Monkey Average: 40.9 As the 3rd largest economy in the world, Mexicans moving here would be able to enjoy a first-rate lifestyle, complete with excellent healthcare and safe and clean environment. The country also offers multiple types of work visas, including the regular Japan work visa, highly skilled professional visa, and working holiday visa. Permanent residents will find themselves qualified for various equivalent rights. Access to labor market, especially for temporary workers, is also reasonable. The high employment rate is indicative of people finding and retaining work easily. 13. New Zealand Permanent Residency Score: 63 Labor Market Mobility Score: 59 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 81% Insider Monkey Average: 40.9 Considered a popular destination for expats due to its high standards of income, health, education, and safety, Mexicans are also bound to have an experience of a lifetime living here. The country typically allows permanent residency on arrival or after a few days, thereby accelerating the process of integration for immigrants. Furthermore, there are more than 80 work visas through which immigration can be achieved and new workers in search of jobs can also benefit from targeted help. The employment rate also points to a high probability of gaining employment in New Zealand. Therefore, this Pacific Ocean country can be considered as one of the easiest countries for Mexicans to relocate to. The county is also one of the best countries to relocate to. Check out our article on 20 Best Countries to Relocate to for further details. 12. South Korea Permanent Residency Score: 60 Labor Market Mobility Score: 65 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 67% Insider Monkey Average: 41.9 Attracting expats through a high quality of life, affordable living costs, and high salaries, Mexicans seeking better work opportunities would find South Korea a very viable option. The country offers various types of work visas, and access to self-employment and public jobs, as well as general and targeted support for newcomers, is also quite favorable. The permanent residency status is secure, and the employment rate is high enough to encourage people to move there for work purposes. Thus, for people from Mexico looking to immigrate, Korea emerges as one of the easiest countries. 11. Belgium Permanent Residency Score: 75 Labor Market Mobility Score: 56 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 59% Insider Monkey Average: 43.9 Situated in the heart of Europe, Belgium has been an international hub for years. Non-EU/EEA residents can choose from a variety of work visas to move to this country. Incoming immigrants can expect better access to public jobs and vocational training in Belgium compared to other types of jobs. In addition, the employment rate is also quite favorable for prospective employees. 10. USA Permanent Residency Score: 63 Labor Market Mobility Score: 69 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 70% Insider Monkey Average: 44.2 The US is a favorite spot for Mexicans due to many reasons, including better work opportunities, education, and family reunification. While targeted support is limited, the country, however, does provide equal access to the job market. Permanent residency is also somewhat favorable for immigrants. In addition, the employment rate points to a high chance of employment for foreign-born individuals. Thus, the US is not only a popular immigration destination but also finds a place in the list of one of the easiest for relocation. 9. Italy Permanent Residency Score: 67 Labor Market Mobility Score: 67 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 59% Insider Monkey Average: 44.9 Displaying a historically rich and diverse heritage, Italy has been enticing people from around the world. With many ways open for immigration to Italy, including work visas, people of Mexican citizenship will also find this country as one of the easiest to immigrate to, as they have done for years now. Non-EU citizens moving in can hope to find access to basic employment as well as self-employment. Moreover, long-term residents of the country have a higher and more secure chance of integration. While the employment rate for foreign-born individuals is not very high, it still bodes well for new entrants to find some form of employment. 8. Germany Permanent Residency Score: 54 Labor Market Mobility Score: 81 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 68% Insider Monkey Average: 45.2 As one of the biggest economies in the world, Germany offers a plethora of advantages, especially for people moving with the intention of improved chances of work. Ranked in the international Top Ten in the labor market mobility area, the German government ensures equal opportunities for non-EU residents to access a broader labor market and find stable and quality employment. Permanent residents are also encouraged to stay long-term and secure more stable jobs. Overall, the country is one of the easiest to immigrate to from Mexico. 7. Spain Permanent Residency Score: 75 Labor Market Mobility Score: 67 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 60% Insider Monkey Average: 47.5 Common language, cultural, and familial links are some of the reasons Mexicans have been seen moving to Spain in the past years. The country can further enhance these attributes by providing a high quality of life at affordable costs. In addition, non-EU residents can enjoy equality when it comes to access to employment, self-employment, and general employment support. Permanent residency is also quite secure in this country and provides social security and assistance. Furthermore, foreign-born individuals can also hope to be gainfully employed in the country. 6. Estonia Permanent Residency Score: 75 Labor Market Mobility Score: 69 Employment Rate of Foreign-born: 71% Insider Monkey Average: 48.2 Although a small country, Estonia has many tempting points with respect to immigration, as evidenced by a higher rate of expats settling in. In the mix of different routes for immigration, a long-term work visa can also help initiate the process. The new worker can partake of equal rights in vocational training and targeted measures for employment. Furthermore, the country presents great opportunities for the integration of its permanent residents. The data for the employment rate of foreign-born individuals also depicts a very favorable picture for those interested in gaining jobs. Thus, Estonia stands out as one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from Mexico. Click to continue reading and see our 5 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from Mexico. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Easiest Countries to Immigrate to from Mexico is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we will look into the 15 highest-quality frozen pizza brands that taste better than delivery. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 Highest Quality Frozen Pizza Brands that Taste Better than Delivery. Frozen Pizza Industry: A Market Analysis According to a report by Future Market Insights, the global frozen pizza market was worth $20.19 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6% over the forecasted period and reach $35.99 billion in 2033. The growth can be attributed to the increasing urbanization, high disposable income, and high demand for ready-to-eat food and Western-style diets. The increase in the consumption of packaged foods is a key growth driver for the market. Another major factor contributing to the market expansion is the rising use of vegan ingredients due to high consumer demand. The growing demand for high-quality products and willingness to pay a premium for them is making quality a standard for new food launches. Certifications such as Kosher and Halal are gaining popularity in the frozen pizza market due to the established trust and reputation of the certifications. Major companies such as Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG), and General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) prioritize the quality of their products, by adhering to standards such as HACCP, GMP, ISO, and Kosher certifications. Segment-wise, the market is dominated by the thin crust category, which accounts for a 63.3% market share. The demand for low calories and fat content in frozen pizza is driving the growth of the segment. Topping-wise, meat is leading the market, fueled by the increasing meat consumption globally. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecasted period. Within the sales channels, store-based retailing held a significant market share of 66% in 2022, followed by supermarkets with a market share of 31.9%. Regionally, the global frozen pizza market is expected to be dominated by North America. The United States is expected to hold a share of more than 79.5% of the North American market in 2033. The US held a share of 17.2% of the global market in 2022. The growth is driven by the rising technological advancement in the cost-effective production of frozen food. In 2022 China held a share of 4.8% in the global frozen pizza market. The growing population in the country is increasing demand for instant and packaged food, which is driving the frozen pizza market in the country. Story continues Major players in the Frozen Pizza Market Some of the major companies leading the frozen pizza market include Nestle S.A. (OTC:NSRGY), Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG), and General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS). Nestle S.A. (OTC:NSRGY) is a leading food and beverage company. The company is a leader in the frozen pizza market with multiple brands under its name, including DiGiorno, Jack's, California Pizza Kitchen, and Tombstone. Nestle S.A.'s (OTC:NSRGY) pizza division is headquartered in Illinois. It has over 1,800 employees nationwide and two manufacturing facilities in Wisconsin. On April 21, 2023, the company partnered with PAI to establish a joint venture for Nestle's European frozen pizza business to expand its frozen product offerings in Europe. Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE:CAG) is a packaged food company in the United States. The company is home to the frozen pizza brand, Banquet. The brand offers a diverse range of ready-to-cook meals including mega meals, pot pies, frozen breakfast meals, and family meals among others. Conagra Brands, Inc.'s (NYSE:CAG) frozen pizza brand offers six different varieties of pizzas including crustless and stuffed crust pizzas. General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) owns a leading frozen pizza brand, Totino's. In 2022, Totino's became a $1 billion brand for the company. Among its wide range of products, General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) also offers a diverse line-up of meal items. On February 5, the company announced that it had partnered with Cinnamon Toast Crunch for the launch of limited-edition taco shells. The new tacos will be available initially at Walmart and then at stores nationwide starting in March. Now, that we have discussed the frozen pizza market and talked about the major players. Let's have a look at the 15 highest quality frozen pizza brands that taste better than delivery. 15 Highest Quality Frozen Pizza Brands that Taste Better than Delivery 15 Highest Quality Frozen Pizza Brands that Taste Better than Delivery Methodology To compile our list of the 15 highest quality frozen pizza brands that taste better than delivery, we reviewed similar articles from sources including Delish, Food Network, and Tasting Table, and also looked for bestselling pizza brands on retail websites including Walmart and Target. Then, we collated a list of the 15 highest-quality frozen pizza brands and ranked them based on the average customer rating across the two sites and used the total number of reviews to break the tie. Please note that we set a minimum threshold of 100 reviews to rank the pizza brands on our list. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 15 Highest Quality Frozen Pizza Brands that Taste Better than Delivery 15. Jack's Pizza Average Customer Rating: 3.30 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 254 Ranked 15th on our list, Jack's Pizza is one of the highest-quality pizza brands. It offers different varieties of crusts. Jack's Pizza has an average customer rating of 3.3 out of 5. 14. Great Value Frozen Pizza Average Customer Rating: 3.40 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 413 Great Value is a brand owned by Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT). Great Value offers a diverse range of products including frozen food, packaged food, baked items, and other traditional grocery items. The brand offers over 20 varieties in its frozen Pizza range with different crusts including thin crust, rising, deep dish, and stuffed. It has an average customer rating of 3.4 out of 5. It is ranked 14th on our list. 13. Market Pantry Frozen Pizza Average Customer Rating: 4.10 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 442 Ranked 13th on our list, Market Pantry is a brand owned by Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT). The brand has three different varieties including Thin Crust Four Cheese, Thin Crust Supreme, and Thin Crust Pepperoni. These pizza varieties are available for $3.99. It has an average rating of 4.1 out of 5. 12. Tombstone Frozen Pizza Average Customer Rating: 4.20 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 2,505 Tombstone is one of the frozen pizza brands of Nestle S.A. (OTC:NSRGY). The pizza brand is available in multiple varieties including double top, brick oven, garlic bread pizza, stuffed crust, and thin crust among others. It has an average customer rating of 4.2 out of 5. It is ranked 12th on our list. 11. Newman's Own Pizza Average Customer Rating: 4.30 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 124 Newman's Own Pizza is ranked 11th on our list of the highest-quality frozen pizza brands that taste better than delivery. It offers 14 different varieties of frozen pizzas with three types of crusts including cauliflower, stone-fired, and thin and crispy. The brand has a customer rating of 4.3 out of 5. 10. Screamin' Sicilian Average Customer Rating: 4.30 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 347 Screamin' Sicilian is ranked among the highest-quality frozen pizza brands that taste better than delivery. Screamin' Sicilian is owned by Palermo Villa, Inc. The brand offers 6 different flavors in its frozen pizza range. It has an average customer rating of 4.3 out of 5. 9. Motor City Pizza Average Customer Rating: 4.45 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 307 Motor City Pizza is ranked 9th on our list. The pizza brand has 9 different varieties including double pepperoni, four cheese, ultimate meat, and supreme among others. It has an average customer rating of 4.45 out of 5. 8. Red Baron Average Customer Rating: 4.50 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 829 Red Baron is ranked 8th on our list. The frozen pizza brand is owned by Schwan's Company. It offers 9 different varieties of frozen pizza including thin crust, fully loaded, stuffed crust, and brick-oven among others. It has an average customer rating of 4.50 out of 5. 7. Caulipower Average Customer Rating: 4.55 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 362 Caulipower is ranked 7th on our list. Caulipower is a vegan frozen food and packaged food brand. Its products include vegan pasta, pizza, pizza bites, and other frozen food items. It has an average customer rating of 4.55 out of 5. 6. DiGiorno Frozen Pizza Average Customer Rating: 4.55 out of 5 Total Number of Reviews: 2,650 DiGiorno is ranked 6th on our list of the highest-quality frozen pizza brands that taste better than delivery. It is owned by Nestle S.A. (OTC:NSRGY) and is one of the most popular frozen pizza brands in the US. Its offerings include pizza strips, pizza and breadsticks, and pizza and cookies. The DiGiorno pizza has different crust and topping varieties including crispy flatbread, cheese stuffed crust, thin crust, and multiple topping options. It has an average customer rating of 4.55 out of 5. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Highest Quality Frozen Pizza Brands that Taste Better than Delivery. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: none. 15 Highest Quality Frozen Pizza Brands that Taste Better than Delivery is originally published on Insider Monkey. In this article, we look at the 15 most unfriendly countries in Asia. You can skip our detailed overview of countries that have low travel and tourism competitiveness, including visa acceptance rates, and directly head over to the 5 Most Unfriendly Countries in Asia. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the sustainable development of the travel and tourism sectors contribute to the economic development and competitiveness of countries. WEFs 2019 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report declared Europe and Eurasia as the most competitive regions in the world, followed by Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East. Asia is the fastest growing region in the world, with its GDP contribution likely to account for 50% of the world economy by 2040. The economic opportunities offered by the continent have led to a mass influx of investors and job seekers from across the world to move to Asia. Moreover, the region is known for its warm climates, unique cultures and landscapes that have enhanced the continents reputation as a growing tourist destination. 2023 was a stellar year for tourism in Turkiye, where the number of travelers soared by 10.3% compared to the previous year, to a total of nearly 50 million. Ankara, this year, has waived off the requirement for American, Canadian, and Mexican tourists to obtain an e-visa for travel lasting fewer than 90 days. This is likely to further boost tourism in Turkiye. Seeing the countrys appeal as a major tourist destination, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) and Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) two giants in the hospitality industry have announced expansion in Turkiye. With over 100 active hotels and 20 more under development, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) is the largest hotel chain operating in Turkiye. Ramada by Wyndham Karapinar and Days Hotel by Wyndham Istanbul Esenyurt are some of the recently inaugurated projects by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc. (NYSE:WH) in the country. In September last year, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) announced its expansion in Turkiye with the signing of 13 different agreements, which would add another 2,000 rooms in the companys portfolio in the country, and also include the much-anticipated Fairfield Inn by Marriott. Currently, Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR) runs over 48 properties in the country, spanning across 8,000 rooms and 21 different brands. Story continues Last year was exceptional for tourism in the United Arab Emirates as well, with over 17 million tourists visiting the country. Dubai, in particular, has earned the status of being one of the leading tourist destinations in the world due to its ultramodern architecture, luxury shopping, vibrant nightlife, and a local culture that embraces diversity. As a result, property and hospitality businesses are booming in this emirate. A UK-based study recently declared Dubai to be the most profitable city in the world for Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) landlords. The average cost of rent per night in Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) properties close to the Burj Khalifa is as high as $1,150. According to the study, landlords who place their properties on Airbnb, Inc. (NASDAQ:ABNB) are able to breakeven and make their money back in about four months on average. Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates are examples of how countries that have developed tourism industries and facilitate inbound traveling through high visa acceptance rates benefit economically. That being said, the welcoming and hospitable nature of locals toward tourists, immigrants, and expatriates has a pivotal role to play as well in defining the friendliness of a country. There are several countries across the world, and in Asia, where travel policies are not as tourist-friendly, and where the travel and tourism industry is not developed enough for foreigners to travel to with ease. With that being said, we now shift our focus on some of the most unfriendly countries in Asia. 15 Most Unfriendly Countries in Asia Methodology We have consulted three sources to rank the most unfriendly countries in Asia. These are our recent article, 25 Most Unfriendly Countries in the World, World Economic Forum (WEF)s The Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2019, and Passport Indexs 2024 Welcoming Countries Rankings. It was analyzed where countries ranked on each of these three sources, after which they were assigned scores for each metric. Finally, scores for each metric were aggregated to get an overall score. The 15 most unfriendly countries in Asia are listed in descending order of their overall scores. If interested, you can also take a look at the 15 Friendliest Countries in Asia. 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 unfriendliest countries in Asia. 15. Lebanon Score: 0.84 We begin our list with Lebanon, a country that is located in a troubled region, with conflict on its doorsteps. Domestically as well, Lebanon is divided by a political system that is marred with institutional sectarianism. It was recently listed on seventh spot by Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkey for countries that dislike American tourists. The Passport Index has ranked Lebanon 43rd in its list of the most welcoming countries in the world, with Beirut offering visa on arrival or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) entry to travelers from 103 countries. 14. Turkmenistan Score: 0.81 Turkmenistan is one of the most closed societies in the world, with limited press freedoms and strict regulations. Restrictions on independent travel and difficulties in obtaining visas have earned it the reputation of being among the most unfriendly countries in Asia. According to the Passport Index, Turkmenistan is among the least welcoming countries in the world, as it does not offer visa on arrival or eTA entry to travelers from any country. 13. Brunei Score: 0.72 Brunei is home to several beautiful landmarks, beaches, and rainforest. Despite that, it is among the least visited countries in the world. The World Economic Forum has ranked Brunei 72nd in the world for tourism and travel. The Passport Index has also listed the Asian country at 72nd spot in its ranking of the worlds most welcoming nations. Passengers carrying passports of only 63 countries are eligible to receive visa on arrival or eTA entry in Brunei. 12. Uzbekistan Score: 0.70 Despite being home to numerous historical sites of Central Asia, Uzbekistan does not get many foreign tourists due to its underdeveloped tourism and travel infrastructure. Just over 3 million foreigners traveled to Uzbekistan for tourism purposes in 2023. It is one of the unfriendliest countries in Asia. 11. Tajikistan Score: 0.66 Tajikistan is another Central Asian country on our list of the most unfriendly countries in Asia. It is among the least visited countries in the world, and most people would struggle to point Tajikistan on the map, as it often gets overshadowed by its larger neighbors like China, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan. The country offers visa on arrival service to passengers traveling from 87 countries which has earned it 57th rank (out of 92) in Passport Indexs list of the worlds most welcoming countries. The WEF has ranked Tajikistan at 104 out of 140 countries for travel and tourism competitiveness. 10. Myanmar Score: 0.65 Myanmar is one of the most unfriendly countries in Asia. The country has earned an unfriendly reputation due to its long history (still ongoing) of political unrest, human rights abuses, and military coups. The country received only one million foreign arrivals in 2023 due to its strict travel restrictions. According to the Passport Index, Myanmar ranks 88th on the list of the worlds most welcoming countries with visa free entry (visa on arrival or eTA) offered to passengers carrying passports of only 11 countries. 9. Mongolia Score: 0.59 Mongolia is one of the least welcoming countries in the world, offering visa on arrival or eTA services to passport holders of only 67 countries. It is listed at 93rd spot out of 140 countries on the WEFs ranking of countries' tourism and travel competitiveness. Most of the inhabitants in the country still practice a nomadic lifestyle, and the countrys tourism industry is underdeveloped, and fairly new. Hardly 600,000 international travelers visited Mongolia in 2023. 8. Kyrgyzstan Score: 0.58 Kyrgyzstan is one of the most unfriendly countries in Asia. It is listed 110th by the WEF for its tourism-friendliness. It ranks 60th on Passport Indexs ranking of welcoming countries. That being said, the countrys lakes and mountains are a tourist attraction, and the tourism industry is gradually beginning to show signs of growth. Nearly seven million people traveled from foreign countries to Kyrgyzstan in 2023. 7. Kuwait Score: 0.52 Next up among Asias unfriendliest countries is Kuwait, which in 2022 was declared as the worst destination in the world for expatriates by Expat Insider. The country ranked last among all 52 countries surveyed, with expats responding that they were fed up with their quality of life in Kuwait and termed the locals as unfriendly. The Passport Index has also ranked Kuwait as one of the least welcoming countries in the world, with only passport holders from 58 countries being offered visa on arrival or eTA entry services in the country. 6. Iraq Score: 0.46 Iraq claims sixth spot in our list of the most unfriendly countries in Asia. It was recently ranked as the eighth least friendly in the world by Yahoo Finance and Insider Monkey. The country has been a high-risk region for quite some time due to the long-going civil unrest and terrorist activities. It is ranked 80th (out of 92) on Passport Indexs list of the most welcoming countries. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Most Unfriendly Countries in Asia. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 15 Most Unfriendly Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey. The sound of first responders rushing toward the scene is echoing through downtown as we post this update. Latest . . . ONE CONFIRMED DEAD & 22 NOW REPORTED INJURED AFTER GUNFIRE!!! More . . . LOCAL NEWS NOW REPORTS 11 YOUNGSTERS HIT BY GUNFIRE!!! Here is the latest from Kansas City police and more resources we'll keep updating . . . Armed Event At Conclusion Of Rally "At the conclusion of the rally there were shots fired west of Union Station near the garage and several people were struck "There have been 2 armed people detained for more investigation "We need people to exit the area as quickly and safely as possible and avoid the parking garage in order to facilitate treatment of shooting victims. "Many of you have footage of many officers securing union station, they are working to provide for the safety of everyone inside union station and expedite care of those injured." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com links . . . Children's Mercy: 11 children injured in Chiefs rally shooting expected to 'fully recover' The 11 children who were injured after a shooting at the Chiefs Kingdom Champions Victory Parade are expected to fully recover, officials with Children's Mercy Hospital said. Videos show the chaos and fear of mass shooting at Chiefs Super Bowl parade and rally 22 people were shot in the incident that left one person dead on Valentine's Day Chiefs players offer help, assistance following shooting outside Union Station Several Kansas City Chiefs players have offered their help and assistance to the community and victims affected by the mass shooting outside of Union Station. 8 to 10 people injured after shooting near Chiefs parade, official says Eight children were among 22 people hit by gunfire in a shooting at the end of Wednesday's parade to celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl win, authorities said, as terrified fans ran for cover and yet another high-profile public event was marred by gun violence. One person was killed. Video: Chiefs parade and rally attendees tackle possible shooting suspect 10 to 15 total people were reportedly shot, and one person is confirmed to have died during the incident KCPD chief aware of video circulating showing man being tackled after rally shooting Video circulating social media shows a man being tackled near the area at Union Station where deadly mass shooting occurred after Chiefs parade rally. Video: Bystanders rush to help shooting victim at Chiefs Super Bowl Rally 10 to 15 total people were reportedly shot, and one person is confirmed to have died during the incident 'This is ugly': Tearful Cleaver wants action after shooting at Kansas City Chiefs celebration "It was supposed to be one of the happiest days in decades. And then people are running for their lives," Cleaver said. "I know that if the murder of children didn't inspire Congress to act, then the murder of football fans won't." Parson issues statement on Super Bowl rally shooting A blog about Missouri and national politics, education, and breaking news published by Randy Turner, a long time newspaper reporter and editor. Shots fired after Chiefs Super Bowl rally near Union Station: police Kansas City police are responding to shots fired incident near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl rally at Union Station, officials say. KCPD responds to shooting near Chiefs Champions Victory Parade route, multiple people struck by gunfire The Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department is responding a shooting near the Chiefs Champions Victory Parade Route minutes after the parade concluded. Missouri Republican hears about Kansas City shooting on live TV Republican Mark Alford said "this is not good news" for Kansas City. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacts to mass shooting at parade celebration Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes reacted to Wednesday's shooting that injured at least 10 in Kansas City. Multiple people shot near Union Station during Kansas City Chiefs victory parade Kansas City Police report that two people are in custody after a shooting west of Union Station near the parking garage, which occurred near the end of Wednesday's Chiefs victory rally. Shooting reported at Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Victory Rally; 'several people' struck Police are investigating a reported shooting at the victory rally for the Kansas City Chiefs at Union Station. Kansas City Chiefs players react to Super Bowl parade shooting Kansas City Chiefs players react on social media to the shooting that injured multiple people at Union Station Kansas City Chiefs organization says players, coaches accounted for after shooting The Kansas City Chiefs said no members of the organization were injured in Wednesday's mass shooting outside Union Station. Chiefs, NFL release statement on Super Bowl Parade shooting Shortly after the conclusion of the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl Champions Parade, a shooting broke out west of Union Station. We are continuously updating this post as we get new information. On... 'Absolutely terrified': Mother, daughter tearfully recall moments when shots rang out after Chiefs parade Gunfire erupted as a victory rally for the Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up, killing one person and injuring multiple others. At least 10 people shot during Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl celebration Several people were shot in Kansas City, Mo., after a rally Wednesday celebrating the Chiefs Super Bowl victory, authorities said. State, local leaders react to deadly shooting near Chiefs Super Bowl rally at Union Station State and local leaders are reacting following a shooting left one dead and several others injured near the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl rally Developing . . . Kansas City is quickly catching up to last year's historic pace as the number of local killings now reaches double digits. Unofficially, the count is 11 after deadly early evening gunfire. Last year the homicide count was 17 at this date on the calendar. However, an arctic blast early in the year froze a great deal of criminal activity. Tonight we share police reports and local TV news coverage as nice weather spikes local homicide once again . . . Homicide 1600 block of Jackson Ave This evening around 7:45PM, officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Jackson Ave on a reported shooting. When officers arrived they located the dispatched residence with an open door. Officers announced themselves as police and entered the home to check for any potential victims in need of help. As they began to check for victims they located an adult male victim lying inside the residence unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot trauma. EMS responded and declared the victim deceased. The circumstances surrounding this incident are being investigated and we do not have anyone in custody at this time. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to begin gathering evidence and collecting witness statements. This scene is being investigated as a homicide and is ongoing at this time. Roselyn Temple with KC Mothers in Charge has also responded to provide support to the victims family. If anyone was in or around the area at this time and saw or heard anything they are asked to contact Homicide detectives directly at 816-234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at 816-474-TIPS there is a reward of up to $25,000 for information submitted anonymously to the TIPS hotline. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ################## HERE Homicide 6400 block of Paseo This evening just before 5PM, officers were dispatched to the 6400 block of Paseo on a reported shooting. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male unresponsive in the parking lot of an apartment complex. The victim was suffering from apparent gunshot wounds and not breathing. EMS was called to the scene where they pronounced the victim deceased. While officers were on scene, an adult male exited a nearby apartment and was identified as a person of interest in the shooting. The male surrendered to police and was taken into custody without incident. The preliminary investigation is believed the victim and suspect were acquainted and had become involved in a verbal argument. Homicide detectives and crime scene personnel have responded to begin gathering evidence and collecting witness statements. This is being investigated as a homicide and is considered ongoing at this time. There is no current threat to the surrounding areas related to this incident. Roselyn Temple with KC Mothers in Charge responded to assist with resources for the victims family. We are committed to assisting victims of violent crimes through use of Missouris Protection Program for Victims/Witnesses of Violent Crime. Funding for temporary, or even permanent relocation, may be available but is subject to pre-approval by the States administering agency. We are working with Partners for Peace in all our homicide investigations to monitor risks for retaliation and provide social services to affected residents. ################## Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Deadly shooting under investigation on Jackson Avenue in Kansas City Police were dispatched on a shooting call in the 1600 block of Jackson Avenue at around 7:45 p.m. Kansas City police investigating deadly shooting near 16th, Jackson Avenue Kansas City police officers responded to the shooting around 7:45 p.m. near E. 16th Street and Jackson Avenue. KCPD finds man dead in apartment following shooting The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is investigating a homicide in the 1600 block of Jackson Avenue. One dead following shooting on the 6400 block of The Paseo in Kansas City Kansas City police are investigating a fatal shooting in the 6400 block of The Paseo. Police investigate 2nd deadly shooting Tuesday night in Kansas City Police responded to the second deadly shooting of the day on Tuesday evening in Kansas City, Missouri. The shooting happened in the 1600 block of Jackson Avenue about 7:40 p.m. Developing . . . This update offers follow-up and more deets amid ongoing investigation of local crimes, ALLEGED misdeeds and then Kansas City police parade advice. Check TKC news gathering . . . Mother charged in death of 5-year-old son who fell from KCMO apartment building gets bond modification Corrinne O'Connor, the mother charged in the death of her 5-year-old son who fell out of a 17th-story apartment window in downtown KCMO was granted a bond modification Tuesday. Man charged with second-degree murder in woman's shooting death early Monday morning Charging documents show the incident was caught on video Kansas City Chiefs fans deaths: 'Walter White narrative' about party host is 'out of control,' source says A source close to Jordan Willis hit back at the "Walter White-type" narrative that sprung up around the HIV scientist after his three friends were found dead and frozen in his backyard. 2 women killed at Independence home identified; suspect also shot by neighbor Police have identified the two women who were killed in a shooting at an Independence home last Friday. Kansas City mom faces judge after baby allegedly dies in oven A Kansas City woman, charged in the death of her 1-month-old baby after allegedly placing her in an oven instead of a crib, faces a judge. Man charged in woman's death near 50th, Bellefontaine A Kansas City man faces charges of second-degree murder, armed criminal action and unlawful possession of a firearm after a murder early Monday near 50th and Bellefontaine. KCPD Urges Super Bowl LVIII Parade-Goers To Be Prepared The parade route will shut down at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The parade starts at 11 a.m. on Feb. 14, followed by a celebration at Union Station at about 12:45 p.m. There will be hundreds of officers along and around the route and at Union Station. Developing . . . This article takes a look at the 20 cheapest places to retire with good healthcare. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis of America's staggering expenditure, retirement challenges, and global perspectives, you may go to 5 Cheapest Places to Retire with Good Healthcare. America's Staggering Expenditure, Retirement Challenges, and Global Perspectives According to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, the United States of America spends a greater amount on healthcare as compared to other high-income nations, underscoring the substantial investment in the healthcare sector relative to its economy. As of 2022, the health expenditures in the US were $12,555 per person, which is a staggering $4,000 higher than any other high-income nation. Despite this considerably higher spending on healthcare, health outcomes in the country seem rather bleak. As Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) rightly asserts, healthcare is the single biggest expense that any individual needs to plan for retirement. Even though the country is spending more on you than you might acknowledge, it is the single biggest cost that is going to keep you on your toes in retirement. T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW)s Retirement Savings and Spending Study (2022) seems to agree, stating that long-term care services and out-of-pocket health care expenses are the top two spending concerns of retirees. In this regard, the Fidelity Retiree Healthcare Cost Estimate even warns that a typical retired couple can expect an estimated health expenditure of $315,000 as of 2023. This modest sum doesnt include most dental services, over-the-counter medications, and even the cost of long-term care. For the average or potential retiree reading this, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) offers hope. According to them, estimating your healthcare costs in lump sums isn't going to serve any use for budgeting or planning purposes. This is because healthcare expenses aren't incurred as lump sums anyway. Moreover, combining both premiums and out-of-pocket costs can potentially distort financial planning in the process. Therefore, T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:TROW) indicates that separating premiums from out-of-pocket costs is the right way to go about planning health expenses. Story continues Studies aside, the average American in the USA is not able to afford the burgeoning healthcare costs. Due to inflation, many workers in the country are downgrading their health insurance and even delaying medical care as they are losing their confidence in being able to afford the same. Considering the amount of anxiety we see from survey respondents about planning for health care expenses in retirement, plan sponsors should work with their record keepers to ensure the educational resources they offer to take this challenge into account. - Kristi Rodriguez, senior vice president of the Nationwide Retirement Institute Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation further reveals that as of 2021, over 100 million people were living with medical debt. To tackle the future uncertainties that youre going to face as a retiree, the only good idea, according to the Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC), is to start now. Another strategy that Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) proposes is to consider a Health Savings Account. HSAs allow individuals to put away money tax-free, and it is also withdrawn tax-free provided that it is used for qualified medical expenses. It is one of the top retirement saving tips that financial advisors propose since they help manage both spending and saving, and even have the potential to gradually increase in value over time. While many Americans are following these strategies to make the best use of their money, yet many others are jumping ship and retiring to countries with the most affordable and efficient healthcare. 20 Cheapest Places to Retire with Good Healthcare Methodology To compile the list of the 20 cheapest places to retire with good healthcare, we have used our list of countries with the most affordable healthcare for US retirees. Countries in the list have been evaluated on healthcare costs, quality of healthcare, and affordability as compared to the US. Next, we used the countries in the list and rounded up some of the best places within these affordable countries. Each country was assigned a score based on their cost of living and the scores were added to the previously generated Insider Monkey scores. Total sums have been arranged in ascending order from the lowest to the highest scores. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 20. Bologna, Italy Insider Money Score: 22 Cost of Living: $2,400 Living in Bologna offers expat retirees access to some of the best healthcare in the world. As an expat, you have the option to sign up for private health insurance or join the Italian National Health Services known as the SSN. The SSN proves to be a compelling choice for budget-conscious individuals, offering an outstanding standard of excellence. Meanwhile, private health insurance can be as low as $160 per year to even thousands per year depending on comprehensiveness. 19. San Jose, Costa Rica Insider Monkey Score: 23 Cost of Living: $2,000 Costa Rica offers some of the best healthcare in Latin America and is one of the cheapest places to retire with good healthcare. Health insurance costs start as low as $100 per month. Expats can access both the universal healthcare system called the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, or the private system. Both systems are subject to constant upgrades, so expats can get treated with peace of mind. Clinica Biblica and Hospital La Catolica in San Jose are two of the three largest private hospitals that expatriates use in the country. 18. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Insider Monkey Score: 32 Cost of Living: $1,200 Expats often opt for San Miguel de Allende due to its world-class and easily accessible healthcare. Retirees who are legal residents in the country can get IMSS coverage, i.e. Mexican public health insurance. IMSS clinics and hospitals are located across the country and provide decent healthcare at a fraction of the cost. For those in the 60-69 age bracket, the annual premium for IMSS as of March 2023 was $18,300. Another option for expats is to sign up for private health insurance, where the average cost of a comprehensive healthcare plan is $5,900 annually. 17. Sliema, Malta Insider Monkey Score: 36 Cost of Living: $2,000 Next up on our list of cheapest places to retire with good healthcare is Sliema, Malta. Malta is an affordable English-speaking country where expats can live comfortably on $2,000 a month. The World Health Organization has ranked Maltas healthcare system at number 26, ahead of healthcare programs such as those in Portugal and the UAE. Expat residents can choose between public and private health systems in the country. St. James Capua Hospital is one of the best private hospitals in Sliema, offering healthcare that is in line with EU standards. To give you an idea, specialized doctor appointments range anywhere between $10-$70, general practitioner (GP) costs $10-$25, and CBCs cost $20 on average. Meanwhile, private insurance costs range from $300 and up. 16. Valencia, Spain Insider Monkey Score: 37 Cost of Living: $2,400 Striking the best balance between affordability and good-quality healthcare, Valencia in Spain can be a nice place for expats to retire to. According to the Expat Insider Survey report 2023, Valencia ranks 1st in affordability and 3rd in availability of healthcare, implying that healthcare is one of the best worldwide. The average cost of private health insurance for expats is $150 per month. 15. Medellin, Colombia Insider Monkey Score: 39 Cost of Living: $1,100 Home to some of the best hospitals in Latin America, Medellin ranks at 15th position on our list of cheapest places to retire with good healthcare. Expats have access to the public healthcare system, but many choose to go with private health insurance because of better quality of care. Colombia's healthcare system ranked one point higher than the US in the 2023 World Health Organization Index, and expats can choose to get their treatment done here with peace of mind. 14. Merida, Mexico Insider Monkey Score: 39 Cost of Living: $1,200 Merida, one of the safest places to retire in Mexico, has world-class health infrastructure in place to support expat health. A large number of public and private healthcare options are available for them to choose from, and top medical facilities with certified professionals can be availed at affordable costs. Healthcare costs in Mexico are an estimated 50% less than in the US, and depending on the insurance company and level of coverage, expats pay $1,000 to $2,000 per year. Comprehensive plans can cost an average of $5,900 annually. 13. Panama City, Panama Insider Monkey Score: 40 Cost of Living: $1,500 Panama City is home to top-notch hospitals and quality health facilities, making it one of the cheapest places to retire with good healthcare on our list. Punta Pacifica, associated with John Hopkins Hospital, is a hub for high-quality medical services. Expats quote GP costs to be around $20 on average while specialist charges an average of $65. The Panamanian insurance market is dominated by MAPFRE and Family Medical, the two largest private insurers. Monthly coverage costs typically range between $50 and $125, depending on your age. 12. Quito, Ecuador Insider Monkey Score: 41 Cost of Living: $1,500 Ecuador is one of the least expensive countries to retire to. It offers the best healthcare for expats at a fraction of the cost an individual would pay in the US. According to Bloomberg, the countrys healthcare system is the 20th most efficient system in the world. Major cities such as Quito offer expats access to top-tier healthcare. According to International Living, general practitioner costs $20 to $35 while specialists runs range anywhere between $40 to $80. The overall cost of living is also low, making it one of the best places for low-income seniors to live. 11. Cuenca, Ecuador Insider Monkey Score: 41 Cost of Living: $1,600 According to Medical Tourism Magazine, retirees can benefit from the top-rated medical facilities in Cuenca at one-tenth of the costs they would pay in the US. Undoubtedly, it is one of the cheapest places to retire with good healthcare in the world. Moreover, the expats can expect to pay a monthly premium as low as $70 in Ecuador, whereas they pay an average of $1,200 per month in the US. Expats can also choose the Social Security Healthcare option where they need to provide proof of income to set the rate of their local Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social (IESS) insurance, the public medical care in the country. 10. Bogota, Colombia Insider Monkey Score: 42 Cost of Living: $800 As discussed earlier, Colombia is one of the countries with the best retirement healthcare. According to Colombian Visa Services, urban centers such as Bogota offer 100% health coverage, indicating that healthcare standards in the country are of high-quality. Mandatory EPS public health insurance costs a minimum of $36, where the rate of the EPS coverage is calculated at 12.5% of the income per month. 9. Valletta, Malta Insider Monkey Score: 43 Cost of Living: $2,000 Another cheap place to retire with good healthcare is Valletta. While expats can go with a local Maltese plan, it is generally advisable to purchase an international health policy so that they can gain access to hospitals and doctors as per their liking, as well as avail health insurance in other countries as well. 8. Lisbon, Portugal Insider Monkey Score: 47 Cost of Living: $2,000 Portugal is one of the cheapest countries for retirement. Lisbon, in particular, stands out for its affordable and quality healthcare system, making it an attractive destination for expatriates. Offering a wide range of medical services and facilities, including public and private options, the city ensures residents can access excellent healthcare without breaking the bank, fostering a healthy and budget-conscious lifestyle. 7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Insider Monkey Score: 50 Cost of Living: $1,200 Kuala Lumpur is characterized by well-trained medical staff, inexpensive health costs, and state-of-the-art facilities. It is more advisable for expats to go for private health insurance in the country, especially for medical emergencies and major surgeries. 6. Phuket, Thailand Insider Monkey Score: 51 Cost of Living: $1,500 Another country that is revered for offering cheap but good-quality healthcare is Thailand. Some of the best hospitals in Phuket include Bangkok Hospital, Dibuk Hospital, and Bangkok Hospital Siriroj. Click to continue reading and see the 5 Cheapest Places to Retire with Good Healthcare. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: none. 20 Cheapest Places to Retire with Good Healthcare is originally published on Insider Monkey Malaysia is set to welcome 27.3 million visitors from abroad this year, thanks to several new plans including free visas and more flights. The director-general of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar, shared this goal, noting the success of last year when over 20 million tourists arrived, beating the target of 19.1 million. Malaysia Aims High in Tourism with New Initiatives The government's new charter flight program is one key strategy. A report released by Malay Mail said that it offers money to help start more flights to Malaysia. This plan is important for getting more flights, especially from other countries. Ammar hopes for even more support, like an International Border Flight Grant, to bring in more flights not just to Kuala Lumpur, but also to cities like Kota Kinabalu, Penang, and Tawau. Ammar talked about these plans while welcoming passengers from a new flight between Kuala Lumpur and Shenyang, China. He mentioned that incentives will be given to airlines that increase their flight frequency or add new routes. Since January, around 40 extra charter flights to Malaysia have been recorded. Another big step is the Visa Liberalisation program. Starting Dec. 1, Chinese and Indian visitors can enter Malaysia without a visa. This change has already led to more tourists from China. According to Trip.com, travel from China to Malaysia for the Chinese New Year in 2024 is expected to grow by 53.9% compared to last year. Malaysia is aiming for about 200,000 tourists from China every month. These efforts show Malaysia's commitment to boosting tourism. With the combination of easier travel and more flights, the country is on track to hit its ambitious tourist target this year. Related Article: Amazing Tourist Attractions In Malaysia Malaysia Celebrates Chinese New Year with Economic Optimism Malaysia recently celebrated the Chinese New Year with great enthusiasm, especially in its capital, Kuala Lumpur. The city was beautifully decorated in gold and red, showcasing the dragon, this year's zodiac animal. The decorations were a big hit, drawing many visitors, including an impressive display at the Petronas Twin Towers. Tan Hui Yun, a marketing manager from Malaysia, shared her positive outlook for the year. She mentioned an improvement in the economy and a decrease in her financial worries. She was happy to return to her family reunion dinner with fewer concerns compared to previous years. According to Xinhua, the festive mood reflected Malaysia's strong economic performance. In December, the country's wholesale and retail trade reached a record high of 143.9 billion ringgit. This growth was driven by increases in retail, wholesale, and even the motor vehicle sectors. Tourism in Malaysia also showed promise, especially with visa-free entry for Chinese nationals starting from December last year. Jimmy Thoo Choy, a tourism operator, expressed hope for more tourists in 2024. He noted that while 2023 didn't see a big increase, steady growth is expected in the coming year, boosted by the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic ties. The celebrations also included well-wishes from Malaysia's new king and queen and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. They emphasized unity among Malaysians and expressed hopes for a prosperous year ahead, in line with the strengths of the Year of the Dragon. Read Also: What Are the Must-Visit Street Markets in Penang, Malaysia? In this article, we will look at the 25 most spoken second languages in the world. We will also discuss the benefits of bilingualism and an overview of the global translation services market. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can directly go to the 5 Most Spoken Second Languages in the World. Bilingualism and Multilingualism Trends for 2024 Learning languages as a skill is no longer restricted to the translation services market. The ability to speak and understand multiple languages is gaining popularity as an essential skill among businesses and employees. According to Preply, a leading language learning platform, approximately 43% of the world's population is bilingual, whereas 17% are multilingual. Moreover, Duolingo Inc. (NASDAQ:DUOL), another key player in the language learning market, reported its daily learners increased by 63% in 2023. While English ranks as the most spoken second language globally, it also leads the language-learning market, with learners from over 122 countries. As per the report by Duolingo Inc (NASDAQ:DUOL), almost 49% of its learners report education or work as their key reason to learn English. You can also look at the 25 Most Spoken Native Languages in the World and the 16 Easiest Languages for Spanish Speakers to Learn. Furthermore, young people, mostly under 30, are taking the lead in learning new languages. According to the report, Gen Z in the United Kingdom is driving the popularity of the Korean and Japanese language courses. Moreover, 72% of the new learners of the Portuguese language at Duolingo Inc (NASDAQ:DUOL) were under 30. The rising trend towards remote jobs and growing opportunities for international jobs is also driving young people to learn new languages. According to Forbes, 12.7% of American full-time employees work from home, whereas 28.7% work in a hybrid setup. Moreover, it is expected that the number of remote employees will increase to 22% by 2025. Additionally, international employers are seeking people who can speak more than one language. According to a report by Forbes, 9 out of 10 employers worldwide prefer employees who speak at least one language other than English, as they believe it can enhance business outreach and the prospects of doing business internationally. Moreover, the same report further mentioned that 56% of the employers suggested that the demand for bilingual and multilingual people will soar in the next 5 years. Story continues An Overview of the Translation Services Market Translation and interpreter services are two of the jobs that people with skills in multiple languages can target for employment. According to a report by The Business Research Company, the global translation services market was valued at $23.1 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.8% and reach $29.85 billion in 2028. The factors driving the growth in the market include businesses going international, international trade and cooperation, increased global travel, and multilingual content creation. The surge in online learning, advancements in translation machines, and the rising demand for non-English languages are driving the translation services market. Online education and e-learning are gaining popularity, especially after the pandemic. Students worldwide are learning new skills and gaining education outside the conventional education environments. According to McKinsey, the enrollment rate in online universities increased by 11% between 2019 and 2020. Translation services are pertinent for e-learning platforms and online universities to provide education for all without a language barrier. Online learning platforms, including Udemy Inc (NASDAQ:UDMY) provide translated transcripts and video lectures to allow users to learn various courses in different languages. Additionally, the translation services market is divided into distinct segments, encompassing essential components like translation software and hardware, varied types of translation, and applications across legal, medical, tourism, and banking sectors. The global machine translation market alone is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.30% between 2024 and 2029, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence. The growth for this segment is attributed to the advancements in computer-assisted tools and translation software. A key advancement is the use of Neural Machine Translation (NMT), which uses artificial intelligence and tons of data to predict the likelihood of phrases and metaphors while translating. In other words, NMT learns the translation patterns using machine learning and improves with the number of translations conducted. Key players such as Google Translate by Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Bing Translate by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) use NMT to train their translation software. If you want to read more about tech stocks, you can look at the 13 Best American Tech Stocks To Buy According to Analysts and the 10 Best Tech Stocks for the Next 5 Years. Key Players Leading the Machine Translation Market Players leading the machine translation market include Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), and DeepL SE. Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:GOOG) Google Translate is a free-of-charge translation service provided by Google. On January 24, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) reported that it is launching News Showcase, a recent news product by Google, in Bulgaria. The report further elaborated that Google has collaborated with reporters and publishers from around the globe to support and develop a healthy and independent news ecosystem. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) develops and markets various software, services, and hardware. Bing Translate is a popular translation software by Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) that facilitates users' translation of various languages. On January 15, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) reported it signed a 10-year strategic partnership with Vodafone Group plc (LON:VOD) to transform the customer experience with generative artificial intelligence and digital and cloud services for more than 300 businesses. The collaboration will strengthen both companies' standalone Internet of Things business partnership. DeepL SE is a software-providing company based in Cologne, Germany. DeepL SE uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide various language translation services, including a bilingual dictionary and machine translation for text translation and translation of documents. The company also features an app-based model allowing users to download apps on mobile phones and desktops. On January 25, DeepL SE reported it is adding the Arabic language to all its services. The company states that it is a significant addition to its services as it is the first language in its services that is written and read from right to left. Moreover, this addition is expected to increase the reach of DeepL to more than 400 million Arabic speakers around the globe. With this context, let's look at the 25 most spoken second languages in the world. 25 Most Spoken Second Languages in the World Photo by Jerry Wang on Unsplash Our Methodology We sourced our data from the 22nd edition of Ethnologue. Ethnologue provides a comprehensive database for speakers of over 7,000 languages. The source further categorizes speakers of a particular language into native (L1) and second (L2) speakers. We selected the top 25 languages with the most L2 speakers from Ethnologue to finalize the 25 most spoken second languages in the world. Please note that the list is ranked in ascending order of the number of speakers as a second language. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. 25 Most Spoken Second Languages in the World 25. Odia Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 5,300,327 Belonging to the Indo-Aryan language family, Odia is recognized as the official state language of Odisha state in India. Though the Odia language has several dialects, Mughlabandi is recognized as the standard dialect. Odia ranks as the 25th most-spoken second language in the world. 24. Algerian Spoken Arabic Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 5,740,000 Ranking 24th on our list is Algerian Spoken Arabic, a variety of Maghrebi Arabic spoken in Algeria, France, Egypt, and Tunisia. It is spoken as a second language by over 5 million speakers around the globe. 23. Turkish Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 6,017,500 Turkish belongs to the greater Atlantic group of languages and is the official language of Turkey and Cyprus. The Turkish language has a rich history dating back to approximately 2500 years and was first introduced in Turkey by the Ottoman Empire. It is spoken as a second language by over 6 million people around the globe. 22. Ukrainian Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 6,164,000 Ukrainian is the official language of Ukraine, and it belongs to the East Slavic subgroup of the greater Slavic language family. It shares vocabulary with neighboring languages, including Russian, Polish, Slovak, and Belarusian. 21. Tamil Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 8,053,000 Belonging to the Dravidian family of languages, Tamil is the official state language of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu and the official language of Sri Lanka and Singapore. It is one of the languages whose speakers migrated to different countries during the colonial period. There are over 8 million people around the world who speak Tamil as a second language. 20. Sudanese Spoken Arabic Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 9,000,000 With 9 million people speaking Sudanese Arabic as a second language, it ranks 20th on our list of the world's 25 most spoken second languages. Sudanese Arabic is a dialect of Arabic widely spoken across Sudan and borrows lots of vocabulary from the local languages. The Arabic dialect spoken in Sudan closely relates to the Egyptian and Hejazi dialects. 19. Moroccan Spoken Arabic Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 9,620,000 Commonly known as Darija, Moroccan Arabic is a dialect of Arabic spoken in Morocco. The dialect is similar to the ones spoken in Algeria, Tunisia, and Mauritania. However, it differs greatly from the dialect of Arabic spoken in the East. Over 9.5 million people around the globe speak Moroccan Arabic as a second language. 18. Burmese Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 10,001,840 Burmese is the official language of Myanmar and is spoken in at least eleven other countries, including Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and the United States. It is spoken as a second language by over 10 million people worldwide. 17. Telugu Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 13,015,000 Ranking 17th on our list is Telugu, with over 13 million second-language speakers around the globe. It is more commonly spoken in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, and it stands Second to Hindi in terms of native speakers in India. 16. Kannada Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 15,009,260 Kannada is the official language of the Indian state of Karnataka and belongs to the Dravidian language family. It is one of the oldest languages in the Dravidian language family and is spoken as a second language by over 15 million people. 15. Marathi Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 16,015,600 Belonging to the Indo-European language family, Marathi is commonly spoken in India and is the official language of Maharashtra. Outside India, Marathi is spoken in Israel and Mauritius. With 16 million second-language speakers worldwide, it ranks 15th on our list. 14. Iranian Persian Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 21,431,000 Iranian Persian, also known as Western Persian or Farsi, is the official language of Iran. It is also spoken in other Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, and parts of the United Arab Emirates. It is spoken as a second language by over 21 million people around the globe. 13. Egyptian Spoken Arabic Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 25,000,000 Egyptian-spoken Arabic, or Masri, belongs to the Afro-Asiatic language family. It is most commonly spoken in Egypt. However, people also speak this language in other Middle Eastern countries, including Iraq, Yemen, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. 12. Hausa Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 26,776,020 Husa ranks 12th on our list with over 26 million second-language speakers. It is one of the most commonly spoken languages in West and Central Africa and belongs to the Chadic language family. 11. Portuguese Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 27,372,200 It is the official language of Portugal, Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. Portuguese is a Romance language, which is spoken by over 27 million people around the globe as a second language. 10. Bengali Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 39,019,880 With more than 39 million second-language speakers around the globe, Bengali ranks 10th on our list of 25 most spoken second languages in the world. It is the official language of Bangladesh and belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family. It is also commonly spoken in parts of India, especially West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura. 9. Standard German Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 57,963,800 German is one of the most common languages spoken in Europe, mainly in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Luxemburg, and Liechtenstein. German belongs to the Indo-European language family and is spoken as a second language by more than 57 million people worldwide. 8. Spanish Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 74,014,930 Spanish ranks as the 9th most spoken second language on our list. It is spoken as a second language by over 74 million people worldwide. Spanish is a Romance language belonging to the Indo-European family and is widely spoken in Spain, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States of America. 7. Russian Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 107,987,980 With over 100 million second language speakers around the globe, Russian ranks as the 7th most spoken second language on our list. Russian language belongs to the Slavic language family and is Russia's official language. 6. Indonesian Number of Speakers as a Second Language: 155,447,100 Indonesian is a form of Malay language spoken as an official language in Indonesia. It ranks as the 6th most spoken second language on our list, with more than 155 million people speaking Indonesian as a second language. Click to continue reading and see 5 Most Spoken Second Languages in the World. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. 25 Most Spoken Second Languages in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey. By Jeff Murphy, February 14, 2024 WARRENSBURG, MO -- The University of Central Missouri today announced that Phil Bridgmon, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs, has received a Fulbright U.S. International Education Administrator award to India from the United States Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Bridgmon is among approximately 10 U.S. citizens who will take part in the India-Nehru IEA program in March 2024. According to a Fulbright press release, recipients expand their professional networks and continue collaborations started abroad and lay the groundwork for forging future partnerships. Upon returning to their home countries, they share their stories and often become active supporters of international exchange, inviting foreign scholars to campus and encouraging colleagues and students to go abroad. As Fulbright alumni, their careers are enriched by joining a network of thousands of esteemed scholars, many of whom are leaders in their fields. Notable Fulbright alumni include 62 Nobel Prize laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize recipients, 78 MacArthur Fellows, and 41 who have served as a head of state or government. Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 400,000 participants from over 160 countries - chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential - with the opportunity to exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to challenges facing our communities and our world. The Fulbright programs are the foundation of our global exchange of ideas and the strength that comes from collaborating with colleagues from around the world, Bridgmon said. I am honored to be part of the India-Nehru program and to be selected by my peers for this scholarship. India is the world's largest democracy and our countries both place a tremendous value on the power of education to foster our collective goals. The Fulbright Program is the U.S. governments flagship international educational exchange program and is supported by United States citizens and partner countries around the world. The Fulbright Program is funded through annual appropriations made by the U.S. Congress to the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Participating governments and host institutions, corporations, and foundations around the world also provide direct and indirect support to the Program. In the U.S., the Institute of International Education supports the implementation of the Fulbright U.S. Student and Scholar Programs on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, including conducting an annual competition for the scholarships. UCM President Roger Best commented on Bridgmons Fulbright recognition, noting, Acceptance into the Fulbright Program is incredibly prestigious and a tremendous recognition of Provost Bridgmon's long-standing engagement in international relations and education, deep understanding of and effective leadership within higher education, and strong commitment to fostering deep and meaningful relationships. I congratulate Dr. Bridgmon on this significant distinction and look forward to seeing the impactful outcomes this transformative experience will create. As UCMs provost, Bridgmon is part of an institution that values the relationships it has with many foreign countries, including India, which is the homeland for the largest group of international students who are currently studying at UCM. The majority of these students come to the university to pursue degrees in technology related programs. Bridgmon came to the university in 2019 after previously serving as an Associate and Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville; Dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma; and Chairperson at the University of North Alabama in Florence, where he also earned his undergraduate degree in Psychology. Bridgmon furthered his higher education, earning his Ph.D. in Political Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice from The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. For more information about the Fulbright Program, visit https://fulbrightprogram.org. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania summoned a representative of the Russian Embassy and expressed its strong protest over Russia's addition of Lithuanian politicians and civil servants to the wanted list for decisions made in the course of their official duties. According to Ukrinform, this was reported by the Lithuanian Foreign Ministry. The ministry stressed that these decisions of the Russian Federation contradict generally recognised norms of international law, indicate attempts to falsify the past and demonstrate disrespect for the historical memory of Lithuania. The Lithuanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that the politically motivated persecution of Lithuanian citizens be immediately stopped. Read also: Lithuania hands over new batch of military aid to Ukraine The foreign ministry of the Baltic country noted that after 13 February, Russian officials officially confirmed that many citizens of Lithuania and other foreign countries responsible for the dismantling of monuments to Soviet soldiers were included in Russia's wanted list. As Ukrinform previously reported, the Estonian and Latvian Foreign Ministries also summoned the Russian Charge d'Affaires in their countries for clarification on the wanted list of politicians against whom Russia has opened politically motivated cases. NATO has about 3-4 years to strengthen its defence while Russian President Vladimir Putin is building up his country's military capabilities and may "test" the alliance. This was stated by Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna at a press conference during a visit to Warsaw, Ukrinform reports citing AP. According to the diplomat, Estonia does not see Russia as an immediate threat to itself and other Baltic states - Lithuania and Latvia - as Moscow is busy with its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "But we have to understand that the Russian military machine is running at full capacity, as well as the production capabilities and mentality, because Putin controls everything now," said Tsahkna. He stressed that the Estonian government believes that Russia may need "three to four years" to prepare a "test for NATO". According to AP, Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia are considered among the most likely targets if Russia ever decides to risk attacking the military alliance. Neighbouring Poland, although much larger, also feels vulnerable. All four countries are strong supporters of Ukraine. The Estonian and Polish foreign ministers stressed the importance of maintaining strong support for Ukraine. As Ukrinform reported, according to media reports, the Russian Interior Ministry's wanted list includes more than a hundred officials and politicians from Eastern Europe who have been prosecuted after the demolition of Soviet monuments in their countries. The list includes Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and Lithuanian Culture Minister Simonas Kairis. On Wednesday, 14 February, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Charge d'Affaires of Russia in Estonia Lenar Salimullin in connection with media reports about Russia's decision to put Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas and State Secretary Taimar Peterkop on the list of wanted persons of the Russian Interior Ministry. Photo: err.ee Rawpixel.com / Shutterstock.com Being wealthy often opens doors to services the middle class simply doesnt have access to, from VIP concierge services for travel to private dining rooms at exclusive restaurants. It allows them access to certain banking privileges as well. Related: 7 Ways the Upper Middle Class Can Become Rich in 2024 Find Out: Owe Money to the IRS? Most People Dont Realize They Should Do This One Thing Heres a look at the ways the rich bank differently than the average American. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. They Use Private Banks Many wealthy Americans utilize private banks. Private banks cater to the wealthy by offering unique investment opportunities and specialized services, like art advisory and financing, philanthropic strategy development and specialized wealth management, said True Tamplin, certified educator in personal finance and founder of FinanceStrategists.com. A middle-class American simply would not have access to these banks. Access to private banking services for the wealthy typically requires millions in assets, Tamplin said. For example, Bank of Americas Private Bank demands at least $3 million, while Morgan Stanleys private wealth management services require $20 million. Discover: How Much Money Do Americans Have in Their Bank Accounts in 2024? They Have Access to a Dedicated Suite of Professionals Rich Americans often have a dedicated financial team that caters to their specific banking needs. Wealthy clients receive highly personalized banking services. This includes dedicated financial professionals who are available around the clock to handle all banking needs and provide financial advice, Tamplin said. This level of service ensures that the banking experience is tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the client, offering a high degree of privacy and exclusivity. They Provide Their Own Financing Wealthy Americans dont use the traditional methods to get a loan. Story continues The ultra-rich use strategic debt and asset leveraging, essentially financing themselves, Tamplin said. This approach contrasts with the average individual seeking loans from conventional banks. They Get VIP Services Through Their Bank Wealthy Americans often get access to more services through their bank than the average American. Services offered to wealthy clients often include comprehensive estate planning and enhanced security measures to protect their assets, which ensures that their wealth is protected for future generations, Tamplin said. They Use Accounts That Come With Extra Perks Rich Americans often get extra perks via exclusive credit cards or their use of private banks. Some exclusive perks include concierge services, premium credit cards and preferential loan terms, said Erika Kullberg, personal finance expert and founder of Erika.com. A high creditworthiness is required in addition to having a substantial financial profile. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Ways the Rich Do Banking Differently Than the Middle Class Key Insights Using the Dividend Discount Model, Able Global Berhad fair value estimate is RM1.16 Current share price of RM1.46 suggests Able Global Berhad is potentially 26% overvalued Analyst price target for ABLEGLOB is RM1.67, which is 44% above our fair value estimate Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Able Global Berhad (KLSE:ABLEGLOB) by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Able Global Berhad Step By Step Through The Calculation We have to calculate the value of Able Global Berhad slightly differently to other stocks because it is a food company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. The 'Gordon Growth Model' is used, which simply assumes that dividend payments will continue to increase at a sustainable growth rate forever. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (3.5%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.6%. Compared to the current share price of RM1.5, the company appears slightly overvalued at the time of writing. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind. Story continues Value Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate) = RM0.06 / (8.6% 3.5%) = RM1.2 dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Able Global Berhad as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 8.6%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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 Able Global Berhad Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is well covered by earnings. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Food market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows. Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market. Moving On: Valuation is only one side of the coin in terms of building your investment thesis, and it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price exceeding the intrinsic value? For Able Global Berhad, we've put together three pertinent factors you should further examine: Risks: For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Able Global Berhad (1 makes us a bit uncomfortable!) that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does ABLEGLOB'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 Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. California Cultured Partners with Leading Japanese Chocolate Company Meiji for the Production of Cell-Based Cocoa Products DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN / ACCESSWIRE / February 14, 2024 / Agronomics, a leading listed company focused on the field of cellular agriculture, is pleased to announce that its portfolio company, California Cultured Inc. ("California Cultured"), has reached a partnership agreement with the Japanese company Meiji Co., Ltd, ("Meiji"), Japan's largest chocolate manufacturer. Agronomics led California Cultured's seed round in October 2021 with a US$ 2.2 million investment in the form of a Simple Agreement for Future Equity ("SAFE"). The partnership involves a 10-year-long arrangement for the supply and integration of California Cultured's cell-cultured flavanol cocoa powder into an array of products tailored for both the US and Japanese markets. The co-branded packaged goods, including chocolate, truffles and wellness-enhancing chocolate, will mark the first time cell-cultured cocoa will enter any market worldwide. The global chocolate industry faces significant issues regarding ethical and secure supply chains. Unpredictable weather patterns have been disruptive to cacao cultivation and have caused volatility in supply and price, which poses an issue for large manufacturers. Cell culturing technology allows the production of cocoa to be decoupled from tropical plantations, addressing key issues in the industry including uncertain weather conditions, deforestation concerns and labour exploitation. California Cultured CEO, Alan Perlstein commented: "We need to build a resilient, superior future for chocolate. This partnership is the first step in achieving this. With our scalable technology, we're positioned to excel in the field of plant-based cellular agriculture, where we pioneer the creation and cultivation of cells to redefine how we grow and produce innovative, sustainable products." Story continues Jim Mellon, Agronomics Executive Chairman added: "This partnership marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transition towards developing sustainable food production systems. It is a great example of how biomanufacturing provides a viable solution to environmental and ethical issues associated with industrial agricultural production while serving the needs of large multinational food companies." To read the full announcement please see the following link: https://www.greenqueen.com.hk/california-cultured-cell-based-lab-grown-chocolate-meiji/ Agronomics Limited Beaumont Cornish Limited Canaccord Genuity Limited Cavendish Capital Markets Limited Peterhouse Capital Limited SEC Newgate The Company Nomad Joint Broker Joint Broker Joint Broker Public Relations Jim Mellon Denham Eke Roland Cornish James Biddle Andrew Potts Harry Pardoe Alex Aylen Giles Balleny Michael Johnson Charlie Combe Lucy Williams Charles Goodfellow Bob Huxford Anthony Hughes +44 (0) 1624 639396 info@agronomics.im +44 (0) 207 628 3396 +44 (0) 207 523 8000 +44 (0) 207 397 8900 +44 (0) 207 469 0936 agronomics@secnewgate.co.uk This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com. SOURCE: Agronomics Limited View the original press release on accesswire.com As the United States approaches the 2024 elections, the allocation of federally funded academic research has taken center stage as a pivotal campaign issue. Both Democratic and Republican politicians are advocating for a significant expansion of scientific funding, particularly targeting states that have historically received limited research grants. READ ALSO: Higher Education Funding Surges: States Allocate $11.7 Billion More in 2024 Bipartisan Backing for Regional Innovation Initiatives A forefront initiative in this push for expanded research funding is the introduction of "regional innovation" projects by both the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Commerce. The primary goal of these projects is to direct scientific dollars to regions with lower-ranked universities and less-established research infrastructure. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum are championing these projects to showcase their ability to secure federal funding for their respective constituencies. Unpacking the Political Implications and Stakes The discourse surrounding research funding holds significant political implications as the 2024 elections loom. President Joe Biden has consistently emphasized the critical role of scientific expertise, creating a marked contrast with his potential Republican opponent, Donald Trump. The former president has articulated intentions to dismiss governmental scientists and relax regulations pertaining to scientific integrity. In response, the Biden administration is actively seeking ways to fortify government rules, ensuring the safeguarding of scientific integrity and preventing political interference in research endeavors. Delving into Epscor and Regional Innovations The NSF's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (Epscor), originating in 1979, has been a pivotal tool for distributing research funding to states with limited research infrastructure. Building on Epscor, recent initiatives under the Chips and Science Act of 2022 have further expanded funding opportunities for states facing heightened competitiveness challenges. These new projects, known as regional innovation initiatives, are strategically designed to cultivate research expertise in areas like quantum computing, alternative energy, and advanced manufacturing. While the expansion of Epscor and regional initiatives has garnered considerable support, it has simultaneously sparked debates regarding geographic-based favoritism. Critics argue that redirecting funds from states with well-established research institutions may undermine the integrity of merit-based evaluation processes. However, advocates contend that these initiatives have the potential not only to address regional disparities but also to identify and nurture talent in underserved areas, fostering scientific diversity and innovation. Navigating the Intersection of Politics and Science The evolving discourse surrounding research funding highlights the intricate intersection of politics and science. Policymakers grapple with the challenge of striking a delicate balance between addressing regional disparities and upholding the fundamental tenets of scientific integrity. The allocation of research funding is poised to play a defining role in shaping the trajectory of scientific innovation and academic competitiveness in the United States. As the nation hurtles towards the 2024 elections, the outcome of this debate will undoubtedly influence the landscape of academic research and contribute to the broader narrative of the role of science in shaping the future of the nation. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the scientific landscape for years to come. RELATED ARTICLE: Navigating the Publishing Journey with Dr. Gregory Duhon: A Resident's Guide to Getting Research Published The Kentucky Senate's recent approval of Senate Bill 6, aimed at restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within public colleges and universities, has ignited a contentious debate over free speech and academic freedom. READ ALSO: PEN America Identifies 'Dangerous' State Bills Restricting Free Speech on College Campuses A Divisive Move in the Name of Free Speech Republican lawmakers in the Kentucky Senate have aligned with a national trend of conservative criticism against DEI initiatives, citing concerns over their alleged divisiveness and infringement on free speech. Inspired by similar legislation in Tennessee, SB6 reflects a growing movement seen in more than 24 states, as reported by the Chronicle of Higher Education. Advocates of SB6 argue that DEI principles on campuses stifle open dialogue and promote ideological conformity, likening them to communist ideologies. Senator Lindsey Tichenor, a Republican from Smithfield, underscored concerns about the perceived erosion of individual liberties and the potential coercive nature of DEI initiatives. Voices of Opposition and Raised Concerns Despite its passage, SB6 has encountered significant opposition from critics who warn of its potential to suppress academic freedom and hinder the comprehensive teaching of U.S. history. Democratic Senator Reginald Thomas of Lexington cautioned against regressive measures that could impede progress in fostering diversity and inclusivity within higher education institutions. The bill prohibits Kentucky's public colleges and universities from endorsing specific concepts labeled as "discriminatory," including assertions about race, sex, and the nature of meritocracy. While proponents argue that SB6 upholds free speech rights, opponents fear it could dampen open dialogue and impede efforts to address systemic inequities. Exploring Implications and Debates SB6 seeks to address concerns surrounding DEI initiatives by mandating greater transparency and accountability in higher education. It prohibits the use of DEI statements in admissions and employment processes and mandates a focus on supporting low-income students within DEI offices. Critics contend that the bill's vague language and lack of clarity may lead to unintended consequences, potentially hindering the comprehensive teaching of historical injustices and perpetuating systemic inequalities. Democratic Senator Cassie Chamber Armstrong, a professor at the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, expressed apprehension about the bill's potential impact on her ability to teach history accurately. The legislation underscores broader debates regarding the delicate balance between free speech rights and efforts to promote inclusivity and fairness on college campuses. While supporters view SB6 as a necessary safeguard against ideological coercion, opponents argue that it undermines the fundamental principles of academic freedom and intellectual inquiry. As SB6 advances to the House for consideration, its potential enactment could shape the future of higher education in Kentucky, influencing the trajectory of academic discourse and diversity initiatives for years to come. RELATED ARTICLE: Utah Enacts Legislation Against DEI Initiatives: Balance Between Policy Concerns and Academic Freedom (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) detected a total of 53,285 connections from where power consumers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts: Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara on the 155th day of grand anti-power theft campaign LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Feb, 2024) The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) detected a total of 53,285 connections from where power consumers were pilfering electricity in all its circles of five districts: Lahore, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Kasur and Okara on the 155th day of grand anti-power theft campaign. A LESCO spokesman told the media on Wednesday that the company also submitted FIR applications against electricity thieves, out of which 49,092 FIRs have been registered in respective police stations, while 17,554 accused have been arrested. The LESCO has so far charged a total of 73,081,608 detection units worth Rs 2,809,135,779 to all the power pilferers. Grand anti-power theft operations against electricity thieves are being conducted on the directives of the Federal Power Division and the LESCO Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Shahid Haider is supervising these operations. The LESCO chief vowed that the operations would continue without discrimination until the complete end of electricity theft. The electricity pilferers as well as the LESCO officers and employees who facilitate them are also being brought to justice. The spokesman added, the LESCO found 423 customers stealing electricity through various means and 182 cases have been registered against the accused during the last 24 hours. On the 155th consecutive day of the anti-power theft campaign, he mentioned that large commercial consumers were found involved in electricity theft and all of them were also disconnected and charged with detection units. Among the seized connections 18 were commercial, 02 agricultural and 403 domestic, and all these connections were disconnected and charged with a total of 764,648 units as detection bill amounting to Rs 12.577 million. Apprising the media about some major power pilferers, he explained that LESCO charged Rs 3.5 million detection bill to an electricity pilferer in Baghbanpura area of Lahore; Rs 200,000 detection bills to another power pilferer in Factory Area, Rs 140,000 fine in the form of detection bills to customer stealing electricity in Shahdara Town; and Rs 130,000 detection bill to a power thieve in Shad Bagh area. Doha, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Feb, 2024) World number one Iga Swiatek reached the Qatar Open quarter-finals for a third successive year on Wednesday as fellow four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also made the last eight without hitting a ball. Swiatek, the two-time defending champion at the Gulf event, defeated 14th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-1, 6-4. The Russian battled bravely, saving four match points in the 10th game of the second set before Swiatek came through. The 22-year-old Pole will face either Jelena Ostapenko or former world number one Victoria Azarenka for a place in the semi-finals. Swiatek now has a 11-1 record in Doha, with her lone loss at the tournament coming to Svetlana Kuznetsova in the 2020 second round. Osaka advanced earlier Wednesday after Ukraine's Lesia Tsurenko, who beat fourth seed Ons Jabeur in round two, pulled out with an elbow injury. Osaka will meet another former world number one, Karolina Pliskova, for a place in the last four as the Japanese star continues her comeback from maternity leave. The 26-year-old is through to her first WTA quarter-final since reaching the Miami Open final almost two years ago. Pliskova, who won her first title in four years in Romania last week, fought back from the brink of defeat to overcome Czech teenager Linda Noskova 3-6, 7-5, 6-1. Noskova served for the match up 5-4 in the second set before the wheels came off against two-time Grand Slam finalist Pliskova. Leylah Fernandez knocked out Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen 7-5, 6-3. Chinese fifth seed Zheng let slip a strong position in the opening set where she led 5-3, as Fernandez broke twice in a row and reeled off the final four games. Fernandez then punished a loose service game from Zheng in the sixth game of the second set before closing out an impressive victory. "I'm extremely pumped up, I'm super happy with my level. There's still a lot of work to do, but so far so good, so we're just going to keep going," said Fernandez. World number 38 Fernandez, a former US Open finalist, goes on to meet third seed Elena Rybakina for a spot in the semi-finals. Rybakina withstood a spirited fightback from 16th-seeded American Emma Navarro, winning 6-1, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4. The Kazakh had a match point in the second set tie-break but the in-form Navarro, this year's Hobart champion, forced a deciding set. Rybakina broke for a 3-2 lead and saved two break points in the final game to seal the win. "It was such a difficult match," said Rybakina. "I had some opportunities in the second set but she played really well and for me physically it was a little bit more difficult. It was tough." Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova also progressed to the last eight with a 7-5, 6-3 win over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova. Katerina Siniakova, who took out Coco Gauff in the second round, could not build on Tuesday's success as the Czech lost in straight sets to Danielle Collins. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Kyiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Feb, 2024) Newly appointed Ukrainian military chief Oleksandr Syrsky said Wednesday that the situation on the front line was precarious, following a visit to eastern Ukraine with Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Russian forces over recent months have been pushing to capture the eastern industrial hub of Avdiivka, and have been claiming incremental gains in the costly battle. "The operational environment is extremely complex and stressful. The Russian occupiers continue to increase their efforts and have a numerical advantage in personnel," Syrsky said in a statement on social media. "We are doing everything possible to prevent the enemy from advancing deep into our territory and to hold the occupied positions," he added. Avdiivka lies in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, which has seen the worst fighting of Russian's nearly two-year invasion and is claimed by the Kremlin to be part of Russia. Syrsky said he and Umerov had also visited Ukrainian forces further north, near the town of Kupiansk, where Russian troops have been pressing Ukraine's positions. "Based on the results of the work, a number of important decisions were made aimed at strengthening the combat capabilities of our military units and preventing enemy actions," Syrsky said, without providing details. Washington, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Feb, 2024) The Republican leader of the US House of Representatives on Tuesday blocked war aid for Ukraine, ignoring President Joe Biden's plea that passing the bill was vital for standing up to "Russian dictator" Vladimir Putin. Speaker Mike Johnson, who works closely with Biden's likely challenger in the November election Donald Trump, told reporters he has no intention even of allowing a vote on the bill. "I certainly don't," he said. The bill was approved in the Senate earlier Tuesday. It includes $95 billion in funding, mostly for the security of pro-Western Ukraine, as well as for the top US strategic priorities of Israel and Taiwan. At the White House, Biden said that helping US allies -- and particularly coming to the aid of Ukraine as it struggles to fend off a two-year Russian invasion -- is a fundamental responsibility. "History is watching," said Biden, repeating the phrase five times in televised remarks. "Supporting this bill is standing up to Putin. Opposing it is playing into Putin's hands," the Democrat added. Biden also lashed out at Trump after the former one-term president encouraged Russia to attack NATO members who failed to meet financial commitments. "For God's sake, it's dumb. It's shameful. It's dangerous. It's un-American," Biden said, saying that twice-impeached Trump viewed the Western military alliance as a "protection racket." "No other president in our history has ever bowed down to a Russian dictator." US aid to Ukraine has been paralyzed for months by chaos in Congress, even as Kyiv begs for help to counter increased Russian attacks. The $95 billion Senate package includes funding for Israel's military and for democratic island Taiwan, but the lion's share -- $60 billion -- would help Ukraine restock ammunition supplies, weapons and other crucial needs. It passed easily in the Senate when enough Republicans defied Trump's behind-the-scenes maneuvers. But Johnson then said he could not address Ukraine's security without first having strict new measures to stop illegal migration into the United States across the Mexican border. "We really do owe it to the American people to get control of that border," he said. In fact, Democrats in the Senate had already worked with Republicans to craft a joint bill which provided the foreign aid, while at the same time imposing the harshest new US border security measures in decades. That bill was primed for approval in the Senate when Johnson announced it would be killed in the House. This prompted the Senate to ditch that version and switch to Tuesday's new foreign-aid-only bill -- which was once again rejected by Johnson. Trump -- who dominates the Republican Party despite losing the last election and now facing 91 criminal counts in four separate cases -- has pulled the strings in Congress throughout the saga. He opposes helping Ukraine's fight against Russia, saying he would resolve the war in one day if elected, and he has openly told lawmakers not to pass US border reforms -- while campaigning heavily on what he says is a desperate need to fix the border. Biden has attacked Trump for using the border issue as a political battering ram. About the same number of voters in an ABC Ipsos poll on Sunday blamed Republicans (53 percent), Democrats (51 percent), but Biden was blamed by 49 percent for the failure to pass border laws -- while only 39 percent blamed Trump. One Republican senator, Bill Cassidy, lashed out at his party Tuesday after Johnson killed the aid bill. "I'm incredibly frustrated. I'm frustrated because I feel this is a fundamental dishonesty with the American people," he said. Alaska Airlines currently operates three Boeing 737-700 cargo jets. Next month they will be joined by two larger 737-800 converted freighters. (Photo: Alaska Air Cargo) LOUISVILLE, Ky. Alaska Airlines will take advantage of two new Boeing 737-800 converted freighters to open its first dedicated cargo service south of Seattle, starting in April, said Adam Drouhard, managing director for cargo. Los Angeles will be the newest market for the freighters, which currently dont fly beyond Seattle in the Lower 48 states. The newly modified aircraft will help Alaska Air Cargo broaden its market reach in Alaska, speed up deliveries and reduce stress on the airlines three Boeing 737-700 converted freighters that currently serve the state. By bringing on the new 737-800 cargo jets, were making sure were getting reliability in our schedule, getting more balanced with our fleet. But its going to add a lot of capacity and growth. There will be about 70% more capacity in our network overall for the state, Drouhard told FreightWaves at the AirCargo 2024 conference here this week. He spoke on the exhibit floor, where Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) had a booth to showcase its transport service to freight shipping intermediaries. In November, Boeing delivered one 737-800 passenger aircraft for all-cargo operations and is putting the finishing touches, including upgrading galley fixtures and a new paint job, on the second aircraft. Touch work on the planes, which came from Alaskas passenger fleet, was done by Boeings airframe repair partners in Costa Rica and Canada. The first plane is currently grounded for scheduled maintenance. Both cargo jets will be ready for service by mid-March, the cargo chief said. The conversions were originally scheduled to be completed last year, but the aerospace industry is still plagued by shortages of skilled workers and supply chain challenges that have delayed production across the aftermarket freighter industry. With five freighters in the fleet, Alaska Air Cargo will be better able to deliver medicine, household goods and fresh food to communities in Alaska, many of which have limited road access, while also moving seafood and other export commodities to cities across North America with passenger services that connect in Seattle and Los Angeles. Story continues Each 737-800 freighter can carry 10,000 pounds more than a 737-700. With a configuration that also holds more containers, the -800s will have 40% additional space than their predecessors. Widespread dependance on air service means the Alaska Airlines freighters make about seven departures per day, which is more taxing on the airframe and engines than flying at a constant speed and altitude. The 737-700s on some routes make three to five stops between Anchorage and Seattle. The planes also run about 10 hours per day. By reducing daily operating time to eight hours and the number of cycles, Alaska Air Cargo can extend their longevity, Drouhard explained. The uniqueness of that market up there is high cycle for us. So as we add two more aircraft to our fleet, it helps us right-size capacity so were not trying to solve so many stops off of one plane, he said. It also allows us to unbundle markets, so that way markets get much more dedicated capacity thats not shared. Were able to spread that schedule across more aircraft. Inside main deck of Boeing 737-800 after conversion to cargo configuration. (Photo: Alaska Air Cargo) The new Los Angeles destination will initially be connected to Alaska through Seattle, but management expects to launch direct flights between Los Angeles International Airport and cities in Alaska in 2025. Alaska Airlines currently averages three daily departures from Seattle to Alaska. As the new expansion gets going, we want to keep close to Seattle rotation-wise. It makes it simple for us. As we get this set in place, well be looking at opportunities to go direct to Anchorage, or other places like King Salmon, Bethel, Nome or the Alaska North Slope, said Drouhard. The new freighters are also in the process of becoming certified for flying long distances over open water. The aircrafts expanded range will allow the cargo team to explore new routes, such as a possible nonstop from King Salmon to Seattle. Cargo revenue at Alaska Airlines was about $130 million in 2023, nearly flat with the prior year. The revenue performance was much better than that of most airlines, which experienced revenue declines of 25% to 50% last year because of tepid freight demand and overcapacity. The difference is that most airlines operate in the international freight market, where the downturn was most severe, whereas Alaska operates domestically. Drouhard said he expected to generate 10% to 15% more cargo revenue in 2024 because of the larger cargo fleet. RECOMMENDED READING: Alaska Airlines to fly Amazon packages after completing Hawaiian buy The post Alaska Airlines to expand freighter service to Los Angeles appeared first on FreightWaves. Small-business owners will have an opportunity to learn how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to boost their businesses Wednesday, Feb. 21. Alex Gunter will present a Wyoming Community Navigator Program (CNP) webinar titled Using AI to Boost Your Business from 11 a.m.-noon. To register, go here. Registration is free. The Wyoming CNP, through the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network at the University of Wyoming, provides small-business resources and assistance for traditionally underserved entrepreneurs throughout Wyoming. During this interactive webinar, small-business owners will look for ways to leverage AI to grow their businesses and gain a competitive edge; and learn how AI can help automate tasks, personalize customer interactions and improve decision-making. Gunter, a UW MBA graduate and a digital transformation consultant, is passionate about helping organizations leverage AI for enhanced productivity. With a rich learning background from top-tier seminars at Stanford and Harvard universities, Gunter envisions a future in which AI and robotics significantly elevate our quality of life. He is owner of Unicorn Cat Consulting. For more information, call Maureen Johnson, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email mjohn125@uwyo.edu. Altice USA (NYSE:ATUS) Reports Q4 In Line With Expectations Telecommunications and cable services provider Altice USA (NYSE:ATUS) reported results in line with analysts' expectations in Q4 FY2023, with revenue down 2.9% year on year to $2.30 billion. It made a GAAP loss of $0.26 per share, improving from its loss of $0.43 per share in the same quarter last year. Is now the time to buy Altice USA? Find out by accessing our full research report, it's free. Altice USA (ATUS) Q4 FY2023 Highlights: Revenue: $2.30 billion vs analyst estimates of $2.29 billion (small beat) EPS: -$0.26 vs analyst estimates of $0.07 (-$0.33 miss) Free Cash Flow of $201 million, up 65.7% from the previous quarter Gross Margin (GAAP): 67.6%, in line with the same quarter last year Broadband Subscribers: 4.17 million (slight miss) Video Subscribers: 2.17 million (in line) Market Capitalization: $927.7 million Based in Long Island City, Altice USA (NYSE:ATUS) is a telecommunications company offering cable, internet, telephone, and television services across the United States. Cable and Satellite The massive physical footprints of fiber in the ground or satellites in space make it challenging for companies in this industry to adjust to shifting consumer habits. Over the last decade-plus, consumers have cut the cord to their traditional cable subscriptions in favor of streaming options. While that is a headwind, this affinity to streaming means more households need high-speed internet, and companies that successfully serve customers can enjoy high retention rates and pricing power since the options for internet connectivity in any geography is usually limited. Sales Growth Examining a company's long-term performance can provide clues about its business quality. Any business can put up a good quarter or two, but the best consistently grow over the long haul. Altice USA's revenue was flat over the last five years. Altice USA Total Revenue Within consumer discretionary, a long-term historical view may miss a company riding a successful new product or emerging trend. That's why we also follow short-term performance. Altice USA's recent history shows a reversal from its five-year trend, as its revenue has shown annualized declines of 4.3% over the last two years. Story continues We can understand the company's revenue dynamics even better by analyzing its number of Broadband Subscribers and Paid Television Subscribers, which clocked in at 4.17 million and 2.17 million in the latest quarter. Over the last two years, Altice USA's Broadband Subscribers averaged 2% year-on-year declines while its Paid Television Subscribers averaged 10.3% year-on-year declines. Altice USA Broadband Subscribers This quarter, Altice USA reported a rather uninspiring 2.9% year-on-year revenue decline to $2.30 billion of revenue, in line with Wall Street's estimates. Looking ahead, Wall Street expects revenue to decline 2.1% over the next 12 months. Todays young investors likely havent read the timeless lessons in Gorilla Game: Picking Winners In High Technology because it was written more than 20 years ago when Microsoft and Apple were first establishing their supremacy. But if we apply the same principles, then enterprise software stocks leveraging their own generative AI capabilities may well be the Gorillas of the future. So, in that spirit, we are excited to present our Special Free Report on a profitable, fast-growing enterprise software stock that is already riding the automation wave and looking to catch the generative AI next. Cash Is King If you've followed StockStory for a while, you know we emphasize free cash flow. Why, you ask? We believe that in the end, cash is king, and you can't use accounting profits to pay the bills. Over the last two years, Altice USA has shown mediocre cash profitability, putting it in a pinch as it gives the company limited opportunities to reinvest, pay down debt, or return capital to shareholders. Its free cash flow margin has averaged 3%, subpar for a consumer discretionary business. Altice USA Free Cash Flow Margin Altice USA's free cash flow came in at $201 million in Q4, equivalent to a 8.7% margin. This result was great for the business as it flipped from cash flow negative in the same quarter last year to cash flow positive this quarter. Key Takeaways from Altice USA's Q4 Results Broadband Subscribers unfortunately missed analysts' expectations while Video Subscribers (a smaller part of the business) was in line. Revenue slightly exceeded expectations but operating margin missed Wall Street's estimates. Overall, the results were mixed and no forwardguidance was given in the earnings release. The stock is up 2.3% after reporting and currently trades at $2.2 per share. So should you invest in Altice USA right now? When making that decision, it's important to consider its valuation, business qualities, as well as what has happened in the latest quarter. We cover that in our actionable full research report which you can read here, it's free. Two jurors say they changed mind after Miami cocaine verdict. What will happen now? A century-old university in suburban St. Louis will shut down next year, its president said Monday, citing budget problems and declining enrollment. Fontbonne University, in Clayton, was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet in 1923, first as a place to educate young Catholic women. Enrollment for the fall semester was 874 students, including 650 undergraduates. A decade ago, Fontbonne's enrollment was about 2,000 students, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported. University President Nancy Blattner said in a statement that Fontbonne would not accept freshmen for the fall 2024 semester but would continue with classes through summer 2025. University leaders will work with faculty and staff to help them find new positions elsewhere, she said. "After many years of declining enrollments and a shrinking endowment, the financial position of the university is no longer able to be sustained for the long term," Blattner said. Many universities are facing similar struggles. Public and private colleges and universities across the country have announced mass layoffs in recent months, as well as program eliminations and campus closures. Budget shortfalls are blamed on declining enrollment, the end of federal pandemic funding and other factors. In December, the University of Arizona unveiled a financial recovery plan to address its $240 million budget shortfall. Earlier last year, four of the 14 universities in the Big Ten Conference Penn State, Nebraska, Minnesota and Rutgers announced significant budget shortfalls. Bradley University, a private school in Illinois, faced a $13 million budget shortfall representing 10% of its total operating budget. Blattner said Fontbonne leaders have worked for years to try to turn things around. "Despite our best efforts to cut costs, create new academic programs and launch athletic teams, the university is unable to recover from years of declining enrollments and budget deficits," she said. The university's 16-acre campus sits next to Washington University in St. Louis. Washington University announced Monday that it agreed to purchase the Fontbonne campus, but it doesn't have definitive plans for the property. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is hosting a virtual meeting with allies Wednesday to discuss support for Ukraine as the second anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion nears. Standing aside while Ukraine fights for its very existence is not an option. Ukraine will not surrender, and neither will we, Austin told members of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group on Wednesday, speaking to them virtually from his home in Washington. Austin had initially planned to travel to Brussels to meet with the group but stayed in the United States due to another hospitalization for nonsurgical procedures. He was released from the hospital on Tuesday. Im in good condition, and my cancer prognosis remains excellent, he told the group as he apologized for not being in person. The UDCG brings together officials from more than 50 nations to coordinate their Ukraine efforts, but there is uncertainty about when the U.S., the biggest provider of military aid to Ukraine, might resume its support. I think some of the messages that you'll hear is that the U.S. is going to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, but we do need that congressional authority to continue to provide those packages, Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters when asked about what message Austin would bring to the talks. The U.S. has not sent any military aid to Ukraine since late December, when funding ran out. The Senate late Monday passed a $95 billion aid package that includes more than $60 billion for Ukraine, but the legislation faces opposition in the Republican-led House of Representatives. Ukrainian officials have asked for weaponry to bolster the countrys air defenses as Russia continues to assault Ukrainian cities with drones and missiles. On Thursday, NATO defense ministers meet in Brussels, where the war in Ukraine will be a major topic of discussion. Allies continue to make major deliveries of weapons, equipment and ammunition, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters Wednesday. This support makes a real difference, he said. With our help, the brave Ukrainians have retaken half of the territory that Russia seized, opened a corridor in the Black Sea and are inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. VOAs Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Black History Month, which began Feb. 1, has been recognized in the United States for 48 years as a time when governments, organizations and individuals celebrate the struggles, achievements and central role of Black Americans in U.S. history. How was Black History Month designated? The month was officially recognized in 1976 by former President Gerald Ford, who said that the month was to "honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Its origin stems from Negro History Week, a celebration created by Carter G. Woodson in 1926. Woodson was a historian, journalist and author who sought to expand the study and celebration of Black history in the U.S. The second week of February was chosen to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, according to the NAACP. The establishment of celebrations across the nation led to calls to expand the week into a month, to which Ford later obliged. What is the government's role in Black History Month? Since the month was officially recognized, every U.S. president has issued a statement to honor it. Many municipalities and state governments also issue statements each Black History Month to commemorate the struggles and achievements of Black Americans. New York City Mayor Eric Adams issued a statement Feb. 1, recognizing the month and highlighting the steps he says still need to be taken to achieve racial equity, particularly concerning health care disparities affecting women of color. Other local leaders have organized events to commemorate the month, with Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser hosting her inaugural "Welcome Black" event at the beginning of the month, showcasing local Black artists and performers. This year, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation highlighting the importance of the celebration and noting the actions his administration has taken to advance racial equity throughout the United States. Some examples include providing more than $7 billion in funding for historically Black colleges and universities and implementing elements of the 2021 George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, aiming to mitigate police brutality. However, according to a Pew Research poll in August 2023, 52% of adults say efforts to ensure equal rights for all people within the past 60 years havent gone far enough. Additionally, about a third of Black Americans (32%) believe America hasnt made much or any progress on racial equality in the past 60 years. How is the month celebrated today? Civil rights organizations often take the lead in celebrations. The NAACP, founded in 1909 to ensure equality for minorities and eliminate racial prejudice in the U.S., its website says, operates in seven regions through state conferences, local branches, youth councils and college branches. Many of these branches and chapters organize Black History Month events throughout February. For example, the Boulder County, Colorado, NAACP branch is organizing a Freedom Fund Celebration event on Feb. 18, where R&B artist Danielle Ponder will perform and author and activist Anthony Ray Hinton will be sharing his story and discussing criminal justice reform. The Fairfax County, Virginia, NAACP branch is holding a speakers event on Feb. 24, with guest speaker Marvin Powell discussing the theme of Black Privilege. Other organizations have chosen to rebrand the month to focus on Black history and emphasize the present and future. Black Lives Matter has reframed the month to Black Futures Month, a forward-looking initiative inspired by Black movement leaders, according to its website. To celebrate the occasion, Black Lives Matter will be holding Music Mondays, Tech and Innovation Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays and Film Fridays. Each of these days will spotlight aspects of Black history and contemporary Black achievements for each theme. Some information for this report came from The Associated Press. Botswana's coalition of opposition parties has slammed the country's electoral body for traveling to Zimbabwe to benchmark its election procedures the process by which the performance of a system is assessed for success and emulation. Botswana will hold its general election later this year, and officials with the country's Independent Electoral Commission have been criticized for choosing the example of Zimbabwe, a country that held disputed polls in August 2023. The two-day benchmarking trip ended Wednesday, and Botswanas Independent Electoral Commissions focus was on management of electoral activities and how to conduct elections. Utloile Silaigwana, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer, told journalists in Harare that the Botswana delegation will also learn about election publicity activities using radio and social media. While Zimbabwes 2023 election was disputed, Silaigwana said Botswanas visit is an endorsement of ZECs conduct of the elections. But the Botswana National Front opposition is displeased with the IECs trip to Harare, arguing Zimbabwe is not an ideal model for the conduct of free and fair elections. Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, spokesperson for the opposition Botswana National Front, expressed disappointment at the commissions trip. "One would have expected the IEC to benchmark in more developed democracies and systems with effective electoral institutions as an indication that they really want to achieve excellence in their mandate, Motshegwa said. The mission of Botswana's IEC benchmarking in Zimbabwe is simple: Just to learn how to rig an election. Lawrence Ookeditse of the Botswana Patriotic Front shared similar sentiments. We know that Zimbabwe for the past two decades has not been in a position where they have run credible elections, Ookeditse said. The election has been stolen time after time. We see a situation where in the middle of an electoral process, the IEC in Botswana says they are going to Zimbabwe to benchmark. If you want to benchmark to run elections, you are not going to go to Zimbabwe. The IEC, in a statement released Wednesday, said the visit to Zimbabwe was specifically to look at ZECs accreditation machine for election observers. International observers criticized a presidential election in Zimbabwe last August, saying it fell short of international standards and was conducted in an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. The winner, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, insisted that the election was conducted transparently, fairly in broad daylight. But Botswana Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, addressing Parliament on Tuesday, said there is no need to disparage Zimbabwe. It [Zimbabwe] is a sovereign state, and these people are our neighbors. Yes, some [election] observers might have said what they said, but this has been said about many [other] countries, Tsogwane said. But we cant come here and castigate Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, [which] is doing as well as any other country. If you have nothing to say good about Zimbabwe, just keep quiet. Grant Masterson, director at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, said despite criticism, there are positives in Zimbabwes electoral system. The decision has both positive and negative implications, Masterson said. From a technical perspective, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has performed very well in key areas [of] election management, most notably in civic voter campaigns, as well as stakeholder engagement. They really have a lot of good practices to teach other electoral commissions. On the other side of the coin, there is the consideration that the elections delivered in Zimbabwe have had huge question marks about their integrity. Zimbabwe said other electoral organizations from the region, including from Lesotho and Ethiopia, have visited to benchmark on conducting elections. Some Asia experts are calling for tough new economic sanctions on China, arguing that the nation's economic downturn makes it particularly vulnerable to pressure to crack down on North Korea's ability to make and launder money for its nuclear weapons and missile programs. Other analysts argue the opposite, saying new sanctions now would make Beijing less receptive to U.S. efforts to get it to help curb Pyongyang's weapons programs. "Beijing is worried that a long or deep recession would lead to political unrest," and "that worry gives Washington greater leverage over Beijing leverage that it didn't have during the period of strong Chinese economic growth," said Joshua Stanton, an attorney based in Washington, D.C., who helped draft the Sanctions and Policy Enforcement Act in 2016. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicted in a report last month that China's economy will slow from 5.2% GDP growth in 2023 to 4.6% this year, further declining into 4.1% in 2025. China's manufacturing activities contracted for the fourth consecutive month in January and the country is further troubled by soaring debt in the property market and local governments. In an email to VOA last Friday, Stanton said the Biden administration should "increase pressure on a central government that fears any regional recession" and "designate canneries and sweatshops that employ North Korean labor." Chinese factories are known to employ North Korean laborers and label products they manufactured as made in China. Approximately 3,000 North Koreans working illegally in China staged a violent protest in January over unpaid wages, according to Reuters, citing South Korea's intelligence agency. In 2017, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution urging countries to repatriate all North Korean workers by December 2019 to curb Pyongyang's ability to make income abroad that supports its weapons programs. North Korean workers remit most of their overseas earnings to the regime. Stanton argued that Washington should also "apply enhanced scrutiny to local bank branches in Chinese cities" that launder money for North Korea. "China always promises to cooperate if we don't sanction its banks, but it always breaks those promises," he said. China been tightening regulations on its banks that deal with Russia recently in response to strengthened U.S. sanctions on financial institutions that work with the Russian military. Anthony Ruggiero, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dismissed the Biden administration's current North Korea sanctions as "weak and ineffective." "The administration should target North Korea's revenue generation and Russian and Chinese banks, entities, and individuals aiding Pyongyang's sanctions evasion," he said. David Asher, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, said North Korea still works "largely via China" to finance and acquire high-technology products for its military and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. Asher, who oversaw the disruption of North Korea's illegal trading and WMD networks during the George W. Bush administration, said last Saturday via email that there is a "robust" criminal sector in China, "especially Macao and Hong Kong, where North Korean elites continue to launder money including billions of dollars generated via cybercrime." But other experts are warning against sanctioning China, especially when its economy is slowing, and the U.S. is trying to get Beijing's help to curb to North Korea's missile launches. "You can twist the knob on China and try to enforce more pain in return for its support on North Korea," said Ken Gause, senior adversary analytics specialist at the Center for Naval Analyses, in a telephone interview on Friday. "But that will blow up in your face because then, China would see us actively trying to harm China to get it to do something on North Korea." He continued, "China will not react very well to that, and we could actually make the situation much worse." He added that "the only way sanctions would work" is when there are "overlapping U.S. and Chinese strategic equities." Gary Samore, former White House coordinator for arms control and WMD during the Obama administration, agreed during a telephone interview on Monday that the Biden administration may be concerned that sanctioning Chinese entities would make Beijing "less likely to cooperate on diplomatic efforts." Samore, who is currently professor of the practice of politics at Brandeis University, added that even if some Chinese entities stopped doing business with North Korea because of sanctions, there could be other Chinese entities that would be willing to work with North Korea. One of the wealthiest men in the world now has a lot more cash on hand. Jeff Bezos sold off about $2 billion worth of Amazon shares Tuesday and Wednesday, his latest in a series of sales that kicked off last week. So far this month, the former Amazon CEO has offloaded nearly 36 million shares worth more than $6 billion, according to regulatory filings. And theres likely more to come; Amazons latest annual report noted that the executive chair plans to sell a total of 50 million shares total by Jan. 31, 2025. Experts say the sales make sense. Amazon's share price is up, and Bezoss recent move from Seattle to Miami means he can sell without worrying about Washington states new capital gains tax. Its an optimal time to make this move, said Neil Saunders, managing director of analytics company GlobalData. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 12, 2023, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Why now? Amazon's stock price has soared. Shares of the e-commerce company are up more than 70% over the past year, outpacing the S&P 500, which gained about 23% in that time. Saunders said this allowed the Amazon founder to cash out at a high" nearly three years after stepping down as CEO. (As executive chair, Bezos focuses more on "new products and early initiatives.") This is part of the process of stepping back from Amazon, Saunders said. It doesnt mean deserting it. Hell always be the founder. But hes no longer running that business. So I think this is part of him loosening his ties with Amazon and allowing Amazon to stand more on its own two feet. And with most of Bezos' wealth tied to Amazon, it makes sense to diversify his holdings, according to Michael Roberts, the William H. Lawrence professor of finance at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. "From a risk management standpoint, that's not a good strategy, putting all your eggs in one basket," he said. Bezos sold the stock shortly after he snapped up property in Florida. The billionaire in November said he would be moving to be closer to family and the operations of his Blue Origin rocket company and because he and his fiancee Lauren Sanchez love Miami. Story continues Jeff Bezos (R) and Lauren SAnchez attend the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 12, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. The move to Florida also allows Bezos to avoid Washington states new 7% capital gains tax, which applies to the sale of assets like stocks and bonds worth more than $250,000. Until the recent flurry of Amazon share sales, Bezos had last sold the stock in 2021. That was before the new state tax, which took effect the following year. Before then, the Amazon founder had sold Amazon stock regularly to finance projects like Blue Origin. Waiting until his move to Florida to offload more shares has likely already saved Bezos more than $430 million. Amazon did not respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY. A widow opened herself up to new love: Instead, she was catfished for a million dollars. Is this level of offloading normal? Yes and no. Saunders said its quite usual for a company founder holding a large number of shares to offload from time to time. But $6 billion is a big number, no matter how you look at it. It underlines the strength of Amazon, he said. You can dispose of quite a high volume without having it having an impact on the share price." If Amazon's price was on shakier footing, Saunders said, there would be fewer people willing to pick up the shares, which would hurt the stock price. Bezos is expected to offload another 14 million-plus shares under the pre-scheduled selling plan, worth more than $2 billion at today's stock price. The sale would still leave Bezos with more than 900 million Amazon shares. "This is such a small fraction of his overall wealth, even though it's a very big number," said Roberts of the University of Pennsylvania, noting that Bezos is worth almost $200 billion. "It's not as if he's trying to liquidate all his Amazon holdings. This is small potatoes." What does Bezos' share sale mean for Amazon? Very little, according to Saunders. Its not as if Jeff Bezos is selling these shares because he doesn't have confidence in the company anymore, he said. Its just someone that is cashing out their shareholding, which is very understandable. Saunders added that as far as Amazon shoppers are concerned, this offloading means nothing at all. Amazon's stock price closed down 0.17% Friday at $169.51. What is Bezos buying with $6 billion? As for where that $6 billion is going, thats anyones guess. Saunders said he doesnt expect Bezos to buy Florida property because he has more than enough money to do that already. The 60-year-old has already purchased two mansions in Indian Creek Village, one of the richest neighborhoods in the country. Bezos likely has other grand pans and investments that he wants to make with that money, Saunders said. But I don't know what he has planned. Bailey Schulz is an investigative and general assignment reporter covering Money issues. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amazon stock worth about $6B was just sold by Jeff Bezos. Heres why. Prashant Kalra relocated to the western coastal city Goa five years ago because the dirty air in the Indian capital and surrounding towns was making his three-year-old daughter sick. Our daughter could not breathe in Delhi-NCR, said Kalra, who lived in Gurugram, a city adjacent to New Delhi. She needed a nebulizer every night just to go to sleep. That convinced us that we did not have a choice. The NCR, or the National Capital region is a vast, urban sprawl that refers to the Indian capital and its surrounding areas. Kalra is among a small but growing number of people quitting the city to escape the health hazards of the deadly air pollution that envelops it every winter. A nearly two-decade long battle by authorities in Delhi has failed to clean up the toxic smog, which is a mix of construction dust, vehicular emissions and burning of crop residue in neighboring agrarian states. Many of the pollution migrants as they are being called, are heading to Goa, a popular holiday destination with long beaches and palm trees, that has become a magnet for people fleeing Delhis air. Like Kalra, many moved after their children developed health problems. For Salil Pawah and his wife, the trigger was their young daughters persistent cough. She got put on a nebulizer and an inhaler in Delhi, said Pawah, an entrepreneur who had always lived in the Indian capital. We came here for a short vacation for a few weeks and that cough all but vanished. That is when I realized that it is the air and we kind of decided that we have to leave Delhi. Delhi is regularly ranked as one of the worlds most polluted cities, with its annual smog blamed for thousands of premature deaths each year. The average city resident could die nearly 12 years earlier than expected because of air pollution, according to a report last August by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute. In New Delhi, doctors say every winter brings an influx of patients suffering from respiratory problems or worse this winter was no different. Basically, it is asthma, bronchitis, infections that was the most common disease that we faced this time, according to Suranjit Chatterjee, a doctor at New Delhis Indraprastha Apollo Hospital. We also have a few strokes and cardiovascular diseases, which are well known to be exacerbated by the pollution. The deadly ingredient in Delhis air is small, particulate matter called PM 2.5, which gets embedded deep inside lungs. Chatterjee says children and older people bear the brunt of the smog. On the most polluted days, authorities order schools to shut and advise people to stay indoors. The citys air quality index often reaches hazardous levels of over 400. Uprooting from a city that was home is not easy. And while Goas lush greenery and laid-back vibe are a great pull for holidaymakers, settling in the city came with challenges. It was difficult leaving friends behind, but luckily most of our family moved with us, my father and elder sister. Of course, socially and culturally, it was an adjustment, said Kalra, who calls himself a pollution refugee on his Instagram account. But Kalra, who was formerly a lawyer, saw opportunity in the steady stream seeking refuge from Delhis grey skies. He started a brokerage firm to help people find new homes in Goa and managed to sell four early on. That gave us the confidence to make the switch and start building our social media and working on the business and five years on we are quite happy where we are, he said. And the family has adapted to life in Goa. Being a little bit closer to nature, having a fish curry on the beach on Sunday, it's good here." The numbers heading to Goa from Delhi have accelerated since the COVID-19 pandemic, when work from home norms gave employees the flexibility to work from different locations. When I moved to Goa, I did not know anybody else. Now in a span of two years, I know probably 20 people who moved here for the same reason, said Pawah. COVID taught us that its not the city itself that is important, it is the work you do. Now you will see a lot of professionals here, lawyers, engineers, doctors. Moving out of Delhi is a choice available only to a few. Many of the 30 million residents in the city and adjacent districts work on the streets as auto rickshaw drivers, street vendors and construction laborers suffering the worst exposure. Doctors say the toxic air is a serious health hazard. The pollution is a major health issue. Now the duration of the pollution has also lengthened and exposure long-term to high pollutants obviously affects everybodys health, according to Chatterjee. Cleaning up Indias mega cities will be one of the countrys biggest challenges as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is widely expected to win a third term in office in elections early this year, sets an ambitious goal of catapulting India into the ranks of developed nations by 2047. Ecuador's electoral court set April 21 for a referendum on measures to tighten security, fight organized crime and reform the constitution, it said on Wednesday, amid worsening conflict between government forces and criminal gangs. The steps have been proposed by President Daniel Noboa, who launched a security offensive in early January to dismantle criminal groups he designated as terrorists. Noboa has also argued for legal reforms to expand the powers of Ecuador's police and military. Ecuadoreans will vote on 11 questions, five of which concern reforms to the country's constitution, the National Electoral Council said in a statement. Noboa had previously hoped to hold the referendum in March. Questions will seek approval to impose stricter gun controls in areas close to jails and increase prison sentences for organized crime offenses, among others. Ecuador, long a haven for foreign retirees, has been gripped by spiraling violence since the coronavirus pandemic battered the South American country's economy. Armed men stormed a TV-station on air last month and a presidential candidate was gunned down as he left a rally during last year's elections, while hundreds of inmates have been killed in prison riots. On January 1, Chinas first domestically manufactured cruise ship, the Adora Magic City, left its dock in Shanghai on a seven-day voyage to South Korea and Japan. Featuring international cuisine, state-of-the-art theaters and large duty-free shops, along with a mahjong lounge and hotpot restaurant, the Adora Magic City is aimed at serving Chinas expanding middle class. Chinese state media hailed the cruise ship as a major milestone for the Chinese shipbuilding industry and a crown jewel. In a February 13 post on its X account, Chinese state medias Global Times quoted Chinas Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry as saying: After delivering the first home-grown large cruise ship Adora Magic City, China has the ability to build all types of maritime ship products. That is false. The Adora Magic City is heavily reliant on foreign technology. 30% made in China The Adora Magic City was built by Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The cruise ship weighs 135,500 metric tons, is 323 meters long and has a capacity of 5,246 passengers, according to the industry website Ship Technology. International suppliers provided many of the Adora Magic Citys components. The Adora Magic Citys chief designer, Chen Gang, told domestic media that out of the 110 suppliers Shanghai Waigaoqiao worked with, roughly 30% were Chinese companies, while the rest were foreign companies. High proportion of foreign technology The Adora Magic City is operated by CSSC Carnival, a joint venture between Carnival Corporation, a British-American cruise operator, and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), Chinas state-owned shipbuilding conglomerate. In 2016, CSSC Carnival signed a contract with Italian shipyard Fincatieri, which granted a technology license of the ship model platform and provides a series of technical services to CSSCs Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Corporation. Those technical services included project management activities, supply chain management and sales of fundamental systems and components. The on board design will be tailored for the specific tastes of the Chinese clients, Fincantieri said in a 2020 press release. Meanwhile, Finnish maritime technology company Wartsila provided the Adora Magic City with automation and control systems, a valve control system, low-location lighting, a navigation system, an engine and bridge control-room console, and smart motor control units. ABB, the Swiss engineering and technology group, provided the cruise ships power and propulsion system. The Adora Magic Citys chief designer, Chen Gang, told CarCaijing, a Chinese media outlet focusing on technology and finance, that China currently lacks a complete cruise manufacturing supply chain, and that domestic supplies couldnt meet the high-end design requirements for luxury vessels. He added that Europe has formed a mature cruise-ship supply chain with its own first-tier and second-tier supplier system and a standards system, which makes it difficult for Chinese domestic supplies to find a place in the current supply chain. Among the worlds largest shipyards are Fincantieri in Italy, Meyer Werft in Germany and STX Europe, with locations in Finland and France. And even if domestic supplies meet the industry standard, their price is not necessarily competitive, according to Chen, since raw materials may have to be imported and theres no scale effect. Nevertheless, the Adora Magic Citys maiden voyage demonstrates Chinas ambition to expand regionally and eventually join the cruise ship manufacturing industry. The current joint venture model fits Chinas usual method for technology acquisition. Beijing has a track record of requiring foreign investors in certain industries to form joint ventures with Chinese partners in order to access the China market. James Andrew Lewis, a technology policy expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington -based think tank, noted in a report last November that foreign direct investment and joint ventures are a leading source of technology transfers for China. In the joint venture model, Chinese companies gain access to key technological and managerial experience, and eventually beat their foreign counterparts at their own game by producing, with state support, at scale and lower cost. A group of family members of people taken hostage by Hamas militants in the October attack on Israel is asking prosecutors at the International Criminal Court to bring charges against Hamas leaders. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said its visit Wednesday to the court in The Hague would advocate for charges that encompass taking hostages, enforced disappearance, crimes of sexual violence, torture, and more severe allegations. Hamas militants took about 250 people hostage in the October 7 attack, during which they also killed 1,200 people according to Israeli tallies. More than 100 of the hostages were freed during a week-long cease-fire in November, and Israel has said about 30 others are believed to have died or been killed in Gaza. Talks aimed at brokering a new cease-fire are ongoing, including a session Tuesday in Cairo that brought together officials from the United States, Israel, Qatar and Egypt. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters Tuesday that the negotiations are constructive and moving in the right direction. Israelis military reported Wednesday new airstrikes and ground operations in central and southern Gaza, including in the Khan Younis area that has been a focus in recent weeks. International leaders have pleaded with Israel to hold off on a ground attack on the city of Rafah, nine kilometers south of Khan Younis, where many Palestinians have sought refuge from the war. U.N. humanitarian chief Volker Turk warned that in Rafah some 1.5 million Palestinians are packed against the Egyptian border with nowhere further to flee. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters Tuesday, "My sincere hope is that the negotiations for the release of the hostages and some form of cessation of hostilities to be successful, to avoid an all-out offensive over Rafah, where the core of the humanitarian system is located. And that would have devastating consequences." As it is, Guterres said, "There is a breakdown in public order" limiting delivery of humanitarian aid to displaced Palestinians, and he blamed Israel. "We have restrictions imposed by Israel that are not improved and limit humanitarian distribution," he said. "On the other hand, the deconflicting mechanisms to protect humanitarian aid deliveries in relation to military operations are not effective." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Palestinians sheltering in Rafah will be given "safe passage" out of the region near the Egyptian border but has offered no details on where they would be moved. The U.N. has said it will not help in any relocation of the Palestinians, and Egypt has said it will not allow an exodus over the border. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said Wednesday 103 more Palestinians had been killed in the past day, pushing the death toll to 28,576 during the war ignited by the shock October 7 Hamas attack. Many people are believed to be buried under rubble of destroyed buildings across the densely populated enclave along the Mediterranean Sea, much of which is in ruins. Supplies of food, water and other essentials are running out, and diseases are spreading. On Tuesday, South Africa voiced its concern to the International Court of Justice that Israel's plan to extend its offensive into Rafah would result in further large-scale killing and destruction. It asked the World Court to consider whether Israel needed to provide additional measures to safeguard Palestinians. Last month, the ICJ ordered Israel to do all it can to prevent the deaths of Palestinian civilians, after South Africa, a longtime supporter of the Palestinian cause, accused the Israeli military of genocide in Gaza. Israel has denied it is committing genocide. Some information for this story came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. Atlantic Council senior fellow Holly Dagres on the Islamic republics veneer of victory as it marks the 45th anniversary of its seizure of power. VOA Persian executive editor Niusha Boghrati on how VOA secured discreet on-camera interviews with young adults inside Iran about the Islamic revolution anniversary. Former Israeli national security adviser and Foundation for Defense of Democracies senior fellow Eyal Hulata on whether Iran is ready to rein in its proxy Hezbollah as Western powers try to mediate a truce in Israel-Lebanon border clashes. A Paris appeals court ruled Wednesday that former President Nicolas Sarkozy was guilty of illegal campaign financing over his failed 2012 reelection bid, confirming a previous ruling by a lower court, but his lawyer said he would take his case to France's highest court. Sarkozy was handed a one-year prison sentence, half of which was suspended, that can be served through alternative means, such as wearing an electronic bracelet without going to jail. Sarkozy, 69, had been handed a one-year prison sentence in 2021 when first found guilty, although that was suspended while he launched his appeal. The new appeal will again mean the sentence is placed on hold. "Today's ruling is highly questionable. That is why we will appeal to the Cour de Cassation," his lawyer Vincent Desry told reporters, reiterating that Sarkozy was innocent. The Cour de Cassation is the country's highest court, and its rulings typically focus on whether the law has been applied correctly rather than on the facts of the case. Appeals to the court can take years. Sarkozy was in court on Wednesday to hear the verdict but left without commenting to waiting reporters. President from 2007 to 2012, Sarkozy has remained an influential figure among conservatives and is on friendly terms with President Emmanuel Macron despite a string of trials and investigations linked to various legal issues surrounding his campaign finances. He has always denied accusations that his party, Les Republicains, then known as the UMP, worked with a public relations firm named Bygmalion to hide the true cost of his campaign marked by lavish show events previously unseen in French politics. During a hearing, Sarkozy put the blame on some members of his campaign team: "I didn't choose any supplier; I didn't sign any quotation, any invoice," he told the court. France sets strict limits on campaign spending. Prosecutors allege that the firm invoiced UMP rather than the campaign. They say Sarkozy spent $45.9 million on his 2012 campaign, almost double the permitted amount. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Middle East's first traditional, stone-built Hindu temple on Wednesday, internationalizing his reelection campaign and his effort to push secular India into a Hindu state. The trip to the BAPS Hindu Mandir just north of the city of Abu Dhabi capped Modi's whistlestop tour of the United Arab Emirates during which the Indian leader embraced the UAE's president, describing him as a brother, and spoke before global leaders at a Dubai summit. Modi is widely expected to win a third term as prime minister in the upcoming elections in India, the world's largest democracy. But Modi's policies and his governing Bharatiya Janata Party have raised concerns over India's future, particularly for members of its Muslim minority as they have come under attack in recent years by Hindu nationalist groups. That has made warming Indian relations with the Muslim-led Gulf Arab states crucial not only for India's energy security and for millions of its expatriate workers in the region, but also its international standing. Modi visited the temple in Abu Mureikha, built by the Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha, or BAPS, a worldwide religious and civic organization within the Swaminarayan sect. Modi has close ties to the organization. Modi walked past the temple's seven spires, a nod to the autocratic UAE's seven sheikhdoms. He looked inside the temple, where earlier Wednesday a priest had consecrated the statues of deities, each worshipped by different Hindu denominations across India. The prime minister waved at a crowd of thousands gathered for the event, described as a Festival of Harmony, some spilling out into overflow seating outside. Children greeted Modi, and others cheered his movements through the temple with priests. The temple effort extends back home for Modi. In January, he opened a Hindu temple built on the ruins of a historic mosque in the northern city of Ayodhya. That temple is dedicated to Hinduism's Lord Ram and had been wanted by Hindus who describe it as restoring a religion suppressed by centuries of Mughal and British colonial rule. But the 1992 demolition of the mosque at the site trigged riots across India that killed 2,000 people, mostly Muslims. Earlier Wednesday, Modi spoke before the World Governments Summit in Dubai, hosted by the city-state's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Much of the speech could be seen as a stump speech on the global stage. "Over the years, the trust of the people of the country on the government of India has become stronger," Modi said. "People have full faith in both the intentions and commitments of our government. "It is as a friend to the world that India is moving forward," he said. Modi's personal touch on the trip, including embracing Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, seems aimed at further cementing ties with the UAE, an oil-rich country that supplies India's energy needs while also serving as a home for some 3.5 million Indians. The relationship also underscores the Emirates' realpolitik foreign policy. Modi received the Emirates' top civilian honor in 2019 even as he stripped statehood from the disputed Muslim-majority region of Kashmir. The front-runner for Indonesias presidency, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, declared victory Wednesday after unofficial vote counts showed him with a wide lead in the three-way race. Thousands of people cheered as Prabowo greeted supporters at a local sports arena. He called the unofficial results a victory of all Indonesians and pledged to assemble a government made up of Indonesias best. The unofficial tallies by a set of independent pollsters released shortly after the polls closed at 1 p.m. indicated Prabowo had about 60% of the vote. Former Jakarta Governor Anies Beswadan had just over 20%, and another former provincial governor, Ganjar Pranowo, was in distant third place. If official returns show Subianto winning with more than 50% of all votes cast along with at least 20% of the vote in half of Indonesias provinces he will win the presidency outright and avoid a second-round vote in June. It will be weeks before the final tally is completed. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller commented on the conduct of the election, saying, This vote was a testament to the durability and strength of the Indonesian peoples commitment to the democratic process and electoral institutions. We look forward to the General Election Commissions announcement of the official election results, he said. This is the 72-year-old Prabowos third try for the presidency, having lost both previous efforts to outgoing President Joko Widodo, who is leaving office after serving his constitutionally limited two five-year terms. Prabowo faces numerous accusations of human rights violations dating to his days in the army during the 1980s and 1990s, when he was rising through the ranks to become a three-star general before being dismissed over allegations he ordered the kidnapping of pro-democracy activists. Prabowo denies all the allegations of wrongdoing. Many of Indonesias voters dont have a recollection of that time period. More than half of the countrys eligible voters are younger than 40, and one-third are younger than 30. One of them is Sabrina Ramadhani, 23, who says Prabowo has the traits to be a good leader. Mr. Prabowo is protective of the citizens; hes energetic, assertive, charismatic and also generous, she said. Prabowo has reformed his image for the campaign, using TikTok and other social media platforms to portray himself as a grandfather figure. He appeared to have the tacit backing of the outgoing president, whose son is Prabowos vice presidential running mate. Wednesdays vote was the worlds biggest single-day election, with more than 200 million people spread across three time zones and approximately 17,000 inhabited islands casting their ballots. Voters were also choosing who would serve more than 20,000 national, provincial and local legislative offices in the worlds third-largest democracy. Heavy rains in the capital, Jakarta, triggered flooding that delayed the opening of several voting stations. VOAs Richard Green contributed to this report. Millions of Indonesians were choosing a new president Wednesday as the world's third-largest democracy aspires to become a global economic powerhouse just over 25 years since emerging from a brutal authoritarian era. The incumbent Indonesian defense minister, who has been accused of human rights atrocities as an ex-general, and two former governors are vying to succeed the still-widely popular President Joko Widodo. Widodo's rise from a riverside slum to his country's presidency has showcased the vibrancy of his Southeast Asian nation's democracy in a region rife with authoritarian regimes. The voting in a vast archipelago of 17,000 islands sprawled across three time zones, with a population of 270 million, is a logistical nightmare, with white ballot boxes and ballots being brought by donkeys and on foot in some of the more remote locations. Aside from the presidency, about 20,000 national, provincial and district parliamentary posts are being contested by tens of thousands of candidates. About 10,000 hopefuls from 18 political parties are eyeing the national parliament's 580 seats alone. The presidency is being contested by Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto and two former provincial governors, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo. Subianto, who is the front-runner based on several independent surveys, has picked Widodo's eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as his vice-presidential running mate. Subianto is the only candidate with links to the 1967-98 Suharto dictatorship, when he was a lieutenant general. A longtime commander in the Kopassus special forces, he was dishonorably discharged in 1998 after Kopassus soldiers kidnapped and tortured political opponents of Suharto, his then-father-in-law. Subianto never faced trial, although several of his men were tried and convicted. Polls show the 72-year-old Subianto well ahead of his two rivals. While he is the oldest candidate, his running mate is the youngest: 36-year-old Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, Widodo's son. Raka is below the statutory minimum age of 40 but was allowed to run under an exception created by the Constitutional Court. Baswedan, the former head of an Islamic university, served as governor of Jakarta until last year. A former Fulbright scholar, Baswedan had been education and culture minister from 2014 to 2016, when Widodo removed him from the Cabinet. Pranowo is the governing party candidate but does not have the support of Widodo. He was a national legislator for the governing Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle for 10 years before being elected in 2013 for the first of two terms as Central Java governor. A top U.S. lawmaker is sounding an alarm about a potentially significant threat to the country's security, publicly calling on President Joe Biden to declassify intelligence so that the American public and its allies can formulate a response. The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Republican Representative Mike Turner, issued a statement Tuesday warning of a "serious national security threat." Turner's statement did not elaborate on the threat, but noted he has requested that the president share the information more quickly and more widely. A copy of an email Turner reportedly sent to colleagues, shared on social media by various news outlets, described the danger as a "foreign military destabilizing capability." Still, the White House on Wednesday sought to downplay Turner's concerns. "I'm confident that President Biden, in the decisions that he is taking, is going to ensure the security of the American people going forward," said White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. "We believe that we can and will and are protecting the national security of the United States," Sullivan told reporters, adding he was surprised that Turner took his concerns public since they were scheduled to meet for a classified briefing Thursday. Sullivan also defended the decision not to make the threat intelligence public, pointing both to concerns about protecting U.S. "sources and methods," and the president's willingness to declassify intelligence in the past. "You definitely are not going to find an unwillingness to do that when it's in our national security interests to do so," he said. "This administration has gone further and, in more creative, more strategic ways, dealt with the declassification of intelligence in the national interest of the United States than any administration in history." Some key lawmakers also pushed back. The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Jim Himes, called the threat "a significant one" but "not a cause for panic." "As to whether more can be declassified about this issue, that is a worthwhile discussion," he added. "But it is not a discussion to be had in public." The leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee likewise sought to allay concerns. The committee "has the intelligence in question and has been rigorously tracking this issue from the start," Democratic Chairman Mark Warner and Republican Vice Chairman Marco Rubio said in a statement. "We continue to take this matter seriously and are discussing an appropriate response with the administration," they added. "In the meantime, we must be cautious about potentially disclosing sources and methods that may be key to preserving a range of options for U.S. action." Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson separately told reporters multiple times there is "no need for public alarm." "I want to assure the American people," Johnson said. "We just want to assure everyone steady hands are at the wheel. We're working on it and there's no need for alarm." VOA's Katherine Gypson conributed to this report. Company Makes History and Continues Advocacy With Sponsorship and Activations at Cali Vibes Festival SAN DIEGO, February 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Weed Co. announced today that it is the first-ever cannabis brand to be a headline sponsor for a major U.S. music festival. The Cali Vibes 2024 festival is a three-day event (Feb. 16-18) taking place at Marina Green Park in Long Beach, California, with scheduled performances by Gwen Stefani, Ice Cube, Sublime With Rome, Wiz Khalifa, Rebelution, Stick Figure and many others. "Were proud to collaborate with American Weed Co. in their top sponsorship of one of Americas biggest multiday music festivals," said Nic Adler, VP of Festivals and Co-Founder of Cali Vibes. "Their mission to uplift and support our Veteransas well as our nations first respondersmakes them an ideal partner. American Weed Company wants to unify and bring people together, and so does Cali Vibes." American Weed Co. is one of the fastest-growing cannabis brands in California and a force in cannabis reform advocacy in Washington D.C. As a headline sponsor, it will have several activations, including the Vibes Village Presented by American Weed Co., where attendees can roam amongst festival vendors, and learn about local and national cannabis brands and nonprofit groups. Within their main activation, there will also be a secret "military locker" where festivalgoers can duck into a speakeasy-style tattoo parlor for an elevated temporary airbrush tattoo. "Weve always been huge fans of Cali Vibes, so the chance to be a headline sponsor and have such a presence at the event is a real honor, " said Ryan Brooks, American Weed Co. CEO and Co-Founder. "This event allows us to share the work weve been doing to destroy the stigma that still surrounds this amazing plant, along with our ongoing efforts to reform cannabis laws so there is equaland easyaccess for all." Story continues American Weed Co. is committed to sensible regulation, social equity and community reinvestment. It donates up to 10% of its net profits each year to organizations like Stop Soldier Suicide and Responder Strong, and as one of the voting board members of the National Cannabis Roundtable, its helping to push Congress to act on safe banking and other reform measures. At Cali Vibes, 100% of all profits from an American Weed Co. / Cali Vibes collaboration T-shirt with go to Veteran and first responder groups. American Weed Co. cannabis products are currently available across California and will soon enter the Arizona and Nevada markets. To learn more, visit americanweedco.com. About American Weed Co. American Weed Co. is on a mission to legalize weed for Veterans nationwide, destroy the stigma, and give back to those who serve -- the unsung heroes who enrich our daily lives. Launched on Veterans Day in 2022, the company is a pioneering force in the cannabis industry and one of the fastest-growing brands in California. Founded on principles of innovation and education, American Weed Co. stands at the forefront of cannabis reform. They are dedicated to providing top-tier, tested cannabis products while actively promoting responsible use and advocacy. American Weed Co. holds one of the voting seats on the National Cannabis Roundtable, has engaged in over a hundred meetings with Congress, and advocates relentlessly on behalf of the industry. Learn more: americanweedco.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214810601/en/ Contacts Danna Tabachnik Grasslands: A Journalism-Minded Agency danna@mygrasslands.com The likely winner of Indonesias presidential election is Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, following an unofficial count of Wednesdays vote. The prospect of his win is alarming to rights groups due to his history of alleged human rights violations allegations that are little known among young Indonesian voters. In 1998, Prabowo was fired from the military after allegations he ordered the kidnapping of pro-democracy activists, over a dozen of whom are still missing. He has also been accused of human rights abuses in East Timor. Having been ousted from the military, he went into voluntary exile in Jordan. He had previously been barred from entering the United States. Prabowo has denied the allegations against him and has never been formally charged. His candidacy has raised red flags among activists who fear a potential regression of democratic liberties. "I am still concerned that Prabowo ... could roll back reforms achieved with tears and blood of my fellow student activists," said Usman Hamid, executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia. This is Prabowos third time running for office. He unsuccessfully ran for vice president in 2009 with ex-president Megawati Sukarnoputri. He lost the 2014 and 2019 elections to outgoing President Joko Widodo, who has since endorsed him. By appointing Prabowo as defense minister, Widodo gave Prabowo a degree of validation and prominence that had eluded him after his election losses. Notably, his visit to the Pentagon in 2020 marked the end of his de facto travel ban to the United States. Leading up to the election, Prabowo has undergone a stark image shift. Turning away from his background in military nationalism, he has cultivated a popular online presence, with over 9 million followers on Instagram and viral videos on TikTok, which have attracted the support of younger Indonesians. Throughout the campaign, his plump-cheeked AI-created animated character delighted Gen Z voters by showcasing Korean-style finger hearts and tenderly holding his cherished cat, Bobby. University student Stephanie Iskandar told VOA many young Indonesians are uninformed about his past and have been greatly swayed by the campaign's social media presence. They become very vulnerable with all of this political communication with the young way and with the TikTok, she said at a campaign rally before the election. Prabowo leans into the disconnect between his past and his new image. "Maybe the perception of me was that I was tough, scary. I am not scary now," he said in a recent television interview, referring to his time as a soldier. Some information for this report was provided by the Associated Press and Agence France-Presse. Mexican law enforcement agencies said Monday they seized over 40 tons of methamphetamine at the biggest drug lab found during the current administration. The Mexican navy said Monday that the lab was located in Quiriego, a township in a remote part of the northern border state of Sonora. It said the 91,000 pounds (41,310 kilograms) of meth found there was equivalent to about half of the 162,000 pounds of the drug Mexico has seized all year so far. Another 28,000 pounds (12,705 kilograms) of meth chemicals were found, the navy said. Photos distributed by the navy showed a series of large metal boilers and chemical reactors arranged in a line amid the brush and low trees of the site, which was visible from the air. Over 200 centrifuges, boilers and condensing chambers were discovered, according to the navy. The navy said its personnel destroyed the equipment by blowing it. The navy said the raid Thursday involved helicopters and suggested the meth was bound for export to Europe, Asia and the United States. But Mexico also has a big problem with domestic use of meth. The 72 boilers indicated the facility was capable of producing multiple times the amount of drugs than the second-biggest meth lab uncovered during the administration of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. That lab, in neighboring Sinaloa state, had 13 boilers. Lopez Obrador, who took office on Dec. 1, 2018, frequently claims that Mexicans are culturally immune to drug addiction. A year ago, soldiers seized more than a half-million fentanyl pills in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, in what the army at the time described as the largest synthetic drug lab found to date. Soldiers found almost 630,000 pills that appeared to contain the synthetic opioid fentanyl, the army said. They also reported seizing 282 pounds (128 kilograms) of powdered fentanyl and about 220 pounds (100 kilograms) of suspected methamphetamine. Two days later, the Mexican army seized almost 1,400 liters of liquid methamphetamines and nearly a half-ton of solid crystal meth, which it said at the time was the biggest seizure of meth in a year. Troops found the drugs at a half-finished house in the town of Angostura, Sinaloa. The state is home to the drug cartel of the same name. Previously, most big meth labs had been found in Sinaloa, but it appears the increasingly violent state of Sonora has become a center of production, and not just a smuggling route. North Korea on Wednesday fired multiple cruise missiles into the sea in its fifth test of such weapons since January, South Korea's military said, extending a streak in weapons demonstrations that's elevating tensions in the region. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the South Korean and U.S. militaries were analyzing the launches from an area in North Korea's northeastern coast. The South Korean military didn't immediately provide the exact numbers of missiles fired or how far they flew. Experts say North Korea is ramping up pressure on its rivals in an election year in South Korea and the United States, with a long-term focus of forcing Washington to accept the idea of the North as a nuclear power and extract security and economic concessions from a position of strength. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has also been issuing belligerent statements toward South Korea, including a declaration that he would abandon the North's long-term objective of reconciliation with its war-divided rival and threatening to annihilate the South with nukes if provoked. Cruise missiles, which are designed to be highly maneuverable in flight like small airplanes, are among a growing number of weapons North Korea is developing to overwhelm missile defenses, supplementing the country's vast number of ballistic missiles designed to be fired from land and sea. The latest launches were North Korea's sixth missile-launch event this year, including a January 14 test of the country's first solid-fuel intermediate range missile, which demonstrated its efforts to advance its weaponry targeting remote U.S. targets in the Pacific, including the military hub of Guam. The North earlier this year tested new cruise missiles designed to be fired from submarines and also long-range cruise missiles with potential range of reaching U.S. military bases in Japan. United States, South Korea and Japan have been strengthening their combined military exercises and sharpening their nuclear deterrence strategies to cope with the North's evolving threats. West Bank Palestinians say that since the October 7 Hamas attack, Israeli settlers have significantly increased acts of violence against them, with the aim of forcing the Palestinians to abandon their homes. A settler council, however, denies these allegations, saying incidents have decreased. For VOA, Linda Gradstein reports from the South Hebron Hills of the West Bank. Camera: Ricki Rosen Former Polish President Lech Walesa visited the U.S. capital this week to rally for renewed U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The 80-year-old labor leader-turned-politician and Nobel laureate said the United States and the world have a unique opportunity to facilitate political regime change in Russia. Walesa, who received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1983, said the world must continue providing Ukraine with military aid, as Russia continues its attacks against Ukrainians. "But relatively more resources need to be applied to convincing people that peace is better than war," he said. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. VOA: What message do you want to deliver to the American people and to Congress? Former Polish President Lech Walesa: In this visit, the most important issue is Ukraine. Ukraine is suffering a lot, and the world has to help Ukraine. VOA: In 1989, the Solidarity movement won over communist rule in Poland. Back then, was the fight different compared with Ukraine's fight against Russia today? Walesa: The world was always divided, but as it grows, it makes its structures larger and larger. Only Russia and China have clung on to the old solutions. Two countries are attempting to enlarge their structures by force. But we choose to make our organizations, such as the European Union and NATO, larger by voluntary choice. The question I pose is, which of the two approaches will win now the old one or the new one. We should use less power, less force, more ... information. We should argue peacefully by acts and words, the least by tanks. VOA: Two years ago, the world said Ukraine would not hold up against the Russian army. Did you expect Ukraine's response to the invasion? Walesa: Ukraine was placed in front of an imperative. Courageous nation. We've known that, just because we used to fight with them, too. But such conflicts in the past proved to us that those were bad methods. Which is why, like brothers in solidarity with Ukraine, we act. VOA: Since the first days of the full-scale war, Poland was one of the closest Ukrainian allies. Considering some tense political statements last year, where do you see Ukrainian-Polish relations now? Walesa: You know, it's hard not to have conflicts when you have a million guests. Given the scale of the refugee problem we are dealing with, our conflicts with them are few by comparison. Poland managed to escape into the European Union. We are aware in Poland that if we didn't succeed in fleeing into the European Union, it would be us having war with Russia now. And having that awareness, we support Ukraine more. Ukraine has replaced us in that role. VOA: Do you think the West is doing enough for Ukraine to decisively win this war and for Russia to decisively lose? Walesa: The Solidarity movement showed how to win. The way to win is to use information policies to win arguments rather than through war. We must continue supporting military methods, because the Russians are shooting at Ukrainians. So, that struggle has to continue. But relatively more resources need to be applied to convince people that peace is better than war. We need to record all the casualties of war on the Russian side. And we need to send messages directly to the neighbors of the casualties and say, "Look, your neighbor died. You are going to be next. And maybe the day after tomorrow, your son will die, because your system is bad." Even if Ukraine wins and defeats Russia this time, militarily speaking, Russia will regain strength and attack us again in 20 years. But if we help the Russians change their system, they will not attack us anymore. The world has an opportunity bigger, better than at any time in the past, because Putin managed to unite the entire world against Russia. So, we have an opportunity to achieve a great victory. But not by force. By politics. VOA: During Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev's time, you warned the West to be careful negotiating with Russia. What would you say now to those who consider negotiating with Russia to stop the war in Ukraine and conceding territories? Walesa: We cannot force Ukraine to such solutions. It will not solve the problem. We had the same case with [Nazi leader Adolf] Hitler. We must stop Russia. Yes, right now we must use force as a solution, because that's the fight. But long term, we must pay more attention to words and information policy. If we now force Ukraine to compromise, if we now force Ukraine to give up land, this would be a huge mistake. This interview originated in VOA's Ukrainian Service. A quick-moving winter storm battered cities in the Northeast with snowfall, sending huge waves crashing into the New England coastline and prompting New York City schools to switch to glitch-filled remote learning reminiscent of the early days of the pandemic. Airlines canceled or delayed flights while accidents were reported on slippery roads, and at least one person died. The storm quickly passed through the region, producing snowfall totals that were significant in some cities but much less than expected in others. New York City recorded just 7.62 centimeters of snow in Central Park, but areas of Pennsylvania and Connecticut were blanketed with 38.10 centimeters of fluffy snow, according to National Weather Service reports. "It's been a quiet winter, so it's kind of welcoming," Ricky Smith said as he made his way to a construction job in New York City. "I just hope nobody gets hurt." In New York City, the nation's largest school district opted to shift to remote learning instead of giving students and staff a snow day, sparking criticism by many. And when classes began, technical problems prevented many of the 915,000 students from logging in, exacerbating the discontent. New York Mayor Eric Adams defended the decision to go remote in the schools, saying it was necessary because of learning losses during the coronavirus pandemic. School officials blamed the troubles on IBM, with Schools Chancellor David Banks saying the company "was not ready for primetime." IBM said in a statement Tuesday afternoon that it worked with the schools and the issues "were largely resolved," but the company did not immediately respond to questions about what specifically happened and why. More than 1,000 flights were canceled Tuesday morning, mostly at the airports in the New York City area and in Boston. Accidents were reported across the region. There were more than 145,000 power outages reported Tuesday morning in Pennsylvania and several thousand in New Jersey, but few outages in New York and New England, according to the tracking site poweroutage.us. Authorities in Newberry Township, Pennsylvania, said a man operating a snowmobile was killed when he hit a downed utility line around 8 a.m. Tuesday during the storm. The cause and manner of death were pending further investigation. At the time of the crash, police said in a statement that the area was "experiencing a multitude of weather-related conditions due to a winter storm which caused downed trees, downed power lines and hazardous travel conditions throughout the area." Robert Bylone, 51, a university research operations manager from Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, was at home around 6 a.m. Tuesday when he heard a "splintering crack" outside his window. A 30-year-old pear tree in his front yard had come down. "We anticipated a snowstorm, and sure enough, we got it," he said. "But it was quick, very wet with a lot of moisture in the snow. So with that much water in the snow, it was very heavy. Very heavy to pick up, very heavy on the tree branches." Throughout the region, officials urged people to take precautions including staying off the roads. In Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont ordered all executive branch office buildings closed to the public for the day, and all state courts were closed. Susan Smith was spending the day with her three children, ages 14, 11 and 8, at her home in Columbia, Connecticut, because schools were closed. She said she likes traditional snow days off but would also like to see remote learning on some bad weather days. "But I still remember being a kid and really looking forward to snow days, so I don't want to completely wipe that off the map with remote learning," Smith said. Ahead of the storm, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey told all non-essential executive branch employees to not report to work Tuesday. Boston schools were closed, and a parking ban was in effect until 4 p.m. Similar closures and bans were put in place in other cities and towns. Along the Plymouth, Massachusetts, waterfront, residents sat in their vehicles marveling at the waves crashing ashore as a mix of rain and snow lashed their vehicles. Some spots began to flood as high tide approached early Tuesday afternoon. "I enjoy the weather a lot today," said Marissa O'Keefe, who was with a friend in an SUV along the waterfront. "I'm kind of happy our boss gave us the day off so we can enjoy the way the waves are moving. Whether the snow comes or it just rains, I'm excited by nature's power." A new report says Africas agrifood sector which involves the processing, packaging and selling of locally produced food could be the key to boosting employment rates, income and food security on the continent. Experts in agriculture, engineering, ecology, nutrition and food security unveiled the 140-page report in Uganda on Wednesday, looking at the challenges young Africans face and the education and skills needed for jobs in the agrifood sector. Rhoda Tumusiime, a former commissioner for rural economy and agriculture at the African Union, is one of the experts. She said the food business could improve the lives of African youths. "Food trade provides an opportunity for youth to create jobs for themselves in agribusiness and improve socioeconomic development," Tumusiime said. The investments in agro-processing and its links to production, marketing and trade "will become a core employment-generating sector in agrifood systems." The report provided examples. In Zambia, for instance, authorities launched YAPASA, a project to increase income for rural youth. The project in the central African country promoted collaboration among different actors in the agriculture sector mainly small farmers and better connections between small producers and larger agribusinesses. Coordinating with the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization, the International Labor Organization and the Zambian government, YAPASA created 3,000 jobs and improved 5,000 youth-led rural enterprises. The World Bank says Africas combined food and beverage markets are forecast to be valued at $1 trillion by 2030. Ousmane Badiane, co-chair of the panel that released the report, told VOA it's important to craft youth-oriented policies to improve the business environment. "Making policies much more sensitive to the needs and the ambition of the youth is going to be important," Badiane said. "Creating that space for engagement with youth is going to be something extremely important to do. Sustaining all of that into a couple of decades to come will require being able to sustain growth in the context of a changing climate, not just in terms of adaptation being resilient but also being able to find new ways of doing business." According to the African Development Bank, 11 million youths join the job market each year, but only about 3 million formal jobs are created. In Africa, 120 million people between 15 and 35 are unemployed. Dorothy Okello, a lecturer in engineering at Uganda's Makerere University, told VOA there is a need to connect opportunities in agriculture with students' educational backgrounds. "Can we have, for example, Uberization, if I may use the word, of tractor services?" she asked, referring to an arrangement in which one tractor would be made available to a number of farmers. "How do we creatively use engineering to come up with solutions for that?" She also pointed to people with backgrounds in creative or industrial arts whose skills could be tapped to help producers enhance the appeal of their goods on the market. Experts are calling on African governments to empower youth by addressing trade barriers, investing in technology, and involving youth in policy formulation and decision-making. Former President Donald Trump, who is facing an unprecedented level of legal scrutiny as he presses his bid to retake the White House in the November election, may get a better sense this week of the degree to which his four pending criminal trials will impinge on his campaign. Key hearings in Georgia and Florida will help determine the trajectory of cases in those states, and a decision on the schedule of a New York trial is expected from the judge in that case on Thursday. Finally, in Washington, Trump is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court to hear his claim, rejected by a lower court, that as a former president, he is immune from criminal prosecution. It all adds up to an unprecedented moment in U.S. history. We have never had a major party presidential candidate facing criminal prosecution as he's running for president, Ilya Somin, a professor of law at George Mason University, told VOA. Certainly, for any ordinary person, facing any kind of criminal charge could be significantly disruptive to their lives, Somin said. For Trump, it may be a bit less disruptive because he has a massive legal team working for him, and therefore he can delegate somewhat more. On the other hand, he's also running for president, which is in itself a huge burden. Trumps four criminal trials are not the former presidents only legal headache. He is also facing a civil fraud trial in New York that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars and result in the closure of large elements of his business empire. Trump was also recently ordered to pay $83.3 million in damages to a former Elle magazine advice columnist for defaming her after he was found liable for sexually assaulting her in a department store in the 1990s. Presidential immunity bid In federal court in Washington, Trump is facing criminal charges for his involvement in an effort to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, including his role in inciting a mob of Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, disrupting the certification of President Joe Bidens election victory. That proceeding has been delayed while Trump sought a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on the claim that as a former president, he is immune from criminal prosecution. That appeal was thrown out by a unanimous three-judge panel. But on Monday, Trump appealed to the Supreme Court and requested a stay in the lower courts ruling until the high court can make its decision. The Supreme Court on Tuesday requested that the prosecution submit a reply to the brief filed by Trumps team. The court gave the prosecution a deadline of Feb. 20, but it is possible that the government could reply sooner in an effort to accelerate the courts decision. It's very unlikely, I think, that the Supreme Court will actually reverse the D.C. Circuit, Somin said. But if they choose to hear the case, that can take up another couple of months or even a bit more, and that would likely delay the trial further. Classified documents case In Florida, Trump is on trial in federal court on charges that he illegally retained large numbers of highly classified documents related to national security and then resisted when the government demanded that he return them. The documents in question were kept primarily at his Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, under little or no formal security. That trial is currently scheduled to begin on May 20, significantly later than the government had hoped. On Monday, Trump and his attorneys appeared in a closed-door hearing before the judge. During the 4-hour proceeding, they were expected to present arguments they plan to make in the former presidents defense, and to ask that they be granted access to certain classified information that they claim is necessary to mount a full defense. The documents case in Florida is, I think, the most procedurally and technically complicated of the cases that he's facing, because it involves documents of great sensitivity, and the procedures for determining how those can be used at trial are extensive and time-consuming, David A. Super, a professor at Georgetown Law, told VOA. The judge in that case has not seemed to prioritize moving along terribly quickly, and to the extent she has, it has been in ways that have been unacceptable to the prosecution and seem likely to generate at least more motions and probably another appeal, Super said. So, my guess is that although that is scheduled to go to trial in the spring, it has a good chance of getting pushed back past this year, he said. Georgia election interference case In Georgia, Trump is involved in a complex case related to efforts to pressure state officials to overturn the results of the presidential election, in which Georgia voters chose Biden. Trump is named as one of 18 co-defendants charged with conspiracy in a trial the prosecutors had hoped to start in August. However, it has since been revealed that District Attorney Fanni Willis may have had an inappropriate romantic relationship with the outside attorney Nathan Wade, whom she hired to prosecute the case. Trumps attorneys are seeking to have both Wade and Willis removed from the case on grounds of unethical behavior, and the judge has scheduled a hearing on the question for Thursday. While the controversy over Willis relationship with Wade may delay the proceeding, perhaps significantly if the judge determines that the prosecutor needs to be replaced, it is not expected to materially affect the underlying case itself. Criminal fraud trial In New York, Trump is facing criminal fraud charges in state court. He is accused of falsifying business records to cover up payments he made to ensure the silence of women who claimed to have had extramarital affairs with him, including an adult film actress who goes by the name Stormy Daniels. On Thursday, the judge in that case is expected to rule on a number of motions that Trumps attorneys have made, attempting to have the case thrown out. In the likely event that the case is allowed to move forward, the next order of business will be to settle on a date for the beginning of the trial. As of now, the trial is scheduled to begin March 25, but depending on how the judge rules on the pending motions, that could change. While it is possible that a series of rulings in Trumps favor could see much of his legal burden lifted in the coming days, experts told VOA that such an outcome is improbable, and that the former president is likely to spend much of the coming year juggling multiple criminal prosecutions. At this point, said Super of Georgetown, Very few people would eagerly trade places with him. The United Nations says it would like to see Taliban representatives attend a two-day international conference on Afghanistan that will take place in Qatar next week. Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Wednesday the Taliban would participate in the February 18 meeting, provided they are received as official representatives of Afghanistan. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host the two-day session, with member states and regional organizations special envoys on Afghanistan in attendance. Stephane Dujarric, the secretary-generals spokesperson, said that the objective of the meeting is to discuss the international engagement approach with the Taliban since they reclaimed power. An important aspect of the event is the intention to provide the opportunity for the special envoys to meet collectively with Afghan stakeholders, including representatives of the de facto authorities and Afghan civil society participants, including women, Dujarric told VOA. The event in Doha, the capital of the tiny Gulf state, will mark the second such U.N.-organized gathering in less than a year. The Taliban were not invited to the session convened in May 2023. Muttaqi said they are in close contact with relevant U.N. officials and have shared our views on the possible participation of their delegation. His office said he made the remarks in a meeting with Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul. If there is an opportunity for high-level meaningful consultations between IEA and U.N. regarding all issues of Afghanistan, and the IEA is able to duly fulfill its responsibility as the representative of Afghanistan, then the Doha meeting would be a good opportunity, Muttaqi was quoted as telling Zhirnov, using the official title of the Taliban administration, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. If the IEA conditions are not taken into consideration, nonparticipation would be preferred, said the chief Taliban diplomat. A key agenda item for the conference is the potential appointment of a U.N. envoy who would coordinate increased international engagement with Taliban leaders in Kabul. The appointment, recommended in an independent U.N. assessment, is backed by the United States and its European allies. China and Russia abstained from a December 2023 U.N. Security Council vote on a resolution authorizing the secretary-general to appoint a special envoy for Afghanistan. However, the de facto Afghan authorities remain opposed to appointing a U.N. envoy to the country. U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Tom West and Rina Amiri, the special envoy for Afghan women, girls and human rights, will attend Sundays meeting in Doha. The United States strongly supports the resolutions call for a U.N. special envoy for Afghanistan and urges the secretary-general to appoint a special envoy as soon as possible, State Department spokesperson Mathew Miller told reporters on Tuesday. Miller added, A special envoy will be well-positioned to coordinate international engagement in Afghanistan to achieve the objectives laid out in this resolution." Washington has repeatedly clarified that it is not part of any efforts to normalize or recognize the Taliban government. If they want to be seen as legitimate rulers, they need to meet all the commitments that they said they would meet and make. And they havent done that, John Kirby, the presidential national security spokesperson, told a White House news conference Monday. The United Nations has ignored the Taliban's calls to allow them to represent Afghanistan at the world body, and no country has formally declared its recognition of the new Kabul government. The de facto Afghan authorities have enforced their strict interpretation of Islamic law since recapturing power in August 2021, when U.S.-led international forces withdrew from the country after 20 years of involvement in the war with then-Taliban insurgents. The Taliban have imposed sweeping restrictions on womens rights to work and receive an education beyond the sixth grade. They have largely ignored U.N.-led international calls to remove the curbs and run the country through an inclusive Afghan government. The Taliban defend their governance as aligned with Afghan culture and Islamic law. U.N. and global rights groups have consistently accused the Taliban of committing human rights violations through their discriminatory policies, with some decrying them as gender apartheid. Washington and the U.N. have imposed sanctions on the de facto rulers, citing concerns related to terrorism. VOA UN correspondent Margeret Besheer and Akmal Dawi contributed to the story. Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday night to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, claiming he is responsible for a record influx of illegal migrants crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in the past year. The vote was 214-213 to impeach, but three Republicans sided with the Democrats against it. Hard-line conservative Republicans have targeted Mayorkas for months but failed by a single vote last week to impeach him when three House Republicans voted against the effort and House party leaders failed to realize that one Democratic lawmaker opposed to the impeachment would show up to vote even though he had been hospitalized awaiting surgery. The vote Tuesday was close again but came down in favor of impeaching the 64-year-old Cabinet member with the return of Republican Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who missed last week's vote while being treated for cancer. Mayorkas became only the second Cabinet member in U.S. history to be impeached, after Secretary of War William Belknap in 1876. The impeachment of Mayorkas, the political equivalent of an indictment, could prove to be a symbolic victory for his Republican critics, who are looking, as the November elections approach, to attack Democratic President Joe Biden and Democratic lawmakers for the chaos at the U.S. southern border. A record 10,000 migrants a day were apprehended at that border in December. The Democratic-controlled Senate, with a 51-49 majority, is certain to acquit Mayorkas. A two-thirds vote is needed for a conviction, meaning at least 18 Democrats would have to vote for a conviction if all Republicans did as well. Now that the House has impeached Mayorkas, the Senate will be compelled to at least open a trial. But it could vote to dismiss the articles, dissolve the trial or refer the articles of impeachment to a committee. Impeachment of top U.S. officials hinges on whether they have committed "high crimes and misdemeanors." Mayorkas has said the allegations against him are baseless and he has continued in his job. Republicans calling for his impeachment say he has violated immigration laws by not detaining enough migrants at the border and by implementing a humanitarian parole program that has allowed people into the country who wouldn't otherwise qualify to enter. They also allege that he has lied to Congress when he's claimed that the border is secure. The House Committee on Homeland Securitys investigation and subsequent impeachment proceedings demonstrated beyond any doubt that Secretary Mayorkas has willfully and systemically refused to comply with the laws of the United States and breached the public trust, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green said in a statement after the vote. The committees top Democrat also released a statement after the vote. To be clear, this baseless impeachment will do nothing to secure the border Republicans have admitted as much. It is clear they dont have a shred of credibility on border security issues. Instead of providing the Department of Homeland Security the resources it needs or working together towards a bipartisan solution, they have rejected any solution for the sole reason that they can have a political wedge issue in an election year, Representative Bennie G. Thompson said. Democrats and some legal experts have contended that the debate over whether to impeach Mayorkas is essentially a policy dispute, not a matter that meets the U.S. constitutional standard of whether he has committed "high crimes and misdemeanors." Republicans have assailed Biden and Mayorkas for easing border restrictions after Biden defeated Republican President Donald Trump in the 2020 election and changed migration rules Trump had imposed. Last week, even as many Republican lawmakers pushed for the Mayorkas impeachment, they voiced their opposition to a bipartisan Senate proposal that would have imposed the tightest border controls in years after Trump said he opposed it as not tough enough. Immigration controls are certain to be a prominent issue in the November presidential contest, where Biden and Trump are likely to again face each other. Angela Chao, the CEO of dry bulk shipping company Foremost Group and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnells sister-in-law, has died. She was 50 years old. It is with deep sadness that Foremost Group announces the passing of Angela Chao in a tragic car accident, the company said in a statement released Tuesday night. Angela Chao was a formidable executive and shipping industry leader, as well as a proud and loving daughter, sister, aunt, wife and mother. Details about the deadly crash that killed Chao including when it happened and what caused it were not immediately available. Chao was one of six children including former Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao. Elaine has been married to McConnell for more than 30 years. Angelas name in Chinese sounds like the characters for peace and prosperity. She certainly gave more than her share of both to this world, her father, James Chao, said in a statement to NBC News. Her absence leaves a void not only in our hearts, but in the Asian-American community. He went on to remembered Chao as a wonderful and inquisitive companion who also tagged along after him on Take your Daughter to Work Day, hosted by the company she would one day go on to lead. In 2018, Chao was appointed CEO of the Foremost Group, a prominent business founded by her father and late mother, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. Building on the legacy of honor, integrity and performance established by her father and our companys founder, Dr. James S. C. Chao, she made exceptional customer service, efficiency, and superior performance the hallmarks of her leadership, Foremost Group said in a statement. She was also a passionate advocate for incorporating environmentally sustainable practices throughout the companys operations. The U.S. Coast Guard Academy in a post on X offered their condolences and called Chao a trailblazer in the maritime industry. Chao further served a number of organizations, holding board positions on the American Bureau of Shipping Council, Harvard Business Schools Board of Deans Advisors, and the Metropolitan Opera, among others. She was also founding advisory council co-chair of the nonprofit The Asian American Foundation, as well as chair of the foundations education committee, which aimed to help students access quality education. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is facing a Senate trial in two weeks after Republicans in the House of Representatives impeached him by a single vote, blaming him for the tens of thousands of illegal migrants who have crossed into the U.S. from Mexico in the past year. The trial is set to unfold on February 26 when House impeachment managers, a contingent of Republican lawmakers acting as prosecutors against Mayorkas, formally walk the charges across the U.S. Capitol to present their case to the 100 senators, who will be acting as jurors. How long the effort might last, or whether any evidence will be presented, is an open question. The House vote Tuesday night was 214-213 to impeach, but Democrats hold a 51-49 voting edge in the Senate and have been openly disdainful of the impeachment effort targeting a key official in Democratic President Joe Biden's Cabinet. The Democrats could quickly vote to dismiss the impeachment case against Mayorkas without hearing evidence or shuffle the case off to a committee where nothing would happen. Or evidence for and against Mayorkas could be heard. In the Senate, a two-thirds vote would be required to convict the 64-year-old Mayorkas and remove him from office, meaning at least 18 Democrats would have to join all 49 Republicans in favor of a conviction. Mayorkas is the first Cabinet chief to be impeached since Secretary of War William Belknap was tried on corruption charges in 1876 shortly after he resigned. He was then acquitted in a Senate trial. Mayorkas has characterized the impeachment case against him as baseless and says he is continuing to do his job. Biden defended him after the House vote. "History will not look kindly on House Republicans for their blatant act of unconstitutional partisanship that has targeted an honorable public servant in order to play petty political games," he said. Representative Mark Green, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, led the impeachment effort against Mayorkas, saying in a Wall Street Journal opinion article that it was "the right thing to do." Green said Mayorkas "directed the release of millions of inadmissible aliens into the country" and "breached the public trust, both by violating his statutory duty to control the border and by knowingly making false statements to Congress." The Republican complaints against Mayorkas are effectively a proxy war against Biden's handling of border issues and certain to be a prime issue in the November presidential election, where Biden is again likely to face former Republican President Donald Trump after defeating him in 2020. Trump says his tougher immigration stance is needed to secure the border. A bipartisan group of senators proposed the toughest migration controls in years, and Biden supported the effort, but Senate Republicans rejected the measure last week after Trump said it was not tough enough. Aside from the details of the control of the southwestern U.S. border, Democrats and some outside legal experts have questioned whether the impeachment of Mayorkas meets the U.S. Constitution standard, which says it is reserved for those who have committed "high crimes and misdemeanors," not merely because Republicans oppose the way border controls are being enforced or not. University of Missouri law professor Frank O. Bowman told a committee investigating Mayorkas that impeachment "is not supposed to be a routine tool to resolve ordinary public policy debates, even very passionate ones." He said Mayorkas had not committed the serious types of offenses that impeachment is meant to be used for. "The House has a constitutional responsibility, as I've said many times. It's probably the heaviest next to a declaration of war. And we have to do our job regardless of what the [Senate] does," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, who supported the impeachment effort. President Biden urged the U.S. House to vote on a Senate approved $95 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Estonia says Russia is preparing for a military confrontation with the West. And, its been 200 years since the first dinosaur was discovered. What have we learned so far? The World Health Organization says the coming lean season in Sudan could trigger catastrophic levels of hunger and widespread illness and death from infectious disease among a malnourished, famished population. It has been 10 months since conflict erupted in Sudan, plunging the country into a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions, said Peter Graaff, acting WHO representative to Sudan. Speaking in Cairo Tuesday, Graaff told journalists in Geneva about 25 million people, more than half of Sudans population, need humanitarian assistance. Among them, he said 18 million are facing acute hunger, including five million at emergency levels of hunger who are just one step away from starvation. There is concern that the upcoming lean season will lead to catastrophic levels of hunger in the worst affected areas, he said. In Darfur alone, 200,000 children are projected to suffer from life-threatening hunger this year. Hunger weakens the bodys defenses and opens the door to disease and increases morbidity and mortality, he said. The World Health Organization warns time is of the essence because the lean season is just six short weeks away. That is the period of the year when food stocks are at their lowest ahead of the next harvest. Between April and July, Graaff warns Sudans already severe food security situation will worsen amid escalating fighting and months of deprivation as hunger will have weakened the ability to stave off the ill effects of disease. The people of Sudan are facing a life-or-death situation due to the continued violence, insecurity, and limited access to essential health services and supplies, he said. Malnourished people, particularly pregnant women and children, experience worse outcomes of disease; malnourished children are at increased risk of dying from illnesses like diarrhea, pneumonia, and measles, especially in a setting where they lack access to life-saving health services, he said. UNICEF estimates 3.5 million children are projected to suffer from acute malnutrition this year, including more than 700,000 who are expected to suffer from severe, acute malnutrition, the deadliest form of the condition. It says more than 70 percent of health facilities in conflict-affected areas are no longer functional, and two-thirds of the population lack access to health care. The situation in Sudan is therefore a perfect storm as the health system is hardly functional, Graaff observed. The childhood immunization program is breaking down, and infectious diseases are spreading, he said, noting that thousands of cases of cholera and dengue have been reported, as well as more than 1.2 million cases of malaria and other infectious conditions. A power grab between two rival generals from the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on April 15 plunged Sudan into a deadly conflict. Since then, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, OCHA, reports nearly eight million people have been displaced, 6.1 million inside the country and 1.8 million into neighboring countries, making Sudan the largest displacement crisis globally. The Norwegian Refugee Council says Chad has received the largest number of Sudanese refugees, nearly 700,000, placing an unbearable strain on one of the worlds poorest countries. In a statement issued Wednesday, Jan Egeland, secretary general of the NRC who is visiting camps and the Adre informal settlement in eastern Chad this week, said that the world has seemingly forgotten the survivors of Sudans brutal war. Here in Chad, I have heard horrifying testimonies of deliberate violence and atrocities. Families fleeing neighboring Darfur have witnessed executions, rape, indiscriminate shelling, burning of camps, and massacresjust because of their ethnicity. And yet many survivors have been utterly abandoned, he said. They are forced to live in desperate, undignified conditions, under makeshift tents, lacking even basic assistance. How is it that these survivors have been so forgotten? he asked. The war is shattering an entire region in the heart of Africa, he warned. There must be a more effective diplomatic and humanitarian international response. Martin Griffiths, U.N. undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, asked similar questions at the launch of the U.N.s $4.1 billion appeal for Sudan last week. He warned that countries were ignoring the conflict in Sudan at their peril. Sudan geographically poses a threat to destabilizing parts of AfricaIt is something which we cannot allow to continue the way it is now, he said. We have to invest in political diplomacy. We have to invest in humanitarian efforts. We have to invest in the region as well, he said. Unfortunately, the WHOs Peter Graaff said, There seems to be little hope of a political solution in sight and little ability to reach hardest conflict-hit zones, such as Darfur and Kordofan, with the humanitarian aid they so desperately need. We stand ready to provide life-saving health services and supplies. But for this, we need safe and unhindered access, he said. There is so much more that can be done than what is being done right now. For this we need the international communitys commitment. Mqondisi Dube GABARONE, BOTSWANA Botswana's coalition of opposition parties has slammed the country's electoral body for traveling to Zimbabwe to benchmark its election procedures the process by which the performance of a system is assessed for success and emulation. Botswana will hold its general election later this year, and officials with the country's Independent Electoral Commission have been criticized for choosing the example of Zimbabwe, a country that held disputed polls in August 2023. The two-day benchmarking trip ended Wednesday, and Botswanas Independent Electoral Commissions focus was on management of electoral activities and how to conduct elections. Utloile Silaigwana, Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) chief elections officer, told journalists in Harare that the Botswana delegation will also learn about election publicity activities using radio and social media. While Zimbabwes 2023 election was disputed, Silaigwana said Botswanas visit is an endorsement of ZECs conduct of the elections. But the Botswana National Front opposition is displeased with the IECs trip to Harare, arguing Zimbabwe is not an ideal model for the conduct of free and fair elections. Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, spokesperson for the opposition Botswana National Front, expressed disappointment at the commissions trip. "One would have expected the IEC to benchmark in more developed democracies and systems with effective electoral institutions as an indication that they really want to achieve excellence in their mandate, Motshegwa said. The mission of Botswana's IEC benchmarking in Zimbabwe is simple: Just to learn how to rig an election. Lawrence Ookeditse of the Botswana Patriotic Front shared similar sentiments. We know that Zimbabwe for the past two decades has not been in a position where they have run credible elections, Ookeditse said. The election has been stolen time after time. We see a situation where in the middle of an electoral process, the IEC in Botswana says they are going to Zimbabwe to benchmark. If you want to benchmark to run elections, you are not going to go to Zimbabwe. The IEC, in a statement released Wednesday, said the visit to Zimbabwe was specifically to look at ZECs accreditation machine for election observers. International observers criticized a presidential election in Zimbabwe last August, saying it fell short of international standards and was conducted in an atmosphere of intimidation and fear. The winner, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, insisted that the election was conducted transparently, fairly in broad daylight. SEE ALSO: But Botswana Vice President Slumber Tsogwane, addressing Parliament on Tuesday, said there is no need to disparage Zimbabwe. It [Zimbabwe] is a sovereign state, and these people are our neighbors. Yes, some [election] observers might have said what they said, but this has been said about many [other] countries, Tsogwane said. But we cant come here and castigate Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a sovereign state, [which] is doing as well as any other country. If you have nothing to say good about Zimbabwe, just keep quiet. Grant Masterson, director at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, said despite criticism, there are positives in Zimbabwes electoral system. The decision has both positive and negative implications, Masterson said. From a technical perspective, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has performed very well in key areas [of] election management, most notably in civic voter campaigns, as well as stakeholder engagement. They really have a lot of good practices to teach other electoral commissions. On the other side of the coin, there is the consideration that the elections delivered in Zimbabwe have had huge question marks about their integrity. Zimbabwe said other electoral organizations from the region, including from Lesotho and Ethiopia, have visited to benchmark on conducting elections. Senegals government banned a scheduled march and suspended mobile internet access on Tuesday, amid continued protests over President Macky Sall's decision to postpone the Feb. 25 presidential election. The governments handling of the protests, which has led to three deaths in clashes between demonstrators and security forces, received international condemnation. The dead include a 22-year-old student at Gaston Berger University in the coastal city of Saint-Louis, who was killed Friday, a 23-year-old merchant in Dakar and a 16-year-old resident of the city of Ziguinchor who was killed Saturday while fleeing security forces. The protests erupted after President Sall postponed the planned Feb. 25 election until December, citing disputes over the eligibility of key candidates that Sall said threatened the credibility of the vote. Parliament backed Salls decision last week after security forces removed some opposition lawmakers from the chamber. Lawmakers also extended Salls tenure beyond April 2, when his term was scheduled to end, until the new election is held. SEE ALSO: After the decision, the Aar Sanu Election (Let's protect our election) collective, including 40 professional, religious and civil groups, called for a peaceful demonstration in Dakar on Tuesday. However, local authorities banned the march, saying it would block traffic in the area. The march will be postponed, said Malick Diop, the coordinator of the collective, who says "we want to remain within the law." The decision to cut internet access, according to the communications ministry, was to prevent "hateful" and "subversive" messages online, which could provoke further unrest. Senegalese authorities continue to display utter disregard for peaceful dissent, said Samira Daoud, Amnesty Internationals regional director for West and Central Africa, who called for an investigation into the lethal use of force against protesters. France has reacted to the protests, calling on Senegal to employ a "proportionate" response to protests, and for authorities to "hold the presidential poll as soon as possible." The United States Embassy in Senegal also reacted to the situation, posting on the X social media platform that Senegalese authorities should "fully respect" the right to protest. According to a spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, it is "extremely important that all Senegalese have their right to demonstrate peacefully respected," adding that the situation should be "resolved through established constitutional means." The United Nations, while expressing concern about the use of force against protesters, has called for an independent probe into the three deaths. Some information for this report came from Reuters and Agence France-Presse. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. US Embassy Public Affairs Officer Larry Socha addressing people attending an event to mark World Radio Day in Harare. Socha said there are many United States programs that are benefiting Zimbabweans and other nationals. (VOA) U.S. President Joe Biden called on U.S. lawmakers Tuesday to swiftly pass a $95 billion foreign aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, despite opposition in the Republican-led House of Representatives. "I call on the speaker to let the full House speak its mind and not allow a minority of most extreme voices in the house to block this bill even from being voted on," Biden told reporters. Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed the aid package by a 70-29 vote, with more than a dozen Republicans joining the majority Democrats in support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly expressed gratitude, saying U.S. aid "helps to save human lives from Russian terror." "American assistance brings just peace in Ukraine closer and restores global stability, resulting in increased security and prosperity for all Americans and all the free world," Zelenskyy said on X. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the measure is "one of the most historic and consequential bills passed [in] the Senate. A bill that so greatly impacts not just our national security, just the security of our allies, but also the security of democracy as we know it." SEE ALSO: He pointed to the bipartisan support and expressed confidence that a vote in the House would bring a similar outcome. House Republicans have tied objections to further Ukraine assistance with a push for action on security at the U.S.-Mexico border. House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday that the priority is to "secure America's own border before sending additional foreign aid around the world" and that the current Senate bill is "silent on the most pressing issue facing our country." Senate Republicans last week blocked advancing a measure that included the foreign assistance along with provisions to tighten restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border to try to curb the flow of thousands of migrants from crossing into the United States each day. Former U.S. President Donald Trump opposed the border measure as not tough enough, and Republican lawmakers followed his lead on the issue. Some right-wing Republican lawmakers, many of them aligned with Trump, have also voiced increasing opposition to sending more aid to Ukraine for its fight against the Russian invasion, imperiling approval of the assistance even though most Democratic lawmakers are in favor. "We have already given Ukraine more than $120 billion. This is more than enough money to secure every border in our country, unfortunately. But predictably, the $120 billion we've sent Ukraine has resulted in a yearslong stalemate that has cost hundreds of thousands of lives, both Ukrainian and Russian," Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said on the Senate floor Monday. In a "Dear Colleague" letter, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said, "Traditional Republicans must now put America first, and stand up to Pro-Putin extremists in the House who apparently want Russia to win. The American people deserve an up or down vote, and we will use every available legislative tool to get comprehensive national security legislation over the finish line." U.S. defense officials voiced hope that House lawmakers will approve the supplemental aid package soon, noting that Ukraine's forces are "still in the fight of their life." "Make no mistake our allies and our adversaries are watching," said Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh, briefing reporters Tuesday. "It's really important to send a message of resolve," she said. "As soon as we get this supplemental package passed in the House, they [Ukraine] will continue to see aid flowing to them." U.S. and Western officials have said Kyiv's most urgent needs include air defenses and artillery. But a report Tuesday from the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service raised concerns about how quickly the U.S. and its Western allies can supply Ukraine with what it needs. "It is almost certain that Western ammunition deliveries to Ukraine in 2024 will not be able to keep pace with the supplies available for the Russian Armed Forces," the report warned. "Russia's advantage over Ukraine in terms of available artillery ammunition will likely continue to grow." VOA's Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. A fire in Alexandria on Wednesday morning has claimed the life of one person, and injured five others. Officials say the fire was reported at a residence on the 1000 block of Jefferson Street in Alexandria. It was discovered that six people resided inside the single-family home. One adult male was found dead inside the residence, and five others were taken to Alomere Hospital in Alexandria. Three of the five were air lifted to the Hennepin County Medical Center. The other two were treated and released by Alomere. The Alexandria Police Department reportedly responded to a fire at the 1000 block of Jefferson Street early this morning. Intersections at 9th and 10th Avenue at Jefferson Street will be blocked. The public is asked to stay away from these intersections due to the active fire investigation ASML Netherlands BV ASML publishes 2023 Annual Reports Integrated overview of how we continue to create impact with our customers, suppliers and other key stakeholders VELDHOVEN, the Netherlands, February 14, 2024 - Today, ASML Holding NV (ASML) has published its 2023 Annual Reports. The 2023 Annual Reports ('Small patterns. Big impact') reflect on ASMLs business model and strategy, corporate governance, and financial performance. The 2023 Annual Reports also provide information about ASMLs contributions to a better, more inclusive and sustainable future through technology. The report includes messages from our CEO, CFO, CTO and CBO, as well as from ASMLs Supervisory Board Chairman and Remuneration Committee Chairman. In addition, you can read more about our employees and the impact they have, both on our business and society. The full reports and introductory video with CFO Roger Dassen are published on our website www.asml.com. ASML's primary accounting standard is US GAAP, the accounting principles generally accepted in the US. In addition to reporting in accordance with US GAAP, ASML also reports in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union ('IFRS') for statutory purposes. The most significant recurring differences between US GAAP and IFRS that affect ASML concern the capitalization of certain product development costs and accounting for income taxes. The reporting criteria used for the preparation of the non-financial information are the Global Reporting Initiative standards. ASML will file its 2023 Annual Report based on US GAAP with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and its 2023 Annual Report based on IFRS-EU with the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). ASML's 2023 Annual Report based on US GAAP will also be available at www.sec.gov. The 2023 Annual Report based on IFRS will be published at www.afm.nl. ASML will hold its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) in Veldhoven on April 24, 2024. The AGM agenda with all related documents will be available at www.asml.com on March 11, 2024. Story continues Media Relations contacts Investor Relations contacts Monique Mols +31 6 5284 4418 Skip Miller +1 480 235 0934 Sarah de Crescenzo +1 925 899 8985 Marcel Kemp +31 40 268 6494 Karen Lo +886 939788635 Peter Cheang +886 3 659 6771 About ASML ASML is a leading supplier to the semiconductor industry. The company provides chipmakers with hardware, software and services to mass produce the patterns of integrated circuits (microchips). Together with its partners, ASML drives the advancement of more affordable, more powerful, more energy-efficient microchips. ASML enables groundbreaking technology to solve some of humanity's toughest challenges, such as in healthcare, energy use and conservation, mobility and agriculture. ASML is a multinational company headquartered in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, with offices across EMEA, the US and Asia. Every day, ASMLs more than 42,400 employees (FTE) challenge the status quo and push technology to new limits. ASML is traded on Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ under the symbol ASML. Discover ASML our products, technology and career opportunities at www.asml.com. Attachment The UK arm of The Body Shop, the near 50-year-old cosmetics company renowned for ethical hair and skin products, has entered administration, administrators said Tuesday, placing thousands of jobs at risk. The retailer has appointed experts from FRP Advisory to oversee administration -- a UK process where financial experts are drafted in to try and save parts of a firm. "Today, the directors of The Body Shop International Limited have appointed Tony Wright, Geoff Rowley, and Alastair Massey of business advisory firm FRP as joint administrators of the company, which operates The Body Shop's UK business," said an FRP statement. "Taking this approach provides the stability, flexibility and security to find the best means of securing the future of The Body Shop and revitalising this iconic British brand." Administrators will update creditors and employees in due course. German private equity firm Aurelius had bought The Body Shop only in November, but the retailer ran into trouble in a tough economic climate over the key Christmas trading period. The Body Shop was founded in 1976 by Anita Roddick and has become a staple of the British high street, but it has been under various owners since she sold it to French cosmetics giant L'Oreal in 2006. The Body Shop has about 200 shops in the UK, or around seven percent of its worldwide total of some 3,000 stores in more than 70 countries. The company directly employs about 10,000 staff, while 12,000 more are employed via franchises. Since taking over, Aurelius had already sold The Body Shop business in most of mainland Europe and parts of Asia to an unnamed buyer. rfj/rl/cw Voters in suburban New York picked a Democrat to replace expelled Republican congressman George Santos on Tuesday, US networks projected, after President Joe Biden's party poured cash into TV ads to flip the seat in an election year. CNN and NBC News both called the race in favor of Tom Suozzi, forecasting that he had defeated Republican Mazi Pilip in the election, which was marked by a heavy snowstorm across the district. Suozzi, a veteran politician who previously held the seat and quit to unsuccessfully run for New York state governor, will serve out the remaining 11 months of the scandal-plagued Santos's term in the House of Representatives. The win chips away at the Republicans' narrow majority in the lower chamber of Congress. "Thank God," Suozzi said in a victory speech in Woodbury after the race was called. A crowd of supporters began chanting his name as protesters holding Palestinian flags briefly stormed the stage, shouting "genocide." "Despite all the lies... about Tom Suozzi being the godfather of the migrant crisis... despite the dirty tricks... we won." New York City Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, said Suozzi's victory "was good news for New York." Biden, facing an uphill battle to get aid for key allies Ukraine and Israel approved in the Republican-led House, called to congratulate Suozzi on his win Tuesday night, the White House said. Pilip conceded during a speech in East Meadow: "We are fighters, I called my opponent and congratulated him," she said. Pre-election polling had showed that the race was tight, with Democrats reportedly spending $14 million on advertising and the Republicans $8 million. Aggressive attack ads were used by both sides, with Republicans seeking to paint Suozzi as soft on illegal immigration, while Democrats characterized Pilip as against abortion rights. Migration and abortion are central political issues as the United States limbers up for November's presidential election set to pit Biden against Donald Trump in a re-run of the 2020 contest. One attack ad showed archive footage of Suozzi apparently boasting that he fought to keep immigration enforcement officers out of Nassau County, where a large part of the congressional district is located, when he was the area's top elected official. Anti-Pilip ads suggested she would seek a nationwide ban on abortions. Deep snow in New York's third congressional district, which includes small parts of Queens and Long Island's wealthy North Shore in Nassau, threatened to deter voters as authorities warned against driving. Both Suozzi and Pilip's campaigns responded by offering a dial-a-ride service for voters, while there were media reports that the Republicans paid for plows to clear roads in areas sympathetic to the party. Santos became only the third person to be ejected as a US lawmaker since the Civil War, in a rebuke previously reserved for traitors and convicted criminals. He had won a House seat in 2022, helping the Republicans secure a tiny majority, but it quickly emerged that his backstory was largely a fabrication. Santos, who has denied criminal wrongdoing, allegedly used donor money for Botox treatments and the OnlyFans porn website, as well as luxury Italian goods and vacations, according to the committee that investigated his conduct. While the constituency backed Biden in 2020, Republicans took several seats in the area in 2022 and have an effective local operation to get out the vote. gw/sst/caw/sco Israel vowed Wednesday to press on with a "powerful" operation in war-torn Gaza's Rafah, even as calls mounted for it to hold off sending troops into the territory's overcrowded far-southern city. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week ordered the Israeli army to prepare for an incursion into Rafah, where more than one million displaced Palestinians are trapped. Netanyahu has come under growing pressure to refrain from launching a large-scale ground assault on Rafah, but has insisted Hamas's battalions must be eliminated in the city. "We will fight until complete victory and this includes a powerful action also in Rafah after we allow the civilian population to leave the battle zones," he said in a statement. His pledge came with negotiations to pause the Israel-Hamas war in a second day and as deadly cross-border fire between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah movement stoked fears of wider conflict. Netanyahu vowed to crush Hamas in response to the Islamist group's 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 Israeli figures. At least 28,576 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israel's retaliatory military offensive on Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory. Dozens of the estimated 250 hostages seized by Gaza militants during the October 7 attack were freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during a week-long truce in November. Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo are hoping to secure a ceasefire that would see more of the roughly 130 hostages still in Gaza released in another swap. A Hamas source told AFP that a delegation was headed to Cairo to meet Egyptian and Qatari mediators, a day after Israeli negotiators held talks with the mediators. - Cross-border fire - CIA director William Burns had joined Tuesday's talks with David Barnea, head of Israel's Mossad intelligence service, which Egyptian media said had been mostly "positive". US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby called the negotiations "constructive and moving in the right direction". Netanyahu said Israel would push for the release of hostages through "strong military pressure and very firm negotiations". "And yes, I insist that Hamas drop their delusional demands, and when they drop these demands we can move forward," he said. With regional tensions high, the Israeli army said rocket fire from Lebanon killed an Israeli soldier, while Lebanese state media and a security source said Israeli strikes killed six civilians, including three women and two children, and a Hezbollah fighter in south Lebanon. Since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Hezbollah has traded near-daily fire with Israeli troops, with tens of thousands displaced on both sides. More than 240 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly from Hezbollah but also including over 30 civilians. In Israel, 10 soldiers and six civilians have been killed, the army says. The UN secretary-general's spokesman Stephane Dujarric warned "the recent escalation is dangerous indeed and should stop". US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller called for a "diplomatic path forward" to try to resolve Israel-Lebanon border tensions. - 'Hanging in the balance' - The potential for mass civilian casualties in Rafah triggered urgent appeals -- including from close allies -- for Israel to hold off sending troops into the last major population centre they have yet to enter in the conflict. Rafah, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians are trapped, is also the main entry point for desperately needed relief supplies. Terrified civilians are desperately seeking safety. "My three children were injured, where can I go?" Dana Abu Chaaban asked at the border crossing with Egypt, where she was hoping to cross with her bandaged-up sons. Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians have sought shelter in makeshift camps by the Egyptian border where they face outbreaks of disease and a scarcity of food and water. The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that "a new phase of the conflict is unfolding", and called for the protection of civilian lives. "In view of a military operation in densely populated Rafah, we renew our call on the parties to the conflict, and all who have influence on them, to spare and protect civilian lives and infrastructure," said Fabrizio Carboni, the ICRC's regional director for the Near and Middle East. "It is urgent to do more now. Countless lives are hanging in the balance." Israel's military has kept up its bombardment of Gaza, with strikes on both Rafah and the southern city of Khan Yunis. - 'Crimes against humanity' - Fears were also growing over southern Gaza's Nasser hospital, where a nurse said snipers were killing people, sewage had flooded the emergency room and drinking water had run out. Mohammed al-Astal, 39, said the facility had been "besieged" for a month. "At night, tanks opened heavy fire on the hospital and snipers on the roofs of buildings surrounding Nasser hospital opened fire and killed three displaced people," he said. The Israeli military said troops have been "thoroughly instructed" to protect civilians and medical facilities. Some Gazans in Rafah were packing their belongings in readiness to move but others vowed to stay put, fearing even greater misery and starvation in the bombed-out hometowns they fled. Ahlam Abu Assi said she "would rather die" in Rafah than return to the famine-like conditions facing relatives who stayed in Gaza City. "My son and his children have nothing to eat. They cook a handful of rice and save it for the next day," she said. "My grandson cries from hunger." Two Argentinian-Israeli hostages rescued in a raid in Rafah on Monday had now been discharged from hospital, a doctor said. On Wednesday, around 100 representatives of the remaining hostages flew to The Hague to file a "crimes against humanity" charge against Hamas leaders at the International Criminal Court. And Spain and Ireland asked the European Union to "urgently" examine whether Israel is complying with its human rights obligations in Gaza under an accord linking rights to trade ties. burs-dv/srm Former general Prabowo Subianto claimed victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday as preliminary results put him well ahead of his two rivals to lead Southeast Asia's biggest economy. Polls had long shown the fiery defence minister to be the favourite after he pledged to carry on the agenda of popular outgoing leader Joko Widodo, who is accused of inappropriately backing his campaign and whose son is Subianto's running mate. "All counts, all pollsters... showed figures that Prabowo-Gibran won in one round," he told cheering supporters in central Jakarta, referring to his vice presidential pick Gibran Rakabuming Raka, who stood beside him in a matching checked shirt. "This victory should be a victory for all Indonesians." Official results are not due until next month but at least four government-approved groups -- making projections based on official early tallying -- showed Subianto winning around 57 percent for a clear majority. While claiming victory, Subianto stressed "we must still wait for KPU's official result", referring to the election commission. "We believe Indonesian democracy is running well. The people have decided," he told supporters. Subianto, who was a military chief during the Suharto dictatorship a generation ago, needs more than 50 percent of the overall vote and at least a fifth of ballots cast in over half the country's 38 provinces to secure the presidency. The 72-year-old -- who pushed street protests and launched legal challenges after losing the previous two elections -- thanked his supporters and called for unity. "Now the campaign is over, we must unite again," he said. The government-approved polling groups' "quick counts" have also been used in previous elections by candidates to claim victory. Pollsters take samples at selected voting stations after polls close, and are allowed to watch the count by election officials. The United States congratulated Indonesians for their "robust turnout," in a statement that did not mention Subianto, "We look forward to the General Election Commission's announcement of the official election results," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. - Key youth support - Subianto's military service was a deciding factor for some voters. "He has a military background, so I think he will be a decisive leader," said Afhary Firnanda, a 28-year-old office worker in Jakarta. Subianto was dismissed from the military in 1998 over accusations he ordered the abduction of democracy activists at the end of Suharto's rule, but he denied the allegations and was never charged. He has since rehabilitated his image, thanks in part to a social media campaign targeting Indonesia's youth that portrayed him as a "cuddly grandpa". That strategy appears to have paid off, and the ex-general acknowledged the youth vote helped him win in a country where millennials and Gen-Zers make up more than half the electorate. Another key factor in his popularity is picking Widodo's eldest son, the 36-year-old Raka, as his running mate, a move that raised eyebrows. Indonesia's then-chief justice, who is Widodo's brother-in-law, in October changed the rules that had barred candidates below age 40 from running for high office. Some observers have also accused Widodo of improperly using government funds to support Subianto, who has rejected accusations of impropriety. "Jokowi's support was massive," said Yoes Kenawas, political analyst at Atma Jaya Catholic University, using the president's nickname. "Social welfare aid was distributed through the state apparatus... that's the main factor." And rights groups have expressed alarm he could roll back hard-won democratic freedoms. "We've been always worried about his commitment towards democracy," said Yoes Kenawas, a researcher at Jakarta-based Atma Jaya Catholic University. "If he wins, those questions will always linger." - Waiting - Fellow candidate Anies Baswedan, who had been the favourite to battle Subianto in the event of a runoff, said he would respect the result only when it was finalised. "We have to respect the people's decision," he told reporters at his campaign headquarters after his rival claimed victory. But analysts said the projections indicate Subianto has likely avoided a June runoff. "With those kinds of numbers I'm relatively confident he won't need a second round," said Justin Hastings, international relations professor at the University of Sydney. A spokesperson for Ganjar Pranowo, polling third, told reporters his team had discovered "structured, systematic and massive" electoral fraud, without providing evidence. Nearly 205 million people were eligible to vote in the fifth presidential election since Suharto's dictatorship ended in 1998. More than 20,000 seats were contested with planes, helicopters, speedboats and even cows used to cart ballots around the sprawling archipelago. bur-mtp/jfx/dhw/mlm/bgs Photo-Illustration: Vulture; Photos: Warner Brothers/Everett Collection, Jan Thijs/Summit Entertainment/Everett Collection, DreamWorks/Everett Collection, Everett Collection Getting ghosted can really hurt. But what happens when theyve really left this world? Movie romances with racing pulses and a rising temperature might get the most airtime on Valentines Day. But sometimes love is so fiery and ardent it can even extend to the spiritual realm. Cinema has shown us time and again how romance can endure between these two worlds, from Old Hollywood classics like The Ghost and Mrs. Muir to 2000s rom-coms like Just Like Heaven. Each shows us a passion and devotion that transcend our mere scientific limitations on life and the afterlife. With V-Day and the release of Lisa Frankenstein (February 9) a wicked new Diablo Cody (Juno) comedy following a teenager entangled with a cute boy corpse were retracing some of moviemakings greatest romances between the living and the dead. But be warned: Its not all sickly-sweet, supernatural passions. Yes, sometimes these movies show us that loving beyond spatial planes can be a joyous and enchanting experience. But other times, they capture stories of love struggling between realms and wilting away all for the sake of the living. Romantic, no? And then there are the devastating tales of the dead never reconnecting with their living partner, films that stress we can only ever hold on to love through our own memories. Each might have a different ending or reanimated lover, but the message often remains the same: Dont ever give up the ghost when in love. Now, lets find those matches made in heaven. [Ed. note: Spoilers follow for each of the listed films.] The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947) Old Hollywood delivered some memorable takes on ghostly romances many in the late 1940s, sadly after WWII but none as timeless as The Ghost and Mrs. Muir. We follow the young eponymous widow, Lucy (Gene Tierney), who abandons London for life at a seaside cottage, where a gruff ghost is already residing. After some bumps in the night, Captain Daniel (Rex Harrison), finally appears and a romance begins to blossom between the two despite the laws of physics. There is an organic chemistry onscreen between Lucy and Daniel as their courtship is tested by the appearance of the philandering but charming womanizer Miles (George Sanders). Daniel might be an apparition, but he isnt letting Lucy go without a fight and soon starts meddling in her romantic business: If you insist on haunting me, you might at least be more agreeable about it! Lucy tells him. Tierney is radiant as the titular widow who finally finds some self-confidence after her husbands death, while Harrison is endearing as the brusque and coarse sea captain. The smart script blends comedy with flirtation and portrays the supernatural romance as so lifelike and possible. (Plus theres the deft direction by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, who adds palpable physicality to the fantastical story.) It all eventuates in a heartwarming tale chronicling the circuitous search some have when finding their forever partner. Rouge (1987) Rouge is a sumptuous allegory about bygone romance and a yearning for the return of what once was. The Hong Kongmade film begins in the 1930s as an aristocratic man, Chen-Pang (Cantonese pop star Leslie Cheung), meets a beguiling courtesan, Fleur (Anita Mui, another real-life pop star), in a traditional teahouse, marking the beginning of a death-defying lovers tragedy. With the relationship quickly condemned by Chens family, the two decide to commit suicide in an act to ensure their romance endures. Decades on, Fleur suddenly reemerges all white-faced and disoriented but not a day older to enter a newspaper office and ask to place an ad looking for Chen-Pang. Days are spent wandering the modern metropolis of Hong Kong in search of her lost lover, who we eventually learn never drank the opioid poison (and is now slumming it as an elderly film extra). When Fleur finally encounters her soul mate, its a crushing but completely clarifying experience: I didnt think it would end like this. It may be fate. But I cannot accept it. Much like the news that her favorite cinema has been replaced by a 7-Eleven, time has replaced the past for the future, and her former idealized lover is now a shadow (more ghost than human) of what he once was. Mui offers up a haunting performance as the alienated and mute apparition, all set against the lush and intense cinematography that seeks to evoke the jarring tenor of modernity. The specter of loss physicalized by the ghostly Fleur is one palpable and moving cinematic experience. Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990) The 90s were a decade of paranormal romance starting with this and Ghost and ending with What Dreams May Come. Truly, Madly, Deeply is a rawer and more ruminative take on reconnecting with a departed lover. It follows Nina (Juliet Stevenson), a young interpreter who is inconsolable when her cellist boyfriend, Jamie (Alan Rickman, in a very debonair role), dies without warning. In her grief, Nina longs for Jamies return to help shade in the missing and unrealized parts of their future together. The wish is granted with Jamie returning one day as a ghost. Unfortunately, the renewed romance begins to soon wither under the quotidian strain relationships can suffer. Jamie begins to slowly wear down Nina, who finds his quirks (like running the heat high in their flat) far more taxing than when they were together. I dont want you to go I dont know what I want, Nina says. With a searing score soundtracking their (enduring) romance, the film avoids playing with the astral plane and instead stresses daily mundane minutiae and the hurdles for overcoming grief. Its all a process, ironically enough, enabled by Jamies return to Ninas life. Although the pair dont end up together Nina is bewitched by a charming shrink the unsaid things now said and undone deeds now done, a bittersweet reality is realized: Not every romance is perfect, nor every partner. Its an emancipating epiphany for Nina, who is finally freed of Jamie by his spiritual return. Truly, Madly, Deeply is a powerful reminder that loving someone sometimes means letting them go. Ghost (1990) You in danger, girl. Ghost is perhaps the most celebrated dearly-departed love story thanks mainly to one pottery wheel and the phrase ditto. It sees Sam (Patrick Swayze) stuck in limbo land after his nefarious Wall Street colleague puts a hit out on him while embezzlement is afoot at the company. What soon follows is a desperate quest for Sam to reconnect with his very alive and grieving girlfriend, Molly (Demi Moore), to reveal the truth of the workmates ruse and confess his enduring love for her. After a chance encounter with a budget-psychic storefront, Sam harasses the scamming clairvoyant, Oda Mae (Whoopi Goldberg, in an Oscar-winning turn), to help him talk beyond earthly boundaries and connect with Molly again. Ghost is a rare film breed that blends romance and grief with action and comedy, delivering a comforting tale of giving people closure when the end finally comes. Its amazing, Molly. The love inside you take it with you, Sam famously imparts before skating off to the pearly gates. While scenes from the film have become supersized and parodied like the Unchained Melody pottery-wheel scene it still largely holds up as an emotional, and often funny, depiction of what many of us fear: leaving our loved ones too early on this earth. City of Angels (1998) Sometimes Heaven is a place on earth. In City of Angels, fallen angel Seth (a postCon Air coiffed Nicolas Cage) soon finds his divine duties on earth a challenge. Its his job to help guide the deceased up safely to the pearly gates, but fate has other plans for him. One day, the elusive Seth meets the equally alluring but totally living doctor Maggie (Meg Ryan), who is suspicious and unbelieving of the mystical wonders of this world. Sidestepping his celestial responsibilities, Seth tries to enchant Maggie into falling in love with him but he must be a mortal man to do it. So Seth climbs atop a towering Los Angeles building and leaps off to accept the pains and pleasures of being human again. Humor helps lighten this dramatic transition in the courtship: Im a messenger from God, he tells Maggie, who decides to flirt back: Did you use my pager? I usually dont get messages unless you beep me. Theres a soft solemnity to the story, which doesnt shy away from wrestling with heavy emotional issues many face in the course of loving: longing, rejection, death, grief, and loneliness. When Seth decides to become human, so comes the tumultuous and fraught territory of feeling and knowing what it is to be one. Perhaps a little more sentimental than other angelic romance films, City of Angels is nevertheless one heartfelt and earnest examination of connection with the Hereafter. With a tragic final coda, the film underscores that earthly reunions are always possible in the beyond. Corpse Bride (2005) Sometimes its the dead that can best show us our true love. Or so the story goes in Mike Johnson and Tim Burtons stop-motion musical animation, Corpse Bride. The film follows Victor (Johnny Depp) soon to be married to Victoria (Emily Watson) who is pulled into the Land of the Dead after he fumbles his way out of his own ceremony and unintentionally marries a corpse. That dead body is Emily, the Corpse Bride (Helena Bonham Carter), who entraps Victor into a marriage in the underworld while Victoria is forced into her own unwanted matrimony. With macabre dances in the moonlight, popped and scattered eyeballs, and displaced skeletal ligaments, Emily is an enchanting, if desperate, paramour to Victor and refuses to give him up. Dont you understand?! Youre the other woman, Victor pleads with her. Macabre musical numbers like the pun-ish Remains of the Day provide an apt and ironic soundtrack to a story about one very complicated love triangle. While Victor doesnt end up with the titular bride, the dance with death he experiences in eternal damnation provides the certainty he hadnt yet achieved: knowing who his soul mate is. Corpse Brides necro-comedy (Does he have a dead brother?) and spirited story about romance finding itself again is one poignant and fun tale of deathly love. Just Like Heaven (2005) Few rom-coms about the afterlife are as sweet and satiating as Just Like Heaven. It follows David (Mark Ruffalo), an architect who is recently widowed, meeting ER doctor Elizabeth (Reese Witherspoon) in his new San Francisco sublet apartment. Problem is, only David can see her. Elizabeth, a major workaholic (described by one neighbor as a cat lady without any cats), has actually been in a car crash, and now her spirit lingers dormant in the apartment. David, who initially is irritated by the ever-present ghost, soon warms to Elizabeth and forms an unlikely bond. But Elizabeth isnt quite dead shes actually deep in a coma and living on life support. With light and dark comedy aplenty from awkward run-ins with Elizabeths sister and a meat cleaver to black jokes about end-of-life decisions Just Like Heaven is a whimsical celebration of finding love anew and fighting for it. The metaphysical might be a challenge for the couple (like trying to convince friends that Elizabeth is real), but no more than the physical (like when David must cart Elizabeths literal body out of the ICU to save her). Witherspoon is divine as the steely and smart apparition, resisting romance to make clinical assessments; Ruffalo is the gallant but gauche lead whose own past grief and earnestness make him an ideal lover. Just Like Heaven is one fun reminder that seventh heaven is finding a kindred spirit. Warm Bodies (2013) Even if someones dead behind the eyes, dont think theyre missing a heart or a pulse. Warm Bodies is a romantic comedy about a (zombie) boy meeting a (human) girl and the (human) girl falling in love with the (zombie) boy. After a zombie apocalypse ravages planet Earth, R (Nicholas Hoult) roams around an empty airport dead-eyed until he encounters the ravishing and very human Julie (Teresa Palmer). (The fateful encounter happens after her gun fails to fire on him.) A whirlwind courtship soon ensues in a discarded airplane, where Bruce Springsteens Hungry Heart blares and cute seat games begin to fortify the unlikely bond between the two lovers. Society, however, is firmly against the idea of letting R cavort with humankind lest he get peckish even friend Nora (Lio Tipton) and her vain attempts at a human makeover fail to convince everybody. A bullet to the torso doesnt do the trick despite Julies father Grigios (John Malkovich) good aim. Love proves completely transformational against the human-zombie divide as the romance finds R enlivened as human again: Hes alive! Corpses dont bleed! Julie cries. Warm Bodies is a camp and unpretentious take on the classic Romeo and Juliet tale, all spiritedly (!) recut within the zombie-horror world. Come for the lifeless fun; stay to have your own pulse raised. A Ghost Story (2017) If Ghost romanticized the power of love to transcend the physical realm, A Ghost Story is a meditation on what happens when contact cant be made and on life moving on. After C (Casey Affleck) dies suddenly in a car crash, he awakens as an apparition invisible to everyone else. His partner, M (Rooney Mara), grieves in his absence and eventually begins a new relationship, all the while C watches on from the sidelines in a white hooded sheet. (Ms grief is so great she desperately gorges on a pie until she pukes it all up.) Vain attempts at making contact including trying to extract a long-hidden note tucked away in a doorframe crevice fail. M later leaves, while the house is eventually bulldozed. While not a romance story by any ordinary definition, A Ghost Story is still a deeply affecting and melancholic meditation on how love cant extend beyond the spiritual realm, as much as past moviemaking efforts have told us it can. Loneliness and grief set in, but there is a strange comfort knowing that C once had a fulfilling and deep bond indeed, its all that can nourish him, as his former world is finally destroyed. The haunting score, the jumps in time, and the blankness of the unmoored titular ghost evoke a deep, spiritual dislocation, serving as a powerful reminder of the limitless ability of love to persist. Even in the astral plane. Hes a curator. Photo: JC Olivera/Getty Images Cillian Murphy just scored his first Oscar nomination for Oppenheimer, but dont be surprised if the next time you see him is on an episode of Hoarders. Murphy refuses to let go of his deep well of physical media. I still have all my CDs and DVDs and Blu-rays, he told GQ in a February 13 profile. I cannot get rid of them. In a post-Zaslav world, thats the safest approach. I did get rid of my VHS, though, he admitted. I just left them on the street because nobody wanted them. I went and brought them to a library and was like, Look at this pretentious collection of art films! and they were like, No thanks, man Marie Kondo would be so proud of this Irishman sorry to whatever Irish library chose not to house the Cillian Collection. Checking out Murphys old copy of La Haine would be right up there with the Blarney Stone for tourists. Photo-Illustration: New York Magazine; Photo: Getty Images In June 2022, Sofia Coppola placed a worried call to her cinematographer, Philippe Le Sourd. They were preparing to shoot her new biopic of Priscilla Presley, and the director was close to casting the all-important role of Elvis. She didnt tell me who she had in mind, says Le Sourd, but she asked if it would be a problem to shoot with a tall actor. You can understand her concern: Cailee Spaeny, the actress who was slated to play Priscilla, is just five-foot-one. The actor in question was Jacob Elordi, the 26-year-old Australian heartthrob, who is classically handsome with a whiff of Elviss charisma and is six-foot-five. In Hollywood, that is not just tall but towering, unapologetically altitudinous in a way that few leading men have ever dared to be. Could the cinematographer cram such differently sized humans into the same frame? Le Sourd took a can-do approach. I told Sofia, Theres always a technical solution, and well make it look as good as possible, he says. But Im sure that for some directors, the height difference couldve been too much. In most walks of life, height like Elordis is an advantage. Tall people, especially men, make more money, get more matches on dating apps, and win more presidential elections. They can also run faster, see better at concerts, and buy booze for high-school parties without wearing a trench coat and standing on a friends shoulders. One of the vanishingly few places on earth where height does not automatically confer benefits is a movie set, where logistics seem to favor smaller performers. Diminutive actors like Tom Cruise and Tom Holland (both about five-foot-seven) or Robert Downey Jr. and Joaquin Phoenix (both five-foot-eight) can pair more easily with most co-stars and play younger characters for longer, thus expanding their career options. Extremely tall actors, when theyre cast at all, tend to get pigeonholed as villains, comic relief, or space creatures like Peter Mayhew (seven-foot-three), who portrayed Chewbacca, or Bolaji Badejo (six-foot-ten), who played the title role in Alien. Or at least this is what Elordi himself had been taught to believe. Everybody would tell me Id never work because they wouldnt be able to partner me with people, or they wouldnt be able to lift the camera up high enough, he told GQ in 2020. I used to try to pass as six-two or six-three because people hear six-five and go, Hes a giant. (Elordi declined to comment for this story. Also: Many actors true heights are treated as state secrets, and no one mentioned in this article agreed to let us measure them. The numbers given are the best we could find.) Elordi is taller than just about every tall person on todays A-list, including Adam Driver (six-foot-two), Will Ferrell (six-foot-three), and Jason Momoa (six-foot-four). Hes taller than Tim Robbins, who, at six-foot-four-and-a-half, is the tallest star to ever win an Oscar. Only a handful of actors are the same height, such as John Cleese, John Corbett, Stephen Fry, Armie Hammer, Joe Manganiello, Tom Noonan, Tyler Perry, Randy Quaid, and Vince Vaughn. Its impossible to create an exhaustive list of the very tallest actors in part because some of them are actively misleading about their height like Nicholas Braun, who once described his six-foot-seven frame as the biggest impediment to getting roles and has tried to pass as several inches shorter. But aside from athletes who have moonlighted in movies, only a very few working actors are taller than Elordi, including Pete Holmes, Bo Burnham, and Penn Jillette (all six-foot-six), James Cromwell and Stephen Merchant (both six-foot-seven), and Brad Garrett (six-foot-eight). Yet so far Elordi doesnt seem to be having trouble booking roles. In fact, its rare for a burgeoning star to be in such high demand, let alone one who probably bangs his head on doorframes. Elordi first came to attention in Netflixs 2018 teen romance The Kissing Booth and the HBO series Euphoria in 2019. Last fall, he starred in Priscilla and then Emerald Fennells Saltburn, in which he made such an impression opposite Barry Keoghan (five-foot-eight) that Etsy shops are selling candles that purportedly smell like his bathwater. Until now, he has mainly played naifs and crush objects, occasionally leveraging his height to convey a sense of menace. But this year, hell expand his repertoire in the film On Swift Horses, as a gambler in 1950s California, and in Paul Schraders Oh, Canada, as the younger version of the main character, played by Richard Gere (five-foot-ten). (Richard grew six inches for the occasion, Schrader tells me in an email.) Elordi recently began shooting Guillermo del Toros Dr. Frankenstein, in which hell play Frankensteins monster. Elordi and Spaeny in Priscilla. Photo: A24 The speed and ease of Elordis rise is enough to make one wonder just how strong Hollywoods bias against the tall really is. If he has come this far despite so much height, how much further can he go? How high is the ceiling for a six-foot-five star? I put these questions to industry professionals, most of whom insisted that being tall is not the insurmountable hurdle to an acting career that it has been made out to be. Casting director Pamela S. Kramer says that tallness might have been more of an issue in the past but that something in Hollywood has changed in recent years. Im surprised sometimes when I get a casting breakdown and it says it doesnt matter what an actors weight or height is, she says. In theory, this pivot to open-mindedness was supposed to help plus-size and disabled actors, as well as other nontraditional types that have historically been shut out of movies and here it is benefiting the most conventionally gorgeous man ever born. Still, some of those same insiders told me that in certain cases an actors height can remain a deal-breaker. Once, we had already cast an actress who was on the shorter side, says casting director Rich Delia. We had her do chemistry readings with actors. One of them was quite tall, and they looked odd together. The actor did not get the role. A couple of times when working on commercials, says Kramer, I was told that an actor couldnt be taller than six-foot-two; otherwise they wouldnt fit on the set. Judy Henderson, another casting director, says tall people may have more trouble in theater since onstage, you cant put the other actors on apple boxes. What about the co-stars of tall actors? Hollywood can be a minefield of egos and insecurities. Might some powerful actors not want to work with someone larger for fear of looking short? Liam Neeson has said that when he shot scenes with Clint Eastwood for 1988s The Dead Pool, Eastwood stood on curbs and the upside slopes of hills to appear taller. (Both actors are six-foot-four.) It has been rumored that similar adjustments were made to put Vin Diesel (five-foot-11) level with Dwayne Johnson in the Fast & Furious movies though the mystery of Johnsons height complicates this speculation. He has claimed to be six-foot-four and even six-foot-five, but photos show him to be about the same size as Barack Obama, who is six-foot-one. None of the casting directors I spoke with said they had ever personally witnessed anything like this. They tell me most actors Elordi is likely to encounter will be pros, game to do whatever it takes for the good of the production. For example, legendary character actor Saul Rubinek (five-foot-seven) co-starred with Garrett in the 2002 TV biopic Gleason, the film that, according to Guinness World Records, made Garrett the tallest actor ever to play a lead role. I asked Rubinek what he remembers about the shoot. For a couple of walk-and-talk scenes, I had to wear special shoes with eight-inch lifts, he says. It felt funny at first, and I was worried it would look weird, but it actually wasnt that hard to do. Of course, as ever, most of the real work is done by craftspeople. To accommodate Elordi, Priscillas Graceland set was built slightly larger than the real thing. Ceilings were raised, and Elviss couch was made taller. Spaeny was given shoe lifts and platforms to stand on. For dialogue scenes, Coppola made extensive use of reverse shots, in which only one speaker is shown at a time. Elordi even affected the movies aspect ratio. We couldnt shoot in CinemaScope a panoramic ratio much wider than it is tall because that wouldve made the difference in heights look even greater, says Le Sourd. Instead, Priscilla was filmed in a taller 1.85:1, allowing for more vertical space above and below Elordi to subtly de-emphasize his stature. (Maybe this is partly why Saltburn was shot in the nearly square 4:3 ratio.) But in some ways, the differential between Elordi and Spaeny was helpful. Priscilla takes a myth-busting approach to Elviss legacy, foregrounding the power and age gaps between its two main characters. (When they met in 1959, Elvis was 24 and Priscilla was 14.) Le Sourd says the shots in which Elordi towers over Spaeny underline that theme: In the beginning, we were just concerned about the technical challenge how do we make sure shes not too small? but as we were shooting, we discovered that his height actually helped tell the story. Whats most important, always, is the charisma and the talent of the actor, Le Sourd continues. If somethings not working, maybe your height is not the problem. Maybe you are the problem. Photo: The Daily Show via YouTube When Jon Stewart made his eagerly anticipated return to The Daily Show on February 12, he did so under the condition that hed be able to say what he wanted. Speaking to CBS Mornings in advance of his return as host, Stewart said he was motivated to take the job because he wanted a stage to unload thoughts as we get into this election season without the censorship that led to The Problem With Jon Stewarts cancellation by Apple TV+ in 2023. We have so much we are going to talk about this year. Obviously elections, Stewart teed up at the top of The Daily Show, which he is set to host every Monday through the 2024 election season and executive-produce for the immediate future. Maybe we will talk about China. Maybe we will talk about AI. Maybe something a little lighter: Israel-Palestine. Seconds earlier, hed asked the audience, Where was I ? as if picking up right where he left the show in 2015. Considering how much has changed since then, its almost jarring how little that question felt like a joke. Stewart began the episode with a 20-minute segment about the advanced age and faltering mental acuity of President Biden and Donald Trump heading into this years election. Drawing false equivalencies between politicians on either side of the aisle is a tendency that may have gotten Stewart in trouble in 2015s political climate, but thats not what he was doing here. Skillfully reading jokes off a teleprompter and reacting to videos of political gaffes as if no time had passed, Stewart expressed real concern over a recent special-counsel report about Bidens diminished faculties and faulty memory and the reactions to it within the Democratic Party. To wit, after watching a video of the Biden-Harris campaigns recently launched TikTok account, Stewart instructed the campaign to fire everyone, then deadpanned, How do you go on TikTok and end up looking older? Later, in response to a video of Vice-President Harriss insistence that Biden has been in front of and on top of every meeting theyve attended about national security, Stewart took a deep breath, then asked, Did anyone film that? Stewart spoke largely to the concern of progressives about the upcoming election by rotating through a series of graphics with titles like Indecision 2024: DeMOCKracy, Indecision 2024: Electile Dysfunction, Indecision 2024: What the Fuck Are We Doing?, and Indecision 2024: Antiques Roadshow. Where he was careful to cite Trumps criminal indictments and con-man past to reinforce that Trump is a materially worse candidate than Biden, he also pointed out this shouldnt make Biden immune from scrutiny. Its the candidates job to assuage concerns, not the voters job not to mention them, he said. Stewart didnt mean this as a justification for complacency; he ended the segment with a plea to avoid apathy. The work of making this world resemble one that you would prefer to live in is a lunchpail fucking job: day in and day out, he said. Im not saying you dont have to worry about who wins the election. Im saying you have to worry about every day before it and every day after. Forever. Although, on the plus side, I am told that, at some point, the sun will run out of hydrogen. Well aware of the scrutiny hed face in his Daily Show return, Stewart got ahead of critics by demonstrating a dose of self-awareness. In a fun segment reintroducing viewers to the Daily Show news team (Michael Kosta, Desi Lydic, Dulce Sloan, Ronny Chieng, and Jordan Klepper), the members of which will take turns hosting the show each week after Stewarts Monday residencies, Sloan mocked Stewarts return to the desk under the guise of commentary about the upcoming election. She referred to it as mere reboot and said, We need more than just the same show with an older yet familiar face. Then Klepper, who will handle hosting duties for the remainder of this week, crashed the desk to confront Stewart about using his 90s brand of snark and both-sider-isms to brainwash voters into accepting a corrosive status quo. Criticisms of Stewarts approach to The Daily Show have flooded in anyway with some pointing out that Stewarts jabs at Bidens age are unoriginal and others, including Keith Olbermann, saying they are unconvinced he did enough to sidestep both-sider-ism. But by and large, Stewart has tweaked the formula just enough to afford himself the freedom to unload his thoughts the way he had been looking for, and the ratings for his debut episode show promise that his former audience is ready to return along with him. Whether the cognitive dissonance of seeing him doing this behind the Daily Show desk in 2024 ever fully goes away remains to be seen. Kingsley Ben-Adir and Lashana Lynch in Bob Marley: One Love. Photo: Paramount Pictures A word salad of expository title cards describing Bob Marleys youth and the origins of political violence in Jamaica opens Bob Marley: One Love, offering a clue to the quandary in which the film finds itself. The picture gives us a small but pivotal slice of Marleys career from the attempt on his life in 1976 to the period he spent abroad in its wake, recording Exodus in London and the subsequent world tour that saw reggae music become a major international phenomenon. But the filmmakers cant commit to their own conceit. They keep trying to contextualize, to present little glimpses of the past, and are instead left with a hollow biopic. The films most evocative image comes relatively early, after Bob (Kingsley Ben-Adir) survives a brutal assassination attempt and heads to the mountains outside of Kingston to reconsider whether hell be playing his much-publicized Smile Jamaica concert, due to be held right before the countrys elections. Bob, called the skipper by his Wailers bandmates, stands on the edge of a precipice at night, looking at the city below and the ghostly light emanating from the stadium where hes set to perform. Its a real moment taken from Marleys life similar archival footage can be seen in documentaries and it possesses the kind of throwaway poetry the movie could use a lot more of. The filmmakers (director Reinaldo Marcus Green and his co-writers, Terence Winter, Frank E. Flowers, and Zach Baylin) have clearly done the work of sifting through Marleys life and finding choice nuggets to put onscreen. But they havent managed the artistry or effectively dramatized any of the material other than in the most simplistic ways imaginable. The result is a shallow picture book populated with cutouts where people should be. As Bob and the Wailers leave Jamaica for London to do some soul-searching and record their next album, the film flashes back to glimpses of his youth. We see a young Bob running from a burning field, pursued by a shadowy man on a horse who may or may not be the white father he never really knew. We see his embrace of the Rastafari faith and the way it gave him a sense of belonging. At every step, we want to know more not because what the film presents is tantalizing but because its so vague. A couple of early Wailers performances make us curious about the bands formative years: Seeing young Bob as a supremely talented but unsure teenager, we wonder how he became the skipper. The film doesnt really have any answers for us. One Love seems almost afraid to spend too much time with its characters lest we learn potentially unsavory or complicated things about them. During the assassination attempt, Marleys wife, Rita (played by the great Lashana Lynch, getting screen time but little else), is shot in the head and then promptly returns a couple of days later to be at his Smile Jamaica concert, which the real Rita did in fact do, quite spectacularly. But we sense very little tenderness in their exchange right beforehand. Is this a subtle suggestion of the transactional nature of their relationship, or is it just the filmmakers not quite knowing how to depict a complex marriage? Late in the movie, we get an obligatory outburst from Rita about the fact that she has been raising all of Bobs kids, including ones he had with other women. But its just lip service, narrative beat delivery instead of anything that provides any insight into the life of this remarkable woman. Nobody has done the actual work of trying to imagine any of these people in all their full-blooded complexity. Theyre shown as gods with occasional flaws, the standard approach of hagiography. Maybe the production tried at some point. In London, we catch extremely brief background glimpses of Cindy Breakspeare (Umi Myers), the Jamaican beauty queen with whom Bob had a lengthy love affair. She gets no real dialogue, however, and maybe one quick close-up, almost as if the character were cut from the finished movie. This basically reduces her to groupie and hanger-on status quite shocking, frankly, for a woman who was ever-present in Bobs life during this time and with whom he had a child. While it would be easy to assume the Marley familys involvement in the production mandated short shrift being given to this and other relationships, thats probably inaccurate; other documentaries about Marley produced in partnership with his family have not avoided these subjects. (This includes Kevin Macdonalds excellent and expansive 2012 documentary, Marley, which you may want to watch instead.) No, this seems more like the filmmakers shying away from portraying Bob and Rita Marley and the people around them as actual human beings with actual lives who existed in the real world. At least the songs are good, and there are, thankfully, a lot of them. One Love comes alive in its musical sequences, and Ben-Adir comes close to capturing the energy of Marleys joyfully shamanistic, transported whirling and hopping. Watching him perform and seeing the fluidity with which the band plays both in the studio and onstage, we may find ourselves wishing the film had stuck entirely to re-creating Marleys Smile Jamaica concert, the Exodus sessions, or even the 1978 One Love Peace Concert. Marley told his life story through his music; his lyrics are raw, confessional, and surprisingly specific. That his work found purchase all over the world seems paradoxical, but it really isnt thats the whole point of great art. Listening to Marleys songs, we understand something essential about him. Walking away from One Love, however, we somehow know less about him than we did going in. Photo: Peacock Andrea Arnolds Wuthering Heights is a film for perverts. This is praise. With its nearly incestuous (and nearly necrophiliac!) doomed romance, the 2011 adaptation is full of quivering eroticism and feral brutality, less interested in maintaining pure authenticity with Emily Brontes narrative than in constructing vivid presentations of love as an engine for discomfort, agony, and vengeance. The movie equates the hidden, natural world with our hidden, carnal urges our desire to taste and bite and suck and lick and swells the story with tension between repression and possession. Comparatively, the cum-slurping and grave-humping in Saltburn is for beginners. Brontes Gothic classic is a story of forbidden things forbidden love, forbidden freedom, and forbidden humanity told through the doomed bond between tortured, yearning orphan Heathcliff (played as a teen by Solomon Glave and as an adult by James Howson) and humane, constrained Catherine Earnshaw (Shannon Beer and Kaya Scodelario). The original novel uses a frame story and an outsiders perspective, that of the Earnshaw familys domestic help Nelly, to recount decades of events. Years ago, the Earnshaw patriarch brought home a young boy he found on the street whom he names Heathcliff; the boy forms a close relationship with Earnshaws daughter Cathy, and the two of them spend hours alone roaming the Yorkshire Moors. Their intimacy is endangered when Cathy befriends neighbors the Lintons, who mistreat Heathcliff, and it later becomes severed when Cathy announces shes marrying Edgar Linton. Heathcliff leaves Wuthering Heights in response; various forms of tragedy, revenge, and attachment follow that tie the families together through generations, and the novels ending suggests that the Earnshaws and the Lintons have finally found some kind of symmetry and peace. Arnolds film is primarily shaped by three adaptation choices that make for a film more curious than its source material about Heathcliffs outsider status and the abuse he receives from Cathys older brother Hindley, the familys servant Joseph, and the posh Lintons. The first change is that Heathcliffs life is told through his own eyes, eyes that look through windows and cracked doors to see arguments about whether he deserves to live here or be thrown back out onto the street. (Arnold said of that POV shift to Filmmaker magazine in October 2012, One of the things that I felt so strongly poring over it was that Emily was upset about difference. She was upset about being female. And I think Heathcliff is really a representation of a part of her, a part of her that felt annoyed about being different.) The second is that the back half of the book, which focused on Heathcliffs scheming and villainy, is gone, so the films 129-minute run time is focused only on the time Heathcliff and Cathy spend together. And the third, and most meaningful, is that Arnold takes seriously all the language Bronte uses to describe Heathcliffs race terms like dark-skinned gipsy, Lascar (referring to a sailor of Indian or South Asian descent), an American or Spanish castaway, or a child of an Emperor of China or an Indian queen and casts two Black actors in the role. Doing so sets Arnolds version apart from other adaptations, in which white actors like Laurence Olivier, Timothy Dalton, and Ralph Fiennes played Heathcliff, and gives Wuthering Heights another layer of friction and another level at which the events onscreen feel forbidden for their time. An interracial love story is one thing; an interracial love story in which the two people involved are embedded in a cycle of injury and soothing as a sign of their devotion and passion is another. By modern terms, what Heathcliff and Cathy do to each other in Arnolds Wuthering Heights shoving each other around, holding each other down, purposefully making the other jealous isnt role-model stuff. Contemporaneous reviews were mixed, with pans complaining about the mood (Eliza C. Thompson called the film so bleak that it ends up being a little too hard to watch for Bust) and the wilder erotic swings (The final scenes are less discomfiting than laughable, wrote Boston Globe critic Ty Burr). But our discomfort is key to Arnolds vision. A foundational aspect of her argument is that Heathcliff and Cathys love for each other became so charged because it was so illicit, and found so many animalistic means of expression because proper English society wouldnt allow it. The script Arnold co-wrote with Olivia Hetreed may not include what is arguably the books most recognized line Cathys Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same yet the film makes up for that omission by luxuriating in the earthly details that amplify this storys elemental chill. Wuthering Heights is shot in the 4:3 aspect ratio (which Arnold called not a popular format, but one that gives its characters real respect and importance), and for every mind-bendingly wide shot of dreary, fog-laden hills and wildflowers and boulders and a Planet Earthstyle close-up of flora and fauna, theres an accompanying moment of startling, almost unnerving intimacy between Heathcliff and Cathy. The film compares the natural worlds rhythms and dramas with Heathcliff and Cathys urges for each other; as hardwired as animals and plants are to survive, so too are they compelled to push one another away and then pull them back. During their first days together, Cathy spits on Heathcliff, then shares with him her collection of bones and feathers, the two of them together caressing the quills and plumes, including her favorite, a half-black, half-white feather from a lapwing bird. Later that night, dressed in an oversize white nightgown in which she pretends to be a ghost, Cathy invites Heathcliff to sleep beside her in bed. When Cathy turns to look at him, Arnolds camera focuses on the texture of the blanket, then on the tight curls of Heathcliffs hair. Later on, Heathcliff runs away from the indentured servitude hes forced into on the estate to wander the moors with Cathy; when they come back home, he unbuttons her dress and cleans her hair. Arnold then shows us a close-up of a bright-yellow moth, its wings and antennae quivering in the air, an image of anticipation and eagerness to echo whatever is building between these two teens. And the first (of many) sexually charged moments between Heathcliff and Cathy emphasizes Arnolds terrestrial juxtaposition even more explicitly. Cathy and Heathcliff smear each other with mud and tussle on the ground until he gets the upper hand, straddling her and holding her down; her legs kick out until they dont, and she fights back until she doesnt. The two stay there, staring into each others eyes in a position of dominance and submission, until Arnold cuts away to a clump of branches dotted with dew, the drops of moisture threatening to drip. Its an astonishingly kinky parallel, and its only one of various shockingly sensual, deeply uncomfortable interactions to come between Heathcliff and Cathy: her tongue licking the blood from his whipped back. The two embracing and grasping each other tight enough to hurt in the home Cathy shares with her husband, and Arnold conveying their desire through Cathys fist clenched in Heathcliffs hair, his hands moving up and down her torso, and the exhaustion in Scodelarios voice when she says to Howson, You killed me. (The four performances that make up this pairs dynamic are all raw and impactful, but Scodelario and Howson are particularly magnetic, giving each glancing look and touch a stolen gaze through a window, a gloved hand lightly grasping an arm anguished weight.) And in the films most radical scene, Heathcliffs body writhing on top of Cathys corpse, the sheets rustling and the candlelight blurring the outlines of their silhouettes, his face kissing her pallid-in-death one, his arm holding her limp hand up to rest against his neck. Other major moments from the novel follow in the film, like a frenzied Heathcliff digging up Cathys grave in the middle of a storm and a tree branch tapping against a window possibly being Cathys ghost. But nothing is as effective as that macabre consummation, and what it suggests about how Heathcliff and Cathys desire for each other is powerful enough to escape lifes borders and boundaries and endure in death. In the years since the films release, its slid into forgotten-adaptation territory. It never got the Tumblr adoration of Joe Wrights 2005 Pride & Prejudice, and it lost out in widespread acclaim to Cary Fukunagas similarly moody 2011 adaptation of Brontes sister Charlottes Jane Eyre. But, to quote another tragic romance: These violent delights have violent ends / And in their triumph die, like fire and powder, / Which as they kiss consume. Arnolds adaptation is a glut of hunger and longing, a cornucopia of stifled delights and keen despair that tests what well tolerate as expressions of love. Wuthering Heights is the Valentines Day watch that will turn you on as much as it makes you turn away. FILE PHOTO: A sign framed by maple leaves is pictured in front of the Bank of Canada building in Ottawa OTTAWA (Reuters) - Bank of Canada (BoC) Deputy Governor Toni Gravelle will discuss normalization of the central bank's balance sheet in a speech on March 21, the CFA Society of Toronto said in a post on its website. There's been speculation among some analysts that the central bank would soon put the brakes on its quantitative tightening (QT) program, a counter measure adopted to suck out massive liquidity pumped into the financial system during the pandemic era. In its monetary policy statement on Jan. 24 the bank said that it would continue with its QT program. Still, the scheduling of a speech next month on balance sheet normalization could be a signal that the end of QT was coming soon, Simon Deeley, director for Canada rates strategy at RBC Dominion Securities Inc, said in a note on Tuesday. Deeley expects the speech would lay the groundwork for an end of QT and a move to replace maturing bonds on the BoC's balance sheet, likely at the April 10 policy announcement when the central bank is also due to update its economic forecasts. The BoC's next monetary policy decision is due on March 6. After the BoC held rates steady for the fourth time last month, its Governor Tiff Macklem told reporters that it was too soon to end QT but the central bank would be refining its view on the appropriate size of the balance sheet as it approaches a previous estimate. The Canadian central bank launched QT in April 2022, aiming to reduce the size of its balance sheet after it purchased bonds in large scale to support the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It had earlier indicated that QT will run until the end of 2024 or the first half of 2025 when settlement balances will have fallen to a steady level, which it estimates to be in a range of C$20 billion to C$60 billion ($15 billion to $44 billion)), or roughly 1% to 2% of GDP. ($1 = 1.3552 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Promit Mukherjee and Fergal Smith; editing by David Ljunggren and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Mohsin and Zuber Issa face growing scrutiny amid debt and governance issues in their sprawling corporate empire - Jon Super The Issa brothers borrowed an extra $7m (5.6m) from their petrol station business to help repay loans for their private jets, new filings reveal. The latest revelations come amid growing scrutiny of the billionaire Asda owners sprawling corporate empire, which has been burdened by billions of pounds in debt and governance issues. Documents show that EG Group made loans to two companies that own the brothers Bombardier Global 6000 and Bombardier Challenger 350 jets. This includes a $2m loan that was advanced to the Clear Sky business in 2022, as well as a further $5m transferred to Clear Sky 2. They come on top of the 39m (33m) unsecured loans originally used to help buy the planes. The new loans, which were first reported by the Financial Times, were provided to help with interest payments on the earlier debt. They are set to be repaid later this year. An EG Group spokesman said: These loans have been provided at rates comparable to the average commercial rate of interest. The interest has been identified and recognised within EG Groups finance income. It comes amid questions over the complex structure of the Issa brothers businesses, with politicians also raising questions over debt levels in its consumer-facing companies. Asdas debt pile currently stands at around 4.2bn, while EG Group last year said a deal to sell its UK forecourts to Asda meant its net debt would fall to $5.7bn. MPs on the Business and Trade Select Committee have raised specific concerns over the pairs private jet loans. Last year, Labours Darren Jones, then chair of the committee, asked whether EG Groups partner TDR Capital and its bondholders were aware of the arrangements and whether interest was added to the loans at a later date. Mr Jones wrote: These questions are to help us understand if you are enabling Asda to do all that it can to help keep costs down during a cost-of-living crisis. Mohsin Issa, who owns the businesses along with his brother Zuber, responded in a letter to say that EG Group had publicly disclosed the loans: The board of directors of the EG Group are aware of, and approved, this arrangement. Story continues The details follow reports in The Telegraph earlier this month that Zuber Issa is attempting to offload his stake in Asda. Recommended Asda billionaires debt-fuelled empire puts pressure on prices 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. Farmers from across Italy set to show up for Rome protest on Thursday. Thousands of Italian farmers protesting against EU and Italian agricultural policies are set to demonstrate at the Circus Maximus in Rome on Thursday 15 February. In recent weeks farmers have caused widespread disruption to traffic across Italy, in parallel to protests in other European countries, by driving convoys of tractors along main roads and into city centres. Rome authorities have granted permission for a maximum of 10 tractors at the Circus Maximus protest on Thursday, with traffic restrictions in place from early morning. #Mobilita: giovedi 15 febbraio manifestazione degli agricoltori in zona #CircoMassimo. Dalle ore 8 divieti di sosta in alcuni tratti di strada e deviazioni delle linee bus 81, 118, 160, 628, 715. Info https://t.co/lZPwAhwV7J pic.twitter.com/MJx0GzFQX2 Roma (@Roma) February 14, 2024 The estimated number of people expected to attend the Circus Maximus demonstration ranges from 5,000 to 20,000, according to Italian media reports. The farmers are protesting over a range of issues including falling prices, rising costs, taxes and the impact of EU green regulations and free-trade policies. Juliet's balcony and tomb lure star-crossed lovers to Verona. To see the balcony where Romeo and Juliet declared their undying love for each other, all that is required is a suspension of disbelief and a train ticket to Verona. Because the Casa di Giulietta is nothing more than a romantic fantasy. Romeo and Juliet never lived in Verona. In fact Shakespeare's most famous lovers never lived anywhere at all. But far be it for facts to intrude on matters of the heart. The house was once inhabited by the Cappello family - a surname which sounds somewhat similar to Juliet's Cappelleti - and although the building dates to the 13th century, the balcony was actually added by enterprising locals in the 1930s. None of this matters of course to the steady stream of lovers who make their starry-eyed pilgrimage to Juliet's House, particularly on Valentine's Day, to revel in the make-believe romance of the balcony where Juliet speaks the Bard's cherished lines: "O Romeo, Romeo! Wherefore art thou Romeo?" Casa di Giulietta in Verona Inside the mediaeval building, located on Via Cappello 23, is a display of Renaissance-era costumes and the bed used in Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 classic movie adaptation of the tragic romance. A bronze statue of Juliet adorns the courtyard, with visitors lining up to rub her right breast for luck. This is a replica of the original statue - now displayed indoors - which was moved after a little hole was worn through Juliet's breast by decades of lovers' hands. Another tradition involves putting your love into print and leaving a written message on the Love Wall in the courtyard under the fairytale balcony. For sheer romance it would be difficult to beat Casa di Giulietta, yet Verona manages to do just that. Juliet's tomb in Verona. Photo Viaggiare, uno stile di vita. Continue your pilgrimage to undying love by visiting the monastery of S. Francesco al Corso, outside the citys mediaeval walls on Via Luigi da Porto 5. It was here that Shakespeare set the final tragic scene in which Romeo chooses to die next to Juliet, uttering the immortal words: "Thus with a kiss I die." Visitors today flock to the Tomba di Giulietta, Juliet's Tomb, with many shedding a tear over the empty sarcophagus in the simple crypt, representing the scene where the heroine met her tragic end. This too is the stuff of fantasy, of course, as the red marble sarcophagus is merely an extraordinary prop from a movie filmed in the monastery in 1937. Juliet's house can be visited Tues-Sun 09.00-18.00, with last entry 17.30 (Mon closed) while the tomb can be visited Tues-Sun 11.00-17.00, last entry 16.30 (Mon closed). Article first published on 14 February 2020, republished on 14 February 2024. Cioccolentino festival unites chocolate with eternal love. The 2024 edition of the Cioccolentino festival takes place in the Umbrian city of Terni, in honour of Valentines Day, from 9-18 February. The event is designed to unite chocolate with eternal love, and there is nothing casual about the choice of location: a third-century bishop from Terni was none other than St Valentine. The festivals programme of events include lessons in handmade chocolate and tastings as well as demonstrations and workshops by some of the regions most skilled pastry chefs and master chocolatiers on the streets of the historic centre. Visitors to Terni can even pay their respects to St Valentine, whose relics are preserved in the citys basilica under the sign St Valentine, patron of love. While hordes of tourists in Rome queue up every day to stick their hands into the Mouth of Truth, most miss the unexpected relic inside the church: the skull of St Valentine.https://t.co/cc72CZtG95 Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) February 12, 2024 Terni is about 75km from Rome and can be reached by train from the capital's Termini station. For full details see Cioccolentino website. Before the war, five people lived in Mohanad Alsaadawis family home in Rafah. There are now 31 people huddled beneath its roof as the last safe place in Gaza waits for Israel to launch what could be its deadliest military offensive. The mass of people crammed into a two-storey house, most of them having fled homes in other cities, towns and settlements now reduced to rubble by Israeli bombs, tells the bigger story of Rafah, the geographic and humanitarian end point of a conflict that has left two out of three surviving Gazans sheltering on a small wedge of land between the Egyptian border and Mediterranean Sea. People inspect the damage to their homes following Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, Gaza. Credit: Getty Images A prewar population of 275,000 people in Rafah has swollen to an estimated 1.4 million. Thomas White, the Sydney-born director of UN Relief and Works Agency aid operations in Gaza now based in Rafah, has worked in crisis zones for 20 years and never confronted a situation quite like it. The most striking thing here is that people are trapped, he told this masthead. There is nowhere to flee. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus evacuation order, issued late last week, for civilians to leave Rafah before IDF troops move in, has placed the city at the centre of a global political and humanitarian campaign to halt Israels advance into what Netanyahu called the last bastion of Hamas, the terror group responsible for the October atrocities. The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Single Window Workshop in Astana, Kazakhstan, from 29 November to 1 December 2023, hosted by the State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This mission to Kazakhstan was facilitated with the support of the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF China). During the opening of the Workshop, the Director of the Control Department, State Revenue Committee of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Eldos Saudabayev, acknowledged the importance of the WCO Single Window mission to Kazakhstan. He highlighted the growing need for trade facilitation tools and the fact that Single Window implementation formed an important cornerstone in this respect. He welcomed the WCO experts assistance in assessing implementation of the Kazakhstan Single Window system and in highlighting areas that might need improvement through the recommendations stemming from the three-day Workshop. The main objective of the Workshop was to conduct a performance evaluation and measurement of implementation of the Single Window system using the WCO assessment tools. The assessment was designed both to establish whether Kazakhstans Single Window system was aligned with WCO tools and instruments, especially the WCO Data Model, and to pinpoint any areas for improvement in order to move Kazakhstans Single Window Environment forward to the next level of maturity. Throughout the Workshop, the WCO experts presented several WCO instruments and tools of relevance to the Single Window Environment and trade facilitation. They also outlined the concepts of Single Window governance, Single Window performance management and sustainability, business process analysis and re-engineering, the WCO Data Model, and data harmonization, supported by case studies from different countries. Finally, the WCO experts gave a briefing on the newly developed Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) that would be used to measure Customs performance in all areas using voluntary self-assessment and peer review. They encouraged the Kazakhstan Administration to take part in the initial phase of the self-assessment when the PMM was launched. The WCO Workshop proved highly effective, as the Kazakhstan Single Window team appreciated the assessment of their Single Window system based on the Single Window Maturity Model, the practical exercises in data harmonization, and the sharing of best practices by other WCO Members having implemented similar solutions. The WCO will continue to support the development of the Single Window in Kazakhstan through implementation of the recommendations made at the end of the Workshop, with a commitment by the Kazakhstan Single Window team and the private sector to that end. Net Revenue : FY 2023 net revenue decreased to $42.6 million from $48.0 million in FY 2022. Gross Profit : Gross profit for FY 2023 was $23.6 million, maintaining a stable gross margin year-over-year. Operating Expenses : Operating expenses decreased to $31.4 million in FY 2023 from $34.0 million in FY 2022. Net Loss : Net loss for FY 2023 slightly increased to $(8.2) million from $(7.9) million in FY 2022. Adjusted EBITDA : Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2023 was $(2.0) million, compared to $(1.0) million for FY 2022. Liquidity: Cash and cash equivalents stood at $20.5 million as of November 30, 2023, with no debt. On February 14, 2024, Byrna Technologies Inc (NASDAQ:BYRN) released its 8-K filing, detailing the financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and full year 2023. Byrna Technologies Inc is a leader in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions, with a market presence spanning the United States, South Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, and Canada. Byrna Technologies Inc (BYRN) Reports Mixed Fiscal 2023 Results Amid Strategic Shifts The company reported a slight decrease in net revenue for Q4 2023 at $15.6 million compared to $16.0 million in Q4 2022. This was attributed to an exceptionally strong international sales performance in the previous year, including a significant stocking order from Argentina. However, domestic revenue showed robust growth, up 32% year-over-year and 122% sequentially from Q3 2023. Gross profit for Q4 2023 improved to $9.0 million, or 58% of net revenue, up from $8.7 million, or 54% of net revenue, in Q4 2022. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to a higher percentage of sales from the direct-to-consumer channel, which typically yields higher margins. Operating expenses for Q4 2023 increased to $9.7 million from $8.8 million in Q4 2022, driven by heightened marketing expenditures as part of Byrna's new celebrity endorsement strategy. This strategy has been pivotal in overcoming advertising challenges on major social media platforms, leading to a significant uptick in web traffic and sales. Story continues The net loss for Q4 2023 was $(0.8) million, compared to approximately breakeven in Q4 2022. The slight increase in net loss was primarily due to the increase in marketing spend and additional bonus accruals. Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2023 was $0.4 million, a decrease from $1.4 million in Q4 2022. For the full fiscal year 2023, Byrna reported a net revenue of $42.6 million, down from $48.0 million in FY 2022. This decline was largely due to a decrease in international sales, partially offset by increases in domestic dealer and distributor sales, Amazon sales, and Fox Labs sales. The net loss for FY 2023 was $(8.2) million, a slight increase from $(7.9) million in FY 2022. Byrna's CEO, Bryan Ganz, commented on the year's challenges and successes, highlighting the transformative impact of the celebrity endorsement program and the relaunch of the Byrna LE launcher. The company's strategic shift to celebrity endorsements has led to a record $15.4 million in domestic sales in Q4 2023 and a significant increase in first-time customers. 2023 was a transformational year for Byrna. We faced significant challenges but emerged stronger, with a successful celebrity endorsement strategy that has driven substantial growth in domestic sales and web traffic, said Bryan Ganz, CEO of Byrna. Byrna's balance sheet remains strong, with $20.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and no debt as of November 30, 2023. The company's financial stability and strategic marketing initiatives position it for potential growth in 2024. Investors and stakeholders are invited to join the company's management for a conference call to discuss these results and answer questions. Byrna's performance in FY 2023 reflects the resilience and adaptability of the company in the face of advertising challenges and market shifts. The company's focus on direct-to-consumer sales and strategic marketing initiatives, including celebrity endorsements, have helped to mitigate the impact of decreased international sales and position Byrna for future growth. For more detailed financial information and the full earnings report, please refer to the provided 8-K filing. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Byrna Technologies Inc for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Single Window Workshop in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from 4 to 8 December 2023. The Workshop was hosted by the State Customs Service under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic. The WCO Single Window mission to Kyrgyzstan was facilitated with the support of the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF China). During his speech at the opening of the Workshop, the Senior Inspector of the Project Implementation and Trade Facilitation Department of the State Customs Service of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Aibek Niiazaliev, welcomed the WCOs timely technical assistance and capacity building in the Single Window Environment. This support was coming at a time when the State Customs Service of the Kyrgyz Republic was in the process of finalizing the development of a new automated information system which would soon be rolled out. The new information system had been developed on the principles of the Single Window, such as single submission and interoperability. Like the current information system, the new one would be interfaced with the Single Window system being implemented and promoted by the Single Window Centre under the Ministry of Economy and Commerce of the Kyrgyz Republic, to allow for electronic exchange of information. The main objective of the Workshop was to provide Kyrgyzstan Customs officials with the WCO perspective, tools and instruments, and knowledge required for implementation of a Single Window system, coupled with sharing the experiences and best practices of other countries having successfully implemented similar solutions. Throughout the Workshop, the WCO experts showcased various WCO instruments and tools for the Single Window Environment and trade facilitation. These resources were aimed at offering participants guidance in developing streamlined operational procedures in a harmonized manner. The WCO experts also outlined the concepts of Coordinated Border Management (CBM), Single Window in the context of CBM, Single Window governance, Single Window performance management and sustainability, the WCO Data Model, and data harmonization, supported by case studies from different countries. Finally, the WCO experts gave a briefing on the newly developed Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) that would be used to measure Customs performance in all areas using voluntary self-assessment and peer review. The Workshop proved to be highly effective, as the Kyrgyz Customs Single Window team derived immense value from the presentations and hands-on exercises, particularly on data harmonization and mapping, as well as from the insights gained from other Members experiences and best practices in Single Window system implementation. The WCO Single Window Workshop significantly strengthened the knowledge and capacity of key Kyrgyz Customs officials to effectively implement an interoperability framework through the interface between the new automated information system and the Single Window system. This will benefit traders and government through reduced transaction costs and more efficient cross-border trade in Kyrgyzstan. Polaris Market Research & Consulting LLP The Canada pharmaceutical market size and share is currently valued at USD 48.62 billion in 2023. It is anticipated to generate an estimated revenue of USD 88.11 billion by 2032, according to the latest study by Polaris Market Research. Besides, the report notes that the market exhibits a robust 6.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecasted timeframe, 2024-2032. The key market players include AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Sanofi. New York, NY, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The latest research report [115+] pages with 360-degree visibility, titled Canada Pharmaceutical Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Route of Administration (Inhalations, Topical, Parenteral, Oral, Other); By Drug Type; By Disease; By Formulation, By End-Use; By Region; Segment Forecast, 2024- 2032" published by Polaris Market Research in its research repository. The Canada Pharmaceutical Market size and share is currently valued at USD 48.62 billion in 2023. It is anticipated to generate an estimated revenue of USD 88.11 billion by 2032, according to the latest study by Polaris Market Research. Besides, the report notes that the market exhibits a robust 6.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the forecasted timeframe, 2024-2032. Market Overview How Big Is Canada Pharmaceutical Market The term pharmaceuticals refers to substances used to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure diseases. It includes a range of pharmaceutical drugs that are procured from various sources. These are unscheduled medicines, pharmacy medicines, pharmacist-only medicines, prescription-only medicines, and controlled drugs. Some pharmaceutical drugs are available for general sale at healthy food stores and pharmacies, while others can only be procured after a prescription from an authorized healthcare professional. They play a key role in improving the life expectancy and quality of life of many patients. Story continues Pharmaceutical are manufactured by pharmaceutical companies, which may also deal in brand or generic medications and medical equipment. These firms are subject to various laws and regulations governing the safety, testing, efficacy, and marketing of pharmaceutical products. With the burgeoning elderly population in Canada, the Canada pharmaceutical market demand is anticipated to rise over the forecast period. Explore Our Canada Pharmaceutical Market Research: Request a Free Sample Copy of the Report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/canada-pharmaceutical-market/request-for-sample (The sample of this report is readily available on request. The report sample contains a brief introduction to the research report, Table of Contents, Graphical introduction of regional analysis, Top players in the market with their revenue analysis, and our research methodology.) OR Purchase a Thorough Analysis Report with an Extensive Table of Contents, List of Key Players, Key Segment Analysis & Detail Regional Insights @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/buy/3366/2 Canada Pharmaceutical Market Key Companies AbbVie, Inc. AstraZeneca Eli Lilly and Company F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. GlaxoSmithKline plc. Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. Merck & Co., Inc. Novartis AG Pfizer, Inc. Sanofi Request for a Discount on this Report Before Purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/canada-pharmaceutical-market/request-for-discount-pricing Key Highlights The market for pharmaceuticals in Canada is primarily driven by the rise in the elderly population who are more susceptible to several metabolic and lifestyle disorders. The Canada pharmaceutical market segmentation is primarily based on drug type, route of administration, disease, formulation, and end-use. Market Developments Growth Drivers: Rise in elderly population : Canada has witnessed a steady rise in the elderly population over the past decade. The elderly population, which is more susceptible to lifestyle and metabolic disorders, has resulted in increased occurrences of chronic conditions among elderly Canadians. The comorbidities associated with these conditions are expected to impact the Canada pharmaceutical market growth favorably. Incorporation of advanced technologies: The pharmaceutical sector in Canada is witnessing a continuous state of advancement. The sector has embraced several innovative technologies such as electronic prescription systems and automated dispensing systems. These innovations have the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of pharmaceutical products, thereby fueling market expansion. Industry Trends Early disease diagnosis: The rising need for early and accurate disease diagnosis, along with the growing demand for advanced therapeutics, is projected to favorably impact the Canada pharmaceutical market size. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Canada, contributing to around 28% of annual facilities. In 2022, Canada witnessed over 233,990 new cancer cases and 85,100 cancer-related deaths. Restraints: Intense competition: With heightened competition, pharmacies find it difficult to distinguish themselves from their competitors and attract customers. The recent surge in the number of pharmacies in Canada has led to market saturation in specific regions, making it challenging to both attract and retain customers. Besides, governmental policies play a vital role in the heavily regulated Canadian pharmaceutical sector. Inquire more about this report before purchase @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/canada-pharmaceutical-market/inquire-before-buying (Inquire a report quote OR available discount offers to the sales team before purchase.) Segmentation Overview The Conventional Drugs Segment Accounted for the Largest Market Share Based on drug type, the conventional drugs (small molecules) segment witnessed the largest Canada pharmaceutical market share. This is primarily because small molecules act as a cornerstone of drug development and contribute to the R&D initiatives in the industry. The effectiveness of these molecules in treating a wide range of conditions contributes to the increased market demand. Besides, strategic alliances and significant developments enhance Canadas position in the global pharmaceutical sector, allowing the development of innovative drugs and advancing the countrys impact on healthcare solutions across the globe. The segments growth will further be fueled by strategic initiatives undertaken by market key players. For instance, in April 2023, leading pharmaceutical firm Takeda signed a licensing agreement with Treventis for a set of small molecules designed to target tau. These molecules were created by leveraging Treventis expertise in Alzheimers disease and neurogenerative research. The collaborations significance in the Canada pharmaceutical market lies in the potential to develop an effective medication that targets brain tau, an area that doesnt have suitable treatment options. The Oral Route of Administration Emerged as the Leading Revenue Contributor The oral route of delivering medications is widely preferred due to its various benefits, including cost-effectiveness, non-invasiveness, and ability to promote patient compliance. The versatility of oral pharmaceutical drugs across different medical conditions strengthens the prominence of the oral administration route, ensuring broad accessibility and effectiveness in drug delivery. These factors play a vital role in shaping pharmaceutical markets, improving treatment accessibility, and providing a user-friendly experience to users. The parenteral segment is projected to experience the highest CAGR in the Canada pharmaceutical market. With the parenteral administration method, medications get directly injected into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. Also, it plays a crucial role in ensuring swift drug delivery and is particularly helpful in situations that need consistent blood levels. To Know More About the Research Report, Speak With Our Research Analyst @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/canada-pharmaceutical-market/speak-to-analyst Canada Pharmaceutical Market: Report Scope & Dynamics Report Attribute Details Revenue Forecast in 2032 USD 88.11 Billion Market size value in 2024 USD 51.72 Billion Expected CAGR Growth 10.5% from 2024 2032 Base Year 2023 Forecast Year 2024 2032 Top Market Players AbbVie, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novartis, Pfizer, and Sanofi, etc, among others Segments Covered By Drug Type, By Route of Administration, By Disease, By Formulation, By End-Use, By Region Customization Options Customized purchase options are available to meet any research needs. Explore customized purchase options Browse Press Release: Canada Pharmaceutical Market Size Worth $88.11 Billion By 2032 | CAGR: 6.9% Key Questions Answered in the Report What is the current industry size and forecast market value? Ans: The current market value was estimated at USD 48.62 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 88.11 billion by 2032. What is the projected CAGR for the Canadian pharmaceutical industry? Ans: The market for pharmaceuticals in Canada is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.9% over the forecast period. What are the key factors driving the Canada pharmaceutical market sales? Ans: The industry is primarily propelled by an increase in healthcare spending, rising demand for innovative medications, and growing emphasis on R&D initiatives. Who are the key companies in the market? Ans: AbbVie, Inc., AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline plc, and Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. are the key players in the industry. Polaris Market Research has segmented the Canada Pharmaceutical market report based on drug type, route of administration, disease, formulation, end-use, and region: By Drug Type Outlook Conventional Drugs (Small Molecules) Biologics & Biosimilars (Large Molecules) Vaccines Cell & Gene Therapy Monoclonal Antibodies Others By Route of Administration Outlook Inhalations Topical Parenteral Intramuscular Intravenous Oral Other By Disease Outlook Liver conditions Respiratory diseases Genetic and Rare genetic diseases Autoimmune diseases Dermatological conditions Cardiovascular diseases Obesity Neurological disorders Gastrointestinal disorders Mental health disorders Diabetes Eye conditions Infectious diseases Womens Health Diseases Hematological disorders Renal diseases Allergies Endocrine disorders Cancer Infertility conditions By Formulation Outlook Sprays Capsules Tablets Injectable Suspensions Powders By End-Use Outlook Clinics Hospitals Others Browse More Research Reports: Wood Activated Carbon Market Size & Share Personal Cooling Device Market Size & Share Canine Atopic Dermatitis Market Size & Share Space Sensors Market Size & Share Masterbatch Market Size & Share About Polaris Market Research: Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for PMRs clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve PMRs diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semiconductors, and chemicals among various other industries present around the world. We strive to provide PMRs customers with updated information on innovative technologies, high-growth markets, emerging business environments, and the latest business-centric applications, thereby helping them always to make informed decisions and leverage new opportunities. Adept with a highly competent, experienced, and extremely qualified team of experts comprising SMEs, analysts, and consultants, we at Polaris endeavor to deliver value-added business solutions to PMRs customers. Contact: Likhil G 30 Wall Street 8th Floor, New York City, NY 10005, United States Phone: +1-929 297-9727 Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com Web: https://www.polarismarketresearch.com Follow Us: LinkedIn | Twitter Blog: https://polarismarketresearch.medium.com BANGKOK, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Central Pattana plc, Thailand's leading real estate developer, has achieved a noteworthy sustainability milestone by securing the top position on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices-World Index (DJSI World) for 2023, attaining the highest score, or the Top 1% S&P Global CSA Score in the Real Estate Management & Development category among 299 companies globally in the sector, according to the Sustainability Yearbook 2024. Central Pattana Tops DJSI World Ranking 2023 in Real Estate Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand with a market cap of 289 billion baht, Central Pattana has been selected for the 6th consecutive years on DJSI World, 10th consecutive year on DJSI Emerging Markets, and the 6th consecutive years on S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook. This recognition demonstrates its global leadership in constantly driving sustainable development. Ms. Wallaya Chirathivat, President & CEO of Central Pattana plc, expressed that securing the top spot among 299 global companies in the sector is a confirmation of the company's business practices in line with its vision of 'Imagining better futures for all.' This achievement underscores the company's global standing and vision, emphasizing a robust business model known as 'The Ecosystem for All,' coupled with its role as a Place Maker for a Sustainable Future. "We recognize our sustainability milestones as a result of the dedicated efforts of colleagues and collaborative partnerships with tenants, partners, and suppliers. We appreciate the shared endeavors that enhance our ESG performance. Committed to innovation, we look forward to shaping vibrant and sustainable communities through close collaboration with stakeholders. Under our brand purpose 'Imagining better futures for all' to build a strong and sustainable ecosystem with a role of the 'Place Maker' who creates space of the future and pioneer cities and developments all over the countries with a mission to take care of both the quality of life of the 'people', including communities, and the 'planet', to become Thailand's first mixed-use developer to reach a net zero goal by 2050," Ms. Wallaya said. Story continues DJSI select 'global, sustainable stocks' and lists the securities indices of world-leading companies that are outstanding in their business operations and focus mainly on sustainability. The sustainability assessment is conducted and ranked annually by S&P Global based on economic, social and environmental indicators following sustainable business development guidelines. Institutional investors worldwide recognize and use this information for investment purposes. Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/central-pattana-tops-djsi-world-ranking-2023-in-real-estate-302061324.html SOURCE CENTRAL PATTANA A garda who suffered serious spinal injuries when he was hit by a car at a checkpoint has told a court that it has changed his life and stopped his career progression in a job he loved. The driver of the car, Charanand Flannery (25), of Hampton Wood Drive, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and possession of over 10,000 of cocaine at an M50 checkpoint on August 26th, 2019. Flannery was on Wednesday sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, after Judge Martin Nolan described his behaviour as unforgivable. In a victim impact statement which he read aloud in court, Garda David Currivan thanked his colleagues and his partner for their support, without which he said he would not be here. Gda Currivan told the court that on the day in question, he was at a checkpoint on the M50 northbound at Tallaght dealing with a different car for a minor road traffic infringement. Flannery, who was driving a black Toyota Avensis, was asked to pull over onto the hard shoulder behind this car and wait to speak with gardai. Gda Currivan said he heard a revving and spinning of wheels and when he turned to see the Toyota accelerating towards him with a burst of speed, he knew he was going to be hit. He braced himself against the first car and immediately felt intense and unbearable pain all along his right side, he told the court. Garda Currivan was sandwiched between the two cars and suffered fractured vertebrae and nerve damage, causing severe back pain requiring ongoing interventions and surgery. He was off work for nine months and has had 102 injections into his back in the last 18 months. I lost all self-worth, ability and confidence, said Gda Currivan, adding that he suffered severe anxiety, deep depression, panic attacks, dizzy spells and was bedridden and unable to leave his home. Gda Currivan is back at work but on restricted desk duty due to his injuries and he said he is unable to progress in his career or become a dog handler as he had wished. It has changed my life; I've a long road to recovery, he said. Flannery has 116 previous convictions, including 75 for road traffic offences and 12 for drugs matters. He had been disqualified from driving at the time. Another garda told Diarmud Collins BL, prosecuting, that after Flannery accelerated into a live lane of traffic and almost hit a motorist, gardai activated their lights and sirens and gave chase. The Toyota Avensis driven by Flannery was located a short time afterwards with significant damage after it came off a slip road and overturned. Members of the public pointed to where Flannery and a passenger had run off and they were both arrested. Gardai found two bags of cocaine valued at 10,290 in the footwell of the passenger seat. Pieter Le Vert BL, defending, said Flannery had an absolutely disastrous childhood and went into care from the age of eight to 18, after which there was no place for him to go. The court heard probation records from when Flannery was aged 14 show that he had serious anger issues, acute vulnerability and was being targeted by older men to become involved in the drugs trade. Flannery started taking drugs himself at the age of 16, the court heard, and became addicted to cocaine and cannabis. He has three children from a previous relationship whom he is not allowed to see, and is now in a stable relationship, the court heard. Flannery has worked in the past as a general labourer and in scaffolding. Mr Le Vert said his client was very remorseful and upset by the extent of Garda Currivan's suffering, which he had not realised until he saw the victim impact statement. Judge Nolan said Flannery had a long-standing involvement with the drugs trade, both as an addict and a seller, combined with a long history of offending behaviour. The judge said the reckless nature of Flannery's driving, the fact that he was disqualified from driving at the time, and had drugs in his system, were seriously aggravating factors. His behaviour is unforgivable. He endangered another person. He had choices to make on the day and he made the wrong choices, said Judge Nolan, disqualifying Flannery from driving for a further five years. Flannery was sentenced to five-and-a-half years for endangerment and got a concurrent three-year sentence for possessing the cocaine for sale or supply. Mayo County Councils dog warden has said owners need to show greater vigilance in keeping control of their dogs, particularly larger breeds. Laura Mulligan made her comments in the wake of a recent court case where a North Mayo woman was heavily fined for allowing her German Shepherd dog out in public without a lead or muzzle. Jacinta OMalley, St Marys Park, Crossmolina was convicted at Ballina District Court of two counts of failing to keep the dog under control, three counts of the dog having no muzzle and two counts of the dog having no lead. These charges arose from three separate incidents and Ms O'Malley was fined 1,300 by Judge Adrian Harris. Ms Mulligan told the Western People that dog owners can face hefty fines and a court appearance should they be found in breach of the Control of Dogs Act or separate legislation covering restricted breeds such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers and Bull Terriers. It is not just large dogs that need to be kept under control, all dog owners need to keep dogs under control at all times, she explained. Owners need to be more vigilant of larger dogs as they can cause larger injuries. A lot of owners have a perception that their dog is harmless but many of the general public have a fear of dogs or maybe an underlying condition like brittle bone. A large dog would easily toss someone over if it jumped up, she said. The dog warden added that the most common fines are for a dog being off its lead or out of control in a public place. These regulations are there to protect you and your dog. If your large dog isnt muzzled, on a lead and under the control of someone over 16 who can physically control them, you are not adhering to the rules. Ms Mulligan said her office is always willing to respond to complaints regarding the behaviour of dogs. They will ascertain the situation, make contact with the dog owner and try to resolve the issues. This usually begins with a verbal warning and then escalates towards the issuing of a fixed penalty notice, if necessary, which if unpaid can result in a court summons. The vast majority of people, once you bring it to their attention, will realise there is an issue but sometimes the problems can persist. There are 15 different notices under the Control of Dogs Act, in addition to notices for restricted breeds. Fines were 100 each up to December 1 last year, but have been now increased. The greater the offence, the greater the amount of the fine, she said. If it goes in front of a judge, the judge can increase the fine that needs to be paid. Ms Mulligan added that her office wished to remind the public that as it is lambing season, those living in the countryside should ensure their dogs are kept under control and on a lead at all times. As a dog owner, you would be responsible for any damages or losses incurred as a result of your dog attacking an animal. It is hoped that the first set of tenants will move into the Ballina Innovation Quarter by the end of March or early April. The former Ballina Military Barracks were transformed into a state-of-the-art business space in the heart of the north Mayo town and expressions of interest for tenants were sent out before Christmas. Approximately 20 replies were received and while a number of applicants did not meet the criteria for the Innovation Quarter, Mayo County Council and Moy Valley Resources, who co-manage the complex are currently working with potential candidates to move into Block B and C of the Innovation Quarter. Head of the Ballina Municipal District Declan Turnbull told the Western People the process has been positive and is currently ongoing. We have gone through the list and are currently meeting with each of the companies to talk through their requirements and show them the buildings. That is ongoing. We will try and match their requirements with spaces available within the buildings. The informal feedback we have got from potential clients is good. Theyre pleased with what they saw and everything is going in the right direction, it is all very positive. Mr Turnbull said there is a good mix of businesses interested in moving into the space. We have start-up businesses with potential to grow or existing businesses in a growth pattern with potential to grow, who may need a bigger space. The businesses and companies come from a range of backgrounds, some are from the locality and have outgrown their current space. It is quite a good mix of small to medium enterprises and that is what were delighted to have. They are hoping to be in a position to offer licenses to businesses and have them move in by the end of March or early April. We are hoping to see synergy between the businesses that move into the IQ complex to create an entrepreneurial spirit within the complex. He said they are working with Enterprise Ireland to try and find an anchor tenant for Block A. Were anxious to have someone in there as soon as possible and we will hopefully have a good, anchor tenant in by the end of the year. By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA Social media giants and phone companies have refused the Minister for Educations request for greater measures to protect children online. Norma Foley, a former secondary school teacher, had asked for greater controls from social media companies on age verification and for network companies to support parents in not buying phones for primary school children. She emphasised that the Department was not anti-phone, and though social media was a wonderful gift, it comes with an enormous responsibility and a duty of care. The Minister and her officials met representatives from Meta, Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Three Ireland, Vodafone, Tesco and Ibec. The social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, did not attend. She said there was very robust engagement and a very frank and open discussion at the meeting, where adult-to-child sextortion, recommendation algorithms, and AI were discussed. There were two that I was very keen to advance, and the first one was in the area of age verification, Ms Foley said after the meeting. Im very conscious that in particular, social media providers would tell us that they have a mandate around the 13 years of age, but I think we all know that there are children younger than 13 accessing these platforms. And I know it from my own experience, I know from engaging with parents, I know from engaging with schools, that they would identify it as a clear issue for them that there are children much, much younger than 13. I did seek an undertaking from them that they would facilitate age verification, whatever form that might take. Im not prescriptive on the mechanism, but that we will have clear age verification because we know that children are well able to jump over that particular requirement. That wasnt forthcoming at present. The other issue I very specifically raised, particularly with telecommunication representatives, was around their willingness to support in principle, the position we have taken in the Department of Education to support parents to hold off from purchasing smartphones for children while theyre at primary school. And again, Id have to say, that wasnt forthcoming at this point in time. When asked what the companies said as to why they would not commit to those requests, Ms Foley said that it was argued it was a parents prerogative to restrict smartphones for children. I absolutely accept that, and thats why were working directly with parents, the Kerry TD said. But they were not prepared to come out, in principle, to support the work that were doing in that area at this point, and I want to be fair around that, because they did commit to engage further. Representatives from Meta and other social media and phone service providers attended the meeting (Brian Lawless/PA) She said the companies raised concerns about how age verification would be done, and that a passport or a live selfie raised privacy concerns. I was clear, its not the mechanism, Im not prescriptive on that. We just require a mechanism. I would need them to come forward with a type of mechanism, which wasnt forthcoming at this point, a type of mechanism that would ensure categorically that the age verification is working. She added: I think there cant be an argument around age verification, I dont think there could be an argument either around supporting in principle parents, as we encouraged them not to buy into the smartphone for younger children at primary school level. And then the other issues. So for example, other issues that have been raised with me, are around areas like sextortion, where were seeing that an adult can, if you like, trick a young person into providing explicit material and then there may well be efforts of financial extortion or whatever. That was raised. It was interesting to note as well, that there was a time when it was adult to adult, were now looking at adult to children. And Im not saying that it is prolific everywhere, but it is an element that we must be aware of. Another issue that was flagged with me that I took the opportunity to raise today was around where images can be altered or distorted and the filtering of images and the lack of honesty or reality that applies to that and the impact from a wellbeing point of view that that can have on young people. She said that the ultimate responsibility in this area lies with Coimisiun na Mean, the newly established regulator for broadcasters, on-demand services, and online media. The body is establishing an online safety code for video-sharing platforms, for which public consultation has concluded. Asked about how far the Government would push this, Ms Foley said that there is no one person or organisation to blame, but mentioned fines up to 20 million, or 10 per cent of profits that could be imposed by Coimisiun na Mean. There will be ramifications going forward for those who dont invite themselves into the space. MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CGI (NYSE:GIB) (TSX:GIB.A) recently announced that it has received the Great Place to Work certification in the Philippines for the third consecutive year. The certification recognizes CGI's commitment to building a workplace founded in an ownership culture, fostering an inclusive and innovative work environment for all. CGI is Great Place to Work-certified for the third year in the Philippines The recognition is based on collective and anonymous feedback gathered from CGI's consultants and professionals. Through the Great Place to Work assessment model that evaluates an organization's culture and engagement practices based on the Trust Index and Culture Audit, CGI professionals can share their feedback on five key dimensions: Credibility, Respect, Fairness, Pride, and Camaraderie. Rakesh Aerath, President, Asia Pacific Global Delivery Centers of Excellence shared, "This achievement is a testament to the dedication and excellence of our incredible team. Together, we have built a workplace culture that values collaboration, innovation, and the well-being of every team member. We are proud to be part of a company where passion meets purpose, and where every individual contributes to our collective success." In 2023, CGI also ranked among the Top 8 Best Workplaces in the Philippines for the large company category. "The consistent accolades CGI has received over the years, reaffirm our commitment to creating an environment where we enjoy working together and contributing to building a company, we are proud of," said Jill De Jesus, Senior Vice President and Business Unit Leader, Philippines Global Delivery Center. She added, "This accomplishment reflects the unwavering commitment and dedication of our professionals to foster an inclusive, positive, and innovative work culture." About the Great Place to Work Institute Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. The Institute serves business, non-profits, and government agencies in over 60 countries and has conducted pioneering research on the characteristics of great workplaces for over three decades. In the Philippines, the institute partners with more than 1,000 organizations to help them build High-Trust, High-Performance Cultures designed to deliver sustained business results. Hundreds of CEOs are part of the great place community, committed to the vision of building a better world by helping organizations become Great Places to Work for All including every Filipino. Story continues About CGI Founded in 1976, CGI is among the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world. With 90,500 consultants and professionals across the globe, CGI delivers an end-to-end portfolio of capabilities, from strategic IT and business consulting to systems integration, managed IT and business process services and intellectual property solutions. CGI works with clients through a local relationship model complemented by a global delivery network that helps clients digitally transform their organizations and accelerate results. CGI Fiscal 2023 reported revenue is C$14.30 billion and CGI shares are listed on the TSX (GIB.A) and the NYSE (GIB). Learn more at cgi.com. www.cgi.com/newsroom Logo Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cgi-is-great-place-to-work-certified-for-the-third-year-in-the-philippines-302061494.html SOURCE CGI U. MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. -- Air Products, a global maker of industrial gases, is putting money behind its "green" goals by buying renewable energy in the Netherlands. The Upper Macungie Township-based company has a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Eneco, an energy company based in Rotterdam. The 10-year deal will provide power for Air Products' liquid nitrogen and oxygen production in the Netherlands from a solar field. The deal will result in a reduction of emissions equivalent to the carbon footprint of about 45,000 households, Air Products said in a statement. "This 10-year PPA is a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainability," Harco van den Berg, Air Products' business manager for the Benelux region (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg) said. Air Products has pledged to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas linked to climate change. The company's environmental goals extend well beyond its own operations. Seifi Ghasemi, the company's chairman, chief executive and president, contends that Air Products can lead a global move toward a clean-energy economy. Air Products is the world's largest producer of hydrogen, the fuel Ghasemi says can replace fossil fuels in heavy transportation and industry, such as steelmaking. In 2023, Air Products announced plans to build Europe's largest "blue hydrogen" plant in the Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands. What makes the gas "blue" is not color. In this case, blue means the carbon dioxide emissions from making hydrogen are captured and stored underground, not sent into the atmosphere. Eneco, the Dutch company that will provide the energy, was created in 1995 by the merger of municipal companies that served Dordrecht, The Hague and Rotterdam. Mitsubishi Corp. owns 80% of the company, and another Japanese company, Chubu, owns the remaining 20%. Air Products had fiscal 2023 sales of $12.6 billion. It employs about 23,000 people worldwide. Shares in Air Products are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol APD. The price at 12:13 p.m. Wednesday was $217.45, giving the company a market capitalization of $48.3 billion. In the last 52 weeks, the shares have traded as high as $307.71 and as low as $212.24. BETHLEHEM, Pa. The City of Bethlehem is inviting residents to contribute their input on a proposed new Southside community center. Bethlehem hires firm to conduct feasibility study for Southside community center Bethlehem City Council voted 6-1 to award an $87,855 contract to a Philadelphia firm for a feasibility study of a community center on the city's Southside. Last November, Bethlehem City Council awarded an $87,855 contract to a Philadelphia-based architecture and planning firm for a feasibility study of a community center on the city's Southside. Now, the city is working with its consultants to start that study, which will look at the financial feasibility of the project, as well as potential sites and ideas for the community center. Town hall As part of the process, the city will host an interactive town hall on Wednesday, March 13, to discuss possible locations for the center and solicit input from residents. The event will take place at the Northampton Community College Fowler Family Southside Center, located at 511 E. Third St., from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The city says child care and Spanish language interpretation will be provided. RSVP is requested. Personal videos The city has also launched what it calls the "Community Anthem Project," asking residents to create one- to two-minute videos expressing their "thoughts, dreams, and ideas for a new community center." Videos are to be submitted online by Sunday, March 17. They will be part of a final video to be presented at the end of the feasibility study in the late spring. That video will help to "guide the future design and development of the community center," the city says. Participation In a statement, Mayor J. William Reynolds encouraged members of the Bethlehem community to submit videos and participate in the town hall. "This is not just a community center; it's a collective dream waiting to be realized," he said. "The City of Bethlehem believes that true community engagement is about amplifying the voices of every resident, ensuring that the new community center is a reflection of the people it serves." Reynolds and City Council Vice President Rachel Leon also created a video discussing the project. EASTON, Pa. - Tuesday's snow was awful for some people trying to travel, but incredible for others enjoying it on foot. As the sun came up, the shovels came out on Main Street in Stroudsburg. The snow piling on the borough's decorative snowmen is great packing snow for building actual snowmen. But people getting stuck on the streets was common in Stroudsburg and throughout the entire region Tuesday morning. On Route 611 in Portland, a tractor trailer couldn't move, blocking the southbound lane and part of the northbound lane. Plow crews drove to the rescue. Meanwhile, one Upper Mount Bethel man tried to travel to his shoveling jobs but couldn't. "I got stuck three times," said Bo Hatsaul of Upper Mount Bethel. "On 33, a tow truck pulled me out. Then I got stuck back a little farther behind, got pulled out by a tractor, and I almost got stuck right there." A tree bashed through his window. "I hit a little piece of ice and my steering wheel locked and I couldn't do nothing about it," said Hatsaul. "It turned into a whole mess." More of a mess was seen off of Route 33. The Belfast off ramp in Plainfield Township was one of many where drivers couldn't see road markings or where the road even was. In Mount Bethel, crews were up at the crack of dawn removing snow to ensure access to local businesses. The heavy snow is weighing down branches. There were several downed branches and trees along 611, including one in Easton, which blocked off much of the roadway. As crews kept working, the persistent snow and wind tapered off in Easton just before noon, allowing people to enjoy the flakes on foot. One man from the Pacific Northwest is loving his first winter in the city. "There's beauty in all four seasons in the Lehigh Valley," said Tim Davis of Easton. "I absolutely love it." Easton Public Works employees and Easton Ambassadors have been hard at work, as snow adds a white layer above Crayola's colorful crayons. "I love capturing the beauty of the just beautiful white snow against these incredible historic buildings all over downtown," said Davis. "It's like being inside a snow globe." One of Bethlehem Township's most dangerous stretches of road is moving toward a fix, but the improvements at Farmersville Road and Freemansburg Avenue might not be in place until 2028. The two roads meet twice at nearby T-intersections. Drivers going south or north on Farmersville who want to go left often have to wait and then try a hurried turn against Freemansburg traffic. The dual intersection has been the scene of many accidents. "It's the worst intersection in Bethlehem Township," Commissioner John Merhottein said in 2021. While there are other difficult road crossings, many residents say Farmersville and Freemansburg is among the most hazardous. With the expansion of St. Luke's Hospital's Anderson campus, commercial and residential development, and perhaps an 866,350-square-foot warehouse going in at 1600 Freemansburg Ave., traffic is only going to go up. Earlier speculation had focused on 2027 as the possible date for a solution, but changes might not come until a year later. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation envisions a regular intersection with a traffic light instead of two offset intersections. "The project will realign the north leg of Farmersville Road to create a single, four-way intersection with a new traffic signal," PennDOT Press Officer Ronald Young said Wednesday via email. "Freemansburg Avenue will be widened to provide left-turn lanes at the intersection." The realignment is a big project requiring lots of steps, making forecasting its completion a difficult task. "The estimated date for a construction contract to be advertised in late 2025/early 2026, and construction is estimated to last 22-24 months," Young said. That could push completion into early to mid-2028. Land acquisition could be a complication. The Bethlehem Area School District owns the land at the northeast corner of Farmersville and Freemansburg. The tract is leased to the Dale Koehler and Sons Farm. The lease for the 14.5 acres for 2024 is set at $2,600, up $50 from last year. The lease also includes language about how the BASD and farm will handle a condemnation, the taking of the land by a government body. That was not in the 2023 lease. School Superintendent Dr. Jack Silva said the BASD is just protecting its investment. "This language protects us from potentialities," he said. It also is part of the BASD's plan to protect taxpayers and keep the Freemansburg property available for a new school, if needed. The BASD has submitted preliminary plans for an elementary school at the site, also to protect the district's interests. It has no imminent plan to build. "As the property is now, it would be suitable if we ever needed to build a new school," Silva said. That could change if too much land were taken, or if the realignment blocked access from one of the roads. A school must have two entrances, Silva said. The BASD bought the land in 1979 in case it needed it for a future school. The cost of buying a tract of similar size now would be exorbitant, the superintendent said. The district bought the land as "a safeguard," he said, and owning it is a hedge against future growth that protects taxpayers. "We support doing it," Silva said of the plan to fix the intersection. "We just don't want it to be a disadvantage" for the district. The intersection has been discussed for years and while the end is in sight, there is no definite date yet. "The project is in preliminary engineering so the final alignment and right-of-way (property) plans have not been finalized," PennDOT's Young said in his statement. "These will be finalized when the project is in full design. The project is anticipated to enter final design this year," he said. So the work moves forward, but as Young noted, "All timelines are estimates and subject to change." PHILADELPHIA A Monroe County man who concealed his fathers death to steal Social Security Administration retirement benefits has learned his sentence. Timothy Gritman, 56, of Brodheadsville, was sentenced Wednesday by United States District Judge Cynthia Rufe to 5 years in prison and three years of supervised release, according to a news release from the Department of Justice. The DOJ says he engaged in a fraud scheme in which he concealed his fathers death to steal Social Security Administration retirement benefits and New York State pension benefits totaling approximately $204,985. Gritman was also ordered to pay restitution of $83,188 to the SSA and $110,897 to the New York State and Local Retirement System, the DOJ said. He had pleaded guilty to 14 counts of wire fraud and one count of Social Security fraud on February 13, 2023. Gritmans father, Ralph, was 79 years old and in poor health when he was last seen alive by relatives at Gritmans Pennsylvania residence in 2016, the DOJ said. In the summer of 2017, Gritman relocated to Wyoming with his father. According to Medicare records, the fathers health benefits were used in September 2017 for an emergency visit to a Wyoming hospital, and then never utilized again, the DOJ said. Investigators believe Ralph Gritman died in or about October 2017, with Timothy Gritman concealing the death from family members and disposing of Ralphs body in an unknown manner. As Ralph Gritman was never reported deceased, his SSA and pension benefits continued to be paid into a joint account with Timothy Gritman from approximately October 2017 to October 2022, the DOJ said. In that time, the DOJ says Timothy Gritman made many false statements to government officials to conceal his fraud and enable him to continue stealing government funds, even physically posing as his father numerous times, using makeup to look older. To date, Timothy Gritman refuses to say where his fathers remains are, which, despite numerous searches, have not been found, according to the DOJ. KNOWLTON TWP., N.J. - A woman is dead and her suspected shooter also died after being taken into custody by New Jersey State Police. It began about 30 minutes northwest of Knowlton, New Jersey in East Stroudsburg. A man named Armond Avitable, 38, got into an argument with a woman at his home and was told to leave. Avitable called Kevin Schilling, who went and picked up Avitable, and drove him to his house in Knowlton, according to the Warren County Prosecutor's Office. "It's not something you would expect. Especially in such a small town," said neighbor Ernest Beck. According to investigators, shortly after the men returned to Columbia Street, they got into an argument. Armond Avitable became so aggravated, he retrieved a pump action shotgun from a downstairs room, and fired, alarming neighbors, authorities said. "My brother says he heard the shots and he locked the door," Beck said. Kevin Schilling and his wife, Cheryl, ran to an upstairs bedroom. Avitable allegedly followed them up the stairs, opened the bedroom door, and fired twice. 58-year-old Cheryl Schilling was struck in her arm and torso. She died at the scene. Neighbors say she worked in town and loved antiques. "She used to work at the post office and she drove my bus when I was going to school," remembered Beck. "Oh, she was a wonderful woman. She would give my kids birthday presents and come to their birthday parties. She was a wonderful woman," Rogers said. Avitable ran out of the house, dropping the shotgun in Kristin Rogers' yard while her family was enjoying their fire pit. She says she may have seen the suspect at the house before. "I came out after it happened when he came out," Rogers said. "I was scared. I have a bunch of kids inside." State police caught up with Avitable near the intersection of Route 46 and Interstate 80, where investigators say he engaged troopers in a physical altercation. Upon being taken into custody, they say he suffered a medical emergency. He was given CPR, and was transported to Lehigh Valley Pocono Medical Center where Avitable was pronounced dead. Now police must find out why an apprehended suspect died in police custody, and why a woman died in her own home. "She was nice. I don't really see a reason why anybody would do this," said Beck. As per procedure, the New Jersey attorney general will review this case to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspect's death. The evidence will be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence warrants an indictment of the officer or officers involved. Anyone with information on Avitable or the incident is asked to contact the Warren County Prosecutor's Office at 908-475-6275. UPDATE: A GoFundMe set up for Cheryl Schilling's funeral costs has raised more than $7,500 of its $12,000 goal as of Saturday afternoon. Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election for a U.S. House seat in New York on Tuesday, coming out on top in a politically mixed suburban district in a victory that could lift his partys hopes heading into a fiercely contested presidential election later this year. Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip to take the seat that was left vacant when George Santos, also a Republican, was expelled from Congress. The victory marks a return to Washington for Suozzi, who represented the district for three terms before giving it up to run, unsuccessfully, for governor. Its unclear how long his next stint on Capitol Hill will last, as a redistricting process unfolds that could reshape the district. But for now the result narrows the already slim Republican majority in the House. And it provides Democrats a much-needed win in New York Citys Long Island suburbs, where the GOP showed surprising strength in recent elections. Suozzi stressed his campaign trail theme of bipartisan cooperation in a victory speech that was briefly interrupted by protestors criticizing his support of Israel. There are divisions in our country where people cant even talk to each other. All they can do is yell and scream at each other, he said, acknowledging the demonstrators. Thats not the answer to the problems we face in our country. The answer is to try and bring people together to try and find common ground. The way to make our country a better place is to try and find common ground. It is not easy to do. It is hard to do, Suozzi told supporters at his election night party in Woodbury. Suozzis win will likely reassure Democrats that they can perform well in suburban communities across the nation, which will be critical to the partys efforts to retake control of the U.S. House and reelect President Joe Biden. Still, forecasting for November could be complicated given that turnout, already expected to be low given the abbreviated race, was potentially hampered by a storm that dumped several inches of snow on the district on election day. Both campaigns offered voters free rides to the polls as plows cleared wet slush from the roads. In the short term, the result could be a factor in ultratight votes in the House, where Republicans hold just a 219-212 majority. In an example of how important one seat can be, House Republicans voted Tuesday night to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote, punishing the Biden administration over its border policies. At a polling place on Long Island earlier in the day, 59-year-old Eliezer Sarrias said he cast a ballot for Suozzi because the former congressman appeared more able to work with the opposing party to reach agreements and end congressional gridlock. The constituents elect our officials to perform a certain job, and weve really had a very stagnant congressional year, Sarrias said after voting at a middle school in Levittown. Even with the migrants now, we had bipartisan deal in Congress and suddenly it evaporated, like, why? Do we really need to wait for another president to come, or arent the issues that are pressing to everyone important at the moment? On the campaign trail, Suozzi, a political centrist, leaned into some of the same issues that Republicans have used to bash Democrats, calling for tougher U.S. border policies and a rollback of New York laws that made it tougher for judges to detain criminal suspects awaiting trial. The unusual midwinter election became necessary after Santos was ousted by his colleagues in December, partway through his first term. Santos won office in what had been a reliably Democratic district partly by falsely portraying himself as an American success story a son of working class immigrants who made himself into a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker. But many elements of Santos life story were later exposed as fabrications, and he was indicted on multiple charges including allegations he stole money from Republican donors. He has pleaded not guilty. With no time for a primary before the special election, Democrats nominated Suozzi, a political centrist well known to voters in the district. Republican leaders turned to Pilip, a relatively unknown candidate with a unique personal backstory. Born in Ethiopia, she migrated to Israel as part of Operation Solomon and served in Israel's defense forces before eventually moving to the U.S. and winning a seat in Nassau Countys legislature in 2021. Pilip conceded the race and said she congratulated Suozzi in a phone call Tuesday night. Yes we lost, but it doesnt mean we are going to end here, Pilip told supporters at her election watch party. Bidens campaign manager was quick to link the victory to the upcoming presidential race: Donald Trump lost again tonight. When Republicans run on Trumps extreme agenda even in a Republican-held seat voters reject them, Julie Chavez Rodriguez said. Trump responded to the result in a post on his social media site Truth Social, calling Pilip a very foolish woman who was running in a race where she didnt endorse me and tried to straddle the fence, when she would have easily WON if she understood anything about MODERN DAY politics in America. The short campaign was dominated by issues abortion, immigration and crime that are expected to shape crucial suburban races nationwide in this years battle for control of Congress. Despite being an international migrant once herself, Pilip hammered Suozzi over an influx of asylum-seekers into New York City, accusing Democrats and Biden of failing to secure the U.S. southern border. In response, Suozzi spent much of the campaign talking about the need to strengthen border policy, pointing out times when he bucked his own party on the issue while in Congress. In the final stretch, Suozzi said he would support a temporary closure of the border to slow the number of arrivals, similar to comments that Biden has made. Suozzi counterattacked Pilip on abortion, saying she couldnt be trusted to protect abortion rights in places like New York where it remains legal. Pilip said she is personally against abortion but wouldnt force her beliefs others and would oppose any attempt by Congress to impose a nationwide ban. She has also said mifepristone, an abortion medication, should be available nationally. Both candidates expressed unwavering support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, even appearing side-by-side in an unusual joint event intended to convey solidarity. Democrats and Republicans will get a chance to fight over the congressional seat again in Novembers general election, though the battleground may look different. Thats because the states congressional districts are set to be redrawn again in the next few months because of a court order. Democrats, who dominate state government, are widely expected to try to craft more favorable lines for their candidates. New York is expected to play an outsize role in determining control of Congress this year, with competitive races in multiple contests in the suburban and exurban rings around New York City. AP reporter Philip Marcelo in Levittown contributed. A children's author who grew up in the Lehigh Valley is remembering what love is this Valentine's Day. Kimberly Lipsky Weidman was 8 years old when she wrote an essay about love. She remembers the words "Love is..." written on the chalkboard at the front of the class. They had to write an essay about it for a contest, and little did she know then, that essay would still be a part of her life now, more than 45 years later. Kimberly won first place with her essay for grades K-3 in the Allentown School District. It was 1978 and she was in third grade. Her parents were so proud. They kept Kimberly's "Love is..." essay. They even had it framed so she could hang it on the wall in her first apartment so many years later. Kimberly says she often thought about the essay through the years and had always wanted to publish it. When she unexpectedly lost her father to COVID in 2021, she says she knew she had to pursue that dream as a way to honor him. Kimberly says her dad, who owned Don Lipsky Auto Sales in Allentown, was gregarious, a jokester and known for his incredible kindness. So in 2022, she published her "Love is..." children's book. Kimberly says after her dad passed, she thought about her own legacy and what she wanted to leave behind. She says the story of "Love is..." felt right, and more importantly it allowed her to dedicate it to her parents to carry on their impact of making the world a kinder place. 69 News caught up with Kimberly for this full circle moment last year, when she returned to her elementary school to read her newly published book. She's donated some copies of her book to LVHN's Reilly Children's Hospital and some local libraries and schools. The former Shopko located at 1000 W. Northland Avenue on Monday, February 12, 2024, in Appleton, Wis. APPLETON While there's still no movement at the city's shuttered Shopko, Chick-fil-A confirmed this month that it is "actively pursuing a new location in Appleton." In October 2022, The Buzz reported that the chicken chain may open an eatery at 1000 W. Northland Ave., in the Northland Mall parking lot. That year, the Appleton Board of Zoning Appeals approved a request related to the restaurant's drive-thru. A Chick-fil-A spokesperson said the company hoped "to serve the Appleton community in the future," but "we cannot confirm a location at this time." Sign up for the Buzz newsletter Click here to get all the business openings and closings news right in your inbox On Friday, Chick-fil-A, Inc., told The Post-Crescent, "While we are still early in the process, Chick-fil-A is happy to share that we are actively pursuing a new location in Appleton." The statement did not say exactly where it will be located or when construction would begin. The company declined to clarify if the site is still set for Northland Avenue. Chick-fil-A claimed, though, that "each locally owned and operated restaurant creates 80 120 jobs in the area." "Site plans were approved May 19, 2023, however no building permit has been issued since that time," Kara Homan, Appleton's director of community and economic development, told The Post-Crescent Monday. Chick-fil-A already operates a location at 3775 W. College Ave. in Grand Chute. More: This Sherwood restaurant silently closes its doors for good: The Buzz What about Shopko? Meanwhile, the city is not aware of any plans for the former Shopko building at 1000 W. Northland Ave., according to Homan. In August 2022, the Appleton Common Council approved a special use permit for Zips Car Wash to move into a portion of the building. Ultimately, "the car wash decided not to move forward with the project," Homan said. The former Shopko located at 1000 W. Northland Avenue on Monday, February 12, 2024, in Appleton, Wis. Reach Becky Jacobs at bjacobs@gannett.com or 920-993-7117. Follow her on Twitter at @ruthyjacobs. This article originally appeared on Appleton Post-Crescent: Chick-fil-A confirms it's 'actively pursuing' new Appleton location (Bloomberg) -- Japanese producers of chipmaking equipment are capitalizing on surging demand from China, catapulting their shares to new heights while helping build out a tech supply chain the US has warned may be a threat to global security. Most Read from Bloomberg In the 16 months since the US and its allies began curbing exports of advanced chip technology, China has amped up the purchase of legacy equipment to make older-generation semiconductors. Its effort toward some self-sufficiency has been a boon for the likes of Tokyo Electron Ltd., which added $12 billion to its market value Tuesday after hiking its outlook citing a record proportion of sales going to China. Revenue has soared at Japanese suppliers that compete with the likes of Applied Materials Inc., Lam Research Corp. and Teradyne Inc. Chinas become the single largest destination for a growing number of Japanese companies that make equipment used to wash, clean, pattern and cut silicon. That reliance is likely to grow further, executives said on recent earnings calls, pointing to strong demand from Chinese makers of logic and power semiconductors. The MSCI Japan Semiconductor and Semiconductor Equipment Index has more than doubled, with its companies gaining $147 billion in value since the Biden administration heightened restrictions on Chinas access to US chip technology in October 2022. We expect strong demand from China to continue or grow stronger still, Tokyo Electron Deputy General Manager Hiroshi Kawamoto said last week. The companys shares reached a new high in Tokyo on Tuesday, the first trading day after its earnings report, with a 12% rise that was their biggest jump in almost four years. Story continues Read More: Tokyo Electron Adds $12 Billion in a Day on Strong China Demand China only makes about 20% of the chips it needs, and Kawamoto expects it will keep investing aggressively in legacy silicon to lower its reliance on imported semiconductors. Many changes are occurring in the Chinese economy as a whole, but as far as our sector is concerned, we feel no impact. More than half of Kyoto-based Screen Holdings Co.s chip equipment sales are expected to come from China in the current quarter, CEO Toshio Hiroe said, lifting the wafer cleaning systems makers reliance on China to 44% in the year to March, up from 19% the previous year. Screen rose as much as 7.1% on Tuesday. Canon Inc. expects China to make up about 40% of its chip gear sales in 2024, double what it was five years ago. Kokusai Electric Corp. is hiring staff in China to meet demand in a market that it expects will make up close to half of its revenue, while Disco Corp. expects China to make up close to 40% of sales this fiscal year. Behind US chip export restrictions is concern about China gaining access to the machines, components and spare parts it needs to produce advanced semiconductors, especially AI chips, according to Gregory C. Allen, director of the CSIS Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies. Nothing that Japan sells today is going to dissuade China from its goal of producing all of these machines domestically as soon as possible, he said. However, if Japan exports machines, components, and critical knowledge, it can significantly speed up Chinas advanced node production in the short term and its indigenization goals in the medium and long term. The US Commerce Department is gathering information on Chinese production of legacy chips and US companies reliance on Chinese suppliers. While based on technology developed a decade or more ago, shortages of older-generation semiconductors idled production lines for cars, air conditioners and PCs during the pandemic. Not only could the US and its allies expand curbs on chip gear shipments, there remains uncertainty about nascent Chinese chipmakers ability to attain mass production. Demand in China may be plateauing for some front-end processes in which integrated circuitry is fabricated onto silicon wafers, before they are cut into individual chips according to Ryuichiro Koba, Discos investor relations head. We dont know which direction things will go, he said. Things are good now, but theres a risk that business could shrivel up suddenly in the future, posing a risk for companies if they invest on capacity to meet demand from China, Omdia analyst Akira Minamikawa said. --With assistance from Peter Elstrom, Grace Huang and Kurt Schussler. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Blair William & Co. IL lowered its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report) by 1.7% in the third quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund owned 31,959 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 554 shares during the quarter. Blair William & Co. ILs holdings in Broadridge Financial Solutions were worth $5,722,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Morgan Stanley raised its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 41.0% in the 4th quarter. Morgan Stanley now owns 7,043,656 shares of the business services providers stock worth $944,766,000 after purchasing an additional 2,048,184 shares during the last quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. raised its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 85.1% in the 4th quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 2,230,810 shares of the business services providers stock worth $299,219,000 after purchasing an additional 1,025,907 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors raised its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 34.1% in the 2nd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 3,712,221 shares of the business services providers stock worth $614,559,000 after purchasing an additional 943,718 shares during the last quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec raised its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 86.6% in the 1st quarter. Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec now owns 1,195,313 shares of the business services providers stock worth $186,122,000 after purchasing an additional 554,807 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE raised its position in Broadridge Financial Solutions by 33.3% in the 1st quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 973,616 shares of the business services providers stock worth $142,703,000 after purchasing an additional 243,000 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 89.36% of the companys stock. Get Broadridge Financial Solutions alerts: Broadridge Financial Solutions Price Performance Shares of BR stock opened at $193.56 on Wednesday. Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. has a 12-month low of $133.97 and a 12-month high of $210.24. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.72 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77. The firm has a fifty day moving average of $200.06 and a 200-day moving average of $187.54. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Broadridge Financial Solutions ( NYSE:BR Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, February 1st. The business services provider reported $0.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate 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 company had revenue of $1.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.40 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.91 EPS. The firms revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. will post 7.72 earnings per share for the current year. A number of research firms have commented on BR. StockNews.com raised shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Raymond James lifted their target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $205.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, February 2nd. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $175.00 to $180.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, December 8th. Wolfe Research raised shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from an underperform rating to a peer perform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 17th. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their target price on shares of Broadridge Financial Solutions from $226.00 to $230.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, December 5th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Broadridge Financial Solutions presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $203.17. Check Out Our Latest Report on BR Insider Buying and Selling In related news, VP Laura Matlin sold 4,090 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $189.49, for a total value of $775,014.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 6,481 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,228,084.69. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Broadridge Financial Solutions news, VP Laura Matlin sold 4,090 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $189.49, for a total transaction of $775,014.10. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 6,481 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,228,084.69. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, President Christopher John Perry sold 6,643 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, December 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $200.17, for a total transaction of $1,329,729.31. Following the sale, the president now directly owns 59,282 shares in the company, valued at $11,866,477.94. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 41,246 shares of company stock valued at $8,211,616. Company insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. About Broadridge Financial Solutions (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. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR Free Report). 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. Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the seven brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and four have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $87.00. A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $82.00 to $75.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, February 5th. Oppenheimer cut their price objective on shares of Ormat Technologies from $84.00 to $83.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, January 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered their price target on shares of Ormat Technologies from $89.00 to $79.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 19th. Get Ormat Technologies alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Ormat Technologies Ormat Technologies Price Performance Hedge Funds Weigh In On Ormat Technologies Ormat Technologies stock opened at $64.31 on Wednesday. The stock has a market cap of $3.88 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 35.34, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.26 and a beta of 0.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.87. Ormat Technologies has a 1 year low of $58.73 and a 1 year high of $93.20. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $70.35 and a two-hundred day moving average of $70.41. A number of large investors have recently bought and sold shares of ORA. US Bancorp DE raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 10.5% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 3,963 shares of the energy companys stock worth $324,000 after buying an additional 375 shares during the last quarter. AlphaCrest Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Ormat Technologies in the 1st quarter valued at about $360,000. Bank of Montreal Can increased its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 14,424 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,150,000 after purchasing an additional 355 shares in the last quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 57.7% in the 1st quarter. MetLife Investment Management LLC now owns 24,095 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,972,000 after purchasing an additional 8,812 shares in the last quarter. Finally, BlackRock Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 4,650,385 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $380,541,000 after purchasing an additional 20,844 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.24% of the companys stock. About Ormat Technologies (Get Free Report Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Ethiopia, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Ormat Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ormat Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Tri Pointe Homes, Inc. (NYSE:TPH Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the five analysts that are currently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $36.00. Separately, Wedbush reissued a neutral rating and set a $32.00 price target on shares of Tri Pointe Homes in a research report on Monday, December 18th. Get Tri Pointe Homes alerts: View Our Latest Report on TPH Institutional Investors Weigh In On Tri Pointe Homes Tri Pointe Homes Stock Performance Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in TPH. West Tower Group LLC bought a new stake in Tri Pointe Homes in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in Tri Pointe Homes in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Daiwa Securities Group Inc. bought a new stake in Tri Pointe Homes in the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. Evermay Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in Tri Pointe Homes in the 4th quarter worth approximately $35,000. Finally, Ronald Blue Trust Inc. grew its position in Tri Pointe Homes by 168.1% in the 3rd quarter. Ronald Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,016 shares of the construction companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 637 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.59% of the companys stock. Tri Pointe Homes stock opened at $34.32 on Wednesday. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47. Tri Pointe Homes has a 1-year low of $21.84 and a 1-year high of $36.43. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $34.35 and a 200-day moving average of $30.70. The firm has a market cap of $3.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.43, a P/E/G ratio of 0.75 and a beta of 1.53. About Tri Pointe Homes (Get Free Report Tri Pointe Homes, Inc engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family attached and detached homes in the United States. The company operates through a portfolio of six regional home building brands comprising Maracay in Arizona; Pardee Homes in California and Nevada; Quadrant Homes in Washington; Trendmaker Homes in Texas; TRI Pointe Homes in California, Colorado, and the Carolinas; and Winchester Homes in Maryland and Northern Virginia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Tri Pointe Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Tri Pointe Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. By Natalie Grover, Noah Browning and Ahmad Ghaddar LONDON (Reuters) - A push to replenish depleted oil stocks notably in China, the United States and Europe could buoy demand and prices in coming months, analysts and traders said, as tensions in the Middle East threaten key shipping lanes. Heavily depleted by supply disruptions wrought by sanctions on Russia in the middle of 2022, as well as protracted OPEC+ output cuts, global oil inventories have barely recovered with traders unable to justify the costs for storing oil. Shipping disruption in the Red Sea due to escalating attacks by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels has increased concerns about supply, spurring buyers to rebuild inventories. Morgan Stanley raised its quarterly outlook for Brent crude prices on Tuesday to an average of $82.50 a barrel in the first and second quarters - compared with $80 and $77.50 previously - suggesting the bank now expects a tight oil market this year. Consultants FGE said that available data so far this year has shown a large counter seasonal fall in crude and fuel stocks of almost 29 million barrels, compared with a typical average build of 20 million barrels during January in 2015-2019. Energy watchdog the International Energy Agency said global inventories had slipped by 8.4 million barrels last November - the last month for which full data exists - to the lowest since July 2022, but that preliminary December data indicated a rise. RESTOCKING INVENTORIES Traders say they have so far seen strong buying from China, Europe and the United States. "Chinese buying is high as it restocks in the first half", a trader for a European refiner told Reuters. "U.S. and European buying is also stronger this month as the situation for barrels from East of Suez could get much worse at any time." The Chinese are buying heavily oil arriving this spring to replenish stocks while the United States is gradually topping up its Strategic Petroleum Reserve after selling a record amount from the government oil stores in 2022. Story continues "In terms of days of demand cover (from oil storage), we expect the market to get to around 67 days by year end 2025 from current 64 days, which is still above pre-pandemic levels of around 60 days, assuming OPEC+ keeps cuts in place through 1H25." Citi energy strategist Francesco Martoccia told Reuters. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies like Russia (OPEC+) have sought to rein in supply with output cuts to buoy prices since 2022. Those plans were underscored when the group's de facto leader Saudi Arabia halted plans to boost its maximum production capacity. Riyadh's energy minister on Monday suggested the reason behind the decision was to aid the energy transition, adding the kingdom has plenty of spare capacity to cushion the oil market. Oil prices largely shrugged off the decision late last month, with high demand in the form of stock rebuilding and a gush of non-OPEC+ oil supply appearing to more than offset Riyadh's change of tack. "We continue to see a long-term imbalance, with OPEC supply around 2 million bpd too high relative to the implied call on OPEC crude by 2028", HSBC analysts said. In a note last week as Brent crept near $80 a barrel, J.P. Morgan analysts predicted a price rise of $10 by May, assuming no geopolitical shocks and that Saudi Arabia and Russia will reintroduce a combined 400,000 barrels per day back into the market starting in April. (Editing by Nina Chestney and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the nine brokerages that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have given a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12 month target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $105.40. PM has been the subject of several recent research reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted 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 note on Wednesday, November 29th. UBS Group lowered shares of Philip Morris International from a buy rating to a sell rating and lowered their price target for the stock from $105.00 to $86.50 in a research report on Tuesday, January 23rd. Societe Generale upgraded shares of Philip Morris International from a sell rating to a hold rating and set a $87.50 price target for the company in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, 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 price target for the company. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on Philip Morris International Insider Activity at Philip Morris International Institutional Investors Weigh In On Philip Morris International In related news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $94.25, for a total value of $942,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 198,447 shares in the company, valued at approximately $18,703,629.75. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link . 0.15% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 3rd quarter valued at about $27,000. PCA Investment Advisory Services Inc. acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Tennessee Valley Asset Management Partners acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Northwest Financial Advisors acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 4th quarter valued at about $33,000. Finally, DHJJ Financial Advisors Ltd. acquired a new stake in Philip Morris International in the 3rd quarter valued at about $36,000. 79.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Philip Morris International Price Performance PM stock opened at $89.19 on Wednesday. Philip Morris International has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $103.57. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $93.01 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $93.32. The firm has a market cap of $138.46 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.77, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.63. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last released 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). Philip Morris International had a net margin of 10.80% and a negative return on equity of 116.29%. The business had revenue of $9.05 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $1.39 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 11.0% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that Philip Morris International will post 6.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. Philip Morris International Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, January 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, December 21st were given a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, December 20th. This represents a $5.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.83%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 103.59%. Philip Morris International Company Profile (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. TransUnion (NYSE:TRU Get Free Report)s stock had its outperform rating restated by equities research analysts at Royal Bank of Canada in a research report issued on Wednesday, Benzinga reports. They presently have a $85.00 price objective on the business services providers stock. Royal Bank of Canadas price target suggests a potential upside of 12.49% from the companys previous close. Several other equities analysts have also weighed in on TRU. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their target price on shares of TransUnion from $75.00 to $85.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, January 17th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on shares of TransUnion from $70.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, November 22nd. Oppenheimer began coverage on shares of TransUnion in a research note on Tuesday, December 19th. They set an outperform rating and a $81.00 target price on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of TransUnion from $57.00 to $68.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, November 16th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of TransUnion from $76.00 to $83.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have assigned a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, TransUnion has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $78.00. Get TransUnion alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on TRU TransUnion Stock Performance NYSE TRU traded up $2.06 on Wednesday, reaching $75.56. 810,416 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,666,254. The firm has a market cap of $14.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -58.92, a P/E/G ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.60. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $67.86 and a 200-day moving average price of $68.10. TransUnion has a fifty-two week low of $42.09 and a fifty-two week high of $82.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a current ratio of 1.54. TransUnion (NYSE:TRU Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, February 13th. The business services provider reported $0.80 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.08. The business had revenue of $954.00 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $927.04 million. TransUnion had a negative net margin of 6.53% and a positive return on equity of 13.43%. The companys quarterly revenue was up 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.70 earnings per share. Equities research analysts predict that TransUnion will post 2.89 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at TransUnion In other news, Director Thomas L. Monahan bought 1,800 shares of TransUnion stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 17th. The stock was bought at an average price of $57.46 per share, for a total transaction of $103,428.00. Following the purchase, the director now owns 19,071 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,095,819.66. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.28% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of TransUnion Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in TRU. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S grew its holdings in shares of TransUnion by 99.9% during the second quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 4,913 shares of the business services providers stock worth $385,000 after buying an additional 2,455 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia lifted its position in TransUnion by 64.2% during the second quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 5,649 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $443,000 after buying an additional 2,209 shares in the last quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC lifted its position in TransUnion by 1,300.1% during the second quarter. Schonfeld Strategic Advisors LLC now owns 162,245 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $12,709,000 after buying an additional 150,657 shares in the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of TransUnion by 0.9% during the second quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 617,826 shares of the business services providers stock worth $48,394,000 after purchasing an additional 5,354 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its position in shares of TransUnion by 22.5% during the third quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 101,336 shares of the business services providers stock worth $7,275,000 after purchasing an additional 18,602 shares in the last quarter. TransUnion Company Profile (Get Free Report) TransUnion operates as a global consumer credit reporting agency that provides risk and information solutions. The company operates in three segments: U.S. Markets, International, and Consumer Interactive. The U.S. Markets segment provides consumer reports, actionable insights, and analytic services to businesses, which uses its services to acquire new customers; assess consumer ability to pay for services; identify cross-selling opportunities; measure and manage debt portfolio risk; collect debt; verify consumer identities; and mitigate fraud risk. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for TransUnion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TransUnion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ lessened its position in FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS Free Report) by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 7,542 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 27 shares during the period. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publs holdings in FactSet Research Systems were worth $3,298,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in FDS. Covestor Ltd lifted its stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 82.9% in the 2nd quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 64 shares of the business services providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 29 shares during the period. First Capital Advisors Group LLC. acquired a new stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems in the 2nd quarter worth $30,000. Clear Street Markets LLC lifted its stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems by 94.9% in the 1st quarter. Clear Street Markets LLC now owns 76 shares of the business services providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 37 shares during the period. Tyler Stone Wealth Management purchased a new position in shares of FactSet Research Systems in the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Eagle Bay Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of FactSet Research Systems in the second quarter valued at about $32,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.50% of the companys stock. Get FactSet Research Systems alerts: FactSet Research Systems Price Performance Shares of FDS opened at $463.31 on Wednesday. The firm has a market cap of $17.65 billion, a PE ratio of 37.48, a PEG ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.75. The firms 50 day moving average price is $465.39 and its 200 day moving average price is $448.16. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.91, a quick ratio of 1.68 and a current ratio of 1.68. FactSet Research Systems Inc. has a twelve month low of $377.89 and a twelve month high of $487.79. FactSet Research Systems Dividend Announcement FactSet Research Systems ( NYSE:FDS Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, December 19th. The business services provider reported $4.12 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $4.10 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $542.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $540.34 million. FactSet Research Systems had a return on equity of 34.47% and a net margin of 22.60%. FactSet Research Systemss quarterly revenue was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.99 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that FactSet Research Systems Inc. will post 15.76 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, March 21st. Investors of record on Thursday, February 29th will be given a $0.98 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, February 28th. This represents a $3.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.85%. FactSet Research Systemss dividend payout ratio is presently 31.72%. Insider Activity at FactSet Research Systems In other FactSet Research Systems news, CEO Frederick Philip Snow sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $452.79, for a total value of $1,358,370.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 12,915 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,847,782.85. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other FactSet Research Systems news, CEO Frederick Philip Snow sold 3,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, December 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $452.79, for a total value of $1,358,370.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 12,915 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,847,782.85. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Christopher R. Ellis sold 9,291 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, December 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $450.76, for a total value of $4,188,011.16. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 23,433 shares in the company, valued at $10,562,659.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 17,805 shares of company stock worth $8,164,021. 1.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $464.00 target price on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research report on Wednesday, December 20th. BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on shares of FactSet Research Systems from $436.00 to $447.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, December 20th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of FactSet Research Systems from $436.00 to $469.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 20th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a hold rating and set a $480.00 price objective (up from $471.00) on shares of FactSet Research Systems in a research note on Friday, December 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $434.25. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on FactSet Research Systems FactSet Research Systems Company Profile (Free Report) FactSet Research Systems Inc, a financial data company, provides integrated financial information and analytical applications to the investment community in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of research, analytics and trading, content and technology solutions, and wealth. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for FactSet Research Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for FactSet Research Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Skyline Champion Co. (NYSE:SKY Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the five research firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year target price among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $71.40. A number of research analysts recently weighed in on SKY shares. Wedbush reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $72.00 price objective on shares of Skyline Champion in a research note on Tuesday, February 6th. Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on Skyline Champion from $69.00 to $73.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, February 7th. StockNews.com upgraded Skyline Champion from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, December 1st. Finally, Barclays boosted their price objective on Skyline Champion from $61.00 to $69.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, December 13th. Get Skyline Champion alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Skyline Champion Insiders Place Their Bets Hedge Funds Weigh In On Skyline Champion In other Skyline Champion news, Director Keith A. Anderson sold 18,750 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, December 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $73.00, for a total value of $1,368,750.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 238,098 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,381,154. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink . Corporate insiders own 7.00% of the companys stock. A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in SKY. Keeley Teton Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 48.1% in the 4th quarter. Keeley Teton Advisors LLC now owns 16,082 shares of the companys stock worth $1,194,000 after purchasing an additional 5,223 shares in the last quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC boosted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 2,088.3% in the 4th quarter. Tower Research Capital LLC TRC now owns 19,651 shares of the companys stock worth $1,459,000 after purchasing an additional 18,753 shares in the last quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 22.7% in the 4th quarter. Burgundy Asset Management Ltd. now owns 736,477 shares of the companys stock worth $54,691,000 after purchasing an additional 136,071 shares in the last quarter. First Trust Advisors LP boosted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 37.7% in the 4th quarter. First Trust Advisors LP now owns 63,704 shares of the companys stock worth $4,731,000 after purchasing an additional 17,438 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Skyline Champion by 9.4% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 225,410 shares of the companys stock worth $16,739,000 after purchasing an additional 19,438 shares in the last quarter. Skyline Champion Stock Down 5.6 % Skyline Champion stock opened at $77.36 on Wednesday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $71.57 and a 200-day moving average price of $66.31. The company has a market capitalization of $4.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.17 and a beta of 1.50. Skyline Champion has a twelve month low of $52.12 and a twelve month high of $83.93. The company has a quick ratio of 1.71, a current ratio of 2.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. About Skyline Champion (Get Free Report Skyline Champion Corporation produces and sells factory-built housing in North America. The company offers manufactured and modular homes, park models RVs, accessory dwelling units, and modular buildings for the multi-family and hospitality sectors. It builds homes under the Skyline Homes, Champion Home Builders, Genesis Homes, Athens Park Models, Dutch Housing, Atlantic Homes, Excel Homes, Homes of Merit, New Era, Redman Homes, ScotBilt Homes, Shore Park, Silvercrest, and Titan Homes brands in the United States; and Moduline and SRI Homes brand names in western Canada. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Skyline Champion Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Skyline Champion and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Simec (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at StockNews.com from a hold rating to a buy rating in a note issued to investors on Monday. Grupo Simec Stock Performance Grupo Simec stock opened at $30.43 on Monday. Grupo Simec has a 12-month low of $28.15 and a 12-month high of $38.22. Get Grupo Simec alerts: About Grupo Simec (Get Free Report) Read More Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products. Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Simec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Simec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China's birthrate has plunged, with the number of newborns in 2023 falling by 500,000, to about 9 million. The number of students in kindergarten reportedly saw its first decline in nearly 20 years in 2021. If classes remain the same size, there could be a surplus of nearly 2 million teachers by 2035. Decades of China's one-child policy have created a demographic nightmare for the world's second-largest economy, and millions of school teachers could soon be left without a job as birthrates tumble. Chinese schools have historically had to crowd classrooms with as many as 50 students per teacher. If those classes don't scale back, China could see a surplus of 1.5 million primary school teachers and 370,000 middle school teachers by 2035, according to a Tuesday report from the South China Morning Post. Last year marked the second consecutive year that China's population shrank, according to the country's National Bureau of Statistics. The birth rate dropped from 6.77 births to a record-low 6.39 births per 1,000 people. Meanwhile, in 2021 the number of kindergarten students saw its first decline in nearly 20 years, Ministry of Education figures show. Total primary school students, too, declined in 2022 for the first time in a decade. One researcher at the China National Academy of Educational Sciences told the South China Morning Post that fewer students will "inevitably" create redundancies among teaching staff, depending on the region. In their estimate, financial burdens stemming from the broader economic turmoil will also lead local governments to recruit fewer teachers moving forward. In 2015, Beijing reversed the one-child policy, and authorities have been trying to motivate its population to have more children since then. For instance, in the populous eastern city of Hangzhou, the local government started offering parents about $2,800 for having a third child. Similar incentives have sprouted up across the country in recent years, but the demographics have only worsened and not just among its youth population. A study from the consultancy Terry Group in 2023 concluded that China's aging population will prevent the economy from competing with the US and other rivals on the world stage. Story continues In the firm's view, it's not just population decline that's a threat, but the climbing share of elderly which will push "China's overall dependency burden back up." "In 1975, there were thirteen times as many children as elderly in China," Terry Group researchers wrote. "By 2050, the UN projects that there will be twice as many elderly as children." Demographic challenges aside, Beijing is also navigating historic real estate turmoil, deflation, and extremely bearish sentiment in its stock market. Read the original article on Business Insider 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. North Wales couple share what its like working together at HMP Berwyn A North Wales couple have shared what its like to work alongside each other in the same prison. Luke Gardner and his partner Charlotte Owen work together at HMP Berwyn and are encouraging jobseekers to consider joining the prison service to protect the public and support prisoners through their rehabilitation. To mark Valentines Day, the couple who are due to be married next year have revealed what its like to work at the Category C prison in Wrexham, where they both met six years ago. Luke, 30, joined HMP Berwyn as a prison officer in 2016 having completed a university degree in Law. He spent two years working as a prison officer before switching to a non-operational role as a Business Hub Manager. After finishing university I realised I didnt have the funds to pursue a legal career, so I needed to get a job pretty sharpish, said Luke. I saw an advert for a prison officer job, which was local to me in Wrexham, and fortunately I applied and got the role. When I first started as a prison officer, I got sent to a few other prisons on detached duty including in Birmingham and London to help them to deal with specific high-profile incidents. These were great experiences as I got a real understanding of what being a prison officer is about. I saw first-hand how someone who takes this job seriously can make a difference to other peoples lives. Thats where it started for me I knew the prison service would be something Id do for the rest of my life, and its been a pretty good career so far. Charlotte, 25, joined HMP Berwyn in 2017 having previously studied hairdressing in college. She credits her mother, who also works at HMP Berwyn, as the reason she decided to opt for a career in the prison service. Charlotte, who works in an administration role, said: Once Id qualified as a hairdresser I found it tricky to find a job and the wages werent very good. My mum worked at HMP Berwyn in a HR role, so she encouraged me to consider joining the prison service. Its nice having both my mum and Luke working in the same place, particularly if you need to get advice. When I first joined HMP Berwyn, I was very new to office work, so I would often seek my mums help if I wasnt sure about something. Luke and I try to keep our work and home life distinct. And despite working in the same office, we work in different areas for example, he works with prisoners, whereas I support staff so we can keep things separate. When we are at home, we dont really discuss work. Speaking about what skills it takes to be a prison officer Luke, whose mother also works at HMP Berwyn as a workshop administrator, adds: For me, to be a prison officer, you need a high level of integrity. You need to be someone who, when they say they are going to do something, gets on and does it. Thats one of the most important things for me when it comes to building professional relationships with prisoners and work colleagues. You need that honesty about you. Good communication skills are also vital. Being able to communicate during a difficult conversation for example when a prisoner may have received bad news or is struggling to cope with a certain anniversary is so important. If you can make people feel comfortable, its a very good skill to have. Becoming a prison officer can sometimes be the starting point for a new career, as it allows you to go down different avenues, such as working in the gym or as a dog handler. Equally some people may prefer to stay working as a prison officer and are passionate about doing that. Charlotte adds: I would certainly recommend the prison service to others there are so many opportunities and its a job for life. You have job security which is really comforting to know and there is a great pension and benefits. HMP Berwyn is looking for prison officers to join the team. New recruits start on a salary of 30,902 and full training will be given. To find out more information visit the website. [email protected] In a landmark decision with powerful political implications in Britain and internationally, an Employment Tribunal has ruled that Professor David Miller was discriminated against by University of Bristol and wrongly sacked in 2021 after he expressed anti-Zionist views. Professor Miller, who worked as a political sociologist at the university from September 2018 to October 2021, argued successfully before the Tribunal that his belief that Zionism is inherently racist, imperialistic, and colonial was a protected characteristic under the Equality Act. Professor David Miller [Photo: X/@Tracking_Power] The Employment Tribunal was held in Bristol in October and November last year under Regional Employment Judge Rohan Pirani. In a 108-page judgment it ruled unanimously that Millers anti-Zionist beliefs qualified as a protected philosophical belief under section 10 of the Equality Act (2010). It found that University of Bristol was guilty of direct discrimination against Miller due to his anti-Zionist beliefs, contrary to Section 13 of the Equality Act, both in its decision to dismiss him on October 1, 2021 and in its rejection of his appeal against dismissal on February 23, 2022. The ruling in Millers favour is the first successful challenge to the manufactured allegations of antisemitism that have been used to hound opponents of the state of Israel from their employment. It is a body blow to the global campaign of ruling elites everywherein collaboration with the Zionist regime in Jerusalemto redefine anti-Zionism as antisemitism. Since 2015, a well-funded, state-backed campaign was initiated to criminalise opposition to the Israeli governments genocidal repression against the Palestinian people, backed by the imperialist powers. This campaign centred on enforcing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliances (IHRA) definition of antisemitism on political parties, government bodies, workplaces and universities. The IHRA definition equates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, most notoriously in its list of 11 examples. The Employment Tribunals ruling stands contrary to everything done in aid of this right-wing political campaign in Britain over the last decade, including the expulsion and driving out of thousands of left-wing members of the Labour Party and the persecution of countless workers and youth who opposed the Zionist regime and its political backers in Britains main parliamentary parties. Miller, whose academic work in the field of propaganda and Islamophobia also examines corporate and state lobbying, won a significant following in recent years for his public interest investigations and journalism. He was relentlessly hounded by Zionist organisations and their backers with the aim of having him sacked. His removal, as documented in the ruling, had the backing of leading figures in the ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party. The election of left MP Jeremy Corbyn as Labour leader in September 2015 saw a ramping up of the campaign by Zionists to outlaw criticism of the state of Israel. A political and media witch-hunt was launched alleging that Jews in Britain faced an existential threat from left antisemitism in the form of Corbyn and his millions of unwitting or malevolent supporters. Corbyn did not challenge the witch-hunt. On the contrary, in 2016 Labour, with Corbyns support, adopted the IHRAs working definition of antisemitism but without the listed examples that effectively outlaw criticism of the Israeli government such as: Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a state of Israel is a racist endeavour. Applying double standards by requiring of it behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation. Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis. In July 2018, the partys National Executive Committee (NEC) also adopted the official IHRA definition of antisemitism as part of Labours Code of Conduct, again with Corbyns backing. In September 2018, Corbyn and his supporters on the NEC capitulated on all fronts by adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism including all 11 examples. Corbyn even agreed to withdraw an accompanying clarification. Corbyns political cowardice emboldened the witch-hunters. In 2019, Zionist groups and MPs launched a campaign to force the University of Bristol to sack Miller. After a lecture in February 2019, during which he described the Zionist movement as a source of Islamophobia and showed a diagram of Zionist lobby groups in Britain, one of these groups, the Community Security Trust, lobbied the university to act. The Union of Jewish Students (UJS) also pushed to have Miller fired. The universitys Jewish Students Society (JSoc) claimed Millers identification of Israeli lobbying was akin to the antisemitic trope that Jews wield covert influence on political affairs. The university initially rejected their complaint on the basis that his lecture could not be considered antisemitic because it did not contain any material hostile to Jews. JSoc responded with a hysterical and contrived campaign claiming its members felt unsafe and unprotected on campus. This was backed by the Jewish Chronicle, Jewish Board of Deputies and Rupert Murdochs Times newspaper. Over 100 parliamentarians wrote to the university accusing the professor of inciting hatred against Jewish students and of promoting an anti-Semitic conspiracy fantasy. The Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) began a legal suit against the university, claiming it had breached its duty of care to students and was liable in its own right, for unlawful conduct in breach of the Equality Act. Miller told the Tribunal his university did not defend him against persecution by Zionist political opponents. This is borne out by the record detailed in the ruling. In March 2019, the university launched an investigation into complaints against Miller that ended with his sacking on October 1, 2021. At no stage did the university allege or prove that Miller had made any antisemitic statement or carried out an antisemitic action. His words did not constitute unlawful speech, said the university. Removing him on the grounds of gross misconduct, the university claimed it was acting on statements and comments Miller made in February 2021, including during a public event titled Building the Campaign for Free Speech and in an article, We must resist Israels war on British universities, on Electronic Intifada. The university ruled his commentary did not meet the standards of behaviour we expect from our staff. The Tribunal found that Millers beliefs met the requirements of a protected philosophical belief under the Equality Act. He presented evidence that by the late 1990s, his beliefs about Zionism were fully formed, telling the judge, I have at all times since that date believed Zionism to be a settler-colonial and ethno-nationalist movement that seeks to assert Jewish hegemony and political control over the land of historic Palestine. The Bristol Employment Tribunal ruling reading, "The claimants anti-Zionist beliefs qualified as a philosophical belief and as a protected characteristic pursuant to section 10 Equality Act 2010 at the material times." [Photo: Bristol Employment Tribunal] The judge found that Miller was clear in his evidence that his anti-Zionism is not opposition to or antipathy towards Jews or Judaism. The Tribunal cited his testimony about what he regards as the overtly racist and colonial framing within the works of Zionisms founding ideologues. He also references the fact that Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have found Israel to be an apartheid state. The Claimant gave examples in his evidence of what he regards as racist laws which he claims are a necessary corollary of Zionism and Israels laws regarding emigration or return. Speaking on the significance of the Tribunals decision, Millers lawyer Zillur Rahman said it marks a pivotal moment in the history of our country for those who believe in upholding the rights of Palestinians. The ruling would be welcomed by many who at present are facing persecution in their workplaces for speaking out against the crimes of the Israeli state, and the genocide taking place in Gaza. In keeping with his determination to continue the fight, Miller issued a video statement explaining, Over many years, anti-Zionists have faced harassment and censorship in Britain due to the efforts of the Israel lobby. Many people have faced disciplinary procedures and lost their jobs for manifesting their anti-Zionist beliefs. Before I took my case, it was unclear whether a belief in the idea that Zionism is a racist, imperialist, and colonial ideology could be protected under the Equality Act 2010 as a philosophical belief. Im proud to say that, with this case, we have proven that anti-Zionist beliefs, of the sort that I articulated, should be protected. I hope this case will become a touchstone precedent in all the future battles that we face with the racist and genocidal ideology of Zionism and the movement to which it is attached. He concluded, This verdict is also a vindication of the approach I have taken throughout this period, which is to say that a genocidal and maximalist Zionism can only be effectively confronted by a maximalist anti-Zionism. Corbyns silence Millers legal victory against the Zionists brings into sharp relief the betrayal of Corbyn and his backers in the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs (including John McDonnell, Diane Abbott and Richard Burgon) who refused to challenge the bogus left antisemitism campaign spearheaded by the Blairites. With far fewer resources than those available to Corbyn, Miller and his legal team took on and defeated the forces ranged against themZionist lobby groups such as the CST, Blairite MPs such as John Mann, and corporate and state media outletsall of which enjoyed complete freedom of navigation during Corbyns leadership of the party from 2015. Corbyn opposed any appeal to his millions of supporters to drive the Blairites out of the party, insisting on Labour unity at all costs. This extended to Corbyns backing of the expulsion of close allies Ken Livingstone, Marc Wadsworth and Chris Williamson on manufactured antisemitism charges, in a hopeless effort to appease his attackers in the media, state and military-intelligence agencies. After Corbyns 2019 general election defeatwith a Zionist cabal plotting day and night for that outcome and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo having pledged to push back to prevent a Corbyn premiershiphe meekly handed the leadership to avowed Zionist and warmonger Sir Keir Starmer. Jeremy Corbyn (left) and Sir Keir Starmer at an event during the 2019 General Election when Corbyn was party leader. [AP Photo/Matt Dunham, File] A few months later, Starmer repaid Corbyn by expelling him from the parliamentary party on bogus antisemitism charges and declaring he will never be allowed to stand as a Labour candidate. In the more than three years since his expulsion, Corbyn has remained steadfast in his refusal to wage any fight against the Zionists and their backers in the state. Following his legal victory, Miller posted a statement on X, which has been viewed 708,000 times, thanking his supporters and declaring: The self-justifying and defensive approach of the sort illustrated by many on the left and even in the Palestine Solidarity movement will not work. The Zionist movement cannot be negotiated with. It must be defeated. He concluded, Now we need to spread the campaign to #DismantleZionism all around the worldwherever the Zionist movement raises its ugly head. Among those congratulating Miller was left-wing Scottish artist Daniel Fooks, who addressed an X post to Corbyn, who has remained silent on the ruling. Fooks asked: Are you going to congratulate [Miller] about his historic legal win today? He has put his livelihood on the line defending anti Zionism as a political belief. If only you had... His thread has been viewed over 202,000 times with Corbyn refusing to answer. What followed was a pile on by Corbyns supporters protesting that such criticism was out of order as there was nothing that poor Jeremy could have done to fight the all-powerful right-wing. This conceals Corbyns role during his time as leader in blocking any challenge to Labours right-wing, upholding the state conspiracy against the democratic rights of the working class aimed at laying the ground for war. To Millers credit, he replied to Fooks post, challenging the Corbynites threadbare justifications for capitulation: The strategy adopted by Corbyn at the behest of his many Zionist and soft-on-Zionism advisers was apologise and move on. That was a disastrous strategy which ended with Corbyn having no-one left to support him because: 1. A system for dealing with (overwhelmingly fake) anti semitism complaints was adopted which centred Zionist assumptions and took on the false idea that there was a specific problem of anti-Semitism on the left. This system was responsible for massively accelerating the witch hunt *after* the left took control of the party machinery under Jennie Formby. 2. One by one his strongest supporters were thrown under the bus (on his watch). In the end, inexorably, Corbyn had no-one left to support him. The strategy for the left, the anti-war movement and the Palestine solidarity movement must now be: no apologies, take on the Zionist movement directly. If my case shows anything, it is that they can be confronted and defeated. . While Millers legal victory is a blow to reactionary state efforts to silence critics and opponents of Zionism, it is a precedent that can be overturned by the Employment Tribunals which, as every class conscious worker knows, are a tool of the employers and an integral part of the capitalist state. Indeed, the University of Bristol said that while acknowledging the judgment of the Employment Tribunal it was disappointed with its findings and would review the tribunals lengthy judgment carefully. The Community Security Trust said it was extremely concerned about the ruling, and the Campaign Against Antisemitism said it hoped the university would appeal the decision. The British government is right now intensifying state repression of mass protests against Israels genocide in Gaza, branding opposition to Zionism as left-wing extremism and targeting socialist and left-wing activists under anti-terror laws, complete with pre-dawn police raids and banning orders aimed at controlling freedom of movement and speech. The defeat of Zionismincluding the genocidal war in Gaza backed by the imperialist powerscan be accomplished only through the global struggle of the working class for socialism. The essential lesson from Millers victory is the need for the working class to reject the slavish politics of Corbyn and his pseudo-left backers, which is aimed at suppressing the class struggle and which functions as a vital prop for state repression, and take up the fight for a genuine mass socialist party of the working class by joining the Socialist Equality Party. (Bloomberg) -- Cisco Systems Inc., the largest maker of networking equipment, plans to cut thousands of jobs after a slowdown in corporate tech spending wiped out its sales growth. Most Read from Bloomberg A restructuring plan will affect roughly 5% of Ciscos workforce, the company said Wednesday. It had almost 85,000 employees as of last year, suggesting that the move will involve approximately 4,000 jobs. The restructuring will cost about $500 million, Cisco said. The announcement accompanied a forecast that fell far short of what Wall Street was projecting, sending Cisco shares sliding. Customers are worried about the state of the economy, prompting them to delay orders and rethink how much equipment they may need, Chief Executive Officer Chuck Robbins told analysts on a conference call. Customers are pushing things out and putting a bit more scrutiny on them, he said. Cisco joins many of the largest tech companies in scaling back. Nearly 35,000 job cuts have been announced in 2024, according to Layoffs.fyi, which has been tracking tech layoffs since the pandemic. Cisco shares fell as much as 4.2% to $48.19 Thursday on the weak forecast. Before the decline, the stock had been little changed in 2024. Sales will be $12.1 billion to $12.3 billion in the fiscal third quarter, which ends in April. That compares with an average analyst estimate of $13.1 billion. Excluding certain items, profit will be 84 cents to 86 cents a share, versus a prediction of 92 cents. For financial year 2024, the company is now predicting a range of $51.5 billion to $52.5 billion. Earnings will be $3.68 to $3.74 a share, excluding some items. Both of those targets are below what Wall Street is projecting. Story continues Ciscos adjusted gross margin the percentage of sales remaining after deducting the cost of production is expected to be 66% to 67% this quarter. In Ciscos fiscal second quarter, which ended Jan. 27, revenue fell 6% to $12.8 billion. That was the companys first contraction in three years. Profit was 87 cents a share, minus some items. Analysts had estimated revenue of $12.7 billion and earnings of 92 cents a share. Orders declined 12% in the fiscal second quarter. And there wont be a quick recovery in the second half as the company had previously hoped, Robbins said. The company had said that its been hit by a temporary pause in orders from customers, who are busy installing equipment theyve already acquired. While that supply logjam should resolve itself in the second half of the year, weak spending by telecommunications companies will likely persist longer than previously projected, Cisco said. Robbins is trying to reduce Ciscos sales volatility by offering more networking services particularly analytics and security features delivered over the internet. The idea is to focus more on subscription revenue, rather than one-time sales of large networking gear. Adding to that effort, Cisco is acquiring data-crunching software maker Splunk Inc. for $28 billion, a deal announced in September. That transaction is now on course to close as early as this quarter, Robbins said. That means Cisco is cutting jobs just as it prepares to absorb a business that had 8,000 workers as of January of last year. But Splunk has been making its own cutbacks. It announced plans to reduce its workforce by about 7% in November. Investors have been waiting to see how much Cisco will benefit from surging spending on artificial intelligence computer systems. Earlier this month, it announced its working with chipmaker Nvidia Corp. to help corporate clients more easily deploy AI. Read more: Nvidia, Cisco to Help Companies Build In-House AI Computing Nvidia has been the biggest beneficiary of the AI spending boom, but its customers are typically large data center owners such as Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.s Google. By combining forces, the two are hoping to spread the use of the technology. Cisco had previously said it has logged about $1 billion in AI-related orders. (Updates shares starting in third paragraph.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Six and a half years after the massive police crackdown on G20 protests in Hamburg, a trial began for the third time on January 18 against demonstrators who had been arrested on Rondenbarg Street. A trial against other demonstrators from Rondenbarg had failed twice for formal reasons. Police operation at the 2017 G20 summit in Hamburg [Photo by Klaus Friese / flickr / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 The new trial is significant for two main reasons: Firstly, the Hamburg public prosecutors office is persistently and vehemently trying to bring about a far-reaching abolition of the fundamental right to freedom of assembly by changing case law. This coincides with attacks on this fundamental right in connection with protests against the genocide in Gaza. On the other hand, the present trial continues the excessive repression against demonstrators for which the then Hamburg mayor, now Chancellor Olaf Scholz (Social Democrat, SPD), was responsible and which he still advocates today. It shows what this government is capable of when confronted with protest and resistance. After the protests, the Hamburg police initiated several large-scale raids in Germany and abroad and launched 3,500 investigations. Hundreds of trials were held. Some defendants were sentenced to exemplary prison terms for trivial offences, others were given a fine in exchange for a confession, or were acquitted. The first day of the most recent trial began with a delay of around 1.5 hours. This was due to extensive, harassing public admission controls ordered by the court. Visitors had to enter the court through a side entrance, their belongings were x-rayed and they even had to take off their shoes. On January 20, 2024, 1,500 people demonstrated under the slogan Community resistance against state repression! Defend freedom of assembly! expressing their solidarity with the defendants. At the G20 summit, the police had used enormous brutality against demonstrators, accompanied by an extreme smear campaign in the media, which fabricated claims of civil war-like conditions in the city. The Rondenbarg complex was a particularly drastic case, as reported by the WSWS. A demonstration march was surrounded by police units from the front and rear in Rondenbarg Street, and after unknown persons threw a handful of fireworks and stones in the direction of the police officers, without hitting them, the police immediately attacked and broke up the march within a few minutes. Not a single police officer was even slightly injured, but numerous demonstrators were, some seriously, with some left with open fractures. Despite the outrageous brutality, no police officer involved has been convicted of any offence to date. Protesters not even accused of violence by the public prosecutors office are now being prosecuted all the more vehemently. Around 80 of the demonstrators have since been charged with aggravated breach of the peace. The criminal charge ultimately became the mere participation in a demonstration in which any other participantspossibly even state security forces in plain clothes (agents provocateurs)had carried out acts of violence. For this, peaceful demonstrators with no criminal record were to receive prison sentences of several years. The public prosecutors office wants to reverse the reform of the law on breach of the peace from 1970. Before 1970, the mere presence in a violent assembly was a punishable offence. Today, so-called psychological aiding and abetting is sometimes used to convict people for participation. This prosecutorial construction was used, for example, in the G20 Elbchausee trialalthough the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has repeatedly pointed out in the past that mere presence in a violent crowd is not sufficient for a conviction for breach of the peace. In 2017, however, the BGH ruled that brazen marching could be punished as a breach of the peace. However, this supposedly did not concern demonstrations, but organised groups of hooligans who marched in uniform clothing and in formation for the sole purpose of coming to blows. In its decision, the BGH emphasised that this could not be applied to political demonstrations. However, this is exactly what the public prosecutors office has repeatedly tried to do in the Rondenbarg trial. In the indictment, they carefully avoided the word demonstration and instead spoke of a march in uniform black clothing. None of this is true, as was confirmed on the second day of the trial at the beginning of the hearing of evidence. Several video recordings were shown. The defence pointed out that the defendants were not visible on them. The videos also showed that what happened at Rondenbarg was a demonstration. Participants did not march in a closed formation, nor were they all wearing masks or black clothing. Banners and flags can be seen. Slogans were also shouted, and a speech given over a megaphone. All things that are customary at a political demonstration. The opening statement for the defence was made by lawyer Sven Richwin. He spoke about the notorious task force of the federal police department from Blumberg, which played a central role in the events of July 7, 2017. In Berlin courts, Richwin said, he had repeatedly witnessed police officers in civilian, supposedly appropriate clothing mingling with assembly participants as so-called observers. In the present proceedings, there is now a risk that undercover police officers will not only participate in the creation of a basis for an intervention, but through their actions can even establish criminal liability for people who do not commit any offences themselves. The WSWS had already warned in 2018 that the G20 trials were intended to undermine basic democratic rights. With the Brokdorf decision in 1985, the Supreme Court had recognised in principle that acts of violence at demonstrations by some of their participants may not be used to ban the demonstration as a whole and criminalise all its participants, we wrote. Such principles are to be overturned today in order to suppress any form of social and political opposition and establish a police state. During the trial, defence lawyer Franziska Nedelmann pointed out that the orgy of violence and repression against the G20 protests was the result of a deliberate political decision by the Hamburg state government led by Olaf Scholz. With the appointment of police director Hartmut Dudde as police commander of the operations surrounding the summit, the course was set for harsh and escalating confrontations, said Nedelmann. Dudde was not an unknown quantity. He had made his career under the right-wing populist and former interior affairs senator (state minister) Ronald Schill and committed multiple breaches of the law during his time in the overall command of the riot police: unlawful encirclement of assembly participants, detentions, dispersal of assemblies. Courts had repeatedly found that the Hamburg police under his leadership had violated the right of assembly and the fundamental rights of protesters. Olaf Scholz had always rejected any criticism of police violence and instead called for harsh punishments for the accused demonstrators. In view of the disproportionately long duration of the proceedings and the lack of evidence for the public prosecutors claim that the protests at Rondenbarg were a violent march and not a political demonstration, the presiding judge made clear early on that she would not follow the argumentation of the public prosecutor. However, she was only willing to discontinue the case in return for accepting a fine and a statement distancing [themselves] from violencenot by the police, who were responsible for all the injuries, but by the defendants, none of whom had been accused of committing acts of violence. Two defendants did not feel able to continue the trial, which was scheduled to last 25 days, and accepted the deal. Continuing the trial means having to travel long distances on many trial days, which can be financially problematic for those with employers as well as freelancers. One defendant was at risk of deportation if convicted. Two further proceedings were detached from the main case. Two defendants decided to continue the trial. They issued a joint statement, saying, We are aware of the legal and political significance of this trial. We know how many current and future proceedings are linked to it and we have already pointed out on the first day of the trial how much freedom of assembly is threatened by these proceedings. Every additional day of the trial would be one day too many: the mere possibility of ending up in court without an individual alleged offence can already deter people from taking part in assemblies at all. The proceedings must therefore be discontinued today and without conditions. Even if the proceedings result in acquittals for the two remaining defendantswhich seems legally compelling in view of the clear evidencethe threat to freedom of assembly remains. This is shown not only by the actions of the public prosecutors office and the court in these proceedings. In November last year, the opposition Christian Democrat (CDU/CSU) federal parliamentary group introduced draft legislation in the Bundestag that, in addition to criminalising the denial of Israels right to exist and promoting sympathy for terrorist organisations, also tightened up the law on breach of the peace. Sympathisers and curious onlookers are also to be prosecuted in cases of crowd violence, as it was often impossible to determine whether someone was involved in violence against the person or property as a perpetrator or participant. The bill has been referred to the parliamentary committees. On Tuesday, the Washington Post reported that the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) intends to scrap its COVID-19 isolation guidelines, which currently recommend that infected patients isolate for five days to avoid transmitting the virus to others. This unscientific policy change is part of the total abandonment of public health at the center of world capitalism. In effect, the CDC is providing explicit sanction for the Biden administrations policy of letting COVID-19 spread entirely unimpeded, infecting, debilitating and killing masses of Americans for the foreseeable future. Patient Mike Camilleri works with physical therapist Beth Hughes in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 1, 2023. After contracting COVID-19 Camilleri was left with dangerous blood pressure spikes, a heartbeat that raced with slight exertion, and episodes of intense chest pain. [AP Photo/Angie Wang] Ignoring the fact that a large percentage of COVID-19 transmission is through asymptomatic patientswhich has been known since the very beginning of the pandemicthe new guidelines will only recommend that patients isolate if they are symptomatic. Diagnosing themselves, patients can leave isolation once they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication and their symptoms are mild and improving, the Post reports, based on discussions with three anonymous CDC officials. These same officials state that the CDC began planning to change the isolation guidelines last August, but paused in the fall as covid cases rose. In January, CDC Director Mandy Cohen sent staff a memo noting that the new policy would be released in April. Evidently, the CDC had hoped to remove its toothless public health guidance shortly after the Biden administration and World Health Organization (WHO) ended their respective COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declarations last May. They were prevented from doing so due to the steady rise in COVID-19 wastewater levels beginning last July, as well as the global spread of the highly mutated Omicron BA.2.86 subvariant, nicknamed Pirola, first identified last August. Since then, Pirola evolved into the JN.1 variant, which quickly became dominant globally and has caused a massive ongoing wave of infections, hospitalizations and deaths throughout the world. Wastewater estimates in the US indicate that upwards of 150 million Americans will have been infected by the end of this wave in the coming weeks, while global estimates of excess deaths indicate that over 700,000 people have died during the ongoing JN.1 wave. Even according to official figures, which are known to be significant under-counts, roughly 2,300 Americans are officially dying from COVID-19 each week, while over 1,000 have died weekly for the past 22 weeks straight. Despite being either the largest or second-largest wave of infections in most countries where wastewater levels of COVID-19 are tracked, the JN.1 wave has gone almost entirely unreported by the corporate media internationally. Throughout this time period, the CDC, WHO and every other public health agency globally did nothing to stop the spread of COVID-19 or protect the worlds population. But clearly the CDC understood that scrapping its isolation guidelines under these conditions would be bad PR and decided to wait until the wave began to recede. In justifying the policy change, the Post repeats the Biden administrations propaganda that COVID-19 is now essentially harmless, writing, The new reality with most people having developed a level of immunity to the virus because of prior infection or vaccination warrants a shift to a more practical approach, experts and health officials say. But this supposed new reality of stable immunity is belied by the fact that the entire planet just experienced the fourth winter of mass reinfection, debilitation and death of the pandemic, precisely because SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has evolved to circumvent immunity from vaccination or prior infection. Indeed, the CDCs new policy will only further facilitate viral evolution, which threatens to produce a catastrophic variant that is more lethal, infectious and immune-resistant. Following a pattern throughout the pandemic, the change in federal policy was preceded by similar changes in two Democratic-led states, California and Oregon, during the past year. This policy change is the latest in a continuous stream of attacks on science and public health by the CDC, which has wholly discredited itself over the course of the pandemic after once being the worlds preeminent public health agency. From the first year under Robert Redfield and the Trump administration, to the disastrous tenures of Rochelle Walensky and Mandy Cohen under Biden, the CDC has steadily wound back the clock on centuries of public health knowledge and understanding. Dr. Robert R. Redfield at a coronavirus briefing Wednesday, April 22, 2020. (Official White House Photo by D. Myles Cullen) From botching the initial rollout of mass testing and contact tracing, to actively discouraging testing, to encouraging the premature reopening of schools, to covering up the science of airborne transmission, to denigrating masking, to reducing isolation and quarantine guidelines in response to the Omicron variant, to embracing eugenicist conceptions, to repeatedly covering up the evolution and spread of new variants, the CDC has proven itself to be a pliant tool of Wall Street and the corporations, which are unwilling to accept the most minimal public health measures seen as impingements on profit-making. The underlying aim of the CDCs latest policy change is to normalize COVID-19 and treat it as equivalent to the flu and other respiratory pathogens, which are deemed endemic and therefore permanent features of modern social life. A massive state and media conspiracy has been developed to try to condition the population into accepting this narrative, while covering up the science of elimination, which proves that through a comprehensive global public health program, COVID-19, influenza, RSV and numerous other pathogens could be eliminated globally, saving millions of lives each year. Significantly, just one week before the Post article was published, a pre-print study was released which found that infection with COVID-19, as well as other respiratory pathogens like influenza and RSV, substantially increases ones risk of developing new-onset dementia (NOD), with COVID-19 increasing this risk by 60 percent within a year of infection. Those with severe COVID-19 infections demonstrated a 17-fold rise in the risk of acquiring NOD compared to non-severe infections. The study does not delve into this, but raises the concern that multiple annual reinfections of the entire population with COVID-19 will very likely cause substantial population-level increases in rates of dementia, Parkinsons, Alzheimers and other neurological disorders in the years and decades ahead. This is just one facet of the systemic health risks posed by COVID-19 and Long COVID, which can damage virtually every organ in the body and cause long-term debilitation, with each reinfection only heightening these dangers. Experts estimate that hundreds of millions of people are now suffering from Long COVID globally, while McKinseys COVID-19 Epidemiological Scenario Planning Tool estimates that the annual costs of endemic COVID could range between $137 and $379 billion in the US alone. The pro-capitalist logic of the CDCs policy is that society must accept unending waves of infection with COVID-19 and all other respiratory pathogens, about which nothing much can be done. Owners of public and private buildings should not be required to install HEPA filters or Far-UVC lamps, which have been proven to reduce airborne transmission. Workers must return to work and children to school while sick, to ensure that capitalist production proceeds unmolested. The global abandonment of public health by every capitalist government over the course of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating indictment of this bankrupt social order, which subordinates all social needs to the private profit interests of a tiny corporate-financial oligarchy. It must be overthrown and replaced with a planned world socialist economy, the only means through which humanity can shape its future and ensure that future generations are guaranteed the rights to health, high-quality housing and social equality. Workers assembling Maserati Levantes at the Mirafiori plant in 2016 [Photo by Stellantis] Following three days of wildcat strikes and protests last week at Stellantis historic Mirafiori plant in Turin, Italy, the transnational automotive corporation is moving ahead with its job-cutting campaign. The company has informed workers that production of the Maserati Levante luxury SUV at the factory will end on March 31. The walkouts last week were triggered by the announcement by Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares that the Mirafiori plant, along with the Pomigliano dArco plant near Naples, could be shut down. The company implemented a temporary layoff affecting 2,455 Mirafiori workers starting on February 12 and, supposedly, ending March 31, the same day as the termination of the Levante production. Since 2016, the Mirafiori plant has produced Levante SUVs (which have a starting price of US$104,000) at the rate of 25 per day. With the cancellation of the model only eight Maseratis per day will be produced, and they will be limited to the Ghibli, Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranCabrio models. The company is also reducing production of the slow-selling fully electric Fiat 500 subcompact at Mirafiori plant. This will have a devastating impact on other auto parts and supplier companies, like the Lear Corporation in Turin, which supplies seats for Maserati and has already been subject to redundancy pay (Cassa Integrazione) at the end of 2023. Lear is in danger of being shut down, with 420 jobs on the line. Italian autoworkers, like their brothers and sisters worldwide, stand in the crosshairs of a global restructuring of the auto industry. Layoffs and mass firings have accelerated in recent weeks, affecting thousands at Stellantis, Ford and GM plants in the US. In each case, the union bureaucracies have worked hand in hand to impose the job-cutting, demonstrating their compliance to the needs of corporate interests. Workers walking out of the Mirafiori plant on strike the week of February 5 [Photo: FIOM] For years, workers on the Maserati lines at the Mirafiori plant have been subject to temporary layoffs. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), Stellantis predecessor, placed 1,400 workers on redundancy pay in 2020. We work 10 days every two months many of my coworkers would like to work even in August to make up for the diminished salary, Maserati autoworker Giacomo Zulianello said in a 2020 interview. Stellantis is implementing a policy of brutal restructuring and cost-cutting as the company transitions to electric vehicles (EVs). Similar to his counterparts at the other global automakers, but perhaps most nakedly, Stellantis CEO Tavares has jetted from country to country demanding multi-billion-dollar incentive packages from national and local governments, threatening to devastate jobs if the money is not handed over. In 2021, at the time of the FCA-PSA merger and his appointment as CEO of the newly founded Stellantis, he targeted high production costs in Italy compared to other European countries like France and Spain. Now, Tavares is intensifying his efforts to extort government incentives. To this end, he is using Stellantis excess production capacity to as a bargaining chip to demand substantial subsidies from governments. In the US, Tavares was able to secure state and federal subsidies to keep the Belvidere, Illinois Jeep plant open. In Italy he is demanding a subsidy of 1 billion for the production of 1 million EVs, according to media reports. The response of the Italian government, presided over by fascist Georgia Meloni, has been of a reactionary, ultranationalistic character. It is demanding a stake in Stellantis equal to that of the French government, seeking to more directly determine the companys decisions and to participate in its profits, i.e., secure a greater proportion of the spoils produced from the exploitation of workers in Italy. Stellantis is also expanding its electric drive modules production capacity by investing more than 100 million in a facility in Hungary, the third one for the corporation (the other two are in the US and France). These expensive transitions to EVs are triggering massive layoffs in correlated sectors. In Germany, Bosch is set to cut 1,200 jobs, while ZF predicts up to 12,000 layoffs. The situation has escalated to the level of the European Union. European Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager has nominally taken a no-contest position, stating, We dont have subsidies for European consumers to be able to buy zero-emission cars. Each Member State has different schemes and as long as they are not discriminatory, we cannot do anything. In the last two weeks, Tavares has also signaled his interest in a consolidation strategy, with rumors of a possible Stellantis/Renault SA merger, which Stellantis officials have thus far denied. Renault is also partly owned and controlled by the French state. The company is mired in a crisis, especially as it pertains to its attempt to target a valuation of 8-10 billion for Ampere, its EV business, which it is seeking to establish as a standalone enterprise. Tavares is attempting to exploit the sharp economic and political divisions between the European governments to extract the biggest concessions from the capitalist states and the nationally based trade unions. The increasingly bitter conflicts among European states are further proof that Europe cannot be united on a capitalist basis, the raison d'etre of the EU. Workers will not find a solution in the anti-EU ultra-nationalism often evoked by the fascists behind Meloni and echoed by the trade unions. One by one the CGIL, CISL and UIL union confederations are calling for national protectionism, and for the collaboration of the union apparatus, Stellantis and Italian governmentin other words, a policy of corporatism. This bankrupt perspective only divides Italian workers from their class brothers and sisters throughout the continent and subordinates them to needs of their own capitalist class. And it always translates into further wage and benefit reductions, and further job cuts in the name of making Italian capitalism more competitive. Edi Lazzi, FIOM-CGIL secretary in Turin, expressed concerns among the union bureaucracy that tensions may escape its grip: When workers go on wildcat strikes it means the situation has reached the limit. There is no more time to waste, we must act immediately. This is why he relies on the fascist Meloni government to suppress the rising tide of discontent: The central government and the institutions must come up with ideas to confront this job challenge. Other top union officials sounded a similar note. UILMs secretary Luigi Paone put forward Stellantis board of directors as a supposed ally, stating recently, Todays announcement brings to virtually zero Maserati production in Mirafiori. He raised the urgency to discuss with Stellantis and institutions on the plants mission. In social media comments, Tommaso Pirozzi, a 30-year veteran worker at the Pomigliano dArco plant, which is also at risk of closure, described the relationship between Tavares, the government and the unions. At the time of Fiat, with [CEO Gianni] Agnelli, they first blackmailed the government with more than 50,000 redundancy pay claims, then [former CEO Sergio] Marchionne: who can forget what was done in Pomigliano as a dress rehearsal to a devastating elimination of labor rights? Focusing on the current situation, he continued, Now, Tavares is demanding more money, following a trend throughout the years of stealing money from the population. He sounded a strong critical tone: This has happened with the approval of trade unions and all political forces; how else can we explain the ongoing deindustrialization? It follows the logic of finance: make as much profit and leave dangers and leftover stock on the backs of workers. Criticizing the FIOM union, portrayed by the establishment as the most radical union, Pirozzi added, They say FIOM is the only union saying no to Meloni and Tavares. Thats false. FIOM is only giving that appearance. In reality, its telling the state to give the money [to Stellantis] they [corporations] are all coming to plunder the state and the people. There are growing tensions among the ruling class: Vincenzo De Luca, a former Stalinist and current president of the Campania region where the Pomigliano plant is located, is very concerned about the explosive consequences of a shutdown in Pomigliano. Campania is an area that historically has been economically deprived and vilified. De Luca has been posturing as an opponent of the government headed by the fascist Meloni. He has called for a mass demonstration in Rome on February 16, with the purpose of funneling more money to the South. But this regionalist approach effectively pits Pomigliano workers against their brothers and sisters in Mirafiori, not to mention those in other countries who are being affected by the same corporatist policies pursued by Tavares. The fight forward cannot be left in the hands of the union bureaucracy. In Detroit last December, the United Auto Workers (UAW) bureaucracy pushed through the most recent contracts with the Big Three automakers, which has since triggered a wave of layoffs. In Germany last week, the IG Metall union agreed with Ford on the slashing of 3,500 workers at the Saarlouis plant. In Italy, union leaders are appealing to a fascist government. The prerequisite for a successful struggle is the political independence of workers from both state and union bureaucracies, which are engaged in an inextricable marriage of interests. To this end, Italian and US workers must unite with all others in France, Germany and across the world in coordination with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), a network of militant workers organizations. CNN journalists shared sensitive materials with a rival news outlet, the British-based newspaper The Guardian, in an effort to expose persistent institutional bias in CNNs Israel-Palestine coverage, particularly since the outbreak of the genocidal Israeli onslaught in October. Staffers revealed how even outlandish Israeli government propaganda gets rubber-stamped for broadcast, while the experiences of the Palestinians get systematically skewed or buried. Half a dozen CNN staffers came forward, providing interviews and documents, to expose what one called systematic and institutional bias within the network toward Israel that amounts to journalistic malpractice. The extraordinary revelations detail how senior CNN officials dictated what could be reported and how, reassigned staff based on political conformity rather than expertise, and provided the Israeli government and military effective editorial control. The six whistleblowers came from various CNN newsrooms, divisions and continents, indicating disaffection is widespread. Senior staffers who disagree with the status quo are butting heads with the executives giving orders, questioning how we can effectively tell the story with such restrictive directives in place, one said. Some people are looking to get out. These executive diktats start at the top of the organization. Mark Thompson, chairman, CEO, and editor-in-chief of CNN Worldwide, set the tone in a broadly distributed memo, writing, we must continue always to remind our audiences of the immediate cause of this current conflict, namely the Hamas attack and mass murder and kidnap of civilians (italics in the original). One whistleblower reflected, How else are editors going to read that other than as an instruction that no matter what the Israelis do, Hamas is ultimately to blame? Every action by Israeldropping massive bombs that wipe out entire streets, its obliteration of whole familiesthe coverage ends up massaged to create a they had it coming narrative. Israeli soldiers overlook the Gaza Strip from a tank, as seen from southern Israel, Friday, Jan. 19, 2024. [AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo] This big liethat the conflict began with an unprovoked attack and no antecedent history bears relevancefollows the same script used to vilify Russia as the sole aggressor in the NATO-led proxy war in Ukraine. Events such as the US-German-backed Maidan coup in 2014, the eight-year civil war leaving thousands dead, and the year-long impeachment of Donald Trump for withholding arms shipments to Ukraine are wiped from memory, and the media resets the timeline of the conflict to Russias reactionary invasion in February 2022. In another damning admission, a CNN employee drew out precisely this parallel: The complacency in our editorial standards and journalistic integrity while reporting on Ukraine has come back to haunt us. Only this time, the stakes are higher and the consequences much more severe. Or in other words, CNN editors got away with biased coverage of Russia for two years and thought they could follow the same formula in Gaza. Unfortunately for them, memories are stubbornly long regarding Israels mistreatment of the Palestinians. Another tried-and-true method of editorial coercion deployed at CNN is to place individuals in key decision-making roles based on their agreement with, or least acquiescence to, the agencys political line. It is clear that some who dont belong are covering the war and some who do belong arent, said one journalist. The system results in chosen individuals editing any and all reporting with an institutionalized pro-Israel bias, often using passive language to absolve the [Israel Defense Forces] of responsibility, and playing down Palestinian deaths and Israeli attacks, said another. The network has gone so far as to require all reporting on Israel-Palestine, no matter where it originates, to pass through the Jerusalem bureau, whose relationship with the Israeli government and militarythe principal subjects of their reportingis so ethically compromised that it resembles that of a PR firm and a client they are trying to retain. That is how the outrageous story of Hamas combatants committing ISIS-style beheadingsof 40 babies, no lesswas allowed to air. As one of the insiders recounts, The infamous beheaded babies claim, attributed to the Israeli government, made it to air for roughly 18 hourseven after the White House walked back on Bidens statement that he had seen the nonexistent photos. CNN had no access to photographic evidence, nor any ability to independently verify these claims. One need look no further for evidence of journalistic malpractice. CNN and other major news outlets have repeated breathless, unsubstantiated Israeli claims throughout this genocidal war, notable among them the supposed vast underground command center beneath Al-Shifa Hospital, and the claim that the precision bombing massacre of 500 civilians at Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital was to be blamed on the Palestinians themselves. The World Socialist Web Site wrote at the time: An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman told CNN that Israel had intercepted conversations revealing that they understand that it was a rocket that misfired. This reference to intercepted conversations immediately recalls Colin Powells infamous 2003 speech before the UN, where he trumpeted intercepted communications as proving the existence of weapons of mass destruction. While editors green-light unsubstantiated claims by the Israeli government and military, journalists are barred from interviewing or even quoting officials in Palestine. David Lindsay, CNN senior director of news standards and practices, described Hamas statements as inflammatory rhetoric and propaganda and not newsworthy, in a November memo. He directed news staff: We should be careful not to give it a platform. One CNN employee said, Its OK for us to be embedded with the IDF, producing reports censored by the army, but we cannot talk to the organization that won a majority of the votes in Gaza whether we like it or not. CNN viewers are being prevented from hearing from a central player in this story. They added, Weve interviewed Muammar Gaddafi. Weve even interviewed Osama bin Laden. So whats different this time? Moreover, Western journalists are physically barred from Gaza, where Israel has killed at least 85 journalists since October and injured dozens more, many in targeted assassinations. One of the CNN staffers said of the restrictions, The response to our report on Gaza in Israeli media suggests an unspoken reason for denying access. When asked on air about our piece, one reporter from the Israeli Channel 13 replied, If indeed Western reporters begin to enter Gaza, this will for sure be a big headache for Israel and Israeli hasbara. Hasbara is a Hebrew word for pro-Israel advocacy. CEO Mark Thompson went so far as to require that the Gaza health ministry be branded as Hamas-controlled any time its casualty figures are referenced, to imply they are politicized. In fact, the opposite is true: the IDF has engaged in a propaganda war, consistently making unsubstantiated claims about over- and under-inflated figures, while the Gaza health ministry has an admirable record of high-quality reportage under exceptional wartime conditions. The ministrys track record includes casualty reporting during the 2008-9 and 2014 Gaza wars and 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis. Its figures have been independently confirmed and considered reliable by the United Nations, World Health Organization, Human Rights Watch and the US Department of State. The accusation that all daily life in the tiny enclave is directed by Hamas and all its residents are in thrall politically and spiritually to the leadership of Hamas is perhaps the greatest distortion of all. There are no innocent civilians in Gaza is a refrain oft-repeated among Israels fascistic leaders. Even if the Gazan population sympathized with Hamas politically, this would not justify their collective punishment or permit, under international law, the summary executions perpetrated by Israeli forces. However, polling by Arab Barometer, a nonpartisan group led by US-based researchers, found in polls conducted shortly before October 7 that 67 percent of Palestinians in Gaza had little or no trust in Hamas. On issues such as the profound food scarcity, only 16 percent of Gazan residents blamed external sanctions, while twice as many blamed government (Hamas) mismanagement. Furthermore, half of Gazas present population was not even born when Hamas won the 2006 parliamentary election that brought it to power, and another quarter were not of voting age. It is noteworthy that Hamas beat the ruling Fatah party by a narrow margin by denouncing the latter for acquiescing to Israeli apartheida perspective amply vindicated in the West Bank, where Fatah has continued to rule since. However, these polls and historical context would not be seen as part of the immediate cause of this current conflict, according to CEO Thompson. CNN is not unique in its self-censorship and bias. One need only consider that before joining CNN in 2020, Thompson held the same roles at the New York Times for eight years and at the BBC for eight years prior to that. He has helmed some of the worlds preeminent news brands for two decadesbecause of his compromised ethics, not in spite of them. This exposure underscores the critical importance of the World Socialist Web Site as the only independent and international publication of the working class, funded exclusively by workersnot states, foundations, corporate donors or advertisers. President Joe Biden demands passage of a $95 billion war package being debated in Congress, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in Washington. [AP Photo/Evan Vucci] In a bipartisan 70-29 vote Tuesday morning, the US Senate advanced a $95.3 billion military funding package centered on expanding the proxy war against Russia in Ukraine, continuing the genocide in Gaza and preparing for war with China. Working through the night, the vast majority of Democrats voted to approve the bill, with only two voting against, while a near-majority of Republicans, 22 out of the 48 voting, gave their support. Following the bills passage in the Senate, President Biden delivered an afternoon address demanding that Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson bring it to the floor immediately. Johnson had said that he would not allow a vote unless it was paired with the anti-immigrant Secure Our Border Act, which was passed by Republicans in the House last summer. Bidens speech was a full-throated call for global military escalation to defend the geopolitical imperatives of American imperialism. It focused first of all on the situation in Ukraine, for which the bill provides more than $60 billion in funding. The US-backed Zelensky government is mired in crisis following the failure of the spring offensive last year, combined with the disastrous consequences of the two-year-long war that has killed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. Describing the situation, Biden declared, Ukrainian soldiers out of artillery shells, Ukrainian units rationing rounds of ammunition to defend themselves, Ukrainian families worried that the next Russian strike will permanently plunge them into darkness or worse. Bidens professed concern for Ukrainian families and soldiers is the height of imperialist hypocrisy. After it instigated the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Biden administration has repeatedly rejected any negotiated settlement to the conflict, which continues to this day. Yesterday, Reuters reported, citing Russian sources, Russian President Vladimir Putins suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries. The US and NATO imperialist powers have bled the country white in their determination to impose a military defeat on Russia. The death toll is so great that the Zelensky government is attempting to lower the draft age to dragoon more youth into the battle, under conditions of growing opposition within Ukraine itself. An article in the New York Times published earlier this week declared that lowering the draft age would bring more lithe, healthy soldiers to the fight but would pose long-term risks for sustaining Ukraines population, given the countrys demographics. In language that reeks of the romanticization of slaughter, the Times acknowledged that sustaining Ukraines population is an open question. In other words, imperialism is fighting to the last Ukrainianliterally. Biden then turned to the Middle East, where he focused on the military buildup in the Red Sea, targeting Iran. He only briefly referred to the second largest component of the billanother $14 billion for Israel and the continuation of the genocide against the Palestinian people. With consummate cynicism and imperialist hypocrisy, Biden claimed that the bill included measures to provide life-saving humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people, who desperately need food, water and shelter. Millions of Palestinians are in desperate need, and more than 35,000 are dead, because of a slaughter and bombardment carried out with the full financial and military resources of the United States. In fact, unlike initial iterations of the bill, this war package strictly prohibits any funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. UNRWA is the main humanitarian aid agency for Palestinian refugees in Gaza, Jordan and Lebanon, upon which millions rely. The pittance of aid provided to suffering Palestinians in the bill through the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development contains several onerous oversight and reporting requirements. These include a requirement that procedures for delivering aid be developed in coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors and the Government of Israel, as appropriate. It is as if an arsonist set fire to a neighborhood, murdered many of its residents, and then provided a broom to assist in the clean-up, so long as this was done under the watchful eye of the arsonist himselfand as he goes on to destroy the rest of the city. Finally, Biden said that the bill includes critical funding for our national security priorities in Asia, because even as we focus on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, we must not take our eye off our national security challenges in the Pacific. That is, the US-NATO war against Russia in Ukraine, the genocide in Gaza and the military buildup in the Middle East are seen as preparatory and part of the developing conflict with China. The bill provides another $5 billion to this end, including nearly $2 billion for the procurement of Columbia class ballistic missile submarines as part of the Australia-United Kingdom-United States (AUKUS) military arrangement. The Columbia class is capable of carrying up to 16 Trident D5 ballistic missiles, each of which can be equipped with a W88 thermonuclear warhead. The estimated yield of a W88 is 475 kilotons, which is more than 23 times as powerful as the bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki. What happens with the bill now remains uncertain. While Trump and his most fervent supporters in the Republican caucus in the House of Representatives are opposing it, sections of the Republican Party are calling for it to be brought to a vote and passed. The Republican Party-aligned Wall Street Journal editorialized after the Senate vote, calling it a victory for American security that would buttress US defenses and hold the line against compounding dangers abroad. Rejection of the bill, it wrote, heralds weakness against China and Iran as much as it does Russia. Anyone who thinks a fight over Taiwan is coming should be rushing to pass $2 billion in weapons sales and training for [our] Pacific partners. For their part, several Democrats, including former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, have raised the possibility of a discharge petition. This parliamentary maneuver would allow Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, with the support of even a handful of Republicans, to bring the bill to the floor without Johnsons approval. Whatever the immediate outcome, the process has starkly revealed the political dynamic in the United States. The Democratic Party is a party of war and genocide. Its differences with the Trump faction of the Republican Party center primarily on issues of foreign policy, particularly in relation to Russia. Toward the end of his speech, Biden denounced Trump for accommodating to Putin, declaring, in reference to earlier remarks by Trump, As long as Im president, if Putin attacks a NATO ally, the United States will defend every inch of NATO territory. As for Trump and the other fascists in the Republican Party, they are no less ardent supporters of American imperialism than the Democrats. If Trump were to return to office, he would proceed with absolute viciousness to advance US imperialist interests abroad. The conflict over the bill reflects certain divisions within the ruling class over the orientation of war policy, and Trump also sees it as an opportunity to escalate his fascistic campaign against immigrants. Biden declared in his remarks that an inflection point in history has been reached. This is indeed true, though in two very different senses. For Biden, it means that the American ruling elite, confronting a desperate crisis, must use military violence on an unprecedented scale to defeat its rivals, suppress popular opposition, maintain its global hegemony and thereby defend its profits and wealth. For the working class of the United States and the entire world, however, the matter is posed differently. For the working class, it is a question of opposing the relentless escalation of imperialist brutality, including the normalization of genocide and nuclear war, which threatens all of humanity, through the development of a working class movement against the capitalist system and for socialism. Indias Narendra Modi-led, far-right BJP government has launched a massive state security operation to crush a farmers protest already joined by over 100,000 farmers and farm laborers. The crackdown has involved tens of thousands of police and para-militaries, the erection of huge multi-layered blockades at state borders, and drone-delivered tear-gas strikes. The farmers are demanding the Modi government fulfill a promise to establish a minimum support price (MSP) for basic crops. That promise was extracted from the government at the conclusion of a year-long farmers protest, the 2020-21 Lets go to Delhi (Dilli Chalo) movement. For thirteen months, tens of thousands of farmers camped on the outskirts of Indias National Capital Territory to demand the repeal of three recently adopted pro-agri business laws. Ultimately, the government was forced to beat a retreat and pledged to repeal some of the offending legislation, but it has since reneged on key promises. Farmers run for cover after police fired tear gas to disperse protesting farmers who were marching to New Delhi near the Punjab-Haryana border at Shambhu, India, Tuesday, Feb.13, 2024. [AP Photo/Rajesh Sachar] Working in tandem with BJP state governments, Modi is determined to prevent a reprise of the 2020-21 mobilization, lest it derail his bid for a third term in office in Indias general elections which are to be held this spring . On Monday, the day before the protest was to begin, the BJP state government in Haryana, which lies between Delhi and Punjab, the northwest Indian state where the farmers agitation is centered, implemented a raft of repressive measures. These included deploying 114 companies of paramilitaries and state police to districts adjacent to Punjab, blockading key roads and placing much of the state under Section 144 of the Criminal Code, which outlaws all public gatherings of four or more people. The government has also suspended mobile and internet services across much of the state through Feb. 15. When farmers from Punjab reached the border with Haryana yesterday, they were confronted by barricades comprised of large concrete slabs and containers and barbed wire spread across the roads to prevent them from proceeding. Nails were also laid to puncture the tires of tractors and other vehicles as protesters passed. Like measures were taken at the border between Haryana and Delhi, with some 50,000 police deployed to prevent protesting farmers from entering the capital territory. The Delhi police are under the control of the BJP central government even though the territory is governed by the opposition AAP. Violent clashes soon erupted between the security forces and farmers. Haryana state police fired tear gas shells at farmers as they reached the Shambhu border crossing between Punjab and Haryana. At a crossing from Haryana into Delhi, media reported Special Commissioner of Police Ravindra Yadav inciting police via a bullhorn, We have to fire tear gas shells, use lathis (batons) and save ourselves. At the end of the day, peasant/farmer representatives told a press conference, Around 60 of our men have sustained injuries. The government is provoking us by attacking us with tear gas shells and rubber bullets. Farmers leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called Tuesday, a black day in the history of India. It is shameful the way the Modi government attacked farmers and farm leaders. The BJP government intended to commandeer a stadium in Delhi to detain protesting farmers en masse if they had succeed in entering the capital. However, the local AAP government refused to make it available, declaring that the issues over which the farmers were protesting were legitimate. Ahead of Tuesdays protest, police had already arrested hundreds of farmers at various places. For example, Madhya Pradesh police detained farmers who were heading to Delhi at the Bhopal railway station and in several other places on Sunday night. Madhya Pradesh farmer leader Anil Yadav and another leader were thrown in jail. A few days earlier, police brutally attacked a protest march on parliament by hundreds of farmers from Noida and Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The Delhi police, for their part, have imposed prohibitory orders banning the entry for a month of any procession of tractors, trucks or other vehicles. The Hindu reported an order issued by Police Commissioner Sanjay Arore as proclaiming, There will be a complete restriction on assembly of people, rallies and entry of tractor trolleys carrying people. The Modi government is determined to quash the farmer protest movement at the outset for fear that it will become a rallying point for mass opposition just as it is about to formally launch its campaign for re-election. Backed by the most powerful sections of the Indian bourgeoisie and the corporate media and exploiting the spineless and right-wing character of its opponents within the political establishment, the Modi government has sought to project an image of political invincibility based on its supposed mass support. An ongoing mass protest of farmers in Indias capital would put the lie to this false narrative, as well as to the associated fiction that under Modi India is experiencing rapid economic development and quickly becoming a middle-income country. In reality, the fruits of Indias capitalist growth have been monopolized by a thin crust of the most privileged layers of Indian society. Today the richest 1 percent of Indians own more than 40 percent of all the countrys wealth, while the bottom 50 percent, more than 700 million people, own just 3 percent. The Modi government resorted to brutal repression throughout the 2020-21 farmer protests, although ultimately it determined that an all-out clash with the farmers was too political risky under conditions where they enjoyed huge support within the working class and among rural toilers across India. The BJP government filed multiple legal cases against farmers and farm union leaders, while harassing and arresting activists who extended support to the farmers protests. Over 200 farmers died at the protest site from heart attacks, cold, COVID-19 and other illnesses. Among the farmers killed during the protest were four who died after being run over by a vehicle driven by the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra. In 2024, the Modi and BJP state governments are determined to crush the farmers agitation before it even begins. At the same time, as it did in 2021, it is trying to divide the various farmer organizationsmost of which have ties to the opposition parties and are generally led by better-off farmerswith false promises. The Modi government confirmed late Tuesday it has agreed to a third round of talks with the farmer unions. This is expected to take place Wednesday. However, on the substance of the dispute, the government has made it clear that it intends to cede no ground, by repeatedly insisting on the difficulties in instituting MSP. We are not averse to discussions, said K.V. Biju, a senior leader of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (United Farmers Front)-Non Political or SKM-NP. We will wait for the outcome of (the talks) and if they fail, farmers will breach the blockades and will start marching to Delhi. A split-off from the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (United Farmers Front), which came into being during the 2020-21 farmers movement agitation, the SKM-NP is one of the two main organizations leading the current agitation. The other is the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha or KMM. In a joint action with some central trade union federations, the protesting farmer groups have called for a Grameen Bharat Bandh on February 16, during which they will suspend supply and purchase of vegetables and other crops and close government officers, and state-owned and private industry. As would be expected, the opposition parties are trying to capitalise on the farmers protest to salvage their flagging electoral hopes. On Tuesday Congress Party leader Rahul Gandhi claimed, If INDIA alliance forms the government, we will give MSPs legal guarantee. Led by the Congress party, till recently the Indian bourgeoisies preferred party of national government, the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance is a right-wing electoral bloc comprised of some two dozen parties, including the Stalinist Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPM and the Communist Party of India (CPI). While it denounces the Hindu supremacist BJP for betraying secularism, INDIA itself connives with the Hindu right and like the BJP supports further pro-investor reform and the anti-China Indo-US military-strategic alliance. Significantly, farmer spokesmen Sarwan Singh Pandher has dismissed the Congress claims to support the agitation for the MSP. Congress party, he declared Tuesday, does not support us. No doubt expressing the sentiments of many farmers, he noted that the Congress party had never introduced MSP in all the years it led Indias government: We consider Congress equally responsible as much as the BJP. These laws were brought by Congress itself. We are not in favour of anyone, we raise the voice of farmers. On the eve of Israels bloody invasion of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, hundreds of artists, writers and cultural workers have called to account leading cultural institutions in New York City for their support of the ongoing mass murder. Protests have taken place in recent days at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Jewish Museum. In addition, several open letters have been issued, denouncing the Israeli genocide and the complicity of various museum trustees and others. Protest at the Museum of Modern Art (Alexa B. Wilkinson, Instagram) [Photo] On Monday, about 20 predominantly Jewish protesters demonstrated at a discussion at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan featuring Ukrainian-Israeli artist Zoya Cherkassky. The latter was speaking about her 7 October 2023 series of paintings, now on exhibition at the museum and soon to be added to its permanent collection. Protesters called out to the meeting: As cultural workers, as anti-Zionist Jews of conscience, as New York City residents, we implore you to confront the reality. As Writers against the War on Gaza noted in its Twitter/X feed, The talk was touted as an open forum for dialogueso protesters were ripped from the auditorium as soon as they began to speak. Under the circumstances of a mass extermination of an oppressed people, Cherkasskys paintings represent nothing more than war propaganda. The works, which depict the deaths of Israelis on October 7 in a cartoonish manner, entirely exclude images of the nearly 30,000 Palestinians, including tens of thousands of women and children, murdered by the Israeli war machine. Nor, of course, is there any reference in the works to the decades-long history of Israeli oppression and, specifically, the transformation of Gaza into an open-air prison. Worse still, some of the paintings deliberately borrow images from Pablo Picassos 1937 painting Guernica, about the Spanish town of the same name that was leveled by Nazi and Italian fascist bombers in support of Gen. Francos Falangists during the Spanish Civil War. An honest updating of the Picasso work would place the Israel Defense Forces in the role of the Spanish fascists and their German and Italian accomplices. Hyperallergic quoted Max Levin, a former staff member of the Jewish Museum who resigned in protest over the Cherkassky show last month, To me, its a pro-war show. Its trying to stir up revenge and retaliation. An anonymous leaflet distributed at the event called The Zionist Artist at Work noted, In lieu of identitarianism, true art offers identificationnot only with those who share our identities, but, perhaps more importantly, with those who do not. On Saturday, as many as 800 protesters flooded the Museum of Modern Arts lobby. The protesters unfurled banners that read, Ceasefire Now, Cultural workers stand with Gaza and Free Palestine from the River to the Sea! A leaflet distributed by protesters, in the form of a mock museum program, stated, In this crucial moment, we refuse art as a smokescreen for genocide and demand the immediate removal of board members with direct ties to genocide, apartheid and settler colonialism. Among the trustees, protesters called out Leon Black, the billionaire art dealer who resigned as chair of the Board because of his ties with Jeffrey Epstein; Larry Fink, the head of BlackRock, the worlds largest investment firm, and a major Democratic Party operative; Ronald S. Lauder of the Estee Lauder fortune and president of the Zionist World Jewish Congress; and Marie-Josee Kravis, the Vice-Chair of the far-right imperialist think tank the Hudson Institute, a virulent supporter of the Gaza genocide and proponent of war with Russia, Iran and China. MoMA was shut down after about 3:30 p.m. Photojournalist Alexa Blair Wilkinson noted on her Instagram account: Aside from a dozen uniformed officers and a couple of undercover cops coming into the atrium, no arrests were made and the sit in dispersed around 6 p.m. to continue a march up 5th avenue to Columbus Circle. Also on Saturday, more than 100 New York museum and cultural workers released an open letter protesting the disgraceful silence of our institutions as Israel commits genocide in Gaza with the military and financial support of the United States. The letter calls for the immediate lifting of the siege on Gaza, the release of all Palestinian political prisoners, an end to Israels occupation of Palestine, and an end to Western complicity in Zionism. The public appeal goes on to point out that the genocidal project of Zionism did not begin on October 7. Since the start of the Zionist occupation of Palestinian land by the state of Israel in 1948, Israel has enacted violent dispossession, violations of rights, and apartheid on Palestine. Since 2007, Israel has imposed an ongoing siege and blockade of the Gaza Strip, a continuation and escalation of its campaign against Palestinian life. On Tuesday, a group of MoMA workers released a public statement about the refusal of the museumone of the worlds leading cultural institutionsto oppose the genocide in Gaza. The statement asserts that working amidst the profound silence of our institution in the face of the ongoing crisis in Gaza has become increasingly challenging for us. The MoMA employees go on to argue that, as individuals deeply committed to the values of justice, empathy, and human rights, the silence amplifies the sense of urgency we feel in addressing the unfolding events. The workers insist that Zionism is neither synonymous with nor representative of Judaism, therefore a critique of the violence enacted in the name of Zionist rhetoric is in no way a suggestion of antisemitism. As museum and cultural workers, we condemn the heightened cases of both Islamophobia and antisemitism that have resulted as direct collateral of Israels crimes in Gaza. The statement ends with a call to amplify the urgent appeal from the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions in Gaza calling on trade unions in relevant industries to stop arming Israel. However, providing an indication of the false perspective of those leading the protest, the statement asserts that, as museum and cultural workers, many of whom are members of the United Auto Workers Local 2110, we applaud the International UAWs call for a ceasefire. That call was a political fraud. It was adopted by the UAW officialdom under immense pressure from below and intended, in fact, to block the development of a movement among rank-and-file auto workers against the Biden administration and its alliance with genocide. The UAW resolution refused to condemn Israel for mass murder, blandly distributing guilt to all parties, and it offered no criticism of the White House. Instead, it ludicrously called on Biden to push for a ceasefire. The Israeli massacre of Palestinians is only possible because of the vast financial and military support provided by the US. The UAW statement did not commit the union to doing anything, nor did it support the appeal of the Palestinian trade unions. The auto unions ceasefire resolution was meant to deflect opposition and smother it. This was proven by the subsequent decision of the same UAW bureaucrats to endorse Genocide Joe for president in 2024, essentially a pledge that the union would do nothing to prevent the shipment of American arms to Israel or fight for an end of the Nazi-style killings. At the recent UAW CAP (Community Action Program) conference in January, UAW president Shawn Fain set his thugs on UAW members who were demanding a ceasefire. Ibrahim Hasouna, center, lost eight family members, including three children, after his home was bombed home the day before in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024. [AP Photo/Fatima Shbair] In multiple statements over the past 24 hours, US officials have made clear that they will take no action against Israel no matter how many civilians it massacres in its planned assault on Rafah, where one million displaced people are sheltering. These statements effectively give Israel a blank check to commit unrestrained war crimes in its assault on the city. On Monday, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby was asked whether the United States will reduce its military aid to Israel if it assaults Rafah without taking into consideration what happens to civilians. To this, Kirby replied, We will continue to support Israel. They have a right to defend themselves against Hamas, and we will continue to make sure they have the tools and capabilities to do that. To drive this point home, Politico reported on Tuesday, based on statements by three US officials, that The Biden administration is not planning to punish Israel if it launches a military campaign in Rafah without ensuring civilian safety. Politico continued, No reprimand plans are in the works, meaning Israeli forces could enter the city and harm civilians without facing American consequences. Over one million Palestinians have been forced into Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, as a result of Israels ethnic cleansing campaign throughout the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made it clear on Sunday that Israel intends to proceed with a full-scale military assault on Rafah, pledging final victory. On Sunday, Biden declared, The major military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible plan for ensuring the safety and support of more than 1 million people sheltering there. The statements by Kirby and the officials who spoke on background to Politico made it clear that this declaration is meaningless, and that the United States will endorse Israeli actions no matter how many people it massacres. In a testament to how brazenly American imperialism is endorsing the genocide, Kirby was asked again on Tuesday, What happens if Israel does not provide this plan and moves into Rafah? Kirby dismissed the question as a game, declaring, Im not going to get into a hypothetical game. The question is, however, neither a game nor hypothetical. Israel is killing between 100 and 200 people every single day in Gaza, and the death toll stands above 35,000. These victims were killed by US bombs, launched with US logistical support, and given political cover by the Biden administration. The open support for Israels genocidal actions is all the more striking given statements by figures within the US political establishment that Israel is committing war crimes. Speaking on the Senate floor on Monday, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen accused Israel of committing a war crime by withholding food from the population of Gaza. Kids in Gaza are now dying from the deliberate withholding of food. ... That is a war crime. It is a textbook war crime. And that makes those who orchestrate it war criminals. This did not stop Van Hollen from voting for a bill that includes billions in additional funding for Israel. If these words apply to the Netanyahu government, they apply with even greater force to the Biden administration. Israel continued to pound Rafah with airstrikes on Tuesday, killing dozens of people in the city even before the planned full-scale invasion. According to Gazas Ministry of Health, 133 people were killed between Monday and Tuesday afternoon. On Monday, Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, warned that a potential full-fledged military incursion into Rafahwhere some 1.5 million Palestinians are crammed into a tiny areais terrifying, given the prospect that an extremely high number of civilians, again mostly children and women, will likely be killed and injured. On Tuesday, the World Food Program said in a statement that its efforts to feed starving people in Gaza were constantly hampered by the Israeli government. WFP is deeply concerned about an expanded military offensive in Rafah, where over a million people are crammed into a tiny area. WFP has expanded our distribution points, but efforts to reach people in need throughout Gaza are constantly hampered, it added. There is nowhere safe. United Nations humanitarian affairs chief Martin Griffiths warned that the looming offensive against Rafah would be a slaughter, declaring, Today, I am sounding the alarm once again: Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza. They could also leave an already fragile humanitarian operation at deaths door. The International Court of Justice (ICJ), meanwhile, confirmed that it received a request by South Africa to intervene to stop the assault on Rafah. In its filing, South Africa calls upon the Court to consider as a matter of the greatest urgency whether the developing circumstances in Rafah require that it exercise its power to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza. Last month, the ICJ ruled that Israel could plausibly be committing genocide in Gaza. But in the wake of the ruling, Israel, with the support of the US, has only intensified its bombing of civilians, summary mass executions and deliberate starvation of the population of Gaza. On Tuesday, Israeli forces targeted Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent Ismail Abu Omar, seriously injuring him and photojournalist Ahmed Matar. In a statement, Al Jazeera wrote that the attack is a full-fledged crime added to Israels crimes against journalists, and a new part in the series of the deliberate targeting of Al Jazeeras journalists and correspondents in Palestine. Israeli officials, meanwhile, have threatened to expand the geographic scope of the war. On Tuesday, the Israeli military carried out strikes in southern Lebanon. Israels Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that there is a realistic possibility that the Israeli army will have to return the northern residents to their homes forcefully, implying a broader military offensive against Lebanon. He added, This means creating a different security situation by force, and that could lead to anything we can reach anywhere we decide to go in Lebanon and beyond that. Australian mother Kathleen Folbigg was exonerated late last year of the murder of three of her infant children and manslaughter of the fourth, as well as causing grievous bodily harm to one son. She had been convicted in 2003 and sentenced to 40 years jail, reduced on appeal to 30 years. She served 20 years, including five in solitary confinement. She protested her innocence before and during the trial and in subsequent appeals. Kathleen Folbigg following her release from prison in Coffs Barbour, Australia, Tuesday, June 6, 2023. [AP Photo] New genetic evidence about potentially lethal mutations in her children led the New South Wales (NSW) Court of Criminal Appeal, after a campaign by scientists, to accept on December 14 that there was reasonable doubt of Folbiggs guilt, sufficient to quash her convictions. At the time of her trial in the NSW Supreme Court in April-May 2003, genetic science was not sufficiently developed, despite ground-breaking strides, to detect the particular mutations that once discovered in her children were to provide the impetus for Folbiggs release. While the advances in genetic science were certainly instrumental in Folbiggs exoneration of all charges, an examination of her 2003 trial highlights the danger of undermining the basic legal principle of the presumption of innocence. This is particularly the case as there was no direct physical or eyewitness evidence that she had murdered or harmed her children in any way. Folbiggs children, Caleb (aged 19 days) Patrick (8 months) Sarah (10 months) and Laura (19 months), died between 1989 and 1999. Patrick additionally suffered an ALTE (acute life threatening episode) four months before his death, during which he had an epileptic seizure that left him blind. These events were the basis of the five charges against her. Although no suspicion was aroused by the three previous deaths, after the fourth death charges of murder were brought against Folbigg for the death of all of them as well as the one of grievous bodily harm. In a pre-trial submission, her defence team insisted that the charges should not be brought together in one trial. They applied for the alleged killings of Caleb, Sarah and Laura to be heard individually and also separate from the two counts relating to Patrick. A crucial medical and legal issue was at stake. The deaths of the Folbigg children elicited varying medical explanations following each autopsy. In the case of Caleb and Sarah, death was deemed to be due to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). The defence argued that the prosecution would not establish clear similarities between the four deaths except by relying on an impermissible reversal of the onus of proof, which requires prosecutions to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that crimes were committed. The judge had to decide whether evidence of a connection between the deaths prior to the fourth was sufficient to outweigh the obvious prejudice against the accused. Taking the four deaths together rather than separately implied an unproven connection even before the trial started that, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, pointed to murder. Supreme Court Justice James Wood rejected the defence application for separate trials. Folbiggs defence appealed the decision in the Court of Criminal Appeal which upheld Woods decision and ruled against separate trials. Its ruling was based on what it considered the extreme improbability of four deaths and one ALTE occurring to children in the immediate care of their mother, particularly in the light of entries in Folbiggs diarythe main evidence against her. The defence applied unsuccessfully for a stay of the trial to appeal against this judgment to the High Court of Australia. The ruling was a major setback that loaded the trial against Folbigg. The trial judge, Graham Barr, ruled that experts would not be allowed to testify directly about the cumulative improbability of recurrent infant deaths that went beyond the area of their medical expertise, but the prosecution found other means to emphasise the unlikelihood. Moreover, the appeal court decision made explicit the significance of Folbiggs diary entries in establishing the admissibility of the argument that the coincidence of four deaths pointed to murder. In opening, the prosecutor Mark Tedeschi SC quoted at length from the diary entries, presenting them as proof of Folbiggs guilt which she was otherwise unwilling to admit. In reality, the diary entries contained no unambiguous admission of intent to murder or that there had been four murders. Folbigg was clearly disturbed by the unexplained deaths of her children and, in some instances, berated herself for their deaths. The prosecution carefully selected diary entries to paint Folbigg in the blackest terms. It stressed the entry about Laura: [She] is a fairly good-natured baby. Thank goodness. It has saved her from the fate of her siblings. I think she was warned. She wrote about Laura: I feel like the worst mother on earth. Scared that shell leave me now like Sarah did. I know I was short tempered and cruel sometimes to her & she left. With a bit of help. What was signified by I think she was warned and With a bit of help did not in any sense constitute an admission of murder. The prosecution collated what it considered the most damning entries into a written document that was provided to the jurors and proved to be a cornerstone of its case. The defence submitted that the jury should not read the entries literally and out of context, but from the point of view of a grief-stricken mother struggling to come to terms with the loss of her children. The defence also unsuccessfully sought to block expert prosecution witnesses from testifying as to the collective significance of the childrens deaths. Misleading statistical evidence More than half of the six-week trial was taken up with expert medical witnesses, including two GPs, numerous pathologists and paediatricians, two sleep specialists, an epidemiologist, a paediatric pathologist and a paediatric neurologist. Nineteen were called by the prosecution, with the defence fielding just two. The prosecution circumvented the restriction on presenting misleading statistical evidence. A number of the medical experts were asked whether in their own experience or in the medical literature there was any case of three or more unexpected infant deaths in one family due to natural causes. All answered No. The experts did not and could not rule out the possibility that an as-yet-unidentified factor or factors might be responsible for the deaths. However, the implication was that the linking factor was homicide. The defence argued strongly that the prosecutions questions were prejudicial, but was over-ruled by Judge Barr. One prosecution expert did, under cross examination, bolster the defence case. Leading pathologist, Professor John Hilton, had performed the autopsy on Sarah Folbigg in 1993 and stated in court that he had recorded that she had died of SIDS. When the prosecution called on him to revisit the finding and admit that it was incorrect, Hilton refused to do so. The prosecution, having called Hilton as a witness, did everything it could to undermine his credibility, suggesting his expertise was outdated. Another prosecution witness, pathologist Dr Allan Cala, opposed Hiltons determination of SIDS as the cause of Sarahs death. Cala was a leading expert for the prosecution. He had carried out the autopsy on Laura Folbigg in 1999, which preceded the suspicion that was raised of foul play. He insisted that all four children died in circumstances consistent with deliberate smothering, despite the fact that there was no definitive physical evidence to prove that conclusion. The defence expert witness, Professor Roger Byard, stated that it was possible for SIDS to recur in one family. He testified that it was inappropriate to generalise about the likelihood of repeat deaths in the Folbigg family. Other defence witnesses included three of Folbiggs friends, who testified she was a good mother. However, the defence called no expert psychiatric or psychological witnesses to challenge the prosecutions claims that the diaries indicated murderous intent and actions, and state that they could be interpreted as the confused thoughts of a grief-stricken mother. The prosecution relied heavily on the claim that four infant deaths in one family must be more than amazing coincidence. It even presented a table of coincidences to the jury that had been pared down from 19 points presented to Justice Wood to nineall of which were circumstantial. In his closing address, prosecutor Tedeschi declared that never in the history of medicine had there been a case where four children from the one family had suffered sudden death leaving no known traces of obvious illness or disease and without any previous period of illness. You might have some person living in the backwards (sic) of India who has been hit by lightning four times, but it is an expression of its rarity that there has never beenif this be the case that there had not been recorded that the same person has been hit by lightning four times. It is probably more common that a person has been hit by lightning four times than what has happened to this family The only reasonable conclusion is that Kathleen Folbigg killed them. Tedeschis argument echoed the discredited Meadows Law, on which several prosecution experts relied: a dictum that negated the presumption of innocence by pronouncing that one unexpected infant death in a family may be determined as SIDS, two are suspicious and any more than two are murder. In a British infanticide case, R v Clark, Sir Roy Meadow, asked about the probability of repeated SIDS deaths in one family, stated that this was unheard of and that the chance of two natural SIDS deaths in one family was one in 73 million. He urged the term SIDS be abandoned because it allowed most cases of child murder to go undetected. Statisticians exposed the dubious statistical methods by Meadow to derive his probabilities. He was later found to have breached the bounds of his expertise and struck off the British Medical Register for a period. Meadow personified a tendency in examining unexplained infant deaths toward a punitive approach. In some of his research he included cases in which he himself had testified against the mother. Conflating his own research on Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (where mothers manufactured illness in a child in order to seek treatment) with earlier quantitative research into the relationship between SIDS and smothering, he theorised that recurrent unexplained infant deaths were necessarily homicide. A strong opponent of Meadows methodology was Professor John Hilton. In a direct bearing on Folbiggs case, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales rejected Meadows evidence in several cases and the convictions of infanticide were overturned, including that of Sally Clark, as well as later convictions in R v Anthony and R v Cannings. In the first two cases, Meadow was criticised for providing incorrect and grossly misleading statistical evidence. In the case of Cannings, the judge declared that Meadow maintained an overly dogmatic approach to investigating multiple infant deaths. Subsequent appeals also failed in an adverse environment, in which a law-and-order orientation prevailed over caution due to the limitations of science. This was exemplified in the media coverage of the Folbigg trial and its aftermath, underlined by sensationalist headlines in the tabloid press at Folbiggs expense. After her conviction, the Sydney Morning Herald used Meadows work uncritically as objective proof of the verdict. It was not till the late 1990s, after three of Folbiggs children were dead, that seminal research by Roy Meadows dashed the myth that SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) could be genetic. (How to stop more children from dying 24 May 2003) In the wake of the trial, the NSW state Labor government of Premier Bob Carr responded to the media crusade over child death by tightening police powers. In a July 2003 debate in the NSW Legislative Council, members of parliament cited a Sydney Morning Herald article, Gag kept final death from police. The newspaper claimed: The NSW Child Death Review Team was unable to pass to police its suspicions about the death of the fourth Folbigg child. Declaring that Lauras life could have been saved, the MPs called for removal of confidentiality restrictions that constrained the Child Death Review Team from informing the Department of Community Services, the NSW Police and the Coroner of its suspicions about her death. By the end of 2003, the Carr government enacted legislation in line with those demands. Two decades later, scientists identified mutations in the four Folbigg children that in all probability caused their deaths and campaigned for the overturn of Kathleen Folbiggs sentence. In light of the genetic link between the deaths, the diary entries were seen for what they werethe thoughts of a distressed mother. Outside the Court of Appeal last December, a vindicated Folbigg told the assembled press conference: The system preferred to blame me rather than accept that, sometimes, children can and do die suddenly, unexpectedly and heartbreakingly. I think the system and society needs to think before they blame a parent of hurting their children. The fact that Folbigg was wrongly convicted and spent 20 years in jail for crimes that she did not commit shows the perils of undermining basic legal principles. The decision to hear all the charges in one trial on the basis that her vague and confused diary entries could demonstrate a link was highly prejudicial to Kathleen Folbigg and compromised the presumption of innocence. Her ultimate exoneration in 2023 underlines just how dangerous that approach is. In a dramatic intensification of the political crisis in Brazil, on February 8 the Federal Police (PF) carried out a series of raids targeting fascistic former president Jair Bolsonaro and a number of retired generals and other high-ranking officers who served either in his cabinet or in commanding military positions during his presidency. Former President Bolsonaro at Army Day celebrations, April 19, 2022 [Photo: Isac Nobrega/PR] The raids marked the fourth round of police operations in as many months stemming from the investigations into Bolsonaros plans to nullify the results of the 2022 general elections, which he lost to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Workers Party (PT), and remain in power as a dictator. Investigators were following leads produced through a plea bargain deal struck by Bolsonaros former aide, Col. Mauro Cid, who was arrested on May 3, 2023. For the second time in as many weeks, police raided addresses connected to Bolsonaro, this time including the offices of his Liberal Party (PL). There, agents found a copy of a decree to be issued after his October 2022 electoral defeat announcing a state of siege and promising new elections. As a result of the latest operation, Bolsonaro had his passport confiscated by the PF and is barred from leaving the country. Raids were also carried out against the entire military clique surrounding Bolsonaro. This included the former Army commander, Gen. Paulo Sergio Oliveira, who was serving as defense minister at the time the coup was being plotted; Adm. Almir Garnier Santos, then serving as Navy commander; Gen. Augusto Heleno, then serving as intelligence chief; and Gen. Walter Braga Netto, then Bolsonaros chief of staff and running mate. Also targeted were Anderson Torres, then justice minister, who was deeply implicated in the fascist assault on the capital Brasilia on January 8, 2023; and Valdemar Costa Neto, the president of the Liberal Party, who was also arrested for illegal possession of a firearm. A key figure in the coup plot was revealed to be the then head of the Land Operations Command (Coter) of the Army, Gen. Stevan Theophilo Gaspar de Oliveira. According to messages found in possession of Colonel Cid, General Gaspar de Oliveira committed Army troops for the enforcement of the coup, with the sole demand that the decree imposing the State of Siege be signed by Bolsonaro himself. While all the targeted generals are currently retired, the operation also resulted in the arrest of a number of high-ranking active duty officers. The most prominent among them, Col. Bernardo Romao Correa Neto, was arrested on Sunday after the Army ordered his return from the Inter-American Defense College in Washington D.C., where he was stationed in December 2022, days before Lulas inauguration. Investigators believe that Neto, who was taken into custody upon his arrival at the airport in Brasilia, was tasked with selecting loyal special forces (known as Kids Pretos) commanders to be at the head of arrest operations during the coup. Among the extraordinary amount of evidence uncovered by the investigations is a recording of a July 5, 2022 cabinet meeting in which Bolsonaro repeated his bogus electoral fraud charges and urged his ministers to act now on plan B, because it would be harder to nullify the elections after results were announced by the Electoral Court (TSE). During the meeting, then intelligence chief General Heleno floated a plan for the use of spies to support a turning of the table before the elections. He was interrupted by Bolsonaro who called for the discussion to be continued in private. Messages were revealed in which General Braga Netto called for lower-ranking officers to pressure the Army commander, General Freire Gomes, to support the coup and offer his head [to the lions] if he continued to vacillate. The investigation pieces together a number of elements uncovered previously, most significantly testimony offered by Cid that a coup was actively discussed among the military command, with the Navy commander Admiral Garnier Santos and six out of 16 members of the Army High Command committing to it. It also provides the context for previously disclosed evidence of a vast undercover parallel spying operation within the Brazilian Intelligence Agency (Abin), which reported to Gen. Heleno. This scheme, the target of two large PF operations less than two weeks before, illegally used Israeli-made spying software, called First Mile, to track the positions of at least 1,500 individuals, including members of Congress, STF justices and prosecutors. The aim was to gather compromising evidence to be used to blackmail or arrest them when the coup was unleashed. Despite the wealth of evidence, the political establishmentfrom the PT administration to congressional leaders and the corporate pressremains ambivalent about the arrest of Bolsonaro, fearful of provoking any shocks to the already compromised bourgeois order in Brazil. This fact was highlighted by growing calls in the press for the leading judge in the case, STF justice Alexandre de Moraes, to hand the task over to the Attorney Generals Office (PGR) and the full body of the Supreme Court. These worries were expressed in the February 10 editorial of the leading Brazilian daily Folha de S. Paulo, headlined Let there be justice, not revenge, which noted the extensive evidence that Moraes himself was a major target of the coup plot, and called into question his impartiality. Such hesitancy is rooted in a fundamental contradiction. Bolsonaro and his fascistic clique are not being opposed by a faction of the bourgeoisie committed to democratic forms of rule. The frail and misnamed democratic broad front led by the Workers Party is as committed as Bolsonaro to defending the unchecked rule of finance capital, which is fundamentally incompatible with democracy and is itself working for the establishment of a police state in Brazil. While the bourgeois broad front led by the PT in a temporary and precarious alliance with the courts and sections of the military has been compelled to act against Bolsonaro for its own political survival, it depends on the same reactionary forces that only a year ago the former president tried to mobilize in his authoritarian conspiracy. Critical sections of the Brazilian bourgeoisie opposed Bolsonaros coup because they saw it as precipitous and likely to fail. They took note of the doubts in the prospects for a coups success expressed by US imperialism, which communicated to Bolsonaro that it would not stand behind his takeover. With the help of the PT administration, they are seeking to overcome such hurdles by vastly expanding police powers, showering the military with new weapons and contracts and seeking to lull the population into believing the armed forces are essentially committed to constitutional rule. The persisting threat of a fascistic development of the Brazilian state is highlighted by the critical role assumed by General Theophilo Oliveira over the first year of Lula in office. Now exposed as a key figure in Bolsonaros coup plot, he was at the center of establishing extra-constitutional relations between the Brazilian Army and US imperialism in the aftermath of the failed coup. This has included actions that have repeatedly run counter to the official line of Lulas Foreign Office. Early into Lulas term, General Theophilo was at the center of a diplomatic crisis concerning the direct negotiations between the Brazilian Army and the Ukrainian government for the sale of 450 armored vehicles to be used against Russia, defying Lulas ostensibly neutral stance on the war. Shortly after, as head of the Land Operations Command, he oversaw the First International Seminar on the Land Military Doctrine of the Brazilian Army which, behind the backs of the PT administration, invited representatives of the United States and leading NATO members, while excluding Brazils BRICS allies Russia and China. The continued contacts between US officials and the far-right Oliveira, even as US President Joe Biden embraced Lula at the White House and US diplomats hailed Lulas election, expose the political bankruptcy of the idea promoted by the PT and its pseudo-left allies that American imperialism represents a hindrance to a new dictatorship in Brazil. These same forces have insisted, for over a year now, that the investigation into the fascist conspiracy in the Brazilian state must be conducted in secrecy and fully controlled by Moraes and the Federal Police. This has allowed, despite significant evidence having been revealed, the PF and the Supreme Court to conceal from the public the bulk of the information collected. Despite the official claims, the secrecy of the procedure has nothing to do with effectively finding and charging the guilty. It is designed to concoct a fraudulent narrative that pins the entire blame for the coup plots on Bolsonaro and his personal gang, while maintaining that their miserable failure is due to the militarys supposed commitment to democracy. The PT government, a defender of capitalist austerity, fears the prosecution of Bolsonaro and the military coup-plotters escaping the limits of a criminal case and triggering a political mass movement of the working class that calls into question the legitimacy of the capitalist order as a whole. Two rival stocks that typically resonate with investors because of their value and steady expansion are Coca-Cola (KO) and PepsiCo (PEP). Now is a good time to see if this resonation is holding with both reporting their Q4 results for fiscal 2023 within the last week. Lets take a look at the quarterly reviews for these beverage giants along with their guidance, recent performance, and valuations to see if now is a good time to buy. Coca-Cola Q4 Review Reporting Q4 results this morning Coca-Cola was able to beat top and bottom-line expectations attributed to higher sales prices despite volume falling -1% in its core North American segment. Fourth quarter earnings of $0.49 a share topped the Zacks Consensus by 2% and rose 9% year over year. On the top line, Q4 sales of $10.84 billion surpassed estimates by 2% as well and were up 7% from the comparative quarter. Coca-Cola has beaten earnings expectations in each of its last four quarterly reports and has now topped sales estimates for 12 consecutive quarters. Overall, Coca-Colas total sales grew 6% in FY23 to $45.8 billion with annual earnings rising 8% to $2.69 per share. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Pepsi Q4 Review Pepsi also attested to slower U.S. sales when it reported its Q4 results last Friday and stated its North American beverage volume was down -6%. However, Pepsi was able to beat earnings expectations despite missing top line estimates for the first time since 2018. Quarterly sales of $27.85 billion missed estimates of $28.24 billion by -1% and were slightly down from $27.99 billion a year ago which was Pepsis first revenue decline in almost four years. In regards to Pepsis snack business which separates the companys offerings from Coca-Cola, its Quaker Foods and Frito-Lay North American segments also saw lower volumes of -8% and -2% respectively. Still, Q4 earnings of $1.78 per share came in 3% better than expected and was up 6% YoY. Despite an end to an unprecedented streak of surpassing sales expectations, Pepsi has now topped earnings estimates for eight consecutive quarters. Furthermore, total sales were up 6% in FY23 to $91.47 billion with annual EPS spiking 12% to $7.62 per share. Story continues Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Fiscal 2024 Guidance In their guidance for FY24, Coca-Cola forecasts revenue growth of 6-7% and a 4-5% increase in EPS while Pepsi expects a 4% increase in revenue and EPS growth of at least 8%. Recent Performance & Valuation Pepsi shares are down -1% in the last year while Coca-Colas stock is down -5% with both underperforming the S&P 500s +22% and their Zacks Beverages-Soft Drinks Markets +7%. With that being said, over the last three years, Pepsis +25% has roughly matched the benchmark although this has trailed its Zack Subindustrys +33% while Coca-Colas +16% has lagged further behind. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Notably, Coca-Cola and Pepsi's stock trade at around 21X forward earnings which is on par with the S&P 500 and near their industry average of 19.6X with both being historical leaders in the space. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Exceptional Dividend Growth Being dividend kings and increasing their payouts for at least 50 consecutive years has continued to bolster the value of Coca-Cola and Pepsi stock. Coca-Cola has raised its dividend for 62 consecutive years with Pepsi at 52 years and counting. At the moment Coca-Colas 3.08% annual dividend yield slightly tops Pepsis 2.97%. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Bottom Line Although Coca-Cola and Pepsi are dealing with lower volumes attributed to consumers being more conservative on their budgets both stocks land a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). To that point, longer-term investors may be rewarded from current levels with Coca-Cola and Pepsi still expecting steady growth in FY24 while offering generous and safe dividends to shareholders. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report CocaCola Company (The) (KO) : Free Stock Analysis Report PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research A report of the Centre Delas per la Pau (Delas Center for Peace Studies) has exposed that Spain is continuing to sell weapons to Israel amid the genocide in Gaza. It is a devastating exposure of the imperialist militarism and support for genocide of the Socialist Party (PSOE)-Sumar government, which had denied that it was aiding Israel. People march during a protest in support of Palestinians and calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in Barcelona, Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. [AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti] It also exposes the pseudo-left Podemos party, which left the PSOE-Sumar government last December. Podemos cynically claimed this would put pressure on the government to oppose the Gaza genocide. However, the Delas Centers revelations show that it sat in government with the PSOE as the Spanish state armed Israel in a war that has cost the lives of over 35,000 Palestinians, left over 60,000 injured and displaced 2 million people. Last November, a Spanish weapons company exported ammunition to Israel worth 987,000, according to official data from the foreign trade portal Comex, according to an investigation by the Delas Center carried out by researcher Alejandro Pozo. The exported weaponry fell in the category of bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, cartridges and other ammunition and projectiles, and their parts, including slugs, shot and wads for cartridges. That is, it would be lethal ammunition whose sale was authorised, first, by the PSOE-Podemos government which ended in November 2023, and then continued by its successor, the PSOE-Sumar government. Both governments falsely claimed they had suspended arms exports to Israel since October 7, when Israel responded to Palestinian militias attacks by launching a genocide in Gaza. Last December, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares responded to a parliamentary question by the Basque-nationalist EH Bildu party on arms sales to Israel by stating: Since October 7, there have been no Spanish arms export operations to Israel Therefore, dont worry, thats not going to happen. On January 23, he told Cadena Ser radio: Since October 7, 2023, there has been no arms sales operation to Israel. On January 29, Albares repeated this to the parliaments Foreign Affairs Commission. Official figures, however, exposed this as a lie. According to the Delas researcher, The Comex portal shows that in November 2023 Spain was the largest exporter of [weapons] material to Israel in the European Union, representing 52 percent of the total exports of the European Union. The government cynically responded to the revelations with the excuse that these were weapons authorised for export before October 7. Asked by online newspaper Eldiario.es, the Secretary of State for Commerce said that the export corresponds to licenses authorised before October 7 and contains material for tests or demonstrations, in no case for final use or capable of being used in the conflict. The next day they recontacted the newspaper to specify that what had been sent was medium caliber non-explosive ammunition. Successive Spanish governments could have revoked these authorisations, but did not, making them complicit in the Israeli genocide against Palestinians. Moreover, as Delas researcher Pozo told Publico, it is impossible to verify that these export authorisations were granted before October 7. Export decisions implicate the entire government. They are debated in the Interministerial Board of Defense and Dual Use, which includes representatives of the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Defense, Interior, Presidency and Foreign Affairs. Its deliberations are not public and are protected by the Official Secrets Act, a law passed under fascist general Francisco Franco to prevent public scrutiny. They cannot even be obtained by a parliamentary request. Furthermore, according to the same investigation, not only the authorisation of exports has continued, but also weapons imports from Israel. Since October 7, Spain acquired 705 million in products from the Israeli company Elbit Systems, which sells and advertises its products under the slogan tested in combat. These weapons use by Israel makes them particularly attractive for the Spanish army. In a contract signed in November alone, Spain purchased Israeli Spike LR2 missiles for 287.5 million. Definite political conclusions must be drawn from the support of the PSOE-Podemos and PSOE-Sumar governments to Israels genocide. The fight against genocide in Gazapart of an expanding imperialist war encompassing NATOs war against Russia in Ukraine and military confrontation against Chinacan only be carried out by mobilizing the working class politically against parties like the PSOE, Sumar, and Podemos. A revolutionary, international movement for socialism must be built in the working class, against middle class parties of war and capitalist government like Podemos and Sumar. It can only proceed as a movement fighting to bring the working class to power in Spain and internationally. Both Sumar and Podemos have cynically intervened to cover their backs. Sumars spokesperson in parliament, former Podemos co-founder Inigo Errejon, pledged to seek answers in parliament. The embargo on the sale of weapons has to be complete and permanent, he said. We must stop the genocide in Gaza, he claimed on X, after the news broke directly implicating Sumar in genocide. Like Podemos in the last government, Sumar now specialises in making empty protests against its own governments policy to obscure its role as a member of an imperialist government backing Israeli genocide and NATOs war on Russia in Ukraine. Sumars spokesperson and Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, said Sumar contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jose Manuel Albares, to state that this cannot happen again. But Urtasun himself is a well-known warmonger. Last year, before joining the government, he showed his pro-NATO credentials by advocating sending weapons and tanks to Ukraine to fight Russia. Similarly, Podemos Organization Secretary Pablo Fernandez, said this news reveals the hypocrisy and incoherence of the PSOE, which they accuse of lying and deliberately hiding that the Spanish government continues to buy weapons from Israel. He added that the government continues to finance the Genocide from Israel to Palestine. But Podemos is lying and hiding the facts no less than the PSOE. Podemos ruled with the PSOE up to November 23, as the government continued to send weapons to Israel which are now being used to kill Palestinians. Moreover, while Podemos was nominally opposing the genocide, its own government sent Spanish frigate Mendez Nunez and military supply ship Patino to join the battle group of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. The American carrier was deployed in the eastern Mediterranean to support the Israeli war, threatening to bomb forces in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq or Iran that might intervene militarily to assist Gaza. Moreover, under Podemos, the weapons trade between Spain and Israel flourished. Between 2020 and 2022, Israel imported 140 million in weaponry, while Spain spent hundreds of millions buying weapons with the combat-tested mark from Israel. Podemos is now covering for the PSOE-Sumar government. Having left the government, it is intervening in the mass anti-genocide protests to channel them back behind this blood-soaked government. It calls for the PSOE-Sumar government to take measures like arms embargos and sanctions on Israel and to break diplomatic relations with the country. Yet all the parties involved, PSOE and Sumar in government and Podemos outside, are implicated in the genocide. Podemos, moreover, has refused to use its five lawmakers to threaten to bring down the PSOE-Sumar government which enjoys a thin majority only thanks to Podemos. The decisive task facing workers and youth in Spain is developing a political revolt against the PSOE-Sumar government and its allied union bureaucracies and pseudo-left satellites. This requires building a powerful international anti-war movement in the working class. It also requires building a Trotskyist party in the working class to oppose reactionary capitalist governments like the PSOE-Sumar coalition, that is, building sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International in Spain and internationally. FILE PHOTO: The Kroger supermarket chain's headquarters is shown in Cincinnati FILE PHOTO: The Kroger supermarket chain's headquarters is shown in Cincinnati By Mike Scarcella (Reuters) - Colorados attorney general filed a lawsuit on Wednesday seeking to block Kroger's proposed $25 billion acquisition of rival supermarket chain Albertsons, saying consumers would be hurt, as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and other states continue to scrutinize the deal. Attorney General Phil Weiser in a statement said the proposed transaction, first announced in 2022, would lead to stores closing, higher prices, fewer jobs, worse customer service, and less resilient supply chains. Kroger and Albertsons are two of Colorado's largest grocery chains, Weisers office said. Kroger runs 148 King Soopers and City Market stores, and Albertsons operates 105 Safeway and Albertsons stores in the state. The companies defended the proposed deal as pro-competitive, saying in a statement they were disappointed in Attorney General Weisers premature decision to file a lawsuit while the merger is still under regulatory review by the FTC. The companies said they would "vigorously defend this in court" and said they are "in active dialogue" with the FTC and unnamed state attorneys general. Colorado's lawsuit, filed in state court in Denver, is the second filed by a state attorney general challenging the merger. Washington states attorney general sued over the deal in January. The California attorney generals office said in October it was weighing whether the deal violated competition law but has not taken action. Colorado's lawsuit also challenged what it said were unlawful agreements restricting hiring between Kroger and Albertsons. Kroger has proposed to divest more than 400 stores and eight distribution centers to C&S Wholesale Grocers to allay antitrust concerns over the deal. Kroger and Albertsons in January said they were pushing back their anticipated closure until later in the year. A U.S. federal judge in December dismissed a consumer class action in California court that challenged the deal. (Reporting by Mike Scarcella; Editing by David Bario and Leslie Adler) Columbia Business School has released its MBA Class of 2023 employment report, the last of the major programs to do so. Columbia photo Columbia Business School and its M7 peer Harvard Business School had something in common in 2023, and neither was happy about it. In a rarity among elite programs, median pay for both schools graduating MBAs declined. Harvards slide was worse and, sadly for Harvard grads, less rare, happening in 2023 for the second time in three years. But a decline is a decline, and in its newly published employment data, CBS reports total median compensation of $201,780, down from $203,252 the previous year. If that were the worst of it, Columbia could claim to have escaped largely unscathed in what was inarguably a challenging year for graduate business education outcomes. But CBS also took a big hit in placement rates: Just 84% of the schools 829 graduates reported receiving an offer three months after graduation last spring, lowest among all M7 schools, and 81% accepted. Both metrics are down 11 percentage points from 2022. Editors note: A table in this story that contained an inaccuracy in the percentage of Class of 2022 MBAs who entered the Nonprofit industry has been updated from NA to 1.4%. A table showing employers of Columbia MBAs over the years had inaccuracies for 2023 and has been updated to show only major employers of Columbia MBAs for the years 2014 to 2023. TOTAL MEDIAN COMPENSATION FOR COLUMBIA MBAs 2013-2023 Year Total Median Compensation Median Base Salary Median Signing Bonus % Getting Signing Bonus Median Other Guaranteed % Getting Other Guaranteed 2023 $201,780 $175,000 $30,000 71.7% $31,000 17.0% 2022 $203,252 $175,000 $30,000 82.6% $32,150 10.8% 2021 $178,380 $150,000 $30,000 73.8% $30,000 20.8% 2020 $174,313 $150,000 $30,300 67.7% $25,000 15.2% 2019 $177,970 $150,000 $30,000 67.9% $50,000 15.2% 2018 $155,248 $130,000 $30,000 66.3% $28,500 18.8% 2017 $149,890 $125,000 $25,500 65.7% $25,000 20.5% 2016 $147,000 $125,000 $25,000 66.3% $25,000 21.8% 2015 $145,500 $125,000 $25,000 62.4% $25,000 19.9% 2014 $139,602 $119,400 $25,000 62.3% $22,390 21.1% 2013 $134,800 $110,000 $30,000 67.6% $20,000 21.7% Source: Columbia Business School employment reports Story continues A 2023 COLUMBIA MBA IN PRIVATE EQUITY RECEIVED $715K IN OTHER COMPENSATION Median and average salaries at the leading U.S. B-schools were not all flat in 2023. Stanford Graduate School of Business, Michigan Ross School of Business, Duke Fuqua School of Business, UC-Berkeley Haas School of Business, and others reported notable increases last year in both starting salaries and total compensation. Not so for Columbia, where the median starting salary remained $175K (after jumping 16.7% in 2022), median signing bonus flat at $30K for a third straight year, and median other compensation down slightly, from $32,250 to $31K. The latter stat, combined with the fact that significantly fewer 2023 grads reported receiving a signing bonus 71.7%, down from 82.6% dropped median total pay to just under $202K, down less than 1% from 2022. (Poets&Quants calculates total pay by adjusting data based on how many grads reported bonuses.) For the first time since 2020, consulting overtook financial services as the top industry for Columbia MBAs, rising to 36.3% of the class from 33.6%. Finance dropped a bit to 35.7%, down from 36.9%; tech cratered to 10.8% from 16%, and has fallen 9 percentage points in four years. Consultants also had the highest median salary of the class, $190K, up from $175K. Investment banking (a subset of financial services, comprising 16.4% of the class) and private equity (comprising 5.6%) were next at $175K, the latter an increase from $162,500 in 2022. High salaries for the 2023 class were $350K for someone in investment management and $309K for someone in hardware/software/telecom; the two highest numbers in other compensation which in Columbias report includes sign-on, year-end, and other guaranteed comp besides base salary was $715K for someone in PE and $385,361 for a hardware/software/telecom grad. DON'T WEEP FOR THE M7: FOR THE MOST PART, THE MONEY KEPT FLOWING IN 2023 In terms of MBA pay, Columbia had a down year but so did many leading B-schools, including a couple of Columbia's peers in the M7. Harvard was the worst hit of that group of elite B-schools, with a 2023 class median salary that stayed flat at $175K, median signing bonus that was flat at $30K, and median performance bonus that stayed flat at $40K and because fewer grads reported receiving the latter two, total compensation for HBS grads was down, to $220,100 from $223,100 in 2022. It was the second time in three years that total comp for Harvard MBAs declined year-over-year. At another M7 school, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, which publishes an annual report very light on details compared to its M7 peers, median salary for the 2023 MBA class was flat at $175K but more concerning for Whartonites was that in finance, where more than a third of Wharton MBAs found work, median salary grew less than 1% to $175K. But elsewhere among the top schools in 2023, the money kept flowing. At MIT Sloan School of Management, the MBA Class of 2023 achieved a total compensation median of $217,780, up from $204,700 in 2022; and the 2023 classs mean salary grew significantly, too, by 5.5% to $168,095 from $159,391. At Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, MBA Class of 2023 employment data showed that median starting salary grew to $175K from $165K; with a median signing bonus stable at $30K, Kelloggs median total pay grew to $200,500 up nearly 5% from 2022. And at Chicago Booth School of Business, total median comp grew to $203,430, up 3.5% in one year and 14% in two. Median starting salary for Boothies grew to $180,000 from $175,000, higher than the median $175K at most of its M7 peers. Then there's Stanford Graduate School of Business. There's no other way to say it: Except for placement rates, which declined along with every other B-school's, Stanford had a great 2023. Average total compensation for its grads reached more than $275K last year, up nearly $20K from 2022, as average base salary grew 3.7% to $189,010. Expected performance bonus grew nearly 9%, to an average of $99,347 and most impressive of all, signing bonus grew an astounding 25% to an average of $42,249. A year after growing more than 11%, total average compensation for Stanford MBA graduates jumped another 7.7% in 2023, to a new school record $277,268. COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL MBA JOBS BY INDUSTRY 2015-2023 Industry 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 Consulting 36.3% 33.6% 33.4% 34.0% 32.6% 33.6% 33% 35% 35% Financial Services 35.7% 36.9% 36.0% 33.2% 34.3% 32.2% 34% 37% 37% Manufacturing 0.9% 3.2% 4.1% 4.0% 6.8% 6.8% 6% 8% 8% Media/Tech 12.8% 16.0% 17.0% 19.8% 13.8% 15.7% 16% 10% 10% Real Estate 3.3% 3.6% 4.5% 1.4% 4.1% 4.0% 4% 4% 4% Healthcare 2.6% 1.5% 2.3% 3.8% 3.9% 1.8% 3% 3% 2% Retail 0.8% 0.6% NA NA <1% 1.8% 0% 1% 1% Nonprofit/Govt. 1.6% 1.4% 1.4% 1.7% 1.4% 1.6% 1% 2% 2% Source: Columbia Business School employment reports COLUMBIA ADDS 'YEAR-END' PLACEMENT RATES: 92% OFFERS, 91% ACCEPTS Did someone mention placement rates? It was in this all-important category that the M7 schools like every other U.S. and international school that publishes MBA employment reports had trouble in 2023. Columbia was among the hardest hit. Only 84% of CBS's MBA Class of 2023 reported receiving offers by 90 days after graduation, down from 95% in 2022 (and 94% in 2021), and just 81% reported accepting, down from 92% in each of the previous two years. The numbers are the worst on record for Columbia, including even the coronavirus pandemic classes; which explains why the school looked to offset them by including, for the first time, year end numbers: By the close of 2023, 92% of the class had job offers, and 91% had accepted. Other M7 schools had historic trouble finding work last year, too: Harvard Business Schools Class of 2023 employment data showed that 86% of last years grads received job offers 90 days after graduation, down from 95% a year earlier, and 80% accepted, down 10 percentage points from the previous years 90%. Of MIT Sloan School of Managements 336 job seekers in last years MBA class of 446, 90.2% received job offers by three months after graduation, and 86.9% accepted. You have to go back to 2013 to find another sub-90% job acceptance result for Sloanies. At Chicago Booth School of Business, total job offers at graduation (91.1%, from 93.1%) and three months later (95.6%, from 96.8%) were down year-over-year, while acceptances dropped to 88% at graduation from 90.4%, and to 94.3% after 90 days from 95.6%. At Northwestern Kellogg School of Management, job offers at three months post-graduation fell to 95% from 99%, and acceptances declined from 97% to 92%. At the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, of the 688 students seeking jobs out of a class of 917, 97.2% received job offers by three months after graduation, down just a little from 98.7% in 2022 (and 99% in 2021); and 92.3% accepted, down from 96.2% last year (and 96.8% in 2021) We've saved Stanford Graduate School of Business for last. Stanford may have had great compensation numbers but it had its worst placement numbers in years, with job offers at three months post-graduation sinking to 89%, lower even than the pandemic class of 2020 (91%), and acceptances normally a lower number for Stanford than most schools because of the high number of entrepreneurs in each class at just 82%, lower than every class going back to 2016. Even Stanfords two pandemic classes of 2020 and 2021 managed job acceptance rates of 85% and 91%, respectively. Given the challenging environment, Stanfords number of MBAs seeking employment was dramatically lower this year: 256 compared to last years 309. Just 62% of the class went job seeking, down from 67% in 2022, 66% in 2021, 67% in 2020, and 72% in 2019. HIGH JOB SATISFACTION FOR THOSE FINDING WORK Source: Columbia Business School Columbia's 2023 employment report provides interesting insights into the motivations of Columbia MBAs as they evolved over the years. As P&Q has reported, the top three reasons the Class of 2020 gave for accepting an offer were job content (14.4%), growth potential (14.0%), and opportunity for advancement (13.6%); in 2021, they were firm culture and people (15.5%), job content (13.4%), and advancement opportunities (13.4%). In 2022, the top three reasons for accepting an offer were firm culture and people (15.1%), company reputation (14.6%), and advancement opportunities (13.0%); last year, 17.5% chose advancement opportunities, 14.3% firm culture and people, and 13.8% company reputation. Jobs may have been scarcer, but as Columbia's report shows, those who found work had high satisfaction. As in past years, the school asks grads to rate their satisfaction on a 1-5 scale; in 2023, 94% of students reported their job satisfaction as a 4 or 5 on scale of 1-5. That comports with past years: In 2022, 95% of students rated a 4 or 5; in 2021, 97%; in 2020, 94%; and in both 2019 and 2018, 93%. Geographically, Columbia MBAs (like their counterparts at other top U.S. schools) mostly stay in the States: 86% of the Class of 2023 stayed in the U.S., exactly the same as in 2022; 4% found work in Asia, down from 7%; 5% in Europe, up from 4%; 2% in Central/South America, same as 2022; 1% in Africa/ME, unchanged in a year; and 1% in Canada. "At CBS, we have continually retooled how we educate students and have vastly expanded our course offerings to meet the needs of a rapidly changing business landscape," Dean Costis Maglaras says in an introduction to the new report. "Our curriculum offers a comprehensive range of business courses that delve deeply into fields such as tech fundamentals, applied AI, digital product management, blockchain/crypto, and climate technology. Experiential courses leverage our state-of-the-art campus and co-working spaces, fostering opportunities for students to collaborate in the kinds of cross-functional teams that are essential to modern organizations. "Students explore the impact of tech and data on valuation and investing, collaborate with leading executives through our private equity program, and participate in consulting projects that enable them to learn from and apply their business skills to real world situations." MAJOR EMPLOYERS OF COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL MBAs 2014-2023 Employer 2023 Hires 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Amazon 18 23 26 22 14 18 23 8 9 12 Bain 30 33 23 24 29 22 27 28 35 31 Bank of America Merrill Lynch 8 14 8 7 4 5 6 5 9 13 Barclays 4 10 2 3 7 3 1-2 4 6 4 BCG 39 44 35 30 28 21 36 28 29 28 Citi 7 9 8 7 6 8 7 11 9 16 Credit Suisse 6 8 9 7 8 1-2 4 7 4 8 Deloitte 17 28 16 21 21 17 21 24 28 17 EY-Parthenon 4 7 6 11 6 1-2 1-2 1-2 3 1-2 Evercore Partners 4 9 6 9 8 3 4 5 5 6 Goldman Sachs 7 17 13 14 15 16 8 15 13 15 Google 14 12 11 14 8 3 7 7 4 14 Guggenheim 3 1-2 1-2 6 1-2 1-2 7 1-2 3 1-2 JP Morgan Chase 9 14 8 6 12 9 14 10 14 11 Lazard 5 4 4 5 1-2 6 1-2 1-2 3 1-2 McKinsey 77 78 55 45 45 55 55 62 55 51 Moelis 4 3 3 5 4 5 4 NA NA NA Morgan Stanley 18 7 7 6 8 6 11 14 8 10 Oliver Wyman 6 1-2 1-2 1-2 0 5 1-2 NA NA NA Pfizer 3 3 1-2 1-2 4 1-2 1-2 6 1-2 1-2 PwC Strategy& 15 16 5 14 17 12 14 26 9 23 Source: Columbia Business School employment reports DON'T MISS THE M7 B-SCHOOLS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW and MEET COLUMBIA BUSINESS SCHOOL'S MBA CLASS OF 2023 The post For Columbia MBAs, 2023 Was A Historically Difficult Job Market appeared first on Poets&Quants. Additional traps will be set up Wednesday as Arlington Animal Services continues to patrol the area in hopes of locating and tranquilizing the coyote Getty Coyote walking through state park Officials in Texas are looking for a coyote that attacked two children in separate incidents at Parkway Central Park in Arlington Animal Services has attempted to trap the animal after both attacks, but to no avail Coyotes typically mate between mid January and early March, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife Two children were bitten in separate coyote attacks in Texas as local officials continue efforts to locate the animal responsible. The first attack occurred Saturday at Parkway Central Park in North Arlington, according to officials with the City of Arlington. Animal Services set a trap at the park on Van Buren Drive but was not able to trap the coyote at that time, they added. Two days later, a second child was bitten by what is believed to be the same coyote at the same park, which has subsequently been closed to the public. Related: Ma. Woman Describes Scary Coyote Attack in Her Driveway: It Just Had Me Trapped' This time, Animal Services officers were joined by police officers as they attempted to trap and tranquilize the coyote. But once again, the animal could not be located. Authorities have not released information about the victims ages or conditions following the attacks. Additional traps will be set up on Wednesday as Animal Services continues to patrol the area in hopes of locating and tranquilizing the coyote, according to city officials. 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. Rasheen Sinclair, who has lived near the park for about five years, believes coyotes in the area have been getting a little more aggressive recently, a very concerning" development, according to FOX affiliate KDFW. This is a heavy traffic area of people walking their kids to and from school, but also just for exercise, Sinclair told the outlet. You want to make sure that you're cognizant of the area, because at the end of the day, they're gonna see you before you see them, and so if they are going to attack, that's a really dangerous situation. Coyotes mate from mid January to early March, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife. Related: Young Girl Suffered 'Serious' Injuries During Coyote Attack Near Huntington Beach Pier: Police Two people in Rhode Island were also recently attacked by a coyote. Local officials said the second person was attacked Friday while hiking through the woods in Johnston, and killed the animal with his bare hands. The coyote involved in the New England incidents tested positive for rabies, according to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. EXCLUSIVE: The Berlin Film Festival gets underway Thursday but organizers and staff will be doing so bruised after an uncomfortable buildup to the event. The festival sparked controversy 10 days ago after we revealed it had invited members of the far-right AfD (Alternative For Germany) party to the opening ceremony. The AfD, which is polling second in the country, is the source of much soul-searching in Germany due to its hardline agenda, which has been characterized as anti-Islam, anti-immigration, German nationalist and Eurosceptic. More from Deadline By the end of the week, organizers had rowed back on the lightning-rod decision, but not before inflicting some hefty PR self-harm and opening internal divisions among staff. On Tuesday, further fault lines were exposed when 28 festival workers published an open letter criticizing the festival for not going far enough in its condemnation of hostilities in Gaza and for not providing sufficient opportunities for debate on the subject at this years festival. The number of signatories grew to 40 throughout the day. The 74th Berlin International Film Festival, which marks the sixth and final edition at the helm for Carlo Chatrian and Mariette Rissenbeek, runs February 15-25. It is gearing up to be a fractious affair. The touch paper was lit two weeks ago following the invitations to the AfD. Their subsequent withdrawal was a result of what multiple internal sources have described to Deadline as a weeklong tussle between staffers and festival co-heads Rissenbeek and Chatrian. Were told that news of the invitations started reaching festival staff around Wednesday, January 31, instantly causing concerns among some. Multiple sources told us that festival staffers warned Rissenbeek and Chatrian at the time that the invitation would be divisive if publicized, and optically could be seen to align the festival with the AfDs far-right agenda. Days later, on Saturday, February 3, Deadline revealed the open letter signed by more than 200 industry professionals who were angered by the move. Soon after our initial story, things became heated between festival management and its team. RELATED: Berlin Film Festival Says It Stands Against Right-Wing Extremism As Industry Petition Decries Opening Ceremony Invitation To Far-Right Politicians On Monday, February 5, full-time staffers gathered at festival HQ for their regular organizational meeting chaired by Rissenbeek and Chatrian. There, staffers made their frustrations known. Many were against it, and many were upset, one staffer claimed to us. Not only about the invitation, but about how we were treated. Five sources tell us the discussion began with a small group of staff questioning the pair about the invitations and the festivals stance that they were federally mandated to invite democratically elected politicians of all hues to the event. Were told that things escalated quickly due to what one source described as the pairs unsatisfactory answers, their unwillingness to budge on AfD representatives attending the opening ceremony and over what another source called a blase response from Chatrian to staff concerns over their safety and mental well-being in light of the AfD invitations. The festival told us today: At the suggestion of the Berlin Senate and the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, the Berlinale invited a total of five AfD elected representatives. Inviting democratically elected MPs including those from the AfD from the relevant parliamentary committees and the parliamentary group chairmen of the House of Representatives has been common political practice to date. The Berlinale directors were in close contact with the team to discuss this. There were different opinions. The directors took the concerns seriously but ultimately wanted to consider before breaking with the previous political principles with regard to the AfD. They promised to further communicate with the team when having taken a final decision. The festival described the meeting to us as an intensive internal discussion with the whole team. It also claimed today that the discussion also made us aware of how much our commitment to a free society and against right-wing extremism is part of our self-image. It was therefore important for us as the Berlinale and as a team to take a clear stand for an open democracy and against right-wing extremism. This led to the final decision to disinvite the previously invited AfD delegates. However, this past Monday and Tuesday, Rissenbeek who runs the business and media-facing side of the festival and German Culture Minister Claudia Roth gave a series of interviews to local media outlets in which they defended the decision to invite the AfD and there was no public rowing back. These interviews did not land well with festival staff. The internal reactions, especially to Mariette Rissenbeeks interviews, were bad, one staffer told us of the festivals media run. Roth defended the state-backed festival and for the first time told local reporters through a spokesperson that the invitations were sent at the suggestion of her office. The AfD currently has 12 members in the German Bundestag the countrys congress. Rissenbeek expressed again in her interviews that the festival stands against all forms of extremism but was beholden to federal mandates. However, one interview with Deutschlandfunk Kultur, a local radio radio network, caused particular disappointment among staffers. During the interview, Rissenbeek said the festival had no real influence over the invitations and appeared to suggest it would be unwise for the festival to position itself against the AfD because they dont know which direction German politics may turn in the future. To act politically as a festival now, especially in times where you dont know where politics is heading, is also very dangerous, she told the network. The interviews were the worst part of it all, a festival source expressed to us. They showed how little they stand by their code of conduct. How can you just say these people have been democratically elected, so were going to invite them? Everyone in Germany knows this is not a democratic party. There are fears from many in the industry that the AfD could sweep local and European elections this summer. The festival said today of Rissenbeeks quote above: This isolated radio quote does not reflect the fact that it must be carefully considered when disinviting democratically elected representatives. The accusation that one is not acting democratically at this moment exists, and this was also discussed in the German media. But the directors decided to disinvite because politicians who want to abolish basic democratic rights and represent positions that discriminate against and marginalize people can not be welcome at the Berlinale. The interviews were said to have spawned a series of further internal meetings last week, where staff members demanded the invitations were revoked as a matter of urgency. Were told staff members threatened to escalate their protests, including publicly, if AfD members were not immediately disinvited. This is not in my name a source told us at the time. I have to be able to look at myself in the mirror and know I did my part and tried to do the right thing. Meanwhile, Deadline and national outlets published multiple articles highlighting planned red-carpet protests and disappointment from German actors, directors, trade groups and other industry professionals. In a statement sent to us, The Wave and Das Boot director Dennis Gansel called the invitations highly problematic. The pressure reached a crescendo. Rissenbeek, Chatrian and other senior management staff are said to have spent the majority of Thursday locked in heated talks on whether the invitations could be rescinded and how best to communicate that publicly. Were told the decision to rescind the invitations was made during a hectic few hours that afternoon. Festival staff were sent a message from Rissenbeek explaining that management was crafting a statement to be issued by the end of the day. That statement would announce that AfD representatives were no longer welcome at the opening ceremony. After Deadline got wind of the high-stakes talks and potential U-turn and contacted the festival for comment, the statement was quickly moved forward in the day. Staff were sent an email signed by management and the AfD received a formal letter explaining the festivals new position. Deadline has subsequently been sent a copy of that letter from our sources, which you can read in full below. Throughout last week, multiple sources told us that Culture Minister Roth was against any U-turn on the invites. When the festival published its new position Thursday, Roths view softened, and she released a statement that appeared to contradict the festivals previous claim that it was mandated to invite all elected politicians. It is up to the Berlinale management to finally decide who to invite to the opening and who not and we respect this decision, a spokesman for the Green Party politician said in Berlin on Thursday. The spokesman made reference to recent reports about a secret meeting held by senior AfD members in which they allegedly discussed deporting asylum-seekers and German citizens of foreign origin en masse if they came to power. The spokesman said the plans showed that the party was thinking about disenfranchising a large portion of German citizens. It is understandable that filmmakers from Germany, Europe, and the world are committed to ensuring that racists and enemies of democracy should have no place at the Berlinale, the spokesman said. Weve reached out to Roths office for comment. Meanwhile, the AfD gave a press conference late last week in which it said it was astonished to be disinvited from the opening and that the festival was bowing to cultural-political activists. While AfD representatives are no longer welcome at the festivals opening ceremony, the party could still have a presence during the Berlinale. Several AfD members have been sent invitations to a cultural reception taking place during the festival hosted by German state NRW. The festival told us today that this event is not a Berlinale event and is 100% organised by the NRW. Weve reached out to NRW, and to the AfD for comment as to whether they will attend. Given the countrys history, the fear of the AfD is real among many Berlinale staffers. For them, having the party anywhere near the event is problematic. Its a general symptom of Germany and how it deals with the AfD. Theyre not taking them seriously, a festival source lamented to us. We are experiencing pre-fascist times. In recent years, the Berlinale has faced significant challenges in attracting top-tier arthouse and U.S. studio movies. Ironically, this years lineup is perhaps the most interesting and buzzy since the outgoing leaders took over. However, the AfD affair has dominated the buildup to the event and clouded what could have been a more positive send-off. Heres the Berlinales letter to the AfD [sent on February 8]: Todays letter to 5 AfD MPs each: Dear Madam / Dear Member of Parliament, The contingent of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and Media, and the Berlin Senate received an invitation to the Berlinale, which was sent to elected members of all parties in the House of Representatives. With todays letter, we revoke this invitation. The AfD and many of its members and representatives represent positions that deeply contradict the basic values of democracy. Demands for a homogeneous society, immigration restrictions and mass deportations, homophobic and anti-queer or racist statements to bad historical revisionism, and clear right-wing extremism you can find all of that in the AfD. This is for us and our employees simply unacceptable. They officially call for a German dominant culture instead of multiculturalism. It says on your website. Multi-culture is non-culture. But we at the Berlinale stand for exactly that: Cultural diversity. People who want to abolish basic democratic rights are not welcome at the Berlinale. The fact that the AfD is planning this has become very clear, especially in the last few weeks. We therefore hereby disinvite you. There is no place for you at the Berlinale. Best of Deadline Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Books were available from the visiting authors, including Jack Carr who delivered the opening presentation for the annual Savannah Book Festival. It feels easier to look away when life presents us with the uncomfortable. But National Book Award-winner Alice McDermotts latest novel, Absolution, is a tale of murky motives and hidden perspectives that invites audiences to resist the urge to turn away. I hope readers will re-examine their own certainties, maybe find absolution for themselves or others, past and present. T.S. Eliot has a line: We had the experience but missed the meaning. First and foremost, I hope readers come to the end of the book feeling they have had the experience, McDermott said. Then I hope they'll think about the meaning. Author Alice McDermott Our experience of Absolution begins in 1963 Saigon, where Irish American New Yorker Tricia Kelly settles into her role as a helpmeet to her Navy engineer husband. While at a cocktail party, Tricia meets Charlene, a dynamo and fellow helpmeet whose youngest child gets sick on Tricias dress moments after Charlene swoops into the scene. While Lily, a talented seamstress and house girl, cleans the dress, Tricia meets Charlenes daughter, Rainey. Soon it becomes clear that Tricia isnt the only one benefiting from Lilys skills as she presents Rainey with a Barbie doll-sized ao dai, Vietnams national dress consisting of a split tunic worn over silk pants. The moment sparks Charlenes next charitable venture and provides a glimpse into the experiences that breathed meaning into this story. Alice McDermott's ninth novel, "Absolution" McDermott finds the stories omitted from the history books Absolution was inspired by several experiences, starting with Graham Greenes The Quiet American, a novel that McDermott said was politically prescient about US involvement in Vietnam, but absolutely clueless in its portrait of women. After moving to the D.C. Beltway over 30 years ago, she met some of the women whose stories were omitted from the history books. As she listened to one military wife speak about the Barbie doll clothes shed made from leftover scraps, McDermott was reminded of the ao dais shed seen on a childhood friends doll. That coincidence over so much time and space intrigued me, McDermott said. I was also intrigued by a story I had heard years ago about a father who sacrificed himself to save the life of his Down syndrome sona gesture that in many ways began the book for me and remains at its heart. To thread these memories into an authentic narrative, McDermott immersed herself in research, looking at historical events from a 1960s perspective rather than modern eyes. In conversations with former helpmeets, McDermott quickly discovered many women were reluctant to discuss their experiences unless prompted, explaining why there are so few accounts from women. This observation led to the question of what would prompt Tricia to tell her story, resolved in the novels framing as a correspondence between Tricia and Rainey. I knew Tricia would have to be invited to give her account, in this case by Charlene's daughter: Do you remember me? Do you remember my mother? Do you remember Dom? McDermott said. The questions that are asked before the novel begins. In these letters, Tricia reveals that she does remember Charlene. Tricia tells Rainey about her first miscarriage, and about how Charlene stayed by her side afterward. She also reflects on Charlenes similarities to her childhood friend, Stella. As Tricia reveals more about their white savior missions, taking Tricia to a leper colony and halfway to joining the Freedom Riders in Birmingham, both women become imperfect challengers. They shift Tricias understanding of absolution. We expect, unfairly, that those concerned with doing good in the world must be thoroughly good themselves. As if any one of us is so uncomplicated! It's confusing the message with the messenger, I suppose. Charlene and Stella are both less than perfect, and yet both urge Tricia, and others, to resist complacency and helplessness in the face of suffering, McDermott said. They urge Tricia to think, challenge, question, do somethingwhich, of course, is also a demand to take the risk of doing the wrong thing, of inadvertently causing more harm than good. (See the US in Vietnam.)McDermott said Stella and Tricias friendship is a portrait of the often unacknowledged dimensions of womens friendship, affording opportunities to discuss and debate without the fear of men stepping in to correct and condescend. McDermott said this dynamic was true then, in the early sixties. But I fear it's no less true now. Mansplaining hasn't gone away. Although Tricia and Charlene gloss over their experiences with simple dismissals, McDermott points the readers eyes toward reality, subtle stories told in Charlenes anxiously circling thumb and forefinger as well as the bodhisattva on Tricias dresser. Those careful moments create an experience whose meaning extends far beyond simple answers. I think of novelsthe novels I read as well as the novels I writeas a gracious invitation to join another human mind to consider somethingsituation, character, storytogether, just two minds (reader and writer) for whatever time it takes for the novel to be told. [Its] an avoidance of the obviouswhat we already know, what we can know without reading the novel, McDermott said. An appreciation for the subtlewhat we discover through careful attentionseems an inevitable result of such a goal. For careful readers, that experience becomes communal at the Savannah Book Festival, and McDermott looks forward to visiting the city and all the stories tucked into the its rich culture. I have no Southern ancestry, but the parallels between the story-telling South and the story-telling Irish have always been clear to me. Always a kind of haunting, always some awareness of things unseen, in both populations, she said. Whether those hidden hauntings are found in the streets of Saigon or the squares of Savannah, the stories hidden within them may reveal our very nature. You just have to be willing to look. If You Go >> McDermott will speak about Absolution during Festival Saturday at 1 p.m., on Feb. 17, at First Baptist Church Sanctuary, 223 Bull St. For a complete schedule, visit savannahbookfestival.org. This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Novelist Alice McDermott to appear at the Savannah Book Festival We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. For example, although Amazon.com made losses for many years after listing, if you had bought and held the shares since 1999, you would have made a fortune. Nonetheless, only a fool would ignore the risk that a loss making company burns through its cash too quickly. So, the natural question for Jersey Oil and Gas (LON:JOG) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. The first step is to compare its cash burn with its cash reserves, to give us its 'cash runway'. Check out our latest analysis for Jersey Oil and Gas When Might Jersey Oil and Gas Run Out Of Money? A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. As at June 2023, Jersey Oil and Gas had cash of UK5.6m and no debt. Importantly, its cash burn was UK4.6m over the trailing twelve months. That means it had a cash runway of around 15 months as of June 2023. While that cash runway isn't too concerning, sensible holders would be peering into the distance, and considering what happens if the company runs out of cash. You can see how its cash balance has changed over time in the image below. How Is Jersey Oil and Gas' Cash Burn Changing Over Time? Because Jersey Oil and Gas isn't currently generating revenue, we consider it an early-stage business. Nonetheless, we can still examine its cash burn trajectory as part of our assessment of its cash burn situation. Even though it doesn't get us excited, the 44% reduction in cash burn year on year does suggest the company can continue operating for quite some time. Clearly, however, the crucial factor is whether the company will grow its business going forward. For that reason, it makes a lot of sense to take a look at our analyst forecasts for the company. Story continues How Easily Can Jersey Oil and Gas Raise Cash? While Jersey Oil and Gas is showing a solid reduction in its cash burn, it's still worth considering how easily it could raise more cash, even just to fuel faster growth. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Many companies end up issuing new shares to fund future growth. We can compare a company's cash burn to its market capitalisation to get a sense for how many new shares a company would have to issue to fund one year's operations. Jersey Oil and Gas has a market capitalisation of UK59m and burnt through UK4.6m last year, which is 7.8% of the company's market value. That's a low proportion, so we figure the company would be able to raise more cash to fund growth, with a little dilution, or even to simply borrow some money. Is Jersey Oil and Gas' Cash Burn A Worry? The good news is that in our view Jersey Oil and Gas' cash burn situation gives shareholders real reason for optimism. One the one hand we have its solid cash burn reduction, while on the other it can also boast very strong cash burn relative to its market cap. Cash burning companies are always on the riskier side of things, but after considering all of the factors discussed in this short piece, we're not too worried about its rate of cash burn. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 5 warning signs for Jersey Oil and Gas (of which 2 are a bit concerning!) you should know about. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts) Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Welcome to our recap for The Bachelor Season 28, Episode 5! In this special Tuesday night bonus episode, Joey Graziadei takes his 12 girlfriends to Spain, where one lucky woman gets a private tour of Marbella. 10 women explore their artistic side on the group date, while another gets to experience flamenco dancing in Spain. Meanwhile, the other women wonder how to solve a problem like Maria. Here are some of the highlights from The Bachelor Season 28, Episode 5. The Rose Ceremony continues Photo: Disney/John Fleenor When last we left The Bachelor, Maria was sobbing, I just want to go home. Shes tired of the constant attacks, first from Sydney and now from Lea. Stay in your own lane, ladies! Have you ever seen this show? It never ends well for the woman who worries too much about the other competitors and doesnt focus on her own journey. Okay, so here we go. Lea sits down with Joey to tell him that Marias not good enough for him. Joeys not going to like this. She tells him shes trying to navigate with grace despite Maria still being here. Privately, shes really hoping Maria will just go home, but she doesnt tell Joey that. Elsewhere, Maria sucks up her tears, puts on her big girl panties, and goes to the Rose Ceremony. At least she already has a rose and doesnt have to suffer through the extra stress of wondering whether shell get one. Finally, Joey gets down to it and hands out the roses. He gives roses to Kelsey A., Katelyn, Daisy, Rachel, Jenn, Autumn, Jess, Madina, and Lea. Ugh. I was hoping hed let her go after she questioned his decision to keep Maria. Joey, Joey, Joey. Shes a troublemaker. Goodbye, Edwina and Allison. Allison was Marias best friend in the group, so there goes her support. She may not last long after this. But surprisingly, Maria voiceovers that shes here to stay. Shes just got to keep her eyes on the prize and focus on Joey. Thats a good plan. Joey announces, Its time for new horizons. Theyll be leaving Malta and heading to Andalusia, Spain. A new day in Spain In Spain, Maria toasts, Cheers to a new location, cheers to all you beautiful women. But Lea just cant let it go. It literally pains me, she interviews, that not only has Syd gone home, but Maria stays yet another week. It just sucks. Maria has decided to just do me, cause thats working for me and Joey Thats all that matters to me. Good for her. I wasnt a fan at first, but I dont like the hate shes been getting. I dont think she deserves the way shes being treated. Suddenly, Joey rocks up on a red Vespa. After sitting at the outdoor table with the ladies, he finally confesses that he has a date to get to. What, no date card? So, Kelsey A., he continues, would you like to jump on that Vespa and get out of here? Thats nice since she just mentioned that her grandmothers from Andalusia, and this is the first time shes been here. Everyones feeling a little downhearted watching Joey drive away with another girl when Maria asks a hypothetical question. If Lea didnt throw the card in the fire about the one-on-one would any of you guys have taken it? Kelsey T. admits she would have definitely kept the card, though she adds, I dont know if I would have used it. I think if that was my one chance and I needed to cheat to get it, Lea self-righteously says, Id be patient [and] wait my turn. Give that woman a halo! Ironically, Lea wants to be all fair and honest, but shes not above a little sh*t talking. If [Maria] was ready to leave over a little conflict, are you really here for Joey? she says. But not to her face, of course. Cruising with Kelsey A. Photo: Disney/John Fleenor Joey and Kelsey cruise through the sunny streets of Spain. After tasting some cured ham and local tomatoes, they do some wine tasting. Someone better take away the keys to that Vespa. Kelsey and Joey seem to be hitting it off, but as they walk toward dinner, I see that Kelsey is once again wearing those frumpy white slides that look like they came from her grandmas closet. Somebody needs to take Kelsey shoe shopping. Dont they make nice shoes in Spain? They finally end up in a cave-like cellar. Its beautiful, but Im so distracted by her ugly shoes that Im not listening to anything theyre saying. Ill try to focus. Joeys feeling really good about the day they had and wants to learn more about her. Thats good because Kelsey has something to share about her family. Family means so much to me, she begins, and I did want to let you know a little bit more about my mom. Kelseys mom was an amazing woman, but about 10 years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which metastasized to her bones. Sadly, she lost her battle with cancer. I lost my dad to cancer, so I understand how she feels. You may learn to live with it, but you never get over it. After listening to Kelseys story about her mom, Joey picks up the rose and tells her how much he enjoyed today. I knew coming into this, I needed to find someone who was compassionate, kind, empathetic and it just oozes out of you. Your mom would be so proud Kelsey, would you accept this rose? Of course, she answers. In a confessional, Kelsey admits shes falling for Joey. Our love is a work of art Photo: Disney/John Fleenor Back at the hotel, the other women are waiting on the couch, when the knock comes at the door. Date card! Jenn reads the card, Lexi, Daisy, Jenn, Autumn, Maria, Katelyn, Madina, Lea, Jess, and Kelsey T.: Our love is a work of art. Love, Joey. Oh, boy. Lea and Maria on a group date together. This should be fun. Rachel is thrilled to realize that shell have the other one-on-one date this week, and the others congratulate her. Joey takes the ladies to meet an artist named Paula. She shows them a quote that says, I leave my heart on the page, so you need not wonder of my love for you. Lovely. The women are encouraged to come up with their own sentences to tell Joey how they feel about him. Then, they will portray their saying on a canvas. Whoever conveys their quote most clearly to Joey is going to earn special time with him, Paula says. Most of their paintings are very amateur, but Lea has painted what she thinks is the prize-winning work of art. Its pretty, but shes way too cocky. In the end, Jess wins with her painting of diamonds and her slogan, Our future is as bright as the diamonds I hope to receive because our love is something I truly believe. Not exactly great prose, but it elicits an Aww from Paula. After announcing Jess as the winner, Paula instructs them to get into their bathing suits, as youre going to make your first piece of art as a couple. Uh oh. I hope theyre not going to be rolling around in paint. Didnt we already see that on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City? But thats exactly what they do. Group date cocktail party Photo: Disney/Richard Middlesworth Jess is on Cloud Nine about her special time with Joey earlier in the day. But selfishly, I still want time with him tonight, she admits. Of course, she does. And shes gonna piss some people off, too. Joey pulls Jenn first for a chat. When he asks her how shes been feeling, she responds, Its been an interesting week for me With my feelings growing, its been a lot to process. Joey is happy about where theyre going. Surprisingly, she didnt mention Maria. Next, Maria gets her time with Joey. She shares that she grew up mostly with her dad and was a big daddys girl (me, too). Her mom left when she was young, but before she left, baby Maria and her mom were in a terrible car accident. They were both very badly injured, and Maria was actually pronounced dead before being revived. Her mom had a deep depression following the accident, and she wasnt able to be the mom she wanted to be. She and Maria are still a work in progress. Maria hopes her mom will be able to meet Joey because shes a fan. At the end of the evening, Joey offers Maria the rose, and she gladly accepts it. Hes happy that shes opening up to him. The other ladies arent so happy, especially Lea, who said some really mean things Im not going to repeat. Just more of the same. Flamenco dancing in Spain Photo: Disney/John Fleenor Back at the hotel, Kelsey A. and Rachel are waiting for Rachels date card to arrive. Rachel has her smart-girl glasses on. They look cute on her. Suddenly, theres a knock at the door, and Kelsey goes to get the card. Kelsey reads the card, but my Spanish isnt that fluent. Thankfully, Rachel translates the message as, Lets go dance, my love. Thank you, Rachel. The next day, Joeys looking forward to spending time with Rachel. Rachels thrilled theyre going flamenco dancing. Joey and Rachel are provided with flamenco shoes, but Joey questions his decision to wear shorts. Shorts and boots arent a great look on a guy. After learning the dance, they are invited to dance in a show with a group. They gamely agree, even though theyre a little nervous. Somebody found Joey some long, black pants for the show, so hes a little more comfortable. Rachel has also been provided with a long black skirt and a red blouse, so she looks the part, too. The dance isnt perfect, but they have a good time with it. At dinner, they decide theyre very comfortable with each other, but they need to go a little deeper. Rachel shares her experience as a nurse, which is a tough career. I have several friends and a stepson who are nurses. They often share the very worst moments of their patients lives. Rachel says its hard to be in a relationship with someone in the medical field because of the long hours and the mental/emotional stress. But Joey says hes all in on the slow burn, so he offers her the rose, which she happily accepts. The Rose Ceremony Photo: Disney/John Fleenor While Katelyn is talking to Joey, Maria comes over and asks if she can interrupt. Katelyn says, no problem, of course, and leaves. But when she goes back inside, she tells the other women that Maria stole Joey from her. Jess gets upset about this and says, Its giving disrespect. Um, hello? Didnt you actually steal him from somebody else a couple of weeks back when youd already had your time? How soon they forget. Things blow up with Maria and Jess, and Jess walks away in tears, but not before throwing the B-word back at Maria. Shes crying in Leas arms, when Jesse comes in with his champagne glass (clink, clink) and announces its time for the Rose Ceremony. Jess is still having a meltdown. She blames Maria for not getting any time with Joey tonight. She says, If I dont get a rose tonight, its, like, not even fair! Fair? Oh, honey, calm yourself down. You sound like a sixth grader. Before handing out the roses, Joey says, Tonight is all about me trusting my gut and going with my heart. He gives roses to Jenn, Kelsey T., Daisy, Lea, Lexi, Katelyn, and Jess. See Jess? Now dont you feel silly for throwing that giant tantrum? Goodbye, Autumn and Madina. While sharing the customary glass of post-RC champagne, Joey says theyre going to change it up a bit and head West. Theyre going to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Oh, dear. Itll be cold there this time of year (this show was filmed last fall), especially after being in sunny Spain. See you next week! The Bachelor Season 28 airs Mondays at 8/7c on ABC. TELL US WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF ALL THE DRAMA SURROUNDING MARIA? WHO DO YOU THINK JOEY WILL CHOOSE? The post The Bachelor Season 28, Episode 5 Recap: From Malta to Spain appeared first on Reality Tea. The new book shares revelations about which Hollywood stars were almost cast in the movie and what went on behind-the-scenes Bloomsbury; Bill Jacobson 'Cocktails with George and Martha' by Philip Gefter Philip Gefter is uncovering the secrets behind the making of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The acclaimed author shares revelations about Mike Nichols award-winning film, which starred former couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in the titular roles of Martha and George, in his new book, Cocktails with George and Martha. In his new book, Gefter delivers intimate details about how the cast and film came together and the dynamics between director Nichols and screenwriter-producer Ernest Lehman on their journey to create a film adaptation of the popular Edward Albee play. He writes that it wasnt always smooth sailing between the pair and between the stars of the film as they made a movie about a couple's tumultuous marriage. Bloomsbury 'Cocktails with George and Martha' by Philip Gefter Despite numerous setbacks, the film eventually went on to snag 13 Oscar nominations and secure Taylor and actress Sandy Dennis awards for best actress and best supporting actress. It also won awards for Best Cinematography, Black-and-White and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White. Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda and Other Stars Almost Joined the Film Gefter revealed that the Woman of the Year actress declined the role of Martha, saying that she believed she was not good enough for this role. Fonda was also considered to play George, but his agent did not pass the script along to him. When Fonda heard what had happened, he fired him. Trevor Humphries/Central Press/Getty Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor at the BAFTA Awards in 1967 After Elizabeth Taylor and her husband Richard Burton were cast, they took control of some film decisions, including approving the casting for secondary characters like Nick and Honey. Due to their power over the movie, Robert Redford turned down the role of Nick in the film, saying, At that point I felt this is not an honest play, and I didnt want to be in it. I was wrong on many levels. Burton also initially passed on the role of George because he had been filming Cleopatra opposite Taylor at the time. Bette Davis Was Warner Bros. First Choice to Play Martha Bette Davis had been Warner Bros. Studios' first choice to play Martha in the movie, according to the films director. Davis later noted that Martha was a part she "would have killed for" and expressed disapproval over the casting choice of Elizabeth Taylor. Nichols also lamented that the All About Eve star wasnt chosen over Elizabeth Taylor and likened the Cleopatra actress playing Martha to asking a chocolate milkshake to do the work of a double martini. While the studio had their sights on Davis, Lehmans first choice to play Martha was secretly Taylor, who told them that she would do the film if her husband Burton could also be in it. Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Was Almost in Color Gefter wrote that Nichols and Lehman fought to keep the film in black and white, despite Jack Warner and his studio insisting on screening it in color. This was one of the few things the pair agreed on. They often bickered over details in the movie and were often competitive. However, Gefter maintained that the pair overall had a respectful but complicated collaboration during the making of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, especially as the movie had been the first time Nichols directed and the first time Lehman took on a producer role. Photo: Courtesy of AMPAS Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor at the 1969 Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton Aired Their Grievances on the Set Taylor and Burton had a tense dynamic when they were on set and brought their tumultuous relationship to their characters Martha and George, Gefter wrote. Taylor eventually called their dynamic on the set very cathartic. We would get all our shouting and brawling out on the set and then go home and cuddle, Taylor added. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer. The Lassie star also often stormed off the movie set in a tantrum, and on one particular day, she left in a huff with Burton and they had a long lunch with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson instead. The Burtons Received Gifts During Production Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in costume for the movie Cleopatra The couple had previously drawn negative media attention after their affair while filming Cleopatra. Members of Congress had even proposed banning them from reentering the U.S. However, the couple eventually did return to the U.S. and to mollify them, the production used to send them gifts on set. This included a 500 lb. taxidermied moose head that Nichols sent to their house. It would later become an inside joke between the director and Burton. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Santos, a Republican, was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives in December, triggering a special election that ultimately put his battleground seat back in the hands of Democrats Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty George Santos, Tom Suozzi Expelled Rep. George Santos shared some harsh words after Democrat Tom Suozzi flipped the Republican's former New York congressional seat blue in a special election held Tuesday. "Tonight the establishment set $10 million on fire!" Santos wrote on X, referring to the GOP's expensive attempt to get inexperienced county legislator Mazi Pilip elected over Suozzi. "I FLIPPED a 23 year Blue seat with the help of grassroots activists and by activating the base with retail politics," he continued in his Tuesday night rant. "Hey @NassauNYGOP money does not buy votes, its respecting the wishes of the base that wins votes. #NY3 is #MAGA country and since MAGA was disrespected, MAGA stayed home! Related: Former New York Congressman Aims to Take Back House Seat Filled by Republican George Santos Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP George Santos leaves the U.S. Capitol on May 25, 2023 Santos was expelled from the U.S. House of Representatives in December in an exceedingly rare move reserved for serious misconduct. Through a 311-114 vote at the time, the first-term Republican became only the sixth of more than 11,000 U.S. representatives in history to be ousted from Congress' lower chamber. Related: House Ethics Committee Finds 'Substantial Evidence' of Wrongdoing by George Santos, Says He 'Can't Be Trusted' On Tuesday, Suozzi a former congressman who previously represented Santos' district won the high-profile special election to reclaim his old seat, which is made up of parts of Long Island and Queens. Suozzi's victory slimmed Republicans' razor-thin majority in the House and is being viewed by some political insiders as indicative of what's to come in the November general election. Some Republicans have already suggested that Suozzi's victory may be as much a referendum on former President Donald Trump as on Santos himself. "Let's just say the quiet part out loud. Donald Trump continues to be a huge weight against Republican candidates," said former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who's running against Trump in the GOP presidential primaries, per ABC News. "Despite the enormous and obvious failings of Joe Biden, we just lost another winnable Republican House seat because voters overwhelmingly reject Donald Trump." John Angelillo/UPI/Shutterstock George Santos appears outside a New York courthouse during Donald Trump's first arraignment on April 4, 2023 While Democrats have celebrated the victory, Santos has slammed members of his own party for backing an expulsion that lost the House GOP a much-needed seat. Santos' fellow New York Republicans helped lead the charge to expel him from Congress following a sprawling federal indictment accusing the freshman lawmaker of theft and fraud involving his congressional campaign. (He pleaded not guilty to each of the criminal charges and has not yet gone to trial.) Related: Alleged Fraudster George Santos Says Efforts to Expel Him from Congress Count as 'Bullying' Since the special election results were finalized, Santos has repeatedly expressed his frustrations on X, writing: Good morning to everyone except for the full of Bologna congressional delegation from Long Island! and The @NassauNYGOP chairman needs to resign today! In one post, he simply wrote, "-1." Related: Before George Santos Was Elected, a Vulnerability Report Warned of His Downfall Still He Wouldnt Drop Out Santos who was mired in controversy even before his swearing-in entered the national spotlight on a rocky note, as story after story cropped up about him lying about his past, allegations of running fraudulent schemes accumulated, and a prospective staffer accused him of making unwanted sexual advances. Santos was hit with a 23-count federal indictment earlier this year that tells a similar narrative, featuring a variety of theft and fraud charges involving his congressional campaign. 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. The House Ethics Committee which spent several months investigating Santos but does not have the power to lay criminal charges delivered the final blow to the congressman's career, explaining that the investigatory subcommittee "unanimously concluded that there was substantial evidence" of him engaging in fraud. The committee further alleged that Santos misused campaign funds for his own personal purposes by purchasing things like Botox injections, OnlyFans subscriptions and items from luxury retailers such as Sephora and Hermes. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. How would you handle coming face to face with your attacker? Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Pings Femme takes that very question and the revenge story that follows to a new level, as it follows a lauded drag artist (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) who crosses paths with his homophobic assaulter (George MacKay) in a gay bathhouse months after his terrible attack. What transpires is an unexpected tale of forgiveness, empathy, and yes, even violence. The official synopsis for the film reads: With his performances as Aphrodite Banks, Jules (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) has a place among Londons celebrated drag artists. One night after a show, he steps out to get some cigarettes and is brutally attacked by a man (George MacKay) out with a gang of his friends. Although Jules is able to recover physically, he withdraws from the outside world, traumatized. Months later, he recognizes his attacker by chance in a gay sauna. Without make-up and wrapped only in a towel, Jules is able to approach the other man incognito and find out who he is. He begins an affair with the closeted Preston, with a plan to take his revenge. More from IndieWire Aaron Heffernan, John McCrea, and Asha Reid co-star. Femme has already won three British Independent Film Awards, including a Best Joint Lead Performance for stars Stewart-Jarrett and MacKay. The film marks filmmakers Freeman and Pings feature debut. The duo co-wrote and co-directed the BAFTA-nominated short film of the same name, starring Paapa Essiedu and Harris Dickinson. While Pings background is predominantly in theatre direction, Freeman hails from the TV screenwriting side with credits in Industry and The Power. Freeman recently sold original series Unmasked to Disney. Femme is produced by Myles Payne and Sam Ritzenberg, with Marnie Podos, Eva Yates, Sebastien Raybaud, Kate Maxwell, Harriet Harper-Jones, and David Staniland executive producing. Hayley Williams and Dimitris Birbilis co-produce. MacKay recently appeared in yet another twisted romance film, The Beast alongside Lea Seydoux. The sci-fi romance mystery is helmed by Bertrand Bonello and debuted at the 2023 Venice Film Festival, and will hit theaters in April. Femme will hit theaters on March 22 at the IFC Center in New York and will then expand on March 29 at AMC The Grove in Los Angeles, with a further national expansion from Utopia to follow. Check out the films first trailer below. Best of IndieWire Sign up for Indiewire's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Another woman has accused disgraced hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons of rape. The Def Jam Recordings founder was sued Tuesday in New York federal court by a woman identified as Jane Doe, who claims Simmons sexually assaulted her at his New York City apartment in the 1990s when she was a senior level music executive at the label. The filing alleges that Doe visited the apartment to get Simmons approval on a new music video. She claims Simmons started to wrestle with her in an attempt to appear playful before things escalated into aggression. Ms. Doe rejected his advance and told him to get off and stop several times, the lawsuit states. She told him she was serious and she meant it. But Ms. Doe was forcefully pinned, could not move under his weight and Mr. Simmons would not listen to her. Simmons ignored Ms. Does resistance and proceeded to rape her, the filing says. The suit alleges that this assaultive behavior derailed the plaintiffs career, and that her day-to-day work at Def Jam a job she loved was now marred by panic attacks, depression and anxiety. Doe also says she endured repeated harassment from Simmons at work. He would sit on her desk, lean over her, aggressively invading her personal space while making sexual innuendos, suggestions and advances, and rubbing the front of his pants, the complaint, which was brought by attorneys Kenya Davis and Sigrid McCawley, reads. Doe quit her job at Def Jam in 1997 as a result, the suit says. Simmons is being sued for sexual battery/assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment. Hes been accused of sexual assault or misconduct at least 20 times since 2017, and was the subject of HBOs 2020 documentary On the Record. Russell Simmons stepped down as the head of Def Jam Recordings in 2017. Russell Simmons stepped down as the head of Def Jam Recordings in 2017. The suit is one of many recently filed under New Yorks Adult Survivors Act against various music executives. The Act grants adults who allegedly survived sexual abuse in the state a one-year lookback window to file claims that would have otherwise expired under statues of limitations. The HBO documentary included an interview with Drew Dixon, a former A&R executive at Def Jam who claimed Simmons raped her at his New York apartment. It was only one of the many sexual assault accusations Simmons has denied. Simmons reportedly denied model Keri Claussen Khalighis claim completely and unequivocally in 2017 that he coerced her to perform oral sex on him when she was 17 years old. Last year, Simmons daughter described her father as angry and combative to the point where it has damaged their relationship, and said he is not well and needs help. Representatives for Simmons did not immediately reply to HuffPosts request for comment. Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website. Related... A new true crime documentary dropped on Netflix last week, and it involves two Iowa women and a love triangle that unraveled into a case of deception, stalking and murder. In "Lover, Stalker, Killer," Dave Kroupa became romantically involved with Shanna Liz Golyar and Cari Farver in 2012. Golyar was from the Harrison County city Persia and Farver was from the Pottawattamie County city Macedonia, according to the Associated Press. Farver disappeared in November 2012 and was last seen in Omaha. Yet Kroupa received thousands of emails from her over the course of several years following her disappearance. But he wasnt the only person to be harassed by Farver. Golyar was too. It seemed Farver was responsible for years of harassment and escalating criminal incidents that involved breaking into Kroupa and Golyars homes and arson. Except in 2016, Golyar was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Farver and had apparently posed as the Macedonia woman online and by phone for years, the Associated Press reported. Who is Dave Kroupa? For years, Dave Kroupa believed his ex, Cari Farver, had harassed and stalked him. Kroupa was newly single when he moved to Omaha, Nebraska in 2012 and met Golyar through an online dating website, according to Tudum, Netflixs companion site. In an interview with People, Kroupa said hed made it clear to Golyar that he was not going to be tied down. He maintained he wasnt looking for anything serious when he met Farver, who seemed in agreement, according to People. Who is Shanna Liz Golyar? It appeared Golyar was also a victim of Farver, including when Golyars house was set on fire and led to the death of her pets, USA TODAY reported. Golyar was charged with first-degree murder and second-degree arson in 2016 and convicted on both accounts the following year, USA TODAY reported. Golyar is serving a life sentence at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women, according to the states department of correctional services. More: 'Lover, Stalker, Killer' star on Liz Golyar's cruelty: 'The level of cold-heartedness' What happened to Cari Farver? Farver stayed at Kroupas apartment on Nov. 12, 2012. The single mother wasnt seen again when Kroupa left for work the next morning, according to People. She hadnt been seen for several years when James Jim Doty, a sergeant investigator with the Pottawattamie County Sheriff's Office in Council Bluffs, and his colleague, Deputy Ryan Avis, entered the case, USA TODAY reported. The pair traced all digital communications to Golyar, revealing that Golyar was responsible for an insidious case of impersonation and murder. Did they ever find Cari Farver's body? Golyar was convicted of murder in 2017, the Associated Press reported. At the time of her conviction, Farver's body had not been found. At trial, Golyar's lawyer argued that prosecutors failed to present evidence that a homicide had even occurred. There was no evidence presented of a body, murder weapon or crime scene. But, Goylar was found guilty by a Nebraska judge in a non-jury trial. Where can I watch Lover, Stalker, Killer? Lover, Stalker, Killer is available to stream on Netflix now. A standard plan with ads costs $6.99. Paris Barraza is a trending and general assignment reporter at the Des Moines Register. Reach her at pbarraza@registermedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: What happened to Cari Farver? 'Love, Stalker, Killer' revisits case Five couples left the pods together, but will they all make it down the aisle to say "I do" in the season finale? Warning: This article contains spoilers about the first six episodes of Love Is Blind season 6. Love Is Blind has done it again! 30 singles started season 6 hoping to fall in love sight unseen, and a third of them actually achieved their dream as five couples left the pods engaged to someone they had never seen before. In the first six episodes (now streaming), five men proposed to five women after only days of long conversations separated by a wall in the pods, and then all the couples jetted off to the Dominican Republic for a romantic vacation to get to know each other even more in person. But as fans have seen over and over in the past, the romantic fantasy doesn't always last when reality sets in, and some couples don't make it. There's already trouble in paradise for at least one couple by the end of episode 6, so there's no telling where this season will go. But for now, here are the five couples who left the pods together and got engaged in season 6. Adam Rose/Netflix Jimmy and Chelsea Jimmy and Chelsea were both in dramatic love triangles in the pods Jimmy was torn between Chelsea and single mom Jessica, while Chelsea couldn't decide between Jimmy and Trevor. Jimmy ultimately made up his mind and told Chelsea he loved her, which caused Jessica to want to leave the pods early. However, she went on one last date with him to make him break up with her officially. And once Jimmy proposed to Chelsea, she decided that he was the man for her and ended things with Trevor (who believes that if he had proposed before Jimmy did, Chelsea would have picked him). However, their engagement was rocky from the start. Chelsea made a comment earlier in the pods about how people often tell her that she looks like Megan Fox, so Jimmy thinks that Chelsea lied to him about her appearance. And they got into a big fight the first night of their vacation when Chelsea was convinced Jimmy was upset about something, but he kept telling her nothing was wrong. And then Chelsea said he made her feel uncomfortable during the party that night by talking with AD and making a comment about her body. The episodes end with both of them questioning their relationship. Brittany and Kenneth As the first couple to get engaged in the pods, Brittany and Kenneth had a very sweet love story. They fell in love quickly, and there was no hesitation on Brittany's part to say yes when Kenneth proposed to her. The only issue they had to face was the fact that, as a Black man, Kenneth has never dated a white woman before. Brittany has dated Black men, and is understanding of how important that is for Kenneth. So far, it seems like nothing but smooth sailing for this couple. Jeramey and Laura Jeramey was involved in a love triangle in the pods. He found himself torn between Laura and Sarah Ann, but he ultimately chose to propose to Laura. Things got tense between this couple, however, at the beach party when Jeramey was talking to AD and repeated a joke Laura told him about "bean dip," unaware that the joke referred to touching one of AD's breasts. Jeramey felt embarrassed when he learned what the joke meant and questioned why Laura would tell him that, and threatened to leave the Dominican Republic and go home. The episodes end with Jeramey walking offscreen, and Laura remaining at the party. Clay and AD Another season 6 love triangle revolved around AD and two men: Clay and Matthew. But AD discovered Matthew was saying the exact same, romantic, deeply personal things he said to her to another woman, Amber, and Amber ultimately left the pods as a result. Then when AD confronted Matthew about it, he was clearly only thinking about being on TV and still pining for Amber, so he left to "go get Amber." That left AD and Clay to talk things out after his blowup when he learned about her connection with Matthew, and they made up, fell in love, got engaged, and headed to the Dominican Republic. Johnny and Amy Last but not least is Johnny and Amy. Unlike the other couples enmeshed in messy love triangles, these two fell in love pretty quickly and without much drama. Amy had to grapple with the idea of falling in love with a white man since she has only dated Latino men in the past, but it all led to one of the most wholesome and sweet in-person reveals. Protect these two with everything you've got! But who is going to make it down the aisle and actually get married? Find out when new episodes of Love Is Blind season 6 premiere Wednesdays on Netflix. Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. Related content: Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly. "Our team sprang into action once we learned there was a missing toy puppy left on property," the hotel's general manager said Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area The stuffed animal at Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area in Virginia. A Holiday Inn Express in Virginia treated a young guest's stuffed animal to a "vacation" after the toddler accidentally left it behind following his family's stay. It all began this past week when the 4-year-old left his plush toy puppy at the Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area while his family was traveling from out of town, IHG Hotels & Resorts told PEOPLE in a statement. When the family noticed the toy was at the hotel, the boy's dad contacted the company that owns the franchise, according to the post he shared on X Tuesday (formerly known as Twitter). Related: 6-Year-Old Girl Secretly Buys Nearly $400 Worth of Toys from Her Mom's Amazon Account Although the dad knew the Holiday Inn Express location would send it back to their family, he ended up getting some surprising news when he opened his email and learned the stuffed animal had been treated to a "vacation." 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. The message even included pictures that showed the toy at the front desk, enjoying snacks, taking a nap and even having a little workout "to make sure he was strong so he could get home faster." Guy, my toddler left his toy at an @IHGhotels while traveling. We called them, and they said they would get it in the mail for us. This morning I opened my email and had this from them: Please repost and help them get some recognition for awesome customer service! pic.twitter.com/1335NQ6O8b Happy Captain (@EODHappyCaptain) February 13, 2024 "We are happy that he is headed home to you! It has been such a pleasure having him here!" the story said, per the dad's post, which has gotten over 82,000 likes and 8,000 reposts as of Wednesday afternoon. Seemingly blown away by the hotel's attention to detail, the dad shared the story on social media. "Help them get some recognition for awesome customer service!" wrote the dad, who goes by the username HappyCaptain. Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area The stuffed animal at Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area in Virginia. Michael, the boy's dad, tells PEOPLE that the gesture is an "amazing display of humanity." "He was really upset that it was missing as its one of his favorite toys," he adds. "The message changed his outlook on the situation. He was so happy to see how much fun his snuggle puppy was having and wanted me to read it over and over so everyone could hear.'" Related: Iowa Family Searches For Toy Carrying 8-Year-Old's Ashes After It Disappears on Disney Trip Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area The stuffed animal at Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area in Virginia. Related: American Girl Reveals New Disney Princess Doll Collection Featuring Cinderella, Tiana and Ariel Katia Diaz, general manager at Holiday Inn Express Richmond I-64 Short Pump Area, tells PEOPLE that care for their guests continues "after they check out." "Our team sprang into action once we learned there was a missing toy puppy left on property," Diaz says. "We located the lost stuffed animal and arranged for it to be returned." Diaz adds, "To help their son feel better about being without his friend, we had a little fun and shared photos of the adventure the toy pup had during its time with us." For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Jessica Capshaw is officially back in the Greys Anatomy operating room, as evidenced by a new photo Capshaw has shared from her forthcoming guest stint. The actress shared a selfie from the Greys set on Instagram Tuesday, in which shes donning surgical garb as Dr. Arizona Robbins. Her caption, meanwhile, appears to confirm that Arizona will return in the April 4 episode. More from TVLine Longtime Greys fans will appreciate the cheeky comment Hilarie Burton left on the photo: Girl. Meet you in the break room! Burton previously appeared in three Season 9 episodes as Dr. Lauren Boswell, a craniofacial surgeon with whom Capshaws character had a one-night stand. Capshaws return as Arizona was first announced on Feb. 10, nearly six years after she departed the medical drama at the end of Season 14. As previously reported, Alex Landi will also be back in Season 20 as Schmitts ex, Nico Kim. In addition to Capshaw and Landi, the new episodes will welcome Natalie Morales (Dead to Me) as pediatric surgeon Monica Beltran, and Freddy Miyares (DMZ) as Grey Sloan patient Dorian. Greys Anatomy returns for Season 20 on Thursday, March 14, at 9/8c on ABC. Are you looking forward to (briefly) having Capshaw back? greys anatomy season 20 mashup Greys Anatomy Season 20: Everything We Know View List Best of TVLine Get more from TVLine.com : Follow us on Twitter , Facebook , Newsletter Influential New York chef David Bouley has died at the age of 70. Bouley was famous for transforming French nouvelle cuisine into a New American style, which went on to dominate the 80s high-end restaurants of Manhattan. His work continued to make waves in the decades to come. Bouley died from a heart attack on Monday at his home in Kent, Connecticut, his wife confirmed, according to The New York Times. His literary agent, Lisa Queen, also confirmed the news to the Associated Press. Bouley, whose maternal grandparents were French and immigrated to Rhode Island, was born in Storrs, Connecticut, and raised on his grandparents farm. According to his website, he was inspired by their French heritage, David developed an appreciation for cooking healthful meals using carefully prepared fresh ingredients. He would go on to train in restaurants in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, before moving onto Europe and spending time in France and Switzerland, studying at the Sorbonne. He worked with some of Europes most acclaimed chefs, including Roger Verge, Paul Bocuse, Joel Robuchon, Gaston Lenotre, and Fredy Giradet, before turning his eye to New York, where he worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants at the time, including Le Cirque, Le Perigord, and La Cote Basque. He made a splash in 1985 as chef of Montrachet when it opened in TriBeCa, earning a three-star review in The New York Times and swiftly placing the neighborhood on the culinary map. He followed two years later by opening his own restaurant, Bouley, which closed in 2017 after 30 years. After earning culinary success, Bouley was named among People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in 1994. He is survived by his wife, Nicole Bartelme. 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. Introduction to the Transaction In a recent portfolio update, Third Point LLC, led by renowned investor Daniel Loeb (Trades, Portfolio), has made a significant addition to its investment portfolio by acquiring shares in Global Blue Group Holding AG (NYSE:GB). The transaction, which took place on December 31, 2023, saw the firm adding 1,333,333 shares of the company, reflecting a 15.90% change in the previous holding. This strategic move has increased Third Point's stake in Global Blue Group Holding AG to a notable 0.7% of its portfolio, with a total of 9,720,934 shares, representing a 4.80% ownership in the company. Profile of the Investor: Daniel Loeb (Trades, Portfolio) Daniel S. Loeb, the founder of Third Point LLC, is a prominent figure in the investment world, known for his incisive public letters and a keen eye for value. Since establishing the firm in 1995, Loeb has been at the forefront of its research, portfolio management, and risk assessment. Third Point is characterized by its event-driven, value-oriented investment approach, often engaging in activist strategies to unlock value in underperforming companies. With a diverse portfolio of 43 stocks and an equity value of $6.59 billion, Third Point's top holdings include Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT), Danaher Corp (NYSE:DHR), Bath & Body Works Inc (NYSE:BBWI), and PG&E Corp (NYSE:PCG), with a strong preference for the Technology and Consumer Cyclical sectors. Daniel Loeb's Third Point Adds Global Blue Group Holding AG to Its Portfolio Details of the Trade Action The acquisition of Global Blue Group Holding AG shares by Third Point was executed at a trade price of $4.73 per share. This addition has had a moderate impact on the firm's portfolio, with a 0.1% trade impact. The transaction underscores Third Point's confidence in Global Blue Group Holding AG and its potential for growth and value appreciation within the portfolio. Global Blue Group Holding AG Company Overview Global Blue Group Holding AG, headquartered in Switzerland, is a leading player in the provision of Added-Value Payment Solutions, Retail Tech Solutions, and Tax Free Shopping Technology Solutions. Since its IPO on August 31, 2020, the company has been focused on delivering a seamless shopping and payment experience for international tourists and retailers. Despite a challenging market, Global Blue has maintained a market capitalization of $938.001 million, with a current stock price of $4.70. Story continues Financial Analysis of Global Blue Group Holding AG The financial landscape of Global Blue Group Holding AG presents a mixed picture. The stock is currently trading at a PE Ratio of 109.30, indicating a premium valuation given its earnings. The GF Value of $14.50 suggests that the stock might be a possible value trap, warranting caution from investors. The stock's price to GF Value ratio stands at 0.32, which could imply undervaluation. However, the company's GF Score of 39/100, along with its low rankings in Financial Strength, Profitability, Growth, and GF Value, raises concerns about its future performance potential. Daniel Loeb's Third Point Adds Global Blue Group Holding AG to Its Portfolio Guru's Top Holdings and Sector Allocation Daniel Loeb (Trades, Portfolio)'s Third Point has a well-diversified portfolio with a strong inclination towards the Technology and Consumer Cyclical sectors. The addition of Global Blue Group Holding AG complements the firm's existing investments, although it represents a departure from the top holdings in terms of industry and market capitalization. Market Reaction and Stock Performance Since the trade date, Global Blue's stock price has experienced a slight decline of 0.63%, with a year-to-date performance mirroring this movement. The stock's momentum and industry benchmarks will be closely monitored by investors to gauge the effectiveness of Third Point's investment decision. Conclusion and Summary of the Investment's Potential The acquisition of Global Blue Group Holding AG by Daniel Loeb (Trades, Portfolio)'s Third Point is a strategic move that aligns with the firm's value-oriented investment philosophy. While the financial metrics and stock performance suggest caution, Third Point's track record and activist approach may lead to positive changes and potential upside for the investment. As with any investment, there are inherent risks and rewards, and only time will tell how this addition will play out in Third Point's diverse and dynamic portfolio. 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. Jon Stewart performs in New York in 2023. - Credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images One-time fans who perhaps remember comedian Jon Stewart only taking satirical swipes at conservatives while host of The Daily Show were shocked and aggrieved when he returned to host the program after almost nine years on Monday to take aim at President Joe Biden. During an Indecision 2024 segment that anchored the first half of the show, Stewart aired exasperation over Donald Trump and Biden being the oldest-ever candidates for president, breaking a record they themselves set in the 2020 election. (In his usual self-deprecating style, he also took a moment to lament his own age and appearance.) The monologue made room for ridicule of Trumps most unhinged comments but did not spare his incumbent Democratic opponent, who has lately faced intense questioning on his mental acuity. At one point, Stewart showed Biden at a press conference to address a Justice Department probe that characterized him as a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory mixing up the countries of Mexico and Egypt. More from Rolling Stone Stewarts takeaway was that both men were obliged prove their fitness for office. Whats crazy is thinking that were the ones, as voters, who must silence concerns and criticisms, he said. It is the candidates job to assuage concerns, not the voters job not to mention them. He also said that the danger posed by another Trump term doesnt excuse Biden from scrutiny but actually makes him more subject to scrutiny. To leftists and progressives fed up with Biden, particularly his commitment to Israel as it continues to bomb civilians in Gaza, the assessment was not just fair it was obvious. But more centrist Democrats, including those most likely to have appended Blue Wave and Resistance labels to their social media accounts in the Trump years, were appalled at what they saw as a betrayal by one of their own. Chis D. Jackson, an election commissioner in Tennessee who describes himself as one of the most effective digital advocates of President Joe Biden and his administration, summed up the mood in this camp: Wow, he tweeted. So you basically say because Biden is old, he is basically as bad as Trump. Why th[e] F do we never learn in this country? Kaivan Shroff, Democratic commentator and press secretary for the political nonprofit Dream for America, took a shot at Stewart, claiming that although hes 20 years younger than Biden, the two men look the same age. One Biden supporter raged that Stewart, who was commended by the president in 2022 for his advocacy on behalf of veterans, had dared to pay him back with this harsh analysis. Ill never forgive you, he concluded. Wow. So you basically say because Biden is old, he is basically as bad as Trump. Why thr F do we never learn as a country? Sorry, but I won't be watching you either. Chris D. Jackson (@ChrisDJackson) February 13, 2024 Jon Stewart is 20 years younger than Joe Bidenbut they look the same age. Im just adding that to the discourse. Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) February 13, 2024 President Biden honored Jon Stewart for his work on the PACT Act at the bill signing ceremony, calling for a standing ovation. @TheDailyShow this is how you pay him back? What a cheap shot. Ill never forgive you. CooknColorado (@CooknColorado) February 13, 2024 Liberal media figures were among those unamused by Stewarts comeback episode. Independent journalist Aaron Rupar, for example, complained that his material was basically the New York Times op-ed page in TV form, adding, both sides are not in fact equally bad! Former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann called Stewart a bothsidesist fraud and hoped that the talk show host would take another nine-year hiatus from the Daily Show. The hosts of daytime talk show The View faulted the episode for ageism. And Bill Palmer of the anti-Trump website Palmer Report not exactly known for wholly accurate coverage denounced Stewarts false equivalence horse crap, vowing not to watch the show anymore. Literary icon Joyce Carol Oates, famous for her unfiltered Twitter takes, was likewise unimpressed with Stewarts performance at the Daily Show desk, calling it surprisingly unoriginal in its focus on the presidential candidates age: Both sides identical: too old, she tweeted, asking, this is funny or helpful exactly how? Jon Stewart still has it in terms of being funny and entertaining but the political content of this monologue is basically the New York Times op-ed page in TV form. Both sides are not in fact equally bad! https://t.co/Bo9cPmS9az Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 13, 2024 Well after nine years away, there's nothing else to say to the bothsidesist fraud Jon Stewart bashing Biden, except: Please make it another nine years Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) February 13, 2024 Sorry Jon Stewart but this is both sides false equivalence horse crap. The Daily Show is supposed to cut through the medias dishonesty, not parrot it. Will not be watching. Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) February 13, 2024 if this is Jon Stewart's triumphant return it sounds surprisingly unoriginal, in the vein of what mainstream media has been clamoring for months: "too old""too old""too old""both sides identical: too old." this is funny or helpfulexactly how? https://t.co/U531IPBj1k Joyce Carol Oates (@JoyceCarolOates) February 13, 2024 Some conservative viewers, on the other hand, tended to see Stewarts critique as a pleasant surprise even apart from the bickering it caused in Democratic circles. Balance and humor return! declared Elon Musk, who, since acquiring Twitter in 2022, has been stewing in the far-right misinformation and racist conspiracy theories that now run rampant on the barely moderated platform. Which is not to suggest that Stewart had anything favorable to say about Trump. Throughout the episode, the host referenced the former presidents many criminal indictments, multiple civil rulings affirming that he committed sexual assault, and attempts to undermine the democratic process while noting Biden had none of these issues as a candidate. The Daily Shows writers also appeared to anticipate the backlash to a perceived both sides approach in a riff where correspondent Jordan Klepper roasted Stewart as a relic of the 1990s whose snarky attacks on either side of the political establishment made him an out-of-touch hack. (Klepper quickly adopted a friendlier tone when Stewart reminded him that he and the rest of the news team would be handling hosting duties for most of the election cycle, with Stewart appearing just on Mondays.) All in all, it seemed that nobody incensed by Stewarts comments on Biden recalled his history of jabbing at Democratic leaders over the years, from Bill and Hillary Clinton to Al Gore to Barack Obama. In his long absence from the flagship Comedy Central talk show, its possible that part of his audience chose to remember him more as a prime hater of President George W. Bush especially during the Iraq War or a true-blue counterweight to the rabid Fox News-style neoconservatism lampooned in The Colbert Report. The trouble for Stewarts erstwhile liberal fans is that hes still not beholden to party orthodoxy, and will be on TV week in, week out, until November. Its already clear that his skewering Trump as incoherent, clownish and dangerously unsuited to the highest office in the land is not enough to placate this voting bloc, which would do well to realize that Stewarts job has never been to favor, endorse, or champion a particular candidate: hes there now to vent a collective frustration with a pair of unpopular politicians and rattle the system that has once again put them forward as our two best options. If that offends, it might be worth reminding yourself: dont shoot the messenger. Best of Rolling Stone If you switch on Apple TV+s The New Look without doing your due diligence, expecting beautiful gowns and a plot as light as tulle, you might be left confused. Naturally, there are plenty of jaw-dropping dresses in this story of how Christian Dior became the biggest name in post-war Parisian fashion the couture house opened up its archive to the programme makers, allowing the costume team to take inspiration from some of Diors oldest styles. But the plot itself is anything but frothy, unpicking the challenges of life as a designer in Nazi-occupied France during the Second World War. Showrunner Todd A Kessler (who started his career as a staffer on The Sopranos and has since co-created shows such as Bloodline and Damages) tells a story that is much murkier than Diors sorbet colours. To do so, Kessler weaves together the designers wartime experiences with those of another legendary fashion figure, Coco Chanel. Both couturiers made compromises during the occupation, but thats where the similarities end: their wars, Kesslers show implies, were about as different as their design aesthetics (Chanel, the pioneer of a more androgynous style and possessor of a truly acid tongue, once claimed that Dior doesnt dress women, he upholsters them). Ben Mendelsohn plays Dior as a quiet, dedicated man, wracked with guilt over the fact that his gowns are being worn by the wives and girlfriends of Nazi officers, most of whom are living it up in The Ritz while the French go hungry (during the war, Dior had yet to strike out on his own, and worked for the couturier Lucien Lelong, played here with the usual gravitas by John Malkovich). Much of the money he makes from dressing the enemy goes to supporting his younger sister Catherine (Maisie Williams, in her most interesting role since Game of Thrones). She is a Resistance agent who hosts clandestine meetings at her brothers apartment on the Rue Royale, and Williams imbues her with a wilfulness thats alternately sweet and steely. Complex: Juliette Binoches performance gives life to Chanels contradictions (Apple TV+) And then theres Chanel. On screen, the legendary designer often has all her edges smoothed off to turn her into someone more generic and palatable (see the 2009 hagiography, Coco Before Chanel), but Juliette Binoche embraces all the contradictions of a fascinating woman who valued her own success and survival over all else. Shes vulnerable and devious, clever and utterly oblivious all at the same time. There are no attempts to sidestep her complicated history with the Nazis here: we see her fall for German officer Spatz (Claes Bang), her feelings certainly helped along by his convenient proximity to power (Binoches Chanel is the queen of expediency). Kessler also brings to life a little-known episode from 1943, when the Nazis sent the designer to Madrid to attempt to broker peace with Winston Churchill. Emily Mortimer is briefly scene-stealing as cocktail-swilling frenemy Elsa Lombardi, a British socialite married to an Italian fascist officer and clearly based on the designers real muse, Vera Bate Lombardi who accompanies Chanel on this ill-fated jaunt. An English-language production telling a very French story, The New Look is inevitably full of slightly hammy accents, with the cast committing to varying levels. Once your ear has adapted, suspending your disbelief isnt too difficult, but some of the dense dialogue does get a little lost under all the Franglais flourishes, which can be an issue when characters are unpacking a particularly crucial bit of back story. As Diors boss Lelong, Malkovich gets around this by speaking very slowly indeed. Accent quibbles aside, though, this series is a beautifully made, nuanced exploration of two creative geniuses whose lives were far from black and white. And its certainly proof that fashion isnt frivolous: its deeply woven into some of historys most significant moments. Wondering where to watch and stream Love Is Blind Season 6 Episodes 7 to 9 online? Look no further! We have covered all the details right here. A new group of singles from Charlotte, North Carolina, embarks on a unique journey in the world of modern dating. Rather than relying on traditional methods, these singles explore the possibility of finding their ideal match and building emotional connections before meeting face-to-face. Heres where you will be able to watch Love Is Blind Season 6 Episodes 7 to 9 online. Is Love Is Blind Season 6 Episode 7 to 9 streaming online? Yes, you will be able to watch and stream Love Is Blind Season 6 Episodes 7 to 9 on Netflix. Nick and Vanessa Lachey host the series. The cast of Love Is Blind comprises 30 eligible singles, spanning ages 25 to 37, who embark on a unique journey to find love. Among them are Brittany, Alejandra, Amber Desiree AD, Mackenzie, Amy C, Sarah Ann, Danette, Sunni, Laura, Jessica, Danielle, Ashley, Kenneth, Austin, Jamal, Jimmy, Vince, Clay, Nolan, Trevor, and many others. How to watch Love Is Blind Season 6 Episode 7 to 9 and stream online As Love Is Blind Season 6 is available to watch via Netflix, you will be able to watch its episodes by signing up. The three subscription plans offered by Netflix are as follows: Netflix (Standard with Ads) subscription plan This subscription plan is priced at $6.99 a month and allows users to stream content with commercial breaks. Netflix (Standard) subscription plan This subscription plan is priced at $15.49 a month and allows users to stream content without commercial breaks. Netflix (Premium) subscription plan This subscription plan is priced at $22.99 a month and offers additional features. The official synopsis for Love Is Blind Season 6 reads: Nick and Vanessa Lachey host this social experiment where single men and women look for love and get engaged, all before meeting in person. Paramount Pluss new TV and movie releases for February 12-18 2024 include Young Sheldon Season 7, So Help Me Todd Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago Peacocks new TV and movie releases for February 12-18 2024 include Christopher Nolans Academy Award-nominated 2023 blockbuster Oppenheimer and also Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago Amazon Prime Videos new TV and movie releases for February 12-18 2024 include the romantic comedy movie Five Blind Dates, Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago Hulus new TV and movie releases for February 12-18 2024 include the films Prometheus and Next Goal Wins. On February Guides Abdul Azim Naushad 3 days ago The post Love Is Blind Season 6 Episode 7 to 9 Streaming: How to Watch & Stream Online appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Leading German media groups have blasted government plans to overhaul the countrys film funding system. Germanys commissioner for culture and media (BKM), Claudia Roth, presented on Tuesday her wide-ranging reform plans ahead of the start of this years Berlin Film Festival. The ambitious overhaul aims to make German film funding simpler, more efficient and more transparent. More from Variety While Hollywood films shooting in Germany have long benefited from the countrys generous funding structures, the reorganization of the system would make it more sustainable, according to the BKM. Major international productions that have benefited from German funding in recent years include The Matrix Resurrections, Uncharted and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. The planned reform consists of three central pillars: In addition to an amendment to Germanys existing film funding law, the reform proposal includes a tax incentive model and an investment obligation. The overhaul is intended to improve conditions for filmmaking in Germany and strengthen the country as a production location in the face of increased international competition, Roth said. The film funding law amendment is linked to the expansion of the German Federal Film Board (FFA), which would pool all federal funding in the future, including that of the BKM. In addition, a diversity advisory board is to be set up at the FFA to better reflect the breadth of German society, Roth explained. The government will now move the amendment bill into the legislative process. The new federal film law is scheduled to go into effect in 2025. The tax incentive model for production support something that the local industry has long called for is expected to deliver a major boost and attract big international shoots to Germany. According to the plan, producers of films and high-end series, as well as production service providers, would receive up to 30% of the recognized German production costs in the form of a film funding allowance financed from corporate and income tax revenue. The model is intended to enable funding throughout the year and create more security and forward visibility for film productions. With a tax incentive model, the amount of funding adapts dynamically to funding needs, Roth noted. With this model, the states could increasingly attract large German and international film productions to their region and benefit greatly from this overall economically. Roth said she planned to now hold talks with the federal states. In addition to the BKM and the FFA, Germany boasts nine major regional funders that provide significant support. The third and more controversial pillar is the investment obligation aimed at broadcasters and streamers that, the BKM stressed, make high profits in the German market. In return, they should then invest more in Germany as a production location, said Roth, adding that such a model was already working successfully in European partner countries France and Italy. The BKMs plans would require domestic and foreign operators to invest 20% of sales generated in Germany back into European productions, 70% of which would have to be in the German language. Industry lobby group Vaunet, whose members include leading commercial broadcasters and media groups such as RTL, Sat.1 and Pro7, Disney and Sky, described the BKM proposals as unbalanced and said they largely ignore the concerns of private media providers as an essential part of the value chain. With the draft plan, the BKM is not fulfilling its responsibility to find a balance of interests for the functioning of the entire industry. There is also a significant risk of diversity being jeopardized on the broadcasting and streaming side if providers can no longer make their investments economically sustainable in a developing, highly-competitive market for on-demand offerings. Vaunet argues that the government should instead stick to the tax incentive, stressing that the current combination included in the bill, with its far too high investment commitment and rights sharing requirements, deeply interferes with the supply sovereignty of the providers concerned and would not bring Germany forward as a film location. Leading film industry representatives, however, have indicated to Variety that there is a clear majority in the industry, particularly among producers associations, that favors an investment obligation and that the reform can only develop its full potential if all three measures are implemented simultaneously. The investment obligation with mandatory retention of rights for producers is seen as a key element of the funding reform. Best of Variety Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Lara Trump may be her father-in-laws pick for the next co-chair of the Republican National Committee, but according to Donald Trumps former attorney, Michael Cohen, it was only after her public flattery of the former president that he began to warm up to his second son Erics wife. On Meidas Touchs Political Beatdown podcast Tuesday, Cohen claimed that Lara Trump was initially not well received by her future in-laws. Donald didnt even like her for many, many years. He didnt want Eric to even marry her, Cohen said. The two got married in November 2014 at Mar-a-Lago. He had found somebody else who was working at the Trump Organization that he wanted Eric to marry, Cohen explained. Before her marriage into the Trump family, Lara Trump worked at the television show Inside Edition. During her father-in-laws presidency, she worked as a senior consultant for his 2020 campaigns digital vendor. Cohen also claimed that Eric Trumps two siblings, as well as their father, mocked her appearance. Not only did Donald make fun of her looks, but so of course did Don and Ivanka. They all made fun of her looks. They just didnt like her at all, the ex-presidents former right-hand man said. According to Cohen, his one-time boss told him at a Washington, D.C., fundraiser how the dynamic changed. Cohen didnt specify when the conversation occurred. He goes on to say that hes watching television, and he sees this girl, this blonde, talking about him on television, and it caught his attention. And hes like, Woah, woah, these are like, beautiful things. These arereally incredible, beautiful things. Cohen recalled. He realized, Oh my God, thats my daughter-in-law. Thats Lara Trump. And from that moment on, as he called it, it was a love-fest, Cohen continued. He couldnt stand her until she started kissing his ass. Well, what do you do when someones kissing your ass? Make them the co-chair of the RNC. Trump Just Officially Got Away With Jailing Michael Cohen in 2020 In a press release Monday, Donald Trump touted his sons wife as an extremely talented communicator and dedicated to all that MAGA stands for. Cohen was not at all sold on the endorsement, calling it insane and suggesting Lara Trump will be over her skis in the role. Shes only being installed there to do what Donald wants with all of the money thats going to be raised, Cohen said. Similarly, Lara Trump herself said later Tuesday night on Newsmax that every single penny the group takes in will go to the No. 1 and the only job of the RNC: electing Donald Trump president. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. A lawsuit alleges Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons of raping an employee in his Manhattan apartment. (Evan Agostini / Invision / Associated Press) Disgraced music mogul Russell Simmons is at the center of a new lawsuit that alleges he raped a former Def Jam Recordings employee in his Manhattan apartment during the 1990s. The complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, comes from an accuser identified in the suit only as Jane Doe who said she worked as a senior music executive at Def Jam. She alleges that she was "sexually harassed, assaulted, sexually battered, and raped" by Simmons during her time at the label. "Ms. Does career in the music industry was disrupted and derailed by a devastating experience at the hands of Mr. Simmons," the lawsuit, filed by her attorney Kenya K. Davis, says. Read more: Russell Simmons' daughter insists he's 'completely changed,' and it's been 'terrifying' A representative for Simmons shared his statement with The Times: "I have never engaged in nonconsensual sex. I would not, did not, and never will." The representative also said that Simmons "has voluntarily taken numerous lie detector tests all of which support his statement." The lawsuit, reviewed by The Times, describes Doe as a former music video producer who began working for Def Jam in the mid-'90s. When she was at the company, Doe expanded the label's presence on MTV, enlisted high-profile directors and creatives for Def Jam projects and produced award-winning videos, the lawsuit said. According to the complaint, Doe like other employees often visited Simmons' apartment in Manhattan to conduct business affairs. The suit said that before the assault, Doe had gone to Simmons' home multiple times to deliver music videos for review "with no incident." The complaint alleged Simmons, who sold his stake in the company in 1999, "suddenly began to turn his rapacious attention" toward Doe. In the Def Jam office, Simmons would allegedly visit Doe's office, sit on her desk, lean over her and make sexually suggestive and inappropriate comments. He also rubbed the front of his pants while in Doe's office, according to the lawsuit. Read more: Five more women accuse Russell Simmons of sexual misconduct across three decades "This happened repeatedly during that time period," the lawsuit said, adding that another senior executive had once yelled at Simmons to leave Doe's office. The alleged rape occurred on an unspecified date when Doe visited Simmons' apartment to get his approval for a music video, the suit said. The complaint says Simmons made sexual advances on Doe, asking explicit questions about her undergarments and her sexual preferences. After Doe urged Simmons to shift his attention back to work, he allegedly brought her to a bedroom to watch the rough cut of the music video. The complaint said it was common practice for Simmons to carry out business matters from his bedroom. The suit said Simmons began jumping on the bed and requested that Doe have sex with him. She refused. "All of a sudden, Mr. Simmons performed a 'wrestling move,' climbing on top of Ms. Doe and pinning her arms down to the bed," the lawsuit said. As Simmons allegedly repeated his requests for sex, Doe told him to stop and get off her multiple times, the suit said. He continued ignoring her refusals, and "proceeded to rape her." Then Simmons went to a nearby bathroom, leaving the door open to discuss business matters with Doe before dismissing her back to the office. Doe quit Def Jam in 1997 and went on to work as an executive producer for several film, television and commercial companies. She struggled to stay in one job due to the trauma of her alleged rape by Simmons. A representative for Def Jam did not comment. "After the assault, she became a completely different person," the lawsuit said. Simmons' alleged rape of Doe resulted in "overwhelming anxiety, shame, humiliation and debilitating low self-esteem," the court document said. In addition to leaving her Def Jam job, Doe also moved from New York to California. She is seeking an unspecified amount in damages including loss of employment, loss of wages and compensation. Doe also demanded a trial by jury on all triable claims. Read more: Russell Simmons and Brett Ratner face new allegations of sexual misconduct Tuesday's lawsuit is the latest claim in a string of sexual harassment allegations against Simmons. Amid the rise of the #MeToo movement in 2017, multiple women came forward accusing Simmons of rape, including model Keri Claussen Khalighi. He denied the claims and stepped down from his various business endeavors. A year later in 2018, Simmons was hit with a $10-million rape lawsuit by a woman who said Simmons forced himself on her in a hotel room after a concert. He also denied that allegation. I vehemently deny all the allegations made against me. They have shocked me to my core as I have never been abusive or violent in any way in my relations with women, he said at the time. Times researcher Cary Schneider contributed to this report. Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Sai Pallavi and Aamir Khans son, Junaid Khan, are currently shooting for their upcoming movie, directed by Siddharth P Malhotra of Hichki fame. The untitled project is generating significant buzz, now fueled by unofficial photos circulating on social media from the Sapporo Snow Festival of Japan. Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khans upcoming movie photos revealed While cinephiles eagerly await Junaid Khans debut in Aditya Chopras Maharaja, the actor is already immersed in the production of his second film. Moreover, the duos first-time collaboration also marks Sai Pallavis Hindi debut. Moreover, the details of the movie have been kept under wraps. However, recently, fans shared behind-the-scene images revealing the actors look from the upcoming movie. In addition, the duo were seen posing with fans. The images, which have taken social media by storm, offer a sneak peek into the films ambiance and the lead pairs on-screen chemistry. Aamir Khan with son Junaid Khan & Sai Pallavi seen in Japan shooting for an untitled project produced by Aamir himself..! #junaidkhan #Saipallavi #Aamirkhan pic.twitter.com/tRMjg9o4b3 Pooja Suniramana (@PoojaSuniramana) February 12, 2024 Additionally, the untitled film, starring Junaid Khan, is produced under the banner of Aamir Khan Productions. Siddharth P Malhotra, recognized for his directorial prowess in Hichki, helms this project. While Junaids debut in Maharaja is eagerly awaited, details about his second project remain largely under wraps. However, the films snowy setting, as evident in the viral photos, adds an intriguing layer of mystery to the plot. Maharaja, drawing inspiration from the infamous 1862 Maharaja Libel Case, unfolds a gripping courtroom drama. Junaid is portraying the role of a journalist embroiled in the legal battle. Moreover, the actor has already wrapped up shooting for the film in October 2023. Shalini Pandey, one of the cast members of Maharaja, revealed details about working with Aamir Khans son. She shared, Junaid is a very easy breezy human being. Hes a good co-actor to work with. I had a lot of fun working with him. Were in the same age group, so we had a blast during the shoot. Maharaj is one of his first few projects and so is mine. Thats why we had a very similar energy on set. With intriguing glimpses of Sai Pallavi and Junaids upcoming film, fans can only wait for more details. The post Sai Pallavi & Aamir Khans Son Junaids Upcoming Movie Photos Revealed appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More. Denali Brehmer was sentenced to 99 years in prison for the murder of Cynthia Hoffman Bill Roth/Anchorage Daily News/AP; Family Photo Denali Brehmer, left, and Cynthia Hoffman Cynthia Hoffman, 19, was duct taped and shot in the head in 2019 Denali Brehmer was sentenced to 99 years in prison after pleading guilty to murdering Hoffman Several others were also charged with murder in connection with Hoffman's death An Alaska woman was sentenced to 99 years in prison for killing her 19-year-old best friend in 2019 after allegedly being catfished by a man who offered her $9 million to commit murder. Denali Brehmer, now 24, pleaded guilty to murder in 2023, admitting to her involvement in killing Cynthia Hoffman, the Alaska Department of Law said. In June 2019, Hoffman went missing while on a hike with Brehmer and another friend at Thunderbird Falls in Chugiak, Alaska. Two days later, her body was found on the banks of the Eklutna River, bound with duct tape and with a gunshot wound to the back of her head. Authorities said Hoffman has been in an online relationship with a man she believed to be named Tyler, who claimed to be a millionaire from Kansas, and who offered her $9 million to kill someone and send him pictures and videos of the crime, according to charging documents. Related: Alaska Teen's 'Best Friend' Among 5 Charged After Her Shooting Death Brehmer and another friend, Kayden McIntosh, who were 18 and 16 at the time, respectively, drove Hoffman to Thunderbird Falls, authorities allege. McIntosh is accused of shooting Hoffman after the pair duct taped the victim and took photos of her, authorities claim. Prosecutors argued that even though she didnt fire the shot that killed Hoffman, Brehmer was responsible for the murder. She may not have pulled the trigger, but this never would have happened if it werent for Denali Brehmer, prosecutor Patrick McKay said. McIntosh, who is charged with murder, is still awaiting trial, the Department of Law said. Another man connected to the case, Caleb Leyland, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in November, and is awaiting sentencing. Two other teens were prosecuted in juvenile court for their alleged involvement in the case, reported the Anchorage Daily News. It was eventually revealed that Darin Schilmiller, of Indiana, had catfished the teen and solicited child pornography from Brehmer, the Department of Law said. Schilmiller also pleaded guilty to soliciting a murder and was sentenced to 99 in prison in January. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Brehmers 99-year sentence came after a judge called her conduct cold, calculated, and carried out to a T, according to a press release. The Anchorage Daily News reported that Hoffmans father, Timothy, said his daughter had developmental disabilities and considered Brehmer to be her best friend. "My daughter just wanted friends, and now I have to bury her, Timothy Hoffman said in court in 2019, KTVA reported. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Televisions death has been greatly exaggeratedat least if ratings tell us anything. Hot on the heels of CBS reporting that Super Bowl LVIII was the most watched broadcast in television history, a basic cable network that mostly airs reruns of Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia and The Office garnered its biggest numbers in five years. Jon Stewarts return to The Daily Show pushed Comedy Central toward a rare ratings success for the network. Nearly one million viewers watched The Daily Show live last night, and a total of 1.85 million watched between the broadcast and its encores, making it the most-watched broadcast on Comedy Central in more than five years. Morbid curiosity over whether or not Stewart still had the juice drove viewers to the show. Of course, this was not a foregone conclusion. Its not like Stewarts much-hyped Daily Show follow-up, The Problem With Jon Stewart, was the cultural juggernaut Apple hoped it would be. But the chance to see Stewart back at the desk where he commanded 15 years of political discourse was too exciting to dismiss, apparently. To the surprise of many, Stewart didnt miss a beat. His work was so effective that he ended up putting off many voters with his criticisms of President Joe Biden and his complete lack of interest in fighting the perception that hes too old to run for office again. Moreover, The Daily Show treated Stewarts return with the self-awareness befitting such an event. After all, it would be easy to treat this like Jay Leno taking back The Tonight Show. But in a field segment toward the end of the show, correspondents Dulce Sloan and Jordan Klepper expressed the feelings of many skeptical viewers. This is the same shit all over again, joked Sloan. We need more than just the same show with an old, yet familiar face [] I mean, they already had this job. Now these old white dudes got to come back and reclaim it. Like, come on, sir, go do something new. Its so desperate. Klepper, too, got a moment on the soapbox to challenge Stewarts 90s brand of snark and both siderism, asking him condescending questions like Did you save democracy yet? While these jokes dont erase the criticism, which is valid, they did help ease whatever lingering apprehension anyone in the audience might have toward Stewarts return. Comedy Central fumbled the bag twice in their search for a replacement for Trevor Noah. First, the network failed to lockdown Hasan Minhaj before The New Yorker dropped a bombshell report about how the comedian made up situations for jokes. Behind Minhaj was Roy Wood Jr., who probably made the right move to distance himself after the controversy and took himself out of the running. However, at the Emmys, as the staff of The Daily Show collected their Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series, Wood mouthed, Please hire a host, on stage. Wood got his wish. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Thankfully for Comedy Central, no one seems to mind. Grand opening ceremonies for new Detroit high-rises used to happen once or twice a decade. Lately, the mayor has been cutting a ribbon on a new skyscraper at least once a year and the count goes up when including grand reopenings for once-vacant but newly restored high-rises. This uptick in construction of buildings with 15 stories or more underscores downtown Detroit's resurgence since its 2013-14 bankruptcy and the continued optimism for the city's future, even as the daytime population of workers in downtown office buildings has yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. It is also reshaping the city's appearance. Mayor Mike Duggan remarked on that point earlier this month during a ribbon-cutting event for a newly built 25-story glass high-rise on the downtown riverfront. The development, known as The Residences at Water Square, is a 496-unit luxury apartment building, located on the former site of Joe Louis Arena. For the first time in decades, we are witnessing the redrawing of the skyline in the city of Detroit," Duggan told the crowd of about 150 packed into the building's lobby. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan talks to the crowd gathered in the lobby of The Residences at Water Square before a ribbon-cutting ceremony and self guided tours of the new luxury apartment tower at the site of the former Joe Louis Arena in Detroit on Tuesday, Feb. 6 2024. He then reeled off names of other recently completed high-rises, plus a few projects that are underway. Here is a list of new tall buildings in Detroit and several that are still to come: The Residences at Water Square The Residences at Water Square This 25-story glass skyscraper was developed by Detroit-based Sterling Group and built in just two years. It contains 496 luxury apartments and tops out at about 300 feet in height. The first residents were to move in late last week. The Exchange The Exchange at 310 Gratiot in downtown Detroit, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. This new 16-story high-rise opened last summer at 310 Gratiot in Greektown. It has 165 upscale apartments, of which 12 were for-sale condos on the top two floors. It was built in under two years by Southfield-based Barton Malow using a novel top-down construction method of LIFTbuild technology, in which floor plates were constructed at ground level, then hoisted up concrete and steel "spines" and locked into place. Story continues Huntington Tower The commercial headquarters for Huntington Bank sits at the intersection of Woodward Avenue and West Elizabeth Street in Detroit on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022. The new 20-story Huntington Tower opened in September 2022 at 2025 Woodward, across from Comerica Park. It houses Huntington Bank's commercial banking operations. The ground level has a lobby and Huntington branch. Floors 2 through 11 are a parking garage, with the top half of the tower offices for the bank's employees. The tower was built in the footprint of a surface parking lot and an empty 10-story, 1950s office building, the Michigan Mutual Liability Annex, which was demolished. It also was developed by Detroit-based Sterling Group. Future 25-story hotel A rendering of the proposed 25-story, 600-room hotel. It is sandwiched between Huntington Place and a newly built upscale apartments tower. (Credit: Provided by the city of Detroit) And the Sterling Group is staying busy. The firm recently unveiled plans to build a 25-story hotel that would attach to the Huntington Place convention center, formerly known as Cobo Hall. The 600-room hotel would go between Huntington Place and the newly completed Residences at Water Square. It would connect to Huntington Place via a tunnel and a skybridge, and also contain two restaurants and about 50,000 square feet of meeting space. Sterling Group executives have said they hope to break ground in the middle of this year pending various city approvals and anticipate a 2027 grand opening. Once completed, it would be the second-largest hotel in Detroit behind the 1,328-room Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. Hudson's site skyscraper Bedrock is building a skyscraper at the former Hudsons site at 1208 Woodward Ave. in downtown Detroit, shown here on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. Dan Gilbert's real estate firm, Bedrock, is finishing construction of a 49-story skyscraper at 1208 Woodward, the former site of the J.L. Hudson downtown department store. The skyscraper is expected to contain a 210-room luxury Edition Hotel and just under 100 condos above the hotel on its upper floors. The skyscraper is to top out at roughly 680 feet, making it the second-tallest skyscraper in the city after the RenCen's Marriott tower that stretches 727 feet. It was originally designed to rise 912 feet and feature an observation deck at the top, although Bedrock scaled back those plans. The skyscraper is next to a nearly finished 12-story "office block" building that is part of the Hudson's site development. The entire project broke ground in December 2017 and Bedrock has an end-of-year deadline from local development officials to achieve "substantial completion." Proposed 21-story hospital tower A rendering of a new Detroit medical campus part of the Henry Ford Health system. The health system plans to build a new hospital tower across from existing Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. At the same time, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores announced plans for a spinoff commercial and residential development. Henry Ford Health anticipates breaking ground in New Center this year for a new 21-story tower for Henry Ford Hospital. The tower, part of a $2.2 billion hospital expansion project, would be built across from the existing hospital on West Grand Boulevard on land that is currently parking lots and a Henry Ford-owned office building, which would be demolished. The hospital expansion is part of a broader $3 billion collaborative development between the health system, the Detroit Pistons organization and Michigan State University that calls for 662 units of nearby mixed-income housing and a new Henry Ford-MSU medical research center. District Detroit high-rises to come? A proposed office building at 2200 Woodward, in front of Comerica Park. The planned $1.5 billion District Detroit development involving New York-based The Related Cos. and the Ilitch organization calls for constructing four to five new high-rises, along with several other new buildings and rehabs of older buildings. The development received local and state-level approvals last year, but is running months behind schedule and has yet to break ground. The high-rises in the District Detroit plan: A 17-story office tower at 2200 Woodward next to Comerica Park on what is now a parking lot. A 20-story residential tower at 2250 Woodward, also next to Comerica. A 18-story residential building at 2205 Cass. A 22-story office building at either 2305 Woodward or 2300 Cass. A 14-story, 290-room hotel next to Little Caesars Arena. Notable high-rise rehabs The Book Tower at 1265 Washington Blvd. in downtown Detroit, Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. A notable rehab of a skyscraper was last year's reopening of the 38-story Book Tower. The Italian Renaissance-style building, 1265 Washington Blvd. in downtown, is now 229 apartments, a 117-unit hotel and several high-end restaurants and bars. The former office building had been vacant since 2009 until Bedrock purchased it and commenced the rehab. As for the exterior, Bedrock cleaned the tower's once-grimy limestone facade and green copper roof and restored numerous detailed ornaments. And there are two more big reopenings ahead this year. An exterior view of the Michigan Central Station in Detroit on Dec. 14, 2023. One is Ford's Michigan Central Station in Corktown. The once-abandoned train depot rises 15 stories above ground level and has already become a new lighted beacon at night in the Detroit skyline. The other is the 18-story United Artists Theater Building, 150 Bagley St., which dates to 1928 and that a development team is transforming into a 148-unit, mixed-income residential building called the Residences @ 150 Bagley. Contact JC Reindl: 313-222-6631 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on X @jcreindl. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Uptick in Detroit high-rises is reshaping citys appearance Valentine's Day is celebrated annually on Feb.14, and is dedicated to expressing love and affection. While the holiday originated in Christian and Western cultures, it has since spread to many countries worldwide. Many cultures have their own unique way of celebrating Valentine's Day from romantic gestures to grand celebrations, there is something for everyone to enjoy on this special day. Here's what you need to know about Valentine's Day traditions around the world. Canada Canadians consider Valentine's Day to be an opportunity to express their love, both for their romantic partners and their friends and family. School children, in particular, are likely to make cards for their parents and friends. Canadians aren't afraid to splurge, either, with the average Canadian spending around $164 on Valentine's Day gifts and activities. Parties and dances are a popular way to celebrate among young people, while adults often go on romantic dates and exchange gifts such as chocolate, jewelry, event tickets, flowers, and candy. Despite their tendency to splurge, most people say the best Valentine's Day gift is simply spending time with their loved ones. France France is one of the most romantic countries in the world, so it's no surprise that it has a rich history of celebrating Valentine's Day. A Frenchman, the Duke of Orleans, is thought to have sent the first Valentine's Day card to his wife when he was imprisoned in London in 1415. Though Paris may be what you think of as the most romantic city in the world, the village of St-Valentin considers itself the Village of Love. The French consider Valentine's Day to be a holiday to celebrate adult love. While they often go out to dinner and give their romantic partners gifts of chocolate and flowers, you won't find French schoolchildren exchanging cutesy Valentines with their classmates. Similarly, friends in France don't exchange Valentine's Day cards, either. A Valentine's Day card isn't a tradition for everyone. (Getty) Japan Unlike in the west, men in Japan get to take Valentine's Day off. It's primarily a day for women to give chocolate gifts to men and not just their romantic partners. Women give chocolates to coworkers, friends and romantic partners. But don't worry, a month later, on March 14, Japan celebrates White Day when men give gifts to women. On Valentine's Day, the chocolates can be either homemade or store-bought. These chocolates may be giri-choco, given out of a sense of obligation, or honmei-choco, given to a romantic partner. Some companies in Japan also give chocolate gifts to their employees on Valentine's Day. Denmark In Denmark, Valentine's Day is not as widely celebrated as in other countries. Instead, the tradition of "Gaekkebrev" is more popular. This tradition involves men sending anonymous handwritten love notes, usually accompanied by a small gift or a bouquet of flowers, to the woman they admire. The note is usually signed with dots, one for each letter of the sender's name, and the recipient must guess the sender's identity. If the recipient guesses correctly, they'll get a chocolate egg on Easter. Finland In Finland, Valentine's Day is also known as "Ystavanpaiva" which translates to Friend's Day. On this day, people celebrate their friendships by sending cards and gifts to their friends. It is a day to appreciate and show gratitude for the important people in one's life, not just romantic partners, and acknowledge the value of friendships. The tradition of sending cards to friends on Valentine's Day is quite popular in Finland. People often send cards with heartfelt messages to their closest friends, expressing their appreciation and gratitude. Some people also exchange small gifts or treats with their friends on this day. In Finland, you won't feel left out on Valentine's Day if you don't have a romantic partner. Many countries celebrate love and romance on other special days. (Getty) Brazil In Brazil, Feb. 14. commonly falls during Carnival, the huge celebration held during the five days before Lent. Because of this, Brazilians don't really celebrate Valentine's Day. Instead, Dia dos Namorados (Lover's Day) is celebrated on June 12, and it is a day for couples to celebrate their love for each other. It is a popular holiday in Brazil and is considered one of the most important romantic holidays. On this day, couples exchange gifts and cards and often go out for romantic meals or dates. Some people also give little presents, called "presentinhos," to friends and family. South Korea In South Korea, Valentine's Day is when women traditionally give chocolates to men as a sign of affection. The practice of giving chocolates is similar to the way it is done in Japan. South Koreans also celebrate White Day on March 14, when men give chocolates to women. Chocolates are usually given as gifts. (Getty) However, there is also another tradition in South Korea called Black Day, which is held on April 14, after Valentine's Day and White Day have passed. On this day, single people gather together to eat Jajangmyeon, which is a type of Korean noodle dish made with black bean sauce. The tradition of eating Jajangmyeon on Black Day is said to have originated in the 1990s and is a way for single people to commiserate about their single status and share their feelings with others. Mexico El Dia del Amor y la Amistad, or Day of Love and Friendship in English, is celebrated on Feb. 14. The holiday is similar to Valentine's Day in that it is a time to express love and affection to romantic partners, friends, and family members. On this day, people exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolates and cards with their loved ones. It is a day to celebrate love and friendship in all forms and to appreciate the people who are important in one's life. In some cities in Mexico, parades and festivals are held to celebrate El Dia del Amor y la Amistad. Shops and homes are often decorated with red accessories. These events often include music, dancing and food and provide an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy the company of others. Flowers are a popular Valentine's Day tradition in many parts of the world. (Getty) England In England, Valentine's Day is typically celebrated by couples who exchange gifts, cards and flowers as a symbol of their love and affection for each other. It is also a popular day for romantic meals and dates. Another tradition in Norfolk is the Jack Valentine tradition, which is celebrated on Valentine's Eve (Feb. 13) rather than on Valentine's Day itself. According to this tradition, young men would leave gifts and small presents at the doorsteps of their sweethearts, knock on the door, and then run away before they were seen. The gifts were often left anonymously and the recipients would try to guess the identity of their secret admirer. Today, this tradition lives on, but it's usually a gift left for children. Wales In Wales, it's customary to celebrate St. Dwynwen's Day instead of Valentine's Day. St. Dwynwen's Day is celebrated on Jan. 25 and is the most romantic holiday of the year. It's named after St. Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers. On this day, it is traditional for men to give women gifts, particularly hand-carved wooden spoons. The tradition of giving wooden spoons as gifts is believed to have originated from Welsh sailors, who would carve designs into wooden spoons while at sea to give to their lovers upon their return home. Slovenia If you're visiting Slovenia on Valentine's Day, don't expect to spend your day at a spa eating chocolates. In Slovenia, St. Valentine is also considered a patron saint of spring, and Feb. 14 is a prime day for working in the fields. Slovenians typically celebrate romance on St. Gregory's Day, which falls on March 12. This day is also known as "Gregorjevo." It is a traditional time for young couples to exchange gifts and express their love for each other. On St. Gregorys Day, boats can be seen on streams and rivers in Slovenia, in the country's replacement for Valentine's Day. (Getty) Another fun custom on St. Gregory's Day is to light candles and send them down the river. Children build small houses and boats for the lights and place them in the river to commemorate St. Gregory, tossing light into the water to celebrate spring. Philippines If you're looking for a celebration of the ultimate expression of love on Valentine's Day, you can find it in the Philippines. The government has implemented a program that assists couples who want to get married but may not have the means to pay for a traditional wedding. The program is called the "Kasalang Bayan" or Mass Wedding program, it is organized by the government and held in public spaces such as town halls or parks. These mass weddings are often held on Valentine's Day, and the government provides the venue, wedding attire and other basic wedding necessities for the couples. Celebrating love and friendship Valentine's Day is celebrated in many different ways around the world. In some countries, it's all about romantic love, while in others, it's a day to celebrate with your friends and family. Valentine's Day traditions may vary, but the common theme is the expression of love and appreciation. Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Downtown Pensacolas country nightclub Wild Greg's raised some eyebrows when announcing its downstairs expansion with a full restaurant menu last month. The restaurant is opening at 22 N. Palafox St. at the former location of the Cactus Cantina, which has relocated to the former Fin & Fork restaurant building on East Gregory Street. Wild Greg's has long occupied the space above the eatery where it build up a reputation for offering a rowdy, good time. Now its working to expand that reputation to offering speedy, good food. Here's what the new space looks like and whats on the menu: What is on the Wild Gregs menu? Wild Gregs Owner Greg Urban said that the new menu is intended to reflect the downstairs feel of the space, which caters to a more family-friendly crowd. You'll find a variety of comfort food classics prepared by head chef Leroy Hill, who joined Wild Gregs after cooking for the Pensacola Beach Resort. The menu breaks down into main items, appetizers, sides and desserts. Urban is hoping to cater to downtown's weekend lunch crowd, as well as the late- night crowd, through a menu filled with foods that are tasty, but quick. The restaurant opens at 4 p.m. on Monday through Friday and at 11 a.m. on weekends and is intended to be a complement to the existing nightclub. The restaurant portion of the business will give patrons a place to shoot pool and socialize before the club opens at 7 p.m., along with a place to grab a meal after the club closes at 3 a.m. They will also be offering delivery through third-party services such as UberEats and DoorDash. Youll find a variety of handheld sandwiches on the menu, including a Philly cheese steak, double or triple cheeseburgers, a spicy chicken sandwich and a meatball sub. It was important to Urban that the menu be affordable, with the average price for a menu item being about $9.80. Were going to have one of the lower price points on the street, which I like, Urban said. What does the downstairs of Wild Gregs look like? The renovation also included two pool tables, televisions, a live entertainment stage and another mechanical bull. There is still a full bar including their signature mason jar cocktails. From left, Mo Roberts has a laugh with bartenders Brittaney Kirk and Ciara Wingard at the new Wild Greg's Saloon restaurant in downtown Pensacola on Friday, Feb. 9. 2024. The space carries over a similar Western theme, with rustic wood tones and barrel-tables. Urban plans to have a variety of country artists performing, ranging from local musicians to those out of Nashville, Tennessee, for late night shows as well as Saturday afternoon sets during the Palafox Market. That might be the most fun of the whole weekend, Urban said of the Saturday afternoon show. Here are few of the menu highlights: Deep fried tacos ($12.95) Deep fried tacos at the new Wild Greg's Saloon restaurant in downtown Pensacola on Friday, Feb. 9. 2024. Taking it back to his roots in Minnesota, Urban wanted to offer a deep-fried taco on the menu. The tacos take a flour tortilla and fry it to give it the perfect crunch before being stuffed with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes and mixed cheddar cheese. Served with sour cream and salsa for dipping. Broadway dog ($8.95) Inspired by the street vendors youll find after a night out on the infamous Broadway Street in Nashville, Tennessee, the Broadway dog comes loaded with peppers, onions, ketchup and mustard. Theres nothing better than a 3 a.m. hot dog outside Tootsies or Aldeans (bar), Urban said. Pulled pork sandwich ($8.95) While barbecue isnt new to Pensacola, Hills homemade coleslaw sets the sandwich apart and makes it a must try. Appetizer sampler ($16.95) The appetizer sampler brings a variety of comfort foods, including potato skins, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers and fried pickles. This one is a must-order snack plate. Fried Oreos ($7.95) Fried Oreos are no longer restricted just for carnivals and are available anytime at Wild Gregs. If you havent had one, think warm, ooey-gooey cookies and cream brownie. For more updates and information, follow along on the Wild Gregs Saloon Pensacola Facebook page. Hungry for more? Stay up to date on the latest restaurant news by subscribing to our free Pensacola Eats newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up for the newsletter at profile.pnj.com/newsletters/pensacola-eats/ This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Wild Greg's opens restaurant in downtown Pensacola. Here's what to try Tawfic Abdel Jawwad went to spend a year with his family in the West Bank after he finished high school in New Orleans, where he was born and raised. Tawfic, 17, was enjoying connecting to his roots and spending time with his cousins, the teen's father, Hafez Abduljabbar, told ABC News. But now he says his son is a martyr. Abduljabbar claims Tawfic was driving to a picnic last month with a friend when he was killed on a hillside road in what Abduljabbar called an ambush. PHOTO: A photo of Tawfic Abdel Jawwad is seen on his grave site. (ABC News) He claimed that eyewitnesses told him, "They shot him and executed him from a very short distance. He didn't see them. He didn't see them coming. He didn't see them hiding. They just came out of the trees and just saw shooting." MORE: Israel-Gaza live updates The teen's death, which is still under investigation, is among the many killings that Palestinians and international groups say are part of the growing violence and threats inflicted by Israeli settlers in the West Bank. And while the U.S. has recently taken action with sanctions against accused settlers, Palestinians in the area said they are afraid that they are still going to be targeted. The circumstances of Tawfic's death remain unclear. When asked about the incident by ABC News, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement, "A report of an off-duty police officer and a civilian who shot at a Palestinian, suspected of throwing stones in the area of Mazra a-Sharqiya was received on Friday, January 19, 2024. An off-duty IDF soldier was also present at the point. The Israel Police is reviewing the incident, in which the police investigation unit is cooperating with the military criminal investigation division (CID)" Abduljabbar rejected the IDF's claims that Tawfic was throwing stones, contending that his son could not have been throwing rocks while the car was moving. He said that when he went to get his son from the scene, IDF soldiers were there pointing guns at him. "They scarred my family like that," Abduljabbar said. PHOTO: Hafez Abduljabbar speaks with ABC News' James Longman. (ABC News) The Israel police have opened what they described as "a comprehensive investigation" into the incident," and the U.S. State Department said that it hopes and expects "that the investigation will be conducted expeditiously." "We are eager to hear and learn of the findings," the agency said in a statement. Since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, the United Nations has documented more than 500 incidents against Palestinians and violence by settlers has surged. MORE: 'Full-fledged famine' threat in Gaza continues to rise as aid declines, humanitarian groups warn One of the most serious cases was an attack in the village of Qusra on Oct. 11. Ibrahim al-Wadi and his son Ahmed had been in a funeral procession for four other Palestinians allegedly killed by armed settlers a day earlier. The father and son were set upon and shot to death in their car, according to witnesses. The IDF says the incident remains "under review" and is still under "active investigation" by Israeli border police. Abdel Hafez, al-Wadi's brother, told ABC News that he was in the procession during the assault and was lost in the commotion following the attack. "We found our friends there, and my brother and his son martyred, then we moved them. We were with four martyrs then became six," Hafez said. PHOTO: Abdel Hafez, whose brother and nephew were killed allegedly by armed Israeli settlers, speaks with ABC News' James Longman. (ABC News) He added that the humiliation that came after the deaths has been unbearable for this family. Video cameras outside Hafez's home filmed Israeli soldiers tearing down posters that commemorated his brother and nephew. The IDF would not comment on this specific issue, but said in a statement, "The video sent by ABC shows a soldier taking something off the wall. That is not enough information for the IDF to respond." Hafez said he does feel some hope given recent actions by the U.S. in response to the violence. On Feb. 1, President Joe Biden issued sanctions to four Israeli settlers accused of inciting violence or being involved in attacks on Palestinians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the sanctions and defended the settlers. These initial sanctions are not related to the murders of Tawfic or Ibrahim al-Wadi and his son. One of the Israelis sanctioned is Yinon Levi, who has been accused by the U.S. of creating an atmosphere of fear in the West Bank. Levi and other settlers at Meitarim farm have repeatedly attacked Palestinian and Bedouin civilians and threatened them with additional violence if they don't leave their homes, according to the State Department. MORE: Israeli settler sanctioned by Biden speaks out Yinon Levi and his wife Sapir denied the accusations in an interview with ABC News. "We are here and we have to defend ourselves and nothing more," Sapir Levi told ABC News' James Longman. PHOTO: Yinon Levy, an Israeli settler who has been sanctioned by the U.S. for allegedly attacking and threatening Palestinians, and his wife Sapir speak with ABC News' James Longman. (ABC News) However, ABC News obtained videos from April 2022 and March 2023 of Yinon Levi with his dog discouraging Arabs and activists from herding sheep in the area. In another video from October 2023, Yinon Levi is seen getting off a bulldozer with a weapon, threatening Arab civilians. Yinon Levi sent a statement to ABC News in response to the videos, claiming, "This is exactly what I explained. Anarchists come to our territory and do provocations. They disturb the soldiers, they attack us, the dog and the sheep on purpose and document it for provocation." PHOTO: Israeli settlers raise the Israel flag in the West Bank. (ABC News) When asked if they think their presence in the West Bank would create a hurdle to a two-state solution, Sapir Levi contended that Jews in the country have no choice. "We all saw what happened when we didn't have a country. So we don't have another option. We need to live in this country and we don't have another place to go," she said. However, when told about Tawfic's murder, Yinon Levi acknowledged that he would be angry, just like the boy's family, if he were in their situation. "I don't know what I would do, but obviously there is anger over such a thing," he said. "But this is not the reality here." Palestinian families speak out over rise in killings, violence in West Bank originally appeared on abcnews.go.com At least one person was killed and 22 others suffered gunshot wounds during a Wednesday parade in Kansas City, Missouri, celebrating the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl win, according to city officials. Eight of the victims are facing immediate life-threatening injuries, while officials described seven additional victims with non-immediate life-threatening injuries. via Associated Press This is a day that a lot of people look forward to, something they remember for a lifetime, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said in the shootings aftermath. And what they shouldnt have to remember is the threat of gun violence. Each of the Chiefs players, along with the coach and staff, have been accounted for, according to a police press conference. Area hospitals said they were treating dozens of victims, some with gunshot wounds and some with other injuries. The deceased victim is Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a DJ for Kansas City radio station KKFI, her employer confirmed. She hosted a show called Taste of Tejano. This senseless act has taken a beautiful person from her family and this KC Community, the station said. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS VIA GETTY IMAGES Childrens Mercy Hospital told HuffPost that they are treating 12 patients from the rally. Eleven are children. Nine have gunshot wounds. The hospital later confirmed with ESPN that its patients were between the ages of 6 and 15 and that all are expected to recover. Twelve individuals were taken to University Health Truman Medical Center, a spokesperson for the medical center told HuffPost. Eight of the victims are from Union Station, with two of them in critical condition. The other four have non-gunshot injuries. Saint Lukes Hospital received one gunshot patient and three other victims who are minors with non-life-threatening injuries, the hospital confirmed to HuffPost. The three minors injuries were obtained as attendees were fleeing the shooting at the parade, the hospital added. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images Our investigators are working with all of the surviving victims to connect them with loved ones. We are also working to identify our deceased victim so we can notify their family as soon as possible, Police Chief Stacey Graves shared at a separate press conference. Im angry at what happened today, she added. The people who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment. According to police, three suspects were taken into custody. At a press conference, they noted there was at least one firearm. The motive for the shooting is currently unknown. In security plans released ahead of the parade, the Chiefs promised that the perimeter of the parade will be firmly secured and protected for maximum public safety. Its unclear if the shooting happened within the secured area. The security plan provided no indication of bag checks or metal detectors on the premises. When asked how such a tragedy could unfold with 800 officers present, Lucas dipped his toe into the gun control debate, saying its incredibly easy for someone to carry out an attack like this. What you saw happen was why people talk about guns a lot, he said. We had over 800 officers there staffed, situated all around Union Station today. We had security in any number of places, eyes on top of buildings and beyond. And there is still a risk to people. Parades, rallies, schools, movies it seems like almost nothing is safe, he continued. Missouri has some of the nations loosest gun restrictions and one of the highest gun death rates in the country. Since 2017, it has allowed people to carry concealed, loaded firearms in public no background check or permit required. When you have people who decide to bring guns to events, when you have people who are deciding to try to mar events, celebratory ones like this one, all of us start to become members of this club that none of us want to be a part of, which is those who have experienced mass shootings, Lucas said, noting he was at the parade with his family members. Im incredibly upset, disappointed. I was there with my wife, was there with my mother. We never thought ... wed be forced to run for our safety today, he added. Jamie Squire via Getty Images President Joe Biden offered his condolences to those affected by the shooting on Wednesday evening, saying the tragedy cuts deep in the American soul. Yesterdays events in Kansas City should move us into action.How many more families need to be torn apart?Its time for Congress to finally act to ban assault weapons, limit high-capacity magazines, strengthen background checks, and keep guns out of the hands of those who Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) February 15, 2024 Twitter: @JoeBiden The Super Bowl is the most unifying event in America. Nothing brings more of us together, Biden said in a statement. And the celebration of a Super Bowl win is a moment that brings a joy that cant be matched to the winning team and their supporters. Todays events should move us, shock us, shame us into acting, he added, renewing his calls for gun control measures. What are we waiting for? What else do we need to see? How many more families need to be torn apart? Last years event in Kansas City drew 1 million people, but the number of attendees for this years parade has not yet been determined. Jamie Squire via Getty Images Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly (D) said that she attended the parade, but was evacuated and unharmed. At the end of the Chiefs rally, shots were fired near Union Station. I have been evacuated and am out of harm's way. I encourage everyone to follow instructions and updates from @kcpolice. Please stay safe. Governor Laura Kelly (@GovLauraKelly) February 14, 2024 The Kansas City Chiefs released a statement condemning the shooting. We are truly saddened by the senseless act of violence that occurred outside of Union Station at the conclusion of todays parade and rally, the statement said. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all of Kansas City, the statement added. Jamie Squire via Getty Images Chiefs players, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes and linebacker Drue Tranquill, posted in support of the victims at the parade. Mahomes said he was praying for the city, while Tranquill asked his followers to join him in praying for the victims. Praying for Kansas City Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) February 14, 2024 Twitter: @PatrickMahomes Please join me in prayer for all the victims in this heinous act. Pray that doctors & first responders would have steady hands & that all would experience full healing. Drue Tranquill (@DTranquill) February 14, 2024 The Chiefs won 25-22 against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS via Getty Images Lydia OConnor, Pocharapon Neammanee, Nick Visser, and Sanjana Karanth contributed reporting. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Runway representation at Fashion Week is finally on the rise, and honestly? It's about time. As always, inclusivity (in all forms) is one thing that fashion weeks always seem to lack but at long last, we're starting to see more and more South Asian talent making their fashion week debuts plus returning to the runway, walking for names like Gucci, Coperni and Vivienne Westwood -- to name a few. As we recover from menswear shows, Couture Week and wrap up the Fall/Winter 2024 season in New York, we're looking ahead to London, Milan and Paris to bring you a curated list of the major models and rising stars we're keeping our eyes on this season. From Burberry's Tara Raani to MAINS model Xavier Morais, scroll through to see our curated list of ones to watch, brought to you by Hypebae and Diet Paratha. Riya Sharma south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes 20-year-old Riya Sharma hails from Ahmedabad, India, but relocated to London two years ago in order to support and empower her modelling career. Since then, she's worked with names like Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, Dior and Maison Margiela, and has tried her hand at more creative roles behind the scenes. Most recently, she's worked on her own photo series which aims to bring together creatives from different backgrounds in order to support and encourage representation within the fashion industry. Pia Ahmed south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Berlin-based model and creative Pia Ahmed was born and raised in Germany, with roots in Bangladesh. This fashion week season, she's walked for rising names like Namilia, William Fan and Kitschy Couture at Berlin Fashion Week, and now has plans to take London by storm. Alongside modelling, Ahmed is the founder of creative platform SEPIA, which aims to spotlight South Asian talent within the industry. "It took a while for the fashion industry, especially in Germany and Europe, to embrace South Asian models like me, but I'm optimistic about the future and hope to inspire young girls along the way," she tells Hypebae. Nine south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Nine is a plus-sized model from London, who made her impressive fashion week debut closing the show at Patrick McDowell. She then joined McDowell for another season back in SS23 and has since worked with brands like Burberry, Chopova Lowena and H&M. For FW24, we expect to see her make multiple appearances at London Fashion Week. Xavier Morais south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Politics graduate Xavier Morais made his fashion week debut last season, with his first-ever show being none other than Skepta's MAINS. "Having grown up in North London, there was something special about walking for Skepta and sharing the catwalk with my literal idols in the industry like Alton Mason," he tells us. After MAINS, Morais walked for London-based brand Ashish, before making his Paris Fashion Week debut for Vivienne Westwood. We'll likely spot him at shows across London, Milan and Paris this season. Nayonikaa Shetty south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Nayonikaa Shetty is an Indian model who moved cities to study communication design and filmmaking. About a year ago, she signed with a modelling agency and since then, she's worked for the likes of Etro, Dior and Phoebe Philo -- with plenty of names certain to join that list. At present, she's back in London ahead of LFW, and we expect to see her across multiple presentations and shows this season and beyond. Richie Shazam south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Richie Shazam is an American model, photographer and writer who made her runway debut for Vivienne Westwood. She's made appearances at New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week and has modelled for names like Gypsy Sport and MISBHV. Since her debut, Shazam has become somewhat of a fashion mainstay, so we expect to see her attending and walking in numerous shows this FW24 season. Anaa Saber south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Anaa Saber is a New York City-based freelance creative, model, stylist and consultant, known for her it-girl style. Most recently, she's walked for GmbH during men's fashion week in Paris, and in the past, she's worked with the likes of Isabel Marant, Jacquemus and Ferragamo. Emman south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Indo-Fijian and Mediterranean model Emman is also an image director, brand consultant and stylist. With an extensive knowledge of fashion history and experience across styling, strategy and research, her unique approach to fashion is one that is much needed within the industry, as she strives to promote representation, inclusivity and community in all that she does. In terms of modelling, Emman has worked with brands like GmbH and Di Petsa, frequently found on runways in London and Paris. Tara Raani south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Tara Raani is a writer, actor, and model based in New York, previously known for her role as Zaara Ali on the TV series grown-ish. Raani has walked for Burberry, Coperni and Gucci and was named a breakout model to watch after a super successful runway season for SS24. Outside of modelling, she was named a semifinalist for the Netflix New Voices Filmmakers Award for her writing in 2023, and she continues to advocate for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities in her work both online and offline. Anugraha Natarajan south asian models london paris milan new york fashion week runway clothes Anugraha Natarajan is an Indian-Tamil model from Chennai. Since signing with her mother agency, Feat. Artists, she's joined agencies in New York and London, with her first international campaign being Burberry's Fall/Winter 2023. This season, she's already walked for Prabal Gurung, Eckhaus Latta and Sandy Liang, and we expect to see her continue to make waves across London next. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Robb Report may receive an affiliate commission. Spearhead Spirits is a Black-owned brand that has already made a mark on the spirits world with its African gin and vodka. Now the company has released a new expression, a palm and pineapple-flavored gin that is infused with botanicals grown in different countries across Africa. More from Robb Report Spearhead Spirits was founded by Chris Frederick and Damola Timeyin in 2021 with the mission of bringing local African ingredients and spirits distilled on the continent to a wider audience, and in that they have succeeded with their Bayab Gin and Vusa Vodka. The gin, which has a classic dry expression and two flavored expressions already in its lineup, is distilled in a copper pot still in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The core botanical is Ghanian baobab fruit, which is complemented by Kenyan juniper berries; coriander, rosemary, and cinnamon from South Africa; and coarse salt from Botswana. The key ingredients for this new expression are palm sap from Nigeria and Ghana and South African pineapple. These botanicals are steeped in the base spirit for two weeks two infuse it with flavor. The result, according to the brand, is a sweet, tropical, and tangy gin with notes of citrus that make it a good choice for using in cocktails like a Gimlet. Spearhead Spirits is focused on sustainability as much as it is on making spirits, so the distillery is 100 percent solar powered and actually makes enough energy to send back to local townships to help power homes and businesses. The company is also funding a baobab research center in Ghana with the stated goal of planting a million new baobab trees in Africa. You can find the new Bayab Palm and Pineapple Gin available to purchase now from ReserveBar, along with other expressions in the lineup. Buy Now on ReserveBar: Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." New York City made history earlier this year, when it became the first major city in the United States to designate social media a public health hazard, due to the online platforms negative effects on the mental well-being of young people. During his annual State of the City address on January 24, Mayor Eric Adams announced health commissioner Ashwin Vasans advisory making the designation officialpart of the citys larger plan to improve the mental health of all New Yorkers. We also need to protect our students from harm online, including the growing dangers presented by social media, Adams said at the press conference . Companies like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook are fueling a mental health crisis by designing their platforms with addictive and dangerous features. We cannot stand by and let Big Tech monetize our childrens privacy and jeopardize their mental health. Social media companies are fueling a mental health crisis, especially for our young people. But we won't let Big Tech endanger our kids.@NYCHealthCommr Vasan is today issuing an advisory officially designating social media as an environmental toxin in New York City. #SOTC2024 pic.twitter.com/8Rddkzr1hM Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) January 24, 2024 Just as the surgeon general did with tobacco and guns, we are treating social media like other public health hazards, and it must stop, he continued. We must ensure that tech companies take responsibility for their products. The advisory says the rate at which NYC high schoolers reported experiencing feelings of hopelessness increased by more than 42 percent between 2011 and 2021, and that students identifying as Black, Latino, female, or LGBTQ+ suffered at disproportionately higher rates; the rate of suicidal ideation also increased during this time frame by more than 34 percent. And data from 2021 says 77 percent of NYC high schoolers spend an average of three or more hours of their school days in front of screens for reasons not related to schoolwork. Getty Images Health commissioner Vasan outlined recommendations for mitigating this epidemic, including implementing tech-free time and spaces for kids, monitoring their emotions during screen usage, delaying giving children their first smartphones, and adjusting the settings on social apps, such as by turning off notifications. His advisory also calls on federal and state policymakers to build on existing legislation; technologists and investors to advocate for safer design by social media companies; and all New Yorkers to hold those social media companies accountable. But does any of this matter? Jeremy Littau, an associate professor of journalism at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, questions how effective New Yorks advisory will be. If the advisory says how to hold these tech companies accountable, how do you do that? Thats the role of the government, he said. Thats not so much the role of people, to publicly shame Facebook or Instagram into better moderation. Littau said he believes the question of responsibility comes down to government intervention versus a more libertarian approach, but that we really need both. Sure, we do need better education around what these platforms are doing to people and the ways in which they can harm us, but I dont think we have easy mechanisms for harnessing and crowdsourcing the type of power that these companies respond to, he said. Thats only going to happen with government intervention. Matt Cardy - Getty Images Littau is a proponent of reforming Section 230a section of the federal Communications Decency Act of 1996 that protects online platforms from being held liable for content posted by usersto create requirements and incentives for social media companies to identify material that is threatening to or inappropriate for a certain group, and to provide ways to monitor and moderate it, in some ways like how movies and TV use rating systems. To do this, he said, platforms would need to have robust trust and safety teams (like the team Elon Musk infamously slashed at Twitter after acquiring the platform). One of the biggest obstacles, however, is political will. Littau is pessimistic: He knows theres sentiment in favor of regulating Big Tech on Capitol Hill, but the U.S. governments two political parties are not aligned on the reasons to do so. Republicans are largely worried about censorship of conservative voices, he said, while Democrats are concerned about the harm that social media can cause. To pass a bill in the first place is going to require compromise in Congress, to see some value in the [other partys] approach and do something thats targeted but also limited, Littau said. Getty Images Zach Rausch, an associate research scientist at the New York University Stern School of Business, has been studying adolescent mental health for the past four years. He has found that the rates of depression and anxiety among teen girls have been surging since the early 2010s, and that the rates of self-harm episodes, emergency department visits, and suicide have similarly increased across the English-speaking world. He points to social media as the most compellingly likely driver of these trends. As for whom to saddle with responsibility for that, Rausch believes the issue requires collective efforts from kids, parents, schools, government officials, and platformsand that New Yorks advisory is a good start. These kinds of public pressure campaigns are really important, and changing the norms and the way that we understand social media and society is really valuable, similar to how we changed our understanding of cigarettes not that long ago, he said. So, whats the solution? Rausch suggests four fundamental reforms to how we use social media: delaying giving smartphones to adolescents until theyre in high school (or 14 years old); raising social media platforms age requirement from 13 years old to 16; making American schools smartphone-free; and restoring play-based childhood. He defines the last item as unsupervised time playing outside with a mixed-age group. Weve overprotected kids in the real world, and weve under-protected them online, he said. To solve that problem, we need to reverse both of those trends. Weve been very libertarian-ish, standoffish in the virtual world, assuming that kids are no different from adults and then in the real world, weve often done the exact opposite, where kids cant even go outside unsupervised for 10 minutes because something bad might happen to them. Getty Images So it comes down to more than just getting children off of social media, he said. Its about getting them to physically connect in real life, as thats where children learn to manage risks and emotions. He, too, recognizes that enacting such changes will be an enormous undertaking, but Rausch believes the NYC advisory is a move in the right direction. He said he hopes the sentiment materializes nationwide. You Might Also Like Two individuals and a pet cat died in Minnesota from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning over the weekend. Authorities found them dead inside their home on Sunday, Feb. 11, and have advised people to keep their homes safe against such incidents. Family and pet cat dead from carbon monoxide poisoning In northern Minnesota, two people and a cat have died inside their home, CBS News reports. According to authorities, carbon monoxide poisoning is a possible reason behind the incident. Officers from Mille Lacs County Sheriffs Office reached the 1600 block of 110th Avenue in Princeton Township after receiving a call regarding a potential overdose. Subsequently, they discovered a 27-year-old man dead in an upstairs bedroom. His dog, a black Labrador Retriever, was there in the room and was intermittently conscious. The Labs current condition remains unknown, as per KSTP-TV. In addition, in another area of the house, they found a deceased woman aged 20, accompanied by a cat that had also passed away. Upon the fire officials response, Mille Lacs Country sheriff concluded that the home contained deadly levels of carbon monoxide, according to CBS News. Sheriff Kyle Burton stated, Im guessing if they had fire detectors, they would have been going off like crazy given the levels detected in the house. He further advised the public to make sure to equip homes with CO detectors as they serve as a warning system. If you go to sleep and all of a sudden the levels rise to a toxic level, youre probably not going to wake up to that, he said. Moreover, investigators report that the residents had a gas-powered generator for space heaters, along with propane heaters to heat the house. Allegedly, the house did not have any power or running water during the incident. Additionally, authorities emphasized the dangers of operating combustion engines, such as space heaters and gas stoves, in enclosed spaces. The deceased individuals were identified as Marcos Larson and Kylea May. Another woman is in the hospital for treatment of carbon monoxide exposure. Her condition remains unknown. The post Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Kills 2 People, 1 Cat in Minnesota appeared first on CatTime. Chris Hemsworth has shared a unique Valentines Day tribute for his wife, Elsa Pataky. The Thor actor, 40, took to social media on 14 February to wish the 47-year-old model a happy Valentines Day. In the clip posted on Instagram, Hemsworth and Pataky were filmed swimming underwater. The Australian actor came up behind Pataky, who was wearing a neon green two-piece swimsuit, and wrapped his arms around her waist. Hemsworth then wrapped his legs around Pataky, resembling a koala. The mother of three appeared amused by her husbands prank, but tried not to laugh so that she could hold her breath underwater. Happy Valentines Day. This year I thought Id share with you how babies are made in Australia, the Avengers: Endgame star captioned his post. Its both a game of passion, love and intense sportsmanship where everyone ones [sic] a winner. Meanwhile, Pataky returned the favour with her own Valentines Day tribute for the actor. Happy Valentines Day my love. So many years together and still the same, she wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of herself wearing ageing makeup. In the comments section under Hemsworths post, fans praised the couple for their wholesome relationship. However, some people expressed their concern over his underwater antics. I love this, but did anyone else find themselves holding their breath and then gasping for air? one Instagram user commented. Not me having an anxiety attack that she needed air and he was preventing her from surfacing, said someone else. This is very cute but also giving me such a panic attack, a third user wrote, while another person jokingly asked: Am I the only one concerned if she made it to the surface? Hemsworth has previously opened up about his relationship with his wife, who hes been married to for more than a decade. Last year, the Snow White and the Huntsman star confessed that without his wife, he wouldnt have the personal or professional success that he currently has. Her sacrifice, commitment, work, support, forgiveness everything that she has given me over the years has been incredible, he said in an interview with British GQ. I couldnt have done any of the things Ive done without it. He noted how his life has moved so fast and recalled a moment during their marriage when he ultimately felt closer to his wife. The couple are parents to 11-year-old daughter India Rose and nine-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan. We were having kids [at] the same time my career was taking off, same time we were getting married, same time we were getting to know each other, Hemsworth told the outlet. It feels like we got to know each other halfway through our relationship, five, six years ago. In a beautiful way. Once our kids were out of nappies, things became a bit more manageable. After the release of Thor, Hemworth explained that his career didnt stop until the last couple years. I was going from one film to another, didnt know if the phone was going to stop ringing, he said. Id spent so many years coming up thinking, Am I going to make it? And once it starts to roll youre like, I dont want to get off this train. This could be my one shot. Hemsworth added: All of these beautiful moments were rapidly flying past me. It made me just kind of want to wrap that show and get back and see my family. And I did. The Marvel actor and the Spanish model first met in 2010 and got married that same year. The family of five soon relocated from Los Angeles to Australia, where they are currently living in the southeastern coastal town of Byron Bay in New South Wales. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Damson Idris is focused on a very important goal. Yeah, its got something to do with making movies, which makes sense for the 32-year-old actor. But its deeper than that. My mom, she was like, I love Brad Pitt. You better not make him look bad, Idris tells me over the phone when I ask him about what kind of work hes got coming up. I can't let my mom down. So right now I'm solely focused on doing the best job for this film and making everyone proud. The picture in question is currently known as Untitled Formula One Movie or some variant thereof, depending on who you ask. Its produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, directed by Joseph Kosinski, and features Brad Pitt as an older driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a younger one. Idris stars in the ensemble cast alongside names like Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem, and actual Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton. Idris is no newbiesix seasons of the FX hit Snowfall are a testament to thatbut this is a major project with some major names. You can understand why mom might be a little nervous. Jocko Graves courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger But when speaking to Idris, hes nothing but cool and calm, just a working actor who wants to work his hardest on an important project. Plus, hes got other things to worry about when we catch up. Its the day of Tommy Hilfigers big return to New York Fashion Week, and Idris is getting ready to attend the show at the Grand Central Oyster Bar. Not coincidentally, Hilfigers very involved in the as-yet-unnamed F1 movie. His name can even be found on the jumpsuits of the drivers. After getting to know the legendary American designerand considering hes been a fan since back when he was a kid in Southeast LondonIdris says it was just a no-brainer to create a partnership and become a brand ambassador. Keep reading to learn about Idris and Hilfigers trip to the Vegas Grand Prix, the roots of his personal style, one ill-fated year spent trying to be the Black Leonardo DiCaprio, and more. Jocko Graves courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger On his best trip to Vegas The first time I went to Vegas was not too long ago, probably about three, four years ago. But the best time I had in Vegas was just this past October, and it was actually with Tommy for the Formula One racing. We were going to shoot out there. Due to the strike we weren't able to, but I was able to bring all my friends out there and we had an amazing experience with Tommy. I was able to take a lap tour around the actual track with Toto [Wolff] from Mercedes in an AMG GT Turbo. He drove and it was so much fun. Now that I've been driving, I just understand the art form a lot better and what it takes. On a bad year for getting dressed I love clothes. I think clothes have such a huge impact on how I feel about my day. I remember for a year straight, I tried to be the guy who only wears a black T-shirt and some blue jeans. Essentially, I tried to be the Black Leonardo DiCaprio. It didn't work out for me because I actually enjoy wearing something new every day or that favorite jacket that I have. It's attached to memories, the things we wear, and that's why fashion is so influential in my day-to-day life. Jocko Graves courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger On teaming up with Tommy I was a huge fan of Tommy Hilfiger from when I was growing up in Southeast London. If someone was wearing Tommy Hilfiger, he was a cool guy. And then, before the film, I had the opportunity to fly out to Miami and meet Tommy. We had dinner at Carbone and he basically expressed how much of a fan he was of me, and just how proud he was of me, and just his kind of vision for the future, and if I wanted to be a part of that. Then when we got this film, of course Tommy is hugely involved, so it was just a no-brainer to create a partnership. On the roots of his personal style It's funny because my mother used to force me to wear these little three-piece suits when I was five years old. So I came out dressing that James Bond, and then I kind of went more into the direction of a Li'l Bow Wow, Li'l Romeo type. Whoever the girls like, I'm going to wear what he's wearing. So that was me when I was younger. As I hit my teenage stages, I was wearing a lot more street wear. And then as soon as I hit 19 or 20, I went back to my roots and I started putting on those tuxedos. I started looking a lot more kind of smart casual, and that's why Tommy Hilfiger is just such a perfect alignment because it just reiterates that. Jocko Graves courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger On discovering a deeper appreciation for Formula One I just learned just how much attention goes into it, how much attention goes into making the cars, how much of a team game is. We see the drivers, but there are thousands of mechanics and construction people who are working for each team. And I think it's really exciting for the world to get to see that more because these guys are risking their lives, of course, but they are thrilling us and they are showing a sport that is evolving still, and one that is opening its arms for everyone to get a piece of it. I just love it because looking at, for example, what Lewis Hamilton has done for the sport and just bringing more attention to itwe're just starting. It's just the beginning. So many more people are going to get involved in Formula One, and I'm excited to see that. You Might Also Like A new Jimmy John's sandwich shop will open Feb. 14 at 300 N. Third St., Suite 113, in Washington Square in the Third Street Lifestyle Center in downtown Wausau. It will offer pick-ups, delivery and in-store dining. WAUSAU The wait is over. The new downtown Jimmy Johns restaurant opens Wednesday. We are excited to finally open, Brad Pachefsky, who owns the franchise with partner Brian Macak, told the Wausau Daily Herald on Tuesday. The new Jimmy John's sandwich shop is located at 300 N. Third St., Suite 113, in Washington Square in the Third Street Lifestyle Center. It will offer pick-ups, delivery and in-store dining. Restaurant hours will be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Guests can call 715-298-2000, order from JimmyJohns.com or download the Jimmy John's app. A new Jimmy John's sandwich shop will open Feb. 14 at 300 N. Third St., Suite 113, in Washington Square in the Third Street Lifestyle Center in downtown Wausau. It will offer pick-ups, delivery and in-store dining. This is the third Jimmy Johns location in the Wausau area. The other restaurants are located at 2205 Stewart Ave. in Wausau and 3910 Schofield Ave. in Weston. This is Pachefsky and Macak's seventh Jimmy John's location. "We have been looking for a downtown location since we opened our Stewart Avenue restaurant in 2009," Pachefsky previously told the Daily Herald. "There is a lot of foot traffic and there is a lot of stuff going on downtown. There will be new apartments and a new children's museum. It's exactly where we want to be." Local business news: Heres how 4 central Wisconsin businesses prepare for Valentines Day More local news: Lunar New Year event in Wausau celebrates the Year of the Dragon with performances and cuisine Editor Jamie Rokus can be contacted at jrokus@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter at @Jamie_Rokus. This article originally appeared on Stevens Point Journal: Downtown Wausau Jimmy Johns restaurant opens Wednesday One of the greats of American fine dining has died. David Bouley, whose New York City restaurant empire inspired a whole generation of chefs, died Monday from a heart attack, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. The chef, who died at home in Kent, Connecticut, was 70. More from Robb Report He got modern three-star Michelin dining to make sense to Americans, Dan Barber, the chef at Blue Hill at Stone Barns, told the Times. He had an otherworldly ability to create and capture flavor, and he did it without menus or recipes, night after night. (Barber worked under Bouley for two years earlier in his career.) At his restaurantsincluding Montrachet, Bouley, Danube, and BrushstrokeBouley changed the way Americans ate. He emphasized vegetable-based sauces, local ingredients, and Japanese-style tasting menus before all of those components became ubiquitous in U.S. kitchens. Often serving meals without a menu, as Barber noted, he wanted diners to trust him and his cooking implicitly. And that they did: Several of his establishments received Michelin stars, and Bouley is the only American-born chef to have received a review from every New York Times restaurant critic since 1985, including a four-star rating for Bouley in 1990. Those in the industry saw and acknowledged his genius in the kitchen, which he passed down to chefs who have become some of the most acclaimed names in their profession, including James Kent, Anita Lo, and Christina Tosi. David Bouley was such a huge part of my story, Kent wrote on Instagram. He is one of the main reasons why I wanted to be a chef. Will miss my first boss, the original farm to table chef David Bouley, Lo similarly wrote in an Instagram tribute. Thank you for all you taught me. His contemporaries have shared their remembrances as well, with Thomas Keller offering effusive praise for what Bouley meant to the world of restaurants. He was a great chef who did great things for our community, including helping elevate cooking from a mere job to a passion pursued by professionals, Keller wrote on Instagram. His reverence for fresh ingredients, good food, and good health knew no bounds. We benefited from how he extolled Greenmarkets produce and freely shared his culinary knowledge. He had a voracious appetite for learning. And he was generous, toospending time mentoring young chefs. In more recent years, Bouley established the Bouley Test Kitchen and Bouley Botanical, where he ran test kitchens and gave lectures and classes. After Bouley closed in 2017, though, he didnt open another restaurant in N.Y.C. Still, his imprint can be found at dozens of restaurants in the city, and his legacy will live on there as well. Bouley is survived by several family members, including his wife, Nicole, who wrote a touching message about her late husband on Instagram: David was a man who holistically experienced discovery. Relentless curiosity and questioning was his driving forceto be informed, to share and celebrate, she said. He embraced the MOF spirithis commitment to share the gifts of mother nature and the purity offered through technique, ingredientsto meet his clients where they were and instill new experiences embodies his passion. Together lets spill some wine for him tonight. Best of Robb Report Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Click here to read the full article. Easter is one of those holidays that just feels happy. Maybe it's the religious history behind the day, the sweet Easter desserts that we devour every year, or the festive decorations that help us get into the spirit. Even seeing the Drummonds get together for the holiday brings us joy! Whatever the case is, we love celebrating on Easter Sunday! But what about Easter Monday? There are plenty of people and religious groups who use the day after Easter to sit back and commemorate the sacrifices of Jesus Christ. While most of the Easter traditions and celebrations happen on Easter Sunday, the following day can hold just as much importance to some. But is Easter Monday considered a federal holiday, too? Federal holidays usually see banks and some government-official organizations closing shop, so you ought to be prepared if that's the case! Here's everything you should know about Easter Monday. Is Easter Monday a federal holiday? Nope! At least not in America. It might help to know that Easter Sunday is sort of like Good Friday in the sense that it may be traditionally celebrated by those who follow Christian-based faith, but is not officially considered a federal holiday in the grand scheme of things. In fact, there are actually only 11 days that are registered as public holidays within Federal law . This isn't to say that you can't celebrate it! It just means that you'll be able to go to a bank if you choose to. What are the federal holidays for 2024? New Years Day Monday, January 01 Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. Monday, January 15 Washingtons Birthday Monday, February 19 Memorial Day Monday, May 27 Juneteenth National Independence Day Wednesday, June 19 Independence Day Thursday, July 04 Labor Day Monday, September 02 Columbus Day Monday, October 14 Veterans Day Monday, November 11 Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 28 Christmas Day Wednesday, December 25 You Might Also Like Bedroom makeovers happen for many reasons it could be that it doesnt suit the child anymore (like this floral closet transformation!), or you want to add a little color to the room. For Brittany Butler, who owns B. NOELLE DESIGN with Rachel Kwaw, the room makeover in her home stemmed from four years of co-sleeping with their children, Briar and Clover. We decided to change the room because our home only has three bedrooms, and we have a boy and a girl, Butler says. They need their individual space and a designated play space. We have been co-sleeping for four years now, and to be honest, this was the mommy and daddy get their bed back project. The room is huge (224 square feet, to be exact!) but the initial design didnt have storage options. Because of this, Butler says shed often find the space in a tizzy because the kids spread their toys and bedding all over the room. The fact that it lacked personality (and had popcorn ceiling) contributed to their need to update the space. The room felt empty and lifeless, really, Butler explains. It gave the feeling of we just moved in and tried to make due. There was minimal art on the wall. What was in place wasnt chosen but given. So, Butler and Kwaw set out to infuse the tired space with color and happiness, and they referenced the lively spirit of Louisiana when designing the space and titled the bedroom makeover Born on the Bayou. They are living now in a Louisiana, Treme-inspired room filled with the unique bayou culture, Butler notes. The cultural fabric of New Orleans is like no other, and now we have been able to surround these two little ones with that same creativity, love, and adventurous spirit! How Designers Created a Louisiana-Inspired Bedroom Butler and Kwaw started their inspiration process by rummaging through childhood stuffed animals and hand puppets that are reminiscent of swamp creatures (natural and magical, Butler specified!). Next, they traveled through Louisianas Treme and French Quarter neighborhoods in search of paint colors that represent Butlers kids upbringing and heritage and would make their eyes light up. The amalgamation of color, creatures, artwork, and intentional storybooks surround the kids in joy and raw motivational notes, Butler shares. After finding their inspiration, Butler and Kwaw made a thorough plan of all of the changes that needed to be made and drew the space in a design program. Their updates (a combination of DIY projects and professional help) transformed one large room into three separate spaces, one for communal play and two individual sleeping nooks for Briar and Clover. Clovers space is curated for a princess, the designers say, and is colored with Sherwin Williams Euphoric Lilac and Baroness and red egret-adorned wallpaper books about magic line her bookshelf. Meanwhile, Briars bookshelf is filled with swamp creatures, and the space features swamp wallpaper and Sherwin Williams Wild Lime and Broccoflower. Butler and Kwaw DIYed Briars headboard using vintage fabric from the kids great-grandfather, and Clovers was created using prom dress material from their aunt. Both nooks have Amazon Alexa-operated light fixtures, too. Alexa has automated the use of the room so one can nap and the other can read while the room light is off, Butler says. Alexa made this room perfect for all levels of night lights needed. They both feel safe and secure in their zones. The exterior of the kids nooks and ceiling are just as colorful, too. Butler and Kwaw used Sherwin Williams Atmospheric, Greek Villa, Intense Teal, Stay in Lime, and Framboise to complement the communal play area (that has storage benches) in the new room. Now, theres space for independent activities as well as a designated area for their imagination, creativity, and playfulness (and organizational skills!) to shine. Other Budget-Friendly Tips We disagreed on this but we opted to only buy one roll of each wallpaper to minimize cost as the paper itself was already a bigger ticket buy,, says Butler. We made it make sense by using the leftover trims from the bookcase and a piece of large room crown we had in the garage and cut in half as a chair railing. The lower half of each room is now finished in a budget-friendly burlap-textured paintable wallpaper. Another money-saving modification we made was to add the two lights to our existing ceiling fan power. The trick is to purchase the Alexa-compatible bulbs for each fixture and now they can all be controlled separately with our having to run new wire for a new switch. We also were able to mount a sconce to the front of the house acting like a porch light. This light is not hardwired but operates with a remote or a tap and can change from white or warm white easily! This saved us about $200 in electrical cost. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Dave and Jenny Marrs are going international! The Fixer to Fabulous stars are taking their home renovation talents overseas for a spinoff series called Fixer to Fabulous: Italiano. The Bentonville, Arkansas, residents are traveling to the Tuscan countryside to help their friends Pierre and Rebecca renovate a centuries-old villa into a rental property for tourists. Dave and Jenny teamed up with local builders, architects, and artisans to update the villa, and the project was not without its challenges, including sourcing authentic materials and meeting historic building regulations in Italy. The couple called the project a "dream," but, Jenny explained, "it's very overwhelming. This is a 200-year-old house in a foreign country, and we cant take unlimited trips to Italy with our business and kids back home. I just hope were not biting off more than we can chew." HGTV announced the news on Instagram, and the post was met with an outpouring of support from both fans and HGTV stars. Erin Napier, who starred with Dave and Jenny on season two of Home Town Takeover, wrote, "i cant wait to watch!!! , and Egypt Sherrod of Married to Real Estate said, "Woo hoo" New episodes of Fixer to Fabulous are currently airing on HGTV on Tuesday nights, but it won't be long until the six-episode spinoff begins. Fixer to Fabulous: Italiano will premiere at 8 p.m. EST/7 p.m. CST on March 12 on HGTV. Episodes will also be available for streaming on Max. You Might Also Like The war between Hamas and Israel has resulted in an unforeseen menace: an uptick in the number of feral dogs entering the Israeli territory from Gaza. Its estimated that about 1,000 strays have fled Gaza and entered Israel since October 2023, when the conflict started. How feral dogs are entering Israel When Hamas troops used explosives to destroy the barrier separating Gaza from Israel, this created a perfect opportunity for aggressive packs of stray dogs in Gaza to make their way into Israel. Israeli officials are now concerned that the population of feral dogs may spiral out of control without urgent intervention. According to The Times of Israel, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority (INPA) cant adequately curb the stray dog menace without permission from the ministries of agriculture and environmental protection. The INPA is now appealing to Israels environmental protection minister to secure a permit from the Agriculture Ministry. This permit will allow them (the INPA) to destroy feral dogs outside nature reserves. These feral dogs are a threat to Israels wildlife, military troops, and the public. Its reported the strays are now hunting down gazelles in Israels nature reserves. Dr. Yehoshua Shkedy, the INPA chief scientist, spoke to Ynet News about the growing problem. He stated: These dogs are a problem for nature because they prey on any animal they encounter. He added, And if they spread diseases, they also pose a danger to human life. Weve already seen in Bir al-Daj a girl who died from a bite by stray dogs. Shockingly, packs of feral dogs are now fearlessly approaching Israeli military troops while displaying overly aggressive behaviors. As per The Jerusalem Post, the dogs are growling and baring teeth while approaching and trying to bite the troops. Thankfully, there have been no reports of any Israel Defense Force soldier being attacked by the feral dogs thus far. The post Feral Dogs From Gaza Entering Israel appeared first on DogTime. An inquiry has been launched after a group was filmed shouting death to Israel inside an Islamic charity premises. The Charity Commission announced it had opened a statutory inquiry into Al-Tawheed (TUCF) Charitable Trust following videos from inside one of its properties, revealed by the BBC at the start of this year, depicted antisemitism and denial of the Holocaust. It also showed speeches by members of Irans sanctioned military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The videos came from events held inside the Kanoon Towhid Islamic centre in west London in 2020 and 2021, commemorating Irans top military commander General Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a US air strike in 2020. The Iranian general was the godfather of Tehrans irregular warfare strategies, including funding anti-Israel militias such as Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. He was also sanctioned by the UK. Chants of "death to Israel" were heard at the event, though it is not known who was saying them. Senior Hezbollah commander Wissam Tawil, left, killed in Lebanon in January this year, sitting next to Iran's Quds force General Qassem Soleimani (AP) Two other events were live-streamed speeches by former and active IRGC commanders, including one which described an apocalyptic war on Jews. The charity regulator said it was investigating serious concerns over the misuse of charity premises. The regulator said: Through reviewing video footage provided to the regulator, the Charity Commission is aware that speakers praised Soleimani and could hear anti-Semitic chants being made during the event. The commission added that it has significant concerns about these matters and will be examining what controls the charity has in place for events and external speakers. Trustees of TUCF told the Commission they were not in office at the time. The Islamic Students Associations of Britain (ISA), which was founded to promote the philosophy of the leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Ayatollah Khomeini, said it promoted the event but did not attend either. The footage adds to growing concerns from some MPs that the IRGC is attempting to radicalise UK Muslims. The IRGC has previously been linked to kidnap and assassination plots in the UK. There have been at least 16 such plots confirmed since 2020, according to counter-terror police. Maersk is advising customers to expect more of the same in the Red Sea for the remainder of the first half of 2024, with potential for the crisis to seep into the back half of the year. The container shipping giant is telling shippers that the longer transit routes stemming from recurring Iranian-backed Houthi attacks in the Red Seas chokepoint, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, could potentially last into the third quarter. More from Sourcing Journal Unfortunately, we dont see any change in the Red Sea happening anytime soon, Charles van der Steene, regional president for Maersk North America, told CNBC. Customers will need to make sure they have the longer overall transit time built into their supply chain. Major container shipping lines including Maersk, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have opted out of trying to pass through the Suez Canal, instead having them voyage around southern Africas Cape of Good Hope. In early January, Maersk said it would avoid the conflict-ridden waterway and the neighboring Gulf of Aden for the foreseeable future after an attack on one of its vessels, the Maersk Hangzhou. CMA CGM was the last of the major lines to officially cut off all services through the waterway at the start of the February. The extended transits around Africa are delaying the arrival of the empty vessels going back to Asia to pick up more U.S. imports, with lead times extending by 10 to 14 days in most cases. On Thursday, Maersk said in its earnings call that the Red Sea disruption has impacted 36 percent of its total container volumes. Hellmann exec: human customer service still underrated during disruptions In a session at the Manifest 2024 supply chain and logistics conference earlier this month, Stefan Borggreve, chief digital officer of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, pointed out three distinct areas where logistics providers must support shippers amid the extended Red Sea-related delays. First of all, what piece of my cargo was affected? Not just the containers, but on the SKU level, because they need to see exactly where their cargo is, Borggreve said. Of course, they then want to see what this means for their cargo. How does it now get into Europe, or wherever it needs to be, compared to what initially was planned? And then, the most important piece is, how do you then find solutions with your shippers without causing more disruptions in the supply chain? Borggreve said the last point was all about prioritizing human customer service, calling it still a bit underrated in assisting shippers throughout the disruptions. Theres a lot of data providersbut you cannot rely fully on the data, Borggreve observed. You can exploit it and it can be of assistance, but you still then need to have the humans that can provide solutions in order to keep the supply chains flowing. That is basically the biggest challenge. In a customer advisory shared Tuesday, freight forwarder OEC Group encouraging those who typically ship through the Suez Canal to contact insurance experts to better understand and minimizeor even negatethe risks upon traveling the new routes. As a result of these diversions away from the Red Sea, vessels will be traveling through pirate infested waters on both the West and East Coast of Africa, namely the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Guinea, OEC Group said in the advisory note. Additionally, vessels traveling around the Cape of Good Hope will now endure rougher waters, very strong currents and much higher winds due to the convergence of both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, creating optimal conditions for a cargo overboard incident. Maersk brings more capacity online To facilitate continuous trade movements, van der Steene told CNBC that Maersk has added roughly 6 percent of extra container capacity to its schedule. Maersks need to add vessel capacity comes as average vessel delays have gotten worse since mid-December, according to data from maritime advisory firm Sea-Intelligence. The largest capacity contraction compared to planned deployment two months ago has been seen on the trans-Pacific trade, with the Asia-to-North America East Coast trade lane having 7.5 percent fewer ships. Similarly, 6.9 percent fewer vessels were available to traverse the Asia-to-North America trade lane. The capacity impacts on the Asia-to-North Europe and Asia-Mediterranean trade lanes are less severe. John McCown, non-resident senior fellow at the Center for Maritime Strategy, observed last month that more vessels on those two trade lanes would be pulled from other routes. According to Sea-Intelligence, Asia-to-North Europe routes saw a capacity contraction of 4.9 percent since December, while the Asia-to-Mediterranean trade lane had just 1.4 percent fewer ships. Since taking home the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund grand prize, Melitta Baumeister has been juggling the industrys expectations of her. Despite the mentorship and $300,000 in funding she is set to receive, the designer nixed the runway, opting for a quieter look book and video release instead. I didnt want to do it half-baked, Baumeister explained during a preview at her Long Island City studio, adding she wasnt yet ready to tackle such a highly visible platform. Its what made her decision to play with the most visible of all platforms, TikTok, more intriguing. Shorts riffing on mukbangs, get-ready-with-me tutorials and the viral subway girl were interspersed with others showing off the talents of her street-cast models. They could be caught ax-throwing or belting out opera arias in a mix of her blown up tent shapes with foam padding in interesting fabrics. A trompe loeil paint technique made the jump from denim to pleated jersey in bordeaux and galaxy blue, while a huge bomber was made from Tyvek, the indestructible material used for FedEx mailers. More from WWD For Baumeister, whos been around for more than a decade, it was a way to thumb her nose at the industry, which she feels hasnt paid her much attention. Collaborators are actually looking at me now, she said. Were kind of a niche brand, people didnt even know we were in New York. Now they do. Bergdorf Goodman picked up the line just before her win. They were like, Oh, my god, we made the right choice, she joked. Providing easier access points to her extreme look, there was a push in accessories and loungewear in slimmer proportions, like a Henley and skirt in murky brown with zip utility pockets. But she didnt alienate her core audience of fashion diehards. They might like the black duffle coat with sunflower quilting or a nylon sack black dress with old school airs of Balenciaga. Styled with fetishy pleather scuba suits, hoods and puddle boots, some of those looks veered into Demnas post-apocalyptic territory. Baumeisters work is fairly referential and shes honest about her admiration for the likes of Martin Margiela, Rick Owens and Simone Rocha. Overall, this collection showed Baumeister could bring something similarly dark and experimental to the New York landscape, but that her own POV still needs time in the oven. She will be back under the microscope in September when hopefully its ready to be brought to the runway. For more New York Fashion Week reviews, click here. Launch Gallery: Melitta Baumeister Fall 2024 Ready-to-Wear Collection Best of WWD Meta has taken down a network of fake accounts that posed as US military families and anti-war activists. The fake accounts on Facebook and Instagram originated in China and targeted US audiences, according to the companys security researchers. Meta detailed the takedowns in its latest report on coordinated inauthentic behavior (CIB). The cluster of fake accounts was relatively small 33 Facebook accounts, four Instagram profiles, six pages and six groups on Facebook. The accounts posted about US aircraft carriers and other military themes, as well as criticism of US foreign policy towards Taiwan and Israel and its support of Ukraine, Meta wrote in its report. The group also ran accounts on YouTube and Medium and shared an online petition claiming to have been written by Americans to criticize US support for Taiwan. The companys researchers said the fake accounts originated in China, but didnt attribute the effort to a specific entity or group. During a call with reporters, Metas global threat intelligence lead Ben Nimmo said that there has been a rise in China-based influence operations over the last year. The greatest change in the threat landscape, Nimmo said, has been this emergence of Chinese influence operations. Nimmo said. He noted that Meta has taken down 10 CIB networks originating in China since 2017, but that six of those takedowns came in the last year. Last summer, Meta discovered and removed an especially large network of thousands of fake accounts that attempted to spread pro-China propaganda messages on the platform. In both cases, the fake accounts were apparently unsuccessful at spreading their message. The latest network only managed to reach about 3,000 Facebook accounts, according to Meta, and the two Instagram pages had no followers at the time they were discovered. Still, Metas researchers note that attempts like this will likely continue ahead of the 2024 election and that people with large audiences should be wary of resharing unverified information. Our threat research shows that, historically, the main way that CIB networks get through to authentic communities is when they manage to co-opt real people politicians, journalists or influencers and tap into their audiences, the report says. Reputable opinion-makers represent an attractive target and should exercise caution before amplifying information from unverified sources, particularly ahead of major elections. Hong Kong's financial leaders greeted the Year of the Dragon with fanfare, optimistic that the auspicious zodiac sign will breathe some fire - or at least some life - into the city's beaten down stock market. "Hong Kong stocks posted positive returns in the past four Years of the Dragon," said Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po during a ceremony organised by bourse operator Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) on Wednesday to mark the first trading day of Lunar New Year. The market may be boosted by potential interest rate cuts in Europe and the US, he added. "In addition, the mainland [Chinese] economy is stable and improving," he said. "These factors will bring a positive atmosphere to investment sentiment and the asset market." Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The Hang Seng Index jumped 0.8 per cent on Wednesday, reversing an earlier 1.2 per cent fall. Since its inception in 1969, the city's benchmark gauge has experienced positive returns every time the Year of the Dragon has rolled around. The mythical creature represents a particularly propitious year in Chinese culture. The last Year of the Dragon, in 2012, saw a 15 per cent gain, according to Bloomberg data, a year highlighted by policy easing by global central banks. Similar factors may spur the local market this year too, Chan added. "Various factors have also made us cautiously optimistic about the Year of the Dragon," said Chan. "The most important thing is to work with everyone to think of more solutions, innovate and find good development opportunities in the future." The market could certainly do with a dose of good fortune. The Year of the Rabbit, which ended on February 9, was a miserable one for local equities as the Hang Seng Index slumped by a record 29 per cent. Story continues "The market will hopefully see a floor in negative sentiment, but the degree of optimism still hinges on how much the fragile confidence can improve," said Gary Ng, a senior economist at Natixis Hong Kong. The Federal Reserve rate decision in March, as well as the two sessions - China's annual meetings of the legislature and political advisory body - will be important events to note, he added. Chinese authorities have had to intervene in the market, via verbal support and state fund buying, to shore up financial markets at home after a rout that erased more than US$1 trillion of value in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen over the past three years. The Hang Seng Index fell about 14 per cent in 2023, capping an unprecedented four-year losing streak. Market pundits, including the American economist Stephen Roach, had said Hong Kong's best days were now over. Index provider MSCI will remove scores of Chinese stocks from its Global Standard indices and three from the MSCI Hong Kong Index, after its February review. "I understand that many people have seen the recent coverage regarding a few stakeholders who hold a pessimistic view towards the Hong Kong market or that Hong Kong's best days are behind it," outgoing HKEX chair Laura Cha Shih May-lung, said. "I completely disagree. We recover and bounce back every time." "When others say that we are headed for the bottom, we always rebound and hit new highs," she said. "Every time [Hong Kong] has proved its own strength and resilience." The city's many advantages, including rule of law and market transparency, will support recovery and restore investor confidence, she added. Finance officials line up by the gong at the Lunar New Year market opening celebration at the HKEX. Photo: Jonathan Wong alt=Finance officials line up by the gong at the Lunar New Year market opening celebration at the HKEX. Photo: Jonathan Wong> "The previous year has not been an easy one for Hong Kong's financial community, but Hong Kong is defined by its resiliency and adaptability," said Nicolas Aguzin, the CEO of the exchange operator. The Argentine has agreed to step down on February 29, having brought forward his departure from May when his three-year term ends. Bonnie Chan will take the helm from March 1. Despite the difficulties presented by the wider economic environment, Hong Kong's financial markets continued to demonstrate resilience, with derivatives, fixed income, and ETF trading volumes reaching record highs, said Aguzin. Many opportunities abound, he said. "As China continues to grow, [and] as Asia represents more of the world, this part of the world will need places like Hong Kong to provide that access to opportunities," said Aguzin. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Roses are red, violets are blue drive down a county road, and there might be a Lovers Lane near you. For Valentine's Day, the Journal Sentinel data team dug into a database of Wisconsin roads to identify every community with some variation of the street name "Lovers Lane." We found 44 such roads in Wisconsin, spanning 50 miles across 30 counties. Suburban Washington County has more than any other county, with seven different segments called "Lovers Lane" or something similar. The county also boasts the longest Lovers Lane in the state, running south from Slinger for about 10 miles. Lovers' Lanes in Wisconsin Wisconsin has 44 roads named "Lovers' Lane" or something similar. Thirty counties across the state have at least one. Map by Andrew Hahn / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Why is this street name so common? It "goes back to the 1920s or so, when cars started being used quite a lot," local historian Carl Baehr told the Journal Sentinel in 2021. "The story goes that young lovers would get in the car and drive away from where they could be observed." Today, many of these lanes have been developed into bigger roads that don't afford lovers the privacy they desire. But underneath the asphalt, there are still many memories of people who found love, on or off the lanes. Village of Wausaukee, Marinette County In the small village of Wausaukee in northern Wisconsin, Lovers Lane was a secluded spot where younger people once went necking, according to resident Ruth Schroeder. She said the Schroeder family, which owned the land in that area, named the road "Lovers Lane" many generations ago after witnessing the start of many love stories there. In the late '60s and early '70s, the area became a known spot for "beer parties," according to longtime resident Bob Jicha. At the time, an old logging road formed a Y intersection on Lovers Lane, Jicha recalled. After people arrived at the intersection, those who were drinking went to the right and lovers went to the left. Today, what used to be a secret local spot has developed into a busy subdivision, according to village administrator Sara Pullen. Lovers Lane in Wausaukee now connects Highway 180 and Jamros Road. Village of Campbellsport, Fond du Lac County In the village of Campbellsport in Fond du Lac County, the local Lover's Road has inspired a song: "Lover's Lane," written by Cliff Rettler and his band, Sunday Sunglasses. The song is inspired by his time dating his now-wife, Angel Rettler, who is the village clerk. The road, located on Highway 45 between Jorge Taco and Trollops Bar, is a known spot among locals, according to Angel Rettler. "During the start of our relationship, Cliff lived right by Lover's Road and drove past it frequently, inspiring him to write a song about our love," Rettler said. Angel and Cliff Rettler live only 5 minutes from Lovers Road today. Town of Willow Springs, Lafayette County James Acherman, the town chairman of Willow Springs in Wisconsin's southwest corner, said many people probably have no idea that the town's Lover Lane was built because of a school. In 1840, the town built a rural school for kids near the intersection of Furnace Hill Road and County Road F. Both were main roads, so the town decided to build a smaller road with less traffic that led children directly to the school, according to Acherman. It was meant to serve as a safe shortcut, but it soon became a place where kids parked their cars after school to kiss, Acherman said. The school closed in the 1960s, along with many other rural schools in the area. Acherman said he thought Lover Lane might disappear along with it. But the town decided to keep the road, and its name. Today, Lover Lane serves the town as a regular road and shortcut from Furnace Hill Road to County Road F. City of Milwaukee, Milwaukee County In Milwaukee, Lovers Lane is split into two parts of a 40-mile highway, connected by Mayfair Road and 108th Street. The road was built in the 1920s as an alternative route to avoid the increasing traffic in the city, according to Baehr, the author of the book "Milwaukee Streets: The Stories Behind Their Names." At the time, it was a narrow, rural road that was wooded on both sides. But Milwaukee's old lane for lovers met the same fate as many others around the country: It is now a busy highway, without much in the way of secret make-out spots. Do you have a story about a lovers' lane in your community? Send Journal Sentinel data reporter Eva Wen a note at qwen@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How many 'lovers lanes' are there in Wisconsin? Police have arrested two dog groomers in Mumbai, India, after a video of them punching, kicking, and thrashing a canine repeatedly surfaced online. The sickening incident sparked outrage from animal activists and dog lovers in India. This prompted authorities to order the popular pet grooming facility to cease operations. Dog groomers in Mumbai arrested for punching dog after video goes viral A video captured two men who are staffers at the grooming facility hitting the 3-year-old Chow Chow, named Tofu. The owner had brought and left the dog at the facility for grooming. News9 Live reports that one staffer launched blows at the canine as the other recorded and joined in the heinous act. The disturbing clip has since gone viral. Police arrested the two men, who are now facing animal cruelty charges. Vidit Sharma founder of an animal welfare organization in India, Save A Stray took to social media to share the clip alongside a post condemning the cruel mistreatment of the pup, as reported by Odishatv.in News. Sharma wrote: Shocking incident at Vetic Vet Clinic in Mumbai Thane. Individuals responsible for such abuse should be behind bars. Its imperative for proper background verification to be conducted before hiring grooming staff. This behavior is utterly disgusting no pet should ever endure such treatment. Thankfully, officials confirmed the canine is presently in stable condition. Consequently, the shocking video has prompted pet owners to caution others against leaving their dogs alone with groomers. One pet owner wrote online: I would rather never travel if I have to leave my cat at some pet care without cameras for supervision. A horrific animal abuse video came to light in my hometown, at the hands of groomers of a popular clinic called Vetic Pet Clinic. The social media user concluded by warning others, Dont leave your pet alone during grooming ever. The post Mumbai Pet Groomers Arrested for Punching Dog on Video appeared first on DogTime. Australia's Byron Bay is a surfing hotspot renowned as a surfer's paradise. It's home to the world-famous right-hand point break, The Pass, the sharky left-hander Tallows, and beach breaks at Broken Head. Then there's Tyagarah Beach, a surf spot that's doubled as a clothing-optional beach since the late '90s. But if anti-nudists have their way, beachgoers will have to suit up starting April 8. Related: Free the Peach: Protesters Demand G-String Freedom on the Gold Coast 9News Queensland captioned the post above: "A nudist beach in Byron Bay is likely to be shut down from next month. The surprise move from Council comes following a recommendation from the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service (NWPS)." According to the story, Tyagarah Beach has served as one of the last legal nudist beaches in the state since 1998. A section of it was declared "clothing optional" after locals campaigned for a beach where they could let it all hang out. The dispute began last year when NWPS sent a letter to the Byron Bay Shire Council claiming the nude beach isn't "consistent with the values the reserve is managed under." But those against the nude beach say it's about more than nudity. "For example, people are accessing not only the beach but also the dune and hind-dune which is creating environmental issues. The continuation of a clothes-optional area in Tyagarah Nature Reserve is not supported by NPWS," 9News said the letter stated. Since the council has no jurisdiction over the land, its staff "recommended it revoke its 1998 decision to make the Tyagarah Beach clothes optional," 9News reported. A public meeting will hold a vote on the issue next Thursday. Meanwhile, Bradley Benham of the nude beach support group Byron Naturists isn't giving up yet. He's organized an online petition to stop the ban and as of this writing, it's gained over 1,000 signatures. According to the petition, "thousands of people now enjoy this beach responsibly. Closing the beach on such short notice and without public consultation or the offer of an alternate location is unfair. Click here for details. *** Don't miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Instagram, and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing. We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos. The Panama Canal will not alter transit restrictions until at least April, when the waterways operators will again reevaluate the low water levels at the lake feeding the canal. According to Panama Canal Authority (ACP) deputy administrator Ilya Espino, demand to transit the canal increased further in the wake of ongoing attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, Reuters reported. More from Sourcing Journal Due to problems at the Red Sea, many people forced to take alternative routes have tried to resort to Panama, but it has not been possible, Espino told Reuters, adding bulk carriers have been hit hardest. Sourcing Journal reached out to the ACP. Currently, 24 vessels are permitted to transit through the Panama Canal on a daily basis, up from the 22 ships that passed the waterway every day in December and the first half of January. Under normal circumstances, the maximum capacity of daily transits via the Panama Canal was 36 to 38 vessels. At the time of the announcement, the ACP said the changes were based on improving projected water levels at Gatun Lake, which provides the water to move ships through the Panama Canals lock system. Currently, Panama Canal is in its transitional dry season, which is expected to last through May. Water levels at Gatun Lake as of Wednesday are 81 feet deep, still four feet below the average water levels of 85.1 feet in the five years prior. If rains arrive in May as expected, the canal plans to progressively increase daily slots with the end goal to return to about 36 vessels per day, according to the Reuters report. But the rainfall could make or break the decision in the long run. If rains are short of expectations, the authority could apply further restrictions to either daily passage or draft, a vessels maximum depth. The canal currently allows vessels with a maximum draft of 44 feet. If rainfall does not begin in May, we would evaluate again whether to cut transit by one or two vessels per day, or to reduce maximum vessel draft to 43 feet, Espino told Reuters. The ACP is also monitoring evaporation at water reservoirs during the current dry season. Restrictions were initially implemented last summer as a months-long drought during the countrys May-to-November rainy season led to the record-low water levels at the lake. The restrictions have thus far resulted in fewer arrivals per day, but ships are wading through the canal waters faster. Total arrivals per day have decreased from 25.3 in November to 22.2 in January, and has declined every month since September. Canal waters timethe average time it takes a vessel to transit the canal, including waiting time for passagedipped from 40.7 hours in November to 32.1 hours in January. Without accounting for the wait, in-transit times dipped from 10.4 hours to 9.4 hours in the three-month span. With the restrictions in place, the queue itself has been dwindling. As of Wednesday, 49 total vessels were in queue to transit the Panama Canal, with 38 already booked and 11 not having made a reservation yet. That number is lower than the 57 vessels in queue on Jan. 11 and the 63 vessels lined up on Dec. 18. THE Alliance brings back two Panama Canal service lines In good news for retailers and brands, some ocean carriers appear to be restoring some services that had temporarily moved away from the canal. THE Alliance, comprised of container shipping firms Hapag-Lloyd, HMM, Ocean Network Express (ONE) and Yang Ming, is bringing back multiple service lines that use the Panama Canal, reversing a prior decision in December to reroute three services through the Suez Canal. Just two weeks after the decision to shift the services east, Hapag-Lloyd was one of multiple ocean carriers that suspended shipping through the Red Sea due to the recurring Houthi attacks in the waterway. As of Feb. 11, Panama Canal transits were fully restored on east and westbound sailings on the trans-Pacific to U.S. East Coast EC2 service. THE Alliance has also switched its trans-Pacific to U.S. Gulf Coast EC6 service back to using the Panama Canal rather than via the Cape of Good Hope. In a recent customer advisory, ONE said other Panama Canal services are also being considered for resumption. The Japanese carrier said it was ending its Panama Canal contingency surcharge on U.S. and Canadian exports due to operation improvements within the canal. The sale ends Feb. 22. Stephen M. Keller/Courtesy of Southwest Airlines Its the most romantic day of the year, and Southwest is feeling that love by offering a sale in time for Valentines Day with fares starting as low as $49. The sale, which travelers have until 11:59 p.m. PT on Feb. 22 to book, is available on travel across the United States and to some warm-weather destinations, including Hawaii and Mexico, according to the airline. The sale is available for travel within the contiguous U.S. from March 5 through May 29 and available for international travel, to and from Hawaii, and to and from Puerto Rico from March 5 through May 22. Southwest, which uses the abbreviation LUV on the New York Stock Exchange, has tickets starting at just $49 one-way for the airlines base Wanna Get Away fares, including from Dallas to Tulsa, Oklahoma, from Denver to Salt Lake City, from Chicago to Pittsburgh, and more. Travelers can also fly cross-country for less with flights from Miami to Las Vegas starting at just $149 one-way, and flights from New York City to Palm Springs also starting at just $149 one-way. Those hoping to escape the wintry weather can also fly to Mexico or the Caribbean with flights to Turks and Caicos starting at just $131 one-way from Fort Lauderdale, flights to Cancun starting at just $193 one-way from Orlando, and flights to Puerto Vallarta starting at just $208 one-way from Los Angeles. There are several blackout dates associated with the sale: travel from the contiguous U.S. to international destinations, to Puerto Rico, and to Hawaii is not available from March 12 to March 27; and travel from those destinations back to the contiguous U.S. is not available from March 19 to April 3. The sale comes just over a week after Southwest revealed its new slimmer seat design, which will be installed on the airlines new Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX-8 aircraft next year. Each new seat will feature an adjustable headrest, larger under-seat space, USB-A and USB-C outlets, and personal device holders (in lieu of seatback screens). The airline has also made it easier for customers to earn status in 2024. For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Travel & Leisure. When homeowners Heath and Samantha Mitchell moved into their cottage-style home in Sydney, Australia, they loved the charming historic details. The colors in the kitchen, though? Not so much. Our before kitchen had golden timber-look cabinetry, yellowing tiles and walls, and a dark gray speckled benchtop, Samantha said. The handles and knobs were black and gothic-like, and there were even black dragon fixtures at the entry. It was very 80s and a bit lifeless. The historic stained glass windows above the cabinets were the one detail in the kitchen the couple absolutely loved. So in the spirit of updating their home, Samantha and Heath wanted to renovate their kitchen while still celebrating its original rustic details. Without a contractor or any major construction, the couple made a huge kitchen transformation. Heres how they turned their outdated kitchen into a drama-infused space that nods to the homes historical background. Paint, Paint, and More Paint Initially, the couple thought addressing the cabinet color would be enough to breathe new life into the kitchen. However, they quickly realized the room would need a bit more work. Our delusional spirit thought painting the cabinets would be a quick and easy task to give the kitchen a new look, Samantha said. But then we noticed how yellow the cream tiles were and that the color options we were fond of werent going to look any good unless we updated them and the benchtop, too. Safe to say the quick and easy task spiraled into many different cosmetic updates. The couple broke out their paint brushes and started painting the ceiling, window frame, and cornices white to liven up the space. Its such a focal point as you look into the kitchen and really makes it lighter, brighter, and airy, Samantha says of the updated window frame. Next, they embarked on a DIY project: painting their tiles. For inspiration (and instructions), they looked to none other than YouTube and found some videos that provided clear directions on how to get a smooth finish, prep the tiles and paint them, which they did with a Dulux paint. The next task was painting the cabinets, which Samantha was excited about as a budget-friendly option for transforming a space. The pair started by removing the cabinetry, sanding them, and adding several primer coats. After removing cabinets to install a dishwasher, they had two extra doors, which came in handy when testing paint samples. Choosing the right paint color felt very important and took us weeks. We started off being torn between navy and green, decided on green (but which green?!), and then had to decide if wed go green all over or a combo of green and white, Samantha writes. In the end, they chose British Paints Webster Park. Swap Out the Hardware Even a change as minimal as new hardware can make a space feel totally different. Samantha and Heath chose modern brass fixtures to complement their new teal-colored cabinets. Its also a bonus that this was the easiest and simplest step, which gave high rewards for minimal effort. Update the Countertops At first, the couple considered painting their countertops white, but it seemed too stark and plain. So, looking for texture, they landed on a marble-inspired contact paper for their counters. Samantha says the update will do for now, but theyre still contemplating installing new counters in the future. Along the way, the couple ran into plenty of roadblocks, like breaking two stained glass panels (Samantha says she can still hear the heart-shattering sound of the glass breaking) and deciding to eventually update the counters. However, at least for now, they created a stunning transformation that adds drama and lightness to the space while letting the stained glass windows shine as the focal point. The kitchen isnt the only room Samantha and Heath have transformed in their home. To see more from the DIY pros, explore the full home tour on Apartment Therapy. This article originally published on The Kitchn. See it there: Before & After: Striking Teal Cabinets Add Fun and Drama to This Lifeless 80s Kitchen More consolidation is occurring within logistics, furthering the notion that M&A activity across the sector could be getting hot in 2024. Over in the U.K., big and bulky delivery company Shift is teaming with investment bank Solano Partners to buy parcel delivery firm Yodel, preventing the logistics provider from falling into administrationthe countrys version of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. More from Sourcing Journal Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Yodel said in a statement that the new ownership and access to capital will save thousands of jobs. Yodel employs 10,000 people across the U.K. YDLGP, a new consortium formed by Shift executives and Solano Partners, stepped in to buy Yodel, which makes roughly 190 million deliveries across the U.K. every year out of 47 customer delivery depots and three sortation hubs. Yodel delivers for U.K.-based retailers John Lewis, JD Sports, Boden and Very, online resale marketplace Vinted, e-commerce fashion firm Zalando and fast-fashion giant Zara. Mike Hancox, CEO of Yodel, said in a statement that the transaction enables the company to ensure continuity for all its customers, employees and stakeholders. Yodel said it had revenue of 561.8 million pounds ($707.3 million) in 2023, but the company has struggled to gain market share from parcel competitors including national leader Royal Mail Group, Evri, Amazon, DHL and UPS. But Yodels parcel expertise brings a new dynamic to the tech-focused Shift, which specializes in the delivery of heavy-to-carry goods like furniture. Shift works with home furnishings retailers like Ikea and Homebase, delivering larger orders both from the store and online. The company operates kiosks in partner retail stores where shoppers can book deliveries. Additionally, the logistics firm touts a network of more than 10,000 independent drivers and fleets and says it leverages algorithms to find the best-suited driver. Shift is used to buying distressed delivery companies, already having acquired Tuffnells in July after it fell into administration. Tuffnells, like Shift, carries freight with larger, irregular dimensions and weights (IDW), further scaling the Shift big and bulky business model. Three months prior to the Tuffnells deal, the seven-year old company acquired another large-item logistics business, Movinga. Shift is expecting to expand into the U.S. into the future, into markets like Chicago, Philadelphia and Boston, but hasnt provided a timeline. YDLGP bought Yodel from the Barclay family, owners of U.K.-based publication The Telegraph. The family put the delivery firm up for sale last year. Beyond the delivery world, mergers are occurring for freight brokers as well. In the U.S., Chicago-based digital freight broker CDL 1000 acquired Long Beach, Calif.-based rival Next Trucking for an undisclosed sum. The deal brings CDL 1000s business, which manages loads on short-haul routes between seaports and warehouses, into the Los Angeles and Long Beach area, giving it access to the two neighboring San Pedro Bay ports. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. With Next Trucking in tow, CDL 1000 aims to boost its nationwide reach at a time when digital freight brokers have struggled. Tech-enabled firms that have sought to play matchmaker for truckers and freight shipments struggled mightily after freight rates plummeted throughout 2022 and 2023coinciding with a more risk-averse venture capital environment that was less comfortable funding unprofitable businesses. Convoy was the biggest casualty of this field, with the trucking-focused freight tech company shuttering operations last fall just a year after being valued at $3.8 billion. Flexport, the digital freight forwarder that had its own revenue issues, bought Convoys tech stack after the business folded. In another example of the sectors struggles, Transfix, which had plans to go public in 2022, opted to remain private due to the ongoing market conditions. And Next Trucking itself raised $273 million before its acquisition, yet was valued in July at just $196 million, according to Pitchbook. Nevertheless, CDL 1000 founder and CEO Andrew Sobko remained bullish on Next Trucking, telling the Wall Street Journal that the digital freight brokerage is now one of the top three trucking players in L.A. and Long Beach. The Shift-Yodel and CDL 1000-Next Trucking deals come after a few logistics transactions already kicked off in February. Logistics companies Ryder System, Inc. and AIT Worldwide Logistics acquired Cardinal Logistics and Global Transport Solutions (GTS) Group, respectively. Shortly after those deals were announced, supply chain solutions management provider Blue Yonder acquired Germany-based Flexis, a software technology provider specializing in production optimization and transportation planning and execution. The biggest deal this year so far came after months of court contention, with Forward Air and Omni Logistics completing a $2.1 billion merger in January. Editors Note: This CNN Travel series is, or was, sponsored by the country it highlights. CNN retains full editorial control over subject matter, reporting and frequency of the articles and videos within the sponsorship, in compliance with our policy. Ben Hoffler always sleeps out in the open when he is hiking in the desert and describes it as one of the great pleasures of being out on the trails, sleeping under the big, starry desert skies with the breeze on your face. Its very liberating, it opens your mind, says Hoffler, a hiking consultant who is helping to develop new trails in Saudi Arabia. It really makes you dream and its the best sleep Ive ever had. I sleep better in the desert than anywhere else in the world. But one night in the vast Hisma desert in northwest Saudi he says he had bedded down in a wadi, a dried-up riverbed, when he awoke to a lot of hustle and bustle nearby. Dozing off again, he opened his eyes in the morning to the sight of four camels snuggled around him. Rising quietly, he saw six more and then realized a herd of 20 camels had descended into the wadi to sleep. I guess they felt safe sleeping next to a human being in the desert, he says. Hoffler has spent 15 years developing trails in Egypts Sinai Peninsula and Jordan and is now working with local guides, including Bedouin scouts, to develop Saudis ancient ways for local and international hikers. And he insists the notion of Saudi Arabia as just sand, desert and heat is just a mirage. Saudi Arabia is absolutely vast in scale, that is the first thing that strikes me, he says. Year-round destination Wadi Al Disah is a green, spring-fed valley, known as valley of the palm trees, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs in the mountains of southwest Tabuk province. - Didier Marti/Moment RF/Getty Images Its also incredibly diverse, you get everything from jet black volcanic lava fields to red sandstone deserts like you might see in Wadi Rum (in Jordan), to high granite ranges like youd see in the Sinai (in Egypt), to green forested rolling mountains in the south. The natural beauty of it is extraordinary, its one of the most visually spectacular places, if not the most spectacular, that I have ever seen in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia feels very wild, very beautiful, it feels untrodden, perhaps more than other destinations it feels new. Hiking is a new but increasingly popular weekend pastime for some Saudi city dwellers from the west coast or the capital Riyadh, with a number of accessible short walks. About an hours drive from the capital, hikers can easily reach the sandstone escarpment of the Tuwaiq Mountains where there are numerous clifftop viewpoints, including one dubbed Edge of the World. Al Wahbah, a four-hour drive northeast of Jeddah, is a volcanic crater 250 meters (820 feet) deep and about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) across on the western edge of a barren plateau. Its about a 45-minute walk from the rim down to the white center, which is composed of sodium phosphate crystals. Wadi Al Disah is a green, spring-fed valley, known as valley of the palm trees, surrounded by towering sandstone cliffs in the mountains of southwest Tabuk province noted for its serene atmosphere, rock carvings and remains of ancient fortresses. Another well-known but less-travelled hike is to Jabal Abyad, which means White Mountain in Arabic, named for its ash coating. Jabal Abyad is Saudis tallest volcano at 2,093 meters (6,867 feet), situated in the huge Harrat Khaybar lava field north of Medina. The mountains outside Mecca and Taif, such as Al Hada, also offer hiking trails. But while there are standard tourist trails available, with licensed guides and tour companies, the infrastructure and breadth of trails is embryonic, according to Hoffler, although the potential is there to develop Saudi Arabia into one of the most outstanding hiking destinations in the world. And with cooler temperatures in the highlands, it makes for a year-round destination. Thats what were working on for the next couple of years, proper trails for tourists from outside Saudi to come and experience the scenery and nature that Saudi offers, says Yasmin Gahtani, a rock-climbing instructor and managing director of the Saudi Climbing and Hiking Federation (SCHF), whose role is to promote healthy activity, tourism and competitive sport. It still needs to be more properly developed for people to go independently. There are still no guidebooks, its all word of mouth or through hiking guides, of both genders, to take people out. The country is safe, of course, but youll have a better experience if you have a map of the trails, and were still not there. Epic views The huge Hisma desert, made up of red sand and huge sandstone rock formations, stretches up into Jordan. - Aldo Pavan/The Image Bank RF/Getty Images Hoffler is based in the Hejaz mountains which he says is one of the most fabled ranges of Arabia the long chain that runs from midway up the Red Sea coast north to the Gulf of Aqaba and Jordan. The highest point is Jabal Al-Lawz in the far north at more than 2,500 meters above sea level and one of the only places in Saudi Arabia to receive regular snowfall. When Im up on the high peaks of the Hejaz you can look out over the Red Sea and on a clear day you can see the high jagged peaks of the Sinai and on a very clear day you can even see the highlands of Africa, which is absolutely spectacular, says Hoffler. The mountains inland of Umluj in the northwest Tabuk region offer another unique landscape to explore, says Hoffler, made up of cinder cones (conical hills of volcanic material), lava fields, known as harrat in Arabic, and huge, gaping lava tubes big enough to drive a bus into. The Briton also regularly adventures out into the huge Hisma desert, made up of red sand and huge sandstone rock formations, which stretches up into Jordan where it encompasses Wadi Rum. All of these landscapes are criss-crossed by paths that are very old, some hundreds, some many thousands of years old, passed down between different peoples and different generations, he says. The issue in the Saudi Hisma desert, he says, is that drift of the semi-nomadic Bedouin population to the towns means many paths have fallen into disuse. What we typically find is those paths are in quite a poor state of preservation, its like an archaeology of walking, he says. When he does meet Bedouin on the trails, Hoffler says hes only had the best experiences with them. The Bedouin are famous around the world for their hospitality, and they offer a space that feels like a refuge wherever you are in the desert, he says. Theyll always make sure youre well fed and have a cup of tea in your hand and have everything you need before you move on. Magical place Al Soudah is a tourist hub with a cable car to the top of Jabal Sawda. - mauritius images GmbH/Alamy Stock Photo Further south below Jeddah, the Sarawat mountain range stretches down to the southwest Asir region, which is home to Saudis highest mountain tops, including Jabal Sawda and Jabal Ferwa, both more than 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) high. Al Soudah is a tourist hub with a cable car to the top of Jabal Sawda with government plans to develop a luxury destination with boutique hotels known as Soudah Peaks as part of Vision 2030. Its another area rich in potential for hiking and camping. Its also where Saudi-Lebanese mountaineer Nelly Attar trains, including for both her ascent of Everest in 2019 and her record-setting feat when she claimed the title as the first Arab woman to climb K2, the worlds second-highest mountain, in 2022. There are two wet seasons: one between February and April and another between July and August and temperatures rarely reach the soaring heights of the coast. Lower down you see a lot of juniper trees, lots of lush vegetation, cacti, fruits, animals, she told CNN. Theres some areas that look like youre on Kilimanjaro and they look quite tropical. We see baboons here a lot of the times. Its magical. I come to train, but I actually leave feeling at peace and feeling so calm because theres no one else on the trail. I didnt think Id find a gem like this in the GCC [Gulf countries]. People perceive Saudi to be mainly a desert, but theres so many diverse landscapes. Ive been living here most of my life and I have not seen most of what Saudi can offer, and Im so excited for this country to open up. The capital of Asir is Abha, the popular hilltop city at about 2,270 meters (7,450 feet) high, known for its mild climate, fortresses and mountain access and views. It is serviced by Abha international airport. About 120 kilometers north of Abha lies the town of Tanomah, often shrouded in fog but popular for its waterfalls, juniper and pine forests and outdoor pursuits in Al Sharaf park. Tanomah has beautiful rock for climbing and beautiful trails to hike, says Gahtani. I love this place. Its very magical, I dont know why, I cant explain it, but it has this really nice energy and everyone who goes there feels the same way. It is surrounded by cliffs of rocks so you feel like youre very disconnected from the world which is lovely. She adds: Hiking in Saudi Arabia is very virgin, there are so many untouched locations and its very serene. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Assessing Duke Energy Corp's Dividend Sustainability and Growth Duke Energy Corp(NYSE:DUK) recently announced a dividend of $1.03 per share, payable on 2024-03-18, with the ex-dividend date set for 2024-02-15. As investors look forward to this upcoming payment, the spotlight also shines on the company's dividend history, yield, and growth rates. Using the data from GuruFocus, let's look into Duke Energy Corps dividend performance and assess its sustainability. What Does Duke Energy Corp Do? Warning! GuruFocus has detected 9 Warning Signs with DUK. High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? Duke Energy is one of the largest U.S. utilities, with regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky that deliver electricity to 8.2 million customers. Its natural gas utilities serve more than 1.6 million customers. Duke sold its commercial renewable energy portfolio in 2023. Duke Energy Corp's Dividend Analysis A Glimpse at Duke Energy Corp's Dividend History Duke Energy Corp has maintained a consistent dividend payment record since 1986. Dividends are currently distributed on a quarterly basis. Duke Energy Corp has increased its dividend each year since 2007. The stock is thus listed as a dividend achiever, an honor that is given to companies that have increased their dividend each year for at least the past 17 years. Below is a chart showing annual Dividends Per Share for tracking historical trends. Breaking Down Duke Energy Corp's Dividend Yield and Growth As of today, Duke Energy Corp currently has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 4.43% and a 12-month forward dividend yield of 4.48%. This suggests an expectation of increased dividend payments over the next 12 months. Over the past three years, Duke Energy Corp's annual dividend growth rate was 2.10%. Extended to a five-year horizon, this rate increased to 2.20% per year. And over the past decade, Duke Energy Corp's annual dividends per share growth rate stands at 2.90%. Story continues Based on Duke Energy Corp's dividend yield and five-year growth rate, the 5-year yield on cost of Duke Energy Corp stock as of today is approximately 4.94%. Duke Energy Corp's Dividend Analysis The Sustainability Question: Payout Ratio and Profitability To assess the sustainability of the dividend, one needs to evaluate the company's payout ratio. The dividend payout ratio provides insights into the portion of earnings the company distributes as dividends. A lower ratio suggests that the company retains a significant part of its earnings, thereby ensuring the availability of funds for future growth and unexpected downturns. As of 2023-12-31, Duke Energy Corp's dividend payout ratio is 0.75. And this may suggest that the company's dividend may not be sustainable. Duke Energy Corp's profitability rank, offers an understanding of the company's earnings prowess relative to its peers. GuruFocus ranks Duke Energy Corp's profitability 8 out of 10 as of 2023-12-31, suggesting good profitability prospects. The company has reported positive net income for each of year over the past decade, further solidifying its high profitability. Growth Metrics: The Future Outlook To ensure the sustainability of dividends, a company must have robust growth metrics. Duke Energy Corp's growth rank of 8 out of 10 suggests that the company's growth trajectory is good relative to its competitors. Revenue is the lifeblood of any company, and Duke Energy Corp's revenue per share, combined with the 3-year revenue growth rate, indicates a strong revenue model. Duke Energy Corp's revenue has increased by approximately 6.00% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 59.63% of global competitors. The company's 3-year EPS growth rate showcases its capability to grow its earnings, a critical component for sustaining dividends in the long run. During the past three years, Duke Energy Corp's earnings increased by approximately 36.20% per year on average, a rate that underperforms than approximately 13.82% of global competitors. Lastly, the company's 5-year EBITDA growth rate of 6.80%, which underperforms than approximately 44% of global competitors. Next Steps For value investors, Duke Energy Corp's commitment to a consistent and growing dividend is an attractive feature. However, the sustainability of these payments rests on various factors such as the payout ratio, profitability, and growth metrics. While the company's profitability rank is strong, its growth in revenue and earnings, although positive, does not lead the industry. Investors must weigh these dynamics when considering Duke Energy Corp as a long-term income investment. With the next dividend payment on the horizon, it's essential to monitor these financial health indicators for any significant changes. GuruFocus Premium users can screen for high-dividend yield stocks using the High Dividend Yield Screener. This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." Genevieve Naylor - Getty Images Diane von Furstenberg has never forgotten what a well-known male designer once told her: Women make clothes. Men make costume. It was a dictum that has stuck with her for years, and one that she personally believes has some merit. After all, she says in her delicious Belgian drawl, Madeleine Vionnet invented the bias cut. And what does bias do? It creates stretch in a woven fabric. Women understand the movement of the body; women understand body language in terms of function. At the end, fashion is not art, its design. And design is about functionality. Genevieve Naylor - Getty Images Its certainly true that several prominent female-led labels have helped push fashion in a more practical, comfort-oriented direction: In addition to Vionnets bias cut, there are the flowing pants popularized by Coco Chanel, the sportswear of Claire McCardell, and the proto-athleisure of Norma Kamali. But alongside them have been women whove created elaborate, delightfully impractical fashion-as-art, from Rei Kawakubo to Iris van Herpen. So female designers are certainly not monolithic in their approach. But they do have one thing in common: They continue to be underrepresented at the highest echelons of the industry. In honor of International Womens Day and Womens History Month, ELLE interviewed designers at the helms of brands about their touchstones, how their gender identity informs their work (if it does), and what fashion can do to correct the imbalance. Albin Guillot - Getty Images But back to that opening declaration: For some of those I spoke to, it has an element of truth. Women designers think differently; they are intuitive and incredible problem-solvers, says Tory Burch. There is a realness to what I do, but never at the expense of creativity. That doesnt mean shes simply dressing versions of herselfthat approach applies even if I wont personally wear it. Designing only for myself would not be interesting. For Silvia Venturini Fendi, artistic director of accessories, menswear, and children at Fendi, Everything I have done speaks about me and my experiences, and therefore about my being a woman. And being a woman designing mens collections has surely contributed to bringing a more open vision to it by breaking down strictly male codes. Dior creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri professes a fascination with the idea of fashioning ones identity through clothing. What is most important, I believe, is the relationship we establish with clothes as women, she says. The fact that they serve a decorative purpose, that they speak of adornment but can simultaneously be actual tools of affirmation and empowerment. WWD - Getty Images Gabriela Hearst often finds herself saying that I dont think I could be a designer if I wasnt a woman. I always joke, but its true: I understand water retention, and how our bodies change monthly, and how our bodies change through our decades. And I also understand what parts of the body all women are happy to show, and what parts are a bit more sensitive. Her goal in designing for women overall, she says, is to frame them more than encage them. Batsheva Hay, known for her outre prairie dresses and collaborations with brands like Laura Ashley, is in the designing for herself camp, saying that if she didnt like a piece, I cannot imagine that my customer would either, while Oscar de la Renta cocreative director Laura Kim asks rhetorically, If I would not want to wear one of my own designs, who would? WWD - Getty Images For some designers, their experience living in a female body helps inform their work in other ways. Take Kawakubo, who, with her Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body collection for Comme des Garcons, presented an avant-garde take on the female form that was simultaneously hilarious and uncanny. Or Simone Rocha, who unveiled a collection for spring 2022 inspired by nursing bras and swaddling clothesterritory weve rarely seen male designers tackle. My designs come from a personal place, and Im personally invested in every one, Rocha tells me. So that is what really informs my work, but of course naturally being a woman designing for women is a part of that. After the overturn of Roe v. Wade and post-#MeToo, this conversation feels even more urgent. When Mellissa Huber and her cocurator Karen Van Godtsenhoven were first planning their Costume Institute exhibit Women Dressing Women in 2019, the world was in a very different place. The original impetus for the show was the 100th anniversary of womens suffrage in the United States. The now-opened exhibit, which runs through March 10th, includes pieces from Vionnet, Schiaparelli, and many of the designers featured here, but it also spotlights lesser-known names from the past like Georgina Godley and Ann Lowe. A question Huber, the Institutes associate curator, has been getting a lot is whether she sees a difference in the way women and men approach design. I personally dont believe that gender informs ones approach to design per se, she says, but I think lived experience does. Every designer has their own educational background, their own training, their own personal attributes like their nationality, age, race, and ability. Getty Images One of the surprising aspects of the exhibit is seeing how during the interwar period, there were far more female designers heading brands than there are today, a number that started to go down after World War II. But even in this seemingly golden era, there were limits. Huber explains that even in the early 20th century, when we had so many women who were leading design housesif you look at the notes from the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, the governing body of fashion in France, many of them would have their male business managers or lawyers attend meetings to represent the house. That unwillingness to invest in female-led businesses persists today, amid so many male-dominated VC funds and C-suites. As Hearst says, Theres a subconscious bias if youre a male executive of a certain age group, and youve worked and lived in certain cities and places, and you have a certain education, saw certain ads, and were fed certain propaganda. You may feel more comfortable talking business with a male face in front of you than a female face in front of you. (Thats an unproven theory by me, she adds, but anecdotes Ive heard from multiple female founders seem to back it up.) ELENA DOTTELONDE In this environment, what can the fashion industry do to nurture, promote, and support female talent? For Aurora James, designer of Brother Vellies, the answer is replicating the support structures she had coming up. I was given a chance by brilliant women in fashion who recognized my talent and took their time and financial resources to support me. Its critical we continue with that legacy, she says. Its something shes doing with her nonprofit, Fifteen Percent Pledge, which aims to support Black-owned businesses and gave out $305,000 in grants in 2023. But there is still so much to do, James says. I think as consumers, we also have to be cognizant of our own spending. Is 50 percent of our fashion spend going to women? For Hearst, who has collaborated with female artisan groups including Manos del Uruguay and the quilters of Gees Bend, the goal is pulling other women up with her. If you empower women, you empower community.We need female leadership in all areas of our life, because we tend to want to uplift others. And whats more, she says, We wont be able to resolve the issues that we are facing as a species if women are not in leadership positions. Chiuri has undertaken a similar project with the Chanakya School of Craft in Mumbai, where female artisans are trained in embroidery while also embarking on more traditional courses of study. SORAYA T ZAMAN Johanna Ortiz, who is based in her home city of Cali, Colombia, would also like to see more resources going to women located outside the four fashion capitals of New York, London, Milan, and Paris. Incredible designs and fashion emerge from all corners of the world, she says. It would be wonderful to witness more representation, programming, and opportunities for designers and brands outside these networks, lacking the extensive resources available in those hubs. There is an abundance of talent waiting to be discovered. Several of the designers we polled mentioned the importance of supporting working parents. Working in fashion can be all-consuming, and in many cases, working mothers are not set up to thrive, says Burch, who has focused on flexibility at her own company so that women [dont] have to choose between having a career and having a fulfilling life. Adds Venturini Fendi: Nursery schools at work are essential, especially in countries where childcare is still delegated to mothers only. JACOB LILLIS For all the complexities of the issue, when it comes to fostering female talent, the answers can be devastatingly simple. Says Maria Cornejo: You can wear them and promote them. Collina Strada founder and creative director Hillary Taymour echoes, Start hiring them as creative directors. And Catherine Holstein of Khaite says, Instead of the narrative that there is a lack of female creative directors, the industry can do more to prop up the many talents that do exist and are here, still standing. Still working. Hearst Owned Aurora James Photo credit: Christopher Sherman As consumers, we have to be cognizant of our own spending. Is 50 percent of our fashion spend going to women? Batsheva Hay Photo credit: WWD - Getty Images I design mostly for myself. If I don't want to wear it, I cannot imagine that my customer would either. This makes my designs very specific, but it also gives me a great gut check and reins me in where I might get lost. I want to have fun with clothing and feel special, and I imagine other women do too. Catherine Holstein Photo credit: Nina Westervelt - Getty Images Instead of the narrative that there is a lack of female creative directors, the industry can do more to prop up the many talents that do exist and are here, still standing. Still working. Diane von Furstenburg Photo credit: Mireille ROOBAERT Women understand the movement of the body; women understand body language in terms of function. At the end, fashion is not art, its design. And design is about functionality. Gabriela Hearst Photo credit: Courtesy Gabriela Hearst I dont think I could be a designer if I wasnt a woman. I always joke, but its true: I understand water retention, and how our bodies change monthly, and how our bodies change through our decades. And I also understand what parts of the body all women are happy to show, and what parts are a bit more sensitive. Hillary Taymour Photo credit: Aurora Rose - Getty Images Start hiring [women] as creative directors. Johanna Ortiz Photo credit: Courtesy Johanna Ortiz Incredible designs and fashion emerge from all corners of the world. While New York, Paris, London, and Milan stand as major fashion cities, it would be wonderful to witness more representation, programming, and opportunities for designers and brands outside these networks, lacking the extensive resources available in those hubs. There is an abundance of talent waiting to be discovered. Laura Kim Photo credit: WWD - Getty Images I design for womenreal women who want to wear silhouettes that are flattering and colors that enhance their looks, and who lead busy lives filled with activities. Another question I ask myself, woman to woman, is: Would I look forward to dressing myself in the morning in one of my designs? If I would not want to wear one of my own designs, who would? Maria Grazia Chiuri Photo credit: FRANCOIS GUILLOT - Getty Images What is most important, I believe, is the relationship we establish with clothes as women. The fact that they serve a decorative purpose, that they speak of adornment but can simultaneously be actual tools of affirmation and empowerment. Maria Cornejo Photo credit: WWD - Getty Images You can wear [female designers] and promote them. It would be great to have women supporting women designers. Silvia Venturini Fendi Photo credit: Courtesy Fendi Everything I have done speaks about me and my experiences, and therefore about my being a woman. Simone Rocha Photo credit: Mike Marsland - Getty Images My designs come from a personal place and I'm personally invested in every design, so that is what really informs my work, but of course naturally being a woman designing for women is a part of that. Tory Burch Photo credit: Theo Wargo - Getty Images In my experience, women designers think differently; they are intuitive and incredible problem-solvers. There is a realness to what I do, but never at the expense of creativity. I spend a lot of time experimenting, taking risks, and challenging myself to create pieces I really believe ineven if I wont personally wear them. Designing only for myself would not be interesting. This article appears in the March 2024 issue of ELLE. GET THE LATEST ISSUE OF ELLE You Might Also Like One man was killed and another was arrested in a shooting that unfolded in a Kansas City apartment complex parking lot late Tuesday afternoon, according to police. Police officers were dispatched shortly before 5 p.m. to the 6400 block of The Paseo Boulevard for a reported shooting, said Officer Alayna Gonzalez, a Kansas City Police Department spokeswoman. Arriving officers located the gunshot victim, described as an adult male, unresponsive and suffering from wounds outside one of the apartment buildings, Gonzalez said. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The shooting suspect was taken into police custody, Gonzalez added, and was on a 24-hour investigative hold Tuesday evening. He surrendered to officers after leaving an apartment in the complex. Early findings of the police investigation indicated the suspect and shooting victim knew each other, Gonzalez said. It appeared there was some type of argument that led to the shooting. Gonzalez noted the fatal shooting took place on the eve of the Kansas City Chiefs victory parade, saying the death has left a devastated family in mourning. This is supposed to be a time in our city that were celebrating something positive, something very exciting, something really big for our city, Gonzalez said. And we are unfortunately ending this evening and going into tomorrow with gun violence and the loss of somebody that we care about. Detectives were still learning specific details as to how the suspect and shooting victim were acquainted, Gonzalez said. She said the man who died was believed to be in his 20s. The identity of the homicide victim was being withheld by police until family notifications could be completed. The killing marks Kansas Citys 10th homicide of 2024, according to data maintained by The Star. In 2023, the city saw the deadliest year in its history, recording 184 homicides, including three fatal police shootings. President Biden says that US support for Ukraine is essential to the fight of democracy against autocracy. Seventy Senators from both parties agree with him, which is why they passed a large $95 billion package Wednesday that also includes military aid for Israel. The fact that it faces long odds of passage in the Republican-controlled House, however, will put Biden to the test. He needs to pass the test by emulating great presidents of the past and risk angering his partys base to secure Ukraines future. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R La.) is simply reflecting the will of his members when he states he will not bring the measure to the floor for a vote. Many conservatives, like their allies in the Senate, oppose aid for Ukraine at all. The larger number, however, want to use the bill as leverage to get a better deal on controlling the US-Mexico border than Senate Republicans were able to procure. The two groups combined are easily a supermajority in the GOP caucus, making it politically infeasible for Johnson to push for passage. Biden, then, has to decide how much Ukraine aid matters to him. He now knows that to get Republican support for the bill he needs to give them more on immigration control. That will anger many Democrats and push him into something he has avoided throughout his presidency, an open break with his partys ideological base. Its no surprise, then, that Biden is trying to build public pressure on Republicans to get them to change course. Thats not going to happen, though, as House Republicans know they would face the ire of their primary voters if they were to recant. Maga forces and conservative leaders revolted instantly when the details of the border deal Biden cut with Senate Republican leaders were released. Passing an aid bill many oppose anyway without getting something in return that would satisfy the conservative base is a political non-starter. This means Bidens only shot at avoiding a party-splitting compromise is to convince a few Republicans to join with House Democrats to file what is called a discharge petition. House rules stipulate that a petition containing signatures of a majority of members can force a matter to be heard on the House floor, bypassing the Speaker completely. Since Democrats have 213 members, they would need only five Republicans to join them to overrule Johnson and get the Senate-passed clean aid bill up for a vote. Thats going to be a very tough hill to climb. Signing a discharge petition while in the majority is effectively a vote of no confidence in the leadership. Doing this could easily cost a member their committee slots, staff, and other perks that come with being part of the majority. Biden and Democrats would have to offer these members a lot in exchange for their signature, and thus far have not shown themselves willing to do so. It should soon become clear that neither the discharge petition nor a change of heart from the GOP House leadership is in the cards. Biden will then have to make a decision that could define his presidency. He can either placate his progressives on border control, thereby dooming the Ukraine aid bill to defeat. Or he can make a deal regarding border control with House Republicans that enough of them can support to put the bill on track for passage with bipartisan support. Biden should bite the bullet and make the deal because saving Ukraine is the most important task before him. Ukraines collapse will heighten the risk of war as Russian troops swarm towards the border with southern NATO nations like Poland. Allowing the plucky nation to be conquered will also be a massive reversal for American leadership globally. Countries like to back winners, and even democratic nations like South Korea could start to look at making nice with China rather than risk American betrayal. He wont want to get progressives angry with him, but he knows deep down that maintaining Americas web of alliances is essential to national security. The deal will also help him win re-election even if it angers progressives. Bidens political problem is that many independents who dont like Trump also dont think Biden is up to the job. Bidens age is a big reason for that, but Biden also does not display the sort of public leadership Americans have come to expect from their presidents. He may be a master at the behind the scenes maneuvering, but voters want to see someone lead from the front. Making a bold statement and taking political risks could convince those wavering voters that Biden does have what it wakes for a second term. Biden is old enough to remember that Ronald Reagan took those risks in his first term. Reagans job approval ratings were low in 1982 and early 1983 as a recession and global disorder made many think he was a failure. Reagan knew he had to fix Social Security and close the budget deficit to show moderates in advance of the 1984 election that he could solve problems. He cut deals with Democrats on each that led to his partys most conservative members to revolt and oppose his deal. But the bills passed, moderates were convinced, and Reagan built on that to win a second term in a stunning landslide. Biden has sought all of his adult life to stand astride the globe as president. Having achieved that lofty goal, he now must show he can effectively wield the power he has obtained. That means, as it always does, taking immense political risk to set a course and follow through under pressure and uncertainty. How Biden responds to the House stalling on the Ukraine bill will tell us whether he is up to that challenge. 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. To help inform voters across the state, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible. Name: Eugene Douglass Political party: Republican Age as of March 5, 2024: 66 Campaign website: https://www.gdouglass.us Current occupation: Consultant Professional experience: College/university chemistry professor Education: BA, Chemistry and Math, The Kings College; MS in Polymer Science Chemistry from the University of Connecticut; PhD in Fiber / Polymer Science Chemistry from NC State University What offices have you run for or held before? Have you had any other notable government or civic involvement? Ran for U.S. Senate in Hawaii in 1998 and 2000. Ran to represent New Hampshires 2nd Congressional District in 2002. What is the issue that you see as most relevant to constituents in your district, and what will you do to address it ? Proper representation. The current congresswoman does NOT fully represent this district. She only represents those who agree with her political positions. A real violation of the oath each one makes upon entering office, to uphold our U.S. Constitution, she supports the wholesale violation of the Constitution by her colleagues and those in her political party. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue ? No, I am in full support of the Republican platform of 2016, which has been reaffirmed each presidential election year. What is the government doing, if anything, that you see as a waste of taxpayer money ? Funding a huge bureaucracy in Washington thats micromanaging funds spent at the state, city and local levels. That essentially duplicates state responsibilities, costing a lot more money. Those monies should remain with the taxpayers in the states to manage locally. The federal government should go back to its prime responsibilities: to protect the United States from all foreign and domestic enemies, to regulate, promote interstate commerce. Should spending increases trigger automatic increases to the U.S. debt limit so that political gridlock does not cause the country to default on its debts? No, we need a balanced budget amendment and huge tax decreases to end the overspending by the federal government. The $34 trillion debt needs to be paid back, as has been done already in many states. The U.S. Department of Education and other departments, that only duplicate state and local functions need to dismantle with their responsibilities to go back to the 50 states. There would not be any debt limit problems if we cut the budget and ended federal government overreach. What federal legislation, if any, would you support on abortion? Leave regulation totally up to the states. If there is to be a federal role it should be to PROTECT innocent human life, from conception until natural death. That means no elective abortions (only to protect the life of the mother) paid for at taxpayer expense. What changes in U.S. immigration enforcement and restrictions would you support? All current laws fully enforced. Any people here illegally should be forbidden to work here, forbidden to receive any public benefits and immediately deported, to get in line with those trying to immigrate here legally. What legislation would you support to make Americans safer from mass shootings and other violent crime? Enforce all current constitutionally approved gun laws, and fully prosecute anyone convicted of violent crimes; enable people to conceal and open-carry firearms across the country with no state borders, for those who receive proper training in their care and use. The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen displaying output from ChatGPT, March 21, 2023, in Boston. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has launched an investigation into ChatGPT creator OpenAI and whether the artificial intelligence company violated consumer protection laws by scraping public data and publishing false information through its chatbot, according to reports in the Washington Post and the New York Times. California lawmakers returned to the Capitol in January with their minds on an issue that just a few years ago was more science fiction than reality for the average constituentArtificial Intelligence. Legislators introduced a raft of bills over the past year attempting to get a handle on the technology as it hurtles into daily life, with new proposals announced at a breakneck-speed in an attempt to regulate AI statewide. Their efforts join a general thrust by numerous state governments and federal agencies, as a widening chorus of experts warn of AI's potential for harm if left unchecked. "For five to ten years now, people's lives are in every way imaginable touched by algorithmic decision-making," said leading AI policy expert Suresh Venkatasubramanian. "You can pick whichever sector you want: health care, employment, credit, housing, criminal justice, educationevery sector." But the realm in which AI is operating that has lawmakers and experts particularly concerned is elections, and not without reason. In the first few months of the 2024 primary season, voters in several states have been exposed to AI-generated misinformation in various forms. Generative AI, which has the ability to create realistic images, videos, audio and other content, often called "deepfakes," is attracting the most attention. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis last summer was roundly criticized for his presidential campaign's use of AI-manipulated photos showing former President Donald Trump hugging and kissing Dr. Anthony Fauci, whose work leading the nation through the pandemic invoked virulent criticism by Trump and DeSantis. More recently, New Hampshire Democrats reported robocalls in which President Joe Biden seemed to urge voters to stay home during primaries. Both are among the most high-profile instances of deepfakes in the presidential primary elections so far, launching federal and state investigations and underlining how AI is used in attempts to confuse, suppress or manipulate voters. Governments and academics aren't the only ones worried. A November 2023 poll from University of California's Institute of Governmental Studiesone of the most well-regarded polling operations in the statefound Californians have started paying attention to the convergence of this new technology on 2024 elections. The survey found 84% of residents are concerned about the dangers that disinformation, deepfakes and artificial intelligence pose in next years elections, and 73% agree the state government has a responsibility to act to protect voters. In California specifically, the cradle of the technology sector, lawmakers and researchers see themselves as potential vanguards in both developing and regulating AI. The state considers itself as the world leader in generative AI innovation, home to 35 of the worlds top 50 AI companies and a quarter of all AI patents, conference papers, and companies globally, according to a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. Jonathan Mehta Stein is a co-founder of The California Initiative for Technology and Democracy, a project of good government group California Common Cause, which has been advising legislators on the threats emerging technologies pose to democracy. He points to the growing use of AI in elections across the world as evidence it's no longer a theoretical, but an active practice. In the first month of 2024, deepfakes promulgating misinformation in Bangladeshi and Slovakian elections proved to be significant election disruptions. Here in the United States, AI-generated content is met with considerable concern on the heels of rising political violence and distrust in election processes. "All of these new technologies that can deceive voters and undermine elections are coming on the heels of other depressing trends," Stein said. "In our democracy, trust in institutions and in the media are all-time lows. Beliefs that our elections are being run securely and votes are counted accurately are in doubt among huge percentages of the American population." A January USA TODAY/Suffolk University Poll found 52% of Trump supporters said they had no confidence the 2024 elections will be accurately counted and reported. In contrast, 81% of supporters of Biden were "very confident" about this year's election returns. More: Ahead of Jan. 6, poll flashes warning signs about 2024 election aftermath California bills that take on Artificial Intelligence In California, more than a dozen Assembly bills have been proposed over the last year pertaining to AI, from protecting copyrights and creative material to attempting to address discrimination in automated decision systems. Newsom signed an executive order September outlining the administration's framework on generative AI technology, modeled in part by the White Houses Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights. It directs state agencies to evaluate potential AI-fueled risks, evaluate current uses and potential impacts of AI and encourage state employee training. State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, is among the latest to introduce a bill on the matter, Senate Bill 1047. It proposes the creation of a public computing program for developers to use when testing AI for safety. State Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, proposed the California AI Accountability Act early January. The Senate Bill 896 is among the most recent to hit the rotunda's floors, following up on Dodd's Senate Concurrent Resolution 17 adopted last year, which codified the state's pledge to pursue regulations on AI use. One of the new bill's provisions includes a requirement that state agencies notify users when they are interacting with AI. Also in January, State Sen. Becker, D-Menlo Park, introduced Senate Bill 942, which would allow consumers to easily determine whether images, audio, video, or text was created by generative artificial intelligence. Assemblymember Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto proposed a bill December aiming to update the states penal code to criminalize the production, distribution or possession of AI-generated content of child sexual abuse. Several other lawmakers have jumped into the regulation fight, however, with varying success. More bills are sitting in the early introduction stages or have been abandoned than are currently on the books, though this year's legislative session has only just begun. Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, D-Santa Cruz, is leading an effort to ban the use of generative AI, such as manipulated photos and deepfakes, in all California political communications. After serving as Santa Cruz's County Clerk for more than 25 years, Pellerin is especially attuned to issues of voter access and misinformation. "Now we have AI putting out information that seems real," Pellerin said. "You could have an (AI-generated) elections official announcing that voting locations have changed or they're going to have to postpone election day, which would cause extreme chaos and confusion." Though the focus on regulation is triumphed by researchers and experts in the field, AI is capable of being used positively. Stein says that AI's potential benefits to industry are often at the forefront because of a profit motive, but doesn't count out ways the technology can be used not only outside of business realms, but in the very structures regulations hopes to protect from bad actors. "AI can be used by challengers who have less resources than incumbents to figure out how to most efficiently target voters, or it can be used by small community organizations hoping to do valuable work to disseminate their message more effectively." Stein said. He even imagines a future when elections officials themselves harness the technology to find new efficiencies in administering elections. However, in the short term, legislators and elections-watchers in California have their eyes trained on the next few months, as campaigning season kicks into overdrive and as voters prepare for March 5 primaries. "It keeps me up at night," Pellerin said. "But, I do feel like California has really been a trailblazer in this area." Kathryn Palmer is the California 2024 Elections Fellow for USA TODAY. Reach her at kapalmer@gannett.com and follow her on X @KathrynPlmr. This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: How does California regulate AI? Reports have suggested China has urged Iran to help rein in Houthi attacks in recent weeks - YAHYA ARHAB/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Lord Cameron has said he is planning to lobby China to take a tougher stance on Houthi attacks in the Red Sea in his first meeting with Beijing as Foreign Secretary. The Cabinet minister said he would be piling pressure on Chinese counterparts to support freedom of navigation in the region, where Iran-backed rebels have been targeting Western ships with missiles and drones in retaliation for Israeli military action in the Gaza Strip. China has claimed it has been making active efforts to ease tensions in the Red Sea from the very beginning, with reports suggesting it has urged Iran, with which it has a close trading relationship, to help rein in Houthi attacks in recent weeks. But it has been accused of seeking to protect its own interests, rather than pushing for a full de-escalation. Last month, the Houthis said Chinese and Russian ships would get safe passage, while others have been forced to re-route. Taking questions from peers on Tuesday, Lord Cameron said he would urge the Chinese to do more to promote freedom of navigation during talks in the coming days. One of the things were doing more generally is stressing the importance of the freedom of navigation, that lies behind the action that were taking in the Red Sea, he said. And Im going to be hopefully holding some discussions with Chinese counterparts in days to come, where I think well be asking them, given the importance of trade to China, that they should be as fully supportive of freedom of navigation as we are, because that matters wherever you are in the world, including the Taiwan Straits. Lord Cameron, seen here with president Xi Jinping in 2015, said it was 'important' for the UK to have a relationship with China - ANDY RAIN/AFP/Getty Images It will be the first time Lord Cameron has met with Beijing since taking on the Foreign Secretary brief. He told peers it was important for the UK to have a relationship with China, but noted the two nations share many disagreements. They are an epoch-defining challenge, as the integrated review puts it, but where we can find areas to progress discussions, we should, he said. It represents a stark shift in tone from Lord Camerons days as prime minister when he hailed a golden era in relations between the two nations. Since taking on his new role, the Foreign Secretary has sought to toughen up his departments approach to China - including by publicly condemning the detention of Jimmy Lai, the pro-democracy newspaper publisher facing a possible life sentence in Hong Kong. It comes as Chinese shipping companies have ramped up transits through the Red Sea as they bet on immunity from Houthi attacks. A flurry of smaller firms are making new journeys through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, broadcasting that they are from China, according to experts. Chinese-linked container ships accounted for less than 15 per cent of Red Sea transits last year, according to the shipping journal Lloyds List. By the second week of January, the share had nearly doubled to 28 per cent. The MV Bahijah is one of many ships that have abandoned voyages through the Red Sea - RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Large container traffic has plunged by as much as 90 per cent since Houthi rebels ramped up attacks on ships travelling off the coast of Yemen. Western ships moving between Asia and Europe have rerouted en masse around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid missile strikes. As Western operators pull back, Cichen Shen, from Lloyds List, said Chinese vessels were seeking to profit from that high-risk but high-reward market. In 2015, during his time as prime minister, Lord Cameron hosted a visit to the UK by Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, and declared: This visit marks the start of a new era. Some have called it a golden era in relations between Britain and China. But in an interview with The in December, he said: I think things have changed. Theres still a need to engage with China, particularly over issues like climate change we cant solve problems of climate change while ignoring a fifth of humanity. But quite clearly we face a more aggressive, assertive China, and so the other elements are of policy how we protect ourselves with more hardened security against things like cyber attacks and the rest of it, and how we align ourselves with our allies so that we are strong together. These are very important parts. 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. You dont see flying elk every day. But the pregnant, blindfolded animals are soaring through the Tennessee skies via helicopter in the name of science. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, along with partners in Kentucky and other conservation groups, is capturing pregnant cow elk to conduct a two-year study on their calves once theyre born, the Tennessee agency said in a Feb. 9 news release. A video shows a helicopter flying low over a field following galloping elk, before someone shoots a net to capture them. Garrett Clevinger, the elk program coordinator with the states wildlife resource agency, explained officials are capturing the calves by air to implant tracking devices in them. Were putting a transmitter inside the pregnant cows, specifically targeting those, in hopes that when they give birth in May, June, well be able to go out and collar the calves, and then monitor them over the course of their lives, Clevinger said in a video posted by the resources agency. Researchers are conducting the study at North Cumberland, the states largest wildlife management area made up of nearly 200,000 acres of the Cumberland Mountain range. The wildlife area is also home to the second-largest free-roaming elk population East of the Mississippi River. Biologists hope to learn at what point young calves are recruited into the population and understand what hazards can kill elk, whether predation or disease, Clevinger explained. Part of the project will also include learning about the habitats where the pregnant animals give birth. A GPS device inside the mom elk will send a signal when they give birth. State conservationists reintroduced elk to the area in the early 2000s and are continuing their work with the species in this new, first-of-its-kind study, wildlife officials said. This is pretty important, this is not something weve done yet, Clevinger said. So itll be very beneficial for us to be able to get that information so that we can better understand population dynamics of this species. The Cumberland Mountains are part of the Appalachian range, stretching from northern Alabama to West Virginia. Iconic desert creature found shot near field sparks search for poacher, officials say Blurry creature on side of road reveals massive herd hiding in darkness, photo shows Dramatic trail cam video shows cougar attack deer in Michigan woods. This is insane Angler didnt realize how massive record-breaking fish was until it fought back Yemens Hot Houthi claimed on Tuesday that the Iran-backed rebel group had taken 25 hostages from a hijacked cargo ship to a secret location on land. Rashid Al Haddad, 19, has emerged as the face of the Islamist militia after his TikTok videos on board the Galaxy Leader ship went viral. The Israeli-owned vessel was stormed in November by armed Houthi rebels and now functions as a tourist destination for curious locals. In a series of calls and messages with The Telegraph, the young man dubbed Timhouthi Chalamet on account of his Hollywood-like good looks, said the crew, which includes Mexican, Romanian, Bulgarian, Ukrainian and Filipino seamen were safe but have been relocated from the hijacked carriers living quarters to a location on land. Mr Haddad said: They [hostages] are living with us Yemenis, they like it here. The Galaxy Leader is being held at Hodeida port, a Houthi-controlled part of the country, as the rebel group continues its blockade of the Red Sea. The Galaxy Leader, seen here escorted by Houthi boats in the Red Sea, was captured by the militia in November last year - HOUTHI MILITARY MEDIA British and American air strikes have so far failed to deter the militia whose attacks have reshaped global shipping routes. Niku Jafarnia, from Human Rights Watch, warned that the crews treatment may be less welcoming than Mr Haddad claims. While its unclear what situation these men are being held in. Yhe Houthis have systematically used torture on those theyve imprisoned, in some cases killing detainees, she said. Mr Haddad said the crew would not be released until Israels bombardment of Gaza stops. The Houthis goal is to force a ceasefire on the Jewish state, which has been fighting an all-out war on Gaza since the Hamas massacre of Oct 7. Importantly, Israel must lift its war on Palestine, he said. Yemeni tribesmen belonging to the Houthi movement carry a model of the Galaxy Leader during a pro-Palestine rally - Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images Mr Haddad admits the Galaxy Leader crew have nothing to do with the conflict themselves. Its correct that this is not the hostages war, theyre not Israeli, but we will not stop our mission until the end of Israel. It will be soon, Mr Haddad said. All of us in Yemen are prepared to be pirates against Israel and its ships and they will not survive. We were proud that we took this ship for Palestine. We will take another and another and another. Last week, Romanias foreign ministry said it was working to release the one seaman it has among the crew. Though he has not been named, a spokesman said the hostage was in good health and had been allowed a call to his family since being taken captive. We maintain an active dialogue with the family of the Romanian sailor and will continue to work in close cooperation with its international partners for the release of the Romanian citizen, the spokesman said. 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 production and safety concerns hover over Boeings plane assembly, a parts supplier is alleging issues with the multi-billion-dollar company begin soon after contracts are signed. A year-and-a-half after Boeing sued a Charlotte-based investment firm, the firm filed a counterclaim, accusing the airplane manufacturer of conning it into a lopsided contract that drowned the company in production costs, according to the suit filed in early February. Boeing in 2022 alleged Ten Oaks Management tried to cause serious injury to Boeing when it bought Astech the sole supplier of parts critical to the manufacture of Boeing 767 and 747 (military) airplanes and halted production. Ten Oaks Management claims Boeing lured it into bailing out the floundering parts supplier while withholding information about what that would mean financially. Boeings recent, plentiful problems with parts suppliers are due to a relentless drive to cut costs at the expense of quality and reliability, Ten Oaks wrote in the complaint, filed in Charlottes U.S District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The Federal Aviation Administration, following fallout from a faulty part that caused a hole to erupt in the side of an Alaska Airlines airplane during a flight in January, declared Boeings quality-assurance issues unacceptable. Boeings contract with Astech In 2012, Boeing entered a contract with Astech a Delaware parts supplier for the Boeing 767 and military tanker KC-46 Pegasus. That contract set prices until 2028. It also set Astech up to lose while selling to Boeing, the suit alleges. When Astech threatened to close its business if Boeing didnt start paying more, Boeing in March 2022 began working with Ten Oaks, a Charlotte-based small family office with around 50 staff members that invests generational wealth. Boeings complaint names Ten Oaks co-founders Matthew Magan and Michael Hahn and executive operating partners Andrew Lovrovich and David Richeson. The group alleges Boeing led Ten Oaks down a deceptive path in a last-ditch effort to buy time and keep low prices. The sophisticated, global Goliath, knew what it was doing, the complaint alleges, because it had done it before. In reality, Boeing was the only beneficiary of the sweetheart deal, Ten Oaks said in the complaint. It left Astech now under Ten Oaks drained and filing for bankruptcy by July 2022, according to court documents. When Astech and Ten Oaks moved to terminate its contract with Boeing two months after filing bankruptcy, a legal battle ensued. Now, back-and-forth docket entries show allegations of fraud from both sides. Boeing vs. Charlotte family firm Boeing claims it was held hostage by Ten Oaks when the firm used a bait and switch tactic to demand three times the price agreed upon in its contract, which set low exhaust kit prices through 2028. Boeing says Ten Oaks promised to improve the quality of the aircraft parts Astech produced while keeping its newly acquired company afloat with an $18 million line of credit. Ten Oaks claims Boeing intentionally concealed the extent of Astechs issues, including the owners plans to close the business if Boeing didnt fork over more money for the parts. In 2022, Astech lost $120,000 on each exhaust kit it sold to Boeing and $92,000 each for other parts. Boeing in 2022 said Ten Oaks was well aware of the price terms and had a full opportunity to assess Astechs profitability before buying it. Ten Oaks, two weeks ago, blamed Boeing, claiming it knew that this disparity was not sustainable. Asking Ten Oaks to save the struggling business was just an attempt to keep its preposterously low-price supply chain for many months longer than it would have as a direct result of the acquisition, the suit said. Dundee Precious Metals, Inc. TORONTO, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dundee Precious Metals Inc. (TSX: DPM) (DPM or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Iliya Garkov as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Iliya has an impressive track record of delivering strong results, transforming assets into world-class mining operations and developing strong relationships with stakeholders. His experience, technical expertise and leadership will enhance our organization as we look ahead to the future operational requirements of our organic growth pipeline, said David Rae, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dundee Precious Metals. Iliya Garkov has over three decades of international mining experience in Bulgaria, Australia and Armenia, and first joined DPM in 2003 when the Company acquired its assets in Bulgaria. During this time, he has held a number of leadership roles within the Company, most recently as Senior Vice President, European Operations. He was a key contributor to the transformation of the Chelopech mine into a world-class mining operation and the successful commissioning and ramp-up of the Ada Tepe mine and has led the Companys exploration activities in Bulgaria and Serbia. Mr. Garkov has a PhD in mining engineering from the University of Mining and Geology St. Ivan Rilski in Bulgaria and is a graduate of the London Business School Senior Executive Programme. DPM also announced that Michael Dorfman, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Development, will be leaving the Company at the end of March 2024 to pursue new opportunities. A search process has been initiated for a suitable replacement. On behalf of our global team, I would like to thank Michael for his many important contributions to DPM. During his 12 years with the company, Michael has been a critical part of the leadership team, leading our corporate development and growth strategy and elevating our profile with investors as we transformed DPM into a mid-tier producer with a strong pipeline of growth projects and exploration opportunities, commented David Rae. Story continues More recently, his team, together with Iliya, have driven an understanding of the potential value of Coka Rakita that has quickly positioned this high-grade discovery as DPMs leading organic growth asset. His contributions have positioned us well for future growth and, importantly, have significantly developed our organizations capacity to assess, acquire and integrate assets, broadening the Companys readiness for growth within our technical teams. We wish him the very best for his future endeavours. About Dundee Precious Metals Dundee Precious Metals Inc. is a Canadian-based international gold mining company with operations and projects located in Bulgaria, Namibia, Serbia and Ecuador. The Companys purpose is to unlock resources and generate value to thrive and grow together. This overall purpose is supported by a foundation of core values, which guides how the Company conducts its business and informs a set of complementary strategic pillars and objectives related to ESG, innovation, optimizing our existing portfolio, and growth. The Companys resources are allocated in-line with its strategy to ensure that DPM delivers value for all of its stakeholders. DPMs shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: DPM). For further information please contact: David Rae President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: (416) 365-5191 investor.info@dundeeprecious.com Jennifer Cameron Director, Investor Relations Tel: (416) 219-6177 jcameron@dundeeprecious.com Ramadan Mubarak! The phrase, meaning Happy Ramadan, is frequently used during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, a time when fasting, prayer and reflection are extremely significant. Ramadan, one of the most sacred times of the Muslim religion, is coming up soon, and greeting one who implements the practices into their lives with Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, meaning Generous Ramadan are respectful and traditional ways to do so. For those who might not know much about the religious holiday, heres a chance to learn: When is Ramadan? According to the Old Farmers Almanac, Ramadan begins at sundown on Sunday, March 10, and ends at sundown on Tuesday, April 9. The month-long fast concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, meaning the Festival of Breaking the Fast. Why does Ramadan change dates each year? According to National Geographic, Ramadan is the most sacred month of Islamic culture and is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. Each year, the dates of Ramadan fluctuate, as its start is based on the phases of the moon. The start is determined by a moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia, and Ramadan begins the day after the committee spots the new crescent moon. If the moon isnt visible, lunar calculations are used to predict its location in the sky. What is Ramadan? According to the Henry Ford Community College, Ramadan takes place during the month when Muslims believe the Quran started to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Its said the angel Gabriel appeared to him in A.D. 610, giving Muhammad the Islamic holy book. Its a holy, sacred time focused on worship, prayer, fasting and studying the Quran. Fasting, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is a requirement during the month of Ramadan, with Muslims abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sundown. The fast is believed to help participants focus on whats most important in ones life, as well as increase self-discipline, renew ones faith and seek out forgiveness. Furthermore, its encouraged to prioritize compassion, helping to increase awareness of Allah, meaning God in Arabic, and be more conscious of the poor, sick and suffering. Each evening after sundown, the fast is broken with a prayer and meal called iftar. Its common to spend time with friends and family after iftar, enjoying one anothers company and eating delicious foods before the next days fast, beginning at sunrise. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time praying at the mosque. Additionally, a sixth prayer, considered optional, called the Tarawih prayer, is recited in the evening, along with the five daily prayers practiced year-round. What is Eid al-Fitr? Eid al-Fitr, a two-to-three-day festival at the end of Ramadan, on April 9, is one of two eids celebrated on the Islamic calendar each year. According to the USC Dornsife, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with special morning prayers, as well as delicious foods and gifts for ones family or those in need. Its also considered a time of forgiveness, where Muslims are encouraged to forgive and seek forgiveness. In countries with larger Muslim populations, Eid al-Fitr is considered a national holiday, closing schools, businesses, etc., and allowing families, neighbors and friends able to partake in the celebrations together. What are the Five Pillars of Islam? According to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, the five pillars are the primary obligations a Muslim must fulfill in his or her lifetime. They include shahadah, the profession of faith; salah, prayer; zakat, almsgiving or social responsibility; sawm, fasting, which is observed during Ramadan, as the Quran considers it an act of deep personal worship where Muslims seek a richer perception of God; and lastly, hajj, the pilgrimage to Makkah. Muslims physically and financially fit enough are encouraged to travel to Makkah, or Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, to fulfill the hajj pilgrimage, walking in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad in the holy city. According to Islamic Relief UK, Mecca is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, the Kaaba, considered one of the most sacred spots on Earth by Muslims, is in the center of the Great Mosque in Mecca. Kaaba, meaning cube in Arabic, is a black stone cube important to the Hajj. Furthermore, its the qibla, or direction, in which Muslims face for their prayers, taking place five times a day. What and when is Ramadan? What are the Ramadan, Eid-al-Fitr dates in 2024? How many Muslims live in Indiana? According to the World Population Review, Indiana only has a Muslim population of 41,400 people, accounting for 0.6% of the states population in 2024. However, Islam is the worlds second-largest religion, with over 1.9 billion followers, and is the third-largest religion in the U.S. after Christianity and Judaism. As of 2017, a total of 3.45 million Muslims practiced in the U.S. The states with the largest Muslim populations include New York, California, Illinois, New Jersey, Texas and Michigan. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Ramadan, Islamic holiday, quickly approaches: What to know WASHINGTON - Lara Trump, the newly nominated co-chair of the Republican National Committee, says former President Donald Trump's revamp of the GOP organization has at least one major goal: Spending more money on him. "Every single penny will go to the number one and the only job of the RNC," Lara Trump told Newsmax, namely the election of Donald Trump to another term in the White House. The former president nominated his daughter-in-law to an RNC leadership post earlier this week. Trump also tapped Michael Whatley, the chairman of the state GOP in North Carolina, to be national chair. However, the current RNC chair, Ronna McDaniel, has yet to announce her retirement. She is expected to do so after the South Carolina primary on Feb. 24. Lara Trump, wife of US President Donald Trump's son Eric, addresses the Republican National Convention in a pre-recorded speech at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, DC, on August 26, 2020. (Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM / AFP) (Photo by NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 2702 ORIG FILE ID: AFP_1WS37I.jpg The RNC is supposed to stay neutral during presidential primaries, but Lara Trump's comments added to existing questions about whether that's the case in the 2024 race for the White House. "The RNC needs to be the leanest, most lethal political fighting machine we've ever seen in American history," she declared, outlining her vision for the committee's future. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is still running against Trump for the GOP nomination, already criticized the RNC for being biased toward Trump earlier in her campaign. And she amped up that criticism this week as Trump is installing new leadership. Trump is going to "try and continue to take the party so that it does what he wants it to do," Haley told supporters Tuesday in South Carolina. Trump, who notched sweeping caucus and primary victories in Iowa, New Hampshire and Nevada, holds major leads in polls of Republican voters in South Carolina, her home state. In some surveys, the former president is leading his former United Nations ambassador by more than thirty percentage points. But Trump has long been critical of the RNC over its fundraising capabilities and management of donations. Trump allies have also accused McDaniel in recent weeks of being insufficiently supportive of the ex-president as he pursues the GOP presidential nomination again in 2024. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lara Trump says 'every single penny' from RNC should back Donald Trump TINTON FALLS - Monmouth Regional history teacher Joseph Nappi is on an incredible ride, one that could see him do what no other teacher in New Jersey has ever done win national teacher of the year honors. Nappi is the kind of high school teacher that will sacrifice himself in the dunk tank for a good cause. He's also the teacher that takes his classes on field trips to the national Holocaust museum in Washington, D.C., for an eye-opening history lesson. It's that kind of dedication to the students at Monmouth Regional, and an animated, charismatic personality to boot, that won him the district's teacher of the year honor for 2023-24; then, Monmouth County teacher of the year followed by New Jersey state teacher of the year. All three are awarded through the Governors Educator of the Year Program. Monmouth Regional High School social studies teacher Joseph Nappi is the 2023-24 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, and is a finalist for Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year. Read about Nappi's work with students: Monmouth Regional student looks to put a dent in human trafficking But the honors may not be over for the social studies instructor closing in on 20 years as an educator. The ride Nappi's on now has him in the running for the Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year. He's survived the cut from 56 teachers across the country and U.S. territories to be one of four finalists. "They're bringing us down to Washington, D.C., and part of it is I have to give a 15-minute keynote address as if I was addressing all the teachers in America. Talk about giving yourself agita over what you're going to say," joked Nappi during an interview with the Asbury Park Press. Since the awards starting coming, Nappi's daily life has been upended, as he's been whisked away from his usual classroom to fulfill his teacher of the year duties as an education ambassador for the state. He's on sabbatical until June, traveling from school to school, visiting classrooms and delivering lessons. It's taken him as far away as California. His bandwagon back home is pulling for him. "He can reach kids like few other teachers have the ability to do so. He's 100% deserving of the New Jersey teacher of the year award and our fingers are crossed he'll get national teacher of the year," said Brian Evans, Monmouth Regional's chief administrator, a position that combines the superintendent and high school principal role. Monmouth Regional social studies teacher Joseph Nappi, pictured here teaching a lesson, is the New Jersey Teacher of the Year, and is a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award. Last year's winner: Toms River teacher took state title To win the top national honor, Nappi will have to impress the council's selection committee in a round of interviews, a mock press conference to see if he can keep his message on point and the keynote speech, all to take place in the nation's capital later this month. His competition is three teachers that come from high schools in Alaska, Georgia and Tennessee. The winner will be announced in April. CCSSO has been giving award since 1952. And in 71 years, no New Jersey teacher has ever held it. "I was shocked by that. You always hear how New Jersey is tops in education nationally, and to learn that we've never had a national teacher of the year was surprising to me. Hopefully, Joe can change that," Evans said. Who is Joe Nappi? Monmouth Regional social studies teacher Joseph Nappi, pictured here in the dunk tank for a school fundraiser, is the New Jersey Teacher of the Year, and is a finalist for the National Teacher of the Year award. Nappi is, 41, and as a child of divorced parents, was raised in Tinton Falls and Bayonne. Today, he lives in Jackson with his wife Cristina, who's an English teacher at Monmouth Regional. They have two daughters Gianni in eighth grade and Toni in fifth grade both in the Jackson school district. Nappi credits his wife with setting him down the road to teaching when they were both students at Ocean County College. It was in the days after Sept. 11, 2001, when they were trying to make sense of the terroristic attack. As they talked about it, she saw his ability to learn the information and explain it. "She saw something in me that I didn't even see in myself and she inspired me to do something I didn't think I was capable of doing. At its purest form, that's the best thing a teacher can be," Nappi said. Nappi pursued education and history at Rowan University and in 2005 he was hired at Monmouth Regional as a social studies teacher. While admittingly not the best high school student when he was a teenager, Nappi has been a whirlwind of activity and a beacon of hope to students, especially through the charity he co-founded with a school guidance counselor called Monmouth Helping Its Own. The inspiration for that came when Nappi learned a student was home by herself with no parent or food in the house. Through fundraisers and staff donations, the charity has helped Monmouth Regional kids with issues as simple as getting a winter jacket or shoes on their feet. 'They haven't forgotten about her': Middletown woman who taught until her last day lauded 'Taught the right way' Monmouth Regional High School social studies teacher Joseph Nappi is the 2023-24 New Jersey Teacher of the Year, and is a finalist for Council of Chief State School Officers' National Teacher of the Year. Many students though, know Nappi as the teacher of the advanced history class, "Holocaust, Genocide and Modern Humanity." He has taken over 600 students to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., where he has been a Museum Teacher Fellow since 2019. He is also an Alfred Lerner Fellow with the Jewish Foundation for the Righteous, a member of the Center for Holocaust, Human Rights and Genocide Education (CHHANGE), and serves as his district's liaison to the Diversity Council at Kean University. During the summer of 2022, Nappi worked with a national team of educators assembled by PBS to design lessons for Ken Burns' film, The US and the Holocaust." "The thing about teaching something as impactful as the Holocaust and genocide, is if it's not done right, it can have a very negative effect, and Mr. Nappi did everything he could to ensure it was taught the right way. Every person I knew looked forward to going to his class and that's not something you always get," said Max Roberts, a former student and 2022 graduate of Monmouth Regional. When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com. This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Monmouth Regional teacher in final four for best teacher in the U.S. A thick layer of uncertainty hanging over New York's congressional races soon may be lifted. An appointed panel ordered to redraw the state's 26 House districts plans to vote on a proposed map on Thursday, sending it then to the state legislature for approval. The panel hasn't revealed yet how it has drawn the new boundaries and won't do so until after the 2 p.m. meeting. The announcement came with campaigns underway and raised the possibility of a bipartisan agreement on new district lines, a difficult feat at a politically charged time. The same panel had deadlocked on that very task in 2022 because its Democratic and Republican appointees fiercely disagreed. The vote by the state Independent Redistricting Commission will fulfill its duty almost two weeks earlier than the Feb. 28 deadline set by the Court of Appeals in its order in December. View of the New York state Assembly Chamber as members meet on the opening day of the 2021 legislative session at the state Capitol in Albany, N.Y., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021. But it comes as House candidates are set to begin collecting petition signatures for their runs on Feb. 27, with little time left for lawmakers and Gov. Kathy Hochul to enact new district lines. The legislature is on recess next week, which leaves just two days after Thursday's commission vote this Friday and Feb. 26 for lawmakers to vote before the start of petitioning. Before the surprise announcement on Monday about Thursday's vote, there was no telling how the panel's private deliberations would play out and how much longer the redistricting saga might last. Court order: NY to draw redistricting lines again, top court rules. What that means for 2024 races What could happen after the initial vote on the new maps? The calmest scenario would be the commission approving a bipartisan map that the legislature quickly affirms before petitioning begins. Candidates could then carry on with their campaigns with perhaps slight changes in the district lines drawn by a court-appointed special master in 2022. Or things could messy, 2022-style. In the least calm scenario, Democratic and Republican appointees on the commission clash over line changes on the new map, more litigation ensues, and the congressional primaries now scheduled for June 25 get postponed, as they were two years ago. Even with the scheduling of a vote, a range of possibilities still exist. Karen Blatt, co-executive director of the commissioner, confirmed Tuesday that the panel will vote on a single map, not separate Democratic and Republican versions. But it remains unclear if members from both parties have reached a consensus. "I don't think we're really going to know until Thursday's vote," Jeffrey Wice, a redistricting expert and professor at New York Law School, told the USA Today Network in an interview on Tuesday. That uncertainty has raised the already high stakes in this year's races. With Republicans holding a slim House majority, both parties are preparing to battle for a handful of New York swing districts that will help decide House control. Among them are four seats Republicans wrested from Democrats in 2022 under the lines now being adjusted. New York Assemblyman Mike Lawler declared victory in his race for the U.S. Congress outside the Rockland County Courthouse Nov. 9, 2022. Lawler defeated Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney in the race for the 17th congressional district. How did we get here? Normally, states redraw their congressional lines just once a decade, after taking into account population shifts from the most recent census. But New York is making another go of it just two years after the court imposed the lines used in the 2022 elections. Why? Because Democrats won a lawsuit arguing that the court's lines were temporary and that the redistricting commission must try again to come up with a map. That 10-member panel reached a partisan deadlock in 2022 after its two equally-sized slates one Democratic, one Republican each came up with their own versions. Republicans, who fared well in 2022 under the court-imposed lines, fought the quest to revisit them, but lost. The state's highest court ordered the panel to make another stab. Rachel Hollar fills out her ballot at East High School in Rochester in Nov. 2023. What are the possible outcomes? The window for a seamless map transition is narrowing. Any friction could force the state to shorten its petitioning period or even delay the June 25 primaries, if Republicans go to court to challenge a map enacted by the Democratic-led legislature and Democratic governor. That's what happened in 2022, when Republicans sued after lawmakers rebuffed the commission's dueling map proposals and drafted its own lines, favorable to Democratic candidates. They won and New York wound up with entirely new district lines imposed by the court. View of the the New York state Capitol, Friday, April 8, 2022, in Albany, N.Y. New Yorks legislature is working to polish off a state budget that commits billions of dollars to social programs and bolsters health care workers, and also tinkers with rules governing when criminal defendants can be jailed before a trial. (AP Photo/Hans Pennink) ORG XMIT: NYHP101 That litigation took about three and a half months, concluding about a month before congressional primaries were set to take place. As a result, those elections got postponed for two months, to August. At least seven of 10 commission members must approve the map for it to be submitted to the legislature. Lawmakers can either approve the panel's proposal or adopt their own, with one limitation: they can't change the population in any district proposed by the commission by more than 2%, Wice said. Another scenario is the panel doesn't send them a map, either because its proposal doesn't garner seven votes or Republicans boycott Thursday's meeting, preventing a seven-member quorum. That would put the matter in the hands of the legislature, which could weigh any proposal that got the most commission votes or start from scratch. Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. Reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY redistricting panel to vote on proposed maps. What happens next? Senate leader Phil Berger took a step back from pushing to usher more casinos into North Carolina on Wednesday, saying that he was not intent on moving anything in particular related to casinos during the states short legislative session that starts in April. During last years legislative long session, whether additional casinos should be legalized in the state was one of the primary causes of a standoff between the legislative chambers over the months-delayed $30 billion state budget, which was supposed to be passed by July 1 but instead passed into law in early October. Berger was a strong advocate for legalizing more casinos, and as the Republican-controlled Senates top leader, he made various moves to achieve this, including setting a stake in the ground that casino legalization and the authorization of thousands of video lottery terminals must be included in the state budget. But this met with reticence in the House, where Speaker Tim Moore said there was not enough votes to approve casinos inside the budget. The legislative proposal was also met with opposition from some Democrats and from many local residents in counties that had been mentioned as possible sites for future casinos, including Bergers home of Rockingham County. Casinos are legal on tribal lands in the western part of the state but not elsewhere. Berger has previously cited statewide casino legalization as a way to prevent neighboring states from taking away potential North Carolina revenue. This includes Virginia, which is set to open up a new casino this year in Danville, just 20 miles from Rockingham. After a lot of back and forth, the Senate folded and casinos were not included in the budget. But when the legislative leaders announced a compromise on the budget that didnt include casinos, Berger said that lawmakers could consider taking it up again during next years short session, as previously reported by The News & Observer. He said that he believed proponents had ignored potential revenue and job benefits to rural counties. It was just pretty clear that the facts were almost beside the point, as to what those proposals will do for rural areas, he said then. No champion for casino legalization But on Wednesdays Bergers urgency for casino legalization had dulled. Asked if he expected legislation on casinos or video lottery terminals to resurface during the short session, Berger said he believed there remained interest in looking at options for new sources of revenue for the state, but that he had not had conversations with any lawmaker that lead him to believe someone would champion a casino bill. I am not pursuing any particular action, he told reporters. Obviously, if there are other folks that decide that its something they want to pick up and move with, well see what happens with that, but I certainly am not intent on moving anything in particular. He said there is some discussion on gambling terminals but that he did not know details. It strikes me that in many respects some of that may need a little more runway than what well have for the short session, said Berger. Across the building, in the House chambers, Moore echoed this, saying that there had been more discussion about the VLTs than about casinos. I think the casino bill last year just kind of went totally off the rails, Moore said. Medicinal marijuana legalization Another piece of legislation that failed last session was the proposed legalization of marijuana in North Carolina for medicinal use. The Senate approved with bipartisan support a medical marijuana bill that would have allowed medical marijuana use statewide for people with certain health ailments. But the House did not bring it up for a vote, killing the bill. On Thursday, Berger expressed interest in reexamining medical marijuana but said the ball is in the Houses court. I am hopeful that we will see the House take that bill up. I think the votes are there to pass it. I think its pretty clear from every survey that Ive seen of the voters in the state of North Carolina that (it) enjoys the support of well over 60 to 70% of the population, he said. Reporter Kyle Ingram contributed to this report. Two juveniles have been charged in connection to Wednesdays shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade. The juveniles are currently detained in secure detention at the Juvenile Detention Center on gun related and resisting arrest charges, the Jackson County Family Court Division said in a statement. It is anticipated that additional charges are expected in the future as the investigation by the Kansas City Police Department continues. Officials have yet to release the suspects names. Of the 22 people who suffered gunshot injuries during the shooting, more than half of the victims are under the age of 16, police said. The victims ranged in age from eight to 47 years old. The deceased has been identified as local DJ and mother-of-two, Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan. A GoFundMe started by the family of Ms Lopez-Galvan raised more than $190,000 with Taylor Swift donating most of the proceeds. On the official GoFundMe page, the top donator remains to be Ms Swift, who attended the Super Bowl to cheer on her boyfriend and Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce. Ms Swift donated $50,000 twice to the familys fundraiser and sent her deepest sympathies and condolences. On Saturday, Childrens Mercy hospital announced that all 12 shooting patients were released. A patient at another hospital remains in critical condition. The same day, more than 100 people gathered in Kansas City for gun safety group Moms Demand Actions rally calling to end gun violence. Local officials, including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, were also in attendance, according to KSHB. Im angry, Im frustrated, volunteer Tara Bennett told the outlet. Im frustrated because I know there are things that can be done, we just have to have the courage to do them. Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca also shared his experience at Wednesdays shooting. He said he was with his daughter. She said, Daddy this is a drill right? This is a drill? Mr Abarca recalled his daughter asking him. I said, Yes, it is, because in that moment I needed her to act like it was a drill. Key Points Shooting appeared to be from dispute between people One person killed in shooting, identified as DJ by radio station Half of victims are under 16 years old Two juveniles charged over Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade mass shooting Watch: Moment Kansas City shooting erupts on live news broadcast Saturday 17 February 2024 02:00 , Katie Hawkinson Saturday 17 February 2024 03:00 , Katie Hawkinson Trey Filter was standing among a sea of around one million people who lined the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade route on Wednesday when he heard the shots ring out. The lifelong Chiefs fan initially thought it was firecrackers going off, before a sense of panic swept through the crowd. There was a huge commotion. It felt like there was a rat loose or something, he told The Independent in a phone interview on Thursday morning. Mr Filter, who was attending Wednesdays victory parade with his wife Casey and their sons Gage, 15, and Levi, 12, said dozens of crowdgoers began rushing past them. Read more from Bevan Hurley: Hero Kansas City Chiefs fan said he acted on instinct as he tackled suspected gunman Kansas City tragedy marked 47th mass shooting in 2024 Saturday 17 February 2024 04:00 , Katie Hawkinson Wednesdays shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade was the 47th mass shooting in the US of 2024, according to the tracker Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as when four or more people are shot, not including the shooter. On Wednesday, 22 people were shot and one person a mother of two and beloved radio DJ was killed. Half the gunshot victims were under the age of 16. Police have charged two juveniles in connection with the shooting, officials said Friday afternoon. Who are the victims of the Kansas City shooting? Saturday 17 February 2024 05:01 , Katie Hawkinson At least 23 people were shot, including multiple children, in a mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade near Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a press conference on Thursday that half of the victims shot in the attack are children while one victim a 43-year-old mother-of-two died. So far, the investigation has found that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute between people and was not terrorism-related, police said. Prosecutors with the Jackson County, Missouri Family Court Division charged two juveniles in connection to the shooting, officials said in a statement on Friday morning. That news comes after officials detainedthree individuals in connection to the shooting. One of the three was released Thursday without charge. Read more about those wounded in Wednesdays shooting: Who are the victims of the Kansas City shooting? ICYMI: 10-year-old who was shot describes Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting Saturday 17 February 2024 07:00 , Katie Hawkinson The Independents Sheila Flynn spoke to a 10-year-old boy who was shot at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade. Read more about her conversation with Samuel Arellano: 10-year-olds bullet wound found at home after Chiefs parade shooting Updates from the hospital Saturday 17 February 2024 21:49 , Kelly Rissman Childrens Mercy Hospital was treating 12 patients after Wednesdays shooting 11 of whom were children and nine of whom suffered from gunshot wounds. On Saturday, the hosptial announced that all of them had been released. Again, thank you for your support and grace with our team members this past week, Childrens Mercy Hospital told Fox4 in a statement. Remember to take some time to care for yourself as well, especially our friends in the media that were at the parade/rally that day. University Health also is caring for three shooting victims, telling the outlet that one patient is in critical condition. Kansas City tragedy marked 47th mass shooting in 2024 Saturday 17 February 2024 09:00 , Katie Hawkinson Wednesdays shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade was the 47th mass shooting in the US of 2024, according to the tracker Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as when four or more people are shot, not including the shooter. On Wednesday, 22 people were shot and one person a mother of two and beloved radio DJ was killed. Half the gunshot victims were under the age of 16. Police have charged two juveniles in connection with the shooting, officials said Friday afternoon. ICYMI: See photographs from a Thursday evening candlelight vigil in Kansas City for victims of Wednesdays shooting Saturday 17 February 2024 11:00 , Katie Hawkinson People hold candles at the Kansas City, Missouri vigil for victims of the shooting on Wednesday (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) A woman holds a candle at the Kansas City, Missouri vigil (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) A man holds a candle at the Kansas City, Missouri vigil (AP) ICYMI: Two Kansas Chiefs players helped kids during the shooting Saturday 17 February 2024 12:00 , Katie Hawkinson Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith told ABC News he helped a child take cover in a closet during Wednesdays shooting. Theres like a little kid in front of me, so I just grabbed him just yanked him, Mr Smith said. Just told him, Youre hopping in here with me, buddy. Hes scared, he doesnt know whats going on, Mr Smith continnued. I had the WWE belt on me the entire parade, and I thought, what can I do to help out? I just handed him the belt: hey buddy, youre a champion, no ones going to hurt you, no ones going to hurt you man, weve got your back. We started talking about wrestling. Half of those shot on Wednesday were under 16 years old. The teams cornerback, LJarius Sneed, also said he tried to provide comfort to kids in the aftermath of the shooting. Its very sad, Mr Sneed told ESPN on Thursday. Just for the kids. They are trying to celebrate something, a big accomplishment for us. We were just trying to celebrate it with them, and for that to happen is very tragic. ICYMI: Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes donate thousands to #KCStrong Fund Saturday 17 February 2024 13:00 , Katie Hawkinson The Kansas City Chiefs, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and other affiliated organizations have donated thousands to the #KCStrong fund, which will primarily be used to support victims and their families. United Way on Friday told FOX4 that the Chiefs, Hunt Family Foundation and the NFL were donating $200,000 to the campaign. Mahomes and his foundation, meanwhile, have already donated $50,000, the outlet reported. Read more on how Chiefs players are helping families through Wednesdays shooting from The Independents Sheila Flynn: Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire helped shelter young fan in parade shooting Saturday 17 February 2024 14:00 , Katie Hawkinson A day of jubilant celebration was plunged into chaos on Wednesday after shots were fired at a victory parade for the Kansas City Chiefs in Missouri, following their Super Bowl victory. Hundreds of police officers swarmed the scene at Union Station as panicked fans ran, with some later carried out on stretchers. Police said one person is dead and 22 others suffered gunshot wounds, including 11 children. Prosecutors with the Jackson County, Missouri Family Court Division have charged two juveniles in relation to the shooting, according to a Friday afternoon statement. Heres what we know so far about the incident: How a lethal mass shooting derailed a day of Super Bowl celebrations in Kansas City Who are the victims of the Kansas City shooting? Saturday 17 February 2024 15:00 , Kelly Rissman At least 23 people were shot, including multiple children, in a mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade near Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a press conference on Thursday that half of the victims shot in the attack are children while one victim a 43-year-old mother-of-two died. So far, the investigation has found that the shooting may have stemmed from a dispute between people and was not terrorism-related, police said. Three individuals were detained in connection to the shooting and firearms were also recovered from the scene. One of the three was later released without charge. All of those detained were juveniles. Katie Hawkinson has the full story... Who are the victims of the Kansas City shooting? ICYMI: What we know about the Kansas City shooting Saturday 17 February 2024 16:00 , Mike Bedigan, Katie Hawkinson Gunshots were reported at around 2pm on Wednesday in Kansas City, as the rally to celebrate the Chiefs victory came to a close. Footage shared online showed dozens of law enforcement officials running towards Union Station, with some drawing weapons. Officers with sniper rifles were also seen posted on the surrounding rooftops. Around 100 police vehicles were reported to be in the area in the moments following the shooting, according to CBS. Fans were urged to exit the area as quickly as possible and children were separated from their parents in the ensuing scramble. Reunification stations were later set up inside the station. Pictures showed wounded fans being helped away from the scene, some being carried out on stretchers. Lisa Money of Kansas City was trying to gather some confetti near the end of the parade when she heard somebody yell, down, down, everybody down! Ms Money thought somebody might be joking until she saw the SWAT team jumping over the fence. I cant believe it really happened. Who in their right mind would do something like this? she told The Associated Press. This is supposed to be a day of celebration for everybody in the city and the surrounding area and then youve got some idiot that wants to come along and do something like this. Kevin Sanders, 53, of Lenexa, Kansas, said he heard what sounded like firecrackers and then people running, adding that 10 minutes later, ambulances had started showing up. It sucks that someone had to ruin the celebration, but we are in a big city, Mr Sanders said. WATCH: Kansas City shooting survivor recounts moments before gunfire Saturday 17 February 2024 17:00 , Kelly Rissman KSHB reporter delivers promising news Saturday 17 February 2024 17:48 , Kelly Rissman GREAT news from Children's Mercy: All patients have been discharged from the hospital :) McKenzie Nelson (@McKenzieMNelson) February 17, 2024 Parents express fear about taking their children to crowded events after yet another mass shooting Saturday 17 February 2024 19:00 , Kelly Rissman One of my very best friends was in Kansas City when the shots were fired. Thankfully, she is safe, but dammit, I shouldn't have to worry about my friends going to a parade. I shouldn't worry about sending my kids to school. I shouldn't be scared at all. IT'S THE GODDAMN GUNS. Leigh (@lanisasiren) February 15, 2024 Its heartbreaking that my daughter woke up three days in a row so excited about the parade, and instead she now has the memory of kids her exact age being shot at the parade she was so excited about. Being a parent right now is so hard. These kids deserve better man. Sierra (@sierrajasso4) February 15, 2024 I still cant believe it happened here. If in Kansas City you cant be safe at a chiefs Super Bowl parade How are we supposed to feel safe when nothing changes after countless tragedies? I just want to hold my kid all night tonight and keep telling him how much I love him Gary Montgomery (@GaryMontgomery_) February 15, 2024 I havent been to a parade in years and took my kid out of a charter school when they started doing active shooter drills. I am leaving this country bc I dont feel safe. https://t.co/03swFZaIwO kGRRsten (@kGRRCrossing) February 15, 2024 Taylor Swift donates $100,000 to GoFundMe of woman killed in shooting Saturday 17 February 2024 20:00 , Kelly Rissman Following the shooting, Swift has reached out and donated $100,000 to the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, the 44-year-old woman who was shot and killed at the parade. The Grammy winner wrote a poignant message on the GoFundMe page created with the goal of raising an additional $75,000 for the Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan Memorial. Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in the wake of your devastating loss. With love, Taylor Swift, her comment read. Though the goal was set to $75,000, the page has already brought in $221,384 in donations. Swift started by sending $50,000, then sent an additional $50,000 approximately eight minutes later. The Anti-Hero singer was not at the event in Kansas City due to a scheduled Eras Tour show in Australia. Kaleigh Werner has the full story... Taylor Swift donates $100,000 to GoFundMe of woman killed during Chiefs parade Kansas City tragedy marked 48th mass shooting this year Saturday 17 February 2024 21:00 , Kelly Rissman The Missouri shooting that has left dozens injured and one dead marks the 48th mass shooting in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as when four or more people are shot, excluding the shooter. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a press conference on Thursday that half of the victims shot in the attack are children while one victim a 43-year-old mother-of-two died. I fell to the ground and then hid behind a trashcan' Saturday 17 February 2024 22:00 , Kelly Rissman A 10-year-old who survived the shooting was excited to see the players in person; Patrick Mahomes is his favourite. Soon, though, the elation of the day was marred by gunshots and Samuel felt a biting pain under his arm as training from the active shooter drills at school kicked in. His grandfather and uncle were close to him, and they soon made their way to hide under a trailer with several other people. Everybody was running, losing their shoes, losing their clothes, Samuel said. Sheila Flynn has the full story... 10-year-olds bullet wound found at home after Chiefs parade shooting WATCH: Kansas City Chiefs parade shooting stemmed from 'dispute between people' Saturday 17 February 2024 23:00 , Kelly Rissman Survivor reveals moment woman apparently begged shooter dont do it Sunday 18 February 2024 01:00 , Kelly Rissman A survivor of the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade shooting recounted the moments before gunfire in an interview with CBS Mornings. Jacob Gooch said he heard a woman say, presumably to the shooter, dont do it. I personally did not see the shooter, Mr Gooch said. I heard the altercation of a girl or some girls like dont do it, not here this is stupid or something like that. And then the gunshots, which at the time I thought were fireworks. Read the full story... Kansas City shooting survivor reveals moment woman begged shooter dont do it The latest on the two teens detained Sunday 18 February 2024 03:00 , Kelly Rissman Two teens were charged earlier this week; their names were not released. The juveniles are currently detained in secure detention at the Juvenile Detention Center on gun related and resisting arrest charges, the Division said in a statement. It is anticipated that additional charges are expected in the future as the investigation by the Kansas City Police Department continues. It appears the shooting stemmed from a dispute between two individuals. What was the response by law enforcement? Sunday 18 February 2024 05:00 , Katie Hawkinson, Mike Bedigan Over 800 law enforcement officers were present for the event. Im angry at what happened today, Chief Graves told reporters. People who came to this celebration should expect a safe environment. We had over 800 law enforcement officers from Kansas City and other agencies at the location to keep everyone safe because of bad actors, which were very few. This tragedy occurred even in the presence of uniformed law enforcement officers who again ran towards them and took them into custody. To the people who were injured in this tragedy. Our hearts go out to you and your families. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said that the White House had also offered federal assistance with the ongoing investigation. At a press conference on Wednesday, Mr Lucas also thanked law enforcement. This is absolutely a tragedy the likes of which we would have never expected in Kansas City and the likes of which we will remember for some time, he said. However, I want to say thank you to those who are making sure that we are safe today. Those who are investigating this incident and those who will continue to make sure that those who committed these acts today are brought to justice. The tragic death of a mother-of-two Sunday 18 February 2024 07:00 , Mike Bedigan, Katie Hawkinson Among the 23 people shot, one woman Lisa Lopez-Galvan was killed. Lopez-Galvan was a 43-year-old mother-of-two and beloved local radio DJ. She died on scene, police said. Her adult son and cousins, believed to be minors, also may have been wounded in the shooting, The Kansas City Star reported. Beto Lopez, the victims brother, told ABC News that his sister loved her family and had a life-of-the-party personality. She was dearly loved in this community and gave a lot back, Mr Lopez said. Ms Lopez-Galvans two adult children and two other relatives daughters of her cousin were also with her at the parade, The Kansas City Star reports. Ms Lopez-Galvans son was shot and has since been released from the hospital, according to the outlet. The two young girls were also struck, but their wounds are not life-threatening, a relative told The Kansas City Star. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife visited the two girls eight and ten years old in the hospital. KMBC reported that both girls are in recovery after undergoing surgery, with doctors expecting them to remain in casts for several months. While we are relieved by their progress, the emotional healing continues for all of us, the girls family said in a statement. The girls were celebrating with many family members when they were senselessly injured. We kindly ask that you continue to keep our family and the other families affected in your thoughts and prayers. Ms Lopez-Galvan worked as a local DJ, with her radio station KKFI also confirming her death in a statement on Wednesday evening. It is with sincere sadness and an extremely heavy and broken heart that we let our community know that KKFI DJ Lisa Lopez-Galvan, host of Taste of Tejano, lost her life today in the shooting at the KC Chiefs rally, the station said. Taylor Swift makes a generous donation to victims family Sunday 18 February 2024 09:00 , Kelly Rissman Taylor Swift donated $100,000 to the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, the 44-year-old woman who was shot and killed at the parade. The Grammy winner wrote a poignant message on the GoFundMe page created with the goal of raising an additional $75,000 for the Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan Memorial. Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in the wake of your devastating loss. With love, Taylor Swift, her comment read. Though the goal was set to $75,000, the page has already brought in $221,384 in donations. Swift started by sending $50,000, then sent an additional $50,000 approximately eight minutes later. The Anti-Hero singer was not at the event in Kansas City due to a scheduled Eras Tour show in Australia. Read the full story... Taylor Swift donates $100,000 to GoFundMe of woman killed during Chiefs parade WATCH: Kansas City shooting gunshots heard in BBC News live broadcast Sunday 18 February 2024 11:00 , Kelly Rissman Kansas City tragedy marked 48th mass shooting this year Sunday 18 February 2024 13:00 , Kelly Rissman The Missouri shooting that has left dozens injured and one dead marks the 48th mass shooting in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as when four or more people are shot, excluding the shooter. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a press conference on Thursday that half of the victims shot in the attack are children while one victim a 43-year-old mother-of-two died. Updates from the hospital Sunday 18 February 2024 15:00 , Kelly Rissman On Saturday, Childrens Mercy hospital announced that all 12 shooting patients were released 11 of whom were children and nine of whom suffered gunshot wounds, Fox4 reported. Three patients are being cared for at another hospital University Health and one of whom remains in critical condition. Kansas City rally calls to end gun violence Sunday 18 February 2024 16:00 , Kelly Rissman More than 100 people gathered in Kansas City on Saturday for gun safety group Moms Demand Actions rally calling to end gun violence. Local officials, including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, were also in attendance, according to KSHB. Im angry, Im frustrated, volunteer Tara Bennett told the outlet. Im frustrated because I know there are things that can be done, we just have to have the courage to do them. Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca also shared his experience at Wednesdays shooting. He said he was with his daughter. She said, Daddy this is a drill right? This is a drill? Mr Abarca recalled his daughter asking him. I said, Yes, it is, because in that moment I needed her to act like it was a drill. Sunday 18 February 2024 17:00 , Bevan Hurley Trey Filter was standing among a sea of around one million people who lined the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade route on Wednesday when he heard the shots ring out. The lifelong Chiefs fan initially thought it was firecrackers going off, before a sense of panic swept through the crowd. There was a huge commotion. It felt like there was a rat loose or something, he told The Independent in a phone interview on Thursday morning. Mr Filter, who was attending Wednesdays victory parade with his wife Casey and their sons Gage, 15, and Levi, 12, said dozens of crowdgoers began rushing past them. He heard the crowd yelling get him, get him, and turned around to see a flash as a person ran past. My brain was just doing the math and I went for him. Read the full story... Hero Kansas City Chiefs fan said he acted on instinct as he tackled suspected gunman The future of Super Bowl parades in question after shooting Sunday 18 February 2024 18:00 , Kelly Rissman Local officials are wondering about fans safety in future Super Bowl celebrations after Wednesdays tragedy. They have to think twice about having these parades, said former Boston Police Commissioner Bill Evans, who in 38 years with the department worked 12 championship parades and the aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. When you have that many people hanging around in one place, nothing goods going to happen. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas said the city would rethink the future of such celebrations and where they are held. If were blessed enough to win a Super Bowl again, do we do this again? Or do we all just say, Go to Arrowhead Stadium. Walk through metal detectors. Have a very secured, vastly smaller event, he told local television station KMBC. I think a lot of us, particularly those of us who are thinking about bringing our children somewhere, may ask, at least for a little while, Is this the sort of thing that we want to risk? he said. Its a shame that this is what weve come to today in America and in our city. Read more... Championship parades likely to change in wake of shooting at Chiefs Super Bowl celebration Sunday 18 February 2024 19:00 , Sheila Flynn On the day that Kansas City came out to greet its Super Bowl-winning heroes, more than a few Chiefs fans witnessed first hand off-field heroism from the citys favourite sons amidst the most abhorrent of circumstances. Zach Cotten, whod only recently celebrated his 13th birthday, was caught off-guard like the rest of the crowd around Union Station when gunshots rang out Wednesday shortly after players finished their speeches. As chaos ensued, none other than Chiefs #25, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, materialised, sheltering the teen and getting [him] to safety, Penny Hall Cotten wrote on Facebook. Clyde even went back to check on Zach to make sure he was doing ok, Ms Cotten continued. What a great human being! The Chiefs running back responded on Facebook, calling Zach brave for sure. Read the full story... Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire helped shelter young fan in parade shooting Kansas City tragedy marked 48th mass shooting this year Sunday 18 February 2024 20:00 , Kelly Rissman The Missouri shooting that has left dozens injured and one dead marks the 48th mass shooting in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, which defines a mass shooting as when four or more people are shot, excluding the shooter. Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said at a press conference on Thursday that half of the victims shot in the attack are children while one victim a 43-year-old mother-of-two died. WATCH: Witness describes moment he tackled man with gun at Kansas City Chiefs rally Sunday 18 February 2024 21:00 , Kelly Rissman GoFundMe contributions for shooting victim are pouring in Sunday 18 February 2024 22:00 , Kelly Rissman A fundraiser was launched for the family of Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was killed in Wednesdays shooting. Lopez-Galvan is survived by two children and her husband of 22 years, the funds description states. She was an amazing mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to so many. We ask that you continue to keep her family in your prayers as we grieve the loss of her life. This fund will help provide vital financial support to her family as they process this unthinkable tragedy. Taylor Swift donated $100,000 to the fund and offered her deepest sympathies and condolences. The GoFundMe page has raised more than $350,000 since it was set up. Parents voice fear about taking their children to crowded events after yet another mass shooting Sunday 18 February 2024 23:00 , Kelly Rissman I still cant believe it happened here. If in Kansas City you cant be safe at a chiefs Super Bowl parade How are we supposed to feel safe when nothing changes after countless tragedies? I just want to hold my kid all night tonight and keep telling him how much I love him Gary Montgomery (@GaryMontgomery_) February 15, 2024 One of my very best friends was in Kansas City when the shots were fired. Thankfully, she is safe, but dammit, I shouldn't have to worry about my friends going to a parade. I shouldn't worry about sending my kids to school. I shouldn't be scared at all. IT'S THE GODDAMN GUNS. Leigh (@lanisasiren) February 15, 2024 10-year-old discovered bullet wound at home 01:00 , Kelly Rissman Ten-year-old Samuel Arellano kept telling his family hed been hit after shots rang out Wednesday near Kansas Citys Union Station. Hed come to the parade with his grandfather, aunt and uncle, all of them massive Kansas City Chiefs fans, and theyd been reveling in the day and their Chiefs jerseys. Samuel was particularly thrilled to see the players in person, addressing the crowd from microphones at the Union Station rally; Patrick Mahomes is his favourite. Soon, though, the elation of the day was marred by gunshots and Samuel felt a biting pain under his arm as training from the active shooter drills at school kicked in. When I heard the gunshots, I hid, he told The Independent Thursday morning. I fell to the ground and then hid behind a trashcan. Sheila Flynn has the full story... 10-year-olds bullet wound found at home after Chiefs parade shooting ICYMI: What we know about the victims 03:00 , Kelly Rissman On Thursday, Ms Graves said the updated victim total is now 23 people, including one fatality: 43-year-old Lisa Lopez-Galvan, a mother of two and a local radio DJ. Ten-year-old Samuel Arellano is another one of the gunshot victims. He attended the parade with his grandfather, aunt and uncle. A bullet struck him just under the arm. When I heard the gunshots, I hid, Samuel told The Independent on Thursday morning. I fell to the ground and then hid behind a trashcan. But because the gunshot wound didnt bleed, Samuel and his family didnt discover the wound until they arrived home. After Samuel was taken to the hospital, doctors took some parts of the bullet out and told Samuels family the injury had been within centimetres of his pulmonary artery. Another survivor, Jacob Gooch, told CBS Mornings about the moments leading up to the shooting. Mr Gooch, his wife and his son were all shot. I personally did not see the shooter, Mr Gooch said on Thursday. I heard the altercation of a girl or some girls like, dont do it, not here, this is stupid or something like that. And then the gunshots, which at the time I thought were fireworks. Kansas City Fire Chief Ross Grundyson provided updates on the severity of all the injuries Thursday morning. We had one fatality that was on scene, he said. Eight critical, seven serious, and six patients with minor injuries. All the critical patients were transported off the scene within 10 minutes of our point of contact with them. Half of the victims injured by gunfire were under 16, according to Ms Graves. The youngest gunshot wound victim is just eight years old, while the oldest is 47, she told reporters. Childrens Mercy Kansas City Hospital treated eleven children on Wednesday night, Senior vice-president and chief nursing officer Stephanie Meyer said. Nine of those children suffered gunshot wounds. As of Thursday afternoon, eight children have been discharged and three remain in the hospital, Ms Meyer told reporters. The children who have not been discharged are expected to make a full recovery, she said. All of the victims were spread out amongst local hospitals to ensure no one ER is overwhelmed, Jill Jensen Chadwick, news director for University of Kansas Health System, told the Associated Press. Five gunshot victims have been discharged from the University Health hospital, a spokesperson told NBC News. The hospital received eight gunshot victims in total two of them are in critical condition and one is stable as of Thursday morning, according to NBC News. 05:00 , Kelly Rissman Among the 23 people shot, one woman Lisa Lopez-Galvan was killed. Lopez-Galvan was a 43-year-old mother-of-two and beloved local radio DJ. She died on scene, police said. Her adult son and cousins, believed to be minors, also may have been wounded in the shooting, The Kansas City Star reported. Beto Lopez, the victims brother, told ABC News that his sister loved her family and had a life-of-the-party personality. She was dearly loved in this community and gave a lot back, Mr Lopez said. Ms Lopez-Galvans two adult children and two other relatives daughters of her cousin were also with her at the parade, The Kansas City Star reports. Ms Lopez-Galvans son was shot and has since been released from the hospital, according to the outlet. A GoFundMe page on behalf of her family has already raised $350,000. Lisa Lopez-Galvan (Facebook/Lisa Lopez-Galvan) Recap: What we know about the shooter 07:00 , Kelly Rissman On Friday morning, prosecutors with the Jackson County, Missouri Family Court Division charged two juveniles in connection with the shooting. The identities of the minors have yet to be released. It is anticipated that additional charges are expected in the future as the investigation by the Kansas City Police Department continues, the Division said in a statement. These charges come after previous updates from police about potential suspects. In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said three people have been detained. Officials also recovered weapons, she said. Two of those detained are minors, Ms Graves told reporters on Thursday morning. Read the full story... How a lethal mass shooting derailed a day of Super Bowl celebrations in Kansas City 09:00 , Kelly Rissman Trey Filter was standing among a sea of around one million people who lined the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl parade route on Wednesday when he heard the shots ring out. Mr Filter said he was fully adrenalised and had acted on instinct. It was crazy. The crowd was yelling gun and then my wife grabbed the gun and dragged it over by the wall. He and Mr Contreras restrained the man as he fought desperately to break free until police arrived about 30 seconds later. We were just super glad that a cop finally showed up, because we thought (the suspect) still had a gun, Mr Filter said. Read the full story... Hero Kansas City Chiefs fan said he acted on instinct as he tackled suspected gunman Kansas City rally calls to end gun violence 11:00 , Kelly Rissman More than 100 people gathered in Kansas City on Saturday for gun safety group Moms Demand Actions rally calling to end gun violence. Local officials, including Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, were also in attendance, according to KSHB. Im angry, Im frustrated, volunteer Tara Bennett told the outlet. Im frustrated because I know there are things that can be done, we just have to have the courage to do them. Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca also shared his experience at Wednesdays shooting. He said he was with his daughter. She said, Daddy this is a drill right? This is a drill? Mr Abarca recalled his daughter asking him. I said, Yes, it is, because in that moment I needed her to act like it was a drill. WATCH: Kansas City shooting survivor recounts moments before gunfire 13:00 , Kelly Rissman Vladimir Putins Black Sea naval fleet was reported to have suffered a fresh blow with a large Russian landing ship being destroyed by Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian armed forces hit the Tsezar Kunikov off occupied Crimea in the Black Sea, the Ukrainian military said on Wednesday. "The Ukrainian Armed Forces, together with the Defence Ministry's intelligence unit, destroyed the large landing ship Tsezar Kunikov. It was in Ukrainian territorial waters near Alupka at the time of the hit," the military said on the Telegram messaging app. Ukraines Main Directorate of Intelligence published a video which it claimed showed Magura V5 sea drones striking the ship. The (ship) suffered critical holes in its port side and began to sink, Ukraines intelligence directorate said, reporting further that it had been destroyed by a unit called Group 13. The official statements came shortly after the hit on the ship was reported by Ukrainska Pravda, a major Ukrainian media outlet. The news outlet published several videos showing a column of smoke over the sea off the southern coast of Crimea, as well as helicopters flying over the sea. According to media reports, a Russian large landing ship Caesar Kunikov was attacked and possibly sank in the Black Sea. There have been reports that this is an operation of Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine and the ship was attacked with drones. "Caesar Kunikov" pic.twitter.com/wSo3VJUHAY Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) February 14, 2024 The vessel was said to be a 112-metre Russian Ropucha-class landing ship, with around 50 crew. Unconfirmed reports said it capsized after several hits by the sea drones and quickly sunkUkrainian lawmaker Oleksiy Honcharenko said the targeted ship was the Tsezar Kunikov, which took part in Russian military operations in Georgia in 2008. The account or the footage could not be independently verified. Russian state agency RIA said earlier on Wednesday Russias air defence systems destroyed nine Ukraine-launched drones over Russias Belgorod and Voronezh regions, as well as over the Black Sea. Six drones were destroyed over the Black Sea, RIA quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying. In December, Ukrainian cruise missiles struck a large Russian landing warship in Crimea that killed at least one person. A Russian corvette was also reportedly targeted in the Black Sea earlier this month. The land frontlines in Putins war are now largely static, with Russian forces making limited gains in some areas, as the conflict is set to enter its third year. But Putins Black Sea Fleet has been pushed eastwards, away from Crimea, towards Russia after a series of Ukrainian attacks. The fleets flagship warship, the Moskva, was sunk in spring 2022. The reach of the Russian air force is also believe to have been slightly reduced by Ukrainian attacks on airfields and the recent downing of a spy plane. Proven, growth-focused enterprise software CEO assumes helm following interim leadership AUSTIN, Texas, February 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--E2open Parent Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ETWO), the connected supply chain SaaS platform with the largest multi-enterprise network, today announces the appointment of Andrew Appel as its new chief executive officer. Appel has served as e2opens interim CEO since October, bringing over 25 years of executive leadership experience, most recently as president and CEO of software and business intelligence leader IRI for nearly a decade. "On behalf of the board, I am pleased to welcome Andrew as e2opens CEO," said Chinh E. Chu, chairman of the e2open board of directors. "Andrew has demonstrated admirable leadership in prioritizing the key focus areas for the company, with a collaborative and strong customer-first approach. He is keenly focused on delivering value and accelerating impact for our clients, and we are excited about the early results under his leadership. After conducting a thorough executive search, we are confident that Andrew is the right person to lead the business forward. His business acumen combined with our talented executive team will lead e2open to achieve new levels of growth while creating expanded value for clients and shareholders alike." Appel is an accomplished business leader, CEO, and trusted advisor with extensive experience in the technology industry as well as proven expertise in business strategy, innovation, and growth. During his tenure at IRI (now Circana), a leading provider of big data, software, predictive analytics, and insights for the worlds top fast-moving consumer goods brands, retailers, and media companies, he oversaw the launch of multiple transformative initiatives that repositioned the company as the innovation and market leader. Prior to joining IRI, he served as chief revenue officer of Accretive Health, chief operating officer of Aon, and was a senior partner at McKinsey & Company. Appel was an active e2open advisory board member for more than a year before being named interim, and now permanent CEO. Story continues "I am honored to assume the permanent leadership role at e2open," said Appel. "During my tenure, Ive gained a profound understanding of the invaluable impact e2open brings to companies managing the world's most intricate supply chains. We have a clear, unique, and significant opportunity to re-accelerate our companys growth and make a tangible difference not only for our customers businesses, but also in the dynamic global supply chain software landscape, at a pivotal time when companies must navigate constant change with agility and efficiency. Our commitment is to empower our clients to build the most resilient, robust, sustainable, and connected supply chains of the future businesses that can thrive in any environment. We will demonstrate transformative impact with integrated cloud-based technology, data, and networks that make e2open a leading, innovative organization in our space while redefining industry performance and surpassing client expectations. Leading the charge with the talented and collaborative people of e2open is a privilege." About e2open E2open is the connected supply chain software platform that enables the worlds largest companies to transform the way they make, move, and sell goods and services. With the broadest cloud-native global platform purpose-built for modern supply chains, e2open connects more than 480,000 manufacturing, logistics, channel, and distribution partners as one multi-enterprise network tracking over 15 billion transactions annually. Our SaaS platform anticipates disruptions and opportunities to help companies improve efficiency, reduce waste, and operate sustainably. Moving as one. Learn More: www.e2open.com. E2open and "Moving as one." are the registered trademarks of E2open, LLC. All other trademarks, registered trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214884748/en/ Contacts Media Contact: 5W PR for e2open e2open@5wpr.com 718.757.6144 Investor Relations Contact: Dusty Buell dusty.buell@e2open.com investor.relations@e2open.com Corporate Contact: Kristin Seigworth VP Communications, e2open kristin.seigworth@e2open.com pr@e2open.com WASHINGTON Scott Mayer says hes still seriously considering a run for Senate in Wisconsin, and hes taking aim at his potential primary rival in the process. Update: Republican Scott Mayer walks back claims about hiring staff for Senate run. Heres his explanation. Mayer, a businessman from Franklin, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel he is continuing to hire campaign staff and waiting for another potential Republican candidate, Eric Hovde, to make his move. But he is also questioning the Madison banking moguls viability as a candidate and connections to Wisconsin. I dont know that Wisconsin voters are keen on having a Wisconsin senator that lives in California, Mayer said of Hovde this week. So that would be one of my bigger concerns. Franklin businessman Scott Mayer, chairman of QPS Employment Group, is weighing a run for U.S. Senate. Hes said hes going to do it before and he hasnt, he added at another point. And Im also concerned if he comes out, is he going to run a good campaign? Theres a lot of stuff with Eric that everybody in Wisconsin has concerns about. The comments come as both Mayer and Hovde continue to weigh a challenge to Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin with less than nine months until the November election. No big-name Republican has formally announced a run, but Hovde is poised to enter the race. National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Steve Daines told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in December that Hovde is gonna get in that race with support from national Republicans. Mayers attack echoes those launched by Wisconsin Democrats who have attempted to paint Hovde as an out-of-state millionaire by pointing to a multi-million dollar house in Laguna Beach, California, and Hovdes California-based businesses. A spokesperson for Hovde declined to comment on Mayers remarks. More: Bice: Tammy Baldwin bought pricey new D.C. pad with partner in 2021 Mayer, meanwhile, said hes finishing putting a team together for a potential run. Hes about halfway to his goal of hiring 40 people, he said, noting his nascent campaign is full speed ahead putting the team together and preparing as if were going to do something. He claimed he hired Chaz Nichols, formerly of Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefischs gubernatorial campaign, as campaign manager, but Nichols on Wednesday said that was not the case. Nichols said he had done consulting with Mayer last year but had no plans to join his team. Mayer also claimed Juston Johnson, who ran Sen. Ron Johnsons first campaign, will be a consultant. Among the other hires is Curt Anderson, who is in charge of polling, Mayer claimed. Mayer told the Journal Sentinel that hes waiting to see whether Hovde will in fact run. He noted Republicans dont want a bloody primary but added Hovdes decision is certainly not going to be the deciding factor in whether he makes his own bid. Theres still a strong possibility were doing this, Mayer said. And he attacked his potential primary competition. Ive gotten to know Eric. I like him. Hes a genuinely nice guy, but he lives in California, Mayer said in an interview. That I think is a little bit problematic. He posts about his $20 million home in Laguna Hills (sic). Hovde, 59, was born in Wisconsin, attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has a home in Madison. He is CEO of a Madison-based commercial and residential real estate company started by his grandfather but also leads two California-based businesses H Bancorp and its primary subsidiary, Sunwest Bank. Eric Hovde talks with supporters during Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels' election night party at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee November 8, 2022. Hovde is expected to be a candidate for the U.S. Senate in 2024. In 2018, Hovde paid nearly $7 million to buy a hillside estate in Laguna Beach, the Journal Sentinel found. That price is more than three times what Hovde paid for his Madison house on Lake Mendota. Democrats have focused on the home in an attempt to portray Hovde as a California millionaire, not a Wisconsinite. While Hovde declined to respond to Mayer's comments, a spokesman for the NRSC reiterated Daines full support for Hovde in a statement: We are confident Eric Hovde is going to run and that he will be a tremendous candidate, he said. Hovde hired Lexi Ardis, who worked on Johnsons 2016 reelection campaign, as campaign manager. David Rexrode, former director of the Republican Governors Association, will be a general consultant, and Ben Voelkel, who worked on Johnsons 2022 campaign, will aid in communications. Former Milwaukee County Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. has also floated a potential run for Senate but has shown no signs of potential campaign activity. Clarke, who has railed against his party for recruiting millionaires like Hovde and Mayer who can self fund campaigns, said last year he would make an announcement in the New Year but has made no mention of a potential run in recent speeches. Mayer, however, insisted he is not trying to mislead anybody about his own intentions. This is new to me, and its a bigger task than I ever realized, he said. But Im learning quick and Im trying to put the pieces and parts together. But Mayer, who has previously refrained from attacking Hovde, appeared to change his tone this week. He referenced a speech Hovde gave last fall during an event both men attended at the Racine County fairgrounds. Hovde during his remarks said Joe Biden and the Democrats have racked up more debt in our country in three years than we did in the first 230 years in our countrys history a statement Mayer noted was false. (The U.S. accumulated $12.86 trillion worth of debt by 2006, according to the Treasury Department. The debt increased from $31.76 trillion in 2020 to 33.17 trillion in 2023.) Im concerned about his ability to relate to voters and to have an accurate message, Mayer said. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Republican Scott Mayer staffs up in possible run against Tammy Baldwin Ukraines military said it had destroyed another Russian warship off the coast of Crimea on Wednesday, dealing a significant blow to Moscows Black Sea fleet. Kyivs HUR military intelligence agency announced that it had sunk the Caesar Kunikov amphibious landing vessel in a night-time raid. It wrote on the Telegram messaging app that critical holes had been punctured in the side of the ship with Magura V5 kamikaze sea drones. Grainy footage of the strike shared by HUR appeared to show one of the unmanned vehicles hurtling towards the Russian ship as it illuminated the darkened skies, before a huge plume of smoke became visible. Unverified video clips taken from the shoreline appeared to show a violent explosion as at least one of the Ukrainian drones struck the vessel. After a second drone strike, the ship rolled onto its side and began to sink. Images shot as day broke over Crimea, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014, appeared to show the landing vessel almost entirely submerged under the waves of the Black Sea. Ukrainian forces have repeatedly struck Russias coveted naval assets in the area since the beginning of the full-scale invasion almost two years ago. The nations military on Wednesday claimed it had disabled a third of the Black Sea fleet, 24 ships and one submarine, after the most recent strike. Wednesdays attack was carried out by the secretive Group 13 military intelligence unit, which also sank the Russian Ivanovets missile cruiser earlier this month. The group likely launched their maritime kamikaze attack drones from at least 217 miles away near the southern Ukrainian port of Odesa, with the Russian ship having been destroyed off the Crimean coastal town of Alupka in Ukrainian territorial waters. Russian amphibious ship, the Caesar Kunikov, has sunk off the coast of Russian-occupied Crimea, according to Ukraine's armed forces - UNPIXS Kyivs Western backers have lauded its strikes on the Russian Black Sea fleet as one of the war-torn countrys major military successes. Jens Stoltenberg, Natos secretary-general, described the strike as a great achievement, a great victory for Ukrainians as he opened a two-day meeting of the alliances defence ministers. He said the Ukrainian efforts to degrade the Black Sea fleet had enabled the country to open up a protected corridor to export grain against all odds. Few believed this was possible just a few months ago. But now actually, the export of grain from Ukraine takes place even without an agreement with Russia. So this shows the skills and the competence of the Ukrainian armed forces, Mr Stoltenberg told reporters. The Kremlin declined to comment on the strike. Follow the latest updates below and join the conversation in the comments section 03:13 PM GMT That's all for today Thanks for tuning in to todays liveblog. Well be back tomorrow to bring you all the latest updates from the war in Ukraine. Key moments from today: Donald Trumps comments undermine Western security, the Nato chief has warned. The sinking of the Tzezar Kunikov is a powerful reminder that Ukraine can defeat Russia, Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said. Lord Cameron invoked the spirit of WW2 to urge the US House of Representatives to pass a bill providing a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine. The Kremlin has denied reports that Vladimir Putin proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine to the United States via intermediaries, Reuters said. Germany has met a Nato alliance target to spend two per cent of its gross domestic product on defence for the first time since the end of the Cold War, the dpa news agency reported. Joe Biden, the US president, has issued a scathing rebuke of Donald Trumps comments on Nato, branding them dumb, shameful, dangerous, and un-American. Russian missile strikes overnight on Donetsk have left three dead, including a child and a pregnant mother, Ukrainian officials said. Ukraines newly appointed Ukrainian military chief has warned the situation on the front line is precarious, following a visit to eastern Ukraine 03:06 PM GMT Russian troops threaten to cut off main supply route to Avdiivka, Ukrainian military sources suggest. The only evacuation route from Adiivka is completely shot by the Russians, Vadym Filashkin, the head of the Donetsk Regional Administration, wrote on Telegram. Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces advanced in northern and central Avdiivka and on the southeastern and southern outskirts of the settlement, the Institute for the Study of War reported. Russian milbloggers also claimed that Russian forces advanced west of Avdiivka near Lastochkyne and southwest of Avdiivka near Pervomaiske, it said. A Ukrainian military spokesman said reserve supply routes have already been planned. In the event that the main logistical artery is cut by the enemy, our command has provided for backup supply routes, Dymtro Lykhova said. General Oleksandr Tarnavsky said earlier this week that Ukraine would use fresh troops to defend its supply lines. We are strengthening the blocking line, setting up additional firing positions, and using fresh effective forces. Logistics supply continues to be carried out, he said. 03:05 PM GMT Ukraine will lose battlefield advantages without more US help, leading thinktank says Ukraine will lose its battlefield advantages if Western countries, particularly the US, prematurely cease security assistance to the country, the Institute for the Study of War reports. The US-based thinktank said Ukrainian troops will not be able to retain the advantages made and deny Russian forces the ability to return to manoeuvres on the battlefield without further assistance from the US and its partner countries in the near and medium term. It also noted that Vladimir Putin and other senior Russian officials had previously touted their hopes of outlasting Western security assistance to Ukraine on the battlefield. 03:03 PM GMT Speaker Johnson demands private audience with Biden before moving forward on Ukraine aid Mike Johnson, the US House Speaker, wants an in-person, one-on-one meeting with Presdient Biden before he takes any action on passing a crucial aid bill for Ukraine, NBC reported, citing a source close to Johnson. The bill, which contains $60 billion in aid for Ukraine, passed through the US senate but now faces an uphill battle in the Republican-led House. Johnson has requested personal meetings with Biden several times in recent weeks, which Steve Scalise, the Republican House Majority Leader, claimed the president has refused. 02:12 PM GMT Have you signed up for our Ukraine: the Latest live event yet? Tomorrow evening at 6:30pm (UK time) The Telegraphs Ukraine: The Latest podcast team is taking to the stage at the US Embassy in London for a live recording. Hosts David Knowles, Francis Dearnley and Dominic Nicholls will be joined by special guests to discuss the latest developments from the conflict in Ukraine, as we approach the second anniversary of Russias invasion. This event is free for Telegraph subscribers only. Sign up here: https://extra.telegraph.co.uk/events/ukraine-latest-london-embassy. Heres a taster of the podcasts last event in Washington DC: 02:05 PM GMT A Ukrainian ambulance installed beside parliament A war-damaged ambulance is positioned in front of the Houses of Parliament, as part of a UK tour ahead of the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine - HANNAH MCKAY/REUTERS 01:51 PM GMT Nato has spent $600bn on defence since 2014, says alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato secretary general, said that its European members and Canada have ramped up defence spending to record levels. Stoltenberg said members of the alliance have spent $600 billion (477 billion) on their military budgets since 2014 when Russias annexation of Crimea prompted them to reverse post-Cold War spending cuts. Last year, we saw an unprecedented rise of 11 per cent across European allies and Canada, Mr Stoltenberg told reporters on the eve of a meeting of the organisations defence ministers in Brussels. This year, I expect 18 allies to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence. That is another record number and a six-fold increase from 2014 when only three allies met the target, Mr Stoltenberg said. 01:44 PM GMT Trumps comments undermine the security of us all warns Nato chief Donald Trumps comments undermine Western security, the Nato chief has warned. Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato Secretary General, said that questioning Natos collective security commitment weakens the alliances integrity, in an apparent snub to the former President. Mr Trump came under fire this weekend for suggesting Russia can do whatever the hell they want to Nato member countries who fall short of their spending commitments. The whole idea of Nato is that an attack on one ally will trigger a response from the whole alliance and as long as we stand behind that message together, we prevent any military attack on any ally, Stoltenberg said. Any suggestion that we are not standing up for each other, that we are not going to protect each other, that does undermine the security of all of us. 01:10 PM GMT Pictured: A Valentine's Day funeral in Kyiv A Valentine's Day funeral in Kyiv, Ukraine - Svet Jacqueline/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock/Shutterstock 12:55 PM GMT Grant Shapps: Sunk Russian ship a powerful reminder that Ukraine can win The sinking of the Tzezar Kunikov is a powerful reminder that Ukraine can defeat Russia, Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, said. Posting on twitter, Mr Shapps called on Britains allies to continue its financial support for Ukraine, in an apparent signal to the US House of Representatives. The sinking of another of Putins warships will be a powerful reminder of how Ukraine can win this war with our funding, said Mr Shapps. Every nation must step up to help defend freedoms frontline. Today, I will meet with allies in a global conference to fund Ukraines Armed Forces. As we do, the sinking of another of Putins warships will be a powerful reminder of how Ukraine can win this war with our funding. Every nation must step up to help defend freedoms frontline. https://t.co/VgRmhGlO71 Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) February 14, 2024 12:43 PM GMT Update: Intercepted Russian radio communications suggest landing ship sunk Intercepted Russian radio communications from the site of the Tzezar Kunikov indicates the landing ship was sunk, Ukrainian intelligence reported. Images and videos of an explosion onboard a Russian ship have widely circulated on social media, with Ukrainian intelligence claiming to have destroyed the ship. Moscow has so-far denied the claims. In the recording, posted on Telegram by Ukrainian Intelligence, Russian investigators are reportedly heard saying: I observe wreckage and an oily stain. Ukrainian intelligence added that the ship had been moored to a specialised mooring wall for 10 days at the time of the Ukrainian sea drone attack, and was in the process of loading up on weapons and equipment. 12:11 PM GMT Update: Russian hypersonic missile likely adapted for launch on land Russia likely fired its 3M22 Zircon hypersonic missile from an adapted launch system on land, presenting a significant challenge to Ukrainian air defences, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in its daily report. This comes after debris analysis by Kyiv-based scientists on Tuesday found that Russia launched a 3M22 Zircon missile at Ukraine for the first time earlier this month. A video of the wreckage allegedly shows fragments of the engine and steering mechanism with markings that are characteristic of the 3M22 Zircon missile, the report stated. The MoD said that absence of vessels known to carry the missiles in the Black Sea likely indicates the Russian land-based K-300 coastal defence system has been adapted for this purpose. This would present a significant challenge to Ukrainian air defences due to its speed and manoeuvrability, it added. 11:50 AM GMT In pictures: Sinking of Tsezar Kunikov Russian Ship A Russian amphibious ship, the Caesar Kunikov, has sunk off the coast of Russian-occupied Crimea - UNPIXS An explosion onboard the Caesar Kunikov - UNPIXS 11:36 AM GMT Ukrainian ammunition production soaring, claims PM Ukrainian ammunition production grew significantly in 2023, Denys Shmyhal, the prime minister, said. The production of mortar shells increased 42-fold last year, and artillery shells production more than doubled, he announced at a meeting of government officials. Mr Shmyhal added that he expects growth to further increase in 2024. We expect a new high in growth in 2024. Deregulation, which has already been carried out, will contribute to this, he said. The optimistic news comes after months of concern over Ukrainian ammunition shortages, with reports emerging last year that front-line troops were forced to ration rounds. 11:21 AM GMT Cameron urges Congress to pass Ukraine aid bill Britain's Foreign Secretary David Cameron speaks during a joint news conference after his meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister in Sofia - AFP/Getty Images Lord Cameron invoked the spirit of WW2 to urge the US House of Representatives to pass a bill providing a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine. Speaking in Bulgaria, the Foreign Secretary gave a rousing speech imploring the US to continue its support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Now, we face a choice. A simple test, the former prime minister said. As Congress debates and votes on this funding package for Ukraine, I am going to drop all diplomatic niceties. I urge Congress to pass it. Lord Cameron invoked Britains war-time alliance with the US, stating: I believe our joint history shows the folly of giving in to tyrants in Europe who believe in redrawing boundaries by force. It goes to the heart of what both sides of the aisle stand for. What both our countries stand for. We fight aggression. We stand up for freedom. We stick by our friends. We show this dangerous, uncertain world that we are unbending in our will. And we win. See post at 9.13am for details on the progress of the bill. 10:58 AM GMT Estonia considers closing its border with Russia Estonia may be forced to close its border with Russia, national officials said. The announcement is allegedly due to increased migration pressures, with Estonian police and border guards stating: In recent weeks, Russia has deliberately directed to the Estonian border groups of foreigners lacking the legal right to enter the European Union. Finland recently closed all eight checkpoints along its border with Russia until at least April 14 due to an influx of asylum seekers, many of whom attempted to enter Finland without legal documentation. The announcement from Estonia comes amidst escalating tensions with Russia after the Kremlin yesterday placed Kaja Kallas, the Estonian prime minister, on a wanted list. 10:48 AM GMT Nato chief calls Russias Black Sea losses great victory for Ukraine Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato Secretary General, talks during a press conference - JOHN THYS/Getty Images Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general of Nato, hailed Ukraines recent gains in the Black Sea, after Kyiv said it had destroyed another Russian ship in the key battleground. The Ukrainians have been able to inflict heavy losses on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Mr Stoltenberg told a news conference in Brussels. And this is a great achievement, a great victory for Ukrainians. 10:38 AM GMT Update: Coordinates of the sunken ship identified, reports claim The coordinates of the Russian landing ship the Tsezar Kunikov from when it was allegedly sunk have been identified, Ukrainian war bloggers reported. The ship was several hundred metres from the shore in the Ponizovka area off the Crimean coast, the Telegram channel Crimean Winds stated. The sinking, which the Kremlin denied, has sown discontent among Russian milbloggers. The trouble is that the whole world will laugh, one wrote on Telegram. 10:19 AM GMT Ukrainian troops in action A Ukrainian soldier installs an electronic warfare system antenna to listen to Russian chatter at the front line near Bakhmut - Efrem Lukatsky/AP Ukrainian soldiers fire L119 artillery at their fighting position in the direction of Bakhmut - Getty Images/Diego Herrera Carcedo 10:08 AM GMT Kremlin denies Putin proposed Ukraine ceasefire The Kremlin has denied reports that Vladimir Putin proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine to the United States via intermediaries, Reuters said. The Russian president sent signals to Washington in 2023, including through Moscows Arab partners in the Middle East, that he was ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian sources reportedly told Reuters. Asked on Wednesday if the Reuters report that Russia had made peace proposals was true, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: No. It is not true. 10:05 AM GMT Update: Moscow declines to comment on landing ship sinking The Kremlin declined to comment on a statement by the Ukrainian military that its forces had sunk the Russian Navys Tsezar Kunikov landing ship close to the Russian-controlled Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea. Ukraine military intelligence confirmed it sunk the ship in a drone attack this morning, with images and videos circulating online of a large explosion and Russian helicopters circulating the area near Alupka-Katsiveli. 09:41 AM GMT Germany exceeds Nato defence spending target for the first time since Cold War Germany has met a Nato alliance target to spend two per cent of its gross domestic product on defence for the first time since the end of the Cold War, the dpa news agency reported. The German government is allocating the equivalent of $73.41 billion 58.52 billion) for defence spending in the current year, dpa said. This is a record figure for Germany in absolute terms and equates to 2.01 per cent of GDP. The news comes after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed the countrys commitment to reach the two per cent target earlier this week following Donald Trumps comments this weekend that brought the integrity of the Nato alliance into question. 09:33 AM GMT Valentine's Day on Ukraine's frontlines A soldier greets his partner at the last station before the Donbas frontline on the eve of Valentine's Day - Kostiantyn Liberov /Getty Images 09:13 AM GMT Biden slams Trump Nato comments as un-American Joe Biden, the US president, has issued a scathing rebuke of Donald Trumps comments on Nato, branding them dumb, shameful, dangerous, and un-American. Mr Trump drew widespread criticism for over the weekend for saying that he would not protect Nato countries who fail to meet their spending commitments. In fact, I would encourage (Russia) to do whatever the hell they want, he said at a campaign rally. Mr Biden addressed Mr Trumps inflammatory claims in a statement urging the House of Representatives to pass a bill that would send $60 billion package of aid Ukraine. The stakes were already high for American security before this bill was passed in the Senate last night, Mr Biden said. But in recent days, those stakes have risen. And thats because the former president has set a dangerous and shockingly, frankly, un-American signal to the world. Mr Biden called the former presidents remarks an invitation for Vladimir Putin to invade Nato allies and said approving the funding package was a way of standing up to Putin. The funding package is expected to face opposition in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives. 09:03 AM GMT Watch: Ukraine drone strike on Russia ship Veni, vidi, vici.@DI_Ukraine released video of the successful strike on the russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov. pic.twitter.com/RPcpDi0Dck Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 14, 2024 08:55 AM GMT Child and pregnant woman among dead after Russian airstrikes on Donetsk A damaged hospital in the aftermath of a Russian missile attack in Selydove, Donetsk - Reuters/Vadym Filashkin via telegram Russian missile strikes overnight on Donetsk have left three dead, including a child, and a dozen injured, Ukrainian officials said. An eight-year-old child, his mother and a pregnant woman were killed in the attacks, while the 12 injured include four children, Ukrainian news outlet Suspilne reported. The barrage of strikes on the town of Selydove in the eastern region also damaged several apartments and a hospital, forcing 100 patients to be evacuated, Vadym Filashkin, the Donetsk governor, posted on Telegram. He posted a video of windows blown out, walls torn and rubble inside what appeared to be a medical facility, with patients sitting or lying in beds. The strike on a five-story apartment building injured at least four people, including two children, Mr Filashkin said. Emergency workers evacuate a person from a site of a Russian military strike in the town of Selydove - REUTERS 08:40 AM GMT Ukraine military chief attempts to reverse butcher reputation Ukraines newly appointed army chief stressed he is taking all possible measures to prevent soldiers loss of life in an apparent effort to reverse his reputation for being a butcher. Following Oleksandr Syrskys appointment as army chief last week in place of the popular former general Valery Zaluzhny, reports emerged that Gen. Syrsky was nicknamed the butcher by soldiers for the manner in which he had callously thrown away troops. Addressing the situation on Ukraines front lines, Gen Syrsky said: We are taking all possible measures to minimise our losses and save the lives of our soldiers. This is the second time in a week the new general has sought to reassure troops that he is taking necessary precautions, having posted last week that the preservation of the lives of our servicemen remains one of his main priorities. 08:25 AM GMT Situation on front lines extremely complex and stressful, says new Ukraine military chief Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrsky (2nd L) and Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov (L) visiting frontline positions - Getty Images/Armed Forces of Ukraine Ukraines newly appointed Ukrainian military chief has warned the situation on the front line is precarious, following a visit to eastern Ukraine with Rustem Umerov, the defence minister. The operational environment is extremely complex and stressful. The Russian occupiers continue to increase their efforts and have a numerical advantage in personnel, Oleksandr Syrsky wrote on Telegram. Speaking to German media, Mr Syrsky said that Ukrainian troops had switched to a defensive posture in an attempt to exhaust repeated Russian bombardment. The purpose of our defense operation is to exhaust the enemys forces, and inflict maximum losses, by using our fortifications, technical advantages, drones, electronic warfare, and by holding prepared defense lines, the general noted. He said particularly intense fighting is taking place in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast because of Russias goal to capture the town of Kupiansk, a key logistics hub, at any cost by storming the positions daily. 08:14 AM GMT Ukraine Magura V5 drones sink Russian ship Ukraine downed the Tsezar Kunikov, a Russian landing ship, using Magura V5 sea attack drones, Ukrainian military intelligence posted on Telegram. During the strike near the city of Alupka off Crimea, the Russian ship received critical holes on the left side and began to sink, it wrote. The operation was carried out by Group 13 special forces within the GUR, the same unit who sank a Russian Ivanovets on Lake Donuzlav in western Crimea on Jan 31. The same drones were used in both attacks. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. It started as the proverbial camel's nose stuck under the pup tent of public education. Initially, a Florida school voucher offered a chance at a better education for a select group of students mired in poor-performing schools. Today, it's fast becoming government welfare for the growing number of private schools sprouting up in Florida. Under Florida law, the vouchers, worth about $8,500 each, are available to all students from kindergarten to 12th grade, regardless of family income or whether a child has ever attended public school. Home-schooled students are also eligible for the vouchers, which applied toward expenses that go beyond tuition. Gov. Ron DeSantis signs bill that expanded school voucher programs in Florida. The long term impact? A boon for private schools and a drain on public education in Florida. More: Which Florida counties have the most private schools and students? What to know According to the Florida Department of Education, a majority of the 2,973 private schools now operating in the state are religiously affiliated. In the past 10 years, DOE data has shown the number of private schools has increased by 600 schools. The expansion of state school vouchers is expected to cost between $2 billion and $4 billion, and those costs will only go up as more private schools take advantage of the state vouchers. "I'm less interested in what happens in the short term because the intent of the policy is to bring a much bigger change to public education," Douglas Harris, a Tulane University economist who studies school choice told Post reporter Katherine Kokal. "To shift more families out of public schools and into private schools that's the goal." Emphasize educated students, not subsidized schools Ensuring a quality education is one thing. Putting any and all private schools on the taxpayers' payroll is something else entirely. At some point, state leaders need to rein in school voucher spending to ensure public funding is used wisely and invested in educational programs that actually benefit students. Palm Beach County has 145 private schools, which currently enroll 13.5% of all K-12 students. There are now 10,383 students using school vouchers in the county, according to Step Up for Students, one of two Florida nonprofits that help students obtain vouchers. That's up from under 4,000 students just last year. This, without a mass exodus from county schools. Only 10% of students in Palm Beach County now using vouchers came from public schools. A whopping 75% of private school students began taking vouchers this current school year. When students leave a public school for a private one, the money follows the students. When students already enrolled in private school get a voucher, that's a new state expenditure. School choice supporters praise vouchers for using taxpayer money directly on students and not systems. But the reality is that these payments amount to a long-term drain of resources that will hurt the almost 3 million students still left in Florida's public schools. Since 1999, when then-Gov. Jeb Bush signed off on Florida's first school voucher program, the A-Plus Plan, the school choice initiative has grown in popularity. Unfortunately, private schools into which the voucher money pours get less state oversight than their public school counterparts. Fly-by-night operators started classes in strip malls, taking the voucher payments from unsuspecting parents before shutting down their schools and disappearing without a trace. Other outfits hired unqualified teachers, some with criminal records. There have been reports of falsified fire and health inspections and of private schools refusing to enroll children of gay parents or disabled students. More recently, The Tampa Bay Times uncovered homeschoolers using vouchers on Disney tickets, gaming counselors and other items that at best seem unrelated to a classroom education. School choice began as an initiative to increase educational opportunities. Its appeal prompted Florida to expand eligibility, benefitting both students who already attend private schools and the private schools themselves. The idea behind using public funds for private schools was to provide an option for students. Florida shouldn't be in such a hurry to invalidate public schools by propping up money-hungry private schools at the expense of the more worthy goal of providing students with an excellent education. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Florida school vouchers should educate students, not subsidize schools When Kris Kobach became Kansas secretary of state 13 years ago, he immediately proposed new election requirements, including showing a photo ID to vote and mandating new voter applicants provide documents proving their citizenship. Among the earliest and fiercest critics of the measure were transgender Kansans. They warned that confusion or suspicion arising from mismatches between their official documents and outward presentation and the difficulty of changing official records risked disenfranchisement. A federal judge later struck down the proof-of-citizenship rule and Kansas agreed to allow transgender residents to change their birth certificates to reflect their gender identities. But Kobach is set on undoing the accommodations Kansas officials have made for trans residents in recent years. Since becoming the state attorney general a year ago, the Republican has successfully stopped, at least for now, trans residents from easily changing their birth certificates or drivers licenses. Kobach is now pushing further, urging school districts to tell parents if students are trans or nonbinary. In a series of letters to districts in December, he cited no specific state law, but wrote that parents have a fundamental constitutional right to direct their childrens education and upbringing. Kobach rose to prominence for his hardline stances on illegal immigration and embrace of restrictive voting laws. But during more than a decade either holding statewide office or campaigning for it, trans issues have also been a persistent theme of his and have emerged as a key focus of his tenure as state attorney general. Micah Kubic, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas, said Kobach has persistently used his power to infringe upon the civil liberties of Kansans across a range of issues, along with using a bully pulpit to impact rights in situations where he does not have official power. The pattern with Mr. Kobach has been consistent, that he has pursued these ideological vendettas, Kubic said. The folks who he is persecuting change but the pattern remains the same, which is that he uses tools above and beyond his power and he is not content just to stay here in Kansas and do his dirty work. Former Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach answers questions from a moderator during a Kansas Chamber of Commerce event at the Embassy Suites by Hilton on Wednesday, Sep. 7, 2022, in Olathe. The Republican-controlled Legislature last spring passed a bill over Democratic Gov. Laura Kellys veto defining man and woman in state law based upon sex assigned at birth. Seizing upon the law, Kobach went to court to undo a 2018 agreement in federal court that required Kansas to allow trans residents to change their birth certificates. He also sued in state court to prevent state officials from allowing trans residents to change the gender markers on their drivers licenses. A federal judge dissolved the settlement agreement. And a state district court judge last fall temporarily blocked the drivers license changes as Kobachs challenge proceeds. Before and after taking office, Kobach has also supported restrictions on transgender athletes competing in women and girls sports. Lawmakers enacted a ban last year, also over Kellys veto. Then in December, Kobach sent letters to six districts, including Kansas City, Kansas, USD 500, Shawnee Mission USD 512 and Olathe USD 233, that questioned district policies on trans students. The letters asked if the districts had surrendered to woke gender ideology in a vaguely threatening tone. Kobach asked the districts to identify individuals they consulted when drafting their policies and asked the districts to identify any employees who had used different names or pronouns to refer to a student with a parent than they used in the classroom. Kobachs office didnt respond to questions. In public appearances, Kobach has cast his focus on trans issues as taking a stand for reality at least when it comes to birth certificates. He has also invoked his family in the fight over banning trans athletes. At the Kansas Republican Party annual convention last month, Kobach promised Kansas would be the first state to challenge anticipated Title IX regulations from President Joe Bidens administration that could limit Kansas ban on trans athletes competing in girls and womens sports. He spoke about his 18-year-old daughter who has been offered scholarships to run cross country in college. But, he said, even when she wins the girls races boys routinely have faster times. He argued her opportunities would evaporate if laws barring trans athletes from competing were overturned. She wouldnt win, first of all, and secondly she might not get that scholarship because scholarships go to people that can be the top performer on a team, he said, saying efforts to allow biological males to compete with girls constituted a willful denial of the truth. Kansas House republican members watch the voting boards Wednesday as representatives vote on a bill to override a veto that would ban transgender athletes in the state. En2 9495 During the same talk at the GOP convention, Kobach also said that he favors people being free to do what they want to do. You want to dress a certain way, go for it. You want to cut your hair a certain way, go for it. You want to wear makeup or not wear makeup, thats up to you, Kobach said. But dont deny what happened on a particular day and time which is on the persons birth certificate. Thats just a historical fact and theyre asking the state to pretend that historical fact didnt happen. But Kobachs letters to districts, critics say, will keep young trans and nonbinary Kansans from feeling comfortable embracing their gender identity. Thomas Alonzo, chair of the LGBTQ advocacy group Equality Kansas, said Kobachs request to schools that they out gender non-conforming students to their parents regardless of the situation is abusive. He recounted his own experience at 12 years old realizing he was gay and being afraid to tell his parents. Forcing young trans kids to tell their parents when they may not be ready, he said, will result in more suicides and more runaways. This is another distraction of Kobachs, an oppressive distraction thats being put into place to further intentionally marginalize an already marginalized community, Alonzo said. School districts push back on Kobach Kobach sent letters to six school districts regarding their policies. Two, his office said, changed their policies while four dug in their heels. KCK, Shawnee Mission and Olathe schools each informed Kobachs office that they worked with trans students and their families on a case-by-case basis. While discussion of hypothetical scenarios is not useful in fact-intensive matters such as accommodating transgender students, I want to note that the scenarios presented in your letter are not the types of real-world scenarios that building administrators have to work through, Shawnee Mission Superintendent Michelle Hubbard wrote in her response. Olathe Superintendent Brent Yeager criticized Kobach for inaccurate representations of the schools policy and motivations of staff. He offered to meet with Kobach but, according to emails obtained by The Star, the district and the Kansas Attorney Generals Office did not land on a meeting date until after Kobach publicized his concerns. There was a student who reported a concern, and we are so grateful for that, Olathe Superintendent Brent Yeager said Wednesday in his first interview since Fridays shooting. Atlas Mallams, a 19-year-old trans student at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, said that while his family was supportive when he realized he was trans in high school, that experience is far from universal. The consequences of non-acceptance can be dangerous, he noted, with research showing trans youth have a greater suicide risk than other youth. Schools should be a safe place for students, regardless of their home situation, where they can both learn and express themselves, Mallams said. Now all of a sudden a specific group of people is being told, Well, if you act this way or we think youre acting this way, were going to tell your parents, he said. Rep. Brenda Landwehr, a Wichita Republican who has introduced a bill restricting gender transition surgery for minors, said students transitioning in school is a question of parental rights not transgender rights. Since when do parents lose their rights to their kids to anybody unless theyve been abusing them, neglecting them? Then they lose their right to their kid. A school has no right to override a parents rights, Landwehr said. In my world, kids dont have privacy rights. Growing national effort Kobachs letters are part of a growing Republican effort nationally to require schools to tell parents about students gender identity. Five states have laws requiring the outing of trans youth in schools, according to the Movement Advancement Project, a Colorado-based think tank that supports trans rights. An additional six states promote but dont require schools to out students. In Kansas, a bill introduced last year would have required schools to refer to students by the pronouns corresponding to their biological sex unless parents granted permission to use other pronouns. The bill died in committee. While Kobach cited no specific state law in urging districts to drop their policies on transgender students, his reference to the fundamental right of parents potentially lays the groundwork for future legal challenges to the district policies on constitutional grounds. In 2022, Geary County USD 475 settled for $95,000 a lawsuit brought by a former math teacher. The teacher alleged she had been disciplined after refusing to use students preferred pronouns. The district also had a policy prohibiting teachers from referring to students by their preferred names and pronouns when talking to parents unless they had the students permission a way of stopping teachers from outing students to their parents. Before the settlement, U.S. District Court Judge Holly Teeter, an appointee of former President Donald Trump, ruled that the teacher was likely to prevail on a claim that the policy violated her right to free exercise of religion. The Court can envision that a school would have a compelling interest in refusing to disclose information about preferred names or pronouns where there is a particularized and substantiated concern that disclosure to a parent could lead to child abuse, neglect, or some other illegal conduct, Teeter wrote. But she went on to write that the district has not articulated such an interest here either abstractly or in the case of the specific students in Plaintiffs class. Kobachs effort to influence school districts fits into an ongoing evolution in how state attorneys general across the country approach their jobs, said Paul Nolette, director of Marquette Universitys Les Aspin Center for Government. State attorneys general are more aggressively partisan and are using their office in more inventive ways. This is something thats been escalating for a while, said Nolette, who has studied state attorneys general. House Minority Leader Vic Miller, a Topeka Democrat, said Kobachs focus on trans issues as attorney general was what he expected when he was elected. Kobach, Miller said, had repeatedly demonstrated his personal biases on the issue. When he ran to be elected attorney general he made it very clear he would be sticking his nose into things that arent traditionally or conventionally the job of attorney general, Miller said. Hes got a lot to do as it relates to crime I wish he was focused more on what, again, people consider to be traditionally his duties, as opposed to looking for things he can stick his nose in. What do Sen. Bob Menendez and Taylor Swift have in common? New Jersey's senior senator, federally indicted on corruption and bribery charges, invoked the 14-Grammy Award winner in a recent legal filing. Menendez's lawyers mentioned Swift in a brief written in support of a recent motion to dismiss his case. Among the charges brought by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York are allegations that Menendez agreed to use his political connections to influence a state matter. Menendez, federal prosecutors contend, recommended that President Joe Biden nominate an individual as New Jersey's U.S. attorney who Menendez believed could be influenced to disrupt the federal criminal prosecution of prominent Bergen County developer Fred Daibes. Daibes allegedly gave Menendez gold bars and envelopes of cash in return for Menendez helping Daibes get a Qatari investment company with ties to that countrys government to invest in a Daibes property by doing things that were viewed as favorable to the government of Qatar. The indictment alleged Menedez contacted a state official and agreed to call another one in an attempt to resolve these matters favorably." Menendez's lawyers, in turn, summoned Swift in making a comparison in their recent filing. Singer Taylor Swift and Actress Blake Lively react prior to Super Bowl LVIII between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. "That is not the crime of federal bribery. It is akin to paying any prominent person (say, Taylor Swift) to influence a state proceeding," Menendez's legal team wrote in court documents. "She certainly has influence (perhaps more than a senator!), and paying her to intercede may feel unethical, but since it does not involve the corruption of any official power, it does not amount to bribery." The filing, a 48-page reply memorandum of law in support of Menendez's first motion to dismiss the indictment, comes a week after federal prosecutors responded to the motion with their own 196-page document. In the memorandum, the senator's lawyers break down each argument related to what they call the five "schemes" mentioned in the superseding indictment that include his wife, Nadine Menendez, Daibes and New Jersey businessmen Wael Hana and Jose Uribe. They are the New Jersey State Scheme, U.S. Attorney Scheme, Qatar Investment Scheme, IS EG Halal Scheme and the Egypt Aid Scheme, which prosecutors used to put together what they called a "Frankenstein indictment" to try to make their case. Menendez's lawyers again argue for the indictment's dismissal. The mention of Swift came in the portion of the memorandum Menendez's lawyers devoted to the so-called New Jersey State scheme. In that part of their filing, the lawyers try to debunk prosecutors' assertions about Jose Uribe, a New Jersey businessman indicted alongside Menendez. Uribe paid for a new car for Menendez's wife, prosecutors allege. "Viewed another way, the governments allegation is akin to paying a senator to attempt to influence the outcome of the Super Bowl or Academy Awards," Menendez's lawyers wrote. "Again, at least absent allegations explaining why the official has power or leverage over the matter, that sort of an agreement might violate ethics rules but is no more a federal bribe than the hypothetical payment to Taylor Swift." Government responds to Menendez motion to dismiss The latest documents filed in the federal case against Menendez provide a glimpse into what seems to be the governments trial strategy. In their 196-page response to the motion, federal prosecutors debunked Menendez's claims for dismissal that hung on the Speech or Debate Clause of the Constitution and the Supreme Court's McDonnell v. United States decision from 2016 that defined what an "official act" is. "Indeed, Menendezs Speech or Debate claims are substantially similar to those he pressed in his prior federal criminal case, which were uniformly and thoroughly rejected, both in the district court and on appeal," the government wrote. Among the detailed opposition, some new details emerged regarding a confidential source and secret recordings and translations. "The recording by a confidential source discussing the bribery scheme reflects that there was no honor among thieves," the New York United States attorney wrote. "Hana 'swindled' Menendez and (expletive over) Nadine Menendez by not giving them the full value of the bribes they should have received. Far from undermining that Menendez and Hana were in a conspiracy, the evidence that Hana allegedly took more of what he recognized as bribes and shortchanged the Menendezes is proof that the bribery scheme indeed existed." See who made contributions: Menendez raised additional $195K for defense fund Filings follow motions to suppress evidence In recent weeks, lawyers for Menendez have moved for certain evidence including the infamous gold bars to be suppressed on the grounds that the search warrants used to find it violated his Fourth Amendment rights. It calls the warrants invasive and retaliation for Menendez's having beaten prior corruption charges in 2017. His wife and co-defendant, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, later filed a motion for the same thing. There have also been motions by media organizations, including Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC, on behalf of The Record and NorthJersey.com, to unseal documents that have been entered in the case. When Menendez made his motion to dismiss the superseding indictment, he said his actions were not official acts and that the prosecutors hid key evidence from the public and court. However, the descriptions of examples of more than a dozen pages are sealed documents. In recent weeks, Menendez and his team have been on the offensive in their efforts to discredit the efforts of the prosecutors. Last month, the states senior senator spoke from the Senate chamber floor, saying the timing of the indictment, originally filed in September and then updated in October and again in early January, is part of a plan by the government to keep the sensational story in the press." "It poisons the jury pool and it seeks to convict me in the court of public opinion, which he said harms not just himself, but his Senate colleagues, the political establishment and the people of New Jersey. Charlie Stile: Sen. John Fetterman's NJ obsession has two goals ousting Menendez, supporting Kim Menendez said the federal prosecutors office is engaged not in a prosecution but a persecution and that it wants a victory, not justice. The most recent version of the indictment alleges that Menendez received payments including cash and gold bars from Daibes in return for helping Daibes get a Qatari investment company with ties to that countrys government to invest in a Daibes property by doing things that were viewed as favorable to the government of Qatar. In June 2021, Menendez allegedly introduced Daibes to a member of the Qatari royal family and the principal of the investment firm, who then negotiated a multimillion-dollar investment in one of Daibes' New Jersey real estate properties. Menendez would allegedly give statements supporting the Qatari government to Daibes before they were released publicly so he could share them with the Qatari investor and a Qatari government official associated with the investment firm, the indictment says. What is at the core of the federal case? The senator was first indicted in this case last fall and faces corruption charges, brought by the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, for allegedly accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from Daibes and two other businessmen in exchange for helping them enrich themselves and trying to get them out of legal trouble. He and the other four defendants his wife and businessmen Daibes, Hana and Uribe have all entered not guilty pleas. The indictment alleges that between 2018 and 2022, Menendez and his wife engaged in a corrupt relationship with Hana, Uribe and Daibes to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for Menendez using his power and influence to protect, to enrich those businessmen and to benefit the government of Egypt even as he sat as chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Bribes allegedly included cash, gold bars, payments toward a home mortgage, compensation for a low- or no-show job and a Mercedes-Benz much of which is detailed in photographs in the 50-page indictment. The senator has said the allegations that he worked as a foreign agent for Egypt are an unprecedented accusation and it has never ever been levied against a sitting member of Congress. It opens a dangerous door for the Justice Department to take the normal engagement of members of Congress with a foreign government and to transform those engagements into being a foreign agent, he said. Gold bars: Motion to suppress evidence, new attorney, sealed documents and more Menendez news Will Menendez seek reelection? Menendez is up for reelection this fall, and to secure his spot on the ballot, he will need to win the New Jersey primary on June 4, likely around the time of closing arguments in the case if the trial date stands. "This is, no doubt, a particularly high-profile prosecution that involves serious albeit false and highly misleading allegations of misconduct," Menendez's attorney's wrote on Monday to support his motion to dismiss. "And the mere filing of these unproved charges, in itself, has caused immense harm to the senator and his reputation in the middle of an active election cycle." Rep. Andy Kim and New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy have announced that they will run in the Democratic primary for Menendez's seat. In December, Menendez's attorneys requested that his trial be delayed by two months from May 6 until July, after the primary election in which his Senate seat will be on the ballot because of the amount of discovery submitted by the government, but the request was denied. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bob Menendez invokes Taylor Swift in new legal filing As many as seven people were shot Wednesday at the Chiefs victory rally Kansas Citys Union Station, according to police. A police sergeant at the scene after the shooting said between four and seven people were known to be shot. The Kansas City Police Department said at 2:02 p.m. that shots had been fired and urged people to leave the area. People were seen scattering east from Union Station while police officers from several agencies rushed toward the scene. Several witnesses reported hearing shots. Three gunshot victims and two other people with unknown injuries were being treated at University Health, a spokesperson for the hospital said. We heard the shots. It sounded like a multitude of shots , said Hank Hunter, 16, of Westwood, KS. He and friend got separated after running into Union Station. I didnt see the shooter. I saw the wave of cops. pic.twitter.com/2KxPgromQ9 EricAdler (@eadler) February 14, 2024 Friends Reese Randall, 20, and Shayla Flowers, 21, said they were close enough to the rally stage to possibly meet Chiefs players, when they heard a bang echo through the crowd. It was like a delayed reaction, like we heard it and just kind of looked at each other. And then everyone dropped to the ground, Randall said. Bigger, grown men were trying to block us just in case. Obviously there wasnt really anything to hide behind other than people. Randall said fans immediately started taking care of each other, including a woman who appeared to be having a panic attack near her. It was a situation like you see on the news and you think will only happen in New York or a bigger city, Randall said. But seeing it in your home city when youre trying to celebrate something positive like a Super Bowl, where youre trying to celebrate with friends, it just puts a pause on everything and makes you realize this can happen to your city any day. The Scoop JOHANNESBURG Israeli companies have canceled the importation of grapes from South Africa, according to three people with direct knowledge. It is prompting fears the African nations businesses may face a broader boycott due to Pretorias stance over the conflict in Gaza. South Africa took Israel to the UNs International Court of Justice (ICJ) earlier this month over accusations that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians. The court subsequently ordered Israel to do all it could to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), South Africas biggest trade union group, called on the countrys government to protect its workforce from the impact of any trade dispute with Israel. We need to ensure no South African worker loses their job, said its spokesman, Matthew Parks, while also calling for the international community to impose sanctions on Israel. It was important that South Africas trade department and other official bodies provide support and assistance to any company which faces a boycott from Israel, he told Semafor Africa. Know More Coal and diamonds are the most valuable South African exports to Israel. Some 53% of the nations coal was sent there in 2022 and a quarter of its diamonds. South Africa has long criticized Israel and drawn parallels with its own history under the apartheid regime. It recalled its diplomats from Tel Aviv in November in response to Israels military operation in Gaza. Parliament later voted in favor of a motion calling for the closure of Israels embassy in Pretoria and the suspension of diplomatic ties following pressure from within the countrys ruling party, as reported by Semafor Africa prior to the vote. Sams view South Africa will see any trade boycott from Israel as expected collateral damage. Pretoria may also, justifiably, feel there is a bigger market for its agricultural products because Israel is 48th on its list of export partners. And just 4% of South African grape exports go to Israel. The bigger fear is any effect a trade spat with Israel could have on trade relations with the United States, the countrys long standing ally. The threat of placing further strain on its relationship with the U.S. will worry the South African government after it took considerable diplomatic effort to improve relations last year after Washingtons ambassador accused Pretoria of trading arms with Russia a matter South African government investigators told me could have been traced to a private company, even though an inquiry with a limited scope later found no evidence of an arms shipment. Washington has several levers it can use against South Africa if it chose to join Israel in imposing restricting imports, including AGOA, its preferential trade platform that allows about 7,000 products to enter the U.S. market duty-free. But suspending South Africas access to AGOA would be equivalent to the U.S. cutting off its nose to spite its face because it needs South African minerals, making that option unlikely. It would also punish U.S. manufacturers like Ford, which makes cars from South Africa. Despite the reality that the U.S. is unlikely to do anything drastic, people Ive spoken to at the highest levels of government and trade unions fear that the political opposition to Israel, having already spilled over into the courtroom, could further spread to boardrooms and supermarket shelves. Room for Disagreement David Mackay, a director at Pretoria-based research house XA Global Trade Advisors, said the consequences of South Africas stance on the Gaza conflict could go beyond issues around imports and exports if the U.S. were to react. There was a lot more than just trade that came from the U.S. to Africa, including donor funds, he said. He also stressed the need to look beyond Washington. He said the impact on relations with the European Union should also be considered. Relations between South Africa with both the U.S. and EU have deteriorated since Russia invaded Ukraine, he said. Consequences can be extremely serious when the trade partners take a harsh view of us. Notable South Africa should be truly non-aligned and stop risking its vital trade ties with the West, argues industrialist Ivor Ichikowitz in Fortune magazine. [Source] The short documentary "Ten Times Better," which premiered at the Lincoln Center in New York City on Saturday, is highlighting the story of George Lee, the first-ever Asian dancer for the New York City Ballet. Lee's early life: Born in Hong Kong, Lee, now aged 88, spent two years of his early life in a refugee camp in the Philippines before fleeing to Shanghai, where he worked as a dancer at the age of 6 to survive, according to ABC7NY. His story took a turn for the better after moving to the United States at 15 years old in 1951. Making history: Lee achieved a breakthrough in his career after legendary choreographer and New York City Ballet co-founder George Balanchine picked him to play an Asian dancer doing the Tea divertissement in his 1951 New York City Ballet production of The Nutcracker, a stage production that garnered backlash in recent years for its use of yellowface. Besides The Nutcracker, Lee was also chosen to be part of the original production cast of Gene Kellys Flower Drum Song, according to the documentarys website. After his dancing stint in New York City, Lee took his career to Las Vegas. Trending on NextShark: Young Chinese women are resorting to AI boyfriends for better communication Tracking him down: Producer and director Jennifer Lin recalled how she became obsessed with tracking Lee down after seeing him in pictures for The Nutcracker production while browsing through the dance archives of the New York Public Library. After weeks of hard work, Lin managed to track Lee in Las Vegas, where he is still working as a blackjack dealer at 88 years old. After all these years, I cant believe anyone would be interested in me, Lin said, recalling what Lee told him when they finally spoke in the phone. Trending on NextShark: Viola Davis shows love for lively atmosphere of Filipino classroom with singing student About the project: Titled after what Lees mother told him to be ten times better than the other dancers in the all-white dance world at the time the 30-minute documentary premiered on Feb. 10 during the 52nd Dance on Camera Festival at the Dance Films Association and Film at Lincoln Center. Trending on NextShark: Woman laid off from LinkedIn lands job at Google after sending this video Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! The Texas A&M University System is among the 10 worst censors in the United States, according to a nonprofit group that promotes free speech and expression. The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, known as FIRE, compiled a list that includes state officials, universities and school districts among the nations worst censors. The Aggies made the list because the university bowed to pressure from its board and failed to hire journalism professor Kathleen McElroy, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick pressured the university to suspend professor Joy Alonzo for criticizing him and West Texas A&M president Walter Wendler canceled a student orgs drag show. A Texas A&M spokesperson wrote in a statement that the university does not agree with the free speech groups findings. We obviously disagree. The Texas A&M University System is committed to free speech. In fact, just a few years ago FIRE was giving A&M awards for protecting free speech. But they turned so hard to the left we dont think they are credible anymore. The list includes the police raid of a small town newspaper, canceling students and professors for their views on the Israel-Hamas war, and retroactively censoring famous authors without their consent. This years list goes to show that no one is safe from the possibility of censorship, said FIRE President and CEO Greg Lukianoff. Americans of all ages and professions are being pushed into a corner when trying to express themselves freely: Shut up or be shut up. Standardized testing might intimidate and sometimes hinder students who struggle with math. Some school districts like Dallas ISD are trying a different method to improve student performance. Eureka Math a development from the Texas Education Agency and nonprofit Great Minds focuses on memorization of concepts instead of hoping students recognize questions on the state test. Why are Texas students struggling in math? Students are still not performing well on the math and reading state test scores, according to the Texas Education Agency. Math scores improved from last year after falling to their lowest levels in a decade but they have not returned to the 2019 scores. In 2023, 19% of all Texas students mastered math at their grade level, down from 26% in 2019. What is Eureka Math? The curriculum's goal is to have students think about math conceptually, not just remember answers to a test. Teachers and students have digital interactives, open-ended lessons, and student-led groups to help build confidence among their peers. Dallas ISD spent $8 million in the school district to have teachers teach the new curriculum. Teachers let students choose which math methods work for them as long as they show their work and get the right answer. For example, children know 3/10 is the same as 0.3 but how they grasp that knowledge is different. Students must learn to write expanded form 1/10 + 1/10 + 1/10 = 3/10 and know that this is the same as 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 0.3 or one-tenth + one-tenth + one-tenth = three-tenths. Yamileth Cedillos, a teacher at Anson Jones Elementary, told NBC 5 that the newer concept has improved student confidence. When they started, some of them didn't know their numbers like they didn't know where the numbers were, the commas, where they were at, Cedillos said. By the end of the year, I saw that they grew slowly but they got there." The goal is to help them visualize how math works. Why is math important? Texas seeks more workforce talent in the future. A Stanford University study said, Economic losses will be permanent unless the schools get better. Just returning schools to their pre-pandemic performance levels will not erase the lost learning. Recovering from the pandemic requires swift and decisive improvements to the schools. Students who do not bring their math scores back up to pre-pandemic levels will earn 5.6% less over the course of their lives than students with better grades just before the pandemic hit. Is Eureka Math working? Texas educators wont see the full result of this investment until after the next batch of STAAR tests. But over 400 school districts in the state, both public and private have acquired the method. Other states that have adopted the curriculum have seen improvement. What can parents do to help? The creators of Eureka Math suggest parents get involved with their child's class work. According to their website, there is a homework helper to go with every homework assignment in the curriculum. Parents can also seek tutoring for their child if extra help is needed, according to education experts. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is Eureka Math? Why some Texas schools are adopting new method ESG You dont hear much about ESG investing these days, but that doesnt mean it is vanishing. The financial services industry, being the savvy marketing and production complex that it is, isnt likely to abandon the opportunity to tap into investors' emotions on the promise of righteousness coupled with outperformance. Investors, meanwhile, have been expressing a level of exasperation with investments sold under the banner of environmental, social, and governance causes. There is the politics, for sure. Few areas of wealth management have become as politicized as ESG investing. But a closer look at the assets flowing in and out of ESG ETFs suggests even the strongest proponents might have a finicky palette for ESG investments. Consider the 25 ETFs with the most first-day asset flows, prior to the recently launched spot bitcoin ETFs. Of those 25 ETFs introduced between May 2000 and June 2023, nine were categorized by Bloomberg Intelligence as ESG funds. ESGs That Declined The fact that 36% of the first-day flow leaders are ESG funds says a lot about the bandwagon mentality of ESG investors. The flipside of those big first days, however, is that the assets in six of those nine funds are now below where they were at the end of their first trading day. By comparison, only three of the 16 non-ESG funds on the list of 25 are below the asset levels from their first day of trading. And its not necessarily a performance issue distinguishing the ESG and non-ESG ETFs in this group of 25. According to the data compiled by Andy Martin, president of 7Twelve Advisors, 44% of ESG ETFs were above their benchmark from inception through Feb. 12. Thats not far off the non-ESG ETF group where 50% of the funds were beating their benchmarks. Martin, a practicing Catholic, draws a parallel between ESG investing and investing based on Catholic values. If you dont expect a Catholic values fund to outperform the S&P 500, why would you expect a woman-owned company to outperform the S&P? he said. Story continues Martin, like many others who have been in financial services for decades, has seen the evolution from socially responsible investing to ESG and now toward something else. ESG "Under Attack" BlackRock chief executive Larry Fink, who until recently was one of the biggest proponents of ESG investing, has stopped using the three letters to identify the category. Last month London Business School professor Alex Edmans published a paper proposing the term rational sustainability, because ESG is under attack from all sides. This follows 2023 when ESG funds saw record outflows that are continuing into 2024. Over the past 12 months, the $13.3 billion iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA ETF (ESGU) has experienced $9.2 billion worth of outflows. The $1 billion Xtrackers MSCI USA Leaders Equity ETF (USSG) has watched $2.5 billion go out the door over the same period. And the $1.2 billion iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) has suffered $2.3 billion worth of outflows. People arent just tired of ESG, theyre running from it, Martin said. With a phrase like rational sustainability at least one of those words has a basis in math, he said. Its not based on math, but it sounds like it. I wish the investment management industry would get away from what sells and focus on what works. Permalink | Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved [Source] Thailand will be cracking down on recreational marijuana use due to concerns about youth drug abuse and rising crime. Widespread concerns: Thailand became the first country in Asia to decriminalize marijuana in 2022, driven by promises of economic benefits, particularly for farmers, from the Bhumjaithai Party. The initial legalization has reportedly led to an under-regulated market despite intentions for marijuana to be for medical use only. Cannabis reportedly remains easily accessible through unlicensed establishments and online platforms, leading to a significant increase in the number of individuals seeking treatment for cannabis-related psychological issues. The problem has stoked widespread criticism that the under-regulated market has led to issues like drug-related violence and increased youth consumption. New bill proposal: This has led Health Minister Chonlanan Srikaew to propose a bill banning recreational use while permitting medical cannabis. The Cabinet is anticipated to endorse forwarding the draft bill to Parliament shortly, although it has not yet addressed it in its latest meeting. The preliminary version of the legislation proposes making recreational cannabis use punishable by a fine of 60,000 baht ($1,660). While the bill permits medical marijuana, specifics regarding its regulation have not been provided. Trending on NextShark: Young Chinese women are resorting to AI boyfriends for better communication Supporters of the bill: All major political parties, including Bhumjaithai, pledged to restrict cannabis to medical use in their 2023 election campaigns. Kalyapat Rachitroj, a lawmaker from the opposition Move Forward Party with a medical background, said that while the plant has economic and healthcare benefits, its usage has since been abused. We have no option but to put marijuana back to be classified as narcotics once again, Rachitroj told the Associated Press. Opposers of the bill: However, others argue against a complete rollback. Cannabis advocates and entrepreneurs oppose drastic measures, attributing problems to inadequate regulation enforcement. Rattapon Sanrak, the founder of Thailands first legal cannabis shop, believes reclassification would be an overreaction and impractical due to the industry's growth. Trending on NextShark: Fewer Japanese women are giving obligatory chocolates to male colleagues on Valentine's I dont think theres anyone who disagrees with the control of use for underage children, he said. Sellers also dont want to see those street vendors who sell without a license. People who dont like it, people who are users, people who operate businesses, I think these parties have to find a common ground on how to exist together. Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today! Some Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, are increasingly restricting the U.S. from using military facilities on their soil to launch retaliatory airstrikes on Iranian proxies, according to four people familiar with the issue. The U.S. has long deployed thousands of troops at facilities in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and elsewhere in the Middle East, and the Arab countries role in supporting U.S. military activities has come under intensified scrutiny since the Israel-Hamas war that erupted in October. The conflict has pitted Arab governments interests in assuaging their citizens anger toward Israel against their desire to help Washington fend off Iranian-backed attacks. The restrictions on U.S. activities on their soil reflect Arab calculations on how supportive they can be without angering Iran. The news that some countries are restricting access is based on information from a U.S. official, a congressional aide and two Western officials, all of whom were granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive security issue. Amid a rising civilian death toll in Gaza, several Arab countries, particularly those attempting a detente with Iran," are increasingly restricting the U.S. and partners from conducting self-defense operations from their soil, according to the U.S. official. This includes limits on retaliatory strikes against attacks in Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea, the official said. President Joe Biden has in recent weeks ordered multiple retaliatory air and missile strikes, some in conjunction with U.S. allies, against Iran-backed threats in the Middle East. Iran-backed militias have attacked U.S. troops in Iraq, Syria and Jordan using a mixture of drones, rockets and missiles 170 times since October, killing three U.S. service members and injuring dozens more. Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched 46 attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since the campaign started Nov. 19. Certain Arab countries are restricting access to basing and overflight for the assets participating in these retaliatory strikes, the official said. Its not clear how many countries are taking this action. The reason the UAE in particular is doing this, per one of the Western officials, is they dont want to appear like theyre against Iran and they dont want to appear too close to the West and Israel for public opinion reasons. The UAE has in recent years also raised concerns about increasing attacks from the Houthis in Yemen. The rebel group has previously launched missiles into the UAE. A representative for the UAE embassy declined to comment for this story. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said the U.S. military has the capability to flow additional assets to the region to support regional deterrence efforts and provide options for a wide range of contingencies when necessary. We also maintain the capability throughout the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility to defend our forces and conduct self-defense strikes at the times and places of our choosing, Ryder said, when asked for comment. The UAE is home to Al Dhafra Air Base, which hosts dozens of U.S. aircraft involved in operations across the region, including fighter aircraft and reconnaissance drones such as MQ-9 Reapers. In October, U.S. F-16 fighter jets carried out retaliatory strikes against two facilities in eastern Syria used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its proxies. Although the Pentagon at the time did not disclose where the aircraft came from, Al Dhafra is one of the closest facilities in the region that typically hosts F-16s. One Defense Department official disputed the premise that there is tension between the U.S. and the Emirates over U.S. military basing, pointing out that A-10 attack aircraft and armed MQ-9 drones have recently operated out of Al Dhafra in support of operations to protect shipping in the Arabian Gulf. But soon after the October strike, the Pentagon stopped publicly disclosing many of the aircraft types used in subsequent retaliatory operations against Iranian proxies. Meanwhile, strikes on the Houthis since January have been conducted by U.S. Navy F/A-18 fighter jets from the nearby aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, which is in international waters. And after an Iran-backed proxy attack killed three American soldiers at a small U.S. outpost in Jordan in January, the U.S. flew long-range B-1 bombers from Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, the Pentagon said. This was yet another demonstration that we maintain global strike capability, which means we can move quickly and flexibly to respond globally at the times and places of our choosing and that were not limited to just the aircraft that are in Central Command, Ryder said. Overflight access in the region has been mired in problems in recent years because of the fighting in Yemen. The Federal Aviation Administration previously issued a warning about operating aircraft over the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. military, along with several international partners, has stepped up its activities in the Middle East as the Israel-Hamas wars consequences have reverberated across the region. The war, which began when the Hamas militant group killed 1,200 people in Israel, is now in its fifth month, and Israels retaliation in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, many of them civilians, according to Hamas-controlled institutions. The rising Palestinian civilian death toll in Gaza has infuriated the populations of many Arab countries, worrying the autocrats who run them. But many of the same governments also despise Hamas and its patron, Iran. At the same time, they are reluctant to get into an all-out fight with Iran and have in recent years sought to mend fences with that country. Erin Banco contributed to this report . A prestigious panel of federal, state and local prosecutors and law enforcement officials will gather at the Great Falls Public Library on Tuesday to participate in a public discussion on preventing hate crimes in our community. The United Against Hate event will be led by Jesse Laslovich, U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana and will include representatives from the FBI, the Cascade County Attorney's Office, and the Great Falls Police Department. United Against Hate is an initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice focused on improving the prevention of hate crimes and hate incidents. The programs seeks to build relationships at the local level and strengthen partnerships among law enforcement, community leaders, and residents. This meeting is one in a series of meetings the U.S. Attorneys Office is holding throughout Montana. The event will be an opportunity for the local community to engage with federal agencies and local law enforcement to increase their understanding of the process for reporting hate crimes. Attendees of Tuesday's event are welcome to ask questions or give comments, as well. The United Against Hate event begins at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20. It will be held in the Cordingley Room at the Great Falls Public Library, located at 301 2nd Ave. N in Great Falls. For more information contact Jake Sorich at jsorich@greatfallslibrary.org or 406-453-0349 ex. 220. This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: US Attorney for Montana to lead Great Falls discussion on hate crimes An Alaska woman was sentenced to 99 years in prison Monday over her role in a murder plot carried out at the request of a catfisher who convinced her he was a millionaire who would pay $9 million for photos and videos of the killing. Denali Brehmer, of Anchorage, had pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last year in connection with the horrific death of 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman. Hoffman, who had a developmental disability, had believed Brehmer was her best friend, Hoffmans father testified in the case. Catfisher Convinced Alaska Teens to Murder a Developmentally Disabled Girl: Cops Brehmer, now 23, was 18 at the time of Hoffmans death in 2019. Prosecutors say Brehmer convinced four other teenagers to carry out the killing at the behest of someone she believed to be a multimillionaire from Kansas named Tyler, with whom she had an online romance. In reality, Tyler was Darin Schilmiller, a now 25-year-old Indiana resident who was also sentenced to 99 years in prison last month. On June 2, 2019, Brehemer and her group lured Hoffman out to the Thunderbird Falls on the false pretenses of going on a hike. Once there, Hoffman was bound with duct-tape and shot in the head, prosecutors said, before her body was dumped in a river. Brehmer allegedly sent photos and videos to Schilmiller as the horrific ordeal was unfolding, authorities said. She may not have pulled the trigger, but this never would have happened it if it werent for Denali Brehmer, Anchorage Assistant District Attorney Patrick McKay said. As part of Brehmers sentencing, Superior Court Judge Andrew Peterson had watched one video showing a bound Hoffman on the ground in the moments before her death, Alaska Public Media reports. He said it was one of the most difficult pieces of evidence Ive had to watch in this position. He also described Hoffmans killing as tragic and senseless and cold, calculated. The case of Kayden McIntoshwho court documents alleged pulled the triggeris pending. Caleb Leyland, who told police that he thought he would get $500,000 for letting Brehmer use his vehicle as part of the killing, pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree in November as part of a plea agreement. His sentencing is scheduled to begin in June. Two other adolescents charged in connection with the case were prosecuted in the juvenile justice system and, as such, the outcome of those proceedings remains confidential. Prosecutors said at Schilmillers sentencing hearing that hed asked Brehmer to kill and rape someone for fetishistic reasons. As well as pleading guilty to solicitation to commit murder, Schilmiller also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to produce child pornography in a separate case. Prosecutors say he directed Brehmer to sexually abuse two victims between the ages of 8 and 15 in the days after Hoffmans death, according to the Anchorage Daily News. An affidavit said investigators found explicit videos of one of the victims Schilmiller received from Brehmer. Brehmer also pleaded guilty in that case. 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. Launch recap: Live updates from NASA PACE spacecraft launch at Cape Canaveral, Florida Launch recap: Scroll down for live coverage of the Thursday, Feb. 8, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on NASA's PACE mission. Read the full story here. Red tide, manatees and hurricanes: NASA PACE spacecraft to collect Florida environmental data Algal bloom and red tide detection and prediction. The health of seagrass beds, a key food source for manatees. Coral reef bleaching. And even hurricane forecasting. Florida's shallow-water coastlines may be environmentally analyzed in unprecedented detail via NASA's PACE spacecraft, which launched amid cloudy conditions at 1:33 a.m. EST Thursday atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Read the full story here. Ax-3 astronauts leave International Space Station in SpaceX Dragon, eye Friday splashdown The Ax-3 astronauts boarded their SpaceX Dragon crew capsule and undocked from the International Space Station at 9:20 a.m. EST, setting up a Friday morning splashdown off the Daytona Beach coastline. The four Axiom Space astronauts who comprise the first all-European private astronaut crew spent about 18 days living and working aboard the ISS after launching Jan. 18 from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Read the full story here. Ax-3 astronauts splash down in SpaceX Dragon capsule in ocean near Daytona Beach, Florida The Ax-3 astronauts splashed down in their SpaceX Dragon Freedom capsule amid calm weather conditions Friday morning in the Atlantic Ocean offshore from Daytona Beach. "Pretty exciting for the crew. I'm sure they're very excited to come home. They've been in space for about 21 days now," Jessie Anderson, a SpaceX production and engineering manager, said during the launch webcast. Read the full story here. Will SpaceX's second Falcon 9 rocket streak across the Space Coast sky by week's end? Will the second SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket of the week soon streak across the Space Coast sky? Stay tuned: SpaceX has yet to publicly confirm the time and date of its next Starlink mission from the Cape. Read the full story here. SpaceX Valentine's Day rocket doubleheader to launch moon lander, secret mission from Cape Love watching rocket launches? A Valentine's Day doubleheader is on tap on the Space Coast, with two SpaceX rockets potentially scheduled to lift off Wednesday within about 16 hours. First, a Falcon 9 is slated to launch Intuitive Machines lunar lander, Odysseus, on a trek to the moons surface. This late-night liftoff is set for no earlier than 12:57 a.m. EST Wednesday from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Read the full story here. For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space. Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1 This article originally appeared on Florida Today: 321 Launch: Space news you may have missed over the past week (Feb. 13) The logo of U.S. networks giant Cisco Systems is seen in front of their headquarters near Paris By Akash Sriram (Reuters) -Cisco Systems said it would cut 5% of its global workforce, or more than 4,000 jobs, and lowered its annual revenue target as the company navigates a tough economy that has led to thousands of layoffs by tech firms this year. Shares of the networking equipment maker fell more than 5% in extended trading on Wednesday, after Cisco cut the forecast to $51.5 billion to $52.5 billion from $53.8 billion to $55 billion, it projected earlier. "We also continue to see weak demand with our telco and cable service provider customers," CEO Charles Robbins said in a conference call. Analysts expect demand for Cisco's products to remain under pressure, as clients in the telecom industry restrict spending, prioritizing clearing their excess inventory of networking gear. The networking hardware inventory pile-up should resolve in the second half of 2024 or early 2025, Joe Brunetto, analyst at Third Bridge said. Meanwhile, Cisco is focusing on artificial intelligence and partnership with Nvidia to boost growth. CEO Robbins said Nvidia agreed to use Cisco's ethernet with its own technology that is widely used in data centers and AI applications. Cisco expects third-quarter revenue between $12.1 billion and $12.3 billion, below estimates of $13.1 billion, according to LSEG data. The company, which has 85,000 employees, was planning layoffs and restructuring to focus on high-growth areas, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters earlier this month. It will incur a charge of $800 million on the layoffs before tax consisting of severance and other costs and expects to be recognize majority of the charges in the first half of fiscal 2025. In the second quarter, Cisco recorded an adjusted profit of 87 cents per share and revenue of $12.79 billion, both above LSEG estimates. (Reporting by Akash Sriram and Samrhitha Arunasalam in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Shinjini Ganguli) More than 100 health care facilities in Romania are offline after hackers launched a ransomware attack on at least 25 hospitals, the countrys cybersecurity agency said Tuesday. According to the Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate, the attack started with the Pitesti Pediatric Hospital and quickly spread to others. An additional 79 health care facilities have disconnected from the internet to try to avoid the hackers, it said. The affected facilities represent a significant portion of the countrys health care system. According to a study last year from researchers at multiple Romanian universities, the country has 543 hospitals nationwide. Multiple studies have shown that hospitals have higher mortality rates when they experience downtime from ransomware attacks. Pitesti Pediatric Hospital in Romania. (Google Maps) Despite some global efforts to combat them, ransomware attacks where cybercriminals infect a computer system and demand a bitcoin payment for a promise to help unlock them are globally on the rise. Last year, victims paid their attackers a record $1 billion. The hackers identities are not public, but according to the Romanian agency, they used a strain of ransomware called Phobos, created by Russian-speaking hackers. That strain has been leaked and can be used by any criminal hacker, said Allan Liska, a ransomware analyst at the cybersecurity company Recorded Future. This appears to be, by far, the largest attack using Phobos, he said. The hackers have asked for $3.5 bitcoin in ransom, the equivalent of almost $170,000, the Romanian agency said. The agency has advised victims to not pay, a spokesperson told NBC News. Romanias top cybersecurity company, Bitdefender, is providing aid to the hospitals, the agency announced. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com The driverless car division of Googles parent company Alphabet has issued its first ever recall for its robotaxi fleet. The recall comes after two Waymo vehicles crashed into the same truck on the same day last year, in what the company described as a rare scenario. Waymo said the decision to voluntarily file a recall report followed an internal investigation and a consultation with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). On 11 December last year, a Waymo taxi crashed into a backwards-facing pickup truck being towed in front of it in Phoenix, Arizona. A few minutes later, a different Waymo vehicle made contact with the same pickup, which the company claims was being towed improperly. The towed truck was persistently angled across a centre turn lane and a traffic lane, which caused the driverless car to incorrectly predict the future motion of the towed vehicle. There were no passengers in the robotaxis at the time, and no injuries were reported from the other driver. This voluntary recall reflects how seriously we take our responsibility to safely deploy our technology and to transparently communicate with the public, Mauricio Pena, Waymos chief safety officer, wrote in a blog post on Tuesday. As we serve more riders in more cities, we will continue our safety first approach, working to earn trust and foster transparent communication with our riders, community members, regulators, and policymakers. Phoenix was one of the first cities in the US to permit fully driverless taxi services, alongside San Francisco, with both cities experiencing pushback from local residents. Last weekend, a crowd in San Francisco destroyed a Waymo taxi by smashing its windows, placing fireworks inside and torching it. Those resistant to their introduction on public roads include city officials, who claim they cause traffic and block emergency vehicles, and taxi driver unions, who say they will cost human workers their jobs. There is also the fear of accidents, with Californias Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) registering more than 130 autonomous vehicle collision reports in the state in 2023. Jasper Kenzo Sundeen's reporting for the Yakima Herald-Republic is possible with support from Report for America and community members through the Yakima Valley Community Fund. For information on republishing, email news@yakimaherald.com. You are the owner of this article. A sign telling Yakima residents to vote yes on the replacement levy sits near the intersection of 40th avenue and West Tieton Drive Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, in Yakima, Wash. It Happened here is a weekly history column by Yakima Herald-Republic reporter Donald W. Meyers. Reach him at dmeyers@yakimaherald.com. Sources for this column include Early African Americans in Our Yakima Valley History by Gilbert B. Chandler and Ester B. Huey, the University of North Carolina, the Rev. Robert Trimble and the archives of the Yakima Herald-Republic. Students arrive to an assembly warning against the use of fentanyl, at Shorecrest High School in Shoreline. Lori Carpenter, who lost her son Garrett to fentanyl in 2018 just before high school graduation, spoke at the assembly. (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times, 2023) ETF Investing Tools European investors are more readily including U.S. stocks within their portfolios versus U.S.-based investors so far in 2024. According to data from Bloomberg Intelligence, 48% of all regional flows into U.S. equities came from Europe, contrasting starkly to 38% from U.S. investors. This is equivalent to $7.4 billion in inflows from European investors so far this year, double that of U.S. investors who have poured in just $3.7 billion. With the S&P 500 reaching 5,000 for the first time last week, U.S. investors believe they are fully allocated to national exposures while overseas buyers are more likely going to play catch up, according to Bloomberg Intelligence. Compounding this was the notion that 80% of U.S. ETF assets are already made up of domestic exposures. Additionally, data from French asset manager Amundi shows U.S. equity strategies remained among the most popular strategies for European investors, attracting inflows of 6.8 billion last month ($7.3 billion based on the current exchange rate). 3 S&P 500 ETFs Supporting Europes huge portion of flows were three S&P 500 ETFs, with the iShares Core S&P 500 UCITS ETF attracting $2.6 billion of inflows last month, the SPDR S&P 500 UCITS ETF pulling in $922m of inflows and the Vanguard S&P 500 UCITS ETF posting impressive inflows of $620 million. Pushing Europe to second place for U.S. stock allocation was Canada, which had 51% of its country's flows going into U.S. stocks. Another point to consider in the U.S. equity story is concentration risks driving assets toward equal-weight S&P 500 ETFs. After the Magnificent Seven of big tech stocks accounted for all gains in the S&P 500 in the first five months of 2023, European investors have been much more selective of how they gain exposure to U.S. equities. The U.S.-listed Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF (RSP) to book its biggest week of inflows since its inception, adding $1.7bn assets. Story continues Furthermore, the Xtrackers S&P 500 Equal Weight UCITS ETF (XDEW) saw $2 billion in inflows in 2023 amid investor concerns over potential overconcentration risks. Permalink | Copyright 2024 etf.com. All rights reserved 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. By Jody Godoy (Reuters) - Elon Musk has claimed that Delaware, home to much of corporate America, is trying to prevent businesses from heeding his call to leave the state, where a court invalidated his $56 billion Tesla pay package. Since the Delaware Court of Chancery ruled to rescind Musk's record pay package on Jan. 31, the Tesla CEO has posted on social media about reincorporating the electric vehicle maker in Texas, where it has its headquarters, and encouraging others to follow. "Move your company out of Delaware before they lock the doors, as they just did with Tripadvisor," Musk tweeted on Monday. Here are the facts behind the billionaire's claim. WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH TESLA? Musk said on the X social media platform on Feb. 1 that Tesla would "move immediately to hold a shareholder vote" to reincorporate the company in Texas. It is not clear that Tesla's board will recommend such a vote, or that it would garner the necessary support from shareholders. Many are retail investors who, research shows, typically fail to vote their shares. DOES DELAWARE BLOCK COMPANIES FROM LEAVING? The vast majority of large publicly traded companies incorporate in Delaware, even when they have no physical presence in the state, in part because of the predictable court system, which has specialist judges and non-jury trials. Delaware has actually made it easier to reincorporate elsewhere. State law had required a unanimous shareholder approval. Since a change in 2022, companies can leave Delaware with the approval of a majority of shareholders. But Delaware's Chancery Court is now considering how closely to scrutinize moves that arguably benefit a controlling shareholder. WHAT DOES TRIPADVISOR HAVE TO DO WITH IT? A shareholder lawsuit against TripAdvisor's board seeks to block the online travel guide company's planned reincorporation in Nevada. The shareholders argue the move was designed to let Gregory Maffei, head of TripAdvisor's parent company, avoid accountability for potential self-dealing. Nevada sets a lower bar for such transactions, they argued. Story continues At a November hearing in Delaware Chancery Court, Vice Chancellor Travis Laster seemed open to scrutinizing whether the move was fair to minority shareholders. But he expressed "discomfort" with the idea of blocking it. "The idea that Delaware is going to block people from leaving, I think, is pretty strained," the judge said, according to a transcript of a hearing in the case. An attorney for the TripAdvisor shareholders told the judge that only a "small subset" of Delaware companies could have moves scruntinized - those with controlling shareholders heading to a state with fewer legal protections for minority shareholders. In a non-controlled company, "the stockholder vote would carry the day," the attorney, Andrew Blumberg, said. COULD THE CASE AFFECT TESLA? Musk does not have a controlling stake in Tesla, though he was found to have controlled the process that led to his 2018 pay package. The shareholders who voted to approve the package lacked information about the process, the judge in that case ruled. Texas does not shield corporate leaders in the same way as Nevada - meaning it could be harder for Tesla shareholders to argue a move there is designed to let Musk escape liability. Still, a ruling expected this month in the TripAdvisor case could have implications, as it will show how closely Delaware judges will review out-of-state moves to determine if they are fair to minority shareholders. (Reporting by Jody Godoy in New York; Editing by Tom Hals and Matthew Lewis) As February 2024 unfolds, the United States market has shown resilience amidst global economic headwinds, with steady growth and a robust outlook catching the eye of investors. In this climate, dividend stocks stand out as beacons for those seeking to bolster their portfolios with assets that not only offer potential for appreciation but also provide a stream of income through regular payouts. Top 10 Dividend Stocks In The United States Name Dividend Yield Dividend Rating First Interstate BancSystem (NasdaqGS:FIBK) 7.56% Premier Financial (NasdaqGS:PFC) 6.38% Peoples Bancorp (NasdaqGS:PEBO) 5.64% AGCO (NYSE:AGCO) 5.46% Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP) 4.96% Ennis (NYSE:EBF) 5.06% Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) 4.93% Best Buy (NYSE:BBY) 5.05% Dillard's (NYSE:DDS) 5.19% ALLETE (NYSE:ALE) 4.94% Click here to see the full list results from our Top Dividend Stocks screener. Here we highlight 3 of our preferred stocks from the screener, which has 100 names in total. Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Best Buy Co., Inc. is a retailer specializing in technology products with operations across the United States and Canada, boasting a market capitalization of approximately $15.7 billion. Operations: Best Buy Co., Inc. generates its revenues primarily through its domestic segment, which brought in $40.2 billion, complemented by an additional $3.3 billion from its international operations. Dividend Yield: 5% Best Buy (NYSE:BBY), while not a standout in the dividend stock arena, presents a balanced profile for income-focused investors. Over five years, its earnings have modestly increased by 2.2% annually, and although recent profit margins have dipped slightly to 2.9%, the company's dividends appear sustainable with both earnings and cash flows providing adequate coveragepayout ratios stand at 62.5% and cash payout at 57.6%, respectively. Debt levels are manageable with a net debt to equity ratio of 7.8%, well within satisfactory bounds, and operating cash flow robustly covers existing debt obligations by over 200%. Dividend reliability is underscored by a decade of stable payments; however, forecasts suggest only modest growth in profits and revenues ahead, tempering expectations for significant dividend expansion or dramatic financial performance leaps. Take a closer look at Best Buy's potential here in our dividend report. Story continues NYSE:BBY Dividend History as at Feb 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Dillard's, Inc. is a retail company that manages department stores across the southeastern, southwestern, and midwestern United States with a market capitalization of approximately $6.57 billion. Operations: Dillard's, Inc. primarily generates revenue through its retail operations segment, which amounted to approximately $6.49 billion. Dividend Yield: 5.2% Dillard's (NYSE:DDS) offers a conservative dividend profile, with a history of reliable and increasing payouts over the past decade. The company's debt has been reduced significantly, with cash holdings surpassing total debt, indicating financial stability. Despite a dip in profit margins from the previous year and an anticipated decline in earnings and revenue over the next three years, DDS maintains robust dividend coverage through both earningswith an exceptionally low payout ratioand free cash flow. This suggests that while growth prospects may be limited, DDS's commitment to returning value to shareholders through dividends remains steadfast. Delve into the full analysis dividend report here for a deeper understanding of Dillard's. NYSE:DDS Dividend History as at Feb 2024 Simply Wall St Dividend Rating: Overview: Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is a drilling services provider specializing in solutions for oil and gas exploration and production companies, with a market capitalization of approximately $3.6 billion. Operations: Helmerich & Payne, Inc. generates its revenues primarily through its North America Solutions segment with $2.49 billion, supplemented by International Solutions at $212.52 million and Offshore Gulf of Mexico operations contributing $120.61 million. Dividend Yield: 5% Helmerich & Payne (NYSE:HP) presents an intriguing dividend stock profile, with a decade-long track record of stable and growing dividends. The company's financial health is underscored by a satisfactory net debt to equity ratio and debt that is comfortably covered by operating cash flow. Earnings have seen substantial growth over the past year, surpassing its five-year average, while profit margins have also improved. HP's dividends are well-supported by both earnings and cash flows, reflected in low payout ratios. Although its revenue growth isn't projected to be robust, HP maintains a high dividend yield within the top quartile of US payers. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of Helmerich & Payne stock in this dividend report. NYSE:HP Dividend History as at Feb 2024 Final Remarks Discover the diversity of dividend-paying stocks tailored to your investment strategy with the Simply Wall St screener. Click through to start exploring the rest of the 100 Top Dividend Stocks now. 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. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com Cum pacalesti creierul in Postul Pastelui? Cu ce inlocuiesti ouale, untul si branza Cu ce inlocuiesti ouale, untul si branza in post Exista cateva alimente de post care pacalesc creierul si le imita pe cele de dulce, astfel incat cei care tin post sa treaca mai usor peste aceasta perioada.Nevoia de [citeste mai departe] Zalauan recidivist, in arestul politiei Politistii au dispus retinerea unui zalauan de 35 de ani, cercetat intr-un dosar penal pentru furt. In data de 15 martie, acesta a ajuns in Centrul de Retinere si Arestare Preventiva al Inspectoratului de Politie Judetean Salaj, unde a ramas pentru 24 de ore. Din cercetarile efectuate a reiesit ca in data de 9 martie [citeste mai departe] Pillar Two spotlight series: Rethinking your tax tech and data needs Data is the biggest hurdle most multinationals are facing in the lead-up to the 2024 transition to Pillar Two. Tax executives need to understand the key role data plays in modeling and compliance under the new rule set, but where do they start? In part 2 of the Pillar Two series, Ryan Duchene from Deloittes International Tax team and Brad Ford from Deloittes Tax Technology Consulting team discuss the role data will play in identifying tax jurisdictions, relevant technologies that will help the process, and how organizations can approach new data demands: The OECD is effectively building a brand-new tax structure, so theres a ton of technical information to be analyzed. The first thing companies will need to do is look at what their technical issues are and start having a view of completing these new calculations. Ryan Duchene Weeklies went to print before Prime Minister Orban pledged to amend the constitution, to make it impossible for the President to pardon crimes related to paedophilia. The issue is only analysed by opposition-leaning commentators, some of whom predicted President Novaks and even former Justice Minister Judit Nagys resignation. The main topic covered by pro-government weeklies is what they perceive to be the wrong direction in which the European Union is moving. In the wake of the scandal over her decision to pardon a man sentenced for trying to whitewash a paedophile offender. President Novak admitted her mistake and announced her resignation on Saturday. Former Justice Minister Judit Varga who countersigned the pardon also decided to withdraw from politics. In his Hetek editorial, Laszlo Semsei believes President Novak should have explained to the public why she pardoned a man who tried to whitewash his boss, the director of an orphanage guilty of sexual crimes against the children in his care. He writes that the victims now rightly feel abandoned by the state. In the headline to its cover story, Hetek the clemency decision of the President unjust. In one of its customary twin editorials, Magyar Narancs takes the case as proof that leading officials within the administration dont even think of reasoning on their own, let alone acting independently. The editors accuse President Novak and former Justice Minister Varga who countersigned the decision of implicitly encouraging paedophile abuses with their act of pardon. In Heti Vilaggazdasag, Janos Dobszay accuses the President of having acted immorally if she was familiar with the matter. If she wasnt, he continues, that makes her position even less defensible. By not explaining why she pardoned the man, he writes, she opened the gates to wide speculation about those influential lobbies that convinced her to pardon the helper of a paedophile offender. In his Elet es Irodalom front-page editorial, Istvan Vancsa remarks that President Novak has by now managed to outrage an entire society and her only way out would be to resign and withdraw to a convent for the rest of her life. However, he continues, admitting the gravity of her error would cast a shadow on the king maker who of course never makes mistakes. Meanwhile, he also pokes fun at the opposition whose representatives called on followers to demonstrate with teddy bears with their mouths taped, as if that would change anything. And these are the people who are supposed to take over the reins of government one day, he complains. In Magyar Hang, Szabolcs Szereto hopes that President Novak will soon be forced to resign. She cannot possibly hope to carry the burden of her decision until the end of her term, he suggests, and nor can Judit Varga remain the lead candidate of Fidesz for the European Parliamentary elections in Junes. The Prime Minister will find it painful to take such decisions, he predicts, but will have no other choice. Commenting on the revolt of farmers throughout western Europe in Demokrata, Andras Bencsik thinks one of the main reasons for the protests is Brussels decision to let the European market be flooded by Ukrainian grain and poultry which are cheaper because of subsidised fuel and production methods that do not follow the strict rules in force within the European Union. In addition, he continues, the EU is sending huge amounts of money to Ukraine without any concerns about the rule of law in that country. By contrast, he remarks, Hungary is deprived of much of the funds it is entitled to because, as he sees it, it prevents suspicious missionaries from approaching its children; opposes mass clandestine immigration; insists on its Christian roots and prefers peace to war. He hopes the next European elections will bring changes in European politics. In a similar vein but less passionate style, Mandiners Matyas Kohan warns that far-reaching environmental reforms in the economy might result in a prolonged though mild recession in Europe. Dutch, Austrian and Finnish voters might accept to be forced to put up with this, due to the high living standards they enjoy, he explains, but the populations of Baltic, Central European and Balkan countries would like to approach those living standards and thus cannot say goodbye to economic growth. If a whole series of countries east of the Oder River refuse a certain policy, Kohan concludes,, then that policy cannot be pushed through in the European Union. A huge storm is in the making in Europe, he predicts. This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher. Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online. Click here to Share Your Story You're very welcome to comment and discuss this, and enjoy more stories, via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops group: Budapest Expats - The International Community You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? Then just contact us here! MTI Photo of Bicske Children's Home Those planning to travel around Delhi-NCR today can get stuck in a huge traffic jam as Delhi is gearing up to celebrate Basant Panchami with around five thousand weddings along with the Farmers Protest. The National Capital is facing the looming threat of severe traffic congestion due to stringent measures enforced by the Delhi Police amidst the ongoing farmers' march. Delhi Traffic Police has released an advisory and measures for the daily commuters. Delhi Traffic Police Advisory In light of these challenges, the traffic police strongly advise the public to opt for public transportation to mitigate potential traffic jams. The metro system is particularly recommended as a reliable alternative. In a recent post on X platform( formerly Twitter), Delhi Traffic Police informed that traffic diversions have been implemented at Mukarba Chowk, with vehicles intending to go to Haryana redirected towards Loni Border or Madhuban Chowk onwards to Ring Road. Traffic Advisory Singhu Border is not accessible. Traffic Diversion done at Mukarba Chowk. At Mukarba Chowk, vehicles intending to go to Haryana can divert towards Loni Border or towards Madhuban Chowk onwards to Ring Road. February 13, 2024 For those traveling by private vehicles, specific routes have been suggested to bypass the affected areas. Commercial vehicles bound for Rohtak and Bahadurgarh are advised to utilize alternative routes via Rohtak Road, Najafgarh-Nangloi Road, and Najafgarh-Jharauda Border. Similarly, private vehicles can follow routes such as Bawana Road, Kanjhawala Chowk, and Dr. Sahib Singh Verma Chowk to reach Bahadurgarh from DSIDC. Border Closures Amidst Farmers' Protest The movement of vehicles has been halted at key entry points, with Tikri Border, Dhansa Border, and Singhu Border shut down by the traffic police. Strict checking protocols have been implemented at Ghazipur and Chilla borders, causing potential difficulties for commuters from Noida and Ghaziabad, as well as those traveling to these areas from Delhi. There's also a possibility of further closures at Ghazipur and Chilla borders, adding to the pressure on DND and the Delhi-Gurugram border. Despite efforts by the traffic police to manage congestion, attendees of weddings scheduled for today may still encounter traffic jams at various locations. New Delhi: Coming from the makers of 'The Kerala Story', yet another spine-chilling tale Vipul Amrutlal Shah's 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' has indeed kept the audience on the edge with its first poster and teaser. The wave of conversation was witnessed on social media where the netizens were expressing their excitement to watch the film on the big screen. Now, to pique the excitement a notch higher and take the audience further into the world of Bastar, the makers are here with the second teaser. After showcasing a hard-hitting aggressive promo, the makers unveiled the emotional cry of a mother in the second teaser. The second teaser of Vipul Amrutlal Shah's 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' has been released and it narrates the cry of a mother who is ready to take revenge for her family against the brutality of Naxals. The teaser exudes the sheer feeling of a mother and her pain of losing her family and her cry can't go unanswered. The hard-hitting dialogues with the terrifying BGM build up the tension and indeed raise the excitement to witness the real story on the big screens. Being the 1st film that is anti-Naxal, 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' is sure to present some hard-hitting truths about the Naxals that have never been seen on the big screens. The teaser says it all that the 'The Kerala Story', Producer Vipul Amrutlal Shah, director Sudipto Sen, and actress Adah Sharma are all set to bring another shocking, bold, and true story to life. Moreover, as this is just a glimpse, the excitement is at its peak to watch, the entire film and the incidents that Vipul Amrutlal Shah and Sudipto Sen are going to present to the masses in the film. Produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah's Sunshine Pictures and co-produced by Aashin A. Shah, 'Bastar: The Naxal Story' is directed by Sudipto Sen and will have Adah Sharma in the lead. The film will be released on 15th March 2024, in cinemas worldwide. New Delhi: Among the plethora of memorable roles donned by the charismatic superstar Ranveer Singh, one that stands out with timeless appeal is Murad from the movie Gully Boy, which celebrates its fifth anniversary, today. Released in 2019, Gully Boy, directed by Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti, Gully Boy took the audience on an interesting and inspiring journey of the Mumbai hip-hop crowd. At the heart of this cinematic gem was Ranveer Singhs Murad, a character that found a permanent place in the hearts of the audience and especially his fans. Even five years later, Murad remains not just a character but an embodiment of Ranveers vision and ability to breathe life into his distinct roles. Ranveers effortless portrayal of Murad was nothing short of transformative. From the raw emotions and rap performances to the nuanced expressions that revealed the struggles and triumphs of his character, Ranveer seamlessly slipped into Murads skin. Every time he appeared on screen, there was an undeniable pull and charm that kept audiences hooked. The film showcased not only Ranveer's impressive rapping skills but also his ability to convey the complexities of Murad's journey from an aspiring rapper to a beacon of hope breaking through societal barriers. The energetic performer continues to entertain audiences with his dynamic performances. Recently, he donned the hat of Rocky Randhawa in 'Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani,' and once again, he proved why his characters always resonate so deeply with the audiences! New Delhi: Amidst the ongoing "Dilli Chalo' March, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced a Bharat bandh --Gramin Bharat Bandh --on February 16. The , for the upcoming nationwide strike, has called upon like-minded farmers and unions join the stir. The Sanyukt Kisan Morcha's Gramin Bharat Bandh will kick off from 6am to 4pm. The Bandh, also to be supported by central trade unions will see farmers doing chakka jams between 12pm and 4pm, the Mint and Indian Express have reported. Most of the states and National highways in Punjab will be closed for four hours on Friday (February 16). Among several demands from the unions who have called for the Gramin Bharat Bandh are Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, farmer pensions, implementation of the old pension scheme, and the withdrawal of the amendment of labour laws, added the Mint and IE. Other demands include no privatisation of PSUS, Guaranteed employment. The Gramin Bharat Bandh Call is liely to impact the MNREGA work activities in rural areas, in addition to affecting transporation, agricultural activities, public work among other aspects of the rural side. Meanwhile, BKU Ugarahan will block the rails tomorrow (February 15) from 12 noon to 4PM. Ugrahan organisation took the decision to show the solidarity with the farmers marching towards Delhi. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are attempting to march towards Delhi for a second day on Wednesday (February 14). SKM has bee pressing the Centre to accept several demands --prominent among them being enactment of a law to guarantee MSP for crops. On Tuesday, farmers clashed with Haryana Police at two border points. The security forces had to use Tear gas and water cannons as farmers tried to break past barricades, marching towards Delhi for their a protest. Hundreds of farmers on trucks loaded with supplies joined the march, as talks between farmer unions and the government failed to secure minimum prices for crops. With Agency Inputs (Reuters) - Google and environmental group Environmental Defense Fund on Wednesday unveiled a partnership to expose sources of climate-warming emissions from oil and gas operations that will be detected from space by a new satellite. MethaneSAT will launch next month, one of several satellites that are being deployed to monitor methane emissions across the globe to pinpoint major sources of the invisible but potent greenhouse gas. It is a partnership led by EDF, the New Zealand Space Agency, Harvard University and others. Data from the satellite will be available later this year, and Google Cloud will provide the computing capabilities to process the information. Google also said it will create a map of oil and gas infrastructure, using artificial intelligence to identify components like oil tanks. MethaneSAT's data on emissions will then be overlayed with the Google map to assist in understanding which types of oil and gas equipment tend to leak most. The information will be available through Google Earth Engine, a geospatial analysis platform, later this year. Earth Engine is free to researchers, nonprofits and the news media. "We think this information is incredibly valuable for energy companies, researchers and the public sector to anticipate and mitigate methane emissions in components that are generally most susceptible," Yael Maguire, vice president of geo sustainability at Google, said on a call with reporters. The launch comes as governments are cracking down on the short-lived greenhouse gas source and over 50 major state-owned and independent oil and gas operators ranging from ExxonMobil to Saudi Aramco have pledged at the COP28 climate summit to reduce their methane leaks to near zero by the end of this decade. The United States is among the biggest methane-emitting countries, and has proposed mandatory measures to stem leaks from oil and gas operations. A new rule by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would allow the public to report large methane leaks to federal regulators if they have access to methane detection technology. (Reporting by Nichola Groom and Valerie Volcovici; editing by Jonathan Oatis) New Delhi: In Yeon is a word in Korean that translates as providence or fate, but also specifically holds true for relationships, between people. After all nothing in life is a coincidence, we are fated to meet the people we encounter, be it lovers or strangers we pass by on the street. Filmmaker Celine Songs critically acclaimed and decorated Past Lives, won hearts for its bittersweet yet lyrically moving narrative as it captures the eternity of love and the invisible connections formed between humans. The story of two childhood friends Na Young aka Nora( Greta Lee) and her cheot-sarang (first love in Korean) Hae Sung( Teo Yoo) who meet 24 years later in New York. The situation was very different from their teen years when they viewed life from the rapturous eyes of the young. It is obvious the two have different dreams and aspirations, Na Young aspires to be a writer, and the move to Canada is the perfect opportunity, she responds to Hae Sungs query on why they need to move with a Koreans dont win a noble prize for literature. Na Young and her family adapt to their new life, even taking Americanised names. Na Young is Nora and a budding writer. Over the years the communication between the two friends breaks down, until a chance encounter on social media. Hae Sung who is a white collared office worker and still single, is shy and conscious as the two start reconnecting all over again. In the meantime, Nora on a writers retreat meets Arthur. It is In Yeon. Arthur is a writer, and the two form an instant connection and get married. Marriage is also an opportunity for Nora to get a green card. Hae Sung informs Nora that he will be visiting the States and wants to meet her, and she cannot wait to see her old friend once again. As she takes him around New York, one cannot help but notice the longing on Hae Sungs face. Arthur a perceptive man notices that Hae Sung is somewhere caught in the what ifs, but Nora tells him and the audience who are moved by the emotion and longing on Hae Sungs face that it is the in yeon, at play. The invisible needle that points you toward your destiny or away from it. As we see the parallel lives of the two characters unfold, Celine Song gives us a quiet yet restrained narrative. There is no angst of a love triangle, a passionate affair, or sexual tensions between the characters. It is just an exploration of the many emotions of what ifs, the should have and could haves humans find themselves in. Neither Arthur is shown as a racist, condescending man, rather he too like the audience is the faceless viewer wondering where this meeting would lead the two friends. What if this is a past life as well, and we are already something else to each other in our next life? Who do you think we are then? asks Hae Sung wistfully to Nora, a question the audience is also left pondering as the credit roll comes up and the lights come on in the dark theatre. Love to Hate You star, Teo Yoo gives a heart-wrenching performance as Hae Sung, his emotions and actions nuanced and subtle like his character. Greta Lee as Nora is impressive and in control of her character and her choices. Past Lives is a slice-of-life narrative, that tugs your heart and leaves you feeling wistful, yet gives you the closure one needs. New Delhi: In connection with the ongoing probe into the liquor policy case, Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, finds himself summoned once again by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), marking the sixth instance of such summons. The development, according to sources on Wednesday, underscores the intensifying scrutiny surrounding Kejriwal's alleged involvement in the matter. Asked to appear for questioning on Monday, Kejriwal's recurrent absence from prior summons has set the stage for a legal confrontation with the central probe agency, potentially culminating in unprecedented actions against a sitting chief minister. Enforcement Directorate has issued sixth summons to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal asking him to appear on February 19 in liquor policy case (file photo) pic.twitter.com/c316WsD2iF ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 Kejriwal's repeated non-compliance with earlier summons has not gone unnoticed, prompting the ED to escalate its pursuit. The backdrop of this legal tussle is marked by accusations of money laundering within the framework of Delhi's liquor excise policy. The recent summons, closely following a court directive, adds fuel to the already contentious relationship between Kejriwal and the probe agency. Amid the mounting pressure, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has rallied behind its leader, asserting that Kejriwal is unfairly targeted by political adversaries, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Refuting the legality of the summons, AAP sources have vowed to challenge them in court, signalling a robust defense against what they perceive as a politically motivated onslaught. The escalating dispute surrounding Kejriwal's summons has broader political ramifications, amplifying the acrimonious relationship between the ruling AAP and the BJP. With senior AAP members already facing legal repercussions, including arrests, the stakes are high for both parties involved. Liquor Excise Policy Case At the heart of the matter lies the contentious Liquor Excise Policy Case, which alleges malfeasance within the AAP government's alcohol sales strategy. Accusations of kickbacks and favoritism towards certain liquor dealers have cast a shadow over the administration's integrity, further exacerbated by allegations of channelling illicit funds into electoral campaigns across states. In response to the allegations, the AAP vehemently denies any wrongdoing, citing substantial revenue gains and policy effectiveness. The reported surge in income and revenue generation underscores the party's commitment to transparent governance, juxtaposed against the backdrop of political mudslinging and legal wrangling. As the legal battle ensues, the interplay between political interests and investigative agencies comes to the fore, underscoring the complexities of governance and accountability in a charged political environment. With both sides digging in their heels, the outcome of Kejriwal's summons is poised to reverberate far beyond the confines of Delhi's political landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the opening of a new Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) office in Dubai during the 'Ahlan Modi' event in Abu Dhabi. He highlighted India's educational achievements, mentioning the launch of a master's course at the IIT Delhi campus and the upcoming CBSE office in Dubai, aimed at providing quality education to the Indian community in the UAE. PM Modi praised the cultural ties between India and the UAE, emphasizing their shared linguistic affinity and mutual accomplishments. He recalled his first visit to the UAE in 2015, expressing warmth towards the reception he received from the Crown Prince, now the President, and his brothers. "In terms of community and culture, the achievements of Bharat and UAE serve as a model for the world to emulate. There is also proximity in the languages of Bharat and UAE," PM added. In addition to education, PM Modi discussed India's global recognition for infrastructure projects, tourism, and sports. He highlighted India's digital revolution, including initiatives like RuPay card and UPI, to benefit both Indian and UAE residents. Asserting India's growing global influence, PM Modi referred to India as a 'Vishwa Bandhu,' known for extending help during crises. PM Modi informed a meeting of the Indian diaspora in the UAE that he has brought with him the smell of the land where they were born and a message from 140 crore residents of India that "Bharat is proud of you". During his visit, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries. Several memoranda of understanding were exchanged, including an agreement to interlink instant payment platforms - UPI and UAE's AANI. PM Modi interacted with students from the IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi Campus, appreciating the collaboration between the two nations in higher education. He highlighted the significance of the project in fostering bilateral ties and bringing youth from both countries together. The opening of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi campus in the UAE was initiated in February 2022, aiming to provide quality higher education globally. The campus offers academic programs focusing on energy transition and sustainability. PM Modi will inaugurate the BAPS Mandir, the first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, during his visit. He is in the UAE from February 13-14 before proceeding to Doha. New Delhi: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Ugrahan on Wednesday announced to block railway tracks tomorrow from 12 noon to 4 PM. The decision comes as a display of solidarity with the farmers currently en route to Delhi as part of ongoing protests. Farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh resumed their agitation, calling for a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, among other demands. As the farmers continued their protest against the Centre on Wednesday, police utilized multiple tear gas shells to disperse farmers trying to breach the police barricade at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu borders. Drones were additionally deployed to release tear gas shells on the assembled crowd, resulting in the detention of several farmers at the border. Meanwhile, heavy security deployment and barricades, coupled with protesting farmers, continue to cause significant traffic congestion in the national capital. Commuters are facing difficulties as traffic jams slow movement at DND, with long queues of vehicles seen at Kalindi Kunj and Gazipur border. NEW DELHI: Tonight on Zee News' prime time show DNA, we delve into a pressing question: Has the Congress party completely lost its ground in Uttar Pradesh? With the upcoming Lok Sabha elections looming, the historical significance of Uttar Pradesh in Indian politics cannot be overstated. Both the Congress and the BJP recognize the pivotal role this state plays in shaping the country's political landscape. However, recent electoral setbacks for the Congress in UP have raised serious concerns. The loss of Amethi, a long-held stronghold, in the last election was a significant blow to the Congress. Now, with Rae Bareli, another bastion, appearing to be on the brink of collapse, questions arise about the party's future in the state. Sonia Gandhi's decision to file her Rajya Sabha nomination from Jaipur today adds fuel to the speculation. Is this a sign of Congress conceding defeat in UP? Tonight, on DNA, we aim to dissect the intricate political trajectory of Congress in Uttar Pradesh. The diminishing ties between the Gandhi family and their ancestral roots, particularly in UP, underscore a broader trend. Sonia Gandhi, formerly a Lok Sabha member from Rae Bareli, opting to contest Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan hints at a shift in strategy. Does this signify a complete rupture in Congress' political ties with UP, especially as its last stronghold crumbles? Despite contrasting views within the Congress, with Sonia Gandhi's nomination for the Rajya Sabha garnering support from party members, there's an acknowledgment of the party's diminishing political clout in Uttar Pradesh. The recent electoral performances, including the loss of deposit in three out of six seats in Rae Bareli during the UP Assembly elections, highlight the challenges faced by Congress in the state. As we examine Congress' dwindling fortunes in Uttar Pradesh, the broader implications for the party's national standing become apparent. The nomination of Sonia Gandhi for the Rajya Sabha from Jaipur, abandoning her traditional seat of Rae Bareli, signifies the end of an era in UP politics. Join us tonight on DNA as we unravel the factors behind Congress' decline in Uttar Pradesh and explore the strategic moves the party is making in response. Don't miss this special episode airing tonight on Zee News. NEW DELHI: Agitating farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher on Wednesday said that they don't want any confrontation with the Centre and are ready for talks to resolve all the issues related to their demands, including a law guaranteeing minimum support price for their crops. "We don't want confrontation, we want dialogue. The meeting for tomorrow has been scheduled for 5 PM,'' the farmer leaders said while addressing a press conference this evening. "While we were in discussion, our Twitter handle was shut down by the government, stating that we are engaging in anti-national activity. This is incorrect,'' they added. They went on to add, ''The central government is provoking us. The Centre does not want us to proceed with dialogue; instead, there is continuous SHELLING on us... Today, we responded to their provocation. The attitude of the Center is not right......and you speak for dialogue.'' #WATCH | "The meeting with Centre will be held at 5pm tomorrow," says Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher at Rajpura bypass in Punjab. pic.twitter.com/54wpNxoBMu ANI (@ANI) February 14, 2024 The protest this time has been called by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. Tear Gas Fired At Farmers At Punjab-Haryana Shambhu Border Police lobbed multiple rounds of teargas shells to disperse farmers who were approaching the police barricade at the Punjab-Haryana Shambhu border to resume the 'Dilli Chalo' protest on Wednesday. To ensure law and order, Delhi police have already enforced Section 144, restricting entry of tractor trolleys and large assemblies. Mobile internet services, bulk SMS and all dongle services will continue to remain suspended in seven districts of Haryana for another 48 hours till February 15 midnight in view of the 'Delli Chalo' call given by farmers' organisations. The mobile services were earlier suspended on February 11 morning till February 13 at midnight. According to a notification issued by the Haryana administration, bulk SMS and all dongle services provided on mobile networks, except voice calls, will remain suspended in the jurisdiction of districts Ambala, Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Hisar, Fatehabad and Sirsa. Meanwhile, long traffic jams were seen on Wednesday at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border due to the farmers' protest and security checks put in place by the authorities. Rapid Action Force personnel, Police personnel and Riot Control Vehicles are deployed at the Singhu Border in Delhi in view of the farmers' protest. The morning visuals showed intense security arrangements at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana, as farmers who marched towards Delhi on Tuesday clashed with the police. The protesting farmers on Tuesday were seen attempting to break the multi-layered barricades using their tractors and hand weapons. The Haryana police, meanwhile, detained several protesting farmers. The police deployed concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, barbed wires, and police and paramilitary personnel at Kurukshetra in Haryana in view of the 'Delhi Chalo' march by the farmers. The farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government for which they're marching to Delhi. The protest this time has been called by Sanyukt Kisan Morcha and Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee led by farmer union leaders Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Sarwan Singh Pandher. According to the protesting farmers, the centre promised them better crop prices, after which they ended the 2021 protest. They are demanding to enact a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report. They are also demanding a complete debt waiver and a scheme to provide pensions to farmers and farm labourers. The farmers have also urged to scrap the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and are demanding to reintroduce the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, ensuring consent from farmers and compensation at 4 times the collector rate. Further, they are demanding to punish those involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri killings.An appeal to provide 200 days of employment per year and a daily wage of Rs 700 under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), linking it with farming, has also been made by the farmers. Also, they have demanded compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021 and a job for any family member has been put in place. New Delhi: New Delhi: The farmers' protest against the central government's agricultural policies and demands for MSP laws entered its second day on Wednesday. With heavy security deployment and barricades alongside protesting farmers, the national capital continues to experience heavy traffic jams. Commuters encountered difficulties as traffic congestion slowed movement at DND, with long queues of vehicles observed at Kalindi Kunj and Gazipur border. At the Singhu Border in Delhi, Rapid Action Force personnel, police personnel, and Riot Control Vehicles have been deployed in response to the ongoing farmers' protest. Security measures have been significantly heightened at the Shambhu border in Ambala, Haryana, following clashes between farmers and police on Tuesday. Additionally, efforts to reinforce the Tikri Border with additional concrete between the slabs are underway to fortify the border amid the farmers' march towards the national capital on its second day. The protesting farmers on Tuesday were seen attempting to break the multi-layered barricades using their tractors and hand weapons. The Haryana police, meanwhile, detained several protesting farmers. The police deployed concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, barbed wires, and police and paramilitary personnel at Kurukshetra in Haryana in view of the 'Delhi Chalo' march by the farmers. To ensure law and order, Delhi police enforced Section 144, restricting the entry of tractor-trolleys and large assemblies. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to the 40 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post on X said "I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'. February 14, 2019 marks five years since the Pulwama terror attack, when 40 valiant Indian soldiers were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an IED-laden vehicle into the security convoy carrying them. I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 14, 2024 Days after the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out multiple aerial strikes on February 26, 2019, at JeM terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot, killing a "large number" of terrorists and destroying their infrastructure. The air strike was launched in the early hours of February 26 and Pakistan's efforts to launch an offensive the next day to target Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir were thwarted by an alert IAF. In the dogfight, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane and chasing Pakistani jets, crossed over to PoK, where his aircraft was shot down. He was taken into custody by Pakistan. India also shot down a Pakistani fighter jet. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also paid tributes to the brave soldiers "Pay homage to our brave jawans who laid down their lives this day in Pulwama in 2019. Their courage motivates us to keep up our vigil against cross-border terrorism." Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar recalled the valiant sacrifice of the soldiers "Today, we pause to remember and salute the brave CRPF soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Pulwama Terrorist attack while in service to the nation. We stand united in solidarity with their families and loved ones, offering our deepest condolences and unwavering support. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten or forgiven." Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also paid his tributes to the fallen soldiers "Today, we honour the memory of the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country in Pulwama. We pay tribute to their families, who have shown unwavering strength & resilience. We remain forever indebted to their service." Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi also saluted the braves "Salutes and humble tributes to the brave martyrs of Pulwama terrorist attack. The country will always be indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice dedicated to the defence of India." New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday released another list of seven names for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls, nominating party president JP Nadda from Gujarat and newly inducted leader Ashok Chavan from Maharashtra. In its latest list, the BJP has declared four names from Gujarat and three from Maharashtra. Besides JP Nadda, the BJP nominated Govindbhai Dholakia, Mayanbhai Nayak and Jashvantsinh Parmar from Gujarat. For Maharashtra, besides Ashok Chavan, the party has named Medha Kulkarni and Ajit Gopchhade. Former Maharashtra chief minister Chavan quit Congress earlier this week and joined the BJP in the presence of deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Nadda, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh, is being fielded from Gujarat since the BJP does not have the numbers to win the lone seat in the Congress-ruled hill state. Earlier today, the BJP announced that it's nominating Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw from Odisha and L Murugan from Madhya Pradesh for the upcoming elections. On Sunday, the BJP named 14 candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, including former Union Minister R P N Singh and party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi. The last day for filing nomination papers is February 15. The term for Rajya Sabha MPs is six years and elections are held after every two years for 33 per cent of the seats. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245 members. Out of the total 245 members, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union Territories of Delhi, Puducherry Jammu and Kashmir (w.e.f. 31.10. 2019) 12 are nominated by the President. Based on population, each state is allocated a certain number of candidates in the Upper House. Members of the state legislative assemblies choose Rajya Sabha members through an indirect election system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The Election Commission has scheduled the Rajya Sabha elections for 15 states, including Uttar Pradesh, for February 27. Voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on this date, with the deadline for nominations set for February 15. The results of the elections will be announced on the same day, February 27. The Election Commission has announced the biennial Rajya Sabha polls on February 27 for 56 seats, as the tenure of incumbents ends in April. NEW DELHI: In a strategic move, Sonia Gandhi, the Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson, has filed her nomination for the upcoming Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan, marking a significant shift in her political journey. Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination in the esteemed presence of key political figures, including party MP Rahul Gandhi, the party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, and state party president Govind Singh Dotasra, signalling a unified front in this crucial endeavour. A Legacy of Leadership Sonia Gandhi has left an indelible mark during her tenure as Congress president for almost 22 years. With five consecutive terms as a Lok Sabha MP from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh, her influence reverberates across the political landscape. Her decision to contest for a Rajya Sabha seat assumes significance against the backdrop of impending Lok Sabha polls slated for April-May. This calculated move underscores the Congress party's strategic positioning as it gears up for the electoral battleground. With Rajasthan offering 10 Rajya Sabha seats, the upcoming biennial elections present a crucial opportunity. The state's political landscape is poised for a shuffle, with three seats up for contention. The distribution of seats reflects the intricate balance of power, with the ruling BJP and the Opposition Congress vying for representation based on their respective strengths in the State Assembly. Rajya Sabha Election Dynamics The electoral calculus comes into sharp focus as parties vie for a foothold in the Upper House. With BJP and Congress projecting their candidates, including stalwarts like Sonia Gandhi, the stage is set for a keenly contested battle. The Congress party's nomination strategy underscores a calculated approach to maximize representation across key states. The announcement of candidates for the Rajya Sabha elections in various states reflects a meticulous selection process aimed at bolstering the party's presence in crucial legislative bodies. Road Ahead As the deadline for filing nomination papers looms, the political landscape is poised for further evolution. The upcoming Rajya Sabha elections hold the promise of reshaping the dynamics of Indian politics, setting the stage for a riveting contest of ideologies and strategies. Electoral Framework The last day for filing nomination papers is February 15. The term for Rajya Sabha MPs is six years and elections are held after every two years for 33 per cent of the seats. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245 members. Out of the total 245 members, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir (w.e.f. 31.10. 2019) and 12 are nominated by the President. 12 are directly nominated by the President who are veterans in the field of art, literature, sports, science etc. Based on population, each state is allocated a certain number of candidates in the Upper House. Members of the state legislative assemblies choose Rajya Sabha members through an indirect election system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote (SVT). Grant Cardone The outcome of this years presidential election has the potential to affect the U.S. economy. If former President Donald Trump is the winner, Grant Cardone, private equity fund manager and real estate investor, believes this will put the economy on the upswing. Related: Trump-Era Tax Cuts Are Expiring How Changes Will Impact Retirees Discover: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Hes a confident guy, Cardone, who will be hosting the 10X Growth Conference 2024 in April, told GOBankingRates. The economy likes confidence, right? Whether its real or not real, it doesnt really matter. Everything is based on confidence. But its not just the effects of bravado. Cardone elaborated on a few tangible ways a Trump presidency could improve the economy. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. An End to Two Major Wars Could Boost the US Economy International conflicts can be costly for the U.S., which often provides financial aid to allies. Cardone believes Trump will end several wars, which could mean a cut back on spending. I believe Donald Trump will stop both wars, both the war in Israel and the war in Ukraine, within 90 days of being elected, Cardone said. See: How Rich Is Former President Donald Trump? The Real Estate Market Will Bounce Back Because Trump is a major real estate investor himself, Cardone believes that Trump will ensure the real estate market flourishes under his leadership. Hell make sure real estate wins, Cardone said. He always has thats his baby. Domestic Oil and Gas Production Will Boom, Lowering Costs and Creating More Jobs Cardone predicts that Trump will focus on increasing oil and gas production domestically. The gas and oil community will explode in this country, he said. Gas and oil will go to two bucks here. I absolutely believe that, because well start producing gas and oil again. Heating your home and running fuel through your car [will become] cheaper. Story continues Not only could this lower costs for American households, but it would also create more high-paying jobs, Cardone said. Gas and oil [will be] coming out of everywhere, from Texas all the way up into the Dakotas, he said. That produces tremendous, high-paying jobs in a part of the country that is not heavily populated. And thats good for America. Cardone believes that increasing oil and gas production domestically will have a positive ripple effect on the U.S. economy. [If] the cost of gas goes down [and the] cost of oil goes down, theres more confidence in the marketplace, [and] we have less dependence upon other people for our oil and gas needs, he said. That would be a positive. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Grant Cardone: 3 Ways I Think the Economy Would Change If Trump Were Elected New Delhi: The weather across North India, including Delhi-NCR, has taken a turn for the worse with reports of rainfall in multiple states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand, intensifying the cold conditions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning for rain today (14 February), forecasting light rain and drizzle in certain areas. Mercury dipped to 11 degrees Celsius in Delhi on Tuesday morning with thin layer of fog covering the national capital. According to the IMD, relative humidity stood at a staggering 97 percent at 8:30 am on Tuesday. Skymet, a weather forecasting agency, anticipates cloudy skies on Wednesday with possible drizzle in select areas. Additionally, fog is expected in the mornings from February 15th to 18th, with minimum temperatures likely to range between 7 to 10 degrees Celsius. Uttar Pradesh is also likely to experience drizzle or light rain on Wednesday, coupled with strong winds. Several districts in UP have recorded minimum temperatures hovering around 4 degrees Celsius, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 25 degrees Celsius. According to IMD, a drop of one to two degrees in maximum temperatures is likely due to the cloudy skies and light rain. The IMD has also predicted thunderstorms and lightning in isolated places over Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal and Sikkim on February 14. Dense fog conditions very likely to prevail in morning hours in isolated pockets of Odisha on February 14 and 15, stated the Met Deaprtment. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a marginal improvement in temperatures on Tuesday. The Meteorological Department has forecasted another rainy spell starting from February 18th, extending until February 20th, with the possibility of light to moderate snowfall in various areas. Travelers are cautioned to heed traffic police advisories due to heavy snow accumulation and sub-zero temperatures in many hilly regions. In Srinagar, the minimum temperature dropped to minus 2.5 degrees Celsius, while Gulmarg recorded minus 4.5 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam registered minus 5.4 degrees Celsius. New Delhi: Shah Rukh Khan, affectionately known as the 'King Khan' and celebrated as one of India's most prominent cultural icon, graced the stage at WGS for an insightful conversation session titled "Timeless Success: A Conversation with Shah Rukh Khan." Renowned for his magnetic screen presence and unparalleled wit, Khan's enduring legacy in Indian cinema spans nearly three decades, making him a fitting representative of Indian excellence on the global stage. Remarkably, SRK is the only Indian actor who is invited to the World Government Summit. It's SRK's first time at the prestigious gathering dedicated to shaping the future of governments globally. The superstar will be taking center stage for a conversation entitled 'The Making Of A Star: A Conversation With Shah Rukh Khan', a 15-minute discussion on his ascent to fame and fortune. Shah Rukh Khan shared his personal insights and experiences at the session that explore valuable lessons on perseverance, creativity, and navigating the path to enduring success. The discussion will explore the principles that have shaped Khan's remarkable career and find inspiration for your own journey. The World Government Summit has emerged as a pivotal platform for sharing governance best practices, fostering collaboration, and envisioning innovative solutions for global challenges. As India takes center stage as the distinguished guest at this year's WGS summit, it highlights the nation's significant contributions to the global discourse on governance, development and progress. New Delhi: 'The Indian Police Force' actor Shilpa Shetty opens up on her OTT debut, her journey in Bollywood in an exclusive conversation with Puja Talwar. She talked about Shah Rukh Khan and said 'he is street smart.' Read the further conversation here: Q: You finally make your OTT debut with The Indian Police Force. Your character Tara Shetty wears her stripes proudly and is a rare case of a woman leading the Anti Terror Squad in the Police force which is often reserved for men. Shilpa Shetty Kundra: I had always wondered how the character of Tara which so masculine, the only feminine aspect of her is that she has long hair, and well is a woman. But she's really tough and gritty, even the way she reacts and responds to the indignity, is not how we women usually do, we do not like to confront, but she takes on people, even her colleague like in the case of Kabir (Sidharth Malhotra) head on, she has no qualms in taking him on like one of the boys I loved that aspect, and the fact that Rohit Shetty treated the character like just another, without any gender bias, and that's a compliment, you know, to him. He has projected me as a hero, with the same amount of swag that is so typical of the heroes in his film. Rohit has just been honest to the person wearing the uniform, irrespective of gender, and for me, as a female actor, this was the perfect opportunity. Q: Rohit Shetty has been known for his larger-than-life cinematic experience. This also marks your first collaboration with him. What is the Rohit Shetty set like? A: My first collaboration should have happened 14 years ago, with Golmaal, the film, but things didnt go as planned. I dont agree that Rohit Shetty is excessive, he takes that cinematic liberty for his audiences. He wants to give the audiences their money's worth. It is very aspirational, and that's how I also approach my work. Like when people come in to see Shilpa Shetty, whether it be on television or big screen. I have to play the part, and as actors, we are aspirational, as well. You have to make it worth their while for the moviegoers or your audiences to want to invest that time in you. So, I think it's just that thought process, also it is a whole 90s thing. Also, this was his first web series,. the approach was very different from his movies, saying that there were no corners cut. But, nowhere is the scale any less, there were no corners cut, and it is as grand if not more. It is a great time to be an actor in today's cinema because you can see an influx of actors being given their due, in this time and age. as well. You get to see the talent of so many people, who otherwise would have gone unrecognised, thanks to the different streaming platforms. Q: Is it also a liberating time for you, that you are finally getting to explore the many layers and dimensions, irrespective of gender, age or for that matter looked a certain way? A: The times have changed, and the content we are churning out today is amazing. I think somewhere my talent was always undermined, maybe I was regarded as too glamorous, even if I sound extremely immodest, saying that it is the truth. They always felt that they rather cast Shilpa Shetty for the usual song and dance number, and typecast me rather than give me meaty roles. I wish they had, I would have done it better because I am a director-actor. Yes, I did Phir Mileage and Life In a Metro and I also had successful blockbusters... But I think I also became a little choosy and maybe then you know, the offers started drying up. But today it's a great time because, you know, there are more parts written for women and stronger ones. I feel now filmmakers have not just the gumption but also the budgets to make female-oriented films. So saying that I'm not always looking for female-oriented films. I find it a tad boring. I am an entertainer, and love being part of entertaining cinema as well, but I love doing a Sukhee. Sukhee played a huge catalyst in bringing about a certain awareness to women who kind of felt a lack of self-worth. So for me, I look at the bigger picture, and I make my choices depending on where I am at that time. Q: You also reinvade yourself, you chose to participate in Big Brother, which also changed the trajectory of your life. A: I don't think it was a coincidence. It just came from boredom. I was just so saturated with just doing the same thing., and I think it was also pretty much at a time when I was not very happy. I went for a lark since it was an international show. But I won the show and then you know how things changed, everything has its destiny. Also, I have never calculated and approached work thinking strategy. If it suits my personality and it needs to be exciting enough for me to leave my children. Also now I feel a lot more confident in my skin, it's taken me 30 years to get that self-confidence. But, whatever said and done I would say I have always been authentic. Q: Lastly, it is 31 years since Baazigar was released, and Shahrukh Khan has proved once again that stardom like his does not wane. What do you think makes him the ultimate star? A: I think he is very aware, and for any actor, it is very important to be aware of your strengths and to know where you can work on yourself, and for that, you need to be street-smart. I think SRK is not just a great superstar, but he has acumen, and that has helped him decide where he wants to take himself. Just look at him, he is amazing. President Electrical Solutions Mark Mikes of Hubbell Inc (NYSE:HUBB) has sold 397 shares of the company on February 12, 2024, according to a recent SEC Filing. The transaction was executed at a stock price of $363.45, contributing to a market capitalization of $18.91 billion for Hubbell Inc. Hubbell Inc is an international manufacturer of quality electrical and electronic products for a broad range of non-residential and residential construction, industrial and utility applications. With a portfolio of brands and products recognized for excellence, Hubbell Inc has established a strong presence in the industry. Over the past year, the insider has sold a total of 3,279 shares and has not made any purchases. The recent sale by the insider is part of a trend observed over the last year, where there has been a total of 13 insider sells and only 1 insider buy for Hubbell Inc. Hubbell Inc Insider Sells Company Shares The stock's price-earnings ratio stands at 25.10, surpassing the industry median of 20.575 and also higher than the company's historical median price-earnings ratio. This indicates a premium compared to industry and historical valuations. According to the GuruFocus Value chart, Hubbell Inc's stock is currently trading at a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 1.28, suggesting that the stock is Modestly Overvalued in relation to its intrinsic value. Hubbell Inc Insider Sells Company Shares The GF Value is determined by considering historical trading multiples such as price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow, along with a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates provided by Morningstar analysts. Investors and analysts often monitor insider transactions as they can provide insights into a company's internal perspective on the stock's valuation and future prospects. The recent insider activity at Hubbell Inc may prompt stakeholders to scrutinize the company's valuation and growth expectations more closely. 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. Chinese people embrace tourism to celebrate Lunar New Year Xinhua) 11:10, February 14, 2024 An aerial drone photo taken on Feb. 11, 2024 shows tourists visiting a scenic area in Huimin County of Binzhou City, east China's Shandong Province. People across China are enjoying the ongoing Spring Festival holiday in various ways. (Photo by Chu Baorui/Xinhua) BEIJING, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Traditionally, Chinese people stay at home with their families for the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, the most important festival of the Chinese calendar. But many families are now opting to travel during the holiday, attracted by cultural activities such as lantern shows, flower markets and temple fairs on offer around the country, or traveling overseas to discover more of the world. CULTURAL ACTIVITIES At Beihai Park in Beijing, calligraphers can be seen writing the Chinese character "Fu" on red, square paper and handing the decorations out to tourists. The red posters are stuck onto doors or windows to celebrate the Spring Festival, as the character symbolizes a blessing or happiness. "I felt very lucky to receive a 'Fu' poster as a gift, and I will take home the blessing it carries," said a tourist surnamed Xu from south China's Guangdong Province. Public parks in Beijing received over 250,000 tourists on Feb. 10, the first day of the Year of the Dragon, surging 153.78 percent from the Spring Festival last year and 56.41 percent from 2019, according to local authorities. Shanghai has launched more than 200 cultural activities during the eight-day Spring Festival holiday starting from Feb. 10, including art exhibitions, plays and food fairs, creating a festive atmosphere in the city for both locals and tourists. About 1.73 million tourists visited Shanghai on Chinese New Year's Day, up 4.58 percent year on year, data released by the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism showed. According to tourism platform statistics, domestic travel orders soared 102 percent year on year on the eve and first day of the holiday, significantly exceeding the level seen over the same two days in 2019. Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Kunming and Harbin are among the most popular destinations this year. To welcome the Year of the Dragon, 20 lantern shows featuring elements of the Chinese dragon are being staged at the ancient city walls in Shaanxi's Xi'an, the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in the country. "Although it's quite crowded and cold at night, it's worth coming!" said a visitor surnamed Zhou from Beijing. He said that his 12-year-old daughter has recently become a big fan of traditional Chinese clothing and had been looking forward to her trip to the ancient capital. SEEING THE WORLD "Happy Chinese New Year from abroad! I had a great time roaming around Singapore!" a tourist from Chongqing surnamed Zhang posted on her social media on Chinese New Year's Eve. In her photos, she and her daughter are in summer clothing and her parents can be seen taking pictures in front of greenery. Although the trip was an impulsive decision, it was only made possible by a recent visa-free travel policy and the fact that a direct flight from Chongqing to Singapore takes just five hours. More Chinese people like Zhang chose to ring in this new lunar year in a foreign country. China's National Immigration Administration has estimated that the Chinese mainland will see a daily average of 1.8 million inbound and outbound passenger trips during the Spring Festival holiday this year, approximately 3.3 times larger than last year's figure. Cheng Chaogong, chief researcher at the Tongcheng Research Institute, which is affiliated with a major online travel agency, said that countries such as Singapore and Thailand are becoming travel hot spots after their implementation of visa-free travel policies for Chinese tourists. These overseas trips are expected to give a strong impetus to tourism spending, Cheng said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) 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 Investor Centre Limited (ASX:ICU), that sends out a positive message to the company's shareholders. While insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing, we do think it is perfectly logical to keep tabs on what insiders are doing. See our latest analysis for Investor Centre The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Investor Centre Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by insider Phacharanad Monthanyanan for AU$620k worth of shares, at about AU$0.026 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of AU$0.031. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price. Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 30.29m shares worth AU$906k. On the other hand they divested 165.50k shares, for AU$11k. In the last twelve months there was more buying than selling by Investor Centre insiders. They paid about AU$0.03 on average. Although they bought at below the recent share price, it is good to see that insiders are willing to invest in the company. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below! Investor Centre is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying. Insider Ownership Of Investor Centre For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It's great to see that Investor Centre insiders own 51% of the company, worth about AU$4.8m. I like to see this level of insider ownership, because it increases the chances that management are thinking about the best interests of shareholders. Story continues So What Do The Investor Centre Insider Transactions Indicate? It doesn't really mean much that no insider has traded Investor Centre shares in the last quarter. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Investor Centre insiders think the business has merit. 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 Investor Centre (4 can't be ignored!) that we believe deserve your full attention. Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies. 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. Today, semiconductor giant Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is a tremendous company worth over $1.7 trillion. Those who bought and held shares many years back are very wealthy today. But thinking that you've missed the boat because you were late can be a costly mistake. You could have invested $10,000 in Nvidia just five years ago and still be sitting on $195,000 in gains today. Nobody knew five years ago that artificial intelligence (AI) would impact Nvidia as it has, but that's the thing with great companies -- fortune tends to find them. The cycle repeats. There are investors right now thinking they've missed out on Nvidia. But as you'll see below, that's not necessarily true. Here is why. Nvidia is cornering the AI chip market It's becoming increasingly clear that Nvidia is dominating the AI chip market. It's become widely known how the company jumped out to a quick lead, illustrated by exploding growth that began several quarters ago. Industry analysts estimate that Nvidia's early market share is between 80% and 95%. The technology sector's most prominent companies, including Amazon, Microsoft, Tesla, and Meta Platforms, flocked to the company's flagship H100 and H200 series AI chips. NVDA Revenue (Quarterly YoY Growth) Chart Naturally, these companies, which are buying tens and hundreds of thousands of chips, may try to develop their own chips to save money and optimize their hardware for their own use. It looks like Nvidia is staying proactive here, which should be music to investors' ears. According to a report by Reuters, Nvidia will establish a new business unit for custom AI chips. As companies look for alternatives to Nvidia's standardized AI chips, it potentially opens the door for competitors that can help create these custom chip designs. Nvidia's custom chip unit will try to prevent market share leakage by working with customers looking for alternatives to Nvidia's standardized chip products. Custom chips are predicted to be a $30 billion niche in the AI chip space. Story continues Could Nvidia still be cheap? Things can move fast in the stock market. Nvidia, which trades at over $720 per share, was only $200 a year ago. As you saw in the graph above, the company's growth spurt justified Nvidia's meteoric rise. However, investors must carefully weigh Nvidia stock's future potential versus its price tag. As the calendar turns over, Nvidia's stock is pricing in the next fiscal year's earnings. Shares trade roughly 35 times its estimated earnings for the year ending January 2025. Remarkably, analysts' long-term growth estimates signal the stock is still arguably cheap on a forward-looking basis. That's a price/earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio under 1. NVDA PE Ratio (Forward) Chart On the other hand, analysts have set a very high bar, and coming up short could cause a painful contraction in the stock price. In other words, the stock is a riskier investment today than a year ago because expectations are higher. How investors should approach Nvidia stock Time is a superpower for individual investors who don't need to meet quarterly performance quotas for their clients like hedge fund managers do. Naturally, a stock that has risen as much as Nvidia could easily see a pullback. But given the overwhelming evidence of Nvidia's AI dominance, now and moving forward, it may be unwise to avoid the stock altogether, holding out for a price that may never come. That's why investors should dollar-cost average into Nvidia stock. Buying a little at a time will help investors build a position at various price points, automatically averaging down if the stock does take a fall. Plus, holding Nvidia with a multiyear time frame in mind will increase the odds that investors realize the company's long-term growth as investment returns. It's much easier to imagine Nvidia being a much bigger company 10 years from now than to guess Nvidia's quarterly results and the market's reaction to them. Playing the long game will help investors get more out of the stock, especially as Nvidia's new-found growth opens up potential share repurchases and dividend growth over the coming years. Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now? Before you buy stock in Nvidia, 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 Nvidia 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 12, 2024 Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Justin Pope has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. If You Invested $10,000 in Nvidia in 2019, This Is How Much You Would Have Today was originally published by The Motley Fool Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Ford Motor fair value estimate is US$18.33 Current share price of US$12.68 suggests Ford Motor is potentially 31% undervalued Our fair value estimate is 34% higher than Ford Motor's analyst price target of US$13.70 How far off is Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Ford Motor The Model We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$6.85b US$5.77b US$7.34b US$7.41b US$7.50b US$7.62b US$7.76b US$7.91b US$8.07b US$8.24b Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x3 Analyst x2 Est @ 0.85% Est @ 1.28% Est @ 1.58% Est @ 1.80% Est @ 1.94% Est @ 2.05% Est @ 2.12% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 11% US$6.1k US$4.6k US$5.3k US$4.8k US$4.4k US$4.0k US$3.6k US$3.3k US$3.0k US$2.8k ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$42b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.3%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 11%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = US$8.2b (1 + 2.3%) (11% 2.3%) = US$92b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$92b ( 1 + 11%)10= US$31b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is US$73b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of US$12.7, the company appears quite good value at a 31% 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 The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Ford Motor 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 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 2.000. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Ford Motor Strength Debt is well covered by earnings. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness No major weaknesses identified for F. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the American market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Significant insider buying over the past 3 months. Threat Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow. Annual revenue is forecast to grow slower than the American market. Next Steps: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Ford Motor, there are three essential items you should look at: Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 3 warning signs for Ford Motor (of which 1 can't be ignored!) you should know about. Future Earnings: How does F's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NYSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Overview of Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Recent Portfolio Addition On December 29, 2023, Renaissance Technologies, led by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), made a notable addition to its investment portfolio by acquiring 699,115 shares of BankFinancial Corp (NASDAQ:BFIN). This transaction, executed at a trade price of $10.26 per share, represents a 0.08% change in the firm's holdings and a 5.57% ownership of the traded company. Despite the modest size of the trade, with a 0.01% portfolio impact, this move by the prominent investment firm has garnered attention in the financial community. Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) and Renaissance Technologies Corporation Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), the founder of Renaissance Technologies Corporation, has been a pioneering figure in the world of quantitative investment strategies. Since its inception in 1982, the firm has been at the forefront of employing advanced mathematical models to inform its trading decisions. The firm's approach, which relies heavily on data analysis and automated trading systems, has set it apart from traditional investment methodologies. Simons's scientific mindset has been instrumental in the firm's success, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing genuine strategies from statistical anomalies. Jim Simons Adds BankFinancial Corp to Portfolio BankFinancial Corp's Business and Financials BankFinancial Corp, operating under the symbol BFIN, is a full-service national bank headquartered in Illinois, USA. Since its IPO on June 24, 2005, the company has been committed to providing a wide array of banking services, including loans, deposits, and trust services. With a market capitalization of $127.504 million and a stock price of $10.22, BankFinancial Corp is currently considered modestly undervalued with a GF Value of $12.01. The stock's price-to-GF Value ratio stands at 0.85, indicating potential for growth according to GuruFocus's valuation methods. Story continues Jim Simons Adds BankFinancial Corp to Portfolio Impact of the Trade on Simons's Portfolio The acquisition of BankFinancial Corp shares has a relatively small but strategic impact on Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s portfolio. With a total share count of 699,115, the position size is modest, yet it reflects a confidence in the bank's potential. The trade has not significantly altered the composition of the portfolio, which is heavily weighted towards the technology and healthcare sectors, but it does demonstrate Simons's willingness to diversify into the banking industry. Market Valuation and Stock Performance BankFinancial Corp's current market valuation, with a PE ratio of 13.55%, suggests a stable earnings outlook. The stock has experienced a slight decline of 0.39% since the trade date, yet it remains above its year-to-date performance by 0.39%. When compared to the GF Value, the stock's current price suggests that it may be undervalued, offering a potential opportunity for investors. Financial Health and Performance Metrics BankFinancial Corp's financial health and performance can be assessed using various GF Scores and Ranks. The company holds a GF Score of 70/100, indicating a fair potential for future performance. Its Financial Strength is rated at 4/10, while the Profitability Rank stands at 5/10. The Growth Rank is 3/10, and the GF Value Rank is 7/10, complemented by a strong Momentum Rank of 9/10. The company's Piotroski F-Score is a robust 8, indicating a healthy financial situation. Banking Industry Context While technology and healthcare remain the top sectors in Simons's portfolio, the addition of BankFinancial Corp reflects an interest in the banking industry. This sector is known for its stability and consistent dividend payouts, which can provide a balance to the high-growth but volatile tech and healthcare investments. BankFinancial Corp's position within the banking industry is solid, with a focus on traditional banking services and a strong regional presence. Conclusion The recent acquisition of BankFinancial Corp shares by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Renaissance Technologies is a strategic move that diversifies the firm's portfolio and taps into the banking sector's potential. For value investors, this trade highlights the importance of considering modestly undervalued stocks with strong financial indicators. As the market continues to evolve, the implications of Simons's investment decisions will be closely watched for insights into the future direction of value investing. 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. Overview of Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Recent Portfolio Addition On December 29, 2023, Renaissance Technologies, led by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), made a notable addition to its investment portfolio by acquiring 11,188 shares of Data I/O Corp (NASDAQ:DAIO). This transaction expanded the firm's holding to a total of 542,643 shares in the company. Despite the trade having a seemingly negligible impact on the overall portfolio, the move is significant given Simons's reputation for data-driven investment decisions. The shares were purchased at a price of $2.94, reflecting the firm's confidence in the potential of Data I/O Corp. Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), the founder of Renaissance Technologies, is renowned for his quantitative approach to investing. Since 1982, the firm has utilized complex mathematical models to predict market movements and execute trades. This scientific methodology is grounded in the analysis of vast datasets to identify non-random price movements. Simons's strategy emphasizes the importance of empirical evidence over intuition, aiming to minimize the influence of statistical anomalies on investment decisions. Jim Simons Adds Data I/O Corp to Renaissance Technologies Portfolio Data I/O Corp at a Glance Data I/O Corp, with its roots in the USA since its IPO in 1981, specializes in programming and security solutions for electronic devices. The company's offerings include automated and non-automated programming systems, catering to the needs of electronics manufacturers worldwide. With a market capitalization of $28.415 million and a PE ratio of 35.00, Data I/O Corp operates in a niche segment of the hardware industry. The company's historical performance and current valuation suggest a cautious approach, as indicated by its "Possible Value Trap, Think Twice" GF Valuation. Jim Simons Adds Data I/O Corp to Renaissance Technologies Portfolio Impact of the Trade on Simons's Portfolio The acquisition of Data I/O Corp shares by Renaissance Technologies represents a 2.11% change in the firm's holdings, with the position now accounting for 6.02% of the traded stock. Although the trade did not significantly alter the portfolio's composition, it demonstrates Simons's interest in the company's future prospects. The trade price of $2.94, coupled with the current stock price of $3.1499, shows a gain of 7.14% since the transaction, indicating a positive short-term outcome. Story continues Financial Health and Performance of Data I/O Corp Data I/O Corp's financial health is reflected in its Financial Strength rank of 9/10 and a Piotroski F-Score of 8, suggesting a robust balance sheet and operational efficiency. However, the company's Growth Rank of 2/10 indicates limited growth potential. The stock's GF Score of 69/100 points to a potential for poor future performance, which investors should consider alongside the company's market position and growth prospects. Comparative Metrics and Industry Position Data I/O Corp's industry position is further elucidated by its GF Score components, including a Profitability Rank of 5/10 and a GF Value Rank of 8/10. The company's financial ratios and industry rankings, such as a Momentum Rank of 4/10, provide a comprehensive view of its competitive standing. These metrics are essential for investors to assess the company's performance relative to its peers. Conclusion The recent acquisition of Data I/O Corp shares by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Renaissance Technologies is a strategic move that aligns with the firm's data-centric investment philosophy. While the trade has not significantly impacted the portfolio, it underscores Simons's confidence in the company's value proposition. Investors should closely monitor Data I/O Corp's financial health, market position, and growth prospects to better understand the potential implications of this investment decision. 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. Recent Transaction Overview On December 29, 2023, Renaissance Technologies, led by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), made a notable adjustment to its investment portfolio by reducing its stake in Kearny Financial Corp (NASDAQ:KRNY). The firm sold 179,630 shares at a trade price of $8.97, which resulted in a -5.18% change in their holdings. Following this transaction, the firm's total share count in KRNY stands at 3,286,513, representing a 0.05% position in the portfolio and a 5.10% ownership of the traded company. Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) and Renaissance Technologies Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), a renowned mathematician and quantitative investor, founded Renaissance Technologies in 1982. The firm has since become one of the most successful hedge funds globally, known for its sophisticated mathematical models and automated trading strategies. Renaissance Technologies focuses on identifying non-random price movements through extensive data analysis to predict market changes. The firm's investment philosophy emphasizes scientific thinking and skepticism of statistical flukes, which has contributed to its impressive track record. Jim Simons Adjusts Position in Kearny Financial Corp Kearny Financial Corp at a Glance Kearny Financial Corp, a savings bank established in 2005, operates primarily in New Jersey and New York. The bank's business model revolves around attracting public deposits and utilizing these funds to originate or purchase loans and invest in securities. With a focus on real estate collateralized loans and a mix of business and consumer loans, Kearny Financial Corp's primary earnings come from net interest income. The company's market capitalization stands at $411.108 million, with a current stock price of $6.38, reflecting a significant undervaluation according to GuruFocus's GF Value assessment. Jim Simons Adjusts Position in Kearny Financial Corp Portfolio Impact of the Trade The recent sale of KRNY shares by Renaissance Technologies has a minimal impact on the overall composition of Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)' portfolio. With a position size of 0.05%, the trade does not significantly alter the firm's investment strategy. However, the 5.10% ownership in Kearny Financial Corp indicates a substantial interest in the bank's future performance and strategic direction. Story continues Kearny Financial Corp's Market Valuation and Performance Kearny Financial Corp is currently valued at a PE ratio of 22.00, with a stock price that is 69% of its GF Value, suggesting that the stock is significantly undervalued. The company's performance metrics, including a GF Score of 65/100, indicate moderate future performance potential. Despite a recent price decline of 28.87% since the transaction, the company's intrinsic value and growth prospects remain attractive. Industry and Sector Comparison When compared to the broader banking industry, Kearny Financial Corp's performance is closely monitored by investors. The stock's valuation and growth prospects are particularly significant given Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)' top holdings are concentrated in the technology and healthcare sectors, which typically exhibit different market dynamics. Market Reaction and Future Outlook The market's reaction to Renaissance Technologies' reduction in KRNY shares has been reflected in the subsequent price movements. With a year-to-date price change ratio of -28.56%, investors are keenly observing the stock's potential to rebound based on GuruFocus's proprietary rankings and scores. Comparison with Largest Shareholders Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC currently holds the title of the largest guru shareholder in Kearny Financial Corp. The comparison of Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)' position with that of the largest guru shareholder provides insights into the stock's appeal among value investors and the strategic bets being placed by leading market players. Transaction Analysis and Influence The reduction in Kearny Financial Corp shares by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)' firm is a strategic move that aligns with the firm's data-driven investment approach. While the transaction's influence on the stock is yet to be fully realized, the firm's continued interest in KRNY, as evidenced by its remaining stake, suggests a calculated decision based on the bank's financial health and market performance. Investors will be watching closely to see how this adjustment plays out in the context of Renaissance Technologies' broader portfolio strategy. 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. Overview of Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Recent Trade On December 29, 2023, Renaissance Technologies, led by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), made a notable adjustment to its investment in Potbelly Corp (NASDAQ:PBPB), a company known for its sandwich shops. The firm reduced its holdings by 49,432 shares, which resulted in a 3.26% change in its position. The shares were traded at a price of $10.42 each. After this transaction, Renaissance Technologies holds a total of 1,469,154 shares in Potbelly Corp, which corresponds to a 5.00% stake in the company and a 0.03% position ratio in the firm's portfolio, despite the trade having a 0% impact. Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) and Renaissance Technologies Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), a renowned mathematician and quantitative investor, founded Renaissance Technologies in 1982. The firm has since become one of the most successful hedge funds globally, leveraging complex mathematical models and automated trading strategies. Renaissance Technologies is known for its scientific approach to investing, focusing on data analysis to predict market movements and capitalize on them. As of now, the firm manages an equity portfolio worth $64.61 billion, with a strong emphasis on the technology and healthcare sectors. Its top holdings include Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META), NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:NVDA), and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO). Jim Simons Adjusts Position in Potbelly Corp Introducing Potbelly Corp Potbelly Corp, trading under the symbol PBPB, is a United States-based company that went public on October 4, 2013. The company operates a chain of sandwich shops offering a variety of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items. With a strong presence in Illinois and Texas, Potbelly has expanded its reach through company-owned and franchised locations, including international franchises in the Middle East. The company generates revenue through franchise royalties, fees, and direct sandwich shop sales. Story continues Financial Health of Potbelly Corp As of the latest data, Potbelly Corp has a market capitalization of $365.517 million and a stock price of $12.45. The company's P/E ratio stands at 77.69, indicating a profit-generating business. However, GuruFocus deems the stock as Significantly Overvalued with a GF Value of $7.61 and a price to GF Value ratio of 1.64. Potbelly's financial health is reflected in its various financial metrics and ranks, including a Financial Strength of 4/10, a Profitability Rank of 5/10, and a Growth Rank of 3/10. The company's GF Value Rank is at the lower end with a score of 1/10, while its Momentum Rank is 6/10. Simons's Position and Portfolio Impact The recent trade by Renaissance Technologies has slightly adjusted its position in Potbelly Corp, now holding a 5.00% stake in the company. Although the trade did not significantly impact the firm's portfolio, it reflects a strategic move by Simons, possibly in response to the company's valuation or performance metrics. Performance and Valuation of Potbelly Corp's Stock Since the trade, Potbelly Corp's stock has seen a 19.48% gain, with a year-to-date performance increase of 23.88%. However, the stock's performance since its IPO has decreased by 56.56%. The company's GF Score stands at 58/100, suggesting a potential for poor future performance. This score takes into account various factors such as financial strength, profitability, growth, and momentum. Jim Simons Adjusts Position in Potbelly Corp Comparison with Largest Guru Holder First Eagle Investment (Trades, Portfolio) Management, LLC is currently the largest guru holder of Potbelly Corp stock. While specific share percentage data is not available, the comparison between Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s position and that of First Eagle Investment (Trades, Portfolio) Management provides insight into different investment strategies and convictions regarding Potbelly Corp. Concluding Thoughts on the Trade Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s recent transaction in Potbelly Corp offers valuable insights for value investors. The trade, while minor in terms of portfolio impact, aligns with Renaissance Technologies' data-driven investment philosophy. The firm's adjustment in its Potbelly position, alongside the company's current valuation and financial metrics, may signal considerations for investors looking at the restaurant industry. As the market continues to evolve, the implications of this trade will become clearer, potentially influencing the strategies of value investors interested in Potbelly Corp. 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. Overview of Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Recent Trade On December 29, 2023, Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s firm Renaissance Technologies executed a notable transaction in the stock market, specifically targeting Vishay Precision Group Inc (NYSE:VPG). The firm reduced its holdings in VPG by 29,458 shares, which represented a -4.76% change in the investment. This adjustment in the portfolio of one of the world's most renowned quantitative investment firms has caught the attention of value investors seeking insights into market movements. Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Investment Firm and Philosophy Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), the founder of Renaissance Technologies, has been a prominent figure in the investment world since 1982. The firm is known for its sophisticated mathematical models and data-driven approach to trading. By employing advanced algorithms, Renaissance Technologies analyzes vast amounts of market data to identify non-random price movements and capitalize on them. The firm's success is attributed to its scientific approach to investing, which emphasizes the importance of statistical validation over intuition. As of the latest data, Renaissance Technologies manages an equity portfolio worth $64.61 billion, with a strong focus on the technology and healthcare sectors. Jim Simons Adjusts Position in Vishay Precision Group Inc Introduction to Vishay Precision Group Inc Vishay Precision Group Inc, with its stock symbol VPG, operates within the hardware industry in the United States and internationally. Since its IPO on June 23, 2010, the company has specialized in manufacturing sensors, sensor-based measurement systems, and specialty resistors. VPG's product offerings are critical in various applications, including stress, force, weight, pressure, and current measurements. The company's business is segmented into Measurement Systems, Sensors, and Weighing Solutions, and it has established a significant market presence, particularly in the United States, which contributes the majority of its revenue. Story continues Jim Simons Adjusts Position in Vishay Precision Group Inc Details of the Transaction The recent trade by Renaissance Technologies saw the firm's position in VPG decrease at a trade price of $34.07 per share. Following the transaction, the firm holds a total of 589,615 shares in VPG, which constitutes a 0.03% position in its portfolio and a 4.71% ownership of the traded company. Despite the reduction, the trade impact on the overall portfolio was negligible at 0%. VPG Stock Performance and Valuation Currently, VPG's stock price stands at $31.86, which reflects a -6.49% change since the transaction and a 154.88% increase since its IPO. The stock is considered modestly undervalued with a GF Value of $41.06 and a price to GF Value ratio of 0.78. The stock's PE Percentage is 14.76, indicating a reasonable valuation in the current market. Financial Health and Growth Metrics of VPG Vishay Precision Group's financial health is robust, with a Financial Strength rank of 8/10 and a Profitability Rank of 8/10. The company's Growth Rank stands at 6/10, reflecting steady growth over the past three years, including an 8.20% revenue growth. VPG's Piotroski F-Score is a strong 8, and its Altman Z-Score of 3.72 indicates low financial distress risk. The company's cash to debt ratio is 1.19, and it has an interest coverage of 10.99. Market Position and Guru Holdings VPG's standing in the hardware industry is solid, with competitive advantages in its specialized product offerings. While Renaissance Technologies has adjusted its holdings, it remains one of the significant investors in VPG. The largest guru shareholder in VPG is GAMCO Investors, although the exact share percentage is not disclosed. Conclusion The recent transaction by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Renaissance Technologies in Vishay Precision Group Inc reflects a strategic adjustment in its portfolio. While the reduction in VPG shares is modest, it aligns with the firm's data-driven investment philosophy and may signal a recalibration based on the firm's proprietary models. For value investors, this move by a leading quantitative investment firm warrants attention, as it may have implications for VPG's stock performance and the broader market dynamics within the hardware industry. 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. Overview of the Recent Portfolio Addition Renaissance Technologies, led by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), has recently expanded its investment portfolio with the addition of 4,144,447 shares in Innoviva Inc (NASDAQ:INVA). The transaction, which took place on December 29, 2023, reflects a 3.63% increase from the previous holding, marking a significant vote of confidence in the biopharmaceutical company. With a trade price of $16.04 per share, the firm has demonstrated a strategic move to capitalize on Innoviva's market potential. Insight into Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio) and Renaissance Technologies Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), the founder of Renaissance Technologies, has been a prominent figure in the investment world since 1982. The firm is renowned for its data-driven and quantitative approach to investing, utilizing complex mathematical models to predict market movements. This scientific methodology has positioned Renaissance Technologies as a leading hedge fund, with a focus on delivering consistent returns. The firm's top holdings include major players in the technology and healthcare sectors, such as Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO), reflecting its strategic investment preferences. Jim Simons Bolsters Position in Innoviva Inc with Recent Acquisition Understanding Innoviva Inc's Business Innoviva Inc, headquartered in the USA, has been a key player in the biopharmaceutical industry since its IPO in 2004. The company specializes in developing drugs for respiratory, antibiotic, and digestive health, with a product lineup that includes Relvar/Breo/Ellipta and Anoro Ellipta. In partnership with GlaxoSmithKline, Innoviva has been pushing the boundaries of medical innovation, aiming to address unmet medical needs in various therapeutic areas. Impact of the Trade on Simons' Portfolio The recent acquisition of Innoviva shares has a modest impact on Simons' portfolio, with a 0.11% position and a 6.47% stake in the company. This strategic move not only diversifies the portfolio but also aligns with the firm's interest in the healthcare sector, which is one of its top investment areas. The addition of Innoviva shares is a calculated decision, likely based on the firm's rigorous data analysis and predictive models. Story continues Market Valuation and Performance of Innoviva Currently, Innoviva Inc is considered fairly valued with a GF Value of $14.58 and a price to GF Value ratio of 1.06. Despite a slight decline of 3.49% in stock price since the transaction, the company's long-term growth prospects remain intact. Innoviva's GF Score of 81/100 indicates good potential for outperformance, supported by a solid profitability rank and growth rank. Jim Simons Bolsters Position in Innoviva Inc with Recent Acquisition Biotechnology Sector and Industry Analysis Innoviva's addition to Simons' portfolio is consistent with the firm's investment in the healthcare sector, which is one of its top preferences. Within the biotechnology industry, Innoviva stands out with its innovative product offerings and strategic partnerships. The company's financial health and market performance, including a profitability rank of 8/10 and a growth rank of 6/10, make it a compelling choice for investors looking for exposure to the biotech sector. Comparative Financial Analysis When compared to industry averages, Innoviva's financial ratios and GF Score suggest a competitive edge. The company's financial strength, as indicated by its Financial Strength rank of 5/10, and its interest coverage rank of 295, demonstrate a stable financial position. Additionally, Innoviva's Profitability Rank and Piotroski F-Score further reinforce its robustness in the market. Conclusion: The Strategic Significance of Simons' Innoviva Trade Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)' recent investment in Innoviva Inc underscores the firm's confidence in the biopharmaceutical company's future. The trade aligns with Renaissance Technologies' data-driven investment philosophy and its focus on the healthcare sector. For value investors, this move by one of the world's most successful hedge funds could signal a noteworthy opportunity within the biotechnology industry. As Innoviva continues to innovate and grow, it will be interesting to watch how this investment plays out in Simons' portfolio. 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. Overview of Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s Recent Trade On August 23, 2023, Renaissance Technologies, led by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), executed a notable transaction in the stock market by adding 325,815 shares of PetMed Express Inc (NASDAQ:PETS) at a price of $11.33 per share. This addition has increased the firm's total holdings in PetMed Express to 1,344,284 shares, reflecting a 0.01% impact on the portfolio and marking a 6.36% ownership in the company. Profile of Renaissance Technologies Founded in 1982 by Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio), Renaissance Technologies Corporation stands as a pioneering private investment firm. Under Simons's leadership, the firm has become one of the most successful hedge funds globally, renowned for its quantitative, data-driven investment strategies. Renaissance Technologies employs sophisticated mathematical models to predict market movements and execute trades, often automatically. The firm's approach is grounded in scientific thinking and a rigorous analysis of vast datasets to identify profitable trading opportunities. Jim Simons Bolsters Position in PetMed Express Inc Introduction to PetMed Express Inc PetMed Express Inc, operating in the USA since its IPO on September 17, 1997, is a leading nationwide pet pharmacy. The company specializes in marketing both prescription and non-prescription pet medications, health products, and supplies for dogs and cats, primarily to retail consumers. Despite its single-segment focus, PetMed Express has struggled in the market, with a current market capitalization of $113.242 million and a stock price of $5.355, which is significantly below its GF Value of $25.65. The company's stock performance has been underwhelming, with a PE Ratio of 0.00 indicating current losses and a GF Value Rank of 2/10, suggesting potential valuation concerns. Jim Simons Bolsters Position in PetMed Express Inc Impact of the Trade on Simons's Portfolio The recent acquisition of PetMed Express shares by Renaissance Technologies has a modest yet strategic impact on the firm's portfolio. With a 0.02% position in the portfolio, the trade aligns with Simons's investment philosophy of leveraging data analysis to capitalize on market inefficiencies. The significance of this trade is underscored by the current market position of PetMed Express, which may present a unique opportunity for value investors. Story continues Performance Metrics of PetMed Express Inc PetMed Express Inc's stock performance indicators paint a mixed picture. The company's GF Score of 63/100 suggests poor future performance potential, while its Financial Strength is relatively solid with a rank of 8/10. The Piotroski F-Score of 2 and a Z-Score of 4.36 indicate some concerns regarding financial stability. The company's profitability, as indicated by its Profitability Rank of 7/10, is reasonable, but its Growth Rank of 3/10 and Momentum Rank of 2/10 suggest that the company is facing significant challenges in these areas. Sector and Market Context PetMed Express Inc operates within the competitive healthcare providers & services industry. The company's performance must be contextualized within broader sector trends, which can influence its stock price and growth prospects. Comparing PetMed Express to its industry peers reveals that the company is navigating a challenging market environment, with its stock price experiencing a significant decline of 52.74% since the transaction date. Largest Guru Shareholder in PetMed Express Inc Hotchkis & Wiley Capital Management LLC holds the title of the largest guru shareholder in PetMed Express Inc. Although the specific share percentage is not provided, the firm's investment in PetMed Express signifies confidence in the company's potential or a strategic play on its valuation. Conclusion and Future Outlook In conclusion, Jim Simons (Trades, Portfolio)'s recent addition to the firm's stake in PetMed Express Inc aligns with Renaissance Technologies' data-centric investment strategy. Despite the company's current financial challenges, the firm's increased investment could be indicative of an anticipated turnaround or an undervalued opportunity. Investors will be watching closely to see how this trade plays out in the context of PetMed Express's performance and its alignment with Simons's renowned investment approach. 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. Kentucky First Federal Bancorp (NASDAQ:KFFB) Second Quarter 2024 Results Key Financial Results Net loss: US$361.0k (down by 197% from US$374.0k profit in 2Q 2023). US$0.045 loss per share (down from US$0.046 profit in 2Q 2023). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Kentucky First Federal Bancorp shares are down 2.1% from a week ago. Risk Analysis We should say that we've discovered 2 warning signs for Kentucky First Federal Bancorp 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. Social Security is facing some serious financial challenges. And if lawmakers don't step in soon, many retirees who rely on those benefits are likely to suffer. In coming years, Social Security expects its primary funding source -- payroll tax revenue -- to shrink as baby boomers start to retire en masse. The program can tap its trust funds for a while to keep up with scheduled benefits in the absence of adequate payroll tax revenue. But once those funds run dry, benefit cuts will be a distinct possibility. Image source: Getty Images. Recent projections estimate that Social Security's trust funds will be out of money in 2034. So at this point, we could be just a decade away from benefit cuts if lawmakers don't intervene. Several solutions have been floated to address Social Security's fiscal woes. Some proposals include pushing back full retirement age and raising the wage cap for payroll taxes. But a recent proposal published by the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College suggests that limiting the tax benefits associated with IRAs and 401(k) plans could help pump more money into Social Security. And while that's a necessary thing, taking away those tax breaks could hurt savers in a huge way. Is your IRA or 401(k) tax break at risk? Savers who fund a traditional IRA or 401(k) plan get to shield a chunk of their income from taxes. This year, IRA contributions max out at $7,000 for savers under age 50 and $8,000 for those 50 and older. The limits for 401(k)s are even higher -- $23,000 and $30,500, respectively. Clearly, there's benefit to being able to not pay taxes on up to $30,500 of earnings. The problem though is that the aforementioned tax breaks also shield income from payroll taxes, which are needed to fund Social Security. By limiting the tax breaks given by IRAs and 401(k), lawmakers can help shore up Social Security's finances. This proposal also argues that it's high-income individuals who are most likely to benefit from the tax breaks currently offered by IRAs and 401(k). As such, removing those tax incentives wouldn't necessarily impede their ability to save. Story continues However, it's very easy to make the argument that for lower and middle earners, removing or limiting the tax incentives associated with IRAs and 401(k) would, in fact, make it harder for workers to save for retirement. Plus, losing out on those tax breaks might disincentivize workers as a whole to participate in these plans. So while this proposal might help pump more money into Social Security, it might also result in a major decline in personal retirement savings. Will lawmakers bite? Just because there's a proposal out there to change the way IRAs and 401(k)s work for the benefit of Social Security doesn't mean lawmakers will get on board with this change. However, the reality is that something needs to be done to prevent Social Security cuts, and pretty quickly. Pushing back the full retirement age has been hailed as a solution that, at least in theory, affects workers of a certain age equally, regardless of income. As such, it remains a popular one, and is likely to remain a more popular idea than cutting the tax breaks associated with IRAs and 401(k) plans. Either way, lawmakers may have to resort to measures that have a negative impact on workers one way or another if they want to avoid Social Security cuts. So workers should keep tabs on the situation and brace for some changes that unfortunately may not be so favorable. The $22,924 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets" could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. For example: one easy trick could pay you as much as $22,924 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. Simply click here to discover how to learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Lawmakers Want to Prevent Social Security Cuts. Will They Take Away Your Retirement Plan Tax Benefits to Make That Happen? was originally published by The Motley Fool The pharmacy industry is reeling. After years of rapid expansion, the big three pharmacy chains have been in contraction mode in recent years, rocked by economic headwinds and lawsuits. CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens have each announced intentions to close dozens or even hundreds of stores during 2024. In Delaware, this has already meant at least 11 pharmacy closures since October 2023. Here's what we know, and the rolling list of Delaware pharmacy closures. We will continue to update as more closings occur or become known. Why are pharmacies closing? This Rite Aid on Kirkwood Highway in Prices Corner closed in November 2023 as part of the drugstore chain's bankruptcy Most analysts cite lower reimbursement rates from pharmaceutical brokers that have made the pharmacy business less profitable, as well as lower sales during the pandemic even as vaccines provided a shot in the arm. Staffing is also an issue. Amid longstanding shortages of pharmacists, the big chains have reportedly slashed hours and staffing. This in turn precipitated mass walkouts among pharmacists at Walgreens and CVS who alleged that the low staffing levels compromised patient safety and created poor working conditions. Some analysts have also hypothesized that theft has eaten into profits though this explanation is unevenly supported by data. U.S. Justice Department statistics show that while theft has gone up in some areas, the national shoplifting rate is lower than it was before the pandemic. Prescription for disaster: America's broken pharmacy system in revolt over burnout and errors Is shoplifting on the rise?: Retail data shows it's fallen in many cities post-pandemic CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid have all announced store closings A plastic Walgreens bag tangled in a tree in west Topeka. At least five Delaware Walgreens stores have closed or announced they would close since November 2023, part of a company roll-up announced last summer. In July, Walgreens announced they would close 150 locations across the United States by the end of their 2024 fiscal year. Philadelphia-based Rite Aid, reeling from high debt and lawsuits accusing the company of overprescribing opioids, has announced it would close as many as 500 stores during a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring that began in October. Rite Aid continues to close Delaware stores in 2024. Story continues CVS, meanwhile announced in 2021 that it would close 900 stores between 2022 and 2024. In January, the chain said it would close "dozens" of pharmacies inside Target stores, but did not specify specific locations. Walgreens closures in Delaware since October 2023 1900 Maryland Ave., near Elsmere (Feb 21 closing date) 4201 Concord Pike, Talleyville (closed November 2023) 3301 Lancaster Pike, Greenville (closed November 2023) 124 E. Main St., Newark (closed November 2023) 32979 Coastal Highway, Bethany Beach (closed November 2023) Rite Aid closures in Delaware since October 2023 17069 S Dupont Highway, Harrington (closed January 2024) 1602 Capitol Trail, near Newark (closed January 2024) 263 S. Main St., Newark (closed January 2024) 3209 Kirkwood Highway, near Prices Corner (closed November 2023) 2713 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont (closed November 2023) 25 Chestnut Hill Plaza, near Newark (closed October 2023) Another Rite Aid, at 1999 Pulaski Highway (Route 40) in Bear, closed as part of an earlier round of closures. Delaware CVS closures since 2023 Though the company has announced plans for closings across the country, no Delaware closures of CVS locations occurred in 2023, said spokesperson Amy Thibault. As of Feb. 13, she said, no specific CVS closings are planned for Delaware in 2024. Matthew Korfhage is a business and development reporter. Aware of another Delaware pharmacy that's closing? Let him know at mkorfhage@delawareonline.com. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware pharmacy closure list: Rite Aid, CVS and Walgreens locations Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day season of prayer, fasting and giving that Catholics and some Christians observe as a time of repentance and closeness to God in preparation of Easter. During this time of sacrifice and repentance, Catholics get to choose what they'd like to give up from Ash Wednesday until Lent ends on either March 29 (Good Friday) or March 30 (Holy Saturday), depending on the denomination. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are customarily days of fasting and abstinence, as determined by the church, though Catholics are encouraged to abstain from meat on Fridays during the 40-day Lent season. But while meat might be a no-go for Catholics on Fridays during Lent, the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis says the following items can be eaten: Fish Shrimp Crab Lobster Shellfish With that in mind, here are some restaurants offering special deals and bringing back seafood-inspired menu items during the Lenten season. What is Ash Wednesday? Heres what to know about the holy day marking the beginning of Lent Long John Silver's Lent deals Long John Silver's is offering two shrimp deals, including a $6 shrimp basket and a $10 shrimp sea-share. Options for the $6 shrimp baskets include: Six-piece grilled shrimp: Seasoned, grilled and served on a bed of rice with one side Six-piece batter-dipped shrimp: Hand-battered and served with your choice of one side and two hushpuppies Crispy breaded popcorn shrimp: Golden popcorn shrimp served with your choice of one side and two hushpuppies Long John Silver's is offering two shrimp deals that are sure to satisfy during the Lenten season, including a $6 shrimp basket and a $10 shrimp sea-share. The $10 shrimp sea-share baskets come in a 15-piece of grilled shrimp, batter-dipped shrimp or crispy breaded popcorn shrimp. Customers can also upgrade to jumbo shrimp, which is a batter-dipped option available for a limited time at participating locations. These deals are available in-store and via online ordering. Subway offering discounted subs through February Subway is offering a 20% discount on any 6-inch or footlong sub ordered through the Subway app or Subway.com now through Feb. 28 using promo code TWENTYOFF. Story continues Lent-friendly subs at Subway include the tuna sandwich and the Veggie Delite. The tuna sandwich combines wild caught tuna with mayo and your choice of veggies. The Veggie Delite features lettuce, baby spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and red onions, typically served on multigrain bread. Arby's 2 for $6 Mix 'N Match deal includes fried fish sandwiches Arby's is offering fried fish sandwiches as part of its 2 For $6 Mix 'N Match deal during the 2024 seafood season. You can get any two of the following sandwiches for $6 for a limited time: Fish 'N Cheddar Sandwich: A fish fillet with shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese sauce and tartar sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun. Crispy Fish Sandwich: A fish fillet with shredded lettuce and tartar sauce on a toasted sesame seed bun. Classic Roast Beef: Roast beef thinly sliced and piled on a toasted sesame seed bun. NOTE: This sandwich is not Lent-friendly. Church's Texas Chicken adding fish and shrimp choices to menu Church's Texas Chicken told USA TODAY it is adding multiple fish and shrimp choices starting this month for a limited time. The company added a fish sandwich to its menu, which features a wild-caught Pacific Pollock fish filet on a toasted brioche bun with tartar sauce. The sandwich starts at $3.99. Customers can also get a six-piece classic shrimp with a honey-butter biscuit starting at $3.99. For a family-sized seafood offer, Church's is offering a 20-piece classic shrimp and hand-battered 6-piece tenders combo starting at $15.99. Burger King gives Big Fish sandwich spicy twist just in time for Lent Burger King is giving its classic Big Fish sandwich the spicy treatment just in time for Lent. At participating locations, customers can get the Fiery Big Fish, a twist on the classic that comes with lettuce, pickles, tartar sauce and a spicy glaze on a brioche-style bun. The sandwich is available now. BK's Big Fish sandwich will get the spicy treatment at select locations. From now through March 28, Burger King is offering customers a special deal on both the classic and fiery Big Fish Sandwich. Members of Royal Perks, Burger King's loyalty program, can get a second classic or fiery Big Fish for just $2 when they purchase one at full price online or in the BK app. Panda Express brings back Firecracker Shrimp, offers deal Panda Express told USA TODAY it has brought back its Firecracker Shrimp to menus nationwide for a limited time through June 4, 2024. According to the company, the dish, originally introduced in 2020, is made with seared wok-fired shrimp, fresh vegetables and the "bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine that they know and love." Panda Express is bringing its Firecracker Shrimp back to menus nationwide for a limited time. Panda Rewards members can redeem one free small entree of Firecracker Shrimp with a purchase of a 2-item plate, from Feb. 19 through March 3, or while supplies last. Red Lobster brings back Lobsterfest Red Lobster announced the return of Lobsterfest last week. The company said the "perennial favorite is back in a big way with ten unique lobster creations, including five new lobster dishes." All dishes are accompanied by Red Lobster's Cheddar Bay Biscuits. The new dishes available for Lobsterfest include: Crispy Lobster & Shrimp Stack: Lobster tail meat, shrimp and hush puppies served over a bed of fries. Served with coleslaw, honey-jalapeno butter and malt vinegar aioli. Lobster & Shrimp Lover's Dream: Roasted Caribbean rock and Maine lobster tails paired with shrimp linguini alfredo. Served with your choice of two sides. Dueling Southern Tails: A shrimp-topped Maine lobster tail served over grits, paired with a Maine lobster tail over mac & cheese and topped with a bacon bourbon glaze. Served with your choice of one side. Lobster Lover's Duo: A Maine tail and a Caribbean rock tail, both roasted and served with your choice of two sides. Lobster Flatbread: Maine and langostino lobster with mozzarella, parmesan, fresh tomatoes and sweet basil over a crispy flatbread. Red Lobster announced the return of Lobsterfest last week, which includes the introduction of a new dish called Dueling Southern Tails. Additional dishes available during Lobsterfest include: Lobster Lover's Dream: Roasted Caribbean rock and Maine lobster tails paired with lobster and shrimp linguini in a creamy lobster sauce. Served with your choice of two sides. Twin Maine Tails: A pair of tender Maine lobster tails, both roasted and served with your choice of two sides. Lobster Linguini: Maine and langostino lobster meat tossed with tomatoes in a creamy lobster sauce. Lobster Dip: Maine and langostino lobster, spinach and artichoke in a three-cheese blend. Served with tortilla chips. Contributing: Emilee Coblentz, Mary Walrath-Holdridge & Julia Gomez, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lent 2024 food deals: Fish sandwich, seafood discounts; new menu items Revenue Growth : Record fourth-quarter revenue of $7.7 billion, a 10% increase year-over-year. Net Income : Fourth-quarter net income decreased by 13% to $216 million year-over-year. Earnings Per Share : Q4 diluted EPS fell by 14% to $7.74, with adjusted EPS down 9% at $8.24. Dividend : Announced a dividend of $0.50 per share for Q4 2023. Strategic Expansion : No new acquisitions in Q4, but over $3.8 billion in annualized revenues acquired year-to-date. Liquidity : Approximately $1.7 billion in cash and credit availability, with potential additional liquidity from unfinanced real estate. Share Repurchases: Over 142,700 shares repurchased in Q4 at an average price of $240.81. Lithia Motors Inc (NYSE:LAD) released its 8-K filing on February 14, 2024, announcing a record-breaking fourth quarter with a 10% increase in revenue to $7.7 billion compared to the same period last year. Despite the revenue surge, the company experienced a decline in net income and earnings per share (EPS). The diluted EPS for Q4 2023 was $7.74, a 14% decrease from the $9.00 reported in Q4 2022. Adjusted for non-core items, the EPS stood at $8.24, marking a 9% decrease year-over-year. Lithia Motors Inc (LAD) Reports Record Q4 Revenue Amidst Earnings Dip Lithia Motors, a leading automotive retailer, operates approximately 350 stores globally and has recently expanded into the UK market. The company's strategy focuses on growth through acquisitions and diversification of services. Despite the record revenue, Lithia Motors faced challenges, including a decrease in net income attributable to LAD, which fell by 20% to $1.0 billion for the full year of 2023. This decline is significant as net income is a critical measure of a company's profitability. Financial Performance and Challenges The company's financial achievements in 2023 include a 10% increase in full-year revenue, reaching $31.0 billion. However, the full-year net income and adjusted net income both saw significant decreases of 20% and 19%, respectively. These declines are attributed to various non-core charges, including investment losses and acquisition expenses. The challenges faced by Lithia Motors, such as the decrease in total vehicle gross profit per unit and the decline in F&I per unit, may lead to problems if not addressed, as they directly impact the company's bottom line and competitive positioning in the Vehicles & Parts industry. Story continues Key Financial Metrics Important metrics from Lithia Motors' financial statements include a 14% increase in service, body, and parts revenues, and a 66.4% SG&A as a percentage of gross profit, which adjusts to 65.2% when excluding non-core items. These metrics are crucial as they reflect the company's efficiency and profitability. The SG&A ratio, in particular, is an indicator of how well the company manages its overhead costs in relation to its gross profit. "2023 completes another successful year of tremendous growth and building strategic diversification. My team and I are excited to turn our efforts to even higher levels of execution in 2024, as we now have all the key components of our long-term growth strategy in place," said Bryan DeBoer, President and CEO. DeBoer's commentary underscores the company's focus on strategic growth and operational execution. Despite the mixed financial results, Lithia Motors remains committed to its long-term strategy and shareholder value creation. Analysis and Outlook Lithia Motors' record revenue in Q4 2023 demonstrates the company's robust sales performance and market presence. However, the decline in earnings highlights the challenges of margin compression and increased expenses, which are areas that require strategic attention. The automotive industry is highly competitive, and Lithia Motors' ability to maintain profitability while expanding its footprint will be critical for its future success. For value investors, Lithia Motors' strategic acquisitions and diversified revenue streams present opportunities, but the earnings decline may warrant a cautious approach. The company's balance sheet strength, with significant cash and credit availability, provides a solid foundation for future growth and resilience in a dynamic industry landscape. For more detailed insights and analysis, visit GuruFocus.com to stay informed on Lithia Motors Inc (NYSE:LAD) and other investment opportunities. Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Lithia Motors Inc for further details. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. mixetto / Getty Images Living and working in different states can be difficult for things like commuting and work-life balance. But it can also cause a more complicated tax situation the rules for filing taxes if you live and work in different states vary significantly from state to state. When it comes time to file taxes, there are several things that you should know if your home and work are in different states. See: Billionaires vs. the Middle Class: Who Pays More in Taxes? Discover: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work) Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Some States Have Reciprocity Some states have a reciprocity agreement with other states. This means that you can work in a neighboring state to the one that you live in without having to pay taxes in the state where you work. You must fill out an exception form if your work state has a reciprocity agreement. You will file income tax returns only with the state where you reside. If there is no reciprocity agreement between the state where you live and the state where you work, you must file income tax returns in both states. You may owe income taxes in multiple states assuming both states charge income taxes. In the absence of a reciprocity agreement, taxpayers may find themselves required to file tax returns in both their state of residence and the state where they work, said Johan Garcia, CPA, MST at After Tax Cash. This scenario often leads to concerns about possible double taxation. Fortunately, most states offer a tax credit to residents for income taxes paid to another state. The taxpayer should still confirm by consulting or discussing with their tax practitioner. There are currently 30 reciprocal agreements across 16 states and Washington, D.C. State reciprocity agreements come in a variety of forms. The following states have reciprocity agreements for residents of the mentioned neighboring states. Story continues Next: Trump-Era Tax Cuts Are Expiring How Changes Will Impact Retirees Arizona: California, Indiana, Oregon and Virginia residents are exempt from paying income taxes on wages earned in Arizona. Washington, D.C.: If you dont live in the district, you dont have to pay income tax there. Illinois: Residents of Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan and Wisconsin are exempt. Indiana: Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin residents are exempt. Iowa: Residents of Illinois are exempt. Kentucky: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Virginia residents are exempt. Maryland: Residents of Washington, D.C.; Pennsylvania; Virginia and West Virginia are exempt. Michigan: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin residents are exempt. Minnesota: Residents of Michigan and North Dakota are exempt. Montana: Residents of North Dakota are exempt. New Jersey: Residents of Pennsylvania are exempt. North Dakota: Residents of Minnesota and Montana are exempt. Ohio: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia residents are exempt. Pennsylvania: Residents of Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia and West Virginia are exempt. Virginia: Washington, D.C.; Kentucky; Maryland; Pennsylvania and West Virginia residents are exempt. West Virginia: Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia residents are exempt. Wisconsin: Residents of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Michigan are exempt. Some States Have More Complicated Rules Some states have additional rules for filing taxes as a resident who doesnt work in-state. Connecticut, Delaware, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania have a convenience of employer rule, where employees are taxed in the state where the employer is located, unless the employer requires the work to be performed out of state. This can result in double taxation, if your employer is in a convenience rule state and you work remotely in a non-reciprocal state. With the rise of remote workers after the COVID-19 pandemic, states have gotten stricter and are constantly releasing new tax bills with new implications, Garcia said. [Convenience of the employer rules] complicate tax matters for remote workers by sourcing income to the state where the employer is located, regardless of where the employee physically works. This leads to situations where remote workers face tax requirements in a state they never physically enter, potentially resulting in double taxation, if their home state does not offer a credit for taxes paid to another state under these circumstances. Non-Employment Income From Another State Requires a Nonresident Tax Return You must file a nonresident tax return if you have non-employment income from a state that is not your home state. Examples of non-employment income include: Lottery or gambling winnings won in another state Income from property sales in another state Income from rental properties in another state Income from consulting or contract work Income from services that you performed within another state Income that comes from your role as a partner or officer in an LLC, partnership or S-corporation. The Military Has Different Rules Active duty military members and their spouses have different tax rules. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a service member doesnt become a state resident for tax income purposes if the service members presence in the state is due to military orders. Active-duty service members and spouses can maintain their legal residency in the state where they lived when they first joined the military, or they can establish residency in another state while they are stationed there. This can benefit service members who establish residency in income-tax-free states, like Florida or Texas. The service member can maintain residency in their original state for as long as they are on active duty. When the service member leaves the military, the service member and spouse will be subject to the tax laws of the state where they are located, not the state they were in while in the service. The Bottom Line Filing taxes when you have an out-of-state job can be complicated. The rules will vary greatly depending on which state you live and work in. To avoid complications, let your employers HR department know which state you live in so they can appropriately withhold taxes. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Im a Tax Expert: Here Are 4 Things To Know About Taxes for Out of State Jobs MEI Pharma, Inc. (MEIP) came out with a quarterly loss of $1.66 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.46. This compares to earnings of $1.60 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -13.70%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this company would post a loss of $1.47 per share when it actually produced earnings of $8.46, delivering a surprise of 675.51%. Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times. MEI Pharma, Inc. , which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Drugs industry, posted zero revenues for the quarter ended December 2023, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 100%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $32.74 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters. The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call. MEI Pharma, Inc. Shares have lost about 15.7% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 5.3%. What's Next for MEI Pharma, Inc. While MEI Pharma, Inc. Has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately. Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions. Story continues Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for MEI Pharma, Inc. Mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$1.36 on $0.08 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $3.48 on $65.67 million in revenues for the current fiscal year. Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical - Drugs is currently in the top 34% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. One other stock from the same industry, OptiNose (OPTN), is yet to report results for the quarter ended December 2023. This specialty pharmaceutical company is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.10 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +41.2%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days. OptiNose's revenues are expected to be $19.9 million, down 4.6% from the year-ago quarter. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report MEI Pharma, Inc. (MEIP) : Free Stock Analysis Report OptiNose, Inc. (OPTN) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research By Raphael Satter WASHINGTON (Reuters) - State-backed hackers from Russia, China, and Iran have been using tools from Microsoft-backed OpenAI to hone their skills and trick their targets, according to a report published on Wednesday. Microsoft said in its report it had tracked hacking groups affiliated with Russian military intelligence, Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and the Chinese and North Korean governments as they tried to perfect their hacking campaigns using large language models. Those computer programs, often called artificial intelligence, draw on massive amounts of text to generate human-sounding responses. The company announced the find as it rolled out a blanket ban on state-backed hacking groups using its AI products. "Independent of whether there's any violation of the law or any violation of terms of service, we just don't want those actors that we've identified that we track and know are threat actors of various kinds we don't want them to have access to this technology," Microsoft Vice President for Customer Security Tom Burt told Reuters in an interview ahead of the report's release. Russian, North Korean and Iranian diplomatic officials didn't immediately return messages seeking comment on the allegations. China's U.S. embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said it opposed "groundless smears and accusations against China" and advocated for the "safe, reliable and controllable" deployment of AI technology to "enhance the common well-being of all mankind." The allegation that state-backed hackers have been caught using AI tools to help boost their spying capabilities is likely to underline concerns about the rapid proliferation of the technology and its potential for abuse. Senior cybersecurity officials in the West have been warning since last year that rogue actors were abusing such tools, although specifics have, until now, been thin on the ground. Story continues "This is one of the first, if not the first, instances of a AI company coming out and discussing publicly how cybersecurity threat actors use AI technologies," said Bob Rotsted, who leads cybersecurity threat intelligence at OpenAI. OpenAI and Microsoft described the hackers' use of their AI tools as "early-stage" and "incremental." Burt said neither had seen cyber spies make any breakthroughs. "We really saw them just using this technology like any other user," he said. The report described hacking groups using the large language models differently. Hackers alleged to working on behalf of Russia military spy agency, widely known as the GRU, used the models to research "various satellite and radar technologies that may pertain to conventional military operations in Ukraine," Microsoft said. Microsoft said North Korean hackers used the models to generate content "that would likely be for use in spear-phishing campaigns" against regional experts. Iranian hackers also leaned on the models to write more convincing emails, Microsoft said, at one point using them to draft a message attempting to lure "prominent feminists" to a booby trapped website. The software giant said Chinese state-backed hackers were also experimenting with large language models, for example to ask questions about rival intelligence agencies, cybersecurity issues, and "notable individuals." Neither Burt nor Rotsted would be drawn on the volume of activity or how many accounts had been suspended. And Burt defended the zero-tolerance ban on hacking groups - which doesn't extend to Microsoft offerings such as its search engine, Bing - by pointing to the novelty of AI and the concern over its deployment. "This technology is both new and incredibly powerful," he said. (Reporting by Raphael Satter; Additional reporting by Christopher Bing in Washington and Michelle Nichols at the United Nations) Mirasol Resources Ltd The eastern portion of the Rosita Property is 3km directly west of Filo Minings Filo del Sol Project and Sobek North is 3km southwest of NGExs Lunahuasi discovery The Rosita property hosts compelling structural lineaments, abundant geophysical anomalies and a very prospective geological environment Rosita exploration program to commence immediately to identify and refine targets for drilling Sobek Project doubled in size to 22,640 hectares Briefing Webinar to be scheduled VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mirasol Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: MRZ) (OTC: MRZLF) (the Company or Mirasol) is pleased to announce the signing of a landmark option agreement (the Agreement) with Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA (SQM) doubling the size of the flagship Sobek Copper-Gold Project (Sobek or the Project) in the Vicuna Copper-Gold-Silver District of northeast Chile. The SQM Property (Rosita) covers 11,500 hectares extending the Sobek Project to the west and to the east, and unifying the Sobek Central block with the Sobek North block which was an important factor in this consolidation. The combined property has doubled Mirasols land holding in the district for a total of 22,640 hectares. The eastern portion of the Rosita property positions Mirasol within 3 kilometers of the giant Filo Del Sol Project and the Sobek North block is 3 kilometers from Lunahuasi discovery both within the heart of the Vicuna Copper-Gold district. Figure 1: Vicuna District Claim Map - Expanded Sobek Property including the SQM Rosita Property The strategic expansion of the Sobek Project to include the sought after SQM Rosita property firmly secures Mirasol as a key player amongst industry-leading companies in the globally recognized Vicuna Copper-Gold district, Mirasols President and CEO Tim Heenan stated. The increase to our property size significantly increases the exploration potential and expands Sobek further to the east, just 3 kilometers west of the Filo del Sol Project. Story continues Mr. Heenan added: The Rosita field program will commence immediately with a dedicated exploration team conducting mapping and geochemical sampling in parallel with a property wide stream sediment program to define areas of elevated interest. Now that the agreement has been signed, Mirasol can access the Rosita property to evaluate both AirMag and MT targets from Mirasols district wide proprietary geophysical database." Figure 2: High-Profile Vicuna Copper-Gold-Silver District Regional Map High-Profile Vicuna Copper-Gold-Silver District Mirasol staked the Sobek Project in 2016 based on prospective local geology and attractive structural architecture prior to the 2021 discovery of the high-grade feeder zone at the Filo del Sol gold-copper deposit. The expanded Sobek Project is located on the same regional trend and just 3 km to the west of the Filo del Sol deposit and 3 km to the southwest of NGEx Minerals discovery at Lunahuasi (formerly Potro Cliffs). Sobek is located within a prospective geological environment with a compelling north-northeast trending mineralized structural corridor crosscut by a north-northwest trending deep-seated trans-cordilleran lineament. This is a common structural configuration hosting several southern Andes metal deposits in both Chile and Argentina. The expanded and consolidated Sobek Project now comprises a large block totaling 22,640 ha of exploration and mining claims in four strategic locations, the North, Central, South blocks and the Rosita Property within the Vicuna Copper-Gold-Silver District. The high-profile district includes multiple deposits in close proximity of Sobek, including the Filo del Sol mid-Miocene epithermal porphyry gold-copper deposit to the east; the recent NGEx discovery at Lunahuasi (formerly Potro Cliffs) to the northeast, the Josemaria copper-gold project 10 km to the east-northeast; the Los Helados Porphyry copper-gold breccia system 20 km to the northeast; and the giant Eocene El Morro Porphyry copper-gold deposit 16 km to the west-southwest. Key Terms of the Agreement: SQM has granted Mirasol the exclusive option to earn 80% of the Rosita Project over 6 years, subject to a 2.0% NSR royalty, by: Incurring US$4 million in exploration expenditures Year 1: US$150,000 Year 2: US$250,000 Year 3: US$400,000 Year 4: US$700,000 Year 5: US$1.0 million Year 6: US$1.5 million Making annual option fee payments for a total of US$3 million over 6 years At signing: US$30.000 Year 1: US$45,000 Year 2: US$75,000 Year 3: US$200,000 Year 4: US$350,000 Year 5: US$700,000 Year 6: US$1.6 million Upon completion of the option, Mirasol will have earned an 80% interest in the Rosita Project and SQM will retain a 20% interest plus a 2% NSR. Mirasol and SQM will then form a Chilean Mining Contractual Company covering the Rosita Project with 80% of the Shares owned by Mirasol and 20% of the Shares owned by SQM. To discuss the importance of this landmark option agreement, Mirasols President and CEO, Tim Heenan, will be hosting a Webinar on a date to be announced. About Mirasol Resources Ltd Mirasol is a well-funded exploration company with 20 years of operating, permitting and community relations experience in the mineral rich regions of Chile and Argentina. Mirasol is currently self-funding exploration at two flagship projects, Sobek and Inca Gold, both located in Chile and controls 100% of the high-grade Virginia Silver Deposit in Argentina. Mirasol also continues to advance a strong pipeline of highly prospective early and mid-stage projects. For further information, contact: Tim Heenan, President & CEO or Troy Shultz, Vice President Investor Relations Tel: +1 (604) 602-9989 Email: contact@mirasolresources.com Website: www.mirasolresources.com Forward Looking Statements: The information in this news release contains forward looking statements that are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in our forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause such differences include: changes in world commodity markets, equity markets, costs and supply of materials relevant to the mining industry, change in government and changes to regulations affecting the mining industry and to policies linked to pandemics, social and environmental related matters. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding future exploration programs, operation plans, geological interpretations, mineral tenure issues and mineral recovery processes. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, results may vary, and we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Mirasol disclaims any obligations to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Molson Coors Beverage (NYSE:TAP) Full Year 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$11.7b (up 9.4% from FY 2022). Net income: US$948.9m (up from US$175.3m loss in FY 2022). Profit margin: 8.1% (up from net loss in FY 2022). The move to profitability was primarily driven by higher revenue. EPS: US$4.39 (up from US$0.81 loss in FY 2022). All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period Molson Coors Beverage EPS Misses Expectations Revenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 14%. Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to stay flat during the next 3 years compared to a 5.0% growth forecast for the Beverage industry in the US. Performance of the American Beverage industry. The company's shares are up 2.6% from a week ago. Risk Analysis What about risks? Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Molson Coors Beverage you should know about. 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. SHAWN THEW / EPA-EFE / Shutterstock.com If youve never heard an audience member or random citizen confront a canvassing politician with a shout of I pay your salary! you may be a rarity. Politicians have a tough and thankless job, made harder by the reality that their salaries are funded partially by those they serve and those salaries are often generous compared to those of the average Joe and Jane. See: How Much Is President Joe Biden Worth As He Seeks Re-Election? Find: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money Since 2009, the compensation for most senators, representatives, delegates and the resident commissioner from Puerto Rico is $174,000. The only exceptions are the speaker of the House ($223,500), the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate and the president pro tempore of the Senate ($193,400) as well as the president of the United States ($400,000), according to Congressional Research Service. Salaries are determined according to the Constitution and increases have to be passed through Congress, which hasnt happened since 2009. However, as Money Digest detailed, Estimates have congressional salaries, with benefits included, closer to $285,000 a year, when you factor in fringe benefits, health coverage and pensions and other income streams separate from revenue coming in from taxpayers. Read: Grant Cardone Asks How Politicians Making $100K Suddenly Become Multimillionaires Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. Funding Federal Politicians According to Money Digest, individual income taxes made up almost half (49%) of the federal governments revenue in 2023, followed by Social Security and Medicare taxes (36%) and other miscellaneous taxes, fees, leases and sales of resources (15%). Year-to-date in 2024, income tax revenue has jumped to 51%, per Fiscal Data. Federal spending is fueled by these taxes, plus money borrowed by the country. However, while taxpayers partially pay the wages of politicians, the majority of your taxes support a variety of government programs at every level. Story continues Very little of your money is going to politicians, mostly due to the fact that the U.S. federal budget is divided into different categories, each covering specific areas of government spending. Most of this spending goes to Social Security, Medicare, national defense, health and income security programs every year. State Politicians Salaries On the state and municipal levels, politicians are paid through state taxpayer money or federal government revenue, and salaries can fluctuate greatly depending on the state. For instance, the salaries of mayors across the country range from $35,254 to $316,724, and the average is $73,136, according to the latest update from Comparably. Disparate wages can mean a number of things for elected state politicians, from those receiving a base salary for the time they are holding office, to those getting paid only on legislative days, like part-time workers. Tax rates and rules vary from state to state, so how much you contribute in taxes to support government programs and politicians salaries depends largely on where you live. More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: How Much of Your Taxes Goes Towards Politicians Paychecks? Jamie Prenkert, dean of the Carlson School of Management, at the Minnesota State Fair last summer. Carlson School photos About six and a half years ago, Poets&Quants profiled Jamie Prenkert for our annual 40-under-40 undergraduate business professors list, asking him to use one word to describe his first time teaching. The business law prof at Indianas Kelley School of Business chose exhila-timidating coining a term to reflect the moments potent mix of exhilaration and intimidation. I loved every second of it, Prenkert said of his first time at the head of a college classroom, and, at the same time, worried that I wasnt going to meet the incredibly high standards of my business law colleagues at Kelley, who to a person were multiple award-winning teachers. Prenkert neednt have worried. He was a smash hit at Indiana, not only with students but with his Kelley colleagues as well, winning awards and widespread praise and rising to become executive associate dean for faculty and research. All of which was a prelude to his most exhila-timidating adventure yet: winning the deanship last year at another Midwestern public business school. Prenkert took the reins at the University of Minnesotas Carlson School of Management in July, becoming Carlsons 13th dean. DEANING IN NEW SURROUNDINGS Carlson Dean Jamie Prenkert with Goldy Gopher, the University of Minnesota mascot. Carlson photo Jamie Prenkert is a Hoosier through and through. He was raised in northern Indiana; so was his wife, Deb. Hes a graduate of Anderson University in the central part of the state, just northeast of Indianapolis, where he earned a bachelors in political science. After graduating from Harvard Law School in the late 1990s, Prenkert returned to Indiana, where for the next three years he served as senior trial attorney in the Indianapolis offices of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In 2002, Prenkert moved to academia, becoming an assistant professor of business law at the Kelley School. There, for the next two decades, he would assume new titles and ever-greater roles: associate then full professor, chair of the Department of Business Law and Ethics, faculty fellow, associate dean of academics. In 2017 he was named the Charles M. Hewitt Professor of Business Law; four years later he became executive associate dean of faculty and research, overseeing the research mission of the Kelley School, a role that required serving as chief administrator for around 400 Bloomington-based faculty members in nearly 30 distinct degree programs. In the 2021-2022 academic year, he served as the president of the Academy of Legal Studies in Business. Story continues Early on, Prenkerts teaching about which he was so nervous at the start earned notice and plaudits. Teaching in both undergraduate and graduate programs at Kelley, he won awards in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, and 2014. So how did Prenkert become the dean of a business school not in Indiana, where he has deep ties and long experience, but Minnesota? There are flavors of Midwest, but its all Midwestern, right? Prenkert says with characteristic good humor. And the two Big Ten universities (Minnesota and Indiana) are similar in many ways, but certainly have their differences. Locationally, its quite different in the sense of Bloomington being in a quintessential college town, and here were in the midst of I mean as you can see out my window a big city. So what were his first months as dean like at the Carlson School, which is walking distance from the heart of Minneapolis, a city of nearly half a million? Its been really good and its been a lot, which I expected, but expecting and experiencing are always two different things, Prenkert says. But its been really positive. The things that drew me to the job have been confirmed and some things that I didnt know, which should have been a draw, have been great. And I feel like I had some insight into what deaning would be like from my time in the deans office at Kelley but experiencing it is always a new thing. And so I learn new things every day. I was just telling somebody, I have to remind myself that I have conversations now at a level of depth that I could not have had six months ago sort of like when I first went to law school and I went through a semester and thought, What did I learn? And then I went home and had a conversation with somebody about some legal issue: Oh my God, I learned a lot.' LAST FALL, CARLSON ENROLLED ITS MOST DIVERSE UNDERGRAD CLASS IN HISTORY Prenkert says one of the things that piqued his interest about the Carlson School was its widespread commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Prenkert has long experience in DEI not only through his work for the EEOC but also at the Kelley School, where he held affiliated faculty appointments in the Center for Excellence for Women & Technology, Advocates + Allies for Equity; Center for the Study of Law, Society, and Culture; Ostrom Workshop; and African Studies Program. As noted by Minnesota provost Rachel T.A. Croson in the announcement of Prenkerts hiring as Carlsons dean, he also convened Kelleys first diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) committee and organized a semester-long DEIB professional development series for faculty and staff; created and supervised the position of Kelley Bias Incident Support Ombudsperson; and envisioned, coordinated, and founded the Kinsey-Kelley Center for Gender Equity in Business, a collaboration with IUs Kinsey Institute. Carlson has made recent moves that caught Prenkerts attention. In particular, the hiring of a senior diversity officer role and launching a Center for Inclusive Excellence (which my predecessor did in 2022) were important signals to me that a strong foundation is in place, he tells P&Q, adding that since his arrival, his positive impressions have been reinforced. Im really proud of the many efforts underway, and the people students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, corporations, and community partners engaged in them. Were making progress in a variety of fronts. Among them: Enrolling the most diverse undergraduate class in Carlson history in fall 2023: 48.9% female and 28.9% students of color; Seeing career placement and hiring stats for female and people of color on a positive trend line, with students of color in the full-time MBA Class of 2023 seeing a higher salary than peers ($146K versus $141K); The launch of pipeline programs that have record participation and are leading to applications and new student enrollments while exposing many others to the U of M and business majors; and The establishment of new partnerships with HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, fraternal organizations, and community partners. Carlson Dean Jamie Prenkert at the 2023 Minnesota State Fair. Carlson photo DEI PUSHBACK IS CONCERNING. ITS GROWING. AND I DONT SEE IT ABATING Carlsons moves in DEI are consistent with our focus on ensuring we show all people in our community that they matter and that we want to empower them on their path to being their very best selves, we are focused on creating an environment of belonging, Prenkert says. Now that we have stood up the Center for Inclusive Excellence, we want it to develop into a hub for information, training, and research to benefit both the Carlson School and our wider community. School leadership is also working on a new school-wide strategic plan, he adds, and DEI concepts are a foundational element of that. We remain fully committed to making progress, addressing where were falling short, and being accountable and transparent at all times. How does he feel about the pushback against DEI from conservative media and politicians and how does he think that pushback will affect business education writ large in the coming years? For the most part, the concerns and critiques that purportedly motivate the pushback against DEI dont reflect what were doing at the Carlson School or what I observe happening at most business schools, Prenkert says. Nonetheless, that pushback is concerning. Its growing. And I dont see it abating. My peers share my commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive schools, equipping graduates with the skills employers find necessary to lead the workforce of tomorrow. I dont see that commitment changing. Its imperative that we provide students, and faculty and staff, an environment where they are welcomed, included, and able to thrive. I expect that the writ large commitment will continue to be advanced while complying with laws and policies that may be put in place. See the next page for a Q&A with Carlson Dean Jamie Prenkert, edited for length and clarity. Minnesota Calrson Dean Jamie Prenkert. Courtesy photo Q&A WITH JAMIE PRENKERT, DEAN OF THE CARLSON SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Right before speaking with you the news broke about the upcoming renovation of Carlsons building. Thats obviously literally a makeover for the school, so thats got to be pretty exciting. Jamie Prenkert: Its really exciting. I am really grateful for the work that happened before I got here to envision it. It got slowed down through the pandemic as that kind of thing certainly would. But to be able to be here for only, at the time we announced, only five months, and to be able to say were going to take what is the heart of our flagship building and modernize it, provide far more ways for students and everyone in our community to interact with the building in ways that really match the way we ask students to learn, collaborate, and bring forward what I think is an incredibly special thing that we do here at the Carlson School is very exciting. And the experiential learning we have, particularly with the graduate enterprises and the undergraduate students work in those too to bring them forward is great. Right now theyre gems that are hanging back in the building and so theyre going to be brought forward and really be part of the everyday life of the building. And then whats super exciting, in addition to all of that, and thats going to transform the building spaces is that were able to announce that Marilyn Carlson Nelson, who is an incredible business leader and business executive in her own right and also the daughter of the namesake of the school, is the lead donor on the project. And so the building will be renamed for her. I think thats so special in a number of ways: to continue that legacy of that involvement with the Carlson family and the Carlson organization, and to have our business school named for a woman who is a business leader. That naming is the first university building named for a woman philanthropist. What is the timeline? I know work is getting underway in December. Do you expect it to take a year or so? Thats right. Im smiling because I was just in a meeting a few hours ago where we were deep in the weeds of the potential timeline. So yeah, start December of 2024, go through the end of the summer of 2026. For prospective graduate students, that might comport with their timeline if theyre thinking down the road a couple of years before applying to schools. When you talk about modernization of the building, youre talking about a lot of things that will help the MBA and online MBA programs, right? It touches a couple of classrooms and in particular our big auditorium, which has been kept up to date, but in ways that over time its hard to sort of seamlessly and fully integrate in a big classroom like that. So that will have a full makeover, not only physically but also technologically, allowing us to make use of that auditorium both as a classroom space and as an event space, to be able to spill out into the atrium thats next to it. But in addition, when I talk about modernization it is really thinking about how we routinely expect students to collaborate together but then dont have natural spaces for that to happen. So in addition to adding capacity in terms of collaboration rooms, we are also adding gathering spaces in the building that are far more natural for students to meet in teams to spend time in the school, to spill out from the classroom and continue their work. A couple of months ago I was talking to an alum who is on our board of advisors, someone really still quite engaged in the school who started his undergraduate career when we opened this building. And he was reminding me that he didnt have a cell phone or a laptop at that time. So its even that even things as simple as the building not having a lot of plugs. We could talk about all sorts of things that have to do with the future of business education, and in many ways a brand new building kind of answers those questions. This is the future, youre leaping into it. I think were also really focused on making sure that not only are we looking at our physical space, but were thinking about how we are offering our programs and adapting the curriculum to keep pace as well. And Im really proud of what we had done with the undergraduate curriculum that is now in its second year full rollout, but also the Master of Science in Business Analytics has an approved revision of its curriculum. That was deeply informed by consultation with alums, with our corporate partners and not just going out and having chats, but they went and they did deep surveys with all the stakeholders to ensure that were really providing what we know we have the resources to provide: the best of education in that area. We want to make sure that we are directing those resources in the most productive way. And Im really proud of the work that they did there, too. So were really thinking about ways that we can not just rely on the physical spaces, but making sure the physical spaces match what were doing in the curriculum, and in the co-curricular work all over the school. One of the things about Carlson is that youve got such a robust network there in terms of proximity to huge employers of MBAs and other graduates, such as those from the business analytics program. So in terms of curricular overhauls youve got a lot of great partners to work with. We do. Its one of the things that I knew intellectually coming here would be great. And its been confirmed by the ability to be out in that network to interact with the partners and the alums. The alums are incredibly engaged with the school, but the corporate partners in our community really care about the school, too, and they see us as a resource and we see them as an incredible resource to engage with, too. So yeah, we have many ways that that happens from the individual to the broader. I mentioned that I was having a conversation with a board of advisors member. We have a really great board of advisors, but that also trickles down into a number of engaged advisory boards of programs and centers and disciplines that really can draw in the specialists from all over, both our community and more broadly among our alumni. And were always thinking about how we can make sure we engage them at the highest level, but Im really proud of where were starting from in having those thoughts about how do we keep moving forward. Partners like that can help in not only an advisory capacity, but when theres a downturn in the job market too. Currently everybodys feeling that pinch, but when youve got good relationships with recruiters, that can help you get through tough times. How do you feel about where the MBA job market is right now? Were feeling that softness and pinch in various places the same way everybody else is. But in general, I think the news is positive and I think it is in part because we have this really robust resource right outside our backdoor, but also a broad network through the excellent work of the Carlson Business Career Center and the engagement of our alumni. I think there are some places where that softness shows up a little bit more in consulting, for example but there are other places where its far more robust in the healthcare-related industry, which is really strong here and where we have a really good process of allowing students to plug in and get training in. Thats an example of where things are really going well, and I think we have multiple examples of that. And so were seeing some of those broader indicators that I think everyone is seeing, but I think overall the message is that the students may have to work a little harder, people arent necessarily beating down the doors in the way they might at the most robust situation, but in the end the students are really having good outcomes. Are you seeing any softness in the application side? How is your application cycle going so far this year? The application cycle is, year over year, really positive in almost every program that we run. And that is one of the places that is really encouraging: Thats true in overall numbers, and its true in many of our programs where we think its really important to maintain a particularly robust domestic presence in our courses those applications are looking good, too. I think like everybody else, if were comparing to 20 years ago, its a different story. But year over year its looking quite good. Its hard to compare even five years ago because the world just changes so rapidly and the world of business education five years ago is almost completely different, to say nothing about the pandemic, just in terms of the innovations and AI. Theres also the advent of mini-MBAs and other non-accredited programs that appeal to people, and its a completely different landscape almost from year to year. So I wonder how you feel about looking ahead two, three years: Is it possible to have an idea of where things will be? I think we have to be ready to be nimble and respond to the market. So were really thinking about that and we are trying to look ahead, but I think looking ahead a decade which we mightve done, even a decade ago, wrongly is not possible. But I think we are trying to be carefully innovative in how we think about both where we might enter markets that were not at now, where we might innovate within markets that we already are. One of the things I think is really exciting here is that we have the ability to take our portfolio of programs and really lean into the complementarity of them in ways that allow, I think, some flexibility for students. Students who come into a STEM MBA and really want to lean into business analytics a little more, for example, then weve got the business analytics courses; or who come into the MBA and want to take elective courses in our HR programming that is historically incredibly strong we have something for them, too. And so I think we have opportunities there where were trying to make sure were creating pathways. For you personally, what was the first Christmas break like as a dean? Were you able to get any kind of relaxation in, or are you just sort of working through the break? I have to start out by saying that that week I had Covid, which forced me to slow down, but maybe not in the way that I would have liked! But actually coming off of that, my wife is also from Northern Indiana, so we went home to see both of our families for a little while. But what was really great for me in the couple of weeks where it sort of formally slowed down was, it opened up space for me to take a step back, do some reflection, do some extended strategic thinking that its harder to find that time to do I was able to be more intentional about that. But when Im really focused on meeting people, learning as much as I can, taking the meetings that I think are really important in the first six months, that might ultimately not be what I would normally do that break between semesters was really helpful to me to take that step back, move to the higher level thinking for an extended period of time. DONT MISS MINNESOTA CARLSON NAMES NEW DEAN: INDIANA KELLEY PROF JAMIE PRENKERT and MEET MINNESOTA CARLSONS MBA CLASS OF 2024 The post The P&Q Interview: Jamie Prenkert, Dean Of Minnesota Carlson appeared first on Poets&Quants. Jeremy hunt Parents are facing insurmountable barriers to work once they earn more than 100,000 forcing them to cut back working hours to keep hold of childcare perks, according to a new report. The Tax Law Review Committee (TLRC) warned Jeremy Hunts myriad of tax traps were destroying work incentives across the economy and keeping people on benefits. The body, which was established by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said the Chancellors decision to withdraw free and tax-free childcare from high-earners once they cross the 100,000 pay threshold meant a parent in London with three children earning 140,000 could be worse-off than someone on 99,000. People who earn six-figure sums also have their tax-free personal allowance clawed back by HMRC, which already leaves them facing marginal tax rates of 60pc on every extra 1 of income. The report described the distortions created by the sudden withdrawal of these benefits as among the most severe you will ever see within a tax and benefit system, adding: It creates an insurmountable barrier, where any parent increasing their income over 100,000 finds their household to be much worse off. Bill Dodwell, the former head of the now disbanded Office for Tax Simplification (OTS) said the responses to the high tax rates were damaging for the economy. He said: Some are just paying the tax and others are deliberately working less and therefore not taking their income over it. The report added that some of Britains lowest earners were also facing tax rates of almost 70pc on every extra 1 of income earned, keeping many in part-time jobs. It could be argued that this marginal cost is unacceptably high and it will act as a disincentive to employment, the report said. Mr Dodwell said people on benefits should be incentivised to work more hours without being penalised, as the report highlighted that it was possible under the current system for some single parents earning 120,000 to claim universal credit. Story continues The report warned that the current system was creating perverse incentives to shun work as it called for taxpayer-funded childcare to be made universal. A parent can be better off earning a lower amount and keeping child support than earning a higher amount, it said. This acts as a deterrent to work and encourages other tax driven behavioural changes. It is recommended that the Government look again at these restrictions and consider restoring at least publicly funded nursery places as a universal benefit. The report also highlighted previous work by the IFS that showed the Treasurys stealth tax raid will push an increasing proportion of taxpayers into higher income tax bands. Just 3.5pc of British adults paid the 40p rate in 1991. This is set to climb to 14pc by 2027. This represents a policy choice to increase taxes, the report said. It added that a quarter of all households with children now had some of their child benefit clawed back through the High Income Child Benefit Charge that applies when people start earning at 50,000 and it is fully withdrawn when income reaches 60,000. These thresholds have not been updated since their introduction in 2013. The Chancellor is understood to be considering reforms to child benefit as part of a package of tax cuts in the spring Budget. However, a government source said there were bigger priorities on March 6 because of limited room for big tax and spending giveaways. A Treasury spokesman said: Were already making the single biggest investment in childcare ever, expanding free hours to all eligible working parents with children over 9 months and saving parents 6,500 per year on average. This means that from April, working parents of 2-year-olds can access 15 hours of childcare per week and from September this will be extended down to 9 months, before being doubled to 30 hours the following year The current threshold for the High Income Child Benefit Charge and 30 hours free childcare means that the Government can support the majority of families whilst ensuring stable public finances. 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. Yellow has repaid all of its secured creditors. (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves) The venue for deciding the fate of $7.2 billion in pension withdrawal liability claims against bankrupt Yellow Corp. will be decided on March 6, a Wednesday status hearing in a Delaware court determined. Previous court filings have shown as many as 20 different multiemployer pension plans (MEPPs), including Central States Pension Funds, have laid claim to the estate. The MEPPs and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC), a pension insurer that is overseeing roughly $80 billion in special financial assistance (SFA) allocated by the American Rescue Plan Act, have said the matter should be decided by arbitrators. Yellow contends the claims should be litigated in bankruptcy court and that making it fight the claims in 20 different venues would leave the estates unsecured creditors footing the legal bills. However, counsel for Yellow said at the Wednesday hearing that there were just 11 MEPPs party to the claims. A main point of contention has centered on the existence of unfunded vested benefits (UVBs). PBGC said, within its authority granted by Congress, it enacted a rule that requires MEPPs to recognize the SFA distributions over time, meaning there are pension withdrawal liabilities in this case. It said doing otherwise would create a shortfall for pension funds as most employers would seek an early exit from the plans. If a plan immediately recognized the entire amount of SFA as an asset, its UVBs would immediately decline, and so too, generally, the prospective withdrawal liability of contributing employers, the PBGC said in a January objection. Contributing employers could withdraw immediately with vastly reduced withdrawal liability. However, the estate said the MEPPs are now fully funded and there are no UVBs, meaning there is no liability. It said even if there were valid claims, the amounts due are far below $1 billion, as the funds have submitted duplicate claims, didnt apply relevant caps and didnt discount the liabilities to present value. Story continues The estate said the claims represent a double recovery for the MEPPs and a windfall at the expense of shareholders, which include taxpayers. The U.S. Treasury received a 30% equity stake in Yellow in 2020 as part of a collateral package for a $700 million COVID-relief loan. The estate repaid that debt, including $151 million in interest due, last week. A separate filing showed that all secured creditors and holders of the estates bankruptcy financing have been repaid, using nearly $2 billion in proceeds from real estate auctions. The estate now has $300 million in cash and has started the process of settling unsecured claims. A Monday court document showed Knight-Swift Transportation (NYSE: KNX) will add an additional 10 terminals from the defunct less-than-truckload carriers portfolio. The leased properties are valued at $2.2 million and will complement the 15 terminals it acquired for $52 million at the first two auctions last year. The company said on a Jan. 24 call discussing fourth-quarter earnings that it was eyeing the sites. In total, the carrier could add roughly 35 service centers in 2024 as it builds out a national terminal network after buying two regional carriers in 2021. Yellow has also asked the court to allow it to assume 78 terminal leases of the 108 leased properties remaining in the portfolio. It said a marketing process of the locations suggests hundreds of millions of dollars in proceeds. It still has between 30 and 40 owned properties that it is trying to sell. Yellow, PBGC and the MEPPs agreed on Wednesday to a court schedule for litigating the withdrawal liability claims. If the bankruptcy court decides to hear the case, a trial on the matter would take place in August. Central States withdrawal claims total $4.8 billion. It received $35.8 billion as part of the governments rescue plan. More FreightWaves articles by Todd Maiden The post Pension liability claims against Yellow may take months to settle appeared first on FreightWaves. Philip Morris stock (NYSE:PM) has been traditionally held by dividend investors who seek a reliable and steady quarterly income. Displaying a noteworthy pattern in its trading history, the stock consistently finds robust support around the $90 mark. Investors have historically seized the opportunity to capitalize on the stocks above-average yield at these levels. With shares now trading below this key point after its Q4 results, I believe Philip Morris now presents a compelling entry point. Thus, I am bullish on the stock. A Look at Philip Morris Stocks Trading Pattern I usually dont pay attention to a stocks trading patterns, as I generally find little merit in technical analysis and arbitrary lines when assessing an investment opportunity. Nevertheless, I must admit that Philip Morris stock, in particular, features a very distinct trading pattern. Looking at the stocks trading chart, you will quickly realize that the stock tends to see strong support below $90 and encounter strong resistance above $100. I believe two forces are at play behind this consistent trading pattern. On the support front, there appears to be a magnetic attraction for investors when the stock dips below $90, driven by the allure of a hefty dividend yield (usually 5.8%+) at these levels. The robust dividend prospects of Philip Morris and notable yield form an enticing risk/reward proposition here. Conversely, resistance kicks in around the $100 mark, where investors perceive heightened risk, leading to a less attractive risk/reward ratio. Philip Morris investment landscape comes with notable risks, including regulatory uncertainties surrounding consumer health concerns, a declining population of smokers, and intense competition in the heated tobacco and oral nicotine markets. In the present market scenario, it seems increasingly likely that the first force will come into play sooner rather than later, urging investors back into an accumulation phase below the $90 mark. The companys Q4 results appeared to fall short of estimates at first glance, thus justifying the slight post-earnings sell-off. That said, I believe the numbers were rather strong, while managements promising outlook for 2024 should instill confidence in investors, further supporting the stock price at its current levels. Story continues FY2024: Building Momentum on Strong FY2023 Results Philip Morris concluded Fiscal 2023 on a robust note, propelling the company into a promising trajectory for Fiscal 2024. Despite encountering the customary challenges associated with diminishing demand for combustibles, the companys Heated Tobacco and Oral portfolios showcased remarkable growth, marking Fiscal 2023 as a record-breaking year for revenues and adjusted earnings. Specifically, while Cigarette shipment volumes witnessed a marginal decline of 1.4% throughout the year, Heated Tobacco shipment volumes rose by 14.7%. Moreover, oral nicotine product shipment volumes saw an extraordinary uptick, skyrocketing by 606% compared to the previous year. This increase reflects Philip Morris acquisition of Swedish Match in late 2022, which enriched its Oral category product portfolio. Source: PMs Q4 & Full-Year Earnings Report The result of notable shipment volume increases and strong pricing power led to net revenues for the year growing by 7.8% in constant currency to a new all-time high of $35.2 billion. Philip Morris also posted robust profitability, a crucial aspect for a company primarily catering to income-oriented investors seeking increasing dividends. The company reported adjusted EPS of $6.01, marking a year-over-year increase of 11%. Furthermore, management anticipates the continued strength in the adoption of heated tobacco and oral nicotine products throughout 2024. Projections indicate a 14% to 16% rise in Heated Tobacco shipment volumes, with an estimated shipment of approximately 520 million cans of nicotine pouches in the U.S. This represents a substantial year-over-year increase of 23%, considering the company shipped 421.1 million pouches the previous year. Based on these factors, the company expects net revenue growth of 6.5% to 8% on an organic basis, coupled with adjusted EPS ranging between $6.43 and $6.55, suggesting continued bottom-line growth. Philip Morris Dividend Case Shines Again It appears that the Philip Morris dividend case is shining again, driven by the stock trading below $90 and the anticipation of Fiscal 2024 marking a year of record adjusted EPS. The former factor translates to an above-average yield for investors, which currently hovers at 5.8%, while the latter factor suggests increased dividend coverage, thus improving dividend growth prospects. Its worth noting that Philip Morris has a remarkable history of consistently increasing its dividend, dating back to its time as part of Altria (NYSE:MO), proudly boasting an unofficial (due to being spun-off) streak of 54 consecutive years of annual dividend increases. Is PM Stock a Buy, According to Analysts? Regarding Wall Streets view on the stock, Philip Morris carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on seven Buys and three Hold recommendations assigned in the past three months. At $103.80, the average Philip Morris stock price target suggests 16.4% upside potential. If youre wondering which analyst you should follow if you want to buy and sell PM stock, the most profitable analyst covering the stock (on a one-year timeframe) is Gaurav Jain of Barclays (NYSE:BCS), with an average return of 11.01% per rating and a 63% success rate. The Takeaway Overall, I believe Philip Morris presents a compelling opportunity for investors, particularly income-oriented ones. The stocks distinct trading pattern, with robust support below $90 and resistance around $100, suggests it might be prime time to be bullish. In the meantime, Philip Morris posted strong results in Fiscal 2023, while management suggests that the company is positioned for sustained momentum in 2024. With an anticipated rise in heated tobacco and oral nicotine products set to keep driving earnings growth and, thus, dividend growth, Philip Morris appears to be an attractive income pick, in my view. Disclosure FILE PHOTO: Branch of PNC Bank, a subsidiary of PNC Financial Services Group, in Washington (Reuters) - PNC Bank said on Wednesday it is planning to invest roughly $1 billion to open more than 100 new branches and renovate over 1,200 existing locations through 2028. "Through this investment, PNC will build and open new branches in key locations ... improving the convenience and reach of its coast-to-coast branch network," the bank said. The lender, under the PNC Financial Services Group, currently has about 2,300 brick-and-mortar locations across the United States. Shares in PNC were up 0.9% in morning trading. Though digital banking and online payment solutions have reduced dependence on in-branch banking in recent years, some U.S. lenders have continued to invest in their brick-and-mortar presence to improve their deposit share. Earlier this month, JPMorgan Chase, the largest U.S. bank by assets, also announced it was embarking on one of its most aggressive bank branch expansions in recent years, with plans to add more than 500 new U.S. locations by 2027. Rival Bank of America has also been adding branches. U.S. banks closed 123 branches and opened 80 in October, bringing the total number of active bank branches at the end of the month to 77,690, according to the latest data available from S&P. (Reporting by Manya Saini in Bengaluru and Nupur Anand in New York; Editing by Nick Zieminski) Maggie & Rose charges from 140 per month for a membership A private members club set up for wealthy parents by a close friend of the Prince of Wales is on the brink of collapse after abruptly shutting its clubhouses in West London. Maggie & Rose, which charges from 140 per month for a membership, said in a message to parents that it was suffering staffing and operational issues, forcing the company to temporarily close its sites in Kensington and Chiswick. However, filings showed it has since instructed lawyers at Addleshaw Goddard ahead of an expected administration later this week. It is not known if the clubhouses will be able to reopen at any point. Maggie & Rose was launched to create a members club for families, where parents could drop off their children to be looked after and be able to work or network in the clubs cafes or juice bars. One parent on Facebook claimed they had been left out of pocket after spending hundreds of pounds on membership. They alleged the company just took the money and closed with no explanation of if or when they may open again, if Ill get my money back and no offer of giving me access to their other branch. Others reported being unable to get through to the clubhouses over emails or the phone to request their money back. The company was founded in 2006 by Rose Astor, who is married to Hugh van Cutsem, a friend of the Prince of Wales, and her business partner Maggie Bolger. Maggie-Bolger and Rose Astor founded Maggie and Rose in 2006 Ms Bolger, a mother of four from New Zealand, came up with the idea after struggling to find somewhere suitable for parents to meet friends with their children. Ms Bolger previously told The Telegraph that the aim was to design clubhouses that felt like coming to a mates house. The pair described the venture as creating a Soho House but for kids. Ms Bolger said the emphasis was on letting kids be kids and using their imagination as much as possible so we have a minimal amount of toys and things. The Kensington branch had its own Jackson Pollock room where children could splatter paint on every surface. Story continues Membership at the Chiswick club starts from 140 per month and from 210 per month at the Kensington location. Ms Astor later took a step back from the company and went to work for Soho Farmhouse, the Cotswold retreat owned by Soho House. Ms Bolgers LinkedIn profile suggests she has not been involved with the company since 2019, which was the same year that China New City Commercial Development bought around a third of the company. Maggie & Rose' founders previously described it as a 'Soho House but for kids' Speaking to the Evening Standard last year, Ms Bolger said her exit was because they wanted to take the brand in a very different direction. The Maggie & Rose nurseries remain open, as they are operated by the company Grandir UK. Ms Bolger and Ms Astor said: Maggie Bolger and Rose Astor founded Maggie & Rose in 2007 to create amazing family and community spaces. The first family centre opened in 2007 in Kensington, with another following in Chiswick. Rose Astor subsequently exited the company in 2008. Maggie Bolger exited the company in 2019. At the time of her exiting the company was valued at 25m and had expanded to Asia. China New City PLC and Wei Kwan have been the majority shareholders and controlled the company since 2019. 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. Ms Reeves has vowed to be Britains first green chancellor if Labour is elected - Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Rachel Reeves accepted 10,100 from a climate sceptic just days before Labour abandoned its flagship 28bn green energy spending pledge. Bernard Donoughue, a Labour peer who previously told Parliament that the climate change debate suffers from scaremongering and exaggeration, donated to the shadow chancellors office late last month. Labour formally ditched its spending plan less than three weeks later, when Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves announced they would spend just 4.7bn a year on clean energy policies. Lord Donoughue, who last spoke to Ms Reeves three weeks ago, said he supports Labours decision to drastically scale back the pledge but stressed his donation had nothing to do with the partys green U-turn. He said: I thought that was a sensible decision in line with the national interest. As someone whos worked with prime ministers, you cant have wild spending youve got to have control. The donation was totally unrelated. I havent been involved in those 28bn discussions at all. And quite rightly so. She needed help staffing her constituency. I think shes crucial to the Labour Party and the country. Shes so sensible and shes got such good political and economic judgment. Lord Donoughue said he was never a denier but that he was sceptical about the facts around climate change - David Rose Formerly a secretary of state under Tony Blair in the 1990s, Lord Donoughue later chaired the Global Warming Policy Foundation, which was set up by Nigel Lawson in 2009 to scrutinise the economics of climate change. Ms Reeves has vowed to be Britains first green chancellor if Labour wins the next election. When asked for his views on climate change on Wednesday, Lord Donoughue said he was never a denier but rather sceptical about the facts and worried about how Britain would pay to fix the problem. He said: I did believe the globe was warming and I did believe the emissions problem was generated by industrial human activity. But I couldnt be in the flag-waving green blob. What worried me was how we would pay for dealing with climate change. I was a kind of an oddball sceptic. I found that much of the stuff issued by the greens didnt seem very factually based. Story continues People wanted to be approved of as green flag wavers but they hadnt come to grips with the complex nature of the problem and what it would cost to take. Lord Donoughues support for Ms Reeves comes as she faces fresh criticism over the partys plans to fight climate change. Ryan Crighton, director of policy at the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, has accused the shadow chancellor of spearheading a planned windfall tax that will wipe out 100,000 jobs and cost the Treasury 20bn in lost revenue. The lobby group represents companies in the area, which is the heart of Scotlands energy industry. A Labour source said: Lord Donoughue is a long-standing friend of Rachels and Labour peer. She does not share his views on climate change and has spoken of her determination to be Britains first green chancellor. It is understood Ms Reeves intends to keep the donation. 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. Scheduled to open in 2026, Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Phnom Penh and Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh will introduce a total of 450 keys and world-class facilities to the heart of this dynamic capital city SINGAPORE, Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Radisson Hotel Group will make its debut in Cambodia following the signing of a landmark agreements with Prince Real Estate Group to operate two brand-new properties in the country's fast-growing city, Phnom Penh. Two new hotels Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh and Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Phnom Penh to launch in Cambodia Scheduled to open by Q1 2026, this dual-branded project will see the launch of a stylish Radisson RED Phnom Penh and the upper-upscale Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Phnom Penh in the heart of the city. The two hotels and branded residence are integrated within the Prince Happiness Plaza, a condo project that is set amidst a prestigious mixed-use development that will comprise high-end retail, dining and commercial elements. One of South East Asia's rising stars, Cambodia has been identified as a key market in Radisson Hotel Group's regional development strategy. The country welcomed 5.4 million international visitors in 2023, which marked a significant 140% jump from the previous year, and it is expected to reach seven million arrivals by 2025. As the country's largest city and a key financial hub, Phnom Penh is driving Cambodia's economic boom, with GDP growth expected to accelerate to 6.0% in 2024. This makes now the ideal time for Radisson Hotel Group to make its entry into this compelling country. Mr. Ramzy Fenianos, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group, said: "We are thrilled to announce this important partnership, which provides the perfect opportunity for Radisson Hotel Group to make its debut in Cambodia. This is a key emerging market with vast potential for business and leisure travel, so this dual-branded development will add considerable value to our company's rapidly expanding portfolio in South East Asia." Story continues Mr. Edward Lee, CEO of Prince Real Estate Group, commented: "We are delighted to partner with Radisson Hotel Group and to harness their global expertise for this exciting project, which will contribute to the future of Phnom Penh. With its prime location and outstanding facilities, we are confident that this development will deliver world-class hospitality under the Radisson Blu and Radisson RED brands to the rising number of guests visiting Cambodia." Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Phnom Penh and Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh will command a prime position close to BKK1, the premium residential, business and embassy district, and will be a short drive from the new Phnom Penh International Airport, which is expected to be completed in 2025. This striking project is located within international embassies and in close proximity to popular attractions such as Independence Monument, the National Museum of Cambodia, and the Royal Palace. Developed by one of the nation's leading property developer, Prince Real Estate Group, the two properties are situated atop the Prince Happiness Plaza, an integrated development which will offer direct access to upmarket retail outlets, multiple dining options, Grade A offices and more. The 250-key upper-upscale Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences Phnom Penh will cater to discerning corporate travelers on extended stays with a total of 160 well-appointed guestrooms and serviced apartments, as well as 90 branded residences ranging from the 40sqm Deluxe Studio Residences to the 210sqm Three-Bedroom Residences, all of which will feature premium amenities and panoramic views of the skyline and river. The design-led Radisson RED Hotel Phnom Penh will attract business and leisure guests seeking stays inspired by the upbeat spirit of this dynamic city. This upscale lifestyle hotel will comprise 200 keys, ranging from modern Deluxe Rooms to the spacious One-Bedroom Suites. The two properties will also share an all-day restaurant, lobby lounge, spa, pool and gym. Corporate travelers and digital nomads can take advantage of a casual co-working space, reading lounge and event venues that that will host both business meetings and social celebrations. To learn more about Radisson Hotel Group, please visit www.radissonhotels.com. RADISSON HOTEL GROUP Radisson Hotel Group is an international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,270 hotels in operation and under development in +90 countries. The international hotel group is rapidly expanding with a plan to significantly grow the portfolio. The Group's overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, art'otel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and prizeotel brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is Radisson Hotel Group's loyalty program, which delivers an elevated experience that makes Every Moment Matter. As the most streamlined program in the sector, members enjoy exceptional advantages and can access their benefits from day one across a wide range of hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. At Radisson Hotel Group we care for people, communities and planet and aim to be Net Zero by 2050 based on the approved near-term Science Based Targets. With unique solutions such as 100% carbon neutral Radisson Meetings, we make sustainable hotel stays easy. To facilitate sustainable travel choices, all our hotels are becoming verified on Hotel Sustainability Basics. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to health and safety requirements, ensuring we always care for our guests and team members. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube About Prince Real Estate Group: Prince Real Estate (Cambodia) Group Co., Ltd. was founded in Cambodia in March 2015 to capitalize on the thriving development of Cambodia's real estate. After years of continuous growth, the Group is primarily engaged in the real estate development, property management, theme park, retail, supermarket, etc., forming a closed-loop supply chain in Cambodia real estate industry. About Prince Happiness Plaza: Prince Happiness Plaza is located at the junction of three arteries of Phnom Penh Monivong Boulevard, Hun Sen Boulevard and Road 271, with landmarks like the National Museum, Independent Monument and Royal Palace as well as embassies of Australia, Japan, Thailand, Russia and Malaysia in its vicinity. The complex building comprises a Grade A office building, shopping mall and five-star hotel. It is visioned as a combination of residences, offices, hospitality and shopping. The development also features a hotel-style lobby, rooftop bar (900M2), sky pool (700M2) and gym (496M2) that are designed by the highest standard in the market. Prince Happiness Plaza offers studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments that range from 32 M2 to 96 M2. Its value is further enhanced by the addition of a five-star serviced apartment and many a flagship retail stores to come, making it one of the best options of property investment in Phnom Penh. (PRNewsfoto/Radisson Hotel Group) Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/radisson-hotel-group-arrives-in-cambodia-with-landmark-dual-branded-project-in-phnom-penh-302061639.html SOURCE Radisson Hotel Group FILE PHOTO: French car maker Renault holds an investor day for its EV unit Ampere in Paris By Gilles Guillaume and Nick Carey (Reuters) -French automaker Renault on Wednesday reported a slightly lower than expected full-year 2023 net profit, but posted margin and revenue gains and offered more cash to investors with a huge increase in its dividend. Renault said it would propose a dividend of 1.85 euros ($1.98) for 2023, up from a payout of 0.25 euro for 2022, joining U.S. automakers Ford and General Motors in giving more cash to investors. The stronger cash position and margin growth are the latest sign that the carmaker's turnaround under Chief Executive Luca de Meo is bearing fruit. To boost sales, Renault shrank its vehicle range and has refocused on its most profitable markets and models. "The proposed dividend payout illustrates our confidence in our ability to continue to grow," Renault's chief financial offer, Thierry Pieton, told reporters. Renault posted an operating margin of 7.9%, up from 5.5% in 2022. The company said it expected an operating margin of around 7.5% in 2024 and stood by its 2030 target of double-digit margins by 2030. The results come after Renault reported 9% growth in global sales volumes for 2023 after four consecutive years of declines. Bernstein analyst Daniel Roeska said the 7.9% margin was slightly above market expectations and he was encouraged by the 2024 guidance and a strong dividend on the back of healthy free cash flow. Like other European carmakers, Renault has struggled with stiff competition from U.S. rival Tesla and cheaper Chinese models at a time of waning sales growth and declining government support for electric vehicles. The French carmaker is betting on new electric models in its battle on home turf, with plans to launch 10 new models this year, including two fully electric cars, the Scenic and the R5, and two hybrids. "These results (...) reflect the success of our Renaulution strategy. Our fundamentals have never been stronger, and we will not stop there," de Meo said in a statement. Story continues Still, de Meo's overhaul hit a speed bump last month when the company abruptly scrapped plans to list its EV business, Ampere, citing unfavourable market conditions. The IPO had been a pivotal part of his strategy aimed at extracting more value from the business and separating it from the combustion engine operation, called Horse. Creating Horse contributed about 90 basis points to the 2023 margin boost. De Meo is also under pressure to revive the company's value: its 11 billion-euro market cap is much lower than its European rivals and 12-month forward price-earnings ratio - a key metric for valuing shares - at 2.9, also the lowest in the sector. For 2023, the automaker posted a net profit of 2.315 billion euros ($2.48 billion) versus a loss for 2022 of 716 million euros, which included the automaker's exit from Russia. The net profit missed an average estimate of 3.52 billion euros from analysts polled by LSEG. The consensus did not include a capital loss of around 900 million euros resulting from its disposal of a first chunk of its stake in Nissan. Revenue for 2023 rose 13% to 52.38 billion euros. Analysts had expected revenue of 52.88 billion euros. ($1 = 0.9323 euro) (Reporting by Gilles Guillaume in Paris and Nick Carey in London;Editing by Josephine Mason and Matthew Lewis) The Education Department announced a settlement with for-profit school owner International Education Corporation (IEC) and its subsidiaries for testing regulation violations. The violations are of the ability-to-benefit (ATB) test regulations. The test allows students without a high school diploma or GED to be eligible for federal student aid if they test high enough. A 2023 investigation found that IEC and two schools it operates, Florida Career College and United Education Institute, "pressured proctors to pass students and inappropriately influenced test outcomes to boost enrollment," according to an Education Department press release. The Education Department has required IEC to provide a letter of credit of more than $6 million to pay for liabilities or loan discharges related to the violations. "This strong agreement with International Education Corporation demonstrates Federal Student Aids commitment to holding schools and individuals accountable for abiding by the laws and regulations that govern the federal student aid programs," Richard Cordray, chief operating officer of Federal Student Aid (FSA), said in a statement. As a result of the violations, United Education Institute and UEI College, which has campuses in California, Georgia, Arizona, Washington, and Nevada, have been placed on restricted participation in the federal student aid program and are prohibited from relying on ATB exams to qualify students for enrollment with federal student aid. Due to the nature of Florida Career Colleges wrongdoing, it has been terminated from participating in the federal student aid program. Students who attended Florida Career College on or after April 19, 2023, withdrew, or transferred to another school before Jan. 31, 2024, are entitled to a refund from the school for any funds paid to it. A 2023 investigation found that IEC and two schools it operates, Florida Career College and United Education Institute, "pressured proctors to pass students and inappropriately influenced test outcomes to boost enrollment," according to an Education Department press release. (Credit: Getty Images) (Maskot via Getty Images) Florida Career College announces closure The investigation found that Florida Career College test proctors and employees "changed answers after students finished their tests, helped students during testing or took tests for them, and allowed students to use calculators in violation of testing rules." Story continues Nearly four years ago, our clients filed a class action against Florida Career College for selling a predatory product using false representations and high-pressure sales tactics to systematically target Black students and leave them with crushing and unpayable student debts," Eileen Connor, president and director of the Project on Predatory Student Lending, said in a press release. "Our clients' dedication to exposing FCC and stopping it from harming future borrowers is finally seeing its day of justice." From 2019-2023, around 81% of the ATB students who withdrew from Florida Career College incurred debt and exhausted their Federal Pell Grant eligibility resulting in a denial to receive financial assistance in the future and making them worse off than if they had never attended the school. On Jan. 30, Florida Career College informed the Education Department that the school will close on Feb. 15. Current attendees can file a "closed school loan discharge" that allows a student to get their student loan debt discharged if their school closes while enrolled. Former Florida Career College students can file a "borrower loan defense discharge," which allows borrowers to apply to get their student debt discharged if the school misled students. The Federal Student Aid website provides detailed information on the refund process, type of claims that would qualify for loan discharge, how to file a complaint, and how to transfer to other schools. For-profit schools impact on student loan debt crisis For-profit colleges have a dubious track record in the student loan program. Students who attend for-profit colleges are more likely to obtain a federal loan than those who attend a public college. For-profit borrowers are three times more likely to default on their student loans and six times less likely to receive employment after enrollment compared to public college attendees, according to a 2018 study. To date, the Biden administration has discharged $22.5 billion for over 1.3 million borrowers who were defrauded by their schools under the borrower defense discharge, according to the Education Department. Read more: Student loan issues? Here's how to file a complaint with the Education Department Ronda is a personal finance senior reporter for Yahoo Finance and attorney with experience in law, insurance, education, and government. Follow her on X @writesronda Read the latest personal finance trends and news from Yahoo Finance. NoDerog / Getty Images/iStockphoto Last year, the average tax refund was $3,167 as of December 2023, according to the IRS. As of now, the average tax refund for 2024 is $1,395, but thats likely to go up the further we get into tax season. (For context, the average tax refund at this point last year was $1,963.) Read: Trump-Era Tax Cuts Are Expiring How Changes Will Impact Retirees Discover: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money But sometimes expectations and reality are not aligned. GOBankingRates surveyed over 1,000 American adults about how much they expect to receive as a tax refund this year heres what they said. Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief. More Than 1 in 3 Americans Do Not Expect To Receive a Tax Refund The most popular response among Americans surveyed is that they do not expect to receive a tax refund this year, with 35% stating that they are not expecting to get one. This wouldnt be too shocking if this came to fruition, said Adam Brewer, tax controversy attorney at AB Tax Law. A significant number of Americans arent paying tax into the system throughout the year, he said. Examples include the self-employed taxpayer who isnt making estimated tax deposits or the retired taxpayer living on Social Security that doesnt elect to have income tax withheld. In both cases, unless there is a refundable tax credit they are entitled to, then they arent going to receive a refund. The Social Security recipient example is likely why older Americans ages 65 and over are the least likely to believe they will receive a refund this year, with 53% of Americans in this age group believing they will not. Find Out: The 7 Worst Things You Can Do If You Owe the IRS One-Third of Americans Expect To Receive Less Than $1,000 According to the survey, 33% of Americans expect to receive a tax refund of $1,000 or less, with 15% believing they will receive between $500 and $1,000, and 18% believing they will receive $500 or less. Although the average refund last year was slightly above $3,000, just 9% of Americans believe they will receive a refund greater than $3,000, with an additional 4% estimating that they will receive between $2,500 and $3,000. Story continues Americans in the 24 to 35 age range are the most likely to believe they will receive a refund of $3,000 or more (17%). Meanwhile, Americans ages 55 to 64 are the least likely to believe they will receive a refund of $3,000 or more (4%). Heres an overall look at the refunds Americans expect to receive: $0.01 to $500: 18% $501 to $1,000: 15% $1,001 to $1,500: 10% $1,501 to $2,000: 6% $2,001 to $2,500: 5% $2,501 to $3,000: 4% $3,001+: 9% I do not expect to receive a refund: 35% Will Tax Refunds Be Larger or Smaller Than Last Year? Even though many Americans believe they will receive refunds below last years average amount, Brewer expects that tax refund amounts will be comparable this year to 2023 refunds. Overall, taxpayers can expect refunds comparable to last years amounts, unless Congress is able to come together and pass the expanded Child Tax Credit, he said. If that happens, then parents will see a significant boost in the size of their refunds. Methodology: GOBankingRates surveyed 1,005 Americans ages 18 and older from across the country between Jan. 23 and Jan. 26, 2024, asking 14 different questions: (1) How do you plan on filing your taxes for this year?; (2) When do you expect to file your taxes this year?; (3) How much do you expect to receive in a tax refund?; (4) What do you plan to do with your refund?; (5) Do you feel confident you are receiving all the deductions you feel qualified for?; (6) Do you believe your tax dollars are being spent effectively?; (7) Do you believe you are paying too much, too little, or a fair share in taxes?; (8) Have you ever been audited before?; (9) Who will/would use your tax dollars the best?; (10) How much is the standard deduction for a single filer (and married filers) in 2024?; (11) What concerns you the most about Tax Day?; (12) Do you expect your tax refund this year to be more or less than last year?; (13) What do you understand the least about your taxes?; and (14) What would you rather be doing than your taxes? (Select all that apply). More From GOBankingRates This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Tax Refunds 2024: How Much Americans Are Expecting To Get Back Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Temple & Webster Group fair value estimate is AU$22.18 Temple & Webster Group is estimated to be 49% undervalued based on current share price of AU$11.33 Our fair value estimate is 98% higher than Temple & Webster Group's analyst price target of AU$11.21 In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Temple & Webster Group Ltd (ASX:TPW) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Temple & Webster Group Is Temple & Webster Group Fairly Valued? We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars: Story continues 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (A$, Millions) AU$26.6m AU$21.7m AU$32.4m AU$60.7m AU$89.3m AU$111.8m AU$132.2m AU$149.9m AU$165.0m AU$177.6m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x4 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ 25.16% Est @ 18.26% Est @ 13.43% Est @ 10.05% Est @ 7.68% Present Value (A$, Millions) Discounted @ 6.8% AU$24.9 AU$19.0 AU$26.6 AU$46.6 AU$64.2 AU$75.3 AU$83.4 AU$88.5 AU$91.2 AU$92.0 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = AU$612m After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.8%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = AU$178m (1 + 2.2%) (6.8% 2.2%) = AU$3.9b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= AU$3.9b ( 1 + 6.8%)10= AU$2.0b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is AU$2.6b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of AU$11.3, the company appears quite undervalued at a 49% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf The Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Temple & Webster Group as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.8%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.010. 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 Temple & Webster Group Strength Currently debt free. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Australian market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" For example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Temple & Webster Group, we've compiled three pertinent items you should explore: Financial Health: Does TPW have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does TPW's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the ASX every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. St. Jude, one of the largest companies in Memphis, was recently named to Forbes' list of America's best large employers in 2024. The list "Meet America's Best Large Employers 2024" released on Feb.13 and contained 600 different companies across the country. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey employees at more than 170,000 U.S. companies. Companies with 1,000 to 5,000 employees were categorized as midsized and those with over 5,000 were categorized as large employers. Survey respondents were asked to rate their employer on criteria including working hours, gender pay equity, opportunities for training and career advancement, workload expectations, family leave benefits, and the degree of diversity on the leadership team. The survey also asked if participants were likely to recommend their employer to others. Here is the list of best large employers in 2024. Best large employers in 2024 In the top ten best companies, four came from Southern states. Kansas and Texas both had the most number of companies in the top ten with two each. Novo Nordisk in New Jersey Garmin in Kansas Cook Children's Health Care System in Texas Children's Hospital Colorado in Colorado Delta Air Lines in Georgia In-N-Out Burger in California Houston Methodist in Texas eXp Realty in Washington St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas. Tennessee's top large employers In Tennessee, there were a total of 10 companies named to the list of 600. The highest rated of the Tennessee employers was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at No. 9 BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee at No. 11 University of Tennessee, Knoxville at No. 79 Averitt Express at No. 130 Bridgestone at No. 261 Tractor Supply at No. 321 Nissan Motor at No. 334 Clayton Homes at No. 384 Tennessee Valley Authority at No. 405 Asurion at No. 525 This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: These Tennessee companies are among best large employers in the U.S. One simple way to benefit from the stock market is to buy an index fund. But if you pick the right individual stocks, you could make more than that. For example, the The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK) share price is up 26% in the last three years, clearly besting the market return of around 9.3% (not including dividends). On the other hand, the returns haven't been quite so good recently, with shareholders up just 7.9% , including dividends . Now it's worth having a look at the company's fundamentals too, because that will help us determine if the long term shareholder return has matched the performance of the underlying business. Check out our latest analysis for Bank of New York Mellon To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it's a weighing machine. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS). Bank of New York Mellon was able to grow its EPS at 2.6% per year over three years, sending the share price higher. This EPS growth is lower than the 8% average annual increase in the share price. This indicates that the market is feeling more optimistic on the stock, after the last few years of progress. That's not necessarily surprising considering the three-year track record of earnings growth. The company's earnings per share (over time) is depicted in the image below (click to see the exact numbers). We know that Bank of New York Mellon has improved its bottom line lately, but is it going to grow revenue? This free report showing analyst revenue forecasts should help you figure out if the EPS growth can be sustained. What About Dividends? It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Bank of New York Mellon the TSR over the last 3 years was 38%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return. Story continues A Different Perspective Bank of New York Mellon shareholders gained a total return of 7.9% during the year. But that was short of the market average. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it's actually better than the average return of 3% over half a decade This suggests the company might be improving over time. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Bank of New York Mellon better, we need to consider many other factors. Consider risks, for instance. Every company has them, and we've spotted 1 warning sign for Bank of New York Mellon you should know about. If you are like me, then you will not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying. Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on American exchanges. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. In this article, we will take a look at the top 20 most valuable insurance companies in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to Top 5 Most Valuable Insurance Companies in the US. Will Insurance Prices Impact Monetary Policy? On January 12, Reuters reported that the surge in auto insurance prices has been preventing inflation from declining further. According to the report, motor vehicle premiums surged by a staggering 20.3% in December 2023 from a year earlier in December 2022. This has been the largest increase in motor vehicle insurance premiums since the mid-70s. Auto insurance premiums are primarily rising due to the inflating cost of labor and car parts supported by the general expansion of car prices over the past few years. According to the report, auto insurance policies may not see an unexpected surge over the next 12 months. The report highlights that auto insurance prices have rarely contributed to the rise in inflation in the past. On the contrary, auto insurance prices were responsible for 15% of headline price increases in the fourth quarter of 2023. However, the impact auto insurance prices may have on the monetary policy over the next 12 months is rather ambiguous. Since the industry is regulated on a state-by-state basis, experts may be unable to assess the impact regional insurance prices may have on the national consumer price index. Prominent Insurance Companies in the United States Some of the leading insurance companies in the United States include UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH), The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR), and Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV). Let's discuss some recent updates from these companies. You can also take a look at the best jewelry insurance companies heading into 2024. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) is a health insurance company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. On February 6, UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (NYSE:UNH) launched a program for type 2 diabetes patients in the Owensboro Community. The company collaborated with the Audubon Area Community Care Clinic and Girls Inc. to educate people in Kentucky about diabetes, preventive strategies, and disease management. Patients of the clinic will be eligible to become members of the UnitedHealthcare Catalyst program. These patients will then receive personalized education, social needs support, and eye exams. Girls Inc. will execute educational programs for children between the ages of 8 and 12. Story continues Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) is one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States. The company was previously known as Anthem, Inc. On January 10, Elevance Health, Inc. (NYSE:ELV) announced that the company is set to launch smartphones for customers enrolled in its medical health plans. These smartphones come with built-in personalized digital and virtual healthcare tools. The smartphone will be launched in collaboration with Verizon, Samsung, AT&T, and T-Mobile. The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) is one of the largest auto insurance companies in the United States. On January 24, The Progressive Corporation (NYSE:PGR) reported earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share of $2.97, beating estimates by $0.55. The company reported revenue worth $15.13 billion during the quarter, with a year-over-year revenue growth rate of 21.43%. You can also take a look at the states with the cheapest car insurance in the US. Without further ado, let's discuss the top 20 most valuable insurance companies in the United States. Top 20 Most Valuable Insurance Companies in the US Top 20 Most Valuable Insurance Companies in the US Our Methodology We scanned for insurance companies using the Yahoo Finance Stock Screener, the Finviz Stock Screener, and multiple industry reports to come up with the top 20 most valuable insurance companies in the US. We sorted publicly listed companies using their market capitalization and private companies using their latest reported official revenue. Our list of the 20 most valuable insurance companies in the United States is in ascending order of market capitalization as of February 10, 2024, for publicly listed companies and annual revenue for private companies. By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders. Top 20 Most Valuable Insurance Companies in the US 20. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $27.11 Billion The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) is one of the best insurance companies in the United States. Under its commercial lines segment, the company provides workers' compensation, property insurance, automobile insurance, general insurance, professional liability coverage, umbrella insurance, marine insurance, livestock insurance, and reinsurance. The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE:HIG) is based in Connecticut and has a market capitalization of $27.11 billion. 19. The United Services Automobile Association Annual Revenue (2022): $36.00 Billion The United Services Automobile Association, commonly referred to as USAA, is one of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The company provides insurance, retirement, and financial services to military personnel. USAA was founded in 1922 and is headquartered in San Antonio. 18. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $38.11 Billion Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) ranks 18th on our list of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU) provides coverage across life and health insurance lines. The company also provides workplace benefits. The company was founded in 1875 and has a market capitalization of $38.11 billion. 17. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $41.33 Billion With a market capitalization of $41.33 billion, Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) ranks as one of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The health care and insurance company operates through two segments including managed care and specialty services. Through the managed care segment, the company provides health coverage to individuals. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) was founded in 1984. 16. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $42.01 Billion The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is based in Illinois and has a market capitalization of $42.01 billion. The company provides coverage across property insurance and casualty insurance lines. Under the Allstate Protection segment, the company provides private passenger auto and homeowners insurance. Under the Allstate Health and Benefits segment the company provides life, accident, critical illness, disability, and health insurance. The Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) was founded in 1931. 15. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $45.25 Billion Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) ranks 15th on our list of the best insurance companies in the United States. The company engages in the provision of supplemental health and life insurance products in Japan and the United States. In the United States, the company provides coverage for cancer, accident, disability, critical illness, hospital indemnity, dental, vision, and whole life insurance. Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL) has a market capitalization of $45.25 billion. 14. Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $45.28 Billion Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) is one of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The company offers a range of medical and supplemental benefit plans to its customers. Additionally, the company also provides commercial medical and specialty insurance covering dental, vision, life, and supplemental health insurance. Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) has a market capitalization of $45.28 billion and was founded in 1961. 13. American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $48.53 Billion American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) ranks 13th on our list of the top 20 most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The company provides insurance services to businesses, institutions, and individuals. American International Group, Inc. (NYSE:AIG) provides coverage for commercial insurance, industrial property insurance, environmental insurance, commercial automobile insurance, excess casualty insurance, and crisis management insurance. The company was founded in 1919 and has a market capitalization of $48.53 billion. 12. The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $48.95 billion With a market capitalization of $48.95 billion, The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) ranks as one of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The company offers its services across commercial, property, and casualty insurance lines. The company operates through three segments including business insurance, bond and specialty insurance, and personal insurance. The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV) was founded in 1853 and is based in New York. Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $49.33 Billion MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) ranks 11th on our list of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The company engages in the provision of insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management services across the globe. MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET) offers plans across multiple insurance lines including life, dental, group, disability, pet, accidental death, vision, accident, and health insurance. The company was founded in 1863 and is headquartered in New York. 10. Liberty Mutual Group Annual Revenue (2022): $50.00 Billion Liberty Mutual Group ranks 10th on our list of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The diversified insurer is known for its property and casualty insurance services. It also provides coverage for auto insurance, home insurance, and renters insurance. Liberty Mutual Group is headquartered in Boston and was founded in 2001. 9. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company Annual Revenue (2022): $56.8 Billion Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company reported revenue worth $56.8 billion for the fiscal year 2022. The company is a group of insurance and financial services companies in the United States. It provides coverage for a range of insurance lines including business insurance, auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, homeowners insurance, and renters insurance. 8. State Farm Insurance Annual Revenue (2022): $89.3 Billion State Farm Insurance ranks eighth on our list of the most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The company is a group of mutual insurance companies. It provides coverage across auto, motorcycle, homeowners, condo, life, pet, medicare supplement, and renters insurance lines. State Farm Insurance reported revenue worth $89.3 billion in 2022. 7. CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $96.05 Billion Aetna Inc. is a product of CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS). Aetna is a leading health insurance company based in Connecticut, United States. The company offers traditional health insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance coverage. CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) has a market capitalization of $96.05 billion. 6. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) Market Capitalization as of February 10, 2024: $97.37 Billion Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) ranks sixth on our list of the top 20 most valuable insurance companies in the United States. The company specializes in the provision of risk management, strategy management, and people management solutions. Prominent services by the company entail risk advice, risk transfer, risk control, risk mitigation, insurance and reinsurance broking, strategic advisory services, analytics solutions, and insurance program management services. Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc. (NYSE:MMC) was founded in 1871 and has a market cap of $97.37 billion. Click to continue reading and see the Top 5 Most Valuable Insurance Companies in the US. Suggested Articles: Disclosure: None. Top 20 Most Valuable Insurance Companies in the US is originally published on Insider Monkey TORONTO & SAN FRANCISCO, February 14, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Treadwell Therapeutics, a privately held clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering and advancing novel first-in-class medicines for unmet needs in cancer, today announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board comprised of prominent oncology leaders and drug developers. The SAB will work closely with Treadwell to advance the companys pipeline of small molecules, biologics and cell therapies. "We are delighted and honored to be working with this prestigious group of innovators and thought leaders as our Scientific Advisory Board. We are very much looking forward to collaborating with this group to inform and shape our research and development efforts in advancing our pipeline," said Roger Sidhu, M.D., Acting CEO of Treadwell. "This SAB brings tremendous experience in advancing novel therapeutics in oncology from early to late stage development including drug approvals. We are confident that this group will be invaluable in supporting the development of our pipeline with a focus on our lead program CFI-400945, a PLK4 inhibitor currently being advanced in AML." The founding members of the Treadwell Scientific Advisory Board are: Antoni Ribas, M.D., Ph.D., is currently Professor of Medicine, Surgery, and Molecular and Medical Pharmacology at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), directory of the Tumor Immunology Program at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at UCLA. Dr. Ribas has played a pivotal role in the development and approval pembrolizumab in advanced melanoma and multiple additional drugs in this disease. Dr. Ribas was formerly President of the American Association for Cancer Research and has been elected to the National Academy of Medicine. Carl June, M.D., is the Richard W. Vague Professor in Immunotherapy in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and director of Center for Cellular Immunotherapies at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. June is internationally recognized for his role in pioneering CAR-T cell therapy which led to the first FDA-approved cellular therapy for children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Dr. June has published more than 500 manuscripts and is the recipient of multiple prestigious scientific achievement awards and is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences. Story continues Pasi A. Janne, M.D., Ph.D., is a world renowned translational medical oncologist and the Senior Vice President of Translational Medicine at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is the Director of the Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science. He was a co-discoverer of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations that has led to the development of multiple therapeutic strategies for patients with EGFR mutant lung cancer. Dr. Janne has received the 2024 Medal of Honor from the American Cancer Society and multiple awards from ASCO, AACR and ESMO. S. Gail Eckhardt is Associate Dean of Experimental Therapeutics at Baylor College of Medicine and Associate Director of Translational Research at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. Eckhardt has served on numerous committees and study sections, including the ASCO Molecular Oncology Task Force, the ASCO Board of Directors, the FDA Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee, and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Cancer Centers Study Section. She serves on 10 external advisory boards of NCI-designated cancer centers, is a past member of the Board of Directors of the Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) and previous Chair of the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Clinical Trials Advisory Committee. She is a current member of the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicines Cancer Policy Forum. Dr. Eckhardt serves on the Board of Directors of Syros Pharmaceuticals and Exelixis and the Scientific Advisory Board of Amgen. Lillian L Siu, M.D., FRCPC, is an internationally recognized expert in the development of novel cancer therapeutics. Dr. Siu is a senior medical oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. She is the Director of the Phase I Program and Co-Director of the Bras and Family Drug Development Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, and holds the BMO Chair in Precision Genomics. Dr. Siu served on the Board of Directors for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Internationally, Dr. Siu was the recipient of the US NCI Michaele C. Christian Award in Oncology Drug Development in 2010. She was awarded the TAT 2020 Honorary Award for contributions in the development of anticancer drugs. In 2023, Dr. Siu is currently the co-Editor-in-Chief for AACRs newest journal Cancer Research Communications and is on the editorial board for Cell and Cancer Cell. Patricia LoRusso, has been a practicing academic medical oncologist performing clinical/translational research in early phase clinical trials for over 30 years, and is currently the Associate Director of Experimental Therapeutics at the Yale Cancer Center and director of their Early Phase Clinical Trials Program. She has had continuous NIH/NCI peer review funding for over 28 years, as well as numerous other team science grants, including SPORE funding and other funding mechanisms such as Stand Up to Cancer (Co-Leader: Melanoma Dream Team), the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Komen Foundation (Co-leader, KG111063:Targeting Stem Cells in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) in Different Racial Populations). In addition to serving in NCI extramural positions, Dr. LoRusso is currently serving a 3-year term as the chair of their New Agents Committee (NAC), committees for the Cancer Research United Kingdom (CRUK). Dr. LoRusso has also served in leadership positions of several other organizations, including the Board of Directors and current President-elect of the AACR, and education and scientific committees of the ASCO. Internationally, she has taught several clinical trials educational workshops, educating many physicians and scientists across the globe. Working closely over the past 3 decades with patients suffering from advanced malignancies, Dr. LoRusso has become an advocate, not only for cancer researchers and clinicians, but more importantly for the patients and their caregivers. Tak Wah Mak, Ph.D., co-founder of Treadwell Therapeutics, is one of the worlds most cited and accomplished scientists. Dr. Mak is currently a Senior Scientist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Director of the Campbell Family Institute for Breast Cancer Research and Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics at the University of Toronto. Dr. Mak is credited with the discovery of the T-cell receptor and pioneering work in the genetics of immunology, including publishing a landmark paper on the discovery and function of the immune checkpoint protein CTLA-4. Dr. Mak is also the founder of Agios Pharmaceuticals, whose lead compound, IDHIFA, was approved by the FDA for acute myelogenous leukemia in 2017. Dr. Mak has served as author on over 1000 peer-reviewed articles. Dr. Mak is a Fellow of the AACR Academy, has received honorary degrees from many universities around the world and has received various international awards such as the Paul Ehrlich Prize, the Ludwig Darmstaeder Prize and most recently the 2023 International Award for Extraordinary Achievement in Cancer Research from the Pezcoller Foundation and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). About Treadwell Therapeutics Treadwell Therapeutics is a clinical-stage oncology company developing novel medicines to address unmet needs in patients with cancer. The Company's robust, internally developed clinical pipeline includes CFI-400945 (PLK4 inhibitor), CFI-402257 (TTK/Mps1 inhibitor) and CFI-402411 (HPK1 inhibitor). Treadwell also has a broad pre-clinical pipeline with multiple biologic and next generation TCR based autologous cell therapy programs. For more information, please visit www.treadwelltx.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213511904/en/ Contacts ir@treadwelltx.com (Bloomberg) -- Uber Technologies Inc. will buy back as much as $7 billion in shares to return capital to shareholders after reporting its first full year of operating profit and consistent positive free cash flow in 2023. Most Read from Bloomberg The repurchase plan is a vote of confidence in the companys strong financial momentum, Chief Financial Officer Prashanth Mahendra-Rajah said in a statement on Wednesday. We will be thoughtful as it relates to the pace of our buyback, beginning with actions that partially offset stock-based compensation, and working toward a consistent reduction in share count. The stock jumped as much as 11% in New York, its biggest gain since last May. It had more than doubled over the past 12 months through the close of trading Tuesday. Uber is the latest of a handful of tech companies announcing plans to boost returns to shareholders. Earlier this month Meta Platforms Inc. announced plans to buy back an additional $50 billion in shares and issue its first-ever quarterly dividend, while Airbnb Inc. expanded its buyback program by $6 billion on Tuesday. The capital allocation plan marks another milestone of financial health for Uber after it racked up $30 billion in accumulated deficits over years of freewheeling spending as it sought to gain market share and push into new markets. But last week, Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi said 2023 was an inflection point and signaled he would return capital to shareholders. The San Francisco-based ride sharing and delivery company reported its first full year of profit as a public company and projected continued growth in 2024. Story continues In December, Uber was added into the benchmark S&P 500 Index and it has said its on a very clear path to an investment-grade credit rating. If you are a cash machine and the Street is still relatively cautious in the way it values your business, one of the best uses of cash you can do is to buy back your own stock, New Street Research analyst Pierre Ferragu said on Bloomberg Televisions Surveillance. Thats music to our ears. Ferragu, who has a buy rating on the stock, said Uber is really playing out the way we were expecting by emerging as the strongest player in the ride-hailing market. Uber, which was holding a meeting with investors Wednesday, said it expects gross bookings growth over the next three years in the mid-to-high teens. Growth in adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization is projected to increase in the high 30% to 40% range. In reporting its latest financial results last week, Uber showed a fourth consecutive quarter of positive free cash flow at $768 million. And over the next three years, it expects free cash flow as a percentage of adjusted Ebitda to grow more than 90% on an annual basis, according to presentation slides from its investor day event. Much of Ubers transformation has been brought about under Khosrowshahi. The former Expedia Group Inc. chief executive took the reins in 2017 from co-founder Travis Kalanick, whose brash leadership style earned Uber an early reputation of exorbitant spending, public relations disasters, a toxic workplace culture and antagonistic relationships with local regulators. Khosrowshahi, 54, has pushed Uber into new businesses beyond its core ride-sharing, into restaurant and grocery delivery and advertising, which has helped improve profit margins. The onslaught of the pandemic forced Uber to evaluate its business as people hunkered down at home and stopped taking shared rides. The company transitioned into a more asset-light business model, offloading its loss-making bikes and scooters business and winding down its capital-intensive autonomous vehicle division. Investing into its Uber Eats food delivery business allowed it to capitalize on pandemic-induced lockdowns even as demand for shared rides stalled. Uber has been able to enjoy the economies of scale in many of its markets in the US and overseas, and it is still planning to grow further in other areas like delivery, lower-cost rideshares like two-wheelers and corporate travel products. (Updates with opening shares) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Members of Rideshare Drivers United, along with supporters, protest in front of an Uber driver support center Wednesday in L.A.'s Westlake neighborhood. Drivers for Uber, Lyft and DoorDash staged a one-day work stoppage in Los Angeles and other major cities to protest poor wages. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles Lyft driver Shan Sedigh held out his phone. On the screen, Lyft's app detailed a Feb. 9 ride for which Sedigh's passenger paid $105.40. Sedigh earned a little more than half of that at $53.11. "This is why I'm here," Sedigh said, surrounded by scores of ride and food delivery drivers Wednesday as they protested outside an Uber drivers support hub in Westlake, west of downtown Los Angeles, part of a one-day work stoppage to demand better wages. "I pay gas, insurance, repairs," the 50-year-old West Hills resident said. "Lyft just connects the driver to the customer. Why do they get 50%?" The one-day strike hit more than 20 major cities across the U.S. and Canada, including Los Angeles. Food delivery drivers in London joined in, vowing to turn off the apps between 5 and 10 p.m., according to the Associated Press. The action targets what is typically a busy holiday for ride-hailing and delivery giants. Although there have been sporadic, isolated protests by drivers in various cities in recent years, organizers say the Valentine's Day protest could be the most ambitious labor action to date, with drivers across the country coalescing organically. Drivers are protesting what they describe as poor wages and rapidly shrinking transparency in how the companies pay drivers their share of earnings. California gig law Proposition 22 which was established by a voter initiative bankrolled by Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and other companies in 2020 has hurt drivers, said Nicole Moore, a driver and the president of Rideshare Drivers United, the 20,000-member Los Angeles group coordinating local drivers. Read more: Column: If you work for Uber or Amazon, you may be a victim of algorithmic wage discrimination The law promised some benefits to drivers including a minimum earnings guarantee and healthcare reimbursement but they have proved difficult to access or so minimal as to be useless, she said. Story continues Drivers have complained that companies track their behavior on the apps to determine what the companies will pay the drivers, and the workers' only power is to accept or decline a job. Rideshare Drivers United protest in front of the Uber Greenlight Hub in Los Angeles. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times) "It's a shell game and there's no way to enforce this stuff because it's all an algorithm in a black box how we're paid and whether or not we get benefits," Moore said. Gig drivers group Justice for App Workers told the Associated Press that thousands of drivers had stopped working at some point Wednesday, with protests at airports in cities including San Francisco, Chicago, Miami and Newark, N.J. Uber and Lyft representatives dismissed any effect from the strike. "These types of events have rarely had any impact on trips, prices or driver availability," Uber spokesperson Zahid Arab said in an email. "During last years Valentines Day 'strike,' we saw an increase in trips in the U.S." Lyft spokesperson CJ Macklin said that "traditionally, these events have not had a meaningful impact on wait times or service levels." As of Wednesday afternoon, the company had not noticed any significant disruptions, he said. Drivers interviewed at the Wednesday protest in Los Angeles said that about a year ago companies began showing drivers their rates offered on rides, giving them the option to accept or decline, but around the same time appeared to offer fewer well-paying longer rides, leaving them with shrinking earnings. Frank Kash, 30, waved a sign reading, "Corporate Lies Are No Surprise." Scrawled across the sign in Farsi was an expletive aimed at Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi, who, like Kash, is Persian. "He is basically stealing from us," Kash said. "Khosrowshahi, you owe me money." For an Uber trip he drove Tuesday, Kash said he earned $24; the customer told Kash he paid about $60, making Kash's earnings about 40% of the fare. "It's a shame," he said. Macklin said Lyft made new commitments this month to increase driver pay and transparency. They include providing a clearer summary of the "new minimum earnings guarantee that drivers will always make at least 70% of the weekly rider fares after external fees," he said. Read more: Column: Two Uber drivers read the fine print and won millions for California gig workers He said the company is also providing a new in-app button for drivers to appeal deactivation decisions and providing direct access to a specialized support team focused on appeals. Drivers have complained that the apps haphazardly shut down their account access, and that the decisions are difficult to get reversed. "We are constantly working to improve the driver experience," Macklin said in an email. Of concerns raised by drivers, Uber spokesperson Arab said the "vast majority of drivers are satisfied." He disputed that drivers' take of fares represented a small portion relative to Uber's and said the company has made significant investments in driver benefits afforded by Proposition 22, investing more than $800 million since January 2021. "Ubers effective take rate in the U.S., net of commercial insurance costs, is well below 20%," he said. "Every driver on the Uber platform benefits from the historic protections and benefits afforded by Prop. 22." Uber said its U.S. drivers earn an average of $33 an hour, while Lyft said its U.S. drivers make an average of $30.68 an hour, or $23.46 per hour after expenses. Rideshare Drivers United demonstrated in front of the Uber Greenlight Hub on Valentines Day in Los Angeles. (Jason Armond/Los Angeles Times) Drivers held isolated protests over the last year in various cities, including Chicago , Las Vegas , Denver , New Orleans , Los Angeles , Minneapolis , Miami and Tampa . Most recently, drivers protested at airports in San Diego and Atlanta in December. Luis Arias, 32, who has driven for Uber and Lyft since 2017, said he had never participated in driver protests before December. But long workdays and shrinking earnings prompted him to help organize recent protests at San Diego Airport. Drivers protested at the airport's waiting lot on Dec. 19 and marched to Terminal 2 in a Dec. 23 action. "We have to work too many hours to get the money, and we spend a lot of money on gas, on car services. It feels very unfair," Arias said. Nascent organizing among San Diego drivers is gaining traction, he said. About 100 drivers participated in the first protest; now, the informal San Diego group has grown to some 600 members, Arias said. At the Los Angeles rally, driver Teresa Pitt addressed the crowd from atop a pickup truck, calling on gig workers to push the companies for more. "There should be drivers lined up this whole street," she said. Some drivers sporting neon-green "Rideshare Drivers United" shirts held signs themed to the holiday: "It's time for a break up with Uber and Lyft," read one, with a graphic of a red broken heart. By about 2p.m., the group of about 100 protesters had thinned out. Some left to head over to Los Angeles International Airport, where another driver protest was scheduled to be held later in the afternoon, while others left for their other day jobs. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. For example, although software-as-a-service business Salesforce.com lost money for years while it grew recurring revenue, if you held shares since 2005, you'd have done very well indeed. Nonetheless, only a fool would ignore the risk that a loss making company burns through its cash too quickly. So, the natural question for SSC Security Services (CVE:SECU) shareholders is whether they should be concerned by its rate of cash burn. In this report, we will consider the company's annual negative free cash flow, henceforth referring to it as the 'cash burn'. First, we'll determine its cash runway by comparing its cash burn with its cash reserves. See our latest analysis for SSC Security Services When Might SSC Security Services Run Out Of Money? A company's cash runway is the amount of time it would take to burn through its cash reserves at its current cash burn rate. When SSC Security Services last reported its balance sheet in December 2023, it had zero debt and cash worth CA$9.8m. Importantly, its cash burn was CA$393k over the trailing twelve months. That means it had a cash runway of very many years as of December 2023. Even though this is but one measure of the company's cash burn, the thought of such a long cash runway warms our bellies in a comforting way. Depicted below, you can see how its cash holdings have changed over time. How Well Is SSC Security Services Growing? Given our focus on SSC Security Services' cash burn, we're delighted to see that it reduced its cash burn by a nifty 95%. This reduction was no doubt supported by its strong revenue growth of 56% in the same period. Overall, we'd say its growth is rather impressive. In reality, this article only makes a short study of the company's growth data. You can take a look at how SSC Security Services is growing revenue over time by checking this visualization of past revenue growth. Story continues How Easily Can SSC Security Services Raise Cash? There's no doubt SSC Security Services seems to be in a fairly good position, when it comes to managing its cash burn, but even if it's only hypothetical, it's always worth asking how easily it could raise more money to fund growth. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. Commonly, a business will sell new shares in itself to raise cash and drive growth. By comparing a company's annual cash burn to its total market capitalisation, we can estimate roughly how many shares it would have to issue in order to run the company for another year (at the same burn rate). SSC Security Services has a market capitalisation of CA$51m and burnt through CA$393k last year, which is 0.8% of the company's market value. That means it could easily issue a few shares to fund more growth, and might well be in a position to borrow cheaply. Is SSC Security Services' Cash Burn A Worry? It may already be apparent to you that we're relatively comfortable with the way SSC Security Services is burning through its cash. For example, we think its cash burn reduction suggests that the company is on a good path. But it's fair to say that its cash burn relative to its market cap was also very reassuring. Taking all the factors in this report into account, we're not at all worried about its cash burn, as the business appears well capitalized to spend as needs be. On another note, we conducted an in-depth investigation of the company, and identified 2 warning signs for SSC Security Services (1 is a bit unpleasant!) that you should be aware of before investing here. If you would prefer to check out another company with better fundamentals, then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt or this list of stocks which are all forecast to grow. 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. What happened to all the Schwan's food trucks and door-to-door home delivery? After 70 years, the trucks were rebranded, then went the way of milk trucks and rolled into history at least in Oklahoma, and other small markets in other states far from Schwan's home base in Minnesota. In 2018, the Schwan family sold 70% of its business to Korean firm CJ CheilJedang for $1.8 billion, but kept Schwans Home Delivery. In 2022, they changed the company name, and the signage on the familiar trucks, to Yelloh. Schwan's Co. continues, producing numerous familiar retail brands, including Stilwell frozen foods in Stilwell, about 190 miles east of OKC Red Baron and Tony's pizza, and Mrs. Smith's and Edwards pies. It also is heavily into institutional food service. Yelloh, however, facing "economic headwinds, rising business costs and the post-pandemic world," came to the end of the road in Oklahoma and elsewhere late last year. The Schwan's/Yelloh trucks, the stuff of memories, were parked. Yelloh, formerly Schwan's still has home food delivery in 18 states, but Oklahoma is not one of them Schwan's former cold storage warehouse at 9720 Pole Road in OKC, sold by, and now for lease by Joe Summers, Caitlin Mazaheri and Jason Hammock with CBRE Group. "Our teams across the country have worked valiantly to transform our company into a modern category leader. Despite those efforts and like many retail businesses, we must now close locations and face a difficult reality," Yelloh said. The company now sends its trucks into neighborhoods in 18 states: Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Scaling back brought the closure of about 90 delivery centers, including the ones in OKC and Tulsa, and the loss of about 750 sales, field and corporate employees. What will happen to former Yelloh/Schwan's cold-storage warehouses in OKC and Tulsa? The Schwan's song coda just played. The company sold its delivery centers in Oklahoma City and Tulsa on Jan. 30, said commercial property broker Joe Summers, who handled the sale with Caitlin Mazaheri and Jason Hammock of CBRE Group in OKC. Story continues Summers said a regional investment group paid $1,650,000 for both cold-storage warehouses, at 9720 Pole Road in OKC and 9567 N Ridgeway St. in Tulsa. They are now for rent, and Summers said they probably won't be vacant for long. "Not many cold-storage facilities available in our market, so I think well have quite a bit of interest on these properties," he said. Yelloh said downsizing was "heartbreaking." "We cherish our customers, our employees, and the special role our team members play in our local communities. Concentrating our high-touch delivery service in fewer locations in states that are the foundation for our 70-year-old company is the best path forward for Yelloh," the company said. Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize Schwan's former cold storage warehouse at 9567 N Ridgeway in Tulsa. Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Schwan's Home Delivery rebrands to Yelloh then leaves Oklahoma One of the leading artificial intelligence (AI) stocks on the market was left far behind by investors on Tuesday. C3.ai (NYSE: AI) saw its share price crumble by almost 8% on the back of comments made by a leading executive in the AI field, as well as regulatory developments overseas. That decline was far sharper than the 1.4% drop of the bellwether S&P 500 index that day. Altman speaks, and the EU legislates At the World Governments Summit in Dubai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sounded a note of caution about the rapid advance of AI technology. In a live video interview, he said of it: "There's some things in there that are easy to imagine where things really go wrong." In many ways, Altman is the face of AI, as his company developed the massively popular ChatGPT software. Altman wasn't being apocalyptic, but his concerns were striking, given that he and OpenAI have risen to great prominence on AI applications. He clarified his position by saying that "I'm much more interested in the very subtle societal misalignments where we just have these systems out in society and, through no particular ill intention, things just go horribly wrong." In another development, two committees at the European Union's (EU) European Parliament ratified that body's AI Act. This is a set of rules that will form the framework of AI regulation in the 27-nation EU. Not all is sunshine and roses with AI While Altman was more cautious than pessimistic in his statements and the AI Act has been percolating for quite some time, neither development cheered investors. AI is already a powerful technology, and care must be taken to utilize it properly. Yet investors often don't want to hear the potential downsides, nor are they eager to see the dawn of what might be considered excessive regulation. Should you invest $1,000 in C3.ai right now? Before you buy stock in C3.ai, 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 C3.ai wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Story continues Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of February 12, 2024 Eric Volkman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends C3.ai. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Why Top AI Stock C3.ai Tumbled on Tuesday was originally published by The Motley Fool GAITHERSBURG, Md., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- YS Biopharma Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq: YS) ("YS Biopharma" or the "Company", and together with its subsidiaries, "YS Group"), a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering new generations of vaccines and therapeutic biologics for infectious diseases and cancer, today announced the appointment of six new members to its Board of Directors (the "Board"), effective February 13, 2024. The six new directors are: Dr. Yuntao Cui; Dr. Jin Wang; Mr. Henry Chen; Mr. Haitao Zhao; Mr. Pierson Yue Pan; and Ms. Brenda Chunyuan Wu. In addition to the new appointments, the Board has elected Dr. Ajit Shetty, who had served as the Company's Interim Chairperson of the Board since December 9, 2023, as Chairperson of the Board, effective February 13, 2024. Dr. Yuntao Cui has over 15 years of law-related work experience, and has previously worked as a Senior Lawyer at Zhong Lun Law Firm, one of the top law firms in China, and as General Manager of Legal Affairs at Wanda Group, a top conglomerate in the real estate, finance, and hospitality industries. Dr. Cui is currently a Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Juventas Cell Therapy Ltd., a leading immune cell therapy company. Dr. Cui holds a JD from Renmin University of China. Dr. Jin Wang is Founding Partner and CEO of Manhattan Capital Investment Consulting Group ("MCG"), and has managed the venture capital investment fund Nuokang Venture Fund since 2014. Dr. Wang has more than 27 years of experience finding, building, and strategizing for biotech companies, including his co-founding and angel investment in leading medical professional networking and service firm DXY. Dr. Wang previously worked as an analyst and Asia/Greater China Regional Director for Paramount Capital Investment, LLC, and co-founded the Sino-American Pharmaceutical Professionals Association ("SAPA") in 1993. Dr. Wang holds a PhD in Biomedical Science from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Story continues Mr. Henry Chen is the CEO of Monument Pacific Development Corp., a California-based company dedicated to developing, managing, and operating residential and commercial properties in Northern and Southern California. Mr. Chen received his MBA from the University of California, Berkeley's Hass School of Business in 2012, and a Bachelor of Laws in Business Administration and Management from the Beijing University of Chemical Technology in 2005. Mr. Haitao Zhao has served as a Partner of the Shanxi Tie Niu law firm since 2016, where he is responsible for handling corporate law related to intellectual property protection, corporate internal governance, and financing-related legal services. Previously, Mr. Zhao worked as an Attorney for the Beijing Ding En law firm from 2012-2016. He holds an MA in International Law from Shanxi University. Mr. Pierson Yue Pan has served as a Vice President of Monument Pacific Development Corp. since 2018. Previously, Mr. Pan worked as Vice President of Project Development at real estate developer Propriis from 2012-2018, and as General Manager of the Africa Market with the China Civil Engineering Construction Company Nigeria Limited from 2004-2011. Mr. Pan holds an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley's Hass School of Business. Ms. Chunyuan (Brenda) Wu currently serves as the CFO of YS Group, a position she has held since December 31, 2020. Previously, Ms. Wu served as CFO of YS Group Biopharma from 2018-2020, and as Financial Controller for the same company from 2013-2018. Ms. Wu has also previously worked as a Senior Auditor at Ernst & Young. Ms. Wu holds degrees in Accounting and Finance from Washington State University. Dr. Ajit Shetty, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Company, commented, "We are pleased to welcome each of our new directors to the Board. Each of these talented individuals brings valuable expertise in various aspects of corporate governance, legal affairs, business management, and strategic decision-making. We expect that their diverse experience and commitment to success will serve our company well going forward." About YS Biopharma YS Biopharma is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and commercializing new generations of vaccines and therapeutic biologics for infectious diseases and cancer. It has developed a proprietary PIKA immunomodulating technology platform and a series of preventive and therapeutic biologics with a potential for improved Rabies, Coronavirus, Hepatitis B, Influenza, and Shingles vaccines. YS Biopharma operates in China, the United States, Singapore and the Philippines, and is led by a management team that combines rich local expertise and global experience in the bio-pharmaceutical industry. For more information, please visit investor.ysbiopharm.com. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward-looking statements'' within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements regarding the expected growth of the Company, the development progress of all product candidates, the progress and results of all clinical trials, the Company's ability to source and retain talent, and the cash position of the Company following the closing of the Business Combination. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "estimate," "plan," "project," "forecast," "intend," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "seek," "target" or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of YS Biopharma's management and are not predictions of actual performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although YS Biopharma believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, YS Biopharma cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. In addition, there are risks and uncertainties described in the documents filed by YS Biopharma from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. YS Biopharma cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, the outcome of any potential litigation, government or regulatory proceedings, the sales performance of the marketed vaccine product and the clinical trial development results of the product candidates of YS Biopharma, and other risks and uncertainties, including those included under the heading "Risk Factors" in the post-effective amendment No. 2 to Form F-1 filed with the SEC on January 23, 2024 which became effective on January 25, 2024, and other filings with the SEC. There may be additional risks that YS Biopharma does not presently know or that YS Biopharma currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of YS Biopharma as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. However, while YS Biopharma may update these forward-looking statements in the future, there is no current intention to do so, except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of YS Biopharma as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, YS Biopharma does not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements. Investor Relations Contact Robin Yang Partner, ICR, LLC Tel: +1 (212) 537-4035 Email: YSBiopharma.IR@icrinc.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ys-biopharma-announces-appointment-of-new-directors-302061795.html SOURCE YS Biopharma Co., Ltd. Editor's note: Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Frequent travelers who love to fly Delta and value elite status should consider the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. This premium travel credit card offers unparalleled benefits when flying Delta, including complimentary upgrades, lounge access, and free checked bags. Cardholders can also accelerate their path to elite status and enjoy a 15% discount on award tickets. Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card to decide if it's the best airline credit card for your wallet. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card features APR : 20.99% to 29.99% variable, based on your creditworthiness (see rates and fees) Annual fee : $650 Welcome bonus: 100,000 miles after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months Rewards The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card earns rewards in two primary ways: a welcome bonus to new cardholders and miles on purchases. You'll earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 miles when you spend $6,000 within six months. Delta no longer publishes an award chart, but you can book multiple tickets with this bonus when domestic economy tickets start at just 4,000 miles. Everyday purchases also earn miles when using the Delta SkyMiles Reserve. You'll earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on everything else. While the card doesn't offer many bonus categories, people who purchase Delta tickets regularly can maximize their rewards. Benefits As a premium travel credit card, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve is loaded with features that justify its $650 annual fee. A majority of these benefits can only be redeemed when flying Delta, so it's perfect if this is your preferred airline. When flying Delta, you'll receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and the Centurion Lounge, priority boarding, the first checked bag for free, and 20% off inflight purchases. It also comes with an annual companion certificate for a domestic roundtrip flight. If you have elite status, you'll receive priority on upgrades. For those who don't, you'll be added to the complimentary upgrade list after elite members. The card also helps to earn and maintain elite status based on your annual purchases. You'll receive $2,500 Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) for holding the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card. Additionally, the card earns $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card. This means Delta Reserve cardholders can earn entry-level Silver status by spending $25,000 and top-tier Diamond status by spending $255,000 in a calendar year (not counting MQDs earned from flying). The card also includes travel and purchase protections at no extra charge*. Trips are protected against delay, cancellation, or interruption, and rental cars receive secondary coverage in case of damage or theft. Eligible purchases receive return and purchase protection, as well as an extended warranty. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card rewards program details The welcome bonus and miles earned on purchases are deposited into your Delta SkyMiles loyalty program account. Typically, miles from purchases post after the close of each statement, and the welcome bonus is deposited a few weeks after it is earned. These miles combine with miles earned from flying or any of Delta's other partnerships toward booking award travel. Redeeming miles is quick and easy through the Delta website or its mobile app (Apple, Google). Log into your account, then select your travel dates, departure and arrival cities, class of ticket, and number of passengers. Check the "Shop with Miles" box and click search to see available flights, departure times, and prices. Use the filter and sort functions to narrow down the choices based on your trip details and budget. You can also toggle between cash, miles, and "Miles + Cash" to compare prices. When you have a Delta credit card, a 15% discount is applied to award ticket prices on eligible flights. We value Delta SkyMiles at an average of 1.2 cents each. The value you'll receive may be higher or lower, depending on the type of class chosen, travel dates, and other factors. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card potential drawbacks High annual fee Limited bonus categories Most benefits only apply to Delta flights Lack of an award chart makes it harder to value miles Where can you use Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card? As an American Express card, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve is accepted at 99% of places that accept credit cards in the U.S. This puts Amex cards in virtual parity with credit cards with the Visa or Mastercard logo for domestic purchases. However, when traveling internationally, American Express does not have the same acceptance rates as Visa and Mastercard. If the Delta SkyMiles Reserve is your preferred credit card, it is wise to bring cash or a different type of card as a backup, just in case. How to make a Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card payment After making purchases to earn miles and the welcome bonus, you'll need to make payments to avoid late fees and interest on your balance. American Express offers numerous methods to make payments on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit card. Online : American Express website Mobile : Amex mobile app (Apple, Google) Monthly auto-pay : Set up automatic payments from your linked bank accounts. By mail : American Express, PO Box 96001, Los Angeles, CA, 90096 - 8000 Express mail : American Express, Attn: Express Mail Remittance Processing, 20500 Belshaw Ave., Carson, CA 90746 Over the phone : Call the number on the back of your Delta SkyMiles Reserve card or (800) 472-9297 Wire transfer : Initiate a wire transfer from your bank account with the following information: Bank name: Chase Manhattan Bank Account name: American Express Card Member Wire Depository Address: 1 Chase Plaza New York, NY 10081 ABA number (Routing Number): 0210-0002-1 Account number: 910-2-753036 Please also include your Card Member name and American Express account number. Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card customer service info Customer service is available by phone or chat 24/7. Phone number: (800) 528-4800 Customer service chat: Website or mobile app (Apple, Google) Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card login page *Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company. Alternative cards to consider Why we like it: While the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card has numerous benefits, it also has a price tag that is too high for some travelers. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card has a more reasonable $250 annual fee and includes several bonus categories to earn additional miles (see rates and fees). You'll earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and hotel charges, 2x at U.S. restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1x everywhere else. It also includes travel benefits, an annual companion certificate, a 15% discount on award travel, and the opportunity to boost elite status. Why we like it: The American Express Platinum Card is a luxury travel card that earns flexible points instead of miles for a specific airline. It earns 5x on flights on any airline booked directly or through Amex Travel compared to just 3x on Delta flights with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve. It also earns 5x on prepaid hotels through Amex Travel and 1x everywhere else. Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, and more. But the highest value tends to come from transferring points to one of its 21 partners, including Delta SkyMiles. While it has a higher annual fee of $695, the card comes with $1,500 in value and credits that can offset some or all of the cost (see rates and fees). Cardholders also enjoy travel protections, lounge access and other perks when flying any airline. It also includes complimentary Marriott and Hilton Gold elite status and premium benefits when booking rooms through Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection. Why we like it: For travelers who want rewards and perks without a large annual fee, they should consider the Capital One Venture Rewards card. This rewards credit card earns an unlimited 2x miles on every purchase and up to 5x miles on travel booked through Capital One. Miles can be redeemed for statement credits, to book travel, buy gift cards, or transfer to 15+ airline and hotel partners. While Delta SkyMiles isn't a Capital One transfer partner, you can redeem miles to book flights on Delta or any other airline without blackout dates. Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the banks website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. When tax time rolls around, figuring out which types of income you need to report to Uncle Sam can be confusing. Adjusted gross income, taxable income, investment income, interest income all of these terms have an effect on your tax liability. And understanding what each calculation involves can help you minimize what you owe when it comes time to pay taxes. Lets take a closer look at what is considered taxable income, how to calculate taxable income, and what effect taxable income has on your tax rate, federal tax return, and state income taxes. Read more: Here are 7 free tax filing options Taxable income explained In the simplest terms, taxable income is a calculation of both your earned and unearned income that is used to determine how much youll pay in income taxes on your federal and state income tax returns. Taxable income includes wages or a salary from a job and other income sources such as bonuses and tips, unemployment or disability benefits, and even lottery winnings. Calculating taxable income involves determining your adjusted gross income minus whatever you itemize in deductions or a standard deduction. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to report all amounts included in your income as taxable unless it is specifically exempted by law. Read more: The IRS makes tax filing simpler with long-awaited improvements What's the difference between taxable and nontaxable income? According to IRS rules, taxable income is made up of any earned income during the tax year. Here are some basic categories of income that the IRS categorizes as taxable. Common sources of taxable income 1. Employee compensation Wages and earnings from your job fall into this bucket, but so do other types of compensation, such as tips, bonuses, and any fees paid to you by an employer. Usually, these taxable sources are reported on your W2, which you receive in the mail or electronically at the beginning of the year. 2. Investment income If you receive income from certain types of business activity or investments, youre required to report that as investment or qualified business income. Rental income is a common example of this type of taxable income. 3. Fringe benefits Fringe benefits sound like fun, but theyre actually just a term for being tipped, providing a bonus, or earning extra income for services either as a salaried or hourly employee or an independent contractor. And you need to account for them on your tax forms. 4. Miscellaneous taxable income sources Theres a pretty long laundry list of other sources of income the IRS taxes such as income from partnerships, S corporations, fair market value of assets earned from bartering, digital currencies, royalties, and more. Common sources of nontaxable income While it may seem like everything you earn is subject to income tax, there are a few exceptions. For example, earnings that you return as charitable contributions to a religious or nonprofit organization wont be taxed, nor will capital gains from selling your primary residence. Still confused? Use this table as a quick reference on common sources of taxable and nontaxable income for federal tax purposes. How to calculate your taxable income in 3 easy steps Determining your taxable income can help you save for how much tax you owe, give you the ability to adjust your deductions, and glean insight into whether youll land in a higher tax bracket than last year. Step 1: Gather documentation of your income Before you can sit down and calculate how much taxes you owe, you need to gather numbers on yourself, your spouse, and all your dependents. That starts with W-2 forms, which reflect traditional wages earned as an employee in Box 1 of the form. If youre self-employed or work as a contractor, you might receive a Form 1099-NEC from a business or employer if your income during the year totaled more than $600. Step 2: Determine your filing status Its important before you start running numbers to decide your individual income tax filing status. These are the filing status options set by the IRS: Single Head of household Married filing separately Married filing jointly Qualifying widow(er) Not sure which status applies to you? The IRS has a filing status tool that can help you decide the best option for your situation. Step 3: Calculate your gross income and your adjusted gross income Gross income is a calculation of your total income, including any wages, tips or bonuses, interest, dividends, rental income, and even capital gains. Once you have that number nailed down, you can determine your adjusted gross income. Calculating your adjusted gross income, also sometimes referred to as modified adjusted gross income, means making certain deductions from your gross income. Here are a few deductions the IRS allows you to subtract from your income: Your gross income minus deductions is your adjusted gross income aka your taxable income. Once you have your taxable income calculated, youll be able to clearly see what tax bracket you land in. Read more: Tax credit vs. deduction: What's the difference and which is better? Frequently asked questions 1. Is taxable income listed on my W2? Income is usually listed in Box 1 of the W2 form you receive from an employer. While that number is a helpful starting point to determine gross income, your adjusted gross income or taxable income may be lower depending on the deductions and tax credits you qualify for. 2. How do I reduce my taxable income? Reducing your taxable income can reduce the amount of federal income tax you owe. You can do that by making contributions to retirement accounts and health savings accounts that cover medical expenses. Conversely, taxpayers can also lower their tax bill by taking itemized deductions or the all-in-one standard deduction available to filers depending on their status. 3. Is student loan interest deductible? Tax deductions are allowed for interest paid on all student loans, including federal loans, taken out by yourself, your spouse, or on behalf of your dependents. The maximum deduction according to the IRS is $2,500 per tax year. If youve recently had your student loans forgiven as part of the American Rescue Plan or another federal action, those canceled debts are also not taxable. Read more: What else to know about taxes on cancelled student debt A man who molested a preteen boy in 2007 and in 2011 while living in Fredericksburg was ordered Tuesday to serve two years in prison. Ramon Barrientos Hernandez, 44, of Sandston, was convicted in Fredericksburg Circuit Court of aggravated sexual battery and indecent liberties. As part of a plea agreement, a more serious sodomy charge was reduced and a second indecent liberties charge was dropped. Barrientos Hernandez was sentenced to a total of 10 years with eight years suspended. He entered Alford pleas to the charges; an Alford plea has the same effect as a guilty plea, but does not require the defendant to admit guilt. Prosecutor Steve Eubank described a sex act that Barrientos Hernandez proposed to the child in 2007 that police were informed about years later. Eubank described another act that took place at another city residence in 2011. Eubank told the judge that the victim, now a young man, had agreed to the deal worked out by the attorneys involved in the case. Judge Gordon Willis reminded Barrientos Hernandez that because he isnt a United States citizen, he could face possible deportation when he finishes serving his prison time. Fremonts Ward 4 representative to the city council Selma Sally Ganem has officially filed papers seeking reelection to her council seat. Ganem turned her candidate papers into Dodge County Clerk Micki Gilfrys office on Monday, Feb. 12, only three days before the Thursday, Feb. 15 deadline for incumbent office holders to file their papers for re-election. Often called the First Lady of Fremont, Ganem is married to former Nebraska governor Dave Heineman, and previously worked as both a teacher and principal in the Fremont Public Schools district. She is also the councils liaison to the Keene Memorial Library Advisory Board. First elected in 2020, Ganem defeated challenger Janet K. Larsen by more than 800 votes in the general election. The two candidates were vying to replace former Ward 4 council member Matt Bechtel, who decided to not seek reelection in 2020. Local observers of city politics were uncertain if Ganem would seek another four-year term on the council due to her widely-known medical issues from the last four months of 2023, which caused the beloved city matriarch to miss one council meeting because of a medical procedure. Ganem told the Tribune in October that shed suffered complications after she was scratched on the leg by her family dog. The resulting infection eventually led to a brief hospitalization followed by a period of several weeks in which she used a walker and was assisted at times by city staff during meetings. Prior to the Jan. 30 meeting of the city council, she declined to answer Tribune inquiries about whether or not she was going to seek a second term, but said her medical ailments had fully healed and she was doing great. Ganems filing of candidacy papers makes her the third of four council incumbents to seek reelection in 2024. Ward 3 incumbent James Vaughan filed papers seeking election to the eight-member council. He was appointed by Mayor Joey Spellerberg in September 2021, rather than being elected by voters. Ward 2 incumbent Dev Sookram, a longtime Fremont Planning Commission member, also filed papers seeking reelection to his second term on the council. In 2016, Sookram lost a close race to former council member Susan Jacobus. In 2020, he defeated Jacobus in a rematch to win his first term on the council. Ward 1 representative Tad Dinkins is the only council member who has not filed papers seeking reelection as of Feb. 13. Dinkins just completed his first year on the council. He was appointed by Spellerberg in January 2023 to replace former council member Vern Gibson, who resigned due to medical issues in December 2022. Spellerberg is seeking a second term as mayor of Fremont, having filed his reelection paperwork in the first week of candidate filing period. He was elected in 2020, defeating former council member Glenn Ellis to replace longtime ex-mayor Scott Getzschman. Incumbents have until 5 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, to file papers seeking re-election to their seats. Non-incumbent challengers can file candidacy papers up until 5 p.m., Friday, March 1. The primary election is Tuesday, May 14. The Space Force is introducing new dedicated combat squadrons that will help guardians focus on their missions on dedicated cycles. Gen. Chance Saltzman announced the units during the Air and Space Forces Association's Warfare Symposium this week in Aurora, where military leaders emphasized the change to help deter a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan in 2027. The Space Force represents a very small fraction of the overall military with 1,400 members assigned to technical fields, such as cyber operations and satellite operations, but their work is critical, Saltzman said. "Do not mistake our size for our value or our impact," he said. Space Force guardians are embedded at four combatant commands and Saltzman would like to see them join all the commands, he said. Combatant commands bring together service members from all branches of the military for defense and combat operations. For example, Central Command leads military operations in the Middle East. To be more effective, the Space Force also established U.S. Space Forces-Space in December to oversee guardians that are "deployed in place," a role it took over from Space Operations Command, explained Lt. Gen. Doug Schiess, who leads it. He is also the Joint Force Space Component Commander for Space Command. The crews deployed in place are transitioning to the new dedicated combat squadron model. As a member of one of those squadrons the guardians will work for Space Forces-Space and they will not have to worry about other duties such as fielding new technology or training. Schiess likened the model to the missileers who would answer to Strategic Command while on duty. Sign Up for free: Military Brief Your weekly local update on local military news and events, sent straight to your inbox. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. He said he expected it would allow guardians to focus on critical tasks, such as running the GPS constellation or missile warning. He expected all the procedures for running the new squadrons would be in place in the coming months. The Space Force is also working on another big change accepting part-time employees, a model meant to allow guardians to gain industry experience among other benefits. The force is still working on the administrative details of how to pay part-time guardians, Saltzman said. He expected the new model, which will absorb Air Force Reserve's 310th Space Wing at Schriever Space Force Base will be in fairly quickly. But it could take five years to build out. Once in place the model will give the Space Force a surge capacity, he said. The Space Force has also sorted out the roles for officer, enlisted, and civilian Guardians after inheriting a variety of operational cultures, disparate organizational structures, and differing training requirements, Saltzman said. Leaders will use the data to realign unit structures and training, he said. The numerous changes announced this week are expected to help prepare for growing threats in China, Russia and North Korea, he said. China has tested a satellite with a robotic arm that can pull satellites out of orbit. It has also invested in satellite jamming and directed energy weapons that are concerning, said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, who leads U.S. Space Forces, Indo-Pacific. "The risk of moving too slow is far greater than any risk associated with rapid change," Saltzman said. The Colorado Springs City Council on Tuesday passed a symbolic resolution reaffirming it is not a sanctuary city for immigrants crossing U.S. borders after residents spoke for hours against the document, calling it "political theater." The resolution additionally asserts the city won't spend taxpayer money on services "related to this crisis" and calls on the federal government to secure the country's borders. The resolution passed 6-3, with Councilwomen Yolanda Avila, Nancy Henjum and Michelle Talarico voting against its passage. The council considered the document about two weeks after El Paso County commissioners held a press conference Jan. 31 to reemphasize neither the county nor city are designated sanctuary jurisdictions. Commissioners, too, called on nonprofit leaders to limit assistance they give to immigrants. Councilman Dave Donelson, who sponsored the city resolution, also participated in the county-led press conference. Nearly 50 people packed council chambers at City Hall on Tuesday to speak on the resolution during public comment for almost three hours, with about 40 residents opposed. Many of them described the document as one with no legal weight, but as a "fearmongering" resolution that could bolster xenophobia and "hateful rhetoric" about immigrants. Jerima King, a local volunteer with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and an immigrant from Panama who became a naturalized citizen in the 1980s, said the resolution was flawed because most Americans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants to the United States. "Unless you're a Native American, you are a descendant of an immigrant," she told Gazette journalists at a pro-immigration rally in front of City Hall Tuesday morning, organized by members of her coalition and the Colorado Springs Democratic Socialists of America. Several dozen people attended, including members of the Colorado Springs Homeless Union who were simultaneously rallying for more shelter and housing options in the city. "Every wave of immigrants has had to deal with this resentment because they speak a different language or do things differently. They all have to make an effort to learn the language ... and have opportunities for their children," King added. Assistant City Attorney Ben Bolinger told the council there is no legal definition of a sanctuary city and the resolution has no legal impact on Colorado Springs, because it is a "political statement." According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the term "sanctuary policy" applies to jurisdictions that "limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, such as failing to provide information about immigration status and limiting the length of immigration detainers." Some jurisdictions cooperate with federal law enforcement in criminal investigations, particularly, under other voluntary agreements, while others have policies that limit their cooperation in civil investigations. Chief of Staff Jamie Fabos said the state Emergency Management Office has shared with Colorado Springs officials that as of Friday, most of the immigrants it is seeing are seeking asylum. The immigrants have gone through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, have received an alien registration number, and their hearings for asylum status are being scheduled for one to three years from now, due to a backlog of people seeking asylum in the U.S., she said. Immigration proponents said migrants have a legal right to asylum. Featured Local Savings "These are families with beautiful children who have followed the law. They've asked for asylum. They've been vetted by the government. They are not illegal," resident Phyllis Dunn said. Others said immigrants play a vital role in creating vibrant local economies where they work and pay taxes, and they also make rich cultural contributions to the places where they reside. "You have no problem exploiting us and extracting labor, but you draw the line at giving us access to resources and rights?" said Nadya Benitez, who works with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. Benitez is an immigrant who, along with her family, came to Colorado Springs in 2002. Councilmembers who opposed the resolution agreed with others that it was fear-based. "This is nothing but a distraction and a political ploy," Avila said. "People on the City Council will tell me, 'I'm all about policy.' ... This isn't policy. This is fearmongering. This is chaos." About four people who spoke in favor of the resolution said they were concerned the crisis Denver is experiencing would spill into Colorado Springs. Denver, which is a declared sanctuary city, saw more than 34,000 immigrants from countries including Venezuela and Colombia last year, arriving on 105 buses in December alone. Facing a humanitarian crisis, the city has purchased transportation to send about half of those migrants to other places, a spokesperson with Denver Human Services said in December. Candy Boyer recalled Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade's recent statements that Colorado Springs will care for its residents first. "As a taxpayer of both the city and the county, I do not desire us to be a sanctuary city. Our laws must be abided by all. Citizens' needs have to be respected. ... Our voices need to be heard to preserve our way of life," she said. Donelson said the council often passes symbolic resolutions to express their views on various topics. For example, in October 2022 the board passed a resolution opposing a November 2022 ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana sales in the city. "It seems to be that we have chaos at the border," Donelson said, noting millions of migrants have crossed the southern border into the U.S. in the past three years. "Denver is suffering greatly right now and their medical system is under great distress. ... Our local medical system is under stress. Those are the kinds of things that do concern me and ... that's why we felt this was appropriate, to have a statement, to have a resolution," he said. At least two suspects are on the loose after a juvenile was found shot in a McDonald's parking lot Tuesday, according to Colorado Springs police. Just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, officers received reports of a shooting near the 2500 block of South Academy Boulevard, police said. According to officials, police found a juvenile with at least one gunshot wound in the McDonald's parking lot a block away from the reported shooting. Police said the juvenile was transported to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Officials said at least two suspects are at large, however, law enforcement believes the shooting is an isolated incident. Contact the Writer: 719-636-0362 One of Denvers longest serving weather anchors is planning to exit the airwaves by the end of the year. Mike Nelson, Denver 7s chief meteorologist, on Tuesday announced his intentions to retire, capping a career that includes more than 40 years in broadcasting, and more than three decades covering the weather in the Denver area. In addition to being a beloved on-air personality, Mike Nelson is a true expert in the science of Meteorology, Denver7 Vice President and General Manager Brian Joyce said in an announcement. Mike has been the steady hand guiding our viewers through countless storms and weather events, keeping them prepared and safe. His long tenure is evidence of his dedication and commitment to our community. Nelson began his career in the Midwest, with stops in his home state of Wisconsin and St. Louis before moving to Denver in 1991. He spent over a decade at 9News, serving as the stations Chief Meteorologist before moving across the street to KMGH in 2004. Nelson, 66, who has been forecasting weather since the Gerald Ford administration, is viewed as a pioneer in the industry. He developed transformative weather graphics systems for television while working at Weather Central, a Wisconsin-based weather consulting firm. He also introduced the first-ever weather computer to Denver, which revolutionized weather forecasting in the region. Featured Local Savings His trainees included national weather presenter Al Roker and Denver 7's Lisa Hidalgo, who was among the many students Nelson has made presentations for around the Denver area throughout the years. Nelson has also won numerous accolades, including 20 Emmy Awards, and was inducted into the Emmys Silver Circle for 25 years of service in the TV industry in 2016. He is the only Colorado broadcaster to be named a Fellow of the American Meteorological Association, according to Denver 7. In 2001, he received recognition as the Colorado Broadcasters Association Citizen of the Year for his voluntary efforts in educating the public on weather and climate-related topics. According to Denver 7, Nelson will deliver his final weathercast with the station on Dec. 12. 12/12/24 equals 48, which is the exact number of years Ive been in the business, Nelson said in his retirement announcement during a live broadcast on Denver 7. Its been a great ride and I love working with all the people [at KMGH]. A hearing to appeal the development of the 232-affordable unit Royal Pines Apartments in Briargate, previously scheduled to take place at Tuesday's regular City Council meeting, is postponed. The council on Tuesday unanimously voted to move the hearing to a special meeting on Feb. 26 at 1 p.m., following the council's morning work session. The board approved the postponement without discussion. Councilwoman Nancy Henjum noted after the vote the meeting was moved at the request of both the applicant, Portland, Ore.-based developer DBG Properties, and the appellants, a group of Pine Creek residents who have been vocally opposed to the attainable housing project since the summer. The Colorado Springs Planning Commission approved plans in early January to build the apartments at the intersection of North Powers and North Union boulevards. Opponents will now take their case to the City Council, asking that board to overturn the Planning Commission's approval. Featured Local Savings Housing advocates have said the Royal Pines Apartments will meet growing workforce and attainable housing needs in this area of northern Colorado Springs. Neighbors in opposition have said they are largely concerned the development will make evacuations more dangerous in the event of an emergency such as a wildfire. In appeal documents filed by Joseph O'Keefe, an attorney with Colorado-based Baker Law Group representing Preserve Pine Creek Village, a group of neighbors fighting the Royal Pines Apartments, he said the development planned adjacent to their neighborhood will be "detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience or general welfare." Many neighbors have said they don't oppose more attainable or affordable housing options in the city, but feel the Royal Pines Apartments are not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood. They are also concerned about school capacity in nearby Academy District 20 schools and additional traffic the development could create. "As the National Tourism Board of Switzerland, we of course welcome any removal of barriers that makes it easier to travel," Daniela Chiani, director for Greater China at Switzerland Tourism, told Xinhua in a recent interview. On Jan. 15, China announced it would apply a unilateral visa-free policy to Switzerland. Meanwhile, the Swiss side will provide more visa facilitation for Chinese citizens, as well for as Chinese enterprises investing in Switzerland. Produced by Xinhua Global Service A Colorado Springs man who shot in the air around numerous people with a rifle last year avoided jail time on numerous attempted murder charges after accepting a plea deal on Wednesday. Joel Martin, 21, faced 17 charges, including four attempted first-degree murder charges, for discharging his firearm numerous times near the Country Club of Colorado near the 3800 block of Broadmoor Valley Road on Aug. 22. A probable cause affidavit for the incident detailed that Martin crashed his car into the yard of a neighbors house, exited the vehicle, and began discharging a firearm. The affidavit states that Martin fired his weapon into the air, towards a parked vehicle and potentially at individuals in the neighborhood, though that was disputed by Martin's defense attorney on Tuesday. Martin was apprehended by staff of the Cheyenne Mountain Resort, and no injuries were reported despite Martin allegedly discharging his firearm numerous times in the direction of several different people, according to police. Martin appeared in court on Wednesday morning for a plea hearing, where attorneys informed Judge William Bain that Martin had accepted a plea deal that would avoid a prison sentence. Martin's attorney, Mark Hanchey, stated to the court that Martin would plead guilty to one count of attempted first-degree murder, and 11 counts of felony menacing. Per the terms of the plea agreement, Martin would avoid prison time on all charges and be sentenced to a four-year deferred sentence on the attempted murder charge, and three years of probation on every menacing charge to concurrent to each other. Hanchey said that there was significant evidence that shows Martin never had the intention to hurt anyone, but rather that his intention was to commit suicide "at someone else's hand." "This was an attempted suicide, not an attempted murder," Hanchey said to the court. "The only person he wanted to harm was himself." Prosecutor Sharon Flaherty said that agreeing to the plea deal was a "difficult" decision, but one that she felt comfortable with in the end. Flaherty explained that proving the entirety of the attempted murder charges would have been difficult due to Martin's firearm experience, and the likely defense from his attorneys that with Martin's firearm experience if he wanted to actually shoot someone, he would have. Featured Local Savings Flaherty stated she was content with the plea deal because of the strict restrictions that come with the four-year deferred sentence, the mandatory mental health treatment and that the plea would prohibit Martin from ever owning firearms again. If Martin ever violates the terms of his deferred sentence, he would face up to 24 years in the Department of Corrections, according to Bain. The victims of the incident were less content with Martin's plea agreement. Kris Rubio, one of the nine named victims, stated that Martin crashed his car on to his lawn and that when he went outside to check if he was OK, shots were fired. "I was shot at twice, I heard the whiz of the bullets as they flew by my head," Rubio said. "I do not agree that I was shot at twice on accident, I believe the rifle was purposely aimed at me. "I'm afraid what will happen to me and my family next time he (Martin) has a bad day." Flaherty stated that a second victim, whose name was not mentioned in court, also expressed that they were unhappy with Martin's plea agreement. After about an hour of discourse, Bain accepted the plea agreement and proceeded to immediately sentence Martin to the four-year deferred sentence for pleading guilty to one count of attempted first-degree murder. After accepting the plea agreement, Bain stated that he understood why the victims are upset, but that he always defers to the attorneys on plea agreements unless there is signs of clear incompetence. Bain also noted that he understands that the plea agreement was signed off on by 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen. Martin appeared to court out of custody on Wednesday after posting a $250,000 cash bond in November, approximately three months after the shooting. A nursing student is dead after a medical emergency in a college gym Feb. 12, said University of Colorado Colorado Springs spokesperson Chris Valentine. Officials said that at roughly 5 p.m., a person exercising in the campus recreation room collapsed. Valentine said numerous gym patrons quickly tried to assist the collapsed person, rendering CPR and other life-saving measures as medical personnel made their way to the area. According to officials, the student, later identified as UCCS senior Mia Brown, was pronounced dead at the scene. In an email to the university, Chancellor Jennifer Sobanet confirmed Brown's identity and said she died after a medical emergency. Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "She was a dedicated nursing student who was highly involved on campus, and she will be very missed," Sobanet said in the statement. The chancellor's message included a thank-you to the students and staff who stepped in to help during the emergency. Colorado Springs Police Department spokesperson Caitlin Ford said officers with the department responded to the scene Monday evening to assist; however, UCCS campus police were handling the case. According to Valentine, no foul play is suspected. "We are doing our best to commend those who ran to help (Monday)," Valentine said. With Valentine's Day finally here, your significant other may be asking you about special plans. If the holiday snuck up on you this year, don't worry. We've pulled together this last-minute guide for those who want to celebrate the holiday of love. Where to buy sweets, flowers Chocolates are synonymous with Valentine's Day in the U.S. But not all boxes of chocolate are created equal. If you want to spend a little more money and get something a little fancier than Russell Stover, head to one of these Colorado Springs sweet shops for house-made goodies, including gourmet truffles, bonbons and more. Where to get Valentine's Day chocolates in Colorado Springs Valentine's Day calls for all chocolate lovers to indulge in the confections at these sweet shops in the Colorado Springs area. Where to get local dessert Want something sweet, but less traditional than chocolate? These spots are serving up decadent pastries, homemade cupcakes and Valentine's Day donuts. Click on the description for more information. Where to get local flowers Roses are just as synonymous with the holiday as chocolate but this year, avoid the grocery store crowds and pick up a bouquet from one of these local flower shops. Springs in Bloom Platte Floral Jasmine Flowers & Gifts My Floral Shop Bloom Bar & Co. Enchanted Florist II Sign of the Rose A Wildflower Florist Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. Where to go, what to do (NOTE: Many of the city's popular restaurants are booked up for V-Day, but you can always celebrate the day after, or even, this weekend.) 4 Colorado restaurants among nation's 'top 100' most romantic spots In anticipation of Valentine's Day, Yelp released a list of the 'top 100' most romantic restaurants in the United States and four spots in Colorado made the cut for inclusion. Last-minute date ideas Perhaps you want to venture a little bit outside of your comfort zone with your special someone and try some painting, swing dancing or even sound bathing. Painting With a Twist: Valentine's At Home VIP Date Night Bundle with canvas, paint, paint brushes, palettes, bottle of choice wine, sweets and more. Visit here for more information. COATI swing dancing lessons: Including drink specials and door prizes. Visit here for more information. Color Me Mine: Paint by Candlelight on Valentine's Day with champagne, chocolates and music provided. Visit here for more information. Valentine's Party at Front Range BBQ: Enjoy live music and a special dinner and drink menu. Visit here for more information. Sausage Workshop + Champagne: Improve your culinary skills while sipping bubbly and having charcuterie snacks. Only four spots available. Visit here for more information. Sound Bath & Cacao Ceremony: Experience soothing tones from singing bowls, gongs and chimes while enjoying a glass of fine wine and cacao. Visit here for more information. And now you have the playbook for the perfect Valentine's Day. XOXO - The Gazette A pair of traffic accidents closed intersections and left people trapped inside wrecked vehicles around Colorado Springs Tuesday. The first crash involving a trapped individual occurred shortly after 11 a.m. at Fontanero and North El Paso streets where at least one truck rolled over, trapping at least one patient according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department. The department posted on X that there were two injured in the accident, and the one who was extricated suffered only minor injuries. The intersection remained closed as of 11:21 a.m. The second accident, involving a rollover, happened about 1 p.m. at South Nevada Avenue and Motor City Way closing southbound Nevada. A red truck can be seen on its side in social media posts by the fire department, which reports that one patient from the accident suffered serious injuries and has been taken to a nearby hospital. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is suing to block the nearly $25 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger, the official announced Wednesday. In Colorado, Kroger operates 148 King Soopers and City Market stores, while Albertsons runs 105 Safeway and Albertsons stores. In a press conference, Weiser claimed Kroger violated the states antitrust laws over its plans to merge with Albertsons, including having a non-poach agreement to keep striking workers from taking a job at each others stores. These fears are warranted because the market for grocery stores in Colorado is already very concentrated with too little competition, Weiser said. And the merger would make the problem worse. We need to remember lessons from past grocery store mergers, he added. Colorado is the second state to file a lawsuit against the grocer after Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson called for a stop to the merger in January. Weiser said he sued after completing a yearlong review done by the Colorado Department of Law that included 19 town halls across the state. We are disappointed in Attorney General Weisers premature decision to file a lawsuit while the merger is still under regulatory review, and we remain in active dialogue with the FTC and the other state Attorneys General, Kroger and Albertson said in a statement. The grocer said it is committed to defending itself in court and argued that efforts to block the merger would not help reduce competition, but rather favor retail giants, such as Walmart, Costco and Amazon. Kroger announced it would buy Albertsons in 2022 and is waiting on the Federal Trade Commission to decide whether to allow the $24.6 billion transaction that could affect more than 250 stores in Colorado. The size of the deal has gotten extra scrutiny from federal and state officials since the pandemic, said Phil Lempert, a grocery store analyst at supermarketguru.com. The grocery business has changed dramatically from supply chain issues to how they operate, Lempert said, adding consumers are skittish from inflation. Even as inflation eases, food prices continue to climb in the Denver metro area. In the last two months, grocery costs in the metro went up 1.5% between November and January, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While theres significant pushback, Lempert said itll be difficult for attorney generals across the country to prevent a merger. They can delay it, Lempert said. Im not sure they can stop it. Featured Local Savings Union workers and consumer advocates also opposed the merger, arguing it would lead to a rise in food prices or loss of jobs. Kroger announced Tuesday that it would commit to lowering prices if its deal with Albertsons closes and it would not layoff front-line workers. While Kroger faces competition from other retailers nationally, Weisers office said the merger would have a larger effect on Colorado, where Kroger is the states largest grocery chain and Albertsons is the third largest. Kroger would take up more than half of Colorados grocery market share if it bought Albertsons, Weiser said. Smaller communities in Colorado with fewer grocery options are especially nervous, Weiser added. The Colorado union of grocery workers UFCW Local 7 applauded the attorney generals decision to sue Kroger and Albertsons. The devastation resulting from the Safeway Albertsons merger nine years ago is still felt in communities across Colorado with closed stores and grocery deserts, the union said in a statement. Albertsons bought Safeway in 2015 and the FTC required the grocer to divest 168 stores. Many went to Haggins, which went bankrupt months after the sale, and the Albertsons company bought back many of its old stores later. While none of those were in Colorado, Albertsons shuttered 20 stores in the state two years after it took over Safeway to reduce redundancy, and the Colorado Attorney Generals Office said it worries something similar would happen if Kroger were allowed to absorb Albertsons. In the lawsuit, Weiser claimed the merger would eliminate competition between the two supermarket chains and consolidate the market, which, he argued, would be bad for Colorado shoppers, workers, and suppliers. Coloradans are concerned about undue consolidation and its harmful impacts on consumers, workers, and suppliers, Weiser said in a statement. After 19 town halls across the state, I am convinced that Coloradans think this merger between the two supermarket chains would lead to stores closing, higher prices, fewer jobs, worse customer service, and less resilient supply chains. The two companies planned to divest more than 400 stores and other assets as a way to propel the merger, the Associated Press reported earlier. In a news release, Kroger said divesting the stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers would ensure that no stores will close through the merger, that frontline associates will keep their jobs, that collective bargaining agreements will continue and that employees will continue receiving benefits. Following the announcement of our proposed merger with Albertsons Cos., we embarked on a robust and thoughtful process to identify a well-capitalized buyer who will operate as a fierce competitor and ensure divested stores and their associates will continue serving their communities in the ways they do today. C&S achieves all these objectives, The Kroger Co. CEO Rodney McMullen said last year. JAKARTA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo cast his vote at the Gambir polling station in Jakarta Wednesday morning along with his wife, Iriana Joko Widodo. The two showed their purple fingers to the press, indicating that they have completed their voting. "This is a democratic party that we hope will become the people's party. We also hope that the elections will be conducted fairly and honestly and that all Indonesians would be happy to attend," said the president after voting. Three presidential candidates have also voted at polling stations closest to their respective homes. Presidential candidate Anies Baswedan voted at the Lebak Bulus polling station in South Jakarta with his family, while candidate Prabowo Subianto cast his vote in Hambalang, West Java. Meanwhile, candidate Ganjar Pranowo, exercised his voting right at a polling station in Semarang, Central Java, with his wife and son. After voting, all the three presidential candidates showed their purple fingers while smiling. More than 204 million registered voters from 38 provinces will cast ballots in the general elections to choose president and vice president, as well as members of national and regional parliaments. According to the General Elections Commission (KPU) Chairman Hasyim Asy'ari, the half-day voting kicked off at 7:00 a.m. and will end at 1:00 p.m. successively in Indonesia's eastern, central, and western time zones. Voting started late at some polling stations due to weather and technical reasons. The Colorado Springs City Council on Tuesday passed a symbolic resolution reaffirming it is not a sanctuary city for immigrants crossing U.S. borders after residents spoke for hours against the document, calling it "political theater." The resolution additionally asserts the city won't spend taxpayer money on services "related to this crisis" and calls on the federal government to secure the country's borders. The resolution passed 6-3, with Councilwomen Yolanda Avila, Nancy Henjum and Michelle Talarico voting against its passage. The council considered the document about two weeks after El Paso County commissioners held a press conference Jan. 31 to reemphasize neither the county nor city are designated sanctuary jurisdictions. Commissioners, too, called on nonprofit leaders to limit assistance they give to immigrants. Councilman Dave Donelson, who sponsored the city resolution, also participated in the county-led press conference. Nearly 50 people packed council chambers at City Hall on Tuesday to speak on the resolution during public comment for almost three hours, with about 40 residents opposed. Many of them described the document as one with no legal weight, but as a "fearmongering" resolution that could bolster xenophobia and "hateful rhetoric" about immigrants. Jerima King, a local volunteer with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition and an immigrant from Panama who became a naturalized citizen in the 1980s, said the resolution was flawed because most Americans are immigrants or descendants of immigrants to the United States. "Unless you're a Native American, you are a descendant of an immigrant," she told Gazette journalists at a pro-immigration rally in front of City Hall Tuesday morning, organized by members of her coalition and the Colorado Springs Democratic Socialists of America. Several dozen people attended, including members of the Colorado Springs Homeless Union who were simultaneously rallying for more shelter and housing options in the city. "Every wave of immigrants has had to deal with this resentment because they speak a different language or do things differently. They all have to make an effort to learn the language ... and have opportunities for their children," King added. Assistant City Attorney Ben Bolinger told the council there is no legal definition of a sanctuary city and the resolution has no legal impact on Colorado Springs, because it is a "political statement." According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the term "sanctuary policy" applies to jurisdictions that "limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, such as failing to provide information about immigration status and limiting the length of immigration detainers." Some jurisdictions cooperate with federal law enforcement in criminal investigations, particularly, under other voluntary agreements, while others have policies that limit their cooperation in civil investigations. Chief of Staff Jamie Fabos said the state Emergency Management Office has shared with Colorado Springs officials that as of Friday, most of the immigrants it is seeing are seeking asylum. The immigrants have gone through U.S. Customs and Border Protection, have received an alien registration number, and their hearings for asylum status are being scheduled for one to three years from now, due to a backlog of people seeking asylum in the U.S., she said. Immigration proponents said migrants have a legal right to asylum. Sign up for free: Weekly 7 Catch up with a rundown of the 7 most important and interesting stories delivered to your inbox every Thursday. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters. "These are families with beautiful children who have followed the law. They've asked for asylum. They've been vetted by the government. They are not illegal," resident Phyllis Dunn said. Others said immigrants play a vital role in creating vibrant local economies where they work and pay taxes, and they also make rich cultural contributions to the places where they reside. "You have no problem exploiting us and extracting labor, but you draw the line at giving us access to resources and rights?" said Nadya Benitez, who works with the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. Benitez is an immigrant who, along with her family, came to Colorado Springs in 2002. Councilmembers who opposed the resolution agreed with others that it was fear-based. "This is nothing but a distraction and a political ploy," Avila said. "People on the City Council will tell me, 'I'm all about policy.' ... This isn't policy. This is fearmongering. This is chaos." About four people who spoke in favor of the resolution said they were concerned the crisis Denver is experiencing would spill into Colorado Springs. Denver, which is a declared sanctuary city, saw more than 34,000 immigrants from countries including Venezuela and Colombia last year, arriving on 105 buses in December alone. Facing a humanitarian crisis, the city has purchased transportation to send about half of those migrants to other places, a spokesperson with Denver Human Services said in December. Candy Boyer recalled Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade's recent statements that Colorado Springs will care for its residents first. "As a taxpayer of both the city and the county, I do not desire us to be a sanctuary city. Our laws must be abided by all. Citizens' needs have to be respected. ... Our voices need to be heard to preserve our way of life," she said. Donelson said the council often passes symbolic resolutions to express their views on various topics. For example, in October 2022 the board passed a resolution opposing a November 2022 ballot measure that would have legalized recreational marijuana sales in the city. "It seems to be that we have chaos at the border," Donelson said, noting millions of migrants have crossed the southern border into the U.S. in the past three years. "Denver is suffering greatly right now and their medical system is under great distress. ... Our local medical system is under stress. Those are the kinds of things that do concern me and ... that's why we felt this was appropriate, to have a statement, to have a resolution," he said. GREENSBORO On the one-month anniversary of the disappearance of Marissa Carmichael, Greensboro Police appealed on the departments Facebook page for the communitys help in finding the mother of five. Carmichael, 25, was last seen on surveillance footage obtained by police at the Exxon station in the 800 block of East Market Street, according to police. In their post noting that Valentines Day marks one month since Carmichaels disappearance, police reviewed a timeline of events in the case on Jan. 14: *Around 3:40 a.m., Carmichael called 911 and said that a man took her phone and left her at the Exxon station. *At 4:19 a.m., Guilford Metro Police dispatched an officer to check on Carmichaels welfare. *At 4:21 a.m., police arrived at the Exxon station, and discovered she had left the immediate area, police said of Carmichael in the release on Facebook. In surveillance footage obtained by the police, Ms. Carmichael is seen getting into a vehicle and leaving the gas station, the GPD post said. Detectives have identified and interviewed the driver of that vehicle, who is currently considered a witness in this case, the post read. Police did not provide a description of the car or driver. Carmichael is described by authorities as a biracial woman who is around 5-foot 4 inches tall and weighs about 260 pounds. Her hair features long black and blond braids and she has a heart tattoo on her face, and a butterfly tattoo near her eye, according to police. Carmichael was wearing a white Tweety Bird T-shirt, blue jeans and yellow sneakers when she went missing, according to Crimestoppers. Anyone with any information about Carmichaels whereabouts should call Crimestoppers at (336) 373-1000. JERUSALEM International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas suffered a setback on Wednesday as Israel reportedly recalled its negotiating team and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hamas of hobbling the high-stakes negotiations by sticking to "delusional" demands. Netanyahu's remarks came hours after local media reported that the Israeli leader ordered an Israeli delegation not to continue talks in Cairo, raising concerns over the fate of the negotiations and sparking criticism from the families of the roughly 130 remaining captives, about a fourth of whom are said to be dead. The relatives of the hostages said Netanyahu's decision amounted to a "death sentence" for their loved ones. The mediators, steered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, have been working to bring the warring sides toward an agreement that might secure a truce in the months-long war, which has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, according to local health officials. The fighting has destroyed vast parts of Gaza, displaced most of the territory's population and sparked a humanitarian catastrophe. "In Cairo, Israel did not receive any new proposal from Hamas on the release of our captives," Netanyahu said in a statement. "A change in Hamas' positions will allow progress in the negotiations." Hamas, meanwhile, said Netanyahu was to blame. Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan told The Associated Press that Israel put forward a proposal that strayed from agreements reached during earlier cease-fire talks. On Tuesday, CIA chief William Burns and David Barnea, the head of Israel's Mossad spy agency, attended the talks in the Egyptian capital, but there were no signs of a breakthrough. The talks continued Wednesday at a lower level, even as deadly violence persisted both in the Gaza Strip and along Israel's border with Lebanon, where fighting has simmered since the war broke out. Israeli media reported Wednesday that Netanyahu told his delegation not to return to the talks unless Hamas softens its demands. The sides have been far apart on their terms for a deal. Netanyahu vows to continue the war until Israel achieves "total victory" over Hamas and the return of all the remaining hostages. Hamas says it will not release all the captives until Israel ends its offensive, withdraws from Gaza and releases a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including top militants. Netanyahu rejected those demands as "delusional." A group representing the families of the hostages called Netanyahu's reported decision to keep the delegation away from the talks "scandalous" and said the families would set up a "mass barricade" outside the Israeli Defense Ministry unless Netanyahu agreed to meet them. More than 100 hostages were released during a week-long cease-fire in November in return for 240 Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The war, which erupted after Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel on Oct. 7, ground on even as the talks appeared to stall. Palestinians began evacuating the main hospital in the southern Gaza town of Khan Younis, according to videos shared by medics Wednesday. Weeks of heavy fighting isolated the medical facility and claimed the lives of several people inside. Now in its fifth month, the war has devastated Gaza's health sector, with less than half of its hospitals only partially functioning as scores of people are killed and wounded in daily bombardments. Khan Younis is now the main target of a rolling ground offensive that Israel says will soon expand to Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah. Some 1.4 million people over half the territory's population are crammed into tent camps, overflowing apartments and shelters. The videos of the evacuation in Khan Younis showed dozens of Palestinians carrying their belongings in sacks and making their way out of the Nasser Hospital complex. A doctor wearing green hospital scrubs walked ahead of the crowd, some of whom were carrying white flags. The Israeli military said it had opened a secure route to allow civilians to leave the hospital, while medics and patients could remain inside. Troops have been ordered to "prioritize the safety of civilians, patients, medical workers, and medical facilities during the operation," it said. The military had ordered the evacuation of the hospital and surrounding areas last month. But as with other health facilities, medics said patients were unable to safely leave or be relocated, and thousands of people displaced by fighting elsewhere remained there. Palestinians say nowhere is safe in the besieged territory, as Israel continues to carry out strikes in all parts of it. The Gaza Health Ministry said last week that Israeli snipers on surrounding buildings prevented people from entering or leaving the hospital. It said 10 people have been killed inside the complex over the past week. The ministry says about 300 medical staff were treating some 450 patients, including people wounded in strikes. It says 10,000 displaced people are sheltering in the facility. DHAKA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Nepal has shown keen interest in using Bangladesh's Chattogram, Mongla, and Payra seaports to facilitate the import and export of goods. Nepali Ambassador to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari held discussions with Bangladesh's State Minister of Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury in Dhaka on Tuesday to convey Nepal's enthusiasm for this collaboration, the Dhaka Tribune reported. Following the meeting, the state minister informed the press that discussions would ensue over the next two to three months regarding the use of a 23-km stretch of land in India to establish a connection with Nepal. He said both nations were actively deliberating on expanding commercial activities through these ports, with high-level engagements at the prime ministerial level. "We are placing significant emphasis on this matter," Khalid added. A correctional sergeant from Montana State Prison has been charged with selling marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms to fellow prison employees. Scott Patrick Elliott, a sergeant at the state prison near Deer Lodge, is charged with two felonies of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs. The Montana Department of Corrections on Tuesday emphasized in a statement that Elliott is not accused of distribution to inmates at the state prison. A Department of Corrections spokesperson said a routine, random search of staff members entering the state prison last fall prompted the investigation and resulting charges against Elliott. According to charging documents, authorities found Elliott was selling marijuana to prison employees from his home in Anaconda. As of this story's publishing, Elliott has not yet made an initial appearance on the charges. Reached by phone Tuesday, Elliott denied any criminal actions, but said he purchased marijuana or marijuana products from dispensaries in Missoula and then resold those items to other prison employees back in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County. "I never thought it was something wrong to do, to resell weed," Elliott said. While personal use and possession of marijuana has been legal in Montana since voters approved recreational use in 2020, prohibitions still exist to prevent anyone not licensed by the state to work in the legal cannabis industry from selling to other people, otherwise known as the black market. Charging documents filed Tuesday in Anaconda-Deer Lodge County District Court name 10 other prison staff Elliott exchanged texts with about drug sales or use, but those employees are not criminal defendants. The Montana Department of Corrections confirmed to the Montana State News Bureau that five of those named prison officers are on leave, but could not attribute their leave to the criminal case, citing personnel policy. The Montana State News Bureau is not naming those prison employees in this story because they have not been charged with a crime. Authorities first interviewed Elliott in October as part of an investigation into whether he was smuggling contraband into the prison. Elliott told Department of Corrections investigators he had nicotine pouches on his person as he attempted to enter the prison Oct. 4, 2023, but denied any intention to provide them to inmates, according to charging documents. Elliott said Tuesday a broader investigation into meth distribution at the state prison is currently underway, and he allowed investigators to review his text messages to clear himself of any connection to that investigation. According to charging documents, the texts investigators found allegedly showed Elliott was using, selling or seeking out marijuana and psilocybin, the hallucinogenic component in "magic mushrooms." In a follow-up interview Jan. 12, Elliott allegedly admitted to providing marijuana to state prison employees, but denied any other illegal activity, particularly being corrupted by any inmates. The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney's Office and the Montana Department of Justice are prosecuting the case. Prosecutors have also charged Elliott with felony money laundering for receiving proceedings from alleged drug transactions believed to be more than $1,500 from 2021 through last month. Elliott is not accused in charging documents of moving those funds through the prison in any fashion, nor is he accused of selling any drugs to inmates. In a statement provided to the Montana State News Bureau, Montana Department of Corrections Director Brian Gootkin said the department is working with the Montana Federation of Public Employees to ensure the expanded use of technology to detect illegal activities in its facilities, but did not elaborate on those technologies. "The Department of Corrections staff at MSP is comprised of almost 700 hard-working men and women who ensure the facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to protect the safety and security of Montanans," Gootkin said. "It is our commitment to ensure we are focused on having the best people possible working in these positions of trust and holding those who break that trust accountable." Since it was created in 1969, farmers have had a love-hate relationship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Overall, the ratio has been about 99 to 1, and it does not take a mind reader to know which direction that goes. The EPA is chartered to protect the environment and over the past 55 years has implemented many policies that have improved our environment. Long before the EPA was created, farmers were using the environment to create food, and in doing so, cared for it in the best way they knew to be productive year after year. During that period other institutions became involved with agriculture and the EPA, and either enhanced or further strained the relationship. Two issues on the table today are examples. Farmers awoke last week to learn about a federal judge in Arizona asked by a pesticide-opposition group to consider the EPAs authorization that farmers could use the herbicide dicamba. It is an effective weed killer to enhance crop yields, but has some traits that have created challenges for farmer use. Farmers have yielded, implemented numerous special practices, and have gone to great lengths to follow the rules. The Arizona judge accepted the EPAs restrictions on dicamba use, but prohibited the use of dicamba in 2024 because four years ago the EPA did not give the public adequate opportunity for feedback. The federal court ruling in Arizona applies to farmers in all states and to the dicamba which farmers have already purchased for use this year. The EPA has not responded as of February 13 to provide any guidance to farmers about their request to use dicamba already purchased. A much more complex challenge to farmers from the EPA is the new initiative to protect vulnerable and endangered species of wildlife. That not only includes animals and insects, but also the plants they might eat, which is particularly troublesome for farmers because those plants are likely weeds that would be controlled by dicamba and other herbicides. Unless it is a housefly or mosquito, few people would intentionally kill the last of a given species on Earth. But the EPA is mandated to prevent that and is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to identify where over 900 endangered species may live and roam. The EPA began with a list of 27 of them, asking farmers to suggest ways to avert intrusion on the habitats of those animals and plants, with farmers asking what they are, and where they are. One can unfold an Illinois highway map and have the answer in their hands, which farmers have interpreted as restrictions on using most any crop protectant to help grow a corn or soybean crop in Illinois. (It is the same in other states, as well.) The EPA received about 10,000 responses from farmers answering ways to avoid intruding on those endangered species and their habitats. One can quickly imagine what most farmers suggested to the EPA. Two hundred were useful, which makes it close to the ratio suggested earlier about farmers relationship with the EPA. Could vertical farming change the local food landscape? Could vertical farming change what local food means? US relies on other countries for much of its produce Not all crops are ideal for vertical farms DECATUR A 20-year-old Decatur man has been arrested for terrorist threats after he threatened to shoot up the Macon County Courthouse and any nearby officers. According to Macon County Sheriff's Department news release, the Macon County Courthouse Security Division received a phone call at approximately 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13. The individual, later identified as 20-year-old Bryan McClellan, threatened to shoot up the courthouse. "Specifically any police officers he found inside or outside of the facility," the release stated. "The caller was specific about the time it was going to happen and how he intended to commit the act." Through the assistance from the Central Illinois Regional Dispatch Center, detectives were able to locate McClellan and take him into custody. He was charged with terroristic threats, a Class X felony, and remains in custody pending a detention hearing on Wednesday. "The Macon County Courthouse was not evacuated during the incident due to the increased amount of people in the building for jury week," the release stated. "Courthouse officials were made aware of the situation, but due to the expedient work of the Macon County Sheriffs Office in locating and arresting McClellan, the decision to resume normal operations was made." This incident continues to be investigated. 2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park DECATUR In broad strokes, city officials laid out an overhaul of the city's public transit system that would reduce the number of fixed-route bus lines from 16 to 10 while implementing what is known as "micro-transit." The proposed changes come less than a year after the city council authorized a comprehensive analysis of the city's transit system and voted to make transportation its own department in city government. At a short study session Monday night, city staff offered the first glimpse of what would be the first major overhaul of city bus routes in at least 30 years. Most notably, the city's bus routes would be truncated and streamlined to focus on the city center and connections to the city's major commercial centers. Routes in areas of low ridership would be eliminated. "By reducing the number of fixed bus routes, the city can increase the frequency of fixed route buses that remain, and focus the bus network to serve key north-south and east-west corridors with high population and more commercial activity," City Manager Scot Wrighton and Transportation Director Lacie Elzy wrote in a memo to the city council. A key cog in making this new system work is the concept of micro-transit, which Elzy characterized as a "first mile, last mile solution" utilizing smaller branded vehicles to take riders from a designated stop near their homes to either stops near their final destinations or to fixed-route buses that could be used to complete their trips. "There are a lot of neighborhoods that are a mile out from a route, so it's hard for some people to get to it," Elzy said. "Micro-transit would take care of that since it would pick them up a lot closer to their location, but also integrating micro-transit into the fixed route system will keep us running efficiently and more cost effectively." Under the proposal, fixed-route bus service would almost entirely be eliminated from the city's west end, northwest side and the lightly-populated portions of the industrial northeast quadrant. Those in need of public transportation in these parts of the city that would no longer be served by fixed routes would be able to coordinate micro-transit pick up and drop off via an app on their smartphones or by calling a designated number. Micro-transit could also be extended to Mount Zion, according to the council memo. City transportation officials confirmed that special morning and afternoon routes for schools will still run. And intergovernmental agreements between the city and Decatur Public Schools and Richland Community College would be amended to allow students to utilize micro-transit. The proposed changes could be implemented late this year or in early 2025. Council members were generally supportive of the concept. Also briefly discussed were plans for a pilot program to bring a scooters or bike-sharing system to Decatur. These programs are often deployed in larger cities like Chicago and St. Louis as an add-on to the existing transportation infrastructure. Opinions on the council varied on this topic, with some questioning whether they would get enough use in a place like Decatur and others believing them to be a nuisance. "I mean they're just laying all over the place," said Councilman Dennis Cooper. "I think it's crazy. For a town our size. I don't know how much use they would even get in our city if a company comes in and wants to put them in here." Councilman Chuck Kuhle said he is "willing to try it" but wants to "have an out in case it's not working." Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe also suggested a pilot program, perhaps focusing on the area near Millikin University. Councilwoman Lisa Gregory said she was "a little more open-minded" to the concept than some of her colleagues while Councilman David Horn said it was important for the council to make bikes available to the public. "If the city is going to commit hundreds of thousands of dollars if not millions of dollars to bike lanes, then we should offer an opportunity to use bikes," Horn said. "And it's a much greener solution." The council was even more skeptical of the concept of "raised crosswalks," which are ramped speed tables that span the width of a roadway that are meant to act as a traffic-calming measure and allow pedestrians to cross a street at-grade with the sidewalk. These crosswalks are often found in pedestrian-heavy areas like college campuses and pickup/drop off zones at airports and schools. As an example, Wrighton suggested King Street between Water Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive as a stretch where the measure could be deployed. Council members, however, expressed concerns about potential damage to vehicles and potential impacts to public safety apparatus. Wrighton reiterated that the study session was "a conceptual meeting" and that more research would be done on the topic before it came back for final approval. Monday's meeting represents another step in the transformation of the city's transit system. In 2022, the city was a awarded a nearly $17 million federal grant and has received nearly $10 million in state grants that kickstarted the transition from traditional diesel-powered buses towards hybrids and, eventually, full electric buses. The city's goal is to have a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2035. The funds are also being used to overhaul of the city's transit facilities, which will include the installation of rooftop solar panels and retrofitting in anticipation of the transition to electric. Though only two of the city's fixed-route buses are currently hybrids, the council authorized the purchase of five more last year. The plan after that is to replace diesel-powered buses with electric buses four at a time every two years starting in 2025. The council in 2022 also voted to bring back limited Sunday bus service for the first time in more than 50 years. Initially a one-year pilot program, it is now in its second year. Remember Decatur's Union Bus Depot? A look back at our transportation history BRISTOL, Va. Blo Blow Dry Bar, North Americas original blow dry bar and blow dry bar franchise, has announced the opening of its location at 347 State Street. The opening brings the companys total to over 140 across the country. It is the first Virginia location. The business offers guests five signature styles on its hair menu, a la carte options, a variety of hair treatments, plus five signature makeup looks and a brand-new section of customized looks. Behind the brands introduction to Virginia is multi-unit franchisee, Velma McMillan. She began her career in beauty and wellness as a long-time employee of Mary Kay before she started her entrepreneurial journey. Her passion for the industry coupled with degrees in business administration and marketing made franchise ownership an ideal venture for McMillan. She opened her first location in 2022, and now is gearing up to open her third. As a frequent visitor to Virginia, I noticed the lack of salons in the state, McMillan said. It was feeling that absence, and I knew its community members were as well. Creating a space for women to go to feel good about themselves while also taking the monumental step of being the first Blo Blow Dry Bar in Virginia is such a privilege. In a media release, Blo Blow Dry Bar says it is on a mission to create a space, where people of all ages, ethnicities, and orientations are welcomed, represented, and made to feel gorgeous, while emphasizing the need for self-care and wellness. The brands hair menu includes five signature styles from sleek and straight to bouncy curls, plus a wide assortment of customized looks including updos and braids. Blo Blow Dry Bar also offers makeup services from expert artists on hand to help guests look and feel amazing for any occasion. Catawba County voter Todd Loendorf said he asked every candidate the same question on Tuesday at a meet the candidates event sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Catawba County. (I ask) what are they going to do to bring civility back to politics, Loendorf said. Because nothing is going to get done if the people we elect go to wherever theyre going with the mindset, I have to have everything or nothing at all. Theres got to be compromise. Loendorf said he wants to see elected officials work together regardless of party. At least 50 voters and 14 candidates were present Tuesday evening at the League of Women Voters of Catawba County event. The event allowed voters to speak face-to-face with candidates running for national, state and local offices ahead of the March 5 primary vote. The candidates in attendance were Austin Allran, Barbara Beatty and Eric Dunn for the Catawba County Board of Commissioners; Donna Spencer and Angela Henson for Catawba County Register of Deeds; Ronn Abernathy, Clayton Mullis, David Goforth and April Underwood for Catawba County Schools Board of Education; Mark Hollo and Nancy Meek for N.C. Senate and Charles Eller, Pat Harrigan and Brooke McGowan for U.S. House of Representatives. Voter concerns Hal and Alana Matheson said, We want to make sure we have people in our schools and our county commissioners who will stand up for the right thing. (For) godly things. Hal, 69, is concerned about what is being taught in schools from the elementary level through college. Were seeing college kids out here marching for Hamas, marching for Palestine, Hal said. Whats with that? Somebodys brainwashing somebody. Alana, 70, added that she is concerned about the prevalence of transgender issues in schools. All this woke stuff, thats not who America is, Hal said. Were a Christian nation, no matter how many presidents get up there and say were not. Hal said the U.S. is the greatest nation in the world because it is a godly nation but that it is slipping. Alana said the nation is straying from Gods teachings. When they turn from (God) and stray to gay marriage and abortions, things that just dont line up with Gods word, were messing up, Hal said. Kristen Siebenhar, 49, attended with her son Miles Siebenhar, 16. Both were concerned about preserving womens health care and marriage equality. Kristen said she wants to see more transparency. She said she wants politicians who are honest and explain why they vote they way they do. Kristen and Miles also said they are concerned about the ongoing book challenges. Miles is a student of Bandys High School in the Catawba County Schools district, he said. Kristen said she wants to make the decision about what material her child can access. Glenn Fulbright, a former member of the Catawba County Schools Board of Education, called the book challenges, a total waste of funds. Fulbright, 71, said he is also concerned about the school boards inability to agree to disagree. His other top concern in this election is the county commission, he said, because of how much growth has been allowed in the eastern part of Catawba County. Q: Who was the St. Valentine, anyhow, and why was a saint so interested in romance? G.L. Answer: According to tradition, St. Valentine (or Valentinus) was a Roman priest who, sometime around A.D. 270, was jailed and sentenced to be executed for secretly performing Christian wedding ceremonies in violation of an edict from Emperor Claudius II. According to one legend, while waiting in jail for his sentence to be carried out, he restored the sight of his jailers blind daughter. He wrote a farewell note to her signed From Your Valentine the night before his execution. In the 5th century, the Catholic Church gave Valentine his own day as a way of replacing an ancient Roman fertility festival known as Lupercalia, according to Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things by Charles Panati. Determined to put an end to this 800-year-old practice, the early church fathers sought a lovers saint, according to Panati. They found a likely candidate in Valentine. As for why the date of Valentines Day is always Feb. 14, there are competing theories. Some traditions say that St. Valentine was either born or died on Feb. 14; others say that Lupercalia was celebrated on the Ides of February, or Feb. 15, and this was a convenient time to displace one tradition with another. Another story, recounted at History.com, has it that during the Middle Ages, a common belief in France and England was that Feb. 14 was the start of mating season for birds. At any rate, in A.D. 496, it is said that Pope Gelasius outlawed the Lupercalia festival and replaced it with one in honor of St. Valentine. Q: When did people first start sending Valentines Day cards? D.D.D. Answer: Valentines greetings date back at least as far as the Middle Ages, according to a history of the holiday published by History.com, with the oldest known Valentines letter still in existence being a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife in 1415, in which he refers to her as my very gentle Valentine. The Valentine card industry in America got its start in the middle of the 19th century. The first major maker of Valentine cards in the United States was Esther Howland of Worcester, Mass. In 1847, a Valentine card imported from England inspired her to try making her own cards. Her brother carried samples to sell when he traveled for the familys stationery business. They hoped the samples might result in $200 worth of orders; instead they led to $5,000 worth of orders. Howland hired help to produce the cards, turning the top floor of the family home into an assembly line of sorts, as the Boston Globe put it in a profile of Howland. Howlands New England Valentine Co. made her wealthy. Hallmark started in the early 1910s selling picture postcards and expanded to greeting cards in 1915. Hallmark says about 145 million Valentines Day cards are exchanged each year industry-wide. That number does not include packaged cards for childrens classroom exchanges. PARIS, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- A regional center of the International Energy Agency (IEA) in Singapore will start operation in the second half of 2024, marking the IEA's first office outside its headquarters in Paris, the agency announced Tuesday. The Singapore center will work with all countries in Southeast Asia and beyond to enhance energy security and accelerate clean energy transitions, the IEA said during its 50th anniversary. The center will serve as a hub for the IEA's activities and engagements in the region and beyond, providing policy guidance, technical assistance, and training and capacity building with a focus on scaling-up the deployment of renewables and other clean energy technologies, increasing cross-border power trade, improving access to finance for clean energy investments, according to the IEA. "Through the center, we stand ready to accompany all countries in the region as they strive to provide affordable, reliable and modern energy for all their citizens," said IEA Executive Director Dr Fatih Birol. Singapore's Second Minister for Trade and Industry Dr Tan See Leng said the center will be the first energy-focused international organization in Singapore, adding that it will energize the region's decarbonization journey, while continuing to provide advice on energy security and resilience. The IEA was established in 1974 to coordinate response measures to oil supply emergencies. Since Singapore joined the IEA as an association country in 2016, both sides have strengthened collaboration to provide capacity building and facilitate policy exchanges in Southeast Asia, including through the Singapore-IEA Regional Training Hub and Singapore-IEA Forum. Wednesday, Feb. 14 The Sportscenter weekly Bible study will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter 233 Country Club Drive, NE, Concord. Hosted by Pastor Debbie Frye. Centering Prayer Weekly via Zoom meets at 7:30 p.m. For the Zoom link, check the Calvary Lutheran Church Facebook page or website http://www.clconcord.org, or call the church office at 704-782-6923. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Contact the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Thursday, Feb. 15 Epworth United Methodist Church will have a hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Epworth is at 1030 Burrage Road, NE, Concord. Credit cards accepted. For deliveries, call 704-786-5500. Friday, Feb. 16 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner and provide proof of vaccination. Hot dogs at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, will be sold along with fried bologna and barbecue sandwiches and desserts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 The Piedmont Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at 518 Winecoff School Road. It features lots of local produce, meat, flowers and other products. Hot dogs at Center United Methodist Church at 1119 Union St., S., are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in and take out. Call-in orders are welcomed at 704-782-1785. A GriefShare Support Group will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23. Sessions will be Saturdays through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use zip code 28075. The church is located at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763. The Holy Grind Concord is hosting a Meet/Greet for the Republican Cabarrus County School Board candidates on the primary ballot from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18 A Griefshare program will be hosted by Cold Springs Global Methodist Sundays through April 21 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for those dealing with life stresses following the loss of a loved one. For more information and to register go to griefshare.org/findagroup or call the Church office, 704-782-1811. Candidates for Cabarrus County Commissioner will participate in a forum at 2:30 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Town Hall. The forum is sponsored by the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society and is not affiliated with the Town of Mount Pleasant, any candidate, or party. It will be moderated by The Honorable William Hamby, retired district court judge. Monday, Feb. 19 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner. Tuesday, Feb. 20 TOPS #437 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. (weigh-in begins at 9:30 a.m.) at Lakeview Baptist Church, 2532 Lane St., Kannapolis. Visitors are welcome. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Contact the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. The 2024 Souper Bowl will be held at Central United Methodist Church, 30 Union Street North, Concord, NC 28025 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eat in or take out. Tickets are $10 each and include soup, crackers, cookies and beverage. Tickets are $10 and benefit the Salvation Army Women's Auxillary of Cabarrus and Stanly Counties. Wednesday, Feb. 21 The Sportscenter weekly Bible study will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter 233 Country Club Drive, NE, Concord. Hosted by Pastor Debbie Frye. Centering Prayer Weekly via Zoom meets at 7:30 p.m. For the Zoom link, check the Calvary Lutheran Church Facebook page or website http://www.clconcord.org, or call the church office at 704-782-6923. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Contact the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. The Cabarrus Senior Center Photo Club is alive and clicking away. If you like taking photos, come join the members on the first and third Wednesdays of the month from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Cabarrus Senior Center, 331 Corban Ave., SE, Concord, and share your photographic creativity. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or strictly amateur, all are welcome. Thursday, Feb. 22 Epworth United Methodist Church will have a hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Epworth is at 1030 Burrage Road, NE, Concord. Credit cards accepted. For deliveries, call 704-786-5500. Friday, Feb. 23 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner and provide proof of vaccination. Hot dogs at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, will be sold along with fried bologna and barbecue sandwiches and desserts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 The Piedmont Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at 518 Winecoff School Road. It features lots of local produce, meat, flowers and other products. Hot dogs at Center United Methodist Church at 1119 Union St., S., are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in and take out. Call-in orders are welcomed at 704-782-1785. A GriefShare Support Group will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23. Sessions will be Saturdays through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use zip code 28075. The church is located at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763. Sunday, Feb. 25 A Griefshare program will be hosted by Cold Springs Global Methodist Sundays through April 21 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. for those dealing with life stresses following the loss of a loved one. For more information and to register go to griefshare.org/findagroup or call the Church office, 704-782-1811. The Houston Preaching Mission features Dr. Luke Powery, Dean of the Chapel and Professor of Homiletics and African and African American Studies at Duke University, as the guest preacher at Central United Methodist Church. Sunday School classes will meet Powell in the Youth Room at 9:30 a.m. and he will speak at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. A congregational meal of baked chicken, green beans, macaroni and cheese, green salad, roll and sheet cake will be catered by Second Course. Reservaions are requested for the meal. The Tyro Methodist Puppets will perform at Cold Springs Methodist Church at 6.30 p.m. All ages are Invited. There is no charge for this exciting show, but a donation to the Tyro puppet ministry is appreciated. Monday, Feb. 26 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner. Tuesday, Feb. 27 TOPS #437 (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Tuesday at 10 a.m. (weigh-in begins at 9:30 a.m.) at Lakeview Baptist Church, 2532 Lane St., Kannapolis. Visitors are welcome. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Contact the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Wednesday, Feb. 28 The Sportscenter weekly Bible study will be at 11:30 a.m. at the Sportscenter 233 Country Club Drive, NE, Concord. Hosted by Pastor Debbie Frye. Centering Prayer Weekly via Zoom meets at 7:30 p.m. For the Zoom link, check the Calvary Lutheran Church Facebook page or website http://www.clconcord.org, or call the church office at 704-782-6923. How Great Thou Art Drawing Class led by James Fore in a weekly drawing class 1:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall at Calvary Lutheran Church, Concord, NC 28025. All are welcome. Bring paper and pencil. Contact the church office at 704-782-6923 for more details. Thursday, Feb. 29 Epworth United Methodist Church will have a hot dog sale from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Epworth is at 1030 Burrage Road, NE, Concord. Credit cards accepted. For deliveries, call 704-786-5500. An evening with Portland, Oregon performer Bobby Jo Valentine in the Commons, 75 Church St. N., at 7 p.m. An evening of hopeful, original music with a rising singer/songwriter.More info at www.bobbyjovalentine.com. Free admission but donations accepted to support the work of NAMI Cabarrus. Visit Facebook: The Commons/Prayer Room for more info. Friday, March 1 The Concord Duplicate Bridge face-to-face games through Concord Parks and Recreation at Hartsell Recreation Center, 60 Hartsell School Road, at noon. Cost is $5 per player. You must have a partner and provide proof of vaccination. Hot dogs at McGill Baptist Church, 5300 Poplar Tent Road, will be sold along with fried bologna and barbecue sandwiches and desserts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2 The Piedmont Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon at 518 Winecoff School Road. It features lots of local produce, meat, flowers and other products. Hot dogs at Center United Methodist Church at 1119 Union St., S., are offered on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dine in and take out. Call-in orders are welcomed at 704-782-1785. A GriefShare Support Group will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Baptist Church, room 23. Sessions will be Saturdays through May 11. Register at GriefShare.org, use zip code 28075. The church is located at 200 Sims Parkway, Harrisburg. For more information, call 704-455-2763. The first Saturday monthly community breakfast will be held at Cold Springs Global Methodist, 2550 Cold Springs Road, Concord 7 to 10 a.m. The cost is a donation to help support community. Does your community group or nonprofit agency have an upcoming event that would be of interest to the public? Email it to mplemmons@independenttribune.com. Telstra and Eutelsat OneWeb, a subsidiary of satellite communications company Eutelsat Group, confirmed that the rollout of OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) cellular backhaul has commenced in Australia. According to the European Space Agency, LEO, as the name suggests, is an orbit that is relatively close to Earth's surface. It is normally at an altitude of less than 1000km but could be as low as 160km above Earth which is low compared to other orbits, but still very far above Earth's surface. Its application covers transportation, communication, observation, and resupply. As part of the rollout, Telstra last week made the first voice call on-air using Eutelsat OneWebs LEO solution at Oxford Falls, New South Wales. Last June 2023, Telstra adopted OneWeb LEO to deliver 25Gbit/s of LEO capacity to Telstras most remote mobile customers across Australia. In 2022, Telstra and OneWeb signed a memorandum of understanding, and in that same year, both started joint testing in Australia. The Oxford Falls site is the first of more than 300 existing remote mobile base station sites currently using satellite backhaul to be connected with Eutelsat OneWebs LEO solution over the next 18 months. Telstra said the capability will help Telstra expand mobile coverage as it supports new site deployments. A key feature of Eutelsat OneWebs service is the provision of service level agreements (SLAs) and committed information rates which ensures a specified quality of service and performance. Telstra executive for network and infrastructure Iskra Nikolova said the rollout of LEO-enabled backhaul to remote mobile sites will enable the telco to bring the best quality of coverage to regional and remote Australians. Eutelsat OneWebs LEO solution will help us improve the customer experience in regional and remote areas with lower latency, higher speeds, and a more consistent experience. Theres also potential for Eutelsat OneWeb as a backup backhaul solution to improve reliability in areas where terrestrial backhaul is susceptible to natural disasters and communities find themselves in isolation, Nikolova said. The average bandwidth for these sites will increase at least 15x, and the average latency will reduce tenfold, Nikolova claimed. We are honoured to count Telstra among our most trusted partners, with whom we will continue to collaborate to test and deploy current and future technology, said Eutelsat Group co-general manager connectivity business unit Cyril Dujardin. This first appeared in the subscription newsletter CommsWire on 13 February 2024. Samsung Research America (SRA), the research and development arm of Samsung Electronics, has partnered with Princeton University to develop 6G wireless and networking systems. SRA will also work with Princeton University to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applicationsalongside fellow corporate affiliates including Ericsson, Intel, MediaTek, Nokia Bell Labs, Qualcomm, and Vodafone. The wireless industry has benefited significantly from fundamental research in the past few decades, said SRA vice president Dr Charlie Zhang. We encourage Princetons researchers to continue innovation and develop disruptive technologies that could bring major breakthroughs in 6G. The SRA was appointed as founding member of Princeton Universitys NextG Initiative Corporate Affiliates to lead 6G research and development. In 2023, Princeton Universitys School of Engineering and Applied Science established the NextG Initiative to accelerate the adoption of new technologies including cloud and edge networks, intelligent sensing, and network resilience. Recently, the NextG Initiative launched a corporate affiliates program to champion these technological advancements and encourage cooperation between academia, industry leaders, and policymakers. The best academic research to help realise the promise of future wireless networks is informed by close interactions between faculty and industry technology leaders, said Princeton School of Engineering and Applied Sciences dean Andrea Goldsmith. Our NextG program aims to foster those deep collaborations around wireless technology, as well as policy, that are required to drive meaningful innovation and global leadership in an era of rapid change. In May 2019, Samsung established the Advanced Communications Research Centre (ACRC) under Samsung Research to spearhead the development of next-generation communication technology. Taking part in the greatest peacetime maneuvers ever held by the land, sea and air forces of the United States, Cleaves Bennett Branson, son of Gus Branson, 2401 Marion Ave., this city, is now on duty with a detachment of United States Marines in the West Indies. His name appears on the official list of Marines with the maneuver forces. The maneuvers began early in January and will not be completed until the last battleship returns to its home port in May or June. Certain problems in connection with the defense of the Panama Canal and regular battle practice by the ships of the Atlantic and Pacific fleets are being held. Many of the operations are taking place in the vicinity of Culebra, one of a small group of islands in the Caribbean. Young Branson is 18 years old and was born in Mattoon. He joined the Marine Corps at Chicago last September, and is now with the 13 Co. 10th regiment of Marines on the island of Culebra. He will return to his regular station, Quantico, Va., when the maneuvers are over...TUSCOLA The Ocean to Ocean road meeting held at the Tuscola Chamber of Commerce rooms Tuesday night was largely attended. There were eighty present, representing every town along the route from Decatur to the Indiana state line. All were enthusiastic and pledged their support for retention of the marked route. The meeting was called on account of the agitation of some of the higher officials of the Ocean to Ocean Highway Association, who are seeking to change the routing from Decatur, via Monticello, Champaign and Danville, intersecting the old route again at Crawfordsville, Ind. This would lengthen the route almost fifty miles. The argument is advanced that the towns east of Decatur on the present route are delinquent in the payment of their dues and that tourists would prefer to have a continuous hard surfaced road, notwithstanding the increased the distance. CHARLESTON A familiar face has been selected to be Eastern Illinois University's new provost and vice president of academic affairs. Ryan Hendrickson has been serving in this post on an interim basis since 2023. He previously served as the L.M. Hamand dean of the Graduate School and vice provost for sponsored research from 2015-2023 and as acting dean of Booth Library Services from 2022-2023. He also served as acting dean of the College of Health and Human Services from 2021-2022. "Having been a dean since 2015, Ryan has a record of success across multiple leadership roles over the years and he understands the opportunities and challenges facing public regional comprehensive universities," EIU President Jay Gatrell said in a press release. Specifically, Gatrell said Hendrickson's entrepreneurial contributions to the Illinois Innovation Network have resulted in increased support for faculty research, a nearly $1 million renovation of to the Center for Clean Energy Research and Education, and advances for graduate education. EIU reported that Hendrickson was selected following a national search to fill the position. Gatrell said Hendricksons support from campus stakeholders underscores his contributions to the university and its students. Ryan is an accomplished scholar and highly effective leader whom I am confident will advance academic excellence, enhance student success, and continue to prioritize EIUs shared values, Gatrell said. Hendrickson said he is excited and honored to serve EIU in this new role. He said the provost has a unique role in shaping and leading the university. He said the provost focuses on ensuring that students can excel; that university staff are empowered to meet student needs; and faculty can flourish in their teaching, research and service activities. "I am especially enthused about the opportunity to advance President Gatrells student success initiatives. We have new opportunities to make EIU a university where students from all backgrounds can come, thrive and achieve their academic and professional goals," Hendrickson said. "I also look forward to supporting both existing and new academic programs that meet local, state and regional needs. Hendrickson came to EIU in 1999 as a professor in the Department of Political Science. He also served for 14 years as graduate studies coordinator within this department. Close A Monitor Sign Service crew manually lifts some of the 4-foot-tall steel letters into place on a concrete base on Tuesday for a new Mattoon welcome sign in the city's Wolf Park at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 19th Street/U.S. Route 45. The letters will be lit within by LED bulbs and have green acrylic covers. The sign was created and installed via approximately $30,00 in tourism grant money from the city's hotel and motel tax revenue fund. Monitor Sign Service use a crane to move some of the 4-foot-tall steel letters into place on a concrete base on Tuesday for a new Mattoon welcome sign in the city's Wolf Park at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 19th Street/U.S. Route 45. The letters will be lit within by LED bulbs and have green acrylic covers. Monitor Sign Service used a flatbed trailer to transport the 4-foot-tall steel letters that it installed on Tuesday for a new Mattoon welcome sign in the city's Wolf Park at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 19th Street/U.S. Route 45. The letters will be lit within by LED bulbs and have green acrylic covers. Photos: New Mattoon welcome sign installed Monitor Sign Service installed a new Mattoon welcome sign on Tuesday at the city's Wolf Park at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 19th Street/U.S. Route 45. The sign's steel letters are each 4-feet tall and form a 30-foot-wide "Mattoon" sign. The letters will be lit within by LED bulbs and have green acrylic covers. The sign was created and installed via approximately $30,00 in tourism grant money from the city's hotel and motel tax revenue fund. A Monitor Sign Service crew manually lifts some of the 4-foot-tall steel letters into place on a concrete base on Tuesday for a new Mattoon welcome sign in the city's Wolf Park at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 19th Street/U.S. Route 45. The letters will be lit within by LED bulbs and have green acrylic covers. The sign was created and installed via approximately $30,00 in tourism grant money from the city's hotel and motel tax revenue fund. Monitor Sign Service use a crane to move some of the 4-foot-tall steel letters into place on a concrete base on Tuesday for a new Mattoon welcome sign in the city's Wolf Park at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 19th Street/U.S. Route 45. The letters will be lit within by LED bulbs and have green acrylic covers. Monitor Sign Service used a flatbed trailer to transport the 4-foot-tall steel letters that it installed on Tuesday for a new Mattoon welcome sign in the city's Wolf Park at the northwest corner of Broadway Avenue and 19th Street/U.S. Route 45. The letters will be lit within by LED bulbs and have green acrylic covers. As tens of millions of Americans were huddled in front of their televisions to watch the Kansas City Chiefs snatch their second consecutive Super Bowl victory, Europeans at least those responsible for the continents defense were still coming to grips with what former president and GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump said in front of his supporters recently. During a rally last weekend, Trump reminisced about when he told a European leader that the United States under his watch wouldnt come to that countrys defense if it failed to meet NATOs defense spending benchmarks: "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. No, I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want.'" The Europeans didnt appreciate the comments, even if the remarks werent necessarily surprising coming from a man who has a long record of viewing alliances in transactional terms. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who had a decent working relationship with Trump, issued a stern statement warning that any suggestion that allies will not defend each other undermines all of our security, including that of the U.S., and puts American and European soldiers at increased risk. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, called Trumps remarks reckless without naming the former president. Its hard not to sympathize. Its never a good idea for anybody to essentially invite an aggressor country such as Russia to treat the European continent as a personal playpen. That's especially so when the person in charge of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has a habit of invading other countries (see Georgia in 2008, Ukraine in 2014 and Ukraine again in 2022). But whether the meeting Trump recalled actually happened former aides will tell you that Trump has a tendency to embellish stories his comments express a deep frustration with the transatlantic security arrangement. Those frustrations are entirely legitimate, even if pundits and prognosticators want to shoot the messenger. Ever since the beginning of the Cold War, the United States has taken on the role of Europes protector. NATO, the military alliance established in 1949, is an American creation upheld by American military power. During the four-decade contest with the Soviet Union, this arrangement made sense. Europe was still reeling from World War II. At a time when the U.S. goal in Europe was to prevent Soviet hegemony on the continent, stationing hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops, tanks and tactical nuclear warheads was seen by successive U.S. presidents as deterring the Soviets from expanding and providing Washingtons partners in Europe with time to get back on their feet. But over time, NATO became less about stopping the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991, and more about entrenching U.S. primacy over Europe. Starting in the 1990s, the U.S. was a vocal booster of enlarging NATO. The alliance has nearly doubled its membership since the Soviet Unions dissolution, even bringing in countries such as North Macedonia and Montenegro, which dont really enhance NATOs collective military punch. The enlargement occurred even under Trumps watch. This was a pretty good deal for the Europeans. Money that would otherwise go toward their defense budgets was instead diverted toward domestic welfare programs, economic development and the social safety net. This was entirely reasonable for the Europeans. Why pump tens of billions of dollars into your defense industry when a superpower is willing to pick up the tab? The problem is that this deal created extreme dependency. Europes defense industrial complex was left to wither on the vine because it had nothing to do other than export military equipment to countries outside Europe. The defense spending disparity between the U.S. and the rest of NATO deepened to a cavernous-like hole. Multiple U.S. presidents were always lecturing Europe to pump more cash into its defense budget but werent willing to spend the requisite political capital into pressing the issue. It took a war in Europe to jolt the continent from its decades-long slumber. Even now, 20 of NATOs 31 members still arent fulfilling the alliances mandate of spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product on defense. It wouldnt be unreasonable for the average American to take a look at this situation and call it unfair. Indeed, it is. You dont need to be a member of the MAGA movement or even a passive supporter of Trump to find this entire thing a bit infuriating. At $17 trillion, its not like the European Unions GDP cant finance a military buildup and take primary ownership of its own defense. The issue isnt money but rather political will. Are Trumps remarks deplorable to a lot of people? Sure. But go beyond the surface, and the complaints he makes arent all too different from those of other U.S. presidents dating to Dwight Eisenhower. The question is whether the U.S. will do anything to rejigger the system and offload the burden for Europes defense onto the Europeans. Wednesday marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Phi Omega Chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. The chapter was chartered in Winston-Salem on Feb. 14, 1924. Adelaide Smith Turner, Audrey Williams, Maude Young Ray, Mamie Williams and Marguerite Adams were the charter members. Education has been and continues to be one of the most important missions of the sorority. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, chapter members raised money to provide $50 and $100 scholarships. In todays money, that would be about $1,150 and $2,300. Today, the chapter awards scholarships of $1,000. The chapter has chartered two undergraduate chapters. The Gamma Lambda Chapter was chartered in 1949 at Winston-Salem Teachers College, now Winston-Salem State University. In 1990, Pi Beta was chartered at Wake Forest University. Barbara Phillips, a chapter member, was an assistant superintendent of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. She also was the 20th international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority from 1978 to 1982. She led the drive to buy property in Chicago for the national headquarters building for the sorority. The headquarters is near where the Obama Presidential Center will be located. Phi Omega also has tried to improve the local quality of life by sponsoring health fairs, voter registration and education drives, and tutoring. They have also provided career and economic counseling. The chapter financed and built the Ivy Arms apartments to provide affordable housing in Winston-Salem. Members of the chapter have been elected to local offices. They include Vivian Burke, who was elected to the Winston-Salem Board of Aldermen in 1977. Burke was an alderwoman, later a city council member and mayor pro tempore. She served until her death in 2020. In 2012, Earline Parmon was the first African American woman to be elected to the North Carolina senate from Forsyth County. She was also elected a Forsyth County commissioner and was the first African American woman to be the chair of the Forsyth County Democratic Party. Other notable Phi Omega members include: Renee Phillips, who was the first African American city secretary for the City of Winston-Salem. She was appointed to the position in 1977. Phillips served the city until retiring in 2015. Sandra Miller Jones, a native of Winston-Salem and the first African American woman to graduate from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University with an M.B.A. She graduated in 1971. Jones was the first African American woman to be hired as a manager at the Quaker Oats Company. After leaving Quaker Oats, she founded Segmented Marketing Services Inc., a national marketing company. Maya Angelou was made an honorary member of Phi Omega. Angelou was a professor at Wake Forest University and also an award-winning writer and poet. In 2022, Angelou was featured on a quarter as part of the U.S. Mints American Women Quarter Program, honoring five trail blazing women. Today, the chapters service projects such as its school supply and book giveaway last summer still provide a positive impact on the community. Happy Wednesday. A literal run for the roses later if you happened to forget. England, bless its heart, unleashed the monster. In or about the 18th century, the English or more likely English merchants turned the Feb. 14 St. Valentines feast day which had loosely celebrated romantic love into an occasion for couples to exchange flowers, sweets and cards. From that innocent beginning, Valentines Day began a long, steady decline into the perverted mass-marketing opportunity that we all know and more than a few loathe. Is it any wonder then that increasing numbers of young folks are finding creative ways to turn their back on the excess? There are more anti-Valentines messages. Like nails, with black, dark daggers, Barbara Bickart, associate professor of marketing at Boston University, told The Washington Post for an eye-opening story under the headline The anti-Valentines Day movement is gaining strength. Let us count the ways. Item One would be an advertising entreaty sent on repeat by Palmetto Arms, a South Carolina gun store that does a booming business online. The subject line Love at First Pull leads into a list of special deals available this month including the Freedom Rifle Kit most of the parts needed to assemble your very own AR-15 for the low price of $319.99. Next up would be a pitch from a PR guy. In it, he/they cite a new study that somehow measured vision care. North Carolina is the No. 34 best state for eye health. Hawaii came out best, West Virginia the worst. Seven of the ten best states are in the west, nine of the ten worst in the South. (Nothing screams mediocrity more than ranking 34th out of 51 the District of Columbia included. The study claims to have looked state by state at such metrics as rates of visual impairment, public school vision screenings, the percentage of residents with vision insurance and per capita rates of optometrists. Oh, and the sponsor, an online eyeglasses store, managed to tie that one into Valentines Day with a convenient 20 percent off sale for using the code Love20. AirBnB elbowed its way into the act by having its marketing flog a survey it claims identified the top five rentals in North Carolina for people to pop the question. That list helpfully includes links to getaways in the mountains Swannanoa, Otto, Cherokee, Old Fort and treehouse glamping in Concord. Worst or best depending on your point of view among the lot is an analysis of Google searches that shows infidelity rises in the weeks before Valentines Day. A tech and information firm called Earthweb says it analyzed searches including browsing infidelity sites, spyware apps and keywords such as adultery and signs of cheating. Good Lord. All that is on top of Valentines Day spending trends gone through the roof. Spending, per economists and marketing intent on getting their piece of a ballooning pie, has increased from $17.3 billion in 2014 to an estimated $25.8 billion this year. It is any wonder that teenagers and young adults are leading a trending backlash? Tread lightly selling that at home tonight, though. Stop for the flowers or chocolates. Hedging bets is never a bad policy. Can't win without playing twice GREENSBORO Second chances can pay off. Just ask Maria Baquiran Moreno. The Gate City resident won a cool $1 million last week in what the N.C. Education Lottery bills as a $10 Million Spectacular Second Chance Drawing. More than a million North Carolinians including Moreno scanned seemingly worthless losing tickets into lottery accounts mostly set up via phone apps for four yearly second chance drawings. Lottery officials notified Moreno by phone that shed won $1 million and she started thinking about how she'd use it. Paying the mortgage and taking her family on vacation, per the lottery commission, leaped immediately to mind. Because she opted for a lump sum rather than an annuity paid out over 20 years, Moreno actually was in line for $600,000 that shriveled to $429,000 after the state and federal government took their bites. Still, despite the misleading $1 million figure, no one in their right mind would turn down $429k. I always tell people to do the second chance because you never know, Moreno told the lottery people Monday. Im the walking example of that. Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order on Monday, pledging to preserve 1 million acres of forests and wetlands by 2040 while restoring an additional million acres and planting 1 million urban trees by the same year. Coopers Executive Order 305 follows last years Supreme Courts decision that left millions of acres of wetlands in the U.S. no longer federally protected under the Clean Water Act. North Carolinas rich natural beauty is not only critical in our fight against flooding and climate change, but important to our economy, Cooper said. As our state continues to grow, we must be mindful to conserve and protect our natural resources and this historic Executive Order sets clear goals and puts a plan in place that will help us leave our state better than we found it for generations to come. The executive order additionally directs the state to limit new projects with potential negative impacts on wetlands, including Carolina bays and mountain bogs. It also instructs state agencies to pursue federal funding to bolster wetland protection and restoration efforts. Wetlands serve as crucial habitats for a myriad of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals, playing pivotal roles in flood protection, water quality enhancement, shoreline erosion mitigation, while providing natural products and recreational opportunities. Wetlands are also a primary safeguard for drinking water; their pristine condition can improve the cleanliness of the water consumed. The governors decision to protect additional landscapes and ecosystems can only help the water quality in North Carolina, Stan Meiburg, executive director of Sabin Family Center for Environment and Sustainability at Wake Forest University said. Wetlands function as the environmental kidneys. They help to cleanse water that comes into these wetlands before it is released further down the stream. The more wetlands you have protected, and the more the system and land around them are protected, the better they can perform that function and the cleaner the water will be. The Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency case kicked off in 2007 when EPA filed a compliance order under the Clean Water Act against the Sacketts, who tried building a house on land they bought near Priest Lake, Idaho. The EPA demanded the Sacketts to cease construction and restore the site, while the Sacketts challenged the agencys jurisdiction over their wetlands. The 16-year legal battle, which saw two trips to the Supreme Court, concluded with a ruling in May last year, narrowing the definition of waters of the United States and limiting federal oversight of wetlands. President Biden voiced regret over the decision, expressing concerns about its potential impact on the clean water sources crucial to millions of American families. Coupled with the Farm Act that passed in June 2023, despite Coopers veto, its estimated that approximately 2.5 million acres of wetlands, previously protected under the Clean Water Act, are now at risk of destruction for development or alternative uses. N.C. Senate Republicans override of Coopers veto paved the way for the passing of the Farm Act last year. The legislation reinforced the Supreme Courts ruling by further limiting state regulators from implementing additional rules and protections for these newly vulnerable areas. China's young generation powering gold rush 11:17, February 14, 2024 By Xu Ruiqing, Zhang Wuyue, and Zhang Xinyi ( Xinhua JINAN/GUIYANG, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Gold had once lost its popularity in China as mainstream consumers turned to diamonds and other gems due to changing consumption perceptions. However, the precious metal has regained its lost glitter as a new gold rush is on, with China's younger population leading the way. According to China Gold Association, in 2023, the national gold consumption reached nearly 1,090 tonnes, an increase of 8.78 percent year on year. Of the total, the gold jewelry consumption hit 706.48 tonnes, a year-on-year increase of 7.97 percent, and the old bars and coins saw 299.6 tonnes, up 15.7 percent year on year. The young population aged between 25 and 34 became the main force of gold consumption, with their proportion up from 16 percent to 59 percent in 2023. In the future, consumers under the age of 25 will become new major gold buyers, said the association. There are various factors at play behind the growing demand for gold among Chinese youth. On the one hand, as the China Chic phenomenon resurfaces, jewelers go out of their way to create more fashionable gold jewelry infused with traditional Chinese aesthetics and cultural elements, attracting more and more young consumers. Customers view gold jewelry at a gold shop in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng) Young Chinese, on the other hand, see gold as an investment commodity thanks to the relatively bullish performance of gold in the capital market in recent years. GOLD RUSH Ahead of the Spring Festival holiday, gold shops in the country have seen a large flow of consumers, many of whom are young people. Wang Yinghao and Zhao Wenxiu, a couple in their 20s, spent more than 7,000 yuan (around 1,000 U.S. dollars) buying their parents a gold necklace and bracelet from a gold shop in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province. "Today's gold jewelry have delicate design styles. Our parents were very happy when I showed them the pictures," said Zhao. According to Xia Liuxia, head of the gold shop, pure gold necklaces, bracelets, rings and other items worth between 2,000 yuan and 3,000 yuan are most popular among young consumers. The stylish and innovative designs is one of the major reasons that has caught their attention. Besides the fashion identity, young Chinese consumers choose gold jewelry also for investment reasons. Customers select gold jewelry at a gold shop in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng) Tang Gang, a 28-year-old young man from southwest China's Guizhou Province, got married to his girlfriend in May 2023. Prior to their wedding ceremony, he followed the traditional Chinese custom and bought his girlfriend a "gold trio set" consisting of a gold ring, bracelet, and necklace, instead of buying a diamond ring. "In recent years, the price of gold continues to grow. A 'gold trio set' generally costs more than 30,000 yuan, but the relatively high price has not hindered consumers' enthusiasm as gold can maintain value over the long term compared to diamonds," said Xia. CHINA CHIC China Chic features fancy designs mixed with elements from the traditional culture. In recent years, the China Chic phenomenon has been warmly embraced by the younger generation. As a result, a growing number of Chinese gold jewelers are joining the trend and designing jewelry products bearing traditional Chinese cultural elements to satisfy young consumers' aesthetics needs. At the gold shop in Jinan, a lock-shaped gold pendant engraved with koi fish and lotus, two auspicious patterns in China, is one of the bestsellers and most popular gold jewelry items on Xiaohongshu, China's leading lifestyle social platform, said Xia. "The lock has an exquisite design and adopts an ancient engraving craftsmanship," said Xia. "But the price is not high. Many young consumers come to look for it." Customers view gold jewelry at a gold shop in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng) The upgrading of ancient Chinese gold craftsmanship such as "gufa gold" and "hard gold" in recent years provides more possibilities for novel designs. "We are actively engaged in exchanges and cooperation with universities, inheritors of intangible cultural heritages, and cultural and art institutions, to better explore the integration of traditional culture with innovation in gold jewelry designs and techniques, bringing vitality to the gold industry," Ding Xiaokang, head of retail business of Shandong Gold Group. In the not-too-distant past, gold symbolized the pass taste of older generations, but now it is a statement of Generation Z identity that represents both personal style and cultural loyalty, said Wang Zhongwu, professor of School of Philosophy and Social Development, Shandong University. SAFE HAVEN Chinese people, particularly the younger generation, are embracing gold, with fewer fluctuations and lower risks, as a safe-haven investment. Data from the Shanghai Gold Exchange show that the price for gold that is 99.99 percent pure or above closed at 479.59 yuan per gram at the end of December 2023, up 16.69 percent from the opening price at the beginning of 2023. At an Agricultural Bank of China branch in Guizhou, a staff member was introducing the bank's gold products to a female customer born in the 1990s. Customers select gold jewelry at a gold shop in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, Jan. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhu Zheng) According to Xiong Xiong, a wealth consultant of the bank, since 2021, the sales volume of gold products in the Guizhou branch has increased significantly, with sales of about 27.5 million yuan in 2022 and about 62.9 million yuan in 2023, more than doubling. In order to cater to the gold consumption trend of young people, at the end of 2023, the bank launched small-gram-weighted gold products, making them accessible even to those with limited budgets. "Judging from the current market performance, the price of gold is relatively stable and may continue to rise. Buying gold now is a better investment channel," said Liu Lianghui, a customer at the gold shop in Jinan. Although he is only 23 years old and has just worked for more than a year, he already has a strong sense of financial management. "There has been a structural shift in the consumption motivation for gold jewelry in recent years," Ding said, adding that the younger generation has a strong concept of investment and financial management and they turn to gold for its value preserving and low risk attributes, which boosts gold's popularity. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Prabowo Subianto (L), accompanied by his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka, delivers a speech at a gathering declaring victory in Indonesia's presidential race in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 14, 2024. Former general and three-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday, calling it a victory for all Indonesians. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) JAKARTA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Former general and three-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday, calling it a victory for all Indonesians. "This is a victory for all Indonesian people. But I want to say that although we win, we should not be arrogant, we must stay humble. And I will embrace all parties," said Subianto at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta, accompanied by his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka. With more than 90 percent of the total ballots counted as of Wednesday evening, Subianto secured around 58 percent of votes while his rivals, Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, obtained 25 percent and 16 percent, respectively, various quick and unofficial counts showed. In his speech, the 72-year-old politician and businessman said he would be the president of all Indonesian people, not only for certain parties. "Whatever the tribes, whatever the ethnic groups, the races, the religions, the social backgrounds, all Indonesian people will be our responsibility to protect," Subianto said. The sitting defense minister of Indonesia said he was grateful for the quick count results, which indicated that he could win in a single round. However, he still encouraged all people to wait and respect the official result from the country's National Election Committee, which will be released in mid-March. The elected president will be inaugurated and start the first day in office on October 20, 2024. Prabowo Subianto (L, center) and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka (R, center) greet supporters at a gathering declaring victory in Indonesia's presidential race in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 14, 2024. Former general and three-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday, calling it a victory for all Indonesians. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) Prabowo Subianto (L) and his running mate Gibran Rakabuming Raka attend a gathering declaring victory in Indonesia's presidential race in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 14, 2024. Former general and three-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday, calling it a victory for all Indonesians. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) Prabowo Subianto (C) celebrates at a gathering declaring his victory in Indonesia's presidential race in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 14, 2024. Former general and three-time presidential candidate Prabowo Subianto declared victory in Indonesia's presidential election on Wednesday, calling it a victory for all Indonesians. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.) The mother of a mentally ill Alvo man shot to death two years ago by a Cass County Sheriff's deputy responding to a 911 call about an assault has filed a lawsuit, calling it excessive force. Andrew Stratton's mother, Wendy Guida, of Oklahoma, is seeking an unspecified money judgment from Cass County, the deputy who shot him, Elliot Schmit, and two others there, Karl Boehm and Mike McKnelly. In the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Omaha, attorney Joseph Howard said on Feb. 13, 2022, Stratton's father, Gregg, called 911 from his mother's home in Greenwood asking for help de-escalating his 34-year-old son, who had hit him during an argument at his home in Alvo. He explained that his son, who lived in the basement, had mental health issues, and he "specifically mentioned that he was concerned that the responding deputies would shoot his son." Howard said the 911 operator assured him that wouldn't happen. He said due to COVID-19, Andrew Stratton recently had been turned away from a mental health appointment, he hadn't been taking his medication and was suffering from a paranoid schizophrenic manic episode that night. Schmit and Boehm responded, talking first to Gregg Stratton in Greenwood, who told them his son was "out of control" and needed help. Stratton also told them his son may have access to a compound bow. When the deputies got to the house, Andrew Stratton didn't answer, so a third deputy, McKnelly, brought his dad to the house so they could get permission to enter the home to arrest his son for misdemeanor assault. Schmit, who had just returned a month earlier from a yearlong military deployment in Jordan, led with his personal M4 rifle, followed by Boehm with a Taser. Howard said when Schmit yelled down to Stratton, Stratton's replies indicated a confused mental state. He told them not to come downstairs, where he was in the basement, that he was the man who killed Osama bin Laden. He said he had a nuke. The attorney said they negotiated with him for only six or seven minutes before going into the dark basement, "weapons ready to fire." Despite knowing the Nebraska State Patrol would arrive soon, they "unilaterally decided to escalate the situation by storming the basement," Howard said. "No one was in danger until the defendant deputies put themselves in the basement," he wrote. At the grand jury, Schmit said Stratton was holding a bow in his left hand and had started to draw back an arrow to fire it toward the deputies when he fired. Schmidt said he believed Stratton was trying to kill him and that he had no choice but to shoot. Schmit hit Stratton seven times. He died at the scene. Howard said the deputies had no training on mental health crisis intervention or, if they did, they ignored it. He said they failed to call trained professionals or de-escalate in any fashion, and failed to use nonlethal means to subdue Stratton. The lawsuit alleges what happened constituted "excessive and deadly force." "Cass County made a deliberate and conscious choice to place a seasoned military warrior, who is trained to kill, into a civilian population without the proper training and without the proper non-lethal weaponry," Howard wrote. Cass County hasn't yet responded to the lawsuit, filed this week. The grand jury that reviewed Stratton's death voted 14-2 not to indict Schmit but did make recommendations to the sheriff's office, including expanding its de-escalation and use of force training, particularly involving people with mental health issues; using "in-county resources," like police dogs or infrared technology to help navigate standoffs; and exploring options to provide the sheriff's office with "more less-than-lethal equipment." 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 A Lancaster County Sheriff's Office deputy jumped into action earlier this month to save a dog from a frozen pond after the dog fell through thin ice and couldn't get out, officials said. On Feb. 4, the Sheriff's Office responded to a residence near the 4300 block of South 98th Street at about 9:15 a.m. on a report that a 1-year-old dog, Bear, had walked over a lightly frozen pond, fell through, and the owners were unable to reach her, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said. Angela Paolini one of the owners attempted to reach Bear, but the pond's ice was giving way, causing her to fall in as well. Paolini pulled herself out but worried Bear would not last much longer in the frigid water. Deputies arrived within seven minutes of the call, Houchin said. "One of the most difficult things for me to watch was Bear in the middle of that pond fighting for her life," Deputy John Brady said. Brady was one of the first deputies to arrive at the scene. Brady remembers hearing Bear's cries for help disappear as she struggled to stay above water. Eventually, a Nebraska State Patrol trooper grabbed a nearby kayak for Brady, who was planning on using it as a way to carry Bear out of the water and as a flotation device for himself. Brady has experience with ice rescues during his time in the military and with the Hickman Fire and Rescue department. "I'm comfortable in that environment," Brady said. "And I knew we were going to do something (to save) her." The Sheriff's Office estimates Bear was in the water for more than half an hour. "I can't believe how long she struggled," Paolini said. Brady tried to make it out as far as possible, crawling before the ice broke, then was forced to swim the rest of the way with the kayak. After reaching Bear, Brady went underwater to get underneath Bear and place her inside the kayak. "I felt all seven feet of the pond," Brady said. Brady pulled the kayak with Bear inside back to shore. The first responders immediately tried to warm Bear up with blankets, but Brady received no blankets after emerging as if forgetting he was in the same chilly waters. "This is how you know we care about animals," Brady said with a smile. Paolini took Bear to a veterinarian and found no issues from her traumatic experience. "From now on, when ice is melting (Bear) will always be on a leash," Paolini said. Top Journal Star photos for February 2024 The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office helped track down a Burchard Volunteer Fire Department pickup Tuesday that was stolen on June 23, Chief Deputy Ben Houchin said. On Monday, the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office contacted the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office about the possibility that the stolen fire department pickup was located at a residence near the 14000 block of south 148th Street, Houchin said. The Lancaster County Sheriff's Office asked the Nebraska State Patrol to fly over the property on Tuesday and locate the pickup, which they did. Deputies and investigators from the Sheriff's Office contacted the property owner, who granted them access to search the premises. They verified the vehicle was the stolen fire department pickup with the vehicle identification number, Houchin said. Shelby Watkins, 25, of Omaha, was arrested by the Pawnee County Sheriff's Office for stealing the fire department pickup. Top Journal Star photos for February 2024 The Lincoln Board of Education approved a new agreement with the local teachers union Tuesday and discussed proposed updates to the student calendar for the 2024-25 school year that reflect the parameters of that agreement. Lincoln Public Schools had to revise the 2024-25 calendar, which was previously approved in spring 2022, after the negotiated agreement with the Lincoln Education Association did away with the current model for so-called Professional Learning Community days. The contract also increased base pay for teachers by about 4.5%, changed leave of absence guidelines and condensed the salary schedule from 40 steps to 25 so staff can reach the top of the pay scale quicker. About 93% of LEA members who voted for the proposal in January were in favor. Since 2007, LPS has used early dismissals each Tuesday for high school students and once a month on Tuesdays for elementary and middle school students to give teachers dedicated time to collaborate. However, with the new agreement, students will no longer have those early dismissal times. Instead, there will be six non-student days scattered throughout the school year for professional learning for staff and PLC time. We work within the parameters of that negotiated agreement for the number of student days, number of teacher contract days, and so we kind of work backwards with those parameters, said Sarah Salem, associate superintendent for teaching and learning. The proposed calendar now reflects these non-student days, which would fall on Sept. 3; Oct. 15; Nov. 5; Jan. 3, 2025; Feb. 18, 2025; and April 21, 2025, if approved. LPS also removed the usual four elementary plan days per the new agreement, which states plan time will be built into the professional learning days. Most of the days have been intentionally placed at the end of preexisting breaks to allow teachers to not only enjoy their time off, but to have ample time to prepare for the upcoming week. The only outlier is the date in November, which purposely aligns with election day because many schools at LPS also act as polling sites, Salem said. The intent would be to enjoy your break, come back, do a little professional learning, make sure your lesson plans are in order and your room is ready to go, she said. So that was intentional. Additionally, fall break would now be a week earlier, moving from Oct. 18 to Oct. 11 to ensure there are at least 42 days in each quarter. Both winter break and spring break would remain the same. Compensatory days, typically used for parent-teacher conferences, would fall on Oct. 14 and March 10, 2025. In total, students will have 175 school days, with a total of 189 contract days for teachers. Students first day of school would still be Aug. 12 and the last day of school would remain May 22, 2025. Board President Lanny Boswell said the proposed changes allow for more consistency for students, teachers and families as each grade level is now on the same schedule. This is a win-win proposal, he said. The board will vote on the proposed calendar updates at its next meeting Feb. 27. Photos: Lincoln Public Schools' 36th annual spelling bee LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 LPS Spelling Bee, 2.10 Early vote request forms went out to 60,000 Lancaster County voters Monday and for the first time those voters will need to return the forms with identification in addition to their signatures. In 2022, Nebraska voters passed a constitutional amendment requiring voters to verify their identities with a photo ID and the Legislature subsequently passed LB514 that set out how to implement the amendment. In Lancaster County, voters who will receive their early vote request forms are those on a permanent early vote request list. They should get the yellow postcard-sized forms in the mail within the next few days, said Lancaster County Election Commissioner Todd Wiltgen. This year, each voter who returns those forms must include ID: a Nebraska drivers license number or state ID number, a photocopy of another valid photo identification or a reasonable impediment certification. Reasonable impediments include religious objections to being photographed; illness or injury; or being unable to get the proper documentation to get a Nebraska driver's license. "Reasonable impediment" forms can be downloaded from the Secretary of State or Lancaster County Election Commissioner websites. Other valid forms of ID include U.S passports, a military ID, tribal ID, hospital, assisted-living or nursing home records and Nebraska college or university IDs. Among items that wont be accepted: Birth certificates, Medicare/Medicaid cards, out-of-state drivers licenses or college IDs, Social Security cards, store membership cards, utility bills or bank statements, or voter registration acknowledgment cards. For more information about Nebraskas new voter ID requirements, go to https://sos.nebraska.gov/elections/voter-id. Completed and signed voter request forms may be mailed or dropped in the drop box on the north side of the election office, 601 N. 46th St., or at one of the new drop boxes at four library branches: Anderson, 3635 Touzalin Ave.; Eiseley, 1530 Superior St; Gere, 2400 S. 56th St.; or Walt, 6701 S. 14th St. A scanned copy or a readable photo of the completed and signed form may also be emailed to the office at: earlyvote@lancaster.ne.gov. Voters who do not receive an early voting application postcard may obtain the request form on the election commissioners website at: www.lancaster.ne.gov/election. Voters also may contact the election commissioners office at 402-441-7311 and the office will mail a request form to them. The first day the election office will mail early vote ballots for the May 14 primary election is April 8. The deadline to submit a request for an early voting ballot for the primary election is May 3 at 6 p.m. The penalty for election falsification is up to two years in prison and 12 months post-release supervision, a fine up to $10,000, or both. Top Journal Star photos for February 2024 Supporters of a proposal to end tenure for faculty of public institutions in Nebraska touted the measure Tuesday as a way to improve educational outcomes, but opponents said it would have the opposite effect. The bill (LB1064) from Sen. Loren Lippincott would eliminate tenure for faculty at the University of Nebraska, Nebraska State College System, as well as the states six community colleges. It also would require those institutions' governing bodies to adopt policies requiring annual performance reviews, standards for discipline, as well as procedures for dismissal. Tenure is a unique quirk of the educational and university systems it needs a tune-up, Lippincott told the Education Committee on Tuesday. Lippincott said eliminating tenure in Nebraska would help colleges and universities get rid of underperforming faculty members while also protecting students rights to think and speak their minds without fear of repercussion. The Central City lawmaker pointed to a 2017 incident in which a small group of faculty at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln protested a recruiting event for a conservative student group that quickly went viral on social media. Ultimately, a graduate student and lecturer who did not have tenure lost her job and UNL was censured for what a national academic organization characterized as administrators caving to political pressure from state senators. Backers of Lippincotts bill said eliminating tenure would allow the university and state colleges to remove faculty they said were hostile to conservative political views or Israel. Caroline Epp told senators prohibiting tenure protections would allow professors to be removed who taught ideas she said were hostile to America and Israel, while William Forbes said tenures continued existence meant conservative voices have been stifled and not allowed to express themselves. But university and college leaders, faculty and others said eliminating tenure would make recruiting and retaining top faculty and students harder, particularly in rural parts of Nebraska. Eliminating tenure would tie both our hands behind our backs at the very time our university is setting high aspirations to compete with the best of the best, NU Interim President Chris Kabourek said. All of the members of the Big Ten Conference, as well as the Association of American Universities, an organization of the top institutions of higher education in the U.S., have tenure, Kabourek said: Nebraska cant afford to become a club of one. State College Chancellor Paul Turman said prohibiting tenure would have an adverse impact on recruiting faculty to rural communities of Peru, Wayne and Chadron. Turman said 40 open faculty positions last year each attracted an average of four applicants each. We compete on a national level for talent as well and thats dependent on our ability to use tenure, he told the committee. Taking away tenure will make it extremely difficult for us. Christopher Exstrom, a professor of chemistry at the University of Nebraska at Kearney who also serves as president of the UNK faculty senate, said tenure signals a long-term investment in faculty, who in turn provide a long-term investment in the institution of their choice. He said those protections extend to a diverse array of faculty. Without tenure, we would really be handicapped, he said. I would not have applied for my faculty position at UNK had it not been tenure track. And John Bender, a former associate dean in UNLs College of Journalism and Mass Communications, who now serves on the Academic Freedom Coalition of Nebraska, said Lippincotts bill outlines annual review requirements that are now done routinely at NU and other institutions. Those reviews have recently led to two tenured faculty members being removed from their positions. The things that are set forth as policies that should be created are already in existence, Bender said. There is accountability in the system. The Education Committee did not take action on Lippincotts bill Tuesday. Photos: Nebraska Legislature gavels in for first day of 2024 session In December, Gov. Jim Pillen rejected Nebraskas participation in a federal summer grocery aid program for low-income families that was expected to feed some 150,000 children across the state, decrying it as welfare. Monday, Pillen reversed that decision, saying at a news conference that he changed his mind, in large measure, after he spoke with a group of high school students on a visit to the Capitol who challenged him on his position. "Never in a gazillion years when I was 16 or 17 or 18 would I have thought of coming and putting forth a need to the governor or coming here to the Capitol," Pillen said at a Monday news conference, later adding that, When you sit down with kids who are living it, you learn life lessons. I learned we have to do better for them. Pillens change of heart also was almost certainly influenced by Omaha Sen. Jen Days introduction of a bill that would have required the state to participate in the program and Sen. Ray Aguilar of Grand Island, who made that measure his priority, essentially guaranteeing legislative action on the measure. That bipartisan, urban and rural support indicated that the bill had a very good chance of passing. But beyond politics, Pillen said, "This isn't about me winning. This is about coming to the conclusion of what is best for our kids in Nebraska." What was best for kids, clearly, was enrollment in the program that will provide $40 a month for groceries during the summer months per eligible child. Pillen joined other Republican governors in late December in refusing to participate in the federal Summer Electronics Benefit Transfer Program, in what appeared to many to be partisan reasons. To his credit, Pillen did listen to Aguilar, the hundreds who protested the decision in hearing testimony, written and in person, and importantly, the students, and changed his mind. Beyond the food benefits, there's an important lesson for the public in the almost two months of controversy over Pillen's original decision: No matter the seeming strength of the opposition, people who make their voices heard can initiate change. For senators, as Day and Aguilar did most publicly, the lesson is to advocate for constituents, particularly those who most need help from the government. And for Pillen, perhaps better research and advice could have prevented the drama altogether. The deadline for program enrollment was Jan. 1. But Pillen said Monday that his administration had contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the states decision to join the program. Those officials, he said, were excited about the decision and the states rollout of additional outreach efforts that will accompany its implementation. That bodes well for Nebraska getting into the program and helping 150,000 kids. The word "welfare" carries baggage in this political climate, but taking care of some of our most vulnerable Nebraskans shouldn't be controversial at all. Health officials in Alaska have identified the first known death linked to a recently discovered virus called Alaskapox. Since its discovery in 2015, seven Alaskapox infections have been reported, according to the state Department of Health. The most recent case was identified in an elderly man who died last month. This is the first case of severe Alaskapox infection resulting in hospitalization and death, the health department said in a release last week. The man had a weakened immune system because of cancer treatment, which probably contributed to the severity of his illness, officials noted. Experts say that the illness is often mild and that infections remain rare in humans, as the virus is primarily found in small mammal populations throughout Alaska. Six of the seven cases have been mild and self-limited, so the patient didnt even need to get any supportive care from a health care provider, said Dr. Joe McLaughlin, state epidemiologist and chief of the Alaska Section of Epidemiology at the Alaska Department of Health. Still, there is a lot that isnt known about the virus, McLaughlin said, including how it spreads from animals to humans and how long it has been around. What is Alaskapox? Alaskapox was discovered only recently, but McLaughlin says the virus is endemic in small mammal populations in Alaska, regularly infecting red-backed voles and shrews as well as other rodents like red squirrels. The virus belongs to the orthopoxvirus genus, which also includes better-known viruses such as smallpox and mpox that often infect mammals and cause skin lesions. McLaughlin notes that Alaskapox is an old world virus, typically found in Africa, Asia and Europe. Its very possible that this virus has been present in Alaska for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, he said. However, more Alaskapox cases coming to light does not mean the virus has become more prevalent in the states small mammal population in recent years. What has changed is clinician awareness and the general publics awareness that Alaskapox virus is something thats a possibility, McLaughlin said. Its possible that cases occurred prior to 2015 and were just subclinical or mildly clinical and just were not diagnosed. A geographically distinct virus Although its unclear how long the virus has been circulating in the state, infections follow contact with animals, according to Dr. Julia Rogers, an epidemiologist with the Epidemic Intelligence Service at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assigned to the Alaska Department of Health. These individuals have acquired it from some kind of contact with an animal, she said. The first case of Alaskapox was discovered in July 2015 in a woman living near Fairbanks in central Alaska, according to the state health department. Since then, five additional cases have been reported in the Fairbanks area. The most recent case which resulted in the first known death from Alaskapox is also the first discovered outside of Fairbanks. It was reported about 500 miles south on the Kenai Peninsula, officials say. This indicates that Alaskapox is more geographically widespread than previously thought. We were able to sequence the virus from this patients case, and it did show that there was a distinction between this case and the clusters of cases that we were able to sequence from Fairbanks, Rogers said. However, she adds that the recent discovery is probably due to geographic distinctions in the virus and is not a result of the virus being carried down from the Fairbanks area. None of the seven people diagnosed with Alaskapox had recently traveled outside the state or the country, and no cases have been identified outside of Alaska, experts say. Possible spread through domestic animals More sampling of the affected animal populations is needed to fully understand how the virus spreads from animals to humans Rogers says, but contact with small mammals and domestic animals that encounter them could play a role. Health officials say the man who died lived in a heavily wooded area and cared for a stray cat that hunted small mammals. The stray cat would come into the house occasionally, and he would play with the cat, and it would frequently scratch him, McLaughlin said. The Alaska Department of Health says scratches from the cat are a possible source of infection in this case. That also follows patterns of evidence for other old-world orthopoxviruses, McLaughlin added. A traumatic event is usually introducing infection from pet to human. Alaskapox symptoms and treatment Apart from the latest case, all the Alaskapox patients have had mild illness that resolved on its own after a few weeks, according to the state Department of Health. Symptoms typically include one or more skin lesions that look at first like a spider bite, McLaughlin says. Swollen lymph nodes, muscle pain and fever can also occur. If theres any kind of series or individual symptoms that follow that kind of case definition and you dont have any other known cause or theres no known illness thats contributing to those symptoms, then you should definitely go see your health care provider, and they can do an additional assessment and some testing, Rogers said. People with weakened immune systems can have more severe symptoms, health officials note. The man who died from Alaskapox had slow wound healing, malnutrition, acute renal failure and respiratory failure. Antiviral and immune-globulin treatments may be prescribed, McLaughlin says. Experts note that although some orthopoxviruses can spread between people through direct contact with skin lesions, there is no evidence that a person with Alaskapox can spread it to someone else. Theres no need for people outside of Alaska be concerned, McLaughlin said. Those within Alaska should just be aware that it is an infection that they can acquire. ___ 7 ways doctors and nurses are using AI 7 ways doctors and nurses are using AI Less time note-taking, more time with patients Health records that talk to your doctor Automating administrative tasks Algorithmic diagnoses Harnessing machine learning and synthetic data to predict and improve care Lowering the cost of drug discovery with generative AI Improving clinical trials RACINE Shoe Carnival has acquired family owned Rogans Shoes, which opened in Racine in 1971, for $45 million, according to a Tuesday announcement. Headquartered in Racine, Rogans Shoes has 28 stores across Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota. The Racine store is at 5415 Washington Ave. Pat Rogan, chief executive officer of Rogans Shoes said, in a press release, that he is excited about the new opportunities for Rogans. We share a strong focus on customers and employees and this transaction provides the additional scale and expertise to drive future growth, create efficiencies and expand profitability with that shared focus as the foundation, he said. With this acquisition, Shoe Carnival will have 429 stores across 36 states and Puerto Rico. The company is headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. In a press release, Shoe Carnivals president and chief executive officer, Mark Worden, said that the companys growth strategy aligns with Rogans Shoes brand. Over the past five decades, the Rogan family has built a brand that is well-known and trusted throughout the state of Wisconsin, he said. As such, they have established a clear market leadership position in Wisconsin for work and family footwear, with a compelling assortment, great customer service and a highly committed team of employees. RACINE Abdullah Rashada, who is accused in a fatal New Years Day 2023 shooting at a local bar, was bound over to stand trial during a preliminary hearing earlier this month. Rashada, 25, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, three counts of endangering safety by reckless use of a firearm and possession of a firearm as an adjudicated delinquent. Rashada was identified as a suspect Jan. 9, 2023, and was taken into custody in August by the U.S. Marshalls Service in Chicago. On Jan. 1, 2023, officers from the Racine Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at Reruns Lounge, 1111 Washington Ave. The bars owner, 66-year-old Avery Stewart, and 56-year-old Billy Petty were pronounced dead at the scene. A witness told investigators that a fight broke out and shots were fired, according to the criminal complaint. Investigator Steve Mueller testified Wednesday that there was a verbal and physical altercation at the bar between Stewart and another person. A video reportedly shows Petty intervening and hitting the man in the face while holding a handgun, according to the complaint. The handgun discharged and a bullet struck Stewart in the chest, according to testimony from Mueller. The video then reportedly shows Rashada near the front door and allegedly shows him firing a handgun at Petty. Petty fell to the floor, and Rashada was pushed out the door or retreated, the complaint said. The video allegedly shows Rashada returing and firing two more shots at Petty, according to the complaint. Mueller said there were more than 50 people in the bar at the time shots were fired. The complaint alleges Rashada left the bar and fled northbound on the sidewalk. During cross examination, Rashadas defense attorney, Grant Henderson, asked where the shots were fired from. Mueller testified that Rashada fired the first shot at Petty inside the bar, was pushed out by a crowd of people trying to leave, then reentered and shot Petty again. Henderson moved to dismiss the reckless endangerment charges because the shots were not fired from outside the bar to where people were. Commissioner Alice Rudebusch denied the motion. She said there was probable cause and bound Rashada over to stand trial. Rashada is scheduled appear in court for an arraignment Feb. 29. Will grocery inflation cool in 2024? Here's what forecasts say Will grocery inflation cool in 2024? Here's what forecasts say Grocery inflation is expected to ease even more in 2024 Inflation is expected to slow across most aisles UNION GROVE Organizers of a recall effort targeting Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos are voicing confidence that they are gathering enough signatures to force a new election. Midway through a 60-day timetable for their petition drive, recall leaders say they are finding support among Republicans and Democrats. The energy is good on both sides, said organizer Matthew Snorek of the Town of Burlington. The group has until March 10 to collect about 6,800 signatures on a petition recalling Vos, who they accuse of opposing election reform efforts sparked by Republican Donald Trumps loss to Democrat Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. Vos, who narrowly defeated a Trump-backed challenger for his legislative seat in a 2022 Republican primary, said the recall is being driven by a small group of voters who refuse to accept that Trump lost to Biden. Vos also said professional grifters from out of state are managing the petition drive. I think the grassroots nature of this operation is suspect at best, he said. People in Racine County are smarter than that. Based in a storefront in a Union Grove strip mall, the recall effort is getting help from Conrad Reynolds, leader of a group called Arkansas Voter Integrity Initiative Inc. He arrived in Wisconsin a week ago and now is director of the petition drive. All Im doing is giving them a little guidance and leadership, Reynolds said. Although they will not say how many signatures have been collected, Reynolds and others said they are confident they will reach 6,800. Oh, yeah, volunteer Rob Schroeder said. We got the numbers. The group aims to remove Vos from his seat in the 63rd Assembly District, which includes much of Mount Pleasant, Sturtevant, Union Grove, Yorkville, Burlington and Rochester. If the recall moves forward, Vos will face a midterm election. No date has been announced, although recall organizers believe the election would take place April 23. Although voters re-elected Vos in November 2022, opposition toward the Republican lawmaker has grown among those dissatisfied with him on many issues, Reynolds said. They feel like they have no voice, he said. Thats why Im here Im going to give them a voice. Recall supporter Aimee Katterhagen, who displayed a Recall Vos yard sign outside her Union Grove home, said she is a Republican who is turning against Vos because of an issue stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. As the operator of a child day care center, Katterhagen received state subsidies to support small business during the pandemic. But Vos and other state officials have since ended those subsidies, putting the future of her business in jeopardy, she said. This is my life, she said. And its coming down to the wire. Vos said he is hearing much support from others in the district, and he is making efforts to counter the recall drive while still tending to his duties in Madison. He reported seeing few yard signs in favor of the recall. I have a long record of supporting conservative causes, he said. And Im proud of my record. Volunteers and paid staff operating out of the recalls Union Grove storefront are circulating petitions, distributing campaign signs and handing out literature door to door. The petition drive is gathering momentum, Snorek said. Im very, very confident, he said. Were going in the right direction. Photos: Wisconsin political yard signs with a little extra attitude Yard signs - 1 Yard signs - 2 Yard signs - 3 Yard signs - 4 Yard signs - 5 Yard signs - 6 Yard signs - 7 Yard signs - 8 Yard signs - 9 Yard signs - 10 Yard signs - 11 Yard signs - 12 Yard signs - 13 Yard signs - 14 Yard signs - 15 Yard signs - 16 Yard signs - 17 Yard signs - 18 Yard signs - 19 Yard signs - 20 Yard signs - 21 Yard signs - 22 First lady Jill Biden will travel to northern Wisconsin on Friday to discuss the Biden administrations education efforts, the White House announced Wednesday. Biden will visit Green Bays Rail Yard Innovation District for a roundtable discussion to spotlight efforts to expand career-connected learning in high school and college, according to a media advisory. The district is a 22-acre redevelopment project in downtown Green Bay. The visit comes weeks after Vice President Kamala Harris made a trip to Waukesha County to discuss abortion rights and President Joe Bidens Jan. 25 visit to Superior to tout the nations economy. The Biden administrations increased attention on Wisconsin underscores the states considerable role in the upcoming presidential election. Currently, former President Donald Trump, who lost his reelection run to Biden in 2020, is the GOP front-runner. A Marquette Law School Poll released last week found both Trump and Biden receiving support from 49% of registered voters, with 2% saying they had not yet decided. The results mark a slight shift from Marquettes November poll, which found Biden holding 50% support among registered Wisconsin voters to Trumps 48%, well within that polls margin of error. Today in history: Feb. 14 1876: Telephone 1912: Arizona 1924: IBM 1967: Aretha Franklin 1984: Stormie Jones 1989: Salman Rushdie 2013: Oscar Pistorius 2017: Pedro Hernandez 2018: Nikolas Cruz 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 JAKARTA, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Despite heavy rain in early Wednesday morning, a private garage-turned polling station in Mustika Jaya regency, Bekasi city of Indonesia's West Java province saw a flood of voters participating the country's presidential and parliamentary elections. Minutes before the voting officially started at 7 a.m. local time, many voters had already lined up, waiting to cast their ballots. To attract more voters, the polling station provided a photobooth for voters to take selfies and a coffee corner offering free coffee, tea and snacks. Adi Ariyanto, the head of committee of the polling station, said that he and his team prepared the photobooth and coffee corner to "facilitate the voters to express their happiness in this electoral celebration." "Election moments like this should be a happy time, not a moment to spread hatred. We may vote for different candidates, but we all should be equally happy," Ariyanto told Xinhua. He said that some who were not registered on his station also came just to take photos. 26-year-old Shofura Nabila was one of the 250 voters registered to vote at that polling station, and among the total of 204 million Indonesian voters across the country's 98 cities and 416 regencies. She expressed enthusiasm in taking part in the electoral event by showing her inked finger, marking that she had voted. "I am really excited because this year's election is special. We have three presidential candidates who will replace the previous leaders. I really encourage all young generations to cast the ballots," Nabila told Xinhua after taking selfies with her two friends at the photo booth. Voters aged between 20 and 35 in Indonesia dominated almost 60 percent of the total registered voters, or around 114 million. In Wednesday's election, voters did not only choose for the next president and vice president, but also the councilors and parliament members in national and local levels. They were required to cast five ballots at one time. For Sukimah, an 84-year-old resident of Tangerang city in Banten province, casting five ballots at one time was not easy, but nothing could stop her enthusiasm. "My vote matters. I hope whoever wins the presidential race can bring Indonesia a more prosperous future," she said as she was helped by an election committee member to cast her vote. Enny Nuraeni, 51, told Xinhua from a polling station in Central Jakarta that she "voted for a change". She hoped the elected leader could bring changes of policies to be more inclusive for the people, particularly for middle and lower-class citizens. For presidential race, Indonesia is witnessing a tight race among frontrunner Prabowo Subianto who currently serves as the defence minister, former Jakarta governor Anies Baswedan and former Central Java governor Ganjar Pranowo. They competed to succeed President Joko Widodo who will leave office in October and cannot run again because he has already been in power for two periods, or 10 years, a maximum length of time a person can be president in Indonesia. Apart from presidential candidates, as many as 9,917 legislative candidates were also contesting for the 580 seats in the national parliament. The voting closed at 1 p.m. local time and the vote counts started right after. The Indonesia's National Election Commission (KPU) is scheduled to announce the official results by March 20 at the latest. Anyone But You (R for language throughout, sexual content, a little nudity) romantic comedy After an awful first date, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) find themselves on a destination wedding in Australia and must pretend to be a couple. Directed by Will Gluck (Easy A, Peter Rabbit). 104 minutes. Cinema 8 Argylle (PG-13 for strong violence, action, cat hair) action thriller Sofia Boutella, Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa star in this tale about an introverted shy novelist who gets drawn into a the activities of a sinister underground syndicate. Directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman: The Secret Service). Also features Joseph Aston Grant as Man in Crowd. 139 minutes. Golden Ticket, Cinema 8 The Beekeepers (R for strong violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexual references) thriller Adam Clay (Jason Statham) takes vengeance on phone scammers, setting fire to gas stations, shooting up their offices and killing everyone who gets in his way to rooting out these dangerous criminals. Also features Emmy Raver-Lampan and Bobby Naderi. 105 minutes. Golden Ticket, Cinema 8 The Boys in the Boat (PG-13 for language and smoking) biography, drama Based on the book by Daniel James Brown, the story follows the 1936 University of Washington rowing team as they train for the summer Olympics in Berlin. Directed by George Clooney and starring Joel Edgerton, Callum Turner and Peter Guinness. 124 minutes. Cinema 8 Lisa Frankenstein (PG-13 for violent content, bloody images, sexual material, language, sexual assault, teen drinking, drug content) comedy Now that Hollywood has run out of ideas, this film follows a misunderstood teen who falls in love with a corpse who remarkably comes back to life. Stars Kathryn Newton and Cole Sprouse. Written by Diablo Cody (Juno). 101 minutes. Golden Ticket, Cinema 8 Madame Web (PG-13 for violence and language.) action, adventure, fantasy Dakota Johnson stars as a young woman who can see the future. That skill comes in handy as it seems that everyone is out to kill her. Also features Cilda Shau as Lady on Train. Directed by S.J. Clarkson (Life on Mars). 117 minutes. Mean Girls (PG-13 for sexual material, strong language and teen drinking) comedy Tina Fey writes and stars in this comedy about teenage life in a high school. Features performances by Angourie Rice, Renee Rapp and AuliI Cravalho. Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. Also features Megan Thee Stallion as Megan Thee Stallion. 112 minutes. Cinema 8 Migration (PG for action/peril and some mild rude humor) animated comedy Kumail Nanjiani, Elizabeth Banks, Danny DeVito, Carol Kane, Steve Blum and Rodger Bumpass lend their voices to this story about a family of ducks who try to convince their overprotective father to go on the vacation of a lifetime. Directed by Benjamin Renner (A Mouses Tale). Golden Ticket, Cinema 882 minutes. Night Swim (PG-13 for terror, some violent content and language) horror Time to drain the pool. A family who recently moved into a new house experiences something terrifying in their pool, a creature that grabs them when they try to clean it the water. Stars Wyatt Russell as Ray Waller and Paige Van Conant as Teen Girl #2. Directed by Bryce McGuire (Baghead). 115 minutes. Cinema 8 Turning Red (PG for thematic material, suggestive content and language) animated adventure Whenever 13-year-old high-achiever Mei Lee gets too stressed or excited about something, she turns into a giant red panda. Written and directed by Domee Shi (Inside Out). Features the voices of Rosalie Chiang, Sandra Oh and Ava Morse. 100 minutes. Cinema 8 With the death toll rising from missile and drone strikes almost two years after Russia invaded, Ukraine is urging Australia to share its world-leading approach to treating burn victims. Doctors say the number of Ukrainians dying from injuries caused by burns during Russias invasion is rising sharply and warn Ukraines medical system is struggling to cope. Representatives from the Lviv-based Christian Medical Association of Ukraine are in Australia urging the government to send specialist medical expertise and supplies. There has been no official government response so far. Australia has expertise with burn injuries. Many techniques were developed after the terrorist bombings on the Indonesian island of Bali in 2002. Two hundred and two people were killed, including many foreign nationals. Rudi Myhovych of the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. he hopes the government will send doctors to Ukraine. We hope to get teams of plastic burns doctor[s] to Ukraine for [the] short term," he said. "We respect your time, and we are trying to be careful and maximize all of the help that is in our hands. But also, we plan to send Ukrainian doctors. They can observe and take the knowledge and better skills. So, because [the] amount of cases is unbelievable. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine has reported that at least 10,000 civilians have been killed and upwards of 18,500 have been injured since Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. Attacks on health care facilities, a lack of medical staff and power shortages have made it harder for victims to receive care during the conflict. Russia has claimed its invasion of Ukraine is a "special military operation" and has insisted it does not target civilians both of which are refuted by Ukraine, the U.N., the United States and NATO. Australia is among the largest non-NATO contributors to Kyivs war effort, supplying missiles and armored personnel carriers. The government also has imposed sanctions on hundreds of Russian politicians, including President Vladimir Putin, military commanders and businesspeople. They are the most sweeping penalties Australia has ever put on another country. Additionally, Canberra has banned imports of Russian oil, petroleum, coal and gas. La Crosse restaurant Lovechild has been recognized nationally for offering one of the top restaurant dining experiences in the country. The downtown establishment was one of 98 restaurants to receive the 2023 Award of Excellence from Distinguished Restaurants of North America, joining some of the most celebrated restaurants in North America. Restaurant and bar co-owners Joan Ferris and Jay Sparks met while working in a DiRoNA awarded restaurant 32 years ago; now they have a DiRoNA of their own. Weve been partners for 30 years and this was our baby our lovechild, Ferris said. We were famously unmarried for 30 years but we kind of ruined all of that and we just got married last May. We surprised everyone and got married in the middle of the restaurant in a pop-up wedding. The restaurant also was recognized as one of the most romantic restaurants in the country and will receive a new addition to its atmosphere an award plaque in the coming weeks. The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants committed to providing top-tier dining experiences and is one of the most prestigious in the restaurant industry, with only three recipients in Wisconsin, and fewer than 1,000 restaurants across North America. Any kind of recognition is really a reflection on the entire squad, Sparks said. Its not a one-man or two-man show, it takes a village. Sparks, head chef and co-owner of Lovechild, is always experimenting with new ways to liven up the restaurants menu, sourcing goods locally when possible and is constantly reading cookbooks to inspire his next creation. I think curiosity is part of his success, Ferris said. Its probably the most important part because you are always curious and always looking for something you dont know. The vision for Lovechild that Ferris and Sparks have executed has not only earned them awards, it has placed La Crosse on the map for fine dining. It is a spectacular gem, said Scott Breard, CEO of DiRoNA. The residents of La Crosse are fortunate to have something so exceptional in a small town. The four pillars that are primarily considered for the award are the dining menu, wine, beverages or cocktails, service and the ambiance, which Breard credits Lovechild with exceeding expectations. It really is top-notch, said Stacy Shapiro, a regular at Lovechild. The ambiance is wonderful, the food is great, the drinks are great, and the people are just wonderful. Ferris and Sparks credit much of the restaurants success to a positive work culture they have curated among their staff. Jay and I love what we do, Ferris said. I think that its somehow contagious with the staff a little bit. If youre working for people who are energetic, and you can tell that they like what they do, that really makes a difference. Albana Thomollari, a waitress and student at UW-La Crosse, praises the impact that Lovechild and its owners have had on her and the community. Ive been only been working here for a year, but I can already tell the difference they have made in my life and other peoples lives, Thomollari said. Ferris affirms that when guests come into Lovechild, they will be treated with warm, welcoming service. I want people to feel comfortable regardless of how theyre dressed or how much money they have to spend, Ferris said. I want everyone to feel valued from the second they walk through the door and when they leave. Inside one of La Crosse's top restaurants awarded for excellence Recently I became aware of information being circulated in the county through social media and emails that questions the safety of the Vernon County landfill. Since I was instrumental in helping site the original landfill, and ran that facility for 18 years, I would like to explain why fears about groundwater protection are not well founded. When I came to Vernon County twenty-five Town and Municipal Dumps were depositing trash into an open hole in the ground to be burned or buried at the end of the day. The historical problems created by this common practice have given all Municipal Solid Waste Landfills a bad name. The Federal Government passed the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act in 1976 to standardize and minimize the risks associated with Municipal Solid Waste Landfills. This act gave the States the authority to impose requirements for Solid Waste Landfills to ensure compliance with Federal 40 CFR part 257 or 40 part 258 federal revised criteria. Wisconsin decided to exceed the Federal landfill requirements for safety, and in 1988 established our current NR 500 landfill Code. This mandated that all non-conforming local dumps had to close, and any new landfills had to meet the new requirements. The Federal compacted clay liner requirement is 24 inches and Wisconsin requires 48 inches. Vernon County, being very environmentally conservative, decided to construct a 60-inch compacted clay liner under the landfill. Clay liners are placed in one-foot lifts and are tested for optimum compaction, moisture content, dry density, and grain size distribution. We also proved that ten feet of natural soil existed between this compacted clay liner and bedrock. Natural soil at the Vernon County landfill site is clay based. Anyone with knowledge of compacted clay soils ability to restrict flow and natural soils to treat contaminates will understand Vernon Countys commitment to protecting the environment. The 60-mil geomembrane placed on top of the clay liner is tested for thickness, tensile properties, density and melt index and for stress cracking. All equipment used to install this membrane is constantly tested and every weld is air pressure tested to ensure integrity. The final test is an electronic leak detection process that can locate all possible leaks. If any pinhole leak is detected it is repaired by welding a large patch over that aera. Again, all welds are tested to make sure no leaks are possible. The Vernon County landfill design exceeds State and Federal subtitle D Code in other aspects. We have an 18-inch, not the required 12-inch, drainage layer above the membrane liner for protection, and allows the leachate water to drain into a pipe and pump system for removal acting as a reverse sewer drain field keeping the bottom relatively dry. The Vernon County design has double the perforated pipes required and the bottom slope of the landfill is steeper than required to capture and remove the leachate water faster and more effectively keeping levels very low in the landfill. The collection pipes must be jetted every year, and video inspected every five years to ensure no obstructions. We are required to measure the depth of leachate on the landfill liner at six different locations monthly and report this to DNR. We installed a double walled 30,000 gallon above ground leachate storage tank to add to the existing storage capacity to help us remove the leachate when we have snow melt or a rain event when trucking cannot keep up. The best policy to prevent landfill problems is to keep the water off the bottom, and not allowing any excess that would put pressure on the liner systems. The Vernon County Clay liner exceeds the Federal requirement by a factor of 2.5 times. With this and all of the other protections I have no reason to think the Vernon County landfill will ever create any environmental problems. With about 35 years of operating history there is no indication from existing subtitle D landfills in Wisconsin that any of these liners are starting to fail. These landfills have redundant systems and protections in place to protect the environment. The Vernon County landfill has 25 monitoring wells that surround the landfill that are sampled for all Public Health and Welfare parameters. This testing is done twice a year with all results reported to WI DNR. Having the safest possible landfill is not the only benefit of having a small local landfill. Everyone is responsible for the waste they create forever. Vernon County funds a landfill Long Term Care and Closure account with cash reserves. Private landfills have the ability to cover these costs with an in-house insurance policy and not tie up any cash reserves. A Private company can change their name and disappear, Vernon County cannot. This is very important to economic development when companies are looking for a location to site their business. A local landfill keeps the monies received for services provided in the local economy. All decisions are made by the local County Board members that you elected and are part of the Vernon County community. It makes a lot more sense to me to use the landfill that we own over sending it to a mega private landfill out of our control that must satisfy their investors need for profits. We have the liability for our waste which in turn gives us the legal ability to direct our waste to any landfill we select. The Vernon County Landfill has operated without the need for tax dollars for over 30 years. If any financial support was needed it was a loan from the general fund that was paid back and currently, we are charging ourselves interest. Waste disposal is a necessary service that Vernon County provides because local governments cannot afford to do it under present landfill standards and costs. It is no different from other services that are being subsidized with tax dollars. If all the municipalities, businesses and citizens would direct their waste to the Vernon County landfill the operation would not only remain self-funded but would have the ability to expand services to further protect our precious environment. Long term savings will far exceed the short-term difficulties. When you see your County Board member dont forget to thank them for voting to support the long-term operation of the Vernon County Landfill. It was not an easy decision, but they did it with the same dedication to our citizens and environment as did the County Board that first agreed to enter the landfill business at the request of the municipalities that were losing their ability to provide this service. Democrat Tom Suozzi won a special election Tuesday in New York for the U.S. House seat that was left vacant when Republican George Santos was expelled from Congress. Suozzi defeated Republican Mazi Pilip to retake a seat he held for three terms before giving it up to run, unsuccessfully, for governor. Its unclear how long his next stint on Capitol Hill will last, as a redistricting process unfolds that could reshape the district. But for now the result narrows the already slim Republican majority in the House. And it provides Democrats a much-needed win in New York Citys Long Island suburbs, where the GOP showed surprising strength in recent elections. Pilip conceded the race and said she congratulated Suozzi in a phone call Tuesday night. Yes we lost, but it doesnt mean we are going to end here," Pilip told supporters at her election watch party. On the campaign trail, Suozzi, a political centrist, leaned into some of the same issues that Republicans have used to bash Democrats, calling for tougher U.S. border policies and a rollback of New York laws that made it tougher for judges to detain criminal suspects awaiting trial. His win will likely reassure Democrats that they can perform well in suburban communities across the nation, which will be critical to the partys efforts to retake control of the U.S. House and reelect President Joe Biden. Still, forecasting for November could be complicated given that turnout, already expected to be low given the abbreviated race, was potentially hampered by a storm that dumped several inches of snow on the district on election day. Both campaigns offered voters free rides to the polls as plows cleared wet slush from the roads. In the short term, the result could be a factor in ultratight votes in the House, where Republicans hold just a 219-212 majority. In an example of how important one seat can be, House Republicans voted Tuesday night to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas by a single vote, punishing the Biden administration over its border policies. The unusual midwinter election became necessary after Santos was ousted by his colleagues in December, partway through his first term. Santos won office in what had been a reliably Democratic district partly by falsely portraying himself as an American success story a son of working class immigrants who made himself into a wealthy Wall Street dealmaker. But many elements of Santos life story were later exposed as fabrications, and he was indicted on multiple charges including allegations he stole money from Republican donors. He has pleaded not guilty. With no time for a primary before the special election, Democrats nominated Suozzi, a political centrist well known to voters in the district. Republican leaders turned to Pilip, a relatively unknown candidate with a unique personal backstory. Born in Ethiopia, Pilip was part of a community of 14,500 Black Orthodox Jews who were airlifted to Israel to escape civil war and famine in 1991. She was 12 at the time. Pilip later served in Israels defense forces, then moved to the U.S. after marrying a Ukrainian-American doctor in 2005. She became a U.S. citizen in 2009 and was elected to Nassau Countys legislature in 2021. The short campaign was dominated by issues abortion, immigration and crime that are expected to shape crucial suburban races nationwide in this years battle for control of Congress. Despite being an international migrant once herself, Pilip hammered Suozzi over an influx of asylum-seekers into New York City, accusing Democrats and Biden of failing to secure the U.S. southern border. In response, Suozzi spent much of the campaign talking about the need to strengthen border policy, pointing out times when he bucked his own party on the issue while in Congress. In the final stretch, Suozzi said he would support a temporary closure of the border to slow the number of arrivals, similar to comments that Biden has made. Suozzi counterattacked Pilip on abortion, saying she couldnt be trusted to protect abortion rights in places like New York where it remains legal. Pilip said she is personally against abortion but wouldnt force her beliefs others and would oppose any attempt by Congress to impose a nationwide ban. She has also said mifepristone, an abortion medication, should be available nationally. Both candidates expressed unwavering support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas, even appearing side-by-side in an unusual joint event intended to convey solidarity. Democrats and Republicans will get a chance to fight over the congressional seat again in Novembers general election, though the battleground may look different. Thats because the states congressional districts are set to be redrawn again in the next few months because of a court order. Democrats, who dominate state government, are widely expected to try to craft more favorable lines for their candidates. New York is expected to play an outsize role in determining control of Congress this year, with competitive races in multiple contests in the suburban and exurban rings around New York City. The 10 Senate seats most likely to flip in 2024 1. West Virginia 2. Montana 3. Ohio 4. Pennsylvania 5. Arizona 6. Nevada 8. Michigan 9. Texas 10. Florida Analysis: Pennsylvania moves up list of contested Senate seats in 2024 7. Wisconsin A Republican-led measure that would eliminate state work permit requirements for 14- and 15-year-olds is heading to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers' desk. The Assembly voted along party lines to pass the bill, which aligns with efforts being made across the country, largely by Republicans, to ease child labor laws and address ongoing workforce shortage challenges. Under current law, 14- and 15-year-olds in Wisconsin need parental permission and a work permit from the state Department of Workforce Development in order to get a job. Senate Bill 436 would eliminate that requirement, but continues to require employers to maintain records of employee's ages and hours worked. More than a dozen states have removed work permit requirements for teenagers. In Wisconsin, the Legislature removed work permit rules for 16- and 17-year-olds in 2017. The proposal has been backed by some labor groups like the National Federation of Independent Business and Wisconsin Independent Businesses, but opposed by others like the League of Women Voters of Wisconsin and union group Wisconsin State AFL-CIO. The measure passed the Senate in October. With Tuesday's vote, the bill now heads to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. Today in history: Feb. 13 1935: Bruno Richard Hauptmann 1965: Lyndon B. Johnson 1980: Winter Olympics 1991: Operation Desert Storm 1996: "Rent" 2000: Charles Schulz 2002: John Walker Lindh 2011: Hosni Mubarak 2013: Pope Benedict XVI 2016: Antonin Scalia 2021: Donald Trump 1935: Bruno Richard Hauptmann 2018: Michael Cohen U.S. President Joe Biden officially has a presence on TikTok. But his reelection campaign is having to defend its decision to put him on the video sharing app. That is because his administration has repeatedly warned of national security concerns linked to TikTok. Biden, a Democrat, first appeared on TikTok in a video published Sunday night. The 30-second video showed him answering a series of questions, mostly about Sundays Super Bowl. U.S. officials have said the decision to put the president on TikTok came from Bidens campaign organization, not the White House. Campaign officials have explained that they see TikTok as a way for Biden, age 81, to connect with younger voters. Last month, a TikTok representative told U.S. lawmakers the app currently had an estimated 170 million active users in the United States. That was up from 150 million a year earlier. Online data company Statista has estimated about 70 percent of American teenagers are users of TikTok. U.S. officials have long warned that TikTok presents national security concerns. The government has accused TikToks owner, Chinese company ByteDance, of sharing user data with Chinas government. Critics have said China could also use TikTok to spread misinformation and that material published on the service can harm the mental health of young users. TikTok denies the accusations. President Biden approved a limited ban on TikTok in December 2022. The ban made it unlawful for most of the federal governments 4 million employees to use the app on devices owned by agencies. On Monday, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said the U.S. governments position and policies concerning TikTok had not changed. There are still national security concerns about the use of TikTok on government devices and theres been no change to our policy not to allow that, Kirby said. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters election rules barred her from commenting on campaign matters. But when asked about worries that TikTok and similar apps can help spread disinformation, she said, "it's a concern that we have." A spokesman for Bidens reelection campaign defended the use of TikTok to help get the presidents message out. Deputy campaign manager Rob Flaherty noted that by Monday afternoon, Bidens TikTok video had been watched more than 5 million times. The video, Flaherty said in a statement, demonstrates the campaigns continuing efforts to reach voters in an evolving, fragmented, and increasingly personalized media environment. Attempts in Congress to restrict TikTok have not resulted in approved legislation. A number of U.S. states and some universities have banned TikTok on state-issued devices. Several lawmakers criticized the Biden campaigns decision. Among them was Republican Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri. He wrote on X that Bidens campaign was bragging about using a Chinese spy app even though Biden signed a law banning it on all federal devices. Republican Senator Joni Ernst also reacted on X, expressing concern that the campaign had decided to put Biden on what she described as a dangerous propaganda app." Republican Representative Darrell Issa said, "Panic is when the Biden campaign joins TikTok after the White House banned the app from devices a year ago." Senator Mark Warner, a Democrat, also expressed his national security concerns about TikTok and criticized the campaigns decision to put Biden on the app. "I think that we still need to find a way to follow India, which has prohibited TikTok," Warner said. He added, "I'm a little worried about a mixed message." Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse. Quiz - Biden Campaign Defends Decision to Put President on TikTok Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _________________________________________ Words in This Story app n. a small computer program that can be put onto a mobile phone or other electronic device allow v. to permit evolve v. to develop or make something develop fragmented adj. broken into parts elderly adj. older people brag v. to talk with much pride about what you have done or what you have panic n. a sudden, strong feeling or worry or fear prohibit v. to officially ban something Sheridan Wisconsin, the East Side printing plant formerly known as Webcrafters, is closing its doors after more than 150 years, eliminating more than 100 jobs. The closure has been prompted by the companys significant downturn in business at the Madison location, parent company CJK Group said in a letter dated Monday to the state Department of Workforce Development and Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conways office. A spokesperson for Sheridan Wisconsin, which manufactures books used in education and to be sold in bookstores, said orders have declined as schools and universities shift to digital and retail book publishers outsource their business overseas. The closing of the plant, at 2211 Fordem Ave., is expected to result in the elimination of 116 jobs 12 salaried and 104 hourly positions the company said, adding that it expects to eliminate positions in phases beginning April 13 and continuing through June 28. Affected jobs, according to the Department of Workforce Development, include customer service staff, various machine operating positions, human resources roles, shipping and receiving roles, truck drivers, information technology workers and some senior positions. The Sheridan Wisconsin spokesperson, who declined to give her name, said the company will help interested employees apply for positions at other Sheridan locations. The company has two other locations in Wisconsin, three in Michigan, and one each in Kentucky, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The Madison plant is a nonunion facility and there are no bumping rights for more senior-level employees to move into jobs at other plants, the letter said. The history behind the plant Launched as the Democrat Printing Co. in 1868, the company was eventually bought by Walter Frautschi in 1924. If you go back to the late 1880s, Madison was at this point of inflection, Greater Madison Chamber President Zach Brandon said. We wanted to double the size of the community. The business community started to lean in (on that mission). Democrat Printing Co. was part of that early involvement. Brandon called Democrat Printing Co. a founder of the modern Chamber. Frautschis sons, John and Jerry, would eventually join the business, which was renamed Webcrafters in 1959. The businesss success would lead the family to a lifetime of philanthropic and civic involvement in the Madison area. In 1998, Jerry Frautschi shocked the arts community by offering to donate $50 million toward a performing arts complex Downtown. What followed was the construction of the Overture Center. Costs mounted, and Frautschi added another $50 million to his donation. By the time the center opened, Frautschi had given a total of $205 million, one of the largest-ever donations to the arts in the world at the time. Frautschi had been inspired by his father, who helped create the Madison Civic Center, the citys home for arts and entertainment from 1980 to 2003 Downtown. More recently, Jerry Frautschi donated $14.3 million to help build a visitor and education center at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve, and pledged $10 million to the Wisconsin Veterans Museum Downtown. In 2012, Webcrafters reduced its payroll, then numbering about 540 employees, by 25%, or 133 jobs. In May 2015, another staffing cut of at least 20% was announced after a reported drop in business from a major customer, for a loss of at least another 80 jobs. Company officials said at the time that changes in technology, with more online content and electronic publishing of books, coupled with lower funding for printed educational materials by state and local governments, had been driving the business losses. The company was bought by CJK Group, of Brainerd, Minnesota, in 2017. Terms were not disclosed. By that point, the company had about 270 employees. The company was renamed Sheridan Wisconsin in 2021. Madison can absorb the loss, officials say The closure means Madison is losing one of its last legacy companies. We saw this with the closure of Oscar Mayer in 2015, Brandon said. You never want to be in that position. But Brandon said the optimistic side is that Madison is robust and thriving. I can say with confidence that Madisons economy can absorb a closure of Sheridan. Its always unfortunate to see a longstanding, well-respected business closing in our community, particularly when it affects so many jobs, Rhodes-Conway said in an email statement. I am hopeful that given the strong local economy and low unemployment rate, the workforce will be able to find employment and the Northside will attract new business opportunities. Officers were alerted to the incident on Feb. 8 and developed probable cause to arrest the teachers in the initial investigation. The two teachers turned themselves in and were released pending court dates, according to City of Beloit spokesperson Sarah Lock. Lock did not specify the nature of the incident. An incarcerated former Madison man pleaded guilty Wednesday to reduced charges in a 2021 drug-related shooting death in Madison. Justin J. Burage, 35, pleaded guilty to attempted armed robbery as a party to the crime and harboring or aiding a felon in the Nov. 17 death of 24-year-old Eric A. Ranson on Madisons East Side. As part of the deal, a charge of being a party to the crime of first-degree intentional homicide was dismissed. Burage faces up to 20 years in prison on the robbery charge and up to 3 years on the abetting charge. He wont be sentenced until after his co-defendant, Chabris E. Link, 34, of Chicago, goes to trial. Link is charged with being a party to the crime of first-degree intentional homicide, and his trial is scheduled for late June. According to the original criminal complaint in Ransons death: Ranson was killed after Burage, a friend, persuaded Ranson to come out of the unit in a duplex Ranson rented in the 3500 block of Home Avenue just after midnight to sell Burage $40 worth of marijuana. When he did, gunfire erupted between Ranson and two or three other people. Burage initially told investigators that he bought the marijuana and he and Ranson had a short conversation, and as Burage started to drive away, he heard gunshots. Surveillance video from the scene, however, showed Ranson leave his home with a handgun and approach an SUV on the street before two people in front of the home who appeared to have been waiting for him opened fire, according to the complaint. Ranson fired back as he fell backward and a person can be seen firing at Ranson from the right. Ranson was found by police just inside his front door with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead about a half hour later at a hospital. Investigators found money, damage to the homes porch, a black Smith & Wesson M&P40 handgun, and multiple 9mm and .40-caliber shell casings at the scene. Receipts found in Links BMW SUV, cellphone data and surveillance video place him in Madison on Nov. 16 and 17, 2021, according to the complaint. He was treated for a gunshot wound to his leg at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois, on Nov. 17, when he identified himself to police as his brother and falsely claimed hed been shot while on the interstate. He was arrested Jan. 27 in an abandoned residence in Chicago where a 9mm handgun was found, the complaint says. Burage was arrested April 12, 2022, on Madisons East Side, Madison police said, and Link was formally arrested in Ransons killing the day before that. Police did not immediately respond to an email asking if they are still searching for suspects in the case, which appears to remain open, as Dane County District Attorney Ismael Ozanne, when asked the same question, said he was ethically bound to not speak about open investigations and/or open prosecutions. Ranson had felony convictions in Dane County for theft and possession of THC in 2021. Burage had five other open felony cases in Wisconsin when he was charged in Ransons death. All have since been resolved, according to online court records, and he has been in prison since May 2023. Two Dane County men were charged in federal court Tuesday with trying to deal more than 400 grams of fentanyl they allegedly flew into the Middleton Municipal Airport on a private plane. Corvalis M. Stewart, 36, of Madison, and Larry D. Williamson Jr., 35, of Waunakee, were arrested at the airport shortly after arriving from Arizona in a rented single-engine Cessna on Feb. 8, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. In all, authorities said, the two men were found with about 46.4 pounds of M30 fentanyl pills and about 17.5 pounds of a methamphetamine and fentanyl mixture. According to the criminal complaint in the case: Law enforcement had received a tip two days before from someone who interacted with Stewart and Williamson at an airport in Arizona and described them as behaving suspiciously. The tipster provided the U.S. Department of Homeland Security with their airplanes tail number, and law enforcement was able to determine the plane was headed to Middleton on Feb. 8. Before the plane arrived, officers canvassed the airport parking lot and found a pickup truck that was registered to Williamson. A Jeep registered to Stewart was parked directly next to Williamsons truck, and a Middleton Police Officer K-9 smelled drugs around the Jeep. The Cessna arrived at approximately 10:56 p.m. Stewart and Williamson got out and Stewart put bags into the back of his Jeep. The two were then arrested, the K-9 smelled drugs again, the Jeep was searched and officers found five bundles wrapped with black electrical tape, each containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl. Law enforcement also located a duffel bag with zip lock bags full of blue pills that field-tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. The two face at least 10 years in prison and as much as a life sentence if convicted. Madison School Board President Nichelle Nichols revealed more details about the process of hiring a new superintendent Tuesday, including why only two of eight panel interviews were made public and who interviewed the three finalists for the position. Finalists Yvonne Stokes, Mohammed Choudhury and Joe Gothard were interviewed by a series of panelists Feb. 6 and 7. The public could submit feedback online through last Friday. Nichols held a press conference about the superintendent search on Tuesday and later answered additional questions from the Wisconsin State Journal. Even though we livestreamed our student interview panel and we livestreamed the parent caregiver panel, we know that not everybody watched those livestreams, she said. Even if you were not able to be part of the process earlier, we want to come back and really reflect on the integrity of this process and try to close the loop on anything that might have been misunderstood or not known. All about the 3 people vying to be the next superintendent of the Madison School District In-person interviews with Yvonne Stokes, Mohammed Choudhury and Joe Gothard on Tuesday will be livestreamed and open to the public. The district also welcomes public feedback. Who participated in the non-public panels? In addition to students and parents, other interview panels met privately with the three finalists. Nichols told the Wisconsin State Journal these panels consisted of staff, building leaders, district leaders and community members. The school board also interviewed the finalists. On Wednesday, the candidates met with community partners, which included Madison Teachers Inc., the Madison Chamber of Commerce, UW Madison, Centro Hispano, the Urban League, the African American Council of Churches, the Jewish Federation, the NAACP, UW Health and the city of Madison. Why werent more interviews open to the public? The three finalists were interviewed for more than nine hours last week Tuesday and Wednesday by panels of students, parents, district administrators and teachers. Almost 100 people participated in the interview panels, according to Monica Santana Rosen, CEO of Alma Advisory Group, the consulting firm assisting with the search. Rosen spoke during Nichols press conference. However, only two of those panels, one with students and one with parents, were available to watch via livestream. Members of the public and the media could not attend in person. Nichols told the State Journal the board wanted to match the interview process from previous superintendent searches and maintain the parts of our interviews we historically have made more public and then which were more internal anyway. When you add a more public component to interviewing, I think generally it can add as a potential distraction from the interview itself. Nichols said that in the past candidates have met with students in individual school buildings and participated in community presentations with the public. During prior searches, candidates have met privately with district staff and teachers, Nichols said. The student panel and that evening parent, caregiver panel were kind of the elements from previous searches that were made usually more accessible, she said. Even when finalists in the past previous searches were interviewing with other groups during the day, they werent public. All three finalists either declined the Wisconsin State Journals interview requests prior to the panel interviews or did not respond to requests. Nichols said in a message to the State Journal the finalists could decide whether to talk with local media but all decided to route interview requests back to the school district. How much weight does the School Board give finalists background? Two of three finalists left their former positions suddenly last year. Stokes resigned from the Hamilton Southeastern School District in Indiana in September amid rising tension with the School Board. Choudhury resigned from his role as state superintendent in Maryland in October. Employees there raised concerns about Choudhurys working style, saying he berated and micromanaged his team. Rosen said while the board will take those experiences into account, the board is looking at the entirety of the candidates careers. She said Alma spoke with personal and professional references for each candidate and with members of the communities they came from. Its understandable for anyone to be concerned about a candidate based on recent and negative media, Rosen said Tuesday. In assessing any candidate, its our responsibility to take the totality of a persons career and to seriously understand the basis of successes as well as any criticism that may have arisen. Whats next? Nichols said the school board is on track to announce the districts new superintendent in late February or early March. The board scheduled a Tuesday night closed session meeting to deliberate on the three finalists. We have a lot of feedback to go through from each of the interview panels, Nichols said. We also have been receiving lots of emails, watching letters to the editor and all of the information thats coming in, and so we will definitely be deliberating tonight but cant say for sure that we will vote. The Republican-controlled Legislature approved Democratic Gov. Tony Evers proposed legislative maps on Tuesday in a bid to select the states new boundaries before the Wisconsin Supreme Court does. The maps, which the governor proposed to the high court after it declared the current, Republican-drawn maps unconstitutional, will now head to Evers, who has said hell sign them into law. Legislative approval of the maps marks a dramatic political shift in Wisconsin where, for over a decade, Republicans benefitted from maps that experts say give the GOP a baked-in electoral advantage. Those maps, which determine which legislative district each voter gets to participate in, have helped hand Republicans a 22-10 supermajority in the Senate and a 64-35 majority in the Assembly. While Evers maps could shrink and even reverse those majorities, GOP lawmakers have found the governors maps to be more favorable for them than three other Democratic alternatives before the liberal-controlled Wisconsin Supreme Court. The Legislature faces two choices, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, said ahead of the vote. Either pass the governors maps as is or let the liberal majority of the Wisconsin Supreme Court gerrymander the status quo. Others put it in starker terms. It was a matter of choosing to be stabbed, shot, poisoned or led to the guillotine, said Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine. We chose to be stabbed, so we can live to fight another day. The proposal passed the Senate 18-14 and the Assembly 63-33. Every Democrat except Sen. Bob Wirch, D-Somers, and Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez, D-Milwaukee, voted against the proposal along with several Republicans. The approved boundaries, an amended version of Senate Bill 488, is identical in all respects to the maps Evers proposed to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, according to the Legislative Reference Bureau. The bill that was amended originally called for the Legislative Reference Bureau to redraw the states maps using nonpartisan principles. That broad policy change, which had been stuck in the Senate since October, was thrown out entirely in favor of simply adopting Evers maps. The lawsuits stop The amendment was introduced on the Senate floor Tuesday without a public hearing or committee vote. Senate Minority Leader Dianne Hesselbein, D-Middleton, said that was not how the government is supposed to work. Although it largely gave them what they wanted, Democrats said the measure was a Republican ruse to bypass the Wisconsin Supreme Court and ultimately give Republicans a new set of maps they could appeal in federal court. Republicans said that wasnt true. Once we pass the maps, more or less, the lawsuits stop, Vos said. Theres no need for us to try to do an appeal to the (U.S. Supreme Court) because the Legislature has adopted a map. Its been signed by the governor. I think a lot of the things that we have for the potential to go to the U.S. Supreme Court and win on no longer are viable, Vos added. Which is why, if the governor signs the map, I am supremely confident that that is the map that we will run on in November. Whether I like it or not, thats what were going to deal with. As part of the new boundaries, Evers maps would require incumbent lawmakers in 15 Assembly districts and six Senate districts to run against one another, the Legislative Reference Bureau memo states. Republican incumbents would be paired in 15 districts, according to the reference bureau. There are Democratic pairings in just two districts, and four of the new districts would include both Republican and Democratic incumbents. Democrats also criticized a provision in the amended bill that would keep the maps from being enacted for special and recall elections until the 2024 general election. Sen. Mark Spreitzer, D-Beloit, questioned whether the provision was designed to protect Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, whos facing a recall effort. Deadline approaches Tuesdays vote came as the high court nears its deadline to choose new maps after declaring the current Republican-drawn maps unconstitutional in December. Wisconsin elections officials have said any new maps need to be in place by mid-March. When the court struck down the current maps, the four liberal justices comprising the majority said they would select new ones unless the Legislature did so first. If Evers signs the proposal into law, one of the parties involved in the court case could ask the court to dismiss the case as moot, UW-Madison Law School associate professor Robert Yablon said. The court called for new legislative maps that include contiguous districts that are equally populated; bounded by county, precinct, ward or town lines; are as compact as possible; comply with federal law, including the Voting Rights Act; preserve communities of interest; and reduce municipal splits. Additionally, the court called for maps that dont favor one party over another. That amounted to a major victory for Democrats, because experts say the current GOP maps were drawn to benefit Republicans. Two Republican groups and four parties supported by Democrats have submitted map proposals to the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Two weeks ago two court-hired redistricting consultants appeared to rule out the GOP-aligned maps, calling them partisan gerrymanders. They said Evers maps would maintain a slight Republican bias but would likely give legislative majorities to the party that wins the most statewide votes. This isnt the first time Republicans tried to pass maps through the Legislature to make the court case moot. Republican legislators in January passed a map proposal similar to the governors but modified it to reduce the number of Republican incumbents who would have to run against one another. Evers vetoed the proposal because he said Republicans were gerrymandering to save incumbents. State Journal reporter Mitchell Schmidt contributed to this report. Because of his age and his determination to run for a second term, President Joe Biden is taking the American public into uncharted waters. He is the oldest person ever to serve as president, is the oldest ever to run for reelection and, if he is successful, would be 86 at the end of his tenure. Ronald Reagan, by comparison, was an unprecedented 77 when he ended his second term in 1989. A remarkably broad swath of the American public both Bidens supporters and his detractors have expressed increasing doubts about his ability to serve for another five years because of his age. As Nate Cohn, The Timess chief political analyst, noted, In Times/Siena polling last fall, more than 70 percent of battleground state voters agreed with the statement that Bidens just too old to be an effective president. But the release of the special counsel Robert K. Hurs report and Hurs assessment that the president presents himself as a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory will invariably test the trust that the American people have in their president. Bidens performance at his news conference was intended to assure the public that his memory is fine and argue that Hur was out of line; instead, the president raised more questions about his cognitive sharpness and temperament, as he delivered emotional and snappish retorts in a moment when people were looking for steady responses to fair questions. His assurances, in other words, didnt work. He must do better the stakes in this presidential election are too high for Biden to hope that he can skate through a campaign with the help of teleprompters and aides and somehow defeat as manifestly unfit an opponent as Donald Trump. Bidens allies are already going to the usual Washington playbook of dismissing the special counsels report as partisan. Regardless of Hurs motivation, the details that he presented spoke to worries voters already had. The president has to reassure and build confidence with the public by doing things that he has so far been unwilling to do convincingly. He needs to be out campaigning with voters far more in unrehearsed interactions. He could undertake more town hall meetings in communities and on national television. He should hold regular news conferences to demonstrate his command of and direction for leading the country. As it stands, he has had less substantive, unscripted interaction with the public and the press than any other president in recent memory. As Michael Shear of The Times reported last year, In the 100 years since Calvin Coolidge took office, only Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan held as few news conferences each year as the current occupant of the Oval Office. As of late January, he had also given fewer interviews than the last six presidents: only 86. Trump gave 300, and Barack Obama gave 422. For the second year in a row, Biden has even refused to do an interview before the Super Bowl, a practice that allowed presidents to speak to Americans informally before the countrys largest sporting event of the year, unpersuasively citing a desire to give the public a break from politics. This is part of a concerted, modern White House strategy to reach Americans through online influencers or tightly produced videos, rather than public encounters that might challenge him. But the combination of Bidens age and his absence from the public stage has eroded the publics confidence. He looks as if he is hiding, or worse, being hidden. The details in Hurs report will only heighten those concerns, which Trumps campaign is already exploiting. This is a dark moment for Bidens presidency, when many voters are relying on him to provide the country with a compelling alternative to the unique danger of Trump. On the most important questions of integrity, record of accomplishment and the character required to be fit for the presidency there is no comparison between them. In the most challenging moments of his presidency, in supporting our allies and in steering the U.S. economy away from recession, Biden has been a wise and steady presence. He needs to do more to show the public that he is fully capable of holding office until age 86. The Idaho Senate is considering a new bill that would prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions and offices in higher education, it announced Tuesday. Sponsored by the Education Committee, the new legislation would establish the Higher Education Fairness Act and protects the Constitutional right to equal protection under the law in Idahos institutions for higher education, according to its statement of purpose. Moreover, the law would create Chapter 68, Title 33 code, preventing institutions from using political loyalty tests when hiring new employees and for college admission. It also prohibits mandatory diversity training for students, faculty and staff. The bills consideration arrives after a similar law passed in Florida in April 2023. In addition to prohibiting funds for DEI programs, the Florida law also banned general education curriculums that included identity politics and critical race theory, a concept created in the 1970s and 80s following the events of the Civil Rights Movement. The Texas Senate also passed SB 17 in April 2023, which banned DEI offices, positions and training within state-funded institutions. The Texas bill went into effect Jan. 1. Supporters of both the Florida and Texas bills called DEI practices and initiatives discriminatory. This story is developing and will be updated when more information is released. - Advertisement - This Cancer Awareness month, a cervical cancer survivor is reaching out to the President. On behalf of the thousand Filipinas who fell victim of cervical cancer, Reggie Mutia Lambo Drilon, President of the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) Cancer Survivors Organization wrote President Marcos an open letter to bring into his attention the dire condition of the Filipinas battling this disease. Dinggin nyo po sana ang aming hinaing, bigyan po sana ninyong importansya ang sakit na cancer upang maiwasang dumamipa ang kababaihan na magkaroon nito o kayay lumala pa ang karamdaman (Please hear our plea, and give importance to cancer so that we prevent more women from contracting the disease, or from experiencing worsened symptoms and progressively deteriorating health due to the disease), said Drilon. About 11 Filipino women die daily from cervical cancer, which is the second most frequent cancer and third leading cause of cancer-related death among women between 15 and 44 years old. Drilon also lost her own sister to cervical cancer. She expressed regret for learning too late that some types of cancer can be prevented, and that there is a vaccine that would have kept them both safe from cervical cancer. Pagbabakuna ng mas marami pa, malawak na screening para sa mga kababaihan, at sapat na suporta sa mga hindi naiwasanang kanser at kasalukuyang nakikipaglaban sa sakit na ito ang aming idinudulog sa inyo (Vaccination for many more [women and girls], expanded screening, and sufficient support for the patients who contracted cancer and are currently struggling to manage the disease, these are what we petition from you), she implored the President in an open letter published on their organizations Facebook page. Further in the letter, Drilon spoke of her hope that the President will recognize the physical, emotional, and financial burden of cancer and find the means to help the many Filipinas who are already afflicted, as well as those who will still be afflicted, by the disease. She looked back on her own experience, describing a decade-long pain-filled fight that rendered her unable to work and mired in debta common plight for many cancer patients. She spoke of how cancer impacts the lives of not just female cancer patients like her, but also the extended networks that provide what little support they can, only to feel helpless when the person they cherishmother, wife, sister, friendstruggles to recover her health or worse, loses her life. Isa lang po ako sa maraming umaasa sa benepisyo ng National Integrated Cancer Control Act ng Pilipinas. Umaasa po kami na magkakaroon ng Bagong Pilipinas para sa amin, at para sa iba pang pasyente ng cancer na nangangailangan pa. (I am just one of many who are counting on the benefits under the National Integrated Cancer Control Act of the Philippines. We hope there will be a New Philippines for us, and for the cancer patients who still need assistance) said Drilon. Drilons petition is aligned with the global initiative for cervical cancer elimination devised by the World Health Organization, where 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated with HPV vaccine by 15 years of age by 2030; 70% of women are screened with a high-performance test by 35 years of age and again by 45 years of age; and 90% of women identified with cervical disease receive treatment (90% of women with precancer treated, and 90% of women with invasive cancer managed). After a slow start during the pandemic, the Philippines needs to accelerate its efforts to meet these targets. This Cancer Awareness Month, Drilon is raising awareness of the challenges experienced by cervical cancer patients, but also of the very real possibility that more women and girls will be saved through effective preventive measures such as expanded coverage for vaccination and screening, as well as quality and affordable cancer care, under a well-funded government initiative. You can read the full letter here: Read the complete letter on: https://bitly.ws/3d5Xn. - Advertisement - Palestinian Territories Israel faced growing international pressure Tuesday to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas, as it prepared for an incursion into the crowded southern Gaza city of Rafah where more than a million Palestinians are trapped. CIA director William Burns met Mossad chief David Barnea in Cairo for talks on a Qatari-brokered plan to temporarily halt fighting in exchange for Hamas freeing hostages. The negotiations, which also involved Qatars prime minister and Egyptian officials, were positive and would continue for three more days, said Egypts Al-Qahera News, citing a senior Egyptian official. A day after Israeli forces rescued two hostages from Gaza, the families of the remaining captives made an emotional plea to Barnea and the Israeli delegation ahead of the Cairo talks: Do not return until everyone comes home the living and the dead. The Israeli campaign group, Hostages and Missing Families Forum, has urged the government to exhaust every option to return some 130 hostages still believed to be in Gaza. Israel says 29 of them are presumed dead. - Advertisement - The group called it a once-in-a-lifetime mission and said they must not return without a deal. Militants took about 250 people hostage in an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. At least 28,473 people, mostly women and children, have been killed in Israels relentless bombardment and ground offensive in Hamas-run Gaza since then, according to the health ministry in the Palestinian territory. The Cairo meeting came after the United States and United Nations warned Israel against a ground offensive into Rafah without a plan to protect civilians, who say they have nowhere left to go. With Rafah on edge, some residents began dismantling makeshift tents and prepared to move on again. We are sleeping in the street, (the tent) doesnt have a roof, its made of nylon if it gets hit by a missile, you will die instantly, said Gazan Fayez Abed. After White House talks with Jordans King Abdullah II on Monday, US President Joe Biden said civilians in Rafah need to be protected, calling them exposed and vulnerable. King Abdullah pushed for a lasting ceasefire, warning that an Israeli attack on Rafah would produce another humanitarian catastrophe. We want to be ready After rejecting Hamass terms for a truce last week, Israel conducted a pre-dawn raid in Rafah on Monday that freed two hostages Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Luis Har, 70 and killed around 100 people. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the operation as perfect, while the Palestinian foreign ministry called the deaths of dozens of Gazans a massacre. The rare rescue mission came hours after Netanyahu spoke with Biden, who reiterated his opposition to a major assault on Rafah. But Netanyahu said complete victory cannot be achieved without eliminating Hamass last battalions there. The United States has angered some Middle East allies by repeatedly refusing to back a full ceasefire, with Washington saying it supports Israels drive to eradicate Hamas and calling for shorter pauses with hostage-prisoner swaps instead. A Hamas official told AFP they were waiting for the outcome of the Cairo meeting but were open to discussing any initiative that achieves an end to aggression and war. More than half of Gazas 2.4 million people have sought refuge in Rafah, pressed up against the Egypt border in makeshift camps where they face outbreaks of hepatitis and diarrhoea and a scarcity of food and water. AFP saw some families, already displaced several times, dismantling their tents and leaving in cars, vans or using horse-drawn carts. No safe place Netanyahu has said Israel would provide safe passage to civilians trying to leave, but foreign governments, Gazans and aid groups have questioned where they could go. There is no place that is currently safe in Gaza, said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric. A report in the Wall Street Journal said Israel was proposing to create 15 campsites of around 25,000 tents each in southwestern Gaza as part of an evacuation plan. It cited Egyptian officials saying the camps and field hospitals would be installed and administered by Egypt, although there has been no confirmation. UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths warned Israels planned military push into Rafah could lead to slaughter. As smoke was seen rising over Rafah, Al Jazeera said two of its journalists were severely wounded in an Israeli strike there. Two other journalists with the broadcaster have been killed in the war, and its Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh was wounded. Israels military said Tuesday three more soldiers had been killed in Gaza, taking its losses to 232 since ground operations began on October 27. It also said its forces had killed more than 30 terrorists in Khan Yunis southern Gazas largest city that has seen heavy fighting in recent weeks. On a visit to the Gaza border, army chief Herzi Halevi said Israels military was preparing for the fighting to continue for a long time. If we do not continue to strike Hamas with determination, it will be difficult to bring back the hostages, he said. Israels military released a video Tuesday it said was from a security camera and showed Gazas Hamas chief and family members in a tunnel on October 10. The footage shows leader of Hamas and mass murderer, Yahya Sinwar, fleeing with his children and one of his wives, army spokesman Daniel Hagari said. AFP was unable to independently verify the footage. The wars impact has been felt widely, with violence involving Iran-backed allies of Hamas surging across the Middle East. Lebanons Hezbollah has traded near-daily fire with Israel since the war began. On Tuesday the head of the Iran-backed movement, Hassan Nasrallah, said the cross-border fire would stop only when the attack on Gaza stops. - Advertisement - An international think tank and research organization is airing its support to the latest development supporting green initiatives in Congress, as a bill campaigning for the inclusion of e-motorcycles in the list of Electric Vehicles (EVs) benefitting from tax breaks has been filed. In a statement, Stratbase ADR Institute President Prof. Dindo Manhit said that they support the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means Chairman, Rep. Joey Salcedas House Bill 9573, which seeks to revise Executive Order No.12 series of 2022 to also let two-wheeled EVs benefit from tax breaks. Under EO12, only kick scooters, self-balancing cycles, bicycles, and pocket motorcycles with auxiliary motors not exceeding 250w and with a maximum speed of 25 km/hour have 0% import duties. On the other hand, electric motorcycles are still subject to a 30% tariff rate. Two-wheeled electric vehicles are most affordable, being only 3% the price of an electric car. Given this, more and more Filipinos, given the worsening traffic situation and the soaring prices of fuel, could now consider buying their own two-wheeled electric vehicles that are environmentally sustainable, having zero emissions, Stratbase ADR Institute President Prof. Dindo Manhit said. The present situation looks patently discriminatory and anti-poor to limit the incentives for electric vehicles to those who could afford to buy the four-wheel variety. This limited view also does nothing to stop and in fact worsens the traffic congestion in the city, he added. - Advertisement - Manhit also said that giving e-motorcycles the same tax breaks as other types of EVs will give way for the faster adoption of green traffic traffic and help Filipinos combat rising fuel costs. According to Manhit, 60% of all EVs in the country are two-wheeled and have not been benefiting from tax breaks under EO12. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Chief Arsenio Balisacan said that motorcycles possible inclusion in the tax break will take center stage in the deliberations starting February 2024, one year since EO12 took effect. Commitment to the environment The enactment of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) is one of the governments ways to help with the decarbonization of the Philippines by creating an industry for EV adoption in the country. This is complemented by EO12, which paved a six-fold increase in sales of EVs in the first quarter of 2023. The Statista Research Department said that the Philippines emitted 31.54 million tons of carbon dioxide in 2021 from the transportation sector, prompting the government to create ways to comply with the Paris Agreement and cut down on emissions. Motorcycles hold the majority of the number of motorists in the country, recording more than 7.81 million registered motorcycles in 2022, based on a study by Statista. E-motorcycles inclusion in the tax breaks would not only help ease traffic, be more economical, and reduce the reliance on fossil fuel, but will also help Filipinos choose to do the environmentally right thing while addressing their transportation and mobility needs, Manhit said. The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) estimates that registered EVs in the Philippines can reach 6.6 million by 2030. - Advertisement - The Philippines has the most foreign equity ownership restrictions in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, former Finance secretary Gary Teves said Wednesday. Teves made the statement at a roundtable forum on the impact of regulatory barriers on foreign direct investments, as changes to the economic provisions of the Constitution are being discussed by the Senate. The forum was organized by the House of Representatives Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD), led by Deputy Secretary General Dr. Romulo Emmanuel Miral Jr., and moderated by Markina City Rep. Stella Quimbo, senior vice chairperson of the House committee on ways and means. We are the most restrictive in ASEAN and Vietnam, which has made substantial liberalization, is the least restrictive. We are No. 3 globally, Teves told the forum. He said there are constitutional restrictions in many areas of the economy, including agriculture, mining, construction, transport, media, and telecommunications. - Advertisement - Teves said he and the Foundation for Economic Freedom, which he represented in the discussions, support the move in Congress to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution. Remove those from the Constitution. We are the only country in ASEAN and perhaps in the entire world with those restrictions in the Constitution, he said. He added that if the power to regulate investment inflow belonged to Congress, the legislature could easily change the limitations. However, the former finance secretary pointed out that dismantling such barriers is necessary but not a sufficient condition for the country to attract more foreign investments. There are other restrictions that are not in the Constitution that hinder the flow of capital, like issues related to ease of doing business, red tape, corruption, infrastructure, logistics, and cost of electricity, he stressed. Teves informed lawmakers that one serious constraint in investment is local government interference and regulation. He said businessmen and investors did not expect to encounter such a problem in local governance. For his part, UP economics professor and National Scientist Raul Fabella shared Teves assessment of the investment climate in the country. Fabella said the Philippines has an anti-investment ecology and has been lagging in attracting foreign capital for more than four decades. The task before this generation and this administration is to reverse this decadal march to the bottom in the investment ladder, he said. He added that the recent law reducing corporate income tax has failed to entice foreign investors and benefitted only the shareholders of corporations that used the tax bonanza for dividends. Like Teves, Fabella pointed out that factors other than constitutional restrictions, including those related to the high cost of electricity, bureaucratic inefficiency and corruption, rule of law, and infrastructure, affect investments. Some 172 signatures are required for certain projects, he said. He cited the controversial construction of Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport during the Ramos administration as an example of the cost of foreign ownership limitation. The project drew interest from foreign investments, among them Germanys airport operator Fraport. But the restriction on foreign ownership means that foreign interest cannot wholly own and run the facility. It (Fraport) needed a local partner to pose as majority owner (some say dummy). It found one, but the partner was embroiled in corruption cases leading to lawsuits that caused the completed Terminal 3 to be mothballed for a decade since delivery in 2002, Fabella said. He noted that in 2016, the Supreme Court, confirming an arbitral ruling, ordered the government to pay Piatco, Fraports local partner, P25 billion. Had the ownership restriction not been there, Terminal 3 would have been running and earning since 2002 and the P25-billion indemnity would have been avoided. P25 billion was the cost of the foreign ownership restriction in just this one case, Fabella said. The government eventually took over Terminal 3, which started to operate at full capacity in August 2014. Other guest panelists at the House roundtable forum were Philippine Statistics Authority Undersecretary Dennis Mapa, UP economics professor Toby Melissa Monsod, and Philippine Institute of Development Studies senior research fellow Francis Mark Quimba. Rutcher Lacaza of the House planning, budget and research department presented a paper on investment barriers and their impact on foreign direct investments. - Advertisement - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday said the government is working on the registration of about half a million stateless Filipinos in Sabah. DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega stressed it is now the Philippine Embassy in Malaysias undergoing project, which will take years to complete due to the lack of a government office in the area still disputed by both countries. De Vega noted that there are about 770,000 Filipinos in Sabah, including 550,000 who remain undocumented. It is not lack of interest [that they are not documented], but more often than not, lack of identification documents which deter them from birth registration, de Vega said. De Vega shared that once the undocumented individuals become Filipinos, they will be provided with services available to Filipino citizens, including assisting them in case of local legal issues. - Advertisement - Currently, services being provided to undocumented individuals are coming from the government of Malaysia. Meanwhile, they have no rights to education because Malaysian laws state that non-citizens or those without permanent residency cannot access education there. The Philippines and Malaysia have competing claims over Sabah, which is located south of Philippines Mindanao region and north of Malaysias Borneo island. Asserting that it is the successor state of the former Sultanate of Sulu, the Philippines still claims Eastern Sabah on the basis that it was only leased by the sultanate to the British North Borneo Company in 1878. However, Malaysia considers the dispute a non-issue, basing its interpretation on the 1878 agreement of cessation and the rights of residents of Sabah self-determination when they joined the Malaysian federation in 1963. - Advertisement - Puerto Princesa City, PalawanValentines Day took on a new dimension for students at Palawan National School as they delved into PAD-ibig Diaries, a groundbreaking initiative merging menstrual pads with illustrated journal entries to foster open dialogue about sex and relationships. Four hundred female students from grades 7 to 10 were treated to limited edition menstrual pads, featuring vibrant diary entries about the female anatomy, puberty, crushes, as well as romantic relationships, consent, sex, and contraception. The project is the brainchild of Black Pencil Advertising and Roots of Health, a non-government organization working to reduce teen pregnancies and HIV rates in Palawan. Charmee donated 15,500 menstrual pads which students can access through a special dispenser stationed at the school clinic. Our joint goal was to engage Filipino high school girls through private storytelling using an unexpected mediumin this case, menstrual pads, explained Kat Limchoc, executive creative director of Black Pencil Advertising. Roots of Health Youth Programs Manager, Aika Pagusara, emphasized the urgency of accessible sex education, especially among adolescents, to debunk myths such as the belief that jumping up and down after sex prevents pregnancy and that drinking bath soap shaped into tiny capsules can cure sexually-transmitted infections. - Advertisement - The PAD-ibig launch featured interactive sessions like Chismis o Check that challenged common misconceptions about sexuality alongside engaging games that offered prizes to participants. Its a never-ending process as more batches of teens need accurate information every year. Thats why we love to collaborate on projects that capture the imagination of young people through relatable, non-preachy, and helpful content that urge them to either delay sex or practice safer sex, she added. Roots of Health has been teaching sex education in schools and communities for the past 15 years while providing free non-judgmental reproductive health counseling and services through two clinics and outreach missions. Many teenagers who go to our clinic to avail of contraceptives do so after their first child. Its sad that they only get to know about contraception after they get pregnant. We work to prevent this by normalizing talking about sex and making young people feel safe to learn about it, so they are ready when they actually do it, Pagusara shared. Despite being deemed as a conservative country, the Philippines has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in Southeast Asia. The Philippine Statistics Authority reveals that one out of every 10 who gave birth in the country in 2022 were adolescents. Former President Rodrigo Duterte declared teen pregnancy as a national emergency through an executive order in 2021. The Philippines also holds notoriety as the country with the highest HIV epidemic rate in the Asia Pacific region. Daily HIV incidence increased 411 percent from 2012 to 2023. The latest available HIV data reveals that 32 percent of the cases were of young people aged 15 to 24. Of the 396 reported youth cases, 394 or 99 percent got HIV through sexual contact. The situation is dire, thats why this is just a pilot. We dream of expanding PAD-ibig Diaries across the Philippines and that other schools are also inspired by this approach, Limchoc said. PAD-ibig Diaries is also available online at www.ugatngkalusugan.org. A related Tiktok Live program called Safe Magtanong Dito will soon be launched through @ugatngkalusugan Tiktok channel. Phoenix Investors announced the acquisition Tuesday of the former Bassett-Walker textile plant at 1 Walker Road. The building, approximately 813,000 square feet, was previously owned by Resurgence Properties. The purchase price was not disclosed. The property was formerly the home of the Bassett-Walker textile plant, where knitted outerwear garments were manufactured. It closed in 2002 as the Martinsville region absorbed massive job losses following the off-shoring of textile work in the wake of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement. The complex offers more than 700,000 square feet of available warehouse and office space while offering flexible configurations for a variety of different pursuits. The property is located in an enterprise zone and is fully fenced in with a guard shack for added security. Phoenix said in a news release that it plans to implement a capital improvement plan within short order that will transform the complex into a premier industrial hub. The facility is situated on 53 acres and features six dock doors and four grade-level drive-in doors. It has a parking area that can accommodate more than 200 automobiles and is located less than 12 miles from Blue Ridge Regional Airport and approximately 10 miles from the state line, offering convenient access to both southern Virginia and North Carolina. The property in Martinsville has great bones and has been exceptionally well-maintained since it was built in the 1970s, Phoenix Investors Founder & Chairman Frank P. Crivello said. Phoenix is ready and willing to demise the property into smaller suites or as needed to accommodate tenant needs. Phoenix also said in the release that the property will be available for lease immediately. Phoenix Investors, a limited liability company based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, describes itself as a leading expert in the acquisition, renovation, and releasing of former manufacturing facilities in the United States. Phoenix said in the release that the revitalization of facilities throughout the continental United States leads to positively transforming communities and restarting the economic engine in the communities they serve. Our reconstruction and selective deconstruction of facilities provides a green alternative versus the standard demolition and replacement of legacy buildings, the release states. Phoenixs affiliate companies hold equity interests in a portfolio of industrial properties totaling approximately 76 million square feet spanning 29 states, delivering corporations with a cost-effective national footprint to dynamically supply creative solutions to meet their leasing needs. For more information on Phoenix, visit phoenixinvestors.com. A delegation from the Dakhla-based International Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Soldiers is paying a working visit to NDjamena, to promote cooperation with Chadian authorities in supporting social, economic, and professional reintegration programs for child soldiers in this country. This visit, which is taking place on the International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers (February 12), also aims to raise awareness about the prevention of the recruitment of children in armed conflicts, the Centre said in a press release. The trip is meant to consolidate collaboration with researchers and academics as part of the activities of the International Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Soldiers. The International Research Centre for the Prevention of Child Soldiers aims to protect against the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflicts by providing accurate data on the situation. It partners with UN agencies, international and regional organizations, civil societies and authorities, to develop a joint research agenda and fight against the exploitation of children in conflict zones. According to 2023 figures, there are more than 460 million children who live in conflict zones across the world, while more than 15% of child soldiers are girls. Several experts, executives, and academic researchers work in the international centre to monitor various violations occurring in conflict zones worldwide, deploy strategies and solutions to tackle the recruitment of children in armed conflicts. The choice of the Moroccan city of Dakhla to host the Centre is a recognition of Moroccos role as a provider of peace, security and stability. Algerias army Chief Gen. Said Chengriha has sparked a serious diplomatic crisis with Saudi Arabia after rejecting an invitation for Umrah pilgrimage, an act of generosity offered by Saudi authorities to all visiting Muslim leaders and senior officials. Chengriha was invited to the spiritual journey with his accompanying delegation while he was visiting Saudi Arabia to attend the World Defence Exhibition held in Riyadh from 4 to 8 February. According to press reports, the office of Saudi Minister of Defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman has informed the Algerian delegation that an official plane has been put at their disposal to take them from Riyadh to the holy city of Mecca for Umrah. But, General Chengriha, de facto ruler, declined the Saudi offer saying that he does not need to perform Umrah pilgrimage. Worst of all, he threatened all members of his delegation not to go to Mecca for Umrah, violating Islamic traditions and committing serious sins. The Saudi authorities have been irked by the thoughtless and irresponsible the behavior of Chief staff of the Algerian army. The shocking disrespectful behavior of Gen. Chengriha towards the Saudi authorities shows the state of mind of the Algerian rulers and their reckless diplomacy fueling tensions and divisions in the region and worldwide. The diplomatic blunder will further deepen Algerias isolation and exacerbate further tension between Algiers and Riyadh and its neighboring countries, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 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: For patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to large-vessel occlusion (LVO) undergoing endovascular thrombectomy, adjuvant low-dose methylprednisolone does not improve the degree of overall disability, according to a study published online Feb. 8 in the Journal of the American Medical Association to coincide with the annual American Stroke Association International Stroke Conference, held from Feb. 7 to 9 in Phoenix. Qingwu Yang, M.D., Ph.D., from Army Medical University in Chongqing, China, and colleagues examined the efficacy and adverse events of adjunctive intravenous low-dose methylprednisolone to endovascular thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke secondary to LVO in a placebo-controlled trial implemented at 82 hospitals. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to intravenous methylprednisolone at 2 mg/kg/day or placebo (839 and 841, respectively) for three days. The researchers found that the median 90-day modified Rankin Scale score was 3 in both groups. The mortality rate was lower in the methylprednisolone group than the placebo group (23.2 versus 28.5 percent; adjusted risk ratio, 0.84), and the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was also lower (8.6 versus 11.7 percent; adjusted risk ratio, 0.74). "This study is therefore one of the first, to our knowledge, to provide evidence regarding the potential role of corticosteroid therapy in the setting of endovascular stroke reperfusion," the authors write. Several authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry. More information: Methylprednisolone as Adjunct to Endovascular Thrombectomy for Large-Vessel Occlusion Stroke, JAMA (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.0626 James E. Siegler et al, Adjunctive Steroids as Stroke Reperfusion Strategy, JAMA (2024). DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.0526 ASA conference Copyright 2024 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Among the estimated 2,000 displaced Sudanese who are converts from Islam is a mother of seven children whose husband beat her upon learning of her Christian faith, sources said. Hawa Ismail Abdalla, 44, received medication for head injuries after her Muslim husband beat her on Dec. 27 at the Wedwiel Refugee Camp on South Sudans border with Sudan, but she lacked money for necessary treatment, an area source said. The camp is north of Aweil in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, South Sudan. My husband told me, Why did you believe in Issa [Jesus]? You are an infidel before attacking her, Abdalla said, adding that she has forgiven him. Abdalla, whose youngest child is 8 years old, received some aid first inside the camp and later was taken to an area health center, though she lacked the 700,000 South Sudanese pounds (approximately USD700) for the needed treatment, an area church leader told Morning Star News. I ask you to pray for me to recover from the injury, she told members of a house church in the camp. Her family had lived many years in a camp for Internally Displaced People in southwestern Sudans Nyala town, South Darfur state, before military conflict in April drove them to the new refugee camp in South Sudan. She had put her faith in Christ while in the camp in Nyala, and her pastor there was among the refugees who fled to the heavily populated Wedwiel Refugee Camp. About 9,000 refugees now live at the camp, most of them from South Darfur state. The Christians who are fleeing the war in Sudan are facing persecution from Muslim refugees in both Darfur and the Wedwiel camp in South Sudan, the pastor, whose name is withheld for security reasons, told Morning Star News by phone. He said the 2,000 refugees and internally displaced people in Sudan who have converted to Christianity from Islam all face the threat of persecution. Abdalla, he said, has returned to the Wedwiel camp, though difficult living conditions there food rations are in short supply may drive her family to return to Sudan. Fighting between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), which had shared military rule in Sudan following an October 2021 coup, has terrorized civilians in Khartoum and elsewhere, leaving more than 12,000 people dead and displacing an estimated 7.7 million others inside and outside the country. Christian sites have been targeted since the conflict began. The SAFs Gen. Abdelfattah al-Burhan and his then-vice president, RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, were in power when civilian parties in March agreed on a framework to re-establish a democratic transition in April, but disagreements over military structure torpedoed final approval. Burhan sought to place the RSF a paramilitary outfit with roots in the Janjaweed militias that had helped former strongman Omar al-Bashir put down rebels under the regular armys control within two years, while Dagolo would accept integration within nothing fewer than 10 years. The conflict burst into military fighting on April 15. Both military leaders have Islamist backgrounds while trying to portray themselves to the international community as pro-democracy advocates of religious freedom. In Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Sudan was ranked No. 8, up from No. 10 the previous year, as attacks by non-state actors continued and religious freedom reforms at the national level were not enacted locally. Sudan had dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in six years when it first ranked No. 13 in the 2021 World Watch List. Following two years of advances in religious freedom in Sudan after the end of the Islamist dictatorship under Bashir in 2019, the specter of state-sponsored persecution returned with the military coup of Oct. 25, 2021. After Bashir was ousted from 30 years of power in April 2019, the transitional civilian-military government had managed to undo some sharia (Islamic law) provisions. It outlawed the labeling of any religious group infidels and thus effectively rescinded apostasy laws that made leaving Islam punishable by death. With the Oct. 25, 2021 coup, Christians in Sudan feared the return of the most repressive and harsh aspects of Islamic law. Abdalla Hamdok, who had led a transitional government as prime minister starting in September 2019, was detained under house arrest for nearly a month before he was released and reinstated in a tenuous power-sharing agreement in November 2021. Hamdock had been faced with rooting out longstanding corruption and an Islamist deep state from Bashirs regime the same deep state that is suspected of rooting out the transitional government in the Oct. 25, 2021 coup. The U.S. State Department in 2019 removed Sudan from the list of Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) that engage in or tolerate systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom and upgraded it to a watch list. Sudan had previously been designated as a CPC from 1999 to 2018. In December 2020, the State Department removed Sudan from its Special Watch List. The Christian population of Sudan is estimated at 2 million, or 4.5 percent of the total population of more than 43 million. 2023 Morning Star News. Articles/photos may be reprinted with credit to Morning Star News. https://morningstarnews.org. Morning Star News is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that relies solely on contributions to offer original news reports of persecuted Christians. By providing reliable news on the suffering church, Morning Star News mission is to empower those in the free world to help and to encourage persecuted Christians that they are not forgotten or alone. 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: SHVETS production from Pexels Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention demonstrate that Black women in the United States are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than are white women. Health disparities among people of color are the result of broader social and economic inequities rooted in racism and discrimination. In a new study to be presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting, researchers will unveil findings that suggest that pregnant people who are Black may prefer to have an obstetrician who is also Black. The abstract was published in the January 2024 supplement of the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The qualitative study explored Black birthing people's lived experiences with obstetric care and their perspectives on having an obstetric care provider who is also Black. Researchers conducted 16 one-on-one interviews and five focus groups with individuals who self-identified as Black or African American. The researchers who conducted the interviews and focus groups also identified as Black women. The mean age of the study's 32 participants was 34, nearly two-thirds (63%) were married, and nearly three-quarters (72%) had a bachelor's degree or higher. Five common themes emerged during the interviews: Participants' desire for a Black obstetric care provider Their difficulty finding a Black obstetric care provider Their experiences of being stereotyped while receiving obstetric care Their feelings about not being heard by obstetric providers and health care staff Their fear of dying while pregnant or during childbirth. A sampling of participant responses: "I was actually a little hesitant to see the providers who were whitebecause of thediscrimination that I have experienced throughout my lifetime and the discrimination that I see my friends and my family experience." "I did not feel heard. I didn't feel like they were taking me seriously." "This one nursekept asking me, 'Do I need a social worker?' 'Do I need WIC [a federal government that provides assistance to low-income pregnant women, infants, and children]?' And I'm like, what, what in my profile is making you ask these questions, are these normal questions? Or are you asking me this because I'm Black?" "There has been a lot of research describing racial disparities in obstetric outcomes," says the study's lead author Nicole Teal, MD, MPH, who is currently a maternal-fetal medicine subspecialist at UC San Diego Health and assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at University of California San Diego School of Medicine, though her research was conducted when she was a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "What is novel about our study is there is very limited rigorous research looking at the issue from the patient perspective and what increased diversity in obstetric providers might mean for health outcomes for Black birthing people," said Teal. "Our findings suggest increasing racial diversity among providers may be one strategy to address inequities in obstetric care. Other strategies recommended by our study participants included increasing continuity with prenatal care providers, eradicating stereotypes of Black mothers, and increasing respectful care in general." 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 from Pexels A new study published in The Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders by Flinders University has uncovered links between a patient's initial diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, or BPD, and their recurrent visits to hospital. The study investigated associations between patients with BPD and their hospital presentations as well as the effect of inpatient length of stay on time to hospital re-presentation. The study reviewed a South Australian (SA) cohort of 86,740 Emergency Department (ED) and inpatient episodes of care for 25,619 mental patients presenting to SA public hospitals between 2014 and 2019. Patients with BPD were at higher risk of returning to hospital when compared to patients with any other type of mental disorder says lead author Dr. David Smith from the College of Medicine and Public Health. BPD is the most common personality disorder in Australia, affecting up to 5% of the population at some stage. It is a complex mental disorder that is often misunderstood. BPD patients frequently present with other co-occurring problems, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and bipolar affective disorder. Furthermore, BPD is associated with considerable psychosocial impairment, including poor social functioning, unemployment, and loss of income. Worryingly, BPD patients have high rates of self-harm and suicide, leading to frequent presentations to emergency departments and mental health services with a reported mortality rate of up to 10%. "We found that approximately 4% of all mental health patients were discharged from an Emergency Department (ED) or inpatient admission with a diagnosis of BPD recorded as the primary discharge diagnosis. Those patients were then at higher risk of hospital re-admission compared to other mental health diagnostic groups in this study cohort," says Dr. Smith. "Of particular interest is the association between initial inpatient length of stay in hospital and the number of days before they sought hospital treatment again. "Those patients whose initial stay in hospital was up to 14 days returned to hospital on average 58 days sooner than those patients who stayed for two days or less," he says. Dr. Smith says that further research, such as a more detailed pathway analysis, could determine factors that predicted whether, for BPD, any overnight stay and stays of less or greater than two days were associated with harm or benefit. "There is no doubt that more needs to be done to provide better health care pathways for patients with BPD. We need to get more accurate recordings of BPD patients, and related presentations, more in-depth investigations of care pathways, and identifications of individuals who may benefit from a specific inpatient length of stay. "We'd like to trace the patient's journey in hospital from the patient's perspective that would allow clinicians and managers to see and understand patients' experience by separating the management of a specific psychiatric condition and treatment into a series of consecutive events or steps (for example, activities, interventions, or staff interactions). "This approach would also need to address BPD-related questions about sex and gender, such as how do sex and gender intersect with age, race and ethnicity, and other sociocultural factors as well as determine outcomes. "The synthesis of this type of information with data, such as from the current study, would provide deeper insights into patient journeys, including when things went right and when they did not," says Dr. Smith. "We believe that building on existing resources would improve health and community-based services and staff training, and not only boost the health and well-being of all Australians but significantly contribute to a reduction in emergency department presentations and hospital admissions," Dr. Smith adds. More information: David Smith et al, Recurrent Mental Health Presentations to Public Hospital Services, The Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders (2024). DOI: 10.4088/PCC.23m03559 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 Philadelphia police officers Kenneth Harper and Jennifer Torres were in their patrol car sitting at a red light when a call came in over the 911 radio dispatch. "This job says 'female complaint in reference to dispute with daughter, suffers from bipolar, infant on location,'" Harper read off the computer near the front seat. The officers got a little more information from the dispatcher: A mother needed help with her adult daughter who had become combative after drinking alcohol. It was a Friday morning. Harper and Torres quickly drove off in the direction of the address they were given just a few miles away. They traveled in a white SUV, absent of any police markings, with a third team member in the back seat, Krystian Gardner. Gardner is not a police officer. She's a mental health clinician and social worker. "Do we know the age of the daughter?" Gardner asked the officers. She was preparing a list of possible services and treatment options. As the team pulled up to a row house in North Philadelphia, the mother was waiting for them outside, on the front stoop. They spent 40 minutes with the family, working to de-escalate the immediate tension, provide the mom with support, and connect her daughter to treatment services. The trio returned to the patrol car and got to work documenting what had happened and recording the visit in an electronic database. Officer Torres commented on the adult daughter: "In regards to her mental health, she is taking care of herself, she's taking her medication, and she's going to therapy, so we don't need to help her too much on that aspect." "She's actually sleeping right now, so I gave her my card and she'll call us whenever she wakes up," Torres added. Soon, the radio crackled with their next call, to a home across town where an older woman with a history of mental disorders had wandered outside naked. This visit took longer, over an hour, but had a similar outcomehelp with the immediate mental health crisis, a connection to follow-up services with a case manager, and no arrest or use of force by police. New ways to respond to behavioral health needs Emergency dispatchers in Philadelphia are increasingly assigning 911 calls involving people in mental health crises to the city's Crisis Intervention Response Team, which pairs police officers with civilian mental health professionals. This model is called a "co-responder program." Cities are experimenting with new ways to meet the rapidly increasing demand for behavioral health crisis intervention, at a time when incidents of police shooting and killing people in mental health crisis have become painfully familiar. Big questions persist: What role should law enforcement play in mental crisis response, if any? How can leaders make sure the right kind of response is dispatched to meet the needs of a person in crisis? And what kind of ongoing support is necessary after a crisis response call? City officials and behavioral health professionals often don't have easy answers, in part because the programs are new and hard data on their effectiveness is scarce. Without a single, definitive model for how to improve crisis response, cities are trying to learn from one another's successes and mistakes as they build and adjust their programs. The Philadelphia Police Department established its Behavioral Health Unit in November 2022 and officially launched the co-responder crisis teams as a main feature. The department said its goal is to meet people's immediate behavioral health needs, avoiding arrests or use of force, if possible. Philadelphia's program has answered about 600 calls since December 2022and only one case resulted in an arrest as of November 2023, according to city data. In about 85% of cases, people experienced one of four major outcomes: They were connected to outpatient mental health and social services, voluntarily entered psychiatric treatment, were involuntarily committed to treatment, or were taken to a hospital for medical care. "I think the practical experiences that people have had has really opened up a lot of people's eyes to what the work does, how it's actually reducing harm to the community," said Kurt August, director of Philadelphia's Office of Criminal Justice. Give a social worker a dispatch radio City officials in Philadelphia looked to such cities as Los Angeles, Houston, and Denver, which have developed their own models over the years. They contacted people like Chris Richardson. Richardson in 2016 helped found Denver's co-responder program, which pairs police officers with mental health professionals, like Philadelphia's CIRT program. Denver residents had been unhappy with the status quo, Richardson recalled. At the time, rank-and-file police officers were the only ones responding to 911 calls involving people in crisis. "We just heard a lot of those communities saying, "We wish there was something better,'" he said. "That's what kind of gave us that ability to start those conversations and start a partnership." Getting buy-in from law enforcement and other emergency response teams took time, Richardson said. Eventually, the co-responder program grew to include all police precincts and several fire departments. Then, Denver city and county park rangers began requesting the aid of mental health professionals to accompany them while on patrol in public spaces, and during emergency calls. "And then, somewhere in the middle there, we were like, you know, give a social worker a radio. We're like, why are we sending police to this, in general?" he said. "How do we take police out of things that don't need policing?" Denver then launched a second model, its civilian response program, in 2019. It brings together paramedics and mental health professionals to respond to crisis callsno police officers involved. Now, Denver uses both modelsthe co-responder program with police, and the all-civilian response programto cover Denver's crisis needs. Richardson said both programs are necessary, at least in Denver. "It's a spectrum of care with behavioral health crises," he said. "Some of it is really low-level. No threats, no safety concerns, no legal issues." But sometimes responders or community members may face serious safety concerns, and that's when a co-response team that includes police officers is needed, Richardson said. "We want to make sure that that person in crisis is still getting taken care of," he said. Getting the right responders to the right call Officials in Philadelphia want the police co-responder program to work in parallel with the city's existing network of civilian-only mental health response teams. The co-responder program is dispatched by 911, while the all-civilian program is activated when residents call 988. The 988 system launched in July 2022, providing a three-digit number that can be dialed from any phone by people who are suicidal or experiencing a behavioral emergency. Calls are routed to a network of over 200 local and state-funded crisis centers. "A large percentage of Philadelphians are not aware of 988," said Jill Bowen, commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services. "I like to say that people are born knowing to call 911, kind of come out of the womb and they know to call 911. And we really are trying to reach that kind of level of awareness." To help sort incoming calls, 911 dispatch centers in Philadelphia have been hiring mental health professionals. They can screen calls from people in crisis who don't need a police response, and forward them to 988. Other cities and states are also struggling with confusion over how to handle the overlap between 911 and 988 calls. Although 988 is a national network, calls are taken by regional call centers, which are overseen and managed by local governments. The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration said it is working on "building strong coordination between the two services," but it's currently up to states and counties themselves to figure out how 911 and 988 work together. National data collected one year after 988's implementation showed that most calls to the service can be handled with conversation and referrals to other services. But 2% of calls to 988 require rapid in-person intervention. In most states, the responding agency is 911, which deploys traditional law enforcement, or co-response teams, if they're available. Next steps: A safe place to go In states where awareness of 988 is higher, some behavioral health leaders are focused on a lack of continuing care resources for people in crisis. During a July press conference marking one year since 988, Shari Sinwelski, the head of California's biggest crisis call center, described the ideal crisis response as a three-legged stool: "someone to talk to, someone to respond, a safe place to go." The idea was introduced by SAMHSA in 2020. In California, 44 out of its 58 counties have some form of mobile crisis response, meaning a team that can travel to someone in need, according to a 2021 survey conducted in partnership with the County Behavioral Health Directors Association of California. However, the preparedness of these teams varies significantly. The survey identified that many of them don't operate 24/7, have long wait times (up to a day), and aren't equipped to handle children in crisis. The same survey found that around 43% of the state's counties didn't have any physical place for people to go and stabilize during and after a crisis. WellSpace Health is California's second-biggest 988 center, by call volume, and is located in Sacramento County. A few years ago, WellSpace leaders decided it was time to open a crisis stabilization unit. In summer 2020, WellSpace unveiled the Crisis Receiving for Behavioral Health center, known as "Crib," in downtown Sacramento. The center receives people experiencing a mental health crisis or drug intoxication and allows them to stay for 24 hours and be connected to other services. The group says it has served more than 7,500 people since opening. Physical locations linked to services, like Crib, are a crucial part of a well-functioning 988 system, said Jennifer Snow, national director of government relations and policy for the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "Those crisis stabilization programs are really key to helping somebody not languish in the ER or unnecessarily get caught up in the criminal justice system," she said. Snow said it's too early to know how the nation is progressing overall on building up these kinds of centers. "This is something I am dying to know, and we just don't," she said. Snow explained that the crisis care system has roots in law enforcement, so it tends to replicate law enforcement's decentralized and locally led structure. "It makes it harder to look at it from a national perspective and, you know, be able to identify exactly where are these services and where are the gaps in services," she said. Building additional crisis centers, and hiring enough response teams to respond quickly, at all hours, in more areas of the U.S., would require significant investment. The current system relies heavily on state and local government funding, and more federal support is needed, Snow said. In 2022, a group of legislators introduced the 988 Implementation Act in the House of Representatives. They were able to pass several provisions, including securing $385 million for certified community behavioral health clinics, which operate 24/7 crisis care, and $20 million for mobile crisis response pilot programs. The bill was reintroduced in 2023, with the goal of passing the remaining sections. A significant provision would force Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private health insurance, to reimburse providers for crisis services. 2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Mouse model of colostrum deprivation. Colostrum-deprived pups were cross-fostered at birth by dams that were no longer providing colostrum ((postnatal day (PND) = 9); no colostrum dam, orange). Control groups were cross-fostered at birth by dams that just delivered (Day 0) (Ctrl dam, black). Credit: Allergy (2024). DOI: 10.1111/all.16054 The first form of mother's milk a baby receives after birth, known as colostrum, can dramatically alter its susceptibility to worm infections months to years later, according to an international study published in Allergy. The study, conducted across both animal models and newborns in Uganda, found colostrum played a pivotal role in controlling worm infections. It also demonstrated that consumption of colostrum at birth led, weeks later, to a significant expansion of key immune cells in the gut, called type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), which protect against parasitic worms. Study lead author Professor Valerie Verhasselt, Director of the Larsson-Rosenquist Foundation Center for Immunology and Breastfeeding at The University of Western Australia and Head of Immunology and Breastfeeding research at Telethon Kids Institute, said that, notably, this occurred independently of gut bacteria. "Colostrum is the first form of milk produced by the mammary glands of humans and other mammals immediately following delivery of a newborn and is uniquely rich in bioactive compounds," Professor Verhasselt said. "While long regarded as nature's first gift, with major impact on neonatal mortality in poor hygiene settings, colostrum's long-term health benefits have remained largely unknown; a gap we wanted to address by looking at how colostrum deprivation impacted the development of gut immunity. "We found that colostrum is a lifelong investment in immune health." Professor Verhasselt said despite guidelines from the World Health Organization, at least 1 in 3 newborns globally was failing to receive the full dose of colostrum, meaning the findings had significant impact. "Whether because of delayed breastfeeding, a prelacteal feed such as formula given to infants or other reasons, many newborns miss out on the benefits of colostrum with implications on gut immunity development and long-term health," she said. "Additionally, there are more than 1.5 billion people worldwide who are afflicted by soil-transmitted helminths, parasitic worms that infect humans through contact with contaminated soil, which can have a dramatic life long impact on child health. "The potential to mitigate a serious burden of disease through colostrum intervention is immense. "Our study underscores the importance of shifting attention beyond microbiota interventions to embrace the holistic impact of colostrum on child health outcomes, with research now under way looking at the importance of colostrum on the prevention of COVID-19, growth failure and allergies." More information: Akila Rekima et al, Colostrum is required for the postnatal ontogeny of small intestine innate lymphoid type 2 cells and successful antihelminth defences, Allergy (2024). DOI: 10.1111/all.16054 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: Dr. Michael Childress (right), Professor of Comparative Oncology at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, is pictured with Kody (middle) and his owner, Carolyn McGuire. Kodywas in the drug trial which accurately predicted his tumor would be sensitive to chemotherapy, and Childress' team was able to significantly extend Kody's life with chemotherapy. Credit: Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine / Kevin Doerr For the first time, Purdue researchers prove that measuring mechanical motions in living cancer tissues is a viable and promising approach for predicting chemoresistance Chemotherapy can save lives, but often a cancer patient may be resistant to their prescribed chemotherapy, which costs the patient valuable time. Chemoresistance is a topic that researchers need to understand better so that they can match the right type of chemo to the right patient, which is called personalized medicine. An unusual pairing of veterinary scientists and physicists believe their method of detecting chemoresistance could be the new standard for personalized medicine. Their method is unexpected: Doppler ultrasound. Many people may have heard the term Doppler, either from the weather reports to detect storm activity or expectant parents who see their unborn child for the first time. Now, a team of physicists and veterinary scientists at Purdue University is using ultrasound to detect how cancer cells respond to chemotherapy. They currently have their method of personalized chemotherapy detection in Phase II clinical trials in humans at the IU School of Medicine and have also been using the method in canine trials. The concept was born in 2015 by three researchers at Purdue: David Nolte, principal investigator and Edward M. Purcell Distinguished Professor of Physics and Astronomy, John Turek, Professor of Basic Medical Sciences, and Michael Childress, Professor of Comparative Oncology. Nolte is from the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Purdue College of Science and Turek and Childress are from the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine. All three are members of the Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research and have published their findings in Scientific Reports. "The technique developed at Purdue measures motions inside cancer cells and how these motions change when the cells are exposed to anticancer drugs," explains Nolte. "Because motion is the result of cellular 'machinery,' patients who will respond positively to their chemotherapy show different mechanical responses to the drugs than patients who will not respond. This has the potential to identify patients for whom chemotherapy will not be successful so they can be directed to more effective treatment." The technique, called biodynamic imaging (BDI), has been under development for cancer treatments for over eight years. The team has published their findings previously, noting that the technique showed potential for identifying chemoresistance, but only under fairly restricted disease conditions. This raised the question of whether BDI might be useful only for special cases. "The current research shows that BDI is, in fact, a general and robust technique," says Nolte. "It shows similar results across two species (human and canine) and two diseases (lymphoma and esophageal cancer). This provides, for the first time, strong evidence that measuring mechanical motions in living cancer tissues is a viable and promising approach for predicting patient chemoresistance." The concept of using Doppler in cancer research seems an unlikely scenario. According to Nolte, the concept and process for this technique was born out of basic scientific experimentation. He said the concept was fine-tuned with the benefit of serendipity combined with slow and steady progress. "We began the work on cancer tissue cultures grown in the lab, so it was natural to eventually move to fresh tumors from patients," he explains. "The Doppler measurements were something that we were led to during our experiments as we noticed interesting dynamical effects that we had not initially anticipated." This team formed well over two decades ago. Back in 1999, the Office of the Purdue Executive Vice President for Research hosted a meeting of Purdue faculty interested in various aspects of imaging. "Dr. Nolte and I met at that meeting, and we started working on using the technology with 3D tumor spheroids (small tumors grown in culture) that I grew in my lab," says Turek. "We worked with tumor spheroids for a number of years as the technology developed. When it was time to move to patient derived tumors, we approached Dr. Childress and used samples from canine lymphoma patients to track their response to drugs. Working with the canine samples was necessary to determine the feasibility of translating the technology to human samples. From canine samples we moved on to human samples. Our collaboration with Dr. Shadia Jalal of the IU School of Medicine has been an invaluable and critical component to the research." "The major advantage to using canine tumors as opposed to tumors from laboratory mice is that the former better represent the heterogeneity of human cancers," says Childress. "Although all the dogs we studied had the same cancer typelymphomaeach individual dog's cancer was unique, with some more sensitive and others more resistant to chemotherapy. This provided an ideal animal model in which to study a predictive technology like BDI before advancing it to human trials." Cells in all living creatures have working machinery that is very finely tuned. When outside influences disturb the cellular machinery, the mechanical motions change. If scientists can see a difference in those changes between patients whose cancers are sensitive to treatment versus those who are not, they can learn those signatures and use them to predict chemoresistance in future patients. "A deeper question is what the signatures mean," explains Nolte. "Can signatures of chemoresistance be interpreted in terms of changes in the signaling pathways in cells and tissues and possibly even genetic expression? This is much harder to answer, but we are currently working on this question by comparing our measurements to gene expression profiles. We also use reference compounds that have known behavior in cells and we can cross-reference our measurements with the known changes that occur under those drugs. This part of the research is long-term." Nolte says that Purdue has strong support for cross-disciplinary research which significantly aids in how this type of research develops. Coupling that with the benefit of the Purdue University Small Animal Hospital at the College of Veterinary Medicine enables the team to arrange for clinical trials with canine patients. Now that they have received these promising results, the team expects their next giant leap in cancer research to include "prospective" Phase II trials. "The current Phase II was retrospective, where the patient clinical response was cross-validated against the predicted response using BDI. The next step is a Phase II trial that is 'prospective,' meaning that we will predict patient response prior to the beginning of chemotherapy," says Nolte. More information: Zhen Hua et al, Comparative oncology chemosensitivity assay for personalized medicine using low-coherence digital holography of dynamic light scattering from cancer biopsies, Scientific Reports (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52404-w Journal information: Scientific Reports This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Anna Shvets from Pexels A new study by a University of Toronto Mississauga psychology student has identified an intriguing difference in how babies relate to the voices of male and female adults. Ph.D. candidate Madeleine E. Yu has found that when exposed to the voices of unfamiliar adults, infants are less likely to be able to distinguish between unfamiliar males versus unfamiliar females. "This was not what we were expecting," says Yu, whose study was published in January in the journal JASA Express Letters. "It seems like there's something going on with this difference in how infants respond to unfamiliar male voices." Yu is a researcher in the UTM Child Language and Speech Studies (CLASS) Lab, and she collaborated on this study with CLASS lab director Elizabeth Johnson and former lab research associate Natalie Fecher. PhD candidate Madeleine Yu and collaborators from Child Language and Speech Studies Lab studied how infants respond to unfamiliar male voices. Credit: Nick Iwanyshyn In 2019, Johnson and Fecher completed a study on how well 4.5-month-old infants can distinguish unfamiliar female voices. Yu replicated the procedures of this earlier study but changed the talkers to males to determine how gender might impact the findings. The participants were 48 infants from the Greater Toronto Area who were all ages 4 to 5 months and monolingual English learners. Mothers were primary caregivers for at least 46 of the babies. Seated on their caregiver's lap in a specialized booth that minimized external sounds, each infant was exposed to audio recordings of 40 unrelated simple sentences spoken by pairs of adult males. The male talkers were all native English speakers born and raised in Canada with acoustically similar voices, and spoke their sentences in a neutral tone of voice. When an audio recording played, a multi-colored flickering checkerboard with a blinking red star in the center would activate on a computer monitor in front of them. When the infants responded to the audio by turning their attention to the monitor, the researchers tracked how long they looked at it. The first phase involved familiarizing the infants with one male talker by playing his recordings repeatedly. Then, the researchers conducted four trials: two same-voice trials (with recordings by the same familiar male), and two different-voice trials (with recordings from a new, unfamiliar male). The researchers found that the lengths of times the infants looked at the monitor were the same during both trials. This result differs from that of Johnson and Fecher's 2019 study, where the infants looked significantly longer during the same-voice trial than during the different-voice trial. This suggested to the researchers that the infants were less able to detect a talker change with the male voices than with the female voices. "It's possible that the infants' greater exposure to females [as their primary caregivers] shaped their perception to better tell apart female versus male voices," Yu says. "Another explanation is that it could be evolutionary," Johnson says. "We know the auditory system develops before the visual system, and we also know that identifying your caregiver is really important [for survival]. Historically, females have tended to be the primary caregiver. So, there could be some evolutionary argument for being more tuned into female voices early on than male voices." The study builds on a body of speech processing and talker recognition research that Yu has completed throughout her educational career, which includes earning a bachelor of science in cognitive and behavioral science at University of California San Diego and a master's degree in psychology at U of T. She is also examining differences in how we recognize the voices of individuals with familiar and unfamiliar accents, a topic that is the focus of her doctoral dissertation. Yu and Johnson say the year-long study research was painstaking, as they needed to organize their trials around the unpredictable nap times, feeding schedules and temperaments of the infants. But Yu says the effort was worth it, as the study fills a glaring gap in infant voice recognition literaturewhich features almost exclusively female talkersand so provides a rare look at how infants perceive the world. "I think it's really fascinating that, by testing differences in looking behavior, we can make inferences about the differences in the perception of a four-month-old," Yu says. More information: Madeleine E. Yu et al, Learning to identify talkers: Do 4.5-month-old infants distinguish between unfamiliar males?, JASA Express Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1121/10.0024271 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Indigenous people may be more likely to have a stroke than non-Indigenous people, according to a systematic review that looked at populations around the world. The review is published in Neurology. Researchers looked at countries with a very high Human Development Index, which measures average achievements in three areas: health, knowledge and standard of living. "Disparities are especially evident in countries where high average quality of life and long life expectancies are often not mirrored in Indigenous populations," said study author Anna H. Balabanski, MBBS, Ph.D., of Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. "These disparities may reflect inequitable access to resources to prevent and manage stroke." The systematic review involved 24 studies across seven countries. The countries were Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden and the United States. Researchers found that Indigenous people were more likely to have a stroke than those who were not Indigenous across six of the seven countries. In Australia, Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people were 70% more likely to more than three times more likely to have a stroke than non-Indigenous people. Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islander people under the age of 55 were more than four times to more than 13 times more likely to have a stroke than non-Indigenous people. In Canada, Metis people were 40% more likely to have a stroke than non-Indigenous people. In Norway and Sweden, Sami people were 8% more likely to more than twice as likely to have a stroke than non-Indigenous people. In Singapore, Malay people were 70-90% more likely to have a stroke compared to non-Indigenous populations. In the United States, American Indians were 20% more likely to have a stroke than their non-Indigenous counterparts. In New Zealand, researchers found that Maori people were statistically more likely to have a stroke than non-Indigenous people only in a single study from 2002-2003. "This process really highlighted the need for more and better research on stroke in Indigenous peoples," said Balabanski. "For example, there were no studies meeting our criteria from South America, the Middle East or Russia. In addition, future studies should be designed and conducted with oversight by Indigenous peoples to strengthen research efforts and improve outcomes." This review was undertaken with the oversight of a newly formed International Indigenous Advisory Board consisting of Indigenous researchers from around the world. More information: Neurology (2024). This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Jumping genes (brown stain) attacking germ cell DNA (blue stain) in a human testis biopsy. Credit: adja Rotte & Birgit Stallmeyer, University of Munster Discovery of a pair of genes that work in perfect harmony to protect male fertility, could provide new insights into some unexplained cases of the most severe form of infertility, research suggests. Genetic analysis of cases of male infertility revealed that rare mutations in a gene known as SPOCD1 disrupt the formation of healthy sperm during the earliest stages of their development. The gene was also found to work in partnership with a previously unknown gene, C19orf84, to protect the early-stage precursors to sperm, known as germ cells, from damage. The discovery of the essential role of these two key genes could provide the answer to some cases of the most severe forms of male infertility and lead to expanded genetic screening for rare mutations, researchers say. Cryptozoospermia and azoospermia, in which little or no sperm is produced, affect around 1% of men. In 45% of cases, no cause can be found, but they are long suspected of having genetic causes. A sperm cell's biggest challenge starts long before the journey to reach the egg as sperm are particularly vulnerable during the earliest stages of their development, as germ cells in developing embryos. Germ cells must protect their DNA from damage during the embryo's development so they can become the pool of self-renewing cells that produce healthy sperm throughout adult life. A previous study by the researchers had shown that SPOCD1 has an essential role in protecting germ cells in male mice, but it was unclear whether the same process happened in humans. In collaboration with researchers at the University of Munster and other partner universities, scientists at the University of Edinburgh screened international databases containing genetic data from 2913 men involved in studies on infertility. They identified three men who carried faulty versions of the SPOCD1 gene, which resulted in damage to germ cells that prevented healthy sperm developmentthis failure to launch led to infertility. During their development, germ cells undergo a reprogramming process that leaves them vulnerable to rogue genes, known as jumping genes, which can damage their DNA and threaten fertility. Germ cells are the vital link between generations, but they need unique strategies to protect the genetic information they carry so it can be passed successfully from parents to their offspring. The previous study in mice found that the SPOCD1 gene helps to recruit protective chemical tags, known as DNA methylations, to disable jumping genes. This study revealed that the men with faulty versions of the SPOCD1 gene had the most severe forms of infertility, azoospermia, and cryptozoospermia. Analysis of the mutated variants of the SPOCD1 gene also revealed a new gene, known as C19orf84 which partners with SPOCD1 and forms an important line of defense in early sperm cells. Further study of the role of these genes in early-stage sperm cells in mouse embryos revealed that both produce proteins that are essential in recruiting the protective tags that silence jumping genes. Scientists have long puzzled over how germ cells escape damage during the reprogramming process, as it temporarily wipes their genetic slate clean of existing protective tags. C19orf84 protein acts as a matchmaker, connecting the SPOCD1 protein with the cell's protective chemical tag-making machinery and directing them toward the jumping genes before they can damage the genome. Increased understanding of this process, together with expanded genetic screening, will allow scientists to identify if faulty versions of these genes are the cause of some of these rare cases of male infertility, researchers say. Professor Donal O'Carroll, lead author of the study from the University of Edinburgh, said, "This was a wonderful collaborative project that led to the discovery of new genetic causes of male infertility. We also advanced our understanding of a process that is fundamental to healthy sperm cell development. These mechanistic insights are leading to a better understanding of the elusive process that allows developing sperm to preserve their genetic integrity and escape an early death." Dr. Ansgar Zoch, first and co-corresponding author of the study from the University of Edinburgh, said, "A truly collaborative achievement, this study enhances our understanding of male infertility on the molecular and genetic level." "I am particularly proud that so many co-authors joined efforts and contributed their expertise. We demonstrate strong evidence for SPOCD1 to be included in genetic screenings of male infertility patients. Providing a genetic diagnosis can help provide closure to affected individuals and potentially prevent unnecessary medical procedures." The study was published in Molecular Cell. More information: Ansgar Zoch et al, C19ORF84 connects piRNA and DNA methylation machineries to defend the mammalian germ line, Molecular Cell (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2024.01.014 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 Le Bonheur Children's Hospital's risk-based innovation program Changing High-Risk Asthma in Memphis through Partnership (CHAMP) has significantly decreased health care use related to asthma by targeting barriers to asthma care, according to research published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. After one year of enrollment in the program, results analyzing 945 children included a 48% reduction in Emergency Department (ED) visits, 68% reduction in inpatient and observation visits, 42% reduction in urgent care visits and 53% reduction in asthma exacerbations. Asthma exacerbations per patient significantly decreased from 2.97 to 1.4. "Children in Shelby County, which includes the Memphis metro area, have disproportionally high asthma-related health care resource use compared with other regions in Tennessee," said Christie Michael, MD, the allergist/immunologist and medical director for the CHAMP program. "Our results show that taking down the walls of the clinic and going to where kids live, play and go to school has been a success." The study analyzed data for children who had completed one full year of the program between January 2013 and Dec. 31, 2022. Of 1,348 children enrolled, 945 completed a full year of the program. The demographics of the participants were 63% male and 90% Black with a mean age of 6.8 years. The CHAMP program was developed with a goal of improving asthma care and reducing risk of exacerbation for patients with high-risk asthma, who have significantly increased morbidity and mortality, and consequently, higher use and cost of health care. High-risk asthma can be defined in a few ways, including asthma that causes higher health care use, is poorly controlled despite appropriate medical management or is controlled but requires the maximum medications available. The areas around Le Bonheur have the highest rate of ED visits and hospitalizations for asthma in the state, which is twice as high for kids with Medicaid compared to those with private insurance. CHAMP seeks to change the paradigm for caring for these kids by addressing key factors that lead to high health care use and exacerbation of asthma. A dedicated medical care team works to provide the best outcomes for these children by working outside of the traditional paradigms of health care and working with kids and families inside their homes, at their schools, and at all hours of day and night. Seeds of change As a physician caring for this population of patients with high-risk asthma, Michael and her team spent years thinking, "Doesn't anyone know that we need a more complete picture of a patient in order to best care for them?" "These high-risk asthma patients would come to see us in clinic, and it was evident that we care about them, but once they left, we might as well be on Mars," said Michael. "We were looking at people in snapshots rather than taking into account all risk factors they faced." The CHAMP program evolved over time, getting a jumpstart from a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grant in 2012. Patients with high-risk asthma are eligible for the program if they are residents of Shelby County, aged 2-18 years and enrolled in Medicaid or TennCare. For the program, high-risk asthma means the patient has had one of the following: three or more asthma-related ED or urgent care visits in the previous year; two or more asthma-related hospitalizations in the previous year; any admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). Timing is crucial. Each day, CHAMP receives a report through the electronic medical record (EMR) of all pediatric patients admitted to Le Bonheur Children's affilaited Methodist Healthcare System or urgent care facility due to a breathing problem. This way, patients and families can be reached and engaged in the program quickly and successfully. Keys to success Key issues for this population that CHAMP needed to address in order to change outcomes were determined by literature review, expert opinion and the consensus of team members with extensive experience working with this population. These areas included access to care, fragmented care, insufficient asthma education and social needs/social determinants of health. Children with high-risk asthma can have multiple issues accessing care whether consistent appointments with primary care providers and specialists or transportation for appointments and medication refills. The ED can become the default when options for acute outpatient or after-hours help are limited. "If we want patients to do something other than go to the ED, we have to give them another option," adds Michael. "CHAMP has developed multiple initiatives to address these issues." In addition to a dedicated medical team and access to transportation services, one of the greatest keys to success has been the implementation of a 24/7 CHAMP call line. Caregivers can call at any time to receive guidance on what care might be needed and if escalation to urgent care or ED is needed. Results showed that from November 2013 to December 2022, 415 unique participants made 1,053 calls with 58% of calls coming after hours. Immediate asthma-related breathing issues made up 67% of calls, and 52% of calls led to resolution without a visit to a medical facility. Coordination of care among all providers is vital for improved outcomes and to eliminate confusion for caregivers. With CHAMP, care takes place through a dedicated medical team, which leads and ensures coordination. In addition to specialists visits, care includes home visits from community health educators (CHEs) as well as a respiratory therapist who communicates a child's asthma action plan with school nurses and PCPs. CHAMP also created the innovative asthma repository, so that CHAMP providers can download claims data for their patients from TennCare. This allows providers to see all medical encounters and if prescriptions are filled. "The asthma data repository allows care coordination between medical and community teams for a child," said Michael. "With this information we have access to a more complete picture of a given patient's asthma care and outcomes, and the CHEs can contact caregivers to help resolve any prescription refill issues." This dedicated care team through CHAMP also works together to emphasize proper asthma education so that caregivers are familiar with exacerbation triggers and a child's asthma symptoms. In addition to the asthma action plan created in clinic and shared with schools, CHEs reinforce asthma education and medication use during home visits by building relationships with each family. Many families enrolled in the program are also impacted by social determinants of health. Almost all the children in the program live in one caregiver homes below the poverty line. Many of them live in rental housing with environmental hazards that exacerbate asthma. Through CHAMP, families can be connected with Le Bonheur's community services and partners who can provide medical-legal services or help with addressing environmental triggers. "Relationships are a huge part of what makes CHAMP successful, so that families know who we are and who they are dealing with," said Michael. "CHEs have relationships with families and can be an extra set of eyes to help us know about any needsutility bill payments, food shortages or the need for asthma education reinforcement." Future sustainability The CHAMP program represents an innovative way to care for children with chronic disease that not only improves their outcomes but also could lower the cost of health care for each child. After a third-party evaluation of the CHAMP program following the original 3-year grant period with the CMS, health care costs were reduced by $545 per child per quarter, totaling a reduction of $2,180 per year. Financial stability continues to be a challenge for the program that Michael says they are seeking to address in new and innovative ways. "Our key to sustainability lies in both optimizing the number of patients we can serve and determining sustainable funding. We are actively working to establish relationships with insurance companies to show the positive outcomes and lowered costs of our program," said Michael. For the future, Michael hopes that CHAMP could have the opportunity to expand to patients with private insurance or go out into the region to smaller counties outside of the Memphis area. Michael believes that the CHAMP model could even be used to address other chronic childhood illnesses, such as diabetes. "The idea is to find the people who really need the program and scale our program to achieve desired outcomes for the largest possible number of patients and families," said Michael. Provided by Le Bonheur Children's Hospital This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain People who experience heat stress during exercise may need more recovery time to let their muscles heal, according to a new mouse study published ahead of print in the American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology. The study is titled "Exertional heat stroke causes long-term skeletal muscle epigenetic reprogramming, altered gene expression, and impaired satellite cell function in mice." Exertional heat stressbecoming severely overheated during physical activitycan be a life-threatening condition with lasting consequences. Complications from exertional heat stress can include a higher risk of heart or kidney disease, problems with the central nervous system or compromised immunity. Although muscle injuryincluding muscle crampsis often an early sign of heat stress, the mechanisms behind heat-related muscle injury and prolonged complications such as loss of muscle are not clear. Researchers studied a mouse model of exertional heat stress to determine how it affects the muscles in the long term. Female micechosen because males have a lower tolerance to heatran at moderate intensity in a hot (99.5F). One month after the exercise session, the research team examined samples from the animals' calf muscles. These muscles were "chosen because [they are] highly activated during running and it represents a well-distributed mix of fast and slow muscle fiber types," the researchers wrote. Credit: American Physiological Society Compared with a control group of mice that exercised in a temperate environment between 71F and 73F, the heat stress group's muscles showed changes in 137 genes, including some related to muscle structure and function, stress response and encoding heat shock proteins. Cells produce heat shock proteins in response to heat or cold stress and are involved in wound healing. Although muscle contractile function remained stable after recovering from heat-induced injury, after 30 days the ability of the muscles to produce satellite cells (muscle stem cells) had decreased. Satellite cells are important for muscle repair. "The important implication of this is that although skeletal muscle contractile function remains intact [over time, following exertional heat stress], this does not necessarily mean that it has fully recovered. If applicable to humans, this may have significance for understanding the need for extended recovery times in some patients with [exertional heat stress] before safe return to physical activity," the authors wrote. "This is particularly relevant to athletes and active military, where decisions are made regarding the timing for return to play or duty." More information: Kevin O. Murray et al, Exertional heat stroke causes long-term skeletal muscle epigenetic reprogramming, altered gene expression, and impaired satellite cell function in mice, American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology (2023). DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00226.2023 While praying for Ukraine this week in a zoom connection with YWAM colleagues, I remembered a story once told by the late Argentinian-born evangelist Luis Palau. A concrete wall on his property needed to be demolished so he called in a contractor. Expecting him to turn up with some heavy machinery to do the job, he was surprised when the contractor arrived with only a sledgehammer. No pneumatic drills, just a simple sledgehammer. Luis asked incredulously if that was really sufficient for the job. The contractor told him just to watch patiently. The man swung the hammer against the wall. BAM! And again. BAM! And repeatedly. BAM! BAM! BAM! But the wall stood firm as did Luis scepticism. BAM! BAM! BAM! Ten times. Twenty times Then, after about thirty swings of the sledgehammer, Luis detected slight movement in the wall. Little cracks began to appear. With each new thud, the cracks grew longer and wider. Suddenly parts of the wall began to break off, and very quickly the whole wall crumbled. That, said Luis, shows the power of persevering prayer. A difficult week As the two-year anniversary of Putins special operation in Ukraine approaches, we can be tempted to be discouraged and feel our prayers are not being heard. This week has been difficult for Ukrainians. The war is dragging on with no end in sight. President Zelensky has just fired Commander-in-chief Zaluzhnyi who had used the word stalemate to describe the situation on the eastern war front, to the presidents annoyance. The rest of the world seems to be getting battle fatigue and losing interest, distracted by the tragedy of Gaza (started not uncoincidentally on Putins birthday). Republican Senators blocked a $60 billion bipartisan package in military assistance for Kyiv, earning a roasting from Polands new prime minister, Donald Tusk: Ronald Reagan, who helped millions of us to win back our freedom and independence, must be turning in his grave today. Shame on you! Intensive drone and missile attacks on a wide of range Ukrainian cities strained the Ukrainian air defence and resulted in multiple casualties and much damage. Rubbing salt into the Ukrainians wounds, former Fox News journalist Tucker Carlson gave Putin a two-hour platform this week to tell the world that the fighting would be over in a few weeks if America just stopped supplying weapons. Yeah right and then there would be peace, of the Russky mir type. The fawning interviewer was seen by many commentators as latest of a long line of useful idiot journalists helping tyrants like Stalin and Hitler. Also this week, anti-war candidate Boris Nadezhdin was ruled out of standing in Russias presidential election next month due to irregularities in the collection of signatures supporting his candidature. Yet for the hundred-thousand plus who stood in freezing conditions waiting to add their support in centres across 40 regions, this official reaction to someone who could be a lightning rod of discontent with Putins leadership was predictable and thus all the more reason why change was necessary. Blind subserviance Still, there have been significant positive developments on the war front over the past couple of weeks, in the air and on the sea, if not on the land. Drone attacks have reached targets deeper inside Russia than was thought possible, attacking key military and energy sector targets including oil and gas processing, storage, and export facilities. Drones also recently sank a Russian guided missile ship in the Black Sea, a further embarrassing loss to Russias Black Sea navy. Are we beginning to witness the cracks appearing in the Russian edifice? Will Nadezhdins bold effort to openly oppose the invasion of Ukraine encourage more to speak out openly? Are the wives, daughters and mothers of Russian soldiers wearing white scarves and laying flowers at public monuments, calling for the return of their loved ones from the front, an indication that the Russian public are also experiencing war fatigue? This is no time to pretend that if we ignore the plight of the Ukrainians the problem will somehow sort itself out. It wont. For Ukraines sake, for Europes sake, for the worlds sake, the effort must go on with our support in prayer. And not just for a victory. The only just long term resolution to the conflict requires an upheaval of the Russian mentality, the release of the Russian peoples themselves from the prison of blind subservience to authoritarian strong men. Truth is Gods sledgehammer. As the Czech reformer Jan Hus famously said, truth prevails! Or as Jesus himself said, truth sets free. Our prayers must be not only be for the freedom of conscience, thought and worship for Ukrainians. It must also be for Gods truth to set the Russian peoples free from their centuries old enslavement. So lets keep hammering on that wall! Weekly Word is an initiative of The Schuman Centre for European Studies. Jeff Fountain is a New Zealander holding a Dutch passport, is currently the director of the Schuman Centre for European Studies (www.schumancentre.eu), and lives in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Jeff graduated with a history degree from the University of Auckland (1972) and worked as a journalist on the New Zealand Herald (1972-3), and as travelling secretary for Tertiary Student Christian Fellowship (TSCF) (1973). He has lived in the Netherlands since 1975, and has travelled and spoken in almost every European country. For twenty years following the fall of communism, he was the European director for the international and interdenominational mission organisation, Youth With A Mission. He was chairman of the international, trans-denominational movement, Hope for Europe, for which he organised two pan-European congresses in Budapest in 2002 and 2011. In 2010, he established the Schuman Centre for European Studies (www.schumancentre.eu) to promote biblical perspectives on Europes past, present and future, to encourage effective engagement in issues facing Europe today. 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 Imagine your healthy child gets sickso sick that you take them to the emergency department. You are shocked to find out that their liver is failing, and they will need a transplant to survive. Studies show that their chances of survival are higher the faster they can get to a hospital that performs liver transplants. But what factors affect how quickly that happens? Pediatric acute liver failure, also called PALF, is a life-threatening condition that emerges with very little warning in previously healthy children. It is rare, affecting about 5,000 children in the United States a year, and can result from viral hepatitis or drug-induced liver injury (such as a child accidentally swallowing too much Tylenol)or appear with no apparent cause at all. Many children recover with supportive care or medications, but for some, an emergency liver transplant is the only way to save their lives. A Children's Hospital Los Angeles research team has found that for these children, the likelihood of receiving a liver transplant and the prospects of recovery can depend upon factors outside their overall health. The research is published in the journal Pediatric Transplantation. "Studies have shown that prompt referral to a liver transplant center reduces the chances of death," says Johanna Ascher Bartlett, MD, Transplant Hepatology fellow at CHLA and corresponding author on the paper. "But is everybody who needs a transplant referred to a transplant center in time? Outside of the clinical factors we are monitoring, we wanted to understand if there were any overlooked disparities that we could address to improve our patients' ability to receive transplants and care." The researchers wanted to know if patient race, ethnicity and social determinants of healththe environmental factors like neighborhood, social support systems, economic stability and more that can affect a person's health in unexpected wayscould impact the outcomes of children with acute liver failure. The researchers examined the medical records of 145 children admitted to CHLA with acute liver failure over the past two decades. The team then validated the CHLA results with data from 156 patients who were part of the larger National Institutes of Health Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Study Group, which included patients from 12 different centers. The analysis showed that factors like family support, employment (parent or caretaker), patient age, race and language spoken can affect clinical outcomes. "Families with more financial and interpersonal support tend to experience better outcomesspontaneous recovery or liver transplant rather than deathwhile patients from lower-income families have worse outcomes, regardless of insurance status," says Dr. Ascher Bartlett. "Overall, our data indicate that the children who died more often had limited social support systems and parents who were the primary caregiver but who worked full-time." Uncovering hidden influences In the Children's Hospital Los Angeles group: 55% of CHLA liver transplant patients reported having "extensive" community and family/friend support 40% of families of patients who died reported having extensive support 11% of primary caregivers were unemployed in the group of transplant patients with worse outcomes 7% of transplant patients who died had primary caregivers who were unemployed 5% of patients in the spontaneous recovery group had primary caregivers who were unemployed "These data show that barriers still exist for children with acute liver failure who are admitted to pediatric transplant centers," says Juliet Emamaullee, MD, Ph.D., FRCSC, FACS, transplant surgeon at CHLA and senior author on the paper. "There may be unconscious biases held by medical teams in evaluating children with acute liver failure. Our data serves as a reminder that we need to maintain a patient-centered approach when evaluating patients, especially for families that may struggle to navigate the complexities of the health care system." Overcoming disparities However, when the researchers examined CHLA acute liver failure patients for disparities using the social deprivation indexa standard statistical tool measuring income, poverty rate and education according to zip codethey found that socio-economic disparities existed, but did not necessarily interfere with these children's chances of getting a transplant or their health outcomes. "While similar studies on a larger scale and in different urban settings are needed to truly determine the relationships between social determinants of health and access to prompt care at a transplant center, our data suggests that current referral patterns to CHLAthe only freestanding pediatric hospital in the U.S. that serves under-resourced communitiesmay be effective in overcoming these potential barriers," says Dr. Emamaullee, Research Director, Division of Abdominal Organ Transplantation. "From our experience, screening for inequities can equip clinicians with the tools needed to identify unmet health-related social and economic needs of patients, and collaborating with community health organizations could allow providers to refer patients with socioeconomic insecurities so they can be more quickly routed to transplant centers." More information: Johanna Ascher Bartlett et al, Finance, race, ethnicity, and spoken language impact clinical outcomes for children with acute liver failure, Pediatric Transplantation (2024). DOI: 10.1111/petr.14686 Public Health Delegation From Uzbekistan Visits UB Schools Uzbekistan, a landlocked central Asian country with a population of close to 36 million, has public health in its sights. That much was clear when four Uzbek scientists and doctors arrived for an information-gathering session at the University at Buffalo on Feb. 1. Discuss Collaboration, Learning Possibilities The group, in the middle of a whirlwind tour of key organizations in the United States, is picking the brains of the countrys top public health professionals in advance of developing Uzbekistans national public health capabilities. After stops in Washington, D.C., and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, the group made its way to Buffalo happily in the middle of a winter heat wave to discuss possibilities for learning and collaboration with UBs School of Public Health and Health Professions (SPHHP) experts. The visit was arranged through the International Institute of Buffalo and local health leaders. The first stop was UBs Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), where CTSI director Timothy F. Murphy, MD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of medicine and senior associate dean for clinical and translational research, and Teresa Quattrin, MD, UB Distinguished Professor of pediatrics, associate dean for research integration and CTSI recruitment and special populations core director, outlined the work of the CTSI and discussed public-private partnerships for improving health nationwide. Quattrin had a leading role in coordinating the UB visit. Stephen J. Turkovich, MD, president and chief medical officer of Oishei Childrens Hospital, and assistant professor of clinical pediatrics, also addressed the group. Next, the group headed to the SPHHP. Speaking through an interpreter, Rafail Ibragimov, leading specialist of the Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee at the Uzbek Ministry of Health, explained that Uzbekistans government has been funding public health efforts for some time now. But the countrys Health 2030 strategic plan proposes to increase its level of support and ultimately develop a stand-alone school of public health and CDC-like organization. Jean Wactawski-Wende, PhD, dean of SPHHP, described how the school addresses regional and global health challenges. Topics included a range of community partnerships, SPHHPs public health educational training programs, and local and global research collaborations. Lina Mu, MD, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology and environmental health; director of UBs Office of Global Health Initiatives; and convenor of the meeting, emphasized that collaborations for training students and research projects were definitely an opportunity to explore. Like any networkers worth their salt, the Uzbek and SPHHP groups exchanged contact details to further the conversation, said Wactawski-Wende. A man was convicted last week in Lake County for starting two fires, including the massive Boulder 2700 fire that torched over 2,000 acres east of Polson in the summer of 2021. Craig A. McCrea, 38, was found guilty on two felony counts of arson on Feb. 8 by a 12-person jury, according to Emilee Cantrell, a spokesperson for the Montana Attorney Generals Office. The Boulder 2700 fire ravaged about 2,589 acres and destroyed 14 homes and 17 structures, Cantrell said. The fire started just east of Polson on July 31, 2021, forcing the evacuation of thousands of Lake County residents from their residences in Finley Point and the southeast end of Flathead Lake. The second arson conviction was for starting the Finley Fire in Missoula County on July 25, 2021, Cantrell said. Detectives investigated the cause of the Boulder 2700 fire for months. They reviewed hundreds of hours of video footage from local businesses to identify suspects, according to charging documents, and pieced together phone data and surveillance video to establish McCrea traveled up a mountain logging road where the Boulder 2700 blaze originated. McCrea was eventually arrested in 2022. Cantrell noted McCrea might be ordered to pay restitution and the cost of fighting and investigating the fires, which is estimated to be several million dollars. That will be determined at sentencing, which is scheduled for May 3 in Lake County District Court. McCrea is facing up to 100 years in the Montana State Prison for each count instead of the usual 20 year maximum because he was designated before trial as a persistent felony offender, Cantrell said. McCrea was remanded to the custody of the Lake County Sheriffs Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Thorin Geist and Caitlin Creighton, along with Lake County Attorney James Lapotka. It was investigated by the Lake County Sheriffs Office. A roundup of some of the most popular but completely untrue stories and visuals of the week. None of these are legit, even though they were shared widely on social media. The Associated Press checked them out. A panel of healthcare experts discussed Disease X at Davos. But its only a hypothetical illness CLAIM: A deadly contagion known as Disease X is emerging and under discussion at the World Economic Forums 2024 annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. THE FACTS: Disease X is not real. It is the name given to a hypothetical pathogen that is being used to help plan for future health crises. Global healthcare experts this week spoke on a WEF panel called Preparing for Disease X. The name was coined by the World Health Organization in 2018. In the days leading up to Wednesdays panel on the topic, social media users began sharing a range of posts misrepresenting Disease X as real, and portraying it as an imminent threat to society. Disease X is the mystery contagion that the World Economic Forum is having a meeting about TODAY! reads one Instagram post that had received more than 2,000 likes as of Thursday before it was deleted. Apparently it could have 20 times more fatalities than COVID. Remember they always tell us whats coming. But Disease X is not an actual illness. The WHO introduced the concept as part of its 2018 list of diseases that pose the greatest public health risk. The information helps guide global research and development in areas such as vaccines, tests and treatments. Disease X represents a hypothetical pathogen that could one day cause an epidemic or pandemic, according to a 2022 announcement about the WHOs intent to update its list. An initial version of the list, which did not include Disease X, was published in 2017 and another update is planned for the first half of 2024. Actual diseases on the current list include COVID-19, Zika, Ebola and SARS, among others. Targeting priority pathogens and virus families for research and development of countermeasures is essential for a fast and effective epidemic and pandemic response, Dr. Michael Ryan, executive director of the WHOs Health Emergencies Programme, said in the 2022 press release. Asked for comment on false claims about Disease X, the WHO sent The Associated Press an updated copy of the release, which was nearly identical to the one from 2022. The Davos panel discussing Disease X on Wednesday featured global healthcare leaders, including WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus; Nisia Trindade, Brazils minister of health; and Nancy Brown, CEO of the American Heart Association. Migrants in NYC were temporarily housed in a local school during a storm. The school has not shut down CLAIM: A New York City high school was shut down to house migrants who entered the U.S. illegally. THE FACTS: News that migrants living in a temporary shelter at Floyd Bennett Field, a former airport, would wait out out a storm at James Madison High School led to false claims on social media that the move would be long term. Nearly 2,000 migrants housed in tents at the Brooklyn shelter were moved temporarily to the high school in the boroughs Midwood neighborhood on the evening of Jan. 9. All of the migrants had left the school by early the next morning. Classes were held remotely on Jan. 10 and resumed in person the next day. (Heart)BREAKING: New York has shut down a high school so that it can become a shelter for illegal aliens, reads one post on X, formerly Twitter. But the move was temporary, the migrants were at James Madison High School for less than 12 hours. To be clear, this relocation is a proactive measure being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals working and living at the center, Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, said in a statement on Jan. 9, referencing the Floyd Bennett Field shelter. The relocation will continue until any weather conditions that may arise have stabilized and the facility is once again fit for living. Aries Dela Cruz, a spokesperson for the New York City Office of Emergency Management, told The Associated Press that migrants began loading onto buses at Floyd Bennett Field at about 4:50 p.m. on Jan. 9 and arrived at the school starting about 5:30 p.m. The last buses arrived about 8 p.m. Some families arrived on their own after hearing about the relocation. The agency wrote on X that the migrants had all returned to Floyd Bennett Field by 4:27 a.m. on Wednesday, after winds had subsided. Fabien Levy, another Adams spokesperson, wrote on X Wednesday that as the rain died down early this AM, we were able to move all the migrants out of James Madison High School by 4:15 this morning, and all headed back to Floyd Bennett Field. James Madison High School wrote in a Facebook post late Tuesday that all classes would be remote the next day. Regular in-person instruction resumed the next day. The decision to house migrants at James Madison High School led to widespread anger, including a protest outside the school and a bomb threat directed at the institution. But Adams stressed at a press conference on Jan. 10 that using schools in emergency situations was nothing new. Starbucks watermelon mug was part of its UK summer collection, not a show of support for Palestinians CLAIM: Starbucks has begun selling a watermelon mug to signal its support for Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war and appease those boycotting the chain. THE FACTS: The mug was part of Starbucks U.K. summer collection, which launched in May 2023, months before the conflict broke out, a company spokesperson told The Associated Press. Starbucks, as well as many customers, featured the mug in social media posts around that time. While fighting continues in the third month of the Israel-Hamas war, some on social media are falsely claiming that Starbucks is selling the watermelon mug to mitigate damage caused by a boycott of the company over the conflict. Posts spreading online include photos and videos of the mug, which features a watermelon design on each side green on the bottom with a white stripe through the middle and red with black seeds near the rim. its giving were so sorry pls come, reads one post on X, formerly Twitter, that had received approximately 58,000 likes and more than 18,600 shares as of Friday. yall aint fooling us. we still boycotting. But the mug has nothing to do with the Israel-Hamas war and was launched months before the fighting began, according to Jaci Anderson, a Starbucks spokesperson. Any stores still selling the product would simply have leftover stock from its May 2023 release, Anderson said. The mug can be seen in social media posts from around the time it became available for purchase. A June 22 post on Starbucks U.K. Facebook page, for example, shows the mug as part of a beach picnic. Multiple TikTok users posted videos, starting in May, that showed the watermelon mug among the companys other summer merchandise. Colors found in a slice of watermelon, the green and white rind, red pulp and black seeds, also appear in the Palestinian flag. For years watermelon has been used as a sign of defiance against Israeli actions. Watermelon imagery has more recently become a symbol of solidarity in protests against the Israel-Hamas war, particularly where displaying the flag has been banned. In October, Starbucks sued Workers United the union organizing its employees over a pro-Palestinian message on social media that used Starbucks name and a circular green logo resembling that of the coffee chain, saying that customers might be confused about its origin. The lawsuit was refiled in November, adding language about workers rights to express political views and emphasizing a desire to protect worker safety and Starbucks reputation. Starbucks has not taken an official stance on the conflict, but those boycotting the chain have said they see this as a failure to offer more support to the people of Gaza. The company says of its position on the war: Starbucks stands for humanity. We condemn violence, the loss of innocent life and weaponized speech. Despite false statements spread through social media, we have no political agenda. Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck Not real news: Stories about transgender athlete Lia Thomas, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a Virginia house explosion have been circulating The NCAA is not transferring medals won by Lia Thomas to Riley Gaines. And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not buy two yachts through proxies. We debunk the claims. Not real news: Debunking revived 'pizzagate' claims and other false stories circulating on social media Social media users shared a range of false claims this week. Here are the facts in stories involving 'pizzagate,' the 2020 election and Doctors Without Borders. Frustration regarding Helena's lack of an emergency shelter boiled over during the city commission's recent administration meeting. Good Samaritan Ministries Executive Director Theresa Ortega told the commission during its Wednesday evening meeting that a recent bid to open a 26-bed emergency women's shelter dubbed Ruth's Place was snuffed out when the proposed site of the shelter was purchased in January. "We have gone through all the steps of this," Ortega said. "We've gone through the CUP process, and then we got thrown a monkey wrench. The building was sold from under us." Good Samaritan Ministries also operates Our Place, a peer-support drop-in center that funnels those in need to addiction counseling and other services, within the same building, located at 648 Jackson St. Ortega said the nonprofit's attorney has reviewed the existing Our Place lease and said it should hold up, though she said she has also heard in Montana a new owner is permitted to cancel existing leases. "I'm not sure what's going on with that yet. I need direct information," Ortega said. "If the lease is held in place, we have until February 2025. The other issues are, we were told we could not move forward with Ruth's Place due to the owner not wanting it there, the new owner." That new owner is Helena developer and business owner Rex Seeley, who said Jan. 22 he and one other person are under contract to purchase the downtown property and invoked a nondisclosure agreement shrouding the deal. Seeley declined to disclose his intent behind the purchase. The Helena City Commission for months has attempted to solidify a solution to the city's growing unsheltered population, one of the fastest growing in the state according to state Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-Helena. The commission went so far as to offer up a $100,000 bounty set aside from the city's allocation of more than $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to any possible solution to the problem. The money remains unclaimed, and City Commissioner Melinda Reed has since proposed creating a task force to recommend policies and identify opportunities to spend the money. "It's snowing outside," Reed said. "We don't have an emergency warming shelter in our community. We had the same conversation last year. ... And I know there's all these processes in place, and forgive me if my frustration shows, but I am frustrated knowing it's still snowing, we still don't have anything and these conversations feel like in two years, we might have another document to look at, but we are not finding solutions." Reed added she does not see a "clear path to addressing this problem." "So I am looking for inspiration, I am looking for options," she said. "I am trying to think of a way to unstick us from a place where all these groups are talking about the problem, and yet, we have $100,000 we've allocated to addressing the solution, and we don't have anything to do with those funds. ... I'm not sure by next winter we're going to know what to do, and I find that challenging." Fellow city commissioners and some city staff have balked at the idea of establishing a new task force, instead insisting a soon-to-be-established working group be tasked with reviewing and implementing new land use planning policy as required by the 2023 Legislature's Senate Bill 302. Helena Community Development Director Chris Brink said his "initial concern" with a new task force is "staff availability" while having the parallel processes playing out simultaneously. When asked by Reed if the working group will consider emergency housing issues, Brink said "(w)e can make it so. We're tasked with looking at a broad spectrum of housing." The problem, however, is negotiations with a third-party consultant chosen to facilitate the working group have only just begun. Brink said he does not anticipate the group holding its first meeting until March. He said the plan is for the group to meet over the next 18 months, with recommendations coming from the group as early as July 2025. "Is there potential for faster, more immediate action to come out of that group prior to 2025 or do we have to wait?," City Commissioner Andy Shirtliff asked. Brink said any timeline would need to follow what is outlined in the new state law. "I'm hearing by 2025 some of the broader issues will be addressed, and that's great, and I know I really look forward to that process, but it still doesn't quite address the right now," Reed said. "At this point in our community, we have a very serious problem, and we can't quite seem to figure out what to do. It feels like another good reason to keep trying to figure it out. ... I struggle with the current state of affairs and knowing that there are great people in this community ready to help, they just don't know how to do it." City Commissioner Emily Dean suggested utilizing existing, informal working groups previously established by the city for this purpose. City Commissioner Sean Logan questioned whether an emergency shelter is even the responsibility of city government, to which Dunwell later responded, "it is all of our responsibility, especially as elected officials." Ortega said her organization is not giving up and that she has personally toured "several pieces of property" to house Good Samaritan operations in the future. "But at the same time, we're going to have the same problem: 'We don't want you in our neighborhood,'" Ortega said. "It doesn't mean we're going to quit. We still have a large group of donors that is supporting Ruth's Place. We've got people who are working with us on beds. We just have no place to go right now." She said the organization has inquired about moving into the May Butler Center, a portion of the larger St. John's Building on south Rodney Street. "It is really frustrating," Ortega said. "And it is really frustrating to go to the same meetings over and over again and still get the same 'What are we going to do? Where are we going to go?'" Ortega said for now, Good Samaritan will house as many people as they can in Helena-area hotels this winter. "Good Samaritan is more than willing to get people into hotels this winter as needed because there's not going to be overflow shelter, and Ruth's Place is not going to be able to go through this winter because of circumstances with our building," she said. City Manager Tim Burton said without establishing a new task force, "maybe we can continue to talk to all the experts that have been at the table, including our own people, and keep this in front of the commission. Maybe not every meeting, but at least try to bring some definition relative to the city's role in a strategic partnership with the experts that we know are out there doing hard work and good work." Ortega urged the city government to maintain the wave of momentum that has built up behind the issue. "If we start all this over again with re-planning and new meetings, we're going to be right back where we were last year," she said. "We can get the people covered this year in hotels and other options, but let's not stop the momentum from where we're at right now." The Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday disbarred a Helena attorney and ordered her to pay $1.3 million in restitution to clients, calling her actions monumental in scope and extent. The 6-0 decision by the court, with Justice Jim Rice recusing, ruled against attorney Meghan Doud, who had been licensed to practice law in Montana since 2006. Most recently she had practiced with her father, Timothy McKeon at McKeon Doud PC. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) recommended the punishment for Doud and the court made the final decision. One of Douds clients filed a grievance with the ODC in 2019 and later withdrew it. However, the ODC uncovered evidence that the firm was misappropriating client funds. It then filed a complaint and amended complaint that was at issue before the court, documents state. The ODC charged her with seven counts of professional misconduct and alleged she mishandled trust fund accounts, comingled attorney funds with client funds, charged unreasonable fees to clients and failed to maintain signed fee agreements for contingency fee cases. Other allegations included she failed to maintain the firms trust accounts, did not keep clients apprised of the status of their cases and failed to use independent professional judgment and further research the firms fee structure and collection of unreasonable fees and costs. Justice James Jeremiah Shea upheld the commissions findings in a 24-page ruling. Doud has not persuaded us that the Commissions conclusions of law are incorrect and said the commission proved its allegations with clear and convincing evidence. She was disbarred, effective immediately. Colin M. Stephens, attorney representing Doud, declined comment. Pamela D. Bucy, chief disciplinary counsel, offered a statement on the courts decision: ODC is relieved that this matter has finally been completed and that the Commission on Practice and the Court agreed that Ms. Douds conduct warranted the ultimate sanction of disbarment, she said in an email. She said three of the impacted clients have died in the meantime. Our only regret is that several of her clients will never see the fruits of any restitution or that the lawyer disciplinary system held their attorney accountable. The ODC heard the complaint in November 2023 and recommended she be disbarred from practicing law in Montana. Doud filed objections. The commission found that Douds failures to adhere to the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct were egregious, numerous, occurred over a long period of time." Shea noted that Doud was the sole authorized signatory on the firms trust accounts and was responsible for monitoring it. She failed to follow applicable rules and safeguards for those accounts from Jan. 1, 2016 to March 31, 2020. Court documents stated the transferred amounts were almost always in even amounts not consistent with earned contingency fees or costs reimbursements related to a particular clients case. Doud also reportedly did not keep a ledger for firms trust accounts. The ODC staff did a reconciliation and determined the amount owed to clients and third parties was about $1.3 million. The firm also reportedly characterized its employees as independent contractors or consultants as a deceptive scheme designed to generate profits greater than the firms contingent fee agreements allowed or are ethically permitted. The ODC noted in one case a client was paid $14,000 by the firm for a $1.2 million settlement. The person was also billed $387,935 for staff time. In some instances, clients were not given a breakdown of their cost expenditures, the court said. Shea said the ODC, referring to the Montana Rules for Lawyer Disciplinary Enforcement, found that Douds failures were monumental in scope and extent and she acted knowingly in violating these duties. They said the misconduct was part of an unconscionable pattern that continued for years and she expressed no regard or remorse aside from a statement her counsel made at the end of her disciplinary hearing. The court said Doud argued her previous attorneys represented her and McKeon, her father, and the conflict violated her right to due process. The law firm transferred McKeons bar status to inactive/disability status, which suspended his disciplinary proceedings indefinitely. She said McKeon would have clearly been a witness against him but for the attorneys to achieve a favorable outcome for him. She said admissions the attorneys made in her fathers defense impaired her ability to defend herself. She said she could have offered mental state defenses but could not because of an alleged conflict. The court said Doud did not explain how a conflict prevented her from offering mental state defenses. They also noted that she and McKeon both took the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination at her disciplinary hearing. Legal challenges continue for Doud and McKeon. On July 15, 2022, the Lewis and Clark County Attorneys Office filed embezzlement and exploitation of an incapacitated person charges against both. County Attorney Kevin Downs said Wednesday their trials are now scheduled for Aug. 12. Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines split on a national security bill to aid Ukraine and Israel after pulling a rare all-nighter during which Republicans opposed to the bill held the Senate floor. The future of the $95 billion package remains uncertain with House Republican leaders indicating they wont take up the Senate bill, this after refusing a vote on a U.S.-Mexico security package a week earlier. Tester, the Democratic chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, voted for the bill, which had been delayed for a month to muster Republican support. The bill passed 70-29, with 22 Republicans voting for the bill. Daines voted against it. In January, the Pentagon said it had exhausted funds to draw down for Ukraine in December, warning that Ukraine was dangerously low on munitions. In the days leading up to Tuesdays 7 a.m. vote, Tester described the bill as necessary to replenish U.S. weapons stockpiles, drawn down for the past two years to supply weaponry to Ukraine in its war against the Russian invasion. Most of the money thats going to Ukraine is actually going to be spent in this country to replenish our stockpile that has been sent over there. So, it truly is not only supporting Ukraine, but it's making our military stronger, Tester said Feb. 5. He is the only member of Montanas delegation who has consistently voted to provide arms to Ukraine. Daines voted against the aid bill, which had been cleaved from a settlement package that a week earlier included $20 billion to address the immigration crises on the U.S-Mexico border, which Daines also opposed, calling the border a President Joe Biden problem that didnt need congressional action. Tuesday, Daines said he rejected the bill aiding Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan because of the southern border. While I support providing lethal aid for Israel, Taiwan and Ukraine, I voted against the emergency supplemental spending bill today because securing our southern border should be our highest priority. Tuesday's vote wasnt the first time Daines expressed support for lethal aid to Ukraine while also voting against it. Daines voted against providing weapons to Ukraine twice in 2022, and again last week. In each case the rejected aid was part of bills that funded other things, including two federal budget bills to keep government fully functioning and last week the immigration crisis on the U.S. Mexico border. Tester has consistently supported the lethal and economic aid for Ukraine defense, with the exception of a Daines bill in March 2022 that attempted to put $14 billion in Ukraine aid to a standalone vote, something sought by Republicans who at that point supported the Ukraines defense but opposed an omnibus bill providing short-term funding of the federal government. Following the Senate vote, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged the House lawmakers not only take up the supplemental aid bill, but also approve the delayed, full-year funding bill for the Department of Defense. "Only one country can provide the leadership that this moment demandsand that's the United States of America," Austin said. "The dangers of our time will only grow worse without strong and steady American leadership. If we do not deter other would-be aggressors, we will only invite more aggression, bloodshed, and chaos. So the cost of American leadership remains far lower than the cost of American abdication and retreat." Name: Jeff Brittain Age: 62 Family: Married 41 years to Cynthia Crawley Brittain. We have 3 daughters and 4 grandsons. Occupation: Vice-President of Engineering for Rutherford Electric Membership Corp. 40 years. I am both a licensed Professional Engineer and Electrical Contractor. Education: Freedom High School, NC State University BS degree in Electrical Engineering Community Involvement: Mount Home Baptist Church (serve/served in many different capacities), Rotary Club of Morganton, Burke County Chamber of Commerce (Past Chair), Burke County United Way (Past Board Member and officer), Professional Engineers of North Carolina Hickory Chapter (Past President) Have you ever been convicted of crime? No. Do you have any unpaid taxes? No. 1. Why do you think you deserve a seat on the Burke County Board of Commissioners? It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Burke County as Commissioner since elected in 2012. Ive had the opportunity to work in leadership positions both professionally and personally and understand the importance of working with others for the common good of all. Im proud to be a Burke County native and I want to see our community flourish into the future. We must think past tomorrow and continue to develop Long Range Plans that will keep us on track for the future of our families. With that in mind, we must make smart decisions that will adequately serve our children and grandchildren for many years to come. While weve faced many challenges over the past 12 years, weve worked together to adequately meet the needs of our citizens while maintaining one of the lowest tax levy per capita rates in the state (83 out of 100). As your Commissioner, that will always be my top priority. 2. What do you think is the biggest challenge the county faces and how would you work to resolve it? One of the most pressing challenges facing our County is economic development. We need more and better paying jobs in our county. Practically every available industrial building in the county has now been filled. Expanding our industrial tax base is a critical component of reducing the tax burden on all our citizens. Attracting more high-tech, higher paying jobs, will allow our children and grandchildren to have the opportunity to remain here in Burke. In order for our young people to be ready for those higher paying jobs, we must continue to develop learning and training opportunities in our public school and community college. Weve made investments to better fund our public school system and bolster programs that support advanced training at Western Piedmont Community College like those at the recently opened Skilled Trades Center. That brings us to the need for more workforce housing. Weve had some success recently in this area both in Morganton and Valdese with the addition of some multi-family housing, but we need more, both single-family and multi-family housing. Were currently evaluating ways to make it easier and more attractive for builders to find the right places to build economical workforce housing across Burke County. 3. Do you believe the development of the megasite should move forward? Why or why not? Absolutely. This project has garnered some mis-information and rumor. We all love and appreciate the natural beauty of our county and know the importance of our waterways. The development of this area would be predicated on protecting both. Guardrails will be put in place to provide buffers, waterway protections, and use restrictions to address all these concerns. These type projects bring higher paying jobs and more opportunity to the region. Economic risk factors that face Burke County: stagnant population growth projection over the next 20 years, Opportunity Youth at 22% (age 16 24 not in school/not working), 20% of our children living in poverty. More and better paying jobs would have a positive impact on all these risk factors. Though our state is fronting the bulk of the funding for such projects, it is our county that could see tremendous relief in the area of property taxes. To see a $3 Billion industrial investment, could mean a $16.8 Million annual property tax infusion that would allow a substantial offset to the overall tax burden on all tax payers. This project has the potential to be a positive transformational game changer for Burke County and our region for generations to come. 4. What capital project are you most interested in seeing happen and why? We have a number of aging and inadequate facilities; however, perhaps our most pressing need is the EMS base located at the hospital. It is woefully inadequate and has long since reached its useful life, not to mention it has been further handicapped by the significant growth of the hospital making it extremely difficult to navigate in a timely manner when responding to emergencies. Keeping our emergency vehicles and personnel ready and responsive is critical to our mission. Our citizens expect a timely and professional response from our emergency services and the relocation and upgrading of this facility will certainly address that need. Seconds count when responding to emergencies, so keeping this facility centrally located in its service response area, and having immediate access to the highway, are top priorities for its new location. My focus as Commissioner will be to continue to make Burke County a place where we can all be proud to live, work and call home. Name: Johnnie Carswell Family: Spouse Brenda; Children Chris, Kim, Gretchen, Greg (Deceased); Twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren Occupation: Retired from NCDPS Education: Valdese High School Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No Do you have any unpaid taxes: No 1. Why do you think you deserve a seat on the Burke County Board of Commissioners? I have served the citizens of Burke County since 2011 and am pleased with what our boards have accomplished as it relates to law enforcement, economic development, housing, broadband, funding for schools, funding for teacher supplements, EMS services, health services, DSS accomplishments, general services, staffing with lower employee turn-over (33% to 11%), an updated personnel ordinance which included a pay plan for the Sheriffs office, and capital infrastructure investments. All the decisions made were due to responsible budgets that were balanced both in an accounting sense and in their priorities. As a result of fiscal common sense, we have achieved a bond rating of AA+ from S&P/Moodys and moved from a Tier 1 to a Tier 2 ranking from the NC Department of Commerce based on the unemployment rate, median household income, percentage growth in population, and adjusted property tax base. Ive been accused of being a tax and spending commissioner. Well, thats what local governments are required to do by statute. I voted for the commonsense budget that reduced the tax rate by 13.5 cents and we now have the 28th lowest tax rate in NC and the 83rd lowest tax lever per capita in the state. 2. What do you think is the biggest challenge the county faces and how would you resolve it? Broadband expansion is critical to our citizens, schools, and businesses. Our goal is to ensure that at least 90% of the county is served by high-speed broadband which is at least 100 mb of download and 25 mb of upload. Burke County has secured two GREAT grants with Brightspeed and Charter. These grants equated to $6.2 million dollars of investment and served about 1,850 locations. Our next cycle (CAB) will kick off in February of 2024 and will require a local match to participate. The County has $1.3 million dollars of federal money set aside to participate and Burke County is one of the first five counties in North Carolina to implement the program. The state office of broadband will apply a 3:1 match for local dollars which will provide purchasing power of approximately $4 million for the program. We will make recommendations to the state for 21 priority areas identified in Burke County. Our board will hold a work session on February 8, 2024, and we are confident that with this investment, the 90% goal will be achieved. The next step is to close the gap to the last 10% which will begin in 2025. 3. Do you believe development of the megasite should move forward? Why or why not? BDI has made our board aware of the mega site concept and the Great Meadows site has been identified as a possible location as a sale price has been negotiated with the owners. The Great Meadows site has been talked about for many years for possible development as it already has industrial zoning. There has been no definitive action regarding the purchase of the property because without the state as a partner, I dont believe the project can move forward. I have always been a proponent of protecting Lake James and my voting record will prove that. Contrary to the rumors and misinformation being placed on Facebook, I would never vote for any company to locate in Burke County if the business would harm Lake James. I do believe that our born and bred citizens deserve to have good jobs just like the jobs that were created by the mega sites in Chatham, Brunswick, Edgecombe, New-Hanover, and Person counties. But I am keenly aware that if this process moves forward, it is crucial that there is careful planning by everyone. What I will not do is make a statement on the future of the project based on supposition and misinformation. 4. What capital project are you most interested in seeing happen and why? Recent data presented by our manager shows that many facilities are near the end of life in the core buildings, and the importance of infrastructure cannot be understated. Several projects are underway across the county to update outdated systems, improve operating efficiencies and reduce repair costs including major HVAC repairs and roof replacements. Projects include new convenience sites, EMS base #1, a new human resources center, and an animal shelter. The project I am most interested in is the animal shelter as we have known for a long time that a long-term goal should be to reduce the numbers of unwanted animals in shelters by reducing relinquishment and abandonment of dogs and cats, as well as addressing irresponsible breeding. We should also address the euthanasia of animals if possible. We should strive to ensure that this population of disadvantaged animals receives compassionate, humane, and high-quality medical care in life and dignity in death. An awareness of the complex issues accompanying animal shelter management and the critical need for appropriate education and training of all personnel in contact with animals is essential to ensure good welfare of shelter animals. All of this can be accomplished with a new shelter. Name: Scott Mulwee Age: 54 Family: Married to Laura Ervin Mulwee. Two children and a grand-child coming in May. Occupation: Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for the past 20 years. Education: Bachelor of Arts East Carolina University Community Involvement: Current Vice-Chairman of the Burke County Board of Commissioners, serving as Commissioner since 2016. Currently serving 3rd term on the Western Piedmont Community College Board of Trustees, Current Board Chair of Burke County Tourism Development Authority, currently serving on the following boards VEDIC, Burke County Recreation Department, NC Association of County Commissioners Executive Committee, County Risk-Pool Group Trustee for NC. Served as Chairman of the following boards Chamber of Commerce and United Way. Served on the following boards Burke Development, Inc., Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club, Burke Literacy Council. Recipient of the 2014 T. Henry Wilson Community Builder Award. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? No Do you have any unpaid taxes? No 1. Why do you think you deserve a seat on the Burke County Board of Commissioners? I am proud of what weve accomplished in the past for years. In the last budget year alone, we reduced the tax rate by 20% while increasing public education funding by 23%. This specifically targeted an increase in teacher supplements to help retain talent. We also increased public safety funding by 13%. As a result of our fiscal prudence we have achieved and S&P/Moodys bond rating of AA+ which is an exceptional rating for a small rural county that reflects our financial health. We now have the financial flexibility to deliver services that our citizens expect. We have had tremendous success in recruiting industries that have created high paying jobs and infrastructure investment which has allowed us to reduce taxes by 13 cents. We have been extremely successful in job creation, school and public safety funding while keeping taxes low. These issues always come to the forefront during an election cycle but I would also like to recognize the hard work and excellent service that all 28 departments deliver. I would also like to acknowledge that these results would not be possible without my fellow board members. The old adage there is no I in team. So I ask for your vote and votes for commissioners Carswell and Brittain to continue the progress we have achieved. 2. What do you think is the biggest challenge the county faces and how would you work to resolve it? BROADBAND My goal is to achieve at least 90% of the county being served by high-speed broadband with at least 100mb of download and 25mb of upload. We have secured 2 GREAT grants, one with Brightspeed and one with Charter. With these 2 grant we have secured $6.2 million of investment which will serve approximately 1,850 households. The next expansion will involve the CAB program which Burke County is one of the first 5 counties in NC to deploy. We have $1.3 million in federal money set aside and the state office of broadband will apply a 3:1 match for local dollars. This will provide a pool of money for approximately $4 million for the program. County Commissioner hold a work session on February 8th to determine these priority areas. 3. Do you believe development of the megasite should move forward? Why or why not? I will assess the opportunity once we have the facts and then follow the process we use in analyzing a projects potential. Regardless of the size of the project, location or possible industry, it has to be a fit for Burke County and benefit the citizens of Burke County. With any great opportunity, you also have a greater responsibility to protect what makes Burke County a great place to live, work and play. 4. What capital project are you most interested in seeing happen and why? We have adopted a capital improvement plan that will address our capital needs for the next 5 years. This will deliver new convenience sites in western and eastern Burke, a new EMS base #1, animal shelter and a new human resource center. These facilities were deemed end of life by an independent infrastructure study completed recently. We are achieving theses outcomes with very little reliance on debt because of our financial health. Having addressed universal broadband previously, Im most excited about the long term recovery center. This will directly address and impact the opioid and substance abuse crisis. This is not a stopgap, but a long term solution to this problem. For further information on other topics, I would encourage citizens to view my fireside chats on YouTube. Access them by typing Burke County Fireside Chats in the search bar on youtube.com. Name: Shawn Freeman Age: 52 Family: Married for over 32 years to my high school sweetheart, Rhonda; Daughter, Emma David, Son-in-law, Nicholas David and Grandson, Graylan David Occupation: Retired Law Enforcement Education: Graduate of East Burke High School Class of 1989; Community College of the Air Force; Graduate of Western Piedmont Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training; Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with a minor in Criminal Justice (Graduated Summa Cum Laude/Valedictorian from Mountain State University) Community Involvement: Member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 43, Member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 23, Member of the Police Benevolent Association Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, what was it and when was it? No Do you have any unpaid taxes? No 1. Why do you think you deserve a seat on the Burke County Board of Commissioners? I have spent 30+ years as a public servant to the citizens I have served, which has provided me the opportunity to learn the many facets of government work. Whether you are a Fireman, Police Officer, or Police Chief, it is all about customer service to the citizens that you serve. My career as a Police Chief has afforded me the opportunity to come up through the ranks to understand what is needed to be a successful leader, which is the key to success of any organization. Everyone learns through life experiences and I have over 30+ years of experience working with other government entities and have built many contacts by networking over the years. Throughout the years, I have received hundreds of thousands of dollars from grants to offset my fiscal budget totals for the plan year; thus, saving money that could be spent on other needs of the municipality. If afforded the opportunity to serve as a Burke County Commissioner, I pledge to minimize tax costs to the citizens, conduct myself with honor and integrity for every business transaction, and will be transparent and communicate directly with the citizens of Burke County. 2. What do you think is the biggest challenge the county faces and how would you work to resolve it? I feel one of the biggest challenges facing Burke County is wasteful spending. As a County Commissioner, we have to scrutinize the budget more closely. We need to look at offsetting budget expense through other means such as grant funded opportunities. We cannot continue to rubber stamp everything presented as this mindset only causes property taxes to increase. Over the last 10 years, property taxes have increased a little over 27.35%. According to an article by Nexus Home Buyers, many regions across the United States experienced an increase in property tax values at approximately 3-5% from 2022 to 2023. In Burke County, my property tax increased approximately 9.65% from 2022 to 2023. How can we expect our young adults just starting out and our senior citizens on fixed incomes to live with this kind of increase? With the projects forecasted to come in the not-so-distant future, the only way to make these projects happen will be through additional increases in property tax. We can prevent this increase through becoming better stewards of the taxpayers dollar and cut wasteful spending and hold off on projects that do not have urgency. 3. Do you believe development of the megasite should move forward? Why or why not? While I feel we need to bring jobs back to Burke County, I do not feel it should be at the expense of our farm land and water resources. My role as a County Commissioner, if elected, is to be a voice for the people. This boils down to, what do the citizens want and they do not want this megasite. My position is this, give the people the voice and follow what the majority says. With the vast majority of Burke County citizens saying they do not want this megasite, I would be opposed to the proposed Great Meadows Megasite. Lets form a stakeholders group of Burke County citizens and business professionals and look to see if there is another viable site for industry in our county, do our due diligence by talking with affected citizens and develop a plan to move forward. When considering large scale county projects like the megasite, rezoning acreage for development on projects of this size need to be forecasted and transparent to the citizens of Burke County. The decision should never be solely what the County Commissioners feel is best, but what the citizens that elect the Commissioners feel would be best. 4. What capital project are you most interested in seeing happen and why? One of the first things people consider when moving to a community is how safe is the area. Being a former Chief of Police, I feel we must provide our emergency workers current, up-to-date equipment. We must ensure our emergency workers are safe in every aspect. One of the items listed in the Capital Improvements Plan is new radio equipment for the Sheriffs Office. I have had officers in very dangerous situations with minimal to no radio capability to call for help. Many times governments do not address issues like this until something fatal has happened. At that point, it is too late. We must have foresight to know what will be needed and develop a long range strategic plan, so it is not a burden to the taxpayer at the last minute. Name: Brian Barrier Age: 52 Family: I am married to Michelle who has been a public school teacher for 29 years. We have two sons, Trevor and Luke. Trevor is 25 years old and lives in Melbourne, FL. Luke will be graduating from Patton High School this year and is proficient with computer code in many languages. We live next door to my mother-in-law, Cathy Pritchard, who retired in 2018 as the Assistant Director of the Burke County Health Department. We have family dinner at her house almost every night. Occupation: President of The Ninevah Productions, Inc. which is the parent company of Blue Ridge Christian News. Education: I graduated from Freedom High School in 1990, and joined the United States Army immediately following where I served honorably until September 1996. Community Involvement: I am heavily involved in Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where I am a deacon (currently off rotation), on the Finance Committee, and Communion Committee. I also help teach our youth during Sunday School. I am on the Community Relations Council for Avery/Mitchell Correctional Institution. I am on the finance committee for the Catawba River Baptist Association and a member of the Christian Business Mens Connection who meet for a weekly lunch Bible study at the Community House. I served as Chairman of the Burke County Republican Party from 2021 to 2023. I currently serve on the Executive Committee for the 14th Congressional District in the Republican Party. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, what was it and when was it? I have never been convicted of a crime. Do you have any unpaid taxes? I have no unpaid taxes. 1. Why do you think you deserve a seat on the Burke County Board of Commissioners? I have been a proven and successful leader in every position during my career. I will bring transparency and humility to the Board of Commissioners by communicating with citizens using every avenue of media available. I will ask citizens for input before voting on any major project or spending. My career has been in sales, outside sales, and sales management along with operations management. As a district manager in the auto parts industry, I led stores in all aspects of operations, so I understand how to oversee hundreds of employees and multi-million-dollar budgets. I am a Notary Public in North Carolina and hold a professional license as a Life and Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina. We must have a transparent government that informs citizens before major decisions are made and seeks input from the community. I signed the Taxpayer Pledge with Americans for Tax Reform which means I will oppose and vote against all efforts to increase taxes. I am endorsed by the North Carolina Values Coalition, former State Senator Jim Jacumin, former County Manager Ron Lewis, former Connelly Springs Town Councilman and business owner Steve Smart, and local Attorney Steve Daniel. 2. What do you think is the biggest challenge the county faces and how would you work to resolve it? Burke County has one of the highest instances of opioid overdose in NC. The effects are crippling our families, the healthcare system, law enforcement, and emergency services which is driving up the cost to taxpayers. I propose that we use the opioid settlement funds to partner with local faith-based organizations to help treat Burke County citizens struggling with addiction. This would cost the taxpaying citizen nothing. You wont fix a persons long-term addiction until you change their heart. Christ Centered Recovery Program (CCRP) has moved into a new, larger facility. They have been established long enough to have a great track record of treatment, and they have room to grow in their new facility. This is only one of various organizations we can partner with to help combat this issue. We should also equip our law enforcement to ensure they have the tools and staff necessary to change this trajectory. We must work with our state legislators to put tougher penalties for drug dealers into action, along with continual communication with our prosecutorial and judicial offices to stop dealers and put them out of business permanently. 3. Do you believe development of the megasite should move forward? Why or why not? I am opposed to the Great Meadows Megasite. As a candidate for County Commissioner and representative of the people, I sought input for such a major project. After polling citizens through social media and talking with those whom I see daily, along with friends and family, the consensus from over 300 comments from a varying group of people of all political affiliations, was that there is very little support for this project. For years, our current Board of Commissioners has marketed Burke County as Natures Playground yet now, they are proposing to develop a megasite (their name for it) in the heart of one of our most prized landscapes. The current board has had many years to develop the 79-acre industrial park adjacent to I-40 at Exit 96. Only recently has one company started to build on less than half of the property. If they cant manage 79 acres, why would we trust them with a much more significant project in a pristine landscape to be the answer to economic prosperity in Burke County? If it is so important, put it to a vote of the people. Citizens must have a voice and deserve transparency. 4. What capital project are you most interested in seeing happen and why? EMS Station 1 According to minutes of the February 21, 2020, special meeting, the Chairman of the Commissioners said that yesterdays meeting opened his eyes to the condition of County buildings in that some of the issues are much worse than he realized. (commissioner since 2013 and now one of the incumbent candidates) According to the March 2nd, 2023, Commissioners Budget Retreat, county-owned buildings were given a score of 1 to 5 condition. The lowest ten, rated from 1 to 2.6 are: Animal Shelter, EMS Station 1, Landfill Transfer Station, Avery Building, Sheriffs Office (sheriff side only), Old Jail (vacant), Human Resources Center, EMS Station 2, Hildebran Building, and Courthouse. Notes from the 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan state that EMS Station 1 is in a building not owned by the County and the lease has already expired. Furthermore, the Board approved and purchased 4.25 acres of vacant land ($400,000) in 2023. The government exists for essential services like law enforcement, fire, and EMS, so we should move forward with completing the new EMS Station as efficiently and quickly as possible. If elected, I will make frequent visits to government buildings to assess the building condition and morale of our workforce. Name: Mike Stroud Age: 60 Family: Family is at the heart of my life, and I am blessed with a loving wife, Samantha Stroud, and three wonderful children, Josh, Ben, and Joseph. Recently, our family joyfully expanded with the arrival of my granddaughter, Sofia, bringing an added layer of happiness and connection to our lives. Together, we navigate lifes journey, cherishing the bonds that make us a strong and united family. Occupation: Entrepreneurship is not just a profession for me; its a way of life. For nearly my entire journey, Ive been my own boss, steering the course of my destiny. Since 1999, Ive nurtured and expanded Strouds Building Supply, transforming it into a thriving and successful business. This experience has not only shaped my career but instilled in me a deep appreciation for the resilience and innovation that define the entrepreneurial spirit. Education: I am an autodidact in entrepreneurship, continuously learning and honing my business prowess through self-directed education. Community Involvement: I am deeply rooted in the fabric of our community, wearing multiple hats to contribute to its well-being. Serving as a member of the Rotary Club, I am committed to fostering positive change. As a local business owner, I not only contribute to the economic vitality of our community but also actively engage in various community functions. These roles have allowed me to connect with diverse segments of our population, gaining insights into the unique needs and aspirations of our residents. By actively participating in community events, I strive to be a community. Have you ever been convicted of a crime? If so, what was it and when was it? No Do you have any unpaid taxes? No 1. Why do you think you deserve a seat on the Burke County Board of Commissioners? My experience as a businessman makes me able to make prudent long term financial decisions. My passion for customer service means that I will be upfront with Burke Countys residents and qualifies me to be a proper public servant. Above all else, my desire to see Burke County be the best it can be makes me the right man for the job because that should be every commissioners top priority. 2. What do you think is the biggest challenge the county faces and how would you work to resolve it? We do not finish or maintain the projects we start, but are continuously starting new projects 3. Do you believe development of the megasite should move forward? Why or why not? I believe that the megasite is a bad idea and its development, not that it has actually begun, should not move forward. We already have an industrial park right off exit 96 on I-40. This site has amassed a whopping total of four businesses and zero hours of maintenance since its creation. This is indicative of an incomplete project which has been all but abandoned. We all know the definition of insanity to be, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. By this definition, the whole idea of creating a megasite is insane and I have heard the voices of many citizens who agree 4. What capital project are you most interested in seeing happen and why? I would be most interested in seeing our roads and sidewalks fixed, cleaned, and maintained. We need to focus on maintaining our countys infrastructure, a job that has been neglected for too long. Our streets look awful in most of Burke County and that only leads to more litter and vandalism. If there is already trash on the ground, people will be more likely to throw more trash on the ground. If we have crumbling buildings, people are likely to vandalize those buildings. We need to end the cycle of dilapidation we are experiencing in Burke County and make our home safe and clean. A Morganton man was charged for possession of cocaine earlier this month. Tico Lombard Fleming, 53, of 1760 Peaceful Lane, Lot 12, Morganton, was charged with felony possession of cocaine on Feb. 2, according to a news release from the Burke County Sheriffs Office. The charge against Fleming came after BCSO found cocaine during a search of Flemings home, the release said. Fleming has previous convictions of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, selling a Schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell a Schedule II controlled substance and several misdemeanor crimes, according to records from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. He was held under a $50,000 secured bond, the release said. Hes due back in court Feb. 26. The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, North Carolina State K9 unit and Burke County EMS all assisted during the investigation, the release said. Pakistans Supreme Court on Tuesday (Feb. 13) reprimanded the Punjab Province government over its progress report on anti-Christian attacks in Jaranwala, terming it worthy of being thrown into the dustbin. The court ordered officials to submit a new report within 10 days. Heading a three-judge bench hearing a suo motu case in Islamabad on the rights of minorities and the Aug. 16 attacks in Jaranwala, which left multiple churches and homes of Christians ransacked and burned after two Christians were falsely accused of desecrating the Quran, Chief Justice of Pakistan Qazi Faez Isa said that he felt ashamed after seeing report. I am feeling ashamed that only 18 challans (charge sheets) were submitted in the case in the last six months Isa said to a Punjab law officer. We keep raising hue and cry over Islamophobia wherever we go in the world. But what are we doing here in Pakistan? Have we ever thought about that? Do we want to follow in the footsteps of India, where minorities are not safe? The Punjab additional advocate general had reported that 22 cases had been registered in which 304 people were arrested, and that charge sheets had been collected in 18 of the 22 First Information Reports. Isa noted that the report lacked relevant information such as the registration of FIRs in regard to offenses, the number of suspects named, the status of the cases, names of the relevant courts where cases were pending and the progress made so far. The manner in which the investigation was conducted and the apparent hesitation shown by the law enforcement agencies in identifying the culprits will only bring disrepute to the police force, he said, adding that it appeared that the investigation agencies were not interested in punishing the culprits. Instead, it seems that the functionaries of the state also become intimidated by the persons who take the law into their own hands, and at times, rather than protecting the life and properties of non-Muslims, advance the agenda of the perpetrators. Isa asked the Faisalabad Police Investigation Superintendent what action had been taken against the officers who failed to stop the rioters. The superintendent responded that an inquiry was still underway. He also conceded that the attack was led by activists of Muslim extremist political party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Isa ordered the Punjab Police to conduct a thorough investigation afresh and ensure prosecution of the accused, warning that officials would be suspended if they failed to yield results. He also directed the Punjab government to submit a report on the progress of the reconstruction work on church buildings and compensation paid to victims. Calling for collective efforts to curb the extremist mindset, Isa said incidents like the Jaranwala attacks arise out of a lack of education, misinformation, hatred and suspicion where miscreants used religion as a pretext to launch attacks on non-Muslims. These matters should be attended to by the society as a whole and those who help make public opinion, Isa said. Considerable responsibility rests on the federal and provincial governments, as well as the media, to encourage interfaith harmony and to forthrightly denounce events where non-Muslim citizens come under attack. The court added that all citizens deserve to be treated equally and no one should be allowed to gain political capital by sowing religious discord. Christians Laud Justice Church and community leaders welcomed the chief justices order. Theres some hope now of justice for the poor Christians of Jaranwala, Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. We are glad that the chief justice of Pakistan has taken note of our concerns regarding the investigation of the incident and accountability of the negligent officials. Marshall had filed a petition in the Lahore High Court seeking a judicial inquiry into the incident, but the Punjab government opposed it, citing the formation of joint investigation committees as sufficient action. The petition was repeatedly adjourned on various pretexts, but at the last hearing in December, the court directed the Punjab government to reconsider its decision. More than two months have passed since the court gave the order, but the government has yet to file its final response. The Rev. Khalid Mukhtar, a Catholic priest who is also a petitioner in the Jaranwala cases, said that the Supreme Courts directive to the Punjab government had reignited hope in the Christian community. We were disappointed by the polices handling of the investigation, but now we feel that the Punjab government will give due attention to the cases, Mukhtar said. Rights activist Samuel Makson said that the Supreme Courts intervention had breathed life into dying cases. Im glad that the Supreme Court admitted my plea for early hearing of the suo motu notice, otherwise the damage caused to the Jaranwala cases would have been irreparable, he said. Makson filed a fresh application in the Supreme Court on Feb. 7 after the court took no action on his earlier petition filed on Dec. 8. His latest petition had pointed to grant of bail to a majority of detained suspects due to defective police investigation. It also complained of the lax attitude of the Punjab government with regard to its promise of reconstructing the damaged churches and homes of Christians, as well as payment of compensation to some victims. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. ROCKY MOUNT The Golden LEAF Colleges and Universities Scholarship application for the 2024-25 academic year is now available at CFNC.org. A total of 215 awards will be offered to first-time recipients from qualifying rural counties. Applications are due March 1. The awards are valued at $14,000 ($3,500 per year for up to four years) for North Carolina high school students attending a participating North Carolina college or university. North Carolina community college transfer students can receive $3,500 per year for up to three years. The Golden LEAF Scholarship Program is an important component of the Foundations workforce preparedness strategy, said Golden LEAF President, Chief Executive Officer Scott T. Hamilton. The Golden LEAF Board established the scholarship program 25 years ago with the goal for Golden LEAF scholars to gain the talent, knowledge, and skills necessary to help North Carolinas rural communities thrive by returning home to live, work, and raise families. To be eligible, students must be a graduating North Carolina high school senior or a currently enrolled North Carolina community college transfer student, enrolling full-time in the fall at a participating North Carolina public or private college or university. Recipients are selected based upon multiple factors including an intent to return to a rural North Carolina county after graduation. Applicants must also fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate financial need as determined by the application process; have a cumulative GPA of no less than 2.5; and be a resident of a rural North Carolina county that is economically distressed. For 25 years, the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program has provided more than 6,600 scholarships to help rural students attend the states colleges and universities. The Golden LEAF Scholarship Program is administered by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority and funded by the Golden LEAF Foundation. A complete list of program requirements, participating campuses and qualifying counties can be viewed at CFNC.org. Call 1-800-700-1775, Ext. 4658 or send an email to information@ncseaa.edu, for more information. Students awarded the Golden LEAF Scholarship to attend North Carolina colleges and universities are also eligible to participate in the Rural Internship Initiative. The initiative allows scholars to participate in paid internships in their career field of interest, while strengthening connections and opportunities in a rural North Carolina community. For more information about the Golden LEAF Scholarship Program, visit Scholars.GoldenLEAF.org. This month, students and staff from a high school affiliated with Renmin University of China visited Muscatine High School. With this, several of its students gave a performance in honor of the Lunar New Year. Today is Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Let's get caught up. Keep scrolling for celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history. Plus, check out our daily news podcast: *** What's at stake in Trump's hush-money criminal case? Former President Donald Trump is expected in court Thursday for an important hearing in his New York hush-money criminal case, which now appears increasingly likely to go to trial next month. Judge Juan Manuel Merchan is set to rule on key pretrial issues and say for certain if the trial will begin as scheduled on March 25. If that happens, the New York case will be the first of Trumps four criminal indictments to go to trial. Heres a refresher on where the case stands. *** How Texas church shooter bought rifle despite mental illness and criminal history is under scrutiny The shooter who opened fire at a Houston megachurch before being gunned down by security officers used an AR-style rifle that police say she legally purchased despite a years-long criminal record, a history of mental illness and allegations she threatened to shoot her ex-husband. Read more: *** Illegal border crossings from Mexico plunge after a record-high December, with fewer from Venezuela Arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico fell by half in January from record highs in December to the third lowest month of Joe Biden's presidency, authorities said Tuesday. The sharp drop is welcome news for the White House, even if it proves temporary, as immigration becomes one of the biggest issues in this year's presidential election, with exit polls showing it is the top concern among many Republican voters in early primaries. House Republicans voted Tuesday to impeach U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for his oversight of the border. *** MORE TOP STORIES *** MORNING LISTEN Mike Witcher had been working as a broadcast meteorologist in Knoxville, Tennessee, for more than a decade. Then, in 2023, he decided to take matters into his own hands. He created East TN Weather and became his own weather media company for local residents. *** TODAY IN HISTORY Today in sports history: Feb. 14 In 1951, Sugar Ray Robinson wins the middleweight title with a technical knockout in the 13th round over Jake LaMotta in Chicago. See more fro *** TODAY'S BIRTHDAYS Celebrity birthdays: Feb. 14 Brett Dier Carl Bernstein Danai Gurira Drew Bledsoe Enrico Colantoni Freddie Highmore Jake Lacy Jim Kelly Maceo Parker Manuela Maleeva Matt Barr Meg Tilly Michael Bloomberg Michael Doucet Renee Fleming Rob Thomas Simon Pegg Stephanie Leonidas Four police officers have faced charges in connection with the alleged theft and sale of illicit brew responsible for the deaths of at least 23 people in Kangai, Kirinyaga County. The cops purportedly broke into a store at Kiamaciri Police Station in Mwea West sub-County and sold the seized exhibit to a local trader. 23 people died in Kangai village last week, and at least five were blinded after ingesting the toxic brew, which had been held as police exhibit. According to highly placed sources, the cops sold the killer brew to the owner of the California bar at Kes 20,00, with each officer allegedly pocketing Kes.5000. In court, police asked to detain the suspect to allow for further investigations. The cops are facing charges of stealing exhibits, conspiracy to commit a felony, and defeating justice. The proprietor of the bar where the illicit brew was consumed was also arrested and arraigned. Baricho Law Courts on Wednesday ruled that the owner, John Muriithi Karaya alias California, is detained for 20 days, pending investigations. In response to the incident, Kirinyaga County Commissioner Tobiko Naiyoma, along with all senior security officers from the region, has been recalled to Nairobi to facilitate investigations. Wanted murder suspect Kevin Kangethe has been rearrested, after his dramatic escape from police custody. The arrest took place in Embulbul in Ngong on Tuesday evening, and according to Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei, the fugitive had sought refuge at a relatives home. His arrest came exactly 1 week after he escaped from Muthaiga Police Station, where he has being held awaiting extradition to the US, where he is wanted for murder. The 40 year old is accused of murdering Margaret Mbitu on October 31, 2023. Her body was discovered in the boot of a car at Logan International Airport in Boston. After being on the run for 3 months, Kenyan police apprehended him at a Westlands nightclub on January 30. Having already renounced his US citizenship, the extradition process has to be approved by a court process, and this explains why he remained in police custody. Kangethes brother has also been arrested in connection to his escape. Also detained by the police is his cousin, who is also his lawyer, Beatrice Ngethe. The Cabinet has on Wednesday given the green light for further digitization of the education sector, through school fee collection on the eCitizen platform. The controversial move, which now extends from primary to tertiary education, is set to resolve longstanding issues such as the operation of unauthorized school accounts and the levying of extra fees. The decision was communicated through a Cabinet notice on Wednesday, highlighting the governments commitment to its digital transformation agenda, despite opposition from different sectors, including a court order halting the process. Under the new directive, the digitization effort is poised to address significant governance challenges, including the mishandling of government capitation funds and the existence of ghost students, which have plagued the education system. This intervention aims to address the governance challenges within our education system that has led to parallel accounts, charging of unauthorized school fees, diversion of the exchequer releases on capitation and other fraudulent activities that undermine the integrity of the education system, leading to the enrollment of ghost students, the Cabinet statement detailed. The Cabinets directive mandates Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to formulate and issue comprehensive guidelines for the implementation of the digitization strategy. Initially, the plan was to be rolled out exclusively in national schools as part of the eCitizen initiative. Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang had earlier indicated that parents would start making school payments through the eCitizen platform, a shift from the traditional payment methods. Yet, this move encountered legal hurdles when it was temporarily suspended by a High Court ruling in Nairobi, following a legal challenge. Justice Chacha Mwita has postponed the matter until April 17, allowing for further deliberation and a final decision on the initiatives future. The transition to digital payments has been met with resistance from various stakeholders, including parents and teachers. Concerns have been raised about the practicality of the system for parents who contribute to school fees through in-kind payments, such as maize or firewood, or those who perform casual work at schools in lieu of fee payment. The Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Secretary General, Akelo Misori, voiced apprehensions regarding the accessibility of funds for schools and the feasibility of the proposed system for all parents. There are also parents who do casual jobs in schools to pay fees for their children. How will they be able to do so on the e-Citizen platform? Misori questioned, highlighting the broader implications of the digitisation plan on the education community. (Editors note: This is the latest in a series of articles commemorating the 150th anniversary of St. Helenas First Presbyterian Church.) ST. HELENA I never thought Id be playing this here, organist Tom Flesher said with glee. This is the triumphant organ part from the conclusion of Camille Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3, which premiered in 1886 and is better known as the Organ Symphony. Here is St. Helenas First Presbyterian Church, whose formidable Rieger pipe organ as Flesher stresses before forging ahead is not suited for a work of French late Romanticism. For churches, especially small ones like First Presbyterian, organs are a once-in-a-century expense and a statement of identity. The congregation that selected First Presbyterians organ in 1983 chose an instrument in the German Baroque style with no electric components. That combination makes this organ unique in the Napa Valley, said Flesher, who will play the organ during a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18. With the exception of the light that illuminates the sheet music and the electric blower that sends wind into the organs reservoir like a giant bagpipe, the instrument is just like the ones Johann Sebastian Bach played in the 18th century. Based in western Austria, Rieger Orgelbau has been manufacturing organs since 1845. First Presbyterians was built in Austria and shipped to St. Helena in crates. It arrived on Nov. 13, 1985, along with craftsmen from Rieger who spent weeks assembling it in the church sanctuary. The organs stops, pedals and keyboards or manuals can produce 1,028 distinct sounds. An organist can combine those sounds to produce a virtually infinite array of tone colors. By shelling out $100,000 equivalent to about $300,000 today for a Rieger, the church was shopping at the high end of the market for an instrument that would last for generations. The church acted on the advice of Pacific Union College organist Del Case, whod overseen the installation of a much more massive Rieger organ the biggest one Rieger had ever manufactured at the time at the PUC Church in Angwin in 1981. Although Seventh-day Adventism isnt typically associated with fin-de-siecle decadence, the PUC Church had opted for a French Romantic-style organ, the type youd associated with French organist-composers like Cesar Franck, Charles-Marie Widor, Gabriel Faure and Olivier Messiaen. The PUC organ uses electromechanical components to control most of its valves, in contrast with the purely mechanical components of First Presbyterians organ. The organs temperaments a harmonic term meaning roughly the distance between notes are also different, with the PUCs using modern, equal temperament and First Presbyterians using baroque temperament. Members of First Presbyterian reasoned that if they were going to be playing music by baroque composers like Bach, they should have a pre-romantic, period-appropriate organ that Bach would consider well-tempered. The combination of mechanical action and baroque temperament sets First Presbyterians organ aside from the organs at PUC, First Presbyterian in Napa, and Mont La Salle, said Flesher, whos played them all. He retired in 2021 after 35 years as organist/pianist at First Presbyterian in Napa. Over 90 minutes of explaining and demonstrating the St. Helena organs capabilities, Flesher played works from everyone from Bach to Leo Delibes to Richard Strauss to Leonard Bernstein to Andrew Lloyd Webber, whose famous Phantom of the Opera theme bears a striking resemblance to a guitar riff from Pink Floyds Echoes. He played the Saint-Saens piece by request and it sounded terrific to an untrained ear, but Flesher said French Romantic composers wouldn't approve. Messiaen would say this organ sounds funny, but his music would sound fabulous on the PUC organ, Flesher said. The music of Bach and other baroque composers sounds great on (First Presbyterians) organ because they didnt use all the keys that the Romantic composers did later. One favorite piece Flesher didnt play was Gyorgy Ligetis "Volumina," an avant-garde piece from the 1960s that begins with the organist pulling out every stop, pressing as many pedals as possible, and laying their arm on the keyboard to play every note at once. As the pieces name suggests, the result is horripilatingly loud. The first and only time Flesher played it on the First Presbyterian organ, the blower had to work so hard that a breaker shut it down to prevent it from overheating. When the organ stopped playing, Flesher freaked out thinking he might have broken it. He described the problem to a technician, who instantly guessed, Did you try to play the Ligeti? He assured Flesher the organ would be fine in a few hours once it cooled down, but Flesher had learned his lesson: no more "Volumina." He did play a very different 1960s piece, the same one an organist friend once played when someone asked him on the spot to extend the musical portion of a church service. Procol Harums 1967 hit A Whiter Shade of Pale was the last thing one would expect to hear in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian, but, just like the rest of Fleshers centuries-spanning repertoire, it sounded magnificent emanating from the pipes of one of St. Helenas most distinctive musical treasures. PHOTOS: Replacing damaged stained glass at Napas First Presbyterian Church The St. Helena Police Department is reducing its carbon footprint by purchasing three electric cars and one hybrid truck, becoming the first law enforcement agency in Napa County to move away from traditional internal combustion vehicles. The departments revamped fleet includes a Tesla Model 3 for the police chief, two Ford Mustang Mach-E patrol vehicles, and a Ford Maverick Hybrid pickup. The three newest vehicles the Mustangs and the Maverick still need to be outfitted with lights and other law enforcement accessories before they hit the streets in early to mid-March. Combating climate change is a priority for St. Helena, said City Councilmember Anna Chouteau, who has pushed for St. Helena to be at the forefront of green initiatives. We have great people and leaders in our city who understand the risks of not acting and making changes fast enough. We are being practical and thoughtful as we work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and make better, more sustainable choices. Lt. Justin Tharp said the department will evaluate how the electric patrol cars perform. They officially have a range of 250 miles per charge, which seems like plenty for a 12-hour shift, but that doesnt factor in other electrical demands like computers, radios and air conditioning while officers monitor traffic. We think that 250-mile range will cover a whole 12-hour shift, and then we'll have to charge the car for four or five hours, Tharp said. Patrol vehicles typically spend a lot of time idling, and the new electric cars will be able to do that without burning fuel and emitting greenhouse gases. The Tesla and the Mustangs can be charged at the charging stations outside the new City Hall/police department at the Napa Valley College Upper Valley Campus. St. Helena joins police departments like Oakdale, Folson, Fremont and Cotati that have started going electric in the last few years. The transition toward electric calls attention to the need for more charging infrastructure in St. Helena, Chouteau said. The only chargers on public property in St. Helena are at City Hall and the city parking lot on Oak Avenue, although several businesses and wineries offer their own charging stations. The lack of charging stations makes it harder to compete for grants for electric vehicles, Chouteau said. We need to work together countywide to get more competitive, said Chouteau, who serves on the Napa County Climate Action Committee. Plus it will help us to have charging infrastructure throughout the county. St. Helena is ahead of the curve in adapting to new California regulations requiring governments to begin the transition toward zero-emission vehicles. Police and emergency vehicles are exempt from that requirement, but St. Helena Police is moving toward electrics and hybrids anyway. The move saves money up front. A new Ford Police Interceptor Utility (based on the Explorer) sells for about $56,000, whereas the Mustang Mach-Es cost $46,000 to $48,000, and the Maverick was only $27,950 not including the costs of outfitting the vehicles with law enforcement-standard lights and wiring. Tharp said he expects operating costs to go down too. Electric vehicles go through more tires than traditional vehicles due to their heavy batteries, but their brakes last longer and they dont require refueling or oil changes. Its unclear how long the electric patrol cars will last compared with the old gas-powered models. Thats the risk involved in being first, Tharp said. For now the department plans to replace its remaining gas-powered vehicles with hybrids, for the sake of redundancy in case of a prolonged power outage when electric vehicles cant be charged. Converting the whole fleet (to electric) hinges on charging accessibility, Tharp said. Its not quite there yet, but its good enough that we can start. The Public Works department isnt far behind. Its seeking the City Councils authorization on Feb. 27 to replace six gas-powered vehicles with hybrids and two heavy-duty vehicles with more efficient models, at a cost of $559,000. The current Public Works vehicles are as old as the 1993 model year. PHOTOS: Training for an active shooter situation in St.Helena The five candidates vying to replace state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, agree on some issues and diverge widely on others but they have one thing in common: None is from Napa County. District 3, which covers all of Napa and Solano counties, and portions of Sonoma, Yolo, Contra Costa and Sacramento counties, includes nearly a million people. As in other parts of California, climate change, housing affordability, homelessness and education are major issues candidates will have to address as a state senator. Local political observers believed Napa County Supervisor Alfredo Pedroza would be a leading candidate for the seat as Dodd is termed out but Pedroza dropped out in May of last year, citing family issues. His profile and what hes done, (Pedroza) would have been a great legislator," said Dodd, a former Napa County supervisor. "Lots of people were going to endorse him. Then he obviously had some issues in Napa. Election 2024: California 3rd District state Senate candidates report campaign finances Five candidates vying to replace Bill Dodd as California's 3rd District state senator disclosed their campaign contributions and expenditures. The Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating Pedroza regarding a potential conflict of interest over a 2021 Board of Supervisors vote regarding the proposed development of a vineyard. His in-laws had bought property adjacent to Walt Ranch, and he was a part of the ownership until a month before the vote. California state senators serve four-year terms and are limited to serving three times. Their primary responsibilities include writing laws, helping draft public spending, swearing in elected officials and meeting with their districts constituents. With that said, state senators spend a majority of their time in committees reviewing bills that may eventually become law. The district itself is largely Democratic, with 50% of voters registering with that party, compared to 19% with the Republican party. The remainder are either members of minor parties or, largely, those who do not align themselves with any party. The two candidates who get the most votes in the primary election, regardless of party affiliation, will move on to the general election this November. Who is running? The Republican candidates running are Dixon Councilmember Thom Bogue and Jimih Jones, a Woodland resident and assistant manager at the Hanlees Davis Toyota dealership. The Democrats in the race are former West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon, Vallejo Councilmember Rozzana Verder-Aliga and Rohnert Park Councilmember Jackie Elward. Thom Bogue Thom Bogue began his political career as a Dixon City Council member in 2010, and was then elected mayor in 2016. He lost his campaign for reelection as mayor in 2020 and was reelected to the City Council in 2022. Bogue has also owned First Choice Automotive in Dixon since 2000. According to his website, his business allowed him to give back to the community and help support youth enduring drug addiction, an experience Bogue went through in his youth. On his website, Bogue states that taking on the role of Dixon mayor allowed him to serve on multiple regional boards, and expanded his knowledge of regional planning and budget constraints. In Bogues time as mayor, a community member and former councilmember alleged Bogue had overstepped his powers and got involved in a police dispute involving a large gathering during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Solano County district attorney, Krishna Abrams, decided not to pursue the matter. Campaign Bogues key campaign focuses are homelessness, crime, parental rights and the trucking industry. In terms of Napa, Bogue said that one of the main issues he wants to work on is addressing the workforce shortage and water availability for agriculture. If elected, he believes in working together with local shareholders to solve regional problems. The bottom line is we will have to work together to find workable solutions, Bogue said. Bogue said that he will fight against over-regulation in the wine industry. Regulations are killing our businesses and trucking industry, not only with the cost to meet those regulations, but the growing cost of insurance, rents, fuel and the requirement to change over to green energy, Bogue said. Endorsements Bogue is mainly endorsed by individual workers. On his website, he is endorsed by many blue-collar workers, including truck drivers, forklift drivers, nurses and electricians. Jimih Jones Jimih Jones currently works as the assistant manager of the Toyota showroom in Davis and has been a Woodland resident for over 20 years. Jones has never held political office, but previously ran for Congress in 2022. According to his website, Jones is passionate about parental rights. I noticed parental authority was slowly being taken away from parents, and I noticed that elected officials decided they wanted to sue the tax paying parents for saying education for our children and leave out the adult content, Jones said. Jones said he is also concerned about the lack of resources for teachers, and has seen how little help teachers are given to accommodate large class sizes. Teachers need so much help, I feel so bad for them because theyre used as pawns, Jones said. Prior to his position at Toyota, Jones was in the California Conservation Corps in Camarillo, in Ventura County. Campaign Jones campaign is focused on parental rights, education and affordable housing. Jones is concerned about housing affordability, and says the younger people he works with are unable to easily rent a one-bedroom apartment. Unaffordability is one of the biggest issues in California and the super-majority who have run the state for the last 20 years said they were going to fix it. They did not fix it, Jones said. According to his website, the primary purpose of his campaign is to promote freedom. Asked what he will do about Napa-specific or wine industry issues, Jones said was unsure what those issues were. In terms of the district, Jones said that he wants to ensure that it is self-sustaining, and intends on being an approachable state senator. I simply represent stability, dependability and reliability, Jones said. Endorsements Jones does not have any endorsements listed on his website. Chris Cabaldon Chris Cabaldon served as mayor of West Sacramento from 1998 to 2020, a 22-year term that is the longest in the citys history. In his years as mayor, Cabaldon emphasized education and helped many students go to college tuition-free through the initiative West Sacramento Home Run, his city being one of the first to roll out the program. Cabaldon also helped establish urban farming, championed building affordable housing and enhanced flood management in West Sacramento. Ive been very effective at being able to capture the attention and resources of these larger governments for the community that I represent, Cabaldon said. Unlike the other candidates in this race, I want to be that champion for the six counties in the 3rd District. Cabaldon also served on numerous statewide boards and commissions. He served as the vice chancellor of the California Community Colleges system, inaugural chair of the National LGBTQ Mayor's Alliance, and national president of Asian Pacific Americans in Higher Education. Campaign Cabaldons key campaign focuses are affordable housing, strengthening the economy, protecting the environment, education access and community safety. Asked about Napa-specific issues, Cabaldon said he wants to get more state assistance in maintaining and building roads, transit, parks and school construction. He added that he will focus on mitigating the risk of wildfires. Cabaldon intends to bust preconceptions about the Napa Valley in the Capitol dome. If you walk around that building and start talking about wildfire insurance, folks are like, Its Napa, theyre rich, because they only go for vacation or they know the brand from TV or movies," he said. "For me, one of the big priorities is to bust those myths. Cabaldon notes that the states investment in Napa Countys Climate Action Plan is helpful, but more must be done. Weve done a good job over the last few years of setting big stretch goals. Now our task is to actually deliver, he said. Endorsements Cabaldon is endorsed by more than 50 officials, including former state Assemblymember Helen Thompson and former state Sen. Lois Wolk. He is also endorsed by Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, Equality California, the Sierra Club, and The Sacramento Bee and San Jose Mercury News. Jackie Elward Jackie Elward was elected to the Rohnert Park City Council in 2020 and the appointed as mayor from 2021 to 2022. She is the first Black woman elected to the Rohnert Park council. Elward is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and immigrated to the United States in 2000. In Rohnert Park, Elward has worked as an advocate for affordable housing, homelessness, and making investments in clean energy and sustainable agriculture. She has served on the Mayors & Councilmembers Association of Sonoma County, Sonoma County Transportation Authority/Regional Climate Authority, and Sonoma Clean Power. Elward also sits on the board for North Bay Jobs with Justice, a coalition of more than 30 labor and community organizations across Napa, Sonoma and Marin counties. Campaign Elwards key issues in her campaign are affordable housing, with a special emphasis on housing for teachers and nurses, mental health, homelessness, climate change, civil rights and labor rights. Elward said that although she might not have as much experience as other Democratic candidates, she's been able to help Rohnert Park advance its housing goals and earn recognition from the governor last year. I may not have the 20-30 years' experience, but I also dont have the baggage that comes with that experience," she said. "I dont have corporate real estate developer billionaires or status quo politicians endorsing my campaign. In terms of what she will do for Napa, Elward said that she has been closely following the problem of falling school enrollment and wants to protect Napas tourism industry. Napa and Sonoma have similar needs. During the wildfires, I remember that it really took a toll on our wineries and the industry thats built," she said. "We need to really make sure to advocate for that. Elward also said that her experience on the board for North Bay Jobs with Justice informs her campaign, as she advocates for working people in fields such as agriculture and will continue to do so if elected. Endorsements Elward is endorsed by multiple labor groups, including SEIU California, California Labor Federation, Working Families Party and UNITE HERE. She is also endorsed by over 50 officials including the Lt. Gov. Kounalakis, Rep. Jared Huffman and Honey Mahogany, a drag queen who is chair of the San Francisco County Democratic Central Committee. Rozzana Verder-Aliga Rozzana Verder-Aliga is currently on the Vallejo City Council. She was first elected in 2013, then reelected in 2016 and 2020. She started her career in public office as a member of the Vallejo Unified School District in 1993. After that she served on the Solano County Board of Education before working for the city. Verder-Aliga presided over the Vallejo school board in 2004, when the board handed financial control to the state due to a $20 million deficit, a school closure and budget cuts. In 2005, an audit by MGT of America revealed the district superintendent, Gladys Phillips-Evans, and her assistant falsified the budget and concealed a letter to the board from Solano County that rejected the 2003-04 budget. Verder-Aliga said that the board took action and fired Phillips-Evans. I dealt with the problem, worked with the school board and found ways to make sure education continued in my city, she said. The school board depends heavily on the budget presented by the superintendent. When discussing what the experience taught her, Verder-Aliga said she learned to trust but verify financial reports, as well as communicate directly with auditors and the county superintendent. Aside from her work as a public servant, Verder-Aliga was a marriage and family therapist who recently retired after 28 years in the profession. That experience has informed her campaign. Theres always a shortage of staff. Theres not enough of them to hire because theres no pipeline or pathway," she said. "One of the things Id like to do in the long term is to collaborate with the school districts to build a pathway for health care careers. Verder-Aliga is the first Filipina-American woman to be elected to public office in the city of Vallejo and Solano County as a whole. Campaign Verder-Aligas key campaign focuses are health care, agriculture, housing affordability and homelessness, climate change and education. Asked about Napa County issues specifically, Verder-Aliga said that Napa County must support its farmworkers better. We want to make sure workers are being treated fairly with good wages and given health insurance," she said. "They have kids and I want to make sure they have access to a good education. Climate change is another issue that Verder-Aliga is prioritizing. We want to make sure were doing what we need to address wildfires, flooding and drought," she said. "Those are challenges that the wine industry in Napa faces. Verder-Aliga said that the biggest issue she sees for the district and California as a whole is homelessness, and she wants to work at the local level with lawmakers to help them meet their goals under the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, which requires local governments to set targets for housing creation. Endorsements Verger-Aliga is endorsed by more than 50 elected officials, including the current 3rd District senator Dodd, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi and state Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. Dodd said he chose to endorse her despite the controversies during her time on the Vallejo school board, because facts were withheld from the board and her wealth of knowledge would be valuable in the Legislature. It was not a revelation to me. I did the background check, Dodd said. The fact of the matter is shes been elected more times, in more positions, than any Democrat in the race. Dodd also chose to endorse her due to her multifaceted experience as a therapist, city council member and school board member. He sees her commitment to Vallejo as promising for the 3rd district. Rozzana will be the adult in the room and wont be pressured by the thought of moving on to the next office, said Dodd. She has also earned endorsements from California Professional Firefighters, California Teachers Association and the Womens Political Committee. People can comment on a proposed law that Napa County and its cities could consider to phase out the use of polystyrene foodware and single-use plastic foodware by restaurants and food vendors. The Napa County Climate Action Committee could endorse a draft law. The committee has representatives from the county, city of Napa, American Canyon, Calistoga, St. Helena and Yountville. But the committee cannot pass the law. It would forward a draft law to the county and its five cities for possible adoption. The Climate Action Committee will discuss the proposed law when it meets at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 23 in the Board of Supervisors chambers at 1195 Third St. in Napa. The proposed law would apply to food sellers, including businesses, nonprofits, organizations, entities, groups or individuals offering prepared food for retail consumption, a county news release said. Those affected would be required to use reusable or compostable items, such as containers, bowls, plates, trays, cartons, cups, lids, straws, stirrers, utensils, napkins, condiment cups and packets, cocktail picks, toothpicks, cup sleeves, tops, food wrappers, beverage trays, straws, stirrers, tray liners and plate liners. This initiative aligns with similar regulations implemented in more than 60 cities and counties across California, including Calistoga and two dozen jurisdictions in the Bay Area, according to the Napa County statement. Visit countyofnapa.org/589/Planning-Building-Environmental-Services to see the proposed law. Contact David Morrison, special projects director, at david.morrison@countyofnapa.org with comments or questions. PHOTOS: 49ers fans in Napa watch their team lose Super Bowl heartbreaker to the Chiefs in overtime Italy has bestowed Iraq with the replica of the famed Assyrian "Bull of Nimrud" statue previously displayed at the Roman Colosseum and UNESCO Paris headquarters, the Art Newspaper reports. The replica was based on a 9th-century BC and 16-foot-tall monument destroyed by ISIS fighters back in 2015, consequently prompting Italian artists to replicate it using 3D-printing technology. Now, the duplicate is heading to the Basrah Museum in Iraq, where it will be put on show permanently. Italy's Initiative to Improve 'International Collaboration' During the inauguration ceremony held at the museum located in the Iraqi city of Basra last Feb. 6, Italy's culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano read out a statement that said: "Italy is at the forefront of safeguarding cultural heritage because it is the soul of a nation and embodies its history." "It will therefore continue to make every effort to advance international collaboration in the field of cultural heritage protection and to work for the enhancement of the heritage of humanity," he continued. Francesco Rutelli, Sangiuliano's predecessor as a culture minister, wrote on Facebook of the recent donation, saying, "Italy is fighting to protect the Cultural Heritage, against its destruction, to regain value and respect for History, for the pluralism of ideas." Rutelli added by saying that this act of a "symbolic partnership" was only possible through "a constant act of volunteerism" and that he hopes this "little light" gives out the much-needed "hope" amid the tumultuous time we currently live in. Read Also: Submerged Ruins of a Megastructure Built 10,000 Years Ago Found at the Base of the Baltic Sea Behind the Replication of the Famed 'Lamassu' Monument The original statue formerly stood in the historical city of Nimrud, which is found today in the Iraqi city called Mosul. This place of establishment was chosen by the Assyrian king of the time, Ashurnasirpal II, who reigned between 883 to 859 BC. Ashurnasirpal II was believed to have constructed a grand palace adorned with a handful of these 'lamassu' statues, depicting a hybrid between lions, bulls, birds, and men. However, this "Bull of Nimrud" monument was among the cultural artifacts that suffered devastation at the hands of ISIS, following their siege at the archeological site back in 2015. In terms of the replication, it was restoration specialist Nicola Salvioli who led a team of Italian experts to craft a highly accurate duplicate of the statue by first making a polystyrene model using videos and images of the original as reference. The model was then mainly used to inform the design of a larger fiberglass version which was manufactured using an industrial-grade 3D printer. It was then covered with a plastic and stone dust mixture to simulate the original's "historical" appearance. Read More: Netflix's 'The Crown' Props Auction More Than Tripled Its Initial Sale Estimate, Fetching Over $1.8M 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Updated at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday Napans had another chance Tuesday afternoon to make their case for or against Mayacamas Charter Middle School, as the school makes a second bid at winning a charter from the Napa County Office of Education. The agency's public hearing on whether Mayacamas deserves to operate as a countywide charter school was limited to an hour and intended to gauge public opinion before NCOE votes on the downtown Napa middle school's petition on March 5. It was a short hour, with alternating appeals from those opposing and supporting the school. Some alleged that a steady enrollment fall-off in the Napa school district is a failure on the district's part, meaning that Mayacamas is a needed intervention. Others argued that Mayacamas is not financially viable and still stands on shaky ground. Members of the Napa Valley Unified School District, which originally vetoed Mayacamas' school plan in December 2021, urged the county board not to support the petition, and district employees such as Mary Hernandez claimed the school had no legal standing. If the only reason they need a countywide charter is because theres a court ruling against their current charter, and are currently embroiled in litigation that discourages families to enroll, well, I have news, Hernandez said. This board making a decision in violation of law will not cure that problem. Mayacamas has been fighting for legitimacy in the eyes of multiple agencies even before it opened its doors last August. Contentious debate over whether the school should operate has led to an ongoing legal battle involving the Napa school district, county and state. Over the past two years, the city and county of Napa vetoed the charters request to operate as a district charter school. The organizer of Mayacamas, the Napa Foundation for Options in Education, then took its case to the State Board of Education, which granted a charter over NVUSD's veto. Sacramento County Superior Court overturned the state ruling after NVUSD filed a lawsuit that disputed it, which Mayacamas appealed in August 2023. With the appeal process continuing, Mayacamas was able to open Aug. 16 as a district charter school, teaching grades 6 to 8 at the former St. John the Baptist Catholic School building. Sarah ORourke, who enrolled her child at Mayacamas, said the new school fills the cracks that NVUSD has let students fall through. NVUSD has had the chance to educate our kids during their middle school years," O'Rourke said during the meeting. "They have shown me and other parents that the safety of our children and their education are not as important as the money. Once the school opened, Mayacamas submitted and then subsequently pulled a petition to become a countywide charter school under NCOE's umbrella, rather than operating within the Napa school district as it awaits a court decision on its appeal. Mayacamas refiled its county petition in January, removing a mention of partnering with Seventh-day Adventist Pacific Union College, which garnered criticism for a potentially hostile environment towards LGBTQ students. The current petition rebrands Mayacamas' emphasis on post-secondary education, stating: We will also look inside and outside Napa County for college partners to provide multi-day, on-campus experiences that will demystify college and encourage continued post-secondary education. The updated petition also reduced the school's projected enrollment over five years from 414 to 324 students, which brought up red flags for NCOE staff at the meeting. In a review of Mayacamas' interim operation within NVUSD, staff reported that they will most likely make it through the end of this year, but that the school's fiscal viability is unclear after that, citing lower enrollment than predicted. If NCOE approves the charters petition on March 5, Mayacamas will be allowed to bypass the Napa school district and operate as a countywide charter school. With that said, California Education Code 47605.6(a)(1) states that a county can approve a countywide charter only if it provides services and meets needs that cant be filled by a school district. Mayacamas's head of school, Catherine Adams, believes her academy does fit that niche. For some students, a large comprehensive middle school does not serve them well. Our educational community can do better, Adams said. Others, like NVUSD trustee Eve Ryser, said during the hearing that Mayacamas is asking the board to accept false information. They want you to pretend that two local newspapers didnt publish evidence that the role of the county office and its chosen experts in the review process has been far from neutral, Ryser said. In November, the Napa Valley Register revealed that a consultant hired to help evaluate the viability of Mayacamas had been directly working with the petitioners. Board president Don Huffman asked NCOE Superintendent Barbara Nemko if she had any direct involvement in writing the initial county petition, which she denied. Huffman also asked if Nemko knew of any bias on the part of consultant Lynne Vaughan, who the Register reported had helped NCOE analyze the petition while also assisting petition writers in drafting it. Did she answer questions they (petition writers) had? Certainly. Did she write their petition? Certainly not, Nemko said. Conflict of interest generally involves money, and I promise you, nobody is making any money off this. However, public records obtained by the Register indicate Vaughan had significant involvement in the fashioning of the petition. Nemko and at least one NCOE trustee, Janna Waldinger, were in close communication with Mayacamas backers during the review process, talking about whether a countywide charter for the school would gain the county boards approval. Emails traded among Vaughan, Nemko, and Mayacamas co-founders Lauren Daley and Jolene Yee indicated that Vaughans involvement in the schools countywide charter application ranged from copy editing to more substantial edits, including almost all of the portions regarding the schools planned agreement with Pacific Union College. The partnership with Angwin-based PUC was meant to justify the countywide reach of Mayacamas, and thus its worthiness to gain a countywide charter from NCOE. I just talked with Barbara and she has arranged to get the letter from PUC it is a done deal, Vaughan wrote in one email reviewed by the Register. On Wednesday afternoon, Nemko said in an email that Vaughan only edited the petition, and did not write it. "Ms. Vaughan reviewed the petition before it was submitted to note possible problems with the Petition so that those could be corrected before the Petition was filed," she wrote. "She did not 'draft' the Petition in the sense that it was her work-product or that she created it from the ground up." "Instead, as the COE would do for any applicant for such a project, she suggested edits to the Petition to avoid problems before it was submitted." Nemko added that it is a better use of the public's and staff's time to help an applicant with issues before it goes to the board, rather than allow it to be "rejected midway through the proceedings on technical issues or because important information was omitted ..." It is unclear whether Vaughan is continuing to advise on the Mayacamas matter, though her contract with NCOE for which she is paid $1,000 a month plus expenses runs through June 30. After Tuesday's hearing, Huffman said the entire controversy surrounding Mayacamas is a symptom of something bigger in Napa. Its evident theres likely a need for a communication channel between what students need, what parents want, and whats available, he said. Napa Valley Register City Editor Howard Yune and Executive Editor Dan Evans contributed to this report. Photos: Mayacamas School prepping for first day of school The opinion of the Napa Valley Register The editorial board met with each of the candidates for Napa County Supervisor last week in our offices, posing each with a mix of questions about the region as a whole as well as ones about the individual districts they hope to represent. One we asked all six involved what they felt was the biggest issue facing Napa County and what they planned to do about it. Napa County supervisor candidates at a glace Here is a quick fact sheet about the Napa County Board of Supervisors candidates. Not surprisingly, the candidates answers ran the gamut, from traffic to environmental concerns to affordable housing. Plans on how each wanted to effectuate improvement in these areas were nuanced and logical, with each of the candidates clearly demonstrating their intelligence, verve, and passion for making this place we all love a better one. This is a time of great change for this powerful, but often little understood, board. Three seats are up for grabs, and only one incumbent is running, meaning at least two and perhaps a majority of the five-seat board will be newbies. In contrast to earlier election cycles, only two people are on the March 5 ballot in each district, meaning the tally next month will determine the winner; there will be no November runoff. The Board of Supervisors oversees a $680 million budget, dealing with issues ranging from county parks to mental health services to vineyard approvals. With the county becoming an increasingly expensive place to live and work, climate change working its slow, inevitable impact on our wine industry, and mental health issues rising to alarming levels, we need strong, collaborative leadership now. Fortunately, we are well served in this cycle, and the county will be in good hands regardless of who comes down on top. That's not to say there aren't differences; there clearly are. But, as we told each of the candidates, the purpose of this exercise is less about choosing winners and losers, and much more about giving voters the information we think they need to choose a candidate they believe will best represent their own priorities. As such, we will be speaking to what we liked as well as what we had concerns about regarding each, whether they received our endorsement or not. Whether or not you agree with our recommendations, it is critically important that you vote. A strong democracy requires participation, and a large turnout makes it clear to those elected officials and government workers that people are paying attention and demanding results. Make your voice heard. District 2 Liz Alessio For a brief moment, after Supervisor Ryan Gregory announced he would not be seeking reelection, it was looking like Napa City Councilmember Liz Alessio might be able to walk onto a seat on the dais unopposed. But just before the filing deadline, former Napa City Councilmember Doris Gentry jumped into the race, making it at least on its face a contest. Alessios reputation is that of a tireless campaigner, and the signs with her name dotting businesses and lawns around town would attest to this, as is her large campaign war chest and endorsements from many of the countys biggest elected officials. She has also won endorsements from the countys various progressive and labor groups. Gentry, on the other hand, has raised very little about $4,000, most of which was a loan to herself and has received few, if any, endorsements. When asked about this, she said her years in the public eye as a television host on local cable, as a former elected official, and as the current chair of the Napa County Republican Central Committee make her a known quantity. Perhaps this is all true, but branding yourself as the conservative option in an area that bends overwhelmingly to the left is unlikely to be a winning strategy. But Gentry is not simply a conservative; in public and online statements, its clear she has a hard-right political philosophy. She worked to temper this in our interview, saying she regularly urges her GOP colleagues to be more centrist. But her X (formerly Twitter) bio included phrases like MAGA * Count Ballots by Hand * Anti WOKE, and some of her posts could fairly be described as endorsing some of the rights fever dreams about transgender athletes and stolen elections. (She updated the bio with less hot-button phrases after being asked about it by the board.) How much this matters in what is ostensibly a non-partisan job is up to voters to decide, but it concerns the board. Despite this, Gentry does have a significant amount of experience in government and business, and her desire to take a hard look at the countys finances would certainly be welcome. We also are impressed with her optimistic attitude, and a clear desire to build workable compromises with people she may not agree with. But Alessio also has business experience, more recent and relevant governmental knowledge, and a considerably clearer plan on what she would do in the position. For these reasons, she is our choice. We are impressed with her commitment to helping to improve mental health and substance abuse services in the county, and to improve housing equity. Alessio said the best way to achieve these goals is through collaborative work with the officials in the countys municipalities. We agree. The board asked about whether she regretted being a signatory on a letter also signed by two other members of the Napa City Council to the Board of Supervisors regarding the Le Colline matter. (The letter, which was later withdrawn due to concerns it violated open-meetings regulations, urged rejection of the controversial vineyard project.) Alessio said she did, though we suspect this is as much because of the loud pushback she received than anything else. Transparency is vital to a functional democracy, and we remain concerned that local governmental bodies continue to cut it too close to the line on secrecy. We urge Alessio to be a leader in this regard when and if she is elected. District 4 Pete Mott The political calculus for the District 4 seat has a different flavor than the other races. Incumbent Alfredo Pedroza fresh off dispatching a recall bid had announced a run for the state senate seat soon to be vacated by his political mentor, Bill Dodd, who was himself termed out of the job. But Pedroza dropped out of that race, adding that he would not run for reelection for the supervisor seat. He cited family reasons for the decision, though most political watchers presume a long-awaited decision from the California Fair Political Practices Commission regarding a potential conflict-of-interest issue related to a vineyard owned by his in-laws, had something to do with it. (And, of course, a recently revealed federal subpoena that appears to be seeking records related to Walt Ranch and Vinedos deal.) During the 2020 election, Pedroza was partly based on endorsements and those who donated to his campaign widely seen as supportive of vineyards, wineries and local business interests. His opponent, Amber Manfree also partly based on endorsements and donors was seen as having a more preservationist and environmental philosophy. It was a close race with the well-funded Pedroza besting Manfree by about 800 votes, or a bit under 5%. The 2024 race also features Manfree continuing to take on the progressive and environmental mantle and Pete Mott, a longtime business owner and former member of the Napa City Council. We were impressed by both candidates. Mott, though supportive of the CalFire contract that provides wildfire protection to the countys rural areas, said there was a need to make sure any future agreements more clearly make Napa County more of a priority within the state-run agency. He pointed to private landowners feeling the need to hire their own fire protection services during the 2017 and 2020 wildfires as a prime example. We wholeheartedly agree. He also impressed us with his deep knowledge of groundwater issues, and agree that his on-the-ground experience dealing with city budgets will serve him well as a member of the county Board of Supervisors. Manfrees Ph.D in geography makes her a de-facto expert in many of the land-use issues that will face the board in the coming years, a huge plus for us. We also liked her focus on working to better conditions for the areas workforce, affordable housing projects, and balancing the needs of the wine industry with the implications of climate change. Shes also now the well-funded one, raking in the highest number of donations of anyone in the cycle, a testament to her wide range of support. In the end, the board believes whoever wins this race will well represent the district on the board. But it is a choice. Mott will likely be more open to development and business interests, while Manfree will likely lean toward preserving the areas natural beauty perhaps at the expense of those interests. Regardless, we believe both will forcefully protect the limits of the Agricultural Preserve, something voters in Napa County have long demanded of its leaders. Despite all this, we choose Mott. We particularly liked the specificity of his plans regarding rural fire protection, and feel he would be invaluable in his advocacy in that vital aspect of the job. District 5 Mariam Aboudamous Both of the candidates in this race which is a rematch of the 2020 contest mentioned traffic as one of the countys main concerns. This is unsurprising, since the south county district includes some of the areas most car-choked roads. In the 2020 election, Belia Ramos got a bit more than 500 votes than Mariam Aboudamous, or 6.4% more than her rival. A win in March would give Ramos a third term she was first elected in 2016 and make her, by far, the most senior member of the Board of Supervisors. Both women are attorneys, both have served on the American Canyon City Council Aboudamous is in her second term and both demonstrated to us a keen grasp of the minutiae of governance. Ramos, in particular, struck us as a skilled policy wonk, reveling in the way things work at a granular level. Perhaps as an example of this, Ramos, when asked to point to her biggest achievement in her nearly eight years as a supervisor, touted her work in creating a fire services administrator. This person works as a liaison between county officials and CalFire, looking for ways to better coordinate services and resources, and helping to make the region more resilient toward wildfires. Ramos said it is modeled after a similar program in Placer County, adding she believes it was a huge step toward making the county as a whole safer. For her part, Aboudamous said she is most proud of her part in the negotiations surrounding the Watson Ranch development, one of the biggest housing projects in the county in many years. The project includes more than 1,200 homes, with nearly 200 set aside as affordable units. The enormously complicated project took years of discussions and back-and-forth before coming to fruition. Both Ramos and Aboudamous have advocated for an alternative route through American Canyon, a proposal we think has significant merit. An open question would be how much each would feel about building such a road through areas currently zoned for agricultural uses an enormously touchy subject in Napa County. Addressing this, Aboudamous said she felt such a use would be appropriate because it would provide a larger community benefit. She added that she would want to see a green belt and other environmental mitigations for such a project. Ramos noted that she has long been looking for a way to create such a road, stretching back to her first supervisorial election in 2016. She pointed to a 2021 vote that would help forward such a plan. Regardless of the outcome, the winner of this race will be a fierce advocate for the needs of American Canyon and for the county as a whole. But the board particularly liked Aboudamous similar to Alessios emphasis on building relationships between the Board of Supervisors and the governments of the countys cities. This is not to denigrate Ramos, who talked widely about her relationships with different regional and statewide agencies in our interview. That is clearly valuable as well, but we think Aboudamous is better positioned to build bridges locally, and having a fresh set of eyes on issues in the southern part of the county will benefit all of us. SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has urged the central government to fence the India-Bangladesh international border in the state. In fact, the Meghalaya government has written to the ministry of home affairs (MHA) urging immediate fencing of the India-Bangladesh border in the state. This development was informed by Meghalaya deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong while speaking to the media in Shillong. The state government has written to the MHA urging completion of fencing of the India-Bangladesh border in whatever way possible, said Meghalaya deputy CM Prestone Tynsong. Also read: Meghalaya high court orders urgent shifting of coal in East Jaintia Hills He added that the fencing should be close to the zero point between India and Bangladesh. It may be mentioned here that the Northeast state of Meghalaya shares a 443-km-long international border with Bangladesh. Notably, this demand of the Meghalaya government came at a time when the Centre has announced its decision to completely fence the India-Myanmar border in the region. India shares a 1643-km-long international border with Myanmar that runs along the borders of four Northeast states. 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 US envoy to Armenia underscores empowering women to participate meaningfully at all levels of conflict prevention The provocation carried out by the Azerbaijani armed forces against the Armenian positions at the village of Nerkin Hand in Syunik Province, as a result of which the Armenian side has 4 casualties and 1 wounded, is technically within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, as the statute of the court applies to the territory of Armenia. Yeghishe Kirakosyan, the representative of Armenia's on international legal affairs, stated this in an interview with the Public Television. He said that their team is currently studying today's events to determine what description should be given to this incidenta war crime, or something else. "In September 2022, near Lake Sev, the Azerbaijanis had shot to death the [Armenian] military personnel who had laid down their weapons, and it was an obvious war crime. In relation to this case, it is necessary to determine what description should be given. I don't want to rush, but if there are grounds to describe it as a war crime, then yes, the jurisdiction of the [International Criminal] Court can act. The jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court extends more objectively to other cases; for example, the forced displacement of our compatriots from Nagorno-Karabakh is an obvious crime, in which case, I believe, the Court's jurisdiction applies," Kirakosyan noted. Will Russian President Vladimir Putin be arrested if he decides to come to Armenia? In response to this question in an interview with the Public TV Company, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, the representative of Armenia's on international legal affairs, said that there is only one way to solve the problem. "The issue of immunity is controversial, as two different courtsthe International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justicehave different approaches to the immunity of sitting presidents. At the time of the ratification of the Rome Statute [of the International Criminal Court], we [i.e. Armenia] were proposing to the Russian side to sign a bilateral agreement based on the articles of the statute, according to which, countries can have bilateral treaties by which they assume certain obligations and can be invoked to make exceptions. Such a proposal was forwarded to the Russian side back in April last year, then there were discussions before the ratification [of the Rome Statute by Armenia], but, unfortunately, the agreement could not be signed. I believe the best mechanism that will solve this problem is this. I hope that the [Armenian] MFA colleagues work in this direction with our Russian colleagues. I don't know any other better proposal that could be," Kirakosyan said. To the question whether the signing of the aforesaid agreement proposed by Armenia will enable Putin to come to the country without any problems, he responded that it will at least provide some legal basis for it. And to the remark that it turns out that, even in that case, there is no guarantee that Putin will not be arrested in Armenia, Kirakosyan did not give a clear response, and said that it would have been better if the aforementioned agreement were signed before Armenias ratification of the Rome Statute. "This is the only possible option to solve the problem after the ratification, there is no other option," said Kirakosyan, finding in difficult to say why the Russian side does not want to sign such an agreement with Armenia. Iranian president extends Lunar New Year greetings to Chinese people Xinhua) 11:19, February 14, 2024 TEHRAN, Feb. 12 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi congratulated the Chinese people and government on the arrival of the Spring Festival and the Lunar New Year. In a post in Chinese language on social media platform X on Sunday night, Raisi said "I sincerely congratulate the People's Republic of China on the occasion of the Spring Festival and Lunar New Year, and wish Iran and China, two ancient civilizations, full of fresh vitality in the new year at all levels, especially in the development of the bilateral relations." He expressed hope that with the arrival of the spring and the Lunar New Year, the world would be filled with justice for all people, especially the "oppressed but strong" Palestinians. The beginning of this Chinese Lunar New Year, or the Year of the Dragon, fell on Feb. 10. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Kou Jie) Suzuki Musical Instrument Manufacturing Company (Suzuki Music for short) is relaunching its fan-beloved and pop culture-ingrained electronic product from the 80s, "Omnichord," with a new model and a revamped system to be released after just about three decades. Omnichord's 'Imprint' in Today's Popular Music Suzuki Music first launched the quirky electric instrument back in 1981. A synth that was playable through strumming, it had a unique charm that was destined for success. Just not in the following decade of its release, when its production ceased. However, about 30 years later, the company announced its return during an exhibition at the Winter National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show this year, which started on Jan. 25. The product's revamping may have come late but its reputation has been ingrained in pop culture since its release, with its easily identifiable sounds utilized by a myriad of legendary musical acts, including Bjork, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, and most notably, Damon Albarn for Gorillaz's "Clint Eastwood" track. Albarn has even demonstrated in an interview with Apple Music that he directly incorporated the instrument's "Rock 1 Preset" as the song's iconic looping beat along with the transitionary drum fill. "Wholesale," exclaimed the interviewer. Read Also: 'Redwood': Idina Menzel Headlines the La Jolla Playhouse World Premiere of the Musical Capabilities of the New 'Omnichord' Model, 'OM-104' Suzuki Music's upcoming release has been dubbed "OM-108," which is made in reference to its 108-chord capability from just a press of one to three buttons. This easily accessible multi-chord ability includes major, minor augmented, diminished, sus4, and even add9 variants. The strum plate, which is arguably the most important feature that gave the original release its identity, is also returning "wholesale" with a revamped sensitivity to accentuate the feeling of playing the chords. Not dissimilar to a harp, it is also capable of moving across four octaves. The new OM-108 has also included 10 strum plate voicings, two of which were lifted directly from the original 1984 model. These voicings include an electric piano, a guitar, and a harp, among others, alongside a combining capability that makes it possible to add a second backing tone or sub-voice. Additionally, 10 rhythm patterns are incorporated into the new model, while also allowing for drum pads to be assigned to the strum plate and auto-off pad. Lastly, an auto bass accompaniment has also been added to the instrument. Read More: Italy Gifts 3D-Printed Replica of 'Bull of Nimrud' Statue Destroyed by ISIS Fighters to Iraq's Basrah Museum 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A joint press statement was released following Tuesdays fifth meeting of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council, the Armenian foreign ministry informs. The press statement reads as follows: The Armenia-EU Partnership Council met for the fifth time in Brussels on 13 February 2024. The meeting confirmed the mutual interest and commitment of Armenia and the EU to strengthen and deepen their relations based on common values. To this end, they agreed to launch work on a new Armenia-EU Partnership Agenda, establishing more ambitious joint priorities for cooperation across all dimensions. The EU announced an additional 5.5 million in humanitarian aid to support the displaced Karabakh Armenians. This funding comes in addition to the 12,2 million to address urgent humanitarian needs, as well as the recent adoption of 15 million budget support for socio-economic needs. The Partnership Council reviewed the implementation of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The EU welcomed Armenias commitment to CEPA implementation, appreciated the progress achieved and encouraged Armenia to pursue its reform agenda. The new Armenia-EU Partnership Agenda will aim to unlock the full potential of the CEPA. The Partnership Council reiterated the shared commitment of Armenia and the EU to human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles. The Partnership Council welcomed the accomplishments to date on the implementation of justice reform and the fight against corruption, the creation of a Ministry of Interior and the reform of the police service in Armenia, with EU support. The parties also acknowledged remaining challenges in the fight against discrimination, hate speech and disinformation, and Armenia committed to work towards further progress in these areas. The EU commended Armenia on recently becoming the 124th state party to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court and encouraged Armenia to consider relevant capacity-building opportunities. The Partnership Council acknowledged Armenias willingness to start a visa liberalisation dialogue with the EU, and the EUs preparedness to continue to undertake further efforts to explore options to do so, further to the November 2023 Foreign Affairs Council. The EU welcomed the implementation of the Visa Facilitation agreement and of the Readmission agreements by Armenia and encouraged Armenia to sustain and further up its efforts. The EU expressed its commitment to stand by Armenia to strengthen its resilience in different sectors, notably trade, energy and connectivity. The Partnership Council noted that while CEPA did not provide for preferential tariffs for trade in goods, it contained important potential for increasing bilateral trade flows. The parties committed to unlocking this potential through joint efforts. The parties committed to further cooperation to prevent sanctions circumvention while the EU commended Armenias efforts in this regard. The EU underlined the importance of applying administratively the Common Aviation Area Agreement, which has the potential to create new and more direct air transport connections and generate economic benefits to both sides. The parties discussed ways to advance the energy transition of their economies to become more resilient and competitive. The EU reiterated its support to Armenias participation in the Black Sea electricity cable project. The parties will continue to work together to enhance Armenias energy production from renewable sources, including through investments under the Economic and Investment Plan, as well as to ensure nuclear safety. The parties also reaffirmed the importance of combating climate change, and in this context welcomed Armenias adoption of a Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy, and encouraged Armenia to further scale up its ambitions to reach climate neutrality. The Partnership Council discussed the progress made in reforms of the education, research, health, social protection and civil protection sectors. The parties acknowledged the positive evolution of Armenia-EU cooperation on research & innovation, and discussed how to use the unexploited potential on digital connectivity. The Partnership Council underlined the importance of the Eastern Partnership framework as a regional cooperation platform. The Partnership Council noted that the Economic and Investment Plan (EIP) has successfully mobilised over 550 million worth of investments in Armenia. It supported amongst others regional connectivity, access to finance for SMEs, green buses and energy efficient public buildings, and the socio-economic development of Syunik, which also benefits from a dedicated Team Europe Initiative. The Partnership Council expressed a commitment to continue fostering sustainable development in Armenia by leveraging public and private investments and welcomed the recently launched Armenia-EU Investment Coordination Platform. The EU side also expressed its strong condemnation of Russias illegal aggression against Ukraine and the negative effects this unjustified war has for the wider Eastern Partnership region, Europe as a whole and globally. Armenia informed the EU about the humanitarian and human rights impact of Azerbaijans use of force in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023 and the subsequent displacement. The EU reiterated its rejection of the use or the threat of use of force, also in the context of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and supports a peaceful conflict resolution. The parties further stressed the absolute necessity of establishing durable peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The EU reiterated its commitment to support the normalisation of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan based on the principles of mutual recognition of territorial integrity and inviolability of internationally recognized borders based on the 1991 Almaty Declaration. The EU welcomed the policy direction of the Government of Armenia aimed at working towards peace and normalisation in the region, including the opening of regional transport links under the countries sovereignty and national jurisdiction, as well as according to the principles of equality and reciprocity, which also underpin Armenias Crossroads of Peace project. Armenia welcomed the ongoing strengthening of the EU Mission in Armenia. The parties confirmed the need to fully, immediately and effectively implement all the International Court of Justice orders in the case on the Application of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan). Ahead of the Partnership Council, the EU issued the Partnership Implementation Report on Armenia-EU relations since the previous Partnership Council in May 2022. The report underlined that Armenia continued implementing an ambitious reform agenda with strong EU support including financial assistance. It concludes that Armenia-EU relations have never been stronger. The Partnership Council was chaired by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr Josep Borrell. The Armenian delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia, Mr Ararat Mirzoyan. The European Commissions Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, Mr Gert Jan Koopman, also participated in the meeting. The Boston Symphony Orchestra has recently announced its newly appointed assistant conductor, Anna Handler, who will be stepping into the post in September of this year in a two-year-long term. A New Addition to Anna Handler's Notable Achievements The BSO appoints two active assistant conductors at any given period. Thus, Handler will join Samy Rachid, who was appointed to the post in 2023. The German-Colombian conductor will also take over Earl Lee's post, following the approaching end of his tenure with the orchestra. Currently, Handler is in the middle of fulfilling her role as a Dudamel Fellow alongside the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She also recently graduated last year from The Juilliard School and trained as a conductor under David Robertson. Handler will be making and has made several debuts under some of the most prestigious ensembles in the classical music world during the ongoing season. This includes performing with the aforementioned LA Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, North Carolina Symphony, BBC Philharmonic, Grazer Philharmoniker, and the Munchner Rundfunkorchester. She has also been in a leadership role as the founder and director of Enigma Classica. This technologically forward classical ensemble has featured acclaimed soloists like Arabella Steinbacher, Daniel Muller-Schott, and Sabine Meyer. Read Also: Submerged Ruins of a Megastructure Built 10,000 Years Ago Found at the Base of the Baltic Sea BSO and Anna Handler's Thoughts on the New Position According to BSO's press release regarding Handler's new position, the German-Colombian conductor said: "It is an immense honor to be joining the Boston Symphony Orchestra as assistant conductor." "The storied history and unique sound of this orchestra fascinate me, and I cannot wait to dive deep into the orchestra's approach to music," she continued. "I greatly look forward to working with Music Director Andris Nelsons and the musicians and connecting with the community of Boston." BSO's Music Director and Head of Conducting at Tanglewood, Andris Nelsons, was also quoted and he said: "The assistant conductors are an important part of our musical community here, and I'm very pleased to welcome Anna to our BSO family." He added that BSO thought highly of Handler's "maturity and ability to communicate," particularly with the orchestra members performing under her direction, and that he "looks forward to working with her in the coming years." Read More: Netflix's 'The Crown' Props Auction More Than Tripled Its Initial Sale Estimate, Fetching Over $1.8M 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], February 13: Infosys (NSE: INFY) (BSE: INFY) (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting, today announced its strategic collaboration with Pacific International Lines (PIL), a leading Singapore-based shipping company with strong networks in Asia, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Oceania. This collaboration aims to accelerate PIL's digital transformation initiative and create a positive impact for their key stakeholders across the shipping and logistics ecosystem. Infosys will help revamp PIL's existing customer portal and deploy a scalable and modern technology platform for them. This will enable PIL to further their 'Driving Connectivity' mission, which is aimed at connecting their businesses across the markets that they serve. In addition, PIL's web and mobile applications will undergo a comprehensive overhaul to simplify user experience and enhance customer engagement. Infosys, with its extensive logistics expertise, will provide a strong technical backbone for the performance and scalability of the revamped portal. The multi-year, multi-phased collaboration seeks to address critical business challenges such as modernizing web and mobile applications, enhancing scalability, and providing advisory services on the latest technology and business trends. Lionel Patrice Chatelet, Chief Commercial Officer, Pacific International Lines (PIL), said, "We are looking for a partner who can not only bring technology but also play an advisory role in the journey of transformation. Infosys brings together a strong combination of right capabilities as well as highly collaborative ways of working. We are delighted to collaborate with Infosys." Karmesh Vaswani, EVP & Global Head Retail, Consumer Goods & Logistics, Infosys, said, "With our strong domain expertise in multimodal logistics, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that not only address our client's current needs but also set the stage for embracing the latest industry trends. As a trusted advisor, we aim to transform PIL's customer portals to become simple, intuitive, and more experiential, leveraging scalable technology through the AI-powered Infosys Topaz suite of offerings." About Pacific International Lines (PIL) Incorporated in 1967, Pacific International Lines (PIL) is ranked 12th among the world's top container shipping lines and is also the largest home-grown carrier in Southeast Asia. Based in Singapore, PIL is a global carrier with a focus on Asia, China, Africa, Middle East, Latin America, Oceania and the Pacific Islands. Together with its affiliated companies Mariana Express Lines (MELL) and Malaysia Shipping Corporation, PIL serves customers at over 500 locations in more than 90 countries worldwide with a fleet of 100 container and multi-purpose vessels. Apart from the core liner shipping business, PIL also has several other business units such as container manufacturing, depot and logistics services. PIL strives to meet the needs of its customers by providing value-adding services such as intermodal, breakbulk and reefer services delivered on innovative technological platforms. With its focus on 'Driving Connectivity' and commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050, PIL aims to be an efficient, sustainable and future ready shipping line. For more information, visit www.pilship.com About Infosys Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Over 300,000 of our people work to amplify human potential and create the next opportunity for people, businesses and communities. We enable clients in more than 56 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over four decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer clients, as they navigate their digital transformation powered by cloud and AI. We enable them with an AI-first core, empower the business with agile digital at scale and drive continuous improvement with always-on learning through the transfer of digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. We are deeply committed to being a well-governed, environmentally sustainable organization where diverse talent thrives in an inclusive workplace. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NSE, BSE, NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects, or our future financial or operating performance, are forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding the execution of our business strategy, our ability to attract and retain personnel, our transition to hybrid work model, economic uncertainties, technological innovations such as Generative AI, the complex and evolving regulatory landscape including immigration regulation changes, our ESG vision, our capital allocation policy and expectations concerning our market position, future operations, margins, profitability, liquidity, capital resources, our corporate actions including acquisitions, and cybersecurity matters. Important factors that may cause actual results or outcomes to differ from those implied by the forward-looking statements are discussed in more detail in our US Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company unless it is required by law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/633365/Infosys_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) Two-wheeler sales in India rose 26 per cent to 1.49 million units in January 2024 as against 1.18 million units sold in the same month of last year, according to data put out by the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers released on Wednesday. According to SIAM, passenger vehicle sales were 393,074 units in January 2024 as against 346,080 units sold in January 2023, registering a year-on-year growth of 14 per cent. Three-wheeler sales were 53,537 units in January 2024 as against 48,903 units sold in the same month of the previous year. "Passenger vehicle sales have remained resilient led by positive consumer sentiments, while the Two-Wheeler Segment witnessed good growth in January as well, as the rural market continues to recover. Three-Wheeler segment has also performed better," said Vinod Aggarwal, President, of SIAM. Though the commercial vehicle sector did not grow in January 2024, it is likely to see good offtake in the next 2 months of this financial year 2023-24, said Aggarwal. "Government's strategic focus on mobility in Budget 2024, including strengthening the electric vehicle ecosystem, especially the charging infra and public transport, should help in continuing with the overall growth momentum for the Auto Sector," he added. Commenting on the January 2024 performance, Rajesh Menon, Director General, SIAM said, "Passenger Vehicles again saw highest ever sales in the month of January posting a growth of 14 per cent, as compared to the previous year. Three-Wheeler sales grew by 9 per cent during January 2024 while Two-Wheelers posted a good growth of 26 per cent in January 2024, compared to January 2023." "Passenger Vehicles and Three-Wheelers continue to post their highest ever sales till date, in FY24, for the period April to January," Menon said. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], February 14: In a significant development, Primary Plus, India's leading classroom magazine since 2004, has joined forces with Rajesh Bajaj, Director of PM Publications, acquiring a substantial 50% stake in the magazine. This collaboration is set to redefine the educational landscape for children, merging the extensive reach of Primary Plus with the expertise and footprint of PM Publications in over 4000 schools nationwide. Founder and visionary Manbir Bedi, committed to reviving children's love for reading in the digital age, expressed his conviction that Primary Plus's vibrant, monthly content fosters creativity, sustainability, and positive impacts on a child's social and physical environment. With an existing readership exceeding one million among 2.5 lac kids, the partnership aims to amplify this reach tenfold. "While books remain indispensable for the curriculum, Primary Plus goes beyond, delivering fresh content that enhances creativity, adorned with superb illustrations and designs, serving as a spark for students' imagination and curiosity", emphasized Manbir Bedi, Owner - Primary Plus Media Pvt Ltd. Rajesh Bajaj, a High Net Worth Individual (HNI) with a commitment of over 100 million, brings significant financial backing to Primary Plus. The mission is clear - to establish Primary Plus as a household name, the go-to kids-only newspaper and magazine in the country. Primary Plus has additional pioneering ventures, such as screen-free coding techniques for schools and the Festival of Multiple Intelligences, a 14-year-old initiative inaugurated by the former Chief Minister, Shrimati Sheila Dikshit, in 2010. The collaborative efforts will not only infuse additional funds but also leverage PM Publications' extensive resources to enhance the meaningful impact of Primary Plus magazine in children's lives. Rajesh Bajaj, Director - PM Publishers Pvt. Ltd elaborated on the collaborative vision, stating, "Our objective is to provide teachers with more resources on the existing interactive boards in classrooms, allowing children to engage with the content published in Primary Plus." This strategic alliance marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of children's education, blending innovation with tradition to create a holistic and enriching learning environment. As Primary Plus and PM Publications embark on this transformative journey, the future promises to be vibrant and inspiring for young minds across the nation. Primary Plus is an EdMedia company dedicated to making learning enjoyable, nurturing a love for learning, and fostering multiple Intelligence skills through a versatile platform--print, digital, and events. Pioneering screen-free coding labs in 6 schools across 5 Indian cities, they adapt to evolve learning goals and curriculum shifts. Their experiential approach to teaching coding basics without computers reveals profound insights into teacher learning and student thinking. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) HT Syndication New Delhi [India], February 14: Gurgaon, recognized as India's Millennium City and a thriving hub for real estate, has experienced impressive growth in recent times. With its modern infrastructure and flourishing economy, Gurgaon has become a magnet for both businesses and residents. Trinity Infratech, a newcomer in the real estate industry, is preparing to unveil its maiden project in this dynamic city. "To bring our vision to life, we are excited to collaborate with world-class consultants and Grade A contractors," shared senior management. "Their expertise and dedication will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our endeavours," they added. "Our inaugural project, slated for imminent launch, will be strategically located along the Dwarka Expressway, a rapidly developing zone within Gurgaon, with an anticipated revenue of 4000 crores," remarked senior management. "It is ingrained in our ethos to uphold the highest standards of financial prudence, a commitment we intend to fulfill by enlisting top-tier talent and maintaining a professionally managed operational framework," they added. This endeavour seeks to redefine luxury living by introducing open-living concepts typically found in international markets such as Dubai and Switzerland. This pioneering venture will showcase innovative design elements and amenities aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Gurgaon. From cutting-edge architectural features to breathtaking skyline vistas, the development pledges to provide residents with a lifestyle comparable to the most prestigious global destinations. Leveraging its extensive 32-acre land holdings, Trinity Infratech aims to craft premier residential and commercial spaces seamlessly integrated into Gurgaon's urban landscape. The company's primary focus lies in delivering projects of exceptional quality that cater to the demands of contemporary lifestyles. Looking ahead, Trinity Infratech harbors ambitious plans to launch two additional projects this year, collectively generating an estimated top line of 10,000 crores across all three ventures. These initiatives will cater to the diverse preferences of homebuyers and investors, thereby contributing to the city's overall development. "We intend to finance these projects through a well-balanced blend of financial institutions, banks, and internal accruals, all meticulously planned within a 12-month timeframe," stated the management. The imminent completion of the Dwarka Expressway is poised to further invigorate Gurgaon's real estate market. This pivotal infrastructure project is anticipated to enhance connectivity and unlock new avenues for development along its corridor. In conclusion, Trinity Infratech's foray into Gurgaon's real estate arena coincides with an exciting phase of growth and opportunity. With a steadfast commitment to quality and innovation, the company is well-positioned to leave a lasting imprint on the city's skyline, shaping the future landscape of luxury living in Gurgaon. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by HT Syndication. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) The newly-built terminal building at Dehradun Airport was inaugurated on Wednesday, constructed at a cost of Rs 486 crore spread across 42,776 square metres. This terminal building will further strengthen tourism, employment and regional connectivity and boost the economy in the northern state. "Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, work is being done at a rapid pace to provide the benefits of air services to the common man," said Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during the inaugural ceremony. "Under the civil aviation minister Jyoiraditrya Scindhia, his department is working nonstop to fulfil the vision of PM Narendra Modi... We are 3rd after the USA and China in the domestic aviation market... For this, I would like to congratulate the entire department," the chief minister said. "Under the leadership of PM Modi, on one side we are modernizing aviation services while on the other we're making it affordable for the common man to avail these services," Dhami added. The average peak hour capacity of the new terminal would be 3,240 passengers, with an annual capacity of 47 lakh. "This new terminal building is a combination of culture, nature and modern architecture which will provide new strength to industry, employment and tourism in the area," said Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, joining virtually on the occasion. The airport has a runway of length 2140m and an Apron with 20 parking bays in total. The New Terminal building is equipped with all passenger amenities like 48 check-in counters, 04 conveyor belts, 12 baggage X-ray machines and a parking facility for 500 can. About a fortnight ago, a direct air service facility under the UDAN scheme was started between Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh and the capital town Dehradun on Tuesday, reducing travel time between the two important towns. Operator FlyBig, with its 19-seater aircraft, is offering services three times a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Under the UDAN scheme, work is underway in two airports--Pantnagar and Pithoragarh--and in thirteen helipads across the state, the minister informed. The Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), - UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik), a government-backed initiative to improve infrastructure and connectivity in India, especially in remote and underserved regions, completed six years. The scheme, launched in April 2017, focuses on improving unserved air routes in underserved regions of the country and fulfilling the aspirations of the common citizens. (ANI) BusinessWire India Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], February 14: Prudent Corporate, a leading diversified financial services group, proudly announces its achievement of being Great Place To Work Certified in India for the period from December 2023 to December 2024. This esteemed certification reflects the deep commitment of Prudent to nurture a workplace culture that fosters growth, innovation, and employee well-being. Backed by 30 years of data, Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Through its proprietary For All Model and Trust Index Survey, it gives organizations the recognition and tools to create a consistently positive employee experience. Its mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all, driving business growth, improving lives, and empowering communities. Through globally recognized and coveted Great Place To Work Certification and highly competitive Best Workplaces Lists, Great Place To Work enables employers to attract and retain talent, benchmark company culture, and increase revenue. Its platform enables leaders to truly capture, analyze and understand the experience of every employee, and compare outcomes with data collected from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries worldwide. "Our Great Place to Work-Certified status reflects the collective dedication of the Prudent family in creating a preferred workplace for everyone. It affirms our commitment to fostering a culture aligned with our values. We're honoured by this recognition and remain dedicated to nurturing a supportive environment for our employees." Sanjay Shah, Founder & MD, Prudent Group. Started in 2000, today Prudent is one of India's fastest-growing financial services Group. We commenced operations at the turn of the millennium, with mutual fund distribution. We sensed the potential and under-penetration of mutual funds, which laid the foundation of Prudent Group. Since then we have expanded to offer financial services and products such as Mutual Funds, Insurance, Equities, Bonds, PMS-AIF, Fixed Income Products, Properties and Loan Products. To know more, visit us at www.prudentcorporate.com Social Media Handles - Facebook - @PrudentCorporateltdTwitter - @Prudent_CorpInstagram - @prudentcorporateltdYoutube - @PrudentCorporateltdLinkedIn - Prudent Corporate Advisory Services Ltd (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) Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, and Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation inaugurated the new Terminal Building (Phase-II) of Dehradun Airport, marking a significant milestone in the aviation sector of Uttarakhand. According to a press release, Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal 'Nishank', Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha); Naresh Bansal, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha); and Brij Bhusan Gairola, Member of Legislative Assembly were also present at the time of inauguration. The construction of the new terminal building, undertaken by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), was completed in two phases at an estimated cost of Rs 486 Crore. After the operationalization of the first phase, covering an area of 28,729 Sqm, the old Terminal Building was demolished to make way for the second phase, adding an additional 14,047 Sqm to the terminal area. The total terminal area now stands at 42,776 Sqm, enabling the airport to serve 3240 passengers during peak hours, with an annual serving capacity of 47 lakh passengers. In his address, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia highlighted the inauguration as a step towards expanding aviation services to remote areas, aligning with the vision of the Prime Minister. Minister Scindia said, "The Terminal's inauguration is in line with our Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of expanding aviation services to remote areas of the country which will set new dimensions in regional prosperity. This new terminal building is a combination of culture, nature and modern architecture which will strengthen industries, generate more employment and boost tourism in the area". The new terminal building is equipped with modern amenities, including 48 check-in counters, 4 conveyor belts, 12 baggage X-ray machines, and parking facilities for 500 cars. Moreover, special attention has been given to accessibility for Divyangjans, with ramps, lifts, and specially designed restrooms incorporated into the design. Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, expressed the government's commitment to providing affordable air services and elevating Jolly Grant Airport to international standards. Minister Dhami said, "Government of India is working towards providing affordable air services to people. Our endeavour is to provide every transportation service to the tourists in Uttarakhand. Continuous efforts are being made to elevate Jolly Grant Airport to International standards" The design of the new terminal reflects a harmonious blend of culture, nature, and modern architecture, with columns inspired by the "Brahmakamal," the state flower of Uttarakhand. These columns, resembling blooming flowers, allow natural light to illuminate the terminal, contributing to sustainability measures and creating a serene environment for passengers. The completion of the new terminal building at Dehradun Airport is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity in the region, stimulating economic growth and making Uttarakhand more accessible to both domestic and international travelers. (ANI) Actor Hrithik Roshan pulled a muscle in his lower back and has been put on crutches by medical professionals. He took to Instagram to share his health update along with a picture of himself in crutches. He wrote, "Good afternoon. How many of you out there ever needed to be on crutches or a wheelchair n how did that make you feel? I remember my grandfather refusing to sit in a wheelchair at the airport because it wouldn't align with his own mental image of himself as 'strong.'" https://www.instagram.com/p/C3UxOpWrMqa/?igsh=MTJ0bXhqeTdoZDM4 "I remember saying 'But Deda, it's just an injury and nothing to do with how old you are! It will help heal the injury n not damage it further!' It made me so sad to see how strong he needed to be just to hide the fear n embarrassment on the inside. I couldn't make sense of it. Made me feel helpless. I argued that the age factor is not applicable cause he needs the wheelchair for an injury and not his old age." He added, "He refused n kept the strong image on display for strangers (who literally didn't care). It worsened his pain and delayed the healing. There definitely is merit in that kind of conditioning, it's a virtue. It's the mentality of a soldier. My dad comes from the same conditioning. MEN are strong." "But if you say soldiers never need crutches And even when they medically do, they must refuse, just for the sake of keeping the illusion of strong intact. Then I just think that the virtue has been stretched so far that it borders on plain stupidity." "I believe true strength is being relaxed, composed and fully aware that nothing, not crutches, not a wheelchair, not any inability or vulnerability - and certainly not any sitting position can lessen or alter the image of that GIANT that you are on the inside. Strength is not always being Rambo against all odds with a machine gun saying 'fuck em!'" "That's applicable sure. Sometimes. And it's the kind we all aspire for. Even me. But the more coveted one is strength when there is no one to fight on the outside. It's that quiet fight on the inside between you and the 'image' of you. If you come out of that one feeling like wanting to do a slow dance by yourself, then you're my hero. Anyway, pulled a muscle yesterday and woke up wanting to reach out about this notion of strength. This is ofcourse a bigger conversation, the crutches are just a metaphor. If you get it, you get it," he concluded. Soon after Hrithik posted the picture, fans chimed in the comment section to wish him a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, on the work front, Hrithik is basking on the success of his film 'Fighter'. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand also stars Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi and has, according to analysts, made its entry into the Rs 100 crore club. The film features Hrithik as Squadron Leader Shamsher Pathania aka Patty, Deepika as Squadron Leader Minal Rathore aka Minni, and Anil as Group Captain Rakesh Jai Singh aka Rocky fighting for the country. It marks Hrithik and Deepika's first-ever on-screen collaboration. (ANI) Sandro Botticelli's famed "Birth of Venus" masterpiece was the next victim in the recent series of demonstrations made by climate activists, with Riposte Alimentaire's food attack against Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa" last month and Just Stop Oil's hammer attack at the National Gallery in the latter part of 2023. This particular incident, on the other hand, happened in Florence's Uffizi Gallery in Italy and saw two protesters from the Last Generation group plastering photos on the Botticelli painting's protective glass of a Tuscan town previously ravaged by floods last year. Behind the Last Generation Activist Group's Demonstration The town was Campi Bisenzio, a commune found within the city that reported at least seven casualties among thousands that were separated from crucial utilities due to the severe flooding. Thus, the region is among those deemed to be most at risk of weather-related damages brought about by climate change. This was the primary focus of Last Generation's Italian arm during the protest, the photos and videos of which were posted on the group's X (formerly Twitter) account last Tuesday, Feb. 13. "We ask the Government to take concrete action to support communities affected by climate disasters," wrote the group in its post. "They can censor us, but they cannot censor reality." In another X post, one of the protesters was identified by Last Generation as Giordano, "a 40-year-old father from Empoli," who it said accepted "the risk of ending up in prison" after he violated the gallery's "precautionary measures." Giordano can be heard in the video saying: "The government continues to pretend that fields did not burn in January, that water will not be a problem this summer, that houses destroyed by floods are accidental events and not caused by human choices." According to a report made by the newswire Agence France-Presse, the two protesters were shortly apprehended by local police and brought to a nearby station after the demonstration. That said, what the duo was charged with were unmentioned. Read Also: Boston Symphony Orchestra Appoints Dudamel Fellow Anna Handler as New Assistant Conductor 2024 Classicalite All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar and musician Shankar Mahadevan on Wednesday attended the inauguration of Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Mandir in Abu Dhabi. After attending the ceremony of the Hindu Temple, Bhandarkar said that it is a proud moment for all the Indians. "It was great & there was a lot of excitement. Everyone- the people of the Indian diaspora was very happy. It is a proud moment for all the Indians. I thank the ruler of UAE. It was a great moment," he told ANI. Mahadevan also shared his happiness over the grand BAPS mandir opening in Abu Dhabi. "Epic event that's happened here in Abu Dhabi. Something that I think we can only dream of and dream has come true. A beautiful mandir has come up over here. And today was the inauguration at the hands of our prime minister. And it is such a beautiful temple and it's really great of the UAE government also to join hands with our culture. We have such a historical happening today," he said. Actors Akshay Kumar and Vivek Oberoi also marked their presence at the inauguration. The inauguration ceremony witnessed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's heartfelt commitment to the service of the motherland, as he expressed, "I worship Maa Bharti. 'parmatma ne mujhe jitna samay dia hai uska har pal Maa Bharti kay liye hai'..." Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Temple, PM Modi emphasised the deep spiritual connection he holds with India, where he sees each moment as an opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress. "UAE, which till now was known for Burj Khalifa, Future Museum, Sheikh Zayed Mosque and other hi-tech buildings, has now added another cultural chapter to its identity. I am confident that a large number of devotees will come here in the coming times," he said. "This will also increase the number of people coming to UAE and people-to-people connections will also increase. On behalf of the entire India and millions of Indians living around the world, I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE Government," the Prime Minister added. PM Modi also announced that the UAE Vice-President has given a piece of land in Dubai for the construction of a hospital for Indian workers. The Prime Minister further underscored the cultural and diplomatic importance of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi.(ANI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is holding water resources and Bengaluru development portfolios, told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that the State Government will accord priority to irrigation projects and filling water in tanks and then concentrate on development of roads. Replying to queries on irrigation and Bengaluru city development in the Legislative Assembly, he said, "The first priority is the development of irrigation projects and filling up tanks. Other works, such as roads, will be taken up subsequently. We have already discussed this with the Chief Minister." Replying to a question by Sakaleshpur MLA Cement Manju on Yagachi dam works, he said that Yagachi Dam will get due attention from the government. "The officials have already given a report on the development of canals. Construction work is in progress on the 5.5 km stretch of the canal, and work on the remaining 1.5 km stretch is halted due to issues with land acquisition. Yagachi Dam will get due attention from the government," he said. In response to a question on the slow progress of the Upper Bhadra project by Chikkanayakanahalli MLA Suresh Babu, he said that the project is delayed as the Centre is yet to release the amount promised in the previous Union budget. He said, "All necessary approvals have been given to works worth Rs 856 crore for the project. There are many land acquisition issues along the way, and we are trying to resolve them. The work had slowed down during Covid. The overall progress of the project is delayed as the Centre is yet to release the Rs 5,300 crore promised in the previous Union budget." Responding to a question by Belur MLA H K Suresh on the slow progress of Yettinahole project, he said that 2.4 km of tunnel work was completed. Shivakumar said, "Of the 5.24 km tunnel near Ranaghatta, 2.4 km is completed. The process of acquiring 402 acres of forest land in the Hassana and Tumakuru area is in progress." In response to a question by MLA U B Banakar on the development of the Madaga Masoor left bank and right bank canals, he said that the project will be developed at a cost of Rs 60 crore. He said, "The 25-crore Madaga Masoor tank development was announced in 2019. There is a proposal before the government to modernise the left and right bank canals. The project will be developed at a cost of Rs 60 crore." Beelagi MLA G T Patil raised the issue of creating basic infrastructure at rehabilitation centres in the Upper Krishna project. Shivakumar said, "The rehabilitation work is an ongoing process at Upper Krishna. A sum of Rs 191 crore was assigned for rehabilitation in 2017, now a new proposal for Rs 2,600 crore has been submitted. The priority is to compensate land losers and releasing water for agriculture. This issue will be looked into after these things are complete." Arasikere MLA Shivalinge Gowda praised the Deputy Chief Minister for resolving the issue of a land acquisition for a project. "A 200-metre stretch of land acquisition was pending and the DCM resolved it by talking to them. He has answered all those who said the project was bogus," he said. Replying to a question by Jayanagar MLA C K Ramamurthy that 13 slums in Jayanagar haven't received Cauvery water, he said that the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has provided 10,000 litres of Cauvery water to slum dwellers since 2017. He said, "The BWSSB has provided 10,000 litres of Cauvery water to slum dwellers since 2017. There are 32,010 families residing in SC/ST colonies, and 5,515 families in the Jayanagar constituency get 10,000 litres of water. Karnataka Slum Development Board has developed and allotted 250 flats in Ragi Gudda, 400 flats in Rajeshwari and Shakhambarinagar slums. A total of 2,900 slums have been given away till now." He further said that an allocation of Rs 5 crore will be given to the Jayanagar constituency, and it can be used for water supply. "There is no increase in water tariff since 2013. Prices of everything else have gone up, while water rates have remained the same due to certain reasons. If the Karnataka Slum Board pays some water tariff to BWSSB, water will be supplied in the coming days without any issue," he said. He also spoke about increasing water concerns in Bangalore. "The population of Bengaluru is increasing by 10 lakhs per year. It is being discussed to earmark 6.5 TMC of additional water for Bengaluru. Water scarcity is increasing in Bengaluru by the day and it is our responsibility to supply water to Bangaloreans," he said. MLA Arvind Bellad asked why the government can't get water when private tankers are getting enough water. Shivakumar said, "Tankers don't provide Cauvery water. Nearly 25 per cent of Bengaluru's water is being supplied through borewells. The Mekedatu project is the only solution for this." (ANI) Both pilots managed to eject safely following the incident. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident, the IAF said. "One Hawk trainer aircraft of the Indian Air Force met with an accident at Kalaikunda, West Bengal today during a training sortie. Both the pilots ejected safely," said IAF in a statement on X. "A Court of Inquiry has been constituted to find out the cause of the accident. No loss of life or damage to civilian property," the statement added. No loss of life or damage to civilian property was reported. (ANI) The Gujarat government on Tuesday moved Supreme Court and filed a review petition seeking to expunge certain remarks made against the government for its conduct with regard to the premature release of the 11 convicts in Bilkis Bano case. The State said that the adverse remarks made against the government in the apex court's judgment have caused great prejudice to the State government. The Gujarat government has sought to delete adverse remarks against the State. It further argued that the State government had only acted as per the mandamus issued by the Supreme Court by way of its judgment of May 2022. Gujarat government was acting as per the Supreme Court's May 2022 judgment which directed it to consider the remission application of one of the convicts, it said in the review plea. The State submitted that it cannot be held to have "usurped" the jurisdiction of the State of Maharashtra when it was acting as per a direction of the Supreme Court. On January 8, the Supreme Court struck down the Gujarat government's order granting remission to 11 convicts who had gangraped Bilkis Bano and murdered her family members during the 2002 Godhra riots. The top court had held that the Gujarat government was not competent to pass the remission orders but the Maharashtra government. It had said the appropriate government to decide the remission was the State (in this case Maharashtra) within whose territorial limits the accused are sentenced and not where the crime is committed or the accused are imprisoned. It had held that the judgment of May 13, 2022, by which another bench of the apex court had directed the Gujarat government to consider remission of a convict as per the 1992 policy, was obtained by "playing fraud" on the court and by suppressing material facts. Gujarat government usurped the powers of Maharashtra government acting in furtherance of the judgment dated May 13, 2022, which in our opinion is a "nullity", the apex court had said. Filing the review plea, the Gujarat government objected to the apex court's observation that State of Gujarat has acted in tandem and was complicit with convict. "The Supreme Court's observation holding Gujarat guilty of 'usurpation of power' and 'abuse of discretion' for complying with the order of apex court, whereby another co-ordinate bench of this Court held the State of Gujarat to be the 'appropriate government' under section 432(7) of CrPC, and issued a mandamus to the State of Gujarat to decide the remission Application of a convict in accordance with the Remission Policy of 1992 which was in existence at the time of conviction in the State of Gujarat, is an error apparent on the face of the record primarily," review plea of the Gujarat government stated. The Gujarat government had released the 11 convicts, who were sentenced to life imprisonment, on August 15, 2022. All the 11 life-term convicts in the case were released as per the remission policy prevalent in Gujarat at the time of their conviction in 2008. In March 2002 during the post-Godhra riots, Bano was allegedly gang-raped and left to die with 14 members of her family, including her three-year-old daughter. She was five months pregnant when rioters attacked her family in Vadodara. (ANI) Members of the Confederation of Bahadurgarh Industries, District Jhajjhar on Tuesday urged farmers not to hold their protest in industrial hub to ensure minimum impact on their business. Pravin Garg, President of Confederation of Bahadurgarh industries told ANI that they are not against the farmers, but they should not disturb the business industries. "Covid started from 2020 and during it the farmer's movement started which lasted for approximately 378 days. Bahadurgarh has maximum industries where lakhs of employees work. We are not against the farmers, but they should not disturb our businesses industries. This is our request to them. For the past two days Internet is shut, due to which mandatory e-invoicing/e-way billing has not been possible; transportation of materials is not being possible through state borders," he said. "There is panic among people here. Approximately, Rs 50,000 crore worth manufacturing happens annually in our district only - revenues, employment etc associated with it. There is direct loss to the industries," he added. Meanwhile, the Haryana police detained several protesting farmers as they marched towards Delhi on Tuesday. The protesting farmers were seen attempting to break the multi-layered barricades using their tractors and hand weapons. Scenes of chaos filled the Shambhu border as the police tried to stop the protestors from entering the national capital. Visuals from the border showed farmers running towards nearby farmland on the sides of the road as police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protestors. Concrete slabs, iron nails, barricades, barbed wires, police and paramilitary personnel were deployed by the police at several parts of the border. The farmers have put forth 12 demands before the central government for which they're marching to Delhi. According to the protesting farmers, the Centre promised them better crop prices after which they ended the 2021 protest. They are demanding to enact a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission report. They are also demanding a complete debt waiver and a scheme to provide pensions to farmers and farm labourers. The farmers have also urged to scrap the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 and are demanding to reintroduce the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, ensuring consent from farmers and compensation at 4 times the collector rate. An appeal to provide 200 days of employment per year and a daily wage of Rs 700 under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) linking it with farming has also been made by the farmers. Also, they have demanded compensation to the families of farmers who died during the protests in 2021 and a job for any family member has been put in place. (ANI) Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's proposed visit to his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations here on Tuesday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath commenced his two-day visit to Varanasi on Tuesday, where he diligently inspected the development projects slated for inauguration and foundation laying by PM Modi. The Prime Minister is likely to visit the city later this month. The Uttar Pradesh CM inspected the Rs 475-crore Amul plant set up on a 30-acre land and met representatives and legislators of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the Circuit House. After this, the Chief Minister directly reached the Circuit House, where the Chief Minister held a review meeting of the ongoing development projects in Varanasi. According to the official statement, ahead of the Prime Minister's upcoming visit, Chief Minister Adityanath issued clear instructions to ensure the thorough cleanliness and beautification of both the city and its roads. He emphasized the imperative of maintaining pristine roads, devoid of filth and stray animals, with pothole-free surfaces and adequate lighting. Additionally, he stressed the importance of upholding safety, security, and efficient traffic management during the event. During the meeting, Commissioner Kaushal Raj Sharma provided Chief Minister Adityanath with an overview of the preparations for the inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremony. Police Commissioner Ashok Mutha Jain briefed the Chief Minister on road diversions, security arrangements, and traffic management plans for the Prime Minister's visit. Chief Minister Adityanath urged for the timely and responsible execution of these arrangements. CM Yogi also issued firm directives to ensure all necessary preparations are completed promptly and with the utmost quality. "To address the delay in the work of the Public Works Department, it was suggested to adopt the tender process at the time of the NOC. The Chief Minister directed the officials to visit the spot and inspect the work so that the roads and drains are built as per the standards. The Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department was ordered to complete the remaining works by the first week of March," the statement said. (ANI) According to the ministry, it signed the contract with BEL on Tuesday for the procurement of 11 Shakti Electronic Warfare Systems along with associated equipment and accessories for the Indian Navy under the Buy (Indian- IDDM) category at a total cost of Rs 2269.54 cr. "The Shakti EW System is indigenously designed, developed and manufactured. The Shakti EW System is capable of accurately intercepting electronic emissions and implementing countermeasures in dense electromagnetic environment," the ministry said. It further said that the Shakti EW System will be installed onboard capital warships of the Indian Navy. "The project will generate employment of two and half lakh man-days over a period of four years with the participation of more than 155 industry partners, including MSMEs, thus furthering the vision of ''Atmanirbhar Bharat,''" it said. (ANI) In a significant milestone for the IMF Foundation, Professor Himani Sood, Co-founder, and esteemed figure shared insights on the successful execution of the 83rd event, titled 'Sadbhavana Shrinkhala.' The event was held at a church in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday, witnessing a gathering of over 200 Christian attendees. "Today, the IMF Foundation conducted its 83rd event under the banner of 'Sadbhavana Shrinkhala.' We hosted the event in a church in Bhubaneswar, where over 200 Christian brothers and sisters gathered, "IMF Foundation Prof., Co-Founder, Himani Sood said. S.V.D Archbishop of CuttaCk-Bhubaneswar, John Barwa said, "The program that was organised was very interesting...We have never experienced something like this in any other event...We want to thank PM Modi..." Meanwhile, Professor Sood highlighted that Indian culture had reached both national and international levels. "I am confident that Indian culture has reached both national and international levels. It brings me great joy to witness the resonance of Prime Minister Modi's slogan 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' becoming stronger. I am pleased that today, from the historical entry point of Odisha, Bhubaneswar, this voice will echo worldwide: 'Country first, religion later," Himani Sood said. Professor Sood expressed satisfaction in witnessing the prioritization of Indianness and India's essence, encapsulating the spirit of 'One India, Best India.' Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Professor Sood emphasized that the vision of a better India is not merely a dream. "The idea of inclusive development and unity for all is becoming increasingly prevalent and robust. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we see a reality, not just a dream, of a better India emerging from all corners of the world," Himani Sood said. Earlier on February 5, giving a message of "Unity and Harmony", Religious leaders representing various minority sections met PM Modi and the Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar in Parliament. After the meeting the 24 leaders representing the Indian Minority Foundation said that we are all 'Bharatiya' (Indians) and the country is our top priority. They leaders had also visited the new Parliament building, blessed it, and prayed for a third term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (ANI) Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday morning arrived in Jaipur to file her nomination papers for the upcoming Rajya Sabha polls. She was accompanied by her son and party MP Rahul Gandhi and her daughter, the party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. The former Congress president will represent Congress from Rajasthan in the upper House of Parliament. Sonia Gandhi, who was Congress president for almost 22 years between 1998 and 2022, is a five-time Lok Sabha MP. Congress leader Bhanwar Jitendra said that Sonia Gandhi's arrival would strengthen the party in the desert state. Singh told ANI, "We welcome Sonia Gandhi. The people of Rajasthan welcome her. During the UPA I and UPA II governments, a lot of work was done, especially the MNREGA. Sonia Gandhi has worked as Congress president for a long. So, there is great joy among Congress people and the public in Rajasthan. Her arrival will strengthen us." Rajasthan LoP Tika Ram Jully said that it will be a matter of pride that the former Congress president will represent Rajasthan in the upper House of Parliament. "I think if Sonia Gandhi is coming to Rajasthan and filing the nomination today, it will be a matter of pride for us and the entire Rajasthan. This is a historic moment. She is our national leader and the epitome of sacrifice. She has a different aura. Nothing can be more important for Rajasthan than this," he said. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had also been a member of Rajya Sabha. Sonia Gandhi, who is chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, has been repeatedly elected to Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. The move to file nominations for Rajya Sabha comes ahead of Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats from Rajasthan, out of which six are with the Congress and four with the BJP. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was last elected to Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan, is retiring in April this year. The term of Environment Miniter Bhupendra Yadav will come this April. Besides one Rajya Sabha seat in the State has become vacant after the resignation of the BJP's Kirodi Lal Meena. The Congress has not formally declared any candidate for the biennial Rajya Sabha elections in 56 seats from 15 states, scheduled on February 27. The last day of filing nomination papers in February 15. The term for Rajya Sabha MPs is six years and elections are held after every two years for 33 per cent of the seats. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245 members. Out of the total 245 members, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu and Kashmir (w.e.f. 31.10. 2019) and 12 are nominated by the President. 12 are directly nominated by the President who are veterans in the field of art, literature, sports, science etc. Based on population, each state is allocated a certain number of candidates in the Upper House. Members of the state legislative assemblies choose Rajya Sabha members through an indirect election system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote (SVT) (ANI) "Humble tributes to the bravehearts of the Pulwama terrorist attack. The country will always be indebted to them for their supreme sacrifice dedicated to the defence of India," Rahul Gandhi posted on X. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also took to his social media handle and posted on X, "We pay our sincere tributes and salutations to the indomitable courage and valour of the Pulwama bravehearts. The nation shall forever be indebted to their supreme sacrifice. Lest We Forget." Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage to the CRPF personnel who lost their lives in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack. The Prime Minister posted on X, "I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered. February 14, 2019 marks five years since the Pulwama terror attack, when 40 valiant Indian soldiers were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an IED-laden vehicle into the security convoy carrying them. Days after the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out multiple aerial strikes on February 26, 2019, at JeM terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot, killing a "large number" of terrorists and destroying their infrastructure. The air strike was launched in the early hours of February 26 and Pakistan's efforts to launch an offensive the next day to target Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir were thwarted by an alert IAF. In the dogfight, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, flying a MiG-21 Bison fighter plane and chasing Pakistani jets, crossed over to PoK, where his aircraft was shot down. He was taken into custody by Pakistan. India also shot down a Pakistani fighter jet. (ANI) The Congress party, which is part of the INDIA opposition bloc, called out the Election Commission on the issue of the greater use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail in the election process and said not allowing for 100 per cent VVPATs is a 'terrible injustice' to the Indian voters. Taking to his social media handle, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh posted on X, "The INDIA parties have been requesting for an appointment to meet the Election Commission since June 2023, on the issue of the greater use of VVPATs (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) in the election process. Not allowing for 100 per cent VVPATs is a terrible 'ANYAY' on the Indian voter." "On April 8th, 2019, the Supreme Court had requested the EC to increase the number of election booths that undergo VVPAT slip matching. The case is N. Chandrababu Naidu vs Union of India -- yes, the same Chandrababu Naidu who was once known as the high-tech Chief Minister. Mr. Naidu was then the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh," he said. "The demand of the INDIA parties is that this number of VVPATs prescribed cannot be static but must increase steadily towards 100 per cent. The reluctance of the ECI to engage with the INDIA parties on this issue raises even more questions," he added. "Shouldn't the ECI strive for greater accountability and transparency in a technology that it stands by so wholeheartedly? But of course, Naidu is about to migrate into the NDA, in the meanwhile. Maybe he can convince the Election Commission to give his erstwhile allies an appointment," said the post further. Voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT) or verified paper record (VPR) is a method of providing feedback to voters using a ballot less voting system. A VVPAT is intended as an independent verification system for voting machines designed to allow voters to verify that their vote was cast correctly, to detect possible election fraud or malfunction, and to provide a means to audit the stored electronic results. (ANI) The leaders prayed for happiness and prosperity of fellow citizens at the sacred place. Conveying his wishes to fellow citizens, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal wrote in a post on X, "Today, along with His Excellency Madam President Mrs. Draupadi Murmu ji and His Excellency the Governor of Assam State, Mr. Gulabchand Kataria ji, I had the privilege of worshipping the Lord at Hari Mandir, Sabala in the spiritual city of Dungarpur, Beneshwar Dham. I pray to God that every moment of the life of every citizen of the state should be joyful, peaceful, happy and healthy, may everyone be blessed and well-being!" President Murmu was welcomed by the Rajasthan Chief Minister upon her arrival in Jaipur on Tuesday. She is on a two-day visit to Rajasthan and Gujarat from February 12 to February 14. (ANI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena is likely to field Milind Deora, who recently switched from Congress severing decades-old family ties with the grand old party, as its Rajya Sabha candidate for the upcoming Biennial election. As per Shiv Sena sources, Milind Deora will file his nomination tomorrow. However, an official announcement from the party is still awaited. Deora was elected to Lok Sabha in 2004 and 2009 but lost the consecutive general elections in 2014 and 2019. Deora, the son of late Congress veteran leader Murli Deora, quit the party on January 14, alleging that it had deviated from its ideological and organisational roots. After joining Shiv Sena, Deora said, "This is a very emotional day for me. I had never thought that I would quit Congress. Today, I joined Shiv Sena." While emphasising his commitment to Congress, Milind Deora said that he remained loyal to the party during its most challenging decade. "I have been receiving a lot of phone calls since morning that why did I sever 55-year-old ties of my family with Congress party...I was loyal to the party during its most challenging decade. Unfortunately, today's Congress is very different from the Congress of 1968 as well as that of 2004. Had Congress and UBT given importance to constructive and positive suggestions and merit and capability, Eknath Shinde and I wouldn't have been here. Eknath Shinde had to make a major decision, I had to make a major decision," he said. Along with Deora, Sunil Narsale, Hansa Maru, Rambachan Murai, Pramod Manjrekar, Anita Yadav, Gajendra Lashkari, Ramesh Yadav, Prakash Raut joined Shiv Sena. With the series of exits from the Congress party, it has been a major blow to the grand old party in Maharashtra. Recently former CM Ashok Chavan quit the party and joined BJP on Tuesday. However, the Congress has said that the exit of leaders will not have any impact on the upcoming Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha elections and that the party will come back strongly. (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed terminal building Phase-2 at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. On this occasion, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia was connected through virtual medium. In the second phase, the terminal of Jolly Grant Airport was expanded by 14 thousand square meters. Now the total expansion of the airport terminal has been done in 42 thousand square meters. The Jolly Grant Airport terminal is being built in two phases at a cost of Rs 486 crore. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his gratitude to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and said that under his leadership, work is being done at a rapid pace in the field of civil aviation. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Union Civil Aviation Minister for starting the process of Pithoragarh-Hindon air service on his request and starting the operation of helicopter for emergency medical service from Uttarakhand. He said that at present the Indian civil aviation industry ranks third in domestic traffic after America and China, for this he congratulated the Civil Aviation Minister. He said that air services have expanded rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last few years, air travel has become very popular among the people due to it being a cheap, fast and reliable means of transportation. This has been possible only because of the long-term thinking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister said that the Civil Aviation Department of the state is making efforts to provide cheap air services to the people from outside the state as per the Indian culture and tradition, following the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. Due to this, on one hand the state is getting more revenue, while on the other hand easy and cheap air service is being made available to the common people. Under the "Ude Bharat Ka Har Nagrik" scheme of the Government of India, better air service is being provided in various remote areas of the state. Presently, under this scheme, 13 heliports are being constructed in Sahastradhara, Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, Haldwani, Nainital, Almora, New Tehri, Srinagar, Mussoorie, Joshimath, Dharchula, Haridwar. Uttarakhand is an important state from religious and tourism point of view. It is the effort of the state government to provide all kinds of facilities to the devotees and tourists to travel in the state. Air services can play an important role in this. The Chief Minister said that continuous efforts are being made to make Jolly Grant Airport of international standard. Along with this, OLS survey has also been done by the Airport Authority of India to develop Pantnagar Airport as an international airport. Only last month, air service was started between Jolly Grant and Pithoragarh. "Heli service was started from Jolly Grant Airport between Dehradun-Almora-Pithoragarh, we plan to regularize it also. We are also working on including small aircraft services from Chinyalisaur and Gauchar in the near future, a request is being made to the Government of India for this," Dhami said. A few months ago, the Prime Minister had visited Adi Kailash and Jageshwar Dham, after that the number of tourists in Adi Kailash and Jageshwar Dham is increasing rapidly. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is giving a new identity to the tourist places of Uttarakhand in the country and abroad, the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister said that in order to increase the air service within the state, apart from the Regional Air Connectivity Scheme, other heliports will also be constructed by the State Government in Gaujiana (Ghansali), Gairsain (Chamoli), Deghat-Sealdhe (Almora), Jakhol and Joshiada (Uttarakashi). Along with this, Joy Ride Service and Himalayan Darshan Service to visit various tourist centers of the state are also provided. With the commencement of these services, tourism in the state will get a further boost. (ANI) Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy slammed the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) president K Chandrasekhar Rao for running away from the Assembly rather than participating in the debates on matters of public importance. CM Reddy addressed media persons after inspecting the damaged pillars of the Laxmi Medigadda Barrage here on Tuesday and demanded the BRS president attend the Assembly session and take part in the debate over the white paper to be released over the irrigation projects. "KCR launched a counterattack on us in the Nalgonda assembly to avoid the discussion on looting thousands of crores in the name of redesign. If KCR is Satya Harishchandra, why did he not come to the discussion in the Legislative Assembly," he added. He further said that the Telangana government have disclosed the evidence in the House on your management. "Our minister has written a letter to you to visit Medigadda. If you had any objection to the date, we said let's go on the date you mentioned. KCR did not come to the assembly due to a broken leg. How did he go to the Nalgonda assembly? Is Nalgonda near? Or is the assembly far?" he said. "If there were flaws in the resolution, how did Harish Rao support it? The BRS leaders should come for a debate in the assembly if they are firm on their claim that just a couple of pillars suffered damages," he added. "KCR is trying to blackmail us by saying that he will chase us. Why are you afraid to discuss the Kaleshwaram issue? Did your secretary write the letter without your permission?" he asked. Telangana CM asked KCR to come to Assembly adding that Irrigation Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy will release the white paper. "Come to the House tomorrow on Wednesday, Uttam Reddy is going to introduce the white paper on the irrigation sector and participate in the discussion. Fulfill your responsibility as the leader of the opposition for the good of the people at least for once and not for selfish reasons. You(KCR) are the cause of all sins," he said. CM Reddy said that if KCR is truthful then he should have come to the Assembly, and suggested changes to the resolution on Krishna River Management Board's (KRMB). "The cracks in the pillars of the Medigadda barrage are visible, KCR says it is a minor incident. They are trying to cover up their mistakes. How many more years will the BJP and BRS ally the dark?" he added. Earlier on Tuesday, Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) party president and ex-CM K Chandrashekhar Rao (KCR) demanded CM Reddy to take an all-party delegation to Delhi to fight against the Krishna River Management Board's (KRMB) call to takeover of Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam projects. The 'Chalo Nalgonda' meeting held on Tuesday, February 13, is KCR's first mass interaction after losing power in the Assembly elections in the state. KCR said "We undertook the Chalo Nalgonda program. Why? Why did I have to come? It's not a political meeting. For 24 years I have been roaming and saying without water our life is a waste. It was the BRS party who made Nalgonda, Fluoride-free". "Brijesh Kumar tribunal, Central government, Central Jal Shakti minister, whoever wants to divide our water share, this meeting is a warning to them. Khammam Nalgonda, Mahboobnagar, Rangareddy, Hyderabad, This is the life and death of 5 districts", added former CM. "If a new government comes it should do better than the past government. But they are indulging in accusing KCR and abusing KCR. The power is not forever, but the people are and their rights are forever. I don't understand a few things, we have given the current for 9 years without interruption for 24 hours, where it is now? You people don't get nervous but ask them current," asked KCR. "I warn the state government to give the current the way the BRS government gave. But they brought the Generator into the assembly. Seven times the Current was gone while Jagdish Reddy was addressing in Nalgonda. We will fight till the end over the state's rights to water in Krishna and Godavari rivers. Taking a resolution in the assembly is not enough, The CM should take a party delegation to Delhi and question the PM and say that we will not sit quiet till we get our share," further added K Chandrashekhar Rao. (ANI) In the last four years in the jails in West Bengal, around 62 children were born and most of the women prisoners were already pregnant at the time when they were brought to the jails while in some cases, the women prisoners had gone out on parole and returned back expecting the child, the Supreme Court was informed. The facts were disclosed in a report filed by Amicus Curiae and Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal, who has also recommended various measures for prisons reform. Recently the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the allegations that women were getting pregnant in jails of West Bengal. Responding to the court's query, amicus apprised the Supreme Court that he has received information from ADG and IG Correctional Services, West Bengal on February 10 wherein it was stated that "for last 4 years of all child births in the jails in West Bengal, which indicates that there were 62 children born in the jails in the West Bengal during the last 4 years. It appears that most of the women prisoners were already expecting at the time when they were brought to the jails. In some cases, the women prisoners had gone out on parole and returned back expecting." Amicus urged the top court to issue direction to the senior most lady judicial officer in the district may be requested to assess the available security measures in the women jails/ barracks. Amicus also suggested to examine the availability of sufficient women personnel for the purposes of security and welfare of the women prisoners and also the availability of the regular health checkups of the women at the time of admissions and periodic intervals. He also recommended filling up posts or strengthening the health care infrastructure for women in jail. Amicus also apprised the top court about his discussions with jail authorities of Rajasthan, Haryana and Delhi wherein he came to know the female jails have only women officials and only at the periphery and at the gates, some men personnel are deployed. However, no men are allowed to go inside these women's jails unless required like visiting a male doctor or male officials accompanied by a women guard. (ANI) Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who is also negotiating with farmer leaders, urged the protesters to cooperate and communicate so that common people should not have to suffer and said that in the formation of new laws, there are so many things to consider that the government wants to discuss with the farmer organisations. Arjun Munda told ANI that the government has assured them (farmers) that all the works of administrative nature will be fast-tracked. "I would like to urge all the leaders from different farmers' organisations to cooperate and communicate so that the common people shouldn't have to suffer. The government is determined in this regard. We have assured them that all the works of administrative nature will be fast-tracked. But in the formulation of new laws, there are so many things to consider. In the coming days, we want to discuss with the farmers' organisations and look for any possible solutions," he said. He further said that the government is completely ready to find a solution through dialogue, but the farmer's organisations, instead of solving the problems, are only adding to them. "The way things are being said by (farmer) organisations and how instead of solving the problems, they are trying to add to those problems, is creating difficulties for the people. I would request all the farmer organisations to take initiatives that can strengthen a way to solve the problem and to find a solution through dialogue, the government is completely ready for it," he added. On whether any new committee will be formed for talks with the farmers, Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda said that, as far as forming the committee is concerned, we have said that the administrative work will be executed at a fast pace and we will provide it to the people. "We want to give full assurance that the government is not lagging in this. We will execute and are doing so, but when it comes to making laws, it is important to keep in mind all such subjects that do not pose any difficulty, and whatever we want to do should be done in a good manner. We need to discuss whether it is for the good," Arjun Munda said. "Even before this, when such things came up, there was talk of discussion among the representatives of farmer organisations, but the representatives of the organisations did not contribute; now the time has passed. At least for the coming time, we will work together with the farmer organisations. Let us discuss and create an environment that could be the solution to this problem, and how can we come to a consensus on all these issues? So this is our effort," the Union Minister added. He pointed out that some representatives of farmer organisations did not give their names in the previous committee that was formed. "We ensure that in the future, we will form a small group and not call it a committee. A group in which farmers through an organisation will put forward their views. Experts will consider all these issues seriously, keeping in mind other parties as well. Because the agricultural sector across the country, is the responsibility for all the states to think about the interests of their respective farmers in their respective areas," Munda told ANI. "The farmer organisation is a joint group, initially, there were 10 people, but after that, many more people joined, and we have no objection. We said that whoever wants to put forward his views with constructive and positive thinking, will talk to everyone to find a solution." he added. (ANI) Additionally, he will lay the foundation stone of two community jetties in Bettiah, Bihar, on the Gandak River. Sonowal will also inaugurate 14 community jetties in Bihar and two in Jharkhand on February 15, 2024. "These projects will enhance connectivity and facilitate trade along inland waterways," the Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Ministry said. The Ministry further said that Kalughat, strategically positioned on the north bank of the River Ganga in Bihar's Saran District, stands as a pivotal hub in the region's transportation network. With direct access to NH-19, this terminal emerges as a crucial link for cargo movement, especially for Nepal-bound shipments via Raxaul and the hinterland of North Bihar. Constructed for Rs. 82.48 Crore, its infrastructure includes a 125m x 30m berth with a capacity of 77,000 TEUs annually, along with designated areas for container storage, truck parking, and essential buildings like administration, amenities, and security facilities. Exclusive for container traffic, Kalughat boasts utilities like STP, firefighting systems, and IT infrastructure, ensuring operational efficiency. Kalughat promises to facilitate seamless connectivity to Haldia or Kolkata ports, further enhancing regional trade and commerce. "Floating pontoon jetties at Mangalpur and Bettiah on the river Gandak will connect Nepal and India via NW-37, costing Rs. 3.33 crore. These jetties will enhance market access for producers of various goods. Additionally, community jetties at 14 locations along NW-1 in Bihar, costing Rs. 17.50 crore, will provide local farmers and traders with direct market access, promote tourism, and boost employment," the Ministry added. (ANI) The Election Commission of India on Wednesday bid farewell to Anup Chandra Pandey as he relinquished his position as Election Commissioner on February 14, following the completion of his tenure. In a post on X, the EC said "ECI bids farewell to Anup Chandra Pandey who relinquished charge as Election Commissioner on 14th Feb 2024 after completing his tenure. He joined the Commission in June 2021 after a distinguished career spanning around 37 years in the Government of India and Government of UP." Pandey, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service of the 1984 batch, Uttar Pradesh cadre superannuated as Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh in August 2019. During about 37 years of distinguished Government of India service, Anup Pandey has worked in various Ministries and Departments at the Centre and his state cadre of Uttar Pradesh. As Chief Secretary, he organized elections in 2019 in the State of Uttar Pradesh. He has worked as a District Election Officer in two districts. He has been associated in various capacities as DEO and Returning Officer for a very long time. He has also been an election observer in presidential elections/ Central and Assembly elections several times. Before joining the Election Commission of India, Anup Pandey served as a Member National Green Tribunal Oversight Committee in Uttar Pradesh. He has held diverse portfolios during his deputation with the central government. He served as Additional Secretary, at the Ministry of Defence and Joint Secretary, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. He also worked as Director in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and as Additional Director General in the Bureau of Indian Standards. Anup Pandey has a keen interest in writing and has authored a book titled "Governance in Ancient India" which explores the evolution, nature, scope, functions and all related aspects of ancient Indian Civil Service from the Rig Vedic period to 650 AD. (ANI) A fire broke out in a storeroom at Patna Medical College and Hospital in Bihar, officials said. Efforts are on to douse the flames, they added. No casualties have been reported. Further details are awaited. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate several projects and also address a rally in Jammu on February 20, Ravinder Rana, Bharatiya Janata Party Jammu and Kashmir President said on Wednesday. He also mentioned that projects like AIIMS Hospital and flyovers will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister. "There is good news for the people of Jammu and Kashmir that PM Modi is going to address the public on February 20 at 11 am at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu. The people of Jammu and Kashmir love PM Modi. Modi Saheb brought peace and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir. Be it a village or city, development is taking place everywhere. On February 20, the people of J-K will come in large numbers in support of the Prime Minister," he told ANI. "Big projects like AIIMS Hospital, Ring Roads, Flyovers, Shahpur Kandi Projects, and many more will be inaugurated," Ravinder Rana added. Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid homage to the 40 CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel who lost their lives in the Pulwama terror attack in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his post on X said "I pay homage to the brave heroes who were martyred in Pulwama. Their service and sacrifice for our nation will always be remembered," PM Modi said in a post on 'X'. February 14, 2019 marks five years since the Pulwama terror attack, when 40 valiant Indian soldiers were killed after a suicide bomber rammed an IED-laden vehicle into the security convoy carrying them. Days after the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out multiple aerial strikes on February 26, 2019, at JeM terror camps in Pakistan's Balakot, killing a "large number" of terrorists and destroying their infrastructure. The air strike was launched in the early hours of February 26 and Pakistan's efforts to launch an offensive the next day to target Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir were thwarted by an alert IAF. (ANI) Rajasthan minister Jhabar Singh Kharra said here on Wednesday that it is evident who is backing the protesting farmers. Kharra, a BJP leader and MLA from Shrimadhopur in Rajasthan, questioned the funding and primary objectives driving the farmers' agitation. "The way in which the protest is being conducted, the amount of money that is being spent, vehicles worth crores are coming there, tractors are being modified, so you can easily understand who is backing them," he said while speaking to ANI. Kharra also brought attention to the persistent issue of the Satluj-Yamuna water dispute and raised concerns about the ongoing diversion of 'India's water to Pakistan.' Without directly targeting the opposition, he asserted that water rightfully belonging to India is still being utilized by Pakistan. "I want to address the residents of Punjab who have taken control of Delhi. Regarding the Satluj-Yamuna Link Project initiated in 1960, it was designed to redirect water that was previously flowing to Pakistan into the Yamuna River. This water was intended to benefit farmers in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan. I am curious why this water is still reaching Pakistan. What allegiance do they have to Pakistan that our water is being sent in that direction?" he said. Regarding Sonia Gandhi filing her nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan, Kharra commented that it is an internal affair of the party and does not have any significant impact on the political landscape of Rajasthan. "First it was Manmohan Singh Ji, now its Sonia Gandhi, it is the internal matter of the party and it does not make any difference to Rajasthan politics", he said. (ANI) The Delhi Court on Wednesday reserved its order on Sharjeel Imam's bail plea in the sedition case. The order is to be pronounced on February 17. He has sought statutory bail on the grounds of the period undergone by him till now in the case. According to his grounds, he has been in custody since the last four years and it is more than half of the maximum sentence. He is also an accused in the larger conspiracy of the Delhi riots case. Special judge Sameer Bajpai at Karkardooma Court reserved the order after hearing arguments of the Defence counsel and special public prosecutor for Delhi police. The Delhi High Court on January 30 directed the trial court to decide his bail application within 10 days. Sharjeel Imam had approached the high court seeking statutory bail under section 436 A CrPC. This trial court began a fresh hearing on February 7, 2024. Advocate Talib Mustafa and Ahmad Ibrahim appeared for Sharjeel Imam. It was argued that he has been in custody since January 2020. It is said that he has undergone more than 4 years whereas the maximum punishment is seven years under the relevant section of UAPA. The proceedings under Sedition cases have been stayed by the Supreme Court. Advocate Talib Mustafa submitted before the High Court the bail order was reserved for three months. Thereafter the presiding judge was transferred. Now the matter has been listed for fresh arguments before the current special judge. On the other hand, the bail plea was opposed by the special public prosecutor (SPP) Ashish Dutt. He argued that while deciding the bail application the gravity of the offences also has to be considered and not the period undergone. The period of sentence under all offences should be considered by the court. SPP also argued that the integrity and sovereignty of the country will be in danger if the accused is released on bail. It was argued by SPP that section 124A (Sedition) is only temporarily stayed and for the purpose of 436A, it can't be overlooked. He also argued that the Proviso to 436A allows the court to dismiss the application on account of gravity of offence. Defence counsel rebutted the contention of SPP and submitted that there is nothing called temporary stay. SC order on 124A is very clear and there shall be no use of the provision for any purpose till the constitutional challenge is decided by the supreme court. It was argued that contention of the SPP is based on selective and incorrect reading of section 436A. The provision is mandatory and gives no discretion to the court to deny bail on gravity of the charges levelled. Only discretion that the court exercises as per the provision is to see if the delay in trial can be attributed to the accused and which case isn't met in the present one. On December 9, 2023, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Amitabh Rawat asked the Delhi Police to file clarification. Earlier, SPP Amit Prasad had submitted that there is some ambiguity on the provision mentioned by the defence counsel on the point that whether the accused under UAPA with multiple offences and undergone half of the sentence under UAPA, is entitled to be released on bail under section 436A Cr.pc. Advocate Talib Mustafa had opposed the submissions made by the SPP for Delhi Police. He argued that what the SPP is submitting is related to post-conviction cases. Whereas Sharjeel is un undertrial. The submissions don't apply to him. He has been in custody since January 28, 2020. Therefore he is entitled to statutory bail under section 436 A Cr.pc, the counsel had argued. On the other hand, Delhi police had said that there are multiple offences, not only one offence. Section 436 A Crpc talks about only 'an offence'. SPP Amit Prasad argued that a concurrent sentence is an exception whereas a consecutive sentence is a rule. In this way, the maximum sentence he can be awarded is 16 years, the punishment of which is restricted to 14 years. Spp has presumed that I would be convicted. It is Contradictory to the principle of innocence, the counsel argued. Advocate for Sharjeel had argued that What is SPP is arguing that If I have been convicted and the court is to pass an order on sentence. There is a presumption of innocence of the accused until proven guilty. The benefit of section 436 A is for under-trial prisoners and not for convicted. The punishment I have already undergone can be cumulative once again. The counsel questioned. The counsel submitted that the applicant has been in custody since 28.01.2020 in connection with FIR of 25.01.2020 P.S. Crime Branch, registered for the offences punishable U/s 124A, 153A, 153B and 505(2) IPC and Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. It is stated that the applicant was arrested from his hometown Jehanabad, Bihar in this case on 28.01.2020 and was produced before the Patiala House Court. Since then, he has been in judicial custody after police interrogation. It is further submitted that the investigation in the matter stands concluded and a final report/chargesheet against the applicant has been filed in this case on 25.07.2020 for the offences punishable u/s 124A, 153A, 153B, 505 of IPC and Section 13 of UAPA. The Court took cognizance of the speeches/offences under section 124A, 153A, 1538 and 505 IPC on 29.07.2020 and Section 13 of the UAPA, on 19:12 2020, the plea stated. Thereafter, charges were formally framed against the applicant on15.03 2022 by Court under section 124A, 153A, 153B and 505 IPC The Supreme Court had passed the direction effectively staying the operation of Section 124A IPC and all proceedings emanating therefrom, it added. The High Court of Delhi, on 31.10.2022 directed that the trial be stayed in respect of material witnesses and only formal witnesses be examined. It is argued that the Section 436A of Cr.PC. is a wholesome beneficial substantive provision substantive one which is for effectuating the right of speedy trial guaranteed by Article 21 of the Constitution. It is also said that after the stay of trial in the present case by the High Court in regard to the main offence of Section 124A IPC (Sedition) in light of the directions passed by Supreme Court in S.G Vombatkere vs Union of India on 11.05.2022, the only offences remaining against the applicant relate to an offence punishable U/s 153A IPC (Promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc, and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years, 153B IPC (Imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years, 505 IPC (Statements conducing to public mischief) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to five years and 13 of UAPA (Punishment for unlawful activities) which is punishable with imprisonment which may extend to seven years. (ANI) He cited comments from YSRCP MLC and State BC Cell President Janga Krishna Murthy, who expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of BCs in the YSRCP. He also highlighted the departure of YSRCP MP Sanjeev Kumar and YSRCP MLA Parthasarathi from the ruling party of the AP, citing their inability to tolerate the injustice faced by BCs. Lokesh alleged that Jagan Reddy discontinued 27 welfare schemes for BC communities, reduced reservations in local bodies by 10%, resulting in 16,500 BCs losing opportunities. He also alleged that YSRCP activists "brutally killed" a young BC student named Amarnath Goud by burning him alive. He was killed for filing a complaint against the children of YSRCP leaders who harassed his sister, Lokesh alleged. He said that Nara Bhuvaneswari (Lokesh's mother) is now supporting the victim's sister's educational expenses. Before the elections, Jagan Reddy claimed that BCs are not backward but the backbone. However, after winning, he is now breaking the backbone of the BCs, Lokesh said. Meanwhile, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) leaders besieged Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy's residence on Sunday. However, in a swift operation conducted by the police officials, the protesting leaders were intercepted and detained. The protestors created a chaotic scenario near the Tadepalli fuel station, said police. The incident led to a scramble as police detention resulted in several students sustaining minor injuries during the commotion. The leaders were detained for their involvement in the protest, marked by slogans expressing dissatisfaction with Chief Minister Jagan's alleged deception. Notably, the protesters raised concerns about the absence of the seven-job calendar and questioned the feasibility of conducting the DSC exam within a month. The demand for the immediate implementation of Mega DSC, featuring 25 thousand posts, added to the tension surrounding the protest. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Medha Kulkarni who has been nominated as the party candidate for Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, said that she has been given a great opportunity by her party to work for his people. "I am very happy. I have been given a great opportunity by my party to work for the people. Earlier I got to work at the national level as the Vice President of the Rashtriya Mahila Morcha. Now I have got a huge opportunity...," Kulkarni said, speaking to ANI on Wednesday. "In addition to the party agenda, I will also raise the issues of Pune," she added. Kulkarni had earlier represented the Kothrud Assembly constituency in Pune. The BJP on Wednesday fielded its national president JP Nadda for Rajya Sabha elections from Gujarat and former Congress leader Ashok Chavan from Maharashtra. The BJP's latest list of candidates for the biennial Rajya Sabha polls has seven nominees; four for Gujarat and three for Maharashtra. The other three BJP candidates from Gujarat are Govindbhai Dholakia, Mayankbhai Nayak and Dr Jashvantsinh Parmar. Medha Kulkarni and Dr Ajit Gopchhade have been named as party candidates from Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Nadda, who is currently a Rajya Sabha member from Himachal Pradesh, is being fielded from Gujarat since the BJP does not have the numbers to win the lone seat in the Congress-ruled hill state. Ashok Chavan joined the BJP on Tuesday, a day after quitting the Congress in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Earlier today, the BJP announced that it's nominating Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw from Odisha and L Murugan from Madhya Pradesh for the upcoming elections. On Sunday, the BJP named 14 candidates for the Rajya Sabha polls, including former Union Minister R P N Singh and party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi. The last day for filing nomination papers is February 15. The term for Rajya Sabha MPs is six years and elections are held after every two years for 33 per cent of the seats. Currently, the Rajya Sabha has a strength of 245 members. Out of the total 245 members, out of which 233 are representatives of the States and Union territories of Delhi, Puducherry Jammu and Kashmir (w.e.f. 31.10. 2019) 12 are nominated by the President. Based on population, each state is allocated a certain number of candidates in the Upper House. Members of the state legislative assemblies choose Rajya Sabha members through an indirect election system of proportional representation by means of a single transferable vote. The Election Commission has scheduled the Rajya Sabha elections for 15 states, including Uttar Pradesh, for February 27. Voting will take place from 9 am to 4 pm on this date, with the deadline for nominations set for February 15. The results of the elections will be announced on the same day, February 27. The Election Commission has announced the biennial Rajya Sabha polls on February 27 for 56 seats, as the tenure of incumbents ends in April. (ANI) A number of public intellectuals and artists issued a joint statement on Wednesday in support of the joint call by the workers and farmers for a sectoral industrial strike and Grameen Bharat Bandh on February 16. A total of 34 people signed the joint statement, which appeals to people from all walks of life "to extend all support to this momentous action" of the farmers and the workers. Prabhat Patnaik, economist; Irfan Habib, historian; Nasir Tyabji, economic historian; Anil Chandra, cultural activist; and P Sainath, journalist, are some of the people who signed the statement. "The Central Trade Unions (CTUs) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) have given a united call for an Industrial/Sectoral Strike and Grameen Bharat Bandh on 16 February. They have joined forces to launch united and coordinated struggles and bring together all sections of the labouring classes who face the severest brunt of the attack by the BJP-led government's pro-corporate, anti-people policies," the statement read. The statement claimed that the farmers and workers have joined hands to create a far more powerful force to challenge the government's ever-more aggressive offensive on their lives and livelihoods and its poisonous communal propaganda to disrupt any united struggle. This force will gain increasing momentum as it takes its campaign to the farthest corners of the country, the statement said. "The government's rhetoric of India becoming a global leader with a trillion-dollar economy cannot hide the sharp decline in livelihoods and growing economic distress being imposed on the millions of workers and farmers. Steep hikes in corporate profits have come at the cost of the people," the statement said. The statement further said that unemployment in the country is worse today than it has ever been in post-independence India. "Real wages of workers are on the decline and working hours are being increased; many states have already legalised a 12 hour working day. Drastic cuts in support for peasants and workers in agriculture have gone hand in hand with allowing corporates to loot and plunder. The result is increasing suicides by farmers and rural workers as well as distress migration from the countryside that is further swelling the numbers of unemployed in the cities," the statement said. They also said that shrinking access to education and healthcare through increasing privatisation of these sectors have added to the people's distress. (ANI) After the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan on Wednesday, Rajasthan BJP spokesperson, Laxmikant Bhardwaj launched a scathing attack at the Congress party. "The Congress party has been ruling Rajasthan for five years and committed atrocities against people, especially women. Rajasthan has reached the number one position in terms of crimes against women. Sonia Gandhi maintained silence on it. She kept protecting the Rajasthan government despite grave failures," he lashed out. He emphasised, "A total of 19 papers got leaked and the future of lakhs of students was destroyed." "Despite all this, she came to Rajasthan to file a Rajya Sabha nomination. Congress party government has put the state into anarchy," he slammed. Rajasthan Industries and Commerce Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore highlighted that the entire country including the state of Rajasthan is ready to support Bhartiya Janta Party. "BJP is getting support because of its policies and intention. BJP's committment to inclusive development is clear in front of everyone," the Rajasthan Minister appreciated. Taking an indirect jibe at the Congress party, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said, "The country's money is not looted and is getting percolated downward for the use of the poor and development is happening. Youth and women are supporting the BJP. I can assure you that we will get all 25 seats from Rajasthan in the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections." Notably, Congress party MP Rahul Gandhi, party's general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and state party president Govind Singh Dotasra were present when Sonia Gandhi filed her nomination for the Rajya Sabha election from Rajasthan. Sonia Gandhi, who is chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, was Congress president for almost 22 years between 1998 and 2022 and is a five-time Lok Sabha MP from Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh. The move to file nominations for Rajya Sabha comes ahead of Lok Sabha polls expected to be held in April-May this year. There are 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Rajasthan. In the upcoming biennial elections, three seats in the State are up for grabs. The ruling BJP is set to get two of the seats, while the Opposition Congress will get one, based on their respective strengths in the State Assembly. The two BJP candidates are BJP State vice-president and former Minister Chunnilal Garasiya, and former Sumerpur MLA Madan Rathore. The BJP has 115 and the Congress 70 MLAs in the 200-member State Assembly. A minimum of 67 votes will be required to win one Rajya Sabha seat in the event of a contest. (ANI) Calling the Bharatiya Janata Party protests over the Sandeshkhali incident "premeditated, Trinamool Congress (TMC) national Spokesperson Shashi Panja hit out at the BJP and alleged that the script had been written by the Centre. "This protest is premeditated. There is a thought of agenda of BJP and this kind of script has been written by the Centre. You will have to malign Bengal, not allow law and order to be restored, and continue with the narrative that Women in Bengal are not safe," Panja said on Wednesday. She further said that lot of internal factionalism among the BJP Leaders, and there is stiff competition who will reach Sandeshkhali first. TMC leader lashed out at BJP's Gaurav Bhatia and Smriti Irani stating that "one BJP leader did a PC from Delhi, can't remember his name. Once he was in SP and now somersaulted to BJP for whatever reason may be or fear of ED-CBI Speaking on the resignation, she said that there should have been a lot of resignations earlier but did that take place? "Today is Pulwama martyrs remembrance day, PM should have resigned for this major goof-up and security breach. Farmers are protesting the Union Agriculture minister should resign. Smriti Irani is lecturing from Delhi but in Parliament, a rapist - Brij Bhushan Singh is sitting beside her in the Parliament and she is silent. Smriti Irani never spoke about Manipur. If questions are asked, no answer will be given to her," she added. Earlier today, West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar was admitted to Basirhat multi-facility hospital after he was injured during a police lathi charge as a scuffle broke out between Police and party workers. The West Bengal government have reimposed section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in and around 500 metres of area in seven-gram panchayats, including Sandeshkhali. Sector 144 has been imposed in the area till February 19 to maintain law and order in view of the agitation by the BJP over allegations of sexual harassment by women in Sandeshkhali block. The political storm over the events at Bengal's Sandeshkhali sparked violence in another part of the state on Tuesday. Clashes broke out between police personnel and BJP supporters on Tuesday after efforts were made to defy prohibitory orders clamped in the vicinity of the SP's office in West Bengal's Basirhat prior to the agitation of the party over allegations of sexual harassment of women in Sandeshkhali block. BJP workers, led by the party's state chief, Sukanta Majumdar, clashed with the police in Basirhat after being stopped from holding a protest. Police personnel were seen charging party workers as the latter broke through barricades and entered the village. Scenes of chaos filled the village as the police resorted to lathi-charge to drive away the protesters. Women in Sandeshkhali have been agitating for the last few days over alleged atrocities committed against them by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides. Earlier, locals, 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 and the alleged rape incidents. (ANI) The Union Minister of Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the progress of the re-development of the Puri Railway station as a World Class station on Wednesday. Vaishnaw said that the design of the new building of Puri Railway station has got inspiration from lord Shree Jagannath and the works are going on at full speed. He emphasized that the digital twin of the building has been developed in which all the physical parts of the building will have a digital twin, which will help in operating and maintaining the station building. The new station building will be ready for the devotees at Puri with all modern facilities soon. Like last year, this year many passenger amenities will be provided during Ratha Yatra to cater to the needs of lakhs of passengers. Earlier in the month, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw provided insights into the strides taken by India's railway and telecommunications sectors under the Modi government's leadership. Vaishnaw's speech underscored the government's commitment to revolutionizing infrastructure and fostering inclusive development across the nation. Vaishnaw commenced his address by highlighting the progress achieved in railway infrastructure development. He revealed staggering statistics, stating, "Ten years back, the rate of track construction was about 4 km a day; today, it is 15 km a day." Emphasizing the magnitude of the transformation, he added, "Last year we added 5,200 kms which is like adding one Switzerland to Indian Railway network. This year we are adding 5,500 kms of tracks which is like adding one Austria to the Indian Railway network. So we are like adding a full complete national railway network to our network every year". The minister also shed light on the station redevelopment program, disclosing that 1,309 stations are currently undergoing transformation, marking the world's largest station redevelopment initiative. Vaishnaw said, "Today we are doing world's largest station redevelopment program, 1,309 stations are getting re developed". Vaishnaw lauded the revival of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), stating, "BSNL which was on a bad shape has revived; Company making Rs.1,500 cr Ebitda profit currently." He reiterated the government's commitment to optimizing the transport network and emphasized forthcoming major initiatives under the Modi 3.0 administration. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Thursday will deliver its verdict on a batch of pleas challenging the legal validity of the Central government's Electoral Bond scheme which allows for anonymous funding to political parties. A bench of Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud with Justices Sanjiv Khanna, BR Gavai, JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra had on November 2, 2023, reserved the judgement in the case. While reserving the verdict, the apex court had directed the Election Commission of India to furnish the updated data of the funds received by all the political parties through Electoral Bonds till September 30, 2023. An Electoral Bond is an instrument in the nature of a promissory note or bearer bond which can be purchased by any individual, company, firm or association of persons provided the person or body is a citizen of India or incorporated or established in India. The bonds are issued specifically for the purpose of contribution of funds to political parties. The Centre in an affidavit had said that the methodology of the Electoral Bonds scheme are "completely transparent" mode of political funding and it is impossible to get black money or unaccounted money. Various petitions are pending before the top court challenging amendments made to different statutes through Finance Act 2017 and Finance Act 2016 on the ground that they have opened doors to unlimited, unchecked funding of political parties. NGOs Association of Democratic Reforms and Common Cause had said that the Finance Bill, 2017, which paved the way for the introduction of the Electoral Bond scheme, was passed as a money bill even though it wasn't. (ANI) The second flight test of a fully integrated Starship lifts off from SpaceX Starbase at Boca Chica on Nov. 18, 2023. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer SpcaceX CEO Elon Musk posted on X that the next Starship might fly from South Texas as soon as the last week of February. Alessandra Tarantino/AP Kanye West challenged SpaceX CEO Elon Musk about when its next rocket launch will happen. www.RoyRochlin.com/Getty Images, MBR / TNS Starship heads toward space on its second test flight in November 2023. Eric Gay/Associated Press SpaceXs Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy booster rocket explode after an April 2023 launch from Starbase in South Texas. The Washington Post via Getty Im SpaceXs Starship launches for its second test flight from Starbase in Boca Chica in November 2023. The flight ended about 8 minutes later. Marvin Pfeiffer/Staff Photographer Amid social media posts bragging about his companies, slamming U.S. support for Ukraine, lamenting the southern border situation and questioning voting integrity, Elon Musk said in a response to rapper Kanye West that the next Starship might fly from South Texas as soon as the last week of February. After West asked, ELON WHERE MY ROCKET SHIP, Musk responded in a post Monday: Starship were meant to fly and our next one launches in about 3 weeks, but I recommend waiting for a few more test flights before hopping on board. The tech mogul frequently posts optimistic predictions for his companies and projects; however, reality often interferes. This time is no different. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The next Starship cant fly until SpaceX completes the launch mishap investigation for the crafts second flight on Nov. 18. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the commercial space firm hasnt submitted the investigation report. SpaceX will also need to complete necessary changes to the rocket before the FAA will license the craft for another launch. The return to flight of the SpaceX Starship Super Heavy vehicle requires the OFT-2 launch mishap investigation to be closed and the license modification for the OFT-3 launch to be approved, an FAA spokesperson wrote in a statement. The SpaceX-led mishap investigation remains open, and SpaceX has not yet submitted all needed information for the license modification. Musks post excited his base of Starship fans, some of whom see the FAA and other regulatory agencies as impediments to the spacecrafts progress. Advertisement Article continues below this ad During its second flight, Starship and its Super Heavy booster cleared the launch with minimal damage and achieved stage separation. The booster exploded moments after separating from Starship, which continued on before also exploding about eight minutes into flight. During an all-hands call in January with employees at Starbase, the companys facility near Boca Chica Beach, Musk said it appeared that venting liquid oxygen propellant during Starships engine burn contributed to its loss. He said the craft almost made it to orbit and that he is confident the next Starship will get farther along its journey. Since the November launch, Starbase has seen a flurry of growth, including new buildings, signs and plans for a retail center. The event is to showcase civilization, culture and heritage of Jammu and Kashmir to the fellow countrymen. Save Sharda Committee founder Ravinder Pandita greeted LG and presented him brochure containing brief on Sharda Peeth as well as whole struggle, so far. While appreciating the efforts of the committee, he also made a special mention in a verse about Ravinder Pandita in his address to the audience. The event is being organized by Resident Commission spearheaded by Principal Resident Commissioner Dr Rashmi Singh IAS. After many decades such an exhibition is being held in the capital by Kashmir House that has attracted thousands of people, Ravinder Pandita said. Many prominent personalities have visited Sharda Stall in the exhibition that include K L Ganju Consul General Union of Comoros, Ratan Kaul, Public diplomat Sheetal Nanda IAS, Yasha Moudgil IAS, Anuradha Rishi, Managing Trustee MSC Trust amongst others. A colourful presentation by artists from Padder Kishtawar and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir enthralled the audience at the event. (ANI) The Kerala Assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to amend wildlife laws in the wake of rising human-wildlife conflicts. Reacting to the resolution, Union Minister V Muraleedharan termed it as ridiculous and said that the state government had no authority to pass the resolution. V Muraleedharan said, "The Kerala assembly is known for adopting ridiculous resolutions. Where the state government has no role, in such issues also the Kerala assembly has passed the resolutions. The government of India has issued advisories, has taken all steps that are required, and has given directions to the state governments on what the state governments have to do regarding man-animal conflicts. Rs 31 crores have been granted to Kerala." He further said that Kerala government was shifting blame to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its own mistakes. "So now the Kerala government has found it a convenient excuse that if you don't get rice you blame Narendra Modi. I am fortunate that Narendra Modi has not been accused of unleashing elephants and leopards on the people of Kerala. Spending the money from the exchequer on such ridiculous resolutions and shifting the blame for the inefficiency of the state government," he said. He further added that he was surprised that the Congress and the UDF did not want to point out this as they were part of the same alliance. "They accuse BJP that BJP is in alliance with the CPM. I have always been saying that it is the Congress and CPM which is in league. They have an understanding which has been proven on the floor of Kerala assembly," he added. (ANI) The BSF said that Pakistan Rangers received a befitting response from the BSF troops, the release said adding that the firing stopped at about 6:15 pm. The troops are on high alert, it added. (ANI) The Uttarakhand government, through the state's Civil Development Authority, will work to remove the obstacles to air connectivity in the state, increasing the potential of this sector. The decision was taken in the meeting of the State Cabinet held on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The government will also come up with an air connectivity plan for 2024. The objective of this scheme is to encourage the air operators to expand the domestic and international connectivity of the state by providing financial assistance to the selected air operators, to expand the civil aviation sector of Uttarakhand, and to promote seamless travel and overall connectivity in the region. Now the total expansion of the airport terminal has been done in 42 thousand square meters. Jolly Grant Airport terminal is being built in two phases at a cost of Rs 486 crore.Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his gratitude to Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and said that under his leadership, work is being done at a rapid pace in the field of civil aviation. The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude to the Union Civil Aviation Minister for starting the process of Pithoragarh-Hindon air service on his request and starting the operation of helicopters for emergency medical service from Uttarakhand.He said that at present, the Indian civil aviation industry ranks third in domestic traffic after America and China, For this, he congratulated the Civil Aviation Minister. He said that air services have expanded rapidly under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In the last few years, air travel has become very popular among people due to its cheap, fast and reliable means of transportation. This has been possible only because of the long-term thinking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Chief Minister said that the Civil Aviation Department of the state is making efforts to provide cheap air services to people from outside the state as per Indian culture and tradition, following the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava'. Due to this, on the one hand, the state is getting more revenue, while on the other hand, easy and cheap air service is being made available to the common people. Under the "Ude Bharat Ka Har Nagrik" scheme of the Government of India, better air service is being provided in various remote areas of the state. Presently, under this scheme, 13 heliports are being constructed in Sahastradhara, Chinyalisaur, Gauchar, Haldwani, Nainital, Almora, New Tehri, Srinagar, Mussoorie, Joshimath, Dharchula, and Haridwar. Uttarakhand is an important state from a religious and tourism point of view. It is the effort of the state government to provide all kinds of facilities to devotees and tourists who want to travel in the state. Air services can play an important role in this. (ANI) Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday lashed out at the centre over the farmer issue saying that there is a need to understand chronology now. "The Swaminathan committee in 2006-07 presented their report on MSP. After that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wanted to take a decision. He formed a panel of the National Development Council. The chief of this body was then the Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi. In Feb 2011, the panel submitted a report to Manmohan Singh. Modi then stated that MSP must be given a legal status. Talks were held. We then lost power at the centre," explained Jairam Ramesh. He further supported farmers saying that the Congress party is with the protesting farmers. "They are the backbone of our society. The centre must listen to the farmers' demands," he said. "He gave the Bharat Ratna to MS Swaminathan and also Chaudhary Charan Singh but hasn't supported farmers, all this is hypocrisy," the Congress MP added further. Elaborating on how the issue got reignited, Jairam Ramesh said, "When this government brought those three black laws for the farmers, questions arose as to what was needed. Those three laws would have privatised our agriculture sector. The Swaminathan Committee report said that the MSP should be 1.5 times the detailed cost of production." Defending farmers over their MSP demand and said, "The farmers raised a demand that the government is opening doors for private companies to procure from them. In such a situation, MSP must be given a legal status." Earlier in the day, amid the chaos around the National Capital due to farmers' protests, Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee General Secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said that the meeting with the Centre will be held tomorrow at 5 pm and the farmers want to resolve all the issues peacefully. Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, who is also negotiating with farmer leaders, urged the protesters to cooperate and communicate so that common people should not have to suffer and said that in the formation of new laws, there are so many things to consider that the government wants to discuss with the farmer organisations. Arjun Munda told ANI that the government has assured them (farmers) that all the works of administrative nature will be fast-tracked. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated on Wednesday that the double-engine government of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands committed to ensuring the prosperity, happiness, and security of all sections of society. "This is Modi ji's guarantee, and the government is moving forward with full commitment to fulfill it. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guidance, the double-engine government not only provides security and dignity to the people but also empowers them to be self-reliant," CM Yogi stated. As part of the nationwide Gaon Chalo campaign aimed at assessing the effectiveness of government welfare schemes and raising awareness among villagers, CM Yogi Adityanath convened a Chaupal in a village to engage with the residents and inform them about the schemes. Upon reaching Rajhi Azadnagar (Vantangiya village) of Gorakhpur, CM Yogi interacted with villagers, gathering information about the benefits they have received from government initiatives. He also talked to children during the visit, inquiring about their studies, distributing chocolates, and encouraging them to excel academically. Following his interactions with beneficiaries, he addressed the gathering in Rajahi, highlighting the comprehensive positive changes brought about by the double engine government. "Before 2014, the village went unnoticed, the plight of the poor was disregarded, women's issues were neglected, and the well-being of the youth was overlooked. Farmers were devastated, hunger claimed lives, and suicides among farmers were rampant," he said. He emphasized that today, government schemes aimed at benefiting every segment of society, including villages, the poor, farmers, women, and youth, are making remarkable progress. The Chief Minister highlighted the substantial achievements of the double-engine government in Uttar Pradesh, stating that 55 lakh 83 thousand people have been provided with housing, a benefit that was previously inaccessible to many. Additionally, over 2 crore 63 lakh toilets have been constructed, while 15 crore residents benefit from free ration distribution. Notably, 10 crore people are enrolled in the Ayushman Bharat scheme in Uttar Pradesh alone. The government is working to ensure that the benefits of every scheme reach every poor person. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath further informed the villagers about the government's plan to issue a new Family ID Card, ensuring transparency in the distribution of scheme benefits. "We are committed to providing a Family ID Card to every household. This card will list those who have received scheme benefits and ensure that those who haven't will receive them in due time," he assured. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is experiencing Ramrajya, where government schemes are accessible to all without discrimination, benefiting every member of society, including the poor, farmers, youth, and women. In his discussion with the villagers, CM Yogi highlighted the stark contrast between the previous governments and the current government. "In the past, Uttar Pradesh witnessed riots and atrocities against the poor. Funds meant for the impoverished were misappropriated within the administration, eroding public trust. But under the present government, we see the Kaanwar Yatra, the grandeur of the Ram temple, and vibrant Deepotsav celebrations. The poor are receiving scheme benefits, and the state and nation are experiencing improved security conditions," he affirmed. Highlighting the upcoming visit of the Prime Minister to Lucknow on the 19th of this month, the Chief Minister said that projects worth 10 lakh crore would be launched. "In the groundbreaking ceremony, we will launch projects worth Rs 10 lakh crore. Just imagine how many youths will get jobs and employment. Jobs will come to Gorakhpur. The youth of Gorakhpur will not have to go out for employment and jobs," he said. Highlighting the transformation in Vantangiya villages, Chief Minister Adityanath remarked that while it took 500 years for Lord Ram Lalla to sit in his temple in Ayodhya, 'Ramrajya' had already dawned upon Vantangiya village. During his address, he provided a comparative overview of the village's past and present development. He noted that Rajahi village was incorporated into the Gorakhpur parliamentary constituency in 2009, having previously been part of the Bansgaon constituency. Despite its proximity to the Gorakhpur metropolitan area, the village had long been neglected, lacking basic amenities such as roads, electricity, water, schools, and other facilities, making it challenging for residents to build permanent homes. The Chief Minister reflected on the challenges faced by the Vantangiya community in the past, recalling disputes with the RPSF and instances of harassment by the forest department and police. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the double-engine government now prioritizes respect, security, and self-reliance for the people. Addressing the villagers, the Chief Minister encouraged them to form groups and cultivate vegetables, suggesting the construction of poly houses for year-round cultivation. He highlighted the potential for a thriving market in the city and proposed the establishment of an FPO and cold storage facility to meet market demand and preserve produce. Prior to engaging with the villagers, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had a discussion with the beneficiaries of various government schemes, listening to their stories of transformation. The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the positive changes brought about by the schemes and acknowledged the Chief Minister's kindness, addressing him affectionately as 'Maharaj ji.' Rajpati Devi, a recipient of the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, recounted her previous struggles living in a hut, particularly during rainy seasons. She expressed appreciation for the permanent housing provided, along with benefits such as a ration card and toilet facilities. Other beneficiaries, including Sarla Devi from the National Rural Livelihood Mission, Sheela Devi from the Ujjwala Yojana, and Alka Soni from the ODOP scheme, also shared their experiences and thanked Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Yogi for their assistance. Chanda Devi, a beneficiary of the Ayushman Yojana, highlighted the ease brought into her life after receiving an eye operation through the scheme. During the event, CM Adityanath distributed certificates and sweets to beneficiaries of various schemes, including the Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana Gramin, NRLM, Ujjwala, Ayushman, and Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana. The event was attended by notable figures such as MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, District Panchayat President Sadhna Singh, Mayor Dr Manglesh Srivastava, MLA Vipin Singh, BJP State Vice President and MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, BJP Regional President Sahajanand Rai, District President Yudhishthir Singh, Metropolitan President Rajesh Gupta, Block Pramukh Vandana Singh, and Ranvijay Singh, among others. (ANI) The Maharashtra government has decided to convene a special session of the state legislature on February 20 to discuss the demands for the Maratha reservation. "The cabinet meeting has given its nod to convene a one-day special session of the legislature on Tuesday, February 20, to discuss the various demands of the Maratha community. The cabinet meeting was presided over by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde," a note issued by the Chief Minister's office stated. The decision was taken at the weekly Cabinet meeting presided over by Shinde. Earlier, Shinde held meetings with deputy chief ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar to discuss the issue. The development comes after Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil started his hunger strike at Antarwali Saarati village in Jalna district, demanding a special session of the state legislature be convened to discuss the issues related to the Maratha reservation. For the fourth time in less than a year, Patil began his indefinite hunger strike on February 10, demanding the inclusion of Marathas into the Other Backward Classes (OBC) to get a reservation. He has also been demanding to convert the draft notification on 'blood relatives' of Kunbi Marathas into law. Patil also demanded that the state government start the process of taking back all the cases filed against members of the Maratha community. Even though the state government issued a draft notification claiming to give the reservation to the Maratha community, Jarange Patil and his community are in doubt after the contradictory statements made by the leaders. The Maratha community, under the leadership of Jarange Patil, has been seeking reservations in education and jobs under the OBC category. The guarantee of reservation under the Kumbi category, however, finds objection within the Maharashta government, with senior leader Chhagan Bhujbal opposed to it. Patil had begun his agitation in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, outlining several demands, including Kunbi certificates for all Marathas, free education from kindergarten to postgraduate level, and reservation of seats for Marathas in government job recruitments. Following this, the government issued an ordinance accepting these demands. Meanwhile, Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde claimed that his government would give the reservation to the Maratha community without making any kind of change in other communities' reservations. Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray launched a scathing attack on the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government on Wednesday over the issue of the Maratha reservation. "This government only gives false consolations and lied from the first day. They don't do anything, and today this reality is coming up in front of the people," said Aaditya Thackeray. Further attacking the Chief Minister, he said, "Eknath Shinde must have lied to those protesting over the Maratha reservation. He is a habitual liar. I think someone should bring a solution to the issue." (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Captain Saurabh Vashisht, who returned to India from Qatar's detention, and his family at his residence in Dehradun. Captain Saurabh Vashisht is one of the eight Indian Navy veterans who were detained by Qatar on espionage charges. He returned home after months of captivity. Dhami reached the residence of Captain Vashisht at Turner Road, Clementtown, in Dehradun. Captain Saurabh Vashisht, while speaking to ANI, expressed his gratitude and said that the CM's visit to his residence is a 'big deal'. "The CM coming to meet me and my family is a big deal. This shows that they did not just bring us back from Qatar, but also that they are here to support us throughout..." he said. Earlier in the day, Saurabh Vashisht said that the feeling of returning home was difficult to put into words. Dhami, who took to X to share a video of his meeting with Captain Saurav, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Certainly, India achieved this diplomatic victory because of the successful foreign policy, strategic foresight, sensitivity, and strong image of the new India of the respected Prime Minister. From the bottom of my heart, I express my gratitude to the son of the country and the most beloved of all the people of Uttarakhand, Prime Minister Shri Modi ji!" Dhami added. Earlier in the day, Saurabh Vashisht said that the feeling of returning home was difficult to put into words. While speaking exclusively to ANI, Vashisht said, "It is very difficult to explain it in words. Every day for the past 17 months, we 8 Indian Navy soldiers have longed and hoped to get back with our families." "I want to express endless joy and endless gratitude to all the people responsible for us being back with our families. This would not have been possible without the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was because of his personal involvement and interaction with PM Modi with Qatar MEA that I have been able to see the light of the day today," he said. "The credit goes out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, EAM S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Ministry, and the Indian Embassy. When I reached here, the first phone call I made to my wife, there were no conversations, only emotions flowing," he added. He further added, "My parents couldn't believe the situation when I video-called them. It is that something impossible has become possible." After 18 months of captivity, Saurabh Vashisht set foot on his homeland along with seven other detained Indian Navy veterans on Monday after their death sentence was commuted earlier after New Delhi's diplomatic intervention. Other men--Captain Navtej Singh Gill, Commander Purnendu Tiwari, Captain Birendra Kumar Verma, Commander Sugunakar Pakala, Commander Sanjeev Gupta, Commander Amit Nagpal, and Sailor Ragesh--were detained in August 2022, along with Captain Saurav Vashisht. Amid desperate pleas by the anxious kin of the Navy veterans to secure their release and safe passage back to their homeland, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had assured that it would mobilise all diplomatic channels and arrange legal assistance to bring them back. On December 28, 2023, Qatar's Court of Appeal commuted the death penalty awarded to all eight men in October 2023.The eight Indian nationals had been imprisoned in Qatar since October 2022 and were accused of allegedly spying on a submarine programme. The retired naval personnel were sentenced to death by a Qatari court on charges that have not yet been made public officially. (ANI) West Bengal Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Wednesday slammed the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after BJP state President Sukanta Majumdar sustained injuries during the police lathicharge as a scuffle broke out between the police and party workers. Speaking to the reporters here, the BJP senior leader held Mamata Banerjee responsible for the whole situation. "The way West Bengal Police manhandled Sukanta Majumdar, it was done deliberately... Mamata Banerjee is responsible for this behaviour. There were hundreds of police personnel deployed there. Sukanta's detention was illegal. Mamata Banerjee sent a police force to kill him," Adhikari said. Speaking about the BJP West Bengal Chief's health, Suvendu said, "He is currently kept in ICU. He is feeling discomfort and is continuously vomiting. He is not able to take food now." Majumdar was admitted to the Basirhat multi-facility hospital on Wednesday after he was injured during the police lathi charge as a scuffle broke out between the police and party workers. The state BJP staged a protest against the situation in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. Women in Sandeshkhali have been agitating for the last few days over alleged atrocities committed against them by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides. Later in the day, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited the hospital and met Majumdar at Apollo Hospital. The West Bengal government has reimposed Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in and around 500 metres of area in seven-gram panchayats, including Sandeshkhali. Sector 144 has been imposed in the area till February 19 to maintain law and order in view of the agitation by the BJP over allegations of sexual harassment by women in Sandeshkhali block. The political storm over the events at Bengal's Sandeshkhali sparked violence in another part of the state on Tuesday. Clashes broke out between police personnel and BJP supporters on Tuesday after efforts were made to defy prohibitory orders clamped in the vicinity of the SP's office in West Bengal's Basirhat prior to the agitation of the party over allegations of sexual harassment of women in Sandeshkhali block. BJP workers, led by the party's state chief, Sukanta Majumdar, clashed with the police in Basirhat after being stopped from holding a protest. Police personnel were seen charging party workers as the latter broke through barricades and entered the village. Scenes of chaos filled the village as the police resorted to lathicharge to drive away the protesters. Women in Sandeshkhali have been agitating for the last few days over alleged atrocities committed against them by TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his aides. Earlier, locals, 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 and the alleged rape incidents. (ANI) India and the US have a great military-to-military relationship and good communication with each other, the Pentagon's Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said in a press briefing on Tuesday (local time). "We have a great military-to-military relationship with India, good communications. We're going to continue to monitor what's happening in the region, but I don't have more to share on any updates," she said. Speaking about expecting a high level visit from India, Sabrina Singh said, "I don't have any visits to read out from officials from the Indian Government. At least here at the department. I can't speak for other officials across the interagency." Asked whether the Pentagon is monitoring the situation in Pakistan after the elections held on February 8, Sabrina Singh said, "Yeah, we're certainly monitoring what's happening there, but I'd direct you to state for more specifics on that." Sabrina Singh's remarks regarding the military relations between India and Pakistan come at a time when the Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande embarked on a four-day official tour to the US, starting February 13, an official statement from the Ministry of Defence said on Monday. In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said, "During his visit, the COAS will engage in high-level discussions and interactions with General Randy George, United States Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) and other senior military leaders." "Highlights of the tour include a prestigious US Army Honour Guard ceremony, a solemn laying of the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, and a comprehensive tour of the Pentagon. These engagements symbolise the respect and mutual commitment towards global peace and security shared between the two countries," it added. Ideas will be exchanged on crucial topics such as the "Transformation in the Indian Army," "Global Threat Perception," "Transformation to Army-2030/2040," "Human Resource Challenges," "Future Force Development and Modernisation," and "Co-Production and Co-Development Initiatives," according to the press release. These discussions are aimed at sharing insights, ideas, and best practices between the armies of India and the US. General Manoj Pande will also visit the 'Army Geospatial Centre' at Fort Belvoir, the 'National Defence University' at Fort McNair, and hold interactions with leadership at Headquarters 1 Corps. He will also engage with units at the forefront of military innovation and strategy, including the Stryker Unit, 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, the 1st Special Forces Group at Seattle and the Defence Innovation Unit in San Francisco. In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said, "A visit to the California National Guard is also planned, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the visit aimed at exploring avenues for more significant training, co-development and co-production engagements." In a press release, the Ministry of Defence said, "This visit is another milestone in the Indo-US defence relationship, reflecting a mutual desire to enhance military collaboration, exchange strategic perspectives on global threat perceptions, and work together toward future force development and modernisation." "The engagements between General Manoj Pande and senior leadership of the United States Army are poised to yield substantive outcomes, fostering an environment conducive to shared security interests and defence cooperation," it added. Recently, US NSA General Randy George visited India for the Indo-Pacific Army Chiefs Conference (IPACC) that was jointly hosted by the Indian Army and the US Army. The conference was attended by 18 Chiefs of Armies and 12 countries represented by Heads of Delegations. In a press release, the Ministry of Defence stated, "The Indian Army and the United States Army share a commitment to peace, democracy, and stability across regions. This tour epitomises the shared values and interests that underpin the partnership between India and the United States, aiming at a future of enhanced cooperation and mutual development in defence and security domains." (ANI) Luis Espana and Maria Elena Lugo Querales pose for a photo just before she went to have a dental procedure in May 2022. She is now has severe brain damage. Espana on Wednesday signed off on a settlement with the dentist's office and its principals. Courtesy Dr. Stuart Nunnally and Dr. Lane Freeman, principals of the Marble Falls dental practice Nunnally, Freeman & Owens, appeared in a YouTube video with social-medial influencer Dr. Ludwig Johnson last year. Maria Elena Lugo Querales went to the dental practice based on Johnson's endorsement. Lugo was left incapacitated. Courtesy Marble Falls Police Department photo of fentanyl bottles in the the room where Maria Elena Lugo Querales was sedated last year at the Nunnally, Freeman & Owens dental practice. Marble Falls Police Department A Marble Falls dental office has settled a medical malpractice lawsuit filed by the husband of a Florida woman left with severe brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen while being sedated for surgery in 2022. State District Judge Tina Torres in San Antonio approved the settlement Wednesday. Terms were not disclosed. It marks the end of the case, which was brought in March against the office of Nunnally, Freeman & Owens and its principals by Luis Espana, the husband of Marina Elena Lugo Querales, who was left incapacitated. She now resides in a neurological rehabilitation facility in Florida, where she receives around-the-clock care. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The case was first reported by the Express-News in April and later garnered national attention. The lawsuit has now been fully resolved, San Antonio attorney Sean Lyons, who represented the family, said in an email. The terms of the settlement are confidential. Marias husband, daughter and son truly appreciate the publics interest in Marias story, and they are grateful for the many expressions of concern and support that they have received. Questions raised Espanas lawsuit alleged that Dr. Jerry Teague, the dentist anesthesiologist who worked at Nunnally, Freeman & Owens, failed to intubate Lugo and administered excessive amounts of anesthesia drugs. She was overdosed, causing her heart to stop, the suit alleged. She remained unconscious and unventilated, without oxygen or heartbeat, for an extended period of time. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On May 9, 2022, a day before Lugos surgery, Teague had been reported missing by his wife. She told the Marble Falls Police Department that Teague was having cognitive issues after recently being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He turned up at his residence in Horseshoe Bay less than 40 minutes after the report was filed. He also owned a home in Shavano Park. The events later raised questions about whether Teague, who had pancreatic cancer and died two weeks later, was fit to return to work the next day and administer anesthesia to Lugo. His wife had driven him to Nunnally, Freeman & Owens office the day of the surgery because she did not want to risk a repeat of what had happened the day before, the lawsuit alleged. Lugo was not informed of what had happened to Teague. Nunnally, Freeman & Owens and Teagues estate each issued a general denial to the claims against them. The dentists said Lugos injuries were the result of a pre-existing medical condition. It added that it had no control over the injuries she suffered, calling it an an unavoidable accident in that it was not proximately caused by the culpable negligence of any party to this action. Lugos injuries were the result of a failed attempted general anesthesia, the dentists said. They described Teague as an independent contractor who provided anesthesia services to their patients but Espanas court filing says the practice referred to Teague as its on staff anesthesiologist. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Teagues estate also was sued by Espana, but reached a confidential settlement in December. Espana appeared at Wednesdays hearing via Zoom and confirmed during questioning by Scott Bage, Lugos guardian ad litem, that the settlement with the practice and its principals was in Marias best interest. A trust was created to manage the settlement funds for Lugo. Teagues background An executive committee of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners suspended Teague in 2016 after a hair follicle test showed positive results for fentanyl, used to treat pain, and midzolam, used in anesthesia to relax patients before surgery. The test indicated he had been using the drugs, which he obtained from the supply he kept for his patients, according to a report prepared by the State Office of Administrative Hearings. He did not have a prescription for them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Teagues suspension ended in 2019 and he soon began working at Nunnally, Freeman & Owens. Lugo, who moved to Miami from Venezuela, had learned about Nunnally, Freeman & Owens, from countryman Dr. Ludwig Johnson, a social media influencer who had Drs. Lane Freeman and Stuart Nunnally appear with him on Instagram and YouTube. Espana later alleged in the litigation that the surgery his wife was set to undergo for alleged 'cavitations' and the extraction of an asymptomatic root canal-treated tooth was unnecessary. The dentists countered that the treatment proposed for Lugo was within accepted standards of care. The dentists also said that Freeman self-reported Lugos hospitalization to the State Board of Dental Examiners, which conducted an investigation but did not find any violations of breaches in the standard of care. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday summoned Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on February 19 over the failure to recover allegedly missing Baloch students, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. The court summoned Anwaarul Haq Kakar as Islamabad High Court's Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani resumed hearing a petition regarding the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry on enforced disappearances, according to Dawn report. The commission was formed in 2011 to find missing persons and fix responsibility on the people or organisations responsible for them. In November last year, the IHC said a case could be lodged against the caretaker PM and others if they were unable to find the missing Baloch students and unite them with their families. During that hearing, the Attorney General for Pakistan said that out of 50 missing persons, 22 had been recovered. He further said that the whereabouts of 28 others were still unknown. At the previous hearing on January 10, Justice Kayani stated that a day would come when intelligence officials would also be held accountable and face prosecution for their cases, Dawn reported. During the hearing on Tuesday, Justice Kayani expressed displeasure over the failure of the authorities to find the missing persons and said, "The punishment for enforced disappearances should be the death penalty." He further said, "Usually the death penalty is awarded once but in these cases, the punishment should be given twice." The judge stated that he was summoning Pakistan's caretaker PM for now and would later issue instructions for the incoming PM to appear before the court, according to Dawn report. During the hearing, Assistant Attorney General Usman Ghumman said that the government required more time in the case. He said that another Baloch missing student had been recovered. However, Justice Kayani remarked that he was being "generous" by not summoning the director generals of the Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Intelligence. Subsequently, Justice Kayani directed Kakar to appear in court on February 19 at 10 am (local time) and tell the court why a case should not be lodged against him. According to a report released in December last year by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Defence of Human Rights (DHR), Pakistan reported 51 more cases of enforced disappearances by 2023. The DHR said, "The total number of cases stands at 3,120, with 51 cases registered in 2023 alone. Notably, 595 individuals have been released and reunited with their families, 246 people have been traced, and 88 cases have sadly resulted in extrajudicial killings." According to the report, 17 missing persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir were released, while the whereabouts of two others were traced. Furthermore, one person was extrajudicially killed, while another 20 remained missing. Out of the 82 missing persons from Balochistan, the whereabouts of 67 people remained unknown, while 12 were released. According to the report, two people were traced and one was extrajudicially killed. In Islamabad, 47 people remained missing, while 32 were released. Meanwhile, seven people were traced and three were extrajudicially killed. According to the report, out of the 1,091 missing persons in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 121 people were released, while 151 people were traced. Meanwhile, 792 people remained missing and 27 were extrajudicially killed, according to Dawn report. In Punjab, 343 people were released, while 76 were traced. Meanwhile, 323 people remained missing and 46 people were extrajudicially killed. In Sindh, 134 people remained missing and 70 people were released. According to the report, eight people were traced, while 10 people were extrajudicially killed. Earlier on February 11, Baloch activist Mahrang Baloch alleged that families of missing persons who participated in the march were being forcibly disappeared by the state and termed it a "cruel act of targeting families of victims to sabotage their struggle." She mentioned that the whereabouts of Gulkhan Shikari, his son Miran Shikari, and Zahid, son of Aktar Muhammad, remain unknown since their abduction on February 7, 2024. She urged human rights organisations to speak out against state barbarism. In a post on X, Mahrang Baloch stated, "The families of Baloch missing persons who participated in the march are being forcibly disappeared by the state, a cruel act of targeting victim families to sabotage their struggle." "The whereabouts of Gulkhan Shikari, his son Miran Shikari, and Zahid son of Aktar Muhammad remain unknown since their abduction on February 7, 2024. They joined the march for the release of Nawab Imran and Najeeb Baloch. Their lives are in grave danger. We urge human rights organisations to speak out against state barbarism," she added. https://twitter.com/MahrangBaloch_/status/1756590229895475551 Earlier in December, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) organised a massive, long march to raise their voice against the issue of enforced disappearances. This long march witnessed massive participation from every corner of Balochistan. The march had started in Turbat, reached Quetta, and eventually ended in Islamabad. On January 23, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) announced ending their sit-in outside the National Press Club (NPC) in Islamabad against enforced disappearances, Pakistan-based The News International reported. At that time, Mahrang Baloch said they would head back to Balochistan with pain, suffering and anti-Baloch attitudes of Islamabad. The decision of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee came a day after NPC Islamabad registered a complaint with the Kohsar Police Station on Monday requesting to remove the Baloch protesters from the open park in front of the NPC. (ANI) US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin urged the Senate to pass the national security bill immediately to invest in America's national security, which will further bolster its deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. He applauded the Senate's passage of the vital national-security supplemental, which will advance the US's core security interests and its bedrock values as the country continues to stand firm with its allies and partners around the world. Moreover, he emphasised that the bipartisan legislation will also provide military aid to Ukraine to defend itself from Russia's attacks, adding that it will also aid Israel against Hamas terror attacks. "This critical piece of bipartisan legislation will provide urgently needed military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Putin's flagrant aggression; it will deliver additional security assistance to Israel after the October 7th Hamas terrorist assault, along with humanitarian aid for innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza; and it will bolster our deterrence in the Indo-Pacific," he said. "The world is watching, and lives are on the line. I urge the House to pass this bipartisan bill immediately to invest in America's national security," Austin said. Highlighting the ongoing attacks in the Red Sea, he said that the bill will also provide additional resources for the US Central Command to support its forces in defending itself from Iranian backed militias. "The national-security bill will also provide additional resources for U.S. Central Command to support our forces facing attacks from Iranian-backed militias and protecting international commerce in the Red Sea from the Houthis' reckless and unlawful attacks," he added. Further, the bill will also strengthen the US's domestic industries and provide resources to create more good American jobs across the country, including USD 20 billion to buy new capabilities and gear to restock US military inventories, USD 13.8 billion for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, and USD 3.3 billion to strengthen the US submarine industrial base. Austin further said, "As was the case for previous supplementals, the bulk of the supplemental would flow through our defence industrial base, supporting American jobs in dozens of states across our country and creating greater prosperity at home and greater security around the world." Emphasising that the most urgently felt need for this supplement is in Ukraine, he said that the top Ukrainian defence officials have already warned us that their units no longer have the stores of ammunition that they need to hold off Putin's invading forces. He further called upon Congress to pass a full-year appropriation. "Failure to fund the Defence Department in line with the annual defence bill would have serious consequences for America's security, economy, global standing, and democracy," he stated. Further reiterating the US role, Austin said, "Only one country can provide the leadership that this moment demands--and that's the United States of America. The dangers of our time will only grow worse without strong and steady American leadership. If we do not deter other would-be aggressors, we will only invite more aggression, bloodshed, and chaos." So the cost of American leadership remains far lower than the cost of American abdication and retreat, he added. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during their delegation level and one-to one talks, discussed significant global developments including the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and tensions in the Red Sea, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said on Wednesday. Addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's ongoing visit to the UAE, Kwatra said the two issues were a "very important element" of discussions in the talks held between the two leaders on Tuesday, adding that there are important stakes involved whenever any disturbance takes place. "The developments in this region, have been a very important element of discussions between the two leaders (PM Modi and President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan), not just yesterday, but even in their previous meetings," he said. The Foreign Secretary said that the region is an important source of wider energy security all across the world, including for India. "There are important stakes involved whenever any disturbance takes place. So, yes, the discussions did feature the Israel-Palestine and the situation in the Red Sea did focus on the discussions between the two leaders," Kwatra said. He said the projects of the I2U2 bloc or the India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC), are clear testimony that while there is an ongoing disturbance in regions, both countries continue to monitor the situation. I2U2 is a grouping of four countries -- India, Israel, the US and the UAE. "Whether it is I2U2 projects or the IMEC, it is a clear testimony and evidence that the ongoing disturbance in the region with regard to conflict in Gaza and the situation in the Red Sea is indeed is a matter of concern and both countries continue to monitor, supervise and exchange notes on them," he added. Kwatra emphasised that it is equally important to ensure that economic corporation can be pursued and continues to stay course and maintain its momentum. Earlier on Tuesday, PM Modi and UAE President Nahyan held a bilateral meeting, and several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were exchanged in their presence. Yesterday, PM Modi attended and addressed the "Ahlan Modi" event in Abu Dhabi and as part of his programme, he also met with the first batch of students of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus. The campus and the institute have started their first academic programme this January, which is a landmark step in collaboration in the field of education. Kwatra further said that the facilities of this institute would be available to students globally. "Of course, it also signifies the importance and significance of the expansion of IITs of India," he added. (ANI) In statements to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) at the World Governments Summit (WGS), Bevirt revealed that Joby Aviation has signed an agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai to introduce this innovative service. Operational trials are set to commence in 2025. The agreement encompasses essential elements for a successful launch, including designated operational routes and planned infrastructure bolstered by strategic partnerships. Bevirt highlighted that Joby's aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers at a speed of up to 200 miles per hour, positively reducing the commute time to 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport to Palm Jumeirah compared with a 45-minute journey by car. Initially focusing on Dubai, Joby Aviation intends to expand its operations throughout the UAE and the wider region. Bevirt lauded Dubai's transportation sector's remarkable progress, citing the availability of modern transportation modes such as cars and metro. The introduction of aerial transportation represents the next evolutionary leap. The Joby Aviation S4 is designed to accommodate four passengers plus the pilot safely and securely. It is equipped with six propellers and four battery packs, enabling it to cover a maximum distance of 161km. With a top speed of up to 321km per hour, the aerial taxi is less noisy than helicopters. Its vertical take-off and landing capability makes it efficient for urban environments, eliminating the need for extensive horizontal space typically required for conventional stations. (ANI/WAM) In his first meeting with President of Madagascar Andry Rajoelina, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to further strengthen the India-Madagascar partnership, the Prime Minister's Office informed in a press release. PM Modi met the President of Madagascar, on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit in Dubai. Both leaders recognised the long-standing friendly relations and ancient geographical ties between the two countries. They discussed ways to advance bilateral ties and appreciated the close cooperation between the two countries in various multilateral fora, including the UN, the PMO release added. "Prime Minister reaffirmed India's commitment to further strengthen India-Madagascar partnership and to Vision SAGAR - Security and Growth for All in the Region. He conveyed that as a fellow developing country in the Indian Ocean Region, India will remain a committed partner in the developmental journey of Madagascar," it also said. "Had a wonderful meeting with President @SE_Rajoelina of Madagascar, an important partner of our SAGAR vision. We discussed ways to boost trade and cultural linkages between our nations," said PM Modi in a post on X. PM Modi is on an official two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "Bolstering ties with a key SAGAR partner! PM @narendramodi met President @SE_Rajoelina of Madagascar in Dubai. The two leaders reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways to advance them. PM reaffirmed India's support in the developmental journey of Madagascar," Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X. Madagascar is a SAGAR partner of India. Launched in 2020, Mission SAGAR is a global initiative along the lines of the Sagar doctrine. India launched this mission to provide relief aid to Indian Ocean countries following the Covid-19 pandemic. This initiative covers the Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles. India has had maritime links with Madagascar for several centuries and visits to Madagascar and settlements of Indian merchants in Madagascar date at least to the late eighteenth century. (ANI) Tel Aviv [Israel], February 14 (ANI/TPS): Aiming to combat rising antisemitism and provide insight into the realities of Israeli military service, a delegation of injured Israeli soldiers took their stories to American college campuses. The October 7 Hamas attacks shocked the world, as Hamas killed 1,200 Israelis, abducted 240 hostages, and left thousands more injured. However, the tragedy quickly faded from headlines, replaced by anti-Israel rhetoric, particularly on US college campuses. According to the US-based Anti-Defamation League, which fights anti-Semitism, incidents of anti-Semitism on US campuses have increased dramatically, with 73 per cent of Jewish students experiencing or witnessing such acts. Many Jewish students feel marginalised and hide their identity, Jewish groups report. The delegation's whirlwind 13-day speaking tour in February was organized by Belev Echad, a New York-based non-profit that supports Israeli soldiers wounded in action, providing respite, rehabilitation, and emotional support. The soldiers shared their stories on campuses in New York, Oregon, Washington and Florida. "So many people view the IDF [Israel Defense Forces] as aggressors, but it's simply not true. We're young men and women who are simply defending our right to exist, keeping our brothers, sisters, parents and grandparents safe," explained Alon Elbaz. The 20-year army medic was at Kibbutz Nir Am when Hamas attacked. He is currently recovering from shrapnel injuries he sustained while treating other injured Israelis. He described seeing more terrorists than he could count swarming through the kibbutz's fence as rockets flew overhead, treating a close friend with shrapnel wounds in his head, and later setting up a field hospital at a traffic junction. "There was no time to think, no time to breathe. It was just a matter of save lives, save lives, save lives. Stopping for even one minute meant that someone could die," Elbaz recalled. Reacting to the soldiers' stories, Mike, a junior studying Computer and Information Sciences, said, "I'm Jewish, but I pride myself on being liberal, and I always looked askance at Israel's treatment of Palestinians. Meeting soldiers around my age who've been through so much in the past few months has changed my attitude, and I realized that this is not a fight for sovereignty but for the safety of innocent civilians." Osher Pardo, another injured army medic participating in the tour said, "When we meet others face-to-face and share our personal stories -- which for me included losing over 60 buddies and getting very close to losing my life to Hamas terrorists -- they are suddenly so much more accepting and willing to hearing the Israeli perspective, which is the perspective of truth." The 21-year-old was injured at Kibbutz Nahal Oz and described being woken on the morning of October 7 by the sound of rocket fire, treating injured soldiers in a bomb shelter, running out of ammunition, and collapsing on the ground after his knee was hit by shrapnel. "That morning, we'd been 90 soldiers in our base in Nahal Oz. By night, we were only 25. We lost a lot of friends that day, but our commander did survive. In the hospital, I was approached by Belev Echad and I'm still in rehab, recovering physically and emotionally from the trauma. But most important, I'm here, representing my country and friends for those who didn't make it." Rabbi Uriel Vigler, who co-founded Belev Echad with his wife, Shevy, explained, "This campus tour has been an eye-opening experience for hundreds of American students who joined the meetings. I don't think there's any better way of presenting the Israeli perspective to American college kids than through the eyes of their Israeli peers who, instead of going to college and earning degrees are, at the age of 18, 19 and 20, putting their lives on the line to defend their families and fellow citizens." In addition to giving American students a better understanding of the war, Elbaz noted that recounting their stories has been beneficial to the soldiers as well. "Allowing us to share our challenges, tragedies and victories with our American peers also enabled us to see, firsthand, what Jewish students in the U.S. deal with, and we appreciate their support." (ANI/TPS) Tel Aviv [Israel], February 14 (ANI/TPS): Israel's Defence Ministry is gearing up to receive a significant influx of injured soldiers as the war in Gaza enters its fifth month. The ministry disclosed on Wednesday that its Rehabilitation Department expects to have 20,000 new disabled soldiers by the end of 2024 and is laying the groundwork for their care and support. According to figures released by the ministry on Wednesday, over 5,500 wounded individuals have been admitted to the ministry's rehabilitation wing since October 7. The majority of these casualties -- 95 per cent -- are males with ages ranging up to 30 years old. Notably, 70 per cent of those admitted were reservists. Statistics reveal that 84 per cent of the injured are classified as lightly wounded, while 9 per cent and 7 per cent are considered moderately and severely injured, respectively. The most common injuries include limb injuries, mental and post-traumatic reactions, and internal injuries. In anticipation of the expected surge in mentally traumatized individuals, the Rehabilitation Division is augmenting its psychological treatment capabilities with initiatives to provide tailored support for those grappling with mental health challenges. The ministry added that it also postponed most meetings of medical committees for one year to allow wounded soldiers and their families to focus exclusively on their recovery while receiving benefits. The Rehabilitation Division currently cares for approximately 62,000 people who were disabled while in service. In 2030, the number of disabled IDF and security forces under the care of the Rehabilitation Division is expected to reach 100,000. At least 1,200 people were killed and 240 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the remaining 134 hostages, Israel recently declared 31 of them dead. (ANI/TPS) Ahead of the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, the former Indian Ambassador to the UAE, Navdeep Suri, said that it is a very symbolic day for the Indian community, and added that it has been a spiritual as well as religious need for them. Calling the India-UAE partnership a "dynamic" one, Suri said that the UAE is trying to demonstrate through its actions its commitment to building interfaith harmony between the many different communities that inhabit the Gulf country. While speaking to ANI, the former Indian Ambassador to UAE, said, "I think it's a very symbolic day for the Indian community, for the large Indian diaspora that we have in UAE. For many years, it's been a spiritual need, a religious need for them. And I know that in 2015, when the Prime Minister came here for the first time, he put in a request to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, then crown prince of Abu Dhabi, that it would be nice if some land could be granted." "And soon thereafter, I came here as an ambassador and started following up on actually getting the land. So we got 13 and a half acres initially, then we got another 13 and a half acres for the parking. We saw step by step how this mandir has come about. But I think as we celebrate the wonderful Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi, we celebrate the work, the energy, and the organization of the Bapswamiraan sect in building it...UAE is actually trying to demonstrate through actions its commitment to building interfaith harmony between the many different communities that inhabit this country," the envoy added. Talking about the India-UAE ties, Suri stated that UAE is India's one of the most consequential relationships anywhere. He said, "This is the prime minister's 7th visit to UAE, that's an example of this being one of our most dynamic, and consequential relationships anywhere." "I really think that the kind of personal relationship, the kind of trust that has been established, the kind of warmth that has been established between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has been driving this relationship and really opening up new avenues that we could never have imagined earlier..." he went on to say. 'BAPS Mandir', the first traditional Hindu temple in the United Arab Emirates, sits on 27 acres of land that was generously gifted by the UAE leadership. Meanwhile, Udaya Indrarathna, Sri Lankan ambassador to the UAE called the inauguration of the temple a "long awaited day." On BAPS temple in Abu Dhabi, he said, "It is a long-awaited day. I am truly overwhelmed to be here." "We look forward to working with India in every aspect," he told ANI. The significance of this cultural milestone lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in the message it conveys--a testament to the harmonious relationship between Bharat and the Gulf region. Prime Minister Modi's personal involvement since 2015 reflects the shared commitment to cultural understanding and mutual respect between the two nations. The BAPS Hindu Mandir is set to become the Middle East's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Situated in the Abu Mureikhah area, this majestic structure embodies the spirit of cultural peace and collaboration and is a testament to the enduring friendship between India and the UAE. PM Modi is on an official two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). (ANI) A Congresswoman representing California's 40th district, Young Kim, while speaking at a foreign committee meeting, urged the US to take action against the atrocities faced by the Uyghur community at the hands of the China Communist Party in Xinjiang. In her statement, the congresswoman spoke to support her bill, the Uyghur Policy Act 2023. The bill was introduced in the US on April 4 this year and would address human rights issues concerning the Uyghurs and other minority groups residing primarily in Xinjiang Uyghur. The bill authorises the establishment of a Special Coordinator for Uyghur Issues position within the US. The bill would also authorise the appropriation of USD250,000 each year over the 2024-2026 period to support advocates for the human rights and freedoms of Uyghurs and other persecuted minorities in China. According to a statement given by Kim, "The Uyghur Policy Act comes at a critical time, Chairman Xi (Xi Jinping, head of CCP), is trying to rebrand Xinjiang as a business and tourist destination, and seeks to erase Uyghur's from the international community's memory. The CCP continues to deny carrying out genocide against the Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities. We have verified reports of forced sterilisation, forced labour, brainwashing, and gang rape in Xinjiang." "Despite the CCP being exposed for these crimes, Xi Jinping is doubling down. In a visit to the region recently, he called for strict regulation on the practice of religion and the protection of hardwind stability," she stated. Emphasising that this is the crucial time to act in the matter, Kim stated, "We are running out of time to act. The Uyghur Policy Act will help us lead from a position of strength and will address several shortcomings in our existing approach to responding to these human rights abuses. It authorises the state department to appoint a special coordinator for Uyghur issues, which will consolidate the state department's diplomatic strategy to ensure that department-wide resources are better coordinated to respond to the Uyghur genocide." She further stated that "the US must show through words and through actions that we will have Uyghur's backs in their fight against the CCP's tyranny. HR 2766 (Uyghur Policy Act 2023) mandates Uyghur language instruction at the foreign service institute, and requires the state department to station a Uyghur fluent officer at mission China locations." According to Kim, the bill also allows support for Uyghur human rights activists and directs the US agency for global media to disseminate news and information regarding the Uyghur genocide. We must now act to leverage the soft power of the US and garner international support for Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang. And equip the State Department to use the tools needed to respond to Xi Jinping's genocidal campaign. (ANI) The UK cell of the Baloch National Movement (BNM) announced an awareness campaign for the atrocities faced by the Baloch community at the hands of Pakistan's regime. In a recent post on social media platform X, BNM UK stated that the awareness program named "Unveiling The Baloch Struggle" will be organised in various locations in the UK. https://twitter.com/BNM_UK_chapter/status/1757409697609470373?s=20 The campaign will commence on February 17 starting from London. Further, the press statement released by BNM UK stated, In the heart of South Asia lies Balochistan, a land of rich history, diverse cultures, and immense natural resources. Yet, beneath this veneer of beauty lies a story of oppression and marginalization, a struggle to regain freedom that has been waged for decades by the Baloch people. For explaining the history and culture of the land the press statement said that, the Baloch people have a distinct cultural and linguistic identity, with a rich history dating back to ancient civilizations. However, since the occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan in 1948, the Balochis have faced systematic discrimination and exploitation. The Pakistani state has denied the Baloch their right to self-determination, suppressing their political aspirations and exploiting their natural resources for its own benefit. This exploitation has led to widespread poverty, environmental degradation, and the displacement of Baloch communities. The press release also stated that the BNM has been subjected to harsh repression by the Pakistani state, with its members facing enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Despite these challenges, the BNM remains steadfast in its commitment to non-violent resistance and the pursuit of justice for the Baloch people. Explaining the length of human rights atrocities faced by the Baloch community, the statement said that, the Pakistani military and paramilitary forces have been accused of carrying out extrajudicial killings of Baloch activists, political leaders, and innocent civilians. Thousands of Baloch people have been forcibly disappeared, by Pakistani state, their whereabouts unknown. Baloch detainees have been subjected to torture and -treatment in Pakistani prisons and detention centres. The Pakistani state has imposed strict controls on the media in Balochistan, restricting reporting on human rights violations and the Baloch struggle. The Baloch struggle for Freedom and against human rights violations requires international solidarity and attention. We urge the international community for The United Nations, United Kingdom, and the international community should recognize the Baloch people's right to self-determination and support their peaceful struggle for an independent Baloch state. The United Nations, United Kingdom, and human rights organizations should conduct independent investigations into human rights violations in Balochistan and hold the Pakistani state accountable for its actions The Baloch struggle is a fight for justice and freedom. The Baloch people deserve the right to live in peace, dignity, and prosperity, free from oppression and exploitation. We call upon the international community to stand in solidarity with the Baloch people and support their struggle for a just and lasting peace. Together, we can raise awareness, amplify the voices of the Baloch people, and work towards a future where the Baloch can exercise their right to self-determination and live in peace and dignity. (ANI) Columnist Michael Taylor takes on a readers question about small cap value vs. growth funds and value vs. growth investments in general. Fizkes/TNS Economist Eugene Fama, shown speaking in October 2013, and colleague Kenneth French found from their analysis of data going back to 1928 that value stocks and small cap stocks seemed to offer higher returns than other investments. Scott Olson/Getty Images Kenneth French and co-author Eugene Fama are well-known for their research into the value effect and the three-factor model, including articles such as The Cross-Section of Expected Stock Returns and Common Risk Factors in the Returns on Stocks and Bonds. courtesy photo from the Tuck School of Business Eugene Fama, left, is seen with Lars Peter Hansen in October 2013 in Chicago after they were named two of the three winners of the 2013 Nobel Prize for Economics. Fama and his fellow winners studied the movement of prices of assets, each approaching the topic from different angles. M. Spencer Green/Associated Press Lars Kroijer is the author of Investing Demystified: How to Invest Without Speculation and Sleepless Nights and other books on money management. ST Q: As a long-term investor, my interest is in what you have to say about small-cap value vs. growth funds and value vs. growth investments in general. Dont get me started on emerging markets and international funds. Ive watched them for many years and just dont get the point. I believe in sticking close to home, especially with many larger U.S. companies already involved in foreign countries economies. Anyway, keep the individual investor articles coming; theyre my favorite. Dave M., San Antonio A: Thanks for your questions and comments, which give me a chance to get nerdy on asset allocation, finance theory and investing practice. Advertisement Article continues below this ad First, some definitions. Value in investment rhetoric usually means cheap. You would expect to earn money through the steady continuity or recovery of the business. Such investments often pay dividends that make up the majority of long-term returns. By contrast, growth usually means the company isnt done innovating within its industry and may not pay substantial dividends as it spends for growth. Growth companies offer price appreciation as the driver of long-term returns. Value is more fundamental investing, and growth is more story investing. Both are valid. Ask an Ex-Banker Do you have questions about your personal finances? Smart Money columnist Michael Taylor wants to hear them. Email your questions to him at michael@michaelthesmartmoney.com. Small-cap these days usually refers to public companies with market capitalizations up to $2 billion or a little more. Large-cap usually means $10 billion or more, ranging up to trillion-dollar-plus companies. Mid-cap means you guessed it between $2 billion and $10 billion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad As an adherent to the efficient markets hypothesis, my initial answer to your question is that both growth and value are fine, all capitalization ranges are fine, and that probably none is permanently better than the other. For multiple years in a row, you could expect one style or capitalization range to outshine the other only for that outperformance to be reversed in a subsequent decade. Beginning in the 1970s and continuing through the 2000s, finance theorists Eugene Fama and Kenneth French studied whether certain sectors consistently outperformed others. The short answer to their decades of research: Value stocks and small-cap stocks seemed to offer higher returns in their analysis, based on data going back to 1928. There are some intuitive reasons to think small-cap and value investing might have advantages over other parts of the stock market. Small companies shares may be inherently more volatile. Since investors often dont like volatility, it makes sense that less investor capital would be allocated to volatile assets. That relative scarcity of capital would then raise returns for those brave souls who dont mind volatility as much. In finance terms, efficient markets should still allow for a greater absolute return to higher volatility assets, as a compensation for the volatility. This could explain a persistent higher return for small-caps when compared to large-caps over the long run. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A similar theory could apply to value stocks vs. growth stocks. Sometimes a value stock is relatively cheap because the CEO used bad words on social media or because the company sells known cancer-causing products like tobacco. Some investors dont like bad words or cancer, so they dont invest in those companies. That leaves a potential higher return for less squeamish investors. Like small-cap investing, aversion by some investors might lead to persistent outperformance of value stocks for investors with less aversion. Now you know which categories might outperform over the long run, according to respectable finance theory. But, also, they might not anymore. The confounding problems that keep finance nerds awake at night are these: What is the time horizon measured? And do we still think that Fama and Frenchs findings hold true? Also, if investors knew the results of Fama and Frenchs research few individual investors know it, while many professional investors know it and all academics know it wouldnt they then favor value and small-cap stocks, and the historical advantage disappear due to investors interest in these sectors? The higher returns from any given sector value vs. growth, small vs. large seem logically ephemeral to me. Even so, I acknowledge that such ephemera may last for years or decades. Large-caps, for example, have absolutely crushed small-caps over the last decade, and particularly in the last few years. In fact, large growth stocks currently dubbed the magnificent seven by the financial infotainment industrial complex have been the place to be for a few years now. So again, make of that what you will. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The important thing, at the end of the day, is that if you can smoothly name-drop Fama and French and use the phrases efficient markets hypothesis and capital asset pricing model in certain investment circles, peoples regard for you will skyrocket. There goes a super-smart investor, theyll say, shaking their head, wonder in their eyes, as you saunter past. And as for actually investing, maybe just try to own some of each category? Good luck! To return to your international-emerging markets investing commentary and questions, we disagree. As an efficient markets hypothesis advocate, the optimal non-U.S. investment exposure should take into account and roughly reflect the weight of the U.S. stock market vs. global stock markets. Since U.S. stocks account for roughly 43% of global stocks, thats the right place to begin in theory regarding how much of your investment portfolio should be in U.S. stocks. For a fully developed explanation of this specific idea, I highly recommend Lars Kroijers excellent Investing Demystified: How to Invest Without Speculation and Sleepless Nights. Further supporting Kroijers argument is the diversification problem that U.S. investors typically have U.S.-only real estate, U.S.-only incomes and U.S. dollar-denominated assets, so a U.S.-heavy investment portfolio kind of stacks their correlation risks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Sophisticated citizens of other countries with substantial investments would never dream of investing only in their domestic stock market, domestic real estate, in their domestic currency, with their in-country domestic incomes. They are much more likely to seek to geographically diversify their financial risk exposures. History has borne out their very good reasons for doing this. A Japanese investor who bought domestic Nikkei index in 1990 still would not have reached break-even levels 34 years later. You dont want to be that kind of undiversified investor. Even if you believe deeply in American exceptionalism, which many of us do. Now, in practice, Ive never met a retail U.S. investor with U.S. stock market exposure as low as 43%. And while Ive told you my theoretical starting point, my wife and my retirement accounts are a combined 77% in U.S. stocks. You also make a fine point that large multinationals in the U.S. will have substantial nondomestic exposure. So you get some international exposure mostly via large-cap investing without having to take non-U.S. regulatory, tax and geopolitical risks. Still, we have emerging market and developed country index funds in our retirement accounts. Maybe the best way to remain open to the idea of international diversification is that the next world-beating company just might come out of Brazil or India or South Korea or Belgium or South Africa. The top tech companies in the world wont come from Silicon Valley always and forever, even if they did for the last 30 years. So I believe its worth having some future exposure to the next Google from Bangladesh. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (local time) held a meeting with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha. PM Modi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed ways to boost the friendship between India and Qatar. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Had a wonderful meeting with PM @MBA_AlThani_. Our discussions revolved around ways to boost India-Qatar friendship." According to Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the discussions between two leaders covered expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors like trade, investment, energy, finance, among others. In a post on X, Randhir Jaiswal stated, "Furthering India - Qatar partnership! PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with HH @MBA_AlThani_, PM & FM of Qatar in Doha. Discussions covered expanding bilateral cooperation in sectors such as trade & investment, energy, finance among others." Earlier, PM Modi arrived in Doha for a two-day official visit to Qatar. He was received at the airport by Qatar's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi. He arrived in Qatar after concluding his visit to the UAE. Upon arrival in Qatar, PM Modi in a post on X stated, "Landed in Doha. Looking forward to a fruitful Qatar visit which will deepen India-Qatar friendship." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted that PM Modi's visit to Qatar will give a filip to the historic and deep-rooted ties between the two nations. This is PM Modi's second visit to Qatar. PM Modi for the first time visited Qatar in June 2016. "Giving a filip to the historic and deep-rooted bonds with Qatar! PM @narendramodiarrives on a visit to Doha. Received by State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Soltan bin Saad Al-Muraikhi at the airport. Wide-ranging talks with Qatari leadership on strengthening bilateral partnership lies ahead," Jaiswal posted on X. In a press release, MEA stated, "On 15 February, Prime Minister will meet the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and hold talks on bilateral as well as regional and global issues." While addressing a special briefing on PM Modi's visit, Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that PM Modi's visit would provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss ways to further deepen and strengthen the multifaceted partnership. "PM Modi's visit to Qatar will provide an opportunity for the top leadership of the two countries to discuss ways to further deepen and strengthen our multifaceted partnership as well as exchange views on different regional and international issues of mutual importance," Kwatra noted. The foreign secretary also highlighted that this will be the second visit of PM Modi to Qatar, with the last one taking place in June 2016. Emphasising the growing ties between India and Qatar, the Foreign Secretary mentioned high-level visits to Qatar. "There have been several high-level exchanges between India and Qatar in recent years. You would recall the visit of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to Doha in November 2022, as well as the visit of then Vice President Venkaiah Naidu in June 2022. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has also undertaken multiple visits to Qatar in the last 3 to 4 years," the Foreign Secretary also said. The relationship between the two countries has grown multifaceted with robust energy partnership and collaboration in culture, education, and security. The bilateral trade currently stands at approximately USD 20 billion, with Qatar emerging as a significant investor across various sectors in India. "The bilateral relationship between India and Qatar that has been steadily growing includes a comprehensive span, including political ties, trade and investment linkages, a strong energy partnership and ties in the field of culture, education and security," he said, adding, "Strong bilateral trade between India and Qatar currently stands at roughly USD 20 bn and Qatar is also a significant investor in India across the whole range of economies." Specifically mentioning the recent agreement between QatarEnergy and India's Petronet for the supply of 7.5 million metric tonnes per year of LNG from Qatar to India for a duration of 20 years, starting in 2028, Kwatra said, "You'd be aware following the recently concluded India Energy Week, QatarEnergy and India's Petronet had signed an agreement for the supply of 7.5 million metric tonnes per year of LNG from Qatar to India for 20 years starting 2028." In a statement on Tuesday, PM Modi stated, "India and Qatar enjoy historically close and friendly relations. In recent years, our multifaceted ties have continued to deepen in all spheres, including high level political exchanges, growing trade and investment between two countries, strengthening our energy partnership, and cooperation in culture and education." "The presence of over 800,000 strong Indian community in Doha is a testament to our strong people-to-people ties," he added. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai and discussed bilateral partnership and the "well-being of the Indian community" living in Qatar. (ANI) TYLER, Texas (KETK) One person has been arrested and another is wanted by Tyler authorities in the death of a 20-year-old man who was found lying near a roadway. Tyler police said they are asking for the publics help in finding a second suspect, identified as 16-year-old Caleb Ward, of Whitehouse. Officials said he has a directive to apprehend for capital murder and should be considered armed and dangerous. Woman arrested after spending night in Walgreens, leaving with stolen goods Ward is from the Whitehouse area, but reportedly has been known to frequent Tyler. Anyone who knows his location is asked to contact Tyler PD at 903-531-1000. Joshua Bryant, 25 of Unk, was arrested on Feb. 8 for capital murder and other charges before being booked into the Smith County Jail where his bond has been set at $1 million. Both were wanted for capital murder by authorities after a man, who was later identified as 20-year-old Nathan Martin, of Tyler, was found on the shoulder of Highway 69 North near CR 489 last week with an apparent gunshot wound. According to Bryants arrest warrant, in an interview with authorities he allegedly told them he had met up with Martin that night in his car but claimed to have blacked out and denied having any memory of what occurred when he was asked about the incident. Bryant was arrested a few hours after the incident was reported for reportedly stealing a car. Bryant allegedly told authorities he entered the car thinking it belonged to a friend, and was arrested for burglary of a vehicle and searched where drugs believed to be crack cocaine were found. The warrant said that evidence indicated a third person to be involved in the robbery of Martin to obtain his vehicle, leading to the murder of Martin but Bryant claimed to not know who else was in the car. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com. A 19-year-old man injured in a Russian attack against Kherson earlier on Feb. 14 died in the hospital due to his injuries, said Roman Mrochko, the head of the city military administration. The strike also led to the injury of a 14-year-old girl, an 84-year-old man, and two women. The girl is hospitalized and in very serious condition, officials said. The attack also damaged houses and caused fires in the city, Mrochko said. Ukraine's Armed Forces liberated Kherson and other regional settlements on the western bank of the Dnipro River in November 2022. Russian troops were pushed to the eastern bank, from where they have since been firing at the liberated territories, regularly resulting in civilian deaths and injuries. During the previous day and overnight, Russian attacks killed one person and injured six in Kherson Oblast, Prokudin said in his morning report on Feb. 14. Read also: He is in Russian captivity. She has late-stage cancer. Will they see each other again? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) A student who allegedly brought a gun to Myrtle Beach Middle School last week will face criminal charges and several other students will be disciplined because they knew about the gun but did not alert a faculty member, Horry County Schools Superintendent Rick Maxey said in a news release. Any student who brings a firearm to school is subject to expulsion for not less than one calendar year, Maxey said. We are glad that no one was injured and grateful that the MBMS staff and the School Resource Officer acted in a timely manner to respond to the situation, he said. Maxey said the concerning part about the incident is that students knew about the gun and did not alert faculty. The student showed the gun to them, and they were also aware that their classmate planned to bring it to school. As a result, Maxey said they are subject to disciplinary consequences per school district policies. On the day of the incident, the school conducted a random search, the release said. All students walked through metal detectors and their bags were randomly searched, Maxey said. However, the students see-through bookbag, which contained the gun and ammunition, was not randomly chosen to be searched that day. Maxey said the district will continue to work closely with local law enforcement on school safety. Additionally, the district will continue to invest in security measures that were identified a a comprehensive security audit that was completed in December 2022 by the School Safety Advocacy Council. Maxey also said an additional $15 million above and beyond the 2023-24 budget was approved for safety and security measures. The school board also has approved a plan that provides about $4 million a year from capital funds for security upgrades for the next five years. Maxey has also asked for additional funding in the 2024-25 budget for security personnel to conduct daily searches throughout the school day. While we are not perfect, we will continue to evaluate our procedures and resources and make any necessary adjustments as needed, Maxey said. He also encouraged parents and guardians to talk to their children about reporting anything they see or hear that could cause harm to the school community. Please be involved and know what items your students are bringing to school and what is being shared and posted on their social media accounts, Maxey said. If you are a gun owner, be a responsible gun owner and make sure your weapon is stored safely and out of the reach of children. * * * Taylor Ford is a digital journalist for News13. She joined the News13 team in January 2023. Taylor is a Florence native and covers the Pee Dee out of News13s Florence Bureau. Read more of Taylors work here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. A dead woman was pulled from Lady Bird Lake in Austin, cops say. Texas police said the case was not a homicide, but her case was far from the first for the lake. Over the last 20 months, over 10 bodies have been pulled from the same lake, according to Austin police records. The first recorded death in this string was Ricky Parks in July 2022, according to Austin EMS and reporting from multiple news outlets. KXAN reported the death investigation for 59-year-old Parks closed the next month after no foul play was detected. According to Inside Edition and KXAN, police came to the same conclusion for three other cases between 2022 and 2023 Christopher Gutierrez, Kyle Thornton and Christopher Hays-Clark. (Police) are not trying to do anything, they just close the cases, and they just deem the death undetermined or a drowning, and then they just move on with no answers, nothing for the families, Reegan Aparicio, the mother of Hays-Clark, told Fox 7. The family of Hays-Clark is calling on local police to take action as the death toll in the lake continues to rise, Fox 7 reported. Austin police said they are aware of the numerous drownings at Lady Bird Lake. While each incident has occurred at the lake, the circumstances, exact locations and demographics surrounding these cases vary, according to a statement sent to Inside Edition. The statement attributed alcohol and the lakes easy access points to some of the drownings. In addition to the four cases with no foul play found, Austin police said two people Jason John and Johnathan Honey drowned accidentally, news outlets and police reports show. Just one death of the 10 was confirmed as a homicide: Josue Moreno was shot while driving and his truck ended up in the water, according to police records. In another case, Clifton Axtells cause of death could not be determined, according to KXAN. Austin police said most of the incidents occurred after 10 p.m. Swimming is illegal at Lady Bird Lake, according to the city. The lake is a dammed part of the Colorado River. Bodies found in Lady Bird Lake Remains of missing Missouri man fully recovered in pond 10 years later Three bass weighing over 13 pounds caught on same day in Texas. Unbelievable EVANSVILLE A wildly unpredictable and packed race for Congress awaits area voters who will choose major party candidates on May 7 to succeed 8th District Congressman Larry Bucshon. With the end of the filing period on Friday, voters in Vanderburgh, Warrick, Posey, Gibson and 17 other Southern and West-Central Indiana counties will have four Democrats and a whopping nine Republicans to choose from in party primary elections. They are: Republicans seeking Indiana's 8th District congressional seat Jim Case Jeremy L. Heath John N. Hostettler Dominick Jack Kavanaugh Luke A. Misner Mark Messmer Richard Moss Kristi Risk Jon Schrock Democrats seeking Indiana's 8th District congressional seat Erik Hurt Peter FH Priest II Edward Upton Sein Michael Talarzyk Bucshon announced in January that he would not seek re-election to Congress after seven two-year terms. That made the 8th District, for election purposes, an open seat hence the interest from 13 candidates. Democrats are hopeful Bucshon's departure can put victory within their grasp, but political handicappers rate the 8th District one of the most Republican congressional districts in the nation. So the GOP's crowded primary will attract most of the attention. Looming over that nine-candidate contest is the fact that Indiana doesn't do runoff elections. Winners can grab a victory in crowded races with pluralities of votes. In 2010, when Bucshon was seeking his first term and the 8th District seat was open, he won an eight-candidate GOP primary with 33% of votes. More: A familiar name is entering the fray for Indiana's 8th District seat in Congress Not all of this year's candidates are serious contenders, said Robert Dion, a political scientist at the University of Evansville. A total of 13 candidates will be on the Republican and Democratic primaries for Indiana's 8th District Congressional seat. "Every year there are people who file, but they dont raise money. They dont really campaign actively and they dont get votes," Dion said. "So its possible that somebody could run away with it and get over 50% if that person is well-financed and runs a professional campaign and the others dont. "But its also entirely possible that, with Bucshon out of the picture, the vote will be split in a number of directions." Who are the frontrunners for Indiana's 8th District congressional seat? Backed by national Republican congressional leaders, Bucshon in 2010 had all the advantages that counted in a GOP primary featuring eight candidates but he scraped by his closest competitor, Owen County-based conservative activist Kristi Risk, by a surprisingly close 33-29% margin. Like Risk, most of the other Republican candidates were identified with the conservative Tea Party movement. Political analysts later said if just one or two of those candidates had dropped out, Risk outgunned financially and organizationally by Bucshon would have won. More: Bucshon built a very specific profile in Congress. He says he won't seek re-election. This year, Dion said, Messmer, a state senator from Jasper, is likely the candidate to whom establishment Republicans will turn. "He's an officeholder, and hell have the advantage of somewhat greater name recognition and campaign experience and fundraising experience," Dion said. "But you dont want to overstate it, because ask any person on the street who Messmer is, and hell find out pretty quickly that his name recognition is not where he would like it to be. Most Americans cannot name their congressman." On the Democratic side, Boonville resident Ed Sein, a musician and guitar salesman, has the support of party leaders. Dave Crooks, the party's 2012 nominee against Bucshon and chairman of the 8th District Democratic organization, is Sein's campaign manager. Sein, a first-time candidate, describes himself as a "middle-class, working American who wants a better life for his children." Trump's potential impact on 8th District race Donald Trump looms over the 8th District Republican primary, thanks to speculation that the former president will endorse a candidate for the open seat. Among the nine Republicans running for the chance to succeed Bucshon is one 28-year-old Dominick Kavanaugh who says he was a "media affairs coordinator" for eight months in 2020 for Trump's re-election campaign. Kavanaugh also reports that he was an intern for four months in 2018 in the press office at Trump's White House. More: Will Trump get involved in the 8th District congressional race? Kavanaugh hasn't spoken to the Courier & Press, but his campaign website pledges fealty to Trump's policies and features photos of him with the former president. Political scientist Dion said a Trump endorsement for Kavanaugh or any of the other Republican candidates would immediately change the complexion of the race. "If there was a clear message from (Trump) that, This is the person I want to see from this district, that could make a huge difference," Dion said. How will former Congressman John Hostettler do? If Kavanaugh's filing and the buzz about Trump that accompanied it jolted the race, former Congressman John Hostettler's decision positively scrambled the equation. Few expected Hostettler, who represented the district from 1995 until 2007, to get involved. Hostettler's presence in the race is a wild card in a political world changed since his day by Trump, new rules for fundraising and a more polarized national media environment, Dion said. "Its a remarkable thing, because hes not that old," Dion said of the 62-year-old Hostettler. "But hes been out of the picture for a very long time, and there are plenty of people who had a habit of voting for him, but they may not all be in the district anymore, for a variety of reasons. "Loads and loads of people have no earthly idea who he is." But Hostettler has one advantage the other candidates don't, Dion said even with redistricting changing the district, he has relationships that only a congressman could have forged. "Hes been in every corner of this district and knows people and issues and, if anything, the party has moved and drifted in a direction thats favorable to the way he views the world," the UE political scientist said. So who will win the 8th District congressional primaries? Evansville attorney Josh Claybourn, a veteran political observer and an informal adviser to Bucshon's early campaigns, said three or four Republicans eventually will separate themselves from the pack. "I think what's interesting about this race is there will be some geographic partitioning," Claybourn said. "(Risk, who nearly defeated Bucshon in the 2010 primary) will have some support near Terre Haute. Messmer will have a nice base of support in his existing Senate (district). And then, starting out, Hostettler will be able to be competitive districtwide." Of course, a Trump endorsement for Kavanaugh or another candidate would turn everything on its head, Claybourn said. Dion said the sheer number of candidates could muddy the waters for a long while. "If there was one true blue, hardcore movement conservative and then he and/or she and Messmer were duking it out over the direction of the party, that would be a different race compared to this free-for-all," he said. This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: Who is running for Congress in Indiana's 8th District? I was born with the possibility of inheriting a fatal illness called Huntington's Disease. Although I found out when I was a junior in high school, I decided not to get tested until I was 26. The fear was crippling, but I don't regret those years of not knowing. While many high school juniors were worrying about college applications and who they were taking to prom, I was coming to terms with the possibility of having an incurable neurological illness called Huntington's Disease. I was 16 when I discovered somewhat accidentally that I might have the disease. HD is a rare hereditary condition that causes nerve cells in parts of the brain to decay and eventually die. It also causes your body to break down, resulting in symptoms like random body movements, changes in behavior and personality, and problems walking and talking. Symptoms typically start around age 45, and onset can be quick, with many patients confined to a wheelchair and needing full-time care within a few years. Patients at risk only about 200,000 in the US have a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene that causes HD. Those aren't great odds, considering how the disease progresses, and death is certain. Although HD is a lesser-known condition, some may remember it from Olivia Wilde's character, Remy "Thirteen" Hadley, on the TV show "House." The show focused on the emotional toll of HD, dedicating episodes to chronicling Thirteen's journey of anger and reckless behavior before coming to terms with her fate and eventually getting tested. I would say I have a similar story. I was a teenager when I learned about the risk of Huntington's I was adopted at 14 months old, and I've been aware of most of the details of my adoption for as long as I can remember. A photo of my birth mother holding me as a newborn, taken on July 4, 1995, in central Florida. I was 11 days old. Taylor Rains/Business Insider Although my father is unknown (but I understand he's Puerto Rican), I knew my birth mother was named Mary, and I was born with the name Desiree before it was changed to Taylor after adoption. However, I only learned about Huntington's after rummaging through some old adoption papers one random November afternoon when I was 16. (I also discovered a few half-siblings, but that's a different story). I ended up finding the medical history of my birth mother. A quick Google search later, I was crippled with fear, and my head filled with a million questions. Of course, my adopted mother (who, to be clear, I consider my real mother) was horrified at the way I found out. But her reason for not telling me was understandable, and I don't blame her. My mom adopted me in August 1996. At the time, I was living with a social worker. Pictured is us in Spain in April 2023. Taylor Rains/Business Insider Her decision mostly came down to the fact that HD patients typically have to be 18 years of age or older to get tested, and she worried about the potential emotional toll a positive test could have on me as a teenager. Her fears were pretty on the nose. I spent a lot of time being angry Soon after discovering the possibility of having the disease, I stopped being the straight-A, goody two-shoe student I once was. HD-fueled emotions soon ruined the big junior field trip I had been looking forward to all year, and I stopped caring to show up to class on time. Guilt weighed on me, too, especially after my then-boyfriend complained about me being "too sad" around him. I think the strongest emotion I felt was anger, though. A trauma like the prospect of HD puts a lot into question, and it made me start looking at things like mortality and religion very differently. I was also plagued with the burden of deciding whether I even wanted to know if I had the disease. On the one hand, getting tested would help me better plan my future, but I'd have to live with the reality if the diagnosis was positive. You can imagine that fear. On the other hand, not getting tested would always leave an ounce of uncertainty in the back of my head. And, this choice would extinguish any thoughts of having kids it just wouldn't be worth the risk of continuing the vicious hereditary cycle if I were positive. An old photo of the author's birth mother, Mary. Taylor Rains/Business Insider Surprisingly, it didn't take long for me to decide. I had an epiphany after my history teacher one of the few teachers who showed me any sort of grace at this time told me that I needed to give myself permission to live. It was such simple advice, but something about it clicked for me. Not knowing pushed my life into hyperdrive The common life expectancy of someone living with HD is 10 to 25 years after diagnosis, which typically happens between 35 and 50 years of age. But those years of decline aren't easy. When thinking about getting tested, I worried a positive result would send me spiraling even if any potential symptoms were some 20-odd years away. So, I decided to wait but pledged going forward to live my life as if I had Huntington's. I thought starting to accept it early would ease the disappointment if I one day started showing symptoms, and the strategy worked for me. According to her paperwork, my birth mom started showing symptoms by the time she was 34 years old. Granted, her addiction problems could have made the onset occur faster. My 16-year-old logic at the time estimated I had until at least 50 with a positive diagnosis, assuming it wasn't as severe as Wilde's character in House. In my head, that meant I had to fit some 60 years of life into just 30 and that's the road I took. By the end of junior year, my slipping grades soon turned back into A's, I got accepted to my first choice college, and I went to my junior and senior prom. I reached my seventh continent in November 2022. Taylor Rains/Insider I got a degree in aviation in less than four years from Florida Institute of Technology and landed this nifty reporting job at Business Insider along with a few side adventures studying abroad in China, working in Alaska, and volunteering in Bulgaria. I even managed to visit more than 50 countries across all seven continents. I'll admit the excessive travel and spontaneous adventures (which had me working three jobs at one point to afford) were a coping mechanism for HD, but at least I channeled it into something good for me. I finally got tested after 10 years of not knowing Until I was about 24, I was busy traveling on weekends and going to pub trivia every Thursday with friends. By then, I was thinking about HD less and less. It wasn't until 2018, when I met my now-husband, Ryan, that I gave getting tested another thought. The reason? He wanted kids but knew it was off the table without me getting a negative HD result. And he was OK with that. I decided that if he was willing to sacrifice becoming a father just to marry me, then I would find the courage to get tested. Luckily, Connecticut (where I live) has a large HD clinic, and I finally got tested in April 2022 at 26 years old. The process was brutal, involving multiple appointments and psych exams, before I handed over a blood sample for genetic testing. After three agonizing weeks of waiting, the coin flipped in my favor I was HD negative. My husband is an airline pilot, so we couldn't skip visiting the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum during our honeymoon last year. Taylor Rains/Business Insider After 10 years of uncertainty, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. I probably could have let myself off the hook earlier from that weight had I tested at 18, but I don't regret my decision. I became stronger and braver living under the threat of HD, and I can proudly say I've met nearly every life milestone I wanted to hit by the age of 30. And now, I have the option of starting a family. It's a freeing feeling. Read the original article on Business Insider WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Audrie Mangel was diagnosed with dyslexia in second grade through the Fundamental Learning Center. She continued at the school for four years, where she learned the Orton-Gillingham curriculum. Audrie Mangel on Feb. 8, 2024 (KSN Photo) Before I knew that I had dyslexia, it was pretty upsetting that I couldnt spell, Mangel said. I was very behind in my classwork, wasnt quite sure why I wasnt up to what the other kids were like in their classwork, and I just kind of felt left behind or like I wasnt really normal. Although dyslexia challenges her, there are also things it has given her. It was pretty hard, but I do know that it has a lot of good aspects to it, Mangel said. Theres always the highs and the lows. Ive learned that Im very creative because of my dyslexia, and trying to find new ways to learn and trying to find more creative ways to learn so that Im more focused on the study. Ive learned that there are a lot of people like me, and trying to find the people that at least try and understand or are understanding of the struggles is what helped me a lot. Hutchinson farm has been in the family since 1880s Mangel has been scouting for five years and is working toward her Eagle rank, requiring an Eagle project. She is a scout from Troop 1736 and is a Junior Assistant Scout Master. Her scoutmaster has been a mentor and encourager for her. I struggled with trying to figure out what I wanted to do because I wanted it to be important not only for me but for other people, Mangel said. And I wanted it to be something powerful, meaningful and impactful. For her Eagle project, she decided to facilitate a dyslexia awareness book called As You Fly. As You Fly facilitated by Audrie Mangel on Feb. 8, 2024 (KSN Photo) My hope is to raise education, empathy, and understanding of learning differences, Mangel said. The book is a combination of stories, art and other creative content by current students at the Fundamental Learning Center and alumni. I have gathered alumni from the school, so my old classmates to help write short stories, tips, anything that they found would be helpful to other dyslexic kids, and current students of this school, and had them draw or paint flying creatures or animals, bugs, whatever they kind of wanted to do, Mangel said. She wanted to do a project that would last for generations. I have struggled with my dyslexia to an extent and really wanted to let people know that they are important, that even with the struggles, that they can do amazing things, Mangel said. One person who shaped the way for her is Billie Vilet because she taught Mangel how to read. Ive always tried my best to live up to what I think she would want me to do, and I have been supported by her memory and all that she had done when she was alive, Mangel said. And with that, Ive found people who support me like she did. Mangel also says her mom has taught her how to fight through tough situations and learn the importance of self-advocacy. Mangel is raising money to print the book and wants to put it in Kansas schools. Her goal is to become a special-education teacher and help kids with dyslexia. Kansas man continues to bowl weekly at 101 years old So that more kids, teachers and parents are able to understand dyslexia to a better extent and to feel less alone, and kind of feel like there are things that they can do because unfortunately, there are times when it feels like you cant really succeed, but you can, and theres a lot of great things that you can do, Mangel said. She hopes her book will help at least one person. Keep going, Mangel said. Keep pushing. Youve got this. It doesnt end here. This is only the start. Youve got a lot within you. Even though sometimes it may seem like this is a dead end. Its never a dead end. You will always find a way around it. Youre creative. You know how to do that. And just making sure that even if you have to fight a little bit in order to get what you need, you know that it is important. If you would like to nominate a person or business for Positive Connections, fill out KSNs online contact form. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. Looking back in the pages of the OFallon Progress: 100 years ago, Feb. 14, 1924 Last Wednesday evening between 6:30 and 7 oclock, OFallon and more than a hundred other cities in Southern Illinois were in darkness caused by the burning up of a generator at the Collinsville plant of the Illinois Power and Light Corporation. What caused the machine to go down could not be ascertained. It was running 3,600 revolutions a minute, and at that speed almost anything could happen. When the generator gave way, it threw the loads on the lines onto the other generators at the plant and in the plants at Hillsboro and DuQuoin so suddenly that they kicked out, and the whole circuit was dead for nearly half an hour until the machines could be started again, tuned in and thrown back on the lines. Company officials said it would cost probably ten thousand dollars to repair the generator. 75 years ago, Feb. 17, 1949 While endorsing nearly a dozen recent safety advances in the 2,100-ton-a-day Black Eagle Mine No. 2, west of this city, Federal coal mine inspectors recommend further ventilating, timbering, and haulage safeguards in a report released by the Bureau of Mines. Operated by the St. Louis and OFallon Coal Company, it employed 210 men when G.W. Hammons and T. Alvin Scully reinspected it in December. Inspectors Hammons and Scully proposed better quality air at three points in the mine, air-lock doors or attendants at the single doors, warning signs at abandoned workings, beginning the preshift examination not more than four hours before the first shift enters, adoption of a systematic timbering plan, including setting safety posts or cross bars at the working faces, for greater protection against any roof falls, unobstructed haulageway clearance, discontinuance of unnecessary backpoling and getting on and off fast-moving trips, safer man-trip practices, and added hoisting safeguards. No trip riders were observed running ahead of locomotives to open doors, they reported approvingly. Improvements included closed nonconductive boxes for carrying explosives in the mine, frame-grounds for electric drills, and progress in installing bare power wires or insulators, and in bonding the main-line track. Permissible explosives and electric detonators were used for off-shift blasting, the inspectors stated. Other recommendations called for prohibition of carrying matches and other flame-making devices underground, several electrical and mechanical safeguards, and ample underground first-aid supplies. 50 years ago, Feb. 14, 1974 Hundreds of people in the OFallon area are lying in bed or lying around (if theyre strong enough) coughing, sniffling, and feeling blah because the flu bug has hit the area. The flu bug has cost many people days at work and cost students days at school. Calls to the schools, doctors, and drug stores prove the bug is taking its toll on victims. OFallon Township High School reported last week that attendance figures show an average of 200 students or more absent each day of class because of the bug. This week, however, according to Mrs. Marjorie Meinkoth of the attendance department at OTHS, the absentee rate is beginning to drop slightly. Harold Landwehrmier, superintendent of OFallon Grade School District 90, reported 103 absent from junior high school classes during one day of classes last week. Landwehrmier said that school would not be closed if the absentee rate goes too high because health officers advise that closing the schools may do more harm than good. Whenever the schools are closed the kids get together anyway. If they were sick then the germs would be spread more. The best thing to do is to keep the sick child home until he or she is better, Landwehrmier said. In the Grant School District, approximately 10 percent of the pupils and teachers were absent from class. The majority were victims of the flu. Last Friday, 111 students were absent in the Grant district and five of the districts 53 teachers were out too. Forest Shoulders, Superintendent of District 110, said the normal absentee rate is five percent. The bug is just beginning to make itself felt farther south. Charles McCoy, principal of Belleville Township High School East, said that the absentee lists are beginning to grow as each day passes. Reports from Collinsville are that the bug hasnt made itself known very much there either. The doctors and pharmacies are feeling the effect of the flu bug. Business has been good. Were working longer hours, said one nurse from Dr. James Needles office. Needles office reported that 35 percent of the calls coming in are asking for medicine to relieve the symptoms of the flu. However, the patient must first see Needles before any medicine is prescribed. Dr. I.S. Hieberts office reported that one-third of its patients complain of having the flu. There are also many calls for medicine. Approximately 10 to 20 percent of the school children are down with the flu, reports Dr. Efren Naguits office. Naguit also said that 10 percent of the adults are also catching the bug. Most of the flu in this area last anywhere from three to five days. The best way to beat it, doctors recommend, is to go to bed, take aspirin and medicines prescribed, and drink fluids. Grupo Folklorico de Bendiciones members Daisy Agueros left, and Alena Errisuriz entertain the crowd at a 2021 Fiesta event. UTSAs new Borderland Studies school will examine the borderlands in various fields, including the arts. Ronald Cortes/Contributor To some, it wont sound at all new that the University of Texas at San Antonio is launching a new school that will include a new practice, a new field of multidisciplinary undergraduate study focused on the borderlands. It seems obvious that such work at such a university in a city like ours might have been brought to bear a century ago. Consider that this was Mexico. The U.S.-Mexico border was forged by the United States not so long ago and that geographic divide continues to affect us. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But in the world of academia, deeply shaped by Western influences, its more likely to teach Greek civilization than Mesoamerican societies, whose histories have long been suppressed. This kind of north-south reorientation is new and revolutionary. Its also academic leadership at its best. The new Borderland Studies program will reside within the new Interdisciplinary School for Engagement in the Humanities and Social Science in the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. The new school will be called the E-school, for short. Borderland Studies arrives as the U.S.-Mexico border becomes increasingly militarized and more volatile as are other contested borders around the world. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its launching this fall with a class or two. Ultimately, the program will bridge various academic fields, including history, political science, economics, anthropology, archaeology, the arts, even genetics and virtual reality, to better study the borderlands. Together, they can help reimagine what borders can and will be in the future. Students will still learn the east-west origin stories dating to the pilgrims and ancient European civilizations. But theyll also learn about the missing origin stories of this continent to include all the Americas. John Phillip Santos, professor of borderland humanities and creative nonfiction at UTSA, is part of the team. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Hes a San Antonio-born scholar, writer and documentary filmmaker. He was the first Mexican American, first Latino, first Latinx Rhodes scholar. He also authored two memoirs, and his Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation was a finalist for the National Book Award. He has long traveled in and studied Mexico. And hes ready for your questions. A borderland humanities practice doesnt reject a Western humanities legacy. Weve all mustered through that. But a borderlands humanities practice means a connection to and a recognition of the north-south nature of our world here. In San Antonio, in this community, in a setting in the borderlands, there is another American origin story, an origin story that comes from the south. It isnt east-west but north-south, and its one that has a very special focus on migration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It will humanize the sense of conflict and discord, Santos said. Scholarship has a role to play in that. The field will help us understand where we are today. If we were taught anything about migration or mestizaje, it was a sidebar to the great founding of the American Republic, the scholar said. And it turns out we have this other version of the American origin story coming from Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire now known as Mexico City. Its a different kind of historical scholarship, he said, that includes the Spanish colonial era, indigenous pre-history, codex literature and whats happening right now in Mexican archaeology, often described as being in a golden age. Santos called it a new way of understanding where we are in this great epic. Advertisement Article continues below this ad While various professors at UTSA are teaching and researching strands within this legacy, a specific borderlands program will connect these strands and grow the practice. Were dominated by discussions of the border, informed by national security, or economics, or poisoning the blood. But what were missing is the way that artists, writers, designers, architects are engaging these same issues through a very different humanities-based practice. The initiative began as a discussion in 2022. Some imagined a five-year project. But a year and a half into it, the programs beginnings were being willed into existence, propelled by excitement among scholars. The program will re-create study abroad and take students to Mexico and beyond. Borderland studies also will develop public programming that will include guest speakers, film screenings, seminars and performances at its newest downtown hub, the former Southwest School of Art. Altogether, Santos says Borderland Studies will explore the missing testimonio of how we think about the borderlands today. San Antonians will be the first to experience it, and weve already seen how much of an effect such relearning can have. Santos points to Refusing to Forget, the Texas-based academic project thats rewriting the whitewashed story of Texas state-sanctioned violence against its residents of Mexican descent. That exhibit remains at Our Lady of the Lake University through March. Such histories will affect students of San Antonio and South Texas, as can trips to the Templo Mayor in Mexico City and Teotihuacan just outside the capital. Theyre eye-opening pilgrimages that will change your outlook on what weve been taught. Theyre also emotional moments, what Harvard scholar David Carrasco calls your Aztec moment, when a larger history comes into focus. Defence Ministers of Germany and France, Boris Pistorius and Sebastien Lecornu, have signed an agreement on creating a capacity coalition for the development of Ukraines air defence. Source: European Pravda with reference to DPA Details: Commenting on the creation of the new coalition, French Defence Minister Lecornu noted that strengthening Ukraines air defence potential "is of great significance for a future conflict and the protection of civilians". The agreement was signed on the sidelines of the NATO Defence Ministers meeting in Brussels. It aims to facilitate efficient support for Ukraine in the ground-based air defence sector in the long-term. Pistorius explained to journalists that the next priority after emergency aid for the allies is "long-term possibilities", and air defence is a basic precondition for the success of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the fight against the Russian aggressor. He also announced that Germany would lead "the coalition of combat armoured vehicles" jointly with Poland and wants to join the artillery, naval security, demining and drone coalitions. Background: Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the creation of the air defence coalition after the 17th meeting of the Contact Group for Ukraines Defence (the Ramstein format). Earlier, it was revealed that the member states of the IT coalition finalised the signing of the agreement on cooperation on 12 February. Support UP or become our patron! Two men were killed in a Russian missile attack on Kharkiv Oblast's village of Velykyi Burluk after being buried in the rubble, Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Feb. 14. Three men and two women were reportedly injured. Four people were rescued from the debris, the governor reported. Russian forces launched the attack at around 4 p.m. on Feb. 14, most likely using S-300 missiles, according to Syniehubov. A two-story building was hit, and eight of its 16 apartments were damaged, the police said. A house and two police cars were also reportedly damaged. Velykyi Burluk lies around 80 kilometers east of Kharkiv and over 20 kilometers west of the Russian border. The village was temporarily occupied by Russian forces in 2022 until its liberation in Ukraine's surprise counteroffensive in the autumn of that year. Read also: My hatred only grows: Kyiv residents lament over their homes destroyed by Russian attack Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) With the local elections three months away, WRBL caught up with Dr. Patrick Leonard and John Anker, two people who have announced their intention to run for District 10 at large city council seat. Dr. Patrick Leonard was born and raised in Columbus. He received his Doctorate at Concordia Theological Seminary and later became the Pastor of Faith Ministries. One of the issues Dr. Leonard is passionate about is getting to the root causes of poverty by reengaging specific communities through environmental changes and education. He believes this will help prevent children from environmental determination due to the conditions they grew up in. The way you change the environment, you rebuild it, you revitalize it, you get in there and you deal with the issue. Its an infestation in certain areas. You have to deal with an infestation. The way you deal with it is by putting resources in the community to rebuild and reshape the mind, Dr. Leonard said. More information can be found here if you want to keep up with Dr. Leonards campaign. His potential competitor, John Anker, is an entrepreneur and local business owner who ran unsuccessfully for the mayors seat in the 2022 elections. He is currently the owner of Ankerpak a local packaging, manufacturing and supply company. Anker grew up in Albany, Georgia, and attended Darton College for two years before transferring to Georgia Southern, where he received his degree in marketing. He tells WRBL that his background in marketing allows him to look at things from a sustainability point of view. Government is to serve the people; its our money. So I think when I talk about a sustainable government, I expect that we do the things that the citizens expect at a minimum, and we put that money into making a better future for tomorrow, growing the economy, being able to have more tax base in order to spend more money on programs, Anker shared. His campaign slogan is John Anker for City Council ten, run as the candidate for change. Change is an acronym that stands for challenging the status quo, honesty in city government, accountability, new perspectives, growing the economy, and energy to engage our citizens. Travis Chambers and Rocky Marsh have also announced their intention to run for District 10. Official qualifying candidates will be announced in March. The polls will be open for early voting from April 29th to May 17th and general voting will begin May 21st. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL. A Wisconsin woman accused of killing a man who sexually trafficked her as a teen is facing extradition back to Kenosha County after being taken into custody by U.S. Marshals in Louisiana on Monday. Chrystul Kizer, now 23, spent nearly two weeks on the lam after county authorities issued a $40,000 warrant for her arrest. Online jail records showed Kizer was being held on four counts of extradition in the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on Wednesday. The counts are connected to earlier charges of felony bail jumping filed by Wisconsin prosecutors, who alleged shed broken the terms of a $400,000 bond she posted in June 2020 to secure her release while awaiting trial in the death of Randall Volar III. Kizer was 17 years old when she was arrested in 2018 and charged with shooting Volar in the head, setting his house on fire, and fleeing in his car. Kizer and her supporters argued that Volar, 34, had sexually abused and trafficked her for more than a year, and that she was being punished for acting in self-defense. Prosecutors did not disagree that Volar had sexually assaulted Kizer and other girls. But they argued that Volars murder was premeditated, charging Kizer with arson and first-degree intentional homicide. Chrystuls case highlights the urgent need for the criminal legal system to stop prosecuting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, the Chicago Community Bond Fund, one of the groups that helped her raise bail, said in a statement upon her release. Last month, Kizer was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct in a domestic violence case at a Milwaukee apartment. According to a criminal complaint obtained by local station WITI, she called 911 and said a manidentified as David Melton, a 47-year-old registered sex offenderhad tried to sexually assault her. When officers arrived at the apartment, Kizer yelled at them, using abusive and profane language towards Melton before lunging at him and striking him in the face, according to the complaint. Kizer was arrested and released the next day, according to Milwaukee County court records. The local district attorney decided to pursue charges in the case shortly after, triggering the Kenosha County bail-jumping charges, according to WITI. The U.S. Marshals told the station that they had found Kizer and Melton together in a Louisiana parking lot on Monday. Melton was also taken into custody, for violating his probation, they said. Kizers trial in Volars death is scheduled to begin on June 10th, according to WTMJ-TV. If convicted, she faces a mandatory life sentence in prison. 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. This picture taken from a publicly distributed police video shows some of the items recovered in the homes of 24 people investigated for apology of Fascism in Ferrara, northern Italy, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. Italian police on Wednesday raided the homes of 24 people under investigation for apology of fascism inciting racial hatred during a gathering at a restaurant in the Jewish quarter of Ferrara during which they lauded dictators Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. (Italian Police via AP) MILAN (AP) Italian police on Wednesday raided the homes of 24 people under investigation for promoting fascism during a gathering at a restaurant in the Jewish quarter of Ferrara during which they lauded dictators Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler. The suspects were all residents of the northern Italian city in their 20s and 30s who attended a Dec. 20 gathering where they passed out material that not only praised Hitler and Mussolini, but also insulted Anne Frank and the Black Italian athlete Fiona May, said investigator Andrea Zaccone. The suspects wore orange prison uniforms common in the United States to the gathering, but it wasn't clear why. The group threatened to kill other diners who interrupted their racist choruses, and refused to stop even after police responded to complaints, he said. The suspects are under investigation for the charges of inciting racial hatred and apology of fascism, a crime in Italy that exults Italy's fascist past and seeks to revive the fascist party. During raids, police recovered orange prison uniforms, a fake pistol, chains, knives, batons as well as printed material, including calendars, with Mussolinis image. Electronic devices seized in the raids are being studied to see if the incident was a one-off or part of a larger pattern. Antisemitic incidents have spiked in Italy since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Israel and the resulting war in Gaza. KANSAS CITY (KSNT) Several people were shot west of Union Station near the garage during the Chiefs Super Bowl Parade. In a press conference today, Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves says one person has died and 10-15 people were injured. Two armed people are in custody for further investigation, according to law enforcement. Kansas City Police are asking people to exit the area as quickly and safely as possible and to avoid the parking garage so they can provide care to shooting victims. Police are releasing the scene and requesting witnesses to go to the southwest corner of Pershing and Main. Kansas City Police are working to provide care to those injured. Governor Laura Kelly announced on X (formerly Twitter) that she has been safely evacuated. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. To download our Storm Track Weather App, click here. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News. The Express-News sampled 74 salsas to identify a Top 10. Paul Stephen/Staff In San Antonio, there's no viable excuse for not having some kind of salsa on hand at all times. We're surrounded by the stuff. It practically has its own aisle in many area grocery stores, with literally hundreds of options to chose from. Case in point: A search of the heb.com website for "salsa" yields 274 results. It's dizzying. Where is a shopper supposed to start? This week, Express-News Features Editor Jan Waddy and I attempted to bring some sanity to the salsa surplus. In one of those "it seemed like a good idea at the time" moments, we sampled 74 varieties of salsa to help you weed out the also-rans from the best of the best during your next grocery run. Advertisement Article continues below this ad To put some manageable boundaries on this contest, only shelf-stable, tomato-based salsas were tested. We'll save the multitude of tomatillo-based salsa verde options for another day. As for spice level, we went with a "medium" or "original" option whenever available. And no funny ingredients. The roasted corn, black bean, pineapple and mango salsas stayed on the shelf. The Express-News sampled 74 salsas to identify a Top 10. Paul Stephen/Staff We're not claiming any of our Top 10 is absolutely the best salsa you can find in town. But in the wide field of everyday salsas you can keep squirreled away in your pantry, we've done the hard work and stand by our results. SPICE IS NICE: The 10 best Mexican-style hot sauces from grocery stores and what foods to use them with Advertisement Article continues below this ad There were definitely some consistencies in our winners. Salsas that were noticeably sweet, overly smoky or had a tomato paste consistency were easy to eliminate. We also found there was a Goldilocks texture. Not too runny, not too chunky. And a delightful surprise: Nine of our Top 10 are made in Texas which, honestly, should surprise no one. A special shoutout to Monte Bach, Express-News senior multimedia producer. After the first 50 or so salsas, Waddy and I both started tearing up our palms trying to open the well-sealed jars. Bach stepped in with a technique that saved the day: a swift and assertive smack on the bottom of a tough jar will help break the vacuum seal keeping it tight. If you have a chip to dip, we have the right salsa for you. Here are our winners. La Costena Homestyle Mexican Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 10. La Costena Homestyle Mexican Salsa ($2.28) This salsa was the lone product in our Top 10 that was made in Mexico, with all the rest hailing from Texas. It's a reliable go-to, easy to find in many area stores and priced considerably lower than most of the competitors. Overall, nobody's going to give you any grief if this is the brand you stock up on. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pace Picante Sauce is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 9. Pace Picante Sauce ($2.64) For much of America, this iconic San Antonio-founded company defined what, exactly, salsa is supposed to be. And you know what? Its original product held up admirably in our taste test. While times and tastes have changed considerably since it debuted in 1947, Pace is selling a lot more than nostalgia in this salsa. Dan's Native Texan Salsa Co. True to Texas Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 8. Dan's Native Texan Salsa Co. True to Texas Salsa ($4.12) You'll find several varieties of this Austin-based salsa on area shelves, but we found its True to Texas line lived up to its name. And after the testing, more than a few reporters lingering around the newsroom tried to swipe the jar. If we had to give a people's choice award, it could very well go to Dan's. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Desert Pepper Trading Co. Cantina Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 7. Desert Pepper Trading Co. Cantina Salsa ($5.29) This salsa hit on so many levels with a near-perfect texture and balance of flavors. It bounced up and down the Top 10 during our final deliberations, and on a different day with different judges, it might have walked away with top honors. Whatever they're doing over in El Paso, where this salsa is made, they're doing right. Kylito's Original Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 6. Kylito's Original Salsa ($4.14) This Lubbock-based salsa is a common find in homes across Texas, thanks to its bright and clean flavor devoid of any preservatives, distinctive labeling, excellent distribution and reasonable price. It's a classic Texas-friendly salsa that deftly balances tomato, jalapeno and just a hint of garlic in a fairly smooth-textured sauce. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mateo's Gourmet Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 5. Mateo's Gourmet Salsa ($4.49) This salsa sprung out of Frisco about 15 years ago and has found considerable shelf space in grocery stores across the state since then. The brand's tagline, "not responsible for obsession," is clearly printed on all the jars. Don't blame us, either, if you fall hard for this versatile condiment that would work well in just about any situation requiring salsa. Texas Texas Restaurant Style Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 4. Texas Texas Restaurant Style Salsa ($4.24) The motto from Austin-based Texas Texas is, "Were going to win you over with flavor, not kill you with heat." It succeeded in that mission with this salsa, which delivered just enough jalapeno punch to cut through a tangy tomato base. This brand has been in the salsa game for 25 years, earning plenty of trust with its consistent product. Salsa God Fire Roasted Red Restaurant Style Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 3. Salsa God Fire Roasted Red Restaurant Style Salsa ($3.52) Most of the "fire-roasted" salsas we sampled had an aggressive campfire vibe. This contender from Fort Worth kept the smokiness of its charred tomatoes in check and balanced that well with a gutsy punch of garlic and cilantro. Salsa God's high-style labeling may suggest an equally high price tag, but this brand represents an impressive bang for the buck at a very midrange cost. Julio's Home Style Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 2. Julio's Home Style Salsa ($3.41) Hailing from San Angelo, Julio's is probably best-known for its bright yellow bags of tortilla chips found all across the state, but don't sleep on its salsa. While its label deemed this entry "hot," it most certainly was not, relative to some of the face scorchers on the market. It's a classic blend of tomatoes and peppers at a terrific price, and it definitely belongs in your pantry. It's the best value salsa in this contest by a pretty wide margin. Gustavo Cantina Style Salsa is one of the Top 10 salsas tested by the Express-News. Paul Stephen/Staff 1. Gustavo Cantina Style Salsa ($5.29)